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joels-shitty-puns · 6 months

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The Key To Your Heart - Track 7

Pairing: Pedro Pascal x Musician!Reader

Series Summary: After writing your feelings for Pedro into a song, it gains a lot more popularity than expected. Ultimately it brings both criticism and support, with new possibilities around the corner.

Series Warnings: 18+ only (MDNI). Fat shaming, name calling, kissing, angst. Mentions of food, weight loss, weight gain, dieting, weighing, potential eating disorder, food guilt. Potential for puns/dad jokes (name of my blog, and the fic) should give that away. This is my first fic which should be its own warning, lol. Also some cursing. Mentions of masturbation (f) maybe more smut later idk. Sadness, reader is pretty depressed. Poor body image. Rude people. Bullying-ish and just lack of support? Anxiety. Age gap! Reader is in her mid 20's, Pedro is current age (48).

Other stuff: Reader is plus sized. AFAB. Inexperienced. Also has a dog, but you can pretend it is another creature probably. Further, in case it isn't clear, italics almost always are the reader's inner thoughts!

Word Count: 6.6K!!!

Series List: Here!

Miss last chapter? Here!

Hi guys! I'm so sorry this took a little extra longer than usual. I've had a lot of ideas for this chapter for a long time and I struggled with putting it all on paper. I'm also on vacation 🤪 but I really wanted to get this one out there, especially before Halloween. Also I'm sorry if the spacing and stuff is crap, I did this from my phone/iPad while falling asleep at 3:30 AM. Hope you enjoy! Thanks for reading!

__________

You awoke with a start, your alarms blaring through the bedroom. Giving the snooze button a smack, you reach across your mattress, touching the sheets to find the other side of your bed empty.

It was still warm, but missing the actual body that you fell asleep cuddled next to. Blinking your eyes a few times, you called out into the bedroom. "Baby?"

You climbed out of bed, making your way down the hall to the living room, where you finally saw him on the couch. Sound asleep, eyes gently closed, a soft snore passed from his mouth. At the sound of your footsteps, he opened his eyes, giving a big stretch and wagging his tail.

"Good morning Skippy, my little sunshine! I missed your cuddles this morning. Why'd you move to the couch?"

He looked at you and yawned, his eyes closing once again. You giggled and headed for the shower to get ready for another day. Some of us have to actually work and get stuff done in this house!

_____

The day at work was busy, leaving little time to chat with Pedro. You couldn't help but smirk to yourself as your coworkers buzzed about your new album freshly released the day before. They still hadn't figured it out, but you decided you would continue to let it be your little secret a bit longer. They didn't need to know. Just you and Pedro could share this for now.

On your lunch break, you finally opened your phone to find a few text messages from him. "Good morning! I had fun video chatting with you last night. I'm so glad we listened to your album together, and it was nice to finally get to see you." His message made your heart skip.

Second text from Pedro: "Hey, I hope work is going well for you. I was thinking, maybe if you'd like, we could chat again later? If you don't want to video chat anymore, no pressure, but I enjoyed it and thought maybe if you wanted to, we could."

You replied. "Hey P! It's been a crazy day :) but a good one. Especially waking up happy after enjoying a lovely evening. I would really love to video chat with you again too."

Pedro breathed a sigh of relief at your answer. He couldn't help but feel nervous to ask you, despite having just video chatted last night, and he also didn't want to make you feel pressured; especially with someone as private as you are. But with your response, he smiled as he felt his stomach fill with butterflies at the thought of seeing you again.

_____

Later on, after work, the two of you were texting and deciding on the time to video chat again. However, before you called, Pedro texted you again. "Hey, I had a question for you, but I didn't want to ask it over the phone or video call and make you feel pressured. But, there's this Hollywood Halloween party coming up in a few days. I know you still want to keep your identity, but I thought if you'd like to, each guest is allowed to bring a date, and I thought you could mingle a little with some other musicians and actors. I can just tell people you're one of my friends from a set if you don't want to give your real name. You don't need to tell them anything you don't want out to the public. Plus I would love to spend some time together in person too, if you want to. I know it's a lot, so if you would rather not go, I understand. But I'd love to meet you."

The idea of going to a party filled with other celebrities, AND Pedro, had you filled with mixed emotions. Nervous. Excited. Terrified. Love-sick. Hesitant.

After a bit of thinking,you decided, and the answer seemed obvious from the start. The party sounded terrifying, and was completely unknown territory. But you also knew that if you didn't go, you'd surely kick yourself and regret this chance forever.

Finally you replied. "Okay! I'll go. I'd love to spend time with you, too, Pedro. Thank you for inviting me."

He replied again: "Really?! So, will boo be my date? 👻"

You: "That was a little too.. (candy) corny. I may have to ghost you. 🎃"

Pedro didn't miss a beat. "Okay, you're driving me batty. 🦇 Want to call and talk about our costumes?"

Oh shit, I forgot about costumes.

The two of you chatted, easily falling into the comfortable conversations you always do. Fitting together like two peas in a pod. Even though neither of you were dressed up fancy anymore, it didn't feel like you had to be someone else, or dress up. Things were comfortable. Easy.

Pedro suggested a matching costume, which made you want to scream and pace through your living room. Unfortunately, due to your camera situation, pacing and screaming would surely cause some alarm. After dancing around things like pirates, ketchup/mustard, and movie characters, you finally had an idea and suggested Cinderella and her prince.

"It just feels kinda fitting you know? Nobody knows who I am, but I go out for once, I meet this prince, and he lets me have this fun night. But then at the end of the night, everything goes back to normal, and I'm unknown again."

Until he eventually can't stay away and they both fall in love and live happily ever after… but that's neither here nor there. Totally not my intention.. pffft…

"That sounds like a wonderful idea. Should I send a carriage?" He joked with a wink, but you could tell he was a little bit serious. You couldn't help but feel like he would have reserved a carriage ride in a heartbeat had you said yes.

"Absolutely not. Way too big of a scene," you laughed. "In fact, I actually have work that day. Would it be possible for me to just meet you there after I get off work? I can just take an Uber across town. My work isn't too far from the party and I'm sure parking will be a mess."

Pedro agreed, although he felt bad you'd be taking a ride-share service alone and continued to offer a ride if you needed. He also felt a bit disappointed he wouldn't get to have any time alone with you beforehand, but he wasn't about to tell you that detail.

Either way, the two of you agreed on your plans, and as the days led up to the party, you grew more and more eager. You also felt more and more dread in the pit of your stomach.

But this will be good. It has to be. Right?

_____

The night of the party came quickly.

You got off work, took a quick shower, changed into your costume, did your hair, and added a little bit of makeup. The costume felt silly, but you kept telling yourself it was Halloween and everyone would be in costumes. Plus, you have a handsome prince waiting for you inside. As your mind and heart raced, the Uber driver pulled up to the curb, dropped you off, and you were met with a line to the entrance.

The line to the party was lengthy, filled mostly with eager fans, paparazzi, and journalists hoping to gain entry. Occasionally you'd see a celebrity pass by, but they were quickly ushered in once they were recognized.

You, however, were unknown by all. So you stood in line, surrounded by others who hoped desperately to meet their favorite celebrity. Not unlike yourself.

Having finally made it, you sent a quick text to Pedro. "Hey! I'm here :) sorry I'm late."

Your stomach twisted in knots. Sure, you were excited to meet Pedro. Especially with as much as the two of you have been talking over the past couple months now-

Geez, has it really been months?

But despite your connection, you still had that nagging self-conscious worry that he might not like you. Maybe he's just been talking with you to be nice, and the second you're together in person he won't give you the time of day. Maybe he will find you boring in real life. Maybe he will think you're ugly. Or weird. Or fat. Or -

"Next!" The bouncer at the door yelled after sending yet another hopeful fan away. Your stomach dropped and your mouth was dry.

"Hi, I-"

"NAME?" He barked, clearly done with this whole event.

"Well, actu-"

"Speak up princess, I can't hear ya when ya mumblin," the man said with a thick New York accent.

You cleared your throat. "Actually my name isn't on the list, I'm a guest of Pedro Pascal."

The man, towering over you, let out a bellowing laugh. "YEAH, I'm sure ya are, toots. You and every other woman in this joint."

"But I-"

"And trust me, I've turned away much prettier broads than the likes a' you at this doorway," he said while looking you up and down with an amused look as if he had just told the punchline at a comedy club.

Your heart sank. You always said things like that to yourself on the inside, but it wasn't often that people were that blunt to your face.

The man sneered while smacking his gum and arrogantly moving it to the other side of his mouth with his tongue. That gum. You wanted to punch him if you had to hear him smack it one more time.

"Back a' the line, kid. Y'ain't gettin' in here tonight, but I appreciate the self-confidence," he said, laughing at his own joke.

Disheartened, you didn't even care about meeting Pedro anymore. Your mood was dampened, your ego was hurt, and all you wanted to do was go home, get out of this stupid costume, and cry on your couch. With a short nod, you bit your lip to choke down the tears, turned, and headed towards the exit.

"Hey!!! There you are- wait where are you going?"

You'd recognize that voice anywhere. Pedro.

You turned around, swallowing down your emotions and putting on a fake smile, despite the wave of hurt and anxiety pooling in your stomach and chest. "Hey, Pedro! You found me."

Pedro smiled at the guard and snuck past, telling him "hey, she's with me." Fans in line squealed, which he greeted with a kind wave and charming smile. At last, he reached you and gestured for the two of you to head inside to the party. You gave a nod and a small, half-hearted smile.

You didn't want him to know how upset you were. Not only did you feel pathetic and slightly agree with the bouncer, but you also didn't want to ruin Pedro's night.

As the two of you entered the crowded party, you looked around at the decorations. Filled with purple and green lighting, the Halloween music blared and monsters danced the night away. A bowl of green punch sat on a table to the side, surrounded by bowls of candy and platters of snacks. An open bar was on the back wall, providing both normal booze, and Halloween themed drinks topped with gummy worms or syrup made to look like blood. To the right of the bar was a door to the large rooftop balcony which held tall, dark-green potted hedges, perfectly trimmed and shaped underneath rows of charming fairy lights. Beyond the shrubbery, the deck had several nice patio tables and chairs, a few people catching their breath outside or chatting, and a gorgeous view of the city below with the sparkling sky above.

Back inside and off to the right of the patio door, away from the dance floor, was a door which you assumed was the restroom, based on the long line of women.

"I'd like you to meet some people, if you feel up to it," Pedro yelled to be heard over the booming music from the dj.

"Okay!" You yelled back.

He led you over to a couple of people off to the side of the dance floor, one you recognized as his friend Sarah Paulson, who was dressed in a shimmery witch costume.

Pedro introduced the two of you. Sarah was very sweet, and while you talked music and acting, Pedro touched your shoulder and spoke into your ear to avoid yelling. "I'm going to grab a drink, can I get you anything?"

"I'll just take a soda, thanks!" Although some alcohol might help your nerves, you wanted to maintain a clear head and maybe not do or say something to Pedro that you might regret.

"You got it," he replied, turning on his heel towards the bar.

Once he had left, Sarah gave you a look.

"What?" you laughed.

"You know, he talks about you all the time. I know you already love some other guy based on that hit song of yours, but I gotta say I think he might be smitten with you."

"Oh please, no he isn't. We're just friends!" You smiled at the idea, but inside, you kept hearing the bouncer's words on repeat. There's no way Pedro could have feelings for you. Even if you wanted him to have those feelings more than anything, it couldn't be.

"Whatever you say," she said with a smirk.

A pause before she added "just… don't hurt him. I know you love someone else, but he's a good guy," she pleaded, letting her protective side show.

On his way back from the bar, Pedro ran into Oscar, whom he tagged up with and headed back to your small group. "This is my friend Oscar," said Pedro, introducing you to Oscar as his friend.

Friend. Remember that. Friend. That's all. All you'll ever be.

"Nice to meet you Oscar!" You gave him a cherry smile.

"Nice to finally meet the woman of the hour! Pedro here just won't shut up about you," he said with a smirk, looking at Pedro mischievously. Pedro blushed and looked into his drink cup, taking a sip while trying to hide himself.

"Yep! It's always 'she said this, she said that, can you believe she can do that? She's so smart, funny, sweet…' yada yada yada," he said, smirking again and taking a side glance at Pedro, who choked on his soda. "Shut. Up. Oscar." He quietly threatened through clenched teeth. But despite his quiet tone and a loud party, you heard him.

I mean, I say kind things about my friends that way sometimes. It's nice he's so appreciative of his friends. Because that's what I am. A friend.

Sarah chimes in. "That's what I was telling her! But she claims they're just friends," she air-quotes around the words 'just friends.'

Pedro's heart sank. He knew deep down that's all you were to him, but hearing it second-hand from you still hurt. Just friends… he thought.

"Yeah right," Oscar rolled his eyes, talking to Sarah as if the two of you weren't standing literally right next to them.

"Believe what you want Oscar, but it's true," Pedro answered with a shrug.

Now it was your turn to feel heartbroken. Just friends… you thought.

You cleared your throat, "anyway, I'm going to go get another soda. Can I get anyone anything?" They all answered no, and you headed for the bar.

Deep in your thoughts, you walked over to the bar when a woman slammed into you. She spilled her red, bloody Halloween cocktail drink all down the front of your costume. "Watch where you're going, fat bitch," said the woman, appropriately dressed in a devil costume, her skin-tight red dress barely covering her ass and breasts.

You sighed. At this point you decided to skip the refill and head toward the bathroom to clean up your now wet front. You looked back to see the devil herself headed right towards Pedro's direction. Typical, you thought with an eye roll. She wants him and is mad I was talking to him.

You turned away from that scene and reached the line to the bathroom. It was lengthy, but luckily it was moving fast. Once inside, you finally could let your emotions out a little bit. You wanted to put on a brave face for Pedro and not ruin his evening, but ever since the bouncer made his comments, you couldn't get them out of your head. And now with that woman spilling her drink on you, you had another reason to be upset. You felt undeserving to be here to begin with, and their comments really solidified the imposter syndrome.

Despite wanting so desperately to see Pedro in the flesh, you hadn't even been able to really make eye contact all evening. Your nerves about meeting him were still there, but now you were just upset about the whole night. Even though you wanted to look at him, really see him, you felt like you didn't deserve it; and your nerves warned you not to look or else he'd figure you out.

If he realizes I like him, it's game over. It'll be like that guy I liked before. He'll eventually say it's weird. Weird for me to have a crush on him, weird for me to touch him, weird for the two of us to talk about relationships or sex. It's 'weird' with you.

You really started to hate that word; weird.

Perhaps you were destined to be a single hermit forever. Or maybe just become a nun.

Cleaned up and having let enough tears out for a couple more hours, at least until you could go home and really cry, you walked out of the bathroom. Heading back toward Pedro, you saw a tall, thin, beautiful woman wearing a tight black dress with a slit down the thigh and skeleton makeup on her face.

The woman was standing close to Pedro when you saw her touch his bicep. Slowly running her hand down his forearm, she batted her eyelashes and twirled her hair with her other hand. She said something to him you couldn't hear, but the two of them began to smile, Pedro's eyes growing wide with his grin. He said something to her and they both laughed, him throwing his upper half forward in a classic Pedro laugh.

That's it. I can't do it. I can't be here and see this.

Turning on your heel, you made for the patio door. The crisp air hit your face, urging the tears to fall immediately.

_____

Pedro laughed as the woman, Tricia, held up both hands in defense. "I SWEAR, Pedro. That's what she did. She touched my arm like that, twirled her hair, batted her eyelashes, and said "hey baby. Come here often?"

Pedro laughed, "oh man, that's so cheesy."

"I know!" Tricia laughed, holding her stomach.

Pedro raised an eyebrow. "Okay, you agree it's cheesy, yet I feel like every time I've seen you two together tonight, you're the one that can't keep your hands off of her," he stated with a sassy smirk.

"Alright, you caught me," Tricia replied with a laugh, right as her girlfriend Sam walked up in a matching skeleton costume. Sam handed Tricia a cup of purple liquid and asked what they were laughing about.

"I asked how you two got together," Pedro replied with a chuckle.

"Oh, gosh, I can only imagine how she's spun the story this time!" Sam replied with an eye roll and a quick kiss to Tricia's lips. Seeing the two love-birds kiss made Pedro long to experience that with you.

Where did she go? There's no way she's still getting a drink.

He excused himself and headed towards the bar, but you weren't there. Then he walked towards the bathroom to check the line. Nope.

Finally he looked to the left and saw you, leaning against the balcony which overlooked the city.

He pulled the sliding door open, slipping outside into the cool October night. The patio was mostly empty, apart from a few stragglers on the far side of the rooftop, sitting at the patio furniture underneath a heat lamp. Most of the guests had gone inside when the temperature began to dip. He walked towards you, saying your name to gain your attention, but you didn't turn. Too deep in your thoughts.

"Are you okay? What are you doing out here all alone?" He touched your shoulder gently.

Startled, you tried to quietly sniffle and wipe your wet eyes without him noticing, careful to avoid smudging your mascara.

You turned to face him, planting another fake smile on your face. "Yeah I'm fine, just needed some air, that's all. You?"

"I can tell you're not okay. What's wrong?" He frowned, stepping closer to you and eyeing the red stain on your dress. Confusion laced across his face.

You stepped back a half-step away from his touch. "It's nothing, it just seems it isn't my night I guess… but you look like you're having fun. Get back in there and dance with Sarah and Oscar," you said with a gentle smile. "I think I might head out. Skipper is probably wondering where I am, anyway."

"I'm sorry you're not having a good time. Let me at least give you a ride home," he pleaded with his brown eyes. This was the first time all night you had actually made eye contact with him, finally seeing just how handsome he really was in person.

Yeah. There's no way he'd go for me. That's for sure.

"No, no please, you stay, I'll just get an Uber. It's fine! Thank you for inviting me tonight though, Pedro. That was really sweet of you."

"I'm not letting you take an Uber home when I'm right here."

"No, dont. I don't want you to miss the party…" you added.

"I've partied enough tonight. Come on, I'm taking you home. No arguments," he pressed, puppy dog eyes unwavering in his demand.

Seriously this man could get away with murder the way he looks with those eyes.

"Okay. Fine, if you really don't mind," you finally agreed, not that it was even an option.

He gave a quick explanation to his friends with a brief wave before the two of you headed out the front door. You scowled at the guard as you walked past.

Thanks for ruining my night, asshole.

After receiving his car from the valet, Pedro pulled open the passenger door for you, gesturing for you to climb inside.

Nobody has ever opened the car door for me before, other than my dad.

What a gentleman...

Just because you were upset didn't mean you weren't zapped with a feeling of adrenaline and love at his chivalrous action. Whoever ends up with him is a lucky person.

You climbed in the passenger seat and he went around the car, entering the driver's side.

Not only did you feel like you ruined the party, but you worry you may have ruined your shot altogether. Why would Pedro want you after you didn't even talk to him your first night out together?

_____

*Pedro's POV*

As he climbed into his seat, buckling up and starting the ignition, he couldn't help but wonder where the night went wrong.

Did I say something to offend her?

He began to replay all the conversations you'd had tonight, trying to figure out when your sadness began and what could have caused it.

The party conversations? The texts? The phone calls?

Nothing came to mind, which worried him even more that he could be so ignorant to have said something hurtful without realizing.

Pedro looked over at you in his passenger seat. You were curled toward the side, arms scrunched toward your body and looking out the window. Silent. Just the occasional sound of a sniffle, or a road direction for him to take toward your house.

He wanted so badly to reach over and touch you. Hold your hand and rub his thumb over your fingers to comfort you in any way possible while driving. Then, he'd pull you into his arms the second you two got out of the car.

But he knew he couldn't. You weren't his to hold.

Was her crush at the party too? Could he have hurt her somehow?

He felt anger flare into his system at whatever could have made you cry. You deserved the world and he wished he could spend every day trying to prove it to you.

_____

*Back to your perspective*

About 20 minutes later, you quietly said "this is me."

Pedro put the car in park, and told you to wait. Confused, you sat, but he ran around the car and opened the door for you.

What. The. Hell. Is he real?

You stood from the car, fluffing down your ruined princess dress. "Thank you Pedro. You really didn't have to give me a ride, I feel bad you went out of your way. I'm sorry if I ruined your night."

"Hey, whoa, don't apologize. There's no way you ruined my night, and don't worry about the ride. I feel better knowing you made it home safely from me than some taxi service," Pedro placed his hand on his heart.

"Well, thank you either way. It was nice getting to finally meet you in person…"

"It was nice meeting you too," he shifted his weight, awkwardly wondering how to proceed.

"You should go. Get back to your party before you miss anything else! I'm sure Oscar and Sarah miss you," you prompted.

"Oh, I'm not going back. I'll just call it a night and head home. It's not as fun without my date, anyway." He smirked, and you couldn't help but wonder if he was flirting with you. Probably just being nice.

"You aren't going back??"

"Nah, I'm good. But…" he rubbed the back of his neck with his palm.

"What?" You felt nervous.

"Can I ask why you're so upset? You don't have to talk about it if you don't want to. It's just… if I did something or said something to upset you… I'm so sorry," he said, and you could actually feel the genuine sadness in his voice.

"Oh, Pedro. No. You did nothing wrong. It's just," you sighed. "Do you want to come in?"

You worried about asking and seeming too forward, but now that it's out there it can't be taken back.

Friends go over to other friend's houses. It's totally fine and normal.

"I, uh, sure," Pedro stumbled over his words. "I'd love to. If you don't mind." He seemed nervous and a little surprised at your invitation.

You unlocked your door and the two of you entered. Instantly, you were greeted by your boy, who was all too happy to have a new friend. His tail wagged, smacking against nearby surfaces.

Pedro's face lit up instantly, and he crouched down to Skip's level. Letting Skipper get a good sniff, you heard Pedro gently coo to your dog. "Hi buddy!! I'm Pedro. I've heard so much about you." He scratched behind his ears.

Your heart swelled. Here they were, two of your favorite boys, bonding like old friends.

Pedro stood up again, giving a final scratch to Skipper's head before turning to you. "So, do you want to talk about it? What happened tonight?"

You ushered him to the kitchen table, asking him if he would like a drink. "Sure, thanks. Just water, please."

You poured two glasses of water and sat at the table near him, finally delving into the events of the evening. You told him about the bouncer and the woman with her drink. "I also saw that one girl talking to you and being really touchy and flirty and I felt like I was intruding."

I was also really fucking jealous…

"Wait, what girl?"

He repeated the evening's events through his mind. He wasn't flirting or being touchy? Who were you - Oh. Tricia, when she was describing Sam. Were you jealous of her? He allowed his mind to wonder, slightly hopeful that you might want more.

"I guess I just… I don't really feel like I fit in here. I don't look like I fit in here. I don't act like I fit in here. I honestly don't even know why you're as nice to me as you are. I wonder why you want to be my friend. Not that I'm not happy about it, because I am, but-"

He cut off your ramblings. "Whoa, whoa, hey. Sweetheart. You belong here. People just don't know you yet. That bouncer was totally out of line and a complete asshole. That woman, who spilled her drink on you, was rude, offensive, and nasty; and I don't tolerate that kind of behavior. Especially towards those I care about. The second she came over, I could tell she was a snake. I didn't give her the time of day. And lastly, the girl you saw being touchy was my friend Tricia. She was describing how her girlfriend picked her up in a bar," he laughed.

"Oh," you listened to his words, still not making eye contact, looking at your hands on the table.

"And as for you," he prompted, "I'm nice to you because you deserve it. You're sweet and funny, and I'm so thankful to have met you. I talk to you because I like talking to you. I enjoy spending time with you, whether it's on the phone, or, even better, when I get to see your face. Although I have to say I hate to see it crying." He brushed away a tear from your cheek, and you gave a small laugh, wiping the rest of your face.

"Thanks Pedro. I'm sorry if I brought down your night. I just really wanted tonight to be special, and it felt like my carriage turned back into a pumpkin before I even started." You gave another defeated laugh.

"You didn't ruin my night. If anything I'm just disappointed you didn't say anything, so I could help cheer you up or we could go do something else." He paused, brushing your hair from your eyes. "By the way, I never did get to tell you how beautiful you look in that dress, princesa."

Your cheeks heated under his gaze. "T-thanks Pedro. You look pretty handsome there, yourself," you answered nervously. It was the first time you had truly looked at him all night, and he was more beautiful than you ever could have imagined. Even pictures didn't do him justice. Dressed in a white suit with golden epaulets and golden buttons on the jacket, he was the most charming prince you'd ever seen.

Pedro rubbed his neck. "Thank you." He smiled. "But, hey, just because the night didn't go your way doesn't mean we can't turn it around."

You smirked. "That's true. Do you wanna watch a movie or something? Because if so, I think I might change out of this costume real quick," you began to stand.

"Whoa, not so fast princesa," he grabbed your arm.

You turned and gave him a confused look.

"Not before I share a dance with you in that dress. I've been waiting all night," he held out his hand.

"Really?" The grin on your face lit up, and you pulled him towards your music room where you stored your records.

"Wow. This is amazing. You have so many records and instruments in here! Is this where you write your music, too?"

"Yep! Here's where the magic happens," you answered with a laugh, pulling out an old record filled with slow love songs of the 50's and 60's. You placed the needle on the record, hearing a soft crackle as it began to play.

Pedro pulled you into his chest, grabbing your right hand with his left and gently placing his right hand on your waist. You slid your left hand up to his shoulder and smiled up at him as the two of you gently swayed to the music.

One song turned into two. Then three, and finally four; the two of you holding each other, silent except for the soft music turning from your record player on the desk. At some point you took the risk and decided to rest your face on his chest while the two of you swayed. His head rested on top of yours, both of you breathing softly, eyes closed, with you listening to the rhythmic drumming of his heart in his chest.

The record crackled with the end of the first side and the two of you looked at each other. You didn't miss the quick glance he stole from your eyes down to your lips, and you began to slowly lean closer.

Is this it?! Am I finally going to have my first kiss?!

You continued leaning closer, both his and your eyes gently closing. You could feel his breath fanning across your nose when-

Clunk clunk clunk. Pant pant. Whine.

You and Pedro opened your eyes, confusion painting your expressions as you turned your faces away from each other towards the sound. Still held in each other's arms, you peeled your eyes away from each other to see Skipper looking at you both with a big doggy grin on his face. His tail smacked the table with a thump thump, and he let out soft little whines and coos for attention.

The two of you laughed, the moment over, as you both kneeled down to give pets while Skip wedged between the two of you. Although you were disappointed the kiss was interrupted, you can't be mad at such a cute face. Still scratching your dog, you looked across to Pedro on the other side of Skipper. The two of you shared a soft look and smile, filled with so many unsaid words and feelings.

"So, uh.. how about that movie?" Pedro asked, still smiling.

______

You changed out of your princess costume into a comfier movie watching outfit and he changed out of his prince costume. He had some clothes in his car, which he changed into, looking handsome as ever. He wore a navy blue sweater with jeans, both fitting him perfectly. The two of you settled on your couch and turned on a movie. Although you sat next to each other, you kept a friendly distance, neither of you wanting to push the other too far.

As the movie rolled on, you had a hard time focusing on the plot with him so close. He looked so cozy and soft, you just wanted to climb in his lap. You wanted him to hold your hand. You wanted to finish that kiss. He smelled nice, he looked nice, and you wanted him more than anything else in this world.

Without realizing it, you gravitated closer. Your body inched toward him, and without him realizing it, he inched closer as well. It wasn't long until your leg was brushed against his. Just the slight touch of his leg on yours was enough to send an electric feeling pulsing through your body. The tension was as tight as an electrical cable, slowly fraying until it eventually snaps into sparks.

Pedro's fingers twitched at his side, his jaw clenching and unclenching. Your eyes kept sneakily darting over to him, his doing the same at opposite times. Your hearts were racing, breathing quick and shallow. The movie finally ended, neither of you able to tell someone the storyline if asked.

You nervously turned towards Pedro, rubbing the back of your neck. "So that was some movie…"

"Yeah, that ending… it was-" his eyes darted to your lips. "Something." He looked into your eyes, hand settling on your thigh as the two of you once again began to lean in closer. You had just shut your eyes, noses brushing together, when he pulled away.

What the heeeeeeeellllll??? Whyyyy!?

You couldn't help but let out a whimper as you opened your eyes after the second failed kiss of the evening.

Pedro sat with his elbows on his lap, holding his face in his hands. "I'm so sorry…"

"What? Pedro? Why are you sorry? What's wrong? Did I - did I do something wrong?"

Do I smell bad? Does he not like me? Was this some sick joke?

"I don't know what I'm doing. I'm sorry. I let my feelings get in the way, and I shouldn't have done that. You're in love with someone else. I can't steal your first kiss. You deserve to have it with the man you really love."

"Pedro-" you tried to pry his hand from his face.

"No. I'm sorry if I ruined things. I should probably leave-" he began to stand up, but you grabbed his forearm and pulled him back down.

"Stop. Pedro," you begged.

He sat back down, looking into your eyes guiltily.

You continued. "Please don't apologize. I wanted you to kiss me…"

"But that guy in your song. You deserve to be with him. I've been letting my feelings take over and stealing all your time away on the phone and text, video chat, and now in person. I almost stole your first kiss from you twice tonight and-" he rambled on, once again throwing his hands over his face before you interrupted him again.

"Pedro.." you pulled his hand away from his face, leaving yours to hold his cheek instead, but he still avoided your eyes. Taking a deep breath, you figured it was time to take the plunge.

"It's you, Pedro."

His eyes glanced up to yours. "What?"

"It's you. It's always been you. You're the one I like."

"Wait, so you mean-"

"Yes. The songs, the interviews, our chats… I've been talking about you this whole time. I really, really, like you."

Pedro gave a gentle smile, leaning his face into your hand. "I like you too, baby," he whispered.

His hand moved from his cheek to yours and the two of you leaned in. Closing your eyes, you brushed your noses together before you whispered "please kiss me.

You could feel a soft smile as he pressed his lips to yours, first gentle and soft, then stronger and more desperate. Although the kiss was still very tame, you could both feel all the emotions you've been harboring for each other for so long.

Breathless, the two of you pulled back, falling into a gentle laughter. "You don't know how long I've been waiting for that kiss," you spoke softly, wanting to keep the words as quiet as possible, heard only within the tiny bubble you currently shared.

"Me too," he smiled, pressing another kiss to your lips.

"I think you were worth the wait," you pecked his lips.

"I think you were too," he rested his head on your forehead with his hand on your neck, lightly stroking over your hair.

"I like you." You giggled.

"I like you too." He grinned. "But, you know, if I remember correctly, 'like' wasn't the word you used in your song…" he teased.

Your stomach flipped. "I don't want to scare you off too soon, P."

"You won't, sweetheart. You couldn't if you tried. I feel the same way." He kissed your forehead.

You looked at him, and feeling slightly nervous, yet calmed by his deep brown eyes, you told him those important words that have been spilling from your chest in silence.

"I love you Pedro."

"I love you too," he grabbed your face, once again pressing a kiss to your lips, this one much deeper than the others, before pulling you into his arms. The two of you were finally together. Finally you had love. All the things you wanted were coming true.

Turns out you got your happily ever after tonight after all.

__________

To be continued...

That's all for now! I hope you liked this chapter. I've received a lot of kind messages and DMs saying how much you guys relate to the reader and I just want to say thank you. It really means a lot to me that people are finding something to relate to. I'm essentially just using this fic as my diary, because she is pretty much just me. So to see others feeling the same way, it makes my heart so full! I send hugs to all of you.

Next Chapter! Here!

Taglist: (Want in? Let me know!) If I forget to add anyone, I'm sorry!

@pedrotonin @starcrossed02 @lightupsketchersperson @cartoon-garbage04 @tyferbebe @maryfanson @gwendibley84 @faithfullyyours2000 @brilliantopposite187 @hc-geralt-23 @jenniferpendragon @winchestergypsy90 @red-red-rogue @theendwhereibegin @lottieellz101 @oliversaurus @kyga01 @milly-louise @titabel @taz-97 @stefanibear003 @marantha @fandomoniumflurry @ilovemybrown-eyedbabygirl

#pedro pascal #pedro pascal fanfic #pedro pascal fanfiction #pedro pascal fluff #pedro pascal smut #pedro pascal x you #a! wrote a fic #pedro pascal fic #pedro pascal x afab!reader #pedro pascal x reader #pedro pascal x musician!reader #pedro pascal x plus sized! reader #pedro pascal rpf #rpf #pedro pascal x y/n #key to your heart

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skippyv20 · 1 month

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Hi Skippy-

Long time since I’ve been on this app… but thought you’d like to see Lilly… it was three years ago today that she completed her chemo and rang the bell. She has been back for several checkups and remains cancer free! 🤗

OMG! I was just thinking of her yesterday! Oh this is so wonderful! She is so beautiful! I can’t thank you enough for sending this. I am so deeply touched, and my heart smiles! I know many here still think of her as well! Thank you, you made my day!!!!! God Bless Lilly and may she have a long healthy life!🙏🏻❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

*For those of you who don’t know Lilly…she is from our prayer list! Power of Prayers!!!!!!!

#Ask Skippy #submission

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sassyfrassboss · 5 months

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I can no longer find the article but--

Rumor tracking anon here - I don't have *that* article but I do have one from Vanity Fair about the 2017 BAFTAs (and Kate's first time accompanying William). I bookmarked the article because there's a line about Meghan in that is so wildly out of place that it made me verrrry suspicious about her:

We have high hopes for Kate and William’s (oh yeah, William is there, too, in a tux) night at the BAFTAs. Will they recreate the La La Land poster pose alongside Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling? Will Kate reference Meghan Markle in overheard conversation (“My future sister-in-law is an actress, as you may or may not have heard, so . . .”)? And will Meryl Streep and Kate Middleton pose together, enabling a flood of “one royal meeting another” captions to be posted on Twitter?

In the grand scheme of things, Meghan in February 2017 was *not* important enough to be worthy of this kind of throwaway comment in the same breath as all those people. So then why would Vanity Fair do this? Always rubbed me the wrong way. But now, hindsight being 20/20, it tells us a lot.

I'm fairly certain that this is around when Sunshine Sachs and Vanity Fair were negotiating Meghan's cover because it's the first time her name was dropped with all these A-List celebs. I do think it's part of "everyone loves classy" but it's such a random throwaway it slipped under the radar. (And specifically my gut is telling me that the "my future sister-in-law" part was Meghan or Sunshine fishing for an invite to Pippa's wedding among other A-list freebies.)

Here's the link. https://www.vanityfair.com/style/2017/02/kate-middleton-prince-william-baftas-alexander-mcqueen

Hey love! How are you!?

Thanks for this! Can you imagine Catherine EVER talking about a woman she had only met once by this point? HAHA!

Plus Harry and Meghan had only been dating for 6 months at this point and 90% of that was long distance.

There were a ton of articles around this time about Meghan and Catherine. Many of which were about how Meghan would be much more suited to the role of Duchess or even Queen than Catherine ever would.

So this was also right around the time that the rumors on Tumblr started that Harry & Meghan had split up after she had been escorted out of the UK a few weeks prior. The rumors were that she took photos of the Wales kids and was caught. Charles had her escorted out of KP and to the airport sometime in December or early January. It is said that Harry dumped her because she wasn't worth the drama she was causing with his family. Later when she flew out to Skippy's wedding, which she is said to have been given a passing casual verbal invitation at a house party, and then she and Harry slightly reconciled but she was still chasing after him to get his attention back. They fought a ton on that trip apparently. Which proves true from the beach photos that were taken. It was right after this she shut down her blog and IG and claimed she quit Suits for Harry.

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hippiichi · 11 days

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i can officially say i'm done with all sketch commissions and now only have rendered comms left to do!! these take longer esp since finals are coming up for me it'll take a bit more time but they'll get done ᕦ(ò_óˇ)ᕤ

here's all the commissions i've done so far in one big post thank you to everyone who helped me and skippy out!

i've hit the post limit on mobile give me a sec

commissioner list:

Arthur (OC) for @emberglowfox

Astarion bg3 for my irl

Callum (OC) for @srahbee

oc art for @Alecopon

Gladion and Sivally for @psycho-pomp

valentine's day art for @evilest-opossum

oc art for @joshmofobi on instagram

oc art for @moshicorn on instagram

oc art for maggie on instagram (sorry their username is really long and untypable)

storch unit and mynah for @enbivalent on instagram

#my art #skippy emergency comm stuff

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mistermaxwellboucherdieasilived · 2 months

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Doing @charlottan's book tag game Hiiiiiii Charlotte :) And thanks Skippy for tagging me

Favorite books: We'll Fly Away by Bryan Bliss, The Street by Ann Petry, Notes From my Captivity by Kathy Parks, Hunger Games trilogy (Catching Fire is my fave I think), Darius the Great is Not Okay by Adib Khorram SOOOOO GOOD, Long Way Down by Jason Reynolds, More Than This by Patrick Ness

Favorite authors: Sorry for this some of these I've read literally one of their books. But anyway. Jason Reynolds, Lemony Snicket, George Orwell SORRY, John Webster, E. Lockhart LOVEEEEE HER

Favorite genres: Realistic fiction, lgbt coming of age/romance, YA but I don't consider that its own genre, novels in verse, early modern british drama sorry, survival narratives (idk if theres an official term)

Book(s) you're currently reading: Sort of The Hunger Games trilogy because I'm writing a paper on it, about to start reading Stone Butch Blues (for fun) and The Ministry of Utmost Happiness (for class)

Books on your to read list: Stone Butch Blues, The Poet X, The Hate U Give, The Handmaid's Tale, House of Leaves (THIS SUMMER I WILL)

Books you loved as a child: STARGIRL BY JERRY SPINELLI <3333, Nature Girl by Jane Kelley, Captain Underpants (the whole series), Animorphs series, any scary stories collections but especially David Lubar's Weenies series, A Series of Unfortunate Events <33

Preferred book length: Like 300-400 pages

Books you couldn't finish: Omg so many.... Sense and Sensibility, Tess of the D'Urbervilles, The Scarlet Letter, Romeo & Juliet, Julius Caesar... these are just for school

Fiction or nonfiction: Fiction<333333333 I <3 narratives

Buy, borrow from library, or read online: Library LOL. I also love thriftbooks

Author you've read the most of, but DON'T recommend: Laurie Halse Anderson. Sorry. Okay.

Favorite book character: At the moment, Katniss Everdeen.

If you at some point stopped reading but then started again, what book/books got you into reading again: What most sparked my interest in literature for school was probably Macbeth or Heart of Darkness. I stopped reading much around freshman/sophomore year but one book that really brought me back would be You Asked for Perfect by Laura Silverman. I remember reading it in one sitting and feeling like myself again because I read it so fast lol. Smiles

Tagging @verpaso and anyone else who wants to heart

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redmyeyes · 3 months

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Get to Know Me

Thanks for the tag @likerealpeopledo-on-ao3!! <3

(spoiler alert: everything on this list is FT-related bc i literally cannot stop thinking about it)

Last song: it's not a song, it's a playlist. i've been obsessed with this chronological FT playlist that @sgippy made since I came across it, and can't stop reccing it to everyone. perfection.

Last Movie: Saltburn. (not FT-related, but not NOT. 1968 hawk would drink skippy's bathwater. 😌)

Currently Reading: Fellow Travelers by Thomas Mallon. and a lot of FT fic.

Currently Watching: Fellow Travelers (again and again and again), White Collar (mostly in the bg, but I desperately want to write a Hawk/Tim White Collar AU).

Currently Consuming: nothing. i'm too busy thinking about FT to remember to eat/drink/sleep.

Currently Craving: FT deleted scenes. PLEASE, showtime! also more of Paul Leonard-Morgan's (the composer's) video explainers about the OST because they are AMAZING.

Tagging (apologies if you've been tagged already, no pressure!): @sgippy, @ishipallthings, @alorchik, @lestatscunt, @jesterlesbian, @startagainbuttercup, @feelingpure, @jam-and-butterfly, @lovedeathalice

#i probably should be embarrassed about this but. i am not #hyperfixation strikes again #tag games

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silverware-is-interesting · 1 month

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i dunno what to draw for a little end break so. just gonna use a drawing i did for class because i think it looks neat

anyways hi, I'm not sick anymore! good for me!

all the references under the cut if you're curious because this drawing. took me days!!!!!! i was going. insane. haha. (fair warning, it's a bit long, so feel free to not look)

Undertale Amalgamate (the dog family one)

little doodle of Flowey (Undertale)

this ringholder i based off one my mom has

(almost) all these are references so i'll list them from left-to-right -the Delta Rune from undertale (this is meant to be a Cook Book!) -a reference to Game Theory (since Matpat like. retired or somethin') -the blue books aren't a refrence -faintly meant to be read as "Mad Mew Mew" -a soul in a cage (Deltarune Ch.1 refrence) -Chronicals of Narnia (the Magician's Nephew ((that's the book this scene is from!!)), the Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe, and the Silver Chair)

the lemon demon shelf. all the albums left-to-right -I am become Christmas -just the mascot thing -Hip to the Javabean -Dinosaurchestra -good 'ol Spirit Phone -View Monster -Nature tapes -Damn Skippy

top-to-bottom -there's a tripod fish on the cover ('cause i think they're neat) -the title is "Help" upside down

a not quite colour accurate version of the plants in the greenhouse from Undertale Yellow

this sun part of Undertale Gold Starlo's pin from the final paicifist design (AMAZING au, the creator can be found here. if you haven't seen it, check it out!)

ANYWAYS! that's all (I think) but thanks for looking at all this!

#silverware's art #what the fuck do i tag this as??#it was kinda a study #it wasn't MEANT to be one-#but whatever

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monachopism · 2 months

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Hi! Do you have a list of favorite FT fics that you would recommend to someone that hasn't read any yet?

Absolutely I do! Thank u for asking! These are in no particular order btw.

1. Too Old to Play (and Too Young to Mess Around) by ninav. Incomplete (as of right now). I just finished reading the most recent chapter of this and I am in awe of how brilliantly written it is. It's not a traditional Hawktim fic though. It's about Kimberly as a young woman journeying to find herself in San Fransisco. I'd save this one for after you're a bit more seasoned with the FT Ao3 tag, but it feels like a necessary read to me. This is one of the best fics I've read in a very long time (possibly ever). Please give it a try.

2. Teacher's Pet by ascandalinpink. Complete. It's just fluffy and cute and a pretty enjoyable read. It's a modern day fix-it where Tim is a student in Professor Hawkins Fuller's foreign affairs class. When I first started this one, I initially closed out of it about 10 mins into reading, but a few days later I gave it another chance. That being said, I found it hard to imagine the cadence of Hawk's voice in this one. It got there eventually, and it was definitely worth the read, but you have to let it grow on you. This one also does a fantastic job of modernizing FT without just retelling the same story.

3. A Joy, Hard Learned by partialresonance. Incomplete. Very fluffy, a fix-it based in canon where everybody's gay and less emotionally repressed and/or traumatized. Hawk and Skippy get snowed in and have a pillow fight. Enough said.

4. Perhaps, Perhaps, Perhaps It’s Real by drabbleswabbles. Complete. Time travel fix-it where Hawks lands himself in the early 70s. There's a reason it has the highest amount of kudos in the tag. I read this so recently after finishing FT that I genuinely started confusing it for canon because of how well the characterization is written. Very well concieved concept and so so consistently good. It is so goddamn balanced that I'm a little bit envious of how skilled this author is. I also appreciate that this doesn't eliminate the actual events of the show. I really like that Hawk has to grapple with previous events in his new timeline.

Those are all the ones I have for now! If you want more, you can message me or send another ask. I'm sure I'll have more recs by then haha

#fellow travelers #tim x hawk #hawktim #fic recs

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punished-lincolnshire-poacher · 4 months

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Nine albums. Thank 4 tag, @nico-di-angelfish

1.) View Monster by Lemon Demon. It's not easy for me to pick a Lemon Demon album, so this is the one that statistically has the highest number of my favorite tracks on it. Honorable mentions to Damn Skippy, Hip to the Javabean, and Dinosaurchestra.

2.) Treats by Sleigh Bells. Yeah, Poach likes Treats. Who knew? Zero skips in this album but Rill Rill is actually probably my least favorite. It's a good song, but this album does not need that breather in the middle of it.

3.) I Was A Teenage Washout by The Washouts. The only album by The Washouts. This album consists of music recorded by Jeff "Rip" Carson from between the ages of 11 and 16. Most songs were written by him as well. Discovered this artist/album while researching covers of Last Caress. Near as I can tell, Last Caress is the only non-original track on the album, but I could be wrong. Either way, this one grinds the line between "highly underrated" and "acquired taste."

4.) Paul's Boutique by The Beastie Boys. This album serves cunt hard. Again, no skips here except maybe the intro and outtro. Nothing wrong with them, but if you listen to the album often enough they can become tedious.

5.) Astro Lounge by Smash Mouth. Yes, the album with All Star on it. Turns out every track on this album fucks super hard, and there's quite a bit of variety to their sound. Another rock solid zero-skips album.

6.) The Conet Project. This isn't really an album. In fact it isn't really music at all. It's a five-disc collection of shortwave radio oddity recordings. Basically there are certain mandatory rules when broadcasting on shortwave frequencies. Recordings in this collection showcase stations that break these rules consistently over a long period of time, leading many to believe they are government sanctioned in some capacity, although they have never been publicly acknowledged or explained by any governing body. I listen to them on the reg.

7.) Cross by Justice. No skips. You've probably heard a song or two from this album even if you don't realize it. I seem to recall the "the party don't start til I walk in" line from THE PARTY being a popular meme some years ago. There's just no weak links in here at all. Perfectly cohesive album.

8.) f# a# ∞ by Godspeed You! Black Emporer. Another fairly famous album in music circles. There's not much I feel a need to say about it. It's beautiful, it's very dear to my heart.

9.) Puberty 2 by Mitski. This list is bookended by albums that were difficult for me to pick out from the rest of their artist's catalogue. Bury Me at Makeout Creek and Be The Cowboy are close contenders, but in the interest of not repeating an artist on this list I chose Puberty 2. Fireworks and My Body's Made Of Crushed Little Stars are almost guaranteed to bring me to tears anytime I hear them.

I don't feel compelled to tag anybody. My mutuals know who they are. Anyone should feel welcome to make a similar post.

#lemon demon #sleigh bells #the beastie boys #smash mouth #justice #godspeed you black emporer #mitski #the washouts #the conet project

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happylikeasadsong · 5 months

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"About the Blogger" meme

Thank u sm for tag @cruciomione!!

Star Sign(s): Cancer sun, Libra moon and Leo rising (i couldn't explain it i you asked, tho)

Favorite Holidays: Christmas and New Years i love how crazy people go about decorations and seems like there's no end to imagination. Also it's that time of the year i have the most delicious food and share quality time with my family. And New Years's so special bc i get to celebrate with friends and usually the parties are lit.

Last Meal: A strawberry delight crepe as a 'well done' gift from me to me or not dying during my exams and finishing them all, yayyy

Current Favorite Musician: i always find it hard to just mention one, so here goes my top three rn: coco jones, the maine and rbd (latin pop band).

Last Music Listened To: back to life by lawson. this one scratches my brain like no other.

Last Movie Watched: me and one of my closest friends do this list of christmas movies every year bc we love christmas movies, no matter how awful and cringe they are. last night i watched 'exmas' with leighton meester and robbie amell and i was surprised that it wasn't the worst, so it's a win in my book.

Last TV Show Watched: it was this week's episode of fellow travelers. jonathan bailey and matt bomer are breaking my heart in a million little pieces, but i think it worth it?? it's so so so sad and tragic but they do such a great job portraying hawk and skippy's story.

Last Book/Fic Finished: i wanted distract myself from my daily problems so i reread 'remember me, remebering you' by amiera_saphire on ao3 last weekend.

Last Book/Fic Abandoned: i prefer the term 'hiatus'. i have a jatp fic that i never really finished and the thought of it hunts me.

Currently Reading: a very boring article on managerial finance i have to write on by friday (my last assignment of the year, yay!). i hated it, so i came here to get enough endorfins to go back to it.

Last Thing Researched for Art/Writing/Hyperfixation: ships in the 1800's, also dresses of that time period so i can better my shitty description in my period fic. i only had an idea and a dream on that one.

Favorite Online Fandom Memory: uhh i think it was back in the cursed years (2020, eww) and after i watched julie and the phantoms i found some really good people here and on twitter. our day consisted in checking every news outlet about the show and pics, videos about them. also the fics were so incredibly good!! those were fun times.

Favorite Old Fandom You Wish Would Drag You Back In/Have A Resurgence: arrowverse when it was good, maybe? idk but olicity had a choke on me in a concerning way. but then it went bad, so bad, and i suffered through until arrow ended and stopped watching the shows.

Favorite Thing You Enjoy That Never Had an Active or Big "Fandom" but You Wish It Did: felicity. it's mainly bc it's such an old show and bc of that, no one is really talking about it anymore, but it was my shit when i 'discovered' back in college.

Tempting Project You're Trying to Rein In/Don't Have Time For: i'll quote @cruciomione about the multi chapter fics, i feel you! one shots are better for me bc i can just write my idea down.

i've been working on a multi chapter about a second chance/lovers-to-strangers-to-lovers. i love the angst i have panned out in my head lol maybe during the break it could revisit it.

loved doing this!!

tagging some ppl to do this too, only if you want!

@imliterallyjustablackgirl, @ethxocore, @laryssamedeirss, @vacationship, @ruethrills

#about the blogger #asks #i'll finish reading the article now byee

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le-poofe · 1 year

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Dot: (kicks a can) Well, Skippy, it's nice being your girlfriend. Try to remember me as I am now, okay? Not as I will be tomorrow, dead.

Skippy: C'mon, Dot, just 'cause Duke says he's gonna kill ya doesn't mean he's gonna actually do it.

Dot: He sounded like he meant it.

Skippy: Yeah, but you know Duke. His short time memory is gone. The guy can't remember what he had for breakfast so how is he gonna remember he's gonna kill you tomorrow?

Dot: Yeah, maybe you're right.

Skippy: Sure, I bet by now, everybody's forgotten all about it. There's not a kid in the whole city who'll even remember this stupid fight.

Katie Kaboom: (on the bus) Hey Dot, 23 hours until you die! (laughs)

(Skippy holds up a note.)

Dot: What's this? Boombox, skateboard, season 1 DVD of the reboot.

Skippy: That's just the list of your stuff that I've kinda had my eye on, you know, if worst comes worse.

Dot: Thanks, Skipperino

Skippy: Don't mention it, Angelina

#ask

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joels-shitty-puns · 7 months

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The Key To Your Heart - Track 5

Pairing: Pedro Pascal x Musician!Reader

*! New warnings will be listed first !*

Series Warnings: 18+ only (MDNI). Mentions of food, weight loss, weight gain, dieting, weighing, potential eating disorder, food guilt. Potential for puns/dad jokes (name of my blog, and the fic) should give that away. This is my first fic which should be its own warning, lol. Also some cursing. Mentions of masturbation (f) maybe more smut later idk. Sadness, reader is pretty depressed. Poor body image. Rude people. Bullying-ish and just lack of support? Anxiety. Age gap! Reader is in her mid 20's, Pedro is current age (48).

Word Count: 2.5k

Series List: Here!

Miss last chapter? Here!

Hi guys!!!! Thank you for reading and being so supportive of my first fic so far!!! I love you all ❤️ please let me know your thoughts on this chapter. We're not done yet!

___________

~ We alternate between Pedro + reader's thoughts in this one ~

"Hello?"

"Hello? Pedro? It's me.."

You heard him give a breathless laugh before answering with a gentle "Hi."

______

You laughed back, sounding equally shy but giddy. "Hi," you answer softly. "I hope I'm not being weird calling immediately after you gave me your number?"

"No, no! Not at all. I'm happy to hear from you" Pedro quickly quashed your worry.

"Okay" you whispered.

"So tell me more about this book you love," Pedro asked, trying to start up a conversation, any conversation, just to hear your voice.

The two of you discussed your favorite books, movies, shows, and continued on through other favorite things. Food, ice cream, music, your favorite flowers. You talked about dogs and told him about Skipper. You even shared his name and breed.

"Oh, Skipper! I was wondering about his name when you mentioned him in your interview, but you said you weren't ready to share. Thank you for trusting me. How'd he get his name?"

You smiled before jumping into a story about yours and Skipper's origin. "Well, a couple years ago… I was walking by the ocean down this pier with fishing boats, sailboats, and yachts docked on it. I heard a whimper coming from a corner of the dock and went over to investigate. There he was, small and scared. Just a puppy. He didn't have a collar and was covered in fleas. I tried to call him with no luck, but I also had just stopped at the grocery store and thought maybe I could lure him over with some jerky. But he wasn't interested. Too nervous."

"Hmm," Pedro listened.

You continued. "One of the fishermen walked down the pier with a bag from the same grocery store I had just left. He pulled out a can of wet food and tried to lure Skip over. Still no luck. I dug around my backpack to find something else, but the only food I had was a peanut butter sandwich I packed for my commute home. I took a shot and offered it to him, and weirdly.. that he accepted. The guy likes peanut butter," you said with a laugh.

"From then on, we were attached like glue. I couldn't find an owner for him and he didn't have a chip. We took care of the fleas and I decided to name him Skipper. Partially because of the boats, partially because I can call him Skippy for short, like the peanut butter."

Pedro gave a genuine laugh before complimenting the cute, yet sweet, name. "Does he still like peanut butter?"

"Oh he loves peanut butter. I can't even open a jar without him coming over from wherever he is in the house."

He hears you speak faintly to the side, away from the speaker. "Isn't that right my little peanut?"

"Boof," Skipper agrees.

Pedro laughed, grinning ear to ear. You couldn't see the joy on his face but you could feel it. "He sounds adorable. I love dogs."

"Me too," you smiled. The two of you discussed dogs you've raised over the years before you texted him a picture of Skip.

"Oh my GOD," Pedro exclaimed. "Look at those ears! He's adorable."

As if you couldn't like Pedro more, he's gushing over your dog the same way you do.

You don't know if it's possible, but you hope someday you can have the two meet each other.

Pedro didn't want to scare you and mention it, but he also hoped to meet Skipper someday. But more than that, he wanted to meet you.

_____

The conversation flowed so naturally, it felt as though the two of you had known each other a lifetime. It seemed the blink of an eye, but you had been on the phone for three and a half hours.

"Y'know… I was kind of nervous to call you," you said shyly.

Pedro sighed "I was nervous to give you my number. Especially when you didn't reply right away. I worried I overstepped."

"No! I'm so glad you did. Because even though I was nervous, talking to you just feels…"

"Easy." You both answered, resulting in matching grins and blushes, neither of which are seen.

"It feels like we've been friends for years," Pedro continued.

"I agree" you say softly.

The conversation begins to close, but the two of you plan to talk on the phone again soon.

With that, you both hang up, and each begin to count down the time before the next call. In your respective houses, you flop on your bed, kicking your feet and blushing, while Pedro ran his hands down his face with a grin.

______

The next day, the two of you talk again. He called you this time.

Unfortunately, when he called, you were well into your workday. He didn't know you still worked a normal person's job.

"Hey P! I'm sorry I can't talk, I'm at work, can I call you in a few hours??"

"Oh shit, sorry! Yes." Pedro hung up frantically before he began to think. Did she just call me P? A nickname? He smiled to himself. He had been called many names, nicknames, and mispronunciations throughout his life. Some good nicknames, some… not so good. Other people have even called him P before. But never before had he heard a nickname from your lips.

_____

When you called him back after work, he decided to be bold. "Did you call me P?"

"Huh?"

"Earlier when I called, did you say 'Hey P!' when you answered the phone?"

Your blood turned cold. Oh no. It slipped out. He hates that I used a nickname.

"I did. I figured it would be better for your privacy if I didn't say your name out loud."

"Oh. I see. Well, Pedro is a pretty common name."

Yeah but when your coworkers all know you're in love with Pedro Pascal, I don't think they'd be thinking of other Pedros.

"That's true. But some of my coworkers know I'm a big fan of yours so they might think I'm just delusional, haha" you answered… mostly honestly. Although you aren't sure "big fan" is the right word. It's just the safest.

Pedro thought about this and wondered: her coworkers know that she's a big fan? How big of a fan? Could I be the - nope, don't even go there.

"Big fan, huh? Well, thank you. I appreciate it. And I don't mind the nickname. I liked it. People call me a lot of names and I don't really mind." He had started to tease about the fan thing but decided to change gears.

"Oh good! I was worried I overstepped," you replied cautiously.

"You could never." And he meant it. With as much daydreaming as he's been doing lately, he's not sure there's much of anything you could do to overstep. He, however, worries he might. She's already in love with someone. Stop.

He cleared his throat and continued "so I didn't know you worked, outside of your music."

"Oh yeah, I mean the music is fairly new. Luckily my coworkers haven't figured it out yet, surprisingly." You continued to describe your job, Pedro listening intently (as if work was actually entertaining).

_____

After the work discussion, there was a quiet pause. "Hello?" You asked, wondering if Pedro had been disconnected.

He suddenly sounded serious. "Can I… uh.. ask you a question?"

"Oh. Um… Okay…" you replied, heart pounding.

"You mentioned your coworkers not finding out.. Do you think you're ever going to show people who you are?"

"Maybe someday…if they don't figure it out first."

"Do you think you'll ever tell your guy you love him?"

Your heart was ready to fly away it was beating so fast. "I'm thinking about it..."

"Can I ask - What's holding you back?" He asked cautiously, gently even.

Where to begin? You thought. But he doesn't need to know all that. He doesn't want to. You'll scare him off once he realizes what a mess you are.

"Eh, it's just my own silly worries! It's okay, I'll get over them I'm sure. I know I can't stay hidden forever," you deflected as best as possible.

"Anxiety is a hard thing to conquer, but your worries aren't silly if they bother you. If you ever need to go to someone, I'm here to talk."

"Thanks, Pedro. But really, don't worry about me. I'm okay."

"That's not fair to you. How often have you felt the need to say that? That you're okay, in order to not worry someone else?"

Every time I'm worried. Nobody needs to be burdened by my stress.

"Oh.. I um.. I just don't want to burden anyone over something I should handle myself…I don't want my friends to feel like I'm using them as my therapist."

Pedro's heart sank even more. "I hate that anyone could ever make you feel that way. But if you want to talk, I'm here to listen. You won't burden me. I promise."

You couldn't help the sniffle that escaped you. "I don't want to push you away." Your voice dropped down to practically a whisper "I don't want you to leave."

Pedro's heart broke. "Baby… the only way you'll push me away is if you tell me to leave. Let down your walls. Talk to me."

Did he just call me baby? You immediately snapped up, quieting your tears instantly.

The realization hit Pedro just the same. Shit, did I just slip and call her baby?! Oh what have I done? Tell me she didn't notice. Tell me she didn't hear me. She's worried about pushing me away, and I go and say something like that?

Unsure of how to address the nickname, you decided to ignore it. He probably is just trying to be nice. Friends say things like that. Buddy, pal, babe, baby, love, honey. At least girl friendships do… ? It's probably nothing.

"Are you sure? I mean, you don't even know me that well," you hesitated.

"But I want to. It'll be okay. Let me in," Pedro said softly, cautious, like you'd flee.

And so you opened up. You told him about your anxieties. How it feels safer to just close yourself off from people. About not sharing your excitement and passion because people feel it's "too much." Not showing your feelings because your old crush said it was weird and pushed you away. Feeling like other people fit in so much easier than you ever can. Or how you wonder if your friends sometimes just are nice to you only because you're nice to them. How you're really nobody's favorite.

With every word, Pedro's heart was breaking. All he wanted was to scoop you up in his arms and hold you until you believed all those things weren't true. Until you felt loved the way you deserved.

"But I guess one of the main reasons I haven't shown myself to the world is because of the things people have said about me without knowing me. About my music. About me being naive. Childish. Creepy even.." you continued.

"Those people are assholes. The second you get an ounce of fame and attention they'll do anything they can to knock you down. You're amazing. You're brave and bold and all you did was share your feelings and your voice. Those people just want to make themselves feel better about their own unhappy lives." Pedro spoke from his own experiences. Rumors and articles often spread like wildfire and it can be overwhelming. He isn't immune to that.

"Thank you. And I know that, but I think part of me believes they might be right… I really am just in my silly daydreams."

"They aren't right. You said it yourself, they don't know you. You know you. I'm starting to know you. I can already tell you aren't any of the nasty things people say, and those people couldn't even be half as good a person as you are." Pedro reassured.

"Thank you… but… well… can I ask you something?" You asked shyly.

"Of course."

"On the topic of what people have said… Another big reason I haven't told the guy I like is because I worry he wouldn't like me. Like he'd think the way those people do. You said earlier in your interview when you were asked - that if someone wrote a song or something like that about you, you'd still consider them. You'd give them a chance, even though they were clearly some obsessive fan. Were you telling the truth? Would you really give a fan a chance with you? Be honest with me," you pleaded nervously.

Pedro paused for a second, before answering with certainty. "Yes. I would feel at a bit of a disadvantage that they loved me before I got the chance to love them back... But I would give them a chance. As long as they're respectful, why shouldn't you? Who says celebrities should only end up with other celebrities? The world is full of people looking for and deserving of love. Including, especially, you."

Your heart fluttered around his words like a thousand butterflies taking flight at once.

"Thank you Pedro. You deserve that too. And if that's something you want too, I hope you find it."

Me. I hope you find me.

"Thank you. I hope you do too." He meant it. Even if it wasn't him, he wanted you to be happy.

"But lastly… I think a big reason I'm scared to show him who I am is…"

"Yeah?" Pedro could feel himself getting nervous.

"I don't… look like a celebrity. I don't look like those women in magazines. I'm not… skinny. I'm fat, and squishy… and I don't have flawless skin. I'm not… beau-"

"Stop," Pedro said.

"Sorry…" you fretted. You knew you'd push him away.

"No, no, no. Don't be sorry. But don't say to me that you aren't beautiful. Because you are. I don't even know what you look like but you're beautiful on the inside. And as far as the women in magazines? They've gone through hair and makeup and plastic surgery. They don't look perfect when you strip all that away. But you. We all have bad skin days. And you aren't defined by your body size. You may not be your own type. But for all you know, the man you are in love with might LOVE that you aren't skinny. He might love the curves and the natural beauty that you have. Not to mention that big heart of yours. You might just be his type."

You might be my type, he thought.

You were crying now. Not a sniffle, but a genuine cry. And Pedro felt as though he must have made things much worse. Until you said "thank you Pedro. I'm sorry for putting all this on your shoulders. But thank you for your words. I know that I don't like my own body and I just assume others wouldn't as well. But maybe you're right. Maybe he would love me back."

"I think he will. You just need to give him a chance to see you the way you are. You deserve to be loved as you are. He will love you back."

And if he doesn't, I think I already do. Pedro finally admitted to himself.

__________

That's all folks! For this chapter at least. Thanks again for reading and stay tuned for more!

Next chapter! Here

Taglist: (Want in? Let me know!)@pedrotonin @starcrossed02 @lightupsketchersperson @cartoon-garbage04 @tyferbebe @maryfanson @gwendibley84 @faithfullyyours2000 @brilliantopposite187 @hc-geralt-23 @jenniferpendragon @winchestergypsy90 @red-red-rogue @theendwhereibegin @lottieellz101 @oliversaurus @kyga01 @milly-louise @titabel

#pedro pascal #pedro pascal fanfic #pedro pascal fanfiction #pedro pascal x you #a! wrote a fic #pedro pascal fic #pedro pascal fluff #pedro pascal rpf #pedro pascal smut #pedro pascal x afab!reader #pedro pascal x reader #pedro pascal x musician!reader #pedro pascal x plus sized! reader #pedro pascal x y/n #rpf #key to your heart

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skippyv20 · 2 months

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Spotlight on Markus Anderson + SOHO House

Hi Skippy & Friends-Pilgrim here thinking it is ABOUT TIME an intense spotlight unearths the truth of what has been going on at SOHO Houses since their beginning in London. We do know their specially designed wallpaper that looked like flowers was really private body parts up close. We have read and deducted that Markle basically lived in them, having her own place to store luggage in London. Didn’t JH describe in Spare being taken thru secret hallways to get to her door? Together Markus & Markle, who act like friends with hot benefits in photos, enjoy playing gaslighting games together. It seems he can go either way as it has been written he had a fling with Edward Enniful-who did the disastrous Vogue issue with Markle and is just now retiring as the editor-in-chief of British Vogue. As for her, well, she sends wedding rings back in manila envelopes saying it’s over while having been living with the new guy and is in the process of moving onto the next victim. She changes religion with a snap of her fingers. Don’t forget all those foreign business trips to famous playgrounds on yachts in-between, proudly photographed and presented on her Tig site as if she was on her own dime- sure Jan. 6 degrees of separation with this group is more like 2.

We do know that Markus Anderson was born in Ontario, not far from a private school a 17-year-old Randy Andy attended for one semester. (Hmmmmm-dare I wonder about the older, half-brother/cousin possibility?) Anderson started impressing the bosses at Toronto’s SOHO House and is now their global membership director helping drive the company’s international expansion. He was/is? the guy rich patrons called looking for easy, classy, hook-ups. From the U.S. Sun, “He started working for the company as a waiter but quickly moved up through the ranks, turning his hand to practically every position at the company on his way up the ladder. The stylish chap is the right-hand man to company CEO Nick Jones and personally crafts the guest lists to some of the biggest celebrity parties - including an annual Oscars bash. He was named one of Toronto Life’s 50 Most Influential in 2014.”

We do know he and Markle have been in cahoots for years, (she went to Toronto for Suits in 2011) travelling together often. I have so many questions about this man it’s not funny. He was photographed at the Montecito polo fields babysitting a weird acting Markle, seemingly calming down tempers after a huge fight. He was THE one ushering Markle closer to Prince Harry, be it polo matches in the UK, parties with international magnates or the 2017 Invictus Games. He was one of 4 who was in the IG’s suite waiting for the prince to come up and say a formal GOODBYE to Meghan but instead, was met by Doria who told PH what was reeeallly going to happen. He was the one who gladly showed up at her half million-dollar, bogus baby shower in Manhattan to take her out to dinner. She told the paps what door to be at and they were photographed as she walked out NOT wearing the huge baby bump she sported when she arrived! He is the one who babysat her now orphaned dogs staying behind in Canada. He was around so much many said he was living with them starting on Vancouver Island. I even think Archie looks just like HIM! I’m referring to the child shown off with Rev. Tutu and reading the Duck/Rabbit book. This whole dang thing stinks to high heaven.

Yes, shine a big spotlight on this man and company. If short sellers discover there is not enough to sure up the value of their stocks…well then SELL!!!

Thank you Pilgrim! Great post!!!!❤️

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knickynoo · 2 years

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A Family Ties "A, My Name is Alex" Deep (Deep) Dive pt 1

This has sort of been a long time coming. After two years of wanting to but not quite having the motivation, several of you showed interest in me putting this post together. And so guess what? We're gonna take a real close look at the greatest Family Ties episode of the series and what is arguably MJF's finest moment as Alex P. Keaton (and some of his best acting, period, in my opinion).

This is going under a cut on account of the episode is a two-parter, and there's just so much to cover. But I will be adding gifs to break it up and make it easier to read! Enjoyyyy. *vaguely maniacal laughter*

Alright, so there is a reason why you may see me mention this episode more than others. And there's a reason why it's earned itself a spot on TV Guide's list of "Top 100 Episodes of All Time." It is so wonderfully done and such a pivotal point in the series. It is THE Alex episode, where everything we've learned about this character for the previous four and a half seasons culminates in this big, serious, sad plot that works to carefully unravel exactly who Alex is and why he's that way. Here we go...

We open with the Keatons returning home from a funeral. Alex's very good friend Greg has died--a result of a car accident. Prior to this, we've actually never even seen or heard of Greg before, but the decision to kill an unknown character was the best one for this situation. What were they going to do, get rid of a friend we actually know? Skippy??? Or Doug, Alex's goofy, loveable buddy from season 3?? Alex doesn't exactly have many friends, and those that we do know are too wonderful. They had no choice but to off a rando. Nevertheless, we get a strong sense of the deep bond Alex had with Greg and find out they had been friends since they were seven.

The Keatons are all overwhelmed by the tragic loss. Except for, ya know, Alex. He's unsettlingly upbeat, raving about what a great funeral it was, making jokes, bopping around the kitchen, etc. But this behavior isn't all that strange for him. This is season 5. We know that Alex struggles immensely with processing his emotions. He frequently relies on his family to help him identify his emotional states and work through whatever is causing them. So, Alex's mom knows that he's hurting but that he may not know it. She urges him to go and lie down. Alex rejects the offer and starts talking about what a lucky guy he is. See, he was supposed to be in that car with Greg too. Greg had asked him to come help run an errand, but Alex didn't want to and said no. He realizes that he was being selfish in not helping but claims that it's to thank for him being alive. He's almost giddy as he's explaining this to his parents.

Elyse again tells him to go and get some rest, to which Alex replies, "No, no, no, Mommy...Mommy, I don't want to lie down now, okay? I wanna stay up; I wanna keep moving." This line stands out when you factor in a certain tendency Alex has regarding how he addresses his mother. In a normal situation, he almost always refers to her as "mom." BUT (and this is one of those details about the layers they put into Alex that I particularly like), in moments of high stress--when he's really upset, scared, or anxious--he often calls her "mommy" instead. Keep this in mind for later when we move into part 2 of the episode.

Anyway, Alex's family decides to leave him be, and once he's finally alone, he has a very vivid hallucination of Greg being in the kitchen with him. His family walks back into the room to find Alex hugging the air, and they're obviously concerned. Steven has a brief heart-to-heart with Alex, telling him to let himself grieve and not to rush himself. It's a process. Spoiler alert: Alex will not be taking this advice. The next scene, which I'll just mention super quickly, involves Alex contemplating becoming a monk as a solution to dealing with his increasing anxiety surrounding death and the meaning of life. He quickly changes his mind when he learns that monastic life would require him to give up girls.

Cut to later in the day, and Alex is alone in the kitchen. He again starts hallucinating that Greg has come to visit him. And here, I'll include the two reactions we've gotten so far to each of Greg's "visits."

Notice the shift from Alex just wrapping his arms around Greg in the first gif to literally gripping his shirt in his fists in the second. And whereas the first visit made Alex happy, he's distressed during the second, especially as they get to talking. Greg sees Alex is studying for his economics final and says he'll leave him to study in peace. Alex, who typically prioritizes his grades, hurriedly swipes all the books onto the floor and gives the following speech, which I will type out in it's actual form because it's a jumbled, stammered mess and a good indication of Alex's slow-building unraveling:

"What, are you kidding me? You're more important to me than this. I don't...I don't know why I'm bothering. This, this, that's, this is meaningless. That...that's meaningless. Look, uh, I mean, I mean, I mean, what's the use of busting my tail to try and build a future for myself?"

This is an Alex turned nearly incoherant with grief.

Greg tells Alex that he has to keep living. Alex ignores this and starts apologizing over and over, saying that he should have gone with Greg that day. Greg points out that if he did, he would be dead too. "I don't care. I don't care. I was lazy; I didn't wanna go--" Alex replies, returning to the same thing he's been fixated on since Greg's death: his own selfishness. Alex has now reached the point of feeling such guilt for staying home that he wishes he had died too. Mallory walks in on Alex screaming at nobody, and he tells her he was supposed to be in the car with Greg. Mallory reminds him that he wasn't, and Alex has this emotional exchange with her.

Mallory gives a typical sibling response and tells him that he's still alive so that he can continue to aggravate her. This answer doesn't help Alex or change his belief that he should have been in the car. Now, this thought of "I was supposed to be there too" is one that would likely hit anyone in this scenario, but it's especially strong for someone like Alex, who canonicallly has issues with fixating/ruminating on things. He gets something in his head and literally can't shift his focus to anything else. Remember the episode where he grows a mustache and almost every single thing he says for days has something to do with it? Or when he's afraid his head is too big and spends the day like, "Is my head too big? Hey, mom, is my head too big?? Do you guys think I have a big head? I see you're all having a serious discussion...that's nice. What is your opinion on my head, though?" It is. A problem.

Steven and Elyse walk into the kitchen, and it's then that Alex reaches the point of complete meltdown.

It's a very powerful scene and by far the most emotional we have EVER seen Alex. And! It leads the Keatons to the realization that, quite frankly, anyone watching this show has already known for several seasons now: Alex. Needs. Therapy.

The next scene brings us right into Alex's first session, and the setup, if you've seen the episode or my gifs in the past, is very interesting. It takes place on a stage, with a mostly dark background, save for the various "memories" of Alex's that pop up. This is inspired by the 1938 play, "Our Town," which follows the characters' lives through flashbacks and monologues and was done similarly on a mostly empty stage using few props. It's a fitting way to handle the rest of the episode and really get inside Alex's head. We also never see the therapist--only hear his voice as he talks to Alex. From here on out, Alex is under a microscope, forced to confront many things about himself and his life that he's tried so hard to avoid.

Alex introduces himself and tells the unnamed therapist how old he is, that he's a junior in college double majoring in economics and business. He mentions that "anything to do with money" has been a passion of his since he was a kid. This interest, we know, is due largely to Alex finding interpersonal relationships difficult and seeking the comfort and reliability that facts and figures offer him. Alex tells his therapist that his childhood was normal. He brings up when he was in nursery school and how he had the ability to identify coins by their sounds, even if multiple were dropped at once. He tells his therapist that his teachers used to blindfold him and drop coins into a piggy bank to test him--a memory he recounts as if it's like. A normal thing for people to do to a 3/4-year-old. But it serves the purpose of laying the groundwork for what will be a recurring theme of Alex being treated like some sort of interesting anomaly by his teachers throughout his school career. But we'll get more to that. Anyway, off-screen, you hear the therapist drop several coins to the floor, and Alex swiftly identifies each one. "Two dimes, a quarter, and three pennies." He's quite pleased when his therapist is impressed with this talent.

Moving on, the therapist brings up the reason for Alex being there. That his mother had said he wasn't sleeping or eating and that he's being "troubled by visions." Hallucinations aside, this is a typical reaction to stress/sadness that we see at other points in the series. There's a whole episode where the plot is Alex being so stressed over life that he literally doesn't sleep for days and throws the house into turmoil with his exhaustion. And after he and Ellen break up, he also stops eating and sleeping. So this is a definite pattern. @ the Keatons: your son should have been in therapy loooong before this lol.

Getting back on track: cue our first "flashback" from Alex's childhood. These are done very interestingly as well, since they don't use a younger actor to play Alex. It's just MJF playing each iteration of his younger self, and he does it SO. WELL. Like, just through a slight change in his speaking pattern and body language! It's fascinating to watch. In this flashback, he's 7-years-old and with his mother at the breakfast table. I won't rehash the whole thing, but it boils down to a conversation where Elyse expresses her concern that Alex is so wrapped up in news/politics/business instead of living the life of a typical child, and Alex pointing out that he just can't relate to a room full of kids whose primary concern is learning to tell time. I especially like the way it transitions from the memory--where Elyse is trying to get Alex to stay and eat breakfast before school (he says he can't because he's so busy) back to him speaking to his therapist. It also serves as a good reminder of where Alex is at mentally, that he thinks he somehow could have prevented the accident.

The flashback is fitting because Elyse worrying about Alex is, in fact, a big part of the show. You may have seen me mention in FT posts how much I absolutely love the relationship between Elyse and Alex. She is such a loving, supportive mother to all of her children, but her parenting style is notably different when it comes to Alex. And I think a lot of that has to do with the fact that Alex, independent and headstrong as he can be, really does need her support more than his siblings do. They're all pretty well-adjusted, have a grip on their emotions, etc. Alex isn't like that. He has no clue what he's feeling half the time. He bottles things up until he implodes. He has trouble with social relationships and seeing things from other people's perspectives--the source of endless problems for him. He's an extremely black and white thinker, so when it comes to sorting out those situations that are more nuanced, who does he run to? Mom. Who helps him to put things in perspective or explain why a situation went the way that it did? Mom. Who writes a script for him to carry in his pocket for when Mallory needs advice and she and Steven aren't around? Mom. Elyse is always worrying about Alex. (She also coddles him a little too much at times, which I think ended up actually hurting him a lot of the time, but that's beside the point)

The therapist wants to talk about Mallory next, so off we go into another scene from Alex's head. He and Mal have a little chat about life and death, and Mallory very optimistically shares her theories on the afterlife. Alex is in awe of how she seems to have it all figured out and mentions that it must be so easy to be her.

"Is it hard to be you, Alex?" we hear the therapist interject. Alex does not want to talk about that and wants to be left alone to talk to his sister. The therapist tells him to answer the question. "You know the answer," Alex says, "Of course, it's hard," then immediately resuming his conversation with Mal about what she thinks heaven is like, where she delivers one of my favorite lines of the episode:

"Why is it so hard to be you?" the therapist prompts again.

And with that, we reach the halfway point in the episode and the end of this post, which you're probably thankful for because, wow this was a lot. Stay tuned for pt 2, where things really start getting good.

PART 2 HERE

#family ties #alex p keaton #apk #a mega-rambling #like. seriously it's a long post.#i hope all the gifs load...

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