#leia:………cool story bro

[chamerionwrites]

Another day another version of me having Star Wars feelings about Luke and Leia’s very different experiences with local bad dad Anakin Skywalker

[thedirtiwalkoniswet]

I finished the Obi Wan series and wow it is... not good.

I just watched the bad batch (actually solo inbetween but that was so bad I won't mention it further) and this show surprised me with how good it was. When these characters were introduced in season 7 of clone wars I was sure I wouldn't like the show, because they annoyed the hell out of me. But then I actually got to watching the show and it was good all the way through.

So Obi Wan was a whiplash. I have a lot of thoughts.

It's bad. It's so bad. For one, it looks cheap. The main reason I think is the lighting, half the time it is so painfully obvious it was filmed in a studio, and it takes any emergence that you could've had. They also could've color graded a little, it is boring to look at. Additionally is everything so stale, nothing in the background moves, there is 0 wind essentially in the show. The budget also definetly didn't went into make up and costume design, but that is so obvious it's barely worth noting and not the worst part.

The worst part, by far, is the dialog however. The actors are great, I know they are great, but they still struggle so hard to make the dialog sound normal and they can barely do that, because it is so, so bad. They just string random sentences together that don't make sense as a whole anymore. The actors can't react properly to the dialog, because in real life you'd look at them with the most confused face, like what the hell are you talking about bro. It is a shame that great actors are wasted on terrible dialog, that could have easily been better.

Additionally is the camera work quite odd. It can be decent occasionally, I think the scene were "Leia" gets dressed was nicely done and so are some other scenes. But then you get the scenes like when Reva was climbing on these buildings, which had terrible camerawork. Don't get me wrong, there is charm in the camera not being completely stiff, but they're just shaking it around whenever a fight scene comes up or any scene that isn't completely peaceful. It is jarring and makes the show look like a fan project, and not even a good one.

The action scenes also feel slow somehow. I know I can't compare it to a cartoon, obviously not. But I can compare it to action scenes from the prequels or Andor. In Obi Wan, it very much feels like the characters are holding back, when they clearly shouldn't be. Everyone is running and moving so slowly, it only makes me frustrated to see. I fear it might be because the actors weren't given enough time to rehearse or not enough care was put into choreographing/ editing. Even the fight between Vader and Obi Wan at the end was meh, and that was for most the best part. Yeah, it's cool he can use the force again, yeah it's sad that he has to accept that Anakin is not there anymore and Vader is all that's left. But... what else? This was what the entire show led up to and it could have been better. At least the location was extremely cool.

Tragically I'm still not done. Because another issue is that it is simply not a good experience. I'm not saying it has to be a happy one, but even tragic stories can make you engaged and riled up. It was a very bold desiscion to completely change Obi Wan, considering that in episode 3 and 4, he is extremely similar. So they had to change him just to bring him back to who we knew. Usually I LOVE angst, I think it is so interesting to see characters who you love go through hard times and evolve and change. But somehow it didn't work with him at all. I blame it mostly on the writing being so in your face, so bland and without nuance. Star wars was never known for good dialog, but usually that was George Lucas' fault and he wasn't really involved in the writing as far as I know.

There are good ideas sprinkled in. But it mostly felt like somebody said "you know what would be cool to see?" and then they wrote the plot around it to make it happen. (Like that pick up driver or whatever the space version would be)

Maybe I have so much to say because it is a huge shame. It could've been good, it could have been great. And yet it is genuinely terrible, I'm not going to sugarcoat it. To me this is some of the worst star wars media I have seen out of what I watched so far. Only Solo being worse (I fucking hate that movie). BUT I do think it's salvagable. They could make a fantastic season 2, it is very easily possible if they only put more effort in the writing and maybe fire Chung Chung-Hoon.

If you like it I am super happy for you, I know I ripped it apart, but please don't let me ruin something you like, despite all of this. My uncle loved this show and I can't talk to him about the show because I am not blinded by nostalgia bait. You can tangle any familiar character in front of him and he will most likely like it. (He liked Boba Fett and I haven't seen anyone liking it yet, but I haven't watched this one either so I don't have an opinion yet)

[akali-blade]

They are NOT Hot!

Luke and Leia refuse to believe that anyone would think their parents (and Uncle Obi-wan) are hot. Can the twins come up with a plan to succeed and convince their friends that they're not?

~~~~~~~

“A long time ago in a galaxy far, far, away…”

“...The Trade Federation was eventually blown up by none other than the Chosen One, Jedi Master Anakin Skywalker at nine years old, saving the Planet Naboo.” Terria Marayne explained to her class. Many eyes were focused on the Skywalker twins who held proud smiles, knowing how cool their dad was. 

The bell rang signifying that Prodigious Coruscanti High School was over. 

“Remember students,” the teacher called out as the kids stuffed their papers into their bags, “I want a detailed report of the Battle of Naboo, it’s due next week.”

“No doubt we’ll pass with flying colors,” Luke whispered to his twin, which Leia just snorted and shoved him out of the classroom. 

“Don’t cheat, Nerfherder.” 

“You wound me, Lei-Lei, how can I cheat on something so easy?”

The hallways were filled with students coming in and out of rooms, many stood in the hallways, talking with friends. Leia headed to her locker organizing her stuff when she heard her name being called.

“Leia!”

Turning around, Leia waved her friends over. Three girls, a green Twi’lek with green eyes, a Pantoran, and a human with blue hair and brown eyes walked over. 

“It must be so cool to have your dad in history class, huh?” asked Hali, the Pantoran. Leia shrugged.

“I mean, it is, but we grew up with those stories, with way more details, this is hardly anything.”

 Gia pulled her blue hair lightly, “if you say so, but I doubt it though...nine years old? Please, that’s impossible.”

“That’s why he’s the Chosen One, Gia, not some regular old Jedi,” a new voice joined the conversation. The green Twi’lek, Jora, scoffed.

“I don’t remember you being allowed in this conversation, We’lin.” Said girl gave them an unimpressed look.

“Honestly, I thought you guys would be more knowledgeable when it came to Anakin Skywalker, considering you’re friends with his daughter.”

Leia sighed, “That’s enough We’lin, I get why they doubt it, no reason to be so snarky, let’s go guys.” The four girls left the angered Zebrak, who scoffed and walked away.

“What’s her problem?” Jora hissed slightly.

“She’s jealous that I’m friends with you and not her, she wants to be in close proximity with someone famous,” Leia led her friends to the front door of the building,

“Hm, no reason to be so-- hey, what’s going on?” Hali muttered. Gia saw Luke and called his name.

“Luke!”

The boy turned his head and waved his hands to his sister and her friends. The small group walked to where Luke was standing. His friends gaping, their eyes unblinking. The girls were confused until they saw who captured everyone’s attention— students, teachers, and parents alike.

Anakin Skywalker.

He stood against the newest model of a LV-80 speeder, it is one of the fastest luxury speeders, only the wealthy could afford one. He wore his usual black Jedi robes, though, today, they were looking very fashionable. Anakin ran his fingers through his hair, biting his lips as his attention was drawn to the datapad in his hand.

“Oh my…” Hali’s words got caught in her throat. Luke and Leia groaned silently, rolling their eyes simultaneously. 

“The senator truly is lucky to have married him–”

“How can he look so flawlessly handsome?”

“He hardly aged, I dare say…”

“You’re right about that, Xeni.”

Luke facepalmed, he didn’t need to overhear the whispers about his father from the teachers no less.

“Bro, your dad looks so cool!” Derran commented.

“Imagine having a father as powerful as him–”

“Look at the speeder.”

“Imagine being this rich–”

“Why doesn’t he come over often, Luke?” A human girl wondered with a dazed look in her eyes.

“He’s busy…saving the galaxy and all,” Luke said, slightly put off at her facial expression.

Leia fared no better as her friends practically drooled at the sight. 

“Leiaaa, you’re so lucky, your dad looks so hot,” Gia gasped. Leia blanched. Seriously? How weird are her friends? Jora had a noticeable pink tint coloring her cheeks. Hali fanned herself, muttering words like “..amazing…lucky...wish I was older…not fair…”

“Guys, that’s my dad, stop calling him hot!” Leia told them, mortified. Her friends stared at her, breaking away from their stupor.

“And!?” They shrieked.

“He’s hot-”

“Only you would see him as mediocre–”

“We hardly get to see him in the flesh–”

“–he’s your dad and we’re your friends–”

“–let us worship him–”

“–and fantasize over him–”

“–in peace, Leia,” the girls finished off in unison.

Shaking her head Leia left her star-struck friends and made her way over to her brother.

“They are so creepy,” Luke mentioned, taking his sister’s bag for her. 

“At least your friends think Dad is cool, my friends find him hot.” Leia informed him, Luke gagged.

“Gross.”

“You’re telling me.”

The Skywalker twins pushed their way to the front of the crowd.

“Dad!” Leia yelled out.

Anakin’s head snapped up, spotting his eldest son and daughter. He gave them a grin, stashing his datapad in the speeder.

The Force rang with such admiration, jealousy, and infatuation that Luke and Leia had to hurry away from the seemingly endless crowd.

“Hey, Troublemakers, how’s school?” Anakin smiled, girls once again swooned, he took their bags, and began placing them in the back seats.

“Uh, let’s tell you on the way,” Luke hurried. Their father’s eyes narrowed slightly, his eyebrow raised.

“What’s the hurry?”

“We just want to get home, see Mom, our siblings…y’know, we don’t want to be stuck here,” Leia came up with a cover quickly as Luke tried thinking of a lie. Anakin nodded and ushered them to his brand new speeder. 

Noticing the crowd, he gave them a roguish smirk and a semi salute. Chuckling once he felt emotions ringing through the force, he left the group of people standing there in surprise.

 Luke gawked as he studied the inside of the speeder.

“This speeder is so wizard, Dad!” Anakin laughed, he fired up the engine and set off towards their apartment.

“Glad you like it, son, recognize the model?”

Luke racked his brain, “is it the new LV-80? I thought it wasn’t out yet.”

Anakin nodded in approval, “True, but you know how I receive certain gifts for saving the galaxy, even though it’s been sixteen years. If I like a certain gift, then their ratings go up. It’s business,” he explained, “not to mention, I already modified it,”  Anakin handed him the manual, and Luke smiled like a little kid, reading all the latest features in the speeder.

Leia watched as towers, apartments, and other buildings zoomed by.

“What’s in your head princess?” Anakin looked back at her, before setting his attention back to the oncoming traffic.

“I was wondering, after I become a Jedi Knight, I should maybe start in politics, like Mom.”

Anakin chuckled softly, “I think that’s wonderful, you should tell your Mother about it.”

~~~~~~~

The 500 Republica came into view. Anakin smiled, thinking of his wife.

Landing the speeder with such speed and smoothness on the veranda, Luke complimented his dad over and over again, with Anakin promising his son that they can go flying over the weekend.

“Dad, Dad!”

“Papa’s home with Luke and Leia!”

Several footsteps could be heard stomping down the stairs as the trio exited the speeder.

“Woah, is that a new speeder!?” a fourteen year old boy with brown hair and brown eyes asked. Luke had a confused look on his face.

“What do you mean, Jinn? Dad, did you just buy this?”

Anakin grinned gleefully, “that’s right, I bought it months ago but I recently just finished the modifications and decided to surprise you guys.”

He noticed his youngest daughter’s blue eyes glowed with excitement, Shiraya was told she acted like her father when it came to droids and ships.

Leia rolled her eyes and shook her head, her hands on her hips as she watched the rest of her siblings fawn over the speeder. An arm was suddenly slung over her shoulder with slight force, she let out an ‘oof’ in surprise.

“I think this one needs her screws tightened, Angel, the rest of my kids love speeders, yet this one malfunctioned,” Anakin remarked in mock seriousness, Leia raised her head to see her dad giving her a mischievous smirk. Padme, along with 3P0 and R2, walked closer to the father-daughter duo and giggled melodically. 

3P0 overheard and exclaimed, “Master Ani, I highly doubt organic beings, such as Mistress Leia, possess the ability to hold screws, much less malfunction.” R2 gave a series of beeps then rolled away to the speeder. “How rude, R2, I will have you know I studied humans for as long as I can remember, after all I–” 3P0 followed his companion giving him another lecture. Anakin sighed exasperatedly. Padme shook her head.

“Ani, may I remind you, they’re my kids as well? I would like to have one normal kid who doesn’t blow up junk everytime I look in their direction,” she crossed her arms, sending her husband an unimpressed stare.

“We do not blow junk up!” The Skywalker-machine-loving members protested. Mother and daughter looked at each other before doubling over in fits of laughter. Anakin and the children sent Leia and Padme identical pouts. 

“Leia, it seems like you’re the only one who actually took after me,” Padme teased. Jinn ran over to his mother and gave her a hug.

“What about me? I look like you!” He tried reasoning with her. She had a thoughtful look on her face, pretending to think about it. Jinn looked at her and was scandalized at the notion.

“Mommm.” Padme laughed and kissed her look-like on the cheek.

“Of course, Jinn, I never doubted it for a second.” Feeling victorious, he ran back to his siblings and chatted about new turbo thrusters their dad could install with Luke.

Anakin crossed his arms with a small smile on his face, “I swear, he’s another mama’s boy.”

“Oh no, Ani, he’s all you, you should hear him talk about lightsaber battles when you’re at the Temple,” Padme said, “He acts like you a little more each day.”

Leia nodded, silently agreeing with her. “Oh, Mom, is it okay if you can pick Luke and I up from school next week?”

Her parents gave her a confused look, “Sure, I can rearrange my schedule, but I thought you were happy when your dad came over.”

“I am, I was happy, but the thing is…”

“Our friends, especially Leia’s, were fawning over Dad, the teachers were even caught in a whirlwind over his looks,” Luke added when he came over to hug his mom. Anakin coughed and blushed as Padme turned her gaze to him.

“Is that so? Did any of them flirt with him? Or vice versa?”

Anakin gaped, “Angel, you hurt me, how could you ever think of a thing like that?”

Padme ignored him and encouraged her eldest twins to finish explaining. Anakin groaned in the background.

“We don’t want to feel such revolting emotions–” Leia started

“–coming from our classmates and teachers.” Finished Luke. 

Anakin snorted, “Tough luck, kids, your mom is the most beautiful woman in the galaxy, they will probably find her just a little bit more enticing than I am.”

“Don’t listen to him, I won’t attract attention to myself, unlike your father, of course I will come.”

Luke and Leia grinned and high-fived each other. Anakin rolled his eyes and glared non-threateningly at Padme, “I feel so loved, Angel.”

Padme laughed and kissed her husband’s pouty lips, “I only want you to myself, my love.”

“You have me, but maybe I should go, in case some teachers get the wrong idea,” Anakin smirked in a way that Padme felt Nubian butterflies in her stomach.

“Sorry, Ani, I’m afraid you’ll have to stay home on this mission, and watch the rest of your kids.” He shook his head, leaning down to capture her lips once more.

“Mhm, sounds like fun.”

Mimi’s blonde hair bounced as she skipped past her parents, “Mom, Dad, I’m hungry, can we go to Dex’s Diner?”

“Ooh, yea, can we?” Jayden’s brown eyes lit up, already thinking of the yummy Zeltros sliders. The elder Skywalkers looked at each other with amusement dancing in their eyes.

“Why not.”

~~~~~~~

“Hurry up, Leia, you still need to eat breakfast,” Luke called out, buckling his boots on, while simultaneously drinking blue milk.

“Luke, put your stinky feet down,” cried Mimi.

Leia pulled her braided hair into a ponytail and buckled on her belt. Dashing from her room, she slid into the kitchen where her five siblings were eating breakfast. Grabbing a stack of pannacakes, and pouring herself a cup of blue milk, she sat next to Shiraya who was levitating a small Nubian star fruit.

“Shira, please eat, you need to be at the Temple soon,” Padme instructed, walking by the table plucking the star fruit from the air, popping it into her mouth.

“Yes, mama,” the fourteen year old sighed. Her blue eyes danced around the room, mischievousness sparkled to life, already planning on the fun pranks she would pull at the Temple. Giggling to herself, she poured sticky honey sauce on her pannacakes, and shoved them in her mouth.

A bus horn was heard outside and the eldest twins grabbed their bags running out on the veranda.

“Bye guys!” The two yelled out.

Anakin stretched and frowned, noticing that Leia forgot her comm.

“Leia! Catch!”

Said girl turned in time to use the Force to catch her comm that was thrown to her. “Thanks, Dad!”

Finding themselves a seat, many students were in awe, seeing the Chosen One use the Force in front of their very eyes.

“Hands down, Luke,” Derran said, “your dad is the coolest.”

~~~~~~~

“Will Master Skywalker be picking you up today?” Hali asked with a slight grin. 

“Not today,” Leia shook her head.

“Pity, Anakin Skywalker is one of the finest creatures my eyes have ever seen,” We’lin commented as she strode by, not stopping for the group to retort.

“For once, I can agree with her,” Jora remarked. The female Skywalker shuddered.

“Let’s just go.”

Luke was hanging out with his friends at the front of the landing docks, eating snacks.

“–I swear, Killian Urden is the best character to play, hands down,” a human-twi’lek hybrid said.

“Orman’s right, he’s the best character that has been released,” Derran agreed.

A male togruta, Fel-qin, objected, “Please, Carlip Brush is the best.” The other boys groaned.

“He’s the worst! Luke, who do you like?” Orman turned his attention to the blonde boy. Luke chewed thoughtfully.

“While Carlip has the best combos, I have to agree with Derran and Orman, Killian’s swordplay can easily beat Carlip’s gun combos.”

Fel-qin looked betrayed, “How could you say that! Luke, you’re my best mate!” The male Skywalker shrugged and laughed as the togruta tried stealing his granos chips.

A stylish looking Nubian speed craft pulled into view, parking in front of the school.

Derran, Orman, and Fel-qin’s eyes practically bugged out of their heads. Seeing a LV-80 speeder was shocking enough, but witnessing a Nubian aircraft was just as rare.

“Holy, look at that speeder…she’s a beauty,” Fel-qin whispered, the other boys nodding.

A man dressed in the Naboo Royal Security uniform, stepped out, opening the back door. A woman dressed in purple and silver stepped out. Fixing wayward strands of hair, she scanned the premises until her eyes spotted one half of the target.

“Luke!” 

A crowd had already gathered when the aircraft arrived, their attention soon turned to the boy whose name was called out.

“Hi, Mom,” Luke waved and smiled. He turned his head to see his friends’ mouths open wide.

“That-that’s your mom!?”

“She’s so hot, Holy Sith…”

“Luke…you’ve been holding out on us.”

“If only I was older and a  Jedi, hell, if only I knew your mom, I would’ve banged her,” Derran muttered. He winced when a slap was directed toward his head and later three swift punches were delivered. 

Luke groaned and fumed silently, “guys…that’s my mother you’re talking about, stop looking at her like she’s meat,” he glared. His friends looked away abashedly for a hot second before their eyes were drawn towards the pretty Naboo senator again. 

“See you guys…” he waved uncaringly. 

“H-Hey, Luke, wait-!”

Luke made his way over to his mother, giving her a kiss on the cheek. The woman smiled, ruffling her eldest son’s hair.

“How was school?”

“It was okay, we passed on the Battle of Naboo,” he smirked, nearly identical to his father’s. Padme laughed, making the male students and teachers’ heart beat with such vigor, they knew they would do anything for her.

“That’s my son, you knew that story the minute you were born,” she gave him such a proud look, Luke felt his heart burst with love for his mom. “Where’s your sister?” Padme looked over his shoulder for any sign of the brunette teen.

He shrugged, “not sure, she’ll be out in a minute though, I can feel her Force presence coming closer.” the senator nodded and happily chatted with her son.

“What’s with the crowd?” Hali asked. Leia felt a feeling manifest in her stomach.

“Oh no.”

Making their way towards the front, what seems to be a woman, identical looking to Leia, and Luke were chatting in front of a Nubian aircraft.

“For someone nearing their fifties, she sure hasn’t aged…”

“No wonder Master Skywalker married her–”

“–I wonder if I could ever shoot my shot with–”

“Oh shut up, Bron, she married the Chosen One–”

“I’m jealous.”

“She doesn’t deserve Anakin Skywalker–”

“No wonder the Skywalker twins are so good-looking, with parents like that–!”

Gia shifted towards Leia, “I’m kinda jealous, your mom is so beautiful.” 

The brunette nodded, “she is, Dad calls her his light in the galaxy.” She would never dare say the sacred nickname her father calls her mother, only family members know it and she would like to keep it that way.

Jora, Gia, and Hali sighed in wistfulness.

“So romantic.” 

“Man, your dad is the Chosen One, a Jedi Master, an excellent pilot and is hot, your mom was a queen, she’s a senator, she’s super nice, and extremely beautiful, you guys are so lucky! You look so much like them, I’m jealous,” a human female student exclaimed, she turned to her boyfriend who raised his eyebrows at her.

Leia gaped, groaning out,“I gotta go, Luke is calling my name.”

Jora looked confused.

“How–” started Hali.

Leia tapped her temple, “Force powers remember?”

She turned around, not bothering to see them make the connection. 

“Hi, Mom, hi, Lukie.”

Padme smiled brightly and hugged her daughter, “I should find the time to do this again, I’ve missed you all terribly.”

Leia giggled. 

Padme, slightly shocked at the sight of the large crowd, she waved and gave them a demure smile.

She led her twins to the speeder where Captain Typho bowed and shut the door after they got situated. 

~~~~~~~

The eldest set of the Skywalker twins sat in Luke’s room, discussing plans.

“It’s impossible, how can they find both Dad and Mom hot?” Luke groaned and plopped himself on his bed.

“Unfortunately, Dad was right, that smug look of his when we came home too,” Leia crushed silently. Her face was scrunched as she started to think.

“You look like Mom, you know that, Lei?” 

She broke her concentration and smiled bashfully, “thanks, Lukie, hopefully I can be just as great as her one day.”

“You will, don’t worry.” Luke grinned, picking up a comic from the floor.

“Anyway, I still don’t have an idea…” Leia huffed out. 

Luke snapped his fingers and exclaimed, “ah-ha!”

Startled, Leia looked at him, “well? What is it?”

“Uncle Obi-wan, no one will think the old man is hot!” A grin broke out on Leia’s face.

“You’re a genius! That’s perfect, we’ll be at the temple tomorrow and we can ask him then.”

Identical smirks and heads nodding in unison was the only thing that worried Padme when she walked by her eldest son’s room.

“Oh dear, let’s hope nothing bad will happen.”

~~~~~~~

At the Temple, Anakin was strolling along the hallways with Obi-wan, chatting leisurely. 

“Master…what’s with everyone’s robes today? All the male species are wearing…pink,” he drawled out. Obi-wan sighed, stroking his beard.

“I have a hunch they aren’t following a fashion trend,” he said, looking pointedly at his former padawan.

A human female Jedi Knight walked by, her hair color different shades of yellow and green. She grumbled incoherently and gave a small bow to the two Jedi Masters, but she gave Master Skywalker a small glare and returned to her destination.

Anakin sputtered, “what was that about? I didn’t even color her hair!”

“Always two there are, a master and an apprentice, follow the rules, you do not, young Skywalker,” Yoda suddenly appeared, dressed in pink robes, his hair had blue and pink glitter. His glimmer stick softly hitting the ground as he walked by with Mace Windu dressed in the same pink robes, drinking tea.

“When has Master Skywalker ever followed the rules, Master Yoda?” Mace nodded at the duo and followed Yoda into another hallway.

“I’m nearing my forties, I’m a Jedi Master, and I have kids who take the title young Skywalker, and he still insists on calling me that!” Anakin slumped against the wall, running his hands through his hair.

His former master chuckled, “you are the youngest member on the council, even now, and besides, he is approaching his 900th birthday.”

Anakin snorted, “Right, Obi-wan, of course. Do you know who dyed the robes?”

Obi-wan glared at Anakin, “your offspring did this, why do you think Master Yoda said what he said?”

“Yeah, but what’s with the Rule of Two though?”

“You taught all six of your kids to terrorize the Jedi Temple,” he deadpanned, “we probably should’ve stopped you reproducing after Luke and Leia were born, now we don’t even know who has pranked us this time.”

Giggles floated down the hallway, the duo turned their heads to see Shiraya running away from a mob of Jedi Knights and Padawans. Voices were clashing and mixing together that not a thing could be heard, but they knew this time, Shiraya started the prank.

“One at a time, my fellow Jedi! I still have to continue my prank!” Shouts of objection rose louder, causing her to laugh. Shiraya jumped on a ledge, causing everyone to stop and stare. She turned around, noticing her father and uncle, giving everyone a semi-salute mimicking her dad, she fell backwards. The Jedi clamored to the ledge, but to their surprise, they couldn’t find her.

“Wh-where–”

“She needs no DNA test to prove she’s Master Skywalker’s offspring.”

“This Temple will be terrorized by the Skywalkers, just you wait.”

Obi-wan raised his eyebrow at Anakin who looked proud. The crowd dispersed, leaving the two alone once again.

“That’s my daughter, I can only compliment and approve of her action,” Anakin nodded, Obi-wan groaned.

“Uncle Obi!”

Said man turned to see his padawan with his sister.

“Hello there,”

“General Kenobi,” the twins bowed. Anakin snickered silently behind Obi-wan who had an exasperated look on his face.

“Is there anything I can do for you?”

The twins nodded, Leia speaking first, “can you pick us up from school four days from now? Please.” Luke smiled brightly in agreement.

The auburn man gave Anakin an incredulous look to which he received a shrug in return.

“I would be happy to, but what brought this on?”

The twins shared a look, “we would like for you to pick us up, cause you’re family,Uncle Obi-wan,” they gave a very convincing smile causing Obi-wan to nod his head.

“Very well, if that’s alright with you of course, Anakin ?”

“Take the Troublemakers, you need more excitement, Master.”

“Anakin, you’ve given me more than enough gray hairs, I don’t need anymore from your offspring–”

Leia and Luke quietly drifted away from the famous Skywalker-Kenobi banter.

“Mission accomplished, sis,” Luke high-fived his sister.

“Finally, it’ll be impossible for anyone to find Uncle Obi hot,” Leia remarked.

Luke let out a laugh, “exactly, it’s impossible.”

~~~~~~~

“...I can’t wait to go on that mission to Hoth! It’ll be so cool,” Luke grabbed his books, shoving them into his bag.

“Literally,” Leia sipped on her Fresca Jamora smoothie, noticing her brother staring at her.

“Haha, funny.”

She gave him a grin, walking with him to the exit. Avoiding students can be a hassle, luckily for her, she was quite nimble on her feet.

“I overheard the masters talking about our Knighthood ascension, we might get knighted at eighteen like Dad.”

Luke’s face lit up, “haha yes! Finally, Jedi Knight here I come.”

“I’m going to start working on my speech towards my campaign for the Queen of Naboo. I believe I might win enough votes, but I can’t rely on my parents' fame to do it.”

“I know nothing about politics, but if you need help, just call my name.”

A look of gratitude made its way onto Leia’s face, the two embraced until Luke pinched her causing the girl to punch him.

“Nerfherder.”

“Laserbrain.”

“No good troublemaker.”

“Goody-two shoes.”

They chuckled and continued to walk out of the school where a large crowd formed.

“Oh kriffing hells,” they cursed in unison.

“First Master Skywalker, then Senator Skywalker, and now Master Kenobi!? This school will become extremely popular,” the principal exclaimed happily.

“I love his beard!”

“Can’t believe he snagged the Duchess of Mandalore–”

“I can’t believe the Duchess snagged him.”

“He’s so much hotter than his holopictures!” One girl could not contain her excitement.

“Masters Skywalker and Kenobi are the two hottest Jedi I’ve ever seen–”

“I can gladly die happily now.”

Many girls were in awe, they’ve witnessed two very good looking Jedi Masters these past few weeks. Meanwhile, the boys were chatting off making small bets about who would win.

“Anakin Skywalker no doubt.”

“–Obi-wan trained him though, surely that must mean he’s powerful enough in the force!”

“Master Skywalker is the literal Chosen One–”

“–I believe it’s Obi-wan–”

The man who caused the disturbances coughed lightly, and scanned quickly for his nephew and niece. 

This must be why the twins asked me to come pick them up, Obi-wan thought wryly, no doubt they experienced this scenario with their parents.

Holocameras were flashing quickly, girls swooned, and boys gawked. Though, there was no reaction quite priceless like the ones the Skywalker twins were sporting in this exact moment.

Impossible!

I thought for sure it would work…

Luke and Leia shared twin looks of defeat, they simultaneously put their heads in their hands. Chests were heaving as they couldn’t help but feel embarrassment and awkwardness as the school population were continuing their admiration.

“Let’s go, Luke.”

Making their way to their uncle, despite the strong feeling they felt, they couldn’t hide the happiness seeing their father’s closest friend here at their school.

“Hello young ones, I see there is a crowd that seems to be growing by the minute,” Obi-wan acknowledged the two. He bowed to the crowd and settled himself in the driver’s seat.

Wincing, the blonde and brunette gave him sympathetic glances as they strapped themselves in their seats. 

“We thought because you were old, we hoped to repel the crowd and stop their admiration,” Leia explained.

“Clearly that didn’t work, seems like Dad lied about you being extremely old, Master,” Luke tsked, already planning on scolding his father for telling them such a lie when the general public thought otherwise.

Obi-wan sighed under his breath, “Skywalkers and their insults…”

They chatted contently as the elder Kenobi carefully, much to the teens’ disappointment, drove the speeder to their home.

~~~~~~~

Feeling quite refreshed, Leia left her damp hair to dry before she styled it. Walking to the veranda, the first thing she noticed were her aunts Satine and Ahsoka and her Uncle Lux.

When did Aunt Satine and Uncle Lux arrive? She wondered.

Ahsoka looked up and smiled at Padme’s nearly identical replica. 

“Lei-Lei, how are you? It’s been a while since I’ve seen you, your mother tells me that you’re planning to get into politics.”

Satine demurely sipped on her tea, “I would gladly help you, should you want my advice, though I believe you hardly need it, considering your mother is already an excellent politician.”

Padme smiled slightly under the praise and waved her eldest daughter to the couch, “come sit with me.”

Leia slowly made her way over there, watching her siblings getting into a friendly physical sparring match. Ahsoka and Lux’s children were also there laughing with Jayden and Mimi.

Jinn was sitting on Padme’s left side, causing her to sit on her mother’s right. 

“I was unaware you had arrived,” Leia commented to Satine and Lux.

“I arrived a few days ago,” Satine remarked, smiling softly at the young girl, as if she knew a secret.

Lux answered as well, chuckling quietly, “I came to Coruscant last night, when your aunt Soka invited me here.”

Nodding in understanding, the three adults including Leia engaged in a simple conversation about politics, Jinn tried to keep up as best as he could, but in the end he turned in favor of following his father out the veranda to help him bring in training sabers.

Leia entered the kitchen with Luke where they met Ashoka.

“What’s got your head in the clouds?”

Luke groaned, “These past two weeks–”

“–three weeks, actually,” Leia interrupted, biting a shurra fruit.

“–what she said, everyone at our school found Dad, Mom, and Uncle Obi-wan to be extremely attractive,” he finished off with a look of disgust, to which Ahoska just laughed out loud.

“Oh, really? Well, that’s not surprising, during the Clone Wars, they were on the HoloNet almost everyday, they were the reason why our galaxy is at peace,” she shrugged pushing away a bowl of Nubian star fruits away from her, since they were only tasteful to the people who had Naboo blood running through their veins.

“But they should be more considerate, like, we don’t want to hear everyone constantly talking about how attractive they are,” Leia whined like a young girl, “someone even said how Uncle Obi-wan’s beard was…hot,” at that word, the twins shuddered. The three exited the kitchen and reentered the veranda. 

Luke and Leia slumped in defeat, waving off their father’s concern. Claiming the problem to be out of anyone’s reach unless they knew how to make themselves less attractive, as to which Lux blinked in confusion with his wife promising him that she will explain later.

Satine laughed softly with her husband, patting his hand affectionately.

“Never lose the beard, my darling Obi, never lose it,”

Obi-wan just shook his head, he kissed her cheek and resumed his conversation with his former padawan who gagged along with his spawns he calls offspring. Padme pinched Anakin who rubbed his arm giving her a mock glare.

The two kissed lost in their own passion for a brief moment.

Luke and Leia shook their heads.

No matter what anyone in the galaxy says.

In fact. they refuse to believe it.

After all, who would believe that the Skywalker and Kenobi clans could ever be considered attractive?

Anakin Skywalker, Padme Skywalker, and Obi-wan Kenobi were not hot.

Jayden and Jinn talked with Ahsoka’s son, Corellan, and Obi-wan’s youngest son, Thelis.

Mimi talked with Ahoska’s middle child, Kerria.

Luke and Leia talked with Obi-wan’s eldest son, Zander.

The adults conversed with each other.

All the while, a brunette girl, an auburn haired girl, and a female togruta, decided that today they would become the bestest of friends. Each girl clasped on a necklace that had a single four pointed crystal star.

They would become a trio that the galaxy feared and respected. Just like the galaxy feared their parents during the Clone Wars.

Shiraya Skywalker. 

Saachi Kenobi. 

Scarlett Bonteri.

These names would then become known as the Azul Trio.

They would be known as some of the most powerful Jedi in history.

After all, how could they not be when their parents are Anakin Skywalker, Obi-wan Kenobi, and Ahsoka Tano?

[ask-the-shiny-pokemons]

Rotie DB (Relationships)

Positive: 💕 Love / 💖 Really like / ❤️ Like Neutral: 🤍 Negative: 💔 Hate / 🤎 Really dislike / 🖤 Dislike

Wil

On-blog:

Rimi - 💖💖💖 9 - My new best friend. I like her voice (talking and singing), it’s so charming.

Tim - 💖💖💖 9 - My foster dad. He is the closest in this family.

Cath - 💖💖💖 9 - My best friend before Rimi. Don't get me wrong, she is still my best friend.

Edin - 💕💖🤍 9 - He is a cooler guitarist. We have a romantic relationship now, though it was unexpected for me.

Noelle - 💖🤍🤍 3 - Coolest drummer. We met fairly recently though.

Linda - ❤️❤️🖤 1 - My school friend. She is, however, a bit irritating.

Diego - 🖤🤍🤍 -1 - My fave actor. Though we are now rivals.

Off-blog (only if interacted more than once):

Kaleo (ask-the-lost-prince) - 💖❤️❤️ 5 - I met him in Alola and after that he went to the studios to talk about the movies. He is so cool. I wonder what happened to him afterwards…

Skarla (askpokepals) - 💖❤️❤️ 5 - Basically the W buddies.

Fuegia (eevee-crossing)  - 💖🤍🤍 3 - Met her in Gala, but we’re barely talked.

Crow (ask-gimmiventures) - ❤️🤍🤍 1 - I'm rooting to them to be a part of a Guild!

Vanta (darkvoid-sun) - 🤍🤍🤍 0 - I have no big sympathy on Darkrai, but he seems kind as for me.

Rimi

On-blog:

Noelle - 💕💕💕 15 - My girlfriend. She might be weird, but I love weird characters.

Arin - 💖💖💖 9 - My dad and I love him. He's also an inspiration for my band.

Wil - 💖💖💖 9 - My friend. We are spending time together outside my band activities.

Edin - 💖💖❤️ 7 - Our strongest member of the band. He is so charming.

Leia - 💖❤️❤️ 5 - My mom. Her malasadas are truly impressing

Off-blog (only if interacted more than once):

Lunch (askvekpa) 💖💖💖 9 - Best buddies EVER!

North (ask-north) - 💖💖❤️ 7 - Jolly girl. She seem to be a human, but she can transform into Pokémon (can be from my universe too). She REALLY likes malassadas.

Hope (book-of-legends) - 💖💖❤️ 7 - A Lunala and also a mom. She REALLY did enjoyed malasadas. A bit remind me of North.

Earendel (book-of-legends) - 💖💖❤️ 7 - I've never seen anyone eating malasadas with such excitement!

Prince (ask-the-lost-prince) - 💖❤️❤️ 5 - My fan and possibly my former buddy at school.

Cherry (ask-gimmiventures) - 💖❤️❤️ 5 - She is very kind and gave me a cupcake.

Ivy (rescuerivy) - 💖❤️❤️ 5 - Her rice dumplings are way too tasty.

Hibiscus (polteashop) - 💖❤️🤍 4 - She seems nice and the tea tastes wonderful.

Reshi (lightofunova) - 💖❤️🤍 4 - An Unovian legendary. I say she’s very sweet for this and this is very nice.

Sirius (book-of-legends) - 💖❤️🤍 4 - I've met him during Valentine's Day, but it was a disaster and really felt bad at him when this Hoopa did some shenanigans to him. Looks like he somewhat enjoyed our malasada, though he still feels a bit sour with me and Noey.

Pixel (ask-gimmiventures) - ❤️❤️🤍 2 - He seems very chill for his work.

Farrow (asksavel) 💖🖤🤍 2 - I feel poor to them, but their tone when I gave a malasada…

Destino (ask-the-royal-absol) 🤎🖤🤍 -4 - Working with them is a big mistake…

Lief (ask-team-misfit) 🤎🖤🖤 -5 - He's bully, did make me irritate, make innocent folks cry, including pollen shenanigans. But I hope he'll improve one day.

Journey (book-of-legends) 💔🖤🖤 -7 - ...Just...what are they did with poor Meowstic is unacceptable...

Noelle

On-blog:

Rimi - 💕💕💕 15 - My girlfriend. We want to be together...forever...

Edin - 💖❤️🖤 5 - He still stinks, but he’s my friend no matter what.

Wil - 💖🤍🤍 3 - We just only met, but he seems very cool.

Off-blog (only if interacted more than once):

Silas (ask-north / tricks-n-illusions) - 💕💕🤍 10 - I think he's now a little bro to me... Yes, he did horrible things, but I don't believe he did on his own. Regardless, my love of him is still strong. After our recent reunion, my Houndoominite became a Silasimite after he returned back to me. Calls me "Noe".

Valiant (ask-valiant-victory) - 💖💖🤍 6 - A bit weirdo, but I love listen to his stories about what would happen with Silas (also kinda remind me of him). Also I hope he'll enjoy the puzzle.

Ivy (rescuerivy) - 💖❤️🤍 4 - Even if we barely met, I really like her dumplings given by Rimi.

Javi (ask-javi-the-grafaiai) - 💖❤️🤍 4 - WHY THOSE BERRIES TASTE SO GOOD? I WANNA KNOW WHERE YA GETTIN' FROM...

Edin

On-blog:

Wil - 💕💖💖 11 - YAHOO WE FINALLY MET AT LAST!!!

Rimi - 💖💖❤️ 6 - My closest friend in the band.

Noelle - 💖❤️❤️ 5 - I think she can understand me now at least…

Off-blog (only if interacted more than once):

Prince (askthepaldeanpassenger) - 💖❤️🤍 4 - He's pretty playful. Next time when we meet again we'll make sure to play.

Layrian

On-blog:

Arin - ❤️🤍💔 - -4 - My boss. We're not in best conditions right now.

Off-blog (only if interacted more than once or given impression):

Bingo (askvekpa) - 💖💖🤍 6 - Thank you for the water!

Mimipon (ask-mimipon) - 💖💖🤍 6 - Thank you for the candy!

Wesn (pokege-ne-project) - 💖💖🤍 6 - Thank you for giving me a blanket!

Tim (to be added later)

Rimi's icon by book-of-legends. Wil, Noelle, Edin, and Tim's icons were modified by me.

[coneygoil]

3 movies that get tons of hate, but are my favorites

Pocahontas 2

Y'all, I know all the reasons why this movie is hated on. From the straight-to-video sequel to the controversy about the real Pocahontas to the Pocahontas/John Smith shippers enraged. This movie has a lot against it, but from the first time I saw it back in the 90's, I absolutely adored this movie! Pocahontas was my 2nd fave princess at the time. This movie gave her more depth and honestly think she was even more courageous with having to travel to a different world and trust John Roth and go before the King even though he could easily sentence her to death. The scene where she confronts the king and he asks, "Why do you come here when so many speak against you and you could lose your life?" and she replies, "because I speak the truth." The song "Where do I go from here?" helped me get through one of the worse depressions I ever had. The animation is actually pretty good for a disney toons movie. The new characters were likable. I will love this movie even when no one else ever will <3

Super Mario Bro. (1993)

My 11 year old self was so excited for this movie when it came out. I saw it twice at the theater! The story has nothing to do with the video game and it's one of the weirdest plots and atmospheres ever created. But if you really hash out the story and see the creativity in the set designs and costuming, it's actually a pretty good movie! Weird, but good. The casting was perfect to me. I'll always love this version.

Rise of Skywalker

HEAR ME OUT. I spent many years avoiding the SW sequel trilogy. I finally gave in and watched "The Force Awakens" earlier this year and enjoyed so much that I kept watching it lol. I did not share the same love for "The Last Jedi" (and if you liked that one, that's cool...I just didnt). I'd heard so much hate for "Rise of Skywalker" and was going into thinking it was going to awful. But, it wasn't. I know the Emperor returning and the Sith plot was retconned in bc the plot derailed in the 2nd movie, but despite that, it was a fun adventure movie with Rey, Finn, Poe, Chewie, and the droids on a quest. It got emotional with Leia dying then Han makes an appearance and so many cameos happen. I seriously LOVE this movie. It hurts my heart that there's a huge amount of hate or meh attitude toward. But I guess someone has to love the hated movies. I happily volunteer for this one!

[troofless]

alright here's my current tales of protagonist rankings.

Can't get more based than Yuri, the guy with highest ship potential, sick sounding VA, sick moves, king of witty remarks, backflips and RESOUNDING CRY OF VICTORY in his victory quotes, adopted a dog with his boyfriend... yeah

Ludger's comedic potential hits the roofs. Hit me with that 'I'm not wearing clothes in my Chromatus outfit' and Nova confession to Julius reveal shocked sprite. His design is amazing I love the tie and suspenders and the black highlights because his dumb ass thought it would look cool. Loves to backflip, especially in that one skit to distract Jude. Unfortunately he's placed into a world where he has to dating sim the Xillia 1 cast lmao like a separate game for the Xillia 1 epilogue and his story would have been better (though his story sure has fillers with the Waymarker collections...). You know what, his story could have been a gacha game. Isn't it literally FGO?

Jude lives in an unfortunate world where he, as an illegally practising doctor without a medical license, is 15. HOW. I swear he's at least mentally 18. Immediate simpery for this girl he just met with an incredibly thin waistline aside, he really said THESE HANDS and went to punch the living daylights out of god. Also the way he trusts Alvin when Alvin spends every 5 minutes betraying them is so fucking funny like yeah he sure would hook up with a guy like Alvin. Also he hits on everyone. He's the harem king. Milla, Elize, Leia, Muzet, Aska, Ludger, he has them all.

Idk what you're talking about if you don't say Lloyd isn't cool. Man wields two swords in battle because he thinks they have twice the power and renders Kratos (the GOAT) speechless, flips his swords up and down in his victory pose, dude tries to feed a grandma and gets kicked out of the village because of it, the tries to scam Colette into giving her hot/cold/hot coffee, etc. etc...

Luke gets the most points for having the most memorable scenes. 'It's not my fault!' 'I don't want to die!' 'Now is all I have' like bro how could you not hug him and tell him it's alright? His personal struggle as a clone and how he grows to face Asch is the most fascinating thing to see in Abyss. (Also Tear is a jerk and Natalia is mid and Anise shouldn't exist and Ion fucking sucks and Guy and Jade are GOATS...)

Sorey is just a regular guy. Just a good guy. Really outstanding pure vessel. Go save the world, with your boyfriend and your other ghost friends, boy.

Unnaturally thin waist aside, Milla is a character that sets out to do what she has to do and doesn't look back, and as the unwavering pillar of the cast she does her job perfectly. But like that's all you can say about her.

Velvet is edgy and her whole character arc is about making you feel sorry for her and wanting to hug her 👍 I haven't finished playing the game but that's the vibes I got. At least she did what she set out to do, which is to kill the inheritor of Savage Wolf Fury.

[darkcrowprincess]

I love books and movies, and anime and cartoons. I especially enjoy anything with romance. And if it doesn't have romance, I find a way to add it. I'm a hopeless romantic when it comes to fiction. I have tons of ships. And I'm a sucker for a happy endings. Doesn't mean I can't enjoy or love sad or bittersweet endings(though for me my version of a happy ending is usually different from how everyone else sees it.) I especially love anything with female characters I can relate to or just characters with daddy issues.

I'm a sucker for the little mermaid, old Disney movies, or the Disney Renaissance. Or just old fairy tales in genral(though I hate newer ones now a days, and I can't stand frozen). Especially anything by Hans Christian Anderson, or Howard Ashman.

I love 80s movies. Especially romance or slasher films. I love true crime documentaries or shows. I'm team Tony Stark in marvel and can't stand Stucky.

I'm a big Harry Potter fangirl. I love any kind of music as long as the words are beautiful and like poetry. Taylor Swift for me is pure poetry. I'm very contrary, so I usually don't like getting into anything when it's super popular. Batman is way better than super man to me. Though no one can beat wonder woman.

Things I hate: Hunger games book series, the Percy Jackson series, most mainstream ya book series,lumity, huntlow, kill your gays trope, forced ships with no tension or romance, star wars sequel trilogy(Han, Leia, Luke deserve a happy ending) people making fun of happy endings, people making fun of stereotypical feminine characters. Mary Sue's, the girl next door, the cool girl trope, abusive assholes. Hypocritical heroes. Legend of Korra, Ron Weasley, Ginny Weasley, Canon Amity Blight. Dude Bro characters. Frozen. People making fun of the little mermaid, live action remakes, Winry Rockbell, abusive women used as a running gag.

Things I love: Fullmetal Alchemist, animes that aren't super long. Romance. 80s movies, final girls, true crime, Harry Potter, witches, princesses, female rage, female characters with flaws, girly girl characters, barbie, the little mermaid, fairy tales, happy endings, romeo and juliet, Luz Noceda, Shera, the dragon prince, zutara, zuko and happiness, Hunter Wittebane, male characters who are abused, bad boys that are actually cinnamon rolls, cool boys that are secretly adorable dorks, adorable dorks with a badass side. Magic, weird girls, fairy tale girls. Horror movies with good endings, ghost stories with good endings. Amy Dunne apologist. Shipping. Team iron man.Batman, cat woman, wonder woman. Romeo and Juliet, Taylor Swift.

Sorry it's a lot again. @jainasolo1233

Besides lunter, the owl house, what else do you like? Do you like star wars? I love the prequel movies and the originals. Never saw anything else. I love your tumblr icon(icon? Profile icon). I love the music of Broadway Anastasia, what made you pick it for your icon?

Oh man, I'm into SO MANY fandoms...

I LOVE everything Star Wars. I grew up with the prequel trilogy, so I love that trilogy the most, but I also like the sequel and og trilogy. I'm a huge SW need and know almost anything in story and behind the scenes.

On my blog I mostly post about Scream and Stranger Things. I'm a multi shipper when it comes to Stranger Things and I can't help myself.

I love many genres...horror. animation, musicals.

I barely got into broadway musicals in 2020 with Hamilton, Beetlejuice, In the Heights and Anastasia.

I never seen a Broadway musical and only listen to the music of one if I've seen the movie like Beetlejuice and Anastasia for ex.

I'm always randomly changing my icon. I screenshot the Macy's Parade performance because I wanted to draw it, but never did...

Also, i like mighty morphin power rangers. Thats not on my list cuz i forgot. Above is a list of the fandoms I'm into, which is basically almost everything. Lol

[beaniebeensbaby201]

MIDNIGHT SKY// JAY KELSO X READER

For first chapter click here: Part 1

A/N: I decided to make Cassie their family friend instead of their actual cousin to go along with the story.  But there might be a story twist a bit, but I'm still figuring it out. Nothing too dramatic kr anything, just who her parents r and stuff.

Part 2 of this will be posted either tonight or tomorrow.

I know you have all been waiting for a part two, and I haven't been very active with my stories. But I'm going to get back into writing, I have been watching the last of us recently, and I am going to be writing a story for Joel.

If anyone wants to be tagged in this series lmk!

•○●•○●•○●●○○●○○●○○●•○●○•○

    We were back in Forman's basement playing uno. I was swinging my leg that was over my thigh and saw Ozzie place all his cards down.

�� "Ozzie, boo that's not how you play. You're only supposed to drop one card." I frowned, confused as to what he was doing.

   He looked at me with a slight glare on his face as I gulped.

  "Excuse me?" I rolled my eyes at the boy and sighed.

    "Cool basement." Gwen said as I sat down in a chair next to the light skinned girl.

   "Yea man, it's dope." I agreed, I adjusted my sunglasses that were starting to fall when I tucked a piece of red hair in.

  "It's a dump." I took a swig of my cola that was resting on the table.

   "Ozzie man, manners." I hissed, but he just rolls his eyes at me.

   "Ozzie and I met last year in detention. Tell her what you did." Gwen said, getting excited. 

   "Chill out bro, you're gonna burn a hole in that chair." She slapped my hand, and I just gasped dramatically at her.

  "You didn't!" She just rolls her eyes at my dramaticness.

   "I told my math teacher his wife was cheating on him. She was making out with some guy at IHOP." I laughed, I would always laugh whenever Ozzie would tell us this story as Leia looked over at me like I'm crazy.

   "That's horrible." Leia said as I took another sip.

   "I know, IHOPE." He scoffed.

   "She could have done it somewhere else. Why iHOP? The lamest date ever, man. You know, maybe the government had something to do with this man. I mean, my old man would tell me some shit about them." I said, as Leia gives me a weird look.

  "What does the government have to do with ihop?" I just shrugged at Leia's question, not knowing the answer to her question.

   "I don't know, man." I laughed.

  The door to the basement opened and revealed my boyfriend, Nikki, and Nate.

   "Babe!" I jumped into his arms, my legs wrapping around his waist as he quickly caught me with a low grunt.

  "Ugh, please don't make out. I think I might gag." I rolled my eyes, but I kissed him anyways.

   "You will not believe what we found." Nate said he looked like a kid in a candy store.

  "You found a keg?" I asked.

    "Bro! You ruined the story, man!" I give him a fake pout as I dropped my feet back to the ground and ignored Nate's wines.

   "You don't get excited like that unless it has something to do with beer. And like I said, if it's a story about how you found a keg, I'd like to hear how you, my dear friend, how you found it." I skipped towards the couch, with Jay's hand in mine as I made him sit first and plant myself on his lap. 

   "Now, tell me. How did you find this tap?" I pat my lap waiting for Nate to start his story.

    "Because if this is just you telling us the story of you eating a McRib again, then I will be disappointed in you." I joked, as Nate looked at me with a scared look on his face.

   "Hey man, I thought it was gone forever!" I rolled my eyes and picked at the chip black nail polish on my nails.

    "Aw, you were scared, babe?" I groaned in annoyance, tilting my head back that was now resting on Jay's shoulder.

   Jay pats my stomach as he laughed at my dramaticness.

   "So awful to see those two." I leaned my face so my face was hiding in his neck away from their view.

   "Can you tell your story now, man?" I asked, but not facing their view as my eyes were closed getting bored.

  "So, we were just chilling in my van. Cassie was supposed to join us, but she ditched Jay for Gwen." I shrugged.

  "Because I'm her favorite." Gwen piped in.

  "Nu-huh, I am." Jay pouted, but I put my fingers through his hair and shook my head.

  "Sorry, babe, but Gwen is my favorite." I give him a kiss on his pouted lips that turned into a smile.

   "But at least you get kisses and other things." I whispered the other part that the others didn't hear.

   "Why don't I get the front seat?" Nikki asked, I looked up at Nate and then back to Jay.

  "Yea, Nate, why doesn't your girlfriend get the front seat?" I pressed.

  "I called shotgun." I scoffed at Jay and quickly got off of his lap.

  "So, if Nate called shotgun in your car, he'd get the front seat?" Jay gulped and looked at Gwen, but she just shrugged and had a smirk on her face. 

  "N-no?" He stuttered, I rolled my eyes at him, knowing that was a lie.

   "He's my best friend Cas." Nate claimed, I ignored him, and I just sat back down in my regular lawn chair.

  "You get no cuddles nor kisses for a week." Jay continued to protest, but I ignored him as Leia looked at me.

   "Wow." Leia said as I looked at her with scrunched eyebrows.

  "How do you do that? That was so brave." I snorted at the blonde girl.

  "Everyone is scared of her." Leia looked at me with a confused look on her face.

  "But you're so nice! How could you be scary?" I heard a noise coming from everyone in the room.

  "Last year, Cassidy freaking froze the football teams' clothes! And she pulled the fire alarm so she could get out of a math test!" I shrugged, crossing my arms over my chest, and crossed my leg over my thigh.

  "It's easy, man. You just gotta make sure the cameras can't see you. Also, I have so many fake doctors' notes, man. I think my old man would be proud of me." I joked, as I have a fake smile on my face.

  "I still don't know how you're with a Kelso. Your dad must've flipped, dude." I shrugged my shoulders.

   "Who's you're dad?" Leia asked.

   "Steven Hyde, but I kept my moms last name." Leia went wide-eyed as she looked at me.

   "Your dad is my dad's best friend! Dude, that's so weird!" I sighed. I continued to pick at the black nail polish off of my fingers.

   "Not really.  I don't see him, but he got arrested, and I hadn't seen him in a few years." I said, finishing my sob story.

  "But anyways, you were saying Nate?" I wanted him to finish his story.

   He was telling us how he got a keg from Mama's as I rolled my eyes.

  "How the hell did you get a keg? You two are awful liars! Jay, you're terrible at keeping up with a lie without stuttering." I said, pointing Jay out as he gives me a disbelief look.

   "Bro!" Nate said, offended. But they both started saying bro to each other.

  "I need a new boyfriend." I shook my head and looked to Ozzie, who placed a hand on my thigh.

  "It's okay, you'll learn for next time." I scowled at the boy, and he just gave me a sarcastic smile.

   "They were like this the whole time." I gasped, placing a hand over my heart and quickly rushing towards Nikki and giving her a hug.

   "I'm so sorry for you, babes." I pat her curly hair, but making sure not to ruin her curls.

   "Come on, babe. It's the fourth of July, miracle! With beer!" He exclaimed the last part to Nikki.

    "Then what are we waiting for! Let's tap that keg and get the party going!" Gwen said. I quickly agreed with her. Nate, on the other hand, looked worried.

   "We don't have a tap." I groaned, leaning on Gwen, who was sitting on a chair at the table.

  "You idiot! You got a keg with no tap!" I said, shaking my head at the boy.

   "Would a kiss make it better?" Nikki sarcastically asked me as I scowled at her playfully.

   "Do you have a mouthful of beer?" She shook her head.

  "Then no." I replied.

    "Well. I have something remotely better." Leia said.

I was sitting on Jay's lap, as I was staring at uno cards.  

   "Bro, pick a card." I giggled, looking at Gwen.

  "Bro, c'mon!" I whined. She caved and took a card.

   "I bet you it's a blue card!' I laughed when it was the right card.

  "Dude, that's so fuckin cool bro! How did you know?" I put an invisible key to my lips and zipped my mouth. But I ended up laughing, then I stopped, then I continued to laugh again. 

 

  Our high was over as Nate was now trying to bang the keg opened. I was yawning as I was sitting next to Ozzie as I was staring at Nate.

    "Nate versus beer. You know, I thought I trained you to he better kid. I thought that you'd learned better from me. I was so wrong." I tsk at the boy.

  "Cassie man, would you shut up! You're making me feel bad!" I rolled my eyes as I walked away. I made my way towards Jay, and leaned on his arm.

  "I thought you said no cuddles or kisses for a week?" A grin was plastered on his lips as I grumbled at him.

  "Shut up." He laughed as I got more comfortable on his arm.

   "Wait, why can't we just go back to Mama's and get a tap?" I looked at Leia with a terrified look.

  "Look, man, we all tried. I even let Jay flirt with her!" I said, Gwen shuddered in response.

   "It's true. And Cassie is very possessive of Jay." I nodded my head, agreeing.

   "It's true. But I'm not that bad, am I?" I looked to Nikki, who gives me a half and half shake with her hand.  

  "But you only do it when other girls flirt with him. Which is understandable." I let out a sigh of relief.

   "Even Cas tried. Jay had to swoop in and save the girl before she blew her cover. She almost got caught by the cops again." I nodded my head. A look of fright was on my face.

   "It's true, man. I almost died." Jay throws me into his arms and hugged me as I fakes sobbed.

   "I have failed at lying!" I cried, fake sobs racking my body.

  "It's okay, babe. It's not you. It was her." He assured me as I pulled away from his warm body.

   "Okay."Okay." He pushes some hair out of my face as he gives me a soft kiss on the lips.

  "But you haven't tried yet." Gwen said, pointing to Leia.

  "She's innocent! She's a Forman, man!" Gwen gives me a glare in response as I silenced myself.

  "Then help me, you could show me how to be braver. Or lie better, I mean I was on the debate team. Can't be that hard to lie." I snorted.

  "Debate team?" I asked, in return, a slap on my arm from Jay as I silenced myself.

   "Cas could help you. I mean, she's literally the best at stealing." Jay said as I placed a hand on my heart.

  "Awe babe, that's so sweet." I sneak my hand into his pocket as he continues to stare into my eyes as I stole a piece of gum.

   "See, expert." We all rolled our eyes at the boy.

  "You're just whipped." Gwen said to Jay, who scoffs in response and tried to deny.

  "Deny, all you want, babe, but it's true. You are." I said while blowing a bubble with the mint gum.

  "I want to be you when I grow up." I laughed at Leia, but she was one hundred percent serious.

   "Alright. So, here's the plan." And I knew just from then that Leia Forman will become a woman, and learn that she could be strong without worrying about others.

[alecthemovieguy]

40 years, 40 movies: My life through film

On Feb. 16, I’m turning 40. In honor of this milestone birthday, I chose my favorite movie (and a runner-up) for each year of my existence. 

Some years were easy, as there was an obvious personal choice. Others, like 1994 or 1999 which are among the greatest years in film history, proved far more difficult. 

What I discovered was there’s literally hundreds of movies I love from the past 40 years but my favorites are the ones that made the most impact and I, unequivocally, adore. The results are deeply autobiographical, so join me on a four-part journey exploring the movies that shaped who I am.

COURTESY OF 20TH CENTURY FOX

1983: “Return of the Jedi” 

It was perhaps inevitable that I would become a “Star Wars” fan. I was named after Obi-Wan actor Alec Guinness. As my parents only had a VHS copy of “Return of the Jedi,” it was my first introduction to “Star Wars.” Given the episodic, serialized nature of the movies, I was able to just drop into the next adventure and fall in love with R2-D2, C3PO, Luke, Han and Leia.  (Runner-up: “National Lampoon’s Vacation”)

COURTESY OF SONY PICTURES

1984: “Ghostbusters” 

“Ghostbusters” remains one of the defining franchises for me. Movies, cartoons, comics, toys, clothes, it has been an obsession since I was a little boy. My baby teeth marks were on the box of the VHS tape my parents owned. My first day of kindergarten became less traumatic when I found two boys playing Ghostbusters and they invited me to join them. They already picked Peter (Bill Murray) and Ray (Dan Akyroyd), leaving me with the nerdy Egon (Harold Ramis). I was disappointed. Now I’m totally Team Egon. (Runner-up: “The Neverending Story”)

COURTESY OF UNIVERSAL PICTURES

1985: “Back to the Future” 

This is another seminal film from my childhood and typically my default answer for my favorite movie. The idea of time travel sparked my imagination as a child. I used to run around my backyard as a kid, humming Alan Silvestri’s theme, imagining I was traveling through time with Christopher Lloyd’s Doc Brown. I’ve lost count how many times I’ve watched the film, but the final act still fully engages me every time. (Runner-up: “The Breakfast Club”)

COURTESY OF PARAMOUNT PICTURES

1986: “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off” 

Any child coming of age in the 1980s and 1990s was hugely affected by the teen films of John Hughes, who was able to perfectly capture the angst of growing up. “Ferris Bueller” was the ultimate kid fantasy: Skipping school for a day in the city with your friends. Better yet, Ferris manages to outsmart all the adults, including snooty waiters, parents and the principal. As a kid, Matthew Broderick’s Ferris felt like the embodiment of cool. As an adult, it is undeniable that the anxiety-ridden Cameron (Alan Ruck) is my avatar. (Runner-up: “Labyrinth”)

COURTESY OF MGM

1987: “Spaceballs” 

I had a major Mel Brooks phase in my adolescence. I even held a party dedicated to watching Brooks films. I vividly remember my friend Rebecca Howland telling me “The Producers” was good, but not as good as “2001” (the film it beat for Best Original Screenplay). Only four Brooks films have been released in my lifetime. Of those four, “Spaceballs” is the one I’ve revisited the most because its inspired lunacy is perfectly delivered by its cast, including Bill Pullman, John Candy, Rick Moranis and Brooks, himself, in dual roles. (Runner-up: “The Princess Bride”)

COURTESY OF TOUCHSTONE PICTURES

1988: “Who Framed Roger Rabbit” 

This was a mind-blowing film for a kid. It was the first and only time Disney and Warner Bros. characters interacted together. It remains the definite seamless blend of live-action and animated characters. But the biggest mindfreak to my little brain was that Christopher Lloyd, my beloved Doc Brown from “Back to the Future,” was the evil Judge Doom. Years later, while studying film in college, I would write an essay exploring the film’s take on the film noir genre. (Runner-up: “Beetlejuice”)

COURTESY OF 20TH CENTURY PICTURES

1989: “Say Anything” 

Anyone who knows me, knows that I’m a big Batman fan, so it probably seems insane that my No. 1 choice for 1989 isn’t Tim Burton’s “Batman.” Here’s the thing, I’m also a huge fan of actor John Cusack and writer/director Cameron Crowe. If you need any indication of how much I love this movie, “Say Anything” is tattooed on my right arm. “Say Anything” is the definitive 1980s teen romance with Lloyd Dobler being the ideal model of a boyfriend. (Runner-up: “Batman”)

COURTESY OF NEW LINE CINEMA

1990: “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” 

There was a time when the ninja turtles were my everything. I had a tape with a couple of episodes of the cartoon that featured a trailer for the live-action film. I loved the cartoon but this was different. It was dark and atmospheric like the comic books that inspired the cartoon and toys, and the Jim Henson-created turtles looked real. The film deepened my love. I had a cassette of the film’s theme song, “Turtle Rhapsody” that I danced to constantly in my room. (Runner-up: “Tremors”)

COURTESY OF ORION PICTURES

1991: “Bill and Ted’s Bogus Journey” 

I vacillated on what my  first choice and runner up would be for 1991. I nearly chose “Addams Family,” but I prefer its 1993 sequel “Addams Family Values.” Alas, a certain dinosaur movie claimed that year. Ultimately, I went with another sequel that actually improves upon its predecessor. Sequels almost always just repeat the formula of the original, but “Bill and Ted’s Bogus Journey” largely throws out the time travel antics of “Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventure” and goes on a bonkers adventure through heaven and hell featuring evil robots and an alien named Station. (Runner-up: “Addams Family”)

COURTESY OF PARAMOUNT

1992: “Wayne’s World”

On the surface, Wayne and Garth (Mike Myers and Dana Carvey) are clones of the dim-witted headbangers Bill and Ted, but “Wayne’s World” has more of a satirical edge than the “Bill and Ted” movies, with Wayne providing fourth-wall breaking commentary throughout that mocks filmmaking cliches. I’m a big “Saturday Night Live” fan, and this was my gateway to the show. My friend, Caleb Ring, had a camera and we recreated scenes as “Caleb’s World” and “Alec’s World.” Maybe they still exist in a dusty box somewhere. (Runner-up: “Reservoir Dogs”)

COURTESY OF UNIVERSAL

1993: “Jurassic Park”

At 10 years old, I remember a mixture of excitement and nervousness about seeing Steven Spielberg’s adaptation of Michael Crichton’s sci-fi novel about a dinosaur theme park gone awry. I wanted to see, but would it be too scary? I vividly remember sitting in a darkened theater watching the T-Rex attack. I was scared but also mesmerized by the groundbreaking dinosaur effects. It was also my introduction to Jeff Goldblum, and he has made my life better ever since.   (Runner-up: “Mrs. Doubtfire”)

COURTESY OF MIRAMAX

1994: “Clerks” 

“Clerks” wasn’t my first introduction to writer/director Kevin Smith (that was 1999’s “Dogma”), but working at both a convenience and video store, the plight of its New Jersey clerks spoke to me. I would even write my own script set in a video store that years later I would convert into a play that was performed in a New York theater festival. Last year, I was lucky enough to interview Smith and tell him that. (Runner-up: “Pulp Fiction”)

  COURTESY OF DISNEY

1995: “A Goofy Movie” 

Goofy has always been my favorite Disney cartoon character. This movie is significant because it is the first movie review I ever wrote. It was an assignment for sixth-grade English. I received an A, which sent me down the path to where I am today. It still remains one of my favorite movies for its strong father-son story, offbeat humor and the excellent songs by the fictional popstar Powerline. (Runner-up: “Before Sunrise”)

COURTESY OF DIMENSION

1996: “Scream”

Growing up, I wasn’t a horror kid. I was more likely to watch the Muppets take Manhattan than Jason. But by 1996, I was already a fan of Mel Brooks and Monty Python and had a growing understanding of parody. The idea of “Scream” being both a satire and an example of the slasher genre intrigued me. The humor made the scares more palatable and piqued my interest into further exploration of the horror genre. (Runner-up: “Jerry Maguire”)

HOLLYWOOD PICTURES

1997: “Grosse Pointe Blank” 

For years, John Cusack was my celebrity man crush because he was the perfect balance of vulnerability, sarcastic wit and nonchalant coolness. All of that is on display here as Martin Blank, a hitman who decides to go to his 10-year high school reunion. Also, I often discover music from movies, and this film’s killer soundtrack (pun intended) introduced me to a lot of great punk and New Wave music, including The Clash’s “Rudie Can’t Fail,” The Violent Femme’s “Blister in the Sun” and The English Beat’s “Mirror in the Bathroom.” (Runner-up: “Good Will Hunting”)

COURTESY OF PARAMOUNT

1998: “The Truman Show”

Like many ’90s kids, I became obsessed with Jim Carrey’s style of comedy. I drove my family crazy shouting catch phrases like “allllll righty then” and “ssssssmokin’.” But ‘The Truman Show” was different. It was still funny, but in a more subtle, satirical way, and showed that Carrey had dramatic range. I was 15 when it came out, and it made me feel clever that I was able to pick up on the film’s commentary. (Runner-up: “The Wedding Singer”)

COURTESY OF FOX 2000 PICTURES

1999: “Fight Club” 

My love of social critique and satire continued to grow with “Fight Club.” I clearly remember watching “Fight Club” in a theater and my jaw literally dropping upon getting to the big twist. Not many people saw “Fight Club” in theaters, so my friends didn’t believe me when I said it was great, especially since I couldn’t explain why without spoiling it. It’s a film that not only holds up to repeat viewing but benefits from it as there are Easter eggs hidden throughout. (Runner up: ”Dogma”)

COURTESY OF COLUMBIA PICTURES

2000: “Almost Famous”

Around this time, I made a decision that I wanted to be a film critic, so Cameron Crowe’s autobiographical film about a teenage rock journalist in the 1970s hit me in all the right places. The protagonist is an awkward, geeky kid in love with and in awe of the rock world and that was me with movies. When I became a journalist, I only learned to love this movie more for everything it gets absolutely right. (Runner up: “High Fidelity”)

COURTESY OF UNIVERSAL

2001: “Josie and the Pussycats”

There are absolutely better films that came out in 2001 but I continue to stand by this silly satire of the music industry and consumerism. I’ve been a defender of this film since it came out. I even had the poster up in my college dorm room. It did not make me cool but, in a just world it would have. The original songs are genuinely great, and the cast, especially Alan Cumming as a villainous record label flunky, is perfect. (Runner up “The Royal Tenenbaums”)

COURTESY OF UNITED ARTISTS

2002: “Igby Goes Down”

Growing up in rural Maine, I didn’t have access to a lot of independent films, but that changed when I went to Keene State College to study film. Keene had two theaters that showed indie films: The Colonial Theatre and the on-campus Putnam Theatre. “Igby Goes Down” was one of the films I fell in love with while at KSC. It’s essentially a modern riff on “The Catcher in the Rye,” but with a more likable lead played by Kieran Culkin. There’s also an amazing supporting cast, including Susan Sarandon, Jeff Goldblum, Bill Pullman, Claire Danes, Ryan Phillippe, Amanda Peet and Jared Harris. (Runner up: “About a Boy”)

COURTESY OF LIONSGATE

2003: “Shattered Glass” 

While at Keene State College, I was able to go to collegiate journalism conventions. At one of them, there was an early screening of “Shattered Glass,” which tells the story of Stephen Glass (Hayden Christensen), a journalist who fabricated dozens of articles while working at The New Republic. The film instilled in me a desire to be an ethical journalist with integrity. It also has one of my all-time favorite lines: “If I were to throw a party where all we did was play Monopoly, would you guys come?” It’s absolutely something I’d say. I just wish that it wasn’t said by Glass. (Runner-up: “Lost in Translation”)

COURTESY OF WORKING TITLE

2004: “Shaun of the Dead” 

Edgar Wright has become one of my favorite directors for how perfectly constructed all his films are. His first film, a zombie movie set in England that he co-wrote with star Simon Pegg, is the ideal genre blend of horror, comedy, romantic comedy and drama. This is the first film in what became dubbed the Cornetto trilogy, a trio of genre-bending films directed by Wright and starring Pegg and Nick. While it is mostly played for laughs, the dramatic moments hit hard every single time. (Runner-up: “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind”)

COURTESY OF DREAMWORKS

2005: “Wallace and Gromit and the Curse of the Were-Rabbit” 

I was already a big fan of the stop-motion animation Wallace and Gromit shorts, so I was thrilled the English human and dog duo were making their feature film debut. I was in England getting my master’s in journalism at the University of Westminster when the film was in theaters. I went to visit my friend Natalie Toy in Hull to see it, and watching a film that is so thoroughly British in England is a memory I cherish. (Runner-up: “Batman Begins”)

COURTESY OF SONY PICTURES

2006: “Stranger Than Fiction” 

This is a film that takes a high-concept — a man (Will Ferrell) suddenly finds his mundane life the subject of a voice-over narration only he can hear — and executes it with humor, heart and intelligence. A dialed back Ferrell gives one of his best performances, and he’s surrounded by a great cast, including Emma Thompson, Dustin Hoffman, Queen Latifah, Tony Hale and Maggie Gyllenhaal. The film features some of my favorite romantic moments, including Ferrell playing and singing “Whole Wide World” on guitar and giving “flours” to Gyllenhaal’s baker character. (Runner-up: “Little Miss Sunshine”)

COURTESY OF DREAMWORKS

2007: “Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street” 

Tim Burton’s film adaptation of Stephen Sondheim’s musical about a vengeful barber (Johnny Depp) and his partnership with the baker Mrs. Lovett (Helena Bonheim Carter) was my first introduction to the material. While liberties were taken, Burton was the perfect person to transition it from the stage to screen. I immediately fell in love with it. I’ve since seen it on stage three times and had a Sweeney Todd movie marathon with my friend Brian McElhiney in which we uncovered other obscure versions of the story, including one from 1936. (Runner-up: “Juno”)

COURTESY OF WARNER BROS.

2008: “The Dark Knight”

Christopher Nolan's second film in his Batman trilogy is the strongest and is not only one of the best superhero films ever made but a great film regardless of genre. Heath Ledger’s Joker is an iconic film performance for the ages. His performance is the glue that holds the film together, but the rest of the cast, including Aaron Eckhart as Harvey Dent, and the slick storytelling proved that a comic book movie could and should be taken seriously. (Runner-up “Iron Man”)

COURTESY OF PIXAR

2009: “Up”

Pixar has a history of making animated films that make adults cry, but with “Up” they weren’t messing around. The first 10 minutes, which shows the entire course of a relationship, has the power to crack even the most stone-faced viewer. The rest of the film is the charming adventure of a balloon salesman (Ed Asner) who attaches thousands of balloons to his house so he can fly to the mythical Paradise Falls. This film will always have a special place in my heart because it was the theme of my wedding. Adventure is out there everyday with my wife, Ashley.  (Runner-up ”Inglourious Basterds”)

COURTESY OF UNIVERSAL

2010: “Scott Pilgrim Vs. the World” 

Director and co-writer Edgar Wright’s adaptation of Bryan Lee O’Malley’s six-part graphic novel — a pastiche of comic books, video games, anime, romantic comedies, rock musicals, sitcoms, kung-fu movies and even a dash of Bollywood — immediately spoke to me. I became obsessed. I read the books, played the games, bought the toys, listened to the soundtrack and even got a tattoo of Scott Pilgrim and Ramona Flowers. I connected with it in a way that put it alongside my childhood favorites. As I get older, it only becomes more emotionally resonant. (Runner-up: “TRON: Legacy”)

COURTESY OF SONY PICTURE CLASSICS

2011: “Midnight in Paris” 

My relationship with Woody Allen films has become a complicated one. What he may or may not have done in his personal life colors his work, but can you separate the person from the art? I have to because so many of his earlier works helped shape me. This whimsical time travel comedy with Owen Wilson hobnobbing with literary and artistic idols in 1920s Paris is Allen’s last truly great film. It is a funny and thoughtful exploration of nostalgia. (Runner-up: “The Muppets”)

COURTESY OF MARVEL

2012: “The Avengers”

Marvel Studios experiment in creating a shared universe of superheroes paid off with Joss Whedon’s “Avengers,” which brought together Iron Man (Robert Downey Jr.), Captain America (Chris Evans), Thor (Chris Hemsworth), the Hulk (Mark Ruffalo), Black Widow (Scarlett Johansson) and Hawkeye (Jeremy Renner) for the first time. For better or worse, Marvel has continued to further expand their cinematic universe and experiment with serialized storytelling in film, but this first crossover event still holds up and is wildly entertaining. (Runner-up: “Looper”)

COURTESY OF WORKING TITLE

2013: “The World’s End” 

This the final installment of co-writer/director Edgar Wright’s Cornetto trilogy, a series of genre homages starring Simon Pegg and Nick Frost. “The World’s End” lampoons alien invasion films but is also a surprisingly sincere exploration of alcoholism with Pegg’s Gary King trying to recreate the best day of his life: a pub crawl he did with his friends as a teen. This is Wright’s third film on my list. I adore his storytelling and visual style. Everything is carefully constructed and paid off. Plus, I regularly quote the “Let’s boo-boo” line from his film. (Runner-up: “Pacific Rim”)

COURTESY OF FOX SEARCHLIGHT

2014: “The Grand Budapest Hotel” 

Idiosyncratic filmmaker Wes Anderson has a style all his own, including eccentric characters, deadpan humor, absurdist flourishes and a mise-en-scene in which everything is framed symmetrically. “Grand Budapest Hotel,” which centers on the misadventures of a hotel lobby boy (Tony Revolori) and a concierge (Ralph Fiennes), is possibly the most distilled version of Anderson’s particular brand of filmmaking. Anderson embraces the ridiculous and finds the beauty in it. (Runner-up: “The Lego Movie”)

COURTESY OF WARNER BROS.

2015: “Mad Max: Fury Road” 

Director George Miller returned to the “Mad Max” franchise 30 years after the previous installment, but this is not a shameless cash grab. This is pure action filmmaking of the highest order. “Fury Road” is a visceral, nearly non-stop chase. But this isn’t faceless or mindless action. The film has personality to spare, including a character playing a flame-throwing guitar. As there’s little dialogue, this is also an example of strong visual storytelling. (Runner-up: “Inside Out”)

COURTESY OF SUMMIT

2016: “La La Land” 

After coming out of “La La Land,” I posted this on Facebook: “For anyone who has ever created something, done something artistic or has simply been passionate about something, ‘La La Land’ will speak to your soul.” After seeing writer/director Damien Chazelle’s exuberant, funny and ever-so-slightly heartbreaking musical about a jazz musician (Ryan Gosling) and an actress (Emma Stone) trying to find success and love in Los Angeles, I wanted to create. I began rewriting an old script that would eventually be performed in New York City in 2018. (Runner-up: “Yoga Hosers”)

COURTESY OF MARVEL

2017: “Thor: Ragnarok” 

This is my favorite film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe thanks to director Taika Waititi providing a much-needed tonal shift to the Thor (Chris Hemsworth) character. Waititi is a quirky filmmaker with an offbeat sense of humor that managed to shake things up at a time when the Marvel formula was starting to become a bit too familiar. “Ragnarok” remembers that comic book movies are supposed to be fun. It is colorful, funny and ridiculous, but also has strong character moments. Plus, Jeff Goldblum at his most Goldblumiest.(Runner-up “Baby Driver”)

COURTESY OF WARNER BROS.

2018: “A Star is Born”

Co-writer/director/star Bradley Cooper’s “A Star is Born” is the fourth filmed version of the story of a fading star meeting and falling in love with an undiscovered talent (Lady Gaga), and using what pull he has left to make her a star. The first 30 minutes are pretty much perfect and the rest of the film builds on that promise. I’ve only seen the film once and I can still vividly visualize scenes and the emotions attached to them. (Runner-up “A Simple Favor”)

COURTESY OF COLUMBIA PICTURES

2019: “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood”

Writer/director Quentin Tarantino is one of my favorite filmmakers. I even taught a class on him for the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute. “Once Upon a Time,” Tarantino’s love letter to Hollywood in 1969, is basically a hang-out movie centered on a has-been TV actor (Leonardo DiCaprio) and his stuntman (Brad Pitt). In the background, Tarantino offers a revisionist history of the Manson family. It’s rich with location and character detail, and is both hilarious and unexpectedly poignant. (Runner-up: “Booksmart”)

COURTESY OF WARNER BROS.

2020: “Birds of Prey and the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn”

Margot Robbie’s portrayal of Harley Quinn was the best thing in 2016’s “Suicide Squad,” but this film is what made Harley one of my favorite DC characters and led to a further exploration of the character. Robbie is joined by an assortment of strong female heroes, including Black Canary (Jurnee Smollett-Bell), The Huntress (Mary Elizabeth Winstead) and detective Renee Montoya (Rosie Perez) to face off against the sadistic Black Mask (Ewan McGregor). This is the first comic book film directed and written by women, and the strong female perspective makes it unique and vital. (Runner-up: “Freaky”)

COURTESY OF SONY PICTURES

2021: “Ghostbusters: Afterlife” 

As previously mentioned, “Ghostbusters” has been a huge part of my life, so I was thrilled when this long-awaited second sequel was announced. (For the record, I do genuinely love the 2015 remake). While the original ghostbusters only make a cameo appearance, this is a loving tribute to the late Harold Ramis (who co-wrote the first two films and starred as Egon) that passes the torch to a group of kid ghostbusters led by the amazing Mckenna Grace. This is nostalgia done right. Plenty of laughs, action and, yes, tears. (Runner-up: “The Mitchells Vs. the Machines”)

COURTESY OF A24

2022: “Everything Everywhere All at Once” 

This completely bonkers multiverse adventure is difficult to describe but is a fully engrossing mix of sci-fi, martial arts, comedy and family drama. It is a terrific showcase for Michelle Yeoh, Ke Huy Quan and Stephanie Hsu. Its sincerely sold themes of optimism, kindness and love gives it weight and heart. Quan was in “Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom” and “The Goonies” in the 1980s, but hadn’t acted in 30 years. He’s so good here, it makes me sad that we missed on decades of performances from him. (Runner-up: “Glass Onion”)

[ladyxskywalker]

Do you think it's okay for Obi Wan to have mutliple stories written about him, as in more than one canon significant other? i feel like since SW is basically a franchise meant for stories to be retelled over and over again and here i am thinking about all those lovely writers who write self indulgent fics, about Obi or whomever else where he ends up happy and has love at last, is allowed to truly love and completely also.

What do you think? Do you think that "canon" is whatever works with your heart the best and how you feel about characters?

oh absolutely 🌸 ! & this is an excellent question to sit & ponder over when it comes to canon vs fanon, I imagine the stories told about him are (& certainly would be) endless ✨️

[I apologize in adv for going off topic like always 😭 me & my bro talk about this stuff a lot because he is from the original trilogy era]

In my eyes - Obi Wan (or any other fictional character) would ultimately have a canon story that was intended for them by the original writer. In their imagination, it's possible that he could have had either many great loves cross his path, or even none at all. Maybe even only mentor or close friend, 'frenemy', or enemy relationships.

In some shows or novels that have been written about him, sometimes different iterations may allude to certain relationships that could have happened in his universe. And if that resonates with you as a fan also, then that could be something truly wonderful to experience as well. Because then you're like - oh yes ! I can totally see that happening for him ! they should be together ! that's his soulmate !

Or the opposite of - oh no ! that's not him at all ! he deserves better ! why why why ?!

I firmly believe that 'canon' is whatever your heart desires, (which reminds me of mark hamill when talking about luke) your favorite comfort characters are however you most enjoy picturing them to be.

On the other hand, some fans are deeply rooted in a canon only stance - no exceptions. Which is totally valid & cool too - (no beef or gatekeeping from me).

My pov is different, I can take or leave some things because I have a really big imagination. I'd like to think that Obi Wan had many great loves over time - whether kept secret or expressed openly. While I don't really care too much for the character Satine for example, (& don't know very much about her), I could totally see him with other characters like Commander Cody or even Padmè at some point in space or time - even though those relationships weren't necessarily deemed as 'canon'.

Similar Star Wars relationships of canon vs legends or 'fanon' could also be said of Luke & Mara Jade, Han Solo & Princess Leia having different children than what we've seen in the movies, various comic book pairings, Poe Dameron & General / Jedi Finn ... even Ben Solo & Rey

If certain adventures only took place in a legends universe or a fanfic universe, does that mean it never really happened?

It happened for someone.

In a daydream, or in their hearts.

Personally, I truly do not think there is a right or wrong way of viewing the things you love - as long as you're not hurting anybody in the process, your comfort characters could be whoever you envision them to be - & that's one of the greatest things about escapism. It's rooted in who we are at our very core, & who we want to be in our hearts.

There's a super hero or jedi in all of us. And if that's a 'la di da mary sue hippie dippie' way of looking at it, I respectfully don't care what anyone else has to say about it ! 🌼

All the love from me to you always, I hope in some way all of this rambling answers your question ! 💗💐

[jgvfhl]

Today I watched The Empire Strikes Back with four of my charming room mates. Here are some highlights.

The roomies are C, M, K, and S, and I am E. C and M have not seen this movie, but C has seen A New Hope.

---

Han Solo: *appears*

C: Here comes Daddyyyy

---

C, the resident lesbian: Leia lookin FIIINNNE

---

C: It's like they beat the Fire Nation Ship but they haven't taken down the Fire Nation yet.

M: Oh okay cool, thanks for the context

---

C: yo what the fuck that looks like something out of Neverending Story (about the tauntaun)

---

M: Isn't he programed to avoid mistakes?

E: No he's just... programmed with anxiety

---

Rogue 2: Commander Skywalker do you copy?

C: Obviously he doesn't fucking copy he's literally in the bottom of a walmart velociraptor

C: Hi sexyyyyy Hi mommyyyy

---

*Luke/Leia kiss*

S, C: INCEST INCEST INCEST INCEST--

K: They don't KNOOOOOOW!!!

---

E: (about probe droids) Snitch bot 3000!!

---

Luke and Han: *share a Look*

C: that's kinda gaayyyyy

K, C: LOOKIT THE WAY HE LOOKS AT HIM!!!

C: Chewie like "ayo are you fruity or what??"

---

Admiral being force choked

K: ain't that kinda hot

*is sent to horny corner*

---

C: Did R2 just catcall that fuckin walker?

E: I mean... I would not put it past him.

---

C: This is a no nuts household and a no nazi household and I stand by that

---

Threepio: Might I suggest--

Han: *points finger*

M: Ugh. That was so rude.

---

M: Ayo Chewbacca's lookin sus

---

Multiple comments on Han's ass

---

Leia: Han get up here!

C: Yes mommy

---

C: Not the limp wrist draw of the gun

E: I mean *gestures at Luke's general person* I MEAN--

---

K, about Vader's bald head: Whenever I see that, I think of cheesecake ice cream. Like strawberry cheesecake ice cream. Which I know is not good.

---

Leia: *falls into Han's arms*

S: Oh shit! He caught her by the tits.

---

Yoda:

C: this is literally just Danny Devito

---

C: Stop gaslighting Princess Leia 2021!!!

---

Palpatine: Lord Vader--

C: WHO THE FUCK ARE YOU

E: an evil raisin man!!

---

Luke: *serves himself out of Yoda's soup, licks the spoon, PUTS THE SPOON BACK I TO THE POT*

K: Luke is a super spreader!!

---

M: He looked like Troy Bolton right there

---

C: Yo they're wearing sleep apnea masks

E: ActUaLLY they're rebreathers

C: ....yo my dad has one of those

---

S, about Luke: Look how buff he is look at those armss

M: He looks like he does musical theater on broadway.

C:He looks like a NEWSIE

---

C @ Vader: Step away from the twink!

---

C: Me when I decapitate my dad

---

Boba: *appears*

E, every damn time: YOU!!!!

---

E: What's the largest objects that have been Forced?

M: My dick--

---

M: Bro we about to have breakfast with Darth Vader? That's a spinoff

E: Anakin doesn't turn to the dark side, he opens a bed and breakfast.

S: Luke you must take over the family business--

---

Han: *getting tortured on Cloud City*

S: Han goes to the dentist

---

*Leia/Han romance in general*

M: What the--

---

*Han is frozen into carbonite*

M: Yo they made my dude a flash drive??

---

E: There's no way he can win this fight, he doesn't even have his Chanel boots!

---

Leia: We don't need your help

C: MOMMYYYYYY I woke up for Princess Leia and Princess Leia only

---

Luke: *yump*

M: :0

C: Yo we levitating!!

---

E, K: Vader's a deadbeat dad. Padmé's just dead.

---

R2: *connects to the computer mainframe*

C: That's penetration!! This movie is rated R!!

M: That shit rated PORN!!

C: R2D2 just stuck his tiny little robot dick in that wall!

---

M: He just cut off his hand and he's not buggin the fuck out

---

Luke: *comes back to the Falcon after Vader fight*

S: He looks like he went through trauma!

---

Leia: luke is my brother

Han, tryna smash: NOOOOOoooo....

[clonewarslover55]

Nulls with kids Nulls with kids Nulls with kids

I did headcanons because I had too many drabble ideas! I did headcanons for each Null and how they are with kids separately. Hope that’s okay! 

The Null’s with kids Headcanons 

Prudii 

This man is so polite and patient 

Like he never gets mad or irritated with his kids. Never. 

Prudii doesn’t want them to have trauma 

So he’s great with kids! Especially ones with ADHD, Autism, disabilities, etc 

Seriously the best dad. He is always prepared 

Prudii thinks ahead, like the rest, so he is actually prepared when he says he is 

He also always has snacks. For him and the wee ones

Prudii is the outsider of the Null’s, so becoming a father would heal his heart some

The kid will end up super cuddly because Prudii is always holding them as a baby 

Like he needs the baby cuddles!!! 

Prudii isn’t scared to hold the newborn. Give him baby. 

He’ll want a lot of kids and a lot of pets. Your house will never not be crowded 

Spoils the hell out of his kids, but also knows when to say no 

Has pictures of every accomplishment and thing the kids have ever done 

Prudii is a good and proud papa!! 

Has a space wallet full of a million pictures of each little one of all ages 

Tells them cool stories 

A’den

Type of dude to be afraid of babies 

Once you two adopt or have your own he’s like, “Oh…” 

Realizes they’re not that terrifying

Still scared to hold them at first because they’re so T I N Y 

Loves his kid at first sight!

Cries probably 

A’den is a really good dad!! 

Similar to Prudii in the whole spoils the kid but still knows “no” 

Will 100% play dress up with his kid and do all of that 

Steals Buys stuff for his kids 

Brags constantly about how fucking cute his kid is 

“They make puppies look ugly!!!” Like he never shuts up about it 

He’s just so proud!!

Always has a baggie of Cheerios even once the kid is like a teenager 

Brings back cool rocks to the little ones from his missions

Because he doesn’t know much about kids 

Plus who doesn’t love rocks??

Jaing 

Has never heard the word “No” like ever 

Spoils the fuck outta the little ones 

Knows nothing. He’s a himbo like the rest 

You’ll have to educate him on babies and kids 

Jaing is a good dad though!!! 

Panics over small things like hiccups though

When the kid does anything, not even an accomplishment, he praises them 

Constant praise and such for his angels!!! 

“Jaing they need to learn to walk.” “But I wanna hold them forever!” 

Cries as his babies grow up 

Teaches them bad things at an early age 

!Knives!

Always up for playing dress up and such 

Wears his earrings like an idiot and the kids GRAB 

Ordo 

Awkward as FUCK 

Like you’ll have to help him some 

Has read everything there is available about kids 

Still panics

Overprepared 

Ordo is a good dad after a few months of him being pure anxiety 

Just support his awkward ass and it will all be okay 

Gives his kids whatever you say is okay to give them 

Spoils them in his own way! Mostly with stories and education 

Ordo is probably the worst with kids, just because of how uptight and easily irritable he is 

He tries the hardest though 

Isn’t the best at dress up, but his bros teach him the way 

Ordo is better with babies than other ages 

Overprotective no matter what 

Proud as fuck but doesn’t brag about it 

Has a million photos and videos of his kids though 

“Ordo what is that?” “A smoothie” 

Help him 

Mereel 

Seems like he doesn’t want kids and isn’t good with them 

But once you guys have a kid he is immediately “MY ANGEL!!!” 

Loves his kid at first sight as well 

“Mereel can I hold them?” Sad eyes, “Five more minutes??” 

Never says no. You have to be the strict one 

Doesn’t say; “Go ask your mother.” Just gives the kid what they’re asking for 

Spoils the kids with everything 

Also teaches them bad things 

Curse words. Soooo many curse words 

Good luck for you. Now you have Mereel and someone nearly as immature 

Mereel is always playing games with the kids 

“BABE LOOK WHAT THEY JUST DID!!” 

Brags constantly about his little ones 

Calls other babies ugly because his are the only cute ones 

Always has snacks, doesn’t share them 

Kom’rk 

Begs for kids 

He’s always wanted to be a dad 

Kom’rk is an amazing dad actually!! 

Similar to Prudii in a lot of ways 

Always holding his kids, no matter the age 

Shows everyone his baby like a proud dog dad 

Is basically a proud dog dad 

“LOOOOOOOKKKKKKKKKKKKKK”

That’s him

Argues with Mereel and A’den over who has the cutest kids 

Also cries as his babies grow up 

Probably more emotional than the person who births the kid 

He spoils his kids, but he knows when to say no 

Teaches his kids how to be smarter than his brothers kids 

Wants a lot of kids 

Good luck, seriously 

Will take the kids side over yours because they’re his baby!

Kom’rk will call his kids out though. He knows they can do things wrong 

So he educates them! 

Never gets mad 

Tags: @leias-left-hair-bun @ollovaemisc @cherry-cokes-world @iamassbuttkingofhell @catsnkooks @mxndalorians @colorfulloverbatturkey @ahsokatano-thetogruta @peacefulwizardfox @jedi-mando @julyzaa @strangebroadwaykinks @feathersforclones @chr0nicbackpain @jedi-nila-rhyn @fyrepen33 @mistflyer1102 @kamino-mermaid @commanderrivercc-3628 @ct7567329

[prince-of-elsinore]

I was tagged by @doilycoffin to list 10 favorite female characters from 10 different fandoms. Heh this was harder than I thought it'd be, both for thinking of fandoms (guess I don't have that many) and narrowing it down to only one choice for each 😅

1. Fujiko Mine from Lupin III, master thief and femme fatale. I especially love Miyazaki's version of her. So competent! Though I'm a sucker for this look from Takeshi Koike:

2. Irene Adler from the original Arthur Conan Doyle Sherlock Holmes stories (and the ideal adaptation that lives in my head). I admit this pick is mostly because I love ACD Holmes and there aren't many female characters to choose from, but I do love her. Master thief, femme fatale, extremely competent. Hm, I sense a theme. Here she is in the Granada series:

3. Olivier Mira Armstrong from Fullmetal Alchemist (Brotherhood). It was so hard to choose just one character for FMAB! But look at her. She's incredible. She's scary. She's SO COMPETENT.

4. Also difficult to pick just one from the MCU, but it's gotta be Okoye! (Not gonna even bother saying it. You get the idea)

5. Michonne from The Walking Dead (do I have a thing for badass warrior women, or just a thing for Danai Gurira? Maybe both 😂Incidentally, she's also my dream cast choice for Izumi in a live action FMAB)

6. Leia from Star Wars (also some other great options, but I gotta go with a classic! I wanted to be her so bad when I was little!)

^not the best gif but such an unff good shot and costume :)

7. Eowyn from Lord of the Rings (also wanted to be her so badly when I was little)

8. Hermione Granger from Harry Potter--feels like a cop-out but I gotta admit, I also /really wanted to be her/ when I was little

9. Uhura from Star Trek (yup, still fits the pattern) (and this pop art gif is too cool not to use)

10. Last but not least--and it was also so hard to choose for this fandom!--Rowena from Supernatural. She is a bright spot of late seasons.

Thank you for the tag! 😊💕I'm tagging uhhh @aftershocked, @irreputablyyours, @une-guitare-pour-ombre, @decadent-prince​, @brotherwives, @sookar, @just-bros, if y'all want, and anyone else who wants to do it!

[kaypeace21]

Hey Kay! I was wondering... I'm thinking of writing a Byler fic. Is there anything that's missing from the current fic library that you think would be good to see, in terms of tropes, characterisation, things to explore, etc? I would also appreciate hearing from your followers. Just any ideas that people would like to see in a fic.

yeah sure ...

1)We need more povs from Mike’s perspective. (Almost all are from Will’s pov - let’s mix it up sometimes)

Mike in canon is the pinning-gay -(overly romantic) whipped one , but we never see it. And he’s pretty much never written this way! Mike in s3 has 6 drawings from Will on his wall  (he kept them up since s1-for years- despite replacing the poster on the same wall). Has even caressed extra drawings of Will’s that he’s kept in his binder.  In s1 wrote a whole story for Will about defeating a monster and giving the king it’s  7 heads (cause Will rolled a 7 when the demogorgan attacked him.) And as a Star Wars fan he had his own character be given a medal by the king (like how leia gave the medal to Han for his heroism.) He attacked people for insulting Will. Literally hates apologizing -but is quick to do so for Will . Boy ran in the pouring rain twice for Will- disobeying cops, the government, and his parents to do so. He initiates every byler moment (arm thing, hand touch, ‘best thing i’ve ever done’, ‘crazy together, right?’, always asking Will “what’s wrong?” or “are you ok?” etc). And was upset at Will dancing with a girl + insecure about Will replacing him -after he moves away.

-but 90% of byler fanfics (don’t get me wrong some are good) are from Will’s pinning perspective. Also do people realize Mike is clearly the more romantic/ emotional open of the 2 while Will is clearly the more emotionally closed off/aloof one?  He loves Mike too- but he’s def less obvious about his feelings- based on how he behaves. Will rarely opens up to people (Mike being an exception). But, it’s never written that way (usually it’s the opposite).  

2) as a gay women all the reductive stereotypes annoy me. it’s obvious when fic writers try to have the gay romance be modeled after het romance- and try to make one into the ‘girl’/ ‘guy’. Duffers don’t stereotype  Mike or Will but a lot of fanfiction writers do in order to make the gay romance resemble a straight one more (canon character traits, be dammed). Please, stop pushing heterosexual dynamics on gay and lesbian couples and trying to make one “the girl” and “the guy”. It’s very offensive and innaccurate.

Because he’s taller and most people head canon him as bi they make Mike a jock (despite in canon having horrible aim and not being able to run as fast as the rest of the gang). And Will (since most see him as gay) is weak/ sucks at sports compared to mike...despite knowing how to use a bat, shoot a gun, and being able to tear castle byers apart with his bare hands . Also nothing in canon shows Will likes to wear makeup and dress in drag (but it’s a constant thing that i’ve heard come up or heard others mention). It would be fine if he wanted to express himself in such a way. And if it only came up in an occasional fic it wouldn’t be a big deal. But it’s such a common theme that comes up (despite no canon evidence) that in most cases it just screams ‘straight writers trying to make Will into “the girl”’.  Not to mention the huge emphasis of their height difference (shows this too). It can get annoying calling him “short” & “petite” (a term used for women) when will isn’t even the shortest guy member- and now his actor is way taller than gaten (dustin) a bit taller (I think?) than caleb (Lucas) and barely shorter than finn (Mike’s actor). But writers even in future fics write him as short...ok? ya’ll really can’t let go of making Will “the girl.” Cause ya’ll incorrectly equate shortness to femminity. It’s tiring. Some writers straight up say he’s “pretty “, “feminine” or “looks like a girl” 🙄

3) it’s not byler if it’s unrequited- stop tagging it as such

4) more emphasis on Will’s passions(art, writing, horror movies). Maybe in his upbringing with Lonnie.And jon being a good bro to him. Will’s Mental health issues maybe ?

5) mike is a socially awkward, clumsy, unathletic, (caring) science/sci-fi /D&D loving nerd. In au whatever- but mike is not a bro-y jock, or a cool bad boy. 😂 plus , more writer mike would be nice to see

6) headcanon him all you want -but at this point it’s pretty obvious (to me at least) Mike never loved el,and was just lying/confused/ projecting Will on her. And El is/was also confused and never loved mike.   so it would be nicer to see that instead of Mike just ‘falling out of love’ with her. Mike is gay. people say in s3 Will saying “a day free of girls” is gay coded but everyone ignores Mike in s3 saying “BOYS ONLY”. same energy. writers even threw in a telemarketing joke so Mike says in s3 “El? no. sorry not interested.” And Mike has more rainbow refs than Will.  Boy is clearly gay not bi (way too much evidence to talk about here) .  They even  compare mileven to ted/karen who “never loved each other.”   The  writers make fun of mileven constantly and say over and over it’s not actually romantic - (if you choose to read just 1 link read this one  and get with the program) . plus, most Bi dudes  wouldn’t stop being attracted to a girl the more fem she gets (and only be attracted to her when she looks like a “guy”(specifically their guy friend).which yes the characters in s1 said over and over again that El looked like a “boy”/“will”.  And then they have him Makeout with her while putting up a  drawing of said male bff on the wall (cause now she looks less like him) and so he needs to look at said bro, to stomach the makeout seshes/ and in an effort to transfer said romantic feelings from guy friend to gf. Then push his gf’s hands off himself during the kisses- sing to stop kissing, and  kiss to mostly show off how straight he is. And without said pic- not kiss back and just keep his eyes open and not reciprocate. Nor would they have Mike equate het romance to something he thinks he has to do as a part of growing up . Bi dudes consider falling for a girl as simply romance not a foreign idea that has to be done cause there’s no other option and that’s ‘just what old people do’. Mike claims el is the only girl he’s ever had feelings for - but like dustin said mileven is “bullshit “ (stancy parallel -where nancy was not in love but faking it). So mike’s never been into a girl and is also into Will... so...

7) it’s the 80s they can’t just be open/ have pda in public (you could have gotten k*lled or beaten severely.) And most of their friends/fam would not take it well initially. (I think jon, Karen , and steve/robin would take it well... but not most of the crew.) although they’d all prob come around eventually . -Takes me out of a fic to have such historical revisionism when everyone is just totally fine with byler and they’re out to the public/strangers.

but that’s just me. What about you guys?

[darkelite020]

Bad Batch thoughts & predictions Ep 12

Continuing these written reactions/predictions somewhere cause itd be fun I think to see what actually ends up happening and remembering what I thought at the time so im dumping it here, youre welcome. (Feel free to discuss if you want) if you want to keep up with it im gonna be tagging these as #jay rambles about bb

- So I sort of expected it by the end of last episode but it seems like last episode was a start of an episode arc about hera's family, which, for rebel's fans I'm sure it's cool and exciting and maybe answers some questions or will actually show things discussed in rebels maybe, but as someone who hasn't seen rebels yet, I really hope this episode and the next few have more bad batch screentime, cause we were a little robbed last episode lol (but in a way I do still enjoy this stuff too, because im sure when I DO watch rebels it'll make the experience better). -- I'm not disliking this arc or anything, but up to this point we've kind of had almost mandalorian style 'one episode one adventure' sorts of episodes, and personally I really hope we get more of that (which I think we will), because while this is all new content and everything, we all have to admit clone wars had some less interesting filler arcs here and there, and I just hope bb doesn't fall the same way (across all of its seasons, im not very concerned about it so far from what we've seen of season 1) because if there is filler, I'd rather sit through a couple of the one episode stories, rather than a 3-4 episode story that takes nearly a month to get through if im disliking it, mostly for the fact that even if we got those 1 ep fillers, its more stories and more likely I'd like at least one. ---kinda rambling about this unnecessarily atm cause while again right now I think bb is fine, I just want the future to be that way too. - fffff every time I see howzer on screen I think of that fucking audio thats "here comes the boy, hello boy~" and honestly can you blame me he is so precious like ugh I swear dave you better be nice to him -- YOU CAN TELL HE FEELS SO BAD AND GUILTY LIKE IT HURTS - hey admiral can you not be MEAN to howzer when he is trying to be fucking helpful -- ;-; BRO im saying it so much already but I feel so bad for howzer like dude someone help him --- imo it feels like its sort of setting up howzer for something more important in the show kinda, at least for his character. Like we can clearly tell he doesn't really agree with the empire and I think they're going to do something with that. He's probably undercover for someone against the empire but I get the bad feeling they're gonna pull a Fives and have him go against the empire and help everyone else somehow but then he will probably end up dead because we cant have nice things. - hello cross... bet you wont be saved this episode - Ok good, some more bad batch here already. -- ALSO GONKY BEING DEFECTIVE!!!! EVEN GONKY IS DEFECTIVE LIKE BB THATS SO CUTE! - uh, im not the only one getting the leia transmission vibes from hera, right? -- ok, again I haven't seen rebels so I dont know BUT if hera has the ability to talk to bb, couldn't she have done so in rebels? Yeah she's older and im sure better at fighting and defending herself and all that, but wouldn't it still be possible for her to have gotten in some kind of rough situation in Rebels to ask for bb's help again? I super doubt bb made any appearance of any kind in Rebels, so doesn't that imply that she lost communications with them? What happens to bad batch >> - bad batch not wanting to help but because omega really wants to you can see its making hunter soften up and I appreciate it - bruh what??? Taa is dead af, like theres no way the show is gonna pull some magic and be like 'oh yep here he is' thing??? Like this has to be a lie, but even then, what even is the plan here?? Saying "oh hes recovering" well he can't be recovering forever, how does that seem like a good plan to lie about that?? People are gonna find out?? - "Great just what we need" from Wrecker about crosshair MAKES ME ANGRY LIKE??? YES?? DONT BE MAD AT HIM ITS NOT HIS FAULT??? SAVE YOUR FUCKING BOY??? -- oooo then the rest of bb doesn't comment about it literally gsjrkgbdkfbg why do they not care about him???? Like it seems they legitimately dont care about crosshair, even though theyve been together for so long like even before the show came out they

had history together and were all really close. I know people argue "oh well its just difficult to save him and its unrealistic for them right now" but so what? Even if they aren't trying to save him they should at least CARE about him. --- Which is also like the thing with echo and fives!!!! Like Echo didn't seem to care much at all when Rex mentioned fives even a little! Or even about seeing Rex that much!! Dave I'm gonna need some answers my guy, cause you humanized these characters but then you dont make them act that way so like whats up. - Lucky hunters abilities came in handy - Back to crosshair for a second im predicting they 100% arent saving him this season. There was a poster released part way through the season and he's not even on it... makes me so sad. - "I'd do the same for you." ;-; that didnt need to get that deep - CROSSHAIR BETTER NOT START SHIT WITH HOWZER - Howzer helping Hera's parents or at least implying that is good but that also means im right so far and therefore worried >> -- HES GOING TO GET FUCKING CAUGHT I BET TALKING TO THEM LIKE THIS AT SOME POINT AND HOW MUCH DO YOU WANNA BET ITS GONNA BE CROSSHAIR THAT CATCHES HIM --- Cham stfu its literally so obvious that howzer is trying to be genuine, also if he's kind of undercover for him like what the fuck do you expect howzer to do if he has to play along with the empire to keep his cover?? "Won't make that mistake again" Fuck off like honestly. ---- #stopbeingmeantohowzer2021 - "A little help" and the gentle "Hey" ahh love it - I'm really enjoying this whole them fighting in the ships sequence - "Stay here and guard the capitol" SCARES ME -- Please for the love of god bad batch don't get howzer killed --- or plot B Bad batch maybe run into howzer but save him and take him with you at least temporarily ---- oh god.... bb is helping heras parents escape and that means howzers gonna get in trouble.../probably replaced by crosshair - Crosshair is smart but thats also badddd - The scene of howzer and crosshair looking at each other is killing meeeeeeeee - Ohhh is howzer gonna stop them before they go out the door? -- YES HE IS SEE WHAT A GOOD BOY HE IS - (please fucking listen to him I beg) - Aw dude I just had a thought that breaks my heart... howzer cares about his squad and "trying to get through to them" but what if his squad is clones as well and the chips... that hurts me so badly... -- Like we all know howzer is a sweet boy by now but ughhh like the thought that he doesnt want to leave them even though they are doing whats wrong shows just how much he cares and I really hope he doesn't get into trouble because of what he's saying to them, but you know he totally would do it because he seems to care about them so much and :( bad batch more like sad batch --- This is the kind of compassion I wanted from bb for crosshair hunter kind of looks back at howzer as they leave him and I doubt itll mean anything but I really hope that maybe seeing how much howzer cares will make hunter care a little too... - *sigh* howzer is getting left behind by them which we know why but yeah... now he's definitely going to be in trouble... I just hope they don't hurt him... - OH GOD HOWZER BABY DONT -- He's making a speech and I know he's trying to sway them but you know damn well this is gonna go so badly for him because of the chips and crosshair is watching so you know howzer is gonna get fucked here and I know what hes trying for but I really wish he didnt just do that because now its blatantly obvious he's gonna be against them ;-; - Wow ok im kinda shocked people are siding with him (I guess cause theyre not all clones right) but I feel so bad for themmmmm - Crosshair missed multiple shots? Uh what? I didnt think that was possible lol - bb please come back for howzer and the others at some point.... -- I guess maybe if hera's parents are going to organize rebels against the empire maybe they will help them but I somewhat doubt it... - Ok I know that crosshair requesting to hunt them was supposed to be this big moment and all but I

can't help but feel like its a little underwhelming (but dont get me wrong still cool vibes) because he's kind of already been doing that anyway?? Or has tried to several times?? So I don't get why its a big deal, however, I do have a possible prediction: We know that bb got their chips removed, (crosshair doesn't, I know that) and so that eliminates the idea that they will get caught and actually go bad like crosshair, but it does leave a possibility where maybe they get captured and then *pretend* to be bad? And that could lead to a better possibility of helping crosshair (they wont) or maybe howzer and the other rebels or something? Cause I also feel like its significant that they brought up how the war will eventually come to them and bb will be a part of it no matter what eventually, and it makes obvious sense theyd be on the rebels side of it, so maybe something like that goes on, idk.

[jadedjo]

Star Wars Regency AU

Please accept this word vomit from my never to be finished Star Wars Regency AU.

moodboard from @celinamarniss​ 

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The candles flickered with light reminiscent of a thousand sparkles on the open ocean during sunset. It made Captain Luke Skywalker wish he were anywhere else then in the overheated ball room with said candles. In full Navel regalia, he longed for the open waters of the sea to cool his overheated body. But he had been ordered to attend the gathering held by his twin sister, and unofficial head of the house. He may hold the rank of Lord but it was the Lady Leia Solo who ruled the Skywalker estates.

Thus, his ship in port, and he himself on leave, Luke had very little choice but to make an appearance. As he gazed out upon the throng of pastel clad ladies and the dandies at their beck and call, Luke tried to hide a yawn behind his white gloved hand. 

After finishing a boring conversation with one of Leia’s political friends, he was about to head for the side door to the ballroom and his freedom when a flash motion caught his eye. 

Just entering the room, a woman in a scarlet silk gown that shimmered of the highest quality and complimented the cream color of her skin, stood at the entrance and let her gaze slide coolly over the guests. The red highlights of her hair blazed in the candle light amongst the gold curls, all swept up into a stylish chignon that left her elegant neck bare leading down to the expanse of her shoulders, uncovered by lace shall or chemisette. Luke could not see the color of her eyes from this vantage point and the low light, but when they passed his way and stopped for a split second before moving on, he felt a jolt of awareness spread through him. She was too exotic to be called beautiful by the current modes of fashion. But this captivating woman was worth sticking around for a while longer.

So transfixed by her presence, Luke almost did not see the man who stood at her side until he took her hand to lead her to a group of businessmen standing with his brother-in-law. Hoping to join the group before the woman and her escort got there, Luke slid through the crowd like a schooner through the rocks surrounding the outer bay of Alerra, arriving at his brother-in-law’s side just and introductions where being made.

“Captain Solo,” the escort said. “May I present Miss Mara Jade. My dear, Han Solo, Captain of the Millennium Falcon and our host.”

Han bowed and the woman curtsied before Luke nudged his friend and brother for an introduction. Up close she was even more captivating. Dark eyes, green perchance? Shone with enticing mystery.

Han shot him a wink only Luke could see before fulfilling his duties. “Captain Karrde, Miss Jade, a pleasure. And allow me to introduce my wife’s brother, Lord Luke Skywalker, Captain of the HMS Tantive. Luke, I’m assuming you heard the other half of the introduction so I’m not going to repeat it.”

Everyone gave the proper formalities before Luke asked, “Miss Jade, I’ve not heard that name before. Perhaps you are new to Alderaan?”

“In a manner of speaking,” she said in a throaty voice that sent shivers across his skin.

“Mara’s parents where from Alderaan before traveling east. She was but a child of 5 when they left. It was in waters off Jedha where their journey ended when the ship they traveled upon was attacked by pirates and her parents killed. I was a crewman of the ill-fated ship and managed to secret Miss Jade and myself away before the pirates found us. She has lived in Jedha ever since. It is only recently that I have brought her back to her homeland.”

It was as the man spoke that Luke finally took notice of him. 

Captain Karrde was of some indeterminate years older than Han, though not so old as to be labeled Miss Jade’s father. He carried himself like a man of the sea, stance slightly spread for balance and steadiness. His black hair was kept short and neat, as opposed to the current fashion of longer, curled hair. The gray at the sides gave him a distinguished air that would hold up to stuff with any courtier. The skin of his face bore the trademarks of a life of sun and salt but was of a darker hue then just an ordinary tan. The equally dark eyes seemed to see much and express little. His dress was simple yet of the highest quality and spoke to refined tastes and deep pockets. Luke had trouble placing his accent but it only added to his air of foreign allure.

“It is as Captain Karrde says,” Miss Jade added. “I have begged him for many years to bring me back to my birthplace. Finally, he has relented.”

“Bad timing if you ask me,” Han said. “War with the Coruscant is on the horizon and may happen at any moment. The Queen cannot keep the peace forever.”

One Han’s friends, a Mr. Calrissian said, “You worry too much my old friend.”

“And you don’t worry enough ‘Old friend,’” Han replied, but in a jovial fashion. The others in the group chuckled. Even Captain Karrde gave a slight smile as if also knowing of the good-natured ribbing exchanged by the two.

It was then that Luke heard the strains of a Naboo Cotillion beginning and saw his chance to get Miss Jade away from her chaperone.

“Miss Jade, would you do me the honor of a dance?” He asked. “I fear my land legs may yet trip me up, as I’ve only just landed but a day ago. But if you can bare it, I would be delighted.”

There was an indefinable pause as she considered his request before curtsying and replying, “Of course, My Lord. I have yet to fill up my dance card and have been looking forward to dancing tonight.”

“Please, I am but a simple Captain in her Majesty's Navy and would prefer to be addressed as such.”

“If you wish, my Lor… Captain.” She nodded to the assembled group before taking his hand.

Now standing beside her, Luke noted that she was taller than most of the ladies of his acquittance and once hand in hand opposite each other as the dance began, he found it refreshing not to have to look down at her. Even so close, the light was still to dime to make out her eye color but he found he was utterly captivated by them.

“How are you finding your homecoming, Miss Jade?” He asked as they danced.

“To be honest, Captain, I find it lacking,” she said dryly. “The whole world touts Alderaan’s tranquil vistas and peaceful society, but I have yet to find it to my tastes.”

“Is there something wrong with a peaceful way of life?” he asked, curious by her response. 

“As a man of war how can you say such a thing?”

“Because I am not a man of war but of peace and protection. I offer my service to Her Majesty and to the Navy to protect those I care about.”

“And what of the rest of the world?” she prodded. “Do they not also need your protection?”

“It has always been Alderaan’s covenant to provide aid to those who ask for it. Even now I have it on good authority that the Queen is considering a proposal that would extend our ability to provide said protection.”

“I would believe you if I had not seen the lack of Alderaan’s ‘protection’ with my own eyes,” she said with a touch of bitterness.

“I fail to take your meaning.”

“Were you not aware of Coruscant’s invasion of Jedha?”

“I was. I am very sorry that your home has fallen to Admiral Thrawn’s ambitions. But I fail to see what Alderaan could have done to prevent it.”

“Jedha asked for help. Help that was never given.”

“I see,” he replied. This dance was not going as well as he hopped. Her lack of understanding in upper political workings of his country, made her bitter and resentful. “All I can say is that I cannot presume to know the mind of the Queen only to say that that must have been a very good reason for any withholding of aid.”

The woman said nothing and Luke found her silence irksome. Jedha was on the eastern side of Coruscant, far from Alderaani shores. If he were one of the Queen’s advisors, he would have cautioned against sending a large force and provoking Thrawn into open war with Alderaan.

He brought them to a halt before the dance was done and asked, “You doubt me Miss Jade? My sister and I were once wards of the Queen and her Consort.”

“I do not doubt you Captain Skywalker, and I have heard of your connection the Royal Family. Even as far as Jedha we have heard of the rumors that Queen Breha wishes to make your sister her heir.”

When he did not confirm or deny the rumor she went on, “But I have yet to see any proof of Alderaan’s commitment to anything but its own self interests.”

“Then I am sorry for you Miss Jade. Perhaps now that you are no longer sequestered in the east the truth will be revealed to you.”

~~~~~

This ball takes place during a house party and Luke finds Mara snooping in Leia’s quarters, tries to arrest her but she gets awa.

She escapes on a horse and he follows.

She heads to Talon’s ship in the bay where Luke tries to prevent her from boarding only to get captured himself as a trophy for Thrawn.

~~~

A little back story...

Anakin and Padme are Lord and Lady Skywalker. Padme was a Princess of Naboo when she met Anakin, a minor lord of Alderaan and fell in love. Anakin was matched with many young ladies but it is said Skywalkers only marry for Love. This was the case with Padme as she was supposed to marry another but left Naboo for Anakin. It was a scandal when she wed so far below her station.

Unfortunately their love was short lived and Padme dies in child birth to twins. Anakin soon follows her from a riding accident a few years later. Though many that knew the couple we say he died of a broken heart.

Luke and Leia Skywalker. They are fostered by the Queen and Queen’s consort of Alderraan. Luke becomes a Navel Captain while Leia manages the estate. She follows in her parents foot steps and marries a merchant and humble background, Captain Han Solo ( who also is involved in “free trade”). This is an even greater scandal then her mother as at least Anakin had been a Lord. Luke looks the other way concerning his bro-in-laws activities since tensions with Alderaan and Coruscant are rising and Han’s enterprises are for Alderaan and against the Imperial Empire.

Mara Jade is a courtesan/spy for Admiral Thrawn of the Imperial Empire of Coruscant. He holds on her the safety of a group of warrior monks, the Guardians of the Whills, that trained/raised her and she must spy on her countrymen to free them.

Talon Karrde is her accompli. Doesn’t approve of what she’s doing and just wants her to go to the Alderaan Government and come clean.