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STOLEN MOMENTS IN PARKING LOTS──RAFE CAMERON

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─ summary | rafe tries to provoke jealousy by showing public affection for sofia, but as tensions rise, he confronts you and reveals his feelings.

─ pairing | rafe cameron x ex!fem!reader

─ warnings | NSFW!! (with plot) under the cut!! p in v, praise, pretty soft, nothing too cray but it's in the backseat of his car soooo. some angst in the beginning, rafe tries to fight someone (when does he not?), mention of drinking, ummm maybe cheating cause i lowk forgot about sofia cause bro does break up with her... but wtv! it's for the plot!

─ ev's notes | my requests are open if you wanna send anything in! i actually love rafe more than i do life itself and... i wanna feed yall so PLEASE. FOR THE LOVE OF GOD SEND ME ANYTHING. anyways... sorry i just had to get that out there!!

ok love u bye!!! pls send me requests!!!!!!

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The air feels thick around you as you weave through the crowded beach, trying to keep your gaze anywhere but on Rafe. His laugh, louder than it needs to be, cuts through the noise of the party, and you can’t help but notice Sofia wrapped around him.

She leans into his touch, her smile bright as his hands roam casually over her waist, like he used to do with you. You catch a glimpse of them, Rafe pulling her closer, his lips moving to hers in a display meant for everyone, but especially for you. You look away, forcing yourself to focus on the bonfire, the drinks, anything. But it’s impossible to ignore the magnetic pull. It’s like he’s everywhere at once, the weight of his stare pressing into you even though his attention should be elsewhere.

And maybe it is—his lips are on her—but his eyes, whenever you risk a glance, are always searching for you.

You tighten your grip around your drink, jaw clenched against the swirl of emotions building in your chest. Each stolen glance at Rafe pulls at something deep inside you, but you refuse to let it show. The heat of the bonfire warms your skin, the crackling flames a welcome distraction as you will yourself to block out the image of him with her.

The party hums around you, but all you can hear is his laughter—so familiar, yet distant, like he’s a world away, even though he’s right there.

But before the thoughts can spiral further, someone steps into your line of sight, blocking the view you’ve been pretending not to care about. You blink up, surprised to see a guy you vaguely recognize from around town, his easy smile and tousled brown hair a stark contrast to the tension thrumming inside you.

“Hey,” he says, his voice smooth, the kind that carries well over the music. “You looked like you could use some company.”

You offer him a half-smile, more out of politeness than genuine interest, but something in you shifts—an instinct, maybe, to distract yourself, to prove to yourself that you’re fine. If Rafe can move, so can you. So, you shrug, meeting his gaze for longer than you have with anyone all night.

“Maybe I do,” you reply, your voice light despite the ache still gnawing at the back of your mind.

He steps closer, leaning casually on the railing next to you. “Name’s Tyler. You’ve been to these parties before, right?”

You nod, taking a sip of your drink, your eyes drifting briefly toward where Rafe stands before snapping back to Tyler. He follows your gaze but doesn’t comment on it. “Yeah, once or twice,” you say, playing along.

Tyler’s grin widens, sensing an opening. “Let me guess, you’re not a fan of the scene? You don’t seem like the type to be into the chaos.”

You laugh softly, surprising yourself. “Not usually,” you admit, swirling your drink. “But it’s better than staying home.”

“Yeah, I get that,” he says, his eyes roaming over your face, lingering a second longer than necessary. “But I’ve gotta say, I’m glad you came out tonight.”

There’s a warmth in his words, a casual flirtation that makes it easy to forget the lingering tension in your chest. You tilt your head, giving him a look you haven’t given anyone in a while—playful, even if only for the moment. “And why’s that?”

His smile turns a bit more mischievous as he leans in, lowering his voice. “Because I wouldn’t have had the chance to meet you.”

You feel a small spark of satisfaction flare inside, the kind that comes from knowing you’re being noticed, admired, even if it’s fleeting. You toy with the edge of your cup, glancing up at him beneath your lashes. “Well, aren’t you charming.”

Tyler laughs, a low, easy sound that feels like a balm against the tension in your mind. “Just telling the truth,” he says, his fingers brushing lightly against your arm as he gestures toward the fire. “Want to grab a seat by the bonfire? I’d hate for you to be stuck standing here all night.”

You hesitate for a second, glancing toward the beach where Rafe and Sofia are still tangled in each other. But the sight no longer stings as much—it’s dulled, replaced by a sudden urge to push back, to be seen with someone else, just as he’s parading her around. It’s petty, you know that. But right now, you don’t care.

“Sure,” you say, offering Tyler a real smile this time, one that lights up your eyes. “Why not?”

As the two of you make your way to the fire, you can feel Rafe’s eyes on you, burning hotter than the flames, but you don’t look back. Not yet. You settle onto one of the logs beside Tyler, letting his easy conversation and light touches distract you, pretending for a moment that you don’t feel the weight of Rafe’s gaze following your every move.

A few hours (and drinks) later, you find yourself leaning against Tyler’s car, his hands on your waist, lips trailing down your neck as the distant sounds of the party fade into the background. You’ve lost track of how long you’ve been out here, away from the noise, away from him. The warmth of the alcohol buzzes through you, making it easy to forget about the tension that had been gnawing at you all night.

Tyler’s mouth finds yours, and you lean into it, closing the gap between you. His kiss is heated but unhurried, his touch light on your skin, and for the first time tonight, you let yourself slip into the moment. The back of your mind, the part that’s always aware of Rafe, quiets—just for now. Tyler’s hands move down to your hips, pulling you closer, and you tilt your head, deepening the kiss as his fingers trace soft patterns over your waist.

For a few blissful seconds, you don’t think about Rafe at all. It’s just you, Tyler, and the cool night air pressing in around you. Tyler’s touch is comforting, a distraction, a way to escape the complicated mess of emotions Rafe always drags you into. And for the first time tonight, you don’t feel like you’re suffocating under the weight of what used to be.

Tyler breaks the kiss, his lips still brushing against yours as he grins. “You sure know how to make a guy’s night, sweetheart,” he teases, his voice low and breathy, pulling you in even further.

You laugh softly, brushing a strand of hair out of your face. “Do I, really?” You reply, matching his grin, feeling the haze of everything slip further away.

Tyler’s hands tighten around your waist, his mouth once again capturing yours as you press against the cool metal of the car. His kisses are eager now, more insistent, and you match his energy, allowing yourself to get lost in the moment. The taste of alcohol lingers between you, the sound of your breathing mingling with the distant crash of waves and faint music from the party you left behind.

You close your eyes, momentarily letting go of everything—of Rafe, of the tangled mess he left behind in your head. Tyler’s lips move against yours, and for just a second, you feel light. Free.

But then, everything shifts.

The tension in the air thickens in an instant, and you sense it before you even open your eyes. A sudden presence, looming and charged, like a storm about to break. When you finally pull back from Tyler and glance up, your heart stumbles in your chest.

Rafe stands a few feet away, his expression dark—dangerously dark. His eyes lock onto yours first, blazing with an anger so intense it makes your stomach flip. Then his gaze flicks to Tyler, and you can practically feel the rage rolling off him in waves.

“What the hell are you doing?” Rafe’s voice is low, almost a growl, but it’s enough to send a chill down your spine.

Tyler, oblivious to the storm he’s just walked into, straightens up, his arm still loosely around your waist. “Relax, man,” he says, trying to sound casual, though there’s a note of uncertainty in his voice. “We were just—”

Rafe doesn’t let him finish. He takes a step closer, fists clenched at his sides, his whole body vibrating with barely-contained fury. “I wasn’t talking to you,” he spits, his eyes still fixed on you. But then his gaze cuts back to Tyler, and something dangerous flashes there. “But if you don’t get your hands off her right now, we’re gonna have a problem.”

Tyler scoffs, dropping his arm but not backing down. “What’s your deal, Cameron? She’s not your girl anymore.”

Those words are like a lit match thrown into a gasoline fire.

In an instant, Rafe’s on him, shoving Tyler hard against the side of the car. “What did you just say?” Rafe’s voice is low and menacing, his face inches from Tyler’s. His fists are white-knuckled, trembling with the need to unleash the anger bottled up inside him. “You think you can just put your hands on her like that?”

Tyler stumbles, but he manages to push back, his hands coming up defensively. “Chill, man! It’s not that serious!”

But it is. For Rafe, it’s everything.

You can see it in the way his jaw clenches, in the wild, desperate look in his eyes as they flicker between you and Tyler. He’s spiraling, and you know this side of him all too well—the part that lashes out, that destroys when he feels like he’s losing control.

“Rafe, stop,” you say, your voice sharper than you intended, cutting through the haze of tension. You step forward, placing yourself between him and Tyler, your hand pressing against Rafe’s chest. His muscles are taut beneath your touch, coiled and ready to explode. “This isn’t worth it.”

For a moment, Rafe doesn’t move. His chest heaves with ragged breaths, his eyes locked on yours, searching, desperate for something he can’t find. He looks down at your hand on his chest, and for a second, you think he might back down.

But then he shakes his head, his voice tight with frustration. “What’s your fucking problem?” he snaps, his words aimed at you now. “Do you not miss me? Is this how you move on?”

You flinch, taken aback by the raw vulnerability buried beneath his anger. His words hit harder than any shove, cutting through the defenses you’ve been trying to build all night. You open your mouth to respond, but the words stick in your throat.

Rafe’s hands grip your arms suddenly, not hard enough to hurt, but enough to hold you in place. His eyes bore into yours, intense and searching, the anger faltering for a split second as something else flickers there—something almost like hurt. “Tell me,” he demands, his voice quieter now, but no less desperate. “Tell me you don’t miss me.”

Rafe's grip tightens for a fraction of a second, his eyes still locked on yours, searching for something, anything, that will ease the storm raging inside him. His question lingers between you, thick and heavy, but you can’t answer him, not here, not like this. Tyler, still lingering nearby, lets out an irritated scoff, but there’s a tremor in it. He knows better than to challenge Rafe further—everyone does.

You feel Rafe’s breath against your skin, shallow and ragged, as if he's waiting for the moment you confirm his worst fears. But instead of answering him, you take a deep breath, your hand brushing over his chest. “Come on,” you murmur, voice softer now, low enough that only he can hear. “Let’s go.”

For a brief moment, Rafe hesitates, his gaze flickering toward Tyler, like he’s still deciding whether to throw another punch. But your hand slides down, gently tugging at his arm, and his attention snaps back to you. Slowly, his grip loosens.

Tyler, sensing the shift, straightens up but keeps his distance, his bravado from earlier slipping away as he watches you lead Rafe toward the beach. “Whatever, man,” Tyler mutters, though his voice wavers, betraying the fear he's been masking. “You two deserve each other.”

You don’t even look back at him, and Rafe doesn’t either. His focus is entirely on you now, the tension between his clenched jaw and the way he follows your lead without protest. Tyler slinks off, disappearing into the crowd as if he’s suddenly remembered who he’s dealing with.

As you walk further from the party, the sounds of the bonfire and distant music grow fainter, leaving only the soft rush of the waves and the cool breeze whipping against your skin. Rafe’s fingers brush against your hand, and though the anger in him hasn’t fully burned out, his pace slows as the two of you near the shore.

The silence between you is heavy, electric. You can feel the weight of everything unsaid pressing down, the tension thick enough to suffocate. His frustration, his desperation—it’s all still there, simmering beneath the surface. But now, without an audience, without the pretense of Tyler or Sofia, it feels rawer, more exposed.

Rafe stops just shy of the water, his grip on you tightening again, though not out of anger this time. It’s almost as if he’s holding onto you for stability, for some anchor to stop him from drowning in whatever dark place his mind has gone. “Why are you doing this?” he asks, his voice quiet, rough around the edges, but no longer carrying the rage that had consumed him moments before. “Why are you acting like you don’t care?”

You feel the words clawing at the back of your throat, the urge to lash out or deflect, but the vulnerability in his eyes makes it impossible. Instead, you stand there, caught between the pull of the past and the mess of emotions swirling around you now.

It’s all too complicated, and yet somehow, painfully simple. You’ve never stopped caring. But Rafe… Rafe has always made things more difficult than they needed to be.

Rafe’s question lingers in the salty night air, hanging between you like a taut string waiting to snap. His eyes search your face for something—an answer, an apology, anything to make sense of the confusion brewing in his mind. But you’re not ready to give him what he wants. Not yet, at least.

The sound of the ocean crashing against the shore fills the silence between you, your pulse racing in time with the waves. You look away, focusing on the dark horizon, your toes sinking into the cool sand as you try to gather your thoughts. Why are you doing this? The question echoes in your mind, but it’s not as simple as Rafe seems to think.

Maybe it’s because you’re tired—tired of feeling like he’s pulling the strings, tired of the toxic push and pull of your relationship. Maybe you’re doing it because it hurts too much to care about someone who only seems to care when you’re slipping away. Or maybe it’s because, deep down, you know that no matter how hard he tries to provoke you, to force a reaction, the person who’s really hurting is him.

You glance at him, and for the first time in a while, you let yourself really look. His eyes are still wild with anger, but there’s something else there too—something that cracks through the hard shell he’s built around himself. His chest rises and falls unevenly, his breathing ragged from the tension that’s been gripping him since the moment he saw you with Tyler. His hands, though no longer tight on your arms, still linger, as if afraid you’ll slip away if he lets go entirely.

“I’m not acting like I don’t care,” you say finally, your voice quieter than you intended. There’s a vulnerability in the admission that makes your stomach twist, but you force yourself to hold his gaze. “I just… I can’t do this with you, Rafe. Not like this.”

He looks like he’s about to argue, his brows furrowing, but then he hesitates, the frustration flickering in his eyes giving way to something closer to desperation. “Then how?” His voice is quieter now, too, though it’s laced with an edge of exasperation. “Tell me how, because I don’t know what to do anymore.”

You almost laugh at the absurdity of it all, but the ache in your chest keeps you from it. He doesn’t know what to do? The guy who’s spent the entire night trying to make you jealous, parading Sofia around like some twisted declaration of victory, now stands in front of you, unsure, vulnerable.

But this is Rafe Cameron. The boy who hides his insecurities behind anger and control. The boy who pushes you away just to pull you back in, like some sick game where neither of you ever really wins.

“You think this is all my fault?” you ask, taking a step back, breaking the physical connection between you. His hands fall away, and though his body stays rooted in place, his expression twists as if the loss of contact has left him exposed. “You think you can just act like that all night, throw Sofia in my face, and I’m supposed to be okay with it?”

Rafe winces at your words, and for a moment, he looks away, running a hand through his hair in frustration. “I wasn’t trying to—” He stops, gritting his teeth, clearly wrestling with what to say. “I didn’t know what else to do.”

“Right,” you mutter, folding your arms over your chest, the bitterness in your tone impossible to hide. “Because trying to hurt me is the only way you know how to get my attention?”

He stares at you, his lips parting like he wants to protest, but nothing comes out. Instead, he clenches his jaw and looks down, the anger draining from his posture, leaving behind only exhaustion. “I didn’t want to hurt you,” he says finally, so quietly you almost don’t hear him over the waves. “I just… I didn’t know how to make you miss me. I don’t know how to do this without screwing it up.”

The confession hits you harder than you expect, a crack in the armor he’s always so careful to maintain. It’s the first time all night he’s shown you anything real, anything beyond the bluster and anger he uses to shield himself. And it leaves you speechless.

Rafe lets out a frustrated breath, rubbing the back of his neck as he stares down at the sand, avoiding your gaze. “I know I’m not… good at this. At us.” His voice wavers slightly, like admitting it is a betrayal of the tough, unshakable image he’s spent his whole life building. “But I can’t stand the thought of you with someone else. Especially not him.”

There it is. The raw, vulnerable truth buried beneath layers of anger and bravado. The truth you’ve always known but never heard him admit out loud.

You swallow hard, feeling the sting of his words settle into the hollow ache in your chest. “Rafe… I can’t keep doing this. The fighting, the jealousy—it’s too much.” Your voice cracks, and you hate how exposed you feel saying it out loud. But it needs to be said.

His eyes snap back to yours, wide and frantic, as if he’s afraid you’re slipping through his fingers. “I’ll stop,” he blurts out, stepping closer, the desperation back in his voice. “I’ll do whatever you want, just don’t—don’t walk away.”

You bite your lip, torn between the part of you that wants to believe him and the part of you that knows it’s not that simple. He’s said things like this before, made promises in moments of weakness, only to fall back into old patterns when the anger returns. But this time, there’s something different in his eyes—a genuine fear that this might really be it.

“I don’t know if you can stop, Rafe,” you say quietly, the honesty of your words hanging heavy between you. “You’re always so angry… and I can’t be the one trying to fix it every time.”

He doesn’t respond right away, his jaw tightening as he absorbs what you’ve said. But then, to your surprise, he nods, his expression shifting from desperation to something more resigned. “You’re right,” he says, his voice barely above a whisper. “I am angry. But not at you.”

You blink, taken aback by the admission. It’s the first time he’s ever acknowledged that the rage he carries isn’t about you—not really. It’s always been deeper than that, rooted in things he’s never fully let you in on.

“So what then?” you ask, your tone softer now, more searching. “What are you so angry about?”

Rafe looks away again, his jaw clenched as if he’s trying to hold something back. But then he sighs, running both hands through his hair in a gesture that screams frustration. “Everything,” he mutters, his voice rough. “My family, my life… I don’t know. I don’t know how to fix it.”

You watch him, your heart aching at the sight of him so lost, so broken. For a moment, all the frustration you’ve felt toward him melts away, replaced by the familiar ache of wanting to help him, to fix what’s been broken between you.

But you know that’s not your job. It never was.

Rafe’s confession hangs in the air, weighty and raw, his vulnerability exposed in a way that catches you off guard. For a moment, all the anger and frustration that has built up between you feels insignificant. The walls he keeps so tightly guarded have crumbled, and in their place, there's a boy you recognize—a boy desperate for something solid in a world that’s been spiraling out of control.

Your heart pounds in your chest as you reach out, brushing your fingers against his arm. His breath hitches at the contact, and slowly, his gaze finds yours again. His eyes are dark, a mix of anger, longing, and something deeper, something that’s always been there but never fully spoken between you two.

“I’m not walking away,” you murmur, barely able to find your voice as the tension between you thickens. “I’m still here, Rafe. But you need to figure out what you want… and stop trying to hurt me to get there.”

His expression softens at your words, the desperation giving way to a flicker of hope. For a moment, he just stares at you, his lips parted like he’s trying to say something, but no words come. Instead, he steps closer, his hands brushing your waist, hesitant, as if testing the boundaries between you.

“Tell me what to do,” he murmurs, his voice rough and low. “Tell me how to fix this.”

The warmth of his touch sends a shiver down your spine, and despite everything—despite the anger, the games, the toxic cycle—you find yourself leaning into him. The truth is, you don’t have all the answers. You never have. But standing this close to him, feeling the heat radiating from his body, you know one thing for certain—you miss him. As much as you’ve tried to push him away, you can’t deny the pull that’s always been there, the magnetic connection between you.

“You start by being honest with me,” you say quietly, your fingers finding their way to the front of his shirt, gripping the fabric as if anchoring yourself. “No more games, Rafe.”

He nods, swallowing hard as his hands slide up your waist, pulling you closer, the space between you shrinking with each passing second. “I’ll be honest,” he whispers, his breath ghosting over your skin, sending a rush of heat through your body. “I’m done with the games, baby.”

Before you can respond, his lips crash against yours in a kiss that’s desperate and hungry, all the frustration and longing pouring into the contact. It’s not gentle; it’s raw and unfiltered, like he’s been holding back for too long, and now that he has you, he can’t stop himself.

You gasp against his mouth, your hands tangling in his hair as you kiss him back just as fiercely. The world around you blurs into nothingness—the sound of the waves, the distant party—it all fades away until the only thing that exists is him. His hands roam your body, gripping you like he’s afraid you’ll disappear, and you melt into him, the heat between you building with every passing second.

He pulls you even closer, his body pressing against yours as his lips move with a kind of desperation that makes your heart race. It's overwhelming, the way he kisses you, the way he holds you like you're the only thing keeping him tethered to reality. You feel the intensity of everything he's been holding back—the anger, the pain, the desire—and it ignites something deep within you.

You break the kiss, gasping for air, but he doesn’t let you pull away for long. His lips find your neck, trailing hot, open-mouthed kisses down the side of your throat, and you can’t stop the soft moan that escapes your lips. His name tumbles from your mouth in a breathless whisper, and you feel him tense against you, a low growl rumbling in his chest.

“I’ve missed you,” he murmurs against your skin, his voice rough and hoarse as his hands slide under your shirt, his touch igniting every nerve in your body. “God, I’ve missed you so much.”

Your heart stutters at his words, the sincerity in his voice taking you off guard. It’s not just the physical connection that’s pulling you back in—it’s the raw emotion behind it, the way he’s finally letting you see the side of him he’s been hiding for so long.

And then, somehow, you find yourself back in parking lot, against his car. His lips never leave yours, his kiss hungry and desperate.

“Rafe…” You barely manage to get his name out as he lifts you slightly, pushing you against the side of his car, his body pressing you firmly against the cool metal. His lips find yours again, and this time the kiss is slower, more deliberate, as if he’s savoring the taste of you.

Your mind spins, overwhelmed by the intensity of it all—the way he touches you, the way he kisses you like he’s afraid this might be the last time. There's a desperation in the way he clings to you, like he's trying to make up for every moment he's hurt you, every second he's pushed you away.

Rafe’s hands grip your hips as he pulls you tighter against him, his touch searing through the thin fabric of your shirt. The way his body presses into yours is almost suffocating, but in a way that you crave, like you’ve been starved for this kind of contact for too long. His lips move against yours with a mixture of urgency and tenderness, a contrast that leaves you dizzy, struggling to catch your breath.

Every kiss feels like a question, as if he’s asking for more, for you to let him in completely again. And you want to. Despite all the games, all the hurt, there’s something undeniable about being with him—something that makes your heart race in ways you haven’t felt since the beginning.

You can feel the tension in his body, the way his muscles tighten as his hands slide up your back, his fingertips grazing the bare skin just under the hem of your shirt. It’s almost like he’s trying to memorize the feel of you, as if this is his last chance to make things right.

His lips leave yours for just a moment, trailing down your jaw and finding that sensitive spot just below your ear. You shiver as his hot breath fans against your skin, your body reacting instinctively to his every move. His name falls from your lips in a breathless whisper, and you feel him pause, his breath hitching at the sound.

You feel his hand reach for the door behind you, opening it before he practically threw you into the backseat. Rafe climbs on top of you, and his lips are on yours again. You moan at the contact, your head falling back into the cool leather of his backseat. God, how you missed those cushions.

“I don’t want to lose you,” he murmurs against your mouth, his voice rough with emotion, barely holding himself together. His hands tighten their grip on your waist, and you feel his desperation in every touch, in every kiss that follows. It’s not just physical—there’s a vulnerability there, a need that goes far deeper than the surface.

Your heart skips a beat as you realize what he’s truly saying. This isn’t just about the heat of the moment or the chemistry that’s always drawn you two together. It’s about him finally letting you see past the walls he’s built—past the anger, the bravado, and the façade he shows everyone else.

You tilt your head back, giving him more access as his lips move lower, trailing down your collarbone, and your fingers tangle in his hair, pulling him closer. The world around you seems to blur, the distant sound of the waves crashing against the shore and the soft hum of the party fading into the background until all that’s left is the two of you, tangled together in the dim glow of the night.

He leans back slightly and all you could hear in the darkness of the night was the clink of his belt, and a shiver went down your spine as you think about what's coming. You almost immediately slip out of your shorts as you slid back, giving yourself enough room to spread out before Rafe is in between your legs.

You can make out his face in the darkness, the faint moonlight casting shadows across his sharp features, highlighting the tension in his jaw. His eyes, those piercing blue eyes that have always had a way of making you feel seen—and sometimes too exposed—are locked on you, and it makes your heart (and pussy) beat faster.

“Rafe,” you breathe, your voice barely audible as his lips return to yours in a searing kiss. It’s slow this time, deliberate, as if he’s savoring every second, every taste of you. His hands slide up your sides, taking the edge of your shirt with them, and your breath hitches as you feel the cool night air against your skin.

Then, you feel his warm tip against your thigh. Never leaving your lips, Rafe slowly leans his cock right into your sopping pussy. You let out a soft moan, the feeling of being filled up by his cock again making your head spin with pure bliss.

“Oh, shit,” he draws out as his head falls back, the feeling of your warm cunt overwhelming. “God I missed you, pretty baby.”

And it feels like time has stopped, like the only thing that matters is the heat between you, the way your bodies fit together perfectly, like this is where you’re meant to be. His hands roam over your back, your sides, exploring with a kind of urgency that makes your pulse quicken as he pushes in deeper into your pussy.

It hurts, at first until he bottoms you out. He's still for a moment as he leans his forehead against yours, his breathing heavy. After he felt you tighten around him, he instantly pulled your hips before he began thrusting in and out of you slowly, as if he was warming up.

“Oh, fuck,” you cry out as your hands find his shoulders. Your breath comes out in short, ragged gasps as you cling to him, your body responding to his in ways that are both familiar and intoxicatingly new.

He's fucking into you at this point, his own grunts echoing in the empty car. You could feel the windows begin to fog up as his thrusts become more sharp, more meaningful. It’s overwhelming, the intensity of it all, but you can’t stop yourself—you don’t want to. You’ve missed this, missed him, even if you won’t admit it out loud.

At the sound of your cries of pleasure, Rafe chuckles breathless. “Oh, yeah? You like that?”

All you could do was nod as he begins increasing the speed of his thrusts, he was rocking into you with brute force but he was still gentle, somehow. His hands reach up to find your throat, holding it as he fucks into you harder. Rafe lifts your hips a little more so that he could reach that sweet spot, and you knew it was over.

“Rafe, fuck!” You cry as your head falls back into the cushion, your mouth slightly open and your eyes rolling back in your head. You're shaking, at this point—you're not holding back whatsoever.

Anyone who was walking by his car could probably see and hear what's happening, and probably think he was murdering you. And they were right, he was absolutely obliterating your insides. But you didn't care, and neither did Rafe.

His breathing is heavy, matching the erratic rhythm of his hips, and he leans closer, his forehead resting against yours. His scent—a mix of saltwater, cologne, and something distinctly him—invades your senses, grounding you in the moment, making everything else disappear.

“Oh, my god I'm gonna—”

Before you could even finish your sentence, the tight knot in your stomach snaps and it feels like everything is still for a moment. You can't even hear yourself anymore, it feels like you were on a cloud as you cum around his cock.

A few more deep thrusts and he was spilling inside you, his own body shaking above you. His lips find yours in a sloppy and desperate kiss, his hips keeping you placed right beneath him. He doesn't pull out—no, he wouldn't even dare. He doesn't want to. Not yet, of course. You both just lay in the afterglow of your lovemaking.

“I missed you,” he finally whispers, his voice rough and edged with something almost like pain. His fingers tighten around your waist, as though he’s afraid you’ll slip away if he lets go. The words hang in the air between you, heavy with meaning, and your heart stutters at the vulnerability laced in them.

For a moment, neither of you moves. His breath is warm against your skin, his presence overwhelming but somehow comforting, like a weight you didn’t know you needed. You want to say something, to respond, but the words get caught in your throat, tangled up in the whirlwind of emotions that threaten to consume you.

Instead, you reach up, your fingers grazing his jawline, feeling the stubble under your fingertips. It’s a small gesture, but it speaks volumes—an acknowledgment of what you both know but can’t yet fully voice. His eyes close at the contact, and for a split second, the tension melts away, leaving just the two of you in this moment.

Then his lips are on yours again, but this time it’s different. It’s slower, more deliberate, like he’s savoring every second, every taste of you. His hands trail up your sides, pulling you impossibly closer, and your body responds in kind, the need for him growing stronger with every kiss.

You lose yourself in the feeling of him—how perfect he feels when he's inside of you, the heat of his skin, the way his fingers trace patterns along your back. The world around you fades away, leaving just the two of you in the darkness, tangled together in a way that feels both new and familiar at the same time.

And for the first time in what feels like forever, everything else fades away. The jealousy, the anger, the hurt—it all dissolves into the background, leaving just the two of you, wrapped up in each other, caught in a moment that you know you won’t soon forget.

You’ve been through hell with Rafe, and maybe there’s more waiting ahead, but right now, none of that matters. Right now, all you can think about is him—the way he touches you, the way he looks at you like you’re the only thing keeping him grounded, the only thing that’s real.

↳ make sure to check out my navigation or masterlist if you enjoyed! any interaction is greatly appreciated !

↳ thank you for reading all the way through, as always ♡

[nylqnder]

PUSHING IT DOWN AND PRAYING QUINN HUGHES

pairing: quinn hughes x fem!reader

summary: ever since quinn's confession, the magnetic pull of your ex has lingered in both dreams and waking moments, forcing you to confront emotions you believed were long buried.

warnings: 18+, (not insanely descriptive but) p in v, oral (fem!receiving), cheating (in your head and in person!), kind of toxic behaviour from both you and quinn

wc: 3.54k

notes: based on 'pushing it down and praying' by lizzy mcalpine. technically a part two to my fic last christmas but not necessary to read before this one! this is my first time writing something that actually veers into smut and i kind of liked it 🤫🤭

Quinn was haunting you.

Ever since the holiday party, when he told you he missed you, his presence has plagued your thoughts. You had hoped at first that it was just the encounter that had your mind tangled up in him again. A fluke. An inconvenient memory dredged up by too much wine and the way the Christmas lights had cast a golden glow around his face, making him look as heartbreakingly beautiful as he always had.

But it wasn’t just a one-off. He lingered everywhere. Seeped into everything.

He was in photos your friends reposted on Instagram, him celebrating as he racked up points in what was set to be another Norris-deserving season. You walk down the street and he’s staring down at you from a billboard. Someone at work mentions his name in passing, and you have to grip your coffee cup just a little bit tighter.

Even in the most intimate, protected moments, he’s there.

You’re with Caleb, naked and tangled up in his sheets. His hands and lips take turns tracing patterns down your skin. You close your eyes, tilting your head back against the pillow, and then suddenly, Quinn is there, hovering in the space between your thoughts, intruding like he always does. It’s his hands gripping down on your thighs, it’s his breath that’s hot over your core. It’s his black locks that your fingers thread through, his tongue that pulls you close to completion.

It’s his name that nearly slips past your lips instead of Calebs.

The second you realize, your entire body goes cold with horror. You feel sick. You feel like you’ve betrayed something, even if you’re not sure what.

It should stop there. It should be enough to shake you, to jar you back into the reality of what you have — what you chose. But it doesn’t.

Quinn lingers.

Like a ghost with a vengeance, he refuses to be exorcized from your mind. You try everything to rid yourself of him, desperate to cleanse him from your system like a sickness. You delete his number from your phone. You block him on Instagram. You unfollow the team’s page, stop watching their games, turn off the TV when his name is mentioned. But it doesn’t matter. You still see him in flashes, in the shadows of your everyday life, in the places you least expect him.

You tell yourself that Caleb is enough. He’s stable, he’s kind. He looks at you like you’re his whole world. And yet, no matter how much you try to convince yourself, you can feel the guilt creeping in, poisoning what should be simple, should be easy. Because Caleb doesn’t deserve this. He doesn’t deserve a half-present version of you, someone who is always a breath away from slipping into a memory, a ghost of a love that still has its claws in you.

And you do love Caleb. That’s what makes this worse. You love him, but Quinn is in your blood, tangled in your bones. No matter how many times you try to wring him out of you, he stays.

You don’t mean to let him in, but Quinn is relentless. Even when you spend the rest of the night curled in on yourself, forcing your mind onto anything but him, he lingers in the edges of your consciousness, slipping in through the cracks you swore you sealed long ago.

You fall asleep telling yourself you won’t think about him. But the harder you try to push him away, the faster he finds you.

And then suddenly, he’s everywhere.

His hands, broad and warm, map your body, claiming you like he never lost the right. His mouth, hot and sure, drags across your skin, lips brushing over your jaw, your throat, lower. His voice, low and wrecked with want, says your name like it’s the only thing that’s ever mattered.

It feels real. Devastatingly real.

You arch into him, gasping when his fingers dig into your hips, when his body presses you deeper into the mattress. His hips drill into you, overwhelming pleasure wreaking your body. You’re close, so close, his hands adding to the pleasure until finally—

You wake up in a sweat, your heart hammering against your ribs, sheets tangled around your legs like they’re trying to hold you down, keep you from moving, from running from the truth that’s finally caught up to you.

The dream was so vivid it may as well have been real. It wasn’t just a memory, wasn’t just another unwelcome reminder of Quinn’s existence — it was something else entirely. Something new. Something that felt so raw, so visceral, so devastatingly consuming that you could still feel the ghost of his touch on your skin, the heat of his body pressed against yours, the weight of his name thick on your tongue. You swear you can still taste him, still hear the low rasp of his voice murmuring against your ear, still feel the way he held you, worshiped you, and took you apart like he had every right to.

And you wanted it. God, you wanted it so badly.

The realization sits heavy in your stomach like a lead weight, nausea curling at the edges of your consciousness. It’s not just some intrusive thought, not just a fleeting moment of weakness. It’s something deeper, something more dangerous. It’s the kind of desire that threatens to upend everything you’ve built, the kind that makes you question every choice you’ve made since Quinn walked out of your life.

You press the heels of your hands into your eyes, trying to block it all out, trying to push the images away. Caleb is sleeping beside you, blissfully unaware, his breathing slow and steady. He’s good. He’s steady. He’s the kind of love that doesn’t set you on fire, but keeps you warm.

But warmth has never been enough to stop you from craving the burn.

You sit up, legs swinging over the side of the bed, toes curling against the cold wood floor as you try to shake the dream from your mind, but it clings to you like a second skin. You know then, in that moment, that something has to give. Something has to change.

You can’t keep pretending that Quinn isn’t still under your skin, still a part of you. You can’t keep pretending that this is sustainable, that you can shove him into the darkest corners of your mind and expect him to stay there. Because he won’t. He never has.

You take a shaky breath, your fingers curling into the sheets. There are only two choices now. You either find a way to finally, truly exorcize him from your life for good — or you give in to the pull that’s been dragging you back to him since the moment he told you he missed you.

The clock on your side table reads a quarter past midnight. You know Quinn’s habits. You know how they used to contradict yours, the way his mind would keep him up until the early hours of the morning. He’s probably up. He’s probably thinking hockey. Thinking about how he can change, how he can improve, how he can lead better. You wonder if maybe his mind slips from hockey. Maybe it slips to you?

So you do something reckless. Something you swore you wouldn’t do.

You get up. You grab your vest and your keys, not bothering to change into proper clothing. You ignore the tightness in your chest as you slip out of Caleb’s apartment, moving through the cold, empty parking garage like a ghost yourself, drawn by something you don’t understand but can’t resist. Your internal autopilot takes you down a familiar route, your heart pounding with every turn you take.

You don’t know what you’re expecting as you approach Quinn’s building, but you hope it’s still the same one. Hope that, for all the ways things have changed, this one thing remains the same. Because if it doesn’t — if you get to his door and find a stranger behind it, or worse, nothing at all — you don’t know what you’ll do.

But when you step inside the familiar lobby, heart hammering against your ribs, your breath leaves you in a rush. It’s the same. The same floors, the same dim lighting, the same quiet hum of the elevator as you press the button for his floor. Your stomach twists as you watch the numbers climb, each one bringing you closer to something you might not be able to take back.

By the time you’re standing in front of his door, your entire body is buzzing with nervous energy, hands clenched into fists at your sides. The reality of what you’re doing crashes into you all at once, but it’s too late to turn back now. You’re here. You’ve already made your choice.

You raise your hand, knocking twice, sharp and decisive.

Seconds pass. Then more. And just as doubt begins to creep in — just as you think maybe, mercifully, he’s not home — the lock clicks. The door swings open, and there he is.

Quinn.

His hair is tousled, dark strands falling over his forehead like he’s been running his hands through it all night. He’s in a hoodie and sweats, and for a brief, excruciating second, you imagine how he must look underneath — imagine the way his body must still move, still feel.

His eyes widen when he sees you, surprise flickering across his face before something else settles there — something heavier, unreadable. His brow furrows as his gaze sweeps over you, taking in the obvious signs that you’d been asleep before rushing over. The floral sleep shorts, the hoodie far too thin for the cold, the puffer vest thrown on in haste. The messy, low braid, the fuzzy slippers, the oversized glasses that Quinn always thought were too big for your face — but you looked so damn cute in them.

“What are you doing here?” Quinn's voice is rough, like he hasn’t spoken in hours, maybe even like he’s just woken up, though you know that not to be the case. Or maybe it’s just the weight of the moment settling between you, thick and heavy like fog rolling in over the water.

You swallow hard, the lump in your throat making it difficult to speak. Now that you’re standing here, now that you’ve actually done this, the words don’t come as easily as they did in your head. But you didn’t come all this way to back down now.

“I—” you falter, inhaling sharply before forcing yourself to meet his gaze. “I needed to talk to you.”

Quinn studies you for a long moment, his expression unreadable. Then he steps back, pulling the door open wider. The second you cross the threshold, it’s like stepping back in time. His apartment smells the same — clean, but lived in, a mix of laundry detergent and something inherently him. The familiarity sends a pang straight through your chest. You shouldn’t still remember these details. You shouldn’t still care. But you do.

He closes the door behind you, and when you turn to face him, the air between you feels thick, charged. His arms are crossed, his stance guarded, like he’s bracing himself for whatever you’re about to say.

“So?” His voice is quieter now, tinged with something that almost sounds like resignation. “What did you need to talk about?”

Your fingers tighten into fists at your sides. You remind yourself why you’re here. Why you needed to see him.

“You shouldn’t have said it.” The words slip from your lips before you can stop them.

Quinn’s jaw tenses. “Said what?”

“You know what.”

Silence stretches between you, taut and unyielding. He knows. You know he knows. And yet, he just watches you, waiting.

You exhale harshly, frustration bubbling beneath your skin. “At the party. You shouldn’t have told me you missed me.”

Quinn’s throat bobs as he swallows. His arms drop to his sides. “Why not?”

“Because it messed with my head,” you admit, voice cracking slightly. “Because I was fine. I was moving on.”

He scoffs softly, shaking his head. “Were you?”

“I was,” you insist, even though your voice lacks the conviction you wish it had. The words sound brittle, as fragile as glass. “I was happy, Quinn. I was growing. Moving forward. And then you—” You break off, shaking your head as the emotions rise, thick and suffocating in your throat. “Then you showed up and dragged me right back to where I was before. Heartbroken over you.”

Quinn flinches, but it’s fleeting. He schools his features into something colder, unreadable. You almost wish he wouldn’t. You almost want him to hurt the way you’ve been hurting.

“I’m with Caleb now,” you say, the name a tether, an anchor you cling to. “And he’s—he’s incredible, Quinn. Everything a girl would ever hope for in a boyfriend.”

Quinn’s eyes darken, but you barrel on, desperate to get the words out before they choke you. “He’s thoughtful. He listens. He shows up. God, he’s everything you weren’t.”

The silence that follows is deafening. For a second, you wonder if you’ve gone too far, if the bitterness in your voice has crossed a line you’ll regret. But then Quinn speaks, and his words slice through you like a blade.

“Sounds like you’re trying to convince yourself that he’s enough for you.”

The audacity of it — the sheer nerve — snaps something inside you.

“You’re a fucking asshole.” you snap, your voice trembling with fury. Quinn doesn’t back down. His gaze is steady, unflinching, and it infuriates you.

“I mean, God! You’re haunting me, Quinn! Like some goddamn ghost with a vengeance.” The words spill out before you can stop them, raw and unfiltered. “Ever since that stupid party, you’ve been everywhere. In my head, in my dreams, even when I’m with Caleb—”

You stop yourself, but it’s too late. The truth hangs in the air between you, heavy and damning.

Quinn’s brow knits together, eyes sharp with something knowing. “Even when you’re with Caleb?” he repeats, voice low.

You hate him for that. Hate the way he can see right through you, the way he always has.

“Forget it… You know you’re so goddamn infuriating the way you think you can just walk back into my life and tell me something like that!” you say, your volume raising with every word. You knew it was late and Quinns’ neighbors would probably have some choice words for him in the morning, but right now you couldn’t care less about his reputation as a tenant.

Something flickers in his gaze, something guilty, something hesitant. “I didn’t mean to—”

“Oh, don’t,” you snap. “Don’t fucking say you didn’t mean to. You knew what you were doing.”

He swallows hard, his jaw tightening. “I’m sorry.”

“That’s it?” You shake your head, laughter bubbling up again, but it’s hollow, bitter. “That’s all you have to say? No genuine apology, no explanation, nothing. Just… sorry. Sorry for what, Quinn? Sorry for being a coward, sorry for being a fucking asshole?”

Your voice cracks as you continue, the weight of your emotions finally breaking through the thin veneer of anger you've clung to. Tears blur your vision, hot and relentless, but you don’t stop. You can’t.

“Sorry for letting me fall in love with you and then walking away like it was nothing? Sorry for showing up at that party and throwing my entire goddamn life into chaos? Sorry for being in my head all the time, in my bed, in my fucking heart?” Your voice falters, raw and ragged. “Or are you just sorry because I showed up here and ruined your night?”

Quinn takes a step closer, his face tight with emotion, but you don’t give him a chance to speak.

“You ruined me, Quinn,” you sob, the admission wrenching free from your chest. “And I hate you for it. I hate that I can’t forget you. I hate that no matter how hard I try, you’re still here.” You press a shaking hand to your chest, where your heart feels like it’s splintering apart. “I should be over this. I should be happy. I am happy. Caleb is good. He loves me—”

Your voice breaks completely, and the tears come in earnest now, unstoppable and all-consuming. Your shoulders shake with the force of it, all the pain and confusion and longing spilling out in a way you’ve never let yourself feel before.

Through your sobs, you manage to choke out one final, devastating truth: “But I still love you, and I hate myself for it.”

The weight of your confession hangs heavy in the room, and for a moment, there’s only the sound of your ragged breathing and the thick, oppressive silence that follows.

And then Quinn moves.

He crosses the distance between you in two long strides, his hands coming up to gently but firmly grip your shoulders. You try to pull away, ashamed of your outburst, but he doesn’t let you. Instead, he pulls you into his chest, wrapping his arms around you in an embrace that’s as familiar as it is shattering.

“I’m sorry,” he whispers against your hair, his voice thick with emotion. “God, I’m so sorry.”

His words are a balm and a blade all at once. You press your face against his hoodie, the fabric dampening your tears, and you cling to him like he’s the only thing keeping you upright. His hand rubs slow, soothing circles on your back, grounding you in the midst of your chaos.

For a moment, you let yourself sink into him, the comfort of his presence erasing everything else. His warmth seeps into your bones, and despite every rational thought screaming at you to pull away, you stay. It's dangerous, how easy it is to fall back into this, how simple it feels to let him hold you like he used to.

“I tried to move on too,” he admits quietly, his voice low and raw. “But it’s you, it’s always been you.”

His words tear through the walls you've built, leaving you exposed and vulnerable. You want to push him away, to tell him to shut up, but your body betrays you, leaning closer instead. It's infuriating, this pull he has on you, this gravitational force that drags you back no matter how far you run.

Then his lips find your temple, lingering there as if he's testing the waters, asking permission without words. You shudder against him, torn between pushing him away and pulling him closer. His lips move down, pressing soft kisses along the apple of your cheek, until he hits the corner of your mouth. His hand tightens at your waist, and before you can think it through, his mouth is on yours.

It's everything you remember and more.

His lips are soft but insistent, moving against yours with a hunger that matches your own. The anguish melts away, replaced by a desperate, aching need that leaves you breathless. His hands trace up your torso, holding your chest against his, and you let out a sound you can’t contain as he deepens the kiss.

It's intoxicating. Familiar and yet completely new. He tastes like everything you miss, everything you swore you didn't need but always craved.

And for a moment, you let yourself get lost in it.

But then the weight of reality slams into you.

You break away, gasping for breath, your chest heaving. Quinn's eyes are dark and dazed, his lips red and swollen, but you don’t let yourself linger on the sight. You push him back, putting space between you, your heart pounding so loudly you can hear it in your ears.

“What the hell are you doing?” you demand, your voice shaking with anger and confusion. “You can’t just— God, Quinn, you can’t just kiss me and expect everything to be okay!”

He takes a step toward you, but you hold up a hand, stopping him. “No. Don’t. Just… don’t.”

The tears are back, blurring your vision, but you blink them away. “You don’t get to ruin me and then kiss me like it fixes everything. That’s not how this works.”

Silence stretches between you, thick with tension. Quinn looks like he wants to say something, but you don’t give him the chance. You’re already moving toward the door, your hands trembling as you reach for the handle.

“Wait,” he says, his voice desperate. “Please— don’t leave like this.”

You pause, your back to him, your shoulders stiff. “I can’t do this, Quinn. I just… I can’t.”

And then you’re gone.

You don’t look back as you walk down the hallway, the sound of your footsteps echoing in your ears. Your chest feels like it’s caving in, your lungs struggling to take in air. But you keep moving, keep walking, because stopping would mean facing the truth you’re not ready to confront.

That no matter how much you hate him for complicating your life, for breaking your heart, for being the chaos in your carefully constructed world — you can’t fully hate him.

Because deep down, you still love him.

And that terrifies you more than anything else.

[smsrgearboxnisukaindustries]

What is a V-Belt Pulley? Complete Guide in 2025

Introduction

In the world of mechanical power transmission, one component that remains widely used across industries is the V-Belt Pulley. From small-scale machines to large industrial systems, V-belt pulleys play a crucial role in transferring rotational motion and maintaining speed, torque, and alignment.

This 2025 guide will walk you through everything you need to know about V-belt pulleys — how they work, where they’re used, and why manufacturers in Ahmedabad, India, are leading the way in pulley production. We’ll also touch upon how this component integrates with systems like SMSR gearboxes, plummer blocks, suspension magnets, and conveyor gearboxes, while supporting other units like gear oil pumps.

What is a V-Belt Pulley?

A V-belt pulley is a wheel with a V-shaped groove designed to accommodate a V-belt. The belt fits snugly into the groove and, when powered by a motor or engine, transfers motion to another shaft or machine component. The V-shape increases friction and allows higher torque transmission without slippage.

V-belt pulleys are commonly used in:

Motors

Pumps

Compressors

Fans and blowers

Conveyor systems

Agricultural and textile machinery

How Does a V-Belt Pulley Work?

The V-belt runs between two or more pulleys. When the drive pulley rotates, it moves the belt, which then turns the driven pulley. This setup allows energy to transfer smoothly from the source to the application. The tight fit between the belt and pulley groove ensures efficient operation with minimal energy loss.

Advantages of V-Belt Pulleys

High power transmission efficiency

Reduced belt slippage due to V-shaped groove

Compact design and easy to install

Low maintenance with long service life

Available in multiple sizes and materials

Because of these benefits, V-belt pulleys are essential in industries where reliable power transfer is needed.

Why Ahmedabad Leads in V-Belt Pulley Manufacturing

Ahmedabad has become a prominent center for mechanical and industrial manufacturing. The city is known for its skilled engineering talent, high-quality materials, and robust industrial infrastructure.

A leading V-Belt Pulley Manufacturer in Ahmedabad offers:

Precision-machined pulleys

Standard and custom designs

Corrosion-resistant finishes

Compatibility with a wide range of machines

Fast delivery and service support

Manufacturers here also specialize in related components such as SMSR gearboxes, plummer blocks, gear oil pumps, and suspension magnets, offering complete transmission solutions under one roof.

V-Belt Pulleys and Their Connection to Other Mechanical Systems

1. SMSR Gearboxes

SMSR Gearbox Manufacturer in Ahmedabad often use V-belt pulleys in conjunction with shaft-mounted gear units. The pulley helps in transferring motion from the motor to the gearbox, maintaining proper speed reduction and torque.

2. Conveyor Systems

Conveyors rely on smooth motion and accurate power transmission. A Conveyor Gearbox Manufacturer in India integrates V-belt pulleys into conveyor drives for seamless performance and efficiency.

3. Gear Oil Pumps

Gear Oil Pump Manufacturer in India often depend on V-belt pulley drives to operate pumps at controlled speeds. The pulley setup ensures the pump runs consistently, improving the lubrication of machinery like gearboxes.

4. Plummer Blocks

Plummer Block Manufacturer in India work closely with pulley systems to support shafts in motion. Proper shaft alignment enabled by plummer blocks ensures the V-belt and pulley function efficiently without misalignment or vibration.

5. Suspension Magnet Systems

Suspension Magnet Manufacturer in India use pulleys in conveyor-mounted magnetic separators to drive belts that carry materials. V-belt pulleys provide reliable drive motion in these systems, ensuring continuous operation.

Types of V-Belt Pulleys

There are several types of V-belt pulleys based on design and usage:

Single groove pulleys – For basic applications

Multi-groove pulleys – For higher power and multiple belt setups

Variable speed pulleys – Allow adjustments in operating speed

Split type pulleys – Easy to assemble and disassemble

Ahmedabad manufacturers offer all these variants, customized to suit industries ranging from packaging to cement.

Applications of V-Belt Pulleys Across Industries

V-belt pulleys are used in:

Cement and mining – For crushers, conveyors, and fans

Textile – For spinning machines and looms

Steel plants – For cutting, grinding, and rolling systems

Food processing – For mixers and packaging machinery

Agriculture – In pumps and grain handling systems

These industries choose V-belt pulleys for their reliability and cost-effectiveness.

Choosing the Right Manufacturer

When selecting a V-Belt Pulley Manufacturer in India, consider:

Years of manufacturing experience

Range of pulley sizes and types

Ability to provide matched components like gearboxes and plummer blocks

Customization capability

After-sales service and support

A good manufacturer will not just supply pulleys but help you design an efficient power transmission system tailored to your application.

Conclusion

A V-belt pulley may look simple, but it’s one of the most important components in mechanical power transmission. It enables smooth, energy-efficient operations in everything from conveyors to compressors. In 2025, as industries continue to automate and modernize, demand for high-performance pulleys is growing.

That’s why working with a trusted V-Belt Pulley supplier in Ahmedabad gives you access to not only quality products but also system-wide expertise in SMSR gearboxes, gear oil pumps, plummer blocks, suspension magnets, and conveyor gearboxes.

[rosehiphairbenefits]

What is an EMF Protector?

In our increasingly connected world, the prevalence of electronic devices exposes us to electromagnetic fields (EMFs) daily. With concerns about potential health effects, the concept of an EMF protector has gained attention. But what exactly is an EMF protector, and how does it work? In this article, we'll demystify the concept of EMF protectors in simple terms, exploring their purpose, types, and common questions surrounding their usage.

I. Understanding EMFs:

Electromagnetic fields (EMFs) are invisible energy waves generated by the electric and magnetic components of electronic devices. Common sources include Wi-Fi routers, cell phones, and power lines. While these fields are part of our modern life, there are ongoing discussions about the potential impact of prolonged exposure.

II. What is an EMF Protector?

An EMF protector is a device or material designed to mitigate or reduce the exposure to electromagnetic fields. It aims to create a barrier or absorb EMFs to minimize their impact on the human body. EMF protectors come in various forms, ranging from wearable devices to shields for electronic gadgets.

III. Types of EMF Protectors:

Wearable Devices: These are accessories like pendants or bracelets designed to be worn on the body, claiming to harmonize or neutralize the effects of EMFs.

EMF Blocking Materials: Some products are made from materials believed to block or absorb electromagnetic radiation. Examples include clothing, bed canopies, and phone cases.

Stickers and Chips: Small adhesive devices or chips that claim to be placed on electronic gadgets to neutralize or reduce the impact of EMFs.

Crystals and Stones: Certain crystals and stones are believed to have protective properties against EMFs. They are often incorporated into jewelry or placed near electronic devices.

IV. How do EMF Protectors Work?

The mechanisms behind EMF protectors vary based on their type. Some claim to neutralize EMFs, while others create a barrier or absorb the radiation. However, it's important to note that the scientific community has varying opinions on the effectiveness of these devices, and more research is needed to validate their claims.

V. Common Claims of EMF Protectors:

Neutralizing EMFs: Some devices claim to neutralize the harmful effects of EMFs, suggesting that they alter the electromagnetic waves to make them less harmful.

Creating a Barrier: Others propose to create a barrier between the electronic device and the user, preventing direct exposure to electromagnetic fields.

Absorbing Radiation: Certain materials or devices claim to absorb or redirect electromagnetic radiation away from the body.

VI. Do EMF Protectors Really Work?

The effectiveness of EMF protectors is a topic of ongoing debate. While some users report positive experiences, scientific studies on the efficacy of these devices have yielded mixed results. It's crucial to approach these products with a critical mindset and be aware that more research is needed for conclusive evidence.

VII. Factors to Consider when Choosing an EMF Protector:

Type of EMF: Different protectors may target specific types of electromagnetic fields. Consider the sources of EMFs you want to address when choosing a protector.

Research and Reviews: Look for reputable sources and user reviews to gauge the effectiveness of the EMF protector you are considering.

Personal Sensitivity: Individuals may react differently to EMFs. Consider your own sensitivity and how you feel when using electronic devices.

Product Materials: Check the materials used in the protector. Some may have a scientific basis, while others rely on alternative or holistic principles.

VIII. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):

1. Can an EMF protector eliminate all EMFs?

No, current technology does not offer complete elimination of all EMFs. EMF protectors aim to reduce exposure and mitigate potential harm.

2. Do EMF protectors interfere with device functionality?

Most reputable EMF protectors claim not to interfere with the functionality of electronic devices.

3. Can I use multiple EMF protectors at once for added effectiveness?

Using multiple protectors simultaneously may not necessarily enhance their effectiveness and could be unnecessary.

4. Are EMF protectors safe for children?

It's essential to choose age-appropriate protectors, and consulting with a healthcare professional is advisable, especially for children.

5. Can EMF protectors be used during sleep?

Yes, some protectors are designed for use during sleep, such as bed canopies or shielding materials for the bedroom.

6. Do EMF protectors need to be replaced regularly?

The lifespan of EMF protectors varies. Follow the manufacturer's guidelines for replacement or maintenance.

7. Can I use EMF protectors alongside other health measures?

Yes, using EMF protectors can be part of an overall approach to health, including a balanced lifestyle and reducing overall exposure.

8. Are EMF protectors effective for 5G radiation?

The effectiveness of EMF protectors against 5G radiation is a subject of ongoing research, and claims may vary.

9. Can EMF protectors be used in areas with high EMF exposure?

EMF protectors may provide some reduction in exposure, but it's essential to address the root causes and minimize unnecessary exposure whenever possible.

10. Do EMF protectors require any maintenance?

Some protectors may require periodic maintenance or replacement. Follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer.

Conclusion:

EMF protectors are a topic of interest in our technology-driven world, with various claims about their effectiveness. While some users report positive experiences, the scientific community continues to explore and validate their impact. When considering an EMF protector, it's important to conduct thorough research, consult reputable sources, and approach the topic with a critical mindset. Additionally, understanding your own sensitivity to EMFs and making informed choices about electronic device usage are integral components of maintaining a balanced and healthy lifestyle.

[txemrn]

💝💝 HAPPY VALENTINE'S WEEKEND!! 💝💝

While out for a walk, Tatum spots this in a bakery window. She chuckles then goes inside to buy it for Ethan. How does he respond when he gives it to her later that night?

(Feel free to switch it up and have Ethan purchase/give it to Tatum if you like!)

Elsa! Thanks for including me in this! Thanks for the prompt, and I hope you enjoy my take on it! 🥰

~♡~

Book: Open Heart (Post Series)

Pairing: Ethan Ramsey x f!OC (Tatum Erikson)

Word Count: ~2400

Warning: fairly fluffy; a curse

Rating: teen

Summary: After attending a wedding, Ethan begins to question his own self-expression of the L-word to Tatum-- just in time for Valentine's Day.

A/N: Some ideas and characters belong to our friends at Pixelberry! Huge hugs and kisses to my sister-in-crime @kat-tia801 for brainstorming with me (I had to satisfy the V-day itch!) and pre-reading this for me! Also, big thanks to my sweet fraaaaaan @ao719 for reading some blurbs for me!

~♡~

With the first winter storm threatening to blanket the city of Boston under two feet of snow, Tatum Erikson couldn’t think of a better reason to return back to her Los Angeles home for a few days. She more than welcomes the reprieve from her eighty-hour work week responsibilities, but truthfully, she couldn’t have planned this vacation better herself. She’s been looking forward to this trip since before her big move to the East Coast last year. Witnessing her friend get married was a good enough reason alone; but that was before the news of the blizzard. And before her unexpected second chance at love.

As the officiant begins the whimsical beach ceremony, Tatum loses herself in her thoughts. And she smiles. Feeling the warm coastal air on her face, the velveteen soft sand between her toes, and being surrounded by so many familiar, friendly faces, she realizes that this is no longer her home. The City of Angels taught her so much about life, about healing, about herself; and yet, in the last six months, her journey has taken off in a different direction she never thought imaginable. She had prepared herself for new adventures, new responsibilities, living life as a stranger in a new city with a new practice. However, it didn’t take long for her to discover that while she was the new kid on the block, her heart was simply coming back home. To him.

“You okay?”

A subtle rosy hue paints up Tatum’s neck. The grit in Ethan’s whisper ignites a wave of goosebumps across her skin, her nerves standing on end from his effortless magnetism. Feeling his warm touch against her knee pulls her completely back into reality.

Tatum brightly offers a crooked grin. Although he has unleashed the butterflies in her stomach, she plays it cool, nodding nonchalantly. Ethan endearingly drapes his arm around her exposed shoulders, pulling her closer to himself. Smoothing out her skirt, Tatum focuses her attention on her favorite part of the wedding: the exchanging of vows.

"My sweetheart, my Pooh Bear," the bride dabs away her joyous tears, "since the moment we met, I knew you were the one for me--"

Ethan looks down at Tatum, pressing his lips to the shell of her ear. "Since the moment we met, I knew you were going to be a royal pain in my ass," he huskily chuckles.

Hiding her amusement, Tatum rolls her eyes before playfully swatting at her date's shoulder. She places a finger to her lips to hush him before quickly turning her smitten attention back to the happy couple.

Ethan leans in again. "Is there a dinner after this?"

Tatum scoffs into a quiet snicker while shaking her head. "Ethan," she scolds quietly, "you're missing these romantically dreamy vows."

"Ohh, come now, they're all the same.”

“No, no they’re not.” She holds her hand delicately to her chest, her eyelids fluttering. “These are sweet, personalized vows that they have written specifically to each other.”

Ethan raises an eyebrow, looking first to Tatum before focusing on the bride and groom. “Okay, then,” he guffaws to himself, “check this out. She’s about to promise the groom that she’ll be supportive and encouraging–”

“--I promise that I will support you, encouraging you in all things–”

Tatum clicks her tongue, trying to hide her grin. Ethan continues, “Now she is going to say something kitschy, but personal to create a pleasant crowd reaction, something like she’ll work on her cleaning skills–”

“--I promise I will try not to eat cookies in bed–” the wedding attendees tumble into knowing, simultaneous giggles. “--but if one accidentally comes to bed with me, I promise I will learn how to use the handheld vacuum cleaner.” More cordial laughter comes from the audience before the bride continues.

“And now–” Ethan holds out his hand as if to direct her next lines.

“Stop it!” gruffly whispers Tatum as she stifles her snickers. “Okay, fine. You win,” she admits, “all vows are pretty much the same. But, there’s still something romantic about them.” She pulls his hand around her shoulder more intimately, lacing her fingers with his. “Don’t you think?”

“This? This is romantic?”

“Well,” Tatum becomes coy in his arms, biting her bottom lip. “Yes.”

Ethan sardonically chuckles, covering his mouth, staring at his girlfriend. “Really? All of this ‘you are the reason I wake up everyday’?” Tatum’s face slowly drops into a frown. “No, your circadian rhythm is what wakes you up everyday–”

“Okay, Dr. Ramsey,” Tatum scowls, refusing to look up at him

“--or maybe it’s clinical depression that’s been keeping you in bed. Love doesn’t fix that,” he chuckles, “go see a doctor.”

Tatum exhales heavily, removing Ethan’s arm from around her neck.

“I’m just saying, Tate,” Ethan continues to whisper, “this guy just said, ‘My heart skipped a beat the moment I laid eyes on you’. You know and I know: the man clearly needs a doctor and an EKG STAT. It’s an arrhythmia.” He shakes his head.

Tatum mouths the word ‘wow’. She rolls her eyes, crossing her arms across her chest. “Are you done?” She stares blankly at the happy couple, watching them become overwhelmed with tears of happiness. “Ya'know? Sometimes people have a difficult time describing their love, Ethan Jonah.” She spouts. “And so the best they can do is relate it to something physical, something tangible. ‘You take my breath away,’ or, ‘meeting you was like coming up for fresh air’. Of course, it’ll never describe love perfectly. No one can,” she looks back up at her boyfriend, his crystal blues already attentively studying her. “It’s still–” she stumbles over her words, becoming lost in him, “--it’s, um, just really nice, is all.”

Embracing her body closer to himself, Ethan delicately presses his lips to Tatum’s forehead. “Is that what you want?” His tone becomes remorsefully serious.

Smiling brightly, she looks up at him to claim a simple kiss from his mouth. “I want you.” She shares another peck with him, slipping her arm around his lower back. “You are a good man–such a good man to me, Ethan Ramsey. I love the way you love me.”

Deep in thought, Ethan naturally embraces her as she relaxes her head on his shoulder. He traces comforting circles up and down her arm, each pass exacting a quiet moan from her lips. He buries his nose into her carefully tousled, blonde waves, and that’s when he realizes it: she’s right. This moment, this feeling: how could he possibly simplify it into words? I love you will never be enough.

~♡~

2 Weeks Later...

It is the Friday before Valentine’s Day, and as per usual, every awning, window, and stoop is adorned with the festive hearts with brilliant pinks and reds. Advertisements for sales on jewelry, flowers and chocolate dipped-anything are mounted on store fronts, luring men and women alike to make a purchase in efforts to express their love.

After his monthly breakfast meeting with the board, Ethan decided to take the short, scenic walk back to Edenbrook. Seeing the various holiday signs and flags, a contorted smile crawls across his face, thinking about his Tatum. And he chuckles.

Only Tatum Erikson could make Ethan Ramsey love Valentine’s Day.

Although she loves the sentiments of the day, she has absolutely no desire to be treated disgustingly cheesy and over-the-top. However, she does enjoy expressing her affection for the people in her life by baking treats and making special cards and crafts. The staff in her clinic and at the hospital are always spoiled with clever work-related tools, cookies and candy.

As a couple, Ethan and Tatum learned quickly in med school that grandeur accolades and expensive gestures are simply not for them. In fact, they usually try to find grotesquely cheesy cards to give to one another in hopes of an evening filled with laughter. They make dinner together before curling up on the couch with a good scary movie.

Fixing his scarf around his neck, a couple of young children scampering carelessly on the sidewalk jump in his way, making him dodge inside the entrance of a bakery. But before he could scold a single soul, the warm greeting of deliciously aromatic baking goods tingle his senses. He turns his attention to the display case of fresh cakes, breads and cookies, baked and decorated specifically for the special weekend.

“May I help you?”

A cheerful, young red-head from behind the counter waves to grab Ethan’s attention. He grins politely, thinking that maybe a sweet or two would be a lovely change for this year Valentine’s day.

“Um–” he begins, but instantly zeroes in on one chocolatey cake, perfect for two in the shape of a heart. But, it wasn’t the cake itself that drew him in; it was the message written on top. He couldn’t help, but think of Tatum when he read it. “Actually,” he starts again, “may I have this one?”

The lady at the counter looks at the cake before her eyes slowly turn back to Ethan, completely perplexed. “You, um, you want the chocolate ‘U Fine AF’ cake, sir?”

“That’s the one,” he nods, giving a toothy grin.

“Oh, well, um–” the associate tries to hide her feelings, but it was clear she thought this is an odd purchase for someone like Ethan. “Let me box it up for you, and I’ll meet you at the register,” she smiles.

“One more thing,” Ethan interrupts. “Are you able to change any of the wording?”

~♡~

Valentine's Day...

“This pad thai turned out perfect,” praises Ethan as he settles himself on his taupe-colored sectional. Jenner files onto the cushions next to him, hoping for a morsel of food to fall. Tatum walks out of the bedroom, wearing one of Ethan’s old wife beater undershirts with a lacy pair of petal-pink boyshorts. “Looks like dessert turned out perfect, too,” he jokes, licking his lips, adoringly staring at his girlfriend’s body.

Tatum smiles knowingly, putting her hands on her hips. “You dirty old man,” she purrs, slowly turning around to show off her exposed rear.

“I’m the dirty one?” Ethan chuckles standing up to chase her down in the kitchen.

“You’re not even going to fight me on the ‘old man’ part?” Tatum giggles, crossing her arms across her chest as she leans against the counter.

“Touché.” Ethan sets down his plate, his hands hungry to take her into his arms. Caressing his stubbled cheek, their lips meet once, then twice.

“Mmmm,” she licks her lips, her eyes finally fluttering open. “You’re right. It did turn out perfect.” She wipes her thumb across her mouth, before sucking on the bold flavors left behind by Ethan’s kiss–that is, until she stops at the soft, gravel of his voice.

“It did turn out perfect.”

She looks back into Ethan’s eyes, enchanted by a passionate eagerness. The corner of his mouth begins to curl, his fingers combing through her golden strands.

In that moment, Tatum realizes he’s no longer talking about dinner, or their cooking skills or even their plans for the rest of the evening.

He is talking about them.

He cradles her neck, kissing her forehead once more. “Hey, I want to show you something.” He turns around and reaches into the refrigerator, pulling out a pink box.

“Ethan,” Tatum’s eyes light up as she playfully bites the tip of her tongue. “What–what is this?”

He playfully shrugs. “Don’t know. You have to open it,” he teases.

After setting the box down on the counter for both of them to watch, Tatum unfastens the tape. She carefully slides her fingers inside of the lid, lifting upwards to open the box, exposing a luscious chocolate cake. Tatum’s initial look of surprise falls to confusion.

“‘U + ME = AF’?” She smiles cordially, staring back up at Ethan. “It–It’s so sweet, babe, but–”

He titters, holding up a hand. “Just listen. You and I both know I’m not good with this affection stuff. And yet,” he pauses as a goofy grin paints onto his face. “You, Tatum, you just know. You know me, and–and I know you. It’s like–” he nervously shakes his head, “--this is just how it’s supposed to be, how it was always supposed to be.” He holds out his hands, interlocking them delicately with Tatum’s fingers. “Do you remember your friend’s wedding last month?”

Tatum’s eyes cautiously survey the room before landing back on her boyfriend’s handsome features. “Yes?”

“Where I was making fun of the vows,” he sucks in a sharp breath, “and you? You said that people have a hard time describing their love?” He stops, biting his lip as his own eyes begin to water. “I know, Tatum, I know–I have a hard time describing my love for you–that is until, I saw this cake–”

Tatum begins to laugh loudly. “This cake?”

“This cake,” Ethan assures. “When I am with you, Tate,” he points to the ‘U + Me’, “it’s like I’m in atrial fibrillation.” He points to the ‘AF’.

“A-Fib?” Tatum stifles her laughter, curiously tilting her head. “Go on.”

“I am structured. I am steady. I am organized. I am even-keel.” He sighs deeply, staring intently into her eyes, “And then you happened. Again. I got a fucking second chance at love–at true love, our love,” he chuckles to himself. “And I don’t know what the fuck happened, but this time around, it’s like my electrical impulses are out of sync, causing me to flutter and quiver out of rhythm. Some days I am unable to function properly because I love you so much. It’s like I’m about to throw a clot and stroke out. You leave me breathless. You make me dizzy. My love for you–it’s overwhelming.”

Cascades of tears course down Tatum’s rosy cheeks. She instantly throws her hands around his neck, jumping into his arms. Their mouths instantly melt together, their tongues dancing across each other’s lips. Finally breaking for air, Tatum rests her head on Ethan’s chest. Her eyes flutter open, looking at the cake, again.

“Wow, Ethan Ramsey. The romantic.”

He snickers. “Don’t tell anyone.”

“But,” Tatum’s voice grows worrisome, pulling away from him. “I am concerned.”

“About what?”

“It sounds like someone needs an EKG.”

~♡~

TAGS:

PERMA

@alexabeta @ao719 @charlotteg234 @differenttyphoonwerewolf @foreverethereal123 @issabees @jerzwriter @kat-tia801@khoicesbyk @lovelyladyk88 @lucy-268 @mainstreetreader @mom2000aggie @neotericthemis @peonierose @schnitzelbutterfingers @sfb123 @shannonwrote @socalwriterbee @tessa-liam

ALL OPEN HEART

@burnsoslow @ohchoices @thegreentwin

@choicesficwriterscreations @openheartfanfics

[samwisethewitch]

Hi! what does energy feel like? How long would it generally be before a beginner starts to be able to feel it? Along these lines, how you do tell if you're feeling actual energy/spirits, or just imagining that you are through wishful thinking?

Hi, anon! Different people experience energy differently. Some people see it as colors or shapes, some people feel it as physical sensations, and some people just intuitively know that it’s there. I’ve heard it compared to magnetic force, static electricity, and the flow of water. I really can’t tell you how you will experience it, because it will likely be different from how I experience it.

I mostly experience energy claircognizantly, which means I just sort of know it’s there. For example, when I perform a Reiki session, I can tell where the energy in the body is flowing as it should and where it is blocked (which usually correlates to an area of the client’s life that they need to work on), but I don’t necessarily feel the blockages physically. I do experience some physical sensation -- typically during Reiki or spellwork I feel a tingling sensation in my hands, and my hands often shake during rituals. 

Spirits are a different ball game, but you’ll probably experience them through the same psychic senses you use to feel energy. So if you primarily experience energy visually, you’re more likely to see spirits than feel them. For me, I can sense distinct presences and personalities, so I usually know who I’m dealing with based on their vibe, and it sometimes comes with a flood of information about the person or spirit I’m dealing with. Again, I don’t get a ton of physical sensations, but I have noticed that certain spirits bring forth very strong emotions that don’t seem to have any other cause. I’ve also noticed that I always feel too hot or too cold when dealing with certain spirits. (Spirit work tends to make me feel cold, while energy work tends to make me feel hot. It’s funny like that.)

As far as telling whether you’re dealing with the real thing or your imagination, sometimes you just have to trust your judgement. I will say that energy is literally e v e r y w h e r e, so if you feel like you’re interacting with energy, you probably are. Spirits are a little more tricky, especially if you’re encountering them in a meditation or pathworking, where the line between imagination and reality is blurred.

The best advice I can give you is to ask for physical signs to confirm your experiences. For example, one spirit told me to look for pink roses. That struck me as odd, since it was winter and our rose bushes weren’t blooming. Later that day, I went to a restaurant with my family -- every single table was set with a vase of pink roses. For me, that was more than enough confirmation to convince me that my experience was real.

[96harmony96]

Chapter 14

The next morning dawned with an odd surreality. I made it to work, and then through most of my pre launch day in a kind of chilly fog. I couldn’t get warm enough, despite wearing a cardigan over my blouse and a scarf that didn’t match either one. It took me a few minutes longer to process requests than it should have, and I couldn’t shake a feeling of dread.

Lauren made no contact with me whatsoever.

Nothing on my smartphone or e-mail after my text last night. Nothing in my email inbox. No interoffice note.

The silence was excruciating. Especially when the day’s Google alert hit my inbox and I saw the photos and phone videos of me and Lauren in Bryant Park. Seeing how we looked together—the passion and need, the painful longing on our faces, and the gratefulness of reconciliation—was bittersweet.

Pain twisted in my chest. Lauren.

If we couldn’t work this out, would I ever stop thinking about her and wishing we had?

I struggled to pull myself together. Mark was meeting with Lauren today. Maybe that’s why Lauren hadn’t felt pressed to contact me. Or maybe she was just really busy. I knew she had to be, considering her business calendar. And as far as I knew, we still had plans to go to the gym after work. I exhaled in a rush and told myself that things would straighten out somehow. They just had to.

It was quarter to noon when my desk phone rang. Seeing from the readout that the call was coming from reception, I sighed with disappointment and answered.

“Hey, Camila,” Megumi said cheerily. “You have a Magdalene Perez here to see you.”

“Do I?” I stared at my monitor, confused and irritated. Had the Bryant Park photos lured Magdalene out from under whatever troll bridge she called home?

Regardless of the reason, I had no interest in talking to her. “Keep her up there for me, will you? I have to take care of something first.”

“Sure. I’ll tell her to have a seat.”

I hung up, then pulled out my smartphone and scrolled through the contact list until I found the number to Lauren’s office. I dialed and was relieved when Scott answered.

“Hey, Scott. Camila Cabello.”

“Hi, Camila. Would you like to speak to miss. Jauregui? she’s in a meeting at the moment, but I can buzz her.”

“No. No, don’t bother her.”

“It’s a standing order. she won’t mind.”

It soothed me immensely to hear that. “I hate to throw this in your lap, but I have a request for you.”

“Anything you need. That’s also a standing order.” The amusement in his voice relaxed me further.

“Magdalene Perez is down here on the twentieth floor. Frankly, the only thing she and I have in common is Lauren, and that’s not a good thing. If she has something to say, it’s your boss she should be talking to. Could you please have someone escort her up?”

“Absolutely. I’ll take care of it now.”

“Thanks, Scott. I appreciate you.”

“It’s my pleasure, Camila.”

I hung up the phone and sagged back in my seat, feeling better already and proud of myself for not letting jealousy get the better of me. While I still really hated the idea of her having any of Lauren’s time, I hadn’t lied when I’d said I trusted her. I believed she had strong, deep feelings for me. I just didn’t know if they were enough to override her survival instinct.

Megumi called me again.

“Oh my God,” she said, laughing. “You should’ve seen her face when whoever that was came to get her.”

“Good.” I grinned. “I figured she was up to no good. Is she gone, then?”

“Yep.”

“Thanks.” I crossed the narrow strip of hallway to Mark’s door and poked my head in to see if he wanted me to pick him up some lunch.

He frowned, thinking about it. “No, thanks. I’ll be too nervous to eat until after the presentation with Jauregui. By then whatever you pick up will be hours old.”

“How about a protein smoothie, then? It’ll give you some easy fuel until you can eat.”

“That’d be great.” His smile lit up his dark eyes. “Something that goes good with vodka, just to get me in the mood.”

“Anything you don’t like? Any allergies?”

“Nada.”

“Okay. See you in an hour.” I knew just the place to go. The deli I had in mind was a couple blocks up and offered smoothies, salads, and a variety of made-to-order paninis with quick service.

I headed downstairs and tried not to think about Lauren’s radio silence. I’d kind of expected to hear something after the Magdalene incident. Getting no reaction had me worrying all over again. I pushed out to the street through the revolving door and scarcely paid any attention to the man who climbed out of the back of a town car at the curb until he called my name.

Turning, I found myself facing Christopher Vidal.

“Oh…Hi,” I greeted him. “How are you?”

“Better, now that I’ve seen you. You look fantastic.”

“Thanks. I can say the same to you.”

As different as he was from Lauren, he was gorgeous in his own way with his mahogany waves, grayish-green eyes, and charming smile. He was dressed in loose-fitting jeans and a cream V-neck sweater, a very sexy look for him.

“Are you here to see your sister?” I asked.

“Yes, and you.”

“Me?”

“Heading to lunch? I’ll join you and explain.”

I was briefly reminded of Lauren’s warning to stay away from Christopher, but by now I figured she trusted me. Especially with her brother.

“I’m going to a deli up the street,” I said. “If you’re game.”

“Absolutely.”

We started walking.

“What did you want to see me about?” I asked, too curious to wait.

He reached into one of two large cargo pockets of his jeans and pulled out a formal invitation in a vellum envelope. “I came to invite you to a garden party we’re having at my parents’ estate on Sunday. A mix of business and pleasure. Many of the artists signed to Vidal Records will be there. I was thinking it’d be great networking for your roommate—he’s got the right look for music video.”

I brightened. “That would be wonderful!”

Christopher grinned and passed the invite over. “And you’ll both have fun. No one throws a party like my mother.”

I glanced briefly at the envelope in my hand. Why hadn’t Lauren said anything about the event?

“If you’re wondering why Lauren didn’t tell you about it,” he said, seemingly reading my mind, “it’s because she won’t come. she never does. Even though she’s the majority shareholder in the company, I think she finds the music industry and musicians too unpredictable for his tastes. By now, you know how she is.”

Dark and intense. Powerfully magnetic and hotly sexual. Yes, I knew how she was. And she preferred to know what she was getting into at all costs.

I gestured at the deli when we reached it, and we stepped inside and got in line.

“This place smells awesome,” Christopher said, his gaze on his phone as he typed out a quick text.

“The aroma delivers on its promise, trust me.”

He smiled a delightful boyish smile that I was sure knocked most women on their asses. “My parents are really looking forward to meeting you, Camila.”

“Oh?”

“Seeing the photos of you and Lauren over the last week has been a real surprise. A good surprise,” he qualified quickly when I winced. “It’s the first time we’ve seen her really into someone she’s dating.”

I sighed, thinking she wasn’t so into me right now. Had I made a terrible mistake by leaving her alone last night?

When we reached the counter, I ordered a grilled vegetable and cheese panini with two pomegranate smoothies, asking them to hold the one with a protein shot for thirty minutes so I could eat in. Christopher ordered the same, and we managed to find a table in the crowded deli.

We talked about work, laughing over both a recent baby food commercial faux-blooper that had gone viral and some backstage anecdotes about acts Christopher had worked with. The time passed swiftly, and when we parted ways at the entrance of the Crossfire, I said good-bye with genuine affection.

I headed up to the twentieth floor, and found Mark still at his desk. He offered me a quick smile despite his air of concentration.

“If you don’t really need me,” I said, “I think it’d be good for me to sit this presentation out.”

Although he tried to hide it, I saw the lightning quick flash of relief. It didn’t offend me. Stress was stress, and my volatile relationship with Lauren was something Mark didn’t need to think about while he was working on an important account.

“You’re golden, Camila. You know that?”

I smiled and set the drink carrier down in front of him. “Drink your smoothie. It’s really good, and the protein will keep you from feeling too hungry for a little bit longer. I’ll be at my desk if you need me.”

Before I put my purse in the drawer, I texted Cary to ask if he had plans on Sunday or if he’d like to go to a Vidal Records party. Then I got back to work. I’d started organizing Mark’s files on the server, tagging them and placing them in directories to make it easier for us to assemble portfolios on the fly.

When Mark left for the meeting with Lauren, my heartbeat quickened and a clutch of anticipation tightened my stomach. I couldn’t believe my excitement just from knowing what Lauren was doing at that particular moment, and that she’d have to think of me when she saw Mark. I hoped I’d hear from her after that. My mood picked up at the thought.

For the next hour, I was restless waiting to hear how things had gone. When Mark reappeared with a big grin and a spring in his step, I stood up in my cubicle and applauded him.

He took a gallant, exaggerated bow. “Thank you, Miss Camila.”

“I’m so stoked for you!”

“Jauregui asked me to give you this.” He handed me a sealed manila envelope. “Come to my office and I’ll give you all the deets.”

The envelope had weight and rattled. I knew from touch what I’d find inside before I opened it, but still the sight of my keys sliding out and into my palm hit me hard. Gasping with a pain more intense than any I could remember, I read the accompanying note card.

Thank you, Camila. For everything.

Yours, G

A Dear Jane brush-off. It had to be. Otherwise, she would’ve given me the keys after work on the way to the gym.

There was a dull roaring in my ears. I felt dizzy. Disoriented. I was frightened and agonized. Furious.

I was also at work.

Closing my eyes and clenching my fists, I pulled myself together and fought off the driving urge to go upstairs and call Lauren a coward. she probably saw me as a threat, someone who’d come in, unwanted and uninvited, and shook up her orderly world. Someone who’d demanded more from her than just his hot body and hefty bank account.

I shut my emotions behind a glass wall where I was aware of them waiting in the background, but I was able to get through the rest of my workday. By the time I clocked out and headed downstairs, I still hadn’t heard from Lauren. I was such an emotional disaster at that point I felt only a single, sharp twinge of despair as I exited the Crossfire.

I made it to the gym. I shut my brain off and ran full-bore on the treadmill, fleeing the anguish that would hit me soon enough. I ran until sweat coursed in rivulets down my face and body, and rubber legs forced me to stop.

Feeling battered and exhausted, I hit the showers. Then I called my mother and asked her to send Clancy to the gym to pick me up for our appointment with Dr. Petersen. As I put my work clothes back on, I mustered the energy to get through that last task before I could go home and collapse on my bed.

I waited for the town car at the curb, feeling separate and apart from the city teeming around me. When Clancy pulled up and hopped out to open the back door for me, I was startled to see my mom already inside. It was early yet. I’d expected to be driven solo to the apartment she shared with Stanton and wait on her twenty minutes or so. That was our usual routine.

“Hey, Mom,” I said wearily, settling on the seat beside her.

“How could you, Camila?” She was crying into a monogrammed handkerchief, her face beautiful even while reddened and wet with tears. “Why?”

Jolted out of my torment by her misery, I frowned and asked, “What did I do now?”

The new cell phone, if she’d somehow found about it, wouldn’t trigger this much drama. And it was too soon after the fact for her to know about my breakup with Lauren.

“You told Lauren Jauregui about…what happened to you.” Her lower lip trembled with distress.

My head jerked back in shock. How could she know that? My God…Had she bugged my new place? My purse…? “What?”

“Don’t act clueless!”

“How do you know I told her?” My voice was a pained whisper. “We just talked last night.”

“she went to see Richard about it today.”

I tried to picture Stanton’s face during that conversation. I couldn’t imagine my stepfather taking it well. “Why would she do that?”

“she wanted to know what’s been done to prevent information leaks. And she wanted to know where Nathan is—” She sobbed. “she wanted to know everything.”

My breath hissed out between my teeth. I wasn’t sure what Lauren’s motivation was, but the possibility that she’d dumped me over Nathan and was now making sure that she was safe from scandal hurt worse than anything. I twisted in pain, my spine arching away from the seatback. I’d thought it was her past that drove a wedge between us, but it made more sense that it was mine.

For once I was grateful for my mother’s self-absorption, which kept her from seeing how devastated I was.

“she had a right to know,” I managed in a voice so raw it sounded nothing like my own. “And she has a right to try and protect himself from any blowback.”

“You’ve never told any of your other boyfriends.”

“I’ve never dated anyone who makes national headlines by sneezing, either.” I stared out the car window at the traffic that boxed us in. “Lauren Jauregui and Cross Industries are global news, Mother. she’s light-years away from the guys I dated in college.”

She spoke more, but I didn’t hear her. I shut down for self-protection, cutting off the reality that was suddenly too painful to be endured.

Dr. Petersen’s office was exactly as I remembered. Decorated in soothing neutrals, it was both professional and comfortable. Dr. Petersen was the same—a handsome man with gray hair and gentle, intelligent blue eyes.

He welcomed us into his office with a wide smile, commenting on how lovely my mother looked and how like her I was. He said he was happy to see me again and that I looked well, but I could tell he spoke for my mother’s benefit. He was too trained an observer to miss the raging emotions I suppressed.

“So,” he began, settling into his chair across from the sofa my mother and I sat on. “What brings you both in today?”

I told him about the way my mom had been tracking my movements via my cell phone signal and how violated I felt. Mom told him about my interest in Krav Maga and how she took it as a sign that I wasn’t feeling safe. I told him about how they’d pretty much taken over Parker’s studio, which made me feel suffocated and claustrophobic. She told him I’d betrayed her trust by divulging deeply personal matters to strangers, which made her feel naked and painfully exposed.

Through it all, Dr. Petersen listened attentively, took notes and spoke rarely, until we’d purged everything.

Once we’d quieted, he asked, “Sinuhe, why didn’t you tell me about tracking Camila’s cell phone?”

The angle of her chin altered, a familiar defensive posture. “I didn’t see anything wrong with it. Many parents track their children through their cell phones.”

“Underage children,” I shot back. “I’m an adult. My personal time is exactly that.”

“If you were to envision yourself in her place, Sinuhe,” Dr. Petersen interjected, “would it be possible that you might feel as she does? What if you discovered someone was monitoring your movements without your knowledge or permission?”

“Not if the someone was my mother and I knew it gave her peace of mind,” she argued.

“And have you considered how your actions affect Camila’s peace of mind?” he queried gently. “Your need to protect her is understandable, but you should discuss the steps you wish to take openly with her. It’s important to gain her input—and expect cooperation only when she chooses to give it. You have to honor her prerogative to set limits that may not be as broad as you’d like them to be.”

My mother sputtered indignantly.

“Camila needs her boundaries, Sinuhe,” he continued, “and a sense of control over her own life. Those things were taken from her for a long time and we have to respect her right to establish them now in the manner that best suits her.”

“Oh.” My mother twisted her handkerchief around her fingers. “I hadn’t thought of it that way.”

I reached out for my mother’s hand when her lower lip trembled violently. “Nothing could’ve stopped me from talking to Lauren about my past. But I could have forewarned you. I’m sorry I didn’t think of it.”

“You’re much stronger than I ever was,” my mother said, “but I can’t help worrying.”

“My suggestion,” Dr. Petersen said, “would be for you to take some time, Sinuhe, and really think about what sorts of events and situations cause you anxiety. Then write them down.”

My mother nodded.

“When you have what will surely not be an exhaustive list but a strong start,” he went on, “you can sit down with Camila and discuss strategies for addressing those concerns—strategies you can both live with comfortably. For example, if not hearing from Camila for a few days troubles you, perhaps a text message or an e-mail will alleviate that.”

“Okay.”

“If you like, we can go over the list together.”

The back-and-forth between the two made me want to scream. It was insult to injury. I hadn’t expected Dr. Petersen to smack some sense into my mom, but I’d hoped he would at least take a harder line—God knew someone needed to, someone whose authority she respected.

When the hour ended and we were on our way out, I asked my mom to wait a moment so I could ask Dr. Petersen one last personal and private question.

“Yes, Camila?” He stood in front of me, looking infinitely patient and wise.

“I just wondered…” I paused, needing to swallow past a lump in my throat. “Is it possible for two abuse survivors to have a functional romantic relationship?”

“Absolutely.” His immediate, unequivocal answer forced the trapped air from my lungs.

I shook his hand. “Thank you.”

When I got home, I unlocked my door with the keys Lauren had returned to me and I went straight to my room, offering a lame wave to Cary, who was practicing yoga in the living room to a DVD.

I stripped off my clothes as I crossed the distance from my closed bedroom door to the bed, finally crawling between the cool sheets in just my underwear. I hugged a pillow and closed my eyes, so tired and drained I had nothing left.

The door opened at my back and a moment later Cary sat beside me.

He brushed my hair back from my tear-streaked face. “What’s the matter, baby girl?”

“I got kicked to the curb today. Courtesy of a fucking note card.”

He sighed. “You know the drill, Camila. she’s going to keep pushing you away, because she’s expecting you to fail her like everyone else has.”

“And I keep proving her right.” I recognized myself in the description Cary had just given. I ran when the going got tough, because I was so sure it was all going to end badly. The only control I had was to be the one who left, instead of the one who was left behind.

“Because you’re fighting to protect your own recovery.” He lay down and spooned against my back, wrapping one leanly muscular arm around me and tucking me tight against him.

I snuggled into the physical affection I hadn’t realized I needed. “she might’ve dumped me because of my past, not her.”

“If that’s true, it’s good it’s over. But I think you two will find each other eventually. At least I’m hoping you will.” His sigh was soft on my neck. “I want there to be happily-ever-afters for the fucked-up crowd. Show me the way, Camila honey. Make me believe.”

[bnjmin]

@strnza    asked for     FIVE TIMES KISSED.

i.

she finally does ask him later.

later as in at a more appropriate time.     a time when ben doesn’t feel like he might be projecting his feelings into an ultra absorbent source,    aka   her with a concussion and adrenaline still coursing heavy and hard through the entirety of her body,     muscles and sinews wound all tight like a tiny human spring.

no,     she asks him while he’s working with a speed bag,    arms moving in a quick circular motion,    the side of his palm connecting with leather repeatedly and loudly.    it’s so innocent,     light,     like she’s not at all embarrassed or hesitant to be asking,     and when he hears    “y’gonna give me that kiss now,    curly?”    float into his ears on her voice,    it gives him pause.    just enough for his rhythm to suffer and for the bag to narrowly miss his temple when his fist fails to connect to it.

he pads over to her,    unwrapping his wrists on his approach.     his face remains relatively smooth,     but the less distance there is between them,    the more of a pull he feels at his lips,    urging this upwards motion.      it’s not a conscious effort to hide it from her    ----    no,    more like him trying to conserve the evidence of just how much the words affect him the longer that they sit in the air,     blast on repeat inside his head.

he drops to his knees on the mat when he gets to where she’s sitting,    evens their eye levels.    his own brown searches the similar shade of hers,    trying to only get caught up in the way that the light is reflecting for a second,    maybe two,    before he tries to find what he’s looking for      ----     certainty.    it’s there in her body,     in her energy,    the way she’s already leaned into him and closed the initial gap.    (     or was it him to her     ?    them to each other,    magnets in the centers of their sternums that pull and pull and pull.     )

he wants to warn of his sweatiness,     of the perspiration that drips down the side of his head,     his cheek,    but his jaw angles and his lips part to do something else instead,    the two of them already connected.

ii.

they are them,     but different.    ben still taps her light on the side when her guard doesn’t come down as much as it needs to,     but the drag of his glove for a millisecond longer is like a caress,     warmed synthetic leather passing her skin before he brings it back to her chin.

it’s when they get bored and tired,     laying on the floor of the ring,    that eliza says,    “maybe we should be wrestlers instead.”     he hears the air escape her as she says it,     but doesn’t think much until her hair is blocking his vision,    her knee digging into the side of his hip as she tries to flip him onto his stomach.     she doesn’t move him much,     and he tells her,     “maybe you should do more pushups,”    through his laughter.

he flips them a few seconds later,     him hovering on top of her.     it’s a weird position,    one that he finds he’s not overly fond of,    but he takes advantage of his leverage while he can,     ducks his head to press their lips together.

iii.

the first time she walked through his door was like breaking a dam,    because he can’t stop inviting her over,     can’t stop wanting her there.     she makes life inside of his apartment look like a sticker book    ----     his home some bland background and then her,    shiny and outlined in white,      pristine against the grey of it.    

        he’s staring.    he’s doing it because he has an excuse and because she won’t hold it against him.     she brushes his curls from his forehead for the twelfth time in fifteen minutes,    her thumb brushing light against a purpling bruise that covers the left side of his face,    swelling outwards from his cheek bone.      when she removes her touch,     it’s replaced with the icy cold of a ziplock bag full of ice wrapped in a towel.    she looks concerned.    he looks enamored,     distant,    mind half on the pain and half on the look of her face in his poorly lit living room,    the outlines of her all blurry perfection.

he pushes forward with a sudden fervor,    and while she doesn’t reject him,    he feels the hesitance,     the worry.     she doesn’t want to hurt him,    but their lips press together and the small puff of air that she exhales before they connect numbs everything,     like a shot of anesthetic.     he can feel her trying to keep the ice on his face,     and he brings a hand up to take it out of her hand,    hears the drop of it to the sofa a second later.

iv.

she scoots over,   pats the seat next to her,   old navy blue and peeling vinyl of a booth.   he huffs but does what he assumes she’s asking for anyway,   slips from his side and then over to be next to her.   their sides press together when he settles,   and he reaches across to bring his mug across the table.   it's tea,   shitty english breakfast that he tried to save with too much cream but ended up just making worse.

she must see the interest in his eyes,   the curiosity that they display,     because she shrugs and inserts her arm between his bicep and his side and hugs it to her.     her head goes to rest on his shoulder,    hair falling over the length of his arm,     and he looks down at her,     tries to get a good look the best he can.

(    when the waiter comes with their food, they only break away from each other because of the clink of dishware on the table. he looks apologetic but not overly so, and ben can't blame him because he's sure that his expression is much the same.   )

v.

the second time he gets knocked out is actually worse than the first for a multitude of reasons,    the main one being the immediate and utter lack of awareness that he feels when his vision starts to fade back in from the bleak of nothingness,     and he is not where he last remembered he was.

        instead he’s on the ground,    a sharp twinge in his jaw,    body ice cold from the nervous system shock of losing consciousness.    he can see his opponent being crowned victorious,     but beyond that,     he sees eliza’s frame climb onto the ring to slide between the ropes and come to kneel at his side.

      his ears are ringing,   and he’s no good at lip reading,    so he can’t even appreciate what it is that she’s saying to him,     running her hands down his face,    across his chest,    this panicked look in the shine of her eyes.    a shake of his head to assure her that he’s fine      ----    a mistake,    given the sensitive situation going on with his brain    ----    and he does his best to grab at her arms with his hands still inside of his gloves,     pull her closer.    

       he doesn’t say anything,     mostly because his mouth guard is still in and he’s not sure if he has the intellectual power to form sentences just yet.     no,     he just pushes his smarting face harder into the curve of where her shoulder meets her collarbone as she drops feather-light kisses to the top of his head.  

[anianimol]

hehe hello!!! i loved the sea foam teaser and am so excited to see where it goes! I was wondering if I could get a matchup? i’m an enfp and aries, i’m super stubborn and tall, and have really bad rbf. people think i’m intimidating, but once they get to know me, i’m truly just the most crackhead mom friend on the planet. I have adhd, and get distracted really easy, and play with my fingers/random objects to keep me busy. i’m also v athletic n love swimming (competitively)✨ thank u!!!!

hey babes😊!! 🥺thank you so so much, that really means a lot! hope you’ll enjoy the upcoming chapter!!!😉

ok, so I definitely took my time debating this one bc I had a LOT of options. ultimately, I decided that while this match may seem a bit unorthodox at first glance, I think your personalities would fit like a glove.☺️

so, I would love to match you up with ushijima!🐼

ushijima wakatoshi is a careful man. precise in his actions both on and off the court, each thing he does and takes part in has importance, no energy is wasted. not a man of many words, the ones that do leave his mouth are meaningful, picked delicately. arriving 15 minutes early to practice, completing assignments and homework before the deadline, keeping himself well groomed and clean- everything about his life is structured and deliberate, working diligently in all aspects.

when it came to you, funnily enough, all of his planning and calm approach to life seemed to fly out the window. you were busy. the good kind of busy, the kind that buzzed about a room, spreading laughter and smiles wherever you went. as he watched you from afar, he became curious, wanting to learn more with each moment he witnessed. as time passed, he became uncharacteristically impatient, wanting to be the person you teased cheerily, the one you zoomed over to in the lunch room, chatting ceaselessly about this and that. your aura seemed to have a magnetic pull on him, one that he couldn’t resist.

a straightforward kind of guy, wakatoshi matter-o-factly asked you out, confessing the budding feelings within his heart. as you began to court one another, you realized how well you brought out the best characteristics in one another. his relaxed and honest nature crumbling the walls that surrounded you, allowing you time to shed the defensive remarks and banter, dropping the stubborn facade and allowing him to truly know you. he seemed to notice every little nuance of your personality and your attitude, understanding when you required space, when you needed to be held within his embrace just a little longer.

and you? you made that man a fool for you. toshi has never understood ‘useless’ emotions like jealousy before, but boy did he now. he was protective around you-not in the restrictive way, but in a physical sense. snaking an arm around your shoulders and dropping a soft kiss to your forehead if he saw other guys eyeing you, shifting so that he stood in front of you, blocking you from view. ushijima wasn’t always in the mood for pda, but sure didn’t mind the security of it.

soft and tender; the perfect words to describe how he was around you. his eyes, warm, fond as they gazed into yours. his calloused fingers, stroking the small of your back as you lay in his arms. the way he stroked your head as you dozed off beside him at night. a thoughtful bouquet left on the coffee table next to a note that read “Feel better, my love.”

together, it seemed as though each moment was more precious than the next. walks in the springtime through botanical gardens flush with growth, matching focused gazes as you raced along the street, fiercely attempting to beat one another home, you in his lap on a saturday afternoon, sipping a latte as he nuzzled your neck. life side by side is simple and sweet.❤️

SO sorry that was literally the length of a fic woops😳☺️ anyway here are some general hcs!:

this man’s kryptonite have got to be your back rubs: after a long day at the gym, his favorite thing to come home to is a massage, your hands kneading into the knots in his back, straddling him on the couch

though at first he doesn’t understand your obsession with prancing around the house in his sweaters, the tips of his ears go pink as you step out of your bedroom in nothing but his favorite cream sweater, even though he’ll never admit how much he loves them on you

as you pull him into a kiss, his hands find your waist instinctively, quietly and assertively tugging you towards him

he has a habit of speaking to you softly as you sleep pretend to sleep, whispering sweet nothings to you as he brushes wisps of hair from your face

adores having you on his lap as he works, you practically falling asleep to the feel of his chest rising and falling steadily

hope you enjoyed love!!🥰this one was so fun because I am an ushijima simp!!!

[the-beskar-alchemist]

Billy’s Baby

Buckle up buttercups, because I have a lot of feelings and I can't seem to control my brain's obsessiveness with Billy and his relationship with/mentality towards his little mean machine, so here's a bit of a "Character Analysis" starring a certain Camaro and its mullet-wearing human.

(I want to include some of the other characters, besides immediate family, but I think I'll save that for a headcanon post. More specifically I want to elaborate on Billy/Neil vs Billy/Hop/Joyce in terms of how he is with the car).

Here are some somethings I've noticed:

1) Billy doesn't appear to want to put too much money into anything cosmetic. Basically he's not eager to "pimp" his ride, only maintain the upkeep.  Granted he's probably working on a budget, and that's absolutely my headcanon....but only HALF of it. Do you know what costs more money than parts? Cigarettes.  If he's buying a pack or more a day, that money adds up, he could be spending hundreds of dollars a year, maybe more depending on the brand. I get the feeling that he's not interested in making his car look like a starlet, but he does value its appearance enough to keep it clean.

2) While he's not interested in a Fast and Furious worthy look, he's not eager to do damage on any cosmetic/mechanical level.  Yes in S2 he threatens to run over the boys, but honestly that felt like a bluff to test Max's loyalty to Hawkins (and the boys by default). Repairs (on the surface or below) cost money, which Billy is struggling to get.  He'll keep the fluids check/changed, the tank as full as financially possible, and the car washed, but he's not going to bust his ass to prove a point.  The engine is running, it gets him from A to B, and that's his main goal.

3) This car is a personal thing for him, it's his safe-space, fuck how anyone else feels about it. It's a point of focus for him, or at least one of the top 5 things that gives his life meaning.  It's not THE most important thing, honestly he could live without it if necessary, but he's not eager to part with his baby.  It's something that's JUST his, and no one else's. It's something he can claim that wasn't touched by Neil and has no connection with that deadbeat WHATSOEVER. Basically it's not TAINTED, and he loves that.  While he may bear a few scars from his life with his father, the car is unscathed, and that matters to him.

4) Why yes it is a chick-magnet, why do you ask? It has a V-8 engine that'll scare anyone standing too close when he gives it a nice rev before taking off.  He's done a few burn-outs, donuts, he's street-raced a few times hoping to win so he can get some serious cash, but a wheelie? He's afraid to try, he's heard stories, but the idea of raising up off the ground and feeling the roar of the engine beneath him? Makes his heart race.  When he first got the car people started to notice him, he wasn't "just Billy" anymore, he was Bad Boy Billy with the cool car.  The girls would flock to him just before he climbed inside and gave the engine a spin, they were drawn to the power of that engine more than Billy, but he didn't mind.  It's only when Max climbs into the car that he's reminded why he got the car in the first place, less than a year before they moved.  The girls are a nice bonus, but you can't put a price on freedom.

5) He's a teenager so obviously he enjoys having the option to leave the house if he needs to.  That's always the dream right, once you get your license? The car was only ever meant to be a way to escape, but it inevitably became a moving hotel room during those dark times.  When Neil would lose his shit and put his hands on Billy, forcing him out the door because he "was getting sick of his shit", and Billy had nowhere to go......his baby was the one to give him a place to rest.  Hell if he ever made it out of this shithole he just might live in the car for a while until he got back on his feet. But leaving Max would be the hardest part, because without Billy in the house Neil had to turn to SOMEONE to vent his anger.  But those nights when he curled up in the backseat (the front seat just wasn't that comfortable to lay on), usually with only his jacket to keep him warm, Billy couldn't help but think about the open road that would lead to a place far, far away from Hawkins.

6) While Billy is capable as a self-taught (ish) mechanic, he's not AS incline as he could be. It's not that he doesn't care to learn, he truly does, enough that he's snuck books out of the local library just so he could figure out what the hell was making that racket that one time he couldn't get the car to start. His lack of a teacher is the issue, and Billy sure as HELL won't go to his dad asking for help.  The one time he did, Neil scoffed and snapped back with an "It's your fucking car, you fix it", before shoving past Billy to leave the house.  Billy didn't ask again.  What he's learned was "on the go", purely a trial-and-error situation, he doesn't stop until he figures it out. He once spent HOURS trying to fix the car (there was a blockage in the fuel-line and the car wouldn't stay cranked), by the end of it all he was very tired. But knowing he'd taken care of the problem HIMSELF only fueled his confidence, and elevated him to a kind of high no woman or drug could ascend him. He slept like a baby that night.

7) Where did he get this car anyway? If he's strapped for cash how did he afford it? Well in my personal opinion Billy "earned" the car by working for the previous owner.  When he was still living in California, he went for a walk on the beach, a little further than he usually did.  He came across a beach house, and the Camaro was parked in a shed. He only noticed it because the breeze had caused a corner of the tarp covering it to flap, kind of like it was waving, and underneath a singular headlight caught the light from the sunset and nearly blinded him.  The man that owned it said it was his son's car before, but he died in Vietnam, and he didn't have the heart to drive it.  Long story short Billy worked out a deal to pay off the car little by little.  During this time the old man told him a thing or two about how to take care of it, what oil to use, what wax worked the best, etc.  By the time Billy had the car in his possession, they had to move to Indiana.  His biggest fear was the car breaking down before he could make it there.  He'd enjoyed his time with the old man, even bonded a little, it still hurts to this day knowing he had to leave it all behind.  He had started to really like the guy.

8) Obviously Neil isn't too fond of his son's car, he's complained about it leaving oil stains in the driveway, how Billy parks it at the house, when it's blocked the other cars (it wasn't even close to being in the way, Neil just sucks at backing up).  Neil once backed into the Camaro while leaving the house, and Billy flipped his shit, but Neil wasn't having that. He threatened to have the car towed away if Billy didn't start parking where he "was supposed to". Billy didn't argue at that point, he wasn't sure if Neil would follow-through or not, but a tow was expensive so it wasn't worth the risk.  Of course Neil DOES shut up for the most part, resorting to saving his complaints for his most "unfavorable" moments, why? Because of Max. As long as Billy has a car, Max has a chauffeur, so she's out of Neil's and Susan's hair at least THAT much.  As long as Billy has a car, Max is not their problem, so he'll shut up about it enough to avoid losing that loophole.

This turned out a LOT longer than I'd originally planned, sorry for the length, but I have so many thoughts popping into my head so I'm trying to get them all out or I'll get restless lol.

[btsgfx]

[REPORT] Multi-fandom Re-edited GIFs Reposter @kimsnamjoons / @girlssgeneration

Account @kimsnamjoons​​ (now @girlssgeneration as of 11/15) has been re-editing other content creators’ gifs from multiple fandoms and claiming them as their own since at least November 2017. Dayna was contacted by at least 5 gif-makers, other individuals, and admin Tiffany (11/05/18) over 2 weeks (10/22 to 11/05); and has blocked all of them. In November 2017 gif-makers also contacted Dayna, made call-out posts, and were also blocked.

Instead they continue to claim they make their own gifs when replying to asks and in personal posts on @kimsnamjoons​​ and their twitter account, @cutienamjoons. Further, they say that they feel “their” gifs are not appreciated, but they plan to continue reposting anyway. They repost as many as 7 compilation gif sets in a day.

You can see their reposts under their tag #dayna’s shit and #mine. If you see your work was reposted, you can report misattribution with this form in order to remove all reblogs of the post.

You can show your support for content makers by:

blocking @girlssgeneration​ to prevent accidentally spreading their reposts;

blacklisting ‘kimsnamjoons’ and ‘girlssgeneration’ using new xkit or tumblr savior web browser extension;

reblogging our report or sharing on Twitter;

contacting the users they follow and/or reblog from to block @girlssgeneration

sending an ask and/or DM @girlssgeneration to stop reposting and to delete their reposts;

contacting content makes whose work you recognize have been reposted.

Community pressure may stop this user and prevent others from reposting or sharing reposts. We encourage expressing your anger, but we do not condone violent or threatening messages.

Below the cut we have compiled:

admin contact with @kimsnamjoons and their responses;

direct evidence of reposting;

evidence they don’t have the technical skills to make the stolen gifs.

Contact with @kimsnamjoons​

On 11/05 I contacted Dayna @kimsnamjoons​ after receiving a reposting report on their account from 3 different users on 10/12, 10/28, and 10/31. These reports included links to multiple call-out posts made in October 2018 by other gif-makers. In response they tweeted (source):

I received no response and was immediately blocked, but Dayna did make personal comments about my DMs on their blog and (copy-pasted to) their twitter. I reblogged and responded to their comments on @btsgfx. Dayna then blocked @btsgfx​ and tweeted, lying to an audience of 0, that I called them out cause they’re a multi-stan instead of cause they’re a reposter (source).

Dayna seems to think blocking stops gif-makers from seeing their stolen gifs on their blog too (source).

This is not the first time a community of gif-makers have accused Dayna of re-editing and reposting. In November 2017, gif-makers also contacted Dayna, made call-out posts, and were blocked. In response to being called out, Dayna started adding their own watermark to reposted gifs (source).

This was their response to a call-out post in 2017 (source):

#i dont wanna say im bitter #i have never & w i l l n e v e r steal gifs #i know how it feels to see something youve worked so hard on be reposted and i would never wish that on anybodyim just pissed someone would literally make a post about me saying a stole them im???im????? #i dont mean to be that bitch but uhhhhhh idk how else to say it #i make these gifs myself

To see the numerous call-out posts (including some with evidence of their own) search for text posts in #kimsnamjoons. They have consistently until now (11/14) claim that all re-edited and reposted gifs are their own and despite the “undeserved hate” they plan to continue “posting their own gifs” (source).

Evidence of Reposting

Dayna’s gif sets have all been compilations sets with gifs of different video source quality, sharpness, coloring, frame rate, and at times even gif sizes. These are obvious giveaways of reposting, however below we overlaid Dayna’s re-edited gifs on top of the original gif-makers’ as undeniable evidence. They match frame by frame with the same number of frames, pixel content, and are cropped smaller than the original gifs.

To prove the below overlaid gifs are Dayna’s gifs we have overlaid, we link OP’s gif set and Dayna’s gif set.

Dayna’s re-edited gif set

1st row, right in Dayna’s (link above) overlaid on top-left in OP’s gif set 3rd row, left in Dayna’s overlaid on 4th gif in OP’s  4th row, left in Dayna’s overlaid on bottom-left in OP’s  4th row, right in Dayna’s overlaid on bottom gif in OP’s

bottom row, left in Dayna’s re-edited gif set overlaid on OP’s gif 

bottom row, left in Dayna’s re-edited gif set overlaid on top-left in OP’s

2nd row, right in Dayna’s re-edited gif set overlaid on OP’s gif set top row, middle in Dayna’s re-edited gif set overlaid on OP’s gif set

There are a few gifs that were identified where Dayna did not even re-edit and/or crop so you can not tell the difference when just viewing the overlaid gif (not as a PSD).

4th row, right gif in Dayna’s repost vs. 2nd row gif in OP’s bottom row, left gif in Dayna’s re-edited gif set vs. top-left in OP’s

Evidence of Inadequate GIF Skills

Even though it’s nearly impossible for two gifs created by different gif-makers of the same scene to look the same, Dayna’s answer to an anon ask shows they don’t even know how to make gifs at the quality level of the gifs they stole.

They claim they use .mp4 files for their gifs, but some of the above stolen gifs were created using .ts files that can only be downloaded using magnet links (very different from just converting online videos to .mp4 files).

To make gifs from videos, Dayna uses ezgif.com, which makes it impossible to delete duplicate frames or manually delete undesired frames. All gif-makers on PS delete frames to some degree.

Given they add text and crop using ezgif.com and gifgifs.com, they do not know how to sharpen using Photoshop or Topaz, a relatively complicated PS plug-in, which does not explain how their gifs differ in sharpness.

For coloring gifs, Dayna seems to only use coloring PSDs they download, which makes it impossible that their coloring matches with gif-makers who do not use coloring PSDs or post their own.

Edit (11/04): Dayna posted a video of them making a gif (view here) which provides further evidence that (1) they know how to make a gif but choose to repost anyway and (2) do not have the adequate knowledge of gif-making and Photoshop to make the gifs they reposted for all the above reasons we listed.

[goldstonegolem64]

Sorry this one took so long I had to rewrite it a few time before I felt like I did a good job on it I hope you enjoy it  Book1 Chapter 31 The Cube

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uIlGeT6N6Xs

Galra central command

Haggar was waiting in the Hanger Bay  for the prison transport for her four new test subjects for new war machines. She wonder why out of all the willing Soldiers and her druid why did her husband want  four random prisoner. It made no scents to her as the Transport ship start to landed . She watch as Twenty armed Soldier and fifty Sentries started move the prisoner out. The pilot of the Ship Walked over to Her 

“  Here you Go lady Haggar ”  They said Handing over the data pad 

Haggar took the data pad from the pilot and Saw the first Prisoner was a humanoid horse with wings was coming out of the Ship with Only two guards walking out him out. Haggar looked at the data pad to see who this was

Name: Skyver

Sex: male

Race : Pegasusion

Height: 5′. 11″

Wing span. 10′.6″

Eye color blue

Hair color blonde 

Age: 156 

 Crime: Eight Murder charges . weapons dealing with out a licenses, forty two charges of dealing weapons to rebel and terrorists originations, and hundreds of  theft charges

Sentenced: Death by the gladiatorial combat

Pilot of Polarity

the next two prisoners were a set of twins  

Name Harley 

Sex Female

Race: Galra

Height:6′ .3″

Age: 23

Crime attempted assassination  of Emperor  Zarkon 

Sentence: Death by Gladiatorial combat

Name: Quinn 

Sex: Male 

Race: Galra

Height: 6′.3″

Crime attempted Assassination  of emperor Zarkon

Sentence: Death By gladiatorial combat

Pilots of nemesis  

Haggar Started coughing as the Last Prisoner was being Dragged out of the ship by All the Guards and Sentries Â

Name Root rot

Race: Floran

Sex: Male

Leaf color: Blue

Age five thousand three hundred and fifty twoÂ

Height 6.6³

Eye color Dark gray

Crime: Cannibalism, attempted genocide ,Thousands of murders and bio terrorism charges.  

Sentence: Death

Pilot of Cyclone 

Haggar wondered why lord Zarkon would chose anyone of this lunatics after what they had done in the first place. His obsession with capturing voltron and the Valkyrie was causing him not to think straight. She needed to put him back on track before he brought down the whole empire they had worked so hard to build. But what worried her the most was how fast the new paladins bonds were forming. it showed in the way they had taken out her three monsters and how they destroyed so many ships in the span of twenty minutes  when they came to rescue Allura. Or how fast Shiro was bonding with the black lion. Remembering how Shiro learned to teleport  when  His husband was being shocked and how painful it was when she was punch in the guy.

“Why are we here?” Skyver asked braking Haggar thought process  

“ Does it matter were I'm just hunger for battle and meat” Root rot said in a deep raspy voices.  as he started to get out of his straight jacket

“Of cause you are you weed” Quinn said as he covered his mouth trying too block out the smell

“Do you wish to join the countless people I have killed “ Root rot said as he tried to rip apart the straight Jacket that was  

“Tough talk for a weed trapped in a jacket” Harley said as she stuck her tongue out

“that’s it  “A bud appeared on top of his head opened and a cloud of green gas started coming out of it causing everyone to start coughing some of the guards to throw up from the smell of rotting flesh, meat and dead animals   Haggar started to gag the moment that smell hit her Nosie  she was done with this. She snapped her finger  and powered down the hanger bays barrier Causing the All the air , the gas and some of the Guards and Sentries to be sucked out into space. She Watched as the three of the four prisoners were holding onto Root rot do to his body having shot out thorned vines that had broken through the straight Jacket and embed themselves into the ground to prevent him from being sucked out in to space. She snapped her fingers again closing the barrier

“Now are we done Here” Haggar said as she looked at her new test subjects as more soldiers started to flowed the hanger 

All four of them looked at each other before nodding the heads yes

“But what are we doing here anyway ?”Skyver asked again

“ you all will be testing out new super weapons to capture Voltron kill the paladins And if you do this Your criminal record will be erased  She lied 

”Can I eat the bodies when I kill them”Root said with a twisted smile on his face as the straight jacket he was wearing was offing a part. it was clear to Haggar that the straight jacket was only there because he wanted it there

 “Do what you want with the bodies when your done”She replied”Now follow me” Haggar started walking away to her lab

”i like her” Root Said as he got off the floor an started following Haggar

Are we really just going to follow her that easily after what she just did  Harley asked her brother 

“I mean if it get us out of prison then it’s not the worst thing to do and we can use what’s she giving us to escape when the time come So we should just play along with Her place for the time being “  Quin whispered to his sister

 “ok” She replied

” if you two are done taking lets got going Skyver said looking at the twins 

the two looked at each other again before they were forcefully picked up by some of the guard and were now being push toward Haggar’s lab 

Else where

Allura and Coran were standing on the bridge trying to help the paladins with repairing the castle 

“ Ok what are we trying to repair again “ Keith asked as he starred at a helix shaped power node for the starboard side of the castles particle barrier    

“ Were relining the plaqusons”  Coran said over the comms

“ Can you be more specific?” Hunk asked

“ Sorry Hunk  he meant the ploclones  on the angroclams .” Allura said 

“ ok thanks Allura . Jay what are they saying “ hunk asked 

“ It’s just like they said .But see as Allura forget none of you can read or understand Altean. I will be out there shortly to help “  Jay said 

“ No need I got this”  Lance aid was a cocky smile on his face

“   No Pidge, Keith Stop your boyfriend from doing something stupid “  Jay said. But it was to late warning appeared in the bridge and as the node turned red 

“ No lance not the flaunter the ploclones “ Allura yelled

“  No the Plaqusons” Coran said 

“ Lance move it I got this”  Pidge said  as she grabbed the node pulled it out twisted it to the right and pushed it back into place turning it back to blue “ The technology of this ship never ceases to amaze me “ Pidge said with stars in her eyes.

Jay fly out from a near by Airlock and landed next to the Paladins

“Oh You fixed it without me neat “ He said He just floated there  

“ Yeah it’s was easy and Lance is not my or Keith’s  boyfriend . Yet” Pidge wisped that last part  

“ I know but the three of you have been hanging Around each of a lot as of late so I just guess you three just started dating each other “ Jay said shrugging not really caring about what he said as he started floating away from them do to the castle of lions was still moving 

“ Wait you can date more them one person” Keith said confused by that statement

“Yes but that only works if everyone is will to do it “ Shiro said as he walked toward Jay as he just floating away and grabbed his leg and pulled him down as Jays boost magnetized to the ships hall of the ship 

The three young Paladins looked at each there then looked away quickly In a random direction. This was new to all of them 

“ Ah young love in it’s weird pubescent state isn’t it wonderful Shiro “ Jay said over a private comms Channel 

“ Yeah it is I just wish it was under better circumstances “ Shiro replied 

“Same but hey Maybe now three of them will stop coming to us  for dating Advice. I mean after a week of knowing how Pidge and Keith feel about him . I would think he would choose one already or at less one date “Jay said crossing his arms

“ Hey it took me and Adam four years before we started dating .So Just them time to figure it out for themselves .”

“ I know but after watching my brother and his Husband dancing around each other for twelves years I'm just a little impatient that's all .” Jay said as he watched the four paladins were working other node

“Hey what do you think those two are talking about?” Lance asked as he looked over to Shiro and Jay

“ Don’t know don't care. I'm just trying to wrap my head around something”  Kieth said 

“ About what Jay said ?” Pidge said as She and Hunk were working on the node 

“ No but how would it work any way?” Keith Asked

“  It works like this. I date you and Pidge at the same time while you and pidge date each other “ Lance said

“ that seems Easy enough“ Keith said

“ it’s not it takes all of commitment ,time and effort,everyone liking each other and the fact that the whole bed thing is another mess in on itself  and the only reason I know all this is because my Aunt was in the same situation a few years back “    Hunk said as he was working on the node Before getting hit by something “ What is this” He said as he wiped away some green moss like thing 

“ No clue but there’s more of them on it’s way.”  Lance said as the Castle of lions was flying towards a cloud of the green balls that were just floating there in space 

“ Ok No matter how old or jaded I get after this war I'm never going to stop loving What this universe has in store for use. Am I right “Shiro said as he watch the moss balls floated passed them 

“ Yeah man I know what you me-{ Splat} “ Jay was hit in the face by a moss ball 

“ Boom head shoot “ Lance said with a smile on his face

Jay wiped away the moss of his visor as he grabbed a moss out of the air and throw it at lance only for him to dunk and hit Keith in the back of the head causing him to turn around to look at him “ Sorry I was aiming for Lance. you can get a free shot in ” He said as he grabbed another one

 Keith grabbed one as well and Started walking towards Jay and as he was up close and personal with Jay He suddenly around and hit Lance in the Face “ like that “ Keith had a smile on his face

“Own it’s on ” Lance said as he throw another moss ball at Keith starting an all out war 

Allura and coran  listened to the paladins laugher over the come. As they we listening the door to the opened and Beauregard and  Adam  walked in. Coran turned 

“So what is the damage report ?” Coran asked 

“ Well Engine two and five are damaged , Decks Eight through Thirteen are out power, the wave flux generator has some broken plates and the power crystal that runs has some cracks in it. It still work but it will need to be replace as soon as possible along with some miner things.“ Adam said handing over a data pad over to coran 

“I have my remaining bodies working on the engines and trying to restore power that will take a couple day though” Beau said 

Coran looked at the data pad for a few seconds before replying “ it’s good to know about the wave flux  generator because that could cause a problem later .But is going to be hard to fix because of how rare the plates now a day “ 

“ What are the made of? they are made up maybe Jay or matt and the other might have them“

“ They are made of skulltrite” Coran replied 

The visor on beau’s current body turned from blue to green then back too blue after a few minutes “  Sorry the other don’t have any do to the ships they have use warp engines  and neither dose the captain because of the laws against wormhole travel back on mars” Beau apologized

“ It’s alright Beau we can find a place to replace the plates later. But right now we need to fix the problems that can be fixed” Coran replied as a loud laugh came from over the bridge comms

Back outside with the paladins the moss ball fight was still raging on as it turned into a free for all  But as the boys were have there fight Pidge was busy studying the moss. As she studied the ball her helmet started picking up a faint signal “Hey guys I need you to see this “ Pidge said as she turned around to see that lance and hunk using Keith  as a body shield from Jay who had jumped into the air with a huge moss ball and throw it at them  

“ What is it pidge?” Shiro Said as he walked over to her 

“ Yeah small fry what’s up” Jay said as he used his thruster pack to fly over to her and took a sitting position floating there in front of her     

“ I think some one is send a message”  She said still looking at the moss ball 

Jay looked at the moss ball the he looked to pidge the asked “ May I look at it ?”Pidge looked up and handed it over to him. Jay looked at It. it was weirdly familiar like something from the one of his father books about different planets flora.then he saw a faint signal appeared on his helmet. “ ok this looks familiar and I did see a signal appeared . It’s faint but it think the castle can get a better read “ He replied and handed the moss ball back to pidge 

“ All right  let’s head back to the bridge then” Shiro said 

“ But what about the realigning  the node?” Hunk said

“ I will handle it” Jay said as he started moving towards the next node 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KYAmFyh126w

Jay started up his music and started working realigning the nodes. But then he saw a shadow of someone walking toward him. He looked up and saw Keith walking towards him. “ Hey Keith way didn’t you follow the other back to the bridge?”

“ I wanted to ask about your half human half Altean right. And your home town is full of galra right  ” Keith asked as he graded a different node that need to be realigned.

  “ Yeah My Mom was human Dad was altean. And yes iron oath has a mostly galra community why do you ask” Jay know where this was going. 

Keith went quite and through about how he was going to word this question then he spoke “  Can Human and Galra “

“ Yes they can Have kids.” Jay yelled cutting Keith off  “Two of my best friends half human they were twins Yorak looked like his dad who was human and Yuri looked his mom who was galra. it common on mars for humans and galra to hook up because galra fine humans quite attractive because how hard they fight and there scent of honor  along with other things.”  Jay replied super nonchalantly “ look if you think your galra I don’t give a shit about that. I’m not Allura who holds grudge and I don’t think anyone beside her will care” Jay said as he realigned the node and start walking toward Keith’ s node and realigned it “  And you shouldn’t care either. Also why did you bring this up with me and not Shiro or Adam ?” Jay asked just a little confused 

“I did bring it up with them. but I wanted your opinion because blunt,straight to the point and you might be the only person here who might understand what I'm going through ”   Keith said as rude the back of his helmet

“I understand . But I don’t understand what your going through. But I will try to help where I can” Jay said trying to be reassuring 

“ Thanks man “ Keith said 

As the two stood there taking about other thing the comms roared to life with Shiro’s voice “ everyone to the bridge we found something “

“ looks like Were need on the bridge” Jay replied 

“It seems so” Keith replied 

A few minutes later everyone was in the bridge 

“ So what have you found for us today Sister “ Matt asked looking at the moss ball in a tank being scanned by the castles computer 

“ It’s a distress signal and a set of coordinates to a planet “ Pidge replied 

“ How do get that from a that ” Shay asked curiously as she starred at the moss ball.

“ Some races you the bioluminescence in algae or in certain moss and fungus spores to sent message when there are no other way of commutating. So says my father ”  Jay said as he closed the book in his hand

“ So what is the distress signal about any away?” Lance asked

“What do you think it’s about lance “ Rolo said just a little annoyed 

“ Ok it’s most likely galra but what if it’s a red queen or a different kind of monster that fell from the sky and is just wrecking everything we don’t know.”Lance counter

“ Well if it’s a red queen I we call Isara the moment we see it”  Jay said 

“ OK can we not start fighting over what the possible problem is and just get there and see what the problem is.” Beau said  as a worm hole started to open in front of the castle of lions as it slowly start to move into it

“  So who send the message anyway to change the subject” Adam said looking at Coran seeing as he had the most experience with traveling the universe   

“ Well by the coordinates. Were going to Olkarion the home of the universe’s greats engines. they are so skilled in there craft that it come off as magic and they made this  ”   Coran said as he pulled out a black cube and let go off it. the cube floated there. Then he spoke to it” Coran Coran is a handsome man”

“ Coran Coran Is a handsome man” the cube replied in Coran’s voice 

“ Wow that so cool can I play with it for a bit Mr. Coran?” Usamu asked as he jumped up and down with stars in his eyes

“ Here you go young lad” Coran said hand the cube over to Usamu 

Usamu looked in Awa at the cube and started walking back to his brothers.The crew start talking about the possible foe they will be facing when they get to Olkarion. Maybe it’s a new robeast, or just a small fleet of ship or even a new monster altogether. But that all came to a stop when they made it to Olkarion. The planet looked like it had a rocky Frisbee thrown through it with a weird air bubble surrounding it

“   Not going to lie that is a pretty cool looking world” Lance said 

“ You got that right” Pidge replied 

“ Yeah it’s pretty neat  not as cool as the Balmera but it is cool to see it” Hunk said while holding Shay’s hand 

As they were all looking at the planet A city popped up on the screen.

“ Ok Allura What are we dealing with” Shiro asked 

“ I don’t know because the scanners are on the fritz again .” Allura said looking at Shiro with a frown on her face.

“ I don’t care what were facing I just what to get a look at that city “ Pidge said 

“ Alright then Everyone to there ships and lions. Jay I need you to stay here and watch over the castle. Will call if we need you” Shiro said 

“ Yes Sir “ Jay said while giving Shiro a two finger solute. He sat down and watch his sons as they all starred at the planet. After a few minuets the lion and the Prometheus going  to the planet. The team entered the planets atmosphere they felt shook from entering.

After a few second of turbulence. The team flow over a mountain range and as the cleared it The found them Selves  at  the edge of the highly advanced city scape and the tree line  

“ Woah look at all this tech . it’s amazing I wonder how the build it all” pidge said

“ Yeah but Why is the city Empty then ?”  Keith said

“ Pidge keep your head in the game Were looking for the sources distress signal” “ Shiro said 

“ I know but look at all this tech I can’t help it” Pidge said as happy as a kid in a candy shop 

“ Pidge I know how cool al this tech looks but we need you to focus on the mission and when it’s done I will go with you and slight see with you also the signal seem to be coming from the forest  ” Matt said over the comms quickly followed by everyone turning towards the forests  

Pidge let out a groan after hearing that” Why doesn't anyone ever send a distress signal come from a cool place? I hate the outdoors nothing  but sun burn and poison oak”  

“Question why did you take the book worm who care not for nature and not the guy who has spent most of his life in and working at a flower shop and who father is a  botanist?” Jay said over the comes 

“ Because we need some one to act as the first line of defends and you don’t need Thirty second to combo into a giant Robot “  Adam replied 

“ True that man” jay said 

“ Hey Guys I'm picking up a huge amount of life sighs coming from the forest  and weird energy signature coming off the trees”   Matt said as hundreds of Small plasma bolts flow out of the forest below them .

“ what the heck is going on “ Hunk yelled as the bolt just bounce of his lions thick armor 

“ Should were fire back”  Keith said as he dodge the bolts

“ No they might be the once who sent the distress message now everyone start to land “ Shiro said as he started to lower the black lion into the forest

“Ok but if they start shooting at us again I'm Shooting back” Ace said She said 

“ Same here “ Adam said as He and beau started up the Prometheus’ s land protocol  

The others followed suit and started landing in the forest . As they were landing they say a small group of people some were holding spears while other had weird looking blaster in the cover their whole hand Also in the group were  Mechs  that looked like they were made of wood.  The people were tall and slim there skin was green with a greenish brown crest on top of there hand. 

“ Are you kidding me we got taken down by a bunch of tree people “ Lance said

“ We really weren’t taken down we came down to see who was shooting at us “ Adam said followed by Shiro saying 

“ We come in peace” As he said 

From that back of the group a person wearing a hood walked to the front and removed it to reveled an older olkier women with a red dolt on her for head “ Voltron parse Lubos “ 

“ Lubooooos” Everyone in the group yelled  happily 

The paladin seeing at the people weren’t going to shoot them on sight the each came out of there lions found by most rebels

“ Hello i’m Shiro pilot of the black lion an Lead of voltron were here to help “ Shiro said as he walked up to the group of olkier 

“ I'm Ryner it’s good that voltron has returned”

“ Wait you know What voltron is?” Pidge said as she walked up to Shiro and ryner.

“ Yes The olkier and  the Altean had an allies Back in the day and they helped  make Voltron “    Beau said as he walked out of the Prometheus But the moment he walked out of the ship Every olkier pointed the Blasters at him.Seeing that he was still currently using a galra sentry as his body. Beauregard Throw his hands up seeing that he had every olkier pointing there blasters at him “   Please don’t shoot I'm a friend”

“ Is He?” Ryner asked Shiro 

“ Yes He is. He’s the copilot of the ship he just walked out of and head of security, repairs and supplies of the castle of lions.”  Shiro said Ryner waved there hand and every one lowered there blasters 

“So I guess it’s the galra were fighting to day” Rolo whispered to lance

“  shut up “ Lance said punching Rolo in the shoulder joking

an few hours of walking later The team had found themselves  to the Olkier settlement with Build seemingly fused with the tree. Other olkier with crowns on there heads as they were pulling their hands into a flower like plant and it turned into the blasters  the had seen earlier. they then watched as ryner picked up a fallen branch with two leafs on it and turned it into a dragon fly life machine it flow of into the distant

 “ You really are the most incredible engineers in the universe . To be able to switch from precise machinery to a couple of stinks is a amazing

“  Some could say it’s magic “ Matt said jokingly 

“ Come on matt Aren’t  you just  as existed as I am “Pidge said 

“ Yes I am i’m just better a holding in my. Oh my god did they just turn that bush into a power generator”  matt said 

“ Yes they did and the reason being is that we can shape everything around”

“ Well that sound great but I woud take my computer and rover over a tree any day

“ So how long have you been living like this?” Shiro asked 

“ Many deca- phoebs After they took are king lubos“

“ Lubooos” the group of olkier said sadly 

“After that many of are people lost the will to fight an were capture and were force to work on a weapon that the galra commander wants.”Ryner said dishearten

“ Well then it looks like we need save then” Shiro said

“ That was the most cliché line I've ever heard‚ Beau said in Jay’s voice Shiro turned around and glared at the Ai

 Ryner Smiled as she heard what Shiro said and laughed a little at what” beau said “Thank you all”

Back on the castle of lions Jay was just sitting there reading his father’s book in the Bridger with his sons, Allura and Coran just waiting for the others to tell then what was going on down there

“So what do you think is going on down there?" Usamu asked his brother

”“ I don’t know maybe they’re fighting off an army of robot” Bastion said

“ Or maybe there was another robeast hiding on the planet Fitz said

“ Or they just found the olkier and are trying to come up with a plan to free the planet” Jay said not looking up from his book

The three boys look towards him just a little annoy by his bland answer

“ That makes scenes“ Coran said

“ But that’s boring” Fitz said

“ Well that's just How life is sometimes Kids not ever mission will end in a giant monster fight.” Jay said 

“ But every mission we’ve seen end in a awesome fight”

“ That’s true Not going to argue that.” Jay said then he looked up from his book “Wait don’t  you three have home work to do?” The boy’s faces turned white “  Do it now please and no buts”

“But what if some thing cool happens” Fitz asked 

“ I will call you back to watch now get going “ The three boys started walking out off the room a little sad “ Coran Can you make sure they do the work please”  Jay asked

“ Alright wait for me boys “ Coran said 

“ Thank you Coran” Jay yelled

“ No problem. Hey when you three Are done with your work I will tell you the tell on how I wrestled a Bespin Moon Bat”  Coran said 

“Yeah” The three boys yelled exactly  

Allura laughed as she heard “ I loved hearing that story as a kid. An your doing great as parent”  

“ Thank you I'm trying my best Also how big and strong  are those bats?” 

“ I don’t know really I've never been to the bespin “ Allura said  

“ Alright.” Jay looked back to his book then he looked up and turned to look at Allura “Hey Allura can I ask you something” Jay said

“ What is it?” Allura asked

“ Why did you loss your shit on Ulaz when we first meet him. it seemed out of place for you?”

Allura looked away from jay and placed her hand over her mouth before talking “ I had a nightmare before he showed up”

“ Really a bad dream what was it about?” 

“ I was at a grave yard where each grave had one of your names on them ”She replied

“ And you thought that Ulaz was going to kill us because he was galra”

“ Yes I let my prejudice get the better of me ” 

“ No you saw a guy who broke into your home attacked your friends and acted like a person and attacked them.I would do the same so you shouldn’t. be sorry about ”

“ I know that but I'm supposed to be a the leader of this team and a princess. But how am I supposed to lead if I can’t look passed my by biases”  Allura asked

“ I don’t know I'm a cybernetics expert not a therapist. But getting over bias takes time I think I don’t again I'm no therapist .”  

“ But your blunt and to the point at times and that can be just as helpful as your therapist thing ” Allura said with a smile on his face

“ Keith said the same thing  earlier today” Jay replied smiling as well 

The two continued to take as they waited for the other to return 

back on Olkarion  the paladins were standing in front of a tree with huge fruits hanging from it 

“ Uh Ryner where are we ?” Keith asked 

“ You will soon see Now please put this on “ Ryner said as She and other olkier started handing each paladin a wood crowns. “This will help you with interfacing with the nature around us “  

“ And how are we going to do that “ Lance asked 

“ Just place your hand on the tree and tell it what you want to do. But your commands must be in binary code “   Ryner said 

“ So like this “ Pidge said as she placed her hand on the tree as she did that a blue light appeared from the spot she placed her hand on. The light started to spread up the tree and to one of the fruits. the fruit started to glow and fell from the tree. it fell with a loud thud and kicked up a cloud of dust. As the cloud cleared it revealed a one of those mechs they saw earlier

After that The other tried to do it as well. First can Shiro , Lance, Keith , Hunk And adam Sadly no one could do it. Next Came Shay, Rax , Ace, N-7 , Rolo and Nyma. it was no surprise that Shay an Rax Were able to do the same .

“    You three us have deep connection to nature  .”  Ryner said 

“ Thank you” Shay said 

“ Thanks” Rax replied 

“ Not really Do to my pale complexion I was mostly stunk indoors”  Pidge replied

“  Well then you must understand you and I and everyone and everything are all made up of the same cosmic dust” Ryne Said

Pidge raised one of her eye brose. “ Dose that mean I need to start Gardening” 

“ That sounds like a wonder idea ” Shay says Happily 

“ No but I does mean You have to give your friends a ride “ She said looking at the other paladins 

After a few minutes of show Shay and Rax the ropes on pilot their mechs. But after that the team move out to the Galra work city

In the Galra war ship that was looming over the city. 

The commander of the ship stood in the bridge and watch as the olkier he had enslaved were working on huge cube 

“ For a people with magic metal bending powers they are surly taking their time working on my super weapon. Lets show them what their working for” The commander said as a screen appeared above the cube and show a Old and Fat olkari Man his head and hands cuffed 

“pleased Stop Don’t hurt me” The olkier man Said before being Shook causing him to let out a scream of pain. Seeing their king in pain the enslave Olkari started to push themselves to the breaking point hopping to save their king

Else where the paladins lead by ryner found themselves on a cliff side over looking the city

“ by lubos” Ryner said surprised as she saw the huge Cube

“ What's wrong Ryner?”  Shiro asked concerned As a screen appeared in side the mech  show pidge, Lance And matt

“  Hey that looks like the cube Showed us back on the castle” Pidge said 

“ But  why is it saw big?” Lance asked 

“ I don’t know how they did it but the seem to have found lubos’s designs turned them into a super weapon and it looks like it’s almost done ” Ryner said

“ Then we have to move Fast.Ryner Do you know where their keeping lubos? “Shiro asked

Ryner pointed her mech toward a tower at the middle of the city it was also directly under the warship “  Their keeping him there”

“ Ok then Matt ,Lance ,Keith, And Hunk your with me.”

“ Alright Matt “ Said

“Pidge Get back to the Green lion and Act as are pick up When We get lubos” 

“On it “Pidge said as Lance and Matt  

“ Ryner Take the others and rally Your men” 

“ ok” She replied as she let Shiro and Adam out 

“ Adam, Rolo And N-7 Give us covering fire with we get caught alright “

“ Ok love “ Adam said as he grabbed a beam rifle off his back 

“ And Beau Get a call to the castle of lion and tell Jay to get ready for a fight “ 

“ Yes sir “ Beau said 

A few minutes later Adam and his team had set up a Snipers nest  an watched as shiro and His team Slow made there way to side gate of the city

“ Matt your up” Shiro said 

“ On it “ Matt walked up to the gate’s control panel an plugged in his wrist computer and Started to hack into it. after a few seconds the gate opened and the team moved into the camp . they moved quickly and quietly through out the camp dodging sentry patrol and the weird triangle security drones that floated around the area. It felt a little to easy as they move through the camp . But they knew   better then to look a gift horse in the  mouth. But that changed when they made it to the base of tower it had ten sentries standing guard . The team was stand around a corner looking at the entrains 

“  So How are we going to get in there?” Keith asked but that was quickly answered by a bolt of plasma that flew in to one of the Sentries destroying it. When it’ s body hit the ground the other sentries raised their blasters and started looked to the source of the shoot only for three more bolts slammed it three more sentries. Followed by five more shots. The last sentry stood there alone about to call for reinforcements only for Lance to shoot it down       

“ I guess that how were getting in” Lance said As he looked both away before quickly ran across the empty street to the tower entrains.

 Shiro placed his hand to his helmet and pressed the comms button “ Thank love” 

“Your welcome dear” Adam replied

“Shiro come on “ Keith said from the tower entrains

Shiro decide to try a teleport again seeing that he had just gained it. Keith watched his brother close his eyes as a bright purple aura surround him and Then disappeared with a popping sound and reappeared in front of him. Keith took a step back confused by what he just saw.

“ How did you when could you”

it’s a long story and  we have a king to save. “ Shiro said  as he walked passed Keith and entered  the room it was small and only had an elevator in it  

 “Going up” Hunk said As he entrained the elevator followed by everyone else  .The elevator had only one stop and that was the top of the tower.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xy_NKN75Jhw

“Is it just me of dose this seemed to easy” Matt said 

“ true but every time it seems easy it gets a lot harder the moment we try to do  something. So I'm guessing there is going to be thirty or forty sentries waiting “  Lance said 

“ So everyone get ready for a fight” Shiro said as he activated his arm.Matt grabbed his bow staff, Lance raised his Bayard ready to fire , Hunk and Keith activated their Bayard .

It was a tense few minutes as they  waited for the door to open up. The door opened to a dark room and the sound of crying. They all ran into the room and saw no guards waiting for them all But there was any other olkari  standing there with a tray in his hand watching the movie well Lubos was sitting there crying about the two people on the screen kissing

“ They're so in love with each other” Lubos said 

“ Oh Hey I saw this one it’s not the best by hey it’s a good time waster” Matt said lowering his bow staff 

Lubos stopped crying and turned to see the five paladins standing there.” Are you the jester I asked for?” He asked as he got up from the chair 

“ No were where to save you” Shiro said just a little confused 

Lubos face had a look of confusion on his face. “ Oh great finally I'm save” Lubos hit a button on his chair then got up”But how are we getting out of here and how long will it take for them to get her ?” 

“ She’s on her way so just a wait a few more minutes” Shiro replied

Keith looked around the room and noticed the lubos didn't have cuffs on him But the other Olkari did which he found odd.  Also Lubos clothes looked new while the other was wearing the same clothes as Shiro when he found them. Then the lights suddenly turned on to reveal a Galra commander standing there with a smile on his face

“ Ah the paladins of voltron What an honor  ”  The galra said 

“ And who are you?” Matt asked his bow staff pointed 

“ Oh I'm Branko The man who just captured voltron thanks to His majesty “   Branko said 

They all looked towards the Lubos 

“ Had don’t blame me he forced me to do it” lubos said pointing towards

“ Yeah and did the forces feed you too “  Lance said pointing his blaster towards Branko 

“Ok were can play the blame game all day but I have a super weapon to test . So came with me” Branko said 

“ I don’t think so” Keith said grabbing Lubos and pointed his bayard at lubos’ s throat. “ Take one more step and the king gets it” 

“Keith what are you doing “ Hunk said confused

{I just Made him the successor of the black lion. What have I done } Shiro thought to himself

“ Hey I'm the victim here why am I being used as a meat shield” Lubos said 

“ Your no victim” The other olkari said “ He sold out his own people Just to save his own skin”

“ La -sai I trusted you” Lubos said sadly

“ I know that But I'm done with all the lies” La-sai said 

“ Well that was a beautiful little moment but I'm on a schedule and seeing as your not coming willingly I will just give your bodies and lions to lord Zarkon and regain my honor that way and maybe I will be promoted to Fleet Admiral.”  Branko said as the sentries started to power up their weapons about to fire.

“ But what about Are deal ?” Lubos said 

“ Consider it complete” Branko said with a twisted smile on his face.

“ Get ready for a fight guys “ Shiro said . But just as he said that a beam of blue plasma cut into the room leaving a huge whole in the room that reveled the green lion.

“ Need a ride?” Pidge asked as the green lions mouth opened followed by the team ran toward the lions open maw

Branko looked to his side at his sentries that were just standing there”   What are you doing  you useless pieces of junk Shoot them” He yelled As one of the sentries turned to look at him with it’s visor a bright blue.

“ Sorry but no” Beau said as he left the sentry he was in to return to pidge’s Wrist computer  as the sentry’s visor turned green it like the other sentries turned to face each other an fire upon each other leaving branko alone.

In the green lion’s cockpit 

“ Thanks for the save You two” Matt said as he was trying too remove the cuffs from La-sai’s hands 

“ No problem” Pidge said

“ Your welcome. Also Jay is waiting for us to return “ Beau said 

“ Alright Let’s first pick up Adam’s team then will head back to Ryner and the others” Shiro said 

“ On it “ pidge said as she took the green lion to Adam’s location 

After that they returned to the olkari Rebel camp. Jay had land Only a few minutes before the others returned taking to Ryner about the planets flora and about Getting a few of those cubes that Coran had along with a few commissioned Weapons for Val to use later on

“ Thanks for hearing me “ Jay said 

“ It was no problem. It’s the most we can do for Voltron and I hope your sons enjoy the cubes and the other toys we made for them.” Ryner said 

“They will” Jay said  looking up to the Sky and saw the green lion coming there way “  Looks like Your king has returned” Jay pointed to the green lion as it landed 

“ praise lubos he has returned” Ryner said  walking towards the green lion.

Jay watch his teammates walked out of the green lion with Lubos in toe. He watch as Ryner face turned from joy to fury as Shiro told her something followed by Ryner slapping Lubos. Jay then looked to Adam as he walked toward him

“What the hell just happened?” Jay asked Adam

“ Lubos Turned out to be a Sell out,a cowered and now there is a super weapon that is being made that you guys need to destroy “

“ I knew about that last one but thanks for filling me in Man.” Jay put his thumb and pointer finger on the bridge of noise and groaned” The boys are never going let me live this down “ 

“ Why is that?” Adam asked 

“ I just told them that not every mission ends in a giant robot fight but knowing about the super weapon and how this teams habit of seemingly attracting robeasts. I’m guessing the moment Shiro stops Lecturing lubos about how he should have been a stronger lead even thought not everyone is a super strong willed Moral paragon of justice”  Jay took up a dramatic pose .Adam laughed a little an jabbed jay in the shoulder. The two laughed for a little but stopped when they heard Ryner yelling “ Today we fight for are freedom.” The two of them looked at each other then started waling towards there respective Ships

“ Don’t get Shot out of the Sky again “ Adam said giving Jay a two finger salute  as he headed toward the Prometheus  

“ Don’t Crash my house again” Jay said shooting a finger gun at Adam as he walked to Val as she stopped Scanning everything Around her. 

Else where

Branko was in the bridge of his war ship Yelling about how his victory was stripped away from him and how long until the weapon was up and running 

“Uh Sir we have a  problem” A galra solider said starting at the screen in front of him “

“What is it. Show it on the screen “ Branko said as a screen appeared Showing  An Army of Olkari emerging from the forest charging toward the city with Voltron , the Valkyrie and the Prometheus  flying over them. A look of fear creeped a cross Branko face “ Is the weapon Ready yet “ 

“ Yes it is sir then power it up and get us to a safe distance. Will pick up Voltron and that other one when my super weapon ends them” branko yelled  

“ On it Sir” The soldier said as he started hitting buttons on the console turning on The cube on 

The paladins Watched as the warship started moving away from the city leaving any Sentries an soldiers behind to fight off the on coming Army of Olkari

“  So they’re leaving what are we going to do about that Shiro?” Jay asked

“ You go after them. We will handle the super weapon” Shiro order

“ On it “ Adam said 

“See you guy in a few seconds. ” Jay said as he, Val and Adam chased after the fleeing Ship

“ Ok team lets take this super weapon out before it power up” Shiro said

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lkiS290uEtI

“ Uh Shiro it might be a little to late” Hunk said As he watched as a huge Cube started to slowly ascended to their level 

The cube was pitch Black with a violet light that ran across the middle of it. the cube was the same height as the Valkyrie in her human form.it just floated there not doing anything for a few seconds before a bright purple light appeared from it. The light hit voltron but it did nothing 

“ Uh what is it Doing” Lance asked as the light started moving up and down 

“ It’s scanning us “ pidge said 

“ Ok then let give it  something else to scan then” Keith said as he Fired the red lions mouth beam.

The shot made contacted with the cube but in stand of exploding it was absorbed into the cube cause a ripple to appear across the cube’s surface that was quickly followed by the ripple to reveres and a blue bolt of energy follow out of it. The team only had a few second to react to the shot and dodged it.

“ Ok it just fired a shoot back at us just like the Valkyrie can”  Pidge said

“That’s not good.” Hunk said worried

“ How are we going to deal with that?” lance said

“ Guys we have as sword remember” Keith said slamming his Bayard into the slot and summoning the sword

“ Oh yeah that's a thing” Lance said a little sheepishly

Voltron Charged the cube At full speed . As it did the cube started to fire a beam of energy as it slowly started to move again. But Voltron knocked the shot aside with their blade and raised it up and brought it down the middle Calving  the cube in two followed by another cut through both pieces  . The four pieces of the cube fell back where it came from seemingly lifeless. The team watch the cubes not taking their eyes of it because how easy that fight seemed. As they watched all four cube started to come back to life and started rising up faster then before.  The four Cubes started to surround voltron and started firing on them

“Oh great now there are four of them” Lance groaned as voltron fly hiigher into the sky

“Ok team this might look bad but we have faced tougher opponents. We can get through this lf we work together.”   Shiro said in calm voice as he took voltron out of the city and into the forest  trying to keep the the olkari and the other from being caught in the cross firer leading the cube out o   

Else where Jay ,Adam and Val were chasing After the fleeing Warship

“  So what do you think the others are doing with that super weapon right now?” Jay  Asked 

“ Don’t know but how is this ship out speeding us” 

“ No clue But why are we chasing this Ship instead of just using of Shooting it down with the bow” Val said 

Jay stopped the Valkyrie turned her into her human form ,slammed his Bayard in to the slot and summoned the huge bow and pulled back to summon a bolt of energy and let it go and repeated the motion four more times just to be sure  . They watched as the bolts screamed through the air. The first Shot slammed into the Warship’s shield causing it to faultier the next shot followed suit ,the third one knocked the Shield out  and the last two shots punched through the warships engines and travel through the ship an exited just barely missing the bridge.

“ Did you forget you had that ? I mean I never saw you use it before until yesterday “ Adam said as he laughed a little by Jay’s sudden realization and he started laughing hard as Jay stayed quite as the warship started to slowly fall into a near by river. It was a beautiful sight as the Ship crashed into the water causing it to shoot up as the ship slowly settle into river  that was then followed by the Ship exploding sending fragments of the ships and earth flying everywhere

“  Well that went from zero to hundred real quick “ Jay said just a little suspired by what happened

“ Yes that escalated quickly and we weren't even aim to destroy the ship that just kinda happened ” Val replied

“ We Should go help the other  “ Adam said 

“ Agreed” Val said as she started to fly back to the came

“ I hope things haven’t gotten out of hand with out us ” 

Back with voltron 

“This has gotten out of hand real quick”  Hunk Yelled as he dodged a shot from one of the now four super fast moving cubes

“ I got this ” lance said as he fired the frost beam into one of the cubes. But it just absorbed the shot and fired it back at him freezing the blue lions head “it’s so cold “

“ Lance” Keith yelled as he fly over to lance and used his molten beam to melting the ice around the blue lions head

“ Thanks Keith”  Lance said as they both dodge a on coming shot from one of the cubes

“ No prob-” Keith was cut off by a shot from another cube knocking him out of the sky 

“Keith “ Shiro yelled before getting knocked out of the sky as well

“Ok these thing are starting to get on my nerves. Why did we cut the cube again  ?” Lance asked 

“ How were we sunspots to know it would do this if we cut it” Keith said as he got the red lion back to it’ s feet and took back to the sky followed by Shiro 

“ So you Guys cut something that basically tried to cut something that gets fast and multiplies when Cut. That seemed pretty stupid “ Adam said over the comm

“ Yeah that’s just sounds like a bad time”   Jay said 

“Yes when are you two getting here?” Lance asked as he dodge another ice beam fire from the cube he was fight

“Right now “Jay said as he fire a bolt from the Valkyries bow  .Lance watched as the bolt of energy slammed into the cube but the cube absorbed the ball. The ripple appended again on the cube followed by it reversing and fire the bolt back at the Valkyrie. Jay quickly dodged the Bolt. Jay and val were caught of guard by this Copy of there power ”Ok were facing smaller versions of Val this is bad” Jay said as he dodged a shot fired at him. But unaware to him pidge was behind him and took the full focus of the shot 

“AAaAh “ Pidge yelled as the Green lion slammed into the forest down below them powerless

“Shit Pidge I’m Sorr “ Jay was cut off by the cube he shot at Slammed into him 

“ Pidge are you alright ?” Hunk said

“ Pidge can you here us “ Lance yelled

“ Pidge you alive ?” Keith asked

“ Katie Speak to me “ Shiro said

“ Sis please talk to me Katie “ Matt yelled over the comms after hearing Everyone else yell about this  

Pidge tried to tell the other that she was alive but the green lion wasn’t responding to anything she tried. “Come on Green I need to get back up the team  needs us “ Pidge  shook the control sticks violently and got out of her chair “ Come on green Get up!!!” She yelled before letting go of the control sticks as she sat back down pissed that she was now stuck in her lion . She grabbed the control sticks again as she did that She heard her teammates yelling for her or in pain. Pidge tried to turn on the green lion again to no effected this piss her off even more because she felt helpless. as her team was being assaulted by the cubes . The she heard Ryner voice through the green lion 

“Pidge you need to calm down” Ryner said from out side of the green lion’s cockpit.

Pidge let go of the sticks again as she did rover turned on and flow out of her backpack and flowed toward her beep the theme song to her favorite show. Pidge laughed at her little robotic companion”    Ok I'm calm now. What do it do now?” Pidge asked as she started to pet rover like a dog

“ You most bond with it’s spirt for it to fly again” Ryner said

“ Ok” Pidge said a little  skeptical. But she tried it anyway She closed her eyes and grabbed the control sticks one more time as she did she heard her teammate and her brother yelling for her to be alright. But she had to focus on deepening her bond with her lion and as she cleared her mind She felt someone standing behind her. Then She heard a soft purring sound all around her then she felt everything in the universe rush through her body . Ryner watched as the green lion’s eyes started to glow again and has they did the vine that had surrounded the green lion Started to glow as well the disappeared. The moment the vines disappeared the green lion got back up let out a huge roar then took back to the sky.

Back with the rest of the team  Jay dive bomb the Valkyrie  to protect the blue lion from  being shot out of the sky He countered the shot and used It to boost the Valkyrie’ s speed

“ Thank for the save man”  Lance said 

“No problem Lance” Jay said as he charged at full speed towards the cube ready to see if impaling it with his spear would do any thing to them. But before he could do that A green beam hit the cube as it did the cube floated there for a few second before Roots exploded out of the causing the cube to fall to the ground powerless . 

“What was that?” Val asked confused by what she just saw

“ That was me guys” pidge said as the green lion flow up to the Valkyrie “ Now leave the rest to me” She turned the green lion around and started moving and blasting each cube with her new power and everytime she shot one Roots erupted from the leaving them powerless and motionless .Back  in the City and the enslave olkari were freed the battle was won and the day was saved.A few minutes later most team returned to the city to celebrate the victory well Jay went to scan the cubes to see what new ability val would get from them. Pidge, Matt, Shiro ,Adam and Ryner Watched the olkari and the rest of the paladins started to celebrate the victory.

“You did great today Pidge “ Shiro said 

“ Yes you really save are Ass back there

“Yeah Sis that was awesome “Matt said as ruffed he hair

“Thanks Bro but I have to thank Ryner Because of her I unlocked my lions Hidden power” Pidge said looking towards Ryner 

“ Thank you and I most that you all for saving Our home” Ryner said 

“ There is no need for thanks it's are job as the defenders of the universe to help anyone in need.” Shiro said

“ But Still thank you” Ryner replied 

As They were talking a familiar looking Olkari still in galra slave clothes walked up to them “ excuse me “  The olkari said a timidly voice

They all turned to look at him and Shiro recognized him “Oh Your La-Sai right” 

“ Yes I am I've been meaning to ask you something” la-sai said rubbing his forearm

“What is it “ Shiro asked curiously 

“ I wish to join your team to make up for all the year I stay silent as my people were forced to work the past few deca-phoebe If you will take me” La-sai said

Shiro looked At La-sai then said” Welcome to the team La-sai”

La-sai looked surprised by the sudden Answer then a smile came to his face “ Thank You Thank you . You won’t regret this” La sai grabbed shiro’s hand and Shacked it Then he Ran of to get his things

A few hour later the team had returned to the castle of lions and were telling Allura and Coran what had happened on the planet and introduced La-sai to the rest of the team.While Jay was showing of his new  prosthetic arm and toys to the boys  as Rolo was getting use to the new like weight leg of his.

“ Hey Shiro why aren't you wear your new arm ?” Jay asked as his sons were playing with all the cool things they just got.

“ Don’t need it yet I will wear it when this brakes “ Shiro said as he flex is current arm

“ Alright them” Jay said as looked at the bright red and green olkari tech arm “ this so quiznaking cool”

“ Not as cool as this” Coran said as he pulled out his cube and it split into five different cubes” Thank you La-Sai”

“ Your welcome Coran “ La-sai said with a smile on his face

“So pidge how did you unlock that new ability?’ Allura asked

“It weird  You all know ive always been a tech junkie that's how I connected to the world but for the first time I felt connected to everything . I guess it’s just like Ryner said we’re all make you of the same cosmic dust” Pidge said in a profound realization

“So that mean were all related. that this Ship those stars, The olkari and Even the galra. That’ s wild” Kieth said

“Yeah you could say that “pidge replied 

But before Allura could Question what she just Heard the entire Galra central  command Appeared in front of them

“ Oh Quiznak” Everyone said at once

"Back at the destroyed Galra ship Branko crawled out of the river His body burnt and broke from the crash “ Damn them Damn them all. I was this close to regain my honor this close “  He yelled as he slammed his fist into the ground several times. The sound of wings flapping and the sound of something landing in front of him so he looked up and saw a bright white bird with a single crimson eye looking at him “What are you looking at “ Branko swung a the bird But it didn’t move it just stood there looking at him. Then it’s eye ripped open and a deep Basie voice came out  of it

“Do you want to make a deal” the bird said 

Branko didn’t know if this was a hallucination or real but that didn’t matter he was pissed off and will to do anything to get revenge”  Yes I would”

“ Good know Follow me” Warren said as a twisted smile appeard on the eye

[audflexbutok]

Basic Comprehensive Guide to Computer Hardware,

for all you beautiful writers or those who just wanna know about computers!

I’m tagging this as sasusaku because of the post I made earlier about helping writers with computer stuff. Hopefully that will help those lovely people find this post and save it as a reference. For your convenience, this long post is under a read more.

This post was made 9th July 2019 and will be updated with more information.

So first of all, we’ve got several major computer components: the Central Processing Unit (CPU),motherboard, main memory (RAM), secondary storage devices (such as an SSD or a hard drive), input and output devices (known as peripherals),and a Power Supply Unit (PSU).

Other important, but nonessential components include: the Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) (a non-embedded GPU), a Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS), water coolers, wireless network adapters, and extra cooling fans. 

The CPU:

The Central Processing Unit is the part of the computer that actually runs programs. It is the most important part of the computer, because without it, the computer cannot run software. When a computer is performing a task that a program tells it to do, we say that the computer is running or executing the program.

How the CPU works: 

A computer’s CPU can only understand instructions that are written in machine language. Because it is very difficult to write entire programs in machine language, other programming languages have been invented. 

The CPU is designed to perform simple operations on pieces of data. For example, reading data, adding, subtracting, multiplying, dividing, relational operators, etc.,

The CPU understands instructions written in machine language and included in its instruction set. Each brand of CPU has its own instruction set. 

In order to perform meaningful calculation, the CPU must perform many operations.

The CPU does nothing on its own, and must be told what to do. That’s why we have programs! A program is nothing more than a list of instructions that cause the CPU to perform operations!

Although a program can be stored on a secondary storage device, it has to be copied into the main memory, or RAM each time the CPU executes it. 

The CPU executes a program in a cycle of 3 steps: 

Fetch: read the next instruction from memory into CPU.

Decode: the CPU decodes the fetched instruction to determine which operation to perform.

Execute: the CPU performs the operation.

Here’s what my particular CPU looks like:

I have the intel i7-9700k processor, which has 8 physical cores. It’s a really good processor! It’s also quite cute. One of my favorite things is that inside my lighting software, iCUE (corsair utility engine) I can see the temperature of all my components, including all 8 cores inside my processor! 

Motherboard:

The purpose of the motherboard is to have a central location for all the main components of the computer. Since they’re all mounted/inserted on this board, they can communicate with each other and work together! Sweet!

Here’s what my motherboard looks like, isn’t she cute? 

The square in the top middle of the motherboard is the CPU socket! That’s where you mount your CPU. There are lots of different types of sockets for different brands of processors. The 4 channels to the right of that square are the ram channels. The L shaped covers at the top left contain the voltage regulator (my particular motherboard also has a small fan right there to cool it off), and the plates below the CPU are heatsinks. The solid state drives are beneath these heatsinks.

Main Memory (RAM):

The Main Memory, or RAM (which stands for Random Access Memory), is where the computer stores a program and the data used by the program while the program is running. 

For example, suppose you’re using a word processor like Microsoft Word to write something. While you are writing, both the word processing program and the piece you’re writing are stored in the main memory.

We call the main memory RAM because the CPU is able to quickly access data stored at any random location in the RAM. RAM is a volatile memory used for temporary storage while the program is running, so the contents of your computer’s RAM will be erased when the computer is turned off. Inside your machine, RAM is stored in chips. It’s really cute! 

Here’s my ram:

It’s the Corsair Vengeance RGB pro. My particular ram is 4x8, which means I have 4 sticks of RAM, each at 8GB. That means I have 32GB of RAM! 

Secondary Storage Devices: 

Secondary storage devices are used to hold data for long periods of time. Programs are stored here and then loaded to the main memory when needed.

So, we’ve got several types of secondary storage devices:

Disk Drive: Magnetically encodes data onto a spinning circular disk.

Solid State Drive (SSD): Faster than a disk drive. Has no moving parts, and stores data in solid state memory.

Flash Memory (flash drive, memory stick): Portable, no physical disk. Usually used by connecting it to a computer’s Universal Serial Bus (USB) communication port and appears to the computer as a disk drive, but does not contain a disk.

Optical devices (compact disk (CDs), digital versatile disk (DVDs)): Data is encoded optically as a series of pits on the disk surface. CD and DVD drives use a laser to detect the pits in order to read the encoded data. Optical disks hold large amounts of data, and for that reason, recordable CD and DVD drives are commonly used for creating backup copies of data.

Here are my SSDs, (solid state drives): 

I have 2 of these Samsung 970 pros under the heatsinks of my motherboard, both 1 TB each. They’re a lot faster than a hard drive because they don’t have any physical moving parts. They’re also a lot smaller and cuter! 

Graphics Processing Unit (GPU):

The GPU is designed to rapidly manipulate and alter memory in order to accelerate the creation of images. They can either be embedded in the motherboard (like most laptops or low-tier desktops) or be on a video card. 

So pretty much, your GPU does a lot of arithmetic! It’s very powerful and necessary for playing heavy games or editing videos. 

Here’s my GPU: 

This is the ASUS GTX 1080 ROG STIX RGB GPU. Lots of acronyms there, but she’s really cute! She has 3 fans to keep her cool while I’m playing Skyrim and Ultimate Ninja Storm 4. She’s also got some HDMI ports and stuff on the back there. That’s how you connect your monitor or VR to her! 

So a lot of you have heard of the GPU hype lately, I’m sure. So, there’s a couple types of GPUs.

TI: stands for titanium, and just means that it’s more powerful than the graphics card without it. So the ASUS GTX 1080 TI ROG STRIX RGB is more powerful than my GPU, the ASUS GTX 1080 ROG STRIX RGB. The TI versions of graphics cards have more shader processors (cores and shit) that are able to carry out specialized processing and rendering tasks that are required for your computer to display stuff on your monitor.

GTX: nobody really knows? Grand Tourismo Xtreme? Graphics Technology Xtreme? Sounds cool though.

RTX: Ray Tracing! Ray tracing is a rendering technique that can produce incredibly realistic lighting effects. Basically, an algorithm can trace the path of light, and then simulate the way that the light would react with the virtual objects it hits in the generated world. 

Cooling Systems: 

So, there’s a lot to unpack here. You can do mineral oil (submerge your entire computer in a fish tank of mineral oil! No thanks, that sounds really inconvenient for maintenance.) regular fans, water cooled, and I’m sure there’s much more shit I haven’t even heard of. Today we’ll be talking about fans and water cooling.

Fans: lots of different kinds. They spin to cool your computer down! 

Tip: When cleaning your fans on your computer, you need to hold your fans still. When they spin, they generate power to the motherboard (think of it like a computer windmill) and can cause it to overheat and get messed up. A lot of people like to clean their fans using compressed air for convenience, but if you let the blades spin freely while you’re blowing air at them, they will generate too much electricity for the motherboard to handle. 

There’s many kinds of fans, like SP (static pressure), AF (airflow), and ML (magnetic levitation). There’s a lot more that I haven’t really studied. I personally like my ML fans because they’re pretty and super quiet! 

Water Coolers: 

Water coolers take advantage of the basic principle of thermodynamics- heat moves warmer objects to cooler objects. As the cooler object gets warming, the warmer object gets cooler. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gQ1lNwCKs-c

This wonderful youtube video bu Tao of Tech does a really fantastic job of explaining. I feel that the visuals he produces are much more effective than my typing. 

This is my water cooler, the Corsair H150i Pro. 

The block with the Corsair logo is referred to as the water block or the CPU block. This sits directly on the CPU on top of the motherboard. The fans sit on top of the radiator at the front of my case, although it’s possible to mount your radiator and fans in the top of the case as well. 

There are two types of water coolers: AIO and Custom. 

AIO stands for all in one. The water cooler above is an AIO loop. The water inside does not need to be changed because it’s a closed loop! I love my water cooler because there’s a lot less maintenance on it than using a custom loop! 

A Custom loop consists of larger tubes, a reservoir, and a pump. You need to replace the water inside it every so often (I’d say like 6-8 months but I have friends who have left it in there for years). The tubes and all have to be cleaned out, and the custom loops are quite bulky. However, it makes it very easy to liquid cool both your GPU and CPU simultaneously and can in some cases be more efficient than an AIO loop. You really need to know what you’re doing when you build a custom water cooling loop, but they can look super cool and perform really really well. 

One popular brand of cooling fluid (my computer science friends and I lovingly call it computer water, the forbidden drink) is thermaltake. There’s lots of different colors for you to customize your system! 

Here’s an interesting video from JayzTwoCents on his custom loop with 2 year old fluid! He drains his system in this video. It’s pretty sweet.

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W8wwxGPGApU

I HIGHLY recommend JayzTwoCents if you want to know more about building PCs! 

Input Devices:

Input is data that the computer collects from devices. An input device is a component that collects data, usually from the end user (you!) For example, keyboards, mice, touchscreens, and cameras are all input devices.

Disk drives can be considered input devices because programs and devices are retrieved from them and then loaded into the computer’s main memory.

Output Devices:

Output is data produced by the computer for people or devices. This data can be text, image, audio, or bit stream. An output device formats and presents output. This may be a video display (your monitor, or screen), or a printer.

Disk drives and USB drives can be considered output devices because data is sent to them to be saved.

Here’s my machine. Try to identify which parts are which! 

[ambitionsource]

AMBITION Season 1 ♫ “Before the Storm” [ 1.11 ]

CREATED BY Esther (rapunzles) & Maggie (quincywillows)

CH-CH-CH-CHANGES – The sophomore stars throw their hat in the ring for the chance to attend a highly regarded performance summer program, but only three students can progress from Adams to the final audition. Lucas has a daunting decision to make.

60 Minutes (15K words) || No warnings apply.

[ ← Birds of a Feather ] [ S1 Synopsis ] [ The World Will Never Be the Same → ]

( Follow along with the music on Spotify here! )

INT. AAA - HALLWAY - DAY

The halls of Adams greet us for the penultimate episode, cutting between shots of the setting we’ve come to know and love. Through windows in the doors, students rehearse in the music and dance studios. The locker hallways are pristine and decorated for the end of term. Graduation memorabilia is all around.

As the scenery shifts, the voice of Principal Hunter lectures on the importance of the school, everything that the institution stands for. Next to bulletin boards where students are welcome to jot down their summer plans to share, a display case in the atrium shows photos and mementos from the past school year. Les Mis is certainly included, as well as the winter showcase.

Jack: Adams exists to give students the chance to pursue a passion. Something important to them, so pivotal to their future endeavors and true happiness that they can’t even fathom doing anything else. It’s a silly notion, to some, but I’ve always admired that piece to it. That chance to give a young mind the power and potential to do whatever it is that they’ve always dreamed about.

Focus eases in on one advertisement on the bulletin board in particular – an informational flyer about the Kossal Summer Program, which has been referenced multiple times since the pilot. In bold lettering, the text “rising juniors only,” seems sharply emphasized.

Jack: More than anything, I try to give our students as much opportunity as possible. Getting here was the first step, and then I want to help them reach higher. Achieve further. Find access to doors and avenues that they may not have even known existed or felt capable of entering. I work hard to create that space. I work hard with all of the faculty and staff here to foster that environment, where any student can come to a safe, inclusive environment and throw their hat in the ring.

INT. AAA - JACK’S OFFICE - DAY

It becomes clear why JACK HUNTER is monologuing. He is in his disciplinary meeting with WYATT LIVINGSTON, following their deduction that he is the one running AAA Confessions.

Jack: Thus, it’s always such a shame when someone deems to take advantage of this space, and twists it into something it shouldn’t be.

Wyatt doesn’t seem all that impressed. Jack questions him on why the hell he would create a page like this, or barring that, be a part of it in the first place. Wyatt claims he didn’t make the Insta, but Jack presses the question again. Not buying it.

Wyatt dispels Jack’s rosy view of the school, claiming it’s no oasis for creativity and collaboration. It’s a cesspool of egomaniacs and cutthroat competition, and he knows it. The whole reason that the AAAC even works at all is because of the collective terrible attitude at the school. It’s a “safe environment” for them to take shots at each other and be as repulsive and reductive as they all actually are.

Jack snaps at this, claiming that’s not entirely true. He references the very targeted attack on a single student just a few days ago with Lucas, which Wyatt clearly orchestrated and was not just the full petty whimsy of the student body. Unable to fully deny this, Wyatt admits his hand in making some of the initial posts, but he didn’t orchestrate anything. If anything, the Lucas White Trash Dump Day is a perfect example of what he’s talking about – he lit a match, and the sophomore class set the whole forest on fire with it.

Wyatt: Besides, it’s not my fault that everyone hates Lucas. He does that to himself.

Jack doesn’t want to hear anymore. He doesn’t think he can face it. He moves onto discussing punishment, positing what he believes are fair consequences – expulsion, effective immediately. This finally seems to knock Wyatt off his high horse. He claims that’s bullshit considering one student can beat up another and not get kicked out, but he makes a couple of mean anonymous posts and he’s on the chopping block?

Jack argues that it’s the principle of the thing, and that every situation is different. The situation between him and Lucas was an isolated incident with bigoted implications, whereas the page has been an ongoing toxic presence at the school –

Wyatt: But I don’t deserve to get punished for it! I didn’t create the page!

Jack: Fine. Fine, if that’s the case, then tell me who did. Tell me who should take the fall for this, and we can renegotiate your involvement.

Wyatt can’t, because he doesn’t know. Nobody does. Jack takes his silence as an admission of guilt, but it’s evident that he is truly distraught about taking the consequences for it. Perhaps the severity of the punishment may be a bit too harsh…

After a beat, Jack claims that he will take some time to determine the proper punishment. Until then, Wyatt would be smart to keep his head down and enjoy his last couple weeks of sophomore year without further trouble.

Wyatt rises in a huff, storming out. Jack waits until he exits before letting his composed facade crumble, obviously overwhelmed by the chaos this whole situation has caused.

Hopefully, it’s about to come to an end. But not without some major decisions…

Cue opening titles.

INT. AAA - BLACK BOX THEATER - DAY

ANGELA MOORE is at her desk in the black box classroom, fretfully flipping through the schedule of the touring spot she’s been offered. She’s cross-referencing it with her personal calendar, obviously not thrilled with how much it’s consuming of her current life.

She’s been waiting so long for an opportunity like this. It’s her dream, yet now that it’s in front of her she doesn’t know what to do with it. Angela lifts her head, gazing blankly at the empty classroom around her. Wondering what it would be like to leave it behind…

SHAWN HUNTER breaks her out of her daze, entering with coffee and a breakfast bagel. He hands it to her and she takes it gratefully. He tentatively asks if she’s made any decisions yet, to which she gives a definitive no. Still very much in the realm of indecision.

Shawn seems relieved that it’s not a guaranteed yes, but being in uncertain territory isn’t much better. But uncertain ground they’ll continue to tread…

Song Cue ♫ ♪ “Ain’t It Fun” as performed by Tufts Beezlebubs || Performed by Nigel Chey, Yindra Amino, Chai Fresco, Nick Yogi, Clarissa Cruz, and Haley Fisher

INT. AAA - AUDITORIUM - DAY

NIGEL CHEY leads this acapella rendition, playfully rehearsing with his fellow sophomores. It’s one of the few numbers we’ve seen so far that gives due focus to the other performers in the classroom, and it gives an upbeat (if subtly ominous) musical start to the episode.

He dances around the stage with YINDRA AMINO, CHAI FRESCO, NICK YOGI, CLARISSA CRUZ, and HALEY FISHER. In keeping with the truce, most of the techies are hanging around with them and half-grooving along while working on set pieces. DYLAN ORLANDO sways with ASHER GARCIA in a bouncy waltz, the latter somewhat singing along.

DAVE WILLIAMS shows off his usual terrible dancing. Nigel sings directly to JADE BEAMON at one point, and she just about passes out. Yogi films the jam session with his A/V club camera to commemorate the end of the year.

Absolutely charmed.

INT. AAA - HALLWAY - DAY

While the acapella underscores, FARKLE MINKUS is making his way through the hallway after finishing up at his locker, headphones blocking out the rest of the world. He seems a little out of it, traversing the school with less of the impatient, high-maintenance energy than he was bursting with earlier in the year. Subtle, but definitely a shift.

DARBY WINTERS and SARAH CARLSON catch up to him, startling him into conversation. As he removes his headphones, he struggles to catch up to their fast-paced questioning.

Darby: … your audition number? We want to start taking bets on whether you’re going to be able to best Maya or not in this final epic diva showdown.

Farkle: My audi – okay, slow down pixies, and start over. I can’t understand you at warp speed.

They eagerly ask him if he has decided what song he’s using for his audition. Suddenly feeling as though he’s forgotten something, he asks them what the hell they’re talking about.

Sarah: The Kossal auditions? They’re this weekend. Preliminaries are going to be all this week. [ Like he’s stupid. ] You know, the most coveted opportunity of the year?

Farkle: Oh. Oh… yeah. Yeah, I guess I forgot.

Sarah raises her eyebrows, clearly shocked. Darby breezes right past it, telling him he should really start thinking about it, although he’s likely to do amazing regardless. As they flutter away, Farkle shakes off his daze.

He honestly can’t believe he forgot about the program he’s been waiting all year to audition for. But suppose when you actually get friends and stop being all-consumed by your one passion, that’ll do it to you.

INT. AAA - ERIC’S OFFICE - DAY

ERIC MATTHEWS is sitting down with RILEY MATTHEWS, obviously excited about whatever information he’s about to share with her. She still has her focus set on a different matter, though, and figures that’s what the meeting is going to be about.

Riley, hopefully: You’ve figured out who is running AAAC?

Eric: … still working on that. But making progress, undoubtedly.

Riley sighs, slouching back in her seat. Eric promises her that what he has to tell her is just as exciting, another great opportunity here at the end of term. He goes on to explain that at the conclusion to each school year, Michael Jacobs and the school board fund an art gala in which all the major art magnet schools from the area come together to celebrate their achievements of the past year and share in their love of the craft.

He slides a small invitation across the table for her to look at. On the front is a fancy-looking ballroom where the event is usually held, with details and logistics on the backside.

Eric: Now, obviously Jack and I will be attending, as principal and MVP of Adams.

[ Riley glances at him, giggling at his given title for himself. ]

Eric: But we’re allowed to bring one student as a representative for our school, and we were thinking you.

Riley: [ blinking, taking a moment to realize she heard him correctly ] Me – me? You want me?

Eric: The nomination was unanimous.

Riley is evidently stunned by this. Eric goes on to explain all that she helped achieve at AAA that year, particularly how instrumental she was in bridging the divide and improving the overall quality of culture in the sophomore class. There is no one else they can think of more deserving of the opportunity. She should be proud of everything she’s accomplished this year.

The caveat, however, is that the gala conflicts with the district-wide audition evening for Kossal. So should she get chosen from the school-level auditions to progress onward, she would have to decide which one to attend. Riley claims she’s not planning on auditioning anyway.

Eric: What? Why on Earth not?

Riley: Are you – are you serious? You literally just said to me –

Eric: You know, you’re right. You’re right, shh. We’ll unpack that later.

Eric opts instead to highlight all the fun aspects to the gala that Riley should start gearing up for. She gets to dress up! There’s performances, and dancing, and great food! Oh, and she gets to bring a plus one, so she should start thinking about who she might like to bring along.

INT. AAA - AUDITORIUM - DAY

Class has assembled for the day, bustling into their seats and alive with restless end-of-term energy as Angela brings their attention to the front. She goes on to talk further about the Kossal program, how it is an intensive six-week summer camp in upstate New York where participants are deeply immersed in the art of performance. It is one of the most highly anticipated opportunities of the year for the sophomore class. The program boasts many notable alumni, and they’ve rarely had a student attend it from AAA who didn’t see success in their future.

As she describes it, it’s evident that MAYA HART and Farkle are both totally invested. ZAY BABINEAUX seems inspired too, but less openly determined than the other two divas. Everyone else is somewhere in between, indecisive about whether it’s worth it to try for it at all.

Angela continues on, explaining the catch – given it’s highly selective criteria, the audition process is staggered and competitive. It starts at the school level, where they will select three of their best students to move on to the district-wide auditions. From there, one lucky student from Adams will get to experience the program.

The techies are like… great. This week is going to be hell, isn’t it. ISADORA DE LA CRUZ exchanges a look with DYLAN ORLANDO and ASHER GARCIA, who look less than enthused. Angela dismisses them to work on their auditions or final projects, whichever they deem fit.

In the wings, Farkle pulls Maya aside. In an attempt to preserve their new and blossoming friendship, he proposes that they should help one another with their auditions. Essentially, be there to support one another rather than fall into their usual habits. Given the circumstances, it’s very unlikely that they both won’t progress to the next round, and he doesn’t want their naturally competitive instincts to come between them.

Maya is surprised and a bit hesitant towards this initiative, but she’s not going to be the one to cause trouble. Besides, as far as she can tell, Farkle does seem entirely genuine in his motivations. She agrees with a “hell yeah,” taking a pass on the drama if they can hack it.

They shake on it, agreeing they’ll be on each other’s teams.

INT. AAA - CAFETERIA - DAY

Zay is at his usual table, YINDRA AMINO and NIGEL CHEY occupying the other primary seats around him. They’re engaging in their typical comfortable conversation, Zay allowing them to take the brunt of it.

His focus shifts when CHARLIE GARDNER approaches with lunch in hand, coming to stand awkwardly by their table. He and Zay hold eye contact for a long moment, before Charlie asks if there’s room for him to join them. Although there’s clear tension, Yindra and Nigel don’t seem to pick up on it.

Zay claims there’s room, because he actually has to get going. He rises to leave without much more to say to Charlie. It’s clear this stings a bit, and Charlie watches him go before sliding into the seat he just vacated.

Yindra snaps him out of it when she asks whether or not he’s planning on auditioning for the Kossal program. Charlie says no, as he has a family obligation – there’s this big communal springfest dinner at his church that same night that is super important to his parents. His mother is part of the planning committee, and all that.

Nigel explains that he and Yindra were both considering it, but with only three spots and three known divas, it sort of seems like improbable odds. Charlie nods along, but he’s not really paying that much attention to their complaints. His gaze keeps lingering on the doors where Zay left.

INT. LUCAS’S APARTMENT - DAY

LUCAS FRIAR hastily makes his way from the hall to his bedroom towards the door, obviously on a mission. He has his phone pressed between his shoulder and his ear, slipping on his boots.

Lucas: I’ll be there in like five minutes, you can pick me up at the usual corner. [ a beat ] No, tell Dylan he’s not coming over. [ beat ] Yes, I have the fireworks, now could you –

From the kitchen, his mother calls out for him. This is pretty unusual, so Lucas tells Asher he’ll be there in a minute before hanging up and sauntering back towards the kitchen.

INT. LUCAS’S APARTMENT - KITCHEN - DAY

Lucas pokes his head in, finding GRACE FRIAR seated at their small dining table. She’s petite, disarmingly beautiful, and looks deceptively too young to have a teenage son. She asks if he has a minute to chat about something. He starts to state that he has plans, but rather than explaining to his mother that he’s off to go set off illegal fireworks with his dumbass friends, he figures he can spare the few seconds to talk.

Lucas settles into the chair across from her, and the closer we are to her the more the cracks in her dainty exterior seem to show. There are healing bruises on her face from the events of 1.09, and once you notice them underneath the makeup, it’s hard to unsee.

She goes on to explain that through one of her friends at work, she was able to get in touch with the dean of admissions at McCullough, a private all-boys boarding school in upstate New York. Given Lucas’s excellent academic record at AAA – behavioral record aside – Grace believes that if he applied, he could totally get a spot in their elite student body for the last two years of high school. She wants to put his application in for the fall, if that’s something he might want.

Lucas, stunned: You mean… you mean like leave triple A?

Grace hurriedly explains that she knows AAA was never Lucas’s top choice as far as schooling. He never had any artistic interests, there were just no… better alternatives. But this school has excellent reviews, top rated academics. It’s in the countryside rather than the city, so maybe the fresh air could do him good. A little space. And all of its alumni go on to have successful careers as doctors, lawyers, entrepreneurs – whatever Lucas decides he wants to do.

Lucas doesn’t know what to think. Never before has there been another option besides AAA, and the mere prospect of it seems impossible to fathom. Not to mention, so much has changed in the past year at the school he always claimed he hated. He doesn’t know how to answer.

Grace claims that he should take the next couple of weeks to consider it, as the application isn’t due until then anyway. It just might be a viable different route, an… escape from everything going on here. A loaded conversation to drop so suddenly…

Angela, pre-lap: How is anybody supposed to make a decision like this?

INT. AAA - ERIC’S OFFICE - DAY

Angela is hanging out with Eric in his office, both of them relaxing after the students have cleared out for the day. They’re sharing sodas in fancy glasses (i.e., what they’re allowed to consume on school property), and Eric is leaning back with his feet up on his desk as they muse.

Angela laments her current situation, definitely feeling torn between two worlds.

Angela: It’s like, all my life, I had one dream. This gig, this draining, paradoxical, invigorating art of performing, that was it for me. All of this from acing an audition to getting a spot on a tour or production, I mean, that was the whole plan, you know? That would fall into place, and the universe would do the rest.

Eric: I hear you, sister. Amen.

Angela: But here I am, finally steps away from the dream. It’s right in front of me. I can taste it. And… I’m holding back. I’m hesitating. How can I be hesitating now?

As Eric points out, there’s a chance her dreams have changed. She certainly has, as has he, and everyone else they know. Hell, look at how much they’ve all grown in just this school year alone.

Eric: Beginning of this year, Jack and I fought about everything.

Angela: Believe me, I remember.

Eric: You and Shawn couldn’t even look at each other, and the school was at war. Quite literally, given everything that conspired after.

Now, all things considered, they’ve found harmony. They’ve found peace, and they’re on their way to almost quelling the last remaining symbol of bad blood. They opened themselves to change, and it turned out to be exactly what they needed.

Eric: Change happens, and it’s scary. But it can be good. You shouldn’t run from it. In fact, it may behoove you to listen to what it’s trying to tell you.

Angela ruminates on this, taking a long sip of her cola. Much to think about.

INT. BABINEAUX HOME - NIGHT

Zay is eating dinner with OMAR BABINEAUX and DONNA BABINEAUX, attempting to find the right time to tell them about the summer program. As Omar wraps up discussing a new development at work, Zay takes a deep breath and gears up to speak. Donna beats him to it, however, suddenly remembering an important news bulletin they meant to share with him.

His older sister Jada was selected for an exclusive study abroad program this summer. She’ll be studying fashion in Milan and Paris, so they’re planning a family vacation there as well to take advantage of the opportunity. It’s an exciting update, but definitely throws a potential wrench into Zay’s quest for Kossal.

Donna: Isn’t that exciting?

Zay: Oh, yeah. Yeah, that’s… I mean, dope.

Omar: What were you going to say, Zay? Looked like you had something on your mind.

Zay: Just that, uh… my grades have really turned around since fall semester. So the tutoring did actually help. That’s all.

He doesn’t push the issue further, allowing his parents to congratulate him and take back control of the conversation. Might as well be a sign… right?

INT. JACK’S APARTMENT - NIGHT

Jack and Shawn are having their traditional dinner. Shawn raises his glass in a toast, cheering on Jack for catching the dumbass who was running the AAAC. Jack takes the praise, but hesitantly. After they both drink, Jack expresses his qualms about how to progress with punishment towards Wyatt.

Shawn shares no such reluctance to be brutal.

Shawn: What do you do when you catch a cold, Jackie?

Jack: Down a pint of Gatorade and hope for the best.

Shawn: [ with an eye roll ] Okay, how about a malignant mole? A tumor? Any sort of cancerous presence?

Jack: Well I’ve been lucky enough not to –

Shawn: You remove it. You cut the thing out so it’s disease can’t spread. It’s that simple.

Jack points out that some might say similar rhetoric about, say… Lucas, to which Shawn scoffs. He claims that they’re completely different situations.

Shawn: Listen, Friar is a mess all his own. I would know. But he isn’t going around using slurs towards other students, or posting increasingly vitriolic hate just to rile people up. There’s a difference.

Jack references the fact that Wyatt claims he’s not the moderator, that there’s another student running it. Shawn blows this off, stating that has to be a lie.

Shawn: [ with his mouth full ] I would know. I used to lie to get out of trouble all the time.

Jack: Once again, you continue to reassure me of your right state of mind to be teaching the youth of tomorrow…

Shawn states that Jack knows what the right decision is, he’s just wallowing in it. And if he won’t do the right thing, then he’ll just take matters into his own hands. Jack knows he’s just shooting the breeze, but he is also like don’t do anything stupid please, I have enough to deal with.

INT. MATTHEWS APARTMENT - NIGHT

That night, it’s just CORY MATTHEWS and Riley there for dinner at the apartment. In the midst of the meal, Cory congratulates her on being selected as representative, and there’s a soft moment between them reflecting on just how far she’s come in a year. He’s so, so proud of her.

She agrees that there is a lot to think about, like what she’s going to wear and who she should bring along. Cory additionally mentions the decision over which song to perform for her audition for the summer program, until Riley expresses that she isn’t planning on auditioning.

Much like Eric, Cory is totally opposed to this notion. He states that she should at least throw her hat in the ring, and it’s even more low stakes for her considering if she doesn’t make it to the district level, she has another plan already in place.

Cory: Other potential conflicts aside, you shouldn’t keep yourself from getting the chance to run the bases by never letting yourself take one swing at bat.

INT. RILEY’S BEDROOM - NIGHT

This sentiment is still lingering with Riley as she gets ready for bed. She hesitates, glancing up at her moodboard to search for inspiration.

It’s drastically different than when it was first made, more intricate and decorated than ever. Lots of little details have been added, including photos of her classmates, playbills from Les Mis, and lots of other little mementos throughout the school year.

She zeroes in on one item in particular – a scrap of notebook paper. It’s the note she and Lucas were passing back in forth in 1.10, during Maya and Farkle’s rendition of “Bop to the Top.” While the majority of it is just a back and forth about how Lucas doesn’t know what the movie is and he thinks Maya and Farkle aren’t that good, the most important statement is the last.

As Riley is defending their performing abilities, he’s followed up with a very bold counterargument: “You’re better.”

It’s evident that is the reason the conversation is hanging up at all. She hangs on this, lightly smiling… wheels are beginning to turn in her head again…

INT. AAA - AUDITORIUM - DAY

Charlie shows up to the auditorium early, finding Zay on the stage exactly as he hoped he would. He’s running through what would have been his audition routine, the vaguely familiar orchestral arrangement from A Chorus Line playing on his iPhone speaker. Charlie hangs back and watches for a moment, in awe of Zay’s obvious skill as always.

Charlie: Looks pretty good.

Zay is surprised by his presence, both because he didn’t realize he was there and because he’s suddenly deeming him worth talking to again. He rushes to turn off his speaker, taking a second to catch his breath. Then he forfeits the stage, saying that he’ll get out of his way if he needs to use it. Charlie rushes to stop him, asking if he’ll give him just half a second to talk.

Zay looks wary, but he doesn’t leave. He crosses his arms, waiting for Charlie to say his piece.

Charlie: I’m sorry I’ve been acting so distant. Ghosting you, and stuff. I don’t have an excuse. I’ve just been… it’s been weird.

Zay: Bit of an understatement.

Charlie: I haven’t exactly felt like myself much, lately. [ a beat, then he laughs ] Honestly, it’s more like I don’t even know what “myself” actually is. Kind of wondering if maybe I ever did.

[ It’s really hard not to empathize with him. Zay is clearly softening. ]

Charlie: Anyway, it’s not a good reason to treat you the way I did. I can’t explain why I did what I did, but I’m genuinely sorry. I never meant to hurt your feelings. And regardless of what’s going on with me, I don’t want to lose you. I mean, someone has to be able to keep up with me around here.

Zay can’t help but chuckle, earning a hopeful smile from Charlie. But the deal isn’t closed yet.

Charlie, sincerely: I understand if you can’t forgive me. I just wanted you to know.

There’s a moment of silence. Charlie may as well be holding his breath. Then, Zay sighs.

Zay: I don’t know what your so-called God has you used to, but I wouldn’t call what you did unforgivable. Or maybe I’m just a gracious deity.

Jokes aside, he’s accepting the apology. Charlie is clearly relieved, laughing in spite of himself and nodding. Zay mirrors his smile, before prodding further on what he mentioned earlier.

Zay: What did you mean by that? Not feeling like yourself?

Charlie: I don’t know. It’s like… do you remember during acoustic week, we talked about your lack of friends?

Zay: Well, I wouldn’t phrase it like that, but yes.

Charlie: It’s… I guess it’s kind of like that. What I talked about, that feeling where you feel like you’re outside yourself. Only… way worse. Like now I’m out there, and I don’t even recognize the person I’m looking at. It doesn’t feel like me anymore. Or maybe it never really was.

Zay can tell that Charlie is seriously struggling with this. Charlie goes on to explain that he was scared that things were changing, but now he doesn’t even know if that’s the case anymore. He isn’t sure if things are changing, or if he’s just becoming aware of how things already are. He can’t figure out which is worse.

Vague cryptic statements aside, Zay states that he’s there to help if he thinks he needs it. Charlie thinks on it, before agreeing that just doing something fun to get his mind off everything might be exactly what he needs.

Charlie: And, well, you’ve always been the expert on that front.

Zay: This we know. I’ll see what I can do.

INT. AAA - HALLWAY - DAY

Riley catches Isadora in the hall, asking if she’s seen Lucas. After she suggests checking the usual places, Riley follows up by asking whether or not Isadora is planning on auditioning for the summer program. Her derisive laugh is enough of a response.

Isadora: Are you kidding me? I’m not trying to insert myself into that bloodbath. Farkle, Maya, and Zay can take it, I’m not aiming to scrap in the last two weeks of school.

A valid analysis of the situation. Even still, Riley makes her focus on her as she states that she truly believes Isadora is good enough to earn herself a spot on her own merit. Then she flutters off, Isadora unable to hold back the ghost of a smile at the touching sentiment.

INT. AAA - PRACTICE ROOM - DAY

Maya and Farkle are in the same practice room where they met for tutoring in 1.03, running through some scales together with the latter on piano. They’re interrupted when KATY HART shows up, nervously poking her head in and clearly not sure if she’s in the right place. Maya eagerly leaps forward to greet her, hugging her and guiding her into the space.

Farkle is surprised, Maya quickly catching them both up to speed. She explains that her mother had never seen the inside of the school before, so she was able to work something out with Jack so that she could come by for lunch and stick around to see her audition. Katy expresses awe over how state-of-the-art the facilities are, Maya walking her through everything in their current room. Farkle watches them, obviously touched by their tight-knit relationship.

As Maya goes into further detail about what their practicing for and the summer program, Katy grows anxious again. She’s uncertain about the financial aspect of it. Farkle jumps in, helpfully stating that the summer program is all-expenses paid. That’s partially why their audition process is so thorough – they want to make sure only the most deserving and talented students are mixing and mingling at this shindig.

Good news, for the Harts at least. Katy brightens again, eagerly requesting to hear a little bit of what they’ve been working on. Maya claims that she’ll get to see the full audition in just a bit, but she pleads for a sneak preview. Farkle raises his eyebrows, wiggling his fingers over the keys to show he’s ready.

Maya relents, gesturing her mother towards the chairs to settle in and listen. Then she exchanges a look with Farkle, nodding to count each other in. She closes her eyes, taking a deep breath. Then, as Farkle hits the first chord…

Song Cue ♫ ♪ “Listen” as performed by Glee Cast  || Performed by Maya Hart

Maya kicks off this brassy display of her vocal talent, true evidence to how hard she’s worked all year. “The Wizard and I” was impressive, but this is a whole new level of ambition. It’s raw with emotion, even more so given the fact that her mother is there to witness. She smiles at her as she sings, obviously one of her greatest sources of inspiration.

INT. AAA - AUDITORIUM - DAY

As the performance continues, it shifts to Maya center stage performing for Angela, Shawn, Jack, and Eric. A large crop of her classmates are there to cheer her on as well – Farkle, Zay, Charlie, Riley, Isadora, Darby, Sarah, etc. How nice it is, seeing the divas show up to support one another rather than tear each other down…

As she finishes, her classmates burst into resounding applause. Angela, grinning, thanks her. Katy wipes a couple of tears. Maya can’t stop smiling, nodding gratefully with the spotlight shining all around her.

EXT. AAA - LUNCH COURTYARD - DAY

Lucas and Isadora are at lunch, the latter rattling off what she thinks her summer plans are going to be with this short film idea that came to her during first period. She’s already got storyboards going in a notebook.

Lucas isn’t listening. He’s distracted, watching the other goobs in his techie crew throw food at each other and crack up and live their generally silly existences. Isadora realizes he’s a million miles away and snaps him out of it, asking him if he heard a word she said.

Lucas: Please. Of course I did.

Isadora: Right. So what was I thinking was going to be the climactic plot twist that makes the entire short and dare I say rivals Alfred Hitchcock?

Lucas: You know I don’t understand that reference.

Isadora, bluntly: You really should. Well?

Lucas: … okay. Okay! I wasn’t listening. You caught me, congratulations. You’re Sherlock of the month.

Isadora makes an offhand comment about how she doesn’t see why she bothers to open her mouth, but Lucas is already zoning out again. It’s clear that the decision of McCullough is all he can think about, so he ventures the topic – albeit vaguely – with his most trusted source.

Lucas: Can I ask you a question?

Isadora: Was that not just a question?

Lucas, deadpan: You’re fucking hilarious, seriously.

Isadora: [ with a smirk ] I know. Anyway, go on.

Lucas finds a way of twisting the decision to leave into a thinly veiled alternative scenario, almost like… a scientific hypothetical. Something she would inherently understand.

Isadora: You realize that most often supposed “hypotheticals” are in fact very real situations that one is simply posing as a hypothetical –

He waves her off, going with the ruse anyway. He lays it all down before asking for her advice as to how she would proceed to make the most effective choice. She plainly states that she would make a list of pros and cons to each outcome. From there, it’s far simpler to deduce the best method moving forward.

Lucas absorbs this, nodding along and thanking her. Then she continues on with her film sketch, but he’s already checked out again. Already mentally crafting his list…

INT. AAA - GIRLS DRESSING ROOM - DAY

Sarah and Darby are in the dressing room with Chai, hanging out before class resumes. As Darby touches up her makeup, the three of them discuss whether or not they’re auditioning. Sarah complains it’s not really worth trying either way, and Chai concurs. But she blithely states she wasn’t planning on auditioning anyway. In fact, she won’t be returning next year, either.

Darby: [ whipping around and smearing mascara on her cheek ] Oh my God, WHY?

Chai: Relax, Darbs. It’s not goodbye forever. I was able to work out a study abroad sort of situation with Principal Hunter given that I’ll be spending the year in London.

Sarah: London? Where the hell did that come from?

Chai: Well, papa’s still attempting to win over me and mom after getting caught with his pants down with the secretary in our parlor –

Darby, sadly: It’s always the parlor… I’m so glad we don’t have one.

Chai: So he’s paying for me to spend the year across the pond. And it’s like what, am I gonna say no? I can hate his guts and spend his money, thank you very much. I’ll be studying the dramatic arts in the birthplace of Shakespeare, Andrew Lloyd Webber, wandering the West End…

Certainly a not-too-shabby alternative to AAA for a year, that’s for sure. Their conversation is interrupted as Riley enters to drop her things, Darby cheerfully posing the same question to her. Despite her former hesitation, Riley admits that she’s been considering it more and more. Sarah scoffs, asking her if she thinks she stands a chance against the divas. Riley shrugs and states that even if she doesn’t, that’s not a good enough reason to sit it out entirely.  

Chai applauds her confidence, but manages to underhandedly point out that it will give her yet another opportunity to publicly fumble like she did all the time at the start of the year. Sarah laughs along and Darby can’t help but giggle, although her expression is more apologetic.

Riley takes the hit, wishing all of them well with their own endeavors and keeping her chin up before heading out to the auditorium. Chai watches her go, but the expression on her face isn’t resentment. In some ways, it seems closer to envy.

Darby: Hm. Maybe I’ll audition, too.

Sarah: Yeah, uh-huh. I’ll believe it when I see it.

INT. AAA - TEACHER’S LOUNGE - DAY

Jack manages to catch Angela in the teacher’s lounge, brewing a thermos of coffee before she’s due back in the auditorium. He requests a moment to chat with her if she can spare it, which she happily does. The two of them settle in at a round table.

Jack poses the Wyatt problem, giving as much context as possible before asking Angela what she would do in his shoes. He notes the perspective he’s already gotten from Shawn. Angela grants that she isn’t surprised at all that he had that response, but is reluctant to provide her own.

Angela: I don’t know if you want to ask me. I can hardly make my own choices.

Jack: I just want to know your thoughts. Honestly.

Angela hesitates. She explains that she knows what Wyatt did was irrevocably wrong, from the despicable words to Isadora all the way through to the involvement with the confessions page and his targeted derision towards Lucas. It’s bullying in all its varied forms, and it shouldn’t be tolerated. Even still… she expresses hesitation at ousting him so harshly and hastily.

When Jack prods further, Angela points out that Wyatt is still one of her students. He’s making dozens of poor choices, she can concede that, and he deserves to be punished. But she’s also seen him in his brighter moments, instances of participation and camaraderie and learning. That exists in him just as much as the nastiness. As Jack has said himself, it’s never simply black and white, especially with adolescents who have so much growing to do.

For Angela, it just seems a little cruel to kick him out with so little time left in the school year. But she’s a softie, she claims, so what does she know? Maybe that’s not the best advice. Especially if he intends to leave an impression to deter others from exhibiting the same behavior. Jack thanks her regardless, insisting that her feedback was helpful.

Jack, softly: If you do decide to leave us this year as well, you will be sorely missed. I can promise you that.

Ouchie. Angela nods, suddenly a little more somber than before as Jack leaves her to it.

EXT. NEW YORK STREETS - DAY

Charlie is out with Zay, the two of them walking side by side as they make their way through the streets while keeping up a conversation. Zay refuses to tell him where they’re headed. Charlie is nervous, but also clearly excited. Invigorated with that infectious energy he gets from being around Zay Babineaux.

Zay declares they’ve made it, turning the corner. Curious, Charlie jogs to keep up.

EXT. NEW YORK STREETS - DANCE LOT - DAY

Zay has dragged them to a back alley park, the empty lot transforming into a break dance spot in the after school hours. A group of a couple dozen or so students is assembled, both older and younger than them. It’s sort of an impromptu crew, coming here after school to jam and challenge each other and just groove together. Most of them are also quite similar to Zay in displaying confidence in their unique sense of style – and come off pretty distinctly queer.

Charlie is more than intimated. He states he can’t do this before whipping around and trying to leave, but Zay grabs his shoulders and pulls him back. He braces him, going on to explain that as long as they’ve been friends – hell, even just classmates – Charlie has always seemed most centered when he’s dancing. These people, they’re the exact same, in fact they’re the experts at using it for self-expression. Zay is positive Charlie has never experienced dancing with freedom quite like this.

There’s a moment where it seems like maybe he’s being convinced… but no. He’s still scared. He tries to run again but is thwarted when one of the older, more respected members of the crew greets Zay and calls them over. Nowhere to hide, Charlie sheepishly follows Zay as he bounces over to greet his acquaintance.

Zay eagerly introduces Charlie, nudging him into standing straighter and not shying away from the moment. The assembled dancers sort of swarm and welcome him warmly, asking him what kind of dancing he’s into and if he thinks he can keep up. After a little bit of banter, let the dancing jam session begin!

Song Cue ♫ ♪ “Step Up” as performed by Samantha Jade  || Instrumental

Yes, it’s the title track from Step Up. Yes, this entire sequence sort of feels like it’s ripped straight out of a Step Up movie. But that’s all part of the fun, and watching the teenagers all groove together and encourage each other is engaging to watch. The dancing is fresh, enthusiastic, clearly important to every single one of the kids assembled there.

Charlie is no exception. It takes a little while him to loosen up, the other dancers showing him new moves or helping him get comfortable. But true to Zay’s word, once he relaxes it’s like he transforms – he’s a completely different person. In his element, grounded, alive.

When the bridge hits (“And when the symphony plays, I feel my feet / Lifting from underneath”), focus zeroes in on just Zay and Charlie. In an instant they’re pulled together, and suddenly they’re dancing more with one another than we’ve seen thus far. Sure, they’ve done duets before, but never have they experimented with a dance that really includes the other.

But it’s good. Really good. And it seems pretty natural for the both of them to work out. As the bridge descends back into the chorus, they blend back with the rest of the crew and end out the jam session. Afterwards, the crew applauds, pulling Charlie into the group and giving him pats on the back. A new source of family, maybe…

His smile is impressively bright. Zay mirrors it. It’s impossible not to.

INT. AAA - SHAWN’S APARTMENT - NIGHT

Angela and Shawn are at his apartment, having just finished up watching a movie. Well, sort of watching a movie, sort of on the road to Netflix and chilling.

After breaking a kiss, Angela tentatively broaches the topic of what will happen for the two of them if she decides to go on tour. Shawn bristles a bit, claiming that she’s decided then. She disputes this, stating that she’s far from having decided anything in an attempt to keep the situation from imploding. But Shawn has already pulled away, getting to his feet and busying himself by turning off the TV and hitting the lights.

Angela: Shawn, would you listen to me? I haven’t made a choice. I’m just… I’m trying to figure out my plan.

Shawn: You can’t make plans until after you’ve made the decision! [ off her expression ] You’re avoiding it because you don’t want to choose. You want there to be an easy out, but there’s not. You have to decide.

After a little more back and forth, Shawn points out that this is starting to feel eerily like the conversations they had right before the last time things ended badly between them. Angela frowns, stating that it’s different this time. They’re different.

But Shawn has already been emotionally spooked. He asks if he can be alone for a bit, retreating to the bedroom and leaving her alone to stew in it. Angela groans, flopping back on the couch and covering her face.

Weird, how not making a decision can almost make things worse��

INT. CHUBBIE’S DINER - NIGHT

Charlie and Zay are getting a late dinner at Chubbie’s, a credit in part to Charlie’s growth considering plenty of people can see them there who know them. But they’re friends, after all, so what does he have to hide? Just dancing pals.

He thanks Zay for taking him to the lot, stating that while he’s not entirely upright again, he does feel better. Zay is happy to have helped. When the two of them reach for the plate of fries at the same time, there’s a moment where their hands brush together and that tension returns between them again. Zay glances at Charlie, who is staring at their hands.

Then, Charlie proceeds for the fry as normal. Not commenting on the moment, but not immediately shying away from it either.

As he pops the fry into his mouth, he asks Zay what his plan for the summer program is. The number he was working on in the auditorium seemed pretty legit. Zay shrugs it off, claiming he’s not doing the audition. Charlie nearly chokes on his fries.

Zay: Jesus, man. [ sliding his water across the table in case he needs it ] If you survived the scary dancing pit, don’t let a stray potato take you out.

Charlie: What do you mean you’re not auditioning?

Zay: It’s no biggie. My family has this whole summer plan already, and I don’t want to mess with it. Not to mention the Farkle and Maya of it all, who knows what they might do if someone presents even a shred of competition –

Charlie, incredulously: I can’t believe I’m hearing this right now. You need to audition. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity, and you’re too good to pass it up.

Zay: Um, could say the same to you.

Charlie: Yeah, thanks, but I’ve got enough going on internally without adding a stressful audition into the mix. Think you can admit to that.

Zay: Yes, you certainly are a bit of a basketcase at the moment…

Case in point, Zay needs to do this. Charlie won’t hear anything else, and he’s sure his family will understand. He at least needs to try. Zay contemplates this – the notion of actually giving it a shot as well as Charlie getting fired up on his behalf – before eating another fry.

INT. AAA - BOYS DRESSING ROOM - DAY

Farkle is gearing up for his audition, doing vocal warm-ups and mouth stretches in the mirror. Yogi and Dave are also present, shooting the breeze and poking fun at Farkle’s pre-show rituals. Dave shares that he heard Riley might be auditioning too, which freaks out Farkle. He wasn’t expecting more than the three of them to audition, and suddenly the calm of this whole situation feels precarious.

Maya pokes her head in, checking for Farkle and telling him they’re ready. Yogi and Dave tell him to break a leg, but he ignores them as he marches out of the dressing room.

INT. AAA - AUDITORIUM - DAY

Farkle and Maya make their way into the wings, the spotlight gleaming on stage and waiting for him. He stands apprehensively in the shadow of the curtains, suddenly prickling with stage fright he’s never really experienced before.

Maya gives him a bracing pat on the shoulder, pulling him out of his own head. She jostles him a bit, giving him a smirk and assuring him that he’s got this.

Wow, how nice it is to have friends instead of adversaries. Farkle nods, exhaling through his lips and regaining his performance mojo.

Song Cue ♫ ♪ “Not the Boy Next Door” as performed by Glee Cast  || Performed by Farkle Minkus

The instrumental precedes him, setting us up for a jaunty, energetic solo as Farkle marches his way onto the stage. It’s an enthusiastic and skillful performance, delivering all of the star power and talent that he’s been serving since “Man About Town” but leaner, looser, more an expression of heart rather than a strangled declaration of perfectionism.

More than anything, it’s clear he’s having fun, which can’t be said for every performance he’s given over the course of the year. He totally loses himself in the number, spurred on by the encouraging cheers from his classmates who came out to see him – notably Maya and Riley, amongst scattered other performers.

He’s out of breath when he belts out the final note, but boy, did he make an impression. Angela thanks him proudly, the rest of the judges smiling as well.

INT. AAA - TECHNICIAN’S BOOTH - DAY

Lucas is alone in the booth, in his usual chair. He’s got his pros and cons list in a small notebook, tapping his pen against it as he contemplates it. Presently, there’s a couple more cons than pros.

He raises his gaze to look at the booth around him. Much like the moment that gripped Angela in the black box, Lucas becomes acutely aware of the fact that he may never be back in this space after the school year is done. It’s oddly surreal. His pen starts tapping faster out of instinct.

He’s broken out of his fugue when Riley pops in, knocking lightly before stepping inside.

Riley: I hope I’m not intruding.

Lucas: No, uh, no. It’s fine. You’re fine. What’s up?

Riley can tell he’s not quite himself, but she chooses to brush past it for now. She’s a bit nervous herself, given what she’s there to talk to him about. After a bit of beating around the bush – a pointed eyebrow raises from Lucas to make it evident he knows she’s beating around the bush – Riley works up the courage to ask him to be her date to the Jacobs gala.

Before he can respond, she launches into a frantic ramble explaining exactly what it is and what he’d be expected to do. Lucas does his best to absorb her words at warp speed, obviously stunned she considered to ask him at all.

Riley: [ following her breathless explanation ] Essentially, it’s just a fanciful folly for the arts, but apparently I’m good enough to represent. And I’m supposed to bring a plus one, and I’ve been giving it a lot of thought, and I just keep… I figured it might be nice to have a technician there as well. I couldn’t think of another person better suited for the job.

Lucas: … wow.

Lucas, still slow from the shock, admits that he’s flattered. And he concurs that her reasoning makes sense, bringing a technician along and all that. Riley nods along, chewing her lip and twisting her fingers together.

Lucas: But uh… no.

Riley: No. [ blinking ] No?

Ouch. Lucas presses his lips together, managing a shake of his head. Suddenly, the booth feels a million times more claustrophobic. As Riley tries to digest this turn of events, Lucas scrambles to provide an explanation of his own.

Lucas: Again, I really appreciate you considering me. But it seems like a pretty important thing for the school, or whatever, and a whole glamorous to-do. I just think that there’s a lot riding on you, here, and you should present yourself accordingly. Pick someone more… fitting to the role.

Riley: [ timidly ] What if I think you fit the role?

Well, hard to argue with that. Yet somehow, Lucas finds a way, still declining the invitation although with less certainty the second time around.

Riley is stung, stumbling out a few assurances of “cool” and “sure.” Lucas is apologetic, seemingly genuinely so, but at present Riley just needs to escape. She makes an excuse and darts out of there, Lucas watching her go. There’s a moment where it looks like he might go after her, but it passes without action.

Instead, Lucas sighs and pulls his notebook back onto his lap. He stares at his lists, grabbing his pen and adding Riley to the bottom of it. It’s in the middle of the page, not clear at all which column she falls under.

INT. BABINEAUX HOME - NIGHT

As Donna prepares for dinner and Omar chats with her from the table with his work, Zay barrels into the room and declares that he has something to tell them. He doesn’t give them the chance to react as he claims he wants to audition for the Kossal summer program, rattling off what it is and why he wants to do it. He states that he wants to go on the summer trip and this may not even work out, but the chance feels too important to ignore and really important to him.

When he finishes, he’s out of breath. He stares at his parents, wide-eyed, waiting for their reaction. Unsurprisingly they are more than supportive, telling him to go for it and show everyone at that school why he is the best they’ve got. The rest, they’ll figure out later. Zay exhales in relief and hugs his mom, earning a laugh from her.

INT. BABINEAUX HOME - ZAY’S BEDROOM - NIGHT

Zay retreats to his bedroom, obviously in far better spirits than earlier in the week. He crafts a message to Charlie, before deciding that’s not enough. He pulls up his contact, dialing his number instead.

INT. GARDNER HOME - CHARLIE’S BEDROOM - NIGHT

Charlie sees Zay light up his phone, grabbing it and escaping out to his balcony. He answers on the fourth ring, not keeping him hanging.

Zay tells him what his parents said, and that he’s going to audition. Charlie congratulates him, claiming that he knew it would all work out.

Zay: How is it when I always think I’ve got the one-up on you, you repay the favor before I even realize it?

Charlie, charmed: Well, I have to be the expert at something in this relationship.

Zay hangs on his acknowledgement of their friendship as a “relationship,” before pushing past it. He repeats the sentiment that his parents said about proving that he is the best AAA has, and Charlie seconds it without hesitation.

Song Cue ♫ ♪ “The Music and the Mirror” as performed by A Chorus Line Original Cast || Performed by Zay Babineaux

INT. AAA - AUDITORIUM - DAY

Starting from the opening piano tinkles, focus is solely with Zay on the stage. As much an honorary diva as he is, he’s more so a team player than anything else, so this ownership of center stage feels long overdue.

And boy, is it worth the wait. Zay absolutely destroys the classic triple-threat number, singing the hell out of it and then proceeding to dance the hell out of it. It’s four minutes dedicated to giving the star our undisputed attention, and it feels more earned than words can describe.

As the dance unfolds in the second half, focus cuts to some of the friends who have come to see him audition. Nearly the entire class is there considering how popular he is, all in awe of his dancing ability as they should be. Charlie looks prouder than ever. Riley is basically jumping out of her seat from excitement. That’s her first friend!

The judges are deeply impressed, and seemingly grateful at their current three auditionees there’s not actually a decision to make. Farkle seems less relieved, starting to get a little bit antsy as they applaud Zay and he gives a confident bow.

INT. LAW OFFICE - DAY

Riley visits her mother at work, distinctly out of place in the high intensity and strait-laced setting of the law office with her thrift store tee and flare jeans and propensity for knocking things over. It’s a relief when TOPANGA LAWRENCE emerges from her office and happily gestures her in, freeing her from the scrutinizing gaze of her colleagues at the front.

INT. TOPANGA’S OFFICE - DAY

Topanga and Riley catch up as they settle in, Riley primly sitting in the large leather chair opposite her mother’s desk. When prompted on how school is going, Riley offhandedly explains all of the stuff going on at school with things winding down to summer. When Topanga gets wind of the summer program, she comments what a wonderful opportunity that sounds like and questions whether Riley is going to audition.

Riley admits that she was thinking about it, but has sort of decided she’s not going to. Topanga totally turns the usual argument on its head, wondering why Riley would ever hesitate when she’s so gifted but more so curious as to why she’d neglect such a great opportunity when they’re certainly forking over a chunk of change for her to attend the school in the first place. A fair point, but not the most empathetic approach.

It’s encouragement in its most aggravating form. Rather than motivating Riley it almost completely turns her off to the whole thing. Although she states she’ll continue to consider it, her expression makes that statement difficult to buy. Tough day for Miss Matthews…

INT. AAA - AUDITORIUM - DAY

Class is assembled before first bell, discussing all the auditionees so far and how nothing has been much of a surprise. Wyatt is cleverly keeping his mouth shut giving he’s on probation, but somehow his classmates manage to pull some commentary out of him.

When he says something harsh towards Zay’s performance Charlie starts to refute but Lucas beats him to it, firing back with a dig at Wyatt that makes most of the assorted group chuckle but also wince. Pissed at being ridiculed by him once again, Wyatt serves up a harsh reality check of his own.

Wyatt: At least we know if there was a competition for which one of them to get rid of, there’d be a unanimous decision across the board.

The message is clear enough. Isadora jumps in and tells Wyatt to fuck off, but Lucas is less reactive. In fact, he’s totally blithe when he says something offhand in response, alluding to the fact that Wyatt might very well get his wish.

He gets up, retreating to the booth and leaving an uncomfortable and uncertain quiet in his place. The situation feels serious, but none of them have any clue why…

INT. AAA - BLACK BOX THEATER - DAY

Angela is still grappling with her own indecision, alone in her classroom. Only this time, Shawn isn’t there with coffee and a warm gesture to rescue her.

She checks her phone, revealing a couple of messages sent to him that have gone unanswered. Frustrated, running out of time, and as uncertain as ever, Angela shuts off her phone and jumps to her feet. Unable to sit still any longer.

Song Cue ♫ ♪ “Should I Stay Or Should I Go?” as performed by Jools Holland & Kylie Minogue || Performed by Angela Moore

Launching into this anthem for indecision, Angela dances around her classroom as she lets out her aggravation. It’s refreshing to get another track with our favorite performance coach showing off why she’s been offered a touring position in the first place. The vocals are top notch, but the emotion behind them is what really sells the rendition.

As she continues to sing, she makes her way out into the halls…

INT. AAA - AUDITORIUM - DAY

In the following montage, Angela’s singing underscores both she and Lucas going through their day as they continue to balance their decisions. Whereas Angela is more about chewing up the scenery and expressing reluctance to leave, Lucas is observing the things about the school he enjoys (his fellow technicians, the booth, the occasional moments where the performers are entertaining) along with all the things he hates (the drama, the stupidity, the incessant singing). With every beat, he makes a little note in his list when no one is paying attention.

Angela finishes off the montage at center stage, dipping her head back and absorbing the spotlight. Exasperated, but evidently no more at home than when she’s performing. It does truly feel like an impossible decision.

Then, she closes up for the night, clicking off all the lights and shrouding the place in darkness.

EXT. OUTDOOR HIDEOUT - DAY

The montage concludes for Lucas somewhere just out of the city, more wilderness than we’ve seen yet. He’s seated on the hood of Dylan’s jeep which is parked in the clearing just beyond the trees, sort of a natural hideaway that the three of frequent somewhat often. Asher and Dylan focus on setting up something further into the space, leaving Lucas alone.

He’s got his list again, distracted by it rather than the task at hand. Asher jogs over with Dylan on his heels, the two of them questioning why he’s been out of it this week and why he’s waiting up. Dylan holds up a bottle rocket impatiently.

Dylan: Come on. We know you like to have first light.

Idiotic antics aside, Asher observes Lucas for a moment before wondering if he knows that if something major were going on, he could talk to them about it.

Asher: Whatever’s going on, you know you could talk to us about it, right? [ off Dylan’s nod of agreement ] I mean, no guarantee that we’d have good advice –

Dylan: [ with a snort ] Definitely not.

Asher: But we’d listen. We got your back. You know?

Lucas examines the two of them – his truest lieutenants – and just takes them in for a long moment. It’s difficult to imagine what his day-to-day would be like without them in it.

He assures them he’s aware, then tells them not to worry about it. He directs them to go finish setting up the rocket, to which Dylan cheers and sprints back over. After they’ve gone far enough away, Lucas takes a moment to add their names on the pros side of the list as a totally separate entity from the rest of the techies.

With that, he officially comes out to an even tally – no clear decision. All that remains in flux is Riley, now having been underlined and with a couple of question marks. This indecision’s killing me…

INT. AAA - ERIC’S OFFICE - DAY

Jack stops by Eric’s office, surprising him given they rarely have cordial friendly chats with one another. He attempts to play it casual at first, commenting on how lovely the auditions have been so far. Since only three have auditioned, guess their job is pretty simple, huh?

Eric: Yeah, for sure. And why are you here again?

Jack: What? I can’t come by to have a chat with my best counselor?

Eric: I’m your only counselor.

Jack: And?

Eric gives him a look, breaking his facade. Jack relents, easing further into the room to settle into the chair opposite his desk. He gets into his qualm with Wyatt once again, especially now that Shawn and Angela have given him opposing advice.

He still feels stuck. He wants to make the best choice as an administrator, but he also knows that teenagers are stupid. They’re ignorant. They make mistakes. He’s seen that shift firsthand all year long, in just about every single one of their students. But he doesn’t want this behavior to continue either…

Eric empathizes, giving Jack what he’s been wanting to hear this entire time which is simply that there isn’t a right or easy decision. He just has to go with his gut. Considering he’s an excellent educator, Eric has little doubt that he will make the best one.

Jack appreciates the sentiment, but still isn’t convinced. He asks Eric what he would do in his position, seeking counsel from him seeing as that’s presumably his job title and all that.

After a beat of contemplation, Eric states that he thinks he would ask Wyatt to leave. Not because he’s irredeemable, but because they have to think about what is best for the collective. Regardless of how they feel about individual students, what always matters most is how all of them can best proceed. Isn’t that true?

Jack takes this to heart, genuinely grateful for the help. Eric accepts his gratitude, offering him an encouraging smile.

INT. AAA - AUDITORIUM - DAY

Lucas is seated on the edge of the stage, one leg dangling off the side as he painstakingly wraps microphone cables. Riley makes her way in from the audience entrance, hoping to find Isadora and stumbling into him instead. Their staging mirrors their face off at the end of 1.03, now with Riley standing in the aisles and looking up at him on the stage.

They’re a bit awkward with one another as she asks whether he’s seen Isadora, given how recent his rejection of her was. He claims he doesn’t know, curiously wondering why she’s trying to find her. Riley expresses that she wanted to ask her about the audition, letting it slip that she has almost effectively decided she’s not going to do it.

Lucas is shocked, coming off more miffed than he intends to. He questions if she’s serious, not believing there’s a world in which she’s not auditioning. Riley stammers into an explanation, Lucas remaining unimpressed as she lists all the factors that have stacked against her in the past week. He claims none of that matters.

Lucas: This is just you stepping back into the shadows because suddenly overwhelming factors have come into play. You’re really just going to go back to how things were? As if you’ve learned nothing?

Riley: [ scoffing ] Are you really about to give me this lecture right now?

[ Lucas rolls his eyes, diverting his attention back to his cables. But Riley isn’t finished, storming closer to the stage. ]

Riley: So what, you just want me to rock the boat for the sake of rocking the boat? You want me to just do whatever my mother says I should?

Lucas: This isn’t about your mom. And this isn’t about rebellion either. This is about you, and the fact that you are too damn talented to be stepping out of the spotlight just because other people want it. Just because someone else wants what you have doesn’t mean you have to give it up.

Choice words, and not a bad point. Riley absorbs this, crossing her arms and looking at her feet. Lucas gazes at her for a long moment, twisting the microphone cable in his fingers.

Lucas, calmer: Earlier this year, someone told me that if something is important to you then you go out and do it. No matter what anyone else tells you to do or how to be. You stand up for yourself.

Lucas gets to his feet, placing the microphone in the box with the rest and snapping the lid shut. He hops off the lip of the stage, passing her to head back towards the technician’s booth. But he hesitates once he’s passed her.

Lucas: Are you really going to go back to hiding in the chorus line?

He doesn’t give her the chance to respond, marching towards the back of the auditorium. Riley looks over her shoulder and watches him go, obviously torn up all over again. For what it’s worth, what she wants suddenly seems less muddled than before…

INT. AAA - HALLWAY - DAY

Thus, march onward Riley does. She approaches the audition list, hesitating before officially adding a fourth name to the roster. All the sudden, there’s actual stakes to this game. As she writes her name, a voiceover of her introducing herself before her audition pre-laps…

INT. AAA - AUDITORIUM - DAY

Riley is alone center stage, spotlight shining on her. She’s squinting to attempt and see Eric, Angela, any of them – but it’s like they’re not there at all. Basically the entire class has showed up in the seats, wanting to see how a non-diva contender plans to throw down with such a bold move against the status quo.

Angela grants Riley permission to begin whenever she’s ready. Her fingers are shaking as she holds the microphone stand. She closes her eyes, taking a deep breath and grounding herself.

Song Cue ♫ ♪ “She Used to Be Mine” as performed by Sara Bareilles || Performed by Riley Matthews

If there’s a pivotal example of how much a performer can blossom in the span of a year, then this performance would be it. Although she starts out timid, Riley delivers an impassioned and powerful rendition of the Broadway belter, obviously channeling all of her emotion and passion into it like never before. It’s stunning, breathtaking, the kind of game-changer that throws this entire competition into a toss-up.

It’s a testament to how far she’s come that nearly the entire class seems impressed. They’re supportive too, smiling and nodding as she decimates the number. Isadora is smug on her behalf, glancing to the other techies proudly. Even Farkle is playing nice, although he’s starting to get a little twitchy…

INT. AAA - TECHNICIAN’S BOOTH - DAY

As she rounds out the number, focus draws to Lucas in the booth. He’s totally captivated, although not that surprised – he’s the one who told her she had it in her, after all.

Still, there’s a contemplative edge to his expression. Trying to figure her out, wondering if he could actually walk away from her…

INT. AAA - HALLWAY - DAY

Inspired by Riley’s bold move, suddenly the audition list is swimming in the names of other hopeful auditionees. Farkle is staring at it, trying extremely hard to keep his cool and not freak out over the increasing loss of control.

Maya joins him, poking her chin over his shoulder and eyeing it as well before stating that he can’t keep watching it like this. Yet the two of them stare transfixed for a second longer, Maya physically having to turn them both away from it to break the trance.

She gives a pep talk, stating that they both gave kickass performances and all there is left to do is let the deliberation speak for itself. When Farkle doesn’t seem convinced, she tells him she’s getting him away from it. They’re getting out of there – they’re playing hooky. Now there’s a way to get the attention of a goody-two-shoes academic.

Farkle: Um? I’ve never missed a day of class in my sixteen years.

Maya: Aw, so honored to be your first time! Let’s go.

She grabs his hand, yanking him down the hall.

EXT. NEW YORK STREETS - DAY

Launching into their day of freedom, Maya and Farkle are meandering their way about town. They’re window shopping in the fashion district, sipping fancy coffee drinks and trying to find their zen – Farkle’s is pointedly marked decaf.

As they chat, they somehow gets on the subject of the local theater scene and the hangouts for up and coming performers. Farkle claims that his parents have membership at this elite club lounge where a lot of Broadway performers congregate and rehearse.

Maya: What’s it called?

Farkle: Emerald City, I think.

Maya: [ stopping cold ] WHAT?

Farkle: I know, feels a little on the nose, but –

Maya grabs him by the shirt collar, yanking him towards her and causing him to drop his drink. She’s got a frenzied gleam in her eyes.

Farkle: I was drinking that!

Maya: You have access to the Emerald City lounge? Where the future stars of Broadway mix and mingle? Where it’s rumored Carly Rae Jepsen snuck her way in and was able to get her stint as Cinderella? How have you never told me this?

Farkle: Ow, unclaw me, please! [ as she does so ] I don’t know, it never came up. I’ve always wanted to go, but I didn’t want to go alone. And to be fair, we weren’t exactly chummy for me to be sharing these things.

Maya: I know, I’m surprised you weren’t just bragging incessantly about it. And listen, had you mentioned this sooner? We would’ve been friends ages ago.

Farkle gives her a look, Maya nudging him playfully before insisting they have to go. If the only reason he’s never gone is because he didn’t want to go stag, well, that problem is now solved.

She starts to drag him down the street but he gets her to slow down, first thanking her for getting him out of that school and out of his own head. He truly needed it, and he’s grateful for it – and her. Maya grins, shrugging it off like it’s nothing.

Song Cue ♫ ♪ “One Short Day” as performed by Wicked Original Broadway Cast || Performed by Maya Hart & Farkle Minkus

As the jaunty and uplifting descent into glamourous kicks off, Maya and Farkle dance their way through the streets together as only two divas in paradise can. It’s endearing and comfortable, such a far cry from “What Is This Feeling?” in 1.03. It also doesn’t paint NYC in such a bad light either. In fact, it’s pretty damn beautiful.

On the beat where Glinda tells Elphaba they’re going to be late for “Wiz-a-mania,” Farkle gets caught up checking his phone. People are posting on their own accounts about how auditions are going, and the competition seems to be getting thicker and thicker. But Maya pulls him out of it, yanking him down the stairwell to the hidden depths of Emerald City.

INT. AAA - AUDITORIUM - DAY

As Farkle and Maya enter the depths of the working performers, a montage ensues of the rest of the sophomore class performing their auditions.

INT. EMERALD CITY LOUNGE - DAY

An eclectic, shimmering testament to Broadway and those struggling to work in it, Emerald City is somewhere between a bar lounge and a dressing room. Maya and Farkle watch in awe as working actors and dancers buzz around them, before inevitably pulling them into the dance. Because it’s television, and musical television, and we can do what we want.

After the very necessary and super cute kick line, Maya and Farkle come back together to share their moment on the lyrics “and then just like now we can say…” Farkle states that they’re “two good friends,” before Maya takes his hand and holds their joined fingers up between them. “Two best friends.”

Then the professionals pull them back into the number, rounding out the number with a flourish. What a way to spend a school day!

INT. AAA - TECHNICIAN’S BOOTH - NIGHT

Lucas is back in the booth, although not in his usual chair. A little further into the booth, a panel has popped out of the wall and leaned against the electrical cabinet. And it’s the basic crawl space of an alcove that is revealed behind it where Lucas has built his hideaway, the place he sleeps when he’s avoiding going home. It’s not much, but it’s the coziest space he’s ever known.

This is where he is now, cooped up and regarding his full list. Cons include the horrible competitive environment, all the performers, the constant singing, etc. The pros, however, are strong and difficult to ignore – Isadora at the top and underlined, the techies, Mister Shawn, Principal Hunter (someone has to keep his life interesting), Dylan and Asher…

And yet, the tally comes to an even draw. All save for Riley at the bottom, somehow having become the deciding factor.

The booth door opening scares Lucas out of his melancholy. He scrambles to get up and start frantically attempt to hide everything away, when Isadora appears around the other side of the electrical cabinet. She tells him to relax, he doesn’t have to pack away his whole set-up. Also, she brought dinner. Lucas tries to act indifferent about her discovering his shelter, but she truly isn’t all that impressed.

Isadora: You really thought I didn’t know about all that? It’s not hard to deduce. You hate being at home. You’re always in here, and you’re always here first thing in the morning, which I know isn’t plausible otherwise because you’re not a morning person.

Lucas: Well, when you put it that way. [ a beat, softer ] Forget you’re a genius, sometimes.

Isadora: [ with a shrug ] You’re my best friend. It’s not that hard to figure you out.

He sits back down in his alcove, Isadora settling down across from him. She asks how his “hypothetical” is going. He defensively wonders if she’s figured that all out too, which she admits she has not. But she claims that if it were truly important, she knows he would tell her.

In this case, far from the truth. There’s a reason he’s avoided telling her what’s going on outright – he can’t imagine how she would take the news that he may be leaving for good. He explains that he’s hit a dead end and doesn’t know how to move forward. He’s done the pros and cons like she said, but he’s torn on this last factor that might tip the scales in either direction.

Isadora: First things first, is it an important factor? If it’s extraneous, then you shouldn’t even bother with it.

Lucas: … yes. Yeah, it is. How do I determine where it falls?

Isadora: Well, if this were an actual scientific theory, your next step would be to draft an experiment. Decide what you want your hypothesis to be – which outcome you want it to be, unless we’re talking null hypothesis – and then find a way to test whether or not it’s true. That’s what any good scientist would do. Basic scientific method.

Lucas takes this in, already puzzling over how to accomplish such a thing. Isadora distracts him by tossing food at him, commanding him to eat. He relents, digging in with her.

INT. ANGELA’S APARTMENT - NIGHT

Angela is typing out an email to the touring company, effectively making her decision. From the looks of it, it seems as though she’s going to decline the offer. She’s interrupted when there’s a knock at her door.

Shawn is on the other side, holding a bouquet of flowers and ansty with earnest. Angela starts to question what he’s doing but he cuts her off, stepping in past her and launching into a poem from the book she gave him. The thematics are essentially well-matched to their current situation, and Angela can’t help but giggle in a what are you doing sort of fashion.

When Shawn finishes the recitation, he puts the flowers on the table and takes her arms. He’s breathless with nerves, but clearly wants her to hear him.

Shawn: I’ve changed a lot since the last time we had these conversations. I have, but I sure wasn’t acting like it. I’m sorry about the way I reacted, and I don’t care if you want to pursue this thing. In fact, I’m proud of you, and I want you to, if that’s what you want. And if it means another few years apart, then so be it. We came back to each other once.

Angela doesn’t even know what to say. She doesn’t know how to convey that she was going to decline the offer, or if she even still should with this turn of events. Thankfully, she’s saved by the bell, in this case her cell phone ringing. He steps back and allows her to pick it up.

As she engages with the call, we can tell that the news is shocking. Shawn tries to get something out of her as she listens, desperately trying to get a read on the situation. When she hangs up, she just stares at him for a couple of seconds.

Shawn: Ange, you’re killing me.

Angela manages to stammer out that she’s been offered a role in an off-Broadway show. Then, she’s finally able to grin. She repeats the statement, trying to make herself believe it. It’s not her big break, no, but it’s a start – and it’s here. She doesn’t have to go anywhere. The two of them, her time here, aren’t finished quite yet.

Shawn pulls her into a hug, lifting her and spinning her. When she lands back on her feet, the two of them share a big damn kiss –

INT. AAA - HALLWAY - DAY

The sophomore class is assembled outside the door to the black box, anxiously waiting for Angela to put up the finalists for Kossal. The performers are trying their best not to throw jabs at each other, while the techies hang back against the wall and watch the near stampede in mild amusement.

Lucas: If any of you decide you’re going to the pit because of this, can I watch?

Riley tells them to ignore him, reminding the core group that whatever happens, they’re going to be happy for one another. They all agree, although it’s hard to tell if that sentiment is going to hold true…

Angela emerges, silence immediately settling over the crowd. You could hear a pin drop. She begs for a moment to escape once she puts it up before they all stampede, then moves to pin the list onto the bulletin board. She dives back into the classroom and slams the door just as the wolves descend, trying to see who got the three coveted spots.

Farkle elbows his way through, making it to the front first and getting a look for himself. From his expression, we can almost imagine the list before we see it.

Zay Babineaux. Maya Hart. Riley Matthews.

No Farkle Minkus. No summer program. No successful path to the top.

Sound grows muted around Farkle as the others get close enough to look for themselves. He can’t bring himself to react. He can’t even breathe.

He’s jostled out of it when Charlie bumps him in the back on accident, en route to giving Zay an enthusiastic hug. Maya and Riley eagerly congratulate one another, turning expectantly towards Farkle. Obviously not certain what to say to him, but hoping he’ll opt to take the gracious approach instead and make it easy on them to enjoy their laurels.

What do they want from him? A congratulations? Farkle doesn’t have it in him to give. He sort of sputters an incoherent statement and backs away, trying to wrap his head around it. How this could have possibly happened.

Zay: Seriously? Are you about to diva meltdown? What happened to being happy for each other?

Farkle, panicked: Yeah, well, that’s easy to say when –

Charlie: It’s okay, dude. There will be other opportunities –

Farkle is beyond that. He’s sliding back into manic, figuring he must have let himself slip up somewhere along the way. Or that this is all some elaborate ruse on their part – like they all knew if they got him off his game, he’d be easier to thwart.

Zay: You think I’d choose to be friends with you just to get some made up advantage over you? Believe me, man, I don’t hate myself that much.

Riley: Farkle, that’s not true –

Maya: Farkle. [ breaking through the haze, over everyone else ] Can’t you just be happy for me?

She holds his gaze, obviously hurt. Hoping he’ll say the right thing. But all he can manage is a non-answer.

Farkle: I – need a second. I need – just leave me alone.

Farkle storms away towards the auditorium, desperate to escape. The others watch him go, a myriad of emotions swirling around them but disappointment being the most unifying one.

Zay: Guess people don’t really change.

Maya looks more wounded than anyone else. She breaks away from the group, marching in the other direction.

INT. AAA - JACK’S OFFICE - DAY

Jack is having his final conduct meeting with Wyatt, having made his decision on what his punishment will be. Eric is also present.

The final verdict is somewhere down the middle: Wyatt is being expelled from AAA effective at the start of the new term, but he will be allowed to finish out the remainder of this school year. Wyatt doesn’t have any complaints at this point, resigned. He claims that AAA is a hellscape and totally corrupt. The administration clearly has their favorites, and they have no idea how rotten the place is from the inside out.

Eric, calmly: You seem quite critical of this so-called rotten environment, in spite of how you had an active hand in keeping it alive…

Wyatt chooses not to comment, Jack dismissing him. As he heads out, he warns Jack that getting rid of him isn’t going to get rid of the problems at Adams. For one, he’s not the creator of the AAAC, but more pointedly the page is not the perpetrator of all the mean stuff people say about each other. They do all that themselves. Like he’s been saying, it’s just the messenger. And they’ve just shot it.

Wyatt: So if you really believe you’re making a difference, maybe you try tackling the toxic waste that serves as the very core of this school. But that would require actually being a competent administrator, so…

Eric rises and shoos him out, Jack taking the intended hit anyway. He closes his eyes and rubs his temples as Eric shuts the door behind Wyatt, releasing a sigh and claiming he thinks they made the right choice expelling that kind of bad energy.

When Jack doesn’t seem placated, Eric settles down across from him and comes to his defense. Wyatt is just postulating, and he made a good decision.

Jack nods along, but it’s evident there’s a lingering inkling of doubt…

INT. AAA - ATRIUM - DAY

As Wyatt exits the front office, he pulls out his phone. He crafts a message to AAA Confessions, warning them that Jack is on the warpath. The page is probably going to be officially shut down before the end of the school year. What are they planning to do?

The confessions page starts a message back… then doesn’t respond. Wyatt never gets an answer.

INT/EXT. LUCAS’S BEDROOM / LUCAS’S FIRE ESCAPE - DAY

Lucas is flipping through the McCullough pamphlet, but he can’t stomach looking at it for too long. Still feels like too daunting a decision to make.

He climbs out onto his fire escape, settling down and releasing a sigh. He stares out towards the city for a moment, then reaches into his pocket and pulls out his phone. He starts a message to Riley, but nothing he wants to say comes out right. He finds himself calling her instead.

Lucas: Hey. I know I said… [ a beat ] things have been kind of… [ willing himself to be outright ] Do you still need a plus one?

Let the experiment begin…

INT. AAA - HALLWAY - DAY

School has emptied out for the day, only a few stragglers left behind. Farkle is back in front of the bulletin board, staring at the three names and unable to believe that he’s not there.

Something about him isn’t quite right. He’s frantic, frenzied in a way that’s beyond just disappointment from a jilted diva. The longer he glares at the list, clenching his jaw and fidgeting in place, the worse the hysteria seems to become.

Song Cue ♫ ♪ “It’s All Over” as performed by Glee Cast || Performed by Farkle Minkus (feat. Zay Babineaux, Maya Hart, Riley Matthews, Isadora De La Cruz, Charlie Gardner, and Lucas Friar)

[ Lyrics specific to characters – follow along here! ]

Farkle spits the words “Miss Moore was supposed to love me, I turn my back and find myself out on the line” towards the list, before whipping around –

INT. AAA - AUDITORIUM - DAY

And suddenly center on a brightly lit stage. It’s almost glaringly bright, to the point where it would hurt to look at. If you’re not in his immediate line of sight, then you’re shrouded in shadow – which is how the figures standing on the stage look to him until they make themselves known and step into the light to argue with him.

Although the rest of the core group is included in the number, it’s more than clear that they’re not actually there. This isn’t actually Maya, Zay, even Lucas singing in opposition to him – they’re all in his imagination, but it doesn’t make it feel any less real. In regards to who is saying what, well, if you read any set of specific lyrics in this show, let it be this number.

As Farkle grows more and more frantic, the opposition towards him grows more and more pronounced. Although this whole thing started with a dashed dream, the way he’s so emotional over them all “dropping” him through the course of the song or turning him away seems like a greater trigger for him than the missed opportunity. So it’s not actually clear what is causing the meltdown, or if he really knows himself.

All he knows is that the entire core group is telling him it’s all over, and he’s fighting against it with whatever he’s got – back to the teeth-gnashing, scrappy, obsessive starlet who clawed his way to first on stage at the start of the school year.

No, Farkle Minkus is far from going quietly. He’s not going anywhere, and he swears that this isn’t how this is going to end.

Oh, boy…

END OF EPISODE.

[elizaxspears]

So, I don’t know what happened here. I had the idea come to me at work and kind of worked around it. I don’t know if it came out any good, but I think it’s decent enough for a quick idea I had at work.

It’s like a severe case of deja vu except it’s not Harry that’s gone off and nearly died (well, Harry had died, but that was beside the point). This time, it’d been Eggsy.

Before Eggsy left for his mission, the air inside Harry’s office was tense. Both of them recalled the same feeling before Harry had left on that mission but neither brought attention to it. In that moment, they were two hardheads who were put in their ways. Eggsy can’t really remember what the fight was about; he just remembers storming out of the office with a door slam. Well, okay. He can, he just doesn’t want too.

Once Harry came back, Eggsy hoped things would get back to normal, that he could apologize for that day and everything would be put behind them. Instead, Harry had done the apologizing but also turned his back on him. Not in the way that left him completely ignored but anything they felt for each other, Harry was trying to squash. He tried bringing it up, tried asking Harry many times what happened between then and now but Harry being Harry, only told him he realized something that changed his mind. Which, okay, fair enough. Nothing was ever set in stone but it angered Eggsy when Harry wouldn’t tell him what that something was.

The minutes before he left, he ‘threw a fit’ as Harry would call it, demanding to know just what Harry was thinking; why they couldn’t be anything more. There was no answer, instead Harry telling him to drop the subject and mind his own business. Eggsy said things he wasn’t proud of but at the time, he just knew that anger; then he slammed the door.

The mission wasn’t meant to be a dangerous one. It wasn’t even in another country which, in hindsight, was probably for the best because it became dangerous. Suddenly Eggsy was ducking behind cover, whipping out his Kingsman issued pistol. Merlin was in his ear, telling him backup was on the way and, “Great bruv. Tell ‘em to hurry the fuck up please.” Eggsy had faced more men alone then this (V-Day was a great in field training for this) except it wasn’t just guns he was against. The suit was bulletproof but not knife proof which was something he feels like he should have expected. It happens quick enough that Eggsy isn’t even aware he’s been stabbed. It wasn’t until backup arrived in the form of Roxy and Percival, when he allowed himself to breathe for a moment, he realized there was something wrong. He blacked out barely seconds later.

Now he’s, here. Wherever here is. His eyes are closed because he can’t find the energy to open them and he feels all his attention drawn to the throbbing just under the right side of his ribcage. The more conscious he gets, the more it the dull ache turns to an acute pains; he groans. “Are you finally waking up for good this time?” okay, good. He knows that’s Merlin talking to him so he hasn’t been captured and tortured. Still, he can’t find the will to speak. “Mm.” Eggsy just continues to lay there, fighting down the pain the best he can until the dull throbbing returns. Merlin must have done something.

Soon enough, he hears the creak of a door. “Is he awake?”

“Not quite. I told you I’d tell you when he’s capable of conversation. I’d say go back home but you never went home, did you?”

“How can I when he’s here?” the voice comes closer; he knows it Harry and despite the anger he felt toward the older man before he left, he wants nothing more then to have Harry close now. “I did get coffee as you told me too but that is it. I’m not leaving again until I see he’s awake and alert.”

There’s a warmth that surrounds his hand; a warmth that’s a bit rough yet comforting. Merlin sighs. “And you’re going to be difficult about this, aren’t you?”

“If I wasn’t, you’d send me to get my head checked again.”

“Fair enough but you know Harry. He won’t be happy with you for neglecting yourself like you have been. Staying here day in and day out isn’t healthy.”

“Neither is getting shot yet here I am. Besides, the boy was cross with me when he left. I can’t imagine how much angrier he’d be now…I don’t even know if he still has it in him to care.”

“You know that’s utter bollocks. May I remind you how distraught he was when you were gone?”

There’s silence for a moment. “No.”

“Then an…attraction like that doesn’t go away over one measly fight.”

“Yet I’ve—”

“Shut up will you? I’m not your therapist and I know you should be telling Eggsy all this. Not me.” another sigh, except this one sounds more sympathetic than annoyed. “Harry, just tell him the truth. I know your shit at this but that’s what you owe him.”

Eggsy feels the grip around his hand grow tighter. “You’re right.”

“Always am.” there’s shuffling followed by a few footsteps. “Now then, I’ve got to get back to the lab. I’ll be checking in on your in a couple of hours to shoo you away for dinner.”

“You could always bring it to me?” there’s a playful smirk in Harry’s voice. At least, that’s what he’s trying to go for.

“I’m not your therapist and I’m not your butler either.”

The door creaks again and the room goes quiet. He can faintly hear Harry breathing and it’s reassuring. It’s reassuring to know he hadn’t completely ballsed it up. Except, now he really doesn’t want to let Harry know he’s awake because what did Harry have to tell him? That everything he felt was a complete misunderstanding? That Harry led him on? That he’d be booted from Kingsman and hit with an amnesia dart for talking to Harry, his boss now, like that? He knows from what Merlin’s said, it probably isn’t the last one. He has to calm down. “Oh Eggsy.” Harry finally says. “We have to stop ending up like this.” He feels his hand move and then there are rough lips pressing to the back of it. “I’m so sorry my boy.”

Okay, Harry was apologizing. Maybe things wouldn’t be as bad as he thought they would. Maybe he could face the older man. “You better be.” he forces out to the best of his ability.

“Eggsy? You’re awake?”

“Kinda.”

Harry doesn’t ask but he feels like the man is waiting for him to open his eyes. It’s strange, having to concentrate on forcing your eyelids open; he does though. The lights of the medical bay are way too bright at first and he groans at them. He wants to close them to get away from the light when Harry is standing, his form blocking out the lights. The hand not still holding his is cupping his cheek; a thumb gliding gently just under his eye. “How are you feeling?”

“Sore.”

“I’m not surprised about that.”

“How long ‘ve been out?”

“A couple of weeks.”

“…wow.”

Harry smiles down at him except he doesn’t look happy. If anything, he looks regretful. He looks like he was the one that was stabbed. “I’m very happy you’re awake. I’ll retrieve one of the doctors and let you rest.”

He feels Harry pull away so he uses the rest of his strength to keep Harry in place where their hands are still held. “You stay. Right here.” He expects Harry to fight him on the command; he doesn’t. He sits on the edge of the bed now, by Eggsy’s hips and watches him. “Tell me. Right now. Tell me why.”

Harry looks away, his attention on the wall across from them. Eggsy waits. “I’ve been an idiot.”

“Yeah. Can agree on that.”

There’s a barely there smirk. “What I’ve been doing to you, trying to keep you at arms length, isn’t fair to you especially when you don’t know why.”

“Look, Harry, if you wanna stop whatever is between us, just say the word. Would hurt a hell of a lot less then this.”

This time Harry winces. “I know.” Eggsy frowns. So that was it. Just like that, they were nothing but fellow agents again. All the connecting they had done was—“It’s the exact opposite of what I want. I only wanted to give you a choice.” he pauses. “Once I came back, I realized something.”

“…what was it?”

“How much I was in love with you.” Eggsy stares. Doesn’t blink for a long time. “It…well, it scared me at the time. When I was told you lived in my home, didn’t change a thing because you missed me, I was overwhelmed.” He continues staring at the wall, searching for Eggsy hand again and Eggsy lets him take it. “I was overwhelmed by how much I wanted you to stay in my home. To live with me, to be with me for the rest of my years, to love me just as much in return.”

“…if you wanted it, why’d you push me away?”

“Because why would you want any of that? You had a princess, Eggsy, and yes Merlin told me about that too, so why would you want me when you had her?”

Eggsy wants to sit up, he tries to, except his wound protests so he keeps laying there. His movement though, has gotten Harry to look at him. His brow is furrowed, his hair is slightly unkempt; he’s got bags under his eye, it looks tired. Was he really here for as long as Eggsy was out? “She wasn’t Harry Hart, was she?” he brings Harry’s hand up to his cheek, nuzzling it. “Dunno why I’d have her when I got you right here.”

Harry’s hand is back on his cheek like a magnet. It feels warm right there, right where it should be. He expects Harry to speak again except he isn’t. Harry’s leaning down and suddenly their kissing. Harry hasn’t asked for a kiss like a gentleman should yet Eggsy is glad he took exactly what both of them wanted.

When the kiss breaks, Harry doesn’t pull away. He presses his forehead gently to Eggsy’s. “I understand what you went through now. Just sitting here, waiting. Hoping you’d get back up.”

Eggsy snorts, putting strength to wrap his arms around Harry’s neck. “You don’t know how shit it was, Harry. I got stabbed, big deal. You were shot in the fuckin’ head and I watched it happen. That’s way worse then what you went through.” he kisses him again, softly. “But…you waited for me?”

“I did. I wanted to be here once you woke up. Nearly losing you has made me realize how much of an old fool I truly am.”

“That and Merlin?”

“Of course Merlin.”

Eggsy laughs until he whines when his ribs throb again. “Gonna be here for a bit longer, huh?”

Harry sits back, removing Eggsy’s arms from his shoulders, taking his hands instead. “Afraid so. However once you are released, I will be taking you back home to spoil you rotten.”

“You sure you wanna? Could get used to it. Might want it all the time.”

“Then I might have to punish you.” Harry grins.

Eggsy groans, closing his eyes. “Not fair! I’m stuck in bed!”

“Then it’s incentive to allow yourself to heal and I mean really heal, Eggsy. I want you approved by the doctors before I’ll even think about sending you on another mission, let alone getting intimate. I know you’ll try promising me you’re fine, but I would like professionals to validate that.”

“You’re gonna kill me Harry.”

Harry reaches up to gently cascade his hand through Eggsy’s hair. They don’t say anything for a long while. The silence is nice until Eggsy remembers what Harry’s told him. It’s rather rude of him not to reply. “Hey Harry?”

“Mm?”

“Love you too.”