#most of the star wars stuff in the past few years hasn’t really Done It for me (plus let’s be honest most of it isn’t all that remarkable)

[iamthemaestro]

dumb ways to die: walking into a mythical pool of water of unknown depth on an abandoned planet while still wearing like 30 pounds of beskar armor

[monamourbladie-mb]

19 Years Later... (Darth Vader x reader miniseries chapter 1)

19 years have passed since Y/n’s husband Anakin’s death, and she has become the leading General of the newly founded Rebellion alongside her past Jedi friend Obi-Wan Kenobi, now known as Ben Kenobi. When her children Luke and Leia Skywalker gets kidnapped by Darth Vader, the man who killed her husband; her and Obi-Wan Kenobi must come rescue her. But when she finds out who’s behind Darth Vader’s mask, the truth is something she never thought she had to prepare herself for.

——————

Index:

1. prologue

2. chapter 1

3. chapter 2 [Coming soon]

wc: 2.3k

warnings: cursing

——————

Being the leader of the new Rebellion against the evil Galactic Empire had its perks. One of the things that was not a perk, however, was hiding one’s actual name from their people, and past.

None of Y/n’s rebels knew of her past as a former Jedi Knight that fought in the Clone Wars. Though she fought like a cunning warrior, the thought had never once crossed their minds, seeing as all the Jedi were dead.

She had raised her children Luke and Leia with Obi-Wan’s guidance to be trained as Jedi, seeing as both of them were very Force-Sensitive.

Watching Luke wield his father’s lightsaber brought such bittersweet feelings to both old Jedi Knights. Anakin was such a big part of both of their lives, that it was almost painful to see this without him there.

Anakin would be beyond proud of his son and daughter, for sure.

Y/n recalled the first time he and Leia held their lightsabers. They were both 9, the same age their Father was when he was brought him by Qui-Gon Jyn from Tattooine.

Luke had rushed up to Obi’s old trunk excitedly, admiring the strange silver object with big eyes as Leia crowded behind him, “What’s that, Uncle Obi?”

“This is your father’s lightsaber, my dear. He would’ve wanted you to have it,” Obi replied, a sad smile on his face as he held onto the hilt, activating its stellar blue glow.

“This is the weapon of a Jedi Knight. Not as clumsy or random as a blaster—“ Obi handed it to Luke and his eyes widened, waving it around gently so he didn’t break it. “—an elegant weapon for a more civilized age.”

“Is it mine?” Luke’s eyes beamed in excitement. Obi-Wan nodded, sitting down as he picked up Leia, putting her on his knee.

“For over a thousand generations, the Jedi were the guardians of peace and justice. The old republic. Before the Empire...” he trailed off, turning his head towards the window.

Y/n rushed into the room, hearing the lightsaber and fearing there was an intruder, “Obi-Wan! What’s going on, I’m—“ she ignited her brilliant (l/c) saber, holding it in a protective stance before she realized it was just Luke. She sighed heavily and disengaged her saber, attaching it back to her belt loop, “Obi, you didn’t tell me you were doing this now...” she crossed her arms.

“Mom! Obi-Wan told me this was Dad’s! Look!” he started swinging it gently, making sure it didn’t hit anyone since he knew how deadly they could be. She began to smile sadly as she remembered a young Anakin as a padawan, rushing in to show her his lightsaber he constructed the day he finally got one.

She smiled sadly, tears welling up in her eyes. “You look so much like your father, Luke,” she said sadly. Obi looked back at Luke, and for a split moment, he was reminded of the small slave his old master brought back with him. He smiled to himself remembering how he helped Anakin with his padawan braid.

“Princess, come here. I’ll let you hold my lightsaber, okay?” she handed Leia her saber gently, and she took gingerly from her hand. Leia took it and igniting it, the blade’s glow reflecting in her excited little eyes.

“Mom? How did dad die? You never answered me,” Luke asked. Y/n felt herself freeze in place, a large lump in her throat forming. “Luke, I...”

“I’ll tell them, Y/n,” Obi-Wan replied solemnly. “Your father was killed by a young Jedi named Darth Vader. He was a close friend of mine before he fell. He helped the Emperor hunt down and destroy the Jedi Knights. He betrayed and murdered your father.” The room fell silent, until Luke asked another question, “So you and Uncle Obi are the last remaining Jedi?”

Obi-Wan shook his head no, “There are others, but sparse. To name a few, Master Yoda and Ahsoka Tano, your father’s Padawan learner. The last remaining Jedi are being hunted down by Vader, which is why we hide.”

Leia spoke up softly, “Is that why we don’t use our actual last name, mommy?”

“Yes, sweetheart. As long as Vader’s reign continues, we must hide our names. Darth Vader does not know about the two of you, so you are safe. For us, on the other hand...” she trailed off, and the kids understood.

“Mom... Mom,” Leia spoke loudly. Y/n blinked in confusion and turned back around, looking at her daughter, “Yeah, my love?”

“Are you okay mom?” Leia asked, frowning. “We need to look at the Death Star plans.”

“Right,” she sighed heavily, turning to face from the window out looking Yavin 4. “I’m fine, princess. I just... was remembering Anakin, that’s all.” Leia sighed and laid her hand on her mother’s back, rubbing it gently, “Dad would be proud of everything you’ve done, mom.” She began to tear up as she pulled Leia into a tight hug, “I hope so. It’s been about 20 years and it still doesn’t feel right,” silent tears fell down her cheeks into her daughter’s bunned hair.

“I’m proud of you, Leia. If you were to be trained within the Order now, you’d be the same age your father was when he became a Jedi Knight, and when he married me...” she sniffled, wiping her tears. Leia smiled softly, holding her mom’s hand, “Do you think he’d be proud of me, too?”

“I know he would,” she rubbed her fingertips against hers, “He would pull you into the tightest hug, spin you a little and say softly, ‘That’s my baby girl,’” she replied, her voice cracking slightly. Leia began to tear up as she hugged her back, “I wish I knew him...” she said softly. “I wish so too, babe, so bad...” Y/n sighed. But I won’t let his memory be in vain. Let’s go look at these plans and destroy that Death Star, yeah?”

Leia and Y/n walked to the main board room, seeing how the map was already up on display. “General Jonas, we’ve been examining the Death Star plans. They’re on screen now,” one of her commanding officers recited. “Good, thank you, officer. Have we discovered a weak point yet? Or at least some form of entry point?”

“No, ma’am. We haven’t studied long enough. There are many ways in, but all most likely heavily guarded. We will have to find a way to go under the radar without getting detected, somehow,” he replied. She nodded, walking closer to examine it. She closed her eyes and felt out through the Force for some answer. No surprise to her, she could barely feel anything at all but an empty void. Ever since Anakin had died, she had felt more distanced from the Force than ever. Maybe she and Anakin possessed a rare Dyad, or maybe she had simply lost touch with the Force; but no matter what she did, she was nowhere near as powerful in the Force as she used to be.

“Alert me if you find anything, Officer, I would love to have this Death Star in shambles by the end of the month,” Y/n left to walk out and to ask Obi-Wan on the matter. “Yes, ma’am,” he responded, turning back to his computer to get back to work.

Elsewhere, Leia was pacing in Luke’s room, grumbling to herself, “I know Obi-Wan has taught us to not let our emotions guide us, but I can’t when it comes to him. He killed our father, he should be dead!” Leia huffed in anger, collapsing down onto her twin’s bed.

Luke grunted in response, his mouth full of food still, “It’s not like you can take him on yourself. You’d die!” he said, or at least, sounded like he said. “I will not let the lives of those lost who got us the plans in the first place’s memories die. We wouldn’t be this close to planning an attack without their sacrifices. Moreover, Mom has had these plans for two days now, and she hasn’t done a single thing about it!” Leia responded quickly. Luke shrugged, “Leia. Be real. It’s not like we can steal a ship and fly to the Death Star, find it’s a weak point, and get back in time for dinner.”

Leia sat up, looking at Luke as if he had just committed mass murder. “...What?” Luke asked warily. Leia grinned, “That’s it! We’ll do just that, Luke! We’ll take one of mom’s ships, fly around the death star undetected and find weak entry points, and get back like we were never even gone!”

“Leia, you can not be serious right now!” Luke gasped, setting his food down, “We can’t do this, we could get in so much trouble! Or spotted!”

“Do you want to sit idly while our mother and uncle do nothing, whereas our Father’s murderer is out on the lose on that moon!” Leia snapped at him. He narrowed his eyes, “That’s no moon, Leia. Also, no, I don’t! But do we have a choice? No. We’re staying here.”

“No, we’re leaving. Whether I go alone is up to you entirely, but at this point, I just want the man who killed my father dead,” Leia said, glaring at him. Luke huffed, “You think I don’t want him dead, too? But we are children, we literally can’t do anything!”

“We are 19 years old and I don’t know about you, but I don’t want to sit at home here and wait for Vader to kill more innocent people,” Leia frowned, crossing her arms. “I really need you with me, Luke. But I get it if you don’t go.” she stood up, grabbing her stuff to leave when Luke grumbled “Wait!” under his breath. “I’ll... go. Just to protect you. But this is a bad idea, and I don’t want to get caught,” he raised a brow to her. Leia grinned and hugged Luke tightly, “Thank you, thank you! You won’t regret this! But bring your lightsaber maybe, just in case?”

——————

“What do you mean, YOU LET THEM GO?” Y/n snapped to C3-PO, enraged. Threepio raised his hands in defense, “I couldn’t stop them, mistress! I tried my best, I swear!”

“You let my children go confront Vader ALONE? You’re so lucky I don’t shut you down for that!” she growled, shoving past him with Obi-Wan following close behind her. “Oh, dear. I’m doomed,” Threepio whined.

“We have to go after them, we... I can’t... I can’t lose my kids,” Y/n said nervously, starting to pace once Obi got close. “Y/n, calm down sweetheart. I need you to breathe and think,” Obi said, holding onto her shoulders gently. “If we go, we have an equal chance of being caught since they’ll already be on high alert.”

She sighed heavily, shaking her head, “I hate you for being so levelheaded and smart, Obi,” she frowned. “That’s my specialty,” he winked. “Now, we need to stop and make sure that we can pull this rescue off without risking our lives, too.”

Meanwhile, at the Death Star, Vader was summoned by his leading captain because of an alert of an enemy ship flying nearby. “Bring them in, search them. They may know General Jonas.” “Yes, My Lord.”

Vader turned to leave the bridge towards the docking bay, to meet his guests personally. As he walked, his mind was filled with visions and memories from his dream the night before. Of her.

He sighed heavily, picking up speed as he neared the docking bay. Passing a group of stormtroopers, he pushed past them to be in front, crossing his arms. The door opened, and two stormtroopers walked out holding a young girl and boy, yelling at them to let go of them.

As soon as Vader looked at the two, he felt something... strange. A certain presence in the Force he had never felt before. What is this? Why do they feel familiar?

Vader dropped his arms, walking forward and raising his hand to stop the troopers, “Who are you? And why were you near my Death Star?”

His unmerciful, robotic voice rumbled through their chests, terrifying them. In all their years, they had never seen something so cold and unforgiving. “Don’t be petrified, answer me if you want to live,” Vader challenged, staring right at the boy.

“You killed our father,” Leia’s voice was cold, sad, and broken. She knew this was a bad idea, but it was too late now. “I wanted revenge.”

“You’ll have to forgive me, my princess, but I’ve killed many men. Your father was just another tick on my list, whoever he may be.”

“You son of a—!” Luke yelled, rushing to jump at him when the stormtroopers all turned their weapons on him, making him stop. Vader growled, “Insolent children. I don’t think you know who I am, truly. I’d crush you in a heartbeat, but seeing as you could have something of use to me... take them away, both of them,” Vader commanded. The two shouted in disagreement, and Vader simply stood and watched them struggle.

“You bitch! You’ll pay for what you did to our dad!” Luke yelled as he was taken away. Vader rolled his eyes from under the mask and walked back to his quarters. He knelt on the floor, taking his mask off as he called out to his Emperor through the force.

“What do you want, Lord Vader?” Palpatine growled, looking down at Vader’s hologram. “I felt something through the Force a few moments ago. My new hostages... they seem to be strong with it.”

“Really? Are you sure, my apprentice?”

“Yes, Master. More sure than anything.”

“Well, you know what you must do. Kill them. They could be Jedi if they tried opposing you,” Palpatine smirked. “They’re only children, which means they’re newer Jedi. Someone had to have trained them.”

“Children never stopped you before, don’t let it stop you now. Do it.”

“...Yes, my Master.” Vader ended the holomessage, sighing.

“Who are you two...?” he asked himself, reaching out through the Force and feeling they were still there.

Strange.

——————

Join my taglist! @say-something-missy @sapphichorrorpictureshow @coldlilheart @anakinsprincess @darth-questionmark

[inonibird]

Sahuldeem/Kaleesh Q&A #6

Holy shit, a backlog of asks to address! Let’s DO it! (questions bold; answers italic) — I love all your Kaleesh stuff so much aaaaaa. Have you ever played Star Wars the Old Republic? Thoughts on Xalek? Thank you! I’ve never actually played it, but I’ve watched clips of Xalek interactions and he seems like a swell fellow, all [Sith] things considered. Curious if anyone’s written in-depth about him, fanfic or otherwise! More Kaleesh content, please and thank you. <3

Who’s your favorite original character from Sahuldeem? Ooooh, that’s a doozy. Hmm. Can’t pick just one. In terms of characters y’all have met so far in the story, I’d say Jindra is a personal favorite, if partially for the fact that she’s one of the most-developed. There’s another enjoyable minor Kaleesh original character who will arrive in the next part. We have quite a while before we meet my favorite original character overall, who we will not see until Part SIX of Sahuldeem (and who plays a rather important role for such a late showing). And then, yeah, okay, not an ORIGINAL character, but I think my absolute favorite character to write for is the insufferably snarky sassy smugness that is Chairman San Hill of the InterGalactic Banking Clan. God I want to punch him so badly. He’s great. Can’t wait for him to show up.

I noticed Sahuldeem hasn't dropped the name Qymaen just yet... Does he ever formally forsake it, or does it just get to the point where he doesn't have anyone to be on a first-name basis with and his forename just... fades into irrelevance? Short answer? No. Long answer? No, and also sort of yes, but not really, because it’s sad and complicated and you’ll just have to wait and see.

So, Huk is also the home planet of the Yam’rii. How did the Kaleesh even hear the word, much less come to associate it with the Yam’rii themselves, to the point it means soulless insect? Oh, boy. Yes. Exactly. It is the most ridiculous part of Kaleesh/Yam’rii “established canon” and something I almost immediately said “yeah no” to; it’s one the few flat-out changes I made for this fic. Within the universe of Sahuldeem, “Huk” is purely a Kaleesh word meaning “soulless bug” and NOT the name of the Yam’rii home planet (which I haven’t referred to by name in the story, but might as well simply be “Yam’rii”). And that’s it. Otherwise you’d have to assume that somehow Huk is a word both in Yam’rii and Kaleesh and just happens to mean what it means in Kaleesh and—yeah, no, that’s nonsensical. I don’t care. No. Bad.

Is fashioning kakmusmal from the skulls of other Kaleesh unheard of? I’m sure it’s taboo, but has anyone ever crossed that line? Way, WAY back in the day such things were done (like prehistorically speaking, before certain theological practices were finessed and upheld), but at least for the past few thousand years, yes, calling it “taboo” would be accurate. That’s not to say it HASN’T been done recently, but such a person would be considered a sociopathic monster.

Something something, Ronderu is taller than Qymaen, something something, I wonder how often Grievous thinks about how that wouldn’t be true anymore You assume Grievous thinks about such things post-crash…

Were any Force-sensitive Kaleesh discovered by the Jedi during the Bitthævrian War? Personally, I think that the relatively small number of Kaleesh that the Jedi would have encountered/exploited during the Bitthævrian War would mean that the sample size simply wouldn’t be enough to include a Force-sensitive individual, since such a thing IS pretty rare on Kalee. But that would be a heck of a fanfic. ;)

We know Shahulla was taken alive— is it possible she’s survived this long? Certainly possible. But I can confirm she’s out of the picture.

How did you go about designing your (iconic!) versions of Qymaen and Ronderu, since they differ visually slightly from the only canon images we have? I don’t think I changed them TOO much, but, uh, thank you for thinking of them as iconic! I took cues from the official Kaleesh art out there + the only art of Ronderu we have + various concept art of Qymaen, made my own lazy shortcuts when it came to costume design (since I was thinking this might end up being a comic, aka, oh-god-simplify-this-shit), and picked out some clear key colors for each of them (bluish-grey + red for Ronderu, gold/beige/brown for Qymaen). Ah, and I think I mentioned before that I was just looking to design something “different” than what we saw in concept art when it came to Qy’s hair. Still probably my favorite part about drawing him!

(oops, made myself sad)

When is Part Three coming? Haha, joke’s on YOU, no one actually asked me this!! …I’m still answering. Part Three is the hardest part to write (it was also originally the hardest part to script), and I’m STILL struggling to get past the more challenging aspects (between staging space battles and the overall more grim tone). I’ve got a schedule drafted up to see how long it will take to post what I have already written, and…though part of me is worried I’ll catch up to myself too quickly, even with a biweekly posting schedule, I also recognize that giving myself deadlines is going to help me push forward instead of wallowing in the uncertainty of some of these chapters. So, ASSUMING I can haul myself out of this rut, it’s possible I may start posting by the end of the month. And possibly no longer on Friday. Stay tuned and thanks for your patience. Hopefully it will be worth the wait~

[katiecomma]

2020 - Fic Year In Review

Tagged by the lovely @nade2308 who is always there to listen to me rant about my stories and OCs, and to help brainstorm. And sometimes just when I need a friend. Thank you m’dear! It’s so fitting that you tagged me in this since we became friends this year!

Total number of completed stories: 52

Total word count: 367,234

Fandoms written in: MacGyver (2016), Teen Wolf, Merlin, CSI, Hawaii Five-0 (2010), Stitches Universe ( @thesammykinz ‘s original universe), The Old Guard movie-verse, Leverage, MCU, Star Wars

Looking back, did you write more fic than you thought you would this year, less, or about what you’d expected? More definitely. I never guessed I’d write that many words this year. And that’s not even counting the original content I’ve been working on. So I’m pretty excited about that number actually.

What’s your own favourite story of the year: Home Isn’t Always a Place has a special place in my heart... it came out of nowhere and I loved it a lot. It’s a post-S2 MacDalton fic where Mac and Jack get away together. It’s got a bit of everything. Angst. Romance. Fluff. Smut. But I also have a special place in my heart for Learning to Fall, which was a collab I did with four other AMAZING writers ( @purplecolouredglasses @nevcolleil @orianess @frozenmemories1987 ) and it was such a great experience.

Did you take any writing risks this year: I wrote some new fandoms, which was a fun experience. I’ve been very focused on writing stuff that I know VERY well. So I tried a few new things when I felt inspired. I jumped into Leverage, and wrote something for Eliot with plans to write more. I also wrote some Old Guard one-shots.

Do you have any fanfic goals for the new year? YES! FINISH THE DAMN BASEBALL AU. But that’s been a goal for the past few years. I don’t want to rush or force myself and have it turn out badly... waiting for inspiration to come around again...

Most popular story of the year: Eyes the Colour of the Ocean by Kudos and Bookmarks - a black and white to colour AU for Hawaii Five-0... where you see black and white until you touch your soulmate for the first time and then you see colour.

My most under appreciated story, in my opinion: Ugh... what a hard question. I’m one of those people who gets one kudos and feels like a queen. I guess I would have to say the SamSteve Christmas one I posted... but I feel like that’s because it’s not the most popular ship, and the MCU is hard to get a foothold in if you’re not already a popular author... just cause it’s SUCH a big fandom. So I wasn’t really surprised when that one didn’t get a ton of attention. Missing Christmas on AO3 if you want to check it out.

Most fun story to write: I actually really had fun writing Eyes the Colour of the Ocean... cause I love doing episode rewrites but changing something, and this one was an interesting subject to tackle. But honestly that big five-way collab I did was awesome too. It was really cool fitting all the stories together and seeing exactly how they would work.

Biggest disappointment: I mean... other than the baseball AU refusing to be written AGAIN this year... Probably just unwritten stuff. I have a bunch of WIPs that just never got done... which is too bad. My brain just hasn’t been in the right place this year for certain things.

Biggest surprise: That damn MacDalton Christmas fic that came out of nowhere and wrote itself in, like, 3 or 4 days or something insane. I was waiting for the inspiration to peter off, or to hit writer’s block but i never happened. Finding Home For Christmas on AO3 if you’re interested.

Yowza! It’s been quite a year!!!

I’m curious to see what you’ve been up to friends: @thesammykinz @dont-stop-believin-in-klaine @thethistlegirl @macgyver-sheriff Everyone I tagged above! And everyone who reads this and wants to play along!!!

[maxwell-grant]

On The Shadow’s “new” backstory

Poke around any discussion of The Shadow and the movie in particular and you’re gonna find a lot of contention regarding the movie’s biggest shift from the source material, that was inventing a whole new backstory for the character where, prior to being The Shadow, he used to be a murderous warlord on Tibet who was kidnapped by monks and forced to undergo redemption and put his skills to fight evil. 

It was not a popular decision at the time, to put it mildly. It didn’t do anything to improve the film (that text crawl really shoots the entire film in the foot), it soured a lot of fan opinions on the whole thing, and yet it’s become such a fixture of every story told with the character since then, that odds are most people think this is just what he always like, that this lip-service about redemption and being a former bastard turned hero was always what the character “was about”. 

I have some complicated thoughts on it and how it’s affecte Shadow stories since then, most of whom are negative, but the thing is, I get where it’s coming from. I get why they felt the need to change his origin like that, and why it’s stuck around. 

In the pulps, The Shadow’s backstory was, to sum it up, that he was a spy who went to war, learned a lot of skills and did a lot of things, and then pivoted to fighting crime in the late thirties. That was the backstory of most 30s American pulp heroes, actually, give or take a couple of differences. And for a pulp hero, it works. But modern audiences have been taught to expect more.

The movie, in trying to repackage the character for a modern audience, in turning The Shadow into a superhero so he could survive in a 90s blockbuster landscape, needed an appropriately punchy superhero backstory. Superhero backstories tend to be, in general, all about a dramatic hook that simplifies their motivations, powerset or life stories into a one-sentence pitch. Batman lost his parents in a brutal mugging as a child and swore to stop that from happening to others. Spider-Man’s uncle died because of his irresponsibility. Ben Grimm gained superpowers from space rays like his friends, except he got turned into a deformed rock monster who can never look normal again. Bruce Banner got caught in an atomic blast that made him into an unkillable rage monster. A dramatic transgression happened, they must correct it by becoming dramatic figures themselves.

They’ve made 3 John Wick movies with little more motivation to the central character other than “they killed his dog in the first movie”. That’s not a dismissal, it’s just effective storytelling. We don’t need more motivation for John Wick, we don’t need Batman flashbacks in every film, we get a one-sentence hook for a tangible, grounded motivation that lets the characters hit the ground running. “Used to be a savage murderous warlord, now applies said savagery to killing criminals” is a simple, easily understood pitch that’s considerably more dramatic than his former backstory. It works as a superhero backstory, and you can argue it’s even somewhat thematically fitting, since “a villain who turns evil against evil” has been part of The Shadow’s concept from day one. 

So what’s the problem with it?

Well, for one, The Shadow is not a superhero. He doesn’t look like them, he doesn’t act like them, he doesn’t live in their world. They can try and turn him into one, and they have done that several times, but the character’s core traits, central appeal and identity are not only considerably older than the superhero, they run directly counter to what defines a superhero. The movie that tried turning him into a superhero was a box office and critical failure, and the Dynamite comics have largely just succeeded at keeping the character in the fringes of the public eye and nothing more. If turning The Shadow into a superhero was intended to revitalize his success to modern audiences, it clearly hasn’t worked in over two decades, despite superheroes being more popular than ever before. It’s kept him on little more than life support.

And two, one of the very problems of trying to turn The Shadow into a superhero, and give him an ultra-dramatic superhero backstory pitch, is because it runs counter to a cornerstone of The Shadow’s appeal: the mystery. Superheroes have to pull double duty in being both the impressive, great warriors and forces of change within a story, as well as being our relatable, POV protagonist whose struggles we relate to. The Shadow, in the pulps, split that balance, between himself, and the agents and protagonists of any given Shadow story. @oldschoolcrimefighters  has brilliant writings on The Shadow and his agents that inspired me to do this blog in the first place and you should all read, and I’m going to quote this one in particular: 

“..modern storytelling focuses more on characterization rather than plot. I think a lot of creators come at The Shadow with that in mind, and with a mindset built on other comics and properties: the titular character is the one to focus on. And the radio show, movie(s), and comics – the most readily available mediums for research – don’t do much to disabuse them of this idea.

So creators shine the spotlight on The Shadow. They try to humanize him, make him into someone we the readers will empathize with and relate to and root for and all that jazz. They give him motivations and backstories and banter, a token romantic interest (Margo) and sometimes sidekick (usually Moe) to bounce exposition off of and provide comic relief. 

The Shadow doesn’t take kindly to spotlights. And even if he did, let’s be real, he’s not the most relatable dude. He’s a power fantasy. (And there’s nothing wrong with that.)

Whether or not he should be humanized at all is a touchy subject – I personally think the pulps portray him as a far more empathetic, fallible, playful being than people give them credit for. The thing is, when the pulps humanize him, it’s in a particular context. It’s in his relationships with other characters – especially the supporting cast – that his humanity shines.”

And that brings to the third problem: The Shadow doesn’t need a backstory that takes up so much screentime and focus. It has never factored into what made the character popular in his prime. In the pulps, we jumped right into his presence in the lives of others and his adventures, with only very sparse information about his past delivered every couple dozen books or so. It took over 131 novels for the name “Kent Allard” to even show up with a “proper” backstory, and even then, it consisted of little more than stuff we’d already been told prior about him (he was in the war, he used to be a spy, he traveled around the world with false names). And after a couple dozen stories, Kent Allard appeared less and less, about as often as the fake identity of Henry Arnaud, to the point the final Gibson stories omit him all together and even point to Lamont Cranston as the “true” identity of The Shadow. Kent Allard was just a name he went by a few times, and nothing more.

The most popular version of the character by far, the radio show, didn’t even have that. We knew nothing about the radio Shadow’s backstory other than some of his travels in the past he’d mention on certain episodes and what the opening narration told you. He was our POV protagonist in those episodes far more so in the pulps, and yet, clearly they must have been doing something right, if audiences never once missed the fact that they knew next to nothing about who he used to be before.

The very reason The Shadow became a character in the first place was because of popularity. It was because listeners tuning in to Detective Story Hour found themselves faced with the sibilant, cruel, snake-like whispery taunts of a narrator who talked and acted like no one they had heard announce other radio shows, who was easily the most interesting part of the shows he announced, and whose voice and personality held them in such fascination, even when he was literally nothing but a voice and a personality, that they started demanding to hear more of him, asking for stories starring this dark prince of radio that lived so vividly in their brains, that they didn’t notice, or care, that such stories about him didn’t exist yet. 

And when he was turned into a crimefighting character, his backstory was built in a way that allowed Gibson and any future writers to play around with and insert events and adventures as they saw fit. His adventures with the Tsar in Russia, his travels to India, Africa, Tibet, his war experiences, unrecorded adventures with allies and agents and villains of any kind, his post-war travels as Kent Allard, whatever happened in the years between his crash in the Yucatan and his arrival in America. Hell, if you want to have a period where he really loses it and does immoral things he isn’t proud of, there’s any number of periods you can insert mistakes and bad decisions that would define his actions years down the lane. It was a sandbox of any possibilities, grounded to a strong character who we could follow into any adventure because we’d be interested in learning more about him. 

A good backstory helps, and The Shadow’s motivation was grounded to it, but it was never a necessary component to his popularity. It was never something that needed much focus beyond the sparse information. When handled poorly, a backstory only really threatens to taint that appeal, and that’s what happened.

The “hook” that got audiences to pay attention to The Shadow was his sinister personality and charismatic cruelty. That was what they came for. What got them to stay, and read the stories and form lifelong devotions to the character and his adventures, was discovering that this personality belonged to a character who was, utterly, on the side of good, who used his skills and powers of great villainy to protect innocents, to help and uplift people just like the readers and listeners. That dual nature was a big part of why The Shadow was so enduring and popular in his prime, part of what set him apart from all of his contemporaries and imitators. 

It’s hardly much of a contrast, hardly much of a fascinating and layered character that we want to learn about or spend time with, if he was just always a horrible villain who is only marginally less horrible now, is it? A Shadow who used to be every bit the horrible villain he looks and acts like isn’t really that interesting, it’s just what you’d expect from him at first glance. What’s the point of caring about a man trying to regain his humanity, if we never get to see much of that humanity in the first place? What’s the point of even going into his past if we know all about it?

What’s the point of taking this backstory that was all about open possibilities for storytellers, all about covering the intricate life of a complex and strong character, to reduce it into a quick, punchy one-sentence summation that simply sets down a baseline for all future stories to repeat ad nauseum?

It’s not that I don’t think you can tell stories about The Shadow’s backstory, quite the opposite. It’s not that I don’t think the character having a strong “hook” for audiences is unneccessary (he already has). And it’s not that I don’t think he needs a motivation (he already has). But I have to ask:

What’s the point of shining a spotlight on a shadow, if not to eliminate it?

[monaisme]

One Week Later - Chapter Four

This is the sequel to my one-shot, “The Battle”

Going through a magical portal was definitely one way to distract from the nerves borne of having to step back into one’s life five years later and all the chaos that came with it.

The portal didn’t seem like a big deal after the fact, especially after spending the last days watching the successful use of them as those remaining in Wakanda were reunited with family and friends. It didn’t stop Peter’s brain from wondering for a quick second how Wong’s magic worked—if he was really just stepping through or if there was more to it?—Like the transporters in Star Trek. Maybe that ring he’d been wearing contained technology that manipulated the particulate in the atmosphere and—

His train of thought derailed as Mr. Stark finally came through the portal and the circle shrunk and fizzled away into nothing.

“Well,” he announced as he glanced back at the vanished means of entry, “That wasn’t my flashiest entrance, but it’ll do.”

Mrs. Stark rolled her eyes and stepped up to give him a kiss. “Yes, dear, whatever you say.” She teased as she caressed his cheek. “That exit, though...” She gave her husband a playful wink and then patted his face. “The Divine Miss M would be proud.”

Mr. Stark smirked, “Yeah, Wong will definitely pay for that later.” He grabbed her by the waist and pulled her closer then planted a soft kiss on her lips. He mumbled, “I’m so glad we’re home.”

Peter had watched as they did their flirting thing, but mention of home had him looking away pretty quick. He fought to tamp down his discomfort.

Five years ago, Mr. Stark had been freshly engaged and behaving exactly how Mr. Stark was expected to behave, all snark and sarcasm with the occasional emotional outburst.

And Mrs. Stark was, well—she was Pepper Potts, but not just Pepper Potts. She was Ms. Potts; CEO to Stark Industries, #1 on the Forbes list of “100 Most Powerful Women” in 2017, and MJ had just told him—he sighed as he mentally corrected himself, MJ had told him five years ago that she was creeping up on Oprah and Beyonce in terms of net worth. He’d met her a few times when she’d stop by the lab to make sure Mr. Stark was drinking more than just coffee and consuming actual food—not just the mystery smoothies Dum-E would make for him on occasion. She’d been intimidating, but always polite and kind and left the lab with a smile for Peter and a peck on the cheek for Mr. Stark.

And while he’d been stuck in that stone? Mr. Stark and Ms. Potts had gotten married, built a home... moved on, and here he was— Peter was getting tired again just thinking of it.

Five years later was weird.

Peter scuffed his toe against the floor, unintentionally drawing attention to himself.

Mr. Stark straightened the two of them up and turned to him immediately, making sure to grab his wife’s hand. “Yeah.” It was Mr. Stark’s turn to blush. “Sorry about that. I guess we’re all a little relieved to be back, right? We can finally get back to normal?”

Peter chuckled quietly and shrugged as he refused to look up at the pair. “I guess?” He replied, but in his head, he knew better.

“Well,” The pair moved closer to him and Mr. Stark put a supportive arm around his shoulder. “I’m not even going to ask what you want to do, kid.” Mr. Stark stated as he turned Peter around and started walking him through the living room of the penthouse, “but before we figure out when you can see May, I need to know if an in person visit is even in the cards for today. I’ll just pop down to the med bay and have a quick chat with the doctor and—“

Peter didn’t think before he stopped moving and the words fell out of his mouth, all desperate and pleading. “Can’t I just come with you?” Mr. Stark was opening his mouth to say no, Peter was sure of it, so he kept going, “I don’t even need to talk to her! I’ll stay back and out of the way and everything. Please? I just want to see her.”

Mr. Stark couldn’t hide the sadness in his eyes. “Pete, I don’t think that’s a good idea.”

But Peter was determined. “But it’s May, Mr. Stark!” He begged. “And you can’t tell me she hasn’t missed me, I mean, it’s been five years for her and I know she’d want to see me—“

“Kid, that has nothing to do with it. I promise. You know what your aunt is like.” Mr. Stark seemed to hunt for his next words, “She’s a beast in the best possible way—but now? She’s not, and the last thing she’d want is for you to see her... less than one hundred percent because then she’ll get upset that you’re worrying about her and then you’ll end up getting upset and none of us want that either, do we?”

Peter tried to keep the disappointment out of his voice. “No. I get it, that’s cool. Just...” He trailed off before he said something stupid. He understood. He’d heard the doctor only a couple of hours earlier and he knew he couldn’t just go running into the med bay to throw himself at Aunt May. Stuff was going on and he wasn’t going to get in the way of it.

“Let’s give her chance to put on her game face, okay?”

“Okay.” Peter couldn’t have sounded more glum if he’d tried. He hated this.

“Hey, kid,” Mr. Stark pulled him into an awkward side hug as they all started walking again. “I promise you, we’ll get this sorted, but here’s what we’re gonna do. First, we’re gonna get you set up in your room,” they turned down into a hallway beyond the living room, “so you can take a nice, long shower—wash off all of those teenager cooties you’ve been sporting.” Mr Stark ruffled Peter’s hair as he attempted to lighten the mood. “Then, by the time you’re done, I’ll be back with all the information we need so we can make a plan, alright?”  

Peter nodded even though he wanted nothing more than to disagree with everything Mr. Stark was suggesting and make a break for the med bay. This wasn’t how things were supposed to be. Five years ago, he was supposed to help get the gauntlet and then come home and train with the Avengers after May grounded him forever... and now, even his freaking homecoming was wrong. He wasn’t sure how he was supposed to deal with all of this.  

Mr. Stark steered him through a doorway and stopped. “So, kid. Tell me what you’re thinking.”

Peter blinked, confused. “Um, what—?“

“You’re room, buddy, what do you think?” Mr. Stark gestured into the room they were now standing in. “We tried to make it exactly like your old one... got FRIDAY to...”

Peter tuned Mr. Stark out as he stepped further into what was definitely a space meant for him. Now that he was paying attention, it took a second to know that he was in the exact same room Mr. Stark had put aside for his use before half of the universe disa—

It was like a needle scratching across a record in his brain. NO.

He needed to change the thoughts in his brain—wished it was as easy to do for himself as it was for the schematics laying about the lab... a swipe of the hand and BOOM, a fresh start—the lab he hadn’t been in for five years because he was trapped in a stone.

NO. He scolded himself again and clenched his fists tight; thrust them into the pockets of his sweatpants as he tried to reframe it. He needed to make it something else before Mr. Stark ended up looking at him that pitying way again. 

Okay.

It was the same room Mr. Stark had put aside for his use on those nights when they’d goof around with Mr. Stark’s tech until stupid late and then the two of them would fight over whether 80s horror movies were the superior movie genre when anyone with real taste knew that Star Wars and all things sci-fi was where it was at.

Yeah, that was better. He could do this.

He tried to relax his shoulders as he took in some of the details.

Peter was grateful that the room itself smelled as fresh and clean as the last time he’d been in it. The laundry detergent used to wash his bedding was even the same. His posters were on the walls and his books were back on the tiny bookshelf by the desk set up next to the wide expanse of window. The pens, papers, books, and even an unfinished lego project he’d left upon it during his last weekend were sitting in a box, waiting to be unpacked.

It was almost exactly where it was all supposed to be.

Almost.

And then—

Peter remembered an April Fool’s Day when he and Ned had been little. It had fallen on a Saturday, which of course meant a sleepover for the two new friends and, while May and Ben slept on, the boys had decided to be as diabolical as six year olds could be. It had taken all of three minutes, for all of the giggles and impromptu pillow fight, but they’d switched all of the red throw cushions from the couch with the brown throw cushions from the two armchairs in the living room. The cutlery tray in the kitchen was given the same treatment before Peter and Ned were satisfied with their first ever attempt at foolery.  

It was insanity, and May and Ben were absolutely baffled at how something so strange could have happened while they slept!

Peter smiled sadly at the memory as he realized this was that moment, except it wasn’t a goofy prank by two silly kids. It was like everything in the room was six inches to the left and Peter was supposed to be confused that something wasn’t quite right—

Nothing was right.

He wondered if this would be the thing that pushed him over the edge.

“Pete?” Mr. Stark asked again, softer this time and laced with an undertone of concern.

He closed his eyes for a moment then pasted a smile on his face. “It’s great, Mr. Stark.” He turned to face him, hoped he’d buy the ruse. “You wouldn’t know that anything was different except that my desk is finally tidy.”

Mr. Stark chuckled, “Look, kid, I know it’s not quite ri—“

“No! It’s absolutely fine!” Peter couldn’t allow him to acknowledge the imperfection of it or he’d lose it. “I hadn’t even thought about... this. It’s just like I left it,” he lied.

Mr. Stark wasn’t convinced. Peter could see it on his face. “Peter? Tell me what’s going on in your head. I can see that something is—“

“No.” Yup. He really needed to not be talking about it, “Everything’s great... this is great, Mr. Stark, thanks so much for doing this for me.” Peter then looked behind him to Mrs. Stark still standing in the hallway. “And you, too, Mrs. Stark. I’ll try really hard to not be irritating while I’m here.” He kept that same fake grin going, hoped for the best.

And then Peter put an arm around Mr. Stark and ushered him toward the door.

Mr. Stark pushed back a little, making his desire to stay obvious. “Pete? What are you doing?”

“Just what you asked, Mr. Stark. I’m gonna jump in a shower now and get ready for the day.” He’d gotten Mr. Stark one step into the hallway when the man pulled free of Peter’s unintentional restraint, turned around and braced himself in the door frame.

“Peter, stop.” He tried to catch Peter’s eye. “What’s going on?”

The question stopped Peter cold in his tracks. He was absolutely not prepared to answer the question. “What do you mean? I just said—“ He glanced over his shoulder back into the room. “Everything’s great.”

“Yeah, Pete, I hear you. You keep saying it. It’s great, but that’s not what I’m picking up here.” His voice held nothing but concern and he stepped closer to Peter. “Do you want to try again?”

And his plan had failed in all of one minute.

Dammit.

An unexpected anger flared, “No, I really don’t.” He hadn’t yelled, but he was a near thing. “Can I please just take a shower now?” He tugged at the sweatshirt that wasn’t his, stalked toward the dresser he’d yet to inspect and pulled open the drawer that thankfully held his t-shirts. He’d hoped it would be enough of a cue that Mr. Stark needed to leave, but that was apparently too much to ask.

“Peter, c’mon. I need to know what’s going on in that genius brain of yours. Do you want to talk? Do we need to change something about the room?”

“NO! It’s already changed enough!” Peter snapped. He grabbed his favourite shirt and slammed the drawer shut with enough force that the dresser hit the wall behind it with a crash. 

Mrs. Stark gasped at the outburst, bringing Peter back to himself.

He froze where he stood, his ears flushed with embarrassment at the loss of control-- being caught out. “Shit. I’m so sorry,” he whispered.

Mr. Stark stood silent as he waited for Peter to settle down, Mrs. Stark coming to stand beside her husband as the tension hung thick in the air.

And never before had he wanted Mr. Stark to leave him alone so badly.

“I think I need... can I just have a minute, please?” He whispered and fidgeted with the shirt in his hands.

“Peter, I don’t think we should--” his words cut off.

Mrs. Stark put a hand on Mr. Stark’s arm, effectively stopping him in his tracks. “Tony, wait a minute.” She gave Mr. Stark a ‘look,’ “It’s been a long week, and an especially difficult day for Peter. You go check in at the med bay while I check in with the others and give him a chance to catch his breath.” She addressed Peter next. “Does that sound like a good idea?”

Mr. Stark opened his mouth to protest, “But—”

Mrs. Stark didn’t bother to hide her glare. “I’m sorry. Did I pose that as a question?”

Even Peter knew from that tone that CEO Ms. Potts—um, Mrs. Stark was coming out to play, so he wasn’t surprised when Mr. Stark grumbled out a petulant ‘no.’

“Good.” She turned to Peter next, spoke kindly. “You take all the time you need, honey. I can’t imagine we’ll be longer than a half hour, but if you need more time than that, then you take it. We’ll meet up in the living room when we all finish. Does that sound good to you?”

Peter nodded a ‘yes,’ though he still refused to look at either of them.

She smiled, like the last minutes of Peter’s tantrum hadn’t happened, then continued. “Perfect. We’ll get out of your hair.”

She made to steer Mr. Stark out of the room, but he again stopped and turned to address his mentee. “Hey—“

But Peter refused to look at the man.

Mr. Stark tried again, “Hey, buddy. Listen to me. No one is mad. Okay?” He seemed to grapple with finding the right words for a second and then went on. “We all know this is messed up and no is going to blame you for not knowing how to react—but you have to talk to us okay?”

Peter couldn’t bring himself to respond.

Mr. Stark sighed, seemingly giving up on the moment. Peter glanced up, thinking he’d watch them walking out the door, but blinked in surprise at Mr. Stark waiting patiently for him to look up.

“If you need anything... if you need me, you let FRIDAY know and she’ll get me. Understood?”

Peter did nod at that, but kept quiet.

Mr. Stark sniffed and then cleared his throat. “Good. Go take your shower, sweetheart. We’ll see you in the living room when you’re done.” Peter thought he’d reach out to hug him, but he held himself back and Peter wasn’t sure how he felt about that. Instead, Mr. Stark grasped Mrs. Stark’s hand, gave Peter a wink and a nod, and the two of them left.

He waited a few seconds, listened for the concerned voices talking about giving him time to die away in the hall and then sighed in relief.

Finally.

Peter was alone for the first time since, well, he guessed five years ago. 

He stopped the thoughts again. It was too much, and he had thirty minutes to pull himself together, so that’s what he was going to do.

* * * * * *

Peter took a couple of minutes to be still and hoped it would be enough to get through whatever came next.

It wasn’t.

He did the breathing exercises MJ had taught the decathlon team before that huge meet against Bronx School of Science.

Maybe that took the edge of a little?

Finally, Peter gave up, realizing that it wasn’t going to matter what he did, at least for now. He just needed to get up and move.

And so he did.

He grabbed the rest of his clothes from the dresser, consciously ignoring the drywall dust on the floor behind it, and stepped into the ensuite.

FRIDAY had already started the shower knowing that Peter’s preferences wouldn’t have changed, so he stripped and stepped under the hot spray. He closed his eyes and counted his breathing again, but now that he’d moved from the quiet of his room, the urgency to get done and get to the living room started pressing on him.

He could do this. Whatever the world had in store for him, he’d manage. He’d done the whole starting over thing before, after all and hiding from it wasn’t going to change anything.

He wiped the water away from his face and grabbed the bottle of shampoo from the shelf, smiling to himself as he recognized the brand and scent on the label. He wanted to be quick, but he sound of the water beating against the ceramic tile and the soothing fragranced steam relaxed him more than he’d anticipated.

Maybe he’d be alright?

After a few more minutes of luxuriating in the heat, Peter finished washing up and stepped out to dry himself off, not bothering to do anything special with his curls. He slipped on his boxers then his jeans, keeping the towel around his neck so his hair wouldn’t drip everywhere. He finished off with one last vigorous scrub and tossed the towel into the hamper behind the door. He grabbed his shirt and pulled it over his head, took a deep breath to center himself and caught a whiff of it...

He wondered how quickly Happy had been able to pull his stuff out of storage and how many times his clothing had been washed and washed and washed... all to try and get rid of that musty, unused smell that clings to old, discarded clothing. Except that the clothes hadn’t been outgrown or discarded—and below the layers of wash after wash he could still tell with his stupid enhanced senses that all that Peter was before was that stink of age and neglect.

An unnatural calm settled upon him as he pulled the shirt down from his face and left the bathroom.

He grabbed forgotten socks from another dresser drawer and sat himself on the bed to get them on.

He realized he’d get no reprieve from all of the reminders, and wondered why he wasn’t more upset.

It didn’t matter, though.

He looked at the clock on his bedside table. He’d already taken forty minutes and needed to get out to the living room. Mr. and Mrs. Stark were waiting—

And Peter figured that after five years, they’d waited long enough.

[brokenjardaantech]

Blue-tinted Red Walls (Epilogue: After)

my entry for the @dbhau-bigbang. also part of the groom lake aftermath series.

also on ao3

note: this is part two of a double update. chapter 11, which comes before the epilogue, is here.

this is the last chapter of this fic. many thanks to all who stayed with me to this point. the sequels will be out in the future, so stay tuned for updates.

---

‘Ellen, I don’t know if I’m still alive when you wake up, but I… I’ll most likely be dead. Probably. I’m sorry for that.

‘I know you’ll also probably hate me for turning into this without your permission but… it’s done. You’ll need it later. The Church is yours now. We can’t let our daughter hide the fate of humanity. I… I’m… ashamed… to admit that we’re losing, but if I’m correct on what she’s going to do, we might… we might just be able to turn the tide. Humanity has lived in the dark long enough, and we can need some guiding light from the stars.

‘As for our son… He went with the android. The two of them aren’t important in the grand scheme of things, but if you want to contact them… do it with Safaa only. I still don’t know where that android stands.

‘Please, keep the Church alive. Don’t let the world remain in the darkness imposed by our daughter. This can be the chance for humanity to advance beyond our understanding, and we can’t let it get away.

‘I love you.’

The message ends. The screen of the tablet goes dark. The figure holding it in the darkness of the room squeezes the glass until it breaks underneath their finger. 

They haul the broken device towards the wall with a crackle of blue and watch it shatter into a thousand pieces. Shades of blue pulse within their chassis, the light visible only due to the dim surroundings and the sheer power contained between pieces of metal, outlining the face of a woman who should have died 10 years ago.

Ellen Ryder.

oOoOo

In President Warren’s office, a phone rings. She looks at the officer assigned to her as security as if waiting for him to check for any taps or bugs, but instead of performing his duty - which he has done faithfully for the better part of the day - he unholsters his gun and points it towards her.

‘What are you doing?’ there is a hint of panic at the edge of her voice, but she doesn’t move from her seat at her desk. Unbeknownst to her, the guards in the White House rotate their shift before the designated time, replacing normal army personnel with someone else, and the entire security system has been deactivated subsequently.

‘I suggest you take the call, ma’am,’ the officer - or whoever he is - says, his voice laced with the static of his helmet’s speaker. ‘For both your own sake and the nation’s.’

She does, picking up the receiving and raising it slowly to her ear without taking her eyes off the man holding her at gunpoint. ‘Yes?’

‘Remember me, Warren?’ A man’s voice, one that no one is familiar with yet. ‘Doesn’t matter. I do believe you have been keeping an eye on the status of Detroit, haven’t you?’

A frown. ‘Who are you?’

‘A messenger, if you wish. I’m here to offer a deal.’

‘Who are you?’ the President repeats. Then, more to the man in the room, ‘You are committing treason and can be charged -’

‘Not if the world chokes to death before the trail can be held,’ the man on the other side of the call says nonchalantly. ‘Are you familiar with the Scrubber Project, Madam President? It’s the most appropriately-named large-scale project I’ve ever seen. Six inhabited continents, six gigantic structures floating in the sky, all of them working together to form the last line of defence against humanity’s doom. Go look it up. I’ll wait.’ She turns on her terminal and quickly requests the related documents. As if knowing that she has got the information in her hands, the man continues, ‘Here comes the deal,’ a sigh, a shift of weight, a smack of skin against skin, a whine from another voice quickly suppressed as if it is muffled. The President swallows. ‘I don’t know if you’ve been paying attention to the reports the military has been sending you these past few months or even the past few hours, but there’s no way you can win a war against androids, really. Humans may outnumber androids, but American androids… let’s say the very material that makes them this advanced also makes them the perfect weapons. You should watch the recording again; it’s quite impressive, really, all the ripping and floating and blue sparks.’

Warren steels her expression and voice. ‘Get to the point.’

‘Fine, fine,’ another huff. ‘Of course, you’re the president and I’m just a messenger so I can’t exactly stop you from going to war if you’re dead set on it, but if the casualty that will bring isn’t enough to stall you… we might just turn off a scrubber or two. You know, because not that androids will need clean air when they’re done with killing humans anyway, and operating one of those is expensive as fuck.’

The last word doesn’t seem to be intentional even though it fits the sentence. The sound from the other side is muffled as if someone has put their hands on the mic, but one can faintly make out words like ‘brat’ and ‘begging’ and ‘important call’. They are followed by the rumble of something falling onto the ground, but then the reception clears up again. ‘So, what do you think, Madam President? Giving the androids the freedom they deserve at our pace in exchange for humanity’s survival. It sounds like a nice deal to me.’

‘I will have to go through -’

‘We’ll have someone on your end to help you, of course. Don’t worry about the legal stuff. Hear that?’ A pause followed by a crackle of static laced with screams and yelling. ‘That’s the sound of your friends in CyberLife dying and losing their power. And save your tongue, there is no need to argue. We have a puppet ready in case we have to pop your head.’

Warren looks at the man holding her captive again, finally realising that his arm hasn’t moved at all even though he must have been holding up the gun for the past few minutes, and she watches as he takes off his helmet just to reveal an ever-shifting face that, after a few seconds of flickering skin and shifting particles, it becomes the same as the President’s very own image.

‘So yeah,’ the man on the other side continues while not-Warren bores their eyes into her. ‘No one will know and no one will miss you. A human’s mind is surprisingly easy to emulate, been there, done that. I sure as fuck don’t know how it works, but… it works.’

‘Lame, Councilor,’ not-Warren’s voice warps and twists and jumps between the octaves when they speak as if they can’t settle down on one single tone. ‘They shouldn’t have let you talk.’

‘Yeah, yeah, I wasn’t exactly brought onto the plan as a scientist, but you get what I mean, right, Madam President?’

The plastic of the receiver creaks in her grip.

‘I’ll give you five minutes,’ the playfulness in the man’s voice is gone. ‘Should be enough to make the logical choice. If you think you can stall us… you will be reduced to fundamental particles so fast that it won’t even be satisfying.’

[shadowsong26fic]

Coming Attractions!

Yes, I know it’s Friday, not Monday. <.< ANYWAY.

Before we get started, plugging my Discord server (which is p. quiet lately but it’s there if you want to talk somewhere other than here!); and also we’ll do another Open Question Night because Why Not!

As I said last month, while my askbox is always open, tonight I’ll be actively around to answer questions--about writing in general, anything I’ve posted about here on tumblr; anything on my AO3...let me know what’s on your mind!

Star Wars:

SWBB:

Take a Bond of Fate is officially up! (Previously referred to as just SWBB 2021 or the Dragonshifters AU because I literally titled it less than twelve hours before posting <.<) Well, the first 20k are up, anyway. I will be updating throughout the month and the fic will be complete by the end of the month, per the event rules. (I originally planned to do updates on Tuesdays and Fridays; tonight’s update will be delayed and who knows how well I’ll actually stick to it after tonight but it Will be posted in full by the end of May, I can say that much for sure XD)

As always, I think there are a few things I could’ve handled better/that feel a little rushed, but I think it turned out pretty good! There are some upcoming scenes I’m particularly fond of, but we’ll see if everyone else agrees. The core of this actually ended up being Bo and Padme? Which I was not expecting--I was expecting it to lean hard on the Bo and Anakin parallels, but here we are.

Anyway, there’s some fun bits to come!

Precipice:

No solid update ATM. Uh. Various Life things got bonkers over the past month or two, so TaBoF took pretty much all of my fic brain. However, since that project is essentially finished other than finalizing/polishing each update chunk as I post, I should be able to turn my attention here this month. Which means, fingers crossed, we’ll have a start date sometime in June for Protectors. I’ll post the first Preludes segment at the same time; it will involve Kallus, Lavinia, and Mara Jade, set just before Kallus is reassigned to Lothal.

(Others that I have planned will involve: 1) some combination of Kanan, Ezra, Hondo, Obi-Wan, Ahsoka, and Anakin; 2) Hera and whoever her contact is in this AU, as Ahsoka is otherwise occupied; 3) Whatever Maul is up to in this timeline; 4) Something to do with Palpatine’s fifth apprentice; and two more I haven’t decided on. I am taking suggestions! The purpose of Preludes is to patch some holes now that I’ve decided to write Rebels into the canon, which was not part of my original plan as I hadn’t yet seen it when I started planning/posting this AU. So these are more plot-relevant than the things that turn up in Bonus Content, which is why they’re in a separate fic, but not really enough to make a full arc between Milestones and Escalation, so, there it is.)

our faces like a mirror:

I’m now leaning towards sitting on this and using it for next year’s Big Bang? Because then maybe I’ll finally finish it, lol...anyway, I’m also going to see how people respond to stuff in TaBoF, because that will either Boost my enthusiasm for the project or, uh, the opposite, depending on how people respond to how I write Bo-Katan. So that may change, and I may finally get it out this year instead of next. We’ll see how that goes XD

Other SW Projects:

One of the SW discords I’m on has revived a prompt game we did last summer. I pulled my first prompt but haven’t actually, uh, done anything with it yet. <.< I’ll do that at some point.

As for various outlines or extant AUs I haven’t updated in forever...well, like I said, what little fic brain hasn’t been on BB the past month or two has been drifting back towards Precipice or occasionally co-opted by OFLAM so...yeah, nothing serious to report on that front, lol.

AtLA Projects:

I’m semi-planning/hoping to start posting At Least one of the two longfics I’ve been poking at sometime this summer. I’ve mentioned them here before, but one is long and tragic and focuses on Lu Ten; the other is an Avatar Zuko AU. Not sure which will draw my focus and get up first, but I do plan to write both of them! And possibly more. Because this fandom just Does That to me, lol.

Also, as I’ve mentioned in various times and places--I am pathologically incapable of not creating a bunch of OCs when I seriously fall into a fandom, and my AtLA work, in particular, will probably reflect that. I don’t super plan to write anything really centered on any OCs (I mean, apart from characters who Exist but have very little Canon Characterization (i.e., Lu Ten himself for that one fic, lol); and Lu Ten’s love interest because that’s an important part of the story), but they will be There and Prominent Characters. This is mostly mentioned because I know OCs aren’t for everyone, so that might put you off of my AtLA fic and I figured it was fair to give you a head’s up.

(...although actually I think none of my old fic that I crossposted to AO3 had significant OC involvement except for Glory...but then again that’s all oneshots and a little different.)

Other Fandoms:

BSG/SG-1 (BSG1?) crossover AU is still coming; I keep getting sidetracked from actually finishing it <.< I haven’t even finished the New Caprica and Haven section, I still have to get to the algae planet and then the Resurrection ship and...maybe I’ll end up posting this in chunks...

Uh, nothing else super planned, but as I mentioned last month, this outline might draw me back into BSG fandom a little more actively because it’s another forever fandom of mine.

Original Fiction:

I’m actually really proud of the Regency AU I wrote for a challenge last month, based on my Apocalypse In SPACE ‘verse Lux.

I need to update the Lux and Farglass Cycle archives still, and will hopefully be posting at least one other thing to RF this month, but we’ll see how that goes. I also might or might not be diving into Arthuriana in all its weirdness and glory this summer to prep for actually writing that Lady Mordred idea I had. And there are always other projects on the back burner, but that’s where things stand here.

...I think that pretty much covers it! Not all that much of an update, but as I said, Life got all...Lifey at me, plus BB had a hard deadline, so that’s where the most detail is.

But what about you guys? What are you working on/what do you have in the pipeline? Like I said, it’s an Open Question Night, and I’d love to hear what’s on your mind!

[calliecat93]

ST: TNG Watchthrough Episodes 17-20.

Home Soil: So from what I’ve read, this would be Gene Roddenberry’s final episode as showrunner before getting replaced by writer Maurice Hurly. I won’t comment on the behind the scenes drama and such that caused it because it was decades ago and not relevant for a First Watchthrough post, but since this is the last I wanted to make note of it. My thoughts? It was okay. This is very much borrowing from the TOS episode Devil in the Dark (the one with the Horta) with the plot being of an alien presence killing humans... but only because the humans were unknowingly causing it harm. It’s done fine enough, not being any better or worst than when TOS did it, but that’s about it. It does executed it a little differently with the events and the alien is FAR less willing to comply than the Horta was at first and ends with the alien backing down, but refusing contact with humans for three centuries, which DOES make it a nice contrast to how Devil in the Dark ended. It’s not great. It’s not horrible. It’s just okay with the biggest criticism being pulling too much from TOS again. Look, I love TOS and so far TNG hasn’t passed it. I outright have a 30 disc Blu-Ray set coming in the next few days of all the TOS material, including TAS and the films. If I want to revisit TOS, I’ll go watch it or read fanfiction or heck, go watch AOS. TNG has remained painfully average or not good at this point because it’s trying to retain what TOS had, despite it being over 20 years later and even the TOS films had changed how it did things compared to the show. Whatever one feels about Roddenberry, his removal I hope helped push TNG away from TOS and let it carve it’s own identity while still honoring what TOS had stood for, and according to history it did. Not sure if we’ll see the quality go up in these final few S1 episodes, but still. Sorry, felt appropriate to finally get this out here. Going back to the episode, it’s perfectly fine and it delivers it’s message well, and hey it’s not always a bad idea to showcase the same themes as the previous incarnation in a spinoff especially fi a relevant one/gets shown to viewers who hadn’t seen that TOS episode. Not the best, not the worst, and that’s not such a bad way to end up. 3/5.

Coming of Age: Alright Wesley, it took a bit but you’re starting to grow on me. So we have Wesley going through a test to get into the Academy while Picard and the crew are dealing with some rough interrogations and Picard being painted as an incompetent captain by the interrogator. They don’t seem that connected, but infact the latter is a test for Picard to determine if e’s ready for a promotion. I like how they bring up Picard’s actions in past continuity that WOULD present him as at least fallible to major error, ignoring certain conditions that caused it to begin with and how he got them out of the situation. Like I said, this was one of Wesley’s better episodes. While doing well with testing, his worry about the psyche test and not knowing his own fear and therefore worried about what the test will unleash upon him is very relatable. Heck his talk with Worf was a really nice scene, especially with Worf outright stating that only fools fear nothing which in turns add more depth and dimensions to the Klingons. The reveal fo his greatest fear, while I wish he had hesitated a little bit more, made perfect sense and he acted as a true Starfleet Officer. Which since this was before Undiscovered Country, is a VERY positive development. Picard guiding a kid who made a stupid decision was also good and shows why he’s a good captain, and his talk to him as well as encouraging a disappointed Wesley at the end was a nice moment to cap the episode off with. As far as Wesley goes, he may still be presented as too competent and intelligent, but he is more likeable and the testing setting allows him to shine like this without, again, affecting the adult characters. Plus text anxiety is super relatable haha. Now of course due to Status Quo is God, Wesley fails, but he takes it well and proved that he will be ready for it in the future. It was a pretty nice episode all in all. Nothing spectacular, but I enjoyed it, neither plot overpowered the other, had a good theme of one’s integrity as a person/doing your best, good use of past continuity, and it really shows the best in characters like Picard, Wesley, and the crew’s loyalty to the former. 4/5.

Heart of Glory: Back in TOS, the Klingons were depicted as war-loving jerks. They weren’t without some depth and episodes like Day of the Dove did attempt to give them a bit more positive limelight, but it wasn’t enough to overpower the one-dimensional characterization. The films were a bit better, Undiscovered Country especialy, but that one hadn’t been made yet and they still stuck with the ruthless characterization, just changed up the makeup to make them look more alien like. It was weird sicne whenever I ddi watch TNG back when that’s all I knew of Star Trek, Worf never came across like a ruthless warmonger but like an honorable warrior which made him stand-out amongst the cast for me (that and because I freakin’ love Michael Dorn due to his animation voice over work, anyone else remember I.M. Weasel? XD). So now we get an episode where Worf gets to interact with other Klingons. I lift a brow at Worf not knowing about most Klingon customs when he seemed perfectly knowledgeable about i in past episodes. Maybe that wad due tot he shift after getting rid of Roddenberry/ IDK, but these kinds of retcons happens sometimes. This was an interesting one for sure. The Klingons are much better presented here than the entirety of TOS, showing more of their culture/customs and compared to Worf, who was raised by humans and therefore not fully in touch with his people and their ways. This is probably one of, if not the first time he’s interacted with his full culture and naturally he’d want to interact with them and learn more now that he has the chance. There’s the themes of one growing in another culture, how they adapt while still trying to be part of that culture, and finding one’s own path. There is the question on why Worf wans’t just returned tot he Klingons as a child and IDK if they address it down the line, but that type of life and struggle with identity/culture clash due to upbringing IS real and VERY relatable. I’m really glad to see the Klingons fleshed out past their TOS depiction and it’s overall respected by the cast, showing how far things have come since Kirk’s time. It fleshes out Worf’s character a great deal and makes him more likable/relatable and giving him a very realistic struggle, and in the end he stands by his beliefs and even gets the respect and offer to serve with Klingons in the future by Klingon Captain K’Nera. Very much glad that I watched this one~ 4/5.

The Arsenal of Freedom: Oh boy, war machines that killed everything! That theme never gets old! I’m not joking, with how modern warfare and technology are growing and being sold for profit, it feels like it just keeps getting more and more relevant. There’s a lot of tension in this one with Yar, Data, and Riker dealing with the arsenal that is intelligent and they’re unable to be beamed up, the ship getting attacked with Geordi in command and the Chief Engineer (they seem to go through a LOT of those this season, guess they couldn’t handle the strain of acting as miracle workers like Scotty) being an asshole to him, and Crusher injured with Picard trying to keep her alive and not get killed. Seriously, I loved Geordi here for being an effective acting commanding officer during a VERY intense situation AND telling off the Chief Engineer without even so much as raising is voice while encouraging the other officers. Badass and admirable. The away team scenes were also good with everyone being plain awesome~ Crusher having to explain to Picard how to treat her injuries while she’s in obvious pain was really good character stuff and Thank God that they avoided indulging in the obvious shipping fodder. I know they’ve hinted a little at Picard/Crusher... but I’m not really interested in it int he romantic sense at least currently. It comes off as a Captain and CMO trusting the other (not quite the same as say... Kirk and McCoy, but the trust is very much strong here plus Picard and Crusher should be allowed to form their own dynamic) and that’s the kind of interaction I live for~! It feels like everyone got a moment to shine, even Troi checking on Geordi’s mental well-being and letting him express some of his nervousness was really nice. And of course the arsenal having destroyed their own creators... like I said, a theme that just seems to grow more and more in relevance. Like I said above, some themes are necessary to repeat, and this one very much qualifies. But yeah this was great for it’s tensions, the characters being all great especially Geordi, and it’s themes (even fi IDK how intentional it was) being a huge reminder of the dangers of modernized warfare/using warfare for profit. It doesn’t go well. 4.5/5.

Okay, it’s late in the season, but we are FINALLY getting somewhere! The characters have truly grown on me and their characterizations are getting better (i.e. Picard is still a serious captain, but is very much warming up and not as cold as he was early on), the stories are steadily improving, and even with what I said about the first one, I really enjoyed this batch of episodes! Only five remain in the season, and the plan is to knock ‘em all out tomorrow. Might take a day or two off before tarting Season 2, but golly I’m finally feeling excited~!

[siebenschoen]

not stupid

fandom: ikemen sengoku

pairing: yukimura x MC

warning: I took the premise of Yukimura’s route and went wild with it, but the plotline gets mentioned in enough other routes, so it’s not really a spoiler, besides that some angst and fluff

this was sparked by two things: firstly, @littlewitty mentioning in the ikesen group chat that there is not enough yukimura content (which is absolutely right!) and secondly, that I feel mc is often portrayed as naive and that may be so, but she is not stupid (or at least, I don’t want her to be)

summary

Mai is not stupid. It is part of her job as a designer - seamstress, now - to pay attention to details and it has become second nature to her. She is good at picking up the little things that don't add up, the one off thread that might ruin a pattern. It shouldn't come as surprise that she is able to notice that quite a few things don't add up with Sasuke's merchant friend.

Mai is not stupid. She is a good designer – seamstress, now – and the secret to design lies in the details. She prides herself at how good she is at noticing them – because she is good at what she does, and she has keep telling herself that, because 500 years in the past, she doesn't feel like she's good at much- years of practise have trained her eyes to find beauty in everything. (But she finds other things as well.)

It's hard to pick up at first, but once she's started to notice she can't bring herself to stop. Picking apart people is a bit like picking apart a pattern, she thinks. Hundreds, thousands of little stitches that come together to form something new, something that is more than the sum of its parts. And a single wrong stitch can ruin the entire picture. A single wrong detail can crumble even the greatest facade. And Yuki's hands are too rough to be a merchant.

She first notices it, when he is talking with Sasuke. His hand clenching into fists at something their friend says before flying into the air in a helpless gesture. He storms off afterwards – muttering to himself – but it is enough time for her to notice the calluses in his palms, how rough his finger tips seem. These are not fingers used to holding delicate, little ornaments, she thinks, but Sasuke interupts her train of thought, before any fruit can come from it. She stuffs her observation away, to the back of her head. It doesn't matter, she tells herself. Sasuke trusts Yuki. And she trusts Sasuke.

It just so very hard to not notice how odd everything about him is. His stall seems almost always empty, and he suspiciously unconcerned with it. Yuki has no talent for sweet-talking and persuasion like other merchants – here or on the other side of the thrice damned wormhole – do, he doesn't seem to care much if he sells anything or not and lacks the passion for his goods that might explain such a behaviour. Either Yuki is truly horrible at his job or something else is going on here. (And she knows her own heart well enough to admit which option she suspects.)

She is only here for three months, she tells herself. She should stop playing detective, she tells herself. The secrets of this time are not hers to uncover, she tells herself. Sasuke trusts him, she tells herself. And so she bites her tongue, whenever there's something so decidedly odd right in front of her nose. And resists the urge to raise her brows, whenever something most definitely does not add up. It is none of her business. (But – oh – how she wishes it would be.)

Mai debates avoiding Yuki to cure that burning curiosity within her, but quickly dismisses that option. Being with Yuki holds a deep familiarity in it, that usually only hanging out with Sasuke brings along. His quick, never serious insults and nicknames remind her of friends that she left behind 500 years from now. And she could easily picture him in the future, tagging along to the cinema or a concert, sharing vine references and inside jokes with Sasuke and her, always a bit confused, but still part of the squad(tm). (When, she wonders quietly, did she start to consider him a friend?)

She feels herself drawn to his stand, whenever she's running around town. The knowledge that there is more to him than meets the eye so exciting that she doesn't find it in her to stop her feet, when they turn to take the already familiar path towards him. She doesn't need to uncover his secrets. She is not a greedy person. (She just likes spending time with him.) Yuki comments once on her regular presence. Friends, she declares wisely, mocking him in a way only those who truly care can, are the best antidote to homesickness. He blushes at that and calls her a stupid boar woman, but she just laughs it off. She wasn't lying. (And she can see him smiling.)

No, she wasn't lying. She does feel homesick sometimes. It is easy to forget when she buries herself in work, but it gets harder once the work is done and her hands are empty and the sky above her feels familiar and strange enough to make her heart hurt. Talking with Yuki helps. Maybe because he reminds her of Sasuke and Sasuke reminds her of home.

Her ninja friend isn't often around. He too has secrets, but even with less effort he hides them better than Yuki ever could. Yuki has an air of honesty about him, even when he lies through his teeth. And she finds that she likes his honest face. (It is a pretty face. She will give him as much.) And so she decides to meet him at the festival. He doesn't invite her. She doubts that he could ever be capable of such a forward thing. But mentions it often enough to not be a coincidence. It presents a chance, to her at least, to forget too high houses and too bright nights. A distraction from an unfamiliar life that is beginning to feel too familiar. There is nothing more to it, she tells herself as she gets ready – Sasuke's words of three months, of emotional attachment ringing in her ear. She's living on borrowed time. (She might as well make the best out of it.)

Mai meets Hideyoshi on her way to leave the castle. He looks concerned when he hears of her plans to head out for the festival – alone – but Nobunaga calls for him before he can offer his company. On his way, he turns around and says that the kimono she chose for herself suits her and sends her one of his charming smiles. It makes her feel pretty. But the way Yuki blushes when he sees her makes her feel beautiful.

And the darkness of the evening makes her feel bold. So she slips her fingers between his, when he is looking the other way. Not saying anything, just smiling, as he stops dead in his tracks, blushing up to the tips of his ears, before he catches himself and slowly squeezes her hand back. Before she can feel the calluses of his hand pressed against hers. Secrets, it rings in the back of her head louder than Sasuke's voice ever could, secrets, secrets, secrets...

For a moment she thinks that it would be better to let go. But Yuki's ears are still red, and she can't bring herself to do it. She's letting herself get tucked along instead (or tucking him along whenever he gets too shy) banning the whispers in her head far, far away. Maybe if she would stop to consider what she's doing, she would come to the conclusion that it is surely something very, very stupid. Mai doesn't stop though. She drinks in the evening around her, the masses of happy faces, the smell of food both familiar and not. And if Yuki's warm hand in hers is a comforting presence, then so be it. The devil may care, she doesn't. Not tonight.

Mai is not stupid. Her ears are working and even though her mind might not be as sharp as her needles, it is still sharp enough. She has heard of the whispers of war. (And really – should she be surprised? This is the Sengoku after all.) And she knows that enjoyments such as festivals can very well be used to take people's minds looming danger. (It's just one of the many things she wouldn't put past Nobunaga.) War affects everyone. War also affects Yuki, for all that he pretends to be a merchant. There's a sense of urgency in the way he burries himself in all the joy the evening has to offer, in the way his hand holds hers tightly, ever since she slipped it in his. It very much feels like an end, for all that she's laughing and teasing (and blushing). And something about him tells her that he feels the same way. (She is not stupid. Just too good at reading people for her own good.)

She tries not to feel sad about it. Whatever this is, whatever it is his closeness does to her, it was doomed from the very beginning. There is no sense in mourning something that could never truly be, when she can just enjoy it instead. And besides – what really is there? She spent an evening holding the hand of a man who is too – shy, handsome, earnest – for his own good. It is not nothing, but isn't (shouldn't) be enough to make her worry so.

So, she doesn't. Worry, that is. And just follows Yuki up to the hill. "You can see the stars best from up there", he says, and she believes him, even though he doesn't sound sure about himself. It's the nerves, she tells herself. Yuki is nothing if not shy in his stumbling and awkward ways. (Or, a part of her things, it's secrets.)

He is right though. The stars shine beautiful in the deep night sky. Slightly obscured by the branches of the tree next to them, but still so very bright. She can't look at them, though. These are the same stars, she thinks, the same stars that will shine 500 years from now. And suddenly she feels wrong and alien and out of place in a way she hasn't since the first day, when she stumbled through the wormhole, through time itself. The stars have seen her before, many hundreds of years from now. They know her being here is wrong. They know she doesn't belong. She thinks of Sasuke, the best friend she ever had and one of the smartest people she's ever known, and how hard he tries to get them back, to home, to safety. How a part of her doesn't want to. And it rushes over her with a sudden clarity, that there is something here that she doesn't want to give up. (Maybe she is a greedy person after all.) And it shocks her to her very core, and she nearly gasps out loud. The stars are still beautiful and bright, but she can't bring herself to look at them any more. In her head, they spell betrayal.

<p>Instead, she looks away, only to find Yuki looking at her. And that, she decides, is an entirely different problem. Because he too is beautiful and is cheeks are bright (red, not white), when she catches him. The dim light of the night makes the line of his jaw out to be sharper, than she ever thought it to be, and she is utterly fascinated by the glow the moon bestows upon his hair and skin. Yuki's blush doesn't fade, but he also doesn't look away. There is an uncertainty in his eyes, that makes her think that maybe she needs to be bold for both their sake. And the thought makes her heart jump. Mai is not stupid. But this one stupid thing, just this one thing, she will allow herself.

She leans forward and his eyes widen, but she continues. Determined, bold. (Stupid.) His breath fawns other her face and this close she can the feel the heat of his body. Everything inside her screams. She looks up into his eyes – impossibly round, but still brown and warm – before she glances down to his lips. His tongue darts out quickly to wet them – unconsciously, she can't think of a world where Yuki would do such a thing on purpose – and she can see him swallow. Before she lets her eyes fall shut and her mouth cross the last distance between them.

It is sweet, their kiss. Barely more than the press of two lips against each other. It is honest though, and earnest. Her hand finds his cheek as she pulls away, and she smiles up at him. Never before has she seen him so red. There is awe in his eyes and something else that she can't quite place yet. His eyes flicker from hers to her lips, back and forth, as if he can't quite believe that she just kissed him. "I", he starts and pauses and then starts, "I don't really know-" She strokes his cheek and lets her fingers brush over his lips. They are warm – and the fact that she already knew makes her feel giddy with joy. "It's okay – you will learn-" But he breaks her off. His lips on hers – harder, bolder than she ever thought possible. But, oh, she is not about to complain. Instead, she pulls him closer. Lets her tongue trace along his lower lip. Encouraging him, guiding him. (He doesn't need much convincing as it turns out.)

When they break apart, he rests his forehead against hers. "Can you stop being so god damn cute? It's doing things to my heart, dummy", he breathes against her lips, and she just giggles, too happy to care and leans in again, too unwilling to part. "Meet me here again tomorrow morning", he mumbles between kisses, "I've got something I want to tell you." She nods and smiles and kisses him until a smile of his own tucks at his lips.

They part soon after and Mai feels like a rebellious teenager, sneaking out after curfew to meet up with her secret boyfriend. She hushes down the still busy streets of Azuchi, grinning like a fool and feeling carefree like a child.

Hideyoshi awaits her at the entrance of the castle. Worry written into the deep scowl on his face. At another time she might feel bad for making him so anxious, but this is not the time for guilt, she decides. She greets him with a big smile and presses a kiss to his cheek before he can say anything and it stuns him so much, that he doesn't even think to lecture her about running in the hallways, as she darts of to her room, an enthusiastic bounce in her every step.

Morning comes not quickly enough, in her opinion, and she is up and about way before her usual time. But none of the warlords comment on it. Well, nearly, none. Mitsuhide sends an engamatic grin her way and asks her as to what has got her so excited in a voice, that tells her he can very well imagine what that thing is. She just rolls her eyes at him and tells him to eat his breakfast (but smiles while doing so).

Mai finds the hill easily enough. Wandering through Azuchi's castle town as if she were in trance, or a dream even. Perhaps that is what makes it feel so much like waking up, when all she finds instead of Yuki is a letter. It is an apology, she supposes, but it's hard to process words that hurt so. He had to go, because of urgent merchant business – his words, not hers. The paper crumbles in her hands. The kanji in front of her hard to read, but so undeniable Yuki's. Honesty in every stroke. Oh, she thinks, he's even bad at lying with a pen. Secrets, secrets, secrets, the voice in the back of her head whispers again. And she knows that she shouldn't itch so to finally uncover them. It's not her place, not her time. (And she doesn't care, she finds, not as surprised as she should be.) Maybe it's anger that burns in her, but the tight set of her jaw feels more like determination. She pushes the letter into her sleeve and decides to fight.

Yuki's little stall is gone by the time she reaches it. That is what she expected, but it still hurts to see. Mai bites her tongue in an desperate attempt to remain calm. She can do this. (She is not stupid.) She will find him. And then she will give him a piece of her mind. She will not be left behind like this. She will no longer content herself with lies. Instead, she searches through her memories, through everything that might give just a smallest hint as to what he's up to.

She stops dead in her tracks. Yuki's message said that he would have to go far away for now. And it seemed to have been written in a hurry. The only way to travel a far distance relatively fast in this time is by horse. Mai shakes her head. Horses are only used for the means of transportation by noble mean and samurai, not merchants. Except, she thinks, Yuki is not a merchant. And if he is not a merchant, he has to be someone else. Someone who has a high interest in keeping his true identity hidden. (Regardless how talentless the actual execustion.) It all fits together so seemingly perfect that her breath hitches, because suddenly everything makes sense. Why Yuki hides, why he has to go, why Sasuke knows him...

If she is right (and she hopes, prays that she is) then that would mean that Yuki probably does not keep his own horse around. A merchant with a horse of his own would be way too unsual, too suspicious. Which means that he needs one in order to leave. Azuchi might be a busy town, but it's a town favoured by merchants and commen folk and not nobility. And Mai knows of only one place to get a horse besides the castle itself. She picks up her skirts and runs.

An old woman, who is friendly enough to not comment on Mai's wild hair, red face or the fact that she ran through the wooden gate so fast she nearly collided with her, points Mai in the directions of the stable. It doesn't take long for her to make out the swirl of fluffy brown hair and when she does she nearly cries with relief, before she catches herself. She is not here to throw herself into his arms and weep (she wants to though, a tiny voice in the back of her notes), she is here to get answers. And answers she'll get.

Yuki must be entirely focused on the task ahead, because he doesn't hear her approaching and only turns around as she knocks on the wooden frame of the stable, before he nearly doubles over, when he sees her. "Mai", her name is a broken question on his lips, and she crosses her arms infront of her chest. "I am not stupid", she says, just to get it out of the way.

If possible is eyes widen even more and his cheeks are bright-Yuki-red. He looks good when he's speechless, she thinks, but decides to focus on that particular part later. "I didn't think you were", he finally presses out. She nods. Good. Mai considers going easy on him, but really, she has been doing that for a long time, so she just blurts it out. "I guess, that means you can stop lying to me now."

Yuki's cheeks go so red, she fears he might faint, and he looks mortified enough, that she wouldn't not expect it. But she doesn't feel very merciful today. "I know you're not a merchant." She steps closer and adds quietly, only for his ears, "And I think I know what you really are." Panic fades and suddenly Yuki looks downright serious – as serious as he did, when he asked her to meet him again and it makes her want to kiss a smile on his lips – and she knows that she is right, now. The man before her is no longer Yuki the merchant, he is someone powerful, someone who knows how to be dangerous.

She should probably stop. She is in way too deep, has let everything happen that Sasuke warned her about, but she just can't bring herself to do it. Instead, she grabs his hand and squeezes his fingers with hers. "And I also think that I know what you planned on telling me today." He blushes at that, though he still looks serious and it is as if the two worlds merge together. Making her understand that whoever this man is, he is still very much Yuki, the most honest liar she has ever known. "I understand, if you're not ready to say it", she continues, and she really does. She can be patient, that she has learned. "I just want you to be honest with me."

Yuki draws in a deep breath and mutters something about Shingen and killing him. "My name is Sanada Yukimura", he says finally, and she almost laughs – because of course she had to go and fall for one of the most renown warriors in Japanese history – but stops herself, because she is sure that he would understand it wrongly. "My lord Takeda Shingen has called me back. That's why I have to leave, because there will be war." He stops. "War against Oda and Azuchi." The way he says Nobunaga's name – so full of hate – makes her shiver, but she just nods. It is, after all, what she expected. His expression shifts back more to the Yuki, no, Yukimura she knows and the blush that dusts his cheeks warms her heart. "I'm sorry that I lied to you. I didn't want to and I hope that you can forgive me" – maybe, she thinks, she will tell him that she already has – "as to being more honest...", he trails off, his eyes leaving hers and darting about the stable. "I'm not really good at", he breaks off, "Words, they...", Yukimura sighs deeply and turns back to her, "I find it hard to be honest with my words."

"I noticed", she throws in, not able to keep the grin from her face. His face flares up in a deep red, and she uses their still linked hands to tuck him closer. "You are very honest with your actions, though."

His quick glance towards her lips is all the warning she gets, before he cups her face with his other hand and kisses her deeply. Her eyes fall shut and all she smells, all she feels is Yukimura and the burning warmth that spreads through her body. They part and her breathing has become heavy, but so has his and really it's not that she minds. "Dummy", his voice is raspy, "why do you keep on saying things like that? It's driving me insane." She doesn't stop herself from grinning, but decides to spare him the quick retort – for now. Instead, she presses her cheek to his. "Next time", she whispers in his ear, "next time I want you to look me in the eyes, when you say goodbye."

Yukimura nods, but she figures it has more to do with a lack of words than a lack of sincerity. He pulls away from her then, until even their fingers are no longer interlocked. Mai didn't think it would be possible to miss something as much as she misses his warmth.

Yukimura gets the horse ready, and they leave the stable together (she can feel the twinkling eyes of the old lady follow them). Before they reach the street that leads out of Azuchi, he turns to her, but she speaks first. "Stay safe." "I will." He smiles. It's a fragile and sad little thing, she supposes her own mouth mirrors his. "Try not to get in any trouble while I'm gone, boar woman."

She tries to get angry at the nickname, but finds that she can't. After all there is no malice behind it, only affection. "I will." This is it, she thinks. I'm seeing the person that I love off, knowing that he might not return. What has the world come to.

"Please", Yukimura's hand caresses her cheek as her eyes begin to burn up, "please don't cry. I promise, I'll come back." She nods. "I'll find you if you don't", she finally manages to press out.

"I know. You're not stupid after all."

[lyssismagical]

I'll be your optimistic black hole, full of love I can't control

Parkner Febufluff Day 13 & 14 – Bouquet of Roses & Valentine’s Day

Read on AO3

*

Back in Tennessee, Harley was used to being one of the smartest kids in town. Rose Hill was a small place filled with people who would end up going nowhere. Everyone in his class would end up taking after their parents, working as teachers of Rose Hill High or at the corner store or in the little pubs around town.

Harley, on the other hand, had Tony Stark on speed dial. He had a garage filled with Stark-approved technologies. He used to build pop can robots and potato guns using the junk he took from his mom’s work at one of the pubs. And then he started building real technologies using the things that Tony bought for him.

He was used to be being the smartest. He was happy being top of the ranks, the one voted for The Person To Go The Farthest at the award ceremonies. He had never been anywhere but comfortably a genius compared to the other kids at his skills.

And then he arrived to Midtown High, in the middle of junior year.

He went from being the smartest kid in Rose Hill, to being the stupidest kid in Midtown.

He was supposed to be Stark’s kid, the smart kid, the one everyone went to for homework help. It shouldn’t be hard for him to pass his classes.

But fuck was he ever wrong.

His grades were slipping through his fingers, his nights were spent crying out of frustration at his desk when he just didn’t get it. He couldn’t understand the numbers and words floating around his pages.

And exams were rolling around soon. Only a couple weeks until then and if Harley fails his exams, he’ll fail his classes, he’ll fail the semester. He’ll end up back in Rose Hill, back to pretending to be the smartest kid like he isn’t struggling to understand everything.

He was going to fail.

* He’s half-asleep in English class, somehow the only class he’s passing decently, when somebody sits in the vacant seat beside him, the seat that’s been empty for the past two months that he’s been in New York.

He didn’t have any friends, but he knew the boy beside him.

Peter Parker was the kid that got pushed into lockers, punched behind the school, lunch money stolen, teased and tripped and tortured by Flash and his group of dumbasses.

Peter was also well-known as the smartest kid in school, acing all his classes despite his less-than-perfect attendance record. He wore thick glasses and button-ups under his sweaters, wide bambi-brown eyes filled with a sort of childish innocence.

“Hi,” Harley says dumbly, rubbing the sleep from his eyes. Normally, Peter sits front and center just like he does in all the classes they share.

Peter smiles brightly, eyes crinkling behind his glasses. “Hi. I’m Peter. Peter Parker.”

“Harley. No offense, of course, but why are talking to me?”

“Yeah, I, uh, I don’t wanna overstep or anything, but I heard from my not-quite-friend that you were having some trouble in Chem and I was wondering if you wanted any help?”

It’s said with such ease, such carelessness, like it isn’t the thing that Harley’s been beating himself up over for months. Like this hasn’t caused tears, hiding his tests with failing grades from Tony and hoping to god he can make those marks back later.

“The exam’s coming up,” Peter continues, blushing under Harley’s gaze and averting his eyes to the floor. “And I don’t wanna be that guy but I’m a tutor for the school, so if you needed some help, I just wanted to let you know I’m always available.”

Tears fill his eyes as the embarrassment, the shame, burns his chest, hands shaking under the desk.

He’s supposed to be smart. He’s supposed to be able to understand this stuff without a fucking tutor.

But he can’t do it.

He feels so fucking stupid all the time, going from The Genius of Rose Hill all the way down to The Stupid Kid Who Needs a Tutor at Midtown.

“Just let me know, yeah? I’m always around.” Peter moves to stand up, offering another timid smile.

Just as he’s about to turn away, to leave Harley who’s barely said a word, Harley grabs his wrist. He’s weak. He’s so fucking weak, but he needs this. He needs help. He needs to get his head above water before he fails his exams.

“I, uh, I kinda need a tutor, yeah,” Harley says, shoving down the burning shame.

Peter’s quick to sit back down, a gentle smile gracing his features. “Yeah, of course, I’m happy to help.”

“I’m failing my classes,” Harley admits because he’s been holding that secret in his chest for two of the longest months in his life. “Almost all of them. I just- I can’t fail my exams too. I just- I don’t get it. I feel so fucking stupid.”

Somehow, someway, there’s no disgust in Peter’s expression, no confusion, no hatred, no judgement. Just the same bright kindness that he manages to constantly radiate.

“That’s okay, everyone gets a little in over the head sometimes. You’re smart, Harley, I’m in your Tech class, I would know,” Peter says, smile never fading. “Just because you’re having trouble with memorizing the concepts or getting a hang of the ideas, doesn’t mean you’re stupid.”

It’s such a simple, casual thing for Peter to say, but it loosens something in Harley’s chest, makes the insecurities quiet just a little bit.

“So you’ll help me?” Harley asks quietly.

And Peter smiles, bright and incomparably. “Course I will, Harley.”

* There are only three weeks left until his exams, so Peter decides to devote all of his free time to Harley like he has nothing better to do.

It starts with just a few lunches and a couple after-school tutor sessions at the school’s library, but by the second week, Peter’s decided he wants Harley to absolutely ace his tests, so they start spending every lunch and afternoon together, pouring over Harley’s textbooks.

And on Friday of the second week, Peter invites Harley back to his place for a few extra hours of studying.

Peter’s a genius. He knows everything, it feels like. Harley believes Peter’s IQ could even rival Tony’s, though he’d never admit that to his mentor.

He lives in an old, small apartment in Queens with his aunt, a wonderful woman and Harley immediately understands where Peter got his unconditional kindness.

May left for work while they were studying on Friday and they lose track of time.

(Harley gets caught up in the way Peter laughs and smiles, so open and bright, and the way he teaches, devoted and thorough, and the way he’s so wonderful with every question Harley has, every complaint about he feels stupid not getting their classwork.)

And eventually, they realize it’s gotten pretty late and Harley has a dozen or so missed calls from Tony.

“Oh shit, I should probably-” Harley says, preparing to stand and leave, despite wanting to stay.

“If you’re allowed to, you can stay the night,” Peter offers shyly, a soft blush filling his cheeks. “We can study for a little longer, I think we have some leftover takeout.”

Harley can’t help the smile that stretches over his face, ignoring the warmth that soothes all of his worries.

“Lemme call Tony and ask.”

* Tony said yes, along with a lot of teasing about staying the night with another boy, but after that Friday night, they hang out for most of the day on Saturday, and again on Sunday.

Though, they spend Sunday watching movies and hanging out as friends more than they really get any homework done. Peter claims that Star Wars is educational too, and it’ll help Harley with his classwork, but Harley knows better.

The next week, the two boys are practically inseparable.  

Peter claims he’s only sitting beside Harley in all his classes to help him with the work, and Harley says he only walks Peter from class to class to protect him from Flash because he needs to make sure his tutor is in perfect shape for exams.

They hang out at the library or Peter’s apartment after school every day, and they spend lunches together, and the weekend before exams, Peter comes to the tower and they spend all three days cooped up in Harley’s room (which he actually cleaned before Peter came over) to make sure Harley was absolutely prepared for his exams.

Even Tony gives them space, which is crazy considering it’s Tony. But all he does is knock on their door every few hours, offering snacks or meals or asking if they need any help. Otherwise, he doesn’t bother them.

* And then, before Harley knows it, exams are over.

He did it and he did them with confidence.

They get their grades back the second week of February, but Harley doesn’t care anymore because Peter’s back to sitting in the front of the classrooms, back to just offering polite smiles when they see each other in the hallways, back to not hanging out with Harley.

He doesn’t know what he expected, but he didn’t think Peter would go back to not talking to Harley. He didn’t think Peter would just leave him as soon as Harley stopped needing him.

But it’s fine.

Harley doesn’t care.

Or at least that’s what he tells himself when he watches Peter sit across the room with his stupid, beautiful smile and messy curls and adorable skip in his step.

He doesn’t care.

* Grade Average of Eighty-Eight Percent.

Holy fucking shit.

The report card is shaking in his grip, page crinkling in his sweaty hands.

Peter managed to get his grades up from failing, up to high 80s. How? Harley doesn’t know, but the numbers stare back up at him from the page, real and right in front of him.

“You should get your study-buddy a gift,” Tony says.

He found out about Harley’s grades when he found his progress report hidden under the couch a few days prior. He wasn’t happy, not that Harley was failing, but because Harley didn’t feel like he could go to Tony for help.

After a long discussion about intelligence and about asking for help and about how Tony will be proud of him for whatever grades he gets as long as he’s trying his best, things went back to normal.

“He isn’t talking to me anymore,” Harley admits quietly.

Tony lets out a little laugh, quickly stifling it when he sees Harley’s sour expression. “Just talk to him. I saw the way he looked at you, kiddo. From what you’ve told me, he probably just doesn’t know how to be your friend.”

“So… what? What am I supposed to do?”

Tony shrugs, leaning back against the counter and offering a smile. It makes Harley miss Peter’s smiles. “It’s Valentine’s Day tomorrow, kid. Get him some flowers or something, let him know you did well on your Exams and then ask to hang out sometime. Stop overthinking this.”

“And what if he says no?”

“Then he’s missing out. And you can play it off as just wanting to say thank you, nothing more. No harm done.”

That’s how Harley ends up walking down the hall with faux-confidence, bouquet of roses clutched in one hand, his report card in the other.

Peter’s at his locker, a heavy book in his hands. He looks pretty, like he always does, cheeks flushed a light pink, bambi-brown eyes scanning the pages, a soft smile gracing his face.

“Peter!” Harley calls out.

The boy looks up, pushing his book into his locker to focus his whole attention on Harley. He’s already grinning, eyes light and sparkling.

“Harley,” Peter greets, smile unfaltering, even as he takes in the roses.

“I wanted to get you a thank you gift for helping me out this past month,” Harley says, his mouth is suddenly dry and his heart is pounding in his chest. “Guess who has an eighty-eight average?”

Peter’s jaw drops and his eyes got wide, and then his arms are around Harley’s neck, face against his shoulder.

“Holy shit, that’s incredible!”

Harley’s quick to catch the younger boy, sliding his arm around Peter’s waist, careful not to disturb the flowers.

Peter pulls away, just enough to look up at Harley, face beaming with pride. “I knew you could do it. I told you, you were smart, didn’t I?”

With Peter’s face just inches from Harley’s, beautiful and bright with that wonderful kindness, arms already around Harley, nobody can really blame him for crossing the few inches of distance and pressing their lips together.

Another wonderful turn of events, and Peter’s kissing him back, arms tightening around Harley’s shoulders, drawing them closer together.

When they’re eventually pulling away, Peter smiling shyly, blushing and obviously flustered.

“I, uh, I-” Peter stutters, eyes wide. But he looks happy.

“You wanna go out sometime?” Harley asks. “Not school-related.”

Peter’s face lights up in another one of his beautiful smile. “I’d love to.”

Peter kisses his again, leaning up on his toes to reach Harley’s mouth.

“Happy Valentine’s Day, Peter.”

“You too, Harley.”

[majorshiraharu]

Discussion of Limitations in Live Action & Style Choices

This will be all spoilers for the new episode of the Mandalorian.  I’m putting it under a cut so no one accidentally gets spoiled. Fair warning it is long af, I tried doing a mix of my opinions and information from the show, films, etc. I tried putting the more opinion parts in italic, might have forgotten some parts tho. I spent way too long on this lmao

--------------SPOILERS BELOW------------------

I'm putting my thoughts for each time I watched it. That way, you can see how rewatching changed my mind some. I also had almost a whole day to process the episode before I watched it again, then I had a few hours to think about it and add to this, and then now I've watched it for the third time. This will be a mix of my reactions and opinions and then some information about The Mandalorian and things I think many people are overlooking. Especially in a time when we have major blockbuster films with pretty amazing CGI and people have come to expect that level of detail in everything. If you don’t want to read my reaction/opinion parts, skip down past “3rd Viewing” (the sectioned area)

1st Viewing When It Dropped; Right After Watching: — Okay honestly not the biggest fan of this Ahsoka, I feel like they could have done a bit better with her lekku, montrals, and the contacts because they kinda took me out of it a few times. She didn't move a lot like Ahsoka, but then again she does move and act more like the Rebels version, so if you haven't seen that I can see how this would be more off-putting. She's much older at this point and probably can't move as well as she used to. Also, I know we've come to expect the effects of high-budget films and their fancy CGI, but this show is not that and I think they truly did the best they could with what they had. I'm too tired now, but will write about that stuff in my second viewing section. Overall, I think in the scenes where she interacted with Mando and the child were very well done and felt like how I thought Ahsoka would be after the journey she had over the past years. Those moments felt like Ahsoka to me, and I really enjoyed. 2nd Viewing; About 16 Hours After First Viewing: — So I took some time today to think about last night's episode, I also decided to hop on social media and see what people's reactions were. I was surprised how on Twitter and Reddit I hardly found anyone who disliked this version, longtime fans, new fans, people who didn't know Ahsoka. It seemed like most people really loved it and were extremely happy to see her in live-action. Some people didn't like the way her lekku & montral looked but otherwise enjoyed it, and then there were a few people who said it didn't feel like Ahsoka to them. Now here's my opinion on the second viewing, I liked her more after watching it again. As mentioned above she's definitely more like her Rebels version, and we have a few years when she and Sabine were out searching for Ezra and Thrawn. We don't know what she's been through but clearly, she's much calmer and wiser, which I think fits, it's not like how she was in Clone Wars but it's been like 25+ ish years, so she's had a lot of time to grow and shouldn’t be the same. The actress who played her was pretty stiff and monotone during more scenes than I would have liked, but all her scenes with Din and the Child were excellent, and felt pretty close to Ahsoka, really liked her in those. The action scenes were very cool at the start. Her fighting style was more like her fighting in Rebels. I would have liked a few more shots of her with her signature lightsaber hold, but they included them during the right moments, so that doesn't really bother me that much. Now for the mostly on Tumblr infamous lekku & montral, on second viewing I didn't mind them as much because it wasn't as shocking. The length should have been longer imho, and they definitely needed to change the montral, that's what I have the only real problem with. The montral just looked too short, was angled back quite far, and yeah, just didn't look like any animated version, concepts, or even any cosplays I've seen. This was the only thing about her that I really just didn't like and bothered me some. 3rd Viewing; Most of my opinions stayed the same, I watched it this time with some of my friends who love Star Wars and one who loves Ahsoka as much as me, so I wanted to see their reaction. They all loved her, tho they agreed the length should have been longer and the top should have been different. But they all really loved the episode and her.

--------------------- Now all that said, here are some counterpoints and information because I thought it was important to look into why it might be that way, and I will also include ways that I think it could have been done better. Besides having some cosplay experience of my own, I have no idea what they went through to pick or make this look, and it could have been always ended up a lot worse. First off they need to consider the actress, the material, how it moves, how heavy it is, how it looks in movement, fight scenes, etc. - There is concept art that shows many types of looks for her, and while I think they picked my least favorite of them, people need to understand that there was a reason. We don't know and may never know, but it was a choice made. Concept art from the end of the episode:

It could have also been that it looked better in person, or that they wanted a distinct look for it in live-action to make it feel more realistic or unique. Here is other concept art of Ahsoka from Rebels and The Clone Wars, Link Here

----------------- Also, many people aren't aware of this, but the Mandalorian is made to look a lot like the OG movies. They specifically try to only use camera angles/ movements from that time. They try to do action that fits the original films style and also is similar to old westerns. They have a very specific look they're going for, and a lot of people don't know this. This also includes the use of miniatures, puppets, and as many realistic things as they can for costumes and the interactive parts of the set. They use CGI and new tech too, but aside from the large screen they use for scenery they seem to only use CGI when it's really needed and not for everything like blockbuster movies or even some shows do, aka they don’t overuse it.

Here are two links for more info on this. They are long but have a lot of cool insight into the show: link for filming style here — link for the tech they use for filming here They have the tech and probably money to have made Ahsoka's lekku & montral CGI, but it was a deliberate choice in style not to do this. Was it a good idea, maybe yes, maybe no, maybe a mix? In Season 1 Chapter 6 of The Mandalorian when they had the Twi’lek Xi’an and I saw how her lekku moved I was concerned for if they ever included lekku in a more prominent role.

As you can kind of see in the above gif, they didn't have enough weight to them and were too foamy/rubbery in their movement. It seems like the same stuff was used for Ahsoka's, which resulted in the same problem. Since we've only known her in animation where they can change things to a much more finite degree, it's off-putting in live-action, and it kinda falls into the uncanny valley which I think is why it's slightly weird to see. If we had seen her in live-action first this probably wouldn't have bothered people as much.

Video Link to show it better

I included the older Clone Wars version of Ahsoka in here because I believe they mixed her looks together to come up with the live-action design. - We saw Shaak Ti in live-action years ago and many people are pointing to that as what they should have gone with for Ahsoka. A reminder that was done for a film, not a TV show, so there will be differences in quality and style. I do think they could have used that as a model to base Ahsoka on, they should have access to old headpiece unless it just deteriorated with time. Here’s a video that includes behind the scenes looks of Shaak Ti, Youtube Link Here  

Also here’s a look of Ayla from the Prequels and from the original trilogy of the Jaba palace Twi’lek to compare how they look with the Twi’lek in the Mandalorian.

I think the original trilogy looked better than the lekku in The Mandalorian so if they’re using similar material to keep it more fitting to that time, maybe they need to make them longer to hold more weight and look like actual flesh and not foamy rubber.

They could have also gone the route of making different headpieces with other material depending on what they were being used for. Again it's a TV show, not sure if they have the time or money to do this or think it's worth it for just one episode. But they could have had one made of that foamy material for action scenes, and then one that looked more like Shaak Ti's for scenes where she just talked or moved some. Honestly, this would have been their best option, and as far as I can tell, that wasn't done. I see people mention they could have done no action or less action and made better lekku, but there are already people complaining that there wasn't enough action or movement in her action scenes. You can't please everyone, and I think they struck a good balance.

----------------

Other opinions of mine on her live-action version. I think Ashley Eckstein should have been the one to play Ahsoka in live-action, or I think they should have dubbed the voice. The actress playing her in this wasn't bad, but honestly, she brought nothing new to the role and didn't do enough to capture the smaller nuances of Ahsoka's character. Some of these problems could have been fixed by dubbing her voice, even if she didn't move or look like how people wanted Ahsoka to in live-action, having her voice would have made a big difference. I don't know if Ashley was brought in on this; she hasn't mentioned anything as far as I have seen. I would find it strange if she wasn't involved since Dave and her are friends. Both really love the character, but he doesn't have full control over the show and maybe she wasn't made a part of it for one reason or another. But if she wasn’t, I think that was a bad choice, she’s the one who brought her to life in the Clone Wars.  -  I also think that we don't always need a big name or famous person playing a character, we could have a dubbed voice and had someone performing it who was a stunt woman or an actor who isn't as well known, this has been done in Star Wars before. 

Also look at this cute cosplay of Ashley as Ahsoka:

--------------------- TLDR: Lekku and Montral are not easy to make or look real, I think the creators did the best they could with the style they try to achieve (again we don’t know behind the scenes stuff or their choices), there is stuff that could have maybe improved the look. Many people don’t understand the amount of work that goes into something like this and that sometimes choices are made for a design that you may not like, but that doesn’t make it wrong. Art is a creative thing which includes taking risks, putting a unique spin on something that exists, and sometimes making choices that not everyone will like.

--------------------

But still I’m happy we got to see live action Ahsoka and I’m glad she was able to bring joy to so many people. I’ve watched the Clone Wars since I was a kid and have always loved Ahsoka and while I have my nitpicks about her live action version, overall, I think they did a good job. I was disappointed at first, but now not so much, and instead I just view her as a different version and that she’s unique in her own ways. I remember when Rebels Ahsoka came out a lot of people hated that version, personally I loved it, there are aspects of her design I didn’t like as much tho.

I also feel this was her only appearance in The Mandalorian, I don’t think she will return again, as far as the story goes, I don’t think there is a need for her to return either. I personally would prefer to have Ahsoka stay as an animated character if she got her own show, animation suits her better and has fewer limitations for the creators.

[popculturebuffet]

The Color of Friendship Review (Commissioned by WeirdKev27): A World of People

Happy Black History Month! Another day, another comission from longtime supporter of the blog Weird Kev and like a good chunk of his-non duck asks, he asked me for something outside my usual wheelhouse. In the past this has meant an episode of the short lived fox show whoops in which we found out how Santa dealt with the end of the world, didn’t know how doors worked, and interacted with some characters so thin you could remake the episode with just Mick Foley in a santa suit and carboard cutouts playing the characters lines and it’d be about the same, and earlier this month Sorry Wrong Meeting, an episode of a sitcom i’d never seen an episode of the Jeffersons about the KKK. So unsuprisingly his big comission for Black History Month was the 2000 Disney Channel Original Movie, The Color of Friendship. 

I couldn’t find much on the making of the film, which dosen’t entirely suprise me as at the time this came out, Disney was releasing around 10 a year and whlie that stopped shortly, it still was a whopping 6 a year for some time, ocasionally more ocasionaly less, slowly dwindling down to the two of year we have now. Though it’s still an ongoing concern and has been since the channel started in 83, closing in on 40 years ago, so it’s still impressive Disney hasn’t just outright phased them out. Then again the popular ones make them a lot of money and some like High School Musical and the Descendants Trilogies have broken out so big they’ve lead to spinoff books, tv series in the latter’s case, and all that stuff making them money hand over fist. So making some cheap movies that MIGHT end up making them rich and usually star people that are already on shows they have or were at one point is a no loose proposition, especially now they add an extra release to the Disney Plus callender twice a year. And while the library has it’s gaps and i’ve griped about them enough.. I will say it’s stil la damn good library and it’s nice to be able to watch a film like this, as the dvd was LONG out of print and likely horribly expensive, and while renting it was an option, it would’ve chipped into what I got commissioned for the film. Still would’ve done it it just would’ve sucked to loose money on the deal, if only two bucks, for something I had no control over. Still would do that over adding it onto the comission fee. Point is stuff that’s not been easy to get for some time is now just a few clicks or taps of the remote away, and having the VAST majority of disney’s long and storied history from theatrical to dcom to weird tv oddities like.. this thing

I don’t know what Fuzzbucket is, and frankly I don’t want to know.. I mean I will for a comission or something but i’m not going to go out of my way to find out what that thing is and if it can give me scabies through a telvision screen despite being fictional and proabably long dead. At least I tell myself it’s long dead so ic an sleep at night without worrying about that thing breaking into my house and watchnig me while I sleep changing “SOON JACOB, SOON”. So yeah while you’ll hear me complain about the gaps in DIsney Plus’ library a lot on this blog. 

I will give credit where it’s due, and what is on there is pretty expansive and now includes the Muppet Show, which I give them full credit for as that probably took a LOT of work and money to make happen. Plus WandaVision is fucking fantastic, especially now i’m finally all caught up. 

But while as I said I couldn’t find much on the making of the film I did find a bit on it’s inspiration: It was inspried by a short story wrtten by Piper Dellums, a writer, poet and activist, and daughter of Ron Dellums. Dellums is a notable congressman who fought against apartheid and constantly fought for a bill to divest from South Africa, something that SHOCKINGLY, Ronald Regan tried to veto because he was a racist disney anamatronic what did you expect, and all in all seemed pretty awesome. He sued Bush SR to try and prevent Desert Storm, in his earliest days in office had an exibit near his phsyical office of vietnam war crimes to try and hold them acountable and in general seems to be a fascenating, hardworking man who constantly and religiously fought for the people and against war. 

The story was a real life account of the Piper’s experince housing a South African Student, Marie, who the Delums Family expected to be black.. but turned out ot be white. During Apartheid, south africas racist as hell and horrifying goverment system of segregation that wasn’t abolished till the 90′s. As expected she was racist, but as a proudct of the horribly racist country she came from and much like with her fictional counterpart in this film, slowly grew to realize how fucked up her homeland was and by the time she went back, became an activist She and Piper were very close but her story ends tragically as eventually Piper stopped hearing from her after she was arrested and despite attempts to talk to her.. it was clear by the silence, and by the fact Piper visited South Africa post-aparthied to help and likely would’ve seen her.. that she was likely quitely killed by the state. But her story thankfully lives on, so join me under the cut to see how a 20 year old disney movie aired during black history month handles this difficult real life story, racisim and the 70′s. 

The Cast: Quick bit about the cast since I usually do this for first episodes of an animated show and wish i’d done so for my other film reviews so far. Though to keep things simple, i’m only doing the main four cast members, especailly since frankly outside of Mahree’s parents the rest are more supporting roles that don’t have a lot of screen time and in hte case of the south african embassy workers, are just there to be racist card board cutout villians.  Piper, who keeps her name from real life is played by Shadia Simmons, who eventually retired from acting to become a High School and Acting Teacher. During her career she was in a bunch of Disney Channel Original Movies, including the first two Zenon Movies, and was in a major role in a bunch of live action childrens shows: I Was A Sizth Grade Alien, Strange Days at Blake Holsely High, and Life with Derek, the only one of which i’ve seen and even then barely so I can’t comment on the rest of her work. Simmons does a decent job in the film, and does shine in the more dramtic scenes, not the best part of it but certainly not bad at all. 

Lindsay Haun plays Mahree, and had more of an acting career after this one, having a small recurring role on True Blood as Hadley, while also directing some smaller films. Haun is easily one of the two highlights of the movie and the best of the two main tween actresses by a mile. More on that in a bit. 

Next we have Carl Fucking Lumbly as Congressman Ron Dellums. Carl has had a long and storied career and the fucking is because of what I best know him from: Playing the Martian Manhunter Jon Jonzz on Justice League. And let me not undersell it: his version of Jon is waht made me LOVE the character, still do to this day, being the first time I encountered any version of Jon and the one I still love the most, a stoic man who tries to adapt to a world he feels he can never be a part of, adding shades to his stitled demeanour to show off his emtitons and in general being the heart and soul of what made this verison work and made me love the character with his performance. He’s done other stuff too including Cagney and Lacey, Doctor Sleepand what have you.. but he’ll always be Jonn to me and that’s not a bad thing in the slightest. Unsuprisingly he’s the other standout here. 

Finally we have Penny Johnson as Ron’s wife and Piper’s Mother Roscoe,  who played Captain Sisko’s love intrest on Deep Space 9 and was one of the leads on castle. Haven’t seen either of those but she does seem awesome and does a terrific job here. 

Moving on to the film itself.. it’s really fantastic. It has some awkwardness and goofy bollocks as you’d expect from a disney channel original movie in 2000, but it handles a really heavy subject, race relations, gracefully and clearly with the goal of educating an audience with a lot of white kids in it about race. So I can praise what it does right i’m going to be handling the parts that are a bit wobbly first so I can get to the good stuff

Awkwardness and Goofy Bollocks:

First the out and out criticism: The films TV Movie roots show in places, as this film lacks the polish these films would have later this decade, with the film barely having an opening title sequence and just sorta throwing you in, though to their credit it does open with the utterly awesome Back in Love Again, because 70′s. 

That slaps and that’s an undeniable fact. What’s also an undenaible fact is the film dosen’t try the hardest to be very 70′s in it’s sets and what not, though it does do it a little with the clothes and that not being the case with Mahree is intentional, as her family while wealthy is from another culture and one literally and metaphorically behind the times. 

I will also say Shadia Simmons is a decent actress, but is mildly weak in comparison to the other 3 in the leads, but its more the result of putting a pretty standard child sitcom actress up against two experinced actors who know what their doing and one whose about as experinced as her, but simply has a LOT to work with and goes above and beyond. It’s less that she’s bad and more that she’s simply not as good as what’s around her, and in general I tend to go easier on child actors since it’s not an easy job for a grown adult much less a teenager, it’s very pressurey and there’s a reason a LOT of them bottom out as they get older or retire all together. 

I will say though that Piper’s brothers are awful and I feel are only there because she actually had brothers. The actors try, i’m not pinning this on them but writing wise their just two little shits who contirbute ntohing of value to any scene their in, being generally way to young to get into the heavy topic at hand, and mostly being there for unfunny shneanigans. They aren’t in the film too much otherwise they might’ve ruined it for me, but if Shadia struggles a bit agianst sttronge perofrmances imagine who younger actors with the stage direction “Be the bane of my existence” and you’ll MAYBE see the problem. 

The film also loves cheesy time passing montages, including an actual factual shopping montage, easily the goofiest, but it’s something you’d expect from a dcom and helps lighten the mood. That’s a running theme outside the brothers there really isn’t anything too silly.. until the last act.  See in the last act, the film tackles the real life death of Steve Biko, a South African activist against apartheid who was captured by the state and very transparently murdered in jail. with the government claming he killed himself which no one bought because why would they, and it sparked riots worldwide and finally got the US to take Apartheid seriously according to the film. Though as I mentioned earlier Regan did not in case you thought the republican party being terrible and deeply racist was a brand new thing. It was not. Guys like Tucker Carlson and Former President Trump are a symptom, not the disease.. though they certainly look and feel like some form of plauge. Point is Mahree is breifly taken by the embassy.. whose staff who take her feel like the Disney Channel Original Movie form of Nazi’s. The heavy accents, the way they compose themselves... I half expect an elderly indiana jones to show up to whip the piss out of them. And dont’ get me wrong, the only diffrence between these pricks and a nazi is the fact they don’t call themselves nazis, this isn’t a nuanced horrifying racist to be scared of but a saturday morning cartoon version. 

While  white supremacists in real life can be cartoonishly evil, again see trump and carlson, it does kind of undercut the seriousness and nuance of things to have your villians be cold, cackling cutouts who are 5 seconds away from saying “You are part of the rebel alliance and a traitor take her away” to our heroine, especailly since Mahree’s reaction to being taken away and confusion at everything and at being treated like a prisoner by her own people are very painful and very well acted.   I do get showing them as monsters, because they were, but given Mahree’s father who as a south african police man was DEFINTELY ONE and even outside his racisim doubts and downtalks his own daughter, still feels like an actual person, if not a GOOD person, they could’ve done better and did in the same film. 

But that stuff aside.. I really can’t find much that’s honestly that silly or bad and as you can tell what little I did was more a product of being a tv movie. So now i’ve got the negatives out of the way

This Film Is Pretty Good: It truly is, for a lot of reasons. But the biggest is the nuance. It could’ve been easy to just have Maree as some racist kid needing to learn a lesson who was openly cruel and easy to jeer at.. but the film went iwth the reality: that she was instead an extremley privlaged and insulated girl who simply NEVER knew better. To her her very racist and segregated world is just the way the world worked for her and she dosen’t even consider when the Dellums come to pick her up minus Ron these aren’t servants and her own servant’s words fall on deaf ears, as the poor woman tries to make it clear how miserable her life is and how much she deseprately wants this child to do better. Marhee is never actively malicious even when, due to the shock of her all black host family, she baricades herself in Piper’s room. It’s obnoxious sure and CERTAINLY hurtful and the film makes no bones about it and Piper rightfully calls her out on it. The film dosen’t let her get away with any intetnional racisim like that and after Piper calls her out, she realizes she’s been selifsh and makes a genuine effort. And even then the film makes a good choice in not making it an easy road to realization. Mahree makes a genuine effort in the first place not because of any big revelation or anything, but because she simply hears her dad in her head telling her she’d give up after a week and that, coupled with Piper’s words, makes her see herself as a selfish brat. Even after she’s floored by a mall where black and white people stand side by side aand casually talks about horrors like ID Cards like i’ts a GOOD thing, because that’s what she’s been taught by her dad. That black people are happy being told where they can and can’t go when no they weren’t they simply had no chocie in the matter. And while we do see early on when an asshole at a restraunt assaults a waiter for an accident that Mahree clearly isn’t okay with the more horrifying side of things, she still dosen’t quite grasp WHY that happened, simply that it’s something that does reguarly she dosen’t like. It’s excellently, and unsuprisingly called back when they visit an ice cream place in the states and something similar happens.. but the guy takes it in stride, even ordering a sundae, to Maree’s confusion. 

It’s what makes the film work and all the more striking: As Roscoe makes clear to Ron, whose admant about nto having a racist in the house, this is not her fault. While the film makes it clear Mahree’s behavior at first was not okay and her prejudiece is not okay, it also makes it VERY clear she’s a product of a terrible system and terrible parenting from people who choose to benneift from the system instead of challenge it. She’s only like this because she hasn’t had a reason to ever think diffrent and just took her parents at face value and no mater the country, this is something that sadly happens far too often: Someone hating a group or thinking discrimination is okay because that’s how they were taught and that’s all they’ve known and the only way to change that is to challenge that opinon and try to get them to have some empathy and see the other way and as this film shows it’s a struggle.. and at the end of the day while the Dellums make a concentrated effort, Maree is the one who has to realize what her parents taught her is bad and her country is inherently flawed and NEEDS to change, just like ours did, and STILL badly needs to. 

And that’s where the nuance kicks in as the good congressman is understandable in not wanting a racist in his house... but his wife is equally right that Maree is not some easy symbol of his hatred towards south africa, but a girl who grew up knowing nothing more than the fucked up system, and eventually he comes around, realizing , especially after she apologizes for him even thinking she’d use a racial slur on piper after a very powerful conversation with the two and piper accidently saying she used the South African N Word, almost accidently getting her friend thrown out, that she simply hasn’t been outside her shell and gently guides her to keep reading roots, even letting her take it with her if she wants back home. The film shows the full pain of the situation  but also shows change is posisble. Again it’s not easy, Mahree has a panic attack waiting in an almost all black line in school and it’s shown to be as horrible a thought as it is., but she DOES change and it comes off as real, as someone realizing the system they grew up with is broken and needs to be fixed and she can’t just sit back and let it. 

What makes this happen, besides the aformentioned kidnapping by saturday morning cartoon racists, is Piper confronting her after a friend from south africa forces Piper to acccept that while her and Mahree are friends, Mahree might not seee her as equal and Piper in turn in a heated argument and easily Simmons best performance of the film, that things are broken and wrong and that her “firend”, her nanny/servant back home, is not happy. It leaves Mahree crying and Ron telling her the honest truth: Change was, and again still is but this was 2000 and while we should’ve had this talk disney channel wasn’t ready for it, needed to make things better here.. and tha’ts what south african’s doing> Fighting for equal rights at last. It’s some powerful, heavy as hell stuff you woudln’t expect from a line of movie that also include a robot house, before that was an actual thing, a merMAN dad MerMan, a boy slowly turning into a leprechaun, and at least two diffrent movies centering around wacky kidnappings. It’s a nuanced and hard look at race, as hard as late 90′s jsut turned into the 2000′s disney could get mind, aimed at kids and the film, whiel stilted really has my utter praise. It’s genuinely moving, well acted and teaches a valuable message that while not eveyrone can change.. it dosen’t hurt to try and help them, as well as the equal message that change start with YOU. someone has to WANT to be better and learn and actually let other people in to help them. And I wont’ lie and say this is the most naunced or subtle film.. at time’s it’s about as subtle as a ralph wiggum throught he window

But sometimes you don’t need to be. It also taught kids about apartheid, not me as I barely saw the film, but many learned of something ghoulsih that had barely ended at the time of the film’s release, something I only learned about as a teen via bloom county and a diffrent world, which has an utterly awesome apartheid episode “A World Alike”. Seriously check it out if you have prime, as it shows that america isn’t the only country with a deep history of ingraned racisim. And was it an easy way to have an anti racisim narriative without fully confronting america’s own racist history? Yup. Just.. yup. Can I blame Disney Channel for it when they clearly, while equipped to tackle racisim, weren’t ready to tackle something that dense or heavy, and while Proud Family later would there’s a diffrence between a 20 minute one off episode of a cartoon and 90 minutes of film? Yeah. For what it is and for what the time period is, I applaud this film taking on such a heavy topic with grace. Some goofyiness here and there yes and some lack of subtly.. but still grace. For what it is is, it’s pretty good and i hope to show it to my nieces one day soon. It has i’ts heart in the right place and thus has a place in my heart. See you next rainbow. 

[mychemicalficrecs]

do you have any frerard fics where one of them has never had an orgasm before? if not do u have any virgin/first time fics? thanks xx

There’s only one First Orgasm fic I know of (the first one on this list), so the rest ist First Time stuff :)

First Time Frank/Gerard

The Devil's Got Your Number by frnkxo, 4k, Explicit. Frank was the leader of his church's youth group, so naturally, he wouldn't be the first and only teenager to sin and have a crisis of faith. He's a good boy. He loves his faith and his God. He cannot be swayed by the Devil. But of course, Gerard has a few tricks up his sleeve.

Sic Transit Gloria by liescontinue, 3k, Explicit. “I’m a virgin,” he says embarrassedly, the bridge of his nose burning scarlet even in the dark. Frank’s eyes widen for a moment before his lip twitches into a lopsided smirk. “Ah good one Gee, very funny."

Summertime by orphan_account, 8k, Mature. Gerard and Frank have spent every summer in their teenage life down by the beach, but as their summer draws to a close and they go to separate colleges, will they ever meet again?

Rain or shine by Palehowell (orphan_account), 7k, Explicit. Frank hasn't seen his boyfriend in a month. He plans the whole day out but it doesn't go quite like that. There are lots of obstacles him and Gerard go through but rain or shine, Frank was going to make this a good day.

A Promise We Made One Year Ago by chemicalcandy, 6k, Explicit. They both had exactly 365 days to get laid – or they would take each other’s virginity. Because being a grown up virgin sucked ass, and the first time should be something special, and what could be more special than fucking the guy you’ve been bonding over Star Wars, Black Flag and Doom Patrol for half of the last decade with?

Pizzas and First Times by prettyinwentz, 3k, Explicit. "We'll have fun later," Gerard says, smiling and shaking his head fondly at his boyfriend, he tangles his hand into Frank's hair, giving it a short tug, "I promise."

Tease by LeatherlipsIero, 2k, Mature. Gerard has dressed up in a cheerleading outfit the past few days in hope that the Schools quarterback, Frank Iero, will notice him and give in to his teasing.

The Priest's Son And The Virgin by Spnislife666, 3k, Explicit. Frank Iero, the Priest's son returns to Belleville one summer and Gerard is instantly captivated.

Frank Iero: Awkward Virgin With A Master Plan by Spnislife666, 3k, Explicit. Meet Frank Iero, the 21 year old awkward virgin who is desperate to change. Enter Gerard Way, red haired stranger with a crush on Frank. But honestly, Gerard is just as nervous as Frank for their first time.

The One Where They Take Each Other's Virginities; Beware Of Hickeys by fvckmefrankie, 5k, Explicit. “We’re gonna watch porn,” Gerard said, and Frank’s eyes widened, "No fucking way."

Sweatshirt Serenade by nsfwfrerardx, 15k, Explicit. Frank has a crush on his best friend's older brother. Said brother takes his virginity.

never done this before by batterycityradiotower, 2k, Explicit. Gerard is a horny motherfucker that wants Frank to bone him, but Frank is a super inexperienced virgin and Gerard has to walk him through how to do it

Innocence by Andromedas_Void, 5k, Explicit. Frank, an honest-to-God Christian, is out for his 21st birthday when he meets Gerard at the bar his friends took him to and Gerard wants to take him to his house.

Black Box by Andromedas_Void, 2k, Explicit. Frank really, really wants to get in Gerard’s pants, but mostly he really, really wants to lose his virginity.

That New Feeling by orphan_account, 8k, Explicit. Frank is sick of being a virgin, sick of feeling ugly and unwanted and sick of going home disappointed from every party he's attended in the last three years. He's sick of wondering if there's something wrong with him, so he decides to ask someone about it.

Shiny & New by cholera, 6k, Mature. Gerard never pictured losing his virginity quite like this. AU.

Kerplunk! by ladyfoxxx, 4k, Explicit. Frank loses his virginity to Green Day's Kerplunk! album.

Makeshift Umbrellas And A Fuck Ton Of Masturbation by SeraphStarshine, 4k, Explicit. Gerard's new hobby is a bit unconventional.

The Ones That Hover and Watch by ermengarde, 2k, Teen And Up Audiences. They are finally getting somewhere, the years of flirting and hugging and kissing on stage and licking Gee's face and ignoring all the scummy fucks that Gerard hooked up with before he got clean are finally paying off, and Frank can hardly contain himself.

Friends with Benefits by Andromedas_Void, 3k, Explicit. Frank is a curious virgin and he asks his best friend Gerard about his masturbation technique.

Show Me All The Things That I Shouldn't Know by orphan_account, 5k, Explicit. "Frank was extremely sheltered growing up. It wasn’t a surprise, growing up in a Catholic household and being sent to Catholic school; he wasn’t allowed to watch horror movies, his mother disapproved of the video games that he and Mikey spent most of their time playing. His upbringing had left him pretty innocent, naive almost, he was 17 and he’d never even seen an R rated movie before he started hanging out with Mikey."

To My Legs And To My Tongue by MyChemicalFallOutBoyRomance, 1k, Not Rated. Frank’s first time at a high school party... of course his crush is there!

[timeagainreviews]

The Great Con-Junction

For a place like the world-famous Elstree Studios in London, history is made on the regular. Movies like "Who Framed Roger Rabbit," "Hot Fuzz," and even "Star Wars" have all been captured to celluloid moving at twenty-four frames per second. However, it was a lesser-known, though no less ambitious film that had eager fans lining up around the block on a mild February morning nearly forty years later. The film I speak of is none other than Jim Henson's 1982 cult-classic "The Dark Crystal." Myself and at least 200 other attendees were gathered for the first official Dark Crystal convention, celebrating both the film and the Netflix series. Taking place at the very studio where the movie was filmed, Thames Con's "The Great Con-Junction," was also the biggest reunion of the original cast and crew since the film's release. Once again, history was being made at Elstree Studios.

Upon learning of the convention I was filled with both desire and regret. Desire to go, and regret that I most likely wouldn’t be able. I live in Glasgow which is 6.5 hours away from London by car, and I don’t drive. On top of that, I hadn’t any money saved for such an occasion. But through the generosity of several friends, my mother, and my boyfriend willing to drive me there, the impossible was suddenly very tangible. With only twenty days until the convention, I was one of the lucky few able to attend this momentous affair.

It may seem odd that such a niche convention could draw someone from as far away as Glasgow, and in some cases the US and Australia. But if you’ve ever been to a Star Trek or My Little Pony convention, you may have some idea as to the sort of passion we’re dealing with. For many, Dark Crystal isn’t merely a great creative property, it’s life-changing. As a child, Jim Henson’s work left an indelible mark upon my soul. Projects like "Fraggle Rock," "Storyteller," and "The Flintstones," inspired creativity in me and filled me with the desire to one day work for the Jim Henson Company. Sadly, years of adulting did their best to dull that flame to a mere ember. However, after last year’s premiere of "The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance," that ember grew into a roiling fire.

For the past month, I’ve been a ball of excited energy leading up to the convention. I’ve immersed myself in all things Jim Henson. Whether it be rewatching the Netflix series for the umpteenth time, revisiting Labyrinth, or reading JM Lee’s YA Dark Crystal novels, it’s been all I could do not to crack up. In the final week leading up to the event, I directed this nervous excitement into creating a cosplay as the Crystal of Truth, wrapped in black chains and metal claws. When the day finally arrived and I found myself waiting in line with other excited fans decked out in purple, or cosplaying as Deet or Rian, I knew I was with my people. The air was abuzz with excitement as we were slowly ushered into the building.

The event hall at Elstree was decorated with posters of scenes from the movie along with mood lighting. Part of the ticket cost afforded each attendee a beautiful signed print by Brian Froud. A bar at the entrance was selling official Dark Crystal merch including the ThinkGeek Fizzgig puppet only available in the states. Right away I had blown most of my budget, but my new furry friend would agree I made the right choice! I’d been there not two minutes, and already my arms were full of swag. I took this opportunity to get my Fizzgig and a book signed by both Brian and Wendy Froud, who were very generously autographing people’s items for free.

Usually, conventions leave a bad taste in my mouth as they seem like supremely capitalist ventures. And while there were plenty of things to buy, the Frouds’ generosity set the real tone of the event. Not only were they generous with their autographs, but they were also incredibly generous with their time. It seemed as though every person that talked to them was given an opportunity to gush and share their personal stories. As I told them both how much their work meant to me, they were treating it as though it were the first time they had heard it that day. Brian even took the time to doodle a little Fizzgig and Skeksis for me alongside his whimsical signature. The impression they left me with is that they were both very genuine and down to earth people, and meeting them is something I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

One of the things Mr Froud shared with me was that in his experience, people’s reaction to the Dark Crystal is usually always something creative. People go off and make fan art, cosplays, puppets, or even their own artistic endeavours. You could see proof of this all around the room that day. I met a brilliant artist from Seattle named Nori (@noriretherford​​), who in exchange for doodles from attendees was giving beautiful prints of her fan art. I drew my best skekTek from memory and have the cutest depiction of Seladon, Tavra, and Brea playing as children to show for it. There were cosplays with humbling levels of detail and even the occasional puppets of people’s original characters. All around you, creativity was swirling, and people were passionately sharing their enthusiasm with one another.

These initial couple of hours were dedicated to meet and greets with the cast, crew, and fellow attendees. Everyone seemed just as interested to listen as they were to share. One attendee remarked to me how she had never before felt more encouraged to speak to strangers than she had at the convention. Even my boyfriend, who is generally shy, was coming out of his shell and joining in the conversations. I was also pleased that the convention was managed well enough that I didn’t spend my entire day waiting in line to meet someone while he was relegated to watching my things. I was actually able to share this experience with him as opposed to relaying it through dreamfasting later. This made meeting the guests less of a thing to check off a list, and more of an experience.

My only real qualm with the structure of the convention was the Skeksis tea which was offered as part of the ticket price. Since I was unaware that the guests would be available all day, I was a bit late to lunch meaning the banquet was completely picked over by the time we had gotten there. No amount of cute creative table displays or impressively crafted Nebrie cake could obscure the fact that we were forced to find our lunch at the McDonalds across the road. Furthermore, I was unaware that the lunch was buffet style, which meant that if someone wanted to be as gluttonous as skekAyuk, it would leave the rest of us hungry. We were not alone in this, as several others were left to look upon the empty tables with dismay. That being said, for a first-time convention, it’s impressive that so little went awry.

For me, the biggest highlight of the day was getting to actually see the Gelfling puppets along with their respective puppeteers. Both Beccy Henderson and Neil Sterenberg had Deet and Rian with them. I’m not ashamed to admit that I hugged Deet. Being able to see the detail of the puppets and feel the various textures employed by the brilliant fabricators at the Jim Henson Creature Workshop was mindblowing. Not to mention that both Beccy and Neil were just as generous with their time as the Frouds. Though I would have to say the most exciting puppet I met that day has to go to Hup, as Victor Yerrid was actually puppeteering him and speaking directly to attendees in Podling. Hearing Hup say my name and talk to me was overwhelmingly exciting! That man is a brilliant puppeteer.

Throughout the day there were also several panels with guests from both the TV show and the movie. It was fascinating to listen to each of them tell their stories. Whether it be anecdotes about Jim Henson or tales about trying to navigate hot costumes under studio lights, it was a treasure trove of information. Listening to these stories was a constant reminder of the sheer amount of history present in the room. Each one of these guests had their own incredible careers, and here they all were, ready to share their fantastic stories. Yet despite this being an intimate gathering of a small group of creatives reuniting after 38+ years, it never once felt like it was all about them. You didn’t feel like an interloper or an evesdropper. We were all part of this wonderful experience together.

It was puppeteer Louise Gold’s remarks to the crowd about this that really put into words what we were all thinking. Through stifled tears, she remarked that she had initially come to see all of her old friends, but had found herself equally enriched by meeting the fans. Seeing all of us come together and sharing our stories was as inspiring to her as it was for us. Hearing her impassioned words moved quite a few of us to tears, myself included. She was easily one of my favourite people I met yesterday, and not just because she was so wonderfully extra. Her words spoke the same truth as Brian Froud's- what has resulted from this fandom is something creative. The Dark Crystal hasn’t simply entertained, it has changed lives.

Of course, like any good convention, it wasn’t just the guests in the spotlight. The cosplay contest allowed for an opportunity for the fans to strut their stuff. Much like the ticket giveaway the organisers had done, they couldn’t decide on just one winner. There was so much goodwill and positivity flowing that honourable mentions were given prizes as well, and with good reason. There were so many incredible costumes that I doubt I could have picked the best of the lot. There were Gelflings, Skeksis, a Hup, and even an urRu! My favourite of the lot was a mother-daughter duo who went as Brea and Kira respectively. But that may just have to do with the fact that I’m a big Brea fan and her costume was incredible!

Were I to think of any one word to explain how I feel about being able to attend this convention it would be grateful. I left feeling rejuvinated. My boyfriend even commented that I was “glowing.” I wish everyone in the fandom could have the same experience. I’ve seen so many passionate fans online in the last day wishing they could have gone, and I very easily could have been one of them. It’s proof to me that this fandom has more to it than just a few people toiling away in their basements. There is a real desire for these types of events. It’s not hard to imagine people declaring their Gelfling clan like Harry Potter fans might declare themselves Hufflepuffs or Ravenclaws. (I’m totally a Vapran.) If you look online, you can see people’s OCs of both Gelfling and Skeksis. Even I’ve considered putting together my own Gelfling Gathering here in Glasgow. I’m hopeful that this is a sign of things to come, and that we won’t have to wait a thousand trine for the next Great Con-Junction.

[getalittleclosey]

under 100k larry fic recs

hi! i’m becca and i read...so much fic. these rec lists are an accumulation of fic that i’ve read or reread and extra loved from 2016-now. there’s a wide range of stuff here and i think there’s definitely something for everyone!! i divided them up by length so you can check out all those categories below!

please make sure to read tags and warnings on all these fics!! the only things i think i can guarantee is that these are all larry, there’s no non-con, no age play, no eating disorders, no mentions of bg, they end happy, and they’re mostly aus. oh and they’re all on ao3 and some are locked so you’ll need an account! anyway i hope y’all enjoy!!!

under 5k

under 10k

under 25k

under 50k

100k+

☆ somethin’ bout you by missandrogyny 60k

Of all the government agents in the world, Louis had to go and land the most charming one.

☆ tug-of-war by cherrystreet 63k

Louis' husband dies suddenly and he is left with nothing. Well, not really nothing. He has Harry. And a St. Bernard puppy named Link, whom his late husband left behind for him. Louis takes care of Link and Harry takes care of Louis. Everything is okay until suddenly, it isn't.

☆ cameras flashing by juliusschmidt 82k

With his breakout single platinum three times over and his second album still selling out in stores around the world, Louis Tomlinson has made it to the top. However, his position as Pop Heartthrob of the Decade is threatened by the edgier, more artistic Zayn, who happens to be releasing an album a week after Louis’ upcoming third. Louis needs something groundbreaking- scandalous, even- to push past him in the charts. Much to Louis’ dismay, his PR team calls in The Sexpert.

Consulting with PR firm Shady, Lane and Associates pays the bills so that Harry Styles can spend his down time doing what he really loves: poring over data. On weekends and late into the evenings, he researches gender, presentation, and sexual orientation, analysing the longitudinal study that is his father’s life’s work. That is, until his newest client, the popstar with the fascinating secret, drags him off his couch and frighteningly close to the spotlight.

As the album’s release date approaches, will Tomlinson and Styles be able to pull off the most risky PR scheme of the millennium and beat Zayn in sales or will the heat of their feelings for each other compromise everything?

☆ home to you by crowsonthewire 54k

“If someone wrote that for me I’d probably be a crying mess before it was even over. I’m crying a little right now actually.”

It’s about you, Harry’s brain screamed. I wrote it about you.

Gemma appeared in the doorway then and dragged Louis away. With one winking smile he was gone. Harry curled up and stuffed his face into his duvet so he could cry with no one hearing.

**** At fifteen, Harry wrote his first song for an oblivious seventeen year old Louis Tomlinson. Ten years later he’s a singer/songwriter who cant find any words for his second album and Louis is a closeted actor tired of LA.

They both try to run from the things weighing them down and in the process, they find each other.

☆ fate don’t know you by sincewewereeighteen 99k

“Just. How bad is it?”

Zayn sighs. Shit.

“Not that bad, really,” he says quickly as he scans Louis’ face. “It depends, really. The freshmen are all right and I think you’ll manage just fine with the sophomores.”

“But?”

“Seniors are always shit because they think they rule the school, and this specific class of juniors… Well, let’s say you’ll find a real troublemaker there. Some say he used to be a soft kid, but- I don’t know. Most teachers just leave him alone.” Zayn shrugs. “He walks around with a tough crowd. Guess no one wants to take their chances with him. This is Chicago after all.”

“D’you know the name of the kid?” Louis asks, already very curious to meet said person.

“His name is Harry Styles.” The other man responds. “You’re in for a treat with this one.”

[Or: The one in which Louis always hears thunder when Harry speaks and sees lightning when he glances at him.]

note: this is student/teacher so if that makes you uncomfortable please skip! harry’s 17 but he is still a student so power unbalance and all that but from what i remember it was tastefully done. just like....don’t do that irl obv jfkdaj

☆ like an endless summer by objectlesson 87k

“You just wanna go fawn over Styles as soon as possible,” Zayn grumbles.

“I do not. Plus, he probably got ugly this year. Eighteen is an awkward time...I bet he’s got acne and one of those terrible fuckboy haircuts all the hipsters are getting these days, with the shaved sides? Just watch, the first year we’re gonna get any time together is gonna be the first year I don’t have a stupid crush on him.”

---

Or, Louis is a riding instructor at a summer camp, and Harry is a fellow counselor who he’s been successfully managing his crush on for the last two summers. That is, until Harry shows up this year leveled up and lethal, and all Louis’s formerly perfected veneer of nonchalance melts like a popsicle in the sun.

note: there’s a second part to this that’s 6k of pwp

☆ back to how it was by lululawrence 53k

Harry carefully stood up and was on his way to the window to look outside when he ran his hand through his hair, and it stopped entirely too soon.

He froze then began fervently patting all over his head. Where was his hair? He’d been growing it out for a couple of years now and it was finally almost to the length he’d had as a goal the entire time. How could it have gotten cut off overnight?

Harry rushed over to the mirror hung on the wall adjacent to the window.

Oh shit. What the hell was happening? Harry leaned closer and saw that not only was his hair cropped shorter than he’d ever wanted to go again, but it looked like he had the beginning of crow’s feet by his eyes. Those definitely weren’t there yesterday! And what happened to his tattoos? He still had some of them, like the star and the letters he’d gotten for his mum and Gemma, but most of the rest were missing and there were a few he’d never seen before instead.

What. The. Fuck.

Or the one where Harry goes to bed angry with his bandmates and wakes up in a universe where One Direction was never formed and he has to find a way back home. Home definitely has nothing to do with his best friend and bandmate, Louis. That would be ridiculous.

note: there’s a second part to this that’s 24k!

☆ when we were younger by dinosaursmate 76k

About a week after Harry started visiting this particular chat room, he was watching some kid argue with the whole room about football, personally disinterested as he tipped a bag of crisps into his mouth. He happily chomped on the crumbs, taking a swig from a glass of Ribena to wash them down, glancing at the screen and very nearly spat the squash back out again. His heart was pounding wildly. The display icon of the argumentative newcomer had caught his eye, and not in a good way. He gulped as he clicked the picture, and when it popped up in full resolution, his heart nearly fell right out of his arse. - Sixteen year old Harry Styles’ world turns upside down when he logs on to gay teen chat to discover somebody has stolen his photos and used them as their own.

note: there’s a second part that’s 3k ziam centric

extra note: you don’t want to know how many episodes of catfish i’ve seen

☆ like cabbages and kings by you_explode 61k

When Louis was a kid, he had a series of very vivid dreams about a place called Wonderland. There were rabbits wearing waistcoats and talking cats and ridiculous tea parties, and amidst all the absurdity, there was a boy. A boy with dimples, big green eyes and the sweetest soul Louis has ever known. Louis has always kept a place in his heart for that boy and for his funny dreamworld, and when he’s twenty-five and his life falls apart, it turns out Wonderland might not be so imaginary after all.

☆ knives don’t have your back by turnyourankle 51k

The lone survivor of an on campus massacre that claimed the lives of his four housemates, Harry is urged to take a sabbatical or transfer. Instead, he chooses to stay in school, move into the dorms, and overcome his fears.

He finds comfort in a budding friendship with Louis, an upperclassman who lives on his floor, not realizing that their relationship will bring him closer to his traumatizing past rather than further from it.

☆ loving you is free by littlelouishiccups 68k

Louis is a workaholic record label CEO who hasn't been on a date in nearly a year. Niall and Liam make an account for him on a sugar dating website as a joke. And then Louis meets Harry.

note: there are two other parts to this that are pretty much pwp. they’re 24k and 4k

☆  dance to the distortion by lis (domesticharry) 93k

Louis accidentally breaks Harry's camera lens and in order to get it fixed, they decide to participate in a romantic couples study. The only issue is that they are not actually couple. Well that and the fact they cannot stand each other.

☆ waiting on you by emma1234 77k

“Vampires,” Louis says with disgust, glaring over at the vampire who is noisily slurping from the woman’s neck nearby.

Zayn gives the neat fang marks on Louis’ neck a meaningful look.

“Can’t live with them, can’t live without them,” Louis finishes, ignoring Zayn when he rolls his eyes.

Louis takes a long sip of his milkshake, presses his fingers against the marks on his neck, and definitely doesn’t think about the vampire who left them there.

note: there’s a second part to this that’s 5k

☆ this wicked game by cherrystreet 70k

An AU in which The Bachelor is gay, Louis is a contestant, Harry is the bachelor, everyone drinks a lot of champagne, the entire world gets to watch them fall in love, and no one plays by the rules.

note: i’ve seen maybe five episodes of the bachelor in my life and hated it but i have read every larry bachelor fic 

☆ coax the cold by mediawhore 86k

England, 1897.

English Professor Louis Tomlinson’s passion for the occult has been a source of mockery and derision for most of his life. When he hears whispers of a travelling freak show newly established in London claiming the existence of a monstrous sea hybrid, half-man, half-fish, Louis sees it as his ticket to credibility amongst his peers. The summer he spends undercover working on the show, however, gives him much more than that.

☆ this feeling by orphan_account 59k

"Gonna play it back for you now." Louis clicked play and the song flooded through Harry’s headphones.

The sound of each others voices united into one, and the rhythm of the music carried their voices effortlessly. Harry’s insides tingled and a wave of shivers rolled down his spine.

Before the clip cut off, Harry turned to raise an eyebrow at Louis, and failed miserably at disguising his smile. Louis stared back at him in shock.

Or A Larry Duet AU

☆ love’s on the line, is that your final answer? by pearlydewdrops 53k

Harry can’t believe it when Louis, the boy he’s always had a tempestuous rivalry with, asks him to be his boyfriend. Well, pose as his boyfriend, that is—for a new television game show in which young couples are quizzed on how well they know each other for a jackpot of thirty grand.

Reluctantly, Harry agrees—because he's got student loans to pay off, hasn't he? What's the harm? And he can totally deal with keeping his secret thing for Louis under wraps too. This is all just to win some money. It's fine. No big deal. What could possibly go wrong?

Well, everything. Obviously.

☆ say your prayers by nothing_but 59k

Louis was left wondering what the fuck this encounter had been. Coming to this camp - especially after learning that it was a religious one - he had never expected to find himself in a bathroom with the attractive, strictly Catholic, not-gay-or-anything head counsellor making flirty remarks. Quite the opposite, to be honest.

Or the one where Harry, head counsellor at a Catholic summer camp, dedicates his time to what he loves most, year after year. It’s mostly the same every summer; the place, the topics, the games. This year, however, there’s a new assistant counsellor stumbling into his camp, and possibly his heart.

☆ i’ll crash until you notice me by stylinsoncity 61k

Louis sets off to Barbados to oversee the massive resort his family owns known as Sandy Hill. For years, he's been looking for a change in the monotony of his life, seeking adventure and perhaps love too. What he doesn't expect is the bright eyed boy who spills a milkshake on his shoes.

Cue the summer loving.

note: zendaya is listed as a character in this which desperately makes me want to reread it because i don’t remember that!!!

☆ nothing but you on my mind by nonsensedarling 84k

Louis Tomlinson is a PR manager hired to improve the image of royal bad-boy Prince Harry Styles. Unfortunately for him, that means being faced with the Prince's constant innuendos, incessant dirty jokes, and relentless flirting. Louis just wants to make it to Princess Gemma's coronation; once she's crowned Queen, his contract is up and he never has to see the Prince again.

☆ ghost note symphony by whoknows 96k

Louis is on tour when he first hears about it. It’s all over the news – Harry Styles Attacked By Fan runs in headlines for days. It’s not even just the gossip rags, either. Actual journalists are covering the story. It would have been impossible to avoid hearing about it. Technically, Oli is the one who tells Louis about it, but it’s not exactly being covered up. Harry doesn’t answer Louis’ text asking if he’s alright, but that’s not really surprising. They haven’t spoken for months, and it’s been a lot longer than that since they’ve had a real conversation. The sting of the text going unanswered is still there, less painful than it might have been a few years ago.

It’s not that it’s easy to forget about, exactly. Louis has a whole life outside of One Direction now, though. So Louis goes on with his life, figuring that if Harry was seriously hurt he would have heard about it by now. He might currently be in the same country as Harry, but being on opposite sides of it puts enough distance between them that putting it in the back of his mind is easy. There’s nothing Louis could do, even if he thought Harry might want him to.

That’s why everything that happens next comes as a complete shock to him.

☆ thinking about the t-shirt you sleep in by nonsense_darling 52k

Harry's alpha fraternity donates to a local thrift shop (because of Liam's latent crush on a cute beta in his lecture). Louis' financial situation (and confusing omega instincts) lead him to make some interesting fashion purchases. Lots of pizza, feelings, and not-really-lying.   

☆ here in the afterglow by fondleeds 89k

“If you hadn’t noticed, I don’t have many friends,” Louis whispers, the blossom of insecurity in his stomach unfurling and clawing its way into his throat.

Harry is silent for a long time, and then he speaks; a soft, slow uncurl that makes Louis’ stomach shake. “I’ll be your friend.”

-

1970’s AU. In a tiny town in Idaho, Louis’ life is changed forever by the arrival of a curious stranger.

note: i can’t believe i waited until 2020 to read this...it was life changing tbh and i cried

☆ just call me inspiration by hereforlou 52k

The truth is Louis knows he’s going to hell, if there is such a thing, but it isn’t because he writes erotic fiction for a living. If anything, it’s because his muse, the reason he’s inspired to write about people shagging in increasingly creative ways everyday, is the sweetest, loveliest, most genuine (and completely oblivious) future children-book illustrator in the world.

(Or, the one where Louis is a writer, Harry is an art student, and they inspire each other in very different ways.)

☆ truly, madly, deeply (10 things i hate about you) by sunsetmog 54k

The first Louis had heard of Harry auditioning for X Factor was the night he'd turned up on Louis' doorstep the day before leaving for Boot Camp, with a DVD and an illicit bottle of vodka.

Thing was, Louis hated secrets, and he really hated being made a fool of, and he really, really hated Harry Styles.

or: the one in which they're all in sixth form together, and Harry auditions for X Factor without them.

note: this has always been a fav

☆ the impossible now by stylinsoncity 65k

A wish on Christmas Eve sends Louis to an alternate dimension where Harry is a member of One Direction.

☆ swallow the knife by whoknows 76k

“You came,” Louis says, still breathless, clinging to Harry, uncaring that his sweat is getting all over Harry’s presumably clean dad shirt, or that he’s making Harry hold up all of his weight.

“Of course I came,” Harry says. He shifts, one arm curled underneath Louis’ arse, the other spreading wide in the middle of Louis’ back. “If I ignored you every time you pissed me off we would have stopped being friends a long time ago.”

Louis already knows that, of course. It doesn’t do anything to stop the pleased squirm in his belly every time Harry proves it, though. They fight like nobody’s business, both of them too stubborn to pull their punches when they’re arguing, and it used to get them in trouble, but they always make up.

Adrenaline makes Louis loose-lipped, and they both know it. He tightens his arms around Harry’s neck, buries his face in his hair. “I missed you,” he confesses, quiet. “Doesn’t feel the same up there by myself.”

note: i don’t even normally like non-aus but i have read this fic five times in the last nine months so. there’s that. 

extra note: there’s an 11k alternate sex scene here

☆ perfect storm by cherrystreet 80k

What do you do when your best friend asks you and your (now) ex to be the best men at his destination wedding? You can either tell him the truth, tell him you’re not together anymore, and deal with the consequences, or you can pretend you’re still together and roll with it, just pray you don’t spiral. Fake it ‘til you make it. You know, for the sake of the wedding.

Harry and Louis choose the latter.

☆ anyplace, anyhow, anytime by aimmyarrowshigh, colazitron 81k

Harry's going to audition for The X-Factor in a few days, he really can't use this persistent tickle in his throat. What's even worse is when the tickle turns into a full blown cough, and the cough makes him pass out only for Harry to wake up in a different world. And then another one, and another one, and another one. The only other person who seems to be as affected as he is, is a boy with blue eyes who keeps showing up in every single one of these worlds.

note: i reread all of aimmyarrowhigh’s larry fics this year including the 500k or whatever sheylinson verse and i thought about putting them all in here but like...felt excessive & i figured i’d give attention to a less well known one, plus this way we get colazitron too! 

☆ the second hand unwinds by kingsofeverything (fullonlarry) 52k

Louis Tomlinson is one of the first members of NASA's top secret Chrono Exploration Program. When things go wrong and he's sent further back in time than planned, he has no other option than to show up on his ex-boyfriend's doorstep.

☆ waiting for the tides to meet by nauticalleeds (metamorphosis) 60k

Louis lets out a deep breath, thinking about Harry’s soulmate. Thinking about how Harry’s soulmate is probably as beautiful as Harry, some person that Louis cannot compare to, and how the universe has chosen them to be Harry’s. Fuck the universe. “Fuck you,” he calls out to the universe. He’s aware of how crazy he sounds.

Maybe he is crazy, with how he’s falling for Harry. And fuck that, too.

Soulmate AU. Everyone is born with heterochromia — one eye is their own eye colour, while the other is the colour of their soulmate's. It's only when they meet their soulmate for the first time that their own eyes match properly. After a hazy night at a frat party, Louis wakes up to blue eyes and the shocking realization that he had met his soulmate, without any sober recollection. Seven years pass where Louis comes to terms with the fact that he'll never know who his soulmate is. Then one fated summer, a beautiful green-eyed photographer arrives at Louis' workplace, with promises of endless laughter and a familiar feeling in Louis' heart.

Featuring a lovely cup of OT5, a road trip down the coast, and a scene where Harry eats a whole head of lettuce. Don't ask why.

☆ keep my candle bright by whisperdlullaby 79k

louis returns to his hometown after four years to find that the reverend’s son has done some growing up of his own.

☆ strawberries & cigarettes by dimpled_halo 77k

Harry looks up and immediately freezes. Next to Ms. Archie stands the boy from just the other day. The boy with the leather jacket and chipped black nails, that might or might not be sketched in the very book Harry has just placed on the table in front of him. The leather jacket is missing today, probably because they aren’t allowed as part of their required uniform attire, but Harry can still see the fading black nail polish on his nails, and eyeliner around his eyes. Harry’s mouth goes a little dry. This boy is so intriguing to him.

“Ye-yes, Ms. Archie?” Harry tries to play it cool, but he’s almost positive that his cheeks are burning red, and he’s relieved neither of them can tell how fast his heart is beating in his chest.

The boy seems to also recognize Harry, because his lips curve into a knowing smirk.

“Harry is at the top of his class. He’s your best bet at getting familiar with things around here.” She explains.

Louis nods, his smirk still very prominent on his face. “Thank you Ms. Archie. I’ll be sure to take advantage of young Harold here.”

*

Summary: Two stories, eleven years, and the two boys that never stopped loving each other.