#ethan oliva

[nofatclips]

Oh Wonder by Gaadge from the album Somewhere Down Below

[movies-to-add-to-your-tbw]

Title: Batman: Assault on Arkham

Rating: PG-13

Director: Jay Oliva, Ethan Spaulding

Cast: Kevin Conroy, Neal McDonough, Hynden Walch, Troy Baker, Matthew Gray Gubler, Jennifer Hale, Greg Ellis, John DiMaggio, C.C.H. Pounder, Chris Cox, Giancarlo Esposito, Martin Jarvis, Nolan North, Eric Bauza, Peter Jessop, Christian Lanz

Release year: 2014

Genres: crime, thriller, action

Blurb: Batman works desperately to find a bomb planted by the Joker while Amanda Waller sends her newly-formed Suicide Squad to break into Arkham Asylum and recover vital information stolen by the Riddler.

[whynot-animations]

Batman: Assault on Arkham (2014)

[jerzwriter]

OK, it took a little over two months, but I actually finished a fic request list, and as someone with far too many items in my inbox, I'm proud of this! lol What better way to end than with "One Bed Fic Prompts" than with Merida, Olivia, and Casey on a road trip? II hope you enjoy it!

Book: Open Heart Pairings: Ethan x Merida (MC); Bryce x Oliva (F!OC); Tobias x Casey (F!MC) Rating: Teen Trope: There's Just One Bed! Words: 1,175 Summary: Merida, Olivia, and Casey's weekend adventure is off to a rainy start, but they always manage to find their own sunshine.

A/N: Based on the prompts below from @storyofmychoices. Also, participating in @choicesaugustchallenge Prompt 14 - Road Trip. Merida belongs to the amazing @lilyoffandoms and Olivia belongs to the wonderful @storyofmychoices. It was fun to write for our girls again!

MOC World Masterlist || Open Heart Masterlist Full Masterlist

Merida always knew how to play it cool. As the rain hammered on the roof of their car, she convinced Olivia and Casey that she had it totally under control. They never suspected that she had been white-knuckling it the whole time and was the most relieved of all when she saw the small motel they were staying in overnight in the distance.

The Snugglin' Inn looked nothing like it did online. The -g was missing from the neon sign flickering ominously in the night. Its garish pink light reflected in the dozens of little lakes that had formed in the potholes in the parking lot. But after hours on the road in treacherous conditions, the women were willing to stay anywhere... except for maybe Olivia.

“Are you sure this is the place?” she asked nervously.

“Yep, this is it!” Merida smiled. “Rustic charm! Just like the website said!”

"Ah,” Casey said, stretching her arms over her head. “If by charm they mean probably haunted, then yeah, no false advertising claim here! But as long as our room is dry... I’ll fight off the resident ax murderer for one night."

“You don’t really think there’s an ax murderer,” Olivia swallowed. “Do you?”

“Of course there is,” Merida winked. “All motels in Pennsylvania have one. Didn’t you know?”

Casey nodded in agreement. "Yep, state code!"

They rushed to the trunk to grab their bags, then dashed to the tiny lobby dripping wet. The clerk barely glanced at them as she handed over a room key while half-heartedly warning about the air conditioner being on the blink. Normally, faulty air conditioning would be enough to make Casey sleep in the car, but between the rain and talk of murderers, she was eager to get to their room.

“What’s the likelihood that this place has room service?” Olivia asked as they made their way down the outside corridor, her stomach growling.

“About as likely as it is to have comfortable beds,” Merida chuckled.

“Hey,” Casey laughed. “These places are known for being rented by the hour... the beds are what they’re all about.”

“You would know that,” Olivia grinned as Merida pushed the door open.

"Well, this is cozy," Merida said, her voice dripping with sarcasm as she tossed her bag onto the bed. The sole queen-sized bed in the tiny room.

Olivia looked around, nervously biting her lip. "Uhm, where are the other beds?"

"There aren’t any," Casey sighed. “It’s OK. One of us can sleep in the bathtub.”

“No one is sleeping in the bathroom; that’s ridiculous!” Merida insisted. “Have you not seen Psycho? No one goes in the bathroom! If we have to pee – do it in the corner of the room.”

“We probably wouldn’t be the first ones to do that,” Casey observed.

“Guys! Are you sure we should stay here?” Oliva worried.

“We’ll be fine,” Casey assured. “It’s just a night.”

Ever practical, Merida was already looking for solutions to the sleeping arrangements. “If we push the bed against the wall, that should prevent at least one of us from falling onto the floor. It might be a little crowded, but it will do.”

"Crowding is inevitable,” Casey smiled. "But we’re all friends, and it’s not like this is the first time we’ve had to share a bed. Remember the time we stayed at that place in The Berkshires?"

Merida couldn’t help but giggle at the memory. "You mean the time you woke up spooning Olivia, and she nearly had a stroke?"

"Hey, I was asleep! I can’t control what I do in my sleep," Casey defended, although her playful grin betrayed her. "Besides, Olivia was fine with it. Being spooned by Casey is kind of a badge of honor!”

"She’s not wrong," Olivia blushed.

After changing quickly, they all settled into bed with Casey in the middle, Merida against the wall, and Olivia on her other side.

“If I fall on the floor during the night, do you think I’ll catch anything contagious?” Oliva asked.

“Liv,” Merida said pointedly. “We're all doctors. Even if you do, we should be able to cure you.”

Just as they were beginning to get comfortable, Merida’s phone buzzed. She glanced at it and rolled her eyes.

"It's Ethan. Look what he sent me.”

“Again? What does he mean again?” Olivia asked. “He never bailed us out before!”

Merida and Casey exchanged sheepish grins, and Oliva was too frightened to ask.

“Tell Ethan to bite me!” Casey laughed. “Tobias would bail us out in a heartbeat. In fact, he’s probably home looking forward to it right now.”

“Speaking of Tobias,” Olivia smiled, handing Casey her phone from the nightstand beside her.

“Oh, my husband thinks he has jokes,” Casey chuckled, showing her friends her phone.

“He's calling me an octopus! He's seriously like an octopus! I mean it! Those arms go everywhere."

Merida let out a groan. “For the love of God, Casey... if you start talking about your sex life, I will make you sleep in the bathtub with the ax murderer... and I might sharpen his ax."

"Well, tell Tobias not to get too jealous," Olivia giggled. "We’re just here to sleep, not to, you know..."

“Speak for yourself,” Merida laughed, playfully pawing her friend. "You never know what kind of mischief we'll get into!"

Olivia’s phone vibrated next. “It’s Bryce!” She beamed, handing her phone to Casey. “My boyfriend has a warning for you.”

“You know our three idiots are sitting in Donahues Googling memes, believing themselves to be much funnier than they actually are!" Merida insisted.

But Casey didn't hear her; she was too busy shaking her head in righteous indignation. “You spoon a person one time!” She lamented. “One time! I don’t know how I got this reputation!”

“Really?” Merida chortled. “We could give you examples, but I'd like to do other things this weekend, and that would take all our time!"

“Yeah,” Oliva laughed as Casey feigned horror.

“Et tu, Brute!”

With that, Merida hopped over her friends, pushing Casey against the wall and leaving Olivia sandwiched in the middle.

“Hey, what are you doing!” Olivia hollered.

“Tell Bryce you’re safe from Casey on this trip,” Merida laughed, holding her from behind. “But not from me.”

“Hey!” Olivia blushed.

“Sorry! I can't let Casey be the only one with the depraved reputation!" She teased.

Olivia and Merida turned to Casey as she giggled in delight.

“What are you laughing at?" Olivia asked.

“Since Merida is spooning you, I told Tobias I'm forking you. Of course, he wants photos!"

“He wants photos?” Merida chided. "Give me your phone. I’ll give him a photo!"

The friends descended into giggles as they recalled stories, blissfully unaware of their less-than-perfect surroundings. By the time they finally fell asleep, daw was already starting to break, and before they knew it, Merida's alarm went off.

Casey groaned as she snuggled closer to Olivia. "Can we delay getting up for a few more minutes, please?"

"I'm with Casey," Olivia mumbled, resting her head on Merida's shoulder.

Merida shook her head with a grin. "Fine," she said, setting the alarm for fifteen minutes later and then getting back under the cover with her friends. "This is actually kind of nice."

Olivia nodded. "Yeah, I think so too."

"Best road trip ever," Casey yawned. "Now, back to sleep!"

@choicesficwriterscreations @openheartfanfics

Tagging others separately.

[choicesficwriterscreations]

CFWC Holidays 2022 (2) Weeks 4 through 6

EVENT POST EVENT PROMPTS PRIZE WINNER

🖤 = Adult Content/18+ 🔥 = NSFW/18+ Only

🎄 Week 4 🎅 Week 5 🍾 Week 6 This is the second and final masterlist for our Holiday 2022 event. Thank you to everyone who made this such a successful event. Our fandom is so blessed to have so many wonderful and talented creators who are willing to give so much of themselves for all to share. Thank you for participating, and here is to a wonderful 2023 for all!

IT LIVES IN THE WOODS

Childhood Memories | Lincoln McQuoid x nb!mc - @aallotarenunelma 🍾

White Blanket | Dan PIerce x F!MC - @aallotarenunelma 🎄

OPEN HEART

A Special Gift | Ethan Ramsey x F!MC - @genevievemd 🎄

Christmas Tree Traditions | Ethan Ramsey x F!MC - @liaromancewriter 🎅

Countdown | Ethan Ramsey x F!MC - @potionsprefect 🎅

Delayed | Ethan Ramsey x F!MC - @socalwriterbee 🎄

For His Girls | Tobias Carrick x F!MC - @jerzwriter 🎅

Just a Little Faith | Tobias Carrick x F!MC - @jerzwriter 🎄

Kiss Me at Midnight | Sienna Trinh x F!MC - @liaromancewriter 🎅

Merry Christmas | Ethan Ramsey x F!MC - @tveitertotwrites 🎅

Merry Christmas, Rookie | Ethan Ramsey x F!MC - @cariantha 🎄

Mistletoe Magic - @headoverheelsforramsey 🍾

New Year, Same Us - @heauxplesslydevoted 🍾

Peppermint Lattes | Ethan Ramsey x F!MC - @alwaysmychoices 🎄

Santa Baby | Sienna Trinh x M!OC - @liaromancewriter 🎄

Snowy Thoughts - @genevievemd 🍾

The Best Present | Ethan Ramsey x F!MC - @potionsprefect 🎄

The Nightmare Before Christmas | Ethan Ramsey, Sienna Trinh - @ofmischiefandmedicine 🎄

The Very First Christmas | Ethan Ramsey, others - @cryomyst 🎅

Ugly Sweater | Ethan Ramsey x F!MC - @jamespotterthefirst 🎄

Under the Mistletoe | Bryce Lahela x F!OC - @peonierose 🎄

Your Midnights | Ethan Ramsey x F!MC - @genevievemd 🎅

RED CARPET DIARIES

Reindeer Games | Thomas Hunt x F!OC - @theartoflovingthomashunt 🎅

THE ROYAL ROMANCE

1000 Words | Liam Rys x MC - @dcbbw 🎅

Christmas in Cordonia (Series) | Liam Rys x MC - @sfb123 Part 4 🎄

Christmas Traditions 2 | Liam Rys x MC & Others - @tessa-liam 🔥🎄

Holiday Vibes | Liam Rys x MC - @bebepac 🎄

Home for Christmas | Liam Rys x MC - @angelasscribbles 🎄

It's Fall Y'all | Drake Walker x Olivia Nevrakis - @twinkleallnight 🎄

The Christmas Card | Liam Rys x Madeline, Liam Rys x MC - @alj4890 🎄

Winter Wonderland | Drake Walker x MC - @angelasscribbles🎄

WAKE THE DEAD

Something New | Eli Sipes x f!MC - @trappedinfanfiction 🍾

CROSSOVERS

Blades of Light & Shadow / The Royal Romance

That December Night (Series) | Nia Ellarious x Oliva Nevrakis - @aallotarenunelma Chapter 4: Melted Worries 🎅

Red Carpet Diaries / Desire & Decorum

History Hates Lovers | Thomas Hunt x F!MC, Anabelle Parsons x F!MC - @peonyblossom

[dustedmagazine]

Gaadge — Somewhere Down Below (Crafted Sounds)

Photo by Eric Stevens

Somewhere Down Below by Gaadge

Gaadge has the Swirlies’ trick of slipping slight, vulnerable wobbles of melody in a surging onslaught of guitar noise, so that you grab onto the song part as you submerge, gloriously, in overwhelming, overdriven textures of sound. This third full-length from the Pittsburgh four piece buries catchy pop in distortion-swollen currents, the noise and the hook living right next to each other, ready to fight.

The band has two guitarists. Mitch Delong, who also sings and writes most of the songs, strums and slashes while Andy Yadeski elicits the MBV-ish howl and drone. The drummer Ethan Oliva hits hard as he can go, arms ricocheting to chest level as he knocks out chaotic beats. The bass, played by Nick Boston, spills out in a viscous sludge of noise and dissonance; if you get pulled under, it’s the bass that will catch you by the feet and suck you down into the murk.

“Komarov” lets the roar prevail, its drifting choruses socked in by feedback surges and a continuous earthquake of drums. It’s over fast — in 1:44 to be exact — but leaves a crater in its wake. “Strok” which follows just after is, by contrast, nearly jangle pop, its keening melody punctuated but not swamped by stinging strums.  The best, most elegant stab at pop comes in “Don’t Go There,” with its sly, shout-out melody and ornately twining guitars; you’ll hear a bit of Guided by Voices, a bit of Honey Radar in its quick hit of tunefulness. There’s an element of shoegaze in Gaadge’s rainbow arcing noise, too, best heard on “Mundy’s Highlight,” which will give you a flash of Swervedriver in its sweet, lyrical chaos.

You could draw all sorts of lines to the Ovlov family of bands (Stove, Pet Fox, actual Ovlov), in the way the music buoys while the noise takes on a physical, body-moving presence. When we listen to rock music, we want to be moved, but we also want to be obliterated, and Gaadge does both very well.

Jennifer Kelly

[katarhol5]

Assault on Arkham (2014)

This film is directed by Jay Oliva and Ethan Spaulding. Set in the Arkham games universe, we see Batman as he takes on the Suicide Squad. Batman rescues the Riddler from some shady black OPs ordered by Amanda Waller for A.R.G.U.S. thus placing him back into Arkham Asylum. Waller activates Task Force X composed of Deadshot, Captain Boomerang, Killer Frost, King Shark, the KGBeast, Black Spider and Harley Quinn for a suicide mission to Gotham looking for the Riddler's cane with some vital information on the squad. The KGBeast was the first casualty when his head exploded as a sample. The Squad went to the Ice Berg Lounge where they met the Penguin and get them some equipment needed. The squad then went to Arkham Asylum where the Joker went wild upon seeing Harley Quinn. Let's just say all hell breaks loose. The Riddler helped the squad to get rid of their explosive device except for King Shark who's tough skin didn't do the trick to deactivate the bomb. Batman tried to get the Joker and somehow disappeared after he seemingly crashed to his death.

Animation is top notch and the writing is action packed. The Joker vs Deadshot vs Batman was a highlight although Harley Quinn and Deadshot's bed scene is more engaging. All in all, the film is what the live version of Suicide Squad could have been. I really enjoyed the film just like the first time I watched it all those years ago.

[storyofmychoices]

how would Oliva and Ellie respond if they found out a nurse was making tiktoks about their paitents? what about Ethan and Bryce?

ooo this is such an interesting ask. I'm assuming these are negative TikToks and/or ones made without the patient's consent?

Olivia would be so upset and would be genuinely hurt. She would confront the person and tell them to stop and express her disappointment. She would also report them because her patients are all children so being minors makes it even worse. She is like a mama bear and overprotective of each and everyone of her patients.

That being said, Olivia's patients may ask her to participate in their TikToks, especially for dances. Olivia loves dancing and always makes her patients laugh and helps them feel good about themselves. But these videos are always with the patient's and parents' consent and are positive and uplifting.

Bryce would confront the person. It would start more as a, "are you kidding me" with this kind of lighthearted disappointment. Depending on if it was a one time thing and the person felt bad or if it was reoccurring would depend on how the tone in the rest of the conversation went. He would probably make it known what the person did so everyone could be on the look out to make sure it didn't happen again. Though if it happened to one of Liv's patients he would have zero chill about it.

Ellie would be disappointed in the lack of professionalism. She would request the person stop and if they do it again she would report them. However, being the rule follower she is, she would probably report the infraction to Ethan (asking him not to say anything yet) and/or write out a report but not submit it until the incident happened again.

Ethan would report it immediately. He already dislikes social media so he has zero patience for that sort of thing.

This was a fun ask. Thanks so much for it! ❤️❤️❤️

[crossover-enthusiast]

Ethan and Oliva don't know why Griem hates them so much other than the whole vampire thing.

At this point it's become pride and selfworth to him, he thinks they are teasing him and trying to break him down to kill him. They're just nice and trying to see what the hell is wrong with him

Does he eventually come around or is it always "grr bark bark anger"

[hiddenwashington]

anonymous said : What characters would you guys like to see from Scream and Disney? Thanks!

our members would love to see randy meeks, liv mckenzie, mindy meeks martin, chad meeks martin, wes hicks, judy hicks, roman bridger, halle mcdaniel, oliva morris, anika kayoko, richie kirsh, ethan landry, quinn bailey, danny bracket, or cristina carpenter from the scream movies, as well as audrey jensen, will belmont, kieran wilcox, piper shaw, gustavo acosta, zoe vaughn, eli hudson from scream tv and from disney : chad, zeke (hsm), sarah hawkins, silver, morph, dr doppler, captain amelia (treasure planet), cheshire cat, mad hatter, queen of hearts, margaret kingsleigh, jabberwocky (alice in wonderland), prince eric, ariel, ariel’s sisters (little mermaid), toulouse, duchess, tomas o’malley (the aristocats), buzz lightyear (toy story), robert parr, jackjack parr (the incredibles), buster, scamp (lady and the tramp 2), jim/tim (kim possible), any of hans’ brothers (frozen) jane, jay, jordan, anthony tremaine, gil (descendants) would all be very much wanted!

[nofatclips]

Whirl by Gaadge from the EP Other Demos

[soon-fm]

Song of the Day: Oh Wonder - Gaadge

Released: 2023

Genre(s): shoegaze, alt rock, noise pop

Origin: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Monthly listeners: 8,323

Gaadge is a music project started in Erie, PA in 2014 by Mitch DeLong. Since then, various members have played live shows and helped record material. Gaadge is now based in Pittsburgh, PA with a lineup of DeLong, Ethan Oliva, Nick Boston, and Andy Yadeski.

[ulkaralakbarova]

Both dumped by their girlfriends, two best friends seek refuge in the local mall. Eventually, they decide to try and win back their significant others and take care of their respective nemeses. Credits: TheMovieDb. Film Cast: Rene: Shannen Doherty T.S. Quint: Jeremy London Brodie: Jason Lee Brandi: Claire Forlani Shannon: Ben Affleck Gwen: Joey Lauren Adams Tricia: Renée Humphrey Silent Bob: Kevin Smith Jay: Jason Mewes Willam: Ethan Suplee Stan Lee: Stan Lee Ivannah: Priscilla Barnes Svenning: Michael Rooker La Fours: Sven-Ole Thorsen Security Guard: Carol Banker Arresting Cop #2: Steven Blackwell Pull Toy Kid: Kyle Boe TV Executive #1: David Brinkley Fan Boy: Walt Flanagan Guy Contestant #1: Ethan Flower Girl with Easter Bunny: Chelsea Frye TV Executive #2 – Bentley Garrison: Jeff Gadbois Guy Contestant #2: Ed Hapstak Cop #1: Terry Hempleman Game Show Host: Art James Steve Dave: Bryan Johnson Child at Kiosk #2: Mikey Kovar Fan at Comic Store: David Klein Roddy: Scott Mosier Saleslady at Lingerie Store: Crystal Muirhead-Manik Kid at Poster Kiosk: Tyson Nassauer Gill: Brian O’Halloran Passerby in Parking Lot: Aaron Preusse Child at Kiosk #1: Britt Swenson Teacher: Mary Woolever Team La Fours: Brad Fox Team La Fours: Gino Gori Team La Fours: Zach Perkins Team La Fours: Brad Giddings Team La Fours: Bryce Mack Team La Fours: Christopher O’Larkin Audience Member (uncredited): Earl R. Burt Shopper (uncredited): Tammara Melloy Screaming Girl in Audience (uncredited): Rachel Oliva Shoobie Shake Girl (uncredited): Jessica Sibinski Comic Book Fan (uncredited): Joel Thingvall Film Crew: Supervising Sound Editor: Richard LeGrand Jr. Producer: Sean Daniel Producer: James Jacks Thanks: John Hughes Supervising Music Editor: J.J. George Casting: Don Phillips Writer: Kevin Smith Stunts: Phil Chong Producer: Scott Mosier Stunts: Sven-Ole Thorsen Stunt Coordinator: Robert Apisa Director of Photography: David Klein Original Music Composer: Ira Newborn Editor: Paul Dixon Production Design: Dina Lipton Executive Producer: Caldecot Chubb ADR Mixer: Alan Holly Set Decoration: Diana Stoughton Line Producer: Laura Greenlee Stunts: Chuck Zito Production Supervisor: Beth DePatie Post Production Supervisor: Terra Abroms Foley Artist: Joan Rowe Stunts: Carl Ciarfalio Sound Effects Editor: Charles Maynes ADR Editor: Bob McNabb Makeup Artist: Toni G Main Title Designer: Mike Allred Executive In Charge Of Production: Donna Smith First Assistant Director: Fernando Altschul Stunts: Eric D. Howell Casting Assistant: Ethan Flower Script Supervisor: Carol Banker Second Assistant Director: Louis Shaw Milito Sound Re-Recording Mixer: Michael C. Casper Set Costumer: Roseanne Fiedler Costume Supervisor: Dana Kay Hart Foley Artist: Diane Marshall Sound Re-Recording Mixer: Daniel J. Leahy Location Manager: Ralph B. Meyer Sound Designer: Harry E. Snodgrass Key Makeup Artist: Brigette A. Myre Foley Mixer: James Bolt Sound Editor: William Hooper Sound Recordist: Charlie Ajar Jr. Sound Editor: William Jacobs Costume Design: Dana Allyson Music Supervisor: Kathy Nelson Color Timer: Dennis McNeill Title Designer: Dan Perri Orchestrator: Don Nemitz Stunts: Jake Crawford Prosthetic Makeup Artist: Crist Ballas Supervising ADR Editor: Norval D. Crutcher III Assistant Sound Editor: Samuel Webb Negative Cutter: Gary Burritt Assistant Sound Editor: Michelle Pleis Boom Operator: Anton Herbert Production Coordinator: Lisa Bradley Music Supervisor: Jeff Saltzman First Assistant Editor: Richard J. Rossi Location Manager: Bob Medcraft Art Direction: Sue Savage Cableman: Matthew Magrattan Second Second Assistant Director: Shari Nicotero Assistant Editor: Paul Kieran Hairstylist: Sherry Heart Sound Mixer: Jose Araujo Casting Associate: Dee Dee Wehle Assistant Editor: Elisa Cohen Hair Assistant: Kristin Mosier Movie Reviews: JPV852: Only the second time seeing this (last was probably in the early 2000s on DVD) and thought it was okay but guess like others, this has grown on me. Laughed throughout even when the dialogue wasn’t the greatest, but I have an appreciation...

[jerzwriter]

Book: Open Heart Characters: Tobias, Merida Rating: Teen Words: Approx. 1100 Summary: When Merida receives startling news, she hunts down the source to get answers. And he better hope he has the right ones. A/N: So, whenever we have our little "MOC" (Merida-Oliva-Casey) world stories, I always feel like Merida and Tobias have their own special friendship, their own little vibe. After the two tag-teamed trolling Ethan again in the last fic, I wanted to explore their dynamic a little more. An idea popped into my head, and I thought it would be fun. @lilyoffandoms (to whom the incredible Merida belongs), this one is for you.

Merida stepped out of Edenbrook onto Boston’s busy streets with fire in her eyes. Ethan hadn’t realized he was setting the stunning resident off on a mission when he innocently uttered five words.

“I ran into Tobias at Derry’s...”  The unflappable doctor was brought to silence with just one stare. “Did I say something wrong?”

“Derry’s? He’s there now?”

“Yes, he...”

But Merida had already turned on her heel, waving off any further attempts at communication.

“I’ll be back," she muttered as she stomped out of the office and whisked down the hall... heaven help any fool who considered getting in her way. Derry’s was a fifteen-minute walk when strolling at a comfortable pace. But there was nothing comfortable about the way Merida’s designer heels carried her took double steps today, marching single-mindedly toward her target.

She pushed the coffee shop's door open with a brusque thrust, her eyes searching the crowded room for her prey. They narrowed with wicked delight when he was spotted. Mindlessly scrolling through his phone in the back of the cafe, Tobias was blissfully unaware that the sharp cadence of stilettos on the hardwood floor was heading directly for him. But there was no mistaking his friend’s presence when her well-manicured hand smacked the back of his head.

“Ow!” He startled, turning to see who the assailant was, but Merida had already claimed a seat on the other side of the table. Arms crossed in defiance, her demeanor demanded answers before she uttered a word.

“Mer?” he perplexed. “What the hell?”

“What?” she scoffed. Didn’t think it was me? Where did your mind go? A bitter ex? Perhaps a one-night stand you walked out on while they slept?”

Tobias shook his aching head with a gentle snort. “Maybe at one time... but not now. So, care to tell me what’s up before I file assault charges?”

“You’re dating her? For real, you're dating her?”

Tobias brought the coffee mug to his smirking lips, taking an exaggerated sip before fixing his eyes on Merida’s.

“Good news travels fast, I see.”

“Tobias, what the fuck? How could you?”

“How could I what? Date Casey? I thought you’d be thrilled.”

“Thrilled?”

“Yeah. I mean, she’s your best friend… I’m your friend. Honestly, I don’t know why you didn’t suggest this sooner. It’s perfect! Now, you don't have to worry about not liking whoever we end up with. We can have movie nights, go on double dates…I’m not seeing the bad part here.”

“The bad part is you’re my friend. Which means you’ve confided in me. Which means I know your track record. And no judgment from me, you should unabashedly do you... or whoever the hell else you want to do... but... Casey? She's over the moon happy thinking this is real, and if you fuck her over... so help me, I’ll kill you.”

Tobias leaned closer, hoping to assuage his friend. “Look, Mer... Casey is...”

“Casey’s incredible!” She jumped in. “I know! I don’t blame you for wanting her. But what happens when you go your usual week and a half and then tire of her? I’m telling you now, I’ll be taking her side, not yours... and that will be the end of this beautiful friendship.”

Tobias sat back defensively. “And what makes you think I’ll tire of her in a week and a half?”

 “Please, Carrick,” Merida mocked. “I know you. What’s your record, two weeks? Three tops?”

“Actually, wiseass, I’ve gone a whole month in the past.”

“Wow! I stand corrected!” Dropping her shoulders, Merida let out a cleansing sigh, continuing with a softer approach. “Seriously, Tobias. The two of you mean so much to me... did you have to date her? I mean, we all work together?”

“Oh!” He barked. “OK, and you and Ramsey, don’t?”

“That’s different!”

“Different, how?”

“Can we circle back to your illustrious reputation when it comes to matters of the heart... and groin?”

“You know, I’m hurt, Mer,” he replied, and she couldn’t tell if he was being serious. “You know me better than most; I thought you knew I’m more than that.”

“I do,” she empathized. “But let’s be honest... you’re that, too. And look, Casey’s a big girl; I know she can take care of herself. If she wants a ride on the Tobias train, so be it. But you had to see her when she told me. She had "that look". She's so happy, and when this inevitably ends, I don’t want our whole friend group to be in tatters.”

Tobias was grinning from ear to ear. “She had “that look”, huh?”

“Can you focus!”

“I am. But who says it’s ending?” He broke off a piece of his bagel, casually popping it in his mouth with an impish smile. “I’m not as stupid as I look. Casey and I knew that if we got together and things didn’t go well, the damage could reverberate beyond us, and neither of us wanted that. That’s why we decided to keep our relationship on the down low until we were sure, and now that we are...”

“Wait just a second,” she cut in. “What?”

“We’ve been dating for months. Casey’s not some conquest, and you know I don’t play games... I love her, Mer... and for some crazy reason, she loves me back. This is the real thing.”

Tobias had to stop himself from laughing as an astonished Merida sunk back into her chair, hand reaching up to cover her gaping mouth.

“Come to think of it, neither of you have told me about any dates or hotties you spotted at the bar for at least...” she counted back in her head.

“For at least four months. Yeah, that’s when we started seeing each other. Honestly, I’m a little disappointed in you, pal. A diagnostician as good as you should have picked up on this.”

As she reached over the table to playfully smack her friend, she noted the sincerity in his eyes. Tobias Carrick could easily fool many, but never Merida. She could read him like a book.

“You’re really serious. You love Casey?”

“I’m freaking crazy about her."

Jumping from her seat, she rounded the table to give Tobias a hug. “Oh my God! You and Casey! My bestie and my dear friend! My bestie and my boyfriend's bestie... are in love!”

“Yeah, pretty wild, right? Does this make us, like, metamours or something?”

Merida shot him a sarcastic look. “I don’t know. Are you and Ethan fucking without my knowledge?”

“No, we're not,” Tobias laughed. “I guess you’re right. I mean, just to confirm, you’re not sleeping with Casey either, right?"

“Babe, please!” Merida snorted. “If Casey and I had gone that route, I assure you, you would never have been a consideration."

“Of that, I have no doubt. So, do you feel better now?”

“A little,” she grinned. “But you should buy me breakfast for the mental duress you’ve caused me, at the beginning of the day, no less!”

“ME! You should be picking up my tab so I don't file assault charges on you!"

“Tobias, if I had intended to assault you, you'd be sitting in the ER by now."

“So,” Tobias winked. “We good?”

“We’re better than good. This is so exciting! Does Ethan know yet?"

"No, I was going to tell him today."

"Great! Because we're going on a double date this weekend. I’ll make all the arrangements.”

“Do you seriously think he’s ready for that?”

“Oh, hell no. But the man will have to acclimate.” 

@choicesficwriterscreations @openheartfanfics

Tagging others separately.

[tctmp]

Batman: Assault on Arkham: Directed by Jay Oliva, Ethan Spaulding. With Kevin Conroy, Neal McDonough, Hynden Walch, Matthew Gray Gubler. Batman works desperately to find a bomb planted by the Joker while Amanda Waller hires her newly formed Suicide Squad to break into Arkham Asylum to recover vital information stolen by the Riddler.

[screamingforyears]

IN A MINUTE: // A BUZZ_BIN EXPRESS…

“CANDY COLORED” is the final single in the run-up to @gaadge_pgh’s forthcoming LP titled ‘Somewhere Down Below’ (8/4 @craftedsounds @michitapes) & it finds Pittsburgh-based multi-instrumentalists/telephonic quartet of Mitch Delong, Nick Boston, Ethan Oliva & Andy Yadeski bringing the noisily drowsed goods across an economic 1:53 clip of guitar-driven GrungeGaze. “SUMMERSLAM” (@explodinginsound) is a brand new standalone single from @jobbertheband & it finds the Brooklyn-based quartet of Kate Meizner (guitar/vocals), Michael Julius (guitar/keys) Miles Toth (bass) & Mike Falcone (drums/vocals) bringing their “disgraced rock n roll band” vibes across 5 mins of greasily swole, six-string laden & jabroni ass PostGrunge. @lostfilmband are here w/ “BIG TALK,” the second single from their forthcoming LP titled ‘Keep It Together’ (9/15 @reliefmaprecords) & it finds Jim Hewitt’s Easthampton, Mass-based project adding to your endless summer bummer playlist while breezily jangling their way across a 3:20 clip of college_rawking GuitarPop.

////

TRACKS STREAMING BELOW...