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letsgoletsgetit08 · 5 days ago

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It's A Trip! Ch. 1

summary: It started off as a joke, the proposition to road trip from the east coast to the west coast for Hongjoong and Seonghwa's wedding, but then Mingi said yes. And Jongho wasn't about to pass up that opportunity.

warnings/tags: mdni!, mxm, smut, recreational drug use, tropes, fluff, light angst, wooyoung is a little shit, jongho is whipped, au non-famous, siri play maknae on top by stray kids

pairing: top!jongho x bottom!mingi

author's note: I couldn't resist the idea of a little stoner road trip situation with unspoken feelings and Wooyoung trying to play matchmaker behind the scenes. Loosely based on the song of the same title by Joywave that got stuck in my head recently and fits the vibes, I think. Anyway. Enjoy!

word count: 21k (around 3.5k per chapter, 6 chapters total)

ao3 link: It's A Trip!

It's A Trip!

Day One

Hongjoong and Seonghwa were getting married. A destination wedding in the middle of Joshua Tree National Park, where they had rented out luxury yurts for their friend group to stay in. Everyone else had chosen to fly, considering none of them lived close by. But Jongho had a different idea: why didn't some of them take a road trip instead?

He was half joking when he originally suggested it, but then Mingi was immediately game - something he hadn't exactly been expecting - and Wooyoung and San agreed as well. The latter part was not as important to Jongho (no offense to them). But he missed Mingi dearly, though he would probably never admit that. They lived a few hours apart now and going from college roommates to just regular adult roommates, seeing each other daily to maybe seeing each other a few times a year was quite the adjustment. It was weird not having him around. Empty. Jongho himself was the one who was technically gone, if you wanted to split hairs. He had taken a job as a voice professor at Brown after he had finished his masters degree at Juilliard, leaving Mingi alone in New York, where he worked as a music producer. Jongho hadn't realized how attached he had grown to the man until he was gone.

By attached he meant… well. He didn't really know what he meant. He had never thought of it as attraction, per se, when they lived together. But when Mingi moved out and they both started dating around, Jongho found himself unable to really care about, concentrate on, or be interested in anyone he had tried to date. He found himself comparing every single one of them to Mingi, subconsciously at first, but then when he became cognizant of it, it was very obvious and almost became a compulsive habit.

He found himself trying to explain his breakups to his friends, but the real reasonings were always left unspoken:

“Hyunjin is nice but he is always cold.” Mingi was always warm.

“Taehyun is great except he doesn't respond to my jokes the right way,” the way Mingi would get them.

“Chaeryeong is so sweet but she doesn't like to be taken care of,” Mingi liked to be treated like a princess.

He had no clue how Mingi felt about him in return. They had always just been friends. Although, to be fair, he was significantly closer to Mingi than he was to the rest of the friend group. Mingi had the uncanny ability to see through whatever facade he was putting on and would dig deeper without even really trying. Just studied him in a way others didn't, seeing past the surface.

He was doing it now, in fact, from the passenger seat.

It was 7am and he had just picked Mingi up from his place in Brooklyn in the rental car, a spacious and brand new Toyota 4-Runner. Mingi's idea.

“We'll kill each other if we're stuck in a tiny Camry together for six days.” He had reasoned.

He was right. Plus, the 4-Runner was really cool, he couldn't lie.

His 4am departure from Providence wasn't wearing on him quite yet, but he felt tired just looking at how bouncy and full of energy Mingi was. The man always had a hard time concealing his excitement. His heart had done backflips at the sight of him bounding down the front steps of his brownstone, duffel bag flung over his shoulder, suit bag in the other hand, sunglasses on, black and ivory headphones around his neck. He looked better than Jongho had remembered, but as he entered the car with an enthusiastic, “What's up!” Jongho noted that he still smelled the same.

He had missed him so much.

Jongho didn't say that though, naturally. Instead, he said, “You're too enthusiastic for 7am, Mingi.”

Mingi barked a laugh, “I'm just excited to see you, man!”

Jongho probably blushed, but turned his head to look out the window, hoping Mingi had missed it.

“I'm glad to see you, too.” He mumbled quietly, only loud enough for Mingi to barely make out.

It wasn't too long of a trip to Philadelphia from New York, and Jongho couldn't help but mourn the only time he had with Mingi alone in the car as it passed too fast for his liking.

He tried to make the most of it, making Mingi keel over with laughter as he sang every part to Bohemian Rhapsody, listened to him talk about the new artist he was working with, how excited he was for the album he was producing to drop, and to Jongho's surprise (and well-contained joy), the story about Mingi's somewhat recent breakup. It hadn't been super serious, but he seemed similarly dissatisfied as Jongho had often found himself when it came to his ever passing relationships.

He felt even more chuffed as Mingi remarked, “It's not that I didn't like her, dude, it's just like,” he thought about it for a second, “No one is as easy to be around as you, Jongho. It's kind of annoying.”

“I know what you mean.” Jongho admitted.

“Well if we're both still single at 40, let's just say screw it.” Mingi joked.

Of course he was joking. Jongho knew there was no way Mingi saw him as anything but a friend, likely closer to a brother. Yet he still stuck out his hand for Mingi to shake to seal the deal, “Deal.” And he was so serious.

He figured a platonic marriage of convenience would still be better than one with someone else whom he didn't even like half as much as he liked Mingi.

It was over before he knew it, the drive feeling closer to twenty minutes than it had two hours.

Soon, they were pulling up in front of Wooyoung and San's townhouse. The two of them emerged glued together as they always were, Wooyoung empty handed aside from his pillow, San insistent upon carrying their luggage for them, a gentleman as always.

They were a little nauseating.

Maybe Jongho was just jealous.

Wooyoung met Jongho's eye from the backseat via the rear view mirror, giving him a deviously knowing look. He was the only person on the planet who had an inkling about Jongho's feelings for Mingi. Jongho was sure that meant San knew, too, but he was much more inclined to stay out of it than was his fiance.

Jongho rolled his eyes at Wooyoung, earning a wicked smile in return.

Of the eight of them, he and Wooyoung acted the most like siblings. The fact that they were the closest in age probably contributed to that. Jongho hadn't even intentionally told Wooyoung about his feelings for Mingi - the man was just an annoying pest and happened to notice how much Jongho talked about him after he moved out. When Wooyoung had pointed it out, acting as if he had just stumbled upon Jongho's deepest darkest secret (which honestly, he basically had), Jongho hadn't even been able to think of any believable way to deny it and Wooyoung had taken that for what it was, an endorsement of the truth.

Wooyoung had insisted on being in charge of planning the road trip and had calculated that they could make it in plenty of time, an entire two days to spare (one for the bachelor party, the other for the rehearsal), with only three nights spent on the road, meaning each day entailed on average around ten hours of drive time. With four people to rotate through, it really wasn't that bad. Their destination that night was Knoxville, Tennessee, with the idea of stopping in Nashville and Memphis the next day before ultimately arriving in Fayetteville, Arkansas for their second night. Fayetteville was slightly off the path, but it was a college town and Wooyoung had found, “the cutest little Inn!” right on the street downtown where all the college kids partied. They themselves were all only five or so, give or take, years out of undergrad. The last night would be spent in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Also a little off the path, but “It’s Santa Fe, you guys. Come on. It's Santa Fe.” The sentiment meant nothing to the three of them but they trusted Wooyoung. Because he insisted upon them doing so. It would be fun. Trust Wooyoung! That could easily have been the theme of the road trip. Just trust Wooyoung, everything will be great. And really, he did. They all did. Wooyoung had almost a sixth sense for things like this. Everything he touched, planned, organized, whatever have you, turned to gold. It's a big reason Jongho felt comfortable with his friend knowing his secret. Part of him thought maybe, just maybe, if Wooyoung was involved somehow, that things with Mingi would just magically work out.

By the time they reached middle-of-nowhere, Virginia, Jongho and Mingi had both had their turns driving and were switching off to the back seat so that San could take over, Wooyoung joining him up front.

Wooyoung had cornered Jongho in the bathroom in the gas station at which they were refueling the car and themselves, “You need to tell him how you feel.” He said in a rush, quietly, just in case.

“Hell fucking no.” Jongho replied, “I will not be saying anything unless I have cold, hard, proof right in front of me that he has any sort of feelings towards me outside of friendship.”

Wooyoung shoved his arm, “That’s stupid! I can see how he looks at you!”

Jongho huffed, “Wooyoung, you think everyone wants to fuck each other all the time.”

“Everyone does want to fuck each other all the time! Look at Hongjoong and Seonghwa! I called that before literally anyone.” Wooyoung argued.

It was true. Jongho couldn’t deny it. Well, he shouldn’t deny it, but he sure was going to, “I’m not convinced Seonghwa hadn’t tipped you off to that at some point before. You really can’t take credit for predicting that.”

Wooyoung sighed, “Believe me or don’t but I did call it. And I’m calling this, too. You and Mingi will have confessed by the end of the trip. And I would put money on Mingi not being the one to do something about it first. Actually, I have put money on it. I owe San $200 if Mingi confesses first.” He looked stupidly proud of himself.

“God, I knew you would tell San! You two might as well share a brain.” Jongho pushed past Wooyoung, ignoring his empty taunts and threats as he walked back out to the car.

Back on the road, Mingi was trying to work some on his laptop, but had to put it away, saying he was going to get car sick if he kept at it. Jongho was getting sleepy, but was too jittery and nervous being in the back seat with Mingi only a foot or so away.

Mingi’s head tipped back, leaning on the head rest of the seat, his eyes closed, a somewhat pained expression on his face.

Jongho couldn’t resist it, he reached up and moved a strand of hair off of Mingi’s face where it looked like it would be uncomfortably tickling his nose had he left it.

“You alright?” Jongho asked him softly.

Mingi nodded but didn’t open his eyes, “Yeah. Just getting sleepy.”

“Work isn't too stressful?” Jongho inquired, a little worried about him. Mingi was a perfectionist and had a hard time not letting little things get to him. Jongho had been there for more than one panic attack due to stress from a project but mostly from pressure put upon himself.

“It is stressful. But it's okay. I've got better coping mechanisms now. Had to, without you around to look after me.” Mingi smiled, though his eyes stayed closed.

“Okay. Well good. Get some sleep then, yeah?” Jongho insisted.

“Mmh yeah good call.” Mingi said thickly, already half asleep.

San had been pretending not to listen, but suddenly they were listening to a very dry podcast on European history rather than the music that had been playing. Wooyoung protested for a second - he had been putting on an unsolicited concert for the whole car, but San insisted, “Driver gets aux!” and shot a quick glance to the backseat, then back to Wooyoung, trying to communicate with just his eyes. Wooyoung seemed to understand and just said, “Okay, fine.”

San found Jongho’s eyes in the rearview mirror this time, giving him his tiniest, proudest little smile, dimples barely visible. Jongho stuck his tongue out in reply.

Mingi’s head kept tipping forward and waking him up. Jongho noticed this and reached over to put his hand on Mingi’s knee, shaking it lightly to get the man to wake up. When he did, Jongho simply looked at him and patted his lap. Mingi understood and leaned over sideways until his head was in Jongho’s lap, fingers carding softly through his long, pink hair, falling asleep immediately.

Eastern Tennessee was surprisingly pretty, Jongho had to admit. A big reason Wooyoung had agreed to this trip was because it was late October and the fall foliage was stunning. Perfect for someone who had recently taken up photography and had a natural talent for it. It would be interesting to see how it all changed from east to west as they traveled. Wooyoung had made several frantic stops on their drive so far, asking to pull over to marked overlooks, snapping a few quick pictures, then moving on.

At least he was fast about it.

After far too long in the car together, the four of them nearly stumbled on their exit after pulling into the hotel parking lot. Legs stiff, glad to no longer be sharing the same oxygen, at least briefly. Wooyoung had thankfully (begrudgingly) booked two separate rooms, after quite the protest, arguing that it would be like old times! A sleepover! The only thing that convinced him was San pointing out that they wouldn't be able to have sex if all four of them shared a room. That changed his mind real quick.

You could technically call it a hotel, but the three of them who weren't Wooyoung were a little dumbfounded at what they had just pulled up to.

“You booked us Hobbit huts?!” Was the question making its way in some form out of their mouths.

They had been asleep when Wooyoung pulled the car up, missing the sign reading “Ancient Lore Village” on their way in.

“I think what you meant to say was ‘Wooyoung, this is so cool, we're so happy you booked us the Hobbit huts, how will we ever thank you enough?’” Wooyoung said smugly.

Jongho hid his excitement, never wanting to give Wooyoung the satisfaction.

Mingi looked at him and smiled, reading straight through him as always, but didn't give it away.

“So when you agreed to book separate rooms, you-” Mingi started.

“Booked the two bedroom Hobbit hut, yeah!” Wooyoung finished for him.

Upon entering, (Mingi having to duck through the entrance), the hut was pretty fucking cool. Not an exact replica to the franchise, likely for copyright reasons, but the ambience was effective.

Mingi told Jongho he could shower first, which he was grateful for. He tried to let the hot water relax his muscles, but all he could think about was the fact that he would be sharing a bed with Mingi that night. Imagination running wild, he had to calm himself down and push away the images his brain was feeding him of Mingi in bed with him, cuddling, or kissing, or better yet- no. No. He had to stop or he'd end up needing to take care of himself in the shower and that felt a little too lewd. He cranked the shower handle over to cold in a valiant attempt to snap the fuck out of it. It worked well enough.

He stepped out of the shower and into the bedroom with a towel wrapped around his waist at the exact time Mingi walked into the room.

Jongho would gaslight himself about this moment later, but he swore Mingi checked him out as he announced, “Pizza is here!”

Jongho was frozen to the spot, “Okay, thanks, I'll be there soon.”

Mingi tucked his bottom lip under his front teeth, a habit of his that didn't necessarily indicate attraction like it might on most people, but Jongho could see it on his face. He was definitely checking him out.

“You been working out?” Mingi asked, voice low.

Jongho couldn’t help himself, flexing a little as he walked over to his suitcase, “Yeah, actually, I have been.”

He heard Mingi swallow, “Nice. Um. Yeah. You're looking good, dude.”

Jongho pulled a shirt on, facing away from Mingi, “Thanks, it's good to know the hard work wasn't really for naught.”

“Definitely not.” Mingi was digging through his own bag across the room now, pulling some baggies out that Jongho had a hunch on what they were.

Jongho finished getting dressed after Mingi left and headed into the living room where Wooyoung and San were sitting practically on top of each other on a loveseat, leaving room beside Mingi for Jongho to sit next to him on the couch.

San remembered he had packed a cooler full of beer and seltzers and got up to heft it inside, asking if anyone wanted anything.

They did, of course, and Mingi used the opportunity of San passing out their drinks of choice to survey the room on his offerings, “I have gummies!” He pulled out the two bags, “This one is a blend, but this one is all indica. I use it to sleep but anyone is welcome if you're not a sativa fan.”

“I thought you were more of a flower guy?” Jongho observed.

Mingi shrugged, not meeting his eyes, “You don't smoke though. For your voice. Right?”

Huh. He hadn't expected Mingi to remember that. Or be so thoughtful. “Oh. Yeah. You're right. Thanks!”

Mingi pulled one of the hybrid gummies out of its bag, looking at Jongho questioningly. Jongho nodded, reaching for it with his hand. Mingi pulled his hand back, “Magic words?”

Jongho couldn’t help but chuckle, “Please get me high, Mingi.”

Mingi smiled, opening his mouth to demonstrate what he wanted from Jongho.

Jongho obeyed. The trip Mingi's hand took from mid-air to Jongho's mouth seemed to last forever, the look in Mingi's eyes dark as he placed the gummy on Jongho's tongue, finger applying pressure to hinge his jaw shut and encourage chewing.

Jongho felt heat building low in his gut. It was hot. Mingi was hot. Did he have any clue what he was doing to him? Jongho turned away, uncomfortable from being under the spotlight, turning towards the pizza in front of them instead.

The room was weirdly silent for a second. Wooyoung and San looking at each other, trying to ignore what they had just witnessed.

Mingi was either oblivious or didn't care, and passed the bag over to the others before also digging into his pizza.

None of them made it further than halfway into The Fellowship of the Rings (when in Rome, right?) before they were drifting off to sleep. The first quarter of the movie was spent with them raucously high, quoting the movie they had seen a thousand times, making fun of the parts that were fun to laugh at. But then the weed, the beer, the full stomachs and the long day seemed to hit all at once and Mingi was once again nodding off beside Jongho. Wooyoung was snoring softly, tucked into San's chest.

Jongho shook Mingi awake, “Come on, let's go to bed. You've gotta at least brush your teeth.”

Mingi groaned, not moving. Jongho sighed and grabbed his arm, heavy with sleep, draped it around his shoulder and worked his other hand around Mingi's waist, helping him stand up. “Guys, go to bed!” He called to Wooyoung and San. They stirred sleepily as Jongho reached down to turn off the TV. San ended up bridal carrying Wooyoung into their bedroom since the man was refusing to walk on his own, whining and grumbling, bratty as ever.

Jongho limped Mingi into their room, propped him against the bathroom counter, and dug through his bathroom bag in search of his toothpaste. He found them under a small bottle of lube and some condoms. Huh. Interesting. He probably just carried that bag with him when he was hooking up with someone. He shook his head to rid his brain of the dirty thoughts that were creeping in and helped Mingi brush his teeth.

He was awake enough after that and went to flop clumsily straight onto the middle of the bed after stripping down to his boxers. Jongho swallowed. So Mingi still slept like that. Surely Wooyoung had booked separate beds for the rest of their trip. Jongho didn't think he could bear being in such proximity to a nearly naked Mingi the whole trip. It would probably kill him.

He finished up in the bathroom then joined Mingi in the bed, not meaning to wake him up, but it was hard not to seeing as he had to roll him over in order to have room to climb in.

Mingi made a dissatisfied noise, then when he realized Jongho was in the bed with him, mumbled, “Jong. Cuddle me.”

Jongho wasn't sure he'd heard him right, “What's that?”

Mingi reached back and grabbed Jongho's arm, tossing it over his waist, saying more clearly this time, “Hold me. Please?”

And who was Jongho to say no?

He slept in a t-shirt, unlike his friend, but still, the feeling of Mingi’s skin through the thin fabric of his shirt was doing something to his brain. He pulled Mingi close, jumping on the opportunity that was being presented to him. They fit together remarkably well, he noted as Mingi melted into the embrace, sighing a raspy, “G'night.”

Jongho smiled into his bare shoulder blade, and whispered, “Goodnight, Mingi,” his mind spinning happily as he drifted off.

continue reading, chapter two here

#ateez #ateez smut #ateez jongho #ateez mingi #ateez jonggi #ateez fanfic #ateez matz #ateez road trip #ateez see the midsouth #ateez seonghwa #ateez hongjoong #ateez yunho #ateez yeosang #ateez san #ateez wooyoung #only one bed

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omegangrins · 4 years ago

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A Rant on the End of Tremors 7: Shrieker Island

As the main man said,

Throwing caution to the wind because this blew up elsewhere.

If you can do it with Justice League, fuck it, let's do it for every shitty movie we've got.

While we're at it, can we change the ending of the 7th Tremors movie so *MAJOR FUCKING SPOILERS* Burt Gummer doesn't die or at least bring Jamie Kennedy back, or Marvel style recast Jon Heder, so he dies saving his son instead of a random-ass person who could have easily saved themselves. Or cut the forced montage of Burt clips at the end so his death is at least ambiguous. Seriously beyond pissed about that one. THAT is no way for him to go.

I would also like to point out that the next Tremors *HAS* to be titled Tremors 8: Ouroboros and bring everyone back for Burt's funeral . Otherwise, what's the fucking point?

I have feelings about it, people. *FEELINGS!!!*

One of my favourite childhood memories is picking out Tremors 2 from the local gas station's movie rentals and forcing my parents to watch it. I was probably 5-6 at the time.

Let's say that it's been a lifelong love affair ever since. It took me another 10 years before I even watched the 1st. Probably why I hold good sequels in such high regard.

I didn't even know about the 1st until it played as a trailer in front of 2 and never thought to watch until years later. That's a testament to its filmmaking if I ever knew one.

So seriously, that's how they chose to kill off one of the most well known and prolific characters in a movie/TV series known around the globe? With an unnecessaryily needed death and a montage of clips from all the other movies that are obviously better than this one.

And I'm saying that as someone who defends Chibnall/13th Doctor...

...and I'm fucking fuming because THIS is how you *actually* destroy something people love and hold dear to their hearts. It's like the ending of Game of Thrones. His shitty ass death has made it a loooooot harder to rewatch. And they are one of my favourite series!!! Not flawless but fun. But I will defend every other movie and all the episodes except this. Honestly I'll still defend 7/8ths of this one as well.

Like I said, it's easily fixed too. Fucking vice versa swap out Jon Heder for Jamie Kennedy, who the movies have been building up for the last two, and have Burt save his son in front of his old flame. Boom, you won't even need the montage of clips cause you can just have Travis and his mom reminisce about Burt instead. Show not tell. I don't even care he died by Graboid (although in all honesty, I've allways wanted El Blanco to take him down or Burt kills himself from the PTSD. It would have AT LEAST MADE SENSE. Hell, the best would be a heart attack to callback Val's "Yeah, Burt, the way you worry, you're gonna have a heart attack before you get a chance to survive World War Three.". But none of us ever get the best death.). And it's not even about Burt sacrificing himself to save a nobody. Cause that could work too. BUT YOU NEED TO BUILD THAT SHIT UP. Not just fucking drop it like it's hot.

Like I said too, the first 7/8ths ain't bad but it's an entirely different story than a swansong for a hero.

It's all about some billionaire scientist/cowboy hunter dude who likes to get his jollies off hunting the biggest and the baddest who ends up inviting people to this island so they can hunt down Super-Graboids he designed for shits and giggles. But then some Shrieker-fy....

And the pretentious douches come and die one by beautiful one while Burt tries to save them anyway and it's all spectacularly dumb fun until it comes crashing down in the final 10 minutes. Fuck, they should just cut the last 10 minutes. Then it's a perfect little Tremors ditty.

#RELEASETHE7THTREMORSWITH10MINUTESFROMTHEENDCUT

This isn't even about Jon Heder either. He's just doing his job. Hell, do what /u/VoiceofRonHoward pointed out.

"It is clear that Jon's character was just pasted in over Jamie's, the artifacts of the father-son relationship are all over it. They should have gone full Marvel and just replaced Jamie with Jon and acted like nothing happened."

CAUSE FUCK YES!! The only time a story sucks is when they don't commit. Commitment makes all the difference. Now, I'm pissed double-pissed they didn't do that instead since Heder and Kennedy are similar in terms of white-boy-ness.

Even Michael Gross agrees:

"Yes, yes. Now I can't presume to speak for Jamie [Kennedy]. My understanding was they asked him and he said no. And so that's why they went with somebody else. So I had nothing to do with that decision. I just heard the stories. I missed him for that reason. You begin a relationship with the character, and you want to continue it....

...As you build a relationship with this son, we had two, it would've been nice to have three, but that was the hand I was dealt."

One of my favourite bits of Tremors lore comes from the 5th too so it's not like I hate sequel changes out of hand:

"This is a warrior dance. Our ancestors hunting the lnkanyamba and the Impundulu.

"What's that?

"Impundulu. It's what you call the Ass Blaster.

"Ass Blaster.

"Yes.

"Hey, you know, you make Ass Blaster sound good.

Primitive cultures fighting Graboids, Shriekers and Assblasters. I just love that thought.

Hilariously, my meta opening to the 8th movie would be a flashback to 10,000 years ago and a Neanderthal-like Burt Gummer teaching others how to drive Graboids off cliffs like they did with mammoths.

Thank you for giving me the space to rant. Cause fuuuuuuhhhhhhhhuuccck!!!

Here's Michael Gross' own words from his AMA that prove the people making Shrieker Island didn't know their shit.

"The Tremors series is one very close to my heart and I want you to know how appreciated your continued effort is for your core fan base.

My only question would be were there ever any studio decisions made for Burt that you refused to comply with? Or was everybody pretty much always on the same page on what to do with the character?

Thanks again for your dedication.

- Josh"

"Thanks for the kind words, Josh. As regards the first four films, with Wilson and Maddock as the writers, we were very much on the same page. 5,6, and 7 were a bit different, because there was a 13-year hiatus between 4 and 5, and we had to refresh our memories while "reinventing" the franchise for a new audience. I will give you one example: in an early draft of Shrieker Island, a new writer wrote a draft where Burt threatened to shoot one of the bad dudes, and I had to tell him—this is true—"Burt never intentionally points his gun at another human being."

And his own thoughts on Burt's "death" and how to bring it all back together again.

Universal and the director [came] to me with this idea, and they said, 'This could be emotionally very powerful, if we have to say goodbye to this man after 30 years. And I hemmed and hawed, and I thought about it a little bit. And I said, 'You're absolutely right about the emotional gut punch this can be.' And I said, 'You're going to hurt a lot of people's feelings.' And I said, 'But I thought this franchise was over after four. So I could certainly live with it being over after seven.'

"What we negotiated -- well, it wasn't really a negotiation, we all agreed on this -- is that we kind of left the door open. >!Because although Burt is gone, we never see a corpse. We never see his remains. Everybody assumes he's gone. Is he buried somewhere? Is he unconscious somewhere? We never see Burt dead. We see Burt gone. We see Burt not returning. What does that mean? Has he been knocked out? Does he have amnesia somewhere? Does he wander off? Is he in a kind of coma? So yes, the way it ends is pretty profound."

"As regards to the end of Tremors 7, let me just say that while people ASSUME Burt is gone, we never see his remains, do we? Just sayin.'

"The only reason he has become the main character is that everyone else in the original cast moved on to other things. I NEVER thought of him as the central figure, but it just worked out that Michael Gross, like Burt Gummer, was a "survivor." :0) "

"No one would like to see it more than I!!! One of my greatest regrets is that so many other cast members fell away over time. Reba was on to other things, Kevin said no to a second, Fred said no to a third. I would LOVE one last go with all of them, but it is not up to me. :0( "

"There are no guarantees, but for those who wonder aloud if this is the final film, I will say what I have said before: SALES drive sequels, Show biz is 5% show and 95% business, so if this latest addition to the Tremors franchise, sells well, [Universal] will follow the money, and Universal Pictures Home Entertainment may will be back for more."

/u/ActorMichaelGross, the bell has been rung and the song sung. Get the producers on this ASAP!!

I was also the first person to discover the symbolic foreshadowing of Stumpy's end with Earl's sleeping bag in the original movie.

Let's just say, I really *really* love these movies. So if anyone knows anyone, hook me up to the producers of this series and I'll Justin Lin in the Fast and Furious out of this shit.

Since I don't think it's good to critique without proposing either, I say we can make up for this fuck up with the next movie. We'll call it Tremors 8: Ouroboros. After the snake which eats its own tail.

We find out Burt faked his death to get the Proudfoot Corporation to let down their guard and when everyone from the previous series comes back for Burt's fake funeral they give him ever loving shit for being such a paranoid whack-job that he would fake his death to fool a government agency. Why would he do this? He found an old photo of Hiram Gummer with a Graboid warning on the back and asks himself why this valley, why these things, why allways me? And we find out, it's not Burt. It's that lifestyles of extremes will end up in places of extremes. Burt and the Graboids are survivors of different species. Sure the Proudfoot Corporation IS using Mixmaster to combine Graboids, Shriekers, and Ass-Blasters into one super creature for the military but it pales in comparison to Burt looking at his life and wondering in shame how many ancient giants like himself he has killed. And with that, he actually dies, and we keep the ball rolling with the rest of the characters trying to stop what they allways thought was just another one of Burt's crazy conspiracies.

That's why it's Ouroboros. Everything comes back around. We could end/start the movie with Grady, Earl, and Jodi opening a Monster World in Perfection Valley a la Desert Jack's Graboid Adventure. I don't know. I'm fucking trying harder than the people they paid to do this already.

It ain't perfect but I'm building on sand here so changes are gonna get made.

Like if the makers of Tremors notice this,

Then DM me because fucking A you guys need some help.

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alj4890 · 4 years ago

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Misfortune's Intentions

(Liam x OC*Elisse Millan) (Drake x Riley) in a Choices The Royal Heir fan fiction

A/N We've jumped ahead in this chapter by nearly a month. Liam is returning home after the road trip and Walker family visit for Savannah's wedding. He now has to figure out how to keep moving on now that Drake and Riley are pregnant. Amalas makes a decision that keeps Elisse right where she wants her to be.

@gkittylove99 @krsnlove @kingliam2019 @texaskitten30 @hopefulmoonobject @yourmajesty09 @mom2000aggie

Masterlist

Chapter 2 Confirmation

Liam gave orders to the staff to take his bags upstairs on the way to his study.

The past few weeks spent exclusively with his friends, trapped in a rental car and small farmhouse, had exhausted him. He longed to go up to his room for a moment of solitude. No thoughts. No conversations. No reliving that moment.

He closed his eyes as he sat down behind his desk. Unbidden and unwanted, his mind brought the image of Drake and Riley to mind.

"We have something we need to tell you." Drake said once Liam, Hana, and Maxwell sat down.

"Is something wrong?" Hana asked.

Riley shook her head, unshed tears formed as Drake cuddled her closer in his arms.

The couple locked eyes before taking a deep breath.

"We're pregnant!" They shouted.

Maxwell whooped and jumped up to hug them both. Hana followed, exclaiming how happy she was.

Thankfully no one noticed the only person in the room who remained sitting down.

No, Liam thought. He wasn't sure why that denial whispered through his mind. He only knew he didn't want to hear this. See it. Be forced to witness every moment.

He made himself stand to congratulate them. Somehow the words came.

"I'm thrilled for you both." He even managed to smile. "This is the best kind of news."

"Oh! Let's go shopping for the baby to celebrate!" Hana exclaimed.

Everyone else agreed, making their way out the door. Hana paused, glancing back at Liam.

"Aren't you coming?" She asked.

"Of course." He shook himself out of his daze. "I need to retrieve something from upstairs."

She smiled at him. "Hurry."

As soon as the screen door shut, he allowed his smile to disappear. His steps were heavy as he climbed up the stairs.

He hesitated as he walked past the bedroom Drake and Riley had been using since their arrival at the Walker ranch.

The walls were thin. Too thin. He heard everything at night as he tried to sleep in the other bedroom.

There were many nights that he had to leave the house and take a walk just to escape hearing them express and demonstrate their love to one another.

If they had not gotten pregnant after all that, then they never would, he thought.

The moment he parted from them outside the palace, he felt the stress of keeping his feelings buried disappear. He was able to breathe again. Frown if he wanted to without anyone asking what was wrong. Remain silent for the next few weeks if he was so inclined.

He could focus again what was most important: running his kingdom.

Even if it is for someone else's child.

He pinched the bridge of his nose. Irritation rose within him that he even had that type of thought. He had chosen this himself. No one forced him to. Why was he now experiencing bitterness when he should be rejoicing? His best friends had done what he had asked. They were pregnant with the royal heir.

What more could I possibly ask for?

"Liam? I hope I'm not interrupting."

He stood up with a tired smile. "Not at all. How were things while I was away?"

Regina eyed him for a moment. "Everything went well. We had requests from a few of the visiting monarchs to rent some of the vacant manors outside the capital."

"Oh? Hoping to use proximity to sway Drake and Riley's decision, I take it."

"Indeed." She sat down across from him. "I gave them permission to do so." A slight smile touched her lips. "If nothing else, we will have nearly a year's worth of rent from these people."

Liam chuckled. "True."

Her expression became serious once more. "Liam, dear..."

He cocked an eyebrow when she didn't continue.

"As difficult as this must be, we will need Drake and Riley to be here for a press conference as soon as possible." She averted her eyes when she saw the brief flash of anguish on his face. "The country has been anxiously awaiting for an announcement."

"I see." He rubbed a hand down his face. "I will let them know." He cleared his throat deciding to change the subject. "Which monarchs are staying in Cordonia?"

"Many, like the King and Queen of Auvernal are dividing their time between here and their kingdoms." She explained. "The only one needing use of a manor for the entire pregnancy is Queen Amalas."

"Really?" Liam's brow furrowed. "That’s strange. She doesn't strike me as the kind of ruler to leave her duties for so long."

"You're right. That's why she intends for her cousin, Viscountess Millan, to be here the entire time and act as her proxy when she is back in Monterisso."

Liam straightened in his chair. "Lady Elisse is moving here?"

"According to Queen Amalas." Regina replied. "As soon as she is back from America, she will be settling at Cranborne Manor."

"She's in America?" He wondered why she would be there. He knew Amalas had surprised Riley and the other ladies at Savannah's bachelorette party. Her brief visit had struck them all as odd.

Was Elisse following us? Is that how Amalas knew where we were?

"Yes, she is. Boston, I think is where the queen said Lady Elisse was going. How was the wedding?" Regina' s voice cut through his thoughts. "The papers here have spent weeks documenting every little thing." She grimaced slightly. "They are eating it up that the Walker siblings made such advantageous marriages."

That's how Amalas knew where to find us. She had seen it in the news.

Liam relaxed some at that mystery being solved.

"Liam?"

"Forgive me." He apologized. "I think the jet lag is causing me to zone out."

"Then you need to go upstairs and rest."

"But I--"

"No arguments." She took his arm and tugged him toward the door. "There is nothing on that desk that demands your immediate attention."

He looked down at her with an affectionate smile on his lips. Once at the main stairs, she released him. Liam surprised her with a hug and kiss to her cheek.

"Thank you." He said softly. "For commanding me to do so."

She gently patted his cheek. "Anytime, dear."

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

Monterisso's Royal Palace...

"Don't go, Lisse." Josip rubbed his eyes before launching himself into Elisse's arms.

"I'll be back." Elisse promised, hugging him tight. "And you can come visit me when Mommy comes." She tilted his little cherub face up. "We'll have new places to play." She dropped her voice to a whisper. "And all the cupcakes we want. Your mommy will never know."

"I heard that." Amalas yelled out from Elisse's closet.

Josip giggled at his mother's tone.

"What are you looking for?" Elisse yelled back.

"That black ballgown of yours." Amalas stepped out with hands on her hips. "The one that caused Lord Ashton to trip and land in the punch bowl."

Elisse rolled her eyes. "It wasn't the dress that caused that. It was his vanity in not wanting to be seen wearing glasses."

"I think it was the dress." She returned to her search. A triumphant yell sounded after a few more minutes.

"You're packing this and wearing it." Amalas said in her queenly tone. "That is a direct order, by the way."

"Hmm." Elisse picked up the little prince. "What do you think? Should I mind mommy?"

"Yes!" He replied with another giggle.

"See." Amalas smiled, "even the prince agrees."

"Very well." Elisse set him down. "I can't fight you both."

"I want you to wear it at the next ball Liam hosts." Her cousin instructed.

"Amalas." Elisse drew out the syllables. "Stop."

"Why? You’re clearly attracted to him."

"You know why." Elisse snapped. "I can't--"

"He's already taken care of that!" Amalas argued. "You could be with him without any pressure."

Elisse zipped her suitcase. "I'm going to Cordonia to represent you, not to romance Liam."

Amalas folded her arms. "If you change your mind, know that I would be thrilled both as your cousin and queen for you to be with him."

The viscountess sighed. "I'm not going to actively pursue him."

Elisse couldn't help but think of that moment in Valtoria's ballroom when he asked her to dance. The way it felt to be in his arms. Talking to him.

A smile appeared as she faced Amalas. "But I won't say no if he decides to pursue me."

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

The Royal Gardens, Cordonia, a week later...

"Drake and I are so excited." Riley told reporters. "I can't wait to meet our son or daughter."

Cameras flashed as she continued to answer questions.

Liam stood off to the side with a well practiced expression of delight on his face. His eyes swept over the crowd of nobles and members of the press.

He paused when he saw Elisse.

As if sensing she was being watched, she began to turn her head from side to side.

Their eyes met. She sent a smile his way, causing his own to respond.

With a tilt of his head toward the back of the crowd, he made his way over as she did the same.

"Welcome back to Cordonia." Liam kept his voice to barely above a whisper.

"Thank you." She replied. "I am glad to be here again."

"How do you find Cranborne Manor?"

"It's beautiful." Elisse responded. "I love being right on the ocean." She glanced over at the press conference still going. "I slept with my window open last night so I could hear the waves hitting the shore."

"I haven't been to Cranborne in years." Liam slipped his hands in his pockets, relaxing his kingly stance.

"Oh?" She lowered her eyes. "You are more than welcome to stop by and see it."

Liam grinned and also looked away. "I might just take you up on that offer."

She peeked at him from beneath her lashes. "I had thought of taking advantage of the perfect weather and spending a day on the beach tomorrow."

"That sounds nice." He lifted his eyes to hers.

"It's a shame I don't know too many people in Cordonia." She clasped her hands behind her back. "I wouldn't mind some company." Her lips curved slightly. "I might even be willing to pack a picnic."

"Might be willing?" His smile turned a touch flirty. "And what should one expect from a picnic you pack?"

She bit her lip, turning slightly away. "Mostly items that no one deems healthy." Her eyes cut to him. "Everything that tastes good and probably wouldn't appear at a formal court dinner."

He shifted closer to her. "That does sound tempting."

Liam cleared his throat. "Hypothetically speaking, what time would you go out to the beach?"

"Around noon." Elisse couldn't control her smile. "Hypothetically speaking of course."

"Of course."

The crowd began to disperse. Members of the press were packing up their equipment while nobles mingled at the garden party.

"Looks like we better catch up."

Liam wondered if he was imagining the faint note of reluctance in her voice.

He offered his arm to her. "Shall we, m'lady?"

She slipped her hand into the bend of his arm. "Thank you, your majesty."

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

"Who is that with Liam?" Riley asked.

Maxwell craned his neck to see who she was talking about.

"Hmm. Not sure but I think I've seen her before." He muttered.

"That's Queen Amalas's cousin." Hana said once she caught a glimpse. "From what Madeleine said, she will be remaining here to act as proxy for Monterisso's monarch."

"Liam said he would spend time with her to see if the Spy Queen has any hidden motives." Drake added. His eyes narrowed somewhat at Elisse's ability to hold Liam's attention. "I don't trust her."

The group of friends watched silently as Liam made her laugh on their way to join a group of other visiting foreign nobles.

Overhearing Drake's opinion, Olivia stepped up beside Hana.

"Monterisso has been a country that keeps mostly to itself." Her sharp green eyes remained on the viscountess. "I can't recall the last time any representative from their country visited Cordonia."

"Perhaps it is time to flip the tables on them." Maxwell suggested. "Spy on the spies."

"Isn't that what Liam is doing?" Riley asked. Worry for her friend began to appear on her face. "Do you think he is safe with her?"

"Liam can take care of himself." Hana replied. Her own worry reflected in her eyes. "But I'm worried she will use him in other ways."

"Maybe we should talk to him." Riley slipped her arm around Drake. "What do you think?"

Drake's lips parted, hesitating on whether or not they should interfere. "We'll play it by ear for now. Until we see Liam acting differently, we need to stay out of his way as he tries to gain information."

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

The next day, Cranborne Manor's private beach...

"You look much more relaxed today."

"I am. I didn't realize how much I needed a break from everyone."

Elisse chuckled before standing up. "Everyone? I suppose that's my cue to leave."

Liam scrambled upright to snag her hand in order to stop her.

With a laugh, she dodged it and ran off toward the water.

His smile came unbidden as he chased after her.

What am I doing?

That thought caused him to falter once he was waist deep in the ocean.

Elisse popped up out of the water, beside him.

"Is something wrong?" She asked once she pushed her damp clumps of hair out of her eyes.

Liam's gaze drifted over her. The wet, coffee colored hair. Bronze skin glistening with suntan oil and drops of water. Lips that were usually turned up in a warm smile were now in a thin, concerned line. Deep brown eyes that reminded him of dark chocolate. The black bathing suit that highlighted her beauty. He took it all in within a second or two.

I really am attracted to her.

He slowly shook his head. "Nothing's wrong, m'lady."

What am I to do now?

Her smile reappeared. "M'lady? I thought a certain king insisted that today we lose all titles."

He chuckled. "He sounds very intelligent."

"I certainly think he is." She reached for his hand. "Come on. There are a number of desserts in that picnic basket that I want to eat but also need an accomplice to finish them off."

"Should I be concerned with your sugar addiction?" Liam teased.

"Only when you find me eating sugar cubes without a pot of tea or coffee nearby." She teased back.

"I'll make certain to have the Royal guards take up sentry duty by the palace pantry."

"That will cause me to have to smuggle sweet treats into your country." She shook her head sadly. "What would the punishment be for such actions?"

"The most severe one we have." His tone playfully turned sinister. "You will have to watch Cordonia's ruler eating it all in front of you without offering you a single bite."

She gasped dramatically, placing a hand over her heart. "I never knew how brutal you could be."

"One has to be with smugglers like you." He winked at her as he helped her unpack the rest of goodies she had brought.

She laughed softly, her own body relaxing in the warm sun and his company.

"I'm glad you took my hypothetical invitation and came by today."

Liam polished off the rest of a vanilla cream puff before responding. "I'm glad you offered it." His lips curved. "Hypothetically."

She opened another container filled with various chocolate covered fruits. Her teasing smile turned a touch serious. "This is my first time living somewhere other than Monterisso."

"It is?"

"Yes." She picked up a strawberry covered in white chocolate. She focused on the waves as she spoke. "I always knew there was a chance of marrying someone who lived in a different country. But, I never imagined living somewhere else alone."

Liam glanced back toward Cranborne. He knew her intimidating bodyguard was most likely watching over them. "You're not completely alone."

"You mean Felix?" She laughed softly. "True. It is hard to ignore his presence." She reclined back on her beach towel. "He's that older brother I always needed growing up."

"Keeps you out of trouble?"

"That and isn't afraid of letting me know when I do something he thinks is foolish." She closed her eyes. "He has stood by me during some difficult moments in my life."

Liam stretched out on his side after removing the picnic basket that sat between them. "It's nice to have a source of comfort."

"Yes, it is." She turned her head and met his steady blue gaze. "It seems you have quite a few that are that for you."

"Yes." Liam averted his eyes. "I suppose I do."

"Liam, may I ask you something personal?" She turned on her side facing him. "If you don't wish to answer, I won't pressure you."

"What is it you wished to ask?"

"Why did you decide to name an heir instead of marrying someone and producing your own?"

His silence made her wish she hadn't ruined this day with her curiosity. He probably despised her for the audacity of even thinking she could ask him something like that.

Though it felt like she had always known him from rereading his file every chance she got, he didn't know her.

Her lips parted to apologize and take back her question.

"I think..." Liam began. "I think I did it out of selfish reasons." He grimaced at voicing what he had hoped wasn't true about himself. "I needed a way to take some time from being pressured about my finding a queen for Cordonia." He lifted his eyes to hers. "And I've used the excuses that I secured the throne and gave an honor to my closest friends."

Liam searched her face for repulsion or disapproval.

He saw nothing but a hint of sadness and sympathy.

"It's horrible, isn't it?" He asked.

"No." She replied. "It's not. From what I know about you, you have been put in some very difficult spots these last few years. You unexpectedly being named the crown prince. Forced to choose a bride to become king. Trying to break away from such tradition. Terrorists." Elisse placed her hand on top of his and gently squeezed. "Who wouldn't want a moment to step back from all that had been asked of him?"

He turned his hand over so he could hold hers. "Thank you, Elisse."

She smiled at him. Her eyes drifted over his handsome face in contented silence.

"May I ask a personal question?"

She nodded. "Of course. It wouldn't be fair for me to be the only one allowed."

"Why didn't you take part in my social season?" Liam braced himself for her answer.

He did not expect the sight of tears forming in her eyes.

"You don't know?" Her voice cracked.

"No." He gently gripped her hand. "I'm sorry, I--"

"Your father didn't want me to take part after the results of his required health examination." Elisse closed her eyes, trying to keep from crying.

"Health examination?" Liam's brow furrowed. "Why would that have any importance?"

"Because you are a king who needs to have heirs for the throne." She said softly.

"Yes, but why would--" Realization came over Liam. "Elisse."

She nodded in a jerky manner.

He couldn't stand to see her so hurt. Ignoring the question his mind asked of why he was doing this, he gently pulled her into his arms.

She buried her face against his shoulder while she silently cried.

Liam closed his eyes, dropping his head against hers. He couldn't help but think how ironic it was. Here was a lady he might very well have realized was the one he should marry that his father kept from him. And yet, he was now a single king with no heir from his bloodline.

If Constantine was not already dead, this surely would have caused it.

Liam looked at Elisse's face when she slowly pulled away.

"I'm sorry." She bit her bottom lip. "I didn't mean to put a damper on our day at the beach.

"You didn't." He reassured her. A bittersweet smile curved his lips. "I had hoped to get to know you."

She delicately blew her nose. "I did too."

Liam tenderly cupped her cheek, drawing her attention back to him.

"Elisse?"

She lifted an eyebrow.

"I think," Liam hesistated. "I wish you had been allowed to come for that season."

She swallowed a touch nervously. "I wish I had too."

#misfortune's intentions #liam x oc #drake x riley #choices the royal heir #choices stories you play #choices trh #trh liam #trh drake

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