#it is actually only 7 hours away. but i have to drive back too hahaha

[fivefeetfangirl]

debating whether or not i should drive 14 hours to drive the same road as in succession 🧐 i didnt even finish succession

[maddieinwonder]

A Lesson In Romance #7: False Start

Spencer Reid x Fem!BAU!Reader

Genre: Fluff

Warnings: Just a lot of awkward vibes hahaha

Word Count: 1.7k

Plot: Reader keeps getting caught in rom-com situations with Spencer Reid. This time, they try to confess their feelings.

A/N: I didn’t actually manage to include the definition of a False Start in the chapter itself, so I’ll add it at the end. No spoilers for now!

Masterlist | All chapters here!

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It took you 24 hours to decide that you were going to do something about your feelings for the good doctor. Pretty quick, considering you were a living, breathing rom-com cynic. But as ancient Greek philosopher, Heraclitus, once said: "The only constant in life is change".

Specifically, change happened after you woke up in your cute co-worker and dear friend's arms and you wanted nothing more than to get back into them as fast as possible.

But by the universal laws of working in the BAU, catching a break seemed to be the hardest when you actually wanted one.

Firstly, it was like every serial killer in the country decided to cancel their vacations simultaneously, swamping the team with urgent case after case. At this point, you were more familiar with the couch on the jet than your bed at home, and everyone was feeling the strain.

Secondly, if you weren't sleeping, you were usually out in the field chasing unsubs with Derek or Rossi. You had stopped holding out hope for being paired with Spencer — on account of your areas of specialty overlapping too much, and Hotch not being the type of leader to waste his resources — and as a result:

Thirdly, getting even ten minutes alone with the genius became an impossible task, and not for lack of trying either. At the start of the month, the two of you had tried to adapt your breakfast ritual to the road, but it always got interrupted mid-coffee order or even at the ding of the lift. Not that you and Spencer stopped trying, no, but your patience was wearing thin.

So you did something you hadn't done since you submitted your application to join the BAU — you prayed for a chance.

Because every day that you didn't admit your feelings to the doctor was another day fighting the compulsion to tell somebody else about them, and god only knows what a room full of profilers (and one nosy tech analyst) would do with that kind of information.

Then, out of the blue, the door of opportunity opened.

After two weeks of straight travel, the team had earned a well-deserved one night’s rest in your own beds before dealing with a local case, bright and early tomorrow morning. And since your flight landed at 2am and all the trains had stopped by then, this gave you the perfect shot to execute your plan.

Unfortunately, you forgot to take into account the most important factor — your nerves.

It didn't help that Derek had wolf-whistled in the carpark as the two of you walked off in the same direction, nor that Spencer immediately put your favourite album into the CD player out of instinct; an overly domestic action that made your heart beat even faster.

But it was when you arrived in front of his apartment building that you felt the worst of it. As you tried to summon the right words to your lips, your heart hammered in your chest and your thoughts jumbled themselves into nonsense.

"Are you ok?" Spencer asked, snapping you out of your anxious spiral instantly. "You don't look so well."

"I-I'm fine." Your fingers twitched nervously.

"Doesn't seem like it." He looked down at your hands, and you cursed your subconscious brain for giving you away. Then, he placed a hand over yours and your heart stopped.

"You're not alright, that's for sure, but it seems like it's just sleep deprivation." He assessed, bending slightly to look at your face. "You can't drive in this state. Do you want to come in?”

Your head snapped up to meet his gaze, ready to protest, but Spencer beat you to it. "Let’s go. You wanted to talk about something, right?" He called out, already one foot out of the car.

Before you could realise what was happening, you found yourself sitting on Spencer's couch holding a warm cup of tea.

This was the first time you were in his apartment. Yet, it was exactly what you thought it'd be like. Every wall was lined with bookshelves, filled to max capacity with books of every topic imaginable from neuroscience to philosophy. Those that didn't make it to the shelves were found in random stacks around his apartment, standing out against his forest green walls.

"Did you know that chamomile tea is a natural remedy for insomnia? In fact, it is commonly regarded as a mild tranquilizer. It's calming effects may be attributed to the antioxidant apigenin, which binds to specific receptors in your brain that initiate sleep and reduce anxiety." He explained, walking over with his own mug.

"I actually did know that." You smiled. The tea seemed to work its magic because you did feel relaxed, and you must have looked it too, because the worried frown disappeared off Spencer's face.

"Didn't know you were a tea person." You commented lightly, blowing the steam from your mug.

"There's a lot of things you don't know about me." He replied mysteriously, and you raised your eyebrows.

Spencer's apartment was too quiet, no rumbling fridge or quiet radio playing in the background to make your awkward silence any less pronounced. It was then that you noticed he didn't have a TV. Somehow this fact didn't surprise you very much.

"You... you wanted to talk to me about something?" He broke the silence, looking down at the hot tea swirling in his mug.

Right. You were here to talk about your feelings. Your face flushed as you tried to summon your willpower, again.

"I wanted to tell you something—" You began shakily. "But before that, I just want to preface, we can ignore this entire thing if you don't agree. I mean, I really enjoy our friendship as it is, and I wouldn't want to do anything to affect tha—"

"Wait." Spencer interrupted urgently, before catching himself. "Sorry, um, before that, can I say something?"

"Um, ok, shoot." You replied meekly, trying to hide your relief behind a long sip of tea. There was a pause as he gathered his thoughts, and you might have been seeing things, but he looked almost... nervous? 

"The day we met, I calculated the probability of meeting somebody that shared my exact coffee order and the result was almost one in a million.” He finally spoke, lifting his head to meet your gaze. “That probability decreased when I factored in working together, sharing the same interests, and... and how I enjoyed spending time with you more than with anybody else."

Spencer cleared his throat, a blush coming onto his cheeks.

"Ever since then... my life just started making sense. I know I’m a scientist, not a poet, and I could tell you all the statistics about relationships in the world, but when it comes to you...”

His cheeks were crimson now, as he ran his fingers through his hair. You had a feeling yours looked the same.

"I guess, what I'm trying to say, is that I think you're beautiful and smart, and I have no idea what you see in me, but I'd really—"

Suddenly, both your phones buzzed violently against his coffee table, jolting you out of the moment. You leaned over in a trained motion, only to see exactly what you expected:

Garcia: No rest for the wicked, crime fighters. Conference room in 30.

Penny: No rest for the wicked, crime fighters. Conference room in 30.

You let out a sigh you didn't realise you were holding, and Spencer looked over at you, doe-eyed and nervous.

“The case?" He asked quietly.

There was a silence filled with words unsaid. "We should go." He said finally. "If we leave now, we can still make it on time."

You only nodded in response, more out of duty than desire, and gulped down the rest of your tea. The thought of what he was about to say burned down your throat.

Driving away from Spencer’s apartment was torturous. The doctor hadn’t said anything to you since he entered the car, only fiddling with his bag as he looked out the window. It was too dark to read his expression, but you wondered if he could still hear the way he called you “beautiful”, or whether the moment had already dissolved into the space between you.

Luckily, you didn’t need to wait long for an answer, as Spencer tugged on your sleeve before you exited the carpark, his face scrunched in worry.

"I really didn't mean for that to be so... weird. Can we talk about this again after the case?" He asked softly, and despite every semblance of logic left in your brain, you couldn’t stop the hope from blooming in your chest and you smiled.

That was when Spencer did something completely uncharacteristic. (You didn't know this at the time, but it was something that you would tease him about for a long time after.)

In one fluid movement, the doctor pulled you into a tight hug that elicited a squeak from you, but it only took a second for the initial shock to wear off before you relaxed completely into his warm touch. He took that as a sign to continue, burying his head into your shoulder and letting out a content sigh.

Unlike waking up to your bodies intertwined, nothing about this was a mistake. Not the way his fingers stroked your back peacefully, nor the way his curly hair tickled your cheek. You felt the stress of the past two weeks melt away in his embrace, and so did any coherent thought, except one: normal friends didn't hug each other like this.

Later when the two of you finally entered the conference room, miraculously still on time, nobody commented on the smiles plastered on your faces but everybody could tell. They were profilers after all.

But for the first time in awhile, you were just too happy to care.

-----------

Tag List:

@blue-space-porgs @nobutalsoyes @lady-loves-a-lot @queen-flower @oops-all-ajs @spottedzebrasinpartyhats @agentcarterisgay @totalmess191 @sapphic-prentiss @mellowalieneggsknight || @averyhotchner @amesandpineapples @willowrose99

Definition of a False Start here

[picnokinesis]

Tagged by @internetkatze whoop!!

Rules: List the first lines of your last 20 stories (if you have less than 20, just list them all!). See if there are any patterns. Choose your favourite opening line. Then tag 10 of your favourite authors!

I’m trying to decide whether I should include wips or unposted fics - a few of my current wips don’t actually start at the beginning, and the first line on the document is actually halfway through a scene rather than an ‘opening line’ hahahaha, so let’s see how this goes. 

(not included: campervan part 3, which is my current wip, but I want to save the first line for when I actually post the fic!)

1. Sherbourne [original, 2021] It’s a secret, you think sometimes.

2. untitled wip (ziptie au) [doctor who, wip, 2021] They must put something in the water.

3. untitled wip [doctor who, among us, wip, 2021] Finally, for the first time since Ryan decided it was time to leave the TARDIS and stay on Earth instead, he’s going to have the house to himself properly.

4. notes to self (anterograde au) [doctor who, wip, 2021] Her head ache spikes, and she places her hand out on the seat next to her for balance –  5. your whole life is here (no eleventh hour reprieve) [doctor who, 2021] Darkness.

6. and they did live by watchfires [doctor who, 2020] Light pours in through the bars of the window, blue beams cutting across the floor.

7. the whole world’s a graveyard [doctor who, wip, 2020] “Alright,” Jack sighs, accepting his fate. “Show me the last one again.”

8. The Grandfather Paradox [doctor who, wip, 2020] There’s a gravestone in the middle of the forest.

9. i need a place to hide (before the storm begins) [doctor who, 2020] It’s raining hard.

10. the ghosts that linger in every word they say [mcu, 2020] There’s grass outside the Avengers facility.

11. Liminality [doctor who, 2020] Liminal space.

12. Tropospheric Disturbance [doctor who, 2020] One more time –

13. In the Wind [doctor who, 2020] The first thing that comes back to her is the sound of wind blowing outside.

14. As the Ancients Buried Their Kings [doctor who, wip, 2020] She could still feel him at the back of her mind.

15. Trouble With Entropy [venom, wip, 2019] These days, they dream as one.

16. Atrophy [mcu, 2019] In the moment that stretches on between her broken body seared into his retinas and his eyes opening to the raging sky, he dreams. 17. Take the Fall [the greatest showman, wip, 2018] As he washes the blood off his hands, he glances at himself in the mirror.

18. Renegades in the Ring [the greatest showman, 2018] Phineas knew it was something he’d always been able to do.

19. thirteen [doctor who, wip, 2017 - YEAH I KNOW, THIS WAS JUST AFTER JODIE WAS REVEALED] If he thought about it – and he was (while he was driving, which probably wasn’t the best idea) – Rory could probably pin point the moment when his life went from ‘dull but normal’ to ‘constant threat of death from space aliens, but interesting’.

20. Retrograde [stargate universe, 2016] He lurches into consciousness, choking on a lungful of air and leaf litter.

--

Ok so my main take away from this is that I love starting off which short one-liners, which I found incredibly amusing (especially Liminality? I really did just start that one off by stating the main recurring theme of the fic hahahah). And also a lot of my first lines are...kind of basic, in a way? I think I know why - I used to get a bit hung up on first lines, because I felt like they needed to be really good or mindblowing or something. But then that just makes it so hard to get started, so I often just start with something really basic - just an establishing statement to tell the reader ‘this is where we are’. And actually making it short makes it quite snappy, which I think is good for pacing because it just gets you going straight into it. 

I guess some of them also have a bit of the character in them as well - like 1, 3 and 19. I suppose the reason these two are different are because I’m getting straight into a character’s ‘thinking’ prose, and then establishing the context of the scene later. I think the only one that’s particularly jarring as a first line is the anterograde au one, but that’s half intentional because it’s meant to be jarring for the doctor too, who feels like she’s just woken up in the middle of a scene. But it’s also because that’s just where I randomly started on the document hahahaha

As for a favourite....I’m not sure, actually? I do really like 13, 15 and 16 - but then I feel nostalgic about those three fics in general hahaha. I guess the ones that make me laugh the most though are 19, 11 and 5 - especially 5 HAHAH like I really did just start a 90k fic with a one word sentence ahahahaha

TAGGING: @southernlynxx @novantinuum @chaoticacecryptid @theplatinthehat @sunshinedaysforever @hetzi-art @braddersbangerz @wykart @fictionpenned @taardisblue @walker-lister but of course feel free to ignore if you like! And anyone else who wants to do this, feel free!

[amandajeanwrites]

The End of an Era

Seven years ago, yes count those, SEVEN years ago, in late 2014, at the peak of internet fashion hauls and makeup tutorials, during the rise of YouTube and Pinterest and Tumblr, I moved from podunk Montana to the big urban areas in and around Portland, Oregon. Portlandia was airing, hipsters were growing mustaches and wearing plaid on a global scale, and I was ready to drink craft beer and breathe in as much pine scent as I could muster. 

I wanted to be a Blogger or a Vlogger. I wanted to talk about travel, but also film, but also also makeup and fashion because I was growing into my fashionista-ness. I wanted to infiltrate little boutiques and hold events and start social media campaigns, you know, really get ahead of the curve. So my first(ish) job when I moved out here was working as a sales associate for a tiny boutique.

Now, this boutique was a chain based in Austin or Houston or something, so I wasn’t going to head their social media anytime soon, and I was just working as a lowly sales associate at minimum wage, and I’m pretty sure I only worked about twenty hours to start out, but I had confidence in myself and my abilities to grow up and out.

God, I remember during my interview, I wore this NEON FLORAL swing dress that I’d bought in Portland with my Mom that July, paired with a neon sports bra that matched the colors in the dress, all topped off with a God awful cobalt blue cropped cardigan and probably some glitter-embellished shoes. For those of you who have grown to love and appreciate my new sense of style (emo-chic), you’ll understand how mind-boggling that would have been. Oh God, I probably also had matching neon lipstick and eyeliner or something.

The point is, I was young and adorable and confident in my skin and my outfit decisions. I remember panicking throughout the interview, noticing bright colors on the racks of the stock room over the manager’s head and just talking about how much I loved color… the ENTIRE interview. It’s honestly a miracle she hired me.

The reason I’m talking about this now, and the reason it’s all come surging back into my memory so damn vividly, is because Sean and I were walking through that little shopping center over the weekend (the entire mall has been and always will be one of my favorite places in my area), and we walked by this little boutique to see it’s Closing. We hopped in and bought four pairs of earrings as a last donation to the cause, and I immediately felt bitter sweet and melancholy and nostalgic for everything I learned and did there.

I talk about my outfits, my prospects at that time in my life, to reflect on just how much I’ve grown. I was so young, on the edge of 23, and I moved away from home for the very first time. I dragged my boyfriend along with me, and we overstayed our welcome at my Grandma’s. I actually remember driving the 40 minutes to work and 40 minutes back in the middle of the night, fog coating the road and my car, cranking One Direction’s Four album. (A premonition that Zayn was leaving, don’t we think!?)

I was experimenting with a social media presence, with blogging, with fashion and makeup, absorbing everything I could. I explored Portland and the surrounding areas. We went to the coast constantly. I just wanted to get out and see the world, be whoever I didn’t think I could back home. I was making new friends and trying to figure out who I was without college or Musicals or the country western bars or Perkins.

The biggest issues I had were suburban Moms from Lake Oswego that wheeled strollers through our claustrophobic boutique, knocking breakables off the gift table and then scoffing at us before they left. I spent hours irritated with my boss for being a controlling 25-year-old (an actual child). I clung to the drama of my past, not understanding how to be without thinking of how much my hometown had “wronged me”. Dear God, I was dramatic. 

I had prejudices, against suburban Moms! And against sex workers and against hipsters and against Big City people that didn’t understand Little City people and against Little City people that didn’t understand me. 

I talked too much and didn’t work hard. My only real memories of actual work from that boutique were untangling the God damn necklaces, which TRUST me was an 8 hour task. Mainly, though, we dusted the room for the 40th time and gossiped about senseless things like boyfriends that wouldn’t hurry up and propose already! (Sean did two and a half years later.)

I met my best friend there, unexpectedly. I remember meeting her and thinking she was way too cool for me. She’s stunning, hip, knows how to style a French tuck, and she seemed to rule the boutique in a way that I couldn’t ever match. The actual manager hated it too, always trying to undermine her to appear superior. None of us could live up to the grace and beauty that was Rochelle. 

We bonded over our hatred for retail and our love for One Direction and YouTube and conspiracy theories, and I’m so so glad we did. I also met at least three of my other best friends as an extension, and if any of you are reading this, I love you all. 

I took up writing again in 2014. First, little blog pieces, like I mentioned before. I wrote about my favorite products and all the places I wanted to visit in Oregon (some of them, I still haven’t crossed off my list. Sean? Get the car!). But then, something in me whispered that I needed to try creative writing again. I don’t think I’d written a story for years, not since freshman year of college when I’d write dramatic love stories about the boys I had crushes on. (Do you remember that, Aubrie? So embarrassing!) 

So I sat down, the day after Christmas, at my grandma’s countertop, and I decided to start writing a tiny piece of fiction every single day for a year. That was my goal, just a year. Until I couldn’t stop. I think I did just over 550 days, and even then, I never thought that someday I’d call myself a “writer”. I was still working retail, planning on social media management and fashion blogging, at a different boutique and a different stage in my life. But that’s a story for another time. 

I guess the point of all this, the reminiscing and nostalgia, is that if I could go back and pay that girl a visit, walk into that store and help her untangle those necklaces, I’d tell her her colored mascara is fierce and that she should keep at it. I’d tell her that someday, she would laugh at all of the drama from back home. I’d tell her that she’d move on to bigger and better jobs, and she’d kick ass at them until she realized her true calling. I’d tell her to keep writing because nothing will make her happier. I’d tell her to buy less furniture, because she’s going to be in that apartment too damn long. 

But mostly, I’d tell her that time moves on and people change and interests change and the weather changes, so just have a total blast with everything you’re doing right now, in the moment. I want to look back in another 7 years with twice the amount of fondness, knowing that I was struggling with silly, minute qualms that won’t matter then. Knowing how much I’ve grown and learned and shaped, I can’t wait to see how much I’ll grow and learn and shape in the future. 

Although, I do hope, in 7 years, I’m still wearing strictly black and white. Hahaha! 

What were you wearing in 2014? It’s important I know.

Thank you so much for sticking around all of these years and putting up with me and supporting me. And thank you, as always, for reading xo

[purplesurveys]

984

Have you ever tried Turkish Delight? No. I’ve looked up photos of it before and it has genuinely never looked appealing; sorry to those who are delighted (heh heh) by them :/ I’m willing to try it if I ever get the chance, but I really doubt that I’ll enjoy.

Do you have a Vietnamese restaurant in your town or city? They’re a lot less common than other Asian restaurants, but I think we do have a fair share, yeah. The most common are banh mi joints. I think the reason why they aren’t super popular in my country is that Vietnamese dishes tend to be veggie-heavy - at least that’s the impression of most people here - and with Filipinos loving rice and meat in everything they eat, other cuisines simply end up being more popular, like Thai and Chinese.

Do you or have you ever owned a portable gaming console? Yes; we had a couple of PSPs and a DSi as kids. These days, we have a Switch.

Have you ever been in a car with a sunroof? Yeah the Vitara has one. It’s my favorite trick to pull off whenever a friend is riding with me in it for the first time, haha. Everyone always gets so excited about it.

Do you have to have an occasion to eat out or do you just do it for fun? Back in college I allotted a certain portion of my weekly allowance to be able to eat out once or twice a week. Food is the way to my heart and happiness and it just felt good to have nice food, man. I didn’t want to have to wait for occasions to be able to eat at my favorite restaurants.

Have you opened a letter today? No, I haven’t.

How far away is the closest cinema from your house? It’s around a 10-15 minute drive.

Have you ever been to the emergency room? Nope.

Are you one of those people who can’t go without their morning coffee? I wasn’t for a very long time, but it’s starting to become that way now that I’ve started having a regular 9-6 shift. I find that I’m way crankier and am prone to crying from anxiety if I don’t make myself a cup of coffee. When I do, I feel super productive and more motivated to do work.

Have you ever worn fake eyelashes? Twice. Once for junior prom and the next was for my college grad photo shoot.

Do you know the story of how your parents met? If so, tell me? They both started out as part of the kitchen crew in a luxury hotel in the city, my mom as a waitress and my dad as a cook. My mom started pursuing my dad when she discovered what school he came from lol because priorities, I guess.

What is your favorite Chinese food? Minced pork with eggplants is a huge favorite of mine. Xiao long bao and pork buns (steamed or baked) are also suuuuuper good.

Would you ever work at a movie theater? Probably not at this point in my life. It would’ve been a nice gig during college.

Do you have a phone charger in your car? Yessir. I need one since I constantly use Waze to get to anywhere for both directions and traffic updates, and the LTE I need for that drains my battery.

Do you live far from your parents? No, they’re like 10 steps away, in another room.

Have you ever submitted a video to Funniest Home Videos? Nope. I always loved the videos though and the show made up a big part of my childhood.

Have you ever been attracted to an authority figure? I’ve found several teachers attractive before, yeah. The biggest crush I had was on my biology teacher...I think everyone else had a crush on her too lol, she was the personification of beauty and brains.

Do you think you have a wide vocabulary? I mean I guess I know more words than most people my age...but I also feel that my vocabulary still would’ve been a lot wider if I just continued to read well into my teenage years and now as a young adult.

What was the last hot food you ate? Lumpia.

Have you ever seen a meteor shower? I don’t think so.

Describe your current position: I’m sitting up on my bed, laptop on my lap, right leg outstretched with my left leg tucked underneath it.

Have you used a microwave today? It’s only 5:01 AM, so I haven’t. We’ll see about today.

What was the last electronic device you purchased? I don’t really buy electronics. I’m more likely to buy accessories for the stuff I already have, and the last one I got was a new case for my phone.

Have you ever slept through an alarm? I think so; only a few times though. I wake up from them easily.

Do you have any celebrity crushes? Kristen Stewart and Kate Winslet are where it’s at for me, y’all.

Do you prefer going out for coffee or brewing your own? I can go either way. Coffee is coffee. I don’t mind making my own for convenience, or paying a few hundred bucks for a little more quality coffee.

Have you consumed caffeine today? If so, in what form? Yeah I have a cup of 3-in-1 barako coffee beside me. I actually made this cup at like, 7 PM last night...then I fell asleep for a bit, woke up at midnight, fucked around for a few hours and now I’m back to drinking it at 5 AM, ha.

Do you have lactose intolerance or know anyone who does? I have a mild case of it. It’s not a complete disaster for me to eat cheese or consume milk, and I wouldn’t say that my trips to the bathroom afterwards are emergencies. My body has for the most part been nice to me, hahaha.

Do you know anyone who follows a raw vegan diet and lifestyle? Not to my knowledge, no.

Have you killed a bug this week? Probably.

What was the first food you learned how to cook? I followed a recipe for onion rings a few months ago and that was super fun, but I haven’t followed that up yet so I dunno if it’s right to say I ‘learned’ it. 

Do you have a Bachelor’s degree? If so, what in? Journalism.

How many email accounts do you have? Four, but honestly I barely use the Outlook one anymore. I have three main email addresses on Gmail.

Can you go see a doctor alone or do you like to take someone with you? My parents come with me because they take care of the finances and insurance that go with things like that.

Have you ever made your own pasta noodles from scratch? Hmm, I don’t think so.

How long is your average shower? 5-10 minutes.

How close is the nearest park from your house? We don’t have any public parks because my country sucks, but my village has a few small parks that residents can flock to and walk their dogs in or bring their kids to play in or whatever. The nearest one is a 10-15 minute walk or a 2-minute drive away, depending on how you prefer to get there. Which household chore do you hate the most? Cleaning up dog pee.

Have you ever been to an all-you-can-eat buffet? So many times. They’re very common here and there are a lot of restaurants that solely have a buffet gimmick. Sambo Kojin was my favorite, and I’m really hoping their business wasn’t affected by this stupid virus.

Can you see out any windows from where you are? Yup.

Do you like pineapple on pizza? No, but I also don’t like pineapples and all other fruits.

What color is your soap? Green or white. I don’t really pay attention.

Is anything bothering you right now? Just about all the time, yes.

When’s the last time you had a headache? Sometime this week or last week.

What woke you up this morning? I woke up naturally as I normally do these days.

Are you planning to go see a movie anytime soon? Yeah my workmates have been watching American Murder on Netflix and all of them so far are raving about it, so I want to give that a shot soon.

Will you sleep alone tonight? I always sleep alone. 

How do you feel right now? Confused at my lack of drowsiness and a little sad but it’s manageable for now.

Is shyness cute? I don’t feel any particular way towards it. I suppose it can be endearing and it can also be annoying.

Will you be up before 7:00 a.m. tomorrow? I already am.

What are your plans for tonight? Maybe keep doing surveys or send in my online interview that a company I’m applying to asked me to accomplish. I didn’t even know do-it-on-your-own-time interviews were a thing; it’s super convenient and removes my anxiety of being interviewed in real time by strangers.

Would you rather write in pink pen or blue pen? Blue.

Have you ever kissed the last person you text messaged? Yes.

Who was the last person you cried in front of? Just myself. Haven’t cried in front of anyone in a while.

Are your eyes the same color as your dad’s? Yep.

Have you smoked a cigarette in the past 24 hours? No, but could definitely use one.

Were you happy when you woke up today? Nah I woke up crying I think. It was one of the more difficult mornings.

Are you the youngest sibling? I’m the eldest.  

[smartguyreviewed]

1x7 - A Little Knowledge

Original air date: May 7, 1997

Hello there, friends. How are we holding up during these “unprecedented times?” I am currently holding up by pretty much being high 18/7, not sleeping and obsessing over a show that pretty much nobody talks about because I am that bored.

Really, I do want to thank anyone who takes the time to read this blog and/or drop a like. I started this blog because I enjoyed reading reviews of Lizzie McGuire and Boy Meets World. And then I thought of how not that many black sitcoms are pretty much ever really discussed. I watched Smart Guy so much when I was a kid but didn’t realize how important it was to even be watching it because we had so many other black television shows during my childhood, the complete opposite of how it is now. I always thought about even making a YouTube channel reviewing that black ass nostalgia that I love so much, but since I’m in the ugly phase of growing my starter locs, I figured I’d blog for now. 

Alright! There’s my intro. I really did mean it, but I had no idea how else to segue into the opening for this episode. By the way, if anyone is a super meticulous asshole and thinks the numbering of the episodes is off, I was honestly confused because Disney omitted a whole ass episode of the show, so I wouldn’t be surprised if the numbering of the episodes is different here but nowhere else on the web. The first season is already less than 10 episodes, so whatever.

Okay, so we open to Floyd about to do his books but he needs the little precocious calculator to help him out. This triggers me because I still have not done my taxes even though the deadline was extended. Luckily, it doesn’t appear that the Hendersons have any timely bills due but they are broke. After TJ adds up all the numbers, Floyd sees he is definitely not in the black. 

Because the episode is about money, naturally, both of Floyd’s grown children need pricey things all of a sudden. Yvette comes down and asks for a coat to replace this...thing that she’s wearing because it’s clearly ill-fitting. Floyd says he can buy her a new coat, as long as she’s not particular as to which winter she gets it in.

Up next is our Marcus, asking for something totally egregious. At least Yvette was asking for weather appropriate clothing. Marcus is asking Floyd for a $1500 bike. And now I’m confused. Why the hell would Marcus of all people need a bike? If he’s really trying his damndest to get the girls, I thought the band alone served that purpose. Regardless, Marcus needs it and he’s a teenager so the world is going to end tomorrow if he doesn’t get this deathcycle of his. He even tries to manipulate his dad by showing him a photo of Floyd on his bike. I actually think it’s cute how Floyd lights up at the sight of younger him. Maybe he met his deceased wife during these years? 

Floyd breaks out of memory lane and reminds Marcus that he, a human parent, wants the finer things also, including the chance to see his old friends at his high school reunion but that doesn’t seem to have a snowball’s chance in hell of happening. Yeah, because Floyd has to put food on the table for a woman and three guys (yes, I’m including Mo and guys eat a lot and I don’t wanna hear shit about how girls eat a lot too because guys just eat more and that’s a fact) and school all of his children. No room for the finer things.

He then says that Yvette and Marcus can buy what they want but simply have to get jobs. Marcus balks at the idea and says he wouldn’t want work to interrupt his studies. Yvette and TJ have a nice little kii over this since hahaha “Marcus is dumb,” hahaha.

We cut to TJ in his room attempting to strategize ways for the Henderson clan to save money while watching a bootleg version of Jeopardy!. Marcus comes in on the phone with Craig, the guy selling the bike, and convinces him to not sell it, even though Marcus only has 4.2% of the funds. Yvette barges in and is pissed at her annoying little brothers for not unlocking her door when they’re done with the bathroom. See, they share a bathroom in this episode. In another episode, Yvette gets her own bathroom built...somewhere because she’s tired of sharing with them. This bathroom is never mentioned again. In another episode, Marcus temporarily moves to the attic. I just wonder exactly how the Henderson house is built because it seems like there’s so much space yet so little space? 

The boys aren’t listening to Yvette however, because she stank. She credits this funk to the job she just got at the Cluck Bucket, “yanking the gushy stuff out of chickens,” as Marcus eloquently puts it. She brags, saying she makes $100 a week, which is obviously $1000 a week in 90s money. 

After TJ proposes that Yvette cut Marcus’s hair, Marcus realizes TJ is attempting to optimize their family’s finances. TJ really is doing a lot for a 10 year old here. Normally, he’s being extremely rude to them, but in this episode, he’s trying to use his intelligence to fix a problem that he has no business worrying about. Clearly, this intelligence is a gift and a curse. I’m about to be 29 and I worry all the time about things I can’t even control along with the things I can. Imagine being 10, gifted AF and stressing only about adult things you can’t control.

Marcus actually delivers good advice this episode, most likely unbeknownst to him. He commands TJ to turn off his brain and stop worrying because this is something he can’t fix. And Marcus is right. A 10 year old has zero reasons to be trying to balance the family checkbook. It would have been better if he threw a Gameboy at him and told him that’s his homework instead.

But this is TJ and he is the determinator AKA hard-headed. Bootleg Jeopardy! is about to end but the host announces a junior version of the show. TJ checks all the boxes. Youngster? Check. Living in the D.C. area? Check. In desperate need of $25k? Double check!

TJ and Marcus are back home and go over how they’re going to break the news to Floyd since obviously he wouldn’t have given TJ permission to audition if they asked. Floyd seems pissed at first when they tell him but Marcus makes sure to place emphasis on how TJ kicked ass. Floyd is proud now, even though a few moments ago, he was about to go full Papa Bear.

The next day, Piedmont is buzzing about TJ’s television debut but he’s confused because he only told his fam. We then cut to Marcus blabbing to some girl about how he can get her a seat next to him so she can give him a handjob on the sly. (Of course, we don’t even see said girl at the show.) TJ tells Marcus he didn’t want everyone to know because, understandably, now there’s more pressure on him. Marcus responds to this by putting even more pressure on him, telling Craig that TJ is going to win him the bike. Then he puts a damn anvil on it by telling Craig to raise the price to $1700 and he’ll just take the bike now. This will end well.

TJ, under immense pressure because the show is filming in 6 hours at this point (film/TV people, if you’re reading, feel free to say if this is even normal for it to move this quickly especially for an underage guest?), is up late at night studying his ass off and high off legal coke. He’s awoken Marcus who is wondering why on earth TJ would be up this early studying for a quiz television show that has a large monetary prize and they’re broke. He wants TJ to get some sleep by he’s in the zone because he had 20 cups of coffee. After a drug fueled rant, he just passes out. 

6 hours later and TJ is still high. Floyd chalks it up to nerves before TJ starts sprinting around the set. Marcus shows up, announcing he just chained up his new bike to a dumpster. This will end well. He checks in on TJ who is still coked up and not coming down anytime soon. His dad calls him over to meet the other contestants which include Dylan Roof and Yung Sharpay.

After the kids are ushered onto set, Floyd goes to the other hoity toity parents, bragging about their kids’ accomplishments. He dismisses them and says TJ actually has a life. Floyd, you dick! Afterwards, the show begins. The host is opening and says he believes that children are our future. Floyd and Marcus are backstage and in true black parent fashion, once TJ is announced, they lose their shit!

The game is now underway and Yung Sharpay and TJ are caught up. Dylan Roof is pretty much just there because he’s so far behind that it doesn’t even matter. Amy loudly tells TJ that he has a broken leg and they’re loading the shotgun because she just caught up to him. Of course, nobody heard this even though she was loud as hell. Also, racial implications much?

Yvette comes late in her work uniform and is hurriedly trying to tell Marcus a bit of info he’ll want to act fast on, but naturally, he shushes her to listen to the game that TJ is about to possibly lose. Yvette is also a petty asshole, so she doesn’t even try to tell him again. They cut to break and Yvette announces then that Marcus’s bike is gone. Turns out, locking it to a dumpster isn’t the best idea because some guy in a garbage truck stole it dragged the dumpster away. Marcus is pissed and lets slip that he paid $1700 for it which gets him in trouble because he just told Floyd that he was taking it on a test drive. Then the rest of the truth spews out. Marcus says he wanted something from the money TJ was going to win and oh mama is Floyd pissed because he naturally expects the worst from Marcus always and thinks he forced TJ to be in the competition which wasn’t even the case. Floyd tells Marcus he’s going to talk to TJ and warns him to “brace himself” for when he gets back. Yvette gleefully says she’s going to get chalk for his body outline. What did Marcus do to everyone to make them hate him so much? TJ does way shittier things than him and he’s still held in high regard. Hmm.

Floyd comes over to TJ to check in and lets him know that he’s aware of what’s going on. TJ, who has only consumed coffee and chocolate for the past few hours, is now dizzy. Floyd has to remind TJ that he has plenty of time to worry about rent and bills and student loans and credit card debt and finding a therapist and the pressure to have it “together” by the time you’re 30 which is crazy unrealistic. Good lesson and one of the few times I don’t wanna strangle TJ. Understandably, with the pressure off, TJ wants to dipset. The host, while seeing TJ and Floyd leaving, says they signed a contract so somebody needs to fill in for TJ. Cut to one of the funniest scenes in the show, hands down.

The question is how much did Thomas Jefferson, another TJ, pay for the Louisiana Purchase? This is word for word what Marcus-as-TJ says.

“Well uh, let’s see. In DC, the most you can take out of the ATM is $300 and you would wanna hold back a $20 in case something comes up, so I’m gonna say $280, Hugh.”

Yvette’s reaction says it all.

In the end, we see Yvette at the Cluck Bucket, putting on her functional gray pea coat that she probably got from Contempo Casuals or something. Marcus is the janitor now because he has to work off his debt to Craig and because remember, Marcus is a dark-skinned buffoon and couldn’t get the same job as Yvette for some reason. Whatever. I wonder what Yung Sharpay did with her prize money.

Stuff I Noticed:

- Yvette’s jacket. What is this?

- Marcus’s face for Lil’ Dylan and Yung Sharpay versus TJ. I love black families.

White lady on the left does not approve.

- No Mo this episode! :(

[thewritingstar]

1-200 we're all in quarantine so got nothing to do. Might as well ask pls

oo anon you were gonna ask anyways lol. But I did this hella quick during a zoom.....

1. What is your middle name?

-Rose

2. Do you have any nicknames that aren’t derived from your actual name?

-Star

2. Do you have any allergies?

-Penicillin (not really thou), but no

4. What is the longest your hair has ever been?

-Lower back

5. How well can you write in cursive?

-Its readable

6. Name one item on your bucket list.

-Going to all the Disney parks in the world

7. Have you ever been on a blind date?

-haven’t even been on a real date

8. What is the oldest piece of clothing you still wear and how old is it?

-prob like five years ago and its jeans

9. How often do you eat out at a fancy restaurant?

-nothing like I have to dress up but maybe once a year??

10. How grammatically correct are you when you text?

-rules don’t apply in text

11. Can you drive stick?

-hell no

12. What foreign country would you most like to visit and why?

-japan because I think it would be so cool

13. Nutella or peanut butter?

-NUTELLA

14. At what age did you have your first kiss?

-...............ahahhahahh

15. DC or Marvel?

-DC. Harley Quinn owns my ass

16. Have you ever hosted a wild party?

-my parties consist of drinking capri suns and playing cards against humanity and Mario kart

17. Name/author of the last book you read cover to cover. Do you recommend it?

-...ooof haven’t read a book in a while

18. How many of your Facebook friends do you actually hang with?

-my mom

19. Have you ever donated blood?

-I was apart of a cancer study so I used to donate my blood (and pee) to science

20. From 1-10, how much do you like decorating for holidays?

-8 I love to decorate but I’m not allow near the Christmas trees

21. Coffee or tea?

-vaniila iced lattes or raspberry ice tea own me

22. What is your go-to Starbucks drink?

-Vanilla bean frap with extra vanilla

23. Last show you binge watched?

-currently its assassination classroom

24. Dogs or cats?

-puppy’s

25. Favorite animated Disney character?

-Jessica Rabbit, Dumbo, Rey, Tamatoa and Guedo

26. Have you ever cooked a big family meal by yourself?

-mostly baking for my family

27. Favorite winter activity?

-Staying inside

28. Have you ever butt dialed anyone?

-probably

29. Can you blow a bubble gum bubble?

-yes

30. How early in the year do you start celebrating Christmas?

-my mom plays Xmas music year round

31. What emoji best describes your life right now?

-the wilting rose

32. Are you fluent in more than one language?

-nope

33. What is the longest you’ve ever kept a New Year’s resolution?

-I don’t make them

34. Have you ever successfully been on a diet? Did you gain any of the weight back?

-I’m on a diet to gain weight and its not going well

35. Are any of your grandparents still alive?

-only on my moms side

36. How good are you at communicating through facial expressions?

-hahaha my face gives everything away and I can read people pretty well

37. Have you ever gotten a commercial jingle stuck in your head?

-EDUCATION CONNECTION! Get connected for free

38. Have you ever left a movie theater before the movie was over?

-Nope

39. Do you consider rapping singing?

-rapping is in its own ballpark...its why its called rapping

40. Does your home have a fireplace?

Yep

41. Favorite non-chocolate candy?

-sour gummies worms

42. If you could have only one superpower, what would you want and why?

-oooof ummmmmm maybe teleportation

43. Have you ever locked your keys in your car?

44. Do you listen to any religious music?

-noooooooooo

45. Do you drink soda? If so, which one is your favorite?

-I hate soda

46. What was your ACT score?

-do not do me like this (21)

47. Rice or quinoa?

-rice

48. From 1-10, how good of a driver do you consider yourself?

-like an 8

49. Do you like horror movies?

-nope

50. How easily do you cry?

-uh depends on what it is

51. Do you have any tattoos? If so, of what and where?

-no but I want some

52. You are hanging with your closest friends. What are you most likely doing?

-being dumb and quoting tik toks at target

53. Can you handle spicy foods? What is your spice limit?

-not very well

54. Can you play any musical instruments? If so, which ones?

-no

55. Are you more introverted or extroverted?

-middle of the road

56. Last CD you bought?

-Folklore by Taylor Swift

57. Do you like roller coasters?

-yessss but they cant be extremely tall

58. What day of the week is laundry day for you?

-uhhh depends on when I have time

59. Have you ever played spin the bottle?

-uh maybe once but I was in fourth grade and walked away

60. How long have you known your best friend?

-I’ve known my bestie for 16 years (met when we were 4)

61. Can you eat using chopsticks?

-yes!! I usually eat my Chinese food with them

62. Do you have any stickers on your laptop computer? If so, what are they of?

-no because I need to get a case for my iMac and iPad

63. How often do you say y'all?

-every fucking day. Y’all is my go too

64. Favorite flavor of ice cream?

-cookie dough, pralines and cream, blue raspberry sherbert, vanilla, coffee

65. How long was your longest relationship? Are you still with that person?

-my longest relationship was like three weeks in fourth grade with my friends cousin who I saw twice

66. Star Trek or Star Wars?

-haven’t seen either but prob Star Wars cause r2d2 is cute

67. How good are you at math?

-ehhh I’m okay at stats

68. Have you ever acted in a play or a musical?

-used to do the plays in middle school :)

69. How often do you read/pay attention to your horoscope?

-not much my horoscope but just my sign in general

70. What is the shortest your hair has ever been?

-just above my shoulders

71. Have you ever broken any bones?

-my big toe

72. Do you like to go fishing?

-nooooooo I went fishing once and it pooped on me

73. Do you believe in evolution?

-of course

74. Favorite costume you wore for Hallowen? How old were you?

-I was perry the platypus…. 19

75. Real or fake Christmas trees?

-fake!!! WHO WANTS TO CLEAN THAT UP???

76. How many pillows do you sleep with?

-usually 1-2 but like 5 in the winter

77. Do you live in an apartment or a house?

-House rn

78. How many of your friends are of the opposite gender?

-in my close circle, one but I do have many boy homies

79. Have you ever had a near-death experience?

-many times

80. How long have you been at your current job?

-four weeks

81. What kind of car do you drive (year, brand, model, color)?

-white car

82. How flexible are you?

-not super but mama can bend

83. Have you ever ended a romantic relationship?

-haven’t even started one

84. Phrase you say the most?

-“I’m uncomfortable” “Y’all” “I would let J.D from heathers…..”

85. Have you ever kissed anyone of the same gender? If so, did you like it?

-no but I wish

86. Do you own any homemade clothing?

-not that I know of

87. Do you like fast food?

-yessss

88. Have you ever given anyone CPR?

-nope

89. Have you ever learned to do anything from a how-to video on YouTube?

-I fixed my moms glasses yesterday with a video so she wouldn’t have to spend a shit ton of money

90. Describe your sense of humor.

-if Always Sunny in Philadelphia and “vine comp that butters my eggroll” had a baby

92. Favorite cereal?

-no

93. Have you ever auditioned for a reality competition show?

-no

94. Have you ever gotten a TV theme song stuck in your head?

-Sugar, spice and everything nice, these were the ingredients…….

95. Do you believe in ghosts?

-indifferent

96. Do you think there is life on other planets?

-hell yeah

97. Have you ever given money to a street performer?

-yep

98. Your deepest fear?

-lets not go there

99. Pancakes or waffles?

-waffles but I don’t even like them that much

100. Are you still friends with anyone from high school?

-yep, my friend circle dates back to elementary

101. From 1-10, how good of a dancer do you consider yourself?

-7

102. How much of a patient person are you?

-I can be extremely patient. Once waited three hours in a dressing room with my friend and I didn’t have a phone

103. Do you know your IQ?

-no but its prob god level

104. Do you eat meat at all?

-mama loves meat

105. Do you own any clothes from a garage sale or a thrift store?

-I think so

106. Have you ever bought anything from a flea market?

-yess my mom used to take me to flea markets all the time

107. Have you ever quit a job?

-early this year

108. Have you ever gotten a song you dislike stuck in your head?

-many times

109. Any movie(s) you can watch over and over and over again and enjoy just as much each time?

-robots to ratatouille

110. Do you or have you ever worn glasses?

-just sun glasses

111. Have you ever skinny dipped?

-when I was like 6

112. Are your birth parents still together?

-yep

113. Have you ever been in the audience for the taping of a TV show?

-not that I know of

114. Favorite type of cookie?

-chocolate chip or the sugar cookies with the pink frosting on them (I’m a whore for them)

115. Have you ever been broken up with?

-nope

116. How often do you smile when getting your picture taken?

-most of the time

117. Have you ever accidentally dialed 911?

-yes I have and I was 6 and bullied for it for years by my uncle even though my cousins tricked me into doing it

118. Oldest memory?

-throwing a chair at a kid in preschool for stealing my cookie

119. Have you ever been the victim of a nasty prank?

-nope

120. How often do you snort when you laugh?

-uhhhh a lot

121. From 1-10, how good of a singer do you consider yourself?

-5

122. Favorite Disney song?

-uuuuuuhhh Shiny, See the Light, Why Don’t you Do Right, Show Yourself

123. Where do you see yourself 10 years from now?

-hopefully in la

124. What is your Myers-Briggs personality type?

-I’m an advocate

125. Have you ever had a fortune cookie fortune come true?

-I think so

126. Name one thing you wish people would stop posting on social media.

-fascist, racist, homophobia stuff

127. Last musical artist you saw live?

-Jonas brothers

128. Credit cards or cash?

-cash cause I feel like I didn’t spend anything

129. Favorite fandom?

-the powderpuff girls or fairy tail

130. What is your astrological sign?

-Aries

131. Have you ever been fired from a job?

-nope I’m a good noodle

132. Any hidden talents?

-I can do the cinnamon challenge

133. Can you surf?

-nope

134. What motivates you to do well in life?

-the fear of failure

135. Your worst physical feature?

-my acne

136. From 1-10, how much are you like your father?

-mehhhhhhhh like a 4

137. How lucky do you consider yourself?

-I’m a pretty lucky person ngl

138. Name a moment in your life when you were pleasently surprised.

-when I won a coffee maker at my senior grad night raffle

139. Have you ever been summoned for jury duty?

-nope

140. What type of shoes do you wear the most?

-my converse

141. Favorite summer activity?

-getting coffee

142. Favorite song to sing in the shower?

-any Taylor swift song

143. Have you ever lived with a roommate you did not get along with?

-my parents sometimes

144. Have you ever lived on a farm?

-my grandparents owned a cherry farm when I was little

145. Have you ever kept a diary or a journal?

-tumblr is my diary

146. TV show or movie you quote/reference the most?

-Always Sunny, The Office, Gotham

147. How often do you get mad at yourself?

-constantly

148. Have you ever gotten any stitches?

-only in animal crossing (he’s so cute)

149. Have you ever been hunting?

-no

150. Favorite YouTube channel?

-Jenna marbles, try guys, mukbang edit channel, drama channels

151. Have you ever had a pet besides a dog or a cat?

-I had a mouse once

152. From 1-10, how well do you work with others?

-9

153. Are you friends with any of your exes?

-I don’t got exes

154. Apple or PC?

-I have an Apple Mac rn but I think I loved my pc so much so I’m getting used to the format

155. Do you collect anything?

-what don’t I collect? Funko, pins, so much stuff

156. Have you ever seen any Broadway plays or musicals?

-I saw Newsies and A Music chorus

157. Any missed opporunites you wish you had taken?

-I’m not too sure

158. Have you ever uttered a spoken hashtag?

-yes

159. Do you have a pool at your house?

-nope

160. What is the longest you’ve gone without sleep?

-like 24 hours and it was hell

161. Last thing that made you laugh?

-a meme 20 sec ago

162. Disney or Nickelodeon?

-Disney

163. Name one celebrity you wish was still alive.

-Billy Mays (Oxyclean dude)

164. From 1-10, how much are you like your mother?

-maybe a 6

165. Your best physical feature?

-my hair

166. Earbud or earmuff headphones?

-earbud

167. Have you ever wished you were born the opposite gender?

-..hmmmm sometimes I think it would be cool but I’m pretty content with being a girl...

168. Do you have any piercings anywhere besides your ear lobes?

-my nose

169. How often do you wash your hair?

-every other day usually

170. Showers or baths?

-I love a good bath but I take showers more

171. Have you ever been a bridesmaid or a groomsman?

-noooo but I wanna be

172. Bottled or tap water?

-bottle

173. What was your favorite TV show when you were a kid?

POWERPUFF GIRLS

174. Any guilty pleasures you’re willing to discuss?

-watching glee

175. Favorite video game?

-Mario kart

176. Have you ever gotten a New Year’s kiss exactly at midnight?

-nooooo why are there so many questions about kissing

177. How many of the United States have you visited?

-four, ive passed over a few more in a plane

178. Have you ever given money to a homeless person?

-yes

179. Have you ever gotten a surgery?

-no

180. Your least favorite food?

-cheese

181. From 1-10, how competitive are you?

-depends. I’m like a 6 but I can be pushed to a 10 when motivated

182. Do you like wearing hats?

-only a snap back occasionally

183. How much of a jealous peron are you?

-ehh not really

184. What was your SAT score?

-900-1100 (stop nationwide testing doesn’t work and I didn’t learn eveything)

185. Have you ever voted for a reality competition show?

-no

186. Does anyone in your family currently serve in your country’s military?

-my cousin

187. Snowboarding or skiing?

-I don’t do snow

188. What celebrity would you most want to play you in a movie about your life?

-jack black

189. Have you ever been a Boy or Girl Scout?

-hell no

190. Have you ever dyed your hair?

-many times

191. From 1-10, how good of a cook do you consider yourself?

-7

192. You have just opened up a web browser. What is the first site you visit?

-this cursed site

193. How many things can you do with your weaker hand?

-a lot

194. Were you involved in any academic clubs in high school?

-honors i guess

195. Have you ever played hooky from school?

-like twice

196. Are you comfortable with watching rated R movies?

—-not with my parents

197. Do you root for any sports teams?

-bold of you to assume i do sport

198. First thing you do when you wake up in the morning?

-pee

199. If you could take home any one animal from the zoo, which one would you choose?

-a lizard

200. Tell something about yourself most people don’t know.

-uhhh ummmm (I have a tik tok with 7.5k followers) 

[mysterylover123]

BNHA Rewatch: Episode 37 “Katsuki Bakugo: Orgin”

 mysterylover123

Oh My God. It’s This One.

The opening is a flashback recap of everything that’s built us up to this. Simply put, in Bakugo’s mind, he hasn’t achieved a single victory since he arrived at UA. This is his chance to prove himself. In Deku’s mind, they’re up against an impossible foe and their only chance is to run, because who could ever defeat All Might (I guess this proves OVA 1 definitely isn’t canon, sadly, since if that was true by this point they’d have already done just that).

At the start of the match, Bakugo is completely in his own Baku-lane, Deku in his. Deku has no confidence in himself and Kacchan to win; Bakugo has no willingness to listen to any alternative ideas. They aren’t listening to each other. BTW, the framing on the anime panel in this scene doesn’t make Bakugo such an irresponsible idiot: He does walk next to Deku initially and tries to talk to him, and doesn’t blow him off for nearly 5 hours ahead of time. 

Asshole. Though Deku gets to punch him back in a few scenes. Give it time.

On the other hand, they may have reached Peak “Like an Old Married Couple” vibes in this scene. “I don’t need to stop and ask for directions!” “This is why we never have real conversations”.

Holy shit they think the same thing at the same time. Maybe they’re not so different after all.

While this does show Baku’s determination, it also shows that he’s reached Deku territory of “I don’t care what happens to me as long as I achieve my goal”.

And for those of you looking for catharsis for Bakugo being a jerk, let’s start up a “Bakugo Owned Counter” for this ep. Starting with: Head smashed into the dirt by All Might (1) 

Deku just can’t abandon his teammate directly. If it weren’t for Bakugo, he’d never have even considered hitting All Might. They kinda need each other.

We all knew Deku would be the little spoon.

RG metas a bit about them and wisely points out that Deku admires All Might too much. Also, she wonders what’s driving him. Don’t we all. And we’re about to get our answer: I WILL WIN. THAT’S WHAT IT MEANS TO BE A HERO. (win vs save)

OW NO NOT MY DEKU!

Bakugo owned counter: 2. Punched so hard he vomits.

Deku  yells out in concern for his boyfriend and flashes back to a time when Kacchan was an adorable little moppet who thought All Might was so cool too. Because he always won! (And there’s Deku watching with love struck eyes).

Mentally, Deku admits that he ‘always admired him for that’. You could say he’s your..image of victory? Eh? Eh?

All Might starts giving him the lecture from DVK2  but gets interrupted. 

Bakugo owned count: 3. So insecure that he just gives up.

Yep. NOt because Bakugo picks on him, not because he’s an asshole, not because he hit him earlier, but because he was willing to give up on and betray who he really is. That’s how much Deku cares. (Bakugo owned count: 4).

Now some fanservice-y anime filler: Deku carrying Kacchan 

Deku gushing over Kacchan  (OMG BB DEKU IS SO CUTE AND SO IN LURV!)

Kacchan Kabe-doning Deku. For all his temper, Bakugo does have a point: Running away from All Might does no good. The only chance they got is to hit AM with everything they’ve got.

Each one proceeds to borrow a piece of the other’s arsenal: Deku borrows Kacchan’s gauntlet, and with it his courage and willingness to face All Might head on. What Baku borrows from Deku is more intransient, but...hell, I think I’ll just make a list:

WHAT DEKU HAS THAT BAKUGOU NEEDS:

1. Teamwork and cooperation/respect for others

Deku is great at teamwork and can cooperate with anyone. He showcased this in the Hero Killer arc especially, working with Shoto.

2. Kindness and empathy

Well, Duh. 

3. Humility

Also duh.

4. Saving other people; the spirit of self-sacrifice 

Yep. Triple yes.

WHAT BAKUGOU HAS THAT DEKU NEEDS:

1. Power and the willingness to use it

Not just being born with a powerful quirk, but knowing how to apply it.

2. Confidence

Believing in yourself.

3. Optimism

Believing in a good future. Deku is too melancholic for it.

4. The ability to go plus-ultra in the face of a wall.

Smiling in the face of defeat. Demanding the best from your opponent.

IN THIS EP, EACH ONE TAKES ONE OF THE OTHER’S POWERS.

KACCHAN: 1. Teamwork: Works together with Deku to beat All Might. 2. Empathy...communicates his actual thoughts to someone. 3. Humility: Chooses the escape gate to win. 4: Saving others: Throws himself in All Might’s path to protect Deku.

DEKU: 1. Power: Both the gauntlet and Full Cowl to Knock AM in the face. 2. Confidence: Learns to believe they could’ve even KO’s All Might. 3. Optimism: Re; the above. 4. Smiling in the face of a Wall: Just behold.

BACK TO THE EPISODE SORRY FOR THE ESSAY

Their complicated feels about each other (manga panels for text) Denial. hahaha

Wow Deku turns around fast. “Wow did we actually beat him?” “No, jeez, hypocritical much, ya damn nerd?”

Bakugou owned count: 5 (kneed so hard in the face he goes crashing into a building)

Bakugo owned count: 6 (smacked down with his own bf) & 7 (Crushed beneath All Might’s foot)

NOW KISS!!!!!!

Oh eff you All Might! (There’s a sentence I never thought I’d say but damn that looked like it hurt!) Is it me or has UA fucked Deku up more directly than Tomura ever has? Seriously, Shigaraki hasn’t done any direct harm to Deku yet, certainly nothing on the level of breaking his effing back. 

Smiling in the face of a wall. Oh man that pain animation tho...Oh and Deku guesses what he’ll do, of course, because...you know, mind mates, stuff like that.

“I’LL BREAK MYSELF” OH GOD THE FEELS HE’S JUST LIKE HIS S/O

“HOW DARE YOU? THAT’S MY KACCHAN!!!!”

TOGA AND DABI!

The metaphor of Ep 37 is pretty obvious. The two halves of the future greatest hero, the kids who each want to be just like him, having to defeat their idol at least once in battle to prove they can do it. And only by working together and learning from each other can they become the greatest heroes who both win and rescue. I love this one, as a fight, as an episode, as a season finale. It’s all around a winner. Just like it’s title character.

(no need for the corner, of course. The whole episode is the corner).

RANKER: Best Bakugou Quotes

5. “I will win this. That’s what it means to be a hero, Deku.”

4. “Can't stand morons like you who can't get to the damned point! Basically you're saying, 'we wanna cause trouble, be our pal!' What a joke! I've always admired All Might's triumphs. No matter what any of you jerks say... Nothing's ever gonna change that”

3. “If all you ever do is look down on others, you’ll never learn to recognize your own weaknesses.”

2. “So why, why was I the reason for All Might’s end?”

1. “I break...and break...myself. Even if there’s nothing left of me,  I will win the way I want to.”

[withabackpackandcamera]

September 18th, 2020

Day 5: Retracing Our Steps All The Way Down To Our Resort Stay at Alyeska

Another late night, another late start. Luckily, it wasn’t as late a morning as I thought it would be when I went to bed early this morning. As planned, the first stop of the morning before heading out of Fairbanks and back toward Anchorage was the Morris Thompson Cultural and Visitors Center that we briefly visited yesterday. We spent about an hour at the museum slowly walking through the large exhibit they had, learning all about Alaska, Fairbanks, and the natives located near the area. The exhibits were great and very informative, and we thoroughly enjoyed taking away a lot of new knowledge about Alaska that we previously didn’t have. 

Once we had read through and looked at everything in the exhibit, we walked over to The Crepery to grab brunch for the road. The walk there was short but the wait was anything but. It took forever to get our order, so we were delayed on getting out of Fairbanks. But eventually, after the long wait, we received our orders of a Mediterranean Crepe and an Alaskan Breakfast Crepe (which had eggs, cheese, reindeer sausage, onions and mushrooms) and slowly wandered our way back to the car while stopping at a couple monuments located downtown.

Finally, we were off and on the road to Alyeska Resort in Girdwood, our splurge stay for the next two nights. We ate our yummy crepes in the car to save some time and I drove as quickly and safely as possible to make sure we would get to Alyeska at a decent evening hour. But once the rain started to come down, we slowed down a bit to be safe. Because the drive down to Alyeska would be super long, around 7 hours if we drove straight there, we made stops here and there to break up the monotony of a long road trip. 

Our only major stop on the way down was Denali National Park. Because we had a week’s worth of access to Denali, we decided to stop there one last time to look for some animals, as well as to sneak in a short, leisurely hike, weather-permitting. The weather wasn’t great when we arrived in Denali but it wasn’t so terrible that we couldn’t hike. Luckily, Cynthia was on board with a short leisurely hike as long as it wasn’t pouring outside. And it wasn’t. So we parked our car at the Savage River parking lot and hiked the Savage River Loop Trail, which was a 2-mile loop that ran along the river on one side on the way in and then looped to the other side on the way out. As advertised, it was an easy, effortless hike and we thoroughly enjoyed getting a breather from driving and being outside in the cool, fresh air at Denali one last time. Plus, the views on the hike were pretty too! To finish things up, on the way back to the car, we made a quick detour to cross the “line” where only lottery winning cars can cross just to say we did it. It was… anticlimactic, hahaha. 

As we slowly drove out of Denali, we closely surveyed the landscape on both sides of the road to make sure we wouldn’t miss an animal sighting but unfortunately, animal-sighting luck just wasn’t on our side today. Denali-sighting was a fail today too with the subpar weather. Oh well. Anyhow, thanks for having us, Denali National Park and Preserve! It was fun! 

The drive from Denali onwards was very, very long. The rain came in spurts. The clouds were heavy. Some cars in front of us were driving cautiously slow. We made stops on the side of the road or in a town (like Nenana) every now and then to take some photos before continuing on. Luckily, because of how pretty the scenes in front of us were, I didn’t get too tired driving and it made for a more enjoyable drive. What I’d like to say was that the colors were the only thing that kept me going but what really kept me going was intermittently having radio/podcast access to ESPN Radio to listen to the Lakers beat the Nuggets in Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals. Because we left late this morning and made so many stops, I knew I wouldn’t make it to good internet/data access in time to watch the full game, so I settled for listening on the ESPN app while driving. And it definitely pushed me through. 

It took a few hours to get from Denali NP to Wasilla, the town located just north of Anchorage where we decided we would grab some quick dinner before driving the rest of the way to Alyeska. Cynthia again had a Subway sub. I, on the other hand, was craving Sonic and bought myself the usual Foot-Long Chili Cheese Coney with tater tots and a lemon berry slush. But they got the order for the slush wrong and ended up giving me a VERY LARGE lemon slush float of some sort with lemon slush on the bottom, ice cream on top of that, and strawberry stuff on top of that. It was HUGE! Can’t believe anyone actually orders that and finishes it! But it was pretty good... surprisingly. 

With a fast food dinner in the books, we steadily made our way to Girdwood before finally arriving at Alyeska Resort, where we checked in and settled for the evening. Because it was late and we were tired, we left much of the exploring for tomorrow and just washed up and headed to bed. Until tomorrow! 

5 Things I Learned/Observed Today:

1. Alaska became the 49th state in 1959 after the U.S. bought the area from Russia.

2. Oil plays a huge role in the lives of Alaskans and for the state of Alaska. Alaskans benefit from oil in various ways. Jobs. The funding of the state government. The absence of state income and sales taxes. And some time ago, the Alaskan Permanent Fund Dividend was set up as a fund that would use the profitable proceeds from oil sales to pay out an annual payment to all qualified Alaskan residents. A pretty good deal.

3. Permafrost is permanently frozen soil. It plays an important role in the ecosystem it belongs in as it provides habitat and stability to entire ecosystems of plants and animals.

4. In September, almost an hour of daylight is lost every week in Fairbanks as the days become shorter and shorter and the auroras easier to spot. 

5. There are two very large industrial gold mines in the Fairbanks/Interior Alaska area, Fort Knox and Pogo, that together can grind 47,000 tons of ore and pour up to 3 gold bars each day.

[leaveharmony]

Cut for humdrum childhood trauma, probably emotional abuse cw?  But maybe that’s too strong a term

I went past something the other day RE ‘friendship is allowing a certain amount of ghosting to go unmentioned,’ which I mean...hard agree, obviously & I’d never expect within-a-half-hour responses to every little note I ever sent or for anyone to drop everything they’re doing at any point in time just to Validate Me; people get busy, people have their own lives, sometimes people just forget.  Sometimes I’m largely out of contact w/ friends for a week or so at a time, it happens.

But even understanding the meaning of the post, my dumb doormat ass was still like “But four months or so or near total silence is unusual, right?  Probably over half a year since the last real conversation is a little odd?  If someone largely ceases replying to you or directly speaking to you anything like the normal amount, seemingly concurrent to when you pointed out the blatantly obvious trajectory of a wrestling storyline, it’s probably not a misinterpretation to consider it deliberate?  Am I just overreacting and being paranoid & selfish?  I am aren’t I, I think I’m the center of the whole universe don’t I?”

Part of me just thinks, ‘Ah, this again, it was only a matter of time.’

I mean...at home, 24/7 I'd get silence beaten into me, even on christmas morning, to prove his kids were better behaved than his brother’s kids my father made us open presents at grandma’s house quietly and slowly, one tape seam at a time while my cousins tore around like...children...ripping their wrapping paper and being excited.  I wasn’t permitted to be excited, it’s why I always feel like I’m performing gratitude rather than expressing it because I have a complex about irritating people with my happiness.  He threw out my wood soled clogs when I was at school because he didn’t like the noise they made.  One time he bellowed at me to “GO LAY DOWN,” which was what he used to yell at the cats and the dogs left in our care.  Didn’t matter if it was an animal or his literal firstborn child, if it was making more noise than he considered acceptable it had to be shut up.  I got yelled at for screaming in terror and pain when he shut my wrist in the car door, bc it was making people look at us.

Like when you take that level of constant attempts to stamp out a certain behaviour and then that exact behaviour is expected of you OUTSIDE the house...christ.

I remember one of the few times I went to the movies "with friends," here in quotes because the only friend in the group was really Kristen and the rest just kinda tolerated me, we saw The Birdcage.  And when we were walking out discussing it before I even had a chance to open my mouth in response to something, how Alanna immediately said in the coldest imaginable voice that she hadn't heard me laughing and thus I must have thought it wasn't funny / I was too good for it / whatever else she was projecting on me at the time.

And it was just.  

I thought it was hilarious, but bc of the constant drumbeat in my head, be quiet or else, be quiet or else, laughing (or doing anything else) loudly in public is something I constantly police myself about in case it's Bothering People.

WHICH I GUESS!  Made me seem cold and stuck up or something!  Who the fuck knows?  To this day I don't know what I did or said that made them all hate me so much.

I quit our small choir after one practice because again...after one song Jenny (Jenny being the one who tried to drown me once & then acted like it was my fault) decided I was faking it and not actually singing, everybody looking daggers at me.  So then I stopped singing and left and never went back.  Sixth grade.

'Course seventh grade was when Kristen spontaneously decided we were no longer friends and would not tell me why, or even if there was a why, just that we weren't.  I’d try to talk to her about it and she’d shut me down and walk away every time...she even looked like she regretted it a bit, which was the worst thing because it MUST have been my fault right?  And I was upsetting her by even trying to find out what I’d done.  So I stopped trying & shoved away that part of myself that wanted to.  

That lasted about half a year, and after summer vacation she acted as though nothing had ever happened and we were fine; I was so grateful it was over & done with that I have never once asked her about it subsequently, even though we're still in touch.

And if I'm honest, the why is because, I don't know that she'd even remember it happening.  This torturous thing that left me with a permanent paranoia about abandonment / making The Mistake that would drive people away, that was so formative and damaging, I've got no idea if it made any impression on her at all...and I don't really want to know.  Because I suspect, and that’s enough.

So on the one side I’d get STOP SPEAKING YOU’RE BEING TOO LOUD NOBODY CARES and on the other side I’d get WHY AREN’T YOU CONTRIBUTING TO THE CONVERSATION DO YOU THINK YOU’RE TOO GOOD FOR US GOD WHAT A STUCK UP BITCH and somewhere in the middle would be GOD WHY WOULD YOU SAY SOMETHING SO STUPID THOUGH followed by the inevitable cutting off.

Like I’m trying to work around to the point where accepting shitty immature I'm-not-talking-to-you-but-I'm-not-telling-you-why grade school behaviour where I'm pretty sure???? things are unrecoverable but I'm kicked-dog scared of confrontation so I don't dare say anything and just sit instead in a holding pattern waiting for Master to wave me over & toss down a few scraps of attention is not actually something I’m willing to put up with anymore.  But I’m constantly undercut by all the times ppl have just stomped all over me & used me and thrown me away like trash only to dust me back off all buddy-buddy when they decide I’m suddenly worth something to them again.  And this is not!  Something I should be hoping for!  Like even I can see that ‘hahaha anyway what were we talking about a year ago when I last returned any of your timid attempts at communication, friend?’ is not an ideal outcome when the ppl that do it will just feel even more at liberty to do it again when they see I just sorta jello myself back into the form they expect of me & am always, always too scared to say “Ok first of all, what the fuck?”

It doesn’t seem to matter if there’s a small voice going ‘Yes but you’re maybe worth a little more than that and maybe people shouldn’t treat you that way?’ if the whole rest if the world is going ‘lol no you’re not and it’s what you deserve.’

[szopenhauer]

where were you 2 hours ago? in the local store do you kiss a lot of people? I kissed only one person in my entire life

are you wearing socks right now? ... no

have you bought any clothing items in the last week? yes

one thing you hate about yourself? my chronic illnesses mostly

what do you know about the future? we will all die, sooner or later

do you have a tan? slightly, on my arms

what day is tomorrow? Sunday 

are you dating someone? yes

why? because of many reasons

using your current first initial choose a different name for yourself. Zefiryna  or Zyta if polish what piece of furniture have you replaced the most? hmm... dunno, I’m not rich enough to replace my furniture

what do you think is the most over-rated candy ever? candies are overrated in general what is broken that you have, that you wish was fixed? my body  line from the last thing you wrote to someone? jak uważasz

Have you ever wondered what you look like when you’re sleeping? yeah ^^” Do you put your friends or family first? my parents and my S.O. Do you have bad allergies? ugh... Are your parents proud of you? there’s nothing to be proud of Would you ever be your school’s mascot who wears that costume? I could Is/was your school full of fakes? obvi What age did you start staying home alone? I’m not sure tbh but late

Would you rather see the Great Wall of China or Big Ben? Big Ben because I’d prefer to visit England and not China Ice Ice Baby or U Can’t Touch This? both XD

Can you do a handstand? used to Do you own any shirts that are yellow? several What’s a brand of shoe you like, but wouldn’t buy a pair? creepers for example Would you like to live in a cottage home? yup but I won’t

Are you comfortable with your height? wish I was a bit taller Last text received?

Are you afraid of heights? not really

Were you happy when you woke up today? I was glad I could sleep almost 10 hours Have you ever laughed so hard you cried? few times hahaha Do you curse in front of your parents? oh well ^^” Are you slowly drifting away from someone close? ... What are you listening to right now? iamamiwhoami  How is the weather right now? warm Have you ever been caught doing something you weren’t supposed to be doing? I don’t recall Do you use chapstick? ewww, gross How long do you think you will live? not much longer How’s your life going lately? no comment Have you ever had to get your blood drawn? countless times What is the most important thing to you? health that I don’t have Who was the last person you high fived? someone close to me Who hugged you last? parent Why do you feel the way you feel? where should I start... When was the last time you went shopping? this day as I already mentioned Are you liking how you look today? it’s ok Do you hate when they give a lot of tv commercials? especially when they repeat  Are you a very stressed out person? that I am 

Do you hate when people stare at you for no reason? awkward Which color is better? Red, Blue, Green, Black, or Yellow? definitely not red and blue *said a person who is wearing this today:

*I also hate pink, you will never understand me  Are you good at hiding your feelings? can be but what for Is anyone annoying you right now? not rn Did you cry today? not so far When was the last time you had a sleepover? years ago Do you like taking pictures? kinda Don’t you hate that when it’s freezing cold outside your eyes get teary? that’s awful

Have you ever trespassed? it wasn’t a big deal Do you tell your parents where you are going? basics at least Can you give a good back massage? been told 

Did you ever mix up the words “message” & “massage”? possibly Are there any other words you get mixed up? there are  Do you think women should hold open doors for men, too? why not, it’s nice to be helpful Do you raise your hand or participate in class? umm... I had my moments Would you ever spend the night in a treehouse? doubt it? What do you think of people who own wild animals? hard to tell If a book was written about your life, what would be in the summary? no idea  Are you good at explaining things, in general? I try my best to be straightforward and turn out being misunderstood If your friend had a drug-problem would you abandon them? I might, sorry Has a friendship ever ended over similar reasons? I wasn’t in a situation like this before Do you like window shopping?  fun Do you mind lending money to your friends? I’m poor What, to you, is the best part of traveling? souvenirs Do you like to try new things? very rarely Does it bother you if someone talks bad about you? gossips/lies bother me

What time of day feels the most magical to you? sunrise and evening/night? Does your head hurt right now? bardziej mi się kręci w głowie po prostu Is your hair wet right now? dry Have you ever dreamt of being a famous athlete? I had a night dream about being an athlete ore than once but I dislike sports  Do you have a rich friend that you’re jealous of? whoops you got me Are you interested in a girl who has a girlfriend? that girlfriend is me muahahaha Do most of the guys who like you annoy you? omg truth (I’m a lesbian though) but majority of society annoys me (especially men) so... What musical do you think you could play the lead in? Cats if I had talent What medical conditions do you have? what medical condition I don’t have... Do you wear leggings often? everyday Are you responsible in general? I avoid responsibilities  Would you consider yourself mature? not enough, I’m childish  Can you reach your ceiling? me?... Do you have a reading nook? I’m a librocubicularist Who is the cutest baby you know? babies ain’t cute  *weird fact - I think those with Down syndrome are prettier - is that offensive?

What makes you nauseous? I constantly feel nauseous

Someone walks into your room, what do they notice first the amount of plushies

When you have sex, do you keep your eyes closed or open when finishing I tried to keep them closed, I’m embarassed If I stepped into your shower, what is the first item I would notice who knows

How many times a day do you think you sneeze it’s not a daily thing to me Your phone rings but you don’t know the number, would you answer it if I wait for a call like from hospital etc. How many cars have you actually owned 0 Do you always take a shower after you have sex no When you wash your hair in the shower to you face the faucet or away:. face Would you let the girl pay on the first date if she really wanted to split or else I just feel ashamed Have you ever had a friend who preferred the same sex I’m that friend ha! What was the name of the last alcohol you consumed that got you trashed not applicable Do you let your girlfriend drive, or do you prefer to we don’t drive The last time you had sex was it in the morning, afternoon or night afternoon

Are you afraid of stink bugs? they’re harmless :o Do you have a printer? but we don’t use it What is the closest thing to you that’s yellow? pencil  Does anyone own any embarrassing pictures of you? I’m ugly on all photos... Do you care what others say about you? who and what? Are you into anime? blergh Name one movie that has made you cry more than once. ex. Five feet apart When is your father’s birthday? Mother’s? next year *my father is a Pisces and my mother is an Aquarius like me  no more info for ya! Are you a sarcastic person? very Do you overthink things? 24/7, every single detail, even from ages ago Are you naturally paranoid? would say so

What was the last song you listened to? Lola Marsch - Echoes

Which is more important in your life, TV or Internet? internet, I don’t watch TV and I’d even choose net over movies if I had to Do you overuse smileys? gifs :P When was the last time you ate something? an hour ago *but I fill out this survey for couple of hours  Have you seen all of the Jaws movies? I haven’t seen any of ‘em Do you know what Entomophobia is? had to google it When was the last time you played cards? (not on the computer) months ago Ever owned a pair of the original Nikes? (white, with only a single swoosh) not my type of shoes Ever worn leg warmers? yes, I still have several pairs  When was the last time you read a book over 700 pages long? never, I only written over 700 pages Have you ever had a black eye? nope, just bags under my eyes

How do you mark through your word search puzzles? I cross them with my pen Do you hate people who ask a lot of questions? I enjoy questions but... Have you ever seen a roll of bluish-green toilet paper? yep Can you name five ‘z’ words off the top of your head? besides my name? in english or polish? If a rooster laid an egg on the peak of a roof which side would it roll to? roosters don’t lay eggs

[hollywwav]

Climbing the Corporate Ladder (DiaDop fanfic)  Chapter 2

READ ON AO3

Summary: The new president and his young assitant come to change things for good on Passione Inc., a company dedicated to make up and female beauty.

The young boy is secretely in love with his boss, but thanks to an embarassing accident he will have the chance to get more closer to him! Or not…?

An AU where Doppio, the Bucci gang and other characters work for Diavolo, with the special participation of La Squadra!

Warnings: none.

Chapter 2:  [ＴＯＵＣＨ ＭＥ] //ΛLLNITELONG//     

So Diavolo got closer again to kiss him passionately, with much more strenght that before. Doppio just closed his eyes and got carried away with the pleasure his boss was giving, but it scalated quickly for him when Diavolo rubbed his leg between his crotch and ripped off his white shirt, making some buttons pop out and revealing the young boy’s pale chest. The boss was hungry for Doppio’s body and started to kiss and suck on his delicate skin. Doppio was so impacted by Diavolo’s actions, the only thing he could think in that moment was that everything wasn’t happening and it was a wonderful dream, that it couldn’t be possible... then he looked at the office’s door, glanced at the tiny picture frame of Trish above the desk and realized the gravity of the situation, pushing the boss away quickly, trying to escape from what he thought was a fantasy ...

“N-No!! Ahh... we can’t!!”

“Uhh?!! What?” said his boss, concerned about the boy’s reaction.

 “Oh... was I too rough for him, right?”

“We can’t... do this!... anyone could enter... to the office...”

“I can’t do this!... you’re married!... and your daughter...” said the boy trying to catch his breath, with little drops of pleasure tears running down his cheeks.

Diavolo stood there with a blank face for a moment and then started laughing for Doppio’s surprise.

“Oh, my Doppio... hahaha... you get worried for such silly things!... hahahaha...!!”

“Eh?...”

Diavolo touched the boy’s face softly and looked at him with a tender smile.

“I’m happily divorced since a couple of years ago, Doppio. And well, about Trish... she still visits me from time to time. I live alone in this moment.”

“...oh...” said Doppio, feeling dumb about the whole situation, and a bit relieved at the same time.

“And you... are single too?”

“Y-yes”

“So... there’s nothing wrong about what we are doing...would you like me to continue?”

“Well, actually...” the boy looked aside shyly and thought about the correct words to say.

“I don’t know... I really liked it, boss... but I think there is something wrong. We shouldn’t do these kind of things here... and also... I’m a bit surprised, I thought you would get mad. I really didn’t expect you to like me... at all”

“...”

“I understand. And yes, you’re right... we can’t do this here...” Diavolo crossed his arms and looked down, thoughtful.

“...So... what now...?” said the young boy, afraid about the destiny of all this issue.

“Let me propose you something, my Doppio. If you’re still interested in this... would you like me to take you to my favorite hotel after work? I promise nobody will know about this, if you’re worried about it...”

“Oh...” Doppio just stood there with a astonished face.

“I will give you some time to think about it. If you accept, please let me know before 7:30pm. If you’re still unsure and need more time, you can also tell me.”

“O-ok, boss... thank you”

“Now please go and wash your face. We have so much to do in so little time...”

“Understood. I will go and-” the boy stopped on his tracks and came back to Diavolo.

“What’s wrong?”

“I-I’m sorry, but you teared down my shirt. Now I will have to use the vest and fix my tie so no one notices it...”

•❅──────✧❅✦❅✧──────❅••❅──────✧❅✦❅✧──────❅••❅──────✧❅✦❅✧──────❅•✦❅✧──────❅•

Doppio washed his face and slapped his right cheek in an intent to check if he was still in the real world. Then looked at himself in the mirror, trying to process all that happened.

 “The boss... he kissed me... he touched me... he... he was going to rip all my clothes off...!!”

   “What should I do now? My dream came true and I don’t feel prepared for it... this sounds like a joke!!”

   “N-no, no, no... Calm down, Doppio. Now you will focus on the work, we don’t want to get hard again in front of other people!”

  “Yes, you will go and take care of the job... and just after that, you will say your boss you accept his invitation. Nothing can go wrong, the guy is divorced and lives alone. You can fill the emptiness of his heart easily... you will drive him crazy with your cuteness”  The boy felt a sudden sense of self-confidence, and he was going to take advantage of it. Yes, he felt capable of doing anything right now. Nothing was impossible.

Narancia, the assistant from the accounting department, entered the bathroom when Doppio was drying his hands.

“Hey Doppio, how you doing- Woah! You look feverous today! You got the flu, too?”

“Uhh... yeah... I think I’m getting sick too... I’d have to take care about myself but, well...”

The hours passed in a blink, literally, and the long-awaited hour was approaching. Doppio finished managing the last calls and checked the clock. 7:00 PM. He was nervous, but decided to go to the boss’ office anyways. He was more excited than anything. The young assistant knocked on Diavolo’s office, and quietly entered when he received the permission to do so.

“Umm... boss... can we talk about the proposition you made to me this morning?”

Diavolo stopped typing on his laptop, smirked, and crossed his legs.

“Of course, my Doppio. Have you decided yet?”

“Y-yes... I... I accept...” said shyly, looking down and scratching his neck a bit.

“Perfect. Let me arrange these things so we can leave in a few minutes. Do you still have to finish anything yet?”

“No, my work is done. But if you need anything else, I can take care of it right now”

Diavolo packed all his things in the briefcase and Doppio did the same with his belongings, then put on their coats and scarfs to cope with the cold temperature. The boss guided him outside to his black car, glued to the phone and talking to god knows who in another languaje the young assistant didn’t understand.

“It must be italian... I can’t really understand anything but... ahh... it sounds so romantic”

Doppio sat down in the soft car seat and Diavolo drove directly to the hotel, one of the highest and fanciest buildings in the city. The young boy was so excited to be in the same car with his boss, and glanced at him every second, admiring his facial features and long hair. Now the boy realized that Diavolo’s hair had a really nice scent, like strawberries. Doppio thought about asking him what shampoo did he use, because he never saw a product with that kind of fragance. Oh, he was so nervous. They didn’t say a word in the entire ride, so Doppio started laughing a bit, because of the nervousness and expectations.

Before entering the hotel room, Diavolo broke the silence.

“Oh, do you want anything to eat before this? Are you hungry?”

“N-Not really. Giorno brought sandwiches this afternoon from that artisan bakery he loves, and I think I had too much... ugh, I got full by eating so fast...”

“Oh... haha”

They both entered and placed their heavy coats on an armchair. Doppio glanced at the interior of the room and was amazed by such luxury. It looked like those photos from an 80’s department and home decor magazine. Ceramic floor with a dark crimson color, a large sofa ubicated around a small glass table, a couple of more black armchairs, geometric dim lights, silky curtains matching the crimson scheme and several palm pots distributed throughout the place. The curtain was half opened and Doppio could observe a bit of the dreamy vision of the night and luminous city.

“Woah... this place is amazing, boss!”

“I know, right?. That’s why it’s my favorite hotel. Do you want to drink something?”

“M-maybe a glass of water?” Doppio’s throat was really dry.

Diavolo walked to the bedroom and stopped when he realized the boy was distracted with the external view, not following him.

“Doppio... you can come in already...”

“Oh- Ok!”

The boy entered and sat on the king size bed, and started bouncing his leg, looking aside. His nervousness did not dissapear. Oh no. He was starting to feel unsure about what he was going to do. He felt like he couldn’t get on the mood again like he did in the morning. He was thinking about dropping out of this.

“Should I tell him I don’t want to do this anymore? He will get mad!! Could I please him exactly like he is expecting to? Am I worthy?? Am I capable???... oh no, I think I’m going to cry again...”  

“My Doppio... you don’t have to be nervous right now. Everything is gonna be ok” said his boss caressing his cheek.

“Uh-huh...”

“Come here” Diavolo wrapped his arms around the boy’s waist and helped to sit on his lap.

“W-what are we going to do, exactly?” the boss chuckled a bit.

“My sweet Doppio... you’re so innocent... I love that...”

Diavolo kissed him directly, a hot and juicy kiss that made the young boy melt. Then started to push his tounge inside, making the boy taste him completely. It’s was his first time french-kissing. For some reason Doppio thought about an acid candy. Strange. After some seconds they broke the kiss to catch the breath, and then Diavolo started to unbutton the boy’s vest and undo his red tie.

“I’m really sorry for tearing down your clothes...”

“Well... I... I actually liked it... I think that was kinda hot...”

“Really? Then... can I rip it completely? I will buy you a new one”

“Yes, please!” said the boy eagerly, with a full flushed face and dilated eyes.

The older man smirked completely satisfied with the boy's attitude and ripped off slowly his shirt with a loud groan. Doppio felt like he was going to be eaten by an enormous fantasy creature, like a werewolf or something like that. He looked so vulnerable in comparison. Diavolo finished tearing the fabric and enjoyed how the buttons popped out everywhere, and now he was facing at the assistant’s bare chest, inhaling and exhaling agitated by the growing arousal. Doppio’s heart was beating like crazy.

“Mmm...ohhhh.. boss...!!”

“Oh... Doppio... what cute nipples you have...”

The boy was pinned down to the bed and Diavolo started rubbing his nipples gently, as well the rest of his abdomen. It was like he wanted to touch and memorize every aspect of his employee’s body. Doppio closed his eyes and remembered the daydream from that morning. He started to drool a bit.

“Ohh... boss... you’re... you’re so nice with me...!”

Diavolo didn’t reply, instead wrapped his mouth around one of the rosy nipples and sucked and licked it slowly, making the boy’s dick twitch in his pants. Doppio felt like he was going to explode.

“Ohhh... ahhh...!!!”

The boss kissed him everywhere, focusing on his neck, and then unbuttoned his pants and slipped them off, revealing his purple boxers. Doppio thought he was going to take it off in that exact moment,but his boss just got closer to his member and gave a little kiss through the fabric. It made the young employee shudder and moan loudly.

“My Doppio... my sweet little Doppio... I wanted to do this since the first time I saw you...”

“W-what? R-Really, boss?...”

“Yes. I didn’t really know how to declare myself. I’m so glad you accepted to be with me tonight...”

“...H-Honestly... I still think this is a dream... everything is so perfect... you took me in your car... and then allowed me to be in your favorite hotel room... you’re touching me like no one ever did... I think I’m dead and went to my own heaven...” Diavolo stopped what he was doing and looked at the boy, perplexed. He didn’t ever heard those kind of things from anybody... not even his ex-wife.

“Woah. I’m really impressed... you’re so full of surprises, my Doppio... I think you do a job more than excellent... you deserve a special reward... you deserve to fulfill your biggest fantasies with me...” said the older man taking off slowly his shirt, teasing the boy, making him open his eyes and mouth wide.

Diavolo finished unbuttoning his clothing and slowly revealed his chest and strong arms. For the boy’s surprise, a pattern of black lines appeared and Doppio discovered his boss always had floral patterns as tattoos, but no one had seen them before.

“You say I’m full of surprises, but I could never have imagined you had tattoos!”

“What do you think? Do you like them? You can touch this all you want” said the older man caressing his chest and arms teasingly.

“Well, I never liked tatoos, it’s not really my thing... but yours are so pretty!”

“Haha... you’re saying that just to get a raise, do you?” said the boss raising an eyebrow, half joking and half saying it seriously.

“Eh? Of course not, boss! I-I’m being honest...actually...” Doppio examined his boss’ arms, touched his broad abdomen and fondled his toned chest, blushing and with half-lidded eyes. Also sighed heavily.

“I don’t want to sound cheesy... but you look like a greek sculpture to me... you’re so perfect... you’re perfect with or without clothes... I adore you, boss... I desire you...I mean it...”

Diavolo’s eyes dilated at the boy’s speech. He took off the boxers and trowed them away, huffing uncontrollably. Then opened the cap of a lube bottle. Those words stimulated his ego fairly good, and he wanted more.

“Oooh... Doppio... I’m going to fuck you so good...”

Diavolo covered his fingers with a good amount of liquid, and brought them closer to the boy’s entrance. He rubbed them in that spot for a moment before entering the first finger, making the boy yelp at the touch.

“My Doppio... is this your first time?”

“Y-yeah...” the boy was a bit ashamed, he never was intimately with anyone and didn’t have any experience at all. He felt like a loser around other men, specially his boss. Diavolo acted like a pro in everything he did.

“That’s perfectly fine, my Doppio. I’m happy to be the first person for you. I feel really lucky...”

Doppio’s heart was pounding from all that praise. He never felt so loved like in this moment.

“And so... what do you exactly like about me? I mean, do you like me just because I’m hot?”

“I-I don’t like you just beacuse of your looks, boss! I really like being with you... at least for some hours everyday. I... I love how you treat me so well... so kindly... maybe I’m dumb for liking those things but it’s the truth... and how you do all the things you do... you’re a perfect leader... you’re so confident and intelligent... I admire you...”

Diavolo moaned in response, adding more fingers and moving them in and out.

“Ohh... I see... and... is there something you like the most about me?”

“You- your hair!!” said the boy instantly without hesitation and between moans, surprising him.

“Ahh...! Y-Yours is the most beautiful hair I have ever seen... it makes you look exotic...” Diavolo huffed, taking off his pants and opening a condom he had saved in the back pocket.

“...and your lipstick... it’s the cherry on top”

“Oh... fuck... you’re so good, Doppio...”

Diavolo finished putting on the condom down his 8 inches, and Doppio glanced at the length, a bit concerned and intimidated. His dick was so tiny in comparison. In the other hand, he was flattered the older man cared about safe sex.

“Umm... boss... it is... it’s huge... it won’t fit!”

“Don’t worry, my Doppio... I promise to be gentle, and you will love it.”

“Ohh... ohhh... I think it’s... too much for me...!!” said the boy when Diavolo pushed his member slowly, making him hold onto the bed sheets, trembling because of the filling sensation.

“Ahh... you’re so tight...”

Diavolo stopped moving so the boy could feel used to the older man’s cock, and distracted him lowering himself and placing small kisses on his cheeks, nose, and eyelids.

“You’re the most lovely thing whom I had the pleasure to have sex with, mio dolce Doppio...”  

“Oh! That’s italian? P-Please, boss! Keep talking...!! I love when you speak like that!”

Diavolo did what his assistant asked, happy to discover the boy’s special kink while moving in and out, thrusting his sweet spot.

 “Doppio...ooh, Doppio... mio bello Doppio... ti  desidero  tanto...”

  “Boss...!!” the boy closed his eyes and panted uncontrollably.

   “S  ei così adorabile  ... voi fa un lavoro fantastico... s  ei perfetto per me  ...”

“Ah-! Boss! I-It hurts! You’re going too fast!”

“I’m sorry, my dear... I just can’t help it... is it better?”

Diavolo adjusted to the perfect pace for the young boy and made him cry of pleasure, embracing his boss tighly and groaning loudly.

“Ooohh... so good, boss! So gooood...!!”

“I wanted to fuck you so much... since so long... I needed to be inside you, like you don’t imagine...” said the boss huffing between words and thrusting at a quicker pace.

“B-Boss... I... I love working for you...!!”

“I would love to know... what kind of things you dreamed to do with me... did you wish to have my huge cock deep inside you?”

“Yes, boss!”

“Did you wish for me... to rip all your clothes off and eat you up?”

“Ye...yes!!”

“Did you wish to touch me... to make me whisper you romantic things... and satisfy other kinks I don’t know?”

“Yes...!! yes...!! Ah- I’m gonna...!”

“Come with me, my sweet Doppio!” groaned the older man, grabbing the boy’s member and giving it a few pumps, just enough to finally release his seed and wet their bodies. Doppio thought about yelling “I love you” but for some reason he didn’t, he couldn’t think straight.

“Booooosssss...!!!” moaned out loudly, arching his back and rolling his eyes back.

“Ahh...Doppio...!!!”

Diavolo followed, slamming his hips for a last time and coming a lot inside the condom. He stood there for a few moments trying to recover oxygen, as well his young assistant. Then pulled out and gave the boy a sweet kiss in the forehead, before falling by his side, and giving him a tender but tired look.

“Oh, Doppio. You were fantastic... did you like it? It was like you imagined?”  

“I loved it! But, no... it wasn’t like what I figured in my mind...” Diavolo opened his eyes, almost afraid at the boy’s statement.

“...It was thousands of times better, boss... you were amazing”

“Oh... haha... well... I don’t want to sound rude, but... I’m really tired from today’s work and... I really need to sleep. Is it ok?”

“Oh. Well... it’s fine. I’m tired, too”

“Thanks for understanding... have a good night, my Doppio” said the boss kissing his cheek.

“Sleep well, boss.. Oh! But- wait!”

“What?”

“I just wanted to thank you... thank you so much for letting me be with you!”

“Aw. You’re welcome, my sweet Doppio. Thank you so much for being you...”

Diavolo instantly fell asleep, it looked like he released a good amount of retained tension. Doppio had to wait like twenty minutes to finally sleep, he was overwhelmed by everything that happened that crazy day, and couldn’t know how to organize his thoughts. What was going to do from now? His boss took away his virginity, but he didn’t say he loved him... He just kept calling him “boss”...would he get to live with a busy man like him? Oh, Doppio... now you’re feeling insecure again... but the sleepiness is winning... uhhh...

The next morning, they both had a quick breakfast and the older man took him to the office in his car, passing by a Christian Dior store and buying him a new long sleeve white shirt. No one noticed the young boy entering with the company's president, everyone was involved on their business.

[drake-the-incubus]

1-50. Your turn >:3

1. Think of the last person who said I love you, do you think they meant it?

I hope so! Hey @hero-of-bowerstone do you love me?

2. Would you date an 18-year-old at the age you are now?

I’m turning 22 and have done nothing with my life. It depends. I don’t really know many 18 year olds.

3. When’s the last time you were aggravated and happy at the same time?

Re-reading my favourite book series a couple of days ago. Menoetius please love yourself more my baby, my child. Also writing my last fic is probably sooner. Cause Xiphrus needs love.

4. Would you ever smile at a stranger?

Uh… how the fuck do people smile?

5. Is there someone mad because you’re dating/talking to the person you are?

Uh yeah. He’s blocked and hopefully will leave me the fuck alone.

6. Have you heard a song that reminds you of someone today?

Uh not really. I have tailored playlists.

7. What exactly are you wearing right now?

A t-shirt, shorts and underwear? I need to change actually but that requires a shower and I’m too lazy to get that ready :/

8. How often do you listen to music?

24/7. Unless I’m watching a video/video calling, I’m constantly listening to music. When I say I’ve listened to a song for a week straight, it’s likely the song has been looped… for a week straight.

9. Do you wear jeans or sweats more?

Sweats, jeans fucking suck and cause issues I’d rather not deal with.

10. Do you think your life will change dramatically before 2013?

I mean the year already passed but back then I was going into 7th I think? If you mean the turn of this year, yeah I fucking do look at the world.

11. Are you a social or an antisocial person?

Anti-Social. I don’t like spending time with people too much and need a lot of alone time. That being said I crave attention from friends.

12. Have you ever kissed someone whose name begins with the letter ‘A’?

I don’t know? I’ve kissed a lot of people I have forgotten bc of truth or dare. Not that I recall.

13. What about ‘R’?

See the same as above.

14. Can you drive a stick shift?

No, and legally if I drive I’m going to be arrested as my learners expires soon and I a) have no glasses, b) can’t concentrate on the road to pass a driver’s test. Also why the fuck do people drive those, it’s… so unreliable.

15. Do you care if people talk badly about you?

If they’re not telling me to my face, yeah. If you have a problem with me, bring it up to me. I don’t like people talking behind my back. That being said, nah. Talk shit about me to my face all you want I don’t give a shit.

16. Are you going out of town soon?

I’m spending the next month in another province so the answer is, already out of town. I’ll be going out of this town quite often.

17. When was the last time you cried?

A few days ago I cried over Menoetius losing his fucking shit at love and then again when Joxeia was struggling.

18. Have you ever told someone you loved them?

Plenty of times. Then it got thrown back into my face almost the same amount.

19. If you could change your eye color, would you?

Yes and no. If I could have full heterochromia with a blood red eye I’ll fucking take it. That shit’s cool and I still love it. Otherwise only to make my own centerlized-heterochromia more distinct. (Blue/Green Split)

20. Is there a boy who you would do absolutely everything for?

My boyfriend? IG. I mean fictionally a lot of boys. IRL I don’t think I could do everything for anyone. Not my style.

21. Name something you dislike about the day you’re having.

I’m hungry and I can’t finish the series I’ve been waiting on bc scanlators dont have the final two chapters.

22. Is it cute when guys kiss you on your forehead?

No. Ew. It reminds me of what parents are supposed to do. Otherwise why’re you checking my fever? What’s the point?

23. Are you dating the last person you talked to?

Uh depends on what that’s defined as. I talked out loud, verbally to my boyfriend so yeah. Otherwise, no.

24. What are you sitting on right now?

A very uncomfortable arm chair/lazy boy type thing.

25. Does anyone regularly (other than family) tell you they love you?

My boyfriend. My friends. Also bold of you to assume my family tells me they love me.

26. Have you ever wanted someone you couldn’t have?

Yes, I want a lot of people. Fictional characters are nice, man. Otherwise kinda. On and off.

27. Who was the last person you talked to before you went to bed last night?

Staff on a server.

28. Do you get a lot of colds?

Yes! It fucking sucks because I sound like I’m dying MORE now.

29. Where is the shirt you are wearing from?

RTX 2018 when I went down there. Wish I could go again.

30. Does anyone hate you?

I would think, someone does, I'm not the most likeable person in the universe. I secretly think everyone does.

31. Do you have any empty alcohol bottles hidden somewhere in your room?

I should fucking hope not. If there is my boyfriend is going to have to answer some questions.

32. Do you like watching scary movies?

That’s my favourite movie genre.

33. Do you want your tongue pierced?

Ew no. Someone else does and I hate them for it. No that shit is… no. Good on other people but I know ppl who have had it and no.

34. If you had to delete one year of your life completely, which would it be?

Um… 2016 bc that ruined my life :)

35. Did you have a dream last night?

Fuck if I know. I woke up hungry and focused on that.

36. When was the last time you told someone you loved them?

Yesterday. My boyfriend.

37. Do you think you’ll be married in 5 years?

I don’t know if I even want to be married, but given what’s going on if I’m not then my bf might cry? So I think yes if we get the finances.

38. Do you think someone has feelings for you?

Uh… my boyfriend. But otherwise? Yeah. I’m fairly aware a lot of people develop feelings for me. It kinda weirds me out bc 90% of the time it’s never romantic.

39. Do you think someone is thinking about you right now?

Uh. Statistically speaking someone probably is.

40. Did you have a good day yesterday?

Nope. I don’t really think it was a net good or bad day.

41. Think back 2 months ago; were you in a relationship?

Yeah. We’re two years in September.

42. In the next 48 hours, will you hang out with a girl?

I currently share a house with my sister in law. We just had a conversation when I reached this question actually.

43. Has anyone told you they don’t want to ever lose you?

Yes and that brings up bad memories.

44. What’s the best part about school?

I got away from my abusive parents. Got to write in class. Met some friends. Uh. Learned about many things, people who’re 13 and spent five minutes learning about, argue with me on them. I learned how to write and use none of that knowledge now.

45. Do you have any pictures on your Facebook?

I wish I didn’t, but yeah because I had to upload things for my parents. Including images of before I was out as trans.

46. Do you ever pass notes to your friends in school?

Yup. Pretty common past time.

47. Do you replay things that have happened in your head?

Obsessively. So much so I’ve caused issues. So now I keep fictional worlds going as a coping mechanism.

48. Were you single over the last summer?

Nope. Won’t be this one either,

49. Is your life anything like it was two years ago?

Hahaha. Fuck no and im glad for it. Not with my parents, not struggling with other issues, not with my ex. Shit’s baller.

50. What are you supposed to be doing right now?

Probably writing a fanfic or planning a book. Cleaning. Could use a shower. Will I do any of these? Probably not, my boyfriend jacked my PC.

[quicksiluers]

I had some free time today at work and thought I’d jot down the changes/streamlined things from the doctor sleep book to movie. Cause I obviously have nothing better to do! This probably isn’t all of them but I mean...there is a lot in the book haha. This came out so much longer then I thought so I apologize!

Obviously, spoilers ahead for the book and movie! If you have any things I missed, feel free to add on :)

From the start, Dick Hallorann is obviously dead in the movie. He pops up a few times through the movie, helping Dan at the start, again at the hotel in NJ, and then later in NH when he needs a bit of a push to help Abra. In the book, Dick is alive! For the most part, he doesn’t die like in the 1980 Shining movie. He does the same with Dan at the start, helping him with the boxes, but then we don’t see him again. We hear his voice through a patient at the hospice, urging Dan to get the baseball glove I believe. But he does die at some point in the book, I think the late 90s?

The movie cuts out allll the stuff about the True Knot just...just chilling around NYC after 9/11 happens. They also cut out Abra knowing about it, as a baby, and crying until I believe the second plane crashes? Which I mean...I’m good with that, that’s a lot to deal with.

They cut out Momo entirely. There isn’t too much focus on Abra’s family here, maybe her father most of all, but the movie’s main focus is Dan, Abra, and Rose. With no Momo, that means there isn’t the whole scenario at the end with Dan unleashing...I think it’s Momo, her soul? I wasn’t entirely clear the first time I heard it, I believe it was her cause it basically killed the True Knot. 

Speaking of the True Knot, there’s only about...7 of them I believe in the movie. There’s about 40ish at the beginning of the book, which I mean is a lot. It makes sense for them to get cut down, and again the focus in that group is mostly Rose, Crow Daddy, and Andi. Speaking of Andi, she’s aged down from the book. She’s 15 in the movie, late 20’s I think in the book? Maybe 30.

They only show Abra once or twice as a child, wherein the book we check back in with her from time to time as she’s growing up. They keep the main bit of her as a kid when at her 5th birthday party she does the spoon trick. 

When Dan gets to Frazier, he doesn’t see Tony. In the movie versions, we never see Tony as described in The Shining or Doctor Sleep. I think Tony gets two namedrop’s in the movie. 

Billy Freeman has been aged down, good ol Cliff Curtis! Love that dude. But he’s also become Dan’s main friend, wherein the book there was John Dalton (who is also in the movie for 2 scenes) and Casey (who is nowhere to be seeennn) They streamline these characters into Billy, which makes sense. There is only so much time the movie has and it’s already about...2 ½ hours long haha

John Dalton is in the movie, but he’s only in 3 scenes. The most crucial ones are when Dan tells him about the watch and when John offers him an orderly job at the hospice. He never has any scenes with Abra’s family and the movie doesn’t indicate that they know each other, wherein the book the Stone’s interact with John multiple times.  

Small thing, but the “steam” that comes from the patients of the hospice in the movie is white whereas in the movie it’s described as red. 

The time jumps are different. In the movie, these’s two. There’s one from 1980 (the year the movie The Shining came out) to 2011 when we first see Dan living….a really shitty life. And then there’s the time jump from 2011 to 2019. In the book, there’s a few since we are able to linger with these characters more. You have the one a few months after the events of the Shining book, and then early 2000s then two or three years after that and so on. That way it allows the reader to kinda see how Abra grows up and see how long Dan has been sober. 

The baseball boy scene in the book takes place when Abra is...between 8 to 10 if I remember correctly? But it isn’t until a few years later when Abra sees the boys face in one of those “missing kids” things from the papers that she starts to act on it. Where in the movie, the scene takes place when Abra is a teen and within the next few day to a week (I think...I may be wrong but it’s quick!) she’s able to find something online about him going missing and finding out who Rose is and what not. Also when Dan learns about this in the movie, he sees it saying REDRUM in the mirror when it actually says MURDER on the wall. In the book, Abra does send a message but it’s just “They are killing the baseball boy” 

When Abra and Dan meet up in the movie, Abra surprised him at tiny town and that’s the first time he figures out her name. He had left a message for her on the board and I assume that was how she kinda tracked him down. In the book, they had emailed once or twice and decided on a place to meet. Dan had known Abra’s name since she was basically unknowingly reaching out to him. 

I may be remembering this incorrectly, so correct me if I’m wrong, but Dan in the movie seemed very definitive in that he wanted Abra to keep her head down from the True Knot. For good reason of course, he reiterates if you mess with people or things like this they would never leave you “they come back.” Like the ghosts of the Overlook kept coming back for him. He doesn’t want that to happen to Abra and says to keep her head down. Now I believe in the book, he’s not as much “keep your head down” but he tells her to set up an alarm in case Rose tries to come back. But I also believe he tells her to keep it on the down-low with that group, which I mean of course Abra wouldn’t lol. But I could be wrong on that, I’ve gotta go re-listen to that part. 

In the book, we don’t see Dick Hallorann again but we hear his voice through a patient. In the movie, he actually pops back up at the hospice Dan works at! Dan almost locks him in a box, thinking he’s from the Overlook before realizing it’s Dick. It’s one of my favorite scenes because you get to see how at ease Dan is with Dick. He’s got this big smile on his face, talking about how Doris Herwin (or w/e his name is, that’s totally wrong) came back and he locked him in a box. And Dick also mentions to Dan, cause Dan is asking why he has to help Abra, that why did Dick have to help Dan and get killed for it (like in the Kubrick movie). Not in a malicious way of course, but he’s basically telling Dan he can’t run away from Abra. She needs him. 

In the book, when Rose goes into Abra’s mind, Abra turns into Daenerys from Game of Thrones. In the movie she becomes...Emerald from RWBY. When I told my brother that he got super hyped, but he’s more into that show then I am hahaha

There is nothing with the measles that Brad Trevor’s steam had in the movie. Just punted that idea right outta there. In the book, they are all slowly being effected and dying from it. In the movie, Grandpa Flick dies because they just haven’t been getting enough steam and disappears. And creepily the rest of the True Knot jump on his steam like no one’s business. 

Since Billy is taking over the John Dalton role, he’s the one who goes with Dan to Iowa to get the baseball glove from Brad Trevor. They drive, wherein the book I believe they flew. 

In the book, Rose doesn’t insist on coming along with the group of the True Knot going to get Abra. She stays back with the rest of the pack to make sure everyone is all good (or something along those lines). But with the True Knot being smaller in the movie, they are all going but Crow Daddy insists that Rose stays since Abra “tagged her”. Rose isn’t pleased with it but she allows it. 

The ambush scene is generally the same, but Dave (Abra’s father) isn’t there. It’s just Billy and Dan. And Dan goes to fire his gun but it’s empty and as he tries to reload, Andi (after a few times) makes him fall asleep for a moment. Abra wakes him up but Andi is standing over Dan, ready to kill him, when Billy shoots her twice. Before Andi dies, she tells Billy to kill himself and before Dan can stop him, Billy does just that. Abra’s father is also killed when Crow Daddy comes to get Abra. In the movie Abra didn’t go to a friend’s house, she stayed at home with her father. 

There isn’t a scene like this in the book (but they deal with it when Dan just realllly wants to drink when he’s having inner monologue) but Dan goes back to his apartment in Frazier, tries to call out for Abra and it doesn’t work. He asks for Tony’s help, but there is no answer. He’s holding a bottle of whiskey and he puts it to his lips multiple times before throwing it away. 

The scene when Abra and Dan switch places is a little different. In the book, Dan is in the back of a car that John Dalton is driving (with Dave) and they can hear Abra through Dave. In the movie, Dan (in this really awesome effect) slides across his floor as the world tilts and hits the wall and he finds Abra. They switch when they hold up their hands to each other. Dan/Abra crashes the car they are in, causing Crow Daddy to fly out and die. I believe Crow Daddy dies from a gunshot in the book?

One thing that is referenced in the movie but not elaborated on in the movie is that Dan and Abra are actually related! In the book, Lucy (Abra’s mother) is Dan’s half-sister. Lucy’s mother, at some point in time, was together with Jack Torrance for a night or so. Lucy’s mother died and never told her about her father and Momo didn’t know too much about him either. Dan is able to figure it out with some clues...and some other things, it happened a little fast for me in the book if I’m honest. But in the movie, they reference this by having Abra call Dan “Uncle Dan” even tho they aren’t related. 

This is the biggest detour from the Doctor Sleep movie and book. Because Kubrick’s The Shining didn’t burn down the Overlook Hotel, it is still standing. Whereas King’s The Shining had the hotel burn down after Jack had forgotten to dump the boiler. The final showdown between Rose, Dan, and Abra happens at the Overlook (in a sense) but in a different fashion. 

In the movie, Dan walks around the Overlook and “wakes it up” after being boarded up and left alone for almost 40 years. One of the most crucial scenes (for me anyway) in the movie happens in the Gold Room where Dan meets up with his father, Jack, but he is calling himself “Lloyd” the bartender. Mike Flanagan has said that this was the scene Stephen King wanted when allowing this portion of the movie to take place. In this scene, Dan tries to talk to his father. His “father” insists on Dan to “take his medicine” which is a glass of whiskey that has been poured for him. This is a call back to the King The Shining. By the end of this scene, Jack slaps away the glass once Dan refuses to take the drink (which Jack had done and lost himself to the hotel)

Abra and Dan face Rose on the steps of the Colorado lodge, Dan holding an ax. In the book, Abra isn’t really at this location. She is back at her home in NH and is projecting herself there. In the movie, Dan and Abra attempt to fool Rose by trapping her in one of Dan’s boxes. She is able to see through this, throws Abra from Dan’s mind, and Dan tells her to run. In the book, Dan makes a point to Abra multiple times that if things started to get rough, she had to leave. 

Rose and Dan talk, which they did in the book but it was more in Dan’s mind that Rose was messing with, and Rose follows Dan up the stairs like how Jack followed Wendy up the stairs in Kubrick Shining. Dan goes to attack Rose, hits her but she is able to take the ax, hit him in the head, lodge the ax’s blade into his thigh (hitting his femoral artery) and throws him down the steps (like the movie). In the book, Rose tries to get Dan to choke himself and she almost gets him to do it but the ghost of Jack stops her and allows time for Abra to come back. 

In the book, Abra and Dan are able to force Rose off the cliffside (is it a cliff side, I was trying to get that too...it’s a big ol ledge and a big ol fall) and she dies. In the movie, Rose is over Dan and, lodging her thumb in the wound she gave him with the ax, begins to take his steam as he cries out. She then realizes that he has boxes in his mind and Dan unleashes them on her. The ghosts of the Overlook come out and kill Rose, standing over her like the True knot had done with Brad Trevor. 

To me, because Dan is wounded badly and some of his shine has been taken, the ghosts of the Overlook com after him and take him over. He attempted to close them back in but was unable to do so (because, to me, he was vulnerable)

This is where Mike takes the ending of the Shining book, that didn’t make it into the Shining movie, and uses it. Dan is possessed by the hotel and chases after Abra, who runs around and bumps into a few ghosts before going into 237. In here, Abra confronts “Dan” and calls him a false face. “Masks off then” another reference The Shining. Abra tells “Dan” that the real Dan went to the boiler room before all of this, which would essentially blow up the hotel. “Dan” tries to attack Abra but she stops him and is able to bring the real Dan back. They talk, Abra not wanting to leave him but Dan says “he’s exactly where he’s supposed to be” and jokes that he “has to close the door behind us” The Overlook begins to take him over again and Abra runs away, leaving the hotel behind. “Dan” runs down to the boiler room and tries to turn off the boiler (like the ghosts thought they could in The Shining) but Dan is able to fight them off and take back control. With his leg bleeding out, the boiler begins to blow up and fire builds in the room. There, Dan sees Wendy (the last time he saw her he couldn’t see her at all because of the death flies) and then a younger version of Dan appears and they smile at one another. Dan dies in the hotel and Abra speaks to him in her room sometime after. She says she “knew he would be ok” and Dan apologized for putting her in danger. They talk and Dan tells her to not hide like he had told her once before. “Shine on Abra Stone. You shine on” Abra’s mother comes in at this time and we see that Dan was not there, but a ghost-like Dick Hallorann had been. Abra tells her mother that Dan and her father are ok. The last shot is Abra walking towards the bathroom where Mrs. Massey is and closes the door, mirroring what Dave had done when he locked her away at the beginning of the story. 

In the book, as many know, Dan lives! After the big battle with Rose, Dan is able to see from afar his father Jack from where Rose had fallen. They blow each other a kiss, which was something they used to do. The book then skips a few years into the future and Dan is celebrating 15 years of being sober. He tells the group of his hidden truth through the whole book, where he left a young mother and her son without money after a one night stand. It’s a heavyweight he lifts off his shoulders and he shocked to see the people of the AA group don’t become disgusted with him. Sometime later, he goes to the Stone’s home (Dave is still alive too!) and had a talk with Abra, who is having a bit of teenage drama. They talk about their family past and other things before Dan has to leave. The book ends with Dan going back to the hospice and sliding back into his role as “Doctor Sleep”

This is way too long and I put in too much detail but hey there we go! There are probably more things but the book just has SO MUCH going on (tho I do love it) and I feel like a lot had to be streamlined into 2 ½ hours, which is still a long movie! There are many things that are the same, things that are different, but I love both the same way. Mike Flanagan had a huge task and I think he succeeded. And while I know many people don’t like that the book and movie ending are different, I like that we can have both options. And hey, that’s what fanfic is for haha

[bolbianddolanhouse]

BNHA self insert AU

Nani the heck is this? read here!

Chapter 3: Itati the Suspect

I have survived 7 weeks now and I want to breakdown a little to help me cope with the stress of midterm projects and exam. Kirishima still doesn’t trust me, Bakugo addresses me by my last name now, Iida is trying to justify his past mistake still, Midoriya is pestering me about lucha libre, Todoroki is about one more ‘senpai’ away from another ass whoopin, I’m still not friends with any of the girls of 1-A and for some strange reason, Tokoyami and I are becoming friends.

-Thursday, in Stats and Strats class with Jin-

“UGH! Ita end my suffering!”

“I can’t, I’m too mentally exhausted to do anything!”

“wonder how Mimi is doing?”

*cut to Mimi in her history class*

“Ok I know Russia is an axis power BUT Putin can still eat my ass”

*cut back to Jin and I in class*

“Oof just 20 more minutes Jin”

“AaaaaHHHHHhhhhh!”

The class joins in on the groans of agony until class gets out. I pack my stuff and think about if I had the mental capacity to go through one more day of that damn hero class before the weekend. I get a text, its from Iida

[Hello Palma-san! How are you feeling? If you ever want to talk about what’s making you sad, I am here for you, ready to listen :)]

“wow Ita, that glasses boy won’t leave you alone huh?” said Jin as we walked out of the classroom.

“ugh he’s just texting me because I cried in the middle of hero class because I was so stressed and I couldn’t hold it anymore”

“oof big mood”

“yea it was so embarrassing I was almost tempted to teleport out to my car to let it out”

“I dunno Ita, kinda looks like that boy likes you”

“hahaha very funny Jin! what makes you say that?!”

“bitch you pretty! and smart,” Jin said, not joking “also he’s like right there, low key spying on us”

I turn to where Jin is pointing and there he was, hiding behind a pillar. Didn’t even try to find a better hiding spot.

“Oh hey Palma-san! and fellow student! I was just um” said Iida very nervously “I was just around”

“you were just around the Intelligence wing?” I said, pinning him to his lies “right around the time Jin and I walk to the parking lot?”  

“precisely! um now that I’m here, are you alright?”

Dammit! I got emotionally cornered, I gotta slide in my excuse and leave because I don’t want to talk about it. Before I could even start talking, Jin speaks up,

“Actually, she was going to head home and I’m going to find Mimi and do some hood rat shit” Jin said flashing me that devilish smile. He’s making me talk to him for his own amusement!

“Um yea, I was gonna go home! like, right now, excuse me Iida-san” I said to counter the whole situation “I bet you want to go home too”

“oh then lets walk home together!”

“don’t wait up! Have fun you two” Jin said portaling himself to Mimi. I hated him so much at this moment.

“Sooooo Iida-san, I assume you wanted to talk because of my random crying huh?”

“yes! I was concerned that something happened in your family or somebody said a hurtful comment about you before class and you got sad.”

“well this time is was different”

“oh? how so?”

“when I get really stressed, I cry to let out my frustration or in extreme cases, I throw up”

“stress crying? do you have alot of things to get done?”

“yea BUT once I go home and finish my paper and my portion of project I’ll done and I’ll be much happier!”

As I say that, we reach the parking lot. Then I remembered that he doesn’t know I drive and have a car! It’s been my dirty little secret I’ve kept from everyone in 1-A. Only Mimi and Jin know and they don’t care that I have one but every one else would. 

“Um Iida-san” I said softly “can you keep a secret?”

“oh course! you have my word!”

“you have to promise me” I say as I get his chopping hand between my hands “absolutely nobody should know about this! it can ruin me but I trust you to keep this for me.”

He looks at my hands holding his and how warm, soft and small mine were. He brings his other hand to the others and nods, locking in his promise. If he wasn’t so annoying, I would’ve kissed him right then and there, but not today. I take my hand away and reach for the hidden pocket in my coat and take out a set of keys on a wristlet lanyard.

“thats alot of keys” Iida said softly like I had no business having so many keys.

I then flip to my car key and point it toward the parked cars and click on the unlock button. A tan colored Jeep beeps and flashes its lights in response. Iida’s eyes widen.

“you have a car?!”

“yea I got special permission not only bring the car over from America but also get a Japan drivers license” I say as I pull out my drivers license.

“wow, what a strange and unique life you’re living” He says in amazement as he looks inside my car “your secret is safe with me!”

“I’m glad I can trust you with this” I say with a warm smile of relief.

We say our goodbyes and part ways to go home. I finish my work just in time to have 5 hours of sleep, which is the most sleep I’ll get in the school week. I prep my outfit for my civilian clothes conceal and carry midterm and sleep. I wake up feeling like lechuga, fresh and pretty. I get to school and do my thing, I feel like I passed my midterm but barely. 

-walking down the hero wing-

“I’m telling you All Might! She has incredible power that she’s undermining” said Midoriya to All Might “I don’t understand why she doesn’t want to be a hero”

“Young man I’ve heard of her and while Midnight didn’t tell me all the details, I want to meet this brave young lady” All Might exclaimed “shes a hero in her own respect!”

I’m listening to all this as I turn the corner and think great another group against my decisions that I didn’t make for myself. Oof. 

“Look thats her!” As I’m mid-sip of my coffee.

“Oh! Hello fellow American! I’m All Might, pleased to meet you”

I chug my coffee in dominance, “And I’m a hot dog wrapped in a burrito, Katya” I said to confuse the two before teleporting to class.

-inside the classroom, while the All Might and Midoriya encounter-

 “I still don’t trust her bro” said Kirishima to Denki and Sero.

“I don’t see how her being intelligence makes them untrustworthy” said Sero

“Yeah! she’s so nice and did you see her put Midoriya in a submission knot yesterday?! so powerful too!” said Denki

“Can’t you see you knuckle heads! she’s a spy to gather information about us for an outside source!” Kirishima said “why would somebody clearly powerful enough to take down the class sitting down and smart enough to gain the trust of the pro heroes, be in this school?”

“you know what, now that you mention it, she’s always with those two other kids.” said Sero “the big Russian one and the thin one with the portal quirk”

“they’re in on it too! The Russian is the guard and lookout, the thin one is the transporter, and Palma-san is the messenger and assassin.”

“Guys you’re being absurd!” Iida cut in the conversation “Palma-san is just a student here, willing to learn, like the rest of us!”

I teleport in. And I sigh that there’s still people that won’t leave me alone. I turn to walk to my desk and I see everyone staring at me, and I don’t understand why.

“um hi everyone!”

“you look so...”said Aoyama

“CUTE AND PINK!” squealed Mina as she ran up to me for a hug.

Oh right! I wasn’t wearing my uniform! I was wearing my pink pom-pom dress with pink iridescent long sleeves and jelly boots to match. I get alot of compliments as I get to my seat, Kirishima was eyeing me as I moved. I’ve gotten use to his staring, I wasn’t hiding anything. Class starts and we take our midterm, easy peasy for me!

“you can leave if you’re finished with your exam Palma-san” said Aizawa as I got to the front to turn in my exam.

“oh are you sure? Is there no lesson after or announcement?”

“well, there is an announcement but it doesn’t affect you if it’s opposed” he said while looking over my test, “come by after school to the classroom to see if it got opposed or not”

“okay, Ill do that, thank you”

I get my things and make my way to the Intelligence wing, I wonder what the announcement was? I catch a glimpse of a tall man in a yellow pantsuit, fuck its American stereotype man. I teleport before he could see me, little do I know that I was being watched and followed by Kirishima.

“what is that girl up to?” Kirishima thinks out loud, “what kind of person doesn’t want to be around All Might?! A person that doesn’t want to get caught with their facade!”

He heads back to class and I wait for Mimi and Jin to get out so we can eat and plan out the weekend. There’s going to be an Intelligence student kick back on Saturday and we need to coordinate. We eat, plan and go about the rest of our day.

“Ok I’m heading to the hero wing, see yall tomorrow”

“wait why?” said Mimi, unwrapping her hard candy.

“Because she’s meeting up with her glasses wearing Prince~” taunted Jin.

“eww no! I have to meet with sensei” I retort, though I don’t mind the idea of Iida being my boyf, he’s changed since our incident.

I part ways with Mimi and Jin to head to the classroom. I remembered yesterday’s events and how he looked at my hands, his hands were warm and his gaze was soft and-

“Well! look who’s here!” said Kirishima, breaking my train of thought.

“oh Kirishima! you startled me” I exclaimed “I was on my way to the-”

“save it, spy!”

“Spy?”

“DON’T PLAY DUMB I know why you’re here, you’re a spy sent by the highest paying villians to take down our hero school”

That couldn’t be farther from the truth.

“I don’t know what kind of movies you’ve been watching but I’m just some foreigner that barely made it in” I calmly said “if you would excuse me, I have to talk to Aizawa sensei”

“I don’t trust you, Palma-san, or your friends” he said as I walked past him.

I get to the classroom and Aizawa asked that if I’d like to participate in the Sports Festival as a competitor. I politely decline the offer as I am not interested in taking part. I then head to my car and I see Iida, waiting for me.

“So what did you say?”

“oh, I said no thank you” as I unlocked my car.

“what?! why? its such an honor that you even got the invite”

“yes I understand that but I’m more of an observer during these things, I’ll be rooting for you”

“I see, well, have a restful weekend Palma-san” he said “you look very lovely in pink.”

I tried so hard not to blush and think about that comment all evening. It’s not like he WANTS to be my boyfriend, he’s just trying to be nice because I’m struggling emotionally. Yea, thats it! It has too!

*cut to Iida talking to his brother*

“I like her Tensei but I don’t know how to tell her I want to BE MORE than friends”

“Tenya I don’t know what to tell you! I don’t have a girlfriend either” said Tensei “maybe if you just leave flowers with a note confessing she’ll get the hint?”

“Its worth a try, I can’t contain my feelings for her like this much longer,” Iida said, trying not think about her “is it wrong of me feel like I found my wife?”

“those are some strong feelings, but if you don’t speak up and treat her right, you could lose her to somebody else.”

*cut back to me getting ready for bed*

The weekend plays out so well with chores getting done in the day and partying it up saturday night until sunday morning. Like we planned, Jin portals us to a Mcdonalds then home. I get home and I’m a mess but happy that I didn’t stay in. Sunday was my rest day and I got my work done for the next day, the start of the chillest week of the semester.

-Monday, in the 1-A classroom before ethics class-

Iida is taking out a folded note with ‘Palma’ on the front in his best handwriting. Today was the day he was going to confess but was extremely nervous. He takes out the iced coffee from his bag and stands up to walk to my desk. Others notice him,

“I didn’t know you drank coffee Iida-kun” said Midoriya

“oh no, its for um, Palma-san” He said softly.

“You got her a coffee? You lost a wager too?” Todoroki said confused.

“I didn’t, I got it for her because I wanted to” he said “she deserves a treat after a very stressful week last week.”

“ok then so-” said Hagakure, snatching the note from Iida’s hand “what’s this? Looks to me a confession note.”

“Please don’t-”

“oh WOW it is! You really like her! How romantic of you to get her coffee and ask her for a coffee date in the note.” said Yaorozu.

“please don’t say anything! I want her to feel not pressured to like me back, I care about her feelings and freedom of choice.”

As he got the note back and shakily made the walk to my desk, I walk in.

“Hi everyone!” I say in high energy.

I walk over to my desk and see Iida holding the coffee.

“oh I didn’t know you drank coffee Iida-san”

“Oh yea this,” he blanked out for a moment, “yea I drink coffee all the time.” He then opened the top of the drink and chugged it right in front of me. Everyone else that knew what was supposed to happen, looked in shock and face palmed that he didn’t go for it.

“Delicious cold caffeine, my favorite!” he said after chugging the drink.

“oh cool, I learn more and more about you everyday” I say smiling, not knowing what’s going on.

“Hey you have the-” Tokoyami said turning around when I sat down.

“You know I do” I say taking out a bag of sunflower seeds, “here you go.”

“I didn’t know you and Tokoyami were like that” said Mina like she was trying to cause something.

“Ha no, I had some sunflower seeds a few days back and didn’t know he was in the tree I was sitting under and he saw the seeds and sent dark shadow to snatch a few. He really liked them and I said I would give him a bag when midterm week was over.”

“These seeds are American brand! And they come in interesting flavors” exclaimed Tokoyami, opening the bag and getting a handful.

Class started and it was chill with just some workbook problems. Iida wasn’t feeling the best, mostly because of that iced coffee. Class ends and Iida stays behind a bit to talk to me.

“Hey Palma-san! Are you going to go eat with your friends?”

“Yea probably”

“Can a join?”

“let me ask them real quick” I then go to the hallway and start singing All Star from Smash Mouth. I stopped to hear if Mimi or Jin sang back in response. Silence.

“they said no”

“How do you know they said no? Or if they even heard you?”

a portal suddenly appears.

“I heard you were talking shit about me and-” Mimi and Jin said in unison, heads poking out of the portal.

“We have a lil system in place, for yes or no’s, danger, escapes...you know the important stuff” I say as I climb in the portal.

We portal away and Iida is left standing there and thought about how the hell he’s going to confess if he blanked out just trying to set up for it. He goes to find Tokoyami since he’s the only other person in the class thats close with her.

“Tokoyami!? Are you out here?” Iida yells in the school patio.

“Yea Iida-kun? I’m in the tree with the hole” said Tokoyami perched in the tree with the bag of sunflower seeds Ita gave him in class.

“oh?! um hey question, since you’re so close with Palma-san, what do you know about her?”

“I’m not that close to her, she likes to pet dark shadow, she speaks spanish, she lives near me, ummmm she likes dark chocolate.”

“wait. You live near her?”

“yea, I saw her at the Sunday farmers market in the plaza a few weeks ago,” Tokoyami said with a mouthful of sunflower seeds “and as I was leaving, so was she and I saw her walk to some apartment complex half a block away from where I live.”

“Hmm... She didn’t see you that day?”

“Nope, she was alone and I don’t know how much she pays to live in that complex! It’s gated and heavily guarded that I was scared to be on the same side of the street!”

“that does seem a little odd” said Iida, now wanting to know more about her situation “thank you Tokoyami, sorry to disrupt your lunch hour.”

Iida walked away with more questions than answers. He remembers what Kirishima said about her and her friends being a spy group. He didn’t want to believe it was true but with her habits, systems with her friends, her avoidance of All Might and sudden appearance in the school system; it was strongly suggested that she could be running an inside job. It bothered Iida all day until after school, where he waited at her car.

“Oh Iida-san, you’re here!”

“yes um I wanted to ask you something”

“oh what is it?”

Frick, Iida thought, I don’t know if I should ask if she’s a spy or confess!

“I- I was going to ask if you wanted to study with me after school- on um FRIDAY!” Iida panicked to make up something.

“Oh sure, I have no plans after school friday.”

“Great! I was needing some help with English, Mic-sensei doesn’t make sense sometimes”

“cool, I believe that hehe, where at?” 

“would it be alright if we studied at your place?” Iida said hoping she wouldn’t pick up on an alternative motive.

“Sure, I haven’t had a guest over since I first moved here”

“Then I’d be honored to break that streak”

-Fast forward to Friday-

School lets out early due to preparations for the sports festival. Before meeting up with Iida; Ita, Mimi and Jin hatch a plan in case things get bad.

“ok review plan team!”

“Jin is going to portal himself and Mimi to inside my apartment before I go meet Glasses”

“I will send the dog emoji text to Ita to confirm that we are in the apartment and in position”

“Jin and I are going to be positioned in the extra room, ready for any signal to deploy action in civilian clothes that we sent with Ita yesterday along with food ration for the hours of confinement” 

“I will give the signal when we enter and when he leaves”

“and if everything fails and/or we get caught?”

“Jin and I will do the fake-out make-out and do a pretend fight”

“ok everything is planned out” I say as I put on my pink sunnies “time to deploy operation KEEP ITA’s STUDY SESSION SAFE, code name KISSS”

They portal out as I head to my car, unknowingly aware that Kirishima was listening to us the whole time.

“I KNEW THEY WERE UP TO SOMETHING!” Kirishima thinks out loud “I have to warn Iida that he’s in danger.”

He texts Iida

[Hey, what are you up to?]

[I am meeting with Palma-san to study]

[About that, you’re in danger.]

[What are you talking about? How is it dangerous to go study at somebody’s house?]

[I just heard her and her friends hatch a plan that involves you]

[What did you hear?]

[They said that they’re going to hide out in the apartment and wait for the signal to ambush you. They have backup plans and everything!]

[I’m not backing out on her, we are already on the way to her place]

[BE CAREFUL, text me when you leave. If you don’t I’ll assume the worst and contact the authorities]

[I’ll do that much, thank you for your concern Kirishima]

[👍]

“Who’s texting you so much?” I said as we pull into the apartment parking area.

“Oh it’s Kirishima”

“oh? That boy thinks he has everything figured out about me” I say as I turn off the car. I then I get a text, its Jin

[🐶🐕🐩]

“who’s texting you?” Iida said suspiciously.

“its Jin, he sends me the dog emoji to let me know he got home”

“oh what good friends you and those two are!”

We walk up to my apartment, Iida sees all the guards and lower rank heroes patrolling the perimeter. It rises his suspicions but he really hopes that it’s not true. I open the door and he’s hit with the smell of lavender, lilies and sage.

“I adore that scent, are those fresh flowers?”

“oh glad you noticed, they are” I say as I flip on the light “I buy my flowers from this farmers market down the street.”

“Oh? Well you have good taste, your place looks very bright and clean.”

“Thank you, may I offer you something to drink? Water? Coffee? Pressed Juice? TEA?” I said trying to tie in the signal with conversation.

“Pressed Juice please! What kind do you have?”

“This weeks blend is watermelon, cucumber and lemon.”

I give him the juice and I pray to God that nothing goes wrong. I have the strongest urge to just take off my bra because I’m home, I have to change to check on Mimi and Jin. Lucky for me, you can’t see my bedroom door or if I have an extra room so I can easy go to my room and check on them.

“Here’s your juice, feel free to get some snacks from the counter and get comfy, I’m going to change out of my uniform real quick.” 

“Oh ok I’ll just take out the materials”

I dash to my room and get nakey and slip on clean shorts and spiderman t-shirt my mom sent me recently. I teleport in the extra room to check on Jin and Mimi, they’re ok and are ready for anything. I teleport back to my room and walk out to the living room to see Iida looking at the picture of Mr. Muffins on my counter.

“Ok I’m back, what did you need re-explained again?” I say to get things started.

“Oh yea I needed help with adverbs-” he said while turning to me and caught a glance at my shirt, “I didn’t know you were a fan of Spiderman?”

“huh, oh! I’m not, its just a shirt that my mom sent me”

“So how is his hero work? Does he travel to other parts of the United States?”

I forget that pro hero culture is a real thing outside of the US.

“uh Spider Man isn’t a real hero, he’s just a comic book character” I say breaking the news as nicely as I could, “but Batman is a real thing!”

“He’s not real? Then why glorify him like he is?!”

“You could say the same about certain anime characters” I say trying not to say the forbidden word.

We get to studying and I get help with some of the hero course lessons that I slacked in. I keep worrying about Mimi and Jin but it seems like nothing is wrong, yet. 

“So I heard from Tokoyami that you speak Spanish? Is it true?”

“He told you? well duh of course I do”

“It’s just so impressive! You know english and Japanese plus Spanish?! I can barely understand english language rules” he said passionately “You truly are a rarity to behold.”

I blush really hard “oh uh thank you but really, it’s my culture that makes me this way”

He sees that I don’t want to talk about myself, he puts his hand on my hand. His heart starts racing and ,even though you can’t hear it, so does mine. Quickly somebody say something before I do something stupid like kiss him or ramble!

“I really want to know more about you so I can be your friend” he said squeezing my hand slightly “I want to be somebody you can depend on outside your program.”

I calm down a bit, phew he just wants to be my friend. I know I wasn’t ready to be in a relationship but I also absorb any and all physical affection. Iida was internally screaming because he didn’t mean to say friend, he meant to say hero. As in being her man and hero to protect her always. It was too late to fix what they said now. So Iida stayed a bit longer then headed out. I gave the flickering lights signal to say that he left and they can come out.

“Oof Ita can’t believe all this just to get friend zoned”

“press F to pay respect”

“F” we all say in unison.

Meanwhile, Iida is walking home, lamenting that he messed up his intentions. He then remembers to contact Kirishima,

[I just left her place]

[And what happened?]

[nothing, we were just studying]

[They probably were trying to get information before they attack]

[I don’t know what the truth is, but it’s inconclusive]

[You’re just saying that because you like her]

Iida stops responding, he was half right. There’s nothing they can do but just sit and wait for something to happen. One thing is still bothering them about Ita, Why is she here, alone?

-End Chapter 3-

<Previous - Next>

[purplesurveys]

1030

1. What did you do on the last nice weather day? I’m guessing ‘nice’ here universally means sunny and fair, even though that isn’t my weather of choice. But that said, yesterday I just stayed indoors and caught up on rest by binge-watching Friends, which I haven’t done in a while. I also ordered another embroidery kit online since my first kit, which I had mostly used as a trial since I’ve never done one before, has since run out of the given floss.

2. What do you love the most about your work? I work in an agency, so I’m not forced to do PR under just one company which I think would get boring for me pretty quickly. With the nature of my work, it’s fun working with many different brands/companies at one time because I get to be exposed to and learn about different industries, and I’m also challenged to come up with campaigns that would best fit the different groups that we work with which is always fun. Also, PR is a great way to keep up with the trends and always remain hip because I always know about upcoming campaigns or promos before they’re even unveiled to the public, lol.

3. What do you think about what is going on in the world today? I think wealthy people and big corporations are a crucial, if not the main, root of the world’s problems and it’s frustrating that the task of mitigating those issues is always delegated to everyone below them.

4. What is your favorite way to work out? By not doing so, hahaha.

5. What motivates you? I don’t know if anything has been lately. I’ve been taking life slowly and easily these days and I’m allowing myself to just go through the motions as I digest all these big adjustments currently going on in my life. For now I’m not putting any pressure on myself to be motivated to do anything big. I’m still a little overwhelmed with everything as it is.

...where’s #6?

7. What is something people do that drives you crazy? When people need something from you so they message you, but do unnecessary small talk before asking for a favor. The fact that they need my help does not bother me; the fact that they are only talking to me because they need something from me does not bother me. It’s the small talk that irks me. I’ll be ready to help anybody at any time and it doesn’t matter how long it’s been since we’ve spoken – but just go ahead and ask for the damn thing and don’t waste my time trying to sound like you care about what’s going on in my life.

8. What are some things on your bucket list? Go to Wrestlemania, travel with my own funds, have my own place, have kids.

9. What are some of your deal breakers in a relationship? Do I even have any? Gab dropped so many red flags in our relationship that should have been dealbreakers and my dumb, ever-forgiving ass always saw past them. I think the thing with me is that I think I have a list of dealbreakers, but when actually confronted with them I’m too afraid to speak out about it, so I just forgive and forget and eventually they just stop being dealbreakers. I have to work on that.

10. What do you never leave your house without? My top three are phone, keys, wallet. And of course, as a given – a face mask and face shield.

11. What was your most memorable vacation? Sagada and Singapore/Malaysia, since that was my first trip abroad.

12. Do you have any phobias? Needles and fire.

13. What is your favorite ethnic food? Indian, Thai, Indonesian, and Korean. 14. I love Italian/Thai etc. Would you like to go to my favorite place sometime? I love both, though I like Thai a tad bit more. And yessss, I’m always open to anyone’s recommendations so long as it’s got something to do with food.

15. What TV shows have you binged lately? I’ve been rewatching Friends again and I’m in between seasons 5–7, which I believe to be the show’s peak. Currently, I’m several episodes away from the Ross/Elizabeth storyline and Chandler’s proposal.

16. Send me a funny meme that you shared recently. I haven’t been active on social media, so I haven’t seen any new memes lately. I hate missing out.

17. What do you hate about technology? This is more nitpickiness on my end than anything else, but battery power. I hate being constantly cautious over my gadget running out of power or dying on me especially when I’m out. I often find myself wishing for technology to evolve to the point that we won’t need batteries or to charge stuff anymore, which idek if it’s even possible haha.

18. What sites do you find yourself visiting the most? YouTube, by a mile.

19. Do you have any favorite apps? Again, YouTube. I also like going through Reddit at the end of the day.

20. What is the best part of your day? Any point I don’t find myself feeling miserable.

21. What time period would you like to visit the most, if you could time travel? 70′s punk/rock scene, maybe? < Ooh, this is a good one. Also, late 90s Attitude Era-era WWF/E. And whenever Pompeii was around.

22. What scents do you really enjoy? (a certain flower, cut grass, fireplace, perfume) Bakeries, a newly-cleaned hotel room, coffee shops.

23. What is something that you are terrible at? Giving and following directions, drawing, and cooking.

24. What are some favorites on your playlist right now? Because I mentioned The Japanese House on a survey last night, I am ALL over Saw You In A Dream again. Seriously, god-tier. One of my favorites ever. Outside of that, haven’t been listening to music lately because I’m still sad; but I might find myself back on Spotify soon. As much as I haven’t been tuning into music, I do miss it.

25. What comedy movie is your favorite? Ferris Bueller’s Day Off. Also, a bit of a garbage choice but White Chicks.

26. Have you ever meditated? No. I don’t think I have the patience/required attention span for it.

27. What is your dream job? I wanted to be in PR. I currently work at an agency which is my dream for now so yay for me achieving that, but like I’ve said before it would be such a dream come true if I can come work for WWE, my dream company, in any capacity. Getting to work for their in-house PR team would be the perfect icing on the cake.

28. What comes to mind when you think of a great moment in your life? Being in a relationship, and how much I miss that feeling. Now that I’ve experienced both singlehood and having an SO, I can definitely decide that I don’t particularly enjoy being by myself.

29. What do you miss the most about college? The independence I learned to gain. My campus was such a freeing environment and it allowed me to grow so much, to wear whatever I want, to join whatever protest or rally was going on, to meet new people, to hear different perspectives from my classmates. I miss being there.

30. Whenever you text it makes me smile! ???

31. What are you planning this weekend? My weekend is nearly over, actually...for the remaining 10 hours and 20 minutes of it, I willllll probably just watch a bunch of wrestling and maybe find something to watch on Netflix just so that I have something interesting to share for the weekly check-in tomorrow with the team.

32. Who is your favorite band? Paramore, but you knew that already.

33. How do you like to spend your free time? If I manage to find a few free minutes while at work, I gobble that shit up by lying in bed and finding a video to watch. On weekends I like doing embroidery, taking surveys, maybe even find a black hole of articles to read on Wikipedia. I’m also looking forward to playing video games once I’ve finally bought the ones I’ve been eyeing to get.

34. What do you like about springtime? I don’t know. I can’t relate, we don’t have that season.

35. Is your personality similar to anyone in your family? I’m most similar with my mom, but I share traits with my dad as well.

36. How have you handled having to stay in? It was sucky at first, but after eight months you kinda get used to it and just make the most out of things you can do only at home.

37. Are you able to work at home? Yeah, we’re all on a WFH set-up right now.

38. How would your friends describe you? The most popular opinion would probably be ‘shy.’

39. Did you ever take a really big risk? Sure.

40. What do you want to be known or remembered for? Anything but negatively.