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DANTE BASCO IS GONNA BE AT MY TOWN’S COMIC CON THIS YEAR AHHHHH GUYS!!!! ZUKO IS GONNA BE IN MY CITY!!!

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Still dealing with this bug, whatever I have. A cold? The flu? I’m better for the most part but dealing with a rough cough so I’m trying to get over that. I haven’t been sick or called out of work in nearly two years so that was hard for me to do, but I go back tomorrow and then hopefully I’ll be back to writing around Wednesday when I’m off. Very sorry for the delays and thank you for all the well wishes <:

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Sorry for the inactivity, y’all. Been working all week and now I’m sick. Hopefully just a cold but it got much worse today and I was sent home from work. I never call in from work and I haven’t been sick in over a year so this sucks lmao. Hopefully I’ll reply later this weekend. <3

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Watching that scene in the new TLOU episode… goddamn, my heart broke all over again. That was so painful to watch.

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Decided to start replaying Chrono Trigger for the first time in YEARS. What a blast from the past. How have they not remastered this for current gen consoles yet!? Ugh. That and Final Fantasy Tactics. Hopefully soon! But man, I’m loving it. Makes me wanna write Marle 🩵.

I also started The Apothecary Diaries which is good! Makes me want to write my ATLA/LOK OC even more because he’s an apothecary. Other than that, I’m watching Sons of Anarchy (almost done), Solo Leveling and thinking about watching the Wheel of Time. While waiting for Dead City season 2. Oh, and I’m reading Emberclaw. Too much to do, so little time!

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Nala didn't know how much fight she had left in her. She'd been fighting since the moment her home had been attacked and set ablaze, though to no avail. They captured her, threw her into a cage and knocked her out, likely so she didn't know where she was going and how to get back. Her body ached when she came to and everything was blurry for a good few minutes before the bright light set in, making the cub wince and hide her face until the throbbing subsided.

She looked up and around, eyeing the cage bars all around her with two humans in front, two on the side and some behind. The ones in the front and back seemed to be... riding some large, yellow animal. It looked like a bird, but not one Nala had ever seen. One hunter on the side noticed the cub was awake and banged on the side, likely to startle her which worked. The cub flinched, but instead of cowering, she growled and lunged forward, biting down on the hand that gripped the cage bar. The man screamed in agony and the other guard was quick to open the cage, grabbing the cub by the scruff of her neck and yanking her back. She hissed and swiped with her claws, trying to wiggle free, but the hunter threw her to the back of the cage.

Her already battered body hit the bars before falling to the floor, whimpering in pain. Before she could even attempt getting up, the hunter with the now injured hand knocked her unconscious, muttering some rather foul words, and what she thought to be a threat.

It wasn't until her cage crashed to the floor that Nala woke up again, looking around for the cause. She could hear the humans screaming as well as what sounded like snarling and howling. That's when she saw some brown beasts attacking the humans, ripping them apart. The large birds fleeing, or at least one of them did. Two of the hunters managed to fall a couple of the beasts and she felt a little disappointed by it. She was rooting for the beasts, at least until a few of them turned in her direction.

They stalked towards her, growling and snarling and Nala backed up as far she could inside of the cage. She hissed and swatted as they grew closer, unsure if she could take on all three at once, especially not in the battered condition that she was in, but she would try. She wouldn't die here... she couldn't.

@coffeemusings for that one Nala discussion~

╼ ༺ :||          Monster ambushes were not unheard of, but even patrolled, the forests of the region were prime hunting grounds for those perpetually cloaked in shadows that having some sort of escort had always been must.

Chocobo reigns in hand and urging the bird faster, the ever dark city of Treno fell fell further behind. Those travelers had been lucky- not merely reaching the city, but happening upon her just on the return back to Alexandria. Guards would not have left their post, she knew. Obligation lay within the city limits, and not whatever occurred beyond their perimeter. She knew well how a cut of their eyes would be more generous than any duty-bound concern.

Perhaps this action would bruise their image, however unlikely this night.

Following the path the two had frantically provided, Beatrix indeed found their wagon. Their own chocobo long gone or eaten and the sounds of yelping beasts still stomped about the area. A pack of Fangs by the sounds of it, and they grew silent the moment she hopped down from her own nervous steed.

Wasting no time by a sword drawn, she allowed the soft kwehs behind her lure them in. Culling their number would be simple enough and she flung the first aside where it emitted a pained howl.

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Jet listened to everything Zuko told him, brows furrowed together as he made sense of it all. "So, when you were Ba Sing Se with your Uncle," he began. "That wasn't you still chasing the Avatar, that was you trying for a fresh start? Hiding from the Fire Nation?" He didn't know every single detail about Zuko, but he learned enough about him from the group, especially his change and how he aided in bringing down his father and restoring peace and balance to the world. "Seems we were both there for a fresh start. Didn't go so well, though." He chuckled, arms crossed over his chest. Jet ruined his own chance at a fresh start in Ba Sing Se when he went after Zuko, leading to his being captured by the Dai Li. Brainwashed and tortured. He shuddered at the memory.

But then he grinned. "You mean he hasn't already? Maybe he's working on it then." He chuckled, shaking his head. This was something, wasn't it? The two of them chatting. Joking. Months ago, Jet would've never even entertained the thought of befriending someone from the Fire Nation, but... well, things change. People change.

After a few seconds of awkward silence, Jet cleared his throat. "So, uh, you hoping for a boy or a girl?"

“…you were the one hiding your identity and lying about it. So not like you would’ve told me about her at the time anyway.” But that was in the past, right? He moved on. Or was trying to, anyway. Deep breaths, Jet. Don’t let your anger get the better of you. “Hey, don’t worry. I’m not Sokka. I don’t have anyone to tell anyway.” A pause. “Well, except Longshot or Smellerbee, but they won’t tell anyone.” Then he offered a small smile. “But, hey… uh, congrats? I think?”

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There was a lot he learned, really, and things he was still learning. It would take some time to completely let go of his anger, but he was trying. And he was trying to make amends with those that he hurt, that he lied to and betrayed, and that started with Katara. The person he hated hurting most. He may never earn her full trust back, but even having a little of it meant the world to him. He'd do whatever it took. And he may know exactly how to start.

"Kinda hard to do when there's not really any trees here in the city." His attempt at a joke, letting out an awkward chuckle as he rubbed the back of his neck. "But no, that's not what I had in mind." He then reached into his pocket. Slowly. He didn't want to make Katara think he had anything nefarious in mind. Then he pulled out a paper and unrolled it. "I saw this stuck to one of the walls... a lot of them. Appa's missing." He frowned, reading over the flyer. "And I think I might know where he is? That's why I came to you. I had no idea any of you were in the city until I saw these," He held it up. He'd been living peacefully on his own, working a good paying job, when he found the flyer. He knew they wouldn't exactly be happy to see him, but he wasn't just going to sit by while their flying bison was missing.

"Where's everyone else?" He asked, then frowned. "And Aang... is he okay?"

Jet didn't even have to look at Katara to know she was burning a hole into his skull with her eyes. Her icy stare was far more powerful than any fire nation soldier he's fought and to be honest, in this moment, he'd rather be burned by real fire. But this is what he deserved. Not her trust nor her forgiveness. He hadn't earned that yet. But more than anything, he wanted to. He hated himself for how badly he hurt her. Aang and Sokka, too. Damn. He really screwed up, didn't he? Jet sighed to himself.

"You're... so much stronger than me, Katara. All I've known is this hate for the Fire Nation, for what they did to my parents and to my friends... all I've cared about was bringing each and everyone of them down. I... never considered some of them might actually be innocent and that was wrong of me.." While he did still have so much hate in his heart because of what happened in his past, he knew not every citizen of the fire nation deserved it. Some were trying to get away from the madness and war, too. Some wanted no part of it. He just didn't care to see that back then.

He was debating on walking away, not wanting to anger Katara further, and there wasn't much else he could say. He just... wanted to help them, wanted to make amends and make up for everything and that started now. So when Katara accepted his apology and said he'd give him one more chance, Jet's eyes lit up with hope. "I won't make you regret it, Katara! I promise!" He beamed. He wouldn't mess it up again. He hoped.

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Of course, it was Inuyasha.

Koga held back the urge to growl, though his fists clenched at his sides. Stupid mutt. Always hurting Kagome... He kept those thoughts to himself, though. For now. "Yeah, he seems pretty clueless most of the time. And all he cares about is becomin' stronger. Seems he could care less about you or anyone else helpin' him." He huffed, arms crossing over his chest, eyes trained on Kagome again. "Nah, you're never annoyin' to me, Kagome. Like I said, I don't care what it is, I'm always willing to listen. Whether it's about the stupid mutt or not." Sometimes it bothered him when she worried so much about Inuyasha or when she chose him at times over Koga, but it wasn't surprising considering how much time they've spent together and the reason they were together so much. He dealt with it and still came around because he cared about Kagome.

He gave her a charming grin when she voiced her concerns at keeping up with him. "You don't have to worry about that! You're worth slowin' down for. Besides, I could always carry you. You're as light as a feather, Kagome." He teased, giving her a playful nudge with his arm. "Just say the word and we'll take off! We don't need to tell anyone anything unless you want to. Either make him worry or piss him off," he smirked. He did like pissing the mutt off. "But whenever you want to go, you just let me know."

"Well, you aren't botherin' me, Kagome, I can promise you that." He said with a grin as he took a seat next to her. "I'd prefer to know when you're upset, and why, so maybe I can help you somehow. Whether it's takin' you to some of the most beautiful places around here or beatin' that pup, InuYasha. Whatever helps you feel better." He was kidding about that last part, of course. Well somewhat. He said it in hopes to get Kagome to smile, maybe even chuckle. His threat was mostly empty, unless InuYasha actually did hurt Kagome, but even then he wouldn't leave her side. He'd rather stay right here with her than go kick the dog's ass.

He was admittedly surprised at her quick answer and the way she grabbed onto his arm, preventing him from going anywhere. Her touch felt... nice. Her hand was so soft and so warm and it made his stomach do a strange little flip, the way she was holding onto him. Wait, was he blushing? Damnit. Koga mentally scolded himself as he looked away for the briefest of moments, willing away the coloring in his face before he turned back to look at her. "Of course it's okay." He reassured her, smiling. "'Sides, I needed a little break from Ginta and Hakkaku. Always complainin' about not being able to keep up." He scoffed, then titled his head. "You know, Kagome, if you need a break, you're always welcome to hang out with me. Get away from here for a while. You're allowed that, you know."

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I finished Final Fantasy VI!! I loved it!! It was a really fun game and it gave me Chrono Trigger vibes throughout. My main party, including at the final boss, consisted of Terra, Locke, Edgar and Sabin. My four favorite characters. Now I’m trying to decide what to play next. I’m excited for the Days Gone remaster next week and the DDLV update. As for tonight, I’m kinda nursing a headache and I’m tired from work so I will do my best tomorrow. I apologize for the delay <3

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“…you were the one hiding your identity and lying about it. So not like you would’ve told me about her at the time anyway.” But that was in the past, right? He moved on. Or was trying to, anyway. Deep breaths, Jet. Don’t let your anger get the better of you. “Hey, don’t worry. I’m not Sokka. I don’t have anyone to tell anyway.” A pause. “Well, except Longshot or Smellerbee, but they won’t tell anyone.” Then he offered a small smile. “But, hey… uh, congrats? I think?”

“Wait, WHO is pregnant?” Brief pause. “Zuko is married!?”

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“Wait, WHO is pregnant?” Brief pause. “Zuko is married!?”

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⋆｡‧˚ʚ💋ɞ˚‧｡⋆ 𝐥𝐚𝐳𝐲 𝐝𝐚𝐲𝐬

​​​​​​actions.

[ CUDDLE ]: sender wraps their arms around receiver on the couch and refuses to let go.

[ OVERSIZED ]: sender is wearing receiver's oversized hoodie or shirt with nothing underneath.

[ MOVIE ]: sender and receiver watch a movie, tangled up in blankets.

[ LAP ]: sender lays their head in receiver’s lap while scrolling on their phone.

[ SNOOZE ]: sender drifts off mid-conversation with their face buried in receiver’s neck.

[ COFFEE ]: sender brings receiver their favorite drink while still in pajamas.

[ STAY ]: sender pulls receiver back into bed when they try to get up.

[ TANGLE ]: sender’s legs are tangled with receiver’s under a cozy blanket.

[ KISSY ]: sender peppers sleepy kisses across receiver’s cheeks and neck.

[ SHOWER ]: sender pulls receiver into a lazy, steamy shower just to hold them.

[ HAIR ]: sender plays with receiver’s hair absentmindedly.

[ LAPTOP ]: sender works on something while laying on top of receiver.

[ NAP ]: sender and receiver nap together, completely wrapped around each other.

[ BUMPS ]: sender bumps their nose against receiver's while giggling under the covers.

[ COOKING ]: sender tries to make breakfast but gets distracted by receiver’s kisses.

[ SOCKS ]: sender steals receiver’s socks just to keep their toes warm.

[ BRUSH ]: sender gently brushes receiver’s messy morning hair with their fingers.

[ WRAP ]: sender wraps themselves in a blanket and waddles over to cuddle receiver.

[ DANCE ]: sender pulls receiver into a slow, silly dance in the kitchen.

[ FLUFF ]: sender brings over a pillow and throws it at receiver to start a pillow war.

𝐝𝐢𝐚𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐮𝐞.

❝ five more minutes. ❞

❝ you’re so warm, don’t move. ❞

❝ let’s stay in bed all day. ❞

❝ i made coffee. come get it before it gets cold. ❞

❝ you’re way too comfortable for me to get up. ❞

❝ we should order something and never leave the couch. ❞

❝ you have bedhead. it’s adorable. ❞

❝ come here, i need snuggles. ❞

❝ i missed mornings like this with you. ❞

❝ i don’t care what we watch as long as you’re here. ❞

❝ wanna nap on top of me again? ❞

❝ you smell like sleep and sunshine. ❞

❝ i stole your hoodie and i’m never giving it back. ❞

❝ your toes are freezing. ❞

❝ don’t fall asleep on me—too late. ❞

❝ i swear you’re the human version of a weighted blanket. ❞

❝ is it illegal to be this cozy? ❞

❝ i could do nothing with you forever. ❞

❝ you’re the best part of my lazy days. ❞

❝ come lay on me, i’m a pillow now. ❞

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Cant believe we never got to see jet sneak into the upper ring to hang out with zuko. Wasted potential.

Flat color I couldn’t decide which version I liked more

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Testing warm colors. I am a lazy person, so there's just one brush for everything.

@oneatlatime made me love him.

Id in ALT

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"Wasn't something I felt I needed to say. Because back then, I didn't feel like I was wrong." He'd been too proud to admit that he was wrong, that what he did, was wrong. He just couldn't accept that. Not to mentioned being blinded by his hate for the Fire Nation and his rage... it consumed him in the worst way for the longest time. It wasn't until after his duel with Zuko and being captured by the Dai Li that Jet truly saw the error of his ways. Which brought them to the conversation about his supposed death.

"I... didn't think I was going to make it. I wasn't sure. But that's why I wanted all of you to leave. I didn't want you to waste time trying to help me, not when Appa needed you more, and I saw how upset Katara was and," he sighed, shaking his head. "but they managed to get me out. I was unconscious for most of it and apparently I was like that for weeks. Some healer took care of me along with Longshot and Smellerbee and it took an even longer time for me to recover." He switched the wheat spring in his mouth to the other side and looked down at his hands. "I asked them to keep the fact that I survived a secret because after what happened with the Dai Li and how they made me turn on Aang, I... I didn't know if I was truly free from their control and I didn't want to risk turning on you all again." That had been his biggest fear, thus why he kept away until he knew for sure.

He remembered every moment of his time down there with the Dai Li. The brainwashing, the torture. It plagued him. But he didn't want to bother Sokka with it. He didn't want to other anyone with it. They didn't know exactly what he endured down there, but they didn't need to. He smiled at his response and slipped his hands into his pockets. "So, what's everyone doing now now that the war is over? Bet it feels good to have defeated the Fire Lord, huh?"

Continued from here.

Ouch. But, yeah, okay, fair.

"Both, I guess." Then he quickly shook his head. "N-not to justify! Not that. But to explain why I've been in hiding since everything that happened with the Dai Li." When they left him with Smellerbee and Longshot after being wounded. Did they believe him dead, he wondered? "But also, I... I wanted to thank you. For saving the people from that town that I.." He sighed, dropping his gaze to the ground. Ashamed. "I never got to thank you for it the last time we saw each other. Didn't exactly have the chance, but... yeah." He took a deep breath before he locked eyes with him again. Nor did he really properly apologize for it either. "I'm sorry, Sokka." @sokkaisms