#also it has to be spontaneous like if it feels like a thought-out attack then it's also something else. these are all firing from the hip | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

kestrel-of-herran · 5 months ago

Text

my thoughts on peterrose in season two + predictions for season three

i want to preface this by saying that i ended up enjoying season two wayyy more than season one, and i think it came down to the bigger complexity of the storyline, the unpredictable alliance switches and twists, and the depth with which the afterglow of peter and rose's experiences and relationship in season one was handled. this season's focus on angst and exploration of the psychological impact of the work on both of them and what it means for their relationship really elevated the love story for me from a pretty clean-cut "us against the world" vibe to the messiness of both of them being used to blackmail the other and their relationship straining because of the secrecy around the missions and the contradictions of rose feeling safe with peter but being constantly endangered by his work and peter needing rose around for his peace of mind but rose suffering psychologically from her proximity to the morally grey aspects of his work. chef's fucking kiss where's the next course

peterrose things i loved in season two + development from season one

rose having the option to leave anytime

while in the first season both of them had little actual choice about whether to stick together or not, circumstances that created a kind of bubble around them and aided the romance, this time around rose could have backed out repeatedly, making every time she chose to stay a decision that had as much to do with peter as with the help she thought she could give to the investigation. not only was she there at the beginning to help him gain some trust in people back and make sure he didn't steer off the ethical path, but later she also discovered for herself that even in the thick of danger (the party, the air vents situation in the last ep) she prefers to try to help rather than back away. it's a mode of thinking that will definitely lead her to sharing some of the danger of the job longer-term if the show lets her explore it.

closeness without labels

this is one aspect that i thought was handled with so much care and delicacy in a way that felt very satisfying to watch. they haven't seen each other in ten months, but she still has scores of photos saved on her phone (the show could have easily gone with one selfie, the fact she was always showing a different photo really shows they dated for a while before his posting, and were happy enough during it to constantly take pics) and doesn't hesitate to ditch her job and track him into danger because she's worried sleepless about him. she doesn't hold not calling her back over him even though she's clearly hurt about it because she knows it's out of his control, but he still apologizes and makes it clear again and again how thankful he is that she's there and how she's helped him both emotionally and logistically, like with noticing an attacker or planning the party heist. even as he wants her to leave to be safe, he doesn't make her feel like she's intruded or endangered his mission, but follows her advice and always gives her credit when she contributes to the work. they're comfortable enough with each other to cuddle and hug and kiss spontaneously, but they never discuss exactly what kind of relationship they're in because it's obviously a closeness both of them enjoy and initiate and they care more about being together than giving their relationship a label or discussing a future together at a point when he's so involved with his work and she's still sorting out how she feels about it. she doesn't pressure him about quitting and he doesn't force her to stay, he notices whenever she's upset and talks things out with her, and gives her space to process her feelings even if it means she might realize she's better off out of his kind of life. they both try to give the other whatever they might need in terms of emotional support and space to change their mind, even if that contradicts what they each would prefer the other to do or want or if it would result in emotional pain for them personally.

domesticity

i was absolutely treated to this trope this season. sharing clothes, him casually bringing her drinks while she's working, buying her food and knowing her preferences by heart, all the little jokes and fights that just made them feel like a family throughout the season. it shows clearly that their dynamic goes beyond needing each other in dangerous situations, that they were having a swell time just teasing each other. it's a quieter dynamic than the previous season, because they're both more aware of the constant and repeatedly chosen danger of the situation that is now a way of life rather than a crazy few days before things would go back to normal, but it's also more profound in how it acknowledges the trauma while showing they're still really compatible in the little safe haven of their nights at home.

partnership

they really felt like an agent couple in this season, not only in the way their skills complement the other's, but also in how they're both on the same wavelength of thinking during high-stakes situations and are able to brainstorm through them together or understand each other without words. peter didn't hesitate to tell the guy blackmailing him with rose's life to fuck off because he has faith in her ability to evade the attacker if he warns her. rose's involvement saved several of the missions from going south, and as much as he's uncomfortable with her choosing danger over safety in the moment, he clearly admires the effectiveness of her contribution. moments like when she noticed the comms being overheard and when she ambushed markus and showed peter what she'd do just by counting with her hand really show how perfectly they work as a team, and how much smoother operations in the future would go if they're both there to have each other's backs and think through problems together.

your life for hers

fuck me uppppp i love this shit soooooo much. i think one of the main jobs a writer has when developing a plotline is to explore all likely scenarios emerging from the goals and feelings of the character until that point, and the emotional development when it comes to peter protecting rose here is spectacular. while in the first season he was focused on protecting her partly from a feeling of friendship and because he wanted to do right by her and felt responsible for her, in this season it's as clear as day that he's protecting her because he values her life more than his and he's completely aware that if something happens to her it'll wreck him completely. he spends the better part of the season processing the loss of a mission partner and blaming himself for it, and it only serves to bring into focus how much worse things will be for him if rose gets hurt. she's no longer someone he's protecting because it's the right thing to do but someone so precious to him he's fraying at the edges just imagining something happening to her. she's his priority to the point that he doesn't hesitate to throw the mission and put himself in the position of a traitor that he has so much trauma about because of his father, because her being alive and safe is worth every sacrifice to him. the look on his face every time he was blackmailed is 1000000/10.

separation parallels

i really felt the upgrade of the separation scene this season, from the neat wrap-up of the hero flying off into the sunset while his girl waits happily for his call to both characters showing their emotions with all their bitter aftertaste and just feeling through a situation they can't amend right now. i absolutely love how worried rose was whenever someone slipped that peter had done something he could be charged for and all through peter explaining his decision to her, because it's not just that he loves her but that she was used against him and as long as they love each other this can happen again. peter was just excellent here, from taking the time to tell her himself to checking his urge not to get to the bottom of his feelings and taking her hands as he told her the full truth of what he feels for her. rose just breaking down crying and him hugging her and that head kiss was just sooooooooooo perfect in capturing how much they care for each other. rose's expressions as she watches him leave in the taxi and her going towards it are particularly telling, as is her struggle to maintain her smile and carefree tone while talking to noor. her reaching out to noor in the first place speaks volumes to me already, because if she didn't want to be involved with peter's world anymore i doubt she'll want to meet with anyone from that stage in her life now that she's managed to break away from it. noor wasn't buying any of her statements, and from the scene when she sensed something was wrong with her family leaving iran from rose's facial expressions alone, i think she's pretty good at reading her, and the lingering shots on her face leave little doubt rose isn't as fine as she'd like her to think.

predictions for rose in season three and beyond

my thoughts on statements of the writers and actors

the two things that are on my mind when i'm reviewing all the interviews that have addressed rose potentially not continuing with the show are that (1) the showrunners have the right to change their mind about the focus of the show whenever and although it would be like shooting themselves in the foot if they drop her that's their (very unreasonable bc i love rose to pieces) call to make, and (2) no one involved with the show would reveal a major twist before the season has even finished shooting. let's look at some statements of the cast and crew in light of that.

"We don’t want to artificially create a situation where characters have to be part of a specific season on a regular basis. We want to tell the story that feels true in that moment. I am very aware that one of the big strengths of Season 1 — and what I think is a big strength in Season 2 — are Peter and Rose together. I think the relationship is really strong. [...] Their shared trauma from these first two seasons has built this incredible bond. But is it enough to overcome the difference in their lives and their lifestyles Is something that we spend a lot of time talking about. So, not trying to duck the question, but we’re still creatively looking into all that. This, hopefully, with the success, will be a long-running show, and the question you raise is something that we talk a lot about in the writers room." (source)

they're clearly still writing the season and figuring out where they want to place rose in the story without compromising her moral code, and i think they might have wanted to hear the audience's and critics' responses to this as well before they wrap up this season's plot. journalists keep bringing this up in interviews and i think that's very telling to how the public as a whole and not just the shipping fandom views the show as about the both of them, so i hope that interest makes a difference in how they perceive the future of the show as a successful one as well, since they do need people to stick around and characters are a huge draw (case in point i started this for the couple rather than the plot, and didn't even find the plot engaging until season two, but i'd never spend hours of my morning writing an analysis for their excellent handling of plot only). they're clearly aware of peter and rose as a huge boon to the show, but also want to make sure that either of the actors not being able to continue with the series isn't going to put the whole thing out of business. one way i see this playing out is with rose having reduced screen time in season three but coming in as a regular in season four for example, if another season of peter doing agent stuff while she develops something (a program, fighting skills) is what's required for her to fit smoothly in the events surrounding him. i can also see they're anxious not to repeat plot points and make copies of previously successful seasons, so i expect rose's future involvement in the plot to be more creative and not replicate her previous actions, e.g. her not seeking him out on her own in a similar way again, but likely coming in as a partner already in some official capacity.

"That will be a part of Season 3, him trying to emotionally and logistically deal with the unintended consequences of his actions in season 2. [...] The goal isn’t darkness but what I would say is — and I’m involved in a coalition that talks a lot about how mental health is portrayed on TV — one of the things that we wanted to do in Season 2 was model Rose’s behavior as being how you want to approach trauma and violence in your life. She’s seeking professional help, and she’s making progress. Peter, on the other hand, is approaching it in a very old fashioned, very masculine, frankly, way of burying it, ignoring it, and that doesn’t often work. I’m always adamant that I don’t want the show to become so dark and impenetrable, so I think you’re going to see a lot of sides of Peter in Season 3 in the same way that you did in Season 2. I hear your question, and no, the show isn’t about going to the abyss with Peter." (source)

kuddos to them for that honestly i absolutely loved the ptsd portrayal in season two, but the main thing i'm getting from this response is that it's very unlikely for rose to be killed off to remove her from the plot at this point, or to double down on peter's trauma, because that's how peter would define "going into the abyss" imho.

"I would say that that moment, that breakup scene, felt true to us, the writers, as we were crafting the second season. That they live in two very different worlds, that he wants to be in this world that's dangerous, that she doesn't particularly want to be in a world that's dangerous, and yet they have this incredibly strong connection forged over living through and helping each other through these traumatic events. So there's always going to be this incredible connection between the two. What that will mean for their onscreen pairing I think is something that we continue to talk about and will figure out. So, I don't know yet, because we haven't definitively decided what it means for the characters. I will just tell you that we love the character of Rose. We love the character of Peter. We love Luciane and Gabriel as actors. I think they're tremendous together. When we started to work on season 2, I came back to the writers with what I felt were strengths of the show from season 1, and the very first one I wrote down was Peter and Rose together. So we don't take that lightly. At the same time, we don't want to craft something that feels inauthentic just to be a fan service, to keep them together in ways that might feel unrealistic. So that will be the responsibility and the struggle of the writing staff and myself as we craft further seasons." (source)

i think bringing them on the same page about the work can be done with the kind of emotional development they pursued when they explored the impact of trauma and morally grey choices on both of them, so i see this mostly as a matter of narrative time and writing effort, providing they're willing to put those in, rather than the characters being naturally incompatible in terms of their life goals. case in point, rose's characterization in season one came down to happy to break the rules, threaten people with arms, steal things, and kill to protect others or to avenge her loved ones. it's only in season two that we see her struggle with threatening people and endangering lives, so that was a very conscious narrative choice and a huge pivot for her character arc from a tiny daredevil (aspects of her we still see in the party scene for example) to the voice of reason in ethically dubious situations. this kind of major change of heart can happen easily with sufficient screen time and the kind of plot points to inspire it, and is completely within the writers' abilities should they want it to take place.

"I have no idea [whether Rose will be back in season three], and I can’t spoil anything. I wish I could tell you, but Peter does say ‘No, don’t come looking for me,’ and I don’t think Rose takes well to direction; she does whatever she wants. So you never, never know." (source)

it's worth seeing the video of her answering this question, because honestly to me she seems happy to give a little hint of something bigger. it's either her character sixth sense talking (and she's right), or she already knows she'll be brought back to wrap-up the season. i think rose showing up unexpectedly, and prepared, when peter's been spending the season dealing with choosing her safety over remaining clean, is only going to contribute to that theme.

"You can have love for someone without physically expressing it. I think that’s, I don’t want to say trope, but a lazy way of showing that two people care about each other is having them hook up. Sacrificing your life for someone or putting your life at risk to save someone, I think, is a bigger testament of love than giving them a kiss or something like that. The relationship is important to both of them, and you see that through their commitment to one another and keeping one another alive, regardless if that means they’re going to be together, at least they’ll have done what they can to protect the other." (source)

turn this shit upppppppp i love this so much... but this brings me to the fact that as long as they're in love they will be used against each other, so it's time to develop some scenarios from there (and i don't mean them not being in love anymore bc that's just unrealistic at this point; it would require either of them making choices the other can't understand and the entire series becoming more dark, "you can't love anyone"-style, than the writers seem to want it to; giving peter another love interest instead also just seems like undoing a ton of hard work and audience interest just to pull a james bond, and i think they care about being original way more).

plot-realistic scenarios

i'm using this term (likely made-up by me, a writer finishing a book atm btw) here to indicate scenarios that need to be followed for the plot to feel satisfying, e.g. ignoring them would require some disbelief suspension and might make the audience doubt they're seeing the logical development of events and characters as they have been built up so far.

rose is going to continue being used to threaten peter

if part of his goal next season is to eventually turn against the guy holding rose's life over his head, peter needs to make sure she'll survive that plot point, either by protecting her again or warning her and making sure she's in a safe environment while he takes the guy down, for which we need at least a cameo, though that is the laziest way to wrap this up imho. i think the guy will absolutely keep tabs on her so he can use that if peter goes astray, so she'll be involved in this as long as peter's an agent even if she's living a normal life, and i doubt peter will be able to make anyone believe that he doesn't care about her since all it takes for the truth to come out is for someone to point a gun at her head.

rose would benefit from some combat training or security if she's going to make it through this show alive

at the very least, keeping rose out of the show without killing her means also providing her with the means to protect herself as long as peter is being blackmailed with her life, which is one of the few plot points that seems to be a given for the next season. a basic agent training course that would allow her to rebuff attackers, or security trailing her to make sure peter isn't compromised because of her, are the least catherine can do to make sure her plans for peter are successful.

catherine doesn't seem to be done trying to use rose

at multiple points throughout this season, catherine was impressed with rose's coding and recruited her help for a job, and i doubt she'll just let an asset go if she thinks she can be useful. she knows peter's a weak spot for rose that she can utilize to put pressure on her (like with the security cameras, the consequence of rose's choice not to join would have been peter being exposed to more danger, so she changed her mind), and since peter is pretty central to her plans for season three, it makes sense to keep rose closer rather than further. she knows rose can get through to peter when no one else can or take him out of the path she's set out for him, so risking her being too far out of sight to influence strikes me as unreasonable. and what better way to bring rose back into the action than with a bang, by placing her in the middle of a covert mission in later eps (preferably without warning peter to amplify the emotional climax of the reunion) with the kind of skills that would make her at least competent in avoiding capture when things go wrong.

the show has barely scratched the surface of rose as an agent

i mean this seriously, there's so much to work with when it comes to her becoming an agent or helping out with some of the jobs or even if she's joining the action as a voice on the comms while she's hacking some system. peter won't always be in the position to make sure she's safe, and she's been showing so much resilience, quick thinking, and willingness to pull a gun or stab someone during a fight. she's smart, a creative and smooth liar, and refuses to give up even when the odds of her making it are slim. she'll be an asset to any mission the show involves her in, and keeping her in a california office is a huge waste of potential.

rose's arc is far from wrapped up

the thing with rose as a character is that her arc could have been wrapped up in season one without bringing her into season two and the show would still have made sense despite the (disappointing for me the rose fan) shift in focus from romance to political intrigue. the showrunners seem keen to be making that shift anyway, but they decided to keep peter and rose's relationship as not only a subplot but the driving force behind peter's moral conflict and the starting point of him becoming a double agent in season three. rose received a great amount of screen time, agency, and emotional development, but it wasn't enough to feel that she exited the story cleanly and permanently. she clearly still has a lot of processing to do when it comes to both her feelings for peter and whether she wants to join the action and save lives (at multiple points in the show she turned back and rejoined dangerous situations not only out of love for him, but because i think she knows that without her input, chances of things fucking up increase exponentially) despite the danger to her safety, mental health, and moral integrity, and the way to conclude these plot points is to give her more screen time to get full closure or process her trauma and decide to become more involved with night action. even with new storylines and characters appearing, the show will only benefit from keeping rose and peter's relationship as a subplot and exploring the shift in their dynamic and feelings if she's cleared to join the missions on par with him or becomes an agent on other postings unbeknownst to him at first (night action picking up the phone when he has a crisis in season three or her appearing in a completely unrelated undercover mission happening in the same place he's working his target so both of them are thrown off-balance by the proximity). how will their romance develop if she's as competent a fighter as him, if she puts herself at risk as regularly, if their superiors try to use them against each other to manipulate both to their ends? now that's something i'd kill to watch.

#it's been a while since i made a POST omg #if anyone wants my thoughts on something feel free to send an ask!#haven't slept properly in three days binging this and i'm halfway dosing on the keyboard yet i have THOUGHTS #the night agent #the night agent netflix #peter sutherland #rose larkin #sutherkin #peter x rose #peterrose #peterose #larkland #nightrose #also heads up if you read this far i'm not going to write fic about them bc (1) extremely busy with my own book and #(2) the showrunners are doing a great job atm they don't need my help to get this right if they choose to include her in the future

148 notes · View notes

insanityclause · 15 days ago

Text

A creeping sense of dread washed over Tom Hiddleston as he read the script for “The Life of Chuck.” He knew that its director, Mike Flanagan, wanted him to play Chuck Krantz, or, as the actor put it, “a harbinger of the apocalypse.”

But as he read on, there came excitement, a thrill. Chuck has a secret: He loves to dance.

Hiddleston, 44, loves to dance, too, a discovery he made when he was a teenager. “It was instinctive,” he said in a recent interview via video. “But it was only for me. I didn’t train, I wasn’t in dance classes.”

He went out dancing with friends. The 1990s were his time. “My love for Daft Punk,” he said of the electronic music duo, “is enduring and real.”

While he is foremost an actor, Hiddleston has become something of a dance ambassador. Lean and elegant, he has the air of Fred Astaire. His limbs are long, but they don’t slow him down; his feet are fast and accurate. Known for his spontaneous eruptions of dance joy — on talk shows and the red carpet — Hiddleston is a natural with rhythmic acuity and, at times, riveting attack. His dancing, whether smooth or sharp, is instinctive and shaped by coordinated fluency.

Tom Hiddleston discovered he loved to dance as a teenager: “But it was only for me. I didn’t train, I wasn’t in dance classes.”Credit...Ariel Fisher for The New York Times

What’s apparent is the pleasure he gets from it: Certainly, there is Hiddleston the man, but also discernible is the boy within. There is innocence and fearlessness in his love of motion. An avid runner, Hiddleston said, “I’ve always thought of running as dancing forward.”

There’s no faking of abandon. “Tom dives into movement, and he’s not afraid,” the “Chuck” choreographer Mandy Moore said. “It’s like heart first, head second. He is a very smart mover, and he does think about where his body is in space. It comes across that he is not thinking about it — that it just comes from feeling.”

The dance in “Chuck” is long and complex — it lasts around six minutes — but Hiddleston performs it as though he’s making it up on the spot. As he read the script, he envisioned it as an explosion of emotion. “I just wanted it to fly, “ he said. “I wanted it to be the most vital and dynamic expression of joy and movement and freedom that it could be.”

In the film, Chuck is a mystery at first, appearing on billboards that read, “Thanks, Chuck!” accompanied by a photo and “39 GREAT YEARS.”

The story, mirroring the structure of the Stephen King novella on which it’s based, unfolds in three acts that travel backward in time. In the first, when the billboards appear, the planet is on the brink of extinction. Gradually it becomes clear that Chuck isn’t well.

Hiddleston with Annalise Basso in the dancing scene from “The Life of Chuck.”Credit...Neon

When the dance happens in the second act, Chuck, a businessman, is on a walk. He hears the beat of a drum played by a busker (Taylor Gordon). Instead of continuing on, he halts, dropping his briefcase. His hips give a soft, subtle sway. With two raised fingers, he wags them to the beat and takes a few steps back before stopping on a dime, switching direction and dashing off a quick pirouette.

It’s so unexpected that what follows is a beat of silence and stillness — a prelude to the dance, which, Hiddleston said, is “the last truly alive moment of Chuck’s life before his illness takes hold.”

“This is a moment of defying gravity,” he added.

And defying, for a few minutes, his fate. The number seems like a spontaneous release, but as we learn in Act 3, it dates to Chuck’s early years learning dances in the kitchen with his grandmother. As she cooked, she taught him jazz, swing, salsa, samba, Bossa nova, polka — styles that Hiddleston glides through in his dance.

He slips in a moonwalk, too. And there are signatures from his own dancing — things, Hiddleston said, his family would recognize, like a kind of shuffle. “My body just wants to do it, and I don’t know where it comes from,” he said. “My legs fly out from underneath me. And then I cross and they fly out and cross again.”

In the film, the dance draws a crowd, as all good street performances do. Janice (Annalise Basso), a young woman who happens upon the scene, is swept into the choreography as Chuck’s partner, and together, they fly. But during much of the duet’s creation, they weren’t even in the same room together.

Hiddleston was in London, and Moore and Basso were in Los Angeles. With the help of an associate, Moore started a training program with him, she said, “to work on the basics of jazz, some ballroom techniques, cha-cha, some salsa, a little bit of old school jazz just to see how his body moves.”

She choreographed by sending videotapes of movement phrases, but it wasn’t until they got in a studio together in London that the dance could be shaped and refined. “It was such a space of freedom and exploration,” he said. “Mandy believes so powerfully in the transformative power of dancing. And I felt so safe with her. She said, ‘You’re playing Chuck, but Chuck is you.’”

In many ways, that’s the key to his effervescent performance: You see the person inside of the dancer. In Hiddleston’s case, it’s the clarity of his connection with Basso and Gordon — really, the number is a pas de trois — and his delight as he finds his flow. By the end of the shoot, which took place in the Alabama heat, holes had burned into the soles of his shoes.

“I’m only approximating what a professional dancer feels, which is like after four days of doing it, I thought there was a kind of economy to it,” he said. “It was like my body was accustomed to the routine, and so there was a sort of precision there that maybe wasn’t there at the beginning. I found it easier to make big extensions and bigger shapes and for it to feel a bit looser without sacrificing the form. As we were coming to the end, I was like, ‘I wish I could do this every day.’”

The dance has a weight to it, which is a shift from some of his most identifiable performances. In 2013, Hiddleston appeared on “Chatty Man,” Alan Carr’s talk show, with two other guests who started rapping. Carr asked Hiddleston if he would do a rap, too. Instead, he offered to dance. “They put some music on, and I just did a little dance, like completely spontaneously,” he said. “I remember my microphone pack fell off from the belt of my trousers.”

“As we were coming to the end” of shooting the scene, Hiddleston said, “I was like, I wish I could do this every day.”Credit...Ariel Fisher for The New York Times

He thought nothing of it, but years later, it went viral. In terms of coverage, there was, “an extraordinary energy around it,” he said.

“I actually became a bit self-conscious about it. As if it was something that people kind of wanted me to do.”

Eventually, he got over his discomfort. “Maybe I’ve lost that because I’m getting older,” he said.

And dance has continued to surface in his acting life. Recently he appeared in Jamie Lloyd’s London production of “Much Ado About Nothing” in which the cast dances: “We were doing eight shows a week to these ’90s bangers,” he said happily.

But he knows that the message of “Chuck” — and its dance — is serious: “Its message is, do whatever gives you that feeling of being alive,” he said. “Dance, do math, paint, write, run, play the piano, sing, skateboard, surf, climb mountains, whatever it is that gives you deep joy, that is a transformative force in life. Life is brief and precious, and it needs to be grabbed with both hands. It takes courage to follow the joy and to find it.”

He continued, “For Chuck, it’s dancing. And to some extent, for me, it’s dancing. So dance while you can.”

#tom hiddleston #the life of chuck #interview

82 notes · View notes

colleybri · 9 months ago

Text

Cassian Andor taking on an Imperial garrison…

The subtle use of echoing lines in Andor (frequently right through to Rogue One) is so well done, and one example shows Cassian’s character development very clearly…

When Cassian is first being briefed by Vel about the heist on Aldhani, he reacts with horror at the news about there being an Imperial garrison nearby. Luthen didn’t mention it, and you get the sense that he might not have agreed to take on the job had he known about this extra danger . But of course, he commits and the heist is a success – of a kind.

But afterwards… he doesn’t want to do anything like that again. He wants to “win and walk away” to “somewhere warm and easy” . The irony is – his actions have helped to inspire Maarva, who refuses to leave Ferrix - while praising the actions of the “brave” “heroes” of Aldhani. She’s just indirectly praised him, and you can see that he’s delighted by a split second little spontaneous smile of pleasure that he quickly suppresses. Ouch. He’s finally done something she could be proud of, but he doesn’t want to give her a reason to stay so he has to stay quiet.

^ Awww 😞

But what’s really interesting is the editing in this masterful and moving scene. On Maarva’s words ‘If there are heroes brave enough to take on a whole Imperial garrison I’m brave enough to stick it out here” we see the flashback of 13 year old Cassian approaching the Troopers with a cudgel, revealing at long last the details of the assault that landed him in youth prison for three years and Mimban after that. The horrifying execution of Clem combined with the injustice and pain of his own punishment has not just traumatised the adult Cassian, it’s also made him somebody who will now avoid a conflict – and therefore the Rebellion– wherever possible.

‘It’s all useless… it’s better to live!’ is what he told Luthen before Aldhani, but the precise placing of the shot here is very telling.

Cassian is starting to subconsciously associate that act with bravery rather than recklessness. He hates the Empire for what they did to Clem but it has so far translated to trying to ‘live’ and ignore them as much as possible; but his teenage self wanted to fight, to get revenge. Nonetheless it was an emotional response, an impulsive act that was not thought through. This is in total contrast to the calm methodical shots of Wilmon Paak preparing the bomb at the start of Episode 12. Wilmon is balancing emotion with rationality in planning his own revenge, in an arc which otherwise is like a replay of Cassian’s own.

Later in Episode 12 Cassian hears from Brasso his mother’s last words for him - all proof not just of how much she loved him but of how much she knew him too. He does indeed now ‘know everything he needs to know and feel everything he needs to feel’. His reasoning and his emotions are now able to work together to be that ‘unstoppable force for good’. He won’t be making emotional but futile attacks like rushing armed Troopers with a stick anymore. He will think, plan, observe and react. But he will act. He is not going to walk away any more. And he’s not going to leave loved ones behind if he can help it…

…Because in a final bit of lines-linking brilliance - immediately after hearing these words of his mother, Cassian prepares to go into the hotel, via the tunnels she checked were open, to rescue Bix.

Incredulous, Brasso says: “Are you going to take on a whole garrison?”

And Cassian doesn’t verbally reply. The look says it all. ‘I’ve done it before, twice, l’ll do it again, and I’m doing it now.’

It sums up Cassian’s arc so well. From oppression, to fighting back, to running from the fight, to taking up the fight again (now an even more exact mirror of Jyn Erso’s arc too). But this time… having learnt from experience. One lesson being: teamwork matters…

…Because thanks to Brasso and the riot the Troopers are ordered out of the Rix hotel, which is the Empire’s base. Making it possible for Cassian to extract Bix, with the “Imperial garrison” deployed elsewhere. A technique so effective, it will also be used on Scarif to give Jyn, K2SO and himself a chance to reach the data files.

“Light it up …

..Make ten men feel like a hundred “

And that’s how you make a realistic hero. Cassian is somebody who learns and grows despite some bitter experiences.

Better deploy that garrison, because Cassian Andor is taking it on.

#andor #cassian andor #star wars andor #rogue one #diego luna #brasso #maarva andor #vel sartha #bix caleen #Wilmon Paak #jyn erso #orson krennic #analysis

178 notes · View notes

girlkisser13 · 11 months ago

Text

being married to benedict bridgerton would include

• benedict settles into your marriage pretty easily, he becomes accustomed to the routine in a manner that feels like a second skin to him.

• sure, he had had his fun, but the next chapter of his life began when he met you. something he still finds hard to believe.

• your marriage is something he treasures dearly.

• benedict enjoys slow, peaceful mornings with you, often starting the day with a leisurely breakfast together, maybe even breakfast in bed on the weekends.

• benedict loves to involve you in his creative process. whether it's painting, sketching, or discussing art, he'd value your input and often seek your opinion on his latest work.

• expect spontaneous acts of romance. benedict would frequently surprise you with little gifts, handwritten notes, or impromptu dates to keep the spark alive.

• he’s a complete goofball when the two of you are alone. this man will stop at nothing to see your beautiful smile or to hear your melodious laugh.

• TICKLE ATTACKS>>>

• benedict enjoys exploring new places and trying new things. together, you'd embark on various adventures, from countryside picnics to city art exhibitions.

• he sets up a small art studio at your home, where the two of you can spend time together, painting or working on creative projects side by side.

• MODELING FOR HIM>>>

• him teaching you how to paint.

• him painting you.

• lots of passionate sex IN paint.

• lots of hand holding and gentle touches, often times without either of you realizing it. benedict loves being close to you and finds that his hand would automatically reach out to grasp your own or rest against the small of your back to reassure him of your presence.

• benedict would frequently would plan trips to various art capitals of the world, ensuring you both experience different cultures and artistic influences together.

• he enjoys helping you pick out or design your outfits, making sure you always look your best for any occasion.

• the two of you frequently visit art galleries, museums, and exhibitions. benedict's insights into art would make these outings both educational and enjoyable.

• benedict loves spending time outdoors. he'd often organize romantic picnics under the stars, complete with a cozy blanket, delicious food, and hours of stargazing and talking about your future together.

• although he's usually very playful and relaxed, benedict also has a protective side. he’s always quick to defend you to ANYONE, ensuring you always feel safe and loved.

• when apart, benedict would write you heartfelt letters, filled with his thoughts, feelings, and updates, maintaining a strong connection even when distance separates you.

• benedict loves sharing secrets and private jokes with you, creating a special bond that only the two of you understand. these little moments would make your relationship feel uniquely yours.

• he often surprises you with sketches or portraits he's drawn of you, capturing different moments and expressions that he loves (this is basically him taking candid photos of you).

• overall, being married to benedict would be such a lovely experience. as henry granville put it, "heirs have the responsibility, second sons have the fun."

• this doesn't mean that benedict isn't capable of responsibility or seriousness; he simply adores you and has a deep passion for the life that you have built together.

• your marriage would be built around that passion. there would never be a dull moment between the two of you. <33

#bridgerton #bridgerton fandom #bridgerton fanfiction #bridgerton fic #benedict bridgerton #benedict bridgerton fanfiction #benedict bridgerton x reader #benedict bridgerton x you #benedict bridgerton imagine #benedict bridgerton smut

304 notes · View notes

oceansssblue · 6 months ago

Note

From the stuck in a snowstorm Christmas prompt:

Can I get Rex X Male Reader where they get separated from Anakin, Ahsoka and Obi-Wan during a mission and are forced to hide in a cave till the storm ends please?

Male Reader is injured from saving Rex’s life from a droid attack and Rex is using all his willpower to not think about what would have happened if he lost him.

The angst buildup to confessing your feelings is the best type of word food.

Your wishes are my orders... Let's jump with the prompt number 9 (stuck in a snow storm) rn! 🫡

I write original ideas but I swear I like the classics and basics so much too... 🤪

Enjoy!

Xx, Blue. 💖

PS. For those who may be wanting to do a request, I'm leaving you the list of prompts at the end of this oneshot if you want to check it out. I also accept your own request ideas as long as it's xmasy.

"THE MOST IMPORTANT THING" – REX / MALE READER 💔💖

WARNINGS: fleeting mentions of wounds & blood. Thoughts about almost losing someone. Snow storm & freezing temperatures. Comfort & first kiss.

Rex can barely see what's five steps ahead of him. Even with the improved vision provided by his helmet, the blizzard makes everything blurry; a white picture of snow that would have been beautiful if it hadn't turned into a storm –and Rex needn't to make his way across it in order to get to safety–. His objective is to find cover in the mountains; but even if they appear to be close in distance, it's not an easy task to acomplish. He has to fight each step of the way; his lower legs sinking on the snow as he walks and making it incredibly tiring to advance forwards. He can't stop, though. You can't.

You're injured; arm drapped over his shoulders and finding strength in the Force to not let yourself drop unconscious. It's tempting; but you refuse to succumb to blood loss and fatigue. You refuse to be a dead weight for the captain to carry. You know he's worried enough as it is.

All four Jedis assigned to this mission had worn some sort of armour for the 501st, 212th, and 464th's batallions relief; but armour isn't undestructible, and it doesn't completely cover one's body. There's always vulnerable spots required for movility; and a droid had managed to get you on one of those. By pure luck, the captain is sure. Tinnies can't aim with that sniper-like precision. It's why so many of them are needed to make one clone's work.

Even with three battalions meshed together, the army sent by the Separatists had been massive. The fight had prolonged for over a week; and at one point, Rex had been surrounded by ten droids at once. Trying to command his men at the same time, making his orders known over the sound of blasterfire and explosions, he hadn't noticed a droid attacking him from his dead angle of vision; and it was then when you had jumped in to save him. When Rex had twisted around in surprise and had seen the frizzed cloth in the gap between your chest and abdomen plates he had almost pannicked; but you had shot him a calming –and pained– smile and assured him it was just a superficial wound before dodging another attack and pushing forward. Rex had had to force himself to concentrate throughout the rest of the battle. To not think on the implications of your acts; of what could have been.

But here, with none of his men at his sides and no trace of Anakin, Obi-Wan and Ashoka –they had all splitted into pairs in order to scout the city after the end of the battle when the snow storm had surprised them–, he has nothing to distract him from said thoughts.

You could have died. Jedi, for all of Anakin's recklesness, aren't inmortal; he could have lost you. Forever; a permanent absense and void in his heart no one would be able to cure. All those little things Rex always looks forward too —a cup of hot chocolate shared after a hard mission, the way your face lit up and innocently waved when you saw him across the hangar, all the little spontaneous trips you insisted for him to acompany you around Coruscant, if only using an excuse to show Rex what life could be outside of war... All of that would dissapear, disolve as if it had never existed; and Rex would be left staring into nothing.

They finally reach the mountains; and after a little while longer, they find a safe spot for them to take refuge in. They almost stumble inside –both of their legs aching and trembling from the cold and effort by now–; but being protected from the harsh and unforgiving wind is an instant relief.

Rex helps you to sit down; and you stretch your legs on the rocky floor of the cave and let him tug you backwards so that your shoulders are able to rest against one of the walls. You're shivering; the freezing temperatures managing to slip under your armour and specially on your vulnerable open spot. It's not all bad, though; you guess that the combination of the quick self-cauterizing blaster shot and the cold have managed to sort of keep the wound in stasis. Your vision is blurry and blackening when you try to move your head around, though; you feel dizzy and weak too. You don't know if it's because the wound, the post-battle fatigue, the cold, or all of them combined.

"General?" You hear Rex's voice ask, and it's only then when you notice his voice sounds too close and clear and realize he has taken off his bucket. "I think you're a step away from frostbite. You should take the armour off; it's so cold it's making you more damage than good at this point, now that we're hiding here".

You nod distractedly. That makes sense, yeah. You move your right hand to the shoulder attachments of your chest plate; but your movements are too slugish to pry the seals apart. The Captain's hands gently tug yours away and he tries to do it instead.

"Let me help you, okay?" He asks, always a bit wary to touch you and cross the line between General and trooper –it had taken a really long time for him not to jump at your ocasional affectionate pat on the shoulder or squeeze on his arms–. "Just try... Try to stay with me, General".

You hum in agreement and close your eyes; following his gentle commands a bit too slow for Rex's taste. He carefully pries each plate from your body and sets it aside; packing it up in the same way all clones do with theirs. You don't even react when your wound is exposed to the cold air; but Rex is quick to cover it with a bacta patch anyways. Then goes the plates of your back; and youre finally left in the soft and comfortable tunic and unders you always wear for the battlefield.

A new wave of exhaustion hits you; and your body slumps forward, only saved from smashing into the ground by Rex's quick hand on your shoulder.

"Hey. Hey, General. Cyare don't... Don't leave me".

You can hear the fear in his voice. The pain. The panic.

Even if it's an almost impossible task, you manage to blink your eyes open if only just for his sake.

"m' not going anywhere, Rex. I just need to sleep" you mumble grogily, trying to control the way your mind spins.

Rex opens his mouth, ready to ask you to stay with him, to not leave him here; but you continue and reassure him.

"This' one of those times you're gonna' have to believe in the Jedi magic. M'not dying. I just need to sleep and connect with the Force".

Rex reluctantly –scared– nods. He knows you had received a different training from Anakin, Ashoka and Obi-Wan; the Jedis he's used to work with. But all Jedis are not the same. While the previous three had grown more focused on how to use the Force to fight, you had cultivated other aspects; telepathy, healing. Kit Fisto had been your master; and though he had definitly teached you the art of the lightsaber, he had also encouraged you to explore your gift for telepathy –he was a powerfull telepath too– and even offered you to spend a few years learning Force Healing under the supervision of Jedi Stass Allie in the Temple. You had once explained to him you were nowhere close to be considered an expert on such themes; but that you could at least accelerate the curative progression of wounds a bit, if only enough to evade the risk of inminent death.

Rex doesn't need your skin to be completely closed and looking as if the shot had never happened; he had enough with avoiding your loss for now.

"Okay" he whispers back with a shuddering breath. "I'll let you sleep, then. Just let me... Let me hold you against me. You're still freezing and I don't want to risk it while we both rest".

"Kay" you mumble in response, closing your eyes again and dropping your head back against the wall. "But hurry up, my brain's fuzzy".

Rex nods and rushes to take his own armour off; staying in his blacks and taking a seat by your side, with his back against the wall. He then burries his thoughts about rules and impropiate gestures and pushes an arm under your knees; the other one around your torso, and then he uses a small burst of energy and tugs you towards him so that you're resting in his lap, between his crossed legs.

You make a little surprised sound; but inmediately melt against him when he pulls a heating emergency blanket from his backpack and places it around your body. You hum feeling gratefull and cuddle closer to his chest; hiding your face in his neck and tugging the blanket closer to try to cover him as well.

His hands give you a soft squeeze. Shortly after, you surrender to unconsciousness.

Rex has a lot of time to think until you wake up again between his arms.

He takes the moment of respite to breathe in your warmth and soothe his stressed mind; his galoping heart. It was terrifying, almost losing you; but you're safe now. Your breathing has eased with time; your deep, pained frown slowly relaxing and an almost peacefull expresion making its way across your face.

It's still a huge relief for him when you groan and open your eyes; blinking slowly to try to make a picture of whats happening and where you are.

Rex only softens his hold on your body so that you can sit down straigther and turn around to face him. You stretch your neck and shoot him a tired but warm smile.

"Hey" the captain rasps. "How are you feeling?"

You glance down at your dressed wound and take a moment to analyse yourself. You're still tired, and your muscles ache, and you're in desperate need of some water and a shower; but here in Rex's lap, you can't help but feel content and safe.

"Better" you decide to answer, smiling softly. "You?"

Rex tries to give you a tiny smile; but it's such a pained, little unsure thing that it tugs at your heart.

"I'm fine" he answers, one of his hands carefully caressing up and down your back under the blanket.

You shove down a pleasant shiver and tilt your head to the side.

"I don't have to be a Jedi to know that's a lie" you tell him cautiously, your own hands travelling down to catch his with yours. "Tell me, if you want?"

Rex stares at you for a few seconds and sighs.

"You shouldn't have jumped in to save me" he starts, glancing down at your hands, unable to hold the weight of your beautiful eyes on his while he confesses this. "You're one in a million. A Jedi General. Hundreds of lifes depend on yours. Mine is replacable. I'm not important, and you..."

"You're the most important thing in mine".

It's soft and sweet; the way you finally tell him what you've been keeping to your heart all this time. What you've been struggling with.

"What?"

Rex has the most cute stunned and confused face you've seen before. His eyes lock onto yours inmediately; almost not believing your words, like needing to check you've really said that to him. That you mean it.

You smile wistfully and squeeze his hands. They're rough, callous formed on the spots where his skin frictions with his favorite pair of DC-blasters; the hands of a soldier that hasn't had the chance to be anything else. It's why you have been trying to show him the rest of the world, the little pleasure that can be found in the simplest everyday things. He deserves it. All his brothers do.

"I have never wanted more than I had" you begin, deciding to finally bare your heart once and for all to him. "All I've ever wanted to do is help others, and I've grown up with that purpose without having nothing else to fight for. Nothing that I wanted for myself. No secret that I had to keep trapped inside ny mind or heart. Yet..."

You reach up to trace reverent fingertips over the captain's cheek. You feel his stuttering breath against your skin; smile at the loving, hopefull way his golden eyes are silently watching you.

"I want to keep you, Rex. Every morning I find myself expectant and tense until I see you in the distance. Everytime we're close, everytime we talk, it fills me with a comforting warmth" your eyes track a sinfull path through his lips. So tempting, so close to yours. You can't help yourself and trace a thumb over them. Rex gasps, and his eyes flicker through your face, his heart filling with devotion and passion too. "I want to burn, though. I've been trying to hold back, but I can't. I want to get closer. I want to kiss you. I want to be able to relax between your arms when everything gets to be too much. You might think that in the grand scale of things you're not important. Perhaps, seing it that way, none of us are. What I can tell you is my personal truth, your spot in my individual scale; and there's no other person I deem as important as you".

You're desperate to kiss him; but you feel like he wants to say something too, so you try to be patient and wait for him.

Rex cups one side of your face in his hand. It trembles. You understand the feeling; and smile encouragingly. You have been worried about mistaking his kidness for something more too; of crossing boundaries. But he has nothing to fear now. Still, you understand. Your heart is speeding up in your chest too; as it does with everything exciting and new. Your feelings for him aren't; but this closeness, the real posibility of kissing him for the first time, is.

"I've loved you for a long time now" he admits, voice gentle and firm despite his own nervousness. "Perhaps for as long as I've been able to understand what romantic love is. I... I'll be happy to have you, cyare. When you need me and when you don't, too".

His words shoot warmth and joy to every cell of your body; a radiant smile perching on your tired face.

"Can I kiss you?" He asks, bringing your face close to his with a gentle tug of your chin.

You smile and sigh.

"Yes..." you whisper over his lips. "Yeah".

THE END.

Didn't I make you two cute? Aaaaah 💖 Hope you like it! Xx, Blue.

Still accepting Xmas requests, you can use any of this prompts (except 9) or one of your own!

49 notes · View notes

audaciousacolyte · 2 years ago

Note

Hi lovely! First of all before I request.. How are you? How have you been? And also, I seriously enjoy your writings, keep up with the good work and ignore all the haters! They're not worth your precious time.

As for the request, could I pleaseeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee request Oswald the lucky Rabbit, Bendy and Cuphead x female reader? Like, how would they be as boyfriend or husband head canons. I hope it's not too much darling! Take all the time you need!

Have fun and have a lovely day/night/morning/evening!! <33

♡ My own Mr. Loverman ♡

Oswald the lucky Rabbit, Bendy and Cuphead x reader romantic partner headcanons (separate)

AN: 《|| Hello!! Thank you so much for requesting!!! I'm doing quite well, but I have been busy trying to figure out what exactly I should write. I'm relieved that you enjoy my silly rambling, and I will gladly bring you more in the future!!! However, I'm terribly sorry that I don't post too often. Please be patient with me ;w; ||》

(Boyfriend/husband headcanons)

Cuphead

♡| Cuphead is not exactly what Someone would call boyfriend material…at first.

♡| He's brash, arrogant, and quite literally has zero self control.

♡| However, the thing that makes him boyfriend material is that while it might not seem like it, he's actually a really sensitive guy.

♡| Cups likes to hide behind bravado and anger, but underneath, he cares deeply about the people around him. He just…doesn't really know how to express that.

♡| By the time you are dating, he will definitely try to communicate this… kinda.

♡| (You had thought he was mad at you for the longest time, but no. He's just awful at communicating his emotions.)

☆| Nobody knows how he managed to land you as a partner, but Bendy theorizes that there may have been witchcraft involved. (Felix disagrees, but only because he thinks that you know something that everyone else doesn't…which like, he's not wrong??)

♡| When he does announce that y'all are dating, it's at the most random moment possible. No context, no elaboration. Just.

♡| Y'all are dating now. 🤷‍♀️

☆| (Boris nearly had a heart attack when he first said it, because he genuinely did not expect it. However this was not as bad as when Mugs demanded that he was to be Cups' best man at the wedding.)

♡| Very spontaneous. I would expect a lot of last minute dates to places neither of you have been before.

☆| (Bro once took you to a monster truck rally for your anniversary. He said it "seemed cooler than I thought it would be", when you asked him about it)

♡| He is not only one of the most loyal men on the planet, but he's also incredibly attentive! Any attention you want is given to you, and Cups is more than happy to cuddle up with you any time of the day.

♡| Casually (cough cough he's so nervous please help cough cough) proposes during your 4 year anniversary with a genuine diamond ring. Literally cries when you say yes.

Bendy

♡| The best boyfriend ever. Send Post.

♡| I'm serious though, Bendy is the sweetest boyfriend to have.

♡| Having a bad day? He'll make sure that you get whatever you need to unwind and feel better.

♡| Want to spend some time together? Of course! He'll go set up a movie for the two of you to watch

♡| Can't open something? Don't worry, honey, he can open it for you (♡♡♡swoon♡♡♡)

♡| Whatever comes, through sickness and in health, Bendy will stay by your side for as long as you allow him to.

♡| Can, will and has done everything in his power to give you everything he thinks that you deserve in a partner. Anything you want, you are going to get it.

♡| (The day he proposes is also the day that Boris got tired of listening to his brother gush about you at 4 in the morning and forced him to go get married or he'd tell Felix their tragic backstory (read, he'd tell Felix to sign the damn adoption papers already))

Oswald the lucky Rabbit

♡| When he does propose, it's at a mega-fancy restaurant, and with an intricately carved golden ring. He won't cry when you say yes, but he gets REAL close.

♡| Whether you realize it or not, the two of you have practically been married for like, ever.

♡| Ever since y'all met, you act just like a married couple with how domestic y'all are with each other.

♡| Love at first sight? Nah, MARRIAGE at first sight

♡| Oswald does not notice this at all. He considers you his best friend, and he (loves you) cares about you a lot, but c'mon guys! there is NO WAY he can be in love with you! He's already in love with Ortensia, you know,HIS WIFE?

♡| (Polyamory exists for a REASON Ozzie)

♡| Ortensia would actually be the one to sit him down and talk to him about it, because you and I KNOW that our poor, sweet, dumb bunny boy won't do anything about this.

◇| (Again, like I've said in Oz's general headcanons, she'll be happy if Oswald's happy and if Oswald wants to start a polycule because he's head over heels for his bestie, then she’s okay with it.)

♡| When he does ask you out, and y'all eventually start going steady, he is such a sweetheart. I am a firm believer in hopeless romantic Oswald, and I will die upon this hill.

♡| Any bit of affection is met with really loud purring, and foot thumping.

☆| (Did you know that rabbits can purr? Yeah, neither did I.)

♡♡♡| He and Ortensia team up and propose to you at the same time with matching silver rings, each with their name carved on the inside. They both tackle-hug you to the ground when you say yes

#bendy and boris in the inky mystery #inky inquiries #cuphead x reader #bendy x reader #oswald the lucky rabbit x reader #lucky bunny #coffeehouse cups #requested #lovely words

301 notes · View notes

thethingsidolmao · 3 months ago

Text

What Kind of Girlfriend Would LE SSERAFIM Be? 💘✨

Meet the girlfriends!

Chaewon

Chaewon would be that adorable yet tough girlfriend who teases you non-stop but also defends you like a warrior. She’d love witty banter, stealing your hoodies, and randomly attacking you with hugs. But the second anyone messes with you? Her leader mode activates. Expect lots of cuddles, late-night deep talks, and a girlfriend who hypes you up 24/7.

🛑 Pros: Always makes you laugh, fiercely protective, big on affection ⚠️ Cons: Will definitely roast you for fun, might steal your fries (but only because she loves you)

Sakura

Sakura would be so soft and romantic, always leaving you cute texts, buying you little gifts, and sneaking shy glances when you’re not looking. But she also has a mischievous side and will playfully tease you just to see you blush. She’d take her time opening up, but once she’s comfortable, she’s the sweetest, most loyal girlfriend ever.

💖 Pros: Thoughtful, sentimental, loves making you feel special 😳 Cons: Might get flustered easily, but that just makes her even cuter

Yunjin

Yunjin is the ultimate “cool girl” girlfriend—the kind who hypes you up, listens to all your rants, and gives you forehead kisses when you’re stressed. She’s super confident and independent, so she’d never be clingy, but she’d also shower you with love in subtle, meaningful ways. Expect deep convos, spontaneous adventures, and her serenading you with her guitar.

🎶 Pros: Encourages you to chase your dreams, emotionally mature, hot as hell 😜 Cons: Might distract you with her insane visuals during serious conversations (can't say you weren't warned)

Kazuha

Kazuha is the definition of sweet but sneaky. She’d act all innocent and gentle, but then out of nowhere, she’d drop a smooth line that leaves you blushing. She’s a hopeless romantic who loves holding hands, spontaneous forehead kisses, and great song recommendations. Also, she’d be the type to sweep you off your feet—literally. Expect lazy morning cuddles, soft smiles, and her always finding a way to make you smile.

🥰 Pros: A walking green flag, affectionate, makes you feel like the most special person ever 😏 Cons: Might tease you just to see you flustered (and she LOVES it)

Eunchae

Eunchae would be the cutest, most golden retriever girlfriend ever. She’d always be finding ways to make you laugh, dragging you to try new things, and randomly sending you memes at 3AM. She’s clingy in the best way, constantly hugging you and stealing your snacks. Expect spontaneous dates, playful bickering, and the best inside jokes ever.

🐾 Pros: Full of positive energy, always makes you feel loved, best cuddler ever 😂 Cons: Might roast you for fun, but it’s all love

#le sserafim #chaewon #sakura lsfm #yunjin #kazuha lsfm #eunchae #le sserafim imagines #lsfm #kpop #le sserafim x reader

30 notes · View notes

tobiasdrake · 4 months ago

Note

Hi, I know that the newly canon Super Saiyan Four is a wet paper towel compared to the god forms, but I kinda love that about it? I have super mixed feelings about GT's initial take. Daima's, however, makes me wish that Goku hadn't gone to Beerus' planet 'cause I think Goku relying on a comparatively weak transformation that he invented himself (apparently) instead of completely walking back his desire to fight with his own mortal strength is much more interesting to me. Goku becoming a wide eyed student again doesn't sit right with me anyway, especially since he's directly called the GoD position "horrible" and that kinda clashes with training under Universe Seven's GoD Maker. I like Super Saiyan God's initial concepts (and I'd say it's Toriyama's first crack at incorporating aspects of GT's Four, even, which makes me even more soft on it) but Goku's initial dislike of the form begs a counter approach from him. Humility is Goku's greatest strength but still. Vegeta being the only one to train on Beerus' planet would both fit his character better-- (that being the first time Vegeta tried to develop in a way that wasn't first done by Goku as a direct attempt to mimic his success since the time chamber, and Vegeta also has a much more personal connection to Beerus) --but it would also meaningfully set them on different paths. Which DBS ultimately wants. I say this as a bonafide Vegeta hater, though. I think Vegeta's character suffers immensely when he's put front and center alongside Goku all the time. D'you have any thoughts on all of this? I'm sorry for the word vomit.

I think, ultimately, Vegeta suffers from the same problem as Goku: He doesn't have anything left to do. He's said all he can say. His story's done and there's no where left for him to go, so they kind of just... have to walk him back to an earlier point in his characterization in order to make his role as Forever Deuteragonist work.

Arguably, Vegeta gets hit by this worse than Goku. Because Vegeta can never be allowed to just be done, to just end his story and go away... but he also has to be Goku's sidekick and not the protagonist in his own right. He doesn't even have the luxury of being the guy, being the one in the spotlight doing all the things. Instead of tying off his story in a neat little bow, he has to be the Robin to Goku's Batman forever.

The problem with DBS Vegeta is most firmly demonstrated by Ultra Ego, I think. Ultra Ego is the absolute nadir of Vegeta's decay into the role of Goku's hapless sidekick.

Vegeta sees Goku learning the ultimate technique of the gods and throws a hissy fit because he wants an ultimate technique of the gods that doesn't have Goku's cooties on it. There's been no indication that any alternative path to the highest power exists, but Vegeta stomps his foot and demands one anyway.

So Beerus takes him aside and helps him develop an alternative technique that will be the opposite of Ultra Instinct in every way. Instead of effortlessly dodging all attacks, Vegeta's new technique relies on never dodging anything and instead taking every hit until he falls down and dies. It's stupid, but it satisfies his intense need to be pointlessly contrarian.

Now, the thing about Ultra Ego is that it sounds dumb on the face of it. But all it really needs in order to become dignified and awesome and make people go "WHOA CHECK OUT THE COOL NEW FORM" is a good showing. All Vegeta needs to do is break out Ultra Ego and win something that Goku couldn't. To prove its merits by overshadowing Goku and demonstrating that Ultra Ego truly is a worthy power.

But he'll never get that.

Because it's not his job to win things.

He's just a sidekick.

In his spontaneous crusade for divergent character evolution, he is now stuck with a dumb transformation that can only be vindicated by winning something. And he'll never be allowed to win that something, because he's just here to make Goku look good. He has nothing else left to do. That is the only purpose he can fill.

This is about as far from the "going out on a high note" of the Buu arc as Vegeta could possibly come.

#dragon ball #dragon ball super

21 notes · View notes

verystrxxwberry · 1 year ago

Note

Hi, can i ask a hc for nevra and lance with a s/o whos powerful af? Not specificly with weapons but (super) power wise?

ELDARYA; Nevra and Lance with a powerful s/o

♪¸¸.•*¨*•. ♪¸¸.•*¨*•. ♪¸¸.•*¨*•. ♪¸¸.•*¨*•.

𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐭: sfw, individual headcanons for Nevra and Lance. ↝ 𝐂𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐫'𝐬 𝐧𝐨𝐭𝐞: Hi! Since you didn’t specify which exact power, I did it in general. I hope you enjoy it!

♪¸¸.•*¨*•. ♪¸¸.•*¨*•. ♪¸¸.•*¨*•. ♪¸¸.•*¨*•.

NEVRA

Hot.

He finds it very hot. The first time he saw you delete his main and strongest enemy with your powers, his legs got shaky.

He would brag about you to everyone he can. He is truly proud of you and he’ll definitely see you as someone superior, as someone he’d gladly kneel for. And he will.

When you two fight together, you’ll have to remind him to stay focused because at some point he’d be smirking and looking at you as you easily destroy the enemies’ asses.

“Oh God, sweetheart, can you use that trick on me?” He’d ask you with that flirty smile he sometimes carries around. It is no surprise that you being so strong turns him on.

At some point he’d receive a punch from the enemy because he was busy looking at you. He’d frown and punch them even harder as he growls “Do not interrupt me, asshole!” He needs to see YOUR show.

He laughs every time he sees the scared faces of those who you attack. “Hahaaa! Feel the attack of my baby, bitch!” You cause physical pain to them and he simply tortures them psychologically.

But he is aware of the power taking some of your stamina and health, so once the fight is done, you are going straight to have dinner and rest. He’s gonna force you, there is no discussion in between.

He knows you can protect yourself perfectly, and that’s what he finds the most attractive about you.

Your number one fan, he’s always telling you to aim at their balls as you throw all the powers you know. He even claps at you when he sees you easily finishing with a group of 20 creatures by yourself.

He’s very interested about all the stuff you can do and definitely will ask you to explain to him about all of them. Finding out new stuff that you didn’t tell him will make him even more attracted to you “Oh, you hid that from me, huh? The secret weapon.”

He jokes saying he also has a secret weapon…

You’re going to be on his guard, as you will be the strongest member there.

He will offer you random and spontaneous things to do with your powers to scare or prank someone.

LANCE

Saying that he was surprised would be an understatement.

At first he hated the fact that you were this powerful, because he wants to feel like he can protect you. When he first met you he thought he’d have to protect you dearly for your own life. And even if he is aware that you can easily defeat any enemy that bothers you, he is still scared of any creature stronger than you being able to hurt you.

More than once he’d look up and down on you and wonder how such a small human like yourself could easily burn or freeze an enemy’s head without even touching it.

But when you two are in a fight together, he has blind trust in you, knowing that you will protect both of your back and his. And of course he will be there to protect you from anything that threatens to hurt you even if it’s just a little.

He will praise you after any single fight. Honestly he melts when he sees how your appearance contrasts the power you secretly hold, and he absolutely loves it.

He might seem less interested than Nevra about your abilities, but every time he sees something new, he simply keeps it in mind for future uses.

Sometimes he stares at you as you practice your skills, finding your movements really elegant and enchanting. He’d be keeping his arms crossed, resting his back against the wall and analyzing your movements.

Lance is worried about you overdoing it and getting exhausted. You will have to reassure him more than once that you are strong enough to stand this and even more.

Still, he is more calm if you rest as much as you need.

Whenever you rant him about new information about some powers he only feels himself falling in love with you even more. You are smart, strong and you have a lot of interesting facts to tell him. He likes that.

He’d honestly offer you to be the leader of any guard in Eldarya and teach some people to use powers.

He respects you a lot, that’s for sure. That’s why he prefers you to take some days off so your stamina can rest for the next time he needs your strength again.

Lance may wonder if you truly are a divinity, and he will ask you directly. It’s impressive how easily you seem to use such big and powerful abilities.

✩; remember to reblog and like to support my content, I hope you enjoyed it!

#: ̗̀➛ alex's eldarya hcs!#eldarya headcanons #eldarya lance #eldarya nevra #ezarel #leiftan #mathieu #valkyon #eldarya #eldarya scenarios #beemoov

62 notes · View notes

forestshadow-wolf · 2 years ago

Text

Ghost who used to hate his face because he looked so much like his father. But now he doesn't because he knows that if his father was still alive he would be severely displeased in everything about who he is now, and simon delights in that thought. Because "fuck you dad!" And look maybe everything that happened to him would have still happened, or maybe I'd have been different. But he does know that right now, in the present, that he has an amazing captain that he trusts with his life, a best friend who he would do just about anything for, and the best partner anyone could ever ask for.

So whenever he feels self conscious about his face, and the mask feels glued to his face, he just remembers last night's movie night. Or the spontaneous dance party from last week. Or getting to kiss his Johnny.

He reminds himself of watching john mulaney from the bottom of a dog pile. Or learning stupid line dances because apparently none of them know how to line dance. Or stargazing and telling stupid, made-up stories about the stars that he knows nothing about. Or he remembers dancing in the rain with a giggling soap. Or the tumble into bed that had both him and his partner kissing every part of each other. Or chasing gaz around the commons room because he stole his mask. He remembers soap grinning at him whenever they spar.

And then he remembers that he really likes his face. Because everything that he knows now, would make his snake-kissing, snake of a father have a heart attack. He knows exactly how if his father was alive, he'd try to beat the crap out of him for getting to be happy. But he also knows that he, or price, or gaz would have no problem laying his ass out on the ground. And he knows that, if given the chance, soap would have delighted in torturing the hateful bastard. He knows because he watched him gently, almost lovingly, press flowers to his mother's grave, his brother's, and sister-in-law's, and his nephew's. And then piss on his father's grave, right after.

And he remembers how soap always seems to know when he needs the mask to come off, but can't seem to peel it off himself. Always when he's happiest. And how soap always gingerly peels it off for him.

#simon ghost riley #john soap mactavish #kyle gaz garrick #john Price #call of duty #cod #cod mw2 #ghostsoap #soapghost #el rambles #simon Riley's asshole father

190 notes · View notes

soap-lady · 4 months ago

Text

Oh good. This story isn't dead.

Hey readers.

Thanks again to anyone still reading this story. Here's chapter twenty-eight. Thanks again to @arylace for all her encouragement.

Taglist:

@fantasiame, @g-arya, @lavenderjunes, @charlietheepic7, @ahenix, @delectablycoolscientist, @kaseykay17, @vio-march-0327, @mewwitch, @vixen-uchiha, @coolspidermanmusicflower, @lady-bee-fechin, @raeuberprinzessin, @symwinter, @frieddonutsweets, @seraphkitty, @friendsofthefairies, @nickristus-dreamer, @khneltea, @jumpingjoy82, @fan-written, @woe-is-me0,@corporeal-terrestrial, @queenmjean, @theymakeupfairies, @dorkus-minimus, @idk-j-go-with-it, @aespades, @swiftie-miraculer13

(A young woman slowly makes her way into the room. Her hands are clasped in front of her and she looks around her as if expecting to be attacked. Her hair is loosely curled around her shoulders. She is wearing a sleeveless 1950s shirtwaist dress with a black bodice and faux pearl buttons down the front and a pussycat bow at the throat. The full circle skirt has a mesh overlay embroidered with butterflies. She clips her shin on the chair leg before sitting down in an ungraceful heap.)

<Marinette> Ow!

<Interviewer> Are you okay? We can reschedule-

<Marinette> (waves her hand frantically) No, it’s fine! I’m really clumsy so this happens all the time! (Straightens herself out and then winces.) But maybe…an ice pack?

<Interviewer> Of course. (Calling off-screen) Can someone grab Marinette an ice pack, please?

(One ice pack later, Marinette is ready to start.)

<Interviewer> Could you introduce yourself and your character?

<Marinette> (Smiles and waves. A chorus of “awww” is heard off screen.) Hello! My name is Marinette Dupain-Cheng. I play Felicity Dupin in this movie and I also helped design some of the costumes.

<Interviewer> Sounds like Felix and his multiple jobs.

<Marinette> (laughs and shakes her head) No, thank you! Felix is partially responsible for running this whole production. I have a lot of respect for dedication, but I can’t imagine juggling all those obligations at once. Two jobs is more than enough for me! (giggles)

<Interviewer> I understand you were only here to apply for an internship in the Wardrobe Department. How did you get cast?

<Marinette> (sighs, smiles ruefully) By accident. Really. I had just finished an interview with Mme. Jennings, the woman in charge of all the costuming and I got lost and took a wrong turn, right into Felix’s office. (laughs at the memory) I thought I was going to be fired on the spot but he wanted someone to read lines with him and asked, well…goaded me into it.

<Interviewer> (amused) Losing your temper with your co-star and director is not a good way to get a job in this industry.

<Marinette> (smiles) I wouldn’t recommend it, no. Still, it led me to a career I never would have considered. I’ve always wanted to be a designer, you see.

<Interviewer> And you just might become accidentally famous too.

<Marinette> That wasn’t my intention. I feel a little bad taking a part another actress could have used but…(shrugs)

<Interviewer> C’est la vie.

<Marinette> (smiles) Exactly.

<Interviewer> How is this character like you?

<Marinette> Barely at all. I wish I had Felicity’s confidence and ferocity. She is very spontaneous and I’m a planner. She has no problem going to head to head with someone trying to disrespect her or keep her down. It’s…something I’ve struggled with over the years but I’m getting better. Felicity and I should be pen pals or whatever the text equivalent is.

(thinks for a minute)

<Marinette> I think one of the few ways Felicity and I are alike is our sense of humor. We can both be snarky. I think I’m a little more polite about it but when I’m annoyed and need to respond to someone making me angry or being obnoxious (thinks to herself and grins) I can also be snarky. Felicity’s is a bit more offense as well as defense because she always feels she has to prove she’s just as good as Barrington Holmes.

<Interviewer> Is that easy?

<Marinette> (laughing) Yes, but it’s constant. (Both laugh)

<Interviewer> I want to know more about the costume design. I understand you created the school uniforms and some of the formal gowns for a…party scene?

(Suddenly Marinette sits up, her eyes are alight with enthusiasm and her posture becomes erect and confident. Her smile becomes warm and twice as energetic.)

<Marinette> Thank you! I was hoping you would ask. (broad smile) When I interviewed for the internship Mme. Jennings told me that the aesthetic for this movie would be very Victorian and I thought about pictures I’d seen of Victorian era school uniforms but I wanted to modernize it, make it a little more contemporary and easy to wear. The characters would be running and…you know…fighting…(mimes boxing) so they had to be comfortable and flexible. So I started drawing.

<Interviewer> And how long did it take you to design the uniforms?

<Marinette> (plays with her hair) About…a minute?

<Interviewer> (amazed) You designed them in under a minute?

<Marinette> (embarrassed but proud) Just a rough sketch, but yeah. There were some revisions and back and forth and I had to get Mme. Jennings' approval. She says I have potential but have a long way to go. Which is true. I’ve learned so much working on this movie. I think it’s made me a better designer because the people here are so inspiring.

<Interviewer> With two such important jobs in costume design and as a lead actress, how do you balance your responsibilities?

<Marinette> (Thinks) It sounds hokey but organization and keeping a planner will save you while working on a project like this. I have one on my phone and a physical one as well. I also shared it with Mme Amelie and Mme Jennings so they can coordinate with each other when they need me so we can avoid scheduling conflicts. I have another I share on group chat with my co stars as well so we can coordinate scene rehearsals or cast meetings.

<Interviewer> What’s been the thing you’ve been most excited for people to see?

<Marinette> My formal clothing designs! (laughs) Well, yes there are some intense action scenes. One was especially difficult to film. (looks solemn for a moment, remembers) but the stunt coordinator and his team are amazing. I can’t believe I was even involved. The audience will definitely be drawn in and feel like they’re experiencing the scene right along with the characters.

<Interviewer> How do you like the idea of playing a genius scrappy "underdog" in this movie and physically against a poster boy like Felix/Barrington Holmes?

<Marinette> (rolls her eyes) Oh, yes. Barry is so handsome and cool. How can a peasant like me compare and compete? (scoffs) Felicity’s family originally created the Order and tried to recruit their fellow detectives, lawyers, police officers for an international police agency decades before Interpol. There was some interest but they were mostly ignored. Then Sherlock Holmes comes along ( mock growls) and all of a sudden everyone wants to join up! Holmes might have had good intentions and truly admired the first Dupin but…(thinks of how to phrase it) he basically stole the credit for Dupin’s ideas, accident or not. Now Felicity has inherited this (points near her neck) chip on her shoulder along with her last name.

<Interviewer> And she’s not going to let him get away from hogging all the spotlight!

<Marinette> (points) Not a chance! (laughs) She knows she’s as smart and capable as him and she’ll stand up to him when he is wrong or a jackass. She’ll also push to get credit for her theories and discoveries. She won’t be pushed around, even if he’s more famous. As for keeping up with Felix physically? (secretive smile) I work out a lot and I’ve just stepped up my self-defense game.

<Marinette. (thinks) That’s kind of been my mentality where Felix is concerned. When he’s deep in character or when he’s being too demanding as a director, I have to step up and defend myself. I have to demand respect and fair treatment. To his credit, Felix does back off when he’s gone too far or he’s too deep in character.

<Interviewer> If you could tell your character one thing, what would it be?

<Marinette> (thinks about it then looks back up) Be assertive without being aggressive. Also, don’t let Barry provoke you. It’s what he wants. He loves to make you mad. Use that against him. (giggles) That was more than one thing but they were all related!

(Marinette and interviewer laugh)

<Interviewer> What do you hope people take away seeing this project?

<Marinette> (thinks> I want people to see English and French productions have the potential to make blockbusters just as much as Hollywood. That young writers and directors are bringing innovation to films. And young designers too! I really think we’re ready for fresh voices and we should keep an eye out for them.

<Interviewer> What do you think you've learned working on this movie?

<Marinette> Definitely a lot of new designing skills. Mme Jennings is amazing. (Purses her lips) Besides that? It sounds cliche but I’ve made some new friends. (Smiles off-camera to the chorus of “awwws”.) Also, I’ve learned about acting, a career I never would have thought of before. I’ve learned some basic dancing and fencing. I’ve become not just physically stronger but I’ve learned to stand up for myself even more.

<Interviewer> What do you hope to take away once this is all over?

<Felix> (off-camera) A BAFTA!

(Claude pokes his head on-screen)

<Claude> Self-confidence!

<Claude> We're all tortured artists and it always helps.

(Claude is dragged away.)

<Marinette> (chuckle) Claude’s a little confused, but he got the spirit. Some self-confidence would be great. So would learning to be more assertive and learning how to be mentally flexible by working with so many different types of people.

<Interviewer> Everything you learn can help make you a better-

<Marinette> A better person, a better artist, designer…(gropes for a word) whatever I decide to do with my life I never want to stop learning new skills and growing as a person.

<Interviewer> That’s a great philosophy. So how about a promo for the movie?

<Marinette> Please come see me, my castmates and hours of sewing (laughs) in [redacted], coming soon!

The time had finally come! Marinette nearly vibrated with a weird combination of nerves and excitement. It wasn’t just the fact that they were finally filming an incredibly important and complex scene, it was also the premiere of all her ball designs! She wondered if this was how a parent might feel when their child was performing in a school play for the first time. All of the final fittings went well. She just had to drop off one last outfit.

Her mind flashed back to a month ago, when a certain blonde approached her with a handful of papers. She looked uncharacteristically apprehensive as she approached the designer and Marinette did her best not to look shocked.

“Hi, Chloe. How can I help you?” She had most of the costumes for the ballroom scene at least started and was sketching her own dress. She tried not to act frustrated at being interrupted. Chloe had been on her best behavior so Marinette would be polite if the other girl would be.

“Uh, yeah. Hi, Marinette.” She held out the papers she held; like an offering. Or a shield. “Look, I know you’re busy but I’m not really asking for a favor.” Or at least she wouldn’t admit she was. “I wanna commission you to make me a dress for the ball scene. I mean, I’m gonna be taking pictures and maybe Aunt Amalie will let me be a background extra and…I wanna look like I fit in.”

Marinette looked at the papers and was surprised to see they were all photographs. They looked like photographs of women in formal gowns from the 1940s. She recognized them from a book on historical fashion she’d read once.

She tried not to let her surprise show on her face again. “Wow, Chloe. These are beautiful. But...kind of complex.” She thought about her shooting schedule and her work in Wardrobe. “I’m not sure…”

“Look,” Chloe let a hint of desperation show through. “I’ll pay you double, no, triple your commission rate. I’ll even pay for the Wardrobe Department to hire someone to help you do your regular work. I just…want something pretty. Something I helped create.”

Marinette felt her jaw drop but Chloe wasn’t done. Her nonchalant veneer thinned a bit and there was a glow in her eyes. “Look, you’ve always had this creative side of you, but you also have this amazing passion. Money and fame don’t even motivate you like it does most people. I think you actually design because you love it.” Chloe sounded a little bit amazed. “I didn’t get it for the longest time because I wasn’t really passionate about anything.”

Marinette understood. “And then you got into photography.”

She admitted that she was a little bit amazed Chloe felt a need for a creative outlet, like her. She felt a little guilty for thinking of her as a shallow rich girl all this time. Now Chloe was pulling away from her parents, especially her mother, and was beginning to discover who she really was and who Chloe Bourgeois wanted to be. It was as shocking as…Hawkmoth dancing in a bikini, but less disturbing.

Chloe nodded, glad the other girl got what she meant without baring her soul or something. She might not hate the other girl any more but she wasn’t about to let herself be vulnerable around Dupain-Cheng either. “Yeah. It’s weird. I enjoy it and I’m really good at it. It’s like…” her hands gesture as she tried to express her thoughts. “I’m observing this little piece of the world and then capturing it so people can see it the way I do. It’s…cool. And creative.”

Marinette nodded. Her eyes looked empathetic and she was almost smiling. For an insane moment Chloe almost wanted to confide in the other girl about how her new hobby made her feel. She was even thinking of going to school for it and making it her career. Aunt Emelie even said she could shadow the Director of Photography for a few weeks and learn from her. She stopped herself. Dupain-Cheng wasn’t her friend, especially not the confidante Sabrina had been. She probably wouldn’t have cared about Chloe’s thoughts, just a former victim. She stopped herself.

Chloe mentally shook herself and got back on track. “Anyway, here’s some ideas.” She shuffled the photographs and pointed at one that was now on top. “This one is my favorite.”

Marinette craned her neck to get a better look. Her eyes widened as she looked over the reference photo. The woman in the picture’s hairstyle looked like one she’d seen in the old 1940s movies Grandpa Roland liked. The foundation of the dress looked like a slip dress with spaghetti straps and a sheer overlay. Added on top of this were ruffles around the neckline and detached ruffles as sleeves. From the knees down the overlay became a series of vertical ruffles wrapping horizontally around the dress. There was also what she assumed to be a matching shrug draped over a nearby chair. It was frothy and feminine, blended seamlessly with the style and vibe they were going for with the ballroom scene. It was also not even close to Chloe’s usual style.

“I know you can’t tell because it’s in black and white but I think the original gown was in a light gold, like champagne. And I did a little research on fabric and thought chiffon or voile would be good for the look I’m going for.” Chloe looked away from Marinette’s astonished face and tried to act nonchalant about the other girl’s response.

The blonde tried to maintain her usual “it’s whatever” attitude but Marinette had spent two months around this seemingly better Chloe and had gotten used to interpreting her body language. She understood that Chloe was trying to act as if Marinette’s possible rejection wouldn’t bother her but the designer wasn’t fooled. Chloe wore her mean girl persona and arrogance as armor. She feared rejection so she actively pushed people away, even those who’d shown her kindness. Maybe she felt unworthy. Marinette felt a wave of almost overwhelming sympathy for her. Maybe if Marinette had been able to see past the mean rich girl act and extended a hand of friendship in ecole, perhaps their relationship would have been different.

She tried not to let her inner thoughts show on her face and decided to treat Chloe as any other client. “I can’t make any promises but I’ll take your reference photos and your measurements. If I can make this dress I’ll text you. I’ll require a non-refundable material deposit but other than that, if I can’t finish in time you won’t be charged.”

Chloe nodded and said, “sounds fair.” She held out her hand and looked expectant. Marinette shook it, reminding herself this arrangement was only professional and Chloe would be offended if she thought Marinette pitied her. She withdrew her hand and stepped back, sensing Chloe’s vulnerable moment was over.

Chloe looked at her phone. “We have a few minutes before shooting begins again. Wanna go ahead and take my measurements?”

Marinette nodded. “Sure.”

*****

She found Chloe’s makeshift darkroom and rapped on the door. She could hear movement inside and two voices. Did Chloe have company or was she on her phone?

Marinette started to slowly turn the doorknob when she heard Chloe’s voice. “Don’t come in! I need to finish developing something real quick!”

Marinette stopped and let go, feeling embarrassed that she could have ruined Chloe’s photos. (Yes she was aware of the irony of showing consideration for someone who’d repeatedly ruined her projects in the past. If Chloe was willing to be civil, so was she. Besides, she looked forward to seeing how Chloe’s “making of” book turned out.)

“Come in!” Chloe called out and Marinette hurried in. “Oh…hi, Marinette.” She closed the door to the inner development room and locked it. She looked as if she had a secret but Marinette just assumed she didn’t want anyone to see the book before it was done.

Chloe looked her over and her gaze settled on the garment bag in Marinette’s hands. Her eyes widened and reached out to touch it, before pulling back. “Is that…?”

Marinette nodded and smiled as she saw the look of wonder on Chloe’s face. She might not like the other girl but she always liked watching people’s reaction when they saw something she’d created just for them. “Yes it is! I tried to make it as close to your original concept as possible but I added a few hidden pockets in case you needed to carry some extra memory cards. They’re reinforced so anything you put in them won’t cause the material to sag or pucker.”

“That’s…really smart.” Chloe raised her eyebrows and looked genuinely impressed. She took the garment bag from Marinette’s hands and hefted it. “It feels really light.” She gave the other girl a suspicious look; the way Chloe used to look at her. “You haven’t given me an empty bag have you, Dupain-Cheng?”

She chuckled. It was strangely comforting that Chloe occasionally acted like her old self. “I would never do less than my best for any client. Open it up and see for yourself.”

Chloe frowned but unzipped the garment bag and looked inside. Her jaw dropped as she saw what Marinette had created for her. “Omigod! It’s perfect! It’s as if you reached into the photo and pulled out the dress!” She pulled the dress off the hanger and discarded it and the garment bag on the floor. “Be right back! Gotta try it on!” She whirled around and shut the door in Marinette’s face.

She rolled her eyes. Chloe was still as rude as ever.

Ten minutes later a breathlessly excited Chloe opened the door to a very surprised Marinette. That had to be some sort of record.

“I love it!” Chloe did a twirl and laughed; sounding happy and excited. The dress flared out around her and then wrapped itself around her legs. For one strange second it looked as if she was going to hug the designer then stopped herself. “It’s gorgeous! And looks fabulous on me, as it should.” She pulled her phone out of one of the hidden pockets and handed it to Marinette, practically dancing with excitement. “Take a picture! I have to show Aunt Amelie!”

Marinette didn’t argue as she waited for Chloe to pose. “Ready?” she asked as she held up the phone.

Chloe began to pose with her body facing the camera but her face turned to show her profile. She balanced the shrug on one shoulder while her other hand rested on her waist. She’d forgone her usual sunglasses in favor of a gold tiara with a filigree hawk on top. The rest of her jewelry was understated and tasteful to not detract from the dress. Marinette was impressed and wondered if Amelie or Allegra had helped pick out the accessories. It wasn’t Chloe’s usual style but then again, maybe she really was changing.

Marinette took a few shots and then handed Chloe back the camera. “You look amazing.”

“Of course I do,” Chloe replied with her usual disdain but then stopped and gave Marinette a tiny smile. “But it’s still nice to hear someone else say that. Thanks, Marinette.” She did another twirl. “I love it.”

The designer grinned and then glanced at her phone. “Shit!” She transformed from a young woman confident in her abilities to her panicky self from college. “I need to get to hair and makeup! Bye, Chloe!”

She started to dash off, then reached down and grabbed the empty garment bag and hanger. “Glad you liked the dress! I’ll Venmo you later! Bye!”

She nearly sprinted down the hallway, almost bumping into a grip and apologizing. Chloe chuckled to herself. It was oddly comforting that some of Marinette’s traits hadn’t changed.

*****

Mylene sat quietly in the makeup chair and tried very hard not to sneeze as an assistant swiped some highlighter under her nose. She hadn’t seen herself yet; she had a hairdresser’s drape to protect her costume from hair products and makeup. She had arrived on set with her hair unbraided and brushed out but they’d spent forty-five minutes on her hair and wrapped it up in some sort of cloth and she was curious to see what they’d done with her. This was more makeup than she wore in a month and it felt heavy on her skin.

“Don’t worry,” the assistant assured her, “you’re going to look great. And all of our makeup is cruelty free and ethically sourced. Try to relax.”

She did her best. She closed her eyes and thought of things that made her happy. The herbs she grew in her backyard. Her father, doing a new routine to get her reaction. Or Ivan smiling gently at her.

Ivan.

He had the sweetest smile and the way he looked at her never failed to make her feel beautiful and adored. She felt the tension leave her shoulders and her breath eased.

“All right.” The assistant whipped off the drape and guided Mylene to a mirror. “Have a look.”

Mylene looked into the floor length mirror and stared at her reflection in wonder, eyes widening. The rainbow bohemian dress Marinette designed for her still looked amazing but her hair…oh, wow!

She turned her head from right to left to get the best view of her new hairdo. Her hair was coiled and pinned, sprayed with a shine solution to make the multiple colors shimmer. There was a scarf wrapped around her head the exact color of her eyes and a few peacock feathers sewn on the right side.

The assistant smiled at the pleased but confused expression on Mylene’s face. “Don’t worry. The feathers came from a friend of Miss Amelie’s. They have pet peacocks and peacocks shed their feathers all the time. It doesn’t hurt them. They literally just fall out and a new one grows to take its place.”

Mylene blew out a relieved breath. “Good.”

The assistant held up Mylene’s phone. If you like I can take a few pics for you to show that sweet hunk you’re dating.”

Mylene blushed and managed a curtsy. “Thank you.”

The assistant laughed, and held up the phone, taking a few extra photos just to be sure one came out well and handed the phone back to Mylene.

Mylene smiled. “Thanks for doing such a good job on my hair and makeup.”

The assistant shook her head. “Nah. I just did your makeup. My little sister Alicia did your hair.”

“Hey, Mylene.”

Mylene started as a girl her age with long purple hair waved at her. She blinked and then recognized her. “Wait. I know you. You went to Francois Dupont too. Weren’t you in Ms. Mendeleive’s class?”

Alicia nodded. “Yep. And you were in Bustier’s class.” Alicia made a face as if she’d smelled something foul. Then she grinned. “Not to mention the lead in nearly every school play. I knew you’d end up in the movies.”

“Thanks!” Mylene smiled then frowned. “I can’t believe I didn’t see you earlier.”

The other girl nodded. “No ever does. Not unless I want them to.”

“All right, Mylene, you need to get going,” the assistant waved her arms at her. “I’m expecting my next actor very soon.”

Mylene frowned. “I’m sorry for holding you up.”

“Sis isn’t mad, just busy.” Alicia opened the door for Mylene. She gave the petite girl a wink. “Ivan is gonna lose his shit when he sees how gorgeous you are.”

Mylene blushed and hurried out the door, almost colliding with-

*****

Lila sat very carefully on a stool (so she didn’t wrinkle her gown) and waited as patiently as she could for the hairdresser’s assistant to finish whatever she was doing with her hair. The man refused to let her look in the mirror until he was done. There was something about the way he looked at her that made her feel her usual tricks wouldn’t work so for now she was playing the part of the gracious young actress trying to make her big break.

“I’ve done the best I can. Rossi, you’re done.”

The man backed away from her and Lila stood up, looking for a mirror. All she found was a one meter by thirty centimeter mirror on the wall near the exit. It would have to do.

She looked in the mirror and did a quick 360 to see as much of herself as she could. She smiled with delight as she saw herself. The front of her hair was gathered near the crown in a bun and decorated with silk flowers. The rest of her hair had been curled into long ringlets that cascaded down her back. It was elegant without being too formal and implied that underneath the elegant surface was a wild streak. It reminded her of her character and she couldn’t be happier.

The makeup was light and understated but brought out her eyes and made them look mysterious and sultry. She’d have to look for that purple haired girl later.

“I look amazing!” she declared with a bright smile.

“I know. I’m good at my job,” the man jerked his thumb towards the door. His expression was unimpressed and dismissive. “You’re holding up progress.”

“Thanks again!” she gave him a smile and a carefree wave and strode out the door.

Her smile faded slightly as she closed the door behind her but didn’t drop entirely. She was in too good a mood to let one person ruin it. She looked amazing, was about to shoot her biggest scene in the movie and was going to make a big name for herself. She wouldn’t have to make up lies about knowing celebrities when she would soon be one herself.

She was already thinking about how she would use the contacts she made during this film to network when she nearly collided with someone else.

“Oh my! Are you all right?” She didn’t have to fake the concern. If she had run into someone she could mess up her hair, makeup, and costume and that would delay shooting. Or if she had messed up someone else’s.

“Oh, no. I’m fine. I’m just a little distracted…” the other person broke off and stared. “Lila?”

She blinked a few times then focused. “Mylene? Wow, you look amazing! I’ve never seen you wear a dress before. I didn’t even recognize you! That dress looks incredible on you.”

Lila wasn’t lying. She didn’t have to. The petite curvy girl had traded her braids for curls and while her rainbow dress didn’t fit the usual Victorian/Regency vibe the movie was going for, it suited both Mylene and her character. The young actress had never looked better and Lila told her so.

Mylene preened. “Thanks.” She looked her former classmate up and down. She hadn’t seen much of Lila during filming. In a way she was glad because the other girl sometimes came across as hard and mean, treating Mylene as if she were a means to an end. Now she seemed like the warm, kind girl she’d been in college.

“I know,” Lila put her hand on her chest and put on an exaggerated vain pose before ruining it by giggling. Mylene laughed too.

Lila bowed to Mylene and offered her a hand. “Shall we go look for Ivan?”

Mylene gave her a curtsy and took it. “Why, yes. Let’s!”

*****

Ivan surveyed his appearance in the full length mirror in a dressing room the crew lent him. The black and silver coat was very cool and Gothic, making him look like the lead guitarist of Desolate Scorn. He also liked the matching waistcoat and band neck shirt. He was glad Marinette hadn’t made him wear a tie.

The makeup girl lined his eyes a little darker and heavier than he usually wore but he loved it. He hoped Mylene would like the way he looked too.

He opened the door and peeked cautiously in both directions before heading out, closing the door behind him.

“Ivan! There you are!”

Lila ran towards him, arm and arm with Mylene. They both stopped and stared when they saw him.

His classmate’s eyes went from shocked to admiring but he only had eyes for Mylene.

Ivan couldn’t take his eyes off his beautiful girlfriend. He always thought she was the prettiest girl he’d ever seen in her day to day clothes but now she shone like a star, like a beacon who would draw every eye to her. Yet she was gazing up at him as he was the most wonderful thing she’d ever seen. He was probably looking at her the same way.

“You look amazing,” they said at the same time.

Lila felt a slight feeling of warmth and jealousy bloom in her chest. Sure, Mylene was…curvy and…petite and was too kindhearted for her own good. Ivan was built like a rugby player and had Resting Scary Face. Yet somehow they seemed so perfect for each other. Their relationship was loving and supportive and made each other better; Ivan made Mylene braver and Mylene taught Ivan to show his compassionate side.

She would have laughed to see the way they looked at each other a year ago but now…she felt bereft. Lila might have had the admiration of her former class but none of them truly cared. Boys noticed her but no one looked at her like Ivan did Mylene, not even Gio. For a moment she wondered what it would be like if there was someone she could truly be herself around. Someone she could trust with her secrets. She blinked and the moment passed.

“You look…incredible together…” she sighed.

They looked at each other one last time before hurrying to her side and assuring her she looked wonderful too. Together the three of them made their way to set and Lila once again buried any feelings that could make her vulnerable deep inside.

*****

“I don’t know what Felix is paying Marinette, but it’s not nearly enough.”

Allegra looked at the 360 degree mirror in the dressing room she shared with Claude. The lilac silk dress with the tulle drapery fit her perfectly. She loved the little silver embellishments sewn along the waistline and scattered along the skirt in random spots. The sleeveless bodice brought attention to her shoulders and she was glad Chloe suggested she use some bronzing cream to gently suggest a tan.

The inside of the skirt contained all sorts of clever little pockets the stunt team would fill with weapons. They had been further reinforced with extra stitch and something Marinette had called interfacing. The result hadn’t been as stiff as Allegra had feared and was relieved the designer had kept her promise to make the dress easy to dance or run in. Her favorite part was that the skirt was reversible; once she undid the hidden snaps she could turn it around, reattach it to the bodice and have access to all her weaponry. That, or just throw it at her pursuers and run away in the cargo shorts she wore underneath.

Her boyfriend looked away from his own reflection and gave her an admiring look. “I know, right?” He went to touch her hair and stopped himself, remembering just in time she’d had her hair and makeup done before dressing. He kept his hands lightly on her waist. “I think any other designer on the planet would charge you three times as much. Marinette’s great but I think she needs a few business classes so she can learn to charge what she’s worth. We’ll have to hype her up in interviews, as the Americans say.”

Claude didn’t like to brag about his appearance but he couldn’t get over how amazing he looked. The buff pantaloons were plain but that was only so they didn’t compete with the rest of the outfit. The dark gray Regency style tailcoat was a soft velvet with an eggplant brocade waistcoat underneath. The shirt was plain white with a starched collar but there was also a matching eggplant tie, or cravat, that matched the waistcoat. It was probably the most elegant thing he’d ever worn in his life and he hoped it didn’t spill anything on it during the shoot.

The couple gave each other warmly affectionate glances before Claude changed from respectful to lascivious.

“So…a removable skirt,” he waggled his eyebrows at Allegra. “That can have…a variety of creative uses.”

Allegra winked at him, eyes sultry. “Let’s see if Auntie Amelie will let me keep this dress after filming.”

*****

Allen wished he were a little more vain. Perhaps that way he could appreciate how he looked in his outfit for the ball and not just admire the fine embroidery.

The thorny branch pattern was made with gold thread and he was glad he persuaded Marinette to skip the sequins. The resulting change made the design more minimalist; he now looked ready for a formal event in colors that flattered his skin tone without being too far out of his personal style. He put on the lion ring and the black and gold matched perfectly.

The asymmetrical pattern covered his left arm and half his torso. Allen wondered if Marinette had done that on purpose to signify his character was left brained and logical. From what he knew of her, he wouldn’t be surprised. As Felicity she was fiery and strong, as Marinette she could be awkward and clumsy. But when it came to her designs every one was meticulous and perfectly tailored (pun intended!) to the wearer. Felix had discovered yet another gem for Aunt Amelie to polish.

Lavii flew out of his pocket, flying between the mirror and Allen. “You look rather smart, Cub.”

“Lavii!” Allen whispered as he checked to make sure the dressing room door was locked. “Not so loud! Someone could hear you!”

The kwami harrumphed but did lower his voice. “I hadn’t known you owned any acceptable clothing, Cub. Your everyday wear is a bit…ragged.” The ferocious lion was learning to be diplomatic just as Allen was learning to fight.

Allen didn’t feel like explaining modern clothing or cityware to multi-millenia old creatures. He shrugged off the kwami’s words. “Are you going to stay in my pocket all evening? Aren’t you worried about the cameras picking you up?”

Lavii puffed up a bit. “Young Chloe has explained that kwami cannot be detected by your electronic devices.” He preened a bit. “There is nothing to fear. As long as I am quiet no one will notice me.”

Allen was slightly reassured but still felt uncertain. “And what if something goes wrong while filming or an akuma attacks?”

The kwami dismissed his partner’s words with a swipe of his paw. “My kind can also phase through solid objects.” He rolled his eyes. “I can…hide if need be.” He sounded as if the very notion of not being seen was some sort of failing.

“Good to know.” Allen filed this bit of information away for later. “If someone is going to sabotage the movie again, this scene would be the perfect cover.” The last thing he wanted was someone like Lila to get her hands on a kwami. Even if she couldn’t use Lavii’s power, the thought of her holding his kwami hostage was disgusting.

*****

I can do this. It’s a dress for the Founders’ Ball. It’s an important event and I have to go. I mean…Felicity has to go. She’s dancing with Jack and she’s going to show Barry how good she is!

They’re also setting themselves up as bait. There’s a killer or killers out there that want to get rid of them. They don’t really have a clue who’s responsible for their professor’s murder but they think the suspect won’t be able to resist the school being open and security being just a little lax. Or looking a little lax. MI-5 might be there. To protect Barry, anyway. The Holmes family must be protected, even if it means risking everyone else’s lives. Good thing we can defend ourselves so precious ickle Barry will be fine.

That was it!

Sure, her character would be nervous to appear in public in a fancy ball gown but she would also be angry about being put in danger by someone who didn’t know what he was doing any more than she did. There! That was better. She could do this! She had the dress, she only needed hair and makeup now that most everyone else had tended to and were screen ready. Now all she had to do was sneak out and into the makeup artist and stylist room, get made up and just shoot a pivotal scene she’d been practicing for weeks and now even her parents knew her lines.

Marinette took a deep breath, let it out slowly, looked at her reflection…

…and chickened out.

She was no actress, what had she been thinking? She should have walked out the minute she’d seen Felix’s face and ran home. Then all she would have had to do is show up on set, sketch, draw, and sew her way into a movie credit. She wouldn’t have all this drama and uncertainty.

Maybe she could just lock herself in this dressing room and hide until shooting was over. Then she could talk to Amelie about killing off her character or maybe she’s injured off-camera and then Marinette could sit out the movie. She could still design and cheer on her friends. That would be great…

She was just about to pat herself on the back for her good thinking when a red blur whizzed out of the secret pocket she’d sewn in the dress and popped her on the nose.

“Ow!” Marinette rubbed her nose but she was more surprised than hurt. “Tikki, what the hell?!”

“Well, what else could I do? You were catastrophizing again!” The kwami was completely unapologetic and looked a bit exasperated. Marinette wondered how long she’d been pacing if she’d made the eternal creature frustrated. “And watch your language!”

Marinette looked at her.

Tikki didn’t like her chosen’s expression. “What?”

The girl raised a brow. “Didn’t you tell me you had to listen to previous chosens having incredibly loud sex? I can’t believe one curse word would offend you.” She shrugged and smoothed out a wrinkle in her gown. “Not after Joan.”

Tikki poked her Chosen in the butt. When the girl squeaked she was satisfied she had her attention.

The kwami sighed and floated up until she was eye to eye with her Chosen.

“Marinette,” she sighed. “I know. I know you’re nervous and I know you’re thinking of all the things that could go wrong and you can’t control that, any more that you could control something going wrong while you’re crossing the street, even before Hawk Moth.” Marinette opened her mouth but Tikki shook her head. “It’s not your job to try to control every little thing that could go wrong. You’re not a god or an all-powerful being and you shouldn’t want to be. You have enough to keep track of.”

Tikki tried not to think of the scared child who became a man and somehow The Guardian along the way. She missed him almost as much as Wayzz. This girl should be crushed under all her responsibilities and yet she took on more. Well, at least now Chat Noir was finally acting like a true partner and there were two new heroes who, while not yet comfortable with their new kwami, still had promise. There were additional heroes in Paris and perhaps in time they would join forces with her bug. Judging by their costumes, they resembled the Heraldry Box. Ah, but there would be time for that later. Much later. She had neither the time nor energy to think of absent friends.

Tikki noticed her mind was wandering and got back to the point. “Marinette. Stop worrying about everything you can’t control. Concentrate on what you can control.” She waved her nubs in vague directions. “Like costume making or your acting. Everyone else will do their best as well.”

Marinette twisted her fingers in her hands and Tikki was reminded of the uncertain girl she’d met over a year ago. Only one? It felt like ten.

“If you make a mistake, it can be fixed. For once, you don’t have to be in charge. There’s a lot of people here to watch Lila. Everyone knows their job and what to do.” Tikki tried to be gentle again. “You can let go just a little, Marinette.”

“But-” the girl tried to say but her kwami cut her off. “Just think about your lines and what you want to happen tonight. Concentrate on that and let everyone worry about themselves for once. And hey,”

The Chosen looked down at her with a curious look on her face.

Tikki smiled. “Have fun!”

She tried to sound commanding but her voice was just too cute. Still, Marinette seemed calmer and more comforted than she did a few minutes ago so Tikki was sure her last minute pep talk did the job.

“Let’s go, Tikki!” Marinette cheered as she began to open the door. The kwami zipped back into her pocket and together they made their way to hair and makeup.

*****

I don’t care what I have to do, who I have to bribe, or what laws I have to break, I’m going to have that girl for my own.

He looked at his reflection in the three-sixty degree mirror and tried not to preen. He failed miserably but he did try. Griff sat on his shoulder and looked on with approval as the kwami preened their own feathers.

“This young lady has promise.” The griffin finished with one feather and moved on to the next. “I approve.”

Felix gave up trying to perfect his lapels and smiled at his reflection. “As do I. Marinette has proven as adept with design as she has as an actress. I think Mother has the papers ready.”

It was all he could do to prevent his mother from adopting the girl and kidnapping her back to London. He’d long stopped trying to curtail Amelie’s naughty behavior and had begun to aid and abet her. Marinette would forgive them in a decade, after all the accolades and fame had been heaped on her.

Griff shook his feathers a bit, a sure sign he was amused. “No, my fledgling. Although the dowry needs deciding.” He didn’t notice his charge’s surprise. “She’ll be a fine mate.”

Felix dropped his arms and the creature nearly fell. “You don’t understand,” his voice sounded calm and reasoned but inside he felt…excited? Nervous? Annoyed? Everything? “My culture doesn’t arrange marriages any more and neither does Marinette’s.”

Well, children of the high elite still did, or at the very least, there were “understandings” among families and their offspring were “highly encouraged” towards their own classes. Amelie had narrowly avoided such a marriage with that Fathom person before she fell for his father. He would not enter into one for himself and neither would anyone who cared for him try.

Griff was startled. “But I had thought…” he stopped himself. He and the others of the Heraldry Box had spoken among themselves and decided that while young Squire Chloe may have matched young Felix in class and perhaps temperament, Lady Marinette was sweet and gentle with a strong will. Plus Milvii was sure the maiden had good egg-bearing hips, which she swore were important for chick rearing.

Felix tried to take calming breaths and focus his mind on the scene they were about to shoot. It was a huge dramatic moment with lots of moving parts and he could not afford to be distracted. But a sudden flicker of a smiling Marinette holding a blond child took his breath for a moment. He backed up half an inch, blinked his eyes and shook his head.

“Another time, perhaps. A discussion for another day when it feels like everything won’t implode if I’m not careful.”

Griff tucked himself into his ward’s inner pocket near the watch chain. “Perhaps.”

*****

Luka had always prided himself on knowing someone’s inner melody. His mother was punk and metal with New Wave and a hint of a tender lullaby. Juleka started out with a timid harp and double bass before sliding into electric bass.

And his lovely refrain was a symphony! One moment loud and discordant; every note out of tune; the next so soft he could barely hear the instruments. Sometimes she would surprise him with the most beautiful harmony that would leave him breathless. He loved making this movie with her; every day he discovered a new layer to her and a fresh melody for him to learn. He wondered if Allen suspected so many of the tunes Luka had “composed” were songs he’d learned from within Marinette. Probably so.

He took a moment to admire his reflection in the mirror and tried not to primp. His evening coat looked taken from the cover of a Regency novel but in leather. Well, something similar anyway, some synthetic. He hoped to kwami he could keep the snow white shirt clean and he liked the simple button-on tuxedo tie. Marinette no doubt figured a working class boy like Jack wouldn’t know how to tie a tie and wouldn’t bother anyway. The black fingerless gloves were a nice bad boy touch. The black pants matched his coat and the paired combat boots were artfully scuffed.

Luka turned his chest from side to side to catch the dark gray embroidery on his silver waistcoat. He thought it was just scrollwork but he noticed they looked more like the f-holes carved on his guitar. Some snaked their way up and down the sides of his vest and he swore he saw the anarchy symbol and the prow of the Liberty. He shook his head in wonder. He could know that girl for all of his life and still be surprised at the new facet he could uncover.

Longg rose gracefully out of the breast pocket of the coat and hovered before landing on his shoulder. “Are you thinking about the young miss again, Luka?”

He couldn’t help but smile at being reminded of her. She was wonderful, talented, kind, and sincere. He was glad she was finally realizing how amazing she was. He would never say so out loud unless asked, but getting away from her old friends, not including his sister, had been so good for Marinette. They weren’t bad kids but when they all got together they fell into old habits and patterns and found it too easy to let Marinette hold the brain cells for them and just be lazy. A little separation was healthy for everyone.

He grinned. “Can you blame me? Clear as a musical note, sincere as a melody-”

“The song that has been playing in your head since the day you met her. I know.” Longg finished for him, seeming amused. “Rather poetic. Not a haiku…” the being tilted her head, “but I am sure you could rework it into one.”

They stood for a moment and admired Marinette’s handiwork before Longg prodded gently. “Taking time to reflect is a wonderful and useful trait, Luka, but is not time of the essence?”

Luka backed away from the mirror and bowed. He tried not to think of Sass when his new kwami mentioned time. He felt he and Sass had a perfect understanding but he wouldn’t disrespect his new partner. The dragon deserved the same chance he had given Longg And he liked him too. “Thank you Longg-sama. Your advice is as insightful as always.”

The kwami tittered.He was incredibly pleased that his new holder and the Guardian were developing romantic feelings for each other. He doubted Master Fu or the Order would be pleased but they were somewhat inflexible and he was slowly beginning to agree with the kwami who believed they needed to adapt to a changing world. “Yes, well. I'll do what I can to assist you.”

The young man laughed and the kwami zipped back into the breast pocket and they made their way out the door.

*****

Luka and Felix were two of the last people to make it to the set. (The privilege of being the star, Claude teased) and nearly collided with each other on their way to take their marks.

“Luka! Wow.” Felix looked his co-star up and down. “That is an incredible look on you.”

And it was. The faux leather and combat boots made him look rough and dangerous while the tailoring fitted the coat and pants to him perfectly. He always thought the other boy had a rough charm but seeing dressed in elegant evening wear with his hair styled and a bit of polish made Felix look at Luka in a new light. He could see why so many people on set drooled after him. He could understand why Marinette’s affection for him bled into her character and he made good use of that attachment in his directing.

Huh. He supposed he should feel jealous, but he didn’t. That was Barry, not Felix after all.

He gave his co-star a smile. “It gives you an air of refined bad boy.”

Luka brushed off an imaginary bit of lint and gave him a wink. “I think it works for me. And my character.”

Felix held out his hands and turned in a circle. “What about me?”

Luka looked him over then looked down. Felix had no idea what the other boy was looking at. Were his trousers undone?

The musician looked at his waist. “I like the pocket-watch. Is that an antique or a reproduction?”

“Oh! Um,” he’d forgotten that he’d been wearing it. “Antique actually. My father’s.” He tried not to feel overwhelmed with nostalgia or melancholy. He had a job to do. Two, if one counted directing.

The two of them were too busy to notice someone approaching them until a bustle of fabric and a shocked cry of “Holy hell! You must be the two best looking guys I’ve ever seen in my life!”

Felix finally tore his eyes away from Luka and laughed. “And since when do you curse…Ma…rinette?!”

For the first time in his life, Felix Graham de Vanily was completely without words. He was grateful his friends were there to tease him because for once his glib tongue was made of clay. He swallowed several times but couldn’t stop gaping.

All Luka could hear was the roaring in his ears as harps and violins played his beloved’s heartsong. His usual tranquility deserted him and all the meditation in the world wouldn’t bring back his composure. “Ma…ma…masterpiece.”

It was without a doubt the most beautiful dress Marinette had ever designed and if was narcissistic to create something so lovely for herself, neither boy could condemn her.

It was a magnificent confection of a gown in cerulean blue organza with floral embroidered appliques scattered across the bodice and skirt.in silver and blue silk thread. The off the shoulder neckline with its thin straps bared the girl’s creamy ivory shoulders and framed the bodice with elegant butterfly sleeves. The full ball gown skirt hid her feet without being so long it became a trip hazard.

Gone were the usual cheerful pigtails or even the practical severe bun she wore when rehearsing or designing. Now most of her hair was gathered and secured under gold netting into an elegant chignon. Blue-black curls framed her face while drawing attention to her bluebell eyes while a gold and jeweled diadem topped her head and held the curls out of her eyes.

Marinette ruined the regal illusion by giggling. Luka relaxed, feeling as if she weren’t some untouchable princess and was once again someone who could care for him as he cared for her. She looked at him and suddenly he wanted to sweep her into his arms and carry her off like the wild privateer his mother wanted him to be.

“It’s the fanciest dress I’ve ever made, and I’ve made it for myself!” she admitted as she spun around to make it twirl and fan out around her.

Now that she saw the dress on her she was glad she’d allowed Miss Amelie to persuade her to make this for herself.

“You told me once you never did less than your best for anyone and you, darling, are someone,” the woman had told her, “besides,” she added with a twinkle, “Felicity Dupin will be facing dangerous adversaries and handsome boys! If she would not face them without looking fabulous and being dangerous, neither can you.”

Luka leaned forward and grasped her hand before pulling it to his lips. “You are sublime, Marinette and I need no costume to draw me to you.”

She blushed and Felix felt a sudden need for competition. He also gently drew her other hand to his lips and kissed her knuckles. “I can’t help but agree with my co-star.” His grin smoldered

But everything that touches you and me

Welds us as played strings sound one melody.

Where is the instrument whence the sounds flow?

And whose the master-hand that holds the bow?

O! Sweet song

He straightened up and looked over at Luka. “Rainier Maria Rilke. An Austrian writer. I thought you could appreciate this poem.”

Marinette looked flustered but Luka nodded. “I can appreciate it.”

It was a beautiful metaphor about love and music and he should have remembered the poem himself. He wanted to bristle with jealousy until he saw the smirk on Felix’s handsome, arrogant face and realized Felix was using this moment to get into character. He could do that too.

Luka walked past and then pointedly ignored Felix as he offered Marinette his arm. “I am but a humble swain, and thus unworthy but may I escort you to the sound stage, Lady Dupain-Cheng?”

Marinette accepted with all the solemn dignity she could muster. “I would indeed, for you are a worthy and valiant knight.”She took his hand and then with a laugh offered her other arm to Felix. “And I offer my hand to you as well, valorous Sir Felix. So that I won’t be here all night catering to your sense of dignity and chivalry as well.”

Felix squawked in protest and sounded alarmingly like Griff to his own ears. His companions laughed at him and he for once let them.

He felt a frisson of excitement fill him, starting at the top of his spinal cord and down his body like electricity. He could sense this scene would be long, difficult, and magnificent. He looked at Marinette and Luka and felt as if some spark had been created between the three of them.

They were about to create something wonderful together and he couldn’t wait to see what sprang from it.

#felix graham de vanily #marinette dupain cheng #felinette #worthy opponent au #luka couffaine #miraculous ladybug

13 notes · View notes