#or if for some insane reason they decided to do a cover of a non-english song i think arigatou gomen ne or siren by galileo galilei would b

[smitherscreens]

if you could pick one song for twenty one pilots to cover, what would it be?

#my pick is the devil made me do it by the front bottoms #or twin size mattress #the drums are really different from anything i've hear josh do so i think it would be cool to see what he does w it #specifically i want to hear tyler do the “space aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaage crystals” part #and i like the idea of tyler with his little tambourine during the “we can find something for you to do on stage” part :) #oh or maybe smth like dark days by pup would be cool #i think maybe they'd do something cool and synth-y with the riffs . or maybe piano :0 ?????? #or if for some insane reason they decided to do a cover of a non-english song i think arigatou gomen ne or siren by galileo galilei would b #. chefs kiss #siren has a good kind of scream-y bit and they're both very earnest sort of songs ? i feel like the pilots would like them. #i know i said One song but whatever i have Thoughts #tag talk #s talks #please respond to this i want to hear ppl's opinions :)

[gloomy0x0phantom]

ʚ 𝐍𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐞 ɞ chapter three

ʚ synopsis ɞ You haven't been able to sleep for a while, and Bepo has the solution to your problem. As you develop a friendship with the polar bear, you fail to notice the jealousy of a certain captain.

pairings : Bepo & Fem!Reader + Trafalgar D. Water Law x Fem!Reader

words count : 8k

content : angst, panic attack, throwing up, fluff at the end.

note : January wasn't much fun… sorry for the absence. 🤦‍♀️ English is not my first language!

Previous chapter // Next chapter // Chapter index

[start of flashback]

"Okay okay okay okay okay okay okay... now, describe in detail my muscles, but do it in a low-key, natural way, but I want them mentioned."

"So... you want your non-existent muscles mentioned in detail, but discreetly?"

"Inexistent!? Have you seen my body!? I'm more muscular than you!"

Without hesitation, Buggy lifts his shirt to show you his abs. He points to his stomach with vigor and pride. You blink and go back to your paperwork, infuriating the clown.

“LOOK AT ME!”

You refuse to look up again and continue writing, trying to ignore the circus around you. This doesn't please Buggy who, for some unknown reason, demands that you look at his body. He detaches one of his hands to fiercely grab your face. His fingers dig into your cheeks and he approaches you with a dark aura. You're sitting on a small chair while he's standing, the size difference intimidating. This time, you're forced to keep your gaze on Buggy. You'd do anything to wipe the winning smile off his ugly face.

"Show me what you've written so far."

"No."

Oh, he wasn't expecting a negative response. His fingers dig in a little deeper and you're sure it's going to leave a mark. Buggy erases the little distance between you and is about to lean toward you, but a ball sent in his direction causes him to lose his balance and he drags you to the ground in a fall worthy of a circus act. 

"S-sorry captain!!!"

"DAMMIT CAN'T YOU BE MORE CAREFUL!?" Buggy shouts as he stands up and offers you a hand, which you refuse. He looks at you with a completely different attitude, he looks embarrassed. "I didn't mean to make you fall! Stand up! Please..." he murmurs the last word.

You let out a grunt and stand up without his help. Damn it! The inkpot you put at your feet has fallen and dirtied your shoes and part of your clothes. What's more, the paper's crumpled and your quill's broken in two - great! How the hell did you end up in such a situation?

"H-hey, where are you going? I didn't mean to make you cry, I swear! Please come back! I-I mean, COME BACK HERE! IT'S AN ORDER!"

There's no point in fighting with this idiot, he's completely insane. You'd rather go back to your room and forget about this day, as usual. Orange Town is half destroyed, but you've still found an uninhabited room that won't fall on you overnight. It's the only place where you can rest away from the Buggy pirates. They're all so stupid, you hate them to death.

You lock the bedroom door, slide a wardrobe in front of it and close the curtains. The sun is setting and you know Buggy isn't going to try to confront you, he knows he's crossed the line. So, knowing you've got nothing left to do, you decide to go to bed. You hide under the covers and curl up into a little ball. Tomorrow is a new day full of promise.

"Tomorrow is a new day." you say aloud to reassure yourself. "Tomorrow is a new day." The confidence in your voice disappears. "Tomorrow... is a new... day.." you whisper, finally letting your tears fall.

It's not long since you joined Buggy, a decision you regret on a daily basis, but your former crew perished at sea. You're the only survivor, but you don't mind, you weren't attached to your former companions. Before them, you had another crew, and before that crew, you had another, and another before them, and you can't count the number of captains who welcomed you into their ship, only to abandon you or die within days. You've been cursed since birth, you know that.

Your mother was the first to abandon you on an island. "Stay here and don't move." and you didn't move. You sat in the same spot for days and she never came back. Died on her journey? Maybe she did. You stopped wondering why she didn't take you with her, you learned to live with the questions that will never be answered. The islanders were kind enough to give you food and shelter, but you insisted on spending hours waiting for your mother in the place she told you to stay.

You felt terribly guilty about sleeping comfortably in a bed when she could come back at any moment and worry about you. So, with the help of the adults, you built yourself a hut in the place where you were supposed to wait. Over the years, you continued to wait patiently, went to school and learned to write and read. Writing became your favorite pastime, and you made up stories in the hope of reading them to your mother. You waited so long...

Until a strange phenomenon attacked the island. For a week, the water kept rising. At first, the inhabitants thought it was temporary, but when the water began to swallow up the village, panic set in. Everyone tried to save their belongings and pack boats. You sat on the roof of your hut and waited for the water to go down. No way were you going to abandon your spot.

You weren't the only one fighting nature, as some of the locals completely lost the map and decided to perish with their homes. The Marines came to their rescue, offering them a place on their boat, and after a long struggle, you joined them. You were forced to say goodbye to your hut and relocate.

Without the island, how was your mother ever going to find you? Well, you asked the Marines to help you find her. And they laughed in your face. The name you gave to identify your mother didn't appear in the Marines's data, and neither did yours. The officer who "helped" you then remarked that your mother was probably an outlaw who hid her identity and didn't want to have children, hence the reason for abandoning you on a random island. You knew very well that your mother hadn't abandoned you. Something had happened to her, and you wanted to find out the truth. So, to gain access to the database, you decided to join the Marines under a secret identity. Since you weren't registered in their paperwork, you figured that staying under another name was the best plan.

Joining the Marines wasn't a bad idea; you'd spent years training, gaining knowledge and mastering a weapon. You were skilled in the art of long-distance shooting, particularly archery. It was an atypical weapon for your work station, but your rank and good behavior allowed you to fight with the equipment of your choice. 

You bent over backwards to satisfy your admiral's orders and to be recognized as a good recruit. The further you progressed, the more you gained the Marines' trust, and therefore access to the database. It would take several more years before you were considered a leader, but... For your mother's sake, you were ready to climb the ladder.

It wasn't easy every day, in fact, it never was. Following orders without being able to question yourself, eliminating enemies who weren't bad people inside, they'd just made bad choices... You discovered that the Marines were full of injustice and corruption. Pirates really were the freest. Someday, you'll get that freedom, you told yourself. Someday.

You didn't want to believe that your mother was a pirate, but to get a head start on your research, you started flipping through books of wanted posters. Every week, new posters were sent to all admirals. The Marines' private library had a catalog of old posters. You spent nights turning pages. You didn't want to see your mother's face in those posters, but a small part of you hoped you would.

When you were about to give up, you'd say to yourself, "Tomorrow's a new day." This phrase gave you the motivation to continue your mission and go beyond your limits. And heaven knows you needed it.

Then one day, something you couldn't predict happened.

You were walking through a big city, your captain's coat draped over your shoulders, your head high. Your crew was refueling and you had orders to find an escaped pirate. You didn't want to waste time, so you moved quickly across the island to complete your mission and return to your ship. Then you felt a small hand tugging at your pants.

"Mommy?"

You look down to see an adorable little girl clinging to your garment.

"I'm not your mother. Are you lost?" you ask, bending down to her level.

You don't know if the little girl understood you, but she clung to you as if convinced you were her mother. You looked around and there was no one to claim the child. You hadn't joined the Marines to help others, but it was your duty to help the citizens of this world. You sighed and took the child in your arms. The little girl laid her head on your chest and pressed her little fingers into your arm.

You start knocking on doors, entering shops, until someone advises you to go to the other side of the territory. The difference in scenery was obvious. The island was divided between the rich city and the poor village, which wasn't abnormal; you'd visited a lot of islands similar to this one. In general, you tried to stay in the corners where the fugitives were hiding, you didn't waste your time visiting.

"There she is!"

A man was pointing in your direction and several villagers sighed with relief at the sight of you. The little girl had certainly worried many of them. It was reassuring for them to see a captain of the Marines return, as you understood, to be the village child. But something wasn't quite right. The further you went, the more people looked at you with surprise, fear, incomprehension, it was hard to understand what was going on in their heads. Fuck it, it wasn't your problem.

"Hi, I found this little girl walking around town alone. Are you the father? If so, I'd like to see some evidence and visit your house. Leaving a child unattended, you're lucky I stumbled upon her."

Silence.

"I repeat, are you the father? I have no time to lose."

Silence. Okay, you're getting angry. You bite your cheek to keep calm, you don't want to scare the little one.

"If you don't-"

"Vivienne?" the man finally replied.

"What? No, I'm not Vivienne, my name's written right here." you point to your badge.

"I'm sorry, you look like Vivienne. Oh uh! Vivienne is the little girl's mother. She... she lives in this house."

"Thank you."

You ignore the people staring at you as if you've grown a second head. You knock on the door of the house you've been told about and a young teenager opens it. He looks you up and down and gasps.

"Mom!?"

"What???" another voice shouts from further away.

"Someone wants to see you!" he says, staring at you.

You're seriously frustrated by this stupid village and the reactions people give you when they see your face. Can't wait to get back to town.

A woman appears at the door and you feel like you've been struck by lightning.

"Holy shit."

It's the only thing you can think of to say to... to this woman who... who looks exactly like you. The hair, the eyes, the nose, the mouth, the facial expression, it's... it's...

"Mommy!"

The little girl in your arms throws herself into her mother's arms, freeing you at last from this weight. Your arms fall to your sides and you find nothing to do but look at your interlocutor. She seemed embarrassed, even ashamed. Her gaze was avoiding yours, and you just knew it. You knew very well who this woman was. 

"Thank you." she says as she tries to close the door, but you block the entrance with your foot.

Your hand grips the wood of the door and without the slightest bother, you force your way into the little house. The silence continues to persist, and you're not sure you'll be able to stay calm if you open your mouth. You clench your fists and take a deep breath.

"...Mona Blanche?"

"I'm so sorry..."

Oh, you don't care. You don't care at all. You quickly jump to the conclusion that this woman is indeed your mother, ALIVE, with children who are not YOU. You've waited years for this to happen, you thought you'd find your mother in misery, enslaved, between life and death, but not in a little house with a goddamn welcome doormat, children on her arms and a name that isn't MONA BLANCHE.

"You have five minutes to explain yourself."

"I don't know what to tell you..."

"Okay." you say, pulling out the pistol strapped to your waist. You rarely used this weapon, but the moment seemed perfect. "Four minutes."

"Mom!" shouted the boy.

You change targets and fire a shot that just misses the teenager. Mona, or Vivienne, realized that the situation would deteriorate if she didn't speak up. She handed her little girl to her son and raised her hands.

"Don't shoot! (y/n), please don't shoot..."

"Don't use my name!"

"OK OK! I was very young when I had you, it was a mistake to abandon you, but I couldn't keep you with me. I was a pirate and your father was the captain, it was impossible to have a child on the ship."

"So you left me on an island!? No money, no clothes, NOTHING!"

"I know, it's terrible..."

"I waited for you! I waited EVERY DAY in the same place! For years! You told me you were coming back, YOU PROMISED IT!"

Your shout pierced the ears of everyone in the house, and the nosy people outside could hear you beyond a shadow of a doubt.

"In my defense... I never promised you I'd come back. I always keep my promises."

Ha.

Haha.

HAHAHAHA.

Something has broken in your brain. You start laughing maniacally and crying at the same time. You place a hand on the doorknob to keep yourself upright, feeling as if your legs are going to stop working. Your body is on fire and flames cover your eyes. You know you look like someone who's lost their mind, you know you're scaring this poor perfect little family, you know it and you don't care. You don't feel bad for them. You don't think about the impact your visit and your crisis will have on them, you don't care, you simply DON'T CARE.

"YOU KEEP YOUR PROMISE? GOOD FOR YOU MONA, OH I MEAN, VIVI-FUCKING-ENNE!"

At this point, the little girl is crying too, and the teenager is in a defensive posture. At any moment, he'll jump on you to defend his mother.

When your laughter subsides, you raise your head and approach Vivienne. A smile never leaves your face.

"I wish you to live a happy life, full of joy and happiness. And when you believe you can die happy, I wish you to be abandoned by all those who love you and to live the rest of your life looking for those who broke your heart, who ruined your miserable life, as you did for me. I hate you and if you didn't have a child, I'd kill you on the spot."

You're getting ready to leave home.

"If I were you, I'd change my name again and find a new island to live on. You know, in case I decide to come back and put an end to the excuse that is your pathetic self."

As you walk away from the house, the villagers are all outside their doors, gathering the latest gossip. You don't even bother to look at the house one last time. You can't believe the Marines were right after all. Your mother was a piece of shit.

After that day, nothing made sense in your life. You had access to the marine database, but it was of no use to you. It was no longer "tomorrow is a new day", every day was the same and you no longer took pleasure in life. You had no goals, no objectives, and your title of Captain of the Marines meant nothing. Your subordinates had noticed the drastic change in your attitude.

Until you almost die.

The proposed suicide mission echoed eerily in the silent room. The stakes were high, the chances of survival minimal, but something inside you urged you to accept. The mission demanded sacrifice, and you were ready to volunteer for what seemed a cause greater than yourself.

The sea roared around your ship, as the waves broke with savage intensity. The mission you had accepted had become a nightmare on the high seas. The objective seemed more and more insane as the journey progressed, and the tension on board was palpable.

Suddenly, a huge explosion rocked the vessel, shaking every fibre of its being. The violence of the impact sent debris flying in all directions, plunging the crew into chaos. The air was filled with smoke, and cries of terror mingled with the echoes of the blast. In the darkness that followed, the horror of the situation became clear: the ship was badly damaged, and loss of life among your crew was inevitable. Despite the confusion and danger, you were desperate to help those fighting for their lives. The ship's deck was a battlefield, with flames devouring everything in their path. Your comrades' cries of pain were discordant notes in the infernal tumult.

The once lively faces of your companions were now frozen in death, and you found yourself in the middle of the sinking ocean, surrounded by the silence of the marine abyss.

Your return to base was painful. The days passed slowly in the hospital. The survivors' cries of pain, the faces marked by suffering, all were anchored in your memory. Guilt consumed you, constantly reminding you that your decision had led to the loss of innocent lives.

After long weeks of convalescence, you made a drastic decision. The Marines, an organization that had been your life, no longer made sense to you. You could no longer bear the weight of guilt weighing on your shoulders. The decision to leave the Marines was both an act of self-punishment and a desperate attempt to find peace.

Leaving military life behind, you headed for a small, isolated village, far from the hustle and bustle of the world. The narrow streets, green fields and friendly faces seemed to offer an escape from the storm raging inside you. You rented a small house, determined to lead a simple, quiet life. You sought redemption through simple actions. But even in the midst of this peaceful lifestyle, you couldn't escape the weight of your regrets.

Every night, you listened to the whisper of the wind in the trees, trying in vain to calm the inner turmoil. The calm life you had sought became a mirror reflecting the emotional chaos that persisted within you. The cries of pain from your surviving comrades continued to echo in your dreams, and you wondered whether one day you might really find peace, or whether guilt would be your eternal companion.

You spent your days writing, seeking refuge in words to escape the dark reality that surrounded you. Yet not even writing could soothe the pain inside you. The calm of your village was not enough to quell the demons that haunted your thoughts. Part of you had remained lost at sea with your crew.

So you decided to venture into the world of pirates, hoping to find a new family, a new reason to live. You were desperate to reconnect with the life you'd lost. However, fate seemed to have relentless trials in store for you. The crews you embarked with were struck by repeated tragedies. Death and desolation seemed to follow you like a shadow, and the secrets of your past in the Marines always came to light, creating mistrust among your companions.

The loneliness persisted. The accusing glances and whispers of your fellow passengers became unbearable. Every departure was a repeat of a sad dance, where you were always left behind, watching the horizon drift away with a new part of you.

Buggy was the first not to let go. At first, he wanted to kill you, but you quickly convinced him that you could write a book about his life, make him interesting to the world. The clown is self-absorbed enough to accept your offer. And now you're stuck with him.

You wake with difficulty, you don't want to leave your bed, but you know very well that Buggy will come knocking at your door to tease you with his new story ideas. It's amazing how a person can invent a life and believe it. Sometimes you wonder if he knows how ridiculous he is.

You're getting ready to face a new day, but a surprise awaits you outside your room. Outside your door, you find a new ink pot, some paper and a quill. "SORRY" is written on a torn piece of newspaper; you recognize the clown's handwriting. It doesn't take much to make you feel loved. Well, after all, you can waste a few hours here and go and see the clown later. He'll be happier if you bring him something to flatter his ego. You decide to go back to your room and settle down to do whatever Buggy wanted you to do the day before.

"His muscles, though unobtrusive to the eye, are incredibly impressive..."

You spend several hours writing and didn't intend to stop, but a commotion prevents you from concentrating. You glance at the window.

"Oh, my heaven..."

You fill your bag with your writing materials and clothes, grab your bow and arrow and run to the combat zone. You keep your distance for most of the fight, in fact, you just observe. You listen carefully to the dialogues and take note of them in your notebook. You were expecting an army of pirates, but a boy in a straw hat, a swordsman and the thief have liberated the town. An ordinary trio has managed to piss Buggy off and knock him out. You're... shocked.

An idea pops into your head.

Nothing ties you to Buggy... this is your chance to get away.

You take a different route to the dock, hoping you're not too late. It's been a long time since you've felt this strange sense of excitement. That boy Luffy's speech moved you. He wants to become king of the pirates, and it's crazy to declare such a thing. Doesn't he know what happened to the former king? Yet this young man doesn't seem to fear the future. There's something interesting about him. You need to know more.

"Wait for me!!!" You shout as you see the trio board a small boat.

Immediately, the green-headed boy gets into a fighting stance and you brake before misleading him. You raise your arms in a sign of peace.

"What do you want?" asks Luffy, his head cocked to one side.

"I want to join your crew."

"WHAT!?" shouts the redhead, Nami if you remember correctly.

"Oooooh nice!!! Yes you can join us!!!"

Oh, you're surprised. You thought you'd have to fight to join them.

"Wait, we don't know who she is or what she wants." says Zoro, still holding his swords.

"Hm, okay. Who are you and what do you want?"

You start by introducing yourself, revealing your real identity, something tells you to be sincere with him.

"You said you want to become king of the pirates. You need someone to write down all your adventures and share them with the world. I'm the person you need. I can fight and I have a good knowledge of navigation."

"We already have a navigator, but you can be our writer!!!"

"I'm not your navigator!!!" Nami pinches Luffy's cheek and shouts in his ears.

Behind you, a crowd of people approaches and you don't waste a second joining the trio. Zoro doesn't seem to trust you, but that's okay, nobody trusts you today.

For the first time in months, you smile.

[end of flashback]

The sensation of ants invading your legs is the first thing you notice when you open your eyes again. It's unpleasant. Your brief loss of consciousness lasted only a few seconds, but it was enough to attract the attention of the ship's awake passengers. It's annoying. When you left your bed, you wanted to experience a quiet period of panic, but here you are, weak under worried gazes. It's humiliating.

The sound of the aquarium bar door slamming and you falling caught the cook's attention. Sanji, intrigued by the sudden bustle, abandoned his post behind the stoves to take a look outside. His common sense tells him that this is not a nocturnal attack, but rather a noisy interaction. Still, at this hour of the night, it's not normal to hear a door being slammed, let alone Robin using her devil's fruit. The blond doesn't regret having left the kitchen, since from the balcony he sees a scene that makes his blood run cold: he sees you, lying on a bed made of Robin's hands, looking unconscious.

Without missing a beat, he returns to the kitchen to prepare you a large glass of cold water. It's not the first time he's seen one of his crewmates lose themselves to panic. Sanji doesn't consider himself the best at helping out emotionally, but he does know a few tricks for easing the pain. A good shot of cold water is one of them.

The multiple hands summoned by the archaeologist slowly disappear, leaving your body to rest against the fresh grass of the upper deck. If she hadn't intervened, you'd hit the ground hard and probably have suffered an injury. By the way, she wasn't the only one ready to step in - oh no, a certain surgeon was bested at the task. Luckily for you, your well-being isn't a competition. Robin and Law silently share a sense of relief at seeing you safely on the ground. Alas, although you're safe and sound physically, they both know you're not mentally.

The tremors persist, your body caught in the aftershocks of overwhelming emotion. The tears, hot and unrelenting, blur your vision as you attempt to navigate through the disorientation. The surroundings, once familiar, now seem alien and unwelcoming. Curling into yourself, you seek refuge in the protective barrier of your own limbs, as if hoping to shield yourself from the world's scrutiny. The vulnerability of being in your pajamas amplifies the feeling of exposure. 

The gazes, even if sympathetic, become piercing beams that sear through your fragile state. Despite being surrounded by what should be the safest place on the planet, an irrational fear grips you. You're caught in a paradox, aware of the safety of your surroundings yet feeling an acute sense of danger.

On this boat, no one can hurt you. No one but you.

The thought shatters your inner self and provokes a surge of nausea. You have no choice but to abandon your previous posture and get down on your knees to empty your stomach. Robin anticipated this long before you did and had time to place a bag in front of your mouth. You feel awful about wasting the food Sanji prepared earlier in the evening, but you can't hide the fact that even if you'd tried to stop the vomiting, you wouldn't have been able to. You're surprised you had time yourself to change position.

Once you've finished vomiting and removed the bag, you can confidently say you're feeling a little better. A hand strokes your hair and back, a comforting gesture. Robin's thoughtfulness is something you appreciate. You don't know if it's a coincidence, but the archaeologist is always there when you're having a panic attack. She calms you down every time. It's thanks to her that the other crew members know how to help you during a full-blown breakdown.

You wonder whether this is simply because Robin is the most educated of the group, or whether it's because she's learned to deal with her own panic attacks when she had no one to help her. Whatever the answer, you're entirely grateful to her and wouldn't hesitate to reverse the roles if the day came.

After a few minutes staring at the ground, you finally lift your head and take a deep breath. The anxiety hasn't entirely left your body, your heart is still racing, but the tightness in your chest has stopped and you're no longer shaking. That's a good sign. Now that your breathing seems back to normal and your head is held high, Sanji hands you a glass of water, which you accept with great delight. You slowly swallow the cold liquid and enjoy the feeling of relief it brings. A shiver runs through your body, but this one is different from the ones that haunted you earlier, this one is welcomed.

"Thank you." you say, after what seems like hours of silence.

The warm smiles from Robin and Sanji provide a silent reassurance, a comfort in the absence of spoken words. However, the absence of Law does not go unnoticed. As your eyes scan the surroundings, searching for the enigmatic doctor, you're met with an empty space where he once stood. A pinch of disappointment mixes with the lingering unease. Has he gone back to the aquarium bar or to his submarine? A doctor disappearing during a time like this? Chopper would never. You can't shake the feeling of abandonment.

"Cook-san, could you give us a moment?"

"Of course! Anything for my two beauties! If you need anything, I'll be in the kitchen."

Although you know Sanji is dying to send you kisses and asks what food will cheer you up in this situation, he pulls back with a sympathetic smile. If you need him, he knows you'll go to him. Anyway, he's already planning a menu in his head that will revolve around you for the next few days.

When the galley door closes, you turn to Robin.

"Do you want to talk?"

That's a good question. Do you want to talk? The desire to open up, to share the burdens that have silently weighed on your heart, clashes with the daunting prospect of revealing the deeply rooted reasons for your unhappiness. Of all the people on the crew, Robin would be the one to understand your pain, but... Pandora's box remains closed, its contents locked away, leaving you with the bittersweet realization that, for now, some battles must be fought in solitude.

"I have nightmares... Sleeping is no longer restful."

"Hm. This isn't the first time we've had this conversation, your answer never changes and your condition doesn't improve. Is there anything I can do to help?"

Can she? You think for a moment...

"Can you hold me?"

"Of course."

Robin wraps her arms around you and embraces you with the perfect strength. The gentle strokes through your hair and the rhythmic rocking create a soothing rhythm. In that vulnerable instant, you're aware of the unique bond you share with the archaeologist. The unspoken understanding between you two goes beyond the dynamics of a typical crewmate. She's more than just a friend and comrade; she's the closest semblance to a mother you've ever had. She's older than you, she's warm, and you would have loved to grow up with a caring mother like her. It's the kind of thing you'd like to say to her, but don't dare, for fear of reminding her of her own past.

The sobs echo in the quietness of the moment, a release of emotions that have long been held captive within. The weight of unspoken words, the unfulfilled yearning for a nurturing presence, finds a temporary outlet in the sanctuary of Robin's arms.

"I've done some very bad things... I'm so exhausted from running away from the consequences of my actions... I... I can hear their voices. I can still hear them." you murmur with pain.

"We've all done things we regret, things we can never forgive, we have to learn to live with these things. We can't ignore them, or they'll haunt us even in our dreams."

You want to fight back and tell her she's not right, that you can't learn to live with what you've done, but you're tired. Your body is weak, your mind is exhausted and your soul wants a moment's peace.

Suddenly, Bepo and Law appear beside you.

You pull away from Robin and quickly wipe away your tears as you stand up. You don't understand why the captain of the Heart Pirates has returned after sneaking away. Bepo runs towards you and lifts you up in his arms. He hugs you with all his strength and you let out a groan of surprise. Welp, that answers your question, partially. 

"Bepo, don't strangle her!" points Law.

"S-sorry!" Bepo releases the pressure a little, but you stay glued to his chest. "Captain woke me up to tell me you needed some love!"

"That's not what I said! Those aren't the exact words..."

"Sorry Captain!"

Robin lets out a small laugh and pats Law gently on the back. "How nice of you, Torao."

"Whatever." murmurs Law, hiding his eyes with his hat.

You cuddle the bear back. "Well, I'm feeling very loved right now. Thank you ~"

"Anything for my new friend!"

"Aw Bepo!"

The two of you cuddle passionately and laugh. You're already feeling much better thanks to him and Robin, you'll have to thank Law for his smart decision to call his navigator to come to your rescue. The surgeon coughs to get everyone's attention. Bepo looks at him puzzled. Law insists with his gaze and this seems to evoke something in the mink.

"Oh, uh, you can sleep with me tonight!"

"That would be great, but... my bed isn't big enough for both of us and even though it would be fun, I don't want to sleep under the stars again, it's cold tonight."

"If I may, you can press my bed against yours to create a larger surface area, I'll find somewhere else to rest." a subtle wink tells you that Robin knows very well in which bed she'll be sleeping tonight. Probably a carpenter's. Who knows.

Law coughs again and louder. Again, he glares at Bepo and nods.

"We can sleep in the captain's bed."

"What a great idea." adds Robin, a smirk on her face.

"W-what? No, sorry, I can't sleep in L... another... captain's bed. Besides... I don't want to be a nuisance in the submarine." You're having trouble finding the right words to express yourself.

"Don't worry, Captain told me he doesn't mind you sleeping in his bed! He even told me he was sure you'd sleep just fine on his mattress!"

"Bepo-ya." warns Law, teeth clenched. The bear apologizes and bows its head. Law continues, "Your presence in the Tang will not disrupt the life of my crew. I offer you my bed as a sign of compassion, it would be impolite to refuse."

This immediately changes the stakes; you don't want to offend the tattooed man.

"Okay... I accept, but only for tonight!"

"Of course." says Law, a winning smile on his face. That expression makes your heart skip a beat.

"I'll be sure to explain the situation so no one comes looking for you tomorrow. Get some rest, writer-san."

"Thanks. Hm, Robin, can you refrain from saying I had a panic attack... please."

"Sure, good night."

In unison, you and Bepo wish Robin a good night, while Law holds up two fingers to take you into the Tang.

As you step into the submarine, memories of the first time you entered the ship resurface. It was quite a while ago, and you'd only entered Law's office. Now you have the honor of entering his bedroom, his most private space. It feels so weird to be allowed not only to see this part of Law, but to sleep in his bed! "You have to believe me, okay? He doesn't hate you." The memory of Bepo's words echoes in your mind, emphasizing the notion that Law doesn't harbor any ill will towards you. The offer to share such a personal space is a testament to a level of trust that transcends the boundaries of typical alliance. Still, doubt lingers – a persistent whisper questioning your place in the surgeon’s world. You're nobody to him. You're a writer for a different crew, nothing more.

You're still in Bepo's arms when you enter the bedroom. It's not very big, but it's large enough for a double bed, bookcases, a small desk and a corner washroom. You glance at the books on the shelves. Yup, nothing but boring, medicine-related titles. You're surprised to see that the bed is made. The desk is covered with books and paper and, oh, a pair of glasses! You didn't know Law wore glasses!

The sensation of settling into Law's bed, with Bepo by your side, brings a mix of comfort and vulnerability. As you adjust the pillows and find a comfortable position under the covers, the atmosphere in the room is subtly transformed.

Unknown to you, Law stands at the door, silently observing the scene within his bedroom. The sight of his best friend and the most beautiful woman in the world in his bed triggers a range of emotions within him – a delicate dance between delight and a subtle undercurrent of trepidation. It's an image that both warms and unsettles the depths of his guarded heart.

He's glad you can open up to Bepo and develop a beautiful friendship; the bear is loyal and the best confidant you could wish for. And in the Polar Tang, everyone knows that if anything happens, you're the number one priority. If you wanted to stay in bed and ask for food, Law would order it without hesitation. You could stay in that bed all day and he wouldn't mind.

But he'd love to be in Bepo's place. In the quiet corners of his mind, Law envisions a world where he could bring you the same joy and comfort as the polar bear. The unspoken wish to make you laugh, engage in playful activities, share moments in the water, and simply be close to you… The question lingers, if Law could find the words to express his feelings, would you accept his advances? The fear of rejection, the hesitation born from a lifetime of guarding his emotions, is too strong.

Law sighed.

"If you need anything, don't hesitate. Good night."

"Good night Captain!"

"Good night Law! Thank you, again!"

He doesn't answer, just slowly closes the door and turns off the light. As a few inches remain, he hears one last sentence: "Bepo, do you mind if I sleep in my underwear and t-shirt?"

FUCK. When the door is fully closed, Law rests his head against the metal wall and restrains himself from banging his head. Really!? You in your underwear in his bed? Of course Bepo was entitled to that privilege. It kills him to know that on the other side of the wall, you're taking your clothes off. Law hates having his mind invaded by images of your half-naked body, he doesn't like being subjected to his carnal desires, he feels like... like Penguin and Shachi! Or worse, Sanji!

Law sighs again. He takes off his hat and runs a hand through his hair. Slowly, he walks to his new bed for the night: Bepo's bed. He drops onto the mattress and is not surprised to see Ikkaku's head appear upside down. Bepo and Ikkaku share a room and sleep on a bunk bed. The young woman looks at her with compassion and a smile.

"That bad uh?"

"You have no idea."

"Don't be sad. You know, if you show her a little that you're interested..."

"Stop."

"Okay okay..."

After several minutes of silence, Law spoke again.

"I think she's in her underwear in my bed."

"Oh my god, if you're going to touch yourself, go do it in the bathroom!"

"Fuck off."

In the darkness, you and Bepo continue to adjust each other to find the best position. At first, you each lie on your side, but it's obvious you want to cuddle, so you bring your body close to his. Bepo slips an arm around you, but he's afraid of crushing you during the night. He invites you to lie on his belly with a blanket. It's the best position, for now.

"Bepo, I feel really bad taking your captain's place, it's his ship..."

"I promise you he doesn't mind, he's the one who insisted on offering you his bed."

"Don't you think that's strange?"

"No, the captain is a caring man. He may seem cold, but he's got a big heart..." murmurs Bepo, obviously drifting off to sleep.

"Yeah, he seems to be nice, when he wants to..." you reply, you too falling asleep.

Once again, you have a perfect night. Well, if you erase the beginning of the night and remember sleeping with Bepo, it's perfect. You didn't dream, but you didn't have any nightmares, which you consider a success! You can't believe that the polar bear is the ultimate solution to your problem. You haven't tried sleeping with another person to prove the theory, but you doubt that Zoro or Nami would provide you with as much comfort. The Polar Tang is better isolated than the Thousand Sunny. You don't have to hear Usopp snoring and Luffy talking in his sleep.

You wake up to someone shouting your name. Your eyes slowly adjust to the darkness and your new surroundings. Oh, you're lying on top of Bepo again. You rub your face against the mink and giggle with joy. Then you hear your name again. Luffy?

The bedroom door swings open and hits the wall. You jump and reflexively cover your body with the blanket. A sunbeam on two legs enters the room and smiles when he sees you. Luffy shouts your name again and makes a move that creates great fear in you.

"LUFFY NO!"

"Straw Hat-ya!"

Luffy launches himself from the door to the bed and lands on top of you. The gesture wakes up Bepo, who reflexively hits the young boy. The blow does absolutely nothing except provoke a fit of giggles from Luffy. You sigh a sigh, telling yourself that the worst is over.

"(y/n)!!" Luffy clings to your neck and hugs you. "Torao told me you slept with him last night! How lucky you are!"

"That's not what I said, Straw Hat-ya!"

"I slept with Bepo in Law's bed, I didn't sleep with him."

"Same thing."

"No it isn't!" exclaims Law and you in unison.

Luffy laughs and stretches out his arm to take Bepo into the hug.

"Torao, join us!"

"No way."

"You suck."

"Straw Hat, my captain doesn't suck!"

"Yes he does, he never wants to hug! (Y/n) needs one right now! Right!?"

Luffy looks at you with hope. You know getting into his game isn't a good idea, but... Oh. Something's not right. You close your eyes and place a hand on your chest, where your heart is. You sit up as best you can. Your reaction worries both men and the bear. Bepo places a hand on your back, Luffy panics and Law approaches the bed, a serious look on his face.

"I think... if I don't get a hug from Torao in the next few minutes, I'm going to die."

Bepo lets out a long sigh and Luffy bursts out laughing, proud that her writer hasn't lost her sense of humor. 

"Shishishi Torao quick, she's going to die!!!"

"Yes Captain, hurry!"

It's as if a bucket of ice water has fallen on Law. He couldn't believe the turn of events! He should have known better, all Luffy's crew are twisted like him, you're no exception. But the horror is, even Bepo is pushing him to complete a task he feels incapable of doing without experiencing serious repercussions. He sends a dark look in the direction of Bepo, the traitor. The bear has no regrets.

"Toraaaaaoooo! Quick! Your patient is dying!! You're not going to let my writer die!?"

You continue coughing with great exaggeration and drop onto the bed, one hand to your forehead, looking sick. You're not the best actress, but to make Luffy laugh, you give it your all. You know very well that Law isn't going to comply with such a request. You pull your hand away from your eyes and are surprised to see the surgeon diving towards you.

“Fine.”

Law, the stoic and often unapproachable captain, holding you with a tenderness you never expected. The contrast between his usual demeanor and the vulnerability he's showing in this moment leaves you pleasantly disoriented. You can feel the warmth of his body against yours, and the sensation is both comforting and electrifying. Luffy and Bepo cheers in the background fade into a distant hum as you focus on the unexpected intimacy of the hug. Law's grip is firm, yet there's a gentleness that contradicts his fearsome reputation.

As you stand there enveloped in his embrace, you can't help but marvel at the complexity of the man known as the "Surgeon of Death." It's a side of him that few get to witness.

As the seconds tick away, you find yourself torn between savoring the rarity of the moment and the anticipation of what might come next. Your friend's victory celebrations continue around you, but in this quiet cocoon, it's just you and Law, sharing an intimate hug.

The scene ends quickly, much to your chagrin. Law hides behind his hat and turns his back.

"Straw Hat-ya wants a private talk with his writer."

"Oh, all right!"

Before getting out of bed, Bepo gives you a hug and a kiss on the head, which you gladly accept. You laugh softly and pat the polar bear on the back, thanking him for the lovely night. As the Heart duo leave the room, Luffy jumps on you and wraps his arms around your waist. Your bodies are stuck together. You know something's bothering him.

"Why didn't you wake me up last night?"

"I didn't want to disturb you. I had a nightmare, it's nothing to be alarmed about."

Your answer doesn't satisfy the younger man. He thinks for a few seconds and rests his head on your chest, continuing to look into your eyes.

"It's okay if you want to keep your secrets and not talk about how you feel, but you can ask me, us, for help when you need it. You don't have to suffer in silence, m'okay?"

"Okay..."

"I have bad dreams too, I don't always want to talk about them, but Zoro is always there to reassure me that they're just nightmares and nothing else. If you don't feel well at night, you can come and see me."

"Thank you Captain, I appreciate it very much."

"Shishishi, anything for my writer! I need you in shape to write our adventures!"

You roll your eyes and drop your head on the pillow.

"Luffy?"

"Hm?"

"Make me laugh, please."

You're expecting a bad joke, a story Luffy has experienced in the last few days or an impersonation, but he surprises you by tickling your ribs. Your laughter blends into the room, creating a positive atmosphere. You try to pull yourself out of the hug, but Luffy holds you against him and won't let go. You cry with laughter and start tickling your captain in revenge. It almost feels like a fight!

You feel good.

Luffy slowly stops tickling you and separates from you. He jumps off the bed and holds out his hand.

"Let's go eat!"

tag list : smokeprincess24, phsycochan, stuckinthewrongworld, metonimia-de-bellota, tolkienlovee, norasincubi, sleepykittycx, miloonmetis, perilous-pasta, shadowserpent4444, songinabottle, fireinyoureye, someobsessionrequired, dummyegg, undermoonlightwalk, latanyalove, rebeccawinters, stormruff

#trafalgar d law x reader #trafalgar law x reader #bepo x reader #one piece x reader #law x reader #multiple chapters #bepo #trafalgar d water law #trafalgar law #gloomy0x0phantom

[pebblethief]

ive got the most insane Crafting Itch atm: english paper piecing quilting

this is insane for me for the following reasons:

i hate hand sewing

god knows i have enough Blanket Making hobbies

and enough blankets!

and enough hobbies!!

and honestly i...dont like how most  non-art quilts look. i like geometry in art but the % of quilts ive seen and gone “oooh i love that” is INCREDIBLY small

and yet. something about EPP specifically has become fascinating to me? keep finding myself googling it

so today i decided that i might as well dip my toe in a little bit, bc either ill find it Not Fun and can stop gooogling it, or idk, discover a way into not hating sewing?

dad had a pillowcase that somehow got a purple stain on, so i stole it

got this far. probably would have finished this little thing if i hadnt gone “ok i need half hexagons for those edge bits” and only realising my mistake eafter i had basted all of them lol. guess ill back it with some felt and have made a placemat?

not sure how i feel about it lmao. definitely hate this sewing less than most of the sewing i do (either boring fixes or trying to sew through multiple layers of canvas..)

didnt have fun making the paper hexagons tho. i can get 500 laser cut ones for £8 so maybe ill do that and buy some actually interesting fabric and give it a ~proper go~? brain wont let it go otherwise

maybe i can make cushion covers or smth

#i need to know how to do every single textile related craft i guess

[fanmoose12]

Hello would you mind writing vets as a music band? And that fans suspect the “normal” relationship of head vocal Levi and bassist Hange? Sorry if my english isn’t writing properly at all.

Mikasa invites him to a No Name concert.

And it's like- whatever, right? Who cares? Jean certainly doesn't.

So what if the girl of his dreams asks him out on a date? It's not like he has been daydreaming about it for the past two years. So what if she offers to see his favorite band in the whole world? He doesn't even like them much. Sure, he knows all their songs by heart but- he doesn't listen to them that often. Only twice or thrice each day. And it's not like his closet hides an insane amount of their merchandise. That is between Jean, his closet and his mother.

He isn't nervous, he doesn't care about the upcoming date. At all. Most certainly, he doesn't spend literal days, obsessing over his outfit. And he obviously doesn't pester Sasha and Connie with questions on how to style his hair.

Most importantly, he doesn't imagine how it would feel to hold Mikasa's hand or maybe even go for a hug or a kiss-

Jean tries not to think about it, his heart starts to beat to fast, when he does, but when he doesn't think about Mikasa, he starts thinking about No Name and the little, tinie tiny fact that he's going to see them in person. That he's going to meet them and maybe even shake their hand, because Mikasa being the gorgeous goddess she is, got them tickets with access to a backstage. It didn't require any kind of effort from her side, since the famed, spectacularly, dreamy Levi Ackerman is Mikasa's cousin, but- Jean doesn't remember sharing his No Name obsession with Mikasa, for obvious reasons - he doesn't want to think that he likes her just because she's Levi Ackerman's cousin, Mikasa is great not because she's an Ackerman, but because she's Mikasa, but- but Jean is so, so grateful that he'll have the chance to see No Name in all their glory.

Of course, he is not at all nervous about meeting his favorite band in person. No, no, he doesn't lose sleep over it, his palms don't turn clammy. Sometimes he feels like he'll combust from anticipation, but he's fine, completely fine.

He just can't wait until that fated day will come.

---

When that day rolls around at last, Jean is cool. He's cool, calm, serene.

His hand is greasy from all the times he touched his slicked back hair, and he can't stop tugging at the sleeves of his leather jacket, but- but he's cool.

The band that is currently playing isn't that bad - not nearly as talented and awesome, and hot as No Name, but still good. The crowd is bigger than Jean is comfortable with, but today it works in his favor because it prompts Mikasa to hold his hand. Maybe, he'll get that kiss after all. If he continues keeping his cool.

That proves to be just a little harder task when Mikasa announces that they reached the backstage.

Jean can't help it - he gawks around helplessly.

This is it, this is a place where miracles happen, where stars lounge and rest.

This is the place where he'll meet No Name.

Jean can't imagine how this meeting will transpire. Will they like him? Will they agree to make a photo? Will they give him an autograph? Will they think that he's a weirdo who is too obsessed with their music?

All of the above? None of the above?

Jean doesn't know.

There are so many things he wants to say. There are so many things he wants to ask - how can they play with those bandages on? How do they never trip during performances? What is their favorite song to play? What do they do in their free time? What is their favorite food? Are the rumors about Levi Ackerman and Hange Zoe-

Okay, no, he probably shouldn't ask that last question, no matter how much he wants to know the answer. And he wants to, so, so much.

The thing is- there are many rumors about No Name. It's not surprising, they are young, famous and extremely hot. These rumors usually exclude the drummer, Mike Zacharias, who is already engaged with a very pretty blonde lady, their stylist. Although, there are some fans who speculate that the engagement is not true, and Mike actually dates their producer, one Erwin Smith, but- Jean usually ignores that type of fans, branding them as freaks.

Now, as far as everyone is aware, nor Levi Ackerman, neither Hange Zoe are involved in any kind of romantic relationships, and that's- that's where the juicy stuff begins.

There aren't many rumors about Hange - some say she's involved with Pieck, the band's make-up artist. Or their manager, Moblit Berner. Or an indie artist, Onyakopon. But that's where the list ends.

Levi Ackerman, however, oh he has a far longer list of lovers. Petra Ral, for example, a rising pop-star - young, talented and so pretty that it hurts. Or Erwin, although on that subject rumors wary - some say that Erwin is the one who got Levi in showbiz, some say that Erwin is his sugar daddy, some say that they're already engaged and even married. The rumors are as varied as they're wrong, in Jean's opinion. Most rumors about Levi are like that. There are even talks about his involvement with Yeager brothers - with the front man of the rival band, Zeke, and Jean's and Mikasa's classmate, Eren. Jean doesn't understand where these rumors even come from, as far as he's aware, Levi hates them both. But- but rumors still exist.

As stupid as they are.

Now, Jean has a different opinion, one that he spends nights defending in chats and forums. Yes, Levi Ackerman has a lover. And no, it's not Petra Ral, Erwin Smith or any of the Yeager brothers. It's Hange Zoe, No Name's bassist.

There are many reasons why he thinks so. Firstly, they are always together. And by always, Jean means always. In photoshoots they stand side by side, during performances they lean against each other, on all kinds of photos - from after-parties to official events, they always touch each other in some way. And that's not all. They spend their vacations together, they hang out at movies, restaurants, museums, their respective instagrams are full of the other's candid photos. And it's a known fact that they share an apartment. Honestly, how much more obvious it can get? Also Jean is pretty sure that one of the songs written by Levi is about Hange, and he has an entire essay, explaining why he's right. He prays to every saint known that Mikasa will never find it. He doesn't want his almost girlfriend to find out just how invested he is in the romantic life of her famous cousin.

As they walk further and further into the magical territory of the backstage, Jean tries to think of something cool to say, something laid-back and easy like 'hey, what's up, guys? I've listened to the couple of your songs, you're not that bad...'

Yes, he decides. That's a good way to start. A cool way to start.

And Jean is cool. And calm.

And- oh my god, there they are, the three of them, already in their costumes, just without the signature bandages. They look even cooler in person. They look even hotter and-

Mikasa squeezes his hand.

"If my asshole cousin says something awful, I'll punch him in the face for you."

God, that is so sweet. So Mikasa. He wouldn't be opposed to anyone getting a punch from her except- her gorgeous cousin. His pretty face should be protected at all costs.

However, as they approach, the face that charmed millions transforms, turning into a quite nasty scowl.

"So that's him?" Levi Ackerman asks (Jean's sick brain, even in that moment, can't help but note that Hange Zoe is standing right behind her band member, a hand laying on his shoulder). "That's the guy you're going crazy about?"

"Yes," Mikasa answers, and suddenly the air grows stiff. "Do you have a problem with that?"

The lines around Levi's mouth harden, and Jean tries to focus on Hange Zoe, while his mind prepares for something not at all pretty, but- Hange is smiling - not smirking, smiling. That is a good sign, right?

"Don't mind the Ackermans," she stage whispers to Jean. "Levi was actually very excited about meeting you."

Right now it's hard to imagine that dark (and still so handsome) face in the expression of excitement, but. Hange knows him a lot more, right?

"Oh and by the way," she giggles, and at the back of his mind Jean wonders if that's how angels sound like. "I'm Hange."

He almost blurts out 'I know' but- that'd be creepy? Or not? He can't decide so settles on a simple nod.

"Jean," he says, taking the offered hand in his. With his hand that isn't holding Mikasa's (they're holding hands, wow!), he shakes Hange's. It's unexpectedly calloused. But still warm and gentle. Not as nice as Mikasa's but... somewhere very close.

"And that is the one and only Levi Ackerman," Hange continues, gesturing to the man in question. "He only looks so scary. But actually," she winks and lowers her voice. "He's the biggest softie you'll ever meet."

The biggest softie Jean has ever met, practically snarls, baring his teeth. But the hand on his shoulder tightens and he instantly relaxes, scoffing in annoyance. Oh, so that's who Hange Zoe is? The one who tames the beast?

"You're not as revolting as her other dates," Levi says. Jean is pretty sure that it was meant as a compliment. "But if you dare to-"

"Oi," Mikasa's face becomes as stormy as her cousin's. "He won't."

"And even if he does," Hange smiles, so handsome and a little scary. "Mikasa knows what to do."

Jean gulps. He has seen Mikasa train that one time. He was very impressed, and a little bit scared. Also a lot aroused.

He knows with ironclad certainty that should Mikasa kick him... his face may not survive it.

"Hange, Levi," a gruff voice behind them calls. Jean lifts his eyes, mouth opening in shock as he sees him in the flash - the third member of Non Name, Mike Zacharius himself. In person... he is even more enormous than on photos. His shoulders are twice as wide as Jean's, and next to Hange and Levi, he looks almost like a giant. "We're starting in five."

"Oh!" Hange covers her mouth with a palm. "I haven't checked my guitar yet. Let's hurry, shorty!"

Hange dashes away instantly, Levi sighs and trudges after her. Mikasa tugs at Jean's hand as well, whispering that they need to go to their places.

Jean nods, absentmindedly, because right in that moment, at the other side of the room he sees Hange and Levi exchange a playful, quick but undeniably a kiss.

Triumph courses through him, firing him up. He knew that he was right, those fuckers from twitter can eat his shit.

Hange Zoe and Levi Ackerman are truly dating.

He wants to know more, wants to ask Mikasa to spare the juicy details, but for now-

For now, Jean has to take care of his date as well.

He interlaces their fingers, and, keeping Hange's words in mind - Ackermans are not as scary as they look - he leans in to press a kiss to Mikasa's cheek and whispers,

"You look fantastic."

Ever so slightly, but Mikasa blushes. It's the best moment of the evening so far.

And, hopefully, there will be more of that.

#levihan #jeankasa #i guess???

[creativeashproductions]

Reluctant Vacation // Charlie Gillespie

Summary: The niece of the infamous Kenny Ortega had its advantages and disadvantages, you received insight on his projects but felt guilty saying no. Kenny seeing the exhaustion pulling you down invites to the set of Julie and the Phantoms where you rediscover your love with the field.

Warning: Swearing and fluff.

 Words 2.2k

A/N: I do take requests. It may take a bit to get to them but I’ll post some.

Please ask to be tagged in my inbox because I can’t promise you will be through commenting on the posts!

Masterlist

The sigh came from deep in your chest wanting to drop to the floor for an exhaustion induced nap, but an airport wasn’t the best place. Large sunglasses obscured people from seeing the deep bags under your eyes on the way to the film lot. It was coming full circle, the change different from the frantic schedule you had had recently. When Kenny called you hadn’t hesitated in packing and buying a ticket.

“Miss Y/L/N?” The voice pulled you from your thoughts as a man holding a card with your name displayed. He was of Puerto Rican descendent with a young girl beside him with similar features, “I’m Ricardo. This is my daughter Madison.”

“It’s nice to meet you. I’m-“

“Y/N Y/L/N.” Madison supplied with a beaming grin on her face having recognized you from your role as Sabrina in The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina along with movies.

All you could do was send a fragile smile in response after a long sleepless flight to Canada.

Madison’s eyes saddened at the exhaustion you carried, “I can fangirl later. You looked really tired.”

“Kenny saw and asked me to come over the guise of help, but he knows I need a break. He’s lucky I don’t need to be on set for a few weeks.” You replied, covering a yawn as you found yourself at a car, the walk a blur.

Unintentionally you found yourself asleep in the backseat the moment you settled back there for the drive. You had filmed in Vancouver before, so it wasn’t a huge deal, and the Reyes’ duo didn’t have the heart to wake you up.

“We’re here,” Madison whispered with the back-car door opened. Your eyelids fluttering at her voice, giving Madison a closer look at your face.

Walking on set, you saw Kenny giving one of his pep talks before he cut himself off at the sight of you. The actors surrounding him furrowed their brows as the legendary director power walked to a person concealed behind Mads.

“Sweetheart.” Kenny beamed, pulling his niece in for a hug before leaning back to scan her features, “You need a nap.”

“I need to meet your new cast.” You snickered stepping around the man to the three actors he had abandoned to see you. You found amusement in their widening eyes at the sight of the Y/N walking to them.

“Oh, my shit.” Owen gasped freaking out as the actress co-starring in the new Spider-Man trilogy came closer.

Last night Owen, Charlie and Jeremy had hosted a movie night in the rented apartment the first two rented. They had quickly made their way through Captain America: Civil War before watching the following movies with Spider-Man. You had a cameo in Captain America: Civil War before becoming a star in Homecoming and Far From Home.

“We manifested her.” Charlie hissed frantically fixing his set costume growing a blush at the smile you wore. He could feel the hair stylist on standby glaring at his tousled locks.

The girl in question came to a stop before the three guys portraying the phantoms of the show in the second season. You couldn’t help but chuckle at the expressions each one of them had.

“Hello.” You greeted flattered when the tall blonde one turned a blossom pink at the voice of an angel. Charlie and Owen had developed celebrity crushes on you.

In revenge, Tori, a returning choreographer and background character, saw Charlie’s expression along with a familiar girl. After filming season one ended the previous year you had stopped by during the filming process of CAOS to catch up with Kenny. Tori had been there and you two became friends.

“Hey!” Tori grinned, pulling you into a hug, “These three binged your MCU movies last night, and Charlie’s wallpaper is you.”

“Tori!”

“This is what you get for telling Booboo about the poster!” Tori called to the Canadian boy jogging out his area. Charlie’s cheek darkened more than Owen’s as your smile grew bigger.

“No worries Ghost. Luke definitely my favourite character and gotta say you should have been on Charmed more than two episodes.” You supplied walking backwards to Kenny once more yearning for a night’s rest after the flight.

“Holy shit.” Charlie choked smacking Jeremy’s arm repeatedly, “She knows me. Oh, oh, OH. She’s seen me-“

 “-Getting it on for a scene.” Jeremy snickered as his friend grew more and more flustered, “That was tame compared to her and Tom going at it.”

Charlie’s face dropped being reminded of the explicit scene you had done with Tom Holland in the movie that came out near the end of 2020. The Devil All the Time was the only film out of the MCU you had done with Tom. You had played the promiscuous daughter of a devout, loyal churchgoer and close friend of the preacher.

“Didn’t they date for a few months?” Owen questioned thinking back to the media mayhem during the virtual press for the film.

Owen was correct with the chemistry between you and Tom it was natural you would do interviews together via shared video chats. Charlie watched every single one that came out with interest. He hadn’t even expected the film to do so dark and explicit, but you had a natural talent.

“English, handsome, actor-“ Charlie started to list off on the English actor with a far more extensive list of credits. Charlie felt like a Canadian child in the city of Los Angeles compared to your leading man.

“-runs a charity with his family.” Jeremy continued raising one eyebrow, “At least he isn’t tall. You’d be fully screwed.”

Charlie shoved his teasing friends away with a smirk of his own as the trio continued on to the film. Charlie put his feelings on the back burner to focus on the storyline and emotions of the scene.

“Spider-Man Three baby!” The English accent shouted from the phone with only an ocean separating the two actors. Tom hadn’t even greeted you before screaming at the news you both received; despite the scripts from a few weeks prior the sequel had fully been greenlighted

Your head tossed back at the childlike glee on the older adult, clearly displaying the two years really mean he was two years old. After meeting on the set of Civil War along with Harrison, you had become friends. Followed with the following MCU appearances, it had been a surprise to be cast in Devil All the Time.

“Insane.” You started making your way through the set to where Kenny had texted you from. It was closing to the end of your vacation.

In the few weeks, you had reconnected with Tori on her breaks along with becoming good friends with the cast members. Something clicked between you and the core four of the show even if Madison sometimes still got starstruck.

“Did you read the script?” Tom questioned quirking his infamous eyebrow his fans wholly adored. You found it amusing, to be honest, that every character he portrayed had the same eyebrow.

“Not fully. I’m surrounded by people, and unlike you, I prefer not to jeopardize my career with marvel.” You teased glancing up as Charlie and Owen made their way over, “I’ll be flying out in a few days for filming.”

Tom nodded his head, “I got get back. Jacob and Haz are visiting. Remember to film the announcement! Bye Love!”

You gave a thumbs up before Tom ended the facetime glancing up at the duo who each raised their eyebrows. Charlie’s mask nearly breaking at Tom’s goodbye. Charlie could feel the cover of his feelings falling more and more each day.

“Announcement?” Owen questioned, slipping his jacket on over his shoulders having changed from his Alex outfit.

“Nothing.” You waved it off, starting to walk backwards with a smile that Charlie thought made your eyes shine brighter than stars.

The boys followed behind on the walk to the house Jeremy and Carolynn had decided to rent during filming. You had been crashing there as Jeremy didn’t want Carolynn to be alone with his filming schedule. It also gave the perfect place for your plan. Last few nights you had binged the marvel movies again ending with Far From Home.

The living room was decked out by Carolynn with your help from earlier as she was the only know that knew. Everyone settled in the living room with Mr Reyes there as well who had quickly become a father figure to you.

“So, I wanted everyone here for a reason. I’m sure you’ve noticed I’ve been reading a script and I have something to open.” You started thanking Jeremy as he brought in the package, he had no clue of the contents, “Now nobody says any spoilers for season two.”

You turned on the camera Paul Becker had supplied with a small smile having already filmed the opening sequence. You sat on the floor in the camera shot, opening the big box to hand out the smaller boxes to your friends. Charlie, Owen, Jeremy, Madison, Savannah, Booboo and every else glanced at the non-descript red box.

“Open them.” You urged grinning as the room went silent except for the tape ripping off the packages.

In each individual box was marvel themed candy, a plushie of Spider-Man along with signed cards from the Avengers actors and the MCU Spider-Man cast. At the very bottom, all it said was to look up at you. Instead of facing them with their looks of shock, you addressed the camera.

“Tom and I are so incredibly happy to announce that Spider-Man 3 is in the beginning process of filming.” You beamed at the camera listening to the intense noise of your friends screaming, “we can’t reveal anything else about the film, but the script is immaculate as usual. You’ll get to see Harper on the screen once more.”

“WHAT!” The collective scream behind you came as you waited a second before ending the video. You’d have to replay it before sending to marvel for the finishing touches with Tom’s version and then you could post it on Instagram.

“Surprise!” You spoke to the group behind you all in states of excitement, “You don’t know how much I’ve wanted to tell you guys! I got the script a few days before I came.”

“Holy shit.” Owen spoke, laughing at he shook his head, “You managed to get autographs from fucking Iron Man himself.”

“I got connections.” You snorted meeting the gaze of Charlie, “Nah, Downey’s kids came for a visit, and I kept them company. Downey offered to do anything, and I took the favour.”

The surprise wore off as the group mingled, but Charlie’s eyes stayed pinned to your form as you sent a message to Tom. Locking your phone to noticed his eyes.

“Hey Charlie.” You smiled, sitting on the couch next to him. His expressive eyes showing a silver screen of emotions you couldn’t quite decipher.

The corner of his mouth tilted up in response to the way his name rolled off your tongue, sending his heart stuttering. A cold sweat appearing when you grasped his hand in yours in a confident manner.

“So, you leave soon?” Charlie murmured moving closer to hear you among the chatter of the group. Your lips turned down for a split second as you felt the sadness of leaving.

It was refreshing to be on set without the demands of makeup, costumes, filming and choreography. To see the action and magic but not be part of it was a definite change you had needed desperately. But to leave Charlie hurt.

“My call time is in three days. Need to get ready to bring Harper Osbourne back to the big screen.” You replied, loosening your grip on his hand, “I don’t really want to go back. I’m gonna miss you…and everyone else of course.”

Unaware to the eyes watching in anticipation you and Charlie conversed further on the upcoming months. To the great disappointment of the house began to clear out, Owen for an early call time. Savannah was meeting with her brother, and Mr Reyes was taking Madison home.

It left Jeremy and Carolynn to retire to their bedroom while you stayed on the couch with Charlie for longer. The emotions building from the prior weeks, bubbling to the surface. Hearts thudding in their chest Charlie leaned in glancing at your lips; yours glancing at his.

Who moved first couldn’t be known, but as your lips brushed together just barely you felt grounded and peaceful. If he leaned closer, you wonder what the kiss would make you feel.

“I’d like to kiss you.” Charlie murmured startled at the confidence he had gained, “But before I do. Do you have something with Tom?”

“Other than onscreen chemistry? Absolutely nothing.” You spoke barely louder than a whisper to the boy that had become so much more than some actor.

He was Charlie. The goofy boy that put a smile on anyone’s face with an impromptu concert in the middle of a crowded street. He lived life to the fullest without any regrets. He was passionate about his work, music and the environment.

Those thoughts evaporated when lips met another pair of lips in what might be described as the best kiss ever. No fireworks felt as Wattpad would say, but instead, it was the heady warmth of hot chocolate on a cold day; a warm shower after a long stressful day. It was home and perfect.

Tag List (PLEASE SEND AN INBOX TO BE ADDED! I CANNOT GUARANTEE YOU WILL BE ON THE LIST VIA POST COMMENTS!)

@safehavenmuse @siennanoelle01 @whiterose291 @mell-bell @blackhood5sos @ficrecsideblog @ifilwtmfc @deadpoolgirl23 @crappy-unicorn @sunsetcurve-h @elioelioeli0 @lovesanimals @popcrone818 @lolychu @deepsleepnat @tenaciousperfectionunknown @aunicornmademedoit @just-a-writer-here @simp4reggie @parkeret @faithiebrock01 @overlyhypedup @differentsoulrascalsalad @aesthetic-lyss @versaceapa @carleywhittaker @lostgirl219 @itsalexx21 @elllaoo4 @merxxleighann @mediocremunge @fantomlovesjuke4ever @dpaccione @oswin05 @kaylinfayezink @aberette13 @faithie-brock-gillespie01 @eharvey0218 @overlyhypedup @benstormy @auriandthepussicats @sarcasticsagittarius1998 @whothefuckstolemykeds @kcd15​ @siriuswvrld​ @princessvader15​ @xoxbloodreinaxox @heimdoodle​ @joshy-obx​ @lovesanimals​ @oopsiedoopsie23​ @am3l1a-24 @flying-solo-without-you​ @jaskiers-sweetkiss​ @lostrandomfangirl​n @must-be-a-weasley-92​ @jatp-holland​ @ilikealotofpeople-younotsomuch @dxlanhxlland​ @dasexydevitt13​ @ifilwtmfc @arianagrandes-things @kinda-really-lost​ @marinettepotterandplagg​​ @ssprayberrythings​​ @morgandamrose @thedarkqueenofavalon​ @zukoshonourr​ @crybabyddl @spooky-season-bitch​ 

#charlie gillespie imagines #charlie gillespie fanfiction #charlie gillespie x reader #charlie gillespie imagine #charlie gillespie #jatp fanfic #luke patterson imagines #caitsy and ash productions

[reginaofdoctorwho]

weird shit that would probably have something to do with me in a horror movie

no one wanted this but i’m bored and found a bottle so you’re all getting it. yes these are all true. check the tags, if u think i’ve missed something please let me know!

there was a murder (technically, i don’t really count it as a murder) next door when i was four years old on christmas morning

the weird antique glass bottle i found half-buried in the woods in the woods yesterday with living bugs in it that made no attempt to leave it once i uncovered it

there is a local cult in the next town over. this is not the same as the local cult that was in the other town over where my mom grew up

random completed animal skeletons in the woods behind our house, i’m talking prey and predator, both laid out like in a goddamn scientific diagram. for a while there’d be ones in the middle of our yard, always the same type of animal, always just the bones and nothing else, laid out like it was posed. this has been happening for over half a decade and we have no fucking clue how, why, or who is doing it

the screaming from the woods that i’m going to assume is a fox

my sister almost dated a murderer. his niece or something is in my class

there is a house that is now part of a “local ghost tour” that belonged to my great+ grand parents during the civil war where my great+ aunt died allegedly murdered by her husband who is actually blood related to me. family history says she died of childbirth, which given that it was the 1800s... probably is true

there was an actual murderer in our family a few generations back but he married in and killed his wife and her sister. they didn’t find out about it until they read his journals after he died where it apparently told everything he did and they decided. “well, that wouldn’t look good for the family, and they’re already dead anyway” and just kept it hidden??

the fact we have my great great grandmother’s dress from probably 1890s or 1900s. even more so the fact that i fit in it. if this was fantasy horror (vampires, some immortal thing or ghost) i’d be fucking dead or cursed

fairly certain i was possessed by the ghost of a puritan as a kid

my family seems to have a curse with babies and nurses? my great uncle died when he was born because long story short, hospitals were the new hot thing, he was perfectly healthy, then a nurse dropped him and he died instantly. my sister died when she was a toddler and the hospital actively tried to delete her hospital records to cover it up and ended up getting fined by the state for it. the nurses responsible were not arrested or punished in any way.

my family all has fucked up connective tissue, in my brother it was bad enough he had to get a steel bar in his chest so it wouldn’t cave in.

the many times i have almost drowned, sometimes due to intentional actions by humans (my dad, it was my dad)

this in addition to the other fucked up shit he did before the divorce when he still lived here, including but not limited to: killing my mom’s favorite pet goat, hanging its skull in a tree, and leaving the body in the woods. not letting his kids learn how to cook. anytime someone asked him to cook he’d put as much pepper/hot sauce in as he could (even for like, scrambled eggs) and give it to the youngest person, usually a toddler. this was me at times. taking his kids out to the woods and threatening murder. taking his kids out to the woods and threatening burning. purposely locked the basement from the inside so we couldn’t get the gaping hole in the stairs leading to one of three kids rooms fixed. tearing up pictures of the kids whenever my mom did something he didn’t like. i had more here but i tried to cut it down a litttle

people have threatened to murder me before. one time a girl didn’t threaten, and actually acted like she was starting to like me, but her cousin read her diary or something and found out she was planning to commit a lot of murder, and told her parents and she got sent to a psychiatric ward for a couple weeks

my mom lived down the street from a family that got axe-murdered by one of their two sons when she was a kid. the murderer did get out on an insanity plea and is still in the area. also their neighbor’s mom “lost her mind” (how the story was told) when she had to protect their kids while her husband went over to try to protect the non murderer son when he got home from school and ran over screaming about his brother trying to kill him and had killed their parents

also she knew a girl who almost got kidnapped by this really fucked up traveling serial killer that has his own wikipedia page that is,,, lengthy. the girl had [alleged] mafia ties, and the guy ended up dying shot by police despite them being told to bring him in, which sounds kinda suspicious

long story short i’d probably be the sequel where one comes back

apparently i go to the “bad” school, which i found out in a coffee shop when i overheard two girls talking about how one’s dad went there and how horrible and dangerous it is

school fights are weird. either they don’t happen or they come freakishly close to murder. people slam heads into lockers, stomp on bones, drag people by hair along the ground. one time in my brother’s class a 4′9″ girl sent a 6′2″ football player to the hospital. there was video of a fight a couple years ago that’s still around. it was brutal, but also one of the girls fighting was taking one for the team in it and got the other kicked out

we don’t have a ceiling in all of the third floor, and the cafeteria has 2. this is not relevant in any way, but it’s important to me that you know this

also the guys kept ripping the heating vents/radiators/whatever off the walls in their bathrooms and got almost all the bathrooms locked. including the girls’ ones.

also everyone kept punching holes in the walls so on some of them it’s just,,, metal sheeting down the whole hallway

there are so many fucking shootings in the next town over. literally five years ago it was this nice place where kids would go on history tours, i did when my sister worked for that group. now there is pretty much one business that has not been held up at gunpoint, and if u look up to the serial killer bullet point, it is for v similar ties. it’s a pizza place and if u ever stop by u gotta try it

women in my family have weirdly good intuition but every couple generations we get doubtful. my great grandma didn’t want a hospital birth but decided “hey it’s the hot new thing for a reason”, my mom switched churches based on nothing but intuition and it turned out someone was a pedophile there (found out years later), i instantly could tell my friend’s boyfriend was a pos and wasn’t surprised later when he told her he’d murder and dismember me in front of her, and upon meeting him told him he was a fucking coward and couldn’t do it. he broke up with her a month later.

i was really good friends for a while with two guys that burned a building down. yes they were arrested. i was friends before and after the fire. they’re pretty nice, but this girl they used to date (at different times, they were brothers, yes it was fucking weird and uncomfortable for everyone involved except her but that’s it’s own thing) said some fucked up shit and it was the closest i ever got to starting a fight. anyway i’m still friends with both on facebook. one of them shares a lot of king of the hill memes

speaking of that fight, i 100% would’ve tried to kill her in that moment. u know that john mulaney quote like “i didn’t understand how a person could want to kill another person. then i got cheated on, and i was like ‘oh, okay.’”? that was me, but replace “cheated on” with she told me it was good my five year old sister was dead because she was a waste, and told me she hoped i’d die of covid”. it was mainly the sister thing. i couldn’t move because if i did i’d start a fight with the [way] above mentioned shit.

my family has a literal feud with a local farming family. i mean, we keep farm animals (sheep, goats, chickens), these people have that, pigs, and crops too. the feud was because their great uncle (or great grand uncle, i’m a little fuzzy on the details) published an autobiography (despite not being anyone famous/important) and in it talked about when he was friends with my grandfather and how creepy my great grandfather was (this was the one with the dead firstborn son) because he kept newspaper clippings of the Lindbergh baby’s kidnapping and murder pinned to a board on the wall of his office/basement. also because he was a child of german immigrants who wanted to fight against nazis in WW2 (how suspicious [sarcasm]). members of their family are in my grade. they charged my sister for almost half an extra pound of goods, too, which just revitalized it.

i live by corn fields. i am surrounded by cornfields. (joke one)

i was friends for a while with this girl whose baby teeth,,, didn’t really fall out completely? she was 17 the last time i saw her in person, she’s probably 19 now and judging by her facebook pictures they’re still Like That. she had a very symmetrical mouth/teeth, which made it weirder. just to clarify, she had some of her baby teeth pushed forward and up, so they kind pointed out a little? and all her adult teeth. she was literally so pretty.

a teacher who is v sexual with his female students came into my english class (he is a science teacher) to demand why i wasn’t signed up for his class. we then both became increasingly passive aggressive and he told the whole class where i live with specific directions and landmarks. the guy sitting next to me had to try to tone things down despite being obviously confused as to why it was even happening (me too buddy). he lives down the road from my sister. when my niece had her birthday party at our house i was outside setting things up and he slowed his car down and honked at me. fuckin creep

#tw child death #tw animal death #tw arson #i guess? #tw shooting #tw murder #a lot of that one actually #tw child abuse #tw violence #let me know if u think i should tag anything else #no one wanted this #except for me #tw cult

[midas-or-khaos]

Spirit, chapter 2

Ughhhhhhhh...waking up is shit. Ice sat in place for his heart, but waking up to these covers is amazing; so soft, like lamb wool or something and it’s all so WARM, like a 360 blanket draining away the frost in his marrow. Whatever was causing that gentle swaying was a life saver. Nice, gentle, swaying...

...Wait. Beds don’t rock, something’s happened. Ohhhhhhhh shit he fainted yesterday hadn’t he? Who (with the exception of trainee surgeons and Victorian women in novels) faints?

People who meet things that don’t exist apparently, ‘cause last time anyone checked giants don’t fucking exist! SOD IT! Ok, calm down, level head, this isn’t the time to go crazy ‘cause otherwise he’s fucked. Just breathe and think it through, what happened? He fainted for the first time in his life, and is now in the possession of whoever found him. Bright side, he was now warm and healing his busted feet, so if a chance to escape occurred, the odds were more stacked in his favour. His head rattled, was it all against him, or was his head pain something else? Concentrate. Other side, the giants could pull him out of whatever cranny they’d stuffed him into at any point and crush him. One option then, he had to try and escape unnoticed before anything happened.

Ok what was the environment Bill was working with? Through the fuzzy walls, the muttering from before was still going on (just quite a bit louder, though not painfully). The language used wasn’t anything recognisable, even the sounds seemed completely left field with the occasional use of whistling on certain words. No ability to communicate, great. Made sense now why whoever shouted back when he called out just said ‘argh’. Bill couldn’t distract them with bullshitting if he was spotted, so that meant extra stealth. He could do that, but how? They’re awake and aware so they’ll notice him moving around wherever he was. Especially if he was close to the body of whichever giant he was attached to. No knife though, so he couldn’t make a hole and slip out. He’d have to force his way out the top, but take it slow.

Lightly patting around in the dark, the smooth wool came to a dip above his head. There’s the bitch. Trying with a hand first, a few fingers managed to slip through the sphincter. Chattering he hadn’t noticed had been there started up at at a whole new level. Chilly, ok, but not too hard. Trying again, the whole hand pushed through, frost lapping at exposed finger tips. Freedom, but dangerous freedom. If there was no shelter once he got out, he’d be back to square 1, freezing his balls off and potentially dying from exposure. However, there was still no change from anyone on the outside, so coast was clear. Better to take a chance. Taking the second hand, it snugly fit in beside the other; now came the tricky part. The angle wasn’t the best, but with all the might he could muster from string bean muscles (and shot glass worth of excitement induced adrenaline), the clenched entrance came apart, and a blinding spotlight snuck through. It’s just there!

On shaking thighs trying to keep balance, the brunette stuck his upper half out, almost instantly a gush threw Bill around like a daisy hanging on for dear life to its stem; the bittersweet outside. As the whoosh past, the opportunity to look round dame at last. The boy wasn’t sure what was worse: seeing nothing, or seeing reality.

He was nowhere, adrift a sea of swaying spines that rolled and tumbled for an eternity all round, in a boat he had no control of, and had no idea of its intentions or direction. Even if he were to escape, there was nowhere he could hide. No shelter he could find. No experience on how to find food. He was as dead out there (he found with shuddering breaths, unsure if it was the chill, or his own rising panic) as he was in the pockets of his captors. There was no way to find home. Jesus...

...his captors had been awfully quiet...

“Doyo?”

Throwing his head back, the boy’s blue orbs grew wide and doe like as a new face held what little concentration he could get from himself in place. Younger, much younger, around mid 20’s? But he held similar features to the older man, so maybe a relative. Wait was he talking to Bill? A shiver, CRAP, he’d been spotted trying to escape!

“Wwwwwwwha?” Was all that could dribble out of the O of his lips.

Curious buttercup coloured irises were hidden by furrowed brows.

“Doyo...deskja jo?”

“I, errrr, em. I’m sorry, I literally don’t understand a word you’re saying, but pleeeeaaaasssse.” He reasons with bated breath, “Pleeeaaassseee don’t hurt me.”

No reply this time, just an abrupt stop, throwing him forward. Rising up rollercoastered his stomach down. A full-shadowed jaw was coming closer, he was about to get eaten, a gruesome death.

“OH FUCK PLEASE DON’T-”

Smush

“-ww...wha?”

The giant pressed Bill to his forehead, holding him there. What the hell was he doing? The heat radiating off was like lava, steaming off his fingertips whilst the wind at his back felt that much worse for it. His holder turned back and called out.

“Sit mayert. Demnot doing great.”

What was that?

The youthful face looked back, the cords of his throat tight and bulging, like he was holding his breath. Did he just switch to English? What he imagining that? HOW WAS THAT POSSIBLE! HOW WAS ANY OF THIS POSSIBLE?!

He was losing his mind, and his body. Limp all round, this unusual unresponsiveness was feeling less like fright, and more like what little heat was being sapped out once more. Bill couldn’t go on, the icy ache was taking over all thought.

A hand like fallen tree descended in like it was nothing, plucking up his upper body and stuffing it back inside his baking prison (which was doing little to warm him truly) and sealed the top shut once more, footsteps becoming thunderous all round. They were moving fast. Fuck, he couldn’t stay awake, the heat was a lullaby, and no matter how much his mind wanted to fight, in the end the body submitted.

...This was getting ridiculous. Where was he this time? Well, at least the supposedly unmoving ice in his body was shifting its way out again, because now he could feel his fingers and toes. Opening his eyes, he was greeted to a pointed roof of what looked like thatch, only it was some ridiculous amount of meters up above to accommodate the gigantic residents. The whole room in fact smelt earthy, walls made of waxed wood and thatching, with something that looked like clay or mud plugging in holes and leaving the air tasting of dust, however non of the elements had any chance of getting in so win some lose some.

Sitting up, a groan threw him back down, a migraine putting him back in his place. Oh the joys of feeling like life’s punching-bag. Something foul smelling and wet suddenly smacked his feet, before trailing over and over his legs. Ew. Shifting to try and pull away, the thing only came back with more vigour, going for the whole body, mo matter how much he tried to pull away. Whatever it was eventually pulled back, and heavy pants came from above. Like that...of a dog. Uncurling, the wide smile, stout snout and wide face was unmistakable. It looked like some kind of Tibetan mastiff, if only some 100x bigger. It seemed friendly though, and that smile was too wonderful to hold a grudge against, it was doing its best to take care of him. Despite being slobbered on thanks to its exuberance, Bill couldn’t help but coo and call it back, wanting to stroke that lion mane ginger hair. Probably felt like silk. The dog was all too happy to oblige, short nose leading in to nuzzle his middle fondly. This was a better way to wake up, lying on a bear-like dog, being snuggled.

“Thanks mate. You’re lovely, aren’t you? I wish I had a dog like you back at Uni, so I would always have someone nice to come home to.” He slurred, draping over the good boy’s snout. A chuff was replied.

How had he become acclimatised to this level of insane so quickly, that he didn’t question or care about lying down with an enormous dog? Had he really given up trying to comprehend, or had his subconscious decided to flood his systems with enough serotonin to not panic himself into oblivion? Because consciously, he still saw this day as maddening. Giants were real, he was tiny, and he was making a bed on a dog. To think, he’d thought leaving his mother to stay on the other side of the country was a big deal. That managed to put a bit of a sour note in his mouth, eyes dulled as he concentrated on his mother. What he wouldn’t do to have her back. Bill’s poor mother must be losing her mind with fright, and in all honesty, he wanted her back more than anything in this world that made less and less sense. Just the sight of familiarity, the smell of floral unconditional love, and the touch of a warm hand.

“Hey.”

...reality made no sense. It sounded like buttercup eyes from before.

“Rooster, you’re not still Ill, are you?”

Rooster?

Not bothering to turn and get up to only let pain drag him down (plus Doge, as the boy decided to coin his new friend, was comfortable), Bill chose to instead groan to the air.

“My name’s not rooster.”

There was a small shift from behind. A new set of breaths, much lighter than the dog’s filtered lightly across his back. He was so close, all that nonchalantly was being replaced by adrenaline. He could grab and control all he wanted. Stay calm.

“Did...you just reply?” Came a stuttered response.

“Surprise. I don’t know either, but I can understand you now.” How very monotone of him, good.

There was a pause on Buttercup’s behalf, so he chose to carry on.

“I think it started when I was pressed to your forehead-” snapped out.

“-You remembered that? I’m surprised, I thought the hypothermia had driven you out of your mind.”

“Hypothermia?” Was that what was messing his head round? To think he’d been that vulnerable.

“Yes. Didn’t you notice?”

“I’ve never had it, so I wouldn’t know.”

A light touch, maybe a finger, grazed his spine. Trying not to shiver is harder than it looks.

“You feel warmer to the touch Rooster, so it’s probably gone.”

There it was again. “Why do you keep calling me rooster?” That may have been a bit too forward. Luckily, Butter seemed to take it in stride.

“Sorry, your determination to live when you were faced with arid land was like that of a rooster. Stubborn. Well, that and the hair. You were tenacious enough to outwit death.”

Don’t really think it was tenacity mate. Looks more like it was luck. It also looked like his luck was out.

Multiple rough finger tips touched both sides. That was the last straw. Unable to stay calm and pretend not to be terrified, Bill let out a shout of “no!”, but the hand had already scooped under his squirming body and lifted him again.

“Shhhh shhhhh shhhh. It’s ok, you’re ok Rooster. Where’s all that bravery from before?”

It was never there, it was all a facade crumbling like dust in the wind. He wasn’t brave, never was, always too afraid to speak up. All of his so called bravery was simple survival tactics that had failed him miserably. He was stupid, and impulsive, getting so caught up in one direction of thought that he never saw the consequences. It was all go, and less stop and think. And now, that immediacy to react had made him scared of the same person that had saved him from hypothermia.

“I’m sorry.” Whispered out.

The hand lifted the boy to a scruffy cheek, sweet almond-shaped eyes looking over adoringly as a curtain of thick, onyx locks cascaded around and just let him be in that moment.

“Don’t be. You’re scared, that’s alright. I would be too if I were picked up by strangers. Let’s get you some food and you can tell me your name. Mine’s Ekashiba.”

“I’m Bill.” He could already tell he was going to forget that name quickly.

At last the brunette was pulled away, feeling better. It wasn’t often that Bill enjoyed close contact, hating to be touched by others (even his own family to a point, though it wasn’t personal), but for a reason even he couldn’t comprehend, Ekashiba’s touch wasn’t as pervasive and unwanted as usually all things were. It was...nice.

As the boy was held at waist level to the man, he couldn’t help but notice in fact, all of Ekashi spoke of warmth, literally. He was wearing some sort of monochrome robe, like a Kimono but made of thick wool, with a similar sort of linen version peaking underneath. On top of that, a deep crimson sleeveless robe and finishing it all off, ring earrings and a bead necklace. But no pockets, Bill noticed with a confused head swivel. How was he carried here then?

Trotting through connecting dome-shaped rooms, the heat started to permeate the air and a sweat was building. There in the centre of the room, a wide birthed fire pit made of sand, surrounded by what looked like the whole family sitting on the raised wooden, tatami matted floor, cooking. They were all chatting amongst themselves, not noticing or uncaring that Buttercup had entered. It was a much larger family than his own, with both grandparents all the way to a kid around 12. 9 of them in total, including the familiar bearded man. Here in the light, the resemblance was striking. Same squat button nose, same sunny eyes, hell even the same thin, bowed lips. Just the addition of crows feet and full beard.

“Dad, Rooster’s woken up.”

The man in question looked up.

“Situ mitsku do toyuma?”

What? Why couldn’t he understand them! For god sake, why’d he have to go through this song and dance twice?

“What did he say?”

Buttercup shot a look down, wide eyed.

“You can’t understand him, but you can understand me?”

“I don’t know! This is all new to me too!”

“Nea...wataki mo?”

“Yes Dad, everything’s fine. It’s just for some reason the little one can only understand me-”

“-Oi, dickhead! I’m 18, not 10-“

“-And we don’t know why.”

The Dad seemed to ponder this for a while, catching the attention of the other members that weren’t cooking (grandparents, wife and the other couple). It got quite heated at one point, and Bill was only managing to be ok with all the frighteningly boisterous shouting because he was still steaming about the earlier comment. Ekashi looked like a cat trying to focus in on one target among a flock of birds, barely keeping on track, and throwing the odd comment here and there.

“Are you sure?” “Doesn’t seem likely.” “I think we need to-“

This was like GCSE French all over again. Tidbits of understanding and the rest a sea of bollocks. Was this good news or bad?

“Buttercup, please, I just want to know what’s going on.”

“Buttrvrup?”

Crap. The brunette forgot only he called him that behind his back.

“That’s not the important bit, what’s going on?”

“They’re trying to decide what you are and if you’re safe to have round.”

“...but I’m like the size of a mouse, why would I be unsafe to have around?”

“They fear you may be a Monster.”

Of course. Why didn’t Bill see that coming.

“...fair enough.” What kind of an answer was that?! He should’ve made more of an effort to try and change the family’s mind through Ekashi.

The conversation just kept going on and on in circles, but one member of the debate was starting to take notice in the boy’s mind. The grandmother, hunched, skin like cracked earth and silvery. She hadn’t said a thing the whole time, just stared at him and watched his hawkish lay with beady eyes. Like she was debating his worth just through observation. Was he doing alright? Was he making a good impression.

“Boy, lift up your shirt.”

Holy shit. “Y-you speak English?” Why didn’t she say anything this entire time!

“Please, do as I ask.”

Everything fell silent, save for the bubbling wok of oil, and everyone came round to see what she was talking about. So silent, the anticipation was cutting.

“...ok.” Taking both hands to the edge of the roughed up t-shirt, the boy himself was reluctant to see what was there, but it had to be done. Putting up resistance as much as he could, shaking hands lifted the edge with nervous twitched rising. There was a black strip. No way. Lifting more the strip became strips, till he got the lip of the edge into his mouth. It was a symbol, like a kanji. A perhaps dreadful realisation, she’d seen this before.

“As I thought. The sign of the heavens. Oki, you can’t harm the child.”

“Kamita odo?”

She didn’t break eye contact once.

“...because that, is your son’s new spirit.”

#giant/tiny #g/t writing #g/t community #g/t fluff #g/t #gt fluff #gianttiny #gt #giants #g/t story #g/t oc #sfw g/t #gt blog #giant tiny story #giant tiny #giant male #gentle giant #giant hug #giant #tiny #tiny male #tiny man #my ocs #original writing #ocs #original character #original work #original story

[antiloveenergy]

Obey Me! MC Introduction—Ava.

MC Character Sheet idea — courtesy of @luciferasmr ♡ thank u sm!

i have many depictions of her but i chose this one. courtesy of picrew.

Name: Aveline Mille-Feuille de Poivre et Cornelia

Nickname (if any): Ava (pronounced ah-VA. she’s the type to correct you every time.) 

Age: 19

Height: 5′4

Weight: ~130 lbs

Race: Human 

Gender: Female

Birthday: 1st February

Star Sign: Aquarius

Hair color: Ivory/Light blonde

Eye color: Lilac

Skin tone: Pale white

Which sin are they like?

1. Pride

2. Greed

3. Gluttony

4. Wrath

5. Lust

6. Sloth

7. Envy

Personality Traits: Ava is a mild-mannered and soft-spoken girl. I like to think she is the traditional Aquarian. She prides herself in being intelligent and having the ability to view things objectively. She comes off a little frosty, sporting a bored facial expression and preferring to let her friends do the talking for her. However, she is very friendly and honest to a fault. Ava is also very sensitive, even though she never likes to show her feelings. When she is comfortable with you, you’ll notice how eccentric she actually is. 

Background: Ava was born in Paris, France, in a (fictional) 21st Arrondissement known as Royaume—meaning realm, in French. This district separates magic from non-magic humans. She was born to a family of noble sorcerers, the Mille-Feuille family. (ENG pron. meal-foy) She recently graduated from the Young Sorcerers Academy, a distinguished wizarding school within Paris. Although she is an Honors graduate, she is considered a Rookie Sorcerer and must continue her studies outside of school. This is a firm expectation of her mother, who emphasizes that her magic sophistication is more important than anything else in her life. Ava develops a hidden resentment for her mother because of her lack of freedom. 

Why were they chosen for Devildom?: I like to think her “kidnapping” to the Devildom was for her sake. Not only does she get to experience a world outside the “realm” of the magical district, she also has the opportunity to study demonic dark arts and form alliances with the most powerful demons in the Devildom. Maybe that will shut her doting mother up, no?  

Hobbies: Ava has a keen interest in sewing and embroidery, as well as fashion. Designing, couture, modelling, the whole nine. She’s French, so it’s inevitable that her modish style would be influenced by what she sees in her world every day. She also likes to collect jewelry and stuffed animals. 

Likes: Accessories of Sanrio characters (& other copyrighted animal friends), chemistry, truffles, thigh high boots. 

Dislikes: Being told what to do, people disagreeing with her, the food of the Devildom. 

Appearance

Casual Clothing: Ava’s everyday clothing is usually a white or black fitted turtleneck. This is paired with a denim or black bodycon skirt and thigh high boots. This simple outfit is paired with a pendant, bracelet and a hairpin.  Although she does have plenty of clothes, being in the Devildom limits her selection of wardrobe. 

Top: ♡ , ☾

Bottoms: ♡ , ☾

Shoes: ♡, ☾

Accessories (if any): ♡, ☾, ☆, ♢

Glasses?: She does not need reading glasses

Uniform: So when Ava first received her RAD uniform, she thought it was ugly. It was the typical uniform with trousers and the coat, you know the drill. When she requested to alter her uniform, Lucifer almost objected to it but Lord Diavolo didn’t seem to mind, as long as the adornishments of the blazer weren’t manipulated. 

Any alterations to their uniform? If so, what?: She decided to elongate the coat and put some light padding underneath to emulate a dress. She also cinched it to fit more tight on her waistline. It reached to her mid-thighs, and maintained its proper buttons and things. With the trousers, she cut them by leg and constructed them into knee-high boots. The process was lengthy (and expensive), but it was done. She pairs this fit with a white frilly blouse underneath the blazer-dress.

Family

Mother: Lady Cornelia Savarin (neé Mille-Feuille), a noble sorcerer and the eldest of the 5 Mille-Feuille daughters. Her appearance is icy, with long ash grey hair paired with sharp baby blue eyes. She seems to never smile. Very bourgie and exudes royal energy 24/7. Cornelia loves her daughter dearly, but she wants to mold her into the woman she grew up to be: Powerful, well-respected, etc.

Father: Duke Poivre Savarin. He was born to a neighboring family of sorcerers. Messy blonde hair and lavender eye color—where Ava gets her looks from. These days, he has abandoned his magic and is currently on a 100-acre farm in the South of France. Ava still has no idea as to why he chose to ditch his life in Royaume. Rumor has it that he committed wrongful acts and fled, others speculate that the Mille-Feuille family disowned him as an in-law. Maybe he just wants to raise cows and chickens. Nonetheless, Ava keeps some contact with her father. 

Siblings (if any): None. 

Pets?: Ava owns a chinchilla named Bisou, which she obtained while in the Devildom. Satan was the one who brought her and suggested she get a chinchilla. (Lucifer may not approve of having a pet in the house, while also having a massive three-headed hellhound...)

How many friends does your MC have?: While her stay at RAD, she became friends with three low-ranking demon girls: Cléo (ex-human), Bianca (a succubus) and Lolita (a divination witch). 

Ava and Cléo have met previously when the latter attended the same school as Ava. However, Cléo’s destructive tendencies got her banished into Hell indefinitely. (long story short she committed domestic terrorism by releasing demonic spirits into the city and possessing a shit ton of people.) 

Past relationships: N/A

Has your MC had a relationship before?: As a child she may have had a boyfriend, but that barely counts, right?

Have they been in love?: Nope. Whenever she does though, she will go insane. 

How easy do they gain crushes?: Not very easy, to be honest. She tends to be impersonal to people she is not friends with. In a crush, Ava typically keeps people at a distance, especially if she finds herself ‘feeling different’ when she’s around them. 

Do they believe in love?: She absolutely believes in love, especially monogamous love. She takes it extremely seriously, making any romantic relationship she finds herself in a slow-pacing one. “The strength of your heart compromises the one of your mind, so why would you give your heart so easy?” she would say.

What’s their type? A confident, intelligent person. Someone that can stimulate her mentally and provide her with devotion. Someone adventurous and sporadic, who is willing to show her a different side to them. 

Sexuality: Ava is heterosexual but she came to the conclusion that women provide more emotional comfort. 

Which one of the 7 brothers does your MC like the most? okay this is hard one. it’s a tie between Asmodeus and Satan. 

Why? Asmodeus, because she got along with him first. They have shared values in beauty and fashion, so it was easy for them to find common ground. She can show off her hobbies and have Asmo be receptive to it. Satan, because they’re both Intellectuals™ and can have a good debate with their big juicy brains. She also likes to compete with him to see who receives the better marks in school. 

What traits do they look for in a partner? Dignified, loyal, smart, soft-hearted, sincere, masculine, and protective. 

General

Favorite food: Chocolate covered anything. Berries, nuts, lizards, beetles, anything! She also loves anything with cheese on it. 

Least favorite: Chips. Too salty.

Favorite topic in school: Science and Magic Studies

Least favorite topic: English 

Favorite color: White

Least favorite color: Red

Do they like to be sociable or are they more of a recluse? Ava’s more introverted, but she finds herself to be more sociable in a group.

Favorite movie genre? Fantasy 

Do they read a lot or no? Yes, if you count spellbooks and magazines!

Favorite animal: Rodents (i.e, chinchillas, squirrels and ferrets etc.)

Favorite genre of music: She likes French pop from the 60s. This is her favorite song. ♡ she also likes R&B and some rap, introduced by her friends.

Least favorite genre: Acoustics. She prefers the electric guitar over the wooden ones. 

Do they like sweets? Yes! The namesake of her last name is a popular dessert, so it’s no doubt that she loves anything pastry and sugary. 

Do they like spicy food? Not as much as she likes sweets. She does like red pepper flakes in the inedible Devildom cuisine, if the taste calls for it.

Do they like school? Ava is a dork so she loves school. When she found out she was returning to an academy, she wasn’t that upset about it. This gave her an opportunity to learn more, outperform her peers, and go back to the school atmosphere.

Pet peeves: When people don’t match their clothes, when people question her, anything that she cannot put logical reasoning to, and clutter. 

#i absolutely loved doing this #i have been itching for an opportunity to expand on my MC/OC #i like fleshed out characters hence the extensiveness! #tysm again luciferasmr! #obey me! shall we date #obey me mc #also my mc's handle is @avainroyaume #obey me #yk the drill

[hazellvesque]

Some Kind of Miracle - Chapter 9

Fandom: Miraculous Ladybug

Rating: G

Pairing: Adrien/Marinette

Summary: If Marinette had her way, she would have had nothing to do with Alya’s latest celebrity crush. So how did she get roped into stalking him around Los Angeles? When fashion icon Adrien Agreste quite literally crashes into Marinette’s life, they have no choice but to put up with one another or risk ruining both of their potential careers forever.

An AU based on the iconic Disney Channel Original Movie, Starstruck.

Read on Ao3

Chapter 9 - Searching

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At first, the silence had been a welcome respite from the non-stop hustle of the trip thus far. Marinette had uttered a silent thank you to Gabriel Agreste and his obscene fortune, as it was the main reasoning behind her overwhelming sense of serenity and downright coziness as she burrowed further under the endless expanse of blankets on her expensive hotel room bed.

Until now, she’d never realized just how comfortable a pillow could be. If she ever came into possession of a massive inheritance or managed to marry rich, she decided, her first order of business would be to invest in half a dozen down pillows. With silk pillowcases. The highest thread count she could find.

And to think, some people lived like this every day . All tall ceilings and open floor plans and the most expensive materials making up every inch of their living space, never needing to share with or see anyone, having every possible thing they could want in the world right at their fingertips.

Incredible was one word for it. Intimidating was another. Yet glancing around the massive space with nothing but the sounds of morning rush hour traffic in the distance to distract her, Marinette couldn’t help but wonder how quickly this life would turn from luxury to loneliness. Owning everything you could ever want, but having no one to share it with? No doubt the novelty would turn stale eventually.

Admittedly, as the hours dragged on, the quiet and comfort quickly turned to restlessness and an odd tickling sense in the back of her mind that she should be doing something. Anything besides lying around and letting the day waste away.

At this time of morning, the only shows on television were overacted soap operas and old childrens’ cartoons, which could only be entertaining for so long. Scrolling through other people’s pictures and posts was never very rewarding, and opening her sketchbook only helped to make her realize just how lacking her brain was in the inspiration department. She couldn’t think of a single new idea.

Compared to the past couple of days she’d been having, a single afternoon of relaxation and silence was dull at best, and downright torture at worst. The most productive thing she’d done all day was rummage through Alya’s bag for ibuprofen and wander to the kitchen to make herself a cup of coffee. In retrospect, caffeine probably wasn’t the best for a headache, but the energy was worth the side effects.

All Marinette could think about, honestly, was how much she hoped Alya wasn’t going to completely freak out being in the Agreste mansion. It was all fun and games until her best friend got so excited that she popped a blood vessel or fangirled too hard in front of the wrong snobbish elite.

At least Alya was having more fun than she was.

--

Alya Césaire had never been more stressed in her entire life.

Her nerves were a direct reflection of her mother’s, who was pacing back and forth as she read over her to-do lists. If her incessant circling went on any longer, she might very well leave a permanent rut in the Agreste’s perfectly manicured back lawn.

It seemed neither of them were very good at handling last-minute wrenches in their plans.

Nathalie Sancouer had greeted them as they entered the car outside of their hotel, giving only a brief apology for the last minute addition to Mme. Césaire’s itinerary and ensuring her that she’d receive a substantial pay raise as a result. Putting a face to the mysterious assistant’s name was the first thing that put Alya on edge. The woman had a fierce stare, even as she remained watching straight ahead and hardly spared her backseat passenger a second glance.

The next source of tension came from what Alya thought was an innocent question. Slicing through the thick silence, she dared to ask, “So, do you plan and hire people for all sorts of celebrities like Gabriel Agreste or is this a one time thing?”

Nathalie’s smile - though it seemed more like a knowing smirk - quirked just slightly enough for Alya to see in the rearview mirror. “I am Mr. Agreste’s personal assistant,” she said coolly. “I handle all of his affairs.”

Alya had suddenly felt as motion sick as she did on the plane. She tried her best not to gape at the woman like an idiot. Instead, her shock was directed towards her mother, who sat innocently looking out of the window of the passenger seat as if she hadn’t heard a thing.

Before Alya could open her mouth, Nathalie cut in. “I’ll be adding your name to the non-disclosure agreement your mother signed upon accepting the job. You won’t be telling anyone about the things you do as part of this job. Understood?”

Even if the words seemed harsh, Nathalie still had a hint of amusement lingering on her face. A threat hidden under a smile was enough to send a chill down Alya’s spine.

“Understood,” Alya gulped.

By the time the tables were set up and guests began arriving, Alya had stress-eaten about five cupcakes. Maybe six. But who was counting?

Stand up straight. Smile politely. Don’t let your hands shake too much. She plastered on a cheery demeanor as she passed plates of sugary confectioneries to anyone who approached the table.

Nathalie watched her from the other side of the garden, a small approving smile on her face.

The guest list seemed to be entirely incohesive. Attire ranged from business casual to black tie and everything in between, and there seemed to be no rhyme or reason to the conversations happening around her. So far, there was no sign of Adrien or his father.

There were, however, many guests her age. Young people, likely models and musicians and the like. And there in the distance, a familiar spectacled face in the crowd. Alya squinted to get a better look, but that proved unnecessary as the boy and a female companion approached the desserts.

She prayed there were no cupcake crumbs or icing remnants on her chin. She cleared her throat once to get his attention, then again to try and look casual. “It was Nino, right?”

She remembered at the last second that she should speak English, so her vowels were slurred in all the wrong ways, but at least it sounded vaguely understandable.

Nino’s eyebrow raised in recognition. He nodded. “Nightclub girl. Anna, or-?”

“Alya,” she supplied.

“Right,” he tapped his temple with his index finger, as if he were committing the name to memory this time.

Alya’s eyes slid to the blonde girl. If her glossy high golden ponytail weren’t recognizable enough, she made sure to stand out with her insanely high shoes and little black dress. No surprise that she was the best dressed person here by far. ‘ Posh ’ was one of the kinder words that Alya’s blog followers used in their comments about her. “And you’re Chloe Bourgeois.”

“You know who she is?” Nino frowned.

Chloe scoffed. “It’s about time someone did, right?”

“She’s Adrien’s friend,” Alya said too quickly, too matter-of-factly. Her eyes widened as her mind scrambled for a cover. “At least, I assume you both are. That’s why you’re here, right?”

“Well, you’re here too,” Chloe looked her up and down. Not disdainfully, but quizzically. “Alone?”

“Chef Césaire is my mom, I’m here to help her set up and serve.”

“Serving? Oh please,” Chloe rolled her eyes, placing her hand on the small of Alya’s back and guiding her away from the table, not bothering to ask if she actually wanted to leave. “These people may have enough cash to get everything handed to them, but they’re not entirely helpless. You shouldn’t have to stand there all night and kiss their asses.”

Alya looked to Nino for help, but he seemed just as confused. He snatched a cupcake from the table before trailing behind them, biting into it as if it were movie theater popcorn to accompany the entertaining scene about to unfold.

“Are you sure Natha- er, Miss Sancouer won’t mind? She seemed pretty serious about this whole thing.”

“Oh, she’ll mind,” Nino smirked, taking another bite. “But you’re not her kid, so she can’t get mad at you for whatever trouble you might get in like she does with Adrien-”

“Except she’s not his mom,” Chloe grumbled, “and she should stop acting like she is.”

Alya nearly flinched noticing the way Chloe’s grip suddenly felt like claws in her back.

Nino continued on, either not noticing the icy shift in tone or choosing to ignore it. “Besides, there’s nothing to do tonight to even get you on her bad side. This whole thing is just another scheme of hers to make Adrien look good. ‘Stand around, eat some food, talk to some guests, don’t say or do anything questionable, be mundane all night so no one can bad mouth you later.’”

The three of them had made it over to the bandstand, where a guitarist had just finished setting up. Chloe sat on a white stool, immediately leaning down to unfasten the buckle on her stiletto heels. She removed her shoes and folded her legs under her, somehow effortlessly poised in her odd seated position. Evidently she was very comfortable here. Nino wasted no time making himself comfortable too, swinging an extra stool around to use as a footrest.

“Is this a normal thing?” Alya asked. “I mean, a band, a caterer, a whole huge crowd of people to entertain. Just for some flashy pictures?

“Welcome to Hollywood,” Nino gestured as the last open seat next to him, urging Alya to relax. “Enjoy your stay while you can.”

As the guitarist plucked out the first few notes of a soft rock song, Chloe leaned over to talk with Alya. How she had perfect posture even when sitting so precariously was a mystery. “Is it your first time at something like this?”

Alya swallowed nervously as she sat down. “How could you tell?”

“You don’t fit in,” Chloe said bluntly. “Trust me, that’s a good thing. You haven’t let any of this stuff go to your head. Don’t let it corrupt you or else you’ll feel obligated to start wearing stuff like this-” she gestured to her discarded shoes, “-to impress people you don’t even know.”

As the song picked up, Alya’s two new companions lapsed into comfortable silence. A few people had wandered over to listen as well, still huddled in their odd exclusive conversation circles.

Chatter and a half a dozen camera flashes in quick succession to Alya’s left caught her attention.

There, coming out of the sliding glass doors of the large house, was the reason Alya’s heart suddenly started palpitating. Adrien had finally arrived, fashionably late to his own party. That, too, was probably calculated down to the minute.

He looked exactly like his pictures, which was probably why her brain hadn’t entirely processed yet that he was indeed a real person, standing less than 10 meters away, totally accessible. Alya took a deep breath as she watched him descend the short steps and properly enter the garden area. Stay calm, she reminded herself for the tenth time that night.

Various partygoers struck up conversation with him immediately as he put on a show for the cameras, smiling and shaking hands all around. Knowing it was all mostly fake left a weird feeling in Alya’s gut.

“There he is,” Chloe looked up, quickly fastening her shoes back on. “I’ll be back,” she said, abandoning her seat.

Nino tipped his head back and sighed. “No you won’t,” he said to no one.

The band’s guitarist strummed out the last notes of their song to polite applause from the small crowd. Alya cast a nervous glance back at the dessert table, but her mother was deep in conversation with other party guests, laughing and even enjoying some of her delicacies for herself. Nathalie stood in her own circle not too far away, not seeming to care in the slightest that Alya had abandoned her post.

Chloe had made her way to Adrien’s side, planting quick bises on both of his cheeks and gesturing for him to come join them near the band. He smiled and gave her a ‘later’ gesture before turning to greet the rest of his guests while Chloe shrugged and dissolved into the crowd.

And then there was Nino, still lounging beside Alya, nodding along to the opening notes of the next song, completely lost in the music. His glasses had slipped down the bridge of his nose. His tie knot was slightly loose, hanging around his neck revealing that the top two buttons of his shirt were undone. Casual. Like he didn’t care at all about the crowd and cameras. He was completely in his element listening to the music.

He was kind of cute, now that she thought about it.

“I’ve never heard this song,” Alya tested the waters.

Nino smiled just a little, his eyes still closed blissfully. “Neither have I. It’s got a nice beat to it though. It’s probably an original, not a cover.”

His foot tapped against the stool to the steady rhythm. His fingertips twitched, as if he were playing an air instrument.

Alya tilted her head. “Is that how you and Adrien met? You’re a musician? What do you play?”

“Musician is one word for it I guess,” his voice was low, allowing the other party goers to enjoy the music. He spoke only loud enough for Alya to listen. “I’ve tried picking up strings and keys but none of that really suits me. I leave the original work to the more talented folks, but finding ways to remix and mashup songs is my favorite. I’m trying to think of a way I can use this bass line.”

His hands continued their odd little dance, moving through the air as if he were placing invisible notes on a floating staff.

Alya was glad his eyes were closed, so he wouldn’t notice her staring.

As often as Nino’s name came up in tabloids alongside Adrien, not much was known about him. No one really knew who he was - and judging by the way he chose to blend in tonight, all casually clothed and careless air, that was probably intentional. All he was known for was being Adrien’s best friend. But clearly there was more to the story.

She waited until the song was over and his hands came to a rest at his side to speak again.

She decided to try a new topic, one that wouldn’t have her gaping like a fish out of water while he went on and on about a hobby she knew nothing about. “So Chloe seems. . . nice.”

“She can be when she wants to,” Nino said, leaning his head closer to whisper, “but to be honest, I was the one who saw you over there stressing yourself out and I figured you could use a break. I guess her getting your attention was her way of being nice to me today.”

“Oh.”

Before she could think of a response, Nino stood and shrugged his head towards the growing crowd at the center of the party. “Come on, let me go introduce you to the man of the hour.”

Alya’s stomach dropped to her toes. Nino led the way through the throngs of people, having no trouble making his way up to the superstar model. It was like the red sea of flashy glitz and glamor parted perfectly to make way for best friend privileges.

Adrien immediately lit up at the sight of Nino. “Dude!” They did that strange boy shoulder-bump handshake-high-five combo.

“Adrien, this is Alya,” Nino turned and waved her forward, politely taking a step back and giving her the floor.

“Um, hi!” She didn’t know if she should shake his hand. She could hardly breathe, now was not the time to be considering social etiquette. Part of her almost wanted to curtsey, but to save herself the embarrassment, she just waved politely. “Alya Césaire. Nice to meet you!”

“So you’re the daughter of the chef. Lucky you, getting to eat amazing food like that every day,” he smiled, and Alya practically melted into a puddle right there.

“Yeah,” she gulped. He was real. And talking to her. He was an actual living human person and she was in his backyard and this was his party and suddenly it felt hotter than it should even for July. “I’m pretty lucky.”

An odd look crossed his face. “I thought Nathalie told me there were two girls working with Mrs. Césaire during her stay?”

“My friend Marinette, she wasn’t feeling well tonight.”

“That’s a shame, you’ll have to tell your friend hello for me.”

If she could remember how to speak after this conversation was over, she would gladly. “Speaking of work, I should probably get back to helping my mom. But, uh, it was nice to meet you Adrien.”

“You too, Alya,” he held his hand out to her, and she steadied her breathing before shaking it briefly, afraid that if she held on any longer than a second she might burst.

She turned on her heel to leave and came face-to-face with Nino. That quickly, she had already forgotten he was standing behind her. And now he was standing incredibly close.

Nino took an awkward step back, chuckling.

“It was nice seeing you again,” he said. “I don’t want to keep your mom waiting, so I’ll tell Chloe to stop bothering you.”

Alya laughed at that. “Yes, well, tell Chloe I said thanks for kidnapping me for a little while. I had fun. And when you figure out how to mix that bass line, you should let me listen.”

Before she could embarrass herself any further, she hurried back to her spot at the dessert table.

For the rest of the night, every time she glanced up and saw Adrien and Nino in the crowd, she had to swallow down the feeling of her heart leaping up into her throat. Actively resisting the urge to stress eat more tiny desserts proved to be a difficult challenge.

And oddly enough, she didn’t think Adrien was entirely the reason why she was so nervous now.

--

The moment Alya left earshot, Adrien’s mouth morphed into a sly smile. He walked quickly, leaving the camera circle and following Nino further out into the mass of partiers.

“So Alya seems nice,” Adrien said. Casual, yet straight to the point. He applauded himself internally.

“No,” said Nino.

So much for that.

Adrien scrambled for a response. “I mean, you think she’s cool, right?”

“What scheme are you about to get me tangled up in next?”

“Just answer the question, please?”

“Yeah, she’s cool,” Nino grumbled under his breath. “I still don’t appreciate you making me her chauffeur the other night, but I can look past that now. Why do you need to know?”

“No reason,” Adrien may as well have been twiddling his thumbs and whistling a jaunty tune under his breath for how hard he was pretending to be aloof. “I just thought it might be nice for her to have someone to hang out with.”

“Right. You mean other than her best friend who she came halfway across the world with. The same girl who you keep sneaking off to talk to.”

“Well, I think Alya likes you.”

“That’s not the point,” Nino deflected, though the look in his eyes seemed to say he wasn’t totally against the idea.

“And if you, my best friend in the entire world, could do me a massive favor and distract Alya tomorrow so that Marinette doesn’t have to worry about getting caught leaving her hotel for a few hours…”

“You want me to entertain Alya so you and Marinette can go on a da-”

“I promised I’d show her around the city,” Adrien insisted. “I kind of owe her a favor, all things considered.”

Nino stood silently, his brows furrowed. Finally, he muttered, “You’ll be owing me a favor too, after all I’ve done for you.”

Adrien clapped Nino on the shoulder. “You’re the best.”

“And you’re the worst,” Nino replied.

--

Just before drifting off, Mariette noticed her phone screen light up.

She had a single notification from the app she had installed the night before. A new message.

A little birdy told me you weren’t feeling well tonight. A shame you had to miss out on the fun. Let me make it up to you tomorrow? Be ready at 9am.

- AA 

#miraculous ladybug #ml fic #adrienette #ml #some kind of miracle #my writing #tumblr I hate you and your stupid formatting #don't ask me why this took nine months I don't have an answer

[cryathon]

debilated

lol long time no see 

sequel to The Girl Code // masterlist // part one

Word Count- 1.8k

warnings- idk abandonment???sudden hair cut

It was a month since that night in your room, a month since you started dating Peter. You sat, waiting for Peter inside the restaurant. It was the same one from your first date. You guys were supposed to meet at 7, but you got there 20 minutes early. You wanted to get the same booth and everything. It was just a month, but it’s one of your first relationships, of course, you wanted it to be special, even if it was some silly anniversary. Your mind wandered to your first date, it seemed like yesterday (among other cliches) 

Peter’s non-stop texting seemed it could never get old, but after 20 minutes of “what should I wear?”, it did. You eventually just sent something about a sweater and how you were planning on going to the pizza place down the block from your house. You went there a few other times beforehand, their margarita pizza was pretty good. 

You decided on some jeans and a mildly trendy top, and some branded shoes. Admittedly, it was pretty basic, but you weren’t necessarily creative enough to make an Instagram worthy outfit. You grabbed a random jacket from your desk chair. The both of you decided that you both would walk there together. 

The doorbell rang, you sprang up from your spot on the couch, saying a quick goodbye to your parents and ran to the door. You paused, just to make sure you didn’t look as excited as you were. Taking a deep breath, you opened the door. 

“Hey.” Peter greeted. Simple, yet effective, as your heart seemed to burst at his words. 

“Hey.” you smiled kindly at him. You stepped out of your doorway and took his hand. 

The walk to the pizza parlour was pretty short, the conversation was at a minimum, the tension was very large and in charge. Thicker than a bowl of oatmeal. You stole some glances, studied his features any chance you got, looking away anytime you got caught. Of course, Peter laughed. 

“What?” You smiled. 

“Nothing, Nothing.” He smiled at the ground. 

Peter opened the door for you, something his aunt mostly likely told him to do. You smiled at Peter as he slid into the booth in front of you, he awkwardly returned the gesture. Nervousness settled in a pit in the bottom of your stomach. You awkwardly stared at Peter, who was looking at the menu. 

“So…” Peter started, “What kind of pizza is good here?” 

“The… um... I don’t really know” you grimaced, “Guess there’s a reason as to why I’m not a Chopped judge.” 

Peter laughed. Score, you thought to yourself. You continued to make some little jokes here and there, turning the awkwardness into playfulness, the date quickly turning into any other hang out between you two.

The waiter came and went, as did the drinks, and the pizza. It all disappearing as you and Peter conversed wildly about Star Wars, school and other ‘nerd’ things. The minutes seemed to fly by, everything fading away in your joy. You wanted it to last forever, however, the world needed to keep turned and suddenly, the restaurant was closing, which meant it was 10, which also meant you were past curfew.  

“Oh shit.” you sputtered, jumping out of your seat. You yanked out your wallet, pulling out a twenty. Peter stopped you, paying for everything, it might’ve cliche, but the action still made your heart melt. Of course, this didn’t help Peter’s concerned face. 

“I was...kinda supposed to be home now.” You rushed that last part, but Peter obviously caught it as he also jumped out of his seat (admittedly more graceful). His face showed more panic than yours, which didn’t really surprise you, you knew all the blame would be put on Peter. 

You sent a quick text to the group chat you have with your parents, saying that you would be late after losing track of time. They responded almost instantly, thank god. Hand and Hand, you two rushed out of the restaurant and down the sidewalk. 

You must’ve looked insane, daydreaming for the last half hour, mindlessly scrolling through your phone. You checked the time and texted Peter. 

‘Hey’ 

It was only ten minutes, no need to be overly clingy about it. 

‘Where are you?’ 

It was 30 minutes after you sent the first message, successfully putting you into panic mode.  You waited another half hour and three missed calls to text him again. 

‘Hey, I’m at the restaurant. Just call me ok?’ 

The tingling sensation in your hands and knuckles kept your hands shaking, keeping you on edge. You called again, and again, a total of 4 times in the next hour, add another 12 texts you were somewhere between anger and anxiety. 

Slowing, however, the anxiety melted away, replacing it was anger. A total aura of pissed off radiating off of you. You threw $15 dollars on the table, knowing you would just be paying for the drinks, but you didn’t really care. Holding your head up high, the tears of frustration welling in your eyes, you walked right out of the parlour and into the New York night. 

-

Peter crawled through his window around 9 pm, he was fighting practically nonstop since 1 that afternoon. Fatigue punching him in the gut, he barely got his suit off before he flopped on his bed. He thought back for a second, thinking that he forgot something, but he was too tired to care. Without another second passing by, he was passed out. 

The following morning, Peter woke up around 10, which was pretty late, but he was thankful that he actually could sleep in. The nagging feeling that he had forgotten something still picking at his brain. He looked at his phone, wanting to send the ‘traditional’ good morning text, but he was met with seemingly endless notifications. He cautiously opened his messaging app, opening to your contact. 

There were plenty of messages to go through, a lot of voicemails too. Peter’s face paled as he jumped out of bed throwing on a random shirt and joggers (that were mostly dirty, but y'know, teenagers.) He ran out of his room into the living room, where May stood, listening to music while drinking her coffee. She was already dressed for the day, Peter remembering something about grocery shopping.

“May, I need your help.” 

—-

May recommended some big romantic gesture, but Peter wasn’t sure how that was possible with 20 bucks and only half a tank of gas. Maybe some flowers? Chocolates? Those “how mad is she?” Instagram memes are all that seemed to pop into his head. And for a split second a thought sending some memes would help, maybe soften the blow, just a bit, but it would probably aggravate you more. In the back of his mind, he knew that he should tell you about his alter ego, you would surely understand then.

Well, it wasn’t really a romantic gesture, Peter kinda just showed up on your doorstep, not really having a plan in mind (he was supposed to think about that on the subway), he just hoped that at least you would answer the door. It was just a casual Saturday, around midday, just like a month prior. Under any other circumstances, Peter would laugh. If this were a book his English teacher would stop in the middle of class and point out the use of parallelism and make the class discuss about it. Hypothetically, Peter thought, since last time went so well, shouldn’t this time be the same? I mean the evidence is there. 

However, knowing that he could ruin this relationship with you just like his last one, really killed the mood. This is too meta, he thought. 

Slightly crumpled flowers held limply in his left hand, he knocked on your door, reliving the day a month and a day ago. 

The door creaked open, a tight-lipped smile covered his face, awkwardness settling in his stomach. Anxiety clenched at his heart as you appeared from behind the door. You stood pretty plainly, chewing on your lips slightly, your eyebrows raised, although your eyes were slightly red and puffy above your cheekbones. Your hand rested on the door knob, you hovered in the doorway, looking towards Peter. Hey,she cut her hair 

“Hey.” you stated, ending the silence. 

“Hi.” Peter sighed, handing you the flowers in his hand. You took them and walked down the hallway that lead to the kitchen, leaving the door open for Peter. You slowly filled a vase with water, sliding the flowers in, leaving the vase on the counter you turned to Peter. 

‘Thank you, for the flowers.” Peter nodded along, wondering how he would go into the whole ‘spiderman’ thing. 

“I like your hair.”Peter said, voice cracking ever so slightly. 

“Uh thanks.” She quipped, followed by a pregnant silence.

He furrowed his brows and shrugged, knowing that everyone in the world expected him to least apologize with the florals alongside him. Standing in the kitchen, Peter decided to just go for it. 

“I really just wanted to apologize for missing last night, I don’t really have a good excuse to be honest.” Why did he say that? Now she’ll think that he doesn’t care, which is really quite the opposite.

 “NOT that I don’t care or anything, I mean,I really care! Like a lot! And y’know the Stark Internship keeps me really busy and-” Before he could think of another lame excuse you cut him off. 

“Peter it’s fine, it really is. I’m not mad anymore.” You ran a hand through your newly cut strands, pulling it out of your eyes just  for it to adjust back in its original position. 

“You’re not?” Peter’s eyebrows furrowed, a frown completing his confused face. “Because I totally would be, I would be like mega pissed.” 

“No, no, I’m not.” You paused, “I had a lot to think about last night.” Peter saw tears start to swell in your eyes, his mind went into overdrive. He immediately stepped towards you, taking you in his arms. You quickly wrapped your arms around him as well. You definitely needed this hug too. 

“Do you want to tell me what’s wrong?” He questioned, still standing in the embrace. You pulled out of the hug, the warmth now gone from his chest. You scratched at the side of your nose, and pulled one of your sweatshirt sleeves to wipe some stray tears away from your eyes.

“Tris found out. About us.” You disclosed. Peter’s eyes widen, immediately returning to the hug. 

tags// @stephie-senpai @sleepy-demon @avengersinfinitybeard@emmatrashforfandoms @hellomywonderfulwildflowers@falseosterhollandfantasies @arronity @flopobrien @stevieboyharrington@haha-barnes @tmrhollandkay @heartbreakerholland @yikesmcdonald  

Tom Holland/Peter Parker

@dorkyparkers

#peter parker #peter parker x reader #peter parker x you #peter parker series #peter parker one shot #peter parker imagine #marvel fics #marvel imagine #marvel series #marvel one shot #spiderman fics

[mysterious-prophetess]

Top Five Academic and Publishing Scandals of the last Decade

So, I’ve seen people do stuff like this, a round up of sorts and the 2010′s were an insane decade to be alive.

So, I thought I’d compile my personal favorite publishing and academic scandals

Note: This will concern only things that were actually published or a scandal to do with Academia. The Rose Christo incident with the infamous fanfic didn’t have the biography make it to print so it’s right here as a Dishonorable Mention. No sources, because this was a home-grown tumblr disaster (much like Dashcon). 

So, 

#5 That Book that Used Scammy Tactics to Become a Best Seller Before Anyone Ever Even Read It.

Remember that time when Handbook for Mortals used shady tactics to make it look like it was selling better in pre-sales than it actually was? I barely remembered it, but then as I was adding in our Dishonorable Mention, I suddenly had the thought of “remember that...” so here it is at #5 since this book was actually published, and it was allegedly terrible. It has 3 stars on Amazon, but with its past, I can’t even trust that.

I didn’t read it. I had, and still have, better things to do than to read subpar fantasy that tried to be the next Hunger Games/Harry Potter/Divergent. 

It turns out, if you have wealthy enough collaborators, or people who know how to game the system by which the NYT Bestsellers’ List operates, you too can buy and cheat your way onto that list with a terribly written book like these guys.

What’s even more ridiculous was there were already talks of a movie version and this unknown writer turned out to be, surprise, an actress too! And guess who’d be playing her own main character in the movie? The author! So, once this was unraveled as being a bulk-book-buying-cheat-tactic-to-get-on-the-NY Times-Bestseller-List, they lost their rank and were completely off the list. The movie is also toast, I think, since it would have come out in 2018. We’re now in 2020.

(x) (xx) (xxx) (xxxx)

#4: That time Bethesda Plagiarized Dungeons and Dragons.

That’s right folks. Bethesda, who cannot catch a break after their hilariously disastrous launch of their ongoing garbage fire, Fallout 76, were in trouble whenever they released a TTRPG module for an Elder Scrolls game that was suspiciously like a previously released Dungeons and Dragons adventure...because it was very much ripped off from the D&D book.  

There were articles highlighting just how they did this and how blatant it was. 

Some articles would do a side-by-side of huge chunks of the text and, yikes, that’s some obvious copy-pasting.

Suffice to say, they yanked this e-book down ASAP. (x) (xx) (xxx) (xxxx)

#3 That Time a Youtuber Turned Professional Games Media Editor Plagiarized for Most of His Career and Only Got Caught After He Plagiarized the Wrong Person on a Very Public Platform

So, yeah. There was a review last year for a game called Dead Cells (published by Motion Twin). On July 24, 2018 a smaller Youtube channel called Boomstick gaming would upload their review to the game. Then August 6th, IGN’s Nintendo editor would post “his” review up and Deadite from Boomstick Gaming, who was actually a fan of IGN, noticed a lot of eerie similarities between the reviews. He did a side-by-side video comparison (here) and it looks like a case of barely even changing the words around after copying someone else’s homework. As an English major, this is a clear-cut case of plagiarism. IGN agreed too, as did most of the internet. This reviewer had fans who still believe in him even after he’s been proven a plagiarist but, no accounting for taste am I right? And this would have been the end of it....had he just accepted his fate and just slunk off into the dark recesses of the internet. 

But, then he had to provoke both Jason Schrier of Kotaku AND the Internet in a now deleted non-apology video to “looking as hard as you’re able, you won’t find anything.”

Yeah. That didn’t end well for him. So, people went digging and found a shitton of evidence he was a serial plagiarist. No shock to me, because plagiarism is never something a plagiarist ever does just “once.” He’d ripped off his fellow IGN reviewers as well as forum posts and articles from other publications. He also plagiarized a resume template. Now, when you use one of those, you’re SUPPOSED to mimic the style, put place your own information, right? Well, he didn’t even do that.

Link to YongYea, a youtuber who covered the topic in depth. He has his videos on the topic in a playlist. (x)

#2 The Professor Who P-Hacked His Results to Pieces

Now if you don’t know or remember who Professor Brian Wansink is, he’s a former faculty member at Cornell who rose to fame with his papers on nutrition and people’s eating habits. I’m still not entirely sure how a guy whose degrees were not in nutrition OR psychology ended up being the face of this field that seemed to have a lot more to do with nutrition and psychology, but here we are. His degrees were, in fact, a B.S. in business administration from Wayne State College, an M.A. in  journalism and mass communication from Drake University, and a PhD in Marketing-Consumer behavior- from Stanford. In a move that one might call pure hubris or just complete and total social ignorance, he made a blog post that started to bring eyes on his work. Thanks to the efforts of other scientists (Like the Skeptical Scientist) and Heathers and Brown as well as the computer programs GRIM and GRIMMER, it was found the man who was cited over 200,000 times was a fraud. As of now 17 papers have been retracted and 15 have been corrected. He is no longer employed at all by Cornell, resigning a disgrace to his field and his former place of work.

The only reason he managed to get so big was he was able to make his so-called science digestible for the masses and able to give his works palatable titles. Ok, I’m done with the food puns. He was a superstar (even worked with the previous first lady on her health initiatives), which is why his fall is also meteoric. This is why you don’t torture your data into false positives, folks. Also, he’d target science journals that weren’t as prestigious and therefore wouldn’t have as rigorous a peer-editing process, allegedly. 

His actions have brought thousands of papers into jeopardy and destabilized his whole entire field because nothing he did was reproducible and that’s already a huge problem in science. 

(x) (xx) (xxx) (xxxx) (X) (XX)

And.... now for the worst Academic Scandal of the 2010′s....

#1 The College Admission’s Scandal

Because despite Wasink’s damage to his field (because now there are literally thousands of papers who cited him in jeopardy), and two separate cases of Plagiarists on this list, I really can’t help but feel this has to be one of the biggest College/Academia scandals of ALL TIME. Sure, it’s old news now but I’m recapping it because that’s what this list is for. So, A bunch of wealthy people who wanted their children to go to prestigious universities wanted a guarantee that just buying a new wing for the library/science buildings/etc wouldn’t get them. You know, the normal way the super rich buy their children’s ways into schools. Instead, they went to this guy Singer whose group masqueraded as a charity (and that’s what got their asses nailed) and facilitated bribery, cheating, and deception. They caught one of these parents who’d gotten their children in with Singer’s plans for a different crime, and he offered to squeal on Singer and his plot for leniency with his other charges.

Singer’s plan usually involved bribing coaches to get these undeserving students recruited for sports teams (and therefore displacing an actual athlete who should have gotten their spot) as well as having people alter SAT scores and other deceptive actions. 

It’s unknown if, at this time, any of these children of the 34 charged parents, actually managed to graduate with degrees from any of these institutions. However, those that had any of these students have to now decide what to do with them since these admissions are now verifiably fraudulent. Some are going to whole-sale kick them out or “cancel their admission” and others aren’t speaking up, and one has already decided the student gets to stay. Because they might not have known what their parents did, and its possible for the ones whose parents DIDN’T have them fake athleticism to not know what their mom and dad did. Hell, even most of the fake athletes might not have known thanks to reports of photo shopping their faces onto uniformed bodies. I do not know if any of these children were in on what their parents did, thought I suspect some might have been, but that’s merely speculation on my part. At the end of the day, it’s up to each affected university to carry out what they wish to do next.

The fact they made donations to a fake charity (and therefore skirted the tax man) are the reason they’re REALLY in deep shit. You don’t deny the IRS its money or the IRS will come for your blood. Just ask the ghost of Al Capone. 

(x) (xx) (xxx)

So those are my top 5 Publishing and Academic Scandals of the past Decade. 

#long #top five publishing and academic scandals of the past decade #2010s

[linkalearnsjapanese]

JLPT N2. It’s a monster. A huge gap from N3 stands in the way, with only the rickety bridge of my study habits to cross the gorge. Right now, all schools in Japan are shut down due to the ongoing pandemic. Which is not something I thought I would ever say. Anyway, for reasons mysterious to me, teachers are still being told to go to work. So I’ve been spending a LOT of time at my desk lately. Which means I have plenty of time to study! (cue internal screaming)

Me, upon realizing how much study time I have now

So now I’m going to procrastinate on studying for N2 by writing about studying for N2. Here are some study techniques and materials I’m using in my quest to become 上手af.

Vocab

Resources: Anki, Tanos N2 vocab list

One day, I was flicking through TV channels and found the Japanese version of Are You Smarter than a 5th Grader? on. When the guy won, one of the kids asked him how he knew so much. The guy said that one of the things he did was study 5 new words everyday, so that each year he learned 1,825 words. I thought this was a fantastic idea and decided to do it myself. I found a vocab list from Tanos to work with. Every week, I write down that week’s words in my journal. This helps me to keep track of where I am in the massive list. Then, everyday I add the 5 words into an Anki deck and cumulatively study all the vocab I’ve entered in so far.

Blocking out my 5 words a day in my journal

If you’ve never used Anki as a study tool before, you absolutely should. Basically, Anki is a program that uses a SRS algorithm. SRS (spaced repetition study) is a study technique that spaces out reviews of materials based on how well you know them. For example, if I mark a vocab word as “easy” it may come up to be reviewed 3 days from now, whereas if I mark a word as “hard” I’ll have to review it tomorrow. The cards are very easy to set up, so you can use them for basically any kind of study. Go to AnkiWeb to make an account and get started. There’s also a free app, AnkiDroid, available on Android devices.

I also have a separate Anki vocab deck where I add words I come across in reading practice, or my daily life. This deck is non-JLPT focused, but helps me to keep adding more and more vocab to my repertoire. Plus, it’s always nice to learn vocab that I know is being used around me. And helps me read. Because I’m really bad at reading.

Kanji

Resources: Wanikani

I pretty much exclusively use Wanikani to study kanji. However, this method is very slow and steady wins the race style. Wanikani will start you on verrrrry basic kanji. Since I’ve been using it already since college, I’m at levels that challenge me. This is not something that you can jump into and will be at your level. Still, I highly recommend it. I’ve definitely noticed my kanji recognition ability improve when I’m serious about using Wanikani. It can also help with vocab!

What I like about Wanikani is that it forces you to be able to input both the Japanese readings and the English definitions. This really helps your ability to translate bilaterally and quickly recognize, read, and define the kanji. However, once you get into upper levels, the daily reviews can really pile on and it can get overwhelming. My best suggestion is really try to stay on top of your daily reviews, but also exercise judicious use of the vacation mode feature. If you’re overwhelmed by the amount of reviews, you’ll be less likely to continue to study. Just do your best, and pause things when you need to. All hail the Crabigator!

Reading

Resources: Nihongo So-matome reading book, Japanese.io, personal books

I’m not gonna lie, I’m bad at reading. It takes me a long time to read, and it’s exhausting. Part of this (a large part) is because I’m even worse at grammar, and part of it is just a frustrating lack of vocabulary.

The first resource I use is the Nihongo So-matome textbook series. They separate their books into sets. The reading book has passages to read, then comprehension questions following the reading. The readings are usually brief, but cover a variety of categories – like ads, fliers, and newspaper articles.

The next resource is one that I just found, and am still getting familiar with. Japanese.io is an online reader and chrome extension. The online reader has passages and entire books in Japanese. By clicking on words, you can read their definitions and ad them to words lists. Clicking on grammar items will give you explanations of those structures. The passages are also divided into JLPT levels, so you can select things based on your level. By using the “Feed” feature, you can also look at reading from Japanese news. You an even select your category of interest for what you want to read. Like I said, I haven’t used this site a lot yet, so I’m still learning how to use it. From what I can tell, the program is very well designed and easy to use, and looks like it will be a very valuable tool.

Finally, I occasionally go looking for real books (not structured textbooks) to try to read. I went to the Sumida Hokusai Museum a while ago and picked up a manga biography of Hokusai. I’m working through that now by adding sticky notes to pages with words I don’t know, and adding those words to my vocab Anki deck. Although this is just a kids book, I think it’s valuable to practice reading something not designed for study use. Plus, it gives me a break from the mindset of studying because I enjoy the topic and the art.

Grammar

Resources: Nihongo So-matome grammar book, japanesetest4you, bunpro.jp

God I hate grammar. I hate grammar so much. I really, truly do. But unfortunately to pass N2 and also to not sound like a cavewoman and/or small child, I need to use more complex grammar structures than “This is a sandwich. The weather is miserably humid. I do not like natto.” Sigh.

Ok, so first I have the Nihongo So-matome grammar series book. This is designed to be used everyday and introduces around 4 grammar structures a day. At the end of the week, there will be a mock test page with questions simulating those seen on the JLPT. Each day also comes with a small set of review and test questions. This series is great for giving you a structured way to introduce and study new grammar, and provides great sample sentences and diagrams for how to conjugate. what it’s a bit weak on, is English explanations of what the grammar item means. So, I highly suggest using this book together with japanesetest4you.com. I find that japanesetest4you does tend to have needlessly complicated sample sentences, but useful explanations. So use these two resources together!

I also write down all the grammar items introduced in the textbook, along with sample sentences, and add them to an Anki deck to study. This way, I have a physical copy of all the grammar I should be studying that I can add notes to, and a virtual Anki deck to study from.

The scribblings of a person slowly going insane

Bunpro.jp is a subscription based SRS grammar study site. It has tons of grammar items divided up per JLPT level. Each grammar item has an English explanation, conjugation guide, sample sentences, and linked readings that may help you understand it better. Once the item is added to your reviews, it will come up in your study. When studying, you are presented with a sentence that has something missing. You have to fill in the correct grammar, with correct conjugation. This is HARD. It can sometimes be very frustrating, just for the conjugation bit. But it is very helpful to be forced to input the grammar yourself, instead of selecting from a multiple choice. This makes sure you really know what the grammar is. If you don’t understand what the question is asking for, you can ask for a hint. There are 3 levels of hints, each giving more and more information away.

You can also input your Wanikani API key so that you are only shown furigana for kanji that you shouldn’t know yet. If you’re struggling, you can always click on a word to be shown the furigana. You can also either hide or show English in sample sentences to push you to read in Japanese. I’m not going to lie, using bunpro can be pretty mentally exhausting. It’s a struggle. But it is very valuable practice and really pushes you on your knowledge of the grammar.

Now….to study

That’s about all I’ve got for now. Yes, I know I should be practicing more listening and taking practice exams (check japanesetest4you or JLPTSensei for free practice tests) but there’s only so much studying I can do in one day before my brain fries. My best advice if you’re looking down the barrel of a lot of free time (oh hey quarantines) is don’t do long periods of study. Take it in manageable blocks a few times per day. Trying to do everything at once and pushing yourself for hours will just make you less likely to be able to recall what you worked on. Take 30 minutes to practice reading, then go do something and come back to clear out your Wanikani reviews. Don’t. Panic. This is a message for me just as much as anyone else reading this. Don’t panic, and don’t torture yourself. Study, but also live your life.  And remember most of all, that you and your worth are not defined by test scores.

Now, as learning through osmosis and/or telepathy doesn’t seem to be working, I should stop procrastinating by thinking about studying and actually go study.

Pls Luna….put the 日本語 in my tiny human brain

How I’m Studying for JLPT N2 JLPT N2. It's a monster. A huge gap from N3 stands in the way, with only the rickety bridge of my study habits to cross the gorge.

#anki #ankidroid #bunpro.jp #japanese #japanese grammar #japanese language #japanese study #japanese vocabulary #japanese.io #japanesetest4you #japanesetest4you.com #jlpt #jlpt n2 #jlpt study #kanji study #learn japanese #nihongo so-matome #Study #wanikani

[the-sanders-sides]

inidan american (desi) logan

a sequel to this post because people asked for more and i decided that they shall receive (and also i love writing these)

fair warning, logans a bitter kid, and this isnt as positive and happy as romans post. ive experienced two different ways of being desi, one where i lived in fully asian and indian community and didnt even think id ever feel alone, and another where i moved to a place where i havent met another desi in like 7 years of living here in a 3 hour driving radius. in romans post i played into my first experience and how at home i felt. in the second experience, the one im in right now, i am much more bitter about who i am and not really knowing anyone who gets it anymore. so i play into that A LOT in this. so keep that in mind. (and he will get happier in a future part. m planning on making this into a series)

ok so first off. his name is logan sanders. people (mostly other indians) dont believe him when he tells them. he tells them they dont know indian history. they say they do. he tells them that the british fucked around (quite literally) in india for four centuries so of course english names would stick with that precise wording

sometimes when he’s annoyed enough and doesnt want to explain this for the millionth he defends himself with this russel peters skit (watch it, it’s hilarious) because it describes his family. to a T. 

he grew up in a community with not very many asians, and knew no indians outside his family so he felt a sort of disconnect to his culture

while his grandparents and parents would teach him about indian culture, he felt so distant from it since he knew no one outside his family who was indian, and since he didnt have any siblings or any nearby cousins to hang around with

he had visited india once but he was too young to remember it properly or too remember his cousins

the closest mandir was an hour away so that also limited the amount of indian kids/people he knew

he barely knew hindi because everyone in his family spoke english, especially in public

he felt guilty over the disconnect he felt and would always try to bridge it but would never accomplish this because it he kept losing passion since he rarely saw other people like him in the real world and in the media and he didnt see the point of trying

this all changed in eight grade when he moved next door to the Kumar family in a north indian street of some south asian blocks in an asian community

when his family first moved, the Kumar family invited the Sanders over to welcome them

it turns out the Kumar’s had a son who was the same age as logan

“hi logan! im rohan kumar! but i like going by roman instead of rohan!” 

this introduction pissed logan off 

he was seething because why would this kid who got to have an indian first AND last name change his name to an english one! why didnt he see the value of his name!

he knew right away that such a difference meant they could never be friends 

“im logan sanders, but thats all youll get to know about me because i see no use associating myself with someone as... well, ignorant, as you”

roman decides to whip out one of the swears his cousins taught him and whisper shouts “who are you calling ignorant, bhenchod?” 

 it became clear to him that this was new turf, and people on this new turf must be speaking hindi. and that he was the ignorant one if he couldnt talk in hindi. he made a vow to learn it as fast as he could to make sure this roman kid wasnt better than him

but, logan grits his teeth and says “you, and i know it must be true because you were too dumb to understand me the first time”

this evidently struck a sore spot in roman because he didnt fight back but just stalked away. logan smiled slightly, happy to have won that argument

logan asks his grandpa to teach him hindi and his grandpa gets super excited

they start lessons immediately and despite barely hearing it growing up, it’s as if his brain was made for this because he picks the language up amazingly fast and in a months time, while not able to speak back yet, he can understand most casual conversation

his first diwali in basically little india is the most magical thing ever

diwali at his old home was very quiet because there wasnt anyone around to celebrate with

everyone is so happy in this new home however. everyone is dressed up and all the houses are lit up and there are diyas everywhere and he doesnt want to admit it but the kumar’s have the best rangoli on the street and it’s because of roman and he knows roman did it because sometimes he’d stare out of his bedroom window while doing homework and have a perfect view of roman delicately working on it for two weeks

(the kumar’s front porch had been covered with tarp waiting for diwali to make sure romans precious rangoli wasnt stepped on or ruined. when it’s finally let up, everywhere where there could be art, there is. it’s insane how good at colors roman is, logan thinks)

diwali morning: 

he fights his parents because he doesnt want to miss school for diwali because americans dont have a day off for it. his parents set the clocks in the house ahead to make him think he overslept so he would skip school. (logan didnt know that his parents had submitted an excused absence form for religious reasons and that the school was very understanding. he thought it would be like his old school where he wouldnteven bother trying since he wasnt christain and the school was lkinda discriminatory)

they spend the morning in mandir and it’s nice. for once he doesnt feel different from his peers because he goes to mandir and not church or synagogue. he feels at home.

diwali afternoon:

the afternoon is spent with frantic cleaning and cooking and digging around for the diya’s that were still in boxes, packed away from when they moved

logan offered to find them all to continue with a diya science experiment he started two years prior. his theory was that the diya’s were multiplying and there were more each year despite no one buying anymore

this held true, because even though he could only find half of their diya collection, it was somehow more than the entire diya collection of two years prior. 

diwali evening:

theres a big potluck and everyone in the neighborhood is out talking to each other, looking at the decorations at everyones houses, eating samosas, and playing with sparklers. 

logan feels content

he makes a new resolve to learn more about hinduism. if this is what ti was supposed to be, then he never wanted to be away from hinduism. 

he looked at the metaphors and symbolism in everything and finally understood what his dad meant he told logan that hinduism is just science written in poetry and that string theory is written in the ancient texts

middle school in this new town is so much better than middle school in his old home. why?

a. doesnt get bullied for being a nerd

b. doesnt get called gay slurs 

c. the classes are harder 

d. much less racism

e. all of the above

soon enough, logans asking his grandpa to teach him how to cook Indian food

Logan spends the day burning dosas and making lopsided rotis

(eventually he gets the hang of it, and a he'll be cooking food for an infuriating Indian boy ;) ;) psst it's roman)

Speaking of boys

Coming out isn't an option for logan

He knows that his parents arent really religious enough to really look into hinduism and see that no, gays are not bad

But they are traditional and conservative enough to be homophobic

not homophobic as in spewing hate with the westboro baptist church at a pride parade

But homophobic as in "the gays are fine as long as they don't do it in front of me" kinda thing

So Logan stays quiet

the closet kinda sucks but i mean what can he do

it’s safer inside, and he as illogical as wishing is, he wishes that people would use their brains and realize there’s nothing wrong with gay

anyway

in school logan makes his first desi friend, who was dubbed as anxiety years ago and cant seem to get rid of the nickname and now has a whole complex about his name so logan doesnt know his name

logan and anxiety meet in the school library: logan studying and anxiety hiding

people dont like anxiety

especially non-indian kids

surprise surprise it’s an old buddy called racism, but anxiety’s story is for another time

(but even though no one really likes anxiety, whenever racist shit goes down, it has to go through roman)

so logan and anxiety become fast friends

and they make fun of roman (a+ bonding)

logan claims that roman is a hypocrite for changing his name to an english one while being so immersed in indian culture

anxiety doesnt dispute this, but says he has a past with roman

a past that involved getting stuck with the name anxiety

again, another story for another time

one day, when logan and anxiety are eating lunch they see roman destroy some homophobes who throw around the word f*g and keep calling caitlyn jenner, bruce jenner

logans chest surges

he’s all like “what?? emotions?? pride at roman?? is he better than me for being so open and standing up for what he believes in??”

gay panic basically

but logan masked it well and pushed it away

the next day roman comes to school with a pride patch on his jean jacket

logan feels like he cant breathe

logan is supremely jealous of roman.

he can be gay in peace

he can pretend not to be indian in a way that benefits him

and he’s not affected by stereotypes in the same way?? like what does this kid not have

and by stereotypes i mean

roman is the complete opposite of all indian and desi stereotypes: loud, flamboyant, theatrical

logan’s personality is exactly how the stereotypes are. he’s nerdy and likes science and math and it seems like he cant escape the stereotypes. they follow him. and he feels guilty that he likes science and math and is nerdy. 

as illogical as it is, he wishes he was different from how he is

but logan later learns that there are more than just his perspective on being desi and that every desi kid growing up faces challenges about it that are different than his, causing them to experience being desi differently

and logan will accept that, in another story at another time

for now, he’s just bitter. and as illogical as it is, he wishes the world was better

and now, i shall tag some people who asked to be tagged and some other desi’s who loved this because i feel like you guys might appreciate this too. also i love u. desi famders squad up.

@sssixeyedrunt @ultimate-queen-of-fandoms2 @caterpiller-tea @xxxbladeangelxxx @snufflesthegrim227 @cloudchaser7 @thelowlysatsuma 

#logan sanders #logince #virgil sanders #roman sanders #desi #desi headcanons #sanders sides #mine #please love this #r #l #v

[evenstevensranked]

#6: Season 1, Episode 18 - “Movie Madness”

Louis takes a stab at directing a short film in hopes of winning the Sacramento Young Peoples Film Festival and it is absolutely incredible. Not the film, the film is god awful. But Louis’ blatant, unfiltered narcissism -- THAT is something to behold. The subplot follows yet another one of Ren’s attempts to approach Bobby Deaver for the first time but somehow results in some glorious miscommunication between her and recurring character Ivan.

This one opens in history class with a teacher named Todd Zanders who only appears in this one episode. I kinda love this guy and wish we saw more of him. He’s a total hippie and is making the class take “deep, cleansing breaths -- in with the good, out with the bad” when Louis comes running in late and disrupts the peace. Louis is clearly excited about something so Todd pulls the old “why don’t you share with the rest of the class” card, probably hoping that will intimidate Louis and shut him up, but this is Louis Stevens we’re talking about here. Todd technically gave him the floor, so ya know Louis is gonna run with it. He gets up on his chair and announces to everyone that he’s going to be entering his currently non-existent film in the Sacramento Young Peoples Film Festival. 

“I, Louis Stevens, will be entering my film in the Sacramento Young Peoples Film Festival. And after I win first place in the festival and get my million dollar movie deal... I will, sadly, be moving to Beverly Hills to a sprawling ranch home.” -- The narcissism is already in full swing. I love it. I also love that Louis says he’ll be moving to a ranch home because he already stated in Episode 15 that he’s “always liked ranch style!” houses. Good continuity. 

Louis goes on to say he’ll be needing a limo driver, a gardener and even suggests that Todd should be his personal chef. Oh my god. He tells Tawny, Twitty, and Tom to meet him at his house after school to discuss the logistics of the project and its million-dollar plot.

It cuts to the subplot where we meet both Ruby and Bobby for the first time! Ruby is reporting to Ren with her latest gossip column and the two of them end up checking out Bobby Deaver from across the hall. I just gotta include a gif of Bobby’s first appearance because the level of intentional dramatic cheese is hilarious. 

Ren is gushing over Bobby from afar saying things like “He’s so cute. Look at his hair... It’s perfect. Look at his walk! He’s so cool!” and for whatever reason, everyone’s favorite lackey Ivan is within earshot and assumes Ren is crushing on him. He’s flying solo in this episode and I guess this shows us why he’s a hanger-on every other time we see him. Ivan on his own is pretty sad and shy. 

Ivan under the impression that Ren’s compliments are directed at him. 

Ruby inspires Ren to talk to Bobby but warns Ren that she should write down everything she wants to say to him beforehand to ensure their first conversation will be absolutely perfect. We get a bit later on where Ren is in her room trying to come up with an ideal icebreaker and oh my freaking god. This has got to be one of my favorite Ren scenes in the entire series. Good LORD! She imagines how each scenario could play out in her head and I die laughing every time. Two brilliant ideas she comes up with are to walk right up to Bobby and say “Hey, Bobby. Nice belt!” or my personal favorite: “Hey, Bobby! Oh, I wouldn’t try that Salisbury steak if I were you!” The writing on this show is so incredibly random sometimes that it only ever results in greatness. Also “Nice belt!” is so disturbing. She says it in the most suggestive way too. Why are you staring at.. that... region, Ren?! Each ridiculous scenario ends with Bobby making the most irritated and confused face and completely ignoring her... because, I mean... would you know what to say to someone who walks up to you, creepily smiles, and tells you to avoid eating Salisbury steak with no further explanation? 

I just realized that this show often depicts girls as being the first ones to make a move or initiate a relationship, which is kinda cool since we’re pretty much conditioned to sit around and wait. 

After everything, Ren ultimately decides that marching up to him and saying “Hi, Bobby! I have a big crush on you and I just wanted to let you know how I feel!” is the best way to go. 

It cuts to Louis’ room where he’s having that meeting with Tawny, Twitty, and Tom. Once again, we see Louis determined to find his "thing." That’s pretty much what the overall theme of the show originally set out to be. In addition to our lovely bickering siblings, of course. Here, he’s super optimistic that he’s finally found his “thing” in writing/directing. Sweetie!!! Your thing is comedy!! We all know this already!!!! But, still. I really enjoy the idea of Louis constantly searching for something to excel at. He explains to them that “Everyone has their thing. Twitty has his music! You’ve got your poetry! Tom’s got..... his... parents!” HAHA. Poor Tom. 

Louis goes on to brief the gang on the plot of the movie which he describes as “the classic love story about an alien (Tawny) and a cowboy (Twitty).” An instant classic, honestly. Louis truly believes that they’ll “walk in as nobodies, and walk out as stars” after appearing in his movie. Well, everyone except Tom -- who he relegates to the role of his assistant. 

”I see stars.” 

It cuts straight to filming and boy do things really get going now. Louis has transformed part of the living room into a tinfoil explosion, which I’m assuming is supposed to be the inside of a spaceship. (see cover photo.) This episode is FULL of amazing dialogue and quotes from Louis. It’s insane! So, as usual, it’s going to be very difficult for me to not quote every single one. Twitty decided that his cowboy should have giant mutton chop sideburns and speak with an English accent without consulting Louis, Louis gets insulted because “that’s not in the script” -- which Twitty and Tawny haven’t even been given yet. Once they get their scripts, however, they’re confused as to why it’s only one page. Louis, being the informed and gifted director he thinks he is, condescendingly explains “We’re only shooting scene 27 today. We shoot out of order. It’s called filmmaking.” Except everyone knows that films shoot out of order due to the availability and scheduling of the sets/locations and actors, etc. Louis Stevens has only two actors at his indefinite disposal and seemingly one set location. He’s literally shooting out of order for no reason and is completely oblivious. It’s great. 

Louis can’t be bothered with rehearsals, blocking, or any other necessary steps towards making a movie and jumps straight to filming. Tawny is unsure of what he wants her to do because “all that script said was ‘the spaceship lands and the alien looks around.’” Louis has no time for her valid confusion and snaps “THAT’S RIGHT. YOU’RE CONFUSED AND FRUSTRATED. DID YA READ IT?!?!” I love this so much. Louis starts recording and Tawny vents out of character/as herself: “This is ridiculous. I don’t know where I am! I DON’T KNOW WHAT I’M DOING!” and Louis praises her ‘performance.’ HAHAHAHAHAHA. 

“GENIUS! THAT IS GENIUS! RIGHT ON THE MONEY, BABE! RIGHT ON THE MONEY!”

I’m not even sure how to review the next part of the episode because the performances truly speak for themselves and I gotta stop myself from typing out a transcript of the whole thing, lol. Basically, Louis goes into full meltdown mode. Freaking out over Tawny saying “Hi, Cowboy” instead of “Hello,” Twitty’s unauthorized addition of a gold tooth for his cowboy, and Ren interrupting a scene. “PEOPLE, THIS IS NOT A DEMOCRACY. THIS IS A MOVIE. IT’S MY MOVIE. WHICH I WILL NOT LET YOU MESS UP!” He instructs Twitty and Tawny to meet him outside for a saloon scene. Except Louis doesn’t have saloon money: 

Twitty: “Louis! What is this, man? Where’s the rest of the saloon?!” Louis: “CUT! Twitty, it’s a close-up. No one’s gonna see the saloon!! Let’s try it again. But this time, give me a little more.” Twitty: “More what?!”  Louis: “JUST MORE!!!!!!”

-- Louis Stevens, everyone. The greatest director of our time. 10/10 would recommend. 

We get possibly the greatest line in the whole episode when they start filming and a lawnmower revs up as soon as Louis shouts ‘action.’ He cannot believe the audacity of his neighbor and shouts “WHAT IS THAT? WHAT IS THE NOISE?! WHO MOWS THEIR LAWN ON WEDNESDAY?!?!?!” Things only get worse when the sprinklers randomly turn on too. At this point, Louis is #confirmed crazy. 

“TOOOOOOMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!” I also love Louis’ little toilet paper roll that serves absolutely no real purpose. 

The next day, they move on to filming the big finale scene where Zenobia the Alien takes off in her spaceship, leaving her cowboy lover behind. Louis originally intended for it to take place during a harsh winter blizzard and assigned Tom the responsibility of making convincing snowflakes. Tom shows up with this: 

“TOM, YOU CHOWDERHEAD! I ASKED FOR SNOWFLAKES, NOT DOILIES!”

Louis has no choice but to ditch the blizzard and changes it to “a blazing desert windstorm in the middle of fall.” Okay. Zenobia’s spaceship is a tiny tinfoil thing way up in the trees and Tawny’s like “......how am I supposed to get up there?!” and Tom arrives with a “harness” that’s actually just a freaking elastic luggage rope as if that’s going to handle Tawny’s weight. But Louis assures her “of course it’s safe!!!” because he had Tom test it on a 20-pound sack of potatoes. Sounds legit. 

Is he gonna add that “blazing desert windstorm” in post, or? 

They start filming and sure enough, the “harness” breaks and Tawny falls a good 8 feet to the ground. Louis couldn’t care less though and the gang is D O N E with him at this point. They all quit the project on the spot, leaving Louis to finish the movie himself. Tom was the last one to quit and it’s pretty sad. Louis immediately looks to Tom as a last resort and expects him to step in and help finish the movie, but Tom flat out says “you’re only nice to me when you want something” and Louis has no remorse like “yeah, so?” -- This is the only part of the episode that kills me. But even so, you can tell that Louis is realizing the error of his ways pretty quickly. 

Louis left sad and deserted. “I CAN FINISH THIS MOVIE BY MYSELF!!! .....It’s my ‘thing’.”

Unfortunately, finishing the movie himself includes having to play every role himself as well. Louis is confident that if he shoots at the right angle and disguises his face and voice, no one will be able to tell the difference: “It’s called Movie Magic.”

Ren: “I’m sorry, little three-eyed girl, but do you know where my brother is?”

It cuts back to the subplot. Remember how Ren wrote a hypothetical note to Bobby just to get her thoughts down? Well, she gave it to Ruby to read and Ruby proceeded to stuff it into Bobby’s history textbook without Ren’s permission. Great job, Ruby. Unsurprisingly, Ren is livid. I would be too. Ren is a mess during history class, sweating the moment when Bobby will take out his book. So she crawls on the ground and tries to sneakily retrieve the note from his backpack. This is pretty funny. Her teacher is the same hippie guy, Todd, and this time he’s making Ren’s class do stretches “for knowledge, focus, and concentration.” Once Ren is spotted on the ground lookin’ like a weirdo, she makes up some bogus excuse that she was “squatting for truth!” HAHAHA.

She’s unable to get the note back in time, but amazingly... the note isn’t even in Bobby’s book! Turns out Ivan and Bobby bumped into each other in the hallway earlier and accidentally swapped books in the process. Therefore, the note was delivered to Ivan. You guys know I love a good miscommunication plot. They never fail to make me laugh. Ivan dramatically approaches her later and says “Ren... It needs to end. The looks in the hall, love notes...” I really love Eric Jungmann’s performance here. He’s pretty hilarious and obliviously arrogant, thinking that Ren is in love with him. One thing I never understood was how Ivan could think the note was written for him though? Because I’m SURE Ren must’ve written Bobby’s name somewhere on there! Unless she was keeping it super mysterious for whatever reason. Anyway, Ivan says “Please, Ren. Don’t speak. I’m gonna walk away now. Try not to watch me.” I love it. That’s the end of the subplot. Much like in Surf’s Up, I wish this miscommunication plot had more layers!! 

Ren just stares at him all ~fake-emotional~ and lets him believe what he wants to believe lol.

CUT TO THE FILM FESTIVAL!!! Which takes place at the real-life Vista Theatre in Los Angeles. (Another filming location I’ve added to my bucket list, tbh.) Louis is clearly anxious while waiting around for the festival to kick off and is kinda dreading the ~big premiere~ of his million-dollar movie. He’s sort of standing there rambling random things off to people like ‘have your people call my people!’ and at one point walks alongside a guy and says “yada, yada, yada... let’s just talk about somethin’!” -- Seinfeld reference, anyone?! Crazy to think that the “Yada Yada” episode first aired a mere 4 years before this at the time. I just thought that line was another awesome, subtle thing to throw in and makes for a cool connection to Louis’ Kramer poster. Of course, Louis Stevens would casually quote Seinfeld! I bet it was an ad-lib, honestly. Shia’s the best.

In the end, Twitty, Tawny, and Tom eventually show up in support of Louis and his movie. Louis apologizes for acting like a jerk and Tom even vows to put  “the snowflake incident” behind them. It’s a nice moment before the premiere of what might be the best worst movie ever made, only in competition with Tommy Wiseau’s The Room. 

Let’s just say, “Three Eyes Wide Shut” premiered to... mixed... reviews from the audience. It's very embarrassing. We never actually see the finished product. They only show us a few scenes, which always bummed me out. So I took it upon myself to edit together what “Three Eyes Wide Shut” might’ve turned out like given everything we saw Louis film. And it’s... something:

The intro alone kills me. You know a movie’s gonna be a doozy when the opening credits are typed in Comic Sans. Notice how at the very end Tom mispronounces his own name?! He definitely says “Tom Griblaowski.” Really weird. 

Needless to say, Louis is absolutely mortified by how awful his movie was. He tries hiding by attempting to blend in with some cardboard cutouts in the lobby, but... you can kinda see him there. 

Fun Fact: I was recently binge-watching “That’s So Raven” in preparation for the “Raven’s Home” spin-off, and I was so shocked to discover how many actors they recycled from Even Stevens. Beans, Cynthia Mills, The Asian radio announcer guy, the “Look Smart, Be Smart” instructional tape guy, Beans’ cousin Chris, Mr. Crappizi the school photographer -- the list goes on and on. And if that wasn’t enough... THEY EVEN RECYCLED THESE CARDBOARD CUT-OUTS!!!!!

I DIED LAUGHING AS SOON AS I SAW THIS. Oh my god. I obviously recognized it right away. All of this recycling makes sense though, as both shows were produced by Brookwell/McNamara. But, like... wow. Amazing. After the movie, Twitty and Tom try to make Louis feel better by telling him “You got into the festival, didn’t you?! And they only took the Top 10 entries!” Which would’ve been nice... except Louis explains “Everyone got accepted. There were only 9 entries.” HAHAHAHA. As Twitty and Tom head home, Tawny emerges from the theater and her mind is still reeling from the movie. She’s the only other person on the planet who understood the message Louis was trying to convey which is apparently “feeling like an outsider and wanting to be accepted by your peers.” Yeah, right. 

I always thought it was a nice touch that Tawny wore a green shirt with eyes on it to the premiere of the movie. Definitely feels like a little tribute to Zenobia, lol. 

This is really great though because it sets up Louis and Tawny again nicely. It further establishes that Tawny understands Louis better than anyone else. She got the point of his film when no one else did. She asks if they can watch it again and after they do, all we hear is a sultry voiceover of Tawny saying "I liked it even better the second time" - Oh, God. This always made me really uncomfortable lol. The episode ends with fake “bloopers” from the making of the movie and I can’t deal with it. Interestingly, I watched this episode on TV not too long ago and they cut out Tom's rapid-fire accented quote "Taco burrito, nacho's premio, $1.89 for a limited time, you know what I'm saying?" -- Is that considered offensive or racially insensitive now? I’m assuming. I have no idea but, I thought that was weird and suspicious. 

And that’s it!

I love this episode. So, so much. There’s an aspect to it that is very ahead of its time. Like I mentioned, quality quotes are flying left and right in this one! The humor is ON POINT and the performances are stellar. Especially from Shia! I always say that this is one of the episodes where Louis is at his most ‘Michael Scott.’ There’s just this level of hilariously endearing narcissism that Michael exudes all throughout The Office’s run mixed with that signature dry humor and I get those vibes from Louis so strongly here. It makes me SO HAPPY. I mean, yeah, I usually don’t like it when Louis’ ugly side makes an appearance, but it’s beyond tolerable for me in this one because the plot is just so hysterical. As entertaining as Michael’s narcissism was, it also got him in a lot of trouble as well. Often resulting in very cringe-worthy moments or people resenting him, which we see happen to Louis here. Idk. I just love finding similarities between my favorite shows. This episode also reminds me of when Michael wrote and directed his own terrible movie “Threat Level Midnight.” HAHA. 

I love Ren’s side story, too. It’s one of her stronger/funnier ones for sure. The miscommunication always gets me and the plot is also pretty important because we’re introduced to Bobby and Ruby! I’m ranking this one juuuuust shy of the Top 5 due to it having two separate plots. My Top 5 are all episodes that interweave A and B plots because I feel like Even Stevens just works better that way in general. But, still. That doesn’t take away from how solid this episode is. It literally meets all of my criteria: Personal favorite, quality plotline, quotable dialogue, hilarity, iconicness, overall entertainment value, and there’s even some character development too! So good. 

Thanks for reading!!

Just so y’all know, I actually managed to get “Three Eyes Wide Shut” listed as a legitimate short film on IMDb. I am not kidding. Please feel free to leave a sarcastic review. It’s currently boasting a 6.0. LOL! 

For this episode’s Redbubble design, you can get a reproduction of the Three Eyes Wide Shut theatrical poster!! Omg. This is one of the first things I designed and it’s been sitting in my Redbubble drafts for months. I’m so excited to publish it! haha. The poster can be seen on Louis’ bedroom wall throughout the series! I also made a little “A Louis Stevens Production” design (Comic Sans and poor capitalization and all) with Louis as the MGM Lion, lol. 

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#rank #season 1 #even stevens #louis x tawny #louis and tawny #shia labeouf #louis stevens #ren stevens #tv review #disney channel #tom gribalski #alan twitty #tawny dean #bobby deaver #the office #michael scott #ruby mendel #ivan #that's so raven

[wildfcress]

"never have i been a calm sea // i am a storm” storm - fleetwood mac

“fire in her bones // honey in her soul // she is sweet when she has to be // and fierce when she needs to be” - unknown

Background

Full name: 

Lily Josephine Evans

Lily (English): Lily flower. Pure. The symbolism of a lily is innocence, purity, and beauty.

Josephine [Jo-SUH-Feen] (French): May Jehovah add. Named after her grandmother on her mother’s side, Josephine Campbell.

Evans (Welsh): Son of Evan; Gracious gift of Jehovah

Age: 

16

Birthday: 

January 30th, born and raised in Cokeland 

Cokeland is located in the Midlands in England, so I think that in a real geographic perspective she grew up in what would be our Copeland, England.

Blood Status 

Muggleborn

Zodiac Sign: 

Aquarius

If it’s new, radical and rebellious, Aquarians are all over it. The fact that these folks can think so creatively and inventively is one of their greatest assets. Water Bearers are all about progress and technology — they love the latest gadgets, gewgaws, computers, and next-generation technologies. Thanks to a genius that borders on insanity (!), those born under this sign have the unique ability to present ideas that will revolutionize the world. Their approach in doing so may be unpredictable, impersonal and at times cold.

Generally, that means ample space, since Aquarius traits tend to be freedom-loving and individualistic, these folks need to roam (and yes, they do enjoy travel). While Aquarians are generally sympathetic and compassionate, they like it when things go their own quirky way. Some might call their behavior eccentric (and they would be right), but when you consider that the Aquarian’s heart is truly in the right place, a few oddities should be overlooked. In their own way, Aquarians treasure their many friends and acquaintances and want to give back as much as they can.

At play, those born under an Aquarius sun sign like to surround themselves with lots of people, preferably family and friends. When it comes to love, this star sign will also be playful, even flirtatious. While they play for keeps, it won’t necessarily feel that way, since these folks are the opposite of jealous. The great strengths of the Aquarius-born are their vision, intellect and humanity. They are determined to make the world a better place and to help everyone they can along the way. They are truly the trailblazers of the zodiac.

(+) Affectionate,  Progressive, Humanitarian

(-) Temperamental, Aloof, Uncompromising

What’s their family life like?:

Her mother Aisla (Elle-sa) Evans (nee Campbell) works as a seamstress and her father Christopher Evans owns a convenience store. Her older sister Petunia Evans is currently going to Imperial College London for Communications and Public Affairs. 

She’s always been really close with her mother, but her and her father have never quite seen eye to eye. Her and Petunia used to be attached by the hip until Lily started to display magic. Losing her sister was like losing part of herself; being as close as the two were, she struggled to find herself again after that loss. To this day she refuses to lose hope that they’ll reconnect one day.

When did magic first begin to manifest itself?:

She was nine and she was playing in her grandma’s garden and accidentally crushed her lavender plant. When she picked it up it rebloomed in her hand.

School

Wand Characteristics:

10 1/4 inches, Willow, Dragon Heartstring, Swishy

Willow; those with willow wands are known to have unwanted insecurity and great potential. Lily hates how insecure she could get. She tries to hide it, mainly through studying and making sure everything is as perfect as possible. They perform strong non-verbal spells and often goes to those who feel they have a lot to learn. A proverb in the Ollivander family says “he who has furthest to travel will go fastest with willow.”

Dragon Heartstring: The only thing on the face of the earth as temperamental as Lily. When she first got it it would not. Stop. Blowing up in her face. Literally and metaphorically. So she started working even harder to make sure that a stupid piece of wood wasn’t beating her, and she eventually learned how to get it under control. Wands with a dragon heartstring core are known to produce the strongest magic. They can also change allegiance when won in a battle, and it bonds fiercely to its owner. Whenever someone in her dorm tried to use it...well, the walls were pink for weeks.

How long did it take the wand to choose them?:

She found it on the seventh wand. She thought that was normal, but then the person after her found theirs in one shot so she was like....a LIL OFFENDED TBH.

House:

Gryffindor 

How long did it take the sorting hat to sort them?:

Five minutes. It had a hard time deciding whether to sort her into Gryffindor or Slytherin, because of her strong leadership, bravery, and ambition. But ultimately it decided on Gryffindor because of her brashness beat out everything else.

How do they feel about their common room/dorm?:

Loves them! The colors and overall atmosphere of the common room are so fucking comfy to her, being in it always puts her in a good mood. She practically lives in front of the fireplace. As for her dorm, she’s decorated her space with tons of posters, letters, polaroids she’s taken through the years, and fairy lights around her bed, so it’s pretty much a safe haven.

Year: 

6th

If they could go to another school, where would they go?:

Beauxbatons! She’s a hopeless romantic, so she’d love to actually live in france and go to school there!! Like, wow!! Two birds with one stone!! Their uniforms are much cuter, and she’s heard nothing but amazing things about their academics. Or Ilvermorny, because she’s interested in the fact that it was originally just a homeschool, which turned into a small group before eventually evolving into the school it is today. 

Best classes:

Charms, Potions

Worst Classes:

Transfiguration, Divination

Patronus: 

Doe. Like a doe, Lily is observant, protective of those close to her, nurturing, gentle, and determined.

Memory they’d use to conjure it:

Her seventh birthday. Her favorite aunt, Marabell, surprised her at her grandmother’s house with the astronaut Barbie doll she wanted. There was snow covering the ground and they explored the forest by her grandmother’s house until it started getting dark. When they went inside they had dinner (chicken franchise - her favorite) and after they were done cleaning up she helped her grandmother made lemon cake.

What does Amortentia smell like to them?:

Lemons, a woodsy smell, and a third scent she really can’t recognize

Are they in any clubs?:

Slug Club & Dueling Club

Did they bring a pet? If yes, what?:

She brought a white cat named Priscilla (Petunia named her, she wanted to name it Snowball)

How often do they get packages from home?:

All. The. Time. Her parents always send her newspapers, magazines, and candy from home.

Do they earn detentions often?:

If she got caught doing half the shit she does, she’d be in detention a lot more. BUT she’s good at hiding it. Some rules are meant to be broken, and being a prefect sure as hell has its perks. 

Are they the type to gain or lose house points:

Gain.

Would they go to the Yule Ball? Who would they ask?:

You bet your ass she would. And she’d probably definitely go with Mary. Their actual dates can come too.

Do they play quidditch? If so, what position?:

Not currently, but she’s thinking about trying out for chaser next year if there’s a spot open.

Favorite color:

Pink 

Describe their aesthetic in 3 words:

Black flower Doc Martens. Messy hair. Overly sized sweaters.

Theme song:

Believer by Imagine Dragons

Top 5 songs in their playlist:

Dog Days Are Over - Florence and the Machine

Edge of Seventeen - Fleetwood Mac

Long Live - Taylor Swift

Now I Can Talk - Two Door Cinema Club

Nights - Frank Ocean

Vine that fits them: 

x x x x

3+ wanted connections: 

frenemy: someone that just grates her nerves. there’s no obvious reason as to why she doesn’t like them, but something about them makes her want to drive her head and theirs through a wall.

old flame: based off this song, something beautifully unofficial. lily has a huge heart and falls easily, so maybe something that was supposed to be nothing ended up being a lot more? possibly one sided? who knows. 

drinking buddies: can be multiple people! when shit gets real someone she could just drown her problems away with.

sass masters: this friendship is a lot of banter, light hearted insults, and teasing. they’re just having fun tbh.

quidditch: she wants to try out for quidditch next year, so someone to help her train and actually figure out what the fuck she’s doing

tutor: someone she tutors. simple as thAT

child: lily has taken this person under her wing and will do absolutely anything to protect them. she’s going all mama hen

unlikely friendship: lily can befriend a wALL. okay. so this is a friendship that you absolutely wouldn’t expect but it’s here 

fight club: she ALWAYS argues with this person. like every word out of their mouth just pisses her off immensely. even their presence makes her want 2 cry

internet: hogwarts is a big school, so i think it’d be fun to play with her befriending someone online and like just not knowing who they are in real life. they know each others name and houses and whatever but they’ve never actually met.

enemies: very self explanatory

more tba probably

Miscellaneous (Anything else you want to add): 

headcanon time!!

during school breaks she gets jobs around her town. not only does it give her muggle experiences that she wanted to have when she was younger, but she also feels guilty asking her parents for money every couple of months.

 she has two sets of school notes. one is the chickenscratch she takes during class, the second is a neater version of it that’s highlighted and bulleted and annotated. 

she’s HUGE into bullet journals

or just journaling for that matter. she thinks it’s fun

professional stealer of clothes. ur shirt missing? lily has it. ur pants? also lily’s. you probably won’t get it back.

her favorite candy is sugar quills (the white ones cause she’s basic)

the better her mood, the more sugar she puts in her coffee/tea

prefers coffee over tea

she knows every word to every one direction song

would much rather not wear shoes 

always has muggle pens and papers on her because you never know

she can NEVER have her nails done. she can for like a night but she’ll always end up picking it off

super cuddly. will more than likely fall asleep on you

is pretty much a cat

if she’s close with you, you have no faults. she will ignore everything wrong with them until she’s absolutely forced to face it. but once that trust is gone, it’s gone for good

#bvbhq:task #FINALLY #( the clouds never expect it when it rains: musings )

[theabominableblogger]

My Reaction to “Gotham” S2E12

Non-chronological order reaction post?  Yep.  Probably should be working on the other ones instead?  I’m gonna say yep.

I just wanna see how they do Mr. Freeze here.  If they wreck him, then I might be a little mad.  I’m still mad at Ed- I never liked Ed.

AN:  I managed to record my reactions to this episode and hopefully I can transcribe what I said into this post. 

Oohhh, flashback!

Oooh, drumroll!

They use a drumroll for the background music all the time when it comes to the GCPD.

“[Jim] You then pursued Cobblepot and his men, correct?”  “Yes, but I was unable to locate them.“  *jaw drops in shock*  Oh my God...

*claps with each word*  Jim, you are lying under oath!

“At which point, you [JIm] decided to flee the city before law enforcement could question you?”  “Yes, for that, I have no excuse other than to say I was concerned for the safety of my fiancée [Lee].“  *gasps*  SHE SAID YES!!

Yeah, this is basically just a recap of what happened in the winter finale.

“Were you [Jim] present at the time of his murder?”  “No, I was not.”  Oh my God!

“Do you [Jim] have any information regarding the case that you have not shared with us?”  “No, I do not.“  OH MY GOD, JIM!

“Were you [Jim] involved in Theo Galavan's murder?“  OH MY GOD, JIM!

“No, I was not.”  OH MY GOD, JIM!  OH MY GOD, YOU LIED! 

*on verge of losing voice*  JIM!

Lee!

Jim, you ass!

“Then what's wrong [Jim]?”  “Nothing.  Long day.“  LIES!  YOU LIED UNDER OATH!

THIS IS SO FRUSTRATING!

“I [Barnes] believe your [Havey Dent’s] investigation has found no evidence of criminal wrongdoing.”  “Careful. You're starting to sound like a lawyer.“  Hoo hooo...

Oswald C. Cobblepot?  What’s Oswald’s middle name?  Chester?

AN:  It’s Chesterfield.

There’s that [Jerome cult] graffiti again!

Oh my God... he [Oswald] looks so mangy... and gross

Oh my God, they put a screwdriver in Butch’s stump?!?  That’s... kinda awesome.

I like Tabitha’s look in this scene.  Like A+

“I [Butch] bet that was your [Tabitha] plan all along, huh? You're just that fond of me.”  “Strangely enough, I [Tabitha] am kind of fond of you [Butch].“  This is gonna come back and bite us in the butt in the S4 finale AAAHHH

“We [Tabitha and Butch] have history.“  *grimaces*

*Tabitha kisses Butch*  Ohhhh!  Ohhhh!!

Selina, what are you doing?!?

*Victor freezes a cop*  Whoaa!!

What?!?  Wait wait wait, Mr. Freeze has his tech before he becomes Mr. Freeze?!?  What is this?

Oh my God, this is just the opening.  Hoooly crap.

Yep.

Oh they didn’t play the theme at all!

Ha, Jim just strolls in like “Ah yes, a regular day!” and everyone’s like “...Jim?!?”

“That's it? No hug? No kiss? No "welcome back"?”  “You don't deserve these lips.“  Heeheeheehee!

Jim’s like “...OK... I can roll with this...”

*Ed dips a rose in liquid nitrogen*  Oooh, yay!  Flashback to eighth grade science class!

“Which means your suspect wasn't using liquid nitrogen. He was using supercooled liquid helium.“  What? 

Liquid helium?

Ed... control thy anger!

“I [Ed] found Mr. Cobblepot wounded and dying in the woods.  I nursed him back to health.  He owed me his life, which is why I trusted him when he said he had changed his ways.  It was an innocent mistake.“  ...Really?

*Barnes brings Oswald in in handcuffs*  Whoa!

Take a shot every time they use the word “skell” in this show.

How did they catch him [Oswald]?

Freakin’... Oswald...

“You [Oswald] confess to murder?”  “Yes, I do. Proud of it. I'm not a criminal, you know? I'm just insane.“  Hooo...

Aaahhhhhhh....

“Jim, I'm trusting you.  Don't make a fool out of me [Barnes].“  HOOOAAHHHH...

Y’know, so far, for an episode called “Mr. Freeze,” we’ve only seen Mr. Freeze once.

Oh wait, there he is!  Speak of the devil!

[Victor’s]  Just gonna leave this dead, frozen corpse in the back of his truck!  I mean...

Nora!

God, the actress who plays Nora [Kristen Hager] looks like a mix between Michelle Williams and Brie Larson

“I [Victor] need to find the correct ratio of liquid helium to glycerol cryoprotectant.”  “Now tell me [Nora] what that means in English, honey.“  *chuckles*

“I [Victor] can bring your temperature down to 200 degrees below zero, and I can stop this disease from killing you [Nora].“  What’s the disease though?

What’s the disease though?  Like what is this tragic disease that Nora always has?  They never explain what she has!  I think “Batman and Robin” was the only one that actually tries to put a name to it.

Like it’s not really that contagious because he [Victor] just kissed her [Nora] on the forehead!  What is it?!?

“Good news.  Nygma did some digging, found one company in all of Gotham that makes liquid helium:  Wayne Enterprises.”  Oh but of course!

OK, so he’s [Victor] working with cryogenics... is it similar to what whatever Hugo Strange is doing at Indian Hill?  It’s gotta be, right?

Oh, that [Victor’s basement lab] doesn’t look shady at all!

Frickin’ Ed!

“[Oswald] You doing okay?  You look kind of funky.“  Hahaheehee!

Vitrification?  That’s a word?

AN:  It’s the process of turning a substance into glass, like in ceramics.  Which is also used for cyro-preservation

*Victor turns on the basement lights*  Whoaaa!

Oh my gosh, he [the corpse] is actually blue!

I don’t think the body can survive below -100 degrees.  There’s no way!

AN:  You can survive extremely cold temperatures for a moment, especially if concentrated on a very small patch of skin. The larger the surface and longer the exposure, the less likely that you’ll survive.

Oh my gosh, can we get more of this?  Jim, Lucius, and Harvey going out for lunch?  Can we have more of this?

Can we have more of the Crime Trio here?

It’s Proto-Team Batman!

I wanna know what that restaurant is...

Meanwhile at Arkham Asylum...

Please don’t tell me that is who I think that is...

Nope, OK.

Oh no, why am I thinking that?  Jerome’s deaadd! 

For now.

I want Oswald to have like this dramatic speech and then just prat-fall off the table.

*The Arkham inmates start to riot*  Well that clearly didn’t work, now did it?!?!?

“Solution A14.  I [Victor] knew it would work!  I knew it!  Ha!  Yes, yes, yes, yes, yes!“  But the guy’s dead!  He’s totally dead!

Why did the body melt?!?  Why did it melt?  It should not have melted.  Whaa...

*Nora starts hacking up blood*  Uhhh... call 911?!?  Should we call 911 maybe?  Can we please call 911 for Nora?  Please?

“If you [Nora] have another attack and you don't have this medication, you could die.“  Yeah, what does she have?

I actually do like that we get time to get to know their [Victor and Nora’s] relationship.  I do like that because half the time they’re like “Oh yeah, she’s already in ice!”

We get to see his motivation but we never get to see her as a character and how she interacts with Victor.

Goddd, who the crap is this?

Oh my gosh, this dude at the counter at the pharmacy is a diiiiiiccckkk!  Oh my God!

Oswald just looks miserable!

OH MY GOD, THAT IS HUGO STRANGE!

Why is he at Arkham?!?!?

Oh my God, B.D. Wong is such a perfect choice for Hugo.

“Chief of Psychiatry?”  Oh my God, NOOOOOOOOOO!!!!

*Victor freezes the pharmacist*  Whoa...

*Jim and Harvey accidentally run over one of the frozen victims*  OOHHHHHHHH!

Oswald, for some reason, reminds me of one of those really snooty popular girls.

AN:  Think Megan Fox from “Confessions of a Teenage Drama Queen”

Oswald’s like “I’m gonna pour myself some tea.  Why not?”

Or scotch, whatever that is.

I really like the focusing shots on Hugo’s eyes.  Makes a really nice shout-out to the comics.

“And don't worry; here at Arkham we have a number of intensive treatment programs.“  Uhhhh....

Yeah, I’m with you, Oswald.  I would not trust Strange with an inch of my life!

So does Nora know that he’s [Victor] dragging dead, frozen bodies downstairs to experiment on?

“Victor?  Honey?”  God, she’s gonna go downstairs and see it!  Noooo!!!

Noooo, she’s gonna see it!  Nooooo!!!

No, I don’t like this, I don’t like this, I doooooonn’t like thiiiss!  Not at all!

She is gonna see all of this!

“Frice?” 

‘I’m really good with names,’ are you, Harvey?!?

*continues to contemplate the correct pronunciation of VIctor’s last name for the rest of the episode*

Where’s the freeze guuuunnnn?

Noooooo my God, is he [Victor] gonna target Jim and Harvey?

WHOA!

“See no evil, do no evil.”  *jaw drops open in shock*

WWWWWHAAAAAAT?!?

“My husband did terrible things.  But he did those terrible things for my sake.  I'm dying.  He wants to save me [Nora].”  What are you dying of?!?

What are you dying of?  Just tell them!

Whoa...

*Victor walks into the precinct*  Ohhhhhh snap!

What?

Wait, why are there other people claiming Victor’s work as their own?

*gasps when the frozen body on the lab table is gone*

Ummm... exCUSE mee?!?

*gasps and covers mouth in shock when the victim is revealed to be thawed out and alive*

“I'm [Victor] coming for you, Nora.  I'm coming to save you.“  She’s not gonna be there!

Strange, what the hell are you doing?

God, that’s so hard because I know two Dr. Stranges:  one’s a good guy and ones a bad guy. 

*yells in frustration*

Holy crap, I forgot Indian Hill’s under Arkham, isn’t it?

“Treatments will include immersive aversion therapy and radical psychotropics.“  Ummm, I didn’t know what half of that meant, but it isn’t good.

WAIT, PSYCHOTROPICS CHANGE BEHAVIOR!  WHA-

“Our young lady arsonist refuses to cooperate with our experiments...”  *gasps*  Firefly!

Oh my God, noooo...

“Hello, Mr. Freeze.”  *cue small high-pitched yell*

*jams out to ending theme*

#mr freeze #Gotham #FOX #the blogger reacts #looked at the stars and considered a reaction #jim gordon #oswald copplepot #tabitha galavan #edward nygma #butch gilzean #victor fries #nora fries #hugo strange #lee tompkins #harvey dent #nathaniel barnes #harvey bullock #bd wong #theo galavan