#(there were a few lines that doesn't totally match up with the shape of the conversation but not glaringly so)

[randomidiocyncrazies]

.

[more-mara]

carcar soulmates - oscar knows, carlos doesn't

love ur writing!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Ahhh tysm anon 🫶 Hope you enjoy!

Soulmates were stupid. This whole system that the word was built on made Oscar feel sick, knowing that in the end, he didn't have a choice about who he would spend the rest of his life with. A stupid mark on the back of his hand that would dictate who his 'true match' was.

The stupidity was staggering in Oscar's mind, knowing that once he made physical contact with his 'one true love' the mark that somewhat seemed to resemble a crescent moon would glow. He hated the thought of it, it felt so childish, like something out of a kids book.

He wasn't going to buy into it, no matter how much everyone around him tried to force him.

"It's kinda cute, don't you think?" Lando asked, inspecting his own mark that was still a dark colour, no glow in sight. He smiled, a little thing that would usually go unnoticed as he traced the slightly risen edges of the crescent shape.

"No? Not really" Oscar deadpanned, patting the sweat from his face with a towel.

"But- It's romantic Oscar!" Lando exclaimed, a slight whine to his voice. Lando was always like this when it came to the whole soulmate thing, he was totally obsessed with finding 'the one'. It was comforting Oscar supposed, that at least somebody could be happy no matter who they ended up with. Oscar couldn't help but smile knowing that it was Lando of all people who would find his happy ever after no matter what.

"Sucks that we aren't soulmates, mate" Lando said, bumping himself against Oscar's side and seeing that the mark on both of their hands remained unchanged. Lando frowned a bit, as if he expected it to actually glow. Oscar didn't even want to explore that possibility.

"You wish" Oscar joked, nudging him back.

Despite what everyone thought, Oscar did know who his soulmate was…Carlos. It had happened by accident, Carlos had been rushing somewhere that Oscar didn’t even have the chance to question him about after he bumped into him, forcing Oscar into a tumbling mess on the ground. Carlos had sent him a half hearted apology before running off and Oscar almost had a heart attack when he saw the glow on his hand. He covered it immediately, his heart starting to pound in his chest. No one could ever know, not even Carlos.

-

Oscar had taken all means necessary to avoid touching Carlos- not that it would be difficult. Despite the fact that Carlos was usually a very affectionate and touchy person, he and Oscar were not very close so often when Carlos greeted Lando, Fernando, Charles or anyone that he deemed as a close acquaintance with a squeezing hug, he would just flash Oscar a small smile before butting into the conversation.

But it was proving difficult- staying away from Carlos. Perhaps it was the knowledge of them being soulmates that had Oscar feeling drawn to the older driver. Suddenly, Oscar couldn’t even go an hour without having Carlos on his mind in one way or the other.

He hated clubbing at the best of times, but watching Carlos leaning over the bar, hand caressing Charles’ shoulder as he whispered something in his ear that had Charles practically folded over laughing was making his chest pang with something that he couldn’t quite place.

His legs were moving before he could stop them as he sidled up beside Charles, getting in Carlos’ line of sight. Charles drunkly threw his arms around Oscar, pulling him into an awkwardly placed hug from the angle they were standing at.

“Ah it is my son, look Carlos, do you see the resemblance?” Charles slurred, his accent thicker now that he had been drinking quite a bit. Carlos stared at Oscar with a firm expression.

“Is everything alright?” Carlos asked, voice neutral as he took another sip from his drink, clearly confused about why Oscar was suddenly standing in front of him. Oscar himself had maybe had a few too many drinks aswell.

“Y-yeah, all good,” He stuttered, suddenly all too aware of how beautiful Carlos actually was- his big brown eyes staring quizzically into Oscar’s own.

“Okay, well if everything is fine then-“ Carlos said, eyes flicking back to look over at Charles who was practically hanging off Oscar’s back. Oscar suddenly became all too conscious of Charles’ presence.

“Right, um…yeah, sorry,” Oscar said, turning to say a brief goodbye to Charles before crossing over to the other side of the club to lean against the coolness of the wall. He could still see Carlos from where he stood but soon he wished he couldn’t.

He watched how Carlos leaned closer to Charles, bridging whatever distance was between them to plant a hand on the side of Charles’ face, the other on the dip of his waist as he drew him into a slow, sensual kiss. Oscar swore he stopped breathing when he watched it, his heart feeling like it had been stabbed and left to bleed out as he watched his soulmate kiss someone else- someone that wasn’t him. Oscar felt sick suddenly, storming out of the club where he bumped into Max who immediately looked concerned when he saw the tears streaming down Oscar’s face. Fuck, Oscar didn’t even realise he’d started crying.

“Oscar? Are you okay?” Max asked, voice at a comforting level as he ran a hand up Oscar’s arm. Oscar almost sobbed as he flung his head onto Maxs shoulder, startling a shocked gasp from Max who probably hadn’t expected there to actually be something wrong aside from the usual drunken drama.

“I can’t do this, I- I can’t watch him with someone else,” Oscar whispered as Max rubbed soothing circles on his back.

“Who? What are you talking about?” Max asked, his frown tight knit in confusion.

“Carlos…he’s my soulmate,” Oscar admitted, his head swirling with so many emotions and thoughts that he couldn’t even think straight.

Oscar only wished that the words he heard next had come from Maxs mouth

“I am what,” A voice said, loud and in disbelief- when Oscar looked up from Maxs shoulder, he saw Carlos standing before him, mouth agape and eyes wider than Oscar thought was even possible.

Well shit.

[takitakidancetillthesunriseyea]

Golden Hour 2 Photoshoot Thoughts

At this point I should rename myself HalaHala or something, because here I am back yet again with another Hala-centric post.

Even so, this one is significantly more relevant than the last few I've made so stick with me on this one:

Today the Golden Hour: Diary Ver pictures came out, and they all look great! Very elegant, very sleek, very demure, and most noticeably of all red and black. In the past I might have immediately jumped to 'Its Halateez!' due to the color scheme, but recently Atz has been using red and black as their regular color scheme. Red and black sets aren't necessarily halateez themed, and red and black clothes don't make them halateez. I know that, yet somehow it still felt like something was off...and then I realized;

It's the seating order.

See in my old post about Wonderland and Crazy Form I compared two group shoots that lined up perfectly, so when I saw them sitting so stiffly and recognized it I figured it was the same. With this idea I began looking through old shoots, I looked through World Fin, Treasure Fin, and even Treasure Epilogue but none of them matched. I couldn't find any pictures where they were sitting in that weird shape. That weird...hourglass shape.

And then I found this;

Now I know that the seating order is different, but aside from that they're in the exact same arrangement. Additionally, this is the only picture I can find where they sit 3/2/3 unlike the majority of their group photos they either sit 3/3/2 like in Wonderland and Crazy Form, or 4/4 like in Treasure Epilogue.

I know that this isn't a lot and it doesn't point to any conclusive ideas, but it is something. Something I'm willing to bet was on purpose, and if it's on purpose then it matters somehow. The question is...How?

✩₊˚.⋆☾⋆⁺₊✧ ✩₊˚.⋆☾⋆⁺₊✧ ✩₊˚.⋆☾⋆⁺₊✧//✩₊˚.⋆☾⋆⁺₊✧ ✩₊˚.⋆☾⋆⁺₊✧ ✩₊˚.⋆☾⋆⁺₊✧

Feel free to leave your ideas or tell me if I'm totally wrong! This was just the first thing I found when I started digging when it comes to the GH2 pics.

Atiny Fighting!! 💕

[dream-clouds3]

I was laying around bored and I thought,

What type of nails would the F1 drivers get?

So this is my long post about what nails each of them would get, including some added bonuses ;). I will be providing some pictures but others probably won’t need it. This is all based on my own opinion of nails. So basically no one will be getting plain white french tips because I really don’t like them :(

I will be using the names of all the different shaped nails and for those who don’t know them, you can look here for reference > Shape&Length sheet

(This is going to have to be four parts because of tumblrs photo limit😒)

Pt -1

1.Max Verstappen

I think Max has enough confidence to get some extensions. He only goes for poly gel feeling like it’s less of a commitment than acrylic. He’d be ok if they were the same shape as the pic if anything just a little shorter for practicality and more rounded than pointed. He def gets a gold design (for the second pic it would be a navy blue for rbr) and probably shove the number one in there somewhere just because in the moment he’s radiating fierce confidence. But after he would be shy but proud enough of them to show to everyone he talks to.

2. Lando Norris

Lando doesn't rlly have the confidence when getting nails. He likes the idea but is kinda scared of doing too much. He wants plain but doesn't want to be basic so he settles on the popular water effect nails. Mostly so from afar it passed as plain blue nails but he can still say he got a design.

3.Charles Leclerc

Let's be real with as much heartbreak as he's gotten from them he stays a loyal Ferrari girlie. He'd get the first one being abstract Ferrari nails with yellow lines instead of white. The second one however he would get but instead of LV logo's it'd be the prancing horse with either a yellow sheer base or a red sheer base. Both would be medium acrylic, either box or coffin shaped!

4.Carlos Sainz

Carlos is a little too traditional (slightly self conscious) to be getting anything too dramatic. He'd go with a plain gel manicure, probably a deep red. Really it'd be a clear gel but he'll get some color to not seem too much of a pussy. He'll also probably bite it all off in a few days for sure.

(No photo because you can imagine what a deep Ferrari/chili red nail polish looks like)

5. Lewis Hamilton

Let's be real Lewis would be down to rock any sort of set. Only steering away from longer sets because they're just too impractical for him. I feel like charms aren't really his thing but does like the feel of the 3D texture with the blobs. He would totally love to rock a bunch of colors. He'd get this array of colors air brushed on with metallic accents on top cause he's down like that (also he would try and match his outfit to it a few times).

6.Alex Albon

Honestly him getting his nails done wouldn't even be up to him. He'd accompany Lily to an appointment and then come out with his own nails down. It would def be matched to whatever her set is. He's just bf coded like That.

Pt-1, Pt-2, Pt-3, Pt-4, shape&length sheet

[animesllut666]

Wish we met sooner in life. (Part 1)

Characters: Nanami Kento x GN Reader ft. Others

Anime: jujutsu kaisen

Warnings: Character death, angst, manga spoilers, SPOILERS, arguing, fighting, blood, crying, suicidal thoughts, doubt, pain, survivors guilt, slightly proof read.

Summary: Four months, is how long you had been working for Jujutsu High, two months is how long you and Nanami had been dating. It took only two minutes for him to be taken away.

A/N: Hey, I'm breaking this up.into two parts! Due to the fact Shibuya Incident is...a lot. And I also know that phones couldn't be used during this time, but let's just say for the reader they could break through it. Though ... Ijichi wasn't the one to let others know. Feed back is always appreciated!

++++++++

"I think you'll really like Nanami, he is stock kind of reserved and hates Gojo," Shoko informed you of Nanami, a past student turned returning sorcerer. You both sat in the morgue, eating away at some ice cream. "You had me intrigued with the ending, hates Gojo? Who doesn't want to slam his dumb face in some mud."

"My students don't want too, at least not Itadori," Gojo popped up from beside you, his hands making grabby motions towards the treat.

"Is that mochi? Gasp, you didnt invite me?!" He fringed shock, dramatic as ever placing a hand over his chest. Before, I could reply with a witty remark another beat me too it.

"I wouldn't invite you at all, it's still remarkable that youre even employed here," A monotone voice spoke, turning around to match the voice with a body, my face becoming red at the site of the man. His blonde hair was slightly parted and gel back, though in a neat and cleanly way. His eyes were almond shape, and brown, but his features were sharp and defined. His pixie nose, and jawline were well defined and prompt.

"Youre starring," Gojo whispered in your ear, his hand at the side of his mouth as he spoke. Choking on your ice cream, small droplets of the frozen treat flying out of your mouth. In your haste of not trying to choke on chocolate, and slapping Gojo away. You didn't notice the slight smirk playing on Nanami face, as he watched your flustered actions.

"I wasn't starring! I was just zoning out, and he just so happened to be in my line of sight."

"Yeah, sure whatever you say, you were totally drooling over him. Even now, there is still drool on your mouth," Gojo cackled as he pointed to the right side of your lips, growing frustrated with his countless teasing and embarrassing nature.

Quickly kicking your foot on the swivel chair he was sitting on. A surprised yelp was received as he fell backwards, his back slamming onto the surface of the floor. Chaos insueing as he sprung up, and you were in each other faces.

Nanami watched on as he enjoyed the entertainment, Shoko trying (failing) to separate the two of you.

"So are you saying you don't find Nanamin attractive?!" Gojo argued, a teasing smile playing on his face.

"No!"

"So he isn't attractive?!"

"He is very attractive! I mean.. no, well, damn it Satoru!"

-Few weeks later-

"Do you have plans after work today?" Nanami asked, as the both of you sat in the teacher lounge. Shock spreading through your body, Nanami never asked to hang out with anyone after work. Once that clock struck 5:30pm, he was un-loosening his tie and practically sprinting out the door.

Now why the sudden change of actions?

Gojo did let it slip, that he suspects that Nanami had feelings deeper then a coworker towards you. Maybe, for once Gojo wasn't lying, and maybe you owe him some sweets for hitting him upside the head.

"Um, no, I was just going too go to the supermarket and get some food to make tonight," You informed him, twisting the water bottle in your hands, waiting for a response from him, "I was wondering if you would care to have dinner with me tonight. I know this really good bakery, that has great sandwiches and sweets," He spoke softly, suddenly becoming nervous as he lifted his hand and combed his fingers through his hair. A light tint of pink dusting his cheeks, both parties were avoiding eye contact. Their eyes darting everywhere besides each other faces or even bodies, a slow nod of your head, "Yeah, I would love too."

"Great, Let me go get my jacket, and then we will go ahead and leave."

The second he walked out the room, you pulled out your phone, instantly texting Shoko, "YOU AND GOJO WERE RIGHT! HE ASKED ME OUT TO DINNER!!!"

"Are you nervous? And for once, Gojo was right... Bring protection 😉"

"That isn't going to happen, and I know, remind me to get him some sweets. And no... I feel like it's almost meant to be, which sounds crazy."

"Okay, are you ready to go? Do you have your bag?" You set your phone in your back pocket, Nanami walking in with his jacket. "Yeah, I'm leaving it here, it's my work bag anyways."

You stand from the chair, walking next to him as he nodded his head, opening the door for you both.

"Lady is first, how was your day today?"

-Shibuya-

"Civilians cant leave? Like at all?" They mumbled, a question on the tip of their tongue. "Are there curses or any curse users inside? Are they dead? What is this and what's going on?"

"We haven't detected any curses, it seems to just be humans. No one from our knowledge is dead, and they are only requesting one thing.. Bring Satoru Gojo." Ijichi informed them, pushing his glasses up the bridge of his nose. Your cold stare made him nervous, not to mention Nanami, the king of adults. Stood closely by you, his stern and unreadable face observing the veil.

"Where is he? Are we allowed to go in?" You asked, taking a few steps to stand next too Nanami. His hand gently resting it's self on your shoulder. "He is on his way, and for now, no one else can go in besides Gojo. Though, the higher ups are making a simple request."

"An order you mean."

"Well, yes. They do want you to follow Satoru, and observe what is happening," Itachi spoke, beads of sweat falling down his forehead. "Why? Are they wantin-"

"They want you to spy on him, and make sure he isnt an accomplice in this veil and with whatever is going on."

Great, they thought, rolling their eyes as they turned towards Nanami. Who was already staring at them, a worried look in his eyes. "Ya know, tonight. We could have Italian, I made a sauce the other day," You tried to lighten the mood, his lips twitched on the corners till they turned up just slightly.

"I would like that, I'll make some bread. Be careful, who knows what could happen with watching that man child," Nanami pulled you in for a hug, shocking you and everyone else with the act of affection.

Ijichi, Megumi and Ino both turned away. Giving you both some privacy. Sure, everyone knew you two were dating, the second word broke out of a date.

Gojo had hung a huge banner in the court yard, the next day, a photo of the two of you eating at a restaurant. The sign saying "CROUCHES FIND LOVE, CONGRATULATIONS."

He has showed affection before a simple hand holding, or a lose arm around your shoulders. A hug though, one where his face nestled into the crook of your neck. Arms tight and secure around you.

Never.

At least not a hug that feels different, you both didn't want to say anything, you could feel it in the air. Everyone could, there was tension, and a fast moving cloud of death approaching.

Pulling away from one another, the emotions that were once in his eyes were now gone. Replaced with his normal, dead emotionless eyes.

"Are you sure you'll be alright?" Your eyes darted from side to side, something felt off. "We will be fine, I do worry about you babysitting that man child."

"Yeah, well someone has to do it sadly, and I guess I'm the chosen one," You joked, slowly walking towards the veil. Not realizing that Nanami and you were holding hands, till your fingers slowly slipped away from one another.

"Be careful," He whispered, blinking quickly to take away the tears prickling his eyes. A cheesy smile spread on your face, covering your mouth and closing your eyes tightly. A tear slowly falling down, "Of course, I will be silly. Gojo is great, and all, but he isn't me!" You formed a peace sign, before walking into the veil. Surprised that it had allowed you in, a side of you wanted it to block you.

Once breaking through fully, you used your cursed technique to manifest of cloak around you. An invisible cloak if that's what you wanted to call it. Slowly on the hunt to find Satoru.

You saw a quick flash of white dart across the street, heading towards the subway. Quickly running after him, you could feel the energy radiating from that direction.

Hope everyone is alright.

He really is something, You thought out loud, watching as Gojo fought. Hanging in the rafters as the fight ensued, dropping down every so often to save a non sorcerer from being killed by that pigtail guy. Though your cover was about to be blown, "Come on, please stop screaming."

"THEY APPEARED OUT OF THIN AIR! GO AWAY" The guy screamed, tripping over himself before his head got sliced off completely. Blood splattering in your face, "Seriously? Is this even necessary?!"

"I've been trying to get you, but each time, you just disappear." Pigtail guy spoke, his face suddenly to close for comfort.

Jumping back, from his breath fanning over my face. I let the cloak fall away, the darkness absorbing into the pavement.

"Well, I'm here now. Give me your best shot," I taunted, standing still and waiting for his first move. Everything slowed down, as he moved quickly to my right. His hand forming into a fist, before he made contact, I side stepped him and grabbed his hand. Throwing him towards the nearest wall, he was sent flying, his body denting and breaking the tiles.

"Hmm ... I was hoping you would go splat, pigtails."

He groaned, peeling himself off of the wall. A death glare being sent your way, as he ran towards you again. Using his blood technique to slice through the civilians.

Great. Is all you thought, as you tried to tell them to move or duck out the way.

--------------------

"Prison Realm. Open Gate." Was the last thing I heard, before getting pushed off the platform. "Damn it Pigtails, yo- GOJO!" I screamed when I saw he was restricted, his eyes wide in anger. A small smile formed on his face when he saw me, though it was out of vain. We both knew, he wouldn't be able to get out this one.

"Keep your head up." He said before Geto said the words for the Realm to seal him in, "Gate Close." His eyes darted towards me, an before anything else could happen to myself. I turned around, and ran for the tunnel. In the direction of

Answer, please, "Hello?" Ijichi answered, "Hello?"

"IJICHI! GOJO IS SEALED, I REPEAT WE DONT HAVE GOJO ANYMORE!"

"What do you mean-" He asked before the line went dead, a gurgling sound being heard. Throwing the phone to the side, "Damn it. I have to find someon-"

"GOJO SENSI HAS BEEN SEALED!"

Stopping in my tracks at the sudden loud shouting. "Itadori?!" I screamed, voice echoing off the walls making my way to the stairs that lead outside.

"SENSI?!" Itadori shouted from outside, a bang of hope and relief flooding my senses. A tightness in my chest loosening at knowing he was alright, or for the most part.

My foot was just an inch away from touching the first step. Till someone came and knocked me back a good 10 feet, there black combat boots shining in the light.

"Pigtails, you again?" I sassed, stopping dead in my tracks at the sudden appearance of him. "Listen, I don't want to hurt your feelings, but I have a boyfriend. He is great, and I love hi-"

"You wouldn't be my type," He spoke with a bored tone, his eyes rolling, "Well.. that was rude, cutting someone off like that, youre old. You should know that is impolite."

He went to say something before everything went dark, "Idle Transfiguration," was the last thing to be heard.

"Why did it take you so long?" Choso asked, his head titling at the yelling and screams coming from outside.

"I was enjoying the banter they were having with you," Mahito said, his smile turning it a frown.

"What is this?"

"I think you missed or messed it up," Jogo interjected, receiving a nasty look in return.

"Its my own technique! I can't mess it up!" Mahito screamed, as he started to kick and slap your body. Waiting for anything to show you changing.

But nothing, and they were becoming cut with time.

"Just take them, I feel like they'll be good leverage."

[cabal-answers]

CHAKRA OF KAON

Image made with my backup art app

Bio under the cut

Chakra BASICS Place of origin: Kaon Construction: Forged Frame type: Heavy grounder Frame subtype: Mech Earth pronouns: He/him Alt-form: Armoured security vehicle Height: 29 feet Age: 4.7 mil Ability: None known Spark type: Vitreous Negative Occupation: Medic (former Elite Guard) Weapons: Twin pistols, cosmic Chakra Faction: Autobot (on a crew of Decepticons) Voice actor: Harry Morgan (M*A*S*H- Colonel Potter) Status: Online Alignment: Lawful neutral MBTI: INFJ-T Personality: Pushy, rough, cynical, antisocial, snippy Optics: Aquamarine visor Color scheme: Rose, peach, and steel grey

RELATIONSHIPS Carrier: None Creator: None Siblings: None known Other family: None Known S/O: Standup (former suitor), Boomerang (suitor) Amica Endura(e): Unknown Confidant: Boomerang Friends/allies: Cabal, Autobots? Enemies/rivals: Other Decepticons

TECH SPECS Rank: 5 Intelligence: 9 Skill: 6 Courage: 7 Strength: 8 Stamina: 7 Speed: 5 Loyalty: 5 Popularity: 3 Firepower: 5 Total: 60/100

INFO Likes: Boomerang, work, high grade Strengths: Smart, good at reading bots Dislikes: Fighting, getting interrupted, anyone picking on Boomerang Weaknesses: Bossy at times, bad communicator, can be hot headed Favorite color: Red Favor treat: Mercolls Favorite genre: Non fiction Favorite movie: M*A*S*H (tv series) Favorite book: Medical dictionary Greatest love: Boomerang Greatest success: Becoming a medic Greatest fear: Not being able to do his job Greatest regret: Not being able to save his former commander because he had no medical training at the time Secret(s): Most information about his old Elite Guard squad, especially what happened to them Quote(s): "Oh, be quiet!" Style: Efficient Theme: Tell Your Heart To Beat Again by Danny Gokey Other trivia: -Likes to store random things that may or may not come in handy -Everyone is a little scared of him even if they don't admit it -He tends to put his loyalty more with a specific bot or group of bots rather than any faction as a whole

Backstory Overview -Origin Chakra was forged in the height of Cybertron's Golden Era from a spark field just outside of Kaon. He served as a policemech, mostly working as a guard at the Arena. As a young bot he found the gladiators fascinating, and his favorite assignments were when he could see the matches. As he grew older he grew more cynical and began to see the fault in the system, especially as the Decepticon movement grew more prevalent in Kaon. As the Golden Age waned and revolution loomed ever closer he began to attend Decepticon rallies, questioning the laws he had sworn to uphold. He took to defending young Decepticons who had been arrested on minor or falsified charges, eventually being arrested himself. He was acquitted due to lack of evidence, but was still fired shortly thereafter. He stayed in Kaon, lending aid to gladiators unsympathetic to the Functioning government until he was nearly arrested again. He escaped, thanks to his intimate knowledge of the Area's layout, and left town. He would go on to join the Autobots, with disastrous consequences. -Friends/family During his time with the Autobots, he allowed himself to grow close to his Elite Guard squad, especially his commander, Standup. After this squad is decimated, he cut himself off from the world, taking to studying medical techniques instead. Centuries later he was stationed aboard the Caveat as a medic under the command of their CMO Neurosis. He kept them at arms length, despite their best efforts to get close to him. He eventually lost his patience with them constantly asking about his past, offering comfort, and trying to befriend him and went awol. He was soon picked up by a Decepticon crew calling themselves the Cabal, and he decided to stay mostly because they had no medic. He avoided associating with them outside of professional matters, but they eventually wore through his defenses. The young mute warrior Boomerang was able to forge the strongest bond with him, as he felt a connection to him he hadn't since his old team. -Enemies/rivals While Chakra doesn't view the sides the same as others do because of his close connections to the Decepticons prewar, but he does hold a deep grudge against whatever team it was that devastated his old team. -Major events The battle that ripped Chakra's former team from him was long and brutal, and he witnessed the death of each of his crew mates one at a time, unable to do anything to help them. In the end he was left alone with a mortally wounded Standup, trapped in a cave. He had no medical training aside from some basic first aid, and was unable to save his commander's life. Rescue teams arrived far too late to help. This battle inspired him to train to become a medic, and the memories prevent him from effectively serving on the front lines. -Important meetings -The Autobot soldier who delivered the news of war; he never learned his name. -Standup; he was his first field commander and the first mech he fully trusted. He never fully recovered from his loss. -The Caveat crew; while he may not have been close to them they still made an impact on his life (mostly in the shape of being the unwitting final straw in his decision to leave the Autobots). -The Cabal; they were the ones who finally taught him to open up again, and while he finds their antics incredibly annoying at best he also wouldn't leave them. -Other things of note Chakra was never fully loyal to the Autobot cause. The Decepticons were the ones who first showed him Functionism was helping no one, and the early rhetoric of the faction would be a major influence on his decisions for the rest of his functioning. While he would always wear the Autobot insignia, he was always a Decepticon at spark. Prewar -Personal life Chakra had few true friends prewar, although he was friendly with many gladiators and his coworkers. He spent most of his off time watching the fights in the Arena or better drunk in one of Kaon's many taverns. After the rise of the Decepticon movement piqued his interest, he spent his free time investigating

corruption in the local government branches or attending rallies in secret. -Job Chakra served as a police officer for most of his life before the war, often assigned to guard the Arena. When he was younger he preferred to work long hours and keep himself busy, but as he grew older he stopped volunteering for extra duty to make time for his personal interest in the Decepticon rebels. -Politics Chakra realized early on things were not as "golden" as the Golden Age might seem, but didn't realize just how until he stumbled across a Decepticon rally in a half drunk stupor. Their words sobered him (both literally and figuratively) to the reality of what Functionism was, and he spent the rest of his life prewar investigating its faults. Wartime -Choosing sides Not long after he left Kaon, news of the war reached him via a lone Autobot soldier. The young mech's exaggerated version of the events convinced him to join their side, and he soon found himself in the Elite Guard. He was less loyal to the faction than to his crew, and still harboured some sympathy for Decepticon rhetoric. -Personal life Chakra quickly grew close to his Elite Guard battalion, especially his commander, Standup. He spent much of his free time hanging out with them, often getting drunk and sharing wild stories, or spending quiet time alone with Standup. After their loss he devoted all his time to medical studies, refusing to let anyone else grow close to him. While with the Cabal he started spending time with his crew again, usually in the form of sitting in the corner with Boomerang and watching the rest of the crew mess around. -Job Chakra started the war as a soldier, as well trained and deadly as the Autobots had to offer. He later exchanged this life for that of a medic, and never returned to the battlefield as an active participant.

[etlunainmorte]

❄❄❄

***

*Bella Basil Raspberry Tea*

Total Time - 45 minutes preparation plus chilling

Serves - 6

Ingredients

3 cups fresh raspberries

1 cup sugar

1 cup packed fresh basil leaves, coarsely chopped

1/4 cup lime juice

2 individual black tea bags

1 bottle ( 1 liter ) carbonated water or 1 bottle ( 750 milliliters ) sparkling rose wine

Ice cubes

Fresh raspberries and basil leaves, optional

Directions

In a large saucepan, combine the raspberries, sugar, basil and lime juice. Mash berries. Cook over medium heat for 7 minutes or until berries release juices.

Remove from the heat; add tea bags. Cover and steep for 20 minutes. Strain, discarding tea bags and raspberry seeds. Transfer tea to a 2 - qt. pitcher. Cover and refrigerate until serving.

Just before serving, slowly add carbonated water or wine. Serve over ice. If desired, top with raspberries and basil.

Nutrition Facts

1 cup: 281 calories, 0 fat ( 0 saturated fat ), 0 cholesterol, 9mg sodium, 44g carbohydrate ( 37g sugars, 4g fiber ), 1g protein.

*Cookie Dough Stuffed Oreos*

Yields - 30

Prep Time - 10 minutes

Total Time - 1 hour 35 minutes

Ingredients

1/2 c. ( 1 stick ) melted butter

1/2 c. granulated sugar 

1/2 c. packed brown sugar 

1 tsp. pure vanilla extract 

1 c. almond flour 

1/2 tsp. kosher salt 

2/3 c. mini chocolate chips

24 Oreos

1 c. chocolate chips

1 tbsp. coconut oil 

1/4 c. sprinkles 

Directions

Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter, sugars, and vanilla. Stir in almond flour and salt, then fold in mini chocolate chips. 

Separate Oreos trying to keep cream intact. Place 2 tsp of cookie dough on Oreo half with cream, then sandwich with other half of Oreo. Repeat with remaining Oreos and dough. 

Place chocolate chips and coconut oil in a microwave safe bowl and microwave in 30 second intervals until melted. Dip Oreos halfway into chocolate, place on prepared baking sheet, and top with sprinkles. Refrigerate until chocolate is hardened, 1 hour.

***

"You said, please, say yes." You excitedly informed him. "And I said, yes! I'm going to the New Year's Ball with you, V!"

It took the poet a full minute before he finally realized what you were talking about. And when he finally realized what your words truly meant, his eyes slowly widened and his mouth fell open in shock. He grabbed his messy hair with both hands and spoke, "That - that's your answer, right? You'll go to the Ball with me?"

"Hahaha! Of course, you silly poet!" You laughed as you threw yourself at him, hugging him and placing a tender kiss on his cheek. Oh, how sweet you smelled. What a nice morning, indeed! "See ya!"

And before V could even reciprocate with a kiss of his own, you took your hands off him, waved, and went back to your house.

Now, if it were only that easy.

"What happened to you, dear?" Adelaide asked you, a plate of fluffy pancakes in her hand. 

Your hands automatically went up your hair as realization finally kicked in. "I told him I'd go the Ball with him."

"Yes, and?"

Giving your grandmother a horrified look, you answered, "I don't have a vintage dress!"

***

❄ Three Wishes ❄

***

IX

***

"You're in luck." Your cousin, Avery, told you as she nudged your arm with an elbow. "I got your back."

"Thanks." You answered with a shy smile as the two of you made your way to her mansion.

It was a good thing that you called Avery first before going to the shopping district to look for a decent vintage dress. You never knew much about gowns or even dresses ( except for the ones you wear for your concours and concertos ), and you're just glad to have her around.

And honestly? She didn't disappoint. Not only were you not going to spend a single cent, you're also going to have the full vintage wardrobe experience free of charge!

Avery opened the heavy wooden door, a feat which always awed you, and allowed you to step into the threshold first before her.

The warmth of the place welcomed you like an old friend, and the entirely redesigned interior made it look as good, or even better, as new. Avery chucked ( not literally, of course ) the old Grecian statues and the rest of the old stuff away ( including your great grandfather's intimidating life - size portrait, which, if she could be honest, was already considered cursed by a lot of curators ), put them up for auction, and actually gained a lot of money from it ( well, not that Roman would refuse, anyway ). She hired a florist and an interior designer for a revamp of the mansion, and voila!

And now, as you glanced with wonder and admiration at the complete transformation of the interior, your jaw couldn't help but drop and your eyes couldn't help but widen. The house, and all the places and corners the eye could possibly reach, looked actually clean, it didn't even look like a haunted mansion, anymore. In place of the old Grecian statues were two Venetian pedestals with modern flower vases in it. The baroque period paintings were gone from the walls, replaced with modern ones depicting gardens in all four seasons. The old and worn down window frames were also replaced. Even the floorboards don't squeak anymore.

Everything was brand new! And everywhere you look, there were lots, and lots, and lots,... of flowers! And,... this actually made you a bit confused.

Avery, actually decorating her house with flowers,... ?

"Didn't know you'd go for flower power." You let out your thoughts as you followed and observed the positively radiant woman upstairs. "And you looked, ah,... different." You remarked, seeing that she finally got rid of her blue highlights and just let her hair grow naturally, letting its true auburn color show, which looked perfect in its own way. You also noticed that her style changed, as well. Instead of a loud statement shirt, a pair of ripped jeans, and a pair of thick leather boots, she's wearing a pastel - colored floral dress, and a pair of wedges.

Avery,... wearing dresses?

Am I missing something here? You thought to yourself as you smiled at your cousin.

"Who? Me? Different?" Avery replied as she glanced at you at the corner of her eye.

You hummed in approval. "You looked,... radiant."

"Nah! I'm still old me. And you're the main focus here, not me. So, if you please,..." Your cousin requested as she gestured for you to open the door to the bedroom on the left hallway. You grabbed the doorknob firmly, carefully turned it, and opened the door,...

You felt a strange wave of nostalgia brush you gently in the face as you entered the old room. The huge French canopy bed on the left, the sweet scent wafting about the cozy room, the pastel colored wallpaper, the heavy floral curtains, and even the white vanity table on the right gave the impression that this room belonged to a very delicate lady,...

... who seemed very much in love.

Huh? Why did I think of that? You pondered as you heard the door close behind you.

"I had this room renovated." Avery told you as she walked towards the vanity table and placed a hand on the ornate mirror. "This belonged to gran's mom."

"Really?!" You gasped, taken by surprise by what you just heard from your cousin. Your eyes wandered once more all over the place, drinking in all the lovely sights the room could offer. It's as if,... the room itself held some sort of significance to you. Like you've been here before. "Wow,..."

"You know, V spent a lot of time in this room last October." Avery giggled as she gave you a sly sideways glance, wanting to see your reaction. And you didn't disappoint. The moment your cousin mentioned his one letter name, your face heated up, making it as red as a beetroot.

"W - what's he doing here?" You stuttered, making the other woman laugh.

"Ah! Long story. I'll tell you some other time." Avery answered as she went towards the large wooden closet on the left near the French canopy bed. "But, I'll tell you this: he's in love with gran's mom."

"Sorry?"

"Never mind." Your cousin teased as she opened the closet, revealing a huge collection of Victorian era dresses of all fabrics, colors, and shapes.

And it simply took your breath away! And instantly made you forget what Avery just revealed.

"Amazing!" You gasped in awe as Avery took one dress made completely out of lace from the huge closet. "It's so, so beautiful!"

"Look, I may tell you that this lady here suits your skin tone but, you can try as many of these as you like." Avery told you as she carefully handed you the delicate dress. "Hell, you can try all of them!"

And that's what you did for the next few hours. As tiring as it was, carefully putting on these dresses and making sure that they don't get damaged in the process, it really was fun trying them on. There were just too many, in different shades of red, blue, purple, green, and yellow, in different fabrics like lace, satin, silk, chiffon, and in different cuts, although ninety - five percent of them had extremely low necklines and all of them had tight fitting bodice.

And somehow, the dresses,...

... felt so familiar to you. From the colors perfectly matching your skin tone, to their sizes exactly fitting your form.

It was like you actually owned them.

"That's beautiful." Avery, who got so tired of waiting and elected to just sit on the bed to watch your every move, said for seemingly the hundredth time that day.

"Yes but," You answered as you uncomfortably looked down at what you’re wearing: an exquisite pale green dress with an empire waist and a pair of bishop sleeves made of voluminous silk. " ... it doesn't seem right."

Avery rolled her eyes as she crossed her arms. "I told you. Pick whatever you like. V will not judge you if you pick the wrong one, come on!"

"No, it's not that I'm worried about V judging me." You said as you faced the closet once more. "These dresses are all beautiful, and they all fit so perfectly, it's actually scary. But, I don't feel,... special,... in any of them. In a way."

"What do you mean by that?"

"It's like,... I'm happy they all fit. But, I'm not happy wearing them."

"Really? How so?"

"It's like,... ah,... how do I explain this?" You bit your lower lip as you browsed the many more dresses that were hanging inside the vintage closet belonging to your gran's mom. "It's like, I'm looking for something that resonates. That feels special. You know what I'm saying?"

"I'm not sure I know what you meant." Avery answered as she collapsed on the white pillows.

"Ah, it's so hard to - "

"Hard to what?"

You turned towards your cousin, your eyes almost popping out of their sockets and your mouth opening wide. Like you've just awoken to a huge revelation.

"Found something that resonates?" Avery asked as she rolled on the bed, propping her chin on her knuckles and playfully swaying her feet back and forth.

"I might have." You replied as you took a particular dress from the closet and made your way once again towards the massive bathroom. "Wait."

"Isn't that what you're already making V do?" Avery teased with a huge grin plastered on her face as she rolled on the bed once more and laid on her back.

"What's that?!" Your voice echoed from the bathroom. You were just too weirded out with your cousin's behavior.

"Nothing! And make it quick already! I'm starving!"

"Alright! Alright! And can you put something else in here, like a vanity table or something? It feels really empty here!"

"Just like how V feels without you?"

"Come again?!"

"Did I say something?"

"Ugh!"

Avery was clutching her stomach with both hands, hysterically laughing at her jokes when you finally came out of the bathroom. And when she saw you, her mouth simply dropped.

"Girl," She gasped, feeling as if her eyes were deceiving her. " ... you're wearing,... that?"

"Yes!" You proudly declared as you made a little pirouette, the soft fabric of the dress flowing gracefully with your movement. "Isn't this perfect?!"

"W - well," Avery said, still a bit tongue - tied, as she got off the bed and made her way towards you. " ... I must say that's a really curious choice. A good choice, nonetheless. Looks perfect, yes."

Your eyebrows knitted, confusion with Avery's strange commentary on the dress you chose starting to set in. "You don't look happy."

"What? Ugh! Come on, I said it's perfect, right? Now, get dressed and come down, I'm really starving, I could eat a huge bird right now!”

You were still staring at the dress laid carefully on the sofa a few minutes later as you and your cousin enjoyed some cookie dough stuffed oreos and bella basil raspberry tea.

"So, are you gonna tell me?" You said after taking a sip of the sweet beverage. "What V was doing there last October?"

"Ye really wanna know?"

"Well, duh. Of course."

Avery took one cookie from the huge plate and pointed it at you. "Do you believe in ghosts?"

"Umm, yes? No? I don't know,..."

"Well, whatever your belief is, this place," Avery said, taking a bite of the treat. " ... used to be haunted. And I commissioned the Legendary Devil Hunter to drive the spirit out. But, he refused!" She said, then took another bite. "And this man, this thin man who calls himself V, he volunteered. He confronted the Demon who took over this place," She plopped the treat into her mouth and chewed. And with a still full mouth, she said, " ... and set the tortured souls free. Safe to say he won, right?"

"Oh, I s - "

"BUT, of course, you wouldn't believe me! So, forget what I just said." Avery took another cookie and ate it whole. Then, after that, she took another one from the plate and ate it as well.

"You, ah, eat well!" You said, carefully choosing your words so as not to offend your cousin.

"Who, me?" Avery asked as she ate another cookie, then took a sip of her tea. "Nah. Must be your imagination."

" ... okay,... "

"I answered your question, now answer mine." Avery gestured at the dress on the sofa and took another treat from the almost empty plate. "What made you choose that dress?"

"Instinct." You simply answered.

"Meaning?"

"I feel it's the one, you know?"

"Just like how you feel about V?"

"OH, SH - !"

"I'm home, ladies!" Roman, who just entered the living room, greeted you and made his way towards his wife to plant a kiss on her radiant cheek. He, then, took out a box of dumplings from a plastic bag and showed it to Avery, whose eyes and mouth widened in delight.

"Roman Mikael Francisco, you greatest husband in the world!" Avery exclaimed in ecstasy as she grabbed the Chinese take out box from Roman's hand. "How did you know I'm craving this?"

"Instinct." Roman answered as he winked at you, making you nod in realization of the real situation.

"Oh, shush, you!" Avery playfully slapped Roman's hand and looked back at you. "And you! You have to go back home, it's getting late."

"I'm not a kid!" You replied with a silly grin on your face as you took the dress from the sofa. "And it's only afternoon."

"Whatever." Avery said and stood, accidentally dropping her handkerchief from her lap to the floor in the process. "Oh, it fell! Just like how you and V fell for each other!"

"Stop!"

***

❄ @la-vita , @clevermentalitybeliever , @birdgirl69 , @v-vic , and @dreaming-gamer . ❄

***

"You alright on your own?" Roman asked graciously as he walked with you towards your house. "You need help with that box? That's huge!"

"I can handle this, thanks!" You replied with a smile as you held the box containing the dress and its accessories closer to your form.

"Are you a hundred percent sure?"

"Yes."

Roman nodded, his charming smile showing on his young - looking face. "Alright, alright. I'll go back to Avery, then. She's getting more and more delicate these past few days, you know?"

"Yeah. Take care of her, alright?"

"Si, si." Roman smiled, waved, and walked back towards the mansion.

So, I'm right! You thought as you opened the door to your own house. "Gran, I'm home - "

However, something, or someone, stopped you in your tracks.

Christopher Lancaster, your narcissistic former lover, was waiting for you in the living room. What's more, he was holding an expensive - looking bouquet of red roses, there was a box of expensive French chocolate on the table, and Adelaide was looking at the man with utter hate and disdain from one corner of the room. Like he forced her to let him in the house.

"(Y/N)!" The man greeted as he stood up from the sofa and made his way towards you. "I was waiting for you."

You took a few steps back and held the box right in front of you to prevent the man from getting closer to you. "What do you want, Christopher?"

"Aww, how cold! Yikes!" The man sarcastically said as he made a shivering gesture. "I only wanted to give this to you - "

"What. Do you. Want?"

"Sheesh, can't a man invite a lady properly to the New Year's Ball?"

"Oh! Is that so?"

"So, you'll come with me! That's great news! I - "

"Get out of here, you're scaring gran."

The man drew back in shock at what he just heard. "I beg your pardon?"

"I said, GET OUT! I'M NOT GOING TO THE BALL WITH YOU!"

"WHAT? YOU CAN'T REFUSE ME!"

"WELL, I JUST DID!" You yelled as you took the box of expensive chocolate from the table and shoved it forcefully into his arms. "NOW, GET OUT!"

The man gave you one last look of contempt before turning and finally leaving you and your grandmother alone.

And, hell, it felt good!

***

❄❄❄

***