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cartoonfanaticmonsterrobotalien · 2 months

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Solar Opposites: The Misadventures of The Solars Episode #3: Foxfight

The episode starts with the Shlorpians arriving in the Solars’ house.

Shlorpian Randall: Korvo? Terry?! What’s the exciting news you wanted to tell?

Korvo, Terry, Shlorpian Phoebe, Janiz and the kids come in with Korvo holding Lili.

Korvo: Everyone, meet our new baby daughter, Lili.

Shlorpian Janice: H'no, she's so cute, y'know!

Lili: *babbles*

Shlorpian Frankie: Woah. How did that happen?

Korvo: Well to be honest, it is complicated but here she is. Our little Shlorpian bundle of joy.

Shlorpians: Aw. She’s precious. So fucking cute. D’aw, she looks just like her father. Ain’t she a real cutie? So adorable. Hey little sweetie! Coochie choochie coo! Hi baby.

Terry laughs

Terry: Yep. She is such a sweet cutie. *tickles Lili on the belly that made her giggle*

Shlorpian Cooke starts sobbing hysterically

Shlorpian Frankie: *smiles in amusement and laughs* Honey, get it together.

Lili: *cooing*

Korvo: *laughs* They like you, Lili.

Lili: *babbles*

The Pupa then smiles at his baby sister and falls in love with her.

Pupa: Sissy!

Lili: *giggles and touches Pupa’s face as he smiles*

Shlorpian Randall: Who gave birth?

Korvo: I did.

The Shlorpians look at Korvo with shocked silence

Shlorpian Cooke: Yeah. It’s true. He told me about it and that there hasn’t been any records about this.

Korvo sighs and sheds a few tears

Korvo: *tearfully* It’s true I didn’t know either. Usually a sproutling is born thanks to a finger clipping. But this time, Lili’s birth is different because it came from my uterus.

Shlorpian Ms. Perez: TMI, buddy.

Shlorpian Louise: I guess that’s a new reaction on being on Earth too long or something.

Korvo: I don't know yet but-

Suddenly, a glass bottle was thrown into the window as glass shatter and the family screamed as they ducked for safety.

Jesse: What was that?!

Shlorpian Phoebe: *recognizing the whooping* Oh God! No!

Shlorpian Phoebe steps outside and gasp upon seeing her relatives living near the hillbilly swamp trailer park while whooping. The Solars, who turn into their human forms along with Lili, and their Shlorpian friends peak outside and gasp upon seeing Phoebe’s now Shlorpian relatives.

Human Korvo: Phoebe! Are those your relatives?!

Shlorpian Phoebe sighs and facepalms.

Shlorpian Phoebe: Yes. Yes they are.

A few minutes later, an annoyed Shlorpian Phoebe, the human Solars and the Shlorpians head over to Phoebe’s relatives.

Shlorpian Phoebe: Hello Uncle Randy.

Shlorpian Uncle Randy: Well, howdy do! Phoebe’s back y’all!

Shlorpian Phoebe groans

Shlorpian MacCarthy Relatives: Yee-haw! Ya-hoo! Get along y’all! Whoo! *laughs and hollers like a western person in joy*

Human Terry: Wow.

Shlorpian Uncle Randy: Of course you remember Randy Jr., Cousin Joe and John, Cletus, Big Bubba, Jenny and the rest.

Shlorpian Phoebe: Unfortunately, yes.

Shlorpian Randy Jr.: Howdy cous and *sees the Human Solars and the Shlorpians* Hey! Look, humans just like we once were and aliens like us!

Human Yumyulack: Don't. Come. Near. Me.

Human Korvo: *laughs nervously; whispers* Yumyulack, whatever you and your siblings and the rest of the gang do, do not do anything to upset them. Or worse.

Human Yumyulack: But he smells bad!

Human Jesse: *covers Human Yumyulack’s mouth and laughs nervously* He meant it in a good way. *laughs nervously and then the Shlorpian McCarthy laughs with her*

Shlorpian Jenny: Ain’t those children darling?

Shlorpian Uncle Randy: *laughs* Y'know, I like y'all! What are your names?

Human Jesse: None of your business!

Human Korvo: Huh? *whispers to Jesse* what’s wrong honey? Why don’t you want them to tell them our names?

Human Jesse: It's obvious Phoebe hates them!

Shlorpian Phoebe: *sighs* Look guys, can you please be more careful? Your bottle nearly hurt my family and their friends. Plus, they have a baby now. You guys have got to be careful.

Phoebe's relatives laugh

Shlorpian Big Bubba: Relax Phoebs. These guys must be hard as metal. Especially *pointing to human Lili* that little runt over there.

Human Lili whimpers

Human Korvo: Uh, excuse me? Are you talking about our baby?

Shlorpian Jenny: Yeah, we are! She's cute! Hopefully, she'll grow up to be just like me!

Human Korvo: Oh hell no she will not!

Human Lili: *cries*

Human Terry: Aw dude, now look what you guys did! You made our baby cry!

Shlorpian Bubba guffaws

Shlorpian Bubba: Relax, it’s just family fucked up genes. *to Replicant Sonya* How about some Moonshine, you robin’s egg blue little runt?

Replicant Sonya: PISS OFF!

Human Yumyulack and Human Jesse: *gasp and covers Replicant Sonya’s mouth* Uh heh heh! She was just kidding! Yeah kidding! *laughs nervously* Please don’t hurt us.

Human Korvo sighs in frustration

Human Korvo: Listen pal, I know you’re my nanny’s family but I don’t like the way you are talking to my kids and baby like that! Now apologize immediately!

Shlropian Uncle Randy: Alright, I’m sorry. I’m sorry that you must’ve *points to Human Terry* married a weak wimpy asshole over here.

Human Terry: WHAT?! *growls as his eyes turn orange*

Shlorpian MacCarthy Relatives: *laughs mockingly at Human Terry*

Shlropian Phoebe: *outraged* Guys! That’s my family!

Shlorpian Phoebe's relatives gasp

Shlorpian Randy Jr.: This family is the ones you look after as a nanny? *laughs with the rest of the relatives* Then you must be sorry for having that orange t-shirt loser and his family for making your life miserable.

Shlorpian Phoebe: *enraged* Randy Jr!

Human Korvo: That does it! *puts his hair into a ponytail*

Shlorpian Phoebe: Korv, what are you doing?

Human Korvo goes up the family in tranquil fury.

Human Korvo: That does it! You owe my family and our friends and apology right now!

Shlorpian Bubba: Or what?

Shlorpian Randy Jr.: *referring to Human Terry* You’re gonna let that weak-looking llimpy redheaded wimp over there fight us?

Human Terry: *growls* Shut...shut...

Shlorpian Janice: H’no is Terry okay, y’know?

Human Terry suddenly roars in fury as monstrous fangs suddenly appears in his mouth and his eyes glow orange as he attacks Randy Jr.

Shlorpians: Oh my God! Terry! Terry, what the fuck are you doing?! Have you lost your mind?! Stop it! You’re hurting him!

Human Terry: YOU SHUT YOUR FUCKING MOUTH!

Shlropian Randy Jr. :*screams* GET THIS FUCKING ANIMAL OFF OF ME!

Human Korvo pulls Human Terry off of Randy Jr. and goes to talk with him in private

Human Korvo: Oh my God. *to the Shlorpian MacCarthy relatives* I’m so sorry, let me talk to my hubby in private.

Human Korvo takes Human Terry inside the house

Human Korvo: Terry, what was that all about?

Human Terry: UGH! LEAVE ME ALONE, ALRIGHT?! HE DESERVED IT!

Human Korvo: *concern* Wh-what?

Human Terry storms upstairs as Human Korvo sighs and turns into his Shlorpian form

Korvo: Something is really wrong… *goes upstairs*

Korvo enters the bedroom and gasps to see that everything is a mess and Human Terry is curled up in the corner, mumbling some angry stuff

Korvo: T-Terry?

Human Terry: *growls*

Korvo: You okay, Terry?

Human Terry starts sobbing quietly

Korvo: Terry!

Korvo runs up to his husband and kisses him on the forehead as Terry turns back into a Shlorpian

Terry: *voice breaking* Go away… today was humiliating already…

Korvo: Oh honey...

Terry: *breaks down in tears*

“My Immortal” plays in the background as Korvo consoles Terry.

Korvo: Shhh… shhh… it’s gonna be alright my love.

Terry giggles because Korvo feels warm

Terry: You are very warm honey…

Korvo giggles

Korvo: Thanks. I’m so sorry Phoebe’s relatives made you feel humiliated.

Terry: It's okay. I'm sorry I went crazy...

Korvo: It’s okay Terry. I know you were trying to defend Phoebe, the kids and our friends.

Terry sighs and snuggles with his hubby

Terry: Korvy…. am I strong? And brave? And not weak?

Korvo nods

Korvo: Of course. Don’t listen to them, Terry. You are strong and brave on the inside. That’s what matters, not on the outside. *pulls Terry closer* It’s gonna be okay…. I promise…

Korvo's wings suddenly appear

Terry: *gasp and blushes* Oh my honey…. Your wings.

Korvo is confused but notices his bat wings and giggles. Janiz comes in while uploading something and then gasp upon seeing Korvo with his bat wings.

Janiz: K-Korvo? You have...

Korvo: Yes. I have control now.

Janiz smiles tearfully

Janiz: *hugs her brother* I am so proud of you…

Terry is confused

Terry: Wait. How are you proud of him? Unless…. *realizes something* You’re a Super Shlorpian too, aren’t you Janiz?

Janiz nods as her skin turns black. Then, Janiz’s eyes glow icy pink as she grows bigger and muscular and rips apart her clothes. Then, her wings, that are also colored icy pink appears on her back while her horns appear on her head. Janiz’s teeth becomes monstrous and she grows boobs. Now a Super Shlorpian, Janiz roars.

Terry: Wow...

Super Shlorpian Janiz: Thanks. It’s been running in our family for generations, ever Koran made that blessing when trying to protect his family from bandits and other threats to the village.

Terry: Koran?

Super Shlorpian Janiz: *shows him an ancient artwork* Our ancestor. The first one to become a Super Shlorpian. He became the Super Shlorpian during war time because he needed a way to protect his family and friends. So, he made that blessing. The bloodline has passed onto his Replicants at the age of 13, which is their coming of age, then it passed onto theirs as the years go by… soon will Yumyulack.

Terry gasps

Terry: No way… Yumyulack will soon become a Super Shlorpian?

Korvo sighs

Super Shlorpian Korvo: Yes. It’s about to be Yumyulack’s time soon since he is now already 13-years old. But, I’m afraid we can’t tell him when the time is right.

Terry hugs Korvo who flaps his wings

Terry: Don’t worry honey. We’ll wait to tell the others until it’s the right time.

Korvo smiles. Meanwhile with the others, they watch the Shlorpian MacCarthy relatives doing crazy stuff as they sigh in dismay, except for Shlorpian Randall who is intrigued.

Shlorpian Randall: Wow, those guys are cool!

Shlorpian Phoebe: I am so sorry about my family guys. Ugh, they had no right to treat you guys like shit. Especially you kids.

Human Jesse: Don't worry.

Human Yumyulack: *holding human Lili* It’s okay. Unlike them, you have a big heart, Phoebe. You’re the best nanny we ever had.

Shlorpian Phoebe smiles tearfully

Shlorpian Phoebe: D’aw come here kids. *sighs as she looks at her family* Hopefully, they’ll blow off some steam eventually. Come on guys, let’s go home. *the kids, Shlorpian Phoebe and the Shlorpians, except for Randall walks away* Hey Randall, you coming?

Shlorpian Randall: Huh? Uh yeah, be with you guys in an hour!

After the others left, Shlorpian Randall walks up the Shlorpian MacCarthy relatives and clears his throat.

Shlorpian Randall: Uh excuse me?

Shlorpian Cletus: Hey look guys! It’s one of the Shlorpians y’all. What ya want?

Shlorpian Randall: Hey uh *clears his throat* Ahem. You guys do amazing awesome extreme stuff for a bunch of rednecks. Can I please join you?

The Shlorpian MacCarthy relatives gasped. Then, they get into a group huddle secretly and laughs. They decided to play a prank on Randall. They turn around and looks at Shlorpian Randall.

Shlorpian Joe: Okay, here is what you gotta do. Head into the woods, find a… *looks down at the creature book with a page about the Mundane* Mundane while drinking moonshine and then you’re one of us.

Shlorpian Randall grins in joy.

Shlorpian Randall: Fuck yeah! I will do it! When do we start?!

The scene then cuts to Shlorpian Randall wearing redneck clothes while drinking Moonshine as the Shlorpian MacCarthy relatives snickers quietly.

Shlorpian Uncle Randy: Alright, these woods aren’t that safe. Be careful for wilderness bullshit out there and good luck!

Shlorpian Randall: Fuck yeah! Let’s do this! *heads into the woods after drinking Moonshine* Wish me luck you wonderful fuckers!

The Shlorpian MacCarthy relatives snickers.

Shlorpian Joe: God! This is gonna get so many likes!

Shlorpian Randy Jr.: How is he that dumb?

Two hours later, Shlorpian Randall, who is now covered with sticks, pin needles, mud and sap pants while having a bandage clothe around his arm.

Shlorpian Randall: Okay… I’m lost in the woods… it’s getting dark oh God so fucking hungry. *sees a bunch of berries* Oooh, these berries don’t look poison.

Shlorpian Randall eats the berries but then starts to hallucinate as a weird background appears as he grows amazed.

Shlorpian Randall: Oooooh….. pretty colors.

Shlorpian Randall keeps hallucinating as the background starts doing crazy things, but then suddenly, Shlorpian Randall finds himself near the lake as he screams and falls into the water as the stream starts to carry him.

Shlorpian Randall: Aaah! *gluts and leaps up for air* Oh fuck oh fuck! *glugs and leaps up for air* This is not fucking happening! *suddenly gasp and sees the waterfall* AAAAAAAAAAHHHH!

Shlorpian Randall falls down the waterfall as he screams in horror. Then Shlorpian Randall made it the surface and heads onto land as he sighs in relief. Back with the others, Korvo starts to wonder where Randall is.

Korvo: Where the fuck is Randall?! He’s supposed to be home by now. It’s already getting late!

Terry: I know. I'm really worried.

Shlorpian Phoebe then realizes something as she looks at her relatives and sighs in dismay.

Shlorpian Phoebe: I know where. Come on boys.

After Korvo and Terry turn into their human forms while Janiz carries baby Lili, the four adults head over the Shlorpian MacCarthy family.

Shlorpian Phoebe: *sighs* Uncle Randy, what did you do this time? Where is Randall?!

Shlorpian Randy: We just told him somethin' 'bout a Mundane being in the woods. *laughs* And boy, did the sucker fall for it!

Human Korvo, Human Terry, Shlorpian Phoebe and Janiz: *gasp* WHAT?!

Shlorpian Phoebe: Uncle Randy, have you all lost your mind?!

Shlorpian Randy snorts

Shlorpian Randy: Yeah. That dumbass has been out in the woods for awhile now. Hope we see the look on his face when he comes back. He’s been gone for like two hours.

Shlorpian Phoebe growls

Human Korvo: What?! Are you nuts?! He must’ve gotten lost! What you rednecks done?! He’s gonna go crazy! *calling out for Randall* RANDALL!

Human Terry: RANDALL! COME BACK!

Shlorpian Phoebe: RANDALL!

Terminator: *appearing from the trees; played for laughs* Randall… Randall… I think he’s gone….

Human Korvo, Human Terry, Janiz and Shlorpian Phoebe looks on in worry. Three weeks later, the family and Shlorpians are in the helicopter.

Earth-4 Ranger: I'm afraid he might not have survived, Mr. Opposites. We've been searching these woods for weeks.

Human Korvo: We've got to keep looking. Randall’s got to be out there somewhere.

The helicopter then lands at the ranger center. The scene then cuts to the ranger station where the Human Solars and the Shlorpians are waiting, until the ranger came in.

Ranger: Good news! We found something in the woods. *hands them Randall’s redneck bandana with Shlorpian blood on it*

Shlorpian Phoebe gasps

Shlorpian Phoebe: Oh my God! That must be what Randall was wearing before he got lost in the woods. We’re so fucking close! Come on guys, to the woods!

Later, the Human Solars and the Shlorpians spread out to find Shlorpian Randall

Shlorpian Phoebe: Okay guys! Fan out and find Randall!

All: Randall! Here Randall! Randall, where are you?! H’no Randall where are you Y’know? Here Randall Randall Randall!

Suddenly, Shlorpian Cheery hears something.

Shlorpian Cheery: Guys! I think hear something!

All: Oh god! Really? What is it?! Randall?! That you Randy?

The gang peeks through the bushes, and sees a now feral Shlorpian Randall.

All: Randall!

Shlorpian Phoebe: Oh Randall, thank God! You’re alive!

Suddenly, Randall starts muttering like an animal in fear as the others grow terrified over what has become of their friend.

Human Terry: Oh my God. Randall has become a motherfucking feral beast!

Shlorpian Janice: *gasp* H’no what do we do now Y’know?!

The scene cuts back to the Solars and their friends arriving home with Shlorpian Janice carrying Shlorpian Randall on his leash.

Shlorpian Janice: Okay Randall, here it is. This is your home. This is the couch where you sit. (Shlorpian Randall starts sniffing around the TV) Oh, yes, that's the television. Kids, I think he recognizes the TV. We're all thinking it, and he just does it.

But then Shlorpian Randall goes feral and starts throwing things while screaming in rage as the gang looks on in dismay. Korvo sighs in dismay.

Korvo: Poor Randall…

Terry: Aw man this is gonna be harder than I thought. Okay guys, team huddle. *the gang does a huddle* Okay, each of us will help Randall. We must do whatever it takes to get our friend back! Now let’s do this!

The scene then cuts to the living room where Shlorpian Janice puts in the dvd.

Randall: *on the dvd* Hello, feral Randall. If you're listening to this, you've probably become feral, and you're probably thinking of a nice juicy rabbit right now. (muttering) But this isn't who you really are, Randall. We got to get you back on track. Isn't that right, buddy? Okay, good. So, feral Randall, why don't you put in tape number two and let's get started. Don't listen to that Randall! That Randall is a liar! Run! Be free! They will enslave you! (grunting gibberish)

Human Terry: Oh for God’s sake! Who encouraged Randall to make those tapes?!

Shlorpian Kevin looks away nervously. The scene the cuts to Shlorpian Jamie about to turn on a record with Shlorpian Randall staring at it.

Shlorpian Jamie: All right, now, I've been trying to figure out something we can do together, and I think I've found it. We're gonna sing a song. Now, I'll start, and when I point to you, you'll sing your part. Ready?

Shlorpian Jamie then plays “Carry on Wayward Son”. Shlorpian Randall seems like he is gonna sing, but then he screams in rage and smashes the record with a huge wooden stick.

Shlorpian Jamie: Yeesh. I thought he liked that song…

Later that night, while the family were sleeping. Korvo hears a loud noise. He then heads outside and turns on his flashlight only for him to scream in horror upon seeing Shlorpian Randall eating garbage like a raccoon.

Korvo: RANDALL! SHOO! GET OUT OF HERE!

Korvo then notices his old pink nightgown

Korvo: Okay, who throw out my old nightgown?

Shlorpian Cooke: My God, you like 34 or something! Accept it!

Korvo sighs. The next morning, Shlorpian Kevin and his family, Shlorpian Cheery, Shlorpian Naomi and Shlorpian Alice came by.

Shlorpian Cheery: Hey guys. Is Randall getting any better?

Terry: *snapping* WHAT DO YOU THINK?!

Shlorpian Cheery: *taken back* Sorry.

Korvo puts a hand on Terry’s shoulder.

Korvo: Terry…

Terry sighs

Terry: I’m sorry. I’m just a little frustrated. This is all Phoebe’s relatives’ fault. I don’t even know why they would sent Randall out in the woods for a fucking Mundane.

Janiz gasps at the mention of the Mundane

Janiz: Did you just said Mundane?

Terry: Yeah? Why?

Janiz: Terry, *gets out her book and shows the gang the page* Terry, that beast is one of the most overwhelming and dangerous creature of all time. The first one to become who the one who is ridiculed all the time because an acient. Koran saved him after he tried to end his life but what he didn’t know that it caused monstrous side effects.

Terry gasps

Terry: Oh my God… that poor Shlorpian… he deserved better…

Korvo weeps

Terry: Oh Korvy. Why are you crying?

Korvo: That poor Shlorpian. He’s been through so much.

Terry: Yeah. I know…

Janiz: I agree…

Terry looks at the page and puts a hand on it as he slides on the picture of the Mundane in a empathy tone and sighs.

Shlorpian Frankie: What about Randall?

Korvo: *sighs* I’m sorry guys… we’ve done everything we could.

Terry: We're gonna have to return him to the wild.

Shlorpian Janice gasp in distraught, but then suddenly gets an idea as she looks at the woods and looks at Shlorpian Randall as she gets an idea smile. The scene cuts to the woods where Shlorpian Janice holds Shlorpian Randall and prepare to take off the leash while showing an encouraging smile.

Shlorpian Janice: H’no Randall, we all love you very much. *smiles* but we all think this is where you finally belong. And where you’ll be happy. Y’know. H’no So, *takes off the color off of Shlorpian Randall* you’re free my love. Whatever adventures you lie ahead of you, know that your friends and family will always be with you in your heart. Now go. Go on. Be free Y’know.

Just then, Shlorpian Janice gives Shlorpian Randall a kiss on the forehead. Then, when Randall starts to walk, he turns around and looks at Shlorpian Janice as he suddenly struggles to talk.

Shlorpian Randall: J-Jan…

Shlorpian Janice: *gasp in joy*

Shlorpian Randall: J-Janice.

Shlorpian Janice: H'no, Randall, y'know?

Shlorpian Randall: *finally regaining his sanity* Janice!

Shlorpian Janice: HONEY!

Shlorpian Janice in tears of joy embraces her boyfriend in a kiss while the others get overjoyed by this moment.

All: Randall! *put their arms all around Randall*

Human Korvo: It’s good to have you back Randall!

Shlorpian Randall: Good to be back!

Later at home, the gang are at Phoebe’s relatives place where Uncle Randy decided to apologize as sighs in dismay.

Shlorpian Uncle Randy: I’m really really sorry about the whole mess. We were wrong to prank friend into going after a monster and turn him into an animal. So I was thinking we could call it, squaresies?

Shlorpian Phoebe: *sighs* Alright. Come on guys, let’s head home.

Human Terry gives Phoebe's family the "I'm watching you" gesture. The gang walks back home as the Shlorpian MacCarthy family looks on. Later that evening, Terry is looking at the Mundane book sadly while Korvo comes in.

Korvo: Terry?

Terry: Hey dear.

Korvo: What's wrong?

Terry: *sighs* Why do I feel empathy for the Mundane?

Korvo: It's kind of a weird feeling, huh? Wanna do some stargazing?

Terry: Oh sure.

The alien husbands lay down on the roof

Korvo: The stars sure are beautiful tonight.

Terry: They'll never be as beautiful as you, Korvy.

Korvo: *blushes* Thank you, darling.

The two alien husbands kiss while moaning lovingly

Terry: *moans lovingly but then starts to feel tired*

Korvo: You tired?

Terry: Mmm-hmm.

Korvo: *chuckles* Come on my love… let’s head to bed… *picks up Terry as they head into their bedroom*

The scene cuts to Yumyulack and Jesse asleep. Korvo and Terry are suddenly heard moaning.

Yumyulack: Oh God! *heads back to sleep while covering his ears*

Jesse: Ugh! Not again! *covers her ears with pillows.

Replicant Sonya: *moans as she covers her ears with her pillows*

Terry: *offscreen* Oh fuck yes, Korvy! More! Oooh!

The scene then cuts to Terry getting close to cumming

Super Shlorpian Korvo: Oh yes! *moans lovingly* Don’t stop now! I feel it getting close! *moans*

Terry: Fuck fuck fuck!

The two husbands moan in ecstasy as they cummed and snuggle close as they kiss on the lips. Super Shlorpian Korvo giggles.

Super Shlorpian Korvo: Nighty night my love… *falls asleep as Terry smiles and kisses him on the forehead*

Terry: Good night…

The two husband sleep as Super Shlorpian Korvo turns back to normal

Korvo: *snoring peacefully*

Terry smiles

Terry: I love you… *heads back to sleep but then starts whimpering in his sleep*

Terry then starts to have the same orange vision again as he began weeping softly in his sleep as his husband holds him in his sleep. Terry calms down.

Terry: *in his thoughts* What is happening to me?

THE END

4 notes · View notes

shoshiwrites · 1 year

Text

I've done a bit of the dancer/boxer AU here and there and then I got bit by the cheesy winter bug.

snowed in

On Thursday they start talking about snow. She doesn’t have classes until after New Year’s but there are still rehearsals, still walks to the studio, still cigarette breaks standing by the steam grates. Shifts at work the same as every other. She buys what you’re supposed to buy for storms: water, canned things, toilet paper, but the amounts are all off. Is it too much, or not enough? She throws in an overpriced package of dried apricots from the health food section, cinnamon chewing gum at the register.

She thinks about Joe at home for Christmas, wonders if he’s staying through to the first. The drive up and down I-95, the endless string of headlights.

On Friday he surprises her at the studio. All casual, in his jacket and his beat-up sneakers, the other girls whispering behind her. They walk over to the gym together, chatting about everything and nothing, passing coffee carts and foil trays of roasted chestnuts, next to the soft pretzels. He’s heading back down for New Year’s, he says, but can’t stay the whole week between. She almost asks him why, but they get to the door before she can. She makes a go of the crossword while he warms up, until he waves her over so she can hold the bag for him, so they can stretch out together.

Afterwards they stop so he can stock up for the snow too. He seems much more decisive about it, she notices. There’s canisters of things she doesn’t recognize, and tools. She’s prepared to leave him at his door with the usual argument and take the subway home, but he lingers on the sidewalk, in the cold. “Come up?” he asks. “We can get takeout.” She thinks of all the cans of soup and navy beans on her counter. She has no bag, no toothbrush, no change of clothes.

“The snow might trap us right here,” she says, with no action in her voice. He smiles a half smile, not entirely un-wolfish, and opens the gate.

On Saturday, it already feels like a snow day. The getting-away-with-it of it, the waking up on the couch under a fleece blanket, and the snow hasn’t even started yet. They’d fallen asleep three-quarters of the way through a cowboy movie his roommate had left on top of the TV; she doesn’t remember the name. He’d woken before her, and, she thinks, fallen asleep after her. There’s coffee on the counter, the containers of fried rice and chow mein cleaned up and put in the fridge. She has a shift in a couple of hours that she doesn’t want to think about.

She doesn’t want to think about it so much that she uses his phone to call out, pretends her flight home got grounded even though she’d mentioned nothing about travel two days ago. Despite his best efforts Joe snorts into his coffee, and she has to shush him.

“If you’re staying you should probably have some of your stuff,” he says after she hangs up.

She props her chin in her hand on the table, wonders aloud if his roommate would mind. She’s not exactly keen to be an object of observation this weekend, to answer the usual questions and worry about who's in the living room when she needs to come grab something in a towel.

“He won’t be back ‘til next week,” Joe says.

They wander back to her place so she can fill an overnight bag, past the quiet bus stops and newsstands, the chill over a city in wait. Joe packs up all the cans on the counter into a duffel. “For soup,” he says, and there’s a twinge somewhere in her ribcage that feels like adoration.

On Sunday there is soup, bubbling away on the stove. The snow is really coming down now, the newscasters say, and it is, big fat flakes and gray light. There’s more coffee too, and she tells him about how Frankie would pour a little hot espresso in the cup and froth the sugar into foam.

She does her exercises and he does his, as much as they can in the small space, and this time there’s a couch to collapse onto when they want to kiss instead.

They eat soup for lunch with stale bread. He’s stocked Diet Coke in the corner too, she notices, catches his eye a little too long. She reads and he works in the bathroom, fixing something with the tile and under the sink. They watch reruns on the little TV set and fall asleep on the couch again, limbs entwined, his face nuzzled in her shoulder.

On Monday she pads around the apartment in her green bodysuit and black tights, slouchy gray legwarmers and her bun all messy. Her scalp feels tender, from all the abuse she subjects it to. His fingers are gentle through her curls, as they sit on the floor and stretch out. Her eyes roam over his body, the exposed strip of skin when his shirt bunches, the waistband of his boxers hugging, the sweats tied below. He makes her take his sweatshirt, baggy and gray, and it almost looks like she’d planned it, as part of her outfit.

She rubs Tiger Balm into his lower back afterwards, before he showers, her thumbs ghosting over a bruise on his ribcage. It bubbles, what she feels when she looks at him like this. “Can I ask you something,” she says softly. Her touch finds another patch of yellow-green, on his upper thigh. “Doesn’t this hurt?”

He looks sideways, almost turning back to her. “Not as much as it used to.”

That’s a lie, she wants to say. It always hurts. Twisted ankles. Stress fractures. But she supposes there are things like calluses too. Things like distance. When he comes to her warm and sleepy from the shower, droplets still beading at the back of his neck, she doesn’t ask any more questions.

On Tuesday she wonders if the roads will be clear enough to make it back down to Pennsylvania for New Year’s. “You should come,” he says, and she stops chewing the scrambled eggs she’d made for both of them. She can’t cook, she’ll be the first to admit, aside from that pasta, sort of, and good scrambled eggs. He hadn’t even reached for the ketchup.

She can’t stop the question of it. “What?”

“You should come.”

Drive down with me, he means. Meet my family.

Was this what guys like him did, bring girl of the month home to meet ma? She smarts at her own reaction, at the words in her head. She bites her tongue with guilt. Her eyes catch the box of Diet Coke next to the counter again. She scrapes the rest of her breakfast onto his plate.

She reads the rest of the afternoon, makes notes in newspaper and magazine margins about ideas for stories. It feels possible here, a life beyond dance. Possible in this late afternoon light, orange and gold. She pulls his hand towards her when he passes, pulls him down into a kiss that feels like an apology, for something she didn’t say. She hopes he feels it.

“Can I keep your sweatshirt?” she mumbles later, against his ear on the couch, and her lips brush against two-day stubble. The radiator makes a noise in the corner. His hands rub up and down her back. The sweatshirt she’s still wearing, the one that smells like him. “‘S’ yours,” he says, so easily that it shocks her, the way she could’ve said heart.

On Wednesday, they venture out into in the snowdrifts. They buy more cigarettes from the one store still open and listen to the silence, the scrape of shovels and plows. She figures she should go check on her place, get the heat running, make sure nothing awful’s happened. Tomorrow’s New Year’s and she knows he’ll be leaving at some point. She’s going to miss this. All of it, the light in the apartment and his smell and his touch, his arms around her every night. This little world of only them.

“Next time you come over I promise we won’t have soup,” he says, as they slurp down the last bowls.

She tucks a strand of hair behind her ear. “I think I owe you one at this point.” What will her apartment feel like when she goes back?

He pours some more oyster crackers into his bowl. “Any thoughts about tomorrow?” he asks quietly. His eyes are very dark. The thought of him driving down all by himself makes her want to cry.

“I have to work,” she says slowly, and it’s not a lie, but it’s still so ugly, the way he knows she could ditch if she really wanted to. He’d seen it. She hates that store anyway, hates the treatment, hates the pay.

He moves his mouth a little, but doesn’t say anything. He doesn’t fight her when she says she’ll head uptown alone.

On Thursday she wakes up alone. Her apartment is fine, and cold. He’d reminded her to open the cabinets when they’d picked up her things, so the pipes wouldn’t freeze. The thought of his sweatshirt slowly taking on the smell of her own place puts something like a lump in her throat.

She wants to head back downtown, wants to tell him to come over, wants to tell him she’s sorry. She wants too many things. It flattens her, the thought of hurting him.

She packs her bag for work, and walks. The subway is very loud. Forty-five minutes into her shift, in the middle of getting screamed at by a mother who wants to know why they don’t have any more children’s pastel sets in stock she excuses herself to use the phone. She finds herself pacing as much as the cord allows, pick up pick up pick up heavy on her lips.

“Hello?”

She’s going to play it cool, going to act like this is alright, act like she doesn’t love him. But it’s the truest thing in this moment. It melts, all of it. She can hear the cracks in her voice.

“I’m sorry,” she says over the noise, and doesn’t give him time to say anything. “Have you left yet? Can I still-”

She’s already untying her apron. When he picks her up she kisses him so long that the cars behind them all honk.

#jo's tag #what happened here you may ask #great question #this au needs a tag doesn't it #shoshi writes #shoshi's au problem

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vitos-pink-shirt · 2 years

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Just some Mafia II hcs for the three main guys:

Vito Scaletta:

Is asexual and gay-romantic

Doesn’t really drink, except on special occasions (the beer in his fridge is months old and is only there for Joe, and later he buys some nice whiskey for Henry)

He hit his growth spurt before Joe, and spent a summer and half a school year taller than Joe, before Joe hit his growth spurt and while they got close, Joe remained taller than Vito

Perpetually skipped school after becoming friends with Joe

Everyone thought he was the level-headed one between him and Joe until somebody in their high school deeply insults Joe, and Joe has to peal Vito off of the kid after he immediately launched himself at the kid

His favorite color is dark blue like the ocean or the skyscrapers at night

Is a cat person

Has eaten food he dropped off of a dirty-ass Empire Bay sidewalk

Frankie used to read stories to him when they were younger, to practice her reading

After the Frankie Potts incident, I think he keeps an extra pair of socks and shoes in his car

After the sewer incident though he just carry’s a whole other outfit in his car

Vito and Joe used to play baseball in any open space they could get to and Vito used to be a pretty good batter

Joe Barbaro

Pansexual- this man is full of love

Loves to make fun of Vito for being like an inch shorter than him, well into adulthood

Actually enjoys cooking and is pretty good at it

LOVES singing, was in the church choir as a child

Was the school bully, but like in an anti-hero way, he wouldn’t necessarily stick up for the “little guy” but he’d make sure that that the people picking on them got it back 7x worse

His mother thinks he’s an angel, can do no wrong

Favorite colors are bright ones like hot pink, electric blue, lime green, but especially red

One time when he was drunk he got a hold of a raccoon and simultaneously fought off a sober Vito (who got scratched up while trying to get it away from Joe) while keeping himself from getting scratched and bit

Every single one of Vito’s playboy magazines are from Joe

In a modern setting he would dress the exact way

Once they got older he used to help Maria bake Vito’s birthday cake

Constantly has music playing in his apartment

The couch in his kitchen originally came with the apartment and once he got new couches he just shoved it into the kitchen because he didn’t wanna mess with taking it down the stairs

The cross he wears was a present from his parents/mother on his 15th birthday

Gets his shitty pick up lines from magazines

I think he probably collected cigarette cards as a kid and when he met Vito he probably started collecting baseball cards as well

Henry Tomasino:

Bisexual, but he definitely gives straight passing vibes unless you really know him

Favorite word is “motherfucker”

Was a momma’s boy and I think he was a middle child (he gives me “success = love/attention” vibes and the way he naturally kind of falls into the mentor role for Joe and Vito, yet remains spontaneous/a risk taker also feeds the idea of being a middle child)

Until he met Vito and Joe, Bettina was the only person that he didn’t fear having to “pay back”

NEVER learned to cook, a lot of his “suppers” are a glass of hard liquor, a cigarette, and a pitiful cold-meat sandwich

He’s weirdly frugal about things like groceries and his living situation, but will be financially irresponsible when it comes to suits, cars, and generally his appearance

Genuinely thinks he invented fashion when he started wearing that red tie with that red shirt

Favors reds/warm colors, but especially/secretly loves purple, because all of Bettina’s favorite flowers were purple

Every time he and Luca are together, they have to have a pissing match about something, literally anything

Would’ve dragged Joe and Vito to church at least once, and fucking regret it as Joe won’t stop saying that it’s the “shittiest cathouse I’ve ever been too, they won’t even share the booze” and Vito just looks like he’s going to burst into flames at any point

Is low key kind of messy, like dirty dishes piled in the sink, an unmade bed, the living room is always slightly out of order

Leans into all the superstitions, deathly afraid of black cats, throws spilt salt over his shoulder, knocks on wood, etc.

Didn’t own his own mirror for fear of breaking it

Doesn’t really care for pets, he doesn’t want to worry about keeping something other than himself alive

Even though he was younger than three of the other boys, he wasn’t a tattle tale (because he’s not a snitch 😤) so the older boys brought him along on a lot of their adventures

#vito scaletta #joe barbaro #henry tomasino #mafia 2 #mafia ii #mafia two #just some thoughts I have nothing to do with lol #pink shirt hc #pink shirt posts

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hsmtmtsnet · 9 months

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“You can’t stay in high school forever,” he told the Post-Gazette in a June interview. “I thought it might be nice to go out on top, on our terms, with complete stories. … It was such a return to East High in every way, and it felt like the cast was graduating.”

Season three ended with the East High drama club gaining some national notoriety due to their participation in a (again, in-show) Disney+ documentary chronicling their summer-camp production of “Frozen: The Musical.” Some of the documentary’s revelations test established relationships, including the bond between Carlos (Frankie A. Rodriguez) and Seb (Bethel Park native Joe Serafini).

It also helped solidify the long-gestating romance between East High drama club standouts Ricky (Joshua Bassett) and Gina (Sofia Wylie). Those two are an official item when season four begins, though they face plenty of tests throughout the season due to their own insecurites, diverging post-high school plans and Hollywood’s siren call.

As examples of how the show’s young cast were clearly ready for life after “HSMTMTS,” Federle cited Bassett’s then-upcoming world tour, Julia Lester (who plays Ashlyn Caswell) joining the cast of Broadway’s “Into the Woods” revival and Wylie’s starring role in the 2022 Netflix film “The School for Good and Evil.”

“I thought, ‘Let’s wrap this up on our terms and really graduate together,’” Federle said.

Unsurprisingly, season four mostly revolves around the theme of “figuring out the future,” as Federle put it. The teenagers’ stories take up the bulk of season four’s screen time, but they do have to share the spotlight with returning “High School Musical” talent like Lucas Grabeel (Ryan Evans), Corbin Bleu (Chad Danforth), Monique Coleman (Taylor McKessie), Kaycee Stroh (Martha Cox), Bart Johnson (Jack Bolton) and Alyson Reed (Ms. Darbus).

Those folks “slotted in perfectly” with Federle’s grand designs and desire to give the show’s actors and devoted fans “a really nice arc for everybody that pays off.” He especially enjoyed finally getting to map out eight episodes with Ricky and Gina as a full-fledged couple.

“It’s fun to write a no-holds-barred Ricky and Gina season. Even though there are always challenges in high school and exes and the future and anxiety and self-doubt ... it was a blast to finally flex our Rina as a show.”

Just as important to Federle was giving Seblos their time to shine as well. Serafini wasn’t in much of season three, and season four begins with those two trying to weather a rough patch stemming from the distorted way in which the “Frozen” documentary presented Carlos’ summer at Camp Shallow Lake. Don’t worry, Seblos fans: Serafini is around a lot more as Seb and Carlos navigate this messy situation.

“We sort of had a feeling when we were filming season four that it would likely be the last season,” Serafini told the Post-Gazette in June. “It wasn’t too much of a surprise. I think it’s been a great four years and we wrap it up pretty nicely. I’m excited to share it with the world and put a nice close on that chapter.”

Both Serafini and Federle are former Pittsburgh CLO Mini Stars who met at the Gene Kelly Awards for Excellence in High School Musical Theater held annually at the Benedum Center. Federle said that Serafini, who was back home last month starring as Jack in Pittsburgh CLO’s “Into the Woods” production, is blessed with “a wildly beautiful voice” and has been “an incredible member” of the “HSMTMTS” family.

“Seb and Carlos have been on a journey,” Federle said. “For a lot of our young audience, it’s the first real representation they’ve seen in the media that reflects them, or certainly on the Disney platform. That has been an honor to do that. ... You can’t do the show without Joe in a meaningful way, and it was so great to get one of Pittsburgh’s finest back on screen.”

Naturally, it’s bittersweet for Federle’s four-year “HSMTMTS” odyssey to be winding down — “with an emphasis on sweet,” he said. As he prepares to step into a future away from East High, Federle is celebrating where he came from by reflecting on how Western Pennsylvania institutions like the Pittsburgh CLO Academy and Center For Theater Arts gave him the skills he needed to thrive in the best part he’s ever known.

“My values are ultimately about trying to be a very fair and kind leader,” he said. “I learned that in Pittsburgh, which I think may be an East Coast city but has a Midwest heart. I think that Midwest heart beats at the center of this series.”

#tim federle #joe serafini #cast #s4 press #interviews

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missezramay · 2 years

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I don’t think she’s avoiding ship drama… I actually think the producers would want to keep the conversations going to hype momentum. But I personally feel like something happened between Matt and Sofia. We obviously don’t know what, but I’ve noticed she never interacts with Matt on social while she interacts with everyone else. She’s been sharing the cast’s posts for the episode on her stories, even Josh so you know she’s not afraid to interact with him and add to the ship drama. It’s been a few hours since Matt posted his and she hasn’t shared. IDK, maybe she will later.

Adding to my sadness is Sofia saying (on Tim’s IG post) that 2x07 was her favorite episode. It was probably fun for her to film because of the prom theme. But that her favorite episode includes pw’s breakup is depressing info. La sigh

Aww, I'm so sad to hear this anon!

Hmm, that checks out. Maybe it is more of a personal thing rather than avoiding ship drama, but let's hope it doesn't run that deep. I remember they were hanging out a few weeks ago, going to art galleries and things (they're so cultured haha) - I'm sure we're reading too much into it and it takes willpower but I urge you not to believe the rumours.

While I was sad posting earlier, I've had time to think about it and with 3x07 specifically, they wouldn't have taken many photos because their scenes were emotional and it wasn't the vibe (the cast generally post more goofing around/dance content). When 3x04 dropped they were happily sharing LIAOD bts because they simply had more to share.

As for their limited interactions, maybe it's just not their kind of friendship. I don't think they are dating (or have dated) at all, but given the chemistry (and as a hardcore PW I see it) there could be a little tension or something; maybe the filming of S3 had them crushing on each other and suddenly they're shy about it! She even mentioned in an interview how her banter with Josh is so different to Matt and I think it shows; Josh is more extroverted and goofy in his online interactions whereas Matt seems little more serious online (okay sometimes he's silly! but compared to Josh) and I imagine more playful in person/when you get to know him.

Another way to think about it is, maybe Matt/Sofia have like deeper conversations IRL and don't feel the need to bring those interactions to social - you know what I mean? In fact I just remembered that they're both openly Christian and maybe have a different kind of bond than with the other castmates, who knows. Like I like the idea of their in-person relationship being special / comfortable that they don't have a natural inclination to post sarcastic or random comments on each other's posts (e.g. Sofia re-posting Julia and writing "I'm so obsessed with you" just doesn't seem like something we'd ever get from Sofia/Matt so we shouldn't expect it or be sad if it doesn't happen. Even that time Joshua made that "Is Jatt real?" TikTok, it was such a Joshua thing to post but I wouldn't expect it from Matt directly)

I believe everyone's IRL vs online personalities are so different - I know I'm more insane on the Internet than normal, lol. Plus I also just realised myself that I have friends I'm closer with online and others that I'm closer with in person. Like my sister is my best friend in the world and we always hang out but online we are so awkward, it's hilarious. Maybe because we're aware of how our mutuals will perceive our interactions. So it's possible Matt/Sofia have that same issue... idk just a thought!

P.S. Before I forget, apparently Sofia is laughing in the background of Matt's story where he's hugging Joe & Frankie, so if you want to hold on to that breadcrumb like I am, feel free to xD

#thanks for reading my rambling if you did #basically I don't want to believe there's bad blood #hopefully the finale comes thru and we get so much matt/sofia content #portwell #hsmtmts #text post #thoughts

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henrysfedora · 2 years

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because we like angst, sometimes I think about my alt timeline about Vito in chapter 12. I know hes the protagonist but what if he died during one of the shoot outs.

it's the weight of the guilt on Henry that does it for me. I remember making a note in my sketchbook once about, what if Joe told Henry Vito was short for money after the night of the fire or so, and even if Henry had been planning the drug deal for awhile this just solidified it, because this is such a great deal is it not? here Henry is being able to give his friends over twenty grand each. Add on Henry lying a little to Vito about who they were giving the drugs to, add on that Henry knew Vito was desperate for money and add on the fact that Vito loves Henry and Joe with his life, with his whole heart and they're all he has left because Leo had to leave and Frankie doesn't wanna be around Vito anymore, she chooses to stay away because of what Vito has become / is becoming. Add on Henry was one of the wiseguys Vito looked up to, and teaching an abusive, cheating husband a lesson, this is what a real man would do to protect his sister would it not? at least in his mind.

What else could he do other than do the deal with his best friends to earn money because not only does he need it, he craves and chases it too. Add on Henry reassuring Vito that it'll be a quick job and they won't need to worry about distribution. Add on that Henry knew Vito wouldn't do it if Henry didn't simplify the whole thing. And Vito wouldn't want to hurt their feelings by saying no even if he hates it.

Just thinking about Henry holding Vito and realising if he didn't set this deal up Vito wouldn't be dead and would still be alive and smiling because it's as simple as he has Joe and Henry. But now because of Henry's decisions, neither of them have Vito anymore, Joe doesn't have Vito anymore and maybe Joe doesn't see Henry the same way he used to. And this is the moment pre-slash that he realises his ideas are absolutely fucking stupid and look at what you've done Henry as he holds the corpse of a twenty-six year old young man, who just barely lived over half of Henry's life. Remember all the things Vito and Joe have done for you and this is how you repay them.

Edit: would you like some more

Maria and the whole broken heart thing, I guess it is a bit like Frankie. What Vito has become has driven them away either physically or through death.

Vito dying in Henry's arms, that could be the first time he's ever seen Henry cry. And what if Vito apologised to Henry- he's sorry about doubting you Henry, he's sorry about getting mad at you for not seeing him in prison because he should've known you would've had your own things to do wouldn't you. I mean you are a wiseguy after all. He's sorry for being slack in the shoot out, he's better than this and it was his fault, it wasn't yours. And then Henry cutting him off and apologising to Vito and Joe, this was his fault and he's sorry. He's sorry for not thinking it through, sorry about practically ruining their lives.

Emphasising how painful it would be for Henry, Vito was doing this job for Henry, he was doing it because he believed in him, he did it not because he would like it but because he wants to support his friends to the very end. Henry knew Vito wouldn't have done it if Henry didn't lie. Henry is aware that Vito wouldn't like this job no matter what, so holding his dying body in his arms while realising about how he knew Vito wouldn't like it. Even if there was a chance this deal could've gone smoothly, as Henry assumed, something bad still happened, and Henry realised too late that he didn't think through the possibilities, or that shit happens. Something he warned Vito and Joe about but something they didn't warn him back about, probably because they love him too much and he's an idol, one of the men they most likely grew up watching and admiring and thinking he's quite smart.

Henry you dumb fuck istg, ily.

Actually, what if in this timeline, I mean I don't know how rich the Falcone family is, they could be richer in this one. But what if when Henry gets found out and they have a conversation about it. Eddie pays off most of their remaining debt.

"I'm not doing this for you I'm doing this for Vito"

#SOFISDFSDFHK #IM GONNA S OB #IM SORRY HENRY ILY #vito scaletta #henry tomasino #joe barbaro #its 3am what the hell is going on im sad

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365days365movies · 2 years

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31 (Films) to Life: Once Upon a Time in America (1984) - Recap: Part Two

There’s still so...so much more movie to review.

So, to hell with it; no navel gazing, let’s get back into it!

SPOILERS AHEAD!!! Check out Part One for more!

Recap: Part Two

Back to old Noodles, at the Riverdale mausoleum that holds his old friends. And at this point, I have to say…why is the score composed of a pan-flute? Like…that’s definitely a pan-flute, right? It’s iconic and noticeable, but…why a pan-flute? Anyway, when he goes there, he finds that it’s been erected…by him? Ah, but this is a message, as a key is hanging from that placard, leading to the old locker they kept their money in as children. And lo and behold, it’s a briefcase full of money, labeled as an advance payment for his “next job”? The plot thickens.

Old Noodles walks through downtown, as a Frisbee unexpectedly flies towards him AND…back to 1930, and Noodles is released from prison. He’s greeted by a now adult Max (James Woods), complete with a hearse for his transport, and a sex worker in the back for…well, you know why, They head to Fat Moe’s, now a speakeasy run by the gang, who’ve gotten wealthy during the Prohibition.

Included in the gang is Patsy (James Hayden), Cockeye (William Forsythe), Fat Moe (Larry Rapp), and Peggy (Amy Ryder), all grown up and happy to see him. But perhaps most prominently is Deborah (Elizabeth McGovern), who’s surprisingly there to see Noodles post-release, and has been waiting for him since his arrest. She’s a dancer at the Palace Theatre, as she’d always wanted to be, and invites Noodles to see her there. There’s definitely a romantic tension there, so we’ll have to see how that goes, especially since she doesn’t approve of his criminal lifestyle and associations.

Speaking of criminal associations, we’re introduced to Frankie Monaldi, AKA the inevitable Joe Pesci role. Sort of amazing that he hasn’t appeared in a movie I review up until now, since…y’know, it’s Joe goddamn Pesci. Also appearing is Joe (Burt Young), who presents the boys with an opportunity: a diamond heist. They carry it out as planned, with the assistance of teller Carol (Tuesday Weld), whose involvement is…unclear. See, she lets them in, although it appears to be trickery on her at first, but it becomes apparent that she’s in on the scene. She also…fakes sexual assault by Noodles on her by actually having sex with him? I think it’s consensual…but even I’m not sure.

The boys deliver the diamonds to Joe, only to take them all out at the behest of Frankie, who wanted to take out the competition that Joe posed. Noodles balks at this, as he dislikes the idea of working for a boss, fearing the future consequences of getting in bed with Manoldi and other mobsters.

Back in the late ‘60s, the news is reporting on the attempted assassination of the Secretary of Commerce, amidst reports of government corruption. This includes an interview with a man named Jimmie O’Donnell (Treat Williams), whom Noodles recognizes. We cut back in time to the 1930s, where union workers Jimmie is being intimidated by Chicken Joe (Richard Bright), possibly under the command of the government. Rescued by Noodles and the gang, Jimmie reluctantly accepts protection from the mob.

This is undercut by the appearance of obviously corrupt police chief Aiello (Danny…Aiello), who’s taking interviews on various allegations of corruption, as well as celebrating the birth of a son. But with that son at the moment is the gang, who;ve snuck into the newborn unit of the hospital to…switch around the bassinets? That is insanely chaotic in the weirdest ways. And sure enough, Noodles gives him a call, revealing their plot: stop the cops from interfering with the unions, and they’ll undo the switch. A very clever and insidious plot, while also being…kinda funny, not gonna lie. At least, it WOULD be…if Patsy hadn’t lost the switch list. Ooooooh…oh, yeah, that’s absolutely fucked.

At the same time, we find out what the deal is with Carol. Turns out she’s…we’ll I guess she’s a very committed swinger? She’s married, and worked at the jewelry store as her side job, which means she…didn’t know about the robbery plans? She just ran with it, including the assault? Well, I guess it was…consensual? Jesus, this is a weird kind of problematic. After becoming reacquainted with the boys, she starts a relationship with…Max. Yeah, this lady is all kinds of confusing, gotta say. She recommends a threesome with Noodles, but he’s not into it.

Instead, Noodles goes back to his true love: Deborah. They go on a date in a nice restaurant, where they are the only customers. On this date, Deborah reveals that she does indeed care about Noodles, but is afraid of the parameters of their potential relationship, desiring a freedom and holding an ambition for Hollywood that she believes she could never achieve with Noodles. In fact, she’s going to Hollywood right after this, despite her feelings. And I gotta say…this is one of the better love interest characters I’ve seen in these movies. Like, she’s not a helpless waif, because she knows what she wants from Noodles and from life. However…it doesn’t end well…because Noodles rapes her.

Fuck. It’s, uh…it’s hard to watch.

Well, after that absolute fucking horror show, Noodles takes some time to reflect, Deborah leaves for Hollywood permanently, and I start to realize that I’m watching a movie about a bad person. Like…I mean, I knew that, because he’s killed multiple people and is part of a budding crime syndicate, but it’s been somehow lessened by De Niro’s acting and the circumstances Noodles has been in, but…yeah, no, he’s a bad person. And as he watches Deborah leave on the train to Hollywood, and Deborah gives him the “fuck you you piece of shit” eyes (understandably), we…cut to intermission?

Wait…really? We’re 70% through the movie, and NOW you let me go to the bathroom? That makes…no sense. I mean…OK?

See you in Part Three, I guess.

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swiftcola · 2 years

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I am here for autism king Vito Scaletta, if you have any thoughts on that

i never thought about it before, but reading harry’s post made me realise he has the vibes. there’s just something about the way he interacts with others and either doesn’t seem to know what to say, says the wrong thing, or just earnestly speaks his mind and is laughed at for it. the situation with frankie later on in the game stands out especially—it’s an extreme example given what the little sidequest entails but he just doesn’t know how to comfort her other than to be plainly but frighteningly truthful with her. he just doesn’t know what to do with her or how to talk to her. he hates eric for how he’s treated francesca and he doesn’t hide it, honestly stating that if eric touches her again, he’ll kill him. he’s not saying it to be evil or bloodthirsty or malicious—he’s saying it because he cares about her and doesn’t know how else to express that (the fact that vito doesn’t seem to know how to express himself other than with violence is a topic for another time bc that alone obviously has nothing to do with autism that’s just. something else entirely!!). there’s just no tact and he doesn’t seem to realise how what he’s saying effects francesca or will make the situation at hand worse

there’s also that distinct feeling that something about him is different. something’s “off.” it’s clear that everyone around him senses it too. he kind of just tags along with joe and is brought into things because joe wants him to be involved. he’s also kind of naive, like he takes people at face value because he himself has no motive or desire to lie, and so can’t even grasp the idea that other people might think and act differently for different reasons

none of the above is intended to alienate or mock autism of course, these are just traits that stand out to me and have struck a little chord that has me like “hold on… something’s going on here”

#i feel like i’m just rehashing everything harry said but these things in particular just resonate w me #vito scaletta #ii #asks

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denimbex1986 · 3 months

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'If, in between big heaving sobs, you don’t leave All Of Us Strangers humming Frankie Goes To Hollywood’s The Power Of Love, then check your pulse: you too might also be a departed figure from the afterlife.

Writer-director Andrew Haigh’s hauntingly beautiful film understands the power of nostalgia, and how much of it is rooted in sound. “I think almost every single song that comes out was scripted," he recently told IndieWire. "I knew what that music was before I even started, and I made sure we got the rights to it before we started. Everything was sort of designed with that in mind. [The movie] is about the power of music, weirdly, to drag us back into the past.”

Here’s all the key needle drops from the film (watch out for some spoilers along the way):

Setting The Scene in Adam’s Flat – Fine Young Cannibals: Johnny Come Home

While stuck with writer’s block, Adam cues up this archetypal slice of ‘80s pop to transport himself back to the era. As Roland Gift’s falsetto cries out ‘Johnny/We’re sorry/Won’t you come on home’, is it this 1984 track that causes Adam to revisit his own home, and find out if his parents were also sorry for what happened in his childhood? Or is it Build by The Housemartins, that he also spins, that has him yearning for the past once again?

The Christmas Tree Decorating Scene – Pet Shop Boys: Always On My Mind

The family don’t yet know it – well, apart from Adam, that is – but this is the last time they’ll all be together, a picture perfect moment as they decorate the Christmas tree. As they do so, they start to sing along to the 1987 Pet Shop Boys cover of Elvis Presley’s Always On My Mind. The lyrics (Maybe I didn't hold you/All those lonely, lonely times) echo the repressed nature of some middle-England families of that age, but have an extra poignancy and subtext for Adam and his dad. It seems to be at points cathartic, as they sing what they could never express at the time.

The Nightclub Scene – Joe Smooth: Promised Land

Once voted number 4 in DJ Mag’s Top 100 Club Tunes, there’s no dance floor that this song can't fill. The song speaks of unity, of how there’s peace and comfort when we join forces with others – and whether it’s the song or just the bumps of ket Adam and Scott hoofed up in the club toilets, for one moment, Adam is happy, enjoying a transcendental moment among the sweaty, smiling faces in the crowd. If the film is all a dream, we hope that this is one event that actually came to pass for Adam in reality and not just the breakdown afterwards.

The Meltdown Scene – Blur: Death Of A Party

Used to great effect, the one song in the soundtrack from the ‘90s (1997 specifically, from the band’s self-titled album) is a slowed-down, twisted and distorted nightmare, as Adam either falls into a terrifying k-hole, or falls screaming further back into his delusional hallucinations. Perhaps both! Either way, the art-school band track perfectly captures that moment on a night out when it all gets a bit dark.

The End Scene – Frankie Goes To Hollywood: The Power Of Love

“I’ll protect you from the Hooded Claw,” Adam tells Harry in the final scene, “Keep the vampires from your door.” He is, of course, quoting from the Frankie Goes To Hollywood 1984 song, The Power Of Love. It’s not the first time that the song appears in the film, as Adam plays it earlier in the story, and it’s on the TV on the night Harry tries to drop in.

The song would also have extra significance for Adam, who, we learn, lost his parents in a car crash on Christmas Eve. Although not intentionally created as a Christmas song, when the nativity-theme video for the track was released, alongside the religious iconography for the single's artwork, it was placed in the Christmas canon forevermore and hit number one in the charts in 1984. Each new festive year, as Adam heard that song, it will have transported him back to that tragic Christmas as a child when he lost his parents.

It’s a total gut punch of a song to use in the ending minutes of the film, as the lyrics implore us to ‘make love your goal’. This ethos is reflected in both the ending of All Of Us Strangers and in the beginning of the music video, with light emanating from a giant star. Equally, the warm, fire-like lighting that Haigh bathed many of the romance scenes in seems to reference the lyrics ‘Flame on, burn desire/ Love with tongues of fire’, as Adam’s joy with a partner finally illuminates his dark world. Ultimately, as the pair fade into stars and the credits roll, the lyrics sing out: ‘Love is the light/scaring darkness away’.

Back in 2012, Frankie Goes to Hollywood frontman Holly Johnson spoke about his deep attachment to the song. “I always felt like The Power of Love was the record that would save me in this life," he told The Guardian. "There is a Biblical aspect to its spirituality and passion; the fact that love is the only thing that matters in the end.” A mantra that we hope Adam takes with him, wherever he floats off to in the ether.'

#Andrew Haigh #All of Us Strangers #Frankie Goes to Hollywood #The Power of Love #Blur #Death of a Party #Fine Young Cannibals #Johnny Come Home #Joe Smooth #Promised Land #Pet Shop Boys #Always on My Mind #Build #The Housemartins #Elvis Presley

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