#Especially when I don't even have my own space to retreat to when I get frustrated being ignored for the 15th time in a row!!

[lady-griffin]

Possible Idea for the Firelights in S2

Which I’ve fallen way too much in love with, btw

After the Firelight Base is attacked, where do they go?

Do they just go back to their broken, destroyed home? Try to fix it up? Can they even go back?

Do they disperse?

Or do they go to a location most people (especially those from topside) would have difficulty navigating if they didn’t know exactly where to go?

Like an abandoned mine of sorts? One with really large, giant machines suspended in the air that could be used as little community hubs, perfectly accessible for those with hoverboards?

It’s just something to consider.

Seriously, I can’t express how much I love the idea of Jinx’s lair becoming the new base for the Firelights. I love it way too much; I’m going to be crushed when it doesn't happen (which to be fair is totally on me).

The old mines would be perfect for the Firelights, especially in helping them recover and giving them a sense of extra protection and security after what they’ve gone through.

Maybe it’s not permanent, but it doesn't have to be, it allows them to stay together, so it’s home for the moment

Destroying their base, likely making them scared to return, is an ingenious way to physically separate a group of people who are loyal to one another and fight well together, but this way they wouldn’t have to disperse.

It seems like the mines are well-hidden and isolated, with a lot of natural defenses – it’s been abandoned for a long time, there’s probably a complicated tunnel system to the cavern, and it has multiple physical locations (the drill/fans we’ve seen) that others (their enemies) can’t easily get to.

There are probably a few like Jinx’s lab, where they connect to the tunnels that lead outside, but the few we’ve seen in the background, seem pretty inaccessible – unless you’re a group of people who can fly.

There’s also the idea of Piltover and Noxus winning the day and those who’ve been pushed to live underground having to retreat further down to be safe.

But it’s not a defeat, it’s just a retreat. They’re still here.

I also really love the idea of how this place once represented darkness and the abyss, basically daring you to look down, especially when compared to Ekko's original base for the Firelights, representing light and hope, encouraging you to look up.

It’s still the same place it was in S1, but it's changed with all these other people sharing it with Jinx.

Not because she was forced to, but because she chose to open her space to others, one that was solely hers and we only saw her and Silco there.

But now it's filled with others, who've impacted and changed it with their own touches of color and graffiti and when we look, we see there are all these little pockets of light and color in the dark abyss.

There's still darkness, but it's no longer all consuming.

And I don't know, the idea just warms my heart so much, and I really, really want to see it.

Also, I can’t fully tell, but when Ekko is pulling the chain in the trailer, the area is dark and it could be a cave. So, maybe? Again, it’s hard to tell.

Seriously though, I love this idea so goddamn much!

[blue-banditt]

Ok I don't think it's unreasonable to refuse to visit my parents if they're not going to hang out with me,, right?? RIGHT?? Like I shouldn't be expected to drive 2 hours there and back to sit around their house and beg like a damn puppy for crumbs of their attention like I did when I was a kid, especially when I have a whole ass apartment and cat and schoolwork to take care of at home.

"am I going to see you this weekend?"

"I wasn't planning on it. I can fit it in if I'm not just going to be sitting around your house all day though"

"I'm not going to entertain you!! 😝"

Ok well, I'm a guest now since you turned my old bedroom into your hoarding closet I mean sewing den mb,,. idk sounds like bad host manners to me. 🤷

[won4kiss]

𖠵 . ׅ ࣪ ⌇𝘐’𝘝𝐸 𝑁𝘌𝑉𝘌𝑅 𝐹𝘌𝐿𝘛 𝘚𝑂 𝐴𝘓𝑂𝘕𝐸

ᯓ ᡣ𐭩 𝑆treamer bf! 𝒿ake 𝓈im x 𝑓! reader 𝒢enre. angst 𝓢ynopsis. in which your boyfriend has been neglecting you for his streams ! 𝑤𝑐 𐙚ㅤㅤ 1152 ‎⸝⸝ not proof read pet names cursing kissing ୭ৎ requested — 𝓁ibrar𝓎 ˖ ݁𖥔 ݁˖

PLEASE LIKE & REBLOG ! 𓂃

THE DIM GLOW FROM THE COMPUTER SCREEN SPILT INTO THE LIVING ROOM, CASTING A SOFT LIGHT ON THE DARK SPACE.

you sat on the edge of the couch, blinking harshly as you felt your eyes fluttering from the exhaustion after a long day at work.

you were watching your boyfriend jake as he had once again streamed to his growing audience.

his laughter filled the room, mixing with the sounds of the newest video game he's been playing.

but lately, it has been starting to feel like jake spends more time with his online community than with you.

the streaming schedule that once seemed manageable has become a time-consuming routine, stealing your boyfriend from you and leaving little time for anything else. — more under cut !

you miss the late-night talks, the movie nights you spent cuddled up together, and the simple joy of just being together.

"jakey," you call softly, hoping not to disturb him too much.

"it's getting late now baby, why don't you come to bed?"

he doesn't even turn around to spare you a glance, making you rub your forehead in irritation.

“hello? jake, i’m talking to you!”

“i can't right now, babe. i have to stream."

"but you’ve been at it for hours," you insist, your voice tinged with frustration.

"can’t you take a break? i need you..”

suddenly, he snapped in annoyance at your nagging.

"you're being clingy! i have to do this. it's my job, i need to provide for us y/n, go sleep."

the harshness of his words stung much more than you expected.

feeling hurt and rejected, you retreat back to the bedroom, where you had been sleeping alone for the past few weeks.

your heart was heavy with disappointment as you laid down into the bed, the distant sound of his voice serving you a painful reminder of how distant he had been recently.

days turn into weeks, and you found yourself avoiding him. you leave for work early, come home late, and spend as much time away from the apartment as possible.

you didn’t want to hear another excuse about why his streams are more important than you.

the emotional distance between you grew wider with each passing day.

one day, after an especially draining day at work, everything falls apart.

a project you had poured your heart into for months had gotten rejected, and a colleague you considered a friend betrayed your trust.

by the time you get home, you’re already on the verge of tears. you open the door to find jake sitting on the couch, a rare sight these days.

"hey baby! you’re finally home." he exclaims, his face lighting up with a smile, running to you with excitement.

"i haven't seen you in forever. how was your day? you don’t look too good.."

the concern in his voice is the final straw, your self control breaks and you burst into tears, sobbing uncontrollably.

jake rushed to your side immediately, his arms wrapping around you in an embrace that feels both foreign and familiar.

"what's wrong?" he asks, his voice filled with genuine worry.

but his touch only makes you cry harder.

"it's not just today," you manage to choke out.

"it's everything. i feel so alone, jake. all you ever do is ignore me, it's like i'm invisible to you."

“you don’t even sleep with me anymore, you sleep when i leave for work, and when i’m back you’re always streaming! did you even notice that i’ve been trying to avoid you?”

jake’s face fell in realization and suddenly, he pulls you closer, his heart breaking at your words.

"i'm so sorry," he whispers, his voice trembling.

"baby, i swear i never meant to make you feel that way."

you were angry, but you needed jake desperately.

you clung to him, your sobs quieting as he holds you, feeling his own tears dampening the nape of your neck.

"i miss you so much, jakey" you say, your voice barely above a whisper.

"i miss us."

jake presses a kiss to your forehead, his tears mixing with yours.

"i've been so stressed lately," he admits looking down.

"my payments have been getting cut, and i was trying to save up to buy you the car you’ve always wanted. i wanted to surprise you, but i ended up pushing you away instead— i’m so fucking sorry."

you pull back slightly with shock etched onto your features, looking into his eyes.

"a car? that’s so sweet of you jake, but i don't need that. i just need you, my boyfriend..”

he nods, his eyes filled with regret.

"i know. i see that now. i was so focused on trying to make things better for us that i didn't realize i was losing you in the process."

“you didn’t lose me, silly boy.” you joked as you left a soft peck on his pouted lips.

jake finally lets out a soft grin as he kisses you again, and it's like a balm to your wounded heart.

"i'm so sorry," he repeats, his voice breaking.

"i love you so much. please, let me make it up to you."

you nod, tears of relief still streaming down your face.

"i love you too. i just... i need you to be here. with me."

jake suddenly scoops you into his arms as you let out a screech— carrying you to the bedroom.

he lays you down gently, then climbs in beside you, pulling you into his embrace.

"i'm here now, baby" he whispers, his lips brushing against your temple.

"i'm not going anywhere."

you snuggle into his chest, feeling the steady beat of his heart against your ear.

the warmth of his body, the softness of his touch, and the sincerity in his voice begin to soothe the ache inside you.

"i missed being in your arms so much," you admit, your voice muffled against his shirt.

"me too," jake says softly as he looked down at you with adoration.

"i promise, i'll do better. no more neglecting you for streams. you're the most important thing in my life."

you tilt your head up to meet his gaze, your eyes searching his for any hint of insincerity — but all you see is love and regret.

he leans down, capturing your lips in a gentle kiss that speaks volumes of love and promises.

for the rest of the remaining evening, you stay wrapped in each other's arms, sharing kisses and whispers of love and reassurance.

the hurt of the neglect began to fade, replaced by the rekindled warmth of your love.

as you drift off to sleep in jake’s arms, you feel a sense of peace you haven't felt in a long time.

jake's arms around you are a silent promise that things will be just fine, that he will always be there for you, and that your love is stronger than anything else life throws your way.

© won4kiss 2024

taglist open ‹𝟹 @mioons @nshmuras @suneng @pnghoon @shawnyle @laylasbunbunny @privareum @briefsaladfun @greentulip @cyjzzl @sol3chu @txtlyn @d-dilemma @deezbin

[woso-dreamzzz]

Daisychains II

Marta Torrejón x Caroline Graham Hansen x Child!Reader

Summary: It's gardening day

Caro had never really noticed the amount of plants at Marta's house. Well, she knew there were a lot but she had never really noticed just how many there were until she started visiting more regularly.

Usually, Marta would come to hers for dates but with you warming up to her, Caro came to Marta's every week.

She shifts the bouquet to her other hand as she rings the doorbell. There's a shuffle inside for a moment before she notices you peeking out through the curtains and disappearing again.

Marta opens the door and you peer out from behind her legs.

"Hi, Caro," You say, your voice soft and gentle.

You're wearing a pair of overalls and your welly boots. You seem quite overdressed for what is a very hot day in Barcelona but Caro doesn't question it as she hands you the flowers she picked out especially for you.

She brings you flowers every time she visits now and you're always happy to receive them. You do a very impressive job of keeping them all alive for weeks at a time and, honestly, Caro's a bit in awe of how you do it.

"She was very excited to see you today," Marta says as she watches you put the flowers in a vase you'd already prepared.

"Really?"

"Of course, I think you're her favourite person now."

The tips of Caro's ears turn pink as she bashfully looks down. She feels shy all of a sudden. The feeling only deepens as she feels a small hand take hers and looks to the side to see you smiling at her.

You look a little shy too, your hand dwarfed in Caro's.

"Mami," You say to Marta," Can I show Caro my garden?"

Marta laughs, pushing some strands of hair out of your face. "Well, it is gardening day, isn't it? Why don't you show Caro all your plants and I'll fill up your watering can?"

"My frog one?"

"Yes, your frog one."

"Okay." You tug lightly on Caro's hand and guide her out of the back door.

Caro's never been in the garden before but she's not surprised that it's very clearly yours. You've got plant boxes against the fences and a little swing she knows is the same one that Marta sat in to announce your arrival on social media.

It's got little cushions and looks meticulously cared for even though you're now six and it's been there for at least a few years before you were born.

You've got flowers against one of the fences and you pull Caro over to them.

"These are my flowers," You say.

The long box is separated into smaller boxes, each with their own flower in them.

"These are my roses," You say," And these are my tulips. This one's for my orchards. They're still little though so they're still growing."

"They look very nice."

"Mami is helping me," You say, pulling her across the garden to your other plant box," This is for my vegetables. We're growing broccoli and peas because they're healthy!"

It's the most talkative Caro's ever seen you.

You show her every inch of the garden and Caro doesn't even care that the sun is horrifically hot and she could quite possibly get sunburn.

Marta comes out soon after with a frog watering can and helps you water all your plants.

"It's gardening day," Marta explains as she and Caro retreat to the garden swing while you pad around with much smaller plant pots," Every Saturday when we don't have a match."

"She's good," Caro says.

"My parents got her a gardening set when she was three. She's been hooked for years now. All of her books are about plants. She doesn't like storybooks anymore. Just ones about gardening."

Caro sips on her lemonade as she watches you pour soil into an empty pot, watering it liberally before scattering a few seeds in and covering them. You set the pot on the garden table, right in the sun before hurrying off to grab a different pot.

"Clearly they've paid off. I think you might run out of space soon."

Marta groans jokingly. "She asked me for allotment space for her next birthday. What six year old knows that word? Allotment."

Caro joins in with her laughter, setting her drink down as Marta calls for you.

"Conejita! Come have a snack please!"

You huff a little bit, patting the petals of the flower you were pruning before hurrying over.

Marta had brought out carrot sticks earlier and you easily wiggle your way between her and Caro to eat them.

"Conejita grew these all by herself," Marta says as you munch," Didn't you?"

"Mami helped," You say to Caro, nodding earnestly," Do you like them?"

Honestly, Caro doesn't really like carrots at all but she still takes the one you offer her. She nods. "I really like them."

You beam.

"It was mine and Mami's special project," You explain," We had a lot of fun!"

Marta laughs, pulling you into her lap and sticking a floppy straw hat on your head to protect you from the sun. She bounces her knee a few times and you giggle.

"We did have a lot of fun, Conejita. I love growing things with my girl."

"I love growing things with you too, Mami!" You lean into her as you eat your carrot snacks. You suddenly have a thought and sit upright again. "Can I have a special project with you too, Caro?"

"I..." Caro's ears turn red again. "I'd like that."

"Mami, did you hear? I can grow something with Caro!"

"I did hear. It'll have to be next week though so you can have time to decide what you want to grow."

You wiggle around until Marta sets you on your feet and you grab Caro's hand, pulling her inside.

"We can grow flowers!" You decide," I have a book so we can choose! Come on, come on, Caro!"

Caro allowed herself to be led back inside and sat down on the sofa. There are flowers from last week set out on the coffee table and you drag over a big flower encyclopaedia from the shelf.

It looks very heavy but you stubbornly refuse to let Marta help you carry it. She smiles fondly at you as you place it in Caro's lap and begin to look through the pages.

"Conejita," She says as you and Caro debate what flower you're going to grow together," Should I put these away?" She's holding last week's flowers and you quickly shake your head.

"No! Wait, please, Mami!" You take them from her and glance at Caro. "I know they're not daisies," You say," But can you teach me how to make a flower crown with these too?"

You're very lucky because most of Caro's free time has now been taken up learning how to braid flowers together for exactly this moment.

She places the book to the side and hefts you up onto her lap.

"I'd love to."

[fraugwinska]

Hello beautiful! Not only I just discovered your writing and binds read your entire master list … could I request a part 2 from the eye of the storm?

Maybe something like where the reader is worried about Alastor at night and she goes to comfort him. He asks her to tell him a story while she lays beside him but as he falls asleep he ends cuddling? Tysm and please take all the time you need💕💕💕

Your wishes are my command - I strayed a little from your idea, but I hope you'll like it nonetheless! It's angst and fluff, and a little sweet at the end! And of course, it leaves room for a possible (Spicy) Part 3? ;> Who knows?

This is the second part of a Mini-Series. Part 1: The Eye of the Storm is right over here.

Two weeks had passed since the night Alastor's nightmare almost tore the hotel apart. Your wounds, caused by the sharp claws of the demonic form of Alastor, had healed pretty well and were barely noticeable anymore, thanks to dutiful tending of Charlie and Niffty, except for the scar on your hip, still pink and sore. You didn't mind, though. It was a physical memento of a sacrifice made for someone you deeply cared about.

In fact, you had a hard time forgetting that night, because every time you looked at the scar, the image of the Radio Demon, hunched and sobbing on his bed, flashed through your head, and you felt your heart clench. He hadn't spoken much to you since then. He hadn't spoken much to anyone in the hotel, really. You tried to approach him, but he always seemed to find an excuse to get out of a conversation, or leave the room you entered. When you asked him if he was alright, he laughed it off and waved his hand, telling you it was not worth worrying about. You knew him enough by now to know it wasn't true. You also knew him enough to know that if you tried to push him, he'd retreat further.

So, you just observed him from a distance, the way his smile looked tired when he thought no one was looking, the way his laugh seemed hollow, his eyes dim and exhausted. Sometimes you'd catch him blankly staring at the wall or ceiling or a painting on the wall for minutes, before snapping back and continuing whatever task he was supposed to do.

"I'm worried about him, too."

Charlie was sitting beside you on the lounge set in the foyer, both of you nursing a cup of hot cocoa, while Alastor was preparing dinner in the kitchen, humming some melancholic tune that traveled through the closed door. "But I don't know how to help him. He doesn't seem like he's interested in opening up to me or the others, or talk about what happened. It's as if he's just... shut off."

You sighed, sipping from the drink. "Yeah. He's been getting slimmer too, and always looks so... tired."

Charlie nodded, and you exchanged a glance. "Is there any chance that... maybe he would open up to you? You seemed to have a connection to him more than we were ever able to have with him. Maybe it's just wishful thinking, but I can't help but think he'd feel more comfortable around you."

"I tried, Charlie - he just... vanishes, before I can even finish a sentence... he avoids me. It's like he's running from me."

Charlie looked into the bottom of her mug, turning the now empty dish in her hands. "...Well, in times like this, we don't want the help. Especially if our pride is involved." she smiled warmly at you, her usual determination now back in her eyes. "But I know someone who would stop at nothing to help him."

Your footsteps sounded much louder in the silence of the night as you climbed the stairs up to Alastors suite. You glanced at the lights, remembering the green sheen and how the swirling shadows in the dimness had made your skin crawl. But the staircase was dipped in the usual golden light, nothing amiss, nothing scary. There was only a faint sound, almost like a static, hanging in the air. Alastors own wards and spell protecting his space, you were sure. Which left the possibility of him already knowing you were on your way. For a moment you hesitated - was it of use to go to him when he'd possibly already fled to evade you? A few nights ago you might've retreated. But after two weeks of watching your friend suffer, your determination prevailed, and you knocked, firmly and resolutely.

A second of silence. Then another one. You raised your hand to knock again when the door swung open - And Alastor stood before you, his grin in place, yet there was a sense of exhaustion seeping through his mask. He seemed taken off guard, obviously he wasn't expecting someone to come visit him late at night, so your prediction had been proven wrong. It was very rare to see the radio demon in anything else than his usual attire. But he was standing before you now, in a scandalously casual ensemble: A crimson robe over an open collared black pajama shirt showing some of his usually hidden, taupe fur, the silk tie loosely knotted at the waist, black matching trousers and without shoes.

"It's mighty late for a visit, dear." His voice held a sharpness and rough edge. But the tired, dull expression behind the grin was already crumbling when he gazed into your face.

"I wanted to see you. I'd noticed you weren't... doing so good after what happened."

He cast his glance everywhere but to you, avoiding your concerned stare. "I've told you before, your concern is absolutely unnecessary dear, I'm fi-" "Alastor, please." you interrupted, gently taking his wrist into your palm to halt his hand from waving his way out of the conversation. You looked at him, and he tried not to look at you, but slowly, oh so slowly, his gaze slipped back to your face, and his composure visibly started to crumble, his grip on his tactical expression slipping like sand through fingers. "I'm not here to judge you. Or to berate you. I'm worried."

He chuckled bitterly, closing the distance between you as his whole stance now seemed to curl. "Worrying is not necess-" "Probably." you shrugged, your hand sliding from his wrist to his cold fingers. "But friends worry, when they see the person they care about suffer." "Friends are a bother." his eyes flickered. "That's true. And yet they care."

He let his head bow forward, and suddenly he reminded you so much of that dark, trembling creature you found on his bed two weeks ago. You never thought the powerful Radio Demon would allow himself to appear like this in front of someone consciously. But maybe you weren't just someone... to him. The thought made your pulse flutter.

"I find myself unable..." Alastor started, his eyes staring at your intertwined hands. "...to find rest these days. I don't feel the need to sleep as frequently as your fellow residents, but... the incident, the dream, what happened - it seems it has rattled me more than I care to admit. What you did for me and what I did to you in return..." He chuckled, but it sounded much weaker, lacking his usually cheerful mockery as his free hand hovered over the side of your waist where the fresh scar sat under your clothes. "The thought of it being repeated feels unbearable."

"That's why I'm here." You squeezed his hand. "I've seen you at your worst and still came back, because I wanted to tell you that I'm neither weary nor scared. And that you don't have to bear this burden alone, Alastor. Please... let me help you."

The Radio Demon stood still, and for a moment you thought he'd retreat again, but then his shoulders relaxed, and the grin melted into a small, tired smile. His hand tightened on yours and he sighed. "Well then, come inside."

As you stepped into the familiar room, you noticed the difference immediately. The curtains were drawn, the lamps were on and the record player was playing quietly, a melancholic jazz piece filling the silence. Alastor had done his best to keep the memory of that night away by repairing the walls and furniture and replacing the shredded bedding and mattress of his bed with brand new ones. So new in fact, they looked like they were never touched.

"Please, take a seat." he gestured to one of the two wing chairs by his fireplace, now burning in warm oranges and scarlets rather than the eerie green you remembered, and as you settled down he joined you in the other opposite to you. The silence hung between you for a moment, neither of you really knowing what to say next. He was intently watching the flames dancing on the scorched wood, and you studied his profile, the soft, dark fur of his ears, his thin, elegant nose and the deep crease between his eyebrows. You had never seen him lower his guard this much. Well, that wasn't quite true - once, in this very room, although under much different circumstances. You could see his hand, resting on the arm of the chair, twitch as if it were fighting an impulse.

"It's funny, isn't it?" he started, his voice a bit too light. "I'm a powerful entity in hell, able to rip and tear and destroy. A feared, powerful, dangerous overlord. And yet I seem to be rendered helpless by my own mind. Laughable, really."

"I'm not laughing." you said quietly, and his head turned towards you, a raised eyebrow and a hint of amusement in his expression.

"Indeed you are not."

"And I think you are far from helpless." You continued, a small smile appearing on your face as you watched a little flame wind itself from a knothole, gaining volume and fizzing strongly. "I've never met a demon as strong-willed and determined as you, Alastor. I think the reason it has been affecting you so badly, is because you have power over everything else. But when it comes to the things happening inside your own head - when you are asleep - you aren't in control, and that can be terrifying."

His gaze was fixed on your face, the crimson of his irises shimmering and flickering. He looked... intrigued. And, something else. Something softer, that made your heartbeat a little faster.

"You are... a fascinating thing." he hummed, and his fingers started to drum on the armrest, his other hand fidgeting, still fighting that strange, hidden urge. "You seem to... calm me. With your mere presence, it feels... soothing. The thoughts of that night don't vanish, but they lose their grip. Like the tempest in me is being tamed." "Is that a bad thing?" you asked, a bit puzzled, and a bit amused.

"Yes and No." He answered, quickly and without hesitation. "I don't depend on others. It's unreliable. Too many factors are involved, and when you care about someone, it means you leave them with the ability to hurt you." His hand was tapping faster. "That sounds like a lonely existence." "Loneliness is the most reliable thing of them all. But..." he sighs and follows your gaze back to his fireplace. The small flame grew into a strong blaze, swishing and crackling loudly now. "...It is also the most draining. And I have to admit that I'm thoroughly exhausted, dearest."

"I'll stay with you tonight." You whispered, leaning forward and reaching out to take his restless hand. The motion surprised him, his eyes snapping back to you. "If you want to." He stared at your hand on his, the fire reflecting on his ruby eyes, and slowly, the twitching and drumming subsided, and his fingers curled around yours, a small squeeze.

"I believe I'd be glad for the company." he uttered.

For the next half an hour or so, you sat with Alastor in comfortable silence, both of your eyes on the flames and hands still intertwined as the jazz faded into blues, slow, melancholic and calm until the fire died down. Sometimes, his thumb drew little circles on the side of your hand, and you took it as an encouragement. His face was back to its tired state, though he didn't seem quite as guarded and withdrawn anymore. When there was nothing more than faintly glowing logs in the ember bed, you shifted your weight and gave his hand a careful tug. "Do you think it's time?"

He swallowed audibly and his eyes closed. "I suppose so." he smiled tightly, rising and pulling you up with him, and you both walked over to his gigantic bed, draped with fresh crimson sheets and matching duvets, untouched, spotless, pristine. He stopped before the side of the bed and for a few moments - he stared down, his grip on your hand almost painfully tight now. You tilted your head, giving him a reassuring smile.

"If you're uncomfortable about sharing the bed I can pull over one of the chairs, I don't mind..."

"Absolutely not." he turned his head, and you could see how flustered his expression was now. "Ah - I mean... no, dear, that's alright."

You left his side and rounded the bed, lifting the duvet without looking at him as you shuffled out of your slippers. If you were honest, you felt just as awkward as Alastor looked, not to mention nervous and anxious and a lot of other complicated things. But you'd be damned to show that now, and risk him retreating. So you settled in, slipping your legs under the heavy covers. They felt just as comfortable as they looked.

You noticed him hesitating on his side of the bed, unmoving, his hands halted at the knot of his robe. You adamantly looked away from him, overly interested in the obscure knick-knacks that were scattered in the cupboards on the opposite wall - it was clear he was struggling to shed his clothes in front of you, even if it was only an overcoat. You heard an airy, quiet chuckle and fabric rustling, felt the duvet lifting again and then a weight dipped the mattress next to you. You could feel Alastor shifting and settling, could hear the shallow, anxious breaths and were aware that his eyes were burning on the side of your head, and you realized that he, too, was doing a valiant job at keeping his composure. You leaned back into the pillows, then he snapped his fingers and there was silence. And darkness.

At the lack of light in your vision, your senses heightened and you took everything in much more intently. His body heat close, his breathing next to you, his faint scent of smoke and herbs surrounding you. How small the space between your bodies was, the last remaining inch a gaping ravine in your mind. The mattress dipped as his body turned, facing yours and now his eyes were right there, glimmering and deep red in the pitch black darkness, following your every movement as you shifted too. You felt your heart hammering loudly and you could almost hear the blood rushing through your body. And you knew Alastor could hear that. Hear your quickened breathing. Feel the warmth of you just as you felt his.

There was a tense, terrifying moment, stretched endlessly until your eyelids fluttered shut - you heard, as much as you felt, the bed dipping under his shifting body weight, and suddenly, the ravine was filled by him and he was all around you, pulling you in sort of a protective embrace as you were surrounded by his warmth. Your head fell against the base of his throat as he tucked your face into the crook of his neck, a shaky sigh leaving him as he wrapped his limbs around you. The sudden proximity caught you entirely off-guard - you knew Alastor had a deep aversion against close physical contact. The hand holding had been a huge success for you, a sign that his trust for you went beyond the ordinary. You had been fully prepared to honor a discreet distance between you and him as to not make him feel more uncomfortable, but to pull you so close like this, voluntarily at that, initiated by him, made you go rigid in nervousness at how to react to it. You could already feel him retreat, that awkwardness from before already flooding back between you as he felt your body stiffen.

"Aah... my apologies, dear, I didn't mean to get so..."

Your reaction was instant, almost instinctively, body already knowing what your mind still was figuring out. Your hands slid around his slender waist as you pulled yourself closer to him, since you believed actions spoke louder than words to soothe the conflict he was battling. One leg came to rest between his, you felt his hips brushing against yours, and your palm came to rest in between his shoulder blades and you buried your face into the warm fur of his throat, and all tension left him, as another, heavier, long-drawn sigh rumbled through him, and he curled his form back around your smaller frame.

"If I'll return to the dreams that caused such havoc..." he mumbled quietly, his tone unusually wavering. "Then I'll get you out again and help Niffty clean up the mess." "Silly girl, absolutely ridiculous." his breath tickled against your ear, but he sounded lighter already. More like his usual self.

His leg entangled between yours, the limb as muscular as his chest and shoulders had always hinted at. His hand was tracing shapes and unknown symbols onto your back, and you wondered if it was a form of spellcasting to keep you safe while sleeping. But whether it was, or just unconscious movements, the gesture alone was making your heart flutter. The fact that it was his very real, very physical, very touchable chest and hands that were pressed onto your barely clothed skin, providing the soft massaging, and the warm, comforting sensation of his body heat against your own - it was exhilarating and overwhelmingly, absurdly, beautifully intimate.

Friends.

You wondered if that word could describe you and the radio demon. There was something... so much more, at least in your head. So much deeper. He meant something different to you than the others, Vaggie, Charlie - something special. A deep emotional pull, an urge to always seek and - absurdly, knowing he was who he was - to protect, the need to understand. To care and to comfort and to feel his presence at your side. An inevitable, chaotic and maybe even borderline obsessive attraction you couldn't and didn't want to escape. It had already become evident to you, especially in these past two weeks, that you felt something deeper for the demon everyone in the hotel was so wary about. He was special to you, yes, an anchor in a world that could throw any horrible thing at you at any given time, a world that wasn't trustworthy nor consistent. But in a weird twist of fate, he was. To you, he was calmness, security, trust, consistency... happiness.

"...Alastor?" You murmured quietly into the darkness, feeling his cheek come to a rest on the side of your head.

"Yes?" he breathed back, voice laced with drowsiness. His hand kept its rhythmic circling motions on your back, and you realized there was a good chance for you both to drift into a blissfully undisturbed slumber like this, which would make waking up in each other's arms so much easier than the alternative.

"I... You're..." But as soon as you wanted to tell him, to say it out loud, words eluded you. Every sound, every combination of syllables suddenly seemed wrong, sounded stupid, like a horrendous mistake. Your heartbeat quickened and you felt a lump in your throat, your feeble courage battling with your cowardice as the idea of giving this whole idea up, putting those dangerous feelings aside and trying to suppress and pretend they never existed for the sake of preserving your one true friendship, fought back with everything it could muster.

It was such a terrifying leap. And wouldn't it be selfish? To burden him with your feelings, to most likely ruin the bond you had with him right now, which made both your lives better with a companionship so rare. Such an utterly idiotic, thoughtless move.

"Darling..."

You could feel a finger push your chin up and his lips were suddenly a hair's breadth from your own, his nose brushing yours and his warm breath ghosted over your skin. How easy would it be to close the gap now, fill that tiny remainder of space with your mouth and he would finally know what you were about to say. The mere thought made your stomach tingle and your breath tremble, you were aching for any form of confirmation that it would be okay, okay to have feelings for him. You'd accept anything he'd give you, even if it wasn't everything you yearned for - you'd take anything he was ready to offer.

"... isn't your principle that actions speak louder than words?"

A blink in the darkness. A gasp into the silence. And then he was finally closing the space between your faces.

Lips - soft and pliable, moving against yours. Tender, soft, firm pressure. A kiss that said everything words would never manage to convey. Your fingers clawed into the silky fabric of his shirt, your nose pressed against his jaw, tears brimming and stinging behind your eyes as you sighed deeply, relief crashing over you and bliss taking hold. It could've lasted for eternity and still would've ended too soon as he gently pulled away, leaving one more short, lingering touch to the corner of your lips.

"Now let's rest. We shall continue this discussion in the morning." he murmured tiredly as his hand resumed its massaging, this time brushing underneath the hem of your shirt as he settled back into his initial embrace. You laid in his arms for minutes with your heart still racing, but now you could hear and feel his too, drumming in his chest. Two rhythms, beating in wonderful, chaotic harmony.

"Sweet dreams." you managed to whisper, sleepily and content as his breathing flattened, his static quieted and his hands came to rest unmoving at the curve of your back.

And with a long, final sigh, the Radio Demon drifted into deep, calm, undisturbed sleep.

[hobiespick]

Sam Winchester x reader headcanons part 3

<33

a/n: heyyyyyy I had so much fun writting these. I am literally shaking as we speak cuz i'm still kinda shy abt this even tho yall showed me sm love and gave so much positive feedback on the first 2 parts I was giggling, blushing, and twirling my invisible phone cord. Thank you all so much for everything and enjoy my shitty thoughts 🫶💞 + tagging a lovely person who gave me the idea of writting one of these @yinorathedragontamer

Summary/Warnings: tooth rotting fluff, Sam Winchester x gn!reader , Sam being the biggest boyfriend of all boyfriends (im quoting one of my moots), the first headcanon isn't sam x reader it's Jess x Sam (rip to the hottest couple) the headcanon came to me in a prophetic vision and i just had to leave it here, mention of Sam's childhood + I couldn't help myself but make a few headcanons about Dean too.

- I have a deep feeling (i'm an empath) that around college when he was with Jess and he wouldn't leave her side, Sam accidentally got adopted by her girl group of friends - hear me out - he would cling to Jess for his dear life shaking and not wanting to intrude or make him look nosy and Jess's girlfriends wouldn't bat an eye, welcoming Sam with open arms and treating him the same - they are the reason his guilty pleasure is gossiping. One of Jess's (girl)friends coming hurriedly towards the group with a shocked expression and a hand covering her mouth and Sam already knows the tea is scrumptious - he probably got called "girl" so many times - he didn't mind it btw, actually kinda liked it because that means they included him - spreading my "Sam Winchester enjoys the company of female friends more than male ones agenda" like wildfire ‼️ - "wyd when me and my gang pull up" and it's five y2k girls + a preppy blonde girl whose boyfriend is some 6'4 emo kid with a Green Day tee who follows her around with heart eyes

- "Dean, move your leg or I'm throwing your fucking mixtapes out of the window" you threaten annoyed at the audacity of the long ass older Winchester to just stretch out as if you're not both (tired af) in the back seat of baby, you try to find a comfortable position for what feels like the 50th time to stay for a few hours untill all of you make it in one piece to Washington (Dean might not since he is acting like that). "You touch my mixtapes and I might throw you out of the window, runt." Dean barks (lovingly), lifting his sunglasses on his head and pointing a defensive finger at you. You are too tired to think and to retort something snarky back but still settle on rolling your eyes and giving his foot a kick.

Sam is driving like a princess in the front, his legs are streched out with his back comfortably resting against his seat with an arm lazily holding the steering wheel as the wind coming from the rolled window brushes some of his hair on his forhead, all while looking effortlessly handsome. "Don't make me come back there" Sam laughs breaking the character he wanted to play along as (hint: dads on road trips). Sam's pants would catch on fire if he said he was annoyed at your childish bickering with his brother, he found it endearing. It just added to the list of things he liked about you. You gasp a little bit too dramatically and gesture towards Dean "He started it" you grumble. Dean gives you a kick of his own pulling his sunglasses back down and crossing his arms, atleast he retreats his legs giving you enough space to rest yours.

- uses every excuse to touch you (his hands are literally twitching in anticipation to hold yours, or hug you)

- Dean is a classic rock etillist (he learned that from J*hn) but his guilty pleasure is nu metal especially limp bizkit. - he only listens when Sam isn't around. - says he's getting himself a little treat (fancy headphones) with his hard-earned money (poker/credit card fraud) - J*hn introduced him to led zeppelin and Dean feels like he's dissapointing him by not being a carbon copy of him hence his secrecy - So the "guilty pleasure" has deeper roots

- Sam told you he doesn't remember owning a childhood plushie, you fix that

- you open the door and close it with your foot, hands clinging to the bag you're holding to your chest after almost stumbling over. Sam's expression changes into a smile upon your arrival, kinda like a golden reriever. He gets up from the reasearch papers scatterred around the table no longer the center of his attention to greet you.

"Hey" the word 'sweetheart' almost sneaks out of his mouth but he contained himself with grace, god forbid he makes you uncomfortable (he's alot like you y'know? ). "Hi" you reply breathlessly due to your almost stunt and the fact that Dean took Baby out so you had to walk back to the motel in the humid weather of Washington. You take off your shoes and set the bag on the table, Sam's nosy self is itching to see what's inside. Before you open anything you make sure to peel off the hoodie you have on and rest it on a chair. "I got something but i need you to close your eyes and lay out your hands please." You start already bitting back a smile with a tinge of nervousness at what his reaction could be.

Yes, you got Sam a plushie. You got matching ones, the one for Sam is a brown moose with dark brown glass eyes that kept reminding you of him. The one you got for yourself is a same-zise moose plushie in your favourite color. What's even more cuter is that both of the plushies came as a package and they can stick their hands together with the magic of little pieces of square shaped tape on each their hands (hooves?). Sam is scared and excited at the same time. He will thank you for whatever you got him, he raised himself to be gratefull, it's just that growing up he learned and was usually met with dissapointment. John not showing up for his soccer game and neither Dean because he is hunting with him? Yeah he knows. Not even a call from his dad on his 21st birthday? Yeah he expected that. But he knows you, and the amount of times you have dissapointed him. (hint: zero)

So he does as you told him to. He extends his hand and turns it over, his other arm resting by his side. He closes his eyes and does not open them once. Sam was that kinda kid at the playground, so fair and by the rules it's almost suspicious. He can hear the noise of the brown paper bag crinkling and somehow imagine the sight of you smilling brightly, a sight that almost bribes him to open his eyes and see for himself. He focuses on the sound untill he feels the soft velvet material of the plushie in his hands. He doesn't even open his eyes yet he just furrows his eyebrows in confusion as his fingers pet the fabric of the stuffed animal.

You stand there, the biggest most nervous smile planted on your face as you wait for his verdict. "Sam, you can open your eyes now." you speak loud enough for him to hear, and he does open them, they glisten wet under the crappy motel room light. He has this mix of sadness and joy on his face at the same time as he cranes his neck to look down at the stuffed animal in his hands, he can envelope it entirely if he tried. You wish you could read thoughts right now, to make Sam open up his brain to you and show you how he feels about this, whether the reaction is negative or positive, you just want (need) to hear him speak, fuck, he can even yell at you if that is what he chooses to do (he wouldn't in a million years). Regret hits you like a hurricane after a few seconds of silence, that's the last thing you wanted to do, make Sam remember what a shitty childhood he had with just a stuffed animal, a fucking toy. The thought that this could come off as a reminder for him that's like 'Hey buddy, your childhood is so fucked up I felt sorry for you, here' didn't even occur you. All you wanted to do is give him something normal, to make him feel normal, a feeling he has been chasing all of his life. You bought two matching moose plushies with the thought that you're gonna match with your bestfriend, you're going to share some normalacy with your bestfriend in your world, your monsters are real world.

You wanted to build a time machine and rescue little Sam and Dean from the fucking monster John Winchester was. Yes, John Winchester loved his boys, but neglect and love don't mix. Leaving a 10 year old to look out for a 6 year old isn't love, taking your children with you to fucking hunt and kill fairy tale monsters isn't love. "Sam?" You call out quietly, nervousness already visible in your body language. Sam shots his head up at the mention of his name and most importantly the tone of your voice. He gives you a weak tight lipped smile (as if the sight would spare you having to worry about him, as if you don't feel the need to bang your head against a wall whenever you see Sam in any kind of pain) and wipes a tear that runs down his cheek with the cuff of his hoodie. "Sam- I'm sorry- I thought-" You justify yourself and attempt at swallowing the lump formed in your throat, you rub your sweaty palms on your jeans and feel like the biggest asshole in the world. You awkwardly take a step closer untill you take in consideration the idea that getting closer might be the last thing he needs right now so you step right back. Sam tears taste sweet, he can confirm it himself. The way you spent time and money going to provide him with something he was wrongfully stolen off of having when he was only a kid made him tear up in the spam of a few seconds. You asked, he answered, you felt sorry, he desperately wants you to comfort him, then you do something to make him feel appreciated/cherished. He glances at you and sees the state you're in. His legs instinctively take three long strides towards you and envelopes you in the most comforting embrace anyone has ever gave you. You don't need to be psychic or practice insane voodoo/hoodoo to know exactly how this made him feel, it's all in this hug. You hug him back and Sam starts rubbing circles with his index finger on your back, he is crying his eyes out and he's still comforting anyone but himself. You hear his sniffles as he agressively wipes his nose with his cuff. "Thank you" he croaks out, his tone hoarse and raspy. He rests his head on top of yours and you can feel him finally relax. You can also tell he has no intention of breaking the hug anytime soon but that is your last worry. You made Sam happy tonight and that's all it matters.

- you and Sam are the golden retriever + black cat duo the world needs. - grocery trips with him (he doesn't need anything, just wanted to go with you) that are fun and weirdly domestic. - it's all making jokes and finding eachother the snacks you usually eat untill someone bumps into him and HE apologizes. "Sorry" he says giving the dude that's shorter than him a tight lipped smile. The dude presses "Almost dropped my shit 'cause of you assh-" You cut him off by clearing your throat and making him turn around his face dropping as he notices your glare at him. "He said he was sorry." You chide (threaten) with a scarily blunt tone, you have no idea how someone can even dare to look the wrong way at Sam, he's too tall for his own good and he's built like a brick wall. "Whatever" the dude leaves scoffing , your expression softening as soon as your eyes settle on Sam. He has a stupid dorky look on his face and adoration in his eyes, his hands shoved in his jean pockets towering over you almost awkwardly. "Ugh. What is it today asshole day?" You joke breaking the silence, (yes, you're quoting kat stratford) Sam just laughs and nods, you could say it's Christmas and he would believe you. "Looks like it." He agrees, not even caring for that asshole that he could've handled himself just fine, he hunts monsters for a goddamn career. He just adores the way you jumped to take his side.

- expressing your wish to find or atleast thrift a brown carhartt jacket similar to Sam's, only for him to offer giving it to you whenever you wanna wear it. - "S'okay you can wear it i don't mind, you just have to ask me before, yeah?" - he also can't stop blushing at the sight of you in his already baggy jacket appearing more larger on you.

- the jacket engulfs you in this sense of security and an addictive smell of Sam (his fav earthy cologne) - the way you're looking good, happy, and warm in his jacket makes Sam's heart skip a few beats. - Dean smirks and compliments you, having to take a double look to confirm it's infact Sammy's jacket on you "Looking good, Y/n" he smiles and sends Sam a wink you're to oblivious to notice but you do notice the tone he uses, replying back skeptically "Thanks?" but you shrug it off asking Sam if he wants to come with you to this fast food place to bring back dinner.

- When Dean's brain cells put 2 and 2 togheter and realizes you and Sam are absolutely pining for eachother he purposefully does alot of stuff so you're stuck spending time with Sam and vice versa. It's either an easy move to make you two go out/stay in or it's a geniusly absolutely malefically strategically thinked and mastered 50 step plan that has atleast 20 plan B's in case anything goes wrong but we all know he doesn't need them, the mission goes smoothly each time. if Winchesters are anything, it's stubborn, incredibly and stupidly stubborn so Dean is not giving up on making one of you confess to eachother and if you don't he might take matters in his own hands and scream it out loud enough for You and Sammy to hear.

- he is so eager, the first time you kissed him he automatically assumed he's your boyfriend. - "Is that any way to speak with your boyfriend?" With a jokingly hurt face and a dramatically placed hand on his chest when you're being too mean. - "As your boyfriend and your lore boy.." - "I'm Sam, their boyfriend.." when he's introducing himself to person he knows has certain intentions with you or somebody making you uncomfortable.

- you pulled a muscle in your shoulder while on a hunt and stubbornly denied anything ever hurted even when Sam asked. - you keep rolling your shoulder when Sam says "Looks like you pulled something alright. You probably shouldn't move too much, you'll just make it worse." You scoffed at that, no way Sam for real? I had no idea I had to do that, thank god a smart boy like yourself is right beside me. "Are you mansplaining to me how to let a pulled muscle heal?" You retort, mainly because of the pain partially cause mansplaining is unnecessary and ignorant. And when Sam thought he couldn't like you any more than he already does you proved him wrong. He only chuckled, amused by your snarky reply, even going as far as to apreciate your attitude. "I'm not mansplaining anything, I'm just stating facts. Even a five year old could tell you that overusing a muscle will make the pain worse." He teased back.

- He enjoys the intimacy between the two of you when there are jokes and certain things you and him can laugh about because you're both huge nerds.

- Bobby let's you borrow whatever books you want from his huge ass library (mans probably got illegal books there)

- Bobby and Dean give eachother knowing looks whenever you and Sam literally do anything togheter, you and him pretend not to notice, not even mentioning it.

- guys i wanna cuddle with Sam Winchester so bad it's not even funny anymore *sobbing while my eyeliner mixed with tears is running down my face*

- he's a big cuddlebug I am willing to bet all my life savings and my first born he is. - the way you feel so safe and comforted when his light pole build wraps two arms around you, holding you close, trying to get you impossibly closer. - his hugs are the same, tender yet firm reflecting on his gentle nature. - just spoons you when he finds you on the couch sleeping with a bunch of research papers scattered and dusty old books around you which he tosses aside, because he is too proud to ask for cuddles.

- you wake up in the middle of the night you have no idea what time is it, you have one missing sock, your throat is dry, and you feel an arm draped over your waist getting tighter around you the more you twist around. And that's when you hear it, it's right next to your ear, Sam's low sleepy hum as he stirrs behind you, nudging his face deeper into your neck. You have no choice but to lay there untill he wakes up 'cause there is no escaping.

a/n: again i'm posting this shaking, this took so long I was scared I wasn't gonna finish it. They are so long they might not classify as headcanons but i couldn't care less. The plushie one made me feel like hamilton while writting it lmaoo. Hope yall enjoyed!! 💞 feedback would be very much appreciated<33

[arkhamabyssfiles]

Loading FILE... RED_HOOD_MEMORY_06 HELENA WAYNE: AGE, 15 JASON TODD: AGE, 17

It wasn't a surprise that for his birthday everyone got him books, what was a bit of a surprise was that everyone got him a present—even Dick Grayson when they had just met a handful of times and talked even less. Alfred had given him a very nice old edition of David Copperfield, Bruce had gone for some Shakespeare, Dick had given him Anna Karenina, and Helena The Divine Comedy. He'd already read all of them, but it had been very nice, to own a book, not just borrow them from the limited -and frequently missing pages- selection of the one public library he’d had access to while surviving at the city's bowels. All of them had a dedicatory, it made it even more clear that these books were his. Dick's was funny at least if not very meaningful or deep.

Alfred told me what 

to buy, and write 

something nice, I did.

Happy 17th Birthday!

-Dick

And Alfred had baked him the most delicious tiramisu cake he'd ever eaten. It felt surreal, a birthday with presents and a cake. For the first time in his life, he'd felt like he belonged, that he was appreciated, that he was wanted. And perhaps in some ways a little too much, he wouldn’t say names, but cat princesses could be annoying to deal with.

Dick had gone already, as soon as the cake was cut he'd chosen to retreat in case some of the friction between him and Bruce blew over and ruined a perfectly nice evening. On account of his birthday, Bruce had told him to stay in for the night, he wouldn't be out for long today anyway so Jason accepted on the condition he'd call if he needed help. Jason knew he really wouldn't but Alfred was monitoring him and would send the alarm if needed.

So Jason had happily stayed in the library gawking at his new books, especially the old ones from Shakespeare, it's been a while since he'd read any plays or poems. So absorbed he'd been he hadn't noticed someone lean into the backrest of the couch until she blew on his ear. He jumped startled and he almost dropped the precious book.

“Guard down? What would B said if he saw that?” Helena asked playfully and crawled over the backrest and slumped down beside him.

Jason flushed at being caught so unaware and rubbed his still-tickling ear, “Leave me alone. Don't you have some medicine book to study?”

“Yes. Some,” Helena answered but didn't budge, instead she just looked thoughtfully into the fire.

Jason sighed and shook his head, if she just wanted to goof around he didn't care as long as she was quiet. He returned to Othello—or would have if something soft hadn't caressed his cheek. It took him a second to realize he'd been kissed and he immediately moved away from Helena with a hand over his cheek as if she had slapped him.

“What—? What was that?”

“A birthday kiss,” Helena said leaning her chin onto her curled knees and looking at him with interest.

“Do you do that to everyone?”

“Actually, yes. Also to my godparents and some of the Sisters at school. Sorry, it's something I usually do.”

“Right. You could've warned me at least,” Jason grumbled now that he wasn't flushed anymore and rubbed at his cheek trying to take the memory of her lips on his skin.

“Then your reaction wouldn't be as fun,” Helena explained with a small smile, “—or maybe it would have, who knows? And besides, I don't think you'd let me if I'd told you beforehand.”

“You're fu—damn right! Stop getting into my personal space already!”

Helena didn't seem bothered at all by his rude tone and neither did she move, “Says the one who fell asleep on my lap the other day.”

Jason flushed again, how could a girl two years younger -at least for the next three months- make him blush all the time as if he was the teenage girl? 

“I was tired—it was your fault anyway,” He grumbled.

Helena smiled, “Well, I don't mind. There is nothing wrong about it. I think it's good you can snuggle around with someone.”

“I wasn't snuggling,” He said, knowing full well he was.

“Alright, you weren't,” Helena said and flipped through the pages of the book she had given him.

“Have you read it?” Jason changed the subject.

Helena closed the book and put it atop his other presents, “Kind off—” She said evasively.

“Had you even opened it before?” Jason asked, she looked at him from behind the book shortly. “Have you even read some Shakespeare?” A rasping sound was his answer. “What about the classic Greeks?” A cough.  “…Jane Austen? Dickens?”

“I’ve seen the Muppet’s Christmas Carol,” Helena said as if that somehow counted.

He had believed that for someone already at med school she would've already read most books on the shelves of this library, it seemed her brain just worked one way, and enjoyment of a good story wasn’t part of it, it was all technical books with her. Hell, he’d even seen Bruce reading paperback mystery novels. Jason said nothing, but his critical stare sure was speaking for him because she squirmed then Helena stood up airly, and brushed her skirt down. 

“I better go study some,” Helena said with all the dignity a queen might have when retiring from the court. Jason huffed and followed her retreat with his eyes.

She turned briefly at the door, “I don’t need to know those to be a doctor.”

“Of course, you don’t,” Jason snorted and smiled, she was an idiot of sorts. Jason blinked in surprise, her face had turned red, and then she stuck her tongue out at him and fled the room.

END OF MEMORY... For more FILES check previous entries...

[aspecpplarebeautiful]

As an aroace I always wondered how it feels to be "in love" and how I realize if I am in love. I never had been or just didn't realized it but it happened that people started to tell me I would be and when I tried dating I realized pretty fast this wasn't the case and I was just feeling uncomfortable.

Since then I've been asking myself how do I know? Everytime I try to google how it feels like I just find how it feels for people who aren't on the a-spec. This is starting to drive me crazy. Especially because I'm almost 30 and everyone starts to tell me how I have to hurry and find a partner otherwise my life will be miserable because I don't have a partner and children. But what if I don't want that?

Right now I'm only putting so much preassure on myself because I'm scared of being alone later on even if I know I don't need or want such a relationship. For me it would be more than enough to live in a platonic houshold like a shared flat. All that is important for me is to have people around with whom I can talk to and spend some time with but also hide in my room alone if needed.

Yeah I don't want to live completely alone but I also don't want such a relationship and most of all I don't want kids. Just give me friends I can move in with and I'm happy.

Thinking about living with someone and have to spend 24/7 with them makes me feel so uncomfortable. I need my own space, my own room where I can go to for some me-time. I don't want to share EVERYTHING with another person and have no place to be able to retreat every now and then. It already makes me so uncomfortable when I see my parents and thinking about that this apparently is supposed to be my future. They have not a single room to themself, they have to share their bedroom, the living room, just everything and always have to make compromises how they want to set up the rooms and do stuff.

Don't get me wrong. I'm fine with doing that but again give me at least one room that's only mine and where I can do whatever and how ever I want to do things without taking another person into account and asking if this is okay with them. And I also want to make my own plans without having to ask another person first if it's okay all the time.

Sorry for the long text I just needed to rant because this bothers me for years now and it just don't seem to get better but worse and I'm sure I'm not the only one who has this problem.

In love can mean different things to different people, and it can feel differently too. I would say anyone or anything you care deeply about you can consider yourself to be in love, but this is also a term you can define for yourself. Being in love is also not something you have to experience or you have to want, some people never feel like they're in love, and that's OK too. I always feel like that ability to choose and define things for ourselves is a big part of the a-spec experience. And it can make things more difficult, but it can also be more fulfilling in the long run.

Not finding a partner by a certain age doesn't mean you're destined to be lonely or miserable. And some of the things you mention like wanting your own room/space or liking the idea of living with friends are definitely things I've heard other aros say they like too. This isn't an impossible situation, though it does involve finding your people, but people who want similar things do exist.

It sounds like you've been under a lot of pressure to fit a certain mold, or live your life a certain way. That can definitely be difficult, but know you're not alone. And that you're allowed to live your life in whatever way you feel works for you.

All the best, Anon! Take care!

[youroomwasquare]

Hey just wanna pop into your inbox and say: I think your analysis for Marcy really understands the core of Amphibia's theme (change) and the basis of Marcy's arc. I could nitpick with small details I don't agree with (saying that Marcy doesn't have confidence issues (Marcy tends to overcompensate thus coming off as confident but really they're a scared kid) or Marcy doesn't have control issues (Marcy has control issues in the sense that they did feel the need to drag their friends into another dimension (those these control issues do mostly come from a lack of agency in Marcy's life)) but honestly the core of the analysis is spot on. You entirely understood exactly why Marcy's arc went like it did! And I really liked you pointing out in your response to an ask about it that escapism is not inherently bad rather how much we let it take over our life is when it becomes an issue!

It was really refreshing to see someone take a look at the end of Amphibia, and realize that it really did do Marcy justice and personally I feel that it does justice to people who have those same issues in life AS Marcy. Showing us that change will happen showing us that we will never be alone even if there is physical distance even if our relationships change even if things change that doesn't mean that life is over. The end of Amphibia I feel like a is a love letter to the fact that life is not stagnant, change is not an ending it's just a new chapter. And we see Marcy after the time skip have that agency in a world that isn't Amphibia by Marcy CHOOSING what they want to do in life. Hell we see that set up for that agency when Marcy rejects the CORE. Marcy finds healthy coping mechanisms Marcy finds a way to indulge in fantasy that isn't being consumed (or assimilated). It's something that's so wholly them how can you possibly be upset that that's what they did with their life! It's looking kids like Marcy in the eyes and saying "things get better. Throwing your life into fantasy will not save you from change but that does not mean you are doomed."

Marcy's sort of "unfinished arc" is a beautiful love letter to growing up. Just like how Anne and Sasha's arcs are love letters to growing up in their own ways.

I just wanted to say thank you for such a refreshing take :]

this is so 🥺🥺. THANK YOU SO MUCH!! I read your message and was on cloud nine the entire rest of the day, this message warmed my heart SO MUCH. aaaa I cannot thank you enough for connecting with it and sending such a lovely piece of writing in response :,) looking back on my analysis, I do agree that some of my points were a bit off ahaha. especially the point I made where marcy was 100% self confident in herself.. oof. during her stay in amphibia, while marcy DID grow into herself, and was truly able to see the extent of her skills and knowledge, she still had a ways to go when it came to other aspects outside of her intelligence. and you brought up a very good point, in that marcy does tend to overcompensate in order to be well liked!! but I've never even thought of the idea that marcy could have control issues. and I love this point!! you're SO right-- marcy had a lack of control when it came to what she truly wanted, so sending them to amphibia was her way of trying to gain back control & not feel extremely helpless. agh, I love how all the girl's issues seem to bleed into one another. I'll definitely think more about this, thank you for the amphibia brain food :) your whole last paragraph, yes, this, exactly. marcy's journey IS a love letter to all those like her-- kids who are (or have been) terrified of all the change that comes with growing up. kids who retreat back into their safe spaces-- the things they've known their entire lives-- for comfort amidst all the turbulent times. kids who will eventually learn, through one way or another, that change will always be present. but that it doesn't have to be a bad thing!! "even if things change that doesn't mean that life is over"-- this, to me, perfectly encapsulates the entire message of amphibia. the epilogue showed that life goes on. amphibia healed-- the amphibians healed, grew into themselves, and finally got the chance to live the lives they wanted to. amphibia honored the impact the girls made on them, and mourned their absence (and still mourn in some ways). but they still kept living. and they still carry all the memories, experiences, lessons, and love as well. the girls continued to live as well-- and they still honor amphibia in their own ways. we see it so much in the epilogue!! to me, it shows that nothing truly ends-- even worlds apart, they all still live on and still continue to love and still let new people in, and are able to let them go if needed. because of that experience they all shared together-- they all still trickle into every friendship, relationship, and connection the others have.

***

the girls learned through their experiences in amphibia that change IS scary. and that it's okay to acknowledge that. and that there are so many people going through the same thing as them. and in that way, they will always have a connection. the girls are not connected forever because of their experiences in amphibia-- amphibia ended. what they are connected by though, is the fact that they will always have a place in each other's lives. and the love that radiates out of all of them-- for each other, and for their friendship as a whole.

"The end of Amphibia I feel like a is a love letter to the fact that life is not stagnant, change is not an ending it's just a new chapter"-- I COMPLETELY AGREE WITH THIS!! and it's actually how I view the marcy from the end of the show. one of the beauties of marcy's unfinished arc is that marcy now has all of the time in the world to choose who she wants to be and what she wants to do with her life. she has so many lessons to learn, people to meet, tears (both happy and sad) to shed, smiles to make and love to share. amphibia may have ended, but for marcy-- it's a whole new beginning. the possibilities are so endless.. and that's such a good feeling!!

growing up is hard to do. we see that all the time in media, reflected in our own experiences of growing up. I'm so happy the calamity trio exists. I relate to them so much already-- I cannot wait to see the ways I'll continue to relate to them as I keep growing.

[cats-of-eden-valley]

ADHD strikes again with oddly specific thoughts! I've been falling down rabbit hole after rabbit hole today, and thus I have more questions 😅

1) What kind of natural disasters occur in the Valley? Like, do Goldspring get earthquakes due to their volcanic terrain, or do Coldbank or Bogden experience flash flooding? How do the Prides deal with that kinda stuff? Are there any areas prone to hazards (such as areas prone to landslides, or places with a lot of dangerous animals)?

2) Are there any myths/folklore regarding natural disasters? Sorry if this question is too spoiler-y!

3) I'm not sure if you've answered this before, but what is the terrain/climate like outside of the Valley? I follow so many similar concepts that it's all starting to mix lmao

4) What kinds of pollinators live in the Valley? Are they more similar to bees, or things like butterflies or birds?

5) Do the cats have a symbiotic relationship with any other animals? I've been researching the relationship between wolves and ravens for a while now and the question just popped into my head.

6) Are there any carnivorous plants in the Valley? Because the idea of someone getting eaten by an enormous plant is both horrifying and kinda funny.

I've said it before and I'll say it again, I love this project, and it's rare that something like this gives me such insistent brainworms. But, I'm happy - it might even be developing into a hyperfix!

As always, no pressure to respond! I'm content just yelling into the void.

(Also, I don't know is it okay to ask for advice here, especially for my own writing, and I would appreciate knowing-) (/gen)

Have a good day/night! (Sorry if I'm becoming annoying lol)

-🦇

The reason this took me so long is because this post is longer than the colour of the sky. see you in hell (affectionate) o7

1.

Lots! Most earthquakes are little rumbles, but of more note are the seasons. Eden Valley has two: Rain and Fire

During monsoon season, the river gets muchhh bigger. When water levels rise, while it does eat up a lot of land space, there are several "living islands" of matted vegetation which float with the water while remaining tethered to the bottom. Flooding is typically pretty predictable, and never passes certain levels.

Once monsoon season ends, fire season begins. And I do mean Fire Season. You know how all the leaves drop for dry season? The flora here doesn't even bother, it's evolved to just let it get burnt away (or sheathing leaves for the season). Bogden and Goldspring both retreat up the cliffs into stone holts to let the burn go by, and live there for the season for subsequent burns (caused by the mushrooms that grow stupid fast off all the ash)

And then you have everything else, like landslides, Many dangerous animals (have you seen the croc-snake), storms, droughts, but like we'll be here all night if i keep going

2.

Dunno if it counts, but it's common belief among the prides that the Moons reached down and scooped out a divot in the mountains for cats to escape the burning eye of Hiverne

There is also currently a rumour that has been bouncing around among the outsiders about some apocalyptic change, which can only be escaped by travelling west, but like. That's nothing to worry about, nothing can harm the prides in their cozy, impenetrable little valley :)

3.

So, as far as the cats know, Eden Valley is nestled in the middle of a mountain range, with uncrossable deserts on one side and endless mountains on the other (with the occasional claim that, if you go far enough into the mountains, you'll see something vast and blue far in the distance)

The prides ignore the outside world and like to believe they live in the only oasis of life left in the world, which they believe was scorched and destroyed by Hiverne. Obviously this isn't true, because Windswept aren't even from this region, but y'know.

4.

I haven't thought much about pollinators cus I've been hemming and hawing about the existence of flowers in the Valley (because im a baby that doesn't want to learn to draw them)

But now I'm kinda thinking about the role that mushrooms play in the Valley, where they actually thrive in hot and dry conditions (vs the fungi we know preferring cool and wet) and grow like nuts during the Sleeping Year, and maybe they make?? Mushroom flowers? I just like the idea of applying "here i have this tasty treat for you in exchange for you taking my junk gunk to some other guy" to mushrooms and then making that system easier to draw

5.

Nothing like. Specifically. I need to do more research so I can really start hammering out the relationship the cats have to the rest of the ecosystem, but the only thing I'm capable of reading at the moment are research paper #3453239 about felidae evolution

It will be a thing, though!

6.

There are but the great thing about plants is that they don't move much, so the cats know where they all are.

Hell, maybe that's your mutualistic relationship: the cats have learned that the sticky traps close if you place small prey sacrifices into them, allowing them to safely harvest nectar. Or something. Then spread that pollen babey (and get good, good nectar, tastless yet thick and soothing to the throat)

[shamrock313]

Bill and Alida (August 7th)

This reading is for entertainment purposes only. Please take everything you read with a grain of salt. Enjoy!

I've finally given you Bill fans your reading and hurt myself in the process. I know I mentioned my oracles cards, but I had a hard time breaking them down, so oracle cards will not be added to the reading. Sorry!

Bill POV: 5 of Cups + Wheel of Fortune (rev) = He needs his space. There may have been some exchange of words either from him or Alida and that made someone remorseful. Feels bad for what was said. They just need time away from each other. WoF (R) Feeling stuck and disconnected. Let the issues you have go. Don't bring it up. There are some things that just can't be fix.

Alida POV: 4 of Wands, Fool, 3 of Cups (rev), 2 of Wands = So, if you're a tarot reader you know 4 of Wands is 11:11 aka soulmate card, now for those who aren't in the community, this is basically a way to say she's an important figure in his life. She was meant to be in it. The 4 of Wands comes with many reasons when it comes to partners. She could be in his life to teach him about relationships, they have children together, so she's in his life for a reason.

She feels that they are in a stable and secure relationship. Fool would indicated a rekindle/renew. Maybe after he gets done with press (I'm not sure if he's still doing it or not) then they might take some time to be together or even hangout with family. Doing something to keep the flame alive.

3oC (R) Their connection is lacking. This could also mean 3rd party coming in (gossip, infidelity, relationship issues like past disagreement, etc). It can be anything that's coming between them. 2oW means she wants to get things back on track. No more fights. No more holding in secrets. Let's get back to how things use to be.

I think once he's available they might do a couples retreat or family outing whether it be their own or with his family. It could anything, but she wants to keep things alive with Bill, but they need to make sure their issues (especially if it isn't anything big) needs to be let go.

Overall: Queen and Knight of Pent = With the Queen card, I'm just going to say this is the "mom card". Anything you can think mom related is to this card. Nurturing, children/fertility, or having motherly qualities that's this card. KoP is patient so there's no rush to get married. Slow and steady. They're not looking to get married. I think whatever they have now works for them.

[itsnotmyfaultsomepeoplecantread]

I'm tired of people arguing with me about dumb shit, so I made a list of what people are saying vs what I'm saying.

Things people (especially my "progressive" family) say are my fault:

- Literally everything

Things people in my life say are specifically causing problems for them:

- Being anxious

- Not wanting to debate my own validity

- Sensory overload

- Crying

- Being "weird"

- Preferences that affect literally no one else (food, movies, shows, clothes, etc.)

- Sources of comfort

- Babbling

- Feeling overwhelmed

- Retreating to safe spaces

- Focusing on one thing too long

- Being young

- Miscommunicating

- etc.

Things I do that are actually problematic that I've spent a decade in therapy trying to be better at:

- Emotional reactivity

- Emotional dysregulation

- Panic attacks

- Argumentativeness

- Anxiety/depression

- Rejection sensitivity

- Interrupting people when they talk

- Jumping to worst case scenarios

- Over-explaining and making things worse when I'm misunderstood

- Etc.

Things I was diagnosed for as a kid:

- Anxiety

- Depression

Things that didn't get diagnosed for until adulthood and separation from my family:

- ADHD

- Autism

- PTSD

- Degenerative and disabling medical conditions

- etc.

Symptoms of these conditions:

- See list 2

- Most of list 2 is symptoms of autism

Things I literally can't fucking change:

- Being fucking autistic

Things my own family doesn't want to do:

- Respect peoples' pronouns

- Stop fat shaming

- Stop hyper fixating on peoples' cultures/skin colors

- Stop having debates about my fucking disabilities

- Listen when I talk about things I HAVE DEGREES IN

- Listen to me at all??

- Go to therapy

Things I don't do:

- See above

Things I am willing to do:

- Listen to peoples' perspectives

- Change my opinions

- Adapt my communication style

- Try new things even though they make me uncomfortable

- A lot of things if they help people feel good

- Work on myself and reflect on my actions

Things people want others to change:

- Their identity

- Their pronouns

- Things we literally can't help

- Harmless quirks

Things they're willing to change:

- Absolutely nothing (they say this specifically)

Things people are asking of them:

- Criticizing literally every tiny aspect of someone else's life/saying they're just doing it wrong, without offering any genuine support

- Not complaining about the use (not even using, just the usage in general) of they/them pronouns

- Pretending to listen/empathize/care for five seconds instead of just rolling their eyes

- Have a single fucking ounce of sensitivity

Things I'm not asking them to do:

- Change their entire use of language

- Change their personality

- Become different people

-etc.

Things people say I and others are asking of them:

- "Walk on eggshells"

The only things I wish they'd actually do:

- Treat others like human beings

- Stop criticizing me for things I can't fix/change

- Stop yelling at me and saying I'm the problem

- Do their own damn research instead of asking me questions and then telling me I'm wrong

In conclusion, there's a reason I needed antidepressants and anti-anxiety meds forever, and I'm tired of that. So my new motto is that everyone can go fuck themselves, and if they have a problem with my existence, then they shouldn't be surprised if I walk out.

I am not perfect. But Jesus Fucking Fuck. No wonder I have so much freaking social anxiety.

[antimatterz]

okay okay, i’m getting out of my shell too bc trust me, i never know how to initiate conversations either but… do you have any headcanons for you and dan heng as a couple? 🥰🍁

i hope you’re having a good weekend and taking care, mwah !!

this has been in my inbox for so long and i'm so sorry TT but this ask has been on my mind the entire time and just, i loved thinking about it and here we gooo~

i'm super energetic ( adhd ayee ) while dan heng is more calm n quiet, so i guess that makes quite the interesting dynamic !! because of his calmth i manage to regulate my bursts of energy way better !! also i can totally see him secretly entertained by my hyperactive moments, although he wouldn't admit that. it shows from the tiny smile he tries but fails to hide hehe :>

once i feel at ease around someone i literally won't stop talking ( unless depresso hits ) and i can see him being a rly good listener !! so that's just right; dan heng lets me ramble while he listens patiently, paying close mind to my words even when i'm outing pure nonsense – he finds everything i say important !!

we don't rly go on standard dates such as to the movies or dinner at fancy restaurants but instead we love to retreat to a silent place and spend time together. it just suits us better, since we don't like busy places with lots of noise n all. whether it's stargazing ( which is pretty easy in space lol ) or hanging out in the archive room or cuddling somewhere quiet, we rly enjoy it !!

i'm not always happy, though. when the darkness hits i think dan heng is the perfect companion for me. he has a sweet side that he keeps especially for me and he rly pampers me in his own way when i'm not feeling well <3 he lets me complain, rant, cry, listening patiently until everything is out and then we just cuddle while he tells me everything will be okay :)

he's also my personal agenda. i'm very forgetful while his mind is very much more organized. so i will tell him everything that's important and he'll be like "remember your appointment at four." and "have you taken your meds already, angel?" and "don't forget to do do your laundry today." and suddenly, boom, he makes me function like a normal person :D ( somewhat )

he calls me "angel" <3 i have such a soft spot for that pet name and i can see him using it ( i can picture it in his voice and <333 )

he lets me pick out a phone case for him >:) as much as i love black ( i literally only wear black clothes lol ) i just think his phone case needs a little update !! but he soon has his mind set on a clear case with a polaroid of the 2 of us together behind his phone yay :>

i absolutely love taking pictures with my s/o and he lets me, secretly he loves it as well ^^

THAT GOT RLY LONG I GOT A LITTLE EXCITED SORRY !!!

again i apologize for getting to this so so so late thank you for coming out of your shell to reach out <3 HAVE A NICE DAY !! MWAH !!!

[legendaryprofessorwisteria]

Hello professor! Do you have any general care tips for darkrai? They’ve always been my favorite Pokémon in general, and I was looking into having one in the future!

Hello! As it happens, I do and I'm happy to share them! Cut because long post, whoops.

Overall, Darkrai is actually a great choice for a Mythical Pokemon. I didn't put it on the Beginner Legendary list because of the whole nightmare powers thing, but that's not so bad if you have Lunar Wings and/or a good tolerance for scary dreams.

Lunar Wings are available online or from pretty much anyone with a Cresselia, as they shed pretty frequently. There are a lot of knockoffs, but a real Lunar Wing will last forever as long as it's not damaged - still, it's worth buying several. I wouldn't recommend shelling out for an unusually colored Lunar Wing, because those are more likely to be knockoffs and don't make any difference.

Don't put a Lunar Wing on a Darkrai. It will completely suppress their nightmare powers, but that's not healthy for it, and can cause illness, lethargy, or even pain. Only do it temporarily if you HAVE to, which should be rare.

Fun fact: Most Darkrai can't actually present nightmares that are frightening to the individual, but rather prey on common fears such as monsters, humiliation, the dark, death, and similar. Nightmares that target uncommon fears or an individual's personal fears are the mark of a well-trained Darkrai. This also means that if you don't suffer from the most common fears, you'll probably be unaffected!

Part of receiving an individual license for a Darkrai is being intentionally targeted by nightmare powers, both from a Darkrai with average and honed nightmare powers. Bringing a Lunar Wing to the exam, while technically cheating, is considered a sign of good planning and good humor unless you actually try to be sneaky about it.

Darkrai are naturally solitary, but quite like socializing with Pokemon that aren't of their own species (Darkrai shouldn't be kept together unless they're family or already get along well). Most Pokemon naturally avoid Darkrai but can be acclimated to them fairly easily.

For the safety of you/other Pokemon and Darkrai's comfort, having a dark spot they can retreat to, specifically for them, is great.

Darkrai tend to enjoy puzzle cubes/similar toys for Pokemon with simplistic but workable hands. They also have some degree of psychic power, meaning enrichment stuff aimed at Psychic Pokemon can be enjoyable for them.

The best way to train a Darkrai to be careful with its nightmare powers is not to scold them for using said powers, but to reward them when they don't - especially in a frightening or overstimulating situation. Most Darkrai won't have much trouble with this.

Darkrai don't like a lot of bright lights or noise, and tend to be nocturnal or crepuscular (active at dawn and dusk). The ideal Trainer to match a Darkrai's usual personality would be a fairly quiet, not overly extroverted night owl.

Thanks to not being huge, Darkrai don't need a ton of space as long as they have a quiet place to hang out in. Similarly, their habitat needs are fairly minimal and they're not territorial beyond the desire for a small space of their own. If I make a list of Legendary/Mythical Pokemon you could ethically keep in an average apartment, Darkrai would be on it.

Darkrai need an average of six to seven and a half hours of sleep per day, but this varies upward (rarely lower) depending on their health, age, diet, and other factors. They also nap frequently.

Darkrai love to observe things. They will stare at you. A lot. It can be creepy.

Darkrai are omnivorous, but also feed off of dreams and negative energy like Shuppet, Drowzee, or Munna do. This means that Trainers who work well with their Darkrai usually report a calmer, more relaxed mental state with the odd nightmare. That's not a reason not to be careful, Darkrai nightmares can be extremely upsetting to some people (I myself couldn't train a Darkrai because I don't handle that well), but overall Darkrai aren't a drain on mental health...contrary to popular opinion.

Darkrai get slandered hard in a lot of media and public opinion. While there was that fantastic movie set in Alamos Town a while ago, most portrayals of Darkrai paint them as unsympathetic at best and their nightmare powers give them an awful reputation. As such, prepare for scrutiny from your neighbors, friends, or family - or even strangers. People will absolutely try to make your Pokemon their business.

Darkrai are in reality quite relaxed, nonaggressive Pokemon and 90% of the time, if threatened, they will give you a nightmare and book it. Some people expecting a scary, dark Pokemon actually end up disappointed because the majority of Darkrai are so chill.

[sohannabarberaesque]

Postcards from Snagglepuss

Onward into the fall

Roll call, as taken by Huckleberry Hound as we were filling the motorhome with diesel fuel:

"OK, let's see here--Yakky Doodle?"

"Here!"

"Chopper?"

"Here!"

"Pixie and Dixie?"

"HERE!" (said in unison, and with a slight singsong)

"Touché Turtle?"

"Present and accounted for!"

"Dum-Dum?"

"Where else could I be if I wasn't here?" (Laughs all around)

Once the tank was fuelled up and things squared away, our motley little motorhome crew were off, heading into our fall adventures as were pretty much a few weeks over the fall with Crazy Claws at his retreat on the legendary artificial waters of Artificial Lake Delton by Wisconsin Dells even ... not to mention doing a few preparations for the winter diving experience Huck and I would be having with no less than the Peter Potamus Magic Divers, in the Divers' Delight even (as was formerly the Jolly Rodger from Yogi's Treasure Hunt, which you'll recall Huck and yours truly being among the crew of).

And perhaps one of my beloved favourite routings, along Highway 61 no less, the Great River Road even in her afternoon splendour of a mild autumnal-like afternoon as was enough to see the windows open and get some fresh air besides ... the splendour being somewhat evident as we spent a few minootas admiring the view from the Garvin Heights overlook at Winona. And you could spot a few tourists in the bargain there, too, and considering that, Chopper had to have Yakky on his shoulder and Huck took up Pixie and Dixie so tourists wouldn't accidntally step on such.

As for the tourists there ... selfie opportunity time in and of itself, with the panorama of Winona and the bluffs on the Wisconsin side below!

As we headed downhill, no less than Yakky Doodle couldn't resist describing the sheer beauty inherent for a late summer's afternoon. Admittedly, it's a little on the early side for fall colour, but you can certainly admit that when the time comes, the sensation therefor is sure to be sensational around these parts!

Arrival in La Crosse, at one of my beloved haunts even, the old North Country Steak Buffet ... as if all-you-can-eat steaks, steakburgers and grilled chicken breast weren't good enough, plenty of buffet-type schtick as well. Soup and salad bar, Mexican station, even dessert stations as well--which, even for that hilariously clumsy turtle known as Touché, couldn't be more irresistible. Touché's boon compadre, Dum-Dum, for his part, couldn't resist waxing amusingly in his own way about houseboating it with Bristlehound on the Mississippi, just partaking of tavern-style food (especially Friday fish fry) and relaxing the night on a sandbar somewhere on the river ... and Huckleberry taking stock of the halfway legendary home cooking on the buffet, even to where it meant seasoning the macaroni and cheese with Canadian steak seasoning.

"Which," Huck remarked, "does add some interesting flavour in its own way which common salt and pepper don't seem to provide."

Chopper, for his part, couldn't help but mention where some especially worthwhile seasonings sold under the name Pleasoning came out of that wonderful town, and might it be worthwhile, once our buffet was out of the way, to stock up on some ... request granted, even if the place that makes Pleasoning was starting to wind things down for the day. Not to mention picking up such not only for the road, but also to surprise Crazy Claws as well. And since the idea was to select only one especially worthwhile and versatile variety--well, you'll probably want to wait for the next such missive in this space to learn all.

*************

@warnerbrosentertainment @a-gang-of-silly-bananas @jellystone-enjoyer @iheartgod175 @archive-archives @themineralyoucrave @thylordshipofbutts @princessgalaxy505 @thebigdingle @screamingtoosoftly @warnerbros-blog1 @xdiver71 @theweekenddigest @indigo-corvus @warnerbrosent-blog

[skadren]

I keep seeing a bunch of live and let go, boundaries are personal and not moral stances posts about writing and i largely agree ppl should be able to explore what they want in fic but also. Is there a way to balance or talk about "hi um white author so you kinda reinvented racism/blood eugenics and unilaterally present sex work as inherently degrading and etc etc etc for Shipping Angst Drama fodder, when the text is like. None of that" in fandom or even just in like. A server community. Maybe I'm a bit sensitive bc i feel constructed/projected misery is kind of tacky to begin with and i wouldn't do it with a complete stranger but idk my guy. I don't want to alienate myself but it's weird to go completely uncritical here

i think there are a couple items you need to check off the list before you can go "yes talking to internet stranger #37461239 about a highly sensitive topic is a good idea"

is it tagged appropriately? if it's tagged trust me the writer knows. they have probably gotten way more unsolicited feedback than they would really like

is the portrayal you're concerned about reinforcing an unhealthy or discriminatory predominant social narrative? if it is and you think the writer is genuinely unaware, then yeah, it might be worth bringing up. the emphasis here is on predominant please i am begging on my hands and knees

will this result in a productive conversation? if the intent behind this is to get people to reconsider, it isn't helping anyone if you know it will just lead to them doubling down and doing it even worse. at that point you're only making a performative statement to validate your own stance

if it really is bothering you that much, is there a compelling reason why you can't just block and move on? it isn't your responsibility nor is it feasible to fix how a fandom is doing things, especially if it's a group of people you don't really know. your own mental health always comes first, and a bit of salty venting in private with your friends never hurts anyone

if it IS a friend or acquaintance who is doing this and you think they would be open to discussing it with nuance, then you can probably bring it up. if that person has a basic level of consideration and respect for you it tends to go well, but i've also seen people double down because they already know there's something wrong with their attitudes but get mad at you for wanting them to change, and then it creates a whole ton of drama and people get hurt and it's not pretty. so. ymmv

ultimately, someone's views on racism or sex work or whatever is reflective of a broader social norm, and fandom is not the best space to try to fix that through confrontation-- it's usually someone's "safe space" where they want to retreat from the world, not come face-to-face with any sort of personal reckonings. do i think it's a mark of privilege that some people have the luxury of ignoring these issues when they "just want to have fun"? yes, but again, this is about being able to have productive discussion, not about what's "fair". unfortunately.

my two cents: if you're in a server community or some other space that makes you uncomfortable there's really nothing wrong with going "hey, we have fundamentally different standards when it comes to [x], and i don't think i want to be here" and moving on. the best way to challenge these things is quite literally to make your own food. there's a much better chance of the people you're worried about coming across it and realizing they like it than magically being able to argue them down with well-placed logic and reasonable points or whatever

EDIT: OH ALSO IM STUPID if you mean talking about it in general. not naming writer names but trends in the fandom. yes absolutely-- not in a public space like social media but definitely find a group of people who you trust who you can talk about these things with!! it is good and healthy. just make sure it isn't just a discord server open to the public or smth tho so you personally know and trust everyone who can see it (and you don't accidentally shit talk someone who is in that space lmao)