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#he’s so perfect for me but he gets so distant outta nowhere
tang3r1n · 5 months
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i feel like vomiting.
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valeskakingdom · 1 year
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The Cult (part40)
Days, not even weeks, it has been silent around Scarlet since she decided to disappear in Gotham. She was a shadow in the darkness. No one noticed her, no one saw her, and no one even heard of her. Some people thought she was dead, others thought she moved outta town - which wasn't true, of course.
Scarlet was saving Oswald from Andy's eventual upcoming attacks. She was the silent shadow who surrounded Oswald wherever he was going. She was the one who guaranteed him safety in whatever he was doing - and it worked. On the streets, she saw Andy multiple times, but he didn't see her. She followed him across streets, lanes, and several hidden tracks to see where he was going. He never intended to kill Oswald, every day he had the chance to since the reporters published every step he made on the TV - but apparently, Andy was just searching for his only true love...
Flashback
"Scarlet! Scarlet!" Andy yelled in despair while walking through the Narrows, almost tears filling his brown eyes "I know you're out there! Come out!"
He looked to the left, to the right, up and down, even to the ground but she was nowhere to be found. Scarlet seemed gone since the day she left him. She was just playing with me, Andy thought quite angrily, She wanted to leave me all the time! She has planned it! She just used me for her good! She never loved me as I did!
"Scarlet!" Andy tried again in the hope she would react "I know you just played tricks on me! You did it all the fucking time! You never intended to be mine! You don't love me, you never did, but you still love Jerome!"
"I do not love Jerome," Scarlet scoffed, yelling it back from her hidden place "I never did, and neither did I love you. I think poorly of love; love is a waste of time. Love makes you weak and blind, that's why you've never become aware of any of my purposes"
"So you've planned it all the time," Andy almost murmured, which turned out into a slightly evil laughter "You're truly sharp, my love, sharp and slippery. I knew it all the time, from the moment I first saw you in Arkham up to now"
"And still you were so naive to believe me all the fucking time" Scarlet snickered "You're foolish in being a good criminal. I'm about to say you're nothing but a pussy; a wannabe criminal who talks big and acts like a big boss but in reality, he's just a little scallywag who eagerly tries to crave attention and power"
"If I'm so foolish then why did I capture your imagination?" Andy scoffed "There had to be something that fascinated you about me, otherwise, you would have ignored me, am I right?"
"You're right," Scarlet paused "It was your distant and mysterious nature. You seemed clever and had a high intellect. You seemed to know what you do, you seemed to be more intelligent than others. I thought I could work with you" She sighed "This was up to the point where you told me about your glorious idea of agreeing with Hugo Strange with his special therapy"
"Instead of telling me what I've done wrong, you should realize you're not the perfect criminal either. A professional as you would say can handle things alone even without a partner and doesn't need to run to mommy Cobblepott to get the things you need" Andy kept looking around but she was still not to be found. Where was she? She couldn't be invisible, could she?
"Wow, you fight fire with fire," Scarlet chuckled "Not bad. Though, I know my fire will defeat yours. Asking a friend for help isn't a sin, right? But changing oneself because feelings overcame? That's pretty stupid, especially because your plan didn't work out. I didn't come back to you voluntarily, you kidnapped me!"
"Oh it did work out for me" Andy chuckled devilishly "I gained more power and intelligence, that's all I need for being a better criminal"
"But still, you let your obsession and feelings overcome," Scarlet chuckled "That shows you didn't gain as much intelligence as you thought"
"If you wanna mess with me then why don't you come out? I thought you were so brave" Andy almost hissed with his gritted teeth. He hated this provocation of Scarlet, he knew he wasn't dumb as he knew his feelings didn't overcome him. He wanted to do her a favor. He knew she wanted to see him as much as he did - she was not better than him, she just overplayed it because she didn't want it to be true.
"Fine," Scarlet stepped in front of him out of a dark lane "And now? Do you want to punch me? Do you want to try kidnapping me back? Or do you want to kill me?"
"You deserve any of it," Andy hissed almost aggressively, and quickly pulled a gun out and pointed it straight at Scarlet "I should have done it all the time"
"Oh, no a gun," Scarlet acted bored, waving her hands a little in the air when the rolled her eyes in annoyance "I'm so scared," Scarlet started almost laughing when she kept walking "Please, do you think you can manage to kill me with that little thing?" She pressed her forehead against the barrel with a huge smile on her face. She knew Andy couldn't kill her, he wasn't that tough.
Andy said nothing. He just kept holding the gun against her forehead and watched her. He knew he could manage it, he wouldn't be scared of it, and his still existing feelings for her wouldn't defeat his will to kill her. Not this time.
"So what are you waiting for?" Scarlet giggled "Shoot! Shoot me dead! Go ahead! Or are you a little pussy?"
But suddenly, Andy's hand started trembling. He was full of anger and hate, he couldn't bare it. All this provocation she was doing, the spitefulness, this wrong thing... or that she thought she knew everything better, it was horrible. Everything was horrible! He would love to punch her to death, smash her brain in with the gun or torture her, or shoot her to death, he'd love to see her blood all over her body and on the floor, he'd love to see her gasping for air in her last minutes of living - but all that wouldn't be true. Something in him couldn't kill her. He didn't know what though. Was it fear that he would regret it one day? Or maybe it was the unexpected? No one would ever expect to shoot at the one they loved, right?
"Wow," Scarlet laughed "And you call yourself a big criminal?" She shoved the barrel right in front of her heart, an actual second opportunity for him to shoot her dead "I seemed to be right. You're nothing but a pussy if you can't kill me right away"
Then Scarlet turned around walking a few steps away from him when she suddenly heard him shoot - she stopped walking. She looked down at her body, she wasn't bleeding or anything. She focused on an eventual pain in her back that might be caused by a shot bullet - but there was nothing. He missed his target. Voluntarily or not, she didn't know. It was indeed interesting to see that he dared to shoot in her direction, but it was also poor to see he didn't hit her - as if he was too scared to do it.
"You missed, darling" Scarlet scoffed and kept walking back into the dark lane where she came from.
"One day," Andy almost yelled at her "I'll find you again and then you'll wish you'd never met me!"
End of flashback
It's been a long time since Scarlet saw Andy previous or even his mates. Whenever she went out to watch Oswald, Andy wasn't present. He didn't watch him, he didn't try to be in Oswald's near - nothing. He practically vanished. But did he truly vanish? Or did he want her to think that? Did he hide to observe her? Did he plan on killing her now? This made Scarlet think. She had to be careful. Andy and his staff eventually wait for her in any corner or in any lane to attack her, and she knew she couldn't handle them all alone.
To check on it though, she dared to walk through the streets to see whether she was right or wrong. She focused on people with hats and sunglasses and long coats that would hide their figure - but yet there was none of them. No one observed her, no one walked after her, and no one tried to shoot her. She seemed to be safe.
But suddenly, this happened.
Someone, a tall lanky guy with a hat, a green pullover, and a satchel bumped into her. He looked like a fool, an idiot, a scallywag. He didn't seem to have any friends or real family, he seemed to be a loner who spent his time working and watching TV. There was no chance of getting a girlfriend for him, he was attractive at all, he was ugly - more than that. The word ugly was understated. He was scum, the scum that nobody wanted in this world.
"I'm sorry, I-..." But when he looked at Scarlet, he froze "O-Oh my God-..." He couldn't find the right words. He was shocked, but not in a negative way at all. His dream came true! He finally met her! He found her!
"I assume you know who I am," Scarlet smirked amused, but there was one thing that confused her - his reaction. He wasn't scared at all, he wasn't full of fear, and he didn't want to run away. He was... Happy? Excited? Joyful? Surprised? How come?
"S-Scarlet Patel," the man stuttered "I-I can't believe this, I've been waiting for this moment so long... It's too good to be real" He examined her from head to toe, he still couldn't believe she was standing right in front of him - and then he dared it. He was trying to touch any part of her body to assure himself this was real, but Scarlet's reaction was faster than his. Instead of letting him touch her, she grabbed his throat and tightened her grip instantly so that he would have breathing problems.
"You should be careful what you do, my love," Scarlet chuckled darkly, tightening her grip even more than the man's veins popped out of his head and neck; breathing was no option at that point "Being too brave and euphoric often leads you to death. You should fear me and run away whenever you spot me on the streets because I am your biggest apprehension"
"I...I searched for you...the whole time," The man coughed and forces himself to speak somewhat normally due to these bad circumstances "You...are the one I need...to fulfill my work, you are...the bright spot that brings...light to my darkness"
"Oh, look, he's a poet," Scarlet chuckled "And what work do I fulfill when I let you go?"
"C-come with me..." The man coughed "My... fellows... have waited for this... special moment long enough. They worship...and adore you, as do I"
"Ah, so you're something like a little cult," Scarlet nodded thinking, loosening her grip from his throat a little "A cult that worships and adores a mass murderer and its actions," She thought of all the advantages such a cult could bring her. Being obsessed with her enough, they would follow her, they would obey orders, or even kill for her if needed. That would be just great! She wouldn't need to make an effort to look for men if she plans murders. She would also have butlers that'd do her any favor in this little world.
"It's not only you," The man took some deep breaths, reviving from the tight grip "My cult and I worship your old partner Jerome, as well. You both are persons we desire, whether dead or alive. You are absolute, you are Gotham's true king and Queen"
"Your cult shouldn't worship someone where you don't know what they're capable of," Scarlet grabbed her little knife and placed it under his chin "I wouldn't hesitate to kill you right now, and neither would Jerome if he was still alive"
"But Scarlet, don't you see what opportunities you have with us? We would follow your ways! We would help you with your plans and-..."
"Oh really?" Scarlet smirked wide "You would kill for me and in the name of Jerome? You wouldn't hesitate a minute to stab someone? Or shooting a bullet in another one's body? Or slit someone's throat if I want to? Without remorse? Without guilt?" She poked the knife deeper into his skin "You better not lie right now"
"I would never lie to a true goddess," The man almost stammered in shock, he would never question his loyalty towards her "I promise you, I am at your command"
"I see," Scarlet knew he was talking bullshit, so she decided to play with his mind a little, letting him think she believed him and would love him to join her - she just planned of making use of him and his little scallywag group anyhow "Then tell your name, boy. With whom do I have the honor?"
"Dwight," He smiled wide "Dwight Pollard"
"Well, then, Dwight," Scarlet put the knife down "Show me your little cult. Entertain me, surprise me! I wanna see your little folks' reaction when they see me"
"Of course," Dwight smirked "Please follow me" And so he lead her to the old Paramount theater down the street, where his fellows were already waiting for him. Through some hidden ways, he lead her backstage where he would announce her to come on stage to surprise them all with this glorious appearance. Scarlet complied and got comfortable with any big booster she could find there and waited for her announcement. To her luck, she could watch Dwight from her position. She could see what he was doing, hear what he was saying, and even scan the others' reactions.
"The people of this city are slaves," The light shot up when Dwight spoke through the microphone, and his audience cheered for his appearance "Mhm, see they get up every day and go to work so they can pay their taxes, their mortgages. See, they believe what the papers tell them. They fear what the politicians feed them. See, they are mentally shackled, and yet, they do nothing about it!"
The audience applauded and started cheering. They knew he was right. He spoke the truth, he knew it best! He was the cult's leader, he was the cleverest of all of them and he probably was the most experienced one.
"But there was someone who understood! Someone who poke out, who stood up to the jailers, puppets. A man and a lady with no fear." He suddenly grabbed a little remote out of his pocket, pressed a button and the hidden beamer started playing a tape on the curtains.
"Hello, Gotham City!” Scarlet heard a familiar voice that sent shivers down her spine - it was Jerome’s voice. Hearing it after such a long time was odd to her. She didn't expect to feel a tight feeling in her chest as now. “We're the Maniax. And I'm Jerome, the shot caller of that little gig - and this is my precious Scarlet."
"I'm the little demon that will haunt you in your dreams, either with a gun or a hammer" Scarlet heard herself cackling to it. She remembered the day when they made the tape, it was shortly after they killed Sarah Essen and the cops in the GCPD. It was a literal blood bath, but also one of her best experiences they've made. She would do it over and over again, if Jerome was still alive.
"Wonderful, isn't she?" She could feel his grin when saying that, she didn't need to watch the tape for that "We're here to spread the message of wisdom and hope." Jerome cackled, but stopped immediately when he heard a man groaning - and he shot "Some people have no manners"
This was the moment when the audience laughed and cheered at Jerome's action. Apparently Dwight said the truth about adoring and worshipping them. None of them was shocked or anxious. None of them wanted to run away because they couldn't bare it. Scarlet could feel this certain energy from them. They wanted to be a true part of Jerome and Scarlet, they wanted to be like them because they eventually thought like them, they wanted to follow their rules and visions. It was perfect!
"You’re all prisoners. What you call sanity, is just a prison in your minds that stops you from seeing that you're just tiny little cogs in a giant absurd machine. Wake up!” Jerome yelled the last bit, making the others laugh and cheer again.
"Oh!” You heard Jerome say when the sirens resonated on the tape “Time to go, sweet cheeks, but don't worry. We’ll be back very soon. Hang onto your hats, folk, ‘cause you ain't seen nothing yet!” And again the folk applauded, cheered, and laughed. It was just marvelous to see.
“Alright!” You suddenly heard another familiar voice say, which made Scarlet curious. She tiptoed behind the curtain to peek - in the back, behind the cult, she saw two figures, one stout man with a hat and one tall slim man.
“Time to go home!” When she heard this, she immediately knew who that was - it was Jim Gordon and his partner Harvey Bullock. Just perfect!
“GCPD!” Harvey yelled and fired off a warning shot. Now the crowd started running at first, but soon enough they started attacking Jim and Harvey. They punched them and tugged on their hair and clothes, some of them even started biting them. It was clear to see Harvey and Jim were overwhelmed by all the people.
“Yeah, that's right my fellas!” Scarlet laughed when she came out of her hidden track “Show me your loyalty! Show me how much you adore me and Jerome!” All of them heard this, they cheered, they saw it as some sort of motivation, and especially as proof of their loyalty towards Scarlet - so they kept going.
“Patel!” Gordon yelled through the hall, he tried to come to get her but there were too many cult members who prevented him from attacking their ruler and goddess “Harvey, try to get her from this side! I try to get her from that one!”
“Guess, what I'm trying, James!” Harvey yelled back at him, while he was knocking another cult member out. He had also no access to get Scarlet anyhow. There were too many of them.
“Oh, I need to disappoint you, Jimbo, you won't get me that easily! My fellas will drive you into a corner like a wolf pack a little deer!” Scarlet cackled “No, this is just the beginning of an old dream I had long ago, and this dream will become your biggest nightmare!”
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macaronnya · 3 years
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So I just saw the announcement about the EN server shutting down or at least dicontinued (hopefully just for now) and I might just burst into tears 🥲 I want to put my thoughts or rather feelings of the journy up until now on here to come down but maybe also as some form of comfort for anyone who needs it? It's very long and might have some broken english as it's not my first language so do keep it in mind please 😅
Anyways, I started A3! last year on march 7th because I saw a youtube video of people cosplaying Sakuya and Sakyo. At taht point, I already knew of A3! somewhere in my distant memories back when it was JP only. I decided to try out the game since I was getting bored of my current mobile games and the few reviews I could find of it were relatively positive. I had no idea just what a big part of my life this game was about the become 🤧
Btw I'm listening to some A3! songs right now, specifically Sakuya's 2nd character song, and it's not helping me 😢 So at the time, lockdown just started 2 days ago, which left me with a lot of time playing it and, I kid you not, I gulfed the main story down like it was the last slice of cake at home. I have 2 siblings. I think I finished it in a week or so despite it being only unlockable through leveling up, and if my memory serves me right, you need to be around lvl 75 to unlock all 4 episodes. As one can see, I was VERY invested in the story. It was just so....nice? I don't know how to exactly describe it but I was surprised by how likable everyone was. Of course I didn't hold such strong feelings for everyone back then as I do now but I was intrigued enough back then of nearly everyone, which is kind of rather rare in such types of games, no? At least for me it is, although I haven't played terribly a lot (Love Live, MLQC, Mystic Messenger).
I really like how the story actually continues through the events and how it alternated between stories exploring certain characters more (show events) and stories focusing on just them having fun. Getting to know everyone bit by bit and seeing how everyone grows closer to each other, not only within their respective troupes but the whole theater, makes me really all warm and fuzzy and it's found family, what more could you want?
Also, I really like Izumi, our dear MC 🥰 Even though she's supposed to be our self-insert, I found myself really enjoying reading her thoughts, observing her reactions to other characters' shenanigans (like her 'I do not see' to the members plan of faking their identity to bail Citron out lol) and just....her personality. Trying not to digress here but she has a lot more personality than other MCs in these joseimuke games and it makes her interactions with others not only bearable but even enjoyable. I'm not saying that this is what a perfect MC looks like or that she's superior to bland self-inserts. After all, it depends on the story, gameplay and other things. It's just a nice bonus I'm very grateful for. I mean, I got really emotional when Izumi performed with the other staff members all of the plays the actors have put out so far for the first anniversary. Her realizing she gained a new dream for her lost one just really took my heart, broke it in thousand pieces and then mended it again.
I also love A3! songs ❤ I did wonder how they would work in this franchise since it's not about idols but actors, though I guess there was nothing to worry about. I really like the duets because it's always a different duo and hearing them singing together, harmonizing with each other, complimenting each other, just fills me with undescribable joy. Of course the songs also slap pretty much every time. Even by limiting my options to 1 troupe, I still wouldn't be able to pick only one favourite (I like the majority of Winter's song tho, like Shoutai is just 🤌 and my sibling blasted Unmasked non-stop so I can't get it outta my head anymore). Gosh, I was so excited for 'Double Solitaire' since it would complete trilogy of the Hyodosakas singing together. I was really looking forward to getting all the songs and I was even saving up for Summer Troupe's 6th play.
If I had to describe the game A3! in one word, it'd be "charming". Coming to game itself, there are so many little quirks, that on their own aren't anything groundbreaking or big but together give the game its own flair. Live 2D is pretty common to see nowdays in games because it brings the characters to life through movements like 3D models. But I think A3! is able to illustrate it just as well, if not even better with their 2D sprites. Citron moonwalked by flipping the image over and sliding across the screen, Hisoka appeared out of nowhere by coming from above the screen, they do a little jump when they're happy, they go down a bit when they're sad. And that's just things with their whole sprite. The little drops when Tsuzuru finds himself in an awkward situation or is worried, the little note when Sakuya is happy, the hearts when Kazunari is lowkey flirting with Izumi, it's so cute! Or Omi's O.O face, Taichi's crying face (the usual one, not his face when he cried out of guilt of betraying Mankai), Yuki's done expression, H O M A R E AHA! They each have at least one personalized expression and also quote. Can you hear Kazunari's Yoropiko~☆, Citron's humming, Taichi's loud ass whining and scream of terror, Tsumugi's awkawrd laugh? It's brimming with life.
But also the UI (?how it looks) is joyful. The main screen's background cascading shapes changes depending from which Troupe your current character is from, the loading screen has sakura petals and a bird, the colors are very bright and saturated fitting to the overall color palette of the whole game, the little notebook during practice showing all the necessary infomation and a little sketch by the characters. It's just really charming.
As frustrating as it was, not getting halloween Tsuzuru after 110 pulls or Valentine Omi after 120, it was my first time ever understanding why gachas are called hellholes. Through my strong connections to the characters, their cards automatically appealed to me more. But the art is also so good???? Azuma is always looking flawless obviously but Omi's unbloomed Wolf card, where he is standing in the sunset looking at his camera or Kazunari's Shinobi card, unbloomed all concentrated on his panting and bloomed all shiny smiling like the fireworks in the background? Breathtaking everytime. I also appreciate it not needing multiple copies to unlock the whole backstage story.
I think I'm slowly running out of things to say, which might be good for whoever managed to come this far. I have to say though, A3! helped me through the pandemic. Being a perfect distraction to the world's chaos and more importantly my crushing schoolwork and worries for personal future. I'm a very pessimistic person but seeing the characters overcoming their hardships through the help of their to-be "family" and just being happy doing trouble, gave me a little hope and light for a bit every day. I came to cherish everyone, even those I like the least. I haven't felt like this since Mystic Messenger, which was also a game, that helped me through a difficult time. I can only wish to a shooting star, that it's not the end for the EN Server yet. While yes, the JP server is thriving and I could just switch to reading fantranslation, through my experience, my enjoyment considerably sinks playing like that and I wish to fully enjoy A3!.
Anyways thanks for reading (maybe again). Sorry for all the possible errors on the way here. I'm writing everything directly without too much thought. If you want, you can also share your experiences in the comments. It's always nice to share good memories with others.
Edit: I accidentally posted it already but I wasn't actually done 😓 When I said I had a lot to let out, I meant A LOT
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xxisxxisxxis · 4 years
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So I watched Haunting of Bly Manor and here's my thoughts:
[**SPOILERS**]
Ep. 1 - "pErFeCtLy SpLeNdId" bitch shut the fuck up, why the FUCK is a bright bastard standing behind this bitch in mirrors only and what the fuck STOOD UP IN THE FUCKING CELLAR
Ep. 2 - Miles is fucking demon possessed, Dani's accent is weird but comforting, I'm still traumatized by the fucking music box the last episode, AND I KNOW DAMN WELL THEM BITCHES WOULD TURN ALL THE LIGHTS OFF TO PLAY "hIdE aNd SeEk" and whAT/WHO the fUCK STOOD UP BEHIND FLORA AND WAS HUMMING THAT DAMN MUSIC BOX SONG IN THE ATTIC AND WHY THE F U C K DID THAT "PERFECTLY SPLENDID" LITTLE BITCH SAY "SSSHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!" SO COMFORTABLY TO IT WHEN IT STARTED HUMMING OVER HER???????
Ep. 3 - Why are the hot guys always FUCKING TOXIC. FUCK. also, Rebecca was just PERFECTION.
Ep. 4 - Dani's a lesbian--she has to be, also it's fucked you know who died after just being dumped but ok
Ep. 5 - AM I TRIPPING ON SOMETHING WHY TF AM I SEEING THE SAME FUCKIN SCENE REPEATEDLY NOT THAT I MIND BECAUSE HANNAH IS BRILLIANT BUT IM CONFUSED, oh...that's what happened to Peter...OK. It's the fucking dolls in the house controlling people and that little girl don't want nobody touching the doll under her dresser cause that summons the scary bitch in the lake into the house and she just snatching lives left and right
Ep. 6 - HENRY IS TRASH. CHARLOTTE IS TRASH. TO THE STREETS WITH THEM BOTH. Who's little boy died in the house dude???
Ep. 7 - Peter is toxic asf but damn do I want him and Rebecca to be together holy shit. WAYMENT HOL'UP WAYMENT. WAYMENT. WAIT. A. MIN. UTE. SO HE JUST GONNA POSSESS THIS GIRL, WALK HER INTO THE LAKE TO DROWN, THEN DIP TF OUT AND LEAVE HER THERE TO DEAL W HER DEATH??????????????????????? WHEN SHE ONLY ALLOWED YOU TO POSSESS HER THINKING YOUD TAKE CARE OF HER BODY AND WASNT AWARE YOUR PLAN FOR YALL TO FINALLY BE TOGETHER WAS TO FUCKING KILL HER???????? PETER. SIR. Don't tell me that's what had happened to Hannah SHE WAS SUPPOSE TO BE W OWEN....oh it is. And she know about it now. So like. She—damnit.
Ep. 8 - VIOLA CAN SPIT IN MY MOUTH AND CURB STOMP ME UUGHHHHH, Oh lawd the incest to keep the lineage upperclass👁👁 but you know what theyre distant cousins and i fucks w VIOLA HEAVILY FUCK PERDITA so it can slide. Oh hell this bitch and her tuberculosis istg if she die from this shit ima be rioting, Viola and her daughter's vibe>>>>>>, I hate her not being able to get close to her husband and child for YEARS CAUSE SHE SICK AND WON'T DIE BECAUSE SHE STUBBORN BUT ALSO I ADMIRE THAT SHIT CAUSE SHE WON'T GIVE UP. Oh Perdita and Viola's husband tried it bitch. OOOOHHHH OOOOOH TRIED IT. YES VIOLA BITCH SLAP HER THEM LUNGS IS SPUTTERING BUT THOSE HANDS NOT OUT OF BREATH ONE BIT!!!!!!!!! The fact she gave her dresses and jewelry to be locked in a trunk and put in the attic for her daughter later i just🥺🥺oh FUCK PERDITA. SHE JUST-- IM FUCKING CRYING. NO. VIOLA. so this just what people in this house do???? FUCK THEIR SIBLINGS SPOUSE/FUCK THEIR SPOUSE'S SIBLING???? THIS BITCH JUST SUFFOCATED HER DYING SISTER SO SHE COULD SNATCH HER HUSBAND??????????? OH FUCK THIS. PERDITA BITCH YOU DONE TOOK HER MANS, TOOK HER SPOT, DONT TOUCH THAT DAMN TRUNK W THEM DRESSES AND JEWELS SHE HAD PUT UP FOR HER BABY GIRL. DONT DO IT. SHE LET YOU SLIDE THIS FAR BITCH. DONT CROSS THE LINE—oh SHIT ARMS OUTTA NOWHERE IN THAT TRUNK HOLY SHIT..PERDITA BITCH I fucking told you. What the FUCK did i say? Don't touch it. You touched it. Now ya dead sister SAID ENOUGH IS ENOUGH AND CHOKED YOUR ASS OUT!!!!! wayment. Perdita was the thing in the attic humming behind Flora...ok..but who's the lady in the lake??? WAYMENT. WAIT. A. MINUTE. DONT TELL ME—viola? HOWD SHE GET IN THE DAMN LAKE THO?????? oh. That's how. ....... (***I was sobbing the entire last part of the episode). Ohh, so she killed the little boy on accident, thinking it was the child she was looking for (*her daughter) so she took it back to the lake with her and he drowned but she didn't mean to kill him because her mind so far gone she can't even register barely anything??? Viola🥺🥺 OH THE LITTLE BOY WAS WHO STOOD UP IN THE CELLAR OKAY. PETER I KNOW DAMN WELL YOU AND REBECCA NOT ABOUT TO POSSESS THEM TWO KIDS TO--NAH I BELIEVE IT CAUSE YOU NOT SHIT SIR!!!!!! damn Rebecca is a Saint😭😭 DANI BITCH WHAT THE FUCK DID YOU DO TO GET SNATCHED BY VIOLA?????
Ep. 9 - oh...so like... you don't even have to do anything to get snatched by her,, she basically so far gone she's on autopilot and if you're in her way while she's making her way through the house she automatically grabs you and you're fucked? Well shit. NOT VIOLA IMAGINING FLORA AS HER DAUGHTER AND SINGING TO HER (*this is where I broke down and was sobbing because holy shit Viola dude), Rebecca and Flora>>>>> BECCS IS A SAINT YET AGAIN. Dani bitch you brave for letting that woman up in your business like that because IT COULD NEVER BE ME!!!!! THE LESBIANS OH MY GOSH THE LESBIANS AAAAAAAHHHHHH YES. JAMIE GIRL I LOVE YOU🥺🥺 Oh hell Michelle Dani damnit. Well at least everyone's free and Viola is at peace within Dani. Oh. Nevermind. Well shit DANI. I GET IT BUT I DONT FUCKING LIKE IT. OWEN PAYING HOMAGE TO HANNAH IN HIS RESTAURANT>>>>> , Jamie baby😭😭😭, holy shit say it aint everybody all grown up and shit😩😩 LEMME FIND OUT THE NARRATOR IS---OH SHIT THE LESBIANS GOT US IN THE FIRST HALF NOT GONNA LIE !!!!!!!!!!
Basically I watched this to shit myself and ended up heartbroken, more so than the first season, even. Once i started piecing things together it became less scary and more so just sad in the best way possible. I know some people hated this season but this is lowkey my favorite season so far and possibly one of my favorite stories told, ever.
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reedandannie · 4 years
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Scholars Sneak Peek!!! - Available Sep. 14th 2020
Embarrassment at its Finest - Evie’s POV
I clutched the envelope tightly in my lap, my heart pounding. When the drive started it hadn't felt real, it was just another road trip with my best friend, another drive across the country in the old red car that we'd been taking places since we could drive. But now, so close to our first year of college, it all set in, and I was beginning to feel the panic that I always felt when facing the new and unknown. Before, I'd been annoyed that Stella had insisted on driving, but now that my hands were clenched around our move in information, I was relieved. I probably would've driven the car off of the road by now.
The gates seemed to materialize out of nowhere. One minute there was a wall of trees on either side of us, the next, we were pulling through them. Stella turned off the radio hastily, and we exchanged a look that conveyed everything that needed to be said. We were both caught between terror and excitement. We had been studying to earn places at Pine Hill University since Stel had first found out about it. Freshman year of high school, a long four years ago. And now, here it was. I turned to watch the wrought iron pass behind the car, open for move-in day.
"I can't believe this is happening," Stella breathed, looking over at me with awe in her eyes.
I turned back around to stare across the campus. The open grounds looked exactly like they had on the website, dotted with elegant brick buildings and lounging students. I wasn't sure if I was going to cry or vomit, but I swallowed hard, determined to enjoy this moment.
"Do you have the map?" Stella asked, and I jumped.
"Oh, yeah, of course." I rubbed my sweating palms over my jeans before opening the envelope and removing the brightly colored map inside of it. I studied it thoughtfully for a moment, trying to make sense of the little road markings.
"Left," I said finally, then cursed. "No, I mean right."
Stella quickly changed directions, making a wide turn which caused a few of the nearby students to turn and stare at us curiously. I flushed and Stella laughed, clearly both unsurprised and unconcerned about my shoddy directions. Naturally, she was used to them by now, but she had taken away my navigation rights within the first hour of our multi-hour trek.
It was fortunate that this hadn't been part of the entrance exams. It was one of the few things that hadn't been tested. Everything from basic math and history to strange questions about how we would respond in panic, and where we felt most comfortable. Stella and I had failed it the first two times we'd attempted, but we were nothing if not stubborn.
I was torn from my thoughts when Stella slowed down. "Is that it?"
I looked up and stared in awe at the brick building in front of us. There was ivy climbing the walls, violently green against the red. Black letters above the main entrance read "Grove Hall".
"It looks like it," I answered, as she pulled around to park.
I stepped out of the car onto the gravel parking lot and looked around, mystified. The wall of trees was close behind the dorm, the sound of the wind among them quiet and soothing. On the other three sides, though, well-tended grass stretched away to other distant brick buildings. It felt secluded and idyllic, and I beamed.
"Are you two here to check in?"
I looked around to find a tall brunette approaching us. She was smiling warmly, and I glanced back to find that Stella was as well. I couldn't find it in me to copy the expression, I was too overwhelmed by how magical campus felt, and I knew my face was stuck in a look of shock and awe.
"I'm Emilie. I'm a sophomore here. I can help you move in if you'd like?"
Stella and I shook her extended hand.
"We don't have much," Stella answered, "but you're welcome to. I'm Stella, and this is Evie," she said, nodding to me.
I waved shyly over Stella's shoulder.
Emilie waved back as Stella opened the trunk to reveal our meager belongings. We'd been instructed to bring very little. The school was strict about uniforms, and supplies and furniture were provided for us. As a result, we'd packed five bags between us, mainly our casual clothes and the decorations we'd bought for our dorm.
Emilie lifted one of them out, and Stella and I each followed suit. They weren't heavy, but after lugging them up two flights of stairs to the top level, my arms were aching. I had never been strong, and I felt particularly out of shape in that moment. But when Stella opened the door at the center of the hall, I stopped thinking about any of that.
Emilie whistled quietly when we entered. The furniture was standard issue, the wooden beds, desks, chairs, and nightstands neatly arranged in a perfect mirror on either side of the room. In the center, directly across from the door was a large picture window, tucked into an alcove. A window seat between them was recessed into the wall, an ugly blue dorm cushion on it, indicating that it was intended for seating. We would have to find a way to cover that.
The room itself was wide, with a closet door at the foot of each bed. When Stella opened one, I realized they were already full of our uniforms.
"You guys are so lucky, this is the best room on the floor."
"How did we manage that?" I asked quietly.
"It's a random draw. Freshmen are given their choice of building, but rooms are assigned from there," Emilie answered, dropping the bag she was carrying beside the door.
"I'll go get the other bags," Stella announced.
I turned, closing the door. "I'll come."
"I'll come check in on you guys in a second. I need to make sure the other freshmen are settling in okay."
I grinned and nodded before following Stella back down the stairs.
"She seems nice," I noted.
"I wonder if she's our RA. I hope she is."
I shook my head. "Our RA emailed us. I think her name was Jenna or something, not Emilie. She's probably just helping out, being nice." She shrugged, clearly preoccupied by other thoughts, and brushed her golden hair out of her face. I smiled fondly. There was a nice breeze blowing across the parking lot, and I savored it, glad that it was chasing away some of the heat. It was sweltering now, but I knew this wouldn't last forever. Colorado got cold and snowy fast, so I was glad for the sun while we had it.
I was so busy contemplating the weather that I didn't notice where I was until I was tripping. I pitched forward, crying out in shock as I slammed into the gravel, cringing as it dug into my bare arms.
I looked up curiously and realized that I had just tripped over a person's foot. Stella, I saw, had run straight into the center of the small group of people that were leaning on a car close to ours. She was staggering backwards, face reddening as she realized what had just happened.
"I'm sorry, I wasn't paying attention," she said, looking up wide-eyed.
I stumbled to my feet and brushed dust from my jeans. It was a small comfort that I had chosen today to wear pants instead of my usual skirts. "I'm so sorry. I didn't hurt you, did I?"
And only then did I register who I was looking at. They all looked more amused than upset, but I froze nonetheless, feeling like a deer in the headlights. They were all tall and attractive, five of them lounging carelessly around a shiny car, smiling, wearing casual clothes and looking unfairly polished despite the heat. And we had just slammed into them.
"I..." I coughed uncomfortably, "I'm so...are you..."
"Don't worry about it," one of them said in a strange accent, his voice lilted with laughter. Stella took another step backwards. By the looks of it, she had just plowed straight into him. But he grinned, eyes bright, and I hastily looked away, feeling as though I shouldn't be allowed to look at him at all in my current state.
The one I'd just tripped over leaned closer to my face, as though looking for injuries, then grinned. "I didn't know people could turn that red," he remarked. Though there was no malice in it, I could have barfed.
"I'm sorry," I said again, my voice painfully small.
He tucked his hands into his pockets and rocked back onto his heels. He was dark haired, with bright blue eyes and a soft, round face. He looked backwards at the boy beside him, a broad ginger with warm dark eyes and square features. He looked older than the others, though judging by the way that they were clustered, I doubted that they were in different grades. The red-headed boy was leaning against another person, who was slender, their features more feminine, and eyes rounder. They regarded me with what looked like concern rather than amusement, and I stared at them pleadingly. They seemed to recognize the look at once.
"Leave them alone," they said, looking at me warmly.
The blond boy in front of Stella pouted. "Laney, where are your manners? We're just trying to make them feel welcome."
"Laney's right," the fourth one said, and I peeked up to look at him cautiously. His hair was almost as long as mine and fell in perfect dark waves around his face.
"Alright, get outta 'ere, no hard feelings," the one I'd tripped over said softly. I smiled faintly.
Stella darted around them to our car, and dragged out the last two bags. I took one from her as she slammed the trunk and we dashed back indoors without looking back. We took the stairs faster than I normally would have managed, but my eagerness to be back in our room felt like adrenaline. We dropped the bags carelessly inside the door and hurried across to the window.
I heard someone come in behind us.
"Are you two okay? You look like you just saw a ghost," Emilie said, voice full of concern.
I waved from the window to indicate that she shouldn't worry, but Stella was the one who spoke. "Who are those guys in the parking lot?"
"Who?" Emilie asked, joining us at the window. Her face hardened as soon as she saw them standing by the car. The blond one was clearly telling a story, talking dramatically with his hands, while the others looked on.
"Them," Stella said unnecessarily. The parking lot was otherwise unoccupied.
"Nobody, they're just people from my year. I wouldn't try to get too close, they're bad influences."
"But...who are they?" I asked, leaning close enough to the window that my breath fogged the glass.
"Like I said, just some people," Emilie reiterated.
I scowled, unsatisfied. "They're very pretty," I said, and I saw her glare at me out of the corner of my eye.
"You guys really should try to avoid them."
"Warning noted," I said, nodding once. "Don't worry. They won't look twice at us anyway after the spectacle we just made of ourselves."
"At least I stayed on my feet," Stella snickered.
I felt myself flush. "At least I didn't body slam any of them."
"This isn't a joke."
"Everything's a joke if you laugh at it hard enough," I answered.
Emilie sighed, clearly realizing that we were a lost cause. "Alright, fine. But, you've been warned."
We both nodded and turned to watch her leave.
"Lunch is in an hour," Emilie said, as she stopped in the doorway. She glanced at our bags, still unopened and piled in the middle of the floor. "If you want to unpack you can, but you need to get your IDs before you can get food from the Cafeteria. Do you want me to take you to get them?"
I looked at Stella, who was considering the bags as well. "We can unpack later," she decided. "I think it'll be better to get IDs first."
"We can go now."
Emilie started to nod, then stopped. "I don't mean to say that you guys don't look adorable. But, they'll be taking your school pictures, and, well, those do stay with you all four years... So if you wanted to freshen up, or change or anything..."
My hand flew to the mess of unruly curls around my face. "Oh, uh, I think I need a minute." I dove to the bags to try to find a mirror and a hairbrush.
Stella laughed. "Give us 20 minutes and we'll be ready?"
"Sounds perfect. I'll be back then."
I heard the door close behind her, but my hunt for something to tame my curls had absorbed me.
"She's really nice."
Stella nodded agreement. She was looking through one of the bags, brow furrowed. "She is really nice. Have you seen my makeup bag?"
I grinned and pulled it out triumphantly. Stella took it from me with a grateful smile.
"Twenty minutes," I told myself, finally finding a brush.
Stella laughed at me, sorting through her makeup bag. "It's always food with you."
"It's what motivates me. But don't lie. It's what motivates you too."
After a moment, Stella grinned "You're right."
"I know I am."
Straying Along With a New Friend - Stella’s POV
I yanked on my heather grey, lighthouse painting sweatshirt and 1460 Dr. Martens that I paired with ripped-knee boyfriend jeans. I brushed my hair before I attempted to stir Evie awake. I knew that there would have to be coffee in it for her. We'd stayed up late unpacking and deciding where to put the decorations to showcase our personalities.
A polaroid collage of us surrounded the wall space by the door. Fairy lights trickled down by the head of Ev's bed, and a poster of a woman superhero hung on the larger wall by mine. I'd stacked my CDs by genre on my desk with my single player beside it, and Ev had chosen to bring her favorite novels, which was a feat for her. There's no solution for the window nook cushion yet, though Ev is pretty sure she can sew a temporary cover for it.
"Five more minutes, Stel, please," she mumbled into her pillow.
"We told Emilie we'd meet her. I bet we can manage to find coffee before we do."
Ev rolled over to look at me through her ratted hair. "Fine."
I smirked lightly before I went to put on a little make up and pull my golden locks into a ponytail. I checked the weather to see it was actually supposed to be fairly hot today, so I quickly changed into a white tee that was decorated simply by a row of three hearts in pink, blue, and purple and light wash Levi's shorts.
Despite my change, Evie dressed herself in a cream sweater, light wash skinny jeans, and purple sneakers. I knew not to say anything as we left the room. I texted Em that we were going to find the cafe on the crowded campus; non-freshmen were moving in now, and would be for the next few days. It wasn't as hard as expected since there were signs that pointed to everywhere imaginable, and it wasn't a large span of mileage.
"Crap," Ev muttered when she saw the sign that IDs had been activated for points, which are the equivalent of dollars, and I eyed her.
"Need me to get yours?" I pulled my ID from the wallet that I had hanging on my lanyard.
She smiled sheepishly. "Yes. Anything hot."
I nodded and waited for my turn. I ordered two caramel macchiatos; one hot and one cold. I was glad they weren't that busy despite the chaos on the main. The two of us stood to the side by the student center, the newest built building, and compared to the other medieval bricks, it didn't match too well.
Emilie's resting features came into my view when she emerged over the hill. When she approached us, she let out a heavy sigh. "I'm glad I moved in when the other RAs did. Fewer people."
Evie and I laughed, but Em didn't seem amused and looked at us dumbfounded. "What?"
I shot her a look. "That was funny, Emilie."
"Oh," she trailed, and then a smile crept onto her lips. "Let's get going. There's more to show you about this campus."
I cocked a brow at her and took a sip of my coffee, yet didn't question as we followed her.
"What else is there to know about Pine Hill that's not in the brochures?"
"Or for educational purposes?" Evie added as she blew into her cup and took a drink.
Em pursed her lips. "The hangout spots near campus. There's also camping, hiking, hot springs-"
Ev waved her hand for a second and pried the cup from her lips. "Is there anything that's not outdoorsy?"
"You came to Colorado and are not an outdoors person?"
"Yeah." She shrugged.
She smirked lightly and uncrossed her arms. "The library has good reading nooks, the science hall has some of those as well."
"You're not an outdoors person either, are you?"
"Not really, but I'll do it if I have to."
I held my drink in the air. "Here, here! To be honest, I don't mind it."
Evie snorted. "She's being modest. She loves the outdoors and all that. Her dad takes her on a canoeing trip every year."
"That's great! Does your mom go too or no?"
I smiled tightly and looked at the ground for a second. Evie's hand immediately encased mine and gave it a squeeze.
I cleared my throat. "Uhm... No, she passed away when I was a kid."
I was six. I only remember it being that age because I was sitting in my first grade class, all excited for the new year, and the teacher was pulled aside for a moment by the principal. Then my teacher came over to me and said I needed to go with the principal, and take my backpack too since I wasn't going to be returning. My classmates thought it was unfair that I got to leave. How ridiculous was that? Of course, my little mind didn't understand how horrible cancer was or understand why my mom was in the hospital all the time. Or understand why when she was at home I wasn't allowed to roughhouse with her. She got pale so quick; she was bald in most of the vague memories I have of her. Eventually, she stopped fighting and that day was a day my dad lost part of himself.
It was weird growing up without a mom during the years I got older. There was no one to teach me about make-up or the "girly" things. I didn't have that woman figure in my life; that was until I met Evie in seventh grade. It was just my dad and I for as long as I can remember. He definitely always put on a game face; there were nights I caught him crying and that was out of character. After Evie convinced me to go to the prom our senior year, my dad went dress shopping with me and helped me pick out that emerald green gown; he said that my mom would've loved it and that was the first time I ever cried about her passing. It hit hard that day; she wouldn't be there for the graduations, wedding day, baby showers. My dad really always tried the best he could and that was all I could ask for. He was both parents in my eyes.
Em's eyes went wide. "I'm so sorry. That was insensitive of me. I- My parents are divorced. I lived with my mom most of the time."
"Hey, no, it's okay. I was so young." I shook my head. "My dad is kind of like both parents, so I guess my mom does join the yearly camping trip."
Thankfully, Emilie lightly smiled. "Your dad sounds awesome. My mom is an outdoors woman. I think because she loved it so much and tried to get me to be as excited about it, it made me not enjoy it."
Ev laughed into her coffee. "That sounds like a better scenario. Mine are still together and I want to kill my mother sometimes. She's a witch."
"That's ...I can't argue against that," I snickered. "How about we go check out those spots? I've got my training to start later."
"Training for what?"
"Tennis. She's an athlete." Evie lightly rolled her eyes. Jokingly, of course.
I stuck my tongue out at her for a second. "I thought I mentioned it yesterday. I'm here on a tennis scholarship."
"I'm also here on a scholarship, but it's not athletic."
"Oh, nothing wrong with that. I know plenty of scholars. I got in by a landslide because of my mom. She's an alumni."
I looked at her thoughtfully. "Always had your heart set to go to Pine Hill? Was it the Harvard of your dreams?"
She shrugged. "Not necessarily, but it's a great college. It's what I need."
"Understandable," Ev replied, and eyed me to drop it. I got the sense it was a sensitive subject for Emilie, despite it probably being a constant question. I know I get it all the time, especially as a first year.
"So, if you're not athletic, why do you wear athleisure?" I teased.
Em rolled her eyes now, a smile crossed her lips. "It's comfortable, what can I say?"
The three of us laughed as we continued on where Emilie led us. She showed us the lake nearby where the row team practices when they're in season, and where students are allowed to swim. There were quite a few trails around that I knew I would have to try at some point. Of course, Emilie presented all of the nooks to Evie before we stopped to go eat dinner.
I held my right foot to my butt and then did the same with my left before I stretched forward to touch my toes. As I straightened back up and sat down in the grass to stretch my muscles more, I caught someone's eye.
It was the long haired brunette from yesterday. The one who hadn't teased us. He waved with a warm smile and I felt taken aback. Was that to me?
I looked around and I was the only one in this direction. I made an awkward wave to him and went back to my stretches.
That was kind of weird.
I took deep breaths as I pushed my foot against the tree I was under to stretch my arches. It was a distance run rather than sprints. I only ever do sprints right before the season starts. It was only day two and classes haven't even started, but I can't slack. That just wasn't in my nature.
I stepped through the open gate onto the track where it was occupied by a few others. I gave myself a few jumps to get my blood pumping more, then began the laps. I tried not to pay attention to the others because it would only psych me out of my comfort zone. I focused on the feel of my feet hitting the asphalt, and kept my breaths level.
It was only my mind and body connecting with the track; it was sort of like a trance. The first eight loops were the easiest part of the twelve. The last third was always the hardest.
"Hey!"
I barely slowed from surprise, but brought myself back to the previous pace. My eyes met the guy from earlier once again. Why was he talking to me? I didn't think he wanted to, or any of his friends.
I gave him a pressed smile. "Hi."
"You run?" he asked as he kept with me now.
We rounded one of the crescents. So, he wasn't going to stop any time soon. I wasn't sure how to feel about him yet. I didn't even know his name and I was pretty sure he didn't know mine either. I knew I shouldn't completely cancel him as a possible friend. He seemed harmless.
"Not for fun," I replied.
There was so much ease in his steps. He did have the advantage of long legs, so I could only assume my pace was nothing for him. I mean, it wasn't like I was super fast.
"What for then?"
"Tennis. You?"
He smirked. There was a laugh mixed between his heavy breaths too.
"Track and field... I'm a high jumper."
I gave him a look. "Not much... Running in that."
The smirk returned. "Caught me... I enjoy it."
"Right," I laughed breathlessly. I looked ahead of us; we weren't alone on the track. It was a great day for the distance. I guess I didn't mind the company. My eyes wandered back to the guy jogging with me, for whatever reason, and assessed his attributes. He did have the long legs and wide, buffed shoulders.
I cleared my throat. "I bet your height... Gives you major advantages."
"Not really." He chuckled. "I have to be careful about how... I carry my body over the pole."
I snorted and wiped under my nose as I slowed down to a walk. "Sure, I can understand that... I guess... What's your name?"
"Edward."
"Stella."
He smiled cheekly. "It was nice jogging, Stella. Maybe we can do it again."
I felt my heart lurch into my throat and I swallowed hard. "Yeah, maybe."
I walked off the track to do some quick post-run stretches to fend off any soreness and went back to the room where I'd left Evie and Emilie. They were sprawled out in the nook and observed others out the window. I'm positive that when they put in this large window, it was not intended to be for people watching.
Ev pointed at someone else. "What about them?"
Emilie laughed. "Arthur. He's in the science department."
"He's cute. Maybe I'll see him around."
"I don't know." She shrugged, her voice monotone. I could only guess how long Ev has had her doing this. Em looked back at me. "How was the workout?"
"I met Edward. He's from that group we ran into yesterday. You know, the one you said to avoid."
Em raised her brows. "I didn't think he'd be over there."
"Neither did I. He's a high jumper for track and field. He ran with me for a bit."
"A high jumper? The ones who launch themselves over the bar?" Ev questioned.
I nodded. "Yes...or they'll be disqualified."
"Wouldn't that actually be difficult for someone his size then?" Emilie questioned now, no hint of sarcasm.
I thought about it, and back to his own words, "Yeah, I suppose so. He seems to be a better fit for a sprint relay, or distance. He kept up so easily."
"Wait, so are you guys, like, running buddies now?" Evie mused.
I scoffed, "Doubt it."
"Good. I don't want to warn you again," Em reiterated and stood up. "I'll see you two sometime tomorrow. Goodnight."
"Later, Em," Ev and I chimed with waves.
"I'm going to shower," I said.
"What am I supposed to do then?"
I laughed under my breath. "Read?"
"Yes," she replied, then grabbed a book and sat back in the window nook.
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bindingties · 4 years
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Change of Heart
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(( me a few days ago: writing mvk’s change of heart in the p.5 verse i made will be a fun creative exercise     me shortly after: oh no ))
“Do you think it worked?”  Phoenix could feel the cold sweat rolling down his back and actively had to force himself not to pace in the lobby.
Maya smiled, though it faltered at the edges.  “Yeah! I mean… it had to, right, Nick? So we just gotta wait.  And by wait, I mean… walk into this courtroom and hope for the best!”
Phoenix combed a hand through his hair.  “And… what if it didn’t?  I still…. We don’t have a shred of evidence and our backs are against the wall and - !”
“So I take it my trial will not end well.”
Phoenix jumped and whirled around to face Edgeworth.  “I’m going to prove you innocent! Trust me, okay?”
Edgeworth cut his gaze to the side with a sigh. “… I will not fight your delusions, Wright.”
“Excuse me,” a bailiff began, “the trial is about to start.”
---
“Court is now in session for the trial of Mr. Miles Edgeworth.”  The implicit question of readiness hung heavy in the air.
No, I’m absolutely not ready, Wright’s heart cried out, trying very hard to force itself out of his chest.  He couldn’t tell if Von Karma looked any different – couldn’t tell if their last-ditch gambit had worked.  “The defense is ready, Your Honor.”  The words came from some far-off place, his tongue feeling like lead in his mouth.
Von Karma raised his hand, thumb pressed to his middle finger and primed to snap.  For a moment, Wright’s chest froze, but then he noticed the tremor in the digits.  
“… Prosecutor von Karma?” The judge prompted, hesitant.
“The prosecution…”  The hand continued to shake.  Von Karma casted his gaze through the courtroom, as if seeing it for the first time, and dropped his hand.  “The prosecution has a confession, Your Honor.”
“E-excuse me?  Prosecutor von Karma, are you feeling well?”
“Bailiff, please bring in the boat shop owner.”
As the man was brought forth, Von Karma levelled a finger at him.
“That man is Yanni Yogi and he murdered Robert Hammond.”  Shock rippled through the courtroom and the witness reeled, mouth beginning to twist into a snarl, but Von Karma pressed on.  “He did so out of revenge for his humiliation in the DL-6 trial.  I know all of this because, prior to the murder, I investigated on my own and sent him the very plans for this murder.  I incited him into murdering Robert Hammond and framing the defendant, Miles Edgeworth.”
He held up a note and recognition lit up Wright’s face.  “This is the very letter I sent; a handwriting analysis will show that this is, indeed, my own script.  I sought to ruin Miles Edgeworth as one last stroke in my revenge against Gregory Edgeworth for causing a penalty to stain my perfect record.”
Strain entered his voice and he paused to breathe.  The courtroom remained deathly quiet.
“The truth of the DL-6 Incident is this: Gregory Edgeworth pointed out the use of coerced testimony in the IS-7 trial and I was penalized.  After wandering the courthouse after the earthquake, I came upon an elevator. Suddenly, a sharp pain engulfed my shoulder – I had been shot – and the elevator slid open.  There was a gun on the ground, and I shot and killed Gregory Edgeworth for revenge.  I never received surgery for my injury; should the court ask, the bullet can be removed and the ballistic markings checked.  They will match that of the gun associated with the incident.”
Wright cut his eyes toward Edgeworth, who had gone paler than a ghost and shook in the defendant’s seat.
“Furthermore, I adopted Miles Edgeworth such that I could mold him in my own image and make him into something his father would despise.  Then, here, I wanted to have him framed for murder to finally bury the Edgeworth name entirely.”  
Von Karma’s voice cracked, and he gripped his sleeve, tears starting to slide down his aged cheeks.
“And I abused him every day. I abused my own daughter.  My wife.  I set impossible standards and kept moving the bar of success.  They were never good enough and I used my influence to keep anyone from asking questions.  I rigged trials, forged evidence, coerced testimony.  I assaulted that defense attorney there just yesterday to keep the truth from coming to light.”
The man doubled over, one hand so tight on his sleeve that something popped and the other pressed into his shoulder.  A puddle began forming on the prosecutor’s bench.
“My perfect record is built entirely on lies.  I am a horrid, horrid disgrace of a human being.  I don’t deserve the air that I breathe.  I don’t deserve to ask anything of this court, but I must ask that Miles Edgeworth be found not guilty and that I be tried to the fullest extent of the law!”
Wright watched the trial end from miles away.  Von Karma was led out, crying and apologizing, in handcuffs.  Edgeworth stood at the witness stand for the verdict, deathly pale and trembling even as the not guilty verdict rang out.
Even when Larry tossed his arms over both his and Edgeworth’s shoulders in the lobby, Wright still felt like something in the air was wrong.  Sour.
“I don’t understand… he would never… why today…?”
Maya forced a smile.  “Sometimes people just… have a change of heart, I guess!”
Edgeworth locked his eyes with Wright’s.  “… Do you really believe that?”
Wright tried to laugh, but even he knew it was hollow.  “I mean, I didn’t expect you to help me out with Will Powers’s case so… yeah.  I believe it.”
Edgeworth walked off without another word.
The false prosecutor’s badge felt like a lead weight in Wright’s pocket.
---
“Why did you confess?  It’s been fifteen years… you almost got away with it all.  Why throw that away?”
“Simply put, I could no longer live with myself.  Live with those crimes.  I could not bear to go unpunished any longer.”
“That doesn’t….  You’ve been prosecuting for forty years; there’s no reason for you to suddenly change now!  I….”
“No apology can fix my abhorrent actions, but I am sorry.”
---
The sharp snap of heels echoed through the prison, followed by the rattling of iron bars.
“Miss, you can’t be - !”
There was a yelp and the sound of a swift retreat.  A black gloved hand wrapped around one of the bars.
“Who are you and what have you done with my papa?!”
Von Karma rose from a cot, joints creaking in protest.  He’d never looked particularly young, but he looked well beyond his years now.  New wrinkles creased his face and worsened its weathered appearance.  His eyes were bloodshot and ringed with thick dark circles.  He limped to the bars, leaning heavily on his cane.  The prison uniform seemed to swallow him.
“Franziska…”
Franziska slammed her free fist into the bars and the sound echoed through the prison.  She glared up into her father’s eyes, teeth bared in a snarl. “Answer my question!  Papa would never…!  You’re… You’re not my papa!”
“I am and I apologize for that.”
The words punched her in the gut, but she shook them off as rage burned in her chest.  “No, you’re not!  Papa would never - !”  Papa would never apologize.  The thought came from nowhere and clashed with all she remembered of her papa; he was a hero and never needed to apologize so why did that thought hurt so much? Of course he never apologized, he…. “Papa would never do anything wrong!”
His blue eyes were dull beneath the gloss of fresh tears.  “I lied to you, Franziska.  I told you more lies than truths.  Only I cared about perfection in my family.  Only I cared about prosecuting.  My father was a businessman, my mother a housewife.  My sister is a vet.  Before I became a prosecutor, only a distant uncle was in the law field and he was a defense attorney specializing in civil suits.  There is no Von Karma legacy.”
Franziska stumbled back, legs almost giving out from underneath her.  “N-no…”  Tears stung her eyes and she blinked them back.  “You’re not papa; Von Karmas don’t cry!”
“A lie I told you to keep you from embarrassing me.  To keep you from annoying me.  I’m sorry.”
“Stop apologizing!” Franziska screamed.  “You’re not my papa!  You can’t be!  Papa is strong and honest and perfect and noble and a hero and you’re… you’re…!”  A sob caught her words and she slammed her fist into the bars one last time before fleeing the scene.
---
“Ah, Prosecutor von Karma! It pains me to see you like this, y’know?”  Blaise Debeste shooed the prison guard away, leaning against the bars.  Crocodile tears filled his googles.  “Always a shame to see such a great prosecutor brought low….  But, y’know…” He carefully dumped his goggles and began fidgeting with a lighter, watching the flames dance back and forth.
“Would be a bit unfortunate for me if ya let the cats outta the bag with this new honesty kick.  Nothin’ personal, but I can’t have you draggin’ me down with you, y’know?”
Von Karma silently wrapped his arms around himself, languidly pulling his eyes up to meet Blaise’s.  “I have to atone for my sins….”
Blaise grinned, flipping the lighter shut.  “And I’m not gonna keep you from that!  ‘Cause, and get this, for some reason, the courts decided your sentencing needed a second pass.  And, well, they’ve decided the best way for you to atone is execution.  By this time tomorrow, you’ll be dead and gone.  A distant memory.”  He faked a sniffle.  “How cruel justice can be!”
Manfred cut his gaze down.  “If… if that is best….”
“I’m glad you’re being agreeable for once.  Well, this is goodbye.”  His lip wobbled.  “I’ll truly miss you!”
---
PROSECUTOR MANFRED VON KARMA EXECUTED THIS MORNING
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gcwcns · 5 years
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ROLEPLAY TAGS: HOZIER EDITION
below the cut you will find 100+ (i lost count) lyrics from hozier’s entire discography that could be used as rp (charrie, otp, etc.) tags. they are arranged by song. if you’re looking for a specific song press ctrl (command if on mac) and f to search it! 
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take me to church 
if the heavens ever did speak she's the last true mouthpiece
i'll tell you my sins and you can sharpen your knife
i’m a pagan of the good times my lover’s the sunlight
drain the whole sea get something shiny
there is no sweeter innocence than our gentle sin
angel of small death & the codeine scene
shaking the wings of their terrible youths
with her sweetened breath and her tongue so mean
she's the angel of small death and the codeine scene 
it's bloody and raw, but i swear it is sweet
the sweet heat of her breath in my mouth I'm alive
jackie and wilson
so tired trying to see from behind the red in my eyes
no better version of me i could pretend to be tonight
she blows outta nowhere roman candle of the wild
every version of me dead and buried in the yard outside
cut clean from the dream at night let my mind reset
someone new 
electing strange perfections in any stranger i choose.
there's an art to life's distractions,
the dark caress of someone else i guess any thrill will do
my heart's already sinned.
i fall in love just a little bit every day with someone new
to be alone 
never feel too good in crowds
all i’ve ever done is hide 
i feel like a person for a moment of my life
to have someone kiss the skin that crawls from you
it's the god that heroin prays to
from eden 
something tragic about you something so magic about you
honey you're familiar like my mirror years ago
idealism sits in prison chivalry fell on its sword
innocence died screaming honey ask me i should know
i slithered here from eden just to sit outside your door
in a week 
i have never known peace like the damp grass that yields to me
our hunger's appeased our heart beats becoming slow
so long, we'd become the flowers
after the foxes have known our taste
they'd find us in a week when the buzzards get loud
sedated
just a little rush to feel dizzy to derail the mind of me
our veins are busy but my heart's in atrophy
you and I nursing on a poison that never stung
free and young and we can feel none of it
i'm somewhere outside my life babe
work song
there's nothing sweeter than my baby
she'd give me toothaches just from kissing me 
no grave can hold my body down i’ll crawl home to her 
in the low lamp light i was free 
heaven and hell were words to me 
like real people do 
why were you digging what did you bury 
i will not ask and neither should you
honey just put your sweet lips on my lips
we should just kiss like real people do 
i knew that look dear eyes always seeking
it will come back 
i know who i am when I'm alone
you should never know how easy you are to need 
don't let me in with with no intention to keep me
give me mercy no more
don't you hear me howling babe
foreigner’s god 
she moved with shameless wonder perfect creature rarely seen 
her eyes look sharp and steady into the empty parts of me 
always a well dressed fraud
screaming the name of a foreigner's god the purest expression of grief
i've no language left to say it every word i've got is foreign to me 
cherry wine
her eyes and words are so icy 
she burns like rum on a fire
the blood is rare and sweet as cherry wine
her fight and fury is fiery 
and it's worth it all it's divine
in the woods somewhere
i called your name til the fever broke
night so black that the darkness hums
i prayed my mind be good to me  
i spoke no word no sound he made
to save a life i didn't have
run
tare is this love keep it covered
her hungry eyes her ancient soul
a shame without a sin
with as many souls claimed as she
run til you feel your lungs bleeding
arsonist’s lullaby
i learned the voices died with me
all you have is your fire
don't you ever tame your demons but always keep em on a leash
i knew that something would always rule m
but my peace has always depended on all the ashes in my wake
my love will never die 
honey please try to love me
my love will never die
flowers grow where I'm laid to rest
pick a blossom and hold it hold it to your breast
my love bursting loud from inside
nina cried power 
it's not the waking, it's the rising
it's the heaven of a human spirit ringing
i could cry power
power has been cried by those stronger than me
rattle your chains if you love being free
nfwmb 
give your heart and soul to charity
the rest of you the best of you belongs to me
If I was born as a black thorn tree I'd wanna be felled by you 
fuel the pyre of your enemies
ain't it warming you the world goin up in flames
moment’s silence (common tongue) 
relax and catch the manic rhapsody
all of me is a prayer in perfect piety
when the meaning is gone there is clarity
since it all begun to it's reckoning
so summon on the pearl rosary
shrike
the words hung above but never would form
remember me love when i'm reborn 
as the shrike to your sharp and glorious thorn 
all of my goodness is going with you now
grounded and giving and darkening scorn
almost (sweet music)
sweet music playin in the dark
be still my foolish heart don't ruin this on me
let's get lost and let the good times roll
a love supreme seems far removed
reporting russian lullabies
movement
i could never define all that you are to me
shake like the bough of a willow tree
honey you're atlas in his sleeping
in awe of something so flawed and free
when you move i move
no plan
the screaming heaving fuckery of the world
there's no kingdom to come
there will be darkness again
keep my body from the fire hire a gardener for my grave
when I'm lying under marble marvel at flowers you'll have made 
nobody 
i've been fed gold by sweet fools in abu dhabi
i'd be appalled if I saw you ever try to be a saint
if i had the choice between hearing either noise
i once warmed my hands over a burning Maserati
i’ve had no love like your love
to noise making (sing)
your head tilt back your funny mouth to the clouds
was it just the act of making noise that brought you joy
you don't have to sing it right but who could call you wrong
put your emptiness to melody your awful heart to song
who could ask you be unbroken or be brave again
as it was
i'd had life enough my heart is screaming of
whatever here that's left of me is yours
but your love was unmoved
just as it was before the otherness came
nights were as dark as my baby half as beautiful too
talk
i’d be the voice that urged orpheus when her body was found 
i'd be the choiceless hope in grief that drove him underground
imagine being loved by me
i'd be the last shred of truth in the lost myth of true love
that's found in the last witness before the wave hits
be
once atrocity is hoarse from voicing shame
with the same sweet shock of when Adam first came
be the hopeful feeling when eden was lost
when i have no kind words left love for you now
that will grow bold in a barren and desolate land
dinner & diatribes
hell is the talking type
i'd suffer hell if you'd tell me what you'd do to me tonight 
a pillar i am of pride
let there be hotel complaints and grievances raised
that's the kinda love i’ve been dreaming of
would that i 
love in withdrawal was the weeping of me
with the roar of the fire my heart rose to its feet
i fell in love with the fire long ago 
i was fixed on your hand of gold
and it’s not tonight where i’m set alight
sunlight 
betray the moon as acolyte on first and fierce affirming sight
a soul that's born in cold and rain
i would gladly be the Icarus to your certainty
strap the wing to me death trap clad happily
your love is sunlight
wasteland, baby!
all the fear and fire of the end of the world
like the bonfire that burns that all words in the fight fell to
be still my indelible friend you are unbreaking
and that day that we'll watch the death of the sun
the death of all things that are seen and unseen
better love
blind to the purpose of the brute divine
Staring in the blackness at some distant star
you whose heart would sing of anarchy
when our truth is burned from history
like fire weeping from a cedar tree know that my love would burn with me
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Tim's First Christmas as Robin
Tim walked through the hallways of his school with a smile because he officially had the best life ever.
Why? Because Tim Drake was Robin. He helped people. He saved lives. He worked with literal superheroes. It was hard work, exhausting in every way, it took up all his time, and he still had a lot to learn, but at the end of the day he made a difference in the world.
Batman had begun to warm up to him, too, trusting him more with patrolling certain areas alone and handling common thieves and muggers. Batman even complimented him yesterday!! After Tim solved a mystery about Penguin's disappearing shipments in Gotham Harbor, Bruce said, "Good job" and kinda gave a smile!! According to Dick, that's, like, practically the equivalent of a hug!
And since Dick is coming back to Wayne Manor for the holidays, Batman said Tim doesn't have to go patrolling on Christmas, so he can be with his family.
Tim's parents! That's the best part! His parents were finally coming home after being gone half the year. They were supposed to be home months ago... for the first day of the school year... Halloween... Thanksgiving... but they kept getting held up at their jobs. But this time they promised they'd be there on Christmas Eve! Tim went ahead and put up Christmas lights and a tree in preparation. He had it all planned out. He even got ingredients to make gingerbread cookies. Never before had Tim felt so... festive. A few times he caught himself humming along to the overplayed Christmas jingles on the radio.
So, now was the last day of school before winter break. His last class was Algebra and he took his usual seat by the windows. Everyone was goofing off, the teacher didn't even bother to try to actually teach anything by this point. The class comedian of his peers was talking to everyone,
"Nah, I'm just sayin' it's true! Whenever you're watching a movie and sex scene comes up then -BAM- your parents are right there outta nowhere."
Everyone is laughing, including Tim. God, that'd be embarrassing. Does this really happen that often to other people?
"Yeah, your mom be ignoring you all damn day and then she's suddenly all about your life when people start making out. Like how does she know? It's gotta be like the same magic Santa uses to sense who's naughty or who's nice."
"Shit, man. My dad could be gone for 8 years but as soon as that scene comes up he's right there behind me sayin, 'Hey, son. Watcha watchin'?'"
The jokes are silly and dumb and it makes time pass by quickly. Thr bell signaling the end of the day rings and Tim sets off for Wayne Manor.
Patrol goes well, too. It was all business as normal until the Dynamic Duo got back to the cave and who should be there but
"Dick!" Tim yelled, getting swept up in a classic Grayson hug. "Put me down!"
"Merry Christmas, Tiny Tim!"
"It's not Christmas yet."
"It's Christmas every day if you carry love in your heart." Dick grinned and plopped him on the floor. "I got you the coolest and totally-not-a-robin-motorcycle gift ever!"
"A what?" Tim squeaked. "Motorcycle?? But I don't have anything nearly as cool to give you-"
"Now, now, I specifically said it wasn't a motorcycle. But if it were, then I'd tell you it's fine and not to worry about it! It's Christmas!"
"Dick-"
"I'm gonna hug you again-"
"Don't you dare!"
"Pfft. Fine. But hey, I heard your parents are coming home?"
"YEAH!" And Tim didn't mean to shout but the words starting pouring, "They're gonna be home in time for Christmas and I put up the stockings I made, and I have a list of all of dad's favorite Christmas songs, and I'm gonna make gingerbread cookies cuz I found this awesome recipe online, and I got them the perfect gifts because you see last year my mom was complaining on how she didn't have any earrings that matched my dad's favorite tie that he wears all the time which I think was her way of telling him to get rid of the tie but instead I got him a new tie that's the same color and got matching earrings and-"
"Woah! But you'll still stop by the Manor to say hi, right?"
"Duh! I'm not about to miss out on Alfred's homemade Christmas cookies you guys brag about all the time."
"Good! How was patrol?" And they chatted away until Tim decided it was late and he should go home.
The days dragged on until finally finally it was the morning of December 24th. His parents would be home any second! He waited, looking out the window now and again, watching the clock tick by...
And he waited
And waited
They were late.
He called his mom twice, and she answered the second time.
"Yes? Tim, honey?"
"Mom? Um... are you guys almost here or...?"
"What? Oh no, I thought we told you. We aren't going to make it in time for Christmas. You see-" and she explained how an artifact they'd found was accused of being a fake and how much of a legal mess they were in... and... more excuses... "I'm sorry, honey. You know if we could we'd much rather spend Christmas with you. We sent your present in the mail."
"I... I know, Mom." Tim sighed, "I'm not mad. I understand."
"You're such a kind boy, Timothy. We love you so much. We never stop thinking of you."
"I love you, too." And she hung up.
Tim stared ahead blankly, the phone still in his hand. He wasn't sure how long he just stood there, but suddenly his phone rang again
"Hello?" Tim answered. His voice sounded distant to him, like he wasn't even the one talking.
"Tim!" It was Dick, "Hey, so I know we should probably know this but, um, are you allergic to any nuts or spices? Like, even just a small allergy to something?"
"No."
"Sweet! Thanks! Hey... are you alright?"
"Yeah."
"You seem... off."
"I'm fine. I'm just... distracted with my family. They... aren't as excited as I am to be home."
"Oh, that sucks. But they made it home, right? They're there with you now?"
"Yeah, no. They made it here okay." Tim didn't know why he was lying... Was he ashamed? And at who? His parents? Himself? "I should go."
"Well, alright. See you later!"
"Yeah." Tim sighed and threw the phone away from him in disgust.
His eyes stung, he quickly wiped away the beginnings of tears. This was stupid to cry about. Not worth it. Why cry? Just because his parents broke another promise? Because they say they love him but they keep leaving? Why don't they stay? Did he do something wrong? Is he that horrible that they don't want to be around him? Why isn't he good enough for them? Why don't they like him? What can he do better?
Tim started crying and immediately hated himself for it, but he couldn't stop. It all seemed so unfair. It hurt. And the hurt made him want to be comforted, and he wanted his mom here to comfort him. But she's not. She can't be. And somehow, Tim knew it was his fault.
He looked at the Christmas tree blurred through his tears and thought briefly about pushing it down. But that wouldn't fix anything, would it? No. It wouldn't bring his parents home. There was nothing to do about it.
He curled up on the couch facing the Christmas tree and let the tears fall until he could sleep.
The next day was Christmas. Yay.
Tim didn't feel like celebrating. Or moving in general. He managed to slink over to the living room and turn on the TV. Maybe he could watch something to distract him from Christmas.
Or every channel could be focused on the importance of family during Christmas time. Literally. Every. Channel. Christmas and love. Christmas and love. Fuck Christmas. It's was just a stupid commercialized waste of time! Why's he even doing this Christmas shit? He's pretty sure his mom is Jewish anyway! Ugh!
But then he clicked the channel and woah- that's more skin showing than he expected. Suddenly, he remembered:
"Whenever you're watching a movie and a sex scene comes up then -BAM- your parents are right there!"
What if...
He changed to one of the more "mature" channels debuting their Christmas specials. It was sappy romance stuff, which isn't the worst, but he was more of a scifi kind of guy.
It was a typical plotline. A lady is scheduled to marry a prince but she's in love with a commoner guy. Lazy writing. It's been done before. But maybe...
Is it too childish to hope for a miracle on Christmas?
He sat with rapt attention through the whole ordeal. At one point the lady runs away to meet her forbidden true love (even though it's totally going to get her caught and in trouble and might even get the lover killed). They start kissing and taking off their clothes, but Tim isn't paying much attention now because this is the moment! He listened for the doorbell, for a knock, for a car, for a voice... But no parents came running. No one was there at the door. Why did he even hope...
Tim glared angrily at the two naked people on screen, "Is it too much to wish for my family to be here on Christmas??"
Then a *ding dong* came from the front of the house. Tim paused the TV. Wait. Could it be?
One second he was in the living room, the next he was swinging the front door open without any hesitation,
"Mom?? Dad??" Tim called excitedly before realizing who was there, "Oh... Hey, Dick. Uh, come on in." He tried not to look disappointed.
"I thought you were going to visit the Manor?" Dick pouted, walking in. Only then did Tim notice Alfred was following him.
"I lost track of time." Tim said honestly, "I'm sorry." Oh God, what if Bruce was upset with him? What if Bruce hates him now?? What if he ends up leaving Tim for months at a time and lies about being home for Christmas??
"Where are your parents?" Dick asked, but it was more rhetorical than anything. He could no doubt see the puffy eyes of someone who spent the night crying. Tim answered anyway.
"Africa."
"Still, on Christmas?" Alfred raised both his eyebrows in disapproval.
"It's not their fault! It's... work stuff. They don't... they said they'd rather be here with me but... It's not a big deal."
"Well, as that may be, Master Timothy, I insist you join us today and tonight at Wayne Manor."
"Yeah!" Dick chirped. "Alfred made a ton of food, like, all of your favorites! Didn't you, Al?"
"Indeed, I did, sir."
"But, Bruce-"
"Is the one that asked us to come and make sure you're okay." Dick smiled, "He's waiting for us. Actually, I think he really missed you on patrol last night."
"Really?"
"If I may," Alfred whispered, "Master Bruce also specifically requested I hang up a stocking with your name on it."
No way. But... Alfred wouldn't lie about that would he... Bruce really... Wow
"...Right. I'll visit him as scheduled and then leave." By the glint in Dick's eye though, Tim had a feeling he'd be staying in the Manor longer than planned. And honestly? That sounded a lot better than staying in this house alone.
"Great! I'll get your coat." Dick walked around the corner to the living room. "It's this way, right? Oh. Huh. I remember this movie."
Oh.
"TURN IT OFF IT'S NOT WHAT IT LOOKS LIKE-"
The end.
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mysteli · 6 years
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Rant and Rave (Alana X MC)
A/N: Heya! So here is my first ever fic for Alana and Kari. I wasn’t sure about it when it wrote it because I thought the idea was a little weird but I think it turned out to okay. Was gonna be NSFW but then I decided to focus on emotions and first feeling and tensions. Hope it’s good but I’ll definitely have a better one out eventually.
Warning: T (slight innuendo and swearing - also include some sensitive topics)
PERMA TAG LIST: @brightpinkpeppercorn @cocomaxley @hopefulmoonobject@alesana45 @jellybean-marshmellow@mymandrake @regrettingnathan @dobie2112 @princesstopgun @mechaspirit @skyila @mind-reader1  @xo-endlessmayhem-xo @sakaily @justboredtrash @regina-and-happiness @flyawayblue56 @annekebbphotography @endlessly-searching-for-you @reginasayeed @christopher-powell @zigortega4life @eileendannie @diamondoasis @speedyoperarascalparty @liam-rhys @emomoustache @alekai-sayeed @akrenich @vickypoo91 @lostlightningbug
This fic: @kamilahsayood @endlesstaylormckenzie@nitta-jaeguet @hayden-park  @kamilahtrash @boneandfur @h-doodles @llancellott
Let me know if you wanna be tagged! 💗and let me know if the tags work because Tumblr is acting up.
Masterlist
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Kari can feel the stress rising from her abdomen to her heart and she can’t help but paint a million pictures of a tortured Damien in her mind, imagining how pained and alone he must feel right now, isolated in an iron cell and constantly provoked by the manipulative games that Eros create for him. All his worries dragged through him as he hopes and prays that all of us are okay and preparing to rescue him.
What Kari can’t understand is why it’s taking so long. They should have found him by now. Maybe he’s starting to lose hope that they’ll ever get to him and that’s the last thing that Kari wants. It’s the last thing any of them want, well maybe besides Alana.
Alana showed up out of the blue and things seemed to be going nowhere until she decided to help. Lately, they’ve been getting closer, finally catching at least one lead that may lure them closer to Damien. There are simpler ways but no way in hell is Kari accepting Cecile’s deal. She vowed to save Damien and she won’t quit until he’s back by her side. 
Right now, Kari can’t take it. While the night roars on, she slipped out of the hotel room where they’re staying in Tokyo and ventured to the nearest bar, which has become her only escape lately. She almost can hear Damien’s stern voice scolding her in her own head every time she sips from a shot. He’d be telling her to stop drowning in a drink and start composing herself. Hell... he’d tell to just forget about him the right way and she hates that he’d say that.
Shot after shot. Drink after drink. Bottle after bottle. But she still isn’t drunk. There’s an endless amount of stress writhing within Kari and not even a million drinks could make that melt away. Only finding Damien. That’s the only thing that would help. 
Kari can feel her mind spinning with questions, wonders and regrets, as she contemplates everything she should have said to Damien. To everyone in her life really. The things she doesn’t have the guts to say. Even Alana. Kari can’t even bring herself to say a simple ‘thank you’ to Alana and she can’t even explain why.
Sitting propped on a stool by the bar, Kari can feel shivers running down her spine over and over again, as a clear image of Alana Kusuma enters her mind. Why is it so clear? It should be blurry like everyone else in her life. No. Alana is clear, easy to see but so hard to figure out. 
She’s different to anyone else that Kari has ever met and certainly one of the craziest. So crazy but in the damn best way. Probably the sexiest woman to ever grace this earth as well. Everything about her. The way she struts, saunters and storms. The way she speaks in that low, teasing tone. The way her ombré hair dances in the wind as she wanders away. The way her hazel eyes sparkle with an intensity only ever suited for her. Kari can’t describe the woman enough because there are too many words to use.
Such a badass. That’s what Alana is. A straight up badass.
Hold up. Why is Kari even thinking about this? This is Alana we’re talking about. Damien’s ex-partner, in both ways. A woman way out of Kari’s league. Of course, Alana would never go for someone like Kari. She’s mellow, vanilla, not ready to deal with someone on such a level as Alana Kusuma. Who could? Exactly. No one. She’s fucking perfect. 
Kari quickly shoves all those thoughts to the back of her mind and takes a long sip of the vodka in her hand, before slamming it back on the surface of the bar. She’s had enough of all this conspiracy. She just wants her friends back and then she wants it to be over. She never thought she’d say this but... she wants to be normal again. 
“Well, well, well. Thought I’d find you here.” A voice suddenly calls out to Kari and she can feel herself shaking at the lustful impact that circles the tone of that certain voice, immediately giving the identity of the owner away. 
Kari barely tilts her head and that’s enough to catch sight of a mischievous glint that naturally brightens Alana Kusuma’s eyes. It’s a look impossible to mistake and it’s what makes her so damn addictive. 
Rolling her eyes, Kari swerves around on her stool, tensing up at Alana’s irresistible exterior. Her ombré hair appears even brighter within the light that looms from the ceiling. Her hazel eyes narrow with curiosity and she scanning Kari in an eager manor, darting back and forth occasionally. She’s dressed in a red halter top and a pair of tight, black skinny jeans that cling to her skin and highlight her every curve. Kari licks her lips, trying to make it come across as a constant habit instead of a sign of hunger.
Alana forms an intrigued smirk, folding her arms rather casually. “What happened to your voice? Is it all the alcohol?” She suggests, gesturing towards all the empty shots scattered on the surface of the bar around Kari, who has now snapped out of her trance.
For a moment, she’s dazed and is unsure what to say. “I’m not trying to get drunk. I’m... stress-drinking.” Kari pulls out her worst excuse and Alana just rolls her eyes in response, sauntering over to Kari as her hips sway with the music that plays in the background, becoming a distant memory by the time Alana reaches Kari.
A sudden look of concern crosses Alana’s face, replacing all the mischief and confidence that smirk of hers brought to the atmosphere before. Now her expression is full of worry... genuine concern. Alana almost instinctively places her hand on Kari’s shaking shoulder, stroking ever so slightly on the soft skin as goosebumps gradually rise in reaction.
“We all miss Damien, Kari.” Alana points out, as Kari closes her eyes and releases a heavy sigh, immediately feeling ashamed and ridiculous.
“...I know. I just had to get outta there.” Kari admits, taking another deep sip out of the bottle she clutches firmly in her hand.
Alana scoffs that her insinuation. “What? Why? We’re actually getting somewhere. Isn’t that what you wanted? Thought you were the one who had all the hope and determination needed to find Damien.” Alana states as bluntly as possible, even though she tries so hard to be reassuring. Turns out, she isn’t really good at it. 
Kari drops her flask and hides her face in her hands, completely avoiding eye contact with Alana, knowing a mockery might be made of her. “Yeah... right. That’s what I’m supposed to be. That’s what I told myself I would be. But what have I done since Damien left? Just passed around some shitty reassurance.” Kari snaps, clearly at herself but Alana is still unexpectedly impacted by a slight ounce of hurt.
Alana arches her eyebrows, moving her hand further up Kari’s arm, causing her to flinch and tilt her head in a frustrated manor. “What the hell are you saying any of that for? You’ve done more for Damien than anyone else in this damn super squad of yours. And you sure as hell have done more for everyone else. The reason anyone is even trying to save Damien... is because of you.” Alana assures, quickly positioning herself on the bar stool beside Kari and rubbing her shoulder, a lot closer than she’d usually choose to be but today is different than any usual day. 
Kari can’t help but form a weak smile, no matter how strong her frustration is. She raises an eyebrow at Alana, who has an unnaturally genuine look on her face - one no one has ever seen before. Maybe not even Damien. It’s strange to think about how close Kari and Alana could become and perhaps they’re already halfway there. Kari has never felt more drawn to someone like the way she does with Alana. It’s crazy to think such a mad idea would ever become a reality but here they are and now Kari may never wanna let go.
“Are you serious? I don’t know why the hell Damien let go of you. You’re not as awful as he described you.” Kari jokes, trying to lighten the mood and break the icy silence, which is successful since she earns a light laugh from Alana, which doesn’t come out as a devious chuckle like usual. 
“Because he’s an idiot.” Alana returns, flipping her hair behind her and smirking mischievously and Kari can feel a slight blush creeping up her cheeks. “But that idiot needs saving and don’t worry... we’re gonna get him out of whatever hellhole Eros is keeping him in.” 
Kari’s smile widens and she finally feels a form of hope. “Really?” 
Alana grins back, her fingers crawling over Kari’s shoulder and her nails graze the pale skin of Kari’s neck, causing shivers to shoot like missiles up and down her spine, awakening feelings in her that she’d felt before - especially around Alana of all people. 
“Really.” 
Alana leans in closer, her hand drifting to run through Kari’s silver hair, tangling her fingers between the strands. Kari parts her lips slightly and snakes her hand over Alana’s arm that rests on the surface of the bar. Nothing has ever felt this anticipated before, at least for Kari. There’s never been so much energy or tension dragged into one specific moment. Who knew the world would waste so much on people like them? Those who have been to hell and back. Those who have fought and never stopped fighting because of what they believe in. Saving those who sacrifice. 
Well, Kari might as well enjoy the simple, almost normal moment the world has gifted to her. Something far from normal however. Alana Kusuma. A chance to fulfill what seemed like an impossible fantasy and Kari doesn’t plan to take for granted. Alana leans in further until her breath is heavily hovering over Kari’s plump lips. It almost feels like she’s going in for a kiss until...
“Woah...” A fascinated voice echoes in the distance but still loud enough to break the moment and force Alana and Kari apart. The moment of reassurance has faded away, ruined by such an insistent tone. 
The designation of the voice seems to exist behind Kari and she swerves around on her stool, still slightly dazed from the impact of the tension she’d just experienced as she retrieves her flask from the edge of the bar - taking a long swig as an attempt to calm herself down and this seems like the best solution to soothe her and help her compose herself. All her mixed emotions are out of control right now and she can’t sustain a steady conscience. 
Alana just raises an eyebrow mockingly at the owner of the voice who interrupted, a complete stranger as drunk as the days go on. Slightly older, middle-aged as a best guess. Tall, around six-foot. Intimidating... maybe but that ridiculous smile only makes him come across as creepy and condescending. Lord knows they’re in for a right nightmare. 
He seems so fascinated by Kari, scanning her exterior a little too intriguingly. Alana acts on instinct and scowls, barely able to stay put in her seat instead of completely murdering the drunk maniac ogling Kari like she’s an object for him to purchase. Alana isn’t jealous, just sees it as disgusting behaviour. 
Kari eyes the man strangely, starting to feel slightly uneasy and she knows it isn’t just the alcohol but the intimidation bouncing off the man, who’s presence seems to have caused nausea to rise within both Kari and Alana. 
“Can I help you?” Kari asks, only then does she realise how close the man had gotten. Hearing that request, he squats down so he’s on level with Kari, who remains seated in her stool and that’s when she wants nothing more than to escape this dreaded situation. Alana just watches with narrowed eyes, complete caution lurking within the hazel shade.
The man’s devious smile widens and he’s holding a half-full beer in his hand, while the other eagerly crosses the bar. “Damn... aren’t you a treat?” He inappropriately points out, no wariness in his to whatsoever, symbolising that he has absolutely no regrets for saying that out loud.
Kari is immediately taken aback, as she sucks in a sharp breath. “What...” 
“I’m just sayin’ you’re easy on the eyes. A fuckable girl if I’ve ever seen one.” The man adds, winking at Kari and that only means he’s asking for a slap in his face and that’s when his intentions become undeniably clear.
Kari narrows her eyes suspiciously, as she attempts to sustain a calm manor. “Sorry. Not interested in becoming your play mate.” She clarifies, her scowl deepening and close to becoming a glare. Kari truly can’t believe she’s going through this right now but she chooses to see this situation as a dumbass drunk guy unaware of what he’s actually doing. 
“Oh come on, babe... I can guarantee a good night.” The man brings out the empty promise and an uncomfortable eyebrow raise which almost causes Kari to vomit within her mouth.
“Nope... I’m gay, anyway.” Kari denies it again, sipping out of the bottle in her hand and barely holding back the need to spit it in his face but she resists, expecting him to accept his failure and disappear now.
The man just laughs, so many uneven cracks in his voice. So many bad signs. “That ain’t a problem. Bring your friend too... and I’ll watch.” 
Now that comment was too damn far.
Kari cringes uncontrollably, nausea reaching her throat and threatening to escape from her mouth. Shes pretty sure half of it is the alcohol. “God no. Get outta here you creep! You’re drunk and disgusting and you better fucking leave now before I punch you off the face of this earth!” Kari snaps, an intense anger lingering in her eyes. Her feisty comments didn’t come off like threats to the man. No... but they’re played off as a turn on.
“Damn, that was hot. Maybe we don’t have to wait to get to my place...” The man trails off when his hungry gaze lands on Alana, who is death glaring him like she’s going to kill him, burning a hole in his skull. “...trust me, both of you are gonna get something great tonight.”
The man lets out a pleasured whistle and marches over to Alana, smirking at her teasingly. “And you might just get the better treatment, hun.”
With that, Alana has heard enough. Acting on pure instinct, her temper breaks and she yanks the man by his ear and twists it relentlessly in her grasp, causing him to gasp out in pain. Alana snarls with zero regret, eyeing the creep with complete disrespect - nothing but endless threats looming over her mind as her deadly glare burns bullet holes through the stranger.
“You ain’t gonna find the one night stand you want here, asshole.” Alana whispers so intensely that it actually frightens the man, causing him to stagger back as he attempts to escape her firm grip but she reacts by slapping him straight in the face, regaining his attention. “Drinks ain’t gonna give you the fuel you need to flirt and you sure as hell have no right to harass someone I care about.” She adds, a threatening tension building and she finishes off her statement by punching him square in the face once more.
Alana just admires her handy work, smirking deviously at what she’d done and she has the right to be proud. This guy is a complete jerk. Unable to resist, she punches him in the face a few more times, resulting with a black eye and a bruise on his left cheek. One more punch and his lip is left bleeding. With that, Alana’s smile widens and shoves the man away, dropping his ear and waving at him as he staggered back, trembling.
“You’re one scary bitch,” is all he manages to say before stumbling out of the bar and causing the entire audience in the bar to erupt into applause but it doesn’t mean anything to Alana. She just rolls her eyes and escapes the bar, grabbing Kari by the wrist, despite her being shaken and stunned, and leading the silver-haired girl out the bar. 
At first, Kari is confused as they wander out, wondering why Alana even did that. In some way, it’s understandable. That man was an asshole, a tool, who had no right to harass women the way he did just now. Who would believe that in this day and age someone was still capable of acting like that? It’s disgusting and Alana couldn’t just stand around and watch someone she cares about a little too much go through that. A sickening sight, it truly was and Alana is proud that she stepped in. One of her best performances, really. 
This has been one hell of a night and Alana doesn’t plan for it to stop there. Kari wants an escape from thinking about all the chaos with finding Damien and Alana will sure as hell find a way to distract Kari. It’s now or never and who knows if Kari even feels the same way? But with her current state of mind, her choices may be limited. 
With that, Alana acts on instinct once again and leads Kari into a nearby alleyway that exits further down the street where the bar is built. At first, Kari is confused, wondering why they would ever venture into an empty, deserted alleyway at this time of night when there’s nobody around and they’ve been through a pretty tough situation tonight. Something nobody should ever have to go through but they did. 
Kari struggles to get used to their new surroundings, curiously raising her eyebrows at Alana, who is just standing there with her hazel eyes admiring Kari’s stunning exterior, sighing at each perfectly placed curve. It all belongs to her. Why is Alana even feeling this way now? She shouldn’t be but she is. Is she drunk? Hell no. Is she stupid? Probably. But she can’t help it and she’s never shied away from anything in her goddamn life and she ain’t about to start now.
“I’m sorry about what that guy did to you.” Alana apologises almost as if it was her fault, which it most definitely wasn’t.
Kari’s eyebrows collide with concern and she avoids eye contact with Alana, sighing hesitantly. “I don’t wanna talk about that. He was a jerk and his intentions were awful. That’s the bottom line.” She clarifies, folding her arms as if to stop herself from shivering in the crispy cold that lurks within the alleyway.
Silence. It erupts ever so suddenly, infecting the thoughts of Alana and Kari and leading them in for deep contemplation. It doesn’t last long however, as Alana has already decided what she wants to do. What she needs to do.
Alana cautiously steps closer to Kari, the corner of her mouth curving up a little. Kari furrows her brows in a questioning manor, clearly bewildered.
“Alana, why are you looking at me like—“
Before Kari can even dare to get her words out, Alana rushes towards her and cups her cheek, dragging their lips together and immediately melting into an easily flowing rhythm of glorious kisses that fulfil any fantasy Alana had experienced when picturing what this moment would look like. It’s exactly like she imagined and maybe even better. 
Everything is so fucking perfect.
The taste of Kari’s plump lips. Sweet and sour but in the best way possible, with a lingering scent of raw alcohol from all the stress-relieving. The feeling of Kari’s body, as Alana’s hands snake around her waste and roam further to explore her petite figure. Everything is exactly the right place and nothing feels wrong. It’s all so right and Alana doesn’t know why she’s waited this long to act out on this impulse. What the hell was holding her back? 
Kari remains startled at first before soon enough melting into the kiss and matching Alana’s level of urgency and passion. She’s never experienced such insistence like this before. Something so forceful and without choice. She cups Alana’s cheek and tilts her head, causing her lips to part slightly and allowing Kari to slip her tongue into Alana’s mouth, allowing her own to do the same. This adds more fuel to the fire burning inside of both of them. Their hearts electrify with an intensity never before felt by such warriors.
This moment is like a survival instinct. It needs to be done even if someone is afraid.
Alana throws even more caution to the wind and slams Kari back against the crumbling, brick wall, causing her to moan slightly at the impact and she begins running her hands through the tousled strands of Alana’s ombré hair. The tension only intensifies. The heat only rises. The want continues to build until it can’t be ignored.
Kari pulls away for a mere second to catch her breath and in that moment, she can’t help but let out a light laugh, causing Alana to wake up from the moment herself and raise her eyebrows at Kari questioningly.
“Why the hell are you laughing?” Alana asks in a quiet tone, keeping their faces close.
Kari continues to giggle ever so quietly, in complete disbelief. “I don’t know... did that really just happen? Did I just kiss Alana Kusuma?” She questions, almost to herself and her laughter increases slightly.
Alana just smirks at the reaction, taking this as an opportunity to break Kari’s laughter and silence her with another lingering kiss, built with just as much fire and passion as before but it’s slightly softer. More tender, if you will. More meaningful, carrying a little more emotion instead of instinct.
“You better believe it, baby.” Alana whispers in a sexy, irresistible tone. “And trust me... you are gonna get distracted tonight.  
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mushyyroom · 6 years
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Can you write one where Cyrus came out to TJ and he was closeted and decides he should spend time away from him and tries to distant himself from Cyrus for a week and cue them both wishing the other would just kiss and make up. You decide how the rest goes..
uhhh! I hope this is what you wanted! Warning its kinda angsty? I’m still not very good at writing angst so we’ll see how this goes together right? Hehe…
Monday
Amber slapped him upside the head, “Are you fucking stupid?”
“Ow!” TJ rubbed at the spot she had just bruised him. Though he probably deserved that.
“Cyrus Goodman is a good boy TJ! I will not tolerate my dumbass brother causing unnecessary drama!”
“I know he’s a good guy,” TJ muttered, crossing his arms defensively, “Which is why I have to stay away from him.”
Amber threw her arms up, exasperated, “What are you talking about?”
“He likes boys Amber!” TJ cried out. He has been avoiding Cyrus ever since he told him the previous day in a heart wrenching confession. TJ didn’t return any of his calls and actually did a 180 when he saw Cyrus walking down the sidewalk. He wasn’t being very subtle, and TJ knew that.
Amber glared at her brother, “Is that a problem TJ?”
“Yeah!” TJ said in a duh voice, “But probably not in the way you’re thinking. I’m not a one of those stupid homophobes Ams.”
His sister was extremely tempted to slap him again, “Well you could have fooled me! Cyrus is basically crying his eyes out cause he thinks you hate him now!”
“He is?” TJ didn’t mean for that to happen. He just couldn’t handle knowing that Cyrus liked boys because… well because that meant that he had a chance. Well, he didn’t really have a chance because Cyrus was so pure and amazing and beautiful. And he deserved the world. He deserved someone equally as great. Someone who he didn’t have to wait for to become even a slightly decent person. Someone who wasn’t TJ. He couldn’t stand to be around Cyrus because his heart hurt knowing they could be a possibility that would never become a reality. And until he was over his own dumb heartbreak, he couldn’t face Cyrus. That’s another thing that he was that Cyrus didn’t need in a boyfriend, selfish.
Amber sighed, patting her brother on the shoulder, “Yeah. He’s really upset. Broke down in his milkshake this afternoon.”
“I didn’t mean for that to happen,” TJ’s voice was smaller than Amber had ever heard it before, and that included the times that their parents had yelled at them for hours on end about useless things just to take out some of their pent up anger, “I just… I can’t see him right now Ams.”
“TJ,” She rubbed his arm soothingly, “What’s wrong then?”
TJ just continued to stare down at his lap, “I… I like him a lot.”
Amber jumped up, smiling, “TJ that’s awesome!”
“No its not,” TJ scowled, “He deserves more. I don’t even stand a chance compared to literally everyone else out there.”
Amber frowned, “TJ Kippen! Do not talk badly about yourself like that! Cyrus would be honored to date someone like you so get your head outta your ass.”
“You really know how to put things delicately don’t ya sis,” TJ offered a small smile, “Thanks.”
Amber rolled her eyes and ruffled her brothers head, “You’re a work in progress TJ, I’ll admit. But progress is still something, and Cyrus is the most patient and understanding person we know. He won’t mind that you’re a little rough around the edges still. And he knows that you’re a good person deep down. Deep, deep, deep-”
“Okay I get it Amber,” TJ groaned and pushed her out of his room.
He sent Cyrus a text later that night that read:
Thank you for telling me. It means a lot. I don’t hate you.
He’s never been that great with words.
Tuesday
Cyrus contemplated not going to school, but ultimately the need to get a good education for his future won out. At least he knew that TJ didn’t hate him. But that did nothing to explain why he was avoiding him though. Cyrus couldn’t think of why he was being so distant.
Well that was a lie. Cyrus did have one theory. TJ must have figured out that he had a crush on him and he was trying to figure out how to let him down easily. That was the only explanation. That or TJ was worried that Cyrus would develop a crush on him, but it was already too late for that.
But if space is what TJ needed, then who was Cyrus to go against his wishes. He would respect TJ’s decision and he would get over this stupid crush so that they could be friends again.
“I still think you should just talk to him,” Andi rubbed his arm soothingly.
Buffy slammed a hand on the table, “Forget him! TJ isn’t worth it Cyrus. You deserve a friend who doesn’t avoid you because of something like this.”
Cyrus just put his forehead back down on the table. He would just have to avoid all places he knew TJ was likely to show up. He could reroute his entire schedule, right?
Wednesday
TJ hadn’t seen Cyrus all week. He normally bumped into him on his way to math class, when the other boy would give him a thumbs up for encouragement. And he would sometimes see Cyrus at lunch time. TJ would swing by his table to say a quick hi. But he was nowhere to be seen. It was almost as if Cyrus was avoiding him now.
TJ sulked, twirling his pen absentmindedly and not paying the least bit of attention to his history teacher droning on. How was he going to fix this? There was no way he could manage this level of damage control now. He was doomed.
How could he let Cyrus ever think for a moment that TJ would be anything but enamored with him? Cyrus wasn’t stupid. He could probably tell that something was still off with TJ, but unfortunately he probably mistook his nervous fidgeting as a subconscious uncomfortable tick. And being the amazing person that Cyrus was, he probably was giving TJ an out to not hang out with him anymore. Which of course was the exact opposite of what he wanted! Who would voluntarily leave Cyrus?
What was he going to do?
Thursday
Buffy looked absolutely murderous. Her eyes had an almost feral gleam to them, as if she were going to tear TJ’s jugular out with her teeth. All of this was, of course, warranted though.
“TJ Kippen. If you thought I hated you before,” She started, backing him up into a locker, “It is nothing compared to the pure detestation that I have for you now.”
TJ put his hands up in a surrendering motion, “Buffy. How lovely it is to see you.”
“Cut the shit TJ!” She sneered, “How dare you do that to Cyrus? After everything he did for you?  He was being open with you, and now that you know he’s,” She looked around to make sure no one was listening, “Now that you know he’s gay you avoid him? It’s so typical! You probably think Cyrus likes you, right? It would be just like you and your ego to think so highly of yourself like that, right?”
“Are you crazy Driscoll?” TJ could help but snap back with the same amount of venom, “Why would I ever think he would like someone like me? As if I deserve him.”
Buffy backed up a bit, her face morphing into something akin to shock, “What do you mean?”
“I meant what I said,” TJ rolled his eyes, “Can you not figure it out? Are you only smart when it comes to math?”
“I’ll have you know that I have a great GPA,” Buffy puffed her chest a bit before shaking her head. Her face still had a bit of confusion left on it, “But I still don’t understand this. Why are you avoiding him then?”
TJ looked to the side of her, avoiding eye contact, “Figure it out.”
“TJ,” Buffy said exasperatedly, “This is going to get nowhere if you don’t tell me what the problem is.”
“Good. Then I’m leaving,” TJ tried to push past her but Buffy was quicker, wiping an arm out to grab TJ.
“Not so fast. I won’t sit around doing nothing while Cyrus drives himself up the wall trying to figure out how to fix this.” Buffy turned the boy to face her, “What did he do wrong?”
TJ shook his head, frustrated, “Nothing! He did nothing wrong. It’s me. I can’t be around him and just be his friends anymore. I’m the problem! But then again, what’s new?”
“TJ…” Buffy let go of his arm, but it wasn’t like he was going to try to escape again. She approached him cautiously, as if he were a skittish cat, “Nothing’s wrong with you. Do you…” She paused, taking a moment to consider her next words, “Do you like Cyrus?”
TJ turned to leave again, but this time Buffy rushed to block his path. He let out a sigh, “Can you please just let me go? You’re right. As usual. Happy?”
“If I’m right then why are you avoiding him?” Buffy looked at him in disbelief, “You do realize that you actually have a chance with him, right?”
TJ let out a laugh that sounded crooked, “That’s where you’re wrong Driscoll.”
“Explain.” She demanded, and TJ knew that he wasn’t going to get away without an explanation. He literally talked to Amber about this the other night, why was everyone so annoying?
“You said it yourself,” TJ’s voice was hard, “I’m nothing but an egotistical ass, why would you want that dating one of your best friends? I know I wouldn’t want that for him. So, there. Are we done?”
Buffy looked a little at loss for words, “TJ-”
“Look. I don’t want your sympathies or the whole ‘No! Don’t treat yourself like that’ speech, okay? I already got that from my sister an-”
Buffy cut him off with a scoff, “Actually I was going to say that you were a stupid idiot. But I guess you already know that. Listen, you’re not perfect. But no one is, and if you make Cyrus smile like you normally do, I don’t really see a problem with giving it a shot. As long as he’s happy who cares if you’re not perfect? You’ll be perfect to him, and that’s all that matters.”
“Buffy-”
“I know,” She smirked, back to her usual posture, “It’s super mushy, and we don’t really have conversations like this. But I mean it. So get your head out of your ass TJ and fix this before I break your arm.”
She sounded eerily like his sister.
“And she’s back,” TJ smiles, “Thanks.”
“Don’t mention it,” She narrows her eyes, “I mean it. Don’t mention it. To anybody.”
Friday
Cyrus wasn’t usually the one to mope. Complain endlessly? Yeah that sounded like something he’d do. But mope around silently? Nope.
“Cyrus,” Buffy laid a comforting hand on him, “Drink your shake. Everything will be okay.”
Instead he banged his head against the table, “How can you be so sure Buffy? This is like apocalypse level bad. He hates me, I know he said he doesn’t but it’s obvious he does.”
“Now you’re being dramatic,” Andi laughed, “Which is actually an improvement from your little silent act.”
“And he doesn’t hate you,” Buffy forced his head up, “Trust me. I’m always right.”
“But what if you’re not about this?”
“I’m right about this,” Buffy forced a tater tot in his mouth, “Don’t question my abilities.”
Cyrus chewed slowly as Andi gave him a reassuring smile, “Again, I think you should just talk to him. At least then you might be able to figure out what’s wrong.”
He swallowed angrily, “I already know what’s wrong. He figured out that I like him and now he’s avoiding me so he doesn’t have to let me down.”
Both the girls stared at him, eyebrows raised.
Cyrus smiled sheepishly, rubbing the back of his neck, “I never told you guys that, did I?”
“No,” Buffy huffed out, “No you didn’t. But I had my suspicions.”
“Yeah,” Andi giggled, “You talked about him all the time. It was just a constant stream of things TJ did that, no offense, anyone could do.”
He groaned, banging his head back on the table with a loud thump, “This is not helping.”
“You should talk to him.” Buffy said suddenly. It made Cyrus whip his head up.
“What? Just the other day you said to forget him.”
“Well,” Buffy crossed her arms smugly, “Things have changed. I have acquired new knowledge. I think you should talk to him. And tell him how you feel, it’s the only way to clear the air.”
Cyrus shook his head furiously, “No! Why would I do that? He’ll definitely hate me then!”
“Can you just trust me?”
“No.”
“Cyrus! Everything will be fine. Just tell him.”
“Are you trying to kill my self esteem even more?” He looked at her in disbelief, “I thought you were my friend. Friends keep friends from doing stupid things! It’s in the rules of friendship.”
“Well,” Buffy turned to face him with a serious expression, “This is not a stupid thing. It’s been like a week Cyrus. Have confidence and just own up to it.”
He had nothing else to say after that.
Saturday
It happened by chance. They both bumped into each other on a street that neither of them ever really went down on their way to a place neither of them really went to. It was work of the cruel mistress fate.
“Hi,” Cyrus waved.
TJ played with his fingers behind his back, “Hi.”
It was silent for another moment. The tension was so thick you could feel it if you waved your hand around a bit. What do you say to someone after you don’t see them for a week? After you’ve avoided them for a week? After you know for a fact that you should come clean about your secret feelings, but you’re too scared to? Neither boy knew quite how to start. They both opened their mouths at the same time, minds forcing them to go somewhere.
“Um…”
Still taking prompts! And of course if you want to chat im lonely and stuff sooooo
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battyjamie · 7 years
Text
Jamie Forgot Tyler’s Birthday
Request for Anon! Sorry again, it’s a bit tardy - I was having so much fun with it.
Word count: 4,015
It wasn’t but a few minutes past midnight and Tyler Seguin was already knee deep in text messages that were wishing him a happy birthday from many friends and his family. It was a bittersweet awakening, since Tyler went to bed earlier tonight than usual since there was a hockey game the following day (actually being responsible and getting the right amount of sleep). It was nice to smile after such a shit day of getting back home from the All Star Game. He was holding his phone over his face, half naked in bed with Marshal and Cash at his feet. He squinted, skimming through some of the messages. He would read them more thoroughly when he woke up the next morning, but before setting his phone aside; he paused and noticed a name missing from the cluster of senders… That’s weird. A certain someone was usually one of the first ones he saw wishing him a happy birthday. They usually called or texted right at the stroke of midnight. Tyler’s heart grew heavy, but before coming up with assumptions, his phone buzzed – nearly dropping his phone on his face and giving him a heart attack. The screen read ‘Mom’. Tyler took in a deep breath and answered, trying to sound groggy, “Hey mom.” Maybe he’ll see some more birthday wishes in the morning…
Arriving at morning practice, Tyler was a grump. He didn’t want to seem like a spoiled brat, but over everyone that texted him or left him a voicemail this morning, his boyfriend wasn’t one of them. Maybe he was just waiting to see Tyler in person? Since Tyler was gone for a few days, maybe he was planning something for the two of them later. They were on the same hockey team, so he could have something up his sleeve.
An overly excited Devin Shore sprinted and hugged Tyler from behind, nearly startling the shit outta him. Shore wished him a happy 25th, “I prefer saying it, so I didn’t text you, but Happy Birthday old man!” Devin made Tyler feel a little better, but Seggy had his eyes on the prize. Once the two entered, he scanned the locker room for their captain – nowhere. Patrick Sharp and John Klingberg were partially dressed and greeted the birthday boy. With Shore still shadowing him, Tyler asked, “Jamie already on the ice?”
“I got here when you did, so I don’t know. Maybe? Some of the guys already are, I’m sure” Shore sat on his personalized spot in the room and stripped down to his under armor and slipped over his practice gear and jersey. Tyler did the same. A few more Stars came in the room while he was changing and gave him a congratulatory ass smack or quick “Happy Birthday Segs,” since they were running slightly behind for morning skate. Tyler nodded and pasted a smile for his teammates, “Thanks man.”
Treading on the ice, Tyler eyed Jamie right away, but kept his distance. It seemed like Jamie was focused on something beyond what was in front of him. Even from a rinks length away, Tyler could see Jamie was deep in thought. Tyler wanted to approach him, but his pride was telling himself to hold back. Maybe snapping Jamie out of his daze and seeing his boyfriends face would rehash what today marked. Dammit, he wanted to be spiteful, but Tyler slid to Jamie after a few laps around the rink and greeted his captain, “Hey Chubbs,” he cooed, bumping into Jamie’s right side. He acted cutesy - indirectly demanding attention.
Benn’s dark eyes met with Tyler’s hazel orbs. Damn, no matter how many times they gazed at one another, Tyler’s heart never seized to skip a beat. Somehow the black eye made Jamie look even sexier. Jamie’s face was fairly expressionless; his stature seemed robotic and distant. “Sup Segs,” even his voice lingered with a monotone greeting. He hunched down and stretched.
Tyler stayed on his feet and shrugged, “Nothing,” he was getting huffy… He was pissed at himself for wanting Jamie to notice instead of straight up telling him what was on his mind, “I missed you at the All Star Game. What’d you do while I was out of town?”
Jamie kneeled and stretched out his legs, “Nothing really.”
Why was Jamie being so short with him?! Tyler could feel his heart pound against his chest and face getting flustered. He breathed in deep and nodded. “You think we got this one tonight? Leafs have been pretty intense this season,” Tyler’s tone was aggravated, he wasn’t gonna hide it. Tyler slumped down to stretch with Benny. Jamie stayed silent, staring off at his brother and Roussel laughing at the opposing faceoff spot.
Tyler glanced over at the everso intriguing teammates and back at Jamie, “Ooooookay then, maybe we can hold a conversation later,” Tyler hiked back to his feet and hustled away, hoping he left some powder behind. What the fuck was Jamie’s problem?! There was no way he was hiding a surprise or anything. Tyler knew Jamie’s habitual, nervous fidgeting and terrible attempts at lying from prior situations in their relationship. Benn actually forgot… What a fucking asshole.
Half way through practice and Jamie was one of the firsts to leave the ice. Something about making an emergency phone call.
Asshole.
The Stars gathered in the center of the rink while Coach Ruff discussed the pros and cons of facing Toronto after the All Star Game break, regardless of their perfect rookie. Everything Ruff was spatting about was muffled from Tyler’s inner monologue of how badly he was going to chew out Jamie after the game tonight. He was going to sound like a nagging housewife, but fuck it, he needed clarity.
“And let’s not forget someone’s special day!” Tyler rallied from his trance and scanned up at everyone’s eyes locked on him. Awe shit. They began singing happy birthday to him. Tyler wore a smile that looked fairly genuine, but his heart sunk more and more as the song lingered. He was grateful, really, but of course Jamie wasn’t there to contribute and now Tyler was more than upset – felt more on the borderline of depressed… He acted bashful after the team finished and they tapped their sticks to the ice, “Thanks guys,” Tyler nodded with his signature smile. Just had to play this off…
 Practice was over. It was about five hours till puck drop, and there was still no prominence between Tyler and Jamie. Tyler was hanging around the hallway that led to the ice, fiddling with his fingers, handing his head. He had changed out of his practice gear and into his pregame clothes: ‘Stars Hockey’ tee with some athletic shorts, along with a backwards TS cap. Segs worried he wasn’t going to play well at all tonight considering his mind being occupied with selfishness. He knew he was acting immature, being this upset about Jamie forgetting, but he couldn’t just shrug it off. Most of the guys took notice in how standoffish both of them were toward each other during their short encounter. Even Jordie Ben approached Tyler in the locker room after practice and recommend they talk to one another before game time.
“Well, if he’d pitch in at all during conversation, things would probably be solved,” Tyler snapped.
“Maybe there’s something that’s upsetting Chubbs just as much, eh?”
Shit. Tyler didn’t think of that. And judging by Jordie’s blatant expression, he knew something Tyler didn’t. He was gone for a while in LA… He never called or texted Jamie during the All Star Game now that he thought about it. As Jordie left their conversation at that, Tyler quickly sent Jamie a text to meet him in the hallway he was currently residing.
It felt like forever, but the clock on Tyler’s phone only read it had been ten minutes since he texted Jamie. Just as he checked and slipped his phone back in his pocket, Jamie walked in Tyler’s line of vision. Tyler perked as he saw Jamie’s tennis shoes halt in front of him, bringing his eyes up to meet with Jamie’s. Tyler’s smile was sincere, he couldn’t help it, as much as Jamie was an oblivious boyfriend, Tyler loved him. He stepped forward and embraced Jamie. His scent was perfect – fine oak and citrus.  “You wanted to talk?” Jamie separated them. They usually kept their distance on game days, so that was nothing too surprising.
Tyler nodded in understanding and initiated, “I want to apologize,” Jamie’s eyes gaped, “I totally spaced. I was so busy in LA, I forgot to keep in contact with you. Like, I know we don’t have to communicate all the time but-“
“I didn’t mind, really,” Jamie stated. His face fell to the prior blank expression. That somewhat tugged at Tyler’s temperament, but he kept his cool.
“Oh, alright, well...” Tyler tried to keep the conversation going. Maybe if he dragged the conversation long enough he could speak for his own troubles, “I met up with a lot of old pals, and even though our division sucked, I had a good time. You were on my mind, but I was just so busy.“
“Yeah, I’m sure Segs,” Jamie took a step back and glanced down the hall, “Hey, I gotta meet up with Spezza for a pre-game interview. Can we talk later?”
Tyler smacked his lips, interrupting Jamie’s excuse for leaving in the middle of their conversation, “So getting a text from me saying I desperately need to get some things off my chest doesn’t keep you here the whole time?” Jamie was taken aback. “It’s my fucking birthday Chubbs, and you’ve hardly said a goddamn word to me!” He was probably yelling way too loud, considering he heard his own echo, but his common sense was muffled under his frustration. He hated it, but Tyler could also feel himself tearing up from his pent up anger finally being relieved, “I’m sorry I didn’t keep in contact. I did miss you, but fuck Jamie…” he wiped at his cheek before the droplet made its way down. Tyler looked away and retreated back against the wall. He crossed his arms and sniffled, “What crawled up your ass and made you forget what today was. You never have.”
“Segs…” Tyler glanced up; surprised Jamie didn’t just walk away, “I’m sorry. I was just worried. When I knew you had old teammates going to be with you…rather close teammates, I assumed the worst,” Jamie looked ashamed in his emotions, but Tyler knew this all too well. Now that Jamie had admitted his feelings, it made sense now that he was trying to numb away those worries. And not hearing from Tyler all weekend probably made them all the worse. “I tried calling and texting you, but never got anything back.” He reached for Tyler, tugging his shirt and bringing him back in his arms. Tyler’s heart fluttered and lightened. A quick flash of realization hit him as well.
“Oh my god… Was it Brad?” Tyler looked up at the dark, now distraught eyes, “Did having Marchand and me at the All Star Game together make you worry?”
Tyler did once have prior relations with his old Boston teammate, but that felt like ancient history with how long he’d been with Benny. Jamie knew how their escapades, but nevertheless, with how much Tyler loved being in Dallas with this team, with the true love of his life, those memories in Boston were nothing but life lessons.
Jamie’s brow furrowed and he pouted. Tyler nailed it. “I left practice early to try and get out of this funk,” Jamie admitted, “I’ve been avoiding you because I was worried about your answers to my questions, but I was also mad at myself for thinking you would even cheat and-“
Jamie assuming Tyler might cheat at the All Star Game(with Brad Marchand no less…)hurt him a bit, but it was actually kinda cute to see Jamie worry. With always being the laidback one between the two of them, it was a decent change to see this side of Jamie.
While Jamie kept spatting about his guilt, Tyler rolled his eyes and interrupted him with a soft peck to the lips. Jamie winced slightly since his face was still sensitive from being busted, but moaned in the surprise embrace. Jamie seized this moment to deepen the kiss and press his tongue forward to taste Tyler and bathe in the affection he had been longing for since before Tyler’s departure to LA. They exchanged saliva and faint moans for just a mere moment. They didn’t want to get riled up before games; could knock them off their focus.
Jamie pressed his forehead against Seguin’s, “Happy Birthday Tyler. Thank you for putting up with a doofus like me… I’ll make it up to you, I swear.”
“How about a victory tonight?”
Tyler’s cocky smirk was contagious and had Jamie smiling, “That was already gonna happen, but now we’ll dominate the Leafs just for you.”
They bumped fists and gave each other one last smooch then the two made their way back to the deep hallways and separated. Jamie had to deal with media and Tyler needed work on his reflexes. Tyler’s confidence had risen now that things were settled between him and Jamie. He had high expectations of a good game tonight…and a possible after party as well.
 The game couldn’t have gone better. Just one period in the books and the Stars were already up four goals over the Leafs, leaving the score 1-5. It felt like the old team was back. A funk had risen off of their shoulders and everyone was beaming in the locker room during the first intermission. Sure they may have been cocky with still two periods to go, but it wasn’t just winning that was important, everyone was having fun. Shore with a wicked opening goal, Faksa and Korpikoski right behind him, then Ritchie! Let’s not forget the captain with an assist from Tyler himself.
Jamie told the team during the first intermission that Tyler’s birthday wish was for a dominating victory over the Leafs. Everyone abided and for the rest of the game many players tried to set up Tyler for a birthday goal. Tyler knew the crowd wanted to see the birthday boy score a goal on his special day, so his nerves got the best of him during most plays. Spezza scored the GWG though he was trying to feed the puck to Seguin. At least Tyler tallied a point alongside the final goal and his Captain’s.
The final score was 3-6, Stars.
Post-game in the locker room, the team had pieces of Tyler Seguin’s birthday/victory cake that Roussel had supplied. While they feasted and popped champagne for Tyler’s 25th, Jamie nudged Tyler and leaned in close to the side of his face while everyone was rowdy, “Come over to my place tonight, I have something planned,” he murmured, tinged his glass against Tyler’s and they both sipped.
That was a surprise. Given Jamie was reminded it was Tyler’s birthday not a few hours ago, he already had something planned? Tyler nodded, and acted discreetly while teammates came up and complimented their gameplay and how this was a new beginning on their way to the playoffs. Tyler hated champagne so he didn’t drink but a glass since he didn’t want to be rude, but some players were having more than their fair share. Jordie was all smiles, hooked an arm around Tyler’s shoulders and commented that Segs was “half way to 50!” He wasn’t the only one to mention that either. Rude dudes.
The festivities were dying down and everyone had changed into their street clothes, soon departing from the AAC. Tyler followed Benn to his place, but Jamie told him to wait in his car for just a few minutes before he went inside. Had to wait for a text. Oh god, he was probably coming up with something super cheesy. Tyler assumed they probably wouldn’t go as far as to having sex. Since Jamie took that high stick to the face some games ago, their sex life had been on pause. A few times before tonight, Jamie tried to give Tyler a blow job or they both partook in a lengthy make out session over watching a movie, but Jamie always threw in the towel since he could hardly breathe out of his nose. Tyler could only hope, but he was just fine sleeping with Jamie after a long weekend of sleeping alone in a hotel bed.
Tyler’s phone buzzed in his lap after a long while. ‘ready for you’ Tyler cracked a cheeky smile, “What a loser.” Damn. It had been almost half an hour, what the fuck?
Finding his way through the back door (they both parked in the driveway), Segs maneuvered his way through the kitchen and saw…something unusual for Benn’s living room. It was dark, but an illuminating light beamed from what seemed like the entrance to a blanket fort. Tyler crouched down and peered through many layers of sheets and a Jamie Benn curled up under layers of throw rugs in the center of said fort, with the television’s light beaming on him.
“Chubbs,” Tyler called out. He could not believe this. Were they twelve?
“Seggy!” Jamie waved him in and patted the cushioned floor next to him.
Rolling his eyes, Tyler crawled on his hands and knees and made his way deep into the tent. He was actually impressed with how well it looked, given the short amount of time Jamie had to prepare it.
“Crawling on all fours for me, s’cute,” Jamie’s voice was forcefully flirty.
Tyler played along and playfully gagged, “What the hell is this Jamie?” Tyler adjusted himself on the overly plushed cushions beneath him and noticed the menu screen of what seemed like a Disney film?
“One of the first times we got WASTED together,” Jamie hooked an arm around Tyler and brought him in close, “a very drunk Tyler Seguin told me he ‘just wanted a boyfriend to do innocent things with, like build blanket forts and watch Disney movies’.”
“Bullshit.”
“Yes shit.”
“Did you have too much champagne? You shouldn’t have driven.”
“I’m fine,” Jamie brought a hand up and grazed Tyler’s cheek his hand, cupping it. Thank god it was dark because Tyler was blushing. After a perfect game, what could be better than a nostalgic movie while being literally under covers.
Jamie leaned in his face close to Tyler’s and intruded his tongue deep within his mouth. Tyler moaned from the sudden taste of Jamie. The space between them grew hotter as they panted and made out vigorously. “Shit… Jamie,” Tyler spoke between kisses, “I wish you went to LA with me this weekend.” He could feel himself growing hard below his waistline – his pants growing tighter.
“Oh yea?” Jamie rose to his knees and tugged on Tyler’s legs to shift him onto this back. Tyler hitched a light gasp and peered up at Jamie who was too busy lifting Tyler’s shirt and admiring. He leaned down, licking up his happy trail. Tyler could only breathe heavily and place a hand on Jamie’s head. “You wanted to relive our Nashville experience?” Jamie whipped off Tyler’s shirt over his head and leaned down, licking his chest and treading up to his neck, nibbling and sucking sensually. His big, rough hands went opposite and began kneading at Tyler’s belt and fly.
Tyler squirmed and whimpered while Jamie adventured with his hands and tongue. The rustling of cloth against his erection was annoying and he wanted out of these tedious clothes. The noises and hotness coming from his captain were making him dizzy, “Yea…,” Tyler spoke between yearning gasps, “I wanted to fuck up that hotel room with you… Nnggaahhhh,” Tyler was released from his tight quarters, his cock hitting cool air. He glanced down and caught Jamie taking a gander at Tyler’s length like he hadn’t seen it before. Well…it had been awhile… Jamie gripped and began working his shaft and kissing the tip. Pre trickled from Jamie’s lips before he flicked his tongue across the moist head.
“How ‘bout I make it up to you?” Jamie stated, swallowing Tyler deep in this mouth.
Tyler arched his head back and bellowed a deep groan as he felt himself hit the back of Jamie’s throat. “Aahhhh nnnnnfuck Jamie…!” He didn’t want this to stop, so he kept his concerns muted. He lightly bucked into Jamie’s mouth as he was jerked rather roughly. Good. Just how Tyler liked it. The moisture and bleat noises from Jamie had Tyler seeing stars. The faint flow from the television was becoming hazey.
Jamie fiddled his fingers down and massaged Tyler’s peach as he flicked his tongue against the head. Tyler could feel himself throb, “Benny…” He normally lasted longer, but they had been on a sex halt for some time now, and this was throwing him over the edge – Jamie was rare to go down on him. He gasped lightly, trying to finish his statement, but Tyler couldn’t muster the words. The sensitivity and heat pooling in his belly were too overwhelming.
Jamie replaced his mouth with his other hand, sending shocks of pleasure up Tyler’s spine. “Come on Tyler? Already gonna finish, eh?”
His mockery was fucking sexy.
Tyler nodded. He could feel Jamie’s eyes on him.
“I’ll drink it all up. Come on birthday boy, it’s almost midnight.”
Tyler glanced back down, eyes glazed and hair ruffled, “I’m…ehhh…I’m-“
Jamie cocked a smile at the attempt Segs tried to make by warning Jamie of his release. He slurped Tyler’s member back into his mouth, sucking tightly and circling his tongue around the tip. Tyler’s body arched and he grunted as Jamie felt spirts of cum hit the back of his throat. Delicious. Jamie didn’t let anything pour past his lips. He pulled away and sighed as if he just split away from a refreshing beverage.
Tyler twitched underneath him. It was a heavy load. Tyler must’ve been keeping his hand off himself, “One and done. I think you’ll sleep well tonight,” Jamie chuckled.
Craving more attention and a longer night with Jamie, Tyler didn’t want this to end, but Benny was right. He was already exhausted from the game and with it being his birthday (completed with a rare blow job), Tyler needed to snuggle and pass out. He slowly pulled himself up, catching his breath and regained his focus. Jamie wiped the excess drool around his mouth and helped Tyler take off his pants - Tyler liked sleeping in his underwear. He adjusted back against the couch, patting his lap for Tyler to lie down. Tyler obeyed like a cute, sleepy puppy. He nuzzled his head against Jamie’s thigh and breathed in the cool air, looking up at the tv. Jamie started the movie, but Tyler quickly dozed off. He couldn’t tell you what movie it even was.
Jamie rubbed Tyler’s head, brushing his hair between his fingers as he fell asleep on his lap, “Happy birthday Tyler.” Jamie’s voice was soft and reassuring.
“Love you Jamie.”
 The following morning, Tyler was the first to wake up (shocker). He was facing upward, but saw no ceiling. He grimaced, turned to his side and saw Jamie, mouth half open, his shoulders rising softly from the faint breathing. Oh yeah, they were in the blanket fort. Tyler smiled uncontrollably. Jamie gave him a blow job in a blanket tent – on his 25th birthday no less. He wallowed in the nostalgia of being underneath layers of sheets with his boyfriend. If only it were Saturday morning, they could eat cereal and watch cartoons. He laughed at the thought.
A buzzing noise hummed against the floor. Tyler perked and shuffled for his pants, fishig out his phone that was signaling his alarm for morning practice. “Shit!” Tyler shot up, and shook Benny, “Chubbs, Chubbs! Wake up, we’re gonna be late for practice!”
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randomrichards · 5 years
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OSCAR 2019 PREDICTIONS: BEST PICTURE
·         BLACK PANTHER
We begin with the first Superhero movie to be nominated in this category.
After the death of his father, T’Challa (Chadwick Boseman) takes his place as King of Wakanda, a fictional African Country that keeps its futuristic technology under wraps from the outside world. It means wearing the mask of Black Panther, a superhero with extra strength and agility. But he finds his throne threatened when Erik Killmonger (Michael B. Jordan) arrives to avenge his father (Sterling K. Brown) and make them answer for their isolationist policies. Now T’Challa will have to confront the sins of his father and question his preconceived worldviews to maintain his place as king.
When it comes to appeal, I notice similarities between this movie and the original Star Trek. Like Star Trek, this film offers an optimistic view of humanity where people are reaching their full potential, making gadgets for the benefit of others. Of course, what sells them is how unique and detailed their worlds are. Wakanda is a paradise where people hold on to their culture and traditions while creating the most advanced technology. They both offer a variety of memorable characters, with Black Panther’s world including T’Challa’s snarky young tech whiz sister Shuri (Letita Wright), his stern head guard Okoye (Danai Gurira) and larger-than-life villain Ulysses Klaue (Andy Serkis).
But like Star Trek, many people are turned off by Black Panther’s delivery. Many couldn’t get into the slow pacing of both franchises, finding them boring.[1] Many also found T’Challa to be too passive a protagonist; lacking a central motivation to drive the story, even those who found him engaging in Captain America: Civil War. There are some who would argue Killmonger was more of a protagonist since he has a clear goal and sets everything in motion. Both Star Trek and Black Panther have been criticized for their lackluster fight scenes and special effects. The fight scenes in Black Panther are certainly a huge set back. The camera is almost always too close and the film edits way too quickly. It looks way different from how director Ryan Coogler shot the boxing scenes in Creed. For that, you have Marvel Studios to blame for their overbearing control over their films and fear of risks. It’s kind of prevents this film from reaching its full potential.
What really annoyed me was the obvious death fake out. It’s a cliché that everyone can figure out and it needs to die.
It’s all in whether you can take the good or the bad.
·         BLACKKKLANSMAN
Based on the true story of the first black cop of Colorado Springs.
After finding an ad in the paper, Ron Stallworth (John David Washington) calls them under the disguise of a disgruntled racist. To pull this off, he has fellow cop Flip Zimmerman (Adam Driver) pass himself off as him to get into the Klan. When the clan plots a bombing, Ron and Flip must race against time to stop them.
From the opening scene of Kennebrew Beauregard flubbing his way through a racist rant, Spike Lee takes a comedic approach to the Klan. When the cops struggle to hold their laughter when Ron calls Klan leader David Duke (Topher Grace), you can’t help but take giddy pleasure in it. Plus, seeing Duke try to act tough in front of Stallworth (not realizing he’s the one whose been calling him) looks silly. But as the film progresses, Lee reminds us that these people are very dangerous people. No one embodies this more than Felix (Jasper Paakkonen), a paranoid, hostile lunatic. Plus, not every Klan member fits the inbred redneck stereotype associated with the Klan, remind us that they could be anyone, even members of the Defense Force. Plus, they have been making a recent comeback as indicated in the final scenes.
Through Ron, Spike Lee takes on the perspective of a black man reforming the system from the inside. Throughout the film, Ron encounters people who challenges him. Student activist Patrice (Laura Harrier) sees the police force as an unfixable racist system. He’s expected to put up with the very racist cop Landers (Frederick Weller). When Ron claims “America will never elect a racist like David Duke” a white cop counters with “Coming from a black man’ that’s incredibly naïve. Wake up.”[2]
I want to conclude with a powerful scene. At a student rally, speaker Jerome Turner (civil rights activist and singer Harry Belafonte) discusses how black men were brutally murdered in lynching after the premiere of Birth of a Nation a 1914 silent film that glorified the KKK while portraying black people in the most vicious stereotypes. Cut to the Klan watching the film with sadistic glee. You could imagine them celebrating a lynching like the fourth of July.
·         BOHEMIAN RHAPSODY
This biopic looks at the life of Freddy Mercury, lead singer of Queen and one of the most charismatic front-men in Rock History.
I’m just going to say it; I hate this movie. A lot. It feels more like a smear campaign than a tribute. It seems to do everything it can to sully the reputation of Mercury, who’s not alive to tell his side of the story. It also embodies everything wrong with biopics.
First, the film tries so hard to fit every event of Queen’s career, but never gives any of the scenes time to develop them. They seemed more focused on fitting Queen songs than telling a good story. If that wasn’t enough, they also try to fit in every cliché found in music biopics. Disapproving parents? Check. Naysayer record executive? Check. Descent into drug addiction? Check. Singer cleaning himself up while learning humility in time to get the band back together for their most memorable concert? Check, Check and Check! This just comes off as lazy.
But what makes this so egregious is the level in which they twist the facts to fit into these clichés. While I get that screenwriters must tweak a person’s life to form a coherent story, but this one is just abusive. Nowhere is this truer than when the band get indignant about Freddy Mercury creating a solo album, accusing him of “killing Queen.” Considering that two of the members already made solo albums before Freddy did, you can’t help but get angry at the hypocrisy. Then they claim this broke up the band, when in real life they only took a break because they were burnt out. But none is worst then when they used Freddy Mercury’s AIDS diagnosis as a motivational tool to bring the band back together[3] in time for Live Aid. What makes this sick is that Freddy wasn’t diagnosed until two years after this concert. How the writers think all this lying is ok baffles my mind.
And then you remember this film got approval from two of Queen’s band members. No wonder, they’re practically portrayed as saints who arrive to work on time, leave parties early to be with their families and never do anything wrong. Meanwhile, Freddy’s character is dragged in the mud, portrayed as an unprofessional, narcissistic junkie. I don’t know what axe the band members they had to grind, but they must be petty to think this is how you treat your friend. Contrast that with Straight Outta Compton, which treated Easy-E with great respect, even with his misguided loyalty to his manager.
I pity the wasted talent of Malek, who gave a much better performance than this film deserved. This film leaves a bad taste in my mouth
·         THE FAVOURITE
Welcome to 18th Century England, where the kingdom is led by Queen Anne (Olivia Colman), a fussy brat trapped in a frail woman’s body. And she’s being led by Lady Sarah (Rachel Weisz), a proper lady who assists her with political decisions...and sexual pleasures. But then comes Abigail, a former lady forced into servitude after her father loses everything. But after healing the Queen’s infected leg, Abigail rises in the ranks, charming the Queen along the way. Thus, begins a battle of will for the favour of the queen. This battle catches the eye nobleman Harley, who seeks Abigail’s help so he can stop the war with France.
Alongside Christopher Nolan, Yorgos Lanthimos is the closest we are going to get to Kubrick. While Nolan’s influences lean toward 2001: A Space Odyssey, Lanthimos clearly draws from Barry Lyndon for this film. Like Kubrick, he presents a cold, distant presences in his films, from the cinematography to the low-key acting. It works for this film with every character maintaining a prim and proper demeanor while hiding their nefarious purposes.
Like Kubrick, Lanthimos has a dark sense of humour that exposes the absurdity of appearances. Throughout the film, we see noblemen and women misbehaving behind clothes door. But the biggest laugh come from the Queen herself. Colman must have been having a blast in this role as she throws one temper tantrums.
Like Kubrick, this director isn’t for everyone.
·         GREEN BOOK
Inspired by a true story.
When the nightclub he works in closes for renovations, Bouncer Tony Lip (Viggo Mortensen) has three ways to earn a living; win multiple eating contests, work for the mob or drive pianist Dr. Don Shirley (Mahershala Ali) across the Deep South for a music tour. He goes for the third choice. At first the two can’t get along, with Don not matching Tony’s preconceptions of black people and Don wishing Tony would try to act classier. But as Tony sees the shit Don must put up with, they come to form a friendship.
It still surprises me that this film was directed by the co-creator of Dumb and Dumber and There’s Something About Mary. But when you think about it, Peter Farrelly is the perfect director for this movie. Some of his films are road movies. If you look past the gross out jokes of his previous films, the biggest laughs come from the interactions between actors. Mortensen and Ali bounce off each other, creating believable interactions both funny and emotional.
It’s worth noting that after Mary, Peter and his brother Bobby tried to use their comedy style to create a more sensitive portrayals of marginalized groups, whether it’s the overweight (Shallow Hal) or conjoined twins (Stuck on You). The problem was they still making fat/disability jokes in between these sentimental moments; trying to have their cake and eat it too. It seems Peter has learned his lesson and turned his target on the type of people who would make fun of those who would make fun of these people. The film goes after Tony’s casual racism as he makes preconceived notions of Don, who serves as the straight man who corrects Tony. The film also takes some jabs at the so-called southern gentleman, exposing their phoniness when one host tries to pronounce Tony’s real name.
But if you take out the two actors, the film isn’t really anything special. It’s essentially Driving Ms. Daisy with the races reversed. You’ll enjoy the interactions, but it’s not as interesting as the other nominees.
·         ROMA
Alfonso Cuaron draws from his persona life to pay tribute to the maid who cared for his family.
Set in 1970s Mexico City, indigenous housekeeper Cleo (Yalitza Aparicio) cleans the house for Dr. Antonio (Fernando Grediaga), his wife Sofia (Marina de Tavira) and their four children Tono, Paco, Pepe, Sofi. She has practically become a member of the family. Their bond is tested when Cleo becomes pregnant and ends up abandoned by her martial arts loving boyfriend Fermin (Jorge Antonio Guerrero).
Slice of life stories must be one of the hardest type of stories to write. There’s no central goals or major conflict running that move the plot forward. There are little conflicts, but it’s just people going on their daily lives. Not only does a filmmaker face the challenge of making it look realistic, but to keep the audience engaged for two hours. Against these odds, Cuaron creates a beautiful portrait of family.
What helps is the actor’s performances. For her first role, Aparicio engages you with her sensitivity even when she’s just hanging clothes. The other actors match her every step of the way, feeling like a real family on screen.
But what truly sells the film is the beautiful black and white cinematography. Never has ordinary life looked so beautiful.
With these and Cuaron’s directing, the mundane becomes unforgettable. You remember the scene of Antonio trying to maneuver his car into the very tight garage. You remember Cleo and her friend running across Mexico City. You remember Cleo and Sofie’s mother picking out a crib. Little moments like these stay with you after you’ve finished watching it.
·         A STAR IS BORN
Jackson Maine (Bradley Cooper) is a country superstar struggling with alcoholism and the effects of tinnitus. Ally (Lady Gaga) is a wannabee songwriter rejected by many record labels for her appearance. One night, Jackson was looking for a place to drink when he stumbles upon Ally singing at a drag bar. After spending a night together, Jackson finds his passion for music rekindled as he helps her musical potential. So as her star rises, Ally finds herself unable to stop Jackson’s downward spiral until it gets to the point where it hurts her career.
Cooper shows a lot of potential in his directorial debut. This being the third remake of the classic 1937 film, he makes the old story feel refreshing and new. First, he uses Ally’s rise to fame to examine the shallow world of modern pop. Ally struggles to maintain her sense of self as a record producer (Rafi Gavron) tries to make her in the image of a pop star.[4] All the time, Jackson keeps reminding her to always have something to say.
Then he makes Jackson a complicated character. A former act, you could imagine Cooper exercising his demons through his character. Never once does he back away from the ugliness of Jacksons addiction, leading to a cringe inducing scene where he humiliates himself at the Oscars. But you come to understand this stems from a troubled relationship with his late father. Plus, he always pushes Ally to do better.
Cooper gets a lot of great performances out of this. He and Gaga have excellent chemistry, making the love between Jackson and Ally feel genuine. A lot of comedians give excellent dramatic performances including Dave Chappelle as Jackson’s friend Noodles and Andrew Dice Clay getting his second wind as Ally’s unfiltered yet supportive father. But the key standout is Sam Elliott as Jackson’s older brother/manager Bobby. In a powerful scene, Bobby berates his brother for idolizing their deadbeat father while never showing him any appreciation for his help.
On second viewing, I noticed the visual style. The colour red shines in moments of passion, starting with Jackson and Ally’s first date. The one little moment where Cooper’s storytelling skills shine is when Jackson makes a ring for her. When he puts it on her finger, all the sound fades out, with only a piano tune heard.
If he can keep this up, he is sure to become an extraordinary director.
·         VICE
Adam McKay seems determined to reinvent the biopic. With the rise of Vice President Dick Cheney (Christian Bale), he decided to experiment with storytelling. First, he has the story told by some middle-class family man (Jesse Plemons), not revealing his identity until late in the film. He uses the narrator to explain how certain aspects of politics work and the consequences Cheney’s politics have on America. Throughout the film, he undercuts the film with skits here and there. There some funny moments like one scene where the film demonstrates Cheney’s power of persuasion with him suggesting to fellow politicians to tie bows to their dicks and flap them around the white house. Other times, they fall flat, especially the post credit sequence. It feels like he was throwing everything at the wall and not even wait to see what sticks.
It doesn’t help that he’s still trying to make a straight forward biopic. Another example of trying to have your cake and eat it too. It results in an uneven, unfocused tone.
What I find interesting about the film is how we watch Cheney progress. At first, he is an alcoholic electrician who blew his chances at Yale. At first, you’re sympathetic to him as his wife forces him to clean himself up. As he goes into politics, he becomes intriguing as he finds himself comfortable as second in command to Donald Rumsfeld (Steve Carell). But when you see his policies and their consequences, your sympathy wanes. Then he grows more and more repulsive, even throwing his daughter Mary (Alison Pill) under the bus so his other daughter Liz (Lily Rabe) can win a Congressional position. You can’t help but feel anger at his actions, especially with the lack of remorse he has for his actions.
Who Will Win?
It’s a one on one between Green Book and Roma. The safe bet seems to be Green Book, but many want Roma to win.
[1] Personally, I thought the lack of motivation in the first hour was necessary for us to understand the traditions T’Challa and his family holds so dear.
[2] While this is a clear shot at Trump, this may as well be referencing Nixon, who stated he started the Drug War because “I couldn’t arrest people for being black.”
[3] Also, does anyone notice the band members never age even though this takes place over a decade?
[4] It’s kind of ironic for Ally to be resistant to flashy gimmicks when Lady Gaga is well known for her over the top costume designs.
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