#stephen is confessing to him he TURNS HIM DOWN. my dude why are you so afraid all of a sudden!!! whats up with snogsies for the wank bank

[petrodragonicapocalypse]

i unironically think bunny was so right for this. a lot of people would probably read this as a classic no homo or some sort of dig at everything being gay these days, but like. he's right!! it is such a genuine problem that intimacy and physical affection (especially between two men) is almost exclusively seen as romantic/sexual. maybe its just because I'm aspec, but it makes me so happy to see films portray unconventional forms of love and relationships. LET THEM CUDDLE

[n-a-gindustries]

i. i um. made a beavis and butt-head playlist.

(reasoning for each song is under the cut bc i have. a lot of thoughts.)

1. "Lullaby to Nightmares" by They Might Be Giants

(BOTH) This song is meant to encapsulate the veerryyy beginning stages of their friendship,,,like when they were gross toddlers/little kids fucking around in the summer heat of their stagnant town. only the faintest implications of them being n e thing more than friends.

2. "Adam" by Alex G

(BUTT-HEAD) Butt-head is a little pissy elementary schooler who doesn't know how to handle his weird new emotions for his friend so he just beats the shit out of him. get it together, man.

3. "Hold Me Down" by The Happy Fits

(BEAVIS) Beavis is a very unstable elementary schooler who values Butt-head's company and role in stabilizing him. he doesn't really understand much of anything at this point he just knows he likes his friend a lot.

4. "I Get A Kick Out Of You" by Frank Sinatra

(BUTT-HEAD) Man Butt-head doesn't really get why but Beav is like his only source of genuine entertainment and human connection. he's a massive loser but he's HIS massive loser and he values the time they spend together. but no he's definitely not gay its not like that.

5. "The Red Means I Love You" by Madds Buckley

(BEAVIS) Beavis loves violence and his favorite violence comes from his interactions with Butt-head. It's not inherently romantic but there's absolutely something weird going on that no one really wants to unpack right now.

6. "You're My Best Friend" by Queen

(BOTH) Quoi??? They're getting over themselves and actually appreciating the genuine friendship they have without hiding behind a thousand insults and beatdowns???? It's a miracle! Let's hope no drastic event occurs to completely throw a wrench into their life and relationsh-

7. "How Am I Supposed to Live Without You" by Michael Bolton

(BOTH) Of course I had to add this song are you kidding? Some kind of wrench has been thrown into their lives (the extent of which is dependent on the timeline) and don't know how to cope with such drastic change and the possibility of losing each other permanently.

8. "The Wheels Fell Off" by The Hoosiers

(BEAVIS) Beavis is pissed off as hell bc he can kind of get over himself emotionally but Butt-head has padlocked himself within the closet and has reverted to being a little bitch. At this point he feels like they're probably broken irreparably and has kind of given up. he's leaving.

9. "Something About Us" by Saint Motel

(BUTT-HEAD) BUT WAIT!! Butt-head realizes he will probably die without Beavis and goes to stop him from leaving and confesses and Beavis confesses back and all that. its all very sweet and gay and im happy they're finally done being incredibly stupid.

10. "I Got You Babe" by Sonny & Cher

(BOTH) YAAAAY THEYRE CORNY N IN LOVE. its cute i imagine theyre just chilling in the honeymoon phase completely unphased by the actual shock and horror the rest of highland is feeling about this new development. they're made for each other.

11. "Boyfriend" by The Hot Freaks

(BOTH) further on into da relationship n they r still going strong!!! theyve been boyfriends 4 a while n they r sickeningly sweet in their own putrid, lovely way. they really just want to be togther for the rest of their lives.

12. "No One Knows" by Stephen Sanchez and Laufey

(BOTH) both a little bit older and waaayyyy out of the honeymoon phase. they have had their fair share of problems and arguments (see: AN INSANE AMOUNT), but at the end of the day they love each other and should not split up bc imma be real no one else wants them.

13. "Love Song" by AC/DC

(BUTT-HEAD) OF COURSE I HAD TO ADD A SONG EACH FROM THEIR T SHIRT BANDS. Butt-head you corny bastard.....he is a middle aged dude in gay love and he knows Beavis is in gay love and he wants to be that way with him forEVA.

14. "Nothing Else Matters" by Metallica

(BEAVIS) Beavis's turn!!!! his aging ass is sooo happy to be with the one person as repugnant and gross and mean and interesting and funny and perfect as him and he doesn't give a single shit what other people may think of them. they're happy.

15. "Museum of Idiots" by They Might be Giants

(BOTH) They r old farts and they r still going strong. good for them!!! they've been in highland all of their lives and they have no plans of leaving ever or splitting up ever. they are going to live and die in this town and they are perfectly content with this because they have each other. this is their perfect life.

[namjoon-koya]

Hey there, I just LOVE your work with avengers x daughter!reader so I had a request for you...I'm sorry if it's too much..

Could you write an imagine where the reader is the daughter of Stephen Strange. She never went to school but learnt magic with her dad and became an avenger. She was best friends with Peter and was also secretly crushing on him, and was always open to her dad about this but she couldn't tell Peter because he was always telling her stuff about MJ so her dad encourages her into confessing to Peter and she actually ends up with him?

(A/N: dude I haven’t done a marvel request in a while 🥺 but this request is really cute so I’ll do it!!)

Warning: maybe just the reader feeling insecure, but that’s about it.

Being the daughter of a sorcerer was pretty amazing if you do say so yourself, it’s not everyday where a teenager learns magic and uses it against criminals. It also wasn’t everyday where a teenager would join the avengers along side with their father, Steven Strange was your father it was always the both of you, but he would always be busy with being a doctor and everything UNTIL he got into a car accident and was put in the hospital. He wasn’t the same after that.. the car accident messed up his hands badly and his career just vanished before his eyes, until he went on a trip to the Himalayas and found his purpose again. He came back home only to show you what he learned there and told you everything about what happened, after that he moved you into the house where he was trained since now he was the new master for the sorcerers there.

You stopped going to school, but that didn’t mean you’d stop getting an education your father was smart so he taught you eveything he knew. He even taught you magic it amazed him how quickly you learned even Wong was impressed “She might become the new master in the future.” He would always say to Strange which made him proud he knew you’d be amazing if you did. After teaching you everything he knew about magic he decided to introduce you to the avengers, EVERYONE was shocked that he even had a daughter “so why didn’t we know about her?” Tony asked “it wasn’t necessary for you guys to know especially since she didn’t know any magic like I did.” He simply responded.

Everyone become like a close family to you, Steve taught you about his era and even how to draw which was amazing since his drawings looked very realistic. Natasha was like a mother to you, she’d given you so much advise and even how to fight (but you never liked fighting against her since she’d always win.) Thor was like a fun uncle you two broke so many rules and he’d even challenge you to see who could eat the most PopTarts (yeah you’re losing this one too.) Bucky was a bit harder to get close to, he wasn’t sure of himself or anyone else besides Steve, Steve didn’t tell you everything about his past only that Bucky endured a lot of painful things which made him not able to trust people quickly. He slowly did start trusting you afterwards when you talked to him more and showed him the magic your father taught you.

Then there was Peter Parker who was around your age, the both of you became friends quickly when Tony introduced him to you. The both of you shared the same interests in things and whenever Peter was having trouble you’d be the person he would always text or call. It was only a few months later did you realize your feelings for him, but unfortunately Peter always talked about a girl in his class named MJ. At first you tried not showing your feelings about it, but everytime he mentioned her name you couldn’t help; but just roll your eyes. It was obvious he liked her if he mentioned her all the time, you started spending less time with him always saying “I need to go study more spells.” Or “Sorry I’m spending time with my dad.” When really you were sulking around the avengers tower.

You were sitting near Bucky as you had a notebook in your lap as you drew a sketch of him, he never really cared if you drew him he was always happy to see the results when you were done. This time though something was off you were glaring down at the paper and you were pressing your pencil so hard onto the sheet of paper “Y/N is something wrong?” He asked you finally looked away from the sketch and looked at him “n-no! What why would you say that?” You ask nervously. “Well.. you seem to be really.. rough with the paper and I could hear you often mumble some words.” Shit why did you always forget he was a super soldier and he could hear things so easily?! “Have you ever.. liked someone?” You asked brining the notebook a bit higher to your face so Bucky wouldn’t see you blushing “Y/N why are you asking me this? Seriously what’s going on?” He asked.

“Finnne! You can’t tell anyone! S-So.. I’ve been liking Peter for a while and-“ Bucky quickly interrupts you “the spider..kid?” He asked. You sighed “Yes Bucky the Spider-Kid anyways.. I’ve been liking him for a while, but I think he likes someone else.” You frown sadly “he’s always mentioning their name when they have absolutely nothing to do with our conversation so I’ve-“ suddenly you hear someone come into the room you quickly shut your mouth and pull the notebook up to your face again. “and here I thought I was alone in the avengers tower.” You heard Loki say as he sat next to you.

“We were having a conversation.” Bucky said to him while crossing his arms “oh? Do enlighten me about this conversation.” Loki said sarcastically.

Bucky then starts arguing against Loki as Loki only argues against him, you let out a sigh before getting up from the couch and leaving to your room. Once you get to your room you set your notebook down before throwing yourself onto your bed and whine into your pillow, it was so frustrating. You wanted to tell Peter how you felt, but he already liked someone and you were scared that you’d ruin the friendship between the both of you. You got up from your bed and you summoned a portal to where your father was, you stepped inside the portal as you did it closed right behind you.

“Dad?” You called out to him as you did so suddenly you saw your father’s red cape quickly rush to you before wrapping itself around you, you giggled “I missed you too pal.” You saw your father walk down the stairs “Y/N? What are you doing here?” He asked as his cape returned back to him. “I just.. wanted to see you it’s been 2 days since I’ve last seen you.” Your father smiled at you gently “I know and I’m sorry.. I’ve been busy with the other sorcerers and helping them master magic.” You nodded “it’s okay.. I actually wanted to talk to you about something.” You said before going over to sit down, your father followed behind you as he sat down across from you.

Two cups of tea summoned before you both “thank you.” You said taking a sip “You’re welcome now what’s wrong Y/N?” Your father asked. You let out a sigh “you know Peter Parker right?” He nodded “that spider-kid right?” You rolled your eyes “Yes.. well we’ve been best friends for a long time and you know we get along pretty well and I’d say we have similar taste in things and well.. I-I’m in love with him, but I don’t think he likes me.” Your father didn’t interrupt you as he carefully listened to every word you said “he keeps mentioning someone else and I can’t help, but get jealous y’know? I try not to because I don’t want to ruin our friendship, but.. I just really care about him and I want to tell him; but I’m afraid..” you said lowering your gaze down to the ground.

“Afraid? Afraid of what sweetie?” Your father asked “of getting rejected.. or him wanting to stop being friends with me..” you said bringing your knees close to your chest your father quickly gets up and wraps his arms around you “Y/N.. it’s okay to be afraid, but I think you should tell him.”

“But what if he doesn’t like me?” You asked.

“Sometimes not everyone we love will be in our future Y/N, but if you don’t tell him how will you know if he does or doesn’t love you?” He was right, even if Peter didn’t like you like that at least you would know.. “Thank you dad.. I’m going to tell him then.” You said getting up from your chair you summoned a portal to your room before you leave you quickly jump into his arms and give him a hug “thank you dad for the advice.” You say to him he hugs you back gently stroking your hair “of course Y/N I’ll be at the avengers tower soon.” He said letting you go. You nodded before stepping inside the portal and close it, you send Peter a message asking him to come to your room once he was done with school for the day.

While you waited you felt yourself getting nauseous as seconds and minutes passed by what if he wasn’t coming? What if he stopped being friends with you because you didn’t hang out with him anymore? Suddenly you heard your door click open you looked up and saw Peter his faced was flushed as he was breathing heavily “I-I got your text what’s up?” He asked He came running to you? Why would he even do that? You didn’t know what to say you only grabbed your pillow and held it against your face don’t cry, don’t cry! You kept shouting to yourself “p-please turn around Peter.” You mumbled against your pillow. Peter gave you a questionable look before turning around, you slowly pulled the pillow away from your face.

“A-And don’t interrupt me.. please?” You saw him nod “I’ve.. liked you for a long time Peter-“ you saw him tense up “I know it’s awkward, but I need to tell you that I really love you Peter you’ve become such a good friend to me especially when I didn’t have anyone around who was my age, you’ve shown me how to be happy and how to have a fun time-“ your lips trembled “a-and if you don’t like me back that’s okay! I just wanted to let you know because it’s been building up inside of me for a few weeks so-“ before you could finish Peter quickly turned around and pulled you in closer to him before planting his lips onto yours. You gasped against his lips you didn’t expect him to kiss you like that.. and what about MJ? you melted into his kiss his lips were so soft against yours it all felt like a dream..

You both pulled away from each other “P-Peter I thought-“

“Sorry Y/N I’m not really good with my words o-or even showing signs that I like someone.” He said holding you against his chest.

“So.. you liked me all this time? What about MJ?” You asked.

“MJ? She’s just a friend Y/N.. don’t tell me you were jealous.” You pouted as he said that you gently slap his chest “oh hush! Don’t ruin the moment..” you said to him. He laughed while planting a soft kiss on top of your head, you felt your heart flutter “so.. does that mean we’re dating now?” You asked him “if you want to then yes.” Peter said you bury your face into his chest “of course I do dummy I wouldn’t have poured out my feelings like that if I didn’t.”

Bonus!

“See? I told you they’d end up together Rogers.” Tony said to Steve who only scoffed “I thought you were protective of Y/N Tony.” Steve commented back “I am, but Parker is a good kid so I know he’ll treat her right.” While they both bickered Bucky turned his attention to Strange “what about you? How do you feel?” He asked him “I’m happy for her she deserves happiness, but I won’t hesitate to send Peter off to another dimension if he breaks Y/N’s heart.” He said glaring at the TV. Bucky chuckled “I think we’re all on the same page as you.”

[boop-le-snoot]

PARTY FAVOURS I CHAPTER 37

💖 first time reader click here 💖

Five more chapters to go, guys. This is coming to an end 😭 I enjoyed writing it so, so much! In this chapter we have fluff. Literally only fluff and snark, because my babies have suffered enough. And the remainder is gonna be the same. Because fuck pain.

Coulson was mad. Outwardly, of course, he seemed as level-headed as ever, handing out orders and signing papers out left and right, but coming to sit within five feet of him seemed like the worst mistake I had recently made. His phone was ringing practically non-stop and he answered every call, sometimes speaking in different languages I didn't understand, sometimes in rapid-fire English that sounded like Morse code to me.

I'd never been sent to the principal's office but I imagine that's how it feels like. Finally, his shoulders sagged and the breath he took in left his lungs slowly, deflating his body into a tense ball of quiet fury.

"You and mister Brock ruined months worth of investigation and undercover work," The agent finally spoke. "But I can't even be mad at you properly. We've apprehended the main culprit, detained all of his followers except select few that Dr. Xavier took upon himself to handle," His words shocked me; not at all the scolding I was expecting. A deeper part of me was even afraid I'd be taken away and buried under so much red tape not even Tony's seemingly endless money and influence could have gotten me out. "I... Really don't know what more to say." Coulson folded his hands atop the desk, looking over me with a blank look.

"A thank you would be nice," I let my mouth run before the words even really registered in my brain, the cursed thing.

The agent chortled, "Perhaps, we really do owe you a solid one," Before standing up and walking over to the coffee machine in the far corner of his office. "Coffee?" He motioned to a pile of empty cups next to it. I nodded and he set to work. "The guys should be back in two hours, tops," He remarked off-handedly, watching me out of the corner of his eye. There was no way he had missed how my body relaxed into the uncomfortable office chair at the news. "Nobody is hurt except Rogers but I think he'd find how to hurt himself even on recon duty." The man laughed, bringing over two cups of dark, delicious, steamiy hot bean juice. Nhghhgg.

"Steve is a dumbass," I agreed amicably, blowing over the rim of the cup. The stone of coffee on it's own seemed to wake up my previously anxious, half-empty half-racing brain. The past twelve hours were full of urgency, the team being called in for assistance in mere minutes after my and Venom's return to the tower.

They barely had time to wipe their tears and shelf their worries before the suit-up call came, haste hugs and kisses being traded on their way to the quinjet. Coulson showed up not much later after that, a quinjet of his own and a stack of papers for Eddie to fill out, stern instructions for me to follow him and stay glued to his side at all times. I didn't need to ask: it was obvious there was a rat in SHIELD, again. Thankfully, the rat was discovered before they could come and try to increase their odds by doing something to me; I'd hid out in Coulson's office, crashing down into a strange, most likely Venom-induced sleep as footsteps raced past the door.

I'd woken up anxious and disoriented, the owner of the office pacing along the furthest wall and pointedly whispering into his cellphone. The rest was history.

"Your father called," The agent remarked, watching my reaction carefully. "Said to call him back whenever you can."

I was drained, beyond wrung out, and not just from my latest stunt as a parasitic symbiotic alien's host. The past couple of months were a nightmare, an anxiety-riddled, paranoia-spiced mess of a shit show. I was very much looking forward to breathing freely and enjoying my science without hiding my WIPs, enjoying my relationship (s) without fear of being abducted and sending my men into a panicked, destructive spiral.

My voice remained even as I carefully contemplated and spoke my next words. "He can go fuck himself. Him and that harpy of a woman," I sighed: disappointed in my parents, but not surprised. "I'm freshly out of fucks to give. I'm done."

Coulson, if he even was surprised, didn't show it. His expression remained neutral and supportive. "I understand you. There's enough basis for us to aid you in creating a new identity for you, if you'd like," He pushed a stack of papers towards me.

I chewed on my lip in contemplation. It would be handy, sure, I could be rid of the curse that became of my family name and my parents couldn't legally do anything at all to me; on the other side there was my name plastered on several inventions and projects I'd done over the years. In all my years, I was taught that my name is to be my business card.

The decision was obvious. "No, thank you," I looked at him, hoping to convey the sincerity. "I think I will be okay."

He smiled and went back to his paperwork, all but verbally dismissing me. As soon as I finished my coffee and washed the mug, the couch called to me once again and I curled up under the fleece blanket Coulson had thrown over me while I slept, alternating my attention between sneaking glances at his concentrated form and my cellphone and the few meager games it had. There was no signal and no wi-fi access on the Helicarrier. Security reasons, blah blah blah...

A knock sounded out, startling me out of my sluggish thoughts; one of Coulson's hands crawled down to one of the drawers on his right side where I assumed he had hidden a gun. "Come in," He called out, shooting me a pointed look. I sat up, alert.

"M'here to pick up - uh - a Baby," A tired but amused, familiar voice called out. Clint stepped into the room, still wearing his dirty and bloody uniform, and, as my eyes briefly scanned him, the archer appeared to be unhurt save for a few bruises here and there. His eyes landed on me immediately, visibly relieved.

"Waa," I deadpanned indignantly, raising my hands like a toddler would do when they wanted to be picked up. The only thing Clint was missing was a courier's ball cap.

"I assume the mission went smoothly?" Coulson asked, a soft grin and even softer eyes landing on our interaction.

Clint nodded affirmative, walking over and picking me up with ease, disregarding my shierk completely and stopping only when I poked him in the ear - closest appendage to me - in retaliation. His eyes were laughing and his tone was flat. "Caw caw, motherfucker," He announced to me flatly, waving goodbye to Coulson.

We passed more than a dozen agents giving us the biggest side-eye as I dangled over his shoulder, ass up in the air, fiddling with the numerous straps of his gear as Clint power-walked us to the Avengers quinjet. I'd even stuck out my tongue to some dude pointing a finger at us.

My family was already loaded into the vehicle, all in various stages of dirty, bloody and undressed. Coulson's words were true - only Steve sported a wide bandage over his shoulder, neck and head - one look at Bucky and I just knew the Captain would be regretting his stupidity in a few hours time. Even Stephen was there, looking unhurt but very annoyed and tired, as he hovered a few feet off the ground with Cloaky majestically swaying behind him.

"And what the fuck was that little performance for?" I asked once Clint deposited me in the very front row, between a dozing Bruce and a tinkering Tony.

"I had strict instructions from the Hulk," The archer grinned, pushing a few buttons on the dashboard of the vehicle. In seconds, we took off home.

"Oh, hi," Bruce must've heard his green counterpart being mentioned; his eyes cracked open just as I smiled at the scientist and reached over to brush his curly mop of hair out of his face. "M'yes, Hulk is demanding you do not set foot on the ground these days," Bruce was sleepy and warm, so soft when he kissed my hand, I felt my heart swell.

"Gonna spoil me rotten, you lot," I snorted, keeping the happy smile and the warm feeling as Stephen came back from the Astral world, opening his eyes and giving me a grin of his own.

"That's my job," Tony mumbled, still very occupied with a part of his suit. I turned around expecting a kiss; I had to stifle an ugly snort upon discovering one of the parts of his Iron Man suit got damaged and stuck, making a part of the chestplate render one of his arms temporarily immobile. Tony looked like a frustrated toddler building Legos.

"Someone get me a screwdriver and some pliers," I gently pried away the calloused fingers away from the jagged piece of metal, kissing Tony's cheek in the moments until Natasha handed me the required instruments. Tony was free, grimacing in discomfort as he stretched and rotated his arm, in little under ten minutes. "What happened to the nanosuit?" I asked, not remembering the last time I'd seen Tony in one of his older, clunkier creations.

"They had some sort of technopath mutant," He grumbled - I had discovered the source of his ire. "Turns out, Bruce snuck in my special anti-mutant suit I'd made ages ago. Nanosuit got destroyed in seconds and Hulk had to carry me back to the quinjet for a change of equipment," Despite his sour mood, Tony was visibly more relaxed than since the day I confessed I'd been drugged. "Brucie-bear, this is exactly why it remained a prototype."

"It's better to get stuck in a suit than to be a meat pancake on the sidewalk," Used to Tony's tantrums, Bruce merely blinked and continued eating the chocolate that he procured only God knew where.

I locked eyes with Stephen, both of us shaking our heads in almost identical, semi-fond semi-annoyed way. Ah, sweet sweet normalcy.

There were towers of pizza boxes as we arrived in the tower; a couple of agents got all but yeeted out by Tony, with little to no thank you as they had been the ones that arranged the food for us - still, I understood Tony's dislike of the super-secret organisation and merely paid the two for the pizza, politely waving goodbye as they side-eyed Tony with disdain.

Then, I had to tow both Clint and Thor as they attempted to begin eating, still wearing muddy bloody clothes - of course, I did not possess the physical strength required to handle two adult men, so I merely began a small lecture on parasites (Stephen gleefully joined in) and both of them scattered towards the showers like two spooked little first-graders.

I also used the brief moment of stagnation to hug Loki; these days he didn't freeze in surprise but rather warmly hugged me back, whispering something cheeky to me as I buried my face in his chest. Stephen was the one to cough extra-loudly to attempt to separate us - it was, once again, unanimously decided to have a family dinner and a cuddle pile straight after. Food coma had never sounded nicer.

"So, what'd Coulson say to you?" Clint asked curiously as we all settled in, freshly showered and those who needed it, re-bandaged. I was warm and toasty between Tony and Stephen, wearing the former's gym shorts and the latter's hoodie, Bruce's t-shirt underneath it. The scientist himself was drooling onto Tony's shoulder, somwhere between sleep and awareness, glasses askew.

"He basically thanked me and offered me a new identity," I shrugged, polishing off the last of my smoothie and handing the second bottle over to Loki. As usual, no food was wasted and I always had someone to finish my leftovers, especially since Bucky tended to think I could eat as much as him and kept trying to overfeed me like a foie gras goose.

"Congrats, you've been adopted," Natasha snorted from her place between Clint and Steve. Only the red of her hair was visible behind the man-bulk and the blankets.

"Uh," My response was, as always, deeply informative and astute.

"He likes to take in strays," Clint full-belly laughed. "Me at first, then Natasha. He's got a soft spot for Tony and Bucky but he won't admit it."

My eyebrows rose. "That's... That's my job?" I remembered the whole Venom/Eddie situation, our rogue wizard. Coulson was aiming for my place- the audacity! "He can't just do that!"

"And you can?" Stephen's finger booped my nose, making me huff and cuddle up to Tony, turning my butt towards the sorcerer to show him exactly what I thought about his observations. He only laughed harder. "Sounds like someone's a little jealous."

"Okay, boomer," I rolled my eyes. Stephen Strange, a supreme troll is what he is.

"But that's why you love me," He continued as others around us groaned and snorted, too used to us teasing each other about our age difference and my old man kink. Whatever, I got to bang my hot old men anyways.

THE TAG LIST IS NOW OPEN! @another-stark-sub ​ @mostly-marvel-musings  @vozit ​ @littlegasps ​ @pilloclock ​ @shereadsinquiet @downeyreads ​ @hermione-grangers-wife ​ @individualistfem ​ @sleep-i-ness @capbrie @lillsxd @agustdowney @dee-vn @justanotherblonde23 @fanngirl19 @persephonehemingway @softie-socks @schemefrenzy @letsby @cutenessloading @romeo-the-cactus @jelly-fishy-babie @mikariell95 @gladiosamicitias @warrior1-19 @toomanyrobins @i-cant-hangout-im-drumming

[cogentranting]

Arrow 1x04 Rewatch

“You really did lose your mind on that Island”  “Found a couple things too”  “Like what archery classes?” “No. well. Yes. Technically. But that’s not what I’m talking about.” 

Two things:  1. Laurel said she heard about the shooting and came to check on Oliver. But she was with Tommy. Did Tommy not come check in to see if his best friend got shot?  2. She accuses him of being so self centered that he doesn’t think people will care if he’s okay or not and be worried about him. But that just.. doesn’t make sense as a line of reasoning. I feel like the more logical conclusion relates to the 5 years that she believes he spent in total isolation and often in life threatening danger. You know. Where he wouldn’t have had anyone worrying about him that he needed to check in with. 

Ok. So I know why Oliver isn’t thrown by the shooting. By why isn’t Thea more upset by it? 

Oliver’s voice changer this early is different than the voice he uses later and I can’t decide if that’s good because it sounds more like a regular voice so it’s less obvious that he’s disguising it or if it’s too close to his regular voice

“You were born with a platinum spoon in your mouth. What you spend five years on an island with no room service and suddenly you find religion?” I mean... yes? That’s a reasonable explanation even if the public story of just being marooned and isolated was true. A near death experience, watching your father and childhood friend/girlfriend/mistress (whatever you want to call Sara) and multiple other people die, then struggling to survive for 5 years in total isolation is enough to make most people reevaluate their life. 

“I thought you said your father died when the boat went down.”  “We both made it to a life raft but there wasn’t enough food and water for both of us, so he shot himself in the head.”  So the acting on these lines is really interesting. Oliver for most of his statement is very obviously not making eye contact; he’s turned sideways looking away, staring at the table, anywhere but at Diggle. Until he gets to final clause-- on “he shot himself” his eyes go up and meet Diggle’s and he just stares at him for the rest of what he says about his father shooting himself, and atoning for his sins, and his own mission. I think, if I’m remembering right, that this is the first time that Oliver has told someone about what really happened to his father (it’s possible that he told Sara or someone else in the flashbacks that I’m just not remembering but I don’t think he did). And I think more than anything else on the whole course of the show, with the possible exception of the time Chase spent torturing him, that memory is hard for Oliver to talk about. He does later get to where he can talk about it a little easier (because he tells the story somewhere between 3-5 different times after this point) but I think at this point he’s really struggling to force those words out. But. It’s also very calculated. So when he does it he forces himself to stare Diggle down. He wants Diggle to feel the impact of those words. Diggle at this point has some idea of how much Oliver was affected by the Island-- in episode 2 he spots the PTSD signs. But that comment I quoted before in the last section shows that he’s still not quite getting it. And Oliver wants him get the full force of ‘this changed me’. And Diggle does. You can see the shock on his face as he processes what Oliver’s saying. What that means. What that would be like to watch something like that. But as Oliver continues through the rest of his Crusade Sales Pitch, you can tell that he’s not really sure what to think still. He sees Oliver’s intensity, and hears what he’s saying about corruption and believes that, and knows that Oliver’s changed, but he’s not sure into what. And honestly, in that moment Oliver’s frightening. His assessment of the problem in the city is fair, and Diggle sees that. But Oliver’s solution is a lot of violence. In a way this episode is sort of Diggle deciding to make a deal with the devil. He believes in what Oliver’s accomplishing so he decides to go along with this dark violent man to hopefully rein him in a little bit.  It’s only later that Diggle will start to truly like and trust Oliver, when he starts to see more of who he really is (something I think he has some sense of at the moment but only vaguely). For now working with him is a sort of compromise. 

“I mean I’m not your girl. I wasn’t making a pass at you.... but I am the future wife of your stepson.” 

I’ve probably said it a dozen times but it is so funny for me that the first stretch of flashbacks keeps Oliver in long sleeves and a shirt buttoned all the way up to the collar to hide the fact that Stephen is ripped at a time when Oliver shouldn’t be. 

“I took your advice with Laurel to be myself. I chained a man to some train tracks for her. It��s going great.” 

Quentin to Laurel: “You lied to me, straight to my face. I thought you and I didn’t do that.” Ohhhh just wait, Quentin. Just wait. 

Remember Andy Jr? Diggle’s nephew who is seen once in season 1 and then never again? And is never even mentioned in the second half of the show. 

“You remember the friend that I mentioned? the one that believes in you? Well he said he’s going to violently coerce a confession!” 

Somehow I think Oliver is more recognizable in this balaclava than in the hood. Like to the point that I think Laurel should have recognized him. Especially after she pulls him off the guy and is looking right at him. 

I really do love that moment when Oliver hears Laurel talking to Quentin about the Hood and says “he’s a killer”. Especially in light of the Russia flashbacks and knowing what Oliver is trying to get away from in himself.

“Just to be clear, I’m not signing on to be a sidekick.” No dude. You’re taking the first step toward being the Green Lantern. Congrats. 

“But maybe this way, there will be fewer casualties. Including you.” Even now, Diggle knows enough about who Oliver is that he wants to protect him and to make sure that he doesn’t die. Or completely lose himself. 

“‘except you have no idea what war does to you. How it scrapes off little pieces of your soul.” This line kills me every time because Oliver knows SO well how it does that. “And you need someone to remind you of who you are, and not this thing you’re becoming.”  I take back what I said in my long bit earlier (or at least some of it) about Diggle not really seeing yet the good in Oliver, because he shows here that he does. He sees both the monster and the man in Oliver right now. (And remember, it’s only been a few months at MOST since Oliver was killing people in Russia). And Diggle knows already that there’s someone worth saving in Oliver. And Oliver actually looks really affected by what Diggle has to say. Maybe because it sounds really similar to the warning that Anatoly gave him not long ago. Maybe because it echoes his own fears about himself. He knows what he’s capable of, what he’s done, better than Diggle does. And he’s trying to convince himself that he’s atoning for his father, not himself, that he is a man who can be here and have relationships. And in a way Diggle is offering him exactly what he desperately wants. Someone to believe in his humanity and be an anchor for him. Someone to trust. 

I love the audacity of the shocked and angry response Oliver has to being arrested for the things that he very much did do. 

[fart-gate]

SGA

Season 5 episode 16

Notes by me

- johns taking ronon to the beach. just picturing ronon with sunscreen on his nose while trying to balance on a surf board

- oh? The camera lingering on john while he stares at Rodney and kellers lunch date?

- did I watch rodneys train wreck of a date proposal while smiling like an idiot? Absolutely

- she basically paved the way for him to ask her haha ITS OFFICIAL SHE LIKES HIM BACK

- "zero possibility for failure" I feel like youre wrong. Just a feeling

- keller looks so pretty!

- Rodney serving handsome looks

- I am a simple human. I appreciate seeing my science babies in formal attire 👑💞🥂

- keller told Rodney to lighten up or she'll turn this plane around

- why is Rodney so uptight about this like calm down my man

-

- AND NEIL DEGRASSE TYSON!!!! WHAT THE HELL!!!!!

- they must have had a pretty big budget for this episode if they got these two LMAO

- the Pluto fight

- they are just jerks i guess huh

- did Bill nye just call dibs on keller

- she said it was a first date!!! 💓

- this presentation is dramatic as fuck

- rodneys right this guys ego is huge. Almost as big as his HAHA im just kidding

- wait. Space bridge. Rodney already made that like twice

- this guy stole his idea!!! DILL HOLE

- god this guy needs to stop embarrassing rodney and listen to him. Like shut UUUPP DUDE

- you know what he deserves what he gets

- surprise! You were wrong and an idiot

- how did this dude find out how to make this device?? Did jeannie have something to do with it? I hope not

- "that son of a bitch" LMAO

- Rodney knows how to throw down. "How am I doing so far?" BADASS

- thats right bitch!!! Listen to rodney and never speak again

- stephen Hawking????

- cough bill nye is a terrible actor cough

- his bow tie fashion sense on point tho💅

- this asshole doesnt even care that this other guy almost died wtf

- yes they should use the whole ass room of smarty pants'!!! Thank you keller

- this is so fucking funny

- "I HAVE been listening to you and that is what led me to be believe that you are a MORON" DRAG 'EM RODNEY

- keller said suck it up or shut up!

- "NOT NOW NYE"

- keller convincing the dude to let her make the phone call💪

- ah shit the phones are dead

- uh???? Rodney giving his jacket to keller but the camera not focusing on it bc its supposed to be a backround thing👌👌👌👌 good directing choice. excellent tv show making. fantastic use of Small Moments Romance

- keller going to make the call and Rodney not knowing what to say when she leaves 😭😭💞💞

- Rodney being The Scientist Leader ❤❤❤ its what he deserves!!

- WALTER!!!!!!

- LMFAO did they call up the actor for that 2 second scene HAHA

- oh shit it didnt work

- oh fuck oh shit she cant get out

- theres like 7 minutes left and they have 4 problems to solve how is this gonna play out

- its tornado time!

- "I'm Rodney McKay alright? Difficult takes a few seconds. Impossible? A few minutes."

- "youre smarter than me!"

"I know"

He just Han solo'd this guys ass

- Bill Nye bitch slapping a man is something my eyes have seen now

- davids acting when hes trying to save her 😭😭

- 💓💓💓💓SMOOCH💓💓💓💓

- a love confession!!!!!

- HOLY SHIT "I love you. I have for some time now. Just wanted you to know." ISNT THIS EXACTLY WHAT HE SAID TO HER!! IN THE VIDEO LOG CONFESSION HE DOESNT REMEMBER!!!! I LOVE THIS TROPE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!FUCK!!!!!!!!!!

- omg theyre so cute

- Bill nye and mister asshole better respect Rodney after all this shit

- LMAO I guess when a man saves you from freezing to death you gotta lock that down in the back of an airplane first chance you get 👀

[captainelsaeverdeen]

I like me better when I’m with you ~Part 2.

There’s so little Steve in this, but he’ll be in the next parts all. the. time! And yeah, I named the coach after Troy Bolton from HSM. I can totally imagine him as a strict PE teacher if his music career didn't work out... Anyways, hope you guys will like it! Gif not mine. 

summary: based on ‘To All The Boys I Loved Before’. Y/N Henderson used to be in love a couple of times. This time she’s sure it’s something bigger, something serious. Her love for Jonathan Byers is unlimited, untamed and endless. At least she thought so. Read Part 1 here.

-

That kiss.

Steve couldn't concentrate. Why now, after all this time? From what he remembered the last time you guys talked, he was about your brother's age. Your contact was limited to a short "hello" in the hallway and waving at each other in town. Nothing else.

He kissed you because Carol couldn't shut up. He remembered perfectly well how his dad let him sit behind the wheel of his car and little Steve invited to Y/N, Carol and Tommy, his best friends so far. Carol made fun of Y/N all day because she had never been kissed before. There is nothing wrong with that, but little Y/N was so embarrassed that Steve did what he thought was right. He leaned out of the driver's seat and gently kissed the little girl's mouth so that Carol could choke on her chewing gum for once.

Only a year later, Y/N realized that Tommy and Carol were not the people she wanted to deal with. She thought they were egotistical, mean, and idiots enjoying others' failures. And she was right. Steve didn't understand that until now. Too bad he figured it out too late. 

“Dude, what's going on? Focus before Billy kicks our ass even more, come on!” His teammate hit him on the shoulder. Steve twisted his head and wiped out all the intrusive thoughts. “Yeah, Steve. Concentrate. We don't want anything to happen to you" Billy said sarcastically. It doesn’t matter why she sent the letter. You can't play with someone's feelings. He wanted to explain it as gently as he could and maybe he did. He didn't find out because Y/N ran away as soon as Jonathan got on the field.

But why she was scared of Jonathan Byers?

-

“Girl, come on” Robin sighed, leaning her hands on her school locker. You sat down on the floor and pulled your knees up to your chest, holding them with your hands to keep them from shaking. You wanted to cry, scream, vomit, or do it all at once. Steve got a letter. Your letter. It didn't belong to him, it belonged to you. Although it was addressed to him, your thoughts, your feelings were there. He should never have read it. Not to mention Jonathan. “Please, I'm starting to worry. What the hell did he tell you?”

“Robin...” Your voice broke down when you tried to speak. “He... he got a letter”. “What letter?” Your friend pushed herself away from the locker. “From who? What was in it?”

“From me” You said, raising your head a little. The corridor was empty because everyone was in class. Only an angry coach could show up here at any time. You clenched your fingers so tightly on your shirt that your ankles got whacked. “But please promise me you won't laugh”.

“I don't feel like laughing. But I feel like I'm way too sober for this”. “I... you know I'm not good at talking about my feelings. It's much easier for me to write about them. So... so when I really care about someone, I write a letter to that person. I confess my love, I say what I like about that person and how much I care about them... and that's it. I put the envelope on and hide the letter in the room. It's just that... someone sent them. Somebody had to, because Steve and Jonathan got theirs.”

Robin was quiet for a while. She bit her lower lip, started going back and forth around the hallway, removing nail polish until she stopped next to you. “Normally, I'd probably say something funny, but it's not funny at all”. “I think I'm gonna throw up” you said quietly. Robin gathered your hair into a ponytail. “Calm down” she said and sat next to you on the dirty floor. “Just take a deep breath”.

“Take a deep breath? It feels like my insides are being ripped out” you said devastated. “How many letters did you write?” Robin asked. You showed her five fingers. “Do I know the others?”. “One of them goes to school with us. I don't have any contact with the other two” you answered. “I can understand absolutely everything, but... Steve? Stephen Harrington? When was that? Why don't I know anything about it?”.

“So long ago we didn't know each other” you smiled at each other. “In seventh grade. I was friends with him... and with Tommy and Carol. But those two are assholes, and I realized that early on, so I stopped hanging out with them. Steve gave up our friendship for the sake of friendship with Tommy and Carol. We don't talk from now on. But it used to be different”.

“Y/N, you in there?” someone asked, suddenly showing up in the hallway. You knew that voice. You didn't remember exactly from where, but it was definitely familiar, the name of its owner was at the end of your tongue.

“We're in the middle of something” Robin muttered when Stanley from the homecoming who should be in class now stood over you, his sneakers were squealing on the linoleum. He just stood there for a while and stared at you until he started rocking on his feet and waved in front of his face with a blue envelope. Robin whistled loudly.

“So this is the third one” she muttered. Stanley scratched himself in the back of the neck. “Look, I didn't mean to barge in on you. I saw you run in here from the pitch, and I wanted to make sure you're okay, and, uh...” he gave you an envelope. You took it carefully in your hands, and pressed it against your chest. “Thought you might want that back. It seemed a little personal”. 

“Yeah, it is” you said, looking away from him and Robin. Your heart was beating in your chest, not wanting to calm down. “I wrote it years ago. It should never have reached you... but it did”. “I had a lot of fun that night too” the boy smiled. Robin raised her eyebrow. “At the homecoming. But... Y/N don't get me wrong, you're great, but... generally, I don't like girls... like at all”.

“Well, well. Generally I don't like boys, like, at all” Robin smiled fiercely. Stanley looked at her surprised, but in this positive sense. “You're gonna get along with each other” you waved the envelope, afraid you'd faint without air. “Here's what we gonna do” Robin turned around, still sitting with her legs crossed and grabbed your hands. “You're gonna go back home and make sure Dustin has nothing to do with it. Search your room carefully, maybe the other two are still there”.

“Even if, those three could ruin my life the most. No offense” you said, and Stan raised his hands. “Dustin certainly didn't do it. That's not possible. He wouldn't have a reason”. “You think so. You never know. Go and call me. I'll cover for you.”  

“From Coach Bolton? He'll never forgive you this” Stan grumbled dissatisfied. “Thank you, Stanley. That comment was completely unnecessary” Robin rolled her eyes. Everything seemed to be passing at an accelerated rate. Staying in the dressing room, coming home on a bike, as if time had decided to help you and let you go home as soon as possible. Mom was already inside, just like Dustin. You ran up the stairs so fast that you stepped on Mews' tail and she was furious.

“Y/N! What’s the meaning of this, you didn't see her or what?!” mom was screaming completly outrageous, but you didn't listen to her. You fell into the room, stopped on the bed and took the vinyl off the shelf.

It was empty.

You looked under the bed, under the desk and under the dresser. Shit, you even looked under the carpet and pillows. Nothing. Nothing at all.

“You took anything out of my room?” you asked when you went into Dustin's room. “Why would I?” your brother break away from his homework for a while “I'm not getting excited about your bras”.

“When the last time party was here, or whoever was in my room?” you asked. Dustin didn't answer, so you ripped his math notebook from him. “Yes or no?” “Jesus Christ” Dustin rolled his eyes. “I don't know. I don't control them. I just let Max in. They were messing with Lucas and he poured hot chocolate on her shirt. I said she could take something of yours, so I gave her a little privacy. But she already gave it back. It's in the laundry basket.”

“It's not about the stupid shirt...” you just shut up, left the room and went back to yours. “Hey... Hey! What is it? You don't think she stole something...” your brother's voice was jammed by the sound of the door closing. You slammed it a little too much. You slid slowly to the ground, pushing your back against the wall.

The letters are out. They're out. There's nothing you can do about it. Happiness in misery, Chris's letter was adressed to the bunks at the camp, so at least he'll never know how cute he looked in his swimsuit.

“You got the letter” Dustin knocked slowly into your room, but you didn't say anything. “It's from... from some Ralph. From Florida. Mom says the chicken will be ready soon”.

And he slipped a brown envelope through a gap under the door. Ralph's not Steve, Stan, or Jonathan, so his answer probably wouldn't have caused any emotion, but your heart literally stopped beating when you reached for the letter. But it wasn't an answer. Ralph just sent your letter back. No message, no comment. He just returned something that never belonged to him.

You hid your face in your hands, trying to calm down. Today you managed to escape from Jonathan, which was great, but you can't do it forever, not every day until the end of school. Sooner or later you will have to talk to him. If not with him, you'll have to talk with Nancy. What if he told her? What if she already knows and now she hates you with all her heart?

Dear Jonathan. There are songs you can't listen to without thinking about a particular person. There are movies where the characters experience something so wonderful that you'd like to be in their place. And there are people you just can't fall in love with. I think I found one.

Shut up. Don't think about it. Call Robin. Tell her the situation is looking hopeless and lock yourself in your room for the rest of your life. When you got up to grab the phone, when the tears were squeezing into your eyes because it was all fucking unrealistic, mom screamed from the living room.

"Y/N! Jonathan is waiting for you downstairs! Come say hi!"

Taglist: @krazykatkay456​   @mochminnie​  @ghostineleven​ @the-almond-dinger​  @art-flirt

[lovewriting-5]

Rules:

*gif credit goes to @angelshizuka*

9. Confessions

11. Breaking Free

10. Screeching Tires:

We carefully enter the house, I call “Hello! Hello? Claire? Stephen?” When there is no answer, Daniel says “Looks like grandma and grandpa haven’t come back from church yet.” Sean looks at us with a little smile, “Well. At least they won’t yell at us for going out...” He says “That was so cool to spend time with Chris at the market! Did you know Chris’ mom was an artist?”

Sean says “We...didn’t...How so?” He says “She drew comics! You guys should see her drawings, they’re so cool. Just like yours!” Sean tells him “Thanks, dude.” Daniel looks around, “Hey! Uh...” I ask, suspiciously “What? What is it?” He says “Sean, (Y/N)...I wanna go check on the room...upstairs. I know it’s mom’s. Please...”

Sean and I look at each other. I tell him “Daniel, you heard Claire. They will freak out if they know we went inside. We promised them.” “We won’t tell them! We’ll be in total stealth mode! They won’t know anything if we make it quick...” he contradicts.

He also throws in “It’s just...I really want to know what’s inside. What kind of stuff she had. Chris had tons of things that belonged to his mom. And I have nothing! Come on...You guys don’t even have to come with me...if you don’t want to...”

“Fuck it. We’ll come with you...So you don’t make a mess and get us caught.” Sean tell him. The three of us head upstairs and go straight to the locked bedroom door. Daniel tries the knob. Frustrated, he says “The door is still locked! I just...Don’t get why they lock the room. What’s the big deal?” Sean says “We’ll find a way to open it.”

Mischievously, Daniel says “This is super easy! I can just break the lock with powers!” I say “Yeah, we could do that with a hammer...” “Let’s try and find the key instead, right?” Sean says. He says “I’m just gonna clean up real quick.” As soon as he went into the bathroom, I tell Sean “Sean, I’ll keep watch while you and Daniel search for the key.”

They begin searching all around the second floor. I was starting to get a little nervous that Claire and Stephen were going to return any moment. I tell them “Hurry up! They might come back any minute!” Sean says “Yes, we know. I can’t find the fucking key! We just need five minutes.”

I was sitting at the top step, keeping an eye on the front door. After five minutes, Sean sits down next to me. Frustrated, he says “I give up. This is impossible.” He then says “DANIEL!” Daniel comes walking over to us. Sean asks “You really think you could open this door...without doing too much damage?” A smile shot across his face, he says “Yes! I know I can.”

We stand up and follow him to the door. Cautiously, I tell him “Go for it.” He says “Yes!” Sean reminds him “And don’t blow apart the whole house...” Daniel holds out his hand and uses his power. There was a blast. I holds my arms in front of my face to block it from the debris. We see the damage. Sean asks, annoyed “Really?” He says “Oops...”

The two of them walk in the room. I stay in the doorway to still keep watch. I figured the two of them need to do this together. Daniel says “Wow. There’s not that much left. Where do you think they put the rest of her stuff?” Sean tells him “It’s her teenage room, I’m sure she...sorted through her things before leaving for Seattle. The rest is probably packed in these boxes.”

I could see that there were boxes stacked in the corner near the closet. The rest of the room looked like it hasn’t been touched in years. Daniel asked “Sean...What do you think happened to all the stuff in my room? When we left...” Sean says with sadness in his voice, “I don’t know, enano...I wish I could answer that.” All he says is “Okay...”

I see Daniel picks up a book and goes to sit down in the armchair in the far corner. From the doorway, I say “Okay, you guys seen everything, you wanted to see? Claire and Stephen will be home soon now.” Daniel says “Just...Five more minutes.” He sets the book down and starts looking at the other items in the room.

Daniel asks “Sean...Are you really mad at mom for leaving us with dad?” I know it’s a topic he doesn’t like to talk about. For Daniel’s sake, he says “It’s a bit more complicated than that, man...” Sean picks up a teddy bear that is sitting on the dresser. He shows it to me. I smile and say “Cute.”

Sean says “Hey Daniel, check this out. His name is Ulysses.” He asks “Like...the hero?!” Sean says “I guess.” He says “So cool!” Daniel takes the teddy bear and sits on the ground, “Hi Ulysses! So...You were a friend of my mommy’s? I hope she took good care of you. Did she take you with her when she went on trips? I wonder why mom loved it so much. You’re not that fluffy anymore, little bear...”

Underneath Ulysses there was a folded piece of paper. Sean picks it up and examines it. He asks “Why would Claire lock these up in here?” He goes and sits on the bed. Daniel sets the teddy bear down and follows.

Curiously, Daniel asks “Is that from mom? Huh? Let me see...” as he tries to grab the piece of paper. Sean blocks him, “Daniel...Come on...” As he tries to grab the paper again, “What’s it say? Read it!” Sean blocks him again, “Seriously, stop!” He moves the paper slightly so Daniel can read it. Daniel begins to read, “I’ve heard the news about Seattle. Please help my boys and their friend if they come to you...” I walk into the room further as he reads the letter.

He asks “What? Why did they hide this from us?” Unsure, Sean says “I don’t know...” Daniel continues “You can reach me at this address, it’s a PO Box I use sometimes.” He looks back and forth between Sean and I. Asking no one in particular, “What’s a PO Box?” Sounding disapproved, Sean tells him “Well, a cop out...in this case...” Daniel finishes reading the letter, “I...beg you...please...help my sons.”

“Oh yeah, right...Total bullshit.” Sean says a little angry. “What do you mean? She cares about us!” Daniel says. He says “Well...I don’t...” Trying to sound hopeful, Daniel says “Maybe she...changed her mind! We could try and contact her!”

He says “You don’t even know her, okay?! Don’t get any wrong ideas. We should just...stick to our plan. For now...” Daniel asks “Can I read it again...?” Handing the letter to him, Sean says “Yeah...Then we gotta go...”

Distracted by the letter, we never heard Claire and Stephen coming up the stairs. We knew they were there when Claire says, shocked “My goodness. What happened...?” I say “Shit!” She asks “Excuse me, what are you three doing in here?! Except, visibly...ransacking our house while we’re at church?” Sean and Daniel stand up from the bed with the letter in hand.

I try to explain “Claire...We’re sorry...But we just wanted to - -“ Sean interrupts “We were just looking...for answers...and...uh...” Looking at the door, Claire asks “Were they really worth breaking my door open?!” Calmly, Stephen says “Claire, please. Calm down...” She tells him “No Stephen! They went way out of line here!” She turns back to us, “We specifically told you to stay out of this room!”

Daniel tells her “Uh...I just wanted to see my mom’s stuff!” Claire tells him “This isn’t her room anymore! There is nothing to see in here! It’s time you learn to respect some rules!”

“What’s the problem, then? If there’s nothing to see, why lock us out? Or get mad? It’s like you’re in denial...I know that mom left us...and yeah, it made me mad...but at least we moved on...” Sean says, angrily. Pointing a finger at him, she says “Don’t you dare lecture me, Sean. You don’t know anything about how I feel!” She grabs the letter from his hand, “One letter doesn’t change what she did to me...all of us! She is not welcome back.”

Sean tells her “Just don’t blame us...for being curious about her...” Claire says “But I know her better than anybody! She hasn’t changed! She just feels guilty!” “I can’t hear that.” Stephen says. He then leaves the room.

She was going to go after him but turns back to Sean, “Listen, Sean...I know life has been tough on you the past month...Bless your souls. And...and we put up with a lot of things...But...that...Breaking our door to sneak in the room...That shows you don’t respect us. Then act like I’m the bad guy! After what we’ve done for you! I knew something like this might happen...maybe you three staying here wasn’t such a good idea...” I thought After all you have done for us. We appreciate it but they just want answers.

Having a realization, Sean says “Man! I think I see why mom left now...She couldn’t put up with your stupid rules anymore!” Claire says “Oh...So that’s what you think? Then let me tell you something - -“

There was a loud thump and then Stephen’s screams could be heard from downstairs. Claire yells “STEPHEN!”

We hurry down the stairs to his workshop and find him trapped beneath a cupboard. Frightened, I say “Oh, shit!” Stephen shouts “Get...this...god damn thing off me!” In terror, Claire says “Stephen! No! Hold on, honey! We’ll get it off...” The four of us try and lift it. He says in pain, “NO...stop! My legs!”

Daniel steps back away from the cupboard. I was still trying to think of ways to get Stephen out. Sean must have given him a signal because he yells, “Do it, Daniel! Now!” She asks, confused “Do what? What’s going on? Oh, Lord! What...What are you doing, Daniel?”

Claire and I step out of the way. Daniel holds his hand out and concentrates on the cupboard. The cupboard begins to lift just enough for Sean to pull Stephen out. Daniel falls to the floor in exhaustion. I catch him just before he hits the floor.

She rushes to Stephen’s side, “Oh, my baby...Stephen, are you okay?” Exhausted, Stephen says “Now I am...Thanks to Daniel...You were right, Claire. I should have fixed that cupboard months ago. I guess my laziness will get me someday...” Bewildered, Claire says “What in the name of God was that all about? That’s impossible...What are you, Daniel?” Sean says “Claire...Listen...” Stephen says “They saved me, Claire. That’s all that matters...” Finally accepting what happened, she says “Maybe...It was a miracle...Thank you, Lord...”

All of a sudden the doorbell rings. Claire stands up and looks out the window. She says “It’s the sheriff...” Muffled, the sheriff says “Stephen? Claire?” Claire says “I didn’t...” The sheriff says “It’s about your grandsons and their friend.” She says “We didn’t call them.” Sean tells her “I know, grandma...” It was the first time, I ever heard him call her that since we arrived.

The sheriff tells them “They were spotted at the Christmas market, earlier today...” Still standing close to me, Daniel asks “What are we gonna do?” Stephen says “Go hide in the garage!” Sean says “No...No! No way!” I add “If the police search the house, that makes the two of you accomplices.” She tells us “Get your bags and go out the back door...I will distract him...” I ask “Really?” Stephen says “Yes. Now...”

The sheriff asks again “Stephen?” He says “Get the hell out of here!” The sheriff says “I know you’re in here, your car is in the driveway...” Sounding very caring, Claire says “I’m so sorry...For everything...I wish we could have helped you more...I wish you could stay here with us...Watch out for Daniel.” I tell them “Thanks for helping us...Both of you...” She tells us “Oh, we love you. Now hurry up!”

The three of us sneak into the hallway. Sean says “(Y/N), Daniel, wait for me while I go upstairs and grab our bags!” He runs upstairs. Daniel and I crouch as we run to the back. We hear Claire slightly open the front door and begin talking to the sheriff. Daniel and I have our winter gear on when Sean joins us with our backpacks in hand. Daniel and I throw our backpacks on. I open the back door and quietly say “Hurry!” Sean says “Move your ass, bro...Shit!”

We are in the backyard. We see another cop car pull up. I look around and decide the Eriksen’s yard. I tell them “This way!” We run towards their yard and climb the fence.

We run to the front yard of the Eriksen’s house. We are stopped in our tracks when a third cop car pulls up. We hold for a second and wait. The cop car put on its siren and pulls back out in our direction. All of a sudden Chris runs out into the middle of the road. He holds out his hand. Daniel yells “Chris!”

Daniel then thrusts his hand out and throws the cop car off the road into a tree. Chris turns to face us and is disappointed at the sight. Sean and I pull Daniel away. We run off in the opposite direction.

We came to a clearing up on top of a hill overlooking railroad tracks. We take a rest on a rock.

[recurring-polynya]

Bollywood Review Time!

Today, I am going to talk about Om Shanty Om, a very good movie that was Not For Me.

Let me back up. People recommend stuff to me a lot and I try to watch it and talk about it, and I always feel bad when I don’t like it. This one was recommended to me by my friend @serene-faerie​ I want to make it very clear that you, reader, may like this film very much! It was a strange perfect storm of Things I Don’t Care For, and I actually rather enjoyed the experience of picking apart what I didn’t like about from what I did, because honestly, I am always interested in the ways stories are told and what stories say about themselves.

Cut for spoilers and also length

First off the bat-- this is not a film for the Bollywood beginner. It’s sort of a meta-narrative, with a ton of cameos from famous stars and jokes about Bollywood tropes and directors and such. There’s a ten-minute dance number in the middle that’s just famous people showing up to get down and everybody cheers every time someone new rolls in. I have only actually seen a handful of Bollywood films, mostly made after this one (it was made in 2007), and I could tell that there were a ton of gags and references that flew over my head. I got the sense, both from watching it, and from reading reviews, that this was all very well done and funny, I just didn’t have the proper frame of reference to appreciate it.

The main character, Om, is played by Shah Rukh Khan, an incredibly famous Bollywood star whom I had never heard of before watching this film. In the beginning, Om is a somewhat-bumbling movie extra, dreaming of stardom, flipping his hair, and falling in love with a beautiful starlet on a billboard. I… was not taken in by his charms. I feel like I really missed out by not knowing who Shah Rukh Khan was ahead of time. That was sort of an interesting thought to me-- that a famous actor brings the good will of all his previous roles to a movie with him, and that it was very interesting to me to watch a film stripped of that context. I was literally shocked when halfway through the film, he rips off his shirt and had killer abs, I was absolutely not expecting it.

The deal of the movie is that, through a series of coincidences, Om meets Shanti, the actress of his dreams (from the billboard). She is played by Deepika Padukone, who I fell for immediately. She is gorgeous and had a ton of charisma. This movie seems like it’s going to be a love story, but it really isn’t. Shanti is charmed by Om’s sweetness, but she’s already in a doomed secret marriage with a scumbag director, Mukesh, who ends up murdering her when she wants him to publicly acknowledge her, which is kinda time sensitive, because she is pregnant. Mukesh had planned to have her star in a lavish movie spectacle called Om Shanti Om, but when she forces his hand, he burns the set down with her locked inside. Om witnesses all this; he tries to save her and dies in the process.

Om happens to die in the same hospital where a famous director’s child is being born, and he is reincarnated as the baby, and grows up to have the life he always wanted-- that of a Bollywood superstar. His name is still Om, but his nickname is O.K., so I am going to call him that to distinguish between 1977 Om and 2007 Om. He meets Mukesh again who is now a super-successful Hollywood producer. O.K. gets all the memories of his past life back, and decides to Get Revenge by proposing to do a remake of Om Shanti Om. He finds a wanna-be actress, Sandy, who looks exactly like Shanti, and has her haunt the set in order to make Mukesh think he is going crazy (and maybe also confess? It’s not a terribly clear-cut plan). You might think that Sandy is the reincarnation of Shanti, but Shanti’s ghost shows up in the grand finale of the film, so I guess she wasn’t?? You also might expect O.K. and Sandy to have some romantic feelings, but they really don’t, and in fact, O.K. is actually pretty mean to Sandy, even though she is extremely sweet and I don’t see how anyone could possibly be mean to her.

The movie is lush. The costumes are elaborate, the sets are lavish, the dance numbers are many and long. There is not a single scene without an off-screen fan to dramatically tousle the actors’ hair. I actually rather liked the last act of the movie where they were gaslighting Mukesh and it was over-the-top, scenery-chewing, Hamlet--play-with-in-a-play madness. A chandelier falls on someone. A lot of the end doesn’t even make a lot of sense or exist in any sort of linear time, cutting between the film-within-a-film and dance numbers and what’s “really happening” and I really had no problem with any of this. I actually really liked the amount of meta that was happening and the breakdown of boundaries, and I found the end to be reasonably satisfying.

So what didn’t I like about it?

The entire film relies on you being charmed by Om and I did not care for him. We all have this set of trope personality types that we enjoy and fall for, and “young person who dreams of making it big on the stage/screen” is a huge swipe left for me. Give me a stolid second-in-command who has been stationed at an ice wall for 30 years to protect his homeland. A incredibly tired dude muttering “fuck” as he wades into a swamp to fight a bog zombie, because who else is gonna? My dude turn-ons include duty and self-sacrifice and really good posture. I couldn’t watch Naruto because everyone spouted off about “their dreams” too much, and I thought Om should have cut his losses and gotten a real job. I am who I am.

There’s a weird fine line between “meta,” that is, stories about storytelling and presentation and media, and movies about being in love with making movies. I like the former a lot and I do not care for the latter one bit. I did stage crew for a high school production of 42nd Street and I have a very distinct memory of thinking “this is a play about putting on a play. Why on earth would anyone who is not an actor want to watch this?” I also hate books where the main character is a writer (yes, Stephen King, this is a call-out). I also hate biopics about musicians and actors. I honestly do not care about the craft, and the “magic of cinema” has never been a thing I have found remotely compelling. 

What I love about reincarnation storylines is the period where the characters recognize the feelings and memories that are tied to their previous lives-- where they see someone and can feel their old emotions for this person, but without knowing why. This is where I live. I eat this with a spoon. I want this to prolong the emotional burn, because the characters don't know what are their own feelings and what comes from their past lives, and that there are conflicts that must be resolved for both lifetimes. Alternatively, you can also use a reincarnation storyline to skip the emotional burn entirely, by just having the character “get all their memories back in one fell swoop.” This is… the opposite of what I want. This is what Om Shanty Om does. I felt deeply cheated.

Relatedly, the entire theme of the movie was "When you want something badly, the whole universe conspires to give to you", a sentiment I wholeheartedly disagree with. I love stories about the conflict between agency and destiny, I think this is a really meaty subject, but once again, the movie used it as an excuse to let the characters sit back and do nothing and have a solution to their problems drop into their laps. I am sure you could make an argument for the charm of this viewpoint, but it is not for me.

I like dance numbers all right, but they are not why I watch Bollywood films. This movie is over two hours long and a lot of it was dance numbers. I was very tired of dance numbers by the end. That being said, the titular song was a bop and I had it stuck in my head for days. “Disco of Distress” was my second favorite.

I do not really feel a lot of nostalgia for the late 1970s, which is when the first half of the film takes place. If noisy patterns and kitsch and big winks and goofy hair is your period aesthetic, you will enjoy this part a lot!

Here’s what I did like!

Sunglasses. There were so many good sunnies in this film. So many. A parade of excellent shades.

Deepika Padukone. She is so adorable, for one, and she charmed me in every way that Shah Rukh Khan did not. I loved her both as the melancholy starlet Shanti and the doofy, gum-chewing Sandy, and also the Angry Revenge Ghost at the end. I would say this movie is 75% Om and 25% Shanti, and I would have liked it a lot better if it were the other way around. Sandy had basically no agency whatsoever; the second half of the plot was basically about O.K. getting revenge on Mukush... mostly for himself? I liked that the first half of the movie didn’t make Shanti fall in love with the puppy-like Om just because he was devoted to her, but it would have been a nice reversal if the jaded O.K. had softened toward Sandy more in the second act, and that there had been a bit of a love story to temper the revenge plot.

The idea of the plot. The plot described in words is very cool to me, and there was a period of about 3 minutes in the film when O.K. recognizes Om’s mother when I got real excited about where this was going, and then I realized it wasn’t going where I wanted and was sad again. I think I might have liked it better if the movie started out with O.K. and revealed Om’s story slowly, through flashback, but nothing about this movie catered to my narrative aesthetic, so I eventually gave up with ways of trying to fix it.

Anyway, as I said, I can definitely see how someone could love this movie! If you are a big Bollywood buff and you love dance numbers and silliness and Shah Rukh Khan, I would recommend it in a second! It was strangely almost tailor-made to hit some of my pet peeves, and I was mad because I wanted to like it more than I did.

That’s my review! @serene-faerie​ I hope you still love me even though I didn’t like your movie. I am always trying to expand my movie knowledge and I learned a lot watching this one, and I don’t regret watching it, even though it wasn’t my fave.

[stevenismyboy]

I like me better when I’m with you ~Part 2.

This fic was posted first on my main blog which is captainelsaeverdeen. I started my own blog only for my imagines and I moved all my work from there to here. Hope you guys would enjoy this! <3

There’s so little Steve in this, but he’ll be in the next parts all. the. time! And yeah, I named the coach after Troy Bolton from HSM. I can totally imagine him as a strict PE teacher if his music career didn’t work out… Anyways, hope you guys will like it! Gif not mine.

summary: based on ‘To All The Boys I Loved Before’. Y/N Henderson used to be in love a couple of times. This time she’s sure it’s something bigger, something serious. Her love for Jonathan Byers is unlimited, untamed and endless. At least she thought so. You can find my Masterlist here.

-

That kiss.

Steve couldn’t concentrate. Why now, after all this time? From what he remembered the last time you guys talked, he was about your brother’s age. Your contact was limited to a short “hello” in the hallway and waving at each other in town. Nothing else.

He kissed you because Carol couldn’t shut up. He remembered perfectly well how his dad let him sit behind the wheel of his car and little Steve invited to Y/N, Carol and Tommy, his best friends so far. Carol made fun of Y/N all day because she had never been kissed before. There is nothing wrong with that, but little Y/N was so embarrassed that Steve did what he thought was right. He leaned out of the driver’s seat and gently kissed the little girl’s mouth so that Carol could choke on her chewing gum for once.

Only a year later, Y/N realized that Tommy and Carol were not the people she wanted to deal with. She thought they were egotistical, mean, and idiots enjoying others’ failures. And she was right. Steve didn’t understand that until now. Too bad he figured it out too late.

“Dude, what’s going on? Focus before Billy kicks our ass even more, come on!” His teammate hit him on the shoulder. Steve twisted his head and wiped out all the intrusive thoughts. “Yeah, Steve. Concentrate. We don’t want anything to happen to you" Billy said sarcastically. It doesn’t matter why she sent the letter. You can’t play with someone’s feelings. He wanted to explain it as gently as he could and maybe he did. He didn’t find out because Y/N ran away as soon as Jonathan got on the field.

But why she was scared of Jonathan Byers?

-

“Girl, come on” Robin sighed, leaning her hands on her school locker. You sat down on the floor and pulled your knees up to your chest, holding them with your hands to keep them from shaking. You wanted to cry, scream, vomit, or do it all at once. Steve got a letter. Your letter. It didn’t belong to him, it belonged to you. Although it was addressed to him, your thoughts, your feelings were there. He should never have read it. Not to mention Jonathan. “Please, I’m starting to worry. What the hell did he tell you?”

“Robin…” Your voice broke down when you tried to speak. “He… he got a letter”. “What letter?” Your friend pushed herself away from the locker. “From who? What was in it?”

“From me” You said, raising your head a little. The corridor was empty because everyone was in class. Only an angry coach could show up here at any time. You clenched your fingers so tightly on your shirt that your ankles got whacked. “But please promise me you won’t laugh”.

“I don’t feel like laughing. But I feel like I’m way too sober for this”. “I… you know I’m not good at talking about my feelings. It’s much easier for me to write about them. So… so when I really care about someone, I write a letter to that person. I confess my love, I say what I like about that person and how much I care about them… and that’s it. I put the envelope on and hide the letter in the room. It’s just that… someone sent them. Somebody had to, because Steve and Jonathan got theirs.”

Robin was quiet for a while. She bit her lower lip, started going back and forth around the hallway, removing nail polish until she stopped next to you. “Normally, I’d probably say something funny, but it’s not funny at all”. “I think I’m gonna throw up” you said quietly. Robin gathered your hair into a ponytail. “Calm down” she said and sat next to you on the dirty floor. “Just take a deep breath”.

“Take a deep breath? It feels like my insides are being ripped out” you said devastated. “How many letters did you write?” Robin asked. You showed her five fingers. “Do I know the others?”. “One of them goes to school with us. I don’t have any contact with the other two” you answered. “I can understand absolutely everything, but… Steve? Stephen Harrington? When was that? Why don’t I know anything about it?”.

“So long ago we didn’t know each other” you smiled at each other. “In seventh grade. I was friends with him… and with Tommy and Carol. But those two are assholes, and I realized that early on, so I stopped hanging out with them. Steve gave up our friendship for the sake of friendship with Tommy and Carol. We don’t talk from now on. But it used to be different”.

“Y/N, you in there?” someone asked, suddenly showing up in the hallway. You knew that voice. You didn’t remember exactly from where, but it was definitely familiar, the name of its owner was at the end of your tongue.

“We’re in the middle of something” Robin muttered when Stanley from the homecoming who should be in class now stood over you, his sneakers were squealing on the linoleum. He just stood there for a while and stared at you until he started rocking on his feet and waved in front of his face with a blue envelope. Robin whistled loudly.

“So this is the third one” she muttered. Stanley scratched himself in the back of the neck. “Look, I didn’t mean to barge in on you. I saw you run in here from the pitch, and I wanted to make sure you’re okay, and, uh…” he gave you an envelope. You took it carefully in your hands, and pressed it against your chest. “Thought you might want that back. It seemed a little personal”.

“Yeah, it is” you said, looking away from him and Robin. Your heart was beating in your chest, not wanting to calm down. “I wrote it years ago. It should never have reached you… but it did”. “I had a lot of fun that night too” the boy smiled. Robin raised her eyebrow. “At the homecoming. But… Y/N don’t get me wrong, you’re great, but… generally, I don’t like girls… like at all”.

“Well, well. Generally I don’t like boys, like, at all” Robin smiled fiercely. Stanley looked at her surprised, but in this positive sense. “You’re gonna get along with each other” you waved the envelope, afraid you’d faint without air. “Here’s what we gonna do” Robin turned around, still sitting with her legs crossed and grabbed your hands. “You’re gonna go back home and make sure Dustin has nothing to do with it. Search your room carefully, maybe the other two are still there”.

“Even if, those three could ruin my life the most. No offense” you said, and Stan raised his hands. “Dustin certainly didn’t do it. That’s not possible. He wouldn’t have a reason”. “You think so. You never know. Go and call me. I’ll cover for you.”  

“From Coach Bolton? He’ll never forgive you this” Stan grumbled dissatisfied. “Thank you, Stanley. That comment was completely unnecessary” Robin rolled her eyes. Everything seemed to be passing at an accelerated rate. Staying in the dressing room, coming home on a bike, as if time had decided to help you and let you go home as soon as possible. Mom was already inside, just like Dustin. You ran up the stairs so fast that you stepped on Mews’ tail and she was furious.

“Y/N! What’s the meaning of this, you didn’t see her or what?!” mom was screaming completly outrageous, but you didn’t listen to her. You fell into the room, stopped on the bed and took the vinyl off the shelf.

It was empty.

You looked under the bed, under the desk and under the dresser. Shit, you even looked under the carpet and pillows. Nothing. Nothing at all.

“You took anything out of my room?” you asked when you went into Dustin’s room. “Why would I?” your brother break away from his homework for a while “I’m not getting excited about your bras”.

“When the last time party was here, or whoever was in my room?” you asked. Dustin didn’t answer, so you ripped his math notebook from him. “Yes or no?” “Jesus Christ” Dustin rolled his eyes. “I don’t know. I don’t control them. I just let Max in. They were messing with Lucas and he poured hot chocolate on her shirt. I said she could take something of yours, so I gave her a little privacy. But she already gave it back. It’s in the laundry basket.”

“It’s not about the stupid shirt…” you just shut up, left the room and went back to yours. “Hey… Hey! What is it? You don’t think she stole something…” your brother’s voice was jammed by the sound of the door closing. You slammed it a little too much. You slid slowly to the ground, pushing your back against the wall.

The letters are out. They’re out. There’s nothing you can do about it. Happiness in misery, Chris’s letter was adressed to the bunks at the camp, so at least he’ll never know how cute he looked in his swimsuit.

“You got the letter” Dustin knocked slowly into your room, but you didn’t say anything. “It’s from… from some Ralph. From Florida. Mom says the chicken will be ready soon”.

And he slipped a brown envelope through a gap under the door. Ralph’s not Steve, Stan, or Jonathan, so his answer probably wouldn’t have caused any emotion, but your heart literally stopped beating when you reached for the letter. But it wasn’t an answer. Ralph just sent your letter back. No message, no comment. He just returned something that never belonged to him.

You hid your face in your hands, trying to calm down. Today you managed to escape from Jonathan, which was great, but you can’t do it forever, not every day until the end of school. Sooner or later you will have to talk to him. If not with him, you’ll have to talk with Nancy. What if he told her? What if she already knows and now she hates you with all her heart?

Dear Jonathan. There are songs you can’t listen to without thinking about a particular person. There are movies where the characters experience something so wonderful that you’d like to be in their place. And there are people you just can’t fall in love with. I think I found one.

Shut up. Don’t think about it. Call Robin. Tell her the situation is looking hopeless and lock yourself in your room for the rest of your life. When you got up to grab the phone, when the tears were squeezing into your eyes because it was all fucking unrealistic, mom screamed from the living room.

“Y/N! Jonathan is waiting for you downstairs! Come say hi!”

Taglist: @krazykatkay456 @mochminnie @ghostineleven @sydzygy @queen1054

[elisaphoenix13]

Against All Odds (Ch.13)

They slept through the night when they fell asleep and Scott slept soundly in the security of Quill's arms. When he woke up the next morning, Scott was alone in his bed but the part of the mattress where Quill had slept was still warm so Scott was only worried that the older teen might have left now that he got into the younger's pants. It was a small worry. The rest of him truly believed that Quill meant what he said the night before and had simply slipped from the bed to use the bathroom.

When Scott lifted his head to look at his bathroom door though, he found it open and devoid of his boyfriend. His small worry grew bigger as he looked around his room and when he still didn't see Quill, he got out of bed and got dressed when he found that the older teen must have cleaned them up sometime after Scott passed out. He would shower properly once he figured out where Quill wandered off to.

He pulls on his boxers and the closest shirt he could find (which happened to be Quill's and dampened that worry he had) and shuffles out of his bedroom with a yawn. He rubs the remaining sleep from his eyes as he starts to walk down the stairs, but then stops on the last few steps when he hears a hushed conversation from the kitchen around the corner.

"....if you hurt him--" Stephen hisses out.

"What the hell do you take me for?!"

"You've had other relationships. He's new to all of this. All of it."

"I love him." Quill argues and Stephen scoffs.

"How many people have you said that to?"

There was a pregnant silence and Scott's heart dropped into his stomach as he wondered the same thing. Quill did have other relationships before so Scott couldn't have been the first person he had feelings for, right? The older teen's confession suddenly didn't feel as genuine.

"None."

What?

"What?" Stephen echoes Scott's thoughts and Quill huffs.

"I never said that to anyone. Scott is the first." The oldest admits.

"...why?"

"Others were just worried about sex and being able to brag about the fact they were able to get that from me...but Scott...he's different. He doesn't want that attention. He just wants to be loved, to be seen, and I want to give that to him. He could stop talking to me altogether and it might hurt me but I would back off if that made him happy. I just want to see him smile."

Stephen sighs. "Did you pressure him into having sex?"

"I...I don't think so. I told him he can tell me to stop at any time and he didn't."

"I'm serious about what I said. If you hurt him, I will come after you."

"That's the last thing I want."

Scott turns and returns back upstairs with a smile and grabs some clean clothes from his dresser before jumping in the shower. Halfway through his quick scrub down, he hears a thud and stifles a laugh when he hears Quill gripe about the 'fucking wall' that he ran into for the third time and it made Scott wonder if Quill had run into it when he carried Scott up to bed when he was sick all that time ago. Considering he walked into the corner every time he tried to walk around it to get to Scott's room, it was very likely.

When the younger finally shuts off the shower, he towels himself dry and gets dressed in a t-shirt and sweatpants before opening the bathroom door and he finds Quill standing in the middle of the room and scratching the back of his head. When the older teen turns to face him, Scott tilts his head curiously when he finds a look of confusion on his boyfriend's face.

Of course, that was after he admired the muscles out on display.

"...you seen it?"

Scott blinks and looks up at Quill's face. "What?"

Quill smirks. "Have you seen my shirt?"

"Oh...uh…" Scott turns back to the bathroom and grabs Quill's shirt from the floor before turning and holding it out to his boyfriend. "I...borrowed it for a second."

"Man, I missed out on that?" The older complains as he pulls his shirt on. "Stephen is here. He brought tacos for lun--hey!"

If there was one thing at the top of the list of things Scott loved, tacos was one of them, and he would gladly ditch Quill to have them. He practically ran out of his room, almost tripped down the stairs when he himself ran into the corner of the wall that Quill was friendly with, and just made it to the kitchen counter when the bag sitting on it was plucked out of his reach. Scott pouts when Stephen holds it out of his reach and raises an eyebrow at him, and the youngest sighs when the junior points to the table.

"You don't get the bag. It's the one time I'm afraid you won't leave anything for us." Stephen pulls out a few tacos and hands them as well as a Capri Sun to Scott who takes them to the table to munch on happily.

"Dude, I just got ditched for tacos." Quill complains as he walks into the kitchen and accepts the tacos Stephen holds out to him. "Thanks Mom." Stephen glares at him and pointedly looks at Quill while he shakes a soda can and offers it to the oldest boy. "You're a dick."

"Don't call me Mom."

"You act like one." Quill says as he picks up his shaken soda and holds it out over the sink before opening it. He grimaces when some of the bubbly drink overflows and drips on his hands and then takes a drink when it finally settles. "Especially toward Scott."

"He's like a little brother to me."

The two oldest boys look over at the table when they hear Scott hack and watch the boy cough on the mouthful of juice he had in his mouth. A little brother? Sure, Scott sort of looked at Stephen like the older brother he never had, but he never would have believed that the sentiment would be returned. To be honest, Stephen was a friend, a sibling, and a parent all rolled into one person because he took care of Scott. Since his mom and dad weren't around to do it, Stephen took the job on for himself.

For the most part. He was still only sixteen after all. Stephen really would be a great parent if he had kids in the future.

"Are you okay?" Stephen asks him and Scott waves at him as he unwraps his third taco.

"Fine. Wrong pipe." He wheezes out.

The other two join him at the table with their own food and Scott smiles when Stephen slips another juice pouch to him when the youngest finishes his first one. They both glance at Quill after Scott stabs his straw into the second pouch, and again a flash crossed the senior's eyes, but this time Stephen noticed it. He furrowed his eyebrows and looks at Scott to silently ask if he saw it too, and Scott shrugs his confirmation. As if to say 'yeah I saw it, but I don't know what it was.'

It was the truth after all. Scott was starting to notice a pattern to the weird flashes though. They only happened when Scott was visibly happy. Stephen unfortunately wasn't curious enough to ask Quill about it, but it made sense since it was the first time he saw it happen. He probably assumed the same thing Scott did when he first saw it. That it was a trick of the light.

"So did you get your sister all caught up with whatever event she signed up to help with?" Quill asked around a mouthful of taco and Stephen scrunches his nose in disgust.

"Yes. Got home and found out she was helping with the egg hunt and the spring play. I spent most of yesterday filling plastic eggs with chocolate and painting props after helping my brother with his homework." Stephen drawls.

"Sounds boring."

"Extremely...but I at least got her caught up."

Scott sucks the remaining bits of sour cream off his fingers. "Did there happen to be any extra chocolate?"

"Some." Stephen nods. "I ate it all though."

Quill snickers. "Sounds like Stephen is a chocolate whore."

The junior kicks Quill's shins under the table and the older boy hisses at the sudden painful attack. Scott smirks as he lazily drinks his juice while the other two finish their lunch and then starts to budget his remaining money in his head. If he puts a few bucks aside, he could probably buy himself some chocolate since he never got himself that luxury before. He never really cared about holidays until recently, and wouldn't mind at least getting himself a treat after discovering how wonderful the holidays could be.

"I think I have a few extra dollars." Scott eventually says as he looks at Quill. "Could you take me to the store so I can maybe buy some chocolate or something?"

"Sure. Early Easter celebration?"

"A birthday present too. Can't afford to celebrate both separately." Scott answers with a shrug and pauses when the two older boys freeze and stare at him. "What?"

"Birthday?" Stephen asks slowly.

"Hmm? Oh yeah. It's today."

The next five minutes happened in a blur. Scott startled when the two older teens jumped out of their seats, and he squeaked when Stephen grabbed his wrist and dragged him out of his chair and up to his room. He then had a pair of pants thrown at him and then his boots when he changed into his jeans, and he barely got his shoes tied when he was dragged back downstairs and out the front door and practically thrown into the back of Quill's car. He had no idea what was going on. Quill and Stephen were speaking so fast that it seemed like they were speaking in tongues and Scott's mind was still spinning from the flurry of being dragged up and down the stairs at home. Quill dropped Stephen off at the mall after slipping him some money that Scott almost didn't catch, and then before he knew it, he and Quill were parked outside an ice cream parlor.

"Quill? What's going on?" Scott flinches when the older teen turns in his seat to look at him in bewilderment.

"We're celebrating your birthday as well as we can since we just found out about it twenty minutes ago. How can I be dating you and not know when your birthday is?"

"Celebrating birthdays is actually a thing?!"

"Sugar, you're breaking my heart."

Scott blinks as Quill gets out of the car and he climbs out of the backseat when he opens the back door and follows the older teen inside after Quill closes the car door.

"Tell me your favorite flavor and sit your pretty ass down."

"Umm...mint chocolate chip."

Quill grins. "I should have known."

Scott find a table after telling Quill his preferred ice cream flavor, and before he knew it, he was tucked into Quill's side eating way too much ice cream with him and Stephen (who made it to the ice cream shop within an hour somehow) and having half a dozen wrapped gifts shoved in his direction. Scott's first thought was how Quill and Stephen afforded all of this. Were allowances a thing too? Just how much was he really missing out on in his life?

================

Scott fumbles with the zipper of his hoodie as he walks toward his locker the morning of his first day back at school after spring break ended and finally sheds it when he manages to unzip it. It was starting to get too warm to wear a sweater for very long and Scott was starting to sweat when he made it to school. Quill wasn't at his house at his usual time to pick him up so Scott had to hoof it, assuming the older boy was running late, but he would see him before classes started or at lunch. When he arrived at his locker though, he found Stephen waiting for him and the older boy looked worried. Even more so when he noticed Scott.

"Scott...when's the last time you saw Quill?" Stephen asks as the younger opens his locker and stashes his sweater in it.

"The day after my birthday I think. Why?"

Scott looks back at Stephen and feels his blood run cold when he recognizes sympathy and sorrow in blue irises. Something was wrong. Is that why Stephen looked even more upset when he saw Scott? Because Quill wasn't with him? Now that he paid attention to the students around him, they were all giving Scott accusatory stares and he didn't even know why. Him dating Quill was old news and even Rachel seemed to have given up or at least backed off when the senior didn't show any intention of breaking up with Scott.

"Why?" Scott asks again.

Stephen inhales. "Scott...he's…"

"Stephen...what's going on?"

"Quill's missing. His grandfather filed a missing persons report on him four days ago." Stephen whispers.

Scott felt his world crumple around him.

[dappercritter]

what are your favorite lemon demon songs and why :D ?

Glad you asked! I’m always happy to talk about Lemon Demon music. (Even though it took me forever to respond. I am sorry about that!)

So without further ado, my favourite Lemon Songs are:

The Ultimate Showdown of Ultimate Destiny. This is basically one of those big, increasingly insane, multi-franchise mashups mega battle everyone made up when they were a kid set to a funky beat. How can you not love it? Another thing is that it all starts with Godzilla and Batman showing up and ticking each other off—not only is it hilarious imaging two of my childhood icons going at it, but it reminds me of a plan for an actual Godzilla vs. Batman crossover! …Okay, maybe I’m reading into things here.

The Only House That’s (Not) on Fire Yet. This is one of Lemon Demon’s more chill songs and I like that. It has all the fixing of your average LD song (snappy wordplay, musing on life, aloof singer character who may or may not be in his right mind,) but it has a calmer energy. When I listen to it, it feels like I’m wandering the house on a cool autumn evening, looking out on the neighbourhood, which is currently on fire, while plotting what to do next…

Reaganomics. This resonates with me for a couple of reasons: 1) I love me some criticism of short-sighted economic policies! 2) The lyrics of the song, while obviously making fun of how Reagan’s free-market economics were a nice idea that went nowhere (or at least nowhere good from what I heard), tell the story of a man who wants to save his love and his country from the oppression of a faulty capitalist economy that suffocates its citizens, when really he’s just making promises that he hopes everyone will believe. I’m no government official, but sometimes when I see everyone I know and love being run into the ground as the world seemingly plummets in an economic freefall brought on by rampant capitalism, I just can’t help but want to jump and help them. Oh, and this song is another slapper.

Touch-Tone Telephone. The hook is so infectious, I love the instrumentation, and it has a cute story to go with it: paranoid conspiracy theorist tries to get in touch with a radio host. What I love about it is how you can read into it. Is the theorist trying to prove that he’s actually onto something and not some crackpot, so that he can save the world and hopefully get some respect at long last? Or is he trying to admit his feeling for the radio host without sounding like a hopeless lunatic? …while also trying to save the world. It’s great fun to listen to, and it reminds me of some of the awkward conversations I’ve had with my friends as I try to get my convoluted point across.

Knife Fight. You can’t talk about this one without giving away the surprise, but let’s just I like how well it matches my two sides: edgy and silly.

Brodyquest. This song makes me want to watch Adrien Brody movies, dress up as Adrien Brody, and then parade through the streets with a keytar and an Oscar. Sometimes that’s all you need in a song.

White Bread Boyfriend. I’m a cishet white dude and this song is tailor-made to insult me, and every guy like me—and by Jove, it makes it sound good! Seriously though, this is literally the anthem for all the crappy, “mediocre” white guys who think they’re the most romantic human on the planet when, in reality, they’re self-centered D-bags with some obnoxiously low standards. Trust me when I say there’s nothing more cathartic than listening somebody make fun of these wankers. Not to mention it’s a helpful reminder for what not to do for if and when this wanker meets a girl who actually likes him. (*wink, wink*)

No Eyed-Girl. If there’s one thing I love it’s a good love song. If there’s another thing I love it’s the love between two people who come from two different worlds, and/or two people of different species. Especially one’s where one loves the other even though they’re an eldritch creature whose world can melt our brains. Wanting to be with someone, even if physical contact with you results in total vaporization, is beautiful. It’s the kind of devotion you just don’t see in love songs these days.

Cabinet Man. Without a doubt one of my favourites. It’s a fun song with a catchy beat about a horrible thing that happens to a man who loses his humanity as he turns into a hideous half-arcade-cabinet-half-human zombie. It’s a great showcase of Neil’s ability to write something that reads like a Stephen King story but plays like an absolute banger. It’s black comedy at its finest as the singer goes through the ups and downs of becoming a living arcade cabinet. Also, I will never get the chorus out of my head.

Aurora Borealis. This was the first Lemon Demon song that I listened to, and since I have a habit of making my first exposure to something my favourite, this is probably my all-time favourite. That and I’m a huge sucker for Christmas stuff. I love how it’s so sweet and so creepy at the same time, with a (dubiously human) guy trying to enjoy a romantic Christmas Eve with his lover amidst the end of the world. The ending tugs at my heartstrings, too, not just because Christmas is being marked by an eldritch apocalypse (actually that’s kind of cool), but because despite his best efforts, the singer’s plans falls apart and he’s left alone in the Yuletide hellscape. The electronic instrumentation and the sleigh bells make for a great sound, too.

Honourable Mention: It’s About to Get Weird. Remember what I said about firsts and favourites with “Aurora Borealis”? Well, I have a confession to make: Although that was my first Lemon Demon song, it wasn’t my first Neil Cicierega song—this was. I’m a huge Gravity Falls fan and when I first heard this song, I was genuinely disappointed they didn’t use it. In addition to being a great villain song for Bill, I love that it mixes gleeful showtunes with the most demented imagery; it’s not just Bill’s kind of song, it’s my kind of song, as well as a perfect introduction to Neil’s talents as singer and songwriter. Well, even if we didn’t hear it Weirdmaggeddon, at least we can listen to it whenever we want.

[ashleylikeshorror]

Stephen King’s “1922″: A Comparison Between the Novel & Netflix’s Adaptation

“In the end we are all caught in devices of our own making.��� 

It was that time again to find another book to read during those evenings where everyone in the home was off doing their own thing. Not wanting anything too long, I picked up Stephen King’s “Full Dark, No Stars.” The book features four short stories, but today I’ll be discussing only the first out of the four, as well as how I feel about the 2017 Netflix adaptation of it. 

As always: SPOILERS AHEAD  (Just to be clear, these spoilers will only be about 1922, and not any of the other three short stories from Full Dark, No Stars.)

The Novel 

I’ll be as blunt as I can possibly be. 1922 was one of the better things I’ve read in too long of a fucking time. When starting this portion of my post, I erased my first couple sentences because they were cheesy (albeit true), generic bullshit along the lines of “wow”, “simply brilliant”, or “Stephen King has done it again.” 

Our story starts out in the year of 1922 (surprising, eh?) and follows a certain sort of unfortunate fellow (of his own creation) named Wilfred James. If this story were told in any other format outside of being in the first person, I’m not sure how it would have turned out. It was because of that first person style of narration that 1922 carried along with it a certain sense of dread that had you both wanting Wilf to do better, all while resenting him for the bullshit he’d brought upon nearly everyone around him.

What I particularly loved about this book that kept me looking for any excuse to leave the comfort of my husband’s arms to let him do his own thing was the grit of it, and the eerily depicted depth of what guilt can do to a person. As his wife haunted him from the grave it was thoroughly appreciated that no one else could see just how miserable Wilf was. That even though his son was undoubtedly dragged along for the ride, no one was more tormented, dejected, nor beside himself than our narrator. And it was rightfully so as he had no one to blame other than himself. 

As the chain of events began to happen, I began to question myself if the punishment fit the crime. Even though it went unsaid, in his reality I imagine Mr. James was asking himself the same thing as well, eventually dismissing the thought because what would it matter? “What’s done is done.” Indeed. What had been done was done; the grave had been dug. The same grave appearing too small for a family plus whoever else, yet somehow managing to encompass all as though it were a clown car.  

Irony in any other case would have been welcomed with open arms for assholes like Wilfred James. In this case, it stung deep. Not for him, but for what was lost in effort to escape such fate. This irony stuck with me days after finishing the story. Hell - even now it’s bringing up a dull, warm, sad pit in my chest. Following the irony, the ending itself was a genuinely twisted phantasmagoria. Picturing it in my head while reading it next to my husband left my mouth agape to the point my husband chucked and had asked me what was going on since I’d been his TL;DR of the story for every section of it I’d read.  

The Film

*This is where the spoilers come in. Head’s up.  

Standalone, this might have a decent enough movie had it not been taking directly from any novel. However, that’s not the case, now is it? What I felt Netflix decided to give us was something I’m not sure was made with any plausible sort of good intention along the lines of “Stephen King fans are going to love this!”  It seemed more like “Eh, people eat Stephen King shit up like Thanksgiving dinner, so put the basics of the book on screen and wham-Done!” 

The film begins, and for about the first 45 mins of the film, stays true to the book down to the last detail (the ones they chose to show, at least). It was just as painful seeing Elphis fall down the well and groan for help as it was to read it. Details are fantastic and all, but not if the dread you loved in the novel is depicted absolutely nowhere. Where was that same atmosphere that had me hooked for all those many pages? 

Now don’t get me wrong, every single actor n’ actress did their part quite well. Thomas Jane made an excellent Wilfred James despite what I’d thought he’d might be. What was missing was a connection. I felt like I was just watching events happen. I wasn’t invested. I sat down every bit excited to see something that depressed me in all the ways it should depress anyone come to light on screen, only to feel unattached to anyone. Even if were someone else who saw 1922 and felt the same as me, unattached, at the very least they should’ve felt attached to their narrator, the protagonist, no matter if that attachment is wanting to see that Wilf get his just desserts, or wanting him to be the victor despite the tragedy he’s caused everyone. 

Again, standalone, this might have been a “just alright” sorta film, but because I knew what to expect, I wasn’t happy. I wasn’t happy for three main reasons which you better believe I’m going to go into here, as I immediately and beyond audibly bitched my television out after the credits began to roll. 

Reason One: The misrepresentation of Wilfred’s guilt; specifically the lack of Arlette’s taunting. The entire novel we’re graced with biting sarcasm from what Wilf was picturing his undead Arlette saying to him from beyond the grave. There was none of that torment anywhere - ANYWHERE - in the film. It were those comments in Wilf’s mind that accrued that anguish, that helped expedite his descent into madness, as well as what added to the grotesque depictions of rats, providing the gravitas of why they were there. Instead, what we’re given in the film was the one moment Arlette spoke to Wilf, which seemed more of a parental discussion than “Was it worth it, WIlf?” 

Reason Two: Progression. The hour and forty two minutes this movie plays goes by quite fast. Faster than it should resulting in it not doing any real favors for the sourced material. Stephen King’s plethora of fiction is not shy of resulting in two and a half hour, or even three plus hour long renditions on screen. I don’t give a fickedy-fackled-fuck how many pages 1922 was. It needed more than an hour and forty two minutes to secure any possible chance of maintaining the same dread as the story it was made after. It’s a whole-hearted belief of mine that it is this reason I wasn’t able to feel close with any of the characters as I once had before. Due to the length of the film, we hadn’t been given the appropriate time to know our characters, nor truly see the hard work that went into the development of the things being planned and executed as they were. 

Reason Three: How Netflix had chosen to change the ending. Don’t even start giving me that same horseshit I’ve already read up on about how it’s an open ending wherein Wilf could have taken his own life. “We don’t know for sure the spirits of those scorned took him.”  One of the reasons I was so ecstatic to see this movie was to see how the original written ending translated on screen. The film had been teasing us with the rats, his guilt, closing in on him through a hole in the wall of his hotel room. That built up tension made your intuition fly off the charts with that assured notion some shit was going to go down, and knowing what to expect, I was more than one hundred percent let the fuck down. 

The rats were supposed to eat him. The rats were supposed to eat him amidst him writing the last of his confession. The rats were supposed to be finally shown to us as Wilfred biting himself. Why, oh why, Netflix, did you not show us Thomas Jane chowing down on himself? Surely, undoubtedly, CERTAINLY this would have been far more disturbing than three spirits, three corpses coming to claim him. I mean, fuckin’ aye, my dudes. The news article that followed afterwards was what sealed the deal on the ending of the novel  making it that much more disturbing. What Netflix did here seemed like a cheap, half-assed way of ending the movie. I would say they did it to truly push that horror towards the viewer, to leave them an ending that would “stick with em”, but good lord almighty, what a miss. What a frustratingly bad miss. 

Maybe one day I’ll go back and give the movie another shot. Maybe I’ll judge it for what it is, instead of what I wanted it to be. Right now though, I’m just disappointed in the ways the viewer shouldn’t be disappointed. It is for that reasoning alone, that I won’t put a rating today. I’ll rate the book separately just as I will go back and rate the movie (eventually) on its own as what it is later on down the line. 

It just sucks having your hype shat on like that. 

¯\_(ツ)_/¯

[dramaticwrites]

The Truth About Book Lists

Title: The Truth About Book Lists

Fandom: Dear Evan Hansen

AO3 Link:  Here

Pairing:  Jared Kleinman/Connor Murphy, Evan Hansen & Jared Kleinman Friendship

Summary:   Jared finds out about Evan trying to read Connor's favorite books. Once Jared finds out about the books that were listed he has a strong opinion on the validity of the list. Turns out there is a reason Jared might have a strong opinion on the list of books.

“Psh do you know how much a person’s taste could change in four years? There is no Stephen King, no Unwind series, no Fun Home. Do you know how excited he was when I gave him Fun Home?”

“I get that...I mean…” Evan paused tilting his head slightly. “What do you mean you?”

It was Saturday night and Jared had found himself at Evan for a sleepover under the pretense that his parents were going to allow him to go away for spring break if he did.  Of course at this point Evan had figured that Jared was all talk and no bite but if that is what he needed to say to make himself feel better it was only Evan’s feelings getting hurt and not any of the walls Jared built up for his castle.  Plus Evan’s mom was always gone so they were mostly able to do whatever they wanted which was usually watching horror movies, because Jared loved making Evan jump, which was much better than Jared’s house which was filled with far too many siblings and parents.  

The two had gone up to Evan’s room to grab a few things before starting the movie when Jared noticed a book sitting split down the middle on Evan’s bookshelf.  “Why the fuck are you reading Ready Player One?”  Jared asked, dropping onto Evan’s bed, flipping through the pages aimlessly.  “That’s not your kind book.  Trying to get into a girls pants?”

Evan let out a squeak out as he reached for the book.  “Hey, um, no, just give it back.”

Jared turned his back to Evan laughing.  “Oh come on.  Just tell me.  What is she ugly or something.”

“No!  I mean no.  I mean there isn’t a girl.”  Evan tried to explain as he tried to reach around and grab the book from Jared who seemed determined to keep it out of reach.  

“Oooh a boy?  I knew it!”  Jared cackled as he turn as he read from the pages. “‘I was in love with her. I could feel it, deep in the soft, chewy caramel center of my being.’  Dude what kind of nerd are you trying to hook up with?”   

“I’m not trying trying to hook up with anyone!”  Evan shrieked, his face turning bright red.

“Well why else would you read this book?”  Jared asked, tipping his glasses forward.  “Don’t you usually stick with those happy romance movies?”

“Okay fine.  You want to know why I’m reading this book-”

“-I wouldn’t have asked otherwise.”

“I found a list of Connor Murphy’s favorite books from the eighth grade and I though, maybe if I read them…”  Evan trailed off when he noticed at Jared was staring at him with the most unreadable expression on his face.  It was unsettling to say the least, Jared Kleinman was known for being very open with his expressions, something Evan was usually grateful for since it made him easy enough to read. “Can you say something...please?”

Instead Jared just started laughing.  It started as a light chuckle that worked its way up to a full body laugh.  “That’s the lamest thing I’ve heard in awhile.”  

“It’s not lame.” Evan said quietly, pushing his hands into his pockets, “It’s just...after everything...I don't know I thought it was a way to get to know him.”

“Seriously?  You thought you could get to know the school freak through a book list from the eighth grade.”  Jared laughed, though they were slowly dying down. “Can I see the list?”

“You’re just going to laugh at me.”  Evan said, though he made his way over to the desk where he had keep the journal he had found the list in.  

“Oh I don’t need this list to do it.” Jared said sitting up on the bed and snatching the list from him.  Evan took this opportunity to grab the book Jared had discarded and place it on the shelf opposite the bed before turning back to Jared who seemed to actually be studying the list intently.  

When Jared hadn’t said anything for a few minutes, Evan asked. “So...what do you think?”

“Same as before.  It’s bullshit.”  Jared laughed leaning back.  “Come on, half of these aren’t favorite type books but books you just put them on a favorites list because you read them recently.  I mean John Grisham is on the list.  John Grisham!”

“I don’t know?  He could have liked John Grisham.  I don’t know what he would have liked.  Nobody does, that’s why I’m trying.”  Evan tried to explain.  “After everything we did, I kind feel like I owe it to him.”

“We?!”  Jared said jumping off the bed.

“I...everything I did.”  Evan tried to cover himself.  “It’s not much, but it’s the best thing I can think of.”

“Psh do you know how much a person’s taste could change in four years?  There is no Stephen King, no Unwind series, no Fun Home.  Do you know how excited he was when I gave him Fun Home?”

“I get that...I mean…” Evan paused tilting his head slightly.  “What do you mean you?”

“It was the royal you stupid.  Like I’d have anything to do with Hot Topic.”  Jared said quickly.  “Did you start your English homework?”

“No, you said you gave him Fun House?”  Evan said slowly as if each word was a mystery.  “And how would you know what books he read?”

Jared stared for a moment, his hands curling around the journal in his hand, the pages curling up in his hands.  “Look you need to clean out your ears, you got dirt in there or something.  Now did you start the English homework or not because-”

“Jared!”  Evan cried, reaching out but hesitating before grabbing Jared’s wrists.  “I just -I mean I don’t -I mean -did you ever talk to Connor?”

“No.  I mean, fuck you, why would I hang out with the lost Fall Out Boy?”  Jared said, his words started strong but turned to a whisper with each word.  

“Jared-”  Evan started.

“-I mean it's not like we did a lot of talking.”  He cut in, his eyes focused just behind Evan.  Not wanting to look down, but not willing to meet his eye.

Evan sucked in a breath, staring at Jared with wide eyes.  “W-what do you mean by-”

“I used to spend a lot of time with his tongue in my mouth.”  Jared said, tossing his hands in the air frantically and looking at Evan for the first time in awhile.  “Happy?”

Evan felt his knees start to shake as he sat himself on the chair next to his desk.  “Jared, that’s not a funny joke.  I mean-”

“Yeah…”  Jared cut him off and Jared turned to look at Evan.  “Right I was just making a funny joke.  That’s what I’m good for…”

“Jared-”  Evan tried to cut in but he couldn’t find the right words to finish the sentence.  

“No I mean I was just pulling your leg, you’re so easy to mess with.”  Jared laughed, but it wasn’t his usual laugh it was much tighter and his eyes stayed in the constant alert position.

Evan hovered awkwardly.  He had a choice, he could either go with it or he could press on.  “Yeah, yeah I’m easy to mess with.”  Evan conceded.  “I mean I’m sure you would have said something when it happened.  Everyone else was taking advantage of his death, nobody would have questioned it.”

That seemed to be the right thing to say because Jared dropped the journal and slid back onto the bed.  “Yeah,  Of course.  Unless you actually killed the dude.”

There was a moment of silence, Jared staring at Evan and Evan opening and closing his mouth, unsure what to say except.  “Well it was a suicide?  He killed himself?”

“Yeah...yeah he did.”  Jared said slowly flopping back onto the bed and staring up at the ceiling.  There room fell to silence and Evan was almost sure Jared had fallen asleep.  “But I was the asshole who broke him.”

Evan felt shivers run up and down his spine at the cold tone of Jared’s voice. “I don’t think calling him school shooter-”

“I broke up with him.”  Jared said coldly, sitting up to look Evan dead in the eye.  He didn’t have the mischievous look on his face that he usually had when he messed with Evan, which was most of the time.  No, this was cold and hard, he looked at Evan as if daring him to push his buttons.

“You, um, you, dated?”  Evan said, trying to piece together what he was hearing.  “I mean you -you dated -you dated Connor?!”  Each phrase grew more and more frantic until he was shrieking.  Suddenly he was very glad his mom picked up another shift.

“No.”  Jared said quickly, his cold look fading. “Yes.  I mean no we weren’t really dating.  Defining that sort of thing is totally uncool.”  He explained quickly before falling silent.  “But I think he wanted to.”  Evan wasn’t good with words but even he could hear the unspoken ‘I wanted to too’.

“Are you messing with me?”  Evan asked, looking around to see if this was some kind of weird prank video Jared was trying to make for his amusement.  When Jared didn’t answer he got up and sat next to him.  It was only then he noticed the small track of tears behind Jared’s glasses, causing Evan to take a deep inhale of breath.  

“We fought right before I went to camp and he went to rehab.  I was so mad at him because I didn’t get what he actually wanted. I went a fucked some kid at camp because I was pissed.”  Jared said trailing off.  “It was stupid.  And then I got stupider and told him when I got back.  Less than a week later he was dead.”

“Jared-”

“Don’t,”  Jared cut in, wiping his eyes sharply.  “Now you know.  You can go around telling everyone.”

“I’m not going to tell anyone.”  Evan said, scooting closer to Jared while not quite touching him.  “Though I mean I’m sure the Murphy’s would love to hear about this.  I mean, it’s up to you, obviously.”  

“‘Hey guys, I’m the reason your son killed himself wanna invite me in?’, yeah no thanks.”  Jared mimicked, Evan winced.  There was a silence as Jared flopped back on the bed, closing his eyes.  “He did love me….I think.”

“Yeah.”  Evan said unsurely but falling back on the bed next to Jared.

“I think...I think I love him too.” Jared confessed, his voice catching at the end.  Evan didn’t know what to say, instead he just lay there next to Jared not moving.  After a few moments Jared scooted closer, not overly close but just enough so their arms were touching. The two lay in silence until Jared’s breathing slowly steadied out followed by Evan.  In the morning Evan would pointedly made a choice not to say anything about what was said.  Though Evan made a point of adding the books Jared mentioned to his Amazon cart, knowing he may never know the real Connor, but at least someone might have.  

[thequeensfan1117]

The Greatest Star (Draft 1)

Fandom: Glee Summary: When Kurt ‘lands’ the role of Officer Krupke in West Side Story, he’s surprised to receive a better opportunity. Characters: Kurt Hummel, OC Note: This is an incomplete draft. I plan on re-writing this from the ground up.

Drew had decided not to audition for the school musical when he found out it would be West Side Story. Nothing against Stephen Sondheim, but it was a downgrade from Romeo and Juliet. Well, Maria surviving could be an improvement to some, but he just saw it as a more depressing ending.

Besides, if Jules’s Phantom audition went well, he had to be in the front row for her opening night.

Anyway, just because he wasn’t auditioning didn’t mean he couldn’t sneak in before the process began and watch. It was a way more entertaining hour than History, and who knows? Maybe a kid would actually blow him away.

However, he knew that Coach Beiste and Ms. Pillsbury were in charge of direction. And if they caught him cutting, he’d get a one-way ticket to Figgins’s office. Not fun.

Some of them were quite bland. Sure, some of the girls auditioning for Maria sounded pretty enough, but the prospective Tonys were all flat. and the auditions for minor roles were just as boring (well, except for Mike Chang’s rendition of “Cool”). Just as he was about to sneak back out, he spotted Kurt Hummel from the glee club.

Drew rolled his eyes when Hummel announced that he was also auditioning for Tony and bit his lip when he heard the song choice. It didn’t matter if you were gay or straight. A guy singing a Barbra Streisand song was just ridiculous.

But then… Hummel started singing.

Sure, Drew had heard much better voices. Growing up in a family of theater freaks came with those perks. That didn’t matter. Hummel was on his own level of brilliance. If the “judges” watching the performance didn’t pick him to play Tony, he would be compelled to ask them what they were smoking right now.

Just as he was sure Hummel had no more tricks up his sleeve, the other boy pulled out a pair of sai swords. As he started twirling them, Drew felt his jaw drop and had to hold onto something to keep himself from clapping his hands like a madman. That maneuver just raised the audition up by about 20 points.

It was official. Kurt Hummel was the best candidate for the role of Tony. If only Drew were able to influence the decision.

—

A few days later, the cast list was up. Drew was so curious, he felt that he would burst into flames if he didn’t look at the harmless sheet of paper.

He had an okay feeling. He didn’t know Hummel. The two hadn’t passed each other at all, but was that necessary to know when a star shone?

Okay, that sounds weird. Like I’m in love with a dude I never even talked to.

But Jules got to play one of the Christines in Phantom, and he was rooting for her and Hummel equally. So, that was a good sign, he guessed.

He shook his head and walked over. The kids in the crowd had no way of knowing that he didn’t actually audition, so they put up minimal resistance. He made it to the front and looked for Hummel’s name.

When he found it, he was suddenly overcome with vicarious outrage.

Hummel was cast, all right… as Officer Krupke.

And one of the most generic kids who’d auditioned got the part of Tony alongside Rachel Berry’s Maria.

Drew took a deep breath and pushed his way past the crowd again. He couldn’t believe that someone with a voice that could land numerous Tony awards didn’t get to to sing one line in the musical.

When he got to the bathroom, his temper was still flaring. Splashing his face didn’t help.

But why do I care so much?

That’s it. He needed to talk to someone. He yanked on his dark blond ponytail with one hand and dialed his sister’s number with the other. He heard three rings on the other line before she answered.

“Drew? You’re not outside, are you?”

She sounded tired and slightly annoyed.

“Nah, I’m still at McKinley.”

He took a deep breath.

“So what’s up?” she asked.

He told her about Hummel’s awesome audition. Even though Jules didn’t get to hear that voice, she knew that he wasn’t a liar.

“And then they give him a bit part. I dunno why, but I’m pissed.”

She was silent for a bit.

“So… when ya bringing him home to meet Mom and Dad?” she asked slyly.

“Julia! It’s not like that.”

Time to change the subject.

“How’s Phantom going?”

“Not great. We still don’t have the managers cast, and our Raoul broke his leg today. But other than that, the blocking was solid and the costumes are looking good.”

“Oy, you’re so arrogant sometimes. Of course your Christine dresses are amazing,” he drawled with an exaggerated hand limp that Jules couldn’t see.

“Shut up. So, if your new crush is so amazing, why don’t you try to get him to come down here and try out?”

Drew groaned.

“Not gay, Jules.”

“Yeah, you just screw girls. Doesn’t mean you’re not bi. Especially since his singing practically made you pop a boner.”

He ignored that.

“Anyway, you might be onto something. Problem is, I’ve never said one word to him. How do I come up to him without sounding like a creepy-ass stalker?”

“Dunno. But… can you pwease try for me?”

Her baby talk was bearable without the accompanying puppy-dog pout, but he still rolled his eyes.

“Fine. But no promises.”

With that, he hung up. This was gonna be a challenge.

—

Kurt sighed as he walked to his locker. He’d really hoped he had a shot at playing Tony. Well… maybe he should have expected to get a small role after hearing the comments Artie, Ms. Pillsbury, and Coach Beiste made after his first audition. But he thought that proving his worth as a male lead would change their minds, not get him laughed out of the auditorium.

Maybe Coach Beiste was right. Maybe he was too feminine to play Tony after all.

What he didn’t expect, however, was Artie’s choice to go ahead and cast Blaine as Tony. Sure, his boyfriend had sung ‘Something’s Coming’ – a Tony song – but he’d also specified that he wanted a minor role. Had Artie forgotten that part of Blaine’s audition?

To his credit, Blaine had been just about to go to Ms. Pillsbury’s office and tell her that he couldn’t play Tony. But Kurt had stopped him. He couldn’t take away the chance for Blaine to shine after his boyfriend had transferred out of Dalton!

Unfortunately for Kurt, that meant he would be playing Officer Krupke.

Speaking of Blaine, he’d been acting strangely all day. Kurt’s first assumption was that he still felt guilty over ‘stealing’ Tony away from him. He was always quick to reassure him that that wasn’t the case. A role in a school musical was not something to fight over.

But then Kurt noticed the boy. In fact,he and Blaine had ended up near him on more than one occasion.

He was quite good-looking, with dark blond hair long enough to necessitate a low ponytail and piercing green eyes. His skin was slightly tanned, and he wore shirts that emphasized his broad shoulders. Kurt guessed that despite his appearance, this boy was a junior.

Blaine had never looked away from him, even when Kurt did. This made the reasoning for his sudden change in demeanor painfully clear.

Kurt could only hope that Blaine had the decency to confess his attraction towards the other boy before acting on it.

Thanks to Kurt’s free period, he had the time to get ready for the next few classes and think his situation over. What was he going to do for his application now? He had hoped that placing all of his hopes on just NYADA and West Side Story would be enough. And while the school year had just begun, he didn’t want to waste too much time thinking up an impromptu Plan B.

His thoughts were interrupted by a pink piece of paper falling out of his locker the moment he opened it. The first thing he noticed was that the little square was folded several times, and haphazardly at that, before it was shoved into the locker. After a few moments of wondering just who was responsible for this, he carefully unfolded the paper and skimmed through its contents.

It was a flyer for a local production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s The Phantom of the Opera. Even though it would be directed by a high school rivaling McKinley, students from all over Lima were able to go ahead and audition.

Is this a joke?

Kurt steadied his breath and waited for his heart to start beating again. Sure, the kids of McKinley were cruel enough to vote him for Prom Queen last year, but how would they know about this? The flyer in his hands was the first and only one he had seen.

Kurt nodded and made a mental note of the address before tucking the flyer into a folder in his locker.

He’d go after school and see what happened.

—

The auditions were apparently being held in a community theater. Due to the building’s size, Kurt was nearly tempted to get back in his car, peel out of the driveway, and head home.

There were likely lots of kids auditioning. What if they were all much better than him? What if the director saw him as a ‘lady’ as well?

No, he thought to himself. Can’t be negative just yet.

He took a deep breath and let it out slowly before walking inside the building.

The door to the auditorium was open, so he could hear music and yelled instructions from the front. Kurt guessed that whoever was already cast was in the middle of rehearsing the Masquerade number. He deliberated on whether to make his presence known now or wait for the rehearsal to finish.

“Excuse me?”

He turned his head to the left. A girl who looked about his age walked up to him.

“Are you here to audition?” she asked.

Kurt nodded.

“Yes, I am. But I wanted to ask you something first. I’m from William McKinley High School. Would I be able to audition?”

The girl nodded.

“Yes. Our flyer says we’re taking everyone from Lima, or at least it should.”

She pulled a blue sheet of paper off a nearby chair and inspected it.

“Okay, so it does,” she said.

“I was just making sure that no one from McKinley was pulling my leg,” Kurt replied before clearing his throat.

“So, what roles are open?”

“Well, we need the two managers – Andre and Firmin – , an ensemble cast member for the mock operas, Piangi, and Raoul.”

Kurt knew that he was already getting his hopes up, but that didn’t matter. All of the roles she listed sang at one point or another in the show. And Raoul de Chagny…

Tony may have been too ‘masculine’ for him, but Raoul wasn’t.

“Are you interested in a particular role?” the girl asked while messing with her blonde bun.

“Raoul, I guess.”

She suddenly slapped her forehead and then extended the same hand.

“I’m Julia… uh, Bowman. I can’t believe I forgot to introduce myself.”

Kurt chuckled as he took her hand.

“Kurt Hummel.”

Julia’s face seemed to light up when he said his name. It was strange, but maybe that was a good sign.

“So let me get some sheet music. Are you familiar with Les Mis?”

He nodded.

“I’ve been singing the score since the second grade, actually.”

With that, Julia ran off. Kurt went to one of the empty chairs and sat down. Was he really about to audition here and now? What if someone at McKinley found out and it got to Jacob Ben Israel?

How would Rachel react to this if she ever found out? Would she cut off their friendship over something so… ridiculous?

After a few minutes of pondering, Kurt noticed Julia returning with another girl their age and a man he assumed was a teacher. Each of the three had sheet music in their hands, and the man handed Kurt a copy when they reached him.

“Kurt, this is Kate Vasquez,” Julia said. “She and I are splitting Christine, so we’ll both be here with Mr. White.”

Kate smiled slightly and held out a hand for him to shake.

“All right, the three of you will be singing ‘A Heart Full of Love’ from Les Miserables as the audition piece,” Mr. White said.

“Do you need a few minutes to get ready?” Kate asked.

Kurt smiled at her and nodded once.

[i-wakeupstrange]

Dormagus/DarkDevil for the Ship Breakdown Meme er if you don't mind that is ^_^;

Of course not! I love talking about these dorks. This got longggggg, though, so it’s under a cut.

How did they they meet?

We’ve seen it! They “met” when Doc Magus (and Doctor Strange) had to take a trip into Darkdevil’s mind. But in the real world, so to speak, I see Dormagus showing up on Reilly’s doorstep about a week after the Venom thing. He insists it’s a “follow up” and he just wants to make sure Hornhead is still okay, but really, he just wants answers to what the hell he saw in that dude’s brain.

(That and even he can tell the guy’s dealing with a lot, and Doc Magus doesn’t mind offering an ear to someone who needs it. Even an infamous loner like Darkdevil. It’s mostly to sate his own curiosity, though. At first.)

Who developed romantic feelings first?

Reilly. He’s terrified. Not because he has feelings for a guy, no, but because he has feelings for his only friend.

Who is their biggest “shipper?”

MAYDAY. Of course. She’s already a shipper in canon – just look at her with Courtney and Moose! So I think the second she realizes there’s someone out there who can make her grumpy cousin smile sometimes? She’s making plans.

(Stephen also approves. Not that he’d ever say so. He learned a long time ago that his son doesn’t listen to his advice.)

When did they have their first kiss and under what circumstances?

Reilly kissed Dormagus after some big, almost-life-ending and maybe almost-world-ending super battle.

Who confessed their feelings first?

See above.

What was their first official date?

An awkward disaster. They’re been hanging out and fighting crime for months, at least, but when they try to put a label on it? They’re totally thrown off. Sitting in a coffee shop, in nicer clothes than normal, in total silence. Luckily, some evildoer throws a car through their window, and the ensuing fight snaps them out of it.

How do they feel about double dates/group dates?

They’re not double dates! It’s just that Reilly wouldn’t stop staring when Wes and his tall, brunette amazonian girlfriend came in to Deacon’s Den for Game Night. And Dormagus had to ask if they could join, because the face Reilly made was hilarious, and the way he spent the entire evening stammering was even more so. And so he started asking every month. Because he’s a terrible friend sometimes. But they’re not double dates!

What do they do in their down time?

They were exhausted after their first patrol together. So they ordered takeout and played video games. This is still what they do most nights. Sometimes they read instead – Dormagus with his nose in a comic, Reilly with his in a textbook. Or watch terrible TV. They’re homebodies at heart.

What was the first meeting of parents as an official couple like?

hahaaaaaaaa not an issue on Reilly’s side, excuse me while I sob forever

As for Doc Magus: his Dad “met” Darkdevil at the same time he did! Because Doctor Strange is so obviously his father, come on, even if they never actually use those words because DeFalco loves teasing plot points.

Clea meets Reilly when he and Dormagus have to travel to the Dark Dimension for some reason. They’re still in the denial stage at this point so she just grins and makes a lot of sly remarks. 

What was their first fight over and how did they get past it?

Related to the above. Sometimes, Dormagus just has to leave Earth! Supernatural threats don’t exactly limit themselves to just one plane of existence. Plus, half his family is from another world, so that’s a thing too. The point is, it doesn’t really occur to him to tell anyone when he has to go. Dad and Deacon knows what’s up. Zane might miss him, maybe, but that kid’s got all the other Avengers looking after him. He’ll be fine.

What he doesn’t account for is Reilly. Who is freaking out and furious because his best friend dropped off the face of the earth for a month and didn’t even call.

Which one is more easily made jealous?

They both have their moments, but Dormagus wins this one, mostly because Reilly is just as oblivious to advances as Mayday. If not more.

What is their favourite thing to get to eat?

Reilly lives off coffee. Dormagus lives off fast food. It is a miracle they’ve lived this long.

Who’s the cuddly one? What their favourite cuddling position?

Reilly is a secret cuddler. Even he doesn’t know, at first, but when he’s tired his defenses are down. And there’s a lot of held back affection to make up for. This isn’t just in a romantic sense – May will definitely be shocked by a sudden hug someday. 

Are they hand holders?

Not normally. Reilly doesn’t like to be touched, except by people he trusts, and even then it takes time. Dormagus doesn’t push him. The closer they get, the more it happens, but it’s still a rare thing.

How long do they wait before sleeping together for the first time? What’s the circumstances?

They wait quite a while. Dormagus doesn’t mind, but it’s different than what he’s used to with the girls/guys/vaguely humanoid beings he dates. Then there was one of those “I thought I lost you” nights and, well, things happened.

Who tops?

eh, if you don’t mind, I’m going to skip this one.

What’s the worst fight they’ve ever gotten into?

See above. They bicker all the time, but when Magus “disappeared”, it was the first time they fought.

Who does the shopping and the cooking?

Reilly, without a doubt. He’s been feeding himself since childhood. Sometimes even the kids he fostered with. So over time he just… starts doing it for Dormagus too. He doesn’t even realize it until Kaine asks him why his fridge is fuller these days.

Which one is more organized and prone to tidiness?

Surprise, surprise. It’s Reilly. Dormagus has kind of a… loose understanding of time sometimes. And while he insists his place is an “organized mess”, that’s… arguable. This is ninety percent of the reason Deacon sticks around, honestly, and he’s relieved there’s someone to take some of the workload off his shoulders.

Who proposes?

You know… I was going to say Reilly, because while I see them both being skeptical about the concept of marriage, he would like to believe in the idea of someone sticking around. On second thought, though, I think that’s why it would have to be Dormagus. He’d want to prove he can be that person. 

Do they have joined Bachelor/Bachelorette parties or separate?

Oh, separate for sure. There’s some crossover in their friend groups, because superheroes, but Dormagus had a big bash with every friend he could contact on Earth and elsewhere. Reilly probably didn’t even have a party.

Who is the best man/maid of honour? Any other groomsmen or bridesmaids?

If you think Reilly would pick anyone other than May, you’re wrong. Deacon for Dormagus. Gerry, Zane, and Normie are also there.

Big Ceremony or Small?

Between the two of them, a “small” gathering of family and friends turns out to be huge. So a bit of both.

Do they have a honeymoon? If so, where?

Multi-dimensional road trip! Despite all he’s been through, Reilly’s never left New York, and his husband enjoys taking him around all the various worlds in the universe.

Do they have children? How many?

They adopted Benjy in Endverse. That’s my eternal headcanon. If that doesn’t count, however, then at some point they’ll have a little girl with amazingly unpredictable powers. Her name, of course, is May.