#remember when andi mack made history?

[malepresentingleg]

tyrus opening a bottle of cider at the bar mitzvah footage when?

[scoobydoofenshmirtz]

Dean likes Cas, and not just as a friend confirmed. 

[yurimother]

How 'She-Ra' Delivered on Queer Promises and Helped Revolutionized LGBTQ Representation

DreamWorks's She-Ra and the Princesses of Power has already cemented its place among the short but rapidly growing list of children’s animated shows with impactful LGBTQ representation. Showrunner Noelle Stevenson made it a point to push and fight for more diverse characters in every aspect from race, to personality, to sexual and gender identity. However, the finale of the GLADD Award-nominated program delivered on a revolutionary promise built up throughout all five seasons and completed one of the greatest queer narratives ever seen in children’s media.

As She-Ra progressed, Stevenson became more encouraged and inspired to pressure executives to allow more and more explicit LGBTQ characters and relationships. While ever-present in the series, season one only featured a background couple, Spinnerella (Noelle Stevenson) and Netossa (Krystal Joy Brown), and of course, the famous dance sequence between Catra (AJ Michalka) and Adora (Aimee Carrero). While this amount of representation is comfortably leagues ahead of the vast majority of cartoons, the show only upped the ante and the amount of representation from there. Season 2 introduced viewers to George (Chris Jai Alex) and Lance (Regi Davis), Bow's fathers. The series presents them in a normalized fashion as a happy gay couple in love that built a family together. Jacob Tobia's non-binary Double Trouble featured heavily in season four, making them one of the first non-binary characters in children's animation and one of the first to holding an integral role in the show, a major step in representing such identities.

The many achievements and strides She-Ra in LGBTQ representation featured in She-Ra will doubtlessly affect other projects in the industry and help further programs walk a similar path. However, the greatest queer story inShe-Ra is the spectacular series-long arc exploring the relationship and dynamics between de facto antagonist Catra and protagonist Adora. The former friends, who grew up together in the ranks of the Horde, turn enemies at the start of the series after Adora gains the power of She-Ra and betrays Catra, joining the Rebellion.

Fans quickly began speculating on the nature of Adora and Catra's relationship during season one, mainly because of the Princess Prom dance scene. After the young women shared a charged and sinister dance, fans quickly began supporting and analyzing "Catradora." The next three seasons would gradually and gracefully define both characters' complicated feelings for each other. Initially, Catra attempts to rationalize Adora's leaving as a relief or else forces herself to appear apathetic towards it. She continuously uses the excuse that she is no longer living under Adora's shadow to gradually build up more power, rising through the ranks of the Horde while stepping on those who helped her.

While Catra's motivations are appropriately layered and complex, it becomes clear that she is attempting to win approval, to be less alone than she has felt since Adora abandoned her. She seeks others' approval, including her abusive maternal figure, Shadow Weaver (Lorraine Toussaint), and the cruel Hordak (Keston John). However, Catra does not realize until confronted by Double Trouble's gut-wrenching and emotionally resonating analysis of her psyche. They inform Catra that the reason she is alone and abandoned, she pushes others away. The realization that her problems and loneliness are by her own doing combine with her guilt for betraying her allies Scorpia (Lauren Ash) and Entrapta (Christine Woods), leads Catra to an emotional breakdown.

Thee fifth and final season of She-Ra opens with Catra still plagued by loneliness and self-doubt. She starts to form a bond with Prime's captor Glimmer (Karen Fukuhara), seeing her guilt reflected by Glimmer's regret for trying to use the Heart of Etheria's power. Eventually, Catra learns about Adora's impending rescue attempt and the villainous Prime's plants to capture her once she arrives. Ultimately, all the feelings and circumstances surrounding Catra clash together as she remembers a childhood promise that she and Adora would always be friends. The revelation that she loves Adora finally causes Catra to turn and do "one good thing," protect Adora. She frees Glimmer to prevent Adora from walking into Prime's trap; thus, Catra becomes the Horde's prisoner.

Adora's character arch is much less tragic than Catra. The "frenemies" clash multiple times throughout the early seasons with an ever-shifting dynamic that hints at their intricate relationship and confused romantic feelings. But, at the end of season three, Catra's reckless plan against Adora almost leads to Eternia's destruction. As Catra taunts and blames Adora for her suffering, Adora seemingly ends their conflicted relationship, noting that Catra's misdeeds are all her own, "You made your choice, now live with it."

In the final season, Adora has lost the powers of She-Ra. But, she continues to charge into battle headfirst, exposing herself and her tendencies to put other's wellbeing before her own. This tactic mirrors why Adora left Catra's side in the first place all the way back in the first season. She places more importance on duty and service to others than herself and her friend. Later, while Adora, Bow (Marcus Scribner), and Entrapta are traveling towards Horde Prime, Catra sends a signal to their ship, apologizing for everything she has done while teleporting Glimmer to them. Adora decides that she cannot leave Catra behind, and the Best-Friend Squad hurries to rescue Catra from the Horde. Adora saves Catra not only from Prime's vile clutches but her loneliness too. Adora's exclamation "You matter to me" is a powerful and victorious moment, as the two friends turned enemies unite, and acknowledge their connection.

Unfortunately, even after the Adora and Catra are together again, conflict continues to rise between them and with themselves. Catra feels unlovable because of her past and so convinces herself that Adora will not accept her feelings. She continues to struggle with abandonment, especially when Adora willingly takes the responsibility of a suicide mission to destroy the Heart of Etheria, yelling, "It doesn't always have to be you." Sadly, Adora again abandons her, putting the good of everyone else above herself and Catra. Acknowledging that Adora, "Always sacrifices everything for everyone else," Catra runs away. However, upon realizing that Prime is moments away from taking control of the Heart and killing Adora, Shadow Weaver and her run to rescue the girl she loves.

As Adora journeys to the Heart, she sees and an illusion of Catra, envisioning that her friend meets her to approach the suicide mission together. Soon, Adora faces a vision of Mara (Zehra Fazal), the previous She-Ra, who tells her that she does not always need to sacrifice herself and is deserving of love too. She becomes trapped without her powers by a first-ones' guardian until Catra and Shadow Weaver save her. Telling Adora to go on, Catra stays to fight the beast in vain. Moments before destroying the Heart and herself, Adora finally chooses to return to Catra, to put Catra and her own happiness over her sense of duty.

As Adora and Catra approach the Heart, the former almost succumbs to Prime's power and has one final vision. Adora dreams of living a life in peace in Brightmoon alongside her friends, Glimmer and Bow, and with her loving, playful partner Catra by her side. In the apparent final moments before her death, Catra reaches out to Adora. At last, the two confess their love for each other and embrace in a momentous kiss, restoring She-Ra's power to Adora. Renewed in strength and standing beside her beloved, Adora finally destroys Horde Prime. The series ends as Adora and Catra plan to travel together and restore magic to the universe and fades to black as the couple prepares to take their next journey together.

as Adora and Catra plan to travel together and restore magic to the universe and fades to black as the couple prepares to take their next journey together.

She-Ra and the Princesses of Power has always been a powerhouse of LGBTQ representation, especially the final season. For example, it heavily features former background characters and married couple Spinnerella and Netossa in leading roles, as Netossa attempts to recover her wife’s mind from Prime. However, the relationship between Catra and Adora is not only the series highlight but a revolutionary in LGBTQ representation in children's television.

LGBTQ history in children's media and cartoons is disappointingly brief and, at times, unpleasant. Early examples mostly featured coded queer characters with harmful and stereotypical traits, such as the Silver Spooner from Dexter's Laboratory. Some works were able to include less harmful depictions. Networks allowed characters like Richie from Static Shock, who is gay, to exist as long as their identity was kept extremely subtextual.

Slowly some more limited progress was made, and a few less offensive or hidden characters were permitted to appear in one-off and minor roles. Nelvana's Canadian animated sitcom, 6teen included many vague but most neutral references to homosexuality and eventually a one-off character Jean, who says that she is "gay" and has a girlfriend. Notably, this 2009-episode marks not only one of the first moments of a character confirming their sexuality but also using the word "gay." This feat is so rarely replicated even in LGBTQ family media that even giants like Steven Universe do not include it. Outside of pedantic educational programs on minor networks, it may be the only time someone said "the-G-word" in such media until 2019's Kippo and the Age of Wonderbeasts  (live-action sitcom Andi Mack on Disney Channel also used the term that year). Sadly, American showings cut 6Teen's references to homosexuality, and the episode featuring Jean never aired at all outside Canada.

When most people look back to the beginning of the recent small boom in cartoon LGBTQ representation, they point to The Legend of Korra. In 2014, the series finally ended with female leads Korra and Asami taking hands and going on a private vacation in the spirit world. The Korra moment set the LGBTQ fandom on fire. Even so, the show faced incredible resistance and backlash. After the final episode aired, creator Bryan Konietzko and Michael Dante DiMartino had to go online to confirm that the somewhat ambiguous finale indeed depicted a same-sex romance. They then began to face backlash from a section of the fandom who believed bringing this badass bisexual moment to television was only for fanservice or to forward an agenda.

The Legend of Korra was a revolution in modern children's television, putting cracks in the oppressive dam that kept such dynamics out of the limelight and slowly pushed back against the status quo, allowing for more LGBTQ representation. Now, over five years after Korra, numerous children's programs feature queer characters in minor and supporting roles, often more explicitly than Korra was able to do. The Loud House includes a main bisexual character, and there are queer characters and couples in multiple works, including but not limited to Gravity Falls, Adventure Time, and Craig of the Creek.

The most notable LGBTQ representation in a children's cartoon comes from Rebeca Sugar's incredible creation, Steven Universe. As with She-Ra, LGBTQ characters make up a large portion of the cast and it features several groundbreaking LGBTQ scenes, including the iconic wedding of Ruby and Sapphire.

Sadly, many of these works had to fight tooth and nail or suffer through horrific backlash because of their dedication to diversity. Alabama banned an episode of Arthur that featured a gay wedding, and the depiction of lesbian mothers in Clifford the Bid Red Dog caused some parents and organizations to speak out against it. Perhaps most famous of all, Rebecca Sugar had to struggle to put LGBTQ representation on the small screen. Ultimately, to make the wedding scene happen, Sugar had to lay everything on the table and was willing to see themselves separated from the show and have it end to bring their vision to life. Unfortunately, many other countries censor the show to remove LGBTQ content. Still, Sugar's tireless work has pushed the boundaries of LGBTQ representation in children's media so incredibly far, allowing shows like She-Ra to exist.

The recent rapid progress of LGBTQ representation becomes apparent when comparing She-Ra to the "originator," Korra. The series share similar themes and mutually place importance on diversity in its main cast. At the climax of both programs, two female main characters became romantic partners for the other. However, the differences are what truly sets them apart and highlights the progress representation has made. Back in 2014, holding hands and staring into each other's eyes was the most action Korra could feature.

However, a myriad of queer characters and identities perforate She-Ra, all of which are more apparent and obvious thanks to actions including kisses, confessions, and other actions. This difference is especially true in season five, where even the title cards feature Netossa and Spinnerella engaged in a passionate kiss. Of course, the main couple was permitted a full on-screen confession and kiss, as Catra and Adora locked lips in the final episode. Finally, many "critics" complained that Korra and Asami's relationship came out of nowhere, despite it progressing the show’s last two seasons. If one were to assert the same claim about She-Ra, they need to completely ignore how Stevenson built Adora and Catra's romantic relationship as a fundamental aspect of the show from the very start.

She-Ra's depiction of queer characters was deliberate, explicit, and incredible. Not only did LGBTQ side characters express their identities in a variety of ways, but the main couple also got to show their love with both words and a kiss. Furthermore, and perhaps even more importantly, the main couple in She-Ra got a happen ending and a future for them and the viewers to imagine and look towards with excitement. Sadly, many LGBTQ characters and couples do not get to experience such conclusions. For decades, queer relationships ended in tragedy, often with the death of one or more queer characters killed off as part of the "bury your gays" trope. Even if the characters live, narratives rarely provided a happy future for those with queer identities. Sadly, this trend is alive and well. Recent examples include Adam from Voltron: Legendary Defender and Annika and Neha from The Dragon Prince.

Stevenson actively set out to avoid this trope in She-Ra, telling the Los Angeles Times, "I can't see another gay character die on TV for the moment." Not only did she not kill Adora and Catra, or any of the show's other queer characters, she gave Adora and Catra, the two lesbian leads in love, a happy ending. The show even offers viewers and Adora a glimpse of one possible future for the couple in the final vision of domestic bliss in Brightmoon. Both Adora and Catra struggle and suffered greatly, but they were allowed a happy ending and the opportunity to look forward to a life together. For the two main characters of a children's cartoon to achieve such a fantastic ending in such an explicit way is a genuinely revolutionary moment of representation, proudly standing alongside defining scenes like and Ruby and Sapphire’s wedding in Steven Universe. Importantly, both shows are made by queer creators, showing young viewers that people like them can achieve and create great things and that there are those out there fighting for them. For these reasons, She-Ra and the Princesses of Power is one of the single most significant works of LGBTQ representation in children's media.

Queer representation in children's media matters so much, likely more than it does in any other medium. It normalizes LGBTQ identities for families and sends a powerful message to all LGBTQ children who may be feeling sad or alone or sacred: 'You are not alone, you matter, and you are accepted.' These words, implied with every positive depiction of queer identities, save so many children and young adults from unnecessary suffering and sometimes even saves lives. Noelle Stevenson and She-Ra will likely create giant waves in the medium just as Steven Universe did before it, and generations of queer people, myself included, wait with bated breath to see what results from it.

[santiagonex]

As 2020 is nearing, it’s time to see what 2019 has brought us when it comes to gay representation in tv shows and movies. Below ‘read more’, there’s a whole list of tv shows/ships/movies (with pictures and basic description) which include/are about gay (used as an umbrella term) men and couples (so basically have gay storylines and at least one gay person is a main character of the show/movie).

Since I’m a gay man, I keep up mostly with mlm, if I included wlw as well, I don’t think the list would be complete with my lack of knowledge, so sorry about that. I’m pretty sure there are more competent people who can do that instead of me.

Total Count of TV Shows in the list: 65 Total Count of Movies in the list: 27

 Anyways, here we go.

TV SHOWS

TV SHOWS WITH TITULAR/CENTRAL GAY CHARACTERS/SHIPS

The Other Two: the funniest most-relatable show centered around three siblings – one of them is gay (left). A must-watch for sure. He’s pretty much the hugest part of the show, there are some love storyline (...and they were roomates), some self-loving moments and iconic lines. Just watch it, you won’t regret it.

Sex Education: show about two best friends, one of them (right) is gay. His name is Eric and he gets involved with his enemy Adam (left). Amazing show.

Special: show about a gay man Ryan (right) with mild cerebral palsy, who wants to live his life as an independent person to the fullest. Easy and short show to watch.

Druck (German SKAM Remake): if you don’t know SKAM, it’s pretty much a show where each season is devoted to one character. Third season of German SKAM aired this year and it was revolved around a gay guy (left). For the first time in SKAM history, the main character’s love interest is a trans guy (right).

Skam France (French SKAM Remake): the French version of SKAM had a gay season this year as well. 

WTFock (Belgian SKAM Remake): Belgium has a season focused on the main gay character this year as well.

El corazón nunca se equivoca: I’m pretty sure you’ve heard of Aristemo from ‘Mi marido tiene más familia’. Well, they’d already aired the first season of the new spin-off centered around their lives in college (I think).

Merlí: Sapere Aude: Bruno (left) and Pol (right) fans, it’s time to make some noise. Brunol is coming back because Pol is getting a spin-off which will be taking place in university. Bruno will be in it as well. First episode airs on 5th of December this year.

Pose: second season of Ryan Murphy’s popular show with main transgender and gay characters has aired this year.

The Politician: another show from Ryan Murphy was created. The main protagonist of the show (right) is played by Ben Platt and he’s gay. The show contains many LGBT+ main characters.

Tales of the City: the revival of the Tales of the City sequence of miniseries aired this year. The show includes many LGBT+ storylines.

The L Word: Generation Q: the revival of The L Word show will air on 8th of December this year. The show is mainly about lesbians, but based on trailer, there will be a gay couple included as well.

Years and Years: very futuristic show with a political message. Includes both mlm and wlw as main characters.

The Red Line: the plot of this show involves a white cop in Chicago who mistakenly shoots and kills a black doctor named Harrison. Harrison had a husband (left) and daughter (right). The show deals with the consequences of the event.

Now Apocalypse: all I’m gonna say is that Beck from Victorious got to make out with Scott from Teen Wolf, Matty from Awkward and Jake from Glee. The show was renewed for second season and later this statement was taken back and it got cancelled – which I guess says enough about the show.

This Close: the show is about two best friends who are deaf. One of them (left) is gay and has a storyline and spicy scenes with the guy on the right and some other guys as well. 

Schitt’s Creek: David (right) and Patrick (left) aka the cutest softest couple of all time. The last season of the show will air next air. Watch the show if you wanna laugh and watch the healthiest gay couple on tv. They also got engaged this year, which was beautiful.

NEW TV SHOWS (1 SEASON) WITH MAIN GAY CHARACTERS/SHIPS

Daybreak: both main characters and basically on different sides of the battles. Who wouldn’t want to watch enemies being in love Romeo & Juliet style.

El Juego de las Llaves (The Game of Keys): very interesting and fun show to follow, the one on the right is the main character. He’s closeted, has a girlfriend and gradually realizes there’s something else out there. Nice kissing scenes, plus one very spicy scene. Doesn’t hurt that the guy on the left he will be involved with looks like a dollar store Chris Evans if you squint hard enough.

Five Bedrooms: 5 strangers moves in. The guy in the middle is gay. His mom is a very traditional Indian woman who just wants grandchildren. The whole show is heart-warming and sad at times. The guy gets fair share of screentime and some love interests including a cop from the neighbourhood.

Made In Heaven: Indian show that follows the lives of Tara and Karan (left), two wedding planners in Delhi running an agency named Made in Heaven. Karan is gay. Very progressive show with spicy gay scenes.

What/If: haven’t seen the show yet but friends said these two have a nice storyline in the show. Threesome included.

Bonding: show about two best friends Pete (left) and Tiff (right). Pete is gay. They basically... do freaky shit for work... umm. Just watch trailer or something.

Osmosis: I have no idea what the show is about but the guy on the left is set to betrying to find a soulmate or something. I think I remember seeing some spicy scenes.

Pretty Little Liars: The Perfectionists: basically some gay romance with the guy on the right and someone else. The one on the left dies the first episode so I did not even bother after that. But you can be the judge of it.

Doom Patrol: Larry (left) is a superhero, kinda. There’s something haunting his past, though. Something that involves being gay.

The Umbrella Academy: Klaus (left) my favorite character. He’s kind of a hero along with his other siblings. There’s a deep gay storyling along the way.

Weird City: anyways... all I’m gonna say is that Dylan O’Brien played a gay for one episode in a show. Wish there wasn’t this huge ugly age difference.

Roswell, New Mexico: cowboys, aliens, bisexuality, homosexuality and all that. Didn’t really see the show but there’s a lot of content with these two.

Good Trouble: never saw the sow but the guy on the picture is a main bisexual characters. There are some mlm scenes.

The Society: Grizz (right) and Sam (left) literally the highlight of the show. Just watch it, it is worth to see it for both of them. Sam is also deaf. The show is basically about a bunch of teenagers getting stuck in a town with no one else in or around.

High School Musical: The Musical: The Series: The High School Musical tv show has just started airing on Disney+. Carlos (left) is confirmed to be gay and to be getting a nice development this season which will probably involve Seb (right) as well.

The Heights: Australian tv show. Sully (left) is gay. Got a thing for Ash (right) at the start. Then things were messy. Then they suddenly kissed. And the things are messy again.

El Club (The Club): very interesting show. The gave these two really (like REALLY) spicy scenes. Some romantic stuff. But there’s really not much depth in my option. Check and see.

Volevo fare la rockstar: didn’t see it but it’s an Italian show and there’s a romantic storyline between these two.

No Good Nick: Jeremy (right) came out this year on this sitcom. Nice and very weid sitcom. Unfortunately it was cancelled, but the way they handled his gay storyline was rather nice.

World on Fire: follows lives of ordinary people from Britain, Poland, France, Germany and the USA during World War II. Two of them are gay. And yeah one of those two is Will from sense8.

TV SHOWS (1 SEASON+) WITH MAIN GAY CHARACTERS/SHIPS 

Andi Mack: the show that made history. Andi Mack is a Disney Channel show and for the first time in Disney Channel history, Cyrus (right) came out using the word ‘gay’ and made it official with the recurring character TJ (left) this year. The two-season slow-burn was really worth it.

Shadowhunters: Malec got married this year. Yay.

Grey’s Anatomy: Levi and Nico still going strong.

La Casa de las Flores (The House of Flowers): despite the first season making it seem like it was the end for Diego and Julián, that’s not the case. In season 2, they’re stronger than ever, the scenes are spicier than ever and the show is gayer than ever.

Baby: first season was mostly focused on Fabio (face on right) realizing he’s gay. The second season has shockingly showed us that Brando (face on left) is gay as well. Very toxic ship so if you enjoy Gallavich this is probably for you.

Élite: Omar and Ander continuing their journey.

Shameless: Ian (up) and Mickey (down) came back to Shameless season 10 as main characters. About time.

Station 19: new love interest (left, a deaf character portrayed by a deaf actor) was introduced for Travis (right) in the season 2 finale. Let’s see what happens in season 3, which airs in 2020.

Ackley Bridge: they pretty much baited us with Cory (left) and Naveed (right) this season. They stayed just friends, but Naveed found a love interest, so that’s nice.

Find Me In Paris: Never saw the show, but Jeff (on the picture) is gay and his love interest Isaac gets introduced in second season that aired this year.

13 Reasons Why: Tony and Caleb going strong. It was also revealed that Monty (right) is a closeted gay and had a storyline with Winston (left). There’s probably more to come with them in next season. 

Insatiable: unfortunately they didn’t serve much Bob (right) & Bob this year. But they introduced detective Rudy (left) and there were some scenes and twists and turns. Whatever.

Riverdale: I don’t care. Kevin (left) is still there. There are some gay charcters based on wiki, but yeah. Crumbs, I bet. Whatever.

Charité: second season (which has the two main gay characters) takes place in Berlin in 1943. You don’t need to watch the first season at all, to understand the second one with them, it’s basically a stand-alone.

Animal Kingdom: Deran and Adrian’s story coming to an end?

The Magicians: Well, they killed off the central bi character Quentin (on the picture), so fuck them. 

How to Get Away With Murder: Connor (left) and Oliver (right) still there.

Dear White People: haven’t seen it, but Lionel (on the picture) is still there and he’s gay.

Zoe Valentine: there’s this web series and these two have a storyline in second season that aired this year.

SOAP OPERAS AND TELENOVELAS

Sturm der Liebe: Boris (left) and Tobias (right) are married and lived happily ever after. Really cute and sometimes dramatic storyline overall. Check it out.

Malhação: Vidas Brasileiras: Santiago (left) and Michael (right) had a gay storyline but the show ended this year.

Malhação: Toda Forma de Amar: Guga (right) and Serginho (left) have a gay storyline in the show.

Eastenders: Ben (left) and Callum’s (right) storyline has begun this year.

Neighbours: David (right) and Aaron (left) aka husbands still in the soap.

REALITY SHOWS

Queer Eye: five gay guys helping others. Season 3, 4 and a special have aired this year.

Are You the One?: for the first time in the show’s history, season 8 of this dating reality show had an all-sexually fluid cast this year. Which means mlm and wlw and anything else. Really fun show.

MOVIES

Benjamin: don’t even remember what the movie was about but I rec because it was cute and I mean hello Merlin.

Boy Erased: homosexuality and religion. Has a Troye Sivan in it. Very decent movie.

And Then We Danced: my favorite gay movie of this year. All the things they had to do to be able to film this in homophobic Georgia (the country)... just wow. It’s a must-watch.

Who Would You Take to a Deserted Island?: didn’t know what to expect from this movie. It is based on a play and it shows. Watch and be the judge of it. The acting was really highlight of the movie.

This Is Not Berlin: hasn’t seen it yet since it was just officially released. But it is included in an LGBT+ section so... hopefully they didn’ lie.

Rocketman: movie about Elton John with Taron Egerton and Richard Madden... I mean, phew.

Un Rubio (The Blonde One): gonna watch this, apparently it’s amazing based on what some of my mutuals have said.

The Death and Life of John F. Donovan: Jon Snow being gay and kissing Chris Zylka. Made by Xavier Dolan. A literal tripple threat. Genuinely enjoyed the movie and the soundtrack.

Ranchlands: haven’t seen this but my friend said it’s amazing.

Steam Room Stories: this movie was something... Eating Out levels of ‘I-’ but without all the sex. I guess watch this if you are bored.

Posledice (Consequences): very spicy and intriguing movie. Slovenia snapped with this one.

Papi Chulo: didn’t like this movie and the concept of it but... you can check out and see for yourself.

Dolor y gloria (Pain and Glory): Antonio Banderas kissing a man. Hopefully it really is a gay-related movie because I haven’t seen it yet.

Die Stropers (The Harvesters): brilliant cinematography but I expected much more from the movie.

Giant Little Ones: what happens when you’re into your best friend’s sister but the best friend gives you a BJ. Well... watch and see.

Kanarie (Canary): a war musical about a small town boy who gets chosen to serve his compulsory two year military training in the South African Defence Force Choir and Concert. Loved the involvement of the Boy George music, aesthetic and story. One of my favorites this year. 

Luciérnagas (Fireflies): haven’t seen it yet but the description says that the main gay character (right) “flees from persecution in Iran and ends up living in the tropical town of Veracruz.”

El Angel: haven’t seen it but apparently there are some implications it was lowkey gay... so yeah.

Dear Ex: from wiki “San Lian was devastated when she discovered her late ex-husband left his insurance payout to his male partner Ah Jie. She decided to bring her son to fight for their rights, but her son instead chose to stand on the other person's side.” Will watch this soon, sounds interesting.

Sauvage: one of the best gay movies this year. Don’t know how to describe it so let me copy paste the description “ Léo is a sex worker who uses drugs whilst longing for love.”

Sócrates: haven’t seen it yet as it was just released.

Marilyn: story about a farm worker who discovers his sexuality in a hostile environment. Didn’t see it since someone has told me there are some scenes that are really HARD to stomach and I ain’t about that life.

Les Crevettes pailletées (The Shiny Shrimps): the movie is about an Olympic swimming champion who makes a homophobic comment in a television interview, and is disciplined by the national swim team with the responsibility of coaching a gay water polo team who aspire to compete in the Gay Games. Sounds and looks like an amazing comedy and can’t wait to watch it when I will be able to.

Fin de siglo (End of the Century): it’s not out yet as far as I know, but it’s about two men who meet in Barcelona and realize they have met already 20 years ago.

Matthias et Maxime: another excellence by Xavier Dolan. Story about life-long friends who question their sexual identities after they kiss. Looks amazing and I can’t wait for it to get released finally.

The Goldfinch: not a gay movie, but I’ve seen many people considering it as LGBT+ cinema because of the book and you know what, they kissed after all so you can perceive it beyond friendship if you want. If not, then just skip it. I feel like it is worth mentioning it tho.

Mapplethorpe: movie is about the life of photographer Robert Mapplethorpe. Didn’t see it but Doctor Who plays him so there’s that.

UPCOMING

TV SHOWS

9-1-1: Lone Star: The spin-off of a popular show 9-1-1 by Ryan Murphy is premiering 19th of January 2020. It’s confirmed that the main character TK (a firefighter, left) will be romantically involved with the main character Carlos (a police officer, right). The show will also have a main trans man.

Love, Simon: The Series: A Disney+ Love, Simon spin-off is on its way and will premiere in 2020. The series will follow Victor (right) and his coming-out story at the same high school where Love, Simon took place. Didn’t find a photo with his love interest. The guy on the left will most likely be his enemy.

[cyrusgoodboye]

It's very difficult for me to properly convey what this show means to me.  I mean, how does one even begin to express the gratitude and love they possess for a one-in-a-lifetime show like Andi Mack?  

For starters, Andi Mack broke barriers even with its pilot episode, "13".  I, like many others, remember watching the episode and raving about how groundbreaking it was, how different it was from children's television shows that I had grown up watching.  I was in my room after watching the premiere, thinking to myself, "How is this possibly on Disney Channel?"  Now, roughly around two years later, I'm wondering to myself how it isn't.  I've typed long-winded messages and ranted to friends and family and Tumblr about how special this show is, how there's absolutely nothing else like it.  How it's a light to so many kids, an inspiration, a hope, something to model themselves after.  And now it's being taken away before all of the story got to be told.  

I never expected to fall in love with the characters as much as I did, and the same goes for the storylines.  I'll be honest, the show isn't perfect; I remember all of us [the fans] groaning when Walker was revealed to be Buffy's crush in the beginning of season three, and how much we hated the Jonah and Amber storyline that was (re)introduced later on.  But, at the end of the day, that wasn't what mattered.  It didn't matter if Jonah was wearing 'The Bracelet' or not, or if Bex and Bowie were going to finally get married.  We kept chasing that light we saw, the fabric of the show that tried to include every colored thread in the book and still managed to come out beautiful and unique and so, so inclusive.  We all admired how Andi Mack was always bringing up controversial subjects and topics that had been taboo in the years before its premiere, how it managed to leave kids hungry for more instead of the same cookie-cutter sitcoms blasting with laugh tracks and poorly written comedy.  We need more.  It shouldn't be over yet, but it got cancelled anyway, because apparently Disney Channel's most viewed and influential show just wasn't something they wanted to continue.  

Anyway, I know these points have all been made before, by fan after fan, and maybe you don't see the point of me reiterating these same truths again, but I don't know how to move on.  I'm not sure I can.  I can't get over watching Andi Mack realizing her cool older sister Bex is actually her mother.  I can't get over watching Buffy Driscoll struggling to accept her natural hair.  I can't get over watching Cyrus Goodman thinking he's different because he has a crush on a boy.  I can't get over watching Jonah Beck struggling with having anxiety and having a hard time coming to terms with it.  I can't get over watching T.J. Kippen accepting his learning disability and the fact that he's gay.  I can't.  How can you even begin to fill a gap like that, that piece of history?  I don't know how to say goodbye to this amazing, groundbreaking show.  Can you really say goodbye to something that you know will always be a part of you?

Andi Mack was truly lightning in a bottle.  Nothing will ever recapture the same magic it once had.  Nothing will ever be able to recreate the friendship of Andi, Buffy, and Cyrus, or the things they learned about life and the universe together.  Nothing will ever be able to open as many doors as this show, and it saddens me in a way that I cannot express in words.

"These are the moments you remember," Bex Mack said in season one, episode one, "13".  I didn't know it at the time, but yes, these are the moments you remember.  These are the moments that I will always carry with me, no matter where I am or what I'm doing with my life.  These are the moments that helped shape who I am and the way I treat others and how I will continue the fight for change, like Andi Mack taught me to do.  And I will remember them, forever and always. 

[sapphosclown]

Treat You Better - Tyrus AU

pt. III; It’s Nothing, I swear

Cyrus attends Buffy’s basketball game and is surprised at who else is there. Dylan finds out about Cyrus’s history project partner and it’s not pleased.

people are liking this!!! it makes me so happy thank you for your support <3 who knew Andi Mack would be the push i needed to start writing again lol

although i have to say this before i keep going:

i’m not trying to romanticize toxic relationships. i’ve never been in a toxic relationship and i’m just going off of what i’ve heard from people i know who have and also just like... common sense ig?? but if you are in a relationship that makes you feel unsafe or unhappy, GET OUT OF THERE!!! don’t let yourself get treated like garbage because you’re not. you deserve to feel secure and happy in a relationship and in yourself.

with that said, here’s part three. sorry it’s kind of long and probably messy, i wrote most of it half asleep lmao.

tw: toxic relationship

———

———

Cyrus loves Buffy’s basketball games. He doesn’t know anything about the sport, other than you throw the ball and hope that it lands in the hoop. Sometimes he’ll try to keep track of the score but either zone out or get bored and end up just looking at the score board anyways. But none of that mattered. He loved making signs to support his best friend, he loved cheering her on with Andi. But most of all, he loved the games because Dylan wasn’t there. He didn’t care much for basketball, at least, girls basketball. He didn’t like Andi or Buffy all that much and would always come up with an excuse not to go to the games, but Cyrus knew that he just didn’t want to go. Some part of Cyrus subconsciously gets excited by the prospect of not having to see Dylan, but he quickly pushes that excitement to the back of his mind; he doesn't want to think about it.

Cyrus walked into the gym and he swore it got bigger every time he walked inside. There were people filling the bleachers on either side of the floor, one side cheering for Grant and the other side cheering for the away team. As he walked further inside, the squeaking of tennis shoes and the pounding of the ball hitting the ground grew louder. He spotted Buffy with her team doing warm ups and he couldn’t help but smile. She’d never admit it, but he knew she was nervous for this game. They’re playing against the Raptors and Cyrus didn’t know much but he knew they were good. But, he also knew that Buffy was better.

He looked away from the court and begun to scan the Grant crowd for Andi. He saw her sitting with Jonah a few rows away from him. They had quite a few open seats around them, which was confusing because the gym was relatively packed and they were only waiting for Cyrus so why’d they need that many seats?

Regardless, Cyrus made his way over to them and sat down next to Andi who greeted him excitedly. He smiled at her and quickly nodded at Jonah as well.

Cyrus and Jonah hadn’t hung out much since he and Dylan started dating. He had considered Jonah his best friend (after Andi and Buffy of course) for a while, but Dylan didn’t like that. He said that he should be Cyrus’s best friend and he didn’t want Cyrus to hangout with Jonah anymore. Cyrus convinced him that wasn’t totally realistic, because Andi and Buffy would still hangout with them both in groups, but he still didn’t like them talking. So, Cyrus tried to avoid contact with him as much as possible. It made him feel icky, but what else was he supposed to do?

“Why are there so many open seats over here?” Cyrus asked.

“Because we’re waiting for some people.” Andi responded quickly, looking around the room.

“People? What people? All our people are here?” Cyrus tried to piece together what was happening but then Andi and Jonah were waving dramatically to something across the gym. Cyrus turned to wear they were looking.

It was Marty. He and Buffy had become friends recently so it made sense that he’d be there. It was the next person he saw that drained the blood from his face. TJ. He and Buffy had also become friends recently, and he was friends with Jonah and Marty. Perfect.

While Cyrus was trying to get his brain to work again the two boys made their way over to them. He locked eyes with TJ who had the audacity to smirk at him. Honestly, who gave him the right to do that? He strolled up and sat down right next to Cyrus. There were like, 12 seats by Jonah he could’ve chosen but no, he chose the only empty seat by Cyrus. Of course he did.

Cyrus gawked at him.

“I hope you don’t mind.” TJ said slyly, still wearing that stupid grin.

Cyrus did mind. He very much minded the fact that TJ’s knee was forced to touch his because of the overcrowded seating. He minded way TJ’s hair was flopping ever so slightly because he was (probably) running out of hair gel. And most of all, he minded that despite the neon jerseys both teams wore, TJ’s eyes continued to be the most captivating thing in the room.

“Nope. Not at all.” Cyrus said dumbly. TJ gave him a large smile and then the whistle blew.

Right. The game. Buffy’s game. He’ll focus on that... Hopefully.

By the grace of God or whoever was clearly trying to ruin Cyrus’s life, he made it through the game and was able to maintain a decent idea of what was going on. Grant won, obviously. Buffy made the winning shot and the crowd errupted in cheers of joy. TJ instinctively threw his arm around Cyrus’s shoulders and gave him a side hug as he continued to celebrate. But Cyrus barely noticed it because he didn’t care about TJ. His heart was racing because Buffy had just won and he was excited. Yeah. Totally not because the minuscule physical contact with TJ was bringing him more joy than the past 6 months with Dylan had. Nope. Not that at all.

The crowds began to disperse and the players made their way to their families. Andi, Jonah and Marty had all gone down to congratulate Buffy. Cyrus went to join them when TJ grabbed his shoulder.

“What?” Cyrus huffed. “I want to go talk to Buffy.” It came out more aggressively than he intended but TJ must have picked up on his annoyance because he quickly removed his hand from Cyrus’s shoulder.

“Meet me outside afterwards?” He asked.

Cyrus’s face contorted. “Why?”

“Please?”

Cyrus looked at TJ and then quickly at Buffy. Maybe it was just the fact that Cyrus would really rather be on the court and congratulating his best friend, or maybe it was the genuine tone of TJ’s voice. Whatever it was, Cyrus found himself nodding at TJ’s request. The blonde broke out into a large smile.

“Cool.” He said, no, whispered to himself. Why did Cyrus find that so endearing?

“I’m going to talk to Buffy now.” Cyrus turned and started to walk of.

“Tell Buffy I said congrats!” TJ called after him. Cyrus looked back, gave a quick nod, and continued onto the court.

***

It was cool autumn evening as winter was soon approaching. It wasn’t cold enough to require a hat and gloves just yet, but not quite warm enough that a sweatshirt would cut it. That didn’t seem to stop TJ though.

“How are you not cold?” Cyrus asked as he walked up to the other boy, who was currently leaning against the brick exterior of the school and scrolling through his phone.

TJ looked up and his eyes sparkled when they met Cyrus’s. “I dunno. I guess I don’t get cold easily.” He shrugged casually. Cyrus couldn’t help but smile.

“Right. So why did you want me to meet you here?”

“So I could walk you home.” TJ responded with an innocent smile.

Cyrus blinked at him. “What?”

“I asked you to meet me out here so I could walk you home.” TJ repeated.

“Why?”

“I figure we could talk about our project on the way.”

“You want to walk me home... So that we can talk about our project? You know we have class time all week to do that?”

“It can’t hurt to get a head start.”

They stood there and started at each other for a moment. TJ looked exactly the same as Cyrus remembered. His green eyes still mezmorizing, his faint smile still earning Cyrus’s trust, the way he was so calmly leaned against the school. Cyrus eventually caved.

“Fine. But only to talk about the project.” He warned.

TJ smiled fully. “Lead the way Goodman.”

Cyrus didn’t live too far away from the school, in such a small town like Shadyside everything was within walking distance. TJ, much to Cyrus’s suprise, stayed on topic for the entirety of the walk. More than that, he actually came up with some pretty good ideas. They were walking down Cyrus’s street and he began to relax a bit. He made it home with no issues. But, because with Cyrus’s luck, his bliss didn’t last long.

“So, I noticed you haven’t broken up with your boyfriend.” TJ said suddenly.

Cyrus stopped in his tracks. “You said you’d only talk about the project!” He scolded.

“I said no such thing.” TJ smirked back. Cyrus rolled his eyes and started fast-walking towards his house.

“Cyrus,” TJ was following him now but he just kept walking, ignoring the continuous sound of his name being called.

“Cyrus!” TJ grabbed his wrist, causing him to spin around. They stood on the sidewalk, only a few houses until Cyrus’s.

“Can I ask one question?”

Cyrus glared at him.

“It’s about the project.” Cyrus relaxed ever so slightly, his eyes shifting down to where TJ was still holding onto his wrist. He pulled his arm away and looked back at TJ.

“When are you free to work on the project?” Cyrus furrowed his eyebrows. “I have work after school on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturday mornings but I don’t think—”

“What do you mean, can’t we just work on it in class?” Cyrus cut him off, a vague sense of panic beginning to bubble in his stomach.

“Well, we only have the next couple of days to brainstorm but most of the work has to be done outside of school.”

“Oh.”

“Yeah, so what days work best for you?”

“I, I- um, I don’t know I’ll have to check my, my calendar.” Cyrus breathed as his brain had officially checked out.

“Ok, well, let me know.” TJ smiled kindly, which was actually very rude because the nicer TJ was to him the harder it was for Cyrus to dislike him. “Did you say your house was on this street?”

“Oh, yeah.” The question had snapped Cyrus out of whatever daze he had entered. “Yeah my house is right- there.” He gestured vaguely towards his driveway.

“Cool. Well, I should probably go. See you tomorrow.”

“Yeah, see ya.” Cyrus said, voice just barely audible. He turned and walked the rest of the way to his house. He got to the porch and just before he opened the door he looked back at TJ, who was walking in the opposite direction of him. He stared after him for a moment, not completely sure why. It wasn’t until TJ turned and looked at him as well that he quickly looked back to his door and went inside.

***

See, Cyrus knew the project would require a lot of outside of school time but he had been denying it. Because if he accepted it that meant he was actually partners with TJ, and they would actually have to spend a lot of time together, and he would actually have to tell Dylan. Cyrus really didn’t want to tell Dylan.

“How was the party?” Cyrus asked gently before sipping his milkshake.

“Fine.” Dylan replied shortly, not looking up from his phone.

“Did you have fun?” Cyrus tried again.

“Yep.”

Cyrus nodded meekly. “Buffy’s game went really well,” he said eventually. “She made the winning shot and—”

“Cool.” Dylan cut him off. Cyrus’s heart sunk and the smile he had been trying to keep on fell. It’s fine. He’s probably just doing something important Cyrus told himself. He sat up straight for a moment and peered over to see his boyfriends phone screen. He was on instagram. Right.

“Hey,” Cyrus grabbed Dylan’s hand, hoping to break him out of his social media trance. It worked but Cyrus almost wished it hadn’t. Dylan looked up at him looking incredibly annoyed. His face looked tired, almost sunken. He looked paler than usual, but the worst was his eyes. His icey blue irises pierced through Cyrus like a spear, his stare cold and lifeless. It was honestly kind of scary.

“What?” Dylan hissed.

“I just, I just want to talk to my boyfriend.” Cyrus attempted to hide the pain in his chest with a soft smile and gave Dylan’s hand a squeeze.

Dylan sighed and rolled his eyes not-so-subtly. He tore his hand away from Cyrus’s as he put his phone in his pocket.

“What’s up.” He sounded like he was trying, but it came out insincere. The bored look on his face made Cyrus hesitate.

“I was, um, I was just talking about, uh, Buffy’s game, last night...” At that moment Cyrus’s phone vibrated on the table. Cyrus peeked at it and grew confused when he saw a number he didn’t recognize. This had also caught the attention of Dylan who was now staring curiously at Cyrus’s phone.

“Who is that?” He asked.

“I don’t know.” Cyrus answered honestly. “Probably just a wrong number. As I was saying—”

It vibrated again.

Dylan raised an eyebrow.

“I’ll just put it away,” Cyrus grabbed his phone and as he moved to put it in his pocket he caught a glance at the text.

Hey Cyrus, it’s TJ

I realized we had no way to contact each other so I asked Buffy for your number, I hope that’s ok :)

“What? Who is it?” Dylan demanded. Before Cyrus could think of an answer, Dylan grabbed his phone out of his hands and looked at the messages. He scanned them for a minute and then looked back up at Cyrus.

“Who’s TJ?” He held Cyrus’s phone up accusingly.

It’s fine, remain calm. It’s nothing, make him believe it’s nothing. “Oh, just some kid I got partnered with in history. I was meaning to tell you but I completely forgot about it. You know me!” Cyrus joked awkwardly.

Dylan didn’t seem to believe him.

“Is this the guy you were talking to at school the other day?”

“Um,”

“I told you I don’t want you talking to him!”

“I- I really didn’t have any say in it we got partnered randomly!” Cyrus didn’t want to fight. Desperation filled his voice and he couldn’t do anything about it. “I promise it’s nothing I swear—”

“I want you to switch partners.” Dylan cut him off abruptly.

“I can’t, it’s already too far in the project” This wasn’t a total lie. Sure, if he really wanted to he could probably switch partners but everyone had already come up with ideas and it would just be too much of a hassle.

Dylan crossed his arms and scoffed.

“Dylan,” Cyrus reached across the table and carefully placed his hand on his boyfriends arm. “Trust me.”

Dylan’s face remained the same. “Fine.” He said bitterly. Cyrus smiled weakly despite every muscle in his body remaining tense. Dylan started at him, expression still hard.

“I have to go.” He said suddenly, yanking his arm out of Cyrus’s hand.

“Dylan,”

“It’s fine. I just have things to do today.”

And with that he left the Spoon. Cyrus watched him walk past the window. Some part of him thought maybe he’d look at him through the glass as he walked past, he didn’t. He walked all the way down the street and didn’t turn towards Cyrus once.

Once he was out of sight, Cyrus looked at the empty seat across from him. He let out a heavy sigh then payed for both of their food and went home.

So, did you get a chance to check your schedule?

...Typing...

yeah. i’m free.

———

———

Previous / Next

tag list:

@miracufan @abg-blah @maybeldontwantheaven 

[thinkingaboutyoungroyals]

Lost Boy (Chapter 3: New Friends)

Summary: When his family moves from San Francisco to the town of Shadyside, T.J. thought his life would change. And it did. He just didn’t think it would come in the form of the ghost of a boy who haunted his new bedroom.

Prologue

Chapter 1, Chapter 2

Tag list: @delicatesleeper, @ibroughtachallah,@frenchtohste,@alittletooliteralleah, @tyrusmagocious,@tjskipping, @mirrorslover, @opatrickr, @lesbianrelateddeath, @mirrorslover, @opatrickr, @justkimberley, @burning-hot-pan, @green-lemonboys, @anotherangelfromspace, @thebisexualweirdo, @likelightning-inabottle, @thedampjofangirl, @fizasdr, @awkward-bisexual-alien, @lydibug1304

.......

Looking at his reflection in the mirror, T.J. turned to the left. Then the right. Then the front. 

Groaning, he pulled off the gray hoodie he was wearing and threw it across the room. It probably landed somewhere along with the other ones he had tried on. He, then, grabbed a blue-green one and put it on, doing the same routine of checking how he looked from all angles.

“I like that one,” chirped Cyrus from his favorite perch on the desk. “The color matches your eyes.”

The compliment made T.J. blush. “You think so?” he asked, ignoring the burning in his cheeks.

“Definitely! Trust me, I have an eye for these things. I was a fashion icon when I was alive!”

T.J. chuckled, adjusting his collar. “Okay, I trust you.”

“Ohhh, trust! A positive step forward in our relationship!”

T.J. snorted. 

What relationship? Sure, it had been a week since they met and have gotten used to each other’s presence. But, at the end of the day, they were still just a human and a ghost who happened to live in the same room. The blonde barely knew anything about him.

“So, are you excited for your first day of school?” Cyrus asked.

But, T.J. did learn he was incredibly chatty and overly curious.

“A little nervous,” he admitted. “It’s hard to make friends.”

“You can make friends with my friends.”

He raised an eyebrow. “Your… friends?”

Cyrus laughed. “My alive friends. They’re really nice! And the best friends you can ever ask for!”

T.J. walked over to his bed to put the rest of his new notebooks inside his backpack. “How do you know if we’re even going to the same schools?”

“Well, you’re going to Grant High, right?”

“Yeah.”

Cyrus smiled. “I was gonna go there, too. With them. You can’t miss them, they’re the kids with the really great hair.”

T.J. let out a chuckle. “Well, that narrows it down.” He slung the backpack over his shoulder. “Well, I’m off.”

Cyrus waved. “Have a great first day!”

“Thanks.”

With one last nod, T.J. stepped out of the room. When he briefly turned to close the door and caught a glimpse of the desk, Cyrus was gone.

……

The first day of school went as well as it possibly could. And by well, he meant that the moment he stepped through those doors, no one knew who he was so no one spoke to him. He got a few stares but no one approached, and he pretty much made his way to his locker by following people and using his eyes. He needed to check his locker number several times to make sure he got the right one and it took him a good five minutes just to open it. 

By the time he found his homeroom and got a seat, he was already exhausted… and school hadn’t even officially started!

When the bell rang and the homeroom teacher arrived, T.J. sat up as straight as he could and forced himself to listen. 

The teacher, who introduced herself as Mrs. Harris, welcomed them to their first year at Grant High School, talked about the rules and regulations, and then introduced a getting-to-know-you exercise with their seat neighbor.

They were to talk about three fun facts about themselves and then their partner would follow up with another three and keep going until they knew a lot about each other.

It was weird and kind of useless, where T.J. was concerned, because everyone was going to end up forming cliques anyway and probably not even talk to anyone else unless there was a dire need to do so.

Nonetheless, he turned his desk to face his seat neighbor – an Asian girl with a pixie haircut and wearing a very colorful headband. She smiled at T.J. in a friendly manner and he smiled back, politely.

“Hi, um, I’m T.J.,” he introduced himself, holding out a hand. “T.J. Kippen.”

The girl took his hand and shook it. “I’m Andi Mack. So…want me to start?”

“Sure.” He leaned back in his seat.

“So… I love making arts and crafts… I’m an only child… and… my favorite color is red.”

T.J. nodded. “Cool. Uh… I have an older sister… I play basketball… and I just moved here from San Francisco.”

“Really? That’s so awesome! How do you like it in Shadyside?”

“It’s pretty cool. Definitely different from San Francisco. I like it.”

“Have you had the chance to look around yet? Like, have you checked out The Spoon Diner? They have the best baby taters!”

And, just like that, their teacher’s exercise was thrown out of the window.

T.J. listened as Andi talked on and on about the town, about the places to eat, places to spend your extra time at (apparently, her dad owned a music store and people hung out there all the time, just trying out instruments or listening to old records), and a bit about the town’s history. 

She was perky and enthusiastic. He had no doubt Amber would get along well with her, if given the chance.

“We should hang out sometime!” Andi chirped.

T.J. wondered if he just made his first friend.

“Sure,” he agreed.

“So, which part of Shadyside do you live by? Maybe we’re neighbors.”

T.J. rattled off his new address, surprised and a little proud that he managed to remember without peeking at the slip of paper his mom had placed in his wallet for emergencies.

Andi’s smile fell. “You… live where the Goodmans used to live…”

It was more of a statement than a question.

T.J. nodded. “Yeah. The psychiatrists, right?”

“Psychologists,” Andi corrected, sounding dazed and far away now.

T.J. didn’t really know the difference but okay.

Meanwhile, Andi was starting to look kind of pale.

“Are you okay?” he asked, feeling concerned.

She shook her head and nodded before putting on a smile. “Yes, sorry. Caught off-guard.”

T.J. flashed her a questioning look but before he could ask further questions, Mrs. Harris called everyone’s attention to make another announcement.

He didn’t get to talk to Andi again for the rest of homeroom. But, when the bell rang to signal first period, she did give him a smile and a wave and told him to find her during lunch if he needed someone to sit with.

The rest of his morning classes went well. He met a few friendly kids in his classes who were curious about the new guy. He was all too happy to talk about San Francisco and how much Shadyside was already looking better than the big city he grew up in.

When it was time for lunch, instead of looking for Andi or some other kid to sit with, T.J. decided to head out to the courtyard. He sat on one of the picnic tables and ate alone. He preferred it that way. The nerves and anxiety that filled his body all day have all dissipated now but he still felt utterly exhausted.

At the end of the day, he was ready to throw his backpack down and nap for hours. On his way out, he spotted Andi standing at her locker, her hands moving in various gestures as she talked to a blonde-haired girl.

She saw T.J. and waved. He waved back.

He walked home alone. 

Amber didn’t join him since she wanted to stop by a Diner she saw was hiring – she wanted a job to help out their mom and T.J. was kind of considering it, too, but he had no desire to wait tables.

Cutting through the park, he calmly reflected on the day.

It wasn’t a terrible day. It wasn’t awesome, either. But, his mother was right. He could start over here. He had spotted some flyers for the basketball team on the bulletin board earlier, so he could try out. He could even join the school orchestra and put his mom’s piano lessons to use.

His musings were interrupted by the sight of a basketball court and felt himself perk up. Before he could register his own actions, his feet were already walking over. 

It was empty except for one African-American girl with curly hair. Pausing by one of the benches, he watched her dribble the ball around and shoot. The ball went in, flawlessly.

Impressive.

The girl chased after the ball and caught it. As she turned around, she caught sight of him, watching.

“Hey,” she greeted, breathing deeply.

“Hey,” he returned. “Nice shot.”

She beamed. “Thanks. You play?”

He shrugged. “A little.”

“Cool.” Smirking, she bounced the ball in his direction. “Come on.”

T.J. caught the ball and stared at it for a few seconds, not comprehending what was going on.

“What? Afraid you can’t beat a girl?” she taunted.

Oh. A challenge. T.J. could never resist those.

Dropping his backpack on the bench, he dribbled the ball a few times before running onto the court. The girl wasted no time chasing him, attempting to steal but T.J. dodged her. He took a shot and let out a cheer when it went right in.

The girl wasn’t one to be let down by one basket. She immediately ran forward, grabbed the ball and made her way towards the net. She shot the ball and it bounced once before going into the ring. She cheered for herself and flashed him a smirk.

He may have just met his match.

T.J. wasn’t sure how long their game went but, if he was honest, it was the best time he’s had in weeks!

Whenever he played basketball, he could forget everything else. Forget his dyscalculia. Forget his ability. Forget the ghosts in the surroundings. It was just him, the ball, and his opponent.

When they’ve had enough, T.J. lost by 5 points but he wasn’t even mad about it. Sure, he felt all sweaty and gross now but it was also rather refreshing.

“You’ve got game,” he complimented, making her grin.

“Thanks! You’re not bad yourself. Are you on a team?”

“Not yet. I’m thinking about trying out, though.”

“You should. Where do you go?”

“Grant.”

“No way! Me too! I’m planning on trying out for the girls’ team. In fact, I was the founder and captain of the Jefferson Middle School girl’s basketball team,” she boasted a little before tilting her head to the side. “I’ve never seen you around before, though.”

T.J. shrugged. “I’m new in town.”

The girl nodded. “Cool. Well, if you wanna hang out and play again, hit me up.” She extended a hand to him. “I’m Buffy.”

He took her hand to shake. “Buffy… like the vampire slayer?”

She rolled her eyes. “Like I haven’t heard that one before.”

He chuckled. “I’m T.J. Just moved here from San Francisco.”

“Whoa, that’s a big change.”

He shrugged again. “Yeah, well, it is what it is.” His phone beeped and he took it out to see the time and a text from Amber, asking if he was on his way home. “I gotta go. Uh, thanks for the game.” He picked up his backpack. “I’ll see you around!”

The girl, Buffy, nodded with a smile. “See ya.”

T.J. turned on his heels and jogged all the way home, feeling cheerier than he did that morning.

……

With his hair washed and himself changed into a clean hoodie, T.J. busied himself with homework.

It was kind of mean of teachers to already give homework on the first day of school but what could he do? And just because he was dyscalculic and got into trouble a lot back in San Francisco didn’t mean he was dumb or had no regard for his education. Ghosts just wouldn’t leave him alone until he helped them and, sometimes, they would rudely interrupt his study sessions.

“Hey, Ghost Whisperer.”

Case in point.

He turned his head to look at Cyrus, perched on his desk. The boy was beaming, as he always was. 

T.J. wondered if there was ever a time when Cyrus didn’t smile. Then again, it didn’t really fit. Despite being dead, Cyrus was cheery and optimistic and T.J. had no doubt he had that same personality when he was alive.

“How was school?” the ghost continued.

T.J. put his pencil down and stretched. “Tiring. But, not bad. We already have homework, though.” He gestured at the open notebook in front of him. “I bet you don’t miss this.”

Cyrus laughed. “Not one bit,” he stated, peering at the numbers and calculations. He frowned and pointed. “You got this one wrong.”

T.J. looked down at it and huffed. “Of course, I did.” He pushed the notebook away. “They don’t have a tutor for me yet. So, I’m on my own for the week.”

Cyrus scrunched his eyebrows. “Why do you need a tutor?”

The question made T.J. turn away. He hated talking about it. He had made peace with it but that didn’t mean he was happy about it.

Again, he wished he was just normal.

“Okay, you don’t have to tell me,” Cyrus said, kindly. “But, I’m pretty good at math. I can help you for the week... if you want me to.”

Tempting. But, no, T.J. wasn’t about to ask help from a ghost. Even if they were good at math. How come a ghost got to be good at math but he couldn't do a simple equation?!

“Nah, I’m good,” he stated, closing his notebook and pushing it to the side. “I’ll do the rest later. I need a break.”

He got up from the desk, walked over to his bed, and flopped onto his back on top of it. He closed his eyes, pressing an arm over them.

For a while, it was silent.

And, then…

“Did you make any new friends?”

T.J. moved his arm and opened his eyes, ready to tell the ghost to leave him alone but paused.

Cyrus was sitting cross-legged next to him, smiling and looking excited to hear T.J.’s answer. He was practically vibrating with anticipation. And it occurred to T.J. that maybe Cyrus just needed someone to talk to. Maybe… he was lonely.

A lot of ghosts were lonely but sometimes, they had other ghosts to fall back on. T.J. had been looking around Shadyside for the past week and he did spot a few wandering spirits.

Letting out a breath, T.J. sat up and crossed his legs.

“I guess,” he started. “The other kids are nice. And I might join the basketball team. Sign-ups should start sometime this week and tryouts are next week.”

Cyrus’ eyes lit up. “Oohh, you know, one of my friends played basketball in middle school. In fact, she was the Captain! I used to make all these cool signs for her and I’d bring megaphones-.”

“Wait, you were friends with Buffy?”

Cyrus paused. “You met Buffy? How is she?”

The boy’s face was smiling but T.J. could clearly see the pain in those soft brown eyes. He missed her. He missed his friend.

“She seems good,” T.J. carefully answered. “She was playing basketball.”

Cyrus let out a breath. “That’s good.”

T.J. cleared his throat and tried to change the subject. “I met this cool girl in my homeroom. Her name is Andi. She was really nice and…” He paused again, seeing the fallen look back on Cyrus’ face. “Did you… know her?”

Cyrus smiled, but it didn’t reach his eyes. “Yeah. She was my other best friend. Buffy and Andi… they were my best friends. We were the Good Hair Crew. Cause we had great hair. I was gonna make us t-shirts.”

“Oh.” T.J. felt his chest twitch in guilt, even though he didn’t mean to make Cyrus sad. “I’m sorry, I didn’t know.”

Cyrus just shrugged. “It’s okay. I wanted you to meet my friends, anyway.” He bit his lip. “Did they look okay? Are they talking to each other?”

“Uh, I saw them at different times so I don’t know. But, they looked okay.” An image of Andi during homeroom floated in T.J.’s brain. “Though… now that I think about it, Andi did look kind of upset when I mentioned I lived here.”

Cyrus groaned, pulling his knees up to his chest before burying his head in his arms.

T.J. had never seen the ghost look this upset before. “Cyrus? What’s wrong”

“They’re still living with it…” Cyrus mumbled.

“Huh?”

Cyrus lifted his head, revealing sparkling sad eyes that couldn’t cry. “The g-guilt.” The ghost was shaking now. “They still feel guilty… they think it’s their fault that I… died.”

Thunderstruck, T.J. could only stare.

Cyrus told him he didn’t like talking about how he died. Yet, here he was now, sharing a little bit of it. 

He swallowed, his voice shaking as he asked, “Is it…?”

“Is it what?”

“Their fault?”

Instantly, Cyrus’ face turned angry. “No! Of course not! It’s…” He paused, swallowing. “It was an accident. It wasn’t their fault. But, they… they keep thinking it is…” He sighed. “They drifted apart after it happened. I was hoping that since a year has passed, they would move on and be friends again but… I guess I was too naïve to believe that.”

With a choked sob, Cyrus buried his face in his arms again.

His cries tore at T.J.’s heart.

And this was the kind of thing that often got him in trouble back in San Francisco. His empathy for ghosts. Feeling sorry for them as they cried and moaned about their deaths. This need he had inside him to help in any way he could because he was the only one with the ability to do so.

Slowly, he scooted over to the crying ghost. He gently wrapped an arm around him, trying not to shiver at the coldness of his skin. He rubbed his arm, hoping to bring him some comfort. The boy tensed in his hold for a moment before relaxing. His shoulder pressed up against T.J.’s side and the latter was really glad he was wearing a hoodie.

“I… I hate thinking about them not being friends because of me,” Cyrus cried.

T.J. pursed his lips. He couldn’t believe he was actually going to say it out loud.

“Maybe that’s your unfinished business.”

Cyrus’ cries stopped. He lifted his head from his arms so he could look at T.J., confused.

“My… unfinished business?” he questioned, his eyes wide.

They looked almost doe-like. And his mole only made him look even cuter.

T.J.’s throat went dry at that sudden thought. He decided to ignore it in favor of nodding.

“Yeah, you want your friends to stop feeling guilty and go back to being friends with each other, right?”

Cyrus nodded. “Y-Yes. I do. But, how do I that? I’m a ghost. They can’t see me. And contrary to what the movies say, I can’t just haunt their dreams or write them a message on a mirror. Well, I could do the latter but that would probably give them a heart attack and I don’t want to do that and it’s so poltergeist that I-.”

“Cyrus,” T.J. interrupted his rambling. “I’ll help you.”

Cyrus’ mouth fell open, slightly. “I’m sorry, what?”

T.J. sighed before offering a smile and spoke before he could change his mind. 

“I’ll help you, okay? I’ll make sure you fulfill your unfinished business so you can move on.”

[aspiringmemberofghc]

HOT TAKE:

The Bexie wedding is a beautiful culmination/conclusion in Andi’s family storyline.

Remember when Bex and Bowie liked each other but not at the same times?

Remember when Bex and Cece fought ALL THE TIME and couldn’t see past the wounds of their complicated history?

Remember when Bowie dated THE DEVIL HERSELF?

Remember when they each proposed to each other?

Remember when Bowie said he would change his own last name to become a Mack?

Remember when Bex and Cece argued over major plans in regards to the wedding?

Remember when Bex and Bowie called it off/experienced uncertainty more than once?

Remember when Andi felt hurt by her parents’ choice not to marry?

Well, guess what? Bex got to marry the man she loves/her partner in parenting and also life itself on her OWN TERMS. Intimate and special and with those who are most important to her around her. Bex and Cece are at peace with each other and Andi is at peace with her parents. They stood in such sweet family solidarity. And Cyrus, Buffy, and Jonah all got to witness it.

I’m not saying all couples or parents have to follow the conventions of traditional marriage to be legit. But I am saying that what Terri wrote is brilliant and heartwarming, and something that made me really soft.

[thirteen-beaxhes]

Delayed - Chapter 8: Realisations

Summary:  “All felt like they knew the others were far away, living ideal lives. They kept to their windows and phones for the ride, thinking about the others. They reminisced separately but prayed for the night to go by fast, to get to the places they needed to go. But the night hadn’t even begun yet.” High school ended 6 years ago, and with it, so did the friendship between Andi, Buffy, Cyrus, Jonah, TJ and Amber. But now their flight is delayed and they are stuck in a hotel together for the night. Not much can change in one night, though. Can it?

ALL LINKS IN REBLOG

~~~~~~~~~

Buffy made the executive decision to order pizza for room service to bring down the emotional intensity of the room, a choice that was greatly celebrated by everyone. Amber had her arm permanently wrapped around Andi’s shoulder, holding her tight as Andi rested her head on her shoulder. Cyrus was still on the ground, but he had scooted closer to listen to Amber regaling tales of hilarious things that she had experienced as manager of a restaurant, intermittent laughter filling the room.

“I can’t believe he actually said that to you!” Andi exclaimed, and Amber laughed as Buffy shook her head in disbelief.

“I know. It’s obvious he had never met you because anyone who has knows not to mess with you,” Cyrus said teasingly, earning a shove in the shoulder.

“It’s just something you gotta deal with,” Amber said, shrugging. Andi smiled at her as she continued to rest her head on her shoulder.

“Not gonna lie Buffy,” Andi said, holding out her pizza slice. “But this was your best idea in all of history.”

“Even better than dipping baby taters in chocolate milkshake?” she asked with a laugh, and Cyrus’ eyes went wide.

“Oh hey now, let’s not get crazy,” Amber said, causing the four of them to burst out laughing loudly, probably annoying all the neighbouring rooms.

“Not to bring back an old topic,” Cyrus started after all the laughter died down, causing all of them to turn to him. “But one thing doesn’t make much sense.”

“What is it, Cy?” Buffy asked.

“Well, I found Andi sitting near a room door. Was it your room?”

Andi shook her head, lifting her head slightly. “No, it wasn’t. Mine is 321.”

“Then what were you doing there?” Cyrus asked, narrowing his eyes curiously.

Andi’s eyes widened slightly, but not so much that anyone immediately noticed. What could she say? If she told them the truth, who knew who would look worse: her or Jonah? No, they didn’t need to know. It would die with her.

“Uh, I was just walking out for some fresh air,” Andi lied nonchalantly, resting her head again. Cyrus nodded, clearly satisfied as he swiftly brought up another topic, one he and Buffy immediately engaged in. But Andi cut in between. “What were you doing up though, Cy?”

“Oh, uh,” Cyrus muttered, looking down. “You know, air, stargazing, I mean, just outside.”

All he got in response was the three girls staring at him, unimpressed by his terrible attempts at lying. Wow he could lie to a guy with ease about how he had a family engagement but he couldn’t lie to those three.

“Wow, I’m getting serious scary bi, pan, lesbian energy from the room,” Cyrus said, causing Amber to giggle slightly, breaking her stare. Buffy just raised an eyebrow.

“Just tell us the truth Cyrus,” she said, and Andi nodded, pursing her lips, and Cyrus just sighed in defeat.

“Okay, I really did go out to get some air, but then I saw someone head out to garden. And it turned out to be TJ.”

“Kippen?” Andi said, and Amber sat up, looking intensely at Cyrus.

“You spoke to him?” she asked, her voice quiet, and Cyrus nodded.

“For the second time today. Gotta say, second conversation more pleasant than the first,” he said, laughing to himself.

“How was it?” Buffy asked quietly, and Cyrus took a minute to think about it.

“Honestly, it felt good seeing him again. Things always felt incomplete before, and I finally got to actually say sorry to him,” Cyrus said, surprised at how true what he was saying was.

“Sorry for what?” Andi asked, and Cyrus looked up at her, lifting a shoulder.

“For being the one to not respond, that led to everything.”

Buffy nodded, and Andi leaned back slightly. But Amber was still looking at him curiously. “How was he?”

Cyrus furrowed his eyebrows, looking at Amber. “He was okay, I guess. His ex was texting him while we sat on the porch-swing thing. But anyway, it’s done now. We said everything that needed to be said, and we actually said goodbye, and I left. Last I remember, he said he wanted to sit for some more time. Things are finally over, and we’ll probably never see each other again, so there’s that.” After saying all that, Cyrus took a deep breath, the last part feeling much heavier than he thought it would, the finality dawning on him.

“Did you?” Amber asked softly, and Cyrus stared at her in confusion.

“Did I what?”

“Say everything that needed to be said.”

Cyrus narrowed his eyes, looking down at his hands. “Y-Yes, I did. I just said I did.”

“So you are finally gonna move on?” Buffy spoke up, looking at Cyrus curiously.

“That’s, that’s what’s obvious, isn’t it? I get closure, this ends and we both can move on,” Cyrus said, trying more to convince himself than to try and convince any of the girls. “That’s what needs to happen, so it ends.”

“You said that already,” Andi said quietly, and Cyrus whipped his head around.

“So then why doesn’t it feel like it?” he said loudly, causing Andi to flinch away, and Amber to tighten her grip around her shoulders. “Sorry, I, I didn’t mean to yell Andi.”

“It’s okay, Cy. It didn’t do anything, just surprised me is all,” Andi said sincerely, grabbing his hand. “What do you mean that it doesn’t feel like it?”

Cyrus sighed, leaning against the wall. “As I was walking away from him, I just couldn’t help but think about how it didn’t feel like an ending, even though we’ve said goodbye twice now. Maybe I’m just never gonna move on from TJ Kippen,” he muttered, and Amber sighed.

“Things haven’t ended Cy,” she said quietly, and he scoffed, looking up at her.

“And how is that?” he said sadly.

“Because you haven’t said everything,” she replied, smirking. “And I don’t think my brother has either.”

Cyrus sat up, letting Amber’s words sink in. Things were silent as all three girls stared at him making up his mind. Finally, Cyrus smiled to himself, pushing himself off the ground.

“What’s TJ’s room number, Amber?” Cyrus asked quickly, moving to the table to get his coat.

“457. Why?” she asked, her tone amused as she saw Cyrus run to the door, turning back.

“I figured out the ending.”

*

“Well, if nothing, that was a dramatic exit,” Andi said after Cyrus ran out of the room, earning a round of laughter from Buffy and Amber. She sighed, moving to get up from the bed. “Anyway, I should probably go back to my room and actually get some sleep.”

“Wait, what? No,” Buffy said, grabbing her shoulder. “You shouldn’t be alone after what happened.”

“Buffy, I swear I’m fine now,” Andi said, looking at her reassuringly, but Buffy shook her head, pushing herself off the bed.

“No, I won’t have it. You can stay here with Amber, I’ll go to your room.”

“Are you sure, Buff?” Amber asked, knitting her eyebrows together. “What about your luggage?”

“I’ll just carry my backpack, it has the stuff I need in the morning,” Buffy said, shouldering the bag and slipping on her shoes.

“Buffy, really, it’s okay,” Andi said, still protesting, but she knew it was a losing battle. Still, she pulled out the last card. “I don’t have anything to wear tomorrow.”

“Oh for fuck’s sake, you can forego your biker aesthetic and just borrow Amber’s clothes, Mack,” Buffy said with a smirk as she rolled her eyes. She walked to the door and turned around, smiling at the two before walking out the door.

“Huh,” was all Andi said as the door closed behind her.

“Huh indeed,” Amber agreed, looking over to smile at her. “Well, looks like its just us now.”

“Yeah it is,” Andi said, turning to look at Amber. “What’s been up with you? Hope your life has been better than mine.”

Amber let out a short laugh, lying back on the bed, Andi joining beside her. “Only marginally. I don’t have much luck in the love department either. I just got out of a breakup.”

“Oh no Amber, are you okay?” she asked softly, turning over onto her side to look at her. Amber did the same, looking over at Andi warmly.

“Yeah, I am. I mean, it sucks, because I did really like her. But in the end, she broke my heart. So I wasn’t gonna care.”

Andi nodded, bumping her head against Amber’s, making the other girl blush. “Good for you. What was her name?”

Amber sighed, looking up at the ceiling. “Emily.”

“It’s a pretty name,” Andi said quietly, and Amber nodded. “What was she like?”

“Kind, sweet, bubbly, of course. Creative, really creative.”

“Oh really? How so?”

“Like, she was really good at crafts. Of any kind really.”

Andi sucked in a breath, feeling her heart rate pick up. “Oh?” she said quietly, hoping Amber didn’t find anything amiss.

Luckily, Amber didn’t pay attention to it. “She was amazing. But, I guess it just wasn’t meant to be.”

“That’s a shame,” Andi said, regaining her composure. “You’re so amazing Amber.”

“Thank you Bambi,” Amber said softly, reaching over to squeeze Andi’s hand.

Andi giggled slightly. “You haven’t called me that in forever.”

Amber just smiled at her, letting go of her hand. “Just felt right.”

They lay like that for a few moments, the only sounds being a car every few minutes, and their breathing. Eventually, Amber sighed, pushing herself up from the bed.

“We should probably sleep, flight and everything,” she said, and Andi nodded, surprised at how disappointed she felt when Amber moved over to the other bed. But she shook her head, borrowing Amber’s brush to brush through her hair, before she settled into bed, pulling the duvet up to her chin as she sank into the bed, surprised at the exhaustion haunting her.

Amber tied up her hair and crawled into bed, facing Andi as she lay down, pulling the duvet onto her. “Goodnight, Bambi.”

“Goodnight, Snorpion,” Andi said quietly, earning a soft giggle from Amber.

“Can’t believe you called me that,” she said, before reaching out and switching off the light.

Andi tried to shut her eyes, but try as she could, she couldn’t pull her eyes from the outline of Amber’s sleeping figure. What was happening?

No, she knew what was happening.

She couldn’t stop thinking about how Amber’s ex sounded so familiar. Andi how she felt her heart drop when Amber went to her own bed.

Andi just shook her head, squeezing her eyes shut. She couldn’t deal with the unaddressed feelings she carried for Amber Kippen, not when they wouldn’t see each other ever again after that night.

~~~~~~~~

sorry this is so short next time will be longer!

@pixieangelprincess @luzawithoutu @terri-does-gods-work @sxshx-sxshx @tozbier @alittletooliteralleah @bambiandambi @xserenitynx @thedampjofangirl @purplefacey @andi-man @proteccthelemonboi

hmu if you wanna be tagged!

[ashlynsnini]

i texted this to my friend last night while i was having another emotional breakdown and all of my thoughts came out so i’d figure i’d post it here because i haven’t really made an appreciation post for andi mack yet

amber is really out here showing that the mean girl stereotype can be reversed and she became one of my favorite characters on the show because of that. she completely redeemed herself in a way that i didn’t think she was capable of, and terri did her character development so well.

andi is really out here being the first asian american lead on a disney channel show and peyton was a great, dedicated person to cast for it. i think andi mack was probably the first show to show an actually healthy friendship on disney channel, especially in that scene when buffy moved and she says “i can’t imagine my life without andi and cyrus” or something like that. the whole ghc is so good and i love them.

buffy is really out here combatting racism from one of the first episodes and defeating basically every single stereotype thrown her way. she not only has a military family storyline which she kept strong throughout, one of the first interracial lead relationships on disney, AND captained the girls basketball team even though they ended up doing terrible!? i love buffy so much, she’s so tough but she just melts around marty and the ghc.

cyrus is really out here being my favorite character. he went to that shiva and SAID AND IM GAY out of nowhere. he came out to buffy at the spoon and made actual history?? like i can’t get over how insane it is that i’m here experiencing this show as it happens because people will be talking about this storyline for years, especially once the bench scene airs and we get tj and cyrus as an actual couple. cyrus’s entire character is just revolutionary and he’s my absolute favorite.

jonah is really out here being a confused teenager that doesn’t have it all figured out just because he’s on a disney show. like he’s actually homeless with panic attacks and feels obligated to keep a girlfriend when he’s clearly not up for it. the whole panic attacks thing makes me so happy because it led to so many opportunities for friendship, like tj at the bat mitzvah. i hate jonah like 99% of the time but i’m appreciating everyone right now.

tj is really out here being absolutely smitten for cyrus on disney. i already freaked out about it on cyrus’s paragraph, but i love them SO much. he has a learning disability storyline where he struggled to accept himself, and will probably continue struggling as this homophobia storyline progresses. he has taken down so many of the classic tropes that disney channel usually uses. he went from being the sexist basketball captain bully to being a smily mess all because cyrus helped him. it wasn’t the jock that took the nerd under his wing and helped him, it was the other way around, and they ended up helping each other. they really have the healthiest relationship on disney channel?? ever?? i’m just so proud of that.

bex is really out here being a TEEN MOM. that’s such a taboo topic that i never would’ve expected disney to go over, but i remember watching the first episode and freaking out about it. obviously at that point i didn’t really keep up with the show but i kind of knew it was special from that first episode. she’s also being a cool mom who has a very healthy relationship with her daughter even though she wasn’t raising her for thirteen years.

bowie is really out here making me cry because he is out here standing up and taking responsibility for andi. like as soon as he found out bex was raising andi, he was in there in dad mode. now he’s taking the mack name instead of the other way around and being number one supportive dad. like he’s definitely not perfect but i love bowie so much. i also love how much he’s helped jonah with his panic attacks and how he’ll probably end up helping jonah with his financial situation.

libby is really out here being the first deaf character on disney channel AND getting a relationship with one of the main characters. she did get thrown off to the side pretty quick, but while she was on the show, she made history. i don’t have much to say about her except for this is just another opportunity for more deaf characters, because people immediately got mad when libby got written off.

marty is really out here giving buffy someone she can confide in and being her plus one. their relationship just started up again but they’re very clearly still in love with each other, and considering they’re a straight couple that’s actually not obnoxious, i have very high hopes for them.

i think that’s it for all the most important characters but i’m also really thankful for all the cast members. i’m thankful for josh for being messy and constantly spoiling little quotes and things when the fandom starts drying up a bit. i love luke for always making sure we have something to freak about in interviews. the whole cast deserves all of my love, and they’ve contributed so much to this amazing show. i love terri minsky SO MUCH for creating this amazing show and fighting for all of this to be able to happen. i’m gonna miss andi mack so much but i’m glad that it’s paving the way for greater things to come. i’m kinda sobbing now

[bambimack]

andi mack was a short, but life-changing journey for me.

i’m still young, 14. when i discovered andi mack, i was struggling with figuring out and coming to terms with my sexuality. and it came at just the right time. it’s helped me so much, not only with me being bi, but also dealing with anxiety, with understanding others (and, perhaps, myself).

andi mack has become my safe place. it’s the first fandom i’ve made close friends in. the first that truly inspired me to write, draw, create, cherish all the other creators, because woah, you’re incredible.

yeah, i am sad that i won’t see the characters -those lovable, relatable characters i hold so close to my heart - grow up alongside me. but mostly, i’m grateful. for everything. i’ll always remember them as the kids that made it happen, the kids that made history.

thank you. to the entire cast and crew, for making something so magical, for being with us this whole journey. it has to end, all journeys do. but i’ll always remember this one. history will, too❣️

[kippentrash]

What's your favourite Tyrus scene and why?

…I feel like TJ right now “anything but that” DKSAJDLKSJA

Jk I’ll answer but oh god that’s a hard one when I’m already conflicted over what my favorite scenes are… like there are SO MANY GOOD TYRUS SCENES. Watch me change my mind as soon as I post this.

Ok my top 3 favorite Tyrus scenes are probably the hallway scene in “A Walker To Remember”,  swings 2.0 from “The New Girls”, or the bench scene from “We Were Here.” Do you care if I explain them all? Because I haven’t decided on a singular one. I’ll do it anyway under the cut because its… long LOL

Also if anyone wants to talk about their top 3 Tyrus scenes on here or wants to drop into my ask box to talk about their top 3 Tyrus scenes, be my guest! I’m curious about yall’s fav scenes too :3

1) The Hallway Scene

The hallway scene in “A Walker To Remember” is one of my favorite Tyrus scenes not necessarily because it was a romantic moment or a HUGE HISTORICAL moment in their relationship, but because it’s such a good scene for both of their characters individually. TJ opens up about his dyscalculia, Cyrus reassures him and is there for him.

For TJ, it’s him finding someone he’s comfortable enough to talk to about his dyscalculia and being reassured that “There’s NOTHING wrong with you.” (Which, if you couldn’t tell from my blog title, is one of my favorite quotes in the show.) It’s showing he’s comfortable enough with Cyrus to come out about something, and though it’s not about his sexuality, it’s still about something he’s extremely insecure about. But he’s being told by someone he trusts and someone he cares about that it’s okay, he can overcome it, and he doesn’t need to be ashamed. Though the swing scene 1.0 is the first time we see him let his guard down, this scene is the first time we see TJ COMPLETELY open up. And that made me happy. 

For Cyrus, it’s the first time as far as I can remember that we really see “therapist Cyrus” come into play. Yes, before that point both he and Buffy were there for Andi and Jonah in different occasions, but this is the first time I can think of where he’s talking to someone ALONE. Not only that, but this is the first time Cyrus really leaves his friends to seek TJ out when he’s feeling bad and the first time he really protects TJ from his friends when Andi suggests yelling at him with megaphones a little earlier. While before we know he likes TJ as a person from the muffin, swings, and bar mitzfah, this is the first time we actually got to see how much he CARES about TJ too by specifically going to make sure he’s okay and lend an ear.

And TJ sums up what Cyrus does for him best with the single phrase “You’re the one who really helped me.”

2) Swings 2.0

Okay I don’t think this one is as hard to explain why I like it. It’s probably the first TRULY romantically coded Tyrus scene. Not to say that the ones before weren’t romantic, but like. REALLY romantic. It’s hard to explain.

Scenes before were soft and cute and heartwarming and fun, but I think this was the first scene where it really… carried that amount of weight. It set up for the challah scene and golf cart flirting scene and the bench scene really well, but the sheer amount of feeling in this scene was the first Tyrus scene that really hit me with that second-hand embarrassment. I was honestly blushing by the end of it lmao.

Everything about this scene made me feel like it was really important and beautiful. From the cinematography to the acting to the parallels to the actual words spoken, everything about it was just breathtaking to me. First time it came out, I think I wrote a wholeass chunk about what I loved about it. But at this point it’s been awhile since I’ve actually watched it so… I’m at a loss for words. But the fact it was at “their spot”, the fact that it was the first real conflict BETWEEN the two of them, the fact that it truly showed that they were equals as they each stood their ground, the fact they looked each other dead in the eye while they bantered? And the fact that as soon as TJ took the step to break the bantering to show how much he really cared about Cyrus they both shared a soft smile and were able to be back on good terms without much more words needed? Breathtaking. All of it. Luke and Josh really had me on the edge of my seat the entire scene.

Plus how can I not love the fact where it really nailed in the fact that for TJ, Cyrus was truly “The only person he can talk to like this.”

3) The Bench Scene

So. So so so so SO. What do I have to say about this that hasn’t already been said. It’s the moment they became CANON. The FIRST canon gay couple in Disney Channel history. What more do I need to say?

But really, again. Similar to why I love the swings 2.0, the cinematography, the acting, and this time not necessarily the words spoken but the fact that they were able to say so much with so little words was beautiful. While the last two scenes reaffirmed how much impact their words have on each other, this scene instead was the one that acts as a reminder that sometimes the actions SCREAM above the words.

Seriously, the softness of both their voices, the tentative twitch of TJ’s hand as he tried to hold Cyrus’s, the way they went from hesitant to relieved when they interlaced their fingers? It was beautiful. You could actually feel the weight of their sighs and soft smiles at the end of it, drilling it home that this is it. This is the moment we’ve been waiting for, the moment THEY’VE been waiting for. They finally knew for certain they weren’t alone in what they were feeling, and they didn’t even need to voice it. I just. I loved it.

Plus, the campfire in the background, the way they looked at each other, how comfortable they are able to be with one another and how they were able to be even MORE comfortable once their feelings were really out in the open? How could I not love this scene? Most romantic scene on Disney Channel as far as I’m concerned.

Sorry this was so long. I just… have so many feelings on not only Tyrus but the scenes LMFAO. I was thinking of doing a top 10 Andi Mack scenes post, but maybe I’ll just… type which scenes they are not why I love them. First time to cut it down to 10 though lol.

If you made it this far…. SUPER DUPER BROWNIE POINTS YAY! And the gift of Tyrus being canon. Not from me from Josh, Luke, Terri, and the rest of the cast and crew lol

This isnt in order btw i can’t decide the #1, 2, and 3 bw these yet

[ohschnappz]

i unfortunately didn’t write a paper crane but i’m going to talk about my experience with this show, i’m gonna get all emotional so please deal with me for a minute. i remember the day my friend spent the night at my house & that was when i went on my phone and we saw articles about a disney character making history and coming out, i wasn’t out yet but seeing that a disney character came out made me feel so much better about myself being gay & it just showed me how far the community is getting & that i’m not alone. i remember when i didn’t watch the show but i was still a jyrus shipper, i was rooting for them to make history & become the first gay couple on disney. i remember that same friend telling me that she watched the first episode & andi’s sister wasn’t her sister, she was actually he mother and i remember thing “wow, this show really isn’t like any other disney show” i remember when cyrus’ bash-mitzvah episode was released & seeing all of social media that cyrus once again came out & jonah had a panic attack. this was around the time where i started coming out to people & this just made me so represented & i had just began getting panic attacks around this time & i felt so embarrassed about them but seeing jonah getting them as well made me not feel so embarrassed & that i wasn’t weird for having them. i remember one day seeing andi mack accounts on my instagram posting clips of cyrus saying he no longer had a crush on jonah, i was so heartbroken & mad that we got queerbated, but then i came across tyrus. i told that same friend about cyrus no longer liking jonah & we were both mad but we thought “maybe they will still end up together” i told her people also shipped cyrus with this guy named tj & my interest was peaked at tyrus but hers wasn’t as much. then i remember seeing tyrus edits on my instagram feed & i started shipping them, i looked for tyrus compilations on youtube because i didn’t know where to watch the first & second season of andi mack & i didn’t think anything would happen with tyrus, i thought we were being queerbated & that tj and buffy were probably going to get together so i just didn’t watch it. i remember the day my neighbor came over & i turned on disney for her to have something to watch and it was andi mack & my interest was even more peaked & i decided to edit tyrus even though i didn’t watch the show because i just thought they were really cute. in november i didn’t really keep up with what was going on in the show due to me being extremely busy in school/theater but then december came & tj said to cyrus “you’re the only person i can talk to like this” & in that moment i knew they were going to get together, i knew they were going to make history. that is when i decided to fully join the fandom, right at the beginning of the december hiatus. i followed so many blogs on tumblr & so many instagram editors. i remember discovering some of my friends accounts for the first time. “i got your number” was the first episode i got to watch live & i was in such awe. every episode since then has not failed to wow me, this show has impacted me in so many ways & i really wish when i first saw that cyrus came out i decided to watch the show, but i didn’t. i’m just glad i was able to join this community because you are all the nicest people ever & the cast are so sweet & i haven’t been this emotionally attached to a show, cast or fandom ever. i can relate to things happening in this show & i just feel so represented & i’m so glad i got to witness and i will continue to witness history tomorrow. thank you to this fandom for making me feel so safe & have a place to escape to when i felt like things weren’t going up. thank you to the cast who are just the sweetest human beings who have just helped me through so much. so yes, i did join this fandom mainly because of tyrus & yes, i did join really late but i stayed for the amazing storylines of this show and i feel so emotionally attached to these characters, storylines & cast. thank you andi mack, for everything. it’s going to be so hard to say goodbye.

[fangirlkats]

Hi I've never seen or heard of Andi Mack in my life until following your blog and I just watched the bench scene with TJ and Cyrus and I'm a sobbing mess. I'm a very closeted lesbian who's never seen any kind of representation for myself and that moment was so pure and beautiful and sweet between them that it makes me hope (even if it's foolish) that maybe someone could look at me like that and love me like that. Idk why I'm telling you this but uhh... Thank you for posting about the show

okay it's been A WHILE™ since i read this ask and probably much longer since I received it and I never knew how to reply to it so I just kept putting it off but I've decided that enough is enough.

I remember reading this when the fandom was in a state of chaos over... well, over whatever chaos was occurring that week. And I remember that I read this ask and thought: this is it.

This is why Andi Mack is so important. Regardless of the mistakes that are made and regardless of all the drama.

The fact that someone who was just randomly scrolling through tumblr and stumbled upon my blog and saw something that made them feel happier with themselves, even if it only lasted a second. That's history. Life-changing, even.

Anon, I know it's been a hot second but I want you to know that there is no doubt in my mind that you'll find it. There's someone out there that will love you so, so much and I can't wait for you to meet them and be your happiest self.

And you know, in the meantime, the world continues changing into a place where one day you will feel comfortable being out of the closet. And I can't wait to see that, either.

Thank you for telling me, really. You made a random girl very happy.

[mxliv-oftheendless]

Ruining KISStory: The False King of Persia, Pt. 1

Oh my, what could this be? Why, it’s another Ruining KISStory installment! I am officially back home for the rest of the semester, so I decided, what the hell, and finished this up for y’all! This has to be the most hilarious episode, and it’s also my absolute favorite, so prepare thyselves! Part 2 will be posted shortly! Hope you enjoooooy!!!

Tag list: @cosmicrealmofkissteria @ashestoashesvvi @kategwidt @retronova

[camera opens on Paul, who is sitting at a panel. A map of the world is hung up behind him. The sound of tuning violins plays in the background]

PAUL: Welcome to Ruining History! Today we’re gonna talk about the ascension of Darius the Great.

[camera pans out to the full panel. From left to right: Vinnie, Gene, Paul, Bruce, Ace]

BRUCE: Darius?

PAUL: Darius.

BRUCE: That’s a kinda modern name. I know like five Dariuses.

PAUL: Well, maybe they were inspired by this guy.

BRUCE: [shrugs] All of ‘em are pretty average. [panel laughs]

[intro and title card]

[cuts back to panel]

PAUL: You guys know anything about Darius?

BRUCE: He’s a bass player.

PAUL: [laughs slightly] Heh, no, I mean Darius the Great.

ACE: He’s a bassist and he owes me 40 bucks. [Bruce laughs]

PAUL: He was a Persian king; he was known for uniting the Persian Empire. He’s actually thought to be the greatest Persian king. Also, I should say now: this story is not really about Darius much at all, so much as the weird chain of events that led to him becoming king.

GENE: [seriously] Is Al Capone a part of this story at all?

PAUL: [snorts] Pfft, no, Gene. This is in ancient Persia. There are a lot of characters in this one, so I decided to make models as little visual aids. [reaches under the table and takes out a small figurine labeled CYRUS THE GREAT] Now we’re gonna start with this guy, named Cyrus.

ACE: Oh, that’s a kid on Andi Mack!... Not that I watch.

[screen cuts away to a title card:

CHAPTER I:

A DEAD GUY AND HIS TWO WEIRD SONS

screen then cuts to animations as Paul narrates, while traditional Middle Eastern music plays]

PAUL [voiceover]: First, there was Cyrus the Great, founder of the Achaemenian Empire, which was sort of in this region here, in Turkey, the Middle East, and spilling into Asia. Kind of a big deal. Darius just so happened to be a distant relative of Cyrus, but the king didn’t seem to care for him. As legend tells, he had a dream about the twenty-year-old Darius, in which Darius had, quote, “wings on his shoulders, the one wing overshadowing Asia and the other Europe.” Cyrus interpreted this as a sign that Darius was plotting against him.

ACE: Pretty sure every ex-girlfriend I’ve had…

BRUCE: [nods] Yeah…

ACE: … has gotten pissed at me for doin’ something bad in a dream.

GENE: [nods] I remember that happened with Shannon once.

VINNIE: Is this the time where she banished you to the couch? [Ace laughs]

GENE: [frowns] No, that was something else.

BRUCE: Can I just say, both Cyrus and Darius look like they belong in that one Lloyd-Webber musical.

PAUL: Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat?

BRUCE: Yeah, that one.

PAUL [voiceover]: But it wouldn’t really matter what Darius thought, because he was caught up in a conflict with Tomyris, the queen of the Massagetae. And after she slayed him in battle, what she did is, according to some accounts, cut his head off, then dunked it into a skin of blood like a gory Oreo, stating, “I make good my threat, and give you your fill of blood.” So… that’s it for Cyrus.

ACE: Damn!

BRUCE: What’s a skin full of blood?

PAUL: It’s like a wineskin, but with blood.

GENE and VINNIE: Ohhh.

PAUL: [picks up the Cyrus figurine] So that’s— [pulls off Cyrus’s head] —the end for Cyrus.

ACE: Oof, it came right off!

PAUL [voiceover]: Now Cyrus had two sons, Cambyses and Smerdis. Cambyses was described as, quote, “an ardent, impetuous, and self-willed boy, such as the sons of rich and powerful men are apt to become.” And Smerdis was described as… I dunno. His brother.

ACE: [bursts out laughing, as does Vinnie]

PAUL: [takes out figurines labeled CAMBYSES AND SMERDIS] So we got this guy, [holds up Cambyses] Cambyses, who’s got sort of a superior look. And Smerdis, [holds up Smerdis] who’s just sorta chill.

ACE: Me Smerdis! [panel laughs] Kinda got a Charlie Brown sorta tunic on.

PAUL: Yeah, he does. [moves Cambyses and Smerdis to be on either side of the headless Cyrus figurines] I’ll put them here with their dad.

GENE: “Oh, Papa’s head’s missing! Ha ha ha ha!”

PAUL [voiceover]: Being Cyrus’s firstborn son, Cambyses inherited the throne, and very quickly decided to invade Egypt. This made people think he was crazy; and honestly, it’s kinda fair, because he was a bit of a reckless guy. While in Egypt, for example, he asked to see their sacred bull… and then he stabbed it to death.

ACE: [bursts out laughing]

BRUCE: [laughing] Oh my god… Jesus…

ACE: That’s so funny.

VINNIE: Kind of rude. Ancient Egyptians didn’t deserve that.

PAUL: Yeah, it is rude. You show up, ask to see their sacred bull…

ACE [tapping the table] “Can I see your sacred buuuuull? I promise I won’t touch it!”

VINNIE: It would take a long time to stab a bull to death, so I bet they were just like, “Please stop stabbing our bull…”

BRUCE: [laughs] Yeah, and he’s just staring them in the eye and just— [pretends to stab. Gene laughs]

PAUL [voiceover]: Cambyses was also known for his fits of blinding rage and making rash decisions that he would later regret. Take for example, the story of Croesus. Croesus had been a close friend and counselor to Cyrus, who asked him to watch over Cambyses. With that in mind, one day Croesus decided to offer Cambyses some constructive criticism. He warned the king that he’d been treating his men cruelly. Annnnd you can probably guess what was bound to happen to him.

GENE: How so? How was he treating them cruelly?

PAUL: He was known for being really reckless. There’s one story where a guy told Cambyses that he thought he drank too much…

GENE: I’m sure it didn’t end well for that guy.

PAUL: And Cambyses went, “Okay, if that’s true, I shouldn’t be able to shoot a bow.” So he called the man’s son in, and had him stand against the wall, and he said, “If I drink too much, then I’ll probably miss this shot.” And then he shot the man’s son in the heart.

GENE: Oh…

VINNIE: The man’s son?

PAUL: Uh huh.

GENE: Oof… that’s way worse than what I was imagining. I was just imagining him being a bratty dick or something. But no, that’s worse.

PAUL: Yep.

ACE: Maybe he was aimin’ for the face, an’ he really was too drunk. [Bruce laughs]

VINNIE: [laughs] “Oh, I just meant to take out an eye.”

ACE: “Aw man, did you guys see that?!”

GENE: Or he had to play it off like that was his plan all along.

ACE: Wakes up the next morning an’ he’s like [rubs his eyes with his hands] “Ugggh, what did I do last night?” [panel laughs] “Tell me I didn’t murder anyone’s kid.”

PAUL [voiceover]: Anyway, Croesus warned the king that he’d been treating his men cruelly, and that it wasn’t a great way to keep their loyalty. Cambyses responded by telling the supportive old man that he’d always hated him. He pulled out a bow and arrow, and Croesus fled the scene.

VINNIE: Does he just have a bow and arrow on him at all times?

BRUCE: [laughing] He takes out his bow and arrow; “Where’s your son, man?” [panel laughs]

GENE: Love how this guy knew what was coming and was like, “Aw shit, it’s heart-shootin’ time! I’m gettin’ outta here!”

PAUL [voiceover]: Cambyses ordered his officers to chase after the man and kill him. They did chase after him, but knowing the mad king would likely regret having his friend killed, they instead hid Croesus away. A few days later, when, as expected, Cambyses expressed remorse over his actions, his men revealed that—surprise! Croesus was still alive! Cambyses was overjoyed. He then had those guards executed for disobeying him.

[whole panel bursts out laughing]

BRUCE: Jesus Christ!

GENE: What the fuck…

VINNIE: Literally killing the messenger!

ACE: “You’ve brought me such joy… Where’s my bow and arrow?” [panel laughs]

BRUCE: “Bring me my bow and your sons.”

PAUL [voiceover]: Anyway, back to the story. Cambyses decided to bring his brother, Smerdis, along with him to Egypt. It’s thought that Cambyses was jealous of Smerdis, and worried that if he left him alone in Persia, he might stage a coup and seize a throne. Since both brothers were away from their hometown, Cambyses left a magian in charge of keeping an eye on his palace. Magians were basically just a priestly class.

PAUL: I’ve actually got a big Persia set. [takes out a cardboard set that looks like a Persian castle]

VINNIE: Oooh, nice.

PAUL: Thank you. [takes out a figurine labeled MAGIAN and puts it in front of the Persia set]

BRUCE: Wait, so Cambyses is worried that his brother’s gonna seize the throne… so he prevents this by giving the throne to a stranger?

PAUL: I mean, I assume it was someone he trusted.

GENE: Why does—Why does the magian have red eyes? Is that a—artistic thing?

PAUL: He’s a spooky magician.

GENE: Okay.

ACE: [giggling] Or he’s just high as fuck.

GENE: [snickering] So in his free time, he’s a pothead magician.

BRUCE: All magicians are potheads.

ACE: I dunno, I always thought magicians were more cocaine guys.

PAUL: [thinks and nods] Yeah, I guess that makes sense. They’re got a lot of energy.

GENE: Not David Blaine.

ACE: Ah, yeah, that’s true.

GENE: No one’s ever had to tell David Blaine to calm down.

PAUL [voiceover]: Meanwhile, in Egypt: Cambyses had a troubling dream about Smerdis, in which he saw his brother, quote, “seated on a royal throne in Persia, his form expanded supernaturally to such a prodigious size that he touched the heavens with his head.” Fed up with Smerdis, he ordered him to skedaddle back to Persia. And then he seemed to remember why he was concerned about Smerdis being alone in Persia in the first place. So, he called upon one of his men, Prexaspes

[panel ooohs as Paul takes out a figurine labeled PREXASPES]

BRUCE: Oh wow, I didn’t know we had a stylist here!

VINNIE: That’s a great robe he’s got!

PAUL: [looks at the camera] Full disclosure: none of these drawings are historically accurate.

BRUCE: [looks at the camera] All of these drawings are historically accurate.

ACE: They might be. Prove ‘im wrong.

PAUL: Prove me wrong!

PAUL [voiceover]: Cambyses called upon one of his men, Prexaspes, to track down Smerdis and secretly assassinate him. Prexaspes would do so, and he succeeded. He returned to the king and gave him the good news: Smerdis, his one serious threat to his power, was now dead.

PAUL: Also, [laughs] I don’t know where this fits in the story, but Prexaspes was the guy whose son was killed by Cambyses.

ACE: No way?! [bursts out laughing as the rest of the panel laughs]

GENE: That’s hilarious!

VINNIE: Also [giggles] the name Prexaspes sounds like a medication of some kind.

ACE: [laughs] “Ask your doctor if Prexaspes is right for you.”

PAUL [voiceover]: Shortly after, though, Cambyses would receive more news, some rather shocking news given the circumstances. In his absence, his throne had been taken… by SMERDIS?! Yep, by Smerdis.

ACE: [looks comically shocked] The dead Smerdis?!

BRUCE: Oh shit!

PAUL: So we know have this mysterious Smerdis. [takes out a figurine identical to the Smerdis figure, except it is labeled SMERDIS(?)]

ACE: So someone,, posing as Smerdis… See this is why people get verified on Twitter.

BRUCE: [laughs and nods] I mean, yeah, you’ve got a point. [to Paul] You should put a blue check mark over the real Smerdis.

PAUL: [grins and points his finger at the Smerdis figurine. A blue Twitter checkmark appears on the head as well as a text box that says VERIFIED]

GENE: Wait a minute, did he ever consider that the guy lied about what he did?

PAUL: No, he trusts that guy.

GENE: I just think it’s odd that he immediately thinks its an imposter, instead of thinking the guy was lying.

[screen cuts away to a title card:

CHAPTER II:

TO BE SMERDIS OR NOT TO BE SMERDIS

screen then cuts to animations as Paul narrates]

PAUL [voiceover]: Cambyses was, at first, greatly confuzzled by this recent development. Until someone reminded him of an important little detail, that made it clear to him that this must have been a power grab by an opportunistic usurper. I’m gonna leave that detail a mystery for now so that you continue to watch this video…

GENE: How does no one in the kingdom know this isn’t the real Smerdis?

BRUCE: It’s the beards, man. [Ace and Vinnie laugh]

GENE: Are you sure? I feel like…

BRUCE: Nah, man, everyone’s got a beard, ya can’t tell anyone apart.

ACE: “Alright, if you’re Smerdis, what did I give you for your birthday last year?” “An urn.” “Damn, it is Smerdis!”

To be continued in Part 2!

[tyguygoodman]

Thank you

Andi Mack has had a special place in my heart for a while now. I may have only joined the fandom at the beginning of season 3, but I remember when my brother told me about the show when it's trailer first aired. My parents didn't agree with it, my sisters thought it was stupid, and I thought it was going to be another Disney fluke. Then, a while later my brother brought up the show again, talking about how Cyrus was going to be gay. Despite not having watched any other episodes, I waited for s2 ep1 to air that night and when it came out, I was ecstatic. It felt so special to me, living with so many people that are homophobic to have a brand as huge as Disney have LGBT representation. Sadly, I forgot about the show again. I would watch the show if it was on, but not actively seek it out. Then, once more I heard that Cyrus was going to get an endgame. And something about a swing scene, with someone named TJ. So I looked up the scene, watched it. And finally, it stuck. I sat down and binged every episode up the the Bexie proposal. I found out that the new season was starting very soon, so I made a Tumblr and the rest is history.

This show had made the past year of my life so much better than it would have been. Andi Mack is the only fandom I've ever been in where I felt included. I knew how the characters acted, and felt comfortable enough to write fanfics about them. Andi, Buffy, and Cyrus were my go-to doodles when I was bored. I loved making mood boards for everyone, and most of all, I loved the cast. I was happy.

I'm going to miss staying up till 3:00 am every Thursday night, till Friday morning, and making terrible chocolate chocolate chip muffins whenever It was look late at night to go out and buy them. I'm going to miss all the edits and secret gift exchanges. I'll miss laughing at everyone's comments, theorizing about new plots and episodes. I'll miss everything so much.

So, To all of the friendom, the cast and crew of Andi Mack, and especially Terri, thank you so so much for giving me something I could look forward to.

I hope to see you guys around. ❤️