#but i really really hope hardison is back forever please PLEASE!!!!

[girlblocker]

leverage redemption season 2 omg...

[verfound]

So How About that Redemption 👀

We're five eps in. Phone died at some point, but man oh man can we just *SCREAMING*

(Long post got Long oops 😂)

How they're handling Nate. I absolutely adore that they haven't just "oh he's dead" and that's that - I am ashamed I ever doubted the writers. Of course they wouldn't do him or the fans dirty like that like.

And just shout out to the writers/team in general. This is how you do a reboot. You continue to build what was already established and loved - and they are doing it BEAUTIFULLY. All the little nods to the original show. The Dammit Hardisons, the Let's Go Steals, the Very Distinctive Xs, No Stabbing Wednesdays, "One More Job", "NO PLAN M!", Mini Lucilles in every food truck, even the friggin music...I knew this was gonna hit in all the best ways but damn it's hitting in all the best ways.

And that they use Harry to pull new fans in? I was worried, I'll admit, about how they would play Harry. I was terrified he was going to be "New Nate". And again I don't know why I was (no I know why I let Other Shows jade me), because they've been doing a wonderful job with him so far. I love how he's this new, fresh set of eyes into a crew with such a long history. It kinda makes me think of when I started watching Doctor Who in high school: my aunt had been watching since she was in high school, so she knew the lore/history and could recognize all the nods that were brand new to me while still enjoying the New Fan getting to enjoy it. And that's what Harry feels like: they have the inside jokes he's not afraid to call them out on, and it's lovely.

Really the only thing I don't like about Harry so far (and I could be misreading it here, and we still have three eps) is...is anyone else feeling like they might be feeling the waters with Sophie/Harry? Maybe that's just lingering Paranoia. I don't know - I'm still not over Nate. ("I've had many marriages, but only one husband." 😭)

Actually on that note SOPHIE FUCKING DEVEREAUX LADIES AND GENTLEMEN. 😭😭😭 I love that the first shot is her eyes. I love how you can still see her actively grieving, I love how we're seeing her come back alive, I love that the kids know exactly what Mom needs - "I'm retired" NO YOU ARE NOT. Sophie stepping on that stage and immediately falling into Bad Actress mode. 😂 "We can't have civilians here when we're doing crime!"

BREANNA. CHAOTIC BABY SISTER FOR THE WIN. Just...I am in love with this little baby Hardison. 😂 (Hardison calling Nana, Hardison's "There are twelve teams who'd say otherwise" to Parker's "I'm not a mom" - AND LEVERAGE INTERNATIONAL IT'S REAL IT'S REAL IT'S REAL).

"I'm Batman Parker." Just EVERYTHING with Parker. She's still the quirky little freak we loved but she's grown. The vents. "I teach every child I meet crime." Telling Sophie she's in therapy then continuing to show that by acting out hand puppets an ep or two later. Her grifting - the Southern Belle. Flow charts for the "weird squishy human things." (..."I love how you say "human brain" like you don't have one.") Pretzel Sidebars. Nate would be so proud of you, baby girl. 😭

"HE'S HIS FATHER'S SON."

The OT3 still feeling as natural and real as ever. The little nods at things they've picked up from each other - "Even numbers only - I hate that I know that!" 12 years on and they're still together. "Til my dying day." 😭🖤

Halloween Ep Halloween Ep Halloween Ep

Sorry I'm not over it HALLOWEEN EP IN NOLA WITH GHOSTS

Hardison hacking history via 3D printing these days 👀

I will admit: I'm glad they kept the theme song, but I miss the opening shpeel. And I'm a little disappointed that when Breanna asked Sophie "What, so we're the bad guys?" she didn't say "Sometimes bad guys make the best good guys."

Also all those photos/paintings you have hanging in the new HQ and I haven't spotted Old Nate yet. Three eps left I'm still hoping he pops up. It doesn't feel like HQ without Old Nate. (...even better: Actual Old Nate can we get one photo please.)

Also I haven't heard anything on this but I keep hoping Sterling and Agents Taggert & McSweeten show up. Even if they don't, you can't take away the mental image of Sterling at Nate's grave. That lives rent-free in my head forever now. Probably dumped an entire bottle of whiskey on him. 🖤

Watching these eps has felt like coming home. I have missed this crew. I have missed this show. I have missed these stories. Thank you for giving us one more job. I'm so glad the job isn't done. 🖤🖤🖤

[cuban-feminist-that-gives-a-hoot]

Leverage: Redemption

There will be spoilers. Massive spoilers. Plus some angry ranting. Short answer is I loved it and I so hope they decide on a second season.

Let's get the angry ranting out the way.

1. Some folks are acting religious with their hate for Maria Shipp. Knock it off. I loved her, and not as a romantic thing for Eliot, but more of who she is as an individual. She's someone that has her own convictions, beliefs, and boundaries that she will not cross. Her and Eliot were good for each other right now, but as a forever thing? No. Her being there does not mean that OT3 was being shat on. If anything, it only confirmed it further because the only ones that Eliot could open up to freely are Hardison and Parker. With all the hate on her for some stupid reasons, I honestly want to see more of her to spite the haters. Eliot needs a cop friend too, just like Hardison and Parker have Taggert & McSweeten. For those of you shitting on her because of copaganda, copaganda has always existed in Leverage. It's just that they've also balanced it with a fuck the cops attitude too. Stop it.

2. The OT3 not being explicitly in the text is not queerbaiting. Those saying that shit is fucking wrong. We've gotten more queer rep from this one season than we've gotten from many, many other shows that don't even hit the bar. Please knock it off with that shit. They didn't destroy the OT3. It is still safe, as promised.

3. For those that mourn the loss of Nathan Ford, I'm going to need you all to recognize that killing him off was the right choice, both for the story and for behind-the-scenes reasons. Nate was my favorite too, but his death was the right choice. I'm not seeing that much here on Tumblr, but on Reddit? Hoo boy... *sigh*

Now that the angry is done, let's talk about the good.

1. Harry Wilson is such a delight for a character and I adore him. He has done some really, really shady and terrible shit, yet he's trying so hard to do good. If it were another actor in the role instead of Noah Wyle, it would not have been as good or convincing as the lawyer looking for redemption after causing so many, many issues with his policy of no sides picked. While I am sad that he is leaving the crew to be a better, nicer lawyer, I do hope he comes back to do consulting work. Everyone needs a little Fixer in their lives.

2. Breanna is a darling and I am so glad that we have her. Watching her grow and improve has been an amazing journey. If there is a second season, I so hope we not only get more of her, but I also hope she continues her relationship with Emily. They are just the cutest couple!

3. The team from Leverage: Con Artists being canon to the Leverage universe is just such a happy, happy thing and now gives me a reason to watch it, if only to know the context.

4. The Great Train Job needs to come with a trigger warning because that beginning intro was not even remotely OK for folks that are coming into it blind. Yet that was the episode that gave me the most satisfaction (besides The Harry Wilson Job) in watching the mark getting utterly destroyed.

5. The Bucket Job is by far the sweetest episode out of the whole season. That episode is just pure magic, from start to finish. Definitely one my top 3 for the entire season.

6. The brief moments that we had Hardison were fantastic and I do hope that we get more of him, should there be a 2nd season. Because you want to know what's better than a 5-Person Found Family Crew? A 6 Person Found Family Crew!

Loved Leverage: Redemption and I want more. Please let this show do so well that they'll give us a 2nd season. And if they don't, then it still ends on a satisfying note.

[monkeydra]

Heeereee comes some prompts~! :D For the AU-list: Blind Date AU for Ichigo/Chad; Bodyguard AU for Grimmjow/Urahara/Yoruichi; Dragon AU for Hardison/Parker/Eliot; Roll Reversal AU for Wei Ying/Lan Zhan; Royalty AU for Lan Xichen/Wen Ning; Paranormal Investigator AU for Evie/Rick/Ardeth....aaaand I'll stop there XD Feel free to ignore some or all of these, of course! ;D

Sorry this took approximately forever! Hope you like them XD

I tried the leverage ot3 prompt but I really struggle with zoomorphism it seems, sorry :(

Ichigo/Chad - Blind Date AU

“I’m so sorry you got dragged into this,” Ichigo groaned, hiding his face in his hands, his usual furrow between his brows. Chad allowed himself a small moment of disappointment before reaching for Ichigo’s hands and tugging them down from his face. When Ichigo met his eyes, he smiled at him, fondly as always and Ichigo responded with his own small and precious smile.

“Do you still want to go in?” he asked, tilting his head towards the restaurant.

“You don’t have to,” Ichigo replied, looking sheepish again. “Rukia’s just. She’s trying to help.” Chad nodded, guiding Ichigo away from the entrance with a hand on his lower back. Ichigo didn’t like being inside when he felt agitated. He leaned into the touch and walked with him, his shoulder’s loosening. “It’s good to see you,” he said after they were down the street from the restaurant, beaming at him, eyes warm. Chad nodded in agreement, and Ichigo bumped him with his shoulder.

“How’s your family?”

“Dad’s as annoying as always,” he started with a roll of his eyes, “but Yuzu and Karin are in their last year of high school.” He brightened completely at the mention of his sisters. “They’re third and fourth in their class. Karin has been taking karate lessons from Tatsuki and Yuzu started a cooking channel on youtube.” Chad hummed to show he was still listening, pulling him a little closer when the crowd got denser. Ichigo’s hand came up and curled in the back of his shirt, leaning his head on Chad’s shoulder in an affectionate bump.

“How’s studying to be a teacher?”

“Good. I get to assist in a classroom next semester.”

“What year?” he asked, his smile and eyes soft and warm around the edges now, shifting a little closer himself this time.

“Second.”

“They’re gonna love you,” Ichigo declared.

“Thank you,” he murmured, pleased, and looked down at Ichigo again, now tucked under his arm. He was always so tactile, and he was only too happy to oblige. They fell into an easy silence, the crowds thinning again as the dinner rush came into full swing. Ichigo shivered at Chad’s side as the sky darkened, and Chad rubbed his hand over Ichigo’s arm.

“How did Rukia get you here anyway?”

“She told me I would be going on a date with you.”

Ichigo froze, and Chad stopped with him. He hadn’t stepped away, which Chad supposed was a good sign.

“You knew the date was with me?”

“Of course.”

Ichigo whirled out of his arms and kept Chad where he was with his hands on Chad’s shoulders.

“Can we start the date over?”

Chad tilted his head in confusion, but nodded, adding “If that’s what you want.” If Ichigo’s grins were bright before, it was blinding right now as he nodded. Once more, Chad couldn’t help but smile back. Ichigo wrapped his arm around Chad’s waist and nudged Chad with his shoulder in the short amount of time it took Chad to wrap an arm around him again, and they headed back to the restaurant.

Grimmjow/Urahara/Yoruichi - Bodyguard AU

Grimmjow clenched his teeth and nodded at Yoruichi.

“Okay, on three. One,” she started, and then wrenched his shoulder back into place. Grimmjow hissed and glared at her, but she just grinned back. “Good as new,” she said even as she poked at his shoulder.

“What are you doing then?” He kept his tone bored and Yoruichi pretended not to notice the strain in his voice, reminding him why they made such a good team.

“Feeling you up.”

Grimmjow rolled his eyes. She grabbed his arm and moved it up, to the side, back down, up again.

“Everything feel okay?”

“A little stiff, but it should be fine.”

“How do you know he’s not lying?” Urahara asked, voice filled with a forced levity neither of them called him out on. They also ignored his tightly crossed arms.

“He doesn’t lie on a job.”

“He can hear you,” he grumbled, stretching his arm out.

“He also gets grouchy when he doesn’t get to finish a fight.”

“Why start a fight if you’re just gonna run away?” he exclaimed. “And for fuck’s sake get over here,” he snapped. Urahara jumped, covering his shocked expression with the same appeasing, bland smile. Yoruichi leaned back until she was reclining on her arms, amusement radiating from every inch of her. Grimmjow cocked an eyebrow at Urahara, and evidently he was too curious to resist.

“What is it?” he asked once he was standing over them.

“Sit down, I don’t need a sore neck on top of everything else.”

Urahara made to sit and did not yelp when Grimmjow shoved him so he landed next to Yoruichi instead.

“You’re supposed to be protecting me, not injuring me!” he cried, whirling to look at Grimmjow on his other side.

“Try that on someone who actually believes your hopeless nerdy scientist routine,” Yoruichi drawled, sitting up again, her own smile unaffected even as Urahara’s froze on his face.

“That’s not the secret we’re tackling today,” Grimmjow said with a dismissive wave.

“I think you both know I’m too boring to have secrets,” he stammered. They both leveled him with looks so icily unimpressed that he almost hung his head in shame. Knowing them, they were less irritated by the lie and more how shoddy it was.

“Anyway, how much more do we have to flirt before you finally ask us out?” Yoruichi asked. “We’re both running out of excuses to lose our shirts.”

“And shirts,” Grimmjow added, shrugging his bare shoulder where his tank top strap should have been. Urahara’s mouth opened and closed helplessly, for once completely clueless on how to respond.

“Would you like to go on a date?” he asked finally, figuring that was a good place to start. They both grinned and leaned closer, twin yeses wafting warm over his ear and neck. “How did the conversation get here?” he asked.

Yoruichi shrugged and said, “We decided a few days ago to give you one more week to figure it out. If you didn’t then we’d give you a nudge.”

~

Wei Ying/Lan Zhan - Role Reversal AU

He traded the pristine whites and soft blues of his robes for something more functional, staked out a camp in the swirling miasma of resentful energy and mountains of death, and even then Lan Zhan still looked like untouchable jade. Wei Ying was tempted to ask what his secret was, but he suspected it was simply how stunningly beautiful he was.

“Let me carry you back,” he blurted out instead. Lan Zhan’s rosy lips parted, dark eyes widening just slightly before his expression shuttered again.

“No need.” He moved around Wei Ying and continued walking to the burial mounds, carefully stiff to hide the limp and broken ribs. Wei Ying ran so he was in front of him again.

“I can help with Wen Ning, and Wen Qing will have my head if she finds out I let you hike up a mountain like this.”

“Wei Ying isn’t letting me do anything,” he said, but before he could move around him again, Wei Ying laid a gentle hand on his arm.

“Lan Zhan please. Let me help you,” he said, echoing Lan Zhan’s own plea. Lan Zhan stopped, his icy mask faltering just enough for Wei Ying to see the uncertainty, the exhaustion, the pain. Lan Zhan had always been so softly, blessedly human. He nodded, and Wei Ying beamed at him. He turned and crouched down so Lan Zhan could climb onto his back. It was the fastest way to get him back to Wen Qing, and there was less of a risk of Lan Zhan reaching a meridian by accident and feeling his missing golden core. He felt warmth at his back before Lan Zhan’s weight on him, and waited until his arms were around his shoulders, Bichen dangling in front of them both, before standing. Lan Zhan’s arms tightened around him in surprise, but he was otherwise quiet and still.

“Don’t worry, Lan Zhan! We’ll be back at the burial mounds in no time, and between the two of us we can definitely restore Wen Ning’s consciousness.”

“Mn.��

Wei Ying smiled to himself at the instant agreement.

“And Wen Qing will have you fixed up in no time. Does she bully you with her needles too?”

“Wen Qing doesn’t bully me.”

“Ah, you would say that Lan Zhan. You’re so patient with everyone. I used to think you were a stick in the mud until I got to know you better,” he said, ignoring the hitch—likely from pain—in Lan Zhan’s breath. “You’re actually a really good guy.” Lan Zhan’s arms tightened around his shoulders briefly and loosened again. “You can hold on tighter if you want, Lan Zhan. And don’t think I didn’t notice how you spoiled A-Yuan. Is it that you like cute things? I remember you like rabbits.” Lan Zhan’s arms tightened a little around his shoulders, and slowly the last of his weight leaned on him, his silken cheek pressed to Wei Ying’s.

“Wei Ying does not have to carry me all the way up.”

“I’ll do it anyway. You shouldn’t be walking on a broken leg Lan Zhan, and Wen Qing might not bully you but she’d definitely pick on me.” He shifted him carefully to secure his grip on him. “Now hold on tight Lan Zhan. This path is a little steep and I wouldn’t want to drop such precious cargo.”

Lan Zhan’s breath hitched again, and Wei Ying made a note to be even more careful about his grip on his injured leg.

Lan Xichen/Wen Ning - Royalty AU

Wen Ning remembers his first impression of Lan Xichen: gentle smile and impeccable manners. He remembers the overwhelming feeling of relief that his betrothed seems kind—not that his sister would have allowed otherwise. Even if his fiancée didn’t love him, maybe they could still be friends, he hoped.

Wen Ning supposes that impression still holds even now.

A pretty flush started on Lan Xichen’s ears and spread to those high cheekbones, his sweet smile even wider than normal, his crown and ribbon slightly askew on his head.

“Wen-gongzi!!!” he cried, standing quickly in what would have been a scramble if Lan Xichen were any less graceful. Wei Wuxian hid a laugh behind his drink, his own husband staring dazedly at him at his side. “Didi look!!!” Lan Xichen said to Lan Wangji, prompting him to look away from Wei Wuxian and to his older brother. “My fiancée is here!!!”

Wen Ning felt his face flame even as something unfurled in his chest at hearing Lan Xichen sound so happy to see him. Still, he was here for a reason.

“W-Wei-gongzi, why did you c-call me?”

“I do remember giving you permission to call me Wei Ying,” he replied with a playful grin.

Lan Xichen took his hands in his before Wen Ning could muster a reply.

“I asked him to,” he said earnestly, squeezing his hands. “I have a very important question.” Wen Ning found himself standing straighter at the serious look on his face, nodding in response.

“Of c-course, Lan-gongzi.”

“This is important,” he said again, nodding gravely. “May I call you A-Ning?”

“W-what?!”

“May I call you A-Ning?” he repeated patiently, that wide, beautiful smile still on his face.

“Y-You can call m-me whatever you w-want, Lan-gongzi.”

To his confusion, Lan Xichen vehemently shook his head.

“Only if it’s alright with you,” he declared. “And may I hug you?” he added. “I like you so much!!!” Lan Xichen looked so happy, so hopeful. Wen Ning felt the all his blood rush to his head.

“Y-you c-can,” he finally whispered, voice hoarse. “T-to b-both, I w-want you t-to.” He found he truly meant it, too, his stuttering getting worse with just how much he wants it, how much his nervousness was choking him. Lan Xichen’s arms were around him in an instant, sweeping him in so he was completely pressed to his warm, firm body, his face tucked into the crook of his neck. Lan Xichen’s chin rested on the top of his head as he swayed them back and forth, and Wen Ning worked his arms out from between them to hug him back.

“I can’t wait for the courting period, A-Ning,” he said, only a little quieter than before. “I’m going to spoil you! So much!” Wen Ning buried his face deeper. He swallowed and took a deep breath, like his sister taught him, and pulled away enough to look up at him.

“T-Thank you, A-Huan,” he whispered. Lan Xichen gasped and beamed down at him, squeezing him impossibly closer.

“I like you so much, A-Ning!!!”

Then all his weight dropped onto Wen Ning.

He caught him, looking at Wei Wuxian when the man laughed.

“He’s asleep,” he reassured in between giggles, wiping at his eyes. Still, there was something soft and delighted in his expression, enough to reassure Wen Ning this wasn’t a joke of some kind.

“W-what should I d-do?”

“If we wait a little while, he’ll sober up.” He took another sip of his drink, and Wen Ning only now noticed Lan Zhan asleep on Wei Wuxian’s shoulder. “Sit with me, and bring him with you. I’m sure he’d like waking up with his head in your lap.” Wen Ning hid behind Lan Xichen again, sure his face matched his robes. Still, he half carried, half dragged him to the table, carefully easing them down until they both sat and, after a moment of self-conscious hesitation, pushed Lan Xichen’s legs further out and guided his head to his lap.

Wei Ying met his eyes across the table, undeniably pleased. He pushed a cup to him, already filled with wine, but Wen Ning shook his head.

“N-no thank y-you, Wei-g--” he stopped, deciding to take another risk tonight. “W-Wei Y-Ying.” Wei Ying grinned. They sat in companionable silence until Wei Ying set his cup down with a quiet, definitive clack.

“He meant every word you know.”

Wen Ning nodded.

“He w-wouldn’t lie,” he agreed softly. Wei Ying stared at him for a moment, oddly serious, before the grin was back on his face.

“As long as you know that.” He took another sip of his drink. “Also, you might want to brace yourself for the courting period.” Wen Ning cocked his head to the side, a silent question. Wei Ying’s grin was a little frightening this time around in its blatant amusement, clearly at Wen Ning’s expense this time. “The Lans don’t half ass wooing.”

Wen Ning felt his cheeks warm again.

Evie/Rick/Ardeth - Paranormal Investigator AU

Sorry this one is so short! I couldn’t think of much for it unfortunately

“Evie, darling,” Rick said with a stare that spoke of being completely desensitized to this very situation, “please step out of the pentagram.”

“Oh!” She looked around and realized she was indeed standing in the middle of the pentagram, painted on the floor in a red liquid that Rick refused to contemplate the origins of. “Well, at least we know we’re going in the right direction. This was in my vision.” She still hadn’t stepped out of the pentagram, but before Rick could point that out again Ardeth walked by and took her hand, gently tugging her out of it. Evie swung the flashlight around again, distracted, as Rick and Ardeth shared a fond grin.

“See any ghosts so far?” Rick asked.

“No. I can’t sense any either.”

“So is this place haunted or just creepy?”

“Too soon to tell,” Evie replied, looking closely at the walls for any distinctive features. Ardeth looked to the side and ran his hand along the markings, neither of them noticing the pipe Rick willed away from their heads.

[distinctivelibrarians]

warlordess replied to your post “Please over analyze the scene where Hardison refuses to tip the...”

Okay and now I've read it. And as much as I like to agree that perhaps Hardison was just being petty towards THIS delivery worker (something I feel he would have vocalized to the rest of the crew the first chance he got), it still doesn't make me feel right about his absolute ignorance regarding Parker's troubles throughout the episode. His girlfriend. The woman he's loved forever. The one whose back he always has.

@warlordess Okay so I’ve been trying to figure out how to approach this. Because you’re absolutely right! It is jarring - in an episode with an already very jarring character trait (even if we all ignore it).

(though I will say, most people that get in petty fights with delivery drivers? Don’t vocalize it. ‘Cause they recognize it’s dumb. Or - my favorite - they were drunk when they started it. I had a year long rivalry with one guy (decent enough guy, we only really disliked each other for like a month) before we finally got talking and for the life of him, he could not remember what the hell started the whole thing)

But - and maybe this helps, and maybe it doesn’t, because it’s an odd moment, and how people see it is up to them, and feeling dissatisfied with a character trait is completely fair - I tend to view Hardison a little gentler than that, for a couple reasons.

One - they’ve been through something very similar before, with the Boys’/Girls’ Night Out Jobs. In those, both of them were flailing, and needed outside help to actually start addressing their own issues before they (presumably) came back together and worked on it. We also see the progression of that in the Real Fake Car Job, where Hardison gets advice, and then almost immediately goes to apply it (badly, but in a way that worked! And they met each other in the middle!).

So, working with this as a mid-point. That’s the first point.

Second - Parker’s already feeling funky this episode. I don’t think we ever get the exact thing that started it, but it pretty quickly morphs into trying to figure out why she doesn’t experience emotions like other people (or at least, doesn’t relate to them in the same way).

Now. I’m not gonna say Hardison fully thought this through, but generally, when Parker’s feeling funky? She doesn’t go to Hardison. (That she tried this episode is a good first step!) She typically doesn’t go to anyone until she can figure out how to vocalize it - and then it’s normally Sophie, or, in this episode, Eliot. Again, I don’t think Hardison fully thought this through, but honestly? His first reaction may well have been ‘this isn’t deadly serious, ‘cause this isn’t her first step.’ Less fully thought out, more falling into a rhythm of their relationship. Which is on it’s way to being fixed in a couple episodes!

More realistic though - Hardison is 25, at most. (And speaking as a 25 year old, we tend to be dumb). This is likely his first serious relationship. Just like it’s Parker’s. Dude is always going a mile a second, and slowing down seems like second nature until you actually watch him. I think he should be allowed to have his moments of...missteps, with this relationship. Like Parker does.

In the Girl’s Night Out Job, Parker cuts Hardison off almost constantly when he’s looking for reassurance. Parker constantly doesn’t get what Hardison’s asking for on their dates (but she does learn! And that’s important in a second) And I’m not saying that means she deserves any hurt or any bad reaction or anything like that.

What I’m saying is - they’re both young. Both new to relationships. It’s gonna be rocky as hell, no matter how empathetic and emotionally mature these two sometimes can be. And this is a mid-point. I’d be far more worried if that behavior continued to carry on - but it doesn’t. They’re both learning! Literally three episodes later - they’re talking through their shit. They’re addressing things that make them uncomfortable, and they’re listening! Without giving up their outside supports either!

Again, it’s totally fine if this doesn’t help - it’s a jarring moment, and being put off by it is completely understandable - but this is how I thought through it. Hope you don’t mind me sharing!

[addictsitter]

F, G, Q, and T

F: What’s the longest you’ve ever been in a fandom? consistently? god, uh. i think probably kingdom hearts? but that was years back. maybe stranger things since i did get into it like, a month after s2 aired but it was a backburner fandom. wait no nm it’s descendants. cause i’ve been more or less YES DESCENDANTS GOOD a lot for the last three and a half years. so. also kind of tortall bc i get sporadically bitter about neal/kel every month or so and have since about 2007.

G: Do you remember your first OTP, if so who was in it? ooh okay so the first otp i remember is john sheppard/teyla emmagan from stargate atlantis and i just. never really got over them. (they’re my forever otp)

Q: A ship you’ve abandoned and why: oh okay this one is kinda tough but i guess the best example is probably jay/carlos and mal/evie from descendants? like, i have nothing against the ships themselves and there’s plenty of material there. BUT. the fandom, rachel. i hate. the descendants fandom. so goddamn much. because they’re really obnoxious (never 4get the j*ylos stans who called d3 the straightest of the movies despite jay/gil being as close to canon as we were gonna get for a descendants movie just bc carlos was still with jane. also all the j*ylos stans who complained about them ~no homo’ing~ j*ylos in d2 because carlos liked jane and jay and carlos’s friendship got less focus while completely ignoring the harry/gil kiss that was scripted, filmed and then cut!!!)

(”alec are you still bitter about d2″ I AM ALWAYS BITTER ABOUT D2)

T: Do you have any hard and fast headcanons that you will die defending, about anything at all (gender identity, sexual or romantic orientation, extended family, sexual preferences like top/bottom/switch, relationship with poetry, seriously anything)

ahem. excuse me. [retrieves stack of paper] we’re going to go alphabetically by fandom. and by alphabetically by fandom, i mean you’re getting some highlights.

under a cut for length

battlestar galactica: hello yes have i talked about kara thrace being a lesbian yet? no? so kara thrace is a lesbian and lee adama is a trans lesbian and they are happy and in love. thank you, have a nice day.

being human: s3 established that annie feels things that people feel when she touches them which leads me to the headcanon that mitchell, nina and george made all her old favorite foods for, like, an entire week and ate them so she could enjoy them again, along with other things. (we do not discuss the plot that involved that part i don’t acknowledge 98% of s3 for a reason.)

descendants: uma’s mother is ursula, this is canon, but i fully headcanon that her father is a deity of some flavor and she, like mal, is a full on demigoddess. aside from that, i also will live and die by the idea that ben can go beast without audrey’s magic being involved. also carlos is non-binary, evie’s a trans girl, harry is the definition of chaotic bi and non-binary and gil’s a trans boy.

elementary: i. i have so many. where do i start. um. easiest is this: during the time skip in the finale while joan underwent chemo, kitty came back to new york and archie and arthur spent, like, all their time together while sherlock and kitty traded off watching the kids. also: joanlockbell ot3 or bust.

the get down: shao got the fuck away from annie and got a happy ending and met zeke again at some point and they lived happily ever after. also DIZZEE IS TOTALLY FINE.

gilmore girls: finale what finale. revival what revival. logan and rory are happily married and working on their careers and EVERYONE IS GOOD AND NOBODY IS PREGNANT.

gossip girl: dan’s not gossip girl what the fuck show. trans girl jenny or bust. also trans girl blair.

harry potter: [insert requisite dean/seamus and sirius/remus comment here] also harry became a goddamn teacher fuck that auror shit that boy needs to get away from more fighting goddamn. also someone please get him into therapy. please.

high school musical: listen chad danforth is a trans girl and people can come fight me. also requisite chad/ryan comment here.

izombie: post-s3 did not happen, ravi is either immune or a zombie and he and liv are happily together and clive is regularly grossed out by them as a couple. major goes back to being a social worker, as he fucking should have.

i had a kingdom hearts thing here but tbh i just. have so many emotions that i can’t even touch it 

leverage: listen. listen. eliot absolutely worked for the stargate program and nobody can ever convince me otherwise. it was supposed to happen and they couldn’t manage it so i’m declaring it my canon. also hardison may or may not have learned his hacking skills from his nana.

i. had magicians headcanons and i still have magicians headcanons and one of them is genderfluid quentin and that is literally the only one i can think of without crying right now.

one piece: aro/ace lawlu or bust. genderfluid sanji or bust. lesbian nami or bust. also. my asshole babes aka cp9 aka now at least partially in cp0 are not, in fact, back working for the government inexplicably but are instead working undercover in cp0 for the revolutionary army. also mishanks was a thing bye

pacific rim: gender gets really fucking weird in the drift. nobody’s cis.

shadowhunters: hi yes do you have a moment to hear about jacemaia and how they are actually friends and spend time together and help each other with trauma and like each other

stranger things: BI STEVE BI STEVE BI STEVE BI STEVE BI STEVE steve and robin are bi/lesbian solidarity and any job they have in a non-80s small town setting involves robin roasting the fuck out of steve for failing with people of every gender. also elmax.

tortall. TORTALL. okay so. alanna is non-binary of some flavor idk what. alanna is with george and they both might also be with jon who’s publicly married to thayet who’s really married to buri who’s publicly married to raoul for ~appearances~ who’s actually w/ gary and maybe jon if he’s not being a dick that day. also. kel is married to neal and yuki and they all live together at new hope and all absolutely suck at hiding that fact and everyone at new hope just, like, conveniently ignores it. also i have A Lot of neal/kel feelings and headcanons but those would take me twelve hours, three powerpoints, a fifth of whiskey and yelling directly at tamora pierce to get through.

uhhh i think that’s it? maybe? possibly? i can’t think of anything else that i want to talk about at this point? i’ll stop now, at least.

[poetloveses]

Worlds Collide Chapters 29 & 30 the end?

Chapter 29

               Flynn stepped further into the brew pub. He could see the daggers he was getting from both Eliot and Maggie. He didn’t blame them.

              Eliot and Maggie were really confused. He was the last person they thought would be coming here. Eliot held Maggie’s arm because he could see she was physically upset.

              Ezekiel came through the door behind Flynn and went over to Hardison and Parker. Eliot watched as they exchanged handshakes and words, as if they were old friends. As far as he knew they only met and talked that one time. Before he could say anything to them, another person was coming through the door.

              Jacob stepped through the backdoor and it took a minute for him to realize where he was. He wondered if Flynn was bringing them here to punish them. He saw Maggie and Eliot and saw they looked as confused as he did. He looked at Flynn who had no expression on his face. Flynn just told him to have a seat at the table. As Jacob walked to the table, Maggie came up to him and whispered, “Do you know what is going on?”

              “I don’t know why we came here,” he said as they sat down. “Flynn and Eve know about us. I think they have been spying on me.” He paused and then said, “I have been thinking of what you said while I waited to figure what Eve and Flynn were up to. A Paulo Coelho quote came to me. He said, don't allow your mind to tell your heart what to do. The mind gives up easily. My heart wants to be with you, but my mind tells me that I should do what Flynn says.”

              Flynn was still waiting by the door when Eve came through it. He quietly asked, “Where is she?”

              “She said she needed a minute to think. I tried to convince her to just come, but she wouldn’t,” Eve replied.

              “I’ll go talk to her,” Flynn said, and he stepped back into the annex. He found Cassandra sitting on the steps. “Cassandra,” he said, “I know you don’t want to talk to me right now, but there is something important to tell you and Jacob. Please come with me.”

              Cassandra looked up at Flynn. He had tears in his eyes as he said, “Please, Cassandra.” He held out his hand to her. She nodded and took his hand. He helped her up and they walked through the door together.

              Cassandra couldn’t believe her eyes. She didn’t know why Flynn and Eve would bring her here. This is the last place she wanted to be. She hoped that maybe Eliot would not be there. She would not be able to handle it if he was here. She could barely tell him once that they couldn’t be together, she wouldn’t be able to tell him again. Flynn and Eve knew how she felt and yet they still brought her here.

              Cassandra and Flynn started walking to a small group of tables. She noticed no one else was in the brew pub but the group sitting at these tables. Cassandra froze when she saw all who were sitting around them. It was Eve, Jacob, and Ezekiel with the Leverage crew. And sitting right in front of her with his back to them was Eliot. She wanted to run but Flynn just took her hand and led her to the tables.

              Eliot was trying to think of an excuse to leave. He told Nate that he was going to grab a beer. He stood up and turned around. He couldn’t believe his eyes. There she was standing in front of him. Cassandra was standing there! He hadn’t seen or heard from her in over a month. She was still as beautiful as ever. He was at a loss of what to do.

              Neither one of them moved for what seem like forever. Eliot watched as Flynn left Cassandra’s side and went and sat down next to Eve. It was only seconds later he realized everyone was staring at them. He silently pulled out the empty chair next to him. She gave a little smile. She quietly said, “Thank you,” as she sat down. Eliot took his seat next to her and everyone started quietly eating.

Chapter 30

               After the whole group had their fill of the food Eliot made, Nate and Sophie said goodnight and headed out the front door. Parker, Hardison, and Ezekiel headed into the backroom. Hardison was excited to show Ezekiel his masterpiece. His excitement put all their nervousness aside.

               Once everyone else was gone, leaving only Eliot, Cassandra, Jacob, Maggie, Eve, and Flynn, the tension grew high. No one said anything for a few moments. Flynn was looking around the table. He could see Maggie wanted to say something, but Jacob was whispering something to her to keep her from saying what was on her mind. Eliot was trying to talk to Cassandra. He went to put his hand on her hands, but she pulled them away. Cassandra looked like she was ready to cry, or maybe she wanted to slap Flynn for bringing her here. It possibly was both. Eve was waiting for him to say something.

               Maggie looked at Flynn and yelled at him, “I can’t take it anymore. There is something I need to get off my chest.” Jacob touch her arm. Maggie looked at him and with a calmer voice said, “No, Jacob, I need to say this.” Maggie paused and looked back at Flynn. She said, “I know you say that they are not supposed to have relationships outside, but that isn’t going to stop the feelings we all have for each other. I love Jacob and I know he feels the same about me. And I’ve talked to Eliot and I can see it on Cassandra’s face, they feel the same way about each other. We know about your job and we don’t care. I don’t think it’s fair to ask us to deny our feelings and give up the one we love. I think it will hurt us all in the end. We should get to be with the one we love. We shouldn’t need to be worried about what you say.” Maggie looked at Jacob and then back at Flynn and said softly, “I’m sorry.”

               “No, I’m sorry,” replied Flynn, “You’re right. Everybody should be able to fall in love. It all started with a mix-up with Stone and Mr. Spencer, but it turned into something more. We have changed so much from the time I became a Librarian to now. We used to only have one Librarian. Now there are four Librarians. So why can’t we change this.”

               “What are you saying,” asked Jacob.

               “I am saying that you deserve to be in love, and be a Librarian,” Flynn said. He looked at Jacob and Maggie and said, “Stone, Jacob, you can say you’d be okay with what I say, but I know you would not be. You knew if I knew she gave you her number what I would have told you to do with it. And when you find a girl who will not give up on you, even if you tell her that you can’t be together, you should keep her.”

               Flynn looked at Eliot and Cassandra and said, “Cassandra, you would do anything to keep me happy and I love you for that, but I want you to be happy. You really haven’t been happy in the past month and I can see Eliot will make you happy. Besides, it will be only a matter of time before you end up outside when he’s there.” Cassandra looked at Eliot with a questioning look. “Yeah, he’s come by every day around the same time. Eve and I agree that love,” Flynn paused and motioned to the backroom, “and friendship for Jones, is important for everyone.”

               Jacob asked, “Is this for real? We can have relationships?”

               Eve replied, “Yes, you all deserve to be happy.” She smiled as she looked at each of them.

               Flynn stood up and took Eve’s hand, helping her to her feet. He looked around the table a little bit teary eyed and said, “Well, I think Eve and I are going to head back to the Library. Take your time.”

               Maggie said, “Thank you,” as she and Jacob shook hands with Flynn and Eve.

               Eve moved around to the other side of the table and gave Cassandra and Eliot quick hugs. “Keep them safe,” she told Eliot and continued, “In another time, you would have made a great guardian.”

               “Thank you. I’m sort of like a guardian here,” he said with a laugh.

Flynn shook Eliot’s hand and said, “You be good to her.”

               “Always,” replied Eliot.

               Flynn gave Cassandra a nod. She looked as though she was still unhappy with him. Flynn and Eve started for the door. “Wait!” Flynn heard and turned around. Cassandra ran and gave him a hug. Just like the one she gave him when he invited them all into the Library. She let go and smiled at him before she turned and went back to Eliot.

               Flynn took one last look before he and Eve left. He smiled as he saw the happiness on the two couples and knew he made the right decision. He joined Eve at the backdoor and together they headed into the Library.

[onceuponarrow]

So I enjoyed last night’s episode. First time in probably a year and a half that I actually re-watched the show immediately.

I’m excited about Felicity’s company and am looking forward to seeing that a bit more in the forefront. Emily was extra cute as Felicity last night, all the little jumps/skips, the flirtiness. Oh how I’ve missed this happy version of her. There has only been little peeks of this for too long. I’m glad it looks like she is in a much better place emotionally after a rough few years.

Oliver is acting with so much more of the intelligence that I know he has and the writers ignore too much for my liking. He was asking Felicity for advice about William. He was asking Lance for advice about William as well as with his mayoral problems. No prodding from anyone needed, he just asked for help when he needed it. He was giving John the pep talked he needed and I’m so glad he mentioned Lyla and JJ. I just hope this version of him finally holds and he doesn’t get regressed for the sake of drama again. I think though, that is going to be the version of Oliver we see for the rest of the series.

Diggle’s story line I’m still withholding judgement on for now. I enjoy seeing him in the forefront of the story and taking on the leadership role of the team. But, I’m unsure if I believe that he would freeze like that in the field. I know he had some explanation about that but I personally am not buying it.

I’m going to put in a break cause this got long. The rest is random speculations and musings about the rest of this season and the series in general.

Random thoughts:

* I do kind of wish John had talked about his nerve issues with Oliver or Felicity. They (and Lyla) are his family and I wish he wasn’t hiding this issue from them. He knows as well as anyone that secrets never end well. I know it’s because the writers want to set up conflict later in the season.

* I really love Agent Samanda Watson. Her scenes have been a little repetitive so far but I’m looking forward to where this story goes; how its going to play out. If Oliver is outed conclusively, does she have a change of heart? Does someone higher up in the government tell her to back off? One or the other has to happen because as of now she seems like she is not a fan of vigilantes and really would like to arrest Oliver.

* I’ve seen other speculate about this, or maybe it was also a spoiler I missed at some point, but are we getting hints at a civil war situation within team Arrow? John vs Dinah, Rene going to Oliver. Rene is kind of like Oliver; action first, make a quick decision and stick with it. Dinah is kind of like Diggle; giving advice, keeping everyone in line. Curtis is kind of like Felicity; techy with the quick thinking intelligence needed to solve complex problems on the fly. Don’t know if they would set-up an OTA vs newbies situation but they seem to have 2 small teams within the big team if that’s what they are going for.

Random musings on Olicity

Ok this section has more to do with the show overall rather than episode specific. I want to start by saying I’m so glad Oliver and Felicity are back together, finally and forever after. But seeing them together like this makes me wish they had never broken them up in the first place. Follow along on my musings, please.

Oliver keeping William a secret still bothers me beyond belief. He could have told Felicity, she would have kept his secret without fail. So Felicity knows about William everything else can continue on with Darhk kidnapping him, no changes needed. Oliver and Felicity could still have bumped up their wedding date to trap Cupid, no need to change that story. Honestly I would have been fine if they had just finished the ceremony after Cupid was captured. It’s kind of them with the crazy life they lead. They are married and together, the ending scene still works, husband and wife, partners, standing together to rebuild their lives together. Side note to Olicity, if Samantha and Oliver had decided that it was best to leave and go into hiding, Felicity could have helped hide them. I would have liked if Oliver talked over options with Felicity before approaching Samantha with those options or choices.

So season 5 could have still proceeded along the exact same story lines. The reporter could have still shown up to investigate Oliver, just didn’t need the unnecessary love interest subplot. She was shady enough to begin with. The detective could have been introduced as someone who had started working closely with the team and that is why Prometheus chose him to put in Oliver’s path to trick him into killing again. Oliver is still kidnapped by Prometheus and the torture leads Felicity down the Helix path. That makes way more sense to me than a boyfriend she could barely call a boyfriend that she’d know for like 6 months. Personally I would have found a story about Oliver and Felicity going down their own individual dark paths while together compelling. Just because you love someone and are in a relationship doesn’t mean all your own problems go away. They both could have battled their internal demons while trying to support each other. See, lots of opportunities for drama but in a real world grown-up way. William is still kidnapped and the season ends the same way.

After a second kidnapping in 2 years, season 6 could have started with Oliver convincing Samantha to move to Star City so they could better protect William. If the writers had to kill Samantha because the actress was not going to be available, all of William’s struggles with getting to know his dad would have been exactly the same with Oliver and Felicity already married.

Sigh, what could have been with Oliver and Felicity together already. Don’t get me wrong I’m happy they are finally together again. But when I think about all the Olicity goodness we could have had over the past season and a half it makes me a bit sad. Last season was pretty much wasted on me personally. I’ve re-watched exactly 1 episode from last season (5x20). I didn’t find last season compelling because most of the characters didn’t feel like them. It was like a slightly off and muted version of each of them. There was little emotional resonance for me personally with the story. I just didn’t feel connected to anything.

Oh well moving forward with the rest of this season. I hope to see lots of personal non-masked stories for Oliver, Felicity, and Diggle. They are the reason why I watch the show and I don’t need the newbies. I know others are very invested in the new characters but I find smaller casts lead to better story telling in tv shows. Some of my favorite tv shows excelled with 3-5 main characters. Fringe was pretty much 3 with Walter, Olivia, and Peter. Burn Notice was 3 with Michael, Fiona, and Sam. Leverage was 5 with Nate, Sophie, Parker, Hardison, and Elliot.

[jenbmyd]

This is a blog post series, be sure to read Part 1 & Part 2!

Remember that feeling every year, the night before the first day of school?  How there’s excitement of something new and sleeping is hard because you’re excited to see your friends and see what that new year will bring?  Take that feeling and multiply it by maybe 1000.  There were so many nerves and excitement going on that my maid of honor and one of my bridesmaids stayed in the room with me the night before and we were still awake at midnight so we had a countdown to the wedding day, just like New Years Eve.  Right after our mini celebration, we turned out the lights and I tried hard to get to sleep.  It felt like it took forever!  At that point I wasn’t even thinking about the actual wedding.  All I could dream about was my groom standing at the end of the aisle and getting to him.  I eventually did get to sleep. Dreaming all night of rain and rivers and water.  Ironic after what I woke to the next morning.

Just as the light started brightening my room, my eyes popped open and there was no way I was getting back to sleep.  I heard a drizzling of rain and got up to go look out the window.  I was staying in the bungalow on the farm, and right across the way from where I stood was our tree.  That tree that we fell in love with our first visit to the farm.  And all around it was rain and clouds.  Not a hard rain either.  Just that annoying drizzle of a rain that if it would just lighten a little you could go outside, but it’s too much when it’s happening.  We had to make the call for the wedding to be outside by the tree or inside the barn by 9 am.  We all looked at our phones on multiple radars only to see on each one, Hurricane Matthew’s first strand of storms easing further and further into North Carolina.  For a moment I got off to myself and just let it all out with a really good cry.  What else can you do?  The most important thing about that day was not that tree I loved so much.  But walking away as the wife of the man at the end of the aisle, that I love so dearly.  So I gathered myself together and faced the day head on.  

Between my parents getting us a sapling and our officiant being amazing and changing up our ceremony, we still incorporated the tree theme.  I worked all morning on setting up our decor in the barn and trying to rework everything now that it was all in one space rather than two separate places.  Then finally came the time where my maid of honor found me and said “Ok Megan, it’s time for you to shower and then get hair and makeup done”.  Those butterflies that sometimes overwhelm you, took over.  This was completely abnormal for me because I’m always the one doing hair.  But, once I sat down in the chair, it really started all sinking in.

Photo Courtesy of Emily Moore Boutique Photo Editing 

To all my past brides, I know now what was going through your mind.  And to all my future brides, know that those moments you are getting your hair and makeup done are the moments it truly starts feeling real.  All other parts of the day it’s like this fog.  “I’m getting married later today?” but you don’t fully feel it yet.  You sit down in that chair and suddenly it changes to “I’m getting married in a couple hours!!!”  The surreal feeling that everything you’ve spent the past year on, is about to all happen hits and the amount of emotions going on in your mind is huge.  For me, I became really quiet and everything was all in my head.  It was more calming that way, especially since the day wasn’t going according to plan.  It helped to tune out everything and get into the realization that everything I had done for the past year was about to happen.  

Photo Courtesy of Emily Moore Boutique Photo Editing

We chose not to have a first look.  Every couple is different and for some a first look is so special.  For us, we wanted to savor every moment of walking down the aisle and him seeing me the first time that day at that time.  My favorite part of a wedding has always been the groom’s reaction.  You can tell everything about the relationship when you look at how sweet he looks staring at his bride.  But wow, did my groom have a special reaction.  We all know our guys and if they are more aps to showing their emotions or holding them in and savoring them for alone time.  My groom cried the entire ceremony!  And it was the sweetest thing that I had ever experienced.

  Photos Courtesy of Emily Moore Boutique Photo Editing

It made all those emotions I felt all day just melt away and the joy of being there with him in a barn with a hurricane blowing through was everything.  We had so many people not show up.  There was maybe fifty people max.  But after all the things that didn’t go the way we envisioned it, we couldn’t get upset at the fact we didn’t have many guests. Once everything was over, we got in his car and drove away in a state of sheer bliss realizing we were officially husband and wife.  It’s this euphoric feeling that you spent so much time planning such a huge life event and the purpose of the event is finally official and life has completely changed.  My best advice for the day of your wedding?  Savor every precious moment and don’t feel like everything has to go EXACTLY as is was planned.  Sometimes things happen that make it look like it may not be for the best, but it turns out to be the very best thing you could have hoped for!

I will be back next week to talk all about how life is after being married!

Officiant: Perry Hardison// Venue: Summerfield Farms

XoXo Megan **Megan S is an MYD Beauty Resident Stylist in our Raleigh, NC studio. She is available for hair cuts, hair color, hair extensions, hair styling lessons, as well as waxing by appointment. To schedule a session with Megan S (or any of our MYD Beauty Team experts) please contact us HERE and leave a note requesting her in your comments! Megan S, as is all our MYD Beauty Team, is available for travel to destinations outside our Raleigh, NC studio for special events and weddings worldwide.**

My Wedding Experience: The Wedding! This is a blog post series, be sure to read Part 1 & Part 2!