#oh I JUST got why he calls himself paul don't mind me it's not like he literally spelled it out last episode

[curiosityschild]

Oh my God guys I'm watching Midnight Mass (....first of all.... 🤌) episode 4 and Bev just went from my least favorite character to my most favorite holy shit. I mean she's *awful* she's a bitch she's a bigot she's a pious arrogant bastard but she is so. ride. or. die. it's incredible. Bev I hate you so much but I am in awe. In awe! No hesitation whatsoever. ALSO black-haired priest covered in blood shivering sadly in the corner is 100000% my aesthetic. That's gender. Or something.

[robin374]

I saw that your requests were open and I jumped into action lol

Any ideas for the Mercs and reader with an “only one bed” trope? (Love the stuff youve written btw <3)

One Bed Trope with the mercs (part 1)

I'm gonna start with Demoman because he is my husband and gets the privilege of being the first.

Demoman ❤️

He just wanted to sleep man 😭

When you two finished the assigned mission that Miss Pauling gave you two, you went to the hotel/motel (how do you call it in English?). When you entered the room the first thing you two saw was a single big bed, for two people.

You looked at Demo and he was awkwardly standing there. He couldn't believe his eye

👁️👄

"I'll sleep on the floor, don't worry Demo." "No, Y/N. I've slept in all kinds of places, I think I can handle sleeping on the floor" "And that's exactly why you are sleeping in the bed"

At the end, you two decide to sleep in the same bed. He couldn't help but feel nervous, like yeah, he has slept at the top of Edinburgh's castle. Or with some random seals at a random beach. But he's never slept with the person he's in love with.

With that said, he remembers those words his Mom told him once.

"You better get a job, Tavish!"

I could give him a good job-

I don't know why he remembered that, don't ask me.

HE'S SO WARM KSDKAODJAKL I feel like his body would be so warm, because of the amount of alcohol he consumes.

He snores a little bit. Just tiny tiny tiny tiny little bit. 🤏

Not as much as Heavy at least.

He's a heavy sleeper so good luck trying to wake him up

I feel like he would see it as an opportunity to confess his feelings. Like you two are talking while laying down in bed, and casually spits it out. By the time you realize what he said, he is already sound asleep, his back facing you.

"I'm in love with you, Y/N" "Hmm? What did you say? I didn't hear you *Scottish snoring*

Scout 🤡

HE DOES NOT HESITATE 🗣️🗣️

He knows what these situations are about and he will not let it slide so easily.

He doesn't even ask you if you are okay with sleeping with him, he just says "I'm so tired, let's sleep!" And he launches himself towards the bed.

He will pat the space next to him silently telling you to sleep too.

But then reality hits him like a rock, he is sleeping with you. He is really happy, any girl would've slapped him at tha exact moment, but you just accepted your fate.

He doesn't snore, but he does this thing that dogs do that is moving his legs as if he was running.

You better be a heavy sleeper because he talks while sleeping.

"Spy stole my chicken and now I can't eat my bullets. " "Scout are you awake?" "Fuck you Spy, I miss my chicken :("

He got so red when he woke up in the morning. You were still asleep, that's the first thing he saw after opening his eyes. He wanted to kiss you so bad.

"Good morning, toots. You've slept well?"

He's so in love with istg.

But he won't confess, he wants to keep this as a (really) good memory and confess after he's sure that you feel the same.

Scared of rejection I guess.

Engie 🤠

He's so casual about it.

He has to sleep in the same bed as his crush? Well, darn.

"It is what it is" energy.

You don't want him to sleep on the floor and he doesn't want you to sleep on the floor. Oh no, sadly we will have to sleep in the same bed :( (that's sarcasm for those confused)

"Come here, sugar, I don't bite." Unless you want me to.

He snores more than Demo sorry, it's bearable though. It's like having a horse next to you huffing and puffiing. A horse you don't mind to ride (ok I'll stop now sorry lmao)

He's like a teddy bear, he doesn't mind if you hug him. On the contrary, he will "unintentionally" pull you closer.

He would wake up in the middle of the night, because he's not used to sleeping like a normal person would do. So he will take advantage of it and admire your beautiful face. How the moonlight delicatedly lights your face, your closed eyes giving that feel of calmness... He will eventually kiss your forehead and go back to sleep.

He won't say a word about it in the morning. He will just greet you like always do in the base and get back to work.

In the inside he's screaming, dancing, running, whooping of joy. For him, it's one little step more to you being his pardner.

[murfpersonalblog]

IWTV S2 Ep6 Musings: Loumand (Spoilers)

Armand stressed me TF out this episode; I can't believe they had me yelling at my favorite TVC book character this much on this dang show. But I still stand by what I said about him having good intentions--

--but by god does this man make the worst decisions for the best reasons.

FACTS, I can't stand modern art. The first vamp capitalist, faaaacts.

The first vamp pilot--Louis WANTS to fly now!? Or maybe it's just the Cloud Gift that freaks him out; a vampire taking him up without his control/consent?

I cannot BELIEVE they're banging in Armand's office right in front of that flimsy glass door--that's why the coven hated y'all. 🤦 Rubbing in their faces that Lou can do whatever--and whoever--he wants.

OF COURSE that mofo was gonna say No--DUH! Lou, Armand don't want Lestat's spawn, he wants Lestat's SEED, there's a DIFFERENCE. 😅

He. Didn't. NO. The attitude in Lou's neck rolls had me QUAKING. AMC is leaning IN to Armand withholding more than Lestat, jfc. 😬

It was NOT ok, Armand. That was your cue to be part of the family, and join Lou as he went to the IVF clinic to get his eggs fertilized with YOUR seed, MORON. 🤦 Y'all could've been the Le Russe/Romanus family! Now they'll always be Lioncourts! 😩 Alexa, play Rolling in the Deep, cuz they could've had it all! 😔🎵 🎶

☝️ SAY IT LOUDER! ☝️

Roleplay don't mean ISH outside the bedroom--just cuz Armand's a subby bottom don't mean he didn't hold ALL the power the whole time; eff what Lou said, asked or "ordered." I said back in S1: Les & Armand HUMOR Lou, and let him pretend to be in charge (X X). It's called POWER IMBALANCE.

It looks like childbirth gone wrong.

Lou going from battered wife depression in S1 to post-partum-depression in S2. 😔 So Loius tried to kill himself again? By bleeding out? Throwing up all the blood he drank from Madeleine. Dang.

What "you did to yourself" is a little inaccurate, considering it was YOUR insensitive words that triggered him and made him want to yeet himself into the sun! This is what I always mean by Armand taking advantage of Louis' agency, cuz Louis was CLEARLY not in his right mind at the time to be asking for anything THAT serious, which he NEVER would've done elsewise.

So, 3 days after Louis' failed suicide attempt, he asked for his mind to be wiped--cuz he was still TRAUMATIZED, Armand! 🤦

Lou got high as a kite (if he was ever sober in SanFran.....)

Nearly killed the first human who managed to get anywhere towards helping him process his PTSD--if not just VENT a bit; as he hadn't spoken Lestat's name in 20+ years by that point.

Vented all his resentment to Armand for being hella boring

Was triggered by Armand telling Louis Claudia never loved him, wtf

Tried to kill himself by burning himself alive in the first sunrise he'd seen since Paul's suicide

Burnt to a crisp, he has to watch Armand torture TF out of Daniel, begging for his life & powerless to do anything

Then lay there all crispetty cracketty crunchetty and hear Armand have a effing telephone call with LESTAT

He even told OIdmaniel he'd been in so much pain he blanked out

Armand said drugs did a number on Dan's mind--Louis DIED an alcoholic; he was turned while he was drunk, and I bet mental illness runs in his family, too. So what damage was done to LOUIS' mind when he was in SanFran getting stoned every night b4 you scrambled his brain, Armand?!

Daniel's mind is sharp, yes, but his body sure ain't. Armand caused Daniel's Parkinsons--if it's even really Parkinsons, and not just the consequences of 6 days of bodily & mental torture, as his arm was crushed, head bashed, nose bled, and muscles were contorted. "To protect me, from YOU, my Molloy"--we been knew. "Why did I owe YOU my shame...my one act of cowardice?" Oh, you mean selling Claudia & Louis down the effing river?!

I'd bet money that Armand was so shook seeing Louis' reaction to what he said about Claudia hating Louis, and was so terrified of being on permanent suicide watch, that he was RELIEVED to have the chance to wipe Louis' memory, and soften the blow of his own culpability in WHY Claudia died hating Louis. Cuz she was HAPPY at that cafe with y'all! What happened AFTERWARDS, Armand!?

Why would vamps cheer and drink with alcohol; y'all shoulda known something was up; with this JUDAS at the effing table.

Why tf is Armand sleeping in Claudia's coffin? I guess Loumand doesn't share Louis' the way Loustat did. But better question: Why TF are they still in that flat?! I'd've left Paris for good; that was stupid of them to stay in coven territory. But I guess we know why Armand didn't insist they leave. 😒

Louis and Madz have tension. :(

This poor boy just CANNOT help himself, LOL.

LOLOLOLOLOL! Madz is NOSEY, spill all the tea, girl, yaaas! XD (The bass in Lou's voice when he says BIIIIIG HEAD nearly put me in a stretcher--omfg it was IMPROVISED!?)

👀 Yeah, he knows, alright. Knows you'll forgive him, Lou.

Cuz he felt he had nothing left if he didn't have you.

Cuz Santiago was right:

Speak of the devil, carrying the effing burlap sacks.

I could never sit there that calm and talk about all that without lunging over and pulling every follicle out of Armand's head.

Omg it's a matinee in DAYLIGHT, it's happening right then & there. 😭☀️

💀

[blackhakumen]

Mini Fanfic #1200: Auntie Anna & I (Tekken)

1:18 p.m. Smith Coffee, Urban City........

Steve: So you were both late for registrations AND your motorcycle got broken afterwards? (Chuckles Lightly) Oho man! Lei wasn't kidding when he said you two are most unluckiest men on the face of this globe. (Takes a Sip of Tea He Order) Mm.

Paul: (Scoffs While Rolling his Eyes in Annoyance) Of course the Boyscout of all Cops would say something like that. We would've gotten there a lot sooner if I didn't had to look after-(Glares at his Best Friend, Marshall Law, Sitting Right Next to Him) SOMEONE knocked out sleep the entire time!!

Marshall: (Rolls his Eyes at Paul) Well, excuse me for getting sent flying towards a nearby wall by that "Universal Power Fist" of yours. ('Sigh') I swear, it's like you forgot how hold your own punches or something.

Paul: Hey, I can hold them off just fine, thank you very much! (Turns Away While Crossing his Arms) Ain't my fault you couldn't take a proper beating from your old pal Paul

Marshall: (Glares at Paul) Considering the wall you broke cost thousands of dollars to pay off, I am more than contempt in saying that it was definitely YOUR fault, old pal!

Steve: Gentlemen, gentlemen, calm yourselves. This is a day of rest and relaxation out in the sun, not to start a street bout. (Takes Out his Check Book From his Pocket) Just tell me how much the wall cost and I'll pay it off for you before you know.

Marshall: (Gives Steve a Sheepish, But Reassuring Smile) Thanks, Steve, but that.....REALLY won't be necessary. I'm already started paying for the property damages as we speak.

Paul: ('Heh') More like ALREADY paid off! (Points at Himself with a Proud Smirk on his Face) Courtesy of yours truly, of course.

Marshall: Wait. (Turns to Paul) You helped pay the damages, Paul?

Paul: (Happily Nodded) Indeed I did. Ain't no way I was gonna let one of my bros do it all alone, ya know?

Marshall: (Taken a Bit Aback by Paul's Help) Wow....Thanks, Paul. (Smirks Back) Guess you're not much of a lazy bum than I thought you were.

Paul: Don't mention it- H-Hey! (Starts Glaring at Law Again) Who the hell are you calling a lazy bum, chump!?

Marshall: Do I really need to explain all the time you crash into our home unannounced? For free?

Paul: Hey, I don't just come and crash in, you know? You forgetting the fact I helped raise Forrest when he was a little squirt?

Marshall: Never. And I will always be thankful for that. But will it KILL you to help around the house and restaurant sometime? Huh?

Paul: Well, I wouldn't mind helping ya if i didn't have a schedule in my own hands to fulfill. I have places to be, things to do!

Marshall: Riding around in your motorcycle and picking fights with aliens and bears aren't even close to being productive activities!

Paul: They're all better than being cooped up in a kitchen all day! And the ride's name is Charlotte. Get it right next time, yeah?

Marshall: Why would you name your motorcycle to begin with?

Paul: CAUSE I CAN DAMNIT!!

Steve: (Chuckles Lightly Some More at his Two Pals) I swear, you two are a bunch of riots.

????: Oh Stevie Dear!~ Yoohooo!~

Steve: (Snickers a Bit While Recognizes a Feminine Voice Strolling Her Way to His Table) And speaking of riots.....(Turns Around and Greets a Woman with Short Hair, Wearing a Fashionable White Attire) Hey there-

Paul/Marshall: (Eyes Widened in Complete Shock at a Very Familiar Face) ANNA WILLIAMS!?

The duo quickly get themselves up from their seats and form their respective fighting stance directly towards the lady in question.

Paul: Careful, Steve.

Marshall: That woman you're talking to is a highly skilled assassin!!

Anna: (Gives the Two Men in Front of Her a Deadpinned Look on her Face) Nice to see you, boys. (Smirks at Paul in Particular) I almost didn't recognize you with that stupid looking hairstyle of yours, Phoenix.

Paul: Hey! (Angrily Cracks Both of his Knuckles One by One) My personal hairstylist says this style is very fashionable in this time of year, you judgemental snake!

Steve: ('Sigh') Okay, seriously, can you guys not have a street brawl against my very own aunt in board day like please?

Marshall: Steve, how else are we gonna- Wait.

Paul/Marshall: AUNT!?

Anna: (Rolls her Eyes) About times you bafoons figured it out......

Steve: (Gives his Aunt a Soft Glare) Auntie.

Anna: (Turns to Steve With a Little More of an Immature, Whiny Look) What? I was only being honest!

Steve: There's a time and place for that.

Anna: ('Sighs in Defeat') And now is neither one, I knoooow......(Turns Back to Paul and Marshall) To answer your question, yes, I am the biological aunt of Steve Fox. (Happily Hugs her One and Only Nephew) And I love and adore my baby boy so very, very much!~ (Starts Kissing on Steve's Cheek)

Steve: (Chuckles Ticklishly) Auntie, please, I'm not an infant anymore~ And must you do this now? In front of my friends?

Anna: Yes, I do!~ I finally get to spend the day with you today and I am going to savor every moment of this, got it?

Steve: Loud and clear. (Turns Back to his Pals) Sorry about her, Gents. She never wasted a moment to give me hugs and kisses. Biggest softie in the entire globe, I'll tell you what.

Anna: (Playfully Pouts at Steve) Steve!~ Those two didn't need to know about any of that!

Steve: (Playfully Shrugs at his Auntie) Oops.

Paul: (Starts Snickering at Anna Along with Marshall) Is that so?

Marshall: And here we were panicking over nothing.

Paul: (Smirks at Ann Again) Over Little Miss Auntie Anna nonetheless~

Anna flips both the laughing men off before Steve slowly lowers her middle finger down, gently patting her knuckles to help calm her down a bit.

Marshall: (Stops Laughing For a Minute) Hang on. So, if you're his aunt, wouldn't that make-

Anna: Nina Williams his mother? Yes, it does. (Crosses her Arms While Glarong at that Important Fact) Not like she ever cares about him to begin with.

Paul: (Immediately Stops Laughing With a Surprised Look on his Face) Wait, seriously?

Steve: (Simply Nodded) It's true. I met her face-to-face back in Rome a while back. She denied the fact of us being related and said I was a thorn of her side before we parted ways.

Paul: (Couldn't Believe What he Heard) Oh man.......

Marshall: (Frowns For his Friend) I'm sorry, Steve.....

Steve: (Shrugs) It's fine. I can tell just by the look in her eyes that she has no interest in having me be a part in her life. ('Sigh') It's a shame, but.....Life continues to go on I suppose.

Steve felt Anna gently grab hold of his hand, giving him a sad, yet sympthic look under a glamrous, expensive shades she's wearing, before smiling softly at her, silently thanking her for the support.

Paul: So how did you guys ended up meeting then?

Marshall: Did you roped Steve in with one of your assassination adventures or something?

Anna: Yeah, something like that. I was originally tasked on assassinating him until I dug up his and Nina files, finding out that she was his mother and I'm his aunt. So rather than going through with the ordeal, I made the preparations to us to meet in person in an undisclosed location and eventually started bonding from there.

Steve: It took us a while to trust one another completely, but overtime, during our life threatening hijinks, we started to open up to one another, slowly enjoying and appericating each other's company the more we worked together as a team.

Anna: ('Sighs in Pure Relief') And I cannot tell you how happy I was when we started to get along. (Takes her Shades Off, Recealing a Sadder Look in her Eyes) Life hasn't.....really gotten easy for me in recent years, with the love of my life getting gunned down in our wedding. Right in front of me nonetheless.......

Marshall: (Eyes Widened in Complete Horror) Christ.......

Paul: (Bows His Head Down to Anna Along with Marshall) You have our condolences.

Anna: (Simply Nodded to the Duo) Thank you. He was the love if my life, practically the best friend I never had in my whole life. So it's hard for me to move on from him completely. But I will be damned if I'm gonna let this unfortunate tragedy wear me down forever. I may gotten a lot older, but I still have a young, rich life ahead of me right now and I don't attend on leaving this crazy world just yet. (Gently Squeezes Steve's Hand as She Turns Back to Him With a Sincere Smile) Especially now that I have something very precious to me I have to protect.

Steve: (Smiles Back at his Aunt) I appreciate the lookout, Auntie Anna. But you do know I could look after myself just fine, right?

Anna: ('Groans a Bit') Of course I know that! (Turns Away While Pouting Again) But would it kill you to let me help you out for once? We're a team, remember?

Steve: (Stares at Anna For a Brief Second Before Smiling Again) Yeah. We are. (Wraps One Arm Around his Aunt's Shoulder) Always.

Anna's heart begins to melt in genuine happiness as she hugs her one and only nephew back.....Right up until her phone starts buzzing in her purse, taking it out and reading the message given to her before letting out another groan.

Anna: ('Uggh') Again with this?

Steve: Duty calls?

Anna: Yup. Apparently the target my clients were looking for just so happens to stumbled his way around the other side of the city.

Steve: (Raises an Eyebrow in a Bit of Confusion) And they ask you go and find?

Anna: Yeah. Right on my day off too. (Starts Pouting Yet Again) And I was really looking forward for us to spend the rest the day together too......

Steve: (Gives Anna a Reassuring Smile) We'll have plenty of opportunities to hang out some other time. Unless you want me to help you out in anyway?

Anna: ('Sighs in Defeat') No. I got this. The last thing I want to do is potentially ruin your boxing career with my profession. But I promise I'll see you again later this evening.

Steve: (Gives Anna Another Hug) Take all the time you need to get that job of yours finish and be safe about it. I love you.

Anna: (Happily Hugs Steve Back) I love you more~ Keep having yourself a good time out here without me, okay? (Turns Back to the Duo) Phoenix, Law, it was nice seeing you two again. Try staying out of trouble this time, yeah?

Paul/Marshall: (Comically Glares at the Woman) LOOK WHO'S TALKING!!!

Anna: (Giggles Softly) Kidding, kidding. You two take it easy or whatever. I'm off. (Gives Steve a Kiss on the Cheek Before Walking Off and Waving Goodbye to Everyone Else) Ciao~

Marshall: (Waves Back to Anna Along with Paul) Good luck out there!

Paul: Bye! (Turns Back to Steve) So that was your aunt there, eh Steve?

Marshall: She seems nice.

Steve: (Chuckles Lightly) Yeah, whenever she wants to be. Wouldn't have it any other way.

Paul: (Smiles Brightly at his Boxer Friend) Good. You deserve it after all the crap you went through.

Steve: Thanks. Both of you. You're a couple of good pals.

Law: (Smiles at Steve as Well) Same goes for you too. Don't hesitate to come to either of us for any help or advice. We got your back one hundred percent!- (Suddenly Gets Pulled into Paul's One Arm Hug With Annoyance Written All Over his Face Afterwards)

Paul: Yeah, what he says! You got that?

Steve: (Chuckles Lightly) Loud and clear. Thanks again.

???: Brother!~

????: ('TIGER ROARS')

The trio turns to see two more fellow Tekken combatants, Leo Kilesen and King II, waving hello to Steve a few feet close to their table.

Leo: (Smiles Brightly) We've finally arrived!~

King: (Roars While Holding Up Two Gifts Bags)

Paul: (Waves Hello the Unexpected Duo) Yo, hey guys- Wait.

Marshall: Brother?

Paul: Father!?

Paul/Marshall: (Turns Back to Steve With a Complete Shock on Both of Their Faces) YOU'RE RELATED TO THOSE GUYS TOO!?

Steve: (Smiles Sheepishly) Not quite?....I formed seperate bonds with those two after the war ended and they're both are equally as long to explain. Not opposed to explaining it all if you're interested. (Takes Another Sip of his Tea) Mm.....Did Leroy really made this tea himself? This is absolutely delicious!

@tampire

@albion-93

@decibelcoatl

[supercriminalbean]

Things that made me insane during criminal minds evolution:

Written while I watched so enjoy my bumbling mess. Spoiler alert of course.

Episode 8:

Okay I know AJ director this episode but um....why is the flash back based on JJ and Will it makes me uneasy. I'm scared and I'm not even 30 seconds in.

This season is fucked up.

Ahhh Dave and Penelope!! Him knowing when she's stressed or hasn't slept well makes my heart flutter.

He is such a dad (fucking daddy)

Him not believer her about work stress haha he knowsssss.

Atleast he didn't walk into it this timeeee.

David's voice drives me hornyyy I mean madd.

At first glance I thought that was Emily and was about to lose my shit.

Michael is so old....what the hell... Henry... I I know they are old but I...it feels wrong please so wrong. I'm so old now 😭😭😭

What if Will is working with sicarius...

Henry... my heart is aching for you. I also had to ear drop on my parents alot.

Fuck I love sircarius he's so smarttt.

61 people fuck... that's hot.

EMILY OPENING QUOTE YESSSS

I love her hair ahhh.

Ahhh we love Paul. Paul you are fucking awesome.

Awww TARA AND LUKE HIII I missed you.

Damn Penelope in that dress she looks beautiful.

OMGGG GUYSS THEY KNOW WHO LEE IS THEY KNOW THE UNCEL FUCKING FINIALLY.

2ND STREET EVERYONES FACE. Please

No Luke don't question her, his face when he realized and IMMDENITLY turning to his best friend.

Tara repeteing it and nodding like yes she is my friend and I'm sorry it's not with you.

I PAUSE IT TO WRITE THE LUKE AND TARA THING AND SAW A FAMIKY ON TV AMD WAS LIKE HA THEY GONNA DIE. BUT ITS MY FAMILY ITS JJ AND WILL. IM SCARED!!!!

Can we before I push play talk about how I'm so proud of JJ for taking time off and looking after herself my little love.

Henry looks so sad. JJ doesn't get enough scene to be mum and I want more.

JJ please just tell him the truth he desever it, he already has alot going on with your two jobs please.

I relate to much to Henry and it hurtssss.

Tara and Luke yesss.

Knew it!! Parent killerrrr.

The way Emily sighs before ordering people around.

I know, I KNOW. It's bad but my hopes are up for an Emily and JJ moments where Emily helps JJ with her family issues....

Ew the jet.

Ahh did Garcia low key children swear with 'what the actual F?'

This season I need her to drop the proper F bomb and for Rossi to language her. PLEASEEE.

Is anyone else shock with hoe Luke and Tara are in more than 2 scene this episode I love but woww the writers know how to do this.

Rossi 🥺😍😭😭 I love you. The way you speak to victims family make my heart yeet.

What did Rossi see... ooh my love you so smart.

But my lovers are smart.

The way thoes two speak to each other make me wanna ahhh I love them both go much.

Rossi saying bitchy

Okay thoes two thoes two!! I cabr even explain it but best scene ever.

Her still saying he needs threpy is beautiful.

I figures out the reason why I love thoes two,its like the voices in my head talking.

Fuck I love Rossi and Garcia to much its not okay.

Rossi is suicidal driving towards him like that fucking hell. GO TO THERAPY.

Garcia calling him beautiful creatures ahhh

Oohfff old school his smile aww when he pushes Luke.

Will and Henry 💔😭😭😭

They kill Will off I'm sueing

Henry just a kid but oh his little heart has gone through so much...

JJ I want you to hold me like that.

So Rossi just got himself kill that's cool cool cool cool cool beans cool cool cool as.

do you uh...uh think he will get kidnapped and almost die and when he wakes at the hospital it's his best friend sitting there holding his hand... aka hotch...

Or Reid will come from where ever he is and help get Rossi ass back.

[wasted-my-time]

Passing Cloud

A Phil Collen series

Chapter 1: My brother's friend.

Special thanks to @genxrocker for title advice (I ended picking a Girl song) and to @make-me-your-animal for his enthusiasm.

Warnings: None, they don't even swear!

May 1980

"London, here I come" I think as the plane landed at the Heathrow airport, the first destination of what I hope will be many trips around the world.

I gather my luggages and walk out to find him, the main reason of my choice over which city I would start with: Paul, my twin brother. I didn't see him for two years and couldn't help but drop everything on the pavement and hud him tightly.

-Damn it's good to see you again, Hugo. He says once we parted.

-Tu peux me parler Français, tu sais¹. I inform him jokingly.

You can speak French to me, you know.

-When in Rome, do as the Romans do! So, how are you?

I chuckle at his proverbial manners, but choose to ignore it.

-Bien, à part que j'ai l'impression qu'il est sept heures du matin le lendemain d'un chiffre de nuit. Toi?

Good, except that I feel like it's seven in the morning after a night shift. You?

-I'm good. So, we put your stuff in the car and we go to my place?

-Ouais, j'suppose.

Yeah, I guess.

On the car, we both try to sum up the last two years: During the day Paul fixes guitars in a music shop and at night he works for a local band called Girl, as for me, I worked various jobs and decided that I should get out of Canada and see the world, you know the rest.

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

We just had time to walk through the door of his apartment when his telephone rang. Since the call was quite unlikely to be for me, I left Paul answer and listen to his half of the conversation.

-Hello? Oh, hi Phil!

-Going out tonight? Well, my brother just arrived from Montreal so I don't think so.

-One second, I'm asking him.

-Tu voudrais-tu venir?

Wanna' come along?

Oh, he's finally switching to French, it was about time!

-Pourquoi pas!

Why not!

-He said yes. He confirms to his friend.

-Yeah, nine o' clock, that's good!

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

-So, what do you think of London so far? Phil asks as our eyes meet in the rearview mirror of his car.

Nice eyes on that guy...

-Well I haven't seen much yet, I slept all day long because of the night flight and everything.

-Good, so you'll be able to stay up all night!

-So, where are we going? My twin asks.

-Well... The Monkberry's is open, so...

-Oh come on, you just want to see if Liz wanna' come back with you! Let her go for God's sake...

So he's into girls, just my luck.

-Maybe you're right, but it's worth trying, and that bar is a nice place.

-Sorry, but I'm not bringing my brother in a gay bar.

-Why not? His friends tries to argue.

Yeah, why not bring your gay brother in a gay bar? I think to myself.

-I don't know, it's... Odd.

-You're so shallow... Phil sighs then resorts himself to picking another place. Since it's the gentleman's first night in town, it has to be special: Let's go to the Marquee!

-Who's playing the gig?

-No idea, but it can't be so bad.

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

Apparently, it can indeed be so bad. The poor kids really are trying but it's clearly not working. And the crowd isn't any kind of helpful, barely applauding, but yawning in abundance. Truly exasperating, they are... I walk out the door and rest my back against the brick wall, my skin slightly tickled by the cooler air of the night.

-They ain't that good, uh? My brother's friend asks as he joins me.

-Let's say there's plenty of room for amelioration... I answer with an amused smile. You should've chosen something better for a first impression!

-Would it make up for it of I showed you the city tomorrow?

-Sure, if you don't mind...

-Good! And I've got a show tomorrow night, so I'll rectify whatever is going on inside... They're giving a bad image of the city.

-Thanks, and do...

-Guys, we're leaving this place, Phil, you'll be happy, we're going to Monkberry's. My brother interrupts me as he walks out the door and passes us by without even looking at us.

-What's got to him? I ask.

-I think he thinks I'm chatting you up and that if we go to the Monkberry's, I'll be after Liz and I'll leave you alone.

So maybe he's into both. Maybe it is actually a luck.

-And is it true that you're chatting me up? I ask in a rather puzzled tone.

-It wasn't my intention but I can if you want me to. He answers with an half smile that I can only call flirty.

-Ha ha! No, I'm just kidding! Don't worry. I'll help you get yourself a nice girl when we'll be at the other bar! He bursts in laughter at my even more puzzled face. Now we better go or Paul will complain about us taking too much time. He adds and pats me on the shoulder as he leaves his spot against the wall.

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

The italic under the French sentences is the translation, it just made sense to me that these two would speak French together. I will try to find a better way to integrate the translations.

Disclaimer: You've guessed it ladies and gentlemen, it is a story about two men! I know it is not accurate according to what we know of Phil's orientation, but if you're not happy with that, just don't read it!

[tellthemeerkatsitsfine]

6, 15, and 20 <3

6. What task would you want to attempt yourself?

There are a lot of good options for that, but I think I'd like to try the season 5 task in which they had to get a ping-pong ball out of a pipe. Just because no one tried or even mentioned what I think is the obvious solution, and I'd like to find out if it would work. Just put some tape on the end of a broom handle and stick it down the drain pipe. Whether I'm right to think that's an incredibly obvious solution that would have worked great, or whether I'm wrong and I'm missing an obvious reason why it wouldn't work, I'd like to know.

15. Any unpopular opinions?

Love that I got four messages about this game before I started responding to them, and all four included this question. So here's my fourth unpopular opinion, and I'm going to go really unpopular for this one: I don't think Rosalind is a fucking nightmare. She does pretty cool stuff, actually.

20. Tell me about a TM moment that lives in your head rent-free.

Oh God, I could write a book on the subject. A solid 100,000-word volume with references and an acknowledgements section. I'll grab just a few that I can think of off the top of my head:

The look on Josh Widdicombe's face in the moments before they showed his tattoo, as he waited for maybe the highest stakes he'd ever had in finding out what level of laugh he'll get, because if this goes over badly then he has inked himself up for no reason.

Joe Lycett refusing to break eye contact with Alex Horne during their three-minute handshake. Total commitment to the bit.

I mean, everything about Wumar. "And he called the ball racist twice." "I’m devastated it was just me, and I’m absolutely shattered to get no points for something that, genuinely, when I look back on this calendar year, is one of the major things I’ve done with it." Always Seeing You Do Cool Stuff by The Diverse Stripes.

To go more recent, Judi Love singing House Queens.

Everything VCM tried as a way to surprise Alan Davies in the inventing a sport task.

Ed Gamble losing it on David Baddiel and a fly.

Jon Richardson getting asked if he wants to know what was under that table. "Not now, no!!"

Rose Matafeo's song about Greg and his brain full of corn.

Tim Key committing so hard to embarrassing Fred the Swede that he just embarrasses himself so much that he can hardly talk.

The first moment we saw Hugh Dennis' drawing of that woman in the caravan.

Paul Chowdhry looking Greg right in the eye and swearing up and down, with part of his face and body language, that every word he's saying makes sense to him. "Naked Twister, man."

The fucking drama of the vote on Joe Wilkinson's potato throw.

Sophie Duker licking all those things until they had to just stop the task.

Joe Thomas singing about Alex's death.

To go even more recent, Dara O'Briain losing his mind in the live task when Fern and John kept giving him useless words and he had to make a question out of them.

The entire bath tub task from season 4 pays absolutely zero dollars in rent for the fucking gigantic mansion with balconies and it's own 10-squre kilometre garden in which it comfortably resides in my head.

I mean, all of season 7? This list has gotten too long and I should stop it now, but all of season 7. If I had to choose one moment, Rhod Gilbert methodically tying up Alex like it's the most natural response to that task in the world. But really, all of season 7.

Oh, can't leave out the first moment that made me cry laughing and decide this show is going to live in my head for the rest of my life: Romesh Ranganathan not missing a single beat before hurling a watermelon onto the floor of the lab and then going feral on it.

[positivelybeastly]

The threat is gone as quickly as it came, and everything shatters the moment Victor can see clearly again. His father disappears. The policeman disappears.

His vision is not red and black anymore. There's still red. A lot of red. And blue.

Victor's fight leaves him weak, and he jerks away like he's been burned, staggering until he falls into a puddle of blood. It's his blood. It's Trish's. It's Hanks.

He wants to run. The boy wants to run. The beast is silent, sated. All that's left is the man, in the ruin of his own making. It takes another moment to get himself together, to remember time is passing and Hank is dying. Victor surges forward, claws gone as he presses his hand to the wounds he made.

He has to fix it. He has to fix it. Please, let him fix it.

Without realizing he's doing it, Victor murmurs under his breath. "I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry."

This can't be fixed. Not by his hand. He knows that. He searches for Hank's communicator. His phone. Blood smears across the screen but he sends an emergency SOS to Scott.

"Help's coming, alright? Just fuckin'- uh. Who, uh, who wrote the better vampire novels? Anne Rice or- fuck. Uhm. Dracula. Mary Shelly?"

He's wrong. He knows he's wrong. But this is how Hank talks to him when he fucks up. Victor has to be wrong, and Hank has to be smart.

"Babe, come on. Stay with me. We got mountains to move." Or whatever the fuck Paul Bunyan actually did.

Hank lets out just the most ragged, awful, pained little whimper when Victor's hands press into the wounds his claws have made, press against the massive gouges of flesh, trying, fumblingly, to push the pieces of Hank that have come tumbling out of his gut back inside of him.

His vision's - where are his glasses? They must be, why his vision is swimming, he's not got his glasses on. A paw weakly pushes them back into place, blood trickling down the cracked lenses and informing him that, oh, that really is rather a lot of plasma he seems to be losing, before his sloppy muscle control sends them flying to the other side of the room, tinkling as they break.

He squints up at Victor, sees the look on his face, hears what he's saying, and unlike any of the other times Victor's tried to bait him like this, he just smiles up at him. There's no furrowed brow, no roll of the eyes, no 'I know you're just doing this to rile me up' growl in his voice. Just a wan smile.

"'S'all right. 'S'all right."

Oh, he sounds awful, all slurred words and sleepy tones.

He wants to ask Victor to call him babe one last time, but he finds it hard, finds it really quite . . . tricky, to focus, to think. He just keeps looking up at Victor's face and tracing all the lines that he loves most in it, and he can't help but spend some of the last few bits of power he has left to bring his bloodied paw up and cup the man's face, stroking gently at his throat and chin.

Babe. There it is.

Hank smiles, and he closes his eyes. With Victor this close, with the man's warmth suffusing his own, his hands on his body, he can delude himself into thinking they're nestled and cuddled up in bed again. That Victor's going to start nipping at his neck and annoying him and making him grumble, even though he secretly loves it.

Why'd he ever make a secret of it? He can't think of a compelling reason, now that he casts his mind back. It all just seems so - arbitrary. Why hadn't he just been honest? Maybe then, they could have spent the time just a bit better. A little more truthfully.

Black pricks at the sides of his vision, and he squeezes softly at Victor's chin, fixing the man's face in his mind. He doesn't want to forget this. Not one moment, not one line. Don't you dare forget.

Don't forget me, Victor. A hundred years from now, think about me, please?

"Oh, my . . . stars . . ."

His paw drops.

[todayesterday]

Hi there, darling. :)

I just saw your (completely heart shattering) post about John and Paul’s song “call and response.” I’m wondering if you know where I can find a list of all of the Paul and/or John songs that are confirmed (or speculated) to be about each other or about the other.

Thank you so much. I appreciate you!!

[re: there's a story]

thank you very much for your kind words! i was planning to provide a more complete answer to this ask, and planned to elaborate a little bit on each one - particularly the ones that speculated - to explain with sources and such why they are/might be about john/paul, but i ended up never getting around to it, so i wanted to give you the list i came up with and just a few (not-that-serious, my-mind-deteriorates-more-the-further-down-you-go) thoughts on the songs, with the disclaimer that these are the ones i remembered and the ones i believe to be about the two of them (apart from the ones we know for a fact):

if i fell, by john — speculated, but. but!

in my life, by john — I know I'll often stop and think about them / In my life I love you more. i mean.

here, there and everywhere, by paul — paul wrote this in john's house waiting for john to wake up and join him. plus john said this was his favorite beatle song. and paul said it was his too because john loved it so much. plus, this ain't about jane asher. like, there's no way

hey jude, by paul — ok so john is the one who speculated this might be about him and therefore who am i to argue with him (and i agree that the 'go out and get her' thing might very well be about yoko)

two of us, by paul — not even paul believes himself anymore when he says this is about linda

i’ve got a feeling, by paul — All these years I've been wandering around / Wondering how come nobody told me / All that I was looking for was somebody / Who looked like you (this is speculation and might be a long shot but i don't care they sing this one together and i can't imagine it being about anything else)

the long and winding road, by paul — sad and gay

oh! darling, by paul — sad and gay, very much intesified (plus he sings hey johnny)

don’t let me down, by john — might not be 100% about paul but. they said it themselves, there's a story. they were communicating.

i found out, by john — I've seen religion from Jesus to Paul might be the queerest line ever sang by anybody

too many people, by paul — song wars: the beginning

3 legs, by paul — just trust me

dear boy, by paul — another one where john is the one doing the speculation but i agree with him

how do you sleep, by john — the start of john using paul songs to reference paul

jealous guy, by john — sad and gay, john ver.

dear friend, by paul — paul said so. this one keeps me up at night sometimes

best friend, by paul — this fucking song... dreaming about you... screaming out over you... TELL ME WHY WHY WHY DO TREAT ME SO BAD..

let me roll it, by paul — not the lyrics necessarily but the vibe, which paul admitted is a very big nod to john

beef jerky, by john — so naturally what john does is ripping of the riff of the above song. they did these kinds of shit and called it communicating

i know (i know), by john — yeah.... this one has so many references to paul (yesterday, just like he did with hdys) and it's just... yeah... now I am sad and gay

call me back again, by paul — john lennon for the love of god pick up the phone

coming up, by paul — :( they were about to be together again

(just like) starting over, by john — i could write a 456 page essay on this one and all the paul references he managed to squeeze in but i will say take a trip somewhere far far away is about hitchhiking to paris

grow old with me, by john — this one is on me i just like being sad

i’m stepping out (demo), by john — I MEAN (and another reference to yesterday)

free as a bird, by john and paul — i just think that can we really live without each other

real love, by john — you know, it fits so well with i've got a feeling's "all that i've waiting for was somebody who looked like you"

here today, by paul

the lovers that never were, by paul — I hang patiently on every word you send / Will we ever be much more than just friends? / As for you, you sit there playing this game, / You keep me waiting / When all of the clocks have run down, / We'll be the lovers that never were (do you ever just cry? plus there's a small reference to i know i know there too)

this one, by paul — paul even said this is about john and i do cry myself to sleep listening to it once every blue moon

yvonne's the one, by paul — She'll never know how much I loved her / I never got to tell / We never had the chance to say farewell. speculation too, but it fits very well

early days, by paul — about the beatles in general but about john too

there are probably more out there, but i think these are the main ones. here is a spotify playlist with all of them if you're interested in that as well!

[inspiteallthedanger]

I have been thinking today about that phone call to Hunter Davies that Paul didn't know was on the record. So, in that call, Paul is upset about Yoko's comment that John said no one had ever hurt John like Paul had. And Paul is trying to figure out what he did to hurt John and says the only thing he can think of is not inviting John to sing on "Why Don't We Do It In The Road"? To me, that is so crazy even if you remove any potential unrequited feelings/India theories/etc. Like, why wouldn't he assume it was going to court to break-up the Beatles? Or announcing the break-up? Even knowing Paul has an avoidant personality, don't you find that odd???

I know right? On the face of it, it’s just utterly bonkers. I had to stare into space for a moment there, because generally I just tend to gloss over it as it’s such a wild thing to say. He also says that he never hurt anyone ever and that is so bananas that I want to just sweep it under the rug and pretend I didn’t hear it because he’s just being silly.

But, since you asked, let’s work it through. I’m going to run through what I think the options are.

Firstly, I feel compelled to say, he’s not calling someone random. He’s calling a journalist. I know he was a friend and that he was a friend that also knew John, so that’s part of it. But, there were plenty of other people that fit that bill that didn’t write for a living. That didn’t write for a living and were Paul’s friend, unlike most of the rock writers out there. So, even if he did think he was off the record, there’s still got to be some part of him that’s at the least censoring himself. But, to be very cynical, could he just be putting his side of the story forward in the most forceful way he knows how? 

This does make sense to me because Hunter says repeatedly that Paul’s angry. He’s not upset or worried. He’s furious. Not a state I tend to read about him being in very often. I guess, though, perhaps Hunter interpreted it as angry when in fact it was anxiousness. But Hunter knew Paul pretty well, so I’m not sure I buy that. Paul calls John a bastard that took and took and never gave back. This is probably the most rude he’s ever been about him.

So why?

Well, he’s getting a kicking since John died and things are turning against him again. So he’s stating, very firmly, that he didn’t do anything to deserve the kickback. That makes sense to me then because keeping it business sort helps make him seem sensible and fair. So, essentially, he’s lying out of panic and anger because he’s living through The Beatles break-up 2.0. Which is fair - even if he’s doing it in a wild way.

Is it possible he thinks Yoko is lying to get back at him for some unknown reason and build up John’s legacy? Could be part of the anger for sure. 

So, the background is the bad press. Which is fair. He’s allowed to be annoyed by that. But, alongside that I do think is possible he’s worked himself up into something of frenzy. Hunter’s not the only person Paul called about this. He called Norman too, who never called Paul back. So, it’s possible he’s called round, trying to get answers, frantic with grief and nebulous anxiety. So he might be ranting and not making sense because of that.

John’s dead by this point, and now Paul realises that he did something he can never atone for. Is it a surprise his first reaction is to go oh hell no? I can understand him just wanting to push the very idea away, so he’s not going to select examples that hold any weight, because that would be counter being able to do that.

So that’s all assuming Paul isn’t so emotionally dumb he thinks he can’t have hurt anyone ever. I tend to hope that’s not what he thinks when he’s in a more rational frame of mind. But, is there an option where he does believe, totally, what he’s saying?

Firstly, Paul does tend to lean in this general direction. He seems genuinely baffled about the emotional damage he leaves in his wake. Which is weird, because Paul himself is a very sensitive person in a lot of ways. Perhaps he reacts to people’s trauma like he was taught to as a kid i.e. how everyone around him reacted to his after his mother (and probably before about other things)? Which is to just tell them it’s nonsense and to forget about it? Could be, I guess. So, it’s not that he believes that they don’t feel that way so much as he thinks, “Gosh, how embarrassing that you’re talking about it in public and making a fuss, stop it.”

It could also be that he doesn’t think he had the power to hurt someone. Maybe?? But, I really do believe that he likes to downplay the bad things he does, because he’s so conflict avoidant. You can see him doing some insane circular thinking in the article (which Paul does tend to do a lot) where he states how he might have done something wrong and then dismisses it. He says, “I can’t have hurt John. But, then everyone tells me I hurt them without knowing, so maybe I did. But. No, those people were wrong when they said that, so I can’t have hurt John either.”

I guess, though, he could just feel that ... John and he weren’t close enough for that to be a possibility? Like, if you believe he thinks he’s talking off the record here and this is how he really feels... you could read it as him just not liking John that much and being angry at him being so well loved since his death. That’s certainly a very surface level read of the interview but it isn’t, like, invalid to me.

Like, if you take him totally at face value, what he’s sort of saying is that he believes the only thing John could be hurt about is a business thing. So, maybe he just thought they were bandmates and anything outside of that isn’t legitimate. I guess that is possible, especially because John made him feel that they weren’t friends??

It could be that this example is the only thing he can think of that he doesn’t feel he was provoked into doing. That he feels bad about this but less the break up because John started it (in his mind). That sort of makes sense because he specifically mentions that it’s of the things John said in public. Still a bit weird, but possible? Again, unless he’s looking to cover his back by explaining any outstanding jabs John took at him that he hasn’t already pushed back against.

It could be that it’s the only thing that he and John hadn’t talked about and John had ‘forgiven’ him for or said that didn’t bother him, too.

Side note - this reaction is part of why I don’t think there can have ever been something explicitly said about romance between them.

But, wait. I wrote that and then thought, could it be that he’s suddenly freaking out about something coming out? That he thinks Yoko is hinting at things he doesn’t want said, and so is getting out ahead of that? I’d never considered that before, because I don’t think that Paul thought there was anything ‘to come out’ but if you think there was, that makes sense...

So, that’s my list. I think... for me, it’s a mix of frenzied guilt and fear mixed with Paul’s natural impulses to invalidate inconvenient feelings. But also, he is angry that he’s being blamed and being made into the villain again when he hasn’t done anything in like 12 years to even vaguely deserve it. 

Nonny, do come back and tell which of these you find the most compelling. Or if you have any other ideas.

[ectonurites]

hi! i am sorry if you did answer or talked about these before but i recently saw your blog and as long as i saw you hadnt, at least recently so i am sorry if i am mistaken and if my english is bad

i have 2 questions

1 do you think lex and kal being kons parents is a bad retcon? in sense that you would be happier if it hadnt happened.

2 there is some fanfics that i saw where clark had been acting as a father figure to kon, like jon, kon living with lois and him but as long as i know in canon while they got along good there was not a relationship like this? what do you think of this? do you think it would be good if it was canon? it might be canon and i might not know, while i love kon i didnt read all of his comics so i am sorry if its wrong, i was just curious.

Oooh okay, I've talked about these topics in terms of discussing the fanon versus the canon/explaining how things went in canon, but I don't know if I've really done more just my opinions on them. So I can do that!

Putting this under a readmore because it ended up very long. I'm wordy 🤷‍♂️

"1 do you think lex and kal being kons parents is a bad retcon? in sense that you would be happier if it hadnt happened."

I don't think I'd call the Lex + Clark retcon itself bad, necessarily. I have... mixed feelings on it? Due to the fact that I got into comics well after the retcon had happened, it's something that I've just like... always had in mind when approaching Conner, even once I learned it wasn't originally the case. So I have kinda a hard time in my brain separating the retcon from him, especially because so much plot-related stuff for him that came along in the 2000s is directly related to it. If it hadn't happened, the entire trajectory of his character would have changed, and we'd probably be looking at a pretty different Kon-El in his later appearances. So that makes me hesitant to say i'd like... prefer it hadn't happened. I think Kon has a fascinating story throughout his appearances as is, and while exploring what could have been without that retcon is interesting, I don't think I'd want to just press 'undo' on the last 19 years (okay, more like 13ish bc from 2012-2018 he wasn't present, but still).

Now in terms of execution of the retcon... one bit of credit I'll give Johns is that the way the retcon is explained fits reasonably into the original story. It's less of a "Oh shhh duh it always happened this way" messy change and at least has a plausible "Okay so things actually happened this other way- but this is why Kon believed otherwise about himself" reasoning.

However I think that Johns should have... paid more attention to some things from Kon's solo/at least addressed them. It feels like he put thought into making it work with Reign of the Supermen, but did not think about the repercussions that would echo out through things in Superboy Vol. 4. Like how the retcon makes Amanda Spence, a reoccurring villain throughout Kon's comic (she was part of Match's creation, killed Tana during Sins of Youth, and then came back during his Our Worlds at War tie-ins), have had a completely moot motive (she hated Kon because as Paul Westfield's clone he was the last living piece of her father). That's a choice that can be made, but the fact that it never even remotely gets acknowledged always felt so weird to me.

But yeah, so like I don't... I don't think I'd call it bad, but I do think it wasn't as fully thought-out a choice as it maybe should have been, and that some of the execution of it was lacking.

"2 there is some fanfics that i saw where clark had been acting as a father figure to kon, like jon, kon living with lois and him but as long as i know in canon while they got along good there was not a relationship like this? what do you think of this? do you think it would be good if it was canon? it might be canon and i might not know, while i love kon i didnt read all of his comics so i am sorry if its wrong, i was just curious."

Right, so the way that Clark & Kon's relationship in canon has been is familial, but not in a father/son way. This is directly related to how when Kon was initially created, there was no actual known biological relation between him and Clark- so Clark really wasn't ever responsible for Kon. He was put under the supervision of Dubbilex for the first portion of his life, and while he and Clark started to see each other as family it was more in a brothers/cousins way. Dubbilex is the person Kon grew to see as a father figure (canonically, he calls him the closest thing he's got to a dad in Superboy #34) but in general Kon still didn't consider himself to really have parents. Kon then went to live at Cadmus later, and after the project had to disappear, he tried to live on his own.

When that went horribly... Clark brought Kon to Ma and Pa to live with them. Imo this is the divergence point where the comics could have decided to create a more father/son relationship between the two of them- if instead they'd had Kon move in with Clark. But by having Kon move in with Ma and Pa, they were establishing Kon + Clark's relationship to stay more like brothers.

And... I really don't want to change that. A while before this point, things had already kinda hammered home the point that Kon didn't have the same sort of family guidance that Clark did when he was young and coming to terms with his powers and things, (and while Dubbilex was great he wasn't really that well-equipped to fill that role) and I think that him going to live with Ma and Pa was absolutely the right choice. I'm thinking a lot about Superman #155 especially, which is from a few years before Kon moves in with them but he was at the Kents' place for dinner. Clark's not all that pleased about it (because this is before Clark had told Kon his secret identity, Kon had met the Kents by chance in a different situation, and Clark at this time is wanting to keep his life as Clark and his life as Superman more separate) but he has this talk with Pa:

(Superman (1987) #155)

I honestly think this conversation could be a big reason why years later when Kon needs a place to go, Clark brings him to them. He knows that there's a level of guidance and family that they would be able to give him that he'd really benefit from! I feel trying to establish a more strictly father/son relationship between Clark and Kon would mess with the dynamic that formed with Ma and Pa as Kon's parental figures... which I absolutely wouldn't want to see happen.

But at the same time I super don't mind Kon being included in some things and spending time with the Clark/Lois/Jon family unit- because I think the answer here is to just acknowledge that Kon doesn't really fit as strictly/easily into traditional roles in a family, and that's okay! Ma and Pa are his parents, but since Clark is way older than him- sure him and Lois could sometimes kinda feel like parents too rather than 'older brother and sister-in-law' and like... Jon can be technically his nephew but feel more like a brother because they're close in age, these things don't need to be clearly defined.

So like... I dislike when fan content will replace Ma and Pa's roles in Kon's life with Clark and Lois, but I'm okay with things that treat all of them as family where the specific labels of how they're related just aren't as important, if that makes sense? And in terms of how this relates to canon, this kind of vagueness is sorta the current approach. The basis is a "Ma and Pa are Kon's parents and Clark considers Kon his brother" mindset, but Kara then plays with it by calling Kon her 'cousin-brother-nephew'

(Action Comics #1028)

They're all family and that's what matters more than what the specific labels for how they're related are. But Kon lives with Ma and Pa right now and I definitely think it should stay that way. (Although it does feel like Tom Taylor over in Son of Kal-El has kinda forgotten that... or I guess Kon was just out of the house when Lois, Clark, Jon and Jay had come over for dinner? who knows)

So... yeah! I hope that uh, answers the things you were asking?

[stray-kids-react]

Hot Topic

Masterlist

Warnings - Swearing

Genre - Fluff

Pairing - Changbin x Interview Reader

Your boss was a bitch and everyone knew this for a fact, being head of a huge magazine company really went to her head. And being her assistant and part time celebrity interviewer put a lot of stress on your shoulders, but it payed well and you still loved your job nonetheless.

But having to run to a coffee shop at 5 in the morning in uncomfortable through the pourning rain, was definitely not a highlight of your job experience. Your teeth clattering and goosebumps rising on your skin, the rain was pouring down hard it was hard to focus on anything in front of you.

"H-hi can I get two small black coffees, one meduim vanilla mocha, and one large hot chocolate." You ordered, wiping off the mascara that ran down your cheeks.

The cashier nodded cautiously, concerned by the way you looked. The elderly couple sitting not to far away from you was sipping their cups of tea as they boared into your souls it seemed. You knew this day was coming, having such a great couple of days and getting a raise... It was bound to have a small dip so your life isn't like Barbie dolls.

"Name?" The chashier questioned, chewing her gum loud and obnoxiously.

"Y/n." You sighed, trying to maintain some level of composure with that annoying chewing.

You tossled back and forth on the pads of your feet, zoning out due to your tired state. You nearly tripped over your own feet when the cashier called your name, holding a tray filled with burning cups of caffeine. You turned around quickly at the vibration of your phone, alerting you that you boss was becoming impatient.

A dark haired man crashed into you, gasping out of concern immediately. All of the drinks spilled onto new and already drenched jacket, and the rest flew onto your face. You left your eyes closed as you held in the scream trying to crawl out of your lips.

"Shit, I am so sorry." He apologised, helping you to your feet.

"It's okay." You whimpered, voice trembling from the overwhelming emotions forming in your mind.

Before he could grab napkins to help you out, you were already walking back to your home. Tears strolling down your cheeks from a mix of frustration and exhaustion, you knew you needed the day even if it meant taking extra hours the next day.

You poured the bubbles into your bathtub as you called your boss to tell them you wouldn't be showing up today, they sounded passive aggressive as they agreed but demanded you to do extra hours tomorrow. Which included interviewing the kpop boy group Stray Kids.

That's when a lightbulb clicked in your head, the man you rushed into was Seo Changbin. You were a fan of Stray Kids and didn't even recognize your bias because you were so stressed out from work.

"Oh my God..." You sighed, sinking into the water with disappointment in yourself.

-The next day-

"Y/n! Can you help this group to to the proper floor? I'm really busy." Your favored and spoiled Co worker suggested, clearly just wanting to get some time off. You agreed nonetheless.

Eight God like men stood next to each other with innocent confusion in their eyes, they didn't complain like other celebrities or acted snappy either. This made it more frustrating when your co worker made her irresponsible actions your problem to solve, they didn't deserve that type of treatment.

"Hi, I'm y/n l/n I will be your interviewer tonight and I just wanted you all to know how hug of a pleasure it is to have you hear. I'm a huge fan." You revealed, adjusting your posture with a pure smile.

They followed you towards the correct location, couches and chairs set up for the interview. The staff were all busy fiddling around with the equipment to make sure everything was fully prepared, which left you to try and entertain the special guests all by yourself. But before you could speak one more word, your boss rushed towards you.

"I am so thankful for you y/n, I just got a call from Elle magazine asking me if I would be able to interview Rihanna in a few hours, so if you don't mind locking up the building for me. Thanks sweetie." She demanded, tossing you the keys as she waltzed away from you.

It was after supper and you've been working non stop since 6am, and now you had to stay in this hell hole for even longer. A staff member ushered most of Stray Kids to different spots of the set.

"Are you the person I ran into yesterday?" Changbin questioned, close behind you.

"Yeah, I'm sorry I ran out so quickly. This job just is a lot of stress and work." You apologized, confusion furrowed hsi brows as to why you were apologizing.

"Don't worry about it, I actually feel bad for how hard these guys seem to be on you. Do you need any help setting up or anything?" He suggested, a softness in his eyes that made your heart do back flips.

You shook your head, knowing your face was probably stuck in a slightly shocked expression. You were proven this when a small smirk was noticeable on his features as he walked past you to get ready for the interview.

The interview went smoothly, not a awkward moment between you and the band. This is due to being a fan and doing your research before agreeing on the interview, unlike other interviewers who have completely made it unwatchable for some viewers.

You nearly stumbled over your words many times but kept composure each time, the stumbling only ever attempted to happen when you looked at Changbin.

Sending you small winks whenever the camera zoomed in to an other member, and watching you soft eyes everytime you spoke. You could feel the heat on the top of your ears from his simple but effective actions.

Felix noticed Changbin's actions towards you and smirked to himself, he slightly warned him whenever the camera would be focusing on him or if he would be in view. Everyone knew how entertainments were like when it came to dating, and that's why it was exciting when an idol didn't seem to care and wanted to live their lives.

"So I have one last question for you guys." You reassured, reading the last card in your hand.

"What is something you want to tell your fans?" You asked, smiling since you considered yourself a fan.

Each member expressed their love and appreciation for their fans, some sending small hearts from their finger tips before the camera panned away from them. You appreciated how humble and easy going they were, especially after dealing with celebrities like the Paul brothers. The worst interview you've ever had would have to be with Justin Timberlake nonetheless.

You stopped listening to Timberlake after the interview and wanted to try a new genre, and that is how you got into kpop. The first band you became a fan of was Exo, but your ultimate group became the loveable dorks called Stray Kids. You saw yourself as just some regular interviewer that wasn't special in any way, and you never thought any celebrity would give any attention.

The most attention you've got in your career was a handshake you made with Itzy's Lia while interviewing them. That's why it surprised you how Changbin seemed interested in you, since there were so many other people who would give everything they had to be with him.

"Did it work?" Changbin questioned, a genuine smile across his features as you looked in his direction.

"Did what work?" You asked, giggling softly at his puppy like expression.

"Your day seemed tough so I wanted to make you laugh, that's why I was winking. I wanted to break the ice." Changbin explained, fiddling with the ends of his shirt.

His reasoning made your heart flutter much more than if he would've just done it to flirt, it seemed genuine and thoughtful rather than desperate and fuck boy like.

"That's actually really sweet. Thank you." You commented, trying not to show him how much it effected you.

He nodded as a welcome, secretly adoring the that crossed your features.

"I better get going. I have a lot of cleaning up to do." You sighed, beginning to step away from the boy of your dreams.

Changbin glanced towards his band before running after you, a prominent shade of red dipped on the tips of his ears and cheeks.

"If I promise not to spill it over you, do you think I could make you a coffee and help you?" He asked, voice meeker and less confident than it was a few minutes ago.

You agreed to his proposal, trying not to squeal. Your crush wanted to spend time with you, and this was the only time you ever wanted to thank your boss.

[morganaspendragonss]

I hope that you are doing well! I love the your writing! If you are open to a Tarlos fic request: TK to Carlos after the doctor has told him Carlos might not make it through the next 48hrs "I cannot imagine life without you, please don't let me live my greatest fear. I won't survive."

Carlos has been working a case and it happens that he becomes a target. He starts getting messages at work, at home and becomes paranoid but doesn't tell TK, but TK can see that Carlos is on edge. Carlos picks a fight with TK so that he goes to stay with Owen for a while. Carlos does this to protect him, let him at least stay away so that if anything happens, TK is safe. Then one night, Carlos is alone at home and someone breaks in, torture ensues and he is barely clinging to life. He calls 911, Grace answers and he can barely get the words out "it's Carlos, send help". 📍

holly's august extravaganza day 10: i can't imagine my life without you

thank you!

ao3 | 1.9k | descriptions of torture, major character injury, angst, hopeful ending, open ending

TK knows he’s annoying people. The atmosphere in the ambulance is thick with tension whenever they’re out on a call, and it’s not much better back at the firehouse. He tries to keep his distance, occupying himself in the gym or aggressively doing chores, but he can’t avoid everyone forever and his bad mood is starting to spill over.

Like when he and Nancy fell back into their old pattern of snipping at each other, or when he nearly bit Paul’s head off when he asked what was wrong. It was less the question itself—though TK certainly doesn’t want to get into why he’s so out of it—and more the way Paul phrased it. Nobody likes to be asked ‘trouble in paradise?’, particularly when the answer is yes.

He just doesn’t understand. It had come completely out of left field—one minute everything was fine, the next Carlos had turned to him with guarded eyes and a clenched jaw, and said six words that sent TK’s whole world crashing down.

“I think we need a break.”

Carlos hadn’t explained why; when TK had tried to push, he’d turned it into a fight, until TK had no choice but to leave. He’s been staying with his dad for a week now and he desperately misses his boyfriend, torn between wanting to go over and check on him and wanting to give him space.

He’d settled on a text, a simple you okay?, which still felt woefully inadequate. Carlos had been on edge for weeks before the blow up and TK hadn’t been able to get a word out of him about why.

The text is still unanswered, though it’s been marked as Read.

TK huffs and hauls himself up into the ambulance to check stock. He knows Nancy has already done it and she’s going to be pissed if she catches him, but he needs to keep his mind occupied somehow, lest he start to spin out. But the peace he finds is short-lived, as not ten minutes after he starts, TK looks up from his clipboard to see Judd approaching, hands held out in a pacifying gesture.

It has the opposite effect, TK’s nerves becoming that bit more frayed at the spooked animal treatment he’s getting, but his pointed glare does nothing to deter Judd. Nor does turning his back and returning to work, as he finds out when Judd’s heavy footsteps stop behind the rig and don’t move away.

“TK,” Judd says, his voice suspiciously rough.

TK doesn’t bother turning around, hoping it will get the message across. “Fuck off, Judd,” he says, which would normally be a guarantee of riling him up enough to get him to either leave TK alone or engage in a more physical manner.

At this point, TK doesn’t really care which reaction he gets.

Unfortunately, he’s not in luck today. Which, honestly, tracks.

“I got a phone call,” Judd continues, undeterred, “from Grace. Now, I figure you’ll be getting a similar one soon enough, but we thought it might be better if you heard it from us first.”

TK sighs and hangs his head, reluctantly turning around. “What?” he snaps out. When Judd doesn’t react, not even with a raised eyebrow, a quiet dread begins to pool in his gut, a little voice in the back of his head telling him he already knows ‘what’.

He tries to push it down, but there are very few reasons why Grace would call Judd and ask to talk to him. TK takes the proffered phone in a shaking hand, his heart starting to pound as he lifts it to his ear.

“Grace?”

“Hey, TK.” Grace’s voice is gentle, as it always is, but there’s a soothing note to it now, and more of the pieces start to slot together in TK’s head. “Listen, honey, I’m at work and I just got a call come through. I’m… I’m so sorry, TK. It was Carlos.”

TK’s breath catches, tears pricking the back of his eyes. “What do you mean?” he demands, voice shaky. “What do you mean ‘you’re sorry’?”

“He was… I don’t know. He was barely able to talk, but it sounded real bad. EMS 122 were in the area at the time so I sent them out; they should have arrived at the hospital by now.”

And TK… TK doesn’t know what to say to that. He slumps back on the bench in the rig, breathing turning shallow as he imagines what could have happened to Carlos. The last time they’d seen each other—the last time they’d spoken—it had ended with them throwing insults across the kitchen island and with TK packing a bag and slamming the door behind him.

The thought that it might be the last memory they have together kills him inside.

He needs answers. Before he can face this new reality, he needs to know what happened, which means there’s only one thing he can do right now.

“Grace?”

“Yes, sweetie?”

“I want to hear it.”

*

Judd has followed him up to the mercifully empty bunkroom, refusing to leave after both his and Grace’s attempts to dissuade him had failed. TK ignores him for the most part, but he does give in to his request to put the phone on speaker. Much as he wants to deal with this on his own, it is a kind of comfort to have Judd’s steady presence next to him.

“Are you sure about this, TK?” Grace asks for the millionth time. TK appreciates her concern, but he needs this. He needs to hear it for himself.

“I’m sure.”

“Alright then.”

He hears a few clicks and then the recording starts, Grace’s voice coming over the speaker.

“9-1-1, what’s your emergency?”

No response.

“Hello?”

The silence continues, broken only by static, and then what TK recognises as heavy, gasping breaths.

“Hello, is anyone there?”

A few more seconds pass, and then, “Grace.”

TK has to suppress a sob at the sound of his boyfriend’s voice—though, if he didn’t know for sure it was Carlos, he wouldn’t have recognised it. His words come out ragged and hoarse, riding on breaths that seem to be getting slower and more laboured by the second. TK clutches the phone tighter in his hand, biting down hard on his lip.

“It’s… It’s Carlos. I… Send help. Please.”

“Carlos, can you tell me what’s wrong?”

But Grace goes unanswered, and TK suddenly notices that he can no longer hear the sound of Carlos breathing. His own breaths hitch, his lungs refusing to expand properly, and his vision blurs with tears as he curls in on himself, hands braced on the edge of the bed and gripping tightly onto the covers.

He doesn’t notice Judd taking the phone back, nor is he aware of him moving to sit next to him until he’s being pulled into a strong embrace, TK’s head cradled against Judd’s chest. Judd whispers things TK doesn’t hear as his hands gently rub his back, the touch grounding him as he loses himself to tears and the overwhelming pain in his heart.

Five minutes later, TK’s phone rings.

Fifteen minutes after that, they arrive at the hospital.

*

“Please,” TK whispers, clutching onto the hand in both of his. “Please don’t make me do this. I don’t… I don’t want to live a life without you in it. I can’t, you understand me? I can’t. If you leave, I won’t survive it, so you just hang on for me, alright? Forget what the doctor thinks, you keep fighting, and come back to me. Please, Carlos. Please.”

TK looks up, hoping to see Carlos’s beautiful brown eyes staring right back at him, but of course they’re not. He might never see them again, which is something TK is still trying to wrap his head around. That’s not the only thing either; Carlos has so many injuries that he’s struggling to remember them all—the only thing he does remember with horrific clarity is the doctor’s words when he’d asked to speak to TK privately.

“We’ve done what we can, but I’m afraid Officer Reyes’s wounds are grave and there is a significant possibility that he may not make it beyond the next 48 hours. If he does, then we will re-evaluate, but currently his chances of recovery are slim. I’m truly sorry.”

TK wipes away a stray tear and presses a kiss to Carlos’s bruised knuckles. His other hand is completely shattered, and TK can barely stand to look at his face; it’s been beaten to a pulp, there’s a patch over one eye, and whoever attacked him even went so far as to rip out some of his teeth.

It’s grim, and that’s to say nothing of the rest of his body. Torture is the only word to describe what happened to Carlos—brutal, savage, and without mercy, somebody tortured him in their home.

And he was alone.

*

“Son, you didn't know.”

“That’s no excuse. I left him.”

“Carlos pushed you away. He was trying to protect you.”

“And where was I when he needed protection?”

“TK—”

“Don’t, Dad.”

*

“TK, I really shouldn’t be doing this.”

“Please, Mitchell. I need to know. Carlos knew something was going to happen but he chose to drive me away instead of letting me in. I just… I just want answers.”

“...I’ll see what I can do.”

*

Carlos makes it through the 48 hours, but not without incident. Somewhere around hour 32, the machines had started going haywire, summoning an army of doctors who shoved TK out of the room, leaving him to stare in through the blinds as they worked to save Carlos’s life.

They’d done it, but it had taken TK hours to come down from the resulting panic attack.

*

“Oh my god.”

Mitchell is standing at his shoulder, watching him warily as he flips through the file she brought him from the station. She keeps looking around anxiously, as if her sergeant is going to appear and arrest her for misconduct at any moment, but TK only has eyes for the images and words in front of him.

“Did you know about this?” he asks, gesturing to the myriad of threatening messages they’d apparently found in Carlos’s desk.

She shakes her head. “We noticed he’d been acting weird, but we figured something was going on between you two. He never said a word to anyone that I know of.” She pauses and sighs shakily, placing a comforting hand on TK’s shoulder. “We, um. We found some at your house, too. In Carlos’s nightstand.”

TK stares, first at Mitchell, then at the file, then at Carlos, still just as silent and motionless as he’s been since the day all this happened. “Why?” he breathes, and he doesn’t know which one of them he’s addressing the question to.

*

The doctors are amazed when they get to a week and Carlos’s heart is still beating. He still has a ventilator breathing for him and there’s still been no sign of him waking up, but he’s not giving up.

TK wants to say that he never doubted him, but he can’t ignore his paramedic training. He’d heard how badly Carlos was injured; he’d seen the crime scene photos and all the blood coating their bedroom.

(He’d needed several minutes in the bathroom to recover from that sight)

Much as he didn’t want to admit it, all the signs pointed to Carlos not making it.

But he’s still here. Still fighting. And TK can’t help but let that little bit of hope into his heart.

[one-boring-person]

Hi, it's me again lol. I'm not very well, could you do one with Lost Boys, which the reader suffers with depression until one day she is about to try something to end the pain, but the boys find her and stop her plan? Something cute with them talking to her, hugs and they even decide to take her in. If you don't want to because it's too triggering, that's fine, I'll understand. I'm really sorry if it's bothersome, it's just that I needed some comfort with them and you write so well.

Oh no, I hope you feel better after reading this! I'm sorry it's so short!💛❤ and thanks for the compliments!

Why Did You Stop Me?

The Lost Boys x reader

Warnings: SUICIDAL THEMES, mention of death

Masterlist

A/n: this is the closest I will get to writing suicide (for future reference for others)

Wind tears around the four vampires as they race up the road, each thanking whatever God there is that their bodies don't get tired from exertion like this, though they use the same breath to curse them. Normally, they'd be much faster, using the air to get exactly where they need to be, but nature is playing a cruel trick on them today: a storm rages around Santa Carla, the wind and rain far too strong for flying to be of any real use. It does nothing to help the panic sparking through their systems, bodies tense as they push through the whirling haze of rain, eyes wide in terror. None of them, not Paul, not Marko, not Dwayne, not even David, can remember the last time they were as frightened, as helpless as they felt now.

Paul leads, his naturally leaner body moving faster than the others, though Dwayne is right on his tail, Marko and David bringing up the rear, their coats flying out behind them. None of them speak, each too focused on getting up the hill they've ridden up so many times, the stretch feeling longer than it ever has done. The sharp ridge of the bridge up ahead is already in view, the structure so familiar to them, a place they never thought would be used for anything except their own enjoyment. 

As they finally crest the top of the hill, a familiar figure comes into view, their silhouette almost invisible through the rainstorm as they stare down at the gaping drop below them. It's heartbreaking for the vampires to see this, the set to the figure's shoulders dejected, slumped and weak, something they've come to notice in past months, though they always tried to curb it. They tried all sorts: nights out on the Boardwalk, movie nights in their home, food dates, motorbike rides, everything. It had looked like it was working, like their efforts were making a change, but it was only tonight that they figured out it made no difference. The note they found at the cave had told them that their efforts were appreciated, but that, though they had tried, it wasn't enough. Not this time.

Their brains had gone blank as they tore from the hotel, forgetting their bikes as they started the long run to the bridge, where they knew she'd be waiting, ready to commit one last act.

Now, as they race out over the edge of the hill, they call out to her, Paul breaking into a sprint as he gets close. She looks over at them, eyes widening as she freezes in place, before she turns back to the drop, moving closer to the edge. 

Paul visibly strains to move faster, hair fanning out around his face as he leaps to catch (Y/n), who finally steps off of the edge. 

The others skid to a halt, screaming out to her as she starts to plummet to the black depths, hearts dropping in terror, their voices raw with pain and horror, pleading lacing their tones. David, Marko and Dwayne can only watch as Paul throws himself off after her, arms outstretched as he calls out to her, desperation driving him forwards. 

For a moment, there is no sound except the howling wind around them, the rain pelting the floor beating out a rhythm they don't pay any attention to, the three vampires frozen in place in terror. Genuine fear is etched into David's expression, his face more open and vulnerable than either Dwayne or Marko can recall it ever being, but then so are theirs. Stock still, they remain where they are, staring out over the empty crack in the ground, every particle within them being used to pray for (Y/n)'s survival and Paul's success. He'd always been a fast flyer, so he definitely stands a good choice of catching her.

Minutes pass, before Paul finally emerges back over the lip of the cliff, a body cradled in his arms. In the dark, the others can tell he's distraught, his eyes wide as he stares down at the girl in his grip, the limp figure curled into his chest. Instantly, the other three leap into the air, fighting the harsh winds as they move to crowd round their friend, anxious to know if (Y/n) is alright.

"She fainted...she's alive." Paul manages out, sounding breathless as he holds (Y/n) closer to him.

Relief floods them all, teary eyes closing as they thank whatever is out there that she's still with them, that she hasn't been taken away from them prematurely.

*

It's a few hours later that (Y/n) finally comes to again, finding herself confused and disoriented as she wakes in a bed full of four other bodies, each curled around her. The feeling is comforting, but she can't help the small spark of disappointment that flares up within her as she realises she's still alive. Groaning, she leans her head back, surprised when it meets the hard ridge of someone's collarbone. She glances up, eyes widening in surprise as she sees David watching her, his piercing eyes softer than usual. The look instills a sense of security within her, and she glances around her again, taking in the other vampires holding her. Dwayne lies to David's right, his head on her shoulder, whilst Marko uses her stomach as a pillow, Paul lying between her legs, his head on one of her thighs. All of them are watching her, relief written into their features.

"You're awake." Paul murmurs, his warm blue eyes meeting her's.

Tired, she simply nods, somewhat unhappy with that fact. They notice this, and their grips tighten around her. All is silent for a long while, (Y/n) sinking back into the dark thoughts that spring unbidden to mind.

"Why did you stop me?" She finally asks, voice quiet and hoarse.

"Because none of us would be able to live without you, and you were trying to take yourself away far too early. We couldn't let you do that to yourself when you've got a whole life ahead of you." David says, reassuring her with the rhythmic rubbing of his hand over her arm, "We love you too much."

"But why? I'm not happy with who I am, I hate existing, and, apart from you guys, there is nothing left for me to live for!" She argues back, frowning angrily.

"We love you for who you are and we know full well that you have a lot of opportunities that you'll miss out on. We want to help you learn to love yourself as much as we do, we're here for you, (Y/n). We always have been, as long as we've known you." Dwayne interjects, smiling down at me gently.

Rendered speechless by the confession, (Y/n) opens and closes her mouth a few times, trying to figure out an argument in response, before Marko leans up and places a finger over her lips.

"What they're saying is true. We all love you far too much just to let you go so easily. We're gonna fight with you and we're not gonna let you surrender, ever, because you have so much to live for. There are loads of people who care about you, it just seems like there aren't many because the world had a cruel way of making life difficult for us all. You're appreciated, (Y/n), by loads of people." The shorter blonde smiles, "Mostly by us, though.

"Yeah, (Y/n), we need you in our lives. You're so important to us." Paul chips in, watching her.

Again, (Y/n) struggles to find the words she wants, unsure of how to react though her heart has flooded with love and security, chasing off the darkness. She makes a few noncommittal sounds at first, until David interrupts her.

"Come on, we'll talk more about this tomorrow night. Right now, you need to get some sleep." The blonde vampire hums, holding her closer to him as the others cuddle closer, too, pressing their bodies to hers. 

"Thank you." (Y/n) murmurs after a little while, relaxing into the vampires' grip, feeling exhaustion starting to take over.

"Of course. We're always here for you." Dwayne purrs back, the boys cradling her until she falls asleep, the four of them unbelievably relieved that they got to her in time.

[gaycey-sketchit]

(Gary anon) Eh, game rivals don't usually get the best treatment in the anime and that's a trend that's probably not going to stop soon. Not helped when a lot of people are hoping this new S/V one gets top billing next series. (And in true anime fashion, type advantages jobbing to make something look stronger reign supreme. At least Hatty got two attacks out) It's more like an epilogue, a post-story to the rivalry. Or rather Paul himself. (It's an interesting read, not too far off from)

.

(Part 2) (I usually heard from "behind-the-scenes" stuff) Especially when Blastoise is more mobile than ever, wasn't doing that pre-JN. And Hatterene using Dazzling Gleam as a shield like Gengar during Marnie. (Saw quite a bit of Japanese viewers compare to Ash's battle-style. I also some Palletshippers; on both ends, a bit miffed that there wasn't any moments with them here. Besides an congrats, I kinda expected that. But after hearing Gary supposedly watching Goh's battle)

(Part 3) (royale and his reasons why, I'm going to be more disappointed if he doesn't say anything about the PWC by November) We're going to see outrage regardless, it just won't be that. Cynthia losing is going to be a long week. (Subs are out, just mainly Gary and Goh sharing their resolves and getting more of Gary's motives: Apparently Gary's pride almost got him disqualified early on) While I'm still having a hard time calling this a "rivalry" more than mentoring,

(Part 4) I do appreciate how this plotline is helping flesh out Gary more. In a way that OS either half-missed out on or extends upon his Post-Johto growth in a bigger way than AG and DP. (The rivals who were going to be sneaky again actually end up aiding in the capture. Possible raid Dynamax battle foreshadowing) As for Paul, I already know the battle results cause leaks. Let's just say you and me are probably going to be happier with the episode than some people going

(Part 5) into it with expectations that were never promised. But, Paul having these Pokemon weren't coincidental; I'm just more curious on what he has to say. (Oh, and also one Masters matchup is likely known; does not contain Ash or Iris)

Yeah, true. Silver got only a brief cameo, Wally is nonexistent... oh well.

Yeah, at least it got a couple attacks in, that's better than what happened to poor Tyranitar.

That makes sense!

I'll have to take a look at it, I was distracted yesterday and it slipped my mind.

Yeah! It's been made abundantly clear that they've influenced each other over the years. It'd be so interesting for them to face each other in battle again, it's been way too long.

Yeah, I didn't expect much but it would've been nice. It's whatever. And yeah, hopefully he'll acknowledge the PWC, I'd be surprised if he didn't.

Unfortunately. I don't know if the fandom's always been like this and I was just less aware of it or if it's because way too many people hate Journeys but won't stop watching it just to complain (all the respect to people who decided they didn't like it and so stopped watching it) but it's exhausting.

Oh, that's an interesting detail. I appreciate that even as he's grown as a person, his pride is a core character trait that's been retained and can still cause problems. Good character writing there.

Yeah, it definitely feels more like a mentorship than a rivalry. But yeah this plot has been good for Gary's character! I'm glad he was brought back this way, I love what he's got going on.

Hm, interesting.

Oh. I've managed to evade leaks on that so far (though whether I'll be able to continue to do that until next Friday remains to be seen). But should be interesting. Yeah, more curious to hear what he has to say than about battle results anyway.

Oh? That's something. Very curious to see the matchups that happen.

[tinyboxxtink]

"Clueless" *Part 3*

Okay so my dog ended up being totally fine, and luckily I had most of this written beforehand. <3

PS- REALLY shouldn't have watched the actual movie while writing this...lulz. Count how many actual lines from the movie you catch.

Part 1

Part 2

Part 4

Tag List:

@lolliepopsicle

@chasingeverybreakingwave

@wanniiieeee

@milkshqke

@gibbs274

@aprildecker-blog

@objection-argumentative

@word-scribbless

@stars-in-the-skies-world

-----

He drove back up the Beach House, but you and Ariel had abandoned it for a loft in the city, no forwarding address. He asked himself why he was putting so much effort just to get back in contact with you. He couldn’t explain it, it was like something against logic.

He dialed Ariel’s number.

IGNORE.

Redial.

IGNORE.

Text: “Answer your phone!!!”

Redial.

“What do you want?”

“I want to talk to Y/N,”

“Well she doesn't want to talk to you,”

“What did you tell her, Ariel?”

“The truth,”

“I don’t...I can’t even begin to imagine what that means in your language,”

“Oh whatever Raf, what does it matter what I told her? She’s MY friend, not yours!”

“You don’t OWN her Ariel,”

“Don’t I?” She smirked. “I feed her, I clothe her, I give her a roof to sleep under. I even gave her a cute necklace with her name on it, like a collar,” she smirked.

"You're evil," he sneered.

“I’m a saint,” She scoffed. “Do you know where that girl would be without me? Do you know the years it would take in a therapist's office to heal the emotional trauma I so selflessly saved her from? Her life will be enriched and better because of me, how many girls can say that about you?"

“Oh right, like helping her hasn’t served you any purpose?”

“What purpose could it possibly have?”

“Please, if I ever saw you do anything less than 90% selfish I’d die of shock,”

“Oh that would be reason enough for me,”

“Look, I get it. You've never had a mother so you're treating her like your personal Barbie doll,"

“And what, you wanna be her Prince Ken? Or, lawyer Ken,”

“She’s NOT a Barbie doll!”

“You’re right, she’s not. So I’m not going to let you play with her emotions,”

“What does that even mean? For fuck’s sake Ariel, I just want to be her mentor,”

“Really?” Rafael could hear her rolling her eyes through the phone. “You’re trying THIS hard to mentor some girl you met less than 24 hours ago? REALLY,” She chuckled.

“I may not be ‘Harvard’ smart BRO, but I’m not stupid. I know when a guy has let’s say, less than moral intentions with a girl,”

“It’s not like that,” He growled. “She’s a sweet girl, Ariel. And I’m not going to let you try and change her into your clone,”

“Wha--my clone? Please, Raf she could NEVER reach my level. Believe me, I’ve tried for four years. She’s a good sidekick,”

“This isn’t over,”

“Isn’t it? You have ZERO idea where we are,”

“Please, there’s maybe 5 places in Manhattan you’ll go, and they’re all on the Upper East Side. It’s not hard,”

“Well then, I guess we’ll see who’s better at hide and seek!”

CLICK.

------

Ariel rolled her eyes with a smile just as you walked in the living room.

“Who was that?” You asked, toweling your hair from the shower you had just exited.

“Mom,” She rolled her eyes. “She wanted to make sure we weren’t tearing this place up,”

“Oh?” You asked, suddenly hopeful. “Was she going to ask Rafael to check?”

“What? NO,” Ariel shut down that thought quickly. “I assured her she didn’t need to send that dog over here to sniff around you anymore,”

“Ariel,” You rolled your eyes with a sigh. “I’m a big girl,”

“I know sweetie,” She walked over and scrunched your face. “Such a big girl,”

“Whatever,” You rolled your eyes again walking back to the bedroom.

“Hey…” Ariel grabbed the TV remote. “Do you wanna watch Clueless?”

“What? ….Why?”

“I don’t know, you mentioned it yesterday and now I can’t stop thinking about a young Paul Rudd,”

“....Who looks exactly like present Paul Rudd,” You laughed.

“I know right? I want the magic face cream he must use,” She giggled as you both sat down on the couch to watch the movie.

----

“See, Cher isn’t a bad person, right? She saved Tai,” Ariel gestured to the TV.

“Am I Tai in this situation?” You eyed her.

“Well, yeah,” She shrugged. “Duh,”

“I’ll take it, I love Brittany Murphy,” You shrugged.

“RIP,” Ariel made a sign of the cross with a kiss looking up to heaven. “We should pour one out for her,”

“On your mom’s thousand dollar rug?”

“Okay, so maybe just pour one for us,”

Her phone vibrated wildly; it vibrated so hard it fell off the coffee table onto the floor. You picked it up to put it back, but you happened to glance at the screen.

BHOLE BARBA: You can’t keep her from me forever, Ariel

Wha….keep who from him? You? Did...was he...did Ariel….?

“Alright, who’s ready for mimosas?!” Ariel said in a singsongy voice as she returned with two flutes of champagne.

“What is this?” You held the phone up to her. She read it, her eyes grew wide.

“I...He’s talking about the Adele CD I borrowed from him forever ago, he’s weirdly possessive about ‘her’,”

“Ariel,” You interrupted her with a stern face.

“What?” She played dumb.

“...How could you do this to me?” You asked with a hurt expression.

“Do what?” She rolled her eyes with a laugh. “Protect you from my loser ex brother?”

“You--! Oh my god,” You couldn’t believe it. Your own best friend was trying to mess with your happiness?

“Oh come on Y/N, it’s not that big of a--” She rolled her eyes with a laugh, pissing you off even more.

“It IS a big deal!” Tears stung your eyes, you hated that you started crying when you got angry. How pathetic was that?

“Why? You can’t possibly be in love with him or something,” She scoffed.

“NO! Of course not,” You crossed your arms. “But he could help me with school, with my career! Don’t you want me to get a good job, eventually move out of here?”

“Maybe I don’t!” She yelled suddenly.

“...What?” You asked in disbelief.

“Look, Y/N,” She sighed. “I...you...we both know under normal circumstances, we would never be friends,”

“...I mean, I guess…” You shrugged.

“Oh come on,” She gave you a look. “You’d have to explain every sentence you spoke to me,” She had crocodile tears rolling down her cheeks.

“Oh come on Ariel,” You sighed and sat next to her. “You’re NOT stupid,”

“I’m stupider than you!” She cried.

“...More stupid,” You corrected her.

“See?” She sniffled.

“Okay, but-- still,” You took her hand. "You're my best friend. Do you think that if I don't have to live with you anymore, I won't be your friend?"

"Maybe…" She looked at the floor.

"Ariel!" You cried. "Really? Come on,"

"You come on!" She was actually getting upset now. "Look, Y/N. I don't have...friends,"

"What?" You snorted. "You have the biggest social circle I know!"

"Yeah but--" she tried to find the right words. "They're not like….friends, friends ya know? They're more like…. followers, or leeches, of--"

"Sycophants," you chuckled. She did surround herself with as many people who would tell her she was amazing as possible.

"I don't know what that means but probably, yes," She nodded. “You’re the only one who I can actually talk to, you’re like my little sister,”

“....Right, so…? You think I’ll just give all that up if I move out? If I don’t need you financially anymore?”

“Maybe…” She mumbled. “But ALSO, if that stupid asshole gets into your head about me!”

“Oh God…” You put a hand over your head. “Ariel,” You took both of her hands and looked at her very seriously.

“You are my absolute best friend in this entire world, no…’boy’ could change that! I’ve known you so long, I know you completely. Nothing he could tell me would make me turn on you, I swear it,”

“Really?” She raised an eyebrow at you.

“Really! You held a hand up like an oath. “AND, even if-- WHEN, I get financially stable and can live on my own two feet, I will ALWAYS be your friend,” You used the oath hand and placed it in hers again. “I swear it,”

“....Okay, but absolutely ZERO sleepovers here,”

“Oh, my god, ARIEL,” You gasped. “I JUST want to talk to him about law stuff!”

“Yeah, that’s what he said too,” She rolled her eyes, not believing either of you.

“He did?” You felt your face fall.

“Ah HA! See? Disappointment!”

“Shut up,” You hit her. “I don’t care, we should just be professional anyway,”

“Uh huh,” She nodded sarcastically.

“Are you going to give me his number or not?” You gave her a look.

“No,”

“ARIEL,” You crossed your arms.

“No, then you’re going to immediately call him and give him ALL the power,” She wagged a finger at you. “I’m going to give him YOUR number, and if he calls you, he calls you,”

“Ariel…” You gave her another look.

“What? You don’t believe me?” She feigned offense.

“I really don’t,” You shook your head.

“Alright FINE,” She pulled out her phone and opened her texts with Rafael, typed in your number and hit SEND.

“Happy?” She showed you her phone.

“....Maybe,” You hid the giddiness that was building in your stomach.

Almost IMMEDIATELY after sending the text, your phone lit up wildly.

“Good god I’m gonna get out of here before the nerdy phone sex starts,” She ran out of the room with her mimosa in tow.

“Shut up!” You hissed, mentally preparing yourself for this phone call. The phone call you’d been waiting for for days, even when you thought he was a “player”. You took a deep breath and hit ANSWER:

“Hello?”

“Y/N?”

“Yeah who’s this?” You asked coyly.

“It’s...Rafael, Barba…”

“I’m sorry, who?” You teased.

“Ariel’s….brother?” He skipped the asterisk that went along with “Brother”.

“Ohhhh right right right,” You nodded, keeping him nervous. “Yeah, Ariel told me all about you,”

“I knew it,” He growled thinking about Ariel and her lies. “Whatever she said, she’s lying,”

“Oh so you don’t want to be my mentor?”

“Wha--?” He was shocked. Did Ariel actually change her mind? Or dare he think...a change of heart?

“Yes! I mean, I do! I absolutely do!” He may have said that a little too overzealous, so he dialed it back. “I mean, if I have some time I’d be up for it, if that’s okay with you,”

“I might, maybe…” You were twirling your hair in your fingers. “When do you think you might have time?”

“Well you know I was thinking--” He started, but there was a knock at the door.

“Oh sorry, one second,” You got up and walked over to the door and swung it open to reveal Rafael standing there, right in front of you. He was dressed in a black suit with a pink tie. As amazing as he looked in street clothes, you thought you might mount him right there in that suit.

“I have some time right now,” He smiled, acting as if he was still on the phone. You couldn’t help yourself, you leapt into his arms and kissed him, HARD.

-------

“Hello? Y/N?”

You snapped back to reality, Rafael was talking to you on the phone.

“Oh! Um, Yeah, sorry what?”

“I said I have some time right now, if you wanna meet for coffee or something,” He half laughed, still enchanted by your awkwardness.

“Yes! Sure! I...let me just get dressed, just text me the address, I’ll meet you in a few,” You were so glad he couldn’t see how beet red you were from that little fantasy you had just been in.

“Sounds good,” You could hear him smile; even through the phone it made you weak in the knees.

You hung up and ran to Ariel’s room, hoping she’d help you get dressed.

What could you wear to impress him?