#I called this my “food squad” project

[weirdthingskid]

Ask and you shall receive :D

I made some when I was younger when I made cringey wattpad fanfics haha The main ones were a partner pair named Orange and Onion, and they basically had the dynamic of Olive and Otto. They had this giant size difference: Onion was about 3 inches shorter than the top of the doorframe while Orange was 4 foot 9, max. She also hates onions, ironically. (It's 'cause she doesn't like crying)

Oh, and the whole precinct had food names. The head scientist was Okra ("I know what I'm doing!" he says as something explodes in background), the anti-Oksana agent was named Oatmeal, you get the idea. I think I stopped when I couldn't come up with any more foods that start with O. Olive would've been SO GREAT if the show hadn't USED IT ALREADY

hey hey hi anyone with Odd Squad ocs come here and tell me about them i want to hear about your silly guys :3

plus as a bonus maybe they can be like. inter-precinct friends with my silly guys perhaps,, that would be fun i think

[writing-until-i-drop]

Wildflowers For A Hangman Ch. 4

Summary:

Daisy, a career novelist, moves in with her college best friend Phoenix who has been permanently assigned to Top Gun with Dagger Squad. She finds herself instantly connected with a cocky pilot who's soft only for her and Jake can't help but want to know everything about her. When the past comes knocking at both of their doors, will they stand together or fall apart?

Or: The Dagger Squad can't cook and Jake falls in love with a woman who makes a mean lasagna while they work their personal trauma.

Jake "Hangman" Seresin x writer!femOC | 18+ (eventually) minors dni. Fluff, smut (eventual), idiots in love, past trauma.

A/N: Cassandra isn't speaking to Daisy and her work suffers but a call from her brother should make everything better, right?

AO3 Link

Previous Chapter

Cassandra wasn’t cooperating today and I knew better than to try and force it. Instead, I tried my hand at writing something overtly and didn’t make it a full page before scrapping the entire project. I’d had a few boyfriends before but none of them had given me the foot-popping, sparks-flying, kind of romance people wrote about. 

In a desperate attempt to get something done, I wrote a few paragraphs more of an abandoned project about a kid detective trying to solve the theft of a neighbor’s lawn gnome. It wasn’t my most inspired piece of work, one of the many reasons Jason had told me to drop it, but it felt good to write something. 

After completely throwing in the towel, I cleaned the apartment and made a double batch of M&M cookies, snacking on the chocolate candies as I went. Once the kitchen was cleaned again, I realized that I had made enough cookies to feed an army without an army to feed. 

Daisy: Movie night at our place with the daggers? 

Daisy: I may have stress baked

After an hour, Natasha responded affirmatively and I decided to run to the store for more snacks. While debating between Dorito flavors, my phone rang, Harvey’s picture flashing on the screen.

“Hey, Harv,” I greeted him, adding both bags of chips to my cart. “How are my girls?” 

“Driving me crazy as usual,” Harvey laughed and I felt a bit lighter inside. There had been a point in our childhoods where I felt resentful that Harvey could be so happy but my therapist and a healthy dose of prescriptions had helped me past that. “How’s life in California?” 

“Hot,” I joked. “The sun’s insufferable but it’s good to be living with Tasha again. She’s got some great friends that I bribed with cookies into accepting me as one of them.” 

“Of course you did, your cookies could broker world peace.” I chuckled, waiting for Harvey to cut to the chase as I continued to throw all the snack foods I could find into the cart including frozen pizzas and chicken wings. “August is coming to an end.” There it was. I sighed but stayed silent, “How are you doing, DeeDee?” 

“I’ve already scheduled the flowers to be sent to their graves and-” 

“That’s not what I meant and you know it.” 

“I’m fine, Harv. I’m keeping busy, trying not to think about it.” Something fell behind me and I nearly jumped out of my skin, white-knuckling the cart. It was like a switch flipped, all of my nerves lighting on fire, the acute paranoia I’d worked so hard to rid myself of sprinting to the forefront of my mind. The hairs on the back of my neck stood on end as Harvey’s voice faded into a soft buzzing. Was someone watching me? No, no one was watching me. I tried to shake off the feeling, moving at a snail’s pace through the aisle. I looked down at my feet and I could have sworn I saw red despite the canvas being black. 

“Daisy?” I heard my name through the fog, “Daisy Louise? DeeDee, you’re okay. You’re okay, everything’s okay, DeeDee.” Harvey. Harvey was calling for me. Where was he? I had to get to him. “I’m okay, DeeDee. I’m safe.” The fog pulled away and I was on the floor of the frozen aisle, my phone beside me. 

“Harvey?” 

“I’m here, I’m alright, DeeDee.” He soothed, “Are you okay?” I grabbed the phone, tucking my head between my knees.

“I’m okay, Harv. I just…”

“I know, it’s okay. It’s normal but you should call Natasha and have her pick you up.” That was completely off of the table. I could handle this by myself, all I needed to do was get to my feet and everything would be okay. “I love you, DeeDee.”

“I love you too, Harvey.” I sat on the floor with my head in my hands for a few seconds after hanging up, evening out my breathing until I didn’t think I was going to pass out anymore. I struggled my way through checkout, my mind drifting and then snapping back to reality with everyone off-kilter sound I heard or thought I heard. But when my hands were shaking too hard to put the keys in the ignition, I put my pride inside and called Tasha. 

“Phoenix’s phone,” Coyote picked up and I nearly ended the call, “Daisy?” 

“Is Tasha there?” Fuck, I sounded like I had been crying. My voice wavered, full of emotion.

“She’s in the air, what’s wrong, Daisy?” Coyote was all business and I appreciated him for it.

“It’s fine, nevermind,” I even failed at convincing myself that things were fine. Coyote sighed then replied in a soft, quiet voice.

“Daisy, Nat told me that sometimes you have anxiety attacks. Is that what happened?” Damn it. Natasha had helped me through more than her fair share of them in college, it only made sense that she would tell someone important to her like Coyote.

“You can’t tell anyone,” I sighed, “I just, I’m at the grocery store and I don’t know if I should be driving home like this.” I heard Jake’s voice in the background and tensed, “Don’t tell Hangman.” Coyote chuckled,

“Yes, ma’am. Alright, there’s two ways this can go. I can ask Mav for permission to come get you or I can call Penny.” Neither option sounded preferable. “Penny’s going to ask a lot of questions because she’s a mom and then she’s going to tell Mav anyways. I will ask no questions because I’ve already got an idea of what’s going on.” 

“As long as Mav’s the only extra person in the loop,” I relented. “And Javy? Thanks.” 

Javy showed up in his flight suit not long after and I was distracted for a second by just how handsome he was. Natasha’s taste in men had gotten a lot better since college.

“Do you want to stop for food on the way back? Sugar will make you feel better after an adrenaline dump like that.” I nodded, thanking him again for showing up. “You’re part of the squad now, Daisy, no thanks necessary.” The sentiment warmed my heart, a soft smile appearing despite the embarrassing situation. 

“Can we get Wendy’s? It’s my favorite.” A spicy chicken nugget and a Dr. Pepper sounded amazing right now. Javy messed my hair like a big brother,

“Whatever you want.” After a few minutes of listening to the radio in silence, Javy glanced over at me. “So, what do you think of Hangman?” 

“What do you think of Tasha?” I shot back, not expecting him to answer but he took me by surprise.

“She’s one hell of a woman and a fantastic pilot.” Javy grinned like a lovesick idiot and I found myself smiling too, “I’m lucky she gives me the time of day if I’m being honest.” He glanced over at me again, still smiling and I rolled my eyes. “Your turn.” 

“Hangman’s a flirtatious ass,” Javy barked with laughter, pulling into the Wendy’s. “But Jake’s nice and he listens to me when I go on my rants about random shit. Like, I swear he probably listened to me talk about Sherlock Holmes for an hour the other night.” 

“Hour and a half,” Javy snickered, “We timed it.” I couldn’t even be mad, laughing with him.

“Not even Tasha would let me go on like that! So yeah, I think Jake’s pretty great.” I brushed my hair into my eyes to hide my blush, “Anyways, I’ll take a spicy number ten with a Dr. Pepper, please.” 

“Do you want a frosty too?” Yep. Natasha’s taste in men had definitely improved.

After cooing over me like a mother hen and calling Harvey to let him know I was okay, Natasha took Harvey to get his car. After taking a shower and finishing the large frosty Javy bought me even when I told him not to, I felt a lot better. Well enough to respond to the texts Jake had been sending me. 

Jake: Everything okay? 

Jake: Coyote told me to mind my business and that you were fine but I want to hear it from you

Jake: Phoenix also told to mind my business

Jake: Honey I need to hear it from you

Jake: If you don’t text me in ten minutes I’m coming over

I rolled my eyes but the butterflies in my stomach took flight, swirling in delight that Jake was concerned for me. 

Daisy: Listen to Javy, pretty boy. I’m fine

Jake: Too late

“If this boy isn’t careful, I’m going to fall in love with him,” I whispered to the empty kitchen, ripping open a packet of M&Ms. 

X

“Hey,” Daisy greeted me with a lazy smile, throwing back a palmful of M&Ms. Something was off about her but I couldn’t put my finger on it just yet. I was going to figure it out though, you could bet on that. 

“Hey, Wildflower. How are you feeling?” She rolled her eyes like she didn’t have a care in the world but her shoulders tensed. Coyote had been tight lipped over why he had left work early but with how both he and Phoenix were acting, I knew it had to be Daisy and that had spun me up into a twister of anxiety that eased a little seeing her.

“I told you I was fine, see?” She gestured down her body. Daisy was in cartoon pajama shorts that showed off her pale thighs and a tank top, her endless curves on display from top to bottom. I swallowed hard, my mind filled with thoughts of running my hands over her hips, spreading her knees, and eating Daisy for dessert on Phoenix’s counter. “I’m perfectly fine.” 

“You look fine as hell, sweetheart,” Daisy blushed hard, her chest and cheeks burning red. “But you know it’s not your body I’m asking about.” I crossed the room, needing to put my hands on her even if I shouldn’t.

“Okay, Hangman,” She grumbled, using my callsign like she always did when I said something flirty. My hands landed softly on her hip and her cheek, forcing her to stay close and look at me. Daisy relaxed, eyes fluttering shut. “I’ll be fine, Jake,” She whispered and I felt myself melt. This girl had no idea that I was putty in her hands.

“Of course you will be,” I promised, “Because I’m going to be right here by your side.” Daisy smiled, eyes still closed, nuzzling her cheek like a cat into my hand.

“You’re laying it on pretty thick again, Hangman.” God this girl. She didn’t believe a word that came out of my mouth if it veered even the slightest bit away from platonic. I had my work cut out for me but when she opened her dark eyes and smiled at me like I hung the stars and the moon, I knew I was up to the task. “Do you want a cookie?” What I wanted was to kiss her forehead but a cookie would work for now. 

The rest of the daggers showed up a little bit later and while Daisy played the role of the perfect hostess, I pulled Coyote off to the side. 

“Should I be worried?” Coyote glanced over my shoulder to where Daisy was and then shrugged.

“I don’t think so, at least, not at the moment anyways.” My heart clenched, needing to know more but he shook his head before I could ask. “Nothing about this situation is my business to share, man. When she’s ready to tell, she’ll tell.” 

“We should watch a horror movie,” Bradley suggested, the loud agreement of the squad interrupting our conversation. Coyote patted me on the shoulder, heading for the kitchen. When she was ready to tell, she would tell me. I had to trust that that would be the case. Right? 

“Hangman, get some food before Bob eats it all!” Rooster shouted for my attention. Bob was blushing with a plate piled high with food, praising Daisy’s homemade mac and cheese so that’s what I scooped up first. I didn’t miss how Phoenix was hovering behind Daisy, watching her like a hawk. I said a little prayer, hoping that Daisy would find the right moment to tell me what was going on sooner rather than later.

With a plate full of snacks, we all scattered around the living room. Daisy came right to me with a blanket, a blush on her cheeks, not looking me in the eyes as she took a seat beside me. She was the one person without a plate of food and turned me down when I offered her some of my chips,

“I’m not hungry,” She whispered, bringing the blanket up to her chin. “Javy got me Wendy’s.” He was Javy to her now? I glanced over at my best friend, who was not so subtly making eyes at Phoenix while she and Rooster argued over what horror movie we were going to watch. Rooster won when he threatened to tell a story that had Phoenix slapping a hand over his mouth.

It ended up being about some demon who was influencing people to murder others but the special effects weren’t all that believable. I much preferred a 90s action flick or, when alone, a Hallmark movie on occasion. With every passing minute, Daisy inched closer to my side, the blanket moving higher up her face. Seizing the opportunity, I dropped my plate on the table and wrapped an arm around her shoulders, bringing her close. 

“Not a fan of horror?” I whisper, she shook her head, eyes locked on the screen as the possessed man picked up a hunting knife. 

“Murder,” She whispered back, her hand tentatively resting on my thigh.

“Aren’t you a crime novelist, sweetheart?” I teased, trying to ignore how good it felt to have her hands on me.

“That’s different,” Daisy insisted, jumping at something on screen but I wasn’t watching the movie anymore, my focus was solely on her. Daisy looked terrified. I shifted sideways and pulled her face into my chest, forcing her attention off of the movie and whatever it was that was scaring her so much. Her hand moved from my thigh to my chest, fingers digging into my shirt. 

“It’s okay, I’ve got you, baby,” I whispered into her hair, kissing her head. “It’s just a movie.” Daisy went limp in my hold and I pulled her sideways onto my lap, Bob looked and quickly looked away but it didn’t seem like anyone else noticed. Not that I would care if they did, if this was what Daisy needed, then it’s what I was going to do. I squeezed her thigh gently and began stroking my thumb back and forth, “I’ve got you.” 

“I know,” Daisy whispered into my shoulder. After a moment she added, “If I’m too heavy-” She stopped when I squeezed her thigh,

“You can sit on my lap whenever you want, Wildflower.” 

“My gentleman,” She sighed and I felt a glimmer of hope. She didn’t call me Hangman.

Next Chapter

[tubbypeddle]

Hi! I know it was awhile ago but I was the requester for the Bucci Gang w/ autistic s/o dhdbdbskd. I absolutely loved it!! Now dare I ask but do you maybe also have any headcanons for an autistic s/o but with La Squadra? I love them sm dhdhdjdkdn and I'd really appreciate it!! Especially with any comfort ideas you may have for it too! (as a possible bonus hehe) Love your writing and thanks again!!

Hi again!!1!11!!

I apologize for taking forever answering this one. I was working on a secret little project and forgot to clear out my inbox like I've been meaning to.

anyway i was super excited to start this one

(author's note: credits to gif owners, of course, i don't own them <3)

anyway (again)

Risotto

Risotto is very firm by nature. Or, at least, he is after you've met him.

When he finds out you're autistic, he might become a little more firm with you. He puts in place rules for you to follow that may seem a little unfair.

But it's dangerous, being associated with him.

It's not intentional, but he thinks of you as weaker than him. He feels a stronger urge to protect you than everyone else. Everyone else in the Execution Squad have Stands to defend themselves. You may not. He does not want you to be taken advantage of.

It may take a big argument to clear this up, because he's rather dense when things aren't being spelled out for him word for word. At least, in situations like these.

After that, though, he takes more time to observe you so he can note what makes you happy. So he's less likely to upset you in the future.

Ghiaccio

He's definitely a little autistic. I imagine him a little like Sheldon from Young Sheldon LMAO

No but seriously, he's quieter with you. You understand him in a way that's different from the way the others understand him. He still gets very agitated very quickly, but it's different with you.

The two of you can bond over your hatred for textures, too. Velvet or velcro feels like hellfire on your skin. (oops a little projection on my part)

He doesn't ever point any of his anger out on you. And if he even suspects that you might've been upset by his outbursts, he's quick to apologize.

The others make fun of him for it. They call him soft, like snow instead of ice. But he can't bring himself to care. Not when you're the only one on the team that could even begin to comprehend his thoughts.

Melone

Despite his...very obvious gooning, he is still a genius. He's observant, he's technical, and he probably knows you're autistic before you tell him.

He subtly prompts you to talk about your special interests, just so he can listen to you talk. Other than Ghiaccio, and maybe Pesci, he might be the most understanding, even though he's not autistic himself.

He definitely is a little neurodivergent himself, but he's not autistic.

It's not often that he gets you gifts for ur special interest, because he'd rather listen to you talk about it while he's working. It's like listening to a podcast while he works.

He eats all the food you can't eat easily. It's not like he minds.

Prosciutto

Mmmmmm, truthfully, you might get along with him the least.

He's a nitpicker. And, as an autistic myself, I know it's hard to differentiate between when he's just picking at our flaws, or when he's just saying things to say them.

He nitpicks to make you as perfect for him as what he believes he deserves. It's a weird complex.

Someone who's autistic has a harder time just brushing off his coddling and aggressive doting because he's all up in your face about it.

That isn't to say that you don't get along with him at all. He's rather sweet when he's not, y'know. He does things for you, he gets you gifts, all that fun stuff. It's just about the nitpicking that you two get into arguments about, really. Because he does like hearing you talk, and he does sweet things for you, too.

It's really just that one habit that you can't get over. It takes a lot to break him out of it, if you have the patience for that.

Formaggio

He's a great communicator boyfriend. He likes talking to you a lot, and listening to you in turn.

It's a pretty smooth ride into the relationship with the two of you. Since Formaggio is very open to talking out any of your issues calmly, rather than starting an argument, or avoiding a topic entirely until resentment starts to build.

You can appreciate his straight forward attitude on communication.

It doesn't take long for him to clock what your interests are because of his easy communication.

Out of all of the gang, he's the smoothest about how he goes about finding out how to get you gifts. He'll ask you to talk about your interests, which isn't out of the ordinary for him, while mentally noting which things you're more into, which ones you've expressed wanting more content for.

And, what do you know, figurines and books will appear in your room as if Santa came early.

Illuso

He doesn't exactly understand it, or why you act the way you do sometimes. But he likes you well enough, so he's willing to learn.

He takes the food you won't eat, he keeps the textures you don't like away from you. He memorizes what your reactions to things mean, how you stim, even.

Most of this is not intentional. He's just good at stuff like this. He's a very keen people watcher, which is why he's usually assigned to stake outs or kidnappings. (He's a stalker)

(Man in the Mirror makes it easy)

He mentions your interests off handedly, just because he likes to see you light up.

Pesci

(i hate this gif so much LMAO stop caressin him like that)

Similar to Formaggio, he's an excellent communicator. You're a lot nicer to him than his fratello, at least.

He enjoys your straightforward attitude and tendencies. It's a lot easier to understand than Prosciutto's aggressive corrections.

He might be a little dense, so he won't pick up on your autism for a long time. You might even have to tell him straight up that you're autistic because he won't piece it together himself.

But that's okay. He makes up for his density by being a sweetheart.

He also will take the food you don't want to eat. He's not picky.

He likes to learn about your interests so that he can have in depth conversations about them with you. If your interests are a little morbid, he may get a little squeamish, but he can deal with it, he assures you. He's a grown man. In the Mafia. He can handle something a little morbid, he's seen worse.

(he can't, but he tries to anyway)

Gelato and Sorbet

They're a package deal, because of course they are.

Gelato might not notice at first. Not like Sorbet does. Sorbet had actually graduated from university, with a bachelor's in psychology. So he definitely knows you're not neurotypical, at least.

They're both very open to your mannerisms, though. Neither of them are bothered by petty things like how you eat your food or what blankets you like more than others.

They're more than willing to accommodate for you. Changing one thing about their routine is a small price to pay to make sure you're comfortable with them.

Gelato is almost aggressive with how he'll defend you about what makes you comfortable, while Sorbet is a little more composed. But no less deranged, really.

Both of their first instincts is violence, in different ways.

-

good god this took me way longer than i wanted it to, but my life got way too complicated way too fast, so i was a little distracted. sorry for the wait!

[squad-724]

ALL THAT'S STAR WARS MASTERLIST

Hi hello on my Star Wars blog. You can call me Moss or Kosh, and I'm here to deliver all the weird aus I make for this fandom

'*' means I am not proud of the drawing and it's old :>

(+snippet) means there's an additional piece of fanfic to match the artwork

THE BAD BATCH

Hybrid Bad Batch: Clone Force 99 are hybrids of Jango DNA and another sentient species. Trandoshan Hunter, Chiss Tech, Zygerrian Crosshair, Lasat Wrecker, and Diathim Omega -all that's chibi <3 | a peaceful nap | and a Bookmark -original (old) designs* -baby batch sleeping pile* -Baby batch squad photo -Baby Wrecker in Lula onesie -Wrecker's a show off (cadets)* -The Batch all grown up -nap in the sunlight -Crosshair got put in the air jail for scratching pilot seats -S1ep1 screenshot redraw -mission going wrong page 1 -Zygerrian mission going awful -Wrecker's bo-rifle -A nap after Wrecker got blown up -Hunter's chest scars -Crosshair vs the red dot -Tech and his pillow Wrecker -Tech helps Hunter with his molt -Snowy day with Omega and Hunter -Hunter protective over Omega -Crosshair's murder mittens and Wrecker's murder mittens

Mermaid AU: Four mers raised by a fisherman called 99, Lionfish Hunter, octopus Tech, Whale shark Wrecker, eel Crosshair. There are also the betta twins Fives and Echo, and manta ray Omega, but these three the batch meets after being captured by Admiral Rampart Ref Sheets: Tech | Omega | Hunter | Crosshair | Wrecker | Domino Twins and CHIBI BOOKMARK -How does Tech's underside look? -Baby Wrecker and 99 and part 2 (+snippet) -Doctor Nala Se and Omega -Kiddos Tech, Hunter and Crosshair -Wrecker meets Tech -Teens resting and 99 fishing on a warm afternoon -Hunter teaching Omega to swim in open waters -Crosshair in trouble + Mayday finding him -Hemlock and subject 9902 -An unrelated food pic and Hemlock eating it

Centaur Wild West AU: (i'll add explanation later) -Ref sheet for the Batchers -Wrecker vs Zygerrian hunters -Wrecker nad Lula napping

The Bad Batch x Detroit: Become Human: Android Force 99 is a team of four specialized androids that hunt down deviants -Ref photo -Wrecker saves Echo from humans -WR-993 protects TH-992 from bullets -Crosshair CS-994 kills his brother Tech the deviant TH-992 -Crosshair and Tech getting out of the Cyberlife building

Tantiss Batch: Hemlock once visited Kamino before the war, finding himself curious about four defective clones slated for decommissioning, all young and easy to mold. He took them as his side project, transporting the batch to his lab on Tantiss, where he raised them -Kiddos Wrecker and Tech -Wrecker and Tech, their brothers the night after rescue (+ snippet)

Fairy Batch: Fairies are born from normal insect eggs infused with a special elixir, their wings match whatever egg they hatched from Fairies that are born on the same day treat each other like brothers Each fairy picks a job in their community, hunters gathering food, defenders fighting birds and other dangers, and engineers creating new tools and other stuff -Ref sheet for the Batchers -Eepy batchers -Phee finds a surprise in a lab

Coraline AU: Omega and her family arrive at their new house, where she meets her other Brothers with buttons for eyes -Omega and other Tech (+ snippet)

LULA in all the AUs

CLONE WARS

Dragon Jedi AU (Fantasy medieval setting) The United Kingdoms of the Republic own all the dragons on their territory. When the Confederacy of independent Kingdoms began a war against the Republic, the Kingdom of Mandalore provided their soldiers; the princes of the house of Mereel being the leaders. Every battalion was given a dragon to fight alongside them, and during the time spent together the soldiers realised that the creatures were as smart as humans and kept against their will Which one can you pet? ANAKIN Ref sheet | and Fox | in harness | OBI-WAN Ref sheet+ Ahsoka | and Cody | PLO Ref sheet | and Wolfee | AAYLA Ref sheet | and Bly | KIT Ref sheet | and Monnk | MACE Ref sheet | and Ponds | QUINLAN Ref sheet | and Fox | QUI GON Ref sheet | MAUL, ASAJJ, and MOTHER TALZIN Ref sheet other dragons

Mecha AU: Kaminoas created an army of droids for the Republic. 10-15 meters tall, perfect in combat, and have suspiciously advanced AI. It is located in tubes filled with thick, red liquid, which, if not cracked or destroyed, can be transported into a new metal body. Some of the mechas are modified so that the Jedi can pilot them from the inside, with the commander and the general working together. -Rex and Cody* -Anakin and Rex -Blank trooper design

Non-connected Rexwalker drawings

Medically mandated comforting pressure Rexwalker week 2023 Vampire AU Vaderkin exchange: Massive Mer Ani and Rex

[bengiyo]

She Loves to Cook and She Loves to Eat 2 Eps 9-12 Stray Thoughts

Last time, Nomoto and her new online friend had a watch party and discussed the nature of asexuality and homosexuality coexisting, and Nomoto shared about being in love with Kasuga; I'm a big fan of Yako. The ladies managed to connect more with Nagumo, and we learned she has an eating disorder where she can't eat in front of strangers. However, she did make donuts with them and took some home. Kasuga also managed to sever ties with her father after thinking about it and talking with other women. She asked if Nomoto would support her, and of course she did. I will never stop thinking about the Chosen Family scene.

Episode 9

Yes, Yako, coach her. We cannot let them exit this season without talking through their feelings for each other.

I have never identified with a character more than Yako. I would also enjoy my food and wine while watching my friend sweat over the crush.

Yako backstory! It really is hard in your teens when you are deeply out of alignment with other queers about sex.

The power went out and Kasuga immediately went to check on Nomoto. You love to see it.

NOMOTO IS WEARING ONE OF KASUGA'S SWEATERS, AND KASUGA JUST PULLED LINT FROM HER HAIR. THIS IS NOT A DRILL.

Thank you, Nagumo! It would be awkward as hell to sit in this zone of lesbian love and not know what stage we were on!

We have verbal confirmation that Kasuga likes Nomoto! Nagumo, you are our champion! You have to get these two to the next level!!

Currently dwelling on Kasuga not lying when asked directly about her feelings. There's a difference between being out and letting people in, and I like that Kasuga told her truth to Nagumo.

Episode 10

Their project manager is at least being upfront with them that they're being asked to rebuild the entire app.

Sorry, Kasuga, but it's not often we escape compulsory heterosexuality and still have a positive interaction in a sales environment like this.

Nagumo, I love you. You have finally given us a reason to have Kasuga voice her thoughts aloud.

This show really said plainly that the presumption of heteronormativity hurts and upsets people who don't fit that mold.

I really love this show detailing how harrowing pining is when you don't know if the other person is queer and the relationship you've built means so much to you.

Episode 11

Episode 21, you aired on Valentine's Day. Please don't let me down.

This former Valentine's Day and White Day gifting tradition sounds tedious as hell.

I didn't expect Kasuga's family troubles to end with that one phone call, and here goes the aunt downplaying Kasuga's feelings and bulldozing over her expressed boundaries.

Okay, Mikami! Way to come through for my girls!!

I wanna have hotpot so bad right now.

I'm so nervous about these chocolates!!

Damn, this cake looks good. I like putting the whipped cream on the side.

Kasuga picked out different chocolates! I'm so proud of her!

Now, Kasuga, why would you go and crush me like that on Valentine's Day? I know why you need to move, but goddamn.

Episode 12

Invoices for raising her? Vile.

Queers apologizing for being selfish when they confess will never not make me cry.

I'm sorry I got a bit testy at the dramatic cliffhanger, Kasuga. You came through for me exactly the way I hoped. Y'all should definitely find a bigger place together and stay in touch with Nagumo.

"I am very delighted and also taken aback." She's like me and I love her.

Aww that was so beautiful, and she's still crying.

I'm so glad she told Sayama immediately. We stay winning.

Man, I just watched I Only Want to See You, and I'm feeling the same difficulty in the transition from friendship to romance in the relationship.

Yes, ladies, thank you for talking through telling others and reaffirming that this is definitely a romance. Let's make sure no one, especially the audience, misunderstands.

I love how Nomoto bursts into tears when she swoons.

Oh snap the whole squad is going to meet Yako next week!!!

We did it, y'all! We got to see them confess their feelings and start dating. I'm so looking forward to seeing their relationship grow and mature, and I'm actually looking forward to the move and the attendant drama that brings. I hope Nagumo doesn't end up thinking that asking about their relationship somehow cost her the relationship she's been building with them. This was an excellent week of episodes.

Big thanks to @furritsubs for making this possible.

[serendertothesquad]

Please...Consider the Following

So I have an acquaintance...yeah, let's call them an acquaintance. Anyway, they make essays on various topics relating to MLP as well as their MLP story's 'verse -- for example, their last essay was on carts and how ponies can drive them.

The way these essays work is that a patron or a subscriber (to the acquaintance's Patreon, Ko-fi, etc.) suggests a topic, and it gets talked about in-depth via a blog post.

Now, I'm not in "I have no food, I cannot afford food, and I must cry" crisis mode...and I have no Patreon or Ko-fi to speak of because I don't make anything I can really profit off of. (And no, Seren's Studies don't exactly count. Neither do my reuploads; half of my YouTube videos get demonetized either upon uploading or after a while anyway and I'm not even verified. Don't kid yourself.)

But...here's a pitch:

Seren's Studies on a particular Odd Squad topic -- the timeline that terrifies me so, immortality, how X character did that one thing in that one episode...for the mere price of filling up my inbox with topic ideas. No green rectangles required. (Alternately, people can pitch ideas in the Odd Squad Discord server, if they're in there as well as on Tumblr.)

Once Odd Squad UK passes -- because episode followups will be pumped out on a very frequent basis when that premieres -- it might be a fun little side project to do every so often. If I can't make analysis videos on them, least I can do is a fair bit of word vomit.

Thoughts?

[goblin-enjoyer]

The info n' lore i got on my custom space marine chapter at the moment.

The Carcinisers (Carcinisation + colonisers, it will be evident why they are called this very soon) are a salamanders successor chapter. their armor is light orange with blue lenses and shoulderpads with a bluey-green trim. Their fists and boots are a light blue with the soles of the boots being the same bluey-green as the trim of their aquilas and shoulderpads. their symbol is a spider crab facing upward. squad leaders have bluey-green helmets. I will get onto the specifics of specific marine types after telling the tale of how they were founded and the planet [that i do not have a name for yet] history. [planet i have yet to name] is a oceanic planet with two moons. the landmasses on there range from temperate forests, orange deserts of ancient water worn sand and rock and the occasional ice cap and 'berg. long ago during humanities early expansionary history the planet was a science facility/farm for various earth crustaceans brought and cloned on mass. where they then outcompeted all the native alien fauna. then you know, the age of strife happens and everyone gets stuck there and the planet gets forgotten about until the emperor does his great crusade(?) thing where the emperor subsequently finds it swarming with crabs and slightly crablike people (slightly harder skin in older people,harder nails and skin color a bit more leaning on grey,orange,red along with the normal human colors.) the people welcome the imperiums technology wholesale, being the descendants of scientists,doctors and crab farmers. The people of [planet i have yet to name] prepare are large feast for their saviors, divers diving/dying in droves to collect a giant crustacean of legend from the sunken ruins of the first facility ever placed on the planet. at the start of the feast, as tradition, they offer the emperor the ancient shellfish live for him to kill it himself, as tradition dictates. it proceeds to use its ANCIENT CLAWS OF GREAT POWER AND HISTORY to pinch the emperor's nose. the people all collectively are filled with terror and assume that they will all be killed and their planet destroyed for their disgrace of this higher power. the emperor laughs this off and makes a whole big speech about the power of life from terra, he mostly meant for them to take away the whole "humanity number 1" shtick, which they did. they also took this as the power of crabs and such. the emperor ends his trip to this world with stating his appreciation of the perseverance of ancient terra animals once thought long extinct and the high amount of food production the planet creates. they get designated as a "high-class food production and research planet" and then proceed to get forgotten about again, only getting recontion every few thousand years or so when someone from the inquisition "rediscovers" the planet after remembering about that really nice holy terran animal that they sometimes eat. Later during the ultima founding some paperwork got mixed up and a vessel containing the materials,wargear and geneseed and such got stuck in a warp storm. warp things happened and the vessel was found frozen in a massive iceberg by sailors where it was brought to the mainland and deemed a sign from the god emperor to spread the most holy of creatures from terra to other planets, human and crustation both included. So threw study of their servitors,data banks and stories of old they started "The Great Carcinisation Project" halfway threw this the inquisitor's responsible found out this blunder and quickly and with much debate, made the Carcinisers an official chapter. mostly because they were very embarrassed about the whole affair and did not want to be executed or worse for their mistake. so they had some priests bless the whole thing and they went with their "gift from the emperor so that they may spread their crab-craft, their crabft if you will, to other planets. thus The Carcinisers Adeptus Astartes chapter was formed. reflecting on their planets rich scientist and doctor history, The Carcinisers have a larger than average amount of apothecaries in their ranks.->

[blackhill2245]

Oh shit!

Warnings - guns, like a bit of violence but really

Note - enjoy, not proof read so if there's anything major let me know

I sit around lazily scrolling through my phone, music full blast in my headphones. I was wearing my signature 'nobody will see me' outfit, as in a grey hoodie with stains on it from painting and my at home DIY projects, my black track pants full of cat hair.

"SWAT put your hands up!" I hear muffled through my headphones as my front and back door are kicked open. I sit up in alarm shakily taking my headphones off.

"What the fuck!"

"On the ground!" A girl screams, pointing her gun at me as the rest of her squad runs around my house. "BE careful! The basement stairs are dodgy, and you'll fall through!" I yelp as I spot two men stomping down them.

"I said on the ground!" She shouts again, thrusting her gun at me to make a point.

"Ok, ok jesus" I nod sitting cross legged on the floor.

"No lay on the ground, face down!" She shakes her head grabbing my arm and making me lay down, that was hot- wait.

I yelp as I'm roughly tossed on the floor, blushing madly because oh my God girls in uniform -

Not to seconds later, the rest of the team rushed back to my living room.

"Where is he!?" The tall bald headed one asked.

"Who?" I scrunch my eyebrows straining to look up at them, "Hey, can I sit up now?".

The bald headed one nodded at the girl, who then patted me down and nodded, "Get up." she demands, and well, who am i to deny a pretty woman?

I sat up, and they were all tense waiting for me to try to make a run for it or something, but I was just straight up confused, but also thankful I washed my hair yesterday because it would have been so fucking greasy.

"He asked you a question!" Another dude said he had black hair that actually suited him well. I wonder what he'd look like with a beard, I don't think he'd have the face for it.

"I already answered, who?" I say again looking at the bald headed one he seemed to be in charge.

"Alex Rovio"

"What type of name is Rovio?" I laugh a little but stop once seeing they're glares, "nah sorry man, I'm still confused"

They all stared at me for a while before the bald headed one started talking, but I interrupted them.

"Wait, wait, wait can I get names I mean no offense but I can't keep thinking of you as the bald one" I note a younger man laughing to himself.

The man rolled his eyes but introduced everyone, I learned the pretty lady is Chris, a very beautiful name, if I might add.

"Right sorry what were you about to say?"

"A known and wanted murderer is meant to live here" deacon states his face very serious.

"Uh well I'm on the lease but my name isn't Alex, so-" I shrug

They all exchange looks, "were going to have to bring you in for questioning, Chris took her out to the truck" Hondo instructs his team but once again before they could do as told, I interrupt.

"OH, could I feed my cat before I go? And just tell my naighbor, he's disabled and I don't want him alone"

They nod, so I stand up and just stand there awkwardly, "are you just gonna watch me?"

Chris chuckles, shaking her head she hands her big ass gun to Luka. "I'll watch her. You all head to the car"

They all file out, and I call for my cat, "psst psst, chicken!, chicken!" I call ratling his treat bag.

I hear a meow, and my shaky cat chicken stumbles into the kitchen, "Hey baby!" I coo fixing his nappy.

I place his food down reaching for my phone to call my neighbor.

"Chicken?"

I look to Chris, who has a confused look on her face, "oh I found his in the trash eating chicken"

She nods and lets me call my anighbkr, over leaving a 50 on the counter and heading back to HQ with Chris.

■□■□■□■□■□■□■□■□■□■

After a while of discussing, we realized alex the murderer is using me as sort of a cover-up, pretending to live there so police wouldn't be suspicious or something, anyway I was sending money to him and he sent it to the actual renter who didn't know what was going on.

I didn't try to understand it, to complicated but long story short I'll need a new home, my neighbor had to take my cat to her apartment for a while, and I had to stay in the HQ for a couple hours until the team could arrest Alex as I was now in danger.

"Man," I sigh, Chris was designated to watch me, which I really did not mind. Anyway, right now, we were sitting in the boxing ring. Well, I was lying down.

"You alright?" She asks softly looking down at me, she was sitting cross legged next to my head.

Oh. My. God she's so fucking pretty what the fuck.

I realize I zoned out when I saw her smile, "Uh yea, I'm fine." I shrug, "It's a bit annoying, having to move but I've been wanting to buy a house for a while"

"What do you do for work?" She asked playing with her fingers.

"Im a firefighter, it's fun, you know? Helping people and all that" I Humm folding me arms behind my head, sighing.

"Neat job" she nods hesitating before shrugging herself and laying next to me.

"So. Chicken? What's up with him?"

"He's a wobbly cat or cerebellar hypoplasia, his brain is a little messed up, I brought him to the shelter but it was a kil one, I didn't realize until it was nearly to late, I realized he was a lot of work I was still in the academy but, I worked hard learned what I needed to then my neighbor learned about my cat and started to help out, he's so sweet just a little.... special" I rant I loved my cat to bits, and when I showed people him they were always saying mean things.

I look at Chris, noting how she was already looking at me. She laid on her side, looking at me.

"He looks like a very sweet boy" she mutters leaning down to get closer to me.

"He is," I whisper before we fall silent, sitting up as I see deacon approach.

"You're a free woman. He's caught. Just get out of your house as soon as possible and be careful" he walked away leaving me alone with Chris.

"Well, guess I'll head home"

"Wait, uh, I didn't ask earlier because I mean it would be I aptopreite, but since you're leaving and most likely won't see me again, um here" I smiled at how awkward she was being. I look st the peice of paper she handed me and realized it was her number.

"You know to call me incase somethings wrong?" She smiles bashfuly.

"I'd like that." I smile brightly, my cheeks hurting, "but... I'd like to call you, as soon as I get home, not when something is wrong"

"Well then, you'd better hurry home," she smiled once more before walking away, looking over her shoulder and giving me a cheeky smile and wave.

"Fuck me" I whisper, partially shocked and partially actually no, fully truthful.

Sighing I get home sending off a text.

'Hey, hope you have an easy rest of the day <3"

It sounded a bit awkward, but I can't flirt for my life. Immediately, there's a text back.

'Thank you, but don't jynx it, glad you git home safe ♡'

I spend the rest of the night smiling like a little school girl, giggling and kicking my feet.

[princesscolumbia]

Big Enough - She-ra (2018)

Back in the saddle (heh) with She-ra fanfics again! This one is for the AU Roulette Challenge 2024. I had originally hoped to get all three prompts done, but then I injured my hand which took me out of the action for nearly two weeks.

Summary:

Adora has grown tired of the fight against The Horde, the most notorious gang to rise up in the aftermath of the Civil War. She lost her friend to The Horde's propaganda, lost Glimmer's mother to The Horde's machinations, and was betrayed by her mentor Light Hope. Now she just wants to live out her life on the homestead she built in the Wild West. Surprises abound and the call of duty stirs her from her depression, but the return of her oldest enemy will bring her reconciliation that she never even dreamed she'd have.

Notes:

Back into the She-ra-verse! Just a one-shot, though if I do become a professional writer and wind up with nothing but time to write on my hands, I'll probably spend some time turning this into a multichap.

Preview below the cut:

Adora hitched Swift Wind to the post in front of the saloon, pausing to look across the street to the sheriff's office the town had built for her, wishing for even the briefest of moments that she'd had more people with a badge and the training needed for the threat that was bearing down on the town. But then, she wouldn't wish her youth, growing up in the streets and alleys of Philadelphia with the girl that would later become her worst enemy or her training under Light Hope when she'd turned away from the life that her one-time best friend had embraced whole-heartedly, on anybody. Long nights where you weren't sure if you'd even wake up the next morning if you fell asleep, disease, lack of food, and all controlled by Shadow Weaver. Then she landed in what she thought was the best thing possible for an orphan; the executor of her family's estate, the family she didn't even know she belonged to, recognized her from a birthmark most people didn't see, a pattern on her chest she tried to keep hidden because it felt so...ugly to have the half-circle of blotchy markings on her skin. The woman had only seen it because Adora's old shirt had started falling apart at the seams (Shadow Weaver refused to pay for more than one shirt a year for the orphans in her care, even during their growth spurts of their teenage years) when she'd been trying to sneak through the family estate's garden.

By the time she'd managed to get some free time to herself, she tracked down her old friend to tell her the good news; she was no longer homeless, she had a place to live and could bring her friend in from the cold and they wouldn't have to stay hidden anymore.

The friend who'd taken one look at the fine, custom tailored clothes, the token of the church (gifted to Adora by the head of New York's church herself, Angella) hanging from her neck, and the brightly shining six-shooter hanging from Adora's hip and rejected her. Adora's heart still clenched as she remembered the unbridled anger and hatred from the girl she'd have given the world, the word 'traitor' being the most frequently used before declaring before everyone in the slums of Philly known as 'The Fright Zone' that Adora was officially an enemy.

That had been the start of a campaign of years where the two were almost evenly matched for victories and defeats. Adora became one of the best law bringers in the fledgling nation, breaking the grip of the gangs that had risen in the aftermath of the Civil War just a few years prior. She, along with her friends Glimmer and Bow, had made a name for themselves even before they turned 18 for cleaning up city after city up and down the coast. Bow named them, "The Best Friends Squad," and they'd remained true to the title...

...until The Horde assassinated Angella, who also happened to be Glimmer's mother.

Word on the street was it had been orchestrated by Gregory "Hordak" Fitzgerald, former Confederate soldier who had lost a leg in the war. And sure, it had been his train that had exploded, but Angella wasn't even supposed to be on the train.

Adora was.

Because the train, boldly called The Portal to the West, was supposed to be the ultimate war machine, mounted gatling guns with armored turrets and a nearly unstoppable 150 tons of iron and steam. Built from Hordak's plans by the former Union engineer Emily Trapp, the woman had fallen in deep with The Horde and had been part of the plan to capture Adora and hold her prisoner aboard the engine of the train for its initial run, which was supposed to double as its first deployment as a military vehicle, holding Philadelphia hostage until the Church and Federal government both capitulated. Plans for a whole fleet of the trains were scrapped, however, because Emily had found a flaw, one that wasn't readily apparent during the design and building phase. When she tried to explain the problem to the woman holding Adora captive, Emily had been incapacitated and ordered removed from the train. The lever releasing the brakes on the massive war machine had been pulled by the hand of the woman who'd once been Adora's best friend, and it started down the tracks.

Angella had already boarded, meeting with Hordak directly to attempt to negotiate, at the very least, Adora's release and eventual terms of de-escalation, but with Hordak's second-in-command starting the train, talks immediately broke down. Glimmer and Bow led a strike team to board the train before it started moving too fast and it became a running firefight, The Horde trying to keep the boarders from making headway toward the engine while Angella took advantage of Hordak's distraction to find and release Adora.

By the time Angella had undone the bindings on Adora, they were alone in the cabin of the engine and both noticed the train was going faster and faster. The problem Emily had found was a flaw in the governor, it would allow the train to burn hotter and hotter until the pressure in the steam cylinder would cause the whole thing to explode. The two women hatched a plan to hold the brakes on to slow the train so it would only blow while on a bridge that spanned the Delaware river that ran through the city. Whoever held the brake would die, and Angella said she would decouple the cars from the engine but would need help to do so.

It was a lie, one that saved Adora's life. Angella had attempted to knock Adora out, but the younger woman was only dazed. The head of the church tearfully apologized and took advantage of Adora's incapacity to decouple the cars and ride the engine down the tracks. The plan worked, the train was isolated from the population of the city on the bridge when it blew, leaving an injured Adora to explain to Glimmer how her mother had died.

Read the rest on AO3

[sienne-k]

how much should my longings fall like snow by Sienne

attack on titan | ereri | 2,7k chap 3/4 | fluff, winter vibes, canon compliant, set in s3

written for Ererimas event by Ereri Nation day 3, prompts used: [mulled wine] and [slow dancing]

summary:

It is dinnertime, and Eren is being summoned to Captain Levi's office. Eren has no idea what for, but it is definitely not a date. (It totally is.)

full chapter under the cut, but it's long this time so you might wanna read on ao3...

“Hey Eren, the Captain is calling for you in his office.”

Eren turned around in his seat, soup dripping from his spoon back into the bowl. He looked at Jean and blinked, slightly surprised. “Am I expected right this second?”

It was the middle of dinnertime, and either everyone was already in the mess hall or on their way there. It was unexpected of Levi to ask for Eren now of all times… Although the Captain himself was not present at dinner, Eren noticed while looking around for him.

Jean only shrugged, already walking away to get his own portion. “No idea. But it’s on you, not me, if he gets angry.”

“The midget had better let you eat in peace,” Mikasa threatened with a glower, gripping her spoon tightly.

“I’m sure he didn’t mean right now, and if he did, then he’s got valid reasons,” Armin appeased her, watching her trembling spoon with an uneasy smile.

Eren blinked, taking in Armin’s words, then turned back around to his own bowl. “You’re right. It can’t be that important, or else he would have mentioned something to Jean. I will go see him after I’m done.”

Mikasa’s grip loosened and her frown smoothed out. She nodded happily, but her joy was quickly replaced by exasperation and dismay when she noticed Eren shoveling the soup twice as fast as before.

“Careful, or you’re going to choke.”

“Eww, Eren, stop being such a pig.” Armin edged away from him and closer to Mikasa as he noticed the threat of being splashed by soup coming from his other friend now.

“Thanks for the food!” Eren wiped his mouth and chin clean with a cloth and quickly got up, taking his empty dishes to the kitchen. “I will see you guys later!” he called over his shoulder, not even waiting to hear their reply.

On his way to the Captain’s office he stopped over by the bathroom to check if he didn’t have any food on his face or stains on his clothes. He patted his messy hair down slightly and straightened his uniform the best he could. After loitering in front of the mirror for a moment longer he decided that this was the best he could hope for if he didn’t want to waste more time.

He didn’t know what Levi might want from him at this time of the day. It couldn’t be any kind of emergency, or everyone else from the squad would have been summoned, too, and probably to the Commander’s office, not the Captain’s. Eren had thought that maybe he would go to the communal hall after dinner, see if Levi would come there again too, and they could spend another pleasant evening in each other’s company. Even if Eren spent most of it unconscious yesterday. Just the fact that Captain Levi let him sleep propped against him and woke him up painlessly (well, mostly. Levi shouldn’t complain about Eren’s pointy elbows when his own were just as pointy and uncomfortable when stabbed into unsuspecting subordinate’s sides) was enough to fill Eren with so much joy that he felt light enough he could walk on air.

Having arrived at the right door, he knocked and waited to be let in, body vibrating partly with excitement, and partly with slight nervousness. Maybe it wasn’t a social call after all and the captain would be angry for having kept him waiting? After all, why would Levi want to ask for Eren if he wanted company when he had much closer friends, like the Commander and Squad Leader Hanji?

Then again, why couldn’t he call for Eren? They may not be the best of friends, but they had grown close and Levi had initiated many of their informal interactions previously. There was absolutely no reason for Eren to get anxious now.

His musings were cut short by the door being opened with a forceful swoosh, a very welcome face scowling up at him invitingly.

“Are you deaf? Why are you standing like an idiot instead of going in?” Levi asked, visibly irritated. He opened the door wider and gestured for Eren to come inside.

“Oh, sorry…” he smiled sheepishly, accepting the invitation. He must have spaced out too much and hadn’t heard Levi calling him, making him get up from his… work…?

As he walked in, he noticed that beside the usual mountain of paperwork there was a bottle of what looked like red wine and two glasses set on the desk. He didn’t get much time to wonder what it could be for and if the Captain had been drinking on the job… Then again it was late in the evening, and everyone deserved some time off.

“Get on the couch, I am in desperate need of a break.”

Eren sat gingerly as instructed while Levi went to grab the two glasses and the bottle before coming over and sitting next to Eren. Unfortunately, he sat further away than he had last time. Eren mourned yesterday’s intimacy, but maybe it was for the best, if alcohol was involved.

“In other words, work is being shitty and you are my entertainment for the night.”

Eren flushed a deep red. He was sure Levi did not mean it the way it had sounded, but he couldn’t help his own imagination providing him with visions of what being such an entertainment might entail. The images were enough to make his blush worse, although truthfully they weren’t that vivid. The only thing he had for inspiration were the pictures Connie had shown him, Jean and Armin once, and though they depicted a man and a woman, some of the stuff should work the same between two men, right? Eren would be willing to try it out, if the Captain wanted…

Then again, considering even just sitting close enough to touch had been enough to make him feel excited and flustered like a shy maiden, maybe he was getting ahead of himself. Though, never let it be said that Eren was a quitter or a coward.

“Here, drink this and tell me how you like it.”

There was a glass filled with red liquid in front of his eyes. He grabbed it gingerly by the stem, his fingers brushing Levi’s during the exchange.

What was he thinking? It wasn’t even a question of will Eren or won’t he, because there had been no question form the start! He gulped down a big swallow in a hurry to focus on something other than his forward and audacious intentions.

“Hey, careful, this shit is not so cheap to be drinking it like the piss-beer you’re used to,” Levi complained, sitting comfortably against the back of the couch, his body facing Eren. He twirled his own glass leisurely, clearly more interested in watching Eren than drinking.

Eren blinked, surprised. He had expected a foul taste not unlike what he had been offered by Pixis months ago, but this was… different. Some kind of new, deep taste that was slightly sweet, kind of fruity, but also with some spices giving off a nice smell. He licked his lips, trying to get more of it.

Levi huffed out a laugh, amused. “That good, eh?”

“What is this?” Eren took a smaller sip, trying to savor it properly and maybe figure out what it was he was tasting. It was very good, and warmed him from the inside. It tingled going down his throat.

“Mulled wine,” said Levi, then clarified when Eren made a confused face. “It’s warmed up red wine with orange slices and some spices added, like cloves.”

Eren hummed, appreciating both the explanation and the opportunity to try something new. He didn’t think he would ever buy something like this himself. Hell, he didn’t even know it existed until now! He took a few more sips eagerly, trying his best to ignore the insistent stare boring into his face.

“I said careful, didn't I? Slow down, it may not be hard liquor but it’s still alcohol, and definitely more potent than beer. Don’t want you jumping off walls and turning into a Titan just because you couldn’t control yourself.”

“Yes, sir,” Eren said obediently, lowering the glass to his lap and trying to relax against the back of the couch like his Captain. He didn’t dare turn around to face him, though, not yet. Not while his own face felt like a blazing inferno.

Slowly, he managed chase away his nervousness, possibly owing the mulled wine a not that small part for the success. He let his head fall back against the couch, sneaking a look at Levi from the corner of his eye. He was comfortable and warm, limbs slightly heavy, as if someone wrapped his body in a cozy blanket.

There was no blanket in reality, but there was warm wine and excellent company. Though earlier Levi had designated Eren to entertain him now they stayed quiet, enjoying the alcohol and each other’s familiar, comforting presence. Neither had felt the need to disrupt the relaxing atmosphere.

And yet, there was an itch growing under Eren’s skin, driving him to act, to bother his companion. His head felt somewhat hazy but his vision was sharp as he turned to face Levi fully, taking in the Captain’s laid-back pose, for once no grimace furrowing his brows.

“Captain?”

“Hmm?”

“What do you wish for this year?”

Levi raised an eyebrow. “Nothing. Why would I wish for anything?”

“The holidays are coming…” Eren explained apprehensively. Suddenly it felt like he needed to tread carefully, or everything would get ruined.

“So what?”

“Nothing, I guess.” Eren bit his lips, looking away.

It seemed like he hit a wall and it needed careful disassembling. But Eren wasn’t very good at that, though he tried his best when it mattered. He could let it be, but… That was something Eren was even worse at, especially when it concerned people he cared about. And he cared about Levi, a lot. So he could only push forward and hope for the best.

“If there’s nothing you want… will you give me one of your wishes?”

“I don’t think that’s how it works,” Levi answered dryly, but there was a sliver of humor in his tone.

Eren huffed, too stubborn to give up but not appreciating his Captain being just as stubborn right back at him.

“Make one of my wishes come true, then,” he said, looking at grey eyes with determination.

“Demanding, are we?” Levi drawled lazily, not seeming bothered in the least. “I give you wine the likes of which your friends will likely not get to try anytime soon with a cadet’s meager allowance, and yet here you are, asking for more. How presumptuous.” But he did not seem angry or offended, merely amused as he snorted a laugh and took another sip of his wine.

Eren just held his head up higher, gripping his glass tightly and not backing down. He did not know why exactly this felt so important, or how he even had the guts to go against his superior in such an overly familiar way. Maybe he could blame everything on the mulled wine if things went badly. Though that would make it incidentally the Captain’s fault too, for providing the wine in question...

Closing his eyes with a sigh, Levi surrendered. “Alright, what is it?”

Eren perked up. “So you will do it? Sir.”

“Tell me what it is first, you little shit,” Levi said, exasperated at Eren’s audacity. “How do I know it won’t get me in trouble? I’m not letting you throw horse shit in Jean’s bed,” he added hurriedly.

Eren was struck dumb for a moment. What went through Levi’s head to even come up with that? As if he would throw away a wish from Levi on Horseface!

“I promise it’s nothing like that! It’s… just between us,” Eren finished in a whisper, fiddling with the glass and biting at his lip again. “Please?” He bowed his head down, but tried peeking up through his lashes to check Levi’s reaction.

His face was outwardly as impenetrable as always, even though it was softer and lacked the usual harsh lines that made him look so intimidating to everyone. His cheeks has a healthy red glow to it, and though it must have been partly light reflected from the burning wood in the fireplace, for the first time Eren considered that maybe he wasn’t the only one affected by the alcohol. Come to think of it, he had never seen Levi drinking much even when he joined his fellow soldiers partying other than a single bottle of beer or, for important occasions, a glass of wine. And now they had drank almost the whole bottle just between the two of them…

“Alright,” Levi answered after a long pause, just when Eren was about to laugh his request away as tipsy ramblings.

“Then…” Eren licked at his suddenly dry lips, wondering if he really was about to… “Will you dance with me?”

He flushed a deep red when Levi raised his brow at him again, looking mildly incredulous. Eren coughed, thinking of an excuse for why that is a good idea and not an inappropriate request for a subordinate to make of his superior, even if they were somewhat friends, but all words died in his throat when Levi stood up and put his glass on his desk.

“Well?” He asked, leaning back against it. “Are we doing it or not? You better put the glass away, if it stains the couch…” he trailed off with a warning.

“Yes, sir!” Eren scrambled up, somehow managing not to spill the wine as he made his way to the desk. As he put his glass next to Levi’s, his hand rested close to Levi’s on the desk.

Levi seemed content to let him do as he wished, waiting for Eren to gather his bearings as he still seemed to be in shock. Eren opened his mouth a few times but didn’t know what to say, so he just turned to face Levi and reached a hand out, trying to make the motion as smooth as he had seen pictured in the books his mom used to read.

Levi took his hand and stepped closer, the toes of their boots touching. There was a current of something like electricity running between them. Eren jumped a little, almost stepping back but a hand at his shoulder stopped him.

“Let’s dance, Eren.”

And so they danced, in the narrow space in-between the furniture in an already cramped office. It was inevitable that they would bump into things. Both of them were slightly tipsy and there was no music to guide them. And Eren had never learned to dance, let alone lead.

But Levi didn’t seem to mind Eren’s clumsy moves, not even when he stepped on his toes from time to time, or when he gripped his hand too hard, or jerked them around too much. Levi’s hold on Eren’s hand was sure and steady, the other hand on his shoulder just as solid and warm. His breath was hot against Eren’s neck and jaw, definitely smelling of the delicious wine they had shared. The soft strands of his hair flew around as they twirled, tickling Eren’s nose.

Each time they squeezed between the back of the couch and the bookshelves their bodies pressed together, Levi’s broad chest feeling very firm under Eren’s own. He felt very hot all of a sudden; he realized the pleasant haze from before vanished without a trace, making him feel every place they touched pointedly. Without distraction the wine had provided he felt overwhelmed, for an instant having half a mind to just run away.

But no, he could never do that. Not to Levi, and not to himself, either. Even if this dance, this proximity, felt like it was too much for Eren’s sober mind. He cursed his abnormal Titan characteristics for not letting him stay in that delightful daze longer.

Taking a deep breath he tried to forget who they were, where they were, or what their duties were. It was unimportant. In this moment they were simply two souls existing at the same time and in the same place, deciding to become entwined together in a way that belonged only to them, separate from what the world demanded of them as Humanity’s Strongest and Humanity’s Hope.

Slowly, Levi’s familiar scent and familiar warmth and the as of yet unfamiliar feel of his strong body stopped being so all-consuming. While still intense, they welcomed Eren in, coaxing him to surrender.

Held by Levi, he just let himself be.

[tornad001]

so i've been thinking about Israel, as one is wont to do following a terrorist attack from Hamas. this post is really not gonna sit well with a lot of my family but i can't sit by and continue to say nothing, to keep my mouth closed. to work under the double standard where they can praise Israel and shit-talk Palestinians freely, knowing Austin and I dont agree, but if i provide any pushback or counter-narratives, I'm the one being loud, pushing an agenda, making things political, causing trouble, etc. They use their connections as Jews with family living in Israel to justify their bad politics, but think me disingenuous when I claim my position is driven by the same connection. theirs is fine, cuz it leads to their politics, but i must be lying or mistaken or i don't really care about them for real or whatever bullshit they say at that time. but im gonna say what i have to say and they're welcome to ignore it if its too much for their political fragility.

there's a phrase i've been really into lately - informed simplicity. the world often gets more complex the more we know about it, and dealing with historical contingency is one of the better examples of this. but i never learned about it growing up. i was taught history as a series of "this group did this thing and that guy did that thing" rather than as a rich tapestry of political struggles and factional infighting and, yes often violence. but while history is complicated, where we're at is at times quite simple. yeah there's endless complexity to delve into the region's literal millennia of history, but thats then and this is now. Israel is wrong. its that simple.

but what makes it simple? it comes back to power and who has the ability to effect change, and in every single meaningful way, Israel has the political power, both locally and internationally, to change things and have intentionally denied Palestinians this political power. Gaza doesn't even have control of its own water supply, food sources, they have no freedom of movement, its the largest population density in the world and its ALL ghettos. meanwhile, the Israeli government has been pushing a project of settler colonialism to try and slowly wrest back control all for itself. take into account Israeli politics, the rise of Jewish Fascism, the frankly outright eliminationist rhetoric, the fact that its been decades now since there was any real push for peace or compromise, and where does that leave Palestinians?

the problem is that Israel has signaled time and again that it is fully committed to the eradication of the Palestinian people. to support this, i direct your attention to my mom and grandma (ill leave grandpa out of this for now) who I have heard with 0 reservations or qualifications say that all arabs could drop dead instantly and that'd be ok by them. and that's unfortunately not a radical position to hold if you poll the Israeli public. its actually outrageous how fucking bloodthirsty they are as a society and how open and honest they are. at least american Nazis have the good sense to not (usually) just outright say they wanna do Holocaust Part II Electric Boogaloo. and when they do, they're shunned by other Nazis for being bad optics. in Israel however that kinda rhetoric is just par for the course, with politicians regularly calling for increasing horrors to be inflicted on the palestinian people with no political consequences for them, they're just allowed to say that.

lemme relay a story i was told by an IDF officer while on birthright. him and his squad were sent to a Palestinian house at 3 am on what he admitted was not solid enough evidence for a warrant. when they got there they knocked, wait no they bashed the door down and rushed in with guns aimed. the family was about 8 ppl, 2 of whom were children. after arresting the 2 adult men, they proceeded to "tear up the place" (again this was his words, not my editorializing). they found nothing to give any indication anything bad was going on, but they still arrested the men "just in case". as they're leaving to go, he sees one of the kids, a young girl around 7 who was torn from her bedroom out of nowhere in the middle of the night and he personally had overturned her entire room, all her belongings. he explained that he had no choice but to step on her stuffed animals to make sure there wasn't anything inside. but he did feel a bit bad about stomping a kids toys right in front of her, and thats when it got wild for me, listening. he starts on about how he had this moral dilemma where he didn't know if he should bend down and clean up some of the room HE just DESTROYED, but came to the conclusion that he couldn't do that, cuz it would expose his back to (again, his words) "the enemy". the enemy here being a little girl, her little brother, and 4 women (cuz they already arrested the men, remember). oh and the 6 women and children here were being held at gunpoint with their hands above their heads, very scary group, i know, you're quivering how could u not. its just... something else to see someone so clearly and repugnantly warped by their hatred and fear of this group of ppl that hes describing an unjust raid on innocent civilians in this way. the paranoia on display was incredible and his inability to understand why the Palestinians might, ya know, HATE him and his ppl for what they've done and continue to do was even more so. thats the kind of brain-rot that this political rhetoric engenders.

lets look a bit at the Jewish Fascism tho, especially in contrast to Christian Fascism in america. just as the problems did not begin with donald trump but have been building in american politics for over half a century, the same is true in Israel. Netanyahu's far-right government isn't a bug, its a feature. The fate of the Israeli far-right has always been tied to the success of radical Islamic jihadis AND THEY KNOW IT. thats why they helped and funded Hamas, along with other extremist groups, and have to this day. because terror justifies and drives people towards reactionary right wing fervor. you have the perfect setup for fascism in terrorism, almost necessarily. its the perfect example of a threat which is everywhere and overpowering, but also weak and ineffectual. cuz terror attacks kill a lot of people and scare even more, but what they don't do is fundamentally challenge the status quo - its political violence that doesn't actually threaten to change anything. its a natural outgroup to other and spread hate about. in the US we usually default to immigrants and queer ppl, but Israel has a built-in "enemy at their doorstep" narrative to call upon

to talk about what actually happened tho, lemme draw a comparison to 9/11. i like to be provocative in saying that "america deserved 9/11" but what do i mean by this? i DONT mean that its good or acceptable for civilians to be hurt in a terror attack or that any individual americans deserved anything that happened that day. however, america caused 9/11 to happen through its foreign policy choices, and so any blood toll from that day, i place on america's head. our reckless disregard for others caused us to engage in geopolitics that all but insured right-wing religious extremists gained power, then we go all shocked pikachu face when Al-Qaeda lashes out in a futile attempt to stick it to American hegemony abroad. and would you look at that, it somehow turned out that the anti-american terrorism actually... helped the then GOP president. right wingers LOVE terrorism cuz they know it engenders rught wing sentiment and grows their political power. i mean does anybody think we would've gotten the prriot act without 9/11? obviously not. and the Israeli right is also aware of this

i think this is where i should address my views on Hamas itself, cuz i don't like them, at all actually. i think they're actually kinda evil, as much as im comfortable using moralizing language like that. but they make sense, politically speaking. when you take away people's hope, u doom yourself as well as them. political doomerism is rampant and it always drives people to radical politics. cuz if you see no possible route for change in the future, why not join hamas? at least they're doing something. the problem tho is that Hamas ISNT a revolutionary group, they're fundamentalist conservative religious extremists. they don't stand for palestinian liberation, they stand for their own power and religious edict, and they don't care who gets hurt in that pursuit, not even their own people. they're authoritarians who regularly abuse their own population to crack down on dissent.

but again, Israel caused Hamas. their blood toll is on Israel's head. and you can spin it whatever way you like, there's only 2 paradigms of solutions - unification or elimination. unification doesn't necessarily mean a 1-state solution, but even a 2-state solution will require unifying your goals and action. the only alternative is elimination in some form or other. its unfortunately clear that Israel has chosen the path of apartheid, ethnic cleansing, and genocide. so no, i dont condone rhe attacks by Hamas, i mourn the dead and those rhat must live on alike. but this moment cannot be about a single terror attack, it has to be about solutions. and there will NEVER be a solution as long as Israel is violating international law so brazenly, defiantly, and with the financial and military backing of the US.

i find it incredible how opposed people can be in one breath to the idea of an ethnostate and then in the next breath they're cluelessly talking about Israel, not even realizing its definitionally an ethnostate. who had the great idea post-WWII, "ya know that whole Aryan ethnostate thing was pretty bad, lets make a safe place for a persecuted minority by giving them their OWN ethnostate (and by give we mean the forcible displacement of a million Palestinians from the land they've held for generations)". some fuckin genius, thats who, obviously.

i don't claim to have a perfect solution. there is no solution i can see that doesn't involve mass immiseration and many people left disappointed. but that doesnt give Israel the right to maintain an apartheid state. its another example of how neoliberal thought processes and a lack of systemic analysis are the death of progress. people look at this terror attack killing a few hundred people and they rapidly clutch their pearls to their chests cuz oh my what a disaster. but the conditions of the 2 million citizens in the gaza strip, that they take as a given, something that just is the way it is and be patient change will come, we promise, dont look at our actual policies and see that we absolutely have no plan of changing anything.

its a pattern of institutionalized pain and suffering being made invisible. think back to the demon in human skin that is Raegan. if any president "killed" as many people as raegan did with the queers suffering with HIV, they'd be put on trial. but his plan wasn't to "kill" them, it was to "let them die" a very different thing indeed. its how the US can justify the millions we killed and displaced in Afghanistan over the 2000 ppl that died in 9/11. oh but speaking of a 9/11's worth of deaths, covid at its peak was killing more people PER DAY than 9/11, but we don't do anything to hold anyone accountable for Trump's mishandling of the pandemic response. his pandemic deaths, Raegan's AIDS deaths, the millions of deaths in Afghanistan, these were all institutionalized, so they're fine.

Israel is the one with the political power to change things, not Hamas, not Gaza, not the Palestinian Authority, and not the palestinian people. any and all blood is on the STATE OF Israel's head and as long as they continue in their eliminationist statecraft, it will continue to be so. Israel's policies will continue to get Jews killed because the more desperate things get for the Palestinians, the more it'll look to people like their only slim hope of change is through the extremism of Hamas. i mean they call the Palestinians terrorists when they do advocacy, peaceful protest, or politically morivated violence, so if the rhetoric about them is the same no matter what they do...? its time to let it go. stop the institutional violence on the Palestinians, give them their human and political rights back, and stop making things worse through your stubborn clinging to fear and hate. and if you dont let those go, then the future terror attacks and tensions are also on your head. the blood of every single jew is on your head as well, and i can only pray its a greater burden than you can bear.

[icewindandboringhorror]

Daily Log 4

Trying out (probably just temporarily) making short daily-ish notes about things, in an attempt to see if it helps me be more reflective or productive lol.

Activities: Woke up late because I went back to sleep with a headache briefly, then kind of struggled to focus all day ToT

Worked more on the aforementioned tapestry/painting type of thing. I've done the base layer of painting for the main image, now I'm lining in darker outlines. I wanted to finish the center art before getting into the intricate borders. Still haven't translated the text lol..

Made a small bowl and also a little box with a lid out of more avocado pits. Still just with random nail cuticle tool things and kitchen knives, as I don't have proper carving tools.

Finished editing and proofreading the new poll adventure post!! I don't have time to post it tonight because I need to get to sleep early but.. I have it Completely 100% Ready.. finally..

Also washed the clothes I got together yesterday. Called about the bloodwork. Sent an email to a doctor.

Reviewed some writing documents to get back into my game maybe?? (basically, I started working on a visual novel type game a few years ago, decided it was a huge project so kind of put it on the backburner for a while in favor of things that were more easily finishable/tangible. then later on a game website I play (similar to neopets or something, there are collectable little creatures, etc.) there was an opportunity for me to design a pet on site, so I made a smaller shorter visual novel centered around that, where people on the site have to play the game in order to earn the pet, and I have a google form for them to answer a few short questions about it. All of the feedback is quite positive (reached 200 responses a while ago! though still only like 4 comments on the itch.io page lol.. Mandatory Form vs. Optional Comments evil showdown), but sometimes I get commentary that's really enthusiastic and inspires me to start back working on the OTHER bigger game. The small game was kind of like, a proof of concept that was safe because I had a guaranteed audience, that has helped me gain more insight for the larger one.

Anyway, since I've abandoned the Main Large Game for so long, I have to re-read and review/probably rewrite A LOT of things just to pick it back up again as A Thing I'm Actively Working On, so it's another one of those tasks that I do maybe 45 minutes of and then realize it's going to take days and days and get discouraged lol..

Notable sights: Saw two cats in windows. No clovers. It rained a little today but I didn't get to go outside and see it. One of the pieces of asparagus in the fridge was like the size of a carrot, comically overgrown downright ridiculous looking asparagus. Maybe I'll get taller after eating it.

Goals moving forward: Consistent sleep schedule. Focus on social activities, finding new friends in the places I want to move, communicating with ones I have. Physical therapy exercises. Plant nasturtiums. Finish and upload videos, edit costume pictures & etc.

Notable foods: ASPARAGUS AGAIN BABEY.. yeaAAAAGHHH asparagus squad !!!!!!

[asexualbookbird]

Oh. February is over, huh. Sure was a short one! I feel like I didn't do too much to be honest. I saw The Squad™️which is always a highlight, but other than that? Finished a craft project (that I can't share) (it's a secret) which came out so adorable. I started doodling more and making art that isn't good nor bad but just is and that's been fun! Joined a discord server for other people trying to do more art where we do challenges each month and share our creations and I'm very excited about our first challenge. I don't know! I feel stagnant but also! I'm just vibing! I didn't read too much, but I'm not mad at that.

BOOKS

Middlegame by Seanan McGuire (reread) ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

She Who Became the Sun by Shelley Parker-Chan ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Ten Thousand Doors Of January by Alix E Harrow ⭐⭐⭐

OTHER MEDIA

Project Mirai

Good Mythical Morning

TAZ: Steeplechase

MBMBaM

FOOD

blueberry scones

coffee cake

I didn't make a whole lot of food this month. Most of my baking is done with flour and I've been avoiding wheat products in hopes my stomach would feel better. But the other night I saw a recipe for coffee cake that looked so delicious I nearly got out of bed and made it right then, so. I risked it.

I've been going through GMM's videos since over the summer and whoooboy there sure are a lot of them huh! They're fun and silly and very good at Yes And-ing each other. They make for good background noise when doing something else.

No idea what I want out of March. I have a baby blanket I need to make, the art challenge, I've been noodling on making some acrylic keychains, but lets be real that's probably just wishful dreaming haha

For once I do have books planned to read! Shocking!! But that's what library holds will do to you! The Unspoken Name and The Once and Future Witches are up next in my library queue, and I'm halfway through A Memory Called Empire. I think that's enough for someone who doesn't plan their reads. Very impressive on my part.

[yesyourstalker]

Neta: cod I hate it when the school year starts This place is practically dead

Mahi: we can clean the floors

Neta: The floors are clean

Mahi: fold some shirts

Neta: shirts are folded, shoes are organized, jewelry is put away everything is where it's supposed to be. I'M SO BORRRRRRED! *Sigh* Fuck it The mall's closing in 3 hours anyway. maki!!

Mahi: Yes sir?!

Neta: pack it up we're closing early. We're going to go to the food court. Maybe get some coconut shrimp bombs at shrimp Castle and watch some little ankle biters play turf war.

Mahi: alright sir

Neta: kid, you don't need to call me sir. A little too formal for me. Just call me Neta.

Mahi: oh thank Cod ok

(Neta orders food for both of them and they watch kids play terf war)

Neta: so.....

Mahi: hmmm

Neta: you know since you got the job already you don't need to be all proper and stuff around me. You're allowed to swear or sit down and all that, it's a pretty lax job.

Mahi: are you sure?

Neta: Yes... of course you know be reasonable tho! like don't tell a customer to go fuck themselves *hehehe* leave that to me. But don't stress yourself out. Jobs should be fun and fulfilling.

I've been in the military for 9 years. Constantly being told what to do and how to do it. What to say and what not to say and if you don't do it right the first time you get scolded.

Mahi: wow that sucked

Neta: yeah..... kid you're quiet

Mahi: oh uh-

Neta: Tell me something interesting. what is the worst thing you have stolen? Tell me and I'll tell you mine

Mahi: ok.... Uh.... Shit I don't want to get fired but two years ago when the store was new I saw a squid squad keychain that I really liked I took it, put it in my pocket and I ran out of the store! pleasedon'tfireme!

Neta:......................

Mahi: in my defense I bought a shirt as well and I also bought a little figure. I just didn't pay for the keychain. I'm so sorry I shouldn't have said anything I'll just turn in my name tagand go

Neta: ..........a keychain? that's it?

Mahi: yeah.

Neta: *snort* okay kid that's nothing to be fired over *hehehe* uhhhh. The worst thing that I've ever stolen..... Uh I really hope I don't get in trouble for this. Come close

Mahi:.....*leans in*

Neta: so like said I was in the military. For the first four years of my service I was a part of an platoon of 100 soldiers training for a mission called project Z. Our mission was to go up to the surface and steal the great Zatfish from Inkopolis.

Mahi:............. what?.............

Neta: yeah..... technically I could get arrested for that and probably be charged for a war crime because I did go against The ink treaties agreement Soooo ¯⁠\⁠_⁠(⁠ツ⁠)⁠_⁠/⁠¯

Mahi:......... .............. .

Neta: it's a good thing they didn't install cameras until after it was stolen right. *Wheeze*

Mahi: ..... Yeah...... It's a good thing they didn't think that far ahead...... Ohhh Cod

Neta: hm... man look those kids in turf war. They should be in school, where are these kids parents? Cod looks at that kid with that bronze E-Liter. Damn that's an old model.

I used to have that when I was a kid...you know she kind of looks like..... My daughter-CIRRINA!!! *Sigh* It was nice talking to you kid. I got to go. Uhhhh..... Here, have some money for the train and remember we have inventory tomorrow. You need to come at least an hour early. Cirrina! You better have a good reason why you aren't in school!!

Mahi: He's a war criminal???

Mahi belongs to @literallyneurodivergentandaminor

[dammitadolfnomorecake]

Rage Fire Institution

Building. 23.

“If you’re that worried, why don’t we go see Tatsumi together? You said he’s been in the research wing working hard, so if we take him some food, we can check on him and you can make sure he eats something”

As Maki landed the right side of the institution’s fence, he had to admit that Li’s earlier words were the solution to his problem. His best friend had waited, acting as a look out while he’d gone to get their babysitter some actual food. Since coming back from their trip, Maki didn’t want to say he felt as if Tatsumi was avoiding him, but it sure felt that way. They’d separated at the gates while Samara, Hallod, and Tatsumi had headed to the research wing to deliver the mech and their shopping. The alpha thought nothing of it at the time, yet since then Poaw had called him twice to research wing and both times Tatsumi had been absent.

Standing in place until Maki walked over to him, Maki kicked Li lightly on the ankle, his best friend immediately hopping on the spot as he tried to rub his ankle, blowing the kick out of proportion as he hissed

“What was that for?”

“You could have come and helped me down, or at least saved the food”

“You were on the other side of the fence. What was I going to do? Hop the fence, get the food, then hop back over with it?”

“No, but you could have came and gotten it between the bars”

“By that logic you could have placed it through the bars then hopped the fence, then picked it up again”

Maki hadn’t thought about it. Li making a valuable point too late

“Shut up. We’re only checking on him because you want to”

Letting go of his leg, Li slipped his arm though Maki’s to start dragging him along

“Puh-lease. We’ve been back three days and you’ve been moody since your first meeting with Poaw. As the team cheer leading squad leader, it’s my job to keep your mood up”

“I’ve only been moody because Tatsumi wasn’t there”

Fuck. Maki realised his mistake as soon as he’d replied. He was only mad because Tatsumi made a big deal out of pilot training, and not because he wanted to know what Skylark meant. The alpha didn’t want to seek his babysitter out only to be dismissed by Tatsumi. It was far harder to dismiss him if Li was there with him

“See, I knew you two could be good friends. As long as he’s not your best friend”

“At this rate, he might be. If he gets mad, I’m blaming you”

“How could he be mad when you went got real food for him? Besides, I’m involved now. I’m totally involved in this project too and I’m not letting you ruin this for me”

That was true. Li had shirked his class work in favour of drumming up support for his new cheer squad, including designing posters, banners, and making mentions of customised jackets. Maki didn’t fight him, there was no point… though he did wish Li hadn’t told absolutely everyone they knew about his project. Rumours and whispers of envy were bread and butter for Li who could handle that sort of thing, unlike Maki. He’d never really thought about it, but he was lucky to have Li. A friend who accepted him despite everything. He needed to tell him

“If… if you were at a competition… I would want to know”

Li stopped mid-step. His best friend suddenly hugging him

“Look at you! You’ve made so much progress! It’s okay, I wouldn’t expect you to be there cheering me on”

He didn’t expect Li to be there for him, yet he was. Friendship was a two way street and despite the discomfort of being suddenly hugged, being friends with Li was a good and precious thing. Still, he couldn’t show it too much or Li would make it weird, mumbling

“Maybe cheering is a bit much, but if you asked me to be there, I would. I got enough food for all of us. It’s chicken…”

“I know it is, I can smell fried chicken out from a mile away. Let’s go make up with Tatsumi? That bastard better appreciate the lengths we go to”

More like the length Maki went to thanks to Li. He didn’t want to keep being the bad guy of the school. He wanted to be someone his best friends knew would be there… a bit like Tatsumi had made him feel by trusting him. He hoped the man would accept their peace offering and maybe even tell them why he’d been too busy

“Okay…”

Letting them into the research wing, Maki headed first to see Doctor Poaw, to find out where Tatsumi was. Li holding the food and waiting outside. Poaw seemed to think nothing of his question, directing him to the research lab Tatsumi had holed up in. As he left, he had the feeling there was something more she wanted to tell him, yet didn’t. Either she thought she was overstepping, or he was going to find out on his own.

Finding the room, Maki scanned them in without knocking. Feeling apprehensive now that they were there. If Tatsumi was busy, he didn’t want to be an unwanted interruption. As the door opened, Li went ahead, announcing their arrival

“Tools down! It’s time for food! The Li and Maki delivery service has arrived!”

Following his loud mouth friend in, Maki raised an eyebrow. Tatsumi had lost his lab coat, and was in an actual T-shirt, soaked in sweat with his bangs a mess. Pulling his welding glasses up, the man smiled, instantly relieving Maki of his guilt feelings

“Hello, you two. Welcome to the fabrication lab. What brings you by today?”

Li saved Maki with his casual answer

“Someone said you’d been busting your balls over here, so I thought you’d be too busy to remember food. Maki made the trip for us. What were doing? You’re nearly as bad as when you came to class with that grease on your face”

Tatsumi pulled his gloves off before looking himself up and down. Stripped down to a T-shirt, Maki saw muscle than thought the Professor’s thin frame could support. He knew he had muscles thanks to the piloting suit, but this was the most skin he’d ever seen from Tatsumi

“Sorry, it got pretty hot in here. The admin wants the school emblem on our new mech, so I was welding the printed panels. Let me go wash up, and grab you guys something to drink. Feel free to push this shit aside and make some space”

When Tatsumi left for what Maki assumed was a similar room to Doctor Poaw’s, Li elbowed him

“There’s a sight you don’t see every day. I didn’t know he knew what short sleeves were”

“Don’t look at me, I’ve never seen him like this either. It’s way too cold in here to be wearing just a shirt”

“He’s right though, it does get hot when you’re welding. Aren’t you feeling better now you’ve seen him?”

Maki narrowed his eyes. He knew Li was teasing him and wasn’t taking the bait

“If you say so. Your whole plan was to snoop around, wasn’t it?”

“Not even. I’m here to support my best buddy”

“Riiight. Let’s get the food out, now that we’re here, we’ll probably end up stuck here”

Li was more prepared than Maki gave him credit for. His best friend placing the bag of food on the work bench, before slinging his backpack down

“I’ve got my homework. I know he’s your friend but my grades need this”

“So you’re exploiting him?”

“Forgive me. I really did want the pair of you to make up and now we have chicken, he has to help”

***

The pair had settled themselves down by the time Tatsumi came back out. His long hair pulled into a practical ponytail and a jacket covered his shirt. With how long Tatsumi had taken, Li had scammed him into working on his physics homework with him. Bringing over three bottles of soda, Tatsumi sighed as he placed them down

“I’m sorry that took so long. I seem to have broken my glasses. I forgot to take them out and they shattered in my back pocket”

Maki had been too busy not staring at Tatsumi that he hadn’t noticed. He was so used to seeing Tatsumi in his glasses that all he could do was stare at the lack of them now that it’d been brought to his attention. The Professor wasn’t the Professor without them. Catching himself being caught, Maki elbowed Li to prevent himself saying something dumb. Li coughing, then replying

“You look like a whole different person, Prof! Wait, are your eyes okay like this? Didn’t you have that eye thing? Don’t you need your glasses? Do you want us to go see if we can find you a pair?”

So used to Tatsumi’s glasses that he’d forgotten the actual reason for them now he was seeing the man with them off, Maki found himself feeling stupid for not suggesting the same thing. Tatsumi didn’t seem to care as he sat down on the stool next to Li

“It’d be awkward if I put my welding glasses back on… It’s a little bright, but it should be alright. What have you got there?”

Li pushed his homework in front of Tatsumi

“I’m completely stuck here. I was kind of hoping you could help. Maki says the words, but he’s not as good as you”

Tatsumi chuckled, Maki crossing his arms and huffing

“My help was always appreciated before. Nice to know the man who bought you chicken isn’t good enough”

Li immediately hugged him by the arm

“I’m not saying that, but this is the Professor, he’s crazy smart. Please, Professor, I can’t work this out. I know we lured you in with chicken, but if I don’t have good grades then I can’t come cheer for the team”

Tatsumi slid the data pad over properly, Maki noticing the way the man’s eyes narrowed. The lab was brightly lit, coupled with the light of the screen, it seemed to make Tatsumi strain to see. Reaching over, he took the data pad away. As the oldest of the group, Tatsumi should know better, Maki scolding him

“Enough. If you can’t see, you can’t see. Put the damn welding glasses on, none of us are going to laugh”

“Are you sure it won’t be strange? It’ll only be for an hour or two until a new set can be dropped off?”

“Yes, put the damn things on already. Li, your homework can wait until after we’ve eaten”

Tatsumi picked up the welding glasses, slipping them on. They did look ridiculous, but at least the Professor wouldn’t be straining his eyes. Li asking what Maki was thinking

“Professor, is it that really bad? Can’t you just get ocular implants instead?”

“I could, but you can’t pilot with them in, even at school it’s a safety hazard. I can tolerate the bright lights of the lab and sunlight, but these things help with the sensitivity and I’ve gotten used to wearing them now. I’m screwed at night if I don’t have my glasses. They compensate for what I can’t see, making things about as clear as they would be for you or Maki”

“So you didn’t used to need the glasses… I think you said something about your accident?”

“At the time I was exposed to a bright light that damaged the inner bits of my eyes. Ocular implants might be the better option, but as long as I can still see with my own eyes for the time being, that’s enough for me”

Maki read between the lines. Tatsumi wanted to pilot so much that he’d put himself through a painful life just to keep doing it. The thought frustrated him. If Tatsumi couldn’t pilot then he shouldn’t. Li nodding as if he got it, changing topic and proving he didn’t

“Anyway, what’s that room you went into? Do all labs have convenient rooms to the side? And what else have you been doing? It couldn’t have taken three days to weld an emblem”

“Oh, it’s an emergency treatment room, but I dumped my stuff in there. Aside from the emblem I’ve been working on the leg wiring in line with Alex’s and Dan’s design for them. I have the tendency to get completely consumed in what I’m doing if no one comes to make sure I’m still living”

Li pulled a pained face

“Me, I need a solid 8 hours sleep. I’m a mess without it”

“Wait until your field days start. You’re in for trouble if you think you’re getting 8 hours when you’re not on leave. Try sleeping in and your squad leader will dump you straight out of bed. They’ve even been known to carry sleeping soldiers out, bed and all, then leave them in the middle of the station to wake up to everyone laughing. And that’s if your leader’s nice”

Feeling left out the conversation, Maki wanted to know more. He wanted to know why Tatsumi was looking so nostalgic over a past he didn’t normally talk about. Why was it he kept stalling when it was the two of them alone? Why was is that no matter how hard he looked, he couldn’t find anything about an accident that would fit Tatsumi and true correct time frame? With Li here, Tatsumi would have to dismiss both of their lines of questioning… Maki playing Tatsumi’s forced ease against him

“Did that happen to you? Was your leader nice?”

“No, no. A good friend. And yeah, he was one of the best. Imagine Skylark only tougher. It might have seemed barbaric to others, but he kept us alive. Well, he kept my squad alive back when we were under his command. My best friend, he really hated him to begin with. Called him every name under the sun, got grief for it too. Kaj- I mean, my friend probably would have turned out just like him if he’d had the chance. But that’s a story for another day. Li, give it a year and you’ll forget what real sleep feels like. I still can’t shake the habit of running before breakfast”

Li slumped himself onto Maki, acting like the overly dramatic shit he was

“Remember me fondly. Remember how I used to be”

Maki shoved him off. Now he felt guilty. Tatsumi missed his friend and the logical leap was that he’d died in combat from the way Tatsumi seemed to fold in on himself and corrected himself not to use the man’s name. The alpha couldn’t imagine burying his best friend, his tone rough around the edges and his heart desperately didn’t want to hear more about this man he’d never met. Opening the bag of fried chicken, Maki started pulling the boxes out, scolding Li to cover up his own cowardice

“Not if you’re going to pull this shit. Quit it with the questions, some of us actually want to eat”

Li clicked his fingers, carrying on without noticing Maki’s falling mood

“Food! I forgot! Dig in Professor, Maki will go get more if you’re still hungry”

Reaching out, Tatsumi slid a box of chicken over to him

“Thanks for this. I do wish you wouldn’t hop the fence, but I’ll forgive you this time. I haven’t had fried chicken in months. Thank you, Li. And thank you, Maki. How much do I owe you?”

Mami didn’t want money over some petty chicken. What he wanted was to know why he felt so cowardly and why he wanted to leave the lab

“Don’t worry about it. Eat, you’ll need your energy for Li’s homework”

Tatsumi grinned at him

“Spoken like a true student. I’ll get the food next time”

Next time didn’t enthuse the alpha, Maki taking his own chicken as he mumbled

“Yes. Sure”

[jervis-tetch-my-beloved]

*crawls out of a cave*

Hi Cass! I’m here to ask questions about the other Cass, so for appearance number 4, for personality numbers 3 8 and 11, and for relationships 4 and 5!! Bye hope your day ends well 🧡!!!

*crawls back into the cave*

Hiii Tina :)) as promised I kiss you I kiss you I kiss you kiss kiss kiss kiss

Ah, if you are reading this and you don’t know who Cassandra is you are gonna have no clue what half of what I’m talking about is.

Appearances

4: Do they have any physical ailments or disabilities, or significant markings like scars or tattoos?

She doesn’t have any disabilities, but she does have several scars on her body that are significant. She has a large mark on her leg, where she was shot, she has a large scar on her arm after she was attacked during her stay at Arkham.

She doesn’t have any tattoos, although she plans to get some. Before she was put in Arkham she was under the legal age for getting tattoos. She wants to get one in memory of her sister.

Personality

3: What are their hobbies and interests? Do they have any particular “favorites” (food, books, and so on)?

She is actually very good at following directions, so things like baking and cooking she’s good. She good at sewing as well, she can make quite a few garments.

Her favorite food is just a tub of chocolate frosting. I am. projecting onto my own oc.

8: What are their manners like? Any habits?

She has pretty fine manners. Donna raised her to be a very well-mannered and her boyfriend is strict with manners.

She has a habit to not be able to pick up on social cues, like when to stop rambling or to speak. She can pick up on sarcasm pretty well though.

11 What are some items they always carry and why? Do they collect anything?

She has a lucky key. It doesn’t unlock anything, it’s just a fun little trinket. She also has a small rabbit stuffed animal she calls her anxiety bunny. His name is Bununy.. yes spelled that way..

She collects doll, and stuffed animals. Specifically rabbits.

Relationships

4 Who do they look up to? Who do they trust?

She looks up to her sister, who she views as someone who can do no wrong.

Of course she trusts her boyfriend. She trusts the rest of the j squad too. They are all pretty fond of her as well, she’s THEIR Blorbo from real life.

5 Who do they hate? Do they have any enemies?

It’s really hard to get her to hate you. Besides from the you know, murder and cannibalism and stuff like that, she’s very sweet.

But she hates cops. She hates everything they stand for, she hates their supporters, she HATES THEM.

Okay thank you I adore talking about Cassandra she’s my baby my little guy