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Heart of the Ocean 💙 | Teen Wolf Miniseries Part 2

Takes place in between 3A & 3B of Teen Wolf

Teen Wolf Masterlist | read part 1 here

Characters & Pairings: Hale/McCall Pack x vampire!reader (female/platonic), eventual Peter Hale x reader (romantic), reader x male!oc ( past romance) & reader x supernatural!reader (platonic). Characters in this imagine: Scott McCall, Stiles Stilinski, Lydia Martin, Allison Argent, Isaac Lahey, Derek Hale, Peter Hale, Chris Argent, Alan Deaton.

Content Warnings: light angst, profanity, references of historical event disaster, mentions of death, blood, and murder | female!reader (she/her) | ws: 6.4k

Requested 📨 yes/no (rules for requests)

Premise: with the riddle solved the pack now have to face the truth their English teacher is not who they thought she was. To find out who’s responsible for the chaos in Beacon Hills they have no choice but to confront Y/n about her identity and nature. Even if it could cost them their lives.

——————————

*tick* *tick* *tick*

Scott’s eyes were on the clock, flickering over to Stiles who wore an expression similar to his. Filled with unease and wondering if what they were about to do was a mistake. The minutes were ticking away as the school day approached its end. Glancing to Allison and Lydia in the front of the classroom he could see in their neck and shoulders how tense they were, Allison nervously chewing on the tip of her pen. All throughout the lecture none could stay focused. Not when the person teaching had a harrowing secret they were about to confront.

How would she react? Better yet, how were they going to even breach the subject.

Scott could see them fucking everything up in the blink of the eye. He couldn’t help but recall Peter’s warning from the night before. “Vampires can be hostile creatures—especially if they haven’t fed for a while. They can go maybe….weeks without drinking blood before they start to lose their control. Considering Loretta—or should I say, Y/n, has been in Beacon Hills a few months I can only assume she is getting her blood by some other means than preying on its citizens. Still, approach her with caution if you decide to confront her. If I was a 130 year old vampire who was a wealthy socialite that survived one of the most famous shipwrecks in history and was being hunted by my creator…well let’s just say I wouldn’t let you leave still breathing.”

The more the seconds ticked by the more Scott was regretting the plan. After much debate the pack wanted to get to the bottom of everything quickly and that meant confronting Miss. Andrews at school. Which was very unnerving. Discovering she was a vampire only made her more intimidating after already establishing herself as someone who came off as unapproachable. Though they had few interactions, Scott found Miss. Andrews to possess an aura that reads, ‘better to wonder in silence rather than search for answers.’ Appearing no older than the age of thirty, sometimes she’d say words or phrases that made her seem much older.

Thankfully their English section was the last period of the day. Isaac wasn’t in the class but he had Miss. Andrews that morning and kept his eyes out for the necklace, however, he was unable to tell if the woman was wearing it.

The Heart of the Ocean.

What led them to her.

If she was wearing the necklace it had to have been beneath her high collared shirt that was paired with a black blazer and dress pants. Now knowing what they know, they realized Miss. Andrews always wore clothing that was sophisticated and concealed her neck area. Whether it be a turtleneck or a collared shirt, they wondered why they hadn’t found it odd before. California was hot even in the early months of the year—especially in April as they approached summer.

Peter’s words echoed in Scott’s mind, “Vampires are cold-blooded creatures. The warm weather has little effect on them and though the glimmer acts as a camouflage to other supernatural creatures it doesn’t change their nature. They’ll be cold to the touch. Faster than the speed of sound. Stronger the older they are. And some even have little gifts that separate them from others.”

“Gifts?”

“Abilities. Very rare among their kind but those who possess them are more enhanced in every aspect than others. I’ve heard stories about one who can read minds. An old…acquaintance, of mine said he once encountered a vampire who could compel anyone to do anything for them. Let’s hope neither your killer or his little creation have any talents. Otherwise your odds of coming out of this in one piece are going to be very low.”

The hairs stood on the back of Scott’s neck when Loretta…Y/n… passed him as she walked in between the aisle of desks. It was like his senses were trying to warn him despite his others unable to detect she was not human.

“What people fail to understand about Romeo and Juliet…” Loretta moves between Lydia and Allison, missing how both girls tense up. “Is that it is not a romance despite having a prominent theme of love thorough out the play. To be considered a romance it must have what you would call, ‘a happily ever after,’…” Turning to face the class, Loretta leans her back against the desk with her arms crossed over her chest. Scott almost perches up, straining his ears to see if he could pick up movement around her neck.

Her eyes scan across the room, lingering on Scott and Stiles when they quickly look away, “Specifically for the protagonist—or protagonists in this setting. Romeo and Juliet die at the end of the play, therefore there is no happy ending. Yes, their families end up putting past their differences due to the loss of their loved ones. But the protagonists did not get to ride off into the sunset and live out their lives in peace. So the more appropriate term for the play would be a tragedy. A genre focused on human suffering and sorrowful events that happen to the protagonist. And as we have learned these past weeks, Shakespeare was known for his tragedies. Romeo and Juliet is just one of his many—Macbeth, Othello, Julius Caesar to name a few.”

There were only two minutes remaining in the class. Scott tapped his pen against the book anxiously, eyes back on the clock as Siltes sent him another look. Isaac’s scent soon filled his nostrils, indicating he was outside the door. And glancing over her shoulder, Allison gave a slight nod of, ‘it’s gonna be okay,’ to try and ease his nerves.

“Tragedies can be inspired by an array of things,” Loretta moved her arms so her hands were clasped in front of her. Again, Scott couldn’t help but listen for the rustling of jewelry. All he got was a usually steady pacing of her heart. If that even was her heart.

“Personal lives and historical events.” Lydia and Alice glance at each other as do Scott and Stiles. “They dive into the catharsis of their audience. Bringing pleasure through pain because we as humans—,” the teens share another look, “cannot help but find a sense of enjoyment in seeing the main character fail. Witness their downfall. Does that say something about us in how we view others?” The question was rhetoric, Loretta watching the students think in silence before shrugging. “That is for you to decide.”

*ring* *ring* *ring*

In a hurry students gather their belongings and make their way out the door. For the four teenagers planning to stay they are slow in their movements.

“Don’t forget tomorrow’s quiz is on Act five,” Loretta shouted lightly, pushing off from the desk only to walk around it. “Then we will begin our unit on Poe so be sure to have your textbooks with you.” As Loretta starts to erase the chalkboard the teens draw to the back door of the class to make it look like they're leaving but really they stop once Isaac enters. Then with a nod, “let’s do this,” they make their way back into the classroom.

Reaching the front row of the desks, the sound of Stiles bumping into a chair catches the woman’s attention, turning to face the group with perplexed eyes making them freeze like deer in headlights.

“Well hello,” Loretta places the eraser down, surprised to see five of her students behind her. “Wasn’t expecting you all to stay after the period ended. Everything alright?” She connects eyes with all, sensing their distress.

Scott is the first to speak, “We’re sorry to bother you when you’re busy, Miss. Andrews,” he felt his heart pick when he nearly addressed her by her real name. “We were just wondering if you could help us with something.”

“Is it about tomorrow’s quiz?” Loretta is calm, collected, and shows no signs of nervousness. “Because unfortunately if that’s the case I can’t—.”

“It’s about our history project,” Allison cuts in, causing the boys to give her a look that read ‘what are you doing?’ She gives a smile when Loretta tilts her head.

“Are you asking me to read over your report? Check for any grammatical errors? That I can do for you if you have a rough draft.”

“No,” Lydia rubs her neck, watching Loretta take a piece of chalk in her hand while bidding a glance at her lesson plans on the desk. Lydia licks her bottom lip, “more like we would like some advice if we have the facts right on it.” Loretta makes a sound between a laugh and scoff.

“I think you’re better suited asking your history teacher,” she raises her brow at them. Her heartbeat is steady against Scott’s ears, the werewolf catching Isaac’s eyes to see he heard the same. “I’m afraid my knowledge on whatever the topic of your project is will be limited compared to your teacher.”

“Actually,” Scott swallows, “We think you’re the best person there is to help us.”

Lorretta makes another sound, smirking lightly like the teens were humoring her, “Oh really?” Chalk in hand she faces the board to begin writing Friday’s plan. “Why is that?”

“Because it’s about Titanic.”

Instantly they watch her hand stop mid air, clutching the chalk in a grip they’re afraid it was going to snap in half. In fact, it did break in half. Not even two seconds after the words leave Scott’s mouth, however, her hand remains in the air. A slight tremor replacing the chalk as it clunks to the tile floor.

Silence fills the room as all time stops. Loretta was paralyzed where she stood. Back facing the group where they couldn’t see her face. But considering she was frozen like a statue, it wasn’t difficult to assume she had the same expression they did when they saw her picture the night before.

Scott takes a hesitant step closer, tone cautions as he mutters, “Y/n.” Her low gasp fills his ears, physically reacting to the name. Behind him the others tense, Isaac consciously moving closer to Scott as Stiles pushes the girls back. They all wait for her next move.

“Y/n—.”

Slowly her hand comes down, head dipping slightly, “How do you know?” The question sounded like Y/n knew this day would come. That in a town where supernatural beings resided she was bound to be discovered but hoped it would be some time before she did.

The teens couldn’t hold back the shudder when Y/n faced them. Her eyes lacked any color. Pitch black like onyx and void of friendlessness. It made them wonder if she was wearing contacts or the glimmer had seeped away to show what her real eyes were. They prayed for the former, for Peter had mentioned when a vampire was hungry their eyes would darken.

Her jaw clenched and Scott instantly straightened to prepare for any sudden attack. She was stronger than him—he knew just from Peter’s warnings. While he had Isaac and Allison armed with a silver dagger, they were no match for a 130 year old vampire who could move faster than they could blink. And if she had abilities….they were straight fucked.

Instead Y/n’s voice went low, repeating her question, “How. Do. You. Know.”

Scott gulped, finding his voice, “Stiles,” with his hand out he motioned for riddle. Stiles fumbles through the front pocket of his backpack, finding the paper and passing it over as Y/n stares the entire time. Carefully the alpha drops the riddle onto the desk, using his fingers to slide it towards her and watches as she picks it up. They are silent the entire time Y/n reads the written words, her mouth tightening as though she recognized the handwriting the moment her eyes met the first line.

Her eyes then close when she finishes the final verse. “He’s found me,” she doesn’t need their confirmation, “it’s been him all along.” Him all along referencing the murders. “I should’ve known.” Her eyes open and lock on Scott, “When did he leave you this?”

“Last night.”

“Where.”

“U-uh Derek Hale’s loft.”

“Hale,” Y/n whispers, the name familiar on her tongue. “Thalia’s son.”

“You know them?” Stiles was flabbergasted. “Y-you know what they are.”

“Of course I do,” Y/n sounded offended, causing the teen to wince. “I’ve been alive 130 years. I knew of the Hale pack when Thalia's grandparents were the leaders.” There’s a pause as her gaze moves to Scott, “And I know Scott is an Alpha. Isaac is a beta. Allison is a hunter—part of the renowned Argent family,” there was a hint of distaste behind Y/n’s tone causing Allison to stiffen. Y/n rests her eyes on the redhead before ending with Siles, “and Lydia is a banshee. But you are the only human, Mr. Stilinski. Which might I say is quite the surprise.”

Stiles scratches his neck, “R-really?”

“Yes. Usually humans don’t last long with supernaturals. Would’ve thought you’d be a beta by now—seeing that your best friend is an alpha.” Seeing his friends become uncomfortable with the assumption, Scott switches the subject.

“Next week is the anniversary of Titanic sinking,” her expression instantly changed. “You were there.”

“I was,” it came no louder than a whisper, a distant look within her eye indicating Titanic was still a painful memory for the woman. “And you know then—from this,” she holds up the riddle, “What I am? What I do?”

Each of them nod, “we do.” They still couldn’t wrap their heads around it. That their English teacher, of all people, was an immortal who was aboard Titanic.

“And you’re not running for the hills,” she hums, not sure whether to find them idiotic or courageous. “How interesting.”

“Well when you live in a town like Beacon Hills…you try to get used to it,” Stiles shrugs, a little terrified when Y/n’s expression reads that of, ‘you think you’ve seen it all? You have no idea what else is out there.’

“This is how we found you….” Lydia removes the printed article with the picture of Y/n wearing the necklace. Handing it to the woman, Lydia sees her face soften, eyes lingering on the pictures of her with Theodore and Benjamin.

“Forgot this existed honestly,” Y/n mutters, finger brushing over the image. “It’s the only picture we ever took as a family. And this one,” she points to the one of only her, “this was the first and last time I had a portrait done.” A hand comes up to her neck area, all eyes following the movement where they watch her remove the Heart of the Ocean from beneath the material. It was more exquisite in person than they imagined. A stunning blue diamond in the shape of a heart surrounded by white diamonds and all along the chain.

No wonder she kept it hidden. Anyone would’ve been drawn by the beauty of the jewelry if they were to see it. Then of course there was the tiny fact it was worth 350 million dollars and the link to her past.

Y/n lets out a pained chuckle, “I’m impressed you managed to piece it together. So quickly might I add.” Her finger runs along the surface of the diamond, “but then again, Heart of the Ocean is not something you hear everyday.”

“It’s the source of your glimmer, isn’t it?”

Y/n narrows her eyes at Scott’s question, “How do you know about the glimmer?”

Stiles is the one to answer, “Derek’s uncle seems to know everything about supernatural creatures. He was the one who figured out you and your creator were vampires. Then he explained how you were able to pass as human—why they wouldn’t be able to pick up on your scent.”

“He said vampires will sometimes wear enchanted jewelry,” Allison’s gaze went back to the necklace, flicking back to Y/n who had straightened her posture, “That Druid’s can make it so you’re not affected by the sun and give off a human scent. He suspected the Heart of the Ocean was it for you.”

Once again Y/n appeared impressed, “well he was right. Which is unfortunate for me,” she mutters almost annoyed, eyes going back to reread the riddle. Scott leans more against the desk.

“We need to know who is doing this, Y/n—Loretta, if that’s what you prefer,” he corrects when her hand flexes. “And why. He gave us this riddle to find you and now that we have we have no idea what’s gonna happen next. Do you have any clue why he’s doing this?”

Y/n let out a loud exhale—prompting Scott to remember it was for show since vampires didn’t need to breathe. Having to put up the facade of being human for so long likely had the mannerisms come naturea. The riddle drops onto the table. “His name is Sebastian Lavigne. Don’t bother trying to find him on the records of passengers aboard that night—,” Stiles’ hand pauses as he jots down the name. “Sebastian didn’t have a ticket. He was a stowaway who snuck aboard when the ship docked in France. Disguised himself as a crew member so he wouldn’t get caught.” She paused to sigh again, “Quite frankly I’m not even sure if that’s his real name—he’s likely going by another alias.”

“Kinda like you?”

Y/n made a face at Stiles’s question, but answered nonetheless. “If you haven’t noticed, Mr. Stilinski, I do not age. If we stay in a place too long people start to suspect, therefore we have to move consistently and with that comes an identity change. But I always knew him by Sebastian though to the public he went by a different name. And so did I,” she glances at photos of her. “I couldn’t go by my real name after Titanic because of who my family was and everyone thought I was dead. Then of course the fact I was now a blood-sucking creature.

“Sebastian is a deceitful man. And this riddle—,” a finger aggressively hits the paper a few times, “is just one of his many games. He knows exactly where I am and only did this to mess with you. Probably because he knows you’re onto him. He wanted you to figure out what he was. Leading you to me…it was to warn me he’s coming.”

Lydia tenses, feeling a wave of dread course through her, “why is wanting to find you?” Y/n crosses her arms over her chest, glaring at the floor.

“Because he’s angry I left him. That I broke away from him. Vampires are usually nomadic—hardly ever join up together. Kinda like how werewolves have packs to make them stronger, well….a group of vampires would decimate anything that stood in their way. Sebastian’s a man who desires power,” Y/n rubs her hand on her forearm. “And together we were powerful—especially with our gifts.”

“Gifts?” Scott’s heart skipped, thinking of Peter’s warning. “You both have gifts?”

“Yes,” Y/n didn’t sound proud of it. “Sebastian can compel you to do anything—you’ve heard of him,” Y/n’s shoulders slumped at their reaction.

Stiles flexes his hand, unease in his voice, “Peter told us about a vampire like that. Said he knew someone who encountered them. Is he the only one who can?” Y/n’s nod of confirmation only increases their anxiety.

“As far as I know, yes he is. His gift is powerful, but it only works close range. Meaning in order to be affected you have to be directly in front of him. Sebastian has to stare into one’s eyes to compel them,” Y/n glances to her feet again, “but once he does they have no choice but to do what he says. And combined with mine…..” she shudders, making them frown. “No one could stand a chance against us.”

“What can you do?” Allison asks, a little unsure if she even wanted to know.

“Make you see anything I want. Whether it be tapping into your memory or my own, I can conjure illusions. Illusions derived from your greatest fear causing you to become incapacitated,” everyone’s demeanor became that of concern. “As you can imagine it came in handy when traveling with Sebastian—especially against our enemies,” Y/n comes around the desk so she’s closer to the group, “or more like his enemies since it was always him who had to instigate conflict.”

Lydia’s eyes draw in suspicion, “Why’d you leave him?” It was the question everyone wanted the answer to. And Y/n didn’t appear happy to answer it.

“He’d been keeping things from me. During my time with Sebastian he liked to isolate me—keep me from interacting with others of our kind. He didn’t want me to know I could feed without preying on humans. Or about glimmer which is why I spent most of my days locked in doors and only came out at night. He kept me from my son,” her lips tightened, “I understood why at the time…but then I found out his motives.”

The air thickened in the classroom.

“Things that could have made my fate turn out different than what it was,” her voice turned cold, eyes darkening even more. “Yes, he pulled me from the water that night…but he didn’t have to turn me into this to save me. There was another way and he chose to turn me for what I was worth to him. So when I found out decades later the truth—that he had turned me for his own selfish gain. Robbing me of the life I could have had with my son and family…”

Y/n’s hand moves to the jewelry on her neck, “I found the closest Druid I could find and had them enchant this. That way he’d lose my scent and be unable to track me.” Her hand comes back down with a sigh, “But somehow he always manages to be a step ahead of things.”

“How long ago did you escape him?” Scott wonders aloud.

“Forty years ago.”

Stiles’s jaw drops, “He’s been hunting you for four decades?”

“Likely so. With me he was more powerful. With me he was more rich,” Y/n explained, tone bitter with each word. “Shortly after we returned to New York he compelled me into robbing my own home. The amount we stole still hasn’t run dry—at least not for me,” a tinge of a smirk indicated Y/n left him with nothing when she escaped. “So I wouldn’t put it past him for devoting this many years to find me. But it’s not to get me into his good graces, no, he wants to punish me. And the best way to punish me is to play games like this,” lightning fast her hand grasps the riddle and crutches it between her fingers. “To cause chaos and hurt innocent people because he knows how much I hated it when we did. The murders. Leaving you this riddle. He won’t stop even after he’s got what he wants.”

Scott’s shoulders drop slightly, “And what does he want?”

“To kill me. Scott,” Y/n’s words send a shiver along his body. “I’ve made a life of myself without him—one where I try everyday to make up for the things I did with him. Preying on humans. Torturing the minds of those Sebastian hated. He wants me to feel that shame and regret before he finishes the job. Because that’s what he does, however, now that he’s brought you all into his game there’s not going to be an end until he’s satisfied. Once he’s through with me you will become his prime source of entertainment. Or, he’ll see you as a benefit and want to corrupt you. Just like he did to me.”

Silence fills the room as the teens take in the new information. All deep in thought wondering what to do or say next. The reality of Sebastian’s cruel nature and games proves beyond their expertise. They weren’t sure exactly how to go about it. Finding Y/n was the first step, but from what she’s told them it would not be enough.

He’ll still kill. He might even target them next—especially if they refuse whatever offer he could be planning. Y/n didn’t have to go into detail that Scott’s status as a True Alpha with a pack of unlikely allies would be something Sebastian would want to control.

And with his gift of compelling….

“We need to know what he looks like,” Scott’s the first to speak. Determination fills his gaze, “He’s got the advantage right now—a-and if he’s glimmered like you then he’s probably been passing as human.” He turns to Y/n, pleading with her for help. “You said you can show illusions. Ones that can be from your memory—can you show one with him?” The sound she responds with is one of defeat.

“He compelled me, shortly after he turned me, to erase his image from my memory because he was paranoid about us running into vampires who could read minds or Druids who could make me tap into my subconscious.” Everyone deflated at the news, but then Y/n perked up causing them to do the same. “But….he when did, he only said, ‘from this moment on.’”

Scott took a step closer, eyes full of hope, “What does that mean?”

“It means I can show you,” Y/n’s voice is low and tainted with slight dread. “I can show you the night he turned me. The night Titanic sank.”

Later that evening the pack gathered at Deaton’s clinic. It was just after sunset, around 8pm and some were starting to become impatient.

“Is she coming?” Peter grunted from where he stood leaning against a wall. “Or was this all a distraction.”

“She’s gonna be here,” Scott insisted, eyes narrowed slightly. Truth be told he was starting to worry. Y/n had promised she’d be at the clinic by nightfall but had yet to show.

“Well the clock is ticking,” Stiles fiddled with his fingers nervously.

Allison looks at the man beside her, who was checking to see if his gun was loaded with the proper bullets. “You know you didn’t have to come, dad.” Chris raises a brow, putting the safety on and placing the weapon back in its holster.

“And leave you and your friends alone with a gifted vampire who’s the reasons a psychotic one is causing hell around town? Not a chance.”

“Have you ever hunted one before?” Her voice drops to a whisper, though it doesn’t do much for those with enhanced hearing. Derek, Peter, Scott, and Isaac heard the question loud and clear.

Chris shakes his head, “No. They’re rare and not many are in America—but your great-grandfather came into contact with one in the fifties. Left us with what to do if we ever dealt with one.”

Allison gives her father a look of warning, “You can’t hurt her, dad.”

“If she gives me a reason to, I will.”

“She won’t,” she presses, aware Scott and Derek had their eyes on them. The former looked anxious.

“You don’t know how unpredictable and manipulative vampires are, Allison. None of you do.”

“She’s been in Beacon Hills for months. We asked her how she gets her blood and she said she’s been taking bags from the ER—not feeding on the town’s people,” the teen pleads, surprised with herself for defending Y/n so easily. Maybe it was the fact the vampire had been robbed of her life that made Allison sympathize. Or because she could feel the anger and fury Y/n had for her creator that she believed Y/n would stop at nothing to take him down. “And she hasn’t given any reason for us to believe she’s been working with Sebastian. She hates him, dad.” Chris doesn’t appear convinced.

“She was with him for sixty years—.”

“And she’s been without him for forty,” Allison cuts him off, promptly ending the argument. Another minute passes before all freeze at the sound of Deaton’s door chime ringing. Motioning with a hand, the doctor enters the lobby where he is met with a woman wearing a tan trench coat and boots. She spun around when she heard him approach, allowing Deaton to see the stunning jewelry around her neck. Instantly he felt the magic running through it.

“You’re the Druid,” were the first words from her mouth. “Scott told me about you.” Deaton offers a small smile.

“You must be Y/n,” when she visibly reacted to the name he apologized, “I’m sorry, would you prefer to be called—.” Her hand lifts to stop him.

“No, no. It’s fine—I’m just getting used to hearing that name again. It’s been so long since anyone other than ....” She trails off, not wanting to say his name. Deaton understands with a light nod, moving to open the gate.

“You don’t have to explain. Please, come in.”

“Did Scott inform you what to prepare?” She asks as she passes, receiving a nod from the man.

“Yes. I’m quite familiar with its effects—but I made sure to not make it too strong.” Leading Y/n into the back room, she stills at the sight of those she didn’t recognize, namely the man beside Allison and the two leaning against the wall. Everyone straightens when she arrives and her eyes go straight to Scott.

“You didn��t say we’d have guests.” Her tone is weary, making Scott move closer to show her it was okay.

“That’s Derek Hale and his uncle Peter,” a finger points to the two, glaring when he notices Peter’s eyes linger on Y/n’s figure. While he couldn’t blame him given Y/n’s striking beauty there were more important matters at the moment. “He’s the one who helped us figure out what you were.” He hears the woman make a sound similar to ‘hmph’, causing Peter to smirk and give a mock wave. Scott rolls his eyes, motioning to Chris, “And that’s Allison’s father, Chris Argent.”

Y/n’s expression tightens, appearing slightly uncomfortable with the lineup. Four werewolves, two hunters, a Druid, and a banshee? Vampires were strong creatures but even they could become intimidated. “Quite the party we have going on then.”

Stiles clears his throat to appease the tension, “uh what took you so long?” The question snaps Y/n out of the intense staring contest going on between her, Peter, and Chris. She removes her gloves to place them in her pocket.

“Well considering I’ve been out of practice I needed a pick me up to ensure my power would be at its best,” lips curl up, almost menacing which has Chris inch his hand closer to the holster. She sees the gesture and raises a brow in challenge, “Don’t worry, hunter. I didn’t sink my teeth into anything other than a donation bag.” She pays no mind to his glare, instead removing the Heart of the Ocean from her neck.

When Y/n does this a new smell enters the room right as the unusual steady pacing of her heart stops beating. The aroma is overbearing with vanilla and lavender—even for those without an enhanced sense of smell. For the werewolves, they perked up as they had never smelled anything so delightful.

“You smell that?” Y/n closes her eyes as she drops the necklace into the other pocket.

“Yeah.” Scott takes another waff of the scent, turning to her only to draw back in surprise when she opens her eyes to reveal deep red eyes replacing the color they once were. The lights from above almost made them glow. “Woah.” From behind Scott the others react to the changes of Y/n’s appearance.

Stiles and Isaac had to do a double take to make sure what he was seeing was real. Lydia and Allison shared a glance, both shuddering when Y/n made eye contact with them. Chris straightens his posture again, only amusing the vampire and Peter appears rather intrigued.

“Vampires have to lure their prey somehow,” She starts to explain. “It’s stronger for you wolves, but even you who are not are drawn by it. Makes you want to get closer, huh?” Y/n steps away, moving towards Deaton who reappears after going to the back closet to retrieve an object resembling a goblet.

“I can’t hear your heart anymore,” Scott’s tone is laced with confusion at the sudden decrease of heartbeats in the room.

“You never did. It was an illusion from the glimmer—so any creature I come into contact with would think I’m human. My heart stopped the night I turned,” the smirk she wore fell to a tight frown, “it won’t ever beat again.”

An eerie silence fills the room, her words lingering in the air. No doubt causing suspicion now that they were aware Y/n could lie and they would have no way of knowing. She could’ve been lying about everything honestly. Now they were left to wonder if any of what she said before was true.

But why would she lie? She’s made it awfully clear of her resentment for Sebastian.

The attention goes to Y/n as she removes the scalpel from Deaton’s tray and raises it to her palm. “W-what—what are you doing?” Stiles nearly gags when the skin breaks and a dark liquid like blood flows from the wound. It spills into the goblet, where a smell that could only be described as death replaces the once vanilla aroma. Deaton begins stirring the substance with a spoon while Y/n explains.

“As I’ve mentioned…” The cut disappeared without a trace not a second after Y/n lifted her hand away from the goblet. “I haven't used my power in ages—and while I fed earlier it may not be enough for it to be at its full potential. So to do this I need to remove any mental barriers from your mind.”

“And we have to drink your blood for it to work,” Peter rolls his eyes at how ironic it sounds, “how fitting.”

Y/n narrows her eyes at the man, “If you’re worried about it becoming a vampire you need not to worry. There’s no venom—that only comes from a bite. Sound familiar?” The air becomes thick and Scott moves between the two when Peter's eyes flash blue.

“What’s it going to do, Y/n?”

The vampire takes the goblet from Deaton, passing it to the teenager first, “Open your mind. To do so my blood is mixed with decade old sap from the Nematon and a rare form of wolfsbane. You’ll feel some discomfort,” she points out when all the wolves instantly become hesitant at the mention of wolfsbane, “but it won’t kill you. I need your mental state to be vulnerable. Ignore the smell—I know it’s revolting but it’ll taste like dry, bitter wine.”

Scott stares at the goblet before taking it in his hands. Inside the contents was a dark liquid with a smell that made him want to gag. He couldn’t help but ask Deaton, “You’re sure about this?”

“I’ve never worked with this before but I know someone who has. It’s potent but short lasting and won’t affect you once it’s out of your system in a few hours.” Deaton gives a look of assurance, “You might feel a pressure in your head that’s like a headache.”

Y/n adds on to the vet, “that’s so show your mental walls are dropping. But like your emissary said it’s temporary. Allowing me enough time to show you my memories in the form of illusions. But I must warn you all,” she pauses to glance at each of them. “My illusions are like vivid dreams. Where it feels real. Your body will remain paralyzed here, but your mind will be somewhere else. Not only will you see what I have to show you,” Y/n’s entire demeanor becomes serious once more. “You’ll be able to hear everything. Feel everything. The sun's rays. The cool breeze. The freezing waters…..It will be as though you’re experiencing it in real time.”

There’s a pause, letting the reality sink in on what the vampire was implying. “My question is….are all of you wishing to see what I have to show you? Now is the time to step out if you’re having second thoughts.” When no one objects, despite all looking relatively nervous, Y/n clasps her hands in front her. “Well, Scott, start us off.”

“We all have to drink it?” Stiles cringes when he’s passed the cup, Scott letting out a gag after the taste hits his tongue. Y/n smirks as she nods.

“Unless you would like to sit this out, Stiles, then yes.” Groaning, the teen plugs his nose and takes a swig before handing it to Isaac. Even after taking several gulps of water the awful taste of iron and wood remained.

One by one each person took their turn of downing the potion, with Deaton as the last one to do so. Within seconds it took effect, the most notable sign being the headache forming. Then a light feeling started to swirl all along their body. Like they were on cloud 9.

“Is this what it’s supposed to feel like?” Derek moaned, squinting when the light suddenly started to become brighter.

“You’ll get used to it in a moment,” Y/n’s closes her eyes, taking a deep breath despite not needing one. It was mostly to calm her nerves as she allowed the memory dug deep within her mind to surface. A moment later the warmth of the sun hit her skin. The smell of fresh paint and sea salt filling her nose. And the sound of a ship's whistle and people shouting echoed in her ears.

The others gasped, making Y/n open her eyes where she found them all, mouth agape and eyes bulging as though they couldn’t believe what they were seeing, staring at whatever was behind her. And when she turned around, Y/n’s lips curled up into a sad smile.

Seeing the ship of dreams again after decades filled her with an emotion she couldn’t describe—she couldn’t imagine what the pack were thinking. Probably wondering if it was a dream and they’d wake up any second. The memory was as clear as the day it was made—everything around them was exactly like it was that bright sunny Wednesday afternoon.

It was like they traveled back in time to April 10th, 1912.

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foxes-that-run · 6 months

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Lover

The Lover video, the title track from Lover, is also brimming with Haylor references, some from Harry's later videos. Starting in Green the Benjamin photo is a reference to Olivia in Me!

Orange room they are on the ceiling, like the cover of Harry's house

The games are a reference to Scrabble, which Harry loves. Taylor also references playing Scrabble with Harry by text in the End Game Making of. Harry has posted about Scrabble on Insta and again in 2015 and again a game with his mum in 2013, in this video and photos by Georgina Fowler in 2013 and this collection of Harry's scrabble board photos.

The other games are lyric references, After glow is an apology, paired with king of my heart a YB song. On a scrabble board in a song about an affair.:.. my theory is that about half of this album and Harry’s Fine Line is about a Haylor affair. Breakable heaven & devils roll, are from cruel summer.

At dinner they eat Spaghetti, which Harry also eats in late night talking. This is an odd one, but the same joke was in this scene as this fan mail interview. When Harry reads it he seems surprised, then gets it and smiles.

The Red room features New Years Day, with the party and glitter on the floor after. He looks sad because they broke up after rather than staying to clean up bottles. 💔 However, in lover they have matured and commit in their own rules (not the 1950’s shit people want from her) so alls well that ends well to end up with you. ❤️ The beau's jacket references a Live on Tour suit of Harrys from Summer 2018.

The Style Video is referenced in the video projector room. This is also in the Lyric video for the song and both reference the home movies used in Style and 1989 promos.

The Fishbowl room is about Taylor's life being in a fish bowl and the muse being willing to jump into it. This is a Haylor Reference because Harry did, whereas other partners have been very private. Harry referenced this scene in the Adore You video where he had a fish that kept getting unmanageably large as he kept doing everything he can to care for it. The Adore Lyrics include: "Honey (ah) / I'd walk through fire for you / Just let me adore you" meaning he will jump in the bowl.

Taylor's yellow dress is very similar to Harry's yellow bird in Daylight.

Lyrics

In diary of a song Taylor tells how she wrote the lyrics in a night in Nashville flew to New York and finished the song that day. She said the song was about putting a spin on typical marriage themes. While often attributed to Joe, the title of ‘lover’ means not boyfriend/husband. The comments on a spin relate to committing to a non traditional relationship. She posted a bizarre thanks to Scott b in that same shirt when she changed label in nov 2018, though that date she was in Tokyo. It looks like maybe an earlier photo recording lover.

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We could leave the Christmas lights up 'til January And this is our place, we make the rules And there's a dazzling haze, a mysterious way about you dear Have I known you 20 seconds or 20 years?

In diary of a song Taylor said the first line is about making your own rules. The initial lyric was leaving the lights up till April. Taylor is telling us this is a non-traditional relationship where they set the rules.

20 seconds/20 years is referenced in Taylors Daylight. 20 (13+7) is in many Haylor songs. Mysterious ways is similar to in So it Goes Taylor refers to her muse as "my magician".

Can I go where you go? Can we always be this close forever and ever? And ah, take me out, and take me home You're my, my, my, my Lover

Can I go where you go is a reference to wanting to be together despite their careers keeping them apart. Harry and Taylor have a lot lyrics about distance keeping them apart (Come back, be here, If I Could Fly, Love of my Life, Canyon Moon)

We could let our friends crash in the living room This is our place, we make the call And I'm highly suspicious that everyone who sees you wants you I've loved you three summers now, honey, but I want 'em all

When Harry and Taylor were first together neither had a fixed address, they spent a lot of time in hotels and referred to each other as home (Sweet Creature) They also both bought their current houses in that time, which explains the young adult lyric.

Taylor and Joe had been together for 3 summers, so maybe YB. However the song title is 'lover' not 'boyfriend' and she sings summers, not years. HS and TS had also been together for 3 summers: 2012, August 2013 & 2014. Other maybe times are fall 2016 and winter 2018 not Summer.

Gold Rush also talks about feeling suspicious that people who see Harry want him. It would have been very hard even for a popstar for a 23 year old to date this guy:

Ladies and gentlemen, will you please stand? With every guitar string scar on my hand I take this magnetic force of a man to be my lover My heart's been borrowed and yours has been blue All's well that ends well to end up with you Swear to be overdramatic and true to my lover And you'll save all your dirtiest jokes for me And at every table, I'll save you a seat, lover

In diary a song Taylor talked about a spin on marriage vows, like paper rings these songs are saying she will not marry either beau, one her lover who she wishes she could follow everywhere and the other her ‘not-shiny available boyfriend’

Taylor also uses Magnetic to describe her muse in Gorgeous, there in the context of not being able to hold back from them. Taylor also describes Harry as Magnetic in suburban legends.

The borrowed heart refers to the other people Taylor has dated during the on/off period. A blue heart is a reference to depression, something Harry has sung about in Falling and HS1. Blue is also the colour of 1989.

They are both overdramatic and true to each other. This line in particular separates YB and HS as the muse, YB is decidedly not overdramatic and seemed to tolerate it in TS.

Can I go where you go? Can we always be this close forever and ever? And ah, take me out, and take me home (forever and ever) You're my, my, my, my Oh, you're my, my, my, my Darling, you're my, my, my, my Lover

In diary of a song Taylor talks about “can I go where you go” as a profound question, which it is if going where your lover goes means giving up one of your massive careers and engaging with Stan’s and tabloids. As explored in Anti-hero and Peace Taylor’s career is big enough to make anything hard, but the wording here of going where her beau goes implies the muse has their own challenges beyond hers. Taylor asking how can we make it work and fit in our lives together, how can we protect this connection.

Take me home, is in Style: "So it goes / He can't keep his wild eyes on the road, mm / Takes me home / The lights are off, he's taking off his coat, mm, yeah" they also sing about home a lot.

Finally, my "Lover" means a partner in a sexual or romantic relationship outside marriage, AKA not her BF.

#taylor swift #lover album #haylor

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sunnydaleherald · 19 days

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The Sunnydale Herald Newsletter, Thursday - Friday, April 4 - 5 - PART TWO

(Buffy gives final instructions.) SPIKE: Well, not exactly the St. Crispin's Day speech, was it? GILES: We few... (Giles goes past Spike as Spike gathers up the bag of weapons.) GILES: ...we happy few. SPIKE: We band of buggered.

~~The Gift~~

[Images, Audio & Video]

Artwork: “Out. For. A. Walk….Bitch” by nerdromthenet (Spike, worksafe)

Artwork: [The World tarot card] by isevery0nehereverystoned (Buffy, worksafe)

Moodboard: moodboard: autistic agender tara maclay by purgeshubble (worksafe)

Moodboard: Kendra Young- Buffy the vampire slayer by awinterroseesstuff (Kendra, worksafe)

Gifset: tara & willow as the tarot by daisyssousa (Tara/Willow, worksafe)

Gifset: make me choose - osiriaroses asked fred/gunn or wes/lilah by sulietsexual (Gunn/Fred, worksafe)

Gifset: [Buffy Summers, Class Protector] by andremichaux (Buffy, worksafe)

Gifset: Buffy the Vampire Slayer 6.09 | 7.07 by slayerbuffy (Buffy/Spike, worksafe)

Valentines: Apparently ten years ago I made Buffy valentines. by aprilthebiqueen (Buffy, Angel, worksafe)

Manip: Spuffy manips I made! Please credit if you use them. by allchoseny (Buffy/Spike, worksafe)

Manip: I call this manip I did “Broken William.” by allchoseny (Spike, worksafe)

Fanvid: CALLING ALL JAMES MARSTERS FANS TO THE RING by captain-ghost (Spike, fanvid)

Artwork: Willow vs Ulquiorra Page 2 by MattanzaMFedora on DeviantArt (Willow, worksafe)

[Reviews & Recaps]

S01E08 I Robot, You Jane by she-saved-the-world-a-lot

S01E07 Angel by she-saved-the-world-a-lot

Re-watch of show. Season 3 (spoilers below) by bookishowlet

BTVS/Angel Rewatch Chronicles: Seasons 5/2, Part One [Buffy vs Dracula to Family] by QualifiedApathetic

about season 4? by ngbp

I just finished watching Season 4 and wanted to say what I thought about it by UNimAginAtiveuseRn

PODCAST: Don't Trust the Goat - Gravity Falls S01E01 - Tourist Trapped by Pop Culture Role Call

PODCAST: Episode 22 - Don't Warn the Tadpoles! (What's my Line Part 1) by The Sunnydale Diaries - A Buffy the Vampire Slayer Podcast

PODCAST: Season 1 Wrap Up! by Once More: A Rewatch Podcast

[Recs & In Search Of]

Video: Making Riley Finn Interesting (by Pensive Whiskers) recced by riley-summers

[Community Announcements]

REMINDER: It really bugs me when people post stuff about how they don't like a ship or character [but don't tag it anti] by riley-summers

Y'all, come join the Fanged Four ‘Runs In The Blood’ Discord Server. by somekindofadeviant

POLL: Preliminary [round tie] by btvsepisodetournament

[Fandom Discussions]

Why did Willow Rosenberg’s boyfriend just growl at me. by sunnydale-high-school-rumors

Look I totally thought that Scott Hope was just being a bitter ex... by sunnydale-high-school-rumors

dude I swear I keep seeing buffy summers hanging out with some guy in the graveyard by sunnydale-high-school-rumors

[Faith texts Buffy] by scooby-group-texts

Screw it, let's do this... Riley ship opinions, pt. 1, M/F edition by riley-summers

it's so crucial to take the show's tone into account... [giles x anya] by once-more-with-tabula-rasa

i love that buffy and riley's breakup feels like an argument... by joodeegemstone

Ask answered: what was your first fandom? [praise for BTVS fandom] by hils79

Me, when all you asked was what time it was, for the fifth time that day: no you don’t get it— they’re the chosen two. [Buffy x Faith] by fictiongods

As an alcoholic in recovery this scene speaks to me. [Spike] by desicat-writer

Do we see anybody that we knew as a human turned into a vampire after The Harsh Light of Day? [Harmony] by coraniaid

i think people fem spike up cuz of his body type- but based on character... [Angelus] by captain-peroxid3

Imagine, if you will, that you hate someone so much that you want to violently kill them [Spike] by breezybeej

I think Harmony knows that she is a vampire but I don't think she knows what a vampire is. by breezybeej

there are obviously a lot of intended parallels in season 2 between buffy and drusilla by bloomfish

charles gunn, my most beautiful sunshine man, described like this... by bloomfish

... the most relatable character on Buffy? updated by various

What If: Xander Went To College? updated by various

Buffy, Giles and Spike updated by various

Would Faith have threatened to kill Dawn? by Itchy_Initiative6180

Why couldn't Anya "officially, magically" hurt Xander after getting her powers back? by smileliketheradio

Spike/Buffy in season seven: a huge cop out from the writers by SafiraAshai

What to watch after Buffy & Angel? by alwaysleepingg

the Scoobs have always been against Buffy having a proper romance... by zarif_chow

What was the controversy regarding Buffy’s comments to the first slayer? by Scopeburger

Favorite villian/s on the show by kittycat6434

Cordelia the Bad Decision Slayer [and what Cordelia would do if she never left Sunnydale] by Comfortable-Sun6571

I've just started a Buffy rematch... there were signs of Evil Willow as early on as Episode 2's The Harvest by Hotch91

Who do you think should have been endgame loves? by artmalique

What are your favorite Buffyverse moments where a character got exactly what they deserved? by PristineSituation498

Why is Wesley treated so badly by Buffy and the others? by JellyfishDry9464

Amy Acker from Fred to Illyria is thee best acting ever! by symynuk

Other Buffy media to explore? [recs of comics, books, podcasts, etc] by GamallSoro

About Buffy and Anya [in S7] by Dappich

Surprise and Innocence by penny1985

Guilty pleasures? [characters, ships, episodes, or scenes that are considered bad] by Dull_Bumblebee4623

What if Tara had been a demon? by Moonycoves

Watching Angel solo or co-watching with Buffy? by kai1793

I love Harmony in all her unicorn-loving bimbo glory. by Dull_Bumblebee4623

Cordy/Jasmine by Typical-Owl9521

[Articles, Interviews, and Other News]

James Marsters Upcoming Events List by dontkillspike

James Marsters to Attend Mad Monster Expo in Concord, NC 23-25 Aug by dontkillspike

Submit a link to be included in the newsletter!

Join the editor team :)

#btvs #buffy the vampire slayer #ats #meta #fan art #angel the series

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ncisfranchise-source · 1 month

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The NCIS franchise will be airing its 1,000th episode on April 15, and CBS Studios President David Stapf has been involved in every single one of them. Because he was head of CBS current programming at the time, he even participated in the development of the mothership series from Day 1 because it originated as two back-door pilot episodes of an existing show, JAG, that aired in April 2003. He was in on all casting sessions and still remembers Pauley Perrette’s audition that won her the role of Abby in the room.

Scheduled against then-Fox juggernaut American Idol, NCIS, about a little known branch of the U.S. military, got off to an inauspicious start, finishing its first season ranked #26. By Season 7, it was the most watched TV drama, holding its own against Idol, and became the most watched program overall three seasons later while also ruling syndication.

CBS’ Entertainment President Amy Reisenbach has been with the show since Season 8 when she was assigned as the day-to-day current executive on the drama and quickly became a fan. At the time NCIS had already spawned one spinoff, NCIS: LA. It was followed by NCIS: New Orleans in 2014; the franchise’s first female-led offshoot NCIS: Hawai’i in 2021; the first international installment, NCIS: Sydney, last year; as well as the upcoming prequel NCIS: Origins for CBS, executive produced and narrated by Mark Harmon and starring Austin Stowell as Leroy Jethro Gibbs in the 1990s; and an Europe-set Tony & Ziva spinoff for Paramount+, starring NCIS alums Michael Weatherly and Cote de Pablo.

The latest pickups make NCIS the largest procedural franchise ever with five current series. They also will help grow the franchise’s global audience, estimated to be more than 300 million viewers in 2023 by producer CBS Studios, which has licensed it in over 200 markets, and the franchise’s staggering current U.S. tally of 4.37 trillion minutes viewed.

In an interview with Deadline, Stapf and Reisenbach, who was promoted to the CBS Entertainment president post in November 2022, discuss expanding the NCIS universe, how the latest additions came about and potential crossovers. They provide an update on the Tony & Ziva spinoff’s title, production start date and possible cast additions, and on the renewal status for NCIS and NCIS: Hawai’i. The duo also address the prospects for Mark Harmon to appear on NCIS or Origins and for a potential Perrette and Scott Bakula return to the franchise, share plans for further NCIS installments, and how big the franchise can get.

DEADLINE: NCIS: Sydney just got picked up yesterday for a second season. What about NCIS and NCIS Hawai’i? Are you already working on their renewals?

REISENBACH: Like we talked about it a couple months ago, NCIS is a cornerstone of our schedule. The actors love doing it, and the writers continue to fire on all cylinders. As far as the future, we’re thrilled to have them on the air and they want to keep doing it, so we’re going to keep doing it.

DEADLINE: So it’s looking good for NCIS and Hawai’i to come back next season?

REISENBACH: It’s still only March, and we haven’t made all of our deals and decision-making so it’s a little early to officially confirm anything.

DEADLINE: Sydney was used as strike contingency last fall. What was the impetus to bring it back to CBS with the strike over? Are you going to use it as a summer series?

REISENBACH: I can’t tell you where it’s going to air yet because we haven’t figured that out to be honest. Again, that’s sort of the too soon to tell category. But the show resonated, it was the number one show until we brought back the rest of the schedule. It came on and did really well without much of our launch platform.

We had a great launch campaign for it, if you remember, we did these amazing upside-down promos during football that got a lot of attention. So I think just the fact that it launched with very little original programming surrounding it and did so well, it has earned a spot back on the schedule at some point for sure.

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DEADLINE: In expanding the NCIS franchise, you originally took the traditional route, replicating the general formula in a new location with LA and New Orleans. Then in close succession, you ordered Hawai’i and Australia-set Sydney, which have a similar setup, followed by the pickups of prequel Origins and the Tony and Ziva spinoff this year. When did that accelerated expansion master plan start and where are we in it right now?

STAPF: The master plan started a long time ago. We had NCIS. It certainly worked well enough to spawn a spinoff, LA, which also worked really well, that was on for 13 years, I think that show doesn’t get the credit it deserves as expanding the franchise but also deepening the love of the franchise for viewers.

We knew and always wanted to expand it, but when you’re dealing with a franchise, you don’t want to oversaturate the market, you don’t want to dilute the value of each individual show. So it really comes down to somebody coming in with an idea for a show that could stand on its own and could be part of the franchise but is wholly unique from any of the others. Hawai’i certainly did that in the way that it was unique, a female lead, set in Hawaii. We were just coming off Hawaii Five-0, a very successful show. People love that setting, it plays well over the globe.

REISENBACH: There is a big military presence too in Hawaii that makes sense.

STAPF: Sydney certainly was not intended for the States. The strike afforded the network the ability to utilize it but that was going to be P+ Australia and Network 10. I would love to say we didn’t get lucky, that it was planned, we knew it was going to be as great as it is. But we got lucky, that show is really well done. It very much has the DNA of what makes NCIS work, humor, family, etc.

In the case of Origins, Mark and Sean Harman had this idea with [writers] David North and Gina Monreal, and they brought it to us. I was like, oh my gosh, this idea is great. Commissioned a script, the script was even better. So it’s like, okay, can this show exist within the framework of the franchise we have? And we do believe it can, particularly because it’s a prequel. And because NCIS has been on for so long and Mark’s been gone for a while, there’s genuine interest in, how did Gibbs become Gibbs, who was that guy? So again, there was an organic reason to do it vs. us just saying, let’s just throw on another NCIS.

Tony and Ziva, it’s one of the most unrequited love stories for the audience, the audience loved Tony and Ziva. And in the audience’s mind, and in our mind, they left too soon. So, reuniting them with a global audience is the intent on that show. And because it’s going to be on Paramount+, it can exist within the universe without, in our minds, cannibalizing anything else.

REISENBACH: I would also add just two things to that. One, I think that [CBS President and CEO] George Cheeks arriving [in 2020], he really embraced the show and saw the potential and immediately identified that as an area to be looking at when opportunities arise. And I think the [NCIS-LA-Hawai’i] three-way crossover we did, the fact that it was so successful for us. The fans loved it so much and the actors and the writers loved doing it, and it showed that they love the opportunity to see these worlds and these characters collide.

DEADLINE: You mentioned how Origins came about but not the Tony and Ziva spinoff. How did it originate?

STAPF: Michael and Cote have been talking about this show for years and years and years. So they were the ones that cooked up the rough edges of the idea, went to [writer] John McNamara, along with us, saying, we’d love to do this show. And the timing was right.

DEADLINE: Did that happen after the end of Michael’s other CBS show, Bull?

STAPF: They had started talking about it before, somewhere after they had both left NCIS. Put yourself in their shoes. They’re constantly getting hit up by fans as to, oh my god, I miss you. When are you going to be back together, what happened to your child and all that stuff. And so, again, I keep saying it but there was an organic reason for this show to exist, it was almost like a fan demand for it.

DEADLINE: You mentioned that they may have left too soon. Why did they leave so soon?

STAPF: In the fans’ minds. They would want them on for a 100 years.

REISENBACH: Well, both of them were on the show a long time.

STAPF: A really, really long time.

DEADLINE: Do we have a title for the Tony and Ziva spinoff yet?

STAPF: Not yet.

DEADLINE: Amy, are you jealous that the spinoff didn’t come to CBS?

REISENBACH: Hm, jealous? Yeah, a little bit, I’m not going to lie, sure. I’m a Tiva fan like everyone else. BTW, the phrase Tiva was one of the original couple names that ever existed, I don’t think we get enough credit for that.

But we all work together. We are all one ecosystem, and I have no doubt that Origins and the shows that live on the network will drive viewers over at P+ and likewise their show will send them back our way, and that’s what matters most, that people are watching it and I think, it’s such a treat for the fans no matter wherever it airs.

DEADLINE: Was there even a conversation for the spinoff to air on CBS or was it always supposed to be a Paramount+ show?

STAPF: No, it was always designed to be a streaming show.

DEADLINE: Would the premiere at least air on CBS in the tradition of P+ shows with CBS history such as Star Trek: Discovery or SEAL Team?

STAPF: It’s a good question. We haven’t dealt with it yet. We don’t start shooting until summer so I’ll start annoying Amy with that sometime this summer.

DEADLINE: Is there a possibility for other former NCIS cast members to join Michael Weatherly and Code de Pablo in the new series?

STAPF: In all honesty, as it’s designed now, no, but never say never.

DEADLINE: This is your second internationally-based NCIS spinoff after Sydney, which is interesting since NCIS is a unit of the U.S. military that does not exist abroad. You found two different ways to extend the franchise beyond the U.S. Do you have ideas for more offshoots in other areas of the world and how are you going to pull that off?

STAPF: There could be but we don’t look at the setting or the geographical location determining what the story should be. It’s more about what’s a good story to tell, where would this organically happen? We’re constantly fielding pitches and coming up with ideas of our own. But you don’t want to rush anything, you want to get it right. You certainly don’t want to, like I said before, dilute the shows that are on by having too much on or having any that are on that aren’t of the quality of the rest of them.

DEADLINE: Do you have anything currently in development in the NCIS universe?

STAPF: Nothing that’s close enough to talk about.

DEADLINE: But in the plan, is there a timetable about maybe adding a new series to the universe every couple of years? You’ve announced four in the past three years.

STAPF: If it organically comes about, and there’s a reason for that show to exist, then yes. But we’re not looking at it as a math problem of, we want two every four years…

REISENBACH: It’s not like when they announced Star Wars and they said, there’ll be a new Star Wars movie every year. We don’t have a plan like that.

STAPF: We don’t want a plan like that.

DEADLINE: Amy mentioned the success of the three-way crossover. What are the possibilities, particularly for the Tony and Ziva show, to be part of NCIS crossovers? Can they appear on NCIS? Michael recently did a cameo in the David McCallum tribute episode. Was it tied to his work on the spinoff?

REISENBACH: I can speak to the cameo. That was just Michael wanting to honor David McCallum, and we thought it was important as well to make sure that we tied in iconic characters like that. He just wanted to show up and was game to do it because of his love of the show.

STAPF: And his love for David. it was such a nice moment for the fans too.

DEADLINE: And in terms of potential crossovers?

STAPF: There could be. We’re not there yet, writers room just started on Tony and Ziva.

REISENBACH: With Origins, I don’t see a possibility because it takes place in the past but we’re always looking for opportunities. It was obviously a shortened season, so it was tough to do that [with NCIS and Hawai’i] this year. Otherwise we would have. We’ll keep looking for those opportunities for sure.

DEADLINE: On Origins, Mark Harmon is an executive producer and a narrator. He could appear in flash-forwards. Is this something that’s you’re considering? And is there a possibility for Mark to return to NCIS one day?

REISENBACH: The door for Mark is always open, It’s really up to him. In terms of flash-forwards, I don’t think it’s something we’ve talked about, that doesn’t feel like the DNA of that show to me, at least right now. But you never know, when we’re in Season 10, we’re taking creative risks and having fun. So if that’s something Gina and David wanted to tackle down the road, we’d be open to it.

DEADLINE: You have brought back a few actors from other NCIS shows, LA‘s LL Cool J is now on Hawai’i. Is this something that you’re planning to continue, keeping the universe going? Can we see New Orleans‘ Scott Bakula pop up somewhere; we haven’t seen him in a couple of years.

STAPF: It’s really writer-driven. As Amy said, we’re open to anything and everything. So if any of the writers have a good idea, and it feels organic, and more on story and make sense versus just doing it to do a stunt, sure, we are open to it.

REISENBACH: [LA‘s] Daniela [Ruah] has been directing, she started directing on LA, she’s directing on Hawai’i and NCIS mothership this year as well. I think when you get into this universe and become a part of the family, we’re always happy to have you back in any capacity.

DEADLINE: What about Pauley? Is there a possibility for her either returning to NCIS or you doing a new show around her character Abby the way you treated Tony and Ziva?

STAPF: Not a bad idea. We haven’t talked about it or thought about it. We love Pauley, and she’s always welcome in any of the NCIS franchise, but it hasn’t come to us from the writers and/or from her. I kind of was kidding when I said, it’s not a bad idea but it’s genuinely not a bad idea, she was a beloved character.

DEADLINE: NCIS was a late bloomer, rising to the top of the rankings later in its run. It seems like it was one of those shows that just stuck around, something that maybe wouldn’t have happened in today’s environment when shows get canceled much faster.

STAPF: Except it was around its second or third season, Armando Nuñez, our head of distribution, called me and said, are you noticing what’s going on with NCIS internationally? I was like, no, that’s your job. And he said, it’s exploding. Every market it was in, it was doing extraordinarily well. It was selling really well, which was always a surprise to me because it’s about a unit of the military that nobody had ever really heard of. And it was a very American military [show] so I figured it’s not going to work over there, but it did.

So it was a bigger hit globally than it was in the U.S., and the U.S. sort of trailed it. It really started to take off — maybe it wasn’t number one — but it climbed in the ratings precipitously. I think in year four or five, it became hey, this show is doing something.

DEADLINE: Over the years, NCIS has dealt with major cast departures, including Mark Harmon, the deaths of showrunner Gary Glasberg and David McCallum, behind-the-scene changes. To what do you attribute the longevity of show which continues to be at the top of the ratings?

REISENBACH: For me, I attribute it to the fact that there’s always been a core feeling that the people who write the show, the people who produce it, the crew and the actors, no matter whether they were there from the beginning or not, they understand the DNA of the show, and they’ve always stayed true to that.

Nobody who’s come in has ever been like, oh, well now I need to fix it. Everyone understood it’s a concept that works, it’s characters that work. And it’s not about those specific characters, but the type of characters and the specificity of the characters and the love that these characters show each other so openly that I think has transcended, no matter who’s running the show, or who’s been on the show at any given time.

STAPF: It’s sort of wish fulfillment TV. You want to know that there are people like this in the world that have your back from a law enforcement agency angle, but it’s also a fun workplace show, and the bond that they have and the sh*t that they give each other and the way that they interact, is comforting.

The show has a ton of heart, humor, always has a good mystery. And I think there’s something comforting to, the bad guys are always identified and put down by the good guys or our guys. And that happens on an episodic basis. I think that the comfort of that has hit the right chord with the audiences for 21 years and will continue on for another 20 years or something. I honestly believe this franchise will never get stale.

REISENBACH: I think being in Season 21 doesn’t lower the degree of difficulty. If anything, it makes it harder. They’ve got 400-plus episodes behind them of quality shows, and the fact that they continue to hold themselves up to such a high standard. As long as they’re shooting for the stars — and all the shows really are — we want to keep doing them.

DEADLINE: Do you have a dream NCIS spinoff? What do you want to see from the universe going forward?

STAPF: Just that it continues to resonate like it is. There’s a stat like 300 million people watched an NCIS last year. Clearly, globally, it’s resonating with viewers. So to continue that, the level of quality on the shows, along with pleasing and garnering the audience that we’re getting. And it’s kind of fun. It’s wild to think that there’s five NCIS series.

REISENBACH: But also unique.

STAPF: Exactly.

DEADLINE: Is five as big as it gets in terms of how many NCISs you can sustain at the same time?

STAPF: Not necessarily. It will come down to the individual shows that we develop. I think if there’s the right timing and fit within the universe, then it doesn’t have to be limited to five.

REISENBACH: We are always asking and challenging not only the writers who are pitching to us but ourselves, why now? Why does it need to exist, what feels fresh?

DEADLINE: So what is the goal? The NCIS franchise is hitting 1,000 episodes. Do you think you can get to 2,000?

STAPF: For me the goal is that in 10 years, there’s other people sitting in our seats that are watching over NCIS.

REISENBACH: Where am I going? I just got this job.

STAPF: OK, in 20 years.

#interview #cbs #ncis #ncis la #ncis hawaii #ncis sydney #ncis new orleans #Youtube

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davidshawnsown · 10 months

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USA BASEBALL/COLLEGE SUMMER BASEBALL - and - SAVANNAH BANANAS ONE SHOT RPF - Savannahskaya Kadrovsky??!! -

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(AN: 2022 turned out to be FIRST ever year and now just the only year following one of the more fun teams in college summer ball - the iconic and funny Savannah Bananas of the Coastal Plain League, which in the past few years have spun off two pro teams in theor umbrella playing their own take on baseball, Banana Ball. Now they are committed to play that form year round and leaving the CPL, but the memories of those first years of CPL play will forever go down as part of its history. I therefore present to the fans this one shot RPF featuring these guys from Savannah and the fun ways they have played baseball in these past years up to today and the first Ukraine-set fic of many featuring these guys in yellow, including a full blown RPF fic of their POV of the events in that country. To link up the fics with the wider universe I've included Scott Hatteberg, a former teammate of Eric Byrnes with the A's - and a Team USA Baseball CNT alumnus. This is dedicated to Dalton Maudin and Tanner Thomas - the two members of the Bananas organization and its constituent teams that have been bringing out weekly vlogs on Youtube, you better check them both, as well as Dalton's music there as well and on Spotify!)

SOMEWHERE IN POLTAVA OBLAST

SUNDAY MAY 22, 2022

1400H EEST

"The regiment from Savannah has done it again?!!"

That is the reaction from no less than BG Mark deRosa, the operational commander of US forces in Ukraine under the 46th Command. That regiment, the 716th Savannah, established in the spring of 2015, and led by its now newly promoted commander COL Byrnes, who took over this year from its first commandant, COL Cole, now a honorary Brigadier General and its first ever regimental colonel now retired even at a young age, had been in Ukraine since April, among the first of the collegiate units to be sent to the country to assist the war effort, fight alongside Americans in the International Legion of Territorial Defense and with Ukrainians in the Armed Forces and the National Guard, and also to give the young guys a taste of what their service to the nation entalls.

"Yeah indeed," replied COL Garza. "Those boys whose regiment carries yellow and white colors. They did it again!"

He and others on an ongoing meeting of the command staff in northern Poltava Oblast were referring to those TikTok and Twitter videos, as well as those on Telegram, featuring the boys of this young formation.

It is the sole infantry regiment among the formations of the 351st Southeastern Coastal Infantry Brigade, activated 1997 and whose numeral honors the North Carolina based Coastal Militia Rifles, a militia formation raised in 1935 which in 1936 was granted affilation with what is now the 169th Corps of the 46th Mobilization Command, US Army Reserve, affilated to the Southern Defense Command during the Second World War as a territorial defense brigade which lasted until the early 1950s. Their nickname of Bananas is a nod to the agricultural past of their home city and their full dresss honors partly its Union liberators during the Civil War and its home front efforts in both World Wars.

They began as a ROTC company in late 2015. Almost a year later, the 716th Infantry Battalion was activated, and within 5 years, evolved from a Humvee-armed unit into wheeled mechanized infantry, armed with the Stryker systems, and as a three battalion regiment, with its 2nd and 3rd battalions including minority and immigrant personnel to reflect its home city's character. One battalion each is made up of reservists and the Georgia Army National Guard, making up for a total of 5 battalions.

But these boys' Tiktok combat videos, set to popular Western pop tunes, have got the people motivated to know what is going on in the Ukrainian frontlines. They have been for weeks now in a tense battle for popularity against the Chechen National Guardsmen from Chechnya in Russia, which have been in the Ukrainian front since the onset of the invasion, as well as several of the Ukrainian frontline brigades and militia units, which have similar pop content. These so-called "Yellowshirts" after the yellow and white colors during its foundation today wear the same uniform as those deployed to Ukraine but with a yellow and white armband with the regimental DUI on it as well as the arms of their home city.

The 46th's Ukrainian operational HQ and elements of the 78th Brigade Combat Team had been watching what the boys had been doing on and off the field, while recieving word that their actions in the Soledar front have helped the local Ukrainian forces get motivated to continue the struggle in the weeks prior. Now they have been rotated out with a new assignment north of Kramatorsk City as a reserve formation ready to fight in the Donbas region. They will be on R&R before returning to their then brand new barracks located in Kovel in Volyn Oblast for equipment resupplies as well as to await the arrival of the local maintenance battalion from their home city. The town was chosen as it is a sister city to Chamblee, just northwest of Atlanta, the state capital. Just as in the other American and Canadian formations they were given a Ukrainian advisory team - in that case with officers and NCOs from the 14th Mechanized Infantry Brigade based in Volodymyr City, Volyn Oblast.

Thus the brigadier general had during the meeting phoned the now retired BG Jessie Cole, the newly appointed regimental colonel, on what the boys have had been doing in the frontlines. They were there since early April assigned there in Kovel town, with the 2nd battalion of the 72nd Atlanta based there as well and the local battalion based in Savannah from said regiment, both since early May. They chose that city to keep their ties to Georgia state and its traditions while in country as the first of the collegiate summer service units and the only regiment of its kind so far to fight for the cause of Ukraine in the opening months of the war. He had just arrived in Kramatosk that day with his wife Emily to check on the boys before joining them on the journey back to Kovel.

"I have with me one of COL Byrnes' friends and one who served with him in Oakland. This is now LTC Scott Hatteberg. This year I called for the man to return to service after retiring as a battalion XO almost two decades ago in Oakland. He will be our liason officer on behalf of the brigade, Mr. Cole, with your regiment as its new commander was a friend of his," said the brigadier general on the mobile phone.

"Understood Mark, I now will bring in Eric," Jesse responded. As usual he wore his variant yellow working dress but without the top hat he wore replacing the kepi beginning with his early retirement. The kepi had been worn alternately with the bicorne by officers of the regiment when in full dress in ceremonial events to honor the military history of its home city.

"Thanks sir."

Then Eric got on the cellphone.

"Morning, sir, Colonel Byrnes here of the 716th Infantry Regiment."

"IS THAT YOU ERIC BYRNES? This is Brigadier General Mark DeRosa of the 78th Brigade Combat Team based out of Cary, NC, I have one of your buddies in Oakland with me who is a graduate of the brigade's training program."

"Yes I am, sir. And is that guy with you, sir, Scott Hatteberg?"

"Affirmative colonel Byrnes. How's your regiment now on R&R after all those weeks in Soledar?"

"Nice so far, the American people and the people of Savannah have enjoyed the antics of the men of the 1st Battalion and also our combat videos all this time, which have awakened Americans on what we are supposed to do to aid Ukraine at this time."

"Regarding those in between combat dancing videos on TikTok and Twitter of your boys, as well as on Telegram, are they all true?!"

"Yes, DeRosa, and the people have loved it."

"Cannot believe this, but you boys are better than those Chechens. Dancing, singing, having fun in the field but fighting better than them and the Russians. And who suggested these?"

"Our first battalion commander LTC Gilliam, who has been with us since it was a battalion, and our long time A Company commander soon to be captain Bill Leroy, who's a 1LT by now alongside his faithful XO 1LT Kyle Luigs. The two began with the regiment on secondment from their colleges, last year, following their graduation, when I was appointed regimental commander to replace Jesse who retired a Brigadier General, he recommended that the two be granted permanent status due to their long service with 1st Battalion, and indeed they were permanenty assigned since then."

"1st Platoon commander?"

"1LT Jackson Olson, sir, joined the regiment early this year."

"2nd Platoon is led by whose officer?"

"1LT Dalton Cornett. All officers, NCO and enlisted here, general, were selected for permanent duty in the years after it became a regiment from being a battalion and these people and others from the past 5 years who served on secondment from their respective colleges and universities before with the local lads recruited from within the state were the once I asked, upon the urging of the regimental colonel, to join the 1st Battalion on permanent status. Some of these officers here in the battalion, DeRo, as well as NCOs and enlisted with no collegiate service here nor even direct ties, were recruited on national lines thanks to the efforts of our depot battalion personnel, while the regiment still retains its seconded personnel from the colleges and universities."

"3rd platoon commanding officer is.."

"Turner Pruitt. Was with the regiment in 2021 and is a 1LT. 2LT Bryce Madron from Cowley College's battalion, seconded from his alma mater's unit, joined the regiment on its Ukrainian deployment as the 4th platoon's commander."

"Your PAO chief?"

"CPT Biko Skalla."

"The A Company first sergeant?"

"SFC Malachi Mitchell."

"Acknowleged colonel, will have to bring in LTC Scott Hatteberg. I am damn proud of all of them for their efforts to help Ukraine's ongoing fight by any means. And regarding retired MSGT Bill Lee, your honorary regimental sergeant major for a few months now, he's at home in Connecticut, but has come to Savannah when the regiment was around for months before the departure to Ukraine, I've been told."

"Mark, Bill Lee was appointed by the regiment to serve in a honorary capacity due to his age, but his strength and fitness was still the same when he served with the 1st Boston and the Montreal City Fusiliers. And sir, he sent you an email yesterday thanking you all in the 78th for the support given to his secondary home of Savannah and the 716th Infantry. He was there in the sendoff ceremony last March. He still takes time to visit Grayson Barracks to visit our depot battalion and those recruits who have finished basic training."

"Was a pleasure. Tell him we are forever grateful for his service with the 846th Command and the 169th Corps and we also congratulate him for his appointment as honorary sergeant major."

"Noted, sir."

Then Scott got the phone to talk to Eric, whom he formerly served with.

"Scott Hatteberg here, Lieutenant Colonel, US Army. Just been returned to service after retirement. Now a part of the 78th Brigade Combat Team. It's because I was a part of the collegiate training unit under that platoon years before. You still remember me from those years?" he started up the chat.

"Yes Scott, this is Eric, I still remember those days in the Oakland barracks and training fields together with others. Glad you're back in uniform again. How's your regiment going?"

"Been a tough few weeks in Soledar, but boy, these were tough but happy days for the boys in yellow. Fighting against Russians and the Chechen allies at the front, but we never waivered, we never gave up hope in the fight with our Ukrainian allies."

"You guys going back to Kovel after this to recharge for the trip home and then to prepare to return here for the summer offensives?"

"You bet we are, Scott."

"I am thankful to you for having been a part of those years I spent in Oakland, as well as to General DeRosa for giving me this chance to coordinate jointly our efforts as well as with the other US and Canadian forces fighting with our Ukrainian allies. I'm sure this is the start of a great partnership together, especially that the general has given me this assignment to coordinate our efforts to help Ukraine fight its way to victory."

"You're welcome Scott, make sure there will be new videos coming out from you guys in the weeks to come." "Yes sir, there's more where they came from, colonel. BTW who was behind all of these aside from those in battalion and company leadership?"

"MAJ Frongillo, part of regimental staff. He's the one who came out with that idea."

"Well, congrats to him as well. I expect more from Zack in the coming weeks as well as to the PAO team led by Biko. Who's the main videographer of the regiment?"

"SFC Breaux. He's in charge of the video and film duties for Public Affairs. Also, I have to inform you that two of the guys in A Company - CPL Maudin who joined last year and was a part of 1st Platoon and CPL Thomas, a newbie of 2nd Platoon and a direct entry corporal with the unit - have been putting in superb combat videos and vlogs on Telegram and Youtube. They and many of the 1st and 2nd platoon boys whose stories have become the living witness to the ongoing war have inspired many not just to continue helping Ukraine but also to encourage others to dedicate themselves in service to the nation. If you check Telegram and Instagram, their English posts have opened many to the reality of the war they are fighting in and many of the young men and women are already following their journey so far."

"All the best for you guys, sir, Hatteberg out."

"Byrnes out sir."

"I'm sure there's more of that coming up," Scott stated to the gathered personnel from brigade command after watching the video of elements of A Company and the battalion staff dancing with their regimental commander and regimental colonel from his cellphone. And that was after Jesse spoke on video to those who have followed their journey so far on Tiktok and Twitter, as well as on the regiment's Telegram channel, expressing his gratitude and that of COL Byrnes to everyone who have supported them in every way possible on their journey to fight Russians in Ukrainian lands together with elements of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, as well as to those who have already given their time to support the country in her time of need. That short dance clip stunned everyone watching and confirmed everyone of what the online world had been talking about. He finishes with "I am certain the regiment has been going good in the PAO side of things and am glad to report that their regimental depot battalion CO has emailed me that their efforts, as well as the stories they shared online, has led up to a massive recruitment effort there in the city not just for this regiment but for the other military units in Savannah. And many who are trying to join the 716th are coming from all over the country!"

"That's incredible news," BG Maxwell stated.

"So are you sure that these new recruits, after finishing basic training and getting assigned here on their own wishes, will be serving in Ukraine with the regiment soon?" asked SGM Pollock.

"Affirmative, they will be there soon."

And when asked by COL Bianco on whose concept it was, the LTC replied that it was an officer of regimental staff, MAJ Traczuk, who helped the sergeant first class pitch that idea to Public Affairs and it was based on the post-exercise recreation and fun the boys had stateside since it was a battalion.

COL Bloomquist added, "You have a tough job ahead of you, colonel. But soon you will learn more about those boys."

"Got that, one day I will check them before they leave for home to welcome a new batch of summer enlistees who will be serving this time, given that the regiment is forward deployed to Ukraine, with the 4th and 5th battalions based stateside."

These boys from Savannah, who were selected from every corner of the nation to fight in this ongoing war, are not just contributing to the fight for Ukraine's independence, they are dancing their way to victory.

"And one thing's for sure," adds the lieutenant colonel from Salem in Oregon, "Dalton and Tanner, and the rest of their company, will lead more young people in realizing Ukraine and democracy all over the world are both worth fighting for, and we have to help defend Ukraine and our allies no matter what it takes. I'm sure you all watched their appeal to the people of Savannah and the nation lately. Now that I've been appointed liason to this unit and those units preparing to serve in Ukraine whose personnel are either ROTC or college regiment personnel, I will do my best to coordinate our efforts towards this goal."

@kiinghanalister @travisdermotts @lukeexplorer

#savannah bananas #baseball rpf #ukraine au #baseball fanfiction #ukraine war au #ukraine conflict #ukraine war #baseball au #baseball fanfic

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achingly-shy · 4 months

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let your spotify predict your 2024!

i was tagged by @jewelledmoths to shuffle my on repeat playlist to see how the first twelve songs will represent my 2024. i’m just now getting to this, but thank you so much!! <3

january: exes by tate mcrae (i have not a single ex)

february: waiting room by phoebe bridgers (well fuck)

match: scott street by phoebe bridgers (it is not looking good for me)

april: cruel summer by taylor swift (okay things are looking up)

may: the hanging tree by rachel zegler (not sure how to interpret this one)

june: lacy by olivia rodrigo (hmmm)

july: let the light in by lana del ray feat. father john misty (hey there’s a line that says i love to love to love you soooo)

august: ballad of a homeschooled girl by olivia rodrigo (not looking good for my first month of college)

september: mary’s song (oh my my my) by taylor swift (hmmmmmm)

october: motion sickness by phoebe bridgers (oh and we’re back to the sad)

november: august by taylor swift (something’s not adding up……or im just sad again)

december: all-american bitch by olivia rodrigo (at least im ending the year with a bang)

(no pressure) tags: @haydanakin @hateful1979 @lacebird @margarethcarter @oswinian

#tag game #don’t know if this is predicting an awesome year for me guys….lets hope for less phoebe #and more yay geo your high school graduation and start to freshman year of college will be awesome!!

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granvarones · 2 months

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“here is a message to the super hoes”

whew, name a more iconic and sex-positive opening line of a hip-hop song released in 1998 - during the genre’s golden era? well, maybe i am being hyperbolic, but almost every lyric in “jimmy” by the pioneering new york hip-hop group boogie down productions is a foundational text.

music enthusiasts, critics, and historians all agree that the late 1980s was a golden era for hip-hop. artists like public enemy, NWA, eric b. & rakim, and boogie down productions (BDP) were all reshaping the genre’s landscape by utilizing powerful storytelling for social commentary and activism.

composed initially of KRS-one, d nice, and scott la rock, BDP emerged in 1987 with their explosive and critically acclaimed debut album “criminal minded.” the impact of BDP’s hard-hitting style of rap narrated the realities of life in the bronx during the ronald reagan era was immediate. sadly, BDP was dealt a devastating blow in august 1987 when member scott la rock was murdered, just months after the release of the album. he was 25 years old.

by the release of BDP’s sophomore album “by all means necessary” in april 1988, the group’s music had transitioned towards a more socially conscious and political commentary. inspired by Black revolutionary malcolm x’s philosophy of self-determination and empowerment, the album tackled topics ranging from racism, poverty, education, health, and the AIDS crisis.

“cuz now in winter aids attacks

so run out and get your jimmy hats”

written, produced, and performed by KRS-one, “jimmy,” short for “jimmy hat,” was a metaphor for condoms and was revolutionary for its time. amidst the track’s frenetic beats and melodic rhymes, the song delivers a crucial public health message about safer sex, prevention, and the responsibility we all have to protect our health and the health of our communities.

youtube

before the 1980s and the emergence of AIDS, condoms were primarily viewed and recommended as a means of preventing pregnancy, with their role in preventing sexually transmitted infections (s) receiving less emphasis. but by the mid-1980s, there was a collective effort by health organizations, activists, media and popular culture to normalize condoms and conversations about safer sex as a form of STI and HIV prevention.

“do me a favor, wear your hat”

while not officially released as a commercial single, "jimmy" was a standout track from the "by all means necessary" album and garnered radio play in the summer of 1988. just a few months after US surgeon general c. everett coop sent 107 million copies of a pamphlet titled understanding AIDS, to every household in the US. this effort remains the most extensive public mailing in history.

boogie down productions’ “jimmy” is a pivotal moment in hip-hop history, demonstrating the genre’s capacity to engage with pressing societal issues. through their innovative approach to music and social commentary, BDP set the tone for artists like bell biv devoe, ice cube, salt n pepa, and TLC to use their platform for advocacy and/or safer sex education.

“jimmy,” with its candid message about safer sex and HIV prevention, served as an essential intervention in 1988, utilizing hip-hop to reach young people. the song remains a powerful reminder of hip-hop’s role in public health awareness and the genre’s enduring impact on pop culture.

#granvarones #gay #queer #latinx #afrolatinx #storytelling #trans #aids #lgbtqia #songs that soundtracked the aids epidemic #hip hop #Youtube

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scottsummersbingo · 6 months

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Scott Summers Bingo - Round 1 to 2

Well, it's been a long time in coming since yes, we did extend the end of Round 1, which was originally back in March or April. Life happened pretty much for everyone, so that extension that was supposed to just be for the early summer kind of...well, I mean, here we are! So! Now we'll wrap up Round 1 with everyone's masterlists and such on October 31st.

And for those who are looking to keep going with this bingo, we do have sign-ups for Round 2! Here's the form Round 2 Submission Form and go ahead and sign-up now if you're ready. You can also sign up if you're wanting to carry over your Round 1 card if you haven't finished with it - just mention in the submission form that you want to carry on with your Round 1 card.

Round 2 will officially start on Wednesday, November 1st. Chances are, people will get their cards early, but definitely expect to get them on the first of the next month. We're still pretty laid back, so our dates are always more like guidelines. Creativity and having fun is our goal, as usual.

So, check us out if you're into Scott Summers, aka Cyclops, in any of his versions (movie, comic, cartoon), and sign up for a little creative fun!

Here are some links to check out:

Useful Links

FAQ This should give you an idea of what we are all about!

Rules If you’d interested in joining us, please check out the rules before you sign up!

Sign Up Form If you’ve decided this bingo is for you, then please sign up by clicking the link and filling out the sign up form.

Discord Once you’ve signed up, be sure to join us at the Scott Summers Bingo Server to interact with other fans :)

AO3 Collection Once you’ve gotten your card and you’re ready to share your creations, don’t forget to put them up in our AO3 Collection.

Contact Us If you still have questions, feel free to drop us an ask or a submission here or drop us an email at [email protected] and we’ll be glad to answer any of your questions.

#scott summers #cyclops #x-men #scottsummersbingo #ssb

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ambrossart · 13 days

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Hi, by the way (Happy belated birthday), I wanted to tell you that I loved knowing more about Scott, and the person who asked is refreshing because, as you say, most of the questions are from Patrick, so I was wondering if you could do the same but with Christie Gibson.

First of all, thank you for the belated happy birthday! ❤️

And it is refreshing, isn’t it? I mean, don’t get me wrong, I love talking about Patrick and I totally understand his appeal, but it’s nice to see the other characters getting some attention.

Anyway, about Christie—

I’m not gonna go too in-depth with her. Christie’s gonna be a lot more active starting in Part 2, so I’d rather have you guys get to know her as you read the story. I think it’ll be a lot more fun that way.

So instead, I’ll just share some spoiler-free trivia.

— Fun Facts About Christie Gibson

She’s from Boston originally. Her family moved to Derry when she was in the 4th grade.

She lives on Neibolt Street and has to pass by the “creepy-ass house” every time she walks home.

Christie is an only child.

She used to be best friends with Steph Price and April Nilsen. They had a major falling out sometime during the seventh grade. Now they kinda hate each other.

She used to have a very preppy/girly style. Now she prefers band tees, ripped jeans, fishnets, and her signature denim jacket.

Christie’s natural hair color is honey blonde. It hasn’t been that color in a long time.

She dyes her own hair, and she doesn't do it very well.

Her rumored butterfly tattoo isn't a real tattoo. It was just a stick-on.

She went through a period where she partied too much and drank too heavily. She used to get invited to a lot of upperclassmen parties, even as a seventh-grader.

Christie loves all music, but some of her favorite artists include Stevie Nicks, Fleetwood Mac, Cyndi Lauper, Eurythmics, The Cure, and Heart.

She relates to people through music. As soon as she befriends someone, she immediately wants to figure out their music preferences.

She loves making mixtapes for her friends.

She works nights and weekends at the gas station—the same gas station where Belch Huggins currently works. Christie was his trainer.

She and Belch started dating sometime over the summer. They haven't officially labeled their relationship yet, but Christie considers him her boyfriend.

#answered asks #thanks for the ask!#paper men #ambrossart

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denimbex1986 · 17 days

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'Following the events of the new Netflix limited series Ripley, the enigmatic con artist went on to continue his sinister career as a professional scammer. The psychological thriller is based on the renowned 1955 novel The Talented Mr. Ripley by celebrated novelist Patricia Highsmith, the first of her 5-part "Ripley" book series that also includes Ripley Under Ground and Ripley's Game. The Talented Mr. Ripley has been adapted several times for film and television, but none have been shot completely in monochrome until Steven Zallian's Ripley. Zallian, the Academy Award-winning screenwriter of Schindler's List, American Gangster, and The Irishman, wrote and directed the entire 8-episode miniseries.

Tom Ripley, who uses several different aliases and also acquires many places of residence throughout Ripley, is a master of disguise and deceit. He is drawn to murder once his true identity of being an elaborate con man faces the threat of being exposed. Tom has conned his way from a lowly life of scamming and thievery in New York City to becoming incredibly wealthy in Italy thanks to a supposed old friend, Dickie Greenleaf (Johnny Flynn). Ripley's cast is led by an exceptionally chilling Andrew Scott (Fleabag, Black Mirror, All of Us Strangers) as the titular treacherous protagonist. By the end of Zallian's Ripley, Tom has orchestrated a way to frame his murder of Dickie Greenleaf as a suicide by successfully convincing Dickie's concerned girlfriend Marge Sherwood (Dakota Fanning) and a determined Inspector Ravini (Maurizio Lombardi).

Ripley has received rave reviews from critics upon its April 4, 2024 release exclusively on Netflix. Ripley brings to light the lengths that monsters like Tom will go to in the name of self-preservation, using chilling methodology and calculation to be seen as significant by means of material wealth and social access. Even after Tom escapes to England in the final moments of Ripley, he does not seem satisfied, only aware of what it feels like to wear Dickie's clothes, flaunt Dickie's ring, and stare at Dickie's artwork while ultimately feeling nothing at all. Ripley is a chilling first entry of a magnificent book series by Highsmith, which continues with Tom living a new life in France six years after the events of The Talented Mr. Ripley.

10. Tom Lives A Lavish Life With His Heiress Wife In France

In Ripley Book 2: Ripley Under Ground

Ripley Book 2, titled Ripley Under Ground, which was published in 1970, some fifteen years after The Talented Mr. Ripley. The book takes place in the summer of 1968, which is about the time that it would have been written by Highsmith. Tom has settled down in France in Ripley Under Ground and is married to a prominent French heiress named Héloïse Plisson, who has suspicions about how Tom acquired his money but never pries too deeply. In some ways, Héloïse is a combination of Dickie and Marge from The Talented Mr. Ripley, with Dickie's casual attitude as well as Marge's underlying suspicions towards Tom.

9. Tom Establishes An Art Forgery Scheme After Painter's Death

In Ripley Book 2: Ripley Under Ground

Tom's big scam in Ripley Under Ground involves a massive art forgery operation. He became a silent partner of an organization known as Derwatt Ltd., which sells official works of the celebrated painter Philip Derwatt. Derwatt, however, is reported missing and has been presumed to be dead for years, although the general public is unaware of this. As a result, Tom enlists another painter named Bernard Tufts to impersonate Derwatt and paint original works on his behalf. Tom's corrupt operation is flawless until an American collector named Thomas Murchison claims one of the paintings to be fraudulent.

8. Tom Has An Accomplice To Murder In Book 2

In Ripley Book 2: Ripley Under Ground

Bernard Tufts, who feels incredibly guilty for his role in Tom's art forgery scheme, eventually becomes Tom's accomplice to the murder of the American art collector. After Tom kills Murchison, he enlists the help of Bernard to dispose of the body. This only worsens Barnard's guilty conscience, who is contemplating coming clean about the whole ordeal to the police. While Bernard is a terrible accomplice to Tom in the murder of Murchison in Ripley Under Ground, it's the first time in the book series where Tom enlists the help of another person after committing a murder.

7. Reeves Minot Asks Tom To Commit Murder

In Ripley Book 3: Ripley's Game

Ripley Book 3 titled Ripley's Game was published in 1974. It was adapted into a feature film that starred John Malkovich as Tom Ripley. Reeves Minot, who Malkovich plays in Netflix's Ripley, appears in both Ripley Under Water and Ripley’s Game, but has a very suspicious request for Tom in the third Ripley book. Reeves Minot, who is a known high collar criminal in the United States, asks Tom to be a hitman at the start of Ripley's Game. Tom, still living lavishly in France with his wife Héloïse, refuses and tries to find Minot a suitable replacement for that type of job.

6. Tom Assists In The Assassination of A Mafioso

In Ripley Book 3: Ripley's Game

After Tom finds the right man for the job, a poor man named Jonathan Trevanny who is dying from leukemia, he appears to be out of the operation altogether. Trevanny successfully completes one hit for Minot, which inspires Minot to get him to agree to another hit on a Mafia boss. The plan is tragic as the terminally ill Trevanny is meant to kill the mafioso and then take his own life immediately after, since there will be little chance of escape. Tom intervenes and kills the mafioso for Trevanny and makes him promise not to tell Minot that he assisted in the assassination.

5. Tom's Life Is Saved By An Accomplice Named Trevanny

In Ripley Book 3: Ripley's Game

Tom's life is later saved by Trevanny once news gets out about his involvement on the assassination of the aforementioned mafioso. As mafia hitmen are just about to kill Tom, Trevanny acts as a human shield and saves Tom's life. Overall, Ripley's Game is much different from The Talented Mr. Ripley in that Tom has much more of a heart and a moral compass than he does in Highsmith's first Ripley novel. Tom surprisingly also does not have a big new scam like he had in the previous two novels, which is an indication of the tonal shifts that are to come for his character later in the series.

4. Tom Helps A Young American Fugitive Named Frank

In Ripley Book 4: The Boy Who Followed Ripley

Ripley Book number four, The Boy Who Followed Ripley, is the most unlike the rest of the Ripley novels, especially The Talented Mr. Ripley. In The Boy Who Followed Ripley, which was published in 1980, Tom continues to live comfortably at his French estate and has not participated much in his old life of crime. A mysterious boy comes to visit him at his house, claiming he's from the United States and his name is Billy. Tom discovers that Billy is actually Frank Pierson, the son of an American business tycoon. Frank eventually confesses that he killed his father by pushing him off a cliff and came to Tom because he thought he would be able to help him based on his questionable reputation.

3. Tom Plays More Of A Hero Role In Ripley Book 4

In Ripley Book 4: The Boy Who Followed Ripley

The Boy Who Followed Ripley is so much unlike the original The Talented Mr. Ripley novel in the way that Tom is acting like a responsible, but still shady, father figure for the first time in the series. It's unclear why Highsmith decided to switch up the tone of her Ripley series so drastically with The Boy Who Followed Ripley, but it does align with the overall sense of growth that Tom was beginning to demonstrate in Ripley's Game. It appears that after all in The Boy Who Followed Ripley, Tom does have a decent heart, which is stunning to consider after watching Netflix's Ripley. At one point in the book, Tom even dresses in drag in order to rescue Frank after he's been kidnapped.

2. Tom Is Accused Of Murdering Dickie Greenleaf & Thomas Murchison

In Ripley Book 5: Ripley Under Water

Tom's ghosts come back to haunt him in the final Ripley book, Ripley Under Water. The title is a notable reference to Tom's fear of water that he demonstrated in The Talented Mr. Ripley. Ripley Under Water was published in 1991 and sees Tom living a completely normal, quaint life still in France where he tends to his garden daily. Tom is confronted by an American named David Pritchard who is convinced that Tom murdered the art collector Thomas Murchison, which took place in Ripley's Game. David also starts to ask Tom questions about Dickie, bringing back Tom's very first murder in the original book. Tom must find ways to deflect Pritchard's accusations but does not resort to killing him, proving that Tom's life of murder could in fact be over by the end of the book series.

1. Tom Never Gets Caught For Any Of His Crimes

In Ripley Book 5: Ripley Under Water

Despite the effects of David Pritchard in Ripley Under Water, Tom Ripley gets away with it once again by the end of the fifth and final Ripley book. Shockingly, Pritchard does somehow discover Murchison's body and goes so far as to leave his skeleton on Tom's doorstep. Tom hides the body once again and leaves it in the pond outside the Pritchard family's home, which leads to another tragedy and indirect murder on Tom's behalf. Tom's blood-soaked hands never come clean in any of Highsmith's five Ripley books, cementing his status as one of the best literary con artists ever created. While there's no current indication that Ripley season 2 will be made at Netflix, there is certainly plenty of source material to work with.'

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mermaid-960 · 3 months

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Dream Realm Info Post

I'll continue adding to and editing this, but for now it's gonna be lazy bios for the main characters

Tag: #dreamrealmstory

Abigail

Nicknames: Abby, Angel (by all)

Guardian Power: Light - Moon

Pronouns: She/her (Cisgender)

Sexuality: Lesbian

Race/Ethnicity: Asian-Caucasian (Japanese-American), Angel

Homeworld: Dream Realm

Birthday: March 4th (Pisces)

Height: 5'6

Appearance: Pale skin, light blonde wavy hair, blue eyes

Main Weapons: Staff, morningstar/flail, shield

Pets: Berry (Black Siberian Cat)

Mount: Buttercup (White Arabian Horse)

Occupation: Student

Sarah

Nicknames: Sprout (by Mia & Dad)

Guardian Power: Plant - Moon

Pronouns: She/her (Cisgender)

Sexuality: Lesbian

Race/Ethnicity: African American, Human

Homeworld: Dream Realm

Birthday: November 25th (Sagittarius)

Height: 5'2

Appearance: Dark brown skin, black coily hair, green eyes

Main Weapons: Staff, dagger, potions belt

Pets: Spark (Brown Australian Shepherd), Sabre (Tortoiseshell Cat), as well as an assortment of birds, amphibians, and reptiles.

Mount: Gauge (Brown Paint Horse)

Occupation: Student, animal caretaker/vet, and mechanic

Leo

Nicknames: N/A

Guardian Power: Time - Moon

Pronouns: He/him (Cisgender)

Sexuality: Bisexual

Race/Ethnicity: Hispanic-Caucasian (Mexican and Scott/Irish), Human

Homeworld: Earth

Birthday: July 30 (Leo) + 6 months in limbo

Height: 5'8

Appearance: Light tan skin, black wavy hair w/ red streak, red eyes

Main Weapons: Sword, fists

Pets: Sandy (Corn Snake Familiar)

Mount: Ghost (Black Sabino American Quarter Horse)

Occupation: Student, coffee shop barista, busboy at his dad's restaurant during the summer

Phoenix

Nicknames: Phoe (by all), Phoebe (by family)

Guardian power: Fire - Moon

Pronouns: She/her (Cisgender)

Sexuality: Straight

Race/Ethnicity: Hispanic-Caucasian (Mexican and Scott/Irish), Human

Homeworld: Earth

Birthday: April 16th (Aries)

Height: 5'10

Appearance: Tan skin, ginger wavy hair w/ bleached streak, amber eyes

Main weapons: Longbow, axe

Pets: Flare (Phoenix Familiar), Redbeard (Bearded Dragon)

Mount: Spitfire (Chestnut Mustang)

Occupation: Student, fast food cook, line cook at her dad's restaurant during the summer

Akane

Nicknames: Red (by Abigail)

Guardian Power: Dark - Sun

Pronouns: She/they (Demigirl)

Sexuality: Aromantic Asexual

Race/Ethnicity: Asian (Japanese), Angel

Homeworld: Dream Realm

Birthday: October 25th (Scorpio)

Height: 5'6

Appearance: Pale skin, black straight hair, purple eyes (used to be red)

Main weapons: Katana, scythe, double daggers, hairpins

Pets: Boo (White Siberian Cat), Lucifer (Black wolf dog)

Mount: Orchid (Black Arabian Horse)

Occupation: Student

Taro

Nicknames: Terra (birthname, used by some family)

Guardian Power: Earth - Sun

Pronouns: He/him (Transgender)

Sexuality: Straight

Race/Ethnicity: Asian-Hispanic, (Filipino and Puerto Rican), Human-Elf-Faun

Homeworld: Dream Realm and Earth

Birthday: May 17th (Taurus)

Height: 5'3

Appearance: Light brown skin, brown curly hair with green ends and bleached sides, hazel eyes

Main weapons: Hammer, fists

Pets: Lucky (Brown Speckled Mutt Service Dog)

Mount: Rocky (Brown Rocky Mountain Horse)

Occupation: Student, many different odd jobs and part timers

Sage

Nicknames: Starchild (Mother)

Guardian Power: Telepathy - Sun

Pronouns: They/them (Non-Binary)

Sexuality: Gay

Race/Ethnicity: Asian (Indian), Vampire-Demon-Aetheran (alien race)

Homeworld: Dream Realm

Birthday: September 22 (Virgo)

Height: 6'0

Appearance: Brown skin, purple curly hair with bleached streak, gold eyes

Main Weapons: Double staffs, double daggers

Pets: Atlas (Raven Familiar) Apollo (Cream Ferret), Athena (Brown Ferret)

Mount: Comet (Black Dappled Andalusian)

Occupation: Student

Maria

Nicknames: Mari (Mom)

Guardian Power: Water - Sun

Pronouns: She/her (Cisgender)

Sexuality: Pansexual

Race/Ethnicity: Asian (Filipino and Native Hawaiian), Merfolk

Homeworld: Dream Realm

Birthday: May 24 (Gemini)

Height: 5'5

Appearance: Tan skin w/ vitiligo spots, blue curly hair w/ blue-green ends and white bangs, blue-green eye and white eye w/ black sclera

Main weapons: Rapier, dagger, revolver

Pets: Crackers (Parrot), Tuna (Grey Tabby), Salmon (Orange Tabby), Cod (Cream Tabby) Mackerel (Siamese Cat)

Mount: Kelpie (Grey Appaloosa)

Occupation: Student, Sailor

Issy

Nicknames: Iss/Izz, Moon (by all)

Guardian Power: Moon

Pronouns: He/they (Demiboy)

Sexuality: Biromantic Asexual

Race/Ethnicity: Caucasian (American)

Homeworld: Earth

Birthday: January 14th (Capricorn)

Height: 5’0

Appearance: Pale skin, dark brown curly hair, hazel eyes

Main weapons: Sword, longbow, double daggers

Pets: Liberty (Doberman), Clover (Tuxedo Cat), Onyx (Black Cat), Holstein (Black and White Cat)

Mount: Lightning (Dark Bay Thoroughbred)

Occupation: Student, Stage tech

Evelyn

Nicknames: Evy (by all)

Guardian Power: Sun

Pronouns: She/her

Sexuality: Unlabeled

Race/Ethnicity: Hispanic-Caucasian (Cuban, Dominican, and American)

Homeworld: Earth

Birthday: August 29th (Virgo)

Height: 5’3

Appearance: Tan skin, brown wavy hair, brown eyes

Main weapons: Sword, shield, staff

Pets: N/A

Mount: Sunburst (Chestnut Thoroughbred)

Occupation: Student

Anxiety

Nicknames: Anx (by all)

Guardian Power: N/A

Pronouns: Any (Genderless)

Sexuality: ???

Race/Ethnicity: Umbrian-Mirrorling (Originally was just an Umbrian)

Homeworld: ???

Birthday: ???

Height: Changes constantly, but usually 5’0

Appearance: White skin, black wavy hair, full white eyes

Main weapons: Sarcasm

Pets: N/A

Occupation: N/A

I said lazy but this took me hours to do 💀

Birthdays and pet names are subject to change cause I don't really like them lmao

#dreamrealmstory #issysanxiety #oc #character info

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whatgaviiformes · 1 year

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Fic: Tracy Seaside Orchard and Farm - Epilogue

Summary: Alternate Universe. Gordon is a farmer. And he seems to have nothing to do with International Rescue. Now on AO3! Genre: Hurt/Comfort, Family. *Warnings for previous chapters: phobias and panic attacks*

Prologue here

Chapter 1: Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Ao3

Chapter 2: Part 4 | Part 5 | AO3

Chapter 3: Part 6 | Part 7 | Ao3

Chapter 4: Part 8 | Part 9 | Ao3

Chapter 5: Part 10 | Part 11 | Ao3

Chapter 6 Part 12 | Ao3

Chapter 7: Part 13 | Ao3

Chapter 8: Part 14 | Ao3

Chapter 9: Part 15 | Ao3

Chapter 10: Part 16 | Part 17 | Ao3

Epilogue: You are Here | Ao3

Tracy Seaside -the playlist here

A/N: Do me a favor and make sure you are caught up, as I did a lot of writing the past few days. I will admit, finishing this one is a special sadness.

*****

Epilogue

As with the cadence of the tide, time ticked on, the seasons changed, and fall became winter on one side of the world while spring became summer on the other. Christmas came, went, and the folks at Tracy Seaside started their year growing anew, planting tiny seedlings into moist soil at high humidity in the greenhouses to get them started before transplanting them into the ground.

His brothers were there through all of it, if not directly during their planned visits, at least in spirit as they continued to bridge the gaps that the years had created. With Gordon and Virgil’s reconciliation, the tenuous bonds he and his siblings had been scrambling to keep from fraying over time were reforged, rebound and continued to grow strong. As strong as the grappling cables of Thunderbird 2 with Virgil’s voice added among their chorus.

In February, Everett and Scraps planned the surprise birthday of the century, and the speculator world went wild, imagining where Earth’s four most heroic and eligible bachelors could possibly be on Valentine’s Day, and more importantly - who with? Gordon was, of course, none the wiser, as Scraps knew her way around keeping him occupied and away from news articles that would let the cat out of the bag. It was an easy sell when Grandma had already promised to visit and had expressed the desire to make him a three tier birthday cake. Well, he didn’t leave his kitchen for the need to “supervise” his grandmother, and by the time the two made it across the estate to Scraps’ home where the rest of the Tracy’s were waiting, he was still wearing his baking apron and covered from head to foot in flour, but with one edible birthday cake.

Come spring, they added two new hens to their flock and broke ground on a new enclosure and fenced-in pasture for their future plan to bring in goats and sheep.

There were many exciting changes around the corner, and Gordon looked forward to the longer days, the additional sun in his heart, the flutter of new life and new beginnings, this time with the tether to his brothers stronger than it had ever been.

Yet one thing remained looming over him. The SOS.

He was among the first to know about the possibility that their father was still alive, still out there somewhere, after Scott (in an iR submersible pod) retrieved first Brains’ old robot and then never-before-seen footage of the explosion from the Hood’s escape capsule. It was both a thrilling and terrifying truth.

Foundation shifting.

It colored everything, knowing that for all the home-growing he did, his father likely was somewhere out there, maybe managing to make food to sustain himself. For all the times he felt distant and disconnected from his family, his father was further. What were miles in comparison to lightyears?

He watched his brothers fret, obsess, and make plans.

It was a pleasant day in April when Scott pulled himself away from the technology on the Island to sit down with him and explain what searching for their father would involve: all of the Thunderbirds, and all of his brothers to pilot them.

He knew terror, he knew fear, and they were palpable in his ears as he processed Scott's words. But there was no greater dread than the heart-dropping realization that this mission would be risking the lives of his whole family, that in a moment, they could all leave the atmosphere and he may never hear from them again and would never know what happened if that were the case.

But if… if on a chance they succeeded, they could have Dad back.

He wasn’t sure he had the strength to lose his family again. For a chance.

Gordon talked to Grandma for a long time that night. About her memories of her son, about his brothers, about what it meant to be the ones left behind, and what- what they would do if the worst were to happen. Neither of them closed the call feeling better, per se, but after airing their fears, it helped to know they were not alone in their grief.

But there was also hope.

And Tmtrust in Brain’s workmanship to protect his family like he'd always done, confidence in his brothers’ abilities, and belief in that stubborn Tracy tenacity to never give up.

They promised to return, and so it was with faith in that promise that Gordon waited for news.

~*~

On the day of launch, minutes before countdown, Virgil sat on the floor and against the wall of the Zero-XL to callup Gordon. There was barely a second for a breath before Gordon accepted the call, and it was apparent he was wide awake despite the dark on his side of the world.

“Hey,” Virgil whispered, wearing his iR blues.

"Hey " The quiet sound of Gordon's voice came through with with a low, content murmuring in the background. It was the voice he used when speaking to his animals, words disguised as a coo.

“Are you in the coop?” Virgil's lips curled into a light smile Despite the weight of their task sitting heavily on his shoulders, the coop was a place of calm. “Is my girl there?”

Gordon’s smile twitched, but it was as if it hurt to muster. “Sue me”

He recognized now that Gordon was sitting against the back wall of the coop, and wearing a long sleeve flannel. Some of the chickens must have been resting in his lap. As he shifted to pick up Ginger to show her to Virgil, Mocha gave a small squawk of displeasure at the movement and jumped up to his shoulder.

“Gordon” - brown eyes met brown - “we’re going to bring him home.”

For a moment Gordon considered him, continuing to pet the soft feathers on Ginger’s back while his face broke into a number of expressions before he schooled it back into calm.

“Well, yeah,” he said. “You’ve promised my girls to swing by when you get back.”

“True. But, Gordon.” He waited until Gordon looked back up at him, eyes prickling. “I’m promising you. We’ll all come home.”

~*~

There was a moment, deep in the Oort cloud, after Alan returned and they suddenly lost communications with Scott, that Virgil truly thought he’d have to tell his family that they’d failed. He’d have to break his grandmother’s heart at the loss of her son… again. And Scott… his own heart was thundering in his chest at his worry for their eldest brother, wondering how he could possibly tell Gordon. Wondering if Gordon would ever forgive him for losing their brother in the cold void of space. Eyes wide with terror, he found himself looking to John for answers.

And then they found lifesigns. Two of them.

There was business to be done after that. The med bay to ready, the Zero-XL to reassemble. Home to get to. In the deep vastness of space, they reunited with their father, and the back of Virgil’s head tingled where his father’s hand had found stability within their embrace.

It caught up to him much later, what it would have meant if the Hood had managed to leave them stranded in deep space. So quickly they had to act to halt the T-drive and to stop him, that Virgil didn’t have the time to think about just how close they were to never making it home and what that would’ve done to his brother and their grandmother.

He secured their father’s straps for the return journey home, trying hard to find the balance between keeping him secure and taking extra care not to pull too tightly around the tender areas of his body.

His father leaned towards him to garner his attention.

“Virgil?” His voice croaked with lack of use. “I need to know. Where’s your brother?” The grey in his father’s eyes swirled with the storm of the unknown. “Where’s Gordon?”

“He’s safe,” Virgil assured him, knowing how their number might have looked to their father. It was a long story to tell and not Virgil's to do so. “Funny you should ask though. I know a rather good healing retreat that would love to have you.”

“Son, I’m going to be ok.”

“I know, Dad.” He smiled at him warmly. “We all are."

The End 🐓

#Gavii Scribit #Fic: TSOF #Farming Estate AU #Virgil Tracy #Gordon Tracy #Chicken Dad

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