#honest to god though i'm positive that had there been at LEAST one more special after epic winter

[xbomboi]

thoughts about Epic Winter, & reconciling its place in Ever After High’s story as a whole

i wanna talk about epic winter because it—arguably more than any other aspect of the franchise—is definitely ever after high’s ‘ugly duckling’ piece of media, so to speak.

now obviously, a lot of it has to do with being the final big installment in eah’s main story, its premise being a side quest that sidelines the main protagonists in favor of new characters who are comparably far less compelling as the show’s actual leads, leaving the audience without any actual closure to the story which they were following.

in isolation, epic winter isn’t that terrible (though i think most would agree its better parts are the ones centered around already-established characters as opposed to the new ones), but in context it leaves a sour taste.

i entirely understand why anyone rewriting the series would either heavily rework it, only keep more important story beats such as daring’s arc & faybelle’s side plot, or completely remove the outing altogether.

in my case, however, deleting epic winter isn’t an option; my intentions are to continue where ever after high left off, and organically finish what they started. that means epic winter stays in tact, sanity be damned.

with that writing handicap, i can’t edit any pre-existing media in the ever after high animated lineup, which has forced me to brainstorm ways to recontextualize the purpose for epic winter’s place in the story and make the time spent on its story retroactively feel, at the very least, a little more worth it.

and the solution i found comes from viewing all that is introduced in the special through chehkov's gun.

(if you're unfamiliar, chehkov's gun is a narrative rule that everything introduced in a story must be done so with a purpose to serve. i.e. if you give a character a gun, they must shoot it.)

what's done is done; if we have to go on this detour following crystal winter and the top of the world, so be it. but let's pocket it like a tool that can be used later.

so here's my idea: bring crystal and the winter kingdom back into the story later down the line when the events of the story have reached a far more grandiose scale.

basically, i think the best way to use crystal would be when the story reaches a point of confronting and opposing the ruling powers in the fairytale world. having become the new snow queen, naturally, she'd be included in a gathering of the rulers of the kingdoms in the fairytale world.

i want there to be a moment in the story where the ruling powers gather together, and we see familiar faces return (including ones that we'd be introduced to after epic winter but prior to this), such as snow white, king charming, the queen of hearts, and of course, crystal.

with her outlook that would most reasonably be more aligned with the students at ever after high, she could end up being one of-if not the sole person-those present to voice opposition to whatever unfavorable verdict the rest of the rulers have made, as it would serve as direct conflict for the protagonists. she'd find herself outnumbered and ultimately her voice holding little to no power to sway the decision (especially being disregarded for her rather young age). afterwards we'd see her reflect on her frustrations with her colleagues and their rule of the system, thinking about it in terms of what kind of ruler she wants to be, before seeing her find determination towards something, though we aren’t yet shown what she actually decides to do.

the next time we'd see her would then come a little later, the conflict reaching the most dire circumstances. all hope is lost for our heroes; raven, apple, and co. would be down on their luck against odds they're unable to overcome. and that's when crystal would show up to offer her support, providing the numbers of her kingdom as allies to help better the odds. (she wouldn't be the only ally to show up, as this would be a 'getting help from all the friends we made along the way' ordeal. she would simply be one of said friends.)

crystal's help would ultimately play a part in winning the conflict. and because the audience would be familiar with crystal and the winter kingdom to a decent extent way prior to that point, the inclusion of it in the present fight at hand wouldn't feel like an ass-pull or a deus ex machina of sorts; it would make sense and feel earned for the most part.

and i think that's honestly the best thing to be made of epic winter's main adventure. we can't change it or fix it as it is, but we can create a payoff for it all later down the line. think of it like begrudgingly doing chores that lack any enjoyment factor, only to find that afterwards, you're glad you did.

so, yeah, that's my idea for how to give epic winter a genuine purpose. but i'm just spitballing.

#honest to god though i'm positive that had there been at LEAST one more special after epic winter #that shifted focus back to the already established characters and story #even if it was still inconclusive on eah's story as a whole #had it existed #epic winter wouldn't be AS hated as it is #it would most likely still receive a great deal of (deserved) criticism #but there wouldn't be the same amount of disdain held towards it #oh well #eah #ever after high #ever after high epic winter #eah epic winter #epic winter #crystal winter #raven queen #apple white #daring charming #faybelle thorn #ramble #duncontent

[sagemusesoutloud]

Anti-Romantic, Part 2

(credit to the original owner of the image)

Character | Jaehyun x reader

Genre | nonidol!au, Mutual Pining, Slowburn, Fluff

WordCount | 2 K (bitesized for your convenience lol)

Author'sNote | I know this is kinda short, but I've decided not to rush the ending. I'm for sure not drag it out too much, but the slowburn reaaaally got to me and I ended up liking more than I orginially thought, so! I'll be back to post Part 3 tomorrow!

Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4

I know that you love me, It makes me deeply drunk

You’re like champagne, I shouldn’t do this

You’re at the base of the stairs to your apartment complex when he pulls up. The window on the passenger side rolls down.

“Hurry! I think they’re about to wash the machines at the ice cream shop!��� he reaches over and opens your door while you grab your two bags and your pillow. You loved him, you really did, but he had the flattest, most uncomfortable pillows in the world in his guestroom.

“What? Why didn’t you stop there before picking me up? It’s not like you don’t know what I like.” You’re trying to move all your stuff to the backseat as he pulls away.

He sighs, “Thank you Jae, you’re so nice to pick me up,” he mutters. You’d be a bit apologetic if it wasn’t for the grin he was trying to hide. “I’ve already spent most of my ‘special’ day alone, thanks to someone who had to bail on me. I wanna spend the rest with you.”

“I knew it, it bothered you didn’t it?” You accused while fastening your seatbelt. “Next time, just tell me, I know it seems as if I know everything but I actually can’t read minds.” You knew he was just messing with you but for some reason his words cut at the guilty feeling you were trying to push away. “I actually got you something this time around, it’s why I wanted to see you before the day ended.”

Jae parks the car outside the shop before turning to you, “wait, did you really get me something?” You sigh, offended, “well, if you don’t want it or don’t like the idea of it, then I can still return it.”

“I just thought of you when I saw it…” crap, it’s too soon for you to go anywhere near that subject.

“That’s not what I meant,” he shakes his head, “It’s just been a while since we shared birthday gifts.” You look away from him. If he kept this up, you’ll start to regret calling him. Your hands were slightly shaking with the effort of not reaching over and pouring all your feelings into him. Unlike what you’re used to, he was dressed down with a simple t-shirt and grey sweats. He looked so soft, and domestic. You hated how much you loved it. At least for work, you had both always been professionally dressed, which was a nice barrier for your thoughts. If you dressed professional, you felt professional. This helped control your thoughts. But now that you were here with him, it was definitely harder to keep track of your thoughts.

Today was a day for him, not for you. You took in a deep breath as you turn to look at the shop. It looked like they were getting ready to start closing duties. Even if you weren’t looking at him, you could feel your heart race with acute awareness to his proximity in the small car. He was waiting for a response.

You open your door, “yeah well…if we don’t hurry, we won’t get those diabetes-inducing bombs you’re so fond of. And this all would have been for naught.” You needed to get a grip, fast.

I can clearly see the end, Worse than a hangover

It will be hard, Now, Just end it somewhere here

“I can’t believe you told them it was my birthday,” he groaned, pushing off his shoes at the door. You followed suit.

“Of course I did, it meant free goodies!” You raise the plastic bag with macarons. “It just sucks that they’re all valentine’s themed.” You make your way to the kitchen to put away the snacks you brought, dumping your overnight bag at the door of the guestroom. Maybe if you kept the heart-shaped gift out of sight, it won’t make you as nervous with him.

“I brought your fave by the way, chocolate covered almonds and gummy bears,” you call out. He appears in the kitchen, hair out of his way with a headband. Be still my heart, you thought. You decide to hyper-focus on placing some snacks on a plate to bring to the living room.

“So, what’s the plan?” He reaches over you to grab a water bottle from the fridge, brushing your hip with his front. No no no no no no no!

Was he teasing you? You knew that your face would give you away, you could feel how warm your ears and cheeks were. You hated how honest your face was, and it didn’t help that Jae knew you like the back of his hand. Maybe this is how he is nowadays? Flirty and confident? You’d be lying if you didn’t find it attractive, but not when his attention was only directed at you. You felt like you were slowly suffocating but even that wouldn’t stop the warm light that seemed to burst from your chest.

It seemed so easy to pretend you were closer to him, to pretend this happened all the time. That you were close enough to reciprocate his flirty actions.

“uh, em,” you clear your throat, “actually, I remembered you wanting to see that movie last time we hung out. I have it ready in my apple tv account.” You back away with the tray, “can you also grab me a water?” your throat was suddenly parched.

You settle in the couch, grabbing the throw blanket behind you. Any physical barrier you could place between you, you’d take it gratefully. “You remembered? That was almost three months ago, when the trailer came out.” He handed you your water and grabbed at the corner of the blanket nearest to him, covering himself with it and moving closer to you so that you both could fit under it.

“Jae, there’s another blanket on your side of the couch,” you wanted to feel embarrassed but you just felt an unexpected giddy feeling at him wanting to be near you. “Yeah but it’s my birthday and this blanket is my favorite,” he says as he pulls you closer and wraps his arm behind you on the couch.

“here, put in your credentials so we can start the movie,” he hands you the remote.

You suddenly thank your lucky stars that the movie was an action packed one and not a romantic one. You couldn’t help but sink further into his side, wanting to be comfortable. As the movie starts, he takes the remote from your hand and wraps your arm around him. “I’m cold, keep me warm,” he mutters. Oh sweet Jesus.

Back in the day, this wouldn’t have been something new. Your friends knew you were very heavy with the affectionate touches. A hug, sharing seats, even holding hands. You never shied away from it because it was part of how you showed your friends that you loved them. Some of your friends were also this way, so it was never weird. But now that you’re older, and now that it’s been a long long time since you’ve been close to someone else, the once innocent touches Jae was giving you felt like hot brands across your shoulders and under your arm. If you focused enough, you could feel his hard work at the gym in the way your softness gave way to the hard contours of his leg that pressed against yours and how your shoulder leaned against his chest.

This was going to be a long movie.

You prayed that Jae wouldn’t ask you what the movie was about, you only had enough sanity to pay attention to the first fifteen minutes. It was all a blur after Jae pulled you half over on his lap, “you’re hogging the blanket, move over,” was the only excuse he gave.

Now, your legs were tangled with his and you sat almost on his lap, his arms encircling you from behind. He felt so soft and every little movement made your skin break out in goosebumps. You felt like a live wire about to explode.

“D-did you like it?” you started shifting to the side so you could face him but he held you tighter in place, resting his chin on your shoulder. “yeah, it was pretty good, we have to wait for the end credits though. I heard that they’re starting to give hints about The Eternals.”

“Did you like it?” he squeezes your middle.

Did you? You’re not sure, but you sure as hell loved the attention you were getting for the past two and half hours. “Yeah, all Marvel movies are great,” you finally concede.

“Wanna watch another one? You can pick this time,” his hand started tracing through your arm as you waited for the stupid end scene that was taking too long to start. Is it getting hot in here?

“Sure, whatever you want,” you mutter. He could have asked you for the most ridiculous thing and you would have still agreed to it.

Jae wakes with a start, the room was dark, the only light came from the still on TV. A show was playing softly, the clock under the tv read 3:45 am. He felt pretty hot, was the A/C not working?

He begins to shift when he realizes the position you both are in. Your legs were still tangled together, as if unconsciously refusing to let go of the proximity. You gripped his shoulder, your breath hitting his neck as you slept soundly on top of him. God, if this is a dream, let me never wake up, he thinks.

He usually hates being too close to someone, any sort of intimacy was bad news to Jaehyun. Either emotionally or physically, he kept everyone at a distance because he had seen it too often. How people settled for something they weren’t sure of and hurting those involved. He was aware he was too logical sometimes, but it’s what he knew to protect himself. Moments like these, they only lead to expectations and empty feelings, leaving behind only pain that even time couldn’t heal sometimes.

But why was he finding it so hard to untangle himself from your embrace? He should go to his bed and sleep comfortably, but at the same time, having you in his arms felt just right. Like two pieces of a puzzle finally coming together.

He could smell the light scent that was you and it almost made him squeeze you closer, as if it was possible. You smelled of spring, a light floral scent that reminded him of better days.

He was glad he woke up, he was going to enjoy every second of peace this brought him. He would store it in a little box and hold on tightly when the cold reality came back. As he fought with his drowsiness, he felt you nestle closer. He kissed the crown of your head as he finally gave in to sleep. I hope I dream of you… If this was love, he finally understood why sometimes the pain was worth a shot.

So stupid, sweet love song, extravagant rom-com

As much as I was happy, on the receipt there’s a red line

EndNote | I know this chapter was pretty short. In all honesty, I had written something else before deleting it entirely and starting again, but I really like the direction the story is going now. Hopefully I can update Part 3 tomorrow, but I'm really excited about it!

Previous: Part 1 | Next: Part 3

#anti romantic #jaehyun fic #jaehyun fluff #nct #nct 127 #kpopfanfic #nct x reader #jaehyun x reader #nct fluff #nct jaehyun #jaehyun scenarios #kpopfluff #nct u #nct 2020 #nct imagines #nct 127 jaehyun #office au #fic #stream #txt #anti-romantic!! #will this be a 5 part series? #slowburn series

[purplerose244]

My thoughts on Ninjago the Island!!! 🏝🏝🏝

So, gotta be honest... this is not a Blind reaction thing, I actually watched it in French first so I know most of the stuff already 😅 It's entertaining, it got great animation, but nothing more than that in my opinion 🤷‍♀️

Still there is stuff I liked or I want to point out, and finally I'm seeing the English version so I can actually understand what the HECK they are saying 🤩

Alright, nothing else to say, here we go!

UNCHARTED

I haven't actually seen anything Clutch Powers related before Ninjago, is he always like this? I love that he is a jerk honestly, just wondering 😂

Press F for respect for intern Dwaine (at least he seems to like being... used?)

Clutch: It's just a bunch of rocks! It's not alive!

Totem: I'm about to end this man's whole career

Wait, Misako is part of the explorers club? ... that would have come in handy in season 11 to get the scroll of Forbitten Spinjitzu from the club instead of begging uncle Powers for it... *sighs* I don't mind plot holes in Ninjago like most fans I think, but if you wanna make Misako relevant again at least pay attention to the details 😅

Wow, after the end of season 13 I would've thought Wu was going to go through a midlife crisis, not Misako 😂😂

Oww, everytime I hear I get 😢 Bless your soul Kirby, always in our hearts 🖤🖤🖤

Well hello Brian

Always nice to see you 😊

Twitchy Tim must have been pretty interesting to voice 🤔 I like him enough, he's fun and all, maybe not at the level of the characters we got last season

Okay, the place is called the STORM belt, there are LIGHTNINGS, and the sand of the beach is BLUE. Are we gonna address any of these similarities to our Bluebell here or not? 😅

Wait, Tim was giving a hot air balloon tour, does that mean other people where with him? What of them? Are they dead? Did he let them die on the island?... am I reading too much into this? Probably 🤷‍♀️🤷‍♀️

Alright, the part of the boats? SO COOL 🤩🤩 I literally can't say anything bad about the animation at this point

Why did they think leaving Kai, Jay and Cole on one boat was going to be a good idea 😂 Also Zane just randomly doing sick tricks on his vehicle, love that nindroid

I'm guessing Nya is keeping her water abilities for her season 🤷‍♀️

Yep, yep, this is why the creators try to keep Pixal out of the adventures, with her everything is way too cool and easy to access to 😎😎

Twitchy Tim: There are statues that become alive!!

Lloyd:... so it's a season 2 stone army ripoff, we've seen worse

It's a cute episode overall 👍

THE KEEPERS OF THE AMULET

OKAY THE INTRO IS SO FREAKING COOL 🤩🤩🤩🤩

So Twitchy Tim has temporarily taken over Jay's role of spazzing out and complain about worse case scenarios... in another occasion they might have bonded over this, maybe 😂

Okay, survival position? MOOD

Nya: DRAGOOON 😱

Me: DRAGOOOOOOON 😍😍😍

Why am I not surprised that Jay was the one that named him Zippy? 💙 Also HE'S SO CUTE 💕💕💕 Love how in every adventure, we always get very different types of dragon in this show 👌 I'm a simple person, I see a dragon... 🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩

Oh-oh, it's the "Lloyd's done with this crap"'s face

This means serious business... am I that used to LEGO characters that this way of crossing arms on the chest looks almost normal to me? 😅

Soooo, Master of the Mountain clearly gave Cole too much development... because now he got demoted to "the one who is always hungry" 🤦‍♀️ I'm all for Cole's endearing love for cakes, which is super relatable, but if you're gonna push it on his fun side, at least be coherent 🙃

Is it just me or it feels like the writing of this special was made by someone different from the one of season 13? Like, it's not bad, just less engaging and witty. For now. Maybe I'm being premature 🤷‍♀️

New way of nerfing powers, we got... weird, sucking power totem thingies... OKAY

My gosh I really can't say anything about the animation, look at that! It's all cinematic with such a light! YES!! 🤩

I'M SORRY

WHY ARE WE LOOKING OVER THIS??? IT LOOKS LIKE COLE'S LAVA PUNCHES BUT THEY ARE JAY LIGHTNING FEET??? IT'S A GREAT IDEA AND I WOULD LOVE TO SEE IT AGAIN??? WHY ARE WE IGNORING THIS??? 💙💙💙💙

So they at least addressed that lightning isn't a Jay's thing only anymore 😅

Alright, Jay having a mental breakdown because of a bridge because it always breaks, that's the Bluebell I know and love 😂😂 Nya telling him to keep moving was cute too 💙❤💙❤

Okay, I'm sorry but this really bothers me, what kind of lightning can instantly knock out the MASTER OF LIGHTNING??? Like, my gosh, really??? I hope they give us an explanation, like it's some sort of special lightning, because this really doesn't sit right with me. Jay is lightning proof, we've seen it in Skybound, we've seen it in Sons of Garmadon, I DON'T BELIEVE HE WOULD JUST BE KNOCKED OUT LIKE THAT 😡😡😡

Soooooo, storm amulet? Being one with the lightning? Is that the reason why Jay got to be the sacrifice? 😅

THE GIFT OF JAY

Alright, I am kinda looking forward for this one, what did Bluebell actually say or do to get him into trouble this time 😂😂

Oh, he just... introduced himself... well that was underwhelming

SENSEI👏YOU👏ARE👏A👏FREAKING👏GOD👏STOP👏GETTING👏KIDNAPPED👏BY👏RANDOM👏VILLAINS👏

Bring ooooon Lloyd Grills 💪

Okay I did like the little speech, definitely resonates with how Lloyd survived this long even though everything wanted him to give up, even his father... I'M NOT CRYING YOU'RE CRYING 😭

Jay out there making the real questions 😂

Awwww Edna used to call him gift of Jay? I can totally see it, so cute 💙💙 Makes even more sense if Libber actually left Jay at the Walkers' door...

Pff, Jay made the connection I would've done honestly 🤷‍♀️ Like, him being the master of lightning really didn't give these dudes any impression or inspiration? Any cool idea, full Road of El Dorado style? 🙃🙃

Lloyd out there abusing of the animation budget 💚💚💚

Somehow these ninja never actual sneak in, it's always a huge mess everyone knows about beforehand 😂 It's familiar though, I'm used to it and happy with it 👍

I might not be the biggest Misako fan, but you know what I am a fan of?

LEGO HUGS 😍😍😍😍😍

Dang it uncle Powers, you just got here to make a mess did you 😅

Not the first person of the fandom to say this, but Jay looks absolutely lovely with that flower crown 🌺🌺🌺

Oh poor greenie

Lloyd just has the worst luck 😓

Jay: Why would I be the gift?

Kai: Yeah who would want Jay?

Nya: Huh, me?? 😡

Got some very good Jaya for this little special, can't complain 💙❤💙❤

I mean, not matter how big of a snake Wojira might turn out to be, we've already seen the biggest and the second biggest snake of all so 🤷‍♀️🤷‍♀️

Whoa, at last... IT WAS THE FIRST SPINJITZU MASTER THAT HAD SOMETHING HE SHOULD'VE TOLD WU A LONG TIME AGO!! 😱 Wu, you got pulled a Wu, how does it feel? 😂

Again, Jay freaking out, kinda my jam it's too funny 💙💙

Wow Kai way to be hominous offscreen 👏👏 I miss talking about my flame babe, this really isn't his time 🤷‍♀️

THE TOOTH OF WOJIRA

So when I first watched this I was genuinely, really excited about knowing the truth behind all this. It turned out very different from what I first thought, but at least in this case it's okay (besides I was pushing with the lightning meaning just to see Libber again 😅😅😅)

I feel like the guys get their powers stolen or blocked so much it takes them a minute to remember "Oh wait I can literally burn my way out" 🤷‍♀️

SPINJITZU YAY 🤩

I... forgot that Misako knows how to fight 😅 She knows how to do spinjitzu too if I remember correctly...

NYA BEING LIKE "OUT OF THE WAY IMMA SAVE MY BOYFRIEND AGAIN" ❤💙❤💙

Gotta love how they were all crazy worried about Jay, like, this is something that never changes through the show. They really care so so much for each other 💕💕💕

Ooohhhh, okay, so Wojira does seem to be the main villain of next season according to the story. I remember Tommy saying that we needed to have faith and this is probably why. The special was okay, nothing too much, and hopefully that too much we will see in Nya's season 😍😍😍

What the- pff, I didn't notice this the first time 😂

At this point I can't tell if that one short with the chicken of the movie carried a hate or a love for chickens in the actual show 😂😂

Nice to see Jay standing up for himself at least for a little while 💪 Also Lloyd being "He's our trouble", aww family 💜

THERE IT IS

MY BRUISE HEART IS SOARING 🖤💙🖤💙

Gotta give props to the voice actors, voicing an explanation while fighting must be pretty hard! WE ARE BLESSED WITH AN AMAZING CAST!!! 🤩🤩🤩

And there he is, our favorite jerk... shaved Ronin 😂 He does look a little weird, but it's fair, new animation and all. Not the weirdest until now 🤷‍♀️

I genuinely had to make a mental check to see where we are with Ronin now, like, he started as a villain, then a partner, he betrayed us, became an ally, he hunted the ninja, then joined them, that timeline was erased, he was around in SoG and... wow this man is chaotic 😂😂

Yaaaay, Twitchy's last minute redemption act! Lloyd is too good at motivational speeches 👏👏

A bit of Lava OTP/BrOTP

Cause it's good for the heart ❤🖤❤🖤

Okay, Scooby doo reference, why not? Also honestly, I'm confident Ronin has seen A LOT of jails and prisons... probably won't stay behind bars for long 😅

Mammatus: sorry for imprisoning you and almost killing your friend

Kai: no biggie, that's how we make friends in this show

Alright the "And Clutch Powers" gag made me chuckle 😂 ... wait where is he- DANG IT UNCLE POWERS

Okay, this is the last time I say it I promise, but I mean. I MEAN

THE ANIMATION GUYS 😍😍😍

Aaaaand sensei you jinxed it 😅 But you apparently awakened Nya's season so I'm gonna forgive you on this one 😉

FINAL THOUGHTS

There are a few little details that bothered me a little, and it wasn't as exciting as I maybe hoped it was going to be, but it was fine. Enjoyable still. These characters make me like the show, even when it got nothing too impactful 🤷‍♀️

But I got triggered about that lightning thing with Jay 😅 I guess I'll just fanfic whatever I had in mind...

Don't have to repeat myself about the animation *chef's kiss*

The writing was really less engaging, a little normal in a way? Idk just a feeling. Nice to see Ronin again though, I really like him. And nice to see Jay freaking out, I really like that too 😂

To be honest I wanted to put down my thoughts on this one because I REALLY wanna do the same with Nya's season 🤩🤩 I already know that Maya is gonna be there and I am so HAPPY already!!! 💙💙💙

So that's it from me! Thank you for reading me ranting, see you next season! 😊

#ninjago #jay walker #ninjago jay #kai smith #ninjago kai #ninjago nya #nya smith #lloyd garmadon #ninjago cole #cole brookstone #ninjago lloyd #zane julien #ninjago zane #pixal borg #ninjago pixal #lego ninjago #ninjago season 14 #ninjago the island #ninjago spoilers #spoilers #master wu #ninjago wu #ronin #ninjago ronin #ninjago misako #clutch powers

[hopelessdreamersonly]

ONE MORE MINUTE.

Nate(Near)RiverxFem!Reader

Fluff

So, has been a while since I wrote and posted it in wattpad. I did it in my native language while I was really inspired because I love Near with my entire life, lol. It took me a while to translate because I was not in the mood and I do not see a lot of people who like the character, too. But I really wanted to post it again before 2021, I liked it the first time I did and it was the first scenario that I finished, so it has a special place in my heart, tehee.

I hope you like it and have in mind that english is not my first language, so please forgive me if there are any mistakes. Good reading. 💕🐢

    The man who was once called Near was in his nerves. The notebook that caused so much loss and pain was now being sold and the easiest way to stop it was reaching the Shinigami. An easy thing to do, you may assume. The problem was the lack of eyes. Only six people, including Near himself, were able to see the Death God, and look for him with only those twelve eyes... well, it would take way more time than they had.

   With this thought in mind, the now L was trying to develop a mechanism that should be able to recognise a shinigami's face, or at least Ryuk's. The 3D image of Ryuk without his eyes would be enough to make a child cry (to be honest, even an adult), but not L. He kept the usual patience that made it possible for him to become the sucessor of the World's Greatest Detective while wondering himself if it wasn't pointless to try to do something so out of reach.  Even though he already knew it was near to the impossible to create a mechanism of that level, have to repeat that out loud to Lidner kinda that made him feel a little upset. It was not looking right to him.

      While putting the second eye on that monstrosity's replica, L wondered himself if the orders he was giving to Lidner and Rester were somehow different of just telling them to stay still. Not that move in some way would make any difference, A-Kira was truly smart, and seemed to be acting with extra caution. He really was a hell of a rival. The albino was feeling as if the whole situation had just become senseless. He wasn't really against A-Kira, he just got interested in him because of his intelligence, so way to go so far? But, even like that, the idea of just stand there frustrated him.

      He accepted his fate when Aizawa sent the security cameras fotages. Since that moment, he knew there was nothing else to be done.

— I see...

His monotone voice was present, passing a fake image of his usual cool temper while making the replica he had worked for the past few hours explode.

— That's it.

Was all he said while laying again on his back, taking off a piece of the replica that got stuck on his face when it blew.

— "That's it"? L, aren't you going to act?

— If the Shinigami is really moving under the floor, there's nothing much we can do. We can't localise him and even if we could, we would not be able to reach him — the man said while breathing heavily again and resting his left arm on his forehead — all we can do is to sit and wait.

Lidner was kinda worried. She had known the detective for long enough to know when something was wrong with him and it was not normal to see him admitting fate. But there's was nothing she could do while leaving the building together with Rester.

While his mind was lost in a fine line between one million of thoughts and any thought at all, Nate's eyes reached his phone, sitting next to him. Even if he wasn't really someone that into cellphones or things like that, for some reason he felt as if he couldn't avoid to look at it.

It didn't take long for him to grab it and disk the only number he could think of.

— ... L?

Only hearing her voice already made his heart slow down it's beats, making his muscles relax and his body release all the pressure, but he was not experienced enough to say it to her and leave the indifference behind.

— If you're not busy, come over.

      Only thirty minutes passed since he received a positive response to his "invitation" when it was possible to hear the sound of  the elevator opening, followed by sounds of steps that Near scarily could recognise.

— Hey... I'm here.

The characteristic softness of her voice sounded like an hearing therapy to Nate. But him, obviously, didn't even bother to look at her while kept piling balls and dices in what would become an endless tower if he wasn't stopped.

— L, what is that?

She asked already in front of him in the bed, referring to what used to be a replica of Ryuk.

— A Shinigami's wreck.

He answered in a simple way, without even looking at the female.

She blinked a few times, trying to process if he was being serious or making some kind of joke. The second theory didn't sound probable to her.

— Ok, this is... definitely not weird.

Her brow was furrowed in confusion, but she had a smile in her face.

The detective's company walked to the carpet beside his notebook's desk, where the biggest part of the "Shinigami's wreck" was found and started to take the pieces one by one, cleaning it.

— I wonder how you could break it to this level... it almost look like you blew it.

She said that as a joke, but was right. It was something common to happen, by the way.

— That's because I did.

— You... what?

She took a moment to process it, but soon after looked at him with an annoyed expression that was rare to be manifested in her face.

He already knew he was in trouble, but being her, it was easier to just sit and hear her scold.

— Near, why did you do that? You could've got hurt! If you wanted to get rid of it, you could just trow it on the trash or even ask Gevanni to do so!

The fact that she called him by his childhood nickname did not passed unnoticed by Nate, that secretly found the action adorable.

He left the pile of cubes and balls that was working on (that by the way now was already way bigger than it was when the girl first arrived) and now sat on the edge of the bed, in his usual posture, this time hugging his right leg and resting his chin on the right knee.

- Who knows.

She was mad because of how irresponsible he was with himself and it made she feel mad about his indifferent behavior towards his health too.

— Afterwards, why did you call me? Did you need me for something?

Her hands were now resting in her hips while she glared at Nate with a definitely not friendly face. She looked like an angry mom waiting for an answer.

He was going to answer, but didn't have time when she noticed the small cut in his cheekbone.

— Nate, you're bleeding...

She stated while approaching him, touching the cut's place in a delicate way.

— That thing cut you when it blew, didn't it?

— ... yes.

It was all he could answer while habitually started to play with a strand of his hair, maidely avoiding her gaze.

At this time, she didn't even bother on scolding him, just left the room without saying a word.

Near was divided in 50/50 if she was either walking to calm herself down or if she was looking for some weapon to finally kill him. Maybe both.

It didn't take long for her to come back, though, carrying a tiny towel and a single band-aid with her.

River watched carefully as she approached him and gently took his chin in her left hand, raising slightly his head so she could pass the towel slowly over his cut, cleaning it.

The man flinched lightly under her touch and she furrowed her eyebrows in the failed tentative to mask the fact that she felt bad for "hurting" him.

— This is you fault. If you were more careful, I wouldn't have to be doing it now.

Both Nate and the girl didn't notice what his eyes were doing, but he was staring at her. She looked so beautiful when focused that it was almost impossible not to feel mesmerised by her features.

He only realized that was gazing when she put herself to talk again, after finishing taking care of his cut.

 — I think I overreact... it was not that bad as it seemed.

Said and put herself up again, but before the she could leave, was surprised by a pair of arms evolving her waist. At first, she didn't know how to react to that. It's not as if they never hugged before, but it's been a while...

 She kept her hands in the air for fraction of moment, feeling her heart warm as River borrowed his face inconsequently in her chest.

— Nate...

— Let's just stay like this for one more minute.

— ... ok.

#near x reader #deathnote #deathnotexreader #deathnoteimagine #nateriver #nateriverxreader #neardeathnote #deathnotescenario

[mewtonian-physics]

An Honest Review of Nancy Drew: The Final Scene

Spoilers under the cut!

Hi! Penny (not that one) here with the next installment of my Nancy Drew game reviews!

In case you haven’t seen the previous reviews, a quick overview of how I’ll be doing this:

I’m going to include several different factors in my review of each game. First, the plot; obvious enough. The plot is, after all, the driving force behind the game. I’ll also be talking about what I think of the characters, as well as how fun it is to play/replay, and the general atmosphere/setting of the game too. And, of course, I’ll talk about my opinions of the music. I’m not going to be doing any ratings or anything like that, no numbers will be coming into these reviews; I’m just going to say my honest thoughts. (Even when they are not nice thoughts.)

Please remember that these reviews will be my entirely subjective opinions! If you disagree with me on any points, that’s absolutely your prerogative, and in fact, I’d love to discuss it with you and hear some perspectives aside from my own. These reviews are not meant to hurt or invalidate anyone’s feelings, but only to put forth my own.

So without further ado, my review of The Final Scene!

Plot

I really like the plot of this game. This is one of those games where it kind of has two plots going on, but it ties them together so seamlessly that most of the time you can barely even tell. See, Nancy is tagging along with her friend Maya Nguyen, who is going to interview a famous TV 'hunk'--and no, this does not mark the reappearance of Rick Arlen, thank god--but when she goes in to interview him, Maya disappears! Nancy is told that her friend is hidden somewhere in the Royal Palladium theater, but here's the problem--the theater is going to be demolished in just three days, which doesn't leave her much time to find Maya and get out of there. With the police being incredibly unhelpful and the clock ticking down, Nancy has to either find Maya or stop the demolition before the theater is destroyed with her friend inside it! Her search for Maya is interspersed with the discovery of the history behind the old theater, weaving the kidnapping plot together with the hunt for the theater's true owner in such a way that they fit perfectly. After all, the owner might be able to stop the demolition in time to save Maya--but only if Nancy can figure out who it is before time runs out! It's a really stellar and well-crafted plot, and it deserves all the praise I'm giving it.

I also really enjoy the backstory they give this game. I am a fan of Harry Houdini (look up his relationship with Sir Arthur Conan Doyle some time, it's hilarious) and stage magicians in general, so it's really fun for me.

Characters

This is another game with a quite colorful cast of characters. We have Brady Armstrong, a popular actor; Simone Mueller, his agent; Nicholas Falcone, an activist; and Joseph Hughes, the theater's caretaker.

I would be remiss to not mention just how fantastic Nancy's interactions with the characters are in this game. She's so sassy and sharp with everyone, her impatience and fear for Maya coming out in fire. Thank you, Nancy.

As for the characters themselves... they are a bit of a mixed bag in terms of quality, as far as I'm concerned. I really couldn't care less about Brady. I find him annoying and whiny (I'm so sorry your life is so hard, Mr. Famous Actor) and he seems to share all of Rick Arlen's worst personality traits, so really, it's just a hard thumbs-down on this one.

Simone, though. Wow! Pardon the language, but she is such a bitch, and I love it. The absolute nerve she has! Using Maya's disappearance as nothing more than a publicity stunt is a truly coldhearted move, and it really just establishes her as exactly who she is: a ruthless, ambitious, calculating woman who is willing to do anything to get what she wants.

Nicholas is popular for obvious reasons. He's passionate about his work, is fun to talk to, and has a long history with the theater that further drives his resolve. Also, I love the way he is just so unimpressed with Brady. Me too, Nick. Me too.

Joseph, on the other hand, is just a sweet, harmless old man who doesn't want to lose the theater he loves so much... except it turns out that he's not so sweet and harmless after all. In fact, he's so desperate to save the theater that he is willing to go to any length to do so, including kidnapping. I remember how absolutely horrified I was when he was revealed as the culprit, but in the end, his character was so well-developed that I could almost understand how he got there. The theater was essentially the only home he had--of course he wouldn't want to lose it! Unfortunately, he went way too far trying to keep it.

Gameplay

...Yeah, I have some complaints about the gameplay here, and by 'some complaints' I mean the 3-day mechanic. While it makes sense in the context of the plot, I hate it. It'll come back in a later game, and I hate it there, too. Having to try and figure out exactly what I have to do each day to get the plot to move forward is something that really frustrates me, especially since I also have to figure out what I can't do until the next day, when hey, maybe I just want to do that thing now. Also I have a special hatred for the key machine just because of how much time it took from me. Yes, I know that's a me problem. I know. I don't replay this game often because even years after I first played it, it still frustrates me to no end. Fuck the 3-day mechanic. Let me do what I want.

Atmosphere

The setting is so lovely! I love exploring the theater, I love looking at all the posters. It's so real and beautiful-looking, but clearly has been falling into some disrepair, which also adds a bit of a spooky vibe to it. Details like the gum and the popcorn really help immerse the player--what's a theater without a little mess, after all? And I positively adore the old touches like the game in the lobby--and I hate the key machine, but it really does add a lot to the setting. But you're on thin fucking ice, key machine. Thin. Fucking. Ice.

The more hidden areas are also incredible, especially the magician's room--I wish I could go there in real life! But, um... I never want to see that card machine. Ever. God, that thing creeps me out.

Music

The music in this game is sooooooo good! In fact, I'd say it's perfect. It has this lovely old-timey sound to it that, when combined with the incredible way the theater is rendered, really makes me feel like I'm there. It also has several tracks which are downright creepy! This isn't at all a game I would consider one of the scary ones, but it has a more subtle fear to it, and some of the music really brings that out. Maya's theme is also superb. I love how dramatic and intense it sounds, and the mixed-in shouts at the beginning of it. It's perfect. I have so much love for this game's soundtrack, I think it was really well-made.

Conclusion

This is another of those games that I would definitely recommend. The characters are good, the plot is great, and the atmosphere and music are just stunning. It definitely has less enjoyable elements (*cough* 3-day mechanic *cough*) but any fan of the series should definitely play it at least once.

See you next time, when I review game #6: Secret of the Scarlet Hand!

#nancy drew #the final scene #nd honest reviews

[what-even-is-thiss]

How would you know when you're a bad person? I always see posts about you shouldn't doubt you're a good person then right behind it is people complaining how people don't seem to change and Someone telling their story of someone being an asshole. I'm so terrified of being a bad person, but i can't tell if I am or not.

So, a few things about that. First, these are just my personal beliefs about what makes someone a good person and I hesitate to call anyone a bad person. I tend to see people as misguided or shortsighted instead. So what I’m about to tell you is heavily influenced by a Lutheran worldview. Your opinions and beliefs may differ.

I think, first things first, come to terms with the fact that you’re gonna be an asshole sometimes. I don’t mean like say “I’m an asshole and this is just who I am” I mean like you’re gonna mess up. You’re gonna sin. That’s just life. But like mistakes or sinning or however you wanna look at it isn’t really a horrible action by a horrible person. A sin or a mess up is just missing the mark. You aimed your dart at the center of the board and you missed.

Some people lead a life that eventually leads them to purposefully aim darts at other people’s eyes on a regular basis. I assume you are not one of these people. However, once in a while you may overshoot the entire board and hit someone in the foot. When that happens, whether the person hit in the foot forgives you or not, you’re both gonna have to move on from it.

If you move on from your mistake by refusing to even try to learn from your mistake and keep repeatedly shooting people in the foot that’s when you get into maybe assholeish territory.

The way to avoid being an asshole on a regular basis in my view is first of all be open to new ideas. Including the idea that you might be wrong about a lot of things. Nobody likes to be wrong. Especially when you see yourself as a good person. But like actively being a good person isn’t easy. Nobody is just born super nice and kind. Just hang out around some five year olds for a while and you’ll see what I mean. Deciding to be a certain kind of person takes effort. It’s a lifelong commitment. Willingness to learn when you’ve been a jerk and act on your new knowledge is very important.

Now, there are many different kinds of good people in this world. In Christianity we call these different categories of ways people can be helpful spiritual gifts. But in a secular sense they’re ways that a person is really good at bringing kindness and love to their community. And there’s a lot of emphasis in my church on finding what your spiritual gift is and how you can use it to put more good into the world. It doesn’t have to be an inherently spiritual or religious thing though in my view. Are you working towards creating good in your own special way? Are you really good with kids and good at making them feel loved? Are you a good public speaker and very outspoken about issues that are important to you? Are you good at crafting and make wonderful little pieces of art for your loved ones that make them feel loved? There’s a lot of ways that you can put a little more kindness and love into the world and even very small things can add up.

Now as for the day to day and not your overall impact on the world, that’s a tricky one. And it’s tricky because you can’t anticipate how other people will respond to you. I’m a very blunt person. I find it very difficult to not be blunt. And in my family and in my family’s culture bluntness is polite in most circumstances. Saying what you mean and solving any issues you have out in the open is what we do. It’s our way of being kind. But I’ve learned as I get older that not everybody likes that. Some people need things cushioned and sweetened for them. And when people talk to me like that I feel like they’re lying to me. That they’re hiding something and can’t be trusted. And when I talk to them bluntly they think that I openly hate them. But at some level that’s just a cultural difference. And there’s cultural differences and mental differences and differences in what people ate for lunch all around you. Are you willing to adapt to that sort of thing? It’s hard. But we’ve all gotta do it at some point.

Like.... there’s no way to quantify if you’re a good person or not I’m sorry to say. What you can do though is keep learning. You know what I mean? Like what are the ways you can make a positive impact on the world while still taking care of yourself? How are you adjusting as you communicate with those around you? Are you listening to them? Watching how they respond? If you’re making an honest effort then I think you’re a good person. You’re probably a jerk sometimes. We all are. Everybody has a lot of garbage in them. But according to my beliefs at least everybody has a little bit of divine love and goodness in them too. And neither the goodness nor the garbage ever fully goes away. The worst people in history have often had good intentions and the most loved people in history have had a few skeletons in their closets.

At the end of the day worrying constantly about whether or not you’re a good person will only add to the stress in your life and God knows there’s enough stress in the world right now. Are you trying? Are you listening? Are you taking care of yourself and others? Then you’re probably doing fine. Just do your best. Don’t think about yourself in black and white terms. Being a “good person” is a lifelong process that never really finishes. It’s not just a thing that you are.

[rivalsforlife]

AAA thank you for the commentary and also for the links for the art + the piece with kay giving miles a hug, i hadn't seem them!! miles really really needed that hug :C since you said you like doing commentary, i'm so sorry, but can i ask for phoenix and miles talking in the hospital in chapter 7? reading the commentary about The Scene made me rush to read it again right after haha take your time though, i get these are long to do and all!! thank you again!

Anonymous said:

Wait hold on I would purchase this DVD Director’s Cut Commentary on your fics in heartbeat! I only just realized that you were doing them. Sorry to be another catch up game request and sorry that it’s a somewhat long passage, but could you comment on the scene where Phoenix and Miles reconcile in Miles’ hospital room in chapter 8?

Got two asks for this one so I guess I have to do it haha! (And I’m assuming the first anon meant chapter 8 instead of chapter 7 haha.)

and also @\ second anon request I am so glad to hear that there’s a market for my 150 hour long DVD that’s me reading my fics and then rambling about them repetitively the whole time, maybe I can drop out of school after all! (jokesjokes)

Anyways!! the scene!! under the cut!!

I totally lied I have a few things to talk about first... this is probably one of the scenes I fiddled around the most with at the last minutes before publishing, because like I said in my commentary of The Scene at the end of chapter 5, it got a much bigger reaction than I was anticipating and then I was side-eyeing the rest of this fic to make sure it worked out haha. Particularly this scene, since it’s sort of the resolution to the end of chapter 5, so I wanted it to work out alright without it seeming like it just... wrote off everything that happened with chapter 5.

Okay I’ll start now I promise.

Phoenix’s heart pounded in his chest to a degree he thought might have something to do with a health condition. Maybe it was in the pamphlets. Kay reached around him, knocked on the door, and gave him a wink before darting away. How disrespectful.

meddlesome thief daughter is determined to help get her totally-not-a-dad a boyfriend. Also Phoenix is way more intimidated by the thought of an Honest Emotional Conversation than he is at running into a burning building which I think is in character, honestly.

“Come in,” said Edgeworth’s muffled voice, so Phoenix gave himself one moment to take a deep breath and then entered the room.

Edgeworth sat in the bed by the window, looking at his burnt and bent out-of-shape Steel Samurai figurine perched on the windowsill. At least it had been recovered; Edgeworth was fond of that one. Edgeworth himself was definitely worse for wear, with his hands bandaged and gripping tightly to his inner arms, and his skin a sickly pale colour where it wasn’t bruised, but he was awake and alive and the sight was nearly breathtaking.

hhghgh okay confession time! Up until I was about halfway through the fic the big moments in chapter 7 went down a little differently - originally this was going to involve, like, Miles getting kidnapped by the mafia group he was taking down and then Phoenix would go in and break him out of there, but then I ended up taking it out because I wasn’t really Vibing with it and it just seemed too dramatic and implausible... but honestly what I went with was probably equally dramatic and implausible, so no points there for me.

I mean I kinda regret burning down the prosecutor’s office. If I had more time to prepare/edit or I guess if I could do one thing in this fic differently, I’d probably rewrite part of this resolution so it was more emotionally oriented because I suck at action. plus like the health-related consequences of this whole misadventure kind of got glossed over, in true ace attorney fashion, but regardless. 

This was absolutely caused by me not being totally sure what hurt/comfort meant (which chapters 7 and 8 were based on as a theme) and figuring to go with the safer option of more physical hurt/comfort than more emotional hurt/comfort; although some of that got in there at the end.

And one of my edits was definitely recovering the Steel Samurai figurine because that was the most critical thing in Miles’ office imo. Or at least from Miles’ perspective.

Edgeworth looked over as Phoenix entered, and his entire body sagged in relief. “Phoenix,” he breathed.

“Hey.” Awkwardly sticking his hands in his pockets, Phoenix walked over and sat on the chair beside his bed. He couldn’t help but think about the last time he and Edgeworth had been in a hospital room together, their positions reversed. “How’re you feeling?”

“I’ve been better,” said Edgeworth, and his voice was still rough. “I—I don’t… you’re alive.”

“‘Course I am.”

“Gumshoe and Kay told me everything, you know.” A menacing look flashed through his eyes. “What you did.”

Phoenix braced himself.

Gumshoe and Kay probably were there right when Miles woke up, a little before Phoenix did, I suppose -- or at least around when he was being rescued, maybe? I didn’t think this timeline through super well since Miles was in worse condition... ignore that! Anyways they definitely told Miles that Phoenix was alive, but considering Miles presumably witnessed him fall through a burning building, he can’t fully believe it until he sees Phoenix upright and walking around like nothing’s wrong.

“How could you be so reckless?” he hissed, and even though some of the danger was lessened when his voice was so shaky, Phoenix still recoiled. “You could have died, easily! You defied direct police orders and — and all — all logic and reason and for what?”

“To save you. Of course.”

“I would have been fine!”

Risking his life for someone is just your average Tuesday for Phoenix. But it shook up Miles a lot, and all of his anger is completely coming from a place of concern, but Miles being Miles doesn’t really know how to express emotions outside of angry glaring and in this case angry yelling.

“Would you?” Phoenix challenged, and Edgeworth’s glare redoubled. “Look, Edgeworth, I wasn’t going to die, not while I still had something to live for —”

“How is that going to stop you?” Edgeworth demanded. “People can have the world to live for and they still die! By your logic, I-I wasn’t enough for m-my —” He turned away and broke off into a coughing fit.

The realization struck Phoenix like a physical blow. “No, I didn’t mean to suggest —”

The “I wasn’t going to die, not while I had something to live for” is a reference to Phoenix’s line at the end of AA4; “People don't die that easily, really. ... As long as they've got something worth living for.” Which is a nice sentiment, really, and might work for Mr. Indestructible over here, but is not how things actually work, which Miles points out.

What he was going to say (if it’s not obvious) is “By your logic, I wasn’t enough for my father,” because you know Gregory would have done anything to stay with his son, but a bullet to the heart is a bullet to the heart. There’s not much “having something to live for” can do about that.

“Something to live for isn’t going to save you!” continued Edgeworth, once he recovered. “Why can’t you realize that? It’s not going to stop a bullet, it’s not going to save you from a fall, you — how much longer are you going to keep relying on your luck like this?! Do you — do you even realize how much danger you keep putting yourself in?”

His choice of examples here are what I want to talk about - “not going to stop a bullet” refers to both Gregory’s murder and also the last time he saw Phoenix’s life in danger, during SOJ when the guards burst in and are pretty much pointing guns at their heads -- I’d be surprised if Miles wasn’t terrified watching that, even if he wouldn’t admit it after everything calmed down. “not going to save you from a fall” refers both to this most recent falling through a burning building but ALSO Phoenix falling through the burning bridge in Bridge to the Turnabout, another instance where Phoenix almost died and Miles was involved.

And the events of SOJ where Phoenix walks in and risks his life for a kid, while something that Miles understands he would do since that’s the kind of guy Phoenix is, still were reckless and if Phoenix didn’t have protagonist immunity who knows if he would have made it through Khura’in, which is the most recent traumatic event prior to this fic.

Phoenix held up his hands. “Edgeworth, it’s okay.”

“No! No it’s not! Y-You… Do you have a death wish? Why would you ever…” He trailed off, digging his fingers into his arms and looking away.

Miles is just kind of... panicking a lot as the full weight of the situation they were just in catches up with him and just how close he was to losing Phoenix. He was going to say something like “Why would you ever do that for me?” but that’s edging a little too close to the whole issue of the rejected confession; he’s not someone particularly special to Phoenix, at least not in the way Miles would like, and they parted on awkward terms, so why would Phoenix still go out of his way to save him like this?

“It’s fine,” Phoenix tried to soothe. “We’re alive. If I hadn’t gone in there, who knows if they would have gotten to you in time, or if you hadn’t gotten that mask on when you did… Look, I don’t want to just sit back and watch you die —”

“I don’t want you dead, either! You imbecile! You…” He took in a sharp, shaky inhale. “You could have died, and it would have been my fault, do you think I want that? Do you think I could live with myself if that had happened? And not just now, you keep throwing yourself into reckless situation after reckless situation and one day you’ll pay the price for it a-and god, Wright, no one would ever want that, do you even consider the effect that would have o-on Trucy, on everyone, on…”

He turned his head to the side to hide it better behind his bandaged hand, but Phoenix could still see the tears dripping down his face. Phoenix hadn’t seen him cry since — since they were kids, probably. His eyes had been a little watery after the DL-6 incident was resolved, but Phoenix hadn’t actually seen anything. Even when he came to the Agency after prosecuting cases where the public details alone made Phoenix’s stomach turn, and he’d whisper about the horrors with his face in his hands long after they were sure Trucy was asleep, he hadn’t cried.

“Miles,” Phoenix whispered, horrified, reaching out for his shaking shoulder.

Edgeworth flinched away, curling in on himself. “Please don’t touch me.”

Miles... pretty much has a full-on breakdown here because he’s been through a LOT in the past few days. He finally worked up the courage to confess to Phoenix and was rejected, and then probably spent a lot of time worrying about how this could change their friendship, and if Phoenix would be less comfortable around him from now on; plus in general the hurt of being rejected plus the humiliation of having read the situation so wrong (so he thinks). Then the office was attacked which was horribly traumatic on his own, and dredged up some DL-6 trauma for him too with the building shaking like it did. Then Phoenix comes running in to rescue him, which Miles doesn’t understand, because they had parted on awkward terms and he doesn’t think Phoenix would want to go rescuing him after that; at the same time this is the sort of thing Phoenix would do because he’s so dedicated to the people he cares about and Miles loves that about him; and then he thought for a while there that Phoenix had fallen and died trying to save Miles, making it indirectly Miles’ fault that he died, and now he’s lost the man he loves and he’s lost Trucy’s father and someone who was such a loyal friend to so many people -- but he’s okay! and acting like nothing happened! plus it’s the first time Miles has seen him since his attempted  confession and it’s still a little raw for him.

so he’s a complete wreck emotionally... which is why he’s crying. I don’t see Miles as the type of person to cry a lot and ESPECIALLY not in front of other people. That’s probably very embarrassing for him, too, not to mention he’s crying in front of Phoenix, who’s trying to comfort him, which just makes everything worse.

Also Phoenix calling Miles by his first name and kind of reaching out to hold him reaaaally does not help.

“Alright.” Phoenix reluctantly lowered his arm. “I’m sorry.”

“No, you’re not.”

“I’m sorry for worrying you,” Phoenix corrected, and Edgeworth peeked out from between his arms with reddened eyes to glare at him. “I know that sounds like a half-assed apology. But I’m not going to apologize for saving your life. I’m never going to stand by and let you or anyone else die if I can stop it.”

“You’re an idiot.”

“Yeah. Probably.”

Another instance of Miles not knowing how to process feelings and being kind of angry-cat-like about it.

“Your life has more value than you know,” Edgeworth mumbled. “I wish you’d stop treating it so cheaply.”

“I’m not more important than anyone else.”

“You are to me.” Edgeworth sighed. “Forget I said anything. I know it isn’t going to stop you from doing the exact same idiotic thing in the future.”

HERE is a subtle callback to, once again, their conversation during the dinner in chapter 4 (which I’m referencing a lot back then since I guess it’s the scene where everyone’s repressing their emotions):

Phoenix immediately shook his head. “Hey, no, you were off doing research, planning to change the judicial system. I’m not more important than that.”

“You…” Edgeworth looked away and grabbed his arm. “... That doesn’t change the fact that I could have done more.”

He was going to say “You are to me”, like he did in this scene, but changed it at the last moment because it was too sappy and a little too close to his true feelings. 

Miles now, going through an emotional breakdown, has less control over what he’s saying so it just sort of slips out -- but he regrets saying it since, well, Phoenix doesn’t feel the same way about him, he wouldn’t want to hear that, it’s not going to change anything.

“I don’t think it’s idiotic for me to try and save someone I care about from death,” Phoenix argued, punctuating his sentence with a cough.

“You shouldn’t do that for me.”

“Of course I would risk my life for you. You’re… you…” The words got stuck somewhere before his tongue.

Edgeworth’s eyes squeezed shut as if in pain, and he turned his back to Phoenix. “Please just… give me space, Wright.”

What Phoenix is trying to do is express how important Miles is to him in a romantic sort of way, but he still hasn’t fully acknowledged everything yet to do so, there’s a whole psyche-lock left, so he can’t quite get it out.

Miles perceives this as Phoenix trying to comfort him and say that he is important -- and he does know that he is important in some way to Phoenix -- but trying to do it in a way that can’t be mistaken as romantically-intended, once again reminding Miles of “hey remember when you tried to confess to him and it backfired so horribly”, so he wants space. Both for now because he’s dealing with a lot of other trauma, but also to take some time and get over Phoenix so he isn’t reminded of this and they can go back to being friends like before.

“No,” said Phoenix, and when Edgeworth tensed, “I-I mean, yes, I’ll go in a minute. I just… I wanted to talk to you about, uh, before all this. I-I know it’s terrible timing.”

Edgeworth was silent. Phoenix feared he was being ignored. “It is indeed terrible timing,” he said, eventually, his voice nearly unrecognizable. “I thought I said I didn’t want to talk about this again.”

Miles is anticipating the “You’re a great guy and a great friend, I just don’t feel the same way, but I’m sure you’ll make someone happy someday” conversation, which, while not a bad thing in most situations, is really not what Miles wants to deal with right now! Avoiding it was partially the reason he left so quickly at the end of chapter 5, and now he’s cornered in his hospital bed and does not want to have this conversation... ever, really, but especially not right now.

Basically Phoenix’s timing sucks, don’t have an emotionally charged conversation about why you rejected your crush after a traumatic incident irl, this is fiction though and I’m doing it for the drama.

“You don’t have to say anything. You don’t ever have to talk about this with me again if you don’t want to.” Phoenix ran a hand through his hair and sighed. “I just want to apologize, a-and if I don’t do it now, I’m not sure I’ll have the courage to do it again.”

“You have nothing to apologize for, Wright,” said Edgeworth, to the wall.

one of the first drafts of Phoenix’s part had “You don’t ever have to talk to me again if you don’t want to” which was imo too far; Miles wouldn’t completely abandon Phoenix over this, and also, if Miles wanted to cut off all contact with Phoenix he’d probably just do it. Phoenix is just promising he won’t bring up the conversation again.

Miles thinks he’s about to apologize for not returning Miles’ feelings, which of course isn’t something Phoenix would have to apologize for.

“Yeah, I do.” Phoenix took a deep breath and summoned more courage than he ever had before. “I… I lied to you. When you asked me how I felt.”

Edgeworth turned his head back to him. Phoenix willed himself to not look away, or crack some cheap joke. Just kidding, Edgeworth! I enjoy toying with your emotions! That wouldn’t go over well.

Miles would be well within his rights to cut off all contact with Phoenix if Phoenix DID say “Oh by the way I do love you! haha just kidding! why are you crying.”

And these two being so dedicated to The Truth is why Phoenix focuses the apology more around “I’m sorry that I lied to you” -- also why he was so bothered by the comment Miles made about his honesty throughout chapter 6 and 7.

Edgeworth’s face crossed at least three equally incomprehensible emotions before he asked, “Why?”

The incomprehensible emotions are probably some variation on “am I dead???”

“I…” Phoenix sighed, and admitted, “I don’t know.”

“It would make more sense if it were the other way around,” said Edgeworth, and his expression closed off. “I’m — I’m not misunderstanding, am I?”

Instead of asking if he was misunderstanding, the first draft of this had Miles ask if Phoenix was trying to spare his feelings... but I think Miles would know Phoenix well enough to know that Phoenix would never do that.

Phoenix still hasn’t worked through his Issues and hasn’t outright said that he does love Miles, just that he lied about how he felt - sneaky way to get past the psyche-locks. 

“No, you’re not,” Phoenix insisted, leaning forward. “I didn’t mean what I said back the other day, when I said I didn’t feel the same. I-I just panicked, I think. I knew, already, how you felt, but I never thought you’d say it. I never knew exactly how to read you, then suddenly you’re baring your heart to me, and it was too much.” He realized how close he was to Miles, and started getting out of his chair. “I-It’s a stupid reason. I’m sorry. I-I’ll just go, you don’t have to deal with me right now —”

“Wait.” Edgeworth grabbed his wrist before he could go too far. “Please.”

His grip was gentle but still firm. Phoenix sat back down with superhuman effort.

Phoenix finally realizes that dumping heavy emotions on Miles right now might not be the best idea! But Miles starts processing what’s actually going on and demands answers Right Now. And he initiates physical contact again. I usually try to have it go about when writing these things that if someone refuses physical contact (like Miles does before) they’re the one to initiate it again, just so that no boundaries are broken here.

Edgeworth was silent for a long time. “Always turning things around on me, aren’t you,” he said eventually, in a hoarse whisper.

This line was a fairly last-minute addition! Just imagine it being said in kind of a... exasperated-fond tone of a man who is very much in love but also very tired. “I understand you always want to turn things around on me but did you really have to do it this way, Phoenix,”

Phoenix ducked his head. “I never meant to hurt you. I — I care about you a lot, Miles, and I’m sorry if I screwed things up because I got scared. I want the same thing you do, I just don’t know if I can anymore, it’s been so long and…” He let out some self-deprecating laughter. “Isn’t that stupid? I’m such a coward. I know you, I know you wouldn’t hurt me, not on purpose. But I just can’t…”

So Phoenix hasn’t been in a serious relationship since the Dahlia-Iris debacle in college, which by this point, is fifteen years. And that was traumatizing enough he’s not sure he knows how to navigate a romantic relationship anymore or be vulnerable in that sort of way again.

That “not on purpose” caveat is there because Miles has hurt Phoenix pretty badly before -- not intending to, of course, because I don’t think he thought anyone would really care after the “Prosecutor Miles Edgeworth chooses death” note, but he still did anyways.

And since I usually like to plan out what characters are saying when I have them trail off like that... Phoenix’s intention was to say something along the lines of how he can’t get over what happened or whatever this emotional block is that won’t let him express his romantic feelings freely, but can’t find the words for it.

“Don’t you dare put yourself down in front of me.” Edgeworth reached out, slowly, to guide Phoenix’s head upward to meet his eyes. “I… I always thought you were the more… emotional, of the two of us. I’d assumed you weren’t saying anything, before, to give me time to process how I felt. I thought you were just waiting for me to speak up.”

Miles kind of degrades Phoenix often in court but, at least after Turnabout Goodbyes, I was always under the impression it’s just courtroom banter/not letting Phoenix think he’d go easy on him. Judging by the big emotional speeches about Phoenix’s brilliance he tends to give afterwards, there’s no way he actually thinks Phoenix is stupid.

And the rest of that is pretty much giving the reader who has not read these extensive DVD commentaries more insight into Miles’ perspective throughout the fic!

“Guess we got it the other way around,” said Phoenix with a faint laugh. “I-I mean, I used to be that kind of person. Everyone always knew how I felt all the time. It didn’t really… well, you can’t survive long like that.” He placed his free hand over his heart. “I-I’ve got locks, you know that? Black ones. I don’t know for sure why, but I can guess.”

Edgeworth scowled. “Dahlia?”

“Not just her,” said Phoenix. “She — and Iris — they’re not the only ones, you know, who — who I thought betrayed me.”

Edgeworth released Phoenix’s wrist. “Me,” he realized. “You thought I’d betray your trust again.”

Pretty much summary of Phoenix talking about how he used to be the “Feenie” in Turnabout Memories and then the events of the games slamdunked him into the emotional repression zone. ... to put it simply.

And Miles’ hurt at Phoenix pointing out that Miles had betrayed him in the past (referring to the Prosecutor Miles Edgeworth chooses death thing, primarily, because Phoenix describes it as a betrayal himself in the games) is less hurt that Phoenix doesn’t trust him and more guilt/anger at himself for having hurt Phoenix in the past to the point it could be comparable with what Dahlia and Iris did.

(Phoenix interprets it as the former, though, in the next paragraph.)

“I know you wouldn’t,” Phoenix clarified, because the brief flicker of hurt across Edgeworth’s face was unbearable. “I trust you to be a good person, and I trust you as my friend, but I… Miles, you left before, and it hurt. A-And let’s be honest, you’ve always been the smarter of the two of us, you’re better looking, you — you’re always fighting for justice, now, for truth, you’re honestly incredible. Why wouldn’t you want to leave me?”

“I trust you to be a good person, and I trust you as my friend, but I don’t trust you not to leave again” is the full version of that sentence, but Phoenix stopped himself because it seemed too cruel to say out loud.

And Phoenix using the word “incredible” here is also a very tiny subtle callback to Miles calling Phoenix incredible back during the original confession in chapter 5!

... I realized looking back on it that in my editing of that confession I accidentally cut out the part where Miles calls Phoenix intelligent during that conversation, shit, and then Phoenix claims that Miles called him intelligent when arguing back, which doesn’t make any sense anymore. Originally when Miles says “surely you figured it out already?” it was a little later and he said something like “surely you figured it out already, with your brilliant mind” but that was overkill so I cut it out but forgot to cut out the intelligence comment! fun how you realize these things so long after publishing! anyways. once more, please ignore that.

THE POINT IS that the things they find attractive about each other tend to be similar because they have very similar values and goals; their fight for truth and justice being a core one.

“I don’t know where you’ve gotten these impressions of me, but you’re wrong,” said Edgeworth, his gaze locking onto Phoenix like he was chasing down a contradiction. “You can be very stupid, when you’re risking your life running into a collapsing building, for instance — but you’re one of the smartest men I know, smarter in ways I’ll never be. I wouldn’t be anywhere on my path to truth if you weren’t there to guide me. And…” A faint sheen of pink covered his face. “I find you extremely handsome. I’m not sure if you know this.”

Phoenix was sure he was turning red. “I don’t know why you would.”

“Any thought suggesting that you’re not good enough for me is wrong,” Edgeworth asserted. “I think it’s the other way around. You’re — you’re brave, you’re good, you’re always so strong despite everything… I admire that about you.”

look I love morosexual miles jokes as much as anyone else, but Phoenix is actually wickedly smart, albeit in an unconventional sort of way -- he’s a very flexible thinker and that can lead him to reach conclusions that Miles didn’t even consider. I found that interesting with investigations that sometimes Miles got so caught up in his logic and assumptions that he’d get stuck, and it was only emulating Phoenix’s thinking that got him out of it.

(Which is why I usually get a little irritated at some characterizations of Phoenix where he’s just completely oblivious in contrast to extremely intelligent Miles... anyways.)

And if my twitter feed is any indication, lots of people find Phoenix Wright attractive... so Miles isn’t alone there.

“But that’s just it, I’m not,” Phoenix argued. “I-I can’t be that. I’m always pretending to be strong, always smiling, for you, for Maya and Pearls, for Trucy… I think I forgot to be anything else. I didn’t want you to need me and then realize I wasn’t up to the task, and leave. Because…” He let out a bit of faint laughter, but there was no joy in it. “That’s always what happens. People need me, then they don’t, and they leave for better things. I wouldn’t ever want to stop them, but the more attached I get, the more it hurts when they leave me behind.”

oof this paragraph was a chore and a half to write because I had to kind of cut to the core of Phoenix’s characterization bits that cause the conflict of this fic, mainly the abandonment areas -- which was why I needed pretty much everyone Phoenix cares about to not be around as much as he’d like, which feels like he’s being left behind, as everyone fulfills their destiny and is happy and he’s just... the same.

which is like a total mood for me approaching the end of my years in university and having no idea what I’m doing with my life while most of my friends are gonna do great things -- but I also think it’s a fairly universal human experience. no one really knows what they’re doing.

But especially for Phoenix because his career was defined by saving a specific person -- in this case Miles, who’s past needing saving and is going on to save other people. Then there was taking care of Maya and Pearls, but Maya is a proper adult now and Pearl is also an adult and they’re living their own independent lives in Kurain Village without needing him. Then Trucy kept him together throughout disbarment but even she’s grown up and leaving to live her own life now. And like I said in the other asks Phoenix tends to fall apart without someone to take care of, and now suddenly he has no one to look after and is questioning his purpose if he’s not taking care of or trying to save someone.

And since so much of his personality is defined by that he kind of gets tired and gets in the mindset of “if they’re just going to leave anyway, why even bother getting attached?” which could have gotten really unhealthy if he’d allowed it to fester for much longer; luckily it got caught and dealt with fairly early with the help of off-screen therapy after this.

Edgeworth was silent for a moment, as if weighing his words. “You don’t have to be strong for me anymore,” he said. “I needed you when I was younger, but… I don’t need you now. That’s not why I’m still here.” 

Phoenix’s breath caught somewhere deep in his chest.

“I just… want you, Phoenix Wright, because I’ve known you for so long, and I’ve loved every part of you I’ve seen.” The lines around his eyes and mouth softened. “I won’t run from the rest. And I don’t want to leave your side, not for long, not for good, whether that’s as a friend or as something else. I am willing to try if you are.”

I really like these lines!! ... though I think I fiddled with the last paragraph a little too much and now it’s a bit too long and it throws off the rhythm a bit but oh well. is rhythm even the right word to use here? idk. 

But basically it’s about their relationship being much healthier now that Miles isn’t dependent on Phoenix for the sake of his own mental health -- he likes the person Phoenix is, even outside of all that Phoenix did for him, and even if Phoenix hadn’t done anything for him, he’d still love Phoenix. (... He’d probably be dead, too, and everything Phoenix did definitely helped his feelings develop, but regardless.)

And it’s also kind of what Phoenix needs to hear right now, because hey, Phoenix, people don’t stick around because you help them out; they stick around because they like you! And this applies to pretty much everyone Phoenix cares about (which Trucy says in her letter) but Miles is speaking on his feelings specifically since this is the Romance moment.

And the last line kind of enforces a “even if this relationship doesn’t work out, I still don’t want to leave your side, even if we’re only friends,” plus Miles comes down a bit from his dramatic all-or-nothing “I WANT TO SPEND THE REST OF MY LIFE WITH YOU” speech and to a more reasonable “I’m willing to put effort and time into making this relationship romantic if you are as well”.

so maybe the rejection did him some good after all.

“Miles,” Phoenix whispered.

“If you want me…” He took a deep breath and rested one hand, palm up, beside Phoenix. “If you want me, I am here. And even if you don’t, I’m not going anywhere. It’s as I said before. I’m done running away.”

We don’t get into Miles’ head so I don’t get to explore his thoughts as much as I do Phoenix’s (which is why so much of these DVD commentaries are just What Is Going On With Miles Edgeworth since (I hope!) I conveyed Phoenix’s thoughts sufficiently in the actual fic. But this conversation is probably taking a lot out of him emotionally, too. He has no idea what he’s doing. I tried to convey that a bit with his actions with him thinking things over carefully and taking deep breaths to kind of brace himself into making a move.

And his words are once again affirming the “even if you don’t want to be romantically involved with me, I’ll still be by your side as a friend”, because their relationship is so important to both of them, they wouldn’t want anything coming in between that.

Phoenix extended his hand, brushing his fingertips against Miles’ palm. The sensation was the only thing that made him sure this wasn’t a dream.

“I’ve been chasing after you my whole life,” said Phoenix, scarcely able to breathe. “I don’t know what to do if I’ve caught up.”

shameless title reference. I struggled so much with this title I was lying in bed the last day of June like “screw it, the catch-up game??? Sounds catchy enough???” and threw it on there. This is my approach to most of my titles. Either I have a title in my head from the outset (Deep Dark Secrets, Fifty Flights of Stairs) or I make it up at the last possible minute.

“Well, you have.” Miles’ hand shifted, but it was only to thread their fingers together, tight and reassuring. “I don’t know either. We’ll figure it out together, as we do with everything else.”

Phoenix lifted his head to meet those familiar grey eyes, mirroring the fear and anticipation and the giddy, almost child-like excitement in his own, and he smiled. “Yeah. I think I can try that.”

neither of them know what they’re doing but together they can accomplish anything!! is the vibe I wanted to go with. Honestly the way that they can work together to do anything they put their minds to and create miracles in court is one of the things I love so much about this ship. They complement each other so well and have so much faith and trust in each other that they make the perfect duo. Like two halves of the same whole. about the closest thing you can get to actual soulmates.

Anyways that’s the scene! Hope both you anons enjoyed it haha. This is one of the big emotional conflict resolution scenes (the other being Trucy’s letter later) so it’s got lots of stuff to talk about, so thank you!!

#dvd commentary meme #the catch-up game #asks

[80s-roger]

EX - Roger Taylor {pt 6}

click here for the previous chapters!

word count 2,3k

your opinion really matters to me!

new chapter soon!

on with the story!

studio 6:34 pm

"So she agreed?" Brian asked.

"Yeah, she had no other choice." Roger nodded while setting the drums up.

"Well, fingers crossed he won't do anything until the conference. It's the day after tomorrow." Brian said while taking a sip of his tea.

"I know right Brian. If he does though? He will definitely say that Y/N cheated on me. This is how it will be presented at the press. He will definitely hide himself, won't he? All he wants to do, is embarrass her." Roger said in despair.

"He will hide himself. He's not that stupid to expose himself. But he's the one who will sell the tape. Suspicions will go to him anyways..." Brian thought.

"I bet he knows some guys there. Or else he'd be already exposed." Roger grabbed the drums sticks, playing with them nervously.

Suddenly, Deaky came inside the lounge. He was carrying some papers. New song.

"Are you talking about y/n or the new single?"  He asked.

"Y/N's issue is more interesting than the upcoming album. You know we hate disco." Brian explained.

"I understand that y/n's and Roger's life will be at risk for sometime but it will be forgotten. However, according to the new album, it's a new vibe Freddie and I wanted to invest in. It's fifty fifty so disco gets in and you have no other choice but play." Deaky smiled and gave them the score and the lyrics of Backchat.

"What the hell is this, are you dissing me?" Brian asked after reading the lyrics.

"That's your idea." Roger mocked him while smoking and Brian looked at both of them annoyed.

"John come on, you don't really mean all this, do you?" Brian asked confused. Deaky raised his eyebrow. "Damn you John. I'm forced to play your diss track about me? And I have a guitar solo?" He acted insanely.

"I'm sorry Brian, we are a band. We should start playing it." Deaky smiled.

"Fine, I won't use my red special. Neither at the future music video." The three of them stood up. "But where's Freddie?" He asked.

"He is outside, talking on the phone." Deaky said pointing at the exit.

"I'll go tell him we're starting." Roger said and exited the lounge room.

Accidentally Roger, misheard Freddie's conversation with a press guy. Possibly, a photographer. Roger had to eavesdrop. The issue seemed familiar with his personal life.

"He sold an uncensored video? To whom?" He asked shocked. Roger knew it was over. "At your company? Today?" Freddie sounded upset. "Fuck..." He groaned. "How am I supposed to tell him? Did he give any personal details of him?" Roger had to step in. He wanted to know.

"Freddie who are you talking to?" He asked furious. Freddie made him the hang on a minute gesture.

"Do we have much time left? Until the day after tomorrow?" He asked. "Hmm... I see. I have a recording now. We'll talk again, darling. Thanks for letting me know." Freddie hang up the phone, facing Roger.

"Who was it?" Roger asked. "I'm not playing games Freddie." He turned red.

"Wow darling, relax. It was a friend of mine, who works at the press magazines. There was Derek at his office a quarter ago, giving a tape and saying that there's Roger Taylor's girlfriend in there." Freddie had to say the truth, what he was exactly been told.

"Fucking fuck..." Roger moaned, pulling his hair.

"My friend unfortunately wasn't alone at the time he received it, but with a paparazzi, editing the photos for tomorrow's issue. Which means..." He moved his head disappointed.

"They saw the video oh my god. My baby's out there getting watched. I can't stand the idea of her-" Roger covered his head and Freddie pulled him closer.

"Hey darling it's okay, it's okay... He'll try to delay it. The good thing is, he didn't give personal informations. Which means you can invade, saying it was you." He tried to calmed him down but it wouldn't help.

"How much?" Roger asked furious. "How much did he sell it?" He was afraid.

"He sold the tape a hundred thousand, saying it will be the scandal of the year. The drummer's girlfriend with a guy." Freddie said.

"My future fiance doesn't deserve to be sold like a whore around the world." Roger tightened his fists.

"Fiance?" Fred asked eager.

"I want to marry her in the near future. But I want to be engaged at first. I kind of mentioned it during our morning fight but the words flew like the wind. She probably doesn't want to get married." Roger stared at the ground.

"Rog, are you serious? She is dying for it. You have no idea how many times she's told me that." Freddie eagerly said, waiting to walk the church's stairs soon.

"Fine. I'll find a way to propose to her. I hope we won't fight again. We literally didn't see each other yesterday for an entire day. She was mad at me, nonetheless, you know.. I was at her place by midnight and she wasn't mad at me anymore. You get it?" Roger giggled.

"That girl has such a fierce temperament. Tell me it happened the way she likes it at least. Make my pal satisfied." Freddie jokes and Roger wanted to be honest with him.

"What has she told you? She never really told me how she likes it." Roger tried to recall if you ever told him about it.

"Oh darling she looks so innocent at the outside but she's so wild at the bedroom. Hasn't she told you she likes it rough?" Freddie whispered.

"Jesus Fred, we're talking about my girl."Roger's eyes got wide. "Yeah it was rough." He coughed, trying to hide the clear sentence.

"Guys what are you doing so long? It's been ages! We have the diss track ready!" John yelled from the studio.

"On our way!" Freddie yelled back and they both walked towards the studio room. "That's my favourite couple, working hard. But I can't accept the fact you fought again this morning." He teased Roger and everyone was finally at their position.

Time passed fast until the recording was done for today and the boys were about to leave the studio.

"Wanna catch up at the pub two blocks from here?" Brian asked. "I can't believe I played for a diss track about me. I need to forget it." He added and everyone in the room laughed.

"Sure, let's do this." John agreed.

"Yes darlings, count me in." Fred said too. "Roger?" He asked. The blonde, was thinking it for a long before answering.

"Not this time... I have to go over y/n's, it's hard now. I will join you another time." He eventually refused but the boys could show compassion.

Roger drove over your apartment. He saw the lights turned off, which caused him wonder if you left. He used the elevator to reach the forth floor and finally he was standing in front of your door, knocking it patiently. You opened the door a minute later, with your eyes almost closed. However, you knew it would be Roger because that's the usual time he comes home. Home. You don't live together yet, but he's always at your place. It was 11 pm, you were so tired to stay awake and wait for him.

"Hey, come in..." You said while yawning.

"I'm sorry I had to wake you up. My keys for your home are at mine's." He apologised and closed the door for you. He didn't forget to kiss you.

He followed you to your bedroom, you instantly laid yourself back in your bed, waiting for your man to lay too. He removed his clothes, staying at his boxer.

"I missed you." He said when he made himself comfortable at your bed.

"Missed you too..." You said while trying to get your sleep back.

"What time did you fall asleep?" He asked and placed his one hand behind his head, staring at the ceiling.

"An hour ago. It was exhausting today. He got me running like a fool outside the company. I believe he did that on purpose." You were saying without being easily understood, since your mouth was placed at the pillow. However, he could clearly hear you because he was focusing on your voice.

"If he fires you, I'll take care of you. I want to get engaged with you." He suddenly said and your head popped up from the pillows like a pop corn.

"Are you serious?" You asked losing your sleep. "A- are you doing it on purpose?" You asked.

"Of course not. I just don't want to call you a girlfriend anymore. I want you to be my fiance. And later my wife." He smiled at you, you felt the butterflies in your stomach making a huge party.

"Oh my God baby, I love you so much... That's wonderful of you to say!" You teared a bit and he hugged you.

"I love you too and everything we're going through is just temporary. Focus on our future happiness love." He kissed you and both got the spoon position, as usual, you were the little spoon. "I bloody love you. I don't even know what I'd do without you." He confessed to your ear.

"Probably sleeping with chicks, like I would do too." You cynically said.

"Ay babe, you don't want to start this, do you?" He teased you.

"No I don't, because I'm sleepy..." you yawned and he kissed your neck gently.

"It's dark and I can still see some marks from last night. Better cover them for tomorrow." he said while looking at your neck.

"I've been knew Roger. They were there since last night. Goodnight..." You covered yourself with the mattress, dreaming the day he'd propose you.

the next day

You woke up by the sound of your phone ringing at the living room. It wasn't even eight yet... You were scared or tried to stay calm thinking it would be Freddie asking for Roger, who was sleeping next to you with his leg crossing yours and his hand wrapped around your chest. You had to move him without giving any shit if he'd be awaken.

"Shit Roger, I have to pick it up." You made fast moves and he woke up. You looked at him, staring at you with terror, like he knew what the phone call was about. He got out of the bed, following you outside. "Yeah, don't follow me around like I'm a poodle." You told him when he stood behind you.

"Well I need to know who's on your phone." he frantically said, totally awakened by now.

"Don't get paranoid, Rog..." you said. "It must be Fred, asking for you." you tried to joke yourself too.

"Fine, just pick it up!" He said annoyed and you finally did it.

"Hello?" You answered. "Good morning Freddie. You want Roger?" You asked Fred while looking at your boyfriend.

"Y/N the sex tape is leaked. The press knows everything but the guy. Derek couldn't say it was him or anybody else. Just... Just calm down okay?" His voice was trembling and so were your legs. You locked eyes with Roger who was staring at you with his eyes wide opened.

"Oh my fucking God..." You murmured and you covered your mouth with your hands. Roger came closer to you, knowing exactly what the phone call was for.

"Y/N it will be over, our conference is tomorrow, we'll cover it!" Freddie tried to reassured you.

"How the hell can you cover a video which is out to the public right now? My life is fucking ruined right now! I won't go at my work today! You know why? Because I'm fucking fired! They warned me, no more photos of me at the magazines or I am fired! Now not only are there pictures of me out there but a video of a drunk y/n, getting fucked!" You screamed at the mic, in which Fred could excellently hear you crying. Roger grabbed the phone from your hands.

"Fred I will be late today or not even come there. Okay? Bye." Roger hang up and held you in his arms while the tears were streaming down your face. You both sat at the floor, he was holding you so tight, trying to take away a little of your sadness. "Just let it out baby... Cry..." He caressed your cheeks and moving hair tufts behind your ears.

"This is all so fucked up Roger..." You said while crying your heart out.

"I know it is, just cry as long as you want... I understand and I won't leave you today if you want to." he said with his rhaspy and gentle voice, while holding you inside his arms, with no any gap between you. "I love you." He whispered in your ear and you shivered.

"I won't leave this house until it's over..." you looked at him and he whipped your tears.

"No, you can leave the house, paps will meet you out there and I'll be more than satisfied if you raise them a middle finger." He encouraged you, trying to make you laugh a bit.

"I already ruined your public figure, what are you talking about?" You said insecure.

"I want a cutie pie between family and friends, a savage out there and a bad girl with me." he teased you and you finally smiled. "Fucking ignore them Y/N please... I promise you it will be forgotten." he promised to you and you really wanted to believe him.

"What about tomorrow?" You asked.

"They'll prefer making questions about the tape instead of our upcoming album trust me. I'll take care of it." you both nodded your heads and just stayed there for like an hour, hugging, waiting for you to calm down.

taglist: @rogxtaylor @bohemiansweede @queendrumah

#borhap #joe mazzello #queen band #john deacon #rami malek #freddie mercury #ben hardy x female reader #ben hardy x you #ben hardy #roger taylor x y/n #roger taylor x reader #roger taylor #rogerina #imagine #fanfic #brian may #gwilym lee smut

[superfreakerz]

Are you still up for a story request? May it be about our ship already in their 80's, reminiscing all their wonderful memories together while up in a hill doing stargazing. I think of this idea 'coz my grandparents anniversary will be in Jan 14. So excited! 😘😘

January 14th, you say? Then I am just in time! ;D Also, I’m sorry in advance if this is too sad, idk why I’ve been writing some angsty things lately. I hope you like it!

“Trip Down Memory Lane”

Rated T for mentioned character death?

Summary: A night under the stars with her husband recalling their old memories together was just what eighty year old Lucy needed to get rid of her fears.

Trip Down Memory Lane

The walk up the hill was hard, especially for Natsu, as he helped wheel Lucy up the hill. Her legs were weak, and she wasn’t able to walk long distances anymore. Not that he minded. She was still the beautiful girl that he’d fallen in love with, even with the gray hair and wrinkles adorning her face.

Aging was a vital part of life. If Lucy was being honest, there were times in her life in which she had trouble believing she’d live up until her eighties. With all of the dangerous jobs and battles she’d fought, could anyone blame her?

But here they were, still alive and breathing. Their lives were peaceful- well, as peaceful as they could be considering they were part of the most rambunctious guild on Earthland. Every day they managed to go to the guildhall and see their friends, who were aging just as graciously as them. They were blessed with two beautiful children, Nashi and Lucas, who were now fine adults. And despite their old bones, they still made time for some dates.

Once they reached the top of the hill, Natsu laid a blanket on the grass before helping Lucy out of her wheelchair. They slowly lowered themselves onto the ground, gazing up at the starry sky. This spot was special to them. Natsu had surprised Lucy many years ago by bringing her there to look at the stars, knowing that it was something she loved to do. Since then, they’d found themselves perched on that hill at least once a week.

Lucy’s lips curled into a smile. They were deep into the forest, far away from all the hustle and bustle of Magnolia’s streets. It was so relaxing.

“We’ve been here so many times,” Lucy said, her voice quiet as if not wanting to disturb the peaceful aura around them. “And yet, I never grow tired of coming here.”

Natsu laughed before joking, “Yeah, because you aren’t the one walking up this damn hill every time.”

“Oh hush. You know I’d do the same for you.”

“Yeah, I know.”

The two smiled, locking their fingers together. Lucy silently noted that the callouses on Natsu’s hands had long disappeared ever since they stopped training and going on jobs. They still held a hint of firmness to them, but not as much as before. He was aging too.

“Do you remember the first time you brought me here?” she asked, a frown stretching over her face. She’d hoped he remembered, but his memory was slowly deteriorating. He remembered all of the big things, but he’d forgotten so many of their smaller moments. Moments that were precious to her. Even though they didn’t talk about it, she knew it was happening. They both did.

Natsu nudged the girl, giving her a grin. Even after seeing that smile for over sixty years, it still managed to make her heart leap in her chest.

“‘Course I do, weirdo,” he said, his hand tightening around hers. “This is where I told you I loved you for the first time. It’s also where Nashi was conceived. That, or Gray’s bathroom. I hope it was here, though.”

“Me too,” Lucy replied with a laugh. “We’ve shared so many memories together. And not just here.”

“Yeah, we have.”

“They weren’t all good ones,” Lucy said, her mind reeling back to all of the times that life had crushed her spirit. Breaking Aquarius’ key, the night Natsu and Happy had left to go train for a year, the entire Alvarez war, they were all memories that brought a frown to her face. Still, everything had worked out in the end, so she couldn’t be too upset about it.

Natsu nodded. He had some bad memories of his own. Igneel’s death, the time he watched Future Lucy die right in front of his eyes, the day that Happy died, there were too many times to count. But all of those times had made him the man he was today. The man who had the world’s most beautiful wife, the two greatest children, and a guild he had been in since he was a child.

“Remember that time the gang switched bodies?” Natsu asked, a grin spreading over his face.

Lucy snorted. “Of course I do. I was terrified! I thought I was going to be stuck as Gray for the rest of my life! There were literal ice cubes coming out of my mouth!”

“Thank god we somehow managed to switch back, because I don’t think I woulda fallen in love with you if you were stuck in that prick’s body.”

“Hey!”

“Kidding, kidding!”

Lucy still nudged the boy before turning her gaze back to the sky.

“Remember when I was sick and you uprooted a whole tree for me to see?”

“Hmm. Nope. Don’t recall.”

“What!?”

“I’m just messin’ with ya, Luce! Of course I remember that! Happy and I got beat by Gramps because of that!”

The two smiled sadly at the thought of their old master. It had been years since he had passed away, Laxus taking his place as master. They were sure that he was watching over them, face-palming every time someone in the guild destroyed something while on a mission.

“Tell me some more memories you remember,” Lucy said, her voice barely above a whisper.

Natsu frowned, noticing that the smile on her face didn’t reach her eyes.

“Remember that time we met Ichiya and the others from Blue Pegasus for the first time? And how the guys were all over you and Erza? I wanted to turn them to ashes because of that!” he said, recalling his old jealousy. He didn’t get jealous as much anymore, knowing that no matter how other guys felt, he had Lucy all to himself.

Lucy shivered, the thought of Ichiya sniffing her freaking her out. “Believe me, I remember.”

“What about that time after we beat Erigor and we were starving for days because we couldn’t find any good food?”

“I remember that too! Erza made me try that weird monster she sliced up even though it tasted disgusting!”

“Sounds like Erza!”

The two laughed, the sound filling the air. Natsu turned towards Lucy, only to find tears sliding down her face.

“Lucy? What’s wrong?” he asked.

“I'm… I’m scared, Natsu,” she answered, holding his hand tighter.

“Of me forgetting things?” His wife nodded. “Who cares if I forget a couple of things, Luce? All that matters is I remember the important stuff.”

“But what if you forget those too? What if one day, we come up here again and you don’t remember why this place is special to us? What if you don’t remember that we have two kids? What if you don’t remember me?”

Lucy covered her mouth with a hand, sobbing. The thought of her husband not remembering her was heart breaking.

Natsu quickly sat up, gently pulling her up into a sitting position with him. With his hands on her shoulders, he stared into her eyes, the moonlight washing over her features. His eyes trailed over every strand of hair, every wrinkle, every feature of hers.

“N-Natsu?” Lucy called out. “What are you doing?”

“I’m committing all of you to memory,” he answered, still looking her over. “You’re scared of me forgettin’ you, right? I know that I could never forget you. That’s just not possible, Luce. But if you’re so worried about it, then I’m gonna do my best to make you worry less about it. So, I’m gonna make sure I get every detail right so I can remember you forever. And when the kids visit next time, I’m gonna do the same thing with them. And even with Gray and Erza, and everyone else at the guild. I’ll make sure I won’t forget anyone.”

Lucy’s cheeks warmed as she smiled through her tears. “I hope this works.”

“It will. Look, Luce. I can’t promise that I won’t forget anything. The truth is, I will forget some stuff. But I can promise you that I’ll never forget the moments that count the most. And I’ll never forget you.”

Lucy nodded, and they both laid back down on the grass.

“Remember that time you challenged Erza to a fight and lost right away?”

“Which time?”

Lucy laughed, snuggling closer to her husband as she stared at the stars. Their bodies were aging, there was no preventing that. It was a scary process at times, but their wrinkles, gray hair, and in Natsu’s case, deteriorating memory, were signs that they made it through their worst of times and managed to live long, happy lives together. They were signs of their perseverance.

Their time left together was short, they both knew that. But they were going to make each day a fun adventure anyways.

#fairy tail #nalu #lucy heartfilia #natsu dragneel #ftfanfiction #requests #trip down memory lane #tdml

[lunaofthevalley]

The Letter

Sebastian Stan x Reader.

Plot: You're leaving behind your life in New York to go to Austria, and that means leaving him behind as well. But you couldn't leave with certain things left unsaid, so you wrote them down.

Request: @hadesgirl1015

Warnings: none

Note: I'm backkkkkkk wooooooo. Finally got out of that writers block.

The world seemed to be nonexistent to you at that moment. The only things you were really registering were the soft sounds of the raindrops hitting the pavement outside and the pieces of paper before you on which black ink seemed to be scribbled across like a never ending flurry of emotions.

And that's exactly what it was.

You sat unmoving, just looking across the now empty loft, a place which before used to have color and warmth, now only seemed bland and empty.

It's pretty amazing how a place filled with memories and stories can be stripped of that in a blink of an eye.

A knock suddenly sounded on the door, and that's what made you snap out of whatever mood you were in and back into the real world.

Before you went to open the door you quickly shoved the inked paper into an envelope and quickly wrote the name of the person to whom it was addressed on the front. You then shoved the envelope in your purse, going to grab your luggage before walking to the door.

Opening it up you were met with the cool breeze of the hallway, but also with blue stormy eyes that seemed to match the weather outside.

"You ready?" He asked in a soft tone.

You could only reply with a nod, taking one last glance at what had been your home for the last few years, before walking out and closing the door, leaving behind the first of three things you didn't want to.

Sebastian let out a deep sigh, before helping you with your luggage and walking towards the elevator. As you waited neither of you said a thing. It wasn't needed. You had known each other so long that sometimes long silences said more than what a full conversation would. You were that comfortable with one another, and it was something you would miss terribly.

Before you knew it you were already on the ground floor, walking towards Sebastian's car. He had offered to drive you to the airport, knowing that you, when moments like these came about, disconnected yourself from your surroundings, becoming more like an empty vessel, unlike your usual go happy, cheery self.

Things seemed to go by in a blur, as if your life was suddenly in fast forward. One moment your loading your things into the car and taking one last look at your home, and then your suddenly driving through the busy streets of New York City, the buildings going by in a blur, blurrier than usual thanks to the droplets of water that glided against the window.

You still really had no idea how the decision had come about. One day your happy, enjoying the hustle and bustle of New York City, the chaos and fast life it brought with it, and suddenly you dont want that anymore, opting to move somewhere else, far away, almost as if you were running away from something, which in a way, you were.

You couldn't choose at first. You didn't want to live in a big city anymore, you wanted to experience something different, the countryside maybe? A small town a couple of hours outside a city? You ended up choosing to go to Austria, a nice little picturesque town by the mountains, a place which seemed frozen in time, something so completely different to the place you were running away from.

Soft tunes played lowly on the radio, blending with the soft sounds of the falling water. You didn't remember the name of the song playing, but you knew it was one that sounded often, which is why, from now on, every time you heard it you would remember this moment, crossing the bridge, leaving Manhattan, leaving behind the second thing you truly didn't want to.

As every second passed, you got closer to the airport, meaning you were just a minute closer to saying goodbye to a very important part of your life. Your heart started to pick up, getting faster every minute that passed. Your stomach started feeling funny, like it would usually feel before you went to do a presentation in college or when you got up to sing at a karaoke bar while still being sober.

The scenery blended together and soon enough you were parked right outside the airport. Sebastian and you sat silent, unmoving, both enclosed inside the safe space of his jaguar.

He was the first to break the silence. "You have everything?"

You nodded, "Pretty sure I do. If I did forget anything at all you can always send it through the mail."

He let out a soft chuckle, "That I can do, I guess."

Things went back to being silent. It was comfortable though. Some people didn't like it when things were that way, no words being spoken, but for you and him, it was welcomed.

After a few minutes had passed you turned back to face him. "Seb…I think it's best if I go in alone."

He turned his head to you quickly, his mouth opened slightly as if he was going to say something, but no sound came out.

"It's just…it's difficult enough already, and if you go in with me I'll be more of a mess than I'll be now. So please let me do this alone." You explained, "look, I know you probably think it's a dumb idea, since I won't be seeing you in god knows how long, but I think it's the best thing to do."

After a couple seconds Sebastian only nodded, knowing that you had already made up your mind on the matter, and that no matter what argument he used, you wouldn't be changing it.

"…at least let me help you unload your bags."

"Yeah, that'd be great."

Both of you got out of the car, Sebastian going towards the trunk, while you went to get a cart to help you move your things towards baggage registration. Once everything was loaded securely to the cart you turned to Sebastian, not wasting one more moment before engulfing him as close as you could.

He hugged you back, lifting you slightly of the ground, making you stand on your toes, his arms securely around your waist, while yours were around his neck. Your emotions started getting the best of you, making some tears escape your eyes. You could feel Sebastian become emotional too, feeling a wetness on your shoulders that you knew didn't come from the sky.

You both separated after a while, both with red, puffy eyes and slightly runny noses.

"God I'll miss you so much. Why do you have to leave New York?" Why do you have to leave me, Sebastian expressed, although that last statement was only thought.

You sighed, "I don't know Seb, I can't give you a specific reason. I just know it's something I need to do. But hey, I'll come visit, and I'm sure you'll go visit me after some time, maybe your work will take you there, then we can live out our childhood dream of singing the sound of music on a hillside," Seb let out a laugh at that, remember ing it was something you had talked about during middle school when you were set to perform the musical. "I need time away, just for a little while. You're not completely losing me, okay."

He could only respond with a nod.

"I have to go now…"

"I know. Send me a text when you're on the plane, and if you can't, just call when you land."

"Will do Seb," you were about to leave when you remembered the envelope in your bag. You took it out and held it out to him, "I…um…I wrote this for you, but please read it when you get back home."

Seb nodded as he took the letter, "So this is it then?"

"Yeah, it is."

"See you later Y/N."

You smiled before softly replying, "Catch you later, Stan."

_________________________

It had been around 25 minutes since you had disappeared through the automatic doors of the airport entrance, and Sebastian remained sat in his car, staring off at nothing while thinking of everything.

You had told him not to read the letter, but he needed to know what the contents of that envelope were, so against his better judgment he opened it and took out the frail pieces of paper that contained all your thoughts and feelings.

Hey Seb,

I hope you listened to me when I told you to read this at home. But I know you, so you're either still parked outside the airport, or you stopped at some point between Manhattan and JFK to read it because curiosity got the better of you.

For you're sake I hope it's the second.

To be honest with you, I don't really know why I'm writing this. Maybe it's to help me feel better about myself? Or maybe it's just an easier way to say things without truly saying them, if you get what I mean.

I guess it's easier to write what you feel and have someone read it, instead of actually having to say it out loud and be met with their either negative or positive response. So I think I just answered my own question.

I'm writing this so I don't have to say it to you, because god it frightens me so much what you might think, how you might react.

There's so many different outcomes to you reading this, you might hate me, you might think I'm strange, you might think it's good riddance, or maybe, just maybe, you might feel the same and kind of still hate me for what I did.

And by what I did I mean, write this letter and give it to you right before I board a plane to Austria.

And what I mean by you feeling all those posible emotions is because I, Y/N Y/L/N am complete and utterly in love with you Sebastian Stan, I have been for years now. I just never had the courage to actually tell you.I was afraid of what would happen if I did.

You have your career and you're loved by so many and you could be with whoever you wanted to, which you have been, that's another reason why I didn't tell you, I felt like I could never live up to be what would be expected of me if I were to be with you.

But never mind that now.

I know it's selfish of me to do this. Specially now, considering the circumstances. You've probably figured it out by this point, that you were one of the reasons as to why I left. And I'm so, so sorry for putting you in this position.

I've had to leave behind the three things I treasured most in this world. My small loft in Soho, where so many great moments were lived. New York City, my home, the one place I can always count on. And you Sebastian, the person I love most in this world.

I know this letter might change things for us in the future, our friendship might not be what it used to be. But I don't regret for one moment writing this letter. I couldn't leave without telling you-or well writing it to you.

Again, I so sorry for doing this to you. I love you.

Y/N

Sebastián didn't know what to do, so he did what his instinct told him to, and that was get out of the car and run to you. Your flight left at 6:00, it was currently 5:29, if he ran fast enough he could make it. But first he had to figure out what gate you would be at.

He ran as fast as he could, running in between people, trying not to bump into them, stopping every now and again to ask where your gate was.

It was 5:56 by the time he had gotten to the gate, and he looked around but he didn't see you anywhere.

He ran up to a woman who sat behind the desk were the entrance to your plane was.

"Excuse me ma'am, is this the gate for flight 482 to Vienna?" He asked rapidly.

The woman gave him a fake smile, "It is. But I'm afraid the plane has already left. It's on the tarmac already. Were you a passenger of the flight?"

Sebastian's shoulders dropped. He had been too late. If he had only read the letter 10 minutes earlier you might not have gotten on that plane. But you were gone now. And so was his chance to tell you he loved you.

"No, it's just. I had something to tell someone."

PERMANENT TAG LIST: @sighspidey // @crist1216 // @Callmebucky-doll // @horrsegal

#sebastain stan #sebastian stan imagine #sebastian stan x reader #bucky barnes imagines #bucky fic #bucky barnes x reader #avengers masterlist #avengers imagines #avengers #marvel #marvel imagine #mcu #lunawrites

[faeriexqueen]

I'm going to be a pain and ask you if you can do of all 66 questions for the disney ask!

General.

1: All time favorite Disney movie.If we’re going animated, I’ll have to say The Hunchback of Notre Dame.

2: Top 5 Disney movies.- The Hunchback of Notre Dame.- Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.- The Aristocats.- The Sword in the Stone.- Alice in Wonderland.- Coco.

3: Favorite Princess?Snow White, because she was my first and will always have a special place in my heart.

4: Favorite Prince.THIS IS HARDDDD.  Either Eric or Eugene.  XD

5: Favorite couple.Duchess and Thomas O’Malley.

6: Favorite villain.I like so many! But Dr. Facilier is definitely up there. 

7: Favorite heroine.It’s a toss up between Meg and Esmerelda.

8: Favorite hero.Basil. (The Great Mouse Detective)9: Favorite sidekick.Ah, I’m torn between Mushu and Pascal!

The Parks.

10: Disneyland or Disney World?Ah, it’s hard to compare since I’ve only been to Disney World!  But I’ll say DW since I absolutely love EPCOT.

11: Favorite ride?I HAVE SO MANY FOR SO MANY DIFFERENT REASONS?  But…we’ll say Expedition Everest, because the YETI. XD

12: Favorite park within the resort (i.e Epcot)?EPCOT. :DDD (I like to play Around the World in 80 Minutes. XD)

13: Favorite land inside a resort (i.e. Tomorrowland)?Fantasyland!

14: Favorite Disney snack?It’s not really a snack, but there’s an ice cream shop on Main Street in the Magic Kingdom that makes the BEST ice cream sundae - so I’m going with that. Though I will say in EPCOT’s France around the holidays, you can get a bûche de noël and it is divine. XD

15: Favorite Disney restaurant?It’s a tie between the Beast’s Castle and the Garden View Tea Room in the Grand Floridian!

16: Favorite Attraction/Show?The holiday show at EPCOT.  I sob every time I see it.

17: Favorite secret/underrated spot in the parks?Snow White’s wishing well in EPCOT.  (I just like to sing into it and pretend I’m Snow White.)

18: What three locations would you want to stay at overnight in the parks?The Grand Floridian, Cinderella’s Castle, or The Haunted Mansion (because why not? XD).

19: Favorite character to interact with?Honestly, I don’t think I could pick - they’re all a joy to interact with! XD

20: Which character’s handwriting do you wish to have?Either Mary Poppins’, Jasmine’s, Elsa’s, or Snow White’s.  (I flipped through my book of signatures, and out of everyone those are my favorites!)

21: Your favorite memory with a face character?When I first met Snow White, we were talking about flowers and gardening, and she picked a flower to put it in my hair.

22: A character that you are/have been scared of approaching?I don’t know if this is possible because I literally am always trying to meet EVERYONE. 

23: A character that the parks should permanently have?Genie.  Genie should be permanent. XD  (AND BERT.)

24: Favorite Disney Hotel?The Grand Floridian!  It’s so breathtaking, and when I was there during the holidays Cinderella and Prince Charming were in the main lobby area and did their classic waltz.

25: Describe a typical day at Disney for you?Wake up early, eat an amazing breakfast, ride some rides, meet some characters, and finish off with a night show!

26: Planning to do the Disney College Program? If you’ve already done it, what was your position? If you haven’t, what would you like to do?I had considered it briefly, but never did it!  I think I prefer going to the parks and getting to enjoy the magic like a little five-year-old. XD

This or that?

27: Snow White or Cinderella?Snow White.

28: Ariel or Belle?Belle.

29: Pocahontas or Mulan?Pocahontas.

30: Aurora or Rapunzel?Rapunzel.

31: Tiana or Jasmine?Jasmine. 

32: Meg or Kida?Meg.

33: Stitch or Pooh?Pooh.

34: Eugene Fitzherbert or Prince Eric?YOU CANNOT MAKE ME CHOOSE. XD

35: Prince Charming or The Prince (from Snow White)?The Prince (Snow White).

36: Li Shang or John Smith?Li Shang.

37: Prince Philip or The Beast?Prince Philip.

38: Prince Naveen or Aladdin?Oh my stars, THAT IS HARD. Ugh.  Doing what I did for 34 - BOTH.

39: Hercules or Milo?Hercules.

Princesses.

40: How long has your favorite Disney princess been your favorite?Snow White has been my favorite since I was…like a toddler. XD

41: Have you ever meet your favorite princess in the parks?YES I HAVE IT WAS MARVELOUS.

42: List the princesses from most favorite to least favorite.…I feel like I’m going to somehow shade by doing this? XD  I’ll say as they come to mind based on whose included in the official lineup: Snow White, Cinderella, Jasmine, Belle, Tiana, Rapunzel, Pocahontas, Mulan, Ariel, Aurora, and Merida.

43: Which princess’ story is the most similar to your life?Ah, I feel like it’s the non-Disney princesses I relate to the most in terms of life story?  I’ll say it’s a cross between Snow White and Belle for different reasons.  (I also know Elsa doesn’t officially count, but she was the first character who came to mind - to be honest, her story was one of the ones I most identified with, it hit on an emotional level that is really intense for me still).

44: Which princess’ personality is most similar to yours?(Stars, again I want to say Elsa even though she doesn’t count.  But Meg doesn’t count either. XD)  Probably a mix of Jasmine and Snow White.

More.

45: All time favorite song?God Help the Outcasts.

46: Favorite love song?A Whole New World (if I ever get married, I want it played at my wedding xD).  I See the Light is another fav!

47: Favorite villain song?Be Prepared.

48: Favorite non-lyrical song?Sanctuary! (The Hunchback of Notre Dame)

49: Favorite wardrobe?Mm probably Belle’s.

50: Outfit you wish you had?Aurora’s peasant dress.

51: What character(s) have you Disneybounded as/ want to Disneybound as?I’ve Disneybound as Belle in her peasant dress, but I’d love to Disneybound as a lot of others!  (Meg and Snow White are two that come to mind, but I’d like to be Minnie Mouse as well!)

52: Your Disney look-a-like?When I had short hair, I got told Snow White.  But recently, everyone has saying Meg from Hercules. XD

53: Disney character would you like to be paired with?Like romantically?  I mean, I actually can’t think of anyone. XD

54: Voice do you wish you had (singing and speaking)?I…have never even considered this.  I’m not sure if any of the voices would fit me?  I guess I’ll say Elsa, because I love Idina Menzel. 

55: Disney movie that cheers you up?Moana.

56: Disney movie that makes you sad?Up.

57: The most underrated Disney movie?The Hunchback of Notre Dame.

58: The most overrated Disney movie?Frozen.  (I know I said I relate to Elsa and her story hits me, but I mean…I don’t know why Frozen got THAT much hype. XD)

59: Favorite Pixar movie?As of now, Coco! XD

60: Favorite quote?“I’m a damsel.  I’m in distress.  I can handle this.  Have a nice day.” - Meg.

61: Favorite non-animated Disney movie?Either Bedknobs and Broomsticks or Escape to Witch Mountain.

62: Best soundtrack.Mmm.  I’m town between The Hunchback of Notre Dame and Moana!  I tend to alternate them.

63: Last Disney movie you watched?Coco.

64: Two characters that would be great friends?Moana and Ariel!

65: Two characters that would be enemies?Mmm.  Probably Gaston and Maui.  They’d get so competitive with those egos. XD

66: Two characters that should be paired up, but aren’t.Truthfully?  I’d love to see an adult!Alice and adult!Christopher Robin together. 

#coppercogsworth #THANK YOU <3 #disney #asks #answers

[thenickelportrust]

Hi, RenaB! First of all, I want to thank you for creating such good games and tell you how awesome your stories and your characters are! They are so interesting! And if it doesn't bother you, could you tell us what kind of parents would the ROs be ? I also have another question (i'm sorry it isn't about model citizens) How is Icarus Sun's progress ?

Hello! Thank you so so much! I’m so thrilled to know you love them! And flattered to hear you say so!!

It doesn’t bother me at all! I’m always happy to answer questions! :D

Finley: Finley I feel would be a surprisingly good parent. Perhaps they’d err a bit on the overprotective side of things but they’d be a very honest, open parent. Which sometimes honesty has it’s backlashes with kids since they’ll go around telling absolutely everyone whatever it is you told them, but I think that the fact that Finley would have such an honest relationship with their child means that they’d be the kind of parent where the kid would never really have to feel bad for going to them for advice or anything. Finley would be a little lost on some of the other parts of parenting, which is where a lot of the overprotectiveness would come from, but overall I think they’d do just fine as a parent.

Raf: Raf would be a great dad. He’d be the kind of dad that other dads talk trash about because they wish they had his dad-skills. He basically already raised his younger sister (and she was… quite the handful) so he’s already been through and is prepared for all of it. Scraped knees, allergies, first heartbreaks, fights, friend-issues, the many many questions every dad fears, stubborn teen years, college application stress- just name it and he’s probably had to help his little sister through it. Not to mention, he’s the kind of guy who really truly loves and supports those he cares for nigh-unconditionally, so even if he didn’t have the answer to a question or whatever made his kid scared also scared him, he’d at least be able to provide the knowledge that they really are loved and supported. So, yeah, I’d say Raf would by far be the best parent out of anyone in Model Citizens: Unmasked. (He’s also a very good cat-dad, too.)

Jacob: Jacob would simultaneously be extremely excited to show his kid everything and anything in the world while also being terrified each time his kid steps outside that something is going to be horribly wrong. He’d definitely be an overprotective dad. 100%. I think I had said before that Jacob always panics around kids and would call the ambulance for a scraped knee if he was made to watch after a young’un? Yeah, take that and multiply it by 100x. That’d be dad-Jacob.

Lucy: Lucy would be a bit of an overenthusiastic mom. The kid mentions that they like music? Here’s a trombone, and a piano, and she signed them up for daily lessons and also bought them these beginner tutorial books- also here’s a daily independent practice schedule so they can really follow their dreams. Oh, now they like sports? Perfect- right up her alley, now they can come and join her on her daily jogs at… 5 in the morning. It all comes from a good place, granted, and should the kid lose interest or move onto something else then she’d shift all her encouragement immediately to whatever this new interest is, but it also means that she runs a bit of a risk as being a bit too… supportive… The MC might need to hold her back on some occasions.

But damned if she isn’t the one cheering loudest at her kid’s recital.

Yolanda: Yolanda would be an ok mom. Perhaps she might need to be reminded once and a while to just let the kid be a kid and not a tiny adult, but she did have two younger sisters so she has some experience with helping younger children find their way in life. Overall she’d be fine as a mom, and would definitely, absolutely adore her child.

Eileen: Eileen is the kind of mom who takes her kid to all of the Mommy & Me preschool activities and sends them out with specially-made lunches and made them their own stuffed animal. She would coddle her kid, to an extreme. They get sick and she spends the entire day at home making them soup and checking their temperature and making sure they drink plenty. They get an A on a test and she takes them out for ice cream. They fall down and start crying and she immediately wraps them up in a hug and comforts them. She’s definitely a coddler.

Informant: The Informant is generally pretty bad with kids, but he’d have a  big ole soft spot for his own kid. Which of course would only scare him even more. He’d probably second guess everything he does, so he’d be the kind of dad who has at least fifty parenting books and constantly surfs the internet for advice on how to be a good dad. He has no idea what he’s doing and that scares him because he would want to give his kid the best life he possibly could. He’d stumble some but… I think he’d do alright.

Ricky: Oh god Ricky. It… It’s so hard to picture Ricky as a dad. He hates kids. He hates kids more than he hated the MC at the start of the demo. He absolutely, positively despises kids. I mean, I feel like he’d probably love his own kid, even if he was absolutely positively entirely against the idea of having a kid in the first place. But he’d have no idea what to do. He would mess up… a lot with a kid. Ricky is just… not suited for childcare. At all. He’d try, sure, but… The MC would probably need to step in 90% of the time because he’s just bad with kids.

V: V is the adventure-parent if the adventure in adventure parent was replaced with ‘almost fatally dangerous exploits’. You don’t just need to baby-proof the house with V, you need to baby-proof the world. Because if you think they’re not going to do some parent-kid paragliding over a waterfall you’re dead wrong. All that being said though- like I’ve said before V has a bit of a protective streak in them, so it’d probably be a case of the MC constantly looking for injuries that aren’t there. 

Honestly I’d be more worried about the MC’s mental health then the kid’s physical health with V. That kinda constant stress is… not good.

As for your other question:

I’m currently on a bit of a break with Icarus Sun. It hasn’t been abandoned but I sort-of realized that I didn’t have the skill to write the story that I wanted to write, and since I love Icarus Sun’s story so much I really wanted to be able to tell it in the way that I wanted. As is such, I’m putting all my focus on Model Citizens for right now and kinda using it as a practice dummy/guinea pig so that when I go back to Icarus Sun I’ll really be able to tell the story that I want to!

That and there were a few more points of the story that I wanted to refine, polish, and/or just make the flow a little smoother.

So, yeah! Icarus Sun is in a bit of a limbo right now, while I do go back and work on the plotting-out itself I’m focusing on Model Citizens for right now!

Hope that answers your questions! :D

#answers #model citizens unmasked #finley burke #rafael darzi #jacob greenhill #yolanda waltz #eileen abney #ricky dempsey #v bayer #the informant #lucille pinchette

[charlotte-bane-blog]

Challenge 1: Charlotte Bane

I didn’t edit this so I am truly and deeply sorry for all the mistakes and typos, but I hope whoever reads this that they enjoy it :) People mentioned: @berklee-boyer @alinaschreave @domschreave @princepercyschreave @princesslillianschreave

———————————————————

It’s easy to let your guard down. It’s easy to make mistakes. But five sets the record.

I was used to attending formal events growing up, but not as an invited guest. I’d be lying if I didn’t admit I was completely terrified and insecure. Being a six in a room full of ones and twos was enough to knock down my ego a few pegs.

As my maids proceeded to set my hair and apply my makeup, I couldn’t help but think of the recently eliminated. There were girls sent home that I never imagined I’d make it further than. The process made me feel special but terrified. I felt that I could be thrown out at a moment’s notice.

“I’m not okay,” Berk exclaims as she swings open the door, effectively interrupting my thoughts.

My poor maid, startled, dropped her brush and glared at my blonde friend. “Berklee! What?”

“I don’t know! Something about my hair doesn’t seem right!”

I examined her hair to try to figure out what her issue was. “What about it?”

Berklee looked at me as if I was stupid before her faced formed into one of thought. “I don’t know. Like it looks amazing. Maybe I’m just nervous. Like what do you even do at a ball?”

I chuckled at her rambling. “Your hair is definitely gorgeous. And does it look like I would know? Aren’t you the know it all three,” I grinned.

“Stop,” she rolled her eyes. “But do I look okay?”

I let out a sigh. “You look beautiful, trust me.”

“Girl, you look so much better.”

I smiled a bit to myself. It was nice to be complemented once in awhile. With my former profession, I was used to being the one to offer my praise. This all felt so new, yet amazing. “I’m not even fully dressed,” I retorted, gesturing to my robe.

Berk gave me a flat look. “Whatever. Hurry up.”

“Just a second,” I hushed. “I have to finish up my hair. How is it by the way?”

“I love it! The twists are super cute,” she grinned.

I smiled and nodded at her before walking into my closet with my maid. She helped me into the gown since there was no possible way of me getting it on or off single handedly. Once the job was done, I stepped out to show Berk. “Here, how’s this?”

“Oh my god. That’s amazing! It’s so pretty! It’s so you!” The dress was a gorgeous emerald color that reached the floor. There was a 90% chance I’d end up tripping over it at least once tonight.

“Thanks, Berk,” I said awkwardly. “We should probably head over now. Wouldn’t want to be late.”

With that said, Berk and I made our way out of the room and down to the ball. I was met with beautiful decorations and a striking wave of anxiety. I took a deep breath and walked towards the Bitch Squad for a small photo session with the press. I smiled at them and spoke to them for a bit before leaving the group. I still have no clue why I left. I probably should’ve stayed with a friend to help my nerves. But, alas, I had made the first mistake of the night.

I glanced around the room before deciding to busy myself with a few refreshments. I noticed a guard eyeing me closely, so I grabbed a drink, hoping it would discourage him from starting a conversation with me. This plan did not work.

“Hey, princess, how are you,” the guard smirked.

I looked at him out of the corner of my eye uneasily. “I'm… uh… okay.”

He inched closer to me. “Wanna dance?”

I stepped back. “I don’t think so…”

“You sure?”

“Positive.”

The guard leaned back. “Alright, but find me when you change your mind. Because you will.”

I cringed. “Okay…” I definitely wasn’t going to change my mind. I stepped away from him quickly and looked around for an easy exit or distraction. I was definitely distracted as I saw Evan and Kat talking. Percy had mentioned before of his thoughts toward the pair. He said he felt his brother was a bit hypocritical. Evan must’ve thought the same thing since he seemed to leave Kat quite suddenly. Huh, I thought.

I found a comfortable area to sit in as I watched the ball go on. I was kicking myself for not enjoying this ordeal like all the other Selected seemed to. This could be your life, I scolded myself. You have to get a grip.

Pulling me out of my thoughts, an older woman strutted towards me regally. “Is there something wrong, darling, or are you just not a party person?”

I looked up a bit startled. It was Princess Lillian, Percy’s mom. This should be fun. “Everything’s fine,” I smiled weakly. “This is just a bit new for me.”

Lillian sneered down her nose as if she thought she was better than everyone else. She probably did. “Well, you’d better get used to it if you ever hope to join the royal family.”

Though what she had said was true and something I had already told myself, I wasn’t comfortable with the way she spoke to me. To be honest, it sounded like my own mother.

“Guess you’re right. My apologies, your highness,” I said, gritting my teeth. “I didn’t mean to offend you so greatly.” I didn’t sound sincere at all.

“Of course you didn’t.” Do you not understand sarcasm, Mrs. Schreave? Lillian eyed me more carefully. Part of me was worried she could read my mind. “Which one are you again?”

Should I say someone else’s name, I asked myself. Nope, definitely not. That would end very badly. “Charlotte, ma'am.”

Her eyes flashed with recognition. “Ahh, you’re the one my youngest is so obsessed with.”

Youngest? “Callie? Funny. I haven’t had the pleasure of meeting her yet.”

“No, I mean Percy of course.” Poor, ignored Callie.

“Right, Percy. I’m not sure I follow.”

Lillian pinched the bridge of her nose. “What don’t you follow dear girl? It’s not that complicated.”

My patience was definitely running out with this woman. Whatever I had drunken earlier wasn’t helping my control at all. “I don’t follow,” I began slowly, “why you would choose the word ‘obsessed’. It’s not that complicated,” I mocked.

“You’re all he talks about. You’re all the media talks about in regards to him. Seems like an obsession to me.” This woman didn’t seem too fond of this realization.

I shrugged. “I prefer the word ‘interested’, don’t you? Sounds less crazy. You wouldn’t want people thinking your son was crazy.”

“My son is crazy, darling. Both of them are, in their own ways. The trick is just learning to accept it.”

Don’t say it, Charlotte. Don’t say it.

“Did you also accept yourself?”

Why? Why did I do that? This would be the second mistake of the night.

“Excuse me,” Lillian blurted.

Shoot. I have to fix this. “Just that if your sons are both crazy, in lovable ways I assume, wouldn’t you say you are too?” Total B.S.

Lillian look absolutely appalled. “No, of course I am not! How dare you accuse me as such,” she exclaimed.

“I didn’t accuse you of anything. I simply asked a question.”

“Mmhmm. A question insinuating that I am, in fact, crazy. Which I am clearly not.” Yeah…

I simply nodded. “Clearly.”

Lillian crossed her arms. “Well, is there anything else or are you able to enjoy my party now?” Oh yes, I’m just having a grand time.

“I’m enjoying it immensely,” I grit out. “Thanks for asking.” There wasn’t a genuine bone in my body in that moment.

“Excellent. Have a nice rest of your evening,” she responded before turning to leave. When she finally walked away, I let out a deep sigh. Lillian was the mother of Evan, Percy, and Callie. I haven’t met Callie or Evan personally but I knew they weren’t awful. And Percy… he wasn’t too bad.

I forced myself to stand up. I may not have been having the best of times, but I might as well try to be social for a bit. If I was feeling miserable after trying, I’d leave. Simple as that.

I spotted Berklee and decided to make some conversation. “Hey, Berk. Enjoying yourself?”

She turned around and smiled at me. “Yeah expect that my feet are killing me. You?”

“Horrible. I just got done having a lovely conversation with Princess Lillian.”

“What happened,” she asked concerned.

“I was already feeling pretty awkward and she wasn’t really happy about that. But, she said her youngest was obsessed with me. I’ve never even met Callie. She did correct herself and say Percy, but whatever. You’ve spoken to Callie, right,” I rambled.

“Yes I have. She’s the cutest,” Berklee grinned. She really seemed to love that girl. “She’s right over there if you want to talk to her.” She pointed over to a little girl with blondish hair.

“Yeah, sure. Why not?” Berklee grabbed my hand and led me over to the youngest royal. Callie was a whirlwind of energy. She was pretty funny for a little kid. Though the moment she mentioned that I seemed to be the topic of conversation quite frequently. “Oh!! YOU’RE Charlotte!!” Callie exclaimed after I was introduced by Berklee.

“I’M Charlotte?”

Callie grinned. “Yeah. I keep hearing your name, but didn’t know what you looked like.” This little girl seemed to have a mischievous glint in her eye. She acted innocent, but I had a feeling she knew exactly what she was talking about.

Berklee and I shot her a questioning glance. “You keep hearing her name,” Berk asked.

“Yeah. Dom and Percy talk about her a lot.” I flushed at her response. I hoped it wasn’t anything too awful. It probably wasn’t bad at all. Percy and Dom were interesting guys, but I doubted they were the type to gossip. I think.

Callie continued to ramble about her silly antics and never fail to embarrass me with talk about her brother and cousin. She was a good kid.

Berk and I said our goodbyes as she left to enjoy more of the ball. I stood there for a moment thinking about what else I could do to pass the time and maybe actually have fun there.

“Hey there, angel,” someone whispered from behind me, sliding their arms around me.

I jumped away from the person and whipped around. “Jeez, what is wrong with you!? You scared me half to death,” I yelled at Percy.

He simply laughed. “Sorry, I thought it was funny.”

“I’m sure you did.” I retorted sarcastically. “What are you doing over here?”

“Just… came to check in on things. How are you feeling about being at your first ’royal ball’,” he said with raised brows and finger quotes.

“Not… well to be honest. Lots of anxiety in me at the moment,” I sighed and offered him a small smile.

“Why? Just cause I scared you,” he teased.

“No.” I rolled my eyes. “Because I’m not used to this. It’s stressful doing new things, I’ve come to learn.”

Percy shrugged. “Yeah, I get that. But seriously, there’s nothing to worry about here. It’s just the Selected and my family. No big deal. It’s not like you need to worry about the Czar of Russia showing up or anything.”

“But I do need to worry about Illean Royalty being here,” I pointed out.

“Nah, we’re not as special as people think. Really, just be yourself and you’ll be fine. Or just ignore them. That works too,” he joked. Percy looked around the room. “Listen, I have to be seen talking to more than one person, but if you can survive the rest of this ball, I’ll save the last dance of the night for you. Okay?”

“Okay.” Not okay. I really didn’t want to left by myself. I didn’t want him to leave.

Percy gave me an encouraging smile before walking away. I watched his retreating figure and say him turn towards the direction of Aricia. My chest tightened.

I never considered myself an overly emotional person. Everything I felt, I usually kept inside, and I was not about to let it all out. I needed to get out of there.

I stalked towards the exit and say Alina by the door. I figured I’d at least greet her. Looking back, I wish I hadn’t. Don’t get me wrong, I love Alina. But what I did next shone that moment in a negative light. “Oh… Hey Alina.”

“Charlotte,” she exclaimed, drink in hand. “Where are you going?”

I wracked my mind for an excuse. “Just thought I’d take an early night.”

“Noooo! What happened?” She was clearly drunk.

“Nothing,” I glanced towards the dancing couple. “This just isn’t really my scene. I just haven’t gotten used to all this yet.”

“Well that’s because you haven’t had anything to drink!” Alina looked at me as if I was crazy. “Come on, let’s find out what you like!”

“I don’t know, Alina… “ I’ve never had a real drink before. I wasn’t sure if I could even hold my liquor. Percy and Aricia weren’t worth getting drunk over. I looked over towards them again and practically threw my last thought out the window. “You know what? Never mind. I’ll try those pink drinks.” And that was the third mistake.

“Hell yeah you will!” Alina dragged me towards the refreshment table and grabbed me a glass.

I took a sip of the blushed liquid. I burned a bit but had a fruity aftertaste. “It’s not that bad, I guess.”

“It’ll get worse if you keep sipping it like that! Chug!” Wait, what? I wanted to say no. I should’ve said no. I didn’t say no.

I took a deep breath and drank a large gulp. “Oh my God, what’s in this?”

“Keep going,” Alina encouraged and ignored my question. “You can’t get drunk off one glass, so you better chug faster.”

Stupidly, I followed suit. I finished the drink and pressed my palm to my forehead. I still wasn’t feeling it. By then, I wanted to. I wanted it to distract me. “Give me another.”

It took about three drinks to really get to me. It really got to me. “I think we’re done now,” Alina giggled.

I was beginning to why people drank and also why they didn’t. “The room is spinning, oh God,” I stumbled. “This night sucks. Like super sucks.”

“Why?!”

“People. People suck.” He sucks. “You know what, I wanna dance. I’m going to dance.” Before Alina could even get a word in, I stormed onto the dance floor. I needed a dance partner. Maybe that creep of a guard from earlier. Yeah, he’d work. I search the room for him, trying my best to clear my blurred mind. I spotted a tall guy with brown hair and figured it was him. Even if it wasn’t, it didn’t matter. I just needed someone. “We should dance.” I grabbed the guard before recognizing him as someone else. “Oh wait… uh. You’re not the guard from earlier…”

Prince Dominic Schreave. Of course.

That was my fourth mistake of the night.

“Well, hello there, Charlotte.” Dom smirked.

“Your highness… I’d curtsy, but I don’t think it’s possible in this position.” Dom and I were a dancing form. I was trying my best to act ‘not drunk’. I’m pretty sure I was failing. I was sure he could smell the alcohol in my breath. Just great.

“No need to curtsy. Are you feeling okay? You seem a little… high-strung.” He glanced at me worriedly.

“It’s just really hot in here. Do you think it’s hot in here?”

“I don’t know. Hmm… maybe it’s just you,” he winked.

I let out an overly loud laugh. Yeah, that’s not obvious at all. “You’re so funny! Who knew you were so funny? Wow.”

“Yeah, I am pretty funny… Are you sure you’re feeling okay?”

“Is ‘no’ an acceptable answer?” I grinned.

Dom raised his eyebrows. “Is there anything I can do to help?” Probably not, I thought. That’s what the drinks were for.

“Tell me what’s in the pink drinks they’ve been serving here?”

“The Amarula Sunsets? Please tell me you didn’t drink one…” Dom looked actually freaked out now. How sweet. He wasn’t the one I wanted to worry.

“I didn’t drink one. I drank three,” I giggled.

Dom’s eyes widened. “Holy… Charlotte, those things are filled with vodka! And I’m guessing you haven’t had much of a chance to drink in the past, so you haven’t built up any tolerance… maybe someone should take you back to your room…”

“No, no I’m fine. I’ll be fine,” I stumbled. “I’m so sorry. This is really embarrassing…” I looked over towards Percy, hoping he didn’t see that, but didn’t spot him at all. Where was he?

“Charlotte, are you okay,” ran over and asked frantically. Speak of the devil and he shall appear.

“I’m fine,” I grumbled.

Percy glared at me. “You don’t look fine.” He looked over to Dom. “What happened?”

I hated he looked at me that way. I hated that it bothered me at all. I didn’t want my emotions to get out, yet I let them get the best of me. I drank to make myself forget them, but lost control of them altogether.

“She drank too many of those Sunsets,” he replied.

Percy ran a hand through his hair. “Char, why would you do something so stupid?”

“I didn’t realize what was in them,” I bit. I may not have known what type of alcohol was in those drinks, but I knew what I was doing. In the back of my mind I knew I was being stupid. “You’re stupid.”

Dom nodded towards Percy and stepped away, seeing he could handle this.

“Why am I stupid, angel? You’re the one drinking things when you don’t know what they are.” I knew.

“Th-they were pretty.” I stumbled again and fell into Percy. God, this was embarrassing. I was so pissed off. And for what? A guy? What would my mother think…

Percy catches me. “Maybe I should take you to your room…”

“Don’t flirt with me,” I slurred into his shirt.

He let out a laugh. “For once, I’m not trying to. Come on,” he said as he led me towards the doors.

From that point, I can only remember mumbling random things to Percy. As we got closer to my room, a strong wave of nausea hit me. “I feel like I’m going to be sick.”

Percy groaned. “Ok, let’s hurry this up.” He picked me up bridal style and raced me into my room.

“Percy, I swear to God if you drop me…”

He grinned wickedly. “Never.”

“Put me down anyway,” I scolded. “You have to leave. I’m going to be sick. Why the hell do people drink?” I knew why I did at least.

“No, I gotta make sure you don’t choke on your own puke. And I don’t have any clue why people drink. I guess to make themselves seem more interesting. I’ve never had any interest though,” he responded as he carried me into my bathroom and set me down.

“You’re already interesting.” I dropped to the toilet and leaned over to breathe. Percy gathered my hair up and held it back.

“Exactly why I don’t need to drink. And neither do you.”

It was quiet for a little while as I steadied my breathing. The feeling of throwing up was beginning to leave. “I think I’m fine. Nausea passed.”

Percy rubbed my back. For the second time that night, my chest tightened. “Are you sure you’re okay?”

“This was the worst night ever,” I said lowly.

He chuckled. “It absolutely was not the worst night ever. I have had SO much worse.”

“Did you make a complete fool of yourself in front of someone you’re supposed to try to impress,” I retorted.

“You ever heard of strip poker?”

“You’ve played strip poker? You’re 17.” Sure, I was one to talk. I was getting drunk at 17.

“Yeah. Word of advice, never play it when an African King is in the next room over. And you’re playing against his daughter.”

“Of course. His daughter,” I muttered and rolled my eyes.

“Yeah… being a little drunk in front of a few minor royals is nothing compared to that… You should’ve seen Uncle Jameson’s face,” Percy laughed humorlessly and shook his head slightly.

“Are you okay?” I actually worried about Percy. I wasn’t exactly sober but I wasn’t fully drunk either. I wanted him to talk to me.

“Yeah, just… I’ve made a lot of stupid mistakes in my life… Well, I think you need to get to bed. Sleep off the embarrassment and hope you don’t wake up with a wicked hangover.”

The room became quiet. “You never danced with me.”

Percy looked at me nervously. “Are you…,” he cleared his throat to continue. “Are you feeling well enough for a dance?”

I looked looked up hesitantly. “Are you asking me to dance?”

Percy stared at me for a moment. I couldn’t make out the look on his face. “Yeah, I guess I am.”

“Then I feel well enough.”

Percy smiled softly. “Well, okay then.” He pulled me closer to him and let me rest my head on his shoulder as we began to sway slightly.

“I’m sorry,” I whispered.

Percy tightened his hold on me. “What are you sorry for, angel?”

“For being an idiot,” I started. “For getting jealous and not thinking.”

Percy jerked in surprise. “Jealous? Of what?”

I glanced up at him and shook my head quickly. “N-nothing. It’s nothing.”

“No, tell me… Please.” The look on his face and in his eyes told me I couldn’t lie or refuse him. I wanted to.

I dropped my head. “You… other girls… her.”

Percy let out a breath. “You know I have to dance with other girls if they ask, right?”

I looked away quickly. “I know. Of course I know that.”

“Then why’d you let yourself get so drunk? I know it wasn’t entirely an accident. You’re too smart for that.”

“That’s the thing, Percy. I’m not smart. I’m a six. I’m a stupid maid. I can’t be some princess or three,” I pointed out. I knew I wasn’t exactly his type. I knew there was no point to what I’d done tonight. There was no point to any of this. I was a pastime for him. I wasn’t a real prospect. I was just me.

Percy stared at me. “You were smart enough not to trust me at first.”

“I wasn’t smart enough to not let myself get hurt so easily by trivial things that… that shouldn’t even concern me.” I ran my hand through my hair. It was a while before we said anything.

“Everyone has their limitations, it’s nothing to be ashamed of.” I scoffed at his joke. “Anyway, you really should be getting some sleep…”

“Maybe I should…” Percy made no move to leave. “I’m still in my dress.”

He grinned. “Do you need help getting out of it?”

I looked down quickly. “Actually, yes.”

Percy flushed and I strangely loved the sight. “Oh, um…. What do you normally sleep in?”

“Whatever is given to me. Usually a night gown. They’re in the closet over there,” I gestured.

Percy nodded and walked to the closet. He ruffled through the hangers before pulling out a skimpy nightgown. He turned around with a questioning look and his signature smirk.

“Definitely not. Grab the white one,” I said flatly.

He chuckled and pulled it out. “I see. So you’re going for the pure, virginal one.” Nothing wrong with that.

“You don’t call me angel for nothing.”

He smiled slightly. “Alright, turn around.” I followed suit. “Hold onto your dress.” I grabbed the front and held it to my chest. Percy slowly pulled down the zipper of my dress. The whole ordeal felt very intimate. Time seemed to slow down and everything faded away. Every problem outside my top was silenced.

When the zipper reached its final point, Percy stilled for a moment. He began to speak but his voices cracked. I smiled to myself. “Ok I’m going to put the nightgown over your head,” he instructed. “So now you can drop the dress.”

“Okay,” I responded quietly. I dropped my dress and tugged the nightgown down fully. I turned around slowly. “Thanks, Percy.”

“You’re welcome, Char,” he replied sincerely. “Alright.” Percy put his hands under my knees and lifted me up. “Let’s get you to bed.” He carried me over and gently set me onto my bed, lifted the covers, and tucked me in. He stood back up to leave.

“Percy, wait.”

“What?”

I hesitated before reaching up to kiss him on the cheek. “You’re a good guy.”

He stared at me with wide eyes and let out a small laugh. “I know, but people never seem to realize it…” He looked at me seriously. “Are you going to be okay now, angel?”

“Yeah,” I said softly. “I’ll be okay.”

He took my hand in his and squeezed it before letting it go. “Good night, Char.” Percy walked to the door but hesitated like he was nervous to leave. With one last glance, he stepped out of the room.

That was my fifth and final mistake of the evening– letting him.

#challenge 1 #ch 1

[sage-nebula]

About Lillie; you probably talked about this at the time I was avoiding spoilers for Sun/Moon. So I'm just curious, what didn't you like about her ending? Or her character arc overall? =)

I don’t have problems with her character arc overall, and in fact feel that it was the best one in the game (mainly because she’s the only character in the game to actually have a legitimate character arc, but nonetheless). It’s specifically her ending that I have problems with, and two in particular:

The simplest issue I have is the fact that she was not able to keep Nebby, supposedly because she “wasn’t a trainer” and thus couldn’t take Nebby with her. This is straight up nonsense, because:

Preschoolers train pokémon in these games. Preschoolers. And you can’t even say that they just have baby pokémon, because you can face preschoolers in the Battle Tree who have very strong pokémon, and Youngster Tristan challenges you for your Champion title at the League! Age or inexperience are not valid reasons for why Lillie couldn’t become a trainer right there, right then when Nebby evolved into either Solgaleo or Lunala. Sure, she wasn’t a trainer before, but I had plenty of Ultra Balls (or whatever else) that she could borrow to capture Nebby. If it was Lillie, I’m sure Nebby wouldn’t have even put up a fight. So her lack of experience/age could not have been a reason. (Not that she even tried to give a reason. It was just, “I’m not a trainer” and that’s it.)

She decides to go to Kanto and become a trainer after the main events of the game, and yet she still doesn’t take Nebby with her. Again, there’s no reason for this. She was planning to become a trainer, so have Nebby be her first! She’s the one who raised them! You can’t even say, “Well, she wouldn’t be able to control Nebby” because again, I’m positive Nebby would listen to her. If nothing else, Nebby could just be her travel companion while she gets and trains a more traditional starter from Oak (or whoever is the Kanto professor at this time). Since she has finally decided to be a trainer in the last portion of the game, there’s no reason why she couldn’t take Nebby from the player and go to Kanto with Nebby in tow. It doesn’t make any sense whatsoever, and no excuse is good enough.Essentially, the real reason why Lillie was unable to become a trainer right then and take Nebby with her (or at least take Nebby with her at the end of the game when she left) is because the player had to have a couple more doses of Lillie gushing over them to make them feel special, as well as their very own mascot legendary to shove into a box at the Pelago and never interact with again. It was all about the ‘dex completion, not about what actually made sense or would be fair to Lillie. Lillie got fucked over just to give the player something nice, because god knows there would be Dudley Dursleys out there who would pitch fits over not getting to keep either Solgaleo or Lunala (even though you get another one by capturing your very own cosmog later and so YOU REALLY HAD NO GODDAMN RIGHT OR REASON TO KEEP NEBBY AT ALL). Also, if they are planning sequels that take place in Kanto (and feature Lillie as the rival), I guess it would be kind of obscene if you had a Lvl 5 bulbasaur and she had a Lvl 70 Solgaleo—but at the same time, again, Nebby could just be her travel companion and she could battle with lower-level pokémon. It’s not very hard to give a narrative reason for it that doesn’t completely fuck Lillie over for the sake of appeasing a potential spoiled brat playing the game.

I take extreme issue with the fact that Lillie is forced to look over at her abusive mother at the end of the game. No, I don’t think that being comatose is enough of a punishment for Lusamine. Lusamine should have died. Or at the very least, even if she didn’t die, her children should not have been forced to look after her “because she’s still [our] mother.” That’s disgusting. It’s vile. It makes my skin crawl. I’m well aware of the differences in culture and attitude between the east and west; I know the familial piety is very, very important in eastern cultures such as Japan, and so I don’t need to be lectured on that. What I’m also aware of, though, is my own experiences with an abusive mother, and how she repeatedly sent me on a first class ride through guilt trips about how I was “betraying” her by going to live with my father, how she “needed” me, how I was selfish and ungrateful, and how she even got her side of the family to loathe me for leaving when I was a teenager, because quite obviously I was in the wrong and it was my duty to stay. The fact that Lillie has to take Lusamine to Kanto to try and cure her, and the fact that Gladion is stuck at the Aether Foundation until Lusamine returns, and the fact that they were both said to be taking care of her before the player challenged the League, is revolting. Lusamine horribly abused both of those children, and yet they’re stuck caring for her while she basically gets off scot-free, and both of her kids are back right where she wants them. It’s abhorrent and, to be honest, it put an extremely sour taste in my mouth that colored my perception of everything that came before it. Unsurprisingly, terrible endings can do that.

So yeah, overall Lillie’s arc was well done. She grew and matured as a person, she found her courage and her strength. That was very well done. But her ending was terrible, because not only did she not get to keep Nebby because of BS reasons, but she got stuck with her abusive mother to boot. It’s terrible, and she deserved much better.

#somegiantmess #// #/// #//// #///// #pokemon spoilers #pokemon sm spoilers