#Lucy aka his girlfriend

[candice127]

Tim took a desk job for Lucy

If that’s not love, then I don’t know what is 🥹🥹

[starseneyes]

Chenford - Lucy Chen / Tim Bradford - The Rookie - Season 5 - Ep 16

"Exposed" AKA "That Bradford"

Valentine's Day is pushed a week in the universe of The Rookie, but since I'm still not sure what year we're in on the show, that's just fine by me!

SPOILER ALERT: Spoilers are like sugar for me. See, some people love sugar and hate spoilers. I'm the opposite (unless it's macarons or carrot cake). So, if you're spoiler-averse, run. I'll also be spoiling everything that came before. You've been forewarned!

Ready to see how Tim and Lucy's first Valentine's as a couple pans out? Me, too! Let's dive in.

Chenford In Lucy's Bed

No music to lead us into tonight's episode. Only the sounds of the streets. Honking. Cars. Barking dogs. Crickets that have apparently gotten into Lucy's apartment only.

But, anyway, we're not listening to a jamming soundtrack. We're listening to life. It's the sounds a sleeping person might hear in the night.

That's what makes the first sound we hear so jarring. We are with Tim and Lucy in that moment, the harsh buzzing sound of a vibrating, moving phone atop a nightstand.

They've immersed us in this world with them.

And, before I get too swept away... Tim and Lucy in Lucy's bed! To be honest, my very first thought was, "How does he fit in that bed?!".

Of course it's doable, but I've never shared a bed with someone taller than me. Matthew and I are almost the same height! And he complains because I like my feet at the bottom and he likes his head at the top. Learning to share a blanket has been a feat in our marriage!

But Tim and Lucy seem to be sharing the bed well enough—except Lucy is on his side.

Look, it's her bed, so she gets first rights to choosing a side. But I still think it's hilarious they both usually sleep on that side of the bed.

The buzzing sound wakes them. And I gotta ask Lucy what kind of battery she's got in that phone, because it can't be the standard model.

Girlfriend has that phone in her hand all the time during the day, and here she doesn't even have a charge cord in it overnight. That's witchcraft!

"Who is it?" "I don't know" "Hello?" "Loca, you gotta stop texting..."

Lucy jumps up fast. It only takes a second for the wheels to start moving, and she leaps to her dresser, tugging out clothes.

And… I kinda hope a drawer or two belongs to her man. Just sayin’.

"What's happening?" "PUC I trained with distress call. He needs a covert rescue." *Tim sits up* "What are you doing?" "Backing you up."

There's no hesitation in this man, and I can I hear her "thank you" in her look. These two are a team. And while he knows she can handle herself, they both know it's better to have backup.

Lucy's Driving Tim's Ride

Alright, I gotta laugh a little, because my first thought I wrote on this scene (no joke) is, "All about putting Tim in small places today." Seriously. We've taken possibly the tallest member of the cast and put him into all the tiny places and it's cracking me up.

Now that we've gotten that out of the way. Can. We. Talk. About. Lucy!?!

She rolls up into this situation completely in characters, already deep in her backstory and ready to help her friend out of a jam. It's great to get to see her use her UC chops, again.

"Damn You came in hot. Damn." "All clear."

Lucy makes it clear she's not alone. That's a good thing.

Also, I saw a lot of people over on the Twitterverse commenting on him calling her "hot", but this might be a language barrier since this is a turn of phrase. It usually has to do with coming in "guns blazing" or in an otherwise crazy manner.

He's not calling her hot. Well... not yet.

"I'm impressed you managed to scrounge up a backup this fast." "Yeah, I mean, it helps he was sleeping in my bed." "Oh. Oh, you're that Bradford."

Excuse me!? That Bradford?! As in... she talked about Tim!?

"Curious to hear what that means." "No."

I want to know, too! Was Lucy talking about Tim at UC when she was still dating Chris? What was being said that finding out he was in her bed made it all make sense?

Like, hearing "Bradford" didn't click it. It was that he was in her bed.

Did she not talk about Chris at all because she was at UC School and didn't feel the need to fill everyone in on the boyfriend she was bored with? I mean, I get it. I didn't mention my boyfriend when I first met Matt.

No, I wasn't devising a cheating plot or anything. I simply didn't mention the guy because I knew that I was breaking up with him next time I saw him.

Of course, I didn't anticipate Matthew asking me out before that, but "Rejection Day" became the day he proposed three years later, so it all worked out alright for him, I suppose.

And it all worked out for Lucy and "that Bradford", too.

There better be some fics out here that fill in the blanks, because this is another one of those episodes where I have a lot of question marks remaining long after the credits roll.

"Damn it's good to see you hot pants. " "Hot pants." "It's an inside joke."

Inside jokes I get, but it seems like she might explain that one to Tim sometime. Like, I had a nickname at uni from my buddy Sam. We never had interest in one another, but he liked to call me Hot Stuff.

That is... until his Dance Appreciation class had to sit in on my Modern Dance class and he saw me in dance tights. Henceforth, I was Ghetto Booty.

Look, I'm Hispanic and in my thighs and bum... it shows.

No, Matthew never called me either name. So, I get having nicknames and weird in-jokes with someone you'd never be interested in dating. But I do hope she clued Tim in later.

Wesley Hires a Bristow

Is this Sydney's second secret sister? Fellow Alias fans know what I mean. But, as soon as I heard the name I started chuckling aloud, hoping it was a reference.

"You're kidding. Thanks." "Kidding about what" "Uh nothing."

What the hell just went down? Because on this show "nothing" never means nothing. Tim is clearly upset about something.

"You left so early." *arm touch* "I had this whole Valentine's breakfast planned."

D'aww. I mean, that's super cute. I'm kinda sad that Tim missed out on it, but I'm also eager for Tim to cook for Lucy. It's one of those things that I love about them—they both cook.

When Matthew and I met he claimed he could cook one things—eggs. Spoiler Alert: he could not cook eggs.

"Uh, you were up late. I let you sleep."

Marry him. Immediately. That is seriously husband material, right there.

Like, one of the sweetest things Matthew can do for me is let me sleep in. Even before we had kids, he'd let me sleep in and I treasured it.

Lucy, marry that man as soon as you can. He's a keeper!

He's also super on edge. He's looking all around like he doesn't know how to feel comfortable in his own skin.

"We didn't keep you up, did we? " "No, it's fine." *she stops him with a touch* "Hey. Are you okay?" "Yeah. Fine."

You are not fine. You are so fucking far from fine that "fine" is in another zip code. And Lucy knows it.

This girl speaks Tim like no other. So when her man's upset, she knows it. Remember, she "rode long enough with" Tim to know when he's upset. And Tim is upset.

But right now, he wants to focus on work.

"Finally. I'll get right to it."

Grey was not happy Chenford was late getting in. Yikes! Just how late did he let her sleep in!?

"Bradford. Chen. Hold back."

I can hear the kids in elementary school now. "Oooohhh, Lucy and Tim are in truuuubullll!"

In reality, it's just Tim. And poor Tim is already on-edge, and you can hear it coming out in his conversation with Grey.

"I want metro to be ready to move on these guys at a moment's notice." ... "That's why you'll be riding with Chen and Foster today, so there'll be no delays."

From the promos, I was curious how we ended up with these two riding together, again. And, I'm not mad at it, at all!

Shop Talk has been a big deal with these two over the years. So, I'm sure it'll be juicy.

"Everybody adores me, right?" *shoulder touch* "Yup."

Or... not. Tim's barely staying a thing even when he has the chance to compliment his lady.

He's not happy. Lucy is trying to be cordial to her friend and also get through to her boyfriend, but right now attempting both isn't helping her with Tim.

Lucy pulls away from Tim and turns to talking work, which she hopes might work better on Tim. Whatever's bothering him, it's deep. She's going to have to ease him into it.

"We broke up. Well, she broke up with me."

Very similar dialogue to the "Tim tells Lucy about the Ashley breakup" scene. It jumped out at me immediately. I'm not sure if that was an unintentional happenstance, or a reference to the fact that Noah simply wasn't with the right person.

Your guess is as good as mine.

"I'm starting to think the undercover life isn't conducive to a happy relationship."

Tim's. Face. Because he knows all about this. Tim was married to a UC and it didn't go well. And while I think it's a little harsh to blame UC on a relationship ending, we're building quite the use case reference here.

Nyla and her ex. Tim and his ex. Noah and his ex.

If the show's trying to make a point with this, I'm suddenly nervous about Tim and Lucy's path when I haven't been before.

Lucy deserves the chance to go deep cover if she wants it. And Tim would understandably have reservations.

I won't pretend I haven't fantasized about Season 5 ending with Lucy going deep cover and us coming back to Season 6 with a time-jump. But since we haven't yet heard word about Season 6 at all, I'm sitting here twiddling my thumbs and hoping Chenford simply survive until the end of the season.

Look, I've got a lot of ship trauma. I want to fully trust, but like my friend Tim, here, I'm not always the best at trust.

"Well, I mean, that probably depends on the couple." "Is that why you're still on Patrol?"

Oooh. Noah just accused Lucy of putting her career on pause for Tim. Yikes.

And, to Lucy's point, I haven't seen her offered a lot of UC this season. It's not like she's been turning offer after offer down, fending off assignments with a stick.

Lucy loves UC and she definitely wants to do it. It's true that she might not be going after those assignments because she's caught in the throes of new love and wants to get this on a solid footing first.

And I think that's important. Because, I feel a big Lucy UC assignment coming. Yes, my feelings could be as unreliable as the Psychic Network, but it does make sense narratively.

"...you were by far the most talented cop at UC school. Be a shame if you didn't take the plunge."

Tim glances over at Lucy, and she has her "pensive" face on. She's considering Noah's words, and I think it's fair that she does.

Look, Tim's advanced his career (unknowingly with Lucy's help) and it's about time Lucy had the opportunity to advance hers.

I'm not a fan who's ready for Tim and Lucy to settle down in a three bedroom home with a meyer lemon tree in the backyard tending babies all day.

And I say this lovingly as a very active mother of three. Lucy deserves the chance to go after what she wants out of her career. I'm blessed to have the kind of husband who supports me working and going after my passions.

I very famously turned down a steady gig to go freelance almost six years ago. I told him I thought it was a better choice. His response? "I disagree, but I support your decision."

Husband of the year, right there. I want Lucy to feel fulfilled career-wise. But I have a feeling this is going to be a future source of angst for Tim and Lucy—and rightfully so.

Tim's reservations are completely understandable. I mean, we've already mentioned the three relationships in their friend circle negatively impacted by UC.

Now, was UC the contributing factor to these relationships ending? Probably not. But it is a commonality that can cloud the fact that each of these relationships likely had other issues.

But I can completely understand how Tim might miss those subtleties. And that's going to be a source of conflict for these two, I think. We'll see if I'm right... only a handful of episodes left in the season!

"Why are you so cranky? First Valentine's Day. You should be basking in the glow of new love." "That's right. What are you guys doing tonight?" "We are not talking about Valentine's Day plans on an open channel."

Tim appreciates that, at least. Look, I love these scenes where the Found Family all get to interact, even if it's only over the radio. But, he has a point, and Lucy comes in to back him up.

They've got each other's backs... even when one of them is obviously pissed and closed off.

But Lucy watches Tim as Grey talks. She's trying to figure him out, because he's barely looking at her. He's barely talking.

And while we all know that Tim isn't the most talkative of guys in the Shop, he usually talks to Lucy. Right now, he's erected an invisible wall between them, and while Lucy can't see it, she can feel the heat of the electricity running through it.

*arm touch* "Out with it." "What?" "What is wrong with you today?" "Nothing." "Bull. "

First off, on this show nothing is ever nothing. Second, have you ever wished that they could just say bullshit on network television? Like, I know there's S&P to deal with, but wouldn't it feel good!?

I remember how excited we all were when Mulder could say "dicking around" in the first X-Files movie when we saw it in theaters. Yes, I'm that old.

But Melissa O'Neil puts as much as she can behind that "bull" so we totally know Lucy Chen is thinking the rest. Like usual, Lucy's calling Tim on his shit.

"Is it Noah? Are you jealous?"

Not like usual, she's actually wrong about what's bothering Tim.

"This is about you going behind my back to get me into Metro." "I did not... " *look from Tim*

Oooh, he's pissed. And, look, I know I talked a lot about wanting Tim to find out he was loved, but finding out that his girlfriend went behind his back to manipulate the situation when he thought he'd earned his place? Ooof. Yeah, that stings.

Think about the moment he got to tell Lucy he got into Metro. He was over-the-moon. He talked about the "rockstar review" he received from Grey and Lucy confirmed it by telling him that he was amazing.

He actually wanted to go out and celebrate himself. Do you know how big that is for someone who grew up with trauma and abuse?

I still struggle with buying myself a dress that isn't off the thrift store rack because I don't know if it's worth it to spend money on myself after I was called selfish as a child. Tim had a father who beat into his head (literally) that he was worthless, without value, and broken.

But for one fleeting second, Tim felt like everything was right in the world. And now that memory is tainted.

Because he didn't earn his place. Right? His girlfriend manipulated it, word has somehow gotten out, and now he has to worry about his manipulation because nobody's going to believe he's good enough.

Tim is so in his own head about this that he can't see it through Lucy's lens. He only has his own, and he's frustrated and fumbling.

"I had to do something. You were miserable riding that desk. " "Okay. Fine. But how do you think that makes me look?" "What?" "How does that make me look? My girlfriend has to solve my problems for me?"

Tim relying on others has never been his strong suit. We know he doesn't ask for help. He doesn't think he deserves it, too often, but he also thinks it makes him look weak.

Again, this is side effects of the trauma he received as a child backed up by a society that emphasizes strong, tough men who don't cry because somehow emotion is a sign of weakness.

Also, can we talk about Tim calling her his girlfriend!? All I need now is for Lucy to introduce Tim as her boyfriend. Yes, I know she told Noah that Tim was in her bed, but I like hearing the labels from her because she's the one who always shied away from them.

Tim is different. But right now Tim is pissed.

"Please tell me this is not some fragile male ego thing." "That is not what's happening here."

He stated it at the top of the conversation—she went behind his back. She lied to him. She feigned ignorance when he told her about it. She manipulated the situation and he was left to find out about it from someone else.

I always wanted Tim to find out... but not like this. Yikes.

I also think Tim might feel like his place was handed to him instead of earned. He is mad that others are going to look at him like we do university students whose parents bribed the admissions' office... with skepticism that they should be there at all.

We, gentle readers, know that's not how it went down. But Tim is hurting and often when we are hurting we shut others out and stew. Tim's practically the king of that.

"Come on! We were just trying to help." "We? Who else was involved?" "Did I say we? Me. Me was trying to help. I was trying to help."

Girl, your ass was just saved by your Backseat Buddy. Although, listening to Lucy talk like Elmo for a second had me rolling.

Tim passes a glare Lucy's way, but she completely misses it. And something about the look that Eric Winter puts into his eyes is completely different from all the glaring Tim has done at Lucy in this Shop before.

And, yes, I'm aware that sounds mental. But it definitely feels more... personal. More raw. More hurt than angry.

Tim's Office

Before we go any further, I have to compare this to 5x09 when she stepped into Grey's office to tell Tim that she'd released the Fourth String Quarterback from her life.

She knocked at the door before coming in. But, here, she slips in as easily as she would her own home. There's comfort, here. Even though they're fighting, she doesn't feel unwelcome. She doesn't feel out of place.

And that confidence in their relationship is sexy as hell. Lucy isn't spiraling because they had a fight. She knows they will get through this. That they are worth it.

Tim's the one who said it back in 5x08 and now they are living it. Tim and Lucy are worth the risk.

"I get why you're angry. Even though you were miserable as court liaison and I spear-headed an almost impossible five person trade to save you, I shouldn't have done it all behind your back."

That was the first thing he said when he told her what was wrong. He was left out of the loop. He was lied to. By the one person he trusts most.

Remember how much I hated all the lying in that episode? Lying catches up to you, even if it's well-intentioned. I guess I don't feel so weird about being so bothered by it seeing that Tim is similarly bothered.

And Tim appreciates Lucy understanding why he is bothered.

"Is that an apology?" "Yes." "Good." "Noo."

I'm having whiplash between so many episodes... Post DOD chat and 5x09 first scene for the "Good". 5x08 for Lucy answering "yes" then "no" to Tim.

Seriously, I think my neurons temporarily short-circuited on that one, because I missed most of the rest of this the first time around, even with subtitles on (because I transcribe live while I watch).

"Because you never would have let me work my magic if I had told you. And then I would have ended up transferring to another station to save you from yourself. And... this worked out so much better. And if you can't see that I'm sorry not sorry."

I'm dying laughing at this. Simply because Lucy started as many sentences with "And" in a short span as I always do. Seriously. Take a look at these Metas. I'm not unaware.

But this is also so her. And when she's being this damn cute, it's hard for Tim to be mad.

That, and she's right. This did work out well, and whatever temporary feelings he has about it, they'll disappear with time. Because he did earn his place. He is amazing. And Lucy acted with love, even if she might not have done it in the best way.

Lucy is more important than the job to him. We already know that.

"Okay..." *giggle* "I accept your non-apology."

Oh, she knew she had him as soon as he cracked that smile. That's why she giggled. I love giggly-in-love-Lucy. It's one of my favorite things.

Like, Melissa O'Neil has imbued Lucy with the cutest giggle known to man, and I smile every time I hear it. It's like Pavlov's Bell, except instead of salivating, I'm beaming.

"Good." "Good."

Are we in a performance of The Court Jester, here? Much as I love that movie, I wasn't expecting to be thrown into it with Chenford. Not ever.

Wow, I need to watch that movie, again, soon. Trust me. Danny Kaye is a treasure.

"So, are we going to dinner or what?" "We are. But your outfit is missing a little something." "What?"

Our girl is fiiiine, Tim. What the hell are you talking about?

Lucy's eyes fall on the box, and she's completely surprised. Remember, this is the girl who had to convince Tim to buy his girlfriend Rachel a birthday present.

Valentine's isn't even a cake holiday, and Tim's here with a jewelry box for his woman?

Endgame. Energy. Tim and Lucy are meant to be, forever and ever.

"Happy Valentine's Day."

Lucy looks at that man like she's ready to marry him right there in his office. The nicest thing he's gifted her before was a sweet final review. And when it comes to picking presents, he's been pretty awful.

Remember, Lucy has had a front-row view to his last three relationships. She didn't expect anything from Tim.

But it's not all those other women. It's Lucy. And since she's had a front-row seat in the past, she knows that this is different for Tim. Tim is doing something for her he wouldn't have done for the others.

And she knows that. She knows how much he loves her, even if they haven't yet said the words. And as she gazes up at him, savoring him before even glimpsing at the gift, she knows she loves him, too.

Because, no matter what he gave her, the gift is in the giving. Tim Bradford went out of his way to ensure she had a present to open. And she will remember how this moment feels the rest of her life.

And I'm now hyper-aware of all my "and" starting sentences.

Back to Tim and Lucy:

"Oh, wow. It's beautiful."

Whatever it is. Look, I don't mean to be cynical or critical, but I seriously have no idea what that necklace is, but I'm so happy Lucy loves it!

"Did you pick this out yourself?" "I did. is that shocking?" "No. You clearly have good taste."

Just wait until the ring, baby! Because we all know that can't be far behind!

And I'm not trying to marry them off, or anything. I'm just saying, we just got confirmation from the woman herself that Tim has good taste. So, when he takes a little trip to the ring counter, we know it's gonna be good.

And just as she once did with her best friend, who is now sadly gone, Lucy sweeps her hair out of the way so he can put the necklace around her neck.

Tim murmurs a "thank you" as Lucy starts to shift gears in her mind. He's standing amazingly close, his hands grazing her neck. He even ensures the charm is centered on her throat before pulling away.

That detail is so personal, and I'm curious if that was actor-choice, director-choice, or script-choice because it makes the moment for me.

"Do you want to skip dinner?"

No. She. Didn't. It's her "Do you wanna come in?" voice. Same cadence, too! Girl wants him just as bad now as she did then.

Tim looks to her, like he's briefly considering it.

"No. I'm hungry, and you're gonna need that fuel for later."

Chenford, meet makeup sex.

Tim touches her back as he shimmies out of his mini office (it really is the day for putting Timmy in Tiny places), leaving her breathless.

Her hand is already on her necklace, holding onto the charm—a physical touchstone to remind her of his love for her. Because he bought this gift for her.

The price tag doesn't matter. The intention does. He somehow did this surreptitiously as an act of love.

Lucy has never felt this loved. We know about the guy who made her sob in her car, the one who cheated on her while she was living with him, Nolan and his easy dumping of her, Emmett and his easy dumping of her, and then Curried Chris who loved an idea of her... not her.

Tim Bradford loves Lucy Chen. She smiles to herself as she follows after him because this mixed feeling of being turned on by an act of love is new. It's the layers that all her relationships before lacked.

Tim and Lucy walked into this relationship already very layered people with a layered relationship. So, it makes sense that their shared romance is also layered.

And they just survived their first fight as a couple. And they are stronger for it.

And... there are too many sentences starting with "and".

Thank you so much for reading and spending this time with me.

I've seen some folks on the Twitterverse complaining about a lack of kiss. Considering tonight might be the first time I remember seeing James and Nyla kiss, I'm not freaking out that we didn't get a kiss. We got a lot.

This episode was packed with Chenford moments. Sleeping together. Waking up together. Having each other's back. Lucy touching Tim every five seconds. First fight as a couple (because their first fight was the first day they met). A freakin' Valentine's Day gift, and it's a necklace. And Tim put it on her. And they're going to dinner, which means they've had reservations a while because they're a pill to get for big romance days.

[dinsdjrn]

Congratulations on your milestone, sweetheart!!! 💜💜💜

How about: Frankie, fluff, 20/P?

i had so much fun with this one tysm lucy i hope you enjoy the fluff!!

you that i hold onto | f. morales | 1.3k

frankie "catfish" morales x f!reader

prompt: frankie, "it's always been you", singing together/slow dancing

summary: frankie has a past, but you are his future (aka: slow dancing and admission)

warnings: 18+, insecurity, fluff ❤️

a/n: im putting this in the same universe as parts we rearrange and you can't stop me :)))

megs follower celebration! | main master list

You have always loved weddings. Granted most weddings you had attended didn’t also involve your partner's ex. You knew she would be here when you accepted the invitation, her best friend was marrying your partner's chosen brother. Frankie had always kept in touch with Gabi, his ex-girlfriend. Of course they kept in touch, they have a daughter together who he would take every other weekend. 

You and Frankie had been together for almost a year now and you admired how kind and gentle of a father and coparent he was. He wanted to make sure his daughter grew up in the healthiest way possible, whether or not her parents were together. It wasn’t her fault she was born to two people not right for one another, but she wouldn’t be loved any less for it. 

You and Gabi had met on occasion but never for more than a few minutes at a time. This was the longest you had been in the same room as her, it was also the most you had seen her and Frankie interact. 

You weren’t going to lie, they moved with one another like a river around a rock. As if they had known each other their whole lives and could anticipate the other's next step. You saw why they were together for so long, they could communicate with just a look. You weren’t one to be envious or insecure, but it was hard to feel confident when the love of your life would always be so connected to someone who he looked so right with. 

You knew there wasn’t any regret from either of them in their break up. They were ancient history, but being here and watching them you couldn’t help but wonder. You didn’t know anyone at the wedding super well either, it made it hard to not feel insecure just generally. You normally were very calm and collected, usually helping Frankie through his personal struggles with his mental health. You didn’t want to put your irrational anxieties on him, this was his best friend's wedding. 

Your own insecurities would be alleviated by morning, so you would fake wanting to be here until you made it to the end of the night. 

The reception was well underway at this point in the evening. A few songs had played since the first dance and the cake was being prepared to be cut. You had mostly been sitting at the table nursing your glass of wine from dinner, but Frankie and Santi had pulled you to the dance floor for ‘No Scrubs’ by TLC. Just as you were getting ready to take your leave from the dance floor, the music slowed and Taylor Swift’s ‘Lover’ began playing over the speaker. 

“Dance with me, cariño,” Frankie said, putting his arms around your waist. 

You nodded in response and rested your forearms on his shoulders, hands around his neck. 

“You alright? I feel like I’ve barely seen you tonight?” He whispered softly into your ear as you swayed to the music. 

“I’m okay. I’m happy to be here, Fish.” 

“But what is running through that anxious head of yours hermosa,” You went to deny it. “And don’t tell me nothing; I can read you like a book,”

You sighed, rolling your eyes fondly at him. “You’re annoying you know,“ you said resting your head on his shoulder hoping he’d drop it. 

“Please cariño, look at me?” You moved to meet his gaze. “What is it?”

“There’s just a lot of history here that I’m not a part of, and that’s okay. Obviously we had lives before each other, but…” you trailed. 

“But?” His gaze softened. 

“It’s hard not to wonder what your life would have been like with her. You two still get along so well, all that history, it’s intimidating,” Your gaze shifts away from him, embarrassed to even be thinking this. 

You know Frankie loves you, you know all of the guys love you and you know why they broke up all those years ago. Even knowing all of this it's hard not to see how handsome of a couple they would have once been; how well they fall into a rhythm with one another. 

“Oh, mi amor,” He spoke softly. 

He pulled you into him, bringing you closer, you hugged your arms around his neck and he inhaled deeply. He hummed along to the song as you swayed slowly together on the dance floor. 

“I didn’t know you were a Taylor Swift fan, Francisco,” You smiled as you rested your head against his shoulder. 

“Only for you,” He said, rubbing your back lightly. You knew he didn’t really know what to say to your admission, but you’d gotten used to Frankie saying more with his actions. 

You continued to sway softly to the music with Frankie. As you swayed you couldn’t focus on him, or anything really, your heart was heavier than you’d like to admit. 

“Frankie?” You looked up at him.

“Hmm?” He hummed in reply. 

“I think I’m going to head back to the room after this, to give everyone time to catch up with one another. Okay?” You smiled. 

“No,” He said looking directly into your eyes, his gaze was soft and concerned. 

“It’s totally fine Fish, I just feel out of pl-,”

“No.” He interrupted, raising his eyebrows at you. 

“I need you here, I can’t do the formal shit without you by my side,” He said. 

You rolled your eyes at him. 

“I mean it cariño, you keep me grounded. You support me, make me confident, give me strength to face my past. I wish I had met you sooner, I wish life had brought me to you before anyone else,” He said the truth radiating from his words. 

You smiled at him, tears welling up in your eyes. Frankie’s love language had always been physical touch, he wasn’t one to speak romantically often. When he did though you fell in love all over again. When he could find the words, they were always the right ones. 

“You’re it for me, my beginning, my middle, my end. You know I often can't find the right words to say, but I love you. Eres mío para siempre, you are my forever.” 

You had stopped swaying around the dance floor. Even though you were surrounded by people, it was only you and Frankie. Tunnel vision for one another. He had brought his hand to your face and brushed his thumb along your cheek. Your hands were still around his neck, your finger played with the curls at the nape. 

This moment gave you a second to really take him in, the way his hair was styled up and out of his face, not hidden under his signature blue cap. His eyes were so soft, you knew how much they had seen, and yet there was light behind them. You sighed and leaned into his hand. 

“From the moment I met you, it was you. It’s always been you, it will always be you, mi amor.” 

The music had stopped and the next more upbeat love song had begun, but you and Frankie stayed in place. He slowly leaned down, his lips barely brushing up against yours; as if he was unsure like this was the first kiss you’d ever shared. You brought yourself to meet him and close the gap between you. 

The kiss held everything you couldn’t say, it was soft passionate and loving. Frankies hand that had stroked your cheek, held your face. The other was wrapped around your waist and his grip had tightened slightly drawing you in closer to him. 

As your lips moved against his you felt like this was the first kiss toward a lifetime with Frankie. His admission ran through your head over and over, and suddenly you couldn’t remember why you wanted to leave in the first place. Nothing else mattered as long as you had each other to lean on, a love like this was inimitable, it was forever. 

tag ur it: @cavillscurls @morning-star-joy @tightjeansjavi @cupofjoel @pedgeitopascal @sinsofsummers @thetriumphantpanda & @harriedandharassed @skysmiller will be adding master tag list in the morn!

[sketchfanda]

Sketchfan/Sketchfan85/sketchfan-da’s Nice Guys and the ladies who love them.

So as you might have seen thus far,I’ve what you’ve might cal, a personal group of some of the most genuine,nicest guys who I feel deserve a lot more love in terms of smut set and fics. Whether it’s because of heavy main char fixation for power fantasies,or giving more jerky guys focus for some reason,or due to supposed coding or what not,I’ve taken it upon myself to change thst best I can. Chopper from One Piece I’m considering making part of the candidate list,particularly and especially this human version cooked up by @aeolus06​. So naturally he’d be joining my current line up of

Krillin

Kirishima 

And Moxxie. Other possible candidates may include 

Lincoln

peter Parker aka Spider-Man especially as spite towards zeb wells and other writers who’ve been doing him dirty these past decades,because fuck you paul you smug douche who looks like an extra off of the set of a low budget porno,the kind where everyone has to be tested afterwards! including the camera guy! 

And dib from invader zim.Others will come to mind but this bunch is the priority focus and 7 is a lucky number. Fics for them will be mostly and mainly one shots of them with ladies of their respective universes and mostly tend to have an alpha girl of the group (their main wife/girlfriend) and crossover fun abounds here and there. Some like dib or linc I’d need to be creative as the main harems woild also have an emphasis for the number 7. 7 drsgon balls,7 dudes,7 women   And don’t get me started in what’s come to mind with crossover candidates XD. Main Harem rosters as follows

Krillin: android 18 (alpha wife/pimp)

android 21

kale Caulifla (Kefla as a bonus)

Erasa

Zangya 

Maron (switch outs for maron and zangya are acceptable with candidates like fem goku fem beerus or tournament of power female contestants)

kirishima: Mina ashido(alpha girlfriend)

Tooru Hagakure

Tsuyu Asui

Nemuri Kayama aka ms midnight

Setsuna tokage

Yaomomo

Jirou Kyouka (alternative switch outs include kinoko,pony and reiko from class B,tatami,mirko(though I like pairing her with fatgum mainly),mitsuki,camie, mt lady,Melissa the main 3 tend to be Mina tooru and midnight) (also acceptable are female versions of Izuku,bakugo,todoroki…)

Moxxie: Millie (alpha wife)

mayberry

 verosika (bonus with some of her posse of course,milky is a personal fave and can help fill in the numbers)

Loona

Stella or Octavia

Tony Tony chopper; nami nico Robin and vivi

Yamato

Carrot

Domino

Milky (acceptable switch outs include fem luffy,Hancock,nojiko,Wanda..)

[outrunningthedark]

Why do you think Natalia is unlikely to be back? From past experience (looking at Taykay), I thought any LI of Buck would be a sure thing to return, no matter how shitty it’s written. As for Marisol, if she’s not fired for her transphobic speech, we are looking at Ana 2.0…

Before the strike, I thought Natalia could be back to at least test the waters re: audience reception. Fandom may not have found her engaging, but (IMO) the GA's opinion could have been swayed had they seen her some more (and assuming Tim & Kristen put actual thought into giving her a personality and a purpose). Buck and a pretty lady? Particularly a pretty lady that comes off nicer than the last? Not a hard sell.

But the more I thought about it, the more I started wondering how a death doula is going to fit into Buck's life now that we've seen him work through his feelings about the possibility of dying on the job, and regardless of how people felt, story-wise, her career matched up with where he was (mentally) at in 6B. We just didn't see any of that connection. (More off screen development at the hands of Kristen...let's hope that gets better next year.) If Natalia were to come back, she'd be getting the Ali and Ana treatment, I think - an appearance every few weeks so you remember she's there - because there's truly nothing for her and Buck to do together that matches the other pairings. No kids right now. That makes her different from Michael and Karen, the two longtime non-first responder spouses. And Shannon. And even Ana, who Eddie first became interested in at a parent-teacher conference. No history of reporting or crime solving. They're no Bathena. Or even BT. She's not a firefighter. They won't be BL. She's not a dispatcher. There goes the Madney angle. (Natalia getting close to her boyfriend's sister, having double dates). And there *also* goes the potential for communication over radio or one showing concern over the other's safety (y'no, the thing we assume should be happening more with Madney). So much of Buck's story line has been about his personal relationships and desire for love/a family of his own. A girlfriend that he interacts with two times in half a season (all things being equal aka not 5A) doesn't seem like the way this is gonna go considering how his previous two "relationships" (counting Lucy) were with women who had a reason to regularly interact with him. The effort IS being made now, but it's not enough to win the audience over because of choices that were made early on. (The Lucy intro was just. Completely avoidable. Cheating is not how you get the moms on board, duh.) I expect that to change with Tim in the driver's seat critiquing more closely than before.

& regarding Marisol, yeah, the Ana detail is why I'm not as sure of or concerned with the character's status. The show has yet to write a LI for Eddie that has a presence. (I know people have their feelings about Shannon, but strictly speaking appearances, her first two set up her arrival and stay in LA and then the next "big" episode didn't come until she was supposed to die.) I don't know that I'll believe that's a priority in the writers' room until I actually see it for myself. :/ (And as for the transphobia...the ones in charge stayed silent and so much of the GA must not have a clue it happened, so I wouldn't even count on *that* being a deciding factor. If it's anything, it's her delivery and lack of chemistry with Ryan. So basically, Gabrielle 2.0.)

[prettycottonmouthlamia]

Pokemon Emerald: Ralts Only

The Wally challenge. AKA Why Would Anyone Do This, Please Love Yourself!

I've been watching frankly too much solo Pokemon content and decided to try my own run. But rather than anything remotely sensible I decided to start with Ralts. Oh. Ralts. We're going to get extremely acquainted with one another aren't we.

Ralts is quite bad and honestly a baffling choice for a solo only run.

It's base stats are really low, honestly lower than you would think they should be. It's BST is lower than every other Pokemon you can catch in the area, that's how little they want you to use this Pokemon. But even worse is...

the movepool. There's good moves on here and getting Psychic at the brisk level of 26 is really nice! But we are going to have to gatekeep gaslight girlboss our way past a lot of the early game Pokemon in Emerald. Every Poochyena is an Avengers-level threat.

Let's get started (and the last time I use an emulator's screenshot function again, holy shit).

You might be wondering if the run is even possible at all. After all, the very first thing you do in Pokemon Emerald is defeat a Level 2 Zigzagoon, and you might notice that we don't have any damage dealing moves. Only Growl. Surely the run is just dead?

Nope! It turns out that if the Zigzagoon would KO your Pokemon, it will actually run away instead! Which is both really funny, and depressing. There's no way out for us. We're Sisyphus, and we're assumed happy.

It is at this point that the realization dawns on myself. We cannot actually get to Route 102 without first defeating Brendan, and his Level 5 starter. Eagle eyed readers might notice we replaced Treecko, so Brendan is going to have Mudkip. (Edit from the future: what the fuck are you talking about how did you mess this up?) How, exactly, are we going to succeed in actually defeating him? Well, I have a plan.

It's not a good one, but it exists.

Now this isn't exactly a speedrun. I'm not exactly confident enough in my ability to play through these games quickly enough to make time feel like a relevant metric. I will eventually win, no matter how long it takes. ;w;

But for now, I do the most important part of the run. I save the game and open up PKHex. I'm using a Ralts, so I need as much help as I can get here, and besides, it wouldn't be fair if this Ralts wasn't as good as possible, right?

We actually got really lucky on the nature, as Naive nature is exactly what I was hoping for. 45 base Speed is going to need all the help it can get, so I'm happy for the 10% bonus. Sp.Def is probably our least important stat as well. Now you might wonder why I'm not going for Timid or Modest and...the answer is, unfortunately, we're going to need our Attack stat for a lot of early game fights and throughout the run.

The choice of ability for this run was Trace. Neither Trace or Synchronize are really that good in all honesty, but Trace gives us a bit of information and can potentially be good depending on the situation. Synchronize is neat as a status punisher, but it comes up too infrequently and isn't that good to boot.

Now it isn't immediately obvious, but this actually isn't a perfect Ralts. This Ralts is 31/30/31/30/31/30. This is because this run is going to be using Hidden Power. I'm personally going to be locking in Hidden Power Fire for this run for two reasons. The first is that I think the coverage on Steel-types is going to prove critical for one fight in particular, and the second is, I don't actually think Hidden Power Fighting is good. It sounds like a good answer for Steel and Dark-types, but in Generation III, Hidden Power Fighting is Physical and that means we can't boost it, and it's impacted by Intimidate, which is surely not remotely relevant.

Also for those who don't know, Caitlin is the name of one of my girlfriends, @juci-luci . It felt fitting to make her a Ralts. Love you <3

So let's talk about my plan for Rival 1. Brendan 1. The Mudkiperino. If we had access to Route 102, this would actually be nothing worth talking about. We would mull about in the grass until we got a Ralts or a Seedot encounter, and then use all of our Growl PP until we could use Struggle. But...

Like I said, we actually cannot go to Route 102 yet. So we have to find a way to deplete our Growl PP...and not go to the Pokecenter to heal our HP at all. Let's look at our options here.

Route 101 has three available encounters: Poochyena is definitely the worst, because it's only move at Levels 2-3 is Tackle, so it will constantly attack us. Zigzagoon is also pretty bad though since its a Normal-type, and will do a lot of damage to us as it rams into our face. Wurmple isn't a very strong Pokemon thankfully, so it could work as long as we keep trying for a Level 2 Wurmple.

If you're curious about Route 103, don't worry, it's even worse. Wingull doesn't even care about Growl and will blast us with its special STAB Water Gun. This ain't it.

We actually get pretty lucky and find a Level 2 Wurmple on our first attempt! Now begins...the pain. At -6, this Wurmple is only doing 2 damage to us but what's actually kind of weird here is that the Growls don't actually impact the damage. Wurmple's Attack stat and Level are already so low that the rounding evens out everything anyways. Just an incredibly weird quirk of how the damage formula works. But as an additional quirk, no matter what Wurmple's Attack stat can be, a critical hit will always deal 5 damage. This has a couple of interesting knock-on effects.

The first is we don't need to heal in battle. Once we get to a low enough HP total, we can just run away a use a Potion out of battle. This might seem odd, but it's actually beneficial to do so, since Wurmple's damage isn't affected by anything we do, but String Shot does meaningfully impact our Speed. Outspeeding the Wurmple will give us at least one additional guaranteed Growl, plus it means I can avoid using items in battle entirely. :D

The second is that, ignoring the possibility of crits, we always can waste a minimum of 9 Growls with each Wurmple we fight, and Wurmple has 50/50 odds of using Tackle or String Shot, so we'll likely waste even more. Despite my initial concerns about Potion rationing, we might be able to get away without having to use many Potions!

I'm not going to labor the point too much, but we do manage to waste a whopping 23 Growls during our first encounter. That's what I call progress!

A few short encounters later and we've finally used all 40 PP for Growl, and now have access to Struggle. Generation III is the last generation before Gamefreak decided to bust the kneecaps on this move to prevent shenanigans with infinitely long fights (see: why Wobbuffet was banned in competitive Pokemon for so long), so we won't be taking too much recoil.

It is precisely this moment where I realized I needed to replace Torchic and not Treecko in order to get my rival to pick Mudkip. Honestly I have no excuses for this, I started this at about 1 in the morning. We're just going to live with this embarrassment and move on.

I'm not really convinced this fight is doable at this level, but that is actually a fairly decent amount for Struggle to do. Ultimately it's very close but I needed Brendan to be slightly less aggressive with his attacks.

I've actually never whited out at this fight so I didn't even know respawning here was a thing that happened. It might also be because I didn't visit the Pokemon Center. The things you learn! Unfortunately this is going to be a reset, so let's just add this here...

Reset Counter: 1

There we go.

I want to make it clear how thin the margins are here. I think this is doable, but it is probably going to require some above average luck.

Growl is a blessing and a curse in this battle. On one hand, if Torchic uses Growl, it's a turn where it's not hitting you with Scratch, which deals 4-5 damage without a critical hit. But, Ralts is already doing 1 recoil damage to itself, so Growl reducing our damage output also, paradoxically, means we are going to deal more damage to ourselves with Struggle.

On the 4th attempt, Caitlin just decides she's had enough and scores a critical hit on her 3rd Struggle, not only knocking out the Torchic but doing it without taking a single hit. I knew she could do it. :3 We get a nice 69 EXP for our troubles and...oh. Well that's unfortunate.

Oh they REALLY did not want you using this Pokemon. Ralts being in either the worst or the second worst leveling group (depending on how you view Erratic honestly) is truly tragic. We didn't even come close to leveling up after the Torchic fight. Which means we're going to need EXP to help us out. Before I forget...

Reset Counter: 3

Oh boy do the hits just keep on coming. Emerald in particular REALLY hates Ralts with every fiber of its being. If this were Ruby or Sapphire, this Poochyena would actually be a Zigzagoon, and we could grind up to Level 6, learn Confusion, and push past it. But Poochyena is a Dark-type, meaning its immune to Confusion. So while we could get Confusion...there's no point. We might as well try and see if this fight is doable at this level.

Fortunately the answer is yes. We even got a little lucky with a Turn 3 Howl, but even if the Poochyena just used Tackle all three turns, it wouldn't have mattered. Keep in mind...for most of the early game, Every Single Poochyena has to be dealt with this way. The first available damage dealing move Ralts will have to deal with Dark-types is Thief. From the Slateport Museum. We're dealing with a special kind of bad here.

I'm gonna stop here because this post is already long as fuck, but the next one will include the first gym leader, and the Poochyena that will make us want to use literally any other Pokemon.

[flyingpurplepeopleeater42]

so I am aware that I should probably finish the book first before making any attempts to understand its themes/meanings but I'm very impatient so here I go: what if the whole blood sucking/giving in dracula is not a metaphor for sex but rather love/care in general. like:

as many people have noticed jonathan's experience in transylvania sounds a lot like an abusive relationship and dracula's controlling behaviour can easily be contrasted with mina's trust and care. (basically jonmina being the healthiest of healthy relationship really showcases how fucked up what dracula did to jonathan was)

lucy's ordeal is the one that does seem to be the closest to abuse of sexual nature but the opposing force here is not just arthur or even seward and quincy (aka the people who are said to have romantic and possibly sexual feelings for lucy) rather we have both van helsing (who cares for her as a father) and mina (who cares for her as friend) being the most active (and clearly most successful) in protecting lucy from the count. even lucy's mother who is clearly shown as someone that doesn't care about her daughter is the one who sabotaged van helsing's plans. (again confirming that unhealthy versions of love bring you closer to vampirism)

we also have renfeild whose whole thing is that he is unhealthily obsessed with dracula and (while I am very aware that this is a new term and is kind of anachronistic to pin it to a centuries-old novel) renfeild does seem to experience some very extreme version of a parasocial relationship with dracula. (or maybe the renfeild-dracula relationship is meant to be a "wrong" version of the relationship seward and van helsing have, aka the mentor-student one)

even the poor wolf that was tossed through lucy's window was the goodest of boys when he was handled with care by his owners that love him.

finally (the thing that made me go into this spiral) the 4 women vampires we have seen so far in the novel (dracula's girlfriends and luc- sorry i mean the "bloofer lady") have been shown to attack children which again could mean that vampirism twisted their "inherent motherly nature" to becoming child abusers . (using quotation marks bc I'm not super fond of the idea that femininity=motherhood but anyways)

in short on one hand we have the "polycule" = aka all the characters whose love for each other is confirmed in the text of the novel (without limiting the meaning of love to the one of romantic or sexual nature) and on the other other dracula (and the rest of the vampires) = lone predators who perform some twisted version of the love the main characters have for one another.

[themarginalthinker]

So I have a head cannon the because lucie is a ex-hippie she rarely cut Micheal and Sam's hair growing up. Like she'd trim the dead end and stuff, but never really more than was needed. As Micheal got older he started keeping it a bit shorter (aka the length it's at in the movie), like it's long but not super long. But Sam he kept it as long as he could possibly keep it like it fell past his shoulder blades kinda long cause he just liked it that way. But shortly before the Emerson's moved to Santa Carla there was and incident that caused Sam to have to cut his hair (which was quite upsetting for him).

So I wonder how the frog brothers would react to seeing a picture of Sam with his long luscious hair. Cause the only male characters we see with long hair are the boys who are vampires, or laddie and Micheal who are half vampires. (I mean max doesn't but he's a scrub so boo him ya know).

Basically I'd just like to share this head cannon with someone in the lost boys fandom, and possibly see what you might do with it that's all. Thanks bye have a good day.

Omg I love that headcanon lmao!!

Lucy DEFFINITLY feels like it was a long, hard battle with Lance to keep the boys' hair longer for as long as she could. I also think that she kept her own hair fairly long up until recently, say, a year before the move. Michael's girlfriend (who I've learned her canon name is Laurie) loooved to run her fingers through it. (And later, so do Star and David....)

Sam with hair any longer than his ears is hilarious. If the Frogs thought anything of Sam's fashion choices before, they'd CERTAINLY have a bundle to say about that lol.

Thank you for sharing the headcanon!! I love it and I highkey agree :D

[frollosmaid]

Despicable me 4 rant

*what I’d like to see* *will there be any more despicable me or minion movies after this* *and more*

Now I am a very big despicable me and minions fan it’s nostalgic,you cannot go wrong in my opinion I hope this movie is as good as I hoped it’ll be

The trailer

Now this is by far one of the best trailers I’ve ever seen it left me wanting more and wanting to find out everything if you have not seen the trailer I’ll explain the main parts

Gru and Lucy had three adopted girls (aka gorls)but now they had there first biological child,a son and the baby is not fond of gru but loves Lucy then there is another character poppy I have heard she is there next door neighbour and a villain apparently even though in the trailer she was helping gru break into this weird accident castle (she is also a teenager so I doubt she is powerful but she might be undercover) then a character that has been in the another movies silas ramsbottom (I might of spelt it wrong) he was the leader of the AVL (anti villain league) I was surprised to see him as in despicable me 3 he retired and another character Valerie da vichy (again might of spelt wrong) who took over the avl but anyway silas came to Grus house saying him and his family need to go to the safe house because two villains Maxime le mal has escaped prison with his girlfriend valantina driving a hug cockroach vehicle thing so I guess they have a thing with animals and insects anyway there is a hole lot of things in one trailer and I haven’t seen anyone confirm how long the movie is but it sounds epic

Will this be the last despicable me movie?

Now I have debated this in my head (I have nothing else going on with my life😂) I really wasn’t expecting anything after minions the rise of gru or even despicable me 3 I think I’ll have to wait and see the ending to kind of wrap up if this is the last movie of the despicable me franchise I really don’t think so though I do think they would find a way to make another movie or minions and more series

What am I hoping to see in the movie?

Definitely a villain backstory I have seen none of those (other than Grus but he had a redemption arc) I want to see why and maybe the villains get a happy ending too.I’d like to also see some new characters especially when you hyper fixate on characters like me I’d love to see more

I’ll do a part two sometime soon😭

[facepalming-since-chernobyl]

Ultimate Karamel post - tropes, dialogues, parallels and more

TROPES:

Act of True Love: An action done to prove one's love for another. 

-Mon-El leaving with Rhea, to stop her from hurting or even killing Kara (2x17)

-Kara doing everything and going against the president's wishes to go after them and get him back (2x17)

Action Girlfriend: Badass girlfriend. 

-Well, she’s SUPERGIRL. And he is a freaking Legion’s member. Equals made in heaven (x)

Age-Gap Romance: Romance where one partner is notably older or younger than the other. -With a twist. In their time Mon-El was around 14 years older than teenage Kara, but because of him staying for years in the Wheel of Stars, when he is rescued, they are in similar age. Aka, it’s like divine intervention to make them meet at the right time.

All Amazons Want Hercules: A strong, tough woman falls in love with a man who is stronger than or just as strong as her.

-There was something going on with Kara and some random dude from a prom night who ended with broken foot, 4 other dudes who ended with broken noses (x), James, William and Kenny but all failed, because you know, she broke male humans bones. Because she needed an equal. 

-While sex and intimacy is not everything, it is a big part of relationship and the morning after showed how wonderful for Kara it was FINALLY to be herself, with a partner strong enough to match her physical strenght and needs. No other partner could allow her to do it.

Almost Kiss: Two characters come close to kissing.

-Mxy interrupted it in s2 (2x12) and in s3 when a fucking robot did it in Argo (3x21).

Alone Among the Couples: One character is single while everyone else around them is in a relationship. 

-Aka Kara in the end of the series, what makes her a third wheel forever.  What doesn’t make any sense, so, yeah being off planet means deep dicking that one Daxamite (hugs, Peggy). 

-Her speech to James in s1 about wanting a perfect partner, like Lucy was for James. And she got that with Mon-El in s2 (x)

Amazon Chaser: A guy who falls in love with tough girls. 

-Well, Mon-El fell for the strongest female on Earth and it’s canon she was his first girl he truly fell in love with.

Amicable Exes: Former lovers who have remained on good terms with each other.

-Basically for most of s3 with a strong suggestion they were heading to fixing their relationship in the end but some BTS drama changed their ending.  

-In ep 100th, while fighting with Reign (x) and Mon-El giving her great peptalk (5x13)

Anguished Declaration of Love: Confessing your love for somebody during a moment of angst. 

-In s2 when he was dying from Medusa (well, he didn’t declare love but he was already in love, 2x08) 

-When he declared he cares about her, calling her eyes comets in 2x10 (x) and then friendzoning himself, because he was sure she didn’t return his feelings (x)

-In Kara’s case, when she was sending his ass away to save him

Aw, Look! They Really Do Love Each Other: No matter how much they fight, they really do care about each other very much. 

-DEO’s fight (2x13); Jeremiah’s ep, when Mon-El comforts her at the end of the ep, when Music Meister makes her comatosed and Mon-El jumps from the balcony and catches her before she falls to the floor, on that point they were broken up (x).

Battle Couple: Lovers who kick ass together. 

-Started with s2 and blossomed fully in s3 (fighting Reign was the peak 3x18), continued in s5 (the ep 100th) and s6 in the final ep.

Better Partner Assertion: Someone tries to convince the person they love that they would be a better lover than their romantic rival. 

-Happened in the Mxy’s ep in s2, in Mon-El’s clumsy way that Kara didn’t appreciate. In the end Kara’s convinced Mon-El she wanted him, not some dimensional, pretty asshole who could have given her everything in a blink of an eye.

The Big Damn Kiss: A grandiose kiss scene. 

-Once again, the Mxy’s ep. It was hot, it was beautiful, it was THE kiss of the entire series (2x13)

-We also had The Little Damn Kiss when they kissed sweetly for the first time and then ignored it (2x08)

Birds of a Feather: A couple share similarities with each other. 

-A lot but maybe not at the first sight: They are both superpowered aliens, they shared a planet and some history, they both (thought they) lost their family and friends, they both were alien immigrants on Earth, they were both superheroes and leaders, they both shared values and morality, they both were adorable space puppies at the day and kickasses at the night.

Bridal Carry: A character carries his Love Interest in his arms and/or vice versa. 

As much as I don’t think it applies to a show where a superpowered person carries people like a sack of potatoes in almost every episode (following this trope, Kara would end with: J’onn, Clark, some dude from crossover, Kelly. Cat and a horde of other characters), context matter:

-In the Flash crossover, Mon-El was carrying unconscious Kara. And while Kara carried a lot of people this way (or was carried like that by J’onn, Kal and some super dude in other crossover), the context matters: she was affected by some superpowered being, because of the struggle she had with her lover and he carried her like that into a crossover ep they shared with another canon couple to fix their love. That was the WHOLE ep about. Fixing. Their. LOVE.

Boy Meets Girl: A boy and a girl meet, lose each other, then find each other again. 

-A boy from Daxam and a girl from Krypton, working together (x)

Break His Heart to Save Him: You must break up with your lover in order to protect them. -Mxy’s ep, Kara says it’s over between them, because she knows jealous Mxy’s is eavesdropping and could do anything to Mon-El:

Kara: And you know what? He makes an excellent point. He has limitless power that he can use to help me fight for justice. We'll make a great team. 

Mon-El:I thought we were going to do that. 

Kara: We're too different, Mon-El. I'm sorry.

Later:

Kara: I didn't mean it. I just said it so you'd let me go to protect you. Plus, he could have been listening, so...

Breakfast in Bed: Showing appreciation and affection for another by preparing them a meal served upon their waking in bed. 

-Mon-El prepared for Kara a whole ass breakfast and was not amused (for a second) when she got up before he could have served it. And a friendly reminder, he has LEARNT how to cook for HER. Because he knew how much she loves food (2x17) 

Can't Tie His Tie: A man allows a woman (who he may or may not be romantic with yet) to tie his tie, showing their closeness. 

-Maybe not a tie, but for sure Kara spent a lot of time making Mon-El look good for his first day at CatCo and put glasses on his face. Also, who tied his bow? Please, not Mon himself, he didn’t know youtube yet (2x05)

Caught the Heart on His Sleeve: Ship Tease moment where one partner grabs the other partner's arm/sleeve. 

-The adorkable moment, when he grabs her hand to dance and she needs to put the POTSTICKERS away. Did she ever abandon potstickers for anyone else??? (x)

-Kara holding his hand, while Jeremiah digs into his leg wound (x)

-After their relationship was established - Mon-El holds and caresses her arm, while she is worried about Alex being kidnapped (x)

Changing Yourself For Love: Changing your image to impress a love interest. 

-Mon-El stops drinking, flirting, doing weird jobs, and starts to train with Kara, wanting to keep the world spinning with her. THO, he did some of these things for himself, but it was thanks to Kara’s inspirational personality.She was the one who encouraged him to be better and move on from his survivor’s guilt, that, friendly reminder, made him quite suicidal.

2x07

Mon-El: Why am I the only one who survived Daxam? If I die in this cell, maybe I deserve to. 

Kara: You don't deserve to die. You deserve to survive.

Later:

Mon-El: Well, any, uh, any courage I do have, I learned it from you.

2x09

Mon-El: I wanna help you keep the world spinning. To prove that I was spared for a reason.

2x11

Kara :Actually, you know what, I'll have what he's having. 

M'gann: Oh, he's been drinking exclusively club soda for the last week.

Chastity Couple: They're in love, but they're not physically intimate with each other. 

-S3. He is married to another. While it’s canon they’re still in love. He solved the problem aka he mutually with Imra broke the relationship to be with Kara, but the duties force him to come back to the future.

Cleaning Up Romantic Loose Ends: When the lead hooks up with their One True Love, their other suitors are, often out of nowhere, paired off with other characters. 

-In s2 Winn and Lyra. James and his shield, I guess?

-Averted in s3, when she and him stay single after he breaks up things with Imra.

Cock Fight: Two guys fight for the affections of a girl. 

-Mxy and Mon-El in 2x13. That’s it.

Comforting Comforter: Ship Tease moment where someone covers their Love Interest with a blanket. 

-Mon-El wrapping Kara in his arms and blanket after Jeremiah's escape in s2 (x) (x)

-When they both eat ice-cream on the couch, Kara puts he covered with a blanket legs on his lap (x)

-Their first blanket and couch scene, when he says he wants to be a hero too (x)

-After she saved him from the Daxamite ship (x)

Confession Triggers Consummation: The first confession of love between two characters immediately leads to sex. 

-Maybe not love confession, but admitting that they really, really, really are into each other and nothing holds them back. And the sex was steamy. (x)

Converse with the Unconscious: Ship Tease moment where a character talks to their Love Interest while they're unconscious. 

-Kara, talking to a sleeping beauty… I mean, Mon-El, after he landed on Earth.

Kara: I know what it's like to be a stranger on this planet. So when you wake up, I'll be here for you. So, you never know what it's like to be alone. (2x02)

-She didn’t talk to him, but for sure kept sitting at his side, when he was fighting the Medusa’s virus. (x)

Courtly Love: Medieval style romance where characters love each other from afar. 

-Does being separated by fucking TIME counts?

Crazy Jealous Guy: He can't stand seeing his Love Interest be with anyone else. 

-Well, not with anyone, just with Mxy (x)

Crush Blush: Love causes you to blush. 

-If you keep a close look at Kara when she is with him, she does it a lot.(x) (x) (x) (x)

Cry into Chest: A Ship Tease moment where one partner cries into the other partner's chest. 

-Kara tears in his arms after Jeremiah’ betrayal and he brushes the tears away (x) (1:40)

Dance of Romance: A couple dances together. 

-Lena's party. Even James and Winn noticed something was going on. And the smiles on Karamel’s faces when they dance? Pure joy.  (x)

Did Not Get the Girl: The Hero doesn't win their Love Interest. 

-They both didn’t and it’s heavily hinted they didn’t find any other love interests.

- Plus, Kara didn’t end with any of her LIs (Kenny, James, Mon-El, William), but had only one fully developed relationship, sex included and it was Mon-El. 

Disposable Fiancé: A Romantic False Lead character whose role is to get dumped by the lead. 

-Imra. They broke up. All knew it was going to happen and Imra herself admitted how much Mon-El loved Kara and did everything to come back to her. 

The only twist here is that karamel didn’t get back together, but it’s canon, at least for Mon-El, that he stayed on Earth to solve his feelings, realized he still loved Kara and that’s why he (mutually) broke things with Imra.

Dying Declaration of Love: Confessing your love for somebody when you're dying.

-He was dying at the end of s2 because of the lead poisoning (x)

-Mon-El kisses Kara while thinking he is dying in the Medusa’s ep. It was the last thing he wanted to do in his life (x)

-Kara in the Flash crossover.She thought she was dying and the last thing she said was forgiving him (x) And it was followed by a True Love Kiss (x)

Eating the Eye Candy: Eyeing up your Love Interest's gorgeous body.

-Happens a lot. Remember how Kara looked at Mon-El when he put on his Legion red suit for the first time? 

Kara: Wow.(x)

Mon-El: You always said I cleaned up nicely. 

-When he agrees to give Jeremiah a chance in s2. They both stare at each other’s lips and look incredibly hot (x)

-When he asks James and Winn if she has a mate, the adoring stares says a lot (x)

Everyone Can See It: It's obvious that these two are meant to be together, if only they themselves saw it. 

-When Mon-El announced he and Kara were dating, NOBODY was surprised (x)

-Alex’s “DUH” in the bar

-Alex suggests that Kara reacted so emotionally for Alex and Maggie going for a concert, instead of celebrating Kara’s Earth b-day, because of her feelings for Mon-El (x) (2:06)

-Eliza explained to Kara he brought her flowers, because he wanted to make a good impression on Kara.

Eliza: Oh, Kara. He's chatting me up because I'm your mother. 

Kara: What? 

Eliza:He likes you! 

Kara: Uh, no. No. (GIGGLES) 

Eliza: Yes. He's trying to score points with me to impress you. 

Kara:There's no way. 

Eliza: Believe me. A mother knows. 

-Alura staring at Kara staring at Mon-El hugging Val (x) 2:52

-Alura talking about their bound:

Alura: He's a good man. 

Kara:Yeah, yeah, he is. 

Alura:The connection between you two is obvious. He makes you happy.

-Eve describing her and Mon-El’s date to Kara, talking about how much Mon-El talked and praised Kara.

Eve:No, all he did was talk about you the entire date. 

Kara: So he talked about me? 

Eve: I told him, I said you have to get over your ex-girlfriend before you put yourself back out in the field. 

Kara: Ex-girlfriend? (LAUGHS) No, no, no, no. Eve, Mike and I never dated. 

Eve: Mmm-hmm. Mike told me the same thing (winks)

Lar Gand, when he told Rhea Mon-El chose his family

Fake Relationship: Pretending to be in a romantic relationship. 

-Pretending to be an engaged couple to solve the mystery of disappearing people. Aka Paris City. (x)

Fantastic Romance: A romance only possible in speculative fiction.

-Two superpowered by the sun aliens dating and kicking asses together. Duh. (x)

Fate Drives Us Together: If two people keep encountering each other, it means they're meant to be together. 

-Two aliens, losing their homes and landing on the same planet, while one aged up, while the other stayed in stasis? Him coming back from the future? Hello?

First Love: The first person that you've ever fallen in love with. 

-Kara and Mon-El both admitted they were in love for the first time.

Mon-El: I've never felt like this about anyone in my life... (2x13)

Mon-El: And I love you. With everything that I have, I love you (2x16)

Kara: For the first time ever, I really liked someone... Loved someone… (2x21)

Flight of Romance: Flying with your Love Interest makes for a good romantic moment. 

-Literally, flying side by side, in s3, 5 and 6.

Garden of Love: Gardens as a setting for love to take root, grow, and blossom. 

-The garden in Argo was a perfect mirror of Kara’s dreams where she kissed him. Plus, they both declared they still care about each other. (x) (x)

The Glomp: Tackling and hugging your Love Interest tightly. 

-In s2 when she came back for him on the Daxamite ship, they hugged tightly in front of everyone’s salads.(x)

-In Jeremiah’s return ep, while talking to Alex and Maggie (x)

-In the same ep on the couch (x)

-When she came back from the fight with Kal.

Mon-El:Are you okay? 

Kara: I'm so much better now.

-When they met for the first time in s3 after he left. She clings to him like to dear life (x) (3x07)

-In Argo’s garden, before they talk about their feelings (x)

Hands-On Approach: Ship Tease moment where someone gets really close to their Love Interest while teaching them how to use something.

-Training in s2, when she teaches him controlling his powers (and wipes the floor with his ass) and when he asks her to teach him, because he wants to help her heroing (x) (x)

-In s3 when he teaches her the cape tricks.(x)

Headbutt of Love: Lovers press their foreheads together. 

-In the Flash crossover when she wakes up from her coma/ you can also read from his lip he says I love you (x)

-As long as you are safe - When he leaves with Rhea to save Kara (x)

-In the dream in 3x01, after they kiss, they stand for awhile with their foreheads pressed (x)

Heartbroken Badass: A badass who lost the love of their life. 

-Kara at the end of s2. She tells Alex to enjoy her time with Maggie, because it’s not like everyone’s world stopped. What basically meant, he was her world.

Kara: It's not like everybody else's world stopped.

-In s3 she was broken for SIX MONTHS and even her sister couldn’t reach her.

Kara: The decision I made, he couldn't have made that sacrifice. But me, I couldn't have lived with myself if I hadn't. I will always make the decision I made. I am not a human. I tried to be. But I'm not. Kara Danvers was a mistake.

-Mon-El in s3. It was clear and in canon that he didn’t move and still loved her even after 7 years in the future and his marriage with Imra was arranged for peace and he was just content in it. He kept her necklace.

-It’s canon they both stayed single at the end of the series.

Held Gaze: Lovers look deeply into each other's eyes. 

Multiple times.

-In s2, before their first kiss (x), the almost kiss interrupted by Mxy (x), second kiss (x), when she asked him to give Jeremiah a chance (x), on the couch with ice creams (x), in the fortress before he leaves with Rhea (x), when she came back to him to the Daxamite ship, when she dreamt about waking up with him (x), in s3 when she dreamt about him (x), when the meet for the first time in s3 (x), in 100 ep (x) ya know, a lot.

Hollywood Kiss: When couples kiss in fiction, it's always perfect. 

-Their first kiss, when put his hand on her cheek and then slowly leans and kisses her. And then calls her absolutely beautiful. (x)

-Their second kiss, with a meaningful talk about their feelings and relationships, staring deeply into their eyes and then smashing their faces together. With his hand on her cheek and hers sliding down his body. And then landing on the couch. With Everything She Does Is Magic playing in the background. (x)

-The crossover kiss. A literally True Love Kiss. (x)

-Every karamel kiss (x)

I Can't Believe a Guy Like You Would Notice Me: A character is surprised to learn that their crush actually loves them back. 

-Kara can’t believe Eliza that Mon-El is nice to her mother, because he wants her to think good about him. She denies it and chuckles but blushes and throws him a look (and hey, he stares back). For sure after it, she starts to consider this possibility of them.

-For sure Mon-El was, he friendzoned himself after all. And for sure he didn’t expect a steamy sex right after she revealed that yes, she was really into him too in 2x13.

Mon-El:I get that... I get that you don't care about me. 

Kara:I do care about you. 

Mon-El:But not in the same way. That's good, that's fine. It's okay. You know, just keep working with me.

I Got You a Drawer: Two characters are signaled to be getting a Relationship Upgrade when one partner gives the other partner a space in their home to put their stuff. 

-He keeps his stuff, books especially, at her place. (x)

-It’s quite obvious he has the keys and stays at hers a lot. Plus, after they hooked up, there are no more scenes about him sleeping or staying at the DEO, so the logical conclusion is they live together.

I Want My Beloved to Be Happy: Being willing to let your unrequited crush go be with the one they love. 

-Well, Kara seemed to have no problems with him dating Eve, even if we know he was crushing on her. And then Kara had a problem and informed him (right after she destroyed a punchbag).

Mon-El:You know, I'm not super hip on earthly social cues, but why would you be mad if I was dating Eve? 

Kara:(SCOFFS) I'm not mad. 

Mon-El:You literally just said you were mad. No. Two seconds ago, you said, “I am mad about...” 

Kara:Yeah, I'm surprised. 

Mon-El:Oh, not mad, surprised. 

Kara:I'm surprised that... You'd just date someone else, when you were serious about me, because I mean if... How could you be serious if you did that? 

Mon-El:If you don't like me, why do you... Why do you care?

Kara: I'm gonna go check and see if they've found Lena

-Even if it was obviously killing him, he left her, when she asked, to deal with Mxy, which could have ended with a marriage.

Inconvenient Attraction: A character falls in love when they'd rather not. 

-Kara didn’t want or expected it and said she wanted to focus on her career and heroing:

Kara:I'm not so sure we're a good match. Yeah. Yeah, no. I'm just glad we're on the same page, you know. I mean, I have my career in journalism that I just started out on. In the meantime, when I'm not being Supergirl, I really need to focus on that (2x11)

-They talked a lot about how different they are. ”We are really different”

Insecure Love Interest: A character who believes themself to be unworthy of their Love Interest. 

-Quite obviously it was biting Mon-El in the Mxy’s ep. 

Mon-EL:I wish I could snap my fingers and give you anything you wish for, and it kill me that he can do that stuff for you and I can't. And I acted badly, okay? Very badly. But please... Please do not marry him. I will be better for you...

-In the ep when they break up after its revealed he is the prince of Daxam, during his speech (2x16)

Mon-El:My name is Mon-El. I'm the former Prince of Daxam. And I was a spoiled, useless person, that I didn't know. Until I met you. And I love being a hero because it means I get to spend every single day by your side. And I love the way that you're honest to a fault. And the way that you fight for those you care for. And I love you. With everything that I have, I love you. You are so special.

-Plus, after they broke up and fixed the relationship in s2, he was uncertain about their relationship and stopped opposing her so often.

Interrupted Intimacy: Someone walks in on a couple having some "alone time". 

-Mxy in s2 the second before they kiss:

Mxy: Darling! My name is Mr. Mxyzptlk. And Kara Zor-El, I love you.

-The robot in their Argo’s garden scene.

Interspecies Romance: Romance between beings of different species.

-The boy from Daxam and the girl from Krypton (2x04)

Ladykiller in Love: The Casanova who genuinely falls in love. 

-The frat boy of the universe falling hard for the last daughter of Krypton.

-It’s canon she was his one and only true love.

Mon-El (2x16): Mon-El:And I love being a hero because it means I get to spend every single day by your side. And I love the way that you're honest to a fault. And the way that you fight for those you care for. And I love you. With everything that I have, I love you.

Mon-El: There was nothing logical about falling in love with Kara (3x13).

The Lady's Favour: A woman gives her Love Interest an item of hers before he goes off into battle. 

-Before she sends him into the unknown, with hope her mother’s necklace was going to protect him like it was protecting her (x) (2x22)

-He gives her his Legion ring after the attack on Argo, because shit is going to get heated soon (x) (x) (3x21)

Laugh of Love: The tendency to laugh when in the presence of your Love Interest. 

-He makes her happy. Plus, she chuckles a lot after his dumb jokes (and yes, sometimes is annoyed too).

Kara: I'm just happy (...) Dopey grin, butterflies in my stomach happy (2x16) 

Kara: And you're in jail. 

Mon-El: That feels appropriate.

Kara: *chuckles* (2x08)

Other examples: (x) (x) (x) (x) (x) (x) (x) (x) (x) (x)

Life-Saving Encouragement: A statement of hope/encouragement saves a person literally or spiritually. 

-Their last scene in s2 (x)

-Meeting Kara and learning from her, made Mon-El change his values and views and transform from the fart boy of the universe to the Legion’s founder in the future.

Like an Old Married Couple: These two people are very close and tend to bicker with each other. 

-The DEO fight (2x13)

 -The cute lil thing right before they hooked up:

Mon-EL: Wait, so you didn't mean any of that stuff that you said? 

Kara: Well, the first bit about your infuriating male ego, that part I meant. 

(x)

Longing Look: Glancing at your Love Interest in a yearning way. 

-So many times. Let’s just remember Mon-El staring lovingly at Kara after saying he has learnt all courage from her and then longingly, after talking with James and Winn (x). Or when he looks at her while she blabber about musicals. Or how she looks at him, while talking to him, how he proved her wrong so many times and saying she can have it all with him (x).

Other examples: (x) (x) (x) (x) (x) (x) (x) (x) (x) (x) (x) (x)

The Lost Lenore: This person is dead and their lover mourns over them. 

-Kara thought he got killed because of her sending him off and didn’t take it well. (x)

Love Confession: Character confesses their love for another. 

-Officially, Mon-El after it was revealed he was a Daxamite prince

Mon-El: And I love you. With everything that I have, I love you.

-Kara, when she was sending him away (x)

Kara: And I should have said it before. I love you.

-Both were HEARTBREAKING.

Love Confessor: Character admits their feelings for their beloved to a third party.

-Mon-El to J’onn in s3 (x) and to Barry in the Flash, to his parents in s2, or well, to everyone in the DEO, after their first night together. Off screen to Imra and Brainiac.

-Kara to J’onn when Mon-El was taken by Rhea, to Cat in the finale of s2, to Alex and to Alura in s3 on Argo (indirectly, tho), also to her dd in s6 (“I lost everyone I loved”).

Love Doodles: Drawing love symbols and writing initials and names. 

-Mon-El writing Kara’s name in Romeo and Juliet’s book (don’t touch me (x))

-In the Supergirl: The Secret Files of Kara Danvers, Kara’s pieces about Mon-El (with the pics of them on a couch, eating ice-creams and talking about musicals).

Love Floats: Feelings of love cause a character to levitate off the ground. 

-In a way, after their steamy sexy night Kara was flying around the city and:

“National City's own feminist hero in a cape has already prevented five armed robberies,delivered a litter of puppies, and given one very lucky tugboat owner some extra help hauling a tank.”

Love Hurts: Love causes deep emotional pain. 

-The whole break up in 2x16 when it was revealed he was the prince (x)

-Their goodbye at the end of s2 (both were openly crying x) and 3x23 (both were tearing x).

-Kara thinking he was dead and she was responsible in 3x02 (x)

-Also, both struggled hard in s3. Kara watching Mon-El and Imra? Angst. Mon-El watching her being hurt and then talking to J’onn? Mon-El telling Winn he can’t lose her again? Welcome darkness, my old friend.

Love Informant: A character lets another know that someone loves them.

-Eliza on the Thanksgiving dinner 

-On his date with Eve, Mon-El can’t shut up about Kara and Eve happily reveals it to Kara. -Also, it happened with Imra in s3, when she tells Kara how much Mon-El loved her. 

-Alex „duh-ing” in the bar scene in s2 and in the same ep, talking to Kara about her overreacting caused by her feelings for Mon-El.

Love Is a Weakness: Love is regarded as a negative influence.

-In a way it was for Kara, who wanted to focus on her reporting career and heroing.

Kara: I mean, I have my career in journalism that I just started out on. In the meantime, when I'm not being Supergirl, I really need to focus on that.

-Mon-El saying his feelings for Kara is his kryptonite.

Mon-El:I've been giving it a lot of thought and I have realized that you are my Kryptonite. 

Kara:Me? 

Mon-El:Oh, uh... No, I mean, my feelings for you. I've never felt like this about anyone in my life... I didn't know that there were this many feelings to even be had. My emotions, I guess they made me kind of crazy.

Love-Obstructing Parents: Your Love Interest's parents make your relationship difficult. 

-Shortly,  fucking Rhea, who did everything to break the up, sending bounty hunters after Kara, trying to murder her and forcing Mon-El to go with her in exchange of Kara’s life.

Love Overrides the Law: When you're in love, even the law can't stand in your way.

-The president banned superfriends from going after Mon-El and Daxamites, but Kara begged J’onn to ignore it. And they did.

Kara: And if we wait for the President's orders, Mon-El and his parents could be light-years away. We need to go now. I'm the one that convinced him to do this. To try to reason with his mother. He's up there because of me. Please. J'onn, I can't lose him.

Love Redeems: Someone is made a better person through The Power of Love.

-From the frat boy of the universe to the Legion leader. 

-Kara stopped looking at Daxamites through her Kryptonian stereotype glasses.

Love Theme: A song that encapsulates a couple's love. 

-EVERYTHING SHE DOES IS MAGIC!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (x)

Love Will Lead You Back: Lovers leave each other, but one remains confident that their lover will come back to them. 

-Mon-El trying and doing everything to get back to her to save her. 

-Well, after they escaped the Daxamite ship, Kara tells him she was sure they were going to be back together - she did everything to save him after all. 

Loved I Not Honor More: The Hero puts their duty before their love life.

-BOTH OF THEM. MULTIPLE TIMES. 

Maybe Ever After: Did The Hero and their Love Interest end up together in the end? Who knows.

-Kara is off planet rather often and let’s stick to that

Meadow Run: Lovers run towards each other in a beautiful meadow full of flowers. 

-Not a run, but nice… appearing, behind Kara’s back in 3x01 (x)

-Also, melwood did that in the funny clip, with Chris running after her with his exposed chest, just saying

Meet the In-Laws: Meeting your Love Interest's parents.

-Meeting his parents didn’t go so well. But they even had dinner together! (x)

-While both, Eliza and Alura, immediately liked him.

-Jeremiah was not super impressed too (he knew his identity), but Mon-El was suspicious of him (x)

Moment Killer: A couple tries to have a romantic moment with each other, but gets interrupted. 

-Alex, after Mon-El talking about Kara giving him courage, they stared at each other for quite a long time,

-Mxy, interrupting their kiss,

-Alex calling Kara after the Jeremiah’s drama, while they cuddling on the couch,

-in the Alex’s ep in s2, when they happily blabber to each other during the double date, Maggie is the mood killer,

-Daxamites appearing on the tv screens when they cuddling on the couch again,

-Kara, after seeing the news, and running to save the day, while having a domestic sweet scene with Mon-El preparing breakfast for her,

-fucking robot on the Argo’s garden.  

The Mourning After: Being too grief-stricken to love again after the death of your lover.

-Just remember Kara alone in her bed in the first ep of s3 (x)

-Or how she said that Kara Danvers sucked in her heated argument with Alex in 3x01

Murder the Hypotenuse: Killing off your love rival.

-Mon-El was close to sending Mxy to the afterlife in 2x13.

New Old Flame: Characters who have a romantic history with each other. 

-In s3. Just for her it was 6 months, for him 7 years and they were fixing their relationship. But well, duty (wrtiters) happened.

No Romantic Resolution: A romance arc ends without anyone getting together. 

-*crickets*

-He is not in a relationship after ending things with Imra, she choses teh duty and work over relationships.

Now or Never Kiss: Characters kiss and confess their love for each other in a moment where they think they're about to die. 

-Mon-El kissing Kara while he thought he was going to die from medusa

-Kara kissing him and confessing love for the first time, while sending him away.

Oblivious to Love: They don't notice that someone is in love with them.

In a way, both. 

-Kara, when Eliza talked about it was like nope, impossible. Her first thought was that he flirted with her mother, after all. 

Eliza:He's trying to score points with me to impress you. 

Kara:There's no way. 

Eliza:Believe me. A mother knows.

-Mon-El, after all the drama with Mxy and friendzoning himself. His face after he realized she truly wanted him? Holy fuck! (pun intended)

Official Couple: Characters who are canonically in a relationship.

-Season 2.

-Season 5. We can assume in the last AU they were a couple, sue me, I don’t care

Official Couple struggles: 

-So, what we have here. Enemies to lovers,friends to lovers, dumbasses in love, kisses, horrible parents, angsty break ups and sweet make ups, assassins, almost dying, star-crossed lovers, teary goodbyes, arranged marriages, dying in front of her eyes, final goodbyes, time travels etc. 

Official Kiss: Two characters kiss to signal their Relationship Upgrade.

-Didn’t go very well, when Mon-El announced their dating. No kiss, but still they went official.

-In the Flash crossover at the end of the ep they kiss in front of the Flash team (x)

-Plus, they big damn True Love Kiss in the same ep (x)

One True Love: The one person you're meant to be with.

-The fact they never really moved from each other and both stayed canonically single forever, says a lot.

-Rao sent his ass to her.

-It’s canon he was the only one who can physically match her strenght and not end broken or dead while having sex. A fact. 

(x)

Please, Don't Leave Me: A character desperately pleads with the love of their life not to leave them. 

-Mon-El during the break up scene in 2x16.

-Kara pleading to not leave her in 2x17.

Post-Kiss Catatonia: A character is in shock after being kissed by their love.

-Kara after their first kiss looked quite shocked (x)

The Power of Love: Characters are empowered by feelings of love. 

-Kara was glowing and fighting crime, kicking asses, delivering puppies. In the morning. Sex did that. 

-The true love kiss in the Flash crossover basically brought  her back to life

-His scream to wake up, during 3x01 saved her from drowning (x).

-Also, she repeats to herself “wake up” after staring at their photobooth pic and allows herself to come back to her old self.

Red String of Fate: Two characters are bound by fate to be together. 

-Rao sent Mon-El to Kara, don’t fight me here

Relationship Sabotage: A character tries to ruin someone's romance, usually out of jealousy or protectiveness. 

-Rhea fits it, aka a bitch that treated Mon-El as her property.

-Mxy. Again.

Relationship Upgrade: Two characters are made an Official Couple.

-Season 2.

Removing the Rival: A character ties up or locks their love rival in a room in order to keep him/her away from their Love Interest. 

-Mxy sending Mon-El to DEO in his underwear, to have an alone talk with Kara, fits this trope.

Romance on the Set: Creators behind a show fall in love. 

-Melwood

Romantic Ribbing: Love interests tease their partners. 

-Happens a looooooooooooooot. From their Daxamite and Kryptonian quarrels to shenanigans, couchsitting or teasing just before kissing.

Romantic Ride Sharing: 

-Their flight to the Argo and you know, Kara being happy to be there with him, ALONE, in space.

Kara: It's perfect. Out here, with just you, I don't have to pretend. I can just be me.

-Plus, Mon-El’s words to J’onn before leaving? A typical prom date.

Mon-El: Home by midnight, Dad.

-Kara carrying his ass to many fights. Don’t fight me.

Romantic Wingman: A person who helps their friends out with their love lives. 

-Winn and Alura (x), Eve, Eliza.

Alex: So, maybe the reason that you made such big plans with me was so that you didn't have to think about how you actually feel about him. (...) You know, I happened to have taken a rather big romantic risk recently. And I gotta say... It pays off.

Eve: No, all he did was talk about you the entire date. (...) I told him, I said you have to get over your ex-girlfriend before you put yourself back out in the field.

Runaway Fiancé: A person who runs away from an Arranged Marriage, often to go be with the one they really love. 

-Well, he ended his arranged marriage with Imra, he just didn’t end up with his true love. Because of duty ==’

Second-Act Breakup: The Official Couple breaks up in the middle of the story after a misunderstanding or some other kind of conflict.

-I guess revealing that you are not a random Daxamite but a prince does the job.

Secret Relationship: Characters are in a relationship that they don't want their friends and family to know about.

-For like 30 seconds before Mon-El revealed everything? I mean, they all suspected it, but still. 

She Cleans Up Nicely: The frumpy Love Interest looks beautiful when they get dressed up. -In s2 when Mon-El approaches her at Lena's party. He calls her beautiful, duh.

Mon-El: What's your name beautiful?

-When he puts his Legion suit for the first time. Kara IS impressed (x)

Shipper on Deck: A character who supports a couple being together. 

-Eve, Alex, Winn, J’onn, Eliza, Alura, Cat, James (in s3, when Mon-El comes back, he says to Kara he never saw her so happy like she was with the Daxamite).

Shipping Torpedo: This character is strongly opposed to a couple being together.

-Mxy, tried to ruin their blossoming relationship, because his stalking ass realized they were meant together. 

-Rhea, for obvious reasons

Sickeningly Sweethearts: Two people love each other to a Sickeningly Sweet level.

-Romcom on steroids, with butterflies, heart eyes, sweet kisses and pinkish cheeks.

Single-Target Sexuality: Being in love with only one person. 

Canonically worked for both:

-Mon-El admitted he has never felt like that before Kara.

-Kara said to Cat she lost someone she loved for the first time.

-Crisis kind of fucked it, bringing Kenny to life, but the fact is she left him, becasue he could have not give her what she wanted. So, it could be considered as a schoolgirl crush, like in James’ case (x) (x)

So Happy Together: A tragedy strikes right as a pair of lovers have a happy moment with each other. 

-Sweet couch moment ruined by Rhea appearing on the tv in 2x16

-Kara dreaming about him and waking up in the fortress to Daxamites still threatening whole planet (x)

-Can we call Mxy a “tragedy” in s2????

Sorkin Relationship Moment: A character acts incredibly awkward when around their ex. 

-S3, Kara around Mimra.

Star-Crossed Lovers: Lovers who can't be together due to circumstances. 

-Romeo and Juliet of the whole series ==’

Through His Stomach: Winning someone's affections by cooking them a delicious meal. 

-Kara making him pancakes (x)

-Averted, with Mon-El learning (!!!!) and cooking for Kara (x)

-Does Mon-El destroying his mattress to bring her stuffing on the Thanksgiving dinner counts?

Time-Travel Romance: Romance between people from different time periods. 

-Didn’t go too well and they are left separated by centuries. 

True Love Is Exceptional: A character falls in love with someone who is usually not their type. 

-Kenny, James, William they all were much different than Mon-El. And only Mon was her true love

True Love's Kiss: Lovers share a kiss that cures a problem/causes a miracle to happen. 

-The Flash kiss basically brings her back to life, reality and fixes their relationship (x)

Unbroken Vigil: A character keeps watch over their unconscious Love Interest. 

-When Mon-El was still in coma after he landed on earth in 2x02

Kara: I know what it's like to be a stranger on this planet. So when you wake up, I'll be here for you. So, you never know what it's like to be alone.

-While he was fighting the medusa virus (x)

-When she was in coma after the parasite fight.

-He protects the Legion ship with unconcious Kara on it from Reign. He says “Careful, Brainy, you got precious cargo on board.” too.

Uncovering Relationship Status: A character tries to find out if their crush is already in a relationship. 

-After Karamel being kidnapped by Lillian, Mon-El asks James and Winn if she has a mate.

Undercover as Lovers: Two spies pose as lovers as they go undercover. 

-PARIS CITY, BITCHES (x)

What Does She See in Him?: People wonder why a character is in love with someone who seems so undesirable. 

-Mxy in s5. He got a „are you fucking serious?” look from Kara in return (x)

-Whole Mon’s monologue about falling in love with her in s3, while talking to J’onn

What Is This Thing You Call "Love"?: A character is unable to understand romantic love. 

-When Mon-El confessed he was confused and overwhelmed by the feelings in the Mxy’s ep

Mon-El:I've never felt like this about anyone in my life... I didn't know that there were this many feelings to even be had. My emotions, I guess they made me kind of crazy.

Women Prefer Strong Men: Women fall for men who are strong and muscular. 

-Her face after she saw him in the red suit and her little wow and chuckle says everything.

Working with the Ex: A character has to work with their ex-significant other. 

-All karamel scenes in s3, 5 and 6

You Have Waited Long Enough: When a character's true love doesn't return, they're forced to move on. 

-In a way when Alex argued with Kara at the beginning of s3 

Alex: Let me help you get over him. 

Kara:Get over him? That's... (SIGHS) He didn't dump me. I sent him away.

-Mon-El forced to marry Imra for world’s peace. 

-In a way, in the end, they both accepted they were going to live alone for the rest of their lives. Thanks writers :))))))

PARALLELS

Karamel: (x) (x) (x) (x) (x) (x) (x)  (x) (x) (x) (x) (x) (x) (x) (x) (x) (x) (x) (x) (x) (x) (x) (x) (x) (x) (x) (x) (x) (x) (x) (x) (x) (x) (x) (x) (x) (x) (x) (x) (x) (x) (x) (x) (x)(x) (x) (x) (x) (x) (x) (x) (x) (x) (x) (x) (x) (x) (x)(x) (x) (x) (x) (x) (x) (x) (x) (x) (x) (x) (x) (x) (x) (x) (x) (x) (x)

Karamel paralelling other ships: (x) (x) (x) (x) (x) (x) (x) (x) (x) (x) (x) (x) (x) (x) (x)  (x)  (x) (x) (x) (x) (x) (x) (x) (x) (x) (x) (x) (x) (x) (x) (x) (x) (x) (x) (x) (x) (x) (x) (x) (x) (x) (x) (x) (x) (x) (x) (x) (x) (x) (x) (x) (x) (x) (x) (x) (x) (x) (x) (x) (x) (x) (x) (x)

Other stuff: (x) (x) (x) (x) (x) (x) (x) (x) (x) (x) (x) (x) (x) (x) (x) (x) (x)

BEHIND THE SCENES

-Thread of articles about Karamel and the characters (x)

-“The love of Kara’s life has just come back” - Katie McGrath (x)

-Chris Wood establishing the ship name as karamel “(WestAllen)...It's very sweet, but not as sweet as Karamel” in an interview before the Flash crossover (x)

-”I’m a fan of Kara being happy” - Melissa Benoist. (x) “You made me so happy” - Kara to Mon-El in the finale of s2 (x) “I’m just  happy (...) Dopey grin, butterflies in my stomach happy” 2x16 (x)

-Queller and Rovner about karamel on SDCC17 interview: “We saw Kara having to make a very painful hero’s choice, and send the love of her life off in space”. (x)

-Mon-El and Kara are the couple in 3 canon books written by Jo Whittemore, happening during season 2: Age of Atlantis, Curse of the Ancient and Master of Illusion (x)

-They are also described as a couple and the book follows the canon in Supergirl: The Secret Files of Kara Danvers: The Ultimate Guide to the Hit TV Show by Warner Brothers (x)

-4k following on a karamel group on Facebook (x)

-Most popular karamel vid on youtube has 54 million views (x) followed by 18 millions (x)

-Karamel fics on AO3 (x)

OTHER THINGS

-Kara shared her fave potstickers only with Mon-El. Willingly. While threatening Alex to murder her, when she wanted to steal them. 

-Coloristically speaking, Mon-El’s suit resembles Kal’s suit. Also, it’s a copy of Kal’s. They are the same, so it feels he belongs to the El family (plus there is a place for EL glyph on his chest). Their suits are matching, as simple as that.

-Karamel matches clothes and colors in many scenes and Mon-El wears red/crismon and blue in s2. For me it’s just how television works (contrast), but some people see more into it.

-He was wearing her dad’s clothes on Argo. There is no other logical explanation.

-Double date with Tara and her husband on Argo in s3, double date with Lena and Jack in s2.

-The fact is, Kara invited Mon-El to come with her to Argo and he STAYED IN HER HOUSE.

-Shenanigans as a pretended and real couple. Following by teasing each other a lot.

-Mon-El talking to her in Kryptonian on Argo.

-Kara gave him her necklace aka most important thing she had, a memory of her home to protect him and he wore it after 7 years, even while married to another woman. Canon didn’t say what happened to the necklace, so we can assume he still has it. As she still has his Legion ring. 

-Mon-El gives her a ring and Kara puts it on her finger which is basically screaming MARRIED.

-Them standing side by side at Kara’s farewell party, holding champagne and looking like they were at their engagement party.

-It was never explained, but they had a connection strong enough for him to reach her and wake her up while she was drowning. Also, he told her to wake up from a dream TWICE (in s2 and 3) and she did.

-She dreamed about him for 6 months. The fact her mother appeared there too, and both were ALIVE, while she was sure they were dead, says a lot. Also, the scene in her dream was filmed with blurry light, shining sun and with romantic, gentle music

-Both Kara moms approved of him almost immediately and saw romance between them.

-He is the only person she had sex and intimate relationship with. He also explained how things worked on Daxam (people got drugged to not feel emotions), his arranged marriage with Imra (based on respect, being content and saving the peace) and then describing his love for Kara that was special, means he really loved only Kara.

-When you think about it, she stared at his naked chest, while he was unconscious, a lot. Was it love at the first sight? Especially because he was her sleeping beauty and she was his prince charming. 

-He called her a woman of tomorrow in her dream and then gave her the Legion ring. Also, the fact he called her a woman , not a girl of tomorrow, may mean she went to the future as a mature person. Leaving the “girl” behind.

-Hugged from behind, while having a scene with Alex and Maggie.

-Forehead kisses, in s2 when he kissed her on the couch while she was upset after Jeremiah betrayed them, and when he came back from the future and was lying on the DEO bed.

-While making out on the couch, the camera shows two red roses, which are symbols of love and passion.

-Friendly reminder Kara ABANDONED potstickers to dance with him.

-Kara’s face when she thinks he was flirting with Eliza or when she saw his AU Flash and AU Iris version kissing on a couch and when they admitted they were in love.

-CW shows for that season were promoted with a trailer in which Kara and Mon-El wearing his superhero suit

-Kara, without a second of hesitation, opened the door of his cell when he started suffocating from the medusa’s virus.

-Kara helping him and being his mentor, was fulfilling the promise of taking her of Kal

-She asked to Mxy to take her from the AU in ep 100th right after he was killed by Reign

-They both searched for Argo, while driving J’onn’s old fashioned car. Plus Mon-El said “Home by midnight, dad” which was screaming them going for a prom date.

-He called her eyes COMETS, while stringing deeply into them.

-She called him her boyfriend while they interrupted Lena’s date and his “We kissed a lot” line in the Flash ep.

-Kara and Mon-El kissed in one comic book issue.

-They have a love song and it’s Everything she does is magic.

-On the ep struggled but hooked up in the end, their story was paired with another canon couple aka Sanvers

-”You know, sometimes people need  a shoulder to cry on even if they won’t admit it” - William to Kara. And Kara cried in Mon-El’s arms after Jeremiah’ betrayal.

-Whole Argo felt like one big honeymoon ep: engagement party with champagne in DEO, staying in her parent’s house, talking with mom-in-law, double dates with old best friends while the other couple talks about domestic life and kids, Kara touching his arm during that dinner, karamel spiritually adopting a little boy, Kara looking longingly at Mon-El interacting with Val, romantic walk in the garden with romantic music (the one played during their dream kiss in 3x01), him giving her his ring, Alura noticing their connection, Mon-El talking to Winn about how he can’t lose her again. 

-He noticed her crinkle after like, what? One week of knowing her? (x)

-Mon-El founded a freaking LEGION OF SUPERHEROES in her name and following her examples, rules and moral code. That’s love.

-They created their own love language. The blobbed name was invented by Mon-El and then repeated by Kara. The ongoing joke about Mon-El reading Romeo and Juliet. The nicknames (babe, woman of tomorrow).

-Foreshadowing. Mon-El calls them Romeo and Juliet aka the most famous doomed romantic couple of all time. In one of the books written by Jo Whittemore aka Supergirl: Master of Illusion, there is a prophet, who foreshadows him leaving for the future. 

-Personal space before becoming a couple? What personal space? (x) Also we can speculate if she touches his butt on this pic (x)

-After their first night, Kara brought him RED FLOWERS (x).

-The only time when Kara got happily drunk was with Mon-El. Normal alcohol doesn’t work for her, so he is the only one (beside Clark, I guess) who can drink alcohol for aliens and that can affect her. 

-Kara wanted to get rid of Mxy and spend a nice Valentine's day with Mon-El. VALENTINE’S day aka the day celebrated as the day of LOVE.

-Kara being completely ok with William dating…. the nurse?, and devastated when Mon-El dated Eve and Imra

-Kara saying she can’t be herself with other people or start relationships on a lie (William, Kenny, watching Lucy and James,) and then being herself with Mon-El and starting a relationship with him - since the beginning he knew who she was.

DIALOGUES AND LINES

2x02

Kara: I know what it's like to be a stranger on this planet. So when you wake up, I'll be here for you. So, you never know what it's like to be alone. 

2x03

Kara: Why were you sending a distress call? 

Mon-EL: Because I'm in distress!

+

Mon-EL: Right, and you've already made up your mind about me. So, it seems kind of pointless to keep talking to you. Bye-bye, your highness.

+

Kara: I don't know you at all. And it was a mistake of me to misjudge you just because you're from Daxam. Supergirl: You didn't try to k*ll the President. I apologize for assuming you did.

Kara: My name is Kara Zor-El, I'm from Krypton. (And like you, I'm a refugee on this planet. Earth. 

Mon-El:My name is Mon-El.

2x04

Kara: Sometimes I just like to come in here to tell her about my day. I know it's not really her, but I... Just makes me feel less... 

Mon-El: Alone.

+

Mon-El: I know it's not easy for you to be nice to me. Where I'm from and all.

+

Mon-EL: It's not your parents' fault. It's not even Krypton's fault. Okay, we shared a star, that's all.

+

Mon-El: Who would have thought? A boy from Daxam and a girl from Krypton, working together. 

Kara: Why? Is it because you come from a planet of partiers? 

Mon-El: No, because you come from a planet of snobs. I'm in your hands, Kara.

2x05

Mon-El:And you're telling me that you've never used your powers to do these menial tasks? 

Kara:(SCOFFS) Never. No. Not once. 

Mon-El:You know you get this little... This little crinkle right up there when you lie? 

Kara:I don't have a crinkle. 

Mon-El:Yeah, you're crinkling right now. 

Kara:I don't have a crinkle. 

Mon-El:You're crinkling at the moment.

+

Mon-El: What's your name, beautiful? Oh, it's you. Um, are you gonna yell at me again? 

Kara:I'm not gonna yell at you... 

Mon-El:What's wrong with your mouth? 

Kara:I'm not gonna yell at you again. Where's the suit from? 

Mon-El:Oh, you like it? Yeah, it's nice. Yeah, Eve gave me her little... Her plastic rectangle to buy things. 

Kara:You used her credit card? 

Mon-El:You're gonna yell at me again. 

Kara:I'm not gonna yell at you.

+

Mon-El: I miss dancing. I used to dance a lot on Daxam. 

Kara: Yeah, we danced on Krypton too. 

MonEl:Well, then... 

Kara: Sorry, hold on.

+

Mon-El: So, you're not mad at me? 

Kara:I get the feeling I'm always gonna be a little mad at you.

+

Kara: And I'll be here to help you, however you need me to. That's what a real mentor does.

2x06

Mon-El:You drink this drink, and I will train with you. 

Kara:I... I don't think so. 

Mon-EL:You scared? (SCOFFS) Oh, my God. (GROANS) That was very quick. How do you feel? 

Kara:Floaty. But I'm not floating. 

Mon-EL:No, you're sitting.

+

Alex: My sister, she's the one who believes in you. That's why she's so upset with you all the time. She thinks you have potential. To make a difference, like she does. To be a hero.

2x07

Mon-El: Oh. A courtship ring. You know, I've just learned that there is a long-standing mating ritual here where if you like it, you should've put a ring on it.

+

Lillian: Now we've been studying your friend. He's powerful, but has a very bad lead allergy. Say you'll do it and I'll let him live. Or I could just put one in his heart right now. 

Kara:No! Okay, okay! I'll do it. Stop! 

Mon-EL: Please. Don't. 

Kara:I'm not gonna let you die. Give me the helmet.

+

Kara:If something happens, if... If I don't get out of here, I need you to tell Alex something for me. I need you to tell her to just keep living her life on her own terms. Tell her I wasn't scared, okay? 

Mon-EL:Well, if I don't make it and you do, you're welcome to tell everyone I was scared out of my mind.

+

Mon-EL: I have to think, why me? Why am I the only one who survived Daxam? If I die in this cell, maybe I deserve to. 

Kara:You don't deserve to die. You deserve to survive.

+

Kara: You were really brave, Mon-El. 

Mon-El:I told you I was scared. 

Kara:Well, you could still be scared while being brave. Maybe there's a hero in you after all. 

Mon-El: Well, any, uh, any courage I do have, I learned it from you.

+

Mon-El: Is Kara maated? (...)On Daxam, we had arranged marriages, chosen for you at birth. You reach a certain age, boom. You're latched to that person. Is that how it works here on Earth? 

Winn:Uh, well, here on Earth, we call it getting hitched, not latched. And nowadays, you pretty much choose your own mate. 

Mon-El: Has Kara chosen? 

James: No, she has not. Why do you ask? 

Mon-El:Just studying Earthly customs.

2x08

Mon-El: Jolly Thanksgiving!

+

Kara: I think Mon-El is hitting on Eliza. 

Alex:No way.

Kara: You really hit it off with Mon-El. 

Eliza:Oh, Kara. He's chatting me up because I'm your mother. 

Kara:What? 

Eliza:He likes you! 

Kara:Uh, no. No. (GIGGLES) 

Eliza:Yes. He's trying to score points with me to impress you. 

Kara:There's no way. 

Eliza:Believe me. A mother knows.

+

Mon-EL: Out of everybody who could have found me in that pod, I'm the luckiest guy in the world that it was you. I'm just going to jump in and say there are so many things that I'm thankful for. And, honestly, I don't think I've ever really felt this much like myself than right now, and so there's a reason for that.

+

Kara: Hey, you don't, uh... You don't like me, do you? 

Mon-El: Of course I like you. 

Kara:No, I mean, like, you don't "like me" like me? 

Mon-El:"'Like you' like you"? Sorry, English is my second language. 

Kara: My mom, Eliza, she... She thought you were being extra nice to her on Thanksgiving. That's like a thing that boys on this planet do. They're nice to the moms of girls they have crushes on sometimes. 

Mon-El:"Crush"? Sorry, (STAMMERS) I'm not following. 

Kara: You don't want to mate with me, do you? 

Mon-El:Um... (COUGHING) I mean, have you seen the women that I've been attracting, earthlings and otherwise, since I've been on this planet?

+

Mon-El: Did you learn a new power where you can duplicate yourself? Because I'm seeing two of you and it's really cool. 

Kara: No. (LAUGHS) No, sorry. No new powers. Just... I think the double vision is all you. 

Mon-EL: Oh, so I have a new power? 

Mon-El: You know, you look beautiful, with the weight of all these worlds on your shoulder. You don't have to make me feel better. Yeah. Absolutely beautiful.

2x09

Mon-El: If you go looking for trouble... Trouble... Ye shall find. 

Kara:Thank you for the completely useless advice.

+

Kara: That's not club soda. 

Mon-El:Yeah, what exactly is club soda?

+

Mon-El: Question, do you think I'm more of a Goofus, or more of a Gallant? 

Kara:Goofus.

+

Mon-El:Yes. Yes, we are very religious. Very into our gods. 

Kara:God. 

Mon-EL:One God. We are madly monotheistic.

+

Mon-El: I wanna get my hands dirty, you know, like...

Mon-El: I wanna help you keep the world spinning. To prove that I was spared for a reason.

2x10

Mon-El: I remember. I was sick and alone. And you were leaning over me. And you must have been sad. Or something because your eyes were insanely blue. I mean, they always are. But they were like comets. And I had never seen anyone so stunning, and I kissed you, and it was okay that I was... It was okay that I was going to die, because I'd gotten to kiss you. I, um... (CLEARS THROAT) I saved you at the police station because... Because I care about you. (WHISPERS) Comets. 

Kara: Mon-El... 

Mon-El:I'm not here to change your mind. I get that... I get that you don't care about me. 

Kara:I do care about you. 

Mon-EL:But not in the same way. That's... (CLEARS THROAT) That's good, that's fine.

2x11

Kara:I'm not so sure we're a good match. 

Mon-El:Yeah. Yeah, no. I'm just glad we're on the same page, you know. 

Kara:I mean, I have my career in journalism that I just started out on. In the meantime, when I'm not being Supergirl, I really need to focus on that. And even if I did have time to date someone, I wouldn't date someone like... Someone who... Who... Who is... 

Mon-El:An intergalactic bartender? 

Kara:Yes! Yes. No. It's... Because it's not your job. It's... It's the way you are. 

Mon-El:...I'm going to go over there now.

+

Kara:He told me he liked me the other day. 

Alex:I'm so shocked. 

Kara:Was it that obvious? 

Alex:Duh!

+

Alex:And, you know, you looked a bit overwhelmed when you talked to Mon-El. So, maybe the reason that you made such big plans with me was so that you didn't have to think about how you actually feel about him. 

Kara:I told him how I feel. 

Alex:Mmm-hmm. And you really believe that? 

Kara:He's complicated. 

Alex:Mmm-hmm. 

Kara:But it's not just about him, it's about me. Every time I put myself out there, it backfires. I don't want it to happen again, it's too risky. 

Alex:You know, I happened to have taken a rather big romantic risk recently. And I gotta say... It pays off.  Maybe he's worth a shot.

2x12

Eve: No, all he did was talk about you the entire date. 

Kara: So he talked about me? 

Eve:I told him, I said you have to get over your ex-girlfriend before you put yourself back out in the field. 

Kara:Ex-girlfriend? (LAUGHS) No, no, no, no. Eve, Mike and I never dated. 

Eve:Mmm-hmm. Mike told me the same thing.

+

Mon-El:You believe in a lot of people that others don't. 

Kara:Oh, did you talk to James? 

Mon-El:No, I'm actually talking about myself.

Kara: I was mad at you, because I thought you were dating Eve. 

Mon-El:Ah. “Were,” as in past tense. Right? As in, she told you that the date didn't actually go well. 

Kara:Uh, she mentioned it. 

Mon-El:Yeah. You know, I'm not super hip on earthly social cues, but why would you be mad if I was dating Eve? 

Kara:I'm not mad. You literally just said you were mad. 

Kara:No. 

Mon-El:Two seconds ago, you said, “I am mad about...” 

Kara:Yeah, I'm surprised. Oh, not mad, surprised. I'm surprised that... You'd just date someone else, when you were serious about me, because I mean if... How could you be serious if you did that? 

Mon-El:If you don't like me, why do you... Why do you care? 

+

Kara:I can be strong, and stand my ground when I'm protecting someone else, but when that someone is me... It's a lot harder. 'Cause I don't like being vulnerable. We're really different.

Mon-El:I'm, uh, super fun. And you're hyper-critical. 

Kara:More like, you're an arrogant dude-bro and I'm the personification of the American way. 

Mon-El:I'm sorry, and I'm arrogant?

Kara: Last year I thought I could have it all, and then I thought I couldn't. Then I had to pick. So, I chose being Supergirl over having a relationship. And then, you came along, and I thought you were... thoughtless and selfish. And I kept writing you off. And you kept proving me wrong. And I just got me thinking... Maybe I can have it all. Hi. 

Mon-El:Hi.

2x13

Kara:Um, there was something happening between us before Mxyzptlk showed up. 

Mon-El:Mmm-hmm. 

Kara:And I really, really want to get back to that. (...) Because before you know it, he's going to be back in his dimension, and you and I, we can celebrate "The Day of the Valentine" together.

+

Mon-El:Because Mxy snaps his fingers, and there's flowers in your loft. And he snaps his fingers, and you're in Vera Wang... (

Kara:Oh, my God! What? You're jealous. 

Mon-El:I'm... That is ridiculous. 

Mon-El:I thought we were going to do that. 

Kara:We're too different, Mon-El. I'm sorry.

+

Mon-El: Hey, I just wanted to let you know that you're awesome.

+

Mon-El:I also wanted to say I'm sorry. For acting like an ass. I've been giving it a lot of thought and I have realized that you are my Kryptonite. 

Kara:Me? 

Mon-El:Oh, uh... No, I mean, my feelings for you. I've never felt like this about anyone in my life... I didn't know that there were this many feelings to even be had. My emotions, I guess they made me kind of crazy.

Mon-El:You don't think that we belong together, and I respected that. 

Kara:No, but Mxy wasn't the only one I tricked. I didn't mean it. I just said it so you'd let me go to protect you. Plus, he could have been listening, so... 

Mon-El:Wait. Wait, so you didn't mean any of that stuff that you said? 

Kara:Well, the first bit about your infuriating male ego, that part I meant. 

Mon-El:Okay, okay.

Kara: But the second part about us not being a match... I didn't mean that.

Mon-El:Well, you got rid of Mxy... 

Kara:I did. That means nothing is... Nothing is stopping us. 

Kara:Nope. Nothing is stopping us.

2x14

Mon-El: had a really nice time. 

Kara:Yeah? Me, too. 

Mon-El: Um, one note. 

Kara:Okay? 

Mon-El:I would like to wake up next to you.

Kara:Gosh, it's so nice to do that without breaking the guy's nose. 

Mon-El:How many times did that happen? 

Kara: Um... - Less than five. 

Mon-El: So four? 

+

Mon-El:Why don't you... Why don't you tell me what you need? I'll listen. 

Kara:Just be here with me.

Mon-El:Do you need anything else? Or... 

Kara:To wake up with me. 

Mon-El:Hey. I'd love to.

2x15

Mon-EL: Kara, I'm home! (CHUCKLES) I just... (IN NORMAL VOICE) I love saying it like that.

+

Mon-El:Well, what happens if you blob it? 

Kara:Blog. 

Mon-EL:Right, that's what I said, blob.

+

Mon-EL:Do you think it's the right thing to do? Go. 

Kara:Yes. I do. 

Mon-EL:Well, there you go. Then publish it. Easy. 

Kara:But how can you be so sure? 

Mon-EL:Because you are the most moral person I know. So if you think it's the right thing to do, it is.

+

Mon-EL:Hey. You have so much to offer this world. So don't let Snapper or anyone else tell you differently. Okay? 

Kara:You know something? 

Mon-EL:What?

Kara:Maybe being Supergirl and having you is enough. 

Mon-EL:You think so? 

Kara: Yeah.

2x16

Kara:What? 

Mon-EL:That face. That smile. 

Kara:I'm just happy. 

Mon-El:Yeah? 

Kara: Yeah, like that... Dopey grin, butterflies in my stomach happy. 

Mon-El:Mmm-hmm. 

Kara:Is that cheesy? 

Mon-El:It's like, it's like a rom-com on steroids cheesy. But I'm happy you're happy.

+

Mon-EL: My name is Mon-El. I'm the former Prince of Daxam. And I was a spoiled, useless person, that I didn't know. Until I met you. And I love being a hero because it means I get to spend every single day by your side. And I love the way that you're honest to a fault. And the way that you fight for those you care for. And I love you. With everything that I have, I love you.

+

Mon-El: No! Mother, that woman is the best thing that's ever happened to me. The best thing I know. And whether we're together or not, being near her, it makes me a better person. It makes me the person that I want to be.

The Flash 3x17

Mon-El: My name is Mon-El. I'm, I'm Kara's friend. We're more, more than friends.

+

Barry: Your boyfriend brought you to us. 

Kara:He is not my boyfriend. He, he's just a boy. Who is not my friend. He's my nothing. 

Barry: Okay.

+

Mon-El:I'm so sorry I lied to you. 

Kara:I forgive you.

+

Kara:Yeah, I think we'll be okay. Although, if you lie to me again, I will drop a mountain on you. 

Mon-EL:Wow.

2x17

Kara:What smells so... Oh, is that hash browns! 

Mon-EL: No, no, no, no! I'm trying to make you breakfast in bed. I'm going for full romance, here. And you have ruined it. 

Kara:Okay, that's very sweet. But there is no way you're getting in the way of me and bacon!

Mon-EL: Well, I figured since you were good enough to take me back, that I should be good enough to fill every moment of your life with joy.

+

Kara:Well, there's one good thing about not having to work at CatCo. 

Mon-EL:What's that? 

Kara:There's more time with you.

+

Kara:There's only one thing we can do. Talk to your mother. 

Mon-El: Run for our lives. 

+

Mon-EL: I think of this because I'm reading this play right now, Romeo and Juliet? 

Kara:Yeah, I've heard of it. Right and there's this moment at the end where I am right now, where they're about to run away together and to live happily ever after. And I can't help but think that that could be us. You know? 

Kara:Yeah, but Juliet and Romeo both die at the end. 

Mon-El:...I did not see that coming.

Kara:I'm Supergirl, I don't run from anything. 

Mon-EL:Yeah, I know. It's one of the more annoying things about you. 

Kara:Thank you. 

Mon-EL:You're welcome.

Mon-El: People don't really change. 

Kara:Sure they do. You did. You've become someone incredible and unselfish. Just give her a chance. 

Mon-El:You really think I'm incredible? 

Kara: *crinkling* No. I just said that to get you to listen to me.

+

Kara: When Mon-El first landed here, we didn't understand each other. But we found a connection. Through the kindness in our hearts.

+

Mon-El: Whatever you want. I'll go back to Daxam, I'll be your prince. All of it. Just stop hurting her. 

Rhea:I have your word? No tricks? No resistance? 

Mon-EL: You have my word. (...) I'm sorry, Kara. This is the only way. So long as you're safe.

Kara:  Don't go. 

+

Kara:This is Mon-El's life. Please. 

J'onn:I cannot disobey the President of the United States. I know it's easy to let emotions get involved, but there's a protocol. I'm not the one calling the shots right now. I know how much you care for Mon-El. But this is too dangerous. 

Kara:I have to save him. I know you understand. Once that ship leaves he's gone forever.

Kara:Please. J'onn, I can't lose him.

+

Mon-El: You came after me. 

Kara:Every time.

+

Mon-El:I think we could all stand to be a little more like you. More optimistic and brave... 

Kara:I think you were pretty brave. 

Mon-EL:No, I just did what I knew you would have done. And it was terrifying.

+

Mon-EL:I know I'm beginning to sound like a broken record here but I admire you. 

Kara:Well, I'm not going to forget the way you sacrificed yourself for me. Ever. 

Mon-EL:So we saved each other today. Yeah. Just like Romeo and Juliet. 

Kara:You really need to finish it. Can you finish reading that, please?

2x18

Kara: Yeah, this is my boyfriend, Mike.

+

Kara:This is an exception. 

Mon-El:Yes! Shenanigans!

2x19

Mon-El: Babe!

2x21

Kara: Hi. 

Mon-el: Hi. 

Kara:Uh, Kara Danvers sent me to get you. 

Mon-El: Yeah. She's great, isn't she? 

Kara:She'll be thrilled to hear you think so.

+

Mon-El:Please, don't do this. You're not gonna get through to her. 

Kara:I have to try. As long as you're safe.

2x22

Kara:Let's just stay here a little while longer, okay? 

Mon-EL:How long? 

Kara:Until tomorrow. 

Mon-EL: Okay, woman of tomorrow.

+

Mon-El: *hugging Kara* Are you okay? 

Kara: I'm so much better now.

+

Clark: You must be a good guy or she wouldn't be with you.

+

Kara: I feel like I'm on the brink of having everything I've ever wanted. Family, friends, a job I love. A life as a hero I never could have imagined. And Mon-El.

Clark: Whenever I fight, no matter who it's against or where it is, I'm always fighting for Lois. I fight with her right here. The people we love, they're, uh... They're another secret superpower. Keep him with you.

+

Mon-El: There's something I need to say. Wherever I go... I'm gonna be better because of you. You'll be in my heart. I promise I'm going to be the man...  That you thought I could be.

Kara: You've made me so happy.Take this*gives him her necklace*. Take this. This will keep you safe. I love you. And I should have said it before. I love you.

+

Kara: Go be with your girlfriend. I need to know you two are happy. Like I want to know about Winn and Lyra, J'onn and M'gann, Clark and Lois. It's not like everybody else's world stopped.

+

Kara:While you've been away, uh... I've been in a relationship... 

Cat:Kara Danvers has a boyfriend?A year in a yurt, and I miss everything! 

Kara: Had a boyfriend. (...) For the first time ever, I really liked someone... Loved someone…

3x01

Alex:Let me help. Let me help you get over him. 

Kara:Get over him? That's... (SIGHS) He didn't dump me. I sent him away. And for all I know he's...

+

Kara: Clark said it himself. The decision I made, he couldn't have made that sacrifice But me, I couldn't have lived with myself if I hadn't. I will always make the decision I made. I am not a human. I tried to be. But I'm not. Kara Danvers was a mistake.

+

Mon-El: *saving Kara from drowning* Wake up!

+

Kara: *to herself* Wake up.

3x02

Kara:No, who I am as Kara feels broken. I lost Mon-El. Lena keeps asking me where I'm going, which is new and horrible.

+

Kara:I kill him. 

Alex:No. 

Kara:It's him in the pod, not me. Mon-El? I kill him. 

Alex: No. 

Kara:I kill him, it was me. He's dead. He's dead. I know he's dead, I know it! If he were alive, we would have heard from him. We would've gotten a message. He died in the pod. I put him in there and he died. 

Alex:Kara, he's not dead. 

Kara:He died, I kill him. I kill him! I kill him! 

Alex: He is not dead! 

Kara: I kill him. 

Alex:He is alive. Okay, I know it. I don't know where, I don't know how, but I just... I know he's alive. You saved him.

3x07

Kara:I missed you. 

Mon-EL:Me too. 

Kara:It's been... Tough. Seven months of not knowing. 

Mon-El:Seven months? I tried to send a message... so many times, to tell you I was okay, but I couldn't. - I tried. 

Kara:It's okay. You can tell me all about what happened later. 

Mon-El:Kara... 

Kara: Shh. 

Mon-El: No, Kara...

Kara:Just sleep.

+

James: Not so sure about the beard, though. 

Kara:I kinda like it.

+

James:You know, I watched you two last year. I've never seen you more happy. And I know that he would never do anything to hurt you.

+

Mon-El:It's me. 

Kara:Then... Then make me believe it. Please. [BREATH TREMBLING] You know, I don't sleep anymore. I lay awake at night just staring at the ceiling, because if I close my eyes I dream about you dying. [VOICE BREAKING] I see you disappear into the blackness of space forever. [SOBS] This was all I wanted. This. And when I saw you on that ship... [INHALES DEEPLY] oh, my God, I felt like I could hope again. I could touch you, and see you and hear you, and be with you, finally. But... you're different. You have nothing to say? Nothing? 

Mon-El:I'm sorry. 

Kara:Shame on me for having a human heart.

+

Kara:My necklace. Why'd you have to come down here, anyway? 

Mon-EL:If we hadn't come here, you would have died. It doesn't matter, I'm not your problem anymore. 

Kara:How could you have changed so much? It's only been seven months. 

Mon-El:No, it's been seven years! It's been seven months for you, but it has been seven years for me since the day I went in that pod.

+

Kara:So what? You just... You just forgot about me? Why are you still wearing the necklace?

+

Kara:You kept the necklace. 

Mon-El:Of course I did. As a reminder of everything you taught me and did for me. A reminder of you. It means a lot. You have to believe that no matter what... What century or universe, or world I'm living in, that I would never forget you. Never.

+

Mon-El:You've never needed my protection. Except for that one time when we went for all-you-can-eat ribs. And you, uh... You were inhaling those things, if I remember correctly. - I swear if hadn't stopped you... 

Kara:It was a limited-time offer. I had to.

Kara:This is the first time I've seen you smile since you've been back. I haven't had a chance to say it yet, but, uh... it's really good to see you.

3x08

Kara: And even though she looks like a greek goddess i can’t find any reason to hate her.

+

Mon-EL: Well, that just strengthens my point because the greek gods have nothing on you.

3x10

Mon-El: Careful Brainy! You’ve got precious cargo onboard!

+

Mon-El:Hey, Kara. I was really worried about you. When you didn't wake up... I still care about you. 

Kara:I know. 

Mon-El:It was great fighting with you again. 

Kara: Yeah. 

Mon-El:I missed that.

3x13

Mon-El: But with Kara, I mean... [CHUCKLES] There was nothing logical about falling in love with Kara. I mean, she was... She was a Kryptonian elitist, and I was this completely self-absorbed misogynist. Not anymore. But what I felt for her, it was... It was just... 

3x14

Kara:I would just say maybe you should sing Kansas for yourself and not for other people. 

Mon-El:Yeah, that's good advice.

+

Kara:What was that back there with the T. rex? 

Mon-El:Cape tricks. 

Kara:"Cape tricks"? 

Mon-El:My old Legion uniform had one. Well, I've been fighting with a cape for three years and all it seems to do is get in the way. I can help with that, if you want. 

Kara:I'd like that.

3x15

Kara: *heart eyes* Wow. 

Mon-El:You always said I cleaned up nicely.

+

Mon-El:You ready? 

Kara:Yeah, I was born ready.

+

Mon-El:I didn't really grasp your perspective back then. 

Kara:Yeah, but still, I shouldn't have hit you. I'm sorry for that. 

Mon-El:And I'm sorry for... [SIGHS] I'm just sorry. Can we make an agreement? 

Kara:Yes. 

Mon-El:No more apologies. 

Kara:Do you wanna go be heroes?

3x18

Kara:I'm really happy I got to see you again. Witnessed the man you've become. 

Mon-El:It meant the world to me to be back here with you. And with everyone. To fight by your side.

+

Imra: But this time needs you, Mon-El. You need to help them. And you need to go back so you can figure out what's been weighing on your heart. I risked our lives and our marriage to stop Pestilence. I still believe it was worth it. I hoped that once we left, you'd put your feelings for Kara behind you. 

Mon-El:I swear I never... 

Imra:You've done nothing wrong. You've tried to bury your feelings. You behaved honorably. You must know that I would never do anything to dishonor you. I know. But I need a man, a partner... Who will choose me with a full heart. Go back. Help her fight Reign. If you stay, then that's your destiny.

3x19

Kara:Bangarang. 

Mon-EL: *to J'onn* Home by midnight, Dad.

3x20

Kara: Out here, with just you, I don't have to pretend. I can just be me.

+

Mon-EL: Supergirl. 

Kara:Not Supergirl. Kara Zor-El.

+

Mon-El:I'm very fond of your daughter. As are many others on Earth, and across time. You should be very proud of what she's become. 

Alura:I am.

3x21

Kara:Hey, thank you for everything, by the way. For coming back in, and helping, and being part of the team. It's really meant a lot to me. 

Mon-EL:Yeah, well, a while ago, someone pretty great taught me how to be a hero. 

Kara:She didn't do a bad job.

+

Kara:Why don't you just come with me?

Mon-El: I wouldn't wanna crash your homecoming. 

Kara:You wouldn't be crashing anything. It would be lovely to have you there. 

Mon-EL:You're serious? 

Kara:Absolutely. 

Mon-EL:Okay.

+

Mon-EL:Why are you smiling? 

Kara:It just feels amazing to be normal. I'm actually relieved I can't fly. No one to save.

+

Kara:New friend? 

Mother:Mon-El saved his life. Healed him with the device from his belt. 

Mon-EL:It's a development from the future. 

Kara:Saving people without telling me, hmm?

+

Kara:Do you think I'm being paranoid? 

Mon-EL:If I've learned anything, it's that your instincts are usually spot on. I think you should take this *gives her Legion ring*. 

Kara:No, Mon-El, don't... 

Mon-El:It's just in case. It will allow you to fly. 

Kara:Thank you.

+

Mon-EL: I didn't want to burden you before. Um... I know you've moved on... From us. But I didn't just come back here to help you fight Reign. When I left Imra, she asked me to sort out how I felt. And not just about her. About you. And I've been trying to convince myself that friendship between us was the right thing. But I think I've been lying to myself. I'm sorry to spring this on you in the midst of you trying to acclimate here. 

Kara:Don't be sorry. 

Mon-EL:I just don't want to hide things, pretend like they don't exist. 

Kara:After you left, I had a dream where I was walking down this path. A lot like this one. It was peaceful, and serene and... You were there, waiting for me. And all I wanted was for you to be in that field with me. Now you are. 

Mon-EL:Now I am.

3x22

Mon-EL:I lost her once, Winn. I'm not sure I can do it again.

+

Alura:He's a good man. Yeah, yeah, he is. The connection between you two is obvious. He makes you happy. Do you love him? 

Kara:No, mom, that's not an easy question to answer. 

Alura:Why not? 

Kara:There's a history between us. And complications.

3x23

Mon-EL:I have loved fighting by your side. Being there through all of it, the ups, the downs, the particularly tough days. You know, for a moment there, I thought that... that maybe this was my... my place, my time. But I learned some troubling things today, uh, about the future. I need to go back. I can't abandon the Legion. Or the world that I swore to protect, right when they need me most. 

Kara:I know you can't. You wouldn't be the man you are, if you did. The man I admire so much.

Mon-El: *gives her the legion ring* In case you ever need me.

5x13

Mon-El:You know it's okay to mess up, right? No matter how many mistakes I've made, you've always forgiven me. You should, uh, know that you deserve the same compassion that you show others.

6x20

Kara:Mon-El? 

Mon-EL:Your big speech made the history books.

+

Mon-EL: Your speech the other day... I don't know if you realize right now but... it changed the course of our future. Empowering everyone to be a hero of their own life. You... you inspire us. Always.

+++

Big thanks for LW, Re, Peggy, Aci, Julie, Mika.

[nnschneider]

Tagged by @wurzelbertzwerg to share my WIP folder.

You've been warned.

Focusing on Jane Austen fanfic, I have

Note that I write for my own sake, and at the pleasure of my muse. I tend to pick something up and play with it for a bit then put it down, forget about it after a couple months, etc. And then think of it again, have to read thru what I've previously written, and maybe decide to add to it. Point being, I have a bunch of WIPs in various states of completion and in a few fandoms.

Bro (short for Brogency): Mr. and Mrs. Bennett decided to pass off their third (and final) child as a son. I'm like 24 chapters in and the main romance is better Ryan (aka Mary Bennett) and an OC.

12Days (short for the 12 Days of Christmas): Modern NA AU in which the Morland family has a rotating curse every Christmas (affecting one family member per year) related to the items in the annoying Xmas song.

C-Oz (short for Catherine In Oz): The night after Gen Tilney tells Catherine she needs to leave, there's a big storm at the abbey. Insert Wizard of Oz dream in which Catherine is trying to get home.

Baby 3 (short for And Baby Makes Three): Henry Tilney is a paleontologist and Catherine Morland gets a leopard. Bringing Up Baby for NA. I'm 14 chapters in and I think I'll be able to wrap it up in another chapter.

Beanstalk. Persuasion as Jack & the Beanstalk with Frederick as Jack and Anne as the harpist who gets the goose to lay golden eggs.

Extremes in Dating: A modern S&S AU in which Edward Ferrars just wants a quiet night alone and his girlfriend Lucy has other plans. (Related to Drynuary For Hookups and based on an abysmal date my brother told me about.)

Fox (short for The Mark of the Fox): A Zorro AU for S&S.

Gingerbread. S&S as Hansel & Gretel. Pairs nicely with Beanstalk.

GoodPlace (short for The Good NA-borhood): NA as the Good Place with Henry Tilney, John Thorpe, Mrs. Allen, and Isabella as dead people, Gen Tilney as the architect, and Catherine as the neighborhood's Janet.

L+A (short for Love and Agriculture): Greek-ish/Roman-y pantheistic version of Emma with Emma as the goddess of love.

Luna. A P&P covid allegory with werewolves instead of covid, centered on Lady Catherine de Bourgh and her circle of correspondence. (They don't really care if the mysterious illness is eviscerating poor people in Town so long as it doesn't threaten their country estates, etc). Probably too preachy for me to finish.

MBDE (short for Mr. Bennett Dies Early): Mr. Bennett sneaks to Netherfield to meet his new neighbor, has an accident on the way home, and dies. Mr. Collins shows up to inherit and decides to marry Jane who has fallen in love-at-first-sight with Bingley. Elizabeth tries to protect Jane from Collins' unwelcome regard. Darcy tries to protect Elizabeth from the same.

Anyway, I set myself a goal to get Brogency, Extremes in Dating, and And Baby Makes Three into peer review this year. So far (it's still January) I like my odds.

Mega Abbey 2. Sequel to Origin Story, a hero/villain AU for NA. Henry's dad shows up unexpectedly so Henry has to pretend he isn't dating Catherine to protect her from his supervillain father and Catherine wants to rescue Henry from his supervillain legacy. I'm about 8 chapters in, trying to figure a few plot points out.

Reindeer: I try to repurpose Christmas carols into JAFF poems and this is me slowly adapting "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" into "Lizzy the Leading Lady" about how Elizabeth Bennett is clearly superior to all other Austen heroines.

Sabrina. MP as Sabrina except Fanny won't end up with either Bertram brother.

[starseneyes]

Chenford - Lucy Chen / Tim Bradford - The Rookie - Season 5 - Ep 19

"A Hole in the World" AKA Clothes Call Back Night

Folks, when that first sneak peek came out, I dissolved into laughter in the dining room, and my husband had to momentarily question my sanity (just like every Sunday afternoon). It hit on practically every discussion point from the Chenford Twitterverse over the past few weeks.

I had to sit here and give the world's smallest round-of-applause-by-one to the team behind The Rookie for putting that out there. Genius way to get a lot covered in a short amount of time.

SPOILER ALERT: If you want a spoiler-free take on what's going on in Chenfordland, I'm sorry, you're in the wrong place. Come back when you're ready to be spoiled. Or don't come back at all! You're welcome to do as you choose.

For those about to rock, I salute you! So, let's dive in.

Lucy studying with note cards, written notes, and likely a practice test is just so on-brand, and I kinda love that we start the scene with her in her element.

The domesticity of Chenford never fails. It's insane to remember that as of their first kisses in the midst of undercover preparation (and under covers, of course) was only Tim's third time in that apartment, and first time there out-of-uniform.

Less than a season later, he's practically living at her place (while I head-canon Kojo is doing a great job helping his nephews with the transition to Los Angeles and playing in their yard).

And is Tim wearing the 4x01 almost-sleepover (heh) hoodie!? It might be the same bottoms, too! If they dug those up (and God bless whoever either saved them or bought duplicates), that's just amazing. I had a mini-geek out, and I bet I'm not the only one!

And for whatever reason, Tim's wearing shoes with this outfit, and I can't tell if that's because he instinctively put them on, or someone thought we wouldn't be seeing his feet in the shot. But, it made me chuckle because I'm hoping it's the former.

And is Lucy's hair being held up by a pen!? Okay, I'm officially jealous. I'm of the "chopsticks in hair" generation, and I always needed two. My friends could stick a good ole Number 2 in their hair and be good for the day. My hair's so fine and straight that I just couldn't do it. Rock it, Lucy Chen!

"Hey." "Hey." "When did you get in?" "Uh, depends. What day is it?" "That bad, huh?"

We're getting the first-blush look at these long hours we heard so much about. Remember, Tim's predecessor was dead on his feet. Yes, he had triplets at home, but that was on top of the brutal Metro hours.

"Look, I'm 80% sure it's, it's Thursday." "It's Tuesday."

Yes, it is! And we're all cozied up to our couches, beds, floors, recliners, and dining room tables to soak up the Chenford goodness. And mmmm, does it go down smooth!

"I stayed up anyways. Thought maybe I'd get lucky and he'd turn himself in."

Girlfriend. Girl. Friend! Did you really just use an undercover Tim/Lucy-ism? Throwing me straight back to 5x01 and Lucy/Juicy wondering if they could get lucky three times in the same day.

Lucy definitely wants to get lucky. But Metro hours aren't the best for getting busy, it seems.

"Oh, babe."

And there we've got the long-awaited pet name!! We still don't know what Tim calls Lucy (could also be Babe), but I saw the Twitterverse start to spin in the opposite direction at this particular name-drop.

Lucy Chen, how can you slay an entire population with a single word? You so don't know your power.

Tim sits next to the love of his life at her dining area smiling. He spent so much time last week trying to prove to the camera crews that he wasn't a softie. But we all know the truth. Tim Bradford is soft for those he loves—especially the love of his life.

His eyes trail to the notes spread atop the counter as his hand trails to her thigh.

Can we completely see it? No. But there's enough anecdotal evidence based on the placement of Tim's arm in the two-shot to conjecture, so I'm rolling with it.

Last time I didn't roll with the evidence, y'all crowded into my comments to remind me I was very wrong. It was a fun time.

"What's all this?" "What?" *arm smack*

Y'all, Lucy is so me in this moment. And I only say that because I'm older and she's fictional. To say I'm Lucy would mean I'm fictional, right? And (as far as I know) I'm real. Unless it's a Deckard in Blade Runner situation... in which case... I'm already Rachel.

But the affectionate arm smack is a total Rachel move (as my husband would confirm).

"I'm studying for the Detective's Exam." "Since when?" "I didn't tell you?"

I've seen folks jumping all over Lucy for "not telling Tim about something life-changing", but it'd be great if that could stop. Have you ever loved someone so much that you shared everything with them? I have. I tell Matthew everything.

And, yet, there are still times I'm convinced I've told him everything only to find I imagined the conversation because our lives are just too busy.

Look, Lucy and Tim already have demanding jobs with demanding hours. Yes, her going Detective would constrict their off-time more, but they're already grappling with the realities of cops-in-love juggling duty to a profession they earnestly adore and investing in a still-fairly-new romance.

It's not a choice of omission on her part. It's the overwhelm of juggling combined with the fact that she does tell him everything, so she assumed he already knew.

Communication issue? Clearly! Completely normal? Absolutely!

For goodness sake, Tim didn't even know what day it was. Living in a constant state of exhaustion and somehow functioning is my normal, so I can tell you that try as you might, something might slip through the cracks.

"If I'm gonna work undercover, the best move is to become a detective in some division like intelligence or narcotics, right?" "Right."

First off, Lucy Chen promotion-time, baby! I know a lot of us have been waiting for the moment when she'd get to move up. Heck, Aaron made P2 before she got to move up, and it's driven me nuts.

Look, I have no idea what a realistic timeline is in the real world. But Nolan's Golden Ticket allowed him to move up. Nyla moved up. Angela moved up. Tim's moved up. It's about damn time my fictional bestie got her turn.

Second, Supportive Tim Supremacy for the Win! Like, once he's on the right page, he doesn't skip a beat. Since I am married to the most supportive man in the world, I'm grateful Lucy's gonna marry the most supportive man in The Rookie world.

"So you got the tap." "Harper and Lopez are backing me."

Look at the glee on our girl's face! And that little chuckle from Tim? Oh, swoon!! Yes, I am a sucker for a supportive partner.

If you knew the number of times over the last near-20 years that this man has had my back, you'd shake your head and wonder why he's stuck around with how many times I've leaned on that support. Supportive partners make my weary heart happy.

"All I have to do is score in the top 12, which-" "Which you will."

BAM! Because Lucy Chen can do anything. Tim once held her hand (yes, it was a handshake, go with me here...) and told her to never let anyone tell her she couldn't do something.

Translation: Lucy Chen can do anything and Tim Bradford earnestly believes that.

And Lucy feels that support. In all of her relationships—friendship, romantic, familial—she has yearned for support. Sadly, the most supportive of her friends is gone. Her parents are dead to me (I hope the Mother's Day flowers Lucy sent were dried and shriveled like her mother's heart).

And her last boyfriend tried to persuade her to walk away from her dreams. Contrast that with Tim Bradford who was willing to push her towards them, even when that meant pushing her away from him. And now, as they're together, Tim is still supporting her without question.

My husband is that way. I often ask him about things. Not because he rules me (nope. I'd never survive a relationship like that), but because I believe in communication. So, I'll talk things out with him, and before I offer him my reasoning he says, "Do it." That's been his general answer to me for nearly two decades.

So, seeing Tim mirror my beloved plastered a grin on my face so wide I was approached on the street to be in the sequel to SMILE.

Lucy's got a smile on her face, too, as she hums out her appreciation and leans in for the kiss.

Special Shout Out to the DP and Director for giving us that two-shot with push-in of the kiss with the loud LIPSMACK to counterbalance Chenford's last apartment kiss/near-kiss that left me wondering if coffee tumblers made kissy sounds as the hot liquid settled.

I feel like someone on the decision-making team was like, "They want to see lip locks? No fucking way they'll miss this one! This'll shut them up."

No way to miss Tim leaning on the counter with one arm (bringing him closer to Lucy's height, because this man is taller than her in both legs and torso). And we actually see lips-meeting-lips.

Though it's a simple-enough kiss, there's suction there, which helps imply action and intention rather than passivity. Wow, I'm a weirdo analyzing a kiss this deeply, but whatever. It's my Meta, I'll over-analyze if I want to. It's square-kissing versus Tim's top-lip-sucking action he reserves for more passionate moments.

And that's beautiful. Because not every kiss is about undressing. Some kisses are about being beautifully exposed and fully accepted and loved. That's Tim and Lucy in this moment.

Tim is the supportive lover of her dreams. Lucy is the supportive lover of his dreams.

In a world where both of them grew up feeling unloved and unsupported for one reason or another, they have found more than a safety net in one another—they've found home.

Tim's affectionately rubbing her arm, and she is completely relaxed in his love.

"Well, I guess we should get used to not seeing each other so much."

The Metro move afforded them more time together than Lucy switching stations would have. But this latest move for her will add to her hours.

It's not a reason not to make this move. But... there's another move these two could make together. *hint hint* The kind that involves one set of keys for two lives? *hint hint*

Lucy deserves this. Hands down. And Tim knows that. But he also has a lot of trauma where UC and working long hours with someone he loves. It ended in heartbreak.

Now, Tim doesn't believe that's where he and Lucy are headed... but I think a small part of him in the back of his mind fears it. And that's something the two of them need to talk out.

Also, can we note the interesting choice to use the kiss as an opportunity to change angles? We went from being behind the counter aimed toward the windows to being in front of the windows aimed at the kitchen.

I'm not sure of the motivation for the move, but the film minor in me made note of it. Fairly classic technique.

"Mm, right. Yeah. Between Detective Hours and Metro Hours..." "Well, it's okay. We'll figure it out."

Tim winks to her as he departs, echoing Lucy's words to Tamara when they were first confronted with the difficulties of navigating work and love.

"Is that the sign up list for the Detectives exam?" "Two weeks to go." "I'll be ready." "I have no doubt about that."

Nyla has been a champion for Lucy for a long time. She was the first one to see Lucy's aptitude for undercover, and she's the one who prepped and primed her for her first solo op.

Love seeing women supporting women. There are too many shows that pit woman-against-woman in the name of drama.

Yes, it happens. I had a coworker once who was the most backstabbing person you could ever meet. I once told my boss that I thought she was coming for my job. My boss, of course, told me I was overthinking.

Two weeks later my boss called me into her office to tell me that I was right. Yeah, I knew I was right.

But there were also really amazing women who I worked with—women who uplifted you, who helped you when things were tough, who excelled at the give-and-take of being coworkers.

It's nice to see that type of relationship amplified on a show like this.

"No way you make Top 12. One of the detectives has it out for you. No matter how well you do on the written, they're going to sink you on the Oral."

Smitty might be the unreliable narrator 90% off the time, but that 10% can be crucial, and Lucy's smart enough to be aware of that.

"So you won't be making detective. But, um, there's other career paths, right?"

Aaron can be direct, and that music cue made it seem like we needed to smile and laugh, but it felt pretty final, actually.

I don't want to see anything taken away from Lucy. She's put in so much work and watched as Nolan was promoted ahead of her. As her best friend was taken from her. She helped Tim get promoted.

But now it feels as if her own career is standing still, and I selfishly want more for Lucy than just Chenford.

I am not of the opinion that a relationship can fulfill your every need. In fact, I encourage my husband to go out with his friends and do things without me. I think it's healthy for us to have different interests, even though many overlap. He supports the fact that I love working and abhor the idea of being a stay-at-home mother.

Our relationship works for us. Everyone wants something different in their relationship. But I feel like Lucy really wants to do something more and move forward in her career. And if that's what she wants, I want it for her.

Ball Camera

Anyone else having a BB-8 geek out moment? Or is that just me? Also, we've come a long way from Tim pushing his chest camera into a room with his baton.

"Hey, Harper. Uh, Tim is still in with IA." "Look the Officer Involved Shooting Interview is very thorough. Tim's fine."

Tim is not fine, and his girlfriend wife knows it. Maybe he'll be fine career-wise, but Lucy's worried about more than that. She's worried about his state of mind.

"Hey, Chen. I've got news for you." "It's not a great time Smitty." "It's about the Detective exam. The detective blocking you is Prim."

Ohhhh, that name. I remember that name. From the five-player trade. Lucy tried so hard to be discrete, but as soon as it got out there, it was only a matter of time for the Cop Gossip of this bizarre High School extension to take over.

"I did warn you." "I know."

And we all knew that it was going to come back around, at some point. Is it wrong that I wish Lucy didn't have to deal with this fall out?

And much as this is Nyla's "I told you so" moment, she takes no pride in it. That's why we don't hate her in this moment. She is right and she doesn't like it any more than Lucy does.

"Hey. Let him talk to Grey first." "Yeah."

Lucy wants so much to go to his side. Her Tim Sense is tingling as soon as he walks by, but his brain is on the next thing that needs to be done. He's on autopilot, and she can see it.

Look, Tim's no stranger to having to pull the trigger. That doesn't make it any easier. Tim values human life, so ending one is never going to be a light matter.

And pulling the trigger on someone who wears the uniform? For Tim, that's gotta be even harder.

Remember, this is the guy who stayed inside the lines for years and stood by while racism ran rampant. He rationalized it away, right? But, then he started to really face and confront the darker elements and systemic injustices inherent to the Force.

This is another extension of that—a truly awful cop who used their influence, position, and authority to kidnap and murder little girls. Yes, Tim pulled the trigger because he was about to be the one buried if he didn't. But it doesn't make it any easier.

"Hey, you know you had to take the shot." "I know." "Just because he wanted to die doesn't mean he wasn't dangerous." "I know."

Even Grey can see that Tim's veil is slipping. He is a human being, damnit, and he feels this shit.

Grey stands, trying to make a connection, to get closer to Tim, to approach him man-to-man. But the words coming out of his mouth echo typical talking points of the Badge.

Grey sighs, dropping the list of "reasons". He tries another tactic. My favorite tactic—asking.

I worked for a humanitarian non-profit for almost a decade, and my favorite part of the work was our policy of "Ask, Don't Tell". We never walked into a disaster zone with a game plan. Too many organizations do that, and it doesn't address the immediate needs of the community.

Instead, we would ask what was needed. And I think in life that's also a damn good strategy.

"Is there anything I can do?" "Can I get back to you on that?" "Take your time."

This I love. Two men meeting in the middle. Acknowledging that sometimes shit just sucks and nothing you can say will change that.

But, also, Grey's abandoning the "just throw things at it until something sticks" tactic to earnestly ask what Tim would have him do. And that's so much deeper than empty words.

And the fact that Tim Bradford, who never asks for help, leaves it open ended? That's growth.

Yes, it's important that he lets Lucy in more and more. But it's also important that he lets others in. This isn't just about growing in a romantic relationship, but growing as a person.

Yes, I know I harp on this a lot. But I've seen too many good people backslide horribly because they invested all their growth in a relationship rather than in themselves.

Relationships are great. I'm in one. I'm in a damn good one. But my healing and growth are mine and have to be separate from Matthew. If he dies tomorrow, suddenly, my progress can't die with him. I have to be able to stand on my own.

And that's what I wish for Lucy and Tim. The standing on their own part, I mean.

"You're a badass. And I'm no slouch."

I need to do Wopez next. I keep saying that when I catch up on Chenford, I need to go back and do Wopez. And lines like this really make me wanna.

"How are you doing with everything?" "I'll be okay."

It's taken a while, but Tim and Lucy have worked their way up to light PDA in the workplace, and I love it for them. Likely, they aren't seeing as much of each other at home, so it's natural that it might leak out more when they're in public.

I love how Lucy briefly has both her hands on his arm. There's something resembling a hug, there, that I love.

She know Tim well enough to know he doesn't want to hug it out at the station. But she's still trying to find her own ways to let him know that she's there for him.

Also: Is this the episode of the comeback clothes!? Because that jacket is totally the one from Season 4, Episode 3 when Tim and Lucy were discussing how people might get the wrong idea about them if she became his aide, right?!

I know one of y'all will correct me if I'm wrong, but I'm leaving it in, because I'm fairly convinced.

Also, Tim and Lucy, y'all didn't need to worry about people getting the wrong idea. We all got the right idea, and y'all are adorable together.

"I want to be helpful." "I know. Thank you."

Her little hand on his chest (right over his heart) is so sweet, but also a little sad. Because she knows that's the part of him that's really hurting right now.

Also, I love Tim thanking her. We're a long cry from all the times when Tim would tell Lucy she was overstepping in the past. Because, they're partners in life, now, and this is her place.

And his little arm tap? It's so cute to get to see them start to be more tactile.

Remember, this wasn't a typical transition. They went from being best friends—the most important relationship in each other's lives—to one-and-only. They had to transition everything over from a very intimate point, already, and add in the layers and figure out what felt right for them as a couple.

But, selfishly I'm loving the light PDA. Feels just about right for them.

Plus, it's more than either of them typically displays at the station with past love interests. Yes, I know there was one kiss way back with an ex of Tim's, but he wanted out of that, so it doesn't count.

"You need help studying? There's no way I would have have scored as well on the Sergeant's exam without you."

Oh, how I love a good call-back. This is going back to Season 2, y'all, and TO Tim era. And I adore the surprise on Lucy's face. She really wasn't expecting him to offer, and it's damn adorable that he did.

Lucy isn't giving up. She knows that Prim's got it out for her, but she's still going after this. And I'm damn proud of her.

"That's right. You owe me." "I don't owe you."

Ah, and there's Tim's bull-headedness coming back to remind us that he's not all warm and fuzzy. And, y'know, it made me chuckle. Because Tim didn't magically change over the course of the show.

Has he healed a lot? Yes. But at the core he was always a tough-outside, smoothie-inside... at least for his people. His trauma and pain caused him to wear that toughness as a roughly-patched-together armor.

And Look. At. Our. Babies. FLIRTING! Lucy even got the finger point in there!

"You owe me." "Okay."

Lucy gets a hand on his open shirt (wow, she has a thing for tugging at his clothing that's unexpected and yet totally in-character), and he's gone. Boy is gone for his girl.

Because Lucy probably wants to spend a little time studying up on other things before they get to the books. And Tim's totally onboard.

And has Lucy been wearing the Valentine's Day necklace most of the episode? It's so small that it's hard to tell, but I think she has. So, we're really owing some love to the Costuming Department this week. Thanks, y'all. We love you.

And I love you! Thank you for reading and taking this ride with me. It's been a really tough few weeks with illness and broken down cars (and bumped into cars) and juggling too many things. So, Chenford night is a nice respite for which I'm thankful.

Did it take Tim and Lucy a while to get comfortable? Sure. I posit this was the first episode written after we got a taste of post-coitus Chenford and folks started vocalizing what they wanted to see out of the duo, because I feel like about 12 boxes were ticked in that first scene alone.

I'm not going to get worked up about the promo for the next episode. If TPTB want to rip my heart out and stomp it, they wouldn't be the first. Actually, the wouldn't be in the first two dozen TPTB to do that.

No, I'm not kidding. When you dream of someday working in television, you watch a lot of television. Inevitably, I ship someone in every show.

But The Rookie's track record with core ships does give me some hope. A little. A microscopic amount. And that's enough, for now.

Stay kind, beautiful humans. I hope to see you on the next.

[the-moth-from-elsewhere]

THE ELSIE BLOG MASTERPOST I GUESS

Hi, I’m Elsie, here’s all the hecking blogs I own, in vaguely chronological order of when they were properly introduced.

@the-moth-from-elsewhere - that’s me lol, my main

@myownquieterworld - I write stuff sometimes, sometimes I’m sad, ig, I haven’t used this in a while. Maybe I should start archiving all my writing in here, Eh?

@cookies-and-also-sandwiches - A character blog for Easton West and Northa South, two cinnamon rolls who run Compass Manor and are absolutely head over heels for each other.

@the-quiet-light - Dusk, Easton and Northa’s art project turned goddess. Goddess of winter, contentment, and Agape. The very stars in the sky.

@alpenglow-the-candle - just a lil candle girlie with a lotta abandonment issues.

@kitsune-the-magical-girl - Formerly Tea Anon, Kitsune hails from the odd world of Madoka Magica, and is here to fulfill her wish to save everyone with the power of medium awareness!

@kyubey-the-incubator - Kyubey. From Madoka Magica. He sucks, don’t listen to him.

@lanterns-and-candy - Ciana and Apollo, a loving married couple from Candleton. They’re candy-makers, and care for Ciana’s sweetheart of a younger sister, Lucy.

@chip-the-birb - A very excitable little cardinal-themed Avis who only wants to help everyone. Has a massive crush on Alpenglow. Clara’s son.

@the-conductor-paladin - Arthur, a chivalric young man who runs a set of train stations. He gets stressed easily. He smote a spider nest off of the face of the earth once.

@assassin-anon - A strange young woman who can turn into animals, usually a black cat. Despite her mysterious and odd nature, she only wishes to help. Member of the Court of Lull, Mercutio’s girlfriend.

@she-has-many-names - Chance, the redeemed Nightmare.

@bliss-clan - my clangen blog! Very cool, much kitties, even more much shipping.

@quest-anon - A very shy anon who likes to give out achievements. He’s a prep, but in an endearing way. Cannot take any affection of any kind without being flustered.

@kawaii-advice-anon - Tip anon, aka Quest’s fiancée. She’s cutesy, she’s goth, and she’s got the energy of a thousand suns. Named for her propensity to give people tips and advice.

@lady-of-the-digital-lake - Guinevere, or just Verie, a loving young woman who takes care of an orphanage. Inherits basically no character traits from her legendary namesake. A literal white mage, both her skin and hair are blank white, and her eyes are reddish-pink. Member of the court of Lull, Arthur’s Fiancée.

@mercutio-the-broken - your local maladaptive daydreaming bard, member of the court of lull.

@plush-candles - Fynn, a sweethearted but incredibly lonely child living in the orphanage.

@the-rain-of-mercy - Aokigahara, a child’s imaginary turned sweethearted rain AI. Be careful, he’s basically the embodiment of depressive themes.

@plague-doctor-anon - self explanatory

@of-sea-and-light - Yelena, a dragon girl with terrible luck when it comes to love, and formerly a lock over her heart. Works in the orphanage. Silhouette’s gf.

@the-path-of-guidance - guidance anon! Absolute terror. We love her.

@lemonade-sugar yes I am lemonade mod. A mysterious figure whose traits you’ll have to figure out yourself! Only communicates through letters…for now.

And that’s all the ones you get to know about!

[5sosfanfictioncatalogue]

Michael Protective Of Luke Masterlist

Before It's All Too Much. (ao3) - alxclightwood G, 3k

Summary: "Luke, what's wrong?" he heard, getting quieter as the room began to spin and darkness clouded his vision, his body finally allowing him to succumb to the relief of unconsciousness.

________________________

AKA Luke likes to be dramatic when he's ill.

Cursed With A Blessing (ao3) - orphan_account M, 156k

Summary: “Well, this probably sounds crazy and not many people know about this,” Dr London started, looking at both of us before finally revealing the results of the ultrasound: “Mr. Hemmings, you are about 12 weeks pregnant with what I believe is Mr. Clifford’s child.”

And while I still tried to process what I had just learnt, Luke burst into tears beside me. Just as if he’d already known.

_____________

When Luke asked Arzaylea to pretend to be his girlfriend, he did it because he wanted to protect his relationship with Michael. For a while everyone is happy with the agreement - the fans are being fooled, their managers are oblivious.

But suddenly there are too many positive tests, too many worries, too many fake friends and the tree find themselves drowning in a whole sea of lies they told...

Faker (ao3) - 1995mgc M, 42k

Summary: "What do you mean Michael was seen with another guy?" Luke asked, looking over at Calum with furrowed brows and hurt expression. "That doesn't make sense, he wouldn't cheat on me."

"I don't know what is going on... I'm just as confused as you are Luke."

or

Where Michael and Luke have been outed by a few drunken photos that got leaked from their phones. Now that their relationship has supposedly gone public, their management has decided to take matters into their own hands and only giving Michael an ultimatum.

The band or Luke.

Well, Michael chose the band... Choosing the band resulted in giving Michael a beard to prance around the city with and expect people to believe he's dating a moderately famous person to bring more publicity to the band. Leaving Luke broken hearted with no explanation on to why any of this is happening so suddenly or why Michael moved out of their apartment or why Michael isn't the same Michael anymore.

floating then drowning (ao3) - lovelymuke T, 9k

Summary: As Luke stands over the bathroom sink and swallows one of the pills, he knows that this is it. There's no turning back after this. As long as he can make the bottles of pills he has stashed in the bottom of his suitcase last until the end of the promo run he’ll be fine. So he doesn’t worry. Instead, he just knocks back the second pill and walks out of the bathroom to his waiting boyfriend. He’s going to prove that he’s still worthy of being in the band, that he can hold himself together.

If he needs medication to do that, no one needs to know.

makeup isn't just for girls - @sup3rbloom (haveufoundwhaturlookingfor) T, 3k

Summary: During Quarantine, Luke takes up nail painting as a hobby. Eventually, he adds makeup too. When he's with the boys again for tour, he comes clean about his new hobbies. Unfortunately, not all of his boyfriends are supportive.

perfectly fine... (not) (ao3) - lovelymuke T, 7k

Summary: In which Luke is sick, stubborn and trying to deal with his problems on his own. Michael is unaware, exhausted and honestly kind of, just a little bit, sick of Luke’s shit.

The Games We Play (ao3) - im_just_a_sucker_for_bromance luke/calum, michael/mali E, 30k

Summary: Michael has always warned his friends to keep away from his boyish little sister, Lucy (Luke). But what happens when Lucy secretly allowed Calum to get a little too close to her? Will something blossom between them? Was it Love or simply Lust?

The Sweetheart and the Punk (ao3) - SuckonLarrysDick G, 1k

Summary: "You know, even if my knuckles keep on splitting open, I won't stop punching people that push you around."

"Oh stop it Michael"

Or the one where Michael loves beating dickheads that bully his sweet boyfriend.

This calls for a band cuddle (ao3) - Bubballoo G, 1k

Summary: Luke doesn't feel well and crawls into Michael's bed. The solution? A band cuddle.

this is everything i didn't say - @sup3rbloom (haveufoundwhaturlookingfor) T, 6k

Summary: Luke's home life has never been great, with an abusive and homophobic father. Calum is the only good consistent thing in his life, with Calum being Luke's best friend. One day, Calum suggests that Luke meets some new people to hang out with. Luke is hesitant, but then he meets a red head named Michael Clifford, and everything changes.

you gave me hope, i gave you my life (ao3) - orphan_account M, 15k

Summary: The boy's left side of his face badly bruised, and his lip was busted and bleeding. His feathery blonde hair was stained with red, which Michael assumed was blood.

"Don't take me back," The boy sobbed. "I tried to run. P—Please, help m—me!" And he clutched Michael'a sweater sleeve tightly. Michael could feel his fear just through one touch.

Or,

The one where Luke runs away from an abusive home and runs into Michael. For some reason, Michael can't help but feel he needs to protect the delicate boy.

You see a lot up there but don't be scared, who needs action when you got words (ao3) - charlieclifford N/R, 1k

Summary: Luke's new to the school and people aren't too kind towards him. Luckily, Michael's there to fight his battles for him when he's too afraid to do it himself.

[papermoonloveslucy]

THE NAME IS FAMILIAR... BUT I CAN'T PLACE THE FACE!

Same Character / Different Actor

Sometimes circumstances require the recasting of a role on a long-running television show. Unlike soap operas - which often use a voice over to announce that a role has been recast - the change is hardly ever acknowledged on sitcoms. Did recasting happen in the Lucyverse? Yes - but not quite as prominently as on, say, "Bewitched". But more on that later.

Let's start with radio, where it was far easier to replace actors, often without the listener even noticing. On the pilot episode of Lucille Ball's radio sitcom "My Favorite Husband" (1948-1951) her spouse George was played by Lee Bowman. When the show was picked up as a weekly series, Bowman was not available, so the role went to Richard Denning.

George's boss Mr. Atterbury was famously played by Gale Gordon, but before the boss became a regular character, the recurring role was played by Hans Conried and Joseph Kearns. All three actors would later be seen on "I Love Lucy."

Liz's mother-in-law Mrs. Cooper was first played by Bea Benadaret, but when she assumed the regular role of Iris Atterbury, Mrs. Cooper was voiced by Eleanor Audley. Both women were featured on "I Love Lucy."

Minor characters Corey Cartwright and Marge Van Tassel were first played by Hal March and Frances Chaney. March was replaced by John Heistand, but the role was quickly written out. Elvia Allman turned up as Marge when the character re-surfaced in a second appearance. March and Allman were both seen on "I Love Lucy."

Viewers probably didn't realize it, but many different actors actually played the role of Ricky Ricardo Jr. aka Little Ricky. Even more surprising, considering that his birth date coincided with that of the Arnaz's real-life son, none of them were Desi Arnaz Jr. The practical and legal matters of having a child on a film set necessitated that the role be played by twins. There were also two 'dream' Little Rickys, bumping the total number of actors to eight!

JAMES JOHN GANZER (newborn) ~ insert shots of the baby were used in "Lucy Goes to the Hospital" (1953) and the flashback opening of “The Club Election” likely taken from this same shoot. He was five days old at the time.  The above closeup was shot before the episode was filmed and pictures were projected for the studio audience to see. 

THE SIMMONS TWINS (infants) ~ Richard and Ronald Lee Simmons played the role in just two episodes: "No Children Allowed" and "The Indian Show", both in 1953.

THE MAYER TWINS (toddlers) ~ Michael and Joseph Mayer alternated in 11 episodes from November 1953 to April 1956. Although they looked nearly identical, the pair reportedly had very different personalities.

DREAM LITTLE RICKYS ~ Two uncredited actors (one young and small, the other older and large) were featured during Lucy's dream about "Ricky's Old Girlfriend" (1953). Although the younger performer looks a great deal like Jerry Mathers ("Leave it to Beaver"), Mathers denies ever appearing on "I Love Lucy." Since the dream has no dialogue, a bunny-themed outfit is used to indicate to viewers that the three actors are the same character.

KEITH THIBODEAUX aka RICHARD KEITH (adolescent) ~ The character was quickly aged during season six, necessitating an actor capable of handling dialogue and with some musical ability. Louisiana-born Keith Thibodeaux was favored by Desi for his drum skills, but Lucy needed some convincing. Desi simplified Keith's professional name, although it was never seen on screen. He played the role for 15 episodes as well as in 12 out of 13 "Lucy-Desi Comedy Hours" (1957-1960).

For what it's worth - two more actors provided the off-screen crying of Little Ricky: Pepito Perez and Jerry Hausner, both of whom also appeared on screen as other characters. Which brings us to our first adult cast switch...

The role of Jerry, Ricky's agent, was the only character outside of Lucy and Ricky to be carried over from the unaired pilot. Jerry was played by Jerry Hausner (hence the name), who had been heard on "My Favorite Husband." He was intended to be a series regular on "I Love Lucy", but when landlords Fred and Ethel Mertz were added to the series, his role was scaled back. Jerry the Agent would appear in 8 episodes, all during the first 3 seasons of the series.

Inexplicably (perhaps due to illness) in “The Handcuffs” (1952), Jerry the Agent is not played by Hausner but by Paul Dubov. Two months later, Hausner returned to the role that he originated.  During the filming of “Fan Magazine Interview” (1954), Hausner and Desi Arnaz got into a heated argument on the set. Hausner claimed that he was not able to hear his cues during a telephone scene where he was located across the soundstage from Desi. He quit the show and never appeared on the series again. But things were eventually patched up and he did appear on "The Lucy Show."

Charlie Appleby was originally played by Hy Averback (inset) in "Baby Pictures" (1953). The next time viewers saw him - in "Lucy and Superman" (1956) - he was played by George O'Hanlon. Averback returned to the show to play another Charlie, Charlie Pomerantz, in “The Hedda Hopper Story” (1955). Confused?  Not half as much as poor Caroline (Doris Singleton)!  Whichever actor played him, they were both proud of their son, Little Stevie.  But which Stevie?

The first time we see Little Stevie (a name suspiciously sounding like Little Ricky) he is played by an uncredited infant in "Baby Pictures" (1953), the same episode where his dad is played by Hy Averback. The infant had just gotten over the measles. Ricky and Stevie are both said to be 13 months old.

The next time we see Stevie he is played by Steven Kay in "Lucy and Superman" (1956), the same episode that switched his dad to George O'Hanlon. Although Kaye’s first name was also Stevie (in a show where Lucy played Lucy), the character was created three years earlier. The question is - if Little Ricky has a father named Ricky - why does Little Stevie have a father named Charlie? The previous year Kaye had played Jordan Benedict III (age 4) in the film Giant.  In the above screen shot with his screen mom Doris Singleton he is caught breaking the cardinal rule - looking into the camera!  Didn’t he learn anything working with James Dean? 

Marion Strong was one of Lucy and Ethel's friends and a member of the Wednesday Afternoon Fine Arts League. The character's name is the same as one of Lucille Ball's Jamestown friends. We meet Marion during "The Club Election" (1953) in the person of Margie Liszt. Liszt may also have been playing Marion in "No Children Allowed" (1952), although none of the bridge players are called by name. In her first appearance on the series ("Redecorating" in 1952), she played Agnes, a gossipy woman on a telephone party line.

The next time we see Marion she is played by Shirley Mitchell in 3 episodes from season three. Mitchell became friends with Lucille Ball in the late 1940s when she was featured in 4 episodes of “My Favorite Husband.”

In the same episode that we got Strong, we also got Grace! Grace Munson was yet another character that was named after one of Lucille Ball's hometown friends. In "The Club Election" Grace is embodied by Hazel Pierce, who was also Lucille Ball's camera and lighting stand-in. She was first pick when small roles and background assignments were doled out.

The next time we see Grace, she has moved to Westport with her husband Harry (Tristam Coffin), inspiring Lucy and Ricky to do the same. This time, nearly five years later, Grace is played by Ruth Brady. The Munsons have a son named Billy (who stays off-screen) and a cousin named Diana Jordan played by a pre-Jeannie Barbara Eden. Brady was featured as Laura in Lucy and Desi's 1956 film Forever, Darling and likely made such a positive impression that she was rewarded with Grace. Literally. At the Westport Country Club things get surreal when Hazel Pierce, who originated the role of Grace, also shows up!

On "The Lucy Show" there were far fewer examples of recasting. The role of Arnold Mooney, Mr. Mooney's youngest son, was first played by Barry Livingston in “Lucy Gets Locked in the Vault” (1963), the same episode that also introduced Gale Gordon as banker Theodore J. Mooney. Livingston returned to the role in “Lucy and the Scout Trip” (1964).  Not even a year later, Arnold is being played by Ted Eccles in "Lucy's Contact Lenses." Apparently, Livingston's schedule playing Chip on "My Three Sons" (also filmed on the Desilu lot) became too much for him to do double duty. When the series location moved from Danfield to Los Angeles, Eccles appeared as two other characters, one of them in a scene with Gale Gordon, who formerly played his father! More surreal still, the new character's name was Barry.

Another early recast was the role of Dorothy Boyer, Danfield volunteer firefighter. The part was originally given to Ruth Crews. The character is never called by name, but she is one of the few firefighters to speak distinct dialogue.

The next time we hear about Dorothy she is played by Dorothy Konrad, probably because the character now needed to be able to sing four part harmony in "Lucy's Barbershop Quartet". Both performers were sturdily built women. Crews, meanwhile, turned up as an unnamed patron at Wilbur's Ice Cream Parlor when "Lucy is a Soda Jerk" (1963). Like Little Stevie, it is odd that Konrad's first name matches her character's, despite them being originated by other performers!

I SAW THAT FACE ON...

Probably the most famous example of recasting on a sitcom is the role of Darrin Stevens on ABC's long-running "Bewitched" (1964-1972). The part was originated by Dick York, but he became ill and was replaced by similar-looking Dick Sargent for the rest of the series.

On New Year’s Eve 1973, Dick Sargent was seen as a policeman on “Here’s Lucy”, his only time acting opposite Lucille Ball. 

On the same series, Darrin's nosy neighbor Gladys Kravitz was originated by Alice Pearce. When she died in 1966, Sandra Gould took over the role. On "I Love Lucy" Gould played Texan Nancy Johnson in “Oil Wells (1957) and made a brief appearance as a subway strap-hanger in “Lucy and the Loving Cup” (1953). In 1962 she appeared on “The Lucy Show” as a bank secretary.

As if that wasn't confusing enough, Darrin's boss's wife Louise Tate was played by Irene Vernon, then Kasey Rogers. In 1967 Rogers was seen in a two-part airline-themed "Lucy Show" starring Carol Burnett. She also played a music publisher's secretary (above) in "Lucy and Phil Harris" (1968).

The character of Aunt Hagatha was only seen in eight episodes of "Bewitched," yet it was played by five different actors:

Nancy Andrews (1967)

Diana Chesney (1965)

Doreen McLean (1969)

Kay Elliot (1970)

Ysabel MacCloskey (1971)

and Reta Shaw (1966 & 1971)

Shaw is probably the most recognizable Hagatha as she originated the role and was the last to play it. She was a popular character actress from film (Mary Poppins), stage (The Pajama Game), and television ("The Ghost and Mrs. Muir"). Shaw was seen as 3 different characters on "The Lucy Show" and 3 more on "Here's Lucy."

When "The Munsters" premiered in 1964, the role of Marilyn Munster was played by Beverly Owen. After one season, Owen decided not to return to the series, and was replaced by Pat Priest. Few viewers could tell the difference as they both were intentionally made to look like Marilyn Monroe. In October 1966, Priest played a flight attendant on "The Lucy Show."

On Desi Arnaz's sitcom "The Mothers-in-Law" (1967-1969), Roger C. Carmel played Roger Buell during season one. But during a contract dispute Desi was dared to recast - and he did! Carmel was replaced with Richard Deacon for the show's second (and last) season. Deacon was no stranger to Desi, having played Tallulah Bankhead's chauffeur in "The Celebrity Next Door" (1957), an episode of "The Lucy-Desi Comedy Hour", as well as many other Desilu shows. Deacon later went on to do two episodes of "Here's Lucy."

On CBS's "Petticoat Junction" (1963-1970) the recurring character of Selma Plout was originated by Susan Walther (aka Susan Johann). She played the role for 5 episodes until she was mysteriously replaced by Elvia Allman, who played Selma for the rest of the series. Allman started acting with Lucille Ball on radio, and was famously seen as the barking candy factory foreperson on "I Love Lucy." She returned to play Minnie Finch’s neighbor in “Fan Magazine Interview” and magazine reporter Nancy Graham in “The Homecoming.” She made 2 appearances on “The Lucy–Desi Comedy Hour“ and 2 more on “The Lucy Show."

Doris Ziffel (mother of Arnold the Piggy) was a character that was seen on both "Petticoat Junction" and "Green Acres." The part was originated by Lucille Ball's friend Barbara Pepper. After doing films together at RKO, Pepper was on the short list to play Ethel Mertz on "I Love Lucy." When she didn't get the part, Lucy cast her in a variety of small roles on the series. When Pepper died in 1969, Fran Ryan assumed the role. Ryan had already been seen on the series as Minnie Holcombe in March 1969, just a few months earlier, so viewers could be excused for doing a double-take.

On Eve Arden's "Our Miss Brooks" (1952-1956), filmed at Desilu, the role of Mrs. Martha Conklin was first played by Virginia Gordon, Gale Gordon's real-life wife. She had originated the role on radio. Starting in season two, Paula Winslowe took over playing the part. In 1964, Winslowe appeared briefly on "The Lucy Show" as a hospital patient.

In Mayberry, "The Andy Griffith Show" (filmed on the Desilu backlot) had several casting swaps. Miser Ben Weaver was first played by Will Wright (top), but then by Tol Avery (bottom) and later Jason Johnson. Wright played two roles on "I Love Lucy" and Avery played characters on "The Lucy Show and "Here's Lucy".

Mayberry gas pumper Wally was first played by Norman Leavitt (left), then by Trevor Bardette and Cliff Norton (right). Coincidentally, Leavitt also played a filling station attendant in "Lucy Hunts Uranium" (1959), as well as being seen in several other Desilu projects. On "Here's Lucy" Cliff Norton played Sam the plumber when "Lucy Meets the Burtons" and also played "Mary Jane's Boyfriend" Walter. Speaking of which...

The TV pilot of "Gilligan's Island" featured John Gabriel as The Professor. When the sitcom went to series, he was replaced by Russell Johnson. Gabriel (above) later played Jack Thomas in "Mary Jane's Boyfriend" (1974).

On "Happy Days" (1974-1984), Ralph's father Dr. Mickey Malph was first played by Allen Oppenheimer, but after an extended absence, returned as Jack Dodson. Oppenheimer had a couple of roles on "Here's Lucy," most notably as Kim's Uncle Herb in an episode that was a back-door pilot for a spin-off that would have starred Lucie Arnaz.

Other noteworthy re-castings that did not touch the Lucyverse include the roles of Catwoman, the Riddler, and Mr. Freeze on "Batman", Billie Jo and Bobbie Jo Bradley on "Petticoat Junction", Lionel on "The Jeffersons", Becky Conner on "Roseann", Carol on "Friends", Chris on "The Partridge Family", Morty on "Seinfeld", and Chuck Cunningham on "Happy Days."

Recasting can also happen when a show changes form. For example the various iterations of "The Honeymooners" and "The Brady Bunch" both caused recasting.

By now you are probably wondering about the photo that began this blog entry. No, that is not Desi Arnaz, and the scene is not from "I Love Lucy," although Lucille Ball is playing Lucy Ricardo. It is from "The Bob Hope Chevy Show" of October 21, 1956.

The sketch featured the entire cast of "I Love Lucy" and was performed in what appeared to be the Ricardo living room. The premise: Hope wondered what "I Love Lucy" would have been like had he married Lucille instead of Desi. With Bob as Ricky, Desi is recast as Fred Mertz. Naturally, this case of multiple recasting is as hilarious as it is fascinating.

[shipsonmymind]

Dracula Daily Dates

No particular date (no spoilers)

May 3rd - Jonathan x paprika

May 4th - Uncomfortable in Protestant

May 5th - Carriage ride & meeting OG Dracula

May 7th - My friend Jonathan Harker & amazing real estate

May 8th - Yeet the mirror; we find out Dracula has no servants and has been running around doing everything himself; I am trapped like a rat

May 9th - Mina being precious & plans to marry Jonathan one day

May 11th - Lucy being bi; matchmaking would be a terrible career option for Lucy (Matchmaker matchmaker, please don’t make me a match); Lucy likes Arthur; confirmation that Mina and Jonathan are in fact betrothed

May 12th - Jonathan wants to write letters; he writes letters with secret shorthand to Mina; Dracula scurries down the castle like a lizard (yikes)

May 15th - still like a lizard; Jonathan explores the castle and finds a girly room

May 16th - my 3 girlfriends and yes they suck blood (note: we don’t know now if they’re Dracula’s girlfriends or not, but they are definitely roommates); Dracula carrying Jonathan to bed bridal style

May 18th - going back to the corner where I first saw you (AKA the 3 girls trying to suck my blood)

May 19th - Dracula wants Jonathan to write 3 letters with specific dates and now Jonathan knows when he is going to die or something

May 24th - Lucy gets proposed to by 3 men: a doctor, a cowboy, and the guy she actually likes; she says yes to the last one

May 25th - Lucy’s men the day after: the doctor (Seward) is mopy, and the cowboy (Morris) and the doctor invite Arthur (Lucy’s betrothed) to hangout

May 26th - Arthur agrees and has some tea to spill (Stay tuned!)

May 28th - Jonathan tries to get his new friends on the lawn to send his secret letters, but they gave them to Dracula, which Dracula burned

May 31st - A lot of Jonathan’s things were stolen… and the room’s rug…?