#I will continue to bang my pots and pans about it and write my silly fics regardless

[essektheylyss]

Open, non-exhaustive list of content I would read/watch in a heartbeat about the political situation in Rexxentrum post-Solstice:

One-shot or mini-arc of the Nein going full National Treasure level heist on the Cerberus Assembly records management department before a Ludinus simulacrum can reach the burn boxes

Faux Trump aide exposé-style novel of Athesias Uludan compiling and publishing The Dirt in the aftermath as part of his apology/comeback tour

Colville-run Dirty Dozen one-shot or EXU of Oliver Schreiber dragging some particularly unruly ex-Scourgers out of semi-retirement (read: house arrest) to take Ludinus out once and for all in exchange for full indemnity

Found documents a la Midst appendices of the Cobalt Soul documentation and evidence compiled about the incident

The Archmage: An Autobiography by Martinet Ludinus Da'leth (discovered and published posthumously) [1500 pages and riddled with exaggeration and inaccuracies, the last 20% has clearly been written by AI a simulacrum]

Lorekeeper rundown Youtube video from Dani Carr

Yet another novel: Wildemount's most (in)famous and (un)reliable documentarian smelled a story (Taryon's version)

Literally just a main campaign episode of the Nein infodumping to Allura at a war council meeting with the Hells present. I need this information so badly. I am fucking begging.

This sounds like it runs the gamut in level in terms of seriousness but I would like it stated for the record that I would unhinge my jaw to consume any item on this list.

#why do people run to creators for ship vindication when they COULD be out here asking for the most niche worldbuilding content #if there's one thing we learned from the midst ama it's that the people want the DEETS (about mundane civil processes and politics) #critical role #anyway lmao please note that i WILL write that athesias fic if I have to but that's just SPECULATIVE I want the DEETS #EVEN IF A LIAR IS RECOUNTING THEM I WANNA KNOW #anyway what you can really deduce from this list is that I want more CR novels of the most niche shit. will I get them? unlikely. alas. #I will continue to bang my pots and pans about it and write my silly fics regardless

[sighonaraa]

Go on then! Tell us about your favourite thing you’re writing right now

i am having So Much Fun with so many of the things that i'm writing but currently one of my MOST favorite things is jamie and phoebe's dynamic in the dear phoebe gift fic. i have banged pots and pans about their narrative parallelisms before, and i shall continue to bang them until everybody understands. they're so! THEY ARE SO!!!!!!

At that very moment, as if Jamie’d heard her and chosen to be contradictory (another word Keeley had taught her, specifically in relation to Jamie in fact), the doorbell rang. “I’LL GET IT!” Phoebe hollered before her Uncle Roy had the chance, shaking the water off her arms and dashing for the front door. She no longer had to lift on tiptoe to reach the doorknob—a fact which filled her with immense pride every time she remembered it—which gave her the maximum momentum necessary to launch herself into Jamie’s arms the minute the door was swung wide enough for it. “Hiya, Pheebs!” he said cheerfully, hooking his hands beneath her armpits and spinning her around once. “Oi, you’ve grown since I saw you last.” “You saw me last week, Jamie,” said Phoebe, gravely. “I can’t possibly have grown since then.” Jamie set her on the ground and took a step back, tapping one finger to his chin in deep thought. Then he wagged his head back and forth decisively and said, “Nah, you’ve definitely grown. Gonna be taller’n me soon enough.” “Well,” said Phoebe, “you’re not that tall anyways,” and delighted in how he stumbled back, hand pressed to his heart, a wounded noise croaking out through his lips in a silly, squeaky way that reminded her of a mouse.

#ask #anon #thank uuu <3 #auuuuugh jamie!! auuuuuuuuuuugh phoebe!!!!! #they mean Everything to meeeeeee #ted lasso #sid speaks #gift fic wips

[extremelyblackandwhite]

last kiss | rockstar!bucky

pairing: rockstar!bucky x popstar!reader

warnings: enemies to lovers, sexual themes, toxic behaviour, swearing, mentions of miscarriage

masterlist (false god)

the words that you whispered for just us to know. you told me you loved me so why did you go away

6 YEARS AGO

Bucky woke up with the piano keys being softly hit. The melody was slow, almost melancholic in nature yet appeared to linger on this sense of calmness. Moving from the bedroom and opening the door there she was, his jumper sliding off her shoulder as she held a pencil in the middle of her lips, looking at a small piece of yellow note paper sellotaped to the piano wall. Mindlessly, he smiled, leaning down to kiss the top of her head before sitting next to her, his head leaning on her shoulder.

     - What are you playing, princess? - he said in a low voice, still laced with sleep.

    - Just something silly. - her hands rested on her lap as she turned to face him. - Good morning.

    - Good morning, princess. - he leaned in to kiss her, the taste of the white chocolate spread she put on her pancakes still present on her lips. - It sounded good, what are you playing?

    - It's just something silly, Jamie.

    - C'mon, tell me.

    - Alright. Put your hands on the piano. - the corner of her lip raised. Bucky looked at her curiously before placing his hands on top of the yellowing keys.

Her warm hands slide on top of his, her eyes softly focused on the keys as she moved his hands and fingers through the keys. Y/N had a certain thing about everything that she wrote; she didn't write like a regular musician, she had loads of books in the shelves from her favourite composers and her style had mashed into the melody telling what was going inside of her mind. She moved his fingers and hands, going through a line which almost always remained lower, having highs but quickly going to low notes.

    - The very first piece my teacher taught me to play was Something's Coming from West Side Story. - she said, continuing to manipulate his hands. - They wrote the whole thing with three notes and then they toy around with them to create a coherent fabric.

    - Are you gonna teach me to play West Side Story?

    - No, you're a terrible student. - she laughed. - You can't bang the piano keys like you do your drums.

    - I can bang you. - he kissed under her jaw. - It's a pretty song, baby. What's it about?

    - It's about you.

    - You wrote a sad song about me?

    - It's not a sad song. - she moved his hands over her thighs. - I just like soft melodies while you like bang pots and pans.

    - You mean to tell me you're not gonna be the Stevie Nicks to my Lindsey Buckingham?

    - They had an abusive relationship, James.

    - Cher and Sonny?

    - Messy divorce.

    - A groupie to my future band?

    - I'm no groupie. You live in my apartment, you're my groupie.

    - Hey, I agreed with you moving to my apartment.

    - With your 5 roommates, the former striper and her snake Wayne?

Bucky rolled his eyes playfully. It was safe to say that Y/N was not a roommate sort of person, she liked her space, liked being able to keep everything organised and cleaned like she preferred. He had suggested she move in with him a few years ago, but he had to admit the 5 roommates quickly had her saying no. Not only those but one of his roommates girlfriend, a former stripper, had a snake which Y/N wasn't particularly found of. Better to move with her instead.

She closed down the piano turning to stare at him before he lifted her up, twirling her in the air and filling her face with kisses. The living room became filled with her giggles and the sound of air being cut through as he spun her around.

    - Let me tell you one thing. - he laid her on the couch, standing over her. - One day we'll have a massive town house and you'll have a very big piano to write your sad songs.

    - I don't need that, Jamie. - her fingers laced onto his growing hair, putting it behind his ears.

    - We will have a good life. I promise, princess.

    - Jamie ... - he let himself softly fall flush against her, his arms wrapped around her. Turning around, her back against his, he kissed the back of her head. - We have a good life. We don't need more money, we don't need fame. You're enough for me.

PRESENT

Turns out waking up after making a huge mistake is worse than waking up with a pounding headache. Although, she did have a pounding headache from drinking and the lingering feel of his face between her legs. Looking to her left, she saw the black bag Val had given her. Perhaps she was right, maybe she needed something else so she wouldn't go find Bucky.

Shifting around in her fleece blanket, she came face to face with the brown teddy bear which stared at her almost as if it was judging her. Bucky, Bucky, Bucky, everywhere. Part of her had believed she was over him, she'd gone on other dates after he left. Sure she hadn't dated anyone to the extent she dated him, but she'd been busy with her career. Oh why bother? Bucky was always gonna be running through her mind. The one that got away.

She turned away from the bed, her hair pushing it off her bed to stare at the window, a fantastic view of the Upper East Side bought from her merchandised pain. It was beautiful but it felt as if something was missing.

A knock on her door had her grumpily jumping off her bed. Perhaps it was Anna, ready to complain to her about going to club; however as she opened the door, she instead saw the mailman, Larry.

    - Morning, Miss. There's a parcel for you. - he offered her a clipboard. She signed on the dotted line and was given a box from Venus Et Fleur.

Thanking the postman, she closed the door, walking up to her couch and placing the box in her lap. She'd gotten them before from her label when she first put out her single and then her album. Maybe she'd broke something on the Billboard or maybe from the Vanity Fair photoshoot. Opening the box, her second guess appeared to be right as on top of a bed of pale pink roses was one of the photos from Vanity Fair.

She put the box with the roses on her side table, grabbing the photo printed in glossed paper with a smile which faded as she turned it around to see a familiar handwriting. Nice teddy bear, princess. She sighed, looking at his signature in the bottom before throwing the photo to the side but before she could even complain to her friends, her phone rang.

    - Hello?

    - I see you got my flowers, princess. - his voice came from her phone.

    - Are you stalking me?

    - No, princess. The tracking just said you received them. Did you like them?

    - I don't like roses.

    - You also said you didn't like me but kept the teddy I gave you. Clearly, you changed your mind.

    - How did you even get my phone number?

    - I got my ways, princess. - she rolled her eyes. - Do you want to go grab lunch with me, maybe?

    - No, I'd rather choke.

    - If you come to lunch with me, I promise I will stop bothering you and if you don't like it I'll choke you myself.

    - You're obsessed.

    - I've always been obsessed with you, princess. Why are you surprised?

    - Goodbye, Bucky.

6 YEARS AGO

Y/N ran after the small toddler who giggled as his tiny legs made tracks over the fresh cut grass of the kindergarten backyard. She caught up to him, lifting him up in the air and bringing him back to the playroom where all the other kids were. She passed on to start organising the small tables, putting out fresh paper and new coloured pencils. Her head was slightly on the clouds as she thought on the end of the Friday, going back home and eating pizza on the couch with Bucky. This week had been tiring, Bucky had been tired, she had been tired and all she wanted right now was to go home and not think about work for two days, to rest with her boyfriend.

As she crotched down to place the last pencil case by the clear paper, she felt cramping in her lower abdomen. Dropping the pencil case by the paper, she put her hand over it, breathing in and hoping it was just a muscle spasm however the cramping only intensified.

    - Are you alright? - the head teacher asked, putting her hand on her shoulder.

    - Yeah, I'm just ... cramping.

    - Are you on your period?

    - No. - she bit on the inside of her lip. - Not the time.

    - Maybe we should take you to the hospital, in case its appendicitis or something.

    - No, it's fine, I'm o ... - her phrase was cut short as she held onto her lower abdomen, slightly bending over.

    - Alright, honey. I'm calling the nurse.

The school nurse had her sent straight to the hospital. Then everything went too fast, she was surrounded by doctors and nurses, doing tests she'd never heard of. Her mind was running laps over itself, as she was once again rushed to a doctor's office. The nurses were whispering to each other and the doctor entered the office, holding a clipboard with an expression which could only be described as heavy, pulling onto his expression. He took a seat in front of her, laying down the clipboard.

    - I am so very sorry, but your baby has not survived.

    - But ... I'm not pregnant. - she let out a nervous laughter. - I had my period just last week.

    - Some women experience light vaginal bleeding during early pregnancy. I am so very sorry but you are young, you will most likely easily be able to get pregnant after a recommended pause.

The words echoed in her brain as she appeared to shut from everything that was being said to her. She couldn't really hear to anything he was saying. She wasn't pregnant, she couldn't be pregnant, she was careful. She hadn't been pregnant, she hadn't miscarriaged. It couldn't be, it can't be, the results must be wrong.

    - Miss, do you have someone who can come pick you up?

    - Uhm ... my boyfriend should be home now.

    - I'll sign off your release. You should avoid any sexual contact from 4 to 8 weeks and the nurse at the front should be able to provide you with some pamphlets on support we can offer you during this time. Once again, I am so sorry for your loss.

Everything was quiet yet all echoed. The sound of the door opening to the nurse giving her the pamphlets, everything was echoing yet not registered even as she pulled her phone to call Bucky. Her hand crumpled the papers in her hand as she attempted to call him once more to no avail. He should be home now, he said he'd be home, had he gotten caught up at work?

Whatever reason it was, she didn't wanna be here. She wanted to be away from her, she wanted a reason to put this away from her mind and so she did. She got a taxi back home and climbed all the stair flights up to her apartment. At the sight of her apartment's door, she sighed, comfort was behind that door. However, as she opened the door, the flat was quiet.

    - Jamie? - she weakly called to no response. Looking to her right, his jacket was hanging from the hook. Maybe he was sleeping.

She made her way to their bedroom yet when she opened the door, she wished the hadn't. Some drawers were opened and others were half closed with some of her clothes hanging from them. Running to them, she noticed all his drawers were empty. No.

She ran over to the wardrobe, opening it to see that none of this clothes were there. The places were his shirts and jeans laid were now empty, the hangers void of any fabric. No, no, no, no, no.

    - James?! - she rushed once again to the kitchen, hoping that this was just a big nightmare but no. All of him was gone, all that was his was nowhere to be found except for that jacket.

She dragged herself to the hook, grabbing the jacket before sliding down the wall. Her fingers pressed his name on her contact list for what felt like 30 times but no response came, all she heard were the end messages, not even his voice. Her voice bubbled into sobs, her hand gripping the leather jacket as she came to a realisation - he was gone, she was alone.

so i'll go sit on the floor wearing your clothes, all that i know is i don't know how to be something you miss.

taglist: @prettywhenicry4​ @bubblespeare @blackwood-bodecker-housewife​ @silkeiy @rowanthomasknapp​ @smallestsnarkestgirl​ @broco8​​ @eclecticpatrolroadlawyer​

#sebastian stan #sebastian stan fanfiction #sebastian stan/reader #sebastian stan x reader #sebastian stan/y/n #sebastian stan x y/n #sebastian stan x you #sebastian stan/you #sebastian stan imagine #bucky #bucky barnes #bucky/you #bucky x you #bucky/y/n #bucky x y/n #bucky x reader #bucky/reader #bucky imagine #bucky au #rockstar!bucky #rockstar bucky barnes #drummer!bucky

[fieryanmitsu]

The Heart-Pounding Sunrise Trek of Bonding | A3! | “Take the Stage” Fanzine

I am very honoured to announce that I am one of the contributors for the recently released A3! Take the Stage Fanzine! It was such a great experience working with so many talented artists and writers! Everyone's pieces turned out AMAZING, and I would highly recommend to check out the full zine! The fanzine can be downloaded for free here!

And, now that the zine has dropped, I'm able to share my piece with you all here! This story is based on the "Campfire Bonds" event and stars Muku and Citron as the focal characters!

Please enjoy~!

THE HEART-POUNDING SUNRISE TREK OF BONDING

THEME: “Campfire Bonds” event

CHARACTERS: Muku Sakisaka, Citron, Sakuya Sakuma, Masumi Usui, Tsuzuru Minagi, Itaru Chigasaki, Tenma Sumeragi, Yuki Rurikawa, Misumi Ikaruga, Kazunari Miyoshi & Izumi Tachibana

My fanfic masterpost: Here

AO3: Link in my Blog Menu

Muku stared intensely at his phone as he checked for the umpteenth time that he had set his alarm properly. Seeing that the numbers really did read ‘3:00am’, he locked his phone and placed it beside his pillow. 

“Ugh. I swear I can still taste the tabasco in my mouth even though I brushed my teeth,” Tenma groaned as he entered the tent.

“Did anyone get a normal chocolate for the s’mores?” asked Kazunari, looking up from his phone. 

“Izumi liked hers!” Misumi chimed in.

“That’s just because she’s a crazy Currian! No one would normally like a curry-flavoured chocolate,” Yuki snapped back.

“Anyway, everyone’s here, right? I’m gonna turn off the lights,” Tenma announced. “We have to get up early tomorrow, so we should sleep now.”

A flurry of mumbled goodnights flew around the tent as their leader turned off the lamp. Before long, the air was filled with the sounds of heavy breathing and light snoring. 

However, sleep continued to elude Muku as he stared fretfully at the ceiling of the tent—his brain whirring with his anxieties. Though the Summer Troupe’s first two plays had gone well, deep down, Muku felt that he had barely squeaked by with his performances. He knew that he was still the weakest link, and was terrified of dragging everyone else down. 

Just once, Muku wished he could give back to the ones who continually helped him so much. But, he didn’t even have any special skills—like Yuki or Kazunari—that he could put to use for the Summer Troupe or the Mankai Company. 

So, when Izumi had first announced this training camp, Muku had immediately volunteered to be one of the organizers, even though he had never taken on such a role before. At the time, it had seemed like the perfect opportunity to prove himself and be helpful to the others. Surely, even someone as untalented as him could manage to do this much.

Inspired by a scene out of a shoujo manga, Muku had manically researched to formulate a grand plan. First, they would strengthen their bonds as they hiked side-by-side through bountiful nature. Then, they would share a heart-racing special moment together as the rising sun etched its image into their memories. Plus, with the fresh mountain air, he was sure they would get more mileage out of their vocal exercises. 

However, when they had gathered to discuss the itinerary, his excitement had quickly been extinguished when his plan had been met with unenthusiastic faces. Some of the Company members hadn’t seemed interested in witnessing the sunrise, and many others had groaned about the early start time. 

After the meeting, Citron had clapped him on the shoulders, looked him in the eyes with a mysterious, all-knowing smile and said: “Do not worry, Muku! Your idea is most wonderful! Everyone will be super duper happy when they see the sun grating them! I will make sure of it—trust me!”

Though his brain continued to worry and fret, Muku clung to the words and reassuring grin that the Zahran man had given him that day and allowed the darkness to finally lull him to sleep…

The next morning, with much struggle—along with Citron banging some pots and pans together—the two organizers managed to wake up their fellow troupe members and line them up outside of their tents. Though, they may as well have still been laying in their sleeping bags. Masumi was draped on top of Tsuzuru’s back, fast asleep. Itaru was crouched on the ground, muttering to himself with a half-dead expression on his face. Even the ever-chipper Kazunari had his chin propped on Misumi’s shoulder, both of them nodding off despite being on their feet.

Citron came to stand beside Muku and nudged him gently. With a gulp, the pink-haired boy mustered all of his courage and stood up as straight and tall as he could manage.

“G-Good morning, everyone! Thanks for waking up so early to join us for the first item on our itinerary today: the ‘Heart-Pounding Sunrise Trek of Bonding!’” Muku announced. “I know that it’s silly to want to follow someone who’s more annoying than the itchiest bite from a mosquito that arrived earlier than the usual mosquito season—”

“Muku, literally no one said that,” Yuki interrupted with a sigh. “Just lead the way.”

“O-Oh right! S-Sorry!” Muku responded, snapping out of his rant. “P-please follow me and watch your step!”

As Muku led the way to the forest trail, with the others shuffling groggily behind him, he couldn’t help but cringe as he heard someone yawn loudly and another person let out a groan.

“Ugh, this sucks…” 

“Masumi, stop it! The Director wouldn’t be happy to hear you say that,” Sakuya protested in a hushed tone. “Look! She’s enjoying herself, so you should copy her.”

Maybe this wasn’t such a good idea, after all… Muku thought to himself, worrying at his bottom lip.

“Muku, why don’t you tell everyone about the path?” Citron suddenly said from behind him. “Did you not do lots of the research?”

“Really, Mukkun?” Kazunari asked, perking up and looking more awake than earlier. 

“O-Oh, yes! Apparently, this path dates back to the Sengoku era. Monks used it as part of a pilgrimage route and this campsite actually used to be an aesthetic training ground,” Muku explained.

“That’s actually really cool,” Tsuzuru remarked. “Who knew that there was so much history in a place like this!”

“Ah! That signpost there marks the quarter-way point! We can take a quick rest here!” Muku explained, noticing that they had lost a few members. 

“I-I can’t go on…” Itaru wheezed as he finally caught up to the others several minutes later.

“C’mon Itaru, we’re almost there! You can do it!” Izumi chirped encouragingly, passing the salaryman a bottle of water.

“It’s okay, Itaru! You will soon have your senses delighted by a surprise up ahead! Tell them about it, Muku,” Citron implored.

“Y-Yes! Ummm… Just down this path is a beautiful waterfall that the monks used as part of their training,” Muku responded, taking the older man’s cue. “I… I actually purposely picked this path because it would take us by the waterfall. Legend says that, if you make a wish there, your deepest desires will come true! So, I thought that you would really like to see that, Itaru! Maybe it’ll help with your next gacha pull in your games!!”

“Seriously? Maybe this won’t be so bad after all.”

Muku felt his heart flutter as the others started chattering excitedly about what wishes they would make. With this renewed vigour, their group continued on their hike, making a stop at the wish-granting waterfall on the way. 

Then, almost an hour after they had left their campsite, Muku spotted the sign marking their final destination.

“We’re here, everyone!”

There was a collective sigh of relief as the members of the Mankai Company cleared the last steps and planted their feet on the plateau. However, their mutters quickly died in their throats as they came face-to-face with the view before them. A forest of trees spread out endlessly ahead, surrounded on both sides by jagged cliffs. The sun peeked above the horizon of the valley and the sky was dyed a gorgeous blend of soft oranges, pinks and straggling blues.

“Amazing!” Sakuya breathed softly. “This is beautiful, Muku!”

“Beautiful doesn’t even begin to describe it!!” Kazunari added, immediately taking out his phone.

“You did good, Muku. Here’s a triangle!” Misumi said with a smile, handing the pink-haired boy a smooth and shiny triangular-shaped rock.

“Yeah… It made waking up worth it,” Masumi murmured, showing a rare smile.

“This was great, Muku. Thanks for planning this for us,” Tenma said, punching him lightly in the arm.

“Yeah, seriously! I’m so glad that someone was able to plan a normal activity for this training camp. Unlike a certain someone’s crazy ‘Russian Roulette S’mores’ idea,” Tsuzuru said with a sigh, throwing a baleful glare at Citron.

“Oh, Tsuzuru! You wound me! I put so much thought into making an unforgiveable event for everyone!”

“I think you mean ‘unforgettable’,” Itaru piped in.

“Look here, it’s not ‘Russian Roulette’ if all of the options are weird!” Tsuzuru exclaimed in exasperation.

“No kidding! I can’t believe I had to eat that awful wasabi chocolate because of you! I thought my mouth was on fire!” Yuki added, jabbing a finger into Citron’s chest angrily. “You’re lucky this sunrise made up for that atrocious game!”

As Citron dramatically crumpled to the ground from Yuki’s attack, a hand clutched over his heart, he turned his head towards Muku and shot him a wink.

At that moment, Muku felt a rush of warmth surge out of his chest and envelope the rest of his body. As he suppressed the tears prickling behind his eyes, Muku thought that he could now truly understand the meaning behind all of those times his shojo manga had compared someone’s smile to the brightness of the sun.

Writing this story was such a fun challenge for me! I had to work with a word count restriction, but I also wanted to make sure I somehow included every other character from the event — so it was definitely a juggling act, haha! It was also my first time writing about both Muku and Citron, so that was a new challenge in itself. Especially since I wanted to make sure I did two of my favourite characters justice!! In the end, I'm really happy I had the opportunity to write this and am so thankful that I was able to be part of this zine! Again, do check out the full zine if you have a chance!|

As always, thank you for reading and feel free to leave a comment if you have any thoughts!! Any reblogs are always appreciated!!

-Anmitsu

#a3! #act! addict! actors! #a3! act! addict! actors! #muku sakisaka #a3! citron #act addict actors #a3! game #a3! actor training game #sakisaka muku #a3! muku #citron #anmitsu writes #a3! take the stage fanzine

[fromkaermorhentolettenhove]

Silent Whispers

Summary: Renfri is searching and meets a sorceress who may hold the key

Rating: G

Genre: Canon Universe, First Meetings, Falling in Love, Romantic Fluff

Words: 1845

A/N: *banging pots and pans* what a great day to remember no one in the witcher is straight

-

AO3

or

Renfri has been travelling for many days now. 

She’s heard tales of a sorceress, one who will grant any wish for a price. Dark hair, violet eyes, she stands out, her presence known to all the moment she settles somewhere new. 

Renfri can only hope her wish can be granted. It’s not something as simple as a cough or the need for money. It’s deeper than that. Personal. The sorceress is Renfri’s last hope before she spirals further into the darkness that consumes her. 

When Renfri finally reaches the village, she is not surprised to see the long line outside of the sorceress’s lodgings. She doesn’t expect anything less. After stabling her horse, she joins the line, picking at her fingernails with a dagger, glaring at anyone who gets too close. 

Patience is not her strongest suit and Renfri begins to fidget as the line just seems to grow. A part of her wants to give up on this silly charade now, forget about the whole thing. She’s survived this long without help and surely she’ll continue to do so. 

Then, the door is opened and she is ushered inside. Renfri stumbles over to the table, her mouth unable to form any words as the sorceress stares at her expectantly. 

The sorceress is beautiful. Not just in looks, but her presence, the way she holds herself demands respect, demands accolades and Renfri is willing to give her that and more. 

“What do you want?” the sorceress asks, a hint of impatience trailing on her words. 

Renfri blinks. She’s not sure anymore. Looking at the sorceress, she can’t remember why she’s here, what she wanted in the first place. Forcing herself to breathe, Renfri reels back her frantic mind and starts slowly. 

“Happiness.”

The sorceress tilts her head, her eyebrows furrowing a little. “Happiness in what?”

“Everything I suppose,” Renfri answers honestly. 

Her life has been one downfall after another. To say that there are brighter days ahead of her is laughable at the very least. Renfri knows she’s cursed, but there is still a glimmer of hope that she still has a chance in this life. 

The sorceress raises her brows, lets out a small breath before she leans a little closer to Renfri. 

“I don’t quite have the potion for that, so I’ll proposition you with this,” she begins. 

Renfri holds her breath ready for the softened rejection. 

“I’ll suggest some things for you to try and you come back to me, tell me how they make you feel,” the sorceress begins to write a list. “If you feel something other than sadness, anger, while performing these tasks, then we may find a way to your happiness.”

When the parchment is handed to her, Renfri takes it in hand, her gaze snapping between the written words and the woman in front of her. 

“That’s it?” she frowns. “No payment?”

The sorceress nods her head once. “Not yet.” There is a hint of falseness behind her eyes, but Renfri is too tired to argue about it. 

With a sigh, she rolls up the parchment, mumbles a small thanks, and heads back out into the village streets. 

Her time feels wasted, this whole quest silly. Filled with doubt, Renfri unfurls the parchment and reads through the list. The tasks are mundane, something for everyday life, yet at the same time, Renfri wants to do them all. Perhaps there is magic in the parchment or if she does as the sorceress says, she’ll get a spell in return. 

Whatever it is, there is an eagerness growing within Renfri and she taps the first task with her finger, ready to see what path she is headed to next. 

As the days pass, Renfri’s life is filled with highs and lows. She loves helping the stablehand with the horses, but baking is too tedious and careful for her liking. After her days are finished, she falls into a deep slumber and when sleep eludes her, all Renfri can see is the sorceress. 

She never did get her name. 

Sitting up in her bed, Renfri changes, uncaring of the hour as she heads into the dark streets. She doesn’t know how she remembers the way. It’s as if there is a beacon and Renfri finds herself at the sorceress’ door, hand curled into a fist as she knocks. 

There is muffled swearing behind the door, a candle being lit before the frazzled sorceress greets her. Or rather, scowls at her. 

“What the hell do you want?” the sorceress snaps. “Do you know what time it is?”

Renfri shakes her head, her question dying on her lips. She really should have thought this through. 

“Well, since I’m up now,” the sorceress opens the door to allow Renfri in but a frown has plastered itself onto her face. 

With the flick of her hand, the sorceress lights the candles in the main room, painting it in a soft orange glow. There is a mumble followed by a spark as the fireplace comes to life, a kettle already sitting above the flames. 

Renfri sits down at the table, fidgeting, as the sorceress sets the table, two cups with saucers and matching plates holding a few cakes each. 

“What’s troubling you?” the sorceress asks as she watches the fire. 

Blinking, Renfri tries to think of something else to say. Her original question now seems silly. 

“I want the truth,” the sorceress adds. “Even if it is inconvenient.”

A small sigh leaves Renfri and she distracts herself with the grain of the wooden table, tracing the lines. “I don’t know your name.”

“Really?” the sorceress’ voice pitches in surprise and Renfri dares to glance up. “Thought at least one person in this backwater town would have complained about me by now.”

Renfri shakes her head. “They don’t complain. They don’t say much of anything.”

“Probably why I stay here,” the sorceress comments with just a hint of a smirk. “Well, my name is Yennefer.”

The name repeats in Renfri’s head, all other thoughts disappearing. It’s beautiful, alluring, just like the woman in front of her. From her pointed stare to her intimidating demeanor, Renfri can’t choose just one thing to focus on. 

“And your name?” Yennefer asks just as the kettle starts to whistle. 

In swift movements, Yennefer has made them both fragrant cups of tea and settles back down in her spot with an expectant look. 

Having snuck a piece of cake, Renfri is now forced to swallow quickly or talk around a mouthful of food. Unfortunately, her mind and body work against each other and she ends up mumbling something that isn’t even close to her own name. 

Yennefer raises an amused eyebrow but waits as Renfri collects herself. 

“It’s Renfri,” she manages at last. 

“Renfri,” Yennefer repeats. “I do like names that begin with the letter R. Tell me, how is that list of yours coming along? Find your happiness?”

It’s an honor that Yennefer remembers her and Renfri straightens up, jumping into every little detail. Perhaps Yennefer doesn’t need to know the dirty secrets, but Renfri can’t help herself. 

She doesn’t know how long she’s been talking for before she catches her breath. Yennefer has been listening so intently, Renfri thinks she could go on for many hours more. However, sleep has finally blessed itself onto her and her eyes grow tired. 

“It’s a bit of a walk back to the inn. Stay the night,” Yennefer offers and really, who is Renfri to refuse?

Yennefer leads her to a chaise lounge that is more than comfortable and Renfri falls asleep the moment she lays her head down. 

When the mid-morning sun wakes her the next day, Renfri takes her time getting up. From her spot she can see Yennefer float about her kitchen, mixing a cauldron, setting pots on top of the fireplace. The sunlight bounces off her hair, painting her in an ethereal glow, such a stark contrast to her dark clothing. 

“Good morning,” Yennefer catches her staring and Renfri ducks her head. “Breakfast is almost ready.”

Renfri is surprised that Yennefer is such a late sleeper, but then again, she did wake Yennefer up in the middle of the night. Gingerly, she makes her way over to the table, so unfamiliar in the light of day. 

Before her, a plate filled with eggs, toast, and so many other delicacies is set in her spot. For a moment, Renfri is overwhelmed but once Yennefer begins to eat, Renfri starts as well, careful to not dive in like a starved animal. She had been a princess once after all. Some table manners would never truly die. 

The breakfast is silent, but comfortable, Renfri complimenting Yennefer on the meal once they are both finished. 

“When one lives alone, you learn how to make something substantial,” Yennefer easily evades the compliment and takes a sip from her tea. 

“I could help,” Renfri speaks without thinking. Heat rises to her cheeks and she silently curses her brashness. 

“Help with cooking or me living alone?” 

Renfri furrows her brows, studies Yennefer with a slight air of distrust. There is teasing in her voice, that much Renfri can pick up. It’s the sincerity that bothers her. 

“I suppose both,” Renfri finds her voice as she purses her lips. 

There is a small, breathy laugh as Yennefer sets her cup down. “Do you see yourself living in this village?”

It’s an honest question, one that makes Renfri think over the past few weeks. It had only been a short time of course, but here, Renfri is free to be herself, to make her own decisions. There is no past following her and if it ever does catch up, she has a sorceress who can help. 

A sorceress that Renfri can’t pull herself away from. Not that she would dare to. 

“I think I’ve found my place. Here and with you,” Renfri speaks slow, as if she needs to confirm all that hides in her heart. 

It’s now Yennefer’s turn to blush and Renfri can’t help the bit of pride she feels at turning the tables. 

“We should get to know each other better then,” Yennefer nods. She clears her throat, shoots up from her seat as if she needs to do the dishes right then and there. 

Of course, Renfri is not going to let her escape so easily and she joins Yennefer at the washing basin. As she hands plates and silverware to Yennefer, their hands graze and there is a pause before the work starts up again. 

Maybe it’s Renfri’s imagination, but she’s sure Yennefer has shuffled closer to her, the two falling into an easy pattern of washing and drying dishes. 

It might be simple, it might be the calm before the storm, but Renfri won’t run. For once in her life, she is beginning to understand what it means to be surrounded by joy, love that isn’t to be used against her. 

And to think, happiness was in front of her the whole time, hidden under those violet eyes of mystery and promise.

#renfri #yennefer #yennefer x renfri #renfri x yennefer #what is their ship name lol; #indigo's side shitposting #also everyone in the witcher is trans;

[phrynewrites]

I'd love a platonic brooke/Nina friendship fic for 9 please if you're okay with writing it! I feel like that prompt would be hilarious for those two after a night out!

Hello lovely! Ahh I’ve been so excited to write this since I saw it in my inbox and I’m sorry for all the waiting for the drabbles. I hope you enjoy what I’ve done with these two. It’s set in no particular AU.

“You don’t remember last night at all, do you?”

Yvie opened the door, revealing two laughing fools, obviously drunk, leaning against her railing, staring off at her rose bushes before snapping their attention back to Yive. 

“You have mail you didn’t take in, Yvangeline.” Nina leaned against Brooke, shaking a couple mailers and a few envelopes. She opened up a Victoria’s Secret advert. “Look Brooke.” She held it out for her to see. “Free panty coupon.”

“With purchase or no?” Brooke slurred out. “Because that’s how they get you.”

Nina ignored her. “Ooh, this one looks like an electric bill.” 

Brooke shook a finger at Yvie. “You got to pay those. That’s what Vanjie told me. She said, Brookie, we got to cut that check,” Brooke said, roughing up her voice a bit. “So. I. Did.” She punctuated with her finger. 

“We did pay them, that’s why they’re out there.” Yvie grabbed the mail from Nina and stuffed it back in the box.

Nina took in Yvie’s bathrobe and green face mask. “Why are you green?”

“Why are you drunk?” Yvie shot back, face wrinkling. 

“Why aren’t you?” 

“Ooh, good point, goood point,” Brooke added. “We’re coming in.” 

Yvie moved out of the way, allowing the two to slink in, hoping miserably that they would be quieter inside, fully knowing that they wouldn’t. They couldn’t even walk across her hardwood floors or needlessly share the same faded floral printed arm chair—there was a perfectly good couch just feet away from them—quietly. They continued exchanging giggles, Brooke sitting on Nina’s lap, Nina braiding Brooke’s hair. 

Yvie shushed them. “You two need to be quiet. One of you can take the couch and sleep off all of this.” Yvie gestured to the two wrapped up on the chair. “Over there. Quietly.”

At first, they looked over at the couch, then at the fuzzy red blanket draped over the couch, then even further, at the coats on the hooks by the door: a run down brown fur coat and a black pea coat with silver buttons. Brooke and Nina shared a look, mouths forming o’s, before turning back to Yvie. 

“Whose coat is that? Nina sang, reaching out to accept a cup of water from Yvie, bringing it to Brooke’s lips, allowing her to take a few slow sips, puckering her lips and breathing out an ‘ahh’ in response, taking the cup from Nina and returning the favor. 

Yvie met them with confusion, half her face mask already washed off. “Uh, it’s Scarlet’s?”

“Are you two together yet?” Nina nearly choked on her water as she tried to talk and drink at the same time, Brooke using her sleeve to stop the water from dripping down Nina’s chin. 

“Or are you two still just fucking?” Brooke attempted to wiggle her brows, but just ended up squinting.

“What?” Yvie leaned against her counter, shooting a worried glance back toward the bedroom. “You guys really need to be qui–” 

“Because what worked for me and Monet, was like, just telling her, you know?”

“I just slid into Vanjie’s DMs.” Brooke finished the last of the water, twisting to place the empty cup down on the floor. 

“After you slid your tongue into her mouth.” Nina wrapped her arms around Brooke’s waist, turning toward Brooke, allowing her pointed tongue to extend toward Brooke’s mouth, Brooke own tongue nearly meeting Nina’s. 

“For the love of god,” Yvie said, already feeling her fuse drawing short. “Put your tongues back in your mouths.” 

Nina pushed hers back in with her fingers, nodding at Yvie. 

“Either way, all good ideas, so feel free to use them.” 

Yvie let her head fall into her hands. “We’re literally married. You were both there.” She spread her arms wide. “You’re in our house right now.” Yvie pulled her robe tighter, returning to the kitchen sink to wash off the rest of the mask. 

“Love is so beautiful.” 

Nina’s lip quivered. “I love love.” 

“Love’s the best.” Brooke’s voice broke as she fell against Nina, wrapping her arms around her neck.

Yvie, now fresh faced, brought her attention back to the two, who now sat sobbing against one another, babbling on about how much they loved each other and how they would love each other forever. 

God, she didn’t know why she hadn’t thought of this sooner. Get Monet and Vanjie to pick these idiots up. The sooner they were out of her living room, the sooner she could go to bed, and the sooner Yvie could fall into a well deserved sleep. 

“Yvie, get over here and love with us.” Brooke mumbled into Nina’s shoulder.

Yvie returned from the bedroom with her phone. “I’m calling your wives to come get you two.” It was nearly half past one a.m., and it she supposed it was rude to call this late, but right now it didn’t matter. 

“Nu-uh.” Nina shook her head, eyes still glassy. “They’re at a bachelorette party.” 

“Sloshed,” Brooke added. 

“Very sloshed. And they can’t drink and drive because that’s bad.”

“Yeah.” Brooke peeled one arm off of Nina and put her hand on her hip. “And we can’t either. Because it’s bad. That’s why we drink and walked.” She added with a sassy little grunt, which Yvie had absolutely zero time for. 

“Okay, then again,” Yvie said, drilling each word in. “You both stay here. And sleep on the couch.” She picked up the discarded cup, refilling it with water, turning back toward the living room, only to find that Brooke and Nina were now sitting on the floor with the fuzzy red blanket over their heads.

She set the cup on the coffee table. “Okay, what is this?”

“It’s a blanket fort.”

“And you’re not invited,” Brooke yelled, pointing at Yvie under the blanket. 

Yvie rushed over, lowering Brooke’s finger, hissing “You need to be quiet.”

“What I need is more to drink.” Brooke replied easily, her arm falling heavily back down in her lap. 

“Fine.” Yvie fell back into the arm chair. “There’s a cup of water on the table.”

Brooke’s long fingers snaked out from under the blanket, like a predator stalking prey, pawing around aimlessly until she brushed against the cup, inching it toward her, and then in a rapid motion, taking it under the blanket. 

“For your kindness, fair Yvangeline.” Brooke’s hand shot out again, this time depositing Nina’s watch on the coffee table. “A gift, for you.”

Yvie breathed out a string of profanities, unable to be taken by their silliness, their lilting laughter under the blanket. She wanted to go to bed. 

Yvie yanked the blanket off, finding the two huddled together, spilled water next to them. 

“Okay, now it’s time to go to bed.” She pulled a set of sheets and an extra pillow out of the hall closet, setting up the couch and chair, shoving the spare pillow into Nina’s hands. “Please. Just lay down on the couch and go to bed.” 

“The couch is too small.” Nina pointed out. 

“Yes.” Yvie rolled her eyes. Hard. “That’s why one of you will be on the chair.” 

“But we want to sleep together.” Brooke pouted.

“Holding hands.”

“Like sea otters.” 

“Okay,” Yvie drawled out, pulling the chair closer to the couch. “Now you can hold hands.” 

Nina grabbed Brooke by the shoulders. “Or, we could cuddle,” she said. “Like the good ol’ days.” 

“I don’t care what you do, just go to bed.”

“Or…” Brooke trailed off, eyeing the oven. “We all make cookies like we did in the good ol’ days.” 

“Yes!” Nina bounced on her toes, rushing toward the kitchen, pulling Brooke with her. 

“No.” Yvie pulled at her hair. “No no no. It’s bedtime.” 

But Brooke and Nina were already opening and slamming cabinets haphazardly, in hot pursuit of a baking tray and a bowl. Brooke decided a pot was close enough. 

Nina found a tray, holding it up as Brooke gawked at it in wonder. 

“You know that one vine—”

“I swear to god, Brooke,” Yvie interrupted. “Don’t do it. 

“—with the woman banging on the pan, like—” 

Yvie’s eyes flashed angrily at Brooke, her face tightening as she saw Nina nod slowly, reaching for the pot. 

“Put that down, Nina.” 

Nina did not put it down. 

Instead, she banged it against the tray as her and Brooke yelled “I didn’t get no fuckin’ sleep cause of y’all, y’all—” 

Yvie reached across the counter, grabbing the pot.

Scarlet meandered out into the living room, dazed, rubbing the sleep out of her eyes, adjusting her over-sized t-shirt. “What is this?” 

The three stood frozen in their position, Nina and Brooke with their child-like grins, Yvie mouthing ‘I’m so sorry, babe.’

Nina and Brooke dropped the tray and pot, letting it land with a metallic shutter,  and ran toward Scarlet, the two pinning her against the armchair in a tight embrace. 

“We’re making cookies. Do you want to make cookies?” 

Nina nodded rapidly, feverishly grinning, hoping her own enthusiasm would wipe the confusion off her face and convince her to join them. 

Scarlet looked up, over Nina’s shoulder, quirking a brow at Yvie, who mouthed back ‘They’re drunk.’ 

“Okay.” 

Giddily, they each took a hand and pulled her back into the kitchen. 

After the cookies were finally made and eaten, the clock struck three times on the hour, and Brooke and Nina were forced to drink another cup of water each and brought back to Scarlet and Yvie’s bed, so the two of them could cuddle and hold hands to their heart’s content until sleep overtook them, Scarlet and Yvie passed out on the couch, blanketed in exhaustion.

***

Nina and Brooke stumbled down the hall, feeling the walls for balance, struck by the sunlight pouring from the open windows, the mess in the kitchen, and Yvie and Scarlet, who stood in the middle of it, eating toast and drinking coffee as though their cabinets weren’t dusted in flour and batter didn’t sag from their counter tops. 

“What happened here?” Nina asked, sighting her watch on the coffee table, fumbling to put it on, her pounding head complicating the task. 

“What’s that look about?” Brooke pointed between the two of them, Yvie letting out a bellowing laugh in response, Scarlet continuing to drink her coffee.  

Yvie brushed toast crumbs from her fingers, a devilish grin forming on her curled lips. “You don’t remember last night at all, do you?”

#for anon #drabble #nina x brooke #friendship fic #slight mentions of #ninex #branjie #scyvie #rpdr fanfiction #phryneff #answered

[crutchie-with-a-y]

Can I got some tomeo? Tommy boy x romeo

yes! the last one i did for tomeo was newsies era so I’ll do this one modern, you can find that one here. i will def write for tomeo more if y’all are liking it…

Tommy Boy popped an Advil in his mouth and dry swallowed, his head pounding. 

“Jesus.” He staggered into his aparment kitchen and turned on the lights, only to turn them off when they blinded him and sent stabbing pains through his skull. He threw some cabinets open and smacked some things around, eventually starting a pot of coffee. He groaned and leaned his head against the counter while it brewed. He felt awful, as per usual when he was hungover, but this hangover hadn’t even been worth it. He’d had a pretty shitty night too. After an intense breakup a month ago, he thought he had finally gotten his life back together, and then low-and-behold when he dropped by a local bar to say hello to a friend who worked there, who did he see? His ex, cuddling and kissing with someone they had told him was “just a friend.” This painful night had lead to way too many rounds, and then walking home in the cold to drink another couple beers. And sob his heart out. 

Tommy Boy’s painful memories were interupted by the ding of the coffee machine, even that light bell being too much for his head. He straightened up, rubbing his eyes and stepping back against the wall, only to be met with a knock at his door that felt like someone detonated a bomb in his head. He groaned again and staggered to the door, expecting to open it to a Girl Scout with a shrill voice trying to sell him cookies. Was it even that time of the year? Or maybe a couple of Mormans, who would try to convince him to come to a serive. He didn’t know who it was, all he knew is he wanted them to go away. He opened the door to a shorter man, with a big smile that scrunched his nose and made his eyes twinkle. Tommy Boy’s heart leapt into his throat. 

“Romeo?” He squinted in shock. “What the hell are you doing here?” Romeo chuckled. 

“You were that drunk, huh?” Romeo put his hands on his hips, grocery bags hanging off his wrists. 

“What?” Tommy Boy stared at him blankly.

“You called me last night drunk-crying, but I couldn’t understand what you were saying so I said I’d come over tommorrow and make breakfast.” 

“Oh.” Tommy Boy bit his lip. I’m such an idiot, he thought. But that was so nice of Romeo. Then again, Romeo was always very kind. “Well, um, you don’t have to-” 

“I don’t care,” Romeo pushed past him into the kitchen, plopping his bags on the counter and taking out several boxes and cartons and jamming somethings into the fridge. “I’ve been violently craving pancakes all week and this gives me an excuse to make them.” 

“Oh, well.” Tommy Boy ducked into his bathroom to run his fingers through his hair and swish around some mouth wash against his stained teeth. God, I look disgusting, he thought, if only he’d remembered he was coming. “If you’ve been craving them…” 

“Exactly.” Romeo banged around in the cabinets and pulled down a few bowls. “Now, you talk me through what is going on while I cook.” He poured two mugs of coffee and handed one to Tommy Boy as he stepped back into the kitchen, knowing he liked it just black, with no cream or sugar. Tommy Boy smiled and took his mug over to the kitchen bar and sat down on a barstool, leaning foward on his elbows and warming his hands with his coffee. There was no use arguing with Romeo. When he decided he was doing something, he did it, and there was nothing anyone could do to stop it. 

“Well,” Tommy Boy started, slightly embarassed. “I went over to Mack’s after work yesterday, to say hi to Casedy, she just started working there.” 

“Oh my god, really? Casedy Stevens?” Romeo asked, folding up a grocery bag. Tommy Boy nodded and Romeo waved at him. “Continue, apologies for interupting.”

“No worries. So, I went to see her, and when I walk in there, I see fucking Sam.”

“Not fucking Sam!” Romeo complained as he turned dumped flour into a bowl. 

“With! With that asshole Tod, who Sam said was ‘just a friend.’“ Tommy Boy added, hardly able to believe it himself. 

“WITH THAT ASSHOLE TOD?” Romeo spun around, his jaw hanging lose dramatically. Tommy Boy chuckled, and it felt good. The last twelve hours had not been very smiley. Romeo could always make him laugh.

“Yeah. And it wouldn’t bother me at all, well it would, but it’s their choice and it’s none of my buisness, and I would want them to be happy, so I would just shut up, ya know?”

“You are a good person, I know that.” Romeo nodded, cracking eggs. Tommy Boy blushed, despite the fact it was much of a compliment. 

“But! Literally the reason we broke up was because I asked Sam about Tod. I had noticed they were really flirty and affectionate and hung out a lot, so I genuinely asked, ‘Do you like him? Are you guys a thing, because I will get out of the way if you say so.’“ 

“The right thing to say.” 

“Yeah,” Tommy Boy took a sip of his coffee. “But Sam got super mad at me for even asking, and we kept fighting about it until they dumped me. And it all just like.” He took a deep breah, feeling his eyes start to water. “Sucks. I thought I had everything together. I was even planning on asking someone else out, and now I just feel…” Romeo turned to look at him, leaning against the counter with one hand and holding his coffee in the other. 

“Like shit?” 

“Yeah,” Tommy Boy smiled sadly, a tear sliding slowly down his cheek. Romeo rushed over and wrapped his arms around him, causing butterflies to begin flapping their wings in his stomach through his tears. 

“Hey,” Romeo brushed a tear off of his friend’s face and smiled at him. “It’s going to be okay. It’s okay to feel like shit.”

“Oh good.” Tommy Boy rolled his eyes sarcastically, and felt like a jerk immediately afterward. Romeo pulled back and grabbed his shoulders so he had to look him in the eye. 

“Hey! I meant it’s okay to feel like shit now. It’s okay to take a day to cry and listen to sad songs and not do much of anything. Everything will feel better soon, I promise. But until then, it’s okay to take a day for ya heart.” Romeo winked, and Tommy Boy could barely breathe. His face was so close. And he was so sweet. And that little bit of flour streaked on his cheek was adorable… “Alright?” Romeo raised an eyebrow. Tommy Boy shook his head and nodded, blinking away the tears that clung to his eyelashes, and hoping the boy in front of him wouldn’t notice how red his ears were.  

“Good. Now, what do you want in these pancakes? I got blueberries and chocolate chips.” Romeo spun around and marched back into the kitchen. 

“Uh, blueberries sound good…thank you, Romeo. For, uh, everything.” Tommy Boy rubbed his knuckles awkwardly. 

“Don’t mention it.” Romeo clicked on the stove and set a pan on top, dropping a bit of butter onto it before begining to scoop batter. Tommy Boy watched him. He loved watching him. He always had. He liked watching him talk, write, walk, laugh, everything he did was fascinating. Back in high school, he remembered, he liked to watch him at choir concerts, where he would make silly faces to jazz up the rather boring songs. Romeo had always been like that, making everything more fun or less dreary. It was one of the many things he liked about him. To be fair, he liked everything about him. Tommy Boy had a huge crush on Romeo for so long, and he knew the real reason he had gone out with Sam was to get over how devastated he was when Romeo went out with someone else, though that relationship had ended long before he and Sam’s. Yes, Tommy Boy had always had a special place in his heart for Romeo, and as he watched him flip pancakes and blabber about how much blueberries cost, he realized it never really went away. 

“Here ya go,” Romeo slid a plate stacked with a couple pancakes across the counter to him. “First round.” He walked back over the the fridge and bent down a bit to grab maple syrup from a shelf. Tommy Boy stood up, walking quickly towards him before he lost his nerve. When Romeo turned around, Tommy Boy was standing directly behind him. 

“Um, hi.” Romeo’s eyes went wide and he clutched the syrup bottle a little tighter. Tommy Boy looked him over. The way his brown hair fell slightly in his face, the long, the dark lashes that fanned his bright eyes, and the thin lips that were at this moment pressed together. Tommy Boy grabbed his shoulders, pulled him closer to him, and, before he could think twice, pressed his lips against Romeo’s. Romeo had just lightly began to kiss back when Tommy Boy had to pull away to breathe. 

“I’m, uh, glad you enjoyed the pancakes.” Romeo said, blushing. Tommy Boy laughed. 

“I’m sorry, it’s just.” There was so much he wanted to say, but it was so hard to put it into words. “You’re just so sweet coming over here for me, and listening to me, and you’re so cute and silly and-and….you were the person I was going to ask out.” There was a loud thud when Romeo dropped the maple syrup on the floor, almost has loud as Tommy Boy’s heart, pounding in his ears as Romeo slid his hands into his hair and kissed him passionately. 

“EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE,” The wonderul moment was interupted when the smoke alarm went off, triggered by a burning pancake. Romeo pulled away quickly, ripping the pan off the stove as Tommy Boy fanned the smoke alarm with a towel 

“Well,” Romeo turned around, only to see Tommy Boy looking at his feet, which were covered in syrup. “Oh my god.” 

“The bottle fucking exploded when you dropped it.” Tommy laughed, pointing at the splatters all over the floor. 

“Well, maybe if you weren’t such a good kisser, this wouldn’t have happened!” Romeo joked, grabbing a rag from the edge of the sink and dropping to his knees to clean up. 

“Well, excuse me!” Tommy Boy said dramatically, bending down to help. “Ya know, gotta say I’m really loving Tod right now.” 

“Why’s that?” Romeo raised an eyebrow as he scrubbed the floor agressively.

“Because if they hadn’t been more than friends I wouldn’t have gotten to be more than a friend to you today.” 

#newsies #newsies fanfic #newsies fanfiction #tomeo newsies #newsies tomeo #newsies ships #romeo newsies #newsies romeo #tommy boy newsies #newsies tommy boy #tommy boy x romeo #romeo x tommy boy #tomeo #newsies fandom #newsies live

[coldcomputersoul]

Star and Marco’s Bogus Journey Episode 3: Waking Eclipsa

Summary: It’s a hoot and a holler when Ludo causes a major political crisis on Mewni. Meanwhile, Star is convinced that Marco is still alive and tries to convince everyone else.

Star vs. the Forces of Evil belongs to:

© Daron Nefcy

© Disney Television Animation

Sealab 2021 belongs to:

© Adam Reed & Matt Thompson

© Adult Swim

[theme song]

ACT I

[The episode starts with Ludo sitting on the royal throne all alone in the darkness. Meanwhile, a massive crowd of people bang their pots and pans in front of the castle as a form of protest. The noise is so loud that Ludo can hear it from inside the castle, causing him anxiety. Cut to three months earlier. Ludo is about to give a special announcement to the citizens of Mewni from the royal balcony, but he’s too short to reach the microphone]

Ludo:

[to the guards] Ehem... [the guards remain still] I said: EHEM!!!

Guard:

Oh, right...

[The guards bring Ludo a couple of boxes so he can reach the microphone. They also lift him up and set him in place]

Ludo:

[standing on the boxes] That’s better… [holds the microphone] Is this thing on?, okay… Citizens of Mewni: As many of you already know, today I’m speaking to you in my role as acting king due the detention and subsequent arrest of Moon Butterfly and River Johannsen, who were caught conspiring against me during a police operation. Now, although a trial date has not yet been scheduled, it is expected to take place within... two weeks at most.

[The audience starts talking among themselves]

Ludo:

However, that’s not the only reason I’ve summoned you today, you see: There have been some... rumors circulating lately regarding princess Star Butterfly that I would like to clarify… first of all: I want to confirm that princess Butterfly is indeed missing, she ran away three days ago and we still don’t know her whereabouts, however… any rumors about princess Butterfly joining a resistance group are 100% false, so I would like to ask you to stop spreading misinformation, please.

[The journalists talk among themselves]

Ludo:

Finally, I would like to announce that despite the current political crisis we’re going through right now, I have no plans to resign and cede my power to the parliament, so I’ll continue in my role as acting king until further notice...

[Ludo’s announcement causes mixed reactions among the audience]

Manfred:

[to the audience] Your majesty will answer all your questions now...

Journalist #1:

Mr. Avarius, does this means that your wedding with Star Butterfly is officially cancelled?

Ludo:

Well, me and my cabinet still didn’t discuss that possibility yet, as right now we’re too busy with some other issues that are far more important, so... I can’t give you a proper answer to that question.

Journalist #2:

Mr. Avarius, as the acting king of Mewni, what are your powers?

Ludo:

According to the law, I’m allowed to take major decisions regarding taxation, foreign policy, police reforms, and so on and so forth… however, I can’t pass new bills all by myself, nor change the constitution. Those are powers that only the parliament has.

Journalist #3:

Mr. Avarius, what will be your plan of action to solve the current unemployment crisis?

Ludo:

We’re gonna create hundreds of thousands of new jobs by spending over $9000 billion in business spending to boost our economic growth by repealing several policies of my predecessor.

Journalist #4:

Mr. Avarius, what policies of the Butterfly administration are you planning to repeal?

Ludo:

Well, for example, I’ll replace the social pensions in favor of an individual capitalization system to allow all the workers to administrate their own pension funds.

Journalist #5:

Mr. Avarius, what are your thoughts on the MPPA*? (*Mewni-Pixtopia Partnership Agreement)

Ludo:

It’s a terrible deal, just as terrible as the person who signed it AKA Moon Butterfly. I’ll renegotiate a better one and we’ll be 10 times richer, you’ll see… okay, I’m tired, no more questions...

[Ludo gets back inside the castle]

Manfred:

Your majesty, there are still some journalists outside the castle, what do you…?

Ludo:

Send in the guard dogs to get rid of them...

Manfred:

Sir, the dogs are feeling sick right now.

Ludo:

Then, just send in the guards for crying out loud!!! and tell them to use pepper spray if it’s necessary… God, I’m surrounded by idiots… I’ll be in my room.

[Ludo retires to his room to have some privacy. Cut to Janna walking to school while chewing bubble gum. Suddenly, she hears a noise coming from a bush in front of the school]

Janna:

What the…?

Star:

[from inside the bush] Psst… Janna, it’s me Star...

Janna:

Star? What are you doing here? I thought you went back to Mewni for good...

Star:

Look, it’s a long story and right now, I don’t have time to explain. I need you to tell me where’s Jackie.

Janna:

Jackie no longer study here, she is moving out...

Star:

Really? Where?

Janna:

To France...

Star:

[panicking] No, no, no ,no, no!!! this can’t be… and just when I had something SO important to tell her… Is she gone?

Janna:

Not yet, she moves out next week. so, you can visit her at her house if you like...

Star:

Great idea!

Janna:

Now, would you please tell me what are you up to? not that I care, I’m just curious...

Star:

There’s no time for that, look… [gives Janna a hand-drawn map] meet me at this place at 6pm… I have very important news to tell you, but I also need Jackie to be present, do you understand?

Janna:

Uhm, Star… [shows the crudely drawn map] this map is garbage... 

Star:

[sigh] The meeting is at the junkyard outside town, okay? there’s an abandoned 60’s van next to a pile of old tires… it’s unmistakable, trust me. 

Janna:

Got it. I’ll there at 6pm then...

Star:

Good, now if you excuse me, I have to go. Don’t tell anyone that you saw me, okay?

Janna:

Sure...

[Star uses her dimensional scissors to leave. In that moment, Hope and Leah show up]

Hope:

Hey Janna, who were you talking to?

Janna:

Uhm, I was… talking to this magical talking bush? [beat]

Leah:

Really?

Janna:

Yeah...

Hope:

Ooh, that sounds like fun, I want to talk to him too… [talks to the bush] hey there fella… [beat] oh, I think he doesn’t like me.

Janna:

Don’t be silly Hope... he’s just being shy...

Hope:

Oh, that’s so cute.

Janna:

Whatever...

[Cut to Hekapoo (still frozen in a crystal) inside the dungeon. In that moment, a mysterious shadow wanders around the hallways and unfreezes Hekapoo]

Hekapoo:

WHEN I GET MY HANDS ON YOU, I’LL…!!! Huh? Where am I?

Rhombulus:

[o.s] Inside the dungeon, I just unfroze you...

Hekapoo:

That voice...

[The mysterious shadow reveals itself as Rhombulus]

Hekapoo:

Rhombulus?! What the hell is going on?! Why am I in the dungeon?! What happened to Ludo?!

Rhombulus:

Take it easy Hekapoo, I’ll explain you everything, but first to need to calm down...

[Hekapoo takes a deep breath and calms down]

Hekapoo:

Okay, I’m cool now… would you please explain to me what in heaven’s name is going on?

Rhombulus:

Right… so after I froze you...

Hekapoo:

Wait… you were the one who froze me?!!! you damn traitor...!!!

Rhombulus:

[covering himself] Hekapoo please, let me explain to you, I swear it’s not what you think...

Hekapoo:

[sigh] Fine, I’ll listen to you… [crosses her arms] proceed.

Rhombulus:

Right… so after I froze you, Ludo promoted me to do your job, but that’s not the important part… like… Queen Moon and King River were caught trying to hire a hitman to kill Ludo, so they’re no longer in charge… and...

Hekapoo:

What?! When did that happen?!

Rhombulus:

Five days ago, but wait: I’m not done yet.

Hekapoo:

Wait, there’s more?!

Rhombulus:

Yes, because two days after the king and queen’s arrest, princess Butterfly ran away from the castle and no one knows where she is...

Hekapoo:

My God, you know what this means? Ludo has unlimited power now...

Rhombulus:

Not exactly, he’s still being limited by the parliament, but it’s only a matter of time before he finds out that he can remove people if he wants to.

Hekapoo:

You’re right, we gotta act quick if we want to stop him… I’ll just open a portal and...

Rhombulus:

Don’t do that!!! after princess Butterfly escaped from the castle, every dimensional portal is being guarded by the secret police… that’s one of the faculties Ludo gave them in order to maintain order.

Hekapoo:

So, what’s the big idea then?

Rhombulus:

Listen, at the end of this hallway, there’s a secret exit on the bottom right side of the wall, just push the big blue stone and you’ll enter into an abandoned corridor that will lead you outside the castle… once you’re outside, you head right into... [censor beep sound] that’s where the resistance is forming...

Hekapoo:

Wait, are you talking about... [censor beep sound] like, the… [censor beep sound]

Rhombulus:

Exactly, now hurry up, there’s no time to lose… [starts punching himself]

Hekapoo:

[raising an eyebrow] What are you doing?

Rhombulus:

I’m hurting myself in order to make it look like I put up a fight to stop you… [keeps punching himself]

Hekapoo:

Oh, you don’t have to do that… here, let me do it for you...

[Hekapoo starts beating Rhombulus]

Rhombulus:

[lying on the floor] Ouch! ouch! okay… I think that’s enough Hekapoo.. ouch! ouch! wait… please… that really hurts… Aaargh! have mercy… oh God… Aaaaah! [Hekapoo stops]

Hekapoo:

There you go, now it really looks like you put up a fight.

Rhombulus:

[writing in pain] Thank you Hekapoo… aargh!... you’re the best...

[Hekapoo runs away from the dungeon, but suddenly, she hears a familiar voice coming from one of the doors]

Queen Moon:

Hekapoo, is that you?

Hekapoo:

Your majesty, it’s me Hekapoo… are you okay?

Queen Moon:

Yeah, so far River and I are just being locked up, but how about you? do you have a plan?

Hekapoo:

Rhombulus told me the exact place where the resistance is forming, I’m planning to join them. Do you want me to get you out?

Queen Moon:

No, that won’t be necessary, we’ll be okay, however… I want you to do me a favor.

Hekapoo:

What do you want from me?

Queen Moon:

If you find Star… [takes a deep breath] I want you to promise me that no matter what, you will protect her from anyone who tries to hurt her… I know I’m asking you too much and you have to look out for for yourself too, but… Star is my only daughter and I don’t know what would I do if something happens to her, so please… take care of Star...

[Hekapoo simply smiles at her]

Hekapoo:

Don’t worry, your majesty, I won’t let you down...

Queen Moon:

Please, just call me Moon, at this point I’m not a queen anymore.

Hekapoo:

Whatever you say… Moon...

[Both women smile at each other. In that moment, Hekapoo hears some steps coming her way]

Hekapoo:

Oh crap, here comes one of the guards… [runs away] wish me luck Moon...

Queen Moon:

I’ll do it...

[Cut to Jackie carrying a box that says: “memories” and putting it in the trunk of a car. She notices that next to the box is a red belt that makes her think of Marco for a moment, then she takes a deep breath and keeps her way, but suddenly...]

Star:

[right behind Jackie] Jackie...

[Jackie gets startled and falls to the ground]

Jackie:

Star? what are you doing here?

Star:

There’s no time to explain, I need you to… [notices the red belt] Oh my… [takes the red belt] this used to belong to Marco, isn’t it? I remember he worked so hard to earn it... [her eyes get teary]

Jackie:

[standing up] Star, what’s going on?

Star:

[wiping her tears] Right... I want to tell you something very important...

Jackie:

What is it? I’m all ears...

Star:

But not here, I want you to meet me at the junkyard outside town at 6pm. Janna will be there too...

Jackie:

Wait… 6pm? but Star, right now I’m a little busy, you see… my mother took a new job and...

Star:

...and you’ll move out to France. Yeah I know, Janna told me about it, but please Jackie: This is very, VERY important and I need to know that I count on you to be there... [gets on her knees] pleeease...

[Jackie watches Star getting on her knees and thinks about it]

Jackie:

Okay Star, I’ll be there...

Star:

[hugging Jackie] Oh, thank you so much Jackie, it means so much to me to know that I can always count on you.

Jackie:

[hugging her back] That’s what friends are for...

Star:

Okay, I gotta go now… see you at the junkyard...

Jackie:

But Star, before you go, don’t you wanna talk about…?

[In that moment, Jackie’s mom shows up (her face is still unseen)]

Jackie’s Mom:

Jackie...

Jackie:

Yes mom?

Jackie’s Mom:

It’s getting late, did you pack your things in the car? 

Jackie:

Oh yeah, I did it, I was just talking with my friend right… [she turns her head but Star is now gone] here...

Jackie’s Mom:

Jackie, is something wrong?

Jackie:

Nevermind. I’ll just go upstairs for my skateboard.

[Jackie gets inside the house. Cut to Ludo practicing magic spells in his room]

Ludo:

[holding the wand] [taking a deep breath] Okay, one more time: Mega Narwhal Blast!!!

[A couple of sick narwhals come out of the wand and fall on the floor]

Ludo:

[throwing the wand] YOU SON OF A BITCH!!! F***ING WAND!!! I just don’t understand what am I doing wrong… God, this pisses me off!!!

[In that moment, Manfred shows up]

Manfred:

[opening the door] Your majesty...

Ludo:

What are you doing? I thought I told you to never interrupt me while I’m alone in my room, you sicko.

Manfred:

But your majesty, this is an urgent matter...

Ludo:

And so is my privacy, have you ever stopped to think about that?

Manfred:

But, your majesty...

Ludo:

[mocking him] But your majesty… shut the f*** up you irritating idiot, don’t you see I’m…?

[One of the guards show up in the room]

Guard:

Your majesty, there are riots in the street right now...

Ludo:

What? Why didn’t you tell me before?!!! ugh, you people are so incompetent.

[Ludo runs to the meeting room along with the guard. Manfred just watches him leave with utter disgust]

Ludo:

[talking to the guards] Okay, I want you to tell me what the hell is going on right now.

Guard #1:

Well, you see… it all started with an old man arguing with a police officer, but then...

Guard #2:

Then the officer did something that… well, see it for yourself:

[A couple of guards bring a TV screen to the meeting room, then one of them uses a remote control to turn it on]

News Anchor:

...after being shot in a drive by shooting, Mewni’s state hospital finally confirmed the death of Blinky the clown at 4pm eastern time… in other news: Mewni lived a massive riot at Polybius Square after an elder man was brutally beaten by a police officer. Our field reporter, Tyrone Maggotbone is on the scene: How is everything over there Tyrone?

Tyrone:

[in front of a riot] Jeff, this is without a doubt one of the most unprecedented riots I’ve ever seen in my life. Hundreds of thousands of Mewmans are fighting against the police without an inch of fear… it’s like, these are levels of violence that we’ve never seen among mewmans before, I mean, look at this… [the camera shows a group of policemen kicking an old lady on the floor] are you getting this? Jesus Christ, that’s violent.

News Anchor:

Any idea of how this conflict escalated so quickly?

Tyrone:

Well, luckily for us, someone recorded the entire conflict that started this protest on his phone, I’ll send it to you so… there you go.

[The video shows an old man holding a sign that says “bring back social pensions” and a police officer approaches him asking him to leave, but they start a heated discussion which ends with the police officer banging the old man’s head with his stick, causing the outrage of everyone among the crowd]

Tyrone:

Now, I don’t know how this is going to end for the citizens of Mewni, but one thing’s for sure: This is an incident that people will never forget...

[The TV turns off]

Guard #1:

So, what are you gonna do about…?

Ludo:

Tear gas.

Guard #1:

Wait, what?

Ludo:

I want you to stop the riots using tear gas.

Guard #2:

But your majesty, don’t you think you should…

[Ludo pulls out a gun and shoots him in the leg]

Ludo:

What was that? Oh, I’m sorry, I thought you were questioning my authority for a moment. Anyway, use tear gas on every person who dares to even hold a sign, no exceptions. Do I make myself clear?

Guards #1 & #3:

Yes sir...

[The guards take their injured co-worker to the hospital]

Ludo:

[thinking to himself] The people of this country think they can make fun of me, huh? well, the joke’s on them because this is just getting started.

ACT II

[Cut to Jackie heading towards the junkyard on her skateboard. Once she gets there, she sees Janna along with Marco’s parents, Sensei Brantley, Gustav, the Morrisons, Alfonzo and Ferguson]

Jackie:

[fist bumping with Janna] Hey Janna...

Janna:

[chewing bubblegum] Hey Jackie...

Jackie:

Could you please tell me what’s going on?

Janna:

Well, you’re asking the wrong person, because I’m just as clueless you right now...

Sensei Brantley:

Hey, I was told that we would get free candy. I want my free candy.

Gustav:

This better be good. I missed my cooking class for coming here.

Alfonzo:

Hey look, it’s Star...

[Star suddenly appears from behind the van]

Mr. Diaz:

Star, what’s the meaning of this?

Ferguson:

Yeah, why did you call us?

Star:

I’m so glad you asked that question, because the answer will certainly blow your minds… now, we all remember our dear friend Marco, right? a regular teenage boy with a lot hobbies including videogames, cooking, karate and even ballet… yes, he was great dude with a lot of potential, but sadly on a dark turn of events he sacrificed himself in the name of the greater good.  But… what if he didn’t really die and he’s more alive than ever before?

Janna:

[raising her hand] Uhm, excuse me, but… what the hell are you talking about?

Star:

That’s a very good question Janna Banana… and in order to answer it, first I want to show you something in my phone that will give you a clue of what I mean… take a look:

[Star shows them a clip from Sealab 2021 (from the episode “Der Dieb”)]

Star’s Phone:

Murphy: Now who's ready to beat some ass?

Marco: [steps forward and kneels] I'm in.

Murphy: I dub thee... [knights Marco with the bat] Sir Phobos, Knight of Mars, Beater of Ass. Be a hitter, babe.

Stormy: Hey!  I wanna be a Martian Knight...

[Marco steps over to Stormy, now brandishing a bat]

Stormy: ...with... you guys? Maybe... get... one of them bats?

[Marco hauls off and knocks Stormy in the crotch with the bat; Stormy falls to the floor]

Debbie: Oh my God!

Quinn: What are you doing?

Murphy: Silence! I am enforcing the sacred law of the Red Planet.

Sparks: It's not 'Martian' law. It's-

Murphy: [to Marco] Sir Phobos?

[Marco walks over to Sparks, offscreen. We see the bat flying around and hear lots of thumps and Sparks' cries]

Sparks: [off-screen] Oww!!! My hand!!! You crushed my hand!!!

Mrs. Morrison:

Is this a joke?!

Mr. Diaz:

Star, you better have a good explanation for this!

Star:

Don’t you get it?! [points at her phone] This right here is Marco, OUR Marco. He’s trapped on another dimension and we gotta get him back.

Janna:

[giving her a pat on the back] Okay Star, with all due respect, I think you need some help, because you’re clearly out of your mind...

Star:

I’M NOT CRAZY!!! Marco is still alive and this is the proof...

Jackie:

But Star, that’s just a TV show. Just because there’s a character that shares the same name as Marco doesn’t mean they’re the same person.

Star:

But it’s not just the name. They have the same hobbies, the same personality traits, the same haircut... how can you not see it?

Gustav:

[standing up] Alright, I have enough of this… I’m leaving now...

Mr. Morrison:

Yeah, we’re leaving too...

[Everyone starts leaving]

Star:

Hey, where are you going? don’t leave me here all alone. We gotta get Marco back!!!

Janna:

Listen Star, if you want my advice: Get a good psychologist. For your own good.

Star:

But I know I’m telling the truth. Jackie, please: Tell everyone that I’m not crazy.

Jackie:

[scratching her head] Eh… well… maybe this time you should listen to Janna...

Star:

[shocked] But jackie… I thought you were my friend...

Jackie:

I am your friend Star, that’s why I think you should get some help. You can’t live the rest of your life in denial. Marco is gone, and he will never come back, and if you keep lying to yourself like this… well, let’s just say you’ll end up hurting everyone else around you… please Star… Star?

[Star stares at the floor in complete silence]

Star:

[whispering] Get out...

Janna:

What did you just say?

Star:

[screaming] Get out!!! All of you!!! Now!!!

Jackie:

But Star, we’re your friends...

Star:

I don’t have any friends here… leave me alone!!!

[Star turns away and hides inside the van. Jackie tries to follow her, but Janna stops her]

Janna:

Jackie don’t… that’s not a good idea.

Jackie:

but, I can’t help myself Janna. She looks so vulnerable.

Janna:

Yeah, but I know she’ll get over it one day. She just needs some time alone to mourn Marco, that’s all.

Jackie:

[sigh] You’re right. it’s not up to us.

Janna:

Come on, let’s go. We’ll be back tomorrow...

[Jackie and Janna leave the junkyard. Cut to Ludo having a meeting with the parliament and the Magic High Commision. He just walks around in circles over the table while rubbing his chin]

Ludo:

So, let me get this straight: You were at the dungeon looking out the prisoners, right?

Rhombulus:

[looking down] Right...

Ludo:

...and just when you went to check Hekapoo’s cell, you noticed she was gone, right?

Rhombulus:

Yes.

Ludo:

So, the attack was before of after you noticed she was gone, or...?

Guy #1:

Your majesty please, with all due respect: Don’t you think we should be discussing about more important issues? [covering himself] please don’t shoot me...

Ludo:

This is important you nincompoop, a highly dangerous prisoner escaped from the dungeon and I need to know every detail about it to evaluate what kind of security measures should I implement in the future. Stupid bureaucrat.

Guy #2:

Excuse me your majesty, but… what my colleague over here meant by “more important issues” was to talk about the overall discontent of our citizens.

Ludo:

What’s the big deal? I thought you already took care of them. Did you use tear gas to disperse the protesters like I told you to do?

Guy #3:

That’s not the point your majesty. The people reject the entire new system. According to our last poll, your approval rating is only 3%. Queen Moon’s approval was 30% at worst.

Ludo:

Meh, who cares about that? polls are misleading anyway… the people need some time to get used to the new system, that’s all… besides, I’m sure the economy is doing just fine.

Guy #4:

Eh, not exactly...

Ludo:

What? But how can this be? my economic plan was flawless. Explain yourself...

Guy #4:

Well, aside from the fact that nobody has been able to adapt to the new pension system, or the spending cuts you did on education that left several teachers unemployed, the unions are calling for massive strikes due the low wages and unfair contract terms.

Ludo:

Those filthy smurfs!!! [snaps his fingers] Okay, I got it: From now on, unions are forbidden and every person who joins or tries to create one will be punished by DEATH!!!

Guy #3:

But your majesty, that’s against the constitution.

Ludo:

Well, change the damn thing for f***’s sake!!! I’m just trying to solve the problem.

Guy #1:

Your majesty, don’t you think it would be easier if you just apply more sanctions to big companies so they are forced to provide better work conditions to their employees?

Ludo:

Are you nuts?! That will make me look weak and pathetic. We’ll boost the economy by raising tariffs on imported goods instead.

Guy #5:

Uhm, yeah… [scratches his head] speaking of which: The Pixie Empress called this morning to complain about the the changes you made at the MPPA, and...

Guy #2:

We told her it was non-negotiable, so she withdrew from it, and now we lost our main phone service provider.

Ludo:

Ugh, that tinkerslut!!! that’s it, we’re going to war!!!

Guy #4:

Are you insane? that will cost us trillions!!!

Guy #3:

Not to mention their army is like: TEN times bigger than ours. They will pulverize our soldiers.

Ludo:

Look, I’m perfectly aware how hard must be for you that some of our good men will probably die during this bloody conflict… but it’s a sacrifice I am willing to make for this country.

Guy #1:

We won’t let you!!!

Ludo:

[getting angry] Are you questioning my authority as king?!!! I can get you killed for your lack of respect, you know...

Guy #4:

[standing up] Your majesty, please try to be more reasonable. We’re doing our best to come up with a solution to all these problems and you just keep treating us like garbage.

Ludo:

Well, maybe it’s because you’re garbage. I mean, look at this mess. This country is falling apart and I can’t do anything about it because my hands are tied by YOU!!!

Guy #4:

You can’t blame us for your failed policies!!!

Ludo:

Why not? You’re the ones who are keeping me from making the changes this country needs.

Guy #4:

[groaning loudly] Jesus F***ing Christ!!! this is SO pointless, it’s like talking to a child!!! [stands up] that’s it: I’m out of here… [walks away]

Ludo:

HEY!!! GET BACK HERE!!! WE’RE NOT DONE YET!!!

[Everyone else starts leaving as well, including the Magic High Commission]

Ludo:

Oh yeah?!!! fine… I don’t need you to run this country!!! I can do it on my own!!! [he is now all alone at the meeting room] God, being king is frustrating!!! I wish I could have someone to teach me...

[In that moment, Miss Heinous quietly sticks her head in the door]

Miss Heinous:

Uhm, excuse me… Is this the meeting room?

Ludo:

Who the hell are you?! How did you get here?!

Miss Heinous:

Well, I told the guards that I had an appointment and he just let me in...

Ludo:

Ugh, note-to-self: Fire all the guards and replace them with robots.

Miss Heinous:

Look, I understand that you’re busy guy and don’t like to be interrupted, but… if you just give us a minute to talk with you, we would like to make you an offer you might find interesting.

Ludo:

Wait… us? I thought you were alone.

Miss Heinous:

Oh, right… silly me...

[Miss Heinous opens the door and reveals she’s with her minions Gemini and Rasticore]

Miss Heinous:

Allow me to introduce myself: My name is Olga Heinous and these are my personal assistants Gemini and Rasticore. say hello boys. [they make a reverence] I’m the former headmistress of St. Olga’s Reform School for Wayward Princesses. I have my CV right here if you wanna verify for yourself...

Ludo:

School? Oh, I get it. You’re here to complain about the education cuts, [sigh] listen lady: I don’t know who do you think you are, but let me be clear on this: I’m not gonna change my policies. End of story.

Miss Heinous:

No, wait… I’m not here to complain at all, on the contrary: I would personally like to thank you for your excellent job regarding domestic policy.

Ludo:

Domestic policy? What are you talking about? there are still riots on the streets.

Miss Heinous:

Yeah, I know, however: If it weren’t for your police reforms, the situation would be ten times worse.

Ludo:

Finally someone who gets it.

Miss Heinous:

However, while I do think your policies are good, they’re far from being perfect, and that’s why I’m here, your majesty… [makes a reverence] to work with you.

Ludo:

[raising an eyebrow] You are?

Miss Heinous:

Of course, you see: Before I got kicked out from my own school, my crew and I created a new kind of educational system that not only was capable to break our students on the outside, but on the inside too. A prison for the mind if you will. However, one day a princess called Turdina came out of the blue and destroyed my entire job… [has flashbacks of Princess Turdina] All of a sudden, my students became free-thinking rebels: Wild, unpredictable, incapable of being disciplined. Somehow, their minds were no longer mine to control them. All thanks to that one princess...

Ludo:

That’s terrible.

Miss Heinous:

After I lost my school, my job, my reputation, there was nowhere for me to go, in fact: To this day I still live in my car and the only company I have are my dear Rasticore... [gives him a pat on the head] and this deformed freak over here… [points at Gemini]

Gemini:

Hello...

Ludo:

Well, that’s a cute little story and all, but I still don’t understand why should I let you help me.

Miss Heinous:

Wait, I’m not done yet, you see... [has flashbacks of her reading several books] once I lost everything, I spent several weeks analyzing my failure. Day after day I read every book about mind control and discipline to figure out what I did wrong, but after months of pointless research I came to a realization: Maybe, it’s not about take away their freedom, but rather make them believe they have freedom...

Ludo:

Wow, I… never thought about that...

Miss Heinous:

So, what do you say? Let me be your political adviser, and I promise you’ll become the most popular ruler on Mewni since Queen Festivia.

Ludo:

Do I have to become a nice person?

Miss Heinous:

Nope, you can still be as much of a douche as you please.

Ludo:

Well, in that case welcome aboard Miss Heinous. [shakes her hand] I’m sure it will be a pleasure to work with you.

Miss Heinous:

On the contrary your majesty: The pleasure is all mine.

[Cut to Hekapoo arriving at some unknown location (that looks like hell) where a crowd of mewmans and monsters gather around. In that moment, she finds Kelly and Pony Head among the crowd]

Hekapoo:

Kelly? Pony Head? Is that you?

Kelly:

Hekapoo? Oh, thank goodness you’re okay. We thought you were dead.

Hekapoo:

Where’s princess Butterfly?

Pony Head:

[to Kelly] Don’t tell her anything!!! remember that she works for the government and will probably rat us out if we speak.

[Hekapoo and Kelly just look at her with an scornful facial expression]

Pony Head:

[feeling awkward] Eh… I mean… just kidding… come on, can’t you take little joke? he-he...

Hekapoo:

As I was saying: Do you know where she is?

Kelly:

I have no idea, but one thing’s for sure: You won’t find her in this dimension.

Hekapoo:

Wait, how do you know that?

Kelly:

Because we are the ones who helped her in her escape.

Hekapoo:

Really? wow, it must have been difficult for you, I mean with all the guards around watching the place and stuff...

Kelly:

Oh, you have no idea, like… first we had to sneak into the castle while avoiding the watchdogs, at first we tried to climb our way in, but fortunately Tad found a loose stone in the wall and...

Pony Head:

After we got in, I had to take everyone to the top room where Star was with a rope tied to my neck and then Tad said something about a loose bar and blah blah blah, long story short we escaped from the castle and gave Star a pair of dimensional scissors, but that’s all we know so far, I swear...

Hekapoo:

And you don’t have any idea of where she could be, do you?

Kelly:

Unfortunately, Star didn’t tell us where she was planning to go, but I’m sure she went somewhere safe and will be okay.

Pony Head:

Yeah, I mean, it’s not like she’s hiding on Earth or something like that, because that would be really stupid and Star knows better, right? RIGHT?

[Hekapoo and Kelly look at each other very concerned]

Pony Head:

Oh my God, she’s hiding on Earth, isn’t it?

Hekapoo:

I have to go there and find her.

Kelly:

But how? All dimensional portals are being watched by him, you could reveal her location to Ludo if you do that.

Hekapoo:

But she needs someone to protect her, don’t you get it? It’s only a matter of time before he finds out and send their thugs to get her back. If only there was a way to get there without using portals, I...

Random Guy:

Shhhhh… the rally is about to start...

Hekapoo:

Rally? What rally?

[In front of the crowd there’s a stage with a demon servant ready to make an announcement]

Demon Servant:

[holding a paper] And now, your demonic majesty prince Thomas Draconius Lucitor will address you to discuss the current crisis our country is facing.

[Tom gets on stage while holding a microphone. The servant makes a final reverence and leaves]

Tom:

Thank you Frank… Now, we all know why we’re here, right? These hard times we’re living today, this whole crisis that it’s like nothing we’ve ever seen before, we must put a stop to it, but in order to do that we need organization. So, the first thing I would like to propose to all mewmans, demons and monsters is to set aside our differences and come together to face this powerful enemy that doesn’t respect anything, or anyone for that matter, I’m talking of course about Ludo Avarius.

[Everyone starts booing at the mention of Ludo’s name while holding Anti-Ludo signs]

Tom:

Yeah, yeah, I know, I hate Ludo too, but listen: If we REALLY want to take him down, we have to do the smart thing and join our forces to achieve this common goal we all have. Look, I know it hasn’t been easy for any of us, we have our differences and we all know it, but is in times like these where the will of the people is put to the test, and who knows, maybe… JUST maybe, if we’re successful, we’ll realize we have more in common than we thought. So, what do you say? Are you with me?!!!

[The crowd starts cheering at him]

Tom:

Now, that’s what I’m talking about, and with all said and done, I have great news for you: As you may know, Pixtopia just withdrew from the MPPA and shut down all their services on Mewni, however… as we’re speaking right now, a group of my best lawyers and negotiators are reuniting with the Pixie Empress to bring their magic dust to us without any interference from Ludo’s government.

[The crowd starts cheering once again]

Hekapoo:

Wait, did he just say “magic dust”? [walks among the crowd] Hey, I have a question!!!

Tom:

And last, but certainly not least: I recently spent a good amount of my fortune, two hundred four million dollars to be exact, to buy you helmets, pads and gas masks so you can get all the protection you need on the upcoming protests. Bring it on boys!!!

[Tom’s minions fly around the crowd giving helmets, pads and gas masks while the crowd cheers even louder and start singing a song with the same melody of “The Star-Spangled Banner”]

The Crowd:

♫ Ludo go f*** yourself… You are worse than the plague… We will seeeever you head and… Serve it up on a plate… ♫

Tom:

Well, that’s all for today people, and don’t forget to assist to next week’s rally at Polybius Square at 4pm. Don’t forget I count on you, so don’t let me down [winks at the crowd] See you later...

[Tom gets off the stage while the crowd keeps cheering at him. Meanwhile, Hekapoo tries to make her way to the stage. Cut to Tom at the backstage celebrating along with his life coach Brian]

Tom:

That. Was. Incredible!!! I mean, did you see the way they all cheer up for me? Ah man, this is the best day ever!!! High five!!! [he gives a high five to Brian] And all thanks to you Brian... 

Brian:

Don’t mention it master Tom, after all, it’s part of my job. [opens a bottle of soda and drinks it]

Tom:

Oh, don’t be so modest, you know I couldn’t have done this without you, so… you want me to take you to a Big Boy, or something? [gives him a pat on the back] come on, flapjacks are on me...

Brian:

Well, that sounds nice and all, but...

[In that moment, one of Tom’s minions enters the room]

Tom’s Minion:

Master Tom: You have a visit from someone who says she needs to talk with you immediately. She says it’s something important.

Tom:

Wait, did you just say “she”? let her in...

[Hekapoo enters the room escorted by Tom’s minions]

Tom:

Hey, wait a minute… you are that fire chick from the Magic High Commission… Hek-a-something…?

Hekapoo:

Hekapoo... now listen to me: You said you can get pixie dust, right? cause I need a huge favor...

ACT III

[Cut to Ludo and Miss Heinous having a private meeting at Ludo’s room. Heinous walks around in circles rubbing her chin while Ludo just watches her in silence while sitting on chair]

Ludo:

So, what do you think we should…?

Miss Heinous:

[interrupting him] Shhh… I’m thinking...

[Miss Heinous keeps walking around in circles for a while. Ludo gets tired and falls asleep]

Miss Heinous:

[shouting] I GOT IT!!!

[Ludo wakes up startled and falls off the chair]

Ludo:

[standing up] What? What? What? Where am I?

Miss Heinous:

I just came up with the perfect plan to make you popular among young people.

Ludo:

Really? And why took you so long?

Miss Heinous:

I’m sorry your majesty, but it was too much information to process in order to get it done. No offense, but you’re not exactly the nicest guy in the world.

Ludo:

[sigh] I know that, why do you think I hired you? Jeez… So, what’s the big idea?

Miss Heinous:

Okay, here’s the plan: Everyone loves a hero, right?

Ludo:

Right...

Miss Heinous:

This notion of a brave, fearless warrior facing the adversity, overcoming the obstacles that come his way in order to achieve his goals, or save the people the loves. That’s where the appeal is.

Ludo:

Okay, I think I know what you mean, but how exactly will I become a hero? I mean, just the idea of having a hand-to hand combat nice makes me wanna piss my pants.

Miss Heinous:

Oh, but that’s the whole trick your majesty: It’s not about make you look like a hero, but instead make your opponents look so bad, that people perceive you as a hero.

Ludo:

I’m not following you...

Miss Heinous:

It’s quite simple really. Just like the story of David and Goliath, people always tend to look out for the underdog, so in order to make you a hero, we’ll turn your enemies into the huge, evil monsters you should fight to save Mewni. In other words: You’ll become king David and they will be your Goliath.

Ludo:

Oh, now I get it. I must say, I’m starting to like this idea and all, but... how are gonna change people’s perception of me? I mean, I only have a 3% approval rating.

Miss Heinous:

Just leave everything to me your majesty, after all: If we want to achieve our goal we have to go one step at a time.

Ludo:

Well, if you say so...

[In that moment, one of the guards opens the door to make an announcement]

Guard:

Your majesty, the rioters came back. They’re making some kind of rally at Polybius Square.

Ludo:

What?!!! Send the military and them to shoot those terrorists right in the...

Miss Heinous:

[interrupting Ludo] Wait, don’t do that!!!

Ludo:

Huh? Why not?

Miss Heinous:

Look, just let them have their rally, trust me.

Ludo:

Aw, but I hate rallies...

Miss Heinous:

Listen to me: If you decide to respond with violence, not only will you legitimize their movement, but you’ll also lose the few approval you already have. Be smart and play safe, please...

[Ludo takes a moment to think about it]

Ludo:

[sigh] Okay, I’ll do as you say… [talks to the guard] Cancel the attack, but send a brigade of police officers to watch the surrounding areas.

Guard:

Yes sir… [leaves the room]

Ludo:

Are you sure this will boost my popularity?

Miss Heinous:

Of course it will, this is all part of the plan. Just let them have their puny little rally for now, because soon enough you’ll have them eating out of your hand.

Ludo:

Excellent...

[Ludo and Miss Heinous start laughing evilly. Cut to Star crying inside the van at the junkyard. She looks a picture of her, Marco and the girls, but decides to delete it]

Star:

[thinking to herself] Oh Marco, even though it’s only been a few of weeks since you’re gone, somehow I can still feel your presence all around. Now, I don’t know if it’s because I’m going crazy, or I just can’t accept the reality and move on like everyone else, but one thing’s for sure: Things will never be same again now that I’ve lost you...

[Star closes her eyes and keeps crying in silence surrounded by darkness, when suddenly she hears a whispering, echoey voice that says: “Go further down”]

Star:

[opening her eyes] What?! Who said that?!

[The voice now says: “Down the spiral”]

Star:

Who are you?! What’s going on?!

[Star gets out the van in the middle of the night and follows the mysterious voice that keeps repeating “Go further down” and “Down the spiral” over and over]

Star:

[running across the junkyard] Wait… Where are you? What do you mean by “Down the Spiral”?

[She keeps running around searching for the voice, but suddenly: The voice stops]

Star:

[breathing heavily] Hey… don’t go… don’t… [gets on her knees] oh, who am I kidding? maybe I’m really going crazy and I’m just starting to hear voices… I mean… is there a way this could possibly get any worse?

Hekapoo:

[o.s] Princess Butterfly?

[Star gets startled for a second, but then she turns her head and sees Hekapoo right behind her]

Star:

Hekapoo? What are you doing here? Were you doing those voices I’ve just heard?

Hekapoo:

[raising an eyebrow] Voices? I don’t know what you’re talking about, anyway… thank goodness I found you. I’ve been looking for you for hours, but Janna wasn’t very specific when I asked her where...

Star:

Wait, did Janna tell you I was here?

Hekapoo:

Well, yes.

Star:

Ugh, what a friend… and just when I thought this situation couldn’t possibly get any worse, now it turns out she spilled the beans on me, so you can take me back to marry that knucklehead Ludo.

Hekapoo:

I’m not here to take you back to Mewni.

Star:

Really?

Hekapoo:

On the contrary: I’m here to take you to a safer dimension so Ludo can’t find you. Mewni has become a living hell since you left, so trust me: It’s better for you to stay away.

Star:

What the hell happened on Mewni?

Hekapoo:

Well, after you disappeared Ludo assumed the position of acting king and ever since then he turned Mewni into a neo-fascist dystopia. He doubled down police enforcement, banned every form of protest and suspended several civil liberties.

Star:

Oh my God, that’s terrible.

Hekapoo:

And the worst part is that since your parents were arrested for attempting to hire a hitman to kill Ludo, they’re being kept in prison and no one is able to get them out.

Star:

Jesus Christ, we gotta do something.

Hekapoo:

Forget it princess, it’s too dangerous. Just so you know: I had to get here using pixie dust instead of a dimensional portal because even those are being guarded by royal soldiers.

Star:

But we can’t just sit back here and wait for something to happen, the lives of our friends and families are in grave danger and you know it.

Hekapoo:

I’m sorry your majesty, but I promised to your mother that I would protect you, so my answer is no.

Star:

[groaning] You’re unbelievable. It’s like the only thing you know how to do is follow orders, I mean, where’s your sense of individuality? Do you even have any dream? A personal goal in life, of something like that? Or maybe you’re just a selfish, cold hearted bitch, just like my mother... 

[Hekapoo gets angry at Star, so she slaps her in the face]

Hekapoo:

Now listen to me, you ungrateful little brat, because I’m only gonna say this once: You have no idea how much your mother has sacrificed for you to be safe, even at the expense of her own life, so the least you can do is treat her with the respect she deserves.

Star:

[rubbing her cheek] F*** you!!!

Hekapoo:

Besides: You wanna talk about selfishness? What about you princess? after all, you’re pregnant with Marco’s child, aren’t you? Are you telling me you’re willing to put that baby’s life in danger along with your own just to prove a point? I’m pregnant with Marco’s child too, and I don’t wanna risk myself or my upcoming baby just to save you. Have you ever thought about that?

Star:

[turning her back on Hekapoo] Leave me alone...

Hekapoo:

So... no snarky remarks on that one? Huh, why am I not surprised? Well, maybe it’s time for you to just grow up and cooperate with me for a change.

Star:

I didn’t ask for your help...

Hekapoo:

Well, tough luck sweetheart! because you have no choice.

Star:

I’m not going anywhere… [sits on the floor with her arms crossed] you understand?

Hekapoo:

Princess, please… you’re only making my job harder than it should be.

Star:

Well I’m sorry, but your job is not my problem.

[Hekapoo takes a moment to figure out a way to convince her]

Hekapoo:

You know, Janna also told me that you’re convinced that Marco is somehow still alive, is that true?

Star:

And what do you care about that?

Hekapoo:

Because just like you princess, I still remember Marco and would give anything to see him again, but I guess you don’t care about that either.

Star:

You’ll just think I’m crazy like everyone else did.

Hekapoo:

I give you my word that I won’t think you’re crazy, so please: Show me what you know about Marco.

[Star thinks about it for a few seconds. Cut to Star showing Hekapoo the inside of the van. She uses the flashlight of her phone to search for something across the floor]

Hekapoo:

What is this place?

Star:

It’s the inside of a van. It’s a human vehicle that I’ve been using as a house the last few days.

Hekapoo:

Why have you been using a vehicle as a house?

Star:

It’s a human thing, you wouldn’t understand.

Hekapoo:

So… you’re telling me that humans use their own houses as vehicles?

Star:

Not at all of them, just the ones that don’t have a roof over their heads.

Hekapoo:

So, there are humans that live under roofs they call houses, and the ones that don’t have roofs live inside vehicles they call houses, even though they’re not roofs? God, humans are weird... 

Star:

I’ve found it!!!

[Star shows her a notebook with all the information she’s been collecting]

Hekapoo:

What is this? wait, let me just… [uses her powers to create a flame to light up the place] there you go.

[The notebook contains images of several Sealab 2021 episodes along with their respective airdates, production codes, summaries and footnotes. The pictures with Marco have a red circle drawn around his face]

Star:

Okay, these images are from a TV show called Sealab 2021. It’s about a group of scientists living in an underwater research station for research purposes, but because of their sheer incompetence and unprofessional behavior they blow up their lab in almost every episode.

Hekapoo:

[rubbing her chin] Okay...

Star:

Now, after watching the complete series three times in a row and doing some research, I’ve found out that this show… is actually a parody of another show called Sealab 2020. 

Hekapoo:

Eh, I don’t understand what does this have to do with…?

Star:

Wait, I’m not done yet… The original show aired in 1972 and the parody aired in 2001, almost 30 years of difference, after doing more research I discovered that between 1970 and 2000 the United States spent around 13.5 million dollars in underwater research stations alone... that’s like 88.6 millions if you adjust it to today’s standards.

Hekapoo:

Wow, I didn’t know you were so good at math.

Star:

Well, to tell you the truth, I asked some help from Alfonzo for that one, but anyway: The reason I’m telling you this is because of this character over here… [points at Marco]

Hekapoo:

Well, he kinda looks like Marco.

Star:

That’s the whole point: The full name of this character is Marco something something Diaz something something something Marquez, he works as the station’s engineer, and not only shares the same name as OUR Marco, but he is also a bit stubborn, has large muscles, knows karate, how to cook, has large muscles, doesn’t speak spanish very well, is a bit corky, has large muscles, he’s even a bit of a ladies’ man… did I mention he has large muscles?

Hekapoo:

Okay, I admit those are a lot of coincidences, but how are you so sure that THIS is OUR Marco?

Star:

Well, remember when Marco attempted to destroy the Espercrystal while it was embedded in Toffee’s body? you know, when Toffee turned into that gigantic mass of flesh and stuff...

Hekapoo:

Yeah, I remember that...

Star:

The last thing we could see before they disappeared was that giant upward spiral of magic energy that quickly vanished into thin air, so… my theory is that maybe, just MAYBE, Marco wasn’t actually disintegrated, but teleported into a different spacetime, something that goes beyond any dimension we have knowledge of. Something like... 

Hekapoo:

A different realm.

Star:

What’s a realm?

Hekapoo:

In the Magic High Commision that’s how we call those places that are beyond any dimension we have registered in our archives, it’s like when you have a map and you reach the edges into unexplored territory.

Star:

Wait, so... do you actually believe me? You don’t think I’m crazy, or something like that?

Hekapoo:

No, not at all, in fact: I think your theory makes a lot of sense considering that realm travelling can actually bend some of the rules of spacetime.

Star:

[getting excited] Oh my God, you know what this means? We can get Marco back!!! [starts jumping for joy] Hooray! this is the best day ever. Using your knowledge and my bravery and determination we’ll be able to find him on wherever dimension he’s in...

Hekapoo:

Wow, wow, wow… now hold your horses for one second princess: realm travelling is nothing like the dimensional travelling you’re used to. We’re talking about a whole new level in spacetime journey that goes beyond my understanding, so… No, we’re not going anywhere.

Star:

But we gotta get Marco back!!! I thought you loved him...

Hekapoo:

Look, I love Marco as much as you do princess, but it’s too dangerous and I promised to your mother that I would keep you safe, so this conversation is over.

Star:

[making a puppy face] Pleeeease...

Hekapoo:

No.

Star:

Oh, come on...

Hekapoo:

I said no, and even if I agreed to do it, I still don’t know how to travel. The only person I know that knows about realm travelling is...

Star:

Who? Who knows about realm travelling?

Hekapoo:

I’m not gonna tell you.

Star:

Come on, just tell me… I promise I won’t do anything. Scout’s honor!

Hekapoo:

Don’t try to fool me, you’re not even a scout.

Star:

[taking a deep breath] Okay, you asked for it: tell me, tell me, tell me, tell me, tell me, tell me, tell me, tell me, tell me, tell me, tell me, tell me, tell me, tell me, tell me, tell me, tell me, tell me, tell me, tell me, tell me...

Hekapoo:

OKAY, OKAY, I’LL TELL YOU!!! BUT FOR GOD’S SAKE: CUT IT OUT!!!

Star:

It always works...

Hekapoo:

As I was saying: The only person I know that knows about realm travelling is Queen Eclipsa, but she’s still frozen in the crystal dimension so we can’t go there. End of story.

Star:

Sure we can, we just have to use some of that pixie dust of yours and that’s it. Easy peasy lemon squeezy...

Hekapoo:

Okay, first of all: Rhombulus is the only one who has the ability to unfreeze people, and he no longer works on the crystal dimension, and second of all: We’re not going.

Star:

[groaning loudly] You’re just like my mother, you… wait a second: You said that my mother sent you to protect me... which it means you still work for my family... therefore, I’m actually your boss...

[Star looks at Hekapoo with a grin on her face. Hekapoo gulps out of fear]

Hekapoo:

Princess please, just take a moment to consider it...

Star:

Too late, I’ve already made up my mind, so… [puts her arm around Hekapoo’s shoulders] Beam me up Scotty!

Hekapoo:

Me and my big mouth...

[Cut to a group of protesters having a celebration in Polybius Square. There’s people dancing in the streets, people putting up anti-government posters and even people burning an effigy of Ludo. Tyrone, the news reporter is on the scene]

Tyrone:

[holding a microphone] I’m here at Polybius Square where a massive event is taking place right now. Thousands of people gather around for the third consecutive week on what is seems to be the biggest march in Mewni’s history. To give us more details, we have an exclusive interview with none other than the organizer of this entire movement: Tom Lucitor. [the camera shows Tom next to Tyrone] How are you today Tom?

Tom:

Very excited Tyrone, you know, I never thought this movement me and crew started three weeks ago could become so massive, I mean, look at all these people right here. This certainly goes beyond all our projections.

Tyrone:

Right... Moving to another topic, there have been some reports of lootings taking place around the square, as well as some acts of vandalism that some people attribute to the protests, what do you have to say about that?

Tom:

Nothing but isolated incidents Tyrone. I’ve been organizing this movement from day 1 and I’ve spoken with a lot of people, and let let me tell you: The vast majority you’re watching right here are pacific and have nothing to do with the looters. Besides, I can guarantee you that 2 out of 3 looting incidents are hoaxes made by the police in order to discredit our movement.

Tyrone:

Really? How does that work?

Tom:

Well, first they pay a group of people to put on some masks and attack a bunch of previously selected stores and small business they capture on video, and then they post it on the internet to...

[Cut to Ludo and Miss Heinous watching the news at the meeting room]

Ludo:

[panicking] Oh my god, they found out about the hoaxes. The plan is ruined!!!

Miss Heinous:

Relax your majesty, this is exactly what we wanted.

Ludo:

[raising an eyebrow] It is?

Miss Heinous:

Of course!!! In fact: The rise of that demon boy is the best thing that could have happened to us.

Ludo:

Really? But how? I don’t get it.

Miss Heinous:

Elementary, my dear Ludo: The best way to make you popular is to find someone that people can hate more than they hate you, don’t you understand? By dragging Tom down, we’ll discredit your entire opposition making them look dishonest. In that way we can shift the narrative to turn you into the lesser of two evils. It’s politics 101 basically...

Ludo:

My God… That’s brilliant!

Miss Heinous:

Now, the only thing we have to do is find some dirt on him, but how are we gonna do it?

Ludo:

You leave that to me, I know the perfect guy...

[Cut to Rhombulus trying to create dimensional scissors at Hekapoo’s fortress. However, all his attempts so far have failed miserably, resulting in a pile of deformed scissors]

Rhombulus:

[putting his hands around the fire] Almost there… [the scissors turn out okay] Yes!!! [but then they stretch and deform] Oh, F***!!! [throws the scissors into the pile] Who am I kidding? I don’t know how to make dimensional scissors, Ludo will blow me into smithereens for this. [sigh] If only Hekapoo was here to teach me how to do it, I mean, she makes it look so easy...

[In that moment, Hekapoo appears out of nowhere, pounces over Rhombulus and puts a magical knife around his neck]

Hekapoo:

Well, maybe you should lower the fire’s temperature for next time, you knucklehead.

Rhombulus:

Hekapoo? What are you doing here?!

Hekapoo:

Oh you know, just paying a visit to an old friend to ask him a small favor.

Rhombulus:

Do I know him?

Hekapoo:

Ha-ha, very funny, now go grab your stuff cause you’ll take us to see Queen Eclipsa.

Rhombulus:

Us? What do you mean by “us”?

[Star appears from behind one of the fortress’ pillars]

Star:

Is he ready Hekapoo?

Rhombulus:

Princess Butterfly?! What’s the meaning of this?!

Hekapoo:

The less you know the better, trust me. Now do as we say and everything will be just fine, okay? OKAY?! 

Rhombulus:

[sweating] Okay, okay, I’ll do as you say...

[Cut to Rhombulus taking Star and Hekapoo to see Queen Eclipsa at the Crystal Dimension]

Star:

[sigh] How long till we get there?

Rhombulus:

We’re here.

[Rhombulus shows Star and Hekapoo the giant crystal block where Eclipsa is frozen]

Rhombulus:

Okay, this is Queen Eclipsa. Can I go now?

Star:

Wake her up...

Rhombulus:

What?! Are you serious?! Do you have any idea who Queen Eclipsa is?!

Hekapoo:

Do as she says, now! [points the knife at him]

Rhombulus:

Okay, okay, I’ll do it. Heaven forgive me...

[Rhombulus uses his powers to unfreeze Queen Eclipsa, but only from the shoulders up]

Queen Eclipsa:

[waking up] Huh? What happened? Why am I awake again?

Star:

[making a reverence] Queen Eclipsa, I came a long way to ask you very important favor...

Queen Eclipsa:

Wait a minute: Moon, is that you? What happened? I thought that spell I gave you to defeat Toffee was enough to take him down, maybe you just mixed up the words...

Star:

[standing up] I’m not Moon Butterfly your highness. I’m her daughter Star Butterfly, and right now I need your help.

Queen Eclipsa:

Let me guess: You’re here because you need to know a particular spell that only I know, don’t you?

Star:

How did you guess?

Queen Eclipsa:

It’s the only reason people have woke up lately, believe it or not.

Star:

So, can you help me?

Queen Eclipsa:

Mmmm… Can you bring me a chocolate bar from that vending machine over there?

Star:

What?!

Queen Eclipsa:

I’m sorry, but I make my decisions better on a full stomach, I hope you don’t mind.

[Star looks at Hekapoo for a moment]

Hekapoo:

[sigh] Don’t worry, I’ll get the bar...

[Hekapoo goes to the vending machine and gets a chocolate bar, then she gives it to Eclipsa]

Queen Eclipsa:

[tasting the bar] Oh, but is is a lemon bar. I wanted the cherry flavoured one.

[Hekapoo starts grinding her teeth as she goes once again to the vending machine to get a cherry flavoured bar, but this time the bar gets stuck inside]

Hekapoo:

[getting angry] SON OF A… [punches the machine, breaks it and gets the bar, then she gives it to Eclipsa] Here’s your stupid bar.

Queen Eclipsa:

[tasting the bar] Ah, that’s better… [eats the whole bar]

Star:

So, can you help me now?

Queen Eclipsa:

Okay, tell me what you want to know.

Star:

Phew! finally… I need you to tell me how to travel through dimensional realms.

Queen Eclipsa & Rhombulus:

DIMENSIONAL REALMS?!

Rhombulus:

[to Hekapoo] Hekapoo, did you tell her about the realms?! that’s against the royal code.

Hekapoo:

Shut up...

Queen Eclipsa:

[to Star] Listen kid, I don’t think you understand the sheer magnitude of your request. Realm travelling is a life-changing experience that can really mess up your mind, and honestly: I don’t wanna take the blame for contribute on your own self-destruction. Please try to understand me.

Star:

But, you’re the only one who knows the spell to do it. Look: this is not about me being morbidly curious or anything like that, I need to know because the love of my life was absorbed by a giant spiral of magic that took him away to another realm and I want to get him back, please...

Queen Eclipsa:

And how did you know he was absorbed into another realm?

Hekapoo:

Because it was absorbed along with the Espercrystal.

Queen Eclipsa:

The Espercrystal?! Oh God, not again...

Star:

Did you know about the Espercrystal?

Queen Eclipsa:

Yes I do, and let me give you some advice: If you do this, I swear to God you’ll regret every single second of your entire existence, so be smart and stay out of the realms.

Star:

But you don’t understand… [gets on her knees] the thing is: I’m pregnant with this boy’s child, I found it out just a few weeks before he disappeared, but I couldn’t tell him in time… and who knows? maybe if I had told him about my baby, he wouldn’t sacrifice himself to save us from that evil crystal and its evil powers, so every time I think about him, I see myself carrying the weight of his loss for the rest of my life, so please… just give me this opportunity, that’s all I ask for.

Queen Eclipsa:

[sniffing] Oh, that is just so sad… but life’s a bitch kid, you’ll just have to learn to live with it.

Star:

Oh, come on!!! I’ll do anything you want me to do… [makes a puppy face] Pleeease...

Queen Eclipsa:

[moved] Aw, I hate when they make that face. Okay, I’ll tell you what you want to know.

Star:

[standing up] Hooray!

Queen Eclipsa:

However… I want something in return.

Star:

Oh, you want more chocolate bars? No problem, I’ll just take these bars left over here and...

Queen Eclipsa:

I’m not talking about chocolate bars. What I want in return… is to be free.

Hekapoo & Rhombulus:

WHAT?!!!

Queen Eclipsa:

That’s right: no freedom, no secret. Simple as that.

Rhombulus:

Forget about it Eclipsa, princess Butterfly will never agree to set free someone as dangerous as…

[Star grabs Rhombulus arm and uses it to unfreeze Eclipsa’s entire body]

Rhombulus:

Hey, that’s my arm!

Queen Eclipsa:

[giving Star a pat on the head] Now, that’s a good girl, and because I’m a woman of my word, I’ll tell you the secret you want to know...

[Eclipsa whispers the secret on Star’s ear. Star simply gasps as she hears it]

Queen Eclipsa:

And that’s basically all you need to know. Now, If you excuse me: I have some unfinished business I have to attend, so… arrivederci… [flies away]

Rhombulus:

[following her] Hey, get back here… [leaves the scene]

Hekapoo:

So... what did she tell you? Star?

[Star stares into space for a few seconds, then she looks at Hekapoo]

Star:

The wand. We gotta get it back.

MARCO VS. THE FORCES OF LOVE - EPISODE 18: WAKING ECLIPSA

[tomhollandwritings]

fed up ~ t.h.

synopsis: the reader is expecting her boyfriend tom to show up during an extremely important night for her, yet he fails. 

based off of the request: Hi! Can you do an imagine were the reader is dating Tom. And she has this very important event and wants Tom there, but he couldn't make it (idk maybe he was busy with the movies or something like that), and she gets sad because she wanted to see him (they haven't see each other personally in a while bc the reader goes to university). And Tom tries to apologize doing something cute and the end is like very fluffy? Btw, sorry this is so long and I tried to explained the best I could. Thanks.❤️

Requested by @marifer-ea

a/n: I feel like shit about this. It took me like 3 hours to write and it’s still TRASH! So i hope you like trash <3 (seriously though i hope you guys like it even tho i don’t feel too good about it)

masterlist

Standing on the stage, you squinted against the bright lights hindering your sight into the audience and adjusted your red blazer with clammy hands. Today was finally the day of your debate team’s finals, and to say you were nervous would be the understatement of the year. You attempted once again to scan the bustling crowd as people made their way into your university’s auditorium, keeping an eye out for the only familiar face that you wanted to be there, your boyfriend Tom Holland.

Since landing such an important Marvel role, Tom had been a bit busier than usual and you hadn’t seen him in a long time. To be fair, you were in your freshman year of university and you were fairly busy as well, but you were beginning to feel fed up that Tom didn’t seem to be quite as committed to making time for you as you were for him. You loved him deeply but you were disappointed in the lack of contact between the two of you.

After about 5 minutes, everyone seemed to be settled into their seats and it was time for you and the rest of your team to take your seats as well. Continuing to scan the crowd, a deep feeling of disappointment flooded your system as you couldn’t spot Tom anywhere.

An hour later, you and the rest of your team ran excitedly off the stage, holding the first place trophy in tight grips. You looked around joyfully at your teammates, watching as the team you had just defeated trudged by you with disappointed looks on their faces. You turned back to your team and peeled off your blazer. Everyone was chattering excitedly and you almost completely forgot about Tom. Almost.

As you walked to your car, an intense feeling of sadness washed over you as it hit you how long it had actually been since you had seen him. You slid into the driver’s seat as tears stung in your eyes and threatened to fall. You rested your head on the steering wheel and took a deep breath, trying not to allow yourself to cry. You should be feeling happy, but this was important to you and Tom had bailed with no notice after swearing up and down that he would be there tonight. You were counting on him and needed his support, and he had let you down for the last time.

You drove home in silence, trying to let the cool wind coming in from your open windows calm you down. You wondered if you should call him and tell him how you felt, but you didn’t want to start a fight. For the entire length of your relationship with Tom you had never argued with him or tried to keep him away from his work. You had always respected the things he needed to do and tried to accommodate to keep your relationship strong.

You walked into your small apartment building and up the two flights of stairs as your phone began to buzz in your pocket. You pulled it out and, lo and behold, it was Tom. You sighed wearily and slid to answer the call, holding it up to your ear. “Hello?”

“Y/N, I’m so sorry.” Tom said quickly. Rolling your eyes, you stepped into your apartment.

“Tom-“

“Please. You don’t understand-“

“No, Tom, I do understand. You blew me off, yet again, on one of the important nights of my year. It’s like you don't care at all! But I shouldn't have expected you to show up.”

“Y/N, don't say that. You know it isn't true.”

“Actually, I don’t know anymore Tom.”

“What? Y/N-“

Angrily, you hung up the phone, kicking your shoes off in the process. You put your phone down on your kitchen counter in order to not have to endure any other calls and texts from Tom.

After getting ready for bed quickly, you continued to ignore your phone and lock your door before climbing into your bed to finally go to sleep.

The next day, you awoke to what sounded like pots and pans banging together. You sat up in bed abruptly, your heart race quickening. Did someone break in? You got up slowly from your bed, grabbing a lamp from your bedside table in a panic. Creeping forwards, you slowly opened your bedroom door and listened for more noises. You could hear faint music and someone humming along, leaving you even more confused. You gripped the lamp even hard and began making your way slowly to the kitchen.

Hopping around the corner and holding out the lamp, you screamed in hopes of startling the intruder. You dropped the lamp on the ground and barely heard the lightbulb smash as you stared at Tom standing in front of you in surprise. Fuck. He has a key. There was 6 different dirty pots and pans in the sink, and you made a confused face as you didn't even own more than 2 pans. Tom had made more food than you had ever seen in your entire life, and there was a vase full of sunflowers sitting on the middle of your small kitchen table. He had one of those silly aprons on with a woman’s body in a bikini on it, and you raised your eyebrows.

“I brought… I got sunflowers. And I made you breakfast. Well, lunch. It’s already 1:00. I- you didn't answer my calls. So I got scared. But you shouldn't have answered! I fucked up, so… I just… I’m sorry, Y/N.” Tom stumbled over almost every word, watching you nervously and shuffling his feet.

“Sunflowers are-“

“Your favourite. I know. I remember.” He said apologetically. You watched him as he walked slowly towards you and took both of your hands in his. “I hope you know how sorry I am. I am never going to let you down again. Ever.”

“Tom…”

“Your friend told me you guys won. Congratulations.”

“Thank you…”

“You look beautiful, by the way.” You laughed. “No I don’t. I literally just woke up. Because I thought someone had broken into my house!” “I’m sorry! I assumed you would have known it was me.”

“It’s okay.” You said. “And… I forgive you. For last night.”

Tom looked up at you in surprise. “You do?!”

“Yes.” You nodded as he squeezed your hands. “Can we eat now though? This smells amazing and I’m starving.”

Tom laughed, bringing your hands up to his mouth and pressing gentle kisses to your knuckles. “I love you.” he murmured against your skin.

“I love you too,” you smiled.

#tom holland #tom holland imagine #tom holland fan fic #tom holland spiderman #tom holland gif #tom holland interview #peter parker #peter parker imagine #peter parker fan fic #spiderman: hoco #spiderman: homecoming #spiderman imagine #marvel #marvel movies #marvel cast #marvel men #marvel interview #marvel imagine #follow me #follow back #tom holland blog #tom holland meme #quackson

[capechicago]

“If the Coronavirus Was A Person I Would Beat It Up” Or, Meditations on the Loss of Co-Presence in Learning

We are fond of celebrating our adaptability as a species. The quick pivot to virtual learning during this pandemic has been touted with pride by many, and not without good reason. Back in April, I was overjoyed to be reconnected with my students after such a long and unexpected absence. But now that we’re five months into distance learning, and poised to potentially embark on another entire year of the same, other thoughts and feelings have surfaced.

  As an artist who’s spent my entire life working in the medium of live theatre, I find the mediated experience of google meets a particular challenge. I will never forget my mentor Robert Woodruff turning to me after a particular scene showing in graduate school and throwing out the question: What feeling are you trying to create in the room? It was the single most impactful question I received as a graduate student in directing, and I’m always mindful of it, not only in the experiences I create for an audience, but like most teachers, in the classrooms in which I’m teaching. There’s what we’re doing, and then there’s the energy with which we’re doing it, and the energy we create as we do it. As I’ve gone through life, I’ve come to feel more and more that the later two are the more important.

  At a moment, then, when shared, three dimensional space has collapsed and there is no “room,” I have felt cut off from my purpose, a purpose strictly tied to the empirical senses and to what I’ll call the sixth sense, where you perceive something energetically beyond what is tangibly evident (like when I come home late, open my car door and stop dead in my tracks because my body knows something is wrong. I look around and spot a skunk poised to defend itself two feet away. I stay in the car, close the door, it goes away, and I safely enter the house without needing to go bathe in tomato juice). Like someone suddenly gone blind, I have been struggling to compensate for a lost – or many lost – sense(s). Gone is touch, peripheral vision, smell and taste (irrelevant as they are not shared), and my “sixth” sense. Seeing and hearing as they relate to the only communally available experience (the screen) are on overdrive. I have found it exhausting to try to gather – and transmit – the same amount and kind of information as I used to with my now limited resources.

  This doesn’t mean that I can’t affect the feeling of the zoom (rhyme intended), but it’s a lot harder, and the effect is more limited. Even if the technology is working flawlessly, I have a very limited ability to access the intangible feeling in the room in which the children are individually situated, adding an extra barrier to my ability to transform it. If Dad is cooking in the kitchen three steps away or brother is watching tv over on the couch, these can be obstacles for a child’s attention (not to mention my own, as I hear the banging of pots and pans, unrelated music and conversation). Children lie on their beds, wander off for a snack, disappear altogether for sizable chunks of time. Without the room uniting us, without the substantive and sizable impact of group focus, interest, curiosity, enthusiasm that magnifies each individual’s experience exponentially, creating the tide that raises all ships, how do we go after things that are individually challenging or difficult? What prompts a child to move out of their comfort zone, into a place of discovery? What does this mean, I have been asking myself, for personal growth, for learning, for society??

  An experience in class last week started to answer these questions for me, addressing the gulf I perceived regarding my ability to actualize what I have put at the center of my own teaching mission – creating connection and tending to the quality of energy between people – and reshaping my general expectations of teaching and learning in this moment.

  John Doe is a wonderful rising fifth grader, smart with lots of personality – a “character” – that we are more than happy to have in our drama class. From the first day he had a tendency to regularly pop out of, then rejoin, class. Based on this behavior, my teacher reached out to a former class teacher of John’s and confirmed what she suspected, that he had a learning disability. We proceeded with that understanding, continuing to embrace and celebrate his presence. In the third week of class, our work took a heavily writing-based turn, and John disappeared from class altogether. After two full days of absence, my teacher and I decided to reach out to the parent and share how much we missed John as well as vaguely offer to accommodate him in whatever way would prove useful. We never heard back from the parent, but John returned. The whole class was happy to have him back (they’d been asking after his whereabouts) and when we sensed any tension from him about engaging in certain activities (journal writing, reading aloud etc), we allowed him to opt out. On the second day of his return, while the teacher was reading a story, John went to his bed, laid down and pretended to fall asleep. After receiving no attention, John then verbally announced his intention to go to sleep, at which point the teacher spoke, surprising me. “You go ahead and take your nap. It’s nice to rest your eyes when someone is reading to you. We’ll let you know when it’s time for your nap to be over.” After this, John stopped trying to make his napping obvious (loud snoring, etc.) and we continued uninterrupted in our reading. When the book was done and it was time to “get up,” he did.

  After class during our planning period, I complimented my colleague on meeting John so kindly and gently where he was at. She expressed how important it was to her to have him hear the story, to remain with us and not to blip out as he’d done before on so many other occasions. As I digested this information - how she had abandoned redirection and given him permission to conduct himself in ways that would not necessarily have been tolerated in a live classroom - I realized that a completely different set of teacher-student expectations were emerging. You couldn’t teach the child at all if they weren’t on the call, so keeping the child there, connected to you and the group regardless of participation level or behavior, was the goal.

  The next day, after we had done group sharing, warmed-up and played some improv games, it was time to move on to project work. I asked one of the students to try an experiment with the piece she was working on. After staring at me a minute, the student slowly but surely started inching her screen in a different direction, so that she could no longer be seen. A very eloquent expression of her shyness, yes, but also – unintentionally – a kind of threat: If you ask me to do something that makes me uncomfortable, I’ll leave. If something like this had happened in a live classroom, I would have changed the temperature in the room, become silly and created an even more loose and forgiving space. Other students might have chimed in and egged her on, taking stabs at the task themselves or offering their own interpretations, resulting in her giving it a try. But with each of us in our own separate spaces, individual pieces of kindling spread throughout disparate fireplaces, the flame couldn’t catch hold and there was no change of heart. What could we do? We moved on. Another student was asked whether they’d completed a suggested overnight experiment; the answer was a soft and sheepish “no.” John showed up without his notebook altogether.

  My point is not that these events were a negative outcome from John’s behavior in bed the day before; no, students had shirked “discomfort” here and there all along. What I realized now very consciously, however, was that, more and more, our response was becoming, “it’s okay.” Our teaching had essentially evolved into the practice of protecting the fragile ecosystem of our collective. Fragile not because the children (or we) found the class a chore – no! We could sit and chit-chat and do show and tell all day long! We all genuinely enjoyed being together. Rather, the fragility was based in the now  more limited space available for learning – which I’ll define as the activity of stretching one’s mind, body, spirit, will or interest, into new or unfamiliar territory potentially beyond one’s comfort zone – ostensibly the thing we were all gathered together to do. Had willingness to venture beyond the known or familiar shrunk in proportion to our current physical willingness to roam? Is it only our bodies that are sheltering in place?

  Let’s face it, times are stressful. Whatever degree of fear or anxiety we experience individually with regard to the virus, the response to contain it has had myriad consequences that have impacted everyone, including fundamentally interfering with our most basic needs and routines. When the course of life has been so dramatically interrupted, how can we expect “learning” to proceed “as usual?”  What is becoming clear to me – what the children seem to be showing us – is that learning will no longer – can no longer – happen on what I will call previous “teacher’s terms.” The balance of power has shifted, command of the dynamic is equally distributed amongst the uniformly-sized squares of the screen, each cocooned in the relative comfort of their own distinct world. In these times, for virtual learning, the reality is that connection for it’s own sake may potentially be both the most urgent achievement, and the lowest common denominator.

  A few weeks ago I learned that, far from proceeding with “business as usual,” Barnard College was in effect making the “Big Problems” laid bare by this moment in history the center of its entire curriculum for the upcoming fall. I know that many CAPE artists shifted projects in the spring not only to adapt to altered circumstances, like access to materials, but also to address our changing, unfolding landscape. As a team working with a young cohort of 2nd-4th graders, continuity seemed like the most significant thing we could provide and we held onto our project as planned as we went virtual. After several weeks, however, I was left unsatisfied by our ability to engage students with the events we were living through. Consequently, we chose to foreground the matter in our summer program, where we’ve been writing monologues about our thoughts and feelings in response to shelter-in-place and social distancing, allowing space for both students and parents to process their experiences.

I am now wondering how far to pivot away from traditional teaching methods, subject matter and discreet art skills/training going forward. I have marveled at the snack camp created by our CAPE colleagues this summer. What better way to meet basic needs (course budget is dedicated to purchasing ingredients for students), teach a fundamental life skill, and provide a sense of community than cooking class? As we all strive for the grace to reach children where they’re at in this ever-evolving moment (while also acknowledging where we’re at as teachers, artists and humans), I’m grateful to have the CAPE network of teachers and artists with whom to puzzle through the profound and complex questions, issues and opportunities.

#waters #reflection #personal essay #essay #drama #theatre #submission