#hey its exactly 30 yay^-^ cute | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

doyumacy · 4 years ago

Text

FALLOUT |LH| TWELVE (FINALE)

*gif not mine

PAIRING: donghyuck x reader bodyguard!donghyuck

WARNINGS: mentions of jaemin taeyong. swearing, major character death, gunshot wound, blood mentioned, grieving

WORD COUNT: 4,6K

ONE TWO THREE FOUR FIVE SIX SEVEN EIGHT NINE TEN ELEVEN

You groaned as, once again, you awoke sick for the fourth day.

It had been impossible to keep your breakfast down of late, and more often than not you spent most of the morning with your head in a bucket. You blamed the one week old pizza you had a week before.

That morning, Donghyuck made you your favourite breakfast before leaving with Jeno and you couldn't even have a bite. You were going to throw up again.

“Love, did I leave my phone here? I can't find it anywhere…” You heard him.

Another wave of nausea caught you, and you threw your head into the toilet. You coughed, tears in your eyes as the voice got closer. The dry heaving was almost more unpleasant than the vomiting, you lamented, leaving your throat sore and your voice hoarse.

“I am not dressed yet!” You called, not technically lying, as your pajamas clung to your body with sweat.

“I think we are past all that,” he laughed, pushing the door open.

You adjusted your pajasm as he searched, sensing the rush he was in from his near ignoring of you. "I swear I left it here before I took a shower."

He finally found it atop the mantlepiece, and turned to make a comment on it, when he noticed your appearance.

“Good god, are you okay?”

“Fine. A little nauseous, is all.”

He rushed over to you

“I think I have the stomach flu, perhaps. Stay back.”

“I likely already have it, if it is that,” he smiled. “So there is no further harm.”

"Seriously," you whined. "I don't want you to get sick."

"Are you sure you're okay? You look palid," he cupped your face.

You nodded. "Go. Jeno must be waiting for you."

Donghyuck sighed and placed a kiss on your forehead. "If by tomorrow you don't look better I'm taking you to the hospital, okay?"

"Yes, sir."

Your body ached, more so than when you were PMSing. But not every month was the same, so you thought the pill was doing its secondary effects. You grabbed your birth control pill case and before taking it, you checked your last case and realised you missed a few. You cursed.

You stared at the rows upon rows of pregnancy tests. Did women actually know which one to take? Was it common knowledge knowing which one was the best? You sighed and rubbed your eyes. You were probably overreacting. You grabbed the pink one off the shelf. It wasn’t the cheapest one, but it was a brand you remembered from commercials. You stopped by the snack stand and picked up a bar of your peanut butter and chocolate. You always hated peanut butter. Shit. You dropped the bar chocolate and sat down on the counter. The woman at the checkout rang them through and gave you the total.

You held up your bank card, “Credit.”

She nodded and pressed the button. You inserted the card into the machine, went through the motions of inputting your password and checking the account type.

“Would you like a bag?” The woman asked as you waited for the transaction to clear.

You shook your head, “No thank you.”

She handed you the two items and the receipt. You dropped them down into your purse. You exited the drug store and stood on the street corner for a minute. You couldn’t do this alone. You needed some guidance. You pulled your phone out of your pocket and texted Lena.

Can I call you? You pressed send and began walking home.

You recounted the last few times you and Donghyuck had sex. You ran your fingers through your hair, so many times. Your phone rang in your hand and Lena's caller ID showed up.

You smiled, “Hey girl.”

“You’re pregnant, aren’t you?” She cut right to the chase.

You thought about lying, just to spite her but you two knew each other so well that it wasn’t a surprise that she’d picked up on your worries early on.

“I bought a test.” You explained.

She squealed into the phone and you had to pull it away while she freaked out. You laughed at her reaction. Your nerves settle the tiniest bit. She already had Minah. She knew exactly what to expect. You unlocked your front door and lined it for the couch.

“Ok.” She settled in as you entered your house, “Take the test right now.”

You shook your head, “Isn’t it better to take it in the morning? I swear I heard that somewhere before.”

“Pff if you’re pregnant it doesn’t matter what time of day you take the test.” She explained.

You rolled your eyes, of course she knew best, she was a doctor and a mom after all.

“How am I supposed to pee on a stick and hold the phone at the same time?” You joked.

You heard a door shut on her end, “Put the phone down, pee on the stick and come back.”

You groaned. What if you really were pregnant? You were happy but scared at the same time. This wasn’t something you’ve ever had to deal with.

“Alright.” You said.

You placed the phone down on the table and pulled the test out of your purse. You went into the bathroom, ripped the box open, ignored the instructions and made sure that the bristles were in place. You frowned, this was almost as awkward as peeing in a cup. A shiver ran down your spine as you felt weird about the whole thing. Lena was willingly waiting for you to pee on a stick. You set the test on the corner of the sink, finished your business and pulled up your pants. You pushed the cap over the bristled part of the test and then washed your hands. You grabbed the instructions and test as you went back to the living room. You glanced at the clock. It was only 10:30 in the morning. Donghyuck wouldn’t be home for another few hours.

You picked up the phone, “It’s done.”

“Yay!” Lena laughed. “Have you thought about how you’re going to tell Donghyuck?”

You shrugged, “No. I don’t even know if this is real yet. I could just be overreacting.”

“You wouldn’t have called me if you thought this was a false alarm.” She stated.

You groaned, “Ugh.”

Why was she always right? She laughed again. She distracted you with mindless prattle while you waited the three minutes for the test to finish. You left it sitting on the coffee table, upside down because you still didn’t know if you were prepared for the outcome.

“Three minutes.” Lena announced.

You took a deep breath and gingerly picked up the test. You flipped it over and creased your eyebrows in confusion.

“Uh – it has one solid line and one really faint one.” You told her.

You pulled out the instructions pamphlet and began scanning through. It mentioned that two solid lines mean pregnant but it made no mention of a solid first line and faint second one. Were all the tests this finicky?

“That’s exactly what it looked like when I was pregnant with Minah.” She advised.

You shook your head, “This doesn’t make any sense. The booklet distinctly says that you have to have two solid lines. Not one solid and one barely there.”

She chuckled at your denial, “Y/N you’re pregnant.”

“That’s not what the booklet says!” You fought back.

“You’re pregnant.” Lena said again.

You paused and then all the excitement of being pregnant caught up with you. Tears formed at your eyes.

“I’m pregnant.” You whispered. “I'm pregnant!” You screamed. “Oh my god. Oh my god! How am I going to tell Hyuck?"

“Do something cute, like put the test in a pan and put the pan in the oven.” Lena offered, “Symbolically tell him you have a ‘bun in the oven.’”

You burst into laughter, “Isn’t that sort of stuff reserved for people planning on these things? This wasn’t exactly on our list of to-dos.”

You both broke into giggles. This was absurd and exhilarating all at once. You never expected to ever be a parent. It wasn’t something you thought you had in you. Now that you were pregnant, and with Donghyuck, you’d never felt more ready. The two of you could do this.

You took a deep breath and then blew it out through tight lips, “He’s not going to be home until after 7. I can’t wait that long.”

“Mull it over. He loves you, remember that.” She gave me a minor pep talk, “Oh, and guys handle these things differently. Don’t forget that.”

You nodded, “Alright. Thanks Lena.”

“No problem. You have to call me and tell me how he reacts.” She demanded.

I laughed at her, “I will.”

“Alright girl, I’ve got to go. I’ve been paged five times now.” She spoke swiftly and then hung up.

You dropped your phone down onto the coffee table and turned the TV on. You had no idea how you were going to tell Donghyuck. This was definitely not something either of you had talked about.

(...)

He’d been home for at least an hour now. The two of you were just sitting on the couch, watching TV. You couldn’t concentrate on the show because there was so much going on in your mind. Your face was hot and a blush was covering your entire body. You had no idea why but you felt embarrassed. You hadn’t even said or done anything yet. The tension in your body was building and you were starting to freak out. What if he had a horrible reaction? You never did talk about this. It wasn’t in the plans. Shit! You needed to get out of your head. You couldn’t start making things up. He didn’t even know yet. You tucked your feet underneath you and cradled the throw cushion into your stomach. You felt safer, almost like you were hiding your secret.

“Baby…” You murmured.

He glanced over at you, “Yeah.”

“We need to talk.” You said, immediately regretting your choice of words.

Now he probably thought you were breaking up with him. How did other people do this? This was the hardest conversation you’d ever had to have in your life. He raised an eyebrow at you, waiting for you to speak. You opened your mouth but stopped. You didn’t know what to say. Your heart was thudding in your chest and the adrenaline soared through your body.

"(Y/N)?" Donghyuck kept staring at you. "What is it?"

"Uhm..." you scratched the back of your neck. "I, I don't want to eat shrimp in our wedding."

He stared at you for a couple of seconds. "That is it?" You nodded, swallowing. "Baby, we can eat whatever we want in our wedding."

You hated yourself for lying to him. "I just... heard you say to Jeno you really love shrimp and I don't, so..."

"I don't really mind, love," he pecked you. "If you want to have tacos, then we'll have tacos."

You smiled. "Okay."

"Okay." He kissed you.

You couldn’t do it. You were too nervous.

(...)

You were all together in the cabin you rented, sitting around the coffee table filled with food and drinks.

“So, when's the wedding?” Jaemin asked, having a sip of his beer.

“Uh we still haven't set a date, but I hope it's soon,” Donghyuck replied and smiled.

“Hurry up before my baby bump starts showing!” Lena laughed. "And others things too." She glanced at you. You ignored her.

“Are you pregnant again?” Taeyong looked at her.

She nodded. "Yup, baby number two is coming next winter."

"Hey, congrats," Jaemin smiled. "I bet Hoseok is thrilled."

"He is, he wants twins," Lena rolled his eyes. "As if one wasn't enough."

Donghyuck giggled. "I'd love to have twins one day."

"You see, (Y/N)? Give him babies soon!" Lena smiled.

You rolled your eyes and Donghyuck put an arm around your shoulder. "We'll have kids as soon as we get married."

"You don't even hate a date yet," Jaemin mocked him.

You didn't know when Jaemin and Donghyuck became so close that they would bicker jokingly so often. And you found it funny, but that day you were nervous because you had to tell him you were pregnant. He deserved to know.

Taeyong tilted his head to the side, examining you. You looked different, your body seemed different. And the way you wouldn't look Donghyuck in the eye he could tell you were hiding something.

Then he knew. You were pregnant.

Later that night, you were doing the dishes when Taeyong showed up in the kitchen. He smiled at you as he poured some water in a glass. He stood next to you, leaning against the counter. “How long are you?”

“Excuse me?” You looked at him.

He cocked his head cutely, smiling. “If I’m not wrong you’re pregnant, right?”

You sighed and nodded. “How did you know? Did Lena tell you? I’m gonna kill her.” You hissed.

Taeyong chuckled and shook his head. “I had a slight suspicion since the last time I saw you.”

You pressed your lips together. “6 weeks.”

“And… are we happy?” He rested his hand on yours.

“I am, I’m just nervous,” you let out an awe sigh. “I know he’s gonna be all happy, but still, it’s unexpected.”

“You’ll be fine.” Taeyong assured you. “Everything will be fine.”

“Promise?”

“When have I ever lied to you?” He cocked an eyebrow.

You giggled. “Never.”

“See?” Taeyong smiled. “Come here.” He pulled you close to him and hugged you. “I’ll always be by your side.”

(...)

“What are we going to do tomorrow?” Jaemin asked.

Donghyuck's eyes lit up, “There are several things we could do, how physical would we like to get?”

There was an extremely varied pool of answers. Jaemin and Donghyuck wanted it to be as extreme as they could get. You seemed anxious about what ‘physical’ would entail as physical usually also corresponded with danger.

Taeyong thought for a moment before recommending, “Why don’t we go down to the lake? It can be as low key or high key as people want, and there are some very pretty places nearby if people would not like to participate in the lake.”

Jaemin nodded, “Sounds fine to me.”

Lena whispered something to you and when they nodded Donghyuck's eyes lit up, “we're in as well.”

The next morning , you decided to make sandwiches for your trip later in the day while everyone cleaned up from breakfast, and then everyone left to go get dressed. Donghyuck put on their bathing suit underneath so he could easily change in and out of it, and grabbed their pair of sunglasses. He went out to the main area of the cabin to gather up the towels.

Taeyong arrived a few moments later, he had a sunhat on with round black sunglasses on. "Is everyone ready?"

Jaemin nodded. "We better go!"

The walk down to the lake was surprisingly calm, it was still morning and the birds were chirping, hidden in the trees, and the occasional butterfly would flutter across their path. The lake was stunning when you arrived. It was a large tranquil body of water which seemed to absorb the sun to show every possible shade of blue, and reflected it at just the right points so the ripples glinted and gleamed.

Donghyuck immediately tore off his shirt and sprinted for the dock as Jaemin and Taeyong followed him. Lena and you sat on the edge of the dock.

In the field there was laughter and joy, the three of them wove crowns and bracelets for each other.

"Why haven't you told him yet?" Lena queried.

You shrugged. "Becuase I'm dumb."

"Yeah, I know," she giggled. "You need to tell him before he realises it."

You sighed. "I'm gonna do it tonight."

She smiled. "Finally!"

"It's so cold." you said hugging yourself tighter.

Donghyuck grinned, scrunching his nose. "If you get in the water you'll get warm."

You rolled your eyes again. "You're not getting me into the lake."

Donghyuck pouted. "You sure, love?" He asked, batting his eyes.

You crossed your arms nodding your head. You didn't notice the way his arms snaked around your legs, having a slightly good hold on you. "I hoped you'd say that." Donghyuck had an evil smile on his face, causing you to look confused.

"I didn't say any- ahh!" Before you knew it, you were pulled into the lake.

When you broke to the surface Donghyuck was already waiting for you. You moved the hair from your face and glared at him. "Hyuck!" You yelled slamming your fists into the water. Donghyuck broke into a laughing fit. You glared at him, crossing your arms and turning away with a small 'Hmph!' Donghyuck was still laughing just a bit, before swimming up behind you. "Aw come on love, you can't be mad at me." He said wrapping his arms around your waist, resting his head on your shoulder. You weren't mad, but you wanted to tease him a bit. "Let go off of me."

"No," you felt him smile on your shoulder before he kissed it.

You giggled and rested your head on his shoulder. "I love you."

"I love you." He kissed your cheek. "I love you more than anything, you know?"

"I know," you smiled, caressing his arms . "But I like when you say it."

"I love you," he turned you and kissed you. "I can't wait for you to have my babies."

"Hyuck..." You looked at him. "You need to know something."

"What is it?" He stroked your cheek.

You opened your mouth but Jaemin called you two interrupted. You shook your head. "Let's go before he goes crazy. I'll tell you later."

"Alright, love."

(...)

"Please repeat again why did we need your private jet to come all the way here, Taeyong?" Lena questioned him.

"It was an 8 hour ride. I was not going to drive," He shrugged.

Jaemin laughed. "I could've drove."

"You're not the best at driving," you teased and everyone laughed.

"I'm gonna pretend you didn't say that," Jaemin rolled his eyes.

You all were in a suv on your way to the hangar where Taeyong's private jet was. You were coming back to the city after spending a few days out of town.

You didn't tell Donghyuck that you were pregnant since you weren't alone and when you have time for yourselves, he fell asleep. So you decided to tell him as soon as you two were home. It would be better.

After you arrived at the hangar destination, you got off of the car and grabbed your belongings. All of you went to the airstrip where the jet was already waiting for you. Everyone started to board the plane when Donghyuck let go off your hand. You looked at him. "I think I left my wallet in the car. I'll be right back."

"I'm gonna wait for you here," you say nicely.

He nodded and walked back in the hangar where the black suv was. He found his wallet underneath the pilot's seat and took it. He started walking towards the plane again and smiled when he saw you on the staircase. God, he was so in love with you.

A deafening sound echoed in his ears.

He blinked.

Donghyuck could you see running towards him - almost in slow motion - you were mouthing something and staring at him with fear, pain and… shock in your eyes.

Why were you shocked?

The right side of his chest felt sticky, and cold but warm in the middle. Weirdly warm. But it was not warm, it was hot and it hurt. Not like a punch. It was more like a pinch, that was blossoming into a cramp - a horrible, numbing cramp.

He was feeling light-headed and the cramp in his chest was getting worse. You were getting closer, but the distance between you two was considerable.

Another bang reached his ears a second later, it was loud, deafening, it made his ears ring. He stepped, no, stumbled to the side. Turning his head to see you, the look of acknowledgement and horror on your face.

He felt his blood on his hands, the heat and pain building up in his chest, the warmth of the sun seeping into his back. His knees gave way and he started falling backwards as his hand stretched out towards you.

His head hit the pavement with a startling thud and it felt strangely numb, he could hear you yelling for an ambulance. He blinked, closed his eyes for a second and suddenly you were there above him. You were cradling his face, saying something, tapping his face too hard.

"Hyuck!"

"-pen your eyes!"

"Come on Hyuck Please! Don't do this!"

"Babe, love, Donghyuck! You're okay, you're alright, you're gonna be fine. Please stay with me."

His back arched and he tried to curl onto his side and make the pain go away. His blood was still pouring out of him like a grotesque tap that couldn't be turned off.

"I-I love s-so m-uch. Y-you're t-the b-est t-thing t-that happened t-to m-me" He rambled.

"Don't do that. Don't say goodbye," you spoke, your voice cracking as a few stray tears fell from your eyes.

The blood that was coating his throat started clogging it instead and he couldn't breathe.

"You are going to be fin-" he choked

"It won't" You cut him off. "Hyuck, please. I'm pregnant, we're gonna have a kid. You're gonna be a dad. The best."

He tried to smile and looked at you weakly. "Take c-care o-of t-them, okay? I-I l-love yo-"

He was cut off by the blood in his throat that he coughed out onto his chin. The pain was spreading everywhere and numbing his brain.

And he took his last breath. He was smiling up at you.

“No. No! I’m not losing you! Donghyuck! I just got you! I'm not losing you! I’m not losing you… I’m not losing you.” You cried as you frantically shook him trying to bring him back to life but to no avail.

He was gone.

It wasn’t supposed to be like this. You were supposed to marry Donghyuck and raise your kid together. And two stray bullets weren't supposed to have struck in your fiancé's chest.

You weren't supposed to be trembling in front of the small white tombstone etched with the name Lee Donghyuck, but it was happening anyway.

You just wanted him to hold you; to tell you that everything happens for a reason, as he always did. You imagined him wrapping his arms around your waist like he always had, the way you now held yourself, alone.

Furiously wiping the tears from under your eyes,you began to make your way to your real destination from the graveyard. As you opened the door to the small doctor’s office, she gave you a soft sympathetic smile.

“Come on in, let’s see how your little bean is holding up.”

You nodded, sitting on the sturdy table for examinations in the back of the small office. You didn’t really notice the colors on the walls anymore, your eyes skipping over the medical tools meticulously lined up in the doctor’s preference of order.

You were four months along.

“Everything seems to be going well with the baby. But Y/N, you know that you need to eat more. It isn’t safe.”

Safe. That word didn’t seem real to you anymore.

“Are you hearing me? Please, I don’t like you living alone.”

You nodded. "I'll try."

(...)

Time went on. You were slowly running out of tears to cry around the eight month of your pregnancy. You still stopped by the graveyard to say hello to Donghyuck.

When she got back to your house, you found Taeyong parking outside. He had always been kind to you, respecting your space and distance.

“Hey you,” he greeted you smiling.

"Hi," you greeted back.

"I brought you some lunch."

You smiled politely. "Let 's go inside. I'm cold."

You got inside your house and went to the kitchen. Taeyong placed the food containers on the table. "How's the baby?"

"They're fine," you smirked. "Although I get heartburns very easily."

He nodded. "I'm glad you're doing better."

You sighed. "I'm... trying."

"And you know I'm here to help."

"I know."

You suddenly let out a low groan. He turned to you abruptly. “Are you okay, is the baby alright?” Taeyong, with a panicked look on his face.

“Umm, I think...I think I’m having contractions.”

It took a minute for this to process with him. "Okay, okay.. Okay, I'm gonna take you to the hospital? Okay?"

You nodded. "Is too soon, oh My God."

(...)

Taeyong ran his hand through his hair for what seemed like the millionth time as he paced in the waiting room.

He glanced down the hall where he knew your room was. He got called by a nurse. He went to your room and saw you connected to a lot of medical stuff and his heart ached.

You were in pain and when you saw him, you reached for his hand. Taeyong, grabbing your hand not even caring about your tight grip as he kissed your head, sweat be damned.

“(Y/N) ...it’s almost time for you to push, waiting any longer will mean an even greater risk for your baby.”

You nodded but let out a shuddering breath.

As nurses started coming into the room, he pressed another kiss to your head.

“You can do this.” He whispered.

Minutes later, you began to push.

He looked back at the baby girl. She was beautiful. And so small.

Taeyong looked up.

“She’s a fighter, just like his dad..”

Tears filled your eyes again.

Taeyong knew he wouldn't go anywhere, not since he had you all from himself and had gotten rid of Donghyuck.

He smiled, holding the baby. He was a dad.

Alternate ending is finally here !!

#donghyuck imagine #donghyuck x reader #donghyuck smut #nct imagine #NCT #nct haechan #haechan imagine #haechan smut #taeyong smut #jaemin smut

66 notes · View notes

gummybearzgocrazyagain · 5 years ago

Text

MALEC FIC REC POST, vol.3

vol. 1

vol.2

Media AU

Society Rules by @Tiger_Tiger_Burning_Bright [it is apparently based on films i’ve never heard of - The Philadelphia Story / High Society - which does not make it any less entertaining. malec are childhood friends, who had a falling out 5 years ago, and now Magnus is back from London to interrupt Lightwood wedding, aka the social event of the season]

Making my way to you by @asharee_arie [woah, what was that??? is the correct answer “a perfect fanfic”?? what a muthafuckin delight, where has this gem been hiding this whole time??? i was on the floor, rolling around and squealing like a newborn piglet. Intended as some kind of Office AU, this piece does not necessarily follow the outline, but who cares, when the story, and characters, and author’s style are all that perf??? i am in luv]

Mistletoe and Margaritas by @nevermetawolf [this is legendary, and i mean, muthafuckin epic - Office AU so authentic you’d feel it in yo old bones... author calls it a crack fic, although it was anything but!!! major must read for those, who’s ever loved office, allllllll the kudos]

Once Upon a Time in the Clouds by @Fatale (femme) [one of my all-time fav authors, every time i come by a piece i have not read yet, is like a huge YAY, what a talent. so this piece is an AU of something called “sky high”, which i have no idea about, but luved it nevertheless, Alec is born to a family of Supers, and is going to school for children with superpowers, but he himself is yet to manifest any.]

Quite Magical by @lorenzobane [Hogwarts AU, and what an adorable thing it was! granted, i’ve never actually read any of HP books, this was such a delight though... alec is bad at potions, and magnus has to tutor him *wink*]

Chef AU

the way to a chef’s heart by @lecrit [okay, the GIANT SMILE one’s face acquires when one finds out there is a new lecrit fic ≧◠‿◠≦ ≧◠‿◠≦ ≧◠‿◠≦ was reading it, and legitimately squealing like a feral piglet all the way through, cause i fucking luv every single word this woman writes, is like a tiny endorphin explosions in my brain. i know am a hopeless fangirl, but i’ll die on this hill. the way she gets malec, and every variation of them in her works just makes me go (❁´◡`❁) every. single. time.]

kids in the kitchen by @perpetual_journey [cuteness personified, malec are both chefs, and magnus is a single father of max and rafe, and go and read ittttttttt, its that soft content we all need in our lives sometimes]

Knives at the Ready by @harrysglasses [restaurant AU, that is supposed to be a malec rendition of Burnt (am guessing it’s a movie...?), and what a sweet treat it was! i liked author’s style, this is the kind of smooth, unproblematic content one would require to take repose from all the heart-clenching longing i’ve been reading lately... delightful piece to ease thy soul]

Single Parent AU

I Knew From the First Time by @KlaineJane [emmm, excuse you, dear author, who gave you the right to use Rafe and Max to get to my heart, and be generally so fucking cute??? Alec is a single dad of both rascals, that has a meeting with the High Warlock of Brooklyn, and Chairman meets new friends]

And Then I Met You by @everydayfandom [malec are single parents of max and rafe respectively, and alec gets called in to school about the accident max was involved in...who doesn’t luv them some gud ol’ sweet piece of kidfic? those are like a soothing baths for your soul, and lightwood-bane kids are incapable of being anything less than extremely adorable in any interpretation, so]

College AU

Don’t say goodnight by @alistoney [this the kinda lighthearted content i am always here for - College AU]

One year and a bottle of whiskey by @CryptidBane [yassssss, yet another version of the College AU, but with malec as both clueless and pining professors, this type of fic i can read endlessly]

All is Fair in Love and War by @LadyOxymoron [aaaaaaaa, what was this adorableness *major heart-eyes* what a piece, mashallah, college professors AU, where magnus is new in town, and malec is engaging in an elaborate prank war, which, undoubtedly, is nothing more than a prolonged foreplay (c), what a gem]

Canon Divergence

oh, i’ve waited for you by @manticoremoons [so, the fic is happening a little bit further in a timeline, than the books or the series, and Alec is around 30, and... married to Lydia. i know, i know, it almost stopped me from proceeding, and boi am i glad it hasn’t completely, cause it is a damn good piece!]

Hey There Demons, It’s Me (Your Dream Boyfriend) by @thealmostrhetoricalquestion [how many recs of this author can i make, without being deemed obsessed? cause y’all should go and read every single thing they wrote, stat. this adorableness is outta this world, literally - magnus’ summoning went sideways, and the loft ends up populated with the teenage ghost-demon, who is very clearly enamored with alexander... all kinds of fluff ensue]

Something Else verse by @CryptidBane (Impetus) [maybe it’s my fever talking, but i am such a sucker for memory loss AUs, and SH fandom has the richest canon base for those, yay! this time, it’s an AU verse after 3x10: rather than asking for his magic, Asmodeus curses magnus by taking away memories from everyone who’s ever loved him, in exchange for freeing jace from lilith’s thrall... oh, what a beautiful and delicious angst ensues]

Home by @otppurefuckingmagic [waaaaaaaaat... *sits with her mouth open* how did you....? how did he...? damnnnnnnnnn you authors in this fandom, stop being so talented!!!! this is uncannily brilliant]

I’ll hold on until you’re home by @alistoney [how dare you sir, right in the feels... the missing scene in the midst of 3x18/3x19, when magnus realizes what his idiot of a boyfriend has done, and confronts him about the Asmodeus deal]

First time for everything by @nebulein [“Nowhere in a Shadowhunters’ job description does it read ‘must look adorable while infatuated with the local High Warlock’.” - series of firsts written with such tenderness and adoration for characters, that it warms your heart while reading, - it shows how much the author cares for them. it is not finished, but whatever has already been written, is gold]

Fake dating AU

The Great Repression by @CryptidBane (Impetus) [although it might not be exactly my regular cup of tea, i still appreciate this author’s style so damn much, and the way they do malec dynamic overall, so it’s here. magnus is a camboy, and alec is hired to protect him from a stalker]

Friends to lovers

Family is Family by @hexicity [my brains are fried by the covid, so any coherent rec would be unlikely right about now, but the softness of this <333 alec sees an ad about a free room, and when he moves in, he finds way more, than he bargained for... gave me a bit of a “happy, shiny people everywhere” vibe, and that’s an automatic rec in my books, so]

Spinning Around In Circles by @lemonoclefox [my fav friends to lovers/mutual pining trope, here you are, and what a pretty pretty wrapper are you wearing - absolutely amazing interpretation of a trope, that seems to has been done to death, and yet here i am, never able to get enough of it <3]

If it walks like a duck by @thealmostrhetoricalquestion [this. i was reading this. and after every single word. all i wanted to do was get down on one knee and propose to this person. i dunno who the hell you is, but.... how did you do this? it was... another level of fanfiction.]

Neighbors AU

Meow 17:1 Love Thy Neighbor by @high-warlock-of-brooklyn [again, not a fan of drabbles, but who could resist such softness??? Neighbors AU, where Chairman takes some lessons he learnt from “Parent trap” to heart, and alec is a stumbling mess, but he gets shit done, kudossssssss]

Various AU mix

Solid courage by @thealmostrhetoricalquestion [how goddamn CUTE was dat???? answer - the cutest. mashallah people in this fandom can write]

Paper Love by @thealmostrhetoricalquestion [it would not be an exaggeration to admit i thoroughly fell in love with this author’s style, i mean, all and every version of their malec is all kinds of awesome. this one is no exception - catarina works in the library, and malec have to take madzie out to a coffee shop, cause their obnoxious flirting is too loud for the quaint environment of catarina’s workplace.... it’s tiny and so so sooooooo sweet]

make no bones by @ohfreckle [yaaaaaaaaay, what a cutie, tiny preciousness about magnus having an awful day and taking it out on a no-good useless building super, simply delightful]

Freud is a Dick by @sanctuary_for_all [Alec works in IT firm, and accidentally sends someone else’s dick pick to his boss, whom he has a crush on... do i need to say more]

shadows in moonlight by @kaeg [damnnnnnn, son, that was a ride!! something exquisitely soulful, tender and so, so poetic... young malec meet in summer vacation home, and it will take your breath away in the best way possible... warning, it is unfinished, but whatever was written, is absolute preciousness]

For the Love of the Game by @TicklemyPickle [Hockey AU, where malec were childhood friends, but had a falling out, and were not in touch for the last 7 years, until magnus gets traded in to alec’s team... i was somewhat unsure about reccing this, as some of the choices author made regarding their dynamic did not exactly resonate with me, but decided to go on, because, god as my witness, one thing this world definitely needs more of - is malec Hockey AUs, word upppp]

Love Is A Gamble by @la-muerta [i myself do not completely understand, why has it taken me so long to get to the “The importance of elsewhere” author’s most famous piece, but i finally have, it was amazeballs, like, the world-building...? off the charts. the language, the moral struggle, what a gem. alec is a grumpy and surely sheriff *duh!!!* of a tiny town, and magnus strolls in being all... well, magnus-y, and opens a gambling house, the potential!!! anyway, i highly doubt this piece needs recs, so imma zip it]

@ohprongs [this author has too many tiny pieces i like to name them individually, but as far as reccing goes, they should def be mentioned here for their effortless, seamless style, and clear love for the characters in all interpretations, that simply shines through all and any AUs they choose to put malec in]

special mention:

@theleftboobgrabber [i wasn’t aware that at this stage it was still possible to come by someone like this. the author, who’s style would impress me so. that unbelievably glorious Mafia AU, absolutely delightful and literally perfect My mama don’t like you series, and something that went straight to my top-5 - MI6 AU ohhhhh, that MI6 AU... i have no coherent words to express the depths of my appreciation, this is unbelievable fucking talent for writing malec]

#malec #malec fic rec #malec fic #shadowhunters fic rec #shadowhunters

52 notes · View notes

snowe-zolynn-rogers · 5 years ago

Text

The BNHA Group Chat Fic Nobody Asked For

Pairings: Todoroki Touya (Dabi)/Mr/ Compress (Sako Atsuhiro), Shimura Tenko (Shigaraki Tomura)/Chisaki Kai (Overhaul)/Kurono Hari (Chrono), Yamada Hizashi (Present Mic)/Aizawa Shouta (Eraserhead)/Shirakumo Oboro (Loud Cloud)

Word Count: 3,895 Words

Summary: Kaminari unknowingly creates the ultimate hell of both Class 1-A and Class 1-B a week after they move into the dorms.

Warnings: Cursing, Sleep Deprivation, Insomnia, Half Blind Character, Deaf Characters, Anxiety Mention, Mostly Mute Character (due to a different medical issue), Selectively Mute Character, Homophobia, Sexism, Caps, Food Mention, Period/Menstruation Mention, Mineta Minoru Exists (sadly), let me know if I should add anything else.

Note: AU where the League Of Villains are just hero course students. btw Yukimura is Dabi (he goes by his mother's surname (mostly because it's his last hurrah at making Endeavor absolutely livid at him and partially so he and Shoto don't get confused whe someone calls for 'Todoroki')

Usernames: We Are Number One™ Aizawa: Dadzawa, Aoyama: immafiringmahlaser, Ashido: princessbubblegumknockoff, Asui: Galvan, Iida: Emergency Exit, Uraraka: 9.8, Ojiro: tailfloof, Kaminari: Pichu, Kirishima: baby shark, Koda: youredoingamazingsweetie, Sato: GuyFieriIsGod, Shoji: Cthulhu, Jirou: Jack Skellington, Sero: Spider-Man, Tokoyami: EdgarAllanCrows, Todoroki: WHERE?, Hagakure: cena, Bakugo: WHAT?, Midoriya: SmolMight, Mineta: Mineta, Shinsou: exhausted, Yaoyorozu: TheGreatCreator, Kurono: stopwatch, Chisaki: donthugmeimscared, Yukimura: choticgaydisaster, Bubaigawara: shadowclonejutsu, Shimura: idontfeelsogood, Awase: illrememberyouallintherapy, Kaibara: IDOWHATIWANT, Kamakiri: scyther, Kuroiro: itsmeyaboy, Kendo: Akimichi, Kodai: deadinside, Komori: shroomgurl, Shiozaki: wElCoMeToBiBlEsTuDiEs, Shishida: furry, Shoda: cryptid, Tsunotori: mylittlepony, Tsubaraba: airbender, Tetsutetsu: Iron Man, Tokage: t-rex costume, Fukidashi: glorifiedtextbubble, Honenuki: Eren Jaeger/spookyscaryskeletons, Bondo: Slimer, Monoma: HopeSummers, Yanagi: iLiEdImDyInGiNsIdE, Rin: snek, Toga: mystique, Sako: lostmymarbles, Hikiishi: queenofmagnetism, Iguchi: eye gucci, Shinokanri: stardust

Usernames: Emos Anonymous Kaminari: blackcloakedbrides, Shoji: fryingpan, Jirou: greentwentyfourhours, Tokoyami: myscientificinfatuation, Todoroki: twentyoneplotpoints, Bakugo: immobileinwhite, Midoriya: falldownboy, Shinsou: stabtheveil, Kurono: inhalecarolina, Chisaki: plummetingininverse, Yukimura: anxietyintheclub, Shimura: nappingwithsirens, Kuroiro: thousandfootcane, Kodai: marianaspit, Monoma: entiretimelow, Yanagi: recentyearsday, Sako: halfminutetomars

Usernames: UA Teachers Are Tired™ Eraserhead/Aizawa: grumpy scarf cat, Present Mic/Yamada: screeching cockatiel, Midnight/Nemuri: chaotic goth gay Ingenium/Iida: gotta go fast, AllMight/Toshinori: actual sunshine, Vlad King/Kan: bloody hell, Power Loader/Majima: speechtotext, Ectoplasm: needalegup?, Snipe: kazoo cowboy, Cementoss: concrete block, Blackmist/Kurogiri: goth portals

BNHA Group Chat-Chapter 1

12:34 AM

Kaminari has added Bakugo, Kirishima, Sero, Ashido, and 45 others to 1-A and 1-B

Ashido: ooooh

Ashido has changed the chat name to We Are Number One™

Kaminari: oh my god why didn't I think of that!?

Ashido: because honey you're too precious to meme like that but its okay because you're cute

Kaminari: YAY I'M CUTE

Bakugo: I'll let you off with waking me up once.

Bakugo: ONCE!

Bakugo: As long as you come up here and go to sleep, Kaminari.

Kaminari: In your room?

Bakugo: Door's open, get up here.

Bakugo is offline

Kaminari is offline

3:45 AM

Todoroki has changed their name to WHERE?

WHERE? has changed Midoriya's name to SmolMight

WHERE? has changed Iida's name to Emergency Exit

WHERE? has changed Uraraka's name to 9.8

WHERE? has changed Asui's name to Galvan

WHERE? has changed Yukimura's name to chaoticgaydisaster

WHERE? has changed Tokoyami's name to EdgarAllanCrows

WHERE? has changed Shimura's name to idontfeelsogood

WHERE? has changed Kurono's name to stopwatch

WHERE? has changed Bakugo's name to WHAT?

WHERE? has changed Kaminari's name to Pichu

WHERE? has changed Kirishima's name to baby shark

WHERE? has changed Ashido's name to princessbubblegumknockoff

WHERE? has changed Sero's name to Spider-Man

WHERE? has changed Shouji's name to Cthulhu

WHERE? has changed Yaoyorozu's name to TheGreatCreator

WHERE?: that's that I know and I'm sticking to it class 1-b do your own

WHERE?: ah yes my last sleep deprived act for the night

WHERE? is offline

3:48 AM

chaoticgaydisaster: I very much approve.

chaoticgaydisaster has changed Sako's name to lostmymarbles

chaoticgaydisaster has changed Iguchi's name to eye gucci

chaoticgaydisaster has changed Toga's name to mystique

chaoticgaysisaster has changed Shinōkanri's name to stardust

chaoticgaydisaster has changed Bubaigawara's name to shadowclonejutsu

chaoticgaydisaster has changed Hikiishi's name to queenofmagnetism

chaoticgaydisaster has changed Chisaki's name to donthugmeimscared

chaoticgaydisaster has changed Kuroiro's name to itsmeyaboy

chaoticgaydisaster has changed Monoma's name to HopeSummers

chaoticgaydisaster has changed Shiozaki's name to wElCoMeToBiBlEsTuDiEs

chaoticgaydisaster: goodnight

chaoticgaydisaster is offline

6:30 AM

SmolMight has changed Hagakure's name to cena

SmolMight has changed Aoyama's name to immafiringmahlaser

SmolMight has changed Jirou's name to Jack Skellington

SmolMight has changed Sato's name to GuyFieriIsGod

SmolMight has changed Ojiro's name to tailfloof

SmolMight has changed Koda's name to youredoingamazingsweetie

SmolMight has changed Tetsutetsu's name to Iron Man

SmolMight: thank me later

8:30 AM

HopeSummers: why is nobody changing more 1bs names?

HopeSummers has changed Kendo's name to Akimichi

HopeSummers has changed Kamakiri's name to scyther

HopeSummers has changed Tsunotori's name to mylittlepony

HopeSummers has changed Rin's name to snek

HopeSummers has changed Honenuki's name to Eren Jaeger

HopeSummers has changed Shoda's name to cryptid

HopeSummers has changed Shishida's name to furry

HopeSummers has changed Komori's name to shroomgurl

HopeSummers has changed Awase's name to illrememberyouallintherapy

HopeSummers has changed Kaibara's name to IDOWHATIWANT

HopeSummers has changed Yanagi's name to iLiEdImDyInGiNsIdE

HopeSummers has changed Tsubaraba's name to airbender

HopeSummers has changed Kodai's name to deadinside

HopeSummers has changed Fukidashi's name to glorifiedtextbubble

HopeSummers has changed Bondo's name to Slimer

HopeSummmer: All done. Everyone has a name.

Eren Jaeger: um...what is an Eren Jaeger?

HopeSummers: fuck

HopeSummers has changed Eren Jaeger's name to spookyscaryskeletons

spookyscaryskeletons: Oh I know that one!

HopeSummers: Also I'm making you you watch Attack On Titan. You've gotta Hon.

spookyscaryskeletons: This chat is actually very useful come to think of it.

spookyscaryskeletons: Does anyone have any ideas of what to have for breakfast?

HopeSummers: Honey, you know you can't chew. What are you planning?

spookyscaryskeletons: That's okay! I want to make sure everyone is healthy!

HopeSummers: I know. Uhhhh, pretty sure I've never heard of anyone in our class having any allergies to it so just go with congee.

spookyscaryskeletons: Thank you.

IDOWHATIWANT: Honenuki? More pure than Midoriya?? more likely than you think.

Cthuhlu: I saw a cat on the fourth floor.

Cthulhu: I opened my door and she just walked in like she lives here.

WHAT?: Fuck. Hotaru got out last night when Kaminari came in.

Cthulhu: So I just send her back?

WHAT?: Yeah, she'll be fine. She does that.

SmolMight: Oh my god you brought Hotaru.

WHAT?: So? And Todoroki brought Asahi. And Koda brought Usagi.

itsmeyaboy: I'm so lost.

chaoticgaydisaster: Their pets.

itsmeyaboy: We're allowed to do that!?

chaoticgaydisaster: No, Asahi, Usagi, and Hotaru are service animals.

mylittlepony: why do they have service animals

chaoticgaydisaster: kinda a rhetorical question ya know

chaoticgaydisaster: also not my place outing it

WHERE?: I'm blind in my left eye. Asahi is my service dog

WHAT?: Fucking deaf and clinically depressed

youredoingamazingsweetie: Usagi is my emotional support animal for my anxiety.

itsmeyaboy: Are you kidding? Other people here have disorders?

itsmeyaboy: I thought I was the only one.

chaoticgaydisaster: I'm mostly mute, can't talk too much or my jaw hurts and I have anxiety

itmeyaboy: Hey, I have selective mustism.

chaoticgaydisaster: We need to hang out.

lostmymarbles: Happy you're making friends, dear.

mystique: Purest Couple Ever™

Mineta: gross gay people

Mineta: gay people should die

49 members are idle

9:00 AM

Bakusquad

WHAT?: I really fucking hate him

baby shark: everyone does

9:00 AM

Izukrew

WHERE?: I'm uncomfortable.

SmolMight: I wanna yeet him into the sun

9:00 AM

Emos Anonymous

myscientificinfatuation: I really hate that purple fucker.

stabtheveil: WHAT DID I DO!?

immmobileinwhite: Nah man, the grape fucker in 1-A.

blackcloackedbrides: shit, I didn't add you, Hito

stabtheveil: add me to what?

twentyoneplotpoints: to a big group chat between 1a and 1b

nappingwithsirens: he made it last night while someone us were actually trying to sleep

greentwentyfourhours: i was busy not caring about that chat

stabtheveil: oh. its okay if you don't add me, i'm not exactly part of the hero course

falldownboy: that's not it Hito

anxietyintheclub: I'm adding him to the big chat you monsters

stabtheveil: wait, wtf is even happening in that chat?

plummetingininverse: hell actual literal hell hito

immobileinwhite: No, it's just Mineta being a fucking asshole again and the others are all relatively okay.

anxietyintheclub: I'm still gonna add our good purple boy to the chat. He deserves love too.

9:10 AM

We Are Number One™

chaoticgaydisaster has added Shinsou

chaoticgaydisaster has changed Shinsou's name to exhausted

exhausted: coolio

chaoticgaydisaster: feel free to read the backlog

exhausted: in front of my salad? hell na

idontfeelsogood: Shinsou why? why must you meme this early in the day?

exhausted: <- read my name bc its accurate

donthugmeimscared: Shinsou, are you really eating salad this early dude?

exhausted: its not salad

exhausted: leftover miso

Emergency Exit: Shinsou, you really should eat more than just miso

exhausted: fuck you i do what i want let me be sleep deprived

Emergency Exit: Shinsou...

Mineta: new kid has balls

Mineta: get it? balls?

Mineta: that's a guy right?

50 members are now idle

9:20 AM

Emos Anonymous

falldownboy: why don't we all just visit the 1b dorms? i'll get floor 2

immobileinwhite: Good idea, I'll round up floor four.

nappingwithsirens: me and @plummetingininverse already have Jin in my room

twentyoneplotpoints: me and @anxietyintheclub can get floor 5

blackcloackedbrides: dibs on getting floor three

myscientificinfatuation: Sato says he's bringing a shitton of muffins if we do

anxietyintheclub: I private messaged Atsu, he says 1bs okay with us coming over.

plummetingininverse: everyone, to your floors! onward to 1b's dorms!

10:45 AM

Emos Anonymous

anxietyintheclub has added Kuroiro, Yanagi, Monoma, Kodai to Emos Anonymous

anxietyintheclub has changed Kuroiro's name to thousandfootcane

anxietyintheclub has changed Yanagi's name to recentyearsday

anxietyintheclub has changed Monoma's name to entiretimelow

anxietyintheclub has changed Kodai's name to marianaspit

thousandfootcane: dafaq is this

plummetingininverse: Emos Anonymous where you can be an emo without judgement or allusion to the outside world of our emoness.

plummetingininverse: i'm still so tired guys i think i'm getting sleep deprived

twentyoneplotpoints: we could make a blanket fortress in the 1b commons

anxietyintheclub: on it, asking Atsu

12:34 PM

We Are Number One™

shadowclonejutsu: guys look how cute this is [several pics of Yukimura, Shimura, Shinsou, Jirou, Kodai, Bakugo, Monoma, Midoriya, Todoroki, Yanagi, Tokoyami, Chisaki, Shihai, and Kaminari asleep in a blanket fortress in the 1b commons while Sako sits guard outside also asleep]

mystique: oh my gods so cute

eye gucci: how are they allowed to do this?

Emergency Exit: Well, it's very likely that Sako asked Vlad King if they could and got permission.

snek: is there a reason it's just them?

baby shark: because they have an emo chat and they almost all have insomnia (i think)

snek: ah, cool thanks Kirishima

12:45 PM

private chat between Aizawa and Iida

Aizawa: oi, class president. What does everyone need from the store? Gather a list and anyone who wants to go by 1:30

Iida: Yessir

Iida: You know, we have a group chat. I could just add you to it to ask everyone.

Aizawa: Ugh fine.

12:48 PM

We Are Number One™

Emergendy Exit has added Aizawa to We Are Number One™

Emergency Exit: Mr. Aizawa would like to know what class 1a wants from the store.

Aizawa: and who wants to go

Aizawa: we'll be leaving at 1:30

baby shark: Bakubro probably needs more wet cat food and umaibo

9.8: Todo needs more dog food, this morning he said he's almost out.

cena: I'm sorry, I can't help myself

cena has changed Aizawa's name to Dadzawa

Dadzawa: thanks i hate it

princessbubblegumknockoff: OH MY GOD HE MEMED

Dadzawa: anyway what does everyone want form the store?

Cthulhu: Kami's awake now he says he wants chips

Dadzawa: why is he just getting up so late?

baby shark: he's not. scroll up a bit.

Dadzawa: ah, also wake them up, they shouldn't be sleeping this late in the day.

Galvan: Are you really one to talk?

tailfloof: ...would you like some of Todoroki's ice for that burn?

Dadzawa: if it wakes him up, yes

Cthulhu: I'd wake them up if I knew which ones slept last night.

immafiringmahlaser: Midoriya slept for four hours. Tokoyami slept for six.

9.8: Jirou did NOT sleep if the music from her room at three am is anything to go by

baby shark: Bakugou didn't either he was on tiktok he can't lie I heard him laughing at 4am when I had to go to the bathroom

GuyFieriIsGod: Yukimura and Todoroki did sleep but not very soundly.

youredoinggreatsweetie: ...Kaminari only got a couple hours rest after he went to join Bakugo.

shadowclonejutsu: Shimura and Chisaki DID NOT SLEEP under any circumstances

Cthulhu: So I wake up none of them?

Dadzawa: no, wake up my son and send him back to the Gen Studies dorms

Dadzawa: also wake the twins

Cthulhu: ...Your son?

Dadzawa: Shinsou. wake up Shinsou.

Cthulhu: Oh.

exhausted: whats up dad?

Dadzawa: I'm doing our food shopping too. what do you want kid?

exhausted: coffee, energy drinks, my medications are finally ready at the pharmacy, more miso paste, fish sauce, kimchi, noodles, vegetables (you know the ones i usually get), and gochujang

exhausted: hah see iida i do eat things besides miso

Emergency Exit: Not by much, those are things you ADD to your miso or have WITH it.

exhausted: fuck you let me have my samefoods

Emergency Exit: I suppose it's reasonable then.

Emergency Exit: Also you forgot your red chili flakes and ungodly amounts of every type of tofu.

exhausted: THANK YOU IIDA I WOULDN'T SURVIVE WITHOUT YOU ^^^^^ Dad add those to our list too

Emergency Exit: You're very welcome and very right.

Dadzawa: excuse me I take very good care of my son

exhausted: well it really doesn't help that all four of us have different samefoods right now, dad.

Dadzawa: okay you got me there

princessbubblegumknockoff: HE MEMED AGAIN

Akimichi: what are y'all talking about with samefoods? What are those?

t-rex costume: WHAT ARE THOSE

mystique: no, hush sweetie

Dadzawa: wait is that Tokage from 1b?

t-rex costume: yup

Dadzawa: why is you name t-rex costume?

HopeSummers: Because, the first day living in the dorms she walked around in a t-rex costume and scared the shit out of everyone in the 1b dorms, Vlad King, and some of the upperclassmen too.

Dadzawa: oh

Akimichi: guys what are samefoods?

Dadzawa: oh yeah. if you're autistic (or adhd) sometimes you'll eat the same food over and over and never get sick of it and it can last for YEARS

exhausted: you've had that juice pouch samefood since high school

Dadzawa: yeah, having you fucked up my eating schedule, kid

cena: context pls

Dadzawa: I'm ftm and got pregnant with Hitoshi very young and this little shit made me crave juice pouches for all nine months and it's been fifteen years and it's still a samefood.

idontfeelsogood: oof, that sucks. I've had takoyaki and yakitori as mine for three years and i'm finally getting sick of them.

Pichu: Mr. Aizawa can you pick up tea, pocky, instant noodles, and daikon?

Ddzawa: you're coming with me like Hitoshi, Kaminari, you need to pick up your medication too.

Pichu: I'll get ready.

tailfloof: dude, it's still only 1, you've got 30 minutes

Pichu: I need to look cUTE OJIRO

Dadzawa: you will look cute anyway, you're a puffball. but go ahead and primp if you want to Kaminari.

SmolMight: does this mean I have to go for my medications too?

Dadzawa: no, your mom said she's bringing yours tomorrow

donthugmemscared: do i go for my anxiety meds?

Dadzawa: yes and get a list from floor 6

Dadzawa: also Yukimura and Todoroki are going too so you two compile a list from the 5th floor

Dadzawa: pick a person from each floor to send with a list other than those who have been already been Chosen™.

lostmymarbles: sweetie, pick me up juice and Honenuki some more yogurt. I'm out and he's getting low.

chaoticgaydisaster: got it babe

princessbubblegumknockoff: they're so cute

EdgarAllanCrows: Apparently I've been elected for floor two's groceries, I have lists from each this floor's inhabitants.

EdgarAllanCrows: Aoyama, what if they don't have edible glitter?

immafiringmahlaser: sprinkles shall suffice. they are for ice cream after all

WHAT?: even his ice cream needs to be sparkly

SmolMight: coming from the man who went to pride with glitter in his hands so he could make glitter bombs with his explosions and make the little kids in attendance happy

WHAT?: fuck you

SmolMight: no thanks

Cthulhu: Wow.

WHERE?: would you like some of my ice for the burn, Bakugo?

Iron Man: i can hear his explosions in the 1a dorms from the 1b dorms

HopeSummers: We all can. I'm on the top floor and I can hear them.

Dadawa: don't destroy school property. inside the dorms at least. now, who else is going?

baby shark: I'm going for floor 4

donthugmeimscared: Me, Hito, Toko, Todo, Yuki, Kami, and Kiri are going sir.

Dadzawa: good. also, Shimura you're going too. Chisaki's been off his medication for two days and your outgoingness will keep him from getting frightened and forgetting something.

Dadzawa: Iida's in charge when we leave btw.

TheGreatCreator: Wait, I need pads but I can't get out of bed again because it hurts to move.

Dadzawa: omw with midol, hot rice packs, and chocolate.

TheGreatCreator: Thank you, Aizawa Sensei.

Dadzawa: the things I do for my students.

TheGreatCreator: thank you again, Sensei

Dadzawa: no problem at all.

1:20 PM

We Are Number One™

Dadzawa: so does anyone have any last minute requests?

exhausted: ...spam?

Dadzawa: already on our list, Hito

exhausted: oh yeah, Eri eats it too.

Pichu: btw me and Kiri are picking up everyone ice cream, compile a list real quick.

Dadzawa: limit of one per person with exception of people with samefoods or cravings

TheGreatCreator: Chocolate sounds nice

WHAT?: yo @baby shark get me french vanilla and pop rocks i want it

Cthulhu: squid ink so it's black like Tokoyami's soul

EdgarAllanCrows: This is why I love you, you know?

Cthulhu: I know, babe.

SmolMight: anything banana preferably chunky monkey if the store has it

immafiringmylaser: nutella, sil vous plait.

shadowclonejutsu: cookies and cream

Spider-Man: Sato say he wants cookie dough. I want blueberry. Tsu says raspberry.

princessbubblegumknockoff: bubblegum for me and Uraraka says she wants mint choco chip

Emergency Exit: Kouda, bless his pure soul, has asked for peanut butter. Ojiro asked for vanilla and Jirou and Hagakure want caramel and coffee. I'd like rocky road.

WHERE?: do you want ours as well, Kami, since we all have our own lists to obtain and you and Kiri are the ones who want to get everyone ice cream?

Pichu: yes.

WHERE?: butter pecan

chaoticgaydisaster: blue moon

exhausted: cotton candy

EdgarAllanCrows: Charcoal so it's black like my soul

shadowclonejutsu: wow you're emo and need to chill

EdgarAllanCrows: I'm as chill as I'm ever going to be.

shadowclonejutsu: that's frightening

Pichu: I'm getting almond honey ice cream

baby shark: i'm getting green tea

donthugmeimscared: anything dairy free is fine as long as it's no trouble please

idontfeelsogood: get him dairy free cinnamon bun from ben&jerry he loves it. also get him several he finishes them quickly. I want cherry and dark chocolate so I can mix them.

donthugmeimscared: thank you, Tenko. I didn't think you knew that...

idontfeelsogood: meek bastard, you're my friend of course I'd know your favorite ice creams

stopwatch: Chocolate malt please. Also dear we love you, please do speak up on your preferences.

donthugmeimscared: thank you, Tenko and Hari 0///0

WHERE?: he's actually blushing and it's adorable

chaoticgaydisaster: [short video of Chisaki struggling to hide his blushing face behind his phone while he whines at Tenko and Hari to stop embarassing him]

chaoticgaydisaster: you're welcome, Tenko and Hari. enjoy that vid of your boy toy you gay disasters.

idontfeelsogood: coming from our resident chotic gay disaster

chaoticgaydisaster: hey, I own up to it. pisses off my dad more too so might as well

Spider-Man: dude, are you okay?

chaoticgaydisaster: yes, i'm fine

Spider-Man: you were just typing a three word sentence for two minutes are you sure?

WHERE?: oops would you look at the time we've gotta go to the store.

chaoticgaydisaster and WHERE? are now offline

Cthulhu: So Midoriya, any explanations? You are the one who's closest to the twins.

SmolMight: would you look at the time. I need to go for a run around the school. be back later!

SmolMight is now offline

1:40 PM

We Are Number One™

Pichu: hey, 1b what ice creams do you like?

lostmymarbles: Rose.

itsmeyaboy: lavender and Juzo likes strawberry

Akimichi: mississippi mud for me, Yui likes peach, Ibara likes butter brickle, Tetsu likes grape, and Reiko likes maple nut.

stardust: sakura for me, coconut for Ichi, praline pecan for Tami, and cherry for Himi.

illrememberyouallintherapy: fudge. cinnamon for Sen and salted caramel for Kosei.

HopeSummers: ube. Tokage likes anything apple, Shishida has said he likes pumpkin, and Shoda likes orange.

glorifiedtextbubble: Espresso.

Slimer: pistachio

scyther: Lemon

shroomgurl: watermelon

mylittlepony: black walnut

snek: peppermint

Pichu: thanks!

2:30 PM

We Are Number One™

Pichu: ICE CREAM

Dadzawa: groceries, 1a children.

WHAT?: Gimme a few minutes, Hotaru fell asleep on me and I'll be damned if I break the rule of cat

exhausted: cat? owo

Dadzawa: child, no. leave his cat alone.

WHAT?: Actually now it's cats.

Dadzawa: why

WHAT?: Well, me, soy sauce, and racoon eyes were out for a walk around the campus and we found a kitten so we took her back with us.

princessbubblegumknockoff: [pic of Bakugo aying on the couch longways with a lavender persian cat asleep on top of him. Hotaru, Bakugo's calico maine coon cat, lays curled under his bent knees, eyes staring the camera like it offended her ancestors]

exhausted: what is the name of the fluff child?

Spider-Man: doesn't have one

WHAT?: honestly, I'm not sure I can keep a second cat.

exhausted: dad, cat. Cat. CAT!

Dadzawa: I did say you could get a cat once you got into high school. deal.

exhausted: is my baby a boy or girl?

princessbubblegumknockoff: a girl.

exhausted: Ayane. her name shall be Ayane. it means colorful sound. perfect for a granddaughter of the voice hero: available screech.

Dadzawa: pfft Available fucking Screech. i'm writing that on the board before his class on Monday. That's your best one yet.

exhausted: I've never been happier to be your purple double.

Dadzawa: those snarky comments remind me that you literally copy-pasted my personality save for a couple of those habits Zashi and Oboro taught you.

exhausted: meh one got me to walk and the other one taugght me how to scream “fuck you” at creepy strangers at two years old so ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

Dadzawa: true true.

exhausted: um...nobody's been responding but us, dad.

Emergency Exit: You two's family moments are adorable nobody wanted to interrupt.

Akimichi: agreed.

exhausted: understandable.

Dadzawa: carrying on, all y'all come down here and get y'all's groceries before y'all're eating mush cream.

exhuasted: coming dad, currently petting your new grandchild.

Dadzawa: ...

Dadzawa: bring the child as well, I wish to see my grandchild.

chaoticgaydisaster: @lostmymarbles babe, come get yall’s juice

lostmymarbles: Which type did you get?

chaoticgaydisaster: a lot of flavors. ( ° ^ ° )

lostmymarbles: Aw, Love, did you panic?

WHERE?: He did. He had full panic attack in the juice section.

Dadzawa: why was I not alerted to this?

WHERE?: I got this, that's why.

lostmymarbles: Sweetheart, are you alright?

idontfeelsogood: he's fine. btw he got you apple, orange, grape, raspberry, lemonade, cranberry, and peach. We stopped him before he could load the whole cart with juice.

lostmymarbles: Aw, babe you remembered that I liked the peach juice.

chaoticgaydisaster: it's only fair. you made that big date night dinner last night.

idontfeelsogood: thank me, Sako, you whipped gay hoe [pic of Yukimura blushing darkly from under a weighted blanket on the couch while Chisaki cuddles up against him.]

itsmeyaboy: i'm lost. what did Sako make for Yukimura? dude can't chew food.

stopwatch: Atsuhiro made Touya his famous ultimate mac n cheese with chocolate pudding and half baked brownies for desert. They watched their favorite three arcs of Fairy Tail, which are the Battle Of Fairy Tail, Tenroue Island and the Grand magic Games Arcs, btw. And then proceeded to read the Percy Jackson books until midnight.

stopwatch: I'm also 90% sure Yukimura proposed because of all of this.

lostmymarbles: I'm the one who proposed actually.

cena: *ambient excited screaming*

WHAT?: Okay, Sako. *cracks knuckles* We’re just gonna talk.

WHERE?: no, leave it. I told him he could.

WHAT?: what?

WHERE?: he asked me if he could so I said yeah and so yeah, he did it. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

iLiEdImDyInGiNsIdE: I hear screaming above me.

mystique: that's just Eri. she's excited. Touya and Atsu been dating for two years eleven months and twenty four days and they've acted like the most Pure Couple Ever for the whole duration.

queenofmagnetism: You kept track.

mystique: of course. Their anniversary is the fourth of August.

eye gucci: this is beautiful.

stardust: IMSOPROUDOFYOUTWO

mystique: fuck she's gonna destroy her room

mystique is now idle

Dadzawa: as your teacher I'm obligated to say you're both far too young to be engaged, but given I literally had a kid two years younger than y'all, I'm just gonna say damn you remind me of me, Oboro, and Yamada when we first started dating please keep up the good work.

lostmymarbles: Is it the personality reflections or the complimentary autism-adhd box set you and your husbands have too.

Dadzawa: both.

Taglist: @logan-sanders-enthusiast @luckyicekitsune @whippedbel @lgbtforeverything @pinecone-chomper @mikmacmoo @wasinotwantedatthisexactsecond @purplespiderstormcloud @stankyratman @king-of-the-oranges @headcannons-and-random-things @fear-ze-queer @turtleluv799 @ymmm-someone

#boku no hero academia #my hero academia #bnha #mha #snoweywrites #the bnha group chat fic nobody asked for #league of misfit heroes au #tw cursing #tw sleep deprivation #tw insomnia #tw anxiety mention #tw homophobia mention #tw sexism mention #tw caps #tw food mention #tw menstruation mention #tw period mention #tw mineta

28 notes · View notes

atlafan · 5 years ago

Text

Take it Slow - Part Sixty-Nine

a/n: okay this is my first shot at a harry:y/n fic, and it will be multiple parts. y/n had a bad experience with an ex over a year ago, and finally accepts her coworker and good friend Niall’s invitation to go on a blind date with his friend Harry.

Warnings: Fluff, smut, and angst. Long part, whoops!

Masterpost (all previous parts can be found in the masterpost)

The next morning, you get up at 4:30 to take Buster out. You wanted him to get used to you taking him out in the morning. He was still asleep when you picked him up out of his crate. You take him down to the street, and walk him a bit. Once he’s tired out you bring him back up. You get his breakfast and some fresh water ready. He plops on the floor and watches you do a quick home work out. He thinks you want to play when you start jumping up and down. Eventually you decide to just play with him on the ground and toss a tennis ball for him to play fetch with. He was so smart already.

Harry eventually wakes up and comes out just wearing his boxers. Buster trots over to him and you smile as he crouches to pet him.

“Hey little guy, how’d yeh sleep?” The dog yips at him and Harry laughs. “Oh good, mummy and I were worried.” He looks at you. “Take him out and all that?”

“Mhm, he took the cutest little poop.” You giggle. “Fed him too. I’ll probably have to take him out again soon.”

“I’ll take him, or we could take him together.”

“Yeah!” You look at your watch. “Oh! Niall will be leaving for work soon, let me text him to wait down at the street. It’ll be good to start socializing him.” Harry nods and goes to get dressed. “You look so cute in your painting pants.” You kiss his cheek and put the leash on Buster.

Niall crosses the street and picks Buster up immediately.

“Can yeh believe it? I’m an uncle!”

“Wait, let me take your picture with him.”

“The ones you posted yesterday were so cute. Your eyes were all red and puffy.” He laughs.

“She cried like a baby at Adam’s barn.” Harry explains.

“Surprised it wasn’t you.”

“Me too.”

“You can come play with him after work if you want. Sarah can come too of course.”

“Yeah, I’ll see what’s doin’. She’s getting’ stressed from end of year stuff. I didn’t know a third grade class could be so crazy.”

“Well she doesn’t exactly teach at the easiest school.” You say.

“No kiddin’.” He puts the dob back on the ground. “Well, I’ll see you all later. Hey, you should put him in the zoom chat later today. I’m sure everyone would love to see a puppy.”

“Will do! Have a good day.” You smile. You and Harry head down the street so Buster can pee again.

“He gets tired so easily.” Harry says, cradling him to his shoulder as he carries him back up.

“He’s still a baby. Baby’s get tired.”

“Will you bring him by around lunch time?”

“Of course! Would you like that Buster?” You say as you take him back from Harry. “Would you like to visit daddy later?” Harry’s face lit up, and you scrunch your face at him. “Don’t get too excited, I’m not bringing that word into the bedroom.”

“Don’t wantcha to.” He kisses your forehead. “I gotta go, love you.”

“Love you too, have a good day. Wave bye bye to daddy Buster.” You take his paw and move it back and forth. Harry takes his phone out and takes a picture of you. You stick your tongue out at him and he takes another picture. “Oh would you just leave already?!”

“Sorry, you’re just too cute.” He blows you a kiss and leaves.

You do your work up in the loft. Buster stays in your lap for most of the day. You take him for a good walk once mid morning hits, and you show him to everyone in your zoom meeting. Once it’s a little before noon you get him in the car and head to the studio.

Harry was upstairs in his office painting when he hears you come in. He comes right down and Buster runs to him. He picks up and swings him around (gently). Buster licks his cheek and he chuckles.

“I could certainly get used to this.”

“Wanna go for a walk, it’s beautiful out.”

“Sure!” Harry grabs his keys and locks up. He holds onto the leash as Buster walks. “How’s your day with him been?”

“Really easy. He’s been sitting on my lap while I’ve been working. He only peed on the floor once, and that was in the kitchen. I took him right out after it happened. Other than that he’s been going when I take him out. He’s a baby, so he’ll have accidents.” You shrug.

“I can’t wait to be able to just bring him with me to the studio once it’s up and runnin’.”

“My supervisor said I could bring him to work with me until you’re able to start bringing him.”

“Oh that’s great! They won’t mind?”

“He barely makes a peep, plus it’ll help socialize him.”

“Right.”

“I was thinking too, we could keep his hair on the shorter side. I don’t like floppy looking dogs.”

“My hair’s floppy and yeh like me just fine.”

“Yeah, but I don’t think Buster would like using a scrunchie to keep the hair out of his face like you currently are.”

“You’re just mad because I keep stealin’ yours.”

“I’m just going to buy you your own package.”

“The more the merrier.” He flashes you his shit eating grin and you nudge him.

Over the next couple of weeks, you and Harry take the time to train Buster. He has a few accidents, but nothing serious. He’s good about sleeping in his crate, and he’s been wonderful to bring to work with you. Harry keeps making progress on the studio. The furniture has been delivered and its’ starting to look like a real place. Mariah and Isaac both put their two weeks in, and start coming in to help Harry with the equipment.

“So I’ve been thinking, we should have a grand opening for your studio.” You say over dinner one night. “We could make a big social media event out of it. I think it would be nice for people to walk around and see everything. We could put some large prints up on the walls, and then get some booklets made. Isaac could book appointments on the spot.”

“I love the way your mind works, I think that’s a great idea.”

“Yay! So what I’ll do is put an event on the Facebook page, and then we can share it everywhere. I was thinking the beginning of June.”

“Sounds good to me. Thanks again for all your help. I feel like I get notifications every day asking when it’ll be up and running.”

“It’s been so much to-“ The dog yips at you. “What is it baby? Need to go out?” He yips again. “Okay, mumma take you out.” You get up from the table. “Mind cleaning up for me?”

“Sure.”

You put the leash on Buster and take him out to pee. He really needed to go.

“Good boy, Buster!” Harry hears as you come back inside about ten minutes later. “He needed to poop too.” You take the leash off and he rushes over to Harry.

“Good boy! Want daddy to get you a treat?” Buster yips at him. “Alright.” He goes into the kitchen and gets a dog cookie. “Now, yeh gotta sit, Buster. Sit.” Harry makes a motion with his hand, and the dog does so. “Good, down.” Buster lays on the floor. “Up.” He sits back up. “Good boy!” He gives Buster the street and scratches his head.

“I can’t believe how much bigger he’s already gotten in just a few weeks.”

“I know. His coloring is really startin’ to come in too.” You start tearing up, and Harry looks at you. “What’s wrong?”

“He’s just growing up so fast.” You sniffle. “He’ll be huge before we know it.”

“He’s only gonna be like twenty-five pounds. He’s one of the smaller ones, remember?” He holds you close to his chest.

“He’s just my precious baby and I want him to stay that way.” You say against him. Buster walks over to you both and looks up at you, wagging his tail. “C’mere my doll.” Harry closes his eyes to kiss you, but you’re bending down to pick Buster up. “God, pretty soon he’ll be too big to pick up, Harry.” You sniffle again and snuggle your face into Buster’s hair. “Let’s go snuggle on the sofa.” Harry stands there and watches you walk away. You look back at him. “Why are you just standing there?”

“Sorry, I honestly couldn’t tell if you were talkin’ t’me or the dog.” He walks over and sits down with you. Buster plops into his lap. “You call us the same names.”

“Aww, Buster, I think daddy’s jealous of how much attention I give you.” You scratch the top of Buster’s head and his tail wags.

“M’not jealous. You could just be more clear of who you’re talkin’ to. Like, could you leave doll for me?” You chuckle and shake your head.

“Sure, I’ll leave doll for you.”

“S’all I ask.” He turns the TV on, and he throws an arm around you. “Hey, babe?” You hum your response. “I left my laptop upstairs and I need it for a second, do yeh mind grabbin’ it? I’d get up, but I’m afraid he’s snoozin’.”

“Sure.” You get up and Harry watches you go up the spiral staircase. There was a box on top of his laptop. You furrow your eyebrows when you see it has your name on it. You open it up and he hears you gasp from upstairs. You come running down. “What’s this?!” You say holding a watch in your hand.

“Happy nine months, love.” You come over and give Harry a big kiss.

“Thank you sweetie, you didn’t have to get me anything. I feel like shit, I didn’t get you anything.”

“You give me somethin’ every day.” You put it on and sit back down.

“What’s that?”

“A life that I love so much.”

“Put the dog in the crate.” You say, giving him your bedroom eyes.

“Yes ma��am.” He salutes you and carries the dog to the crate. You smack his butt while you race by him. “Oi! None of that tonight.” You turn to look at him and pout. “Okay…maybe some of that.” He chases you into he room and you squeal.

“Kyle, I’m gonna be super busy this weekend. I’m getting things together for the house warming in a couple weeks, and I’m planning Harry’s grand opening.”

“Please! Mum had to back out and we’re desperate. We’ll bring over everything you need. Lily doesn’t want him with Bridget or Erica, she really only trusts you.”

“Bridget is a fucking nanny what do you mean?!”

“I know it doesn’t make a lot of sense, Lily just feels more comfortable leaving him with you. I know you just got the dog and everything, but we haven’t had a weekend away in a really long time, please.”

“I can’t believe you’re doing this to me three days before…ugh fine. We’ll watch him this weekend. But you’re picking up and dropping off.”

“Thank you! We owe you big time.”

“Yes, you do.”

You sigh and hang up the phone. You turn around to Buster who’s laying in his dog bed in your office.

“Well Buster, you’re gonna have a visit from your cousin Michael this weekend.” The dog yips and you giggle. “Yeah, it’ll be fun.” Niall comes to your office.

“Ready to take him for a walk?”

“Sure thing Uncle Niall.” You both laugh, and put the leash on Buster.

“He’s like our little office dog now.”

“I know, everyone’s been so nice about having him around.”

“He’s so well behaved, how could we not like havin’ him.” You get down to the street and he trots along a pace a head of you, looking back occasionally to make sure you’re there. “Quite the mumma’s boy, huh?”

“He takes after his father.” You say with a smirk and Niall bursts out laughing.

“Monkey see, monkey do, I suppose.” He smiles at you still laughing.

“Get this, I have to babysit my nephew all weekend.”

“You seem annoyed by that.”

“Normally I’d be over the moon, but I’m planning two parties, and we’re still training Buster. I’ve got my own baby now.”

“Well, now you’ve got two.” He nudges you. “He gettin’ jealous at all?”

“Of what?”

“How much attention you’re givin’ the dog over him.”

“Not jealous…more like a slight annoyance. But it’s cute.”

Harry gets home from the studio exhausted. Him and Mariah were hanging things on the walls all day while Isaac dictated where everything should be.

“I’m home!” He yells when he doesn’t see you. “Where the fu-“

“Good boy Buster!” You giggle as you come in through the door. “Oh hey, did you just get in?” You ask, kissing him on the cheek.

“Yeah, didn’t know where yeh were for a second.”

“Baby needed to do his business.”

Buster sniffs at Harry’s feet and looks up at him with his tongue hangin’ out.

“Hey buddy, missed yeh today.” He looks at you. “Thought you might’ve brought him by…”

“Too busy today. Niall and I took him out for a quick walk at lunch, but that was it.” You take the leash off Buster and he follows you around. “Dinner’s wrapped up in the kitchen for you.”

“Thanks.” Harry scarfs down his food and joins you and the dog on the sofa.

“So get this.”

“What?”

“We’re babysitting Michael this weekend, like overnight.” Harry blinks at you. “Shit, I thought you’d be more excited.”

“I have two weddings on Saturday, I’ll be gone all day, and most of the evening.” He runs a hand through his hair. “When are they bringin’ him?”

“Friday night…”

“Two nights? Well, at least I can help a bit Friday. I’m sorry.”

“It’s okay, I’ll be able to handle it.”

“Are you sure?”

“Yeah.” You were slightly annoyed, but there was nothing you could do.

Friday night Kyle and Lily bring Michael over with everything he’ll need.

“I just ask that he sleeps in the room with the two of you. He’ll sleep comfortably in his pack and play, but I don’t want him to get scared if he wakes up and doesn’t know where he is.” Lily explains.

“Sure, we can do that.” You smile and she helps you set up the pack and play in the bedroom.

“How’s the pup treating you guys?” Kyle asks Harry.

“Oh, he’s been great. We got lucky with an easy one.” Buster was on the floor sniffing away at Michael who was in his bouncy loving the way Buster’s hair felt on his skin.

“Okay, all set up.” Lily says.

“All the food for him is in the fridge. He’s usually good, but he’ll cry the second he’s hungry. Make him wait a few minutes though. He needs to know he can’t get what he wants the second he wants it.”

“Kyle…I’ve watched him before, I know what to do.” You laugh.

“Okay, okay. Thank you both again.”

You say goodbye to them and looks over at the two babies on the floor.

“So…he’s really sleepin’ in the room with us?”

“Yeah, Buster’s gonna be pissed.” You pat his head and then take Michael out of the bouncy. “It’s almost your bed time, dude.” You give him a little raspberry on his cheek and he giggles. You cradle him to your chest and rock him back and forth. Harry watches you lovingly. “Don’t even look at me.” He starts laughing.

“Why?”

“A dog is plenty right now.”

“I didn’t even say anything!”

“Shhh! He’s starting to doze off. It’s easier to get him into the pack and play if he’s already asleep.” You press your lips to his head. “Can you take Buster out while I put him down, he’s out.”

“Yeah.”

When Harry comes back he finds you leaning over the pack and play stroking at Michael’s head, lulling him to sleep. Harry stands in the doorway with Buster at his side.

“Stay.” He says quietly to him as he walks in. He smiles at you and you gesture to leave the room. You grab the baby monitor and close the door.

“Did he go?”

“Yup, took a massive dump for his daddy.”

“Don’t be gross.”

“You tell me about his shit all the time, why can’t I?”

“Because you say things like massive dump.” You make a disgusted face. Buster lays at your feet as you sit on the sofa.

“Wanna have a shag out here?”

“Harry, what the fuck is wrong with you?”

“Well, we can’t in there with Michael sleepin’. Surely you couldn’t keep quiet enough.” He smirks.

“I’m not fucking you out here.”

“How about in the kitchen then?”

“No.” His face falls into a pout. “Three babies. I have three babies in the house this weekend.” You sigh and rub your temples.

“S’not very nice. M’gonna be gone all day tomorrow.”

“I’m aware.”

“Are you mad?”

“No.”

“Really, because yeh seem mad.”

“I’m gonna get mad in like two seconds if you don’t stop.” You grab the remote and turn the TV on. Harry stays quiet while you both watch TV. Eventually you lean your head on his shoulder and he throws an arm around you. Buster sits on both of your laps and you mindlessly pet him.

“I gotta go to bed.” Harry says around nine. “I have to be up really early.”

“Okay, I’ll join you.” You yawn. “I’m tired too actually.” You look at Buster. “Time for bed baby.”

Buster goes right for his dog bed and plops down. You and Harry quietly do your things and get into bed. He spoons you for most of the night. Luckily Michael was at a point where he was sleeping through the night. He woke up around when Harry did. You groan when you hear him cry.

“I’ll take care of it, and then I’ll put him in the bed with you.” He whispers.

“He needs to be changed and fed.”

“I’ve got it.”

Harry grabs a fresh diaper and everything else and brings Michael into the guest room.

“Oh good, you took a massive dump too.” He sighs, but takes care of it. Michael giggles when he’s all cleaned up. “Yeah, yeah, Uncle Harry’s real sweet to you, huh?” He carries him into the kitchen to get him a bubby and he feeds him.

Harry waits for Michael to burp up before changing him into some fresh pj’s, and he brings him to the bed with you.

“Auntie?” You groan your response. “Michael’s here.” You mindlessly reach out for him and Harry lays him on your chest. He smiles as he watches you cradle him to your chest.

“Do you have time to take care of Buster?”

“Uhhh, yeah I can do that.”

Harry rushes around taking Buster outside and getting him fed. He’s a little less quiet while he gets his suit on. He kisses you before he leaves, and out the door he goes. An hour or so later you hear Buster whimpering from the other side of the door. You carry Michael on your hip and open the door.

“Need to go out again baby?” The dog yips and you sigh. You slide a pair of sneakers on and go out the door in your pj’s. “Shit, how am I supposed to shower?” You look at Michael as if he would have the answer. “I could stick you in a laundry basket I suppose. Would it be weird to take you in with me?”

It’s not like Michael would remember seeing you naked, but you still felt weird about it. You pick up the phone and call the person you knew you could.

“Be over in a few minutes.”

“Are you sure? Sarah’s not with you?”

“No, her and Rachel wanted to have a roomie night last night. I’m actually free today.”

“Great!”

Niall comes over and you open the door for him.

“Thank you so much, I’m desperate for a shower. I just changed Michael and he’s had a new bubby so he shouldn’t be hungry. Buster’s just been out too.”

“Y/N, it’s fine. Go take your shower, and relax”

“Thanks.” You sneeze loudly.

“Bless you.” He laughs.

“Thanks.” You sniffle.

“Feelin’ okay?”

“Honestly, no. I have a headache and my ears hurt. I think I’m getting my seasonal sinus infection.” You groan.

“Take a very long shower then, clear all that shit out.”

“Thank you, you’re a lifer saver.”

Niall takes Michael and sits on the sofa with him. Buster sits on the on cushion next to him. You get into the shower and stand under the warm water for a while, getting all your hair wet. You blow your nose as much as can, but you’re super congested. You get out of the shower, eventually, and brush your hair out, leaving it wet, something you rarely did. You put on Harry’s grey joggers and one of his over-sized sweatshirts. Actually, it looked normal on him, it was just over-sized on you. You throw on some fuzzy socks, and head out to the living room.

“Uh oh, wet hair, that’s not a good sign.”

“I don’t have the energy to dry it.”

“You sound even worse.” He frowns. “Are you sure it’s not a cold?”

“I know it’s not. It’s the beginning of a sinus infection, I can feel it.” You plop down and Buster moves to your lap. “You can put Michael in his bouncy you know? It’s pretty cute.”

Niall drags it over and puts him in. You both watch as he entertains himself.

“Thanks for helping out. Harry has two weddings today. I don’t know how I’m supposed to watch the both of them by myself now that I don’t feel good. But I guess people do it all the time.”

“Y/N, I told you I don’t have plans today, I can hang out and help.”

“I couldn’t ask you to do that. It’s a nice day out.”

“When was the last time you and I just spent a day together? Besides, you need someone to help take care of you.”

“Do you wanna binge Stranger Things from the beginning?”

“God, yes.” You both giggle and he fires up the TV. “I’m gonna make yeh some tea.”

“Thank you.” You grab his hand and squeeze it. You smile at each other and then he goes into the kitchen.

You and Niall have a great day together. He helps you with Michael and Buster so you can rest. Your head was killing you, even after having taken some Tylenol. You both also enjoy your binge of your favorite show. Harry texts to check in a couple times, but you forget to answer.

“I’m gonna go put Michael down, could you take Buster out?”

“Yup, got a spare key f’me?”

“Mhm, in the bowl by the door.” He nods and you both go to complete your tasks. “He’s so good, falls right asleep.”

“Do yeh think your brother and Lily went to go make another?” He says with a cheeky grin.

“God, I don’t even want to think about that.” You laugh and pat Buster’s tummy as he lays at your feet.

You end up putting a pillow in Niall’s lap so you can lay down. He keeps a hand on your head and plays with your frizzy hair. There were only so many people in the world that you let see you like this. It had been so long since you and Niall had a proper cuddle, you missed it so much. You eventually drift off, but he doesn’t mind. It was a long day, and he was enjoying the continued binge of the show.

Harry walks in around 8:30PM. He was exhausted and already starting to take his clothes off. He stops short when he sees Niall, who has a finger pressed to his lips to signal to be quiet. Harry looks at him extremely confused.

“She’s not feelin’ well.” He whispers. Harry walks around to the sofa and doesn’t like what he sees. Niall’s hand in your hair and your face nestled into his stomach.

“What do you mean she’s not feelin’ well? Why didn’t either of you call me? She didn’t text me back all day.”

“What would callin’ yeh do? You were workin’.” He sighs. “She called me cause she needed a shower, and I didn’t have plans. When I got here she didn’t look great, and she got worse as the day went on so I stayed to help. Baby’s sleepin’, dog went to his bed on his own. Think she’s got a sinus infection. She gets a really bad one this time of year, she was due.”

“Right, well, I’ll take her to bed now…thanks.”

“You could be less of a prick you know?”

“I’m not!” He hushes himself. “I’m not bein’ a prick.”

“Yeah, ya are.”

“Look at her, she’s all cozied up to you.” He gestures.

“News flash, mate, not the first time her head’s been in my lap.”

“What the fuck is that supposed to mean?”

“Oh my god, you’re impossible. What are you, cranky? Get her off of me if you’re so bent outta shape.”

Harry huffs and gets his arms under you. You cling to Niall’s shirt at first and then you loosen your grip. Harry cradles you to his chest and you whimper.

“Shh, just me, baby girl.” He coos. You barely wake up. “Stay there, I’ll be right back.” Niall nods as Harry carries you to bed. You groan as he tucks you in. He kisses your forehead and goes back out to Niall. “Alright, set this scene for me, will you?”

“She needed to take a shower, so she called me. She said she didn’t feel comfortable being naked in the shower with Michael. She came out lookin’ worse than she did, so I helped her out. She napped when the baby did so I took the dog out a few times. I helped her feed both of ‘em. She cuddled Michael for a bit while we watched TV and then she put him to bed.”

“And then her head ended up in your lap?”

“There was a pillow there. We’ve done it plenty of times, not recently, obviously. I’ve taken care of her plenty of times while she’s been sick, and she’s done the same for me. We’re comfortable with each other. I’ve been her friend for almost three years, Harry. Don’t make a big deal out of it.”

“I should’ve been home with her today, not you.”

“You had to work.”

“I just don’t like that you’re her go to for every little thing.”

“You know, if Sarah had been here too you wouldn’t even have an issue.” He crosses his arms.

“Where is she anyways?”

“Roomie weekend. Her and Rach haven’t been spendin’ a lot of time together lately. We texted all day believe it or not.”

“And Y/N couldn’t text me back?”

“She was drowsy all day, and she had a terrible headache. If you hadn’t noticed all the lights are off.”

“I noticed.”

“You can be a grouch all you want, but I was a good friend today, to both of you. You could say thank you.”

“Thanks for cuddling with my girlfriend, mate, that’s a big help.” Niall pinches the bridge of his nose.

“I really can’t fuckin’ stand you sometimes. You’re jealous for no reason.”

“It’s hard to be pissed when I walk in and see the love of my life curled up with you!”

“Her head was in my lap! It’s not like my dick was pressed to her ass and we were spoonin’!”

“You might as well have been!”

“You two woke the baby up.” They both whip their heads to look at you.

When Harry put you to bed you had woken up and changed into just a t-shirt, you were sweating from the heavy clothes. Michael started crying right when you had fallen back asleep. You got him back to sleep, but you were pissed.

“Y/N, go put some clo-“

“Niall, thank you for all your help today, may I speak with Harry privately?”

“Yeah, lemme know how you’re feelin’ tomorrow, alright?”

“Mhm.”

He grabs his things and heads out. You glare at Harry. You weren’t sure where to start, so you don’t. You didn’t want to wake Michael up again, and you didn’t want Buster getting riled up.

“I’m going back to bed, please sleep on the sofa.”

“Excuse me?”

“I don’t feel well, and I’m so far beyond aggravated. I don’t want you near me right now.”

“I’m sleeping on our-“

“If you don’t want to sleep on the sofa then sleep in the guest room. I don’t really care where you sleep, just as long as it’s not with me. We’ll talk about it tomorrow.” You turn on your heel and get back into bed.

Harry stood there and groaned. All he thought about all day was coming home to you. Now he was forced to sleep in his old bed, alone. The next morning you’re feeling a little better, but still congested. You knew you’d have to go to urgent care at some point for some antibiotics.

You get Michael out of the pack and play, and lay him on the bed to change him.

“There’s a happy boy.” You smile while he giggles.

Harry was just coming in with Buster when you come out with Michael.

“He’s, uh, fed…”

“Thank you.”

“When will Kyle and Lily be here?”

“Soon.”

“Okay.”

Harry leaves you alone until your brother comes to pick him up.

“How was he?”

“Perfect, as usual. I have a little cold, but I’m not contagious. Sinus thing I think.”

“Alright, we’ll keep an eye on him. Thanks again!”

They pack everything up and head out. You cross your arms and look at Harry. He looks at you.

“I don’t feel like I’m wrong.” He starts.

“No? Okay, present your case to me then.”

“You didn’t text me back all day, if I had known you didn’t feel well, I would’ve come home.”

“And leave those poor people without wedding photos?”

“I have a backup, I’m not an idiot.” He sighs. “No, instead you call your other boyfriend, sorry, your husband, to come over and help you.” You burst out laughing, you can’t help it, you were so angry. “This is funny?”

“It’s hilarious! Do you even listen to yourself? Who the fuck else was I going to call? Rachel or Sarah? Niall’s right across the street, he was here in two seconds.” You scoff. “Also, Rachel and Sarah are terrible with children, absolutely terrible. I wouldn’t trust either one of them with Michael. Niall, however, has been around Michael since he was born. I told him he could leave after I showered, but he insisted he stay to help. And I’m glad I let him because I didn’t feel well, I still don’t.”

“I’m sorry about that, but-“

“And then what do you do?” You ask, cutting him off. “You come home, already in a bad mood because you were probably tired, and instead of being grateful that your best friend came to help your sick your girlfriend take care of your nephew and puppy, you blew up at him! I don’t care if you don’t apologize to me, but you certainly owe Niall one.”

“My nephew?” His face softens.

“Harry for the love of god!” You feel like you want to rip your hair out. “Yes! Your nephew! He’s my nephew, he’s yours, he’s ours! You’re his fucking uncle now, don’t you think?!” Harry can’t help but smile. “Stop fucking smiling! I’m so mad at you! You get so jealous and worked up for no reason!”

“No reason! Y/N, your head was in his lap, you had your arms wrapped around him, and you face was pressed into his stomach! Totally comfortable!”

“You’re damn right I was comfortable! Niall and I used to cuddle all the fucking time!” His jaw drops. “That’s right. Never like spooning or anything, but that’s typically how we’d lay. We’ve taken care of each other a lot when the other’s been sick, and that’s usually what happens. And it’s not like my head was against his crotch, there was a fucking pillow there. Grow up, Harry.”

“Grow up? Grow up?!”

“Yeah! I am so sick of having this same fight with you! This is the last time I’m going to say this, I do not now, nor have I ever wanted to fuck Niall. He has not now, nor ever wanted to fuck with me. I do not plan on risking our entire fucking relationship to fuck your best friend.” He opens his mouth to speak and then stops himself. “Have I made myself clear?” He nods yes. “Good, because I swear to god if we fight about this again, I’m done.”

“What do you mean you’re done?”

“I mean I’m done. This is the stupidest fucking fight, and we’ve had it several times. I don’t appreciate you not trusting me, and I’m sure he doesn’t appreciate you not trusting him. So, if you find this to be worth risking our relationship over then you can just-“

“Okay.”

“Okay?”

“Yeah, okay. You’re right, this is a stupid fight, and it’s not worth risking our relationship over.”

“So how do we move forward? I mean, clearly you have this like jealousy thing…I need to be able to interact with him the way that I do. I need to be able to laugh and whatever with him without worrying if it’s going to set you off.”

“I don’t know, honestly. I can’t help that I feel…ugh, how do I explain this? Um, remember when Julia made a pass at me?”

“Which time?” You scoff.

“When you walked in…and you said you didn’t anyone to think they could touch me like that. I feel the same way with you.”

“But Harry…Niall’s not into me like that. It’s platonic. I was also asleep, I didn’t know I had curled into him like that.”

“He was like playin’ with your hair and stuff.”

“And?”

“That’s super intimate!”

“It’s platonic! He was comforting me. I’ve played with his hair before too. We’re both touchy people, it’s how we show affection. I’m very affectionate with all my friends.”

“So you’re basically tellin’ me I just need to be cool with it.”

“No…but I don’t want you to think a touch or a smile means anything more than friendship between us. I mean, how many times do I need to remind you that I knew him before you? I have a whole history with him Harry.”

“I just didn’t think you two were that close because he never brought you out or around.”

“A lot of that was on me. He’d invite me to a lot of things, but I usually had plans with the girls, or I didn’t feel like going to a party where I’d only know him. He and I got into just hanging out one on one, and that worked for us.”

“And there was really never any moment between the two of you where you felt like you wanted to take it a step further?”

“Never, and I know he feels that way too. We’re just close.” You start sniffling as tears prick at your eyes. “You make me feel so guilty sometimes for loving him…and it’s not fair.”

“Please don’t cry.”

“I can’t help it.” You wipe your eyes. “I’m allowed to have friends, male friends.” You cry harder and Buster comes over to you. “When I was in high school, and even in college I had a lot of guy friends. And time and time again they would tell me they couldn’t be my friend anymore because their girlfriends didn’t trust me. I’m a very nice person, and I would never put someone in that position. I don’t know what’s so non-trusting about me, but it makes me feel like shit that my own boyfriend doesn’t even trust me.” He crosses the room and takes you in his arms.

“I do trust you.”

“Then it’s him you don’t trust.”

“I’ve known Niall a lot longer than you. He’s…a great guy, but I’ve I know what he’s capable of.”

“What are you talking about?”

“It was years ago, so it doesn’t matter. People change.”

“Harry.”

“There was a girl he dated in grad school and he cheated on her. She found out and broke up with him, obviously. I was no saint myself, but I knew I didn’t wanna be with one person. He shouldn’t have gotten into a relationship in the first place.”

“You can’t blame your own issues on something he did years ago.”

“I know.”

“So then why do you have these issues?”

“I don’t know, I just feel like you’re my girlfriend so you should come to me.”

“You were working!” You push him away.

“But if you had called me, then I could have told you to call him. At least I would’ve been in the know. You didn’t text me back all day. I walked in completely blindsided!”

“So I need to ask daddy permission in order to have my friends over, is that it?”

“Don’t be such a brat, that’s not what I meant.”

“Would you like to sleep in the guest room again tonight? Is that what you want?”

“Why, because I called you a brat?”

“No, because you’re acting like an asshole still.”

“Okay.” He nods.

“Okay what?”

“Okay, I’m actin’ like an asshole, you’re not wrong.”

“You know what?! I’m going to take the dog for a walk, a long walk. I suggest you go fix things with Niall. He’s pretty pissed.”

“How would you know?”

“I’ve been texting him all day. Wanna check my phone to make sure we haven’t been sexting or sending dirty pictures?” You put the leash on Buster and slip your sneakers on.

Harry takes a few deep breaths before going across the street. He keys right into Niall’s apartment. Him and Sarah were cuddled up on the couch.

“Jesus, Harry.” He says. “Glad we weren’t naked.”

“Sarah can I speak with Niall privately?”

“Whatever you have to say to him you can say in front of me.” She crosses her arms and Niall smirks.

“Great, so you’re mad at me too?”

“Harry, listen, I felt the same way you did months ago, remember? Y/N and Niall have a very special bond. There’s no need to be jealous or threatened.”

“I’m not threatened.”

“Then what’s your problem?” Harry’s jaw tenses.

“Babe, maybe you should go hang in my room for a bit.”

“Are you sure?”

“Yeah, he and I need to talk one on one.”

“Alright, but if I hear yelling I’m coming out.” She gets up and goes into Niall’s bedroom. Niall gestures for Harry to sit and he does.

“I’m sorry for flippin’ out on you. I know neither of you would do anything to hurt me, I don’t know why I get like this.”

“Look, after what I did to…Molly…I would never dare do it again. I’m close with Y/N and I don’t want you messin’ that up. I really cherish the friendship I have with her. It was bad enough when Sarah made things difficult, I don’t need you makin’ it worse. You know yesterday was the first time she and I hung out alone in months. Months, Harry. That’s not right. Sarah makes time to hang out with her friends, why can’t we?”

“So if Sarah had a really close guy friend, you wouldn’t even be a little suspicious?”

“How could I be? Especially if she had a friendship before we even met. If someone new came into her life and she all of a sudden was giving all her free time to them, then okay, I’d be suspicious. It’s just me, you know me.”

“She told me if we fought over this again then she’d be done with me…” Harry starts to tear up. “She’s really mad.”

“Do you blame her? Put it to rest. You have nothin’ to worry about when it comes to the two of us. At the end of the day, I’m sure it was you who she wanted to be curled up with and comforted by. I wasn’t steppin’ in as her boyfriend for the day either. I’m her friend and I was there for her, that’s it.”

“Okay.” He takes a deep breath. “I’m not gonna risk losin’ her over this, so I just need to get over myself.”

“Just don’t jump to the worst conclusion. I have nothin’ but the purest intentions.” Harry runs a hand through his hair.

“She made me sleep in the guest room last night.”

“Good, yeh didn’t deserve to sleep next to her.” He nudges him.

“I really am sorry. I was being ungrateful. I’m happy you’re right across the street, it’s the whole reason we moved there. She wanted to be closer to you. Probably for situations like yesterday.” He sighs. “I’ve not been a good friend.”

“You know what we need. We need a boy’s weekend. The weather’s gettin’ nicer. You, me, and Lou should all go campin’ like old times.”

“Man…that actually sounds like a good idea.”

“We could go memorial day weekend. Then the girls could get together too so no one would be alone.”

“I’ll run it by Y/N, send something in the group chat to see what Lou thinks. He could probably use the weekend away too.”

The two stand up and hug.

“Awwwww.” Sarah says and they look at each other.

“Were you listenin’ the entire time?” Niall asks.

“I couldn’t help it! I didn’t know if you two were gonna try to kill each other.” She smiles. “Group hug?”

“Jesus, c’mere.” Harry opens an arm up for her.

“You better go fix things with Y/N.”

“M’gonna. She should be back from walkin’ the dog now anyways.”

You were sitting on the sofa with Buster when Harry got back. He approaches you slowly.

“Um, hi.”

“Hello.”

“I apologized to Niall.”

“And did you mean it?”

“Yes.”

“Good.”

“I feel really bad for makin’ you so up set. I’m-“

“Harry, is it all done now? Are we done with this entire subject?”

“Yes.” He sighs.

“Okay, then we’re good.”

“Really?”

“Yes.” He comes to sit next to you.

“You sound a lot better.”

“I took a decongestant.” You both pet the puppy. “I feel a lot better actually.” You start blushing.

“That’s good.”

“Like, a lot better.” You put Buster on the floor and crawl into his lap. You nuzzle your nose against his neck.

“Wanna make up?” You smile against him and start kissing his neck. “I’ll take that as a yes.” You bite down on his skin harshly and suck. “Ah, shit.” He holds you close to him as you suck harder. You come off him and rub your thumb over the mark.

“I don’t wanna fuck in front of the dog, bring me to the bedroom.”

Harry picks you up and brings you to the room. Buster makes his way to his dog bed. Harry lays you down, and looks at you. You caress his face.

“What is it?”

“I just…can’t believe I was doin’ somethin’ that was enough to make you leave me.” He starts to tear up and you sit up on your knees to pull his head to your chest.

“I should not have said that. I’m sorry, I won’t ever say something like that again. I just hate that we kept having the same fight, I was so frustrated. I love you so much, Harry. I’ll never leave you.” You looks up at you with red and puffy eyes.

“You promise?”

“I promise.”

He kisses you, cupping your face in his hands. You tug at him as you lay back. One of his hands moves to knead of your breasts.

“Can we just be sweet on each other tonight? I missed yeh so much last night, I wanna be as close as possible.”

“Whatever you wanna do, doll.”

You strip each other of your clothes. Harry lays down all the way and lays your body on top of his. He licks at your core while you pump him, rubbing your thumb over his slit. You wrap your lips around him just as his tongue goes up inside you. The groan from your throat causes him to buck his hips up. His tongue swirls all around you and laps up at your wetness.

“Hold on.” He says. “I don’t wanna come yet.” You pop off him and lay down next to him.

“What do you wanna do now? That was feeling really good.”

“I wanna just slip inside you and stay there.”

“Okay.”

Harry hovers over you, and slips inside. You both moan at the contact. He doesn’t move, he just stays there. You stick your tongue out slightly and he meets it with his. You wrap your legs around him as the kiss deepens. He nips at your jaw and works his way to your neck.

“Ah.” One of your hands grips at his hair, and the other finds one of his hands so you can intertwine your fingers. He licks over the spot the spot he’s sucking on to soothe it, and moves onto another area of your neck.

He was kissing all over you and you loved it. His free hand moves to rub your slit. He starts with soft, slow circles. He looks at you and sees your lips are parted and your eyes are scrunched up. His thumb keeps working your clit, agonizingly slow.

“Harry.” You moan. You start tightening around him. He grits his teeth, but he keeps doing what he’s doing. “That feels so good.”

“You’re so wet.” He kisses on your collar bone and nips at the skin.

You tighten around him again as he rubs you just right. Your toes start to curl and you clench around him the tightest you have.

“Harry, ah, I’m gonna come.” You start thrashing underneath him, but he holds you in place. You squeeze the hand of his that you’re holding.

He feels you flutter and pulsate around him, and his cock throbs and twitches inside you.

“Shit, shit, shit.” He groans.

You both moan loudly as you come at the same time.

“God, that felt so good.” You say pushing his hair out of his face.

“I didn’t mean to come, I’m sorry. I could just really feel all of you coming it was incredible.” He kisses you and pulls out.

“Harry?”

“Yeah?”

“Do that thing I like…”

He smirks at you and sticks his middle and forefinger inside you before his come can spill out. Usually he pulls out right away and sticks them right in your mouth, but he starts pumping in and out of you.

“What, what are you doing?” You start panting.

“You didn’t really think we were done did you?”

“Fuck.” Your head rolls back into your pills as he pumps faster. “Flip me over, do it from behind.”

He didn’t have to be told twice. You two were making a mess, but neither of you cared. He fingers you from behind and it feels amazing.

“Want your cock again Harry, please, need it so bad.” He pumps himself a few times, and pulls his fingers out. You look at him over your shoulder and open your mouth.

“Fuck.” He says as you suck on his fingers. “Love it when you do that.” You lick your lips when he takes his fingers away.

“Put it in, fuck me up.”

His eyes grow wild. He lines you up with his tip and he thrusts inside. He hits bottom right away.

“God, that’s it.” You moan. “Fuck me, Harry.”

He pulls in and out harder and faster. You clutch at the blankets. His fingers press brusies into your hips. You loved how you two could go from having such a sweet, intimate moment to just be absolutely rough with each other. You push back against him and he groans. He gives your bum a harsh smack and your back arches.

Harry reaches around to grab your throat and pulls you back to him, back flush with his chest. Your head rests on his shoulder, and he uses his other hand to rub your clit while he rocks in and out of you. He keeps a firm grip on your throat. The lack of oxygen to your brain just adding to the intensity of the feeling he was giving your throbbing center. He feels you start to tighten around him again.

You gasp as you come and he loosens his grip on you so you can get some air. His thrusts slow and he kisses your temple. You lean back down on your elbows as he fucks into you even harder.

“Fill me up again, please.”

“Want me to come?”

“Yes, want you to feel so good.”

You tighten around him and he loses it, filling you up for the second time tonight. He collapses next to you after he pulls out.

“Love you so fuckin’ much.” He yanks you onto his chest.

“Love you too.” You kiss him tenderly.

“I’m sorry I’m such an idiot. I’d never do somethin’ to jeopardize all this again.”

“Harry, it’s okay. Please, I don’t want you to start worrying about be going anywhere. There’s nowhere else I’d rather be, no one else I’d rather be with.”

“Sweet girl.” He says, moving some hair out of your face. “I wish I could’ve been with you and the baby more this weekend.”

“Me too.”

“I would’ve taken such good care of you too. I would’ve made that noodle soup you like, and wrapped you up in a blanket, and just cuddled you all day.”

“Mm, that sounds really nice.” You nuzzle against him. “You always make things so cozy, Harry.”

His arms tighten around you, and suddenly you just don’t care about anything bad that happened. You two could get through anything as long as you kept trying. The good with Harry always outweighed the bad. Everything was worth it when you got to these moments. When he was just hold you and caress you. A proper cuddle with Niall was nice, but nothing was better than being wrapped in Harry’s strong, tattooed arms.

#harry styles #take it slow #harry styles x reader #harry styles y/n #harry styles x y/n #harry styles imagine #harry styles smut #harry styles fluff #harry styles angst #harry styles fic #harry styles fluff fic #harry styles smut fic #harry styles angst fic #i feel like i wrote this all day #its like 8k my bad yall #come hang in my inbox!

259 notes · View notes

horansqueen · 6 years ago

Text

AM Conversations : chapter 32

A Niall Horan fanfiction ; rated MA

CHAPTER 1 || CHAPTER 2 || CHAPTER 3 || CHAPTER 4 || CHAPTER 5 || CHAPTER 6 || CHAPTER 7 || CHAPTER 8 || CHAPTER 9 || CHAPTER 10 || CHAPTER 11 || CHAPTER 12 || CHAPTER 13 || CHAPTER 14 || CHAPTER 15 || CHAPTER 16 || CHAPTER 17 || CHAPTER 18 || CHAPTER 19 || CHAPTER 20 || CHAPTER 21 || CHAPTER 22 || CHAPTER 23 || CHAPTER 24 || CHAPTER 25 || CHAPTER 26 || CHAPTER 27 || CHAPTER 28 || CHAPTER 29 || CHAPTER 30 || CHAPTER 31

NOTES:

-one chapter is her pov, the next is his. -4k -im sorry, i never proofread, i hate it. -there WILL be smut. but not only smut. -this is a romance, comedy, smut story. -for the summary, check my MASTERLIST.

- if you want to be notified when this is updated, please message me or leave a comment!

- you can send me questions and theories and comments. tbh they all make me SO SO SO SOOOO HAPPY! and make me want to write more! you can also tell me if there are things you WANT to happen. you never know, i may add it :P

- note for this chapter: i got a few requests like a trip to ireland to meet their parents and casual dates... and they were ideas I had already planned so yay haha we think alike! more of that date in next chapter. and theyll be going to his parents’ for christmas so ill write that too (all planned already lol) PLEASE tell me if its getting boring okay? thank you!

Chapter 32 : His chapter

NIALL

When my phone rang again, I was laying on top of Liv, kissing her slowly and deeply. I could feel myself still hard from going down on her and the way her hands moved on my body only amplified my libido. Her fingers ran down to the small of my back before reaching my butt over my boxers and without thinking, I bucked my hips against hers.

"Maybe you should answer the phone." she let out in a whisper, her lips brushing against mine.

"If it's her again i'm gonna be pissed." I admitted low, making Liv chuckle,.

If I only listened to myself, i'd keep kissing her all day but I just groaned and kept my eyes closed, trying to decide if I should just let it ring or get up and answer. It took me too long and it stopped ringing, probably letting the call reach my voicemail, and I smiled against her lips.

"Oops?"

She chuckled but I quickly pressed my lips back against hers, deepening the kiss immediately and closing my eyes again, focusing on her hands and the way her lips fitted perfectly with mine. I knew out bodies would too. It was so obvious to me now.

My phone rang again and this time, my girlfriend laughed while we were kissing. I pulled away and let my eyes roam on her face before sighing low.

"I don't care, i'm not answering."

Once again, I dipped my head down to kiss her, rubbing myself very slightly between her legs trying to get a release I was not sure I wanted to reach now. It took only a few seconds after my phone stopped ringing for it to start again and this time, I groaned in Liv's mouth before pulling away a bit, opening my eyes to meet hers. There was only one person who would insist and I knew that they'd keep calling until I'd pick up. Liv raised her eyebrows and her lips curled.

"Your mommy."

I raised my nose up, knowing she was most likely right and reluctantly, I peeled my body off of hers, getting off the bed to search through my pants. When I turned around, I notice Olivia smirking at me and raising her eyebrows up.

"That was a very nice view, can you bend down again?"

I chuckled and shook my head, raising my eyebrows at her.

"And you call me a pervert." I pointed out, making her chuckle before finally answering my phone. "Hey ma."

I stayed motionless, facing Liv as I chatted with my mother and noticed the way she was looking at me. I didn't know why but I liked it and when I finally hung up, I moved my hands up with a smile.

"What?" I just asked, making her chuckle low as she glanced down at my boxers.

"It's just... I really made a mess out of your boxers." she chuckled before pressing her lips hard together.

I frowned but looked down, noticing the wet spot on my boxers and suddenly realizing I had been standing between her legs only a few minutes ago after going down on her. I looked up with a smirk, raising my eyebrows and laughing a little.

"It's only the proof of the effect I have on you." I pointed out with a shrug, still smirking. I put my phone on the bedside table and turned back to her. "Now you can't deny it... ever."

I crawled on top of her and she started laughing.

"Why would I ever deny it?" she asked in a low tone as she wrapped her arms around my neck.

I smiled even more and kissed her, staying over the covers while she was laying under them. I felt attracted to her like a magnet and even if I knew it was a stupid comparison, it was exactly that. I couldn't be away from her for too long and anyway, I didn't want to. It took me so long to realize my feelings for her, I just wanted to make up for lost time.

"What did your mom want?" she finally asked after a while, her lips briefly parting from mine.

I didn't want to tell my mom that I had a new girlfriend over the phone and the fact that she knew Olivia and have for decades made things even more important to announce, or it seemed.

"Remind me to be there for Christmas." I chuckled. "As if i'd forget something like that."

I stopped talking and felt my heart jump in my chest before pulling slightly away to look in her eyes. My gaze dropped to her lips and she immediately licking them. Fuck, I loved that, and it turned me on more than it should.

"Now that I think about it, we could spend so much time together in this room that we'd literally forget Christmas."

Her lips curled into a fond smile as her fingers started playing with my hair. Her touch was extremely soft and gentle and I felt goosebumps appear on my back.

"We definitely could." she admitted in a whisper. "But don't worry, we'll get out of here long enough for you to go to your mother's for a few days."

She chuckled again and it made me smile even more.

"How about you come with me?"

Her lips parted, her eyebrows raised, and the look she sent me amused me more than it should have. I didn't want to be separated from her for the holidays and it would be our first Christmas as a couple.

"My mom is doing a big Christmas dinner and my dad will be there too, and probably my brother." I added with a small shrug. "We could tell them in person, what do you say?"

I could read fear but also excitement in her eyes and I waited, motionless, until her lips curled and she moved up on her elbows to reach my lips with hers.

"Then we can go see your parents for an other few days if you want." I added, taking her bottom lip between my teeth and biting it a bit, making her whimper. "You haven't seen them in a while."

I knew her parents had moved back to France a few years ago and even if she kept in touch with them through skype, I knew she missed them a lot. I remembered catching her crying one time while we were on tour, after she talked with them, and although she had never explicitly told me that it was why she was crying, she had literally spent half an hour sobbing in my arms.

She brought her hands on my cheeks and sent me a fond smile, making my heart twist lightly in my chest.

"Thank you."

She whispered the words but I could feel how grateful she really was and it made me smile. I have always wanted my best friend to be happy but now, it became the most important thing for me. I thought about the comments I had seen under that ridiculous online article and it made my heart twist in my chest. Sometimes, I couldn't believe how mean people were. And wrong, too.

"What do you think your parents will say?" she asked, raising her nose up in a grimace. It was cute and it made my smile grow.

"About us together?" I just asked, raising my eyebrows, a smile still on my lips.

"Yea, do you think they're gonna like me?" she wondered in a very low and juvenile tone.

"Are they gonna.. what?" I chuckled with a frown, amused by her question. "Liv, they already know you, they've known you for two decades, they love you!"

She shrugged a shoulder, looking up at her fingers in my hair.

"That doesn't mean they'll like me as your girlfriend."

I didn't know why she was scared but I didn't want her to be. I sighed low and licked my lips, waiting until her eyes would meet mine.

"Olivia, look at me."

Slowly, her gaze moved to meet mine and she licked her lips nervously. I watched the way the tip of her tongue ran gently between her lips and it made me realize that I love this habit of hers.

"You make me happy, you always have, and my parents know that, and they love you." I pointed out, waiting about a minute until she simply nodded. "Can I book our flight?"

This time, she chuckled and nodded more before I bent down and kisses her lips in a peck. I pushed myself off of her and got off the bed, looking for a paid of pants and a shirt.

"Maybe you should wear clean boxers." she proposed with a short laugh.

I raised my nose up with an amused smile and shrugged.

"Naa, it's okay this way." I let out. "Just a nice reminder of my skills, 'ts all good."

It took only half a second before I felt a pillow hit the side of my face and lost my balance as I was trying to put my pants on.

"What the..."

I didn't trip but it was close and I looked up at her with a big smile. She was smiling too, her eyes smaller and her nose up again.

"You're so pretentious!" she let out, making me laugh as I finally pulled my shirt down on my chest.

"What?" I asked, raising my hands slightly up. "It's the truth!"

"Shut up, Horan!" she groaned, making me laugh even more.

"Okay dress up! I'll make coffee!"

With one last smile, I left the room and walked to the kitchen, making coffee and leaning against the counter, crossing my arms until I felt my phone vibrate in the pockets of my sweatpants. I quickly grabbed it and read the message I got, losing my smile slowly. She entered the room at the same time and I put my phone back in my pockets, looking up at her.

"Can we talk?"

She frowned but nodded, sitting at the table as I poured coffee in two mugs. I placed one on the table for her and sat in front of her with mine, both my hands wrapped around the cup.

"Niall, you're stressing me." she admitted in a low tone. "You're not breaking up with me, are you?"

I frowned in surprise, not really understanding why she would believe that after the way I acted with her only a few minutes ago, and finally shook my head.

"No! Liv, why would I..." I leaned a bit on the table and raised my eyebrows again, looking in her eyes. "It took me decades to admit to myself that I'm in love with you, I wouldn't ruin it now."

Her smile was half embarrassed and half grateful and I smiled back.

"I just..." I sighed and shook my head. "Remember the trip I told you about? In Asia?"

She frowned and shrugged, staring at me.

"Yea of course, it's all you could talk about for a while. Leave for Asia and travel with barely any money?" I nodded and she did the same. "What about it?"

"We're supposed to leave in a few weeks."

She frowned more and chuckled a bit, her lips curling.

"Yea, I remember that, too."

I pressed my lips together and looked down at my cup of coffee. Of course, I didn't want to be away from her but at the same time, I had planned this and was really excited to go. I would invite her but I didn't want to impose someone else in this trip. I had almost forgotten about it but then again, I forgot many things in the past 12 hours. I was also scared of what she would say. I knew how Olivia the best friend would react, but I had no idea what Olivia the girlfriend would do.

"And, you're okay with that?"

This time, she laughed and took a sip of her coffee. I loved the way her eyes moved up when she smiled sincerely. I loved her smile. I loved her eyes. I loved her.

"Of course, it's what, two months?"

"6 weeks." I rectified.

"6 weeks, good." she shrugged. "We'll have many weeks after that, and you'll keep in touch, right?"

"Every single day, I promise."

I slid my arm on the table and turned my palm up, making her smile more. She tilted her head and her fingertips brushed on my palm before I grabbed her hand, rubbing my thumb softly against her skin.

"Then I don't see a problem." she just expressed in a low tone, making me squeeze her fingers again.

We stayed like that for a while, just enjoying each other's company, and I tried to think about all the times I was separated from hers. The world tours were the worst and although I had seen her a few times during them, we were so busy and tired that I felt like I could barely enjoy the fact that she was around. Last tour was better but there was one thing that I knew, and it was that being away from her again and especially now would be fucking hard.

"I'm gonna miss you." I confessed in a very low tone, staring at our hands together.

"Me too, but you'll have fun. It's an amazing experience." she added, squeezing my fingers too. "And we can face time."

I nod slowly and we stay in silence again for a few minutes as thoughts start invading my mind. It was ridiculous to worry about it now and I was not the kind to be anxious, especially not about things like that.

"You know what?" I finally let out a bit louder, making her look up at me with an a funny smile. "How about I take you on a date? A proper one. Dinner, movie, coffee..."

This time, she burst into laughter and moved closer to me, leaning on the table. Her eyes seemed to sparkle and it made me smile, too.

"Dinner, movie, coffee?" she repeated with an other laugh. "We do that all the time!"

"Fine then!" I admitted, knowing I couldn't say the opposite. "Burgers, arcades and pub, how's that?"

She shook her head, her lips still curled up, and leaned back against her chair, staring at me. I wanted to be alone with her and bring her on a proper date, the way I did with the other girls I dated. She deserved it, she deserved even better, but she was right. We couldn't pretend we had just met or that we weren't used to spend time together because we were

"You're such a romantic guy, Niall James Horan!" she joked.

"Okay how about going to a museum first? I could kiss you in front of your fave Dali painting."

Her traits softened and her smile faltered slightly. She moved our hands and brought her other one on the table, around mine. I felt her cold fingers against mine and raised my eyebrows.

"That... actually sounds like a good idea." she let out gently and low as she played with my fingers again.

I slid my other arm on the table to grab her hands in mine tightly.

"It's a date then." I whispered, making her look up in my eyes. "Be ready at four. I have a few things to plan for my trip but i'll pick you up."

"You're gonna drive me home so I can get prepared?" she asked jokingly, making me chuckle and frown.

"Of course, i'm a gentleman!"

---

I decided to dress casual for the date but I couldn't help but wonder the whole time I drove to her house if I shouldn't have put on something else. I didn't know why this date felt so important and special but I wanted it to be perfect. I parked in the street and rang her doorbell, opening the door quickly when she answered and running upstairs, skipping a few stairs on my way. When she opened her door, I sent her a smile, and my eyes moved down to look at what she was wearing. A simple pair of jeans and a t-shirt, just like me. I brought my eyes up to her face and sent her a bigger smile.

"You opted for the simple outfit, too?"

"Of course," she shrugged with a smirk. "Didn't want you to think you had a chance to bring me in your bed tonight."

I let out a laugh as she stepped out of her apartment and locked the door.

"No hope for you to sleep at my place then, is that it?"

She turned around and seemed slightly surprised when she realized how close we were. I looked down at her, letting my eyes roam on her face. Her lips curled very slowly and she finally licked them.

"No." she insisted, making me laugh again. "And no kiss after the date either."

"Yea?" I asked in a murmur, raising my eyebrows. "What about before the date, then?"

I took a step closer and she took a step back before I trapped her body between mine and the door. She didn't answer but slowly, I dipped my head down until my lips reached hers. Her yes closed suddenly and I kissed her, pressing my body against hers and slipping my tongue in her mouth. She didn't touch me but I brought one of my hands up, running my fingertips on her jaw, and smiled again when she whimpered in my mouth.

"Would you rather go back inside?" I asked in a whisper, smirking more. "We can spend the evening in your bed if you prefer."

I felt my whole body throb at that thought and brought my lips back on hers to kiss her even deeper this time. It was insane the effect she had on my body and I let my fingers run on her neck and down her side.

"Niall..." she let out in a mix of a whimper and a whisper.

"Yes petal?"

She brushed her lips against mine and I could swear I saw her quiver from a shiver crossing her back. Gently, I rubbed my nose against her and her eyes fluttered open.

"Don't even think about it."

I let out an other chuckle and took a small step back, reaching for her hand and intertwining our fingers before pulling her with me. I knew she enjoyed museums and I was also aware I was bringing her to one she had visited many times before. I paid for our tickets and when we walked inside, she handed me one of her earphones, making me frown.

"Do it. Classic music and visual arts just fit so well together, trust me."

I followed her around, just looking at pieces of art that I didn't understand and others that brought different feelings inside me that I couldn't seem to explain. I tried to let my eyes roam on the painting while my ears focused on music from Tchaikovsky or Chopin and when we entered an other room, she stopped in front of a painting and stared. I squeezed her fingers tighter and after a few seconds, she turned to me, making me smile.

"Morning Ossification of the Cypress." I just read out loud after moving my upper body closer to the painting. "What does that painting mean to you?"

She turned to look at it with a smile and finally looked back at me.

"That it doesn't matter how, where, and why you were born... you can still become anything you want to be."

I frowned slightly at her and looked back at the painting for a minute or two.

"You don't have to see what I see, you can interpret it the way you want to."

Once again, I turned back to her and something hit me suddenly. She looked gorgeous, standing there, surrounded by pieces of art... yet she was the most precious of them all, as stupid and cheesy as it seemed. I didn't tell her, I just looked at her and moved my head down again to kiss her. She let me, her lips moving avidly over mine, and I felt her hand grab gently the front of my shirt. Every time we kissed, it brought in me a sensation of comfort and excitement, like it was something new but also something I was used to, at the same time. Nothing had ever felt like that before.

"I don't get why you like him." I pointed out after we pulled away, making her raise her eyebrows. "Salvador Dali."

"I don't like everything he does but some of his paintings are... meaningful. No one had his brain, his imagination was... unique."

I loved the way she was talking about it. She was not trying to convince me or anything, she was just explaining how she felt, and it's always been something I liked about her. It was easy to discuss with her. I stared at her a few more seconds, just taking her beauty in before sighing.

"Hungry?"

"Starving!" she laughed, grabbing my fingers again and pulling me toward the exit. We laughed as we walked to the first fast food place we saw and quickly ate our burgers and fries, sitting on uncomfortable chairs and laughing at a few memories.

"Oh, remember that time you tried to shoot for a goal but you ended up just hitting Aiden in the balls!" I asked, my mouth full.

She groaned and rolled her eyes. I remembered she had a crush on him and had blown all the chances to date him she could have had.

"Remember when I caught you masturbating?" she said with a smirk, using iut as a pay back.

I smirked back and leaned my elbows on the table.

"Remember when I caught you masturbating?"

"Way too well." she mumbled, making laugh more,

I stopped after a while and looking down at my hand, nibbling on my bottom lip.

"You know, it was really hot." I confessed, intertwining my fingers and looking up at her. "You think you could do it again? I'd love to watch."

I saw her cheeks turn a soft shade of pink and it surprised me. She was not the kind to be embarrassed by anything sexual but just asking her if I could watch her masturbate was making her blush.

"I mean, only if you want to, you really don't have to-"

"Yes." she cut me quickly. "I can do that for you."

I raised my eyebrows in shock. It was not the answer I had expected, simply because of the talk about her body we had had before, but the thought of her touching herself right in front of me turned me on more than I thought it would. I wanted to watch her face and hear her moan. The image in my head was so exciting I squirmed on my seat and cleared my throat.

"I mean, if you come home with me tonight..."

"Let's start by this date, yea?" she just suggested quickly, getting up to throw what was left of our food away.

I helped her and we got back outside in the winter cold. It was already dark and it had snowed a lot, enough for the snowball fight I had in mind as soon as we'd get back to my house.

"How about a drink to warm us?" I proposed. "There's a pub not so far. I can teach you how to play pool."

She chuckled and rolled her eyes with a smile.

"I'll beat you."

"We'll see."

#niall horan #niall horan smut #niall horan fluff #niall horan story #niall horan fanfic #niall horan fan fic #niall horan fan fiction #niall horan writing #my fanfics #amc studios #please tell me if its getting boring!!! i need to know!

67 notes · View notes

kurogabae · 6 years ago

Text

TSUBASA: TRAINWRECK CHRONICLES

And Why Bee Train Are Officially Being Labeled, By Me, As The Boomers Of Animation

PART 1 – PART 2 – PART 3 -- Part 4

[Slim Shady’s “Guess Who’s Back” plays in the distance, muffled but threatening]

Look, I know I usually have something to say at the start of these, but honestly? Let’s just go because we’re starting knee-deep in some bullshit.

Tsarastora (yes... fucking AGAIN):

Well, it didn’t take long for us to return to the land of the walking Not Dead Anymore. Rumor has it that Bee Train was ordered to retcon the S1 finale immediately because who do you think you are to break one of CLAMP’s cardinal rules like that?!? But I’ve never seen any proof of exactly what went down about this plot. But I’m forced to believe Ohkawa materialized behind the director one day and threatened to eat his spine or some shit.

Anyway. We’re here. Again. And for some reason this is where they decide to have Sakura give Yuuko her White Day gift? Instead of in Piffle? Where she made it? With Tomoyo?

Stop stealing my moments Bee Train. It’s like you’re the crew who edited CCS for America back in the day and tried to market it towards boys so you pushed Syaoran as the main character and tried to remove all romance. Let Sakura have friends! Let her interact with people and have a story! LET HER BE BI!!!

So Yuuko has a dress and Fai makes a joke about being in heaven because the place is so pretty and Kurogane says not to, quote, “say such unlucky things” and it’s moments like this that make you wonder if they Knew and just didn’t care about Fai’s past or if they really were just as in the dark as the rest of us. I flip flop a lot between the two.

Either way, now the dads are talking about the kids and how brave Syaoran is (why the bullshit in Piffle prompted this I do not know but whatever I guess?) and basically just about how badly they want them to succeed but without just saying it. Meanwhile Sakura is telling Syaoran about her latest memory and I could not for the life of me tell you which one it was and I refuse to go check. The important thing here is that the lazy animation trick that has given Mokona the power of flight is back and she’s hovering around the gang now. Not sitting on shoulders or anything. Just... flying around like she’s Kero. This is fine. I guess.

And then, after what has to be like a solid half hour of just dicking around Mokona Very Suddenly senses a feather. Why so suddenly? Because they wanted to get everything else out of the way first and it was convenient. No other reason. The feather isn’t moving. Neither are they really. She just decides to turn her sensors on now? IDK. Maybe she needs a tune up.

They find the feather not far away just casually sitting inside a rock and everyone but Kurogane is like “Yay! Easy find! Go us!” because apparently no one can learn anything in this anime about what those fucking feathers do. Spoilers: it’s not a rock, it’s a dragon.

[Kurogane voice]: kin

The dragon fucks off and here we come to a Thing. Now, Kurogane is ready to slaughter this thing and wear its bones basically. He is Ready to Fight in a real way. I found that odd and really didn’t care for it. In Hanshin he seems in awe of Celes when it appears to him and even though it’s mostly fanon that Kurogane respects and likes dragons that makes sense. His family’s guardian was a dragon, his sword was modeled after a dragon. His whole motif is dragons! Why is he so ready to kill this one? Does it not count if it’s not a Nihon dragon? Does only Ginryuu get respect? It just feels bad???

But none of that matters because guess what! Dragon shaped as it might be, the thing is a demon? At least, that’s what they’re calling it. Sometimes. Fai says demon, Syaoran says dragon. They don’t.... agree on the term? Shut up. It’s a dragon.

So they soon realize that they are back in Should Be Very Dead-ville and oh no everyone is going to die again unless we get this OTHER feather because if one feather can buy us a month of living surely one more will fix our deaths forever right? ....right? (On a side note; Fai makes a comment about how weird it is that two feathers fell in the same world while he’s from Celes and knows damn well he found two and is unaware of a third!!!)

Either way the family is gonna help because, you know. Feather. If memory serves, the dragon is hiding in a lake, so what does Kurogane (who is now in charge because of course) have them do? They set the lake on fucking fire. And it delights him. It do not, however, delight the dragon, who, understandably, goes apeshit. Luckily, no one dies and they just hack off the horn that the feather was stuck in. And then they... take it to God again because wow they really do think this will work. Sakura, honey, I know how sweet you are but it only got them one month last time. What good will this do?

The answer is no good!

God basically tells them it’s tough tits, the month long visitation was all they could manage and no matter how many super powered magic bird parts they bring the dead are dead and that’s that. Which sucks for those villagers but haha, bummer for FAi to have to hear. Again. After watching Sakura wish someone to life with a mere piece of her soul. Again. Wonder how that felt. (Short post about Kurogane and Fai’s possible feelings here.)

So to end the episode, Sakura gets her feather back and then the family leaves town but sticks around on the outskirts to watch everyone fucking die again like some sick ass fuckers!!!

I’m not even going to talk about the stupid memory she gets with papa!Clow and learning about how death is a Thing via her dead pet bunny. It happens. It’s inorganic. I hate it. Shut up Clow.

The episode is over and I’ll leave you with this to heal your souls.

I am a simple woman.

Portoria:

WE’RE ON A BOAT MOTHA FUCKER!

If you’re too young to recognize that joke, click the link for... an experience. Wear headphones. Everyone else, please join me in this not-a-Wind-Waker-AU.

We’re gonna skip all of my bad sailor jokes and focus for a minute on Kurogane’s Sinbad cosplay here because yes good hello I am easily distracted.

Anyway, the captain is this world’s version of Koryo’s shitty Ryanban and Kurogane and Fai have a moment to wax philosophical about whether or not souls are inherently good or evil, which is fine and I would hardly mention if, while they were doing this, the “camera” wasn’t stood still on an image of Syaoran and Sakura just... smiling at each other while the dads spoke. Like the kids aren’t even doing anything, they’re just smiling. It’s weird. It’s also almost like accidental foreshadowing because HAHA THOSE ARE CLONES! But I’m not gonna go into it for the sake of this joke.

On the ship everyone has to work, Kurogane is terrorizing his new shipmates into compliance under his leadership, Fai and Sakura are cooking fish, and Syaoran is in the engine room with a child version of Fujitaka AKA his father. Understandably, Syaoran is Feeling Emotions, not that the animation is any indicator of this. He also calls a ten year old daddy so things are going great.

Now yes, Syaoran must miss his father terribly, not only has he been dead for who knows how long exactly (anywhere upwards of 5 years possibly) but Syaoran is far from home without any pictures or familiarity to remind him of Fujitaka, and now he’s got some savant elementary schooler who is an AU version of his dad basically sharing his deepest hopes and dreams. It’s a weird episode. Oh, and there is no feather, but Mokona is sweet as can be and stays so Syaoran can get to know this version of Fujitaka. Which honestly seems more like a punishment than anything to me, but hey.

Also, there’s a sea monster. And a haunted island. And something that sounds suspiciously like Piedmon from Digimon.

Syaoran and Fujitaka get stranded on the island after getting yeeted overboard and the captain telling the rest of the family that his ancestors forbid people from going to the island is enough to stop a rescue mission? Like. Kurogane AND Sakura are sitting there, letting nothing happen. This is fine. Everything is fine.

And it kinda is because the island if filled with old shit and Syaoran is geeking out like a kid surrounded by his special interest would be expected to.

In the end, the creepy laughter was wind, the island isn’t haunted, the family tries to row out to save Syaoran and a sea monster is on screen for all of 30 seconds. This episode was boring. Dull. It wasn’t even particularly angsty because Bee Train has no concept of emotional DEPTH!! Their expressions and emotions are as flat as Fai’s ass and as dry as Clow’s deserts. This could have been a very moving and fascinating filler episode, but Bee Train remains in capable of doing ANYTHING AT ALL EVER! I’m bored. This is boring.

At least Sakura looked cute in her little sailor outfit.

The next episode is “A Date With a Wizard” and that shitshow is getting its own post. Peace.

PART 1 – PART 2 – PART 3 -- Part 4

#my meta #tsubasa trainwreck chronicles #TRC #tsubasa chronicle #CLAMP #i am filled with an undying and unrestrained hate for all things

13 notes · View notes

yeunbins · 6 years ago

Text

perfect chemical — hyb

genre: enemies2lovers!au

requested: yes

a/n: this was WAAAAY long overdue

description: maybe being lab partners isn’t so bad after all

if you could describe Ha Yoonbin in one word, it would be that he is the literal devil. satan himself is shaking in his boots. you hated him with all your guts. just thinking about his name sent shivers down your spine. you are also one hundred percent positive that he felt the same way about you.

it all started around middle school. with you two being the top acers of the class, there was a time the class needed a class president. of course, your friends, yedam, doyoung, keita, jyunhao voted for you to be nominated. while jihoon, yoshinori and junkyu voted for yoonbin to be nominated. you still remember it like it was yesterday. someone raised their hands to close the nominations and it was only you and yoonbin who were the candidates. everyone chose their side and of course, you lost to yoonbin with one point. since then, there has been a competition between the two of you.

back to the present, you were currently drawing random doodles in your notebook. suddenly, the teacher called your name. “hm?” you raised your head. “were you paying attention, ms. y/n?” the teacher taps his foot. you laughed awkwardly, “yes” squeaked. you hear someone scoff at the side. “as usual of our ms. genius. barely paying attention in class” yoonbin mocks. you felt your blood boil hearing his voice. “yeah at least i don’t brag about my achievements when i barely achieved half of it” you retort. yoonbin gasps, “you take that back!” he gasps, pointing at you. “make me!” you hissed. “YOU TWO IN THE PRINCIPAL’s OFFICE NOW!” the teacher in front of you boomed. you angrily grabbed your bag and stomped off to the principal’s office. yoonbin shoves his things inside his black backpack. jihoon trying to calm him down, “bro, chill out! i told you, you shouldn’t have done that!” he tries to calm an angry yoonbin. “dude, just, fuck off and wait for me during lunch” yoonbin sighs, following you to the principals office.

—

“same reason?” the guidance councilor mused. you crossed your arms, avoiding all forms of contact with yoonbin. yoonbin fakes a laugh and throws his hand over your shoulder, pulling you close to him. “yep! isn’t that right babe?” he coos making you flustered causing you to smack him in the face. “ow!” he flinches. the guidance councilor laughs again, “you two would make such a cute couple” she winks. you choked in mid air, “excuse me ms. kim, that’s not happening anytime soon. i’d rather date a mole rat other than her” yoonbin whispers obnoxiously. “like i would date you” you gagged. before yoonbin could react, the door opens to reveal the principal, motioning the two of you to come in his office for the nth time this school year.

“you know, i’m getting tired of seeing your faces in my office everyday” the principal facepalms. you hid your face with your hands and yoonbin plays with his fingers. “its her/his fault!” you both stand up at the same time, annoying the principal even more. “if you two get sent in here again for the last time, i would have no choice to give you both a suspension for a week” he says sternly. you two both sat down quietly. “but sir! i have perfect grades! i will be forced to be dropped from the honor roll if you suspend me!” you complained. “yeah! what she said” yoonbin nods his head towards you. “exactly. so you two should grow up and be mature about this. you two are no longer kids! but seniors in high school!” the principal scolds you two. you both lower your heads and kept quiet. “one more chance. if i see your faces here again, you two are automatically suspended” the principal sighs. you both nod and stood up from the chairs. “here’s your hallway pass. hope i won’t see you two here again” the principal passes you two a familiar pass. you walk out the principal’s office in a bad mood. stomping your way to your next class which was chemistry.

—

“for this year, we would be having lab days. so i will be assigning your lab partners for the rest of the year. no buts” your chemistry teacher announces to the whole class. to be honest, you didn’t really care who you end up with since you’re practically friends with everyone in this class. except for yoonbin of course.

“ha yoonbin and (y/l/n) (y/n)” you hear the chemistry teacher read off his attendance list. you hear yoonbin sigh really loudly.

this is gonna be one hell of a school year

—

“could you take the test tube and wash it?” you ask yoonbin who was busy doing nothing. “what?” he raises his brow at you. you looked away from the microscope to give him a glare. “wash the test tubes”

“what’s the magic word?” he smiles fakely. “YOONBIN!” you screeched. “that’s not the magic word but we’ll work with that” he snickers taking the test tube away from your hand. you watch the microscope again but only to be disturbed by the one and only lucas. “hi!” he smiles widely. you look behind you incase he was referring to someone else. “me?” you point to yourself. lucas laughs, “yes! you, y/n!” it was a good thing that you wore a mask so he won’t see the rising blush on your cheeks.

lucas was the friendliest boy in school. which makes him part of the popular kids. you admit, he was very good looking.

“don’t you have a partner? where did he go?” lucas asks you as he sees you doing all the work. you shrug your shoulders, not caring wherever yoonbin is.

“he probably ghosted on me–“

suddenly, a loud slam could be heard next to you. you jumped and looked up to see yoonbin staring intently at lucas. “hey y/n i think it’s my turn to look at that. take a break and watch me finish our work for today” yoonbin says loudly for lucas to hear. lucas looks challenged and scoffs. “anyway y/n. here you go” he shows a toothy grin handing you a piece of paper. “bye!” he waves off walking to his station. you opened the paper to reveal his number. you laughed and kept the paper in your pocket, not realizing yoonbin was watching the whole time.

—

“hello? earth to y/n?” keita obnoxiously waves his hand over your face. “what?” you ask dazed. “i asked what happened during the first lab session” yedam explains. you look around and see everyone staring at you.

“chemistry was fine for once. mainly because i did all the work as usual and i met– yeah that’s about it” you laughed nervously. hoping they didn’t catch the last part. “yOU MET WHO????” doyoung slams the lunch table.

“i met lucas...” you mumbled. the 3 boys stared at each other for a moment before standing up and cheering you on. “Y/N GOT A BOYFRIEEEEEEND~”

—

“so did you guys slit each other throats out?” jihoon asks with his infamous puppy eyes. yoonbin puts down his chopsticks. “sadly, no” “bummer” junkyu mutters. suddenly, your table nearby can be heard. “Y/N GOT A BOYFRIEEEEEEEND~” keita’s voiced could he heard. everyone’s ears in yoonbin’s table perked up. “you’re dating y/n?!” yoshinori gasps. yoonbin chokes on his kimchi. “FUCK NO!” he denies. “i think she got lucas’ number” he finishes.

“lucas wong? the popular guy?” jihoon asks. junkyu nods, “yeah he’s one of the pretty boys and the captain of the school’s basketball team” yoonbin rolls his eyes, “lowkey i feel wrong about him. something about him.. just irks me”

jihoon gave a knowing look to yoshinori and junkyu. “someone seems.... CONCERNED” he yells. yoonbin felt his face turn red. “HELL NO DUDE” he gags.

“your face says otherwise binnie~” junkyu teases. “i hate y’all” yoonbin huffs making everyone in the table laugh

—

weeks passed and you’ve been talking to lucas now. he was such a funny guy. on the other hand, you and yoonbin had started to make up from the past. it chemistry at the moment and you were talking to yoonbin about the upcoming project.

“so yeah, i think we should divide the things we do. i do the first 50 and you do the other half. would that be okay?” you looked up from your notebook. “sounds perfect to me” he agrees. “yay!” you smile happily, showing a small dance. yoonbin observes quietly. wondering to himself how come he has never seen this side of you.

“i have to get going soon, lucas might be waiting for me” you tell him. yoonbin looks at you confused. “what do you mean by ‘might be waiting for you’ ?” he asks. you look taken a back. “we’re going on a date. i don’t know why you’re making this a big deal yoonbin” you knit your eyebrows. “i’m just saying. he does have a reputation of playing with girls” he informs you quietly.

“like this is your business. i’m leaving now” you retort. “don’t say i didn’t warn you y/n!” he yells after you walked out of the classroom

—

‘just when i thought our rivalry was coming to an end’ you scoffed, gripping your bag tighter. you walked into the well known diner in town and sat down at one of the booths waiting for lucas. 30 minutes haved passed and still no sign of lucas. realizing you’ve been stood up and how yoonbin was right, you stood up and walked home. your phone vibrates like crazy in your hand. you looked down at your phone to see multiple messages from yedam, keita and doyoung asking how your date went. you closed your phone and tossed to to your bed. you didn’t think much of it except for the fact that yoonbin was actually right for once.

—

“so how did you date go?” yoonbin asks as he plays with the chemicals in the test tube. “you were right.. i’m sorry for not believing you” you admitted. yoonbin laughs, “told you so. you should believe the things i say for i am a truther after all” he jokes. “bitch i didn’t even say that you were a liar!” you laughed smacking him in the arm.

on the other side of the laboratory, there was jihoon, yoshinori, junkyu standing with yedam, keita and doyoung.

“alright fellas. i’m betting $20 that they would date at the end of the month” jihoon bets. “make that $50 and give it a week” keita challenges. “game fucking bet!” junkyu whisper-shouts

—

it was now around 4:30pm and you and yoonbin were still at the library finishing up your final chemistry project. “how much longer are we gonna stay. i’m hungry” yoonbin dreads. staring at your slouched figure answering the remaining questions. “just a little longer, it’s almost done” you reply. you hear yoonbin mutter a ‘fine!’ and sat down at one of the chairs nearby.

it was quiet for awhile and just some background music yoonbin was playing.

“hey y/n” yoonbin calls. you stopped what you were writing and looked at him. “did you know that you’re the perfect chemical? that’s why i have to test you so i know” he flirts. you felt yourself blush. “boo! that sucks! might as well help me with this” you deadpan. “bitch please, if it that pick up line sucked then why are you blushing right now?” he mimics your actions before hand. “hey y/n, take a break. i’ll take this part now” he says, grabbing the answer sheet from your hands, intentionally brushing them against each other.

“you’re such a flirt, ha yoonbin” you roll your eyes at him. “well, i mean i am a criminal did you know that?” he says. “how so?” you raised a brow at him. “because i could take your heart and go” he says all smugly. you faked gag, “this is the cringiest pick up line i’ve ever heard” “you mean the best? thanks babe” he puckers his lips at you and it grew quiet after that.

you were waiting for him to finish the last equation. swaying your legs from the height of the table you sat on. “you know, i didn’t even know why i like, liked lucas” you open up. “well that means you’re the only

one for me” he responds. “can you stop that” you blush, “nope.” he smiles, standing up from his seat and walks towards you. he stands in between your legs and he grabs your hands. “kiss me” he says. you close your eyes as you slowly lean towards him to give a soft peck on the lips.

#yg treasure box #ha yoonbin #ygtb #ha yoonbin imagines #ha yoonbin scenarios #yg treasure box imagines #yg treasure box scenarios #ygtb imagines #yoonbin imagines #yoonbin scenarios #treasure box imagines #treasure box scenarios #ygtblbr #yoonbin fluff #ha yoonbin fluff #ygtb fluff #yg treasure box fluff #treasure box fluff

247 notes · View notes

ravenamore · 6 years ago

Text

Fate/Zero light novel readthrough w/my pointless commentary, Act 3

- “They were state-of-art and highly efficient, but apart from that, they were nothing but conventional weapons. Nothing that could store prana. That was the heresy that earned the magus Emiya Kiritsugu the nickname of "magus killer."

OR MAYBE BECAUSE HE KILLS MAGES FOR A LIVING?I

-In re: Kiritsugu's gun

“The bullets used are .30-06 Springfield. A cartridge with a bottleneck structure, its size and power level are already different from those of a handgun bullet. The .30-06 is 10% stronger than the .308 Winchester bullet, and even surpasses the hand canon class of a Magnum bullet.”

NO IT FUCKING ISN'T. https://www.all-about-moose.com/cartridge-sizes-3006-verses-338.html

- Kiritsugu in re: Maiya

“A supporting machine whose actions are even more akin to a machine than those of the machine called Emiya Kiritsugu. This is Hisau Maiya. An indispensable final weapon for Kiritsugu to win this battle... That is none other than that woman.”

BECAUSE YOU TOTALLY DON'T HAVE ONE OF THE MOST POWERFUL HEROIC SERVANTS IN THE HISTORY OF EVER READY TO WIN THE GRAIL.

- I never realized Saber's still posing as a man.

- Irisviel “"I am happy I could travel with you, Saber. I can't get tired of looking at you."

SABER, START TAKING NOTES

- “Saber nodded, quietly turning her eyes, and gently offered her arm wrapped in her dark suit to Irisviel.

"... Saber?"

"This is my first time walking in this town ― but escort is also the duty of a knight. So I will do my best. Then, if you please."

"―Thank you."

Her eyes lit with a bright joy, Irisviel entwines her arm around Saber's elbow.

There must be a lot of time left before the night.”

IF YOU KNOW WHAT I MEAN.

- Everyone's doing double takes at the pretty woman with her handsome escort. - “The two didn't have the harmony of a couple at a date, nor the admiration of people just sightseeing, only following the flow of their journey, walking aimlessly. “

DON'T THINK THE AUTHOR'S ACTUALLY BEEN ON A DATE.

- "I really had no idea― that walking through an unknown town as a couple with a gentleman would be such an enjoyable experience."

"Was my imitation of a gentleman satisfying?"

As Irisviel rejoiced, Saber banter with her with a sarcastic tone, unusual from the stubborn Heroic Spirit.

"Plentifully. It was faultless. Saber, today, you were a superb knight." Then tells Saber she wouldn't have had any fun if she'd been with Kiritsugu.

HEY SABER, SHE JUST TOLD YOU HER HUSBAND'S BORING.

- Yay, Diarmuid! So far, two mentions of how hot he is.

- “A strong, manly smell arises from him.” He's been walking around town all day in a leather tunic and pants waiting for a Servant to try and kick his ass, he didn't get a chance to freshen up.

(Aside: the Fate Requiem novels say Servants really like bathing.. ' Weird flex, but okay. Then again, a lot of Servants come from places and times not known for great hygiene.)

-Diarmuid apologized to Irisviel for the Love Spot, and said “That's all you will get”, He can't stop it from happening but does have limited control over how much cute overload he inflicts. He’s cute-ing as hard as he can at Saber.

- Kiritsugu called Saber his “lovely King of Knights”. Can't be bothered to talk with her, though. DICK

-“In front of Saber, Lancer peeled off the amulet tightly bound around the long spear in his right hand.

It was a deep crimson spear. Totally different from before, prana starts rising from the tip of the spear like an ominous mirage”

EXACTLY WHICH SPEAR DID YOU JUST WHIP OUT IN FRONT OF SABER, DIARMUID?

- His Gae Dearg dispels Saber's Invisible Air. “The gust of wind just now lasted only an instant, but it wasn't particularly gushing out prana.” DAMNIT, SABER DIDN’T GUSH THIS TIME,

(OK, I've only ever run into one Diarmuid/Saber doujin, and I am positive this was the artist's inspiration)

- “In front of my spear, you're as good as naked.” “"It's a bother to see you triumph over just peeling off my armor." JUST GET A ROOM. *

#fate series #fate zero #fate stay night #fate ubw #fate heavens feel #FGO

2 notes · View notes

cleverbroadwayurl · 6 years ago

Text

Can’t Help Falling in Love (Jeremy Heere x Reader Pt 15 Supplement)

Song: Can’t Help Falling in Love cover by Pentatonix

Want More? I’m just gonna link my masterlist here because usually I do a sequence but it might be a little hard to figure out what order to link it in

Word Count: 4984

A/N: Hey! I finally got this done! Yay! I’m going to tag everyone who I usually tag in this series so they’ll see it! That being said: do not feel inclined to read this part. It’s heavily triggering, even to me, and has some extremely mature themes. If you need to stop reading at any time, I will never be offended or encourage you to read. You have the right to stop reading at any time. This part is not extremely important to the story and was originally not going to be posted. Because of that, this piece will not show up in the tags. It’s not fair to post something so intense. The next part should be out next weekend, if you choose to skip this one. Please enjoy this part, and thank you so much for following!

Trigger Warnings: Nonconsensual actions (nothing under the umbrella of sexual assault), implications of abuse, physical abuse, emotional abuse, verbal abuse, mentions of mental health issues, mentions of cheating, implied cheating, self depreciation, battered wife syndrome symptoms, IF I MISSED ANYTHING ELSE PLEASE NOTIFY ME RIGHT AWAY SO I CAN FIX IT

Taglist: @be-more-heidi-hansen @retrogarden @catatonic-kuragin @scarsonthecuffsofyourjeans @bluhimaweirdo @stargirl-murphy

You: See you on Thursday, Jeremy :) You: Have a wonderful rest of your night

Time ticked slower and slower, each passing second dragging on. Seconds turned into years of wasting away, waiting for just the right moment to make an escape, a checked line through and through painting its way through your mind, precluding any specific thoughts. The plan was set, everything prepared, but for now, everything to was remain static, a secret, hanging in silence, stuck on another plane of reality; daydreaming itself.

The air was still, everything in the all-too-white room with the little black leather chairs pretending that everything was okay, that this wasn’t a ploy; a scam, that nothing would happen except what was already going on. The scene was set, light coming in from the lame dome light on the greyish textured ceiling, a little window that was placed elegantly above the TV, it portraying freedom, daydreams of your feet walking around on the upper floor towards the front door and away into freedom that was craved by exactly one person in the small split level house. Hands glued to controller, eyes resting on the screen, sweaty palms, hands shaky, arms around another; everything meticulously given, set like the opening scene of a play, nothing feeling real except the seconds ticking and ticking, one right after another.

You sat on the left, just like you always did: close to the sliding doors but far from the single escape that was an actual viable option. The glass doors were always locked, animals hungry for some action outside—whether that be real monsters or humanistic ones lurking outside. Far enough away that any spare seconds would be to devoting you back into the room. It was the bottom floor of the split-level blue house, one that you knew by heart—well, except the upstairs. But everything else had been fair game: garage sitting across from the room you’d sat in, your car parked outside in such a way that people were able to enter and exit freely: a distinct difference to what you’d known, keys still on the ground, arranged in the way you’d set them a few hours before, next to clutter that would be too painful to step on, too precious to have something so violent happen to it—at least you’d assumed, it was just glorified garbage that rested on both sides of the chairs, tv set on white cabinet that was probably imported from Ikea. Summer heat slipped into the room, but a weak air conditioner kept it from getting too warm. Tacky blue plaid curtains that resembled a pajama shirt—baby blue in color, matched with white—were drawn, no one could see in, the house almost too far away from civilization, too soundproof for anyone’s liking.

The room extended backwards, your boyfriend’s sister’s belongings strewn about, untouched, but loved ever so much by both girls. A balance beam, a mat, and pink littered the back corners. You’d once smiled and laughed when they were in the room. You both had. But now, right now, they were banished. Everyone was banished. You can’t remember if the door was locked, you can’t remember about an hour ago, seconds still rhythmically ticking into oblivion. Only one thought lingered as you readjusted your palms, sweat making everything too slippery—did they know? They were younger than him, the eldest not even a decade old. A choice appeared on the screen, and almost immediately, everything left except the seconds. Choices are timed, the red bar across the screen moving slower than you’re used to; it’s been doing that all night, all day, from the moment you’d sat down on this Thursday. One quick hand stroke, button pressed, life continuing on, the sun setting, and that dumb clock ticking down the seconds that you’d been counting for hours. No amount of quick-time, decisions, or focusing on not letting others die would allow for any speeding up, everything working at a speed that would only be favorable to sloths or snails. You weren’t either.

His arm is around you—maybe that’s why it feels warmer than usual. Head against your shoulder, occasional, slutty kisses given, kissing between loading screens, socks, shorts, t-shirts, while you’re stuck in a sweater, unsure of what littered your arms. Exhale. Out of sight, out of mind. Your eyes refocused on the screen, but your mind still stuck in soft focus. Seconds, about 7, before he exhales onto your skin and you shudder, panic coursing through your veins not at maximum speed, but enough to probably cause some health problems. Your body isn’t screaming to run yet, but your chest gets heavy, limbs glued to the same shitty black leather seat, hoping for that text that would allow you to step out into the real world, into the freedom that was desired.

Wrapped around him, he wrapped around you. Hands illegally roaming until they finally rested and weighed you to the leather seat that you desperately never wanted to see again. Your phone remained in your pocket, almost begging for a vibration as your eyes shifted over the subtitles, each color almost painful as his grip tightened, giving something like a hug—but that wasn’t quite it. Your feelings were numb, almost cold to the touch. Eyes trained, fake smiles, complete embarrassment at wrong choices because you were thinking about that selfish freedom, thinking about being anywhere but there, too afraid to admit to yourself that maybe you didn’t like hanging out with him. What if he’s a mind reader? What if he knows you’re leaving for a better experience in a park at 9:30? You exhale; another kiss burning into your skin, pain lingering around the wound.

In the middle of a choice, the room seemingly darker, the golden hour long gone, your phone finally vibrates, interrupting the counting of ever passing seconds with a joyous symphony. 9:15. He’s early. Thank god. You hoped it wasn’t a cancellation for some reason or another, that it wasn’t something that would cause you to perpetually be there until you could get away for even just a slight second, a fraction of a choice, to text someone for an out. But this was Jeremy you were talking about: the cute pale lanky boy with the hair that almost defied physics with its curl; ringlets that would make any mathematician jealous, the striped shirt wearing boy who had been only sweet before, and he was bound to be again—meaning he probably wouldn’t cancel last second like some assholes from school did, like the person next to you did, like you’d done to him. Yeah, this was Jeremy. He wasn’t you—shifting causing to break you from your thoughts, the arm that remained stoic around you acting as a prison chain, a firm reminder that you’d made a mistake, a symbol that portrayed that you didn’t deserve Jeremy; you were too broken, too heavy, too…you. A cut off for a scene happens, grey loading screen plaguing the screen.

It’s a second before you shift yourself, knowing you were already testing your own limits with your boyfriend. You pull out your phone, brightness turned completely down as 9:17 appeared, and underneath that, a text from the one boy you’d just been thinking about.

Jeremy: No rush, but I’m here! Let me know when you get here so that I can help you find me!

Opening your phone was risky, first degree murder worthy, but you knew you had to text him back, and the loading screen was the best time to do it, while everything around you was calm but you were burning with thousands on watts—energy rushing through your body. It was the only way that this was going to work. Plus, with the reply, maybe your boyfriend would think that it was just your mom; that he’d read the contact wrong.

(Y/N): Perfect! I just have to do something really fast and then I’ll be there!

Another stroke and your phone went black, locked, safe from peeping eyes. A second passed before you put on the mask that almost forms into your face, batting your eyes so they seemed brighter and full of something similar to affection. You lifted the corners of your mouth, attempting to appear innocent to the person who sat beside you, unmoving and still holding you to the leather chair that was now most likely about to showcase all of the nervous sweat that was running out of your body. With a tooth-showing smile to prevent suspicion, you pivoted your head to look at the boy beside you. “Hey, I think I have to go. My mom wants me home and I have to run an errand.”

He lets go slowly, retracting his hand as if the world were underwater for a second before moving that hand to your face, cupping it and bringing it closer to his. Your neck resisted for a bit, but he only pulled harder, body glued to the seat, unsure of the objects in the room now, unsure of the path, unsure of escape of this specific slutty action. His other hand now held yours, gripping it—stuck—forced into submitting to an action that you hadn’t wanted in months; left to deal with the turmoil and violation later. You’d forget what happened within the hour anyways: either claiming it was your fault, which is was, and dismissing it or just simply blocking it out of your memory.

Somewhat prepared for what this was about to be, he still did it anyways without asking, without warning, hand pulling your wrist into him and wrapping it around him, hand snaking its way to the back of your neck. Lips consumed yours, no mercy as an exchange happened. The will to pull away kept tugging at you, but with his hand digging into the back of your skull, escape wasn’t possible. The world begins to fades at the edges, every lie ever told becoming truth, making you believe even the most obscure as his mouth continued to move while you remained motionless—emotionless. Teeth come in contact with your lips, you still unsure of opening your mouth or leaving it a tight vacuum while he tries desperately to get what he wants. Numbness settles, a chant that you know too well forms in your head: don’t worry about it right now, this is what couples do, why do you feel violated, just keep going, just keep going, just keep going. The absence of light: complete darkness became your friend as he kept going, forcing harder and harder for your face to become one with his, cannibalistic actions being registered, only to be forgotten later.

He breaks the kiss at the sound of the next scene of the game playing, letting you go and leaving you choking on air that you’d forgotten to breathe as the kiss happened. With a second, he pauses the game and lets you stand, grabbing your things. You take note of the things around: game cases, old take out wrappers, empty cups, chargers. Bag now slung around you, jingling keys once again in your hand.

As soon as you were ready to make the home stretch, his hand reaches out and pulls you back, completely, catching you off guard in a kiss as his hands resume their place for just a split moment. Stuff behind you prevents backing up as you freeze, almost falling into his arms as he continues, the feeling of too much and spit all the way down to your chin, makeup there gone, showing something that was for your eyes only. His hands find their way onto your hips, moving downwards, slowly, almost teasing to some but torturous to you. Aggressive movements, pulling you into his body, wrapping you up in his twisted grip, darkness returned, no exhaling, no breathing, stay stuck, submit submit submit. This time there’s no choice to keep your jaw closed, forcing you closer, forcing your mouth open, air around you becoming soiled and heavy. It’s hard to breathe, so you just don’t, stuck in the place, arms acting like steel and holding you there; holding you accountable. Spit makes its way to your upper lip, and it takes all the strength in the world to not gag right there. More sweat forms, worries enter your mind as his hands now move lower and lower down your back, almost resting in a place that isn’t comfortable for exactly one person in this situation. You can feel your face pale, feeling the white walls collapsing in on you.

Finally, it breaks. Another moment, and he’s walking you to the exit, almost opening the wooden inside white door with the lock you’d heard click too many times. Violation makes its way through your body, seeping down from your lips and face all the way to your toes. Survival instincts are in full swing, eyes bright but not from love. You give him a smile, fluttering your eyelashes again, making this whole façade of a loving relationship more of a reality with every step, knowing that if you didn’t, that would be death: game over. He’s smiling in a similar way, but at this point, it’s hard to tell if he’s being genuine or if it’s a mimic of the one thing you can do well. His hand is still grasping yours, getting tighter as you two get closer and closer to the door with the brass knob, bathroom to the right with the grey washer and dryer, each front loading with baskets on top. How bad you envied that bathroom with the lock, the one you’d been in the last time you went to Jeremy’s. Fuck, you had to get out of here.

“Are you sure you have to go, babe?” his voice comes, pulling you out of your daydream of leaving, stricter, an edge to it, as if you had a choice and could say no; like it was your fault for having a mom that wanted you home—even though that had been a lie. His grip tightens, you’re sure that your hand is going to have marks on it at this point.

“Yeah. My mom needs me home soon, and I have to run an errand.”

He stops and doesn’t make eye contact until a moment before the world crashing sentence emerges from his mouth: “I saw it.”

And that’s it, everything cracks, breaking into a million pieces. He doesn’t need to be specific about what he saw, everything falling apart at the seams and turning into a complete chaos, storm running straight through this whatever the fuck you call it if it’s not a fucking trashy basement. You can feel your hands begin to shake, eyes looking at the window that looks into the kitchen, into freedom herself, praying that someone would be home this time. But of course, your luck had run out. The numbness that had been there vaguely throughout the night now exited and the rest was filled with the need to get out, but your body being too frozen to do so. Your lie had fallen through and he knew, but all you could do was attempt to be quiet, don’t disclose anything that could put you into more danger. Deny it, deny it, deny it.

“If you’re hanging out with someone else, go ahead. I guess you can go have fun with Jeremy.”

Lie, lie, lie. “He needs help with something.” It was a stretch, something that was just pulled from thin air, the air that kept thinning, breathing hard as the seconds once again dragged on, lagging into the next dimension, maybe one where this would end up okay and you could actually see Jeremy in the park tonight. The chances were getting slimmer with each second, and you knew that, but maybe, just maybe you could pull this off.

“So he’s your best friend, not me.”

“That’s not true,” and it wasn’t. Your best friend was a mutual friend of you two, the one who’d set you up. Jeremy was just someone who…you didn’t deserve. Moments still passed as if you were paper, wilting with each gust. “I love you.”

“I’m sure you do.”

Crumbling internally, this was the time to take a stand because if you didn’t, freedom would be farther from reach than it ever had been before. Physically, you kept composure, inside your stomach rolled. Your gut still telling you to run, you stood your ground no matter how much you felt the ground shake. “Look, I love you, okay?” Sweeter, dumbass. “I really do. I just need tonight to help him with something. You might be able to come too, if you want. Let me ask him.”

“No, it’s fine. I guess I’ll spend my night alone without you. I’d weigh you down if I went anyways.”

Shit. If you made a wrong move, this could be over. You weren’t sure how rash his decisions would be, police and ambulance had been there just weeks before after he’d been saying the same things. What was going to happen if you didn’t do anything about this? You had to do something; convince him that the statement wasn’t true—convince yourself that you really did want him there. That you loved him. “You wouldn’t, I just…he needs me there. I’m really sorry, I have to go, I’m supposed to meet him at—”

“You know, if you want to continue to side against me, go for it.”

Shock forced your heart to skip a beat, rapidly picking up with each passing millisecond that seemed to lag only minutes ago. “I’m not against you.” Your voice shook, you could hear it, shattering everything around you, legs, arms, hands, sweat, tears, tremors, shakes, all a recipe for what you could only assume was going to be disaster.

“Then why have you been talking to Jeremy more than me lately? Do I really mean less to you than him?”

“No! Why would he mean more to me than you?”

“Because you’re cheating on me with him.” Shit shit shit.

“I’m not, I promise.” It wasn’t cheating, at the very least you knew that. Everything had been carefully put, the sweater gone, this was just another gaslighting technique. He hadn’t caught the blue sweater that had been thrown under the seat. He was just making this up so you’d confess and say it was your fault. Exhale. It is your fault. Blinking quickly, trying to clear the clouds that seemed to surround you, diseased and causing you to hallucinate something that isn’t—couldn’t be true. You couldn’t be cheating on your boyfriend with Jeremy. Jeremy would have to like you first; he didn’t.

“I get it, I’m not good enough for you. But what really kills me is that I love you so much and I could’ve done the same thing with Chloe, but I didn’t.”

“I’m not cheating.” Your gut pulls away, vomit almost comes out. Every bone in your body is telling you to run, every single one has the urge, is tracing the steps, knows of the places you can go. Not the park, not Jeremy’s house, not Michael’s house. Putting them in danger would be too much for you—they’d already done so much…too much. No, this time you’d risk a motel or the 24 hour convenience store that was 15 minutes away with the barely lit parking lot because right now that was safer than the pale room and the light that almost seemed to give you a headache. Chills ran through you, fingers drumming onto the nearest surface that didn’t make noise; if they did, the assault would’ve started already. Or maybe not. That would be too nice, to put you out of your misery for once, not just waiting for something that you knew was inevitable. But then again, maybe it wasn’t. Maybe you’d be okay, just this once. Dismiss and move on, keep conversation going, you can do this, you can do this, you can do this.

“I doubt you ever really loved me.”

Another stab. Another thing that hurt without the physical punishment that at this point you wanted so that it could just be over with. So you could meet Jeremy if—fuck he didn’t leave already. Realization smacked you in the face. Everything that was said was true. No wonder you were hard to love. No wonder you spent hours panicking over one small mistake. No wonder all of your friends abandoned you because you stopped hanging out with them. You’re just as shitty as he says you are. So maybe you’re overreacting. Maybe things aren’t that bad. Maybe it’s you who’s crazy, and Jeremy’s just lying because he gets nervous. That, and you meant every word that came spewing from your mouth: “I do love you.”

“How am I supposed to believe that? You’re here making plans with Jeremy and leaving me all alone on our fucking date night.”

Stop stop stop shaking for once in your goddamn life. “We’re just friends.”

“Oh I’m sure just friends meet up in the middle of a park late at night.” He pauses, almost aware of how much that hurt, of the sting that came with it. Did friends do that? Did they really?! “Do you love me? Like genuinely?”

There’s another stop, this time your mind reeling, trying to find an excuse for this meet up other than the one you’d given, because he wasn’t buying that one obviously. You’re not sure how time is moving, to you, the world starting spinning exponentially faster, and yet, there’s part of you that’s calm. Acceptance. But the most of you wants to break down, screaming, trying to get away. That doesn’t matter. He’s waiting for a reason, taking in all the time you’re wasting, trying to come up with something. He’s already suspicious. It’s like this is just confirmation. But the very next thing, that needs to be said is that you do love him. An oath, a prayer, something to get you away for just half an hour, maybe more, and maybe safely this time. Your mouth opens, ready to react, but he beats you to the punch.

“All I’m saying is that I actually make time for you. All you do is work and hang out with Jeremy with his fucking sweater in your car, telling me you aren’t cheating and that you aren’t close with that lanky motherfucker. You can say he’s better than me. It’s not like I’m your boyfriend or anything.”

Nothing goes in, nothing comes out. Fingers have stopped drumming. Frozen, paralyzed, stuck in this sorry excuse for a moment, shaking still. Everything becomes blurry, almost black as the walls freeze over and chills come on now more than ever despite the usual New Jersey heat.

“Are you gonna fucking say anything?”

Fuck fuck fuck. Time ticks faster, unsure of what to do. He knows, oh fuck he knows. He saw the blue sweater, the way you hang out with him, the longing to just be gently touched and handled, to be treated like you matter, to be asked about consent, to be consistently cared for. Jeremy was just being a good friend, of course, but to you, those things meant the world. And now he knew. He knew.

“Whatever. I’m leaving.”

Fists clenched, he begins to walk out of the door, eyes blazing with something you’d only seen in private moments together, something that nobody else should see but you. And you knew exactly where he was going: straight to the lanky boy that gave you everything that he seemed to be lacking. You rip out of the trance, arms reaching out, grabbing him, desperately. Jeremy doesn’t deserve this, Jeremy is the only one who’s shown you respect in a way that you need it. It feels healthy, natural. He doesn’t deserve what you’d already seen. The only one who could ever deserve that was you. “Wait! We’re just friends! Nothing more! Why would I lie to you? Especially about this? I don’t love him. I love you!”

He’s almost out the door as he turns on his heel, walking back into a room with a stampeding footstep. Closer and closer, each moment he inches towards you is another flinch, getting bigger and bigger each time. Your face beings to ache as the agony of waiting for it burns itself into your memory, all hope is lost. You aren’t getting out of this alive.

He stops. Maybe you will. He seems to be calmer than before, breath evening out and his eyes have rage exit them. You lean forward, guard down to grab your stuff before you hit the ground, a familiar sting brought up onto your face. He steps back around, pacing. He knows it’s wrong, you both do. But it’s your fault, it’s your fault, it’s your—“Just friends?! After you defended that asshole?”

No thoughts come into your head, it’s just a reflex, try and get to the door, try and get to the door: “I’m sorry, I’m sorry, we’re just friends, okay?”

“Whatever.” He steps away—maybe that’s it. Shock keeps you on the ground, slowly getting your bearings.

It doesn’t matter—he’s infinitely faster than you. Nothing is said as his hands wrap around you neck, similar to how they wrap around the controller when he’s frustrated. It’s a common assault, but with the air depleting, there’s no time for extra thoughts. You kick, trying, praying, that he’ll drop you soon. Black clouds the corners of your eyes, blissful sleep coming soon—maybe you won’t feel the fall onto the ground.

Your body crumples against the ground, gravity never gaining an inch of forgiveness. You’re sputtering and coughing, eyes tearing up, knowing how bad that scar is going to be later. Now everything is brighter, you aren’t more awake, but better prepared to leave. With a clumsy attempt to stand up, gripping his black leather chair, you attempt to grab your stuff again—even just the keys will do enough damage so you can leave. It’s almost upsetting how fast he is, pushing you back onto the ground, arm of the chair digging into your ribs and nearly knocking more wind out of you. The world fades from grey, everything feels wrong, there’s something wrong, get to the back doors, run.

There’s a second that you realize you’re on the ground, not upright, meaning you could at least prepare for what comes next. A swift kick to the back, and you can feel his foot hit your spine. The feeling of paralysis plagues your mind as more oxygen makes its way back up. Two more kicks, little bites, little moments of absolute pain. But it’ll be over soon. This is always the final blow, the grand finale for him; the final smash—you’re sure Jeremy would call it that.

Jeremy comes into mind, your guard being let down. It’s always easier during these moments to think of better times, better people, better situations. You can practically picture Ford’s Park, that he’s sitting there, nothing special, ready to point out the stars like Mae and Angus do in Night in the Woods. You’re sure that that’s what it was going to be.

But thinking of Jeremy was a mistake, your tension that was keeping you awake and alive now gone. Your body rolls with a particularly sharp kick, the next one hitting your ribs, causing more air to escape you. There’s isn’t much time, you know, you know, you know things are only going to get worse if you don’t run now, bruising you’re sure is already happening blossoming like infection, spreading and taking over; one kick, one punch, one grab, one death march is another, another, another, another.

Now is the time to escape, though. The moment can’t be planned better, you’re already on your stomach, making crawling away easy, and almost intentional. Maybe Jeremy would be your saving grace this time, maybe this would be okay. Maybe he would be the sole reason you lived to see another day. He wasn’t a scapegoat, he wasn’t what everyone said he was, he exactly what you needed, and holy fuck, so much more.

Everything moves in slow motion, the light on the wall, usually mounted, is spinning with the rest of the room, plaid curtains now reaching the perimeter of your vision, black finally fading as you attempt to not trip over his sisters things. The movement needs to be fast, milliseconds, even. You plan your route in your head, check your line, noting exactly where to go and what to do when you get out. Call Jeremy, go to a hotel, tell him to meet you there but check in at the front desk. You’ll be there as unlisted and pay for dinner or whatever the fuck else he wants. He is the one that got you out of this situation, of course.

You get two footsteps into that plan, the finishing touches still blurry as a hand grabs your wrist, already feeling the bruising tainting the flesh as you face his eyes one more time. Hazel strikes you—the last thing you see before he throws you against the wall. Something is yelled, but the world is spinning and your vision is blackening, the world becoming as black as it does when you kiss. The last thing that’s in your vision is the vent on the ceiling, so close to escape, so close to the plaid curtains, the double doors that lead out into the countryside. Even with the coyotes, it’s a much safer place than inside. Jeremy plagues your mind for a second, but the hazel eyes you’d just seen come back into view. It’s your fault. You don’t deserve him.

The very last thing you hear is a glass smashing against the wall, feeling small cuts graze your skin, threading the needle into darkness.

#Part 15 Supplement #200 Followers Reward

6 notes · View notes

preserving-ferretbrain · 6 years ago

Text

Tokens, Lampshades, and the Trouble With Deconstruction

by Dan H

Wednesday, 30 June 2010

Dan finds Glee “Problematic”~

There is nothing more infuriating than middle class white boys claiming that some event that mildly irritated them gives them a profound insight into the world of the disadvantaged. “I once blamed immigrants for my own failure, therefore I know what it's like to be discriminated against” that sort of thing.

With this warning, let me tell you about my recent epiphany about stereotypes.

Kyra and I bought the first series of NCIS in order to stop ourselves from having to watch the eye bleedingly awful Lie To Me (tip from the experts: if a woman says she was raped, but isn't acting scared, she's lying).

Anyway NCIS was going well, and largely avoiding the buckets of fail that saturated Lie to Me. And it had a cute goth forensics chick and a Big Machine That Does Science so yay. Then we got to episode four: The Immortals.

In this episode, a young seaman (it's a naval crime show) was found drowned in full dress uniform, with weights tied to his waist.

Amongst his personal effects they found a character charter from an online fantasy game.

The rest was a checklist of horrendous gamer stereotypes.

Gamers unable to distinguish between game and reality. Check.

Gamers made violent by video games. Check.

Gamers driven to murder and/or suicide as a result of online interactions. Check and check.

Use of phrase “taking the game to the next level” (seriously I have seen this in every TV show about video games ever) check.

I mention this because there is a small part of me which , every time I see a horrendously stereotyped character on TV, says “well that's probably quite offensive, but I suppose you have to remember that the stereotype wouldn't exist if there wasn't some truth in it.”

Watching stereotypical portrayals of groups to which I actually belong reminds me that no, actually a lot of stereotypes are just outright fucking lies.

None of this has much to do with anything, but we'll be coming back to it later.

The Magic of Knowledge

So anyway, Glee is a not-exactly-musical not-exactly-comedy about a High-School Glee Club (the clue is in the name) which goes from humble beginnings to be all that and a bag of chips.

The pilot follows the foundation-slash-resurrection of the Glee club, with the recruitment of its six initial members who are respectively:

Rachel, an overambitious girl with dreams of stardom (to the extent that every time she signs her name she puts a gold star next to it, which is a metaphor, for her being a star). We are told that Rachel is very talented.

Finn, a boy who the Dead Poets' Society-esque teacher behind the Glee club frames for drug possession and then blackmails into joining Glee, for his own good.

Kurt, a fabulous gay boy who the writers edited into the show because they were so utterly taken with the actor. He is, to be fair, adorable – although it might be worth pointing out that the character he plays was originally supposed to be Indian. It might also be worth pointing out that Glee has won awards for diversity.

Mercedes, a fat black girl. Astute readers may note that this is the point where the character descriptions get, shall we say, shorter. Mercedes declares early on that she “ain't no backup singer”. This rapidly proves to be wishful thinking.

Tina, an Asian girl. I genuinely do not know what to make of Tina. She dresses in this quirky, slightly gothy style and her audition piece is a rather nice, slightly raunchy rendition of I Kissed a Girl. But she never actually says or does anything. Ever. It's almost like the costume department put more thought into her personality than the writers.

Artie. Artie is in a wheelchair. Artie also seems to spend a good part of the first episode pulling what I can only describe as “disabled face” - leaving his mouth hanging open and twisting his head to the side like he's trying to chew his own ear. Artie is not played by a wheelchair-using actor.

one of the many reviews

that have said all of this before put it: “Mmmm, token-y”.

So yeah. Tokenistic.

But wait! It's okay because the show knows that it's being tokenistic! It is using these “tropes” to be satirical!

Years ago there was a comedy sketch show in Oxford which I didn't actually see, but one of the better exchanges in it, as reported to me by my younger brother was as follows:

“It's not racist, it's satirical!” “What's it a satire of?” “Black people!”

This nicely sums up the issue with the awful stereotypes in Glee. Apparently the mere fact of acknowledging them excuses them. It's not a stereotype if you know it's a stereotype, because then it's satire. You don't even have to subvert or challenge the stereotype in any way. As long as you know about it.

That's the power of knowledge.

Glee gives us a central cast consisting entirely of stereotypes, and does nothing to challenge them.

What it does challenge, however, is the idea that presenting the characters as stereotypes is in any way bad.

Apologia, Apologia, Apologia

The tokenism in Glee is irritating, but it's one of those things I can kind of let slide. It's just a fact of life: fish swim, birds fly, Peter Molyneaux writes crappy video games, and TV shows include token black characters and get given diversity awards for it.

Except.

Except, except, except.

About halfway through the first volume of the boxed set there's an episode in which Sue Sylvester (the evil cheerleading coach) decides to take a “divide and rule” approach in her private war against the Glee Club, sowing dissent amongst the ranks by spreading the completely unsubstantiated and unjustified idea that the Glee Club doesn't give equal representation to its minority members.

The whole episode (Wikipedia informs me that it was entitled Throwdown) is excruciating. Unlike some commentators, I don't have a problem with Sue Sylvester, because I think it's fairly clear we're meant to disagree with her, and that's what makes the episode so difficult. Basically they take all of the criticisms people have of the show and put them in the mouth of a raging psychopath.

So Sue Sylvester splits the glee club in two and seduces all of the minorities over to her side with honeyed words and filthy, filthy lies.

Sylvester's “false” criticisms of the Glee Club boil down to the following:

That the minority characters are margainalised. They are.

That the minority characters are made to stand at the back and act like props. They are.

Two things about this episode are particularly frustrating. The first is that real, legitimate criticisms of the show are presented as lies invented by a balls-out villain. The second is that the minority kids are kind of made to look like idiots for being taken in by the whole thing. Mercedes' unalloyed delight at being presented with Hate on Me to sing is borderline embarrassing: “all right! An R&B song!” she says, she might as well follow it up with “I like this black people music, because I am black!”

The episode ends with the black, Asian, gay and disabled students deciding that they want to go back and work with the pretty white people and that they don't want to be given “special treatment” just because they're minorities. Because apparently getting to do the things that the white kids get to do in every single episode constitutes special treatment.

This would be almost bearable except that “minorities are given special treatment” is a recurring theme in Glee. Rachel constantly uses the spectre of her “two gay dads” to threaten people with the “full force of the ACLU”, and there's an awful scene in the

by no means uncontroversial

episode Wheels where Finn gets a job in a hotel by rolling up to them in a wheelchair and saying “you have to give me a job because I'm disabled.” (I paraphrase, it's actually Rachel who does the talking and she honest-to-shit uses the word “handicapable”).

How the show can have the brass fucking bollocks to repeat the “minorities get unfair advantages” myth while at the same time devoting ninety percent of its screentime to straight, white, able-bodied characters I do not know. Still, it gives you a profound respect for the kid who plays Artie, I mean he managed to overcome the huge disadvantage of not having a physical disability to land a role in a major TV show. And think of the guts it must have taken for the producers to take such a risk – I mean by not casting a wheelchair user they were practically asking for a lawsuit. Hats off to you, Fox.

And to make matters worse, the episode ends with Mr Schuster reminding the kids that “really, they're all minorities, because they're all in Glee Club.” Because having an unpopular hobby is exactly the same as being part of a group which is subject to systematic discrimination, oh yes.

The defence that is consistently wheeled out for Glee being so ragingly tokenistic is the fact that it's doing it all knowingly to subvert the stereotypes. Ironically it's exactly this that I find so disturbing about the series. If it was just full of slightly embarrassing stereotypes I'd be more or less willing to let it slide, it'd be annoying but no more annoying than a large number of other TV shows. The problem is that Glee is aware its being offensive, but refuses to address it. Its like the producers are standing up and saying “hey, we put a black girl and a wheelchair kid in it, what more do you want?”

The Other Sort of Prejudice

The thing is, I can see where the producers are coming from. I think they're wrong, but this is very much an “I believe that you believe it” situation.

The guys behind Glee like the guys behind the Avatar movie, and the guys behind the Earthseaminiseries, really do believe that they cast every role in the series utterly fairly, without prejudice of any kind. If a black kid had been right for Finn, they would have cast a black guy. If an Asian girl had been right for Rachel, Rachel would have been Asian. It just happened not to work out that way. Funnily enough.

Except.

There's an interesting interview on the final disc of the first DVD box set in which series creator Ryan Murphy explained that he already knew Lea Michele, who plays Rachel, before casting her. He explains that the character of Rachel was very much written with Lea Michele in mind. He further explains that despite this fact she “had to audition like everybody else.”

Except no, she didn't audition like everybody else. She auditioned for a part that was specifically written for her in front of people she already knew and who I strongly suspect were all very much inclined to give her the job before she began. She might have auditioned, but she didn't audition “like everybody else”.

Just to be clear, I really like Lea Michele, I think she did really well in Glee, and the fact that the character was written with her in mind really does make her better suited to play the character. But this still gave her a specific, undeniable advantage over the other people who auditioned.

I freely confess that I don't work in casting, but I strongly suspect that if you're casting for a particular role in a show, you're going to have a decent idea of what you want a particular character to look like. And that basically means that people who don't fit your preconceptions aren't going to be as “good” in the role as other people. What seems like an entirely unbiased decision is actually one steeped in your own prejudices – even if it's something as natural and reasonable as prejudice in favour of the girl you wrote the part for in the first place.

The DVD special features were full of cute little anecdotes about the casting process. The actor who played Finn submitted a video audition in which he was drumming on cereal packets and the casting team were so blown away by his verve and passion that they ignored the fact that he didn't actually show whether or not he could sing. The actor cast as Kurt impressed the judges so much that they rewrote his character from the ground up, in order to fit him better. Again I absolutely believe that the producers believe that the extent to which they were impressed with these two actors was a pure product of their individual talent and personality, but the truth is that we react more strongly and more favourably to people we perceive as being similar to ourselves.

Put simply, while Chris Colfer (Kurt) is no doubt adorable, I really couldn't put my hand on my heart and say that he's stand-out more talented than Jenna Ushkowitz (Tina) or Amber Riley (Mercedes). What I can say is that if I was writing a TV show about a bunch of highschool kids singing showtunes, I'd have a much better idea what to do with a cute camp kid than a feisty black girl. With some of Mercedes' dialogue you can practically here the writers saying “quick, what are black people interested in? I know, R&B!”

What makes Glee difficult isn't the fact that the writers are so transparently more interested in their white, able bodied actors than the rest of the cast, it's the fact that they're so obsessed with denying it, and then patting themselves on the back about denying it. What makes it worse is that I really do believe that they believe their own apologia. Unfortunately part of what they seem to believe is that minorities are routinely given special treatment in the name of “political correctness” an that's a belief which is actually harmful (as well as being one which is flatly contradicted by their own casting decisions).

That said, I'll probably still watch the rest of the series because, y'know, showtunes.Themes:

TV & Movies

Minority Warrior

bookmark this with - facebook - delicious - digg - stumbleupon - reddit

~Comments (

go to latest

)

https://me.yahoo.com/a/EA0c88lilpj2n2eytQTnMdudrtUMV2acww--#ea8e8

at 16:21 on 2010-06-30God, Glee. Hate it. Hate, hate, hate. Have you gotten to the episode where the teacher is an abusive fuckwit and then the show focuses on his angst (not about being an abusive fuckwit) and blames his wife for making her husband act like an abusive fuckwit? Terrifying.

And yeah, the bullshit about beautiful white people "just happening" to fit the major roles . . . I don't even know what to do with that.

I wish it wasn't so rage-inducing, because I have a deep, sparkly love for Jane Lynch, and am thrilled she's in a popular sow. I just wish the show was better.

permalink

go to top

Dan H

at 17:09 on 2010-06-30Tragically, I've heard that later on Glee gets a lot better (or perhaps just gets a lot better on some issues). There's a really nice bit later on where Kurt's dad calls out Finn on using "faggy" as derogatory.

The show, it is problematic.

permalink

go to top

Viorica

at 17:29 on 2010-06-30Yeah, they spend a lot more time ealing with Kurt's issues and the discrimination he faces than the discrimination faced by Mercedes or Artie. I suspect it's because Ryan Murphy is a gay man himself, and thus is okay with

his

issues being represented, but not the issues of a black girl or a kid in a wheelchair.

Also, there are two cheerleaders (Brittany and Santana) who are hinted at being together, but Ryan Murphy says they won't be exploring that because- and I quote- "

it's not that kind of show

." That was about the point when I actually exploded with rage.

permalink

go to top

Dan H

at 17:34 on 2010-06-30Oh dear me.

"Oh come on, you've got the L Word! Why do you need another TV show about lesbians!"

permalink

go to top

Viorica

at 18:00 on 2010-06-30"It's not like we deal with gay teenagers anyw- wait."

*sigh*

One of the more frusturating aspects for me is that I have friends who are huge Glee fans, and accuse me of criticising them when I point out the flaws in the show. Being subjected to "SHUT UP YOU DON'T NOW WHAT YOU'RE TALKING ABOUT YOU'RE JUST EMBARASSING YOURSELF" every time I mention the show's problems is a great form of aversion therapy.

permalink

go to top

Dan H

at 18:06 on 2010-06-30

"It's not like we deal with gay teenagers anyw- wait."

In all seriousness I suspect that might be part of the problem.

One gay kid = teen show.

Three gay kids = GAY SHOW

One of the more frusturating aspects for me is that I have friends who are huge Glee fans, and accuse me of criticising them when I point out the flaws in the show.

It's difficult. What I find really tough with Glee is that some people genuinely seem to find it empowering (I believe Tiger Beatdown described it as "dismantling the Kyriarchy").

On the other hand, if your friends just don't like you complaining because ZOMG SHOWTUNES then they can ... well they're your friends, so they can Sit Down And Think About What They've Done.

permalink

go to top

Viorica

at 18:12 on 2010-06-30

One gay kid = teen show. Three gay kids = GAY SHOW

And the gay kid just happens to be one the creator can identify with. Of course.

My friends actually like it because they can identify with the characters that do get screentime (one's a gay guy) so they insist that criticism of the show is criticism of them, even after I repeatedly denied it, and accused disability/women's advocates of "looking for things to be offended by." I give up.

permalink

go to top

Andy G

at 18:20 on 2010-06-30Actually, the Tiger Beatdown quote was:

"I wish I could have titled this piece “How Glee is Dissolving the Kyriarchy Through Song” or “Let’s All Go Out for Equality Slushies, Our Work Here is Done!” But I can’t. Because lately, Glee has been making me squirm. Somewhere along the way, Glee became problematic. It stopped merely depicting systemic prejudice and discrimination, and started contributing to it. And I can remember exactly when it happened."

http://tigerbeatdown.com/2010/06/10/wont-stop-believin-a-gleek-turns-against-the-thing-he-loves/

permalink

go to top

Dan H

at 18:23 on 2010-06-30Ah, shows what I know.

permalink

go to top

Jamie Johnston

at 18:29 on 2010-06-30

What I find really tough with Glee is that some people genuinely seem to find it empowering (I believe Tiger Beatdown described it as "dismantling the Kyriarchy").

Er... are you thinking of

this article

, which says:

I wish I could have titled this piece “How Glee is Dissolving the Kyriarchy Through Song” or “Let’s All Go Out for Equality Slushies, Our Work Here is Done!” But I can’t. Because lately, Glee has been making me squirm. Somewhere along the way, Glee became problematic. It stopped merely depicting systemic prejudice and discrimination, and started contributing to it.

(Admittedly the author identifies different problems from the ones you mention and seems to say that they only set in considerably later in the series.)

permalink

go to top

Jamie Johnston

at 18:29 on 2010-06-30D'oh! Andy types faster than I.

permalink

go to top

Arthur B

at 18:35 on 2010-06-30

You know, over here at Straight White Able-Bodied Guy HQ we call that "divide and rule".

permalink

go to top

Dan H

at 18:37 on 2010-06-30

D'oh! Andy types faster than I.

I shall consider myself well and truly down-smuck.

Generally though there is still positive reception of Glee out there and it does seem to polarise people. I think the issue is that it gets so much right on the one hand and so much wrong on the other.

permalink

go to top

Sister Magpie

at 19:25 on 2010-06-30I was really surprised to hear that Kurt wasn't there from the beginning because I always assumed he was sort of the author's stand in. He's gay, he obviously has a feeling for that kind of discrimination, so that's the main discrimination that gets played with.

Though I would say regarding the scene where Kurt's dad tells Finn off, the speech in itself is great (it could perhaps be considered a fantasy speech of things you wish your dad would say in that situation) but even that ep prefers to lean more in the direction of gay being a way you present yourself instead of a sexuality. Which is a fine place to start, but I am still waiting to see if they go into the other aspects of it instead of again claiming that "we're all freaks--because we're in Glee Club!" Um, no. When the bullies call Kurt a freak they mean he's gay. They pick on him because he's gay. They threaten Finn by suggesting he is gay etc.

I remember one ep where they made a joke where people in Glee were voting on something and someone voted for "other Asian"--a background character. That's a perfect example of the show's strange attitude, occasionally lampshading the problems without just not creating the problem.

Especially in eps like Wheels where not only does Finn happily reap the alleged advantages of being a minority, but Artie winds up not even solving the problem that started the ep (that he couldn't ride with the rest of the group on the bus) by sacrificing *his* immediate desires to any disabled people who might come along later. So basically the able-bodied kids complained a lot, but raised some money, and then happily went back to their original attitude of not caring at all if Artie rode the bus with them. The guy in the wheelchair. The only guy who did anything for or cared anything about access for the disabled was the guy in the wheelchair.

permalink

go to top

Jamie Johnston

at 22:00 on 2010-06-30Sorry, Dan, I think I must be having a stupid day because I've been turning it over in the back of my head for a couple of hours and I'm still not completely sure how the

NCIS

anecdote relates. Which means I've probably missed something important in the article as a whole. Can I impose on you (or anyone else who is having a intellect-functioning-properly day) for a 'for dummies' version?

permalink

go to top

Dan H

at 22:09 on 2010-06-30Partially it doesn't.

Partially it was a holdover from an earlier version of the article that was going to focus more on the "lampshading" element of Glee.

Basically Glee gets a lot of mileage out of people saying "No, don't you see, all these stereotypes are *subversive* because *everybody knows they aren't true*". The thing about the NCIS episode is that for me it highlighted in a very simple, very minor way, the fact that "everybody knows it isn't true" doesn't stop a stereotype being offensive because in fact PEOPLE DON'T KNOW IT ISN'T TRUE.

Then the whole thing morphed and the anecdote was left stuck there like a shark in a roof.

permalink

go to top

Viorica

at 22:12 on 2010-06-30

You know, over here at Straight White Able-Bodied Guy HQ we call that "divide and rule".

So it IS a conspiracy!

permalink

go to top

http://furare.livejournal.com/

at 02:10 on 2010-07-01

Because having an unpopular hobby is exactly the same as being part of a group which is subject to systematic discrimination, oh yes.

This is probably related to the phenomenon whereby (some) geek guys think that they Understand Women, because, after all, they are discriminated against and therefore can't possibly be part of The Problem. You even get a few guys who claim that, because some things have been difficult for them, there is no systematic sexism in society. After all, they're men! And they got made to suffer for not fitting in! Women are just paranoid for seeing it as a conspiracy against them!

Getting unpopularity caused by a choice you made confused with systematic discrimination is shown quite clearly in Glee as well, when the pregnant girl tells Mercedes that now she's obviously pregnant she Understands what it's like to be black. What?

Because apparently getting to do the things that the white kids get to do in every single episode constitutes special treatment.

That's always the case, though, isn't it? If you're not seen as having the right to be treated like the pretty able-bodied white people, then being treated the same as them is presumptuous. It's special treatment in that you want to be treated *better* than Other People Like You. (Heavy sarcasm filter, needless to say.)

...accused disability/women's advocates of "looking for things to be offended by."

Oh, I hate that one. Horrible, horrible silencing tactic. But seriously, why does anyone need to *look* for things to be offended by? There's so much that is so goddamn offensive that there's no need to look further than the bookshelf in the corner. When someone says that, they're basically saying "I know better than you do what ought to offend you. I don't think this should offend you (because it doesn't offend me) and therefore you are overreacting."

As for "stereotypes aren't true", I think that the mindless spouting of stereotypes - and then defending them by saying there's probably some truth in them - is one of the most prevalent forms of discrimination in our allegedly colourblind/genderblind society. Well, at least, among the nice, "non-discriminatory" people, anyway. I think that's what Dan was saying, so maybe I should've shorted this paragraph to "what he said". But you know us women, we never shut up, right?

permalink

go to top

Sister Magpie

at 03:28 on 2010-07-01

If you're not seen as having the right to be treated like the pretty able-bodied white people, then being treated the same as them is presumptuous. It's special treatment in that you want to be treated *better* than Other People Like You. (Heavy sarcasm filter, needless to say.)

Also I think it comes down to the illusion that what the white people get to do in every ep has nothing to do with their being white. Iow, it's not that Mercedes is a backup singer because she's black, it's that Rachel has X,Y and Z about her that gives them a reason to have her on screen a lot and for us to see her story from her pov.

permalink

go to top

Frank

at 05:47 on 2010-07-01

Exactly. W. T. F.

(it could perhaps be considered a fantasy speech of things you wish your dad would say in that situation)

I also think the writer's using this opportunity to speak to those in the audience who are identifying with Finn (who has the absolute right to be pissed at Kurt and call him out on his bullshit though not in such a hateful manner) and who thus may be suffering from gaymanphobia.

The season (network?) suffers from gaymanphobia. For all the talk of Rachel's two gay dads, we never see them. Gay sexuality isn't seen. And the lesbian sexuality that is suggested, is obviously for the het male audience as Santana and Brittany use it to their advantage to seduce/trick Finn.

To be fair, there's not much if any healthy het sexuality either but it is treated as normal. Finn successfully though suggestively loses his virginity to Santana (another fail, this time with racial representation because, you know, Latina's are sexual beings, so exotic.) Will the audience ever see Kurt suggestively lose his virginity (which many will assume to be giving up his butt to a dick instead of giving his dick to a butt)? No, because gayman sex is icky.

permalink

go to top

Dan H

at 11:49 on 2010-07-01

*nods*

Although for what it's worth, it's not just a geek male thing. Bad Things Happen To Men Too is depressingly common male reaction to the notion of privilege. Just look at the lovely "men's abortion rights" guys.

Sad, but I suspect largely true.

It's like when people complain that student unions have a women's officer but not a men's officer, or complain that everybody talks about violence against women, but nobody talks about violence against men (they do, they just tend to call it "crime" and there are entire branches of government devoted to dealing with it).

permalink

go to top

Dan H

at 12:02 on 2010-07-01Oh, wanted to reply to this point too but somehow lost it:

I'm not sure that's a great example actually. Obviously playing the "I knwo what it's like to be black" card is stupid and offensive, but I think it's a bit iffy to describe Quinn's situation as being entirely down to "a choice she made". Even if we leave out the fact that she was apparently sufficiently drunk when she had sex with Puck that it raises some iffy consent issues, the way she's treated afterwards actually *is* evidence of systematic discrimination because it is, in essence, a form of slut-shaming.

Basically I'm very conscious that "well you shouldn't have got pregnant then" is something that people really do say to women, in one way or another in all sorts of situations (it's a common line taken by pro-lifers for example). There's a certain perspective from which Quinn's arc could be seen as "gets kicked out of her house for being date raped" - I don't think it's entirely fair to describe her as just having made unpopular decisions.

Of course none of that gives her the right to say she "knows what it's like to be black" - on a side note, isn't it interesting that we spend so much time in Glee hearing what it's like to be a minority (what it's like to be in a wheelchair, what it's like to be black, what it's like to be gay) but always from a third party. Mr Shu tells the kids what it's like for Artie to be in a wheelchair, Quinn tells Mercedes what it's like to be black. Kurt's dad gets a pass because he's not actually telling Finn what it's like to be gay, he's telling him what it's like to be a homophobe.

permalink

go to top

Arthur B

at 12:14 on 2010-07-01It's like that party game where you have the name of a mystery person stuck to your forehead and the person to your left has to describe them to you.

permalink

go to top

http://furare.livejournal.com/

at 15:27 on 2010-07-01Fair enough, Dan. That's the only episode of the show I've ever watched, so all I saw was "pregnant white girl tells black girl that teenage pregnancy is Just Like Being Black". I didn't know anything about the extenuating circumstances, just saw the racefail and reacted badly to it. Obviously, the way Quinn is treated is Not Okay either, but pretending that it's in any way equivalent is fail on the same scale as Guy With Unpopular Hobby pretending that this is the same as being a woman.

In my defence, that was the comparison I was making - there is nothing wrong with having sex or getting pregnant, anymore than there is anything wrong with having an unpopular hobby. But Quinn had (at least when I was unaware of possible consent issues) a lot more choice over getting pregnant than Mercedes ever did about being black. That doesn't make it *right* that she's treated the way she is, it just means that it's a different sort of unfair. Which kind of undermines her claim to Understand.

Of course, in the show, this exchange is presented as character development and a heartwarming moment between the two girls.

permalink

go to top

Dan H

at 15:40 on 2010-07-01

Fair enough, Dan. That's the only episode of the show I've ever watched, so all I saw was "pregnant white girl tells black girl that teenage pregnancy is Just Like Being Black".

Yeah, I can see how it would be *even more failey* out of context.

In my defence, that was the comparison I was making - there is nothing wrong with having sex or getting pregnant, anymore than there is anything wrong with having an unpopular hobby.

Oh I don't think you've got anything to defend in particular (sorry if I went off on one - I'm afraid I get a bit language police sometimes) I think it's just that I've been spending my off-hours arguing with misogynist assholes on other sites and so was a bit oversensitive. There's a depressing number of people who really do believe that if a bad thing happens to a woman because she "chooses" to have sex then it's ALL HER FAULT. Again, not saying that's you, just being a bit oversensitive.

Also doesn't change the fact that "now I know what it's like to be black" is a failburger with failsauce and a side order of fail.

Of course, in the show, this exchange is presented as character development and a heartwarming moment between the two girls.

Hey, nothing says friendship like appropriation!

permalink

go to top

Sister Magpie

at 15:42 on 2010-07-01

That's the only episode of the show I've ever watched, so all I saw was "pregnant white girl tells black girl that teenage pregnancy is Just Like Being Black". I didn't know anything about the extenuating circumstances, just saw the racefail and reacted badly to it. Obviously, the way Quinn is treated is Not Okay either, but pretending that it's in any way equivalent is fail on the same scale as Guy With Unpopular Hobby pretending that this is the same as being a woman.

Yeah, one of the biggest differences it that, of course, Quinn's condition is temporary. Sure people will probably continue to judge her for getting pregnant, but it was still another example of a line the show is very fond of, the one where the person who is in the position of social power has something happen to them or does something that suddenly makes them feel shamed. And now they "know how it feels" to be somebody who's discriminated against all the time. It's not that we can't sympathize with them as people being picked on, and there are some ways that the two situations are related, but it's not the same thing and the show really does seem to link the two a lot.

permalink

go to top

Dan H

at 15:46 on 2010-07-01

It's not that we can't sympathize with them as people being picked on, and there are some ways that the two situations are related, but it's not the same thing and the show really does seem to link the two a lot.

*nod*

The one redeeming quality I can think of in this particular example is that at least it's Quinn's *own* experience which acts as the catalyst for her Important Learning Experience, instead of somebody else's. Unlike say in /Wheels/, where Artie gets screwed so that the other kids can learn an Important Lessson About Disability.

permalink

go to top

Sister Magpie

at 17:33 on 2010-07-01

Also it's probably better that Quinn, being the cheerleader, does usually own all the privileges she has, and yet truly has had things taken away from her. Being pregnant is something other people can see and react to on sight. It's a bit deeper than suddenly being one of the kids who might get a slushy thrown at them rather than being the slushie thrower. Her dad throwing her out because she's now a slut is not only more serious but goes to the aspect of Quinn that always was a minority. In the past she just denied that.

In a way, I felt like the awkward connection of the whole thing to the experience of a black person was more something the show is always trying to do rather than something Quinn herself, based on her character, would say. She'd probably never have noticed that Mercedes was judged on her looks, much less think that she now knows how Mercedes feels.

permalink

go to top

Dan H

at 17:50 on 2010-07-01Thinking about it, if they really wanted to have an episode in which Quinn's pregnancy experience what it's like to be Mercedes, they'd have to have an episode in which she stood in the background, didn't sing very much, and sometimes said things like "well you can count my pregnant ass in, mm-hmm" while wagging her finger sassily.

permalink

go to top

Sister Magpie

at 18:04 on 2010-07-01

Thinking about it, if they really wanted to have an episode in which Quinn's pregnancy experience what it's like to be Mercedes, they'd have to have an episode in which she stood in the background, didn't sing very much, and sometimes said things like "well you can count my pregnant ass in, mm-hmm" while wagging her finger sassily.

Very true. She would spend a lot of time being confused at the way her interactions with people never went anywhere and all her conversations with others were about other people whose feelings she was more interested in than her own.

permalink

go to top

Dan H

at 18:24 on 2010-07-01

She'd probably never have noticed that Mercedes was judged on her looks, much less think that she now knows how Mercedes feels.

Sorry to keep dwelling on this but:

Also, is it framed as "being judged on her looks?" because if so ... umm ... again that's a rather nasty oversimplification of a hugely complex set of issues. I mean presumably when Quinn's father kicks her out it's not because he's worried she'll get *fat*, it's because she's a filthy dirty slutty mcslutslut. And presumably the creators realize that Mercedes' identity as a black woman has rather more to it than "is female and has dark coloured skin."

permalink

go to top

Sister Magpie

at 18:51 on 2010-07-01

Sorry, no it's not. I just worded that badly because I meant she is judged on an aspect of herself that is visible to strangers. A stranger, for instane, can look at Mercedes and identify her as black and so make judgements based on just seeing her, and so can Quinn with her pregnancy showing. The way I put it it sounded like I meant "her looks" as in whether or not she was conventionally attractive--that's not what she meant.

permalink

go to top

Lexa

at 20:19 on 2010-07-01Oh, there are so many things I hate about this show!

First off, it really, really bugs me that they have taken the idiotic step of confusing sexuality and gender in Kurt. Yes, Kurt is gay. But the writers seem to have taken 'gay' to mean 'camp and gender-confused'. It's the easiest thing in the world to do, and frankly it disappoints me. Wouldn't it be more interesting if one of the football players was discovering he was gay? You could do amazing things with that, and explore really interesting themes - such as the fact that a lot of gay men don't conform to that stereotype. It's only making more and more people think that the stereotypical 'camp gay guy' is universal to the population.

Then there's the wheelchair thing. If you ever tried to stage 'Children Of A Lesser God' professionally with a hearing lead actress instead of a deaf one, there would be uproar. Partly, I suspect, because Equity (the actors' union) would never let them get away with it. I don't know how these things are handled in the States, but it upsets me that nobody had enough clout to solve this problem. Yes, he's good for the character, but if you can re-write for one actor, what's a few tweaks for another going to hurt?

(Oh yes, and of course having a stutter is comparable to being wheelchair-bound. It cuts you off from society in exactly the same way, didn't you know?)

Casting is a thorny issue, but I wouldn't say that colourblind casting works in every case. For instance, the writers must have had character briefs when they began auditioning.

Take the character of Quinn, for example. How different would things be if she were black? She may not have the upper-class background of the current character, she may not have been head of the chastity club (which seemed to be universally white), and there may not have been the family stigma attached to her being pregnant. All of these factors were, arguably, (and within the context of the show, with its' wonderfully divisive society) directly related to the fact that the character was white and upper-class. Even if she's still upper-class, everything changes. Suddenly the focal issues of the character change, and you have to write in the additional new environment of a mixed-race relationship between her and Finn/Mohawk Dude.

No matter how good a black actress may have been for that role, I really don't think that she would ever have been considered, because it would change a lot of things that the writers wanted for the character. And actually, maybe that's fair enough, because some characters are just that specific to their surroundings.

On the other hand, Rachel could have been black and it would have changed NOTHING. Ditto Mr Schuester.

permalink

go to top

Sister Magpie

at 20:41 on 2010-07-01

On the other hand, Rachel could have been black and it would have changed NOTHING. Ditto Mr Schuester.

With Rachel it's even more ironic because part of the joke with her dads was that they don't know which one actually fathered her biologically. She says this, then they show us a picture of her with her two dads, one of whom is black and one of whom is white. So they've already got the set up for her to be biracial, but she's not.

I personally don't have a problem with Kurt being campy just because I think it's dealing with a certain type of personality. Rather than being a person in hiding who's struggling with his sexuality he's out and proud. He himself has accepted he's gay, which can be nice. But it does give them a chance to sometimes act as if gay really is about loving show tunes and fashion and being considered girly, which fits into the whole "we're a bunch of misfits" thing they like to have for a lot of the Glee characters. The club's kind of split between the popular kids and the outcasts according to cliche high school hierarchy. Quinn, the other Cheerios, Finn and Puck are all cool people getting their first taste of doing something officially not cool. Rachel, Mercedes, Artie, non-stutter girl whose name I've just forgotten and Kurt are the nerdy-kids they wouldn't have spoken to before but now are getting to know.

permalink

go to top

Jamie Johnston

at 23:04 on 2010-07-01Thanks for the clarification, Dan! Yes, I see how that works.

[Ducks out before being mistaken for someone who knows something about this programme.]

permalink

go to top

Dan H

at 23:30 on 2010-07-01

Take the character of Quinn, for example. How different would things be if she were black? She may not have the upper-class background of the current character

I'm pretty sure you *do* get upper-class black people (if the Fresh Prince taught me nothing else, he taught me that). (Reading ahead, I notice that you mention later that she could still have been upper class, so I don't think you're implying otherwise - I'm just a bit twitchy today).

Quinn's an interesting example in fact for exactly this reason. Making her black would have changed nothing - you *absolutely* get rich, privileged kids from black backgrounds, and making their perfect alpha-teen black would have *genuinely* challenged stereotypes. But they didn't and I suspect that, as you say, the reason they didn't is because they felt that being white was part of who she was, even though I am damned sure that there are black girls who are *exactly* like Finn.

permalink

go to top

Dan H

at 23:32 on 2010-07-01

Thanks for the clarification, Dan! Yes, I see how that works.

As an example, there's a running joke throughout the series that the other Asian student in Glee Club is referred to (by staff and students alike) as "other Asian".

You SEE. It's FUNNY because it's SUBVERSIVE because we KNOW IT'S RACIST and NOBODY REALLY ACTS LIKE THAT IN REAL LIFE and certainly it's in no way HARMFUL or OFFENSIVE! Because it's GLEE!

permalink

go to top

Viorica

at 01:39 on 2010-07-02

If you ever tried to stage 'Children Of A Lesser God' professionally with a hearing lead actress instead of a deaf one, there would be uproar.

I wouldn't be so sure. There's a production of

The Miracle Worker

running in Broadway right now with Abigail Breslin playing Helen Keller.

permalink

go to top

Sister Magpie

at 04:30 on 2010-07-02

I wouldn't be so sure. There's a production of The Miracle Worker running in Broadway right now with Abigail Breslin playing Helen Keller

Has there ever been a production of The Miracle Worker, or at least one of note, that didn't have Helen played by a hearing, sighted actress? It seems like Children of a Lesser God is traditionally cast with a deaf actress.

permalink

go to top

Lexa

at 10:02 on 2010-07-02But 'The Miracle Worker' closed early in its' run, and when the casting was announced there were huge complaints from the deaf and blind communities. (Also, I believe that it first opened in the 50s, when attitudes were very different to now) It's a huge betrayal to actors who are genuinely deaf, blind and wheelchair-bound when an actor who is none of these things gets a role like that.

And yep, Sarah in 'Children Of A Lesser God' is always played by a deaf actress - and with good reason. They even found a deaf actress for the movie, which is quite impressive when you think about it.

It genuinely upsets me that the actor playing Artie can walk. It's like they're saying "You know what, nobody in a wheelchair can act." Your agent can't find a wheelchair-bound actor? Find one. Hold open auditions, cast a complete newcomer. It's much easier to do that on television than in theatre.

permalink

go to top

Dan H

at 10:17 on 2010-07-02Sorry to be the language police again but if we're going to take a stand against ableism can we avoid using the term "wheelchair-bound" because it

genuinely upsets people

I probably wouldn't have noticed if I hadn't been reading that very blog yesterday evening.

permalink

go to top

Wardog

at 10:58 on 2010-07-02Wow, this is a minefield. I'm scared of opening my mouth....

permalink

go to top

Sister Magpie

at 15:05 on 2010-07-02

But 'The Miracle Worker' closed early in its' run, and when the casting was announced there were huge complaints from the deaf and blind communities. (Also, I believe that it first opened in the 50s, when attitudes were very different to now)

Thanks for that info--I had no idea and I was genuinely wondering about it. Because yes, the original was in the 50s where the idea of hiring a deaf or blind young actress (much less a deaf and blind young actress) would never even have been considered. I remember when Patty Duke, the original Helen, later made a TV movie version where she played Annie Sullivan to Melissa Gilbert's Helen!

So I didn't know if there was some reason that play was not looked at the way CoaLG was, where you assume the part will be played by a deaf actress.

Now I'd really like to see MW with a deaf and blind actress. It would be a totally different performance, I'd imagine. Helen would probably relate to the world far more realistically because the actress would naturally navigate the world with the same senses. Ironically, I'll bet to a lot of people she would appear more able-bodied because of it. She'd be played less as a seeing/hearing person who's been deprived of those senses and more like an individual who uses senses other than seeing and hearing.

permalink

go to top

Viorica

at 15:42 on 2010-07-02

Hold open auditions, cast a complete newcomer.

That's actually the argument I keep hearing- that they

did

hold open auditions, and Kevin McHale just happened to be the best actor for the role. Don't know if I believe it, though.

permalink

go to top

Dan H

at 23:23 on 2010-07-02

That's actually the argument I keep hearing- that they did hold open auditions, and Kevin McHale just happened to be the best actor for the role. Don't know if I believe it, though.

I believe it, it's just that I believe their criteria for "best actor" were intrinsically, well, faily.

There's a lot of talk in the DVD special features about how you're looking for the "triple threat" - somebody who can act, sing and dance. Given that later on in the series there's a sequence in which Artie does, in fact, dance in a dream sequence - revealing that Kevin McHale is, in fact, a pretty damned good dancer, it seems depressingly plausible that his ability do dance was part of what landed him the role.

This role, of course, being the role of a wheelchair user whose lifetime dream of being a dancer cannot be fulfilled *because he is a wheelchair user*.

It seems nobody thought that maybe the ability to dance *in a wheelchair* might be a better quality to look for in an actor than the ability to dance *when not in a wheelchair*.

permalink

go to top

Viorica

at 00:06 on 2010-07-03Yeah, that's what my friend tried to convince me of- that if they hadn't cast Kevin McHale, they couldn't have done the Safety Dance scene, so clearly he was a better choice than an actor who was actually in a wheelchair. The problem with this is twofold: one, it is entirely possible to dance while in a wheelchair, and two, having your disabled character constantly fantasize about not being disabled is juuuuust a bit problematic. It'd be like having Kurt fantasize about being straight. "Oh, if only I wasn't a minority!"

permalink

go to top

Sister Magpie

at 00:54 on 2010-07-03

I believe it, it's just that I believe their criteria for "best actor" were intrinsically, well, faily.

And how many people in wheelchairs would bother showing up at an open call, really? I mean, it seems like asking a bit much to expect differently abled actors to assume they're being considered at an open call.

Yeah, that's what my friend tried to convince me of- that if they hadn't cast Kevin McHale, they couldn't have done the Safety Dance scene, so clearly he was a better choice than an actor who was actually in a wheelchair.

It does underline that we're talking about a disabled person as defined by an able-bodied person, doesn't it? If they think it's important that the actor be able to convincingly dance like a person with the use of his legs, if only for dream sequences but not important that he be able to convincingly use a wheelchair like a person who doesn't regularly use his legs. He can't dance in a wheelchair the way the character should be able to do, probably doesn't even use a wheelchair as well as a regular user would.

But they either don't see those problems or assume people will suspend disbelief for them. However when it comes to a fantasy dance sequence they need it to be the actor dancing? Even though the whole fantasy sequence frame would give you plenty of freedom to be as stylized as possible. You could probably even be more creative with it. It's not like Hollywood hasn't done this in many ways over the years when they cast a non-dancer in a dancing role.

permalink

go to top

Dan H

at 12:00 on 2010-07-03

But that's *their* fault for being *prejudiced* and assuming that *all able bodied people are ablists*. And we shouldn't support *prejudice*.

It does underline that we're talking about a disabled person as defined by an able-bodied person, doesn't it?

It really does. I can't believe that people *actually* cite the (arguably quite offensive) dream sequence in which Artie imagines what it would be like to be a dancer as a *good and valid* reason that he "had" to be played by an able-bodied actor.

"Hey people with disabilities: we can actually represent what it is like to BE YOU better than YOU CAN"

permalink

go to top

Lexa

at 15:17 on 2010-07-03There are hundreds of acting calls out there where they say something like: "Actor wanted. Must be male, mid-late 30s, minority ethnic background." Or words to that effect. If you need someone black for a role, that's what you do. If they had put out one stating that they needed a wheelchair user, then it would have been no different. Sometimes you need an actor to look a certain way, and there's no problem with specifying that - asking for someone in a wheelchair is just the same.

And I say again: if they can re-write one role for one actor and change it completely (Kurt), would it have been so difficult for them to change one character slightly so that a real wheelchair-user could have done it? They can't say 'he wasn't right for the role' for one guy, and then do a shedload of re-writing for another.

permalink

go to top

Shim

at 08:46 on 2010-07-04

"Actor wanted. Must be male, mid-late 30s, minority ethnic background."

That must be awkward if everyone who turns up is the wrong minority ethnic background.

"I'm sorry, Mr... Spock, was it? We just don't see you as Othello."

permalink

go to top

Jamie Johnston

at 11:17 on 2010-07-04"But that is illogical:

Captain Picard

has played the part, and we are of similar appearance. Is it becos I iz from TOS?"

permalink

go to top

Dan H

at 12:47 on 2010-07-04

I don't think you'll get any disagreement here. We're not saying "this is why they did it, and it's legitimate" we're (or at least I'm) saying "this is probably why they did it, and it's fucking offensive".

People get so defensive about it because what we're dealing with here (like the guy in that infuriating Times article Rami just linked to) is *internalized* prejudice. The producers cast Kevin McHale because he was "best" for the role according to their preconceptions about what a "good" actor in musical theatre should be like. Funnily enough, this wound up being somebody white, male, and able-bodied.

permalink

go to top

https://me.yahoo.com/a/weG8lOsgwf6qv3.5HfEtaiu7gZr1mw--#9e4da

at 00:48 on 2010-07-06As a person with disabilities who has

written rather extensively about Glee

(I wrote the post at Bitch discussed in Daniel's original post), I'd like to specifically rebut the claims made about the dream sequence (although this whole conversation has been very interesting).

I see the argument that Artie had to be played by a nondisabled actor to make that sequence possible all the time, by people who are apparently not aware that what wheelchair users can dance. Had they used an actual wheelchair user in that role, the dance sequence could have involved Artie going to dance camp and learning wheelchair dance, and they could have choreographed a superb dance sequence. Instead, they cast themselves into a corner by using a nondisabled actor.

Glee for some reason seems to be under the impression that people can't dance in wheelchairs. They claimed to have invented wheelchair choreography with 'Wheels' despite ample evidence to the contrary; seriously, search YouTube for 'wheelchair dancing,' and I note that they had to use a stuntman for most of Artie's moves in that episode, suggesting some awareness of the fact that there are actually wheelchair athletes that can do things that nondisabled people who are unfamiliar with a chair cannot do.

Pretty much all of the statements made about McHale's casting smell like rotten fish to me. They 'needed an actor who can sing and dance'? Well, Kevin McHale may be able to sing, but he certainly can't dance in a wheelchair, and there are plenty of wheelchair users who are accomplished singers and dancers who would have been a better fit for that role.

permalink

go to top

Dan H

at 11:28 on 2010-07-06Hiya, welcome to Ferretbrain.

The whole dream sequence thing is just wrong on every level really isn't it?

It seems like the producers genuinely did believe the fact that Kevin McHale *isn't* a wheelchair user somehow made him uniquely qualified to play one.

permalink

go to top

Jamie Johnston

at 19:54 on 2010-07-06Wow, I know we've had actual known writers commenting on Ferretbrain once or twice before but this is the first time it's someone I've read. Er, hello! [Star-struck.]

I'm amazed to hear they had the gumption to claim to have invented wheelchair choreography. That claim certainly wouldn't have convinced anyone in the UK, where

this wheelchair dance

was all over our televisions many times a day from 2002 to 2006 as a BBC 'ident'.*

* (I don't know whether 'ident' is a term anyone but the BBC uses. It's the little clips a TV channel shows in between programmes or during ad breaks to remind you what channel you're watching.)

permalink

go to top

Melissa G.

at 01:10 on 2010-07-07I would just like to mention that someone I went to college with (who became paralyzed during his sophomore year due to a spinal injury) was recently on Glee. And he wrote a really interesting

blogpost/article

about his experience with the show. Just thought you all would be interested.

permalink

go to top

Dan H

at 10:28 on 2010-07-07Obviously it's great that your friend's landed a part in the series, but I'm a bit uncomfortable with his complaining about people criticizing the show. He's entitled to his opinion of course, but so are other people.

I have absolutely no doubt that the cast, crew and writers of /Glee/ are not *consciously* ableist. I have no doubt that they will be very nice to your friend, but it *is* legitimate to criticize them for casting an able-bodied actor as Artie, just as it would be legitimate to criticize them for having a white girl black up to play Mercedes.

permalink

go to top

Melissa G.

at 17:51 on 2010-07-07@Dan

Coming from a background where I've been on both sides of the casting table (I'm an actor and I've helped cast things as well), I can't really agree completely with how heated everyone is about Artie's casting. Yes, it would have been great if they found an actor in a wheelchair to play Artie, but for me, as long as equal consideration was given to both abled and disabled actors, I really can't get too angry about it.

Of course, I realize that my opinion comes with privilege and that, of course, as an able-bodied person, I don't have much right to say anything either way. The reason I linked Zach's article was because I thought there was more meaning to hearing his opinion than mine. But I'm certainly not going to say that anyone is wrong for being upset. It's just not something I personally agree with. And to me, the fact that Zach got a part on the show (even though he was competing against able-bodied actors during the casting session) must count for something?

As far as the dream sequence goes, I highly doubt the show had any idea they would even do that until about two weeks before the episode was shot, and from what I know of TV, it's likely that they just said, "Oh, hey, since Kevin can walk in real life, why don't we do a dream sequence where we see him dance?" Had he actually been a wheelchair-using actor, they obviously wouldn't have done the scene or would have done it a different way. But I might be misunderstanding why exactly people are angry about it.

To be honest though, I have a feeling this is an agree to disagree type of situation.

permalink

go to top

Dan H

at 00:47 on 2010-07-08

But I might be misunderstanding why exactly people are angry about it.

I'm not really qualified to speak on behalf of People With Disabilities, but if I had to explain why I *think* people are so upset about it, it would be something like this (this may get long).

One way to view disability is that people with disabilities are just people who can't do some things that other people can do. If you follow this definition then casting able-bodied actors in disabled roles is sort of like casting bilingual people in non-bilingual roles: a complete non-issue.

The other way to view disability (as I understand it) is like race or gender: a part of somebody's identity which has physical manifestations. If you follow this definition casting an able-bodied actor in a disabled role is exactly as bad as having black roles played by white actors in blackface.

By the first definition, discrimination against people with disabilities is effectively a non-issue. Disabled people are by definition less able than nondisabled people, and if your disability prevents you from doing something well ... that's why they call it a disability. Many people (including, I suspect, many people with disabilities) are completely okay with the first definition and that is not something I feel in a position to judge. By this definition providing wheelchair access to a public building is effectively a courtesy you provide to the less fortunate.

For many people, however, it is important to recognize that people with disabilities are a social group that can be excluded by social mechanisms. While people with disabilities may do things differently to able-bodied people, they do actually do all of the same things. To these people *failing* to provide wheelchair access to a building is discrimination just as much as it would be to put a sign in the window saying "no blacks no Irish".

The reason people are so upset by the whole "wheelchair users can't dance" theme which runs through Glee is that it reinforces the notion that exclusion is a natural part of what it means to have a disability. To people who subscribe to the second model of disability "wheelchair users can't dance" is exactly as offensive a statement as "gay people can't have children" or "women can't do science".

As you say, it's an agree to disagree situation, I just thought I'd try (as best I can) to explain what I think people are disagreeing about.

permalink

go to top

Melissa G.

at 05:34 on 2010-07-08

To people who subscribe to the second model of disability "wheelchair users can't dance" is exactly as offensive a statement as "gay people can't have children" or "women can't do science".

Okay, I see. That clears it up. And yes, wheelchair users *can* dance and it would be nice to see them let Artie do that and achieve his dream.

If you follow this definition casting an able-bodied actor in a disabled role is exactly as bad as having black roles played by white actors in blackface.

This is where it gets tricky for me. And I'm not sure I can explain this without sounding horribly insensitive, but I'll give it a go.

For me, saying that only a wheelchair using actor should play a wheelchair using character is an idea that can be taken to rather dangerous place. If you start saying that people can only play roles that they actually are, you're saying that only straight actors can play straight roles or only Jewish actors can play Jewish characters. Anyone with the right look and skills should be considered for any role. The whole point of acting is to become something or someone that you're not. And to take that to another level, I work with a disabled actor in my workshop classes, and I know for a fact that he wants to be considered for parts that are *not* written to be disabled. If we want casting directors to consider him for non-disabled parts, I feel like we need to extend that to "consider everyone who could play this character for the part". And from there, I trust that the casting people will actually pick the person who is most right for the role. And having met many casting directors, trust me, they're really very good at it.

Again, I know people will disagree with me, and they have every right to. I just wanted to add something from an acting viewpoint as well. (Please don't bite my head off....)

permalink

go to top

Shim

at 11:37 on 2010-07-08(warning, long post)

I can see where you're coming from and agree to some extent, but I think there's a couple of issues involved here.

For one thing, there are several types of characteristic that might affect casting.

- There are characteristics that almost inevitably affect the character: age, gender, ethnic group, height, body type, certain physical disabilities. The actor's traits carry across to the character unless massive effort goes into disguising them.

- There are characteristics that genuinely limit what the actor can do, including some physical and mental disabilities, but also ability (singing, multilinguism, etc.). This means that actor can't do specific things, but doesn't mean the character has to be

portrayed

in that way: you can avoid showing those activities, or use stunt doubles and voice doubles.

- There are "hidden" traits that don't necessarily affect the actor's range of ability or come across to the character. These include sexuality, regional origin, social class, and some mental conditions.

The first category tend to restrict what roles people can do because many roles are designated for specific types of person. This is especially the case with historical figures, but also applies to stories in particular settings and particular types of character, or to combinations of characters. Dame Judy Dench cannot credibly play Harry Potter. Arnold Schwarzenegger makes an unconvincing Gandhi. Children are often expected to be the same ethnic group as their parents. A cast of white kids just don't fit in a Chinese epic set in the Qing Dynasty. A very short cast is not a realistic basketball team, and a very fat cast is not a realistic national football team. Theatre tends to be far more generous with this sort of casting than film and TV. Taking the semi-realism of film & TV as the standard, then yes, I'd argue that Jewish actors (or at least, actors who look Jewish*) should play the characters.

The second category makes it difficult for actors to play particular roles. Stephen Hawking doesn't match up to Arnie as Conan and the work required to allow him to play the part would be astronomical (how appropriate). Similarly, if someone has an unshakeable heavy Russian accent, they just may not be suitable as Queen Elizabeth. Deafblind actors may struggle in a Jackie Chan film. However, as I said, you might be able to adapt the part or avoid or double certain activities to make them a viable choice, and of course the severity of these restrictions varies. In some circumstances, though, it seems like a reasonable decision to say a person is unsuitable.

The third category really shouldn't enter into the casting process. They might affect an actor's ability to get into character, but for a good actor, shouldn't define whether or not they can do the part. There's no reason why a straight part has to be played by a straight actor.

However: there is also the issue of equal opportunities, or more specifically fair opportunities.

While many roles could be played by anyone, they are often effectively restricted. Minority actor X might be a great fit for the grandfather role, but if the rest of the family has been cast as a different ethnic group, the directors simply can't see a way to fit X in. Or it would require a significant rewrite, whereas actor Y can slot straight in there. If the plot requires the heroine to have life-changing experiences while running marathons, an actress who can't walk or run is a big obstacle. If it's a full-blown kung fu film, a complete ignorance of kung fu is a problem.

Other roles require specific actor traits, so your Aboriginal family need to look more or less Aboriginal, Henry VIII needs to be a Caucasian bloke, and your basketball players need to be tall.

A third type of role needs someone who can portray a particular type of character, without necessarily needing that trait themselves. This ties in with the third category: traits like personality, nationality, class, education, magical powers, emotions, illness and some disabilities can be portrayed by actors without those traits.

The thing is that while the second type of roles exclude majority actors who don't fit the bill, both the first and second types tend to exclude minorities. This means a far smaller range of opportunities is open to them, which in itself reinforces the problem because it's harder to build up a reputation, experience and contacts. That being the case, I'd say it's even more important to consider them carefully for minority-specific roles, and to be

less

open to rewrites and other adaptive measures for the sake of casting non-minority actors.

Wheelchair users are actually a slightly unusual case, because you don't need to be a wheelchair user to act the part. This puts them at an even greater disadvantage than many other disabilities, because not only are they excluded from many roles not written for wheelchair users; they are also competing with able-bodied actors (who have had more opportunity to get experience and recognition) for roles as wheelchair-using characters. Thus, open casting for wheelchair users reinforces the discrimination. Hence the blackface comparison.

Obviously that doesn't mean they shouldn't be considered for non-chair-using roles, any more than all-women MP shortlists mean women shouldn't apply for other constituencies. It's not really about making casting completely open; it's about preventing passive disadvantage to minorities from the passive advantage and sheer numbers of the majority.

*I appreciate this is getting into the situation where people are concerned by ethnic minority A actors taking roles as ethnic minority B characters. I don't want to discuss that right now, I was just referring to getting a convincing cast.

permalink

go to top

Dan H

at 12:12 on 2010-07-08

Anyone with the right look and skills should be considered for any role.

I think this is the crux of the issue (and again this might get a bit long).

For many years, to a white audience, a man in blackface had the right "look" to play a black man on stage or on film. Even after people came to realize that this was not acceptable, the film and television industry carried on doing the

exact same thing

with Asian characters because, to a white audience as long as somebody has their eyes taped back they look convincingly Asian (scanning down the wikipedia article, people still do this today). Of course to a lot of Asian people this is fantastically offensive.

To a lot of disabled people, Kevin McHale absolutely does *not* have the "right look and skills" to be considered for the role of Artie. For a start he can't dance in a wheelchair which for somebody in a show which is all about singing and dancing is a bit of a flaw. Not only that, but (I am given to understand) many people find the way McHale handles a wheelchair awkward, uncomfortable, and unconvincing. To people who actually use wheelchairs, McHale does not do a convincing job of portraying somebody who spends a large proportion of every day in one.

None of these things are immediately obvious to an able-bodied audience (or, I suspect, to able-bodied casting directors) because we define disability by inability, and think that being a wheelchair-user means "not being able to walk" instead of "being able to use a wheelchair". The reason many people find "crip drag" offensive is because they feel it should not be up to able-bodied people to decide what disabled people are supposed to look like.

I absolutely believe that Kevin McHale was chosen because he had the right look and skills to play Artie, but I also believe that what people considered to be the "right look and skills" to play Artie was based on quite a lot of harmful misconceptions about disability.

Put it this way. Look at the following picture

of the cast

. Perhaps I'm just being guided by hindsight but just looking at those pictures (which are all head-and-shoulder shots) you know *instantly* which of those characters is "wheelchair kid" - it's the pale gawky looking one because that's what able-bodied people think disabled people look like. It's even more apparent in the

DVD Cover

where he is actually pulling the "biting your own ear" face I describe in the article.

If I was a casting director, Kevin McHale is exactly the person I would cast as wheelchair kid. He looks exactly how I expect disabled people to look (pale, unhealthy, and uncomfortable) and his awkwardness in a wheelchair wouldn't even register with me, because I *expect* disabled people to move awkwardly because, well, they're disabled.

And to take that to another level, I work with a disabled actor in my workshop classes, and I know for a fact that he wants to be considered for parts that are *not* written to be disabled. If we want casting directors to consider him for non-disabled parts, I feel like we need to extend that to "consider everyone who could play this character for the part".

I think you're in danger of falling into the "reverse prejudice" trap here.

There is a big difference between disabled actors wanting to be considered for roles that are not specifically written as disabled, and non-disabled actors wanting to be considered for roles that are. Not least of those differences is the fact that while disabled actors are routinely *not* considered for roles that aren't specifically written for them, they have to be especially protective of those that are.

To come back to the race example, it's the difference between a black actor wanting to be considered for the role of Dr Who and a white actor wanting to be considered for the role of Martin Luther King Jr. One involves taking a character who habitually (and for no especially good reason) is cast as white and asking for the opportunity for equal treatment. The other involves asking people to accept that one of the most famous and significant figures in the civil rights movement can be adequately represented by a white guy.

There is a big, big difference between actors with disabilities, or actors of colour, or female actors, asking to be considered for parts in which race, disability, and gender play no significant role, and white, able-bodied male actors asking to take roles which *are* specifically written as disabled, non-white, or female. (I should add that gender isn't a great example here, because regendering roles is slightly different to merely whitewashing them).

What's offensive about blackface, and about yellowface, and about crip drag, is the notion that "white and able-bodied" is some kind of master template from which everything else can be derived. A black man is not just a white man with dirty skin. An Asian person is not just a white person with their eyes pulled back. A disabled person is not just an able-bodied person sitting down.

Should every actor who *can* play a role be considered for that role? Absolutely. But for many people an able bodied actor *can not* play the role of a wheelchair user. For many people Kevin McHale *is not* convincing as Artie, because Artie is supposed to be a wheelchair user and Kevin McHale *obviously* isn't.

And having met many casting directors, trust me, they're really very good at it.

I'm sure they are, but that does not mean they are without prejudice, or do not have privilege.

Kevin McHale was an excellent choice for Artie in the sense that he looks exactly the way the average, able-bodied audience member expects a wheelchair user to look. He was also an excellent choice for a character whose entire arc seems to be about how having a disability means having a less complete life. Insofar as Artie's function as a character is to be tragic and sympathetic, he is well cast.

The problem a lot of people seem to have with Kevin McHale is not that he did not fit the character per se, but that the character itself is a harmful jumble of stereotypes.

I hope this doesn't come across as biting your head off, just still trying to explain why I think the criticisms of McHale are legitimate.

permalink

go to top

Sister Magpie

at 15:52 on 2010-07-08

Just wanted to say I thought this whole post summed up the issues really well, at least the way I see them at play. If we lived in a world where the majority of people used wheelchairs, McHale's awkwardness at handling one would probably be a no-brainer. That kind of unconscious thinking happens a lot with the white able-bodied template. Like as I often said w/regard to the Avatar casting, nobody ever considered making the LOTR cast there were no discussions about Middle Earth not really being Europe and therefore the entire Fellowship should be Asian--on the contrary both there and Harry Potter it was agreed right away that convincingly white and British was the starting point for everyone.

Basically, I think we're trying to work towards a comfortable balance between blind casting where the audience is expected to accept an actor whose race isn't supposed to be taken literally and specific casting where race is an issue.

I do remember once someone on lj making a horribly misguided (imo) post where she seemed to literally be arguing that whatever specific background an actor had, that was what the character had. She was arguing that it was stupid for people to talk about the Jimmy Smits character on The West Wing being the first Latino US president when Bartlett was a Latino president--because Martin Sheen is. Even though Bartlett's ethnicity was a stated part of his character. *That* I think was definitely a case of the slippery slope where things are getting silly.

Also, we shouldn't forget that the show does have an actual disabled cast member in a recurring role--the Cheerio who has Down Syndrome. Perhaps Life Goes On changed things when it came to that particular condition, or maybe it's that it's got such a distinctive physical look (distinctive enough that it's almost like a wheelchair only it's not a prop or a costume), or again maybe it's that people with Down Syndrome have proven themselves enough as a group as actors, but I would have been surprised if they'd cast that role with a person who didn't have Down Syndrome.

permalink

go to top

Sister Magpie

at 15:58 on 2010-07-08Also while I'm blabbing on, let me go off on a tangent. But I wonder if another unconcious prejudice that can come into play is a discomfort with the disabled. Of course I can't say this was at all a factor in the Glee casting. But I think there are situations where able-bodied people are just made a little less comfortable or a little more nervous when dealing with someone who has different limitations. So that could probably also weigh in favor of preferring the able-bodied actor. Obviously not all the time, as the actor who wrote the blog is disabled and got a part--though even there if this kind of thing was an unconscious factor people would probably feel a lot more confident hiring someone for one episode than as a series regular.

Again, I don't want to make it seem like I'm accusing the Glee cast of doing this, especially not consciously. But it seems like from things I've read disabled people say, this is something they deal with.

permalink

go to top

Melissa G.

at 17:24 on 2010-07-08I can't really argue with anything anyone is saying. And it makes more sense to me to call the character of Artie offensive or insulting than to harp on about the casting choice, in my opinion, but that's getting into semantics.

I still can't completely agree with it, but that may be because I Just Don't Get It, which I'm willing to accept and admit that maybe my opinion is a little less significant given my privilege.

But I do want to say that I appreciate everyone responding to me in a calm, non-defensive manner so we could have an actual conversation about what I think is a complicated issue. But I'm not sure I particularly have anything more insightful to say about it at this point. (Also, watch Zach's episode; he did a good job!! ^_^)

permalink

go to top

Jamie Johnston

at 19:09 on 2010-07-08Yeah, it's been a really interesting discussion. And I think we'd probably all agree that casting is only part of the problem, and not the biggest part. (It's certainly only one of many complaints in Dan's original article.) Even if casting were never affected by prejudice in any way (which I don't think anyone here suggests), we'd still be left with far too many series that are written to either ignore the diversity of people and experiences in the world or deal with that diversity using token characters and cheap stereotypes.

And we'd also probably all agree that the workings of prejudice are much more easily seen over the broad sweep than when looking at any single creative decision. Casting Kevin McHale as a wheelchair-using character would be much less problematic than it is (however much that may be) if the show had lots of actors with disabilities, or if it didn't but there were plenty of other TV series that did, or even if there weren't that many actors with disabilities on our screens but there were enough suitable parts being written to encourage more young people with disabilities to become actors.

permalink

go to top

Shim

at 08:42 on 2010-07-09It's always difficult when you're talking about generalities but focusing on a specific example. Quoting Dan in a vaguely web-incestuous way:

"I don't think you can look at any single work of fiction and say "that character, right there, should have been black".

permalink

go to top

Jamie Johnston

at 12:41 on 2010-08-17The casting issue, in

Glee

and more generally, on

This ain't livin'

from a few days ago.

permalink

go to top

Arthur B

at 12:42 on 2010-08-17A little happy news: I just started watching

Breaking Bad

, which includes a character with cerebral palsy played by an actor who actually has cerebral palsy. At last.

permalink

go to top

http://someobsessive.livejournal.com/

at 10:06 on 2010-08-20I just wanted to let you know that I have included several quotes from your articles on my new tumblr:

http://wholesomeobsessive.tumblr.com/

if you would like to check it out.

Sister Magpie quotes are also there.

Thank you for your articles, and for directing me over to deathtocapslock. I am being very well entertained this summer.

:-)

permalink

go to top

Robinson L

at 15:00 on 2010-12-21Still not seen

Glee

, and still probably never will, but do have a few thoughts. One of them being that Noah Antwiler of The Spoony Experiment

also took exception to The Immortals

. In detail.

And while I haven't see the show, ptolemaeus watched the first season with our cousin last year, and she had the same problems with

Throwdown

(the Sue-Sylvester-tries-divide-and-conquer-tactics episode) you bring up. Color me unsurprised.

Also, did I dream up the part where somebody (and I could've sworn it was Dan), said something about Sue Sylvester later being depicted as more sympathetic, and that this actually makes the show's problems *worse* because—if I remember the argument correctly—now it's a likable person saying and thinking all those nasty things? That struck me as a bit odd, because while I can sort of see the logic behind it, I've always viewed treating nasty characters sympathetically and not just saying “ehn, they're just evil,” as a good thing. I didn't dream all that up, did I?

Dan: Partially it was a holdover from an earlier version of the article that was going to focus more on the "lampshading" element of Glee.

Was that version also going to go more into what exactly the “Trouble With Deconstruction” is? From all I've heard, it sounds more like the trouble is that the show lampshades it's own stereotypes without really questioning or subverting (deconstructing) them.

permalink

go to top

https://profiles.google.com/117083096049946525193

at 02:46 on 2013-07-07Oh, this has only gotten far worse as the show has hit it's fourth season.

First, Brittany and Santana did become a couple and broke up. Brittany, being bisexual, decided to date Sam (a season 2 character), but was hesitant because the lesbian blogging community was going to hurt him. I wish I was making this up. AfterEllen had a riot on that. Sorry we're upset that our representation isn't on screen anymore. And as a lesbian myself, I do have to say, it was really frustrating how for the rest of the series, except maybe two times, they completely forgot those two dated.

The biggest fail though is the transgender (mtf) black woman named Unique. First of all, it took me a while to figure out whether she was supposed to be transgender or a drag queen (because she talks in the third person regularly, and talks about Unique like a persona, not as herself). Second, SO MANY TIMES in the show, people are calling Unique Unique/Wade (the male name). Now, I know a million idiots across America are going to think this is acceptable behavior. And finally, they made her a catfish. The transgender as deceptive/predatory is a pretty common trope, and I think a damaging one, for everyone involved.

And the final Glee minority fail. Unique is also a big girl, and is basically the replacement for Mercedes. Brittany literally calls Unique Mercedes, SEVERAL TIMES. Uuuuugh. . .

permalink

go to top

Fishing in the Mud

at 23:41 on 2013-07-07Ryan Murphy can totally make fun of lesbians and transgender people because he's gay. Isn't it great?

Yeah, no. What a fucking worthless hack.

#Ferretbrain #Dan H #Minority Warrior #Glee

1 note · View note

devillexi · 7 years ago

Text

Jyushimatsu x Reader

I love this sunshine boy so much. So sweet and pure.

It was time to go home. You thanked all your coworkers for their hard work. However, it seemed like luck wasn't on your side today. You stood outside your workplace, the Sutabaa. It was raining and all your coworkers were leaving with their umbrellas but you forgot yours at home.

"(Y/N)-chan?"

You blinked and turned your head towards the voice. You smiled a little when you saw Todomatsu, one of your coworkers and dear friend.

"(Y/N)-chan, why are you still here? Shouldn't you be heading home?," he questioned.

You chuckled a bit. "Yeah, I'm supposed to but it's pouring outside, and I didn't bring my umbrella," you told him. The pink-wearing Matsuno frowned. "You should be more careful. I'll lend you mine. I don't want you to get sick and miss work," he said. You smiled at him and declined. "No, no, I'll be fine, Totty. Besides, you'll get sick more easily than I will."

He pouted and shrugged. "If you say so."

"Hehe, well, I'm off. I'll see you tomorrow!"

And you ran off into the rain.

_______________________________________

You kept your purse above your head to keep some of the water drops off you, but in the end, you were still soaking wet. You stopped and sighed. 'At this point, I'm gonna get pnemonia if I don't hurry home,' you thought. You jumped when you heard a sudden loud cry. Thinking it was probably a lost child, you followed the sound.

It lead you to an alleyway, where all you could hear were sniffles. The sniffles grow louder as you drew near and you made a another turn. You gasped when you saw... Todomatsu? You saw that he was kneeling in front of a broken bat and crying.

What was he doing here? And why was he wearing a yellow baseball uniform? You approached him and knelt down. "Hey, Totty? What's wrong?," you asked. 'Todomatsu' looked up at you and sniffled. "Totty? I'm Jyushimatsu."

You tilted your head in confusion. "Jyushimatsu? Oh, are you Todomatsu's twin brother?"

Jyushimatsu shook his head. "We're sextuplets. Todomatsu is the youngest. Jyushimatsu is the fifth oldest!" he exclaimed, his eyes beginning to sparkle. You chuckled. "Wow. Sextuplets? That's amazing. But why are you in an alleyway? Shouldn't you be home? You could catch a cold out here."

And just as quickly as it had went, Jyushimatsu's sobbing came back full force. It shocked you and you tried to comfort him.

"I BROKE MY FAVORITE BASEBALL BAT!," he wailed and tears fell from his eyes in waterfalls. You felt your heart clench and you helped him up. "There, there, Jyushimatsu," you wrapped your arms around him, hugging him, "There's no need for you to cry."

You heard him sniffle and hug you back. You patted his back and let him go. "How about I buy you a new one? Would that make you feel better?," you offered. The Matsuno smiled a little but he declined your offer.

"I feel better since a pretty girl comforted me," he said, making you blush. He laughed once he saw your red face. "But it was nice of you to offer. Arigato." (Thank you)

Your cheeks darkened but you giggled. "Okay then. Then how about I treat you to a cup of coffee or something at my house? We are pretty close to it and it's freezing out here," you told him. Jyushimatsu tilted his head, thinking, which you found adorable. He smiled at you.

"Sure!"

_______________________________________

You guys arrived at your home, chatting and laughing on the way there. You started to take off your shoes and turned toward Jyushimatsu who was taking off his. You placed your hand under your chin as you accessed his clothes. They were wet and sticking to his skin. 'Hmm,' you thought, 'I can't have Todomatsu's brother getting sick. Jyushimatsu may be older than him, but the poor guy seems so sweet and innocent.'

"Miss? Are you okay?"

That snapped you out of your thoughts and realized that Jyushimatsu caught you staring. Your cheeks reddened and you coughed into your hand. "Y-yeah, I'm fine. I was just thinking that you should change out of those clothes before you get sick. I have some men's clothes in my closet that could probably fit you."

Jyushi laughed softly. "Wow! Thanks so much, Miss."

His laugh was contagious and it made you smile more. 'Wow. I'm smiling a lot around him. But his smile never seems to leave his face,' you thought.

"Please, call me (Y/N). We're about the same age since you and Todomatsu are sextuplets."

He nodded vigorously. "Mm, mm, (Y/N)-chan!" He has such a childlike spirit.

You giggled. "I'll go get you some dry clothes, okay? You go wait in the bathroom. It's down this hall to your right."

"Hai, (Y/N)-chan!" He followed your instructions while you went to your room to get some dry clothes as well. You quickly changed out of your work clothes into something more comfortable. You put on a (f/c) shorts and plain white T-shirt. You looked through your closet and noticed that you had an old men's yellow hoodie and some shorts for Jyushimatsu to wear, along with some boxers.

'This should be good,' you thought. You nodded and headed to the bathroom where Jyushimatsu was waiting. You knocked. "Jyushimatsu-kun, I have the clothes for you. I'm coming in!"

Your hand reached for the handle and just as you were about to open it, Jyushimatsu yelled, "WAIT, (Y/N)-CHAN!" But it was too late and you opened the door, only to gasp at the sight of Jyushimatsu naked. Your face grew hot and you threw the clothes in his face, yelling "SORRY" and slamming the door.

You breathed heavily as you leaned your back against the door. You sighed. 'How embarrassing,' you thought. 'I should've just left them in front of the door. Ahh, I'll go start the coffee. Jyushi-kun must be just as embarrassed I am.'

_______________________________________

Jyushimatsu (POV):

'AAAAAAHHHH, (Y/N)-CHAN SAW ME NAKED!,' I screamed in my thoughts. 'Baka! You probably scared her away! Baka Jyushimatsu! Her face was so red! (Y/N)-chan!'

I slipped on the clothes she threw at me. I like how they resemble my clothes at home, although the hoodie is different since its sleeves are not long like mine and they don't have the green pine symbol on it. I slap my cheeks, feeling the coldness on them as I look at myself in the mirror. My cheeks were red because of earlier and slightly from the cold. 'It just had to be a cute girl that found me. I was hoping Ichimatsu-niisan would find me since he visits that alleyway frequently, especially at night!,' I thought.

I jolt and look down, my face entirely red. "A c-cute girl took me in..."

I shook my head and slapped my cheeks some more. "No dwaddling, Jyushimatsu! Muscle, muscle! Hustle, hustle!"

And with a newfound confidence, I left the bathroom, but I faltered once I saw (Y/N)-chan sitting at her counter top, drinking the coffee she had just made. Why did she have to be so cute!?

_______________________________________

(Y/N) (POV):

You noticed Jyushimatsu fidgeting in the corner and you looked at him strangely. He jumped, realizing you were staring at him. You let out a soft chuckle and patted the seat next to you with a cup of coffee set out for him. He blushed and gulped, making his way over to you. He took the seat and looked down in his lap, his face flustered.

You patted his back and startled him, making you laugh. "Calm down, Jyushi-kun. I'm not going to bite you. I'm sorry about earlier. I shouldn't have opened the door like that. I didn't mean to embarrass you."

"Ehh!?," he exclaimed. "No, no, (Y/N)-chan! Jyushimatsu is sorry! I thought I scared you away!"

You raised an eyebrow and stifled a laugh. "Pfft, Jyushi-kun! Ooh, you are too adorable. Drink up, sweetie. I didn't know if you liked your coffee black, so I made it sweet just for you."

The baseball-loving Matsuno's smile widen and his eyes sparkled as he stared at the cup before he picked it up and took a gulped it down. You laughed as he slammed the cup down and started screaming, "HOT! HOT!"

You grabbed your stomach to try to calm it down but couldn't stop laughing as the fifth Matsuno frantically flailed his arms, still screaming. You finally died down into a fit of giggles as Jyushimatsu flailed around. You grabbed a sugar cube and stopped the frantic man. You popped the sugar cube into his mouth and watched as he melted into your arms. You patted his head. "Better?," you asked.

"Very," came his weak reply. You snickered and looked toward the clock. It was a quarter past ten and you didn't think it safe to let Jyushimatsu off on his own. You mentally face palmed. 'He's a grown man, not a child...but still...,' you thought as you glanced back at Jyushimatsu, who looked so relaxed as his tongue and mouth wasn't burning. 'Oohh! So cute!'

"Ne, Jyushimatsu-kun?"

"Hai?"

"It's close to 10:30 pm. I really don't want you to leave since it's so late out. I'm a little worried but you are a grown man so...do you want to stay over?," you asked. Jyushimatsu snapped out of his relaxed state and looked at you.

It made you nervous. "Y-yeah, I know it's strange to be asked by a stranger to stay over, especially since I'm a girl and you're a boy. So...do you want to?"

The dark-haired male smiled brightly and nodded. "Hai, (Y/N)-chan! Sleepover! Sleepover!," he laughed. It made you laugh as well. 'Boy, he sure is an energetic guy.'

"Well," you said as you stood up from your seat,"It's been decided. We're having a sleepover!"

"Yay!"

_______________________________________

'I did not think this through,' you thought as your face turned a bright red. You were so caught up in Jyushimatsu's contagious happiness that you had agreed to let him sleep with you. As in, in your bed. With you. Together.

As of right now, the fifth sextuplet was fast asleep and it made you nervous because he was so close to you. Hugging you close, really. "Mmm," you groaned quietly and you took a look at his sleeping face. It made you chuckle softly because even in his sleep, he still has a smile on his face. 'I hope back at home no one is worried. I didn't exactly make sure he called home. Well, I'll explain in the morning. I'm so exhausted...I guess being around him does that but in a good way.'

You smiled softly. 'Good night, Jyushimatsu.'

Another writing I'm super proud of because it involves my baby, Jyushi. Love this little ray of sunshine!

#jyushimatsu #xreader #wattpad #osomatsu san #todomatsu #karamatsu #matsu #ray of sunshine #so cute #fluffy

32 notes · View notes

verdigrisprowl · 7 years ago

Text

April 7 Bevel’s Movie Night - Star Trek: TNG and Steven Universe

We watched the first episode, with Q. Prowl said almost nothing because I can’t fucking stand Q.

Bevel 7:51 pm *don't anyone mind the scattered machine parts and tools, she's in the process of moving them off important surfaces like couch seats and trying to make the place look a little more presentable, hope everyone likes the broken engine with a long flat piece of metal welded atop it, it's the new table* ItsyBitsySpyers 8:02 pm *Gave up on fixing the engine, did she? Soundwave stretches feelers down to see the, uh. New furniture. Before moving to his seat.* Bevel 8:02 pm *she might have broken it permanently by mistake while trying to fix it* *it's ok, she's building a new one upstairs* Bevel 8:05 pm Hi, Soundwave. *she tries to wave and nearly drops the armful of items she's carrying over to a crate* ItsyBitsySpyers 8:06 pm *Soundwave nods.* [[In a mood for romantic music, are you.]] Omicron 8:08 pm *Icy stumbles in, and pretends she didn't, nope, she's a strong predacon thank you* Bevel 8:08 pm *shrugs and dumps her armful* Sometimes it is really nice sounding. ItsyBitsySpyers 8:10 pm *Soundwave politely pretends her pretense worked.*

[[It is, at that.]] Bevel 8:10 pm *sticks her tongue out at him and then sings quietly along to the Song of Durin while she finishes cleaning up* Omicron 8:11 pm hello friends 😀 *yes is grinning, good mood almost rolling off Icy, chirps at Bevel!* Bevel 8:11 pm *chirps back* Omicron 8:13 pm ((icy's redesign is almost done...well the first stages is)) ItsyBitsySpyers 8:13 pm [[Good evening, queen.]] Bevel 8:13 pm ((congrats, hope it goes smoothly Love songs. *amused look at Soundwave* ItsyBitsySpyers 8:15 pm [[What.]] Omicron 8:15 pm to you as well soundwave, *shakes a wing and shakes Racer down, but catching him to let him run along after as she finds a place to settle* Bevel 8:16 pm ((gonna start after this song is over if that's ok? Omicron 8:16 pm (yep) VProwl 18:16 pm *appears* Ratchet 8:16 pm *pops in* Omicron 8:16 pm Racer: *startled meep at the appearances* Bevel 8:17 pm *waves to Prowl and Ratchet* Ratchet 8:17 pm *waves* Bevel 8:18 pm *watch your steps, she might have missed a tool or twelve* Omicron 8:18 pm *Ice Queen lifts a wing to them and lays down in her beast mode, pauses and gets up to pick up a tool and lean over and hand it back. yay for long necks* Ratchet 8:19 pm [[ did that say micheal bell ]] [[ is ratchet gonna think someone sounds a lot like prowl ]] ItsyBitsySpyers 8:20 pm ((it is exactly who you think it is)) ((he's in ds9 too)) Omicron 8:21 pm ((I never realized that)) Bevel 8:21 pm ((I love Star Trek guest stars VProwl 18:22 pm ... Is this the beginning of their serving together? ItsyBitsySpyers 8:22 pm [[For this crew.]] Omicron 8:22 pm Racer: *sniffing pedes if its okay* VProwl 18:22 pm Mm. Ratchet 8:22 pm [[ isn't this like episode two or three ]] Bevel 8:23 pm ((It's the 1st and 2nd episode. Omicron 8:23 pm [oooh god XD] .....the frag ItsyBitsySpyers 8:27 pm [[As bad as the greyfaces.]] Omicron 8:27 pm Who is that? *icy frowns* Bevel 8:27 pm Queue? Omicron 8:28 pm Racer: *puzzled, but sniffing to look for prowl if aloud* VProwl 18:29 pm *back by Ratchet.* ((i'm sorry i just. i hate q so much.)) ItsyBitsySpyers 8:29 pm ((feel free to yell ooc)) Omicron 8:29 pm ((you're not the only one)) Bevel 8:29 pm ((or ic if need be VProwl 18:29 pm ((i don't even want to yell i just hate it)) Ratchet 8:30 pm [[ i also hate q ]] Omicron 8:30 pm Racer: *pats at Prowl's pede once finding it* (he's such an aft) Bevel 8:31 pm ((*loves him* >_> Ratchet 8:32 pm [[ i wish they had kept the cute miniskirt uniform forever ]] VProwl 18:32 pm ((i prefer them to have gender-neutral uniforms)) ((therefore: i'll accept the miniskirt only if spock wears it too)) Omicron 8:32 pm (he's a well written character, I'll admit, for what he's supposed to be but...meh) Ratchet 8:33 pm [[ what no i meant the one that male crew member was wearing ]] VProwl 18:33 pm ((oh i thought you were talking about tos)) Bevel 8:33 pm ((there's only one more Q episode I'll be showing after this two-parter, much as I love most of the Q episodes, so y'all won't have to suffer too much TNG with him. Omicron 8:36 pm ...what the frag? ItsyBitsySpyers 8:37 pm ((god)) VProwl 18:37 pm ((no, yeah, i can see this in 20 years)) ((ten. ... five. five years.)) Bevel 8:38 pm ((next week? Omicron 8:38 pm ((ews)) ItsyBitsySpyers 8:38 pm *Soundwave blips. How dramatic.* VProwl 18:38 pm ((i read that as soundwave bleps and it was adorable)) ItsyBitsySpyers 8:38 pm ((LMAO)) Bevel 8:38 pm ((awww ((was just thinking this would remind Prowl so much of a Quintesson courtroom Omicron 8:39 pm ((that would be awesome for soundwave)) Racer: *sitting on a prowl pede if needed?* VProwl 18:40 pm *...... reaches down to awkwardly pet?* Omicron 8:42 pm RAcer: !! *loves touch, but has a present* ItsyBitsySpyers 8:42 pm *Tired thought-mumbling.* [[Mockery court.]] Omicron 8:43 pm *Icy rumbles an agreement to soundwave, reminded of predacons being judged for their more primal ways* ItsyBitsySpyers 8:45 pm *Perk.* [[Pleasant.]] *Not often a gift like his is shown.* Omicron 8:47 pm are all of that race that...aftish Bevel 8:48 pm I never met an alien like that. ItsyBitsySpyers 8:49 pm ((michael bell everyone)) Ratchet 8:52 pm [[ GEORDI ]] [[ i love ]] Bevel 8:56 pm It can not be that hard to reconnect the two sections. VProwl 19:01 pm ((he looks like such a dweeb)) Bevel 9:02 pm ((Who? VProwl 19:02 pm ((riker)) ((a shaven-faced dork)) Bevel 9:02 pm ((He looks so much better with the beard Omicron 9:02 pm (XD) VProwl 19:02 pm ((yep)) ItsyBitsySpyers 9:02 pm [[Ah! The Doctor Bones.]] VProwl 19:03 pm *ugh.* Omicron 9:03 pm *Icy tilts her head* VProwl 19:04 pm *anyone who hates mechs AND Vulcans is someone who gets absolutely none of Prowl's support.* Omicron 9:07 pm Racer:: *been trying to get something unstuck from his teeth, and pops out one of his crystal shards, offers it to prowl* VProwl 19:08 pm ... *did he take it out of his mouth* ItsyBitsySpyers 9:09 pm ((i forgot how rough the pilot was))

*Soundwave looks at Racer's crystal shard from afar. He's offering mouth gunk?* Bevel 9:10 pm ((1st season in general is a little rough Omicron 9:11 pm That's one of the crystals he dug up in the mine, he keeps getting things stuck in his fangs. *Icy glances over, its not gunk, racer has no subspace access yet* Bevel 9:11 pm ((ah yes when the ferengi were still supposed to be threatening VProwl 19:11 pm ((*ferengi waving chainsaw* "Capitalism!")) ItsyBitsySpyers 9:11 pm ((LOL)) Bevel 9:12 pm ((lol Ratchet 9:12 pm [[ i keep falling asleep...... ]] ItsyBitsySpyers 9:12 pm ((fabu go sleep)) Bevel 9:12 pm ((*pats Fabu* Omicron 9:12 pm Racer: *drops the crystal shard, picks it up after licking it clean, then offers it to prowl* ItsyBitsySpyers 9:12 pm ((Friday the 13% Interest Rate)) Bevel 9:12 pm ((omg cro *whistles* Omicron 9:13 pm (*offer blanket for snugles*) VProwl 19:13 pm *kind of, stares it.* ... I see. Omicron 9:14 pm he's been learning how to give gifts, if you don't like it set it aside and offer it back after a time VProwl 19:15 pm *No, Data, you should never want to give up being what you are to be an organic. You're fine the way you are.* Oh, is that what—? All right. *Better help him learn about gift-giving. He takes it and sets it next to himself.* Thank you. Omicron 9:17 pm RAcer: *excitedly dances in place, not on prowls pede, and sits very proud of himself, meeping a welcome attempt* ItsyBitsySpyers 9:18 pm ((oh hey so fun fact: when i was little i used to take this hairclip my mom had and wear it and pretend to be geordi because i thought it looked like his visor. a couple years ago i found out his visor is literally that kind of hairclip painted.)) VProwl 19:18 pm ((oh wow)) Omicron 9:19 pm (that's awesome) ItsyBitsySpyers 9:19 pm ((it's not easy to see through, for the record.)) VProwl 19:19 pm ((it must not have been functioning correctly)) ItsyBitsySpyers 9:20 pm ((LMAO)) Bevel 9:21 pm ((they also designed it like that so Levar could see some, earlier versions were so hilariously bad looking VProwl 19:21 pm (("god i can't see a thing" "good, you're already getting in character")) Omicron 9:21 pm they need a living ship, doesn't matter if the sparkling touches anything...most of the time Bevel 9:21 pm ((omg ItsyBitsySpyers 9:22 pm *He feels Picard's frustration.* Omicron 9:22 pm though messing with captain chairs isn't wise VProwl 19:24 pm (("as my son tries to tell you" yeah how dare the captain express immediate concern over a fucking child ignoring an instruction not to touch things and messing with the buttons on his chair, this literal military officer should be grateful at this civilian minor casually inserting himself into the chain of command.)) *... picks up the crystal to look at it.* Omicron 9:29 pm hmmm VProwl 19:33 pm ((I CAN' F UCKING STAND THAT PIECE OF SHIT)) Omicron 9:33 pm *its a relatively large sodalite slice, a sliver-white-blue* VProwl 19:33 pm ((T)) ((I WANT TO DRIVE A PICKAXE INTO HIS STUPID LITTLE CHIN CLEFT UNTIL IT CLEAVES HIS HEAD IN HALF)) Omicron 9:33 pm ((*offers and anger pop-stick*)) ItsyBitsySpyers 9:34 pm ((my goodness)) Bevel 9:35 pm ((it's ok, this episode is almost over and then it's just one more episode with him after that ((but that episode also has Guinan and stuff VProwl 19:35 pm ((daft, smug, sanctimonious, arrogant little shit)) ((i spelled EVERY SINGLE ONE OF THOSE WORDS WRONG MORE THAN OCNE)) Metrotitans. Alien metrotitans. ItsyBitsySpyers 9:37 pm [[Hmm?]] Omicron 9:37 pm ....living ships *Icy purrs fondly at that idea* VProwl 19:37 pm The ship and the city are independent sentient beings. Bevel 9:37 pm Oh! VProwl 19:38 pm *Was kind of obvious the first time Zorn started talking to his surroundings, but the ship made it obvious.* ItsyBitsySpyers 9:38 pm *He thought perhaps there was someone camouflaged hiding in the room.* Omicron 9:39 pm can we get Primus, somehow to be aware of this...Q thing? ItsyBitsySpyers 9:39 pm [[And do what?]] Omicron 9:39 pm Flick him? VProwl 19:40 pm ... It's a prisoner. Bevel 9:41 pm Space jellyfish. Omicron 9:41 pm jellyfish ship VProwl 19:41 pm ((jellyship)) Omicron 9:42 pm ((Rapture would love to meet them...and try to snuggle them)) VProwl 19:43 pm ((Q YOUR COMMENTARY IS COMPLETELY FUCKING UNNECESSARY JUST GET OUT OF THE SCENE AND LET THEM TALK ABOUT THE JELLYSHIP)) ItsyBitsySpyers 9:44 pm *...It's kind of pretty, for an organic. It has good taste in limbs, anyway.* VProwl 19:44 pm ((YOU'RE CONTRIBUTING NOTHING BUT SNEERS)) Bevel 9:44 pm ((color coded pink and blue jellyfish so you know one is a girl and the other is a boy space jellyfish ItsyBitsySpyers 9:44 pm ((soundwave's ultimate forms)) Omicron 9:44 pm [let primus flick the anoyance far, far away on the godly scale of things] VProwl 19:45 pm ((I CAN SEE YOU MOVING YOUR SHITTY MOUTH Q)) ((KEEP IT SHUT)) Bevel 9:45 pm ((omg puff Omicron 9:45 pm aw, look at the squishy happy jellyfish ships VProwl 19:46 pm ((FUCK OFFFFFF)) Bevel 9:46 pm ((Q plz VProwl 19:46 pm ((UGH)) Bevel 9:47 pm ((I'd try to explain him but yeah. ((Onto better, non-Q things Omicron 9:47 pm at least their Captain has a good head and spark Bevel 9:48 pm I like Picard a lot. Omicron 9:50 pm *Icy nods, lets Racer climb over her to find another stashed crystal, resigned a long time ago for letting hatchlings hide things on her* Bevel 9:51 pm ((i want that backpack so bad sometimes Omicron 9:53 pm Racer: *inching over to Bevel, pads at what he can reach with a small paw* Bevel 9:53 pm *reaches down to pat him* VProwl 19:54 pm ... How did he successfully throw the sweaters across. ItsyBitsySpyers 9:54 pm [[Good arm strength?]] VProwl 19:55 pm The vortex should have pulled them down too. ItsyBitsySpyers 9:55 pm [[Perhaps it only registers living things.]] VProwl 19:56 pm The red one threw a rock. Omicron 9:56 pm Racer: *happy muffled meep, drops two shines and offers one to Bevel* Bevel 9:56 pm Garnet. VProwl 19:56 pm Gourmet. Bevel 9:56 pm *accepts with a smile* Is this for me? ItsyBitsySpyers 9:56 pm ((whoops i forgot the rock)) ((i'm not multitasking or anything no)) [[They're gems. It could mistake a rock for one.]] Omicron 9:58 pm RAcer: ya! -bounces and flaps a wing, then nuzzles against her- ItsyBitsySpyers 9:59 pm [[No, you broke it.]] Bevel 9:59 pm Thanks, Racer. I will have to get you something too next time you are here. VProwl 19:59 pm TECHNICALLY he didn't break it. He just completely failed in completing the one simple task that could have prevented it from breaking. Bevel 10:00 pm At least he tried. Guess he got too excited. VProwl 110:00 pm He should be blamed, but not for the thing he didn't do. Omicron 10:00 pm I have a feeling that might be my life when this one, or his clutch mats get older Bevel 10:01 pm *she tucks the shiny away into her subspace* Omicron 10:02 pm Racer: *happy hatchling, and picks up the other shiny, tail waves* ItsyBitsySpyers 10:05 pm [[It's like dealing with Smokescreen.]] Omicron 10:05 pm reality breaking somehow? VProwl 110:05 pm And here I was, trying to like him. ItsyBitsySpyers 10:05 pm [[Oh. He apologizes.]] Bevel 10:06 pm *giggles* Omicron 10:06 pm Racer: *paw pats at Soundwave's pede now* ItsyBitsySpyers 10:07 pm *Glances down.* Omicron 10:07 pm Racer: *offer the last crystal shine to him* ItsyBitsySpyers 10:08 pm *Soundwave accepts the shard and offers Racer a tiny pat.* *All right. Maybe he can relate to Garnet a little after all.* Omicron 10:09 pm Racer: *purr attempt at the pat* Bevel 10:12 pm ((wow sorry if i deafened anyone there Omicron 10:12 pm [its okay] Bevel 10:14 pm This looks like fun. ItsyBitsySpyers 10:14 pm [[...It does.]] VProwl 110:14 pm ... The instructional infographics are insufficient to describe how to accurately replicate the desired moves. Omicron 10:14 pm RAcer: *bounces around to the music, icy might be bobbing her head to it too* Bevel 10:14 pm I could find a version for Dancitron? ItsyBitsySpyers 10:15 pm [[He thinks they are reminder only. It looks like the main figure does the full moves.]] [[...And he would appreciate that. Take it to Arcade if you do.]] [[Rumble and Frenzy would appreciate it, he's sure.]] *Cover cover.* VProwl 110:15 pm Then you don't know what you're supposed to be doing until the exact moment you're already supposed to be doing it. Bevel 10:15 pm I will. *she's going to Earth anyway, might as well grab some game stuff for Arcade to play around with* VProwl 110:16 pm Unless there's an entirely separate training program. ItsyBitsySpyers 10:16 pm [[There might be. It could also be a matter of repeat exposure. Hmm.]] Bevel 10:17 pm Even mistakes are fun though. Omicron 10:17 pm true VProwl 110:18 pm *"mistakes are fun" what in the hell is bevel talking about* ItsyBitsySpyers 10:18 pm *She gets a lot of weird ideas. Blame her creators.* Omicron 10:19 pm Soundwave? ItsyBitsySpyers 10:20 pm [[Hmm?]] Omicron 10:21 pm I have an insecticon that wants to meet you at some point. she asked me to tell you that. ItsyBitsySpyers 10:21 pm [[...Why.]] *If this is going to be a joke at his expense about Insecticon queens...* Bevel 10:21 pm *oh teaching song, sits up* VProwl 110:22 pm *Prowl's not going to be around for that meeting.* Omicron 10:22 pm She heard you got racer to eat silver, it's made her life easier. I think its to give a thank you Bevel 10:23 pm Does Racer not like silver? Omicron 10:23 pm He didn't not like it, he wasn't sure it was something to eat until soundwave said so giving him a bit Bevel 10:24 pm Oh ok. I thought maybe he did not like it like how I do not like latinum. VProwl 110:25 pm ((does she think latinum tastes... too rich)) Bevel 10:26 pm ((lol Omicron 10:26 pm since Racer is the oldest, if he's eating things the other sparklings on the ship are interested it it too. Doesn't matter if me or their sires are eating things too ItsyBitsySpyers 10:27 pm [[Then he is glad to have helped so much. A little silver is a good treat now and then, he's told.]] [[And helpful for forming new plating.]] VProwl 110:28 pm ((*hears the Robot Words*)) ((ariel is a transformer now)) Bevel 10:28 pm ((yes Omicron 10:28 pm yes, or coating other metals to get them to eat something that's not just gold sweet ItsyBitsySpyers 10:29 pm *He's feeling personally attacked by this one.* [[Indeed.]] Bevel 10:29 pm *sorry Soundwave* *not intentional* ItsyBitsySpyers 10:30 pm *He's so sure.* Bevel 10:30 pm *makes a face at mention of gold* Omicron 10:31 pm ...? Bevel 10:31 pm Too sweet. Omicron 10:32 pm ah, yes at times Bevel 10:32 pm *doesn't like sweet things* Omicron 10:33 pm do you like copper or nickle wire? *yes she knows she has a bad habit of chew on those* Bevel 10:35 pm *shrugs* I like rust sticks if I am gonna snack on something, but I usually just eat or drink energon instead. My frame-type uses a burns a lot of energy. VProwl 110:35 pm *sometimes prowl is reminded that, to most people that aren't him, most of the environment around them is at least partially edible* Bevel 10:36 pm I eat treats other people make sometimes though. It is nice eating something else. VProwl 110:36 pm *hearing them talk about eating wires is one such reminder.* *it's wild.* Bevel 10:36 pm *Cybertronians evolved from scraplets?* ItsyBitsySpyers 10:36 pm *DON'T YOU START ON THAT* Bevel 10:37 pm *"there's still scraplets how could we have evolved from them?"* Omicron 10:38 pm I don't know why, human refined copper just... tastes really good. so do some of their cars ItsyBitsySpyers 10:38 pm [[...You consume their cars?]] Omicron 10:38 pm .......not all the time? ItsyBitsySpyers 10:38 pm ((did frasier ever have a musical episode and if not WHY NOT listen to him)) Bevel 10:38 pm Earth cars are not sentient. ItsyBitsySpyers 10:38 pm *...What is this.* Bevel 10:39 pm ((it did not but Niles and Fraiser did sing a few times ItsyBitsySpyers 10:39 pm *...Is this language humor.* Bevel 10:39 pm *yes* ItsyBitsySpyers 10:39 pm *Scoot scoot.* Bevel 10:39 pm *she found it when she was struggling with learning English* Omicron 10:40 pm *knows its bad but sometimes can't help chewing on old cars when on earth....junk food like craving* VProwl 110:42 pm *... this video is stressful* Bevel 10:42 pm *oh Prowl* Omicron 10:42 pm ....huh VProwl 110:43 pm *there's a whole lot of moving things to read, it switches fast, and words are hard* Bevel 10:43 pm *yeah Bevel didn't learn much from it until she listened to it a buncha times* Bevel 10:51 pm ((didn't think y'all wanted to sit through a 20m version of the Misty Mountain song ItsyBitsySpyers 10:51 pm *Soundwave's very... VERY very tired from recent events, and his ability to mask in public is running thin. He'll probably leave shortly. But not until after this song.* VProwl 110:54 pm *he's not alone.* ItsyBitsySpyers 10:55 pm *Soundwave stands and dusts himself off, as though he'd been sitting there long enough to collect any.*

[[He appreciates the look into the Picard human's life, but he requires recharge.]]

*Nodding to each one in turn.*

[[Prowl, Ice Queen, Bevel. Goodnight.]] VProwl 110:56 pm @S «... Can I come over?» Bevel 10:56 pm *waves goodbye* ItsyBitsySpyers 10:56 pm @P: [[Without question.]] Omicron 10:56 pm have a good evening VProwl 110:56 pm @S «I'll meet you there.» Bevel 10:57 pm I will not be able to show anything for a little while since I am leaving soon. I tried to get Rolodex to host but *she shrugs* VProwl 110:57 pm *he slides his crystal gift into a thigh compartment, and disappears.* *the crystal clatters down onto his seat.* *he has apparently forgotten things don't come with him when he disappears* ItsyBitsySpyers 10:58 pm @P: [[All right.]]

[[The ingrate. Good luck with your... mission.]]

*Soundwave moves over to where the seat was, picks up the crystal, opens a bridge and trudges through it. He's too tired to even take the opportunity to fly.* Bevel 10:58 pm Thanks. Omicron 10:59 pm good night *chirps at Bevel, standing up* Bevel 11:00 pm *chirps back* Omicron 11:01 pm *icy gets up, with racer on her back and gives a head bump, remembers the stress she had before* Omicron 11:02 pm (thanks for the stream) Bevel 11:02 pm ((np!

#chat

1 note · View note

comicteaparty · 6 years ago

Text

May 2nd, 2019 CTP Archive

The archive for the Comic Tea Party chat that occurred on May 2nd, 2019, from 5PM - 7PM PDT. The chat focused on Moonlight Apparition by Janaka Davis (Darkhalo4321).

Featured Comment:

Chat:

RebelVampire

COMIC TEA PARTY- THURSDAY BOOK CLUB START!

Good evening, everyone~! This week’s Thursday Book Club is officially beginning! Today we are discussing Moonlight Apparition by Janaka Davis (Darkhalo4321)~! (http://moonlightapparition.smackjeeves.com/)

Remember that Thursday discussions are completely freeform! However, every 30 minutes I will drop in OPTIONAL discussion questions in case you’d like a bit of a prompt. If you miss out on one of these prompts, you can find them pinned for the chat’s duration. Additionally, remember that while constructive criticism is allowed, our focus is fun and respectfully appreciating the comic. All that said, let’s begin!

QUESTION 1. What is your favorite scene in the comic so far and why?

Kabocha

Hello~! Yay Dark! :D Honestly -- my favorite scene is probably the scene where Ker starts teaching Jason a smidge more nicely, rather than just being a jerk about things. I feel like we're starting to get past his gruff exterior a bit... Wonder why he's such a grump? http://moonlightapparition.smackjeeves.com/comics/2572727/6-4/ Also, his witch eye is super badass, and I am really curious to learn more about it, bleeding and all.

Sarai

I'd have to say near the beginning, when Jason defeats the....thing (i forget what it was called exactly i'm so sorry ) by calmly sending it on its way instead of defeating it with violence

SpazztastiKim

When Robbie jumps on the well. Because it's hysterical. (I am a simple creature)

Darkhalo4321

a shade monster

Sarai

SHADE MONSTER thank you

i need to reread

Darkhalo4321

It likes to throw shade

Kabocha

So, it's a shade monster -- you mean it's just telling Jason all the failings of his friends right there?

Darkhalo4321

probably

SpazztastiKim

nerds...

Darkhalo4321

toby has an expired library boooook

Respheal

Made it o/

Darkhalo4321

yey

SpazztastiKim

Toby no

Sarai

TOBY NOOOOOO

Kabocha

"Yeah, you think it's real good idea to go jumping on well covers... Just you wait, one of you guys is gonna fall through and I'm gonna laugh my ass off."

Sarai

the worst crime of them all

Respheal

Oh yeah I liked the early scene too

RebelVampire

and here i thought toby was the one we could trust

Respheal

Robbie's antics at that point make me laugh

-kick- oh shit

SpazztastiKim

Robbie no

Letter Bee

My favorite scene is when Jason protected Lark.

Sarai

The first scene introduced me into what genre this story was and the monsters these good kiddos would face, but how jason handled it made me realize what kind of story it would be

Kabocha

Discord blocked my doodle....

SpazztastiKim

rude

Respheal

Rude!

Darkhalo4321

nuuu

discord play nice

Kabocha

[image: Shade monster: You guys think you're hot shit, eh? Too bad Sunny-boy isn't here to enlighten you! Jason: stop](edited)

SpazztastiKim

HAHAHAHAHAHA

Darkhalo4321

meanwhile Lark sneezing off screen not wanting to be involved

crimsonangeltears

haha (and hello I made it )

RebelVampire

my favorite scene is the one where antonio fights the spying hunters and is basically like "im cooler than you now gtfo my property"

Darkhalo4321

yay! thank you! ovo/

SpazztastiKim

that is a GREAT scene

Darkhalo4321

that was probably my favorite scene to draw

Sarai

HOW COULD I FORGET THAT ONE

Respheal

Antonio: Get off my lawn!(edited)

SpazztastiKim

basically

Sarai

his SMILE as he makes his weapon appear

SpazztastiKim

all he's missing is a cane to wave around threateningly

Darkhalo4321

he's not THAT old yet-

SpazztastiKim

lol

Sarai

the face of a man who hasn't been in a fight for a long time and is looking FORWARD to it

SpazztastiKim

ya'll f-ed up

Darkhalo4321

>:3c

RebelVampire

hey you dont need to be old for a cane. you can get one for the aesthetic.

also it can be used for blunt force trauma

Sarai

and for beating people!

see Rebel gets me

Darkhalo4321

Sarai

using canes is a Legit martial art form you know

Kabocha

The only thing that hurts worse than getting cut by Antonio would be the emotional wounds he can inflict.

Darkhalo4321

>_O ooof yeah.

Sarai

or the emotional wounds you'd get just from the fact that you forced him to hit you

RebelVampire

wait if the shade monsters throw shade, is this how antonio fought them? he just learned to throw even more intense shade?

Kabocha

Not only can he kick your ass, but he will make you feel bad about making him kick your ass.

Darkhalo4321

I mean ... look at how well Crow does later on

SpazztastiKim

hmm

might not be the BEST example X'D

Darkhalo4321

I love crow

SpazztastiKim

(yes, I'm teasing crow shhhh)

Kabocha

Honestly, looking at this scene, Crow is lucky that Antonio didn't just maim him right there.

http://moonlightapparition.smackjeeves.com/comics/2290462/4-11/

SpazztastiKim

truth

crimsonangeltears

I really liked when Jason sparred with Toby, it's still one of my favs

Sarai

kabo coming in clutch with those links

Darkhalo4321

I imagine 40 tabs open on kabos computer

Sarai

when Jason rolled with his niece to keep her safe

Darkhalo4321

this was such a fun page to draw :D

Respheal

Later that week, Antonio looks at his socks and has a moment of "like the old days" and "dammit we're out of bleach"

grass staaaaaaaaaains

Darkhalo4321

just make ker do the laundry

SpazztastiKim

RebelVampire

jason sparring with toby was cute but also made me more curious about toby. like jason makes sense for why hes have secret fight knowledge, but why did toby feel compelled to learn.

Sarai

((then he'd get sad because that would be the moment Adelaide would tell him "use vinegar and water))

RebelVampire

i feel if ker did the laundry hed mix bleach with all the chemicals youre not supposed to mix bleach with

fill the house with poison

Sarai

KER NO

KER THAT'S THE ONE THING YOU'RE NOT SUPPOSED TO DO

crimsonangeltears

I just figured that was an activity toby learned when he was younger. my hubby did taekwon do as a kid (did I spell that right xD)

Darkhalo4321

Probably mixes his red socks with his white shirts...

SpazztastiKim

Piiink

RebelVampire

ker would look dashing in pink probably

SpazztastiKim

Totally

Darkhalo4321

It's really blue'd up, but in the scene after the contact with lark, his shirt is more on the magenta/pink side.

Sarai

a nice pink button-up with a navy blue tie? Very nice

Kabocha

[Image: Antonio saying, "Hey Ker, did you see that chore list I left for ya, eh?"]

Darkhalo4321

just a guy, making dinner... I'm sure...

Sarai

hey my dad makes tacos and cuts fruit with his bowie knife, I'm sure Antonio would do the same

OH NO XD

Darkhalo4321

insert Jason handing Ker some form of cross because- he gon' need it for the grave

better find a saint to save ya

Kabocha

You know, Ker sure mouths off a lot to Antonio... I can't wait to see some form of terror pop up at some point. XD

Sarai

St Jude? XD

(patron of lost causes)

Darkhalo4321

OH NO, that's PERFECT FOR KER

RebelVampire

it turns out we were the shade monsters all along.

Kabocha

Dark -- serious question though. This... Terraphate massacre mentioned in chapter 4... How many people were killed?! http://moonlightapparition.smackjeeves.com/comics/2300366/4-14/

Tenor | Shinavar

“1. What is your favorite scene in the comic so far and why?” Lark's introduction because he's my baby anD HE'S DOING SO WELL I'M SO PROUD. :DD (Also I just deeply enjoy like, a lot?? of?? he scenes but Lark's intro had me immediatly adopt him so- )

Darkhalo4321

more than 7

SpazztastiKim

Oof

Respheal

Lark is very intriguing

Darkhalo4321

it was more of a serial murder case

Kabocha

Lark's a troubled sunshine child

Respheal

sunshine

Tenor | Shinavar

(Also HI EVERYONE + I will be limited in typing, bound to my left had today )

RebelVampire

ah so one of those massacres where they pulled out a thesaurus to make it sound cooler

Sarai

OH i get the "more than 7" reference now

Kabocha

Wait, more than 7 reference?

Darkhalo4321

more than 7 killed

Kabocha

also, you know... if it's a small number like that... Sounds like ................................... A conspiracy.

Sarai

Boston "massacre" had only 7 people killed

((or was it 5 oh no i'm getting rusty))

crimsonangeltears

But was it random or a set group of people at the same time? hmm

Kabocha

o_o I have no idea

Darkhalo4321

it was across town- but like...yanno.... it happened all on the same night so... suspicious still

Kabocha

MAGICAL MASSACRE!

crimsonangeltears

Ohhh

Darkhalo4321

Culprit was apprehended- or were they? dun dun dun >:#c

Kabocha

Theory: all the people killed were Apparition users

RebelVampire

how big is the town?

Kabocha

And that's how Jason got his magic

Darkhalo4321

Uhm... I'd estimate around the 12-17k range. ish

Kabocha

It is literally murder magic

Darkhalo4321

big enough to have a hospital at.

Sarai

Darkhalo4321

but like Bandon Oregon has a hospital, so like. Eh, if there's a need people will have a hospital.

SpazztastiKim

Cause you know... death is a thing

Darkhalo4321

I did try thinking in terms of "would a city of this size have this or this?" and did some comparisons for research

Kabocha

@Tenor | Shinavar [Image: Lark -- "This boy needs to be happy" Ker -- "This one needs to get over his grudge"](edited)

Darkhalo4321

he's an AXE Murderer

Sarai

oh come on we haven't seen him kill anybody yet

Kabocha

you know, honestly, the first time I saw Ker and Lark interacting, I could have sworn that Lark was like, some trickster asshole. And that he'd done something awful to Ker to make him THAT angry and grumpy.

RebelVampire

ya know i was going to say that is a bigger town than i thought itd be but then i looked up comparable towns near me and have now changes my thoughts that 12k is a tiny town

crimsonangeltears

Kabocha

Maybe he ran into Ker one morning, on the way in to town, and made Ker spill coffee all over his nice, clean shirt.

Respheal

crimsonangeltears

LOOK OUT

Darkhalo4321

It's big- but small. Big enough to have a few draws- but not BIG enough for some stuff.

Respheal

Wow I sure as heck don't remember seeing that lmao

RebelVampire

I thought it was only me who got that impression

Sarai

The town i grew up in is 32k - 12k is TINY XD

Kabocha

30k isn't that small...

Darkhalo4321

See- Roseburg is like 26k population- and I was doing a sized down version of THAT

Kabocha

....I mean, the town I grew up in had that many people, and it was kinda busy but we only had like, 3 blocks... ...of actual city...

Darkhalo4321

you wouldn't believe it but BEND Oregon is now... like 80K

crimsonangeltears

I think in terms of crime it really depends on many factors and the type of crime. Where I come from we have a lot of people technically, but when I was younger certain...crime that happened was not exactly heard of for our location..

We've had three serial killers now and it still isn't something that would have normally happened..

Tenor | Shinavar

12k ain't big but it ain't small. Town next to me is 4k.

Darkhalo4321

lark probably did piss off ker, we just don't know what he did yet

Kabocha

Also worth considering: When we were younger, the news didn't like to cover small towns all that much.(edited)

Sarai

my town was super small up until a few years before I was born, so it really isn't that city-like

Tenor | Shinavar

"Younger"

Kabo: u funny

Kabocha

Ey, remember, only 20 years ago, the internet was thought of as a fad

Tenor | Shinavar

Oh I'm refrencing something else, no worrie slol

RebelVampire

QUESTION 2. Of course, our main protagonist Jason is drenched in mysteries. How exactly do you think Jason’s mother was murdered, and why did the event cause so many changes in the world? Why doesn’t Jason’s dad want to explain the event to him? Who exactly sealed Jason’s memories and for what purpose? Additionally, why are the memories now starting to unravel after all this time? Overall, do you think Jason will learn to control his powers? Does he have a contract as Ker suggests might be possible, or will he have to make one to protect himself? Even if Jason gains control of his powers, how will that change his course in life? Lastly, how will Jason’s experiences with Phates in the future affect his choices?

Respheal

“ How exactly do you think Jason’s mother was murdered”

Horribly

Kabocha

She was stabbed.

Tenor | Shinavar

Dibs on eaten

Respheal

omg

RebelVampire

you know whatever you guys suggest im gonna assume its just all of it

Darkhalo4321

sobs

TENOR

RebelVampire

so stabbed, maybe burned, then eaten

Tenor | Shinavar

What? I'd go into a complete amnesiac trauma experience seeing my mom get eaten in front of me

Kabocha

hold on I have an awful idea

Letter Bee

I feel that the Leader of the Hunters slashed Adelaide to death as part of a plan to demoralize Antonio and keep him from fighting the corruption in the Hunters.

Respheal

And if you're very lucky, in that order?

Sarai

It definately involved Jason somehow, but I don't think he was directly responsible

Tenor | Shinavar

If Jason was responsible I'm chalking it up to "Phrophetic" reasons and mom tried to protect him

Respheal

Jason was a witness at the very least, for sure

Letter Bee

And the Leader of the Hunters also cursed Jason as a further hold on Antonio.

Darkhalo4321

Jason has a hard life

Kabocha

[Image: Crossover joke](edited)

Sarai

DON'T CROSS THE STREAMS KABO

Respheal

WHAT

Darkhalo4321

but her hair was LONG

Respheal

LMAO

Okay okay okay geez uh(edited)

crimsonangeltears

I think she was slashed, not exactly just stabbed? Jason witnessed it so his memories were sealed to protect him from that trauma, but I think that if he remembers who it is, it will put him in Danger. (my guess..)

Respheal

Well, we really don't have any clues as to who did it or why

Kabocha

http://moonlightapparition.smackjeeves.com/comics/2341615/4-23/ I've always wondered if Adalaide is the "she" Lark is talking about.

Is she really dead?

Sarai

i think it was caused by something magic-y he wasn't supposed to see/know about

Kabocha

Is she really? Like, dude, maybe she's not dead, but... Disappeared.

And Lark and Jason share a sort of bond because of it (brothers, maybe???)

Tenor | Shinavar

/Insert Brother Bear Meme for Lark + Adalaide?

crimsonangeltears

If it's disney rules...

Darkhalo4321

Sometimes I can STILL hear his voice

RebelVampire

i support this head canon just so lark and jason can be brothers

Sarai

please don't start another twin theory here

Darkhalo4321

Kabocha

They can't be twins, Lark's older. But maybe Adalaide had a secret child with someone.

crimsonangeltears

I love twins...but I'd have to agree xD

Tenor | Shinavar

Fine I'll up a twin Theory: They're the same person split.

crimsonangeltears

No thank you..

Darkhalo4321

jason just didn't leave for a year. nbd

Respheal

Ooh

Kabocha

Two halves of a whole?

Tenor | Shinavar

Respheal

Actually, y'know what

Kabocha

Lark is the memories, Jason is the power?

Darkhalo4321

a yin or yang theory

Respheal

I see your twin theory and raise you Lark and Robbie are related(edited)

dat curly hair

Kabocha

omg

Tenor | Shinavar

...

Darkhalo4321

oooo

Tenor | Shinavar

Support

You'd never see it coming their personalities are so different :D

Darkhalo4321

they are the same age too

crimsonangeltears

OR...they are related but time travel or au is involved

Kabocha

!!!!

Darkhalo4321

Robbie is the rogue path

Kabocha

A doppelganger from the phate side of the world?

(Lark, that is)

Darkhalo4321

Kabocha

I mean, Lark is a bird, and Oregon is home to Portland, and if y'all haven't seen Portlandia

crimsonangeltears

OR he's a robot that thinks he's not and he was given fake memories

Kabocha

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iHmLljk2t8M

Darkhalo4321

Oh nooo

So a doll hm?

Respheal

Oh yeah, regarding the contract part of the question

There was that trippy dream Jason had

Where he looked kinda....corrupted? And someone gave him a cross

I dunno, the timing of that seemed kind of contracty to me

Ah ha, this bit: http://moonlightapparition.smackjeeves.com/comics/2637351/6-18/(edited)

Kabocha

Who's the other person there?

Respheal

We don't know O:

I think

RebelVampire

in regards to the contract thing, im gonna point out it was suspicious metaphysical contracts were brought up, nobody knows how they work, and it potentially kills ppl

SpazztastiKim

MYSTERY

Darkhalo4321

I mean

Kabocha

Well, people, there's two, but I figure the guy's probably someone like Ker

crimsonangeltears

you'd have to be pretty desperate to agree to it then?

Darkhalo4321

what doesn't kill you makes you stronger?

SpazztastiKim

Halo boo

Darkhalo4321

- adviec from Ker... probably

Kabocha

.........That's how he got those scars.

RebelVampire

that does sound like ker advice

Kabocha

"I'm clearly not dead, so it's okay!"

Darkhalo4321

seems legit

Respheal

Oh derp hi like right in the next page from that it shows Jason dreaming about his mom getting slashed(edited)

Darkhalo4321

his dreams suck

Kabocha

Ker sure isn't the prettiest face you'll see for a motivational spokesperson, but he sure is the one that'll make you say "YIKES"

Darkhalo4321

I did have a lot of fun with that dream sequence. I both loved it and regretted it instantly.

Kabocha

Oh?

SpazztastiKim

The true suffering

Kabocha

It's interesting that Jason sees himself as cursed in the dream, though.

RebelVampire

maybe the dream sequence is how jason made a contract to try and save his mom but between that and her dying it was too overwhelming

Kabocha

Unless the curse just sits on top of any self-representational form of himself in his dreams.

SpazztastiKim

oof

Darkhalo4321

ooof indeedly

It's like it's becoming more and more clearer?

Respheal

Ker observed the curse triggers when Jason's thinking about his mom (or, I guess, what happened to his mom), and he was dreaming about his mom at the time

Darkhalo4321

I believe he does make that inference

(is inference the right word?)

Kabocha

Yeah, I think so

But Dark knows all the answers so clearly can't tell us THE TRUTH

Darkhalo4321

yes it is I feel smart

Respheal

The truth is out there

Kabocha

Okay, more seriously though

Darkhalo4321

I c o u l d

Kabocha

I'm not sure Ker wasn't involved in the murder.

Respheal

Nahh

Kabocha

I dunno.

SpazztastiKim

no... :C

Darkhalo4321

he did skip town

Respheal

Antonio would kill Ker if he was 8V

SpazztastiKim

NOOOO

RebelVampire

yeah i agree with res

ker would not be alive right now

or staying in the house

Darkhalo4321

but antonio needs SOMEONE to clean the bathrooms

SpazztastiKim

pffft

Kabocha

Ker probably can't take antonio, honestly

RebelVampire

ker doesnt need to live in the house for that. get a dog house and make ker sleep outside

Kabocha

http://moonlightapparition.smackjeeves.com/comics/2455383/2-9-5/ I feel like Antonio might have suspected Ker's involvement, intentional or not, at one point tho

and clearly Ker has no problems killing rogue apparitions

okay yes he does, but only because Lark's a kid

RebelVampire

i got more the impression that antonio called ker cause he thought ker would actually give him straight answers about certain things going on that he wasnt made privy too. versus necessarily think ker was directly involved

Kabocha

Hm, true.

RebelVampire

ker secretly has lark's bday marked on a calendar so the minute lark turns 18 he can kill lerk with no qualms cause lark is an adult

Kabocha

Okay, revision to the theory then. Ker may have known who was sent out that night to deal with the new Moonlight Apparition. Ker may not have known why someone was sent out, or to where they were sent... But had info, somehow. and then... When he realized what happened, he couldn't face Antonio for 5 years.

SpazztastiKim

ouch...

RebelVampire

that sounds more like ker

at the very least i dont buy ker saying "i vaguely remember"

that is a conversation you would remember XD

Kabocha

Ker probably doesn't want to remember.

Darkhalo4321

Maybe he made himself forget?(edited)

Kabocha

Unless Ker was secretly in some sort of love/hate relationship with Adalaide, and then was in a state of shock when he heard she'd died. (Although it really seems more hate/hate)

RebelVampire

ker got himself one of those jason curses

Kabocha

(so, yanno, no unrequited love shenanigans there, but we can dream)

Respheal

Well, there is memory magic

Kabocha

...Is Ker a puppet?

Is that what you're getting at Res

Respheal

I mean, Dark saying Ker may have made himself forget

Kabocha

Was Ker made to forget so he could easily carry out orders, and being near Antonio is bad news bc it jogs his memory

Respheal

I'm just saying there's a way to do that

Kabocha

shhh

don't stop me from making up crazy conspiracy theories!

Respheal

Although here's a question: Why only Adelaide?

Jason was there

Kabocha

Because Antonio.

Darkhalo4321

Why only jason?

Respheal

I mean like, if Jason was there, why wasn't he killed too?

Sarai

Jason's dream/memory of the event cuts off right at the moment he's threatened by him mom's killer(edited)

Respheal

Instead, he just got the curse on him

RebelVampire

im assuming either they didnt get a chance to get at jason cause he did apparition things or because adelaide was super duper special and therefore had to die(edited)

Respheal

.....What if someone's using Jason

Kabocha

I feel like the killer was interrupted before he could finish the job.

Oh no...

Respheal

Someone needed him alive? :3c

RebelVampire

if i had to pick someone to blame for the murders im gonna pick belial cause belial is one suspicious mofo

Respheal

Kabocha

Also his magic and eyes are purple.

Darkhalo4321

Puuuurple

A royal color

Kabocha

I know that logic doesn't make much sense when stated out loud like that, but -- I figure an easy visual hint someone would use (or well, a way to distinguish who cast what) is to tie the magic color back to the magic user.

...UNLESS Purple is just a cursed color.

In which case, Belial is toxic.

Respheal

And if you're going to code someone as having "evil magic", you use red or purple

Kabocha

Or green

Respheal

The danger colors

Darkhalo4321

green is my favorite color. It will never be toxic to meeee

SpazztastiKim

totally toxic

Sarai

but purple IS the color of Jason's curse

Darkhalo4321

SpazztastiKim

purple IS cursed because that's my favorite color

Kabocha

...So, I guess we need to find out if Belial also knows how to use a sword.

crimsonangeltears

It is also my favorite color! But cursed...? I never thought about it.

Kabocha

TBH it's weird that the hunters are working with him or his brother at all.

Respheal

He seems like the type

SpazztastiKim

possibly

Kabocha

I dunno, Belial seems more the type to use a magic sword and use it for blood magic.

....wait

Would that be why the murders happened?

Darkhalo4321

His brother now... thats a fun character >:3c

Kabocha

Some sort of horrific ritual involving the town?

We haven't seen other places enough to know if this is an oddly concentrated population of magic shit.

But... I wonder.

Respheal

Real quick before the next question: re: how powers will affect Jason's life: Hope you weren't plannin' on college, kiddo. Super powers and college don't mix well

RebelVampire

http://moonlightapparition.smackjeeves.com/comics/2637354/6-20/ maybe not jason because i was looking at this page again and the writing that can be read is saying wake up. and while you could argue its a subconscious thing telling jason to wake up from the dream, you could also interpret it as something he heard cause the murderer wanted jason's apparition powers to awaken.

Kabocha

Hmmm...

RebelVampire

super powered jason cant be any worse at college than the thought of robbie at college XD

Respheal

TRUE

RebelVampire

QUESTION 3. Besides the characters, there seems to be a lot going on in regards to the world. Who do you think Jason can trust: the Hunters or Lark? For what reason do you pick that side? Why do you think the other side can’t be trusted? Overall, do you agree with the Hunters’ stance that Phates should be kept secret? In contrast, do you sympathize with Lark’s goals? What crime do you think he’s being hunted for, and why is it secret? Also, what do you think happened to the people Lark is looking for? Finally, what do you think is going on with the Behem Realm in regards to the corruption and can it be fixed? What role might Jason have in regards to that?

Sarai

I DON'T KNOW OK

Kabocha

Honestly? I think Lark's the more trustworthy. The more I talk this out with made-up theories, the less I am really trusting the hunters.

Sarai

this whole situation with hidden information and magican shenanagins is stressing me out

crimsonangeltears

I will say Lark because that sweet child would never hurt my beloved Jason.

Kabocha

I'm sorry, Crow, you poor child, I really can't trust you until you get an anger management class.

SpazztastiKim

-snorts-

trust no one

RebelVampire

jason shouldnt trust anyone. that is the answer. dont trust ppl who have secrets

Respheal

I tend to think both sides are right and wrong :V The Hunters probably didn't explain things well and are probably doing some shady stuff, but Lark proooooobably reacted poorly and got himself in too deep

Also yes

Trust no one lol

SpazztastiKim

@RebelVampire gets it

Sarai

I don't think phates should be kept secret from the general population

Kabocha

Wait.

WAIT

If there are no secrets...

Then the only person we can trust is Robbie.

Respheal

Lark seems to have good intentions, but probably doesn't have the full story

.......lol

SpazztastiKim

@Respheal gets it too yes

Kabocha

I'm sorry, it's TRUE though.

SpazztastiKim

DON'T TRUST ROBBIE ARE YOU NUTS!?

Respheal

It is true and it hurts

Darkhalo4321

robbie is NOT the person you should trust

RebelVampire

robbie is the murderer confirmed

Respheal

because he's Lark's brother

Kabocha

Y'all are saying don't trust people with secrets, and where does that leave us? EVERYONE but Robbie has secrets.

Darkhalo4321

Toby

SpazztastiKim

hmmmmmmm

Darkhalo4321

Toby is a good kid- no secrets

Sarai

with a fire cracker? absolutely not but with the TRUTH????

Darkhalo4321

y e t

Sarai

YES

RebelVampire

im gonna trust antonio. antonio is just a great dad, great businessman, and great taker carer of ker

SpazztastiKim

I trust no one. not even myself... ESPECIALLY myself

Darkhalo4321

-robbie

Respheal

But even Antonio's keepin' secrets :(

Kabocha

If we're going to trust Antonio, it's only because if I don't, he'll kill me if I walk in his yard.

Respheal

Presumably for good (or so he thinks) reason, but....

Darkhalo4321

I'm sure he HAS his reasons

SpazztastiKim

just because there are reasons doesn't mean they're GOOD reasons

Kabocha

Antonio's a parent. Jason is a teenager. In most stories, you can't trust the parents because they're keeping grown-up secrets from their kids.

SpazztastiKim

heh

hehehe

Kabocha

Like, the truth about that college you really wanna go to... It's not happening. I'm sorry. MIT doesn't offer a full ride, Jason. ...Or does it now

anyway point is

You can't even trust JASON

Darkhalo4321

jason sucks at math, what makes you thik he'd get into MIT XD

Kabocha

because he's keeping secrets!

Darkhalo4321

He IS! How RUDE

Kabocha

The one secret I wanna know is how he gets his hair to stand up like that

Darkhalo4321

Ghibli effect

SpazztastiKim

pfft

Darkhalo4321

The wind styles it FOR him

SpazztastiKim

antigravity hair gel

Respheal

He hangs upside down for an hour every morning (actually no this is more of a Robbie thing)(edited)

Kabocha

Jason's never at 100% power because he's using 10% of it to do his hair.

Sarai

maybe he showers before bed and just

lets it dry however it wants

Darkhalo4321

he needs to get it cut. chop chop chop

bye bye fluff

Sarai

no!

crimsonangeltears

So birds don't style his hair?

Kabocha

And then he'll look like a tiny Antonio

Darkhalo4321

he's a regular snow white that kid

RebelVampire

no i already weeped when robbie cut his hair

Kabocha

Crim, are you suggesting that Jason's a disney princess?

Darkhalo4321

wait until he cuts it SHORTER

Kabocha

... Let's count the qualifications

RebelVampire

there needs to be like 1000% more floof for everyone's hair

Respheal

You mean he's not?

Kabocha

He has a bird friend He has a dead mom But can he SING?

Sarai

when jason cuts his hair will he do it in a comb-over(edited)

Darkhalo4321

ACTUALLY

he can sing very well

oh no- I made a disney princess

Respheal

Disney princess confirmed

Darkhalo4321

He's like BELLE because... he loves reading though!

he doesh't get trapped in a castle. but. like...

SpazztastiKim

nerd

Kabocha

I want adventure in the great wide somewhere~

Darkhalo4321

but not this apparition haaaair

RebelVampire

idk jason isnt really singing about he wants more than his provincial life

Kabocha

Jason, when Robbie comes by. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=INDnS3vIKCU

SpazztastiKim

He's more like... Tiana

Darkhalo4321

Oh because... restaurant, right?

SpazztastiKim

and hard worker... stubborn.... oblivious

Darkhalo4321

robbie probably DID ask Jason to marry him HONESTLY

SpazztastiKim

three times at the very least(edited)

crimsonangeltears

But wait....maybe he's hercules since Ker is training him??

Darkhalo4321

he DID propose to like... 5 nurses

SpazztastiKim

tru

Darkhalo4321

I can GO THE DISTANCE

RebelVampire

i wonder what robbie wouldve done if one of the nurses said yes

Kabocha

I'm into the Hercules version of Jason. If only because it means Cathy and Melodie are probably muses

SpazztastiKim

Darkhalo4321

Heck yeah!

Melodie has the moves for that!

SpazztastiKim

TRUTH

Kabocha

Welp.

Darkhalo4321

So The Behem realm

crimsonangeltears

Will there be a musical chapter?

RebelVampire

its probably fine. corruption always fixes itself O_O

Darkhalo4321

how would I comic that?... a musical chapter? When the anime happens, I'll have one made!

Kabocha

I still can't help but think that Crow's some sort of shapeshifter or werewolf... Behem... Behemoth... Plus Crow's propensity to growl like some sort of very angry dog...

RebelVampire

if crow isnt a werewolf i will be surprised

Respheal

I am 100% on board with that theory

RebelVampire

cause theres been enough refs to imply it is so

Darkhalo4321

I mean... He takes commands rather well when threatened- so-

dog training?

Kabocha

Crow doesn't listen to Julie real well tho

SpazztastiKim

he tries

RebelVampire

i think how the behem realm is being dealt with is a major reason jason shouldnt trust the hunters. cause while i dont think the hunters are evil persay, i think in their pursuit to do the good they bend ethics waaaaaay too far(edited)

Darkhalo4321

Julie needs to talk louder-

SpazztastiKim

He is basically a puppy

be loud and RIGHT THERE, then he'll pay attention

Darkhalo4321

yeaaaah- wonder why they have a phate trapped in a glass jar in a makeshift lab

SpazztastiKim

spooky

Kabocha

.... Do the stooges know about that

Darkhalo4321

they might

they might not

>:3c

Kabocha

@RebelVampire -- d'ya think the state of Behem might be related to Jason?

what if Jason's unintentionally an avatar of destruction?

SpazztastiKim

why... did that make me giggle so much?!

RebelVampire

i mean id believe it. sorry jason.

Kabocha

This tiny cinnamon roll of a child -- really there because he's a sign of end times.

RebelVampire

you are destined to destroy all that you love

except antonio

Kabocha

With Antonio as his dad, I'd really believe it.

Darkhalo4321

Yeah, I've been forbidden by many to NOT kill antonio

SpazztastiKim

indeed

Darkhalo4321

which means I probably should kill him, right?

Kabocha

Jason can become a razor-sharp weapon of death... But when it comes to his father, they walk side-by-side into the end.

SpazztastiKim

I did threaten to fly over there and shoot you with something. Do I have to again?(edited)

Sarai

it means you should NOT

Darkhalo4321

RebelVampire

no dark this means the opposite. this means antonio needs 10 layers of plot armor

Darkhalo4321

fine fine he's safe... for now

RebelVampire

and when you pretend to kill him it turns out antonio faked his death and it was his plan all along

SpazztastiKim

I have MULTIPLE Nerf guns Halo...(edited)

Kabocha

oh noooo

Darkhalo4321

He'll eat a potato chip and go just as planned

Kabocha

Live footage of Dark, plotting out the story https://tenor.com/6zEs.gif

SpazztastiKim

^^^

Darkhalo4321

you forgot to add in the part where I plot as horrible implications are made known to me

>:3c fu fu fu

Kabocha

. . . So uh.

RebelVampire

i do think jason is tied to the corruption in all seriousness

Kabocha

Anyone got new horrible implications to point out?

I'd agree with you on that, Rebel.... Hold on, I feel like there's visual evidence

Darkhalo4321

oh?

Kabocha

Oh, no nevermind

I was like, "I remember that shot of the blocked off Behem realm being foresty," and linked it to Jason's dream where he got the Rosary... But they don't look similar at all.

But what seems to be a gate(????) to the realm has the same kind of creeping blackness as was surrounding Jason and the corrupted shade

RebelVampire

as far as im concerned the only evidence we need is that jason has amnesia and all the events tie back to the massacre

Kabocha

http://moonlightapparition.smackjeeves.com/comics/2663394/6-32-chapter-end/ http://moonlightapparition.smackjeeves.com/comics/2637351/6-18/ But I'm not sure if that's just Dark's visual shorthand for "dark magic"

So file this under "more evidence needed, but I'm choosing to believe they're tied together somehow"

http://moonlightapparition.smackjeeves.com/comics/2017341/2-10/ Also, apparently the Jason = Apparition user has been hidden from the hunters for a while... So, I wonder if Jason changed that night, corrupted the Behem realm with his awakening (somehow -- maybe it was just some sort of casting in place from the previous apparition user), and then got home after horrific things happened, only to have his mother murdered

The problem with this is, we don't know how casting this sort of stuff works yet, so I don't know if Jason's been in proximity TO the Behem realm if it requires that he physically be there to affect it.

Darkhalo4321

He's a wot? He's an apparition antonio-

Kabocha

So, I think until shown otherwise, if Jason's power is linked to Behem's state... Jason's probably a symptom of the problem, more than the cause??

RebelVampire

to be fair though we cant say for sure the corruption even started in the behem realm can we?

cause it couldve started elsewhere and thats just the first notable place it hit in its spread

Kabocha

true -- it could have been Belial starting shit, and it spread like a wildfire.

RebelVampire

belial please, observe proper fire control procedures at least(edited)

Kabocha

never

Darkhalo4321

a forest fire to burn all the... evidence...

blame it on teens using the beehive burner as a party spot

just as planned

Kabocha

http://moonlightapparition.smackjeeves.com/comics/2663394/6-32-chapter-end/ Also, I wonder why Julie cares so much about the Behem realm? I know you don't need to have a link to a place to care, but... I feel like she has more than just Crow.

RebelVampire

QUESTION 4. Jason isn’t the only character in the comic with secrets. Do you think there are any significant things that Toby might know from the past that are sealed from Jason? If so, what and how will that affect his and Jason’s relationship? What do you think the story is with Robbie and how Jason ended up his friend? Why won’t Jason tell Toby the circumstances, and why is Robbie’s situation with Jason significant? Also, will the relationship between Jason and Melodie develop, or is it doomed to the status quo? Moving to other characters, how do you think Ker came upon his eye and the ability to use Fae magic? How might this event be influencing his choices and position with the Hunters? Last, what is going on with Belial, and what do you think this means for the story?

Kabocha

To be honest, when we found out that Robbie just kind of appeared in their friend group one day, I half expected that Robbie would be part of Jason? Like, that whole part of Jason that got separated out when he developed amnesia, but then the curse was introduced, and it was like... "nah"

Darkhalo4321

Eh- but you have to think back to Annette and Jason's conversation on the back porch-

Respheal

I've had a theory for a while that Robbie may have attempted suicide.... Mostly fueled by "Are you suicidal?!" "Yes?" and the references to Robbie being in a hospital

And that's probably how they met? 'cuz Jason's sister is a nurse?

Kabocha

Yeah...

RebelVampire

itd make sense cause theres a lot of rumors surrounding robbie and well...rumors lead to bullying >_>

Respheal

And that conversation between Jason and his sister was very......real

"is he okay?"

Kabocha

Robbie's a good egg who decided if he was going to be talked about, he may as well give them something to talk about

RebelVampire

and itd actually explain robbie's sort of cavalier attitude. cause if hes actually depressed than he doesnt care about his safety

thus jumps on well covers

Darkhalo4321

when Inspector Toby says "lets not stand on this-"

Kabocha

http://moonlightapparition.smackjeeves.com/comics/2222484/1-17/ Toby's pretty cavalier about risking Robbie for Jason's sake tho

Respheal

And why Jason, being the good kid he is, doesn't drop Robbie like a brick when he's consistently crass

Darkhalo4321

if he don't care about his safety, why should he?

Kabocha

http://moonlightapparition.smackjeeves.com/comics/2222492/1-21/ Because Jason cares

RebelVampire

well yeah, why would toby pick robbie over his best friend? XD

Respheal

I'm still mad at Robbie about the cafeteria scene lol

punk

Darkhalo4321

in the redraw I think I made it worse, but less directed...

if that's possible...even

Kabocha

Toby seemed to join in on it in those pages tho

Toby, why are you so mean to Mel. XD

what did she do to you

Darkhalo4321

Toby-... t o b y

sighs Toby- He's such a complicated nooooodle

RebelVampire

i just assumed robbie acted that way because thats how he handles socially awkward situations he doesnt want to be a part of. and his go to mode is "be a jackass"

Kabocha

.... Mel tried to be friendly, Toby didn't take her being friendly very well because it was a bad day, Mel continued to pester A grudge began

RebelVampire

for the cafeteria scene that is

Kabocha

Well, no, I mean, that could be their history XD

But yes, Robbie being a jackass is default, I think

"I don't know what to do, so go away" only he can't say those words

because then he looks weak

Darkhalo4321

truuue

RebelVampire

toby is a complicated noodle tho. i cant decide if he can be trusted or not. cause he seems honest but then at the same time he feels like he has a secret skeleton closet of secrets

Darkhalo4321

but, Toby Melodie and Jason have been friends for a while now-

his room DOES have a closet Hmmmm

Respheal

When Jason mentioned he had started remembering things, Toby looked like he was ready to whack Jason upside the head if it'd bring on the amnesia again

A definite "nope nope nope bad don't remember" sort of expression

Darkhalo4321

yeah, bad things happen when that... happened...

Kabocha

Maybe Toby has a secret he needs to hide.

Respheal

What are you hiding?

Darkhalo4321

MAYBE

cue law and order theme

Kabocha

Or at least, that was my impression during that first time, but when it was mentioned that Jason gets hospitalized...

It was like, hm, okay. Toby's not suspicious I guess.

Darkhalo4321

f o r n o w

Kabocha

Unless he was that other figure in the bg of that dream

Darkhalo4321

is Toby the contracteee?

Kabocha

Part of the contract, maybe XD

crimsonangeltears

I gotta leave the chat guys, sorry! (gotta make dinner) Thank you for including me!

Sarai

bye! thanks for joining us!!

RebelVampire

thank you for comin @crimsonangeltears ~!

Kabocha

http://moonlightapparition.smackjeeves.com/comics/2637351/6-18/ <- this page, first panel, 3 figures, just fyi

Darkhalo4321

Thanks for coming Crimson! makes yummy food for your family!

Kabocha

Have a good night Crim~!

RebelVampire

ok so it wasnt just me. i tots thought toby's reaction to jason's memories returning was super suspicious

and like he was ready to flee the country

Kabocha

well, if Jason is linked to the destruction of realms

wouldn't you?

Darkhalo4321

there is a lot about the APPARITIONS the hunters DONT KNOW sooo

Kabocha

that's why they want Lark

to counteract Jason.

Darkhalo4321

>;3c

RebelVampire

why only get one when you can have both tho?

Kabocha

They don't want him dead, but captured if possible. Because even if he dies, that power will reappear, yeah? but Lark's like, "Yeah, nah, I'm fine with the world ending."

Darkhalo4321

I'm surprised no one has brought up the lab... with lark...

Kabocha

Well

It's still new-ish information

Darkhalo4321

True-

Kabocha

We don't know who had the forest lab under their control yet, or am I forgetting something

maybe they had all those kids to test corruption on

Test subjects for Belial's brother~

'cause eventually, you need human subjects.

Darkhalo4321

I mean- they are keeping phates in jars so-

Kabocha

Nari was sacrificed for the sake of the Behem realm!

Darkhalo4321

shes a homuraaaa

or a madoka?

Kabocha

Neither

she's Sayaka

Darkhalo4321

THERE we go

RebelVampire

i dont have enough info to theorize on the lab. cause i got more the impression the kids were at a training facility for the hunters than a lab and that the lab came later.

Kabocha

But uh... There were theories on Dark's server about Mr. Grimr...

RebelVampire

maybe theyre pulling an fma and when lark finds nari shes gonna be fused with a phate

Kabocha

Ahahaha oh no

REBEL NO

Respheal

WHY

Kabocha

Don't give Dark ideas!

Darkhalo4321

... l- lark?

>:3c

Kabocha

Lark-oniichan...

SpazztastiKim

S-stop?(edited)

Sarai

ENOUGH

Kabocha

We have found the limit, and it is Nina jokes.

Sarai

I can't take nina jokes in two servers gosh darn it

SpazztastiKim

that will ALWYAS be the limit

Sarai

^^^

Darkhalo4321

this will be the hill I die on

Kabocha

Okay, but seriously, Mr. Grimr has purple eyes.

Is he Belial's bro

Darkhalo4321

Sarai

he might be

Darkhalo4321

purple, and purple makes a connection-

SpazztastiKim

nothing but pain

Kabocha

I mean

we have yet to see ... What was her name?

Sassypants?

Darkhalo4321

he knows stuff

Kabocha

Sizzlebritches?(edited)

Darkhalo4321

YES

Respheal

"her"(edited)

Kabocha

So, I guess we're going to have a scene of this comic in a strip club.

Respheal

WHO

Darkhalo4321

d... did you not

oh dear

Kabocha

Dark, if you skimp out on the bright colored lights, I'll be sad.

Darkhalo4321

my google search history is going to ask questions kabo

Kabocha

Just look up sterotypical pictures from Vegas

it'll be fine

Or watch Showgirls (don't watch showgirls, it's not really good)

RebelVampire

vegas is basically one big strip club

Darkhalo4321

http://moonlightapparition.smackjeeves.com/comics/2616663/6-12/

@Respheal

That's WHO

Respheal

I uh

I actually meant who's the 'her' Grimr is referring to

Darkhalo4321

I felt very clever about the name.

RebelVampire

i assume the her was nari but now that res brings up that page...lark, did you...did you make a metaphysical contract?

Darkhalo4321

o h

Kabocha

"her" -- probably Nari. Or Adalaide. XD

Darkhalo4321

o h n o

Kabocha

If Nari's not fully dead, she will be soon.

A victim of corruption...

Respheal

r i p

Kabocha

I mean, you kind of sealed her fate with the whole friggin blood shots followed by tears

how else do you interpret that

Darkhalo4321

he just... misses her and regrets his bloody murdering ness or... something

Kabocha

http://moonlightapparition.smackjeeves.com/comics/2685206/7-5/ Lark is fine if the world ends because Nari isn't in it.

Respheal

The red was actually his hair dye

Darkhalo4321

yes

Kabocha

That's why he wants Jason.

FREE NARI, OR I SET HIM UPON YOU

RebelVampire

lark please. what you do is be the distraction and have jason sneak in. cause they wont be expecting jason and thus jason has the element of surprise to wreck their stuff

Darkhalo4321

Jason can barely transform guys, he'd just go in and start screaming XD

might as well SEND ROBBIOE

actually... That would work.He can seduce the guards see.

RebelVampire

that works too. send robbie and jason.

ultimate tag team

Kabocha

[image: Return Nari... Or suffer his curse...](edited)

Darkhalo4321

Jason would have to remind lark that... he's no idea what he's talking about XD curse? What curse? I'm F I N E

narrators voice He was NOT fine

Kabocha

See, I was imagining it to be more like King Ramses...

Darkhalo4321

oh yah?

Kabocha

RETURN THE SLAB....

OR SUFFER MY CURSE....

Darkhalo4321

Yah Lark would try that, huh?

Kabocha

Yep. only Jason is the curse he shall set upon the world

Darkhalo4321

because his curse is FORBIDDEN MAGICwoooooo

and much scarier for some reason

Kabocha

Well, it'll be okay eventually, I'm sure.

RebelVampire

lark's plans always work out

nothing could go wrong

Darkhalo4321

it'll all work out-

maybe

Kabocha

Nari's not doomed. Jason will be fine. And best of all, Lark will get everything he wanted.

Darkhalo4321

it's fine

Kabocha

And Robbie will live a happy life.

Darkhalo4321

the kids are okay

trust me

RebelVampire

theyre all dead

Kabocha

And you're not going to do anything to Antonio.

Darkhalo4321

e x a c t l y

Kabocha

That's it! That's the story.

Everything is FINE

Darkhalo4321

MCR's I'm not okay plays in the background

RebelVampire

COMIC TEA PARTY- THURSDAY BOOK CLUB END!

Sadly, this wraps up this week’s Thursday Book Club chat for now. Thank you so much to everyone for reading and joining us! We want to give a special thank you to Janaka Davis (Darkhalo4321), as well, for making Moonlight Apparition. If you liked the comic, make sure to support Janaka Davis’ efforts however you’re able to~!

Read and Comment: http://moonlightapparition.smackjeeves.com/

Janaka’s Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/Darkhalo4321

Janaka’s Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/A0A1K9D7

Janaka’s Twitter: https://twitter.com/Darkhalo4321

#ctparchive #comics #webcomics #indie comics #comic chat #comic discussion #book club #bookclub #webcomic book club #webcomic bookclub #comic tea party #ctp #moonlight apparition #janaka davis #darkhalo4321

0 notes

timeinthemarket · 6 years ago

Text

We recently took a nice relaxing trip to Atlanta. It was our anniversary! YAY, we made it to year 1, the big ONE, the greatest anniversary yet! Naturally, we chose the most romantic place in the world; Atlanta, Georgia. We wanted to get away for a bit, eat good food at the best restaurants in Atlanta, explore and relax.

Why Atlanta? Well, the flights were cheap and direct and you can’t beat that. On top of that, there’s some cool places to visit and we always like checking out new cities. Plus, any place can be as romantic as you make it!

Beyond that, the food scene in Atlanta is pretty good. I’m a big food guy and I often plan my trips around hipster restaurant joints and this one was no different.

It was a 5 night trip and I had reservations for four of those nights. I figured five days of fancy food was a bit much. Clearly, four was just the right amount. However, every other evening was filled with four elegant restaurants. We planned to dress up, have some fancy food and gaze longingly into each other’s eyes while we chewed our food. ROMANCE!

Since it was our anniversary, I also said as such with every reservation. It was basically “HEY ITS OUR ANNIVERSARY, CELEBRATE US AND MAYBE GIVE US FREE STUFF?”

I didn’t concern myself with prices too much. After all, I save to be able to live well and part of that for me is spending money on good food.

The reality is that while I might spend a lot here, often after these trips where we eat, eat and eat, I’m tired of eating out. That means we save money later by not going out the next few weeks when we get back. It all works out in the end! In either case, it was our anniversary week so definitely time to splurge and try new stuff.

For me, dining is a process that starts weeks in advance. I scour the James Beard award winners, look at menus, read reviews and eventually book stuff. Food is pretty much a hobby for me and I love reading about it so the process is very enjoyable. The reason I start so early is that a lot of these high end places in cities book up very early especially on weekends. Hell, some of them require you to pre-pay these days.

After all that research, I narrowed it down to four places. One of these was as mentioned above and required booking and paying in advance via tock, a common thing these days at high end restaurants.

What an outrage! I guess it does help them plan their menus and reduces late cancellations. The others were pay after you eat but some had cancellation fees if you cancelled without a 48hr notice. The dangers of high end eating at fancy restaurants!

I was excited to eat a bunch of food and also see what kind of difference dining on your anniversary would make. After all, it was my first one ever so I didn’t know what to expect. I’m not one for fanfare(I never say it’s my birthday when dining) BUT clearly the big first anniversary is a time to change that.

We went, we ate and now here I am telling you about these places in case you want to check them out. Beyond a food, Atlanta was actually a really cool city but that’s a topic for another time. This one’s all about the food!

Thee places below are four of the best restaurants in Atlanta. I was actually quite surprised by how many interesting food places the city had and I’m sure a few great ones didn’t make the list. After all, we were only there 5 nights so it was impossible to fit everything into our trip. There’s only so many dinners we can eat!

However, we arrived in Atlanta eager to eat and eager to have some fun in the city.

Dinner #1 – Bacchanalia

We arrived on a Tuesday, hit up the Trader Joe’s then checked into our AirBnB before heading out for dinner.

Bacchanalia is a staple of the Atlanta food scene. They’ve been around since 1993 in various locations. Their latest iteration is a large hip space in an industrial park-ish area. The restaurant is adjacent to star provisions, a meat and cheese store that has the same owners.

The space is large and wide open with hanging light bulbs and exposed duct work. It’s that type of hipster chic that’s super common in a lot of newer restaurants these days. If that wasn’t enough, they also had a bunch of rope separating seating areas which really made the hipster inside you nod in approval.

Just by the design, you can tell that the location is relatively new. For some reason, they chose weird metal seats that really gave your back a good workout with the digging they did. I let my wife sit on the leather seat which had it’s own problem as the heavy table had to be pulled out if she wanted to go pee. Life can be tough.

Bacchanalia is a four course menu situation with around six choices per course. There’s an appetizer, an entree, a cheese course and then the dessert. There’s also a bunch of expensive supplements you can take.

For example, you can have caviar service for $140 or replace your entree with A5(the highest of As) Wagyu for a $35 supplement. The four courses themselves cost $95/pp before any additions or drinks.

The food itself was quite good. It started with two small amuse-bouches, a cheese filled puff pastry and a cracker with some squash pate. I’m always a big fan of surprise courses and Bacchanalia didn’t disappoint there. After my beef tartare appetizer(pictured below), the server brought two bowls to accompany the entree. In the meantime, I had some bites of my wife’s crab fritter which was quite good. In the bowls were a lightly pickled cucumber salad and some sauteed turnips.

Mmm, meat and hey, all right, free stuff!

We both had the dry aged NY strip which was perfectly cooked.

However, I found the cheese course a bit weird. Maybe it’s just me but I think it’d fit better before and not after the entree. Beyond that the burrata didn’t really pair well with the dry oats but I did enjoy the scuppernong. That sounds like some video game monster but apparently, they’re a type of grape more common in the south. They’re also the state fruit of North Carolina. We’re learning stuff about food guys and gals!

They must have been in season because we saw them at a lot of restaurants during our week here. They had a sweet scent and a nice taste so I wasn’t complaining.

Speaking of those bad boys, after our cheese course was done, we got a cute little jar filled with scuppernong juice to get us ready for dessert. It’s a fun word to say, scuppernong!

We both went with the chocolate for dessert. It was one of those melt in your mouth flour-less chocolate cakes that I absolutely adore. I typically eat KETO but that went out the window a little bit this week as I experienced all that Atlanta had to offer(many carbs).

The only negative was that it came with a lavender chocolate gelato. Eww, flower flavors. The gelato would have been much better without the lavender. I am not a fan of flower flavors in my foods but at least it wasn’t overly strong.

Beyond that, since it was our anniversary, the server brought us a little plate of stacked cupcakes with a candle to celebrate. It was a nice little gesture and we hoped a sign of things to come. FREE STUFF!

The meal ended with a small plate of petit fours, in this case, chocolates to share. Before we left, the person at the front desk also asked us if we wanted some fresh bread for later which we took.

Service was excellent. The staff was welcoming, fast and responsive. Our waitress was great at explaining everything and the food came out at a good clip. On top of that, the bathroom had cool wallpaper of farm animals so that’s a huge plus.

Cows

Sheep

Pigs

Overall, Bacchanalia really hit the spot as the first stop in our tour of the best restaurants in Atlanta. After eating here on day 1, I was eagerly waiting to see what else Atlanta had to offer.

8/10

Dinner #2 – Spring

Spring in Marietta was dinner on Day 2 of our Atlanta trip. I’m not exactly sure if Marietta is part of Atlanta or a separate town but it’s on the list either way. We’re throwing geography out the window here!

Marietta is a good little day trip from Atlanta either way. It’s not too far and Marietta Square and the area that surrounds it has some nice stores, eateries and parks to visit plus it’s very walk-able. Plus, it’s got sloths for some reason. Sloths are cool. Stay slothsome gang!

We made our way here after doing some escape rooms at The Battery(Atlanta Braves stadium area). A plus was that it had decent and free after 5 P.M. parking(it was a weekday though). I’m super keen on free parking anywhere I go!

Spring is this tiny little place right off of Marietta Square. It’s got a bit of an awkward entrance in the back of a building by some train tracks and all that guides you is this little sign that’s easy to miss.

Saying it’s by some train tracks makes it sound creepy but it really isn’t, it’s just an odd entrance. It’s not like you’re gonna have to fight off train monsters and avoid getting mugged while you get there.

The place is small, maybe just north of a dozen tables in one long room. It was empty when we arrived and got seated. We are 35 going on 65 so we like to eat around 5:30 so that wasn’t a surprise. However, the place filled up pretty quickly as the evening wore on.

The service is simple as is the decor making the food the star of the show and it sure was.

Spring was one of the best meals we had in recent memory. It’s a simple and small menu with four starters, four entrees and four desserts.

My tuna crudo was a treat and my wife’s apple endive salad was a good mix of bitter and sweet flavors. My crudo looked so pretty and the fish was very fresh!

The dry aged ribeye was nothing short of amazing, seasoned to perfection with a good accompaniment of various vegetables. The only negative was that the braised short rib that came with was a bit too fatty for my taste.

On the dessert side, my wife’s gianduja custard(chocolate and hazelnut stuff) was great but it would have been better without the cherries hidden within.

And then came my dessert. Simply put, it was glorious. The best sweet thing I’ve eaten in quite some time. I’m not a sweets guy but my panna cotta was the perfect mix of flavors. There was a light sweetness with a hint of vanilla combined with the tartness of the citrus fruit that came with it.

It was heavenly, I want more of it. I’d go back to Atlanta just to eat it again. The cute little candle they added to our bowl was a nice touch for our anniversary celebration. They also comped one of our desserts as well.

FREE STUFF PART DEUX!

Service was good, not over bearing and the food was just a treat.

9/10

Dinner #3 – Staplehouse

Staplehouse’s claim to fame is being named best new restaurant in America by bon appetite magazine in 2016. The story behind the place is sad as it starts with the owners husband passing away from gallbladder cancer as they were planning to open Staplehouse.

However, it speaks to the power of community support and the good that can come from tragedy. The people who run Staplehouse donate all of their profits after payroll and taxes to The Giving Kitchen, a non for profit the owners started after the diagnosis.

You need to reserve via Tock to eat here and that requires full payment in advance. That’s $105 + taxes + gratuity which means a dinner for two here will run you $280 before drinks.

Staplehouse is a tasting menu situation. That means there’s no picking or choosing what you want to eat. You just get several dishes in small portions and eat them as they come. It’s a great thing for people who are into food but not great for those who are picky eaters. In the case of Staplehouse, they don’t even give you a menu at the start so you don’t really know what’s coming.

The whole affair is about two hours with a dozen or so plates to try. I’m a big fan of this type of menu format as you get to try a lot of things that you wouldn’t normally eat. My wife is less excited about it as she finds some of the weirder stuff gross.

The food comes at a good clip without and the wait staff does a good job of describing the food and answering any questions.

After all, there’s no menu at the start so you want to know what you’re eating! The plates start off small with small bites like the first one where the highlight was the corn puree cannoli with roe then switch to small appetizers like a tasty ribeye beef tartare.

The standout in the middle was actually a squash dish with wonderful flavor and the added crunch of some roasted quinoa.

It looks kind of sloppy but it was quite good.

The plates start to get bigger as we proceeded to a wonderful sablefish with mushrooms. This is more of an entree sized portion which is then followed with a very pretty chicken liver tart. I found the flavor too strong though and my wife thought it tasted disgusting. She did enjoy Grandma Lillian’s potato bread(a family recipe) that came after.

Sablefish

Liver Tart

Grandmas Bread

The final course before dessert was an aged duck which was bursting with flavor. If the meal ended there, it would have been quite great but the dessert had some issues.

It started with a kombucha as a plate cleanser then was followed by a very disappointing slice of cake paired with buttermilk ice cream. The ice cream was fine but the cake’s mix of muscandine grapes and sunflower was a real miss. The flavors didn’t pair well and the texture was too dry on one end and too soft on the other. I just don’t see sunflower a dessert flavor and that was the case here in a big way. My wife who has a big sweet tooth didn’t even finish off that course.

It was disappointing but at least the tiny scuppernong(welcome back friend!) jelly and miso chocolate we received to end the meal were delicious.

Disappointing Sunflower Dessert

Jellies and Chocolates!

Overall, Staplehouse was an uneven meal. Most courses were delicious but some were downright bad and given the price point, that’s a bit of a downer. I’d still do it again because the highs were greater than the lows. The squash dish was as good as squash can taste and the sablefish might have been some of the best fish I’ve had. Plus, since the menu changes often(monthly for big changes and nightly for small changes), the lows might not stick around that long. However, I do think that the liver tart is a staple so uhh, I guess that’s good for liver lovers?

My wife, the picky eater, liked most of the dishes as well. The liver tart was particularly hated and she didn’t find the beef tartare particularly amazing.

Service was good and the food was delivered at a good pace.

As a nice little keepsake, they gave us a tiny little notebook with happy anniversary on it before we left. It came with a cute little pencil too.

How nice of them but I think I’d have liked a better dessert instead.

7.5/10

Dinner #4 – Lazy Betty

Lazy Betty was our last meal on our last night in Atlanta. Like Staplehouse, Lazy Betty offers a tasting menu. However, here you can choose between a 7 course menu in the dining room or a 10 course menu at the chef’s counter.

We went with ten course menu which has you sitting right in front of the kitchen where the chef’s cook. It’s a cool experience and well worth the high price of admission if you’re at all interested in seeing how a restaurant runs. At $165/pp, it’s one of the more expensive dinners in Atlanta but I had high hopes given the pedigree of the chefs and reviews I’ve read.

Dinner at the chef’s counter runs about 2-2.5 hrs and includes a good amount of interaction with the chefs. They bring out each course personally, explain it to you and see if you have any questions. The head chef came by a few times too to chat and ask us how things are going.

I will say that being a picky eater is hard at this place since the chefs can look at you as you eat. My wife felt embarrassed to pass off the one or two dishes she disliked to me with the person who made it standing right there.

The meal started with three small bites, salmon, duck and a little cup of roe; all quite good.

My wife actually liked most of the food here. However, the two dishes my wife she did dislike came early on.

First was the cucumber cannelloni filled with horseradish. I loved it but the horseradish was strong and my wife doesn’t handle that type of flavor well. It was definitely a dish that spoke to my Polish roots with the variety of slavic flavors. After that we had the cauliflower “bone marrow”. That succeeded at looking a bit like it’s namesake and had a mild but appealing flavor.

My wife’s next secretive pass off was the foie gras that looked pretty but wasn’t overly pleasing in flavor or texture. The pastry that the foie was encased in didn’t have the right texture and just came off as chewy.

Bursting with horseradish flavor

Bone marrow-ish

Foie gras – wife wasn’t a fan

My wife had no issues with the rest of the meal nor did I. The crab in a dashi soup was tasty and the charred Spanish octopus was cooked perfectly. My wife even ate her octopus and crab. That’s a surprise as she is not a big seafood person at all.

I will say that neither of these dishes wowed me but they were solid nonetheless.

The dukkah crusted lamb was the highlight of the meal. It included three types of lamb on two separate plates. The waiters made a big show of lifting the top plate with the weird indentation and revealing the bottom plate which had more meat! Apparently, they had the plates made specially for that dish and it took months to figure out the design. I guess it was impressive. I don’t know.

The lamb loin came with a lamb ragu and a lamb rib. All three were absolutely fantastic and made me want more as the portion was very tiny. The flavor, cook and spices were on point.

Dessert was excellent as well. The plum sorbet with ginger crumb and pomegranate foam was a good start. The foam actually had a lot of flavor which was nice to see as sometimes these foam dishes are just putting on airs.

Afterwards, our big happy anniversary plates of Bavarian with white chocolate and apple sorbet arrived. The apple sorbet was downright amazing, just full of green apple flavor. As a white chocolate fan, I also quite enjoyed the other parts of the dessert. The presentation was just as pretty as the taste and the whole thing was a perfect end to a good meal. My wife loved this dessert as well.

It wasn’t quite as good as the dessert as Spring but not much can match that.

Before we let, we got another little plate; first was another scuppernong jelly alongside a white chocolate ball and a peach macaron.

No free stuff here though. How dare they not celebrate our amazing union!

Overall, Lazy Betty was a very good and consistent meal. The highs were just as good as Staplehouse if not better and the lows were much less frequent. I’d only count one dish(the foie gras) as a miss. That’s a pretty good hit rate when you’re looking at a ten course menu. The lamb was great and the desserts really ended the meal on a high note.

Service was good and sitting at the chef’s counter gave me a good view at what was going on in the kitchen. It was nice to have the chef right there to ask any questions but it was also weird to have them there in case something sucked. The counter itself was also a bit high for the chairs. Hell, even my tall ass felt like I was a kid sitting at an adult’s table. It’s like they’re forcing you to be polite and remove your elbows from the table. Still, I quite enjoyed the meal.

It’s expensive but quite good.

8.5/10

The Best Restaurants in Atlanta

It’s SPRING. Crown it; the best restaurant in Atlanta. I’ve made the decision and I matter!

In all seriousness, Atlanta has a lot of good food. I only spent five days there but had four fantastic meals. However, I’m sure I missed out on a lot of places that are deserving to be on a list like this. A man who visits can only eat so much!

I was most excited about Staplehouse. However, it turned out to the worst dinner I had in Atlanta. I say worst in the best possible terms. It was still a good meal but it missed in a few spots. Perhaps that speaks to the quality of the food that’s currently on offer in Atlanta.

I’d highly recommend all four of these places. All four should be in the conversation for the best restaurant in Atlanta. I missed a lot though, I am sure of that.

These are just four of the places that stood out to me when I was doing my research. There were a ton of others that fell of the list for one reason or another. However, I still left the city very happy with the food I ate there.

Spring was definitely the best meal as shown by the rating. It was also the cheapest too so that’s a double bonus. The food was simple, straight forward and delicious.

However, if I lived in Atlanta or if I ever visit again, I’d happily visit all four of these places in a heartbeat. The food was across the board delicious. I rarely see Atlanta on any of the lists for best foodie places in America. However, after eating at these four places, I think that’s a mistake. I’m sure that will change quickly as more and more people eat at these four great places and all the other places I missed out.

For all you Atlantans(is that the right term); let me know what other places are a must try. I’m sure I’ll make my way there again sometime.

Four Anniversary Dinners at The Best Restaurants in Atlanta We recently took a nice relaxing trip to Atlanta. It was our anniversary! YAY, we made it to year 1, the big ONE, the greatest anniversary yet!

0 notes