#i will gif this scene a dozen times because she is the CUTEST EVER

[rosepompadour]

VIVIEN LEIGH in WATERLOO BRIDGE (1940)

#vivien leigh #waterloo bridge #the silver screen #* #my girl #i will gif this scene a dozen times because she is the CUTEST EVER

[moribundanchor]

The Pelle/Dani Receipts, Post 11: The May Queen

The last lap of the film is the culmination of two separate tracks: one, Dani breaking with Christian, coming to terms with her grief, and sloughing off her old life, and two, Dani being embraced by her new family and, with that final, slightly-mad smile, finding joy with them. Much as in the “Do you feel held by him?” scene, Ari masterfully keeps the final scenes of Midsommar walking that tightrope between validating the Pelle/Dani romance and minimizing it in order to center Dani’s broader character arc and story, and to that end, he doesn’t even wobble. Still, he can’t get out of this without some explicit (though not explicit) mushy stuff for the OTP, and that, of course, is why we’re here.

We already mentioned the dance competition in the context of Pelle and Team Hårga winnowing Christian real good so he can be Maja’s baby daddy, but this is yet another opportunity for Pelle to demonstrate to Dani the contrast between him and Christian. As Dani begins to dance, Pelle is right up front, attentively, patiently, smilingly watching. She has every bit of his attention and support. Meanwhile, Christian stumbles into the audience late, burdened and internally roiling after his meeting with Siv. 

Now, we don’t know how Christian ultimately answered the Matriarch when she asked if he would mate with Maja. Ari, the imp, cuts away. Not to taint our favorite scene with comparison, but very like Dani’s protests in “Do you feel held by him?” Christian’s evasions, more pronounced in the Director’s Cut (“I’m here with somebody,” “We haven’t even talked.”) are frail, toothless things against the truth joined with temptation. He doesn’t love Dani. And he does want Maja. By the time he comes to watch the dance competition, Dani dancing is the furthest thing from Christian’s mind, even though betraying her is the crux of his dilemma.

And do please remember that Siv proposes this ritual snuggling to Christian as something Dani will not know about, so he really is contemplating betraying her, as opposed to what Pelle suggests to Dani. 

This is the contrast that waits for Dani during a break in the dance. Pelle smiles at her flirtatiously, even proudly, and silently applauds--totally here for you, Dani--while Christian is literally looking the other direction, back towards where Maja--oops, I got myself eliminated, teehee!--has taken her seat. During the dance, Dani is, yes, tripping balls and speaking gibberish, but she is still having the best time ever. So, initially exhilarated, Dani wilts the moment she sees Christian, and if we were going to argue that Dani doesn’t reciprocate Pelle’s feelings, the visible heartbreak on her face here would be Exhibit A. Except people are more complicated than that. Relationships are more complicated than that. Dani is definitely more complicated than that. Letting go still can hurt long after you know it’s over.

All that being said, even the most complicated relationship stuff can get simple real quick with a grand, unambiguously romantic gesture, and as Dani is crowned May Queen, finally, finally, finally, we get one. No evasions, no apophasis. Stunned, still kind of high, Dani’s new family washes her away in a tide of congratulations. Odd welcomes her home again, in Swedish this time, and it’s just a lovebomb lovefest all the way down. The only ones who don’t hug and/or paw at Dani are hallucinations (or are they) of her parents in Hårgan garb, her mom laying one surrendering caress on Dani’s shoulder as she passes by, and, of course, Christian, poor dope, standing by the maypole, looking every bit as alone and lost as Dani probably has felt up to this point. The Fire Temple is a ways off, but he will never again be allowed close to her. They are over.

At the end of the procession, for maximum dramatic effect, Dani’s happy Hårgan sisters tilt her toward OHAI PELLE. As Pelle bends down to her, initially he appears to be in supportive friend mode, (“My God, Dani! May Queen!”), but then he just sweeps Dani up in a kiss that isn’t long enough to stop the ceremony, but just long enough to be undeniably romantic. In the script, the kiss is actually described as a “blunt, passionate kiss.” While so much of the Pelle/Dani ship is not scripted, here it is plain: Pelle, now wearing the Wunjo rune, is Dani’s wish for an understanding, loving partner come true, and for the minute she can be spared from the procession, he is kissing her for all he’s worth. Let’s just watch this on a loop for a while.

This is the moment that has launched several thousand “Did Pelle like Dani?” Google searches, and it looks like a freaking wedding because it kind of is. Look at all the Hårgans bursting with happiness, not just for Dani, but for them. We are all Hårgans because all Hårgans are clearly Pelle/Dani shippers. (Okay, there’s something going on with Inga, but that’s a different analysis post.) Dagny in particular looks like she’s going to cry. My sweet brother birthmate found him a newblood and they are the cutest. Both Pelle and Dani are in full Hårgan dress for this kiss, as though their relationship always had to be consummated with Dani fully planted in the fifth panel of the spoiler tapestry. Also note that the pink flower in Dani’s crown reflects her heartbeat. Notice how it speeds right on up while she’s in Pelle’s arms. At this point, Dani might yet equivocate--not that she’s very equivocal in the moment--but crown flowers don’t lie.

Christian probably doesn’t see this moment. In addition to succumbing to “the tea with special properties,” he’s watching from the maypole, and Dani and Pelle would have been obscured from that vantage by a few dozen white-clad bodies. But if he cared enough about Dani to celebrate her triumph instead of blankly witness it, if he had been able to refuse the tea...but then, if he cared that much, we wouldn’t have had a movie.

Once Pelle surrenders Dani, the happiest and proudest of all possible soft cult boys, she’s urged toward a litter in the shape of the sun and lifted high off the ground. The Hårgans serenade their queen in a procession to the dinner table, Pelle prominent among them, his hands arranged in a cradling gesture previously seen when the Hårgans burned Dan’s body. This is an assumption, but it seems a fair one, that the gesture conveys Pelle bearing Dani’s spirit, even if he’s not one of those physically carrying her litter. In the wide shot, you will notice they are sailing Dani right past an image of Terri hidden in the trees. In this scene, Dani is very literally leaving her birth family and Christian behind. When Dani takes her throne at the head of the mirrored banquet table, Pelle will placidly sketch the moment, and as previously mentioned, we’ll see him reflected in the table surface, indicating how he’s still plotting even in that idyllic moment which would seem to be the culmination of all his hopes and dreams. After all, Christian’s still breathing.

Sadly, this concludes the dramatized Dani/Pelle content. We know. We’re sad, too. In the major scenes around the kiss itself--the serenade, the photograph, the dinner after her crowning--Pelle is near Dani, but not next to Dani. No more close communicating reaction shots. We can see Pelle enthusiastically toast Dani at the dinner table, and she seems to trade a sly, flirty smile with him immediately afterward, but that’s it. We can’t even see Pelle’s reaction when Dani gags on the pickled herring. In the final ceremony, Pelle’s crowned, too, just as the movie has been promising all along, but he and Dani don’t share the stage or even a single shot. Blocking and camerawork, so suggestive of their love story up to the point Pelle lays a good ‘un on her, suddenly becomes a blue-nosed chaperone. But consider what the film would be like, what it would have to become, otherwise. Midsommar isn’t primarily a romance anymore than it’s primarily a horror movie. Nope, it’s not a horror movie either, not really. It’s Dani’s story; it just happens to have smooches and blood eagles in it. So the kiss is a great moment, but it’s going to have to last you. (Hey, would you like to see our fanfics?) 

Green Man/May King or not, it would appear there’s more post-canon wooing for Mr. Pelle to do (though Ari has confirmed more than once that Pelle has an excellent chance with Dani, wink.) The script specifies that Pelle is one of the Hårgans that bears Dani’s throne to scoop her up after she stumbles in her May Queen raiment before the film’s final shot, but like so much Dani/Pelle content in the script, that doesn’t actually end up on film. The last we see of Pelle, he’s on his knees scream/crying as the Fire Temple burns, and the last we see of Dani...well, the last we see of Dani is the final, iconic shot of the film. Insane? Eh, maybe. She’s synced up with her new family and having her unholy affekts burned away. Probably should check back later for that one. Happy? Definitely. Ever after? Sure looks like. And why not? Girl got her wish.

Oh, but there’s one more topic we have not quite explored. The writing on the wall. And the ceilings and the tapestries and the clothes and the footwear and the decorative flourishes and the furniture and the tables and plinths and the...

For more, click on The Pelle/Dani Receipts Masterpost

#the pelle/dani receipts #pelle/dani #dani/pelle #pelle x dani #dani x pelle #pellani #midsommar

[itsadamcole]

you should be sad

fem!reader x adam cole

Reader and Adam go out for karaoke night, and she decides to sing a song about her relationship with Adam and his actions ...

word count: 2.2k+

warnings: mentions of cheating and an abusive relationship, angst

— this is based on the halsey song “you should be sad”. it’s one of my favorite songs right now honestly —

masterlist

~ potentially triggering content below - read at your own risk ~

***

You put on your sexiest dress. A tight, dark red satin number that hugs every curve of your small figure. The low cut neck reveals a decent amount of your cleavage and the dress pushes up the dress for you, so you’re not wearing a bra. The thin straps on your shoulders are sliver and they are sparkly. You wear a pair of black lace panties under the dress. Your Y/H/C hair is up in a curly ponytail.

Your boyfriend wears a black button up with dark blue jeans and dress shoes. His long brown hair is tied back in a bun.

You and Adam were invited to go out for karaoke with a few of the NXT wrestlers. Resident NXT power couple Johnny Gargano and Candice LeRae were the ones who invited you and Adam.

Things weren’t what everyone believed they were when it comes to you and Adam Cole.

When out in public, everyone thinks you and Adam are the cutest couple. You laugh and smile when out with him. He holds your hand and sneaks kisses to your lips, cheek, and neck.

Behind the scenes, things aren’t what they seem. Adam has cheated on you with several other women. When he cheats, he blames it on you. He plays the victim. He tells you that if you satisfied him more than he wouldn’t cheat. Adam thinks you only know about three of the times he’s cheated but you know he’s cheated at least half a dozen times.

He’s never hit you though. He’s never been physically abusive toward you. Only emotionally and mentally.

You haven’t had it in your heart to leave him. You love Adam with your entire heart. You know he loves you too, even if sometimes he says he doesn’t.

Tonight, you are planning something though. You’re going to make it known how you’ve been feeling. To Adam, to your friends. You have a song in mind you’re going to be singing when Candice begs you to sing a song.

You and Adam arrive at the karaoke club. You wander around the club, looking for someone that you or Adam know. You spot Johnny, Candice, Mia Yim, and Keith Lee in a corner. You believe that the rest of the Undisputed Era are coming with their wives and girlfriends.

Good. Maybe they’ll start to keep their friend in check.

Candice says, “Y/N. You have to sing a song tonight. Your voice is beautiful and I could listen to it for hours. I have listened to it for hours.”

You laugh. While your boyfriend is NXT’s longest reigning champion, you’re a 4-time Grammy award winning artist. You’ve been friends with Johnny and Candice for years. They’re the reason you even met Adam.

***

“Y/N!” Candice says. “You came!”

You laugh and hug your best friend as you say, “I couldn’t miss my best friend’s birthday party! Happy 25th birthday, Candice.”

Your best friend giggles and says, “Thank you. Oh, by the way, remember that guy I was telling you about? He’s here, and he’s recently broken up with his girlfriend.”

You roll your eyes and say, “You’re not still on this. Plus, my career is finally taking off.”

“I know, I know,” Candice says, hooking your arm with hers. “At least meet him, Y/N. Please.”

You stare at Candice and say, “Ugh, fine. Only because it’s your birthday.”

Candice drags you over to the bar. She taps the shoulder of a man that’s standing at the bar. She clears her throat and says, “Cole. There’s someone I’d like you to meet.”

The man that Candice referred to as Cole turns around. You immediately meet his pretty blue irises. He’s almost clean shaven. His burgundy shirt match his maroon pants. The jacket he wears matches his pants.

Candice says, “Y/N, this is Adam Cole. Adam, this is Y/N L/N. The girl I was telling you about.”

“The future Grammy award winner?” Adam asks. “That Y/N L/N?”

You feel your cheeks heat up as the attractive man in front of you speaks.

Candice nods and says, “She’s agreed to perform tonight too.”

Your head snaps in Candice’s direction. You never agreed to that. You’re about to say something when Adam Cole says, “Well, I look forward to it. I think Kyle just got here so I have to go but Y/N. Come find me when you’re done so I can buy you a drink.” He sends you a wink and you watch as he walks away.

You find yourself staring at Adam as he walks off.

Candice elbows your side and says, “I can see the wheels turning. You’re actually thinking about it.”

“We’ll see what happens after my impromptu performance,” you say. “Thanks for that, by the way. No heads up?”

Candice says, “There’s a microphone right there. It’s a karaoke machine. Sing some covers or some of your original songs. You’ll be fine, Y/N. Break a leg.”

She walks off and you call, “I might break yours just for fun.”

Candice laughs and you sigh, getting set up for your little performance.

You sing a good four or five songs, ending on “Happy Birthday” for Candice.

The attractive man from earlier finds you after you’re done singing.

Adam says, “I can see why Candice called you a future Grammy award winner. Your voice is amazing.”

“Thank you,” you say, your face turning red as you look up at Adam Cole. You meet his pretty blue eyes and find yourself getting lost in them. Adam smiles.

He points toward the bar and asks, “How about that drink I promised you before the performance.”

You walk over to the bar with Adam.

That is how you met. That is how you got into this situation. You didn’t know then what would happen, and now you have a little bit of regret that you even agreed to meet Adam.

***

The rest of the Undisputed Era shows up and that’s when Candice says, “Okay, Y/N. Please come sing a song with me. Please.”

You smile and say, “Alright. Let’s go.”

Candice gets excited when you agree to go sing a song. You and Candice walk over to the booth to pick a song to sing together. Candice picks the collaboration between Ariana Grande and Lady Gaga. Rain On Me.

Someone hands you both microphones as Candice says, “I want Gaga’s parts. There’s no way that I can hit Ariana’s notes.”

You laugh and say, Alright. I don’t know if I’ll be able to either but I’ll give it a try.”

Candice walks up onto the stage and you follow her.

You and your best friend have the best time. You hit every single note. Once the song is over, Candice hugs you and everyone cheers. You say, “I’m gonna sing one more song. You can head back to the group.”

Candice nods and you walk over to the booth. You ask, “Can you put on ‘You Should Be Sad’ by Halsey?” The man behind the booth nods and gets the song set up.

Nervously, you walk up onto the stage. You glance at Adam and he looks like a proud boyfriend. Of course he looks like that. You wouldn’t expect anything less.

The song begins and you take a deep breath before you begin to sing.

I wanna start this out and say I gotta get it off my chest Got no anger, got no malice Just a little bit of regret

You make sure to stare down Adam as you sing. Candice looks at you then looks at Adam.

Know nobody else will tell you So there's some things I gotta say Gonna jot it down and then get it out And then I'll be on my way

Johnny notices how intently you’re staring at Adam and he says something to the leader of the Undisputed Era.

No, you're not half the man you think that you are And you can't fill the hole inside of you with money, drugs and cars I'm so glad I never ever had a baby with you 'Cause you can't love nothin' unless there's somethin' in it for you

As you sing, you begin to leave the stage, walking down toward Adam. A spotlight lands on you as you walk off the stage.

You approach Adam, who has a look on his face. You can’t tell if his face is full of anger or full of sadness as you sing. The look of proudness that was on his face earlier is gone now.

Oh, I feel so sorry I feel so sad I tried to help you It just made you mad And I had no warning About who you are

The group around you looks at you as they realize what’s going on. Candice is looking at you with concern and when she looks at Adam, anger rises inside of her.

I'm just glad I made it out without breaking down And then ran so fucking far That you would never ever touch me again Won't see your alligator tears 'Cause, no, I've had enough of them

As you sing the song, you feel confidence come over you. You realize that tears have started running down your face as you finish up the last few notes. Before you finish the song, you head back up to the stage to finish the last few lyrics.

Once the song ends, the crowd in the building cheers for you before you hand in the microphone before you walk over to the group. Candice looks up at you and asks, “Y/N, what’s going on?”

You are looking at Adam as you respond to Candice saying, “Ask Adam. Or better yet, ask the several girls he’s fucked behind my back.”

Candice looks at Adam and Johnny says, “Bro, what the hell is wrong with you?”

“I didn’t know that you knew about all of them,” Adam says. “I was going to tell you.”

You stare at your boyfriend and you say, “That is such bullshit and you know it. Once is maybe a mistake. Twice isn’t. Four times isn’t and six times sure as hell isn’t.”

Candice says, “Six times? Adam, you asshole.”

Tears threaten to spill over your eyelids and you say, “I’m done, Adam. I’m so done.”

You gather your things and start to leave. Adam calls after you as you leave. You walk out the door and wipe away your tears.

“Y/N,” Adam says, panic laced in his voice. “Y/N, please. Please don’t leave.”

You groan a bit and you say, “It’s not just the cheating. You play the victim and you blame me for your cheating. You tell me you don’t love me. I can’t deal with this anymore. You’ve had your chance and you threw it out the window as soon as you decided to cheat on me with not one, not two, but six other women.” The tears have begun to fall as you continue to talk. “I don’t know how you can live with the guilt that you’ve broken my heart so many times.”

Adam can’t even look at you when you’re done talking. You’re breathing heavily, trying to keep your sobs back as you stare at the man in front of you.

Both of you are quiet. Adam avoids your gaze and you stare holes into him.

After a few moments of silence, you say, “You can’t even look at me.” You wipe the silent tears away as your voice breaks. “You can’t even say something to me to try and make me stay.”

Adam looks up at you and he says, “What do you want me to say, Y/N? The odds are that you won’t stay no matter what.”

“I’ve stayed through every time I found out you’ve cheated,” you say, your sobs making their way out. “I’ve stayed every time you’ve blamed me for your cheating. I’ve stayed through every time you’ve told you didn’t love me. I can forgive you, Adam. I have forgiven you before, but you think that I won’t stay.”

You watch as Adam’s face goes from panic to sadness. He’s finally realized how his behavior has affected you. It makes him mad that he made you feel like this.

Adam says, “Y/N, I’m so sorry. Please don’t go. Believe it or not, I need you in my life.”

You wipe your tears away and say, “I can’t deal with this anymore, Adam. I love you, but loving you hurts me.”

He says, “I can change my ways. I can be honest with you. You can even come out with me if you want to just to make sure that I won’t do anything.”

“I’m not becoming your babysitter, Adam,” you say. “I can’t watch over you to make sure you won’t cheat on me again. I’m your girlfriend, not your babysitter. If you want a babysitter then go back to Britt.”

Adam says, “I’m sorry, Y/N. I’m so sorry. Please.”

You give a shaky sigh and you say, “I’m giving you one more chance to show me you’ve changed, Adam. You get one chance. You hurt me one more time then I’m gone because I can’t keep dealing with this.”

He looks at you and says, “I won’t throw that chance away. Thank you for forgiving me and giving me one more chance.”

“Don’t blow it,” is all you say.

#adam cole imagine #adam cole #wwe imagine #wwe angst #angst #wrestling imagine #wrestling angst #undisputed era imagine #angst imagine