#BUUUT we do get some good moments with just her! and I'm really really happy they included more of her backstory

[koka-mi]

I'm trying to replay kyoko's route in pmmm portable and it is so much harder than I remember it being :'D

[jade-len]

so today i tricked my very straight male friend into reading svsss.

okay look, i wasn't planning to at first and it's not like it was completely my fault. he wanted to read it!

i was showing him how badly they fucked up mu qingfang in the donghua by comparing it to the english novel design (he said that mu qingfang went from looking like a soft dilf to a predator registered on the epstein island list). and then, i showed him how different some of the other character designs were like gongyi xiao's ("he looks like he'd be a genshin character" -friend, to eng novel design) and luo binghe's ("lowkey, he kinda gives airbender vibes" -friend, to bunhe eng novel design)

so that was all i was gonna show him, nothing else. but after seeing them, he goes, "these designs actually look hella cool. what's the book called?"

now, do i:

A. tell him the name, eventually revealing that it's a danmei when he looks it up?

B. just straight up tell him that it's a danmei?

C: don't tell him the name just yet, spill the summary, get him interested, and tell him to not search anything up about it because there's heavy spoilers and it will reveal them the moment he types it up on the search bar

i go with C, obviously.

me: so, basically, some guy named shen yuan transmigrates into an incel harem male power fantasy novel where the protagonist, luo binghe, has hundreds of wives. thing is though, the guy pretty much took over the body of binghe's teacher he had when he was a teenager, who turns out to be a really scummy dude. and now he has to be nice to him so that the protagonist doesn't rip off his limbs and put him into a pickle pot in the future to suffer for eternity.

friend: that sounds hilarious and horrifying at the same time.

me: yes it is, and you should read it. it's like. my favorite novel at the moment. but don't search up anything about it because people spoil that shit. i'll let you borrow my novel

friend: nah don't worry, i'll just pirate it

friend: wait. does it have pictures?

me, my plan coming together: yeah, it has pictures. buuut, when you pirate it, it doesn't. trust me dude, i tried and was severely disappointed. plus, the physical copy is so much better

friend: fuck yeah ok thanks

me: hold on though. i'll text you later to see if my friend who's borrowing it rn is done reading it

he's hyped. he's excited. he craves a good book and a good transmigration interpretation. he's especially happy about the fact that it takes place in a chinese setting with cool powers and an actual good main character. "this sounds so good, god i wanna read it so bad."

i tell him that binghe is actually adorable, too. that it's pretty much found family! my friend then asks if shen yuan adopts him and becomes a father figure or something.

and i said "yes". you know, like a liar. (the father figure part probably isn't a lie though)

now i'm gonna give him the novel tomorrow! of course, i'm gonna cover the chapter 2 bunhe sexual awakening scene with washi tape and say that my baby cousin (sorry baby cousin, you would never <\3) scribbled all over that paragraph with her markers, and since i'm a neat book freak, i put washi tape and just wrote the scene! i don't know if that's really all too believable, but he didn't seem to care that much. just a simple "if my baby cousin did that to my book i would punt them into the sun"

i think what'll be more hilarious is the fact that you can't really tell that svsss is a BL. especially not volume 1. there's like, only a few lines indicating, but if you remove the baby binghe sexual awakening scene then you probably won't be able to know (...if you don't really read romance or anything. idk he's kinda dense anyways). so let's hope he gets attached and has a slow descent into the homo before i drop svsss vol 2 on him!

ok anyways i'll update you guys later with a reblog. maybe in about two or three days lol

(also don't worry, we already fuck around with each other on a daily basis like this. he's already tricked me into reading some manga i was unprepared for, and i thought that it'd be funny to mess around with him using svsss this time lol)

[spookyspecterino]

hiiiiiiii I love love love your writing and I saw you wrote a little thing for sam coe, and I wanted to request something if you feel like it or have the time (perfectly okay if you don't wanna) buuut I was thinkinggg

maybe something where the reader/captain is already in a relationship with sam, and cora accidentally calls her mom, and then it's this whole cute awkward fluffy thing?

besides that I hope you're having a good day/week mwah

Sorry this is so short, I wrote it really fast in between work meetings. Writing fanfiction on the company dime really makes me happy. Hope you're doing well too! ❤️

Sam Coe x F!Reader (it could be GN!Reader too, no gender/pronoun is mentioned, as long as you're ok with being called mom)

No warnings (all fluff)

"Hey Cora?"

Something clangs from further back in the ship. "Yeah?"

"You left your tools over here again."

Smaller footsteps patter closer on the metal floors.

The bag of tools lay scattered around your feet in a disorderly mess. Better that you found it instead of Sam, otherwise he might feel compelled to do his "dad duties" as he calls them and give Cora a lecture.

Cora rounds the corner, hair fluffed from the running. "Shoot!" She dives down and starts picking them up. "Sorry, mom!"

She pauses, frozen. "Ah..."

Mom? Was that a mistake or just an accident? For a moment there she sounded like she might apologize. Cora falls quiet as she continues to pick up the tools, her pace has picked up. She's scrambling as her cheeks turn a deep red.

Bending down next to her you help pick up the tools at a more steady and relaxed pace. She glances at you more than a few times, careful not to touch you or go for the same tool. Maybe it's time to say something.

"It's ok Cora. I thought it was sweet."

Now she looks at you fully, sitting up. "Really? It's not...weird... or anything?"

You ruffle her hair, messing it up even more. "Not at all. As long as you're comfortable, you can call me whatever you want."

"Really?"

"Of course."

"Ok, 'cause...um..." She grips the tool she's holding, some kind of wrench, with both hands. "It just kinda came out. But...I liked saying it." Her eyes flicker to yours then away.

Gently taking the tool from her hands, you put it away and then pull her into a hug. Her frizzy hair tickles your face. "You're not going to freak me out, Cora. I promise. If you liked it, then keep calling me mom. I think it's nice."

Her shoulders relax and the 12 year old melts into the hug wrapping her arms around you. She's still too small to reach around you completely and something about that is so precious.

Pulling back a little, you look down with a kind smile. "We should get the rest of the tools picked up so your dad doesn't make you read the ship safety manual again."

"Uggh. Yeah." She pulls the tool bag closer. "He's made me read it so many times I've practically memorized it."

"Is there a section about picking up tools?"

Cora makes a lighthearted face at you. "Section 4.1.1.3. Instructions for the proper management and storage of all ship equipment and tools relating to ship maintenance."

You whistle low. "Damn girl. And you're still leaving them out?"

Cora giggles. "I promise I'm not doing it on purpose."

Boot heels click on the floor behind you and Cora. "Do what on purpose?"

Cora snaps the bag closed after throwing the last tool away. Sam looks like he's already picked up on the conversation.

"Cora..." He warns.

You stand, wiping your pant legs. "Hey, Cora was just helping me with something."

"Mhm." His eyes dart to his daughter and back to you. "Helping you pick up her mess?"

"Easy there." You press a hand to his chest, and kiss him on the cheek. "Being strict doesn't suit you."

Despite his initial stern attitude he chuckles and eases under your touch. "Is that so?"

The tool bag clinks together as Cora stands, holding the heavy bag with both hands. It pulls Sam's attention away from you and he goes back to being irritated.

"Cora Coe--"

You cut in before he can start. "Thanks for your help, Cora. Will you please go check the regulators in the back for me?"

"Will do!" She beams at you and takes off before Sam can say anything else, the sound of the tools banging together in the bag fades as she goes.

Sam wraps a hand around your waist and presses his face to the side of your head, giving you a kiss. "You're spoiling her rotten."

"She called me mom."

He pulls back slightly, studying your face. "Yeah?"

"I thought it was really nice."

Sam hums, content, and pulls you back to him. "Good. Is that why you let her get away with not picking up her tools?"

"She's 12, Sam. She's busy discovering the universe and having fun. Go easy on her." You peck his cheek again. "I bet you were way messier when you were 12."

He leans in like he wants to kiss you more seriously, chasing your lips, but he pauses at the memories of being 12. He sighs. "You've got a point there."

"Exactly."

He tries to sneak another kiss, but you dodge him with a sly grin. His fingers grip at your clothes as you pull away teasingly. "I have to go watch the controls up front."

Sam trails lazily after you with a smile. "Would you like company?"

"Are you going to distract me?" You ask, walking slowly backwards.

"It wouldn't be like me if I didn't at least try to."

"Alright then, cowboy. Do your worst."

[gurokichi]

Guess who's happy because finally something good happens in her pathetic and boring life? :D

Yeah it's me, Unnamed anon, did you miss me Bon? :P (a part of me thinks that you don't, but the other part hopes that you do)

I'm REALLY sorry for not send an ask this recent days, but so many things happen last week that I didn't have the time to send you an ask.

And I know what you would say "why didn't you just message me?", well I know that I could do that but I decided to not do that.

Because I really wanted to tell you everything, and if I message you there would be a good possibility that you wouldn't answer me so, I decided to send an ask instead! :D

And to be honest, I miss you Bon, even if we don't talk that much (for the hour difference, you know that), I still miss talking to you, or sending you an ask.

Buuut leaving that aside, be prepared because I wouldn't stop typing until I finished to say everything that happens to me these days >:D (I know myself very well and I know that I would feel embarrassed after a few hours later so, I'm going to take advantage that I don't feel embarrassed or nervous right now, if you don't want to read all of this is fine Bon, I just really wanted to say this to someone, specifically you :3)

So to start all of this rambling I want to say that I don't go to class today, it was raining so much in my home so my father decided to not send me to school :D (is still raining at the moment that I write this though) and because of that, I have the time of the word to do everything I didn't do in the weekend :D

Ok so, Friday was the day where a lot of things happened, But first I have to clarify something, remember when I told you that the tour that we were going to do on my birthday was canceled and moved to another day?, Well, as it turns out, that day ended up being last Friday, and basically all week we were trying to get ready for the trip.

Basically we went to the ninth department of my country, to see the things that were there, because we were on an excursion dah (so we were going to see a fucking soccer game xd).

First I have to mention that we had to arrive early, like 5 am, the point is that it had to be before 6 am because at that time we were going to leave, And since I hardly sleep at all, it was easy for me to wake up early... I woke up at 3 am... Yeah, my sleep schedule sucks, I know, but well, leaving that aside I waited an hour or so and then at 4:47 I decided to wake my dad up, and then the typical thing for every day, I ate my breakfast, brush my teeth, bathe, get dressed, you know the typical thing to do when you go out somewhere.

And when I got to school it was really cold, it was even drizzling a little, luckily I wore my hoodie that day so I wasn't cold, and when I arrived there was hardly anyone, really, there were so few people that it was even strange.

But after a certain time, during which time my dad (Yup my dad came with me, he is some... Overprotective I could say) talk to the Coordinator, telling her to take care of me with her life because he didn't want something bad to happen to me, I ate an empanada, and my dad bought me some strawberry cookies, and then finally the others arrived but more importantly, the Bus arrived, one of the two groups at least (because not only those in my class were going to go, otherwise two more classes were going to go, so they were going to be two groups, because obviously there would be no room for three classes in one together).

And after I got on the first bus, I talked a little with my dad, I drew (because I had brought a notebook to write down everything I would learn on the trip, spoiler: I hardly ever used it xd) and after another time in which the second bus arrived, we finally went on the long-awaited excursion.

I'm not going to stop every time we go down for certain needs, such as going to the bathroom (which happens almost all the time, wtf rhyme xd, although only in Spanish is it understood but still xd), or going to eat something, but I want to highlight two things, the first: I didn't go to the bathroom, literally throughout the tour I didn't go to the bathroom even once, and the second: at one point I changed of bus to go to the second one, because there was one of my friends (it almost seems like the only one I have xd) and his mom, who go with him on the tour, and well I stayed in the second one bus for the rest of the tour.

The first place we visited was a museum, which was special because there were the remains of what was once the iron factory “la rosada”, this factory was responsible for creating a barrel made entirely of iron, iron which was melted to be able to use metal, although the barrel that was in the Museum was a replica, the real one is in the hands of Brazilians, because they took the barrel as one of the trophies for the Triple Alliance war, and I better stop here because I don't want to bore you with a history class Bon xd.

The second place we visited was a park, which was connected to a huge stream, and there I realized that not only we were there, there were children from other schools as well, the park was also where we had lunch, and for the first time in a long time, I ordered a second course, which I never do, you could tell that I was very hungry huh? Xd.

That's also where I got the dirtiest xd, if in itself I got a little dirty in the Museum, there in the park I not only got dirty but I also got wet xd, it's just that the stream was too tempting, how could I not get wet? (Ok this is sounds really bad ;-;), but I still had a lot of fun in the stream, since I didn't go to one a long time ago :D.

And the third place we visited was a hill, and God the climb was TOO exhausting, and on top of that I'm not the person with the best physical condition in the world, so you can imagine what I suffered climbing there, there wasn't much, but it was still fun to be there (even though the climb was insufferable), I had the opportunity to throw stones from above :D (“but unnamed anon, you're afraid of heights-” shh, shut up).

And well, after all that we finally went back to school, I have to say that during the excursion I slept like three times, and that on the bus two weons kept singing whatever stupid thing they could think of or were asked to do, it was very funny, and after several hours, we finally arrived at school around 7 pm, we arrived late, but well, after that I arrived at my house, changed, and after telling my dad what happened on the trip (skipping certain things too) I went to my room and started watching YouTube.

And well, that's what happened on Friday (skipping several things, such as the fact that the pen I took with me on the tour exploded without me realizing it, and Yup, it was a disaster inside the bag I was carrying that day), Not much happened on the weekend, just me seeing things from vocaloid and utau, learning about 3d modeling (don't ask me why, because I don't even know xd) and well, things like that, but I'm still happy (which is strange that it lasts so long xd).

Wow, I think this is the first time I rambling in so long, but I can't think of anything else to say, so for now that's all! :D

I'm sorry if I write to much, I know that I could just message you instead of send you an ask but, it's just that I wanted to tell you everything! (And I couldn't help but think that i'm being annoying, which knowing you, you wouldn't think that way, I think that I say this already,did i?), so that's why I write this much today, that and the fact that I miss you! :D

But I think I'm done for now, so bye Bon! :D

-Unnamed anon (it feels so good saying that again :"D)

Wahhh, your life isn't pathetic and boring. Don't say that!! And welcome back; I did miss you!! It's okay; you don't have to apologize for not sending an ask. Truth be told, I've been pretty exhausted and haven't really had the energy for answering asks until recently. I totally understand not having the time to send something in, but it's always appreciated when you do! Giggling, if you wanted to message me, you could've. I would've tried my best to respond... I am just forgetful and space it sometimes. And aw, thank you. That makes me happy to hear you've missed me <3

You typed A LOT!! Wowowow. You really meant it when you said you wouldn't stop typing. And no need to be nervous or embarrassed about sending me anything; I'd never judge ^^ Aah, I love rain. I'm so jealous! I'm gonna steal your weather, ehehe. I hope that you got everything you wanted to do done. It seems like you had a very fun trip... I don't have much to say right now because you explained most of the questions I thought of, and I'm pretty tired. I didn't wanna leave you waiting for too long. I enjoyed reading this, though! I don't mind you sending long asks; I just may not have the longest responses, like now. I promise you that you aren't annoying, and if anyone says otherwise, I'll beat them up for you. Bye bye! (^^)/

[freckledjoes]

how do u think st5 will end? i think eleven will sacrifice herself for will, before he dies, probably mike dies?? her powers would be strong enough to sacrifice and save hawkins. nancy stays single and travels away for a job/collage or something, steve gets himself a girlfriend, finally. please. he wants to be the stay at home mom with his kids. nancy clearly didn’t look like she wants that life cause she doesn’t, i really don’t understand why he’s still stuck on her even after so many years after their breakup, it’s silly. max wakes up. jopper will get married!! pls i need that to come true.. dustin survives vecna’s curse, idk will nancy get possessed too? and who’s the new lady that’s been introduced as a new character?? steve’s mom maybe?? or the mayoress of hawkins?? i want all the town to help the main group but still i don’t want it to be the second avengers endgame pls… omg could vecna possibly use his victims against our main characters? alsoo, i don’t want the ending scene where nancy and steve are in the car saying we’ve seen stranger things, it’s too corny for my liking pls no… and i like the time travel thing idea.. (going back in time so vecna would turned on his dark side.. this would be really easy way out, tho i hope it won’t happen lol?).. i’d really want eddie returning as a vampire, not really like coming from the dead, that would ruin everything probably (even tho i’d wanted it in heartbeat) buuut yk what i mean right? something like billy came back in max’s visions so eddie would come like this to dustin’s visions. the worst possible ending, is blood bath, there’s been a lot demand for a body count. i feel like modern audiences are more into stuff like game of thrones, walking dead.. stuff like that… killing characters casually. i’m not saying i don’t want a character or three dying tho! i’d be happy if they’d killed off two or three of the main characters finally, they always kill a new character that the audience like and then the audience is always mad. why is that?? we’ve already lost bob and eddie. should it be that way?? i’m really scared steve is going to die bc he was supposed to die in s1, if he does die i’m gonna riot against their stupid writing (that brings me getting stancy back together again). pls get him a girlfriend, a happy life he dreams about and don’t let him hang up on nancy anymore, he deserves better.. he’s changed.. also it needs to stay to the 80s show vibes and has the happy ending as well.. what do you think?? what are your thoughts? :D

I had to write down all your thoughts as bullet points so I could acknowledge them in my reply lmao. Loving this elaborate thought blurb! Alright, so I do think there will be some sacrificing going on, I'd see either Will or El doing it for Mike. Part of me thinks one of those two might die, but on the other hand I don't see them doing it. Why? 'Cause it would fuck up Jopper. And they spent a lot of time on Jopper. Hopper can't lose another kid and we've seen how Joyce handled Will's missing. Not saying this is logical, but it's what I think anyway. Maybe an almost death. Like one of them going in knowing they will probably die and saying goodbye- maybe, and then surviving. I feel like Max might get a more important role than we anticipate. Something about her showing up for El at the moment she needs her the most. Like in the mind thing. I'm worried for Lucas, that poor boy is suffering. :( Assuming Jopper survives - which I do think they will - I wouldn't be surprised if we get a Jopper wedding as a way of a corny happy ending. I don't expect anything mindblowing if I'm very honest, the fan theories have been so good that I fear disappointment for most of us lol. And well, considering many things - I also don't really care if it flops. I'll just enjoy seeing some of my sweet characters one last time before their actors go off into bigger and better projects. <3 Anyway, back to it. If they bring back Eddie, it's definitely gonna give us more pain than gain. He'll hurt Dustin, bet. As wonderful as the Kas ideas are, I don't see it happening considering what I mentioned in the previous paragraph. It's too good. I either see him show up in a Vecna vision or some kind of undead army thing. Both will suck. Imagine Dustin, who is literally embodying Eddie right now, is face to face with his dead friend. Yikers. Idk about the new lady, I'm honestly bored out of my ass that they added a new character for the last season. "Here's a new character to care about - or not - but they're gonna die once you get attached!" - so yeah, not many thoughts there. It'll be too brief. I don't see the town doing anything other than vandalize Eddie's grave and somehow find a way to blame the goddamn earthquake on him honestly. Steve and Nancy... fingers crossed it doesn't happen. For me anyway! For those that ship them, good luck getting it your way~ But yeah, I don't see the appeal, but I do feel how they're pushing it onto us hard. It wouldn't surprise me if Steve dies trying to protect Nancy and that we'll get a stupid nugget speech similar to Eddie's sheep speech. I really need that all to not happen. But don't wanna get too deep into ships, I just don't think that outcome would be sensible for either character. That said, Steve getting a partner (an unknown character) would be nice, but if I'm really honest I'd much rather they all leave it open to our interpretation. If we're getting a cliche ending of some future thing, just throw me the Jopper wedding or Steve and Robin (platonically) moving out of Hawkins together, away from that hellhole. This has become a mix of what I think might happen vs what I want to happen I guess, but these are my thoughts! And anyway, no matter what happens, we will always have a 1000+ fixit fics :)

[palialaina]

I honestly don't know who I need to smack with a pillow more; Uncle B for telling Reth the joke, or Reth for telling me the joke.

Reth decided I was doing good enough at cooking to try making berry pie. Huzzah! Except. Yanno. The only name I can remember for myself is Berry.

Maybe I should make them both a pie (whenever Uncle B finally admits he has blueberry seeds for me. I know he does!) and then smush it in their faces!

Ugh.

Now I'm the one being petty.

So, I had to tell Jel that Tish's request meant I wouldn't be able to see him every day. He looked very depressed about it, but said he'd try not to mope around that much. He also asked if I thought Tish was being petty, and I just kind of shrugged.

I mean, it's kind of comforting if she is. She's so... she's always happy, in a way that I guess could be natural, but also feels kind of creepy. So if this is her being petty because Jel and I are feeling out a romantic relationship, it makes her seem more... Well, human, I guess? Or at least more like a real person who feels more than just bright and sunny all the time.

Anyways, I promised Jel that I didn't mind, and honestly, I don't. I mean, I mind not getting to see him every day, obviously, but I don't mind helping Tish. Though I think she's got more faith in my ability to improvise than I do, that's for sure.

This trip out to Bahari was weird but... fruitful too. I found way more Palium than I thought I would (ironically I was hunting iron) and a few things that made me either curious or smile. Like, that little bluff there, it looks like a face!

I also want to know what this says, as well as what it's for. It looks like a shrine, like one in the Remembrance Garden, but whose?

This was in the cave with the two geysers, above where the weird shrine thing is. I don't know what it's doing there, but it was an interesting find, that's for sure.

I did end up hunting for some books for Caleri too. That was... eventful. But it also led me to something else, some sort of artifact that I think is supposed to be for Jina, but I can't figure it out. I'll hold onto it for a bit... maybe it's water damaged and useless, but maybe it'll fix itself if I keep it dry and safe.

Oh, and Lark sent me another letter!

Heya hey, Thanks for the steak dinner the other day (and for teaching me how to make it). And good news! I have an oven now! And I even didn't burn too many things, go me.

I was reading in the library the other day about ancient shape-shifting trickster spirits that like to play pranks on people. And y'know, something weird has been happening lately. I've been seeing this abandoned glider around in random places. Sometimes it's just sitting in weird spots. Sometimes it's… kind of floating. In the air, without moving. I think I might be being followed around by a tanuki?

[a few ink splotches and crossed out words] You know…. I'm not sure why I said that just now. The thought just kind of came to me in the moment. Pretty weird to know what a tanuki is when I don't even know what my name used to be, huh? Feels a little unsettling. …Does this kind of stuff happen to you too?

In lighter news, today Elouisa asked me what my favorite cryptid was, to which I replied "me!" (I'm technically not wrong, yeah?), leaving her quite baffled to my great satisfaction, and after a moment she conceded my point. Heh.

By the way, Jel's been acting… weird. In a good way, but he's like weirdly chipper. Then while we were chatting I mentioned something about you and he turned bright red (or, well, purple). What'd you do to him? (I'm kidding. It's not really my business either. …buuut I am really curious though). Okay, letter's getting long now so I'll leave it here for today.

Eyeing my glider suspiciously and hoping it's not a raccoon dog, -Ya pal Lark

There's a lot to tell them in person, honestly. But it's... it's really comforting to know that I'm not the only one who does weird memory things. Like. I know what a tankui is (I've actually seen the weird floating glider myself...), but I don't know how I know it. And I know Berry isn't actually my name, but it makes me happy when people call me that, so that's my name now, and...

I've tried asking at the phoenix shrine, and also the dragon shrine, but all they do is make me feel like I have more energy. I really don't think this religious stuff is for me, but it's harder to ignore if it's... well, if it's really real?

Mn. I don't know how to describe it...

I think I'm just going in circles now, so I'll call it here, go fall into bed, and then bug Jel first thing tomorrow!

....after I take care of my crops.

Oh! And make my kitchen/dining area!

Poor Jel! But hopefully he'll understand and be happy to see me anyways, even if I am late.

[tangerinecherrygal]

Small S&B S2 rant for my two followers or; SOC and S&B shouldn't have been combined (opinion)

Hi, this is my opinion and if anyone here enjoyed both seasons then I'm so happy for you. There are things that I enjoy that my friends don't and them pointing that out isn't a personal attack on me. Different strokes for different folks :)

Ok, first, since season 1 I hated that they combined both series. The story between Alina and the crows was completely different and felt disjointed.

I do wanna say I have read the first S&B book and I don't think I'm finishing the series because, i didn't like the way it was written. I also couldn't finish season 2 for some of the reasons I'm going to list now. However, I'm still able to critique how the show felt and it felt messy.

The relationships: (Season 1 mostly)

The relationships between everybody but Mal and Alina felt very forced and sudden. Like when she kissed the Darkling I was like, you've talked for a total of 45 minutes??? and it feels like those were their only interactions. In the book it was also like that but I feel like if they just focused on the s&b storyline then the writers could rectify this.

Also the 15 minutes of Nina and Matthias and then they're in love?? Even if this is a backstory that isn't in the books they could explore it in a different show. That storyline was so interesting and could've easily been a show by itself. The same for the rest of the crows.

Kaz and Inej's interactions mostly involved Jesper (who I loved). So I didn't really feel the chemistry with them. Buuut... the friendship between them felt very real and was so fun to watch. These actors are so charming and suited the characters I think.

The pacing (Both):

Because they combined the storylines they couldn't explore the relationships much like I said before. Also, they couldn't show much development, especially Alina developing her powers. In the books they explained why she was so weak but didn't in the show. I think it was a nice point. (The analytical part of me wants to say it's a good allegory for how suppressing parts of yourself can wear you down. Since this is a YA series I feel like it still has life lessons so that's how I took it). They could have given us more time with Mal and Alina's friendship too, instead of those flashbacks. Alina getting 'over' Mal also felt like it came out of nowhere.

In season 2 it's even worse. Already in the first episode it felt like we had no time to settle into the new situation. Of course, it's going to be fast paced bc they're on the run. I'm talking about how it feels like I'm watching a a playlist of under 5 minute s&b then soc videos. I saw someone say that they were trying to combine all 6 other books. In the 8 episode slots that stupid Netflix gave them??? Ok guys.

Things they should have changed: When Alina got mad at Mal for not responding. It makes their friendship seem less authentic. Yes, I know she's quite young and scared (me too), but she's also able to be a bit rational. It's unbelievable that she wouldn't consider there may also be some other reason that he hasn't responded even if it's for a moment. If she maybe thought that he might not have been able to respond or if he was outside of the base camp and he couldn't get the letters yet. Then she could realize that she can't rely on him so much and needs to support herself. This would also make her confidence later feel more reasonable because it feels like she's working on it for herself.

More time with the Darkling in the first half. In the books I was annoyed that she went from being terrified of him to trusting him implicitly without much reason. Maybe if he was more involved with giving her advice then she might feel like she would be able to trust him.

Genya's hair. I can't deal with bad tv wigs, I think since I started being more interested in drag. This is a more petty thing but in the words of drag queen, Katya: If you have a fantasy show you're adapting for the screen, you can pull it together. If there is a fantasy world that you're adapting, [you've] got to say one thing, "this world is not real." This is not Ken Burns, we can take a little bit of liberty. We can do a low light, do a bang, we can experiment with some texture, we can make it whatever we want. Just make it look good. People get hung up on the good part. Like they could have at least given her some side swept bangs to hide the hairline. That was so twisted and evil I think. My girl was done so dirty.

This is more of a question. Why isn't Alina's surname Starkova?

The dialogue: What the hell? The downgrade between the writing from the previous season to this one. I'm not going back to watch and find exactly what I mean. But some of the dialogue felt so unedited and cringey. They are capable of snark and one-liners, they proved that in the first season. I think it was Nikolai that was the worst so far and the actor was working hard to make those lines work.

Finally, I hate you Netflix: (impromptu netflix rant)

I understand that most of the problems I mentioned could be fixed if they had more time. They could have a better chance of making the combined stories work. The other option is to keep the eight episodes and just adapt s&b.

The 8-10 episode format can't work for everything. GOT could do it but it takes a lot to pull that off for a fantasy show and not every production can do that with the constraints.

Also netflix clutches it's purse tight when it comes to non Stranger Things related content. $28m? For a FANTASY SHOW of a hugely successful book series? That's less than a single ST episode. Netflix open your purse girl, we know you have the money.

It's obvious they crammed a bunch of stuff into this season so if netflix cancels it, then they could have appealed to all the fans and wrapped it up. At the expense of quality :/. If netflix wouldn't cancel all their shows after one or two seasons, then i believe this wouldn't have happened. Idk how they expect to make legendary shows if they won't take that risk and let the fanbase gradually grow. That's how GOT, the office and breaking bad etc became so iconic.

I liked season one and thought it had a lot of potential. I was so disappointed that i didn't like this season.

[after-nine-at-the-oasis]

Hey y'all! So, for just under a year, I've had a review for the Season 6 finale of The Good Doctor sitting in my drafts. There's barely anything, and I've never had the motivation to get around to it, so I'm going to do a really quick one here. I'll try and do a more in depth one with that draft in the future, but the finale season (😭😭💔) premieres in a couple of days, and I want it out before then. I'm super busy and tired so I don't have the energy for the full thing lol, so here's just something to ease my mind.

I'm sad to see Danny go :(. I'm glad he's doing what's best for him and that he's not mad at Jordan (because yeesh I understood him but that hurt me, hurt on all sides lol), but I'll miss him </3. Maybe one day he'll come back :') (although in current context I doubt it buuut you never know). And poor Jordan too 😭.

Also thank goodness Jerome and Jared are okay xD. I mean okay is a relative term here but yk. Anyway, I'm so glad they're okay we went through enough this episode 😭❤️ xD.

AAAHHHHH PARK AND MORGAN ARE BACK TOGETHER!!! WHOOO YAYYY FINALLYYYY!!! They took their sweet time huh xD. Like, the show lol. Still, they're gonna be a family together :'DD I'm so happy. They're adorable, I love them <33.

:OO Andrews is quitting! That's wild tbh. I mean good for him, and Dalisay too, but dang xD. Brave move man, lol. You better hope it works out xD, with her I mean. But nah, I'm happy for them :DD.

Iirc Lim and Glassman were with the patient who couldn't move or was almost brain dead or something like that, and I'm so glad they found a way to help her improve :'). I'm proud of them <3.

I don't remember who was on the case with him but I remember Asher's patient's father (I believe) died and I felt so bad for him 😭. Poor Asher :(. And poor the guy's family! They just kept doing heartbreaking things this episode xdd. Also the little Asher and Jerome moment at the beginning of the episode <33 my lovelies.

AAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH SHAUN AND LEA HAD THEIR BABY :'DDDDD!!! I'M SO HAPPY FOR THEM HOLY CRAP 😭😭❤️❤️❤️🥰🥰😭❤️😍🤩🥳🥳🥳🥳❤️. AND THEY NAMED HIM STEVE AARON AAAAAHHHHHHHH 😭😭😭😭😭💔❤️❤️❤️❤️!!! I'm not okay thank you very much <333. I love them all so much :'))).

Also VOEIAMPFWNIAH GLASSMAN WHY. HOW COULD YOU DO THIS TO ME. I MEAN I KNOW WHY BUT SIRRR 😭😭😭💔💔💔 I DON'T DESERVE THIS!!

Y'all can't/don't believe how much I'm stressin. Again, I do not deserve this xd.

Anyway but him sending the gift was so cute 😭😭😭💔💔❤️❤️❤️. But just aUOAGH he was SO CLOSE TO GOING INNNN-

Once again, I don't deserve this <3.

xD But seriously, even if the hat part made me SAD, I loved the whole storyline <33. And I am so glad Glassman sent a gift xd. They'll make up eventually :')). It would be absolutely WILD if they didn't, and it will be pain until they do, but I'm sure they will lol.

Anyway!! There was a lot of drama between people this season (though there always has to be), and sometimes it was stressful, but I really enjoyed this season. There were so many great moments and I just love all these characters so much <333. And let's not forget the new characters!! Danny and Dani (I still find it absolutely wild that they never addressed that btw lol) were icons, and I was sad to see both of them go but they were really good for their time on <3. They were both super unique and I also loved seeing a disabled character in Dani :D. Her journey helping Lim with her own journey was amazing, and I kind of relate as a disabled person <3. And Danny was also super great, it was nice to see him stick to his reasons and decisions a lot. For a one season character he was really complex and I like that :)). Also his relationship with Jordan was great <333. It was also wild to see Kalu return this season lol!! It took some adjusting (though I enjoyed that time too) but I love having him back :DD. I love all of these guys so much and I can't wait for next season <333.

Sooo yeah!! I absolutely loved this episode, it was so dramatic and so good. I'm so excited for the next season!

This has been my review for. . .

The Good Doctor, Season 6, Episode 22: Love's Labor

I loved it, it was such a culmination of the season. I'm scared of the drama but also so excited for it, and everything else about next season. I'll be back then for my review of. . .

The Good Doctor, Season 7

See you then!!

[retphienix]

So, I'll say this was a pretty good experience.

I won't mince words, it wasn't my cup of tea sometimes.

It got so 'bad' that I've called it a walking sim (derogatory).

I really really don't think that's fair of me in the slightest because this is a good adventure game with some really REALLY good moments and themes, but there's a reason for me saying as much and I won't take it back entirely.

No shame to the devs, they told an incredible tale and I only spotted half of it, but man, the gameplay loop of "explore the exact same town which is comprised of like 7 screens with 2 elevations in the most tedious game of fill-out-the-checklist" wasn't greeeaaaaaat.

I started the game and was in love with things- I adore the style- I adore the characters. Both of those points never changed- even at the final moment I was happy as hell to be in dialogue- but GETTING to dialogue became a grind for... some reason.

I've said it before in previous games, I hate exploring the same area 15 times to see like 4 new things happen and a lot of repeats.

The loop in NitW is a LOT of "the same area 15 times, the same walk, the same jumps, the same minor platforming, the same tunnel- oh but today I talked to these guys!"

The gist being I was thinking I'd play the HECK out of this- do Gregg's route and the like, but after completing it once? Nah. I'm just not down to wander the same roads but this time with even less new dialogue to reward my effort.

Whiny point made, I'll move on lol.

So the good because I'm not making my finale post for NitW me groaning and nothing else:

What a fun damned story! With (painfully) relatable problems! And a LOT of variety to the character's, their problems, and how they handle them!

This was SICK for that.

I loved damn near every conversation I had this entire game.

I love that as the game closes I feel so much more hope than ever existed in the game before.

I love some of the damn world views- both optimistic and sorrowful- that came out!

Angus and his belief in people, his entire pattern-finder talk, a world that doesn't care and people who do- I teared up at that.

Bea's view that care is sometimes out of your control, like a weight you can't deny is somehow both beautiful and sad as hell!

Mae's internal conflicts and how she addresses them is fantastic!

And lord Bea better have meant it when she said she'd help Mae get help beyond the local doctor, geez to that hands-off approach.

Loved chatting with Selmers, loved the setting of a small town that's actually falling into itself and the struggles that brings- so many background character's talking about work trouble.

Lori and her horror, the pet rats which infest the whole damn town (nice), Bruce- the poor dude-

The fact that I was CERTAIN the city council type people were part of the cult but they weren't- that threw me for a loop.

Or the cult in general, I was genuinely convinced early as hell in the game that they were not as menacing as they appeared. Just felt like more evidence would pile up and it would all be a misunderstanding. And they got me when they tried to defend themselves "Oh we won't kill you, you're worth it!"

But turns out their just a bunch of murderous self-righteous fuck-heads! Got me! >:O

So the short of it, NitW was a great story to experience with character's I'll definitely dwell on if only for their outlooks and motivations to push forward in life.

Buuut, didn't have the most fun exploring the same town every day.

Each mini-game, even the extremely minor interaction ones where Mae's hand comes up and you touch a thing, were desperately needed to keep my eyes from glazing over in between dialogue.

I LOVED when I got to talk, I HATED the "getting" to the talking after like day 3 and there are a lot of days in this. Way more than I assumed.

While I waited on this to upload for the sake of posterity, I went and beat the two mini-games they include in the extra's menu from before NitW released- those were nice. Will probably upload a couple photo sets just because.

It was really interesting to see some of the carry over ideas from these games to the main piece! Like Angus's pattern finder line, or the astronomer saying it's nice to be something (which maybe also made me tear up).

Good fuckin' game. Will probably spend the evening readin' the wiki and watchin' a video or two of what I skipped out on, because actually playing through again is... less appealing to this idiot.

Edit:

And now that the game's done I'm just emotional about these friends and want to give them all a hug and hope they have the best futures despite this crazy fucked up world ;-;

[thatssonanii]

BBQ

Bloodline Family Series / Family Ties

"Bug, put those toys down and put your shoes on. I've asked you twice already." Haleigh fussed walking through the living room of their rental home.

"Where me going?"

"Somewhere with me and Daddy. Put your shoes on."

Carlito threw his toys down and took off running to get his shoes making Haleigh laugh and roll her eyes. Of course once she mentions Ardian he moves.

"Let's go, boys. If you're not in the car in five minutes I'm leaving you both!" She yelled standing at the bottom of the staircase.

After waiting ten more minutes since Carlito had to go potty, the small family was finally able to leave. Haleigh drove them to Pensacola for a family barbecue they were having since Koda, Eli and Milo were in town.

"Wake him up, baby. Let him walk."

Haleigh got his bag from the backseat while Ardian woke their baby. He looked around confused for a second then smiled. For some reason since he'd been home, he smiled when he woke up.

"What's up lil man? Sleep good?" Ardian asked helping him out the jeep.

Carlito stretched once he was on the ground, "Yeah sir. Where we at?"

Haleigh came around the SUV, locking it once Ardian closed the door. She bent down to his level, cleaning his face and fixing his hair.

"We are at Papa's parents' house. They're having a party for Uncle Koko, Uncle E and Uncle Lo," she stood and grabbed his hand, "You and Daddy get to meet my PopPop and Mimi."

Carlito grabbed Ardian's hand too. He saw all the cars and wondered who was all inside. The only car that looked familiar to him was Roman and Kandice's car.

"They be nice?" He asked as they approached the back gate.

"Yeah, Lil Man. If you get scared just find one of us."

"Me smell food, Daddy. Me hungry."

Haleigh shook her head and opened the gate, Ardian let them go in first and closed the gate behind them. He saw a lot of faces he knew and a few he didn't. Haleigh wanted Carlito to meet her grandparents before he ran off with the trips and the other kids.

Sika was by the grill with Roman, Jey, Joe and Tama. Haleigh squeezed her grandfather tight happy to see him. She'd caught him off guard, he hugged her back laughing.

"PopPop!"

Sika kissed her forehead. "Babygirl, it's been a while since I've seen you. I almost forgot what you looked like."

"I'm sorry I haven't been here to see you buuut I brought two someones I want you to meet," she smiled moving out of the embrace, "This is my boyfriend, Ardian. And this is our baby, Carlito, that I told you and Mimi about."

Haleigh smiled watching all the males look at each other. She took a moment to hug her daddy and uncles.

Sika looked at his son then at the two boys in front of him, smiling. He held his hands out for Carlito and took him into his arms. "You're a handsome fella. You hungry?"

"Me starving, PopPop! Me want food, please."

"Is Mommy not feedin you, fella? She lettin you starve?"

Carlito looked at Haleigh giggling then nodded. "Me not eat in hours, PopPop."

Sika kissed the side of his head then passed him to Haleigh. "Well you're in luck the food is just about done. Ask Mommy to take you to Mimi to get you a cookie."

Sika turned his attention to Ardian, the smile that was once on his face was gone. Roman, Jey, Joe and Tama stood silently behind the patriarch. Ardian felt slightly uncomfortable but he knew what he was walking into before they got to Pensacola.

"My son tells me that you wanna marry my girl. Is that true?" Sika asked.

"Yes, sir. I've gotten her dad and other grandpa's blessing. I'd like to have yours too."

Ardian was proud. He spoke to the older, larger man without stuttering. His stomach was doing flips but as long as he remained cool on the outside he was happy.

"I've heard a lot about you, Ardian. I know your father also. He's a good man. Are you also?"

Ardian nodded almost immediately. "Yes, sir. My dad wouldn't have it any other way."

Sika hummed. "I'll let you know what I decide before you leave, son."

Koda was able to sneak into the house without being noticed. He hadn't seen his sister in about six or seven months and wanted to surprise her. He found her helping Carlito with his juice box.

"You tryna steal his juice?" Koda asked startling her.

Haleigh carefully handed Carlito his juice them jumped on her brother. She squeezed him as she cried on his shoulder. Needless to say she missed him. Her younger siblings were great but there was nothing like her big brother. Kandice, their aunts and Mimi stood around them taking pictures of their reunion.

"Stop crying, Scrappy. You know you ugly when you cry," he joked sitting her down. He wiped her face and kissed her forehead.

Haleigh was so happy to see him that she allowed his joke to slide. She hugged him again. "Koko! I missed you!"

Koda laughed as hugged her back, rocking them from side to side. "I missed you, too, Hae."

"Mommy! Mommy!"

Haleigh looked down at Carlito smiling and wiping her face. "Yes, baby?"

"You otay? You cry?"

Koda scooped the little boy up into his arms, smiling. "She's aight, lil man. Your mommy is just a big cry baby." He joked flinching when Haleigh hit him.

"Daddy say that too," Carlito nodded giggling. "You Uncle KoKo?"

"That's me, man. You must be Carlito. Nice to finally meet you."

"Me hab no rules?" He asked sweetly.

Koda looked at Haleigh confused making her laugh. "Eli and Milo told him that when he's with then, he can do what he wants. He wants to know if it's the same with you."

"Ooooh. Yeah of course, Lil Man. We can do whatever we want and Mommy can't tell us shit."

Kandice smacked the back of his head as she passed them, "Watch your mouth, boy."

Carlito got down, running off to find the trips leaving Koda and Haleigh. She held on to him once more as if he was going to disappear if she looked away.

"Where's your boy?" He asked playfully.

"Somewhere out there. Probably getting interrogated."

"Sounds like I need to be out there with them. Can't let them have all the fun."

Haleigh pinched his arm. "Not funny, he's nervous. He wants to talk to you too."

"For what?"

She shrugged. "I dunno, Koko. You guys never really talked and when he came home you were already in Charlotte knee deep in your rookie year."

"You like him, Scrappy?" He asked leaning against the wall.

Haleigh smiled, she couldn't help it. "I love him."

"You growin up on me, Hae. I remember when you was a baby cryin and shittin everywhere. Now look at you."

Haleigh rolled her eyes still smiling.

"Look at us both, Ko. Did you bring Tia with you?"

He nodded. "Yeah, I did. She's outside with Aunni and Nola."

"So I finally get to meet her then?"

Koda nodded then moved his attention to something behind his sister. Haleigh turned and saw Ardian coming towards them with a wide smile on his face. He kissed Haleigh's cheek then slapped hand with Koda.

"You should go find Tia." Koda suggested with a small smile on his face.

Haleigh looked at the two men giving them both smiles and headed back outside in search of Koda's fiancee.

[nobodiesheartlessshitblog45]

Amanda's new puppy part 1 rewritten

Amanda was eating breakfast, while Luka was going over some paperwork.

Amanda: ... U-Um, dad?

Luka: Yeah, darling?

Amanda: Um, so, I've been wondering, we've been living here for a while, and remember when talked about getting another dog at some point.

Luka looked at her.

Amanda: I know, I know, you said it's too soon to get one, and no rush, buuut... Can we get a doggy??? (gives him puppy dog eyes.

Luka: (lets out and sigh and smiles) Amanda, I know you want a dog, and so do I but things are a little crazy right now. I have to work on commissions and you exams coming up, and getting a dog isn't in the plans.

Amanda: B-But dad--

Luka: Amanda, we're done talking about this. Now get yourself ready for school.

Amanda Only nodded, got up from the kitchen table and walked out of the room, letting out disappointed.

Luka watched and smiled.

He texted Mary and Robert In group message.

Luka's text: *hey.

Mary's text: *Hey! Today is the day~.*

Robert’s text: *HOLYAHIT! Can u both believe the day is the day?! I’m losing my goddamn mind!!*

Luka’s text: *lol Yep, and Amanda still doesn't have a clue. She's gonna be so happy about the new meets the new Family member*

Robert’s text: *THIS IS THE GREATEST DAY OF MY LIFE!!!!*

Mary's text: I think it's sweet that your getting her puppy, she's a diehard dog person. So what time are you meeting Damien and Avery?

Luka's text: *after Amanda goes to school, all I do is sign the papers, and she's good to go. I really do appreciate you two not telling Amanda about this*

Robert’s text: *I FUCKING CRYING!!*

Mary text: *Roger Captain. Me know if there's anything else I can do. 😊😚*

Luka's text: *I will. 😘 And I get to hold her first*

Robert’s text: *Mary and I will be there!*

Later on that afternoon, Luka walked into the Coffee Spoon, Damien and Avery were waiting.

Avery: Ah, Mr. Jarvis. (smiles) Glad you can make it.

Luka smiles, and pulls out a chair, and sits down.

Mat came walking over, handing Luka his usual cup of coffee.

Mat: Here ya go~.

Luka: Thanks, man. (pulls out the money and hands to him)

Mat: So, Avery told me you're getting Amanda a puppy.

Luka: Yes sir, it's a surprise. She has no clue.

Mat: Do... Do you have picture?

Luka pulled out his phone and and showed Mat a picture of Black and white borderline color puppy.

Luka: Here she is. She's adorable.

Mat: Awwww! So precious. Little ears and tail are so fluffy. I’m going steal her you 2 aren’t looking.

Luka: (laughs) We see about, Mat.

Avery: Yeah, she is. She's up-to-date with her shots. She's good with other dogs and people, and she's all set. Just signed these. (Hands Luka a clipboard

Luka takes it and signed all the papers.

Damien: Ah, finally. That little one will get a loving home. (stars busting into tears)

Avery smiles and pats him on the back.

Just think Craig came walking in, and saw everyone talking at the table.

Craig: Hey, what are you guys talking about?

Luka: Oh, it's kind a secret.

Craig: Aw, c'mon, bro, I'm good at keeping secrets.

Luka: No you're not. You never were good keeping secrets.

Craig: C’mon, please~?

Luka thought for a moment, and shrugged and shows him the Picture of the puppy.

Luka: I'm getting Amanda a dog.

Craig: (grins) Holy crap, so cute. That's great! When?

Luka: This weekend. Amanda is going to Ernest’s football game anda gets. She has no clue.

Craig: Oh man, she's going to be so excited.

Luka: Yeah, just don't tell anyone, Craig.

Craig: Dude, it's me. You can totally trust me. I’m good at keeping secrets.

Luka: No, you’re not, Craig.

Craig: What!? Of corse I am.

Luka: ... You told everyone that Alex was going to Propose to my on 24th birthday, including me.

Craig: ... You gotta let go of the pass, Luka. Anyway when are you getting puppy again.

Luka: This weekend. So do not tell anyone.

Craig: Luka, bro, I got this.

Just Brain came walking into the cafe'.

Craig: Hey! Brain, did here Luka's getting a puppy for Amanda?

Brain: (smiles) Aww, how nice!

Luka gave Craig an annoyed look, while Damien, Mat and Avery chuckled.

Craig: ... Sorry bro.

So the weekend rolled around, and today was the, Amanda's new puppy was coming home.

At the animal shelter, Damien was holding the puppy, as Luka came walking over, smiling brightly.

Luka: Well, hello there, sweetheart. Ready to go home? (taking the puppy from Damien)

Damien: You have no idea how much this means to me. Thank you for giving this little one a wonderful home.

Luka: Of corse. She'll been loved and spoiled rotten.

Damien: ... ... (burst into gross sobs and throws his arm around Luka)

Luka: Um, Hey, don't cry, man... (awkwardly patting his back, while the puppy was licking Damien's face)

Mary was walking down the hall and saw the sight and walked over.

Mary: It's okay, Dams. There, there. C'mon.

Gently pulls Damien of Luka part him on the back.

Luka: I-Is he going be okay?

Mary: Oh, yeah. Dams gets a little emotional when someone adopts a pet here. (Looks at the puppy) Oh, look at you. So cute.

Luka: So really is. Amanda is going to lost her mind when she’s her.

Avery: (walks over) Moring, Mary. How’s are the kids?

Mary: They’re good. Spend the whole night watching Disney and The Alien movies.

Avery: (blinks and looks at her) Really?

Mary: What? Twins wanted to see it. Plus it’s the first 2, and they good ones.

Avery: (chuckles and looks st Luka) Before you leave, Mr. Jarves, I need you to sign a few papers.

Luka: (nods and follows)

[thatssonanii]

Welcome Home

Bloodline Family Series

Being home felt good to Roman. After sleeping on random hotel beds, long car rides and throwing his body around for six weeks, he was more than happy to be home. When he got to the house the kids and Kandice were gone. He didn't know where Kandice was with his six year old and nine year old but he didn't care. As soon as his body hit the living room sofa (that Kandice always told him and the kids was for decoration), he was sleep.

"Okay so this is our secret. When Daddy calls us later we won't mention Oscar. Deal?" Kandice whispered.

Roman heard that. The sound of his wife's voice always woke him up. He groaned inwardly.

"But what if he sees him, mama?" Koda asked.

"He won't see him until he gets home. When Daddy FaceTimes us, we will go in the other room."

"Buuut I tell Daddy everything," Haleigh whined, "I have to tell him this. This is big."

Roman smiled as he sat up. At least she had him in mind.

"Auntie A says snitches get stitches and end up in ditches like witches. Do you want that, Hae? Cause that's what's gonna happen." Koda said.

Roman waited to hear a popping noise but it never came.

"Well," Kandice added, "Is it?"

After a few moments Kandice and the kids went walking by the living room. Kandice nor Koda noticed him but Haleigh did. He put his finger to his lips then motioned for her to come to him. The six year old tip toed over to him, her ponytails bouncing along the way.

"Hey Princess," he whispered kissing her forehead. "I missed you."

"I missed you too, Daddy. When you got home?"

"Today but hey listen, what were you, brother and mommy talking about?"

"Issa secret, Daddy. Koko said I'll be in a stitch ditch." She said shaking her head.

"I promise he won't do that, baby. And if he tries, I'll get him. Now tell Daddy what's the secret."

"We went to see Papa at the farm and he gave us a gift."

Roman rolled his eyes at the mention of his father in law's farm. "What did he give you?"

Haleigh opened her mouth to answer but Koda and Kandice came rushing in the living room. Koda locked eyes with his father and turned around walking into his mama.

"You know you're not supposed," she stopped fussing and stared at her husband, "You're home early, baby. I didn't see your car."

"It's in the garage. What did your dad give the kids?"

"Oooh you know, the usual. Money, some candy."

Koda looked up at his mama confused. "Nah uhn. He gave us a-," before Koda could finish Kandice slapped her hand over his mouth.

Roman smirked. "You always tell the kids it's not good to lie, Kandi. Especially not to Daddy. What happens when you lie to Daddy, Princess?" He looked down at Haleigh, nodding his head for her to go on.

"You get a spanking."

"So unless y'all want spankings I suggest y'all start talking." He said looking between the three of them.

Kandice shook her head. "There's nothing to tell, Ro. Don't you wanna lie back down and nap? Come on, Hae. Let daddy nap."

"But Mama you said the living room is decoration not a real room," Koda said scrunching his face.

"Hush your slow butt up, Koda," she whispered glaring down at him. "Now come on, Hae."

Haleigh slid out of Roman's embrace walking slowly to Kandice. She was torn. She wanted to tell Roman but she didn't want Kandice and Koda to be upset for telling. Just as Haleigh grabbed Kandice's hand there was snorting behind them.

"Oh no, Mommy! Oscar got out!" Haleigh squealed running to the piglet. "Did you get hungry, Oscar?"

Koda went to the piglet as well, sitting on the floor to play with him leaving Kandice alone with Roman’s glare.

"What is that, Kandice?" He asked pointing behind her.

"Uuum, that's Koda and Haleigh, Ro. Do you have a concussion?"

Roman stood from the sofa, not moving his stare from his wife. "Don't play with me, Kandice. What is that?"

"That's a pig. Oscar the pig."

"And why is Oscar the pig in my house, Kandice?" He asked stepping closer to her.

"Well," she started playing with her fingers, "My Dad's pigs had piglets and the kids wanted one so he let them pick one to have. Baby, they love him."

"Nah uhn, Mama. You wanted him first, you picked him."

"Hush your mouth, Koda," she snapped at him before smiling at her husband. "Isn't he cute, Roman? Please let us keep him."

"That pig is not staying in my house, Kandice. Take him back."

"But, baby, the kids love him. And he's not much work. Please."

"Either you take him back or I take him back. I'm not playin with you, we cannot have a pig."

"It's okay, Mommy. We can go to Papa's fam and visit him." Haleigh said still playing with Oscar.

"Yeah," Koda agreed, "He might miss his mama."

Kandice rolled her eyes. She hated that they were so rational like their daddy. It burned her up. Roman gave her a knowing look.

"Fine. I'll take him back tomorrow, meanie."

"No, you'll take him back right now, Kandice. I know you. If I let you wait till tomorrow, you won't ever take him back."

"But, Roman."

"No buts, Kandice Marie. Kids," he called. "Go put your shoes back on so you can go with your mama."

The kids ran off with Oscar trying his best to follow them. Kandice pouted and Roman smiled.

"Did you really think I was gonna let that slide? A pig, Kandi?"

"Jey would've let Apryl keep the pig."

"I'm not Jey, am I? If I told you no to a dog, why wouldn't I tell you no to a pig?" He asked folding his arms.

"Big meanie."

"I'll be sure to be mean later on too," he sassed walking away from her. "And you better take it back, Kandice. Back to your dad's farm, not to Apryl."