#this whole interaction was actually much sweeter than originally intended

[sophsicle]

ohb sneak

#ooooooohhhhh #i love them together #this whole interaction was actually much sweeter than originally intended #ohb #fic: of his bones #james potter #evan rosier #pirate au #soph rambles

[dtrhwithalex]

TV | Leverage (Season 1, Rewatch)

Rewatch of the first season of TNT's LEVERAGE (2008-2012), created by John Rogers and Chris Downey together with Dean Devlin and his production company Electric Entertainment.

In anticipation of the show's reboot / revival / sequel LEVERAGE: REDEMPTION coming to IMDbTV on 09 July this year, I am rewatching the original 77 episodes and writing about my favourite moments and things from each episode, season by season.

(Just a note, this first season was aired out of order, so the dates won't actually form a chronology, since I'm going with the intended order rather than the one they were aired in.)

101: THE NIGERIAN JOB

D: DEAN DEVLIN. W: JOHN ROGERS & CHRIS DOWNEY. Original Air Date: 07 December 2008.

I have lost count of how many times I have seen this episode (or any episodes of this show to be completely honest), but it holds up every single time. It is one of my favourite, if not the favourite TV pilot episode I have ever seen.

The way this pilot sets up who the main characters are and what the core of this show is, is simply perfect. The introduction of Nate at the bar being approached by Dubenich, then the intercut between him convincing Nate to do the job and the actual job happening -- just wonderful. The same goes for the individual introductions of the other players. Nate's comment about Parker ("no, but Parker is insane") which plants a thread for the rest of the show already, the flashbacks of each character to exemplify who they and what their talents are, combined with the episode then showing you those talents and what Nate can do with them -- which is, of course, his talent -- sets up this whole show so well.

So many seeds that come to fruition throughout the show are already planted right here. Nate's mentoring of Parker to become his eventual successor as Mastermind ("Haircuts, Parker, count the haircuts" -- "I would've missed that"), Eliot's role as protector, the iconic overhead shots and the gloating, the alternate revenue streams, "Hardison dies in Plan M" -- it's all already right here in this episode. A brilliant piece of writing. Hats off to Rogers and Downey, no questions asked.

Rewatching this episode made me think of what this show is about, in its essence. Yes, it is about standing up for those who can't do so themselves, taking on the bigger bad, showing how corrupt and terrible the world can be, but also how much good there is to still find in the world. But also, this show is about a lonely man being actively bullied into the family he didn't know he needed or wanted, but will eventually come to realise is the one thing, the only thing that is keeping him alive. LEVERAGE is the story of a man and his crusade to avenge the death of his child, but is is very much also the story of a man who finds a reason to keep getting up every morning in the four people who are on this crusade with him. And this pilot episode already holds the seed and the potential of all of that. And that is why this show is to this day still my favourite show of all time, because it is utterly perfect in every way.

102: THE HOMECOMING JOB

D: DEAN DEVLIN. W: JOHN ROGERS. Original Air Date: 09 December 2008.

I absolutely love how John Rogers was like okay first episode, some greedy asshole who does whatever he wants for his own gain, we'll take him down a notch. Episode two? Hmm, oh yeah, the government is completely corrupt, filled with rich greedy assholes who do whatever they want for their own gain and always get away with it. Not on my watch (I love him very much, thank you).

This episode, once again, so good. The re-introduction of every character in this new reality of Nate's crusade is just as brilliantly done as the original introduction of them all. Sophie at an audition (love the John Rogers cameo here) completely butchering it once again, Eliot beating up some thug, Parker stealing valuable art, and Hardison doing what he does best: creating a beautiful office-slash-home space for the team, putting his all into their backstories, the equipment, the behind-the-scenes workings of what they need to get the job done. My man.

The message of this particular episode is also just something I am very fond of. The rehab facility doctor's words in the beginning, and then in the end again -- "people don't just show up to help. that's not the way the world works" -- as well as Nate's ultimate answer to her, "so change the world." That right here is the message of this show. It's already right here, all up in your face, episode two.

I completely adore what this episode does for the character dynamics already. The detail Hardison puts into the other's backstories, the interactions around the conference table, Eliot sharing his knowledge, Nate explaining the money laundering scam, the whole thing about laws being in a wooden box, Sophie elaborating why she knew Congressman Jenkins was lying to her -- they don't just work together, they already start giving the others insight into their talents and their knowledge and share that. It's beautiful. I especially adore the shot of them at the end, everyone leaning against the car while watching Corporal Perry and the other veterans debating what to do with the money. They are already so comfortable and at ease with each other, leaning into each other's spaces. They're family. You can see it here already.

Absolutely fantastic episode. For a long time, whenever I thought about The Homecoming Job, I somehow associated a more negative emotion with it than with other episodes, but I don't quite know why, because this is a brilliant episode and I love watching it.

103: THE WEDDING JOB

D: JONATHAN FRAKES. W: CHRIS DOWNEY. Original Air Date: 13 January 2009.

We love Jonathan Frakes in this house and every single time his name shows up with the director tag on this show, I know that I will enjoy every last second of the episode I am about to watch. Frakes directed the hell outta this thing. The Wedding Job is an absolutely excellent episode. Dan Lauria as our main baddie Nicky Moscone is perfect casting and there are so many great comedic beats in the scenes with him and Nate. Everyone, generally, is so weirded out by Priest!Nate, but Moscone just takes the weirdness in stride. This episode holds a very special place in my heart because it contains the introduction of my favourite FBI duo -- McSweeten (McSweetheart, as we call him) and Taggert. I adore these two bumbling fools so much, and I am so glad they kept being brought back, because they are both just so lovely. McSweetheart especially is very dear to me because of the D.B. Cooper Job from the last season (where, I ask, do I start my McSweetheart for Leverage: Redemption campaign?). Overall just such an excellent episode, really. So many great moments between our main characters--Sophie and Nate and their little "relationship" problem, Hardison and Eliot talking about marriage, Parker pretending she was waiting in the screening room to have sex with Hardison, Hardison appreciating Eliot's cooking. I also absolutely adore the beginning, the four of them convincing Nate that Teresa is definitely the type of client they take on. And Nate's resigned "Yeah, okay, yeah. Let's go rob Nicky Moscone. A guy who kills people and lives in our city. Yeah, let's go do that" as if they weren't going to go above and beyond any of that in the five years they will spend together on this crusade of his. You're so precious, Nathan. Of course, the ending of this episode is beyond brilliant, and lives both in my heart and my head rent free. It is such a magnificent found family moment. Getting Teresa the restaurant back, the news footage regarding Ray's appeal, and of course, Eliot cooking for them all, and them celebrating together, all of them. It is such a beautiful moment.

104: THE SNOW JOB

D: TONY BILL. W: ALBERT KIM. Original Air Date: 27 January 2009.

I adore what the client says to Nate in the beginning of the episode: "You work hard, you play by the rules, but when you need help, you really need help? They let you hang. They let you hang and it's your kid who pays the price." This show hammers home its message so many times in such great character moments and it makes watching these brilliant people take on these greedy bastards and robbing them for all they've got that much sweeter. It is such a satisfying thing to watch. Especially because they're all so damn good at this.

This is a great episode but it is infinitely funnier if you know and speak German, because it makes the scenes between Sophie and Eliot absolutely hysterical. And the delivery of the line that Ute Ausgartner says when she discovers they replaced her with Sophie is just wrong enough to crack you up.

Again some wonderfully brilliant comedic beats -- the Frakes cameo in the hospital waiting room, Parker casually hanging off the ski lift, Hardison and Eliot arguing over who puts dye in the dead body, Eliot carrying off a pissed of Parker, and so many more.

This episode also, for the first time, really gives insight into Nate's drinking problem. We had the one moment in The Homecoming Job, but this episode starts to explore it more in depths. And something that I've always appreciated about this show is that it never glorifies the drinking, but Nate is also never vilified for it. It is a fact of Nate's life and they explore different aspects of it, and everything is done with such care (which does not surprise me one bit since this is John Rogers' show).

The ending of this episode is also, once again, so beautiful and nicely done. It is just so incredibly satisfying to watch these greedy bastards get what's coming to them, and to see the clients be compensated beyond anything they'd ask for.

105: THE MILE HIGH JOB

D: ROB MINKOFF. W: AMY BERG. Original Air Date: 20 January 2009.

Another fantastic episode (you will realise that I will say this about every single of the 77 episodes this show has)! Amy Berg wrote some excellent stuff for this show, and this episode is one of them. Always a lot of great character relationship moments, and absolutely brilliant comedic beats.

I am very fond of the fact that here, in the early days, we have the whole team present around the table during the client meeting. We see all their reactions and inputs here already, and not later when Nate or Hardison (usually) relays the information of their next job to the rest of the gang. It's a very lovely moment.

I am also very fond of the entire recon bit at the GenoGrow office. Sophie's French rave-girl act, the others having to climb stairs, Hardison's absence, the cut from Parker's bomb to the microwave at the HQ, Nate, Eliot and Parker yelling "Oh it's right behind us, it's chasing us!" and grabbing Sophie on the way out, meanwhile the security guys completely buying it. Absolutely brilliant, all the way through.

Both Hardison's adventure at GenoGrow as well as the others on the plane contain so many great comedic moments. Hardison's Spanish maintenance guy act, his interactions with both Cheryl and Steve (talking into the cupboard? His fake meeting and getting Steve to take a dive? The whole birthday thing? A+ all around. Amy Berg, everyone) and of course the reaction he has to the plane safely landing on the highway ("lord I was so scared, I wanna cry and call my momma" I love him so much, y'all). I also have big feelings about Nate's pep talk to Hardison, "you can do this, I trust you ... the only guy I can count on in a situation like this." Sir, I am experiencing an emotion alright.

The sequences on the plane are of course also absolutely fantastic. Nate and Sophie's domestic, Parker's day job and her interactions with Marissa, Eliot being a big softie who holds Marissa's hand all the way up to the in-flight bar and hugs the woman he sat down next to when they safely land (womaniser, big softie. tomayto, tomahto). Also big shoutout to the fake names Nate and Sophie have. We love our DOCTOR WHO references in this show. I love these nerds very much, thank you.

106: THE TWO HORSE JOB

D: CRAIG R. BAXLEY. W: MELISSA GLENN & JESSICA RIEDER (GRASL). Original Air Date: 16 December 2008.

This episode also holds a very special place in my heart because it contains the introduction of our dearly beloved antagonist, Mr Jim Sterling, the absolutely amazing Mark Sheppard. We love Sterling in this house, yessir (again, where do I have to address my Jim Sterling For Leverage: Redemption campaign to?). Every moment he is in is fantastic, but I especially adore the conversation he has with Nate at the race track (especially the "Nathan Ford is a common criminal" -- "Common. That's just hurtful" bit of it).

This, of course, is an episode by our wonder twins, Glenn and Rieder (now Grasl), which they ended up naming the in-universe safe company after. Always fantastic work when the two of them are involved. Some amazing character moments again here.

We get to see some of Eliot's backstory with Aimee which in turn gives us two fantastic moments with him and the women of the team. I love his interaction with Sophie at the racetrack: "I like Aimee, I do. I mean it, I like you both, Eliot. I just, I don't know what comes of chasing the past, you know." -- "Well Sophie, sweetie, I don't think you and Nate get to serve me that particular meal." Just fantastic moment between these two, who I like to call The Conference of Mom Friends whenever they are in scenes together. The other interaction is with Parker in the car: "We need you to do this. I need you to do this." I adore Eliot and Parker's relationship and this already is a very early glimpse at the dynamic they develop which will eventually lead to beautiful moments like that in the ice cave in The Long Way Down Job in season four.

I also love how it is Hardison and Parker's discussion about horses that ultimately reminds Nate of the Lost Heir con. Aldis' delivery of "Wilbur loved Mr Ed! He loved him like a second cousin twice removed" is absolutely brilliant. Unsurprisingly, however, my favourite interaction of this episode is the one Eliot has with Aimee at the end: "You're never gonna be the kind to settle down, but I'm glad you found a family." -- "Th-those guys?" Yes, Eliot, those guys. You might not know it just yet, but that is absolutely your family, and the fact that an outsider already comments on it this early is simply perfect. My deepest gratitude to you, wonder twins.

107: THE BANK SHOT JOB

D: DEAN DEVLIN. W: AMY BERG. Original Air Date: 30 December 2008.

Amy Berg on the typewriter once again (typewriter? Alex what are you talking about this was 2008...)! I really like this episode a whole lot. An excellent one for Nate/Sophie, as well as Hardison/Parker. I have a huge soft spot for my crime children pretending to be law enforcement. Any combination of them is good, but Parker and Hardison as FBI agents especially is just exquisite.

This episode is also just fantastic for illustrating some of the small town criminal activity that happens from the top down. Judge Roy's entire bit about how "these little people" will do and say whatever he tells them to do and that, because he is the law in the town, he gets to decide what is actually true and what is not. To then have Hardison fake security footage and them turning the story against Judge Roy is of course poetic justice. I adore the moment when the bank manager Frank decides that sticking with the false facts these random people have come up with is the better choice than having the judge remain in charge.

I also really love the interaction Derrick has with Sophie and then later with Parker, as well as the moment of uncertainty in-between. His "I don't know what to do with that" when Sophie tells him she's a thief is so funny and so good. The turn of "but they're criminals....then again" when he looks out of the window on the way to Parker is also just a nice moment to illustrate exactly what Parker then later says, "sometimes bad guys are the only good guys you get." Ethics and justice are such muddy concepts and especially in situations like Derrick is currently in, there is no way of knowing who is actually good, who is bad, and who is just trying their best. It is a lovely moment and once again, one of those great instances of "important message within character moment" that this show does so well.

Of course, I am also very fond of Hardison's mention of DOCTOR WHO, his "Geek power baby, stay strong" line, Eliot's fight scene with the crack dealers ("stay in the car!"), Hardison's bullshitting the demands at the bank (Hall & Oates!) and, of course, last but not least, the return of my favourite FBI fools, McSweetheart and Taggert, getting yet another win laid in their lap by the Leverage crew. This episode is filled to the brim with greatness.

108: THE MIRACLE JOB

D: ARVIN BROWN. W: CHRISTINE BOYLAN. Original Air Date: 23 December 2008.

An absolutely excellent Nate-centric episode! We finally get a bit more of a view into Nate's past, aside from the ever-present flashback to Sam's death at the hospital. I really like the relationship of Nate and Father Paul, which I think is very interesting and so well done. Through Paul we get another side of Nate, which may have stayed hidden otherwise. I am also very fond of how Maggie is introduced here. She doesn't get a voice yet, but we learn about her through Nate, Sophie and also Paul, and I quite like that. It sets up expectations for her appearance in the finale, which is really intriguing.

This episode has so many great comedic beats as well, and I barely even know where to begin. From the team's inability to deal with Sophie's acting talents (or lack thereof) to the whole "It's not Santa" gag, the amazing faces Sophie pulls when the mark tells her about Bibletopia, Hardison's "God will smite us" thing -- there is just too much good stuff in this episode.

One of my favourite interactions in this episode was on the construction site, after Grant takes what he thinks are his meds.

Sophie: What is that you just took? Grant: Xanax. For my nerves. Parker: Actually caffeine. With a dash of dextroamphetamine. Eliot: You have him speed? Hardison, shrugging: He beat up a priest!

The look Eliot gives them then with a half-shrug, an expression which cannot be described as anything but "aight, fair enough" -- just absolutely excellent.

What I also really loved about this episode, is that we get to see more of the HQ than just the conference room. We have the team meeting in Nate's office, we see Sophie picking through her mail, Hardison making space so he can build fake Saint Nick statues. Added to that, the team is setting into such a nice familiarity with each other. Eliot brings Sophie a cup of coffee to the meeting in Nate's office. The fact that they all do get mail at the office. This is their space. I love it so much.

What this episode also gives us, is a first instance of the con possibly going side-ways because of how convincing it is. I adore that their possible downfall will never be incompetence, but rather over-competence. They are so good at what they do that sometimes their talent comes to bite them in the ass. We see this again, a bit different, in The Juror #6 Job.

The ending of this episode is very dear to me. It is a very lovely moment between Nate and Paul, but also Nate and the team. It creates such a beautiful moment of intimacy between these characters, which I think is done with extreme care, and it shows. This episode also very nicely sets up a nice sort of grounded-ness for the next episode, which I think the subject matter really deserves and needs.

109: THE STORK JOB

D: MARC ROSKIN. W: ALBERT KIM. Original Air Date: 06 January 2009.

This one and the next episode are excellent Parker-centric plots and this one in particular also has some wonderful Parker/Hardison content. Nate, also, is just very good in this episode as well. Keeping the tone the last episode established especially toward the end, this episode has such a nice grounded-ness to it. Nate's first meeting with the client is so careful in a way, and we don't always see that. Generally, Nate is careful and considerate in this episode, I think. Even when Parker goes rogue, he is so good with Parker (I attribute the brashness entirely to his director role here). It meant so much that he doesn't shoot down the idea of coming back for the other orphans, he knows how important this is to Parker (and Hardison).

With this episode we learn that both Parker and Hardison have grown up in the foster system. I really adore the conversation they have at the van after they find out about the orphanage -- Hardison telling Parker about his Nana, Parker's fear that foster system will be cruel to those children, Hardison's "I like how you turned out" -- it is such a lovely and meaningful moment. This and the "we're a team" / "a little more than a team" moments are such great instances that highlight the importance of these characters and their relationships in this show. It isn't just some crime procedural where every characters is replaceable at any given moment -- this show is about people, and about these specific people.

On a lighter note, I also really adore Nate and Sophie's dynamic in this. How they coach Parker and Eliot individually but at the same time, while also arguing about Sophie conning Nate back in the day, is just brilliant. Their "delightful banter" as Hardison calls it, is so good, and I absolutely love that Nate figures out the way to con Irina is the same way he would have to con Sophie. It's just too good.

David S. Lee as Nicholas is also incredibly good, although since watching THE LIBRARIANS I always expect him to swoon over a blonde and call her Duchess any minute.

110: THE JUROR #6 JOB

D: JONATHAN FRAKES. W: REBECCA KIRSCH. Original Air Date: 10 February 2009.

The lighter of the two Parker-centric episodes, but a brilliant one nonetheless. This episode also brings us the introduction of Peggy played by the lovely Lisa Schurga. We love Peggy in this house and, once again, I ask: where do I address my Peggy For Leverage: Redemption campaign to?

This episode is great for many different reasons, one of course being that Hardison is so good at what he does, that Parker's alias has to go to jury duty. What a talent, we absolutely have no choice but to stan. I love him so much. Other fantastic things that make this episode absolutely excellent are

- Nate's "there is not some evil conspiracy lurking behind the curtain of every routine civic activity" speech which he then has to retract,

- Sophie teaching Parker about persuasion with the help of Eliot who is absolutely precious in this interaction,

- Eliot's friend Donnie, who poses as another employee from the company Sophie pretends to be from, who then turns out to be Scottish,

- Nate and Sophie sending the kids off to work at the door, with a briefcase and handshake for Hardison and a snack and high-five for Parker,

and Hardison's entire act as a lawyer. He is so good. Of course his stalling is brilliant, but the turn-around once he has to actually try and win the trial? A masterpiece. I love how he tears the doctor apart for his drunken airplane misconducts, but what takes the cake by miles is of course his closing statement. He is just, so good, and such a goodhearted, wonderful person. I love how he directly addressed Parker. Hardison is full of sunshine and I love. him. so. much.

And I would be remiss not to mention how incredibly fond I am of the rest of the team watching the feed of the jury room from the HQ with such proud looks on their faces as Parker leads the other jury members and they vote in favour of the plaintiff. This is their girl and she's done so well. What a brilliant episode. My love to Becky Kirsch, honestly.

111: THE 12-STEP JOB

D: ROD HARDY. W: AMY BERG & CHRIS DOWNEY. Original Air Date: 03 February 2009.

Another episode, another instance of me asking the question: Where do I address my Hurley for Leverage: Redemption campaign to? We love Hurley! Drew Powell is absolutely fantastic, I adore him. Also huge shoutout to Joseph LoDuca for that absolute banger of a song that plays during the intro and the credits.

This episode has some fantastic Eliot/Hardison moments that are very dear to me. The two of them looking for Hurley and fighting over Hardison's slushy spill is just lovely. The whole car bomb sequence is also just completely brilliant. It's such a step in their relationship and I love it so much. The moment of "D'you want me to kick it?" / "God, I'm gon' die" is a wonderful comedic beat in this tense situation, but it is the bit after that I really adore. Hardison figuring out how to trick the bomb and then,

Eliot: What's our margin of error here? Hardison: 'bout half a second. Eliot: Run the ba-bag of bricks by me again? Hardison: Are you ready? Eliot: No.

I am just, so fond of these two. Also the fact that Eliot's hand shakes when he reaches for the cables and waits for Hardison's signal always puts me all up in my feelings about him. I also of course adore the scene at the rehab facility with Hardison's "I'm with him. No, I am with him. See, he thinks the flirting makes me jealous, but it doesn't. But if you was like Brad Pitt or Denzel or somebody, oh girl it would be on." It love it so much.

Nate, of course, is also just great in this episode. His entire experience in rehab is another wonderful insight into his character, his issues, how he sees himself and so on. The hallucination of Sterling says so much about him. I think this also very nicely sets up how Nate behaves in the finale double episode.

I also really want to mention Parker here, because Parker in rehab is also something I am very fond of. I love the moment where she pickpockets the Koreans searching for Hurley and then so innocently comes to Nate to confess what she's done and tells him in this tiny voice "I didn't meant to, it was just instinct." I love her so much. And her, at the end of the episode, skipping along and then running toward her people, jumping on Eliot while tossing her stuff at Nate, and then going to hug Hardison, is such a lovely moment. I love how the three of them then walk toward the car arm in arm, too. I love these kids.

112: THE FIRST DAVID JOB

D: DEAN DEVLIN. W: JOHN ROGERS. Original Air Date: 17 February 2009.

First half of the first finale! I gotta say I really love the David Jobs very much. It is such a fantastic first finale. I really adore how the opening of this episode is mirrored in the opening of the second half.

Given the set-up of the previous episode, I really like how for a first time watcher, this opening sequence very much looks like Nate is completely off the rails doing his own thing getting revenge on the man who, basically, killed his son. It isn't until Blackpoole introduces Nate to 'Portia' and we see Sophie turn around that it becomes clear that we're on the con, which I think is done very nicely. Only then giving the viewer the "how we got here" part is just great.

This episode of course also brings us, finally, Maggie (yes, I'll ask again: where do I address my Maggie For Leverage: Redemption campaign to?). I absolutely love how she is introduced here as Eliot's date. I also love how absolutely terrified Eliot looks once he realises that she isn't just anyone, but Nate's ex-wife. Maggie is such an excellent character, and I adore her. I also am very appreciative that this episode holds the singular moment of jealousy Sophie has toward Maggie. After her momentary outburst as Maggie tells Nate she hasn't stopped caring about him, we never see it again. Even better, once Maggie learns about Nate's crew, Sophie and her even become friends. And it is lovely.

We also have some great Parker/Hardison moments in this episode as well. I adore Parker and her enthusiasm for their "little naked man" and Hardison being weirded out about it (and turning the little David around so Parker can change in private). I, of course, absolutely love the kiss (and Eliot's grinning question at Sophie who of the two of them Parker had kissed) and then the theft of the First David. Hardison is so in awe of Parker and it is a sight to behold.

I also quite enjoy the "downfall" in this episode. Sterling showing up (we love the bastard), the fight between Eliot and Mr Quinn, the conversation about Sophie conning them on the roof, and then of course the final confrontations on that same roof as well as the HQ. This whole thing of "and then I asked myself, what would Parker do?" / "but then I thought, what would Hardison do?" is just brilliant and lovely. It shows how far they have all come throughout this first season and how much they have learned from each other already. I am very fond of it.

I am sad about the offices being blown up, though. As much as I love both McRory's pub and Nate's apartment in Boston, as well as the Brewpub in Portland, I've always really liked the LA offices as well. It was their first home and it was lovely. I am however very happy that Old Nate made it out unscathed.

113: THE SECOND DAVID JOB

D: DEAN DEVLIN. W: JOHN ROGERS & CHRIS DOWNEY. Original Air Date: 24 February 2009.

And the last episode! As I've said above, I adore how this opening sequence mirrors that of The First David Job. Similarly, I also love how until Sophie notices Parker's laser pointer and Eliot sees Hardison, as a viewer you assume they are on the job together, which is again the reversal of the first half of the finale. Just lovely storytelling, I adore it. Speaking of mirrors, the scene in the MC Hammer mansion where Nate inconspicuously manages to get them all thinking about the con together and putting their differences aside once more, also mirrors one of my favourite scenes from the first episode of season two, where the team does the same to Nate.

This episode on the whole I also just marvellous. Eliot's awkward date with Maggie, Nate finally telling Maggie about Blackpoole's involvement (or lack thereof) in Sam's death, the team involving Maggie in the planning of the con and her, precious as she is, questioning Nate's ability to just get people to do what he wants -- it is all just so good. I love Maggie on the con, too. Sophie coaching her, how good Maggie is at it immediately. Just lovely.

Then, of course, the entirety of the con from the moment Nate shows up at the museum. Sterling hurrying all over the place trying to figure out what Nate's plan is, finding out about the mummy, the release of the gas, the evacuation, the David statue replicas, them finally getting in and finding Nate alone in the exhibit room. I adore that shot of him leaning against the display case with the two Davids still inside, only highlighted from the open hatch in the roof. It is such a beautiful shot. I really enjoy Nate and Sterling's dynamic here, too. And I am very happy that Maggie gets to punch Blackpoole just like Nate got to in the episode before. They both deserve to give this man hell.

The ending of this episode and therefore this season always has me in all of my emotions. If I didn't know there would be more after this, I would just go lie down and weep for a while after watching it. The trademark overhead walkaway shot is of course a must, but the fact that they stop, that all of them hesitate, thinking about turning around, thinking about changing their minds. And then it cuts to black, and if this had been it, we would've never known! Ah, what a show, what a first season. I am completely in love with this show, as pretty much everyone knows, but I just -- this show is so damn good. It gets me every single time. Every time.

[image taken from the electricnow website]

#tv blogging #rewatch blogging #leverage #leverage tnt #nate ford #tim hutton #sophie devereaux #gina bellman #eliot spencer #christian kane #alec hardison #aldis hodge #parker #beth riesgraf #john rogers #chris downey #dean devlin #the nigerian job #the homecoming job #the wedding job #the snow job #the mile high job #the miracle job #the two horse job #the bank shot job #the stork job #the juror 6 job #the 12 step job #the first david job #the second david job

[nikibogwater]

A Shot in the Dark: Chapter 3 (Author’s Commentary)

(Read the fic here)

General Notes:

The final chapter! I don’t have too many general notes for this one (though the passage-specific notes below the cut stretch on for miles--there was just a lot going on in this chapter lol). But I will say that this is my favorite chapter of the three. It’s what the previous two have been building up to, and it really is the “heart” of the story, so to speak. That, and I finally got to make Glitter Wings Nari canon to The Immortal Bonds! (picture below the cut) I genuinely teared up a little bit while writing a couple of these scenes. I don’t know if that means they are very good, or that I was just absolutely exhausted after cranking out the first two chapters, but maybe you can be the judge. Friendly reminder to go listen to the song “Protector” by City Wolf if you are so inclined. It was a huge part of what inspired this story, and now that all three parts are published, I feel like it perfectly captures the theme and feel of A Shot in the Dark as a whole.

Passage-Specific Notes:

“...Please, Nari, I would not be doing my duty as Douxie’s...as your friend if I let you run thoughtlessly into this kind of danger.”

Another small line of dialogue that means a lot to me. I didn’t see Archie as making the instant connection with Nari that Douxie did. I think it took him a while to see her as anything more than “Douxie’s Ward.” He was always kind to her and took care of her, but I think it took him until now to realize that he had grown to really love her as part of the family. So the fact that he corrects himself here reflects that realization. I think under normal circumstances, the moment Archie finds out Douxie is in trouble/hurting, he would dive headfirst into hell without a second thought in order to help his boy. But because Nari is now also under his protection--and more importantly, now that she also has a special place in his heart--Archie has to force himself to slow down and come up with a plan that will keep BOTH of his kids safe. 

The phone rang once--twice--six times. Then it went to voicemail.

Nari lowered it with a look of pure dejection as Claire’s pre-recorded voice cheerfully told them to leave their message after the beep.

I felt like calling Claire for backup was the most sensible thing they could do in this situation--but I also needed Nari and Archie to take on Project Rescue Douxie by themselves, in order to reinforce the family bond these three have. The moment when they all reunite at the end wouldn’t have had the emotional impact I was angling for if there had been others present. So I had to pull a tiny plot contrivance and make Claire unavailable. I didn’t feel the need to explain why she doesn’t answer her phone (people miss calls all the time) but my personal theory was that she was taking a nice relaxing shower and couldn’t pick up the phone. (look, I need SOMEBODY in this story to be having a nice time lol). 

“By Ambrosia’s Gleam...” Archie breathed. A pair of dazzlingly beautiful wings reflected every light of the city back at him as Nari folded and unfolded them experimentally. They were unlike anything the cat had ever seen in his long life, vibrantly colored with rich shades of green and gold, glittering like morning dew, yet delicate as a newly budding flower.

Anybody remember last week, when I said the Most Self-Indulgent part was yet to come? This was it lol. I don’t remember when I started imagining Nari with sparkly butterfly wings, but back in early October, I drew this:

and I have been absolutely enamored with the idea ever since (but also it was a convenient way to get them to the warehouse without having to go through the ordeal of walking/taking a taxi/busting out the flying boat). So yeah. Nari’s Glitter Wings are canon to The Immortal Bonds series now. I have spoken.

He had no idea how long he had been enduring Rivan’s torture. It may have only been a few minutes, or it may have been a few years. Hell, he was getting to the point where it felt like this excruciating ache in his bones had been there his whole life. He tried not to sob as Rivan slowly pulled his magic back to himself, the agony abating for just a short moment of sweet relief. Douxie sucked in gulps of air, desperate to replenish the oxygen that had been ripped from his lungs by his own screaming.

First time really writing whump, so that was...something (I was exhausted after just the one paragraph lol). I tried to keep it as vague as I could because I don’t want anybody coming to my fic expressly for a graphic torture scene and nothing else (I don’t do the hurt-no-comfort thing, and I don’t want anybody to use my fics as such). But putting Douxie through a bit of hell does make the ending SO much sweeter. And if he hadn’t been experiencing pain, Archie and Nari probably would have taken longer to decide to come to his rescue. But there is still a part of me that detests every letter of that paragraph. 

The small dragon let out a roar of fury and leapt at Rivan, his form twisting and expanding into that of an enormous black panther. The two crashed together in a flurry of red sparks and tearing claws.

Archie turning into a black panther and going to town on Rivan is also a bit of self-indulgence. I just really love big cats, and black panthers especially are beautiful, mysterious, and powerful creatures that just SCREAM Magic and Otherworldliness to me. (also I really want to draw Panther!Archie now).

He slammed against the concrete with a yowl of pain that tore Douxie’s heart into a thousand pieces, and dropped to the floor, where he lay quivering and heaving.

That line right up there 👆 is the most heart-wrenchingly painful thing I have ever forced myself to write. 😥

Nari grabbed Douxie by the shoulders and pulled him upright. One of her hands reached around him and pressed against his heart, and he felt her aura slam into his. Instinctively, his soul opened, and he let her magic pour into him, filling his veins with the warmth of a hundred suns, wrapping around and tangling with his own magic so tightly that he could barely tell whose was whose. Nari’s voice filled his head, drowning out every sound in his ears, every thought in his mind. My magic is yours. Use it. He threw both of his hands out and felt power unlike anything he had ever known surge into his palms and explode out of his fingertips.

So this ties into a headcanon of mine that, while Nari’s magic isn’t well-suited to direct combat, she is able to augment Douxie’s powers. But this scene is also probably the culmination of every relationship-building moment I have ever written for these two. I established in A Moment to Breathe that to let someone interact with your aura in this way--to basically channel their magic directly into you--requires a great deal of trust. Douxie let Nari heal him in that story, but that was after she had asked permission to pour her magic into him. Here, she doesn’t have time to ask--she just has to go for it, and Douxie’s trust and familiarity with her is so intense at this point, that his response is to immediately surrender completely to her power. Not only that, he is so familiar with her magic, that he is able to use it himself--he combines it with his own power and casts a spell that Nari is likely unable to use herself. I intended this moment to be a representation of the way family relationships can shape and empower you. You carry elements of the people you love with you wherever you go; their influence, their stories, their love for you--it all helps shape you into the person you are. And these things are often so deeply intertwined with your own personality, that it becomes impossible to fully separate them. 

They had risked everything--the fate of the world, even--to save him. He should have scolded them. But instead, Douxie suddenly found himself overwhelmed with the ridiculous urge to cry.

This was the reason I wrote Douxie in Distress--and also one of the reasons I wrote A Shot in the Dark at all. I wanted him to experience being stripped of everything that made him powerful--useful-- and then witness his family risking literally everything for him. Not for his powers, not for what he can do for them, but because they love him. This poor, sweet boy gives and gives and gives, and the world has done nothing but take from him, and I have said “ENOUGH.” I wanted the serotonin of seeing him realize that he is valued and cherished for himself, and BY THUNDER I WAS GOING TO GET IT EVEN IF I HAD TO WRITE 9000+ WORDS FOR IT. 

She pulled back a moment later, roughly drying her face on her sleeve, and untied the black hoodie around her waist. She draped it around Douxie’s shoulders with her magic, and he sighed contentedly as the warm fabric settled around him. He slipped his arms into the sleeves and closed the garment around himself gratefully, giving Nari a tired, heartfelt smile.

I didn’t realize it when I initially drafted the story, but Douxie’s hoodie is actually a really nice visual representation of how he and Nari pass the role of caretaker/protector back and forth. Douxie is wearing it for the first half of the story, when he is acting as Nari’s guardian/brother. Shortly after he lends it to her though, he’s captured by Rivan, and Nari takes on the role of protector in turn. But yeah, originally it was just “Them trading the hoodie back and forth is pointlessly cute and I wanna do it.” (Poor Archie has to be the Adult 100% of the time. He doesn’t get a break).

Most of Douxie’s mornings began with the harsh, clattering sound of his phone vibrating and whistling next to his ear. But that Sunday morning began with a deliciously warm silence. Douxie’s eyes blinked open slowly, finding sunlight lazily shining through the windows. He was lying on his side, with Archie’s soft, familiar body tucked against his chest. A gentle warmth against his back told Douxie that Nari was curled up beside him, wrapped in her own little cocoon of blankets, her back against his. The ache in his bones was gone. He was nestled safely in the warmth and love of his small family, the world outside and all that occurred within it nothing more than a distant echo.

Wrapping his arms around Archie and pressing his back more firmly against Nari’s, Douxie closed his eyes and went back to sleep.

This final scene wasn’t actually in my original outline--originally, the story ended with the three of them beginning the long trek home together. But I felt that the story needed just a little extra time to savor in the happy ending. And so, it came full circle--ending just like it began, with the dawning of a new morning. I noticed that I spend a lot of time in this story comparing the mornings of different characters/days. I think that might have been a subconscious expression of my belief that every morning is the beginning of a new opportunity--to strengthen bonds, to do good in the world, to just live for another day. Douxie’s Saturday morning started off a little rougher than he wanted--he woke up early and had to rush around to get ready for a long day out on the town. And wouldn’t you know it, his Saturday ended pretty badly too (though I think he’s probably just grateful he got to go home in one piece haha). This Sunday morning plays out in the exact opposite way. It’s quiet, peaceful, unhurried, and full of hope. Douxie’s been through hell and back, but he survived long enough to see another beginning. And I think that’s the beautiful cycle that all human life follows. There’s pain in life, darkness and hopelessness, but if you can hold on, strengthened by the love of the people you hold dear, you will always find a new beginning waiting for you on the other side of the valley. 

...And that’s it. Thank you to everyone for reading my work. Seeing everyone who enjoyed it, hearing from you guys in the comments, knowing that I was able to give someone a good story--it really does mean the world to me. So again, thanks for joining me, and I hope our paths cross again soon. 🤗✨

#fanfiction #author's commentary #the magical siblings #and their therapy cat #a shot in the dark #thanks for reading <3

[generaldisdainn]

Four of a Kind

AO3 link

Rating: MA (for eventual smut)

Word count: 2290

Summary:  After accepting a job as the head of marketing for a local animal shelter, Anna finds herself in a new city in need of a place to live. Luckily, 3 guys know just the place.

Previous chapter

Chapter 2

Of course the one day Anna picked to move into her new place was absolutely sweltering. The sun mercilessly beat down on her back as she tried to balance a lamp under one arm and a slew of binders and folders under the other. She was kicking herself for turning down Sven’s offer to help her move in. She didn’t want to be a burden on him, which was why she turned him down in the first place, but did she just end up looking like she was full of herself for insisting she could handle it?

Anna brushed the thoughts aside as she made her way back into the complex with the items under her arms. Her room was finally starting to look more like her room. She had brought in her special keepsakes and trinkets, art supplies, favorite chair, and some tasteful wall decor. Now all she needed was to grab her dresser and she’d be good to go.

Shit. The dresser.

Anna looked around her room. She had already struggled enough with the rest of her stuff. How the hell was she supposed to lug a dresser up here all by herself?

She heard the door unlock and open and close ceremoniously from the front room. Oh thank god. Sven was home. She could take him up on his offer to help. She exited her room and happily made her way to rendezvous with him.

“Sven, I’m so glad you’re back. I know I said I didn’t need help but I-” She stopped in her tracks, words faltering and steps skidding to a halt as she rounded the corner. It was Kristoff. That definitely wasn’t who she was expecting. “Oh, it’s you.” She tried her best not to sound disappointed, but in truth, she was. Since touring the apartment, she had messaged Ryder about bathroom arrangements and had met up with Sven at a cafe to sign the lease, but Kristoff? This was the first time she’d spoken to him since then, and his height, stiff posture, and stoic expression didn’t help her feel any more comfortable than when she first met him.

He placed his keys down at the table by the front entrance and shrugged off his jacket as he turned to her. “Sorry, I’m definitely not Sven,” he said. His lips turned up in what seemed to be a slight smirk. She’d take it.

“Yeah, I can see that,” she chuckled.

“Did you need help or something though? Sven told me you’d be moving in today.”

Anna hadn’t expected that. The king of the cold shoulder offering to help? Maybe she had misjudged him. “That would actually be amazing. I just need to get my dresser and then I’ll be done. That thing is way too heavy for me. I mean, my lamps and bedsheets were fine. Even my craft box was okay to get up here, and I have so much junk in there. I used to have more, but I gave a lot of stuff away because, you know, fresh start and all. But everything was pretty manageable to get up here. Let me tell you though- those stairs up to the complex? Whew! Absolutely brutal.”

“Has anyone ever told you that you talk a lot?”

Normally she would take a comment like that as an insult, but the smile on his face implied it was intended to be anything but. Even still, the kind sparkle in his eyes didn’t stop the guilt from creeping up her sides. “Sorry, yeah.” She laughed in spite of herself, trying to be good-humored about the whole thing. “I’m working on it.”

His face immediately fell. “Oh, um, no, I, uh,” he paused to clear his throat. A sheepish hand made its way to the back of his neck. “I was just joking. Sorry. The guys and I- we pick on each other a lot and I don’t, I don’t think you talk a lot.”

Anna waved her hands in protest, cutting him off before he could apologize anymore. “No, no! It’s okay, really.” And it was. The last thing she wanted to do was be treated any differently or change the way the guys felt they could act in their own home. And besides, a part of her was beaming at the realization that he was already picking on her like one of the guys.

“Okay.”

Kristoff’s eyes met hers and they both smiled, sharing in some sort of mutual understanding that they were both a little awkward and that was okay. His features had softened a bit, and for the first time she was able to take in the soft stubble on his chin, the curve of his jaw, and the gentle warmth in his eyes.

“I, uh-” Kristoff cleared his throat again. “Do you want to go get your dresser?”

Anna was suddenly sent back to reality. She straightened herself up and nodded. “Yes! Let’s go.” She made her way to the front door, Kristoff close behind her.

Their ride down in the elevator was relatively quiet, but the silence wasn’t awkward. Rather, it was peaceful, almost comforting in its stillness. She still felt nervous around Kristoff. After all, she hardly knew the guy. But his offering to help and the soft hesitancy with which he spoke were signs that pointed to him being a much sweeter guy than she had originally thought. Maybe he was a secret softy and Sven and Ryder were the real tough ones. She laughed at the thought.

“What’s so funny?” Kristoff asked as the elevator doors opened and they made their way out of the apartment building and over to Anna’s car.

“I was just wondering if maybe you were secretly a sweet guy and Sven and Ryder were the tough, scary ones.” She surprised herself with the boldness of her joke, but his first joke to her was about her tendency to ramble, so she figured she deserved to settle the score at least a little bit.

Kristoff scoffed. “You think I’m scary? Wait until you see Sven the morning after a night out.”

Anna giggled, finding a sort of rhythm in their conversation.

“This is my car,” she announced, popping open the trunk to reveal the aforementioned dresser.

“Of course it is,” he said with another smirk. She was starting to think this would be a habit with him.

“What is that supposed to mean?” she asked, hands on her hips in mock frustration.

“Nothing- you just seem like the kind of girl that drives a hybrid.”

“I’ll take that as a compliment.” She twirled her keychain on her finger. “Now, are you going to help me get this stupid thing up to the apartment or are you just going to sit here and tell me that I ‘seem like a hybrid girl,’” she used air quotes to emphasize his phrase and rolled her eyes, smiling all the same.

“Alright,” he replied, his hands up as if to let her know he was done. Kristoff made his way over to the trunk and examined the dresser.

Anna opened her mouth to offer a suggestion about how to get it inside but immediately closed it without uttering a sound.

Kristoff had squatted to get some leverage and heaved the dresser up and out of her trunk. He placed it down on the pavement with a thud.

She couldn’t help but notice the way his jeans hugged his ass when he squatted down, the way his muscles moved and shifted to allow him to lift something so bulky.

“Wow, you’re really strong,” she found herself saying.

Kristoff laughed again. “Thanks. I do construction for a living, so I kinda have to be.”

Oh. Something about the thought of Kristoff lifting and carrying stuff around all day struck her as incredibly intriguing. Maybe sexy was a better word to describe it.

She offered to help him with the dresser, but he insisted on doing it himself. She couldn’t help but stare at the sheer strength of his arms and his back and his legs. He was a big dude, and she couldn’t say she was surprised he was strong, but how could she have possibly missed just how good he looked?

Anna shook the thought out of her head. It was her first day in the apartment. She wasn’t going to start ogling her flatmates.

Kristoff placed the dresser in the main entryway and wiped at his brow, now glistening with sweat. “Do you think you got it from here?”

Anna laughed but Kristoff just cocked an eyebrow at her. “Oh, you were serious.”

Kristoff didn’t say anything, just looked at the dresser and then back at her. He bit at his lip and she noticed his foot tapping impatiently. Why did he seem so nervous all of a sudden? Before she could dwell on the thought much longer, he replied. “Yeah, no, you’re right. I got it. Just show me where you want it in your room.”

Anna led him to a spot that she had picked out in a corner of her room. It fit perfectly. She turned to him and clapped her hands together. “Thank you so much, Kristoff. Really. This was such a huge help, you have no idea.” Her face fell a bit as she regarded him. He didn’t seem smug or confident like he had earlier. He was glancing around at the walls, foot still tapping and arms crossed over his chest protectively.

“Yeah, don’t mention it,” he replied simply before backing out of the room with what seemed like urgency.

Anna shrugged it off and sat down to unpack her things. At the very least he didn’t seem to completely hate her like she feared he would.

***

Anna had settled comfortably into her room. Her books and trinkets had been arranged on a small shelf. Her desk drawers were packed with her craft supplies, and her walls had a few tasteful posters and pictures on them. It was starting to feel homey.

Sven had gotten home a while ago, as had Ryder. From what she could hear in the kitchen, Sven was singing and cooking, and every once in a while she could hear either Ryder or Kristoff laugh.

Despite her positive interactions with both Ryder and Sven, and now even Kristoff, she was still new to the apartment, and she had no idea where she would possibly fit in. Would it be polite to go out and try to hang out with them, or would that seem too pushy? She bit at her thumb as she contemplated her options. A knock at her door ended up deciding for her.

She opened the door, and much like her first meeting with him, Sven was leaning against the door frame, maintaining his suave, casual demeanor. “Knock knock,” he said as he craned his neck over Anna’s shoulder to investigate the room. “Oh this is cute! Much better than the last guy. His room was always disgusting.” Sven shuddered as if remembering the room’s previous state.

“Oh, thanks!”

“Did you want to join us for dinner? Not to brag or anything, but I’m like, kind of an amazing cook.”

“Oh my god, shut up!” Anna heard from the kitchen.

Anna giggled and agreed, allowing herself to be led into the kitchen on Sven’s arm.

As soon as she entered the kitchen, she gasped. Candles were lit at a dinner table she hadn’t even noticed until now. Everything smelled delicious, and her mouth watered as she caught sight of a large bowl of pasta on the island. Someone had placed a large bouquet of flowers in a vase on the table, and a piece of what looked like regular printer paper had “Welcome, Anna!” scrawled across it.

“I don’t know what to say,” she breathed, her mouth hanging agape in disbelief. Here she was, pacing her room trying to figure out whether or not to join them when they had been making a special dinner for her. “Thank you, guys. Wow, just, thank you so much, I-”

“No need to thank us,” Sven interrupted. “Just sit down, relax, and enjoy the delicious food prepared by yours truly,” he said, gesturing to himself. “Now you know that one of the perks of living here is that you have an amazing live-in chef.”

Anna laughed at his exaggerated tone. He was clearly playing it up for laughs, but even just the smell of the food proved he knew what he was doing.

“I swear to god, Sven, if you say one more thing about how good of a cook you are, I promise, I will punch you in the face,” Kristoff sighed, rubbing at his temples.

“You’re only mad because it’s true,” Sven teased. “You three would go hungry without me!”

“Sven, you boiled noodles from a fucking box. I think we would manage,” Kristoff retorted.

“These may be from a box, but they are boiled with love!” Sven declared, gesturing dramatically to the bowl of pasta, still sitting untouched on the island.

“Uh, guys, can we eat?” Ryder piped, voice low and hesitant. Anna had almost forgotten he was there.

“Yes, yes, of course.” Sven cleared his throat and held up his glass. He slung an arm across her shoulders. “Anna, welcome to Apartment 4D.”

Anna looked at the faces around her. Ryder’s smile almost took up his entire face, it was positively infectious. Sven proudly held his glass in a toast, and the arm thrown over her shoulder made her feel warm and welcome. Kristoff smiled a soft, easy smile at her, his posture relaxed and his eyes warm. She didn’t even remember she was nervous just five minutes ago.

#kristanna #fanfiction #kristanna fanfic #frozen fanfic #frozen

[apriorisea]

Hi! Can i ask a bts soulmate imagine. Whereas you've seen each other in dreams but never met in person. But then when fate permits for you to meet each other you've seen them with other girl (ex. his celeb idol). Thank you very much.. I m a fan of your works.. xoxo

–Hello! I’m sorry this has taken so long! I really enjoyed writing this, and it definitely ended up a little longer than I originally intended 😅Thank you for your kind words, for the request, and for your patience!! I hope you enjoy! 💜💕

“I Found You”You x Namjoon

Your eyes snap open and it takes you a second to reorient yourself. It was him again. You desperately try to hold on to the details of the dream, trying to memorize his face, but losing it by the second. Frustrated, you reach over and turn on your lamp. 

   This was at least the 20th time you’d dreamed of him. Him, that stupidly handsome mysterious face that made your heart pound. You were 100% sure you had never seen him before—not in real life, anyway—but you were also 100% sure that every time you saw him in your dreams, your heart leapt with happiness, like it recognized him even if you didn’t. You never spoke to him, never interacted with him, but he was always there, a comforting, unfamiliar presence you couldn’t figure out.    The most frustrating thing was how you could never remember him once you were outside the dream; his face, which was so perfectly familiar to you while asleep, escaped you completely once you woke up. The only thing you were certain of were his eyes: dark, dark brown (almost black) and kind and warm. Those stuck with you, even if every other detail about him faded.    Sighing, you turn to look at the clock on your nightstand: 2:04am. Oh, well, you think. At least after I fall back asleep, I’ll probably have a chance to see him again… Most of the time, the dreams came in pairs; if there was still night leftover after you woke, you’d eventually be dropped back into the dream world where he existed. You get up to use the bathroom and by the time you climb back in bed, you’re already tired enough to fall asleep again. “This time,” you whisper out loud to yourself, “I’m going to talk to him.”

It’s not the first thing you dream after falling back asleep, but, as your childhood backyard melts away, you see the familiar surroundings of The Dream World start to take shape. A city, full of bright lights and energy; a dark, cool night; a fast-moving river. You hold you breath and wait.    There. Just a few feet from you, he appears. He’s dressed the same as always: a long, dark, padded coat, a black, thick-knit beanie, jeans, high-end tennis shoes. Your heart thuds: there you are.    You’re both standing on a bridge, looking out across the dark water that reflects the city’s light. He turns to smile at you and you brace yourself: this is where it ends.    But this time….it doesn’t. It takes you a full second to respond, smiling back uncertainly. Talk to him, talk to him, talk to him.    “Hi.” In your anxiety, your greeting comes out too loud, too awkward. Clearing your throat, you feel yourself blush. “Um, sorry. Hey.”    His eyes widen and he turns to face you completely. “Hi,” he says, and there’s too much force behind his words, too.    There’s a fuzzy siren going off in your mind, like your awake-brain is trying to remind your asleep-brain about something. You brush it off, too happy to be where you are. “It’s…it’s beautiful out here.”    He nods, but there’s clearly something else on his mind. “I…do we know each other?”    “No,” you say, while your heart screams YES. “I don’t think so.”    “Yeah…” He reaches up to fix the edge of his beanie, and you notice that the long-ish hair poking out from under the hat is carefully-bleached blonde. “I didn’t think so either.” He smiles again. “But you’re so familiar…”     You smile and edge a little closer. “That’s what I was just thinking,” you say with a small laugh. You reach out a hand to introduce yourself. “I’m—”    But before you can give him your name, he takes your hand in his and every part of your brain malfunctions. He clearly feels it too, the way your hands seemed to be meant for each other, the way the energy is traveling up and down your entire body, how comfortable and content you feel now that his hand is holding yours. Without hesitating, he changes the grip, intertwining his fingers with yours, incidentally pulling you a little closer.    Looking down at your conjoined hands, he exhales softly. “Wow.”    You can’t even respond. You know you should be embarrassed by this sudden, too-familiar contact, but all you can feel is peace.    Slowly, as though acting out of some sort of compulsive instinct, he reaches out and takes your other hand in his; another shock of energy, another feeling of right. His smile gets bigger, and he tugs you even closer to him. “Hi,” he says again, this time softer, calmer, sweeter.    “Hey,” you answer, looking up into his face with a smile. “I don’t know what’s happening,” you add quietly, “But whatever it is, I like it.”    He laughs and squeezes your hands. “I will agree with that.” His eyes are wandering over your face, as though trying to commit every detail to memory. “This is—”    You’re torn from your dream by the sound of your alarm. You sit up in a panic. “No.” You immediately try to recall the details of his face, the way his smile had looked—but it fades too fast and all you’re left with is the memory of his dark eyes and the strands of bleached-blonde hair.    Bleached. Blonde. Hair. You freeze. Am I remembering this correctly?? Do I remember his hair color??? But as soon as you ask yourself the question, you know the answer. Dark eyes, bleached-blonde hair styled in a short mullet. And his face—    You give up. No matter how hard you try, you’re not granted more memory. All the same, you wonder why exactly your hands feel so cold and empty.

——— 

Some nights, the dream doesn’t come. You’re not sure what makes the difference; it doesn’t seem to matter what time you go to bed, how tired you are, how early you wake up, what you eat for dinner. Sometimes, it just doesn’t appear. He doesn’t appear. No matter how hard you try to hold onto the memories, you lose more of his details as the days go by—though you never really forget. Each night you fall asleep wondering if tonight would be the night.    Until finally, it is.    As the lights twinkle into existence, you turn immediately to look at him—and feel your heart race when you find him doing the same. Wordlessly, you move together and he has your hands in his before either of you can find the words. As soon as your fingers are interlocked, you feel your anxiety melt away. “Hi again,” you say, unable to keep a smile off your face.    “Hello,” he answers, and his voice is full of unmistakable relief.    “It’s been a while.”    “Too long,” he corrects quickly. Smiling shyly, he squeezes your hands, his eyes never leaving your face.     You smile back. “I will agree with that.”    There’s a sudden gust of wind and a section of your hair is blown across your face. You laugh but are completely unwilling to drop his hand so you can fix it, so it’s a surprise when you feel him disentangle his fingers from yours.    Before you can react, he reaches up and gently brushes the hair back from your face, tucking a strand behind your ear.    Your heart is pounding again, another burst of electricity and contentment racing through you at this touch.    He obviously feels it, too. His smile growing softer and fonder, he repeats the motion, even though your hair has been contained at this point. When he stops, he lets his fingers brush the side of your face.    You don’t look away from him the whole time and when he finally meets your eyes again, you smile a little wider at his embarrassment.    “I’m sorry, I just…” he shakes his head a little. “I have a hard time remembering.”    This startles you. “You…what?” It’s the first time you’ve done anything except smile and your sudden change draws him in.    He reaches to take back your hand, concern crossing his face. “What’s wrong?”    “You….What did you say?”    Still trying to understand you, he ducks his head a little to look into your eyes more carefully. “I said…I have a hard time remembering. I know your smile perfectly, but other things…” He inadvertently pulls you a little closer. “And I never know how long we’ll have.”    “You don’t—”    You wake up suddenly, feeling the happiness leak away, happiness your rational mind didn’t understand yet. You fumble as you reach for your phone, unlocking the screen and checking the time: 6:40. Five minutes before your alarm would ring.    “Hard time remembering.” The words hit you out of nowhere and you slowly realize why your heart is still pounding. “He has…he has a hard time remembering,” you say it again and again, hoping that this will keep the memory of the dream with you a little longer. “He can’t remember what I look like. Just like I can’t remember him. Which means—” You feel your mouth fall open, and you sit up. “He’s real.”   This whole time, you had been assuming that he was a dream figure—just something your mind had made up and decided to stick with, a character in a dream that was tailored to your exact preferences. Never in a million years had you even thought he could be real. But now…    Stop. You try to put the brakes on your racing thoughts. There are other options. You knew the power of your mind, how good you were at day-dreaming—why would night-dreaming be any different? Was it really so outrageous to think that you had created your own mini-drama while you were sleeping? It doesn’t mean he’s actually REAL real.    “Except…” you continue your internal argument out loud. “Why would he also say it’s been a long time? Why would he tell me specifically that he knew my smile, but couldn’t remember other things?” Your alarm goes off suddenly, startling you out of your one-sided conversation.    My alarm…. “What if…” you stare down at your phone. “What if he is actually real, and it was his alarm that woke us up, not mine?”    Stop being crazy, your rational side warned. It’s just a dream. He’s just a dream.    But you couldn’t accept that. “He’s real,” you insist, vaguely aware that you were, indeed, currently acting crazy. “He has to be real.”    Okay then: what does he look like? What’s his name? How tall is he? What was he wearing? If he’s “real,” shouldn’t you know these things?    You remember his eyes, dark and perfect and kind. You can see his hair in your mind’s eye, the longer pieces sticking out from under a hat. And his face—    Groaning in frustration, you realize that there’s nothing left: you can’t remember anything else. You glance at the time again and wish that you could fall back asleep; who knows when you’d connect in dreams again?    But if he’s awake now, it wouldn’t matter. Feeling a bitter sense of loss and disappointment, you get out of bed and get ready for the day. You weren’t sure how you were going to get anything done today. Not when he exists. Not when he’s real.

———

But it’s days before you have the dream again. His comment and the question of his “realness” plague you, a thought in the back of your mind that you can’t get rid of, no matter how hard you try. What’s worse is that you can’t move forward with it either. No matter how many times you sit down to think or meditate, hoping the answer will come to you, it never does.    So this time, as the sound of the river fills your ears, you close the gap between the two of you almost before he has a chance to notice you. “Are you real?” you demand, looking up into his face as your hands automatically find his.    His brow wrinkles in consternation. “What?”    “Are you a real person?” you ask again. “You told me last time that you couldn’t remember me—when you wake up, right? That’s what you meant? You can’t remember me when you wake up. Which means that you’re not just a figment of my imagination, but a real person who also has dreams and wakes up and everything.” You can’t quite decipher his expression. “Right??”   He nods slowly, his eyes still on your face even though you can tell his brain is whirling along, distracting him. “Yes, I’m…I’m “real.” But then…you are, too? So….we’re two people who are actually meeting in dreams?”    Your heart is doing joyful cartwheels in your chest. He’s real, he’s real, he’s real.    “Then…” A smile starts to spread across his face, and he drops your hands suddenly. You’re disappointed for only a second; moving gingerly, he reaches up to cradle your face gently. Brushing his thumbs over your cheeks, the smile grows even bigger. “Then I was right. You’re my sou—” He pauses suddenly and you can see the blush creep up his neck. The embarrassment moves in and he starts to release you.    Desperate to not let that happen, you finish for him: “Soulmate?”    His eyes wander back to yours and he nods slowly.    Soulmate. You’d never really believed in soulmates, but now, standing here, feeling the perfect sense of “rightness” and complete happiness, you couldn’t think of a better word to describe it.    “I mean…why else…” he clears his throat and lets his hands slip from your face, holding onto your shoulders to keep you close. “Why else would we meet like this? In dreams?”    You bring your hands up to hold onto his elbows, feeling another surge of relief at the contact. “Do you think that can really happen?” you ask, too afraid to trust the idea completely.    He shrugs. “Sure. I mean, we’re here, aren’t we?”    “But….but soulmates? It just….It’s too perfect,” you try to explain. “You’re too perfect.”    He grins. Reaching out with one hand to smooth your hair behind your ear again, he says, “That’s how I feel about you.” He gets distracted by the action, his gaze drifting. “Too perfect.”    “That’s why I’m not sure,” you admit quietly, waiting until he met your eyes again. “Because it seems too good to be true.”    An idea lights up his eyes and he takes both of your hands again. Guiding you towards one of the benches that you hadn’t ever noticed until now, he sits down and pulls you down next to him. “Well, let’s test it out.”    “How?” You’re still holding tight to one of his hands.    He smiles. “In your…your “real life,” are you….do you have a boyfriend? A fiance? A husband?”    You laugh; even the idea of another man seems so out of place when the one you want, the only perfect one, is sitting right in front of you. “Definitely not.” you study him. “How about you?”     “No,” he answers seriously. “So, see? That’s one barrier down.”    You smile gamely. “Okay. What else?”    For the next several minutes, you ask each other questions, each of you slightly rushed with the knowledge that, at any moment, you could be ripped away from this dream existence. You discover your ages are similar, you live in the same country, you’re both exactly the height you appear to be in the dream. You learn that he doesn’t have a driver’s license, but loves to ride his bike by the river. You tell him how you don’t like chocolate—except for one, specific brand of candy bar. Your conversation drifts from serious questions to a simple conversation: the two of you getting to know each other. He holds your hand the whole time, and you could swear you’d never been happier.    “Okay,” you say after a second of silence. “Here’s the real question. If we’re both real, if we’re soulmates, then…we should find each other in real life, right?”    “Of course.”    You can’t help but smile at his certainty. “Okay. So….what’s your name?”    He squeezes your hand and reaches out to brush your hair back again. “Good idea. My name is—”    This time, when your alarm pulls you from sleep, you want to cry.

——— 

Blessedly, only a day passes before you’re brought back into The Dream World.    As soon as the city lights wink into existence, he shouts something at you.    Moving towards him, you frown. “What?”    “My name,” he says, closing the distance and repeating it. “That’s my name.”    You say it over and over again in your mind, willing yourself to commit it to memory. It doesn’t sound familiar—not to your brain, anyway: your heart seems to know it perfectly. Once you’re sure you have it memorized, you tell him your name. Slowly, carefully, several times, and you can see him going through the same process of memorization.    When he’s finished, he smiles and carefully takes your hands in his. “I’m glad we didn’t have to wait so long this time.”    “Me, too.” You’re filled with excitement. “But now that I know your name, I can find you in real life.”    He’s smiling. “Then we won’t have to wait for chance.” He guides you back to the bench, but this time when you sit, he wraps an arm around your shoulders, pulling you to his side against the chilly wind. “Have you figured out what triggers these meetings?”    You shake your head, then tip it over to rest against him, smiling when he hugs you even closer. “No. I’ve tried a bunch of things, but…I can’t figure it out. It doesn’t seem to matter what I do.”    “Same,” he agrees. “Maybe…maybe we have to be asleep at the same time?”    “…But we live in the same country?” you say. “Shouldn’t we always basically be asleep at the same time?”    He reaches for your hand with his free one. “Theoretically, yes. But I travel a lot. So we’re not always in the same country.”    “Oh.” You watch him play absently with your fingers. “You’re international, huh?”    He laughs but doesn’t answer, content with having you near.    But there’s a fear growing in the pit of your stomach, a fear you wouldn’t usually voice, but it was him, your him, and you could tell him anything—wasn’t that what soulmates were for?—so it comes rushing out: “What if….what if we meet in real life and you don’t like me?”    “What?” he sounds shocked, and he pulls away from you a little so he can look down into your face. “What do you mean??”    “I mean…I’m not that international,” you fumble through your words, unable to meet his eyes. “I’m much more…plain. What if we meet in real life and you don’t—”    “There’s nothing plain about you.” His words are certain, sure, unmovable.    You laugh sadly. “You say that now, but in real life…”    “In real life, you’re still my soulmate,” he insists, but he can tell you’re still uneasy. Exhaling your name in frustration, he says, “Listen, you have to believe me: there is nothing about you I don’t like. Either here or in real life. You are beautiful and perfect and meant for my soul. I don’t care how “international” you are—you are the only one I want. …Isn’t that how you feel about me?”    His last words, softer and vulnerable, bring your gaze back to his face, and once you meet his eyes, you can’t look away. “Of course.”    Smiling gently, he reaches out to cup the side of your face, brushing his thumb over your cheek. “Then don’t worry, love,” he says softly, leaning towards you. “We have each other now.”    Your heart is racing, but as he gets closer, you feel a sense of dread: there’s no way you won’t be ripped away from this dream world before he can kiss you. The dreams were cruel like that. Even so, as he gets closer, you let your eyes close, trying not to hope too much so it wouldn’t hurt too much when you woke up.    And then you feel his lips on yours, soft and careful, but sure. Every part of you melts at his touch, and all you can see behind your eyelids are fireworks and shooting stars and every other cliche thing.    He pulls away carefully, the first kiss between you left soft and sweet and perfect—even if it’s not technically real. When you open your eyes, you find him smiling at you. “I can’t wait to do that in real life,” he admits.    “Me, too,” you say breathlessly. Feeling a sudden pang of anxiety, you repeat his name out loud. At his expression, you explain, “I don’t want to forget.”    He smiles. “I’ll find you,” he promises. “The next time we meet, it will be in real life.”     You nod.    And wake up to the sound of your alarm.    You can still feel his lips on yours, as if it had been real, so you’re not that upset at your alarm for bringing you out of the Dream World. It can be real, your mind sings. It will all be real. Just as soon as you find him.    “And I can find him,” you say to yourself out loud. “Because I know his name!”    You reach for your phone, opening the notes app so you can write it down, so you can be sure.    “International.”    It’s the only word that comes to mind. You shake yourself and think harder, reaching for that name. You KNEW it, you had memorized it, perfected it, written it on your heart.    But no matter how hard you tried, it wouldn’t come. His name was lost, like the details of his face and clothes and job and age.

You try for 3 days, getting absolutely nothing done. You can’t eat—and when it turns out that you aren’t able to return to Dream World, you give up on sleeping. Every moment is spent trying to remember his name, trying to remember ANY small detail that will help you. Every time you fail, a seed of despair and suspicion grows in your stomach.     6 days pass and you realize that he must be suffering the same amnesia, or else he would’ve found you.    Or he came to his senses and doesn’t want you anymore… your mind whispers and you feel sick.    You try every memory trick and hack you can find on the internet, but still, his name remains unknown. The devastation eats you whole.

——

   It takes a full week before you’re reunited. As soon as the world melts into existence, you run to him, nearly tripping over your own feet in your hurry. He’s waiting: as soon as you reach him, he pulls you into his arms, holding you close against him as tightly as possibly. You can feel his lips pressed against the top of your head.     “I couldn’t remember,” you say brokenly. “I tried so hard, but I just…I couldn’t remember.”    “It’s okay,” he reassures, hugging you closer. “It’s okay.”    After a long time, you pull back a little so you can look up into his face. “I don’t know why I couldn’t remember.”    He exhales heavily, leaning down to kiss your forehead. “I couldn’t remember either,” he admits. Looking into your eyes, he adds, “Or else I would have found you.”    Your heart gets all squishy-happy at this; not just the promise, but the way it proves he had remembered something about your worries and wanted to make sure to alleviate them. “We’ll have to try harder tonight.”   “What about a mnemonic?” he suggests, agreeing with you immediately.    You nod. “That could work.”    “Good. So my name is—”    You say his name before he does and the squishy-happy turns to squishy-sick. “I…I remember your name. Perfectly.” You look up at him. “Why can I remember it perfectly now?” Suspicion is building in the back of your mind, trying to alert you to something you don’t want to hear.      From the look on his face, you can tell he’s experiencing the same thing, but he brushes it aside quickly, more keen to get to the task at hand before it ends again. “It’ll work this time,” he insists, “This will work. So, a mnemonic for my name could be Nobody Asked My—”    It’s 4am when you wake up. You try your hardest to fall back to sleep immediately, but it’s no use; even when you do manage to dream again, it’s not of him.     In a cruel twist, you’re taken to the Dream World the next 4 nights. The two of you spend all of your time together coming up with ways to remember: on night 3, you both actually write each other’s names on your hands, hoping that it would translate to the real world. It doesn’t. No matter what you try, one thing seems certain: neither of you are allowed to keep the name once you wake up.     So on night 5, you’re already in tears before the Dream World had even materialized all the way. “It’s never going to work,” you sob into his chest. “Something won’t let it be. It’s never…” You can even finish.     He holds you as you cry, trying to comfort you even though you can tell he’s upset, too. “Shh,” he says uselessly, kissing the side of your head. “Don’t cry, love, it’s okay.”    “Apparently fate doesn’t want us to meet in real life!” You’re inconsolable. “Why would it keep bringing us back here, why would it even allow us to meet here, if we’re going to be kept apart like this?? What’s the point??”    “I don’t know.”    Hearing something different in his voice, you pull back to look up at him and are startled to see how shiny his eyes are. “Oh…” You reach up to touch his face softly with one hand, but seeing him just as disheartened as you feel breaks something inside you. You swallow. “What…what do we do?”    He looks lost. “I…I don’t know.”    A sob crawls back up your throat and you collapse against him again.     “We’ve tried everything,” he says, still holding you fast, even though his voice is layered with despair. “Everything I can think of. I can remember other things about you, now—but never your name. Why can’t I remember your name??”    You shake your head, still too upset to answer.    “It’s killing me,” he admits in a smaller voice, and his hold on you tightens. “I don’t….I don’t understand.”    “It’s not fair,” you say bitterly, stepping back suddenly, too angry to feel his perfect comfort right now.  “It’s not right. It–it shouldn’t be like this!”    He watches you, his eyes sad, his posture slumped. “It shouldn’t be,” he agrees.    “So….what do we do??”    “Baby….I don’t know.”    For hours after you wake up, you still can’t remember his name—but you can hear his final words, screaming defeat, echoing around your head perfectly.

——

It never really goes away, the dull ache in your chest that comes from missing him, from knowing that while he might be real, he will never be real for you. You struggle through the next few days, managing to quiet the roar while at work and around other people, but in the evenings, just before bed, you’re consumed with your anguish.     You cry yourself to sleep the next two nights in a row, but on the third night, you’re too exhausted, so you simply lie in bed, staring listlessly up at the ceiling until sleep finally takes you.    The Dream World twinkles into existence around you, but before you can think of what to say to him, you feel him next to you. Moving certainly, he cradles your face in his hands and holds you in place tenderly as he leans down to kiss you. It’s a long kiss this time, full of more intensity than the last, but once again it leaves you breathless and smiling.     “I don’t care,” he murmurs as soon as he pulls back.     “What?”    “I decided it doesn’t matter,” he explains, kissing your lips quickly one more time. “Fate, destiny—whatever is keeping us apart right now, it doesn’t matter. You are my soulmate and nothing can change that. We’ll just keep being soulmates here until we can find each other out there.” He strokes your cheek with his thumb.     You release an unsteady breath. “I…”    “Remember the first time we spoke?” he cuts across you intently. “We’d seen each other how many times before then? 10? 20? And yet neither of us could remember more than one detail. But now—” His eyes dart around your face. “Now I can remember so much more. Not everything, but more. So all we have to do is hold on just a little longer. Just until we’re finally able to remember even more.”    A wild hope is building in your chest, most of your sadness melting away at his touch and reassurance. “You…you think so?”    “Yes.” Dropping his hands to wrap around your waist, he leans down to press his forehead against yours. “I’m never going to give up,” he promises. “Never. No matter what. I’m going to keep trying and one day, it’s going to work.”    Just as you’re starting to agree, you remember the last week you had suffered through. Sighing his name softly, you close your eyes tight. “I don’t know. Even if we are remembering other things, with how hard we’ve tried, shouldn’t we remember even a tiny bit about each other’s names? And yet, still, nothing. Maybe names are different. Maybe we are allowed to keep certain things, but not names. Maybe—”    “Please just hold on.”    Your eyes open at his request.    He straightens, looking down into your eyes and pulling you close against him. “Can you do that, love? Just hang on a little longer. We can do this. I will find you. I promise. But I need you to hold on.”    Feeling tears pool in your eyes, you feel yourself nod. “Yes. I can do that.”    He exhales in relief. “I’m going to find you,” he says again, then leans down to kiss you one more time as the dream fades away to another morning without him.

——

Over the next week and a half, you meet 4 more times. The first 3 he’s still hopeful, still intense, still promising. On the fourth night, he still promises—but there’s a deep weariness in him now, too. The hope is starting to fade, and when you wake up that morning, you genuinely wonder if either of you can hang on much longer.      And just like that, it happens. Without rhyme or reason, you are suddenly unable to reach the Dream World. When several days go by in a row without seeing him, you panic. Terrified, you do anything you can think of to try to get back, but each night it’s the same: he’s gone. There’s nothing you can do about it. When 8 days pass and still nothing, you call in sick to work because you can’t stop crying. At 10 days, you feel yourself grow numb. Maybe this is better, you rationalize. If we were never going to meet in real life, why keep torturing ourselves in dreams? At 13 days, you start to revert back to your first theory: He was never real. On day 15, you accept your friend’s invitation to go out, and while you’re at dinner, you try to remind yourself that this is real; it doesn’t make you feel any better.     Day 21 is cold and cloudy and windy as you make your way to the International Airport with your friend. You’d promised to have lunch with her before she left for a two-week vacation, since you’d declined her offer to go along on the trip. The place is busier than usual—surprisingly busy—but the two of you manage to find space at one of the small food chains in the terminal and enjoy a simple meal before she hurries off to go through security.     Once she’s gone, you make your way back to the big lobby; it is packed with people and at first, you can’t understand why. Then you see it: a small platform is at the center of the crowd, surrounded by photographers and cameras and fans carrying banners.     Perfect, you think sarcastically. No wonder this place is a nightmare today. Some idol is probably on their way out of the country.     Despite your snarky side, as you pass by the crowd you can’t help but trying to get a glimpse of the idol in question. Stepping around an overly-excited fanboy, you see the name on his banner and hesitate: Kim Namjoon. So it’s not just any idol. It’s one of the biggest stars on the planet. No wonder there are so many people.     Curiosity getting the better of you, you stop and turn to look at the platform stage, wondering if the man himself was actually going to be there. It happens to be perfect timing, because just as you look, the crowd’s shouts get louder, and a set of bodyguards appear on stage just before—    Him.     You’re frozen in place and though the fans are going crazy, the only thing you can hear is your heart pounding in your chest. Standing up on the stage, allowing himself to be introduced as Kim Namjoon, is him. Your him. Your soulmate. As soon as you see his face, every single memory of your dreams comes racing back. It’s him, of course it is. You’d recognize him anywhere. He’s real, he’s real, he’s real! your heart sings.    He’s real.    He’s really there in front of you.    He’s….an idol.     You were right, the cruel part of your mind whispers. You’re far too plain for this, for him. You, with an idol?? A celebrity? You’re joking, right? He would never want you.     You feel the ice in your stomach and suddenly want to throw up. Your fears had been true; he was too international for you, too out of reach. Maybe, you think, he did remember my name, but realized I was a nobody and decided to give up?…    I will find you.   Without warning, his voice fills your mind.   I’m never going to give up.    The small hopeful part of you speaks up: He promised.    “I promised, too,” you whisper out loud. No matter how intimidated you were, you couldn’t turn away, not when he was right there in front of you. You had to try.    Steeling yourself, you take a small breath and lean up on your tippytoes, prepared to do anything to make eye contact, but at that exact moment, the crowd grows louder as someone else appears on stage.    A beautiful female idol walks out to where Namjoon is standing, her hair and smile and eyes perfect, and the two pose for pictures.    “Ugh, look at how gorgeous they are!” The girl next to you groans. “Of course they’re dating! They look so perfect together.”    “Yup,” her friend says immediately. “They are obviously dating. The rumor’s been going around for ages!”    The tears prickle in your eyes and you slowly shrink back to your normal height. Watching him smile and pose with the woman, you have a hard time disagreeing with the diehard fans: they do look perfect together.     Maybe, both parts of your mind whisper, The dreams stopped because he moved on.     You can feel your heart shatter. It’s too late. You found him too late.     Even though you want to run away, to hide somewhere and cry for days, you can’t move. It’s like you’re stuck, watching your worst nightmare play out in front of you. The perfect dream had become a perfect nightmare and you couldn’t move.     The posing ends and the two step back just a little as another man takes center stage; he starts talking about something, but you can’t hear. You don’t want to hear. It doesn’t matter. Even when the female idol disappears again, you can’t force yourself to move.   It’s time to go, your mind says pityingly. This is enough for today.     One tear slipping down your face, you realize it’s right. It was enough. Taking a deep breath, you prepare yourself to look at him one last time, to say goodbye—just the thought makes you want to throw up. You take one more deep breath and then force yourself to look up.   It’s like all the wind had been knocked from you, because as soon as you lift your head, you meet his eyes. He’s staring right at you, his expression unreadable. You try to breathe, but can’t.     And then he smiles. It spreads slowly across his face, perfect and relieved, and you suddenly can’t move. Without breaking eye contact with you, he calls one of his managers over and gestures in your direction, then proceeds to hold your eyes with his until you feel someone’s hand on your arm.    Completely dazed, you let the man lead you away to a secluded room in the airport. The first thing you see is the female idol—locked in a serious make-out session with another man. They break apart momentarily when you enter, definitely confused about why you’re there. After an awkward moment of silence, she takes the man’s hand and says, “Come on, babe, let’s go somewhere else…”    She’s…she’s not his. Your stumble around this thought. Then that means—   The door opens behind you and before you can turn to look, you feel someone’s hand in your own and the electricity is surging up your arm, warming your entire body.     “I found you.” Namjoon pulls you closer to him, his smile still wide even though his eyes are slightly teary. “I promised you I would.” Without wasting another second, he cradles your face in his hands and leans down to press his lips against yours.    It’s a very long time before you break apart, but when you finally do, he wraps his arms around you and rests his forehead against yours. The two of you stand like that in silence, reveling in being able to hold and see each other again. You’re so happy, you can’t breathe.    “Don’t cry,” he murmurs, reaching up to brush your tears away. “Oh, love, don’t cry now! I’m here. We’re here together. I found you.”    Laughing a little, you nod. “You’re here,” you repeat, unable to stop the smile from spreading across your face, and you lean up to kiss him. When you pull back, the look of perfect happiness on his face makes your heart go all squishy again. “Although,” you add after a moment. “I’m pretty sure I found you…”

#Anonymous #bts imagines #bts scenarios #REQUESTS #bts clean imagines #non-smut #BTS #bts imagine namjoon #namjoon #RM #bts fluffy imagines #fluffy #apriori sea requests #BTS imagines requests

[dreamganronpa]

Flufftober Day Two - Rarepair

“The Game of Attention” - Celeste x Byakuya

This was actually based off a post from @oryginaldanganronpascenarios !  I thought the post was super cute so I used it as inspiration for this ^^

----

Celestia Ludenberg was never afraid to say what she wanted; which is why it was so easy for her to ask her classmate on a date. Unfortunately for her, he was not afraid to express his shock when she did it.

“You heard me, did you not?” she cooly asked. “Surely you haven’t forgotten about our little situation from the party already.” Her thin red lips formed somewhat of a pout as she took in the affluent progeny’s expressions. Astonishment turned to a thoughtful gaze then to an annoyed yet playful smirk. That was Byakuya’s most common face, as well as the one Celeste liked the most. 

“Of course I remember. Although it’s surprising for you to initiate this after your performance- or lack thereof- at that very party.” His mocking tone perturbed Celeste for only a moment.

“Are you saying I was an inefficient date, then?” 

“In the most literal sense of the word, yes. You could’ve at least tried to act like you were interested in me.” His words had a slightly higher tone and more annunciation, which Celeste had determined meant that he was being untruthful. What she couldn’t figure out though was the lie in his statement. 

“How do you know I wasn’t acting the whole time? Perhaps it was all part of my plan to get myself in your line of sight, so to speak.” Celeste folded her fingers under her chin, in that cute way that made the tips of Byakuya’s ears go red. 

Now he was off his game. “Fine, if you’re that desperate, I shall supply you with one more date. However, if you bore me again, you’ll never have another chance.” He kicked himself for agreeing to her date with only a little persuasion. He stuck out his hand, unable to go back on his word. “Well then, shall we see where this goes?”

“I suppose it’s a date.” Celeste agreed, shaking his hand. 

“Very well. I will be at your house at 6:30 pm on Thursday. Dress- normally- for a change.” The emphasis on ‘normally’ made her heart sink a little. Was her normal attire not good enough? Her sadness turned into a petty anger.

“How will you find my residency without my address? Must not have thought of that, did you?” Each word fell off her tongue like a hornet, with the intention of stinging the blonde boy every time.

He only smirked again. “157 Holbrook avenue, correct?” Celeste’s surprised face ensured that he was right. “You must’ve forgotten that I have access to school records which includes addresses and other personal information. So, Taeko, does 6: 30 work for you?” He had found himself leaning over the table to her, now only inches apart from her pale face. 

“It certainly does.” Celeste remained only a little bit angry, preferring to express her anger in private.  For now though, she focused on staring into his crystal blue eyes..

The bell rang, signaling the end of lunch, and the end of this encounter. 

During the rest of the day, even though it was a short meeting, Celeste could only think of the rich blonde. He had entranced her, with his intelligent words and intense stares, but every time they talked had to be some sort of game- except for the party. There, they talked like normal people, and Celeste even dropped some of her accent for him. She just wanted to spend more real time with him. 

-

Tuesday passed by quickly, then Wednesday, and finally Thursday arrived. The only interactions Celeste had with Togami were glances passing through the halls, which annoyed Celeste. They had a date in a matter of hours and he pretended they were strangers. Although that was perfectly in-character for him.. Still, she huffed knowing that Byakuya would refuse to acknowledge her. 

-

That night, Celeste tried to wear something less extravagant, as per Byakuya’s request. Most of her outfits were stiff and doll-like, but she found a cute black dress that was simpler than her usual ensemble but still reflected her style. She wore pink ribbons instead of white in order to match the accents on the dress, and switched our her enormous ball earrings for small music note ones. Her makeup stayed the same though, her red lipstick standing out against the pastels.

When a strong knock resounded throughout her apartment, Celeste felt unprepared. Maybe it was because Byakuya arrived a half-hour early without warning. Regardless, she happily let him in, but she was still confused and intended to get an answer.

“Is your watch broken? You should not be here for another twenty-six minutes..” Celeste questioned in the coy way she always did.

Byakuya snickered. “I discovered that the place to which I am bringing you is further away than I originally perceived. If you have a problem, however, I can certainly reschedule my evening without you.”

“Don’t bother, I am ready to leave now.” She started to walk past the man but turned on her heels to face him. “Aren’t you forgetting something?” She asked while sticking out her hand. There was no response from Byakuya, causing her to sigh. “A proper gentleman always kisses his lady on the hand before a date. You are a gentleman, aren’t you?” She smiled as her date took her hand and begrudgingly kissed it. At least she could still get what she wanted. 

“My driver is waiting, come on.” Byakuya urged, opening the apartment door in order for them to leave. Celeste happily complied and they were in the long black car before the sun even began to set. 

-

The driver pulled into the back of a quaint building, barely fitting into a parking spot. Byakuya hastily opened the car door for Celeste (he couldn’t risk being called un-gentlemanly in public where his image was affected), and they entered the shop. The sign out front read ‘Wakey-Wakey café’, and the inside was decorated with many pastels and lace patterns, very similar to the outfits Celeste wore other than the color scheme. It was mostly empty, allowing for them to get served immediately after sitting down. 

“What a cute little café,” Celeste cooed. The instant she walked in, her mood had lifted. Byakuya felt it too, as he was less snarky already.

“Yes, I read many excellent reviews about it, which is why I brought you here. Is your tea sufficient?” 

Celeste had forgotten about her royal milk tea already. She took a sip, expecting mediocre taste but it was just as good, no, better than anything she would have custom-made for her. Her face lit up at the surprising amount of quality. 

In order not to blush, Byakuya in turn drank some of his coffee. It was sweeter than he preferred, but most cafés didn’t  serve strong black coffee. He still couldn’t help but look at the genuine smile on his date’s face, and he wondered why he liked it so much. 

Despite his ignorance, Byakuya did notice how he had put more attention on the gothic lolita. Out of all the girls in his class, she had been the one he invited to the party, which was no coincidence. But after the party, he had been thinking about her, and noticing more of her little details. Why though? Was he not satisfied with his enormous fortune? Did he truly need a woman in his life? 

“Celestia, I have one thing to ask you. Why did you ask me on another date? Don’t lie to me.” 

The girl was caught off-guard by the question, but quickly responded truthfully.  “Hmm? I told you already. I wanted your attention; but it looks like I’ve already succeeded.” 

She was right about stealing his attention, both her and him knew it. Byakuya knew how much he wanted to spend more time with her, even though he still wasn’t sure why. But he knew he had to capture her heart in return.

“Succeeded? Oh, it’s only just begun.”

#danganronpa #flufftober #Byakuya Togami #celestia ludenberg #celesgami #oneshot

[liibertus]

Hey listen no one asked but I still think of these a lot

So I had linked this post introducing Lib, but there’s more and since it took me more than like .3 seconds to find these again I’m making my own reference post for introductory/promotional images for the KG kids. Will also include a lot of headcanons for this blog as well as @lvche​, @khxra​, @sonitvs​, and @axisara​. 

I’m obviously biased, so first is Lib’s:

“Growing up alongside Nyx, Libertus was always the upbeat and outspoken one. When the situation turns serious, he must confront his fear and prove is valor.” 

as I said before, I find it interesting, and perhaps this is an outdated observation, that Libertus was very much portrayed as the “kind of a loser best friend,” which, by this summary, isn’t true at all. To each their own, of course, but this struck me as a contrast between the two boys, making Nyx a bit more reserved and mild as a child. Or perhaps just the beginnings of the cool guy we see in the movie. But strictly from what we see in the film, I had originally imagined Nyx to be rather outgoing and popular, though it seems that, had they a group growing up, it might have been Libertus who was more the leader with Nyx’s cool demeanor at his side. And these are the headcanons I go with on this blog, unless a Nyx I am interacting with has different hcs ofc. 

Next, ofc, Nyx’s, all this stuff common knowledge now, though: 

“Saved by King Regis as a child, Nyx repays his debt by serving the Kingsglaive with distinction. His unique ability to wield the King’s magic and epic exploits in combat have earned him the moniker of “hero” among his peers.” 

This is all pretty well known and accepted at this point, but I would like to point out the small implication as to how rare being able to use the King’s magic is. As we know from Comrades, there are far more Glaives than we see even in the background of the movie, so take from this what you will. Again, sorry there wasn’t too much else I have to say on this. Promise there’s more to come.

Next, Crowe: 

“Crowe grew up an orphan on the outskirts of Lucis. Her rare gift of magic earned her a place in the Kingsglaive. Her fellow soldiers are the only family she knows.” 

Okay so, again it has been quite a while since I have looked into the generally accepted fanon, but I remember being a bit shocked that Crowe wasn’t Galahdan like Nyx and Libertus. I think there is a snippet somewhere of Nyx and Libertus stumbling across a young Crowe somewhere, so someone do link me or let me know if I am crazy. The other thing that surprised me is there’s a lot of hostility toward Glaives as being outsiders. But I would think that, despite being on the outskirts, Crowe might be shown just a bit less aggression as she is Lucian, if not Insomnian. Though I doubt most people cared and just lumped her in, it is something to think about I think. What’s more is I do want to also specifically note the strong familial ties she feels toward the Glaive. There’s some mention of this in the movie too, and I am very much supportive of the idea that the group was somewhat like a rather large, extended family. 

Now, Luche: 

You may be suprised I did him before Pelna, but there is a personal headcanon I want to tie into their snippets here, so bear with me. Luche was also posted before Pelna’s but that’s kind of an aside. The previous three also just have named actors and actresses for image descriptions, but here we finally get an additional line.

“Respect is earned. ...  A leader among the Glaives, Luche’s intellect has earned the trust and respect of his comrades.” 

Couldn’t be shorter or sweeter, I think. As I will repeat many, many times I am sure, my memories of the mass accepted headcanons may have changed, but I do remember this being relatively accepted. However, I would like to point out there is no ill feelings in this item specifically. He has earned the Glaive’s respect and it seems very well implied that they choose his leadership because they trust his judgement. I think this is very important as, in the movie, I moreso got the impression that Luche was a boot-licking fool appointed as an underling to Drautos. And while there might have been some other things going on, I personally stand by his position among his peers being gained through their choosing, not Drautos’s. 

And now, Pelna: 

“Meet the Glaive who seizes any opportunity to fight. ... What young Pelna lacks in experience, he makes up for with his incisive mind and quick wit.”

Also very short and sweet. Now, I do like the emphasis on his young age relative to the other Glaives. I find that rather fascinating in of itself, but I’l jump right into the connection I personally headcanon. While I am sure there were many other bright and promising minds in the Glaive, Luche’s presence with Pelna’s group has lead me to believe two things about Luche’s character. I believe there was a sort of mentor relationship between Luche and Pelna, though I stress of “a sort.” I do think they treated each other more as equals a lot of the time, but the whole bit about lacking experience is something that I thought a lot about. Assuming my second headcanon as well-- which is that Luche was much more of a personal leader, liking to spend time with the different groups he lead-- I think he would have gained a lot of respect from Pelna, who we know from his insistence on repaying his debts to Nyx is one for more personal loyalty. Likewise, I think Luche would have seen Pelna’s sharp mind and asked for his input on things wherever he felt practical, both truly for his views and to deepen their relationship. Finally, I would like to go back to the first line and express my original surprise with it. Pelna never seemed to sort to seek out conflict, and truthfully it’s one of the few comments I tend to dismiss. Though, if pressed, I’d personally take it as meaning to say he’s always ready to prove himself in battle both as far as combat and strategy.

Now for the Traitorous Trio, who I will say now, I gleam far less than in previous notes. But, for sake of completionisim, here they are. 

For Tredd: 

“Cocksure and cutthroat, Tredd never shies away from a fight, and rarely loses.” 

Another rather short and mostly known and accepted description. I would like to highlight the word choice of cutthroat. Perhaps the choice could be interpreted for it’s more audibly pleasing sense than actual connotation. I’ve always found Tredd to be hot headed perhaps, but not murderous to such a degree. I, however, like the not-so-subtle implications of just how competent he is in battle with that last. 

For Sonitus: 

“Meet the Glaive whose virtues seem boundless. ... A renowned man-at-arms, Sonitus’ virtuosity is exceeded only by his virtue.” 

Just the slightest bit wordier than Tredd’s, but I think it’s a bit more to the point. Sonitus is exceptional in combat and has high regard for morality. I do like the stress on this latter point, though, as I firmly believe that those Glaives who betrayed the Crown weren’t evil, but only doing what they felt they had to. While Tredd seemed to express little tie to his homeland, I am a bit unsure whether or not his two companions shared these feelings. Either way, I think it was just as much of a shocking betrayal of trust to them as it was to the main four we follow. I’ll admit I am definitely not the best at wrapping around to conclusions, but generally I very much like the idea that they had their reasons, primarily that their actions followed own moral code. 

Finally, Axis: 

and I will say now it is rather insightful in my opinion. 

“The soft-spoken Axis has always preferred letting his blades do the talking.” 

I don’t think this is anything new, of course. I do like to think, though, that he takes this way of expressing himself liberally, generally letting actions speak louder than words as opposed to usually resorting to violence, but make of it what you will. 

There are others I might as well add for other’s benefit, but as I personally I’m not reading into these as much. So, here you are. 

Lunfreya Nox Fleuret: 

“Before accepting sacred charge of the Oracle, Lunafreya was born princess of Tenebrae. As a girl she forged a bond with Prince Noctis, now her betrothed. Though she was to meet her fiance in Altissia, circumstances carry her into the crown city ahead of the peace signing.”

Regis Lucis Caelum: 

“Merciful and wise, King Regis is revered by his people for all he has done for Lucis. After his son, Prince Noctis, sets forth from the crown city, the King turns his attention to forging a peace between his Kingdom and the Empire of Niflheim. “

Titus Drautos: 

“As Captain of the Kingsglaive, Drautos holds his soldiers to the same unforgiving high standards to which he holds himself and trained Nyx in the art of combat. His respect can only be earned with blood, sweat and tears.” 

Ardyn Izunia: 

“For vastly enhancing the might of the Imperial Army, the grandiloquent  Ardyn Izunia has enjoyed a meteoric rise to the rank of Chancellor. He now enters the crown city to deliver Lucis the empire’s terms of peace.”

Claurus Amicitia: 

“True power isn’t bound by those who seek it. ...  Sword shield and childhood friend to King Regis, Clarus is valued as much for his voice as he is his mettle. His son, Gladio, travels alongside the King’s in FINAL FANTASY XV.” 

Ideolas Aldercapt: 

“Just wanting doesn’t win wars. ... Wold domination’s close at hand for Niflheim’s cunning and cutthroat emperor, Ideolas Aldercapt, with only the Kingdom of Lucis out of his grasp.” 

Ravus Nox Flueret: 

“His homeland razed, he finds vengence the only way he knows how. ... Like his sister, Lunafreya, Ravus Nox Flueret also enters the crown city before the signing, but does so of his own free will under the auspices of the Imperial Army.” 

I’ll most likely have more to say and note later, but I also intend on doing further notes on this post here. 

#long #op #meta #i am back and forth on putting a cut bc my blog isn't the best for reading #maybe i should just change my theme lol sorry #ffxv #final fantasy xv #KINGSGLAIVE #ffxv kingsglaive #ffxv kg #libertus ostium #nyx ulric #crowe altius #pelna khara #tredd furia #axis arra #sonitus bellum #glaives #luche lazarus #i'm just tag spamming