#technically the second time ive love towned them

[kat1nkulta]

(10) moments before disaster

[ghostgirl-22]

Diet Pepsi

Summary: summer love is about the slow…but consistent erosion of Art Donaldson’s virginity in the backseat of Patrick’s 2006 Honda CR-V. WC: 4.7k 🥀 it was supposed to be a blurb [AO3]

CW (18+): MDNI. first time, fingering, oral sex, anal sex, semi public sex, car sex, implied religion, implied internalized homophobia

A/N: So very grateful to Ava @tacobacoyeet for all her help and excitement around this <33 all mistakes are my own. Loosely inspired by the Ben Platt Diet Pepsi cover I listened to 1000 times in 3 days 🥀. Listen here.

Taglist: @artstennisracket @nozhdyved @jesuistrestriste @disembodiedgoddess @saltburntme @diyasgarden @siren-iv @iheartinkonpaper @museboos @jordiemeow @hepploblefdun @galejandraao (click here to be added)

Art remembers the first time he gets to spend the entire summer with Patrick. It’s the summer before their final year at MRTA. It’s the same summer that Patrick gets his own car— a white Honda CR-V. His first car that he doesn’t have to share with anyone else. It’s not brand new (it's technically a hand me down from his big sister) but it’s not even a year old yet and even better it’s all his. 

There’s a dizzying freedom that comes with it— waking up at noon and grabbing the keys. Windows rolled down, music turned up, racing down the highway at 60 miles per hour towards some mostly secluded beach on the other side of town. Tracking the beach back in the car at sunset—wet hair, salty skin, sand under their fingernails and clinging everywhere else. Two half naked, hungry boys sharing sandwiches and Diet Pepsi while the sun's pretty golds and pinks dance around them. 

Patrick with a newly lit cigarette, saying silly things like, “You’re so pretty, stupid pretty like the sunshine.” Dirty things like “I like the way your ass looks when those get all wet and clingy.” Says it all so softly with that one half smile that always makes Art’s stomach feel funny. 

Art bites his necklace, the little gold cross chain he always wears, the one his grandma gave him. Patrick always talks like that but it feels different when he says it now— it feels like he means it. Or maybe he’s always meant it and it's Art that feels different. He’s not even sure what he wants, just knows that he feels warm when Patrick's looking at him, knows it makes his heart beat faster. He stretches his feet up onto the dash, notices it when Patrick’s gaze falls to his bare thighs, his swim trunks still damp and clinging to his skin.

”Can I try it?” Art asks. 

“What?”    

Art reaches for the cigarette and Patrick grins, rolling it between his thumb and forefinger. “Look at you, misbehaving.” 

Patrick sits too close as Art takes it in his mouth, he inhales too much too quickly and it makes him cough, his skin flushing as Patrick laughs. “Take your time, baby. It’s okay,” Patrick says. 

Art’s skin warms for the pet name. He tries it again but when he coughs the second time he hands it back. 

“Watch me,” Patrick puts it back to his own lips, full lips wrapped around the filter paper. He makes it look so cool. They’re sitting so close Art can see every other freckle. He needs to bite something so he lifts his chain and presses it back to his lips. Patrick’s free hand brushes against Art’s cheek as he plucks the cigarette back out and lets the smoke spill from his lips, easy. “Like that.” He breathes, brushing the pad of his thumb lightly along the cross pressed against Art's lips. Art laps his tongue briefly at the salt of his fingertips. Patrick smiles and gently pats his cheek, good boy, his subtle approval before he turns away and starts the engine.

Art closes his eyes and lets his head loll back against the headrest. He shouldn’t be acting like this… doing things he’s not supposed to do just because he’s got a crush. 

Patrick lets Art hold the cigarette, lets him practice while they drive home. Both of them spritzing in Patrick’s cologne when they pull in the driveway and chewing bubble gum so they don't get caught with the smell on them. Only to get up the next morning and do it again. 

It feels like one of those summers that will last forever.

These days all Art ever thinks about is sex. He hasn’t done it yet, he was waiting but now he can’t remember what he was waiting for. He thinks about it when he’s riding in Patrick’s car. Patrick’s done it, of course. Many times. Apparently he’s even been with a boy or two before, a revelation he shared at the start of the summer. One that made Art squirm. One that scrambled everything inside him and suddenly there’s this feeling that won’t go away. 

He shouldn’t even be thinking about any boy like that,  let alone his best friend. Art’s seen him through puberty, braces and weird haircuts, scraped knees and first girlfriends. It feels so weird and yet…

Art likes it when Patrick's eyes wander, when his touch lingers. Warm hand on Arts thigh as they drive to Six Flags. It feels like he has something… something Patrick really wants. Something Patrick can’t have unless Art lets him.  

Today, the sun is streaming through the car windows, little dust particles dancing in its warmth as Art absentmindedly fiddles with the car radio. Patrick’s hand comes down on his with a quick slap. 

“Man, just pick a station!” The dark-haired boy huffs, though the grin etched on his face is the sign that he’s not upset in the slightest. “What are you so lost in thought about, anyway?” He glances over at Art, taking in the wrinkle of his forehead, the messy mop of curls flopping down on his face. 

Art sighs, rubbing his left hand over his face—his right hand is still tingling from Patrick’s touch. “Nothing,” he frowns. “Just, like, school… and stuff.”

Art isn’t even convinced by his own voice. 

“I’m not stupid. I know you, Art. What are you thinking about?” The hint of concern that Patrick feels is evident in the tiny frown that has overtaken his former smile. “You know you can tell me anything, right?”

So easy to say, and yet... “It’s nothing, I think I'm nervous cause you’re gonna make me go on the Superman ride again.” Art tries again, a casual shrug to really sell it.

Patrick accepts that answer, his grin even wider than before. “Is it because you almost threw up last time?”

“Its not funny, Patrick,” Art says, but he’s smiling too.

“Dont worry, I'll hold your hand,” Patrick teases. All the flirting is making him feel crazy.

Art doesn’t bring it up in the park, not when Patrick insists on buying him lunch (then finishing half of it), not when he gives Art the stupid little stuffed bear he wins in one of the carnival games, not even when he squeezes Art’s hand and reminds him to breathe as the rickety cart they’re in approaches the zenith of the parks biggest roller coaster (and suddenly Art’s butterflies have nothing to do with how far off the ground they are). 

When they leave the park it's dark outside and so much cooler. Art doesn’t even realize he’s shivering till Patrick hands over his hoodie. Art pulls it on and feels warm instantly for so many reasons, one being that it smells like him.  

The parking lot was so packed when they arrived they were forced to park at least a 20 minute walk from the entrance. Now it’s all sparse, lit up by the glow of street lamps and the distant colors of the now empty theme park rides.  

“Still wanna throw up?” Patrick smirks when they get back to the car, he puts his knapsack in the trunk and approaches Art. Art shakes his head and leans against the car door, hands shoved in the pocket of Patrick’s hoodie as he watches Patrick finish up a cigarette. Patrick has never had any semblance of personal space, he stops right in front of Art and holds out the half finished cigarette. “You want to try this again?”  

It’s not the cigarette that Art wants to try. 

He looks down at the minimal space between them and grabs at the hem of Patrick’s t-shirt which just makes Patrick step closer, one hand leaned up on the car door next to Art’s head. Art’s heart is suddenly beating too fast.  “Can I ask you something without you laughing at me?” Art asks. 

Patrick’s brow furrows with a hint of concern, but he’s never been one to be completely serious. “No promises.”

Art takes a breath. “Are you doing it all on purpose?”

“Doing what?” Infuriating little smirk on his lips.

“Shut up. You know what. It’s like you’re flirting with me.”

“Yeah, of course I am. Didn’t think that you were that slow, Artie.” Patrick’s smirk blossoms into a smile as he reaches over, ruffling Art’s hair. “Why? Is it working?”

Art’s gaze falls to his mouth and then slowly back up to his eyes. “Maybe.”  

Before he knows what he’s doing, their faces are brushing together, lips touching, he feels Patrick’s hand along his throat, his tongue slips into his mouth. Art gasps against his lips, feels Patrick's hand slip into his hair, feels Patrick hardening against his thigh. A rush runs through Art—warmth, satisfaction. He’s making this happen. Art Donaldson has Patrick Zweig wrapped around his little finger. 

“Can we…?“ Art whispers against his lips.

Patrick grins, fingers easing out of Art's hair. He unlocks the car and they climb in and continue making out. Art isn’t even sure what he's doing when he straddles Patrick's lap in the back seat, knees pressed into the leather seats, one uncomfortable digging into the seatbelt holder a distant pain he’s only vaguely aware of. The windows fog up around them as they taste each other, mouths wet, soft moans and heavy breaths. Chasing the sensations, Patrick playing with his body, touching him in places no else has ever touched him. Art rolling his hips, grinding against the bulge in Patrick’s shorts, giddy for the way it feels, the way it makes Patrick gasp and moan. 

“Okay slow down,” Patrick takes him by the waist to make him sit still. Everything’s mostly quiet except for their breathing and the distant sound of cars on the highway. Art watches as Patrick unzips and pulls it out, hard and glistening at the tip. Art licks his lips, before reaching for it. Patrick lets him touch. It’s bigger than his, Art’s always known that but right now he doesn’t feel jealous, he just feels eager. 

He jerks it lightly and when Patrick reacts with a groan Art feels kinda powerful. “What if I—“ He moves to sink onto the floor and Patrick huffs out a stunned little laugh. “Jesus,” he whispers as he opens his legs and watches Art settle between his thighs.

He thinks he’s being so sexy only to get on his knees and realize he has no idea what he’s doing. He licks at the tip, salty and warm, which earns a gasp, plays with his balls a little and gets a soft groan. He tries to imagine what he would like, or what it looks like from what they show on tv, the sexy stuff he sometimes masturbates to on hbo after dark. He comes to the conclusion that he should try to fill his mouth as much as possible. Patrick hums in response. He seems content to let Art explore to a point and then he starts to guide him, whispering directions, as his fingers gently brush against the nape of Art’s neck.     

Relax. Breathe through your nose. Careful with your teeth. You don’t have to take it all. You can use your hand. Yeah. Like that. Exactly like that. Good. Oh, so pretty. So fucking good for me baby.  

Art is overwhelmed, heart pounding in his ears, jaw surprisingly sore. He feels more dizzy than he did on any of the rides and he loves it. The way Patrick is reacting, it’s like he can taste his pulse, feels it throbbing on his tongue. He’s still swimming in Patrick’s oversized hoodie but he doesn’t even need it now. His skin is heated from the inside out and yet his body is still trembling. 

“Ahh fuck— ’m getting so close baby, you wanna swallow for me?” Patrick's words are all slurred together, his body tensing under Art’s touch. 

“Mmhm,” Art hums. Even with the warning he’s not prepared for when it actually happens. The guttural sound of Patrick moans making him shiver, his mouth filling up so fast with salty, viscous, warm liquid. He pulls away too quickly and some of it splashes on his cheek, he wipes it off on the sleeve of the hoodie. Art makes himself swallow it down. His cheeks feel hot for how filthy it feels. A little stunned and impressed by himself… he really just did that. 

“Mm you did so good,” Patrick breathes. “Com’ere.” He coaxes Art up, makes him crawl back on his lap and kisses him. Art smiles against his lips. Feels Patrick’s hand slip inside his shorts touching him. He finishes in no time all over Patrick’s palm. Patrick wipes it off on one of the beach towels they had left in the back from the day before and then they keep kissing. It’s late when they drive home, both of them grinning too much in the dark. Art chewing bubble gum for a different reason. He falls asleep in the hoodie— his carnival bear not too far away. 

They drive all over the place after that. It feels so exciting now that there’s this little secret between them, eighteen and horny all the time. Doing it in the car so they don’t get caught. Patrick would go anywhere just to touch him. They drive for an hour and a half  just to go to the state's lone drive-in movie theater— only to miss half the movie when Patrick goes down on him. Art sips his soda at first, watching Patrick settle between his thighs. He loses it just a little as Patrick takes him in his mouth. He’s never been in something so warm and wet before. This must be what it feels like. He nearly spills soda everywhere as the sensation builds, thankfully he manages to drop the cup safely on the empty seat and then he’s using the seat for leverage to press his hips up, he’s practically thrusting up into Patrick’s mouth and Patrick doesn’t stop him, just lets his tongue slide everywhere. He sips the rest of Art’s drink afterwards to swallow it down when he cums. “I think you bruised the back of my throat, you know?” Patrick whispers in his ear.  

Art feels his skin heat up and he’s suddenly concerned because he didn’t realize that could happen. “I‘m sorry I didn’t mean to. I thought I was—” 

“Relax, I’m teasing,” Patrick smirks.  

Art rolls his eyes and then bites back on his own smile. “Asshole.” 

He licks the popcorn butter off his fingers and tries to figure out what he missed on screen knowing it’s pointless as he slips his now butter free hand into Patrick’s boxers.

The next day they tell Patrick’s mom they’re going to a nearby court to play tennis (in spite of them having a tennis court on their property). Instead of playing they end up in the backseat, car still on,  radio playing, air conditioner blowing. Art sitting on Patrick’s lap while Patrick slowly presses his fingers inside, fingers soaked in Art’s spit. It’s a weird sensation, like he’s trying to force his way inside and it makes Art just want to clench down around the intrusion. 

It doesn't feel bad… it doesn’t really feel like anything except for a slight ticklish sensation that resides low at the base of his spine. That feels kinda nice. Patrick’s whispering about how warm he is… how tight he feels. Art tenses as Patrick slips a second wet finger inside, the muscle giving just a little more to accommodate him. He presses just a little deeper and deeper still and suddenly a little weird starts to feel good and then really good. Soon he’s squirming, moaning loud against Patrick’s ear. Patrick is grinning, touching him nonstop and Art can’t sit still…wiggles on the steady massage of Patrick’s fingers scissoring deep inside, brushing along something that makes him want to scream. Then his eyes squeeze shut and he is screaming, spilling breathlessly all over Patrick’s bare stomach and chest.  By now the car is all stocked with wet wipes and stuff to clean up when they’re done. 

“Is that how it feels to…“ Art swallows the last part, playing with his necklace.  

“To what?” Patrick grins and Art feels his skin flushing as he chews on his necklace. Patrick drags the necklace from his lips and kisses him. “Yeah it feels a little like that. Just more.” 

Art’s so dizzy after he doesn’t really mind losing to Patrick in a straight set when Patrick insists they play at least a little bit for appearances sake. He does get a little annoyed still losing in the start of the second set so they abandon it and go get ice cream from Sonic. Art still feels the ache from earlier. The little bit of tension at the base of his spine that hasn’t gone away. He can’t believe they just did that and then played tennis like it was nothing. Patrick looks so hot, t-shirt with the sleeves cut off, basketball shorts, still coated in a light sheen of sweat. Art can see the tan lines and the seemingly endless smattering of freckles along his shoulders,  his stomach coils up tight as he watches Patrick dip his spoon in Art’s banana split and lick the ice cream off. 

“Can we fuck?” Art blurts it out quickly before he gets too shy to say it again.

Patrick nearly chokes as he swallows the ice cream, his cheeks going pink before he nods his head. “Yeah, yeah we can do that.” 

They buy condoms and lube from the convenience store on the way home, well Patrick does. Art wants to sink into the floor when an older woman that reminds him of his Grandma shuffles past them, heading towards the pharmacy.

Patrick watches him, amused. ”Oh I promise your Gram has no idea what you’re up to right now but we can pray about it if you want,” he teases. 

“Shut up,” Art says, shoving Patrick’s arm playfully. They hide everything in the glove compartment. Art is so anxious he can barely sleep that night. It’s all he thinks about all day. He barely eats. He’s full of so much nervous energy when they get on the road he starts sucking kisses along Patrick’s throat, just to keep his mouth busy. Leaving pretty marks there— wishing he could make them permanent. They’re driving to a pool party, it’s about 30 minutes away, being thrown by some kid Patrick sorta knows from elementary school. “Art.” Patrick’s voice is tight. “You’re gonna make me have to pull over if you keep doing that.”  

“Make you?” Art grins. He’s never gonna get over this little bit of power he has now. “Am I better than the other boy you touched?” 

Patrick smiles. “Shut up, Donaldson.”

“Come on, tell me I’m the best.”

“You’re still a virgin.”    

“Yeah and you’re gonna fuck me.” Art kisses his throat again, feels Patrick grip his thigh tighter. 

“Yeah… I’m gonna fuck you,” he says, “I’ll be your first,” he adds, voice low. He doesn’t stop at the party. They end up near the beach. “I can’t wait.” Patrick tells him. “You wanna do it before the party?” 

Art nods but he feels his nerves light up again. It’s getting dark so it’s cool enough to have the windows down. New England beaches are so quiet at dusk. The salty ocean breeze fills the car through the open windows, along with the soft sound of the waves rolling in and seagulls calling.   

Art doesn’t know why it feels different than the other times they’d messed around. Maybe it’s because he’s watching Patrick reach across him to pull a condom from the glove compartment. All Art can think about is the millions of ways it can go wrong. He tried to do all the things he saw online last night to get ready but what if he’s not ready? What if he's really bad at it? Like the worst.  What if it hurts? What if the fingers only felt good because they were smaller. The more he thinks about how big Patrick is the more he thinks he won’t be able to do it.  And what if Patrick doesn’t like him after? What if it ruins their friendship?

It's like Patrick is reading his mind. “Hey man, relax… come on…get out of your head. You want me to, right?”

“Yeah.” Art was so excited up until this point.

“Its not this big thing that’s gonna change your life forever. Its just… us. Okay?” 

Art takes a breath and nods.

“Good?” Patrick rubs along his leg. 

“Yeah um… yes.”

They climb into the backseat, like always. Art gets on his lap. “Do you want me to put the condom?”

“Shh…” Patrick says gently, he cups Art along the jaw and coaxes him into a kiss. That slows down the rapid thoughts in Art’s head by about half.

“Do we use the lube on me or you because I read that—“

Patrick kisses him again. 

“What if I can’t—“ 

Another kiss to shut him up and then they’re just kissing and kissing and kissing. Art starts to relax. He's just breathing Patrick in, feeling him. They’re both in dry swim trunks and t-shirts. Art feels goosepimples all along Patrick’s arms and something overwhelming hits him, a feeling he can’t really name without changing everything. A feeling he can’t really stop. He gently rubs Patrick’s upper arms to smooth them out.Patrick shifts beneath him, he lets his hands slide down, from Art’s lower back to his bottom. Art sits up on his knees and  Patrick looks up at him, watching him pull his t-shirt off. He grabs at the back of Art's thighs as Art shimmies closer. “I wanna look at you so you gotta lay on your back for me when we start.” Patrick says. Hands slipping up beneath the hem of his swim trunks.  

Art takes another deep breath and nods.

Its a little awkward trying to spread out in  the backseat. The seatbelt buckles pressing into his thighs, leather clinging to bare back, Patrick’s gym bag stuffed with a few towels as a makeshift pillow. Barefoot, his knees drawn up on either side of the narrow seat, while Patrick settles between him. There was a time as a kid that he would’ve been able to lie across the whole thing with his feet just barely touching, but he’s not a kid anymore. 

Patrick leans over his body, kissing him again and Art wraps his arms around him. He feels Patrick tug at the waistband of his swim shorts and he sighs into Patrick’s mouth. He lifts his hips to help Patrick tug them all the way down. 

He thinks he’s going to panic when Patrick starts touching him but he doesn’t.  Its almost easy. Letting Patrick tease his fingers inside again, this time slippery with lube. He’s careful, controlled. He checks in with every movement.

Does it feel good? Are you alright?

Art can see the little breaks in his careful demeanor though. His shaky breaths, the way his hands tremble, the way his jaw sets as Art moans and shifts against his body. “Fuck,” he whispers as Art moans a little too loud and clenches at the addition of a third finger. By the time he’s done teasing, they’re both breathing like they’ve already fucked. 

Patrick leans back and lifts his t-shirt off before dragging his shorts down and letting his cock spring free.

Art watches him bite the condom wrapper open, impatiently. He makes a mental note to do that on his turn. “Do you need me to help?” He asks as Patrick rolls the condom down over his shaft and starts covering himself in lube.

“No… no…just…” It's his turn to take a breath. “I need to last and if you touch me this will be over before it starts. You get me?”

“Mmhm,” Art nods but he can’t help smiling. He’s the best and now he knows it. 

“Shut up,” Patrick adds after a quick glance at him. 

“I didn’t say anything.”

“Your stupid grin is saying it.” Patrick runs a hand along Art's cock, where it's settled, hard, along his pelvis. Art hitches up into the touch. “Look at you. You’re just as eager as me. You wanna say a prayer that I fucking last?”

“Stop,” Art whines, he’s already feeling mildly guilty misbehaving, doing all this and doing it with a boy. Telling himself it's okay because it feels good.

“I’m only teasing,” Patrick leans over and kisses him again, before he positions himself. Art feels his heart rate pick up as he presses at the entrance. Art is so anxious with anticipation, clenching hard at the breach that he only comes back to himself when Patrick runs a gentle hand over his stomach. “Open your eyes.” 

Art didn’t realize he’d shut them, he looks up and sees Patrick staring at him. “Relax for me.” He whispers. “You know I'm gonna take care of you.”

“Yeah,” Art nods, that feeling he can’t speak radiating out of him with every rapid pulse of his heart. He lets go and feels Patrick resume. This time he feels the stretch of that tight muscle inside him, the pressure of Patrick’s cock head forcing him to open up. God. He can stretch around anything apparently. He digs his feet into the seat. It feels too big to be allowed and yet it sinks deep and deep and deeper inside him. His eyes are wide as he feels the pressure breaking him in. Realizes he’s holding his breath and lets it out.

Patrick is above him muttering swear words, his body tense, eyes shut, brow furrowed.  He finally holds steady inside when Art thought he’d be sliding in forever. Patrick opens his eyes and lifts a hand to caress Art’s face, he whispers things like Keep breathing. Come on, it's okay. Several iterations of the same thing almost like he’s also talking to himself. 

“Im gonna start okay?” He whispers after a minute

“Okay.” Art nods. It feels weird. All of Patrick inside him. It’s weird and exhilarating and insane. Patrick starts rocking his hips, he could pull out so, so much and still be inside, a vague realization that makes Art feel dizzy. He feels it moving, warm and solid and gliding along his insides. Shifts his hips when he feels it against that spot. 

“Oh,” he cries out.

“Fuck. You okay?” Patrick grunts. His patience breaking apart, he can barely keep still long enough to ask the question.

“Feels good,” Art groans, wrapping his arms around his waist to encourage the movement. Patrick doesn’t need to be told twice. “Of course it fucking does,” he murmurs. “So much better than i could have imagined. You’re so fucking tight. Fucking virgin tight. Need to make you mine.” 

Art moans as Patrick punctuates his words with the thrust of his hips. He loves it when Patrick says that word. Mine. Hes picking up pace, white knuckling the underside of the leather car seat as all his restraint slips away. Art holds on, barely able to keep still when every thrust makes that spot inside him throb. He’s afraid to even brush against his leaking cock because he knows the slightest touch will make him cum.

 “Nngh im your first. I get to have you first. Im gonna stretch you in the shape of me, so you’ll always feel me no matter who else fucks you.” Patrick is panting. Words that make Art shiver, his jaw’s gone slack, his vision blurry, voice hoarse and body trembling.  

“Not gonna last much longer,” Patrick gasps. “You feel too fucking — ahh— ah— God. I fucking love you.” It's when he says it…just blurts out what Art’s been feeling… that Art arches up. He just spills, sticky spurts jutting out between their bodies and he feels Patrick tumble down with him. As he relaxes his legs, he feels the weight of Patrick collapsing onto his chest, his knees bent, ankles crossed and pressed against the car door, skin sweaty and sticky. It’ll only be comfortable for so long but right now Art kisses his forehead and he looks up smiling, still breathless. “You’re shivering,” he says softly.

Art bites his lip, he didn’t even realize it. Patrick reaches down and grabs his sweatshirt out of his knapsack on the floor. Art pulls it over his head.

Patrick is wrong. It feels different now. It feels like everything has changed. “Feel better now?” Patrick hums settling back along Arts torso, burying his head against Art's chest.

“I don’t want to go to the party.” Art whispers, combing his fingers through soft black curls.

“What do you wanna do?” Muffled, soft.

“Stay here.” (Share a cigarette, walk along the shore, do it again.)

“How long?”

“All night.” (Maybe forever).

Patrick sighs. “Yeah.”

It’s never all night, not even forever, only till curfew… but that feels like enough.

Art loves riding in Patrick’s car. Patrick deliberately keeps his hand on Art’s thigh now when they drive around, light teasing touches along Art’s inner thighs like he belongs there or like Art belongs to him.  Sometimes when he’s sleepy Art will let his head settle on Patrick’s shoulder— his arm looped around Patrick’s. Dozing off until Patrick teases him awake again. 

[funnypages]

Wheel of Time 3x07 Goldeneyes

This a bit of an odd episode that I think its going to be a bit until I full come down on my rating for this. There is a ton of stuff I like but overall I think the ep is a bit messy with a few moments I'm meh on even if I can get why they did them. Overall it seems show onlies liked the ep, while book readers are a bit more divided

The whole thing about Perin now being Lord Perrin Goldeneyes with the Wolfbanner is all from the books is perfect and love it. They hit on his struggle of not wanting to be a lord with Faile pointing out how important it is to his people.

We finally get Aram and the Tinkers! In the books they are introduced in the Two Rivers way earlier. In fact I think the moment where Aram takes up the sword might be one of the first chapters after Rhuidean. A little thing to keep in mind, ive seen some people say Aram is going to become an Aiel. No he is not, Aiel dont use swords, he is going his own path

I love that they make explicit the connection to the last King of Mantherin, Aemon al Caar al Thorin, and Rand's adoptive father Tam al'Thor and the possibility he is a descendant of his. Some ave also speculated Mat and the Cauthon family might be as well

Let's get back to Tam, who in the books is a major figure in this storyline and his Perrin's second in command. It sounds like he wasn't in this season due to scheduling conflicts with the actor which is a major pain. Maksim’s speech he gives to rally the troops was totally originally going to be Tam's

One of the first changes that I'm not a fan of Loial's death. Loial does not die in the books, but I think, from an adaptation side of things I get why they did it. Loial falls into a similar rut as a lot of "Second Tier mains" as I would call them (also would include Lan and Thom in this) where in the middle of the series they kinda disappear for several books or are technically there in the background for several books but dont do anything. Loial does in the books eventually rally the Ogiers and leads them to battle in the Last Battle, but that's in the last book. On a show you cant really have an actor jut hang around for seasons and nt really do much, especially one that requires so much make up. I just wish they had wrote him out as going back to the Stedding to heal from the Longing instead.

Also not a big fan of Alana getting injured again. Repeating the beat she literally just did. I get needing to write her out of the second half of the battle, but they either should not have had her as badly injured before with the White Cloaks, or alternatively have there be a Black Adjah or mad male channeler in the trolloc army that she had to deal with

I did like them killing of Valda here. In the books he is killed way later but this is a better end point. I also like the small implication that he may have been able to channel (cause he could see the weaves) and that was maybe part of the reason for his instability

Final thing I was not a fan of, the resolution to the fight with Perrin just threatening Fain into retreating. In the books, Faile actually does go away from the fight only to return with an army of villagers from other towns and farms who help turn the fight against the trollocs. Again they probably changed this because they couldn't afford all the extras, and for similar reasons probably didn't do my alternative which was Perrin calling down an army of wolves to fight.

Perrin leaves with the White Cloaks to go on trial at the end. In the books he does not go with them here, but instead goes with them books and books later, I think book 12 or 13? I am fine with this as the whole Perrin/White Cloak trial storyline goes on way too long in the books and would like them finishing it up soon. I will say though I am 50/50 on if this will be resolved next ep. This might be the last time we see Perrin this season

There is a lot I liked about this ep. The whole battle, Aram, Weap for Mantheran, The Perrin/Faille battle scene, Valda's death, and them speeding up the Perrin/White Cloak storyline from the books. It's just a lot of the other things I thought were a bit messy.

[brofisting]

2️⃣3️⃣ BANGERS FROM 2023 🎶

I listened to a lot of music in 2023!!! I love music!! There was sooooo much new-to-me music that I found this year, especially since I really committed to listening more widely to k-pop.

BUT if I made a list of new-to-me music I enjoyed this year we would be here forever, so I've made a list of 23 songs that came out in 2023 that made my year, and that I wanted to share with people. Enjoy!!! (I stuck to one song per artist, with one exception.)

Commentary under the cut!

Memories, RIIZE – What can I say; they're my boys of 2023. This is probably not going to be their sound going forward but I'm so glad they put it out as their first ever full song, because it's the perfect boyband song and it hooked me from day one.

Baggy Jeans, NCT U – This is Thee song of 2023. I will entertain no arguments on that.

The Last One, Maisie Peters – This did the same thing to my brain this year that Taylor Swift's Long Live did to it in 2010 which I think says everything.

Angel Eyes, NCT 127 – Yes, I realize NCT 127 is most known for crazy anti-music. This is like... anti-anti-music. It's Doyoung Does Journey. It's perfect in every way and I love it so much.

Naked In Manhattan, Chappell Roan – I realize this technically came out as a single in 2022 but I didn't appreciate it then and when I was picking a song off The Rise & Fall Of A Midwestern Princess it had to be this one, for me.

get him back!, Olivia Rodrigo – Everyone loves it for a reason, the reason is because it rules.

Something To Believe In, Kesha – If you haven't listened to Kesha's album from this year do yourself a favor and go do so right now. It's discomfiting and gorgeous.

CAKE, KARD – I dunno why I thought KARD was going to be music for heterosexuals. It is not music for heterosexuals. Watch the dance practice to see a giant LA frat-adjacent boy serve cunt.

On My Youth (English Version), WayV – This whole album rules but this stands out to me as a really great song that works perfectly both in Chinese and in English. They really sell it and it slaps. Also, the dance challenge they did for it stands out as the most fun one I saw all year, which really has nothing to do with the song but made me follow them on Instagram and now I'm obsessed with them.

Paint The Town Red, Doja Cat – Another one where it's just like... The Masses Are Correct. It's great.

Good Enough, CHANYEOL – This song makes my entire body and brain relax.

Beautiful Liar, MONSTA X – Classic Monsta X, fun and exciting and interesting and cool as hell. Video rules. So grateful we got this before they all had to enlist this year.

Back for More (with Anitta), TOMORROW X TOGETHER – The squawk of outrage that I made when I watched this video for the first time and Kai was hot in it.........also it was on repeat for a solid 4 weeks. It's catchy, Anita's part is great, and it ruined my life a little.

Get it? Got it? Good (feat. Amber Liu), Jessica – A late addition that is on repeat as we speak. Proof that a good hook is magic, IMO.

I AM, IVE – I'm ashamed that it took seeing IVE in concert to realize how fucking great they are, but they are so great, and this entire album is so solid with this song as the glittering diamond in it.

Voice, JOOHONEY – This one also feels a bit like cheating because I actually heard it in 2022, in concert. But it came out this year on Jooheon's solo album, and it's just... so, so good, and it makes me feel so much.

God Of Music, SEVENTEEN – I went back and forth between this and Super, but in the end, this won out for sounding like a party in progress, and being the Seventeen song that made me really take a second look at them and promptly fall down the rabbit hole. It's so fucking good, and it's so fucking fun, and they deserve all the recognition they got this year.

TOPLINE (Feat. Tiger JK), Stray Kids – A very Stray Kids song, by Stray Kids. I think it's my favorite from them this year, though there's definitely competition. This is winning due to the amount that I sing along to it in my kitchen.

BOUNCY (K-HOT CHILLI PEPPERS), ATEEZ – ATEEZ are more my boys-in-law than my boys, but far be it from me to deny that BOUNCY is one of the songs of the year. I cannot put that shit on without dancing along.

One Kiss, Red Velvet – Chill Kill is a phenomenal album front to back, but this song stands out as soooo perfect. Throwback vibes but feels contemporary, great vocals, lots of fun.

Guilty, TAEMIN – Primarily I'm obsessed with the artistic choices Taemin made on this album, but even discounting that, this song is a masterpiece.

NO PROBLEM (Feat. Felix of Stray Kids), NAYEON – This is a light, fun, kind of soothing bop which, if it were anyone else who'd featured I'd have probably been like "why did you ruin it with a random feature", but somehow since it's Felix featured he just brightens it up even further. I love it.

Talk Saxy, RIIZE – Yeah, of course this was going to be the artist who got two. What can I say. I was skeptical when the title "Talk Saxy" dropped, and then was made to eat my words so thoroughly I am now obligated to talk up Talk Saxy every time RIIZE comes up for the rest of my life. A perfect boyband bop, goofily age appropriate song, great dance, great vocals, good boys. Made me so excited about their future and sealed the being obsessed with them deal. Hashtag Stan RIIZE.

[aamethyst000]

Boredom (May 7,24 2:35pm)

I woke up at 12:50pm today, instead of in the morning, like i wanted but is okie. i can still work on waking up somewhat early. im feelig lazy now, i dont want to do anything or even think of what to make for dinner for tonight. i just wish mum can start cooking again but her artheritis keeps getting worse and worse every year. my little brother is learning how to cook, thankfully. even though he is being taught by just me, itd be nice if my mother can get in on teaching him too, insteas of just giving up so easily after having a third child (technically forth but i wont get into that right now).

I have been trying to find the papers for my name change and i cannot find it. im starting to get upset about it. my little brothers ID was a whole ass year late coming in, but since we went to rupert, they are making sure that the card is making it to the village here. i did not think that my name chane will be this difficult. i find it annoying, but i am tearing up my room trying to find my papers to send back to the agency. at the same time, i am very nersous about this name change. like, im going to have to tell any person i bump into, my name change and pronouns. it makes me feel like i want to shut down again, but then the feeling of letting these people win over the fact that its "easier" and more benificial for them to call me by my dead name. i almost just want to use up the rest of my money just to move out of here and start anew with my life. i so badly want that in my life, but this is a slow process that i can tolorate and my stubbornness can push through. I do want to mention though, ever since i found out that i have been trans almost all of my life when i didnt know that i can identify as 2spirit, rather than just choosing one gender binary over the other. all my life i have been calling myself a tomboy even though im not a famale or male. ive noticed that i tend to avoid mention that i identified as a woman/girl for a very short amount of my life. i never corrected anyone when i was mistaken as a man/boy for like a split second. i prefer to be a genderless blob and not to be precived as a person or just precieved in general lmao that would be nice, or be a cat living out there in the world or as a domesticated cat living the high life.

11:27pm - we just had fries for dinner tonight, which is fine. thankfullly i didnt have to do much other than fry uup our din din. now i am just watching the metal family on youtube <3 i fckn love this youtube show. glam and dee are my favourite charaters <3 they are the reason why i came back to rock and metal bands, along with punk but i think that is a givin lmao

i know ive said this before but i really like writing my journal entries here on the laptop. i really love this. not to mention the fact that i can write whatever i want and whener i feel like it. even whe i cant sleep at night. it really does help me. i seriously wish we had a cafe here. not one that is directly connected to the rec centre or right inside the gymnaisium. im going to be 26 next month and i have a proper excuse to not be around any children. i dont like them, they are loud, messier than the adults and and too much for me to personally handle. so i tend to stay home a lot. not to mention that they are loud (i know i already mentioned that, i just said it again for good measure). anyway, this would be a good time for me to live in town. mainly in prince george. thats where id like to be at least, if i end up in rupert, that will be a good place to start. i would just have to put up with bumping into my so called father. fucking alcholic bitch ass, women beater. hes been my main motivation to not drink so much, thankfully. as well as my own little fear of drinking too much. so, either way, i guess i thank him for motivating me not to drink, while my mother and all my other fmaily members have unintenionally helped me decide that i deffinitely do not want kids of my own. i guess thats where my dislike of children came from, to be honest. anyway, i think im going to make this journal entry short tonight. i didnt do much today and didnt do much of thinking. sat and watched a bunch of episodes of 3 differents shows i really love. Have a good night, readers~

[goobie-goo]

🫡🫡🫡 ok SO

(excuse my whilst i exposition dump for a second)

basically tawog (the amazing world of gumball) is a show about this middle schooler named gumball and his adopted brother darwin (who used to be his pet fish but then he grew legs. long story) (if you’ve ever heard that song “im on my waaaaayyy”, thats darwin singing it). it was my absolute favorite show when i was younger and i recently fell head over heels in love with it AGAIN because they announced a new season coming out THIS YEAR!!!!!!! THIS VERY YEAR!!!!!! THE YEAR OF OUR LORD 2025!!!!!!!!!! you cannot conceptualize how big this is for me

like i heard talk of a movie YEARS ago (like 2021-22 ish) and then nothing came of it and NOW. we have a TRAILER and a CONFIRMED release year???????? ive never been so happy (hopefully the movie is still a thjng but i’ll take literally ANYTHING atp)

part of the reason im so excited is cause the show left off on the BIGGEST CLIFFHANGER YOU CAN POSSIBLY IMAGINE (for a kids show). like, ok

so basically the VAST majority of the show is episodic. like, not throwaway, cause stuff will get brought up again and important character beats and plot stuff will stay relevant in future episodes (eg if a character has a big physical or relationship change, its gonna stay consistent), but for the most part its very much just gumball and darwin’s various misadventures around the town of elmore. towards the end of the show a bunch of plot stuff starts happening but eugshsghs. however, in season 3 episode 12, we’re introduced to a place called the void. i BELIEVE this is the first like overarching story thing that gets introduced, besides like character growth and such. the void is basically limbo/purgatory and its tv static as far as the eye can see. we’re also introduced to some concepts which are very important to the plot as a whole, that being

1. everyone in elmore has a role to fulfill (the jock, the sidekick, the rich kid, the hippie, etc). this wasn’t new knowledge, but its kind of spelled out, which is important (TECHNICALLY this is only brought up in a later episode, but its important for this one so im putting it here)

2. if you’re not fulfilling a role/you’re too boring, the universe considers you a mistake and you will be forgotten. which is VERY bad. (however, the universe also just voids stuff that’s useless or just better off being forgotten, which is quite funny cause some of the stuff in the void is just. socks and sandals. blimps. toxic hairspray from the 80s. really stupid shit lmao)

basically the universe forgets its mistakes by putting them in the void and wiping everyone’s memory of them ever existing (i think the memory thing only really goes for people tho, cause the characters are familiar with a lot of the objects in there). we only go to the void a couple of times (like twice i think, minus flashbacks), and when we do its rather important story wise.

HOWEVER.

at the VERY end of season 6, like the LAST episode of the series (not for long tho AHHAHAH) we are left on the BIGGEST GODDAMN CLIFFHANGER of EVER. the main antagonist, rob (who ill expand on in a bit), has been disguised the whole episode as this random ass superintendent who’s been trying to get gumball’s school to be less cartoony and more “normal”. basically, making all the cartoon characters (so. everyond.) human and getting rid of the quirks that come with their animated forms (ie the kid made out of clay can shapeshift, but obviously as a human he cant anymore).

at the end of the episode rob’s revealed as the guy behind it in a very scooby doo fashion, and he surrenders in order to explain why he did everything. and. xi im grabbing you by the shoulders and looking into your eyes. before he can explain why what he was doing was for the greater good, one of the students (a literal t rex) beats the shit out of him and knocks him out. and when he wakes up hours later he’s pissed and starts saying that he was trying to stop everyone from “going to the other place before this world-“ and. and before he can finish his sentence the world around him starts breaking apart and the void starts consuming it. rob looks dead in the camera and says “it’s started” before the void DESTROYS THE GROUND HE’S STANDING ON and he falls screaming into it

IM THROWING UP i havent even gotten to actually talking about the character and im already GRRRRAGHSJDHSJAKBAJAKNAHAKAKJ

like this is the CRAZIEST THING to pull at the VERY END of a series cause it comes out of (almost) NOWHERE. i mean this in the best way possible btw, cause it’s incredibly captivating and i absolutely love it but WHY WOULD YOU LEAVE ME WITH THIS ABSOLUTELY WILD PLOT (twist? reveal? idk) THING FOR 7 YEARS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 7 long, long years. im tired, xi. sits on a bench and looks wistfully into the distance

ok so. rob. rob rob rob rob rob rob rob.

he’s the main antagonist of the series NOT BY HIS OWN CHOICE!! you see, my dear friend. grabs you by the shoulder ljke im walking you through my art gallery

for the first 2 seasons, rob was a background character with no speaking lines that occasionally showed up in gumball and darwin’s school. before season 3 he had absolutely jack shit going for him. like there’s NOTHING. there’s a bit about gumball and darwin calling him the wrong name/not knowing his name (which is very ironic now that i think about it) and thats IT

however. in season 3 episode 12 when gumball, darwin, and their teacher go to the void to save one of their friends and their teacher’s car (long story), we can actually see rob in the background of one shot. this is important.

at the time, you probably wouldnt have even noticed him and he wasnt at all relevant to the episode, but a little bit later in episode 36 we actually meet rob again (he’s been hiding in their basement because he literally has nowhere else to go) and he looks DIFFERENT. like, i would get images but it’ll fuck up the formatting so ill just describe him. prior to season 3 and in the void, rob is pretty lanky and his features are rounded. his hair is kind of realistic looking (not weird tho). when we see him again in s3e36, he basically looks like he wasnt rendered properly. his torso and head/hair are super jagged and the shapes are simple, and tv static covers the vast majority of his body. he looks VERY different, basically

as the episode goes on, we find out that rob cant remember ANYTHING prior to when he got out from the void, or even how he got out. gumball darwin are determined to help him find his place in the world, since rob doesnt know who he is. so after a while of going through archetypes that might fit him, they realize that every role in the town has been taken already - except the antagonist. its around then that rob remembers everything that happened in the void, including how he escaped, which he did by clinging onto the side of gumball and darwin’s teacher’s car as they rocketed out of the void (also a long story). rob gets pissed cause from his perspective, he tried to get gumball and darwin’s attention to help him escape, but they ignored him in favor of their other friend. with this anger, and his newfound role of antagonist, rob swears to destroy everything and everyone gumball loves

ok. exposition over FINALLY. i think

now, i like rob. like, REALLY like him. he’s spinning around in the microwave of my brain like there’s no tomorrow.

because he is actually INSANE as a villain, as a CHARACTER, in a kid’s tv show. like, forgotten by everyone with NO ONE out there who would miss him (like. canonically he has no family or friends), and he has to claw his way out of purgatory, getting horribly disfigured in the process, and is forced to accept the role of villain he never wanted in the first place. in the season 4 finale he reveals that he didnt want to be the villain, he wanted to be the “loveable sidekick”. like, in the moment it’s sort of a joke, but once you think about it HES SO GUT WRENCHING. discarded by the universe when all he wants is to be beloved and appreciated. can you hear me out there xi im banging on the windows

his only active relationship in the show is his being gumball’s nemesis, and if people didnt hate him before the last few episodes they definitely will now. cause my baby boy may or mag not have committed some felonies. like kidnapping a kid’s mom cause she can tell the future. and changing everyone in gumball’s school to be human against their will. but like, whose blorbo HASN’T committed a few atrocities in their time

i had so much i was gonna say when i sent that ask and now its all left my mind hang on

yeah idk right now he’s just kinda sitting there in my head looking all spiteful. i think i got too excited infodumping about the show and now i can’t articulate any thoughts about the character. oh well ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

when i say tawog was my favorite show as a kid i mean like it was ALL i wanted to watch. we had cable and when i was home i checked cartoon network OBSESSIVELY to see if they were showing tawog. and if they were then hoo boy i was PLANTED for the next hour or so

. anyways i need to watch the last 15 or so episodes of season 6 again cause its been FOREVER since i’ve seen them but THEY’RE NOT ON HULU OR THE PIRACY WEBSITE I STARTED USING WHEN I SAW THEY WEREN’T ON HULU. GRRRRRRRR

i need to look at other piracy sites or play around with this one cause apple tv can suck my dick and kiss my ass if they think im paying $3 an episode for 15 EPISODES. die. cartoon network had an app but i think its been shut down. I HATE MEGA CORPORATIONS DIE DIE DIE GRAAGAHAGAHAHAGG

that’s the end of my rant i think. wowie it feels nice to talk about ur interests i should do this more often

looks at uoy with my big beautiful brown eyes. do yoy want to hear about the side piece

tell me about your side piece [proud]

[aziraphales-library]

Hello Mods, I was wondering if you had any fantasy ineffable wives fics? Ive been trying to find a good one but the ones I find are mostly one-shots. Much thanks!

Hi! Here are some ineffable wives fantasy fics...

Meeting at the Seaside by comicgeekery (M)

Toni Crowley decided to have a picnic and read at the beach. Little did she suspect that would soon find a magical creature, more beautiful than her wildest dreams!

Salt on Her Skin by syrupfactory (M)

As a mermaid and a sea serpent, Aziraphale and Crowley are technically on opposite sides of a centuries-long debate for oceanic society. Serpents regularly attack human ships, viewing them as trespassers, while mermaids take a more peaceful and passive approach. Secretly working together, the two of them find a friendship like they’ve never had before ... but it’s a partnership that grows increasingly risky. 

A Light to Guide You Home by saretton (E)

It's the last hour of the night, just before the break of dawn. The Fresnel lens keeps rotating in the lantern atop the tower, its beam circling round and round, with no big ship in sight. The sea is flat like a wooden plank; a few fishing boats, tiny, dark outlines against the deep blue horizon provide welcome and quiet company in the night. Aziraphale listens to the repeated hum rising and enveloping her, a lullaby coming from the depths; and she drifts gently off to sleep, right there, cradled by liquid hands. --- An Ineffable Wives Lighthouse AU.

I’m Your Landsailor by IneffableDoll (T)

In a small seaside town called Tadfield, one of the last places on Earth where humans and magic coexist, an exiled selkie and a human who ran away from her life accidentally get themselves married in the oldest, most binding sense. The two are forced to stay together until they can find a way to undo it and free the other from their accidental marriage. It sure would be complicated if they started to fall for each other in the process…

The Princess and the Librarian by die_traumerei (E)

Set in a fantasy-ish AU: a kind of neo-Romantic pseudo-medieval setting. Very pseudo. Crowley meets the castle's new Librarian when she yanks Crowley out of the rain. She fall in love about twenty seconds later, as you do. Aziraphale meets the Princess when she discovers a half-drowned woman outside of her library. She's pretty sure Crowley has better things to do with her time, but isn't going to give up the chance to be friends with her. What happens when two people who are both a little bit broken meet, and are brave enough to become friends, and then fall in love? Well, a lot of cuddling and reading aloud and adventures tramping through the woods, for one thing. Also, maybe, finding home, and acceptance, and a fierce champion to help you take your place in the world, knowing you matter.

- Mod D

[ratgingi]

lets GOOOOO juniper's lad squad / band members finally have refs

some of you may recognize the second and third ones, thats bc theyre old fav ocs of mine that i bestowed the highest honor (made into dt chars) these guys and juniper tend to get in a lot of trouble together and also the four of them may or may not be active spreaders of vampire rumors ive decided. tormenting those old men

in order from left to right:

kipper | nonbinary, he/they + aroace - bubbly sunshine guy who was adopted by a bunch of edgelords - he loves fashion and gardening (can you guess his fav thing to grow lmao) - theyre actually the protector of the group, as hes the most confident and courageous in the face of danger. also keeps rocks + bandaids in that bag hes holding so he can play healing or defense depending on the situation - he and ashton are qpps - originally had a normal rotary phone for a head, but they got a cute little strawberry flipphone and then had their head modeled after it bc he loved it so much (the white dots are rhinestones !) - technically lives with his parents still, but they travel a lot for work and are rarely ever in town so he basically lives in a house on his own that they pay for - plays an electronic keyboard

ashton | agender, he/it + ace and demiro - antisocial and mean and cranky - hes selectively mute and if he does speak its usually to inform someone hes leaving on account of them being boring or annoying - its pretty athletic and can do a few different tricks like backflips and stuff - he has a major interest in bugs, especially arachnids, and actually keeps live spiders and scorpions in his head. which is unfortunate considering the Massive Hole. he has a favorite scorpion and her name is glass - it's junipers next door neighbor in the apartments, its parents kicked it out around the same time juniper was showing up in town and a friend of the family it was on good terms with helped it back on its feet - hes not very expressive physically or emotionally unless hes angry - has a huge blindspot on the half of his face with the hole and if you come at him from that side and get hit bc you spooked him he considers it your fault - plays the drums

almagest | trans, he/him + gay - goes by alma for short - stereotypical gamer boy who lounges around a lot and eats almost exclusively junkfood - despite having a keyboard for a head he does not like it when hes called a catboy. he prefers to be called a ratboy as rats are his favorite animal he just wanted the rainbow gaming keyboard for gamer gender swag - he has pretty poor eyesight and bumps into things a lot, and is partially why kipper always has bandaids on hand - technically lives in an apartment with his dad, who kinda sucks, so he spends a majority of his life either with the friend group or crashing at the place of his old babysitter Amora (he stays there so much he has his own room at her place) - technically knows how to make games himself and has made small demos of things for fun, but struggles to keep motivation up too much to fully develop anything - plays guitar (juniper is usually lead, hes usually rhythm)

[heavenbarnes]

I randomly feel really bad and also stupid for not liking “critically acclaimed films” I’ve tried to go through them, and I have finished them but I just find it a chore to finish, some of the ones I’ve watched are

Pulp Fiction (what the fuck was that even about?!), The Godfather (I found it so boring), The Banshees of Inisherin (I’m sorry I found that boring and weird), Midsommar (I found that boring and confusing), The Lighthouse (I found it so boring and it confused the fuck out of me), Parasite (I’m sorry I really tried to enjoy it but I also didn’t understand it)

And so, so many more. And some of them are so loved, and I can see the movies are well written, acted, directed etc. I can tell they’re technically “good movies”, but I really don’t like them, and I just feel so stupid when I don’t understand them?!

And it’s weird I find those movies boring but I love Pride and Prejudice, 1917, Lady Chatterly’s Lover etc. and many more movies I should technically find boring but I don’t. I feel it’s so bad bc I want to be in the film industry and these are all movies I should love and recommend as masterpieces but I feel like I’d be laughed out of town.

I’m sorry for the random rant, you’re one of the people I look at for good recommendations! And you’re also the reason I watched Nope, I didn’t enjoy “Us” so I wasn’t sure about Nope but you said how good it was so I watched it and loved it, it’s my favourite Jordan Peele movie! Anyway, I hope you have a great rest of your night! ❤️

one of the greatest things about film is we all interpret it really differently - we see the story differently, the themes differently, the message differs depending on who watches it. with this in mind, what some people will find to be outstanding, others will find average or frankly boring.

a secret about me is i have seen very few “critically acclaimed” films (for instance, ive never seen pulp fiction or the godfather, ive also never seen avatar or any of the lord of the rings films) because a lot of them just don’t appeal to me. i have film bros tell me all the time “cosmos you’re not living, you have to see them!” but truth is, i don’t.

when i watch a film, i watch it to enjoy myself and to learn about a story that interests me. if i read a premise and none of that sparks any interest or harbours any joy for me, i’m just not watching it- no matter how many awards it’s won.

same reason i very seldom read film reviews, usually because the author and i have vastly different tastes. i saw a million and one reviews of folks saying the harley quinn movie sucked and it was awful. i watched it (cause it sounded good to me) and thoroughly enjoyed it- that’s because i like margot robbie and a bit of unserious action. the people writing those reviews did not share my sentiments.

i’m glad you listen to my recommendations, obviously we have common interests and as someone that’s pretty passionate about film- it means a lot that i can recommend films to others. i’m glad you liked Nope but don’t worry, i wasn’t too keen on Us either. i did like Get Out though!

i think what i’m trying to say is, i understand your worries and i think you are worried because you’re obviously quite invested in enjoying film- however, focus on that and don’t worry about other people’s perceptions of your movie taste.

my favourite film of all time is Juno, my second favourite film of all time is Halloween (1978), my third favourite is Nope, and my fourth is SuperBad- what i mean by that is i have a very eclectic bunch of films there. some of those are critically acclaimed and some are not. what matters is i think they’re good, which is why they’re my favourites 🤍

i genuinely hope this helps and i’m lucky to have you here on this blog x

[omegalomania]

I think tumblr ate my ask or it just didn't sent but what are your favorite Bastille songs / what are some songs you recommend?

i did NOT get this ask im very sorry anon.

it's genuinely hard for me to narrow down cause bastille is pretty up there in terms of favorite artists. i love all their shit, but a special mention goes out to their second studio album wild world since it's the one that made me a Fan

uh so here's a primer i guess i spent too much time on this lmao.

if you wanna listen to their big hits:

flaws - their first single in the uk. if you ever listened to ship playlists on 8tracks in like 2013-2015 then you've probably heard this song or a variant on it at some point.

pompeii - this is the song that really put them on the map and you definitely know it. it dominated the charts all over the place.

happier - the marshmello song that you've definitely heard before too. i think bastille wrote this for justin bieber or some shit but then decided they liked it too much to give it to him? lmao. anyway if you're not digging the version you hear on the radio all the time i recommend trying the stripped down version

good grief - their big hit off their second album. big in the uk, didn't really make as many waves elsewhere, but it's a really solid song anyway. one of those "upbeat tunes that's actually really fucking sad" ones

things we lost in the fire - another one off their first album. if you live in a wildfire area this might not be one to turn to. or maybe you'll find it cathartic idk i certainly do!!

quarter past midnight - a song about escapism, as was fitting when it was released in 2018 and equally fitting now. running away for a night of fucking around with friends, craving any kind of brief departure from the chaos of the modern world

skulls - this one was not a hit or a single and is technically a bonus track but i'm including it because once again if you ever clicked on a ship playlist on 8tracks in like 2013-2015 you've heard this one. and you know what that was justified this one is also good

if you wanna feel existentially depressed:

their whole discography. i mean i kid but i also don't. that's just kind of how bastille does it. BUT IN ALL SERIOUSNESS ones that hit me in particular would beeee

two evils - kind of a grim, haunting one introspecting about morality of the self.

oblivion - musing about the afterlife, love, and how time changes all of us.

those nights - contemplating what it is we seek when we plunge into reckless escapism, and the inherent loneliness of it; how even when surrounded by people there's still the pressure of the world outside, continuously coming to pieces

the draw - this one was written about the pull of pursuing a career in music vs. staying home with family and friends. in a broader sense, it can apply to a lot of things. i always felt it resonated with feelings of paranoia and displacement

winter of our youth - discusses childhood, nostalgia, and regret. if it feels like everything's slipping away, is it easier to relive the past, especially if the past is tinted rose?

sleepsong - loneliness, desperation, and the cyclical, abyss-like nature of all it encapsulates

if you want discussion of serious topics:

final hour - a bonus track off their second album that also became a bonus track off their third album? anyway this song talks about climate change and gun control. happy stuff

doom days - this one talks about, uh, everything! doomscrolling, political divides, escalating national tensions, climate change again, etc.

the currents - a song centered on political rhetoric and the power that figureheads have over the masses, the way they can orchestrate hate. basically it's not so subtly aimed at donald trump lmao, dan's literally sung it as much in a few live settings

WHAT YOU GONNA DO??? - social media addiction and the way capitalism and corporate interests have annexed our online experiences, fighting desperately for our attention as they seek to monetize every available aspect of our lives

four walls (the ballad of perry smith) - well this one is about uh. perry smith. who was charged with the death penalty for killing 4 people in the late 50's. but it's less directly about him and more a discussion of the morality of the death penalty and capital punishment

snakes - burgeoning anxieties and the impulse to turn to easy outs, like ignorance or alcoholism, to escape the world's global problems

if you want some pop culture sprinkled on top:

icarus - greek mythology. i like this one because it addresses something that i feel isn't addressed enough in discussions of this myth, which is that icarus is a very young lad. less about the pride of the fall, and more about the inherent tragedy of that.

laura palmer - the whole song is a david lynch shoutout. i've never seen twin peaks myself but the song still slaps.

daniel in the den - christian mythology. discusses the biblical tale of daniel in the lion's den and links that up to themes of betrayal and family.

poet - this one's a double feature, referencing both william shakespeare's sonnet 18 and edmund spencer's sonnet 75. also one of my favorites.

send them off! - this is another one of my favorites of theirs. it's also been described by dan as "othello meets the exorcist" and it very much delivers there

if you want something uplifting:

joy - while bastille (understandably) has a bit of reputation as a band that makes sad music about sad things, they've definitely got some happier songs in their catalogue. pun intended cha ching. this one's one of their more straightforwardly happy tunes

survivin' - this was a song they wrote while they were touring and then felt weird about releasing once the panini hit because it felt a bit on the nose. they ended up releasing it anyway and i am so glad they did cause it's a mood

act of kindness - the "happy" part here is debatable but i'm gonna include it anyway. it’s when someone does something nice for you and that impulse Changes you way down deep you know???

warmth - one of those "the world's going to shit but at least we have each other" kinds of tunes

the anchor - one of those "the world's going to shit but you're the one fucking thing that's still keeping me here" kinds of tunes

give me the future - their latest single as of this writing and one of the more optimistic tracks in their catalogue imo! it's yearning, but it's also with a genuine hope for the future.

and LASTLY. because im going to take every chance i can to plug this band. im going to throw some collabs and covers at you because there's one thing this band does SUPER well and it's collabs and covers.

of the night - this is the big one. it mashes up rhythm of the night by corona and rhythm is a dancer by SNAP! and it's so good they still do this one live and it goes off every time.

no angels - a mashup of "no scrubs" by TLC and "angels" by the xx, poured into a strangely mournful tune with clips from the hitchcock movie psycho. doesn't sound like it should work but it does. kinda really does.

torn apart - with GRADES and lizzo no less!!! it's got two parts but they're both excellent listen to them both

weapon - collab with angel haze, dan priddy, and F*U*G*Z and one of my absolute favorites

remains - remix of their song "skulls" but featuring rag'n'bone man and skunk anansie that adds an entire new dimension to the song, really fucking excellent

old town road mashup - lil nas x's old town road meets lizzo's good as hell meets radiohead's talk show host meets talking heads' road to nowhere meets the osmond's crazy horse. "what the fuck that shouldn't work" i KNOW and yet here it is!! BLATANTLY BANGING!!!

we can't stop - one of the few times dan smith subtly changes the lyrics of the song he's covering (most of the time he opts to keep the original pronouns and the like, which is very nice to see). anyway this one mixes miley cyrus's we can't stop with eminem's lose yourself and billy ray cyrus's achy breaky heart. and also the lion king's i just can't wait to be king is there. yes i know it sounds batshit especially because the whole thing is surprisingly melodic and heartfelt and you know what it works.

anyone but me x nightmares - mashing up joy crookes' anyone but me with easy life's nightmares and absolutely one of my favorites.

bad guy mashup - how many songs can they include with the word "bad" in the title? we've got bad guy (billie eilish), bad decisions (bastille), bad romance (lady gaga), and bad blood (taylor swift). bastille even has a song called bad blood and they didnt use it. they used taylor swift's version. also the distinctive guitar riff from dick dale's misirlou is there.

somebody mashup - how many songs can they include with the word "some" in the title? someone like you (adele), somebody told me (the killers), somebody to love (queen), use somebody (kings of leon), and someone you loved (lewis capaldi). seriously these guys take mashups to a new level.

final song - this is a cover of MØ's final song. it also adds in craig david's 7 days and, impossibly enough, europe's final countdown. how does it work. how.

ALL RIGHT. THATS ALL IVE GOT IN ME. HOPE THIS HELPED ANON AND IM SORRY IF THIS IS TOO MUCH

[huearmy]

The Smell of Truth - VII

Summary: After years being forced to fight in clandestine hybrid ring, Jungkook is now living in shelter, but life remains bad, the place is abusive, and nobody seems to want adopt him. Until one night a pro-hybrid activist group invades the shelter, and a woman in black smelling like truth promises that things will get better, and he decides to follow her wherever she goes.

Pairing: pitbull!Jungkook x human!Reader

Genre: fluff, angst, future smut maybe.

Words: 5784

Rating: NC-17

Warnings: None.

A/N: I know, Y/N and Jungkook eat all the time and spend a lot of time on her car.

Chapter I  Chapter II  Chapter III  Chapter IV  Chapter V  Chapter VI

"Jungkook, can you help unload the new merch, please?" Jessi said from behind the cashier, where she was talking with a customer.

"Yes, ma'am!"

"Be careful!"

Jungkook dropped what he was doing at the back of the store - cleaning CD shelves and rearranging alphabetically and music genres that customers take out of place - and ran outside by the back exit, where his coworker, another hybrid, was already signing receipt papers in front of a truck. One of the delivery men was already carefully removing some boxes from inside the truck and putting it on the sidewalk.

"What's in the boxes?" He curiously asked.

"These two bigger ones are guitars, they are orders. And those others are smaller instruments, like flutes and harmonicas." The golden retriever with slightly pink hair that he hadn't memorized the name yet said. Was it Ryujin?  "Take care, even if the box is light, everything is very fragile."

"Ok." Jungkook stacked the two heavier boxes, as he saw the delivery guy do, and being careful, he went back inside to store it in the warehouse. In one second he was back to pick the others.

It was his first week on his new job, and obviously, it didn't even surprise you, he chose the music shop. The boy has a great ear and an excellent musical taste, besides music proved to be one of the things he likes most in his new life.

The other day you caught him risking singing softly in his room, when he thought you weren't at home, and in order not to make him uncomfortable, you didn't reveal your presence at all, letting him be. He has a beautiful voice. So, the possibility of being able to discover new music and new artists at work and talk to people with the same tastes as him made Jungkook's round eyes shine like the universe.

Up until then, working was fun, and the coworkers were nice. Maybe it was because of the initial excitement, but Jungkook was efficient and learned quickly, so he was praised almost all the time, which made him blush and have an almost permanent smile. The customers usually think it's cute.

"Ah... excuse me."

Jungkook listened to someone calling, he was at the top of a ladder, arranging some instruments on the top shelf, and looked down to see two high school girls.

"Yes?"  He asked.

The same girl responded.

"I'm looking for new strings for my guitar. Can you help me?" Her voice shook a little, but at the end of the sentence she smiled confidently.

"Sure!" He went down. "Six strings or twelve strings? Nylon or steel strings?"

The two girls looked to each other in confusion.

"Ah... Six and... steel." It was almost a question.

"Ok. I'll get it for you."

From the cashier, Jessi and Ryujin watched the scene with judgmental eyes. Both of them were free, but it was obvious it wasn't their help that these girls wanted. Who knew Jungkook was going to bring new customers just for being handsome.

"I never saw these two here."  Jessi crossed her arms.

"Me neither. Bet she doesn't even have a guitar." Ryujin shrugged.

"I don't care, as long as they buy something." The other shrugged too, leaving to the back of the store.

At this moment Jungkook was coming to the cashier, three packs of guitar strings from three different brands in hand, and speaking the decorated speech they taught him on the first day, followed by the two girls, who were attentively paying attention with heart eyes.

"If you can't or don't know how to put the new strings on the guitar, just bring it here that we put for you... Not we, because I don't know how to put it, but Jessi knows..." Jungkook smiled, and it looked like the girl that didn't talk at all wasn't breathing anymore. He placed the three string options on the counter in front of his coworker, still smiling.

"Are you going to take them all?" Ryujin asked, also with the friendly smile of a good employee.

The girls' eyes widened for a second.

"No." The talkative one replied, perhaps with too much emphasis, and with a quick glance at Jungkook and an embarrassed smile, she added. "Only this one."

Ryujin took the set of strings that the girl chose - the cheapest one - to pass through the barcode reader. After the two paid, Jungkook accompanied them to the exit with a short conversation, implying that the girl should dedicate herself to learning the new instrument and wishing her luck and that she would always return if needing anything. He was happy. Technically this was his first sale ever.

At this moment you pulled over at the other side of the street and jumped off of your SUV. An excited sound left Jungkook's mouth and he beckoned. Remembering to look side to side, you crossed the street, walking straight to him.

"Hey, cutie." You gave him a shiny grin. "I've come to pick you up."

"Hm?" He was surprised, he had walked home by himself everyday since day one, and you didn't say today would be different. "Ok. Want to wait inside till my shift ends?"

You chuckled, looking at your wristwatch.

"Your shift ends in three minutes."

"Really?" His eyes widened, and his hands pulled your arm towards him - consequently you whole - so he could look at the hours too. "Wow. I didn't see the time passing..."

"Go change and pick your things." You bossed, releasing your arm from his hold just to mess up his hair.

He nodded and got back inside, fast stepping to the back of the store. Through the glass in the window you waved to the other two employees, who smiled and waved back. Ryujin seemed torn between running to you to greet you right and giving you love, or staying at her post doing her job, in the end she sent you several different hearts with her hands.

When Jungkook got back, now in his everyday large clothes instead of the shop uniform, you were exactly  on the same spot waiting for him, but now with two ice cream cones.

"I was thinking here, you said 'do you want to wait inside bla bla bla...', but like, I'm your boss, JK. If I wanted to pick you up earlier I could. You know?" You said, talking betwing licks on your ice cream.

Jungshook looked at you with a half-open mouth.

"You wouldn't." He stated.

"Why not?" You took his hand to cross the street.

"Isn't that abuse of power or something? I don't think you look like someone who has favorites... Like, you are too pragmatic, too good girl for that."

You looked offended, as if he had slapped you. You entered the car and waited for him to do the same and close the door behind him.

"First of all... The whole town already knows you, know you are my roommate. Everybody already thinks you are a favorite of mine, so no one would be surprised if I pamper you in public, cuz I do it all the time?? Aaaand...!" You aggressively put your seatbelt on."You know very well I'm part of a group considered a terrorist by the government, which automatically takes from me any title similar to good girl."

"The government is dumb. You are a hero, and this absolutely returns your title as a good girl and its variables." He raised a cocky eyebrow at you.

You started the car and turned it off again, looking at him incredulously.

"On one of our first talks, I literally told you about how I got expelled from the only school I attended in my whole life... I only went to college because my parents are rich and know important people." You shrugged at the end.

"That's not true. You are intelligent and had exemplary grades during college, I heard Jackson talking about it ..." He pointed out, before you could question how he knows it." Besides, you were expelled for protecting your family, and that is heroic to me."

"It was actually revenge and pure violence... But I'm dropping this conversation." You started the car again and it started to move just to stop right then at the red light. "Put some music on."

"Ok." Jungkook obliged. "But seriously, Y/N... Why did you get this offended at being called a good girl? Do you want to be a bad girl?"

Your face heated up. One month ago he didn't even know what playing bickering was and now this...

"Shut up!" You yelled.

He gave a loud laugh, losing it with your flustered face, and all you could do was to laugh along with him. ______________________________________________________________________________ Instead of going home, as Jungkook imagined at first, you had different plans for today. You took the road and in forty minutes you were in the neighboring city parking in front of a movie theater - the kind of thing you don’t have in your city because it’s so small. It was Saturday night and you had reason to celebrate.

"Wow, I've never been to the movies before... What are we watching?"

"You can choose." You pointed to the mural of posters and opening times of the movies. "We can also choose where we'll get dinner."

"I want pizza." He bluntly said.

You chuckled. Of course he wants pizza.

You went to buy snacks and let him get the tickets.Waiting for the big bucket of popcorn, you were humming a song that has been stuck in your head all day and drumming your fingers around the candy display case, considering buying a chocolate bar.

"Are we celebrating something? You look really excited today..." Jungkook came back, stopping by your side, looking you up and down, your whole body expression saying happy puppy to him.

You smiled as if he had catched you on something.

"Is just... You ended your first week of work ever... I finally got what I wanted from my job... We are like, both successful, gorgeous, young and free. We deserve to fill our stomachs with buttered popcorn, gummy bears, pizza and coke."

A wide smile spreaded on his beautiful face, cute teeth showing up and making your own smile wide too.

"What did you want from your job?" He picked the bucket of popcorn from the attendant's hands when you didn't notice it. "Thank you."

"I'll tell you later." You dismissed the question with a hand wave. "What movie we gonna see?"

Jungkook pointed to a dark sign with a putrefied hand coming out of a half-open wardrobe, blood dripping from the doorknob.

"A horror movie? Do you want me to scream in public?" You laughed in self-depreciation.

"I never watched one of these. It should be fun. Don't worry, I will hold your hand." Jungkook inflated his chest and indeed held your hand.

You were actually worried about him, not you. It is not your custom to watch horror movies, usually you only watch the ones with the most hype, but you know they can be very violent, and maybe your cute Jungkook still can't deal with it... Instead of voicing your concerns, you decided to pay attention to see if it really was necessary to worry at all. First sign that he was more uncomfortable than he should be, you would leave the theater.

You reciprocated his hol and scoffed.

"I'm holding your hand." _______________________________________________________________ At the end, your concerns weren't necessary. The movie was kind of trashy, besides some jump scares that got you screaming, and some disgusting, gross special effects that made you feel slightly nauseous, the bloody scenes were funnier than violent, drawing some good laughs from Jungkook. Still, he spent the entire movie holding your hand, as he promised. At the pizzeria the two of you ate until you had to open the button on your pants, still laughing at how bad the movie was, and how the couple sitting in a row in front of you were startled by silly things and made everything funnier. Jungkook was radiant, and that was what you wanted.

"A month from now when I get my first payment, we have to come back here. And I'll pay." Jungkook declared. "What reminds me, what would you say about your job?"

"Hm..." You looked around. The place was considerably crowded, normal movement for a Saturday night, your table was a little isolated, but not enough for you to have this conversation here. "My... friends wanted me to work with a guy. And I finally got the opportunity."

At first Jungkook thought of Jimin and Tae, but then the message sinked in. It was a secret organization's thing.

"Let's go?" You got up from your chair.

"Sure." Jungkook's eyes were big with curiosity. He didn't expect you to tell him about such things, but now you were implying the rest would be said in a more private place.

You two got back to the car with the pizza box with what you couldn’t eat whole and a stuffed animal that Jungkook got from a hook machine on the first try. You were feeling tired and sleepy, not in the mood for driving at all - maybe you should teach Jungkook how to drive for moments like that. You didn't put on some music or asked Jungkook to do so as you usually do.

"The organization has been investigating some lawyers, suspected of facilitating illegal hybrid purchases and transfers, and of covering up such crimes. And I basically need to get proof to frame this guy and expose who he works with." Your eyes were glued on the dark road. "Now I'm going to work directly with him."

"He is a lawyer from your firm?"

"Not yet. He is in the process of being the new partner in the firm. I worked hard to be part of the process or to be designated as his assistant." You explained, still too focused on driving. "I just have to do one mission. Whatever you want to call it. The rest is up to the organization. But for that I need to travel, to work in person, for about a week."

Oh." Jungkook looked at his hands.

Until now he hadn't thought about being alone, by himself. But of course at some point it would happen, you can't live exclusively according to him. He's not the only thing in your life, as he feels you are in his. Suddenly a week seemed like an eternity. Suddenly your apartment looked huge.

"Now I need to know what you want to do." You continued, not noticing the change in his mood.

"What do you mean?"

You made a funny face. It was like you were making a lot of effort to talk about it in a serious tone, but he could see the happy puppy in you again, and it made him relax a little bit, even though he didn't understand why.

"I thought of taking you with me, of course. But you may not want to... Which is ok too. You can stay at home taking care of things and going to work normally... Or you can stay with Taetae and Jimin... which would surely make them happy... " You chattered.

"I want to go with you. I’ll go where you go." He decided, almost solemnly. That sentence gave you both a nostalgic feeling, even though it hasn't been much more than a month since he first said it to you, and your lives changed overnight. You smiled, glad that he chose what you wanted him to.

"Awesome."  Your finger drummed on the steering wheel. "Even if it's a business trip, we're going to have some free time, so I chose a super amazing hotel with lots of things for us to have fun together, and for you to have something to do when I'm at the office. Besides... There are others things that you have to decide..."

Jungkook was already excited about the idea of having fun with you on a trip.

"What is it?"

You sighed, as if you were collecting courage to say what was on your head.

"I am thinking about it for a while now... And my friend from the organization suggested it would be a good idea too. If you were in agreement..." You hesitated. "Would you like to help me?"

Jungkook didn't answer. A stiff silence settled in. In the absence of an answer, you panicked, your fingers tightening the steering wheel.

"It wouldn't be really dangerous, because my task is simple... I would never put you in danger, JK. I don't even get involved in really dangerous situations. It's just because you know about us. I ...I'm sorry."

The silence prolonged.

It was selfish, but you saw in the opportunity of Jungkook working with you in the organization a little of your loneliness fading. Loneliness that is created when you keep a secret even from those you love the most, like your family and the guy who always says he wants to spend the rest of his life by your side. Even your best friends since childhood... Even if you don't hide the truth from them, you can't tell everything either... Your fears and concerns. With Jungkook I would be different. He would be your partner. You could lean on him. It is selfish because you promised him a new life, of peace and tranquility, without even a shadow of the horrible things he lived in the past, and you still don't even know exactly how horrible they were. And in your secret work, bad things can always appear, in one way or another.

"Anyways... One thing we are going to do for sure is bungee jumping. And I think you will love it." You cheered, masking any disappointment you could be feeling.

You chose this double life for a much bigger reason than yourself. You knew from the beginning how it would be. So let's push those bad feelings back inside and move on.

"I'm really... grateful." Jungkook whispered, uncertain voice reaching your ears. "To you, and the organization. I truly think you guys are heros. I would like to be a hero too."

"JK..."

"I trust you." He didn't let you interrupt. "I know that you would never put me in danger or in a situation against my will. You respect me. So I don't have concerns about it. I just don't think I'm going to be very useful... I don't know how to do anything... except to fight. And I will never do that again."

Your hand reached to his on his lap, and as it had become natural his fingers intertwined with yours.

"You don't have to worry about that. I just basically need two little things from you, and I'm sure you got it. One of them you are doing right now."

"And is it?" He was confused. He was doing absolutely nothing. Right?

"I need you to be handsome and charming, just like you are doing now, but in a button-up shirt." You winked at him, making him feel hot, and totally thankful for the darkness so you couldn't see him bright blush. "And that you watch a door for me."

"I-I can do that." ______________________________________________________________________________ The sun didn't even rise yet and you are programming the better route in your gps, sunglasses on the crown of your head, sleep still on your puffy eyes. The suitcases were already in the trunk, and the snacks on the backseat, but for some reason your travel partner was not yet seated beside you, the passenger door he forgot open, letting the morning air in, covering your skin with goosebumps. Is too early to be in a hurry, so even though you have a schedule to follow, you patiently reclined your head on the back of the seat and waited. Jungkook got out the back door of the flower shop, checking twice if he locked the door and turned on the alarm, and then ran to the car. In his hands were his keys, cell phone - that you gave him when he first started working -, and his new wallet - papers and old photograph inside.

"All ready, Y/N!" He entered and closed the door, happy smile on his also puffy face. He was about to put on his seat belt. "Wait!"

"What?" You said in your morning voice - you don't like to speak for the first hour after you wake up at all.

"I forgot my toothbrush." He was already with his hand on the door to go back and get it.

You chuckled and started the motor.

"Sorry, JK. We can buy a new one later... Now we need to hit the road." __________________________________________________________

Just like the suitcases and everything else you would need to travel, at the night before you and Jungkook prepared a travel playlist, specifically songs with road vibes and good for singing at the top of your lungs - your plan was to make him sing along with you to finally praise the beautiful voice you already know he has. If it didn't work, the next plan would be karaoke. It worked. In fact, at start your were all by yourself, you always sing in the car, so he didn't saw it as a invitation to join your personal show, preferring to eat m&m's separated by color while watching you, some hours later tho, motivated perhaps by a specific song or by the energy you established, he gave in, and now you two were having so much fun. The lyrics he didn't know - like the 70s and 80s ones you like because of your mother - you explained about the artists and bands, detailing things about their careers and why you like them, he likes it because he knows more about his job an about you, and the next second you started the next song that you both knew how to sing, there you were joyingly screaming again. You forgot to compliment his voice.

With his mouth full himself, Jungkook filled yours with mini carrots and slices of apple cutted in bunny shape. It was about 10 already, your but was square and legs were sore, you needed to stretch, not to mention your bladder, which should be twice as big as you needed to go to the bathroom.

As if he was reading your mind, the boy beside you whined.

"Y/Nnnnnnnn... I need to pee."

"Me too." You whined back. "Can you wait a little bit more? I planned a stop, and we're almost there."

"Yeah... Sure." He smiled, opening another can of energy drink.

Your look went from the road to him, from him to the can, and from the can to the road again.

"I can't see how drinking another one will help with the bathroom issue..." You mocked.

"I'm also thirsty." He answered as if it was obvious.

Almost half an hour later you parked at a gas station beside the road. As you jumped up the suv, a pursehanging on your arm - with toilet paper and other hygiene items that toilets for community use by the roads don't usually have, you are a prepared woman -, you checked your location to make sure it was the right place. You were supposed to be at a specific gas station at 11am. It only had two bathrooms. One was under maintenance, and the other had a broken lock. At least it wasn't as filthy as you expected it to be.

You handed the purse to Jungkook.

"Go first. I'll guard the door for you." You said.

Jungkook just obeyed, having taken another can and a half of soda after the energy drink. You watched the movement of people and cars, a few filling up with gas, customers at the convenience store, truck drivers stopping for lunch at the restaurant next door. There weren't many people. And you haven't seen anyone paying attention to you.

"Are you looking for something?" Jungkook quietly asked, already beside you.

"Oh. Nothing... I just zoned out. My turn." You run inside the bathroom, remembering your physiological needs.

Back at the car, Jungkook expected you to continue the journey right away, instead you grabbed the steering wheel, still looking through the window with a look so intent that a little line formed between your eyebrows. Jungkook didn't know what was bothering you out of nowhere, but he was willing to help.

"Y/N?" He put a lock of your hair behind your ear so softly that you hardly felt it at all. You looked at him, face unconsciously relaxing. "You okay?"

"Yeah. Just a little headache." It wasn't a lie, until he asked you hadn't noticed, but your head was throbbing a little. "We ran out of water, right? I'm going to buy more."

"Want me to go?" He volunteered.

You considered it. He is just so sweet. But not all places are friendly to hybrids on their own, even documented or free ones, you didn't want to find out if the convenience store was friendly or not in the worst way. It was going to ruin the mood of the trip. Strangers mistreating Jungkook for no reason is always the last thing you want in your day.

"Thanks, sweetie." You shook your head negatively. "I'll be right back."

Jungkook followed you with his eyes as you jumped off the car, walking straight with your hands on your jacket pockets, till you disappeared into the store. Last night when both of you were packing your things, you showed him a 'first aid kit bag' you prepared with several remedies you could need, remembering it now, for sure there's something for your headache there. Wanting to help, he got out and opened the trunk.

You said you would put it in your suitcase... Can he open it? Was it an invasion of privacy? Maybe the kit was in the suitcase's outer compartment, and there would be no issue...

A shiver went up his back and a growl formed in his throat, but it didn't come out. Someone was behind him, terribly close, and with a confused smell that made it impossible to know whether they were human or hybrid. Jungkook did not hear the person's footsteps approaching, and that was fearsome.

"Don't turn around, don't try running, and don't scream. Act naturally." A deep voice of a male spoke.

Despite it being low, there was so much force and authority in this voice that Jungkook couldn't desobay. His eyes reached to the store, looking for you.

"Are you Jungkook?" The voice calmly asked.

How could this guy know his name? What does he want? Different thoughts crossed Jungkook's mind, none optimistic, all scary. He wanted you to show up to save him, and at the same time, without knowing exactly what was going on and the risks, he wanted you not to come back, so you wouldn't be hurt. What should I do?

"I'm." He answered, voice firm to not show fear. A voice he is used to using almost all the time, but since you came into his life, he didn't need it anymore.

The man behind him hummed. Jungkook concluded that he must be a hybrid after all, because he had the urge that the guy was smelling him, but he couldn't say for sure, it could just be in his head. How could this guy's voice be so calm and trustful if his presence had all this power that made Jungkook unable to move a muscle? How conflicting, the feelings this caused in Jungkook were unheard of for him, a kind of fear that he never felt before, the fear that his former master imposed through threats and punishments...

Jungkook searched around, wishing the man wouldn't notice it... Somebody... Anybody... At least one person would notice that there was something wrong going on there, and if Jungkook made eye contact, if he managed to ask for help in any way, everything would be fine. But nobody seemed to see them there, nobody noticed. The gas station employees continued to work normally, the customers entering and leaving their cars, totally unaware... How frustrating.

"I'm a Y/N's friend." The man throatily said. "Nice to meet you, JK."

Jungkook's eyes wided. Friend. One of those friends of yours?

The sound of something being placed on the floor caught Jungkook's attention down, next to his feet was now a small black backpack.

"This is for her. Take care, it's fragile."

"What is it?" Jungkook questioned, not trusting at all - he wouldn't give you anything without being sure it's safe - but strangely relaxed for such an unusual situation.

A low, funny sound came from the guy. Was he laughing?

"Something you guys will need." He simply said. One moment of silence and Jungkook thought the guy was gone, but then he spoke again, now his voice seemed a lot less impersonal. "Tell her she's beautiful today. As always. Good luck."

It was not possible to hear the guy's footsteps leaving, just like when he appeared, but Jungkook felt the absence of an extra presence after a few seconds. The guy was some kind of ninja. He bent down to pick up the backpack and slung it over one shoulder, looking around, trying to find someone who could be the intimidating guy... But he found no one. Without thinking much, he took the kit and closed the trunk, returning to the passenger seat, still looking over his shoulder.

A few minutes later you got back, still with a frown in your face.

"I definitely need an aspirin... You got the kit already!" You slammed the door by accident and cringed at the loud noise, you hate to slam your car door.  "Thank you, sweetie... What is it?"

You pointed to the backpack, and Jungkook looked at you with doe eyes. Only now you noticed he was looking frightened.

"Your friend told me it is to you."

Your eyes widened as well and your hand reached your mouth. You were instructed to find someone from the organization at this gas station to receive the necessary equipment for your task. So you were stressed about nobody showing up at the appointed time, it even gave you a headache. Even though you involved Jungkook, you didn't expect them to contact him instead of you. Actually you forgot to tell him about it at all.

"Oh my... JK, I'm sorry I didn't warn you. I guess I still haven't gotten used to having a partner..."

Usually, in this kind of situation, you are all alone or needing to be sneaky around your friend and family. It was out of habit.

"It's ok." Jungkook gave you a sympathetic smile. "What do I do with it?"

"Put it on the backseat." You shrugged and started the car.

"Aren't you checking on it?" Jungkook was surprised. What if it was a bomb? You guys have used bombs before...

"Not here. First we leave." Suddenly you were on your pretty good mood again. "Can you give me an aspirin, please?"

Jungkook gave you the pill and you drank almost an entire bottle of water with it. A car honked past you, because you slowed down, but you just ignored it.

"Did my friend say anything else?" You asked, putting on some low music once again.

Jungkook looked through the window, wishing his cheeks wouldn't get red just because he agrees with what he was about to say. He couldn't look at you to say it when the wind was making your hair move to all directions as if it has his own life, or the sun on your skin makes it shine, or your eyes showing above your sunglasses as you look at him. It wasn't fair.

"He said you are beautiful today.... As always.'

A loud, ringing laugh escaped your lips, forming an incredulous smile.

"I can't believe Yoongi came personally..." You laughed again. "Now make sense... He was checking on you... He didn't let you see him, right?"

"No. He stayed behind me the whole time."

You nodded vigorously, as if that obviously confirmed what you were saying. Jungkook was confused, not understanding anything.

"Who is Yoongi?" He uncertanly asked.

Unlike when you talk about your friends of the organization, almost as if you were telling a story of people who do not exist, perhaps because they are people you work with but generally don't know, neither name nor face, when talking about this Yoongi was much like how you talk about Jimin or Taehyung, a real friend. Only with something more... An admiration that Jungkook hadn't yet heard so present in your voice.

"Min Yoongi." You said, and it was almost possible to see the fire on your eyes. "He is not just one of my friends... He is the boss."

Now it makes sense. It wasn't a ninja. It was the super hero. That is why all thatauthority in his voice and the powerful presence, totally intimidating, but at the same time Jungkook did not feel threatened as he felt so many times before... because there was no real threat. Suddenly Jungkook wasn't frightened or uncomfortable with the situation anymore, he was euphoric. He had met the boss of heroes who save hybrids, and soon he would be one too. Now it seemed a little more real that he could help others like him, just like this Min Yoongi and you.

"What are you smiling at?" You brought him back from his daydream with a teasing smirk.

"It's just... It is exciting." He was clearly excited.

Your smirk wided, eyes on the road. Your partner feels it just like you, and you almost couldn't hold yourself back. You never gave a name to it, and now Jungkook used a perfect word to describe it, and since you can't get out of your head. This secret job... secret life... It really does make you feel like a hero. Sometimes you feel guilty for feeling that way, since you were born on the bad side of history, you are human and humans are the villains. Helping hybrids to fight for justice and gain their freedom is nothing more than your obligation... But with Jungkook you can feel how you want, because you are sure that he will understand and never judge.

"Isn't it, JK?"

You two exchanged a meaningful look. The bond between you becoming stronger without you realizing it.

Just moments later you both excitedly increase the volume of the music that just started so you can sing at the top of your lungs again and again.

__________________________________________________

Tag List: @stayunderthelights  @deolly  @panconte​ @serendipityoreuphoria​ @madygswich @namjoonies-dimple @givebuckysomelove @imluckybitches @hoseokslefteyebrow  @yzkyzkuniverse @flaring-vibes @justpeachyjoon @narcissism-iskey​ @angeltothecore​ @tiberiaxs @minikolima @chaoticbabigrl @btsxdoll​ 

If you want me to add you to the list, please let me know :)

[sanchoyo]

danny phantom, season 3, episodes 1-2 thoughts! I had to split up my season 3 watch awkwardly because the second part of it was too picture heavy and tumblr only wants you to have 10 pictures per post, per the No Fun Allowed Rule. :/ I was planning on just doing 1-6 then 7-13, but, it'll probably be split into 3 posts now... (along with a follow up thoughts post after I finish and think on it for a lil while...)

see prev episode thoughts in this tag <3

-vlad got a new mansion. and the guys in white IMMEDIATELY BREAKS IN AND STARTS SMASHING THE SHIT OUT OF EVERYTHING, DESTROYING HIS NEW MANSION KAJDFHSSKADJKJN. NEVER LAUGHED SO HARD IN MY LIFE. 'the greatest practical joke ever' TUCKER YOU ARE SOOO RIGHT.

-'DAnnY FenTon MadE mE ThE LaugHINg StOCk oF WisCONsIn' if you dont shut up. you made yourself a laughing stock. love the cute pink hotel room. also, Vlad's Naked on The News. VLAD BUYING THE NASTY BURGER TO TEAR IT DOWN. the way they keep escalating these..pranks? IS TEARING DOWN A BUISSNESS A PRANK?? (the metric by which I decide if its a prank is if its funny to me or not. vlads house being torn down? funny prank. local burger place being torn down? maybe not. MAYBE the naked on the news prank was pushing it because he WAS in a hotel just, minding his own business, but like, he stays bothering danny for no reason when danny is just minding his own business, too! its not right but there IS a sense of vindication here. yknow?

-...'at least now he's channeling his sociopathic lonely bachelor energy into something positive!' this is unironically an insult to actual sociopathic people. 'but he doesnt care about other people!' 'and thats why he'll make a great politician!' BRUTAL. but not untrue? I mean, this is not at ALL surprising. hes a billionaire via cheating and lying, and already a huge Slimeball. So yeah, politician is 100% right.

-but did vlad move to amity park? I might be wrong about this, or illinois laws might be different, but I kinda assumed if you're running for election for mayor in a town, that you had to live within the voting jurisdiction and be registered to vote there. I mean, he's temporarily in a hotel and technically displaced rn (...I thought for sure he'd have more vacation homes...) so I guess there's probably a grace period to find a permanent home in amity park?

-ME, CHEERING DANNY ON EVERY SINGLE TIME HE BEATS VLAD UP, BEING SO PROUD OF MY SON:

-'hes overshadowing the voters!' why...are you surprised, danny???? election fraud is Nothing. did you forget he stole BILLIONS OF DOLLARS.

-ok the school uniforms are kinda cute tho lol.

-NO TEENAGERS ALLOWED IN THE NEW RESTURAUNT?? WHAT KIND OF BUISSNESS IS THAT,, SO PETTY. tucker straight up tearing off the security camera. king of property destruction

-vlad trying to make life hell. For a 14 year old. who is trying to genuinely apologize and offer a truce (despite all the creepy and fucked up things vlad has done to him and his family). what the fuck can I even say about this. I think i've said several times while watching 'what the fuck is wrong with you', i need a stronger statement.

-Teens Against McMasters! Fries Not Lies! I want to see vlad get mauled by teens. I want them to start Throwing Rocks.

-vlad saying 'dudes' is the worst thing I've ever heard.

-danny overshadowing the clone was GENIUS AND MAKING HIMSELF LOOK INJURED. SO PROUD OF YOUUUU. USE HIS OWN TACTICS AGAINST HIM. GET HIS ASS.

-frostbite's design is really interesting. ghost...bones... incased in ice?? anyway im so glad danny is getting more hugs :)

-oh, they basically worship(?) or put danny on a pedestal because he defeated pariah?? well IM happy for him having more ghosts that are friendly to him :) also, sam and tucker's lil snow jackets...super cute.

-more ghost lore!!! THE BERMUDA TRIANGLE IS A GHOST PORTAL. OF COURSE.

-VLAD ACTUALLY DID GET A CAT AWWW KITTY I WUV U KITTY. who he plays chess with...okay, you know what, thats so valid. and actually, pets are usually actually good for mental health, you have a lil guy to care for and they can give u a reason to try ur best so u can provide for them, and they are always good for comfort...good job, vlad!! next go to therapy. 'if anyone asks, you're my sister's cat!' so does he actually HAVE a sister? can she come beat him up

-sam is Right. they shouldve immediately taken the map back to frostbite! but I get it, exploring Can Be Fun

-'carnivorous canyon' in the ghost zone is just mystery flesh pit

-vlad is going to burn a 14 year old girl at the stake. you know, I half expected clockwork to come up and stop this, because they're fucking with time, BUT. nope. this is nbd, I guess.

-well, blood blossoms are terrifying. I know 'ive never eaten a vegetable in my life!' was tucker being hyperbolic, but this kid is going to get so many digestive problems if he doesnt Start Eating Healthier.

-...vlad wanted to go to rome and be a god?? I want to know where he self-inserted himself in their already established pantheon. what did he say he was the god of??

-VLAD SET THE ENTIRETY OF ROME ON FIRE. SO THEY PROBABLY ASSUME GOD OF DESTRUCTION. GOD OF ASSHOLERY.

-how embarrassing, to swordfight a 14 year old and struggle to win. lmfao they keep running vlad off every place he tries to take over

-'if i can destroy the first airplane, man will never fly and I will rule the air!' VLAD. DO YOU THINK. DO YOU THINK THE WRIGHT BROTHERS WERE THE ONLY PEOPLE TO THINK OF AND CONCEPTULIZE FLIGHT???! oh my god he is so dumb. people have always been trying to fly even before that, and even if you destroyed (1) plane its not like no one else could make one??? as if people hadn't already been making hot air balloons since the 1700s??? or coming up with concepts, and studying on how to make them work? starting to think vlad shouldve paid attention in college and not been so fixated on maddie. or, I dunno, read a book in his huge library...(I mean, I dunno what he majored in or studied in college, but it obviously wasnt history...)

-vlad getting his ass kicked by snow dogs and getting shidded on by a pigeon :)

-'hes got more in common with us than he realizes!' DANNY IS A YETI??? CONFIRMED (no,, but I hope that means we'll see more of the far frozen! I like them :)

-what in the world was this episode tho. like..okay?? vlads plans did not make ANY sense to me, like, was I missing something , or. WHY is he so fixated on Ruling all of the sudden...sure he might be power-hungry, feeling powerless can do that and I'm sure the accident/being abandoned made him feel that way, but its always felt like his real end goal was just to steal jack's family out of jealousy and spite, not to like. um,, rule rome I guess. ?? theres No Maddie In Rome, Vlad.

[fishybehavior]

Chapter 2!!! :D

I'm also posting this on AO3!! its under the name,

Aim for the stars, and apparently you'll find love

- - -

Humming in thought, Jay put the final touches on his document. He had a terrible tendency to put off homework till the last minute, but he found himself finishing something early for once. He was in one of his rare moods where he wanted to get homework done, and he was going to take advantage of it.

He already finishing most of his homework and all he had left was his report. Opening the outline he did in class, he started to write when he was interrupted by a familiar ding.

Looking up to his phone, he saw the notification on Disharmony, and his entire motivation for working on homework vanished. Now engrossed in whoever messaged him, he had muted all the groups he was in, but he never muted individuals in case of emergencies. Opening the app he saw Shogun at the top of his list, the little blue dot telling him he was the culprit.

“hey im finally free if u wanna start”

The message read, and Jay looked at the clock. It was almost 8 pm. Jay had long forgotten his plans with Shogun after 3, thinking the guy bailed.

“uhh, sure gib me a sec”

“ok sorry if this is tooo late work”

“no it not im always up late anyways so we got plenty of time are we in different timezones per chance? i just wanna know so i dont wake u at 3 in the morning XD”

“NST”

Ninjago standard time, the same timezone Jay was in, as well as most villages and towns in Ninjago.

“im in the same timezone so at least we’re working off the same time X) so where do u wanna start??”

“i guess at the beginning, no better place”

-- -- --

“ok, back up he dies again!?!”

“yeah. . . u should get used to it”

“why does he keep dying??”

“he’s a poor soul and the writers love to hurt us :(”

“Writers are awful people if they think this is the best way to make drama”

“hey now dont be mean we’re not all bad”

“we?? ur a writer too”

“yeah, i write fanfiction”

“lame”

“hey! not lame >:( ”

“c’mon all fanfiction ive seen is just cringy wish fufillment the characters dont even act liek themeselves”

“so? They dont write for the show they write for the joy of it”

“whatever”

Jay scowled, the shit he always got for writing fanfiction made his blood boil at times. Dismissing everyone because a few people wrote in a way they didn’t like.

“well if ur going to be like that, maybe i shouldnt help u anymrero *anymore*”

“wait wait! dont go i can actually understand u! im sorry ok”

Huffing, Jay didn’t believe him, and looking at the clock he saw that it was almost midnight. Until this, they had been making great progress through the show, going through the first season and starting the second. Right where second in command, Havrak, dies for the second time(technically one and a half, but that came in much later). But now he was done and the best way to not say something he'd regret later was to call it a night now. He didn't want to talk anymore anyways.

“its late anyways and I got school”

“wait, c’mon im sorry!”

“bye”

Jay closed his laptop, not bothering to read Shogun's reply. Jay was more annoyed than mad, but that comment hit a little too deep for comfort. Hearing one too many comments like that when he first started writing. He almost quit because of them, but now those comments made him angry.

Maybe this wasn’t such a good idea.

[moonflowerlesbians]

Tag Me :)

rules: answer these 30 questions and then tag 20 people you'd like to get to know better.

tagged by: @starcourtdingus 

name/nickname: mag, I suppose, but magatha also seems to have taken hold

gender: female

star sign: sagittarius technically

height: tall

Time: 1:16pm

birthday: it’s in December

favorite bands: Red Molly, Cereus Bright, Old Blind Dogs, Delta Rae, Twin Forks, Blondie which is mildly embarrassing, and I’m including the Hadestown OBC on this list

favorite solo artists: Jeff Victor, Sarah Vaughan, Etta James, Julie Fowlis (honestly dare someone to look up the artists/groups ive mentioned and try to guess my music taste)

song stuck in my head: “Boston Town” by Della Mae

last movie i watched: Notting Hill for the umpteenth time

last show: Parks and Rec babey

when did i create this blog: mid-October 2020 I think? not long after the show came out and I realized I didn’t want to spam my wayhaught blog with bly haha

what i post: my writing, other people’s writing, random bits of analysis, fic recs/hunting/prompts, reblogged gifs & art 

other blogs: lmao yes I actively have 8

last thing i googled: wordhippo which is the thesaurus I swear by

do i get asks: yes sometimes and I love each of them so much pls send me asks

why i chose my url: because I have not stopped thinking about the 80s ghost lesbians for even one second and I love plants

following: 373

followers: 1,043 which baffles me but hello I love u guys

average hours of sleep: 8ish

lucky number: 13

instruments: ukulele and I guess I sing sometimes if that counts

what am i wearing: my favorite grey shirt with embroidery that says “thank the phoenicians” over the spaceship earth ball

dream trip: I want to go to Scotland so badly. also: Canada

favourite food: I actually don’t like food which sounds fake but it’s true

nationality: american (unfortunate)

last book i read: “A Survival Guide for Stage Managers” by Mary Ellen Allison

top 3 fictional worlds I'd like to live in: someplace with magic and that’s all I’ve got 

favorite color: lavender

thank you for the tag!! I do not know 20 people but I’ll throw it over to @vegetablefarts @briightcopperkettles @moonflower-sun @pro-found-axsthetic if y’all haven’t done this and want to :)

[ravenforce]

Cheating Death IV

Warning/s: Mentions of Violence. Angst (as promised). 

A/N: Here ya go people. Your daily dose of pain. Enjoy!

Parts: 1 | 2 | 3 | 5 | 6

You were planning to check out a lowkey hole-in-a-wall pub tonight with Cass and Megan so you three can properly catch up without having to shout at each other over the loud music if you went to your usual club. But the universe has a wicked sense of you humour, and it turns out the club is exactly what you needed. Thankfully, your friends are intuitive enough to drive the batmobile directly to the outskirts of town.

“Get lost kids, this is a private club.” You heard the bouncer upfront said sternly to Cass and Megan. He’s at least two feet taller than you are, bulky as they should be. You strode over but a boy in line caught your arm.

“Where do you think you’re going? We’ve been for an hour and you think you can just walk up there and bypass the rest of us?”

Cass and Megan shivered at the dead look on your face. It feels like another lifetime when they last saw you sporting that look in your eyes. “This is trouble,” Megan whispered and tried to get to you but Cass stopped her.

“Let her be.”

The boy continued to shout at you along with other people on the line. “Unhand me,” you warned.

He didn’t. Instead, he continued to mock you. You sighed, the universe was definitely trying to get a rise out of you, and you’re not in the mood to be the bigger person. So, you put your hand over the boy’s hand and twisted it. Not a warning twist, no. You broke it off the socket, he yelled and cried like a baby.

Bouncers and security personnel came over to you and tried to rip you away from the boy but you were holding him tight. In every jerk, he cried out and beg for your mercy. The ruckus caught the attention of the club manager, so he went to see what’s the fuss.

“Holy shit! Stop! Take your filthy hands off her!” He yelled.

“I was starting to wonder, what a girl gotta do to get into her own club.”

Technically it’s your sisters but semantics. “Y/N,” the manager greeted. You look at the poor man-boy on his knees, with tears streaming down his cheeks before you threw him backwards and on his ass.

“Take the trash out and I want everyone out of the club.”

“Pardon?” The manager choked out.

You didn’t spare him another glance. You just continued walking towards the entrance.

“Did I stutter?”

The manager couldn’t do anything but ask each of his staff to herd everyone out. 

***

“Get my seat out, now.” You commanded one of the staff. Everyone knows which one it is. There’s only one seat in the house the Al Ghul’s sat on. You, Cass and Megan, walked towards the bar and ordered a bottle of your favourite drinks each. The best vodka for you, and a bottle of Jack for Megan and Cass.

“Ma’am, your seats are ready.” On the way to the stage, you realized that not everyone has left as you wanted.

“Oh, oh,” Megan tutted behind you. You can feel your anger rising as you watch a table full of leather-clad men ignore you. Flashes of Natasha’s image with the blonde woman keeps surfacing in your head and it’s fueling your anger to rise faster into the surface.

“Boys,” you said when you stood in front of their table. You tried your best not to crinkle your nose in disgust as caught a whiff of the smell of leather, sweat, smoke, and hair gel. They only spared you a glance.

“Perhaps you didn’t hear but I have asked everyone to leave.” You’re trying, for your sister's sake, to be diplomatic. The gang looked up at you and laugh. The one on the middle stared at you in contempt.

“We heard, we just didn’t care.”

You smirked at him. “Well then, you leave me no choice but to drag you out of here myself.”

They laughed so hard, they had tears in their eyes. You, on the other hand, didn’t even flinch. So many have laughed at your face in the past, thinking you were a dog full of bark but has no bite. You’re used to it by now, people, men specifically, belittling you because you’re a woman.

“Bite me,” the gang leader said. He nodded and two of his boys immediately stood and started attacking you.

You started by dodging them first. Especially since you’re wearing a 5 inches heeled boots. When they started closing in the second time, you didn’t hesitate to neutralize them with a hard punch on their solar plexus. Bringing them to their knees and gasping for air. You twisted their necks, efficiently knocking them dead.

You looked back at the gang leader as he stares open-mouthed at his dead comrades.

“Is that all you’ve got?”

He growled before sending all his men, approximately fifteen of them, to attack you all at once. You can faintly hear the sounds of siren closing in on the club but you didn’t care. It's not like these mortals can catch you anyway.

“Shouldn’t we be helping her?” Megan asked worriedly as she sips her jack coke from her seat on the stage.

Cass just shrugged and sat comfortably beside your throne on the stage.

***

One man put his weapon out and aimed it at you. You smiled insidiously at him. You hate people who bring weapons on a gunfight.

“Make it a kill shot or I will tear you apart using my bare hands.”

“I’m bored of watching you play with your food,” Cass yelled. “Finish it.”

You smiled before they started firing at you but you dodged all of them. You glided along the darkroom, taking down everyone on your path. You can smell their fear mixed with the smell of gun powder and blood. Oh, how you missed it. Truly, you love being free from the burdens of being your father’s prodigy but being Osiris is truly freeing.

***

Nat and Carol were pulled from the relaxing evening when Maria called to say that the Vipers, one of the biggest gang in town, is holding hostages at a local night club called the Underworld. They arrived at the scene just as Bucky and Sam did. 

“We told Maria we can handle this,” Sam complained. Nat just rolled her pretty green eyes at him.

“No offence but the last time you handled the Vipers, you two almost got killed and that says something since one of you is immortal and the other wielding Captain America’s shield,” Nat retorted. Bucky just chuckled, while Sam huffed. 

Carol was busy getting details from the police commander on-site. Before she can come to her team though, the sound of gunfire sounded from inside the building. It was the only cue the Avengers needed to breach the area. 

***

It stopped the moment they barged in through the door. The club was dark, and it reeks of the smell of gun powder and blood. You turned at the sound of footsteps. The Avengers can see a lone figure standing in what seems to a pile of dead bodies but that’s it, they couldn’t see your face.

“Hey, you! Hands in the air.” A man with one silver arm yelled.

“Ah! Avengers welcome to the Underworld,” you said cheerfully. Their weapons aimed at you had you chuckling to yourself.

“He said hands in the air.” Now it’s the blonde who spoke. The world tilted and stopped. She can’t see it because the lights in the club were busted by the bullets the ricocheted around but you were glaring at her. She’s the same blonde woman who has her arms around Natasha Romanoff earlier.

“Why would I do that?” Seeing her there was the last straw before the door to the tomb you buried your alter ego finally opened.

Cass and Megan stood on their chair by the stage as they felt the ground shake, and a green aura simmered out of your skin. “Oh shit.”

“Just put your hands in the air and get on your knees.”

“For the redhead, I will but for you, never.” The sound of teasing and mocking evident in your town. Carol is slowly losing her temper, and you can smell it.

“Don’t make me ask again, lady,” Carol said through gritted teeth.

“Or what? You’ll blast me?” You laughed. “I’d like to see you try, Captain Marvel.” 

That was it, Carol’s fist glowed and she tried to shoot at you. It blasted through the wall.

“Tsk, tsk, my sisters will have you pay for that wall.” You whispered right beside her ear. She whipped around confused. Everyone was always confused at first. No one knows how you move around so fast, forgetting that you were born of darkness. So darkness and shadows will always be your friends.

“Show yourself, coward.”

“Where’s the fun in that, Captain?”

Out of spite, you super speed towards Bucky and ripped his metal arm off. He cursed out loud. Carol and Nat towards the sound. While distracted you zoomed at Sam and bashed his head on his hand-me-down shield. He groaned in pain before crumpling down the ground. Nat scrambled to help Sam.

You walked silently towards her, leaving only a foot space between you two. You desperately wished you could touch her but she’s not yours to hold. Then Carol came over to help, and you watch like a stupid martyr as they look at each other lovingly.

Carol Danvers. Strong, brave, and good af.

You shook your head. You were delusional to think you ever had a chance with Natasha Romanoff before. How much more now that you’ve embraced your true nature.

You walked away. Cass and Megan waiting on the fire exit for you.

[squeeneyart]

Breathe in the Salt - Chapter 7

AO3

Beta read by @thesnadger who does a great job

Tim and Martin sit out the nausea.

Martin talks to himself.

“You sure you don’t want to head home for the day?” Tim asked, picking at the grass beside him. He and Martin sat with their backs pressed against the cliff railing, facing away from the steep drop. The lighthouse loomed in front of them, barely casting a shadow as morning ticked closer to noon.

“Yeah, I’m okay,” Martin replied. He rested his arms on his knees, his chin buried into the fabric of his coat sleeves. “I don’t really feel like walking down the hill yet? I’ll at least wait for the others to get back.”

“Well, they should be here soon, unless the place Simon pointed us toward is yet another weird building that makes you feel like you’re falling into a big hole.” Tim squinted up at the sky and immediately seemed to regret it, leaning forward to drop his face between his knees. “Ugh, the Fairchild place was almost as bad as here. I’m surprised we survived the walk back down. If we didn’t have someone leading us out, we’d probably be swallowed up by the carpet! Sorry to say, but I think your whole town is fucked. Or any place owned by the weird old guy club, I guess.”

Martin grimaced. “I don’t get how Jon and Sasha seem so unbothered by it. If it were just me, I’d chalk it up to stress or something, but, well.”

Tim nodded in solemn understanding. “‘But, well’.’” He lifted his head and squinted in the sunlight. “It could be they’re faking it and I’m the only one willing to ‘fess up. If that’s the case, they’ve been really good at pretending their stomachs haven’t been dropping straight into the sea all weekend. But, between you and me, Jon can’t act for shit.”

Martin’s shoulders bobbed with silent laughter. “He seems very easy to read, yeah.”

“Oh yeah, I don’t think he’s ever successfully lied in his life, unless you count avoiding a subject altogether.” Tim smiled and leaned back against the railing, brushing a hand over his hair. “Glad you two are getting on, by the way. I’m sure Sasha already talked to you about it, but the turnaround really was impressive. I was concerned he’d just be pissy this whole week over some spilt tea.”

Martin buried the bottom of his face a degree further into his coat. “Please don’t remind me. Anyway, I’m sure having something weird to chase after helped. Means this place wasn’t a total waste of time for you.”

“Hey, it wasn’t gonna be a total waste. I can’t speak for him, but I for one love to make new connections.” He waggled his eyebrow, making Martin snort and turn a brighter shade of red. “Really, though, you’ve been a lot of help. If the walk home is that bad, you should just stay up where the sun actually hits for a while. None of us will mind if you hang around, and I need someone here to prove that my dizzy spells aren’t just me being ridiculous.”

Martin’s mouth sunk into a frown. “No, once they get back I’ll head home. Lunch won’t make itself.”

“What, don’t want to grab something with us nerds?” Tim asked, smiling broadly.

“N-No, I just, y’know, I bought groceries yesterday, and if I eat out too much, I’ll end up wasting some of it, and-” Martin searched for more excuses that wouldn’t bring his mother into the picture and failed.

Tim scrunched his eyebrows together in thought, then took out his phone and asked, “What’s your number?”

“What?”

“Your mobile? In case we need to reach you. And so I can send you dumb shit in my down time that I’ve already sent to Sasha.”

For a moment, Martin sat in stunned silence. “Um. Okay?” He said, his voice cracking in the most embarrassing way possible. Then, slowly, he took an old phone out of his coat pocket, technically a smart phone but just barely. They exchanged numbers, and Martin stared at the new contact before slipping the phone back into place.

“There, now you’re stuck with me. I’ll keep you updated if Sasha and Jon do in fact decide to do something stupid that gets us all disappeared. Speaking of,” Tim said, shading his eyes with a hand. “Here they come now, and Jon looks especially irritated.” They both stood up, grasping at the railing and sharing a weary look.

“Come on, guys,” Sasha yelled from the bottom of the steps. “Break time’s over.”

Back inside, the four of them sat around the table. From the looks on their faces, Jon and Sasha had been disappointed by their short venture. “So, how are you two doing?” Sasha asked. “How’s the nausea?

“Oh, just fine. We can almost get up without losing breakfast.” Tim said. “How was the place?”

Jon crossed his arms. “Unsurprisingly, Simon Fairchild sent us to an inaccessible piece of private property owned by the Lukas family. We couldn’t even get anyone to come to the door. For now, it may be a dead end.”

“I could try to get Peter to let us in?” Martin suggested with little enthusiasm.

Sasha looked at his obviously pained expression and shook her head. “No, bad idea. Simon was pretty clear on Peter not knowing we went to his home. I’d guess that extends to any of us going into this other place. If what you said happened back at the house is true, I don’t want that kind of risk. We’ll have to try it later and hope for an answer.”

Martin let out a relieved sigh and stood. “Good, good idea. I’ll be going then. I guess if you need me for… questions? Updates? Tim has my number.”

Sasha raised her eyebrows at Tim in amusement, while Jon rolled his eyes and scowled. With a lopsided smile, Tim shrugged and said, “What? The guy lives at the bottom of the world. We can’t drag him up and down that hill all day.”

Perhaps quicker than necessary, Martin excused himself and walked out of the building. The last bit of conversation he heard was Jon complaining about a lack of workplace professionalism, followed by Tim making a mocking comment that Martin couldn’t quite hear.

Once he had walked a little ways away, he relaxed. They really did balance each other out, the three of them. He could imagine Sasha breaking them apart in a little while, then getting them on task like before.

His hand brushed against the phone in his pocket, and he felt a little pang in his throat. He pushed the sensation down. Chances were, they wouldn’t need to call him, and it would be best to pay as little attention to his phone as he always had.

--

After the usual walk home, Martin approached his mother in front of the television. There was one of her Christian programs playing, the kind with the television preacher. “Hi, Mum.”

“You took much longer than usual,” she said stiffly. He could see her attempting to swallow and went toward the kitchen.

“Sorry, work ran long today. I’ll get lunch going.” He began to look through the fridge, considering his options.

“I’m not hungry. Just want a glass of water,” she said, her voice hoarse. Martin winced.

“One second.” He quickly filled a glass from the tap and brought it to her. “You will need to eat something to get your medication down. I’ll make something for both of us and we’ll see how you’re feeling then.”

She huffed in response, taking a sip of water and clearing her throat. Once food was ready, she did eat enough for her medication and then some, setting Martin at ease.

“It’s sunny today, if you’d like to sit out front,” he suggested after cleaning up the tray in front of her. She sniffed and otherwise stayed silent. “Okay… let me know if you change your mind. The fog even cleared out a bit-”

“I am not going outside today.”

“Okay.”

Martin left her alone and went back to the kitchen and set some chicken in the fridge to defrost. His future self would thank him later, he thought, and he went upstairs to figure out the rest of his Sunday.

The first order of business was to lay down and sleep for a while. Two busy mornings in a row and he was exhausted, the muscles in his legs finally catching up to all of the extra walking. As he lay down, he thanked his walls, bed, and windows for staying in place and gently drifted off to sleep.

Several hours later, Martin woke to find the sun had retreated back behind clouds and a familiar layer of fog. He reached for his phone on the bedside table to check the time. 4:30 pm. It was almost time to get dinner started, but before he could move to set the phone down, he saw there was text notification. Without his glasses, he had to squint and hold the phone close to his face. The brightness stung his eyes. The messages were from about fifteen minutes ago.

Tim: hey Tim: what do these weird knobs and buttons do anyway

Attached was a distorted photo, apparently of the upstairs console in the lighthouse.

“Shit,” Martin mumbled, tapping out an answer.

Martin: dont know, peter never told me. work the lighthouse i guess, make sure the big light is running. Martin: also what does all the static mean

Almost immediately, he got a response.

Tim: is that how lighthouses work? Tim: means its weird shit. weird shit hates digital

Martin: its the only lighthouse ive ever worked in, your guess is as good as mine Martin: oh good

No response came for a bit, and Martin took the pause to get out of bed. Halfway down the stairs, his phone buzzed.

Tim: update, stairs still bad Tim: arseholes who don’t get spooky vertigo club

Attached was another photo, still fuzzy, this time of Jon and Sasha walking ahead with Tim’s hand just barely in frame, clutching the rail. Jon was looking at the camera with a stern expression, his mouth open in the middle of saying something. Martin laughed quietly and continued walking.

In the time it took to prepare the chicken for baking, his phone vibrated in his pocket a few times. With his hands coated, there was no way to check until he slid the chicken into the oven twenty minutes later.

Tim: dont think anything stupid will happen tonight Tim: no one’s gotten too desperate yet but tomorrow is a new day Tim: will let you know if we end up getting arrested in the middle of the night for trespassing tho

Martin: haha, very funny

Tim: give it until tuesday

Martin’s eyebrow twitched, unsure of how seriously to respond.

Martin: please dont get me fired?

Tim: no promises! ;)

It felt like a lighthearted enough response to put Martin at ease. Tim liked joking. Martin knew that by now. If Tim was saying it, then it was a joke. Plus, it was clear Sasha and Jon were very by-the-books. If Jon would lecture Tim about texting, he certainly wasn’t the type to do anything illegal.

Still, the number of times Tim had joked about it made Martin irrationally nervous. That and Simon being cryptic and threatening. And the buildings trying to make him sick. And Jon-

Sliding his phone into his back pocket, Martin distracted himself with preparing the rest of their dinner. It wasn’t the time to spiral. He had chicken in the oven and vegetables to steam.

Dinner was made and eaten within the hour, and Martin’s phone stayed silent for the duration. When his mother asked to go outside after dinner, he did his best not to be outwardly irritated at her change of mind and did as she requested, covering his face to protect himself against the night wind.

It wasn’t until later when he had just about settled down for bed that Martin checked his phone, under the pretense that he was setting his alarm for the morning. There were no unread messages, so he set his phone down onto the side table to charge.

The fog rolled outside his window, illuminated by the weak light of the front porch. When sleep eventually took him, he dreamed of nothing.

--

When 6 am came, Martin found himself in an empty lighthouse. Under his arm was the expected box of documents he was to work with for the week, which he set on his desk. He then dragged his chair back over from the folding table, which was still littered with loose papers and three used mugs.

“Right, right. Library day. They could’ve at least remembered to clean up a bit.” Martin brought the dirty dishware to the kitchen and placed them in the sink to soak, then looked around for something clean to use for himself. He managed to find a kitschy one he’d always liked, with a tiny, smiling whale on the side.

“Looks like it’s just you and me.”

His voice echoed through the building, the final ‘me’ stretching on much too long.

Martin glared out into the main room. “Yeah, yeah, I’m alone, laugh it up.”

Again, the last ‘up’ lingered and drifted up the stairs, and he wanted to slap himself for walking right into that one. There was no point in talking back to a possibly haunted building.

He settled on silently making himself some tea, then dove into the week’s work. It was mind-numbing, as expected, but after a while it grew to be calming and familiar. The weird ache in his chest gave way to distraction, and hours ticked by without interruption. Martin began to feel normal, or his version of normal before things started to be poked and prodded. Before he knew it, he had eaten lunch and was on his way to the second half of his shift.

“...up.”

Martin jumped, almost knocking over his tea. That had been his voice. Just a single noise that hung in the air with no echo to be heard. No, he thought, no, no, no, he was not going to take any bait in this place. He righted himself in his chair and reached for the pen he had dropped.

“Me. Up.” Even with his original tone resting in those syllables, the new sense of urgency was unmistakable.

Against every part of his brain screaming at him, he took a step toward the stairs. Before he could go any further the front door swung open.

“Hey, Martin, we’re back,” Sasha said, carrying a file folder. “We- woah, are you okay?”

Martin stopped and stared at her, his jaw clenched to the point of pain. “Um. Define okay.”

The three researchers stopped and shared a concerned look. Sasha walked over to set her things on the table. “Okay, okay, clearly something happened.”

“What’s going on?” Jon asked, looking around warily.

Before Martin could open his mouth, his voice came from above. “Up.”

Everyone froze, holding their breath for a moment. Jon was first to break the silence, his voice filled with disdain. “Good. It can record us now.”

“Up. Now.”

“Oh, shut up.”

Tim gripped Jon’s shoulder and gestured insistently to the front door. They all vacated the building and stopped on the front steps, finally letting out a collective breath.

“Have you all, um, dealt with ghosts? Directly?” Martin sat on the bottom step, rubbing his hands over each other. “Ones that take the last word you said?”

“We don’t know if it’s a ghost, but no, not personally,” Jon replied, sitting a few steps up and typing on his laptop. “Can’t say I really believe in them, either.”

Tim snorted. “Yeah, sure, definitely not a ghost in there.”

“I’m inclined to suspect something more concrete. Somehow, the lighthouse was trapping the sound of our voices. According to Martin it only used the last words he uttered, and the same happened with me. With only a few things to work with, it wouldn’t be hard to-”

“To accidentally order us up the creepy staircase of the creepy lighthouse.” Tim stood, hands in his pockets.

“If it’s using ‘me’, ‘up’, and ‘now’, what else could it say? Otherwise, there was just ‘back’ and okay’ as far as I can tell.”

They continued to go back and forth, Jon being much more stubborn about the whole thing than Martin would’ve expected from a paranormal researcher. Maybe ghosts were an especially contended subject? It didn’t seem like it from Tim and Sasha’s reactions, but Martin was out of his depth. People turning into seals was a far cry from specters and mind-bending architecture.

Still, it being a ghost sounded right. There were meaning and intent behind the words repeated back to him, he was certain of it. If that was the case, maybe there was someone or something in this place trying to talk to him. That’s what ghosts did, right? Reach out to the living?

“Then we’ll just have Martin stay outside for a bit,” Jon said, closing his laptop decisively.

Martin found himself back in the conversation. “What?”

“We’re going to try the place Simon pointed us toward again. Hopefully, we’ll be let in this time and get some answers. The library didn’t have much in terms of useful information, I’m afraid.”

Sputtering, Martin replied, “So, what, I’m just going to wait out here? I still have work to do!”

Jon stared at him and sighed. “Bring it outside then. It shouldn’t rain today, and we don’t want to risk anything now that we know something is… active. You’re sure nothing like this has ever happened?”

“No, this is... new.”

“Then the safest thing is to avoid whatever is going on. It’s for your own well-being, and since we’re probably the cause of it, I don’t want to be in the business of putting people in danger.” Jon said. Martin was at a loss for arguments and nodded. “Good. If our luck hasn’t changed, we’ll be back soon. Otherwise, I suppose Tim will text you the good news.” There was a slight, acidic turn to Jon’s voice near the end that Martin couldn’t place.

Martin pushed himself onto his feet. “Okay… good luck? I guess? I’ll go get my work, then.”

Apparently satisfied, Jon placed his laptop into its case and motioned for the other two to follow him. As they left, Tim shot Martin a worried thumbs up.

When Martin walked back inside, he stopped halfway to the desk, eyes glued to the staircase. He had told Jon he would get his things and go outside.

“Hello?” Martin waited and got no response. “If you’re a ghost, now’s the time to say so.” Still nothing. He let out a noise of frustration. “Say something? Please?”

“Hello? Up. Please?”

Taking a glance back at his desk, Martin bit his tongue and internally berated himself. No use giving the place a name to call him. He really was an idiot, he thought, creeping up the staircase as if the ghost might hear his footfalls. Why had he taught it to be polite?