#<- i used 2 looove singing when i was little-

[pepsicoughdrops]

yeeaahh whatever closes my eyes

(he/it)

(click for better quality/individuals under cut)

[rrezshifts]

𝓶𝙮 𝙝𝖔𝙗b𝙞𝙚s — ᴍᴀʀᴠᴇʟ ʀᴇᴀʟɪᴛʏ

𝓓ay 19. mittens -> What are your hobbies in your dr? How do you usually spend your down time?

despite how this reality sounds… i’m not a hero or a vigilante or even a villain. unfortunately i’m making this post before an introduction so that can be a common misconception. this dr is specifically focused on matt murdock and maya lopez too (literally no one else so far lmao). ALSO this is more based on the marvel comics rather than the mcu !!

anyway… since i’m not fighting or saving people, i have a lot more free time on my hands. i do usually like to use it to hang out with my friends as well as maya and matt. but when they’re busy here’s some of what i do:

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ɢʀᴀᴘʜɪᴄ ᴅᴇꜱɪɢɴ & ᴠɪᴅᴇᴏ ᴇᴅɪᴛɪɴɢ

while this “hobby” is technically just my job, as i am a freelance graphic designer and short form video editor, i still enjoy using this art form to make things related to my interests or anything not business related.

i can definitely get tired of it though. there’s days where i have so much work to do or the one project i’m working on got a little tough. i’m just too drained to spend too much of my time on this hobby for the next few days. but i love watching the projects come together in any context and so when i have no work for a while sometimes it’s nice to still create something that other people can enjoy as well !!

ᴡɪɴᴅᴏᴡ ꜱʜᴏᴘᴘɪɴɢ

my career track isn’t necessarily luxury just yet. and living in a decent sized apartment in new york means i don’t get too much money to spend on non-essentials. that and me going somewhere with a credit or debit card is dangerous !!

so instead i go to a mall or shopping center or any small shop with a friend or two. and we’ll walk around talking about everything we see, shopping with our eyes. talking about “well if i save up” and all that. we don’t buy anything other than like a snack or cheap meal and then the occasional splurge.

if any of us gets an extra large payday though, we take that as a “we have to go to the mall and shop with them”. we enjoy seeing each other be able to get things that makes them happy. so it’s a fun experience !!

ꜱɪɴɢɪɴɢ & ᴅᴀɴᴄɪɴɢ

despite the photos i used i am not professionally singing and dancing. in reality i just sing and dance in my apartment randomly throughout the day. i’m not even professionally trained. and most of the time i hate how i sound and don’t look at myself in the mirror when i dance so the likelihood any of it is good is so slim lmaoo 😹

maya is actually a dancer, she used to be a big performer, and still does occasionally dance. she’s a phenomenal ballet dancer. when she watches me dance she’s very entertained, she’d call it cute and i’d get embarrassed and then not dance in front of her for weeks

matt hears me sing often. the first time he did though he wasn’t meant to. he was in another room as i was singing under my breath. he didn’t tell me about his thoughts when he first heard it until after we started dating. i rarely sing in front of anyone, so the only time he ever does is when he catches it from afar.

ꜱᴡɪᴍᴍɪɴɢ

i love love looove water! being in it is very calming so going to pools or the beach often is a must for me. i’ll just go to those places and swim for a while. not necessarily fast, like in training for the olympics. but more just swimming around at my pace and pretending i’m a merman 🧜‍♂️

i cap swimming off at most 2-3 times a week bc showering with chlorine/grime/salt coated hair is some of the worst things ever and i will not deal it with more than i have to. but i refuse to swim less than three times a month.

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© rrezshifts last updated. 12/19/2024

[httpiastri]

OK SORRY GOING OFF OF THAT LAST MESSAGE-

PAUL ARON X POPSTAR!Y/N

LETS SAY SHE SHE WROTE SO AMERICAN BY OLIVIA RODRIGO ABOUT HIMMMM AND SHE FINALLY ADDS IT TO THE SETLIST THE FIRST NIGHT HE WATCHES HER TOUR LIVE?!?! AND AND HES IN THE VIP TENT AND ALL THEYRE FRIENDS ARE LIKE TEASING HIM/ALL THE FANS TOO POINTING AT HIM AND EVERYTHING WHEN IT GETS TO THE CHORUS OF "HE 🫵laughs at all my jokes and HE 🫵says im so american" AND Y/N POINTING AT HIM TOO/LAUGHING AT HIS FACE !! AND HES JUST THERE ALL BLUSHY AND GIGGLY AND CANT STOP SMILING AHHHHDVHWGEUEHE

i cannot handle this i love that song istg!!! jack write a fic ab this PLEASE I LITERALLY BEG OF U🧎🏻‍♀️🧎🏻‍♀️

-🧸

also omg can u tell im a music kid🌚 i relate so many songs to paul and send a lot of them to u its concerning now LMAOOO am i gonna stop tho? no🫶🏼

okay so. 1. i loooved the last ask, i got another request for paul x popstar!yn so im gonna mix those two up i think 🤭

2. i LOVE this idea too?? omfg?????? i dont think i can fit it into the same blurb but i definitely will write this too aaaaaa 🥰 the thought of paul not knowing what to do... just like "!! you all know its about me?!?"..... because i feel like a main point in this au is paul feeling a bit unsure of how he acts when he's in "her" world? sure, he's used to having teenage girls yelling his name and cheering him on, but these squealing little fans that go to y/n's shows who are interested in him just because of his girlfriend? very new situation for him.... and god yn loves taking advantage of the fact that he's a bit uncomfortable in these situations. like, pointing at him during the lyrics you wrote about, but also keeping eye contact with him through the entire chorus.... AND POSSIBLY winking at him after "oh god i'm gonna marry him if he keeps this shit up" just to see his eyes widen instantly and that cute blush spread across his cheeks 😭 (and hearing all fans SCREAM at that, oh my god)

3. im sorry that im apparently living under a rock when it comes to pop culture these days because when i saw the tiktok u linked i was like. louis huh. no way this is THAT louis?!?!?!?!!!! so uh yeah i didn't know about them 🫠 but omfg they're so cute... and ofc i had to look for more pics & tiktoks of them and goD they're so paul & yn!! like i saw the vids of his reactions to "so american".... and olivia sending flying kisses while singing it..... and just paparazzi pics of them together....... okay i cant do edits of pics but i think you get the vision??:

likeeeee again he's used to fans waiting by the track to take pics with him, or being tagged in thousands of vids of his car in races... but having paparazzi wait outside yns apartment door when he's stayed the night etc? or being followed around when out on a date?? god he has to try so hard to act normal (flustered paul is so cute istg 😭)

so uh yeah these asks have definitely brought up my motivation to write this like a lot 🥰

4. i can tell hehe i am one too!!!! or at least used to be 💔 but god its not concerning, i think it's just good 🥰 esp when you send them to me 🥰 so pls pls never stop 🙏

[ohmyminsung]

bias tag game !

tagged by @lee-minhoe and @ambivartence 💕

rules: you're going to pick 10 of your biases (or as many biases as you have and then fill in the rest of the spots with idols you like) and number them 1-10, then answer the questions below. try not to look at the questions before you make your list!

tagging (if u want no pressure ofc!): @chanrizard @gnanii @snug-gyu @changbeens @jikyu @lunetual @minchanz @jinniebit @jwoongz

continued under the cut :)

bias list !

lee know (skz)

dk (svt)

jaehyuk (treasure)

taehwan (vanner)

mark lee (nct)

jinyoung (got7)

bang chan (skz)

soobin (txt)

donghyun (ab6ix)

mingyu (svt)

questions !

1. Between 7 and 5, who did you bias first?

mark was first; i got into nct in like late 2019 and i didn't find skz/chan until late 2021 i think?? mark is like , my second or third bias in nct though lol

2. Between 2 and 6, who are you more attached to?

deekay babieeeeee <333 don't get me wrong i LOVE jinyoung but seokmin ...... that's my number one dude, my boy of all time, if u will

3. If you were to spend the day with either 3 or 1, who would you choose and what would you do?

OMG LEE KNOW OR JAE 😭😭😭 i'm gonna give it to lee know tho (nobody's shocked). similar to mel's answer we could go on a lil stroll through the woods then stop for coffee after. we go back home and i'll watch him make lunch for us and then we binge watch spy x family for the rest of the day bc i still haven't finished it yet and he would not have that .

4. What is your favorite physical feature about 9?

donghyun my bestie my bee eff ?!?!! honestly probably his cheeks he has the most squishable lil face like look

are u kidding </3

5. What is your favorite part of 6's personality?

PARK JINYOUNG MY BELOVEDDDDD 😭 he is so passionate about what he does - singing, dancing, acting, he is putting in the work and it shows!! didn't think i could love him more and then i watched he is psychometric DUDE 🥺🥺 that's not even the one he won an award for but like dang bro he was good !!!! also i feel like he has a good balance of being silly goofy and like . being serious/chill/more reserved??? idk he's a virgo so he def takes himself seriously but like , not too much u know ??

not to rant but i love how he loves his members too . he is so kind like he really loves them and cares for them and wants them all to succeed, regardless of how often he says they're annoying (yugbam the problem children fcdjhdvjk) he's rly just the mom (yugyeom's specifically) of the group and it's very sweet <3

6. If you were to tell 8 anything you wanted, what would you tell them?

soobin!!! i would tell him he's doing a great job being the leader to his hooligans and that i get "bye guys!! hi ladies!!! mwah!" stuck in my head at least once a week 🖤

7. Between 1 and 2, whose closet would you raid?

between lino and dk hm ... i think they're both pretty similar (casual, comfy, boyfriend-y) but if i had to choose i'd say dokyeom. he seems just a little bit more adventurous in his style i feel like he likes a good pattern

8. What is a style that you want to see 3 try?

hm for jae and also for the rest of the group i think something in the vein of seventeen's home;run era could be fun .. all the funky colors and retro-y fits ! 🤔🔮 i'm seeing jae with dark hair and a patterned collared sweater .. and pearls ofc 🔮

9. Between 5 and 4, who are you closer to in height?

i think mark and taehwan are the same height (5'9"/175cm) so neither ! hfdkvfjfd

10. Between 10 and 9, whose music do you like the best?

individually, i'm sorry gyu i'm gonna give it to donghyun i looove his vocals ! venus ??? so smooth so ethereal 🍯 in terms of their groups though, i love my yeppis but it's gotta be seventeen for me dawg they're like all time for me we're rly in this carat shit for life 💎 i can't find the words to explain how much i love them and their music literally the only thing coming to mind rn is when dk said "it's love, of course" and like !!!! yeah !!! ykwim !?!!

[pearl-the-artist]

(Most) of the DD classes ranked from most to least: how well they get along with children

ive got too much spare time with my own thoughts and i thought itd be a fun thing to think about.

1. Houndmaster: the kids looove his dog, and she appreciates the attention too. HM himself is also very kind and welcoming to the children, but they usually just want to see Fergus do some tricks

2. Vestal: The most mother figure of the team, despite being inexperienced as a parental figure, will sing songs and read stories to the kids, and they love her calm and soothing voice.

3. Jester: a good entertainer for both young and old, he loves the attention and innocent laughter paid for a good play, and is more than ready to bust out a tune on his lute for those willing to listen. And kids are very easy to manage with a catchy melody.

4. Crusader: what can i say, kids are easily impressed by cool and shiny armor, and with a sword like that, who can blame them for running up to him with burning excitement? The crusader himself sees no issue with giving them inspiring speeches, as a good leader does, and his audience tends to approve of his dedication. A good role model for any hero, so long as they dont adopt his kleptomanic tendencies.

5. Man At Arms: About the most definition you could get for a gentle giant, hes not quite used to dealing with the youngest folk, but how could he resist all those starry eyed glances and questions about him (and his sick eyepatch?) He’ll leave out the rougher details, of course, but hes quite good at retelling stories of his past.

6. Leper: Despite his quiet and calm demeanor, most children may still be a bit hesitant to get close to him. Not that he minds, of course, but should one still approach him out of curiosity, he always has a handful of poems ready to recall, or simply watch in amusement as more spirited kids desperately attempt to get a hold of his blade.

7. Plague Doctor: She adores their curiosity, as much as the children are willing to approach. PD is actually a lot more kind than she lets on sometimes, but best not to leave her around the kids too long, or youll find one of them splashing in suspicious green liquids. for science, of course.

8. Antiquarian: pretty robes, shiny trinkets... its an obvious understanding why children may find interest in her. her timid and rather harmless appearance also helps, and shes more than willing to tell her little audience more about her trade, though unfortunately they only seem bored by those details, and shes not too enthusiastic about them trying to rummage through her pockets in the meantime. Just ah... keep the censer away from them. who knows whats in that thing.

9. Arbalest: Maybe its jealousy, but any time she looks at a young kid, running around without a care in the world, she cant help but feel a little bit of dislike towards them. Her crossbow having been her only companion through most her lifetime, shes not all that good when it comes to dealing with the little ones, but she tries her best to treat them with kindness.

10. Grave Robber: she would definitely give them knives to play with. shes not very good at entertaining children, but everyone loves knives, right? And its only a matter of time before she finds out how often she can endure the question: “are you a witch?” before snapping.

11. Highwayman: the wine uncle. Hes passive towards children but prefers not to have them around for too long, gently shooing them away if one does happen to stumble up to him, or distract them with a shiny coin if need be.

12. Hellion: her bloodlust and wild enthusiasm is probably not quite the best influence for the younger folk, and her loud ramblings about bloodshed tend to be pretty intimidating.

13. Occultist: sacrificial rituals and the seeking of the void are thing the unexperienced should stay away from, young or old. the occultist shows no interest in children as much they know to stay away from him. its better this way for both parties.

14. Bounty Hunter: Despite his gruff and less than welcoming appearance... he also is just exactly that. He’s not usually all too fond of children, and they quickly learn not to disrupt him either. Nothing personal.

15. Abomination: usually just scares the kids off before he even has a chance to look, but he’s used to it, so its okay.

16. Flagellant: ...I’m not sure if i actually need to elaborate here.

[honeybeekao]

top 5 or 10 mlp characters your choice

i'll top 5 since im tired

1. princess cadance - sidenote i prided myself as a child about being able to spell her name right? merchandise would spell it wrong and i thought i was sooo cool. okay anyway i think she's so lovely, her episodes are the best and i think a canterlot wedding is one of the best 2 parters Ever. they outdid themselves there, plus i believe the first mlp thing i ever saw was when it was airing (this and winter wrap up i definitely saw when they aired, but then i went and started from the beginning on netflix i think. fuzzy memory) she's lovecore and sooo sweet and she has the prettiest voice and i love her design..her purple gradient wings are Everything. sunshine sunshine ladybugs awake <333

2. applejack - i love big sibling characters this is very obvious anyway OUGH i love her element, i think it was characterized really well and she's so caring. apple family episodes make me nostalgic and i REALLY love her rivalry with rainbow dash. i dont think they tokenized her honesty i think it was natural and fun and also shes so pretty Love her design. thank you ashleigh ball for your genius

3. the CMC - putting them all because i genuinely cant pick one on her own if that makes sense. i love sweetie belle and think she's really relatable, for whom the sweetie belle toils is one of the Best mlp episodes ever and i stand by it. her learning that not knowing the full story can lead to dangerous assumptions and impulsive behavior is uh. yeah. <3 also her singing is soooo beautiful michelle creber i looove you. theyre all relatable actually, scootaloo oughfh i know exactly what it's like not being able to do something because of being disabled and god. flight to the finish is a heartbreaking episode because she's just pushing herself nonstop to try and achieve something she'll never be able to. and her relationship with rainbow dash also means everything to me, DUDE. "i'm so proud of you little buddy" in we'll make our mark is one of the lines that makes me Cry. the cmc getting their cutie marks DID make me cry and continues to. I LOVE APPLE BLOOM i used to voice her in my little voice acting friend group when i was 13! she's still fun to do a voice for, once again i adore michelle creber! her leadership skills are so cool i always got the sense that she wanted to be like AJ while also very much valuing her individuality. she's intuitive and she vents out her frustrations and i think she's really well written. the duos in the cmc is also really interesting to me.. apple bloom and scootaloo wanting to cause trouble while sweetie belle is their one voice of reason is one of my favorite dynamica. it's a mess, theyre a mess. but theyre also kids and should be allowed to be a mess, theyre wonderful characters. also they have the best songs truly

4. twilight - i dont think i realized how much i liked and related to twilight until like, 2020. i think she's a really good protagonist and i personally had no issue with her getting wings. if u hate it that's cool but im built different. her special interest in reading/learning is soooo good and her hyperlexia coming in handy when they needed to gain information fast was always cool to see. the crystal empire episodes are amazing oh my god i remember watching the pilot to season 3 and losing my MIND king sombra felt Very high stakes and i get heavy nostalgia from any mlp episode with snow in it. i think twilight sacrificing herself is a very important trait in her, because she'd do it a thousand times if it meant saving and protecting others. she's a really good teacher and i really liked the episode where she helps the cmc with their hobbies!! also her getting RD into books is everything. i love twilight i love her conversations with spike, i love that she kinda goes insane sometimes. i love owlicious and her tree library (i dont really like her castle. it's pretty but doesnt feel very . home to me..make this castle a home felt like the writers knew my thoughts HDJSHDJ)

5. rainbow dash - aha okay so RD was my favorite my entire childhood and i think i was justified on that. she's so cool and adhd of all time, but i think at some point i just found more joy in when characters are really thoughtful. not to say she isnt thoughtful, but she's a bit airheaded. ive Loved the wonderbolts costume for as long as i can remember i think it's very gender. also RD's friendship with everyone is important to me. i love that she's able to pull fluttershy out of her shell, i love that her and pinkie have the most energy out of everyone in the show (pinkie pride is a really good episode and also breaks my heart. pinkie pie RSD episode of ever) fall weather friends is one of my favorite episodes, i could watch it over and over!! i love her and AJ's dynamic theyre so fun theyre so cool once again love ashleigh ball. her support for scootaloo makes me weep, the way she cares for tank also puts me in tears. i love her design I LOVE THE WHOLE LORE WITH THE SONIC RAINBOOM. the fact the mane 6 are connected by this One event is bonkers and so rad. i think her loyalty could've been written better, but that's like my only real problem. sometimes the elements are just..not very real feeling cough cough rarity cough

sidenote i love like everyone in the show, mostly. i think discord is so entertaining and a disaster. his friendship with fluttershy is special. also luna ohhh luna is so lovely. her story makes me feel many emotions!! and i love sunset shimmer

[missbrunettebarbie]

All the Barbie protagonists I know -from best to worst

I feel like starting with a disclaimer that this is just my opinion, which should be implied. Anyway, this list took forever because I kept switching them. Look I am bad at picking favourites. The top 3 is actually pretty interchangable.

1. Eden Starling (Barbie in a Christmas Carol) - I love her with all my heart and then some. I love her design, her backstory, her personality, how unique she is from every other Barbie on the list. (Whoever came up with Barbie as Scrroge is a genius that deserves an Oscar) The fact that I relate to her in some aspects makes her even more loveable in my eyes. Also I think she deserves #1 spot because out of all the characters on this list she's the one I sorted before even rewatching her movie -and the rewatch confirmed the sorting. She's that memorable!

2. Princess Annika (Barbie and the Magic of Pegasus) - I love her too: her determination,her cleverness, her bravery, her justified anger. The "Destroy Wenlock!" speech alone guaranteed her a place in top 3. The fact that she doesn't back down even in the face of impossible odds - or maybe especially because the odds are impossible, her relationship with Aiden and with Brietta and her passion for ice-skating make her a very interesting character. Annika is a powerhouse and her entire journey is *chef's kiss*.

3. Merliah Summers (Barbie in a Mermaid Tale 1&2) - I think what I love about Merliah is that she put herself first, in both movies. Her first priority was her career as a surfer and only later did she come to accept her role as a mermaid princess. Her relationship with her mother is also great, I love them when they get along and I also love them when they don't - probably my favourite mother-daughter relationship from all the Barbie movies. Merliah's initial skepticism, her putside the box thinking and her competitive streak are delightful. Also her and Kylie might my favourite ship in the Barbieverse.

4. Blair Willows (Barbie Princess Charm School) - A Barbie with actual money problems?! Of course I was soft for Blair from the very begining. Her dedication and love to her adoptive family made her an instant fave. I loved that once Dean Privet helped her with her lessons she did her damn best to graduate from the school. She had her clothes torn, was accused of theft and looked in a safe, yet nothing stopped her.

5. Mariposa (Barbie: Mariposa) - I always had a soft spot for her as a kid. Her desire for adventure -for escape- the way she felt like she didn't quite fit in, her love for books, the somehow-anti-social attitude made her a perfectly relatable character in little!me's eyes. The way she refused to believe the rumors and the stereotypes in the second movie makes her even better. I loved her friendship with Catania and her romance with Carlos was cute too. Also her design might be my second favourite after Eden's.

6. Ro/Princess Rosella (Barbie as The Island Princess) - This movie is a goddamn masterpiece and Ro is a huge part of why. First I cannot help but be impressed by how adaptable she is: not only did she survive on a deserted island for ten years, she thrived. And then she had the courage to leave the only home she knew to go with Antonio and find answers about who she is. My heart ')). Then there is the fact that she risled her own freedom to help save the animals or how she was ready to step back and let Antonio do his duty and marry Luciana despite the fact that she loved him. And the ending wjere she finds her mother and starts singing the lullaby? It is what had cemented my love for this film and this character.

7. Corrine (Barbie in the three Musketeers) - In a lot of ways I find her and Merliah very similar -they both have goals they want to achieve and are somehow selfish because of it in the begining- but I think Corrine is a much kinder person: remember when she got that violin bow for one of the girls as a way to apologize? It felt like such a character establishing moment. I love that she took no shit for anyone, even the prince, and never faltered for one second in her desire to be a musketeer.

8. Princess Genevieve (Barbie in the 12 Dancing Princesses) - In a lot of ways she reminds me of Blair as she's a quieter personality but forceful in her own way. The way she always stood up for her younger sisters, her love for dancing, her relationship with her father and the fact that she was so heart-eyes when it came to Derek -seriously I don't think any other Babrie was so smitten with her LI from the very first moment- made sure she'll have a place in top 10. The only reason why she's not higher is because I love the others more.

9. Princess Annelisse (Barbie as Princess and the Pauper) - I think my favourite thing about Annelisse is that she completely understood her duties as a princess and was ready to sacrifice her personal happiness for her people. I also really like how she never shied from using her royal status- even if it didn't really work- or how she still tried to help the other taylor with the work when she was thought to be Erica, pity she had zero skill. Her relationship with her mom is my second favourite after Merliah-Calissa. Also collecting rocks is such an unique hobby AND she's a cat girl. Of course I love her.

10. Erika (Barbie as Princess and the Pauper) - Another cat girl! And so snippy and unafraid to be herself. Her dynamic with Annelisse is gold: Erika had all the reasons to despise Annelisse but instead clearly ~bonded with her from the very first moment and went along with an insane plan just to help her. Not to mention, she's the first Barbie who explicitly said "I am gonna fulfill my dreams and have the guy I love; what's this nonsense about choosing only one?" and I have to appreciate her for it.

11. Rapunzel (Barbie as Rapunzel) - The fact alone that she is best friends with a dragon gives her major points in my books. Her love of painting and the way she used it as a literal way of escape? Go, girl! The fact that she refused to let Stefan tell her his name just to make sure Gothel won't find out? Impressive and so spiteful! And the disgust in her voice when she realized Gothel had kept her prisoner for years because her father hadn't married her? Perfect.

12. Kristyn Farraday (Barbie in the Pink Shoes) - I really liked her enthusiasm for getting to actually be the characters she didn't even get to dance in the real world, the way her mind immediately internalized the rules of the fairytale-esque world despite how insane it was and how she refused to conform to the rules. I see the movie as an exploration of Kristyn's creepling fear of failure and the pressure she felt as a proffesional ballet dancer and seeing her come out triumphant on her own terms felt really good.

13. Actress!Barbie (Fashion Fairytale and Fairy Secret) - Probably the most three-dimensional of the "real" Barbies. I think what I like most at her is her determination to save Ken in the second movie. What can I say, I love a Barbie-in-shining-armour. I also like that she knew when to step back and let others do their jobs - in fact she doesn't so much in the first movie, just motivates people. If I had to pick a Barbie to have as a friend, I think she'll be my first choice. She seems like a good listener and someone who knows how to solve problems.

14. Elina (Barbie: Fairytopia 1&2&3) - She is an interesting character and one whose stories I do like, but something never clicked for me when it comes to Elina. Buut, this doesn't mean I don't appreciate her desire to save everyone or how she never drowned in self-pity when she was the only fairy without wings.

15. Clara (Barbie in the Nutcracker)- Clara doesn't get the chance to do much, but I love the glimpses of her intelligence we see (how she figured out the Nutcracker is Eric) or how she longs for adventure and excitment.

16. Thumbelina (Barbie present Thumbelina) - I like that she's an inventor and that she is ready to use Mackena to save her home, but overall I found her unimpressive.

17. Liana (Barbie and the Diamond Castle) - I always had a grudge on her as a child on Alexa's behalf. I always felt like Liana dragged her down. This being said, Liana is still a super smart cookie and very devoted to her friends so she avoids being even lower on the list.

18. Princess Lumina (Barbie: Pearl Princess) - The most memorable things about her are how she loooved having a job and how she refused to condemn the woman that may have raised her but had also kidnapped her from her family. Now both these traits should make her an intriguing character, unfortunately the movie is pretty boring and it never taps into Lumina's potential.

19. Princess Alexa (Barbie and the Secret Door) - Look I relate to her: Lover of books? Check. Desire to escape your life full of rules? Check. Not good with people? Check. But Alexa's development was so weird, the movie was very boring and felt like it had no trajectory and it affected the protagonist a lot.

20. Odette (Barbie in Swan Lake) - She just...doesn't do much. I wish we have seen her more involved in her own story. Not to mention I really didn't understand why she was so afraid of being in the spotlight or how being turned into a swan helped her get over it.

21. Starlight!Barbie (Barbie: Star Light Adventures) - I think my opinion of her -and the whole movie- can be summed up in the world "meh". There is simply no spark of life here.

22. Teen!Barbie (Barbie Diaries) - I have such an overwhelming repulsion towards "unpopular" girls wanting the be popular. Especially since I cannot see what exactly is holding Babrie back from being happy? She seems to have everything (great friends, nice life, good grades and music talent!), but doesn't care about any of it. Not to mention, she's the only Barbie who has to settle for a guy that was pining for her while she only saw him as a friend and I resent that.

[commajade]

For album rankings could you do crystal kay's 4 Real album?

when u sent me this i had only heard a few songs before and liked them all but now that i have listened to this album i'm gonna get into ckay's discography properly this is incredible. from the first song i knew i was listening to something very important and i had to look up her whole career and it's really amazing.

1. boyfriend part II - absolutely iconic. perfection. idk jpop enough to gauge impact but i feel like it has to have been huge.

2. nice and slow - rly unspeakably high quality i got stuck on the first 2 songs (available on spotify) for like 4 days and couldn't move on to the rest of the album for like a week. my friend described it best: early 2000s rnb + same era anime ending music.

3. what time is it - u know when u hear something that suits ur music taste so well u have a physical reaction and u don't wanna listen to anything else for a couple days. this song actually rly rly shows off the technical caliber of ckay's voice i tried to sing that first "do u do u do u love me love love me i can't take no more no more" in the car today and it was extremely difficult she has extraordinary breath control and knows how to use it. also that slightly off beat sounds so good and it makes sense that it's in a song called what time is it cuz the timing is off aha.

4. candy - more y2k rnb goodness these top 4 have been on my repeat for a week. the production on this is so sophisticated her voice is perfect for it. those riffs on "i looove youu what do you think about her" that bridge section PERFECT

5. can't be stopped/when the sun comes up - the opening made me wanna skip cuz it's the y2k drum track that feels tacky to me but then the live bass came in and the song got REALLY good. it gets a little repetitive/slow near the 3/4 mark but it's a rly good track

6. lead me to the end - a very good acoustic rnb ballad done in a very japanese ost way. the spanish guitar is v subtle and satisfying!! shows off her voice.

7. kataomoi - another solid rnb song but the guys' voices throw me off. if they weren't on this track this song would be top 5 possibly.

8. do u like it? ft m-flo - always love an m-flo collab

9. i'm not alone - y2k perfection, not my usual genre but so well done !

10. over the rainbow - rnb judy garland cover <3

11. i like it ft m flo - it's good just not as good as the others imo

[strawberrywritings]

First kiss.

A/N: The title is spoiler but yeah... it finally happens. I never thought this would become a series, yet hERE WE ARE! This one is a bit longer and i haven’t proofread so bear with me lmao 

Thank you so much for all the support to this particular series and also in general. It means a lot xx 🍓

Meeting / First date / Masterlist

You were texting quite often, but it wasn’t enough for him. Angel had to see you. He managed to find out the name of the school you worked at and he slipped away from the MC when he knew you were almost done, parking his bike in front of the building and waiting for you to come out. When he saw you, you made standing in the sun for almost 20 minutes worth it. His eyes scanned your body, taking in the way you were dressed: a blouse, a pencil skirt and a pair of comfortable shoes. You got out of the building, greeting parents in passing and sometimes stopping to make small talk. You were carrying your bag and some books in your hand.

He was so lost in his thoughts that he didn’t even see you coming towards him, with a grin on your face. “Are you stalking me?”, you spoke once you were close enough, and he blinked a couple times, before his eyes focused on you and he parted his lips to reply, but no sound came out of them. “I’m kidding, Angel”, you chuckled and he let out a breath.

“I just- I wanted to see you. I missed you. I didn’t mean to be stalker-ish”, he smiled nervously and scratched the back of his neck with a hand. “I missed you, too” you said, still looking at him with a sweet smile, “I was actually thinking about texting you tonight, to see where you wanted to go for that second date we were talking about”, your voice was calm, but inside your heart was beating fast, and you didn’t know it but his was too.

His smile got even bigger and new wave of confidence washed over him, he stood a little straighter and crossed his arms over his chest, “Did you have something in mind?”, he asked. “Well – you started – I know you said I could decide what we did, but last time I chose, it seems only fair that you decide what we do this time… is that okay?”, you looked at him and he nodded. “Works for me. I’ll text you, alright?”, he leaned forward, bringing his body close to yours and you let your body gravitate towards his, standing in between his legs. You put your free hand on his chest and gave him a kiss on the cheek, leaving a slight mark with your lipstick and smiling at it when you pulled back. “Can’t wait – you whispered, your face mere centimeters from his – I’ll see you, Angel”, you waved goodbye and walked to your car, driving home, and he was left standing alone, again, with his heart feeling like it was about to explode. It was beating so fast he had to put a hand on his chest and try to calm himself. That was the most physical contact you two had since he asked you out, and he was dying to get his hands on you and relieve the tension that was growing between you and him, as well as the one that was growing in his pants.

Angel entered his father home, screaming his brother’s name. “Díos mío, mijo – his dad appeared from the kitchen, a hand on his chest – one of these days you’re gonna give me a heart attack”, Angel’s gaze softened and he uttered an apology. EZ came into view and Angel looked at him. “She said she wants me to decide what to do for our second date and I need your help, hermano”. “What for?”. “I wanna blow her away, I wanna give her the best date ever”. Their father was watching the exchange, interested in this new girl Angel seemed to adore. “Cook for her”, Felipe’s words made both brothers pause and look at him. “Yeah, except I don’t fucking know how”, Angel remarked. Felipe waved a hand in the air, “I’ll teach you, I still have your mom’s recipes”. Angel smiled at him and nodded, moving to follow his father into the kitchen, but EZ’s hand grabbed his arm. “Did she like the flowers?”, he asked, hopeful. “She did… I owe you”, Angel patted his brother’s shoulder before walking into the kitchen and EZ stood there, grinning. While his father went to grab the book, he shot you a quick text. “Hey preciosa, how about I cook you dinner?”. Your reply didn’t take long to arrive, “Sounds wonderful! Wanna cook at my place? 😘”.

After 2 days and numerous recipes, he finally found the perfect one: chicken fajitas with a side of vegetables. At the clubhouse, everyone waited for Angel to come, these days, because he was always bringing something new to eat and try, using his brothers as test subjects for his food.

“Last time you tried to cook, the pan caught on fire – Taza laughed – how come now you make a good ass chicken?”, everybody chuckled but kept eating the food Angel made, it was indeed good. “’S the magic of looove”, Coco answered in a sing song voice and through a mouthful and Angel shoved his shoulder, a slight scowl on his face. Everybody laughed, but they were all happy that Angel had finally found a girl that kept him on his toes.

That night, he packed a bag with all the raw ingredients he needed, but this time he wore a simple t-shirt, one that was tight enough to show his physique, and a pair of pants. Checking himself in the mirror one last time, he made his way to his bike, securing the bag of food behind him and sprinting to your house. Tonight was the night he would finally kiss you, he was sure of it.

Angel rang the doorbell, in perfect timing, and you went to open the door. He smiled as you invited him inside. As he made his way to the kitchen, you checked him out: his hair was a bit disheveled and it really suited him, his shirt was dark green and, seeing it on him now, it had become your new favourite colour. You could get a good view of his ass from the way his jeans hugged his waist and you bit your lip. “Where do I put these?”, his voice helped you get a grip on yourself, and you motioned towards the counter.

Angel saw the simple tablecloth and the wine glasses and he felt stupid to have brought such a simple dish, nothing special.

“So… what are we cooking?”, you smiled excitedly and started unpacking the vegetables and the meat. “Chicken fajitas and vegetables”, he didn’t sound so sure anymore and you noticed, so you turned to him and smiled, “I love it! With what do you wanna start?”. You were energetic and that eased his nerves a bit, smiling at you and telling you your task: chop the vegetables.

Once the dinner was on the way, Angel dug out some candles from his bag and placed them on the table while you were still turned away from him. He came to stand next to you and prepared the plates for both of you, you smiled and put a hand on his back, resting your shoulder against him and he instantly tensed under your touch. “Looks good”, you said, watching his hands move. “It was my mom’s recipe”, he answered sweetly and set everything in place, turning around and going to sit at the table, bringing the plates there.

When you turned around, you noticed the lit candles and you didn’t know what to say. He was watching you intently, trying to understand what was going on in your head, if you liked it. “I didn’t think it was going to be a romantic dinner… I would’ve dressed a bit cuter”, you smiled at him and he extended his hand towards you, smiling when you grabbed it and squeezed it. “You’re perfect, don’t worry about the clothes”, he kissed the back of your hand as you sat down in front of him.

The food was delicious and he kept dismissing your compliments; after a couple glasses of wine, conversation was flowing nicely, “I don’t really cook, actually… last time the pan caught fire”, your eyes were wide and you chuckled. “Well, for your first time, I’ll tell you it’s exquisite, Angel. I look forward to more of this”, you pointed your fork at your empty plate. You washed the dishes and moved the conversation to the sofa, both of you without your shoes on, his first two buttons undone and his tone of voice a little louder as you laughed together.

You laughed at something he said and leaned back, your head touching his arm on the back of the sofa, and you tilted your head so you could look at him. He was still smiling when he noticed how close your faces actually were. You both paused, the tension was back on but none of you dared to make a move. After a few moments just staring at each other, Angel put a hand on your waist, sliding it on your back and pulling you gently towards him. Your gaze was switching between his eyes and in lips, and he was doing the same. You couldn’t help yourself and put a hand on his collarbone, stroking the skin and then moving your hand to the side of his face. You closed your eyes and shifted your weight forward, half your body was on his and his other hand was on the sofa, balancing his and your body. And then, your lips touched. They pressed together and then they started moving, it was slow and sensual. He tasted like wine and nicotine and it was addicting.

Both his hands were now on your back caressing it, while you shamelessly climbed into his lap, he gripped your waist and bit your bottom lip. A moan escaped your lips and the sound travelled straight to his cock. One of your hands slipped under his shirt and you stroked his side, he sighed at the contact and let his head fall back. You took advantage of the newly exposed skin and started kissing his jawline, his neck, then back up to his lips.

Your make out session was cut short when his phone ringed. He groaned and kept his mouth on you, “Let it ring, I don’t care”. You nodded and didn’t stop kissing him, until his phone ringed again. You detached yourself from him, looking in the direction of his phone, “You should answer it, could be something important”, you whispered, your hand stroking his hair.

He sighed and closed his eyes, answering the phone. “What”, his voice was annoyed, he had other things he wanted to do now. Long story short, the club needed him. He terminated the call and sighed once again, looking at you apologetically. “I’m sorry, mi dulce, the club needs me”. You smiled and kissed his nose, “It’s okay, go, I’m sure we’ll have more time to ourselves next time”, you winked at him and removed yourself from his lap, and he immediately regretted not having told them to fuck off. He put his shoes back on and stood from the sofa, he paused once he was at the door. You gave him a kiss and shoved him playfully, “Go, before they forbid you to come see me because I made you late”, he smiled and went in for another kiss, and one more, and one more again. “Goodnight”, he gave one last kiss on your forehead and you could have melted right there, “’Night”, you replied.

As you closed the door, you put your back against it and took a deep breath: you needed a cold shower, Angel had awakened something inside you and you really had to control yourself. You had a quick shower and then got into your pjs, sending him a text. “Text me when you’re home ❤️”, and after that, you fell asleep.

taglist: @ifoundmyhappythought​ @scuzmunkie​ @thickemadame​ @mrsjaxtellerfan​ @chibsytelford​ @cocotheclown​ @everyhowlmarksthedead​ @sade @gemini0410​ @samcrobae​ @woahitslucyylu​ @imagineredwood​ @rebel-without-cause-x​ @blackmissfrizzle​ @whyisgmora​ @lady-pswrld​ 

[wastelandcth]

Hey! I loooved Soaps and CD’s and the birthday fic 🥺🥺! Do you think you could make a part 2 maybe about Calum’s birthday? Since reader always gives the greatest gift she’d put so much work into throwing a party and giving gifts for him or something with just them and a party as well? Love your writing!! 😌

calum on his birthday is my favorite. little shy calum holding up flowers and a balloon in that one video omg 🥺 soaps and CD’s and special day which are both some of my faves! thanks for requesting!

Choose Life

She'd been busy planning Calum's birthday party, for the past two weeks. She'd been so busy that she'd barely had time to spend with Calum if she wasn't out getting stuff for his party of getting his presents, she was at work. Everyone knew Calum was going to be having a party for his birthday, he always did. It was the biggest party of the year according to his friend group and the pressure that brought to her didn't help her already building anxiety towards the day.

After her birthday had passed, she'd never felt more loved and appreciated by anyone before and she knew the second that Calum's birthday got closer she would have to make it a day to remember. She'd always known what to get Calum as presents, the second she'd spotted something in the store that she knew Calum would like she'd buy it and give it to him. But a birthday present had a much deeper meaning, it was meant to celebrate another turn around the sun for someone and she couldn't just get him a random present that she'd assume he liked. She had to get him something from the heart that she knew he would love.

She found the perfect present late one night as she sat on the couch scrolling through her Instagram, an ad popping up from a shop that sold pop culture posters. Scrolling through the website, she gasped quietly as she spotted the perfect present from Calum her fingers quickly typing in her card information and filing the email as soon as she'd gotten it. With his present sorted out, she couldn't help but feel more relaxed about his birthday, now all she had to do was plan the perfect party.

When Calum woke up on his birthday to an empty bed, he couldn't help but feel confused, not even Duke was laying at his feet, the small dog long gone by the look of the bed and the sound of him barking out in the house. As he stumbled out of the bedroom, a yawn escaping his lips as he heard a quiet voice coming from the kitchen.

"Yes, I know you also love blueberries, Duke. But there are for your dad and his waffles. You can have some once I finish making birthday breakfast, okay?" her voice told the small dog who was whining up at her near the stove.

The kitchen looked like a hotel breakfast bar, bowls of cut-up fruit, granola, and every other one of Calum's favorite breakfast foods laid out across the counter. In the center of the counter, there was a small round cake and a few birthday cards and as Calum got closer, he couldn't help but chuckle as he saw a picture of him and Duke on the cake. It was the picture he'd sent her the first time he'd gotten Duke to trust him enough to lay on his chest, obviously a moment Calum wanted to document and share with her, he didn't know she had saved it this long and now it was on his birthday cake.

"Happy Birthday! I didn't think you were going to wake up this early, I'm almost done making the waffles though! How does it feel to be another year older?" she asked and pulled him into a tight hug, her lips pressing against his cheek as she rubbed his back. "I'm so happy to have you in my life and I wanted to make your day special!" she nodded, her eyes meeting Calum's as he looked down at her adoration.

"Thank you, sweet girl." Calum chuckled, his hands squeezing the soft flesh of her hips. "Thank you for all of this, it looks amazing. I love being spoiled by you, baby girl." he grinned, pulling her closer as he pressed his lips against hers. "The best way to wake up as a twenty-five-year-old."

She had wanted to give Calum his presents before everyone showed up later that night, wanted to see his reaction without the buffer of a crowd between them. After breakfast had been eaten and after Duke had eaten his small share of blueberry waffles, Calum sat on the couch in the living room, Duke in his lap as she'd brought over the birthday cake. Calum's smile hadn't left his face since he'd seen her in the morning and now as she walked over while singing happy birthday to him, Calum couldn't have felt more loved. He blew out the candles with his eyes closed, making a wish to have the best year of his life with her, and when he opened them and found her holding up two presents he knew that it was already a great new age.

"What's this?" He asked as he looked at the two boxes. Calum took the first box from her, the bright yellow wrapping paper with little hearts making his hurt swell. As he unwrapped it, he chuckled when he noticed she had been recording him, "Babe.." he laughed quietly and raised an eyebrow as he opened the box to find all his favorite snacks from back home. "Oh my god! How did you even get these?" he asked shocked as he went through the box, gasping as he saw the new bass strap at the bottom. It was a silver pleather strap that had his initials stamped onto the front along with four stars. It was beautiful, Calum couldn't help but run his fingers over the letters as he admired the new accessory, already imagining what it would look like on stage under the lights.

"This is...amazing. I'm gonna use it at every show. Thank you so much!" Calum said happily and set the box aside he held up the strap and grinned, holding it up against his shoulder and looking at her happily. She had placed the next present in his lap, nodding towards it as she held up the phone, grinning widely.

Opening the second box, Calum's eyes widened as he saw the black frame showcasing a poster for his favorite movie, Trainspotting. It was a perfect gift, his hand landing over his chest where the tattoo he'd gotten because of the movie was inked onto his skin. The movie had meant so much to him, had changed his life when he had first seen it. It had been so important to him that he'd gotten in permanently on him, so he could always remember to choose life, to live to life to the fullest. He remembered when they'd first watched the movie together after Calum had gotten back from tour and they'd had a sleepover. He remembered how nervous he was to show her the movie because it wasn't the greatest date night movie. But she knew how much it had meant to him so she watched with interest and at the end of the movie she talked about how she had interpreted the movie and what she felt the meaning of it was. And that's when Calum knew she was going to be the one for him.

Calum stared at the framed poster in the wall of their living room, a smile on his face as he showed the rest of the band. The party had been in full swing already, Calum's closest friends currently drinking and enjoying some food out in the backyard. Calum had never felt more loved than he did on his birthday. He'd talked to his parents after he'd opened his presents and they'd caught up while she had rushed around the house decorating and setting up for the party and after Calum had finished his phone call, he walked out to help her. Now they both stood around their living room, talking to their friends as they celebrated Calum, which Calum had never been so happy to celebrate. The doorbell ringing pulled Calum from his thoughts, his eyebrow raising as he saw her smile get bigger.

"You gonna get that, Cal?" she asked happily, a playful smile on her face that led Calum to believe she was up to something. As he opened the door, Calum gasped as he saw his parents and his sister standing at his front porch, all three of them cheering as they saw him and pulling him into a hug.

"Oh my god! What are you guys doing here? I thought you weren't going to be able to make it!" Calum chuckled as he hugged them all tightly, leading them into the house. "Babe, my parents, and Mali are here!" he called out and grinned as she walked over to greet his family.

"You didn't think I was done with the surprises, did you?" she said playfully as she hugged Joy. "Wanted you to have the best birthday." she nodded and smiled widely,

Calum did have the best birthday ever, twenty-five being his new favorite age as he sat in the living room with his family and his girl. The party had been long over, leaving them alone in the living room watching old home videos that his parents had brought over from Sydney. Calum's arms were wrapped around her, kissing the top of her head as he watched a video of him and Mali singing in the living room of his childhood home. His eyes shifted up towards the poster hanging on the wall, his arms wrapping tighter around her as he realized that maybe choosing life was worth it. He was choosing his future and his life because it meant he was going to have her in it for as long as he could. Calum definitely liked being twenty-five if he had her by his side.

[i-dream-of-twilight-sparkle]

Chapter 18: The Royal Ball, Part 6 - Sweetie Belle’s Performance

While their much older friends and/or family are having their fun, the Cutie Mark Crusaders have had a table for themselves where they’ve been playing together and enjoying the performances that have shown up thus far themselves. Clapping for Trixie’s show, getting some good laughs from Autumn’s Puppet Show, and Sweetie Belle in particular enjoying Coloratura singing The Magic Inside again. 

They continue to have some banter between them, until they’re joined by a family member of Apple Bloom and former fellow cutie mark crusader, Babs Seed. Who eventually found her talent in being a barber in Manehattan and is currently under the tutelage under of one of the most famous hair stylists in Manehattan. While she was here, she thought she’d visit her cousin and her friends for a little bit

Babs Seed: Hey there, Apple Bloom! How’s my cuz, doin’?

Apple Bloom: Oh hey Babs! Nice t’ see ya! Ya’ll still having ah nice time at that barber shop ya work fo’?

Babs: Yeah! I get chosen whenever somepony wants a cool haircut, such as mohawks or the different kinds of punk-style haircuts

Scootaloo: Niicceeee! Maybe I should get one of your hairstyles sometime, Babs!

Babs: Haha, I’d love to have a hoof at styling your hair in cool ways some day, Scoots.

Sweetie: I may need your services sometime too, Babs. I’ve gotten into singing metal, could be useful for such performances.

Babs: Awww yeah! That would be pretty nice too, Sweetie. I have been wondering how you’ve all been. Been up to anything lately? Maybe tell me how you all were invited here?

Apple Bloom: Sure thing! Ah was mah sister’s first invite when she got t’ the farm, then ah would go t’ get inviting Zecora here as mah sister invited others in our family, as well as Rara and Autumn.

Babs: Yeah, thanks to ya sister we got some pretty awesome, and funny in the case of Autumn Blaze, performances tonight! Though I also kind of got to thank her for inviting Rara for another reason, as in turn she’d bring me. I was taking care of Photo Finish’s mane at the time Applejack was there in Manehattan so I couldn’t quite come across her. Anything else happen though, Apple Bloom?

Apple Bloom: Well.. all that’s left is sort o’ sad, Ah must warn ya. But what ah did next was try t’ see if Grand Pear was available t’ go, he didn’t end up goin’ but we’d find him visiting the graves o’ mah late parents…

Babs: Oh… yea… visiting the graves of dead beloved relatives is always a bummer… I hope this ball is making ya feel better though.

Apple Bloom: It is, yeah.

Babs: How about you, Scoots? Whatcha been up to?

Scootaloo: Hm, it has been a while since we last saw eachother hasn’t it?

Babs: Well, I was at the party ya held that ya girls held to try to convince ya parents to let you stay in Ponyville. But I suppose I haven’t been made too aware of what ya’ve done in a little more then 2 years.

Scootaloo: Is that so? Then I guess you’re not quite very are of… this!

Scootaloo shifts her body from the waist down into her seapony tail in front of Babs, and bends it in a way that would be impossible to bend hooves in to prove it’s a real fish-like tail. Scootaloo now sitting with her sea pony tail dangling down from the side of her chair.

Babs: WHOA! Ya can turn half-fish?! Just like the hippogriffs with their necklaces, but ya don’t have a necklace! How are ya doing it?

Scootaloo: A wish from Twilight, really. But there’s more to this then just that, I’ve been training myself to use this form and get even better at swimming. And just two weeks ago? I was able to convince Spitfire and the Wonderbolts to make a new branch called the Waterbolts! I can’t join yet despite helping start it, but they got decent number of good swimmers from Mount Aeris/Seaquestria to get it started. Along with some of the best fliers there too who will try to become proper Wonderbolts in the near future.

Babs: That’s awesome! Dang Scoots, ya’ve made history!

Scootaloo: Just wait till’ I’m all grown up and I’m the fastest swimmer on the planet! That will be the real kind of history I want to make!

Babs: Yeah! That’ll be a sight to see one day, ya could even do a show in the Manehattan Bay! See how fast it takes for ya to do 20 laps around The Statue of Friendship!

Scootaloo: Yeah! Exactly! It’s gonna be awesome!

Scootaloo transforms back to her pony form

Babs: Now how about you, Sweetie. You mentioned you found out you’re a bit of a metal singer. Mind explaining that?

Sweetie: Of course! After being invited by my sister, we would eventually get to Vinyl Scratch and Octavia’s house to invite them. I decided I’d stay with them a little bit as Rarity got her invitees. I decided to give their karaoke machine a try, and picked a few songs I wanted to sing for them. All of the ones I chose were some level of Metal/Hard Rock. And I guess I did great, as I left them impressed to the point that they actually want me to sing another song here at the ball just to show my voice.

Babs: No way, you’re going to be performing?! When?

Sweetie: Well either me or Cheese Sandwich is next. As soon as Octavia and Vinyl Scratch are called, I’m going to need to head over to see them to get ready.

Babs: So ya plan on rocking the palace in a little bit?

Sweetie: Weellllll the song I chose for the ball isn’t going to be a super intense song, it’s still made by a band that generally does metal, but it’ll be one of their softer ones. I decided I would try to make my first ever solo appearance in front of an audience with something intent on evoking emotions rather then a bang your head kind of tune.

Babs: Yeah, that’s probably respectable. What’s the song?

Sweetie: Mother’s Soul from Stalliondust

Babs: Oooooh, that is a good one. Can’t wait to hear your singing voice, Sweetie. Ya obviously have a talent in music going by your cutie mark, so this will be great to see!

Apple Bloom: Ooo! Ah think ah see the palace staffer walking t’ the stage t’ announce the next performance!

Indeed, as Apple Bloom noticed the palace staffer once again goes up to the stage as the audience once again quiets down to let him speak.

Palace Staffer: Thank you, thank you. Our next performance includes backing instruments from Octavia and Vinyl Scratch. Who will joined by a young rookie singer by the name of Sweetie Belle, showing off her singing talent for the first time solo in front of a big crowd!

This intrigued many in the audience who were aware of Vinyl Scratch and Octavia but have never met Sweetie. Though for those who do know Sweetie, loud cheers could be heard. Especially from her sister and her parents.

Sweetie: Oh my gosh! I’m next!. Seeya soon Scootaloo, Apple Bloom, and Babs! I need to get ready!

Scootaloo: Good luck, Sweetie!

Apple Bloom: Ya’ll do great! We know ya will!

((Story continues after the break))

Sweetie Belle quickly hops off her chair and rushes to wherever she can find Vinyl Scratch and Octavia. Eventually, she just manages to get to them before they were starting to walk behind the curtains on stage.

Sweetie: Hey! Vinyl! Octavia! I’m here!

Octavia: Hello, Sweetie Belle. Are you ready to debut your singing talent for the world to know?

Sweetie: Yes… I’m no longer shy about my singing. It’s time I finally put my front hoof forward.

Vinyl Scratch nods, and gives Sweetie an approving grin.

Octavia: That’s good to hear. By the way, you picked a great song. I know it’s not quite as intense as some of the ones you sang for us, but it may be a song that’s soft enough to endear your voice. And even if they’re surprised that you end up doing mostly more intense songs that aren’t to everypony’s taste, they can respect the range of your voice.

Sweetie: Thanks, Octavia

With that the 2 musicians, and the little aspiring singer all head backstage to take their places. Vinyl provides the machine that will play an instrumental of the song Sweetie sings, and Octavia provides a little extra symphonic metal elements into Sweetie’s choice of song. And of course, Sweetie on her own in the middle of the stage with a microphone. Soon, the curtain starts raising and the audience can see the three on stage. Claps are heard for the performance’s start.

Rarity: Good luck, Sweetie darling!

Sweetie smiles hearing the voice of her sister and takes a few heavy breaths. Before the song begins to play. Octavia already playing her instrument.

Mother’s Soul by Stalliondust ((To the tune of Angel’s Son by Sevendust))

Sweetie: Life is changing… annnnd…

I can’t… goooo on… withouuuut you…

Rearranging, annnnd… I will be strong!

I’ll stand byyyyyy you…

You were fighting… everyday…

Soooo hard to hide the pain…

I know you never said goodbye…

I had so much left to saaaaay…

(Sweetie puts her mouth closer to the mic to sing the first use of the chorus more quietly)

One last sooooong…

Given to a mother’s soooul…

As soon as you were gooone…

As soon as you were gooooone…

(Sweetie puts her mouth back from the mic, and starts to pick up the intensity as the song itself does)

I have a new life now…

I live through you!

What can I do?!

I feel so alone now…

I pray for you!

We still looove yooou!

You were fighting… everyday…

So hard to hide the pain…

I know you never said goodbye…

I had so much left to saaaaaaay…!

(The song picks up to it’s highest intensity)

One last soooong!

Given to a mother’s sooooooul!

As soon as you were goooone!

As soon as you were goooooone! Ooooh!

One last soooong! Ooooh!

I can’t believe, you’re gone!

Given to a mother’s sooooooul!

Iiiiii can’t beliiiieve!

As soon as you were gooone!

As soon as you were… gooone a ohhh a ohhh a

The song finishes, many of the audience’s mouth agape from Sweetie’s cover of the song. Soon claps are heard and they start spreading across the crowd until the entire crowd claps and starts cheering for the young singer. Not all were necessarily clapping, but that’s because instead they were emotionally moved by the lyrics for one reason or another. Many of the members of the M.I.L.F. club among them, being this is a song dedicated to a deceased mother, anyone in the audience who has a deceased parent, especially Applejack who took the lyrics to heart and is already wiping tears from her eyes. Starlight was still next to her, and is patting her on the back.

Applejack: *sniff* Such a-ah  b-b-beautiful s-so-song… *sob* W-w-well done, S-s-sweetie B-belle… *sniff*

Starlight herself also tears up a bit from the song since while it’s known this is for a deceased mother. The lyrics could still somewhat apply to a missing one, and she still can’t rule out the possibility that her mother is dead anyway.

Sweetie Belle walks off the stage and is immediately approached by her sister and her fellow crusaders.

Rarity: That was amazing, Sweetie! You really gave the crowd a show!

Apple Bloom: We knew ya’ll would ace this!

Scootaloo: Yeaaaah! You rocked it!

Suddenly, another pony comes to approach Sweetie Belle. It’s Coloratura herself quite impressed with Sweetie’s talent.

Rara: That was a top-notch performance, Sweetie. you have a voice that I think the whole world will want to hear. In fact, if you ever feel like you’re ready to start making record deal. My place can be open to you some day, and I’ll be your sort of manager.

Sweetie: Wait.. you… as my manager?!

Rara: Not immediately of course, I think you still have a little bit of your childhood to have before you do. But say when you think you’re ready to start selling records in your teenage years or older.

Scootaloo: Kinda like just how it will still be a few years until I’m ready to become a trainee for the Waterbolts!

Sweetie: My gosh, Coloratura… this is such an honor… even if this is still some years away… you have no idea how happy I am that you recognize my talent… Even if we’re kinda getting into different genres. You’re mainly a pop singer right?

Rara: That’s true, but because I’m a pop singer doesn’t mean I can’t manage other types of singers. I started self-managing ever since I kicked Sven Gallop out, and I felt as I got comfortable I’d eventually get to helping other singers find a footing. And I’ll be a nicer manager then Sven ever will be.

Sweetie: Well then, yes! Of course I’d love you to be my manager when I’m ready to start my music career in full!

Rara: On a side note, I know the stallion who wrote the song you sang. He unfortunately lost his mother to an illness, and that song was dedicated to her. And he would of loved to hear your cover of the song. Perhaps some day, you’ll get to perform your cover again while he’s in the audience.

Sweetie: Yeah… I figured the song was about a deceased mother. But nice of you to tell me the real story behind the song’s making. And that would be cool to have the actual band’s writer and lead singer listen to my cover! But if it’s ok, I think I’d like to return to my table with my friends, I still very much appreciate reserving a spot for me at your studios. So thank you, Coloratura.

Rara: No problem, Sweetie. I can’t wait to see what comes next for your music career.

Sweetie Belle, Apple Bloom, and Scootaloo return to the table they were sitting. Many tables they’re passing by with strangers waving to the young Sweetie, as it seems she’s made a decent amount of fans already. Babs Seed is still at the table and sees the group approach.

Babs: Great singing, Sweetie Belle! Ya did great up there.

Sweetie: Thank you very much, Babs!

Once they’re seated, they don’t get much time before another pony approaches. Though it’s a pony the Crusaders are very fond of: Cheerilee, their school teacher.

Cheerilee: Hello, Cutie Mark Crusaders!

Apple Bloom: Miss Cheerilee!

Scootaloo; Hiya!

Sweetie: I’m so happy to see you’re here!

Cheerilee: I’ve been having a pretty good time here, thanks for thinking of inviting me Sweetie. And also… you did a great job out there on stage. I’m very proud of you, Sweetie. I know one day you will make it big in the music industry.

Sweetie: Thank you!

Cheerilee: Also, I want to talk to Scootaloo a little bit

Scootaloo: Oh no.. am I in trouble for something?

Cheerilee: No, not at all. I just want to congratulate you on starting up the Waterbolts!

Scootaloo: Huh? How’d you find out about that? I don’t think I told you yet.

Cheerilee: Me and Spitfire are actually good friends! While talking to her, she told me all about what you did in Mount Aeris/Seaquestria

Scootaloo: Oh nice! I can’t join it myself yet, but you bet I’m going to continue to swim as much as I can until then!

Cheerilee: I’ve seen you swim sometimes in Saddle Lake, the School of Friendship’s moat, and the rivers in town! You are really fast in the water! You’ll no doubt be a star, once you’re old enough to get in the Waterbolts.

Scootaloo: Thank you, Miss Cheerilee!

Cheerilee: And now Apple Bloom, mind if I ask if you have any idea where your big brother is?

Apple Bloom: Big Mac? Ah think he’s on a table with his wife, Sugar Belle.

Cheerilee: Ah, of course. They are certainly a cute couple.

Sweetie: You’re not going to fight with Sugar Belle... Are you?

Cheerilee: What? Why would I fig- Oooooooh, do you still think I have romantic interest in Big Mac? We were just friends, granted, we were only acquaintances until your love potion shenanigans.

Sweetie: Well… you did still say one of the names you called him while under the effects of the potion, after you were cured.

Cheerilee: Oh hahahaha, me and Big Mac just decided to prank you girls at that moment.

Apple Bloom: Ah think only Sweetie really thought ya had feelings for him. Ah’d know if ya’ll were together after that Love Potion incident.

Scootaloo: Yeah, you fooled me with that prank at first, but over time it probably would of been more clear if you really did become special someponies for real at some point.

Cheerilee: Then I guess Sweetie Belle must be slightly holding on to a ship she once had for me. I remember when you were upset that I didn’t kiss Big Mac, and you popped out of the bush yelling “OH COME ON” *giggles*

Sweetie: Nuh uh… I tried to help Big Mac get with Sugar Belle too! Though… it is still a shame that you still don’t have a special somepony.

Cheerilee: Well, what if I told you why you never did that Hearts and Hooves Day so long ago? Besides the fact that love potions override everything in a pony’s mind order to hypnotize ponies into loving eachother and won’t necessarily make it likelier that the two ponies become special someponies after being cured.

Cheerilee moves on closer in order to whisper, and the 3 hold up their ears to hear.

Cheerilee: I’m not into stallions at all, I’m into mares. You had the wrong orientation the whole time!

Scootaloo: Oh! Oh! Oh! Just like my Aunts!

Apple Bloom: Lyra & Bon Bon too!

Sweetie: Oooooooooh, I see. Well… I’ll guess I’ll have to rearrange some things at home later then. Hehehehe…

Scootaloo: *rolls her eyes* Great, now she’s going to spend a whole night shuffling her shipping chart…

Cheerilee giggles

Cheerilee: Anyhow, I guess I won’t bother Big Mac just yet, if he’s on a little bit of a honeymoon with Sugar Belle. I can always see him later.

Apple Bloom: What did ya even want t’ see him fo’?

Cheerilee: Nothing all that special, just if I can ask him if he can reserve some Sweet Apple Acres apples sometime when we get back.

Apple Bloom: Ya’ll could o’ asked me that

Cheerilee: Yeah but I wanted a lot of apples, enough that it’d be hard for you to carry all by yourself

Scootaloo: Whatcha going to do with all those apples?

Cheerilee: Just stock back up many, many jars of applesauce back home. And maybe save some for slices and/or eating them normally.

Apple Bloom: Well, even if ya don’t get Big Mac at some point later. Me and Applejack can probably get ya what ya want.

Cheerilee: True, I suppose. I guess I’ll just get back to the table I was sitting at for now, who knows when that final performance is going to start after all.

Sweetie: All that’s left is Cheese Sandwich before the night finishes with some dancing. So yeah! What ever is left of the ball should be quite fun, though it almost certainly means this ball is nearly over.

Scootaloo: It’s been a pretty fun night! All parties come to an end eventually, but they saved some cool stuff for last with one of the best party ponies around, and then we’ll all get to dance!

Apple Bloom: Ah guess seeya, Miss Cheerilee! Thank ya’ll for being such ah great teacher fo’ us. Mind if we get ah hug from ya before ya go?

Cheerilee: Oh of course I will, anything for 3 of my favorite students!

Cheerilee lowers herself to the ground by sitting on the floor and hugs around the 3 fillies. And then head back to her table.

Meanwhile, back at the table of the M.I.L.F. club, Twilight’s had enough fun talking with the other mothers and getting Trixie’s mom to be a member too (Stellar Flare was chosen to make Dandy Lion recite the club’s oath)

Twilight: Well this was a lot of fun, all of you. But I think I’m going to head elsewhere now, if I don’t see any of you the rest of the night. Hope you had a wonderful time here

Windy: We absolutely have! And no problem, Princess!

Velvet: Of course, dear. You have a fantastic rest of the night!

Twilight walks off waving to all the other mothers and once Twilight’s far enough, they continue their family gossiping. Twilight herself ponders where to go next, and realizes she still hasn’t seen Celestia and Luna here. And she figured it was going to be important to inform Celestia of her plan with Spike and Malakhar to visit the spot where Spike’s birth mother died. She eventually finds the two Alicorn sisters on their own table and heads on over to where they’re sitting. Celestia sees Twilight approach and smiles.

Celestia: Hello, Princess Twilight. Thank you for inviting us, it’s been a fantastic time. And a decent amount of great performances.

Luna: I never knew Sweetie Belle had such a beautiful singing voice. That was wonderful to hear

Twilight: You’re welcome both of you, and yeah, Sweetie’s going to be a fantastic musician one day. Thee’s no doubt about that, after that performance. But I actually went to see you because I have something important to ask of you for tomorrow morning, Princess Celestia

Celestia: Oh? Do tell what it is.

Twilight: Remember when you told me the story about where you got Spike’s egg and where his birth mother died? I told the story to Spike 2 weeks ago, and he said at one point he wants to visit that cave the day after the ball. And I thought I’d ask you to be there since you could likely help show where it was. I guess it turns out Malakhar was also there at the time, and I may have him accompany us as well to give directions, but I still wanted to ask if you could still help us if we went to you in the morning to go see it.

Celestia: I’d be happy to lead you to the cave, and oh? Malakhar was there too? Interesting, he must of been the teenage colt that handed me the egg back then. He did look familiar when I saw him, but he’s certainly a lot bigger then he was then. Does Spike perhaps wish to have a moment of silence to mourn his birth mother?

Twilight: Well, probably not quite on the same level as others. But he does want to pay his respects, especially if everything in your dream came true, she’s very much responsible for the path our lives took. Even if we can’t speak to her, it’d at least feel respectful in that way

Celestia: Completely understandable, I along with Malakhar will take you and Spike to the cave in the morning. But first, how has your night gone? Any interesting things happen for you?

Twilight: Besides enjoying the performances, I guess the night started with me and my friends telling each other what happened in our individual inviting trips. Including myself telling most of what you told me about Spike’s egg and Sunset Shimmer to my friends. But after that, I met up with my Canterlot friends. And sometime during all that, the Prince of Saddle Arabia, Theandri the 2nd surprised Moondancer as we were talking. And absolutely swept her off her hooves, kinda literally. They’re currently still on their first date as of this very moment.

Celestia: Awwwww, that’s so adorable!

Twilight: Though that’s not even the only thing about this, at some point… Moondancer called me to head on over where they were… and weirdly enough in a plan the Prince told Moondancer to do… Moondancer confessed… that she had a crush on me as far back as when we were teens.

I didn’t even know she was Bisexual, I guess that was because she still mostly preferred looking for stallions. But I guess I became an exception, it somewhat makes me feel even more bad for not even saying goodbye before you sent me to Ponyville. I think Moondancer understands that saving the world, and freeing your sister was in the grand scheme of things more important then her party, but it nonetheless hurt her pretty bad since she had planned of finally gathering the courage to tell me. I likely only would of said I don’t feel the same way, but because I didn’t go at all. A part of her never really got an answer, so she had to know what I would of said, so she could completely move on.

Celestia: Wow… If only I had known that long ago, even if the result would have been the same… that you don’t have the same feelings for her… Moondancer was still one of the students at my school, I would of gladly personally given her the chance when there was time after Luna was freed. No pony’s heart should be left with an unanswered heart for a decade

Twilight: But at least she now has the Prince. I can already tell they’ll be a close couple, Theandri II risked giving up Moondancer if hypothetically I wanted a relationship with her now, and Moondancer felt like she preferred to satisfy her long-lasting feelings towards me. An act of kindness that no doubt Moondancer will never forget.

Celestia: Certainly something that’s somehow heartwarming, but also a little heartbreaking at the same time. Good to see both the Moondancer and the Prince happy. I’m sure the Sultan and the Sultana are also pleased they may possibly know who becomes Sultana when they step down.

Twilight: Haha, believe me I saw them celebrating from their balcony when their son and Moondancer’s date started.

Celestia giggles

Celestia: Good for them, but now… anything else Twilight?

Twilight: Well all that’s else that happened is I met and joined a club of other mothers of Equestria that was co-founded by my own mom, and includes many of my own friend’s mothers

Celestia: Ah… that does sound quite cute, thanks for sharing how your night’s been.

Twilight: It’s pretty close to the end isn’t it? Only one more performance, then a moment to dance and then either anyone here is brought back home or they stay in the palace rooms for the wedding in 3 days.

Celestia: Indeed, but everyone’s certainly got their slice of fun here.

Twilight: It was good to talk to you once again, Princess. I think I’m going to head back to the table I was at originally to be with my friends and Spike again for the rest of the night. But I’ll see you again soon tomorrow morning to go to that cave.

Celestia: Have yourself a good rest of the night, Twilight. And yes, I shall see you in the morning.

Twilight heads out to the table she started at during the night, as the royal ball etches closer to the end.

UP NEXT: Chapter 19: The Royal Ball, Part 7 - The Taste Of Fresh Dough On The Tray

[escritorian]

How to (not) be an Adventurer by Althea Dawnwind Chapter 2 - Role models

All right, so I figure if he’s going to hear all this the first time around, anyway, I may as well keep recording.  Or...asking him to transcribe, I guess.  We talked about it.

While I take no offence to your choice of pronouns, I feel I should remind you I have no gender.

Gotcha.  Sorry.

No need to apologize.

Thanks.  Still sorry.  Wait, so is all this side commentary getting transcribed, too?

Yes.

Lovely.  Perfect.  All right, whatever.  Let’s go.

So there are a bunch of new people at the house.  Most of them are super cool, but one of them’s a total creeper.

Predictably, Julia’s hot into the creeper. (Ugh, her taste) But whatever.  Her romantic graveyard.  Let her dig it.  Besides, I’m sure Galen would never let this guy actually hurt Julia. (If he could actually hurt Julia).  It does make me wonder about why he lets this skeezeball travel with him, though.  I mean, I guess he’s not always the most perceptive, but-

Whatever.  I’m getting off topic.

Can journals be said to have an incorrect topic, properly?

Shush.  Anyway, they were all just here, suddenly, talking about the pact and my plague and my future. I wanted to scream, but I was just so tired and scared. I think I’d have accepted anything that gave me hope at that point.  

Okay. No. Wait. Not anything. They were saying in some alternate past (?), they thought I was about to make a pact with some god of entropy? And honestly, that just sounds bad all around. Like sure, okay, I was pretty sure mine wasn’t one of those cases of spell plague you live through, you know? But some things are just worse than death.

Honestly, I was- am really offended that they thought so little of me. Okay not “they,” really. I barely even know most of them, but Galen…I really though at least he’d have some respect for my integrity. I thought maybe he could see me as more than just the little sister who needs protecting and can’t be trusted to make her own decisions I only even made this pact because everyone seemed so sure it was my best shot. And I- I mean, I wanted to live. Guilty, okay? Who doesn’t?

I felt the same, Althea

Yeah. So… yeah.

It is not wrong to wish or fight for life.

Thanks, Sha- uh, do you have like, a nickname I can use or anything?

Shadhavar is the only name I have ever known.

Wow, that’s…kind of sad. For the record, you can call me Thea. It’s what everyone in the family calls me.

I thank you, Thea.

Ha. Ummm. I was about to say I was smiling, you know, to transcribe it? The idea? Feeling? But, what is it, really? Can you even smile here?

There is no physical form or structure here to demarcate itself into what you call a smile.  The underlying ideas and feelings that cause the smile, however, can be recorded.

Oh. Cool. I mean, no really. Seriously. Cool.  Anyway, what was I saying?

Is this question rhetorical?

Um, yes? I mean it was, but you can- you know.

Those who found me presented you the possibility of a pact.

Yeah, that’s pretty much it, and I said yes.

Do you regret having done so?

Pfff, no. I’m not going to pretend I understand the full implications of having formed a soul bond with an ancient, sentient sword-bridge-focus thing born from both the feywild and the shadowfell? But it’s for serious better than the alternative. I can say that with total confidence right now.

Anyway, most of Galen’s new friends seemed like they really cared for me despite having just met me. It was weird, but also kind of nice? Oh! And Galen’s girlfriend. (!)  Apparently she left after everyone else but flew here the whole way to catch up!

Bad.

Ass.

And they all helped him defeat a death priest (or something) who was after me. I mean, okay. Julia helped. That…doesn’t count for nothing, I guess. I know mom and Nicon have trained her a lot and she’s freelanced a bit without telling mom. But now I have this whole group that seems like they’re sticking around for a bit? And maybe giving me some lessons?

This. Is going. To rule.

I also intend to provide you with instruction regardless of anyone else’s actions.

Really?!

Yes.

That’s…Ioun’s Wisdom, I don’t even know what to say! This is…am I going to cry? Fuck. No. I’m not going to start crying in here. Quick. Help me out.

Focus your mind on a task. You’ve mentioned these friends of your brother, but only just. Describe them.

Y-yeah. *sniff* Okay, yeah.

Breathe deeply and slowly.

Nono, I’m okay. It’s okay. Thanks. I’ve got this. Okay, strong feelings first. Let’s start with that creeper.

So, Creeper Creepzoidington is basically like a broody shadow who shoots everyone dirty looks, and I don’t say he’s a shadow because he’s drow.  Like, that’d be rude and also really inaccurate.  I say it cause this guy loves shadows.  Like, he loooves them - practically lives in them. They’re his home and they keep him safe and warm. Nicon says he’s already stolen from them, and I think the only time I’ve heard him talk was to swear. So yeah, whatever his deal is, I am not training with him.

Then there’s this other drow, Phaedra. I mean, I only point out they’re drow because they’re supposed to be really rare.  Surface elves are, too, but not as much? And I think I’ve only ever seen one of them. And now? Bam. 3 drow. More than I thought I’d ever met in my life, and everyone’s reaction has pretty much been, “Oh, hm! What a perfectly normal occurrence!”  It's just a little bit surprising.

Anyway, Phaedra, she’s about as different from Slimeus Slimeballius as you can get. She’s really elegant and nice. She came by later that night to see how I was doing. I didn’t feel much like talking, so…um…I didn’t, but she was really calm and polite about it. I could tell she knew I wasn’t really fine, but she didn’t press it. She just…did her best to be reassuring then left me alone. I kind of didn’t want her to go, but I appreciate that she did.

And how she moves! I mean, okay, so that probably sounds weird, but you should see her! She’s like floating silk or flowing water. She doesn’t even seem human, sometimes. Well, I mean, she’s not human, but you know what I mean.  She’s just ridiculously graceful, like she’s dancing in slow motion all the time, and my brain wants to learn the secret to it so much it can’t look away. So yeah, her I would totally train with.

Then there’s this younger drow, Tsabura.  (Tsubara?  Someone keeps messing up her name, and it’s really throwing me off.)  I thought she might’ve been be their kid or something, but even without speaking the language, I picked up that was not the case real quick.  She’s super cute but really quiet, and – I mean, I don’t know if the same standards culturally apply (nor am I sure whether or not it’s rude to consider that) - she has such nice skin.  She seriously just glows. Her skin is literally, physically lustrous.  But she’s just so angry.  Like, all the time.  Also?  Really sad.  I hope we can be friends.  I guess that’s a bit random, but it’d be great to have someone to relate to on a different level while on the road (more on that later), and maybe having a friend will help her not be so sad and angry.

It's weird, though. Like, no one’s saying anything about her, but she doesn’t seem like she’s been taking lessons from anyone, and she was pretty much dressed in rags? Mom tried to give her some of my old clothes, but that didn’t go so well. Maybe that’s why she’s in rags. Or maybe it’s a religious thing? Either way, I should probably stop calling them rags. When I tried talking to her, she barely even looked at me.  Honestly, I’m not sure I didn’t just imagine the brief glances she did give me, either.  I just...I want to know why she’s deliberately making herself so distant.  It’s like a mystery my brain needs to solve.

Moving on, there’s this really cheerful gnome named Tielka.  She’s...interesting.  She’s covered in armor and has a sword that drips frost but somehow seems super approachable?  Paradoxically, that makes me kind of nervous to approach her.  She also sounded really smart.  So I guess she’s...what?  A friendly warrior scholar?  I don’t know.  I mean, the image I’d always had of paladins is super stiff and serious, all thees and thous, but this?  It’s a weird vibe.  I mean, she looks like she’s 20, but she’s got this really motherly aura making me unsure if I want to befriend her or make sure she doesn’t catch me at mischief, so she’s got that, “inspiring the best behavior in others” thing down, I guess.

She’s also got a huge dog named Axle with the best leg.  I mean, omigosh, okay.  So his natural leg would’ve been the best leg, of course, but out of potential replacements?  This thing is, literally, divine.  Like, it’s full of clockwork, but it makes almost 0 noise, and it moves with him.  It doesn’t just sit there.  I really want to know how it works.  I mean, I’m guessing the answer will be something like 50% divinity, 40% magic and 10% mechanics, but still.

And then there’s Max.  I’m getting to her last, but she’s easily the biggest personality of the group.  (As befits a bard.)  She’s pretty much the polar opposite of Broody Broodfacerson.  She’s super friendly. She’s always smiling the brightest smile.  She has a siren’s voice and sings all the time.  She has a whole troop of animals who follow her around, all of whom I’m pretty sure she actually talks to.  (I think they’re all named Annie for some reason?)  And she’s so pretty.  Seriously, everything she does is extra charming.  There’s just something about how she moves, how she talks.  Just like, everything she does is so captivating.  There must be some lesson on mannerisms in bard college that teaches you how to keep people’s eyes on you cause there are like hooks on her gestures that grab the brain and don’t let go.  Basically, what I’m saying is she definitely made the right career choice.  Honestly, I wish she were a little quieter, but, well, no one can have everything, you know?

sighs

“You know.”  I have to stop that.

This is your fifth time using that phrase in this entry.

Fuuuck, really?!

Yes. Would you like me to alert you when you use it?

Nooo. I mean- auuugh, Vecna blind it! Yes. Yes, please do.

Very well.

Thanks.  Anyway, moving on...actually, I think that’s about it.

Oh!  And Galen.  But you know about Galen.  Well, I know about Galen, but will you, hypothetical/theoretical mystery future person, know about Galen?  I guess I should talk about Galen.  I mean, honestly, though, it feels like it’s enough to say he’s the best oldest brother anyone could want. Aforementioned rudeness aside, that is.  He’s just, I mean, he’s always giving me his time and teaching me the most interesting things, and he’s smart enough The Academy was too slow for him.  So he just, you know, decided to go adventuring and-

That’s six times.

What?

That you’ve used the phrase, “you know.”

Ugggghhhh.  All right, you know what?  My brain’s clearly tired.  He’s great, and I might end up going adventuring with him, which would be the best.  The end.

…

Sooo, how do I stop...

You can do so in the same manner as you did last time.

Yeah, I’m not really sure what I did last time.

You need simply to “feel” your intent to stop.

Okay, so kind of like-

[bangtansfavwriter]

🌷hobi having a crush on you 🌷

-hobi and you were inseparable, and when I say inseparable I mean it

-he introduced you to all of his friends and everyone knew you guys became a package deal

- he loooves spending time with you , which would already be a dead giveaway bc hobi's a really social guy, so him choosing to spend his time with you so often would already say a lot

-very playful and spontaneous, looots of laughter together

-you guys' favourite thing to do together would be karaoke and the two of you would put some singers to shame bc singing - check - dancing - audience wildin' and partying to you two - check bc the whole neighbourhood knew you by now and people would leave their own booth at the bar to come and watch you two (which would turn to spontaneous parties that would be absolutely legendary (and the place would be so packed that even dispatch would be like fuck no we ain't goin in))

-you'd come to watch bts' dance practices sometimes and just sit there and watch this completely different side of hobi come out

- he dances with such a passion that you can't do anything but watch him in awe, completely enthralled by the way he moves

-this was also something that made you fall for him slowly, you loved the fact that he was absolutely passionate about everything he does and puts his energy in

-and you admired him so much, bc he was still humble about his talent & also this innate ability to light up every room he walks in

- you almost felt like icarus trying to bask in the sun and sometimes felt like your feelings for him may get you too close and you would get hurt

-and whenever you would get into that mood, it would be hobi himself to snap you out of it, unknowingly

"hobi, there's no reason for me to come to the christmas party, you guys are like family, why would i be there?"

"nonsense, you're family, too. i want you to be there." ---and that's it, that's how he handled your moods, he always made you feel cherished and most importantly loved--

- he would play with your hair a lot and would be very touchy in general, the supreme method to shut down hobi.exe would be playing with his hair, he'd legit lay down and and go quiet, but chances are he's gonna fall asleep (and boy would he get cranky when you wake him up)

- he'd love to make you laugh and sing lil songs and do lil dances for you when you would make tea or something ("look it's y/n, making tea for mee, hobiii~, this sure looks like chamomile, chamomile is just my style, my legs are so sore, I'm gonna go lay on the floor..."*his voice fades* - "u ok there hobi?" - *weak* "no..") [btw chamomile tea helps with sore muscles ☺️]

- his spontaneous dances would be the best, he'd drop it to maluma and lowkey get emotional when you'd turn on some flamenco songs ("y/n, i should be a flamenco dancer, this music speaks to my soul" - "whatever you say, horacio" )

- he would sometimes give you very obvious signals:

"oh we're both wearing jean jackets, almost like a couple look hmmm~~~"

"you cooked for me ?? caring for me, like we're a couple hmmm~~~"

"look at us sharing our drinks like we're a couple hmmm~~~"

-and tbh, you guys would be the couple that has no idea that they're a couple bc you never truly established something along that lines

-but you truly liked him, after all, he's mr sunshine, with the most generous heart and boy's got the prettiest side profile you've ever seen (you knew you were whipped when you went for drinks with a friend and ended up being an emotional drunk who gushed about hobi's lil nose)

-hobi always gets shy when u praise him and you're like "BOI I CAN DO THIS ALL DAY LONG" and he'd go "noooo stop" and backflip to the other side of the room bc he got shy again but he secretly loves it (honestly, it would lift his entire mood, to a hyper extent.... one day you didn't have the time to stay for their dance practices and met hobi shortly before they started, to say bye and such, and you encouraged him to be strong, bc you knew how tough the new choreography was, and told him "you, horacio, dancing king of my heart, can do this, now go prove your title or I won't make you any pancakes for a week" and he SCREAMED in joy & spun you around like 3 times and sprinted to the practice room, you got one (1) single text from jin at 02.17 am, which you opened, confused at hell, it just said: "idk what you said to hobi before practice but you owe me a spa weekend for the muscle pain i have rn")

-but hobi is only human too, he also gets into low moods, which you help him through by simply not going anywhere even when he detaches himself from you and everyone else for that matter

-you knew he had to recharge and gave him some space without entirely distancing yourself from him ofc, you guys would still text tho from time to time

-you knew that he had practice again and one day you stopped by with some food you prepared for him and gave it to a staff member to pass it to hobi, bc you didn't want to intrude, and hobi would text you back a pic of the empty lunch boxes you packed for him with a caption like this: "👼🏻👼🏻👼🏻👼🏻💗💖💝💓💞💕🙇🏻‍♂️🙇🏻‍♂️🙇🏻‍♂️" (hobi talk for "you are and angeeeel, i loooove you & thank youuu") and you were happy with yourself and happy for hobi bc you knew this would cheer him up

-he came over to yours like 2 days later and your heart ached a little bc he was obviously exhausted but still shot you a smile when you opened the door

- you pulled him inside and hugged him, neither of you spoke a word, hobi just sighed and buried his face in your neck

- he came inside and you made tea for the two of you and prepared some snacks too and you caught him looking at you a few times, but his gaze was different... you couldn't quite pinpoint what it was and just thought that's it's probably just random and that he's tired, since he also didn't speak a lot that evening.. anyway you chilled in front of the tv and had a night in, which he gladly accepted because his legs were so sore he wasn't even sure if he could leave your place in first place

-so you spread out on one sofa, while hobi layed down on to the other one

-whenever you weren't looking, hobi stared at you with the most smitten look on his face, especially when you'd giggle about some scene in the movie you were watching, and unable to contain his feelings for himself, he'd flat out tell you:

"you know, if there wouldn't be a risk of me face-planting onto the floor, I'd be on that couch and kiss you"

- he couldn't quite tell if his words made your face go red or if it was bc of your near-death experience after choking on your nachos when korea's dancing king told u he wants to smooch

(-"you ok now ?"

"yeah, alive and kicking"

"good bc- don't eat that now- I have plans for us 👀"

"maybe I do too 👀👀"

" 👀👀👀")

however, you decided you should talk this out when both of you were less tired

- but you didn't... bc hobi was busy again

- days had passed and hobi didn't say a word which was really disheartening for you bc after that kiss-statement you really thought you would finally clarify what was going on between you two and talk about dating and stuff, so you mustered all your courage and texted him: "hey, i know ur busy and all, which is why im gonna keep it as short as possible.... hoseok, i wanna talk about what you said to me the other day and i know this could potentially change our friendship forever, but i liked you for a while now and I wanna now if you were just joking around back then or if u actually were serious"

-the next hours would be absolutely agonizing for you bc deep down you truly feared that this may ruin your friendship with him, but you needed clarity, even though it was really clear that he liked you, but you weren't sure how and asked yourself if you may have read too much into his actions and words.... you threw your phone on your bed and tried keeping yourself busy with something that would keep you from looking at your phone. you failed miserably tbh and you were contemplating deleting the text the entire time... "this is so stupid, I can't risk this..." you thought and were about to open the messenger to delete your text, when you saw that he texted back....: "you never call me hoseok" (you had to took deep breaths to calm yourself down or you would probably have stormed into bighit and throw your phone at him)

- you: "this is really all you have to say ???? "

and he texted back shortly after and you were like oohhh, im gonna grill jung hoseok now

him: "well you never call me hoseok, so I guess this is very serious to you"

you: "yeah NO SHIT sherlock, i confessed my feelings for you and this is how you answer me ?????

him: "im serious too, don't be like that!"

you: "well how tf should i know if you're serious or not??"

him: "you could open your door and find out"

-to use the word "dumbfounded" for how you felt the second you read that would be the understatement of the century, you threw your phone away and bolted to the door

-and there he was.. standing there and smiling at you as radiantly as ever

- he held a plush in one hand and playfully waved at you with the other the other, in which he was holding his phone. he gave you the plush and laughed at you bc you still were completely baffled, but you started laughing too

- you: mang beats any flower anyways.. (you took the mang plush and put it on a rack by the door)

him: yup! and why buy flowers when you have me? *does the flower pose*

- you: you're unbelievable, jung hoseok

him: ohh full name now, it's getting very serious ~

you: stop teasing!!

-you felt that you were blushing and turned away from him, still unable to hide your smile. hobi laughed while he quickly stepped through the doorway, just in time to grab your wrist and make you face him again. "look at us, y/n, playfully bickering like a couple hmm~~", he said and gave you a smirk that made your knees weak, but you'd be damned if you'd show him that. So you looked him straight into his eyes with a cocky smile and asked: "anything you wanna ask me, jung hoseok?"

"you don't even know what you do to me with that smile of yours, sweetheart..."

"answer the question, jung hoseok."

"look at us us, flirting like a couple hmm~~"

(you didn't even notice how close you two were standing until there were only a few inches between your lips and his)

"I'm waiting", you whispered.

"i really think... ", he began and gently cupped your face meanwhile... "i really think that we should be a couple" he said and finally closed the little space which had remained between your lips.

[haikyupid]

hello!! your concept is so so cute omg :")) can i request for a dalgona matchup latte please? i'm an intj-a with a 3w4/8w7 enneagram (it fluctuates D:) i love music/art/literature a lot and studied music in high school but at the same time i take STEM subjects! i'm quite a logical/rational person but i love spending my time daydreaming/crafting scenarios in my head hahaha. i might be quiet/scary at first but when i open up i'm super warm and affectionate with all my friends!! (1/2)

Thank you very, very much for ordering and being patient with Kyupid’s Love Shop. One Dalgona Matchup Latte coming right up! Whew, here comes the side effects: I matcha up with ˚₊·͟͟͟͟͟͟͞͞͞͞͞͞➳❥

➞ this just screamed sugawara to me; i legit heard his singing after reading your order 🥺👉👈

➞ on the topic of singing, can you imagine how beautiful it sounds when he sings while you play the piano? legit every gathering (doesn’t matter if it’s with friends or family) will never be complete unless the two of you have performed for everyone while they just stare in pure awe ‘cause duh, very talented couple over here

➞ this isn’t how i usually format orders (this would usually be at the last part) but omg, you two would be such cute parents! argh, this is too adorable for me— ik you don’t particularly like kids, but i just had to put this in!

➞ he once brought you at work during lunch since you dropped by to give him a bento box, and omg, now the children think that you two are their second parents; he asked you to play the keyboard while he sang, and lich rally the kids thought you two were angels sent from above and i mean, they aren’t wrong

➞ he jokes about the fact that you’re dating him, an elementary school teacher, even though you’re not very fond of kids; lowkey kinda sad about it since he does daydream about having a lil’ family with you, i mean he is surrounded by children all the time so he can’t help it

➞ n e ways, speaking of your daydreaming habit, koushi seems to be the type to do so as well (so it won’t bother him by any means; sometimes you two would even just cuddle in silence and let each other daydream)... except you’re always in it — what’s happening in those vivid daydreams of his is up to you ;D

➞ loooves the fact that you’re mature, it’s literally what he wants (maybe even needs since the cutie may be affected too much by his students childishness) in a long-term partner

➞ i’m not sure if you’ve seen korean fashion, but you two would legit fit their whole aesthetic; like the soft, neutral and calm, coffee shop and ceramic arts type of vibes— what i’m trying to say is, you two have now become the epitome of this soft aesthetic

➞ he has a lil’ garden, and whenever you visit and stay the night, you wake up to breakfast in bed with one of the flowers from the garden on the side of the tray and i— now i want a suga

➞ loves, and i mean loves, doing domesticated things with you! he cherishes the moments where you two just go grocery shopping together, make dinner together, go on late-night food raids at each other’s kitchens, taking care of the plants, quite mornings where you two just enjoy each other’s presence and be reminded that you two are so lucky to have found and fallen in love with each other

➞ bby, imagine this: you visit his house for a surprise dinner, and you just see him with only his pyjama pants and glasses on; he walks over and gives you the softest hug with a soft peck on your nose, then he tells you that he’s been grading his students’ art assignments all day and that he’ll love it if you could help him a bit with it; now you two are sitting with takeout for dinner in his dimly lit apartment while you two laugh at the kids’ spelling mistakes, having the best times of your lives — he won’t say it, but it was during that simple and domesticated moment, he realized that you were the one he wanted to spend forever with

➞ i’m not sure if this makes sense, but this relationship gives off pastel pinks and yellows—

➞ ngl, i didn’t specify this topic with you... but i headcanon that children don’t particularly like you in beginning while suga automatically becomes their prince charming whom they’re just so drawn to

➞ sooo you may get a lil’ jealous when kiyoko’s newborn was so calm when with him, but turned into a lil’ spawn of satan when he passed the baby to you; but don’t worry, with a lil’ help from your beau, the baby learned to be calm with you — you may or may not have been thinking of having suga’s children right when you two get back to his apartment, after the baby reached out and grabbed your pointer finger which was booping its lil’ nose, and the baby just pulled it so gently close to its chest and fell asleep with it and—

➞ since you tend to strive for success for almost every aspect in life, he does see that it takes a toll on you sometimes; so when he thinks that you need even just the littlest amount of cheering up, he’ll pull out his iconic ‘negativity begone’ but this time it’s with an aggressive hug and the softest kiss on the forehead, to the tip of your nose, then finally, your lips

➞ on valentine’s day, his students presented him with a picture of you two during a school field trip (who took it? i guess we’ll never know), and now it’s his most favourite thing to look — it just gives him energy, y’know; the kids may or may not make fun of him since he sometimes just gets so lost when looking at it, like mans is whipped

“look, sugawara-sensei’s daydreaming again...”

“maybe we could make a life-size photo of miss pretty! that’ll make him more hap—“

“no, that’s a bad idea! sugawara-sensei will end up forgetting about us, and he’ll just keep staring at the photo.”

“yeah! and look, he’s drooling a little bit. imagine if it was a bigger picture! there’d be a puddle of drool everyday! he’s like a doggie.”

➞ he gives you a lot of small gifts; even if they’re just erasers that he found to be almost as cute as you, a dainty necklace that he thought would look amazing only if you wore it, or a cup of coffee from you two’s favourite coffee shop; koushi will end up spoiling you even if you tell him not to; if he could he’d literally catch one of the stars of just for you

➞ all in all, this is the type of relationship that everyone just says is so perfect; you two will just be the type of couple that every blogger wants to be in real life; not only are you two so in love that you don’t have to fake it like they do, but you two are also so pleasing to look at, so perfect couple alert? yes, yes indeed.

I hope you liked your Dalgona Matchup Latte! Here’s a little visual of your soft aesthetic relationship with Sugawara Koushi: as I’ve said before, karaokes all day ‘eryday, baby; he can be a lil’... how do you put it nicely?... a lil’ shit sometimes, so expect some teasing when it’s your turn to cook (he doesn’t mean any of it, he just loves getting you all riled up, he thinks it’s the most adorable thing on Earth); you two always end up running into stray animals, so that’s how he looks at you when he asks if you two could get a puppy, whether you end up getting a pet or not is up to you; I don’t know why, but I see you vibing real well with Nishi, so that’s you after drinking with Nishi — expect him to record a video of your drunken state and tease you with it the morning after (he watches it every morning for a lil’ boost of happiness, but he won’t tell you that); piggyback rides forever, and you wanna know his reasoning? He says it’s to prepare when you two finally have kids and he has to carry them!

Thank you very much for ordering at Kyupid’s, babe. I really hope to see you again! Have a very, very negative-free day ♡⋆.ೃ࿔*

lmao, ik you said you don’t particularly like children but like i just couldn’t get the thought out while making this for you and now your order’s filled with children and i—

i hope you still like it though 🤣 but if you don’t, then do message me, i’ll fix it for you. also, thank you for the concept compliment! i made it as original as i possibly could, so this means a lot, bby 🥺 ur so nice.

but legit, you two would be so cute, like your married life with him is just perfect! don’t forget to invite cupid and i!

[siverwrites]

Days Off

@fyeahghosttrick Ghost Swap Treat for our looovely and wonderful mod, @laughingmango with a small fluffy selection of parts of the OT3. Happy Ghost Swap, my friend <3

On AO3

1.

Alma peered into the room they’d turn into a blend of studio and study. Jowd stood at a blank canvas and while his paints and pencils were out he remained still. She wondered how long he’d stood so still; it happened sometimes. He could either get completely absorbed in his work or at other times he seemed lost in his own head and nothing came out. It seemed this time was the latter.

Alma slipped into the room with a softly spoken ‘Hey,’ so she wouldn’t startle him. He made a small sound of acknowledgement but didn’t turn, letting her wrap her arms as best she could around his broad chest and lean her head against his back. He rested a hand over hers while the other remained still at his side.

“Stuck?” she asked.

“So it seems.”

“Hmm,” she thought for a moment. There were any number of possibilities, but there was generally one sure-fire way to lighten the mood. “Well, we could always call Cabanela to model. Keeping him still long enough is an accomplishment in itself if not a finished painting.” She smiled at the welcome sound of Jowd’s laugh and the feel of it rumbling through his chest.

“I thought of it,” Jowd said after a quiet pause. “Doing another series. It’s not… right. It’s not needed.” He shifted and Alma released him so he could turn to face her. “Besides,” he added, touching his temple, “present or not, he’s here. Always has been, regardless of what I had to say about the matter.”

“He has a way of that,” Alma replied warmly. He clearly had then and there was no doubt he did now. She wouldn’t have it any other way.

“He’s not the only one.” Jowd cupped her cheek and she leaned into his touch as he met her eyes. “I couldn’t hide from you. I couldn’t keep you hidden.”

“As it should be.” She reached up to ruffle his hair. Too often the gloom lurked around the edges and she would not allow them drown him today. “And you never will be able to. I’m here.” Her hand drifted down over his cheek in turn before stopping to toy with his ever-tempting beard. “So, maybe something else?”

“Oh? You have something in mind.”

“Well, how about those you didn’t paint the first time around? Sissel is always around here somewhere. And you know a few years is a long time to wait for Missile.” She smiled up at him while still winding her fingers through the ends of his beard. “I wouldn’t say no to a preview.”

“Ha, I’m afraid I only met him posthumously.” He paused then added. “Both of them. Funny how that works.” He looked distant again and Alma started to worry she might lose him to those depths after all before he gave a small smile. “We wouldn’t be having this conversation without them.”

No, they owed everything to them and she still hadn’t figured out to repay either for her life and family. “A tribute then?”

“It’s a start I suppose.”

And not a bad start. “Tribute or not, Sissel knows he has us. We’ll simply have to make sure we also spoil that pup when he arrives as well.”

Jowd chuckled. “I don’t think Lynne, Kamila, or Cabanela for that matter would settle for less.”

“And rightly so. So does that help?”

“As I said, it’s a start.” Jowd pulled her closer to kiss her before wrapping her into his arms.

She leaned against his chest with a contented sigh. This went better than her initial worry at the door. He had his painting and she had some work she’d wanted to get to but that could all wait for a little while longer. She remained in his arms, running a thumb over his hand simply enjoying the moment they had now.

2.

The early morning grew brighter as Jowd attempted to juggle the flimsy tray of coffees, small bag of pastries and the door knob all at once. None of this had been planned, but he woke early and was wide-awake despite the early hour on a day off and saw the rare opportunity while both Alma and Cabanela still slept peacefully. So, why not? The walk had been pleasant anyway.

And maybe that was the problem with a lack of planning. As he entered the house he discovered his intended surprise wasn’t going to be much of a surprise at all when he spotted Cabanela lounging on the couch, relaxed, but most definitely awake. Then again, it was a surprise he’d managed to wake before Cabanela in the first place; getting this far was a feat in itself. Alma, on the other hand appeared to still be asleep, or she hadn’t come down yet at any rate. Half wasn’t a bad result.

Cabanela craned his neck back to watch Jowd’s approach while wearing a smile that rivalled the growing sunshine outside. “Theeere you are, baby. Out for a little early morning stroll all alone?”

Jowd passed one of the coffees to him along with a danish from the bag. “A walk and breakfast.”

Cabanela eyed the decadent display of chocolate, cream and caramel over more chocolate in whatever coffee fit into the mix with appreciation and a small hum. “And you got it all right, I see.”

“Even the most complicated things start to stick after enough times.” As proven when he’d started to rattle off the long order only for the barista to nod with a knowing ‘Cabanela then?’

“Is Alma still asleep?” Jowd asked.

“Sleepin’ sound and comfy when I left her.”

Jowd nodded and set aside his coffee and muffin and lifted the remainders. “I’ll bring these to her then.”

Cabanela’s eye glimmered. “Breakfast in bed. Anything else we should watchin’ for today? You’re aaalmost romantic.”

Jowd shook his head. “Don’t push your luck.”

Naturally Cabanela only sipped at his ‘coffee’ with a look of amusement in reply and Jowd left him to it.

Alma was still asleep when Jowd entered their bedroom—asleep and buried under the blanket, looking to be so for a while yet. Jowd gave her a soft smile as he placed her drink and pastry on the bedside table for her to wake up to. He lingered a moment longer in the peace and quiet before leaving to rejoin Cabanela on the couch, taking a seat beside him.

Of course staying side-by-side didn’t last and Jowd knew he shouldn’t have expected anything else. Before he knew it he had a lap full of Cabanela while Cabanela’s legs draped over the remainder of the couch cushions. One arm looped casually around to let his fingers trail over the back of Jowd’s neck. In turn Jowd rested an arm around Cabanela providing some support for his lanky mass. It left Jowd with only one free hand currently occupied by his coffee but the food wasn’t going anywhere. It had taken some time to get over how right and easily comfortable this all was—aided by those fingers working over his neck—and he wasn’t about to squander this opportunity now.

They had the whole day ahead of them and were off to a good start already.

3.

Alma leaned against the kitchen windowsill, looking out into the backyard while she finished her tea. She only smiled when she heard the front door open. There was no need to turn to know the rhythm of those particular steps and so she simply waited until she heard the cheerful “Good mooorning!” in sing-song tones that denied the morning to be anything but. Only then did she turn and found herself face to petal with a large bouquet of flowers.

“Oh!” She gave both flowers and Cabanela’s grinning face beyond the colourful display a curious look. “What are these for?”

“Do I neeed a reason?” Cabanela’s eyes sparkled with good humour as he added, “Buuut if you’re lookin’ for an occasion hooow about us spendin’ the day out on the town without any long and dreary sighs to accompany us?”

Alma met his cheer with amusement of her own. It was true that it could only be a mercy on all of them to leave Jowd out of their shopping trips. “Hm,” she said with an attempt at very serious thoughtfulness, “that is a good occasion, it’s true.”

“Now you’ve got it, baby.”

With that Cabanela twirled off in a swirl of coat and in his clearly excellent mood she almost expected a rain of glitter to be left in his wake. She shook her head in fond exasperation as he unerringly fetched down a vase—she had only just rearranged the kitchen and already he seemed to know it better than she. The vase was filled, flowers placed and the whole arrangement set neatly into the centre of the table with a flourish.

“They’re beautiful,” Alma said appreciatively. She went to Cabanela and with a gentle tug to pull him down to her level, kissed him before looping an arm around his.  Almost as beautiful as he was anyway.

“Jowd and Kamila have each other thoroughly occupied for the day,” she said, “judging by the plans I heard them make. I’m not sure who looked forward to it more, but I will be shocked if they make it home before this evening. Shall we follow suit?”

For a moment Cabanela only gazed at her, eyes warm and smiling as he took advantage of her hold on his arm to pull her in closer and with his free hand teased a bit of stray hair from her face. Alma felt that warmth course through her as well at his expression and the caress. Things had been so good since they’d settled into this new normal—free, open, happy. It had been utterly wonderful and she still sometimes couldn’t believe her luck.

“I found a looovely little shop,” Cabanela said at last when it seemed he’d finally drunk in enough of the sight of her. “They have some very pretty clothes and other things I didn’t look too close at knowin’ you’ll want to see. You’ll like it baby. What do you say to a little shoppin’ and some lunch to start with?”

“That sounds like the start of an excellent plan,” Alma agreed.

Arm in arm they left the kitchen, pausing only for Alma to grab her things, and left for an entirely pleasant day in the best company.

[honeybeekao]

DUDE i didnt know you liked musicals! For a good 3-4 years this was a theatre blog so im always excited to hear the newer mutuals i followed for anime reasons are also into musicals. What are your top 5 favorites?

i think enstars has a connection to musical theatre. just a theory *staring at my mutuals*

MY TOP 5???? thats hard i love so manyyy aough okay Okay . how to order this..

1. newsies

it being my first full show to be in makes it really special for me. like not only did i learn So much, it was my one escape from my troubling situation so i associate it with home kinda. the stage at the time felt more welcome than anywhere else as a 15 yr old.

i loooove the music.....i will sing the entire soundtrack and ruin my voice idc it has no skips (the bottom line is fun! it reminds me of sweeney todd HSUDKFHJ)

plus, it's like So fucking funny. newsies humor gets me

2. be more chill

yeah okay so bmc used to be my favorite, like i'd vowed to call it my favorite forever because i was So attached. and i still love it. totally kinned jeremy in middle school i literally got a blue cardigan to dress like him (and the gender envy for will connolly was my life for a year) MY BMC ERA WAS SO. god, i got my MOM into it. i'm very normal about my interests.

the humor in it also really gets me, and bmc gives me the same nostalgia feelings as newsies.. it's like, oh god you are So familiar and precious to me! augh!

3. the lightning thief musical

george salazar did bring me here, you're right. (bmc is the reason im here is how influential i think it was on me tbh)

i looove the lightning thief novel and the musical is sooo percy is painfully relatable. good kid hits me like a fucking truck i love that song.

THE MUSIC OF TLF IS JUST. IT FEELS LIKE HOME. not because of nostalgia (also because of nostalgia) but! it's like, inner child ig. i used to listen to the soundtrack when volunteering at an animal shelter. so i associate it with summer. and also Ough. just OUGH!!!!! yknow???? i wanna see the lightning thief musical live So badly

4. les miserables

hehehe hello saddest fucking thing i was in! les mis is brilliant, i LOVE watching the anniversary performances! (we dont talk about the movie) it's just so. so so heavy and depressing but the score is beautiful and the story hurts And i got to die on stage which was my favorite part. my favorite song is Look Down just because i had such a RAD solo in it. i got to walk/run through the audience singing and jumped onstage.

5. how do i piiiick augh okay Here im just gonna list the rest that i like because i cannot choose a 5th favorite

-six

-heathers

-into the woods

-book of mormon

-mean girls

-come from away

-rent

-guys and dolls

-little shop of horrors

(i sorta know spring awakening and falsettos, but ive yet to Actually delve into them. ive been meaning to for yearsss)

afhfhg musicals <333