#but i love the finally together era. Gabe comes out to his family which could be a big long post in itself I bet.

[darby-draws]

@marscats37 when did they realize they may or may not have a thing™ for each other ? (and who realized first ?)

Thanks for asking this Mars! It's a bit long, covers a lot of their history. (But it could have been longer!! I've edited it down perfectly of course.)

Gabriel and Felipe have a tricky past of being in a bit of a Will They Won't They situation. They've actually known each other for a while. (They met like 5 years before "current timeline" so thats probably 6 years before they are like actively Dating™)

Gabriel: 20, (not even he should have been at the club age. Wow.) Works at a laundromat, usually at odd hours. Not much confidence in himself, even if he seems put together don't trust him he's only 20 and faking it. I think his narcolepsy is making him fall asleep inconveniently pretty frequently at this era. (<- and that embarrasses him even though he can't help it) Coping badly with that. Felipe: 22. Works for his dad's pool business cleaning pools in the summer, but has the sidegig of being an unemployed sk8r boi. A simple man, please, no need to make relationships complicated! (<-doesn't know he knocked someone up a year ago.)

Felipe is actually the first of the core General Menace friend group that Gabe meets. They never really hung out or spent much time together directly. Felipe would loiter around Gabe's work sometimes and they liked seeing each other! (<- this is when Felipe thinks they could and should have A Thing™ together. Wishful thinking... His friends notice this and tease him for having the hots for Laundromat Boy.) They Almost hookup once in this early era. Unfortunately due to circumstances of Gabriel's narcolepsy and his easy-to-embarrass attitude, they don't hook up, because he fell asleep instead and then was, embarrassed. It's like, fine, no biggie? BUt he's in a weird headspace and he kinda brushes away the thought of potentially hooking up again. He's been goin through a lot lately, maybe this isn't the right time, etc etc. They both think "okay, so that's not happening..." (Unfortunate, but also they were really young its probably for the best)

Next time they get close to having A Thing™ together, is at the start "current" canon timeline. General Menace, the band that Gabriel is in has just formed. He's gained a bit of confidence over the years, so he invites Felipe to one of their shows. They can hang out after! ("hang out"? 👀 thinks Felipe) Yeah hang out. With the band. Unfortunately due to circumstances: Gabriel spending all his energy drumming, Sammy getting introduced to Felipe and hitting it off, and Gabe spending a little too much time with his roommate and ex Eve, they both think "this probably isn't happening, again". Sammy is very affectionate, like Felipe is. And Felipe likes things to be simple, no fuss. So since Gabe is not as direct with feelings, and Sammy literally Sat in His Lap. After JUST Meeting. There was an easy answer to where his attention was going tonight. WHOOPS~! Gabe immediately knows he should have been more direct he messed that up didn't he... But doesn't wanna cause drama with the band or his friends, if Sammy and Felipe like each other, hey mannnn that's great! Awesome! 😬 (<- This is his realization that they could have had A Thing™ going. But they don't so he's being brave with his feelings.) (He saw that they had chemistry together and feels like it would be Bad and Selfish of him to bring up his Own desires. But literally if he said something right away, Felipe woulda been right there with him, Sammy wouldn't have gotten so attached, etc. It would've been great! But! Don't tell him that, he didn't knowwww!!!)

On Sammy and Felipe's side of things, Sammy is super eager, clingy and in the happy honeymoon phase, and while Felipe is having lots of fun with this, he also thinks, hey we were just hooking up right, we weren't Dating™ right? so he does still keep his flirty attitude towards Gabriel. WHich is FINe says Sammy, who said that they aren't dating so of course he can still flirt with other people (<- didn't realize it would be within his own friend group)

Gabriel and Felipe hookup a few months after Sammy and Felipe started hooking up. (In a hotel room, with Sammy sleeping in the next bed over shh shh its fine.) It's fun, and Gabriel's finally like, opening up about his wants and desires! (FINALLY.) Felipe's directness and his own openness with wanting Gabe makes Gabe comfortable to get into that discussion. They start out casual too, just like with Sammy, no need to put much pressure on what this relationship is yet, just having fun with it!

They start getting more serious slowly over time, just hanging out more and getting comfier together. Felipe introduces Gabriel to his other friend group, and invites him to that groups Big Annual Camping Get Together, which is probably a pretty big turning point in the relationship. (His friends are surprised: "You're still into Laundromat Boy?!? WHOA!") At the same time, Sammy and Felipe have been weaning off their hookups together, they're on good terms and they really don't want it to get messy with complicated emotions. Sammy's happy for Gabe n Felipe, honest! (No matter how he phrases this he never sounds genuine, sometimes on purpose for comedic value because he knows he's clingy... but, really, he loves his friends, I promise. 🥺)

Over some time, the friend groups dynamic changes a bit. Sammy and Felipe become roommates together, Eve and Steph start dating and are talking about moving in together too. It gets Gabe thinking. "Hey... Why am I still living with my ex, and not my boyfriend now. Whoag. My boyfriend... 💞💖💘" And this starts the era of them like, ACTUALLY Dating, Living Together, etc etc.

It took idk six long years for them to explore some things, figure themselves out and mature, and finally get to this point. But they're finally getting things where they want!!! And I think that's awesome! 👍

#asks #original characters #oc talk #general menace #gabriel #felipe #sammy #<-hes here too! :) #anyway theres still more I could say of course but this at least touches a bit on each era #the Finally Officially Together era is pretty short because thats kinda. developing. but we still have a lot of thoughts about that too #its just the easiest one to not ramble on about yet because the others feel like you need backstory and context built up #but i love the finally together era. Gabe comes out to his family which could be a big long post in itself I bet. #I love them your honor

[cartoonfangirl1218]

Anniversary

Happy Birthday @pizza-n-sunshine! Its a day early here but over there, it’s your birthday! I hope you have a wonderful time with your family and friends and perhaps some Pan dulce while you’re at it. You’ve been such a wonderful friend, a leader almost as you created such beautiful fanfics that undoubtedly brought a smile to my face or occasionally pulled at my heart. You’ve helped host and edit one of the most rocking podcasts, and what’s more. You’ve been unfailingly kind, open hearted and sweet to everyone looking to squeal their hearts out over this wonderful show. An era may be over, but your magic within and your light will always shine so bright. Enjoy!  Elena took a deep breath and peeked from the corner of her eye. Mateo was sitting silently, crossed legged and breathing deeply to the sounds of Flo singing around the courtyard, sniffing the flowers and generally dancing with delight over the bright sunny day.

Or more likely Mateo was meditating in spite of Flo's cheerful singing. 

The fluffy alpacamundi was truly adorable and sweet, she had been a manifestation of all of Elena's happiness after all, but meditative and staying quiet were never one of her key traits. 

Speaking of manifesting Elena's happiness. 

She peeked out of the corner of her eye at Mateo's blissful face. It seemed he reached his peace. Elena felt the familiar flutter in her stomach even though she had been lucky enough to see his face every day for the past six years now. But she could never get enough of it. 

The crookedness of his lips when he felt a bit uncomfortable that made her heart go out to him, but as adorkably endearing. The soft brown curls that Elena loved running her fingers through, mussing it a bit, making him look untamed. Which reminded her of his eyes. 

His beautiful expressive hazel eyes and how his feelings shone out of them clear as the sun. The mischievous twinkle, the wicked glint at night, the tenderness....Ah the tenderness she loved. For even though she was a strong queen, she prided herself on the fact, she was able to let go around him, and for that she was grateful. 

He would never see it as a weakness or see her as less weak. He just held her, and she reveled in that affection. Yes, he was also a manifestation of happiness.

 Not that she created him. But he brought her happiness all the same. 

Which is why on this bright spring day, she was enjoying this morning by having a day off and meditating with him. Well that and one other reason. It happened to be their one year anniversary.

She hadn't been expecting a parade or a bouquet of flowers, she wasn't so high-maintenance, but a little something. 

She would have preferred a day with no work, no other people. Just her and Mateo curled up in some little concealed part of the garden, enjoying each other's company. And perhaps more. 

In fact, that had been what she expected when Mateo arrived at her door, asking her if she wanted to go out to the garden. 

When they got to the far corner of the garden with its apricot mallow flowers. It was a secluded spot, mainly because it seemed that there was not much to look at but the sparse hills. Which was true during the daytime, but at night, with its simple view, it made the sunset all the more stunning and vivid. In fact it reminded her a bit of Mateo. 

How people saw him as a somewhat shy and dorky wizard, even he saw himself as that, doubting his skills and abilities. But Elena just knew ever since he helped free her from her amulet that there was a spark, a royal master wizard in him that just needed to believe in himself. Seemingly plain at first glance, but at the right moment, he could take your breath away. 

So with all these clues, she waited for him to magic up a blanket, perhaps a picnic of her favorite pan dulce treats and enjoy their alone time.

Instead Mateo said that he had wanted to do some meditation outside since it was so nice out. He sat down, patted the spot next to her and closed her eyes. So she played along even attempting to do a downward dog while he was in a perfectly content butterfly pose. And it had been like this for the past 10 minutes. Either he was really good at holding out the surprise or he really didn't know what it was. 

Nothing new going on here, no smile or Happy anniversary.

Elena shook her head. What was wrong with her? This is what she wanted after all. Alone time with Mateo. Which was even more solitary now that Flo was gone, bored by their inaction.

But still...a little acknowledgement would have been nice. After all, for her the moment they gave into their feelings had been like an unexpected bolt of lightning, a feeling of shock after the Coronation ceremony. 

She had thought finally being crowned queen, surrounded by her family and friends, had been cathartic enough. But when she found the words to tell Mateo her intense feelings and Mateo return them in turn, a new catharsis came.   Everything fitting into place. A moment of completeness. 

She had somewhat realized her feelings months before. It had been during the first few days after Naomi's departure. She had felt lost without her best friend.

She always treasured the blonde's company, and she hadn't wanted to stand in the way of her dreams, but she hadn't been expecting such feelings of abandonment and loneliness. 

Mateo had seen her wandering the hallways, nostalgically looking at their picture together and did what he did best. He listened, he sympathesized, he gave her comfort like no one else could. There was something about that understanding look, the soft feel of his wool rub that made her feel safe, like everything would be okay in the end. There was no judgement, just love. Maybe that had been running undercurrent in her mind. 

For when Mateo reminded her that between the three of them, and Isabel's inventions, Avalor would be well-protected and he and Gabe might not be able to do girl-talk. they would take over the other best friend activities, something rang false. 

When he assured her that Naomi would come back to her true home after she sailed the seven seas, that this was no different than if it had been Gabe leaving on a guard search or Mateo travelling to find some new spells.

She didn't know what it was but the idea of Mateo leaving struck more deep than the sadness she felt at Naomi's departure. The thought of Mateo leaving for an indefinite amount of time, no idea when or if he would come back was like the ground opening up under her. Being stuck back in the amulet. Without Mateo by her side, she would lose her biggest source of comfort. Her biggest sharer of puns. He helped calm her, reminding her of her mother's song. Being with Mateo was like being with someone who was perfectly attuned with her feelings. They could share a look and know exactly what the other was thinking. He was more than a friend. He was... 

That's when it hit her. 

But she just smiled at Mateo and nodded, leaning into the crook of his neck, all the while trying to calm her fluttering heart and focus on jaquins and pan dulce in hopes of keeping the thoughts at bay. 

She had done a good job of it. Mateo had been so surprised when she admitted her feelings for him. But then after Naomi had left there had been many things to distract her. The coming darkness, her lying cousin, malvagos, planning Chloe's party, her own coronation coming up. 

She got swept up in the bustle of life and tried her best to ignore the feelings of warmth and happiness that Mateo's smile gave her. She had to wait. She had to wait till she was ready. 

That came after the day after Coronation. 

She had been more than ready to start the day. Even though it wasn't royal queen behavior, she had run down the hall, as eager as she had at 16. And she ran right into Mateo. 

He had smiled and teased her, "Someone's excited to do paperwork." They had held each other's arms a bit too long. They laughed and had looked longer into each other's eyes than a best friend should.

And she plunged, "Mateo, how are... I mean.. I'm gad we danced. But I had really wanted to have that first dance with you." He blushed and sheepishly rubbed his neck, "It;s fine. Francisco has been there for you for so long.." 

“Yes, but you have been with me too." Elena interrupted, feeling that she had to blurt everything now even if her tongue was slower than the words speeding in her head, "No matter what. And.. I will be there for you no matter what too." "Of course, Elena, I never doubted that." 

“And I love you. I think I really love you." 

The emotions across Mateo's face were brief yet distinct. Confusion, disbelief, shock, happiness. His voice wavered because despite his gleeful face, he still couldn't believe his ears, "You do?" 

 “Yes." Elena inhaled, feeling the weight, the nervous flutter dissipated even if he might reject her. 

Though she doubted it from his glowing features.  "I-I do too." Mateo whispered, still unsure so much like the young wizard she had encouraged to find the magic within than the confident man he was now. 

They smiled, Elena felt like her face would split wide open. Mateo smiled at her and it made her smile more which made him smile that sweet crooked smile.

They kissed, starting a bit hesitant, a bit awkward, but then their lips touched and once more completeness enveloped her. That and warmth and fireworks. It was a world unto her own and she was floating in his arms. 

Her mind was at once blank, only feeling Mateo's touch and spinning with questions in a freefall. She also felt a sense of imbalance at Mateo's admittance. When she realized her feelings she hadn't been sure that Mateo liked her in that way. 

He had said they were friends, kept assuring he would always be there for her, that's what friends did. But to realize that Mateo had been hiding feelings too.

She wondered when it started. She had her answers soon enough after they stopped kissing. Embarrassingly caught by Senora Torrez and Flo's knowing smiles. 

They talked long into the night after a busy day of work that she hadn't been able to concentrate as she should have. She had been embarrassed to find out that Mateo realized his feelings long before her and that she had remained perfectly oblivious. Mateo told her that it was fine, she had more important things going on then and he had thought she wouldn't feel the same way for a simple wizard like him. 

She reminded him that he was not a simple wizard, he was so much more than that and she believed he was capable of great things. They talked about the depths of their feelings, how they had always felt a connection. Elena even mentioned how it transcended dreams like her nightmare universe where Esteban reigned. 

No matter what was more than a saying between then. It was an oath, a promise they'd never break. They'd always be there for each other. 

The slight annoyance that Mateo was not remembering what day it was faded away at the thought of their saying. 

“Stop it, Elena" she scolded herself, "He has a lot of other things on his mind.” With teaching Olivia and his other apprentices, and advising Gabe's magic squadron, and helping rebuild alliances and dealing with complaints. He must need this meditation time in order to relax. 

She certainly knew he needed sleep from staying up all night perfecting spells and preparing potions, his mind constantly racing to find more knowledge. Though she must admit she found the result of his lack of sleep- his spontaneous cat naps around the palace- adorable. 

Not everything is going to be focused on their relationship. He was going to get distracted and forget once and a while. That didn't matter. She knew he loves her. She glanced at Mateo again, he looked so peaceful. A small smile on his lips, his head bowed in concentration. 

How times have changed. 

She never thought once she became queen that everything would be fine. There were still minor attacks from villagers awakening a sleeping magical creature mixed with the more mundane, and politically-tricky kingdom negotiations. 

But it was nowhere near the life or death battles against shades and malvagos, and battling her own intense emotions reflected through her magic powers. She was confident now, she knew how to rule and balance her own feelings with the greater picture for the good of the kingdom. 

It was certainly a different time from when she was first released from her amulet. She chuckled at how impatient and overconfident she had been, with no clue of how much she was about to learn and experience.

Oh and now she, the Queen of Avalor, was the girlfriend of the Master Royal wizard. 

Mateo was her soul mate. A boy with many talents, but the biggest one was his heart and bravery despite all that he had been through. 

He had grown the most over the years they've together from studying in the darkness of the basement, hiding his chispa from Shuriki's forces to facing his own insecurities to staring down the most dangerous malvagos the Everrealm had known. 

Elena shook her head. She was going to forget all that special anniversary nonsense. She was happy enough being with him, and seeing him happy.

She got up, and kissed the top of his head, 'I'm going to go tell Armando to bring some pan dulce for us. Yoga works up an appetite.

“Especially if it's Ixlan's extreme yoga." Mateo smiled. 

Elena laughed and stopped by the fountain seeing Flo splashing around with the birds. "Flo can you tell Armando to bring some pan dulces to the far end of the garden." 

"Oo pan dulce! Can I eat some!? Can I eat some?!" Flo pleaded. 

"Of course you can." Elena promised. "Yipee!" Flo called, racing off to find Armando. 

Elena walked back and saw Mateo frantically setting up a blanket as flower bouquets and garlands levitating in the air. 

“You remembered?" Elena gasped, running to hug Mateo from behind, causing the petals to fall down, petals spinning around them as they crashed. 

"Heh, I was hoping to surprise you, but you wouldn't close your eyes for meditation." Mateo said, his crooked smile bringing out his laugh lines, "I know you wanted to spend the day together but I thought I'd make it a little bit magical." He motioned to the formerly levitating objects and she giggled at his pun. 

“I love it!" Elena beamed, and kissed him, savoring the the taste of his lips, how he was almost hesitant at first, probably from surprise, but then it deepened, filled with longing as all her senses went on overdrive, intoxicated by the touch of Mateo, his taste, his warmth. Everything, it left her breathless. But she had one present to give him first before she forgot... 

"I got you something too," she frantically reached into her belt where she had clumsily tied her present next to her scepter but had hoped that he wouldn't have noticed. 

They had said they wouldn't get gifts but she had broken the promise anyway. Her gift was an old spellbook she had found in her father's office, now hers. King Raul had been close with Alacazar, very interested in magic works as much as science. The spellbook was Alacazar's when he had first been named royal wizard, scrawled with Alacazar's and Raul's personal notes, and she thought it would be fitting that Mateo should have it as the Master Royal Wizard.

 She added her own touch of putting the words, "Bravery,' "Discipline," "Courage," and "Love" in classical Maruvian thanks to Naomi's help.

"Wow!" Mateo inhaled, reverently gliding his hands on the smooth cover, "Thank you, Elena."

"I love you." "I love you too." Mateo replied and pulled her closer for another kiss. 

"Whatcha doing?" Flo sing-songed, leaping onto Elena's shoulder with a roguish smile, causing the two to reluctantly pull apart to see Armando's fluster face as he left a plate of pan dulce on the discarded blanket. 

“So shall we start the meditation again?" Elena teased, snuggling close to Mateo's side, popping a pan dulce in her mouth as Flo eagerly chowed down.

"Elena!" Mateo cried indignantly, "It's our anniversary, this isn't no ordinary day."

Elena laughed as she recalled her thoughts minutes ago, "What do you suggest?'

"I know the perfect way to clear our minds" Mateo smiled and leaned for another blissful kiss.

#elena of avalor #my fanfiction #my fanfic #anniversary #gift #eleteo #mateo de alva #elena castillo flores

[thewritewolf]

In Due Time Chapter 21: Fireworks

Marinette and Adrien get ready for Alya’s New Year’s Party

@marichatmay

Enjoy!

First Chapter | Previous Chapter | Next Chapter

Read on Ao3

“Hey, listen up, everybody!” Plagg yelled as he entered the room in front of Adrien. “The kid is going to a party! And no,” the kwami quickly added as a few others tried to ask questions all at once, “it’s not one that rotten ol’ Gabe is making him go to!”

Adrien entered the living room to cheers and applause from all the kwamis under his care. The only thing stopping him from rolling his eyes were his own nerves. Soon, many of them were zooming and swirling around him as he walked through the room, checking and double checking his attire.

“What’s the matter, bucko?” Stompp said, a frown gracing her face. “I’d thought you’d be chompin’ at the bit to go wild outside your papa’s watch.”

“I am, but…” Adrien rubbed the back of his neck. “The only one I’ve actually hung out with in person has been Marinette. And most of the time, that wasn’t Adrien exactly.”

“Kid, it’s just a mask. I don’t see what the big deal is. Plus,” Plagg said with a teasing grin, “I know you’re looking forward to seeing Tikki’s kid today. Hm…?”

Adrien gently pushed Plagg aside when he leaned close into his face, but Adrien refused to meet his eye. The cat kwami snickered as he floated away. Adrien might like Marinette, but he had no idea if she felt the same way or if he could even afford the luxury of having a girlfriend right now. Necessity had forced romance out of his life a long time ago.

“Besides Marinette,” Adrien said, trying to get back on topic, “I don’t know anyone there. I’m meeting all these people for the first time!” He put a comb through his hair for the third time that night. “What if I just end up lurking next to the food table and being a downer to the rest of them?”

“I’m confused,” Mullo said, scrunching up their nose. “Haven’t you been talking with them using the aether for a while?”

“The device he usssesss is called the internet, Mullo,” Sass corrected gently. “Not the aether.”

“Still. Does the Guardian not already know these other humans?”

“I mean… yes, I suppose,” Adrien conceded. “But-”

“Not buts, kid,” Plagg said definitively. “You’re going to go out there and have a great time instead of slacking here with these guys. Do you understand me?”

“Oooh, the time for another year has already come?” Orikko clucked happily, dancing in midair. “I’m so happy to hear I haven’t missed it!”

“Don’t worry, Orikko, I set an alarm to let you know when midnight hits,” Adrien said as he scratched beside the rooster kwami’s beak.

“Speaking of not worrying, that same thing but to you, kid.” Plagg was tugging at his sleeve. “C’mon, let’s go. Sass has got it handled here.”

Adrien glanced at the snake kwami, who nodded. “Pleassse enjoy yourssself, Massster.”

“Trust yourself!” Mullo said, floating up to Adrien’s face height. “I am sure they will love you just as much as we do!”

“See?” Plagg motioned a paw toward Mullo. “Now come on, I don’t want you to sit here until you give yourself cold feet. And I’m not about to let you pass up the opportunity to hang out with people born in the same geological era as you!”

“You’re right.” Adrien took a deep breath and let himself get a little excited. “Come on, Plagg, let’s go.”

“‘Course I’m right,” Plagg muttered as he flew into Adrien’s coat pocket. “When am I ever not right?”

The sun had already set by the time Adrien had gotten into his car, but there was still plenty of time before the main event of the night. It was a long drive to the part of Paris where Alya lived, long enough to let Adrien think about how time had changed him. Eight years ago he would’ve jumped at the chance to go to a party and make friends.

But having one thing after another ripped out from underneath him had changed his perspective. Being stopped from going to public school. The many parties thrown by coworkers his father had prevented him from seeing. Not to mention all the stuff he’d been forced to bail on because of an akuma attack. Isolation thanks to his family and his duties had done well to keep him from having friends.

But tonight… maybe tonight would be different. The old embers of optimism burned bright inside him, despite what the years had done to extinguish them.

He found a place to park his car and walked up to the apartment. His hands were stuffed into his pockets to ward off the chill and he was still lost in his thoughts by the time he arrived at the front door. His hand touched the door knob at the same time as someone else.

Startled, he looked to see who he had bumped into only to get lost in big, blue eyes.

--------------

“Marinette, I promise you look fine,” Tikki said patiently as her chosen ran a brush through her hair nervously. Tikki smirked. “I’m sure Adrien will love what you’re wearing.”

Marinette fumbled her brush, dropping it. “Don’t just say that!”

“Why not?”

“Because I’m not getting dressed up just for him!”

“Oh?” Tikki said innocently. Far too innocently. “Are you expecting Chat Noir to make an appearance too?”

A blush spread across Marinette’s face as she groaned. “Don’t even joke about that. I don’t know what I’d do if both Adrien and Chat Noir were both at the party.”

“I wouldn’t be too worried about that if I were you,” Tikki said with a knowing smile. She floated off of the desk where she was sitting and toward Marinette. “You know, this might be a good chance to spend some quality time with Adrien, if that’s what you want.”

“To be honest? I don’t know what exactly I want.” Marinette sighed and sat down, smoothing her skirt as she did so. “It’s been a while since I’ve felt this way about someone, so to have it happen with two people almost at the same time…”

“Did you not have any crushes growing up? I’ve heard that’s pretty common for young humans.”

“I mean, some I guess. Definitely nothing that I’ve acted on. And before you ask, yes I have dated. But never anything serious.”

“But you want something serious with one of them?”

“Yes? Maybe? I don’t know,” Marinette said, burying her face in her hands and groaning. “I don’t like to rush into things, but… I haven’t felt a connection like this before.” She waved her hands around. “And now I’ve got two of them!”

“I’m sure you’ll figure something out! I’ve had a lot of chosen, but never one as clever as you.” Tikki landed on Marinette’s shoulder. “Why don’t you tell me about your friend’s party? To help get your mind off it.”

“Well…” Marinette said, calming down now that she was switching tracks in her mind. She grabbed her purse, which Tikki rushed into. “Alya got a taste for throwing parties back in university, so they’ve gotten pretty big sometimes. Like the Halloween one where I met Chat - she was selling tickets to that through the Cat Chat.”

Marinette left her apartment, closing the door behind her. She didn’t live that far from Alya’s place, one of many reasons she lived here in the first place. A few minutes of walking and she’d be there.

Tikki frowned. “Are there going to be a lot of people at this one too?”

“No, no,” Marinette said, waving her hand dismissively. “The New Year’s party is usually pretty small. There are usually about ten of us, mostly her and Nino’s friends. It’s nice.”

“So what do you do there?”

Marinette shrugged. “Same thing most people do at parties, I guess. Play games, drink, dance, talk. Although New Year’s is a little special because her apartment has a great view of the fireworks show the city does.”

“Wow! That does sound fun!”

“Right? Anyway, I’m also pretty nervous because Adrien said he’d try to make it. Nino and Alya have been dying to meet him, but…”

“But?”

“Well, they tend to worry too much about me. Which makes me worried that they’ll scare him away by trying to get us together.” She entered the building through the backway, a little shortcut she’d learned over the past couple years.

“Hm…” Tikki hummed, a ghost of a smile at her lips. “That’s definitely a dilemma. Be a shame if they got the two of you to really hit it off with each other.”

“Tikki,” Marinette whined as the door to Alya’s apartment came into view.

“I’m just teasing, Marinette. But still, it wouldn’t be too bad, right?”

Before Marinette could respond, her hand touched the doorknob at the same time someone else’s did. She jumped and was about to apologize when she looked up into bright green eyes.

Both of them stood staring at each other for much longer than Marinette would care to admit. This was the first time they’d seen one another since when they had first met at the fashion show, even if they’d talked plenty of times online.

Eventually, Adrien rubbed the back of his neck and said, “Hey-”

Naturally he was cut off when the door flew open, Alya standing on the other side. Now, Marinette had known her friend long enough to notice the tell-tale signs of being tipsy and right now Alya checked off all those boxes. Clearly either Marinette and Adrien were the last ones to arrive, or Alya had gotten a head start on the night’s festivities.

That likely contributed to how Alya grabbed them both by the arms and practically dragged them inside, although Marinette wouldn’t put it past her to do that even stone cold sober.

“Come on you two, stop standing outside the door like a couple of weirdos,” she said, laughing. She turned her head toward another part of the apartment and raised her voice. “Hey, babe! Your buddy is here! Come on and meet him!”

Nino poked his head from around the corner, where Marinette knew their living room and therefore game consoles were, and saw his face split into a grin when he spotted Adrien.

“DUDE!” He rushed forward and gently punched Adrien’s arm. “I can’t believe I finally get to meet you! Come on, let me show ya around my crib. It might not be what you’re used to, but me casa es tu casa!”

Nino chuckled and threw an arm around a confused Adrien’s shoulders. Adrien glanced back at her and gave her a slightly worried smile and a wave before he disappeared.

“So,” Alya said, dragging Marinette’s attention back to her. She was looking awfully focused despite the handful of drinks Marinette knew she must have already had. “Let’s talk about you and blondie, hm?

Marinette groaned. It was going to be a long party.

#Miraculous Ladybug #Adrien Agreste #Marinette Dupain-Cheng #Adrienette #Marichat #Plagg #Tikki #Sass #Mullo #Stompp #Orikko #Alya Cesaire #Nino Lahiffe #Aged Up AU #MarichatMay2020 #my writing #ml fanfiction #In Due Time

[beyond-the-mirror]

Drunk uncle Dante explains: Christmas

So recently I watched a very funny video called Drunk uncle explains Christmas and I couldn’t help but think of uncle Dante trying (and failing miserably) to explain Christmas to a very curious little Nero. 

In this context, Dante is visiting his parents’ house for the holidays (Eva and Sparda are still alive in this AU) as well as Vergil and his son Nero.

This was written purely for laughs and giggles, so don’t take it too seriously. By the way, this is the video I'm parodying with this short fic if you want to check it out, although I changed a few things to adapt it better for the purpose of this story. It’s in spanish though, but you can turn the subtitles on. Anyway, hope you enjoy!

..........

It was the night before Christmas. A chilly air ran through the ever so active city of Red Grave, which currently had its streets covered in a soft and pristine layer of snow reflecting all the colorful lights that decorated every corner of the city.

People gathered together in their homes to share a most anticipated reunion with their beloved families, mouth-watering food served on their dinning tables to celebrate the holidays, as well as the numerous wrapped presents hidden underneath the Christmas trees ready to be opened.

And of course, the Sparda household was no exception to these festivities.

Tiny hands wandered around a beautifully decorated tree, its fingers feeling around the decorations that sparked curiosity and wonder in the eyes of little Nero. Tucked between the trees branches, a porcelain star caught Nero’s attention, his little fingers reaching out at the trinket. His attempt was interrupted however, when a very loud snore broke the silence that had covered the living room.

Nero turned around searching for the origin of the sound, finding out that it was his uncle Dante who had fallen asleep on the couch nearby.

“Uncle Dante? Uncle Dante, don’t fall asleep yet!”

As small hands nudged the man’s shoulder, Dante slowly woke from his drunken slumber, having already downed a couple of wine bottles (and probably a whiskey one too), though due to his demonic heritage, he only felt a bit tipsy.

“Ummm, c’mon kid... let your uncle sleep for a little longeeer.”

“But uncle Dante, it’s only seven o’ clock. Dinner will be ready any minute now, and we haven’t even opened the presents!”

“Ughh... fine, you’re lucky you’re adorable as hell.”

Dante stretched and yawned while little Nero sat on the carpet, next to the toy train set his grandpa Sparda had set for him early.

“By the way uncle Dante, can you tell me the story of Christmas? Pleeeaaase? You always have the best stories!”

Dante sat silently until he finally relented thanks to the huge puppy eyes his nephew was giving him. “Alright then. But only because I’m the coolest uncle ever right?”

“Yes! The best one too!” Nero giggled enthusiastically, which always warmed his heart to no extent.

“Ok, fetch me that book over there.”

Nero handed the requested book to his uncle, which he proceeded to open and read out loud, starting with the story.

“Alright. Long, long time ago... in the ancient Egypt-”

Nero giggled once again “Silly uncle Dante! Papa says the story took place in Jerusalem.”

“Ok, ok then. So, Mary was doing housework, ironing some clothes because their housekeeper was fired-”

“Like they did to you uncle?”

Dante sighed “No- I wanted to stay at your grandparent’s house for a few days longer, that’s it!”

“You were kicked out of your office because you owed five months worth of rent, you irresponsible imbecile!” Vergil shouted from the studio where he was currently reading.

“Oh shut up Vergil! At least I know what a condom is!” Dante rudely shouted back at his twin before proceeding with the story. “Then, an angel arrived and his name was Gabe. Gabe told Mary not to be afraid because she will have a baby, who will be named Jesus and who will be the son of God. And Mary was cool with that.”

“Wait uncle Dante, how are children born?”

“Well that’s another fun story for another time, but in Mary’s case it was thanks to the Holy Spirit. Not so ‘holy’ tho, considering he messed with Joseph’s wife.” He snorted while a confused Nero tilted his head to the side. “Okay then, Joseph doubted Mary’s virginity, so he demanded a divorce.”

“What does virginity mean?”

“It’s like a hundred dollars bill. If you keep it, it serves no purpose, but if you use it, it’s gone forever. So make sure to spend it well and at the right time!”

“Ohhh I see.” Poor naive Nero, completely oblivious to what his uncle was talking really talking about. “Also, there were divorces at that time?”

“Yep, they were called ‘stonings’“

Little Nero nodded in complete awe at what he perceived, was his uncle’s great knowledge.

“But of course Mary demanded a divorce first, and exclaimed that she was keeping all the money, the car, as well as-”

“Stop mixing stories you buffoon! That happened to you with Lady!” Vergil’s angry voice once again interrupted the story.

“Stop bringing up my personal matters in front of the kid Verge!”

“Scum!”

“You son of a-!”

“Uncle Dante!” Nero’s innocent voice calmed Dante’s nerves, allowing him to take a deep breath and relax.

“Sorry ‘bout that, now where were we? Oh! Well it was the Holy Spirit, and Joseph wanted to take Mary to Las Vegas for their honeymoon... buuut they didn’t have any money, so they settled for Bethlehem instead.”

“There were honeymoons at the time?”

“Of course! You needed lots of money tho... but one day youuu Lady, wait ‘till I hit the jackpot and then you will see!”

“Get over your problems already!” Another exasperated interruption from his twin, Dante surely wasn’t getting any rest.

“Well then. The couple arrived at a cheap hotel room when suddenly, Mary went into labor. And that’s how sweet baby Jesus was born, our Lord and Savior I suppose.”

“Whoaaa...” Dante couldn’t help but feel proud that he managed to keep his nephew entertained with his fun, albeit inaccurate, stories. “Uncle Dante, was Jesus a good person?”

“Good? He was great actually! He could turn water into wine and stuff!”

“Can I drink wine too?”

“Of course! The bible says so after all.” Dante was about to hand his nephew the unfinished bottle of wine he had kept next to the couch when suddenly-

“IF YOU GIVE WINE TO MY SON I SWEAR ON OUR DEMONIC LINEAGE THAT I WILL MUTILATE YOU BEYOND RECOGNITION!”

“Damn it!” As soon as Vergil’s voice entered his ears, he quickly retracted his hand, taking the bottle of wine and putting it as far away as possible from innocent little Nero who jumped at the immense power and fury in his father’s tone.

“Let’s continue with our story. Thus Mary uploaded Jesus’ baby pics to Twitter and the Fairly OddParents star-faved the pics-”

“Nooo uncle Dante! That’s not how the story goes!” Nero laughed wholeheartedly “Papa told me once. The star was up in the sky and they weren’t the Fairly OddParents, they were the Three Wise Men.”

“Okay okay, three men, got it.”

“Three WISE men. And they were kings!”

“Whatever you say kid.”

“And one was black!”

“A bit racist if you ask me.” Dante rolled his eyes and bit back a laugh before continuing. “So, the star told the three wise kings to follow them for God’s sake, literally, and they arrived at the stable where Jesus had been born with gifts for him. One gifted him gold, the other gifted him myrrh-”

“Wait uncle Dante, what is myrrh?”

“Let’s say... it’s a kind of herb.”

“Like the one papa once found under your bed and stabbed you with his blue floating swords for?”

“It was for medicinal purposes I swear!” Dante nervously responded, flustered by his nephew’s sudden question. “Ahem... and the other dude gifted him incense.”

“Why incense, uncle Dante?”

“They were in a stable! You ever been to one? They smell like crap!”

“What about the massacre of children in Bethlehem? Papa also mentione that.”

“Of course! Hitler was a monster, worse than any demon I ever encountered!”

“Noooo silly uncle Dante! It was King Herod! Hitler was austrian and from a different era.”

“Whoa whoa whoa kid, who’s holding the damn book again?”

“The book is upside down uncle Dante. And that’s not even the Bible, that’s papa’s favorite book.”

Once he gave a closer inspection, Dante realized he had been holding the book upside down indeed. Moreover, once he closed it to look at the cover, he noticed that it had been Vergil’s beloved anthology of William Blake all this time. 

Sighing and setting the book aside, Dante turned to his lovely nephew “Look little Nero. The important thing about Christmas is that we are all here gathered as a family. It’s not about the gifts or the turkey, it’s about love, like the one of the family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph. It doesn’t matter where we come from. Joseph raised Jesus with lots of love, and that’s why he became such a good dude and sooo famous.”

Nero smiled warmly at the words, and Dante couldn’t help but ruffle his cute nephew’s soft white locks of hair, making him giggle.

“That means...” Dante continued “that even if you are not a planned child, like you Nero, we still love you all the same.”

“Huh? Not planned?” Nero tilted his head in confusion. “Does that mean... I’m adopted?” Tears were beginning to form at the corner of his baby blue eyes. However, Dante couldn’t even explain the misunderstanding when a loud bang resonated through the entire house.

“DAAANTEEEEE!!!” Vergil had barged out of the studio and into the living room, furious to the point that he had Devil Triggered and with a halo of summoned swords around him.

Needless to say, poor Dante had to run for his life from his rampaging brother, a chase that was soon put to an end after Grandma Eva stepped out and reprimanded both siblings with a rolling pin and a look so stern and powerful that made them both cower in fear and respect. Meanwhile, Grandpa Sparda decided to stay and calm down little Nero, showing him his new train set until the boy was giggling blissfully once again.

Just another normal day at the Sparda household after all.

#devil may cry #dmc dante #dmc nero #dmc vergil #drunk uncle dante #christmas #fanfiction #crackfic #christmas story #lmao what am i even doing

[foxymuses]

an incomplete list of headcanons for sirius black:

there was a period of about 6-8 months between running away/being disowned and receiving his uncle’s inheritance when sirius had absolutely nothing to his name but the misc junk he’d shoved in a bag when he left the house to go to james. the potters, ignoring sirius’ claims they didn’t have to, bought him a moderate amount of items including but not limited to clothes, school materials, and various items for the room he’d already claimed at their house. when his inheritance kicked in, he tried to pay them back. they refused.

sirius was always more afraid of his father than his mother (which is the opposite of regulus). the reason is that his mother was more concerned with appearances outside the family, but was content to simply act as if sirius didn’t exist when they were at home, which was fine for both of them (and on some occasions, the worst that would happen is she’d scream and yell and be generally unpleasant, and true she’d be the one to force a hair cut or destroy his ‘revolting’ muggle/gryffindor items). however his father was the disciplinarian. his father rarely raised his voice, but was the first to raise a hand or wand to correct behaviors or punish misbehaviors, and though sirius would stand up for himself and was not scared into silence, there were many instances where he would show up to the potters in the middle of the night, or return from mandatory holidays during the school year, with signs of magically induced injury.

following that, sirius is always the first to jump to the defense of others, completely disregarding his own safety or the danger of the situation, and has been known to laugh in the face of those that think they can fight him, and generally doesn’t react to anyone who rises to attack him either verbally or physically, but whenever his father even shifted slightly, sirius would tense and brace, and there were several instances in public where a disagreement would start and though often the marauder’s were nearby and out of ear shot, they’d know things were going poorly because sirius, who never ever shows fear to anyone, would flinch

it’s clear from prisoner of azkaban that sirius could have escaped at any point. all he did was become padfoot and get past the dementors who weren’t looking for or caring about animals (literally his words). there is no true reason he had to wait twelve years except for dramatic story telling. that being said, the shock of the situation prevented any of this from logically settling in his mind for the first few weeks, and then after that, the dementors and their constant soulsucking presence did make it easier for sirius to blame himself for james and lily dying. he convinced them to make their secret keeper peter instead of him, he didn’t try hard enough to keep them safe, he should’ve actually killed peter, fuck what’s happening to harry, where is he, does anyone care about him, is he being taken care of, what’s remus doing, does remus think sirius did it, does remus hate him, is remus okay, it’s another full moon please let remus be okay, fuck if he gets out he’s going to strangle peter --- on and on, and it definitely gave him a huge amount of guilt on his shoulders, and regret, and despair, and while i personally don’t think it would have taken him 12 years to finally fucking decide to leave, it definitely did take several, especially since telling time within the walls of azkaban is near impossible

ON THAT NOTE, HOWEVER, it is this very guilt and anger that allowed him to muster the determination to finally fucking escape. even amidst all this guilt and fear and sorrow, sirius was strong enough to stay sane under the influence of the dementors and his own perceived failure, that he consciously made the decision to trick his way out. it was this very fury he felt towards peter and the injustice that he suffered because of his coward of a supposed best friend that fueled sirius’ ability to withstand the trails of being a prisoner at the worst wizarding prison. once his guilt subsisded enough for pure unadulterated hate to seep in, it was just a matter of deciding the best time to stage an escape

I REPEAT, I DO NOT BELIEVE IT TOOK HIM 12 YEARS at most, i would figure, personally, it happened in four or five. which, while following my canon divergent main verse, would still allow time for sirius to clear his name and fight for custody of harry, which he does successfully, by my canon, when harry is about seven. SO EVEN IF sirius isn’t instantly cleared as my main verse would like, he still winds up a single dad.

he has horrible nightmares after azkaban, regardless of when he gets out or how long he was there or whether he ends up raising harry. i personally would have it so that he and remus end up living together, both because sirius has his inheritance to support them, and because they’re the last two marauders and trusting others is hard for sirius to come by after everything, so living with remus is Safe and Easy, and he does everything he fucking can to make up for all the full moons he missed, but regardless of how Hard he tries to get back to some semblance of a normal life, he has severe ptsd from prison and he doesn’t sleep well and he doesn’t eat much and he drinks more (in verses where he doesn’t have custody) and he smokes a shit ton more and he spends more time as padfoot than he does as a human because being a dog is just so much simpler and he has fewer worries, and remus is fucking worried as shit about him because sirius was always the strongest of the four of them (fight me on this i dare you) and to see the confident, arrogant, and generally easy-going carefree rebel that was sirius black in school turned into a jumpy, irritable, shattered shell of himself is hard and sirius never truly recovers from that damage, he just gets better at hiding it, and he does a hell of a lot better at healing when he does have custody of harry because harry gives him purpose in a way that remus can’t.

when sirius inevitably comes across peter again, he does try to kill him. whether he genuinely fails or subconsciously stops himself because peter, as much as sirius resents and hates and would love to grind him into little rat pieces, was a friend and was someone sirius trusted and cherished and would have protected with his life, and no matter how much he very much wants to kill the bastard, he can’t

shifting gears a bit, but sirius had never and still doesn’t really see himself ever getting married. he never even wanted kids until harry came around, and even then, the only kid he’ll ever have is in my canon divergency where he raises harry himself. in that verse he is more open to a co-parenting relationship (re: when he’s with @gavrele‘s gabe, or if he were to be with remus or another marauder’s era character who survived either by au or in canon), which can be considered romantic or merely a mutual desire to raise this orphaned child, but in that instance, he still probably wouldn’t want marriage, because it makes him seriously uncomfortable just thinking about it, and at the very most he would just agree to mutually wear signifying rings but not actually make it official, so that way if at any point he does feel weird about it he won’t feel bad about taking the ring off for a few days until the feeling passes

he learns of regulus’ dying while he’s in azkaban and listen canon sirius was very ‘meh’ about the whole deal, which really pisses me off, so my sirius was very torn. and it doesn’t help that most people just write reggie off as disappearing, they don’t know the story, they just assume he died in the war or voldemort disposed of him or something, doesn’t matter, he learns that regulus is gone, and his father is gone, and his mother ends up dying shortly before he gets out, and sirius is alone really and truly, and when he returns home for the first time in years, he manages to convince kreacher to explain the situation because even if he doesn’t particularly like kreacher, they both loved regulus, and sirius crafts a makeshift grave for his brother which he visits reguluarly, and though he doesn’t usually say much except “hey reg”, the first time he broke down sobbing because he tried so hard to get regulus to see the right side of the war, but he didn’t try hard enough, and he should’ve worked harder to keep reg safe, what an awful brother he was, he only ever thought of himself, if he just took regulus with him when he ran away maybe they could’ve avoided this, fuck he’s sorry he fucked up, he’s so proud that regulus stood up to voldemort in the end, he doesn’t care if it was for selfishness or fear or whatever, he’s so proud, he wishes regulus would know how proud he is

he actively keeps harry as safe as possible, doesn’t let half the shit that happens happen to him, fully supports and listens to him whenever the kid says ‘something is going on”, talks with him through it, tells him all the stories of james and lily that he can, never treats harry as less than his own blooded son because to him harry is his son, but he also never tries to replace james with himself, and harry knows how much sirius loved james and lily and how sirius only wants harry to be safe and happy, and merlin did he cry the first time harry called him dad and told him that he knows sirius isn’t his real dad but its okay to have more than one dad, he still loves james too he just loves sirius as much, and when he saw sirius almost crying, he asked if that was okay, and sirius could not express how absolutely perfect that was and later when talking to remus, remus had to hold a conflicted sirius for at least half an hour because he adored the idea but god he misses james so much, he wishes this wasnt the situation but it is and fuck it hurts (remus is uncle, by the way)

he literally stands between snape and harry, and dumbledore and harry, and does not let lucius anywhere near harry (and only allows cissa after a tentative no-children meeting, where they agree to not be enemies but rather awkward cousins like they are, and sometimes even let draco and harry play together) and harry is raised knowing about the prophecy, and since he’s raised in the wizarding world he’s not a commodity, by the time he starts hogwarts, everyone has kind of gotten over the hype so he can be mostly normal, and yeah strange things keep happening but the second harry tells sirius (because harry is raised in an open and loving environment where talking about things is encouraged), sirius does shit about it, and yeah voldemort wasn’t vanquished, he is still waiting, and sirius can’t be everywhere, but when harry says voldemort is back, sirius fucking rallies and essentially one-man-armies the ministry into fucking doing something about it because he lived through that hell in his last few years of hogwarts, he lost friends to it, he is not going to watch it happen again and nothing is going to hurt harry period

naturally, this means he doesn’t die in the department of mysteries because when the dreams start happening, harry talks about them with him, and they work it out together.

sirius doesn’t get a job because he doesn’t need one, and all of harry’s inheritance from james is purely harry’s, sirius doesn’t touch an ounce of it, and in fact regularly adds to it of his own inheritance, but sirius is seen roaming random places offering assistance, usually in regards to muggle nonsense (think hands on mechanics stuff) because he’s good at it and he doesn’t know what to do with his time, but he never lets them pay

he helps fund the weasley’s prank store. ron is a little odd, and hermione is sometimes annoying, and boy does he have a soft spot for neville because sirius knows about his parents, and you can bet that rather than lifting the map from filch, sirius straight up gave it to fred and george, and remus later confiscated it from his now-permanent DADA position (or whatever position remus wants, tbh) and sirius got an earful before telling remus he knew the other would give it back to them, which he did

i could continue but i should probably start another post to do so SO THERE YOU ARE

#you didn't ask for it #but here is a list of everything i thought about sirius in my short 15 minute bus ride this morning #;;siriuscanon #THIS GOT WAY FUCKING LONGER THAN I MEANT IT TO #AND ALSO FOCUSES A LOT ON MY DIVERGENT SETTING #but idfc i have sirius muse up the wazoo and i need to share it #long post #man i dont usually tag that but fuck this is. this is a lot

[virginlimbs]

On the film “Us” by Andrew Haworth

Us is the greatest movie of the decade and I have seen it five times so I figured I owed it a review.

When I saw Get Out, my audience was quiet and disturbed the entire runtime but cheered at the end. Us had people jumping and laughing the whole time, but when it got to the end: silence.

My sister turned to us and said, “I loved it until the ending.” I wasn’t sure what to think. The ending hit me like such a freight train that I was in denial. There was no way they were switched, that didn’t make any sense.

We talked for an hour outside the theater unpacking the implications of the ending. As we talked, we realized the ending not only worked, it made the movie even better.

The movie begged me to watch it again, and I obliged. I went to a different theater and saw it in Dolby Prime and told the person next to me to stop talking. I was not fucking around. This movie was a powerful object and it demanded respect and thought and patience.

Details that were cloudy the first time came into horrifying light on a rewatch. Red’s opening monologue, which at first seemed like scary gibberish, was now full of pathos and horror. I had seen what it was like down there. I knew the rules of the world. And now I had to picture a fully conscious woman performing her own C-section.

I saw the movie twice more in theaters. I was so drawn to it, like we were te-(glottal swallow)-ethered together. The week of its release, it was all I talked about with people. “Have you seen Us?” “It’s about capitalism.” “No, that theory’s bullshit.” There were people who were as shaken as I was, and as overjoyed that a movie this powerful and exciting and thought-provoking could exist and be released and make a bunch of money. And then there were people who wondered why there was an escalator in an amusement park.

None of their hole-poking diminished my enthusiasm for the movie. I knew I was being tested by God *looks up and cries* and it was their loss. But it was a frustrating and thankless task to try to convince them otherwise. We had seen the same movie. Unpacked the same ending. But they were hung up on details, questions left unanswered. They felt the movie was pretentious, alienating, and implied they were dumb for not getting it.

Us would only be condescending if it explained its world in full. Like Star Wars, it is so steeped in such a rich mythology that if you get on its wavelength, you will not worry about why certain things in the background are not explained. You will want to watch it again and again to figure it out, and the mystery will excite you. Us is ambiguous about certain things, but not others. The characters are clear. The family dynamic is clear. And the message is clear. For every “us”, there’s a “them”.

I get it. Us either REALLY works for you or it doesn’t. And I have no interest in trying to convince naysayers. I have a lot more fun talking with people who actually liked it. But when I turned it on this fifth time, wanting something I’d seen before as I digested a pint of ice cream after a long day of work, I was under its spell once more. And I couldn’t just sit there and let it wash over me. Every shot was full of meaning or an interesting idea and they bubbled up in my head until the idea of a relaxing evening was out the window and I was frantically taking notes on my phone. I’ve read a lot of articles about this movie. I’m in no way an expert, but I have a lot of thoughts about it and a lot of enthusiasm for it. It moves me and brings me so much joy and reminds me why I fell in love with making and watching movies.

On a technical level, it’s unsurpassable. Shots are poetic but never flashy, always in service of a story beat or character reveal. The shot compositions are in the tradition of classic Japanese movies, and the final shot even mirrors the ending of the great Sansho the Baillif (which I saw yesterday for the first time.)

There is not a score that is quite like the one in Us. The music feels like it has been around since the beginning of time. And the I Got Five on It remix? Come on.

I love every performance so much. Everyone understands their character so well. Everyone feels like a family member. You feel every awkward moment, every victory, every horrified stare. And Lupita Nyong’o gives the greatest performance(s) of all time.

The script is generous with its humor and its horror. And in any other movie, all of this would be plenty to make an enjoyable ride. But Us gives you so much more, so much you didn’t realize you needed. I’ll do my best to tie all of this together, but here’s what I noticed this time around.

Chronologically, Red and Adelaide meet as children. The tethered chokes her, pulls her down, handcuffs her to the bed, and waits for her to wake up so she can give an evil grin and rub it in her face that she gets to leave. This is not a quick, desperate act to get what she wants. It is malicious and sadistic.

Now Adelaide’s got a family. But she feels scared and maybe a little guilty, like most people who’ve committed a crime and have to keep running. She can only express this in half-truths to her husband, how she’s worried the “mirror girl” might come back. On our second viewing, we realize she’d be coming back for revenge.

Red’s parents were very lax with her which allowed her to wander off. Adelaide is protective and paranoid, like a drug dealer or the Irishman, someone who cannot enjoy to the fullest what she has fought so hard to win because she knows what’s out there. She knows what could happen to Jason if he gets curious about that funhouse.

Enter Red. Adelaide’s worst nightmare. The girl she trapped down there finally found a way out, and she’s pissed. She moves like a ballerina, calculated and efficient.

The Wilson family dynamic is so well expressed through their actions and teamwork and love for each other in this scene. Adelaide grabs her kids, yanking them out of frame away from their tethereds, keeping them safe. She cares so much for them and just wants to survive.

In comparison, Red is unfeeling and sadistic. Her husband and children are her pets. She has trained them like dogs to move at her command: a horrifying hand gesture and clicking of the tongue. She even pets Pluto as he stands on all fours by the fire. They are tools, like scissors.

She hates her family because they are not her choice. They are horrifying reminders of the world she was dragged down into. And Adelaide’s family is a reminder of what she could’ve had, so she resents them as well. She doesn’t care if they die, she doesn’t see them as surrogate children, they are a “fuck you.”

But her outlook makes total sense. She was taken from her normal world and trapped in a nightmare. Forced to have sex, give birth, mimic the privileged actions of the girl up above with whatever surrogate was available underground.

“The shadow hated the girl.”

Gabe interrupts her monologue. He thinks we’re still in a weird home invasion movie. These are random dopplegangers, the only ones, and they’re just crazy. But Adelaide knew this was going to happen all along.

“You want ME, right?”

The family is split up to fend for themselves. But apart from Red, the other tethereds are just under orders from up top. They have no personal stake in this, they just like killing. Red is the only one who has a score to settle. She wants to take her time, rub it in Adelaide’s face just like it was rubbed in hers.

Jason realizes early on in the closet that he can control Pluto, but Pluto cannot control him. Pluto has to move Jason’s arms up and down physically to mirror his. This is frustrating for Pluto. Jason saves this information for later.

Everyone escapes their tethereds, for now. They hop on the boat, their previous laughing stock, now their life raft, and head to the only other house they know. As the boat drives away, Jason is the one we hold on as Red stares at him. She is getting the idea to kidnap him to lure Adelaide to her. This is the advantage she has over Adelaide, how untethered she is to emotional baggage. Jason is just a tool for her to manipulate how much Adelaide cares for her children.

“They look like us.”

“They don’t even know that yet.”

Earlier in the film, Adelaide tells Zora to turn her phone off and go to bed. Zora waits for her mom to leave the room to secretly use her phone under the covers. Later, when Adelaide needs Zora’s phone to call the police, Zora pretends like she doesn’t have it to avoid getting in trouble, but Adelaide knows she does. Adelaide’s not dumb, she’s just a mom stuck between trying to raise her kid well and letting her have fun. These are sweet games we play with our parents and the subtext is “I love you.”

The white family, on the other hand, is full of hate. Their kids do not play these cute games. “Just because we’re in our rooms doesn’t mean we’re sleeping.” They are filthy rich with a backup generator and they are miserable and they die the quickest. This, even more so than Get Out, is perhaps Jordan Peele’s ultimate comment on white horror films. Their characters last for less than ten minutes while the Wilsons survive the whole movie. And when Elisabeth Moss asks Ophelia to call the police and it plays “Fuck Da Police” as her tethered slits her throat, it’s a master filmmaker taking back years of stereotypes and tropes, stomping on them and proclaiming that there is a new era of horror underway, horror so full of ideas that you (like me) will have to watch the movies 5 times.

The murder of the white family is the most hardcore scene in any horror movie of the decade. It is truly shocking how matter of fact it is.

The Wilsons arrive and Adelaide is taken captive. The kids go in to save their mom.

Jason puts on his mask as he grabs a weapon to make his first kill as if that will absolve him of what he is about to do, rather than accepting his ability to kill as part of himself. Zora, not wearing a mask, rolls her eyes. She’s accepting who she is. Jason immediately removes his mask after killing Elisabeth Moss.

Jason watches Zora kill the second twin and beat her way past being dead. She is her mother’s daughter. Jason’s arc is beginning to illuminate: he is slowly noticing how violent his family is. Could that be inside him as well?

“We’re Americans.”

Weapons used in the film:

Golf club

Baseball Bat

Flare gun

Scissors

Boat motor

Geode

The stick you use to move logs in fire

Once they’re in the fancy house, Gabe wants to settle down. They’ve made it. But Adelaide knows they have to keep running. Capitalism! But everyone’s excited to drive the fancy car.

Jason sees his mom kill one of the twins.

Umbrae hops on the car and Zora slams on the breaks, sending her flying into the trees. Adelaide leaves under the guise of making sure she’s dead. But when she sees defenseless Umbrae, hanging upside down from a tree, laughing but clearly bleeding to death, Adelaide does nothing.

She sees herself in Umbrae, ruthless, doing anything to survive and get ahead. But she also sees the daughter she would’ve had if she had stayed down there. This is also why she’s so upset about Pluto dying. They are all her children. She has grown up and matured in real society with real parents. She is a mother and her heart is full. But Red has the heart and mind and priorities of a 9 year old. She doesn’t want kids. She wants parents.

Jason backing up to kill Pluto is like in the Matrix Revolutions when it’s revealed that Neo has powers outside of the Matrix. It is a great, haunting, ambiguous moment that I’m sure made a lot of people frustrated in the theater, just like the Matrix Revolutions.

Then Red naps him. Her gamble worked, and Adelaide was distracted by caring about all these kids.

Adelaide goes after him. The shot on the beach when she sees the line for the first time? COME ON!!!

Us is very biblical. Abraham. 11:11. “God is testing me.” Jason holding up his arms like Jesus on the cross as he backs Pluto into the fire. Red becoming a religious figure to the tethereds. Red has CREATED a mythology for the tethered, but of course neither her nor Adelaide know what really created them. Humans play God in her theory about government experiments. And “God brought us together that night.”

Adelaide has spent her whole life trying to forget the tunnels. Red has been forced to spend her life trying to make sense of it. Her social learning ended at 9 years old. Her theories about government experiments seem based on sci fi movies she probably caught on TV as a kid, right before she was pulled down there.

No one was there to guide her. She became tethered long after the “experiment” had been abandoned. She believes in God because her parents probably took her to church and she’s latching onto any explanation. But the situation is unexplainable. Does it matter if it’s a government experiment? There are many aspects of the film that imply it might be supernatural. We can only see it how she sees it: God testing her as she becomes the savior of the tethereds.

But the important detail she skips past because she really doesn’t have any proof of it until this past night is that the tethereds are not monsters. They are products of a nightmarish environment. If given a chance in society, they can learn to talk and function normally and dance. The film doesn’t even imply that there is a good twin or a bad twin. Both are capable of violence and vulnerability.

Red steals the word “tethered” from the Hands Across America commercial at the beginning.

Cutting between the tethered stuff mirroring the above ground stuff? Pure cinema. Get the fuck out of here. Adelaide having a whole stage to dance on while Red is forced to run into walls is the perfect visual metaphor for every idea the movie is throwing at you.

“If it weren’t for you I never would’ve danced at all.”

Red hugs Adelaide as she plunges the stick into her.

You are forced to remember Red has the mind of a nine year old as she whistles a mouth-full-of-blood rendition of itsy bitsy spider. Then Adelaide strangles her to death.

Adelaide laughs with relief when Red is dead because now she is free to enjoy the life she had always imagined without looking over her shoulder. Their tethereds are all dead. Jason can run free.

“The itsy bitsy spider went up the water spout

Down came the rain and washed the spider out”

Jason puts on the mask at the end, keeping Adelaide’s secret. He’s horrified by the realization about his mother. Earlier she told him, “Stick with me and I’ll keep you safe.” Now she smiles. They’re driving through a post apocalyptic wasteland. He doesn’t really have a choice. He’s sticking with her.

#usmovie #us movie #jordan peele #film #film review

[thedeanbichester-blog]

study!date

there were so many things dean would rather being doing at that moment than study the american revolution. sure, he loved history class - dudes fighting other dudes, blood, gore, empires - and sure, he knew loads about the revolution itself - like “did you know that john adams didn’t like the title of ‘president’ because he didn’t think foreign countries would take it seriously?” - but dean was, in the simplest definition, a distracted teenage boy.

it wasn’t like he had to pay much attention in class anyway. school wasn’t his thing. he didn’t like to brag, but he already knew most of the stuff he was learning in school. he didn’t want to come off as some kind of pencil pushing, douche bag though. so instead, he spent that fourth period american history class staring at a one castiel novak.

sure, he’d never admit it out loud - just like he’d never admit how intelligent he truly was. but your own thoughts are safe as long as they stay there, right?

he’d stare at the back of cas’ neck, losing himself in those greased up black sex-god waves, or the faded leather jacket, or those piercing blue eyes that’d occasionally glance back at him, causing him to divert his eyes anywhere else as he hid his blush.

his system was working perfectly..

until..

“Class, for your semester final, you’ll be presenting a project with a partner about the events that lead up to the american revolution,” mr. harrison told the class that day, finally catching dean’s attention. “since this semester we’ve been focusing in on the inner workings of the revolution, and the seeds that lead to it, I want you to pick one event that lead to the revolution, and present arguments for your case with a partner..” 

a collective groans spread throughout the class.

“i know, i know,” harrison groaned mockingly. “keep your pants on, it’s about to get worse..”

“i want you to choose a partner who you haven’t talked to in this class much yet this year. if you stay with your friends, you won’t get different perspectives on the subjects - not to mention, you probably won’t get shit done..” he added, earning mutters from the class. “i will approve the partners, so if you bullshit me, i’ll bullshit you right back..”

          this was all part of the reason dean didn’t broadcast his smarts - he knew people would try to take advantage of it, and use him to get a good grade. he watched as the students, looked around aimlessly for a partner, as he dodged a couple glances trying to make eye contact with him. he sat on the top of his desk, as he swung his legs, watching as people partnered up. he honestly didn’t care to much who he partnered up with, although he might have one preference in mind--

it wasn’t as if it was a far fetched idea. dean and cas had had classes together for years. they weren’t best friends, but they would talk, and joke occasionally. although, they would be unlikely friends from the outside looking in. everyone saw dean as a social, smart ass golden boy, and they saw cas as the quiet, yet badass leather jacket wearing kid who--

“dean,” cas spoke firmly, breaking dean from his thoughts.

“huh?” he uttered dumbly.

“i said your name at least a dozen times,” he informed dean, without humor yet without frustrated.  “wanna be partners?”

“yes - yeah,” he stumbled over his words, as he swallowed, nodding his head. 

cas smiled softly, as he dragged his fingers softly across dean’s open notebook, which lay next to him. “you’ve got a lot to say, don’t you?” he observed, as dean blushed feeling vulnerable.

“depends on what I’m talking about,” dean said quietly, as he felt his breath caught in his throat, unsure of what to say. he felt a lull setting in, as he forced words out of his mouth to fill the silence. “my place, tonight at 5?”

“yeah,” cas nodded, his tired eyes giving dean an unsettlingly calm look.

                                                     ***

“because i said so, sammy,” dean growled at his brother, tossing a pillow from the couch at him.

“what’s your deal?” sam snorted, throwing the pillow back, as he plopped down on the couch, kicking his feet up. “you always let me stay when jo, or benny, or your other friends are over..”

dean pushed his feet off the table, licking his lips softly. “it’s for a school project. now, move it before i kick your butt, green bean.”

sam rolled his eyes, before a look of realization passed over him, causing him to stifle a laugh. “oh, i get it,” he smirked, crossing his arms.

“what?” “it’s a girl, isn’t it?” 

dean bashfully yanking his brother up from the couch, pushing him in the direction of the stairs. “shut up, sammy. if you don’t get your ass out of here, i’ll tell mom you--”

dean’s empty threat was interrupted by the sound of the doorbell. the boys looked from the door, back to each other, before racing towards it. sam beat dean by a second (which dean would swear was just because of his green bean legs).

sam swung open the door, quickly covering a look of surprise when he found cas at the door, instead of a girl. the 14 year old nuance flashed him a smile. “you must be dean’s friend, I’m sam--”

dean flashed him a look of we’ll-settle-this-later, before appearing by his side at the door. cas smiled down at sammy, making dean feel a rush in his stomach. “hello sam,” cas said in his rough, yet soothing voice. “i’m castiel.”

“that’s a cool name, is it--” sam began, before dean pulled him back from the door by his collar.

“he was just leaving,” dean quipped, glaring at his brother, as he nodded towards the stairs. sam sighed, rolling his eyes once again, before heading upstairs to his room. “i’m sorry about him..”

“no worries,” cas said, still standing in the threshold, before dean realized.

“oh!” he exclaimed. “you can - uh - come in..”

cas smiled, entering the foyer, as he pulled his signature leather jacket (the one covered in dozens of pins by the breast pockets) from his chest, as dean snuck a peak at his back muscles. dean smiled shyly, as he lead cas into the living room, where he took a seat on the couch, dropping his jacket near the edge.

“your home is lovely,” cas observed in a genuine, and adult voice.

“thanks, man,” dean tried to stay casually, though it came out as forced. he cleared his throat, hesitantly plopping down on the couch next to cas. they’d never been this close before - dean could smell his surprisingly sweet cologne. it smelled like the mountains, full of snow, and rushing water, and wildflowers. he needed to focus.

“so, for the project, i had an idea that we could have our subject be the enlightenment era..” dean said softly, as cas sat quietly listening, waiting for dean to finish. “i think that all those philosophers, and deep thinkers really planted the seeds for revolution by..” dean paused as he looked up from the rug, meeting the unusual look in cas’ eyes. “what?”

“nothing,” cas said unwavering. “i just knew i was right..”

“about what?”

before cas could answer, the sound of running up the steps interrupted. dean whipped his head around, to see a flash of brown locks, and long legs running around the corner. “damnit, sam..” he muttered softly.

cas laughed. “i understand,” he spoke turning towards dean on the couch. “i’ve got five siblings.” 

“five?” dean awed.

cas nodded. “yeah, i’m the second youngest. the oldest are the twins - michael and lucifer - and then my brother gabe. then there’s me, and my little sister anna. it gets pretty crazy at our house sometimes..”

dean felt a longing in his chest to ask him more, but he didn’t want to pry. his curiosity got the best of him, but before he could say anything, cas’ eyes widened. “no way,” he grinned.

“what?” “you like armor lee and the weekend warriors?” cas’ voice perked up, as he crossed the living room to the CD rack in the corner, his slender fingers picking up the CD. “I’ve never met anyone else who likes them..”

“yeah, me either,” he said, as he walked over towards cas. “my best friend jo is kind of a music geek. she takes me to all these random live shows in the city..” dean explained, as his words suddenly became effortless. “we ended up going to one of their shows at this awful dive bar--”

“St. Joseph’s, right?” cas said gently. 

“yeah, how’d you know?” dean asked in surprise.

cas ran a hand threw his tossled dark hair, grinning gently as he stared down at the CD. “well, i used to live in the city, and i had this group of friends. we used to hang out there all the time. i still try to get out, and see them, and they ended up taking me to that show.”

“wow,” dean awed, thinking about the fact that they existed in the same spaces before they’d even met. he wished he could have met cas sooner, not that he’d be willing to admit that. 

“wow, indeed,” cas smiled, making intense eye contact with dean, that filled the silence for much too long.

“well, i ended up actually liking them..” dean stammered, as he cleared his throat, shoving his hands into his pockets. “jo listens to the weirdest crap, but i actually like this specific weird crap.”

cas snorted softly, which dean assumed was his way of laughing. dean rubbed his arm gently, as cas’ eyes lingered on the CD, before putting it back. “it’s funny, how things just end up happening sometimes, isn’t it?” cas vaguely questioned.

“yeah,” dean said in a rather distant voice.

                                                      ***

weeks had past, and they’d finally reached the end of the project. the presentation was tomorrow, and all that was left was to do the final touches. but that presentation was the last thing on dean’s mind.

dean’s fixation on cas had gone from infatuation to a full-blown crush in a matter of weeks. he hungered to learn more and more about cas; he considered himself lucky to know it, to know him. and he already treasured the things he’d discovered -

how cas loved to cook, and how his family had lived in paris for a year

oh! and how his father was a writer, and his mother was a photographer, which meant they moved a lot. which, is how he’d ended up living in paris.

how cas wanted to be an artist, “mostly sculptures or something three dimensional” as he’d put it, but didn’t broadcast that part of himself. his art was for him, and dean respected that.

how cas loved 80′s punk, but thought 70′s hairbands were cliché and cheesy, which broke dean’s heart (but he constantly made an effort to change cas’ mind).

his favorite movie was dead poet’s society, though he preferred books. he’d read anything, and everyone - whether it was in french, english, or one of the other five languages he knew. 

his favorite color was ever changing, naturally because he was an artist, but he leaned towards cerulean because he had a lot of nightmares as a kid about cerulean horses who would chase him. he was terrified of elevators, and loved spring. he preferred cats over dogs, and tea over coffee. 

even though he was technically born in massachusetts, he didn’t consider himself from anywhere. he traveled too often as a kid, and he liked it that way. he considered himself a nomad.

he wanted to go to some fancy art college in paris one day, but he was also considering art schools in chicago, and new york, and london. 

but more than anything, dean discovered that cas was the most annoyingly interesting person on the earth, and even more so that dean was so annoyingly interested in him. 

but dean had promised himself that he would stay away from cas. cas was just so..unapologetic. dean could never be that way. he hardly even let himself treasure these things about cas in his mind. he’d nearly had a stroke, the first time cas casually mentioned he was gay. 

dean did his best to put it out of his mind every time their hands would brush when working on their visual aid for the project, or when cas would intently watch dean’s face as he spoke, or even that one night when dean showed cas star wars for the first time (”I still can’t believe you’ve never seen it! we have to watch it!”), and cas’ arm rested on the back of the couch, and dean swore he even felt cas’ fingertips softly touch the back of his neck once or twice.

although, on the last night before the project, dean didn’t think too hard about the fact that he’d spent 20 minutes combing his hair before cas came. or the fact that he’d told his parents that they could go out on a date night that night, hoping that maybe he could ask cas to stay for dinner - just the three of them (including sammy, who had grown incredibly fond of cas over the past couple of weeks - though not as fond as dean, as sam would tease).

dean grinned to himself, as he heard the doorbell ring. he heard sam open the door downstairs, as he heard the two of them muttering softly, only catching the “he’s in his room” part of the conversation”. dean quickly sat on the edge of his bed, pretending to be reading the random part of his notes that he’d flipped to, as cas entered.

“am i interrupting?” cas asked politely, as he entered dean’s room. dean looked up, trying to keep his composure, as he stared intently at cas - he was wearing a white dress shirt, with black slacks, dress shoes, and a blue tie that made his eyes stand out even more.

“no,” dean replied with his mouth hanging open, as he pushed his notebook aside. “what’s with the get up?” dean cleared his throat, trying to play it off.

cas set his backpack down near the door, shutting it gently. “oh, my dad had a dinner thing for his new book..” he explained, pulling his binder from his backpack before domestically sitting down next to dean on his bed.

“what’s it about?”

“the book?” cas questioned, raising an eyebrow. “what isn’t it about?” he spoke with passion. “what is any story about? revenge, justice, friendship, family, love, turmoil..” “okay, hemmingway, i meant the plot..” dean teased gently slugging his arm causing cas to grin.  “it’s about two lovers,” he said gently, as he faced dean, making dean’s heart race. “they meet at the most inconvenient time possible - as they always do - in the midst of a war.”

dean hung on his words as he set his binder on the bedside table next to him.

“one of them is a soldier for one side, and the other is a royal on the other side. one night, while the soldier is posted in the other country, and the royal sneaks out, they meet, and it’s love at first sight..” cas said dreamily, chewing his lip, as he stared back at dean. “they’re pulled apart by the war, and politics, and loss..and it’s about them finding their way back to each other, and the war that keeps them apart.”

“do they get a happy ending?” dean asked, entranced.

“i guess you’ll have to wait, and see,” cas winked. he fucking winked. 

“that’s not fair!” dean laughed, tugging on cas’ arm. “i need closure! i need to know that they’re okay! i need to know what happens with the war!”

“then you’ll just have to pick up a copy when it comes out,” cas quipped. 

“that’s cold,” dean snorted.

“it’s like my father always says,” cas smiled, leaning towards dean a bit, as his eyes flickered in watching him. “’any story is only as good as the courage of the characters in it,’. if they want to be together, they can’t let something like a war stop them.”

dean didn't realize how close the two of them were sitting until he felt cas’ breath tickle his nose. he couldn’t move, he refused to. “why’s that?” he asked, longing just to hear cas’ voice.

“well..” cas spoke gently, as his voice grew quieter. “if they want it so badly, it has to be greater than anything; greater than their fear, greater than their loyalties, greater than their worries. it has to be so worth while for them, that everything else falters in comparison.”

“have you ever wanted something that badly?” dean heard himself asking, as his eyes rapidly studied cas’ face - eyes - lips - lashes - cheeks - lips. before cas could answer, dean stole his words away, as he quickly pressed their lips together. he quickly pulled back again, the illusion broken.

he felt ashamed. he ruined everything. he let out a soft break of his breath, trying to muddle together an apology. before it could be released, cas crashed their lips together with force, and passion.

dean’s nerves were on fire, as he kissed back in disbelief. one of cas’ hands flew to the side of his face, cradling his jaw, as they deepened the kiss. dean’s hands flew to the front of cas’ dress shirt, crumbling his shirt in one hand, whilst the other fiercely gripped his tie, pulling him forward. dean felt the cold creep in under his shirt, as cas’ hands gently touched his skin before lifting him on to his lap, leaning back towards the bed frame for balance.

suddenly, the door opened. “hey, do you guys wanna order--” sam began before looking up from his phone, as the two ravaged boys flew apart on to opposite sides of the bed. dean staggered, accidentally knocking his binder from the bed side table.

sam laughed softly. “do you guys wanna order pizza? mom left us $20, and i was thinking--”

“yeah, whatever,” dean mustered a reply, as he blushed, refusing to make eye contact with his brother. “don’t you know how to knock? get out.” he said, ushering him towards the door, before shutting it behind him.

cas looked up at dean with wide eyes, before the door opened slightly behind him. “by the way, congrats guys. glad it finally happened,” sam snorted, before dean slammed the door in his face again.

dean blushed, pressing his back to the door, as he watched cas smirk at him, before running a hand through his disheveled hair. 

“i could go for pizza,” cas said casually, as he stood up from the bed.

#destielau #destieldrabble #nerd!dean #popular!dean #punk!cas #destielfluff

[countessklair]

Dr. Gabriel ‘St. John’ Keller, Director of the Medical Division of the Avengers Initiative

“Don’t mistake my kindness for weakness. I am kind to everyone, but when someone is unkind to me, weak is the last thing you will remember about me.”

Gabriel Keller grew up in inner-city Chicago, raised on his father’s stories of being in the Marines, and after graduating high school became a full-time caregiver for his ailing father. The experience would define him, as Gabe had always wanted to help people, and watching his beloved father die was nothing short of agonizing, but it did give him the desire to become a doctor, to provide health where he could. Gabe joined the Marine Corps when he was twenty-one, a week after burying his father, partly to honor his decision to become a doctor, but also as a way for Gabe to stay close to the man who raised him. Gabe got his medical degree through the Corps in record time and was bounced around for a while, nothing really sticking, until finally he was assigned to be the medic for Captain Maureen Walker’s squad, and after day one knew he had found his place in the Corps. Day one of his relationship with the squad, the XO Dante Johnson, who, in Gabe’s opinion, had eyes way too pretty, took it upon himself to check that the resident doctor was combative ready. One hour and a broken nose later, Gabe earned the nickname ‘St. John’ because, in Dante’s own words, somewhat muffled from the towel holding all the blood in his face, “Ok, so you can break a bone. Let’s see how you do at putting it back together.” Five minutes after that Dante was almost speechless. “I’ve broken this nose four times now, and that was the quickest, and definitely the gentlest any doc’s ever reset it.” Gabe knew he was fucked when Dante looked over his shoulder and smiled brilliantly through the dried blood on his face. ”You got skills of a saint. You’re all right, Gabe.” Gabe found a family in his squad, though from the third time he patched up Dante, after the man inevitably lost his temper with a bigot in a bar, he would look into the other man’s eyes and think ‘I just fucking had to fall in love with a straight man with anger impulse control.’ The summer after their first deployment as a unit, Gabe and the others were invited up to Missouri to spend two weeks with Maureen and her family. They met Maureen’s husband Sean and their daughter Ava on Ava’s fifth birthday, and Gabe fell in love harder than he’d ever fallen before. Gabe had never really been interested in children, and that still stood, but of all the children in the whole wide world, he was glad that Maureen and Sean had had Ava. She was sweet and always laughing, she was the spitting image of her mother and constantly trying to understand every facet of the world around her, she was intelligent and quick to love, especially when it concerned her mother’s squadmates.  Being a doctor and occasional Black Ops agent was incurably emotionally damaging, but every time they came back from a mission and got their mail call, there was, without fail, a drawing for each of them from little Ava. And those did, inevitably, work wonders. When Ava was eight, Rieker and Harvey spent the summer before deployment road-tripping and drinking in the South. Maureen and Sean spent the month before deployment going on a second honeymoon in Scotland visiting extended family, and Gabe and Dante babysat Ava for the duration. That whole month was the pinnacle of Gabe’s happiness in that era of time, Dante and Ava running through actual fields playing tag in the summer sun, the three of them going to the Ozarks and swimming in the lake, the three of them playing endless games and holding nightly campfires. The image of Dante lit by firelight, singing a silly song designed to make Gabe and Ava laugh, his eyes locked onto Gabe’s and a soft smile replacing the usual steely frown, was too much for Gabe to handle at the time. It felt too much like what he wanted with Dante. Even overseas, Gabe felt at home with this squad, even through the hell of warfare. Which is probably why it all fell apart. In May of 2005, two months before Ava’s twelfth birthday and one month before they were set to go home, Gabe was forced to sit back and watch their commander Lt. Colonel Thaddeus Ross send Maureen out into the field on her own, with no explanation beyond a snotty sneer and a thoroughly uncaring, almost hateful look in those grey eyes. Gabe waited, prayed, wished and fucking hoped she would be fine, but thirty-six hours later she came back with no pulse and half her blood gone. Gabe and Harvey and Rieker had to hold Dante back from killing Ross, and Gabe had to hold the four of them together when they went back for the funeral, Gabe holding little Ava’s hand when the coffin was lowered into the ground, while Sean stared in numb silence at the turned over dirt and the freshly carved headstone. Harvey, ever the realist with what to do next, suggested they leave the Marines. It just...wasn’t the same without Maureen. Gabe, Dante, and Harvey left the Corps. Rieker stayed behind, wanting to give the Corps another chance, but he transferred divisions and started training snipers in Arizona. For a few weeks after everything happened, Gabe and the other squad members parted ways. Gabe went back to Chicago, visited his father's grave, put in some time at a few outreach centers, went to see a shrink to pour his heart out, and drove into the middle of nowhere to scream until he couldn’t talk. Everything was at such a low point, Gabe knew that he really didn’t want to even try to attempt civilian life without Harvey or Rieker or Sean or Ava or Dante, God he didn’t want to ever be without Dante in his life. So Gabe called up Harvey and Rieker, and they tracked Dante down to a hole in the wall, abandoned bar in Harlem. They walked in to find Dante looking around, lost and smaller than Gabe had ever seen him. And without a word about why Dante had bought the place, they fixed it up, and fixed up the two floors above the bar area too, with enough bathrooms and bedrooms to house the four of them and three guests. Gabe stuck around with Harvey and Dante while Rieker went back to Arizona, and while Dante set up ‘Sister Margaret’s’ and while Sean investigated Maureen’s death, Gabe and Harvey and Dante and Rieker helped raise Ava. Gabe taught her how to box, it was her fifteenth birthday present, and he taught her how to fight dirty when needed, cause the good Lord knew that girls weren’t safe on the streets. Lucky for them, turning into some kind of mercenaries was good in that regard. It didn’t clean up Harlem, they were magic, but it did keep Ava safe. A year and some change later, Rieker came back to Harlem for good with a sniper in tow, Wade Wilson, who was carrying a dishonorable discharge and downcast eyes, who had the smartest mouth Gabe’d ever heard. Wade Wilson was mouthy as fuck, but he was a good man and Gabe was glad he was around. Gabe knew what happened to most soldiers with a DD, and he didn’t want that for the guy who helped Ava get over her first douchebag boyfriend and who walked with them all in the Pride Parade. Gabe even liked the Weasel guy Dante hired to watch the bar when they went off on ‘excursions’ around the world. Because Gabe knew, had known for years, that wherever Dante went, he’d follow. It wasn’t perfect, the whole of Ava’s puberty was something of a disaster even though the psychologist Gabe had talked to said they had done good by her, but it was damn near close to perfect. Which was probably why it got ruined. Again. Sean dropped Ava off at Sister Margarets the beginning of July, three weeks before her eighteenth birthday, his eyes alight with the promise of answers. Sean had promised to come home within two weeks with everything they had ever wanted to know about Maureen’s death. Two weeks later Dante came into the bar holding an envelope and a folded flag instead of Sean’s duffel, because Sean Walker had been a Marine too, and that’s what people did for the military when they died. They gave them flags because there was nothing fucking left. Gabe again held Ava’s hand and watched another coffin lowered into the ground in the middle of nowhere Missouri, thinking that this couldn’t be all life has to give them. And Ava changed a bit, a harder look in her eyes than before, a certain set of her shoulders that hadn’t been there before, and though she cried and mourned and screamed her hatred of this development into the world, she soldiered on. Gabe was proud of their girl because Lord was she strong. She went to college, went to a fucking Ivy League school, went to fucking Harvard, and aimed for a triple doctorate, at that. Even as proud as they were, and as aware as they were of Ava’s very impressive skills, none of them liked it when Ava took an offered internship at some hush secret spy organization she wouldn’t give a name to. But Ava was happy, and Gabe knew it couldn’t be a coincidence that whenever the four of them were off around the world doing their not so legal work, they always managed to escape the notice and pursual of any federal forces. The only reason Dante wound up in jail was because getting caught beating the shit out of some scumbag for the tenth time in a year got you thrown in jail, no matter how big of a scumbag said scumbag was.  With Johnson in jail and the jobs asked of them getting weirder and weirder, Gabe could only hope they lasted long enough for Gabe to finally kiss Dante under the mistletoe at Christmas because if he was gonna get one last thing out of his life, it was gonna be his romantic comedy moment, God help him.

Faceclaim: Donnell Baylock Jr

#Venger Fam Legacy #VFL CAS #Gabriel 'St. John' Keller #Dante 'Reddy Freddy' Johnson/Gabriel 'St. John; Keller #Dantel #two roads diverged fic #story on AO3 #Aesthetic