#(and so was my surprise when instead i got a big box with the cards. a plushy. a book i love featuring my mystery blorbo.)

[leafy-m]

So I hit my 700th edit for the WHA wiki today, because I am a totally normal person

[icharchivist]

Randall's valentine's card is so pretty,,,

IT ISSSSS HE'S SO PRETTY!!! and the colors and pose look so nice i love it so much!! He's so good oghhhhh

[freyito]

ᴠᴀʟᴇɴᴛɪɴᴇꜱ ᴅᴀʏ & ᴛʜᴇ ᴋᴏᴍʙᴀᴛ ʙᴏʏꜱ [ᴍᴋ1]

✧ a/n: part one of my big ol valentines day posts. this one is for the mk1 boys only... unfortunately I had to remove of the boys because I genuinely cannot see them celebrating v-day... i apologize T_T!!! anyways HAPPY VALENTINES DAY :PPP <333!!!

🗒 cw: gn reader, just fluff, not proofread

✎ wc: 1862

⎯Liu Kang

Part of Liu Kang wants to make Valentine's Day an over-the-top experience. But one of the things he’s learned over time (not just through his godhood) is that there is beauty in the simple things. Unfortunately he’s still busy, but trust, he’s got a nice little night all planned out.

A nice dinner at Madame Bo’s is arranged, accompanied by a nice, slightly extravagant bouquet, consisting of flowers from outworld, and some eucalyptus! And Liu Kang’s biggest gift to you is a book. Full of poetry. He doesn’t waste a single word within his writings, relating every single word back to you. And at the end, he ditches the poetry, a simple “I love you” written within the back of the book.

⎯ Bi-Han

Bi-Han is sappy as HELL for Valentine’s Day. Sure, his imposing demeanor is off-putting, but he wants nothing more than to spoil his lover, shower them with gifts. He’ll act like Valentine’s Day is a silly idea, that “he could do all of those things whenever”.

But, when Valentine’s Day rolls around, he surprises you with breakfast in bed. It’s… quite decadent. But hey, who can say no to a home cooked meal? Throughout the day he peppers you with all sorts of gifts, and refuses to say that it’s for Valentine’s Day when you ask. Flowers, chocolates, and other miscellaneous items. Bi-Han isn’t afraid to show off his wealth, especially when he can buy you all the gifts you could possibly want. Despite this, at the end of the day, he chooses to settle with you on the bed, and hold you close. He whispers all the things he loves about you and how happy you’ve made him. In the end, he could care less for grand gestures, settling for words instead.

⎯ Kuai Liang

Nothing is wrong with a little simplicity on Kuai Liang’s end. Valentine’s Day isn’t the biggest thing to him, however he does like to make it special. He does his best to spend time with you whenever, but especially so on Valentine’s Day. Building the Shirai Ryu has him busy, running all around with barely any free-time.

But, Kuai has somehow escaped his work load for the day. He greets with you a simple bouquet, with pink tulips, baby’s breath, and pink roses. Plus some yellow tulips thrown in (because it’s close enough to his favorite colors). Paired with a nice little card. He doesn’t need to make his love some sort of big show– hell, he doesn’t need a day for it. He lets you know every day how much you mean to him, and he shows it, as well. Who needs just a day to reinforce that?

⎯ Johnny Cage

Johnny’s corny. He goes above and beyond for you on Valentine’s Day. He gets all the usual stuff, a horribly luxurious bouquet, like 7 boxes of chocolate (or a different candy if you don’t like it), and like seventeen cards worth of how much he loves you. Good god, if he could, he’d probably change his license plate to YOUR NAME for V-day if he could. Granted, every holiday with him is beyond your expectation.

And of course, the main show is in the evening. After a rather extravagant dinner, he brings you home to be greeted with a trail of rose petals leading towards the bedroom. Cage has got the biggest, goofiest smile on his face when you follow it. He’s got the lights dimmed perfectly, the petals on the bed are shaped like a heart, and in the middle of it, a little tray with two glasses and a bottle of sparkling cider. He wanted to make a grandiose gesture…. and don’t be surprised if he gets down on one knee, either.

⎯ Kenshi Takahashi

Kenshi is a sucker for V-day, actually. He won’t miss any opportunity to spoil you and shower you with his love, in fact, he does his best to get Valentine’s day off. Regardless of how much he loves the holiday, he sticks to simplicity. He likes to make it a beautiful event, it starts at 12 am for him and ends at 11:59 pm. He wants to make the day just as wonderful for you as he plans.

It starts with a voice message in the morning. A nice little good morning, followed by him telling you to dress your best and that he’ll pick you up around 11am. Why isn’t he there to say that in person? He’s already out, looking for the best bouquet he can find. He refuses to do it any time before, because he wants them to be as fresh as possible. And when he finally picks you up, you’re in for a beautiful night out, with a quaint dinner, and some sappy and romantic dancing by the end of the night. Kenshi gives you the royalty treatment (although, he treats you as such every day), he leaves no room for question of his love.

⎯ Kung Lao

Kung Lao is a bit of a mess when it comes to Valentine’s Day. He’s always got such big plans, something magnificent, bigger than the world itself. It’s not that he can’t, it’s that he doesn’t have enough time. But, just when he freaks out about disappointing you, he reminds himself just how much he loves you. And perhaps there’s no need for a big display.

So, he shows up at your door with a simple bouquet of roses, and a smile on his face. He’s saved all the sappy words he can spill to you for a card, he’s pestered Madam Bo to keep a table open just for you two tonight. And when he’s met with your smile, he realizes it was all worth it. And… for once, he’s totally okay with paying! Every time you look at him, every time you laugh, every little thing you do, it makes him happy.

⎯ Raiden

Raiden’s V-Day “celebration” is pretty quaint. It isn’t flashy, it isn’t anything big. But it’s you and him, and that’s exactly how he likes it. Valentine’s Day isn’t the biggest thing for him, he thinks he shows his love for you everyday, and that’s enough. But regardless, he’ll celebrate with you, especially if you want him to.

He presents a small bouquet of sunflowers to you, before taking you out for a nice little picnic. It’s surprising how he was able to find such a secluded spot, something that feels like it’s just you two… which it is. That’s all he needs, though. To sit there, under the clouds, with you in his arms. Raiden plays with your hair, whispering every little thing he loves about you (like he does all the time), sprinkling in ‘i love you’s and much more in between sweet nothings.

⎯ Tomas Vrbada

Good god, does Tomas splurge on Valentine’s Day. He buys a bunch of stuffed animals– teddy bears specifically– like a month in advance. He tries to be subtle about it, but he’s got a horrible poker face when it comes to you. He’s all smiles and blushes whenever V-Day is even brought up, because he finds it so hard not to spill what he has in store for you. It’s a secret, dammit, and you’re normally the person he tells everything to!

And when the day comes, he’s practically skipping to your door. He’s got a big ol’ teddy bear in his arms, one of the ones that’s easily the length of your bed. This one will join the massive hoard of stuffed animals Tomas has gotten you. Other than the massive teddy bear, he takes you out for a nice little dinner, something cozy and warm. And when the night is over, he’s dragging his feet, cause he doesn’t want V-Day to end.

⎯ Syzoth

The idea of Valentine’s Day is lost to Syzoth. There’s not really an equivalent for Zatterans (and he’s not necessarily interested in Outworld's equivalent), but all you need to do is explain it to him and he’s got a couple of ideas in mind. He doesn’t have the strongest grip on the concept, to him it’s more of like ‘an even fancier date all day’– in his words.

He’s managed to make an impressive bouquet, with all sorts of flowers that you haven’t even seen in Outworld before. He’s quite proud of himself, but the bouquet isn’t the main part. It’s stargazing. He’ll spend time with you throughout the day, however, he can’t wait for the evening. He’s not so sure on entering Sun Do, so most of the day is essentially stalking through the woods. Not that it’s bad, it’s quite peaceful, actually. Knowing it truly is just you and him, it’s just enough.

⎯ General Shao

Like the other Outworlders, Valentine’s Day isn’t something Shao’s heard of. But when you explain it to him, it clicks. He’s not necessarily the most romantic, or free to indulge in the holiday. But he won’t pass up a good opportunity to spoil and pamper his lover. He kinda just gives you a handful of money and tells you to get something you like…

But he doesn’t just want to brush you off. That’s not what he’s doing. Safe to say, he has a hard time expressing affection considering his lifestyle and his title. And, unfortunately, being a general doesn’t exactly mean he gets that many days off. He makes it up to you in the evening, when he can finally squeeze in free time. It’s not extravagant, but it’s something. Nothing’s wrong with a little dancing, right? Especially under the stars?

⎯ Shang Tsung

Shang Tsung is all for it. In fact, he beats you to the punch. He’s a day early, but it’s kind of endearing to see him interested in Earthrealm traditions. Or perhaps there are ulterior motives… It’s hard to tell. Regardless, he’s super enthusiastic, and excited to share this day with you.

He’s gotten every little thing he’s heard about, a bouquet, a card, some candies. It’s odd seeing him essentially throw gifts at you, but he does really enjoy spending money. He overdoes every little gesture for you, dramatically opening the door, professing his love to you like every 3 minutes, the whole thing.

⎯ Reiko

The mention of V-Day comes up in passing, it’s not something you really talked to Reiko about. Initially, he doesn’t care. It’s another Earthrealm holiday that doesn’t matter that much to him. But when he hears you talk about all the gift giving and the fancy dates people take their significant others, he’s a little bit intrigued. Mainly because you seem so enthusiastic about it. And he wants to show off just how good of a partner he is.

He doesn’t make it some big show, he keeps it pretty simple. A couple flowers and a nice little night out in the markets. Sure, he could do more, but it’s his first Valentine’s Day, he’s doing great. He buys you anything you look at, no matter how small it is. Reiko would buy you dinner, too, but you two have pretty much eaten every little snack that was being sold at the market. At the end of the day, he doesn’t have the best grip on V-Day, but each year he does his best to make it better.

© freyito, 2024 | masterlist | queue | kofi DO NOT REPOST AS YOUR OWN OR USE FOR AI/AI CHATBOTS.

[deathmetalunicorn1]

Poseidon, Hade and Apollo with a female reader who got shrink into the size of the hand

So here's the story:

Someone was knocking at reader's door but when reader opens the door, no one was here but a box in front of her. So reader decided to pick it up and went back inside.

When reader opens the box, it was a small potion inside and a paper said: for my beloved.

At first, reader thought it was weird but decided to drink it since she thought it was a gift from her lover. After the reader drinks the potion, she felt a little tired so she went to bed.

Later that day, reader wakes up when she heard a scream from her lover. When reader wakes up, she saw her lover shocked face and she saw that everything around her got bigger.(even her clothes) Then, reader got realized that she got herself shrink.

Turn out it was a girl who got jealous of reader and decided to kill her by making a poison, but the girl accidentally makes a shrink potion

-It had been a quiet day for you, spent at home, tending to your vegetable garden, reading, and messaging back and forth with (Love), who said he had a surprise for you.

-You couldn’t wait to know the surprise as he was always so romantic with his gifts for you, but you told him that you couldn’t wait to see him, as he had been stuck at work due to Zeus who was making everything more difficult than it needed to be.

-You heard a knock on the door, and you got up, thinking it was (Love) but when you opened the door, nobody was there, you looked around before looking down, seeing a beautifully wrapped box with your name on it.

-A smile appeared as you picked it up, looking around for (Love) to see if he was hiding before you went back inside to open your gift.

-Inside the box was a beautiful bottle filled with a shimmering liquid as you held it up to the light, “It’s so pretty~” you grabbed the card inside, finding beautiful writing, ‘To my love’ and you couldn’t help but smile, thinking it was a special booze or drink.

-You downed the drink with ease, tasting of nothing, which you thought was rather odd, a little disappointed as you put the cork back in before setting it down.

-It was only five minutes later when you felt a little woozy, holding your head as you locked up your house, heading to bed to lie down, not feeling good.

-You didn’t wake until the next morning when you heard (Love) shout, “Y/N?!” you looked up and your eyes went side, seeing him towering over you before you felt a chill and you squeaked, seeing that you were naked as all of your clothes had gotten way too big- or rather you got tiny.

-(Love) kneeled beside your bed, cupping his hands around you, “My love- what happened?” you stammered, explaining that you got his gift and drank it, which caused him to cut you off, “I didn’t send you anything- your gift is in the kitchen, I just brought it.”

-Your eyes went wide as he picked you up, holding you carefully before taking you out to your kitchen, showing you that he had brought your favorite fruit, so the two of you could relax and enjoy fruit together.

-(Love) grabbed a clean handkerchief, allowing you to wrap yourself up like you were in a toga, so you were covered, and you showed him the bottle that you received, with only the residue left of the mysterious liquid.

-Poseidon- Immediately called his brother who came right over, hearing the panic in your lover’s voice, and Hades inspected the liquid carefully, “Looks like someone was trying to poison you- but the made a mistake with the one of the ingredients and made a shrinking potion instead. You’ll be fine Y/N- it should wear off in about a day.” You nodded, thanking Hades before Poseidon halted him, “Who sent it?” the two brothers paused, and they looked at the card and instantly Poseidon’s nose crinkled, “Gods- it’s her again!” your eyes went wide before narrowing, “That stalker who can’t take a hint?” he nodded and Hades took the bottle and the box, “Looks like the three of us need to go meet with someone.” Poseidon picked you up, holding you close, giving you a small smile, “You’re so tiny.” You pouted up at him lightly at his teasing, but you knew he would keep you safe.

-Hades- He immediately could tell that it was a failed attempt to poison you, explaining that the ingredients weren’t mixed correctly, resulting in the mess you now found yourself in rather than poison. Hades packed up the box before picking you up, holding you carefully up by his neck, “Come my love- we need to go have a chat with someone who doesn’t understand the meaning of the word no.” You groaned, rolling your eyes, holding onto his shirt, “Are you kidding me- her again?!” he nodded, looking down at you, “It seems that way- but this time, I’ll make sure that she leaves us both alone, for good.” You smiled up at him, leaning up to press your tiny lips to his cheek, “I love it when you get riled up like this.” He chuckled softly, finding you endearing at the moment, luckily it was only for the rest of today that you would be tiny like this.

-Apollo- He carried you carefully, as well as the potion, rushing straight to his uncle, and when Apollo burst in, Hades was going to chastise him, until he saw you and the bottle. Hades took the bottle from Apollo, while he sat you down, seeing what had happened as you explained the series of events while Hades was researching. You were shocked but also scared to learn this was actually an attempt to poison you, but thankfully, whoever made this was clumsy and didn’t do it right, resulting in this shrinking potion. Apollo was furious, “Are you able to tell who made an attempt on my love’s life?!” Hades grabbed the card, looking at it for a moment before handing it over, “Does this look familiar?” Apollo instantly groaned, seeing that it was indeed familiar, “Gods- her again!” Hades’ eyes narrowed, knowing full well of the stalker you both had, who wanted you out of the picture so she could have Apollo all to herself. Apollo inhaled deeply before speaking, “Uncle, will you watch over Y/N? I need to have a word with someone.” You watched him storm out before you turned to Hades who grinned, playfully teasing you, “You’re so cute like this.” You pouted up at him, glaring lightly which made him laugh before you asked if he knew of a cure to fix you, only to find out you would only be like this until sunset tonight.

[hannahssimblr]

I watch the clock above the whiteboard as the minute hand inches closer and closer to twelve. Four seconds, three seconds, two seconds…

It’s five. My chair scrapes against the linoleum and I start running. Past Mr. Doherty’s desk, out the door, into the hallway, down the stairs, damn it why is this school so big? Another hallway, a foyer, the front entrance… 

“Don’t forget to sign out!” The secretary calls after me and I huff and turn back around, yanking my student ID card out of my pocket and slamming it into the sign-in machine, and then I hurry out, down the steps, out the gate and onto the rush hour Clontarf streets. 

The air is like daggers on my face and my school bag is weighed with a ton of books. My stupid trousers and my stupid blazer are slowing me down too, as is having to wait for the stupid green man at the stupid pedestrian crossing. I don’t bother in the end, I just swerve through traffic and give the woman in the SUV who blows her horn at me the middle finger. 

The house is so far up the Howth Road that it might as well be in Killester, and I sprint the whole way with my bag jostling, as commuters alighting the buses onto the darkened winter streets glance at me with dull surprise as I thunder past them and shove through the gates of a little enclave community of Georgian houses concealed from the road. 

I knock on the door of number two.

“Oh, we thought you’d forgotten about us,” Ivy’s piano teacher looks rightfully perturbed when she answers.

I have to cling onto the doorframe and catch my breath, “I’m so sorry, they made me stay behind at school.”

“It’s ten past five, her lesson ended forty minutes ago. I had her sitting in for the entire duration of the lesson after hers.”

“I know, I know,” I wheeze, “Is she okay?”

“Well she’s a little upset,” She goes through the hallway door to retrieve my teary eyed sister from the practice room. “We thought you forgot about her, actually I tried to phone you several times…”

“Ivy…” I hold my hand out to her and she regards me with a furious clenched jaw and a hot, teary face. She fists her hands into my blazer and shoves her face into it so that her teacher won’t see her crying and I just lamely pat her shoulder in apology. “Um, well, I’ll pay you the money anyway, I’ll give you double for the trouble…”

“No, just the usual is fine.” Her teacher says with pursed lips, “These things happen but just know I’m on a schedule, and I’m not a babysitter…”

“I know, again, I’m so sorry. Thank you for looking after her, I… it won’t happen again. I’ll be on time next week.”

“I’m certain you will.”

Ivy tries to make me carry her home on my back as reparations, but I beg her for mercy after two minutes because she is not three and tiny anymore, my bag weighs as much as her and I’m still so gruesomely hungover that I’m not sure how far I can even carry my own body without needing to crumple up in a heap on the ground. She’s merciful today and lets me away with it, possibly because she can tell I’m off, but she doesn’t let me forget what I put her through. 

“I want you to make me pizza tonight,” she demands, “With pepperoni, and not chorizo like you got last time, it’s not the same. I want pepperoni. And do you remember that time you got that packet of it with spicy pepper around the outside? Well I don’t want that either.”

“Uh huh, how about you give me a break?”

“You left me at my piano lesson!”

“Yeah, I recall.”

She peers up at me, “Are you sick? You look horrible.”

“Thanks for that. Yeah, I am. I think I ate something funny.”

“Oh…” She looks troubled, “Well can you still make me pizza?”

The idea of going through the effort of the flour and the dough and the tomato sauce makes me feel slightly faint, “How about I buy you a pizza instead? Yeah? And I don’t mean a frozen one from the supermarket, I mean one from the Italian pizzeria down in the village.”

She gasps. 

“But you have to eat it in the restaurant. We’re not bringing it home and getting caught out by leaving the box in the bin. And when mom and dad get home later on you can tell them that I made you something healthy for dinner instead.”

“You’re a liar,” She says with a sly smile that creeps up her face, “We’re both liars.”

“Yeah, dead right. It pays off.”

“I’m still upset about the piano lesson.”

I muss up her hair, “No you’re not, shut up.”

“Uh huh! I am. When we get to the restaurant I might need a milkshake too.”

“You’re pushing it, Ivy, you can’t push me…”

“I can,” she shrugs, and it’s a fact so undeniable that all I can do is laugh. 

“Yeah, well, we’ll see about that milkshake when we get there.”

Beginning // Prev // Next

[fourseasonsfigs]

Taolin Forest Wen Kexing (Handcrafted)

This beautiful figure showed up on the artist's Xianyu page as an immediately available in-stock piece, and I pounced on it. You can tell by my profile pic how much I like this costume, after all!

The artist works in ultralight clay, which has been a new medium to me, and so far I've been impressed. It is very light (as the name suggests!) and appears to be extremely flexible. I was initially very worried about her figures breaking in transport, as they all have very delicate thin little details, but everything seems surprisingly sturdy. It bends, but doesn't deform, and doesn't seem to break with careful treatment. I do baby my figs, but shipping / customs is always a wild card.

For something like this, I would normally absolutely air column wrap it to protect it from crushing damage. I don't worry about the fig breaking parts off - I worry about it getting squished! If this fig got crushed it would certainly destroy it, given all the thin, flat loops of clay making up most of this figure.

But, I didn't have to, because the artist packed it in a rigid styrofoam cooler box. This is of course deadly on the shipping fees, especially since my warehouse flags the wooden base as air freight only. But, the only thing worse than paying volumetric air freight charges is getting a crushed figure, so what can you do?

I too am deeply disappointed by my lack of quality unboxing photos. Why did I not remove this top layer of bubble wrap? NOBODY KNOWS.

This is an extremely tall figure, by far my largest figure by a wide margin. The full size, including base, is 27 cm, of which 2cm is the base. This makes the figure itself about 10 inches high for us Americans.

The fan is not clay but paper, which was a nice surprise. I would have been fine either way, but I like the paper. I'm also very appreciative that the artist included it in this rigid plastic box so keep it from getting squished inside the protective cooler. Box. Protective box.

Here he is without the fan. He's gorgeous! You can really see the detail on his belt and his long, elegant fingers.

In fact, here's a closeup of those hands and the beautiful detail on the belt. His fingers may look even a bit longer than you might expect, but that's because they need to hold the fan. You can even see the slight indent for the fingernails. This artist is just amazing. She says she puts her whole heart into crafting these figures, and you can tell.

Holding the fan as so. If you don't think I wasn't a little stressed out carefully wedging the fan in between those beautiful fingers, you have somehow (incredibly) missed all the other cases of my fig related anxiety on this blog. I'm not even a high stress person! Normally.

Alright, let's spin this beauty around, shall we?

My camera decided to focus on many things, but Wen Kexing's perfect face was not always one of them. So we'll get some closeups. But first, let's do our bottoms-up and top-down pics:

Please do note the beauty mark on the middle finger of his right hand!

For size comparison, here's Wen Kexing with his OG official fig counterpart:

You can definitely see what I mean by how big this fig is! Maybe I should call it a statue instead of a fig.

Alright, time for our close ups.

Just beautiful. I'll need to commission a matching A-Xu in the Taolin forest costume so I can have them heading off to Siji Manor.

This figure was an incredible price - less than $50 USD. An absolute bargain. I can't even imagine the time that went into this. This was less expensive than other individual figures or pairs of this size, so perhaps I just got lucky with the artist clearing space.

I had really wanted semi-realistic figures like this when Word of Honor was released and I watched it for the first time, so getting this now makes me really happy. The artist also had a snowy mountain set that I picked up around the same time, which should be arriving here relatively shortly. Please look forward to it! I can't wait myself.

Material: Ultra-light clay

Fig Count: 386

Scene Count: 26

Rating: Pure artistry

[link back to Master Fig Index for more posts]

[simslegacy5083]

NSB (Straud Legacy) Gen 9 Ep 100: To Put it Simply

The interior of the “love cove” their ancestors led the couple to was like something out of a dream:  a lush, glow-in-the-dark, secret garden dream.

Noemi gazed around in wonder at the overgrown pond and sparkling crystals , but Luigi’s eyes were locked on the final ghostly “helper” of the evening, his grin widening as he smelled the delicious aroma of a dish he’d never thought he’d taste again in this life.

His beloved Papa Jack stood by a small table bearing dainty heart shaped pastries and a large bowl of his signature Matzo Ball soup. “When I heard about this plan, I jumped at the chance to cook with your dad again and meet my boy’s love… Hi Noemi.” The ghost smiled and came forward for hugs.

Jack found himself practically bruised by his son’s enthusiastic embrace. When he was finally released, he turned to Noemi, as happy to meet her and his gestating grandson as she was to finally meet Luigi’s beloved Papa Jack in person.

Jack invited the pair to sit down for dinner at the familiar card table Luigi recognized from the homestead. Instead, Noemi surprised them both by spinning into her swimwear!

“What I need more than dinner right now” she said, “Is to cool off in that magical looking pond!” Luigi followed suit, offering a smile and a shrug for their ghostly host, who laughed as the pair of young ones splashed into the water arm in arm.

Jack wished them well and took his leave, but not before promising his boy “I’ll be back to see that grandson of mine sometime soon!”

After that Luigi got in a bit of exercise while Noemi floated peacefully on her back, not emerging from the water until he began to fret “Let’s eat. You won’t get to enjoy the full experience of Papa Jack’s signature dish if we let it get cold”!

Luigi served them both a steaming bowl of soup, wolfing his down while Noemi did her best not to let on that dumplings wasn’t her favorite.

Once they finished Luigi cleared away the bowls, but instead of returning to the table with dessert he set a small box down in front of his lady love.

He hadn’t prepared any big speech, and he certainly hadn’t planned to propose in his swim trunks, but he refused to let that get in the way of speaking his heart: “Noemi, you know I love you. I’ve always loved you as much as you would let me. Will you let me be your love forever?”

🎶I’m asking you to be my true companion🎶

Noemi stared at the sparkling ring with an unreadable expression as the silence stretched painfully for the anxious Luigi.

He remembered how sure he’d been back in high school that Haylee would accept his prom invite. What would he do if Noemi said no? Historically with her the answer seemed to be “just carry on until she feels differently” but would that work the same with their baby in the mix?

From Noemi’s perspective time wasn’t frozen but rather a swirl of memories, both good and bad. Kiana’s very different proposal, the ups and downs of her first marriage: all of it so very different than she had thought it would be. Was she ready to try marriage again, with a child?

The child in question kicking enthusiastically in her belly finally broke her trance. Noemi glanced down and smiled. They didn’t have to get married to raise this little acrobat, but she knew in her heart that she wanted to. She slid on the ring. “Yes, Lu. You and me, and baby makes three. Forever.”

View The Full Story of My Not So Berry Challenge Here

[rainbowbobatea]

A Day of Deliveries💐🌹🥀

Shar's day is going from bad to worse.

First, hair appointment was cancelled last minute. Then, it started to pour during a walk. And now? She’s stuck at home. She stares out the window, watching raindrops race down the glass, each one a reminder of her ruined plans. Her reflection stares back, hair a mess thanks to the canceled appointment. She runs her fingers through the tangled strands, wincing.

"Ugh, why today of all days?" she mutters, flopping onto the couch.

Her phone buzzes. A message from Hugh pops up: "Miss you, babe. Wish I could be there."

Shar's heart aches. She types back: "Miss you mooore. This day sucks :(“

She scrolls through her camera roll, lingering on photos of her and Hugh. His smile, those strong arms wrapped around her...ugh, it’s not fair. Why does he have to be halfway across the world filming when she needs him most?

Another buzz. Hugh again: "Make sure you stay home all day, okay?"

Shar raises an eyebrow. "You don't have to ask me twice. It's pouring outside anyway..."

She tosses her phone aside, curiosity piqued but too drained to dwell on it. The rain intensifies, drumming against the roof. Shar closes her eyes, trying to find comfort in the rhythmic sound.

Minutes later, the doorbell chimes.

"You've got to be kidding me," Shar grumbles, hauling herself off the couch.

She shuffles to the door, not bothering to check her appearance. Who cares? It's probably just another package she forgot she ordered.

Shar swings the door open. A delivery person stands there, holding an enormous bouquet of roses.

"Delivery for Shar?" they say, thrusting the flowers towards her.

"Oh! Um, yes, that's me," Shar stammers, caught off guard.

She takes the bouquet, its sweet fragrance filling her nostrils. A small card nestles among the blooms. She plucks it out, reading the familiar scrawl:

"To brighten your day. All my love, Hugh."

"Awww, that is so sweet," Shar coos, a smile spreading across her face.

She brings the roses inside, searching for a vase. As she arranges them on the kitchen counter, her stomach growls loudly.

Shar's smile fades a bit. "But... I can't eat roses. I am starving."

She glances at her phone, wondering if she should text Hugh a thank you. Before she can decide, another message from him pops up:

"Did you get my surprise? ;)"

Shar grins, typing back: "Just got them! They're gorgeous, babe. Thank you <3"

She hits send, then adds: "Though I wish they were edible lol. My stomach's doing its best whale impression right now."

Shar's stomach growls again as she stares at the beautiful roses. They're a sweet gesture, but they don't exactly satisfy her hunger. She's about to head to the kitchen to scrounge up something to eat when another knock echoes through the house.

"What now?" she mutters, padding back to the door.

She swings it open, ready to sign for yet another delivery. Instead, the mouthwatering aroma of burgers and fries hits her nose. A delivery guy stands there, holding a familiar white and red bag.

"In-N-Out for Shar?" he asks. “And…Crumbl cookie?”

Her eyes widen. "Uh, yes! That's me!"

She takes the box of cookies and the bag, inhaling deeply. The scent of grilled onions and fresh-cut fries makes her mouth water. As she closes the door, she notices a note taped to the bag:

"Thought you might need some real food. Enjoy, love. - H"

Shar grins, shaking her head. "You’re so over the top.”

She plops down on the couch, spreading out her feast. Double-double, animal style fries, and a shake. Her stomach rumbles in anticipation as she unwraps the burger.

"Mmm," she moans, taking a big bite. The flavors explode on her tongue - juicy beef, melted cheese, grilled onions, and that special sauce. It's exactly what she needed.

She picks up a still-warm chocolate chip cookie, taking a big bite. It's soft and gooey, with just the right amount of chocolate. Shar closes her eyes, savoring the sweetness. Another text from Hugh pops up:

"How's the food, babe?"

She grins, typing back: "You're too good to me. It's perfect."

As she's reaching for a second cookie, the doorbell rings yet again. Shar pauses mid-reach, cookie hovering inches from her mouth.

"Damn, Hugh," she exclaims, laughing. "I’m not that hungry!"

She sets the cookie down and heads to the door, wondering what on earth could be next. This time, it's a small package.

Curious, Shar signs and takes the package. It's light and about the size of a shoebox. She brings it inside, examining the label. It's from an eyewear company she doesn't recognize.

Shar tears open the package, revealing a sleek glasses case. Inside, she finds a pair of adorable pink glasses. They're exactly the style she's been eyeing for months.

"No way," she breathes, trying them on.

They fit perfectly, the pink frames complementing her skin tone beautifully. Shar rushes to the mirror, admiring her reflection. She can't believe Hugh remembered her mentioning wanting a new pair of glasses. It was such a casual comment, made in passing weeks ago.

Still surprised, Shar grabs her phone. She snaps a quick selfie with her new glasses, the roses visible in the background. She sends it to Hugh with the caption:

"You're unbelievable. How did you remember?”

His reply comes almost instantly: "I always listen when you talk, babe. You look gorgeous."

Shar blushes, her heart swelling with affection. She types back:

"I don't know how you pulled all this off from across the world, but thank you. I love you so much."

Hugh: "I love you more :)”

Feeling a bit better, Shar takes a bunch of more selfies to send to him. The roses make a perfect backdrop as she holds up her new pink glasses. She's about to set her phone down when another knock echoes through the apartment. Shar pauses, eyebrows raised in surprise.

"Again?" she says aloud, glancing at the door. "What else could there possibly be?"

Curiosity gets the better of her, and she makes her way to the door. This time, she peeks through the peephole first, half-expecting to see Hugh himself standing there with that cheeky grin of his. But it's just another delivery person, handing her what looks like a large, squishy package.

As Shar takes the package, she can feel how incredibly soft it is even through the wrapping. Her fingers sink into the plush material, and she finds herself stroking it absently as she closes the door.

Back in the living room, she tears open the package, revealing a blanket so adorable it makes her gasp. It's pink, incredibly fluffy, and covered in Hello Kitty designs. Shar immediately wraps it around her shoulders, reveling in its warmth and softness.

"Aww, seriously?" she murmurs, snuggling deeper into the blanket.

As she adjusts the blanket, a small card falls to the floor. Shar bends to pick it up, recognizing Hugh's handwriting immediately. It reads:

"For when you miss my hugs."

He's just too adorable. She clutches the blanket tighter, imagining Hugh's strong arms around her instead. Well…okay, it's not the same, but it's a sweet gesture that makes her feel remembered.

"Awww, babe!" she exclaims.

Shar settles onto the couch, cocooned in her new Hello Kitty blanket. She reaches for another cookie from the Crumbl box, munching contentedly as she waits for Hugh's response.

The rain continues to patter against the windows, and she feels kinda guilty for making all these delivery men run through such shitty weather.

Almost.

Shar's peaceful moment is interrupted by yet another knock on the door. She blinks, her cookie halfway to her mouth.

"You've got to be kidding me," she mutters, setting the cookie down. "Who is it now?"

Reluctantly, she untangles herself from the Hello Kitty blanket and pads to the door. She's lost count of how many deliveries she's received today. Part of her wonders if Hugh has somehow arranged for an endless parade of gifts to arrive.

"Another delivery for Shar," the delivery man sighs, drenched from the rain.

"That's me."

"Yeah, I know…"

As she closes the door, she examines the package. It's wrapped in bright yellow paper with red balloons printed all over it. A familiar cartoon bear peeks out from the corner of the wrapping.

"No way," Shar gasps, her eyes widening.

She hurries to the living room, placing the box on the coffee table. Eagerly, she tears away the wrapping paper, revealing a cardboard box adorned with the unmistakable image of Winnie the Pooh.

Shar lifts the lid, and her breath catches in her throat. Inside, nestled in tissue paper, are three adorable plush toys: Winnie the Pooh, Piglet, and Eeyore.

"Awww," she whispers, gently lifting Pooh out of the box.

The plushies are sooo soft. She hugs them close, inhaling the fresh, new-toy scent. Shar arranges the three plushies on the couch, stepping back to take a picture of them. She texts it to Hugh.

"Okay, NOW you're just showing off. How did you know about my Pooh obsession?"

His reply comes quickly: "A little birdie told me. Or should I say, a little Piglet? ;)"

Shar rolls her eyes. "You are way too corny."

She settles back onto the couch, pulling the Hello Kitty blanket around her shoulders and hugging Pooh close. As she reaches for another cookie, her phone buzzes with another message from Hugh:

"I'm glad you like them, babe. Wish I could be there to see your face."

Shar smiles, typing back: "Me too. Though I hope this is the last delivery. My apartment's starting to look like a gift shop!"

Hugh's response is a simple laughing emoji, which makes Shar narrow her eyes suspiciously. Knowing him, there could very well be more surprises on the way…

Knock, knock, knock.

Well, looks like she's right.

"Coming!"

With a mix of excitement and slight exasperation, she makes her way to the door. As she opens it, she's met with the sight of a the same thoroughly drenched and visibly annoyed delivery man. Before Shar can even utter a word, he thrusts a package into her hands.

"Another one," he grumbles, not even waiting for a response before turning on his heel and stomping away.

Shar rolls her eyes at his attitude, though she can't entirely blame him—she'd be mad too if she had to spend a whole day giving gifts to someone in the rain. She quickly shuts the door, leaning against it as she inspects the package in her hands. It's smaller than the previous ones, about the size of a shoebox, and surprisingly light.

"Chile, I'm so confused what this could be," she murmurs, turning the box over in her hands.

As if on cue, her phone buzzes. Shar sets the package down on the nearby table and fishes her phone out of her pocket. It's a message from Hugh - a single winking emoji.

Seconds later, another text pops up: "Hope you like what's inside..."

Shar's eyebrows shoot up. This man….I can't sometimes.

She picks up the package again, carrying it to the living room. Settling on the couch, she begins to carefully unwrap it; the Winnie the Pooh plushies watch with their stitched-on eyes as she peels away the layers of packaging.

Finally, Shar lifts the lid off the box. Her eyes widen, and her mouth forms a perfect 'O' of surprise as she realizes what's inside.

There, nestled in tissue paper, is a sleek, modern vibrator.

"H-hugh!?"

Shar's eyes go wide as saucers, her cheeks flushing at the sight of the vibrator. She pulls out her phone, her thumb hovering over the screen as she debates texting him.

But before she can draft a response, her phone starts ringing. Hugh's name flashes on the screen. She answers, curiosity and anticipation swirling in her stomach.

"Hey love," Hugh's deep voice rumbles over the line. "…I hope you play with yourself while I'm away."

Shar's mouth falls open, but before she can respond, he hangs up.

"…um," Shar breathes, setting her phone down. She had joked about wanting sex toys in the past, but she never expected Hugh to take it seriously…

Slipping away, Shar carries the box into her bedroom, locking the door behind her. She climbs onto her bed, her heart pounding...slowly, she unbuttons her jeans, sliding them off along with her panties. She traces her fingers over her exposed skin, her breath quickening…

Shar turns on the vibrator, the soft buzz filling the room. She runs it gently over her thighs, teasing herself as her body responds to the touch. Her eyes drift closed as she leans back, her head resting on the pillows, teasing it against her-

Knock, knock.

Are. You. Fucking. Kidding. Me?

"Ugh, seriously?" Shar groans, her eyes snapping open.

Annoyed at the interruption, she swings her legs over the side of the bed and wraps the blanket around herself. She pads to the door, pulling it open to reveal yet another delivery person, this one looking equally as exasperated as she feels.

"Yeah, me too," Shar sighs.

The delivery person sighs in response, thrusting a package into her arms before leaving. She tears open the wrapping, her eyes widening at the contents.

"Oh, Hugh," she breathes, her cheeks flushing again.

Inside is a set of lingerie - a sheer black bra and matching thong, along with a silk robe. The fabric is soft and luxurious, shimmering in the light. As if on cue, her phone buzzes with a text from

Hugh: "Wear this for daddy, ok?"

Her heart skips a beat. Flashes of him coming home, and tearing off her thong so she can ride his thigh flashes into her mind. She swallows. With trembling fingers, she types back a quick response:

"yes, sir."

Hugh: "Good. Good girl."

Shar's heart races as she slips into the lingerie Hugh sent. The sheer black fabric clings to her curves, making her feel exposed…she runs her hands over the silky material, imagining Hugh's touch instead of her own. His rough hands instead of her soft palms…

Knock! Knock!

Just as she's adjusting the straps of the bra, a loud knock on her bedroom door makes her jump out of her skin. Her heart leaps into her throat, panic setting in. Who could that be?

The front door was locked...or did she accidentally leave it unlocked?

A terrifying thought crosses her mind - did the delivery man break in, seeking revenge for all those trips up the stairs in the pouring rain? Shar's eyes dart around the room, looking for something to defend herself with. She spots the baseball bat under her bed, something she stashed away just in case.

Perfect.

Shar grabs the bat, her palms sweaty against the worn grip. She creeps towards the door, her bare feet silent on the carpet. The knocking comes again, more insistent this time. Shar takes a deep breath, steeling herself.

In one swift motion, she yanks open the door and swings the bat with all her might. But before it can connect, a familiar voice cries out.

"Stop!"

Shar freezes mid-swing, the bat hovering inches from Hugh's face. Her eyes widen in shock and disbelief.

"Hugh!?"

He stands there, hands raised in surrender, a mixture of amusement and alarm on his face. Shar lowers the bat, her heart pounding for an entirely different reason now.

"Chile, you nearly scared me to death!" she exclaims, her voice a mix of relief and exasperation. "What are you doing here? I thought you were away filming?"

Hugh stands in the doorway, his hands still raised in a gesture of surrender. "I-I wanted to surprise you," he says, his voice a mix of sheepishness and excitement.

Shar lowers the bat completely, her heart still racing. "And surprise me you did," she replies, her tone caught between annoyance and relief.

She's about to launch into how close she was to beating him up, but the words die on her lips as she notices the look on Hugh's face. His eyes are wide, his lips slightly parted, and there's an intensity in his gaze that makes her breath catch in her throat.

"What?" she asks, suddenly self-conscious.

Hugh swallows hard, his eyes roaming over her body. "You just…look so good in that," he says, his voice low and husky.

It's only then that Shar remembers what she's wearing - or rather, what she's barely wearing. The sheer black lingerie leaves little to the imagination, and she feels a flush creeping up her neck and into her cheeks as she stares at him.

He's drenched from the rain, his usually perfectly styled hair now a wet, tousled mess. Droplets of water cling to his scruffy beard, and his shirt is plastered to his chest, outlining every muscle. Shar finds herself staring, her earlier irritation melting away.

"I'm sorry for scaring you," he says softly. "It's just that... I missed you so much. So fucking much, babe."

Shar' drops the bat, letting it clatter to the floor as Hugh closes the distance between them.

"You're soaked," she says, her fingers playing with the wet strands of hair at the nape of his neck.

Hugh chuckles. "Mhm. And you're soaked too, love."

Shar gives him a look. "What are you talking about? I wasn't in the rain-"

The smirk on his face stops her next words. It suddenly dawns upon her what he actually meant. Jaw dropping, she shoves him away, crossing her arms in embarrassment.

"BABE!"

"Yessss?" Hugh sings.

Realization hits her, and her eyes go wide. "Wait, were you secretly watching from somewhere…?”

"Maybe…maybe not."

"You perv!" Shar yells, hitting him.

Hugh chuckles, his eyes darkening with desire. "You have no idea."

Shar's breath quickens as she leans in, capturing his lips in a hungry kiss. She parts her lips, tasting the rawness of him. Their tongues dance as she loses herself in the sensation of finally having him here, really here.

Hugh responds with a growl, his hands tightening on her hips. He lifts her up and brings her to the bed, settling her on his lap. He guides her, grinding her against his thigh, letting her feel the hardness of him beneath his jeans.

"You've been such a good girl while I've been away," he murmurs against her lips, his breath warm on her skin. "Daddy's gonna reward you."

Shar whimpers, her body throbbing with need. She grinds herself against his thigh, seeking relief from the insistent throbbing. "Please..." she breathes, not sure what she's begging for, but knowing she needs something.

"That's it, baby," Hugh rasps, his lips trailing down her neck. "Ride daddy's leg, feel better. Daddy's sorry for being away for so long."

Shar's head falls back as she rides his damp leg, seeking that perfect spot. His strong thigh presses against her, providing the delicious friction she craves. She keens, feeling a rush of wetness pooling between her thighs.

"Grind against me, baby," Hugh urges. "Don't stop until you cum. You better not stop."

Shar whimpers, but obeys. She loses herself as she grinds her sensitive nub against him, the scratch of his scruffy beard against her neck, and the scent of his cologne filling her lungs.

"That's it, baby," Hugh groans, his voice hoarse. "Let go. Cum for daddy."

Shar cries out, her body shuddering as wave after wave of pleasure washes over her. Her vision blurs, and her knees weaken, but Hugh holds her tightly, his thigh still moving against her even as he whispers filthy praises into her ear.

Finally, she whimpers, her body boneless as she collapses against him. Hugh smiles softly, brushing the hair from her forehead and placing a gentle kiss on her temple.

"That's my good girl," he murmurs, his voice warm and loving.

[paixarina]

Valentine's Birthday

: ̗̀➛ Kantaro Misuji x GN!Reader

"A lovely valentine's day and birthday for an active social media influencer idol boy."

"IT'S MY BIRTHDAY! AND VALENTINE'S DAY! WOOHOO!"

Kantaro shouts happily, which greatly surprises you in shock. Today it's Kantaro's birthday and also Valentine's Day as well. From your assumptions, that means he would get double prizes. One is for his birthday, the other could be a bunch of chocolates and valentine's cards dedicated to him.

But, which one he should enjoy in his day? A box of high-quality chocolate bonbons or a sweet, creamy colorful birthday cake? He's quite indecisive since he loves both. He enjoys the merriness and happiness on birthday, but he also would like to enjoy the sweetness and tender feelings during Valentine's Day.

You were confused to decide which one that could be a great gift to him, until you remembered how picky Kantaro is.

Kantaro always wants anything. He always wants this and he always wants that. When it didn't go well, he would be unhappy and complained, which annoys you a lot. However, since it's his birthday, you tried to focus to his positive, bright side instead. "This is a wrong time to remind myself of his negative trait." You muttered while planning for what should you do to greet him on his birthday.

Then, suddenly, you got a wonderful idea...

"Hey, Hey! Have you bought anything for my birthday yet?" Kantaro asked you with a bright smile.

You nodded. "Yes, I have, but first you have to close your eyes with your palms so I can surprise you with my gifts." You instructed him while he nodded like a happy child.

"Okay! Woohoo!" He shouts happily and follows your instruction properly. Then, he quickly covers his eyes with his palms, while you putting out everything you have bought for his birthday.

"Can I open my eyes now?" Kantaro asked you impatiently. You shake your head slowly, "No, you couldn't yet. I have to organize it properly, once I finally could finish it, then you can open your eyes."

"Understood!" Kantaro shouted.

After you have done your preparation, you sighed in relief and turned your head at Kantaro, approach him to surprises him.

"Psst! Hey, now you can open it.... one.... two.... three.... SURPRISE!!!"

Kantaro quickly opens his palms and gets amused. The birthday gifts he will get in general are heart-shaped chocolate box, a rainbow cake for his birthday, a bunch of sweets, a pink teddy bear plushie and a valentine's day letter card.

"UWAAA... THESE ARE FOR ME?! THANK YOU THANK YOU SO MUCH UWAAAAAAAAA I GREATLY APPRECIATE YOUR GIFTS, I'M SO GRATEFUL UWAAAAAA" Kantaro quickly hugs you tightly with excitement while you feel squeezed from his hug.

"You're welcome. I'm glad you like it, but please let me go I can't breath." You accept his compliment while he lets his arms away from you.

"Anyways, I need to take the picture first before I ate the cake!" Kantaro pulls of his phone and take a picture with his gifts. He even asked you to take a selfie together, which you begrudgingly agreed since you have nothing to do besides just standing there.

"Are you ready... 3... 2... 1..."

"CHEESE!"

*SNAPS*

Kantaro giggled as he looked at the picture he took on his phone. You smiled at him tenderly while he enjoyed his birthday with your gifts. Even though it's just a small party, it still means a lot to him, as well as brings a big smile to him.

"Happy birthday Kantaro, have a special day on your birthday..."

[inventors-fair]

Chapter Two: This Week's Runners-up! ~

And our (very strong) runners-up this week are @batatafilosofal, @hanavesinauttija, and @spooky-bard!

@batatafilosofal — Alesha Defies Death (Alesha, Who Smiles at Death)

I think this card, despite being one of my favorites, suffers from being just a little too out there for the winner’s circle. Despite that, it’s a tight margin, and I genuinely wanted to make more space for winners this week. Alas, restrictions and creativity—restrictions like mana, which mean that this could be an RWW Jeskai splash in the Khans world, weirdly enough? What I really like is how you made that overlap okay with your mana necessities, and on top of that the way that you placed this card in the world is just plain cool. It’s the timeline’s story that was unbroken no matter where the clans went, a story that echoes.

That ultimate is a bit crazy, but no matter, I would’ve done two. The first ability, I believe, should be worded like Urza’s Saga: “Alesha Defies Death gains “Creatures you control have first strike.”” Bit wordy but you can adjust the text box sizes or whatever. Middle chapter is awesome still. So where does that lead us? I want to commend you first and foremost for really spinning a new idea onto an older story. Surprising and impressive all at once.

@hanavesinauttija — Isperia, Assassin’s Trophy (Assassin’s Trophy)

Not much to say that’s not already present, right? Phenomenal job making this card out to be the actual trophy part of the trophy; honestly the original spell seems slightly odder in its namesake compared to this card. It’s great to see it be a monument, almost. The reflection in the flavor text of that change is both welcome and natural. Vraska’s stony return is fascinating and speaks to the power of this moment’s presence. It lends an almost in medias res quality; we return to Ravnica again, and boom, there’s no Isperia. Here’s her trophy. What happened? We don’t get to see the assassination, and that’s all the more mysterious.

It’s also a great way to get rid of your lands, heh. Excess lands? Sac ‘em and weep. This card is great for getting death triggers as well as mitigating the damage from tokens. Your own tokens biting the dust is great, too! Drawing and gaining life is excessively powerful when done this repeatedly, but if you have a 10/10 trampler coming after you, it ain’t gonna do as much good. But it could be okay if you draw into something! Who are we kidding, though. Maybe you get burned out instead and nobody attacks, heck. That’s not gonna happen in limited, though, and this card is a weirdly interactive warning for all who dare want to come by and take what Vraska rightfully stoned up. I’d have to see this one in action, honestly. Perhaps the discouragement from attacking is a bit much.

@spooky-bard — Adversary’s Executor (Grand Crescendo)

Heck it. This card’s a personal favorite of mine this week. You got this guy that I’m totally not imagining as a handsome ogreish bouncer coming in and wrecking the party, and, uh... Lost my train of thought. This card’s still absolutely amazing, though, and I’m glad it’s a rare and a stunner of a bomb. It’s rare that you see a card with such a clear pre-combat vibe to it, a threat to end all threats. The citizens clear out, and now even the big boys are going to have to contend with the hustle of an ogre who’s been sold to the highest bidder, that being Mob Nixilis.

Having the treasures be tapped is probably the best option, so good call there, whoof. I wouldn’t call it a boardwipe but it makes the 4/3s that you’ve been amassing all the crazier. Menacing into some chump-blockers feels awesome for sure, and then the combination of Riveteer Treasures and Maestro kick-you-while-you’re-down-ing just ends up being awesome, too. I think this is a great other-side-of-the-page card for sure. It has nothing to do with the mechanics of its predecessor and everything to do with its presence. Admittedly, killing a bunch of 1/1s is relevant, but I mean in terms of the cards’ goals, that those are antithetical. One of them wants to be the life of the party, and this card? This card wants to clear the room, because it’s bashing and looting time. The show’s hardly over, but it’s sure as heck stopped.

Commentary to follow. Eventually. It's a long day today. —@abelzumi

[skyler10fic]

Home for the Holidays: Christmas Carol + Holidaisy = 4ever

By Skyler10

Summary: Daisy has had an engagement ring hidden from Carol for a year. This Christmas, she plans to propose while they are home at Melinda and Phil's house. But the holiday is also a reminder of Carol's family's rejection, so it's not all magic and mistletoe. Can Daisy make this year the "best Christmas ever" as Carol predicts it will be?

Read on Ao3

Daisy had been hiding the small ring box for a year. 

Last Christmas, Grandma Lian had given it to Daisy. 

“I have a gift for you. In my purse. Come with me.” 

“Ooo! Is this something from your collection?” Daisy lit up as she saw the ring box. Grandma Lian had acquired treasures from around the world in her travels, and Daisy loved to hear the stories behind them.

“You can keep it for yourself, or maybe you will want to give it to a special young woman. But you should have this.” Grandma Lian pressed the box into Daisy’s palms. “Your grandpa gave me this when we were very young. He gave me many pretty things when we were married, but this one is special.” 

“Grandma, is this your engagement ring?” Daisy opened the box and stared at the simple row of small diamonds in a silver band. The setting was exactly what she’d pictured giving Carol. 

“It is. I have no need for it, and if you like, it can be used for its intended purpose once more. When you’re ready, of course. Or simply consider it a gift.” 

“Aww, thank you.” Daisy hugged her and stuffed the ring box in her dress pocket until she could sneak back to her room to hide it better. Daisy knew they weren’t quite at that step yet, but one day, she’d be ready. 

Somehow, a year had flown by. Carol had been away for work off and on throughout the year, and Daisy had been pulling long hours herself. It all paid off with plenty of money and vacation time stored up for Christmas with Daisy’s parents and then a beach trip over New Year’s. And it couldn’t come soon enough. Escaping from the city together was exactly what they needed.

As they drove, the past weeks’ tension and shortness with each other slipped away. Carol grew quiet as they passed her old high school and the area of town she grew up in, and then again as they passed the turn-off to her parents’ current house. 

“Have you heard anything—?” Daisy started tentatively, but Carol cut her off. 

“No, no. It’s fine. Aunt Wendy said she got a Christmas card this year, just signed from my mom. So that’s something. My brother is still following me on Instagram, so I comment on his posts sometimes. He doesn’t reply much, but that’s not really a change.”

“Not really the chatty type.” Daisy had only met him a few times, but he mostly kept to himself when they had, especially in big groups or loud restaurants. 

“Exactly.” Carol signaled and turned onto the familiar lamplit street she’d hurried down with a duffle bag on her shoulder only a year before. In some ways, it seemed like so much longer. 

And in others, it was unchanged. Rows and rows of decorated houses, the lamp posts with their wreaths, and Phil out front salting the sidewalk before their arrival. 

“Dad!” Daisy hopped out of the car as soon as Carol turned off the engine. 

“Merry Christmas, sweetheart.” He hugged her close and beckoned Carol in for a group hug. He helped them carry their bags into the house and Melinda put on some spiced cider as they chatted about the drive and the weeks since they had caught up. 

“We have a surprise for Carol,” Phil announced and he ushered them into the living room. Hanging on the mantel were four stockings instead of three, and one had Carol’s name embroidered on it, just like the rest of the family’s. Purple for Daisy, light blue for Melinda, silver for Phil, and now royal blue for Carol. 

“I don’t know what to say. Thank you.” Carol touched the soft woven fabric in awe.

Daisy slipped her arm around Carol’s waist. “It’s beautiful.” 

“Did you know?” Carol asked her. 

“They asked me if I thought you’d like one and I said yes, but I didn’t see the final result.” 

Carol turned to Phil and Melinda. “It’s perfect.” 

Phil teased with a twinkle in his eye, “Now the real mystery is, what will Santa put in them on Christmas morning?” 

Daisy laughed. “Dad, we haven’t done stocking stuffers since I was a kid. Next you’re going to be talking milk and cookies.”

Melinda pursed her lips in amusement. “Remember that time Daisy insisted we put out carrots for the reindeer?” 

Phil shook his head. “Oh no, that’s not the full story.” He leaned in to explain to Carol. “She begged me to find hay for them. Hay. On Christmas Eve. The best I could do was some carrots from the fridge!” 

Daisy tsked. “Those carrots in the yard were eaten.” 

Melinda snorted and walked toward the kitchen to check on the cider. “Yeah, by a raccoon.” 

Daisy faked an offended gasp and they all laughed. Phil followed Melinda to the kitchen but the girls hung back, admiring the tree. 

Daisy sighed and rolled her eyes as she caught sight of something hanging above them in their reflection in the big picture window. 

“What?” Carol followed her gaze upward. Hanging from the ceiling just a few feet to the left was a sprig of mistletoe. “Hmm.” She repositioned Daisy so they were directly under it. “There we go.” 

Daisy laughed but kissed her anyway. “Nerd.” 

“Tradition!” Carol countered. “Besides, I earned it for driving.” 

“You did,” Daisy conceded. “And you didn’t even yell at any of the other cars.” 

“Exactly. Not out loud at least.” 

Carol was too proud of herself so Daisy took her hand and guided her to the kitchen for cider and gingerbread cookies. What Carol had missed last year was the annual decorating tradition that accompanied cider night. Daisy decorated a gingerbread woman in a white dress. She thought about adding a veil but chickened out and made white curly hair instead. She hadn’t noticed Carol was decorating a gingerbread woman too. Carol asked to borrow the white icing when Daisy was done with it and added white hair to hers too. She placed hers next to Daisy’s on the plate. 

“Aw, look at our old women.” Carol positioned them so their hands were side by side. “Growing old in their gingerbread house together.” 

Phil stopped decorating in contemplation. “So gingerbread people living in gingerbread houses, would that be like people made of bricks and sheetrock or houses made of—” 

“Okay!” Melinda held up a hand. “I don’t like where this is going. Kids, don’t eat too much and ruin your dinner. That includes you, mister.” She pointed at Phil who took a bite of defiance. She threw up her hands and set about cleaning up from their earlier baking. 

“I better help with that.” Phil jerked his thumb toward the sink with one hand and finished off his cookie with the other. 

Alone together at the kitchen table, Carol kept decorating but said lowly, “So I was thinking, while we’re on vacation, here and at the beach, what if we just turned work off completely? You know, do not disturb, no email, no calls or texts…” 

“Yeah,” Daisy agreed. That certainly fit into her plan. “I’ve already told everyone I’m out and unavailable, so I might as well actually stick to that.” 

“Exactly. Same. Just you and me.” 

“And them.” Daisy giggled as her dad played Christmas music on his phone and pulled her mom into a dance. 

—-------- 

When the rest of the lights in the house were off, Daisy and Carol slipped into bed, this time in Daisy’s childhood bedroom. Melinda had said she hoped Carol would be a good influence on Daisy to clean it out, but Carol agreed solely to hear all of Daisy’s stories about the things she kept over the years. That could wait for tomorrow, though. 

Instead of turning out the bedroom light, Carol got up and searched Daisy’s crowded desk for something… there it was. 

“What are you looking for?” Daisy sat up in bed on her elbows.

Carol turned around to reveal a Polaroid. “This.” 

Daisy beckoned her back, then adjusted her pillow to be more comfortable upright. “It should still have some film in it; god knows it’s long expired by now.” 

Carol brought the camera back to bed with her. She propped her pillow up next to Daisy, who took the camera and examined it in nostalgia for a second before raising it above their heads. 

“Smile,” she teased and pressed the button. The picture came out, but they would have to wait to see if it would develop into a discernible image or at all. 

Daisy was too impatient, though. “One more.” 

This time as she raised the camera and pressed the button, Carol kissed her temple.  

Carol took the camera and they shot two more until the film ran out. Daisy set the camera on the bedside table next to the developing photos. 

“What should we do while we wait?” she asked with the tip of her tongue peeking out of her teasing smile.

“I have an idea. Come here.” Carol pulled her in close and they kissed for a reasonable amount of time (and maybe more) for the photos to appear on the film. 

Carol began to take off Daisy’s shirt, but Daisy giggled and pointed to the band posters on the wall. “Not while everyone’s watching.” 

“We really have to take those down tomorrow,” Carol concluded. Daisy hummed in agreement and turned to the bedside table to check on the photos. 

“Oooh look,” Daisy sighed happily. The photos were not clear nor were they accurate colors, but they developed in a way that provided a romantic haze to them. She dug around in her bedside table drawer and produced a Sharpie. On the temple-kissing one, she wrote “Christmas Carol + Holidaisy = 4ever.”

Carol took the Sharpie and wrote their names surrounded by hearts and stars on one and drew a tree and sleigh with C + D in between on another. On the last, Daisy simply wrote, “I love you” with a heart. 

Photography session complete, they returned the photos to their spot next to the camera on the bedside table again and Daisy turned off the light so they could settle in for the night in comfortable, cozy darkness wrapped up in each other. 

“I can already tell,” Carol whispered, half asleep, “this is gonna be the best Christmas ever.” 

Daisy only answered with a kiss but thought to herself, “Oh, you have no idea.”

—-------

Their Christmas Eve was a busy one from the start. They cleaned out Daisy’s room first thing after breakfast, urged on by Melinda who gave them boxes for storage, donation, and recycling and bag for trash. The process was slowed a bit by Carol asking for backstories and Daisy recounting the memories behind several mementos, but eventually, they finished with three full boxes and a bulging trash bag. Carol helped her redecorate with what was left, so by lunchtime, Daisy’s childhood room was not only more organized but more fitting of a guest room for a grown couple. 

Next on the list, they dropped the donations off at a local shelter that needed the support, especially the toys and winter clothes this time of year. Then, the girls stopped by a downtown Christmas market for hot cocoa and walked hand-in-hand through rows of vendors who were eager for last-minute shoppers. They even made a last-minute rush to the store when they received a text that they were missing ingredients for tomorrow’s lunch with Melinda’s parents. Carol teased Daisy as they waited in line at the grocery store, pointing subtly to a pair of old women squabbling over whether they would have russet potatoes or sweet potatoes at their dinner. 

“Think that’s going to be us someday?” Carol winked. 

“Probably,” Daisy giggled. “I’m the one with the blue hair and you’re the one with the tracksuit.” 

“You know,” Carol imagined, “they probably do this every year. The day before, the lines are long, and they realize one of them put one kind of potatoes in the cart and one prefers the other that year.” 

“They probably know almost everyone in this store and all the butcher’s kids’ names.” Daisy played along. “When they don’t come in for too long, the cashiers start to worry.” 

Carol started unloading their few items onto the checkout belt. 

“I bet they—” she stopped as she saw who was paying at the register in the next line over. She paled and froze, with a box of butter sticks in her hand. 

“You okay?” Daisy followed her gaze, standing on tiptoes to see over the magazine rack from this angle. 

Sue Danvers made small talk with the cashier only feet away from them. Carol watched her carefully as she checked out, unaware her only daughter was so close. That is, until she lingered by the ice machine near the exit. Carol excused herself as Daisy paid and took their bag of items. When Daisy walked over, she could tell Carol and her mother were having a difficult, stilted conversation, so she hung back out of earshot but watched carefully. 

Carol’s back was to Daisy, but she said something that shocked Sue. Carol waited a beat more, but Sue shook her head and walked away. Daisy rushed over and took Carol’s hand with her free one. 

“Hey.” Carol squeezed Daisy’s hand and inhaled deeply. “Let’s go home.” 

Once they were in the car, Daisy didn’t press the issue but gently asked, “Wanna talk about it?” 

“Later,” Carol promised. 

But of course, they didn’t get a moment alone together until bedtime, and by then, they were content to let the magic of Christmas Eve sweep away the hard conversations and bad memories and heartache. Still, Daisy’s goodnight kiss lingered. 

“I love you, Christmas Carol,” she whispered into the dark. 

“Love you, Holidaisy,” Carol whispered back and cuddled her close. 

They held each other in protection against the bad memories and rejection of the outside world. In the safety of this love-filled home, they could sleep in peace. 

—-----------

Early Christmas morning, before Carol woke, Daisy snuck out of bed and grabbed the ring box hidden in her bag. She watched her sleeping girlfriend carefully while putting the ring box in her robe pocket. She crept out of the bedroom to the living room where the light of dawn was visible around the window’s curtains. It gave her just enough light to see Carol’s stocking hanging next to her own. She carefully pulled it off the snowman stocking hanger, but just as she did, she thought she heard a creak of the floor behind her. 

She whipped around to make sure Carol hadn’t followed her, but she didn’t see or hear anything else. Satisfied it was just the house settling, she pulled the ring box from her pocket, slid it into the new stocking, and rehanged it on the snowman hanger. She stepped back to make sure it wasn’t immediately obvious what was inside and thought she heard another creak. Finished with her task, she was free to investigate. She tip-toed back to the hall, but no one was there. The kitchen and dining room were similarly empty and quiet. It must have been her own movements after all. 

When she returned to bed, Carol was still asleep. That is, until the bed shifted when she got back in it. 

“Mmm Daiz?” Carol mumbled. 

“Shh, it’s not time yet. Go back to sleep.” 

“Mmk,” Carol sighed and did as she was told for another hour. 

Daisy eventually fell back asleep too, which surprised her. She thought she wouldn’t be able to with nerves about proposing this morning, but instead, she dreamt of walking in a dark snowy forest only illuminated by moonlight and the Christmas lights around the evergreen trees lining her path. When she got to the end, a giant, snowy, lit Christmas tree stood in a clearing. As the winter wind pierced her clothing, all she could think about was wishing Carol was there with her. And when she turned around to face the path, suddenly, in the way of dreams, Carol was there. Daisy took Carol’s freezing hand in her own and found herself sliding a ring made of ice crystals on Carol’s finger. Carol kissed her and when she opened her eyes, a snowman with a Bible was on one side and rows and rows of chairs filled with friends and family sat on the other side. 

“Oh no, the rings!” exclaimed the dream snowman (presumably Parson Brown of the “Winter Wonderland” song). Daisy looked down to find Carol’s ice ring had melted. Daisy watched as an identical ring on her own finger melted right in front of her eyes. Daisy tried to cry out but the sound stuck in her throat.

“It’s okay, my Holidaisy,” Dream Carol replied, amused at all the concern. “We’re forever. See?” The rings had melted into snowflake pattern markings on their fingers. Dream Carol kissed Daisy again and the crowd in chairs cheered, but Daisy noted she felt it not on her lips but on her forehead.

“Merry Christmas,” the very real, warm Carol whispered and brushed back strands of Daisy’s hair from falling in her face. 

“Hi,” Daisy croaked out. She turned onto her back and stretched. “Merry Christmas morning!”

Satisfied Daisy was awake, Carol got out of bed and headed to her suitcase to put on sweatpants, a sports bra, and a long-sleeved shirt with an evergreen tree print. “You looked really happy. What were you dreaming about? I hated to wake you, but your dad knocked and said pancakes are almost ready.”

“Wow, I can’t believe I slept through him stopping by.” Daisy sat up and smiled softly as she remembered her dream. “Just dreaming about kissing you in a winter wonderland.” 

“Supposed to snow later. Maybe we can make your dream come true.” Carol winked. “But for now, breakfast!” She left for the bathroom and Daisy changed, contemplating what to wear that would be nice enough to propose in but comfy enough to not raise suspicion. She went with a holiday shirt that roughly matched Carol’s, but with a holly and berry print instead. They could always do nice engagement photos later—assuming Carol said yes, of course. Daisy was fairly confident she would, but nerves told her not to get too cocky. What if Carol wasn’t ready? Or what if Christmas wasn’t the right time with its reminder of her family’s rejection? They had only seen Carol’s mom yesterday, so it wasn’t exactly ancient history. 

Daisy took a deep breath. The ring was already in the stocking. She couldn’t hesitate now. Carol was already in the kitchen by the time Daisy dressed and made her way to the bathroom. Daisy rehearsed her speech in her head, revising and then calming herself down again when she worried about messing it up. 

Once she stepped into the kitchen, though, the same feeling she had at this same sight last year settled her nerves. Carol and her parents and their holiday traditions fit so naturally. It was the very picture of home to Daisy. Carol saw her approaching and poured Daisy some coffee before pouring her own in the mugs Melinda had ready on the table for them. 

“Hot pancakes, coming through!” Phil called as he carried the plate from the stove to the table. He saw Daisy walk in and greeted her, “Hey, there she is. Merry Christmas, sweetheart.”  

“Merry Christmas, Dad. Thanks for the pancakes.” 

“Of course! Out of sprinkles this year, though.” 

Melinda came in and pecked a kiss to Phil’s cheek before explaining to the girls, “He did try to make them into shapes to make up for it, but they were ugly blobs so we ate them instead.” 

Daisy and Carol laughed at Phil’s expense. “You’d think a pancake snowman would be pretty easy with the circles, but it’s harder than it looks!” he explained. 

When they were finished with breakfast, they made their way to the living room, mugs of coffee and tea in hand. Daisy was surprised to see each stocking had something in it, and in particular, hers had a little box with a bow sticking out on top. The parents took their usual spots with Melinda sitting on the couch and Phil in his chair next to her. 

Carol spoke up quickly, “I think we should do stockings first, in a new tradition.” 

They agreed so she set down her coffee mug on an end table and took it upon herself to distribute the stockings, first to Melinda, who pulled out some calming loose-leaf tea. Then to Phil who had gourmet chocolates. Daisy stood by Carol, unsure of how to proceed with Carol apparently playing stocking stuffer elf for the others but as yet unaware there was something in her own stocking. 

“I got those when I was in Europe for my work conference a few weeks ago,” Carol explained. Ah. That at least explained why she had stocking stuffers ready for them all, Daisy reasoned. But Carol was still holding Daisy’s stocking. “For yours, if you don’t like it, you can have anything you want, but this just seemed like you.” 

Carol seemed especially anxious for Daisy’s reaction. Daisy’s heart skipped a beat as she pulled out the small wrapped box, but she chastised herself for jumping to conclusions just because rings were on her mind. It’s just a souvenir from her Europe trip, Daisy reminded herself, just like the others. Daisy nearly dropped it when she got the wrapping off and saw it was a hinged box… exactly like the kind…

Carol gently took the box from Daisy’s trembling hands and knelt on one knee in front of her. She opened the top to reveal the most perfect, gleaming ring. “Daisy May Coulson, you’ve given me so much already: hope, joy, peace, but most of all, love. You’ve given me a family and a home. I want to do the same for you for the rest of our lives. Will you marry me?” 

Daisy gasped in surprise but recovered enough to nod and say, “Yes, yes, yes” through welling tears that turned to laughter. Carol slid the ring on her finger and sighed in relief when it was exactly the right size. 

Phil and Melinda clapped and cheered. Daisy wiped her eyes and turned to get Carol’s stocking. “You might want to look inside. I didn’t wrap yours, but I hope you like it too.” 

Carol’s joy turned to puzzled surprise until she pulled out a ring box too. “Wait. Is this?” 

Daisy nodded. It was her turn to pop the question. She opened the box and asked, “And how about you, Carol Jane Danvers? Will you be my wife, forever?” She didn’t wait for an answer as she slid the ring on Carol’s finger. 

Carol kissed her before saying anything, then pulled away only slightly to say, “Yeah, you know what? I think I will.” 

They all laughed at Carol’s teasing answer, and Phil and Melinda cheered again as Carol and Daisy kissed once more. 

Daisy turned to her parents to show them her ring. It was elegant, not too big but still obviously an engagement ring, feminine enough but not overly so. The thought that Carol knew her so well made her nearly burst with joy. As Carol showed Phil and Melinda her ring, they oohed and ahhed, but Phil let slip that both rings were “even prettier in person.” 

“Wait, you saw pictures of both of them?” Daisy furrowed her brow. She knew she’d sent her parents a photo of Carol’s ring… Oh. “This whole time, you knew we were both proposing on Christmas?”

“Yeah, we did,” Phil admitted. “What can I say, we’re pretty good at surprises.” 

Melinda added, “We didn’t know when exactly, until Carol handed off the gifts for us to put in the stockings last night.” 

Daisy turned to her now-fiancee. “Now why didn’t I think of that? That explains why I didn’t hear you get up at all last night.” 

Carol confessed, “Well, I should probably tell you, I didn’t just have them help hide the ring in the stocking either.” 

Daisy looked between Carol and her parents until Melinda explained. “She called a month ago and told us she was going to propose and asked for our blessing.” 

“I know it’s old fashioned,” Carol rushed out, “but you’re the most important person in my life, and you guys are my family, and—”

“Hey,” Daisy cut her off gently and took her hands. “That means the world to me, that you would want to and even think to do that, especially since you were planning on asking me here.” 

“If you’re curious, we said yes,” Phil replied with a wink. “Consider your engagement parentally blessed.” 

Daisy remembered an important bit of information. “And grandparentally blessed. That ring was Grandma Lian’s. I hadn’t even said anything to her about proposing back then—one year ago today, actually. She gave it to me with permission to use it for this when we were ready, and I’ve been dreaming of giving it to you ever since.”

“A year ago?” Carol was speechless. She admired the ring anew, now knowing it had even more family meaning and history behind it. 

Melinda cleared her throat. “Continuing on that theme, traditionally the bride’s parents help pay for the wedding, and making some assumptions that we’re not going to have any competition there, we want you to know we’re happy to help.” It was clear from Melinda’s tone that Sue and Joe Danvers were not exactly on her Christmas card list after the way they treated their daughter. 

Carol sank down on the couch next to Melinda, and Daisy followed. Judging from Carol’s frown, this was about to get serious. “Thank you. I was planning on only telling Daisy, but you two might as well know.” She took Daisy’s hand. “We saw my mom at the store yesterday. While Daisy was checking out, I told my mom I was planning on marrying Daisy, if she’d have me.” Carol met Daisy’s eyes, which were full of sadness and empathy. 

That solves that mystery, then, Daisy thought to herself. Out loud, she asked softly, “What’d she say? I saw you two were talking and then she just walked away. Was that when you told her?” 

Carol hung her head. “Yeah. Yeah, she was sort of stunned for a bit. I don’t think she expected it. Then she said she hoped we were happy but that she didn’t want to know more and not to tell my dad.”

“Oh babe,” Daisy hugged her. 

“Well, that answers my next question of whether they knew,” Melinda remarked. 

“Their loss is our gain,” Phil added. “It sounds redundant to say it at this point, but welcome to the family, Carol. Feels like we need a toast.” He raised a lukewarm cup of coffee, and the others did the same with their cooling coffee and tea. “Here’s to Daisy and Carol, may the love you share be a light to all, and may this year surround you with comfort and joy in each other and from all those who care about you.”

“Cheers,” Melinda agreed. Carol and Daisy echoed it and clicked mugs with Melinda and Phil. They all grimaced at their room-temperature drinks. 

Phil checked the time. “We’d better get this show on the road if we’re going to be ready in time for Lian and William to arrive.” 

Daisy resumed her usual place distributing the other gifts from under the tree, and they went about unwrapping, thanking each other, and cleaning up the scattered wrapping as usual. 

The last gift Daisy was waiting for, however, came later, with her grandmother’s nod of approval at the news and the sight of her ring on Carol’s finger. Just as she had intended. It didn’t mean Grandma Lian went soft on them, of course. They did still face a series of direct questions they weren’t prepared to answer, having only been engaged a few hours, but knowing they had her support and even encouragement helped them pass her tests of confidence with flying colors. 

Grandpa William was thrilled as well and told Carol she could call him Grandpa too instead of Mr. May, especially after hearing that her own grandparents had passed several years ago. 

—----------------

When the lunch was done and the photos were taken and the grandparents had gone home, Carol and Daisy found a moment to video call Carol’s Aunt Wendy and her wife, Victoria, to tell them the good news and show them the rings. They insisted on flying in for the wedding whenever the girls set a date, and as frequent travelers, they offered their expertise and connections for booking queer-friendly resorts and BnBs for potential honeymoon spots. 

After the video call, Carol and Daisy sent a quick photo showing off their rings to their friend group chat and posted a few more to social media with the caption: “We got each other the same thing for Christmas this year. Surprise!” with two ring emojis and a wedding chapel and two brides.   

Carol’s earlier sadness at her mom’s reaction faded back into memory as the magic of Christmas Day and the acceptance of her chosen family surrounded her. There would always be grief there, especially as she wondered whether she would even send her own parents a wedding invitation when it came time. But there was so much joy too, from the Coulsons to Aunt Wendy and Victoria to the all-caps ecstatic reply texts of their friend group to social media comments leaving happy emoji-filled reactions. The one that meant the most to Carol, though, was a simple Instagram like and “congrats sis” from her brother late that evening.   

She showed the last comment to Daisy on her phone just as their movie of the night, It’s a Wonderful Life, ended with “Auld Lang Syne.” She felt a bit like George Bailey, whose friends rallied around him in public support when he needed it most. 

Daisy smiled and pointed to the next one under Carol’s brother’s comment. This new one was from a former coworker’s daughter, a girl they had met at a company picnic a few summers ago and who had followed Carol on Instagram ever since. The comment read: “I’m only 16, so it’s going to be a while, but I want this someday. I just came out to my dad. He’s supportive but worried I’m not going to have a good life here in my new state where it’s harder than it was when I lived up there. I’m going to show him this so he knows I can be happy like you two.” 

The credits to the movie rolled, and Phil and Melinda said goodnight and turned off the TV. When they were gone, Daisy said softly to Carol, “This is about more than us, isn’t it?” 

“I hadn’t really thought of it like that,” Carol admitted. “But yeah, if I’d known about Aunt Wendy and Victoria when I was in high school, and just seen them be happy together as I figured things out, life might have been a lot easier for me.”

Daisy stood and stretched. “Then, I guess, for the sake of all the little girls out there, with the next generation watching, we will just have to live happily ever after.” 

Carol stood too and wrapped her arms loosely around her future wife. “Oh, we definitely will.” 

Daisy kissed her deeply, with the light of the Christmas tree gleaming behind them. Everyone else—all the details of wedding planning and the comments from social media and the eyes of the world that still viewed them as an issue to debate or an inspiration to uphold—could wait. 

For this moment, on Christmas night, this was their fairytale and theirs alone. 

Outside the living room window, the forecasted flurries began, giving the impression they were transported to their own little snowglobe. 

They went to the window to watch it fall, and Carol laughed to herself as she saw it from this side of the window this year, a beautiful white Christmas, safe and warm with her love wrapped in her arms.

It was snowing. Of course it was snowing.

[aerodaltonimperial]

work sucks, have more of this AU lol I'm miserable today

The next morning, Norris drags himself into Acacia's lobby with a venti latte clutched in his hand, the only shield he's really got. The security guard waves him through without a second glance, but as soon as he hits floor 23, footsteps sound behind him. "Second day, and you're already rolling in late with Starbucks."

"It's 8:01," Norris replies, incredulous.

"Nice impression you're making," Glenn replies.

"The elevator took fore--you know what, this is ridiculous," Norris says. "You are ridiculous. I'm not arguing with you."

"Because you know you'll lose?"

"Jesus Christ," Norris groans, as a woman wearing a smartly tailored suit walks up. The pencil skirt highlights her small frame, her dark hair pulled away from her neck in a braided bun. Norris recognizes her from the press release: Viper’s daughter, Riddel, heir apparent to the company fortune--should the company itself survive.

"Good morning," she says, and holds her hand out. Her grip is firmer than anticipated when they shake, and Norris is impressed despite himself. "I apologize for not being in the meeting yesterday to properly greet you. Today we thought we'd take a look at R&D, as I know your superiors are interested in what we have to offer there."

"You're planning on taking me right to the poor investment on day 2?" Norris asks. That's a surprise; he hadn't thought they would be so forthcoming about the costly mistake.

"There's no use hiding it if we intend for this partnership to be successful," she replies.

"Then by all means, lead on." Norris takes a step back.

He's not amused when Glenn trails behind them to the elevators, and the emotion must show on his face when he turns, for the man shrugs, blithely smug. "I'm making sure you don't try anything fishy."

"What on earth would I try?" Norris asks.

They take the elevator down into the basement where the air is cooler and Norris’s reception is set to grow even more so. He takes a single step forward, following Riddel's squared shoulders, and then Glenn grabs the coffee from his hand.

"Hey!" Norris says.

"No outside food or drink in the lab," Glenn tells him, looking far too happy when he drops it into the nearest trash can.

Norris opens his mouth and barely, just barely, swallows the expletive-laced response back. Riddel is too important to the merger to alienate within minutes, no matter how obnoxious her future brother-in-law is, and the worst thing is that Glenn is all too aware of it. Norris shuts his mouth with an audible snap and glares at him.

"Sorry," Glenn says, not sounding sorry at all.

"Naturally," Norris replies.

Riddel pulls out a card, swiping it across the black box mounted on the side of the wall near one of the big, nondescript white doors. "If you'll follow me, then."

Norrs expects to be escorted directly into one of the laboratory floors; instead, they end up in a small room made entirely of windows looking out over the white-clad scientists hard at work. There's only one other person in the room, typing away on an ancient-looking desktop unit, and Norris sighs, for he'd been anticipating this reunion ever since Glenn had dropped her name yesterday.

"Luccia," he says. "It's good to see you again."

"I wish I could say the same," she replies without so much as a hitch to her typing.

"You two know each other, I take it," Riddel offers. "We recruited Luccia from Porre Enterprises a few years back."

Luccia swivels around in the chair, glaring at Norris over the rim of her glasses. She doesn't look any different from the last time Norris saw her, save for the notable absence of bandages on her right arm--and the lack of rage as she screamed at the executive level, her finger waving in the air and her cheeks red. "Oh, we know each other. He's a snitch."

"Are you still angry about this?" Norris asks.

"You got me and my brother fired, so yes."

He sighs, shoving his hands as deep down into his pockets as he can so he can twist his fingers together, try to settle his nerves. "You weren't following the proper safety protocols. People were going to get hurt."

"I don't care about protocols," she hisses.

"That's nice, but OSHA does," Norris returns. He shifts to look at Riddel. "I assume you vetted her before extending the job offer?"

"Luccia has been here for two years, and everything is above board," Riddel says, though he can see that her demeanor has hardened a little. And to his left, Glenn's mouth has twisted ever so slightly down. Perhaps this wasn’t an entirely unanimous decision. Norris files that away, for breaks in the ranks are something Porre will want to look into further. "She's heading our newest research developments on the front line."

Luccia eyes him. "Go ahead: ask. I know you want to."

"Fine. Were you the one who suggested the partnership with Lynx Tech?"

"No," Luccia replies, though he's surprised her. Maybe she expected him to inquire as to her job application--or the gaps in her resume. She sits back a little, eyebrows arched. "And no, I wasn't consulted before that was signed."

Norris would have thought such risky AI tech would have her name stamped all over it. Someone else at Acacia had sought that out, then. Curiouser and curiouser. "I see. What are you working on now?"

"Without the AI piece, our most recent designs won't be of any use," Riddel tells him. "We're currently developing our own programming to fill the holes. And in the meantime, our scientists continue to push forward with breakthroughs in molecular stimulation."

"And you think you're on track?" Norris asks.

"All our most recent trials have produced the results we expected," comes Luccia's cryptic answer.

Norris frowns. He'll push that one later, after he's seen more of the books. "That sounds positive."

"If you give me ten minutes, I'll get a tour of the main laboratory set up for you," Riddel says, gesturing back to the hallway door. "If I could ask you to wait in the corridor..."

"Of course." Norris steps our, with Glenn on his heels. The other man is silent as they linger, waiting for Riddel to return.

Finally, Norris glances at him. "You're part of the hiring board, aren't you?"

"Yes," Glenn replies, his tone biting. "What's your point?"

"Strange that you didn't know why she'd been fired from Porre if you were, is all." Norris shrugs.

"I didn't say I didn't know that."

"You didn't have to," Norris tells him. He's too old to get such a swoop of enjoyment from finally getting the upper hand on their interactions, but oh well. "You don't have a very good poker face."

Glenn shakes his head. "You think you're so smart, don't you?"

"No, I know I'm smart. There's a difference."

"You're an ass, that's what you are."

Norris leans in to get in his face, just enough. "Something's going on here, and I'm going to figure out what it is."

"Nothing's going on here," Glenn snaps.

"Then I guess you don't have anything to worry about," Norris says, as Riddel opens the door once more, her heels clicking against the tiles.

"This way," she says.

[thefootballobserver]

April 9-11 European Roundup: Match Reviews

It was a week full of surprises, with underdogs exceeding expectations.

Wow. Nearly every match this week was filled with drama and reminded everyone of the beauty of continental competitions. From wonder goals to disappointing performances, here’s a brief review of a chunk of the matches played. I’ve only managed to watch these highlights, so these reviews do not represent the full matches but key moments.

Arsenal 2-2 Bayern Munich: Penalty Controversy Steals the Attention

A Harry Kane goal against Arsenal on his return to North London was written in the stars.

Of course, as a Spurs fan, it was a delight to see Harry Kane score against the Gunners, making him the highest goalscorer against Arsenal at the Emirates. As he said in his post-match interview, Arsenal tend to concede penalties to Kane, with him scoring his 15th goal against them - and 8 of them being penalties. Maybe it’s not a good decision to let the striker of your biggest rivals be the top scorer at you on your ground, yeah?

Besides me fawning over Harry for a bit, the game was good. Saka opened the scoring with a beautiful finish thanks to some pretty poor defending from Davies, who struggled against Arsenal’s leading man (and picked up a yellow, meaning he misses their next meeting). Unsurprisingly, Arsenal played on the front foot. At the same time, Bayern largely looked to counter, with Bayern’s right winger Sané causing havoc on Arsenal’s left side, and Kiwior looked like a major defensive weakness that night. But it wouldn’t be Kiwior but Gabriel, who’s arguably been better than Saliba this season, who loses the ball, resulting in former Arsenal player Gnarby equalising for the visitors.

Usually, with a leakproof defence in the league, Sané again caused trouble as he glided through it, and Saliba conceded a penalty through a stuck-out leg. Raya dived about ten business days before Kane even moved, resulting in Kane waiting and slotting it away instead of his usual “I’m going to launch this bad boy into the net as hard as possible,” silencing the Emirates as Bayern played without away fans.

Trossard, who was subbed on Martinelli (I was surprised he didn’t start if I’m honest), would go on to equal for the home side with a sweet strike. Still, ultimately, the game ended in a 2-2 draw - a much better result for Bayern than Arsenal, who should have taken advantage of Bayern, given this is one of the weakest teams they’ve displayed in a long, long time.

Of course, the game had to end in controversy as Saka tried to draw a foul from Neuer in the last minute instead of shooting at an open goal. I think the criticisms have gotten out of hand, but I agree that it was a poor decision by Saka and Neuer, who knew that he wouldn’t get the ball and stopped moving his leg. Saka’s leg didn’t look in a particularly natural position, but camera angles make it a difficult call. I read an opinion that Arsenal likely tries to draw fouls to take advantage of set pieces, which I think is a good point. However, in the world of VAR, they need to get it out of their system when they’re in the box. Ultimately, what has happened happened, and both sides need to let go of it as an exciting game is teed up at the Allianz Arena.

My MOTMs: Odegaard (ARS); Kane (FCB)

Real Madrid 3-3 Man City: Wonder Goals Star in 6-Goal Thriller

Ruben Dias scored an unfortunate goal and didn’t have the best of times against Vinicius and Rodrygo.

Bar the four incredible goals scored, the real news to come out of the game was Pep pronouncing “vomit” in quite a zesty manner when asked about Kevin de Bruyne’s absence from the starting lineup. Even his stomach is against him playing in big UCL nights, I’m afraid (I still love that man).

Before the clock could even hit a minute, Tchouaméni got carded for a foul on Grealish - which, if I’m honest, was entirely unnecessary - and now misses the second leg. Minutes later, Silva scored a beautiful free kick. Some may argue Lunin should have done better, but let’s be honest: you, him, the players, the managers, the Bernabeu and the neighbour’s dog weren’t expecting that. Real Madrid then responded with two rapid goals in the 12th and 14th minute, with Dias conceding an own goal and Rodrygo scoring, both from taking advantage of City’s relatively slow back line. The game slowed down after that, and City were sloppy at best.

They massively improved in the second half, though, and managed to turn the 2-1 scoreline in their favour, with Foden (it just had to be him) scoring from range perfectly into the top left corner, making it impossible for Lunin to make the save. Gvardiol then one-upped it with an even better goal on his right foot, his first goal for City since his summer transfer. This goal sparked a lot of humorous Twitter conversation, with City fans saying that Walker will be shooting from 40 yards out constantly and Liverpool fans saying that they don’t even want to think about Robertson shooting like that on his left - let alone right foot. Gvardiol hasn’t been the 70m signing most have expected, but his upturn of form lately has been promising.

Three unforgettable goals weren’t enough, and Valverde scored an even better strike to level the game at 3-3. For all the hype of Real closing the Bernabeu roof (which one commented that it looked like an air fryer, which I’m afraid I have to agree) and wearing all white, it was an excellent game for the neutral, but not so much for the Madridistas, who may have the 4-0 trashing at the Etihad in mind…

Oh, and of course, Haaland ghosted. Whether or not he served as a distraction for the centre-backs or just failed to get involved is not my fight to fight.

My MOTMs: Vinicius Jr (RMA); Gvardiol (MCI)

Atletico Madrid 2-1 Dortmund: The Metropolitano Still Stands Strong

What can I say? Atletico did what it always does.

So, I’m not an avid watcher of Atletico, and I’m even less of a Bundesliga person. Thanks to time zones, I don’t watch European games live either, so I wasn’t precisely tuned into this match as much as I should, but it was still exciting.

Atletico should have had more than a one-goal advantage but failed to capitalise, notably when Lino should have scored in the 71st minute. This is especially true given Dortmund’s inconsistent form this season. However, their UCL form should be applauded as they escaped the “Group of Death” relatively more straightforwardly than the other three teams. The home side stunned Dortmund early in the game, with De Paul capitalising on a Kobel-Maatsen mistake to score in the 4th minute. Although Dortmund had the ball, all the chances came from Atletico, who…well, Atletico-ed with a back five and looked to counter, as is the Diego Simeone way.

The home side would deservedly double to lead through Lino to round off the first half. Dortmund finally grew as the game went on and did manage to snatch a goal back through Haller to keep Dortmund in the second tie. It's less eye-catching than the previous night's matches, but the second leg should be fun to watch.

My MOTMs: Griezmann (ATM); Haller (BVB)

PSG 2-3 Barcelona: Xavi’s Super Subs Give Barca a One-Goal Advantage

What’s up with big stars and poor UCL nights? Mbappe ghosts as PSG loses at home.

PSG ultras had a lot to say and do before the match, with them launching fireworks at the hotel Barcelona were staying at 4 am, chanting “p*ta Barca” (f*ck Barca) to the players, as well as “Real Madrid” too. Some bold moves, considering their star man will leave them to Real Madrid for nothing, but PSG ultras have always been questionable. Some Barcelona players, like Ferran Torres and youngest Marc Guiu, were seen recording and laughing, likely at the fans. They would also have the last laugh that night as the current La Liga holders left with a one-goal advantage.

Barcelona started the game much stronger than PSG (they had 0.81 xG, ten shots and one on-target versus 0.33 xG and eight off-target shots) and were rewarded when Raphinha scored in an empty net. They carried this lead to halftime, but PSG was on the front pedal when the second-half whistle blew, looking like an entirely different team. Barcelona couldn’t handle the pressure, and former Barcelona man Dembele scored (and celebrated) and was followed by Vitinha - who’s been having an excellent season for the Ligue 1 giants - only three minutes later. 

However, Xavi’s super substitutions would save the game for Barcelona, as Roberto came off for Pedri, who then produced a wonder assist within a minute with his first touch of the game - and his first touch since his injury in March - to Raphinha, as all the Brazilian had to do was slot it past Donnarumma to level the game. Later, de Jong would come off for Christensen, and this time, he one-upped Pedri and scored thanks to a Gündogan corner with his first touch, which was within a minute of coming on. On his birthday, too!

As a Barcelona fan, I would have been happy with a draw at the Parc des Princes, but to leave with a win really must have been confidence high - even if it’s only a one-goal margin and there’s still all to play for that the Montjuïc Stadium next week. I can’t lie - Dembele scoring and celebrating hurt, but I think Barca fans have overreacted, especially those calling for the Figo treatment. Honestly, I’m just glad he did what he did and left us with some money instead of going on a free next summer.

My MOTMs: Vitinha (PSG); Raphinha (FCB)

Liverpool 0-3 Atalanta: Klopp’s Farewell Party in Tatters

Poor, poor mistakes from the Reds resulted in a completely unexpected scoreline.

My oh my, where do I even start? For starters, I’d like to say that I quite like Klopp. I think it’s a bit of a shame he’s leaving Liverpool, and I hope he leaves the club on a high note. I’m glad they won the EFL Cup, so at least they have something, even if it’s the least noteworthy competition they could win; a cup is a cup (but I am a Spurs fan, so I’m not exactly in a position to judge).

That being said, Liverpool’s defence was sh*t. I’m sorry, but it had to be said. I like Kelleher, and I think he’s been pretty good for Liverpool, given he’s not a starter and has to fill in Alisson's shoes, but man, that first goal was a bummer - although I don’t think that should take away from his other two incredible saves before and after the error - Kelleher did end up conceding two more after that (neither of which the goalkeeper was at fault for, but he did concede). Unfortunately, goalkeepers tend to be remembered for the goals they concede, not the ones they prevent.

Attacking-wise, Liverpool was fine but very much not clinical - although I don’t know if Klopp wished for goals when he started a front three of Gakpo-Nuñez-Elliot. There were a few promising sequences, but Nuñez (absolutely no one is surprised) was wasteful - but he’s not the only culprit.

Atalanta tried to catch Liverpool on the counter - again, to no one’s surprise - and they reaped the awards. Italian striker Scamacca scored two against Liverpool in the 38th and 60th minute, the first taking advantage of Kelleher not reacting nearly fast enough for a preventable goal as it slid under the ‘keeper and the second coming from a cross when (1) Van Dijk really should have closed down De Ketelaere and (2) Scamancca should not have been so open and unmarked.

The third was by Pasalic and was to an inexplicable back pass by Szoboszlai - although Kelleher did block the initial shot by Ederson, it wasn’t enough. The backline wasn’t trying to prevent the two later goals by how they reacted. They were walking back when the Atalanta players really should have been closed down earlier.

A comeback looks unlikely as Liverpool plays away next, although it’s not off the cards. Liverpool have now drawn to an underwhelming United and lost at home to a side that’s 6th on the Serie A table and have lost their two recent games. Their finishing has disappointed them despite having some of the Premier League’s best forwards and playing well in their previous Europa games. This game is a major result for Atalanta and confirms them in the semifinal - though I don’t want to jinx it.

You have quite a lot of work to do if you want that nice farewell party, Jürgen Klopp.

My MOTMs: Gakpo (LIV); Scamacca (ATA)

Leverkusen 2-0 West Ham: So Close Moyes! But Forget It

Moyes-ball almost gets them a draw…until it didn’t.

I’ll be zooming through the next few because I think the results are coming, or I don’t follow the teams too much.

Leverkusen’s 30 shots to West Ham’s one sums it up. Still, West Ham did look like they were going to snatch a point until the German side finally broke the deadlock with seven minutes of regular time remaining through Hofmann, who would also assist Boniface’s goal in stoppage time. Fabianski bailed the team out on multiple occasions, displaying some fantastic saves. On a better or worse day - depending on who you’re asking - Leverkusen easily could have had three to five goals. A two-goal deficit is saveable for West Ham at home, but they’ll need to do better on the counter.

Also, please end Leverkusen’s unbeaten streak. If the streak ends by Moyes ball, it’d be hilarious, and I need one less thing for them to be happy about (I’m just a little salty).

My MOTMs: Fabianski (WHU), Hofmann (B04)

AC Milan 0-1 Roma: What in the World is De Rossi Cooking?

Roma play at home next with a one-goal advantage.

All I can say is that Roma should have fired Mourinho ages ago if De Rossi was willing to take the job before his release (and this isn’t even my Spurs bias talking) because you’re telling me De Rossi has only lost to Inter and Brighton (in a useless game) between then and now? What in the world is he cooking in Rome?

Also, that back-and-forth between Giroud and Lukaku was hilarious. It’s even funnier when the replays show that Lukaku’s making the goalkeeper’s life way harder by standing in front of him and preventing Svilar from catching the ball.

No man of the matches because that’s all the highlights had.

Aston Villa 2-1 Lille: Work to Be Done Next Week

McGinn, with his iconic celebration as he put the Villans two in front.

The game was a perfect McGinn performance from the looks of it. I’ll admit that the second goal looked accidental on Bailey’s part (that slip…was he trying to cross?), but that strike was terrific. Of course, Lille did manage to pull one back, but Martinez also made some stunning saves to keep Villa in the game in the first half. The way he comes off his line with that confidence is impressive.

My MOTMs: McGinn (AVL), Diaketé (LIL)

[twistednuns]

February 2024

Waking up after a dream inspired by the movie Poor Things. Inserting your brain into a younger body. Living in oblivion until one day somebody shows up to break the news to you. That you've lived another lifetime before and you have to be reminded of who you were, what you knew.

Drawing the gorgeous Sharing card, resonating with it right away. The Queen of Fire is designed in my colours and shapes. She is me.

Sketching something. Loving every line.

Eating a thick soup with tiny noodles and semolina dumplings for breakfast.

Jamie Lee Curtis' guest appearance in The Bear. She's almost unrecognizable. Oh, and Olivia Coleman's, too!

Something finally falling into place: I've been searching for a new wallet for a while now and suddenly a memory of my grandma's old Aigner checkbook popped into my head. And it was the perfect solution. What an amazing local brand! I discovered that there is a store nearby and shopping there was quite the experience. I felt very fancy. And they put so much thought into the product design! Perfect little boxes and everything is so elegant. I also got their classic leather belt.

Organising a SingStar evening. I love how easygoing, welcoming and gentle Felix is. Being weird with Robert. And Ben, my boo. We love each other's colours and he really does give the best compliments (he said that I've got such great taste and always look stylish). Cuddles, leveling up our friendship in a way. Being more at ease around each other.

Car conversations with Luna.

A feeling of having leveled up again; I seem to attract abundance (on a material level). But maybe that's just confirmation bias.

Accepting defeat when I was wrong, following advice.

The moonrise. I love how big and yellow the moon seems when it's hanging low over the horizon.

Liquid Love: sliding over/around/under/on top of each other - blindfolded, naked and covered in oil. I loved touching squishy, chubby body parts. Very sensual and immersive. I wasn't really present in the room anymore and tried to feel rather than think. Cuddle puddle afterwards. I got close to Chili and Daniel (whose toe I accidentally hurt before the event and it felt quite healing that he came close to me and initiated touch) and Christian surprised me with his tongue when I wasn't paying attention.

Interesting effects of Kundalini Yoga: waking up crying from a very emotional, nightmare-ish dream. Feeling so heavy, sluggish, overwhelmed, tired. It's not entirely positive but it's so interesting how much energy seems to be moved here?

An ex-student reaching out to me because she needed a letter of recommendation for an international college.

Walking through the forest with C., scouting a treasure hunt route. Keeping calm despite his weird mood. Staying present, observing.

A surprisingly calm museum visit with my class. And when we went to Pinakothek der Moderne I was happy how much fun some of them seemed to have experimenting, talking about art. I found some interesting works by Max Ernst and set the intention come back again soon, alone. Even just the large, empty building with the high ceilings has a soothing effect on me.

Biting into a slice of moist, warm black olive ciabatta.

Cooking actual food with vegetables I had at home and having fruit for dessert instead of getting trash food on the way home after coming home from work in a bad mood. So much more nourishing. I'm proud of myself for realising I have to be the person I want to become. Now.

Peeling off last post-it before the cool colour scheme finally started. Orange, yellow, purple.

Picking up C. from labour court. Meeting his friend Benni who discussed leftist concepts and utopian ideas with me over lunch. I felt really good when I realised that it was easy for me to follow his train of thought and that I'd missed intellectual conversation.

Connecting with C. Spending time together, walking through a furniture design store. Spicy time and a long afternoon nap. Talking about our triggers and therapy experience. I realised how much fear of failure (and success?) I have, how vulnerable my ego is when it comes to art and doing something new. Even just writing an application for a job I'm not officially qualified for scared the shit out of me. Impostor syndrom? C. still wants me to write a page from my imaginary novel for him and all I can think about is why I can't do it. And he suggested that I could study psychology. I'm intrigued and yet... Why is this so hard? What's holing me back?

Staying calm when I had to call roadside assistance twice in one afternoon. My car broke down in the middle of a busy street with three lanes. I simply accepted my fate and asked for help (and that might actually be the lesson I have to learn from all this).

Reaching out to Andrea. Finally meeting Kosta the cat.

A dream: Sarah as Ganesha with a giant elephant trunk. Facial tattoos: red, black and green symbols and ornaments. Massive, moving, heavy. I woke up from an imaginary alarm sound. Did I really dream up an alarm clock? Wow. And just in time for my appointment, too.

New Moon Aquarius promises a career breakthrough for Taureans. Let's hope for the best.

Something very banal: having kitchen roll at home for a change. I took one home when we had too many after a Slutering event and remembered that I could just... wipe something off without worrying about getting the rag dirty and having to wash it! Nice.

One of the best weeks of my life: a Hero's Journey seminar during the spring holidays. Going in with no expectations, receiving everything and more. I learned so much about myself. Activated my emotional side and practised feeling. I appreciate all those people who acted as my mirrors by sharing their vulnerability, being their authentic selves. We supported each other, learned from each other, celebrated each other. I'm thinking about becoming a Gestalt therapist now. It's such a great somatic method. And fun, too.

Cuddles. Conversations. Choking. And massages. / Seriously though, I asked Ralf to show me his Brazilian Jiu Jitsu choke hold and I travelled to another dimension for a few minutes. It got me GO high. On another note: I realised I want to channel my aggression and lust in a healthy way. Perhapy BJJ training is a good option. Let's fight!

My hero outfit. A golden robe. A glitter mask. Starburst earrings. Black wings. So me.

"Boundaries are not the same thing as walls." - such an important insight. I started journalling in German. Automatically. I'm taking off masks, tearing down walls. Perhaps I don't need the protection of a foreign language anymore. I can feel my own cringey words now. I allow myself to be seen without make-up. I try to show up as the person I really am. I won't hold back anymore.

An intuitive painting I made with buttery crayons on kraft paper. Swirly. Like a weird map of a cozy corner somewhere in the Universe.

Stickers from Franzi's friend: Sailor Moon characters fighting the patriarchy and nazis.

I feel so much love for the people in my group, especially Ralf and Teresa of course, but also Franzi, Frank and Feli. The F-gang. And for all the wonderful people in my life. I appreaciate Christian so much. The ideal balance between freedom and support. He expands my horizon in many ways and I love how he naturally includes me in his family life, his friend group. It feels so good to be a part of something. To be included. And at the same time, I'm free to do my own thing. Meet other people, follow my bliss. He actively encourages it.

I'm relaxed and happy. With this new mindset, even teaching feels easier. I'm more gentle with myself. I follow my impulses. I hope this state of being stays with me for a long time.

Ralf. I'm so grateful I met him. He helped me so much with his observation that I need someone to be gentle with me. His daddy energy. His wild playfulness. His Gemini communication mode. I loved that I was able to pay him back with some mum energy when I shipped his dirty laundry off to Jena. I included a heartfelt letter and the Exploding Kittens card game. I felt like a giddy teenager for a whole day when he implied that he's attracted to me too. I really hadn't noticed. We've been talking, flirting, messaging daily for a week now. So far none of us seems to be bored. I'm looking forward to our reunion!

Teresa. What a lovely human being. I connected with her right away. She's so intelligent, shares my passion for language. And she's so warm, empathic, benevolent, supportive. I ended up talking to her about my idea for a career coaching and she went all in right away. We even might work together. And maybe, just maybe, we're gonna record a podcast together. Even if just to amuse our Heroes messenger group.

I learned that I have a guest appearance in a fun song: Ich wollte doch nur knutschen auf der Party / Sie war gut gelaunt und ihr Name war Kathi / Das Netzwerk ging kaputt und ich musste das klären / Und Kathi hat geknutscht, aber leider mit Sören - Knutschen

More music: making a playlist for Teresa's ride home. And Ralf shared Wann strahlst du?. It's grown on me. The lyrics are everything. Highly relevant for my current state: Ich schulde dem Leben das Leuchten in meinen Augen

Acting in a much more loving way with old friends. Supporting them; touching, hugging, praising them.

Knowing the answers to two sports questions at the pub quiz.

Tuning in with my sonic toothbrush. I chanted and hummed, finally harmonized and changed my pitch. It sounded lovely and reminded my of our RAM chants during morning meditation.

Spending time in the "demon cave" with Lian. Playing airplane. Playing hard. We both loved to be wild - C. was not that amused because he wanted to concentrate on his chess app. But I also started being more gentle with the boy, cuddle him. I've got a feeling that he needs both modes.

"Freiheiten werden nicht geschenkt, man muss sie sich nehmen." - a random flyer on a lamppost, right when I walked past it, back to school, recording a voice message about... exactly that. The synchronicities are back! Life feels magical.

An insanely happy and productive day with the help of Yeli's Finest 50. I was so proud of myself because I even did things I'd been putting off for months. It finally felt right to contact Haus der Kunst and ZEIT Sprachen and ask them for an internship. Things are moving. It's happening. It's coming along. Doors are opening.

Meeting my new osteopath for the first time. I enjoyed his healing, intimate touch while we were talking about all my topics. And I love that we have so much in common. He used to be a civil servant to be able to afford his studies, is a voice actor now, has recently travelled to all my favourite places in Mexico. I'm looking forward to my next appointment.

I finally got a big box of passion fruit from the tree I adopted last year. What a fragrant delivery.

Meeting Becky, learning from each other. Enriching and entertaining as usual.

Finally getting my closet in order. Folding everything, donating a few items, clearing out another shelf to have more room for clothes. What took me so long? / Listening to WILLOW's music throughout the process. It's growing on me: I think I left my consciousness in the sixth dimension

Biting into a physalis thinking Life is delicious.

Saturday afternoon at Haus der Kunst with Sash. Walking through freaky environments, taking pictures of each other. Playing in a room full of feathers. Browsing the avantgarde bookstore. I got a postcard of a Hilma af Klint Altar piece.

Watching Lord of the Rings at C.'s place with his friend Jenny. Spicy morning routine, breakfast with his friends. A stopover at a LEGO church. Spending the whole afternoon soaking in warm water at Therme Bad Aibling. Eating the first ice-cream of the year in the sunshine. Cooking dinner together, talking in bed for a long time.

Ralf cancelled his weekend plans and invited me to Jena. We already have tickets for the planetarium. Really looking forward to seeing him! I've loved learning more and more about him in the past few days. We are so similar!

Something very simple but SO pleasurable: boiled potatoes with salt and butter.

Alex Ava taking two ballroom tickets off my hands when I had to change my plans.

[kentucky-daisey]

The last few years, my aunt has given me a gift card to Bath and Body Works for Christmas which I then use to buy fancy three wick candles because they're on sale and i love candles and i almost never treat myself. Which I'm trying to get better at! But it's a process.

This year the mall was absolutely packed, so, once I'd picked out my candles, one floral and one piney, I had to wait in line. Not a big deal. It's my day off and I'm at the mall buying candles. I can absolutely wait. But while waiting, I noticed the bottom of one of the candles, the containers of which are glass, was broken. Not falling apart, but it absolutely looked like someone dropped it and put it back without telling anyone. I didn't want something broken, so I went back and got another one, but held onto the broken one to give to the cashier.

By the time I got to the cash, I lost my earlier spot because I stepped out of line, the cashier looked haggard but smiled nonetheless as she rang my purchases through. The smile faded, though, when I handed her the broken candle and explained that the container was considerably cracked.

She was incredibly apologetic and asked if I needed her to get me a new one, to which I told her I'd already grabbed another one.

I don't know how many emotions she went through, but she eventually settled on a very surprised: "You're just giving it to me because it's broken?"

"Yeah. I figured it was better to bring it to you instead of leaving it out on the shelf."

Again, a weird wave of emotions followed by the most heartfelt thank you I've ever received from a stranger. All because I didn't want someone to potentially hurt themselves on the broken glass or have the poor staff get yelled at for having a broken product on the floor.

I don't know what kind of day she was having (Boxing Week is the worst, so I can't imagine it was going great), but I've worked retail and I will always do everything in my power to make retail workers jobs easier. And I will ALWAYS judge someone who doesn't treat people in service roles with respect. Because fuck me it's an awful job.

[jrobertallen]

Melissa Ran Teddy ( 5 )

Ready to run

Teddy was with Ran overseeing the process of gently removing the manilla colored paper tied around the first package.

Unfortunately they didn’t find valuable drugs or money or bearer bonds that would make them instantly wealthy.

Maybe it’s the kind of diary you need a decoder ring for? Teddy said while speculating on the purpose for writing using symbols instead of letters.

Ran flipped through a few pages and found several neat rows of symbols similar to those written on the outside of the package.

What is with all these crazy markings? Teddy added, bizarre! Maybe its some kind of satanic stuff?

I agree, It doesn’t make any sense.

I never went crazy over dark magic and fortune telling and casting spells. It’s probably fine reading for a freak but to an actual grown up its on the level with believing in magic and mermaids. Do you think this really is some sort of voodoo or protection spell to keep the driver safe?

I don’t know anything about all that, answered Ran, sure is odd to go through all the trouble of hiding it in such a weird place, in car seats no less, he offered, maybe it’s some kind of race car magic code or something.

Zombey coding does and doesn’t surprise me little brother. The guy who owned this car before us was probably one of those tarot card readers you know, like the people who read horoscopes and plant beans on the full moon after the solstice and what not.

What do you think is in the other package?

They both stared at the sealed package they removed previously from the passenger seat.

That one has your blood on it! Ran poked fun at his wounded brother, and maybe it activated a tulpa, and when you go to sleep a muddy duplicate will take your place!

Oh great, Teddy laughed, I’m going to turn into a zombie! Well, I hope my zombie self don’t eat cats!

Ran peeled back the paper enough to see inside. It’s not another diary. Ran worked at separating the object contents from its wrappings and found a small paper box .

We still might be in luck, Ran, as long as it’s not a body part or filled with spiders we should be okay!

The box was made of cardboard stock, and like the diary it too was covered in strange symbols.

Ran gently removed the lid.

What’s inside? Hurry up, His brother begged impatiently.

Ran opened the cover and from inside he removed a strange looking cassette tape. What kind of machine plays this format? Ran asked his brother.

Oh, Teddy said, plucking the tape out of his brothers hand. It’s one of those old QIC-150 computer tapes, not used very often anymore but surprisingly they still made them until recently.

What does the diary book have to do with the tape?

You got me, Teddy admitted, it’s a super big mystery to me. One thing is for sure, whomever hid them in the car seats must have wanted to move them without anyone knowing, and they were never meant to be found by guys like us.

I think we better put them away for safe keeping, and get rid of this car soon as we can! Said Ran. Someone probably wants them really bad, bad enough to kill for them!

Teddy thought about it, you don’t think the shooter from yesterday wanted these do you?

Ran remembered the shooters words, how he was upset at the trick they used to get the car he obviously wanted.

Teddy, How was it that you managed to get this car so cheap? What did Melissa, your AI bot do to help you buy the car for less than we would have paid for it as a trade in? Especially from a well known online police auction no less.

Teddy folded his hands and ducking his chin meekly answered, you really don’t want to know the answer to that, it was seriously nothing that I want to bother you with! I do the computer stuff and you’re all about the screwdriver and wrenches.

Ran was a little steamed at his brother for not being willing to be truthful. I need to know because I was almost shot over the car, Teddy!

Teddy looked away, his eyes became glossy. He sniffed. Okay.

Ran waited for the answer refusing to say another word until it came.

There is more to Melissa than meats the eye, she is special, Teddy began.

What do you mean specifically? Like how? Tell me how she is different from all the other AI bots out there? She an AI with a monthly period? What?

I ripped her from a project without asking , or rather she was copied straight and I thought if I dumbed her down just enough and only used her for simple things that I or we could get away with, like using her to do things we needed like ordering our lunch, grabbing blueprints for free, saving money at auctions then nobody would be the wiser.

That’s not what I asked, where did you get the copy from?

When I hacked the DOD!

You are a mess! Ran admonished. After doing nearly 3 years for hacking and you already did it again?! Are you stuck on stupid, Teddy? They said they could give you what? 20 to life next time? You gave me a copy of Melissa and made me a criminal with you too!? Forced the phone on me!

No, no no, its not like that!

Then what? I’m listening!

I got out of prison early because I was pardoned. I was pardoned because I helped our government hack a Chinese spy company. I also backed up a copy on a separate server location so I could download it later for insurance, but I really didn’t expect anyone to leave that door accessible. Oddly when I tried it out 6 months ago there it still was, basically I got that version of the program from the Chinese spy company directly. Its not technically illegal, they had stolen the same program from the DOD a year earlier. So, I figured why not and I snuck a copy for myself and ditched the military stuff keeping only the pure nuts and bolts AI. I changed it just enough to make it untraceable.

Teddys voice was shaken, Ran could tell the subject hit a sore spot. Melissa can do things other AI can’t, like talking to other programs without the need to cross firewalls and tweaking programs to fit its own needs just enough to be helpful.

I don’t understand, how did that get us the Z car for $100 over first bid?

All the bids were online, so I made sure that when it came time to preview and bid on our pick, the Z only appeared on our schedule as active. Everyone eccept us could see it but only we and the Auction house knew it was selling.

Then to make sure, I only allowed other bidders to enter the minimum bid and limited their top bid to $50. We bid $100 over and got the car. Easily done! We got a huge discount!

A discount? Scolded Ran! Manuel has a hole in his head and Mary was shot in her shoulder. Our discount translated to another party paying full price for us!

Whoa! Teddy regained his verbal footing, Even if the shooter was after this car because of the data cassette and the diary, How were we supposed to know that from any other car? I picked the oldest car being sold that day specifically to try out and verify if my Melissa could handle it!

Ran was done speaking, he visited the corner of the garage where his Indian motorcycle was covered with a tan canvas tarp. He pulled back the cover part way exposing the nose of his motorcycle and front wheel.

Teddy tried again to explain, I suppose you wouldn’t understand, for me playing with code is an addiction. I find myself trying to sleep at night and looking up at the ceiling fan in my bed room, eventually my imagination takes over and im doing mental gymnastics writing code to design a fucking media port. It’s like any addiction except an alcoholic can stay off the booze by going to group, I can’t stop thinking about codes!

Instead of answering Ran pointed to the far side of the garage, Could you hand me that small box on the tool shelf behind you?

Teddy found the box while Ran peeled back the motorcycles tarp a little more, carefully exposing the handlebars and part of the seat and red gas tank. I understand he said, probably more than you think I do.

I’m not sure you fully get it Teddy answered, giving the small box to ran. You remember Jimmy Nanny our parts guy who moved here from Florida?

Yeah!

He started with just that one tattoo after he met his wife the first time, he did the one thing you never do and get a girls name tattooed on your skin, that was the night we all went for drinks and he spilled his drink all over her, next thing you know they got married! Look at Jimmy now, he absolutely covered himself in tattoos because he couldn’t stop at one, even his face is tatted up! Maybe that’s not a good example but you get the picture.

I’ve been working on this Indian Scout for 4 years, said Ran, only one part left to drop into the carburetor. That pursuit is my addiction, that and not using a computer or staying off grid! You and Mom and everyone I know keeps pushing your addictions on me! I never made you take a ride on my bike! Never asked for any help rebuilding it! I visited every parts yard in Washington State alone looking for this and that, I even drove to Oregon by myself hunting wheels.

I remember when you put that huge RC airplane engine with that dishplate sized three pointed propeller on that 10 speed Mom got you for Christmas, you were pretty smart for a kid. Teddy chuckled at the thought, You actually rigged it up and got it going and it even moved pretty well too, until the engine blew up and you lost control and ran into that car!

I still have the scar, Ran said as he looked at his knuckle. 6 stitches.

Mom was so pissed! But not that you destroyed your bicycle, she was worried because she thought you broke your shoulder when you ran it into the neighbors car! I tried so hard to get that dent out of the neighbors yellow car before she came home from work!

I remember that she scolded me for bleeding all over the kitchen floor and breaking my bike and denting the car.. What’s worth more a bike or a car?

The neighbor didn’t even notice. She wasn’t mad at You Ran, she yelled at you because she was mad at me! I was all she had keeping you safe and it upset her that I let you hurt yourself, she was upset with you but she was angry at me!

Ran opened the box and removed a Float Pin, last part he said.

Teddys eyes lit up. Serious? That’s the last part?

Yup, I broke down and ordered the rebuild kit because I wanted a new gasket. Last part is this float.

Well Damn! Exclaimed Teddy, this is going to be amazing!

Teddy put the float pin back in the box, not yet. I don’t want it to be over.

Ran, that’s not just irrational, it’s downright irresponsible! Please little brother, after you spent all those hours and hours and hours , driven hundreds of miles to get to this point and your almost there! Put the damn float in the carb thingy and ride the damn bike!

Carb thingy? Ran laughed. You see, I do understand the power of addiction!

To the dismay of the giant Dr Flower and a mountain of a woman named Nurse Beatrice, patient Anthony got dressed and walked out of the hospital feeling spry and clear headed.

He was checking out a full day before they recommended his already accelerated release against the hospitals wishes, and hopefully a few minutes before the Seattle police was scheduled to arrive unexpectedly to ask him a few questions about the day prior.

His new button down shirt and tan slacks fit perfectly, and to his surprise his gift clothes bag also included a baseball cap and a pair of cheap sunglasses.

Anthony checked his look on the mirrored walls of the elevator, adjusting his hat several times but never finding the perfect look. For one thing the mirrored wall made him look thinner and darker than he really was.

When the elevator opened on floor two, a security guard was there waiting for him with a wheelchair. For a moment Anthony imagined that he was going to be seated, strapped in and rolled back up to room 812 until his scheduled checkout time occurred.

The guard, a heavy set black woman looked Anthony over keenly, were supposed to roll you out for insurance reasons, but since the street access is near the other emergency door and I’m late for my break anyway….you get the privilege of a shorter ride with me from here to the lobby as my guest.

Oh, thanks I suppose my feet will work fine for the last 30 feet to freedom, that’s the door?

No, the out door is that way! She pointed to an exit arrows, and this is your chariot! She said gently caressing her blue ride. Do me a favor and humor me so I can keep my job. She looked up at the security camera and back at Anthony, please take a seat and let me do my thing.

Fine, Anthony agreed and took a seat, and to be friendly he even conversed with her during his short ride out. Tell me about your day so far, he mused, are the rest of the patients recovering well? Any other escapees?

Everyone is talking about you, she felt compelled to answer. I’m not sure how you pulled it off, but I for one didn’t expect to see you up and around at least for the next couple a days. You were a real mess when you arrived if I can say so myself!

Anthony wanted to be surprised at her sentiment but he wasn’t, yesterday he felt like he barely survived being smashed by a truck, two trucks, and today he was not even sore.

I think I looked allot worse than I actually was. I’m actually really fine right now. All better!

We don’t talk about our patients, but I heard through the grapevine someone said you went and healed yourself up overnight. I need to get me some of that energy! She laughed. My hip is bothering me.

Show me where Anthony pleaded

What? No I would have to undress and with the shape my body is in, uh no! Not to mention that I’m in uniform and at work, thank you dear!

Anthony didn’t know why he was compelled to help her, but he felt a sense of urgency.

You don’t have to take anything off, show me by placing my hand on your hip.

Are you some kind of faith healer? I dont do religion. I’m agnostic.

I might be crazy but maybe I can help, and I’m far from a religious person myself . Anthony pulled back his shirt sleeve showing her his track marks. When I was healed all this trouble went away.

She stopped pushing the cart and walked around and faced Anthony, You an addict?

Was, answered Anthony. I used to be called Skinny, that was my user name. Something happened to me, now I’m okay!

She picked up his hand and held it to her hip. Right there she said, do you feel the large lump? It’s growing and they think it could be a tumor. I work at a hospital but my insurance can’t afford real treatment., ain’t that a bitch?!

Oh, yes. He pressed his hand against the mass and simply said, Go away little bump!

His hand felt very warm, it started to feel as though it was burning her skin though her clothing.

Oh, ouch! She said as she pulled away. That hurts! What did you do?

Sorry. I just wanted to help.

She was angry now, how did she fool herself and let herself get fooled by a fool?!

She felt like she let her guard down too far by letting this bum touch her waist, so without saying another word She grabbed the chair again and started pushing.

When she let go of the chair to press the outside door button, her slight limp had improved. In fact her hip didn’t hurt anymore.

She placed her hand on her hip and felt the bump shrinking.

That’s crazy! She burst out laughing and turning to Anthony she found her wheelchair was lacking its occupant.

Behind the glass exit door, Seattle’s finest pulled up in a marked car, they would soon find out that their subject had already departed the hospital.