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dean-a-mean-tae · 4 months

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DTF? | Stray Kids Extra Member AU

Version 2 of Nicholas Ross in Stray Kids Family

WARNINGS: Fake cheating? Affection. Chan is a menace

Nicholas Ross Master List | Requested: Yes

Relation: Nicholas is the man Momma Hyunjin is having an affair with

Background: Momma Hyunjin finds out Jisung is cheating on her, so (she)he cheats back. Then (she)he keeps going back to Nick for more, and they develop somewhat of a "relationship." They love each other but are waiting for the divorce.

☾ When Hyunjin sits down, Nicholas sits beside him or pulls him on his lap. When Hyunjin stands, Nicholas will back hug him.

☾ Nick has a great relationship with Chan (who plays Jisung and Hyunjin's son)

☾ Nick is slightly jealous of Momma Hyunjin and Seungmin's fling.

☾ Changbin is secretly rooting for Momma Hyunjin and Nick's relationship

NOTABLE MOMENTS

Hyunjin and Jisung were arguing while everyone else sat in their seats. The members' eyes went to Hyunjin as (she)he shouted and then to Jisung when he yelled back. The cycle repeated.

And repeated.

Until Nicholas raised his hand as he sat forward in the chair. He tilted his head while shouting, "I have a statement!"

"Jeongin looks like someone from a show my sister used to watch as a child." Nicholas started. He waited for everyone to look at him before continuing, "Stay, I want you to look up Barbie's sister, Skipper, and then tell me if you see the resemblance."

The screen paused on Jeongin's face, and a photo of Skipper from Barbie Dreamhouse appeared beside him. The caption said, "This is Skipper next to Jeongin. We see the similarities."

Nicholas sits on the couch with Hyunjin on his lap. Chan sits in front of them against their legs. Next to them are Seungmin, Minho, and Felix. Seungmin and Minho sit on the couch while Felix plays with (her)his dress on the floor.

Jeongin and Changbin sit on barstools while JIsung stands between them and the couch with his arms crossed. He glares at Nicholas, who gives him a smug grin as he tightens his grip on Hyunjin's waist.

The camera zooms in on Nicholas, who is hugging Hyunjin from behind. The taller boy has his head on Hyunjin's shoulder with his face tucked into his neck. Occasionally, Hyunjin will start to smile or flinch away from him as Nick tickles his neck.

"What's going on here?" Jeongin asks, tilting his head as he waves his hand at the duo. They look like deer in headlights.

"I'm hugging him. What's it look like?" Nick huffs as he moves from one foot to the other. His movements rock Hyunjin side to side.

"Oh, you know. You two look real cozy," Jeongin shrugs while looking away from them. Felix and Chan laugh as Minho leans forward while cackling.

"Appa, my nose burns," Chan grumbles as he squints his eyes and scrunches his nose. Everyone cringes as Jisung hands him a tissue. Chan side-eyes him before going over to Nicholas and whining, "Appa, help!"

Cringes become smiles as everyone laughs at Jisung's face. He shouts while pointing at Nicholas, "He's not- He isn't- What just happened?!"

Nicholas rubs Chan's back as he guides him to sit beside him. They grin at Jisung as he continues to shout, with the members' laughter echoing throughout the building.

"You can't be with other people when you're in a relationship!" Jisung yelled, tossing his arms up. Hyunjin scoffed, rolling his eyes as he sat next to Nick.

"Of course, you run back to him!" Jisung huffed. Someone laughed at Hyunjin and Nicholas, glaring at the still-yelling man.

"You two have nothing to say?!"

"It's not my fault your woman let me hit from the back," Nick grumbled as he slumped in his spot. Everyone gasped before the room erupted in laughter.

"Can he say that?" Changbin asked, looking at someone off-camera.

"Eomma, what does that mean?" Chan asked as he struggled to keep a straight face.

Nicholas Ross Master List

©️DEANAMEANTAE2024

Tags list: @bada-lee-ily, @jinnie-ret, @hwxnghyynjin, @foxilsdenn, @rensahazard, @mynameisnotlaura , @lucianidealz , @ziipzeepzop-eez, You can be added by asking in the replies, sending me a message, or doing an ask thingy.

#deantae nicholas ross #skz 9th member #stray kids 9th member #skz x reader #stray kids x reader #skz x male reader #stray kids x male reader #skz x 9th member #stray kids extra member #stray kids with the 9th member #hyunjin x male reader #hwang hyunjin x male reader

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meraki-yao · 24 days

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RWRB: The Awardist Podcast Interview Thoughts

Alright after listening to the podcast giddily while aggressively stomping on the cross-ramp machine to work out my extreme happiness and excitement to the point that I burnt through twice as many calories than usual and soaked through my shirt, I'm here with thoughts

Pippin @pippin-katz, who sent me a voice message at 3 am my time to tell me to brace myself and be prepared for what's happening and what I'm going to wake up it, did their own version of a summary+thoughts with timestamps here, go check that one out

So my list of thoughts is gonna be a little more all over the place

Immediately burst out laughing with the "mouthful" joke, even more so when the boys both caught it lmao

"I am not happy to see Taylor's face" and "I have a Post-it I'll stick it over your face now" that is peak bestie behaviour

Nick honey I love you but I... do not believe you don't look through online stuff lmao we literally caught you likely fan content and edits you posted two Henry edits and referenced another one

I love how unintentionally in sync they are??? For the first question they started talking at the same time, and for the second they both started nodding and stayed silent forgetting this was an audio interview

"mate, mate, mate, MATE" and the last one being said in sync oh my god this is so much fun

The whole comment on the signing wars: what Pippin said, we were literally calling Taylor "that little fucker" yesterday when he started taunting us with more BTS (EVERYONE KEEP VOTING PLEASE)

"What possessed you? What have you got against me?", the same energy as "Why do you dislike me?"

Taylor's explanation of signing on Nick's face and how it started made me laugh and scoff a little because I translated that fucking moment: the first time it happened, Taylor was in China, it was the firstprince PR photo not the GQ magazine, he was on a boat, and he was the one to ask for the photos to sign lmao

Again, need to see them sign stuff in the same time and space: FIGHT FIGHT FIGHT!!! :D

"Take it Nick" Nick's little snicker in response

A little heavy and personal but I wish I could talk to them and tell them how much the book, the movie, the characters and the boys mean to me and how it kept me somewhat afloat last October when I was drowning every single day, and how this story made me want to change myself and break out of my status quo

I know I've been saying Taylor knows Casey's pronouns and he gets them wrong when he's nervous, and I stand by that, but God the sigh of relief I let out when he used they/them

"Right Nick?" is so oddly comforting?

Oh my fucking God the "Top to Bottom" joke was a low-hanging fruit but it made me laugh

Also even the order was right! "Top to Bottom", "Taylor and I" (jkjk lmao) 😜

I really fucking hope that the "that's what I'm known for now, doing intimacy work on screen" is an offhand joke and that people don't genuinely label Nick as that

"Why don't you speak for this, Taylor" again, unexplainably comforting

"Seeing my mate at all these awards shows" made me remember a Chinese phrase "頂峰相見·", literally "meeting again at the peak", meaning "I'll see you when we're both at our best"

Nick's burst of laughter at the "who's a better kisser" comment

Taylor I swear to God 🤣 he combined the "is nick a good kisser" and the "who has your heart joey or Nick" questions together and said "I don't know, I don't know how to answer that question, I have no idea" DUDE YOU LITERALLY ANSWERED THE GOOD KISSER QUESTION WITH "YOU KNOW WHAT HE IS A GOOD KISSER WE HAD TO PRACTICE A LOT PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT" WITH ZERO HESITATION (that answer, on that day, was first thing in the morning for me, and I lost my sanity for the next two hours)

I'm so fucking happy and Matthew comes from a theatre too, speaking as a theatre person and someone who has been dissecting this film since its release

I really think there's gotta be more improvised scenes? Or at the very least stuff like the morning after V&A that was a last-minute decision to add in and wasn't in the script, or maybe scenes where there wasn't specific lines written and they just reacted and spoke based on the scenario? Or even little moments, the shoulder kiss or something?

"Tay" OH MY HEART

Ok I can make an argument on both how Nick is like and not like Henry, but Taylor is so ACD that he basically fell out of the book? How does he not see that? (personally think Taylor's very similar to Alex with a bit of Marco?)

Oh my god the whole segment of the DNC/getting caught scene and Taylor's ass

"I will take this one" "yeah"

"I love working with her, we both love working with her" That's sweet- hang on Nick you just have this one scene with her

I have so many more questions about this scene: Was Nick actually in the closet for that one shot? How many takes did it take?

Taylor referencing a detail in Bottoms from like a 30-second scene in the movie!!! Yes!!! We love seeing friends being supportive of each other (suddenly want to hear Taylor's opinions on M&G lmfao)

"And I'm not even going to get into M&G"

The text question is kind of the only question that made me think "Why would you ask that?" because that was definitely more of a directing/editing thing

Nick really freaking loves the cake scene, he mentioned that as his favourite scene three times at this point, all times on audio, twice on video

Aw Taylor's story about Jack... 🥺

But somehow everyone knowing it lmao, and Taylor's fucking awful British accent

And at this point Nick starts swearing lmao

Awww Nick's compliment to Taylor

Tangent: what the fuck is a fuel museum?

Oh I just love hearing them finishing each other's sentences when one of them forgets the word

Lmao imagine just recovering from Covid and then needing to make out for two hours

"Next to a witchcraft shop" What the fuck lmao

Tangent again but I could write a sociology essay on what Taylor said about architecture and history

I swear to God, Nick's "go on Taylor" somehow being softer, you can fucking hear that that little shit is smirking

Taylor saying that he wants a second book from Casey and me immediately going "BOTH OF YOU QUIT YOUR FUCKING JOBS" (I have complicated feelings about the bonus chapter)

"What-if world" exactly!

Taylor pulling out the stats about the queer population: did he fucking calculate that on the spot or he just casually have that information in his head?

the little wrap-up by the hosts was so sweet but somehow talking about Taylor's ass again oh my god (his body hair being digitally edited, it was minx right?)

"it's so sweet and nice and we need more of this in our lives right now" YES WE DO, WE FUCKING DO

"he's gonna be second-guessing his booty" is not a sentence I thought I'd ever hear but here we are

Culture shock moment: the number to call the podcast/American phone numbers is 3-3-4 which caught me off guard for a second cuz here it's 4-4

And that's it for now! God, I need so much more of this, like, if this is what we get out of a half-an-hour podcast interview what would press and promo be like?

Now that we're back for awards I really freaking hope these new RWRB content will be coming back, maybe like once a week or something

WE'RE BACK WE'RE FUCKING BACK WE'RE FUCKING WINNING

EVERYONE GO VOTE GO VOTE GO VOTE

#rwrb #red white and royal blue #rwrb movie #taylor zakhar perez #alex claremont diaz #nicholas galitzine #henry fox mountchristen windsor #henry hanover stuart fox #firstprince #rwrb thoughts #AHHHHHHHHHHHH #rwrb ramble #my rwrb list #oh my god oh my god oh my god #ahhhhhh #rwrb bts #rwrb cast

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spicywhenspeaking · 5 months

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high folio 👋🏼 : nick folio x reader

this fic is 420 friendly and includes the recreational use of cannabis 🍁 aka I saw this photo and wanted to write something.

no beta we die like men

I decided last minute to join my old friends at the bonfire. We’re all in town for the holidays so I figured I should make an effort to see them. I drive to the field my friend sent me the address for, its the same one we used to drink at back in highschool. I park on the side of the road behind the others and get out. I see the plumes of smoke high in the sky as I approach the group of people sitting around the fire. “Hey! y/n, we didn't think you were going to make it” my friend Randy says as he comes to give me a hug, he smells like smoke and cheap beer.

The others say hi and I see a lot of faces I recognize and a few unfamiliar faces. One catches my eye but I try not to stare. I say hi to my old friends and find a seat on a creaky folding chair afer grabbing a beer for myself. I make small talk with a few of my old friends, taking sips of my beer, its helping ease my nerves but I wish I had some - “hey, you want a hit?'' The soft voice broke me out of my thoughts and I turn to see the handsome face I noticed before offering me an unlit joint. “Oh, hey. Um Yes, that sounds great. Thank you.”

I take the joint and put it between my lips and before I can ask for a lighter he's flipping open a zippo for me to use. I smile out the side of my mouth and take a drag in lighting the end of the joint and pulling in a lung full of smoke. I take it out and exhale away from the others and offer the joint back to the unnamed handsome stranger.

“What's your name?” I ask him. He smiles and takes a hit. “Nick, but, my friends call me Folio.” He passes the joint to someone to his left side. “Why do they call you Folio?” I ask. He laughs softly as he sits in the chair that was recently vacated next to me. “I’m in a band, and another guys name is Nick. It was less confusing for them to call me Folio. My last name.”

I nod in understanding and take another drink from my watery beer. “But there are no other Nicks here tonight” I tell him coughing lightly as I take a puff from the joint that’s come back around and pass it back to him. “You could be Nick tonight if you wanted to be.” It comes out slightly flirtier than I intended and he laughs lightly as he takes a pull in. He exhales and leans in closer before whispering “but you can call me whatever you’d like tonight. What’s your name beautiful?” The weed has affected me enough that I giggle shamelessly at his very obvious flirting. “Okay, Nick it is. I’m Y/N..So what do you play in your band?”

He leans over to grab a beer for himself out of the cooler, the motion causes the orange and yellow glow from the fire to light up his face, sparking off the nose ring I didn’t notice before. “Drums, I’ve been playing since I was a kid. I was a very hyper child so it helped channel some of the energy haha” he laughs out. I finished the last of my beer and he points to the cooler as a way of asking if I wanted another. I nod and he reaches in to grab another.

“What kind of music do you play? Would I have heard of the band?” I ask, my playlist has a bunch of everything so maybe I have heard his band. “We’re called Bad Omens, been together since like 2015.” Wracking my brain I try to think if the name is familiar. “I feel like maybe I’ve heard of y’all, but honestly can’t place it. Any songs I might know?”

He nods and laughs again “um our song Just Pretend when kind of viral on TikTok? Maybe you heard that?” And then it clicks, “oh yes! My friends tried to get me to go to y’all’s show, they heard that song and then listened to like all of your music and saw y’all were playing in town. I unfortunately had to work late and couldn’t make it.”

He fake pouts and says “such a shame, we could have met so much longer ago.” That causes me to giggle harder “oh I’m sure you would have spotted me in your sea of fans.” He eyes me with a sultry smile and says “oh I would have seen you, I’m sure of it. I noticed you as soon as you got here tonight.” The blush creeps up my neck and takes over my cheeks, making them a deep red.

“Oh that’s sweet.” I say. “So you grew up here?” Nick asks. “Yeah, I just came into town for the holidays to see my family and some friends. I fly back tomorrow evening. What about you?” Leaning his head back in the chair and looking at the stars he says “my mom moved out here a few years ago and she met Randy’s mom, they became friends. Randy and I aren’t like best friends but we’ve hung out a few times when I’m in town and he invited me out here tonight.” Randy is a good friend, we’ve known each other since Kindergarten but he’s not my type at all. Nick though? He’s my type for sure. We talked for a while about how our holidays went and what we did while in town before Nick asked me, “so where’s home for you?”

“I’m in L.A. right now, staying with a friend while I finish my book.” The smoke from the fire is getting in my eyes causing them to water slightly. “Do you want to walk around a little? Get out of the smoke?” He asks as he stands and offers me a hand to get up. “Yeah, that sounds nice.” It’s a cool night but hot near the fire so getting some fresh air feels nice, especially considering I’m reaching the point in my high that everything is making me laugh. We walk towards the tree line and the crackling of the fire is fading away.

“I’m also in L.A. right now. We decided to move out west once the band took off a little more. We should get together when we're both back” he smiles, “what kind of book are you writing?” My giggles are taking over and he’s having a hard time not joining me, trying to stay cool and collected. “Hahaha, omg that was very smooth. Asking me out and then asking me about my book.”

I breathe and gain enough coherence to tell him about my book. “It’s crazy, ahaha I honestly can’t believe I’m writing it. It’s a mystery thriller about a vampire hockey team and their rivals, a werewolf hockey team. Well, they have to team up after they’re attacked and solve the case of who did it along with trying to win the Championship game.” His eyes go wide and I’m prepared for him to laugh about how stupid it sounds but he laughs and says “that’s the coolest fucking thing I’ve ever heard. I need an advanced copy like yesterday.” The giggles over take me again and we continue walking past the tree line into the wooded area. We talk more about living in L.A., the traffic, the food but also the totally horrible dating scene. “Yeah I went out with this guy and all he did was talk about how his photographer couldn’t get his angles right and he was going to lose out on jobs.”

“Seriously! I don’t date much but the last date I went on the girl was asking all about the lead singer, my friend Noah. It was so fucking weird. Like you’re out with me but asking all about my friend that you clearly are more into…so that fucking sucked” Jesus, that’s horrible. Plus Nick seems like a really nice guy, on top of being totally hot he told me he rides motorcycles. That girl sounds like a loser and I tell him that. “Haha, yeah. It was lame. Noah’s hot I won’t lie, but, if she wanted to go out with him she should have just asked him out instead.”

“Well I think you’re pretty hot” I say and then immediately look up into the clearing between the trees to look at the stars and avoid making eye contact after my loose lipped confession. He reaches down and intertwines our hands together, “you’re pretty hot yourself Y/N.” Laughing I pull his arm further into the forest and we make it to a small clearing. “Come on, this is one of my favorite spots.”

I take us to a grassy spot and lay back and look at the stars. Nick lays next to me and takes my hand again in his. Staring at the stars my giggles take over again and he laughs along with me. “Are you always so giggly when you smoke?” He asks. “Yes usually. Used to piss my ex off, he said it ruined his buzz. Jackass.” Nick sits up on his elbows and looks over at me with a disgusted look on his face. “Are you serious? Your laugh is the cutest thing I’ve ever heard? I would make you giggle all night if I didn’t value my precious 8 hours of sleep I needed to be a functioning human.” That causes more giggles to spill out of me. “Why thank you, you’re very kind.”

We lay under the stars for another half hour or so just in comfortable silence. Nick pulls out another unlit joint from his pocket and raises his eyebrows at me in a way of asking “are you down?” I nod my head and he lights it. We share this joint, passing it between each other. “Have you ever shotgunned while smoking?” Nick asks me, his eyes going between my eyes and lips. “No. I haven’t. Did you want to try?” He nods his head and takes another long inhale then holds it and scoots even closer to my side and leans his head in front of mine.

I open my mouth and prepare to inhale as he blows a stream of smoke past my lips. After I finish taking in all the smoke and blowing it back out, Nick's lips are still right in front of me. It wouldn’t take much to move forward and press our lips together. His tongue brushes past his lips to wet them and he must notice me tracking the movement because he quickly closes the distance and presses his lips against mine. My lips tingle from the weed and from the delicious feeling of his kiss, and even more as he deepens it with his tongue pushing into my mouth for access. We continue to make out against the grassy forest floor for a while longer before the coldness seeps into out clothes and we decide to go back to the fire with the others.

Grabbing another beer we sit and talk more about life, he tells me about life on the road with his band and I tell him about my career as a writer.

After one to many drinks and as my high continues to build I realize I won’t be able to drive home. Luckily I drove my brother's truck and he keeps blankets in his truck for when he takes his girlfriend out to stargaze.

“I have some blankets in the back of my truck, If you wanted to join me. For sleeping that is.” My blush returns at full force. “I would hate for you to become minced meat before our meet up in L.A.” I joke lightly. “That sounds great, I’m exhausted and was honestly just going to try and walk home.” That would have taken him hours, this field isn’t hard to get to, but it’s not a convenient walk. Getting the truck bed ready we lay down cuddling under the large comforter my brother had piled in his backseat, along with a quilt we’re laying on top of. It’s not the most uncomfortable bed I’ve had but I’m pretty high so I don’t care. I close my eyes and sleep takes hold of me.

The early sun wakes me up hours later and I stretch out trying to unkink the knot in my back. “Ugh, this is what I get for sleeping in a truck bed” I grumble to myself and my bedfellow begins to stir. “Mmm to early…” Nick says sleepily. “I know friend” I yawn. “But my brother needs his truck back for work, so I need to go.” Nick sits up and rubs the sleep out of eye and gives me a goofy sleepy grin. “Understood” he mock solutes. “But let me get your number before so I can call you when I’m back in L.A.”

I agree and put my number into his phone and he sends me a simple text so I can save his.

Nick Folio: 😮‍💨🍁😘

I laugh and he gives me a kiss on the cheek before hopping out of the truck and heading towards his motorcycle, kicking it on he waves and smiles before taking off down the dirt road.

#nick folio #folio #nick folio fanfiction #nick folio fic #folio fic #folio fanfiction #bad omens fanfiction #bad omens fic #bad omens fanfic #fanfic #fanfiction #tw marijuana #tw weed #my fic #author : spicywhenspeaking

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ranchthoughts · 7 months

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Moments of ephemerality/permanence/YOLO/photography/voyeurism/control/hypocrisy/accountability etc. in Only Friends ep. 9

last week in meta

Permanence vs ephemerality

As usual, a quick little recap on moments that to me spoke of the ephemeral and the permanent:

Nick says "Why can't I forget about Boston despite the fact that he did lots of shit to me?" -> Nick wishes Boston, his love for Boston, and his memories of Boston are more ephemeral than they are

Nick calls Ray Sand's "haunting spirit," Sand says Ray won't find where he is and join them because Sand isn't that important to him (not worth the time and effort to drive 2 hours into the mountains) -> Sand thinks his relationship with Ray is ephemeral, that what they have (and the interest Ray has for him) is not lasting or permanent

Sand had imaginary (spectral) friends as a kid because he had no real friends as a child

Sand and Nick try hooking up but it doesn't do anything for them -> friendship is the lasting relationship between them, anything romantic/sexual is just a passing fancy, the awkwardness of the moment is also fleeting and they quickly go back to normal

Ray's shirt says "YOLO" while he and Sand sit in the water and talk

Ray again tells Sand "Don't think too hard about it," like he did in his car that one time -> live in the moment, go with the flow, YOLO

All the talk about death at the camper van between Ray and Sand (Ray talking about his life flashing before his eyes, Ray asking if people would cry if he died, Ray requesting a funeral song from Sand, while Sand says "I have dreams. I don't want to die just yet.", Ray asks if he can follow Sand and Sand's dream around "now that I live") -> life is fleeting

Ray and Mew break off their relationship -> this arrangement, pretending to be romantically involved, was fleeting; their platonic friendship is more lasting (like Mew said a few episodes ago about being friends forever)

Cheum says she thought of Mew's changes as him being possessed by an evil spirit (ephemeral, something outside of Mew's control) but Mew says he was just lost and trying to become stronger by becoming someone else for a bit

Despite breaking things off with Ray and understanding that his party-going behaviour was a way of coping with everything that went on, Mew is still dressing like Ray at the end of the episode (are these changes in behaviour, or at least in dress, more permanent than they may have initially seemed?)

Atom wanted a more lasting relationship with Boston, despite the pretense for them hooking up was as one-time experiment to see if Atom was in fact interested in men; once again Boston is saddled with a man who wants something more lasting and committed than he was prepared to give (or was agreed on)

Recording and digital media

Of course, a core example of permanence in this show has been recordings, either in audio or visual form. We saw more of that this episode.

Top records Ray and Sand making out in the music room, though he doesn't show the footage to Mew (...reminiscent of Mew obtaining the footage of Boston and Gap but not showing it to his dad/posting it online... though making Boston very aware of what he *could* have done and what a good person he is for *not* doing that)

Atom says he wants a photo to keep (the idea of photos being a permanent keepsake), Boston took photos of Atom after their hookup

There's something here as well about consensually being recorded vs. not... Atom asking to be photographed by Boston vs Top recording Ray and Sand, like how Boston recorded Ray and Mew or Gap recorded Boston and others (which itself can be contrasted by Mew expressing interest and excitement at being recorded by Gap when he was on his reconnaissance mission).

I was playing around with the idea of surveillance the other week, with Gap running a channel full of sex tapes (that may or may not have been recorded with consent) and Boston using Instagram to find his friends. This week:

Ray figures out where Sand and Nick are based on Nick's Instagram story -> just like how Boston figured out his friends were at the hostel based on Cheum's Instagram story. Again, the characters don't think about what their social media presence is revealing to others

Mew's moms saying they recognize Top from Mew's Instagram

Social media, especially Instagram, has had a recurring role in this series. It makes sense, given the age of the characters, but it also brings up ideas of the appearances we put up/narratives we tell ourselves and others, surveillance, permanent records of things vs. the ephemerality of digital content, etc...

And of course, we these tie into the theme of voyeurism too: Top records Sand and Ray making out in the music room, Nick listening to Boston and his hookup kiss in the bathroom stall for a moment (before interrupting to give a heartfelt apology and goodbye).

Control and Boundaries

Last week I thought some thoughts about control and boundaries, and especially cases where characters said "it's none of your business what I do". We had lots more examples of this this week too:

Sand asks Ray to get out of his way multiple times in the music room and Ray doesn't

Ray tells Sand "Now that I have you in my life I won't let you walk away"

Top steps in to say Mew has a boyfriend when Mew is chatting to the random bar stranger, then grabs Mew by the arm and trying to pull him

Mew tells Top to stay out of his life

Ray demands sex from Mew and Mew shuts him down, Ray asks why Mew slept with Top but not him, Ray giving reasons why he is "owed" sex ("I've been nothing but good to you for the last four years")

Ray phones Sand many times and when Sand picks up, Ray gets mad it took him so long to answer

Sand tells Ray not to come to him, Ray finds out where Sand is and goes to him anyways

Sand tells Ray "I'm not just stuff you have in your possession. I have feelings."

Atom shows up at Boston's house to ask why Boston isn't answering his messages

Boston and Atom have a one night stand so Atom can experiment and figure himself out but Atom is mad it was only one night

Top invites himself along on Mew's shopping trip with his moms even though Mew repeatedly tries to get him to leave

Sand says whether or not he and Nick are hooking up is none of Ray's business

Sand says that if Ray doesn't sort himself out and someone without conditions comes by he will not wait for Ray, though he says he doesn't want this to be pressure on Ray

Mew talks about Sand to Ray in the context of ownership ("If he loves you too, do your best to keep him")

Again we see the idea of ownership - who gets to dictate or have opinions on your life - and boundary crossing, especially as it pertains to leaving people alone (I've lost count in this series so far, but there's been so many cases of people saying "don't find me" or not answering texts but being tracked down regardless).

I would also like to point out how interesting it is to have Nick promise not to see Boston any more in a show where everyone has been categorically incapable of leaving people alone/tracking them down.

Friendship

We had more this episode on friendship, and what friendship entails (I was batting this idea around the other week as well).

Sand and Nick kiss then admit it did nothing for them and agree they are better off as platonic friends (though platonic friends can cuddle). Mew says it is lucky he and Ray didn't hook up because otherwise they wouldn't be able to look at each other in the eye. Again, we see friendship as something defined by the lack of sex, that sex changes a relationship (and that sex is generally something not possible/desirable in a platonic relationship).

Previously, Mew has told us friends are not people you fuck in a car, and Sand has said friends don't struggle to stop kissing one another. Only Ray has provided an alternate definition, that friendships can start from sex, though the audience may debate whether he has been successful in creating friendships or rather other types of relationships.

Change

A couple of weeks ago, and the week before that, I was tracking what characters had to say about change (did they think it was possible? under what conditions? etc.):

Nick in the past has tried to change himself (go to the gym, dress differently, etc.) to appeal to Boston. This week, Nick tells Boston he doesn't have to change, that his friends like him for who is, that people (including Nick) will love Boston for who he is.

Mew in the past has said people can change though it will take time, and he was skeptical of Top being able to change and repent. This week, Mew says he wants to give Top a second chance because he can see Top's efforts (Top is capable of change, it just takes time and effort), and Mew talks about how he himself changed (in behaviour, dress, interests, etc.) as a way to recover from his experiences and find strength ("I want you to understand that what happened to me affected my self-confidence so much. I just thought if I became someone else, I would be stronger"). Mew also tells Ray "Reduce your ego. Not everyone can put up with everything you do" (implying that Ray should change himself so Sand will stick around).

Ray in the past has hinted that change is possible, as he made comments about getting over Mew. This episode we had more of the same, with Ray saying he is working on getting over Mew though it is hard, and also showing a change in the way he interacts with Mew (more self-aware, less idealizing or all encompassing in his feelings for Mew).

Cheum in the past did not think Mew's change (in behaviour, wardrobe, interests, etc.) was good or healthy. This episode she said Mew changing is like he was possessed by an evil spirit, and she says she will come back and work on the hostel project if they all promise to stop with the mess (if they change their behaviour).

We've also been talking about how often characters in Only Friends have had a vested interest in preventing others from changing, like Cheum and Top teaming up last episode over "concern" for Mew (1, 2), and how that relates to themes of control, hypocrisy, and the permanency of labels.

Honesty (and accountability)

There was QUITE a lot of honesty this episode:

Sand and Nick trying to hookup but then admitting it isn't doing anything for them and they are better off as friends

Sand pointing out the parallels between him and Ray hooking up while Ray is seeing Mew, and Top and Boston hooking up (which Mew points out later in the episode as well)

Sand saying he likes Ray a lot and he is jealous of Ray and Mew, but he knows that isn't his place to be upset about; Ray admitting he likes Sand too but Mew is special to him and it is not easy for him to get over Mew (implying that the end goal is to get over Mew)

Ray and Sand talking about Ray's crash and how that made them feel (Ray talks about flashing back through his life when he crashed, Sand says he would have never forgiven himself, etc.), Ray asking if anyone would cry if he died

Mew and Ray's conversation on the bench where Mew says he knows Ray went to see Sand and Ray doesn't deny it, Mew says he is glad Ray picked Sand and admits "You can clearly see I dated you just to hurt Top," Ray admits that he knew that ("I kind of got the hint. But I was trying to fool myself") and says it is nice Mew loves Top; they then share the most honest and sincere "I love yous" with each other this series

Nick giving a heartfelt speech to Boston about his feelings for him, apologizing for what happened, and promising not to see him anymore

Mew admitting to Cheum he is still in love with Top and explaining the reasons why he changed as he did (he felt vulnerable and insecure)

I'd like to point out that not only are the characters being honest with each other to an extent we have not seen before, but they are also being honest with themselves. Sand admits he really likes Ray, Ray admits that he was trying to convince himself Mew actually loved him romantically, Mew admits that he changed because he was insecure and wanted to be strong and that he was just dating Ray to make Top jealous... and so on.

There's been some talk about how maturely Ray and Mew, for example, handled their break-up, and the amount of honesty in that conversation played a big role in that maturity. If the characters do not own up with themselves (and others, of course) about their behaviour, their motivations, and their impacts, how can they show true accountability and learn and grow from their actions and choices?

Hypocrisy and moral superiority

After episode 6 I threw around some ideas about Top and Mew and their dynamic. Top has a habit of casually trying to sway Mew's opinions, especially against Ray (insinuating that Ray doesn't work hard on the hostel project, insinuating that Ray will never stop having feelings for Mew, etc.). I noticed a few things this episode that reminded me of this:

Mew tells Top to stay out of his life, that his choices are none of Top's business, and Top says he knows that he has no right to make comments about Mew's life and choices (after coming in and making comments about Mew's life and choices...) and then says "I bet you know what you are doing" (trying to smooth it over and convey absolute belief in Mew)

Top doesn't show Mew the video of Ray and Sand ("I don't want to play another dirty trick to get you back") but does make it pretty clear that Ray is doing something -> he's a "good guy" because he didn't share anything that isn't his business, but he hinted at it enough he may as well have shared it. He gets to keep his veneer of "good guy" while also getting his desired outcome (getting Mew's wheels turning re: Ray) - see @thatgirl4815's post here. This is also very similar to what Mew does with Boston and the sex tape: holding all the cards, threatening with them, but not actually deploying them, which allows them to claim moral superiority (and, in Top's case, claim that he is leaving Mew alone to make his own decisions).

Top says if this "Mew the party-goer" is who he wants to be, he will support him, BUT he also says he would love to have the old Mew back -> again, Top gives himself a veneer of "good guy" (he will be there to support Mew whatever his choices are! He respects Mew's autonomy!) BUT while doing so he manages to convey his preference (Mew to return to "normal") and still give an opinion on what Mew should do. It reminds me of what Top said about Lasik - laying it out as an option and suggesting it casually, before belatedly tacking on a comment about how he like Mew in glasses. Top made his preference clear then backtracked, claiming to respect whatever Mew chooses, much in the way he frames his comments about Ray (just simple, casual observations).

This dynamic is really interesting to me given all the talks about control and hypocrisy we've been having over the course of the series, and Mew's much explored superiority complex (especially with regards to morality and sex). Top demonstrates a similar superiority complex, and given he's trying to win Mew back, it's interesting to wonder how many of these affectations have been adopted to appeal to Mew's love of the moral high ground and appease Mew's repeated protestations that his decisions are none of Top's business.

@waitmyturtles and @twig-tea were also talking last week about how this moral superiority works hand in hand with ignoring other peoples' agency and a lack of reflection on how one's actions impact others. Accountability - these young people coming to terms with how their decisions have consequences and setting aside their YOLO ways a bit to think of others - is not possible without (self-)honesty, without giving up control, without taking a step off the high horse of moral superiority and comparison.

Random thoughts

Ray and Mew talk about a sleepover they had (with at least Cheum as well) in second year and talk about being in each other's lives for 4 years... we are getting a slightly better understanding of when this group came together.

On assumptions, which I was thinking about a couple of weeks ago: this episode Ray sees Nick and Sand in bed together and assumes they were hooking up. Once again, we have a character interpreting things through their own lens and one that perhaps reveals more about that character than about what is going on.

On "should have" and the narratives we tell ourselves: once again we had Mew (and Ray) talking about their relationship in terms of what "should" be, for example Mew telling Yo he should be in love with Ray because Ray has been by his side forever.

On comparisons, since this friend squad is constantly comparing themselves to one another: Sand and Mew compare what Sand and Ray have been doing to what Top and Boston did, Ray compares his physical relationship with Mew to Top's (and isn't pleased), Sand says that compared to Boston Ray is a saint (see @lurkingshan's post on that here).

On addiction, which we've seen a lot of talk on/mention of in the show so far (but I haven't been collecting mentions of, regrettably): Mew tells his moms he is not addicted to cigarettes, Mew tells Ray to consult with a therapist about quitting drinking.

hello ephemerality squad: @chickenstrangers, @clara-maybe-ontheroad, @colourme-feral, @distant-screaming, @lurkingshan, @neuroticbookworm, @rocketturtle4, @slayerkitty, @thatgirl4815, @twig-tea, @waitmyturtles, @wen-kexing-apologist

#only friends the series #ofts #ofts meta #ephemerality squad

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prongsmydeer · 8 months

Text

Ayesha Liveblogs Heartstopper S1

I will not lie to you have put off watching this show for so long because I thought it might hurt my feelings but I think I'm finally ready to put myself through it

I didn't realize we'd be starting this show with Charlie already in a clandestine relationship. Alright, diving right in

Call me crazy, but I think this guy who is causing Charlie's brain to create gentle cartoon leaves might be the guy he falls in love with:

"Still don't tell anyone about this." Heartwarming words from Secondary Love Interest Ben

"Why are you talking to me? I don't even know who you are." Ben, love, I think you're overcorrecting

Tao saying "Bro Dude Friends" in an American accent tickles me

God I remember not being allowed to have a phone at even at lunch in school. Dark Times

"Have you talked to your friends about it? "They wouldn't get it." HAHAHA the one realistic teacher who deflects dating questions back to the teens

Immediately I like Tori. "Was he a knob?" is exactly the right question to ask

Charlie's imagined romantic cutaways are very fun

"I don't just fall for any guy who's nice to me," said Charlie, as if he had not immediately fallen for Nick on the basis of them just saying hi to each other and having one conversation about ink stains

Genuinely I hope this rugby endeavour ends with Charlie making a bunch of friends and discovering a love of sport

Update from 1 montage later: I think it has!

Also I am immediately invested in Tao and Elle's relationship. They miss each other so much, it's very sweet

This episode took a really harsh and unexpected turn with Ben's reappearance. Bring back the rugby montage

"It was normal," said Nick, in a very convincing statement that no parent would find troubling

Nick said: Move over Charlie, I can also have a cartoonish dream sequence. Welcome to My Instagram-Induced Homophobia Fever Dream

Immediately I'm relating to Nick. I too get stressed out by watching other people type and have to put away my phone. Also it is becoming clearer and clearer that he's going to be the one who is slower to come to terms with his own feelings

"Thank you for being my supportive straight friend." HAHAH bold of Charlie to assume. But I get that it opens the door to that conversation

"You know, when I was a teenager and had a crush on a straight boy, I just repressed it and suffered." Mr. Gay Teacher speaking to the real Teenage Experience LMAO

I love Elle making friends at her new school 💗 Not to stereotype but I do think girls are more welcoming as a social group

Nick has touched Charlie's hair one too many times today to be convincingly straight hahahah

"Nick likes a girl," said Tao confidently, as if the 'girl' Nick's friends had been teasing him for texting was not Charlie

"You've befriended the school lesbians." GOOD FOR ELLE

Nick thinking about holding Charlie's hand but stopping himself. Sweet boy

"I don't think he's straight," said Tori, after witnessing one of the gayest goodbyes I've ever seen

Nick staring at his team photo like he can rugby away gay thoughts

HAHAHAH doing the "Am I gay" quiz and getting 62%. I am so Nick-coded. He is so me. Someone stop these Repressed Queer Blond British Boys from being so relatable hahaha

"We don't want to make a big announcement or anything... just maybe not hide so much." I'm not sure which part of this interaction I liked the most, 1) Nick and Tara immediately establishing they weren't into each other 2) Tara telling Nick she is a lesbian, modelling a chill coming out and 3) Tara immediately giving Nick a sly look as soon as he mentions His Best Friend Charlie

Both cold and cool for Nick to tell Harry off for being homophobic at his own birthday party

Tao making Elle promise nothing will affect their friendship because he is clearly in love with her already LOL

Nick being visibly comforted by seeing happy queer people around him. Once again, relatable:

Very funny of the show to only NOW warn me of strobing effects, which have been bothering me for quite some minutes as I tried to get a screenshot of that scene LOL

"I'm dying." "It's cause you're old." To friends literally months older than you is honestly one of my favourite jokes

Nick said: The quiz was right! I AM at least 62% gay

Charlie immediately realizing he's got himself into another situationship with a guy who is definitely not ready to come out

"It's not that I didn't want to [whispers] kiss you.. I was just so confused. I've just been so, so confused." The immediate juxtaposition between Ben, who did not give a damn about Charlie's feelings through his sexuality crisis, and Nick, who not only apologized right away, but also is actively trying to explain how he's feeling to Charlie 🥺💘

Charlie is also representing a real group of people who are The Only Out Kid At School Whom All Other People Figuring Out That They're Some Type of Gay May Inevitably Direct Their Feelings

"A lot of gay people are good at sports, Charlie," said the Rugby Coach, slightly offended on behalf of all gay athletes

LMAO @ IMOGEN'S "I'm an ally" scene, I've seen it before

Also she really does give me second-hand embarrassment. Read the room girl!!!

Tao is so hostile to Nick undeservedly ghggghhgh Nick wasn't the one who threw the rugby ball but he did get pelted with it by Tao after

LMAO @ Darcy immediately clocking Nick and Charlie as a couple

"Why are the other team literal adult men?" Ah, a classic sports dilemma

"You've got some mud on your face though," said Nick, like the rest of both of them including his own face was not also covered in mud

HAHAHAHA Isaac also immediately clocking that they are sitting way too close and gazing too much to be just homies

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO NICKKKKKKKKKK YOU ARE FALLING INTO THE SAME BEN TRAP. BE BETTER! YOU ARE SEEING SOMEONE!!!!!!!!

I know he's just trying to be a good friend to Charlie and I don't know if it's Tao's hair and face but he's reminding me of someone I know (who had a lot of emotional issues) and it's giving me a bit of the heebie jeebies hahahah

"Do you like this girl?" "Well, um, her dog died." HAHAH NICK, this poor people-pleasing boy

"Tao, no, it's his birthday," Tao is a rough mix of incredibly loyal, moderately possessive of his friends and lacking in any social graces whatsoever

Also if Tao understood what was going on, he'd be TWICE as mad. It's growing more deserved by the minute

"I was going to say I'd send him a strongly-worded DM, but murder's fine too." Hahahahah Tao

I've never seen a more uncomfortable exchange of the words, "You're a good friend." LOL:

Even if this whole Imogen thing is still pretty messy, I give a lot of credit to Nick for telling Charlie about it and explaining the context as well as clarifying he was going to put an end to it before it happened

"I wish I'd met you when I was younger," said Nick, like 16 isn't still pretty young

"I really like you." "You like me?" "Yes, wasn't that obvious?" HAHAHAHA they're so silly, I love them ❤️

I love that Charlie and Nick are so into each other they can't help but have a bit of PDA everywhere they go

Elle said: You're not the only ones capable of cutesy animations for the friend you're secretly in love with, Charlie and Nick

Do you think Isaac's like, 'Damn, this is an above average amount of romantic tension for a bowling outing'

"Mamma Mia." "We've seen that four times this year already." Nick continues to be extremely me-coded, including looking up the best LGBT movies nghghgnjg

I said this MOMENTS before he googled being bisexual. INCREDIBLE

"Do you wanna kiss? Would that help?" [Sarcastically] "Wow." "Just a suggestion." Charlie said: Sorry about your sexuality crisis, my love language is giving u a leetle kees on the lips

AWWWWWWWWWW I loooooove Nick finally having someone to talk through his sexuality feelings with outside of his boyfriend

"Kissing you is actually one of the things that made me realize I don't like kissing guys." "Okay, happy to help?" Nick 💖

Personally I LOVE the triple date and Meddling Gays Groupchat

Charlie is so blindingly smiley every time Nick acknowledges to someone that they're together it is the sweetest:

In fairness to Tao being the last to know, he is 1) The only one who actively dislikes Nick and 2) The only cishet person at the table

Must be rough for Tara to go from everyone only ever talking about how fit she is to all the crap of people thinking they're gonna catch lesbianism

It would've been VERY funny if they all got locked in the closet

"They all probably think I'm this like, gay nerd." "Well, you kind of are a gay nerd." Nick said: You're MY gay nerd, Charlie

"Oi, just look at him behind him. Like a little girl." Harry's got so many issues. He's literally in the same proximity to Ben, what's his problem?

"Quick question. What's it like being gay?" Not that EVERY homophobic character is secretly gay, but it does seem more and more like Harry is 🤨

"I'm not even gay. I just felt really sorry for you." Since ep 1, I have strongly been suspecting that Ben will be the one to out Nick and Charlie and I feel it even more strongly now that he has eyewitnessed their handholding

Also it does NOT bode well that this ep is called Bully

"[Charlie] has a friend who won't leave me alone," said Harry, as if he has not been the one pelting Tao and calling him names to deal with what is probably a little gay crush repressed deep under thirteen layers of stupid and mean

"None of us are being homophobic." I feel like people are now growing up in this weird era where people ARE still homophobic but unwilling to admit it because it's less acceptable. It's fucked up to have someone do something bigoted to you and say it's not. At least when someone's horrible upfront you are facing an enemy that's showing its face

I don't blame Nick for finally losing his cool. Also wild of Harry to pick a fight with someone who is obviously bigger than him

"Some of the rugby boys are nice." "Even they just... stood there." There comes a certain point where being able to associate yourself with bigoted people must mean that you are at best indifferent to the people they harm

"I think I know why he hasn't [told me]. He thinks I'll accidentally say something stupid and out Nick to all of Nick's mates. And obviously he cares more about Nick's feelings than he does about mine." SEVERAL THINGS, TAO. 1) IT IS OBVIOUS why he hasn't told you, it's because you have shown numerous times you don't like Nick. 2) Why the hell is OUTING THEM even on your list? 3) In a situation where you COULD accidentally out Nick, his feelings are OBJECTIVELY more important than yours! And 4) This possessiveness towards your friends is part of the problem!!!

"This is all your fault," said Tao, as if Charlie had forced him to fight with Harry instead of literally intervening upon it

I get that Tao's a teen and he's hurt Charlie's priorities are different and he's short-sighted but GOD take some personal responsibility

"He said he doesn't wanna talk to you." If Charlie ends up being the only one to apologize for this I'm gonna be SO mad

All other things aside, I'm glad Tao and Nick are bonding

I love how consistently useful it is that Charlie can run fast

"You don't get to make me feel like crap anymore just because you hate yourself." YEAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH CHARLIE

DOUBLE APOLOGY, AS WAS WARRANTED FOR THESE TWO:

The butterflies appearing on Tao's side so we know the feeling is mutual ahhhhhhhhhh

If Nick is leaving the rugby match to kiss his boyfriend, that is the FUNNIEST possible thing he could do, surely it could wait til after the match rather than mid-mandatory-sports day

The update is that he was desperate for a conversation, which seems more reasonable LMAO

"My life is way better because I met you." NIIIIICK 😭❤️

Charlie is really coming into his own today. The most nonconfrontational boy crams three different emotional confrontations into one sports day

Bold move to make out in the school corridor mid-mandatory-sports day. In general, interesting how often people are macking around this school. But I understand, it was a very romantic conversation:

"I love liking you," said Nick, like that wasn't one of the most romantic things I've ever heard

"Does this mean we're boyfriends?" "Oh, yes. Was that not already established the last like, ten times we made out?" HAHAHA their DTR talks kill me a little

"Thank you for telling me. I'm so sorry if I ever made you feel like you couldn't." I was nervous for Nick for a moment, but I'm so glad for him now

"It's called bisexuality, if you've heard of that." LMAOOOOOOOOOOOO not Nick genzsplaining bisexuality to Mama Nelson aka Olivia Colman, of The Favourite fame

What a sweet and charming show

#ayesha liveblogs heartstopper #ayesha says things #heartstopper #finally watched this!#it was lovely #spoilers for all of heartstopper s1 #liveblogging #television

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jenyifer · 7 months

Text

Mew doesn’t deserve Boston as a friend

**Talking about Mew not Book. Book has done a wonderful job with his acting deserves big hugs I can’t imagine how difficult this role was for him. **

So last week I said Boston deserves Mew as a friend and the post was mainly about how Boston has been a good friend to Mew the reverse is not true. First let me get my own headcannon’ s out of the way no I haven’t read the book or read spoilers so don’t tell me. I believe Mew and Cheum have been friends for a longer amount of time and we found out from episode 10 Cheum met Boston their first year of university that’s why Mew and Cheum’s bond seems closer than the others.

Mew and Top were not dating when Boston and Top cheated. Mew and Top are official at the end of ep4 and Mew says infront of Boston 3 times he’s not dating Top. Yes it still shitty however not Murder Blackmail someone who is your “friend”. Also hypocrisy here with Mew kissing fucking Boeing back. So mew isn’t dating top now so it’s okay? Sure Jan.

All of the friends rely on Boston and he provides what the they ask of him. Mew tells Boston to help care for Ray. We KNOW he does. Boston wakes ray up in class. He drives him home. He stays with Ray when he asks. Cheum relies on Boston to talk to her brother when he won’t talk to any one else. Mew asks Boston to find them a designer. He does. Mew asks Boston for his opinion on Top and Boston tells him that Top dumps people after 3 months which we know from Boeing that’s true.

All of that is true but Boston is just a heartless slut for Mew to feel morally superior to when the only time I have seen Mew do something for another character was Ray’s attempt on his own life. What else? Nothing. But no Boston is the heartless one.

Mew knows how special Nick is. He’s well aware Boston doesn’t sleep with the same person regularly. That’s why Mew assumes Boston and Nick are seeing eachother at the pool. Something that I think ✨inspired✨ Mew to become official with Top then have his own pool date because Mew has to be better than Boston. Despite knowing how important Nick is Mew sure is quick to remind Nick of his place just hired help. Useful tool. Don’t get any ideas that you are more than that. Mean girl energy. Mew can’t even pretend to be civil to Boston’s person. Oh maybe it’s because they weren’t dating… Humm… double standard again….

Mew immediately manipulates Nick into telling Mew about Gap by playing on Nick’s insecurity. Nick was never important to Boston by Mew’s telling. Even though we know Mew is aware this is a fucking lie. Mew and Cheum have been gossiping about BostonNick developments for a while. Mew does this just to be fucking nasty. Boston doesn’t need a friend who can’t see the value he puts on Nick as a person. Not as a tool or sex toy.

Mew steals the vid from gaps computer doesn’t delete it from the computer. Then he tried to show Boston’s dad the video (so the vid is on the laptop too) and he shows Boston the clip on his phone. Mew has the audacity to think outing Boston and getting him sent to America would be proper punishment? Mew was going to do it. Murder his friend’s future. Seriously fantasize about Drowning his friend. Then to keep Boston in line he keeps the clip? Fucking sick and he has the audacity to call Boston filthy?

Boston after this event stays quiet he continued to help with the project mind you he’s already contributed Top who designed everything and Nick who installed security system and made the website. He is a tamed dog. And yet Mew didn’t invite him to the Halloween party. He fucking insults him though insisting that Boston and Top are still fucking. Yeah right Boston seems sooooo into that pathetic desperate sad rich boy.

Let’s get on to ep 10 my final fucking straw

But Mew has the audacity to storm into Bostons house see the wall of lock boxes where Boston keeps his photos (not digital) and has the balls to say oh of course Boston would black mail someone to sleep with him. Really? Mew is the one with blackmail on Boston. Mew is the one who manipulated Boston’s person into saying that Boston’s closest guarded secret was a guy had taken video of him having sex. Mew is the one with two copies of the video to dangle over his head so he plays the silent friend the butt of your jokes.

Boston had every right to look at Mew like he might slap him. But Boston just takes it because he did actually love his friends at one point and there is no use arguing with them. Boston believes he is the monster they claim him to be even with Nicks assurances that “Bostons friends love him for who he is”

Mew never loved Boston. Boston was just a person to make Mew look better. Mew doesn’t deserve to have someone like Boston in his life. Mew can’t appreciate anything beyond his nose and that’s always up in the air because he’s SOOOOOO much better than anyone else. Literally there is no reason Boston should ever forgive him or see him again.

Maybe Mew liked the idea of found family from his fantasy books that are in the shelves of his home. As a closeted queer child I think that’s what drew me to the genre lots of people from different walks of life and species coming together to go on an adventure. Often the found family aspect was more captivating than any romance the book had to offer. I longed to have a group of people to feel as close to me as my siblings who would accept me. Maybe that’s why Mew tried to assemble a found family of his own with a hunter, drunkard, table holder, and a dancer. But when Top came into the picture Mew let that fly out of the window. So he superficially held onto Boston hoping by blackmailing him Mew would eventually be able to play paddy cake with him again. But Mew should never be forgiven for what he’s did to Boston episode 10.

Can’t wait to see that smug smile slip from his face

#only friends #only friends the series #ofts #I don’t care about him anymore #only friends meta #ofts meta #only friends mew #mew witsarut #ofts mew #only friends Boston #ofts Boston #bostonmew #only friends episode 10 #ofts ep10 #Jenny’s rambling #ofts nick #only friends nick #bostonnick

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sesamestreep · 1 year

Note

Nick/Jess, 15!

15. i’ll save you a seat (from this prompt list)

IT’S MILLER’S TIME

The bestselling author of the hit YA series ‘The Pepperwood Chronicles’ opens up about seeing his work adapted for television, his new novel, and becoming a father.

LOS ANGELES - The lunchtime crowd at Gogo’s Tacos in Silver Lake is more plentiful and aggressive than the colleague who recommended the spot for my interview with Nick Miller led me to believe it would be on a weekday, which means I spend the twenty minutes between when I show up (ten minutes early) and when he arrives (ten minutes late and convincingly apologetic about it) fighting off other patrons who are convinced I’m lying about expecting someone and want to steal his seat. His appearance in the busy restaurant is welcome for more reasons than one.

We’re here to discuss the new Netflix adaptation of his bestselling book series, The Pepperwood Chronicles, into a television series. The first season, which drops this Friday on the streaming platform, takes on the Herculean task of adapting the first book in the series (clocking in at 628 pages) into just eight episodes of television. It’s a highly anticipated project for the army of Pepperheads out there, who want to see if Sebastian Stan truly has what it takes to embody the titular grizzled New Orleans detective from Miller’s beloved novels, but it’s not the only project that’s been occupying Miller’s time lately. He’s also got his debut novel for the adult market, the stylishly-titled HoBo, which draws heavily on his childhood in Chicago, coming out in November. But the project he’s most anxious to brag about is one he had—by his own admission—very little to do with, aside from the original idea. The lion’s share of the credit belongs to his wife.

“This is Reggie,” he says, stretching his phone across the table proudly, swiping through dozens of photos of a pleasantly chunky infant in a Chicago Bears onesie. “Oh, and that’s Mario,” he says, when we get to a photo of a dog sniffing the same baby, asleep in a car seat and wearing a hooded jacket with bear ears.

“I know he looks like a funky little alien right now, but my wife says that most babies get really cute around the six month mark,” Miller says, after suddenly remembering that he has tacos he could be eating. He takes an enormous bite of one before making a face. “God, don’t print that. My son is already adorable. I love him.”

We debate whether or not I can actually print that comment (guess who won) for a few minutes before Miller finally allows us to move on. I ask, given his penchant for drawing details from his own life to use in his novels, if this recent development for him means we can expect the next Pepperwood installment to find Julius Pepperwood and his leading lady, Jessica Knight, contemplating parenthood.

“I don’t know about that,” Miller says, with his mouth full. “It’s not that one-to-one for me. Yes, Pepperwood is based on me in some ways, but in many other ways he isn’t, you know? Same goes for Jessica Knight. She’s based on my wife, definitely, but I’ve never felt constricted by that. I’ve always felt like the characters follow their own path, though they take inspiration from my real life.”

In this answer, Miller has given me both an articulate response and neatly sidestepped giving any confirmation of further Pepperwood installments, which forces me to ask the question directly. His face goes blank for a moment afterwards, and he spends a while chewing before he attempts to answer.

“I’m not saying no,” he finally replies, wiping his hands on a napkin, while looking thoughtfully into the distance. “But I’m also not saying yes. There have been people—and my wife tells me not to read the reviews or the comments, but sometimes, you know, shit happens and you see some stuff—there’s people who think Pepperwood is too happy now. They liked him when he was tortured. Now, he’s got the love of his life by his side, he solved his brother’s murder, he made peace with his father. It’s like, where’s the tension anymore? But at the same time, I don’t want to make him miserable again just to sell more books.”

Miller talks about Pepperwood (and Knight and all of his characters) like they’re real people, a fact he shrugs off when I point it out.

“Of course,” he says. “Of course they’re real to me. It’s important to remember that they’ve been with the readers for six books now, but they’ve been with me for longer than that. And they don’t leave me alone when the book is done, either, like they do for my readers.”

They don’t seem to leave his readers alone after the last page, actually, if the healthy fandom producing fanart and fanfiction online are any indication. Miller, of course, has thoughts.

“I’m pleased about it,” he says, with his usual Chicago-born nonchalance. “It’s always made me happy that my work resonates with people, especially young people. I didn’t see that coming, in the beginning. It wasn’t supposed to be a YA series.”

The origins of The Pepperwood Chronicles are the publishing world’s version of a Cinderella story. Miller initially published the first book in the series himself at the encouragement of his friends, hawking the hand bound (!) copies at local bookstores with the encouragement of his then-girlfriend, as well as his future wife (“Two different women,” he clarifies. “It’s a long story.”) The hefty novel all about the seedy underbelly of New Orleans very quickly found a devoted fan base amongst a surprising audience: teenage girls. Where other authors might have bristled, Miller instead took his unexpected champions in stride.

“Like, there was definitely some initial shock to get over,” he explains. “If I’d known I was writing to teenagers specifically, I would have cut, well, a few things from that manuscript.” He’s referring delicately to some pretty explicit sex scenes and graphic violence, which definitely get toned down in later installments of the series. Confronted with this, Miller shrugs and says only, “That’s show biz!”

Speaking of show biz, how does he feel about the Netflix adaptation of his work?

“It was really interesting,” he offers, thoughtfully. “I’m grateful they didn’t ask me to write it, because it turns out I’m a terrible screenwriter.” Before I can ask him to elaborate on that, he continues, “But the team really did check in with me a lot and they made sure the tone felt right, and the changes they had to make worked with my understanding of the world and the characters. I felt like they really respected Pepperwood, which obviously means a lot to me.”

Miller is being generous, of course, considering he and his wife are both executive producers on the series. When I mention this, however, he waves it off. “They still could have told me to fuck off with my opinions,” he says.

As for working with his wife in that capacity, he’s more than happy to sing her praises. “She’s great. Aside from myself, she’s the person I trust most to get Pepperwood, you know? Like my editors and my agent and everybody, they’re amazing, but if I’m really stuck, Jess is the one I can turn to and be like ‘does this work? Or does it suck?’ And she’ll tell me. She’s always been that person for me. She’s the first person I shared the first draft of the first book with, so her input is invaluable. Or is it valuable?”

“They mean the same thing,” I tell him.

“That’s stupid,” he replies. “I mean, I’m not calling you stupid. The English language is stupid sometimes. My wife’s input is very important to me, is what I’m saying. Her instincts are spot on.”

And they should be, after all. When she’s not producing the Pepperwood TV series with her husband, Jessica Day (yes, you’re reading that right. Miller’s wife and the inspiration for his character Jessica Knight is named Jessica Day. Check the dedication on the first Pepperwood novel if you don’t believe me) works for Scholastic, as a part of their team that handles community outreach to K-12 schools across the country. (Miller’s publishing deal is with an imprint of Simon & Schuster, in case anyone is worried about favoritism.) Before that, she worked briefly in the nonprofit industry and as a middle school teacher and later vice principal.

“She understands the demographic perfectly,” Miller summarizes, fifteen minutes into an endearing monologue about how great his wife is. “I think the writers for the TV show liked having her around even more than having me. She really knows her stuff.”

When I follow up a few days later with Ms. Day for comment, her husband’s remarks amuse but don’t surprise her. “He’s always giving me too much credit,” she says, humbly.

Does it weird her out at all, to have so many people so intensely invested in the fictionalized version of her love life?

“It’s funny. I know the names are really similar and obviously Nick borrows things here and there from our real life,” she says, “but I really don’t feel like Jessica Knight is me. So I don’t take it personally at all.”

This isn’t the first time this attitude has come up in interviews. Last year, when casting was announced for the Netflix series, Day made headlines for defending the production’s decision to cast British actress Gugu Mbatha-Raw as Jessica Knight after many fans claimed she didn’t match Knight’s description in the books.

“Gugu’s a very talented actress. I’ve seen her screen tests and she will blow you away when you see the show, I promise!” Day took to Twitter to say at the time.

“She capture [sic] JK’s energy perfectly,” she added in a further tweet. “Please welcome her to the Pepperwood family as we have!”

Now, Day is less diplomatic in her response. “It was a small portion of fans who were upset,” she says, “but they were the loudest contingency. It was very upsetting, and honestly tacky. So what if she doesn’t look like me? The character isn’t me, first of all. And the books are set in New Orleans, for God’s sake! It would be stupid if the entire main cast was white people.”

When I accuse her of saying the quiet part loud, as the kids say, Day seems nonplussed. “It’s those new mom hormones, I guess,” she replies, as a baby cries in the background of the phone call as if on cue. “I just don’t give a fu…dge.”

Miller, during our interview, feels similarly. “The team went with the best people for the parts, and we made it clear, my wife and I, that they absolutely weren’t trying to cast our doppelgängers. That wasn’t the point. Honestly, it would have freaked me out if they had.”

So he doesn’t think he and Stan look alike?

“No, not at all,” he says, automatically. “Do you?”

“He kind of seems like a more Hollywood version of you, yeah.”

Miller takes a long time thinking this over. “That’s…huh…”

In order to distract him from the existential spiral I’ve inadvertently led him down, I switch us over to the topic of his new book, HoBo. It’s made several lists of most anticipated books for this fall (including this publication’s) but there was a while there where Miller feared the manuscript would never see the light of day.

“The publisher thought it was too dark for the teen market,” he says, without any of the smarmy pride one would expect from the average male author accused of being ‘too dark’ by The Man. “I had no idea! I thought Pepperwood was too dark for teens and they loved it! So, there was a bit there when I was like, ‘okay, so this is the end, I guess.’”

Miller isn’t being melodramatic either. There was a moment, according to him and confirmed by his editor, Merle Streep, where they considered parting ways. Luckily, they came to an understanding once the dust settled and Miller pitched the novel, then titled “Chicago Hobo”, for the adult market. The source of this brilliant solution? You guessed it: Jessica Day.

“My wife’s a genius,” Miller states. “It was so simple and yet none of us could see it. Of course they should market the book to adults, if they thought it was too gritty for teens. Obviously.”

Day, however, downplays her contribution. “The issue with the manuscript came to a head on our wedding day, if you can believe it. On our honeymoon, it was all Nick could talk about. He was worried he’d never publish another book again. I suggested he send the manuscript around to other publishers to see if there was interest, but pitch it as, you know, a book for grownups. I thought it would make him feel better. I had no idea that the minute he did that, his original publisher would come back to him with a deal.”

But that’s exactly what they did. He’s also on the hook for three more books after that, though he’s cagey with details about if those will be HoBo sequels, further Pepperwood adventures, or something else entirely.

“We’re in a really pivotal moment,” Miller says, looking a little bit sweaty as he admits it. “We’ll see how Pepperwood does as a TV show, we’ll see how people feel about HoBo when it comes out.” He pauses to laugh. “We’ll see if being a father completely fries my brain and I never write another coherent sentence ever again.”

Early reviews and chatter are saying that the new novel is every bit as cinematic as The Pepperwood Chronicles, which suggests a screen adaptation is more a matter of “when” than “if.” It is, by Miller’s own admission, even more autobiographical than Pepperwood (the preteen narrator is Travis Tiller, called “Trick” by his friends, so do with that what you will). It’s based, in many ways, on his childhood in Chicago, but it’s also equal parts dystopian speculative fiction and superhero origin story, with a heavy pour of magical realism to wash it down. The cinematic universe practically writes itself.

“We just don’t know,” Miller replies vaguely. No matter what I do, I can’t get him to speculate on bringing this book to the small or big screen. “I don’t want to jinx anything,” he adds, frantically, after many such questions.

Fine. But, as pure speculation, what actor does he think, potentially, has what it takes to bring the eponymous hobo to life on screen?

“Rock Hudson,” he says, after much bullying.

When I inform him that Rock Hudson is dead and has been for more than 30 years, Miller looks crestfallen. What about preteen Trick Tiller, then? Is there anyone Miller would entrust to play his younger self?

“Cate Blanchett,” he replies.

When I point out that she’s both older than him and a different gender, he frowns. “She played Bob Dylan, though,” he counters, confused. I concede that he’s got me there.

We return to the much safer topic of conversation that is the current adaptation of one of his novels. What’s he most looking forward to now that the show is finally premiering?

“Getting to go on a date with my wife,” he says, sincerely, with the dead-eyed stare of a sleep-deprived new parent. “Seriously. We’re getting a sitter to watch the baby, we’re bringing a few of our close friends, who are all getting sitters for their babies. It’s going to be really fun. It’s going to be a classic mess around.”

A what?

“Don’t worry about it,” Miller says.

Is there anyone whose opinion he’s particularly anxious about, when it comes to the TV show? Or even his new novel?

“I’m always worried about what the fans think. I want the Pepperwood fans to like the show. I want them to like the new book, even though it’s not about Pepperwood, you know?”

Does he think there will be crossover?

“Absolutely I do, yes,” he says, emphatically. “The kids who read Pepperwood when it first came out—this is terrifying to say, but—they’re grown up now. They’re in college or they’re young professionals. HoBo is written for their age group now. It will be marketed to them.”

It’s kind of like they’ve grown up with him.

“Don’t say that,” Miller replies, putting his head in his hands dramatically. “I’m gonna have a panic attack. Having an actual biological child is scary enough.”

Speaking of scary, to distract him from another existential crisis, I ask if he’s been starstruck at any part of the process of turning his beloved novels into a TV show, and his answer is surprising to say the least.

“I mean, I was a little bit starstruck meeting Alfred Molina the first time. He was already in costume as Schmith, too, which was an extra level of weird,” he says, referring to the iconic love-to-hate-him villain of the first Pepperwood book and a supporting player in many of the series’s other installments. Still, Miller eventually got used to the idea of Doc Ock himself being in the show.

“Oh, I know my big starstruck moment,” he adds. “When Taylor Swift tweeted about the trailer. That was like…Woah! Is this really happening?”

That’s right. When the show’s first trailer debuted in March, the Grammy-winning singer took to Twitter to express her excitement.

“I can’t believe how good this looks,” she tweeted with the emoji of the cat making the Home Alone face. “Is it September yet?!?”

Can we take his excitement over this interaction the confirmation we’ve all been waiting for that Nick Miller is a Swiftie?

“I don’t know what that is, but I like her. She’s really talented. When my wife’s upset, she likes to listen to Taylor Swift and cry while she drinks pink wine,” he says, before taking a troubled pause. “Maybe I shouldn’t have told you that.”

Day laughs when I tell her this anecdote during our phone call and gives me the go-ahead to print it. “It’s true,” she says. “Who cares?”

So, if they had to pick a Swift song to represent Julius Pepperwood and Jessica Knight’s relationship, what would it be?

Miller’s answer is simple: “You should ask my wife.”

Day’s response, on the other hand, is more complex. “I think it evolves over time, you know, from book to book. Probably in the early books, before they get together for real, it’s ‘Out of the Woods’ or ‘Wildest Dreams.’ Maybe even ‘White Horse,’ if you want to go back into her catalog.”

What about for her and Miller?

“That’s easy,” Day says, and the smile is obvious in her voice. “I’ve always thought of ‘Mine’ as our song of hers.”

This conversation mostly just confirms Miller’s assertion that his wife knows his characters just as well as he does. It also begs the important question of whether he’ll use this big moment in his career as leverage to arrange a meeting between Swift and his wife.

“I don’t know,” he says, honestly. “Maybe? I should ask Jess. She might kill me if I pulled that on her with no warning.”

As our meal and interview come to an end, I can’t help asking Miller a question that has been on my mind the whole time: with all this talk of how great and inspiring his wife is, and how integral to his creative process she’s become, does he happen to identify as a Wife Guy?

“I don’t know what that is either. You keep saying these things—I’ve never heard of them before,” he admits. “But I like the sound of it. So, yeah. I guess so. Unless it’s a bad thing. In which case, no. Was that—did I answer your question?”

In this case, just like so many of Nick Miller’s characters before us, we might have to make peace with an ambiguous ending.

•

The Pepperwood Chronicles premieres exclusively on Netflix this Friday.

#forgive any stupid mistakes it should go without saying that I’m not an actual journalist #also I genuinely don’t even know what year to pretend this is set in…who knows tbh??#I have a lot of feelings about the Pepperwood chronicles it turns out phew #new girl #nick miller #jessica day #nick x jess #god this was so fun to write #taylor swift song prompts #firstelevens #homelywenchsociety #<just my writing tag don’t worry about it #IDK IT IS WHAT IT IS!!#there’s so many Easter eggs in this….a whole basket’s worth #barely relates to the prompt I tried

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thescrumptiousstuffs · 8 months

Text

Only Friends Episode 3 - Who am I to you?

Of which Boston essentially ruins everything 😮‍💨🙅🏾‍♀️

Nick & Boston

We start with a montage of Nick and Boston having countless highly charged encounters. And while Boston is happy to maintain the status quo, we see Nick starting to question things, unsatisfied with the FWB/f*#k buddy label.

He asked the internet (and good on P’Jojo and P’Ninew to make a cameo!!!) and did not like the answers he was given. He also found TopBoston photos in their hook up room.

Not surprisingly, he starts becoming suspicious of Boston even while still being in love with Boston (urgh, I guess we cannot choose who we have feelings for, even if it’s someone as narcissistic and selfish as Boston 😮‍💨)

Boston/Nick relationship is on the verge of imploding (well more to do with Nick side, as Boston is currently unaware of it, and even if he does - I don’t think he cares, cause he has always treated Nick as hookup friend and nothing more).

Not to say Nick is an altogether innocent individual - remember he masturbated on Boston's selffie (while looking through a client phone plus putting his own topless picture in said phone), followed by snooping on Boston/Top social media and putting a spyware device in Boston's car (Nick, dearest - we call this stalking 🙅🏾‍♀️ And you can get into big trouble with the authority with this!!)

However, Boston definitely takes the award for being a shitty friend, his ego and pride is bruised when Top decline him, and just to get an up over Top - he used Ray's crush on Mew, putting doubt on both Ray and Top's feelings, trailing havoc and carnage to basically Ray, Mew, Top AND Nick's emotions.

I have the gut feeling the photo/video of Ray/Mew (of course I may be proven wrong with episode 4!) do not tell the whole picture - but the suggestive way he framed it to Top, well...we all know what happened next.

Again, I will reiterate, how creepy Boston is - taking pictures and videos without consent (I bet RayMew did not know their pictures/videos were taken on that day!).

Top & Mew

These 2 were adorable together when they went on the silent DJ date - I thought listening to your own kind of music with headphones and just jamming together is a fun idea!

But we start seeing cracks - Top had been so patient with Mew (acting all gentlemanly, playing nice with Mew's friends etc). And we can see he had refrained from going out on his usual hunts (I think the scene of him running in his old hook up buddy (with Mew!), where the ex basically insinuating Top has been missing from the scene and ignoring his msg/calls means to highlight this) - You can see Top appears uncomfortable with that scene, and while Mew is all smiley (and acting all oblivious), I suspect he clocks on this (but whether he chose to act on it, well, it's a different matter altogether).

And so, when Boston showed the RayMew picture, it hits on his vulnerability. Boston knows this - and he has always been good at exploiting on people's weakness. Do I think Top should have given in? Of course not (I mean, why can't he called Mew and asked for an explanation???, urgh...). But, this is a man who up until a few months ago, was having regular sex, using this as a substitute for insomnia and loneliness. Paired with the thought he may be the only one holding the end of his bargain, thinking Mew lied to him - well, in a moment of weakness, Boston pounced (and aptly the reason why he is call The Hunter on the first episode).

I'm sure this moment will bring regret to Top almost immediately after he has done the deed, and knowing Boston he will used this to further emotionally blackmail Top.

Sand & Ray

Look, these 2 are my babes. Not gonna lie. Every time they come on screen, I smile. Their banters are a joy to watch. Ray is a charming flirt (also I love his wardrobe, and so kudos to whoever styled Khaotung in those jackets, jeans, tops), and Sand sarcastic responses are always on point.

We already established Ray is lonely, even within his close circle of friends (who I don't think know him very well at all). And so, to find someone with the same taste of music, don't seem to be faze by his money and as a bonus, attractive and someone he finds sexually compatible, well, that's like a jackpot for him.

The way their friendship/relationship blossoms is great to watch - Sand is clearly struggling to keep his boundary with Ray, who is persistent and keeps pushing the right buttons on him. I don't think he ever stood a chance, especially after Sand told him in episode 2 "I can be you friend, you don't have to pay me." I think Ray basically took it as green light to do well, everything and anything - oh, both of them may want to keep it as "friends who had sex once" - but well, it doesn't seem to go very well from both end.

I have no doubt we are heading towards painville with this as well. Especially with Ray's alcoholism still on the horizon and Mew being in the picture - do I think Ray still love Mew? Yes - but I think he is slowly moving from looking at Mew as an unattainable bf/lover to just close friend. Mew has made it clear to Ray many times in episode 2/3 he sees Ray as a friend. And Ray (no matter how dysfunctional he is), has always respected Mew's decision. However, if Ray keeps dropping Sand for Mew each time, that's going to get old very fast for Sand.

(Also, I need to know what’s the beef between TopSand asap!! The middle finger 🖕 by Sand???? Classic 😂)

Namchuem and April

I wish we get more of this side couple. We barely heard April talk in the last 2 episodes. They seem so sweet together. But also Namchuem, we need to talk how oblivious you are with the other 3 boys in your circle of friends. I don't know whether she knows and just choose to ignore what's happening or she genuinely is oblivious.

Alright, now that I finished ranting, I am ready for episode 4 - is it Saturday yet?

27/08/2023

#only friends the series #episode 3 #me putting my thoughts so that i can get it together before next episode #cause the whole relationships and connections are messy and I need this to keep everything straight #khaotung thanawat #first kanaphan #firstkhao #firstkhaotung #sandray #bostonnick #mark pakin #neo trai #force jiratchapong #book kasidet

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plentyoffandoms · 1 year

Note

Could I make a request where Matt Jackson falls for a girl who is not his type at all? Maybe she’s not impressed by his antics? And Matt has no idea what to do? I need some vulnerable Matt!

Matt Jackson x f/Reader

Main Masterlist ♡ Miscellaneous Wrestlers Masterlist

Warnings: Some swearing

Just like all my other stories, this has not been proofread, but please enjoy.

Gifs & photos do not belong to me. 1st & 3rd gifs @stukky, 2nd gif @onestormynight

I hope you like it.

Summary: Matt Jackson falls for a woman who does not fall for his usual gimmicks and he has no idea what to do.

Tyson - Kenny Omega ☆ Austin - Adam Cole

Matt Jackson's POV:

I could hear her before I even saw her. I can hear her laughter and then I see her walk around the corner, talking with Dante.

I can see the smile on her face. The same smile that can light up any room. Who can make anyone's day better with her just smiling at them.

A smile that usually turns into a scowl when I open my mouth and say anything to her.

I felt a hand clasp my shoulder and I looked over and saw that Nick was looking down at me, with one eyebrow raised.

"You know, maybe it is time to move on." He said to me as he sat down in the empty seat beside me.

"I have." Completely lying not only to him but myself.

"Pfft. You and I both know that is lie. You have done everything you can to get her to like you. Face it, it is time to move on."

"I have tried but something keeps pulling me back to her. I just know we are ment to be together."

"You said that about Dana and Chelsea." I just glared at him, wanting nothing more than to slap the bottle of water out of his hand.

"Maybe just be yourself." I gave Tyson a confused look.

"But I am." I told him. He shook his head no at me.

"No, you are being Matt from The Young Bucks. Trying to use your fame, just like you always have."

"But it has worked for me in the past though." I said to him, still confused on what he is getting at.

"Yeah and that usually works on people who you just want to have a one-night stand with. That isn't going to work on YN."

"I know I have tried." I looked over at YN once more and she was now sitting with Kris.

"Show YN who you are. Who you truly are. Not Matt Jackson, but Matt Massie." I sat there quietly repeating what Tyson has said to me.

Then it was like a light bulb went off inside my head. "I know what to do."

"And that is?" Nick asked me.

"You just wait and see." I told the both of them. I didn't notice that they looked at one another as I am now just too focused on the plan that I have forming in my head.

Well that all seemed to fail.

I bought her flowers and she would either give them to someone else or throw them all.

I sent her gifts and she would just hand them back to the delivery person.

I sent her cards with gift cards to a spa day. To the movies, hell even her favourite restaurants, but nothing.

Nothing I have been doing seems to be working on her.

"Maybe if you just tried talking to her." Austin said to me as I got yet another call from a place saying that YN did not accept the gift.

"I have tried."

"Have you though? Have you really?"

"Yes Austin." I said to him trying to keep my cool.

"I was there that day. You saw her, looked her up and down and blew her a god damn kiss. You introduced yourself and expected her to fall all over you."

"Well it usually works."

"Obviously not this time. I know you have talked to Tyson and Nick. Didn't Tyson just say be yourself?"

I sighed and nodded my head yes.

"Well stop sending her gifts and just talk to her. YN isn't the usual woman you fall for. She is different. Even I can see that."

YN's POV:

After turning away yet another delivery and gift, all I could do was sigh.

I wanted to get angry, truly I did, but I couldn't as I am just so tired of it.

"He send another gift?" Kris asked me from her spot on the bed. The two of us were having a girls day. Just watching some horror movies and enjoying some room service.

"Yeah." I said as I joined her once again.

"What was it this time?"

"Another Spa Day, but this time it also said for me to bring a friend along."

Kris slapped my shoulder and I yelped while rubbing the spot she hit. "We could of used that together."

"If I take one then he thinks it is okay to keep sending more. I want it to stop."

"Why not just give him a chance? Matt is a good guy."

"I can imagine he is, but he hasn't shown me that yet. I just want to see the real Matt you know? Not the one who always has to put on an act."

"YN, I know him. He just doesn't know any other way. He has always been like this."

"Then the guy he is showing is not someone who wants to be in a committed relationship and the only way I will go out with him if he stops pretending."

I went back to watching The Boy, trying to tune Kris out as I watched the movie.

After a few more days of stuffed being delivered to me and me turning them away, it stopped.

It finally stopped.

I felt like I could finally breathe again. No more strangers knocking on the door or stopping me somewhere to hand me yet another card or another box.

But after a few days of pure silence, there was knock on my door. I looked at it and contemplated answering it.

The knocking finally stopped and I heard footsteps leave. I looked through the peephole and saw that no one was there.

I opened the door and looked up and down the hallway and saw that no one was waiting around the corner.

I went to go back in my room when I heard something crunch underneath my shoe. I looked down and saw a single, beautiful red rose and a note attached to it.

I moved my foot off of the rose bent down to pick it up, opening the note.

YN, I am sorry for everything. Please meet me at 6 PM at the Potters Burger Bar to get to know the real me. ~ Matt.

I walked back into my hotel room and thought about it and I figured I should give him a chance.

One chance to see the real him. The restaurant he picked wasn't fancy, so I just dressed casual. Something nice but nor fancy at all.

It was 5:59 PM when I walked into the restaurant and I saw him sitting there in the corner, in normal looking clothes and looking very nervous.

The hostess took me back to him and he stood up and gave me a nervous smile as he looked at me.

"I didn't think you would come." He said.

Matt Jackson's POV:

"To be honest Matt, neither did I." YN said to me as I pushed in her chair. I quickly got back in my seat.

"I am glad you did. I have a lot to make up for." I was going to say something else when the waiter came over and took our drink order.

"YN, I am sorry for sending all of the gifts. I just wanted you to notice me."

"Matt, you are hard to miss, but you asked about me and sent me stuff you thought I would like."

"I know but in my defence that has worked with other women in the past."

"Well Matt, I am not like most woman." I smirked at her and I hope she didn't feel repulsed by me as I said, "Oh I know."

The waiter came back with our drinks and took our food order."

As we waited, we asked each other questions. Getting know each other.

I told her what my child hood was like. How my family is and she told me hers.

We found out each others favourite colours, songs and everything else you should ask a person.

The two were having such a good time that we didn't realise that the restaurant was practically empty.

I called the waiter over and paid for our meals, a long with a big tip as a thank you for not kicking us out.

"Want to go for a walk down the street? There is a bar that is still open." I suggested.

"Yeah, sounds good to me."

The two of us stayed at the bar playing pool and darts and eating bar food until final call.

We walked slowly back to hotel. We were on different floors.

Hers was before mine and I made sure to walk her to the door.

"I had a good time Matt." YN said as she turned to face me before entering her hotel room.

"Really?"

"Yeah, I did. I didn't want too but I went in with an open mind and I am glad I did."

"Well can I take you out again?" I asked hopefully.

"Yeah, I think I would like that. This time I get to pick."

"Deal." I said to her.

I was about to say goodbye when YN grabbed my shoulders and leaned in and gave me a kiss on the cheek.

"Sweet dreams Matt. I'll see you later." She said as she walked into her room and closed the door on my stunned face.

I felt like a teen all over again as I touched my cheek.

Who knew being yourself would actually work? Maybe people should listen to Tyson more when he gives relationship advice.

Tag List: if you would like to be added, please let me know. @lghockey @irish-newzealand-idian-dutch @anaeve @crowleysqueenofhell @thenerdybaker523 @nicoleveno14 @cashwheelersgirl89 @1rsolideranna @legit9thlunaticwarrior @damnnhausen @wwenhlimagines @blaquekittycat

#aew #all elite wrestling #reader imagine #female reader #reader insert #matt jackson imagine #matt jackson x reader #aew matt jackson #matt jackson fic #matt jackson fanfic #matt jackson fanfiction #matt Jackson #matt Jackson x female reader #matt Jackson x f/Reader #matt Jackson x you #matt Jackson x y/u #wrestler imagine #wrestler x reader #wrestler x female reader

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uhbasicallyjustmilex · 4 months

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luluuuuuu that arctic monkeys ask game you made is so cute!!! 🥹💞 i'd love to know your answers to questions 9, 18 and 19, please!

(also, i'm so sorry to hear about your flare up 🥺 i hope it passes quickly and that you'll feel much better very soon!! sending all the love and hugs and warm blankets in the meantime, lovely 💖🌷💫)

awww minnie thank you so muuuuuch 🥺💗 (and thank you for your kind words re my flare up, don't worry i've got my hot water bottle and i've been comfort watching endeavour all evening so i'm doing okay! 🥰🥰)

9) what's the first song you heard that made you fall in love with the band? where were you when you heard it?

like a lot of people i think i'd probably vaguely heard a few arctic monkeys songs here and there over the years but for some reason never really tuned in and *listened* to them. so the first song i really heard and which made me fall head over heels into their entire discography was there'd better be a mirrorball, and, in wonderful irony, i was sitting in a car when i heard it. i had like an hour to kill waiting for a friend to come out of an appointment, and there was this gorgeous rainy pink-skied november sunset and i was just watching the rain pour the colours down the glass of the windscreen and having my mind absolutely *blown* by mirrorball (and then a bunch of other tracks: dance little liar, arabella, you're so dark, 505, and don't sit down 'cause i've moved your chair). i'll honestly never forget that afternoon, it's seared so vividly into my memory because hearing them for the first time just felt like some kind of epiphany i'd been searching around for forever and it's so special to me ✨

here are some photos of my view from the car while i was falling totally in love!

18) if you could ask each member of the band something and have them answer honestly, what questions would you ask them?

matt: i'd LOVE to know more about his photography, eg what catches his eye and makes him want to capture something (i’d also love to ask him to show me some of the photos of the band he hasn’t shared publicly, i bet he has some wonderful gems)

nick: he never seems to get spoken to/get the chance to speak in interviews which makes me so sad, so i'd love to know what question he'd actually like to be asked about his creative process/what’s most important to him about it

alex: i mean, part of me wants to ask him something like exactly what went down with him and miles or when the next tlsp record will be, BUT i think ultimately i'd want to ask him to describe his internal process of creativity, from the moment something sparks a little flame of thought to the finished piece, and how he feels as he's moving through the different stages of creativity. basically i just want an insight into how that wonderful mind of his words and to know what his own internal experience of his creativity is (or i could be really cruel and ask him what his favourite pudding is. he never did reach a consensus on that during that radio interview did he 👀)

jamie: either if he really threw his trowel into that pond or why he chose the name arctic monkeys. he truly is a man of mystery

19) what's your favourite quote said by someone in the band? feel free to share a link/clip?

oh god, SO many to choose from, but it's got to be this one by the one and only wonderful nick o'malley:

#thank you so much for indulging me! 💞#i hope you’re having a wonderful evening darling minnie ✨💫🌟#asks

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dino-fart · 2 years

Text

The Best Revenge

Chapter 2: Reunion

“Living well is the best revenge” - Dita Von Tesse

Pairing: Stephen Strange X Female!Reader

Genre: Romance, Angst, Comfort

Requested By: @bobateadaydreams

Summary: Fate was cruel wasn’t it? Here the universe brought two souls together one that poured all their love and adoration and the other stuck in the past and in love with another. You had fallen head over heels with Doctor Stephen Strange. Only for him to break your heart into pieces. Your friend came in the nick of time to offer you an opportunity that you can’t refuse any longer. A fresh start. What happens after a few years and hard lessons learned when Stephen sees you again? Will he make it up to you and try to win you back? Or does he hope you have moved on?

Summary | Chapter 1 | Chapter 2

Please like if you want to be tagged!

It had been three years since your breakup and so much had happened. You were now the most successful administrator in the hospital chain. You won awards and accolades for your dedication to your patients. One of the best doctors they’ve ever had was something you heard often about you. You made sure to never let it get to your head though, you were reminded of what that can do to someone. You had seen the news quite a bit regarding Stephen now Doctor Strange, the sorcerer not the surgeon he once was. Good for him. You simply thought and continued on with your life.

When the ‘blip’ happened, you were one of the many souls who were dusted away. When you were brought back, the hospital was a complete mess. You had spent months getting things back in order. Many sleepless nights of you and your friend treating patients and helping the nurses. Finally...Finally, things were back in order.

"So why are we in California?” Stephen asked stepping through the portal with Wong. The two sorcerers ended up on the boardwalk by the beach.

“Because one of the masters is here and has information regarding the Wand of Watoomb whereabouts.” Wong said firmly.

“I still don’t know how the Sorcerer Supreme lost a precious relic like that.” Stephen smirked.

“Well, maybe if somebody hadn’t cast the memory spell because of the Full Moon Party, I would’ve remembered.” Wong glared.

“Trust me I think not remembering what you did at the party is a fair trade.” Stephen chuckled.

“...What did I do at the party?”

“I don’t remember! The spell affected me too.” Stephen lied, he had photos but he wouldn’t dare let Wong see them, “So who is this master and how do we find him?”

“To call him a master is...An overstatement, he was a pupil that declared himself to be the master then left Kamar-Tajj because he got bored.”

“Is he a threat?”

Wong began to laugh uncontrollably at the question.

“So that’s a no.” Stephen rolled his eyes.

Wong settled down and nodded. “A hell no. But his stupidity could cause harm.” Wong began to cast a tracking spell to find the ‘master’.

“Wait, we’re a little too obvious.” Stephen stopped Wong and cast a spell for the two to wear casual clothes.

Wong changed his clothes back to his robes. “You are too obvious Mr. Show-Off, they will not suspect me.” Wong began to walk forward toward the path.

Stephen sighed and followed along.

After a few hours of tracking, they ended up at an event venue with an outside patio along the beach and cottages on the cliffs. “Well, we can’t just walk in there.” Wong furrowed his brows.

“No, you can’t.” Stephen smirked and snapped his fingers and his Armani suit was now on.

Wong rolled his eyes, “Don’t take too long.”

Stephen walked up the stairs and into the indoor building. He saw so many people in formal attire and a bar up ahead. What better place to people watch? He strolled over there and ordered a drink.

The bartender was a young man with blonde hair in uniform. He recognized Stephen immediately and began making his drink. “Yoooo, you’re Doctor Strange, right? I recognize the greys in your hair.” He whispered and poured his drink.

“Excuse me?”

“Nah, I’m just playin’ I sensed you from a mile away. Name’s Caleb, what can I do for ya?” Caleb was almost in awe seeing the sorcerer.

“I believe you have something that belongs to Kamar-Tajj.” Stephen took a sip of his drink and stared the man down.

“Whoa, easy man! The wand, right? I have it hidden when I found it. I was gonna mess around with it to get some chicks but uh...I forgot how to use it.” Caleb said embarrassed.

“What exactly were you going to do?”

“Oh dude, I was gonna -” Caleb was interrupted by someone walking to the bar. He quieted down, “Hold on.” He turned to the patron.

“Another margarita please.” A woman said.

Caleb grinned at the woman, “Coming right up, my fair lady!”

“If you don’t mind can you make it a little stronger, I need something to tolerate Jonathan’s insufferable voice.”

Caleb chuckled, “One ‘I’m ignoring you’ coming right up!”

Stephen was frozen this whole time, face looking away from the woman.

It couldn’t be...Could it?

He recognized that voice still to this day.

“Are you bored as well?” The woman asked him.

Stephen took a deep breath and finally turned to look at her. His eyes grew wide and he felt like he couldn’t breathe. It was you...In the flesh. And you looked even more radiant than ever. You had a gorgeous dress on and your hair was done in a vintage wavy hairstyle. ”H-Hello...” His cheeks turned pink.

“Stephen??” Your eyes grew wide at the realization.

Caleb set your drink on the counter by you. He went back to serving drinks since you two would be occupied for a bit.

“You...You...You look...Amazing.” Stephen said breathlessly.

You chuckled softly and took your drink. “So do you, Armani, right? You always had a taste of the finer things in life.” You took a sip.

Stephen felt like a teenager dumbstruck by the beautiful creature before him.

“You alright, Stephen?” You grinned.

“I-It’s just...It’s so good to see you.” Stephen’s gaze softened. Oh, how he wanted to kiss you, to hold you, to get on his knees and beg for forgiveness! He missed you so much and now that you’re right here in front of him, all of those feelings came back.

“I have to go, dear, looks like they need me. Good to see you! You look healthier.” You patted his arm and walked off to the presenter’s table.

Stephen felt his heartache and sat down on the bar stool.

“Ex?” He heard Caleb say.

“Yes.”

“Oooo, you lost that, man...Maybe I can help you out if you can help me.” The young sorcerer said.

“I don’t need help from a thief.” Stephen scowled.

“First of all, the wand came here from those weird zealot guys. I found it on the beach before anyone could get hurt, you're welcome. Second, you look like you need it, dude. You haven’t stopped blushing since you saw her.” Caleb nudged Stephen’s arm.

“No thank you.”

“Suit yourself, after the party I’ll meet you and Wongers outside and take you to where I hid the wand.” Caleb poured a glass for himself.

“Wongers?” Stephen furrowed his brows.

“Yeah, a hot girl I know used to tell me about Wongers, took me a minute to realize she was talking about Wong.” Caleb chuckled and then walked off to go on his break.

Stephen didn’t move, his blue eyes trained on you. There was something different about you. You were confident, you were stronger. Stephen was happy that you were this way but felt guilty for what he put you through.

“The recipient of The Lasker Award goes to our amazing doctor and administrator who has dedicated the past three years to the public. When the people started coming back from the ‘blip’, as the media calls, this doctor here made sure to help her patients and the people the impacted.” The announcer said and walked over to you with the plaque.

You gasped in surprise and held it tightly. You embraced your fellow board members and doctors. You gave your speech shortly after with tears of joy falling down your cheeks.

After the event, Caleb was outside with Wong waiting for Stephen. Stephen walked out of the venue and then stopped when he saw you. “Give me a minute.” He said to the two men.

“Told ya.” Caleb smirked.

Wong opened the portal and yanked Caleb’s ear as they stepped through. “You are a disappointment to sorcerers everywhere.”

“Ow, well I take that as a compliment!” Caleb winced.

Stephen turned around to find that you were standing there.

“So what magic tricks are you gonna show me?” You giggled.

Stephen chuckled softly and smiled, “Maybe...This one?” He snapped his fingers and a rose appeared in your hand.

“That’s amazing!” You gasped.

Stephen looked at you lovingly, his heart beating faster and he took a step toward you. “Congratulations...You deserve it. You deserve every bit of happiness in your life.” Stephen gave you a sad smile.

You looked up at him and moved your hand to rest on his shoulder. “Thank you, Stephen...How have you been? Are you eating better?” You asked.

Stephen smiled softly, here he was, the man that ruined your life and you were asking if he was okay. “I was going to ask you the same...” Stephen gently said.

“Walk with me on the beach?” You asked and he offered his arm. You smiled and placed your hand on his arm. You insisted on hearing about him first and so he told you. Every single detail including the ‘blip’. He was happy that you were okay after disappearing for five years. You then began to tell him about yourself, your successes, and your travels.

Eventually, you two sat down on a bench and watched the waves. It was silent at this point.

Stephen turned to look at you and gently took the rose. He placed it in your hair and smiled. “I just...I want to say that I’m so sorry. I was so awful to you...All you ever did was love me.” Stephen said holding your hands in his.

You moved your hands away and placed them on his cheeks. “You were terrible to me.” You corrected him and he nodded sadly. You leaned up to press your lips against his head. He looked up immediately, taken aback by your gesture.

“What you did was wrong. But...I can see a change in you.” You said looking into his eyes.

Tears formed in his eyes and they trickled down his cheeks onto your hands.

“None of that, Stephen.” You leaned up to kiss his cheekbones and he wrapped his arms around your waist, holding you close. He buried his head on your shoulder. You rubbed his back and soothed it.

“How...How can you be so...Forgiving? So kind to me? Like I didn’t just make your life a living hell?” Stephen pulled back his eyes red from crying.

“Now Stephen, what did I just say? No crying. And yes you did make my life a living hell. But...I realized you were so lost and so filled with anger. You placed that on me, on the fact that you couldn’t have Christine.” You began to say when Stephen pressed his forehead against yours.

“Stop. Stop...I only want you now. I was such an idiot. You were an angel to me. A-And I’m so happy to see you...Happy. I hope that...I can be part of that. If I can I swear to you I will treat you like the goddess you are...Please...” Stephen gazed into your eyes.

You sighed softly, “Stephen...You better mean it. I rarely give second chances.”

“I mean it, on the Eye of Agamotto, on the temple of Kamar-Tajj, and as Vishanti as my witness.” Stephen said softly.

You blinked a few times at him, “Uh...I don’t know what any of that is but okay.”

Stephen gently cupped your chin and gingerly leaned closer to you for a kiss.

You pressed your lips against his and ran your fingers through his hair. He let out a purr at your heavenly touch.

He pulled back, blushing, “Sorry...I really missed you.”

You laughed softly and pecked his cheek. “I always said you were a cat.” You brushed his hair back.

Stephen leaned in for another kiss, this time more passionate than careful.

You wrapped your arms around his neck and kissed him back.

When you two broke the kiss, you heard someone clearing their throat. You turned to see your friend whose arms were crossed over her chest.

“Stephen.” She growled.

“Hello.” He waved a little.

She looked to you now, “You sure?” You nodded. “Fine...Stephen if you hurt her again I will find you.” Your friend threatened and Stephen smiled at her.

“I swear on my life it will never happen.” He nodded.

Your friend rolled her eyes and walked off.

“She’s not as forgiving as me.” You chuckled.

“I don’t blame her.” Stephen brushed your hair back.

You kissed him hard, running your hands over his back. Stephen moaned against you and he wrapped your legs around his waist. He lifted your up from the bench and pressed your hips flush against his. You bit your lip and nipped his lower lip.

“Your place or mine?” Stephen panted needing you so badly.

“Mine is closer.” You whispered against him and he made a portal to your bedroom appear. He stepped through carrying you with him and laying you down on the bed. “Let me worship you...” Stephen whispered against your lips.

His words weren't just words, they were a promise. A promise for a new start, a promise to show you the new him. The one that will spoil you in love as you once did to him.

Author’s Note: I wanted to use this particular gif because I LOVE Dita Von Tesse, she exudes confidence and sexiness, which is what I want you readers to feel about yourselves <3 @bobateadaydreams I hope you like it!

Dividers By @animatedglittergraphics-n-more

Tagging: @bobateadaydreams, @strangelockd, @strangeswife, @icytrickster17, @lady-harvey

#bobateadaydreams #stephen strange #doctor strange #doctor strange x reader #stephen strange x reader #strangelockd #strangeswife #icytrickster17 #lady-harvey

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beecastle · 2 years

Text

Love At First Swipe

A first date with Javi which includes getting frozen yogurt and going to the arcade

Pairing: Javi G x F!Reader

Word count: 1.5k

Rating: Teen

Warnings: online dating, first date which includes froyo and going to an arcade, mention of Reader using glasses and being bi, Reader has a favorite froyo flavor

A/N: This is loosely based on the date I went on Sunday, thanks to @littlemisspascal for letting me talk her ear offs about the date and the guy I’m dating and for choosing the Pedro boy for this fic, Javi ended up being perfect!

MASTERLIST

Swiping left is a reflex at this point. See the picture for half a second, maybe glance at the name, see if there’s a bio, and move on.

A guy with just his height in the bio?

Left.

A girl that doesn’t have her face in any of the pictures?

Left.

A guy explicitly looking for skinny girls?

Left. Left. Left.

Maybe opening a profile on a dating app had been a mistake, but then again there wasn’t much opportunity for you to meet someone in your daily life at the moment. Still, there must be a better alternative than lying on your bed judging if someone could be a potential partner by just a few photos.

Just one more profile. One more and I’m done.

A face framed by dark curls smiles at you through the screen and your heart leaps.

Javi

3 kilometers away

With each photo you see, your heart beats faster and faster out of pure excitement. Him swimming in a pool. Him standing next to a really strange Nick Cage statue. Him looking at a sunset on the beach.

You wonder what it would be like to be sitting there with him, to feel the evening breeze against your face as the sky changes colors. Maybe one day.

When you notice this Javi has an actual bio the grin that has appeared on your face grows into a full-fledged smile. It’s not just an emoji, not just three words or a number but a proper bio describing in detail who he is and what he likes, emphasizing more than anything his love of movies.

You swipe right.

Standing outside the froyo shop you glance from left to right trying to spot Javi in the moving crowd but all the faces seem to blend into each other. Perhaps leaving your glasses at home wasn’t the smartest of decisions. While you squint trying to transform the blobs of color into actual things, someone stands next to you and says your name making you jump.

Your balance is gone and the floor is quickly approaching until a hand wraps around your arm and steadies you. You look up to find Javi staring at you with the biggest puppy eyes combined with guilt. “I’m truly sorry, I didn’t mean to scare you.” Once you regain balance he lets go of you and hands you a small bouquet of flowers. “I’m Javi.”

“Hi.” His brown eyes are more captivating in person than in the pictures, his smile is brighter and his hair is somehow curlier and fluffier. You have to force your eyes away from his face in order to take the flowers. “Thank you.”

“Of course, my assistant Gabriela said they might be too much, but flowers always seem to work in the movies." When you don’t answer, still taking in how beautiful he is, and the fact that he brought flowers, his smile turns into a frown. “Was it too much?”

“No,” you quickly assure him and his smile makes a reappearance. “It’s perfect, thank you.” At that moment you notice some people have stopped to look at the show you’re offering and Javi sees this too.

“Shall we go inside?” He asks motioning to the building.

There’s no wasting time in looking through the flavors the froyo shop offers, you already know what you’ll get. The combination you have picked every single time since you were ten: blackberry, blueberry, and strawberry. When the selection is done you join Javi at the toppings station to see he has chosen a single flavor, chocolate which he accompanied with a couple of cookies. The moment he sees your choice he smiles.

“I’m guessing you’re putting some more berries on that.” You nod and he helps you put the fruit on top of the frozen yogurt. “There you go berry.” The nickname is said teasingly, but it makes butterflies appear on your stomach nonetheless.

Javi insists on paying for the food, arguing that that’s the least he can do after scaring you outside, and seeing he won’t back down from the offer you let him. Finding a comfortable-looking couch you sit down and turn to each other. “So what are your top three favorite movies?” Just as you were expecting his eyes light up at the question.

“That’s an excellent question Berry,” he smiles and launches himself into an hour-long rant about movies and why he loves Paddington 2 and Nick Cage, but he makes sure to take pauses when talking to ask for your opinion, and for your favorite movies.

When the frozen yogurt is finished you feel like you know more about him than some of the people that have been in your life for literal years, and you only know what his favorite movies are and his opinion on yours. Throughout all your years of dating, there has never been someone who catches your attention quite this much.

When you go out of the shop neither of you is ready to say goodbye so you just walk next to each other until Javi spots an arcade across the street and excitedly points at it. “We need to go there, I bet they have a dancing machine.”

“And you think you can beat me?” You smirk. His eyes linger on yours as he smiles too, both of you excited at the idea of a little friendly competition.

“Let's find out.” He offers you his hand and pulls you across the street towards the arcade half-walking half-jogging to get there quicker. Once inside you buy a magnetic card and walk around seeing what games they have.

There are two Mario Kart machines near the entrance and without consulting with each other you both sit at the same time and start a race. Which you win. And then one race turns into two and then into three with the same results every single time. But you gotta give it to Javi, he’s a good loser, he even hands you a fake trophy. “For Berry, the best Mario Kart racer in the entire world.”

You produce your own imaginary trophy. “For Javi, the second-best Mario Kart racer in the entire world.”

There’s a tie in air hockey, two to two. He beats you by very little in an adventure shooting one. And another tie happens in a basketball one. And then you get to the Dance Dance Revolution machine. After Javi slides the card twice so you can both can play he turns to you with the sweetest smile. “Will you dance with me?”

“Yes.”

The first song, which is in easy mode, serves as a warm-up letting you adjust to the game and to stepping on the arrows on the floor. You suggest upping the second song to ‘difficult’ but this proves to be a mistake as the arrows fly through the screen faster than your legs can move, and you have to hold onto the railing on your back to avoid tripping over yourself and falling. One quick glance at Javi shows you he’s having the same problem, his lips are pursed together and his brow furrowed in concentration as he tries to keep up with the game.

By the time the song ends both of you are panting and covered in sweat, Javi gets a score just slightly higher than yours and he hops off the machine before you can ask for a rematch. “I’m going to get us some water.” He states once his breathing has become more or less normal and leaves just to come back running a couple of seconds later.

“Berry! Berry! Come.” He takes your hand and drags you around the corner to a couple of claw machines. “Pick one of them and I’ll get it for you.”

“Any of them?” He nods solemnly. “Okay, how about that Grogu?” You point to a Grogu plushie in the center of the machine, a green cute ball with pointy ears and big eyes.

“Consider it done.”

Against all odds he maneuvers the claw to the center, lowers it, and picks Grogu causing a squeal on your part which distracts him making him drop the plushie, he looks at you and laughs while shaking his head. “Sorry.”

He tries again and this time you contain your excitement until the plushie is right on top of the hole and he drops it in it. Taking it out of the machine he gives it to you and you bounce up and down with excitement and plant a kiss on his cheek, making him freeze for a second before a smile settles on his face.

“Thank you.”

“Of course.”

Later that day you’re sitting on your bed with the flowers and the plushie in front of you. You can still feel Javi’s lips against yours as you said goodbye, and promised to text each other soon. But how soon? Should you text him something today? Perhaps tomorrow morning? You don’t have to keep wondering for long because your phone lights up showing a message has arrived.

Movie night tomorrow?

Taglist: @sunflowersturn @littlemisspascal @lovesbiggerthanpride @vanemando15 @mswarriorbabe80 @caribbeanredd @alexxavicry @the-chaotic-cow @littlemousedroid

#javi gutierrez #javi g #javi g x reader #javi gutierrez x reader #bee castle writing

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drjohndisco · 2 months

Text

Binding Ties - Chapter 13

Ao3 Link || Masterlist

Warnings: mentions of blood and death.

[A/N] Holy shit I finally got here!!! Let's fucking go!!!

‘I don't know any of the names on this list.’ Rosalee sighed. ‘I know who was at the wedding, but--’

‘There's got to be a connection, all right? Somebody who was at your wedding has to know someone who was on Trubel's list.’ Juliette replied.

‘How am I supposed to know who everybody knows.’

‘Without asking them?’ Briar questioned.

‘We should go over your wedding guest list.’ Juliette suggested.

‘I'll have to get it. It's on my computer.’

‘No, you sent me a copy! I think I still have it!’ Juliette said, walking over to the computer desk. ‘If I can find it -- good thing I'm so messy.’

‘Do you want me to call Monroe's parents?’

‘And let them know what's going on?’ Rosalee yelled. ‘No, no. I already thought about that. They'd be on the first plane here.’

‘Is that a bad thing?’ Briar asked.

‘I don't want to have to put them through that. Until we know something, one way or the other.’

‘Well, let’s just hope it isn’t the other…’ Briar muttered.

‘I don't know.’ Rosalee sighed. She was now surrounded by stacks of paper, but hadn’t appeared to make any real progress. ‘I can't make the connection. Because I don't know the connection I'm looking for.’

‘Bud was sure someone at the wedding knew Shaw.’

‘Yes, but I don't know Shaw.’ Rosalee complained.

‘Kind of like when Nick's mom brought Adalind here. You know, she didn't know that we knew her, and Adalind didn't know that she was Nick's mom.’ Juliette said.

‘Yeah, if we could only know what we didn't know before it just all blows up in our faces.’

‘I keep thinking about Adalind. She was a hexenbiest, Briar’s a hexenbiest, and their mum was a hexenbiest.’

‘So?’ Rosalee groaned.

‘So…both Adalind and Briar must have been born that way.’

‘Yeah, we were.’ Briar confirmed.

‘But she lost her powers and then got them back, so…’ Juliette suggested.

‘So does that mean that you don't have to be born a hexenbiest?’ Briar finished, raising a sceptical eyebrow at Juliette. ‘You could become one?’

Juliette nodded.

‘I think so, and what I know, which isn't very much.’ Rosalee added. ‘Just that apparently the transformation is pretty gruelling.

‘Mm-hmm.’ Juliette mumbled.

‘And the ones that are made and not born are even more deadly--’ Rosalee continued. ‘Why?’

Juliette’s eyes awkwardly shifted over to Briar - who motioned at Juliette in a way that said she should come clean - and then back to Rosalee.

‘I’m asking,’ Juliette said, pausing as she tried to figure out her phrasing. ‘Because…that’s what happened to me.’

‘What?’ Rosalee exclaimed. ‘How?’

‘It was a side effect of Adalind’s curse.’ Juliette sighed. ‘I’ve only known about it since yesterday, but please, don’t focus on me -- right now you’re more important.’

‘Yeah, you don’t need another thing on your plate.’ Briar added. In response, Rosalee nodded slowly.

‘What am I not seeing here? What am I missing?’ Rosalee said.

‘Bud didn't know everyone who was at your wedding, and he didn't have the list of names.’ Juliette suggested. ‘He and Trubel found out that Shaw was in the wesenrein, and somehow Shaw found out you and Monroe got married.’

‘Well, then we need to talk to Bud, because five of these people have plus-ones that I've never met before.’ Rosalee decided.

‘Well, what can I do?’ Bud chuckled awkwardly.

‘We need your help.’ Juliette replied. ‘You said that someone at the wedding told Shaw about Monroe and Rosalee.’

‘Yeah, yeah. It has to have been.’

‘Then who?’ Rosalee asked, showing Bud the list. ‘Because this is the list you made with Trubel, and this is my wedding list. I can't figure this out, because I don't know these men on your list!’

‘Well, let me take a look.’ Bud sighed. A moment later he pointed at a photo. ‘That's her. She was at the wedding.’

( The Woods - Later )

‘Riken!’ Nick called out, pointing a gun at the man. The rest of the group had fanned out, and was surrounding the rest of the wesen rein members.

‘Monroe!’ Rosalee yelled out, as she ran down the hill towards her husband.

‘Rosalee!’ Monroe replied, voice muffled as she embraced him.

‘The tribunal is over.’ Nick stated.

‘Nick, thank god you--’ Bud stuttered, then realised his (apparent) mistake. ‘Oh, I don't know him either.’

‘So you're Burkhardt?’ Riken asked, before woging angrily.

Nick said nothing at this, opting to stare him down with no remorse.

‘You got it back.’

‘That is the rumour.’

There was a pause, as Riken considered all of his options.

‘You may be a grimm again, but you're not gonna be able to arrest all of us.’ He stated.

‘You're right. Some of you will be stupid.’ Nick replied.

‘Take them!’ Riken ordered. So, the wesen rein members attacked, but were swiftly brought down by a rain of bullets.

‘On your knees!’ Sean ordered, and the men in front of him complied. As the other members of the group ran away into the bushes, following the survivors, Nick and Briar made their way down the hill towards the men Sean had stopped.

‘Could you please keep an eye on them, while I go and help Juliette?’ Nick asked, as Briar knelt on the ground next to the captured men.

‘Nope!’ Briar replied, flicking their wrist and trapping the members with a mass of nearby roots. There was a chorus of enraged shouts, as they struggled in vain, hands sinking into the ground. ‘I am coming with you. Besides, Juliette’s more capable than you think.’

‘Oh, don’t I know it.’ Nick chuckled.

When they found Juliette she was covered in dirt and blood. Next to her was the prone body of a teenager in wesen rein robes with, most curiously, the back of his head exploded.

‘How the fuck?’ Nick asked, at the same time Briar said ‘Holy shit.’

‘I don’t know….it just sort of happened.’ Juliette replied. ‘A burst of massive power from stress, I suppose.’

‘Sorry,’ Nick replied, incredulous. ‘You’re saying you did this?’

‘Yes, that is what I’m saying. It seems Rosalee was right, born hexenbiests are indeed deadlier.’

Nick said nothing at this, opting instead to let this information take hold in his head. So, Briar walked around him and held out a hand to help Juliette up. Juliette took her hand and stood up, brushing the dirt off her clothes.

‘Come on,’ Briar said, taking Nick’s hand with their other one and slowly ushering him to turn around. ‘Let’s go home.’

( Monroe and Rosalee’s House )

‘Monroe and I just wanted to thank all of you for what you did.’ Rosalee said. ‘We wouldn’t be here without you.’

‘I certainly wouldn’t.’ Monroe added.

‘Well, let me just say that,’ Bud toasted. ‘I wouldn’t be here either. So, there’s a lot of thanks from me too.’

‘Yeah, you should have seen Bud out there - he was awesome. He really stood up to those sonsof--’

‘Monroe…’

‘Right, sorry, I just wanted to say that… from the bottom of my heart I appreciate you.’ Monroe said, struggling. He then quieted himself and began to cry.

‘Oh, honey.’ Rosalee murmured. ‘It’s okay.’

Around the room the others all looked on sadly, sharing the anguish.

‘We’re overwhelmed by all the support you’ve given us. We couldn’t ask for better friends. We can’t possibly thank you enough.’

‘What she said.’ Monroe added, kissing Rosalee’s head.

‘Well, you both deserve every bit of happiness.’ Juliette complimented.

‘Well, I suggest we toast to your honeymoon.’ Sean stated.

‘At last!’ Wu celebrated, lifting his glass up and toasting it with the others.

‘We’ll miss you guys.’

‘Yeah, we will, but I think I’m ready to spend some alone time with my wife.’

#oc x canon #grimm #grimm au #my writing*#universe: binding ties #[ot3] blood leads me back to you

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