#while obviously just a deliberately mean parting shot

[robbysreaders]

pairing: jack abbot x f!reader  word count: 2.4k notes: part 3 of ex!reader and babydaddy!jack WAYYYYY fluffier than the prequel — a gift to me and all of you. Also I think this might be the last part??? unless any of you have questions or one shots you want to hear about these two 🥹

You’re late to Beau’s baseball game. Not wildly—just enough that your pulse is up, your hair’s a mess, and you feel that twist in your chest that only happens when Jack gets there first.

You scan the bleachers, hand shielding your eyes. He’s easy to spot. Legs stretched out, ball cap pulled low, hoodie sleeves pushed to his elbows. One arm draped across the bench beside him, claiming space.

Of course he saved you a spot.

“Christ,” you mutter, flopping into the seat beside him. “It’s mid-April. Why is it still so cold?”

Without missing a beat, Jack tilts his head toward the parking lot but reaches down at his feet. “There’s a coat in the car, but I’ve got a blanket here.”

He pulls out a slightly-rumpled camping blanket and offers it without looking—like this is just what you do now. Like he’s still the guy who knows when you’re cold before you say it.

You shake your head, tugging the sweatshirt you’ve been holding over your head.

“I’m good. Just needed this.”

Jack turns. Looks. And comically blinks.

It’s the team hoodie. The one the team mom handed out last week. Big enough to swallow you whole. Team logo on the chest. But it’s the back that gets him—ABBOT in bold block letters, above Beau’s number: 4.

You pretend not to notice how he’s staring. Pretend not to feel the way your stomach flips when his mouth opens, then closes, then opens again.

“God,” he finally breathes. “You could’ve warned a guy.”

You smirk, tugging the sleeves down over your hands. “What, and ruin the surprise?”

“You’re trying to kill me,” he mutters, low and hoarse. “You realize that, right?”

“It’s not like I put your name on it for you, Jack. There’s no player with my last name. I’m supporting our kid.”

His eyes drag down your body again—slower this time. Less surprised. More… appreciative.

“Right,” he says, blinking slow. “Supporting Beau. Totally normal. Not suggestive at all.”

“You’re being dramatic.”

“You’re being dangerous.”

You roll your eyes, but your cheeks are warm. It’s a losing game—trying not to feel everything you’re feeling. Want. Nostalgia. The sharp edges of maybe.

“He’s almost up to bat.”

Jack lifts his phone like he’s just remembered he has it. “Gotta document the moment. Hold still.”

You hear the shutter click.

“Send that to Robby and I’m never wearing it again.”

He grins as he taps the screen. “Too late. It’s already in the group chat. Dana’s gonna combust.”

You groan, leaning forward with your elbows on your knees. “You’re such a menace.”

But you feel his gaze still on you. Heavy. Intent. Like he’s remembering the nights he used to get to see you in nothing but one of his sweatshirts—and wondering if this counts.

He nudges your knee with his. “You know, it’s not too late to get one with your last name on the back.”

You glance sideways.

“I mean it.” His voice softens. The grin tugs at his mouth, but his eyes are steady. “You wear my name like that again, I might get ideas.”

Your breath catches—just for a second.

You look away, toward the field, voice deliberately casual. “Let’s just focus on the game, Romeo.”

But he leans in, not quite touching, his breath warm against your ear.

“Sure,” he murmurs. “For now.”

And when Beau steps up to the plate, Jack sits back with one arm stretched casually across the bench behind you, fingertips grazing the letters printed across your back.

–

The next weekend is Beau’s half-birthday—his idea, obviously—and while you and Jack didn’t plan a full-blown party, somehow it’s turned into one.

Robby’s manning the grill like he’s auditioning for Food Network.. A couple of interns are tossing a ball with Beau and his friends on the lawn. You’re watching from the shade with a drink in hand.

Jack sits beside you, presses a kiss to your temple like it’s second nature now. And it kind of is.

“You need anything?” he asks.

You hum a soft no, your shoulder brushing his.

Across the yard, Dana lowers her sunglasses and stares you down as she approaches.

“Well, well, well.” Her grin is pure mischief. “Look at you two. Domestic as hell.”

“You say that like it’s a threat,” Jack mutters, sliding his arm around your waist.

Dana smirks. “No, I say that like I’m preparing a toast for the wedding.”

You roll your eyes.

“Not yet,” Robby calls from the grill. “But someone got tagged in a very cozy park bench photo last week.”

Jack winces. “Jesus.”

“It’s okay,” you say, leaning into him. “People were always going to talk. At least now it’s about something we’re proud of.”

He glances at you—really looks—and nods once.

Just then, one of the neighborhood moms hustles over, diaper bag slung low. “Do you mind watching the baby for a few? Would love to pee in peace for the first time in years.”

“Been there,” you say, arms already out. “Take all the time you need.”

You settle with the baby, Jack beside you, the baby nestled against your chest. Comfortable silence settles between you.

“Now is this grill a time machine?” Robby shouts. “Feels like we’ve turned back the clock five years.”

Jack chuckles, leaning in to nibble the baby’s socked foot. “Yeah. I miss this age.”

You hesitate, heart in your throat. You’ve been dealing with major baby fever lately—but you never thought you'd get to feel this again. Not with him. Not here.

You bite the bullet. “Always thought I’d have two or three, y’know?”

Jack hums. “Never even thought I’d have one. But after Beau, I figured we’d end up with a whole football team.”

A neighborhood kid runs up and squints at you. “Mrs. Abbot… is this your baby?”

You laugh. “Nope, this is Mrs. Turner’s baby. I’m just holding her. My only baby is Beau—and he’s all grown up now.”

The kid nods solemnly and runs off.

“Tough crowd,” you murmur.

You turn—and find Jack still watching you.

“What?” you ask.

“Nothing,” he says, but there’s a quiet look on his face, “...you didn’t correct her on the last name.”

“She’s four. It's a bit complex to explain that yes, my son’s last name is Abbot, but mine isn’t.”

His lip quirks. You nudge his shoulder gently with yours.

–

It’s Beau’s Pre-K graduation and he’s somewhere outside, bounding around in his paper cap with the usual crew.

Inside, you’re balancing a lukewarm coffee in one hand and a paper plate of grocery store cookies in the other. Someone’s mid-way through an impassioned pitch about why you should join the PTA next year.

Jack’s at your side—polished enough for a school event, sleeves rolled, one too many button undone, looking every bit like a man who knows exactly what he’s doing. Present in a way that feels new. Like he wants people to know he’s here, with you.

You barely even catch the name slip: “So nice to meet you, Mr. and Mrs. Abbot.”

Jack’s hand finds your hip, giving it a firm, familiar squeeze.

You smile without missing a beat.

The conversation wraps. You make polite excuses. You and Jack step out into the hallway toward the playground.

Behind you, the buzz of small talk fades.

“Felt kinda nice, didn’t it?” he says.

You roll your eyes. “I knew you were going to make a comment.”

You turn the corner—and he catches you. One arm braced against the wall, the other slipping around your waist, pinning you gently between him and the cinderblock.

“C’mon,” he murmurs, mouth brushing yours. “They called you Mrs. Abbot and you didn’t flinch.”

You shrug, breath hitching when he kisses the corner of your mouth.

“I told you,” he says, lips skating down your jaw, “you keep playing this game, it’s gonna give me ideas.”

“Maybe I want you to get ideas,” you whisper, fingers curling in the front of his shirt.

His mouth finds yours again—firmer this time. Slower.

Footsteps echo down the far end of the hallway.

You both break apart, laughing quietly.

“Down, boy” you say, smoothing your hair. “We’ve got a graduate to wrangle.”

Jack grins, still close. “For the record, Mrs. Abbot has a real nice ring to it.”

You laugh, “There are worse last names to be stuck with”.

But when he laces your fingers together and leads you out into the sun, you don’t let go.

–

It’s the last month of Beau’s summer break when you head out to the lake. Your parents will be there. Your sister and her kids. Jack’s brother and his family are driving in, too.

You’re panicking, of course. Jack is cool as a cucumber. Beau’s bouncing off the walls with excitement about a whole week of cousin chaos.

You gave your family a stern talk before you left. Be nice. You love him. Beau loves him. He’s doing the work. He’s different now. You’re making it work—and yeah, you’re scared—but you’re also the happiest you’ve ever been.

Naturally, you three are the last to arrive. Of course it’s your fault. One final Zoom dragged long and you left straight from Pittsburgh with your laptop still warm in your bag.

The cabin is palatial. Jack found it. He definitely went over budget, but you know he’d never charge your family. It’s just who he is now—present, generous, steady.

You send Jack and Beau to the backyard with the others while you start unpacking.

A soft knock on the doorframe makes you glance up. Your sister walks in and flops dramatically on the bed.

“Okay,” she says. “You didn’t tell me you replaced your ex with a well-adjusted clone. Where’d Dr. McBroody go?”

You laugh. “I know. It’s weird. You guys didn’t know him when we first started dating. He’s… back. The guy I fell in love with. I didn’t think I’d get that again.”

She hums, skeptical. “Then why are you still keeping him at arm’s length?”

“What?”

“Just trying to figure out why you’re still holding back when he keeps proving himself—over and over—from what I’ve heard and seen with my own two eyes.”

You glance out the window. Jack’s lifting Beau to dunk over the older cousins, both of them laughing.

You sigh. “I’m scared. I can’t go through that again.”

She softens. “You can’t live like that. Cut the poor man some slack. Either go all in, or cut him loose. But don’t keep him in limbo. It’s not fair.”

“I know,” you murmur, following her downstairs.

It’s a surprise when Jack books dinner for just the two of you on the last night of the trip. At the waterfront place you told him your parents went to every summer.

“You’ve got a house full of babysitters,” your dad says, shooing you out the door. “Go enjoy yourselves. Beau’ll be asleep before you’re back.”

It’s a quick drive, and Jack reaches for your hand over the console as soon as you hit the main road. His palm is a little clammy. Yours too.

“I think this might be the best week of my life,” you say, squeezing his hand.

He’s quieter than usual. But relaxed. Smiling.

At the restaurant, he rounds the car to open your door, hand warm on your lower back as he leads you in.

“Reservation for Abbot.”

“Ah yes—right this way, Mr. and Mrs. Abbot.”

You give him a look. “You paid them to say that.”

“I can neither confirm nor deny,” he says, smug as he pulls out your chair.

Dinner is easy. Familiar. Dreamy.

“Can I ruin the moment?” you ask.

“Nothing you say could ruin this.”

“I miss Beau. He’d hate it here—no kids menu. But I love our little unit.”

“I love our unit. I love Beau. I love you.” His fingers trace absentminded circles over your ring finger.

“I love you too.”

After dinner, you walk along the beach, your head resting against his shoulder. He leads you to the edge of a quiet pier.

“You know,” he says, voice soft, “we’ve been through a lot. And yeah, I’d change so much… but also nothing. Because it all got us here. And I know we’ve talked about this, kind of, but I still wanted it to feel a little traditional—”

You blink, heart racing. “Jack…”

“Just let me finish—before you turn me down, let me say this. I know I’m not perfect, but I’ve been trying. Really trying. And I think you’ve seen that. I think—” his voice catches. “I think we can do this. For real. I want to spend the rest of my life with you.”

Tears are already slipping down your cheeks. “Jack. Just ask me the question.”

That snaps him out of it.

“Oh—right. Okay.” He drops to one knee, pulling a ring from his pocket. Your breath catches.

“Baby,” he says, eyes shining, “I know I don’t deserve you. But would you do me and Beau the honor of becoming an Abbot?”

You drop to your knees in front of him. “Yes. Yes. Yes.” You kiss him between each word.

He slides the ring onto your finger. You kiss him again, a little breathless.

“Alright,” he murmurs against your mouth. “Let’s get you home.”

In the car, you stare down at your hand.

“This ring is perfect. It looks just like my mom’s. It’s my dream ring.”

Jack chuckles. “It’s not like it. It is your mom’s.”

“What?”

“They knew how much you loved it. They gave it to me.”

You stare.

“We still can go ring shopping if it isn't what you want. But when I told them I was going to ask… they offered it. Thought it might mean more.”

“It does,” you whisper. “They know?”

“Of course they know. And Beau knows. And your sister. My brother. Robby. Half the ER. Even the grocery store checkout lady. I haven’t shut up about it.”

You laugh as he pulls into the driveway.

The house is dark, unusually quiet after a week of family chaos.

You lean across the console to kiss him, half-climbing into his lap. He grins against your lips but gently stops you.

“Let’s get inside first.”

You cock your head. “Since when are you the voice of reason?”

He rounds the car, opens your door, and leads you inside, where the lights flip on and the entire house bursts into shouts of “CONGRATULATIONS!”

Beau barrels into your legs and you scoop him up, laughing through tears as Jack presses a kiss to your temple.And for the first time, you don’t flinch when someone calls you Mrs. Abbot. You just smile, because it’s exactly who you are now.

[msbigredmachine]

All Over You (Jimmy Uso College AU)

Aria’s boyfriend is a distraction, not just to her…but to her roommate as well. College AU, OC/Jimmy/OC

Pairing: Black fem OC/Jimmy Uso/Black fem OC

Warnings: Smut, love triangle

Word Count: 5.8k

A/N: My first ever full length one shot for Jimmy! Sorry it took so long. This could probably classify as a pwp 😬

Enjoy!

It was deep into the night, and the sounds of Aria's moans drifted down the hallway, coinciding with the repeated thumps of the headboard against the wall. For probably the hundredth time since she moved in, Estelle was forced to listen to her roommate and her boyfriend, Jimmy, fuck each other’s brains out while she struggled to fall asleep. 

She pictured Aria’s vixen body and sweaty dark skin laid up under Jimmy’s gorgeous, buff muscles and caramel skin, as the smack of his hand on her ass and her whimpers right after, filled Estelle’s ears. He was probably taking advantage of that new long ponytail she had done yesterday just for him. 

"Yes, yes, fuck me, Daddy!" Aria’s voice cracked when Jimmy slapped her ass again. 

“Uh huh, take this dick, you wanted it so bad earlier huh,” Jimmy’s gruff voice moaned back, making Estelle squirm in her bed, “You better keep that back arched, come on…”

Estelle bit down on her lip. He sounded so fucking sexy. He could make a grown woman cry with the way he talked shit. She tried to imagine how it would feel; him beating up on her pussy, pulling her hair back while he taunted her, and it led to her hand skimming between her legs as she stared up at the moonlight pouring through the windows over her bed. She shut her eyes tight and honed in on every sound. The frantic clapping of skin. The bed springs creaking. 

Aria’s ever increasing moans. “Oh god, Daddy I’m cominnnn’…”

Jimmy’s animalistic grunts. “That’s right, baby, come on my dick. And spread that pussy open when you done, I’ma nut all up in it…”

Fuck. She wanted him. Badly.

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

Estelle was still horny when she woke at seven a.m. Luckily, she had no classes today, so when she was ready to shower, she grabbed her dildo and took it with her, intending to kill two birds with one stone. She got a thorough workout with the toy; in fact, it was so good that she had to shower all over again because she came so damn hard. At least she felt much better and better prepared to start her day.

Making her way downstairs and into the kitchen for her morning coffee, she came to a halt when she spotted Jimmy seated at the kitchen island, drinking out of her favorite coffee mug. She knew he and Aria didn’t have classes until later this evening, meaning he dicked her down the way he did on purpose. Poor bitch was probably out cold right now. He obviously thought Estelle was out of the house, because he was clad in just his boxers, showing off his buff body and all those tribal tattoos that made her mouth water.

"Mornin'," she greeted after clearing her throat, inwardly thrilled that he was seeing her in her favorite lilac silk robe open and displaying all her curves. The cotton tank top that matched her boy shorts outlined her large nipples. 

“Sup, E,” he replied, sipping from her pink mug with his eyes still on her. “Damn. You look sexy as fuck, girl,” he remarked.

It was an absurdly inappropriate comment, given Aria was just upstairs, still oblivious to the unspoken tension between her roommate and her boyfriend. But Estelle wasn’t fazed. If anything, the comment made her stomach tighten with an unfamiliar sense of power.

“So do you,” she replied, her voice low and playful, a hint of a smirk tugging at her lips. She noticed his gaze linger on her body. It was deliberate on her part—she knew exactly what she was doing. 

“That’s my cup,” she added, pointing to the pink mug in his hand. “My name’s literally on it.”

“Oops. My bad,” Jimmy said, not even attempting to apologize as he lazily spun the cup in his fingers. “You can drink outta that side if you want. In fact, come over here and have a taste.”

Estelle had to fight the urge to roll her eyes, her mind racing. Part of her wanted to lean into this, to make him see how far she could push him, but something else held her back. It wasn’t just the fact that Aria was upstairs; it was the knowledge that she wasn’t the only woman vying for his attention. The rumors surrounding Jimmy’s… ‘extracurricular activities�� on campus had been impossible to ignore, and Estelle knew she wasn’t the first one he’d flirted with. He was the kind of guy who used his charm to manipulate people, and she was no stranger to it. Yet, despite her better judgment, a part of her found it irresistible.

Instead of giving in to his invitation, she moved to prepare her coffee. She could feel his eyes lingered on her, their unspoken game playing out in silence. She couldn’t help but wonder what it would be like to just give in, to let him take control, even if only for a moment.

But the sound of Aria’s footsteps on the stairs broke those thoughts. Estelle took another sip of her coffee, trying to mask her frustration that simmered beneath the surface.

Aria made her way down, her hair disheveled, wearing one of Jimmy’s oversized t-shirts like a dress. It was almost laughable, the way she smiled at him, the way she had no idea what was really happening in their relationship.

“There she is. C'mere, girl,” Jimmy said, a grin pulling at his lips as he looked Aria up and down. Estelle couldn’t help but feel a pang of jealousy. She hated how easily Jimmy could make Aria melt. The whole thing was pathetic.

Aria smirked, leaning in for a sloppy kiss that made Estelle’s stomach turn. She took another sip of coffee, her fingers tightening around the mug as she watched Aria pull away and smile dreamily at him. Estelle wanted to shout at Aria, to tell her to open her damn eyes, but she kept quiet. There was no use. Aria would never listen.

Clueless bitch.

“Y’all had a busy night,” Estelle commented out loud, almost too casually.

“We did,” Aria said, yawning as she stretched. “I hope we didn’t keep you awake.”

Estelle chose to keep silent, fighting the urge to roll her eyes.

“You gon’ be at my game tomorrow, girl?” Jimmy asked, his stare shifting to Estelle with an intensity that felt almost predatory.

She rolled her eyes internally. Of course, he’d want her at the game. It was all part of the act—she was supposed to be his girlfriend’s friend, the loyal one. The truth was, she was tired of being part of their charade.

“I’ll think about it,” she replied, her tone flat.

Jimmy’s expression hardened slightly, a trace of command slipping into his words. “Nah, you’ll be there.”

Estelle’s eyes narrowed at him, the nerve of this man. “Don’t speak for me,” she snapped, her voice sharp.

But he didn’t seem bothered in the least. He repeated himself slowly, his eyes locking with hers, sending a chill down her spine. “You’ll. Be. There.”

With that, he kissed Aria once more, lifting her off his lap and walking back upstairs. Aria watched him go, her eyes full of adoration. Estelle, on the other hand, watched the whole thing with disgust. She couldn’t believe Aria was still so blind to the emotional manipulation she was under.

“I see you two have stopped fighting,” Estelle remarked dryly as she cleaned up the counter.

“Eh. Couples fight all the time,” Aria shrugged, clearly still lost in her bubble.

Estelle couldn’t help but scoff internally. Jimmy and Aria’s relationship wasn’t a fight. It was a war—a war that Aria was too naïve to recognize. She thought she could fix him, change him, but Estelle knew the truth: a guy like Jimmy didn’t change. He just used people, breaking them down little by little and then discarding them when he was finished milking their life energy.

And yet, she couldn’t shake the thought of his lingering look before he left. The way he looked at her…like a predator sizing up its prey. She hated herself for wanting it, for wanting to see just how far this twisted game would go.

But she would play along. For now.

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

The victory party was like any other—loud, crowded, and filled with endless cheers for the star quarterback, Jimmy Uso. As usual, he was the center of attention, basking in the afterglow of his game-winning performance. But tonight, there was something different in the air. Aria and Jimmy, typically inseparable, walked into the party with tension hanging between them. Estelle noticed it immediately—the sharpness in Aria’s tone as she berated Jimmy in front of everyone. The argument was escalating, and the noise of the party almost seemed to fade into the background.

“I’m fuckin' done, Jimmy! I can’t keep doing this!” Aria’s voice rang out, and it seemed like a declaration that everyone in the room could hear. “You never change. I’m done for good!”

"Well, fuck you, then! Get your ass gone! I don't give a fuck no more!" Jimmy fired back, his voice laced with frustration. He looked every bit the part of the star he was—athletic, confident, with the cocky grin that Estelle had seen a hundred times before. But tonight, it seemed like that mask was slipping.

She couldn’t, even as Aria stormed off, help but notice how good he looked in his letterman jacket, his French braids sleek and tight. She tried to ignore the pull she felt in her chest, the way her heart raced whenever he was around. It was a feeling she had been denying for far too long.

She had been thinking about him more than she should, and now, seeing him embroiled in this fight with Aria, it only made her feel more confused. She didn’t like Aria, but she couldn’t help feeling guilty about the growing attraction she had for Jimmy.

As she sipped her punch, trying to stay out of the chaos, she was startled by a familiar, unwanted voice. Grayson, the campus creep with his smooth Australian accent and cocky attitude, sauntered up to her with a smirk plastered on his face.

“Hey, gorgeous,” he said, his hand already reaching out for hers. “Wanna dance?”

Estelle rolled her eyes, already fed up with his advances. She wasn’t in the mood for his usual harassment. “No thanks, Grayson,” she said coolly, stepping back.

But Grayson wasn’t so easily deterred. He reached out and grabbed her wrist with a firm grip, yanking her toward him. “Come on, don’t be like that. I’m just asking for one dance,” he insisted, his words slurring slightly from too much alcohol.

“Let go of me,” Estelle snapped, trying to pull her arm free. But he was stronger, his grip tightening as he pulled her closer.

“Aw, what’s the matter? You think you’re too good for me now? I’ve seen you eyein' me, babeee,” Grayson slurred, his breath hot against her face. His words were laced with an arrogant sneer, and Estelle could see the intoxicated aggression building in his eyes.

Before she could react, there was a commotion from across the room. In a flash, Jimmy appeared, his presence a thunderous force. He shoved Grayson hard, sending him stumbling back. “Get your fucking hands off her!” he growled, his voice rough and filled with anger. His usual confident demeanor was replaced with something far more intimidating.

Grayson attempted to stand his ground but was no match for Jimmy. With a swift shove, Jimmy forced Grayson back again, hard, this time sending him crashing into a nearby table, punch spilling everywhere. “You’re lucky I’m not putting you on your ass right now,” he spat, his fists clenched in fury.

The whole party had gone quiet, everyone watching the scene unfold in stunned silence. Estelle stood frozen, her heart racing from the adrenaline, and a strange mixture of gratitude and guilt filled her chest.

Without sparing another glance, he turned on his heel and stormed off, his face twisted in frustration. She didn’t know what came over her, but she found herself following him. She needed to say something. She needed to thank him, at least.

She found him in the pool house, sitting on the bed, his arms crossed tightly, as if he was holding in all the anger and frustration that had been building throughout the night.

“Jimmy?” Estelle said quietly, walking toward him, her heart lurching when he stared up at her with soft eyes. “Hey, thank you…for saving me back there.” She paused, searching for the right words. “You didn’t have to do that.”

He didn’t respond immediately. He just stared at her, his jaw clenched. Finally, he sighed and ran a hand over his head. “I don’t know what’s wrong with me. I’m so fucking tired of this shit,” he muttered, almost to himself. “Tired of the constant fighting, of pretending everything’s fine. Aria and me…we just keep going in fucking circles. I can’t keep doin' this.”

Estelle sat beside him, her heart unexpectedly softening. She wasn’t sure how to console him—this wasn’t the cocky, untouchable quarterback she usually saw. This was a guy who seemed genuinely torn, frustrated with the mess he’d found himself in. She didn’t know what to say, but she couldn’t stand to see him like this.

“I get it,” she said quietly, reaching out to gently touch his arm. “Relationships are complicated. But you don’t have to go through it alone.”

Jimmy turned to her then, his eyes filled with an emotion she couldn’t quite place. He looked at her like he was seeing her for the first time, like everything else had faded away. She found herself fidgeting under his intense stare.

“You’re so fucking beautiful, Estelle,” he said suddenly, his voice raw, almost desperate. “I’ve always wanted you. I think about you a whole lot more than I should.”

Estelle’s breath hitched in her throat. She had expected a flirtation, maybe a casual comment, but not this. Not this bold, looking at her with such intensity, such hunger. She had always known there was chemistry between them, but she hadn’t expected it to feel this electric.

Before she could even process what was happening, his lips were on hers, his hands pulling her closer, crushing her body against his. The kiss was hungry, urgent, filled with a rawness that left Estelle dizzy. She kissed him back, feeling that familiar rush of desire that she couldn’t deny.

He pulled her down onto the bed, his body pressing against hers. The air between them was thick with tension, his hands moving under her dress as he ground against her. Everything in her screamed to give in to this moment, to stop thinking and just feel.

But then, as the intensity of the moment surged, something in Estelle’s mind snapped. She broke the kiss, breathless, her chest rising and falling with quick, uneven breaths. Jimmy stared at her, confused for a second, then pressed his lips back to hers. But she pulled away, her hands shaking as she gently pushed him off her.

“No,” she whispered, her voice trembling. “I can’t…I can’t do this.”

Jimmy’s expression faltered, his eyes narrowing in an uncomfortable myriad of confusion and frustration. “What the hell, E? I thought…I thought you wanted—”

“I do, I mean, I did. But I can’t. I’m sorry,” she said, quickly sitting up and pulling her clothes back into place. “I can’t be the other woman. This isn’t right.”

Jimmy didn’t say anything. He just stood up, his anger quickly returning as he stalked out of the pool house, leaving Estelle sitting there, her head spinning.

She left the pool house shortly after, her mind a chaotic mess. She didn’t even know how to process what had just happened. The game she had been playing with Jimmy was no longer fun. Now, she realized, there was something real there, something deeper than just attraction, at least from her end.

But the guilt that gnawed at her felt overwhelming. She didn’t like Aria—not at all—but she knew this would hurt her. And as much as Estelle tried to justify it, the truth was that she was in too deep. Just like Aria, she had feelings for Jimmy now, and it was more complicated than she ever expected.

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

The next few days felt like a blur for Estelle. She had been avoiding both Aria and Jimmy since that night in the pool house, finding solace in the quiet solitude of the campus library. She spent her time studying, burying herself in textbooks, trying to ignore the turmoil swirling in her mind. But the avoidance was taking its toll. Every moment she spent apart from Jimmy made her heart ache, and every time she saw Aria, guilt gnawed at her, despite their complicated dynamic.

It was the night before the weekend, and Estelle had been in the library until it was nearly closing. Her head was aching from hours of studying, but she was trying to keep away from the inevitable confrontation she knew was coming. She could feel the tension thick in the air, a pressure building in her chest as she packed up her things.

As she walked toward the door, she froze when she heard the unmistakable sound of footsteps behind her. She didn’t need to turn around to know it was Jimmy. His cologne was like a storm to her, strong and overwhelming. She tried to ignore him, quickening her pace, but he was faster, reaching her with a few strides.

“E,” he called out, his voice low and commanding, “Estelle!”

She stopped in her tracks, her body stiffening. She didn’t want to face him. She couldn’t face him.

“Stop avoiding me,” Jimmy’s voice was firm, almost a growl, and she could hear the frustration in his tone. “I know what you’re doing. I’m not gon’ let you keep running from this.”

Estelle turned to face him, her eyes narrowing. She wanted to argue, to tell him she needed space, but her body betrayed her. She was drawn to him, the way he stood there, all confidence and power. His eyes were dark with desire, and was impossible to hide the fact that she wanted him just as much as he wanted her.

“Jimmy, I—” she began, but her words died in her throat as he stepped forward, closing the distance between them.

Before she could react, he grabbed her by the wrist and pulled her toward the back of the library, away from the prying eyes of students still lingering in the hall. They reached a quiet, secluded area, dimly lit by the faint glow of a single desk lamp.

Without warning, he pushed her against one of the shelves, his body pinning hers in place. She gasped as her back hit the cool wood, and his lips were suddenly on hers, fierce and demanding. The kiss was hungry, desperate, as if he couldn’t wait any longer. She moaned softly, her body responding to him without thinking, feeling an ache deep inside her that only he could satisfy.

His hands roamed over her body, sliding down her sides, pulling her closer, and she couldn’t help but melt into him. The intensity of the kiss, the heat of his touch, sent shockwaves through her. She wasn’t sure when it happened, but somewhere along the way, she had stopped trying to fight it. Her hands found their way to his chest, gripping his jacket, and she kissed him back just as fiercely.

He pulled away for a breath, his forehead resting against hers, his chest rising and falling with each ragged breath. “I know you want this,” he whispered, his voice low and rough. “I know you’ve been thinking about me just like I’ve been thinking about you.”

Estelle’s lips parted as she tried to speak, but all that came out was a soft, breathless moan. She could feel the warmth of his body, making hers ignite in a way she had never experienced before.

Jimmy,” she whispered breathlessly when he pulled back, but his hands were already sliding down her sides, gripping her hips, holding her in place.

“You been driving me crazy, Estelle,” he muttered, his mouth on her ear. “Walking around like you don’t know how bad I want you.”

She gasped as his hand slipped beneath the hem of her skirt, his fingers brushing the edge of her panties. “We shouldn’t—”

“Yes, we should,” he interrupted, his tone commanding. His fingers slid under the fabric, finding her already slick and warm. “You’re so wet for me. You can’t lie about what you want.”

Her head fell back against the shelf, a soft moan escaping her lips as his fingers pressed deeper, curling just right. His other hand cupped her chin, forcing her to look at him. “Say it,” he murmured, his voice dark and heavy. “Say you want me.”

“I…” Her words caught in her throat, swallowed by another moan as his fingers pumped inside her with purpose, his thumb grazing her sensitive spot.

“Say it,” he demanded, his voice dripping with authority. “I know you holdin' back. Let me hear you.”

Her resolve crumbled as his touch drove her higher, her body responding to him in ways she couldn’t control. “I want you,” she finally breathed, her voice trembling. “Fuck, I want you, Jimmy.”

“That’s my girl,” he murmured, his lips grazing her neck as he continued to work her with skilled precision. “I don't care if we in a library. Let it all out. Give it to me.”

Her body arched against him as she gave in completely, the tension snapping with a hot wave of pleasure that left her trembling in his arms. He watched her closely, a wicked grin tugging at his lips as she came undone for him.

“You’re so damn beautiful like this,” he whispered, his voice rough with desire. He pulled his hand away and licked his fingers, his eyes never leaving hers. “Sweet as I thought you’d be.”

Estelle’s cheeks burned, but her body buzzed with satisfaction. She couldn’t find the words to respond. Jimmy pulled her close, his lips still inches from hers. 

“Aria’s going home for the weekend,” he said, his voice laced with quiet intensity. “She’ll be with her parents. I’m coming to see you.”

Estelle’s heart skipped a beat at his words. A part of her wanted to say no, wanted to back away from the situation that was spiraling out of control. But another part of her—one that she couldn’t deny anymore—wanted him. Wanted him to come to her.

She swallowed, her breath hitching as she tried to steady her thoughts. “Jimmy, we—this is—”

“I ain’t askin’, E,” he cut in, his voice firm. “I’ll be there. I want you, and you want me. So let's get it. Nuff said.”

The words hung in the air, charged with a promise that sent a wave of heat rushing through her. She couldn’t say no—not when he was looking at her like that. Not when her body was already responding to his every touch.

Without another word, Jimmy kissed her lips, and then stepped back, giving her space but not letting her go completely. He gave her one last look, a look that told her everything he wanted, before turning to walk away, leaving Estelle leaning against the shelves, her heart pounding in her chest.

As she gathered her things, her mind raced. She didn’t know if she was making the right choice, but she knew she couldn’t stop what was happening.

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

Saturday arrived, and Estelle was a storm of conflicting emotions. Her heart raced with a mixture of excitement and guilt, the weight of her decision pressing down on her. She’d never imagined this would happen—never thought she’d go this far, but here she was. The pull of Jimmy was undeniable, and as much as she tried to suppress it, her thoughts always circled back to him.

Indeed, Aria had gone to see her parents, leaving Estelle with the house to herself. The silence of the empty space only made her nerves more acute. She couldn’t help but think about what she was about to do. Guilt gnawed at her, the thought of betraying her roommate, her friend, tugging at her heart. But then there was Jimmy, and the excitement of what was about to unfold. Estelle couldn’t ignore it anymore.

She took her time preparing, going about her waxing routine. Each stroke of the razor, each swipe of the lotion, was a moment of preparation, not just of her body, but of her mind. The anticipation was almost unbearable. As she smoothed the last layer of lotion into her skin, her body tingled with the thought of Jimmy seeing her, touching her. The thrill of it was intoxicating.

The hours dragged by slowly, every passing minute heightening her nervous energy. And then, the knock at the door. Her pulse surged as she approached it, her stomach fluttering with nervous anticipation. She opened the door, her breath catching in her throat when she saw him standing there.

Jimmy. His presence was magnetic, his heated gaze scanning her with a heat that sent shivers down her spine. The dim light from the hallway cast shadows across his face, making him appear even more striking. His eyes locked onto hers, and for a long moment, neither of them spoke. The tension in the air was palpable, thick with unspoken desire.

He didn’t need to say anything. His silent approach toward her was enough. Estelle’s breath hitched as he stepped into the house, his body brushing hers ever so slightly, sending sparks through her skin. The air between them seemed charged, and for a moment, it felt as if the world outside had disappeared.

“Ready?” His voice was low, teasing, with a hint of something darker behind it. His lips barely moved as he spoke, but the words felt like a command, a promise of what was to come.

Estelle swallowed hard, her throat dry, her heart thudding in her chest. Her hands were trembling, but she forced herself to steady them. She looked up at him, seeing the same raw desire reflected in his eyes that had been brewing between them for so long.

She nodded, her mouth dry, not trusting herself to speak.

Without another word, Jimmy closed the space between them, his hand sliding behind her neck to pull her closer. "Come here."

The kiss was slow at first—purposeful, teasing, testing. His lips took hers with just enough pressure to leave her wanting more. When she responded, it was as if a dam had broken. The heat between them flared, wild and desperate, as if neither of them could wait another second.

Estelle’s mind screamed for her to stop, to think about what this would mean for her friendship, however tentative it was, with Aria. But the sound of Jimmy’s low moan as he deepened the kiss drowned out her thoughts. Her body reacted instinctively, hands gripping the front of his shirt, pulling him closer, feeling the heat of his chest against hers.

As they broke apart for air, their eyes met again. This time, there was no turning back. The line between guilt and desire blurred, and Estelle knew, deep down, she didn’t want to stop.

Jimmy pulled her into his arms, lifting her effortlessly off the ground, his strong hands gripping her thighs. She gasped at the sudden movement, but it felt right, the way his strength enveloped her. She wrapped her arms around his neck, her fingers gripping the soft strands of his braids. He didn’t stop until they reached her bedroom. He laid her down gently on her bed, both sets of eyes dark with desire as they undressed. Estelle’s breath hitched at the sight of his dick as he rolled the condom he brought along over it; thick, long and dangerous, prodding against her folds as they kissed again, deep and slow. She couldn’t remember ever feeling so completely consumed by someone. Every kiss, every touch seemed to melt away the tension inside her, leaving only the need for more. His hands moved with purpose, sliding up the curves of her rounded hips as he hovered over her. His lips trailed down her neck, biting softly before whispering in her ear, 

“You been wantin’ this, huh? Don’t lie to me now.” His voice was low, teasing, and laced with desire, leaning into her as he guided his dick into her soaking wet, waiting pussy, both of them letting out throaty gasps at the sweet, sweet intrusion. Estelle’s gasps devolving into broken moans as he slowly rolled his hips, fitting all of himself into her…

“Shit…”

Jimmy’s hand found the small of her back, pulling her closer, their bodies pressing together in perfect rhythm. Her fingers gripped his braids, tugging gently as he kissed her deeply, their mouths and bodies moving in sync. “Jimmy,” she breathed, her voice barely above a whisper, her body arching into his.

He smirked against her lips. “Yeah, baby, say my name,” he murmured, his tone confident but full of hunger. His touch was firm but deliberate, exploring every inch of her like he had all the time in the world. “You so damn fine, I can’t believe I waited this long.”

Estelle’s breath hitched as he moved inside her, his weight pressing her deeper into the mattress. She couldn’t think—didn’t want to think. All she could do was feel. Her hands roamed over his broad shoulders, tracing the outlines of his tattoos as he leaned down, his lips finding hers again.

“Fuck, you feel good,” Jimmy muttered, his voice rough with desire as he guided her hips to meet his. The tension between them built with each movement, every touch sending shivers down her spine. Estelle couldn’t help but moan softly, her nails digging into his back as he kissed her neck, his hands gripping her thighs like he couldn’t get enough. He chuckled low, his voice thick with satisfaction. “Knew you would, baby,” he said, his words sending a shiver through her. “Goddamn…I can stay inside you like this all night.”

“Fuck me,” Estelle begged, her eyes rolling back as Jimmy obliged her, his gaze intense and unwavering, determined to make her feel every ounce of what he was giving her. Before she could blink, he had pulled out of her, barely giving her enough time to register his absence before he flipped her onto her stomach. She was on her knees on the bed, her hands quickly gripping the wooden headboard for support. Estelle glanced over her shoulder, her mouth falling open as he slid back inside her. His fingers tightened on her hips as he pulled her closer, the heat between them palpable. “Throw that shit back. Let me see what you workin’ with,” he ordered with a smack on her ass, admiring the jiggle of her soft skin.

Estelle didn’t hesitate, arching her back and meeting him with a roll of her hips that made his breath hitch. “Like this?” she teased, looking back at him with a raised brow.

Jimmy groaned, his grip on her tightening. “Yeah, just like that. Keep goin’, baby. I got you.”

The room filled with the sound of skin meeting skin, the rhythm they created echoing faintly off the walls. His low grunts and her soft moans intertwined, a symphony just for the two of them.

“You feel so good, baby,” Estelle whispered, her voice breathless.

Jimmy leaned forward, one hand sliding up her back until it wrapped gently around the nape of her neck. “You takin’ it like a champ. That recoil fire, baby. Proud of you.” He kissed the back of her neck, his lips lingering against her skin before he pulled back slightly. Any response she had was cut short by a sharp gasp as he drove into her deeper.

“Oh, shit, Jimmy!”

“Love the way you moan my name,” he said, a sexy smirk on his face as he spanked her again. “Move, baby, throw that ass back. You been waitin’ on this.”

Estelle pushed back against him, her movements fluid and confident. Jimmy's deep, gravelly voice filled the room with praises for her, his words a mix of filthy and sweet. Her nails dug into the headboard, her body trembling under his touch, but she kept moving, meeting him thrust for thrust.

“Fuck, I’m close…” she moaned.

“Yeah? Come for me…unhhh, shit, there you go, come all over this dick.” He groaned as her pussy gushed all around the length of him, clenching and suckling with each spasm of the orgasm that ripped through her. Only seconds later, he followed suit, pulling her flush against him and holding himself still as he came, spilling all he had into the condom buried inside her. He circled his hips slowly against her ass, making her moan as he gently tugged her up to make their mouths meet in a breathless kiss.

They lay tangled together, the glow of their shared moment wrapping around them like a cocoon. Jimmy’s hand traced lazy circles on her hip as she rested her head against his chest, their breaths slowly evening out. The satisfaction of what they’d just shared still lingered, the warmth of his body next to hers comforting and familiar.

Estelle finally understood why Aria was so smitten with him. Jimmy wasn’t just a college football star; he was powerful, magnetic, and he knew exactly how to make someone feel wanted. She had let herself get swept up in the chaos of their tangled emotions, and now, she was lost in him.

After a moment of silence, Jimmy spoke, his voice low and serious. “Estelle…this has to stay between us. No one can know. Especially Aria.”

Estelle looked up at him, her eyes wide, her chest tightening. It was a lot to ask, but she already knew the answer. She didn’t like Aria. She never had, not really. The guilt that had once weighed on her shoulders had now evaporated, replaced by something else—something that felt more like freedom.

“I understand,” Estelle said, her voice steady, despite the swirling emotions inside her. “It’ll be our secret.”

Jimmy’s lips curled into a satisfied smile, and he kissed her forehead, his muscled arms pulling her closer. “Good. That’s all I need from you. Now let me get back in this pussy and make you come again…”

What had started as a game between them was now something far deeper. And now, as he lifted her hips and sank back back inside her, she realized that she didn’t feel regret anymore. She didn’t need to worry about the future, about Aria, or about the consequences. She was here now, and Jimmy made her feel alive in a way no one else ever had.

Sorry, but not sorry.

THE END

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

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[graci3sb0w]

Soooo scary

Gracie Abrams x female reader

Summary : you try to argue that you're the dominant one in the relationship, but are you tho? (Ur not)

Warning : bf Gracie, teasing.

Lazy afternoons with Gracie were your favorite. The two of you had been in bed all day, wrapped up in each other beneath the soft weight of her blankets, the air thick with the scent of vanilla and warmth. The sun bled through the window, casting a golden glow over the sheets, and the faint hum of a song played from her phone on the nightstand—one of her demos, unfinished but beautiful.

You were lying on your back, scrolling absentmindedly through your phone, while Gracie was curled up beside you, tracing lazy circles on your arm. You could feel her watching you, her soft breath against your shoulder.

Then, in her ever-casual, teasing voice, she said, “Hey, who do you think is the dominant one in this relationship?”

You blinked, side-eyeing her. “What kind of question is that?”

She grinned, propping herself up on one elbow. “I just wanna know what you think.”

You snorted, locking your phone and tossing it onto the mattress. “Me, obviously.”

Gracie let out a laugh, throwing her head back against the pillow. “Oh, that’s cute.”

Your brows furrowed. “What’s so funny about that?”

She rolled onto her stomach, resting her chin on her folded arms as she looked up at you with that knowing smile. “Baby, you let me steal all the blankets, you let me cuddle you like a teddy bear, you wear my hoodies, and you get all soft when I touch you. You’re the sub.”

You scoffed, sitting up a little, suddenly feeling like you had something to prove. “That’s just normal relationship stuff. That doesn’t mean anything.”

Gracie raised an eyebrow. “Oh, but it does.”

You narrowed your eyes. “Alright, if I’m the sub, then why can I do this?”

Without hesitation, you moved, swinging your leg over her waist and straddling her. Your hands pinned her wrists down against the mattress, your body pressing against hers, the weight of you settling comfortably.

She blinked up at you, surprised for all of two seconds before her lips curled into a smirk. “Oh, wow. So scary.”

“Shut up,” you muttered, trying to keep your confidence intact.

She just laid there beneath you, looking thoroughly unbothered, her lips parted slightly, her breath slow and steady. Her dark eyes flickered over your face, her gaze dipping briefly to your mouth before meeting your eyes again.

You swallowed.

Her smirk deepened. “So let me get this straight—you think just because you’re on top right now, that makes you dominant?”

You hesitated. “Uh… yeah?”

Gracie tilted her head slightly, like she was studying you. Then her hands—previously pinned—eased their way onto your waist.

Oh.

And then, she squeezed.

oh.

It was such a tiny action, but your whole body reacted instantly. A sharp inhale, your fingers digging into her wrists just a little tighter, your thighs tensing around her hips.

Gracie noticed. Of course she noticed.

Her smirk turned downright dangerous. “Huh,” she mused, voice lower now, softer. Her fingers traced slow, delicate circles on your waist. “What was that?”

You clenched your jaw, refusing to give her the satisfaction. “Nothing.”

She bit her lip, like she was holding back laughter. “Oh, babe… don’t tell me this is all it takes to make you crumble.”

Your glare was weak, your composure already slipping. “You’re annoying.”

“And you’re not dominant,” she shot back smoothly, her nails dragging lightly up your spine, making you shiver. “Face it, baby. You like it when I take care of you.”

Your body betrayed you again—a tiny gasp, barely audible, but Gracie heard it. She tilted her head, her expression shifting from playful to something… heavier. Something more intimate.

Her hands slipped beneath your shirt, fingertips pressing into your skin as she slowly, deliberately guided your hips down against her. The friction made your breath hitch, your fingers tightening around her wrists involuntarily.

Gracie’s voice was barely above a whisper now, warm and teasing. “Still think you’re in charge?”

You wanted to fight back, to prove a point, but your body refused to cooperate. Instead, you let out a shaky exhale, your forehead dropping to her shoulder.

Her lips brushed against your ear, her breath hot against your skin. “Mmm. That’s what I thought.”

You groaned, letting go of her wrists in surrender. Gracie hummed in approval, her hands continuing their slow, agonizing movements, making you melt completely against her.

“You’re so cute when you try,” she murmured, pressing a lazy kiss to your jaw.

You huffed. “I hate you.”

She smiled against your skin. “No, you don’t.”

You didn’t. You really didn’t.

[feanorianethicsdepartment]

i somehow doubt that the noldor didn't tell the sindar about the first kinslaying out of malice. they weren't rubbing their hands with glee, cackling and mwa-ha-ha-ing, they weren't trying to sneak into the sindar's good graces to betray them all or whatever the fuck. i think it was more -

it can't have been deliberate. they were the children of a world without death, part of a culture that holds slaying another elf as the worst crime a person can commit, only one of them had ever raised a weapon at someone else in anger before. i think here, before their doom proper even began, the idea wouldn't have even occured to them; if it did, it would have been dismissed out of hand as obviously insane. i suspect what happened is that fëanor came up with some ridiculous cockamamie plan to steal the ships - literally to steal them, like they were going to sneak into the harbour, climb aboard the ships, and sail away without anyone noticing somehow - and of course they were discovered almost immediately, and then -

the sky was dark for the first time in almost all of their lives. as far as anyone knew, the entire world was ending, and a ton of people - on both sides - had grabbed sharp things in case of giant spider. everyone was on the edge of panic, negotiations had conclusively broken down and yet nobody was backing down, the valar were conspicuously absent, nobody could see worth a damn without the trees, nobody really knew what was happening -

that, to me, doesn't sound like the army of professional soldiers the noldor aren't yet massacring innocent fisherfolk. that sounds like the kind of situation where, if they had guns, someone would have fired a shot, and no one would ever find out who

it's chaos. the noldor somehow get out of there with the swan-ships, but not a single one of them could tell you how it happened. they don't even really start processing what they've done until they're already fleeing up the coast in a disorganised mob, and then...

children of a world without death. born to a culture that holds kinslaying as its highest taboo. there is no possible way the realisation they had just barrelled over every ethical law they had didn't hit them as hard as the trees going out

so no, i'm not surprised they didn't volunteer this information to the sindar. i mean can you imagine opening relations with thingol with this partially it's the guilt, partially it's the shame, partially it's the fact that the first thing they did on their heroic quest to reclaim their stolen masterworks was somehow actual kinslaying, that's gotta do a number on your self-image, partially... i think they were still having trouble processing it, especially early on. how do you come to terms as a culture with having done something like this, when nothing like this has ever happened before?

(and maybe - they're never going back, right? mandos was pretty clear they'd never be welcomed in valinor again, and the teleri probably aren't gonna come chasing after them seeking vengeance. whatever... that was (because they don't have a name for it, not really, everyone who knows about it was either there or learned about it while the blood (don'tthinkabouttheblood) was still drying, how do you even give a name to such a crime?) all its consequences are on the other side of the sundering sea, and chances are they'll stay there)

(so maybe. maybe if they don't mention it. maybe it can stay back in valinor, with the valar and tirion and everything else they'll never see again)

(maybe, it'll be like it never happened at all)

[cirilla-fiona-riannon]

Ikemen Villains - Harrison Gray

This is simply a fan translation and is not intended as a replacement for the game. Expect grammatical errors.

Tall man: "You're unlucky to witness our deal like this."

Kate: "Let me go!"

Round-faced man: "There's no way we can let you go after seeing everything."

Today is December 31st.

I was helping with the preparations for the countdown party at the castle. But I got lost on the way to the store and witnessed a suspicious deal involving two men.

I ended up getting caught, and now my hands and feet were tied.

(I need to escape!)

Recalling the escape method I read in a detective novel I borrowed from Harry, I subtly move my hands to gradually loosen the ropes without the two men noticing.

(I need to find an opening and get out of here!)

Round-faced man: "Hmm? Who are you people?"

Suddenly, one of the men called out to the entrance of the warehouse, and standing there was一

Kate: "Harry, Liam!?"

Liam: "Ehh!? They've got Katie!"

Harrison: "Why are you here?"

Harry and Liam, seeing me tied up and lying on the ground, widened their eyes in surprise.

Since I had just been captured a moment ago, they probably didn't even know that I’d been kidnapped.

(Did the two of them come here as part of the Crown's mission?)

(I think they were supposed to bust an illegal drug deal today. So are these guys the culprits?)

Round-faced Man: "Do you guys know this woman? If so, it'll make things easier."

One of the men pointed a gun at me.

Tall man: "If you care about her life, then drop your weapons."

Harry and Liam held their breath at the man's threat and tried to put their weapons on the ground.

Kate: "Wait!"

I quickly raised my voice to stop them.

Round-faced man: "What's with you? Do you want to get killed?"

Kate: "This gun is real. It's loaded and dangerous, so you guys could get killed!"

Round-faced man: "Ha?"

Kate: "Drop your weapons quickly! These two also have other weapons!"

Liam: "What's wrong, Katie? We obviously intended to do that."

Harrison: "I see. Got it."

After hearing my words, Harry pretended to place the gun on the ground and then shot the men.

Tall Man: "Gah! It hurts!"

With precise control, each of the two men was shot in the leg and arm.

Although it wasn't life-threatening, their injuries prevented them from fighting.

Round-faced man: "What do you think you're doing? Do you not care about this woman's life!?"

Harrison: "Sorry, but your threat won't work. That gun is fake, yeah?"

Round-faced man: "Why you...!"

Tall Guy: "Damn it! We're at a disadvantage now. Let's scram!"

The two men, protecting their injured legs and arms, fled from the warehouse through the back door, leaving me behind.

Harrison: "Are you okay?"

Harry quickly ran over and helped me up.

Kate: "Yes, thank you for helping me."

With Harry's assistance, I finally freed myself.

Liam: "I'm glad you're safe."

Liam: "But I was surprised when Harry suddenly shot those guys, even though you were being held hostage."

Harrison: "Their gun was fake."

Liam: "Huh? Does that mean..."

Kate: "Yes. Everything I said was a lie."

They couldn't really harm me, as the gun they pointed at me was fake and they didn't have any other weapons.

To convey that information, I deliberately shouted the opposite to make Harry see through the lie.

Harrison: "You didn't tell the truth to catch the opponent off guard, right? Well done."

Kate: "I didn't want to be a burden to the two of you while being captured."

Kate: "But they escaped, so we need to catch them quickly!"

Harrison: "They're injured. All we need to do is follow the bloodstains."

The blood droplets eventually split into two paths, so Liam and Harrison decided to split up and pursue each trail.

After a while, Harry and I arrived at the market.

Perhaps because it was close to midnight, the market was bustling with people eager to watch the fireworks for the New Year.

Kate: "Harry, over there!"

Amidst the crowd, we saw a tall man with an injured leg dragging himself away. Before we could even catch up, a carriage stopped at the man's side.

It didn't look like a regular public carriage but a privately arranged one.

Harrison: "So there were others in your group, huh?"

There's no way we can catch up with them if they get on the carriage.

I hurriedly looked around but could not find any other carriages.

Kate: "We can't catch up on foot. We have to give up the pursuit for now."

Harrison: "No, there's still a way."

Saying that, Harry took out his pistol and aimed it at the carriage.

Harrison: "If I aim for the wheels, it will stop."

Kate: "But shooting a gun in the middle of a street like this?"

The Crown is a secret organization under the edict of Queen Victoria.

Their existence and their evil deeds should not be noticed by the general public.

Harrison: "No one will notice. After all, it's almost time."

As if to dispel my anxiety, Harry smiled nonchalantly.

Kate: "Almost time?"

Townspeople: "10! 9! 8!"

As I was about to ask, I heard loud voices counting down.

(Could it be?)

Harrison: "3, 2, 1!"

A dull roar shook our bodies.

It wasn't the sound of Harry's gun, but the sound of fireworks being set off to celebrate the new year.

I was momentarily distracted by it, but when I looked back, I saw the carriage overturning, its wheel distorted by a bullet.

Kate: "You timed it with the New Year's fireworks!"

Timing the gunshots with the sound of fireworks made it less likely for the gunshots to be noticed. Moreover, people were looking up at the sky, making it easier to overlook what happened on the ground.

Harrison: "They say the best place to hide a tree is in a forest, but..."

Kate: "W-What's wrong? Is there a problem?"

Harrison: "I just thought I turned something you were looking forward to into a bloody memory."

(Come to think of it, I did mention before that I wanted to spend the countdown with him this year.)

(I'm glad he remembered my words.)

Kate: "Hehe. It's a little disappointing, but it was a countdown I'll never forget."

Kate: "Let's make next year's countdown even more wonderful, Harry."

Harrison: "The bar has been raised, huh? Well, I guess it's fine."

Afterward, we were able to safely capture the man from the carriage and hand him over to William, who said he had things to ask the man. After having the meal prepared by Victor, we finally returned to our room and took a breather.

Kate: "The first day of the new year was quite an ordeal."

Harrison: "The season doesn't matter when it comes to our duties. But if I could wish for something, it would be to spend more time with you this year."

I widened my eyes, surprised by his unusually straightforward wish. Sensing my reaction, Harry mischievously smiled.

Harrison: "Now, was that a lie or the truth?"

Kate: "I believe it was the truth. And if those words were a lie..."

Harrison: "Yeah?"

Kate: "I will stay with you so you will feel the same way."

Kate: "I'll do my best to make sure your lies change."

Harrison: "Heh? But that effort might not be necessary."

With a few words, Harry pulled me in and kissed me.

It was a sweet kiss that proved his wish was really true, capturing me and not letting go.

[booksandabeer]

Last trailer you saw: Materialists. I was—am still (?)—looking forward to this, but uhm...look, I don't think anyone in this particular corner of tumblr would enjoy hearing my honest thoughts about it, so I'll politely remain silent. //

i am actually very interested in hearing your thoughts about it!

from the trailer it looks like a standard romcom with a love triangle, which i’m not really into. the last movie from the director also featured a love triangle and while i haven’t watched it yet, it’s supposedly very very good and heartfelt. so i’m holding out hope that materialists has a new take on the genre

Hi Stranger,

I have to say I was very amused by the response my one slightly salty sentence provoked. You are by no means the only person who commented, sent an ask, or dm'ed me. You're all very, very nosy people! ;D

I was…perplexed by this trailer and the reactions to it. I was and still am looking forward to the movie because I very much enjoyed Celine Song’s Past Lives, so it brings me no joy to say that I found this trailer really disappointing in multiple ways. I’ll put this under a keep reading because I also have no desire to rain on anybody’s parade. If you liked the trailer, then I’m genuinely happy for you and hope the movie will be everything you want it to be, but if you don’t want me to harsh your buzz, maybe just keep scrolling.

So, by popular demand, here we go:

First of all, let me preface this by saying that—obviously—I have not seen this movie and so everything I’m about to say is based on the impression I got from a two-minute trailer, which may very well have been edited in a deliberately misleading way (GOD I hope so) to disguise what will ultimately be a much more interesting and unconventional plot than what we got to see so far.

But. Taking the trailer as is… Well. While watching it, I basically went through five stages of What The Fuck.

Excitement.

Let me repeat: I loved Past Lives, so I was very happy to hear that not only was Celine Song teaming up with A24 again, but that it would be a romantic comedy?drama?dramedy? starring Pedro Pascal and Chris Evans—two actors I have a lot of affection for. I will honestly admit that the Dakota Johnson casting put a bit of a damper on my excitement because I simply cannot with the dead-eyed, apathetic (non-)energy she brings to everything, which I believe is supposed to tell us that she’s one of them laid-back cool girls (or in a less generous interpretation: hiding a complete lack of talent to actually emote), but to me only reads as heavily sedated and bored. Still, I was very hopeful that this could be a good film—great even! Celine! A24! Pedro! Chris! Shot on location in NYC! Produced by the legendary Christine Vachon! What could possibly go wrong?                                

2. Amusement.

Well. within the first ten seconds we get confirmation that, no, Dakota Johnson really cannot act her way out of a paper bag. The line delivery, the body language—the way she speaks and moves in that very first scene, it’s like she’s never seen a human being before. I’m sorry, but it’s beyond wooden. It’s just…really bad acting. But since this was exactly what I expected I was honestly more amused than annoyed. The other thing that made me literally cackle? The way they tried to Just Some Guy-ify Chris Evans is so half-assed, it winds up being funny again. I realize that meeting someone who is just a regular dude but still looks Like That is part of the whole fantasy here, but come on. Put a little effort in. Just because you put him in some loose clothes and give him an unfortunate hairstyle doesn’t change the fact that he still looks like Chris Evans—a very attractive man who clearly works out at least six times a week.

3. Confusion

Okay, confession time: The traditional Nancy Myers (and to a lesser extent Nora Ephron) style romcom—both aesthetically, tonally, and narratively—is not a genre of film that I particularly vibe with. The sets, the characters, the romances—it’s all very beige. That's not to say that I find myself incapable of objectively appreciating well-made examples of these types of productions. But this? It looks, not ugly exactly, but very generic and therefore very unappealing. Which is funny, because everything here is so obviously a Myers/Ephron pastiche and yet it comes across as wholly uninspired. My hope is that this is intentional, at least to a certain extent, and that Song will do something more interesting with this White Rich People aesthetic, that goes beyond simple imitation and cinematic nostalgia.

4. Disbelief.

Speaking of imitation. With every second of this trailer I could feel my face fall a little more and my shoulders rise up around my ears higher and higher because I could not believe what was unfolding before my eyes. I still don’t truly believe that Song is going to give us a what this trailer heavily suggests—an incredibly stale, formulaic rom com in which “the girl” gets swept off her feet by the charming, sophisticated rich guy, who tempts her with a life of luxury before she inevitably ends up with the poor, but kind-hearted (ex-boy)friend from her past, who has nothing to offer her but himself and his pure, undistracted, bordering-on-worship kind of love. (Also, his abs of steel for which he never has to work out or keep a strict diet, of course.)

Deep sigh. Again, I do so fervently hope that Song will deliver something much more original and subversive. Not to speculate about her artistic interests and preferences and how they are or aren’t rooted in or a reflection of her private life and her marriage, but I think it is valid to point out that both she and her husband Justin Kuritzke are (screen)writers who have repeatedly explored non-monogamous/poly-adjacent relationships in their work—specifically triads (Past Lives, Challengers, Materialists, hell even Kuritzke’s play The Sensuality Party is about curiously evenly divided group sex between three men and three women). So, I guess, what I’m hoping for here is that this will end with either no coupling up at all or a throupling up—one that is explicitly* shown as such on screen and not just coyly hinted at.

*which does not necessarily mean sexually explicit, although I do kind of wonder where exactly they will earn that R rating. Well, I guess they could just say ‘fuck’ a bunch of times.

5. Rage

And so finally, we come to the part that nearly gave me a rage stroke. That line. Yes, that one. The one that made so many people lose their minds over how beautiful and romantic it supposedly is.

When I see your face. I see wrinkles and children that look like you.

Ok. I’ll rip the band-aid right off and say that I cannot possibly overstate just how much I hate that line. I can feel the bile rising in my stomach just thinking about it. It’s both enraging and entirely laughable.

Enraging, because tying a woman’s desirability and suitability, both as a romantic heroine in the overall narrative and as a life partner within the movie's fictional universe, to her willingness and ability to become a mother—and specifically and explicitly a biological mother—drives me up the fucking wall. I realize that this reaction is naturally informed by my own complicated feelings about gendered expectations around motherhood and the physical requirements that society at large deems a necessary measure for the "correct" pursuit and performance of womanhood, but this made me so angry. I do not find that line beautiful or sweet or romantic. I find it offensively regressive and stunningly anti-feminist. It’s fucking Barbie all over again. I understand this is an out-of-context line from a trailer, who knows how it’s going to be used in the movie, but even more than the line itself I was absolutely appalled by the near unanimously positive, almost rapturous response to it.

The line is laughable, because “I see wrinkles” doesn’t really land when spoken to an actress who even at 35 has a face that has clearly gone through at least a few rounds of botox and fillers. This is not a judgement on Johnson, she can do whatever the hell she wants with her face, but we don’t have pretend to not see the very obvious either.

To essentially say “I can’t wait to see you grow old” to someone who is actively, visibly fighting any physical signs of aging is absurd and robs the line of any meaningful impact it might’ve had.  

Related to this: The joke at the end of the trailer at the expense of the middle-aged guy who claims to want to date more “grown-up” women but balks at the thought of anyone over thirty, would be way funnier—or funny at all—if it didn’t rely on the baffled reaction of a main character whose own love interests are and/or look noticeably older than her. Now I personally don’t give a fuck about age gap discourse in fiction or IRL—adult people can date/fuck/marry whoever they want; it’s really none of my business—but if you insist on making wry jokes about pathetically oblivious men exclusively going for much younger women while simultaneously having not one but two older men fall in love with a younger woman, then the whole thing immediately becomes a toothless, maybe even hypocritical endeavor, but definitely not a smart and witty commentary on the sexism of dating culture.  

--

As I said, this is all based on two heavily edited together minutes that may well turn out to be deliberately misleading, and the final movie will be completely different in tone, style and message. But judging by the trailer alone, I can only hope that it will be much smarter than what's presented here, or fear that it will be even dumber than I thought possible.

[pynkhues]

https://www.tumblr.com/pynkhues/778992837794709504/lestat-is-sitting-on-a-pillow-in-the-next-shot-i?source=share

I never ever really noticed that pillow! I can't quite tell if he's leaning against it or partly sitting on it, and maybe they didn't intend it this way, but it does seem suggestively supportive.

It also makes me even more curious when you do eventually write the full missing 1.6 scene and the aftermath of this scene/Lestat talking about Magnus...obviously there is NO comparison between Louis and Magnus here, Lestat clearly wanted what Louis did, but just looking at how wrecked Lestat is (even without the pillow, though that potentially adds to it even more)...I do wonder if that brings up anything for Lestat or if hearing about Magnus makes Louis think about what they just did, or try not to think about it. Because I love in your fics that Louis clearly knows, without being told, what Magnus did to Lestat...and I wonder when that knowledge broke through. Because Louis looks so sad for Lestat in this scene, but he doesn't (to me) look like he is guessing what Lestat isn't saying (which makes sense, when he's had no time to reflect amidst all the craziness!), so when does that knowledge start to intrude, and how much does he push it away while he and Lestat are still together in the past?

I'd never noticed it either! The scene is so dark, haha. I'm pretty sure it's a bolster pillow though. I actually have one which was recommended to me for support after I had ovarian surgery a number of years ago, and I still use it for period cramps. Obviously that's not an issue for Lestat, haha, but beyond being decorative, their primary function is lower back / hip support, and given the attention to detail on this show, I'd be surprised if that wasn't deliberate.

And yeah, it's interesting to consider! It was such a capital-C Choice for the show to pair the most violent sex we see between Lestat and Louis with the first real Magnus reveal. I totally agree that they weren't insinuating anything about their dynamic - the scene at Antoinette's was very clearly telegraphed as consensual, as you said - and more than anything, I tend to view it as a part of this perceived exchange of power after Lestat's own terrible act of violence against Louis. He gives Louis what he wants twice over - first himself, then the answer to a question that's obviously been weighing on the household given Louis' reaction when Claudia asks it both here, and two episodes earlier when she's still young - even if the latter isn't given as freely.

It's kind of hard to tell what Louis does or doesn't know about Magnus and all that he implies. You're right that he looks upset in that scene, but I actually don't think he looks surprised, so I do kind of suspect that Louis probably had an inkling prior to that. Gosh, if nothing else, Lestat's unwillingness to talk about it is probably pretty telling in and of itself, although Louis' understanding of what turnings can entail really runs the gamut given it was a marriage for himself and a birth when it came to their daughter (and I'm soooo curious as to how that changed for him in Paris, because even putting Armand's turning aside, Louis is so [delightfully, haha] mean about Santiago's).

Does he suspect prior to that that Lestat has sexual trauma? I actually think he probably would? Louis can be self-absorbed, but I think the show does a pretty good job of showing that regardless of that, he has people's number a lot of the time, even if he doesn't call them on it. I do think he's very suppressive of his feelings (and conversations) when it involves people he loves though - he really ignores Paul's mental health a lot of the time, and shuts down Grace for trying to discuss it, and he can't cope with what Bruce did to Claudia, to the point that he'd rob her of her ability to express it by tearing out those pages of her diary, and shutting down when she brought it up in s2. I can't see him being any better with Lestat. I think, like with Paul, Grace and Claudia, he loves Lestat too much to think about him anywhere that isn't safe beside him, so I think any suspicions in Rue Royale were probably put in the same place inside him he put all of that stuff too.

It does make me verrrrry curious, as always, about what his reaction might be in s3.

[shinygoku]

Help! (Film) [1965]

The Beatles, now in full colour, for additional flair as they caper about doing silly James Bond stuff. This movie feels like a spoof, a deconstruction and it's aggressively silly. And I loooove this stupid, stupid movie <3

"It's a different religion from ours. I think."

After A Hard Day's Night (Film)'s smash hit, the moviemaking machine's wheels were already turning for the second of their contracted 3-Pictures deal with United Artists. This time they had about twice as much budget, but the Boys were already feeling the strain of their fame, and didn't particularly enjoy the process in the last film. As part of their new fascination with Weed, and perhaps a grasping for some way to rebel, they went into this project while high as four fruity kites.

Naturally, this made it harder to film, as they'd forget lines and get into lengthy giggle fits. However, the end result is enhancing the existing Deeply Unserious nature of the film, so as someone who didn't have to herd them around I find it very enjoyable. But yes, it's still a stupid movie. But, it brings me joy~

BUG ACTING

With all the Bugs being baked, it's a little harder to rate their acting skills, and it ain't always clear if they are indeed acting or are so out of it they're forgetting the cameras are on and they're just reacting as they would if it were real. This is advantageous for Paul, at least, and on the whole I would say they do well considering. I do have to question the group's overly long and weirdly smooth hair in this one, though.

The supporting characters are obviously sober and offer strong performances, like Eleanor Bron as the double agent Ahme, the most competent character in the story by far, and Victor Spinetti in his Evil Scientist role of Foot. The cult leader, Clang, is surprisingly charismatic and sometimes breaks the fourth wall to muse to the audience if it'd be easier to get youth interest through other means, before continuing with the murder plans. Other recuring characters like the Assistant Scientist and the Cult Member who's always getting hurt, and the Superintendent with the Famous bit mean there's always something going on no matter which group the focus is on.

PLOT

In something of a prototype Austin Powers plot, the story revolves again around Ringo, who's been gifted with a special ring that he can't take off which makes him the target of a crazed cult. Taking shots at the imperialism of James Bond and on organised religion both, the story leads The Beatles on a short world tour as they also sing a few songs and get increasingly annoyed by the magnetic danger.

This movie, being made in the mid-60s and following similar international spy thriller cues, is a little bit racist. Possibly the least racist 60's movie (AHDN, MMT and YS are a bit less though lol) but the Cult in this are Indian Flavoured, albeit with the deliberate swerve of the goddess they worship being Kaili (not Kali of Hinduism) and the comparisons with church groups, that they aren't so different. I don't want to sound like I'm making excuses for the film, or just waving it off as the style at the time, but I've seen other films from the same era and they are DREADFUL about Ethnic Villainy so like, pick your battles lol. This one at least feels self aware about it. And it was the foot in the door that got George (and by extension, the others) interested in the culture.

SCRIPT & SUCH

Like AHDN before it, there's a lot of witty bits of dialogue, this film particularly indulges in bait and switch, and double entendres. For an example, in the part when they're about to try shrinking Ringo's finger with a syringe of magic science, Paul asks if it's habit forming. George [who's unwrapping a stick of gum at the time] says "No, as long as you don't swallow it." Stuff like that is all over the movie and it's fun, but again a bit hard to catch it all on the first watch.

There's also plenty of fourth wall breaks and little foreground/background events occuring, e.g. George casually stealing from the Jeweler's shop, and again, instances where the Boys were obviously high on set and seem to be spacing out or overdoing it. It's a shame that Paul and Ringo running off into the distance (to go smoke more) after shooting a scene wasn't filmed, as it sounds hilarious and wouldn't be any stranger than the rest of this movie.

There's also a lot of obvious ADR, and it seem the Bugs were still heavily medicated when doing these, as the apathetic, flat "Hohohohoho" as they Beatle Sandwich on a toboggan and the misc. grunts they make with the hand dryer are the sort of thing you'd think would get junked for a retake, but maybe Their Power was enough to mean the first takes were used as they have busy schedules? I think it enhances the film's Vibe, though.

MUSIC

The crown jewels of Help! for me, other than the capering about and Silver Age Comic flavour, are the music videos. In glorious colour, in new and interesting locations, and even with more dynamic and creative camera angles! With 7 of the stronger songs from the Help! Album (though tragically missing Act Naturally...), the stand outs to me being You're Going To Lose That Girl with the studio bathed in beautiful smoky colours, and Ticket To Ride, set against the late afternoon Austrian ski slopes [with bonus Train sighting! 😎]. These are almost worth the admittance fee on their own!

It's also possible that the Boys were saving all their Acting Power for the video sequences, as half these settings were cold as hell (even The Bahamas, where they wear summer clothes, as it was filmed in Winter) and they manage to power through haha

Other than the full songs being played, there's a lot of reconizable tunes as incidental music, like A Hard Day's Night [both on Sitar and as background music in The Bahamas], what sounds like a snippet of I'm Happy Just To Dance With You, and some classical music not written by The Beatles!

FINAL THOUGHTS

As I said in the preamble, it's plain ass a stupid movie. But yet, it's witty...! On the whole, it enchants me with its whimsical swag and I can't help but to grin at the antics shown here~ Still, I would say A Hard Day's Night objectively has it beat in most aspects, including social commentary, as AHDN's layers are more nestled in and solid.

I'm ranking it 2/3 too, just for different reasons. Pros include the colour, the wonderful videos and the "tehe" factor, as well as a Diesel Loco being very visible in Ticket to Ride. But even at my most biased I give AHDN the Better Movie title. Still I feel this one is underrated and worth watching for all Beatlemaniacs :3

🪲🪲🪲🪲

I'm undecided what next month will be... the options I have in mind are the worst "movie" or what I consider to be hands down the very best! That means MMT vs Yellow Submarine. I'd go with MMT first due to release order, but quite frankly I don't know if I can make its writeup long enough XD;;;;

[bagadew]

I have FINALLY got around to watching Only Murders in the Buliding and have just caught up! I have some minor theories on what’s going on and what might be important, but I’m putting those under the cut because the first thing I’m saying about this show is series 4 spoilers:

Big (Small) Theories:

I think there were two killers. One based in the East: who told the killer Charles/Sazz was on the way, and cleared up the crime scene after the murder; and one based in the West who actually took the shot. I think they were in communication through the locked apartment ratio, which probably means the East killer has access to a means of reaching it.

I think Sazz was deliberate, either with her being the intended victim due to her investigation, or with her deliberately putting herself in Charles place to take the hit for him. Either way Sazz obviously knew more than she should have done if she was just accidental collateral. The fact that Sazz was whistling when she died seems significant, with it either being how the West killer knew it was her instead of Charles, or how the East killer realised West had shot the wrong person.

While I don’t think Christmas Guy is involved, I think there’s a reason we haven’t met him yet. The tinsel in the locked apartment suggests he had either a third way in, knew the code for some reason. Given the West killer also needed that, he could have some useful information. Personally, I think his motivations and the West Residents shifty nature has something to do with the bath pig. If it’s their lock, that could explain the code being Oh hELL.

Also, and this one’s a bit more out there and a bit less to do with this specific murder: Is there something in the cold case that was mentioned? This is the second time it’s been mentioned, so it could be important. It seems to be the case the podcast would fall back on if the trio ever run out of live murders, so could someone be pulling the strings so that the trio never get round to it? The same ‘they’ who tried to shut down the Tim Kono case back in season one?

Important stuff:

Here are some things I think are important to remember, but I don’t have any concrete theories around:

Someone has Sazz’s phone. It remains to be seen how involved they are in her death, but whoever it is clearly doesn’t want the murder investigated.

At least one of the windows in the West are painted shut, possibly they all are.

I feel like there could be something more to TAP IN, as in it could only be part of the message Sazz meant to write, or it could have an additional meaning.

[7grandmel]

Todays rip: 18/01/2024

MAGFest 2019: SiIvaGunner Presents - High Quality Ripping

Season 3 Featured on: MAGFest 2019

Presented by Nape Mango, Omknee, ShonicTH, Chaze the Chat, Harmony Friends, Trofflesby, Craz Xexe, Agent

Yeah, okay, this is cheating in a lot of ways - this is not on the SiIvaGunner channel, and its obviously not even a rip. But I felt it necessary to commemorate, as I mentioned briefly in Because I Love You, its finally time for MAGFest once again, and the SiIvaGunner team is to host their own panel there tomorrow! And in the spirit of that, I want to just...talk about SiIvaGunner and MAGFest, at least for a little bit. Because the first two panels in particular, the ones that marked the beginning and end of Season 3, are some of my all-time favorite videos associated with the SiIvaGunner channel.

A big part of the identity and gimmick of the channel itself, as you're likely well aware, is the bait-and-switch - to present it as a faceless entity simply uploading video game music, only to instead feature jokes, shitposts, edits, and so forth. Part of maintaining that kayfabe, then, is to intentionally obscure who makes what behind the scenes, to keep the real people under wraps for those who aren't going to dig deeper, in order to further sell the illusion of being an official VGM upload. The team does of course still give credit when its relevant, as any rip can be featured on an album be given full credits there, but just that degree of separation alone between casual fans and ones willing to download an album has probably led to a few too many people being unaware of who made their favorite rips. Back then, I typically fell somewhere in the middle - I wasn't actively using music listening software and thus missed out on listening to albums for a long time, but was still aware of some of the big names you'd see in comments sections, saw some shoutouts from Twitter, the works.

Yet with the two MAGFest panels of 2018 and 2019 respectively, it felt like the first time that the magnitude of what SiIvaGunner is and how much it means to people was revealed to me for the first time ever. The uploaded recording of the 2018 panel, posted by Chaze's own account, features a shot about seven minutes in that turns the camera to the crowd - and it's an absolutely packed-full room of nerds just like me. And even though I've never been able to go to any of these MAGFest panels due to travel costs and complications...just seeing how many people truly do care about SiivaGunner, in such a tangible way, something more than a number...it resonated with me, yknow?

Beyond that, these panels are just such fascinating pieces of history for the channel, such good time capsules in so many ways - and that's in a lot of ways why I chose to highlight the 2019 panel in particular. Rather than discussing the upbringings of the channel, it features members of the team reminiscing and going through Season 3's timeline of events in particular, going into surprising detail into the thought process and direction the various pieces of the year took - while also giving insights into the production of the Christmas Comeback Crisis, King for a Day Tournament, and more. I feel like with the turn from Season 3 to Season 4 Episode 1, you can really notice that the idea of "hype" for SiIvaGunner content becoming so much more prominent, so much more deliberately handled by the team, which is made all the more evident by the King for Another Day Tournament reveal live on stage.

Man, look, it's an hour-long panel, and there's so many small things that I still remember from it, despite last having seen it five years ago. The members talking about their favorite rips, giving a round of applause to all the rippers who couldn't come join them at the panel or on-stage, the very funny last-minute rips made to "celebrate" the channel being terminated a day earlier (one of which I've embedded as the Bandcamp link), and even some slight discussions on what SiIvaGunner as a channel means to the team, what it represents, and what their goals have been overtime. And, of course, the fucking incredible PowerPoint hijinx with Inspector Gadget, which I am 100% going to take as confirmed canon that Gadget's level of sentience and awareness of the real world is just the same as Woodman's and The Voice.

I have, of course, been told a number of times that I overanalyze SiIvaGunner, that I'm uncovering depth that's clearly not intentional, looking too much into a silly meme channel. And sure, I'd admit that I do overthink things to a degree, anyone who read Vote Responsibly!! should be able to tell you as much. Yet its stuff like these in-depth behind-the-scenes looks, these moments of getting a face and a voice to attach to the works, that really just felt super validating to me even back then - that the intentions and goals of the channel that I myself had picked up on were in fact some sort of direction that the team itself were steering toward. And though Nape Mango does indeed declare in this very panel that "Everything is a coincidence with SiIvaGunner", I'm forever in awe at just how good the team has been at lining those coincidences up into something genuinely incredible.

We SilvaGunner, We Rip.

[tarisilmarwen]

Rebels Rewatch: "Steps Into Shadow"

Everything is all shaken up for Season Three, let's go.

So I know I said I really like it when shows change up the Status Quo but...

Some of the changes took a bit of getting used to in Season Three. I'll admit it.

(It's the hair, Ezra's hair took getting used to, I believe my exact reaction was, "Nooooooo not the cute shaggy shonen protagonist hair!" I'm okay with it now and it's hella easier to draw but it was a bit of a mourning period.)

So! Season Three begins six months after the end of Season Two. Everyone has had a cosmetic upgrade. They're all older. Ezra is seventeen. *cries*

Ezra had his seventeenth birthday offscreen while he and Kanan were not on speaking terms.

*sobbing forever*

Anyway we open In Media Res with the Spectres (minus Kanan) pulling off a jailbreak.

Oh it is absolutely not a coincidence that our first sight of Ezra this season has him bathed in shadow.

Sabine and Ezra casually bantering mid-mission and Ezra being seamlessly badass. <3

That cute little fond smile of Ezra's when he sees Hondo. T_T

Ohhhh I remember when people were freaking out over just how casually Ezra shoots this Stormtrooper with a blaster very obviously not set to stun. It's such a contrast from "Stealth Strike" in which he promises not to hurt any of them. He's taken some parts of Maul's words to heart, sadly, and now he's acting like a proper soldier in a war.

Ouch.

Don't mind me appreciating Ezra and Sabine's brief battle tag-teaming moment here.

As if the Luke parallels were not strong enough, Ezra's new lightsaber--after a harrowing fight against Darth Vader in which he lost his other one--is green. And sue me, I love his green lightsaber, it's my favorite.

Also a big fan of how Ezra demolishes this whole hallway of Stormtroopers by himself. He doesn't even blink.

"Is that really Ezra?" "Most of the time." The meaning behind this exchange is ambiguous and there are plural interpretations. I think Sabine is referring to how utterly serious he is, no stopping, no delays, all-business. We only really saw him banter and smile with the others when on their way in, once the reinforcements arrived it was all go time.

It really isn't Ezra's fault that Terba got killed. But Ezra's Hero Complex, Guilt Complex, and sense of hyper-responsibility are all colliding and making him take the blame on himself for not having complete 100% control of the situation, also why he snaps at Hera later for griping about just that.

Never not gonna love Ezra as leader with Sabine as his competent lieutenant. <3

The Force Theme goes creepily off-tune here. This is NOT a Jedi Mind Trick. This is Force Dominate and yes, it is a Dark Side power.

This scene is deliberately uncomfortable. It's almost like possession, like Ezra using the AT-DP pilot like a meat puppet.

Sabine looking Very Concerned as she watches what Ezra does here. :)

There's just a moment where they hold on the shots of the AT-DP's legs and Ezra's feet, juuuuuuust to give you enough time to comprehend the horror.

"When did Kanan teach you that?" There's just a smidge of discomfort in Sabine's voice here, she knows full well that's not something normal.

Ezra's "I did what I had to do." here is a bit needlessly defensive, Hera didn't offer any commentary in judgement at all, he's just instinctively already verbally flinching about it because he knows it was wrong.

We can already see the effects of Malachor on Ezra, he's angrier than usual and bristles at Hera's criticism.

"Ah the fiery spirit of youth, eh?" "It's not all bad." Hera looks so SAD here. :( There's so much unspoken sorrow. You can hear a certain frustration and helplessness.

Cut to Ezra having the expected angst session in his room. The holocron, sensing his anger, lights up, making his cadet helmet (the one Sabine painted for him, that's supposed to represent a sense of safety) look creepily demonic.

"You can see things clearly your friends cannot." Ohhhhh you absolute bitch, that specific turn of phrase is meant to dig at Ezra's guilt over Kanan's blindness isn't it? Ezra even repeats it. "They can't see..." This scene here, his speech, is the lynchpin of his entire experiment with the Dark Side; his guilt over Malachor is eating him up and like Anakin before him he's resolved to never let it happen again. So he must become stronger, more powerful. His fear of further loss--his attachment--is leading him down the same dangerous path.

It hurts so good, it's such good angst.

THERE SHE IS, MY FAVORITE FABULOUS BITCH.

She's awful. I love her. <3

The entire crew being so Done with Hondo lol.

Heeeeeeey remember how I talked about how a large part of Rebels the show is how the Ghost crew in particular helps put the Alliance together piece by piece, ship by ship?

Yeah these are the Y-wings that take part in the Battle of Yavin.

Sato promoting Ezra, awwwww. The sheer respect these two have now. Sabine and Zeb are very happy for him and Hera says Kanan would be too and ow ow ow the lined hurt in Ezra's face when he points out that Kanan is never around anymore.

The man himself has grown a Sadness!Beard and is in such inner turmoil that it's woken the Bendu, whose voice we hear calling to him.

I really feel for Hera, trying to mediate between her two Jedi, who are both hurting and both avoiding each other, the frustration and anguish she must feel.

Perhaps nudged by her words Kanan does try to pay Ezra a visit to talk... aaaaaaaand immediately discovers the open holocron.

Ohhh this conversation hurts. Ezra's so angry and hurt by Kanan seemingly abandoning him and all Kanan can think about is protecting him from the holocron's influence and he must feel like such a failure as a teacher, especially when Ezra yells about how he doesn't need Kanan.

:((((

Rebels says vehicle registrations and tolls are tyranny lol.

Right so, mistake number one: Running instead of playing cool. The Alliance does have a small amount of funds and they could easily forge a ship registration. Give the Mining Guild fake credentials, pay the fee, and they could have bought enough time to deflect suspicion for an hour maybe.

Yeah the krykna aren't any less creepy.

Hi Bendu!

The Bendu is an interesting addition to the lore. He seems in the vein of the Mortis Gods, an ancient entity in tune with the Force, though the normal rules of such don't apply to him. He's a neutral party, possibly representative of the spirit of nature, which is neither Light nor Dark it just is. His True Neutral alignment would later be challenged by Kanan but for now he seems a helpful ally, offering to assist Kanan learn how to "see" through the Force. (I do like to joke that he's trying to get all the Force noise to calm down so he can go back to sleep.)

Mixed feelings on how Kanan's blindness is handled. Would have liked to see more of a recovery/coping arc, but a lot of the little subtle hints and nods they do in later episodes are really effective at showing how he's adapted. And then there are the odd moments where Rebels writers forget he's blind entirely. So there's some room for improvement.

Also he should have been allowed to make some blind jokes. DON'T @ ME THEY WOULD HAVE BEEN HILARIOUS.

Ezra: "No witnesses! 😠" Sabine: "Dude WTF?" Love how even though his Dark Side tendencies concern and worry her she's not afraid to push back at him.

Kanan assumes the "source of unbalance" he's carrying is the Sith holocron and confesses his fears that it's corrupting Ezra. The Bendu claims, "An object cannot make you good or evil.", explaining how it's one's mindset that determines that.

Which I mean, point, buuuuuuuut this is also a fictional universe in which the traces of Sith ghosts stuck in soul jars can literally possess you sooooo...

Anyway the scenes of Bendu teaching Kanan how to "see" through the Force are amazing. 10/10 no complaints. Will comment on things as I go just to point them out.

For starters, how about the panic and fear in Kanan when Bendu destroys the sensor beacon? And his angry hopeless, "I can't see anything! Not anymore."?

MEANWHILE WITH THE IMPERIAL DOOM SQUAD:

*ANGELIC CHORUS*

Hello my favorite blue bastard.

The first hint of Kallus's changed allegiance is here with this vaguely accusatory comment about civilian deaths outnumbering insurgent deaths at Batonn, which Thrawn was promoted for. Pryce calls them "acceptable margins". Timothy Zahn would later reveal in the first new canon Thrawn book that it was her who detonated the bombs that killed everyone. For the moment I will refrain from commenting on his concerning habit of retconing things to absolve Thrawn of anything bad ever and just respond with the appropriate amount of disgust at Pryce.

Always loved the cool effect where everything except Thrawn's red eyes fade out.

Mistake number two: Not calling Hera to tell her, "Hey the Empire is scrapping the bombers literally as we speak." and asking for advice. Hera probably would have consulted Sato and the combined brainpower could have come up with a better plan than "Charge in recklessly and scoop them up against orders without further observation or research."

Even Rex, who backs Ezra up later, thinks they should tell Hera about it first.

"That's an order!" Ouch, Ezra, that is the most insensitive thing you could have said to a former clone trooper.

Ezra's need for control over every possible variant situation (to prevent himself from suffering further loss) is actively making things worse for the mission, not better. He is showing a distinct lack of trust in the command structure, and an almost possessive need to keep his team safe and under his direction.

No one comments on his bossing them around though, not even Sabine, and into the maelstrom they go.

Hi Brom Titus!

Rex still showing a very slight deathseeker tendency.

Sabine's been taking notes from Hera on flying a ship with no power, clearly, lol.

This cue right here is going to come back later in the climax of the episode. The frantic rapid percussion definitely gives off the feel of "falling".

Love Melch feigning a malfunction he fits right in with Han "slight weapons malfunction" Solo lol.

Sabine sounds tired and exasperated when she points out the fighters won't have any fuel. I can only imagine the kind of impulsive, reckless, rash leadership decisions she's had to put up with from Dark Side Depression!Ezra for the past few months.

Rex is supportive tho. <3

Bendu going through Kanan's other senses methodically to help him relearn how to navigate. <3

Kanan foresensing the danger Ezra's going to be in from across the galaxy and freaking out about it. <3

I'll be honest I don't quite understand this philosophical mumbo-jumbo but whatever it works, Kanan's got his mojo back and is going to go get his padawan.

Ohhhhhh oh I know this cue right here has been used before, dammit where was it used before?

Hang on... I think it's Kanan's theme?

*goes back to check "Stealth Strike"* No, not there. Ugh, this is gonna bug me.

*checks YouTube* It IS Kanan's theme! Holy crap.

Sabine does not have a good time of it against this Dismantler droid. Zeb's prehensile feet save the day, though. Always love when they get to use those.

Worried Ezra be worried. <3

Ezra's strained "Oh shit it's mom." tone here lol.

Recall what I said back in "Fire Across The Galaxy" about how the Rebellion will always pull your fat out of the fire even if you've been stupid? Yeah.

Hera's face when she sees Kanan sitting in the co-pilot chair. <333333

Rex, ah... may not be all mentally here I think the Dismantler droid is bringing up some unpleasant memories.

The subtle symbolism continues!

This exchange is hilarious. "Yeah, get ready for another demotion." Lol Ezra.

Ezra considers the dilemma for half a second and then chooses violence. Mistake three.

Chopper pitches a fit about getting in a Y-wing. Given that he was shot down in one, that's understandable.

This fond smile and headshake at Hondo. <3

Mistake four, not checking to see if the Y-wings had hyperdrives before taking off.

Always love it when one of the kids uses Zeb's "Karabast!" He's a bad influence on them lol.

All of Ezra's previous bad decisions culminate here, he's stranded on a collapsing station, unable to contact help, and the last thing he heard from Sabine was that the Empire was there. It's not any wonder he's practically breaking down in tears.

"This is wrong, it's all gone wrong!" Well, that's what happens when you choose all the Dark Side options, Ezra. Should have kept a save point.

:((((((

Taylor's acting here is amazing, Ezra sounds SO lost and scared and desperate and he just wants Kanan to be there.

A bold and serious "Shenanigans" cue as Phoenix Group blazes in to the rescue. <3

And there's that cue that I told y'all would be coming back. :)

This sequence is perfection. Ezra clinging to the station as it falls, Hera flying with such microprecision she misses all the debris flaking off of it, the rushing wind, the music...

Ezra's shock when he hears Kanan's voice.

KANAN BATHED IN WHITE LIGHT REACHING OUT TO EZRA AS HE AND THE STATION PLUMMET INTO THE ABYSS.

THE RETURN OF THE ARC WORDS, "I'VE GOT YOU."

THE SOUND DROPPING OUT AS THE FORCE THEME PLAYS SOFTLY AND KANAN TELLS EZRA TO LET GO.

EZRA TRUSTING KANAN, LETTING GO, AND LETTING THE WIND CARRY HIM WITHIN REACH.

Cinematic poetry. <333333333

Hera smiled at first when Kanan told her he'd gotten Ezra buuuuut she's pissed now about the Phantom lol.

Pryce's shade at Konstantine, ha ha.

Thrawn sounded so disappointed too, almost sulky. "That's not the Rebel fleet!" 😠

Major "mom grounding her rebellious teenager" vibes. Love that Zeb and Sabine stick up for him.

Dodonna namedrop!

I know some people wanted a bit more out of Ezra's flirtations with the Dark Side but personally I think it's fitting that as soon as Kanan and Ezra bury the hatchet he never touches it again. The major impetus behind his running to the holocron was Kanan's distance from him, reinforcing all the self-negative beliefs Ezra had about the whole situation--that it was his fault Kanan was blind, that Kanan blamed him, that he wasn't a worthy student, that he couldn't rely on anyone but himself to get strong enough to protect the people he cared about, that he needed the holocron and the Dark Side to get that strength.

And you'll notice he doesn't quite swear off the thing entirely, he asks after it both here and in the beginning of the next episode, a bit like an addict antsy for their next fix.

(No, fandom, Kanan's "I'll always come back." here was not secret foreshadowing that the writers failed to follow up on in Season Four, it was a straightforward sentiment in the moment.)

This is a heartwarming sight. <3

This... is my favorite of the season premieres. For obvious reasons.

Once again the main strength is the focus on Kanan and Ezra's fractured relationship as it pieces back together. The action is tightly written and every single element serves its purpose. It's funny, dramatic, heartbreaking...

I don't really have any other words, this episode is just amazing.

[acaplaya-musings]

Voiceplay Visuals - addendums and interesting BTS stuff (part 2/3)

I explained everything in the first part, go find it here. Let's keep going!

(Part 2 below the cut)

We Don't Talk About Bruno: "Also I'm pretty sure I heard from someone that Geoff's "ruana" is in fact just a regular blanket/piece of fabric draped (possibly secured/pinned) over his shoulders" - Yeah pretty much, except specifically it was tied behind his back/over his shoulders - You wanna know how Cesar just seemingly pulled that umbrella out of nowhere? Well it was hidden behind him! Or more perhaps more precisely, his behind hid it! 😂 (His glutes definitely got a workout that day!)

"(Oh and this section really was slowed down in post-production in order to make the petals (and hair flips!) look nice, and so both Ashley and Geoff were having to sing/lip-sync to sped up versions of their vocal lines!)" - Tis true! That whole section was done in basically double speed during filming, and slowed-down in post (the reverse of what Geoff did for his Monster Mash video actually), which makes the resulting footage extra impressive tbh - Also I didn't specify in my original post, but Geoff isn't just wearing the floral blouse - he's wearing the same pink shorts as Ashley as well! 😂 - Bonus fun fact: the little rat on Geoff's shoulder was remote-controlled!

Dream On: "(Also this was filmed in some old school I believe? I think maybe Cesar's old school or something?)" - Right on the first count, wrong on the second - this was Eli's former high school! (Very much no longer in use as a school though, obviously) - It was filmed in Leesburg, which is an hour away from Orlando apparently, and since there was obviously no decent part of the building to be used as a breakroom or dressing room or whatever, they brought a production coach, the same one that got used for the same purpose for the Panic Medley filming in fact! - The shirt/top that Geoff wore in the video was quite tight-fitting apparently, and he needed additional assistance from Kathy to get it fully pulled down (she helped while still filming) - Still not entirely sure what Layne is wearing on top of his shirt, but it seems to be just draped over his shoulders, idk

Running Up That Hill: - They put a lot of effort into recreating That Scene from Stranger Things, like they had pieces of paper with shots from the TV series and annotations written on it and everything! - The jacket that Geoff had tied around his waist in the video is like some black bomber jacket/letterman-style thing, and he was wearing it sometimes in between takes and ngl he looks good in it, like I almost kinda wish he had been properly wearing it in the video.

"Based on the very-fixed and very-specific shots we get of Ashley while she's "levitating", I'm guessing this was more done via clever editing and post-production work rather than anything like harnesses to actually lift her in the air" - Well, while it is true that editing trickery was favoured over harnesses, there was actually a bit more practicality involved than what I guessed/imagined. Idk how much I should reveal, but let's just say that Ashley had to use some muscles for it!

Hide And Seek (Ding Dong!): "I love the ghostly visual effects on Lauren, with the glowy ethereal outline of her silhouette, and the slight translucence on her dress!" - The effect also helps conceal the fact that she wasn't in the studio with them at all! Magic of greenscreen, just like with VoicePlay's Enemy video! In fact, Layne took a very quick flight to Nashville, Tennessee to help Lauren record her parts, before quickly flying back to Orlando, Florida (in time to beat an oncoming hurricane!)

"I have a feeling that the lighting on [Layne] is such that it makes him look like an actual Haunted Mansion/Disney Parks ride animatronic (especially when combined with deliberate movement/acting choices in the video)" - I mean yeah, maybe, but also tbh it's also just the whole makeup/costume itself - even in the BTS footage he didn't look fully "human"/"real" when in the full costume. - Fun fact: Layne also had black food colouring in his mouth to further add to the whole look! Wild!

"Absolutely loving Cesar's makeup in this one ngl (I wonder whether he coloured his face and/or hair blue for filming this or if that was just all done via editing?)" - That was all thanks to Rick Underwood! His hair and face really were that blue! (Not all his hair though, just the front section of it). - I still have questions about Geoff's makeup though - didn't get to see much of the process in the BTS video, rip. - The floating crystal ball was a practical effect, done with fishing wire and a pulley system controlled by Tony!

Golden Hour: - So the greenscreening of the heads was done a little differently to how I imagined, and Geoff's hair did in fact look just like that during the filming - it's not just the editing - This is actually the second version of the video that was created - Patrons were initially presented with a different video (which I haven't actually watched but heard about in the BTS) with a slightly different setting and alterations to the story (Layne came up with a few different ideas in fact). - Also I may be slightly colourblind, because I thought that vest was maroon, but it's actually just brown, lol rip.

Valhalla Calling: "check out the set! I like the shields in the background." - Everything other than the benches and props in the foreground was completely digital! They filmed in front of huge digital screens (and I mean HUGE) that had the pre-designed backgrounds displayed on them! - Y'know how all the guys were wearing furs and heavy layers of clothing and all that? Yeah well apparently on the day of filming, the air conditioning at Vu Studios was busted, RIP (Rick Underwood had to help blot away some of their sweat between takes!)

Part 1 // Part 2 // Part 3

[piglet26]

Star Wars: The Force Awakens Rewatch

"This will begin to make things right" people really don't like this as the opening line. It feels suggestive, paranoid or accidental.

BB8 - I instantly love again and again.

Finn AKA FN-2187 - who is the soldier he was trying to help as they lay dying? Oh well guess we'll never know.

Poe - Why is he in this duster of a plane? Secondly, why is the resistance always broke with rusty and outdated things?! As I understand it they won the last war.

Kylo Ren has a bad ass opening between the ship, the music and the reaction to him. Obviously the stopping the shot was chef's kiss. I still can't believe this is Adam from GIRLS. I mean I can but I can't. Adam Driver is a really talented actor.

Overall, a really solid opening with great production and musicality. We establish several characters in one scene. We establish the goal of the movie - find Luke Skywalker.

Oh and fellow Reylo fans, Kylo Ren stepping foot on Jakku is basically kicking off the force within Rey. One arriving in night and the next we meet in light. Both are greeted in mask with similar outfits. From the very beginning it's establishing them as Ying and Yang.

Rey has a wonderful opening and we see and deduce so much about her without any dialogue. She lives a solitary and independent life. As the charming music sounds almost childlike giving us an indication that her life while void of much is innocent. It would've been smarter to establish her as a pilot within this sequence though. She could have easily scavenged and then flew back instead of rode a bike back. I understand the criticism that whatever skill the script has the movie just gives her.

I will add that when men have skills when conveniently needed - no one cares or ask when and where they learned them.

This is the part of the movie where I do understand it's clearly a soft reboot. "The Chosen One" runs into a lone droid in the desert that they had to rescue from thuggish creatures. It's a lazy deliberate movie - possibly due to nostalgic reasons I'm not sure. I'm also not sure why Rey wouldn't want BB8 to stay with her for the night. She could use the company. Also, why doesn't she get a pet? What pets are there in Star Wars? I'd have one.

The magically muffin that Rey cooks looks delicious! Star Wars cooking must be so easy like cooking in the fifth element. Everyone wants flying cars - I want a whole feast that you can microwave in a minute.

This dialogue exchange always makes me chuckle. hehe

Kylo Ren: Comfortable?

Poe: Not really.

It's also really helpful because apparently people don't understand the difference between this interrogation scene and the rather polite interrogation scene between Rey/Ren later.

Finn really is a great character as John Bodega plays him perfectly. He's quirky, subtly funny and brave.

Star Wars is brilliant about one syllable names Poe, Finn, Rey, Han, Luke, Ren, Ben, Ben with the most avant-garde last names.

They fly, they crash and I guess these were the sinking sands Rey referenced earlier.

Hux and Ren - This was such a great pairing and if we got a prequel episode of them I'd welcome it.

Rey finally showing some loyalty to BB8 who is absolutely smitten with her. Rey is attacked due to Unkar Plott trying to steal BB8 and clearly shows she is capable of defending herself. Jedi Master? No, but she is capable with that staff. Finn shows an instinct to help her. haha BB8 tasing him. We're 30 minutes in and so far I'm in for the ride.

The production is great and comes off as an adventure rather than danger - very star wars!

People are still mad the Millennial Falcon was just sitting there in an empty lot. I don't much care.

It makes sense why Finn and Rey would connect. They're both quirky and have the same instincts to both self-protect, but also look out for one another. They complement each other well and make a great time. They are a great duo - I'm not sure if they were meant to possibly be a thing - personally I love them as best friends/Brother&Sister.

Kylo Ren with that temper! JJ Adams now has a reputation as the franchise killer but he's got great style and the cinematography was very well thought out.

[angelinthefire]

So I don't want to pick on op. But I think that this post is just such a clear example of a tendency in fandom that I wanted to directly on the post.

The trend being a really poor method of analysis, where the argument is entirely in-universe, without stepping back and considering what kind of story is being told. And, I strongly suspect, starting from the point that one wants to prove and marshalling facts to support that point, instead of starting from a general understanding of the story. I'll explain what I mean.

In the above post, op makes the argument that Caitlyn's use of the grey was super-targeted at the chem barons, and by using it against the chem barons Cait and Vi stopped a civil war, and that Ekko was aware of what they were doing and approved.

I think there's several leaps in logic in the post, but that's not the point. The point is that if you want to understand what the significance of Caitlyn using the grey is, you need to start from a more general perspective.

What is the story being told? In the first act of season 2 we see Caitlyn's fall from grace and the disintegration of her relationship with Vi. Cait's use of the grey therefore needs to be consistent with that story. That is, her choice to use it is part of her fall.

In season one Caitlyn was very much defined by her sense of justice and her righteousness. But whenever she tried to act on that sense of justice, she was blocked by those in positions of authority.

Season 2 puts Caitlyn to the test. It starts with her feeling tortured over her mother's death, and feeling a lot of guilt, anger, and hatred over it. But she still has her sense of justice, worrying about civilian casualties. And again, she's blocked, she's kicked out of the council chamber.

Then the memorial attack happens. And Caitlyn gets angrier. She's beginning the downward spiral that will continue to the end of the act. She calls the attackers "animals" with a snarl, with an unsettling close-up of her teeth, similar to some shots of Silco in season 1. Hatred is starting to be a real driving force for her.

And after that, Caitlyn is done letting authority figures tell her what to do. She takes authority for herself, and does what she thinks is right.

Which is a plan to capture Jinx while trying to limit the civilians who get caught in between. As Vi explains, they used the grey to get people off the streets (which, it should be noted, *necessarily* means using it on civilians. People are in the streets, and they're cleared out by the grey). Which does seem logical for their purposes.

But you also need to consider the way the decision is portrayed. The first time we see Caitlyn going through her family's archive to learn about the grey, "heavy is the crown" is playing which is quite a dark song, and the image of a skull is projected onto Caitlyn's face. When we come back to that moment in s2e3, the music is again quite dark and aggressive-sounding. The song starts with the lines "Can I do the right thing for the wrong reason? / Is it bad that I'm making friends with my demons?" We are shown graphic illustrations of the effects of the grey. The suffering that the people of the undercity experience due to the grey is shown on-screen and visually paralleled with Cait and Vi's current actions. The musical segment is book-ended by a clip of Caitlyn's ancestor saying "the people of the undercity deserve to breathe" - a very clear and deliberate juxtaposion, putting Caitlyn's actions in opposition to those of her predecessors. When characters see the grey approaching, it literally looks like a monster.

So this is obviously a bad thing that Caitlyn is doing, because it's portrayed as such. Which makes sense with her trajectory, she's continuing to spiral. She has an outburst of frustration in the arcade. Her behaviour is concerning to Vi (who is also in a downwards spiral btw). She hallucinates the flower petal when she has Jinx in her sights. She gets carried away in the fight. And then again, someone blocks her, only this time it's Vi. Which leaves Cait feeling frustrated and betrayed. And then when Cait's offered a position of even greater authority, to do what she thinks needs to be done in the way that she wants to do it, she takes that authority.

And then Caitlyn fails. Her story is about her failure to live up to her own principles. She gets into a position of power and finds out that it's not so easy. She's hemmed in by her alliance with Ambessa. But even more importantly, there's no good decision that she could make in her position. There's no good way to run a police dictatorship.

Just like there was no good way to lead a police invasion of a city. Either she release toxins into the air and avoid casualties, or she refrains from using the grey and risks civilian casualties. Liked Singed says, "no one in power is innocent." Not because everyone in power is a bad person, but because it's impossible to weild power innocently. That's what Caitlyn learns. So in the end she gives up her power, she gives up her seat on the council.

But before that, she reckons with her failure, through the battle with Ambessa. During which it's no coincidence that Maddie appears like a monster through the grey when she betrays Caitlyn; it's a reminder of Caitlyn's first betrayal of her own principles.

So, given all of that, how would it make sense for Ekko to approve of Caitlyn's use of the grey? How would it even serve the story for him to have a position on it? There is actually zero indication of what Ekko thinks about it.

Given that the use of the grey is part of Caitlyn's fall from grace, how would it makes sense for it to be a net positive?

To understand a character's actions, you can't just think about them in-universe. You need to understand where they fit in the narrative arc. You need to test your interpretations against the story to see if they make sense as part of the story or not.

If using the grey was so reasonable and acceptable, that would make the story way less interesting. Caitlyn's fall would be less sharp. There wouldn't be any basis for a role reversal between Jinx and Vi, with Vi taking on the role of the monstrous one, which is necessary groundwork for them to renegotiate their relationship in act 2. And it wouldn't make sense for Jinx turning the grey back on Piltover to have been so inspiring for so many people. It just doesn't fit the story.

An Analysis of the Concept of 'The Grey' in Arcane.

Also, I forgot to mention, but here's another confirmation that Jayce knew about The Grey, as he completely redesigned the mask.

The versions on the left were the last ones before Jayce, specifically designed for the concentrated gas. These still had a pipe outlet and an oxygen tank. In the version designed by Jayce, there was new technology that helped see through the dense Grey via lenses, and it directly filtered the air, eliminating the need for pipes and extra oxygen tanks.

This mask is closer to the one used by the enforcers, with the distinction that the lenses in Jayce's version are even more advanced, not only protecting the eyes but, as I mentioned, offering better vision. (This feature is visibly switchable on and off in ep 2 of s 2.)

Also here's one more thing about the grey:

It disperses quickly, even within a closed office, when it comes into contact with the air. The Grey back then was only present in Zaun because: 1. There was no ventilation system. 2. Since the factories were still in operation, they continued producing the Grey non-stop. Later, these factories were closed, and the Chem-Barons began using it for different products. The only remaining places where the Grey was still present were the closed pipe system and the fissures in the mines where it got trapped. Also, when the Grey was present in Zaun and the ventilation system was running at the same time, what do you think they did with the Grey? They let air flow from Piltover to Zaun, so that the Grey would dissolve as quickly as possible.

The Grey is a fictional gas in a CREATED show where the laws of physics work differently than in our world. Just like magic (Arcane), the Grey cannot be compared to the laws of our universe.

....

False, one-page or one-sentence ragebait posts always spread faster than detailed content, even though, to get an accurate picture,

it's important to examine the details, not just take something out of context without meaning.

If you're interested, you can find more in-depth analyses on my profiley such as why it was Heimerdinger, whose 200 years of neglect and inaction created the entire conflict between Zaun and Piltover.

(or there is the youtube link: https://youtu.be/y7Y__xyDyG8?si=Td3EuTLMMdcFkTko)

Thank you for reading it!

[malumxsubest]

≻ what is your muse's average daily routine ? (for either lia or myrkos!)

✱˚｡⋆ ↪ 𝐙𝐎𝐃𝐈𝐀𝐂 𝐇𝐄𝐀𝐃𝐂𝐀𝐍𝐎𝐍𝐒 . ( a collection of headcanon prompts based on each zodiac sign . adjust questions as desired . ) | always accepting !

AMELIA

even though amelia is unable to sleep like most creatures, she can emulate it well by being in a meditative state, simulating steady breathing. she'd be awaken from her slumber roughly around six a.m. and prepares her shower while she peels off her nightwear. switching from her silk bonnet to a shower cap to protect her thick wavy-curls before she dry brushes her skin in a methodical manner; a habit in which she had kept with her throughout the centuries. once done, she'll hop in the shower. amelia is very thorough with her hygiene for she takes it quite seriously. it's part of her self-care and she doesn't slack in that regard. she'll prefer to use homemade skincare products and scents. or, after thorough research, she'll purchase products that doesn't have dangerous chemicals. if she has the means ( which she does ) to create natural skincare for herself, she will do so. she's very particular how she smells and how her skin needs to feel. after all that jazz, she'll moisturize with a cream like apivita's honey cream or genuine olive oil. afterwards, while she waits for her skin absorb it, she's deliberate about her outfits; taking her time and mulls over what she would wanted to wear for the day. once chosen, she'll puts on her clothes and gently removes the shower cap from her head, ensuring her curls haven't been squished down too much and will adjust when necessary. lia then applies her makeup and goes to leave to enjoy some coffee and a delicious croissant with almond butter before heading off into her nightclub where she likes to coop herself into her office while she waits for her staff to arrive around noon or so to begin their preparation for the evening when the business officially opens to the public. essentially, it's work, work, work until into the wee hours of two a.m. and then rinse and repeat. and obviously she'll have a night time routine before bed like brushing her teeth, remove her makeup, shower, etc. sure there's deviations to her routine, but we'll be all day, lmao.

MYRKOS

just like his mother, myrkos cannot sleep either. but can also simulate it well. his daily routine consists of waking a little later in the day around nine a.m. and starts off with his dental and body hygiene which consists of almost militant precision where he's thorough when it comes to himself and his body care. he has one body. therefore, he treats it well to the best of his abilities especially when he allows himself to be shot or stabbed at in order to obtain his target. but i digress. after his shower and picking out a tailored suit as well as donning on his signature sunglasses, myrkos enjoys a nice cup of coffee with two creams and four sugars, bearing the same love for sweets like his maker, while he skims through the networks for a potential client. around noon or so, if he doesn't have a target to eliminate, he actually works at the nightclub as a bodyguard for his mother. he's there however long amelia needs him for before retiring either home or is left to his own devices where he's willing to chat up with the bartenders and patrons for his pleasure. after he has his own fill with toying with people, he'll indulge a conversation with his creator within the safety of her office on the second floor where he can also decompress and relax. he does go out for leisure. but sometimes, given the jobs he has, he gets a little people'd out, y'know? even though myrk enjoys the nightlife and everything that comes along with it, he much rather be away from it all and be within the comfort of his home where he can research; read; browse through private networks; watch films. once he does that, then his nighttime routine is similar to his morning routine when it comes to showering and brushing his teeth and then heads to bed in nothing but briefs before he slips into a meditative state after he has taken his sunglasses off.

[lansplaining]

golden core anon again! I haven't gotten the 7s translation yet, but in the ExR translation JC "retracted the whip, but it was already too late" and (a few paragraphs later) the hit actually landed on WN, leaving a scorch mark. I don't which is more accurate, but I've always had the impression that it wasn't really obvious for WN that JC was trying to stop the fight! I'm also 90% sure that WN wasn't lurking nearby to watch the whole exchange, so he's probably working with a lot of incomplete information here (in a lot of ways lol). as for why he immediately decided to deal emotional damage, instead of restraining JC or just punching him in the face (which would've probably made more sense to everyone and also might've made JC's day somewhat better in the end)… my personal interpretation is that WN was already pretty mad at the whole golden core thing? he initially respected WWX's desire to sacrifice the golden core for his brother, went along with his plan so that JC wouldn't suspect anything, watched WWX suffer during the surgery, then watched him destroy himself in the Burial Mounds without a core… and then realized that the guy who prompted so much self-sacrifice is… maybe kind of a dick actually? who has been treating WWX with nothing but anger and resentment whenever WN was present to see it? and now he's actually attacking him? "yeah no, fuck you, no blissful ignorance for you anymore, you should know exactly how much he has done for you and maybe then you'll leave him alone". (don't get me wrong, I agree that WN wasn't exactly fair to JC during the reveal, especially if you know that JC had sacrificed his core for WWX first, but I kinda get where he's coming from emotionally)

The Seven Seas has what I quoted, and yes, Wen Ning does intercept the blow that was going to hit Wangji. I don't speak Chinese and definitely can't get into the business of comparing translations, I'm very specifically talking about the experience of reading this translation and taking it as a story/narrative experience on its own.

I'm not saying that Wen Ning doesn't have personal reasons for revealing the golden core (though imo his emotional state as described both before and after is... weird, but that's part for the course with the unreliability of the narrator re: Wen Ning specifically), and I'm not saying the scene makes no sense. I'm literally just saying it's interesting that as a writer, MXTX chose to make the golden core reveal not actually the climax of a deadly conflict, or the only possible thing that could have stopped Jiang Cheng in his tracks, or even in response to Jiang Cheng actually doing something truly egregious-- it's yet another misunderstanding and disproportionate response to a situation someone bursts into without understanding.

(There's also the irony that right after this, Wen Ning thanks/implicitly forgives Lan Wangji because he spoke up for Wen Ning and Wen Qing before they were executed... but Jiang Cheng also spoke up for them-- to say nothing of facilitating the entire Burial Mounds grace period by arranging the fake fight-- Wen Ning just wasn't there, and it (also) didn't work.)