#I did get a book very wrinkly though

[vinceaddams]

My former roommate has these horrible top heavy water glasses that I kept knocking over - I think I spilled water all over my sewing table or nightstand at least 5 or 6 times a year while living there. I didn't have any water glasses of my own, so when I moved out I had a think and got a couple of thick bottomed glass beer mugs from the thrift store. Much harder to knock over! It's only been a few weeks, but hopefully I can go a whole year without any such disasters.

[thecapricunt1616]

Celandine (c.b. one-shot)

𝓢𝓷𝓲𝓹𝓹𝓮𝓽 (𝓶𝓸𝓻𝓮 𝓑𝓣𝓒): “Princess” he said his voice cracking a bit and he led you to the bed, sitting and pulling you into his lap “I could never stop loving you. I would have to be warm and dead to stop loving you. Y’hear me? You, and little dude, are the only things in this world that matter t’me…and maybe the restaurant…but-“ he said, just to bring a tiny smile to your lips 

♡ Chapter Inspo: Celandine - Cures depression, brings victory and joy. Serves as a protective ward when worn. Carry to increase self-confidence when facing adversaries. Use in ritual work when you feel trapped in undue negativity. ♡ Summary: You are feeling a bit blue about your body PP, Carmy takes it upon himself to show you just how beautiful you are! :) <3 ♡ W/C: 1.2K+ ♡ Posted Date: 05/27/2024 ♡ A/N: Hello! Happy day 2/7 of the Capri 200 Follower Celebration Extravaganza!!! You can find said extravaganza ♡ Here ♡ this celebration will be going until next Sunday (06/02/24) so get your requests in! Here's another celebration ask on the books! This ask is from lovely @jesscolon529 I hope you enjoy, my darling! ♡ Warnings for BTC: Speaking of pregnancy, Fem/AFAB!reader, No use of y/n, feelings of self hate / insecurity, sad reader, comforting carmy, established relationship, not edited, Pics are just vibes, reader isn't described!! Established relationship

♡ 𝐌𝐲 𝐋𝐢𝐧𝐤𝐬 ♡

➵ 𝐂𝐡𝐞𝐜𝐤 𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐦𝐲 𝐌𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐭 ♡ ➵ 𝐂𝐚𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐂𝐚𝐫𝐦𝐲 𝐨𝐧𝐞-𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐭 𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐩𝐚𝐠𝐞 ♡ ➵ 𝘊𝘭𝘪𝘤𝘬 𝘮𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘳𝘦𝘲𝘶𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 / 𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘵 ♡ ➵ 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐭 𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐭 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐫𝐞𝐪𝐮𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐬 ♡

It had been 12 weeks since you’d delivered you and Carmy’s first baby, and your postpartum depression was in full effect. It really had not much to do with your baby, and everything to do with you. You felt gross after you delivered, you barely even wanted Carmy to look at you which he took like a stab in the heart. 

When you came home, it wasn’t really different. Even though showering was…very painful, and you could really use the help and would appreciate that help very much - you couldn’t accept it. The idea of your husband seeing your naked body that you considered to be mangled and gross brought tears to your eyes. The idea of him watching blood run down the drain as you carefully rinsed your mangled bits he used to devour nearly every night made you want to throw up. 

There was still a tiny part of you that believed he did this to you, so he shouldn’t be upset with the result - but somehow that just made you more angry because what if he was upset with how your body looked now, and just wasn’t saying anything? And how dare he not like your body after all you’ve done for him, for your family?! 

You were stood in front of the full length mirror in the bedroom after you showered, observing yourself. You could have sex how, if you wanted. But you had convinced yourself you’d never let Carmy see you naked again in fear he would shriek and cover his eyes and run away, a bit dramatic - but still you couldn’t face the idea of your husband not loving you anymore because he saw what left you have to give after 9 months of hell.

You touch your now jiggly, wrinkly belly, pulling the skin back with your hands and sighing a bit, remembering how you used to look. Tears welled in your eyes, “you’re so fucking vain” you whispered in the mirror. 

“Baby?” Carmy nudged the door open and you shout 

“JESUS CHRIST!!! IM CHANGING! Shut the door Carmen!” 

He jumps a bit at your sudden outburst, a frown coming to his features “why?” He asked and shut the door behind him. You quickly grabbed your shirt, sliding it over your head and pulling it out so it wouldn’t rest over your belly. 

“Cause- cause I deserve privacy?” You snap, angry that he wasn’t just running away like you’d expected him - or wanted him to. 

“Privacy? From…y’husband?” He comes over and rubs your arms gently “baby- are you gonna tell me wha’s up?” He asked. 

Your lip wobbled, more tears coming to your eyes. You shook your head quickly and looked at the floor, squeezing your eyes shut and hot, thick, shameful tears roll down your cheeks. “I’m ruined now” you said, your voice watery and defeated. 

“What?” He wiped your tears and hugged you, rubbing your back “baby what’s been goin on? You haven’t let me see you in months. I miss you, y’know that, right?” He kissed the top of your head as you sniffle in to his shirt

“I- I’m ugly now an-and wrinkly and covered in stretch marks and- and all…different down there. What if you stop loving me?” You burst into sobs. He could barely contain the lump growing in his own throat as he hushed you and rubbed soothing circles into your back. 

“Princess” he said his voice cracking a bit and he led you to the bed, sitting and pulling you into his lap “I could never stop loving you. I would have to be warm and dead to stop loving you. Y’hear me? You, and little dude, are the only things in this world that matter t’me…and maybe the restaurant…but-“ he said, just to bring a tiny smile to your lips 

“Mmm? See there’s that smile” he wipes your tears “what’s been bugging you baby, show me. I promise, I love every bit of you, I love you more every day- I still don’t know how that’s possible, but you make it work somehow” he teased and you blush, hiding your teary cheeks in the crook of his neck as he rubbed your back and side soothingly. 

“You say that but what if you see me and you can’t help it” you sniffled a bit. 

“Not possible honey” he countered. “Cmon- tell me. What’s been buggin you?” 

“My belly. And - and my thighs are so big now. My belly is all…ugh. Wrinkly and has all these red marks on it. And my bellybutton looks all weird” you whine 

“This belly?” He rubs his palm over it “the belly that kept our son all warm and happy n’safe till it was time f’him t’come home?” He asked and you huff 

“Yes but..it’s not…normal anymore” you said and he hums in agreement. 

“Y’right, it’s better, it’s new, it’s gonna take you some gettin’ used to- but I love it. Can I tell y’somethin and y’promise not t’be mad?” He asked and cuddled you into him more, kissing your cheek and hairline, wherever he could reach. 

“Mm” you hummed, sniffling softly 

“Your body now is the most beautiful it has ever been. Because it’s yours. It’s my wife’s body, my beautiful Mrs.Berzatto, it’s your belly, and your thighs, and your new different pussy you’re so afraid of” he said playfully in your ear to which you giggle a bit, cupping his cheek and looking at him with tear rimmed eyes. 

“Y’not just lying to make me feel better?” You asked and he shook his head 

“Nope- all the truth babygirl. Why would I lie t’my best girl mm? My only girl” he kissed your lips gently and rubbed your hip over. 

“And - and you really like it?”  You pouted 

He raised his brows in the ‘are you fucking with me’ Carmy way, “want me to show you?” He asked and you felt heat in your cheeks, looking down shyly. “Okay-“ he laid you back on the bed carefully, pushing up your shirt. “I think-“ he starts kissing from your ribs, over your sternum, down, down, over your belly, making it a point to kiss each little dimple and mark 

“I fed you and little boy sooo good while you were pregnant, so these? You can blame me. But I love them as selfish as it makes me” he kissed over your hips. “And these” he squeezed them with his hands “mmm fuck I looove these- I can’t wait to hold these while I’m fuckin’ you mm?” He traveled his hands up your waist, squeezing gently and continuing to ravish you in kisses. 

“And these” he gently squeezed your breasts together in your nursing bra “are fucking amazing. And a literal life source for our boy. An’he’s growin so well. He’s in the 95th percentile, he’s so healthy, and chunky. Y’doin amazing babe.” He cups your cheeks. 

“The most important thing though baby is you. You’re still my beautiful, kind, thoughtful wife. And I wouldn’t change anything about you, not a single fuckin’ thing, hear me?” He kisses you deeply. 

You felt more tears running down your cheeks, but it wasn’t fear or sadness this time that brought them, 

It was gratitude.

[sinsirellaxx]

Draco Malfoy x Reader

Requested on AO3: I suck at writing fluff but my heart ACHES to read one, can you perhaps make a Draco fic that’s more on fluff? The cinematic I imagine it is “Draco confessing his love for the first time” AND HE SUDDENLY BECOMES SO SHY AND TIMID ACKKK and it’s a thing that he bullies the reader and teases her.

Hello everyone! First time poster here — kinda nervous to post here idek why. 👀🫠

Anyways: I probably should prepare a post about requests and how to request etc. but will do that later. I first want to cross-post the bits I already have posted on AO3.

Hope you‘ll like it! x

BTW — not proofread. 🫶🏻

-

You were rushing through the corridors, the small note from Draco crumbled up in your fist as you walked to his dorm. You had been surprised that the boy had asked you for help after thinking that boy secretly hated you even though you were friends. You always thought he just endured your friendship because of the group.

You were usually never late – well except for today. But honestly – it wasn't your fault: You had been gathering some books that you would need to help Draco with his arithmancy coursework, when Harry Potter had approached you asking for help in finding a book. You couldn’t say no so you took the time to help the Gryffindor before you noticed his weirdly arranged tie, that you just had to fix.

You did not exactly excel in arithmancy, but you would take any chance to spend more time with him, even if he always teased you. After 10 more minutes – damn this huge school – you were finally in front of his dorm and officially 45 minutes late. Knocking on it softly the door immediately flew open, revealing a flustered Draco standing right in front of you.

"You finally made it, huh?!" The boy raised his brow at you as his blue eyes narrowed. "I hate waiting – you know that." You rolled your eyes as you bit back a grin at his attitude. You lifted the books in your hands with a sheepish shrug, showing him that you weren’t late without a reason. "I needed to get these first – thought they might help with our studies."

Draco visibly relaxed as he stepped back, creating space for you to walk into the room, the smell of the boy’s cologne immediately surrounded you.

"Oh, and Harry needed help with his tie – I swear that boy walks around looking like he's fallen off his broom almost every single day." Draco scoffed. "You're late because of Potter?" He spat – the angry scowl was back on his face as he pointedly glared at you. You loved teasing him just as much as he did and with the way the male was frowning all the time, he was sure to get wrinkly very fast. Shrugging your shoulders you walked towards the table, his eyes burning into your back as you put the heavy books on the cold wooden surface. "He's my friend too, you know." Draco rolled his eyes, feeling the urge to gag at the word friend. It sounded like an insult to him. "Well, I'm not just your friend!" The blonde scoffed as you turned to look at him. Your brows raised and your eyes widened slightly as you stared at the male – your heart skipped a beat at the possible insinuation of his words. Quickly getting rid of that thought you tilted your head slightly, a small frown slowly marring your face. “If not my friend – what are you then?�� You questioned while crossing your arms in front of your chest. You noticed how his eyes briefly moved towards your arms – or your chest, you weren’t quite sure – before a faint blush dusted his cheeks. “W-Well, I’m your best friend.” Draco stuttered obviously flustered. You scoffed in disbelief, was the boy trying to mock you? “Best friends? Draco, you always tease me for being –“

Only now did you notice the candles decorating the room and a beautiful bouquet of red roses, wrapped in black paper sitting on the bed.

“W-What’s all this for?” You questioned as you suddenly felt uncomfortable. “Were – are you expecting another girl? Is that why you’re this mad because I’m late? Am I interrupting something?” You frowned at the blonde male.

“What? No, you idiot –“Draco rudely interrupted you, desperate to stop your rant. “Wait – why are you even mad?”

You closed your mouth at his question, silently cursing yourself as you wished for something – anything to happen. The expectant look in his eyes made you want to run as far as your legs could carry you, not knowing what to say without looking like a complete fool. “I- I don’t know – I should leave.” You mumbled as you turned around to leave the now suffocating room before embarrassing yourself in front of the boy you had been crushing on for the past two years.

Draco rushed after you and pulled you back, his cold fingers wrapping around your smaller wrist. You stumbled right into his chest, his lips almost touching yours as you stared into his eyes. You felt your face heat up as his eyes flickered to your parted lips and back to your eyes. “I’ve been waiting for you – this is for you. There is no other girl, y/n.” He muttered so quietly that you almost didn’t catch it. “B-But why?”

Draco groaned as his hands found your waist as he squeezed your flesh slightly. “You really are dense sometimes you know? I’m trying to tell you that I like you. Like really like you.”

“Oh.” Was the only thing you could force out as you were overwhelmed with the onslaught of emotions you experienced at his words. Looking down at his chest you tried to hide your burning face.

“Oh?” Draco chuckled as one of his hands moved to lift your chin slightly, forcing you to look into his face again. “Is that all you want to say, doll?”

“I-I like you too, Draco.” You finally uttered as you smiled up at him. You could physically feel the male relax, even though he was trying not to show it. “Can I kiss you?” You nodded, not trusting your voice not to break.

Draco slowly leaned down as he pressed his lips against yours in a chaste kiss – as if he was afraid of scaring you. He leaned back slightly – way too quickly for your liking – to stare at you with a serious look. “You know what this means, right?”

Shaking your head, you bit your lip.

“It means, you are mine now – no more fixing ties for Potter.”

_

A/N: Thanks for reading! Comments, requests, feedback etc. are highly appreciated!

[sketchy-rosewitch]

Ambrose means Eternal: Bo Sinclair x feminine!gn!reader

Warnings: allusions to abuse, reader and Bo have an age gap of 2 years (reader is older), reader gets called Mama, other than that reader is gn, let me know if I missed anything.

A/N: Oh this is one I’m really proud of, been a wip for awhile.

A loud knock and your doorbell is heard as you do the dishes making a small sigh escape your lips. You shut off the water and take off your dish gloves before making your way towards the door.

Peeking through the eyehole you see the toothy grin of a twelve year old boy.

You open the door. “Did you at least check to see if Vincent and Bo were havin’ issues before makin’ your way over.” You ask, Lester was already making himself at home, shoes off, backpack on the floor, and walking towards the kitchen with you quickly following behind to finish what you were doing.

“Yeah, Ma and Pa were beatin’ Bo real good. Vincent wasn’t nowhere to be seen. Don’t remember what they were yellin’ at him about but I got out of there cause I knew I wouldn’t be gettin’ fed. Probably would’ve gotten a board to my ass too.” You hiss at him swearing and point at him then the cross that hangs on top of the entrance of your kitchen. He gives as innocent look and you sigh. This situation is unfortunately very casual for him. The kid would come home more often than not to Bo and even sometimes Vincent getting yelled at and beat with a belt or a wooden board or whatever Trudy and Victor could get their old wrinkly hands on. He’d stay quiet, more quiet than Vincent ever was and turn around to make his way to your house.

It was practically routine at this point.

“Sick of your damn parents kid.” You growl, turning on the kitchen. Out of anger you put a little force on the handle of the faucet causing it to squeak.

You continue to do the dishes and look out the window, it’s sunny and breezy outside. “You wanna play on the swings while you tell me about your day after I’m done?”

“Yeah, but I gotta tell ya. I’m gettin’ too old for those things. Soon enough we’ll be in rocking chairs on your front porch!” Lester jokes, you snort and listen as he opens a bag of chips, setting some on his plate.

“Give it 60 years at least kid. Though, I bet you’ll be out of this town by the time that comes around. You’ll probably be outta town in the next 6 years really.” You smile, hoping he finally leaves everything behind, you know he deserves a fresh start away from the hurt and neglect he receives.

“Will you come with me?” The kid asks as he stuffs the Turkey sandwich he made in his mouth. You let out a small laugh and finish washing the last dish in the sink.

“How am I supposed to take care of the other neglected kids in town if I leave?”

You turn off the sink and sit next to the youngest Sinclair brother. He squints and purses his lips.

“I’m the only neglected kid in town and you know it. If you leave that means you’re still taking care of them. Cause you’re going to take care of me. Make sure I’m alright.” He stuffs a bunch of chips in his mouth, crumbs fall onto his plate.

You let out a soft laugh and shake your head at the kid. “Maybe I will, but most people’s time for leavin’ this town passes after they turn 18, that’s 2 years since I’ve missed my opportunity.” You rub Lester’s back as he finishes up his food. Once he’s done he sets the plate in the sink and the two of you head outside.

The breeze and sun feel good on your skin as you push Lester on the swing and go to sit on yours. You give yourself a light push to get going. “What’d you do at school today?”

“Started on some clay art projects. I like playing with it. It’s like mud.” Lester explains. You nod your head to indicate you’re listening to every word he says. It’s honestly the least you could do for him. Not that you wouldn’t listen, he’s more interesting than one would think. “I think next week we’re gonna start another book. I don’t really care for the stuff we read in class. I like comics and stuff. But Mrs. Gerringer says they ain’t actual books so they don’t count for reading. I disagree. But don’t tell her I said that.”

You laugh, “Yeah like I’m going to tell a teacher I absolutely despised that, ‘Lester Sinclair disagrees with the fact that comics aren’t actual books.’” You shake your head at how silly Lester can be. Even though it is just the mind of a 12 year old.

“What else are you doing?”

“Well, we played dodgeball durin’ gym. Apparently everyone wants me on their team. I think it’s just ‘cause I’m good at dodgin’. I’ve been told I’m very fast.” The twelve year old says matter of factly.

“I’d have to agree with whoever said that.”

Lester gives a toothy grin and he slows himself down on the swing so you can see it.

“Bo gave me some money for lunch today. Said it’s from him workin’ at the gas station. Bought myself a zebra cake and a milk. Savin’ the rest to get whatever I want later.” At this point the youngest Sinclair had stopped swinging altogether just so he could show you proof of the money he had in his pocket.

“That’s sweet of him.” You smile and watch as he pockets the money and starts to get up, still talking but this time he’s walking around the yard. You swing lightly, and watch as he talks about Bo and Vincent moving out with him and you.

You honestly wonder how Bo is doing right now. Vincent usually isn’t the one you worry about, he learned young to just stay quiet and out of things.

Bo never learned that, he didn’t want to learn that, not when starting shit could get his parents to finally notice him, not when the attention he craved was one broken wax vase away.

Lester didn’t stay out of shit, he got into it too just not as deep as Bo. Still, his parent’s attention never faltered from giving praise to Vincent and condemning Bo as Bo would get blamed for Lester’s faults and chaos making the youngest Sinclair the Invisible Man.

Bo would probably come and pick up Lester tonight or tomorrow. Seems the only time Lester isn’t ignored is 8-12 hours after he’s gone.

You hope this time Bo will let you out ice on his bruises and kiss him better. You’re sure the kisses wouldn’t come as easily, he hasn’t let you do that since his sophomore and your senior year of high school.

“How many marshmallows do you think I can fit in my mouth?”

You squint at Lester, who is now in the grass trying to look for bugs. He looks up at you, that same gapped toothy grin comes across his face. You raise a brow and smirk.

“I dunno. You wanna go see?”

“Fuck yeah!”

“Lester James Sinclair!”

The look on his face reads as an innocent apology making you playfully roll your eyes and grab his shoulder wrapping your arm around it as the two of you head inside.

-

“Gotta say it after each one or it doesn’t count.” You cross your arms and raise a brow at Lester.

“Chuhvee Buhnee.”

“That’s 12.”

He stuffs another marshmallow in his mouth.

“Chueee, Buhhnee.”

“13.”

He spits them out onto the kitchen floor and both of you let out a laugh.

“Better than your last one. That’s three more.”

The kid smiles at you and is already going to grab some paper towels to clean up the mess he made. You wrap up the marshmallows and store them back in the cabinet for later.

“Can we watch a movie now?” He asks.

“Yeah let me get a pizza in the oven and we can do that.”

-

Lester is passed out on your couch when Bo shows up.

From the knocks and the time you can tell it’s him. So you get up and open the front door.

“Is he here?” Bo asks, hands stuffed in his pockets, he slouches but the porch light still illuminates his face and you can see his eye forming a bruise around itself.

You nod and open the screen door to let him in.

He looks over at his little brother and sighs, shaking his head. “Les-“

You make a quick decision to let Lester sleep for a little longer and to take care of Bo. You touch the older Sinclair’s shoulder. “Let him sleep.” He looks at you. “Come on.” You take his hand and guide him towards the kitchen. The chair squeaks underneath Bo’s weight as he sits down. He wears a frown on his face but you don’t care, instead you grab an ice pack from the freezer and move the other kitchen chair so you’re facing towards him.

“Did you eat tonight?” You ask, pushing the ice pack onto Bo’s eye. He flinches from the coldness, his face turning from a frown to a scowl.

“Why do you-“

“Just answer. You know why I care.” You say. Bo rolls his eye.

“No.”

He knows what you’re doing next, so he takes the ice pack from your hand and holds it there. You get up and plate some pizza then set it next to him on the table.

Your body relaxes a bit as you sit on the chair and watch him eat.

“Lester talked to me today about all of us leavin’ town.” You say, Bo scoffs.

“You and him can leave town. Vince and I ain’t.”

“Why’s that.” It’s not a question.

“Vincent is taking over the museum and I gotta take care of him. Someone’s gotta take the blame for somethin’.” Bo explains between bites.

“You guys ain’t obligated to do any of that.”

“Well you ain’t obligated to watch over Lester yet here we are.”

When you bite, Bo bites back harder. You sigh. “Guess I’m not.”

“Vince won’t change his mind. I know because I’ve tried to get him to. Even Lester has. Guess he’s still convinced things will change in 6 years..“ Bo finishes his pizza and shoves it away. “I gotta take care of Vince though. I know Lester will be fine, especially if you go with him.”

“I can’t go without you. You know that.” Your voice sounds calm and hushed, but your emotions are anything but that. Bo Taos his fingers on the table. He thinking. “Quit actin’ like you’re unloveable.” Slowly, as if you’re trying not to scare a bird away, you lean in.

“You love someone you don’t even know.”

“I’ve known you your entire life Bo Sinclair.”

His breathing hitches as you get closer and he takes the ice pack off of his eye. You kiss Bo. He takes you in hesitantly, eventually moving his hands to hold your face. One of them is cold but you don’t care.

“I’m gonna take good care of you and your brothers.” You whisper as Bo pants. He nods and kisses you again, this time he doesn’t hide his desperation. He lets a tear fall down his cheek and you’re quick to wipe it away without any words. Bo’s hands move down your body and so do his lips.

“Don’t leave me here alone, Mama.” Bo whispers. Your heart stops at the name, but you nod your head and run your fingers through his curls. “Say it.” He commands. You swallow.

“I won’t leave you here alone. I’ll always be there for you. I’ll be there for Lester and Vincent too.”

He kisses you again and looks into the living room. “I should probably get Lester home. We have school in the morning.” Bo mumbles.

“Of course.” You stand up and Bo follows after you. He kisses you on the cheek and grabs Lester backpack before making his way over to the couch. You smile as Bo picks his little brother up instead of waking him and you walk to the door opening it and stepping into the cool night to hold open the screen door.

Bo steps out after you and kisses you goodnight. You rub Lester’s forehead and kiss it. “Sweet dreams little man.” You say before looking at Bo. “Goodnight Bo.”

“Night Mama.” You kiss him one more time and he walks to his truck, opening the door and placing his little brother in the seats. He gets in and starts the truck, driving back up the road and back to his house.

You smile sadly and go back inside.

No one ever leaves Ambrose past the age of 18. You tried and tried. First your grandmother got sick, then she passed, then your home became a safe haven for the Sinclairs to get away, then you promised Bo you wouldn’t leave him.

Lester only moved 20 minutes out of town. You had already married Bo by then, and now there really was no escape, not when Bo and Vincent still felt like they had to prove something to their deceased mother.

The hole kept getting deeper and deeper when Bo and Vincent began killing people. Started with folks around town, then they made a detour and lured them in. Bo said you’d never have to do any of that and he’s take good care of you.

He kept his promise and you kept yours.

What a good Mama.

[postwarlevi]

Misplaced

Content: over 1.7k words of you trying to find something of very important value. g/n reader, more on the fem side if you squint, so don't :)

Extras: Another story for @levi-supreme Happy birthday Levi event! This one is special because she gave me permission to do somewhat of a sequel to a story she did last year, Lost and Found. Go read that if you haven't because it is referenced at one point. Thank you Rei and I hope you love it!

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

You blink your eyes open and smile to yourself as you wake up for the day. You yawn and stretch and slowly sit up in bed. Today being Monday, it's a regular off day for you as your husband gets up for his job very early.

He always tries not to wake you so you can sleep in and usually succeeds in slipping out without making you stir. While you wouldn't mind getting up with him, you do appreciate your sleep.

Looking over at this empty side of the bed you see a note and smile. He's always leaving notes for you.

Morning my love, I hope you got some rest. I might be working late today. But I'll make up for it this weekend. Breakfast is in the fridge. Lots of cut up fruit and yogurt. And those biscuits you like. Don't worry much about chores. I'll help out tomorrow. Relax and I'll see you tonight. - Levi

You sigh happily and put it in your nightstand along with many others from him. Sometimes you like to go back and read them.

Putting on a robe you shuffle to the kitchen and pull out your breakfast. It's all set up so it's easy for you to make a parfait with the fruit and yogurt, and put jam on the biscuits. You make a cup of tea and sit on the porch reading your book while you eat.

It is in fact a lazy day as you don't bother with dishes but put them in the dish washer and draw yourself a bath filled with lavender as you pamper yourself a little bit.

After you're good and wrinkly and the bath water is no longer warm you drain the tub and dry off. Deciding to go be slightly productive you head to your room to get dressed.

You sit on the bed and check your phone that you purposely left on your nightstand so you wouldn't be distracted and see a message from Levi.

It makes you laugh out loud, the funny things he sends you when he's supposed to be in a group meeting.

"Having a good day at work?" You send him jokingly.

Almost right away you get a response asking you to come rescue him, making you smile.

You go back and fourth a few minutes before telling him to get back to work and he says he can't wait to see you.

With that you put your phone in your pocket and think for a moment. Something looks like it's missing from your nightstand but you can't figure out what.

You shrug and go about your day, getting your binder and looking through the fridge to see what you can make with the ingredients you have. You find you like to meal plan, it saves money and gets you making dishes you can eat for leftovers.

You have almost everything you need to make one of Levis favorite dishes and make a note to do a small grocery run if you can't get enough carrots from your garden.

Even though Levi told you not to, you dust a little bit so you don't have so much to do later in the week and pause to pick up a picture on a shelf.

It warms your heart, this picture of you and Levi. He has a real smile, one that's generally saved for special occasions, but for you, always. His friends said he's never been so happy since he's meet and married you.

You feel the need to send Levi a quick "I love you" message randomly, which he's gotten used to and doesn't question if anything is wrong anymore when he gets it, but instead sends you one back.

You head outside to the garden to check on the carrots and other vegetables and go to remove your wedding ring before digging in the dirt and let out a gasp.

"Where is it?" You ask out loud to no one as you stare at your naked hand with no ring.

You frown and go back into the house to retrace your steps.

Did you have it while dusting? You look around at all the spots to see if you took it off so as not to get it dirty, but it's not there.

You look around the kitchen, by the fridge and on the countertops, but nothing.

You go to the bathroom. Surely you took it off for your bath? But it's not on the counter or the floor or in the tub.

Your stomach drops as you think maybe it went down the drain but decide that's overreacting.

You go outside on the porch. and look in the chair, on the table, all around the area, but cannot find it.

You feel yourself getting overwhelmed. If you can't find it, that means you lost it. Your wedding ring!

Heading back inside you sulk back into the bedroom and look in the nightstand and in the bed and under the bed.

At night you usually take it off so you don't accidently scratch it but you can't remember seeing it there today.

You sit on the bed and put your head in your hands. You feel your phone buzz and gasp at seeing it's Levi calling.

You debate answering or not. You could always pretend you were taking a nap when he called. That's more than believable.

By the time you decide to answer it goes to voicemail and a moment later you get a text instead.

"Brat? Are you ignoring me?" Brat. The word he uses when he says you're misbehaving.

"No sweetheart. Just didn't get to my phone in time." You message back, and it's not a lie.

But even through text you're sure Levi knows everything.

"Coming home soon."

You stare wide eyed at the phone. He's supposed to be working late! So you can have more time to look!

You jump up and start tearing up the house. You must find it!

You had it yesterday, you're sure of it. It has to be here!

Things are moved on shelves and the couch is pushed out of place and kitchen chairs are spread out across the floor.

Clothing is pulled out of drawers and things are moved in the closet and you search all over the garage, and still nothing.

You walk back into the house and look at the mess you've made and sit on the living room floor and cry.

You don't even hear the door open and your husband come in.

"What happened?!" Levis shout makes you cry harder. "Did someone break in? Are you hurt?"

He drops everything and kneels on the floor and hugs you as you shake your head.

"You're not hurt? No one broke in?" He holds your cheeks and tears fall onto his hands.

Would it just be easier to tell him that someone stole your wedding ring?

"N-n-no!" You sob as you tell him that no, this is all your fault.

"Love what happened?" He speaks to you gently and it hurts to have to say this.

"My wedding ring went down the drain!" You fling your arms around him and cry more, getting his shirt wet.

Levi rubs your back and smiles to himself, letting out a chuckle.

You push off of him and stare wide eyed.

He's so angry he's laughing? That's not a good sign!

Levi kisses your forehead and helps you stand and gets a tissue to dry your eyes.

"Stop your crying. It didn't go down the drain." He smiles at the silly thought.

"Well then where is it?!" Your voice is loud and squeaky but Levi knows you're just upset.

Levi digs in his pocket and pulls out a box and opens it.

"My ring!" You gasp as there it is, safe and sound.

"I left early today to have it cleaned, it's all nice and shiny now." Levi tells you as he holds it up. And yes, it's very shiny.

You frown and your lip quivers and Levi laughs again.

"I'm sorry love, I took it this morning. I thought you wouldn't notice. Sometimes when you lounge around the house you leave it on the nightstand, so I was hoping you'd rest up and not even realize." Levi tells you what the plan had been.

"You were trying to get me back, for last year." Your brain tells you that's wrong as you say the words anyway.

Levi sighs and looks at you like he's disappointed. "I most certainly am not." He takes your hand and puts the ring on.

"There, right where it belongs." Levi kisses your hand as you look down at it.

You close your eyes and sigh. "I'm sorry." You've finally come to your senses.

"It's okay. I should've just told you." He rubs his fingers along your palm.

You lean in to kiss him and he returns it gently.

You rest your head on his chest and hold out your hand. "It's very shiny."

You both laugh softly and share a sweet kiss, holding each other for a moment.

"Oh man…" Levi looks around the house and you're ready to cry again.

It's been turned upside down in your attempt to find something that wasn't missing.

"I'll help put it back together." Levi tells you, as this is somehow partly on him.

"I moved everything, even the bed. I'm sorry." You pout, rubbing your temple.

"We don't need to do it all tonight. Let's at least go put the bed back." He takes your hand.

You get to your room and can't even look at Levi as he sees the mess.

"I can't believe you made all this mess while I was working." Levi jokes as you huff.

"I really thought it was gone!" You cross your arms as he goes to push the bed back into place.

"I don't suppose dinner is ready?" Levi continues to joke, making you groan.

"You're never going to let me live this down." In ten years, maybe you'll laugh, but not now.

You clean up a little more, saving most for tomorrow, and make a quick dinner together before heading to bed, putting your ring in your usual safe spot.

Tomorrow you'll make Levi that dinner you had tried to plan earlier.

"At least I know you'll tear the house apart trying to find it." Levi pokes a little more and you roll your eyes.

As you slip into bed together you cuddle up close. "Of course, I love you."

He kisses your forehead. "And I love you."

You close your eyes and a moment later hear him chuckle.

"Down the drain?" Levi grins.

"Levi!"

[mk-writes-stuff]

For the askbox game! Can I get Nellie doing some dope spy stuff to check up on Rhys's daughter for him?

This one was actually pretty hard to do. Making the timing work out and avoiding any spoilers for Rhys’s plot arc was super hard, but here you go! I’m pretty happy with it :)

“You in position? Bella wants me to pop the cameras”

Nellie shook her head at the text. She knew Belladonna hated it when Cassie called her that, but there was no way to stop Cassie once she got going. “I’m in position,” she texted back.

“Wtf are you checking up on anyway?”

Nellie sighed. “Already told you I’m not telling.”

“Fine I’ll bug you later. Cameras going down now.”

The lights flickered infinitesimally for a half-second, then went back to normal.

She didn’t have long. Cassie’s camera-shorting trick wouldn’t last long, especially not since Nellie had asked her to expand it to more than just Belladonna’s rooms. Cassie had harassed her to know what she was doing, but she’d managed not to crack just yet.

The less Cassie knew, the better. It wasn’t Nellie’s secret to tell, and if Belladonna found out… well, she knew Belladonna would try to use it as a bargaining chip, and if she did that, poor Rhys would get caught in the crossfire.

Nellie slipped down the hallways, a pile of clothes in her arms, ponytail bobbing behind her. Sneaking, she’d learned the more she’d tried to do it, was very little like it was in the adventure books she’d just recently started reading. In the books, it was always about dark catsuits and crawling up vents. In reality, there was nothing that rendered you invisible quite like wearing a servant’s uniform and looking like you had a job to do.

She only ran into two people in the hallways, and neither of them paid her the slightest attention.

The room she was heading towards was locked, but the servants’ keycard opened it - it opened basically every room in the entire Upper Station. Nellie slipped in unnoticed and scanned the room, all done up in soft whites and lace.

In the middle of the room was a cradle, and inside the cradle was a baby.

Nellie had never seen a baby before. She was smaller than Nellie had expected, and very wrinkly. She was wearing a tiny white dress and stared up vacantly at the ceiling as though she couldn’t even focus her eyes. Come to think of it, Nellie wasn’t sure she could.

The wide grey eyes were all Rhys. The baby’s skin was darker than his, and her hair was plastered to her head in dark curls, but the eyes were his a hundred times over.

“Going to have to drop the cams soon, be quick.”

She didn’t have much time. She fumbled with her phone to take a holo-image of the baby for Rhys and hurried from the room before anyone could catch her.

*****

Rhys was waiting in the cafeteria on his short dinner break when Nellie found her way there. She slipped across the room to him and pulled out her phone to show him the holo.

Rhys made a choked sound. “She’s so small.”

“She has your eyes.”

“She does.” Rhys sniffed, and Nellie realized he was tearing up. “Thank you, Nellie. I just… I wish I could see her myself.”

“We’ll find a way,” said Nellie, hopefully.

In the distance, she felt a spark of… something. Resolve. Determination.

Belladonna.

“Something’s about to happen,” she said confidently. “And when it does, I’ll see what I can do. Okay?”

“Okay.”

Rhys hastily shoved the phone back to her as one of the guards waltzed into the room, and it vanished into Nellie’s dress - but not before she could see the text from Cassie. “I’m going to fucking kill that girl.”

“I have to go. I’ll see you soon.”

Rhys stood up and kissed her on the cheek. “I’ll see you soon.”

And Nellie was off again, because when Belladonna had a plan and Cassie wanted to kill her over the plan, it always meant something big was going to happen.

*****

And that’s a wrap! I hope you like it. I might actually use a modified version of this (with more spoilers lol) to start off one of the scenes of the novel, so thanks for the inspiration :)

[dollsonmain]

Ok time to put everything away. That Guy gets home anywhere between 2:30 and 4.

While I decide whether I want to use this or not (I’m leaning no with a preference for foam board shelves wrapped in different pastel papers, this modular unit would make more sense in a more modern setting) and because if I wait until I’ve made a decision I will never complete the project

I’ve added a pink panel to the back of the bed covering the former shower. I already like the way that looks better, and I think I will do the majority of the book case/curio cabinet/hutch thing I’m building in pink with the counter top part (which will include that shower-shelf, each faux cabinet door (which will be the most boring rectangles ever), and if I add foam board shelves then each of those being a different pastel color of the matching paper.

That paper was something I got from the Amazon Warehouse to get “free” shipping.

Look at it, though. That’s just printer paper and I glued it to foam board. It did get a little wrinkly in a place or two because I didn’t wait long enough for the Tombow Mono Multi to set, but look how smooth that is. It would never be that smooth with white glue or a glue stick.

I’m almost out of that bottle of TMM, but I have another unopened one, so I’m not worried. It lasts a very long time.

I might go around only the outside edge of that curio thing with this wood-look contact paper so that when the bed is down (which will be never, but just in case) the platform frame will look like wood.

I’ll see how I feel about/ how it looks with the whole thing being pink first. Wood grain might look really weird with how low detail most of the rest of the house is, though the stickers are a little more detailed.

Either way, the rest of that is basically simple rectangles. As long as I don’t screw up my measurements too much, it shouldn’t be too headache inducing to complete.

Still thinking about making the battery port cover look like a fuse box, or maybe just sticking a little picture  in a frame on it or something. It’ll look bad regardless. All that matters is that I can get to the screw, really. It’s not like I’ll ever put batteries in it, but someone might some day.

I think I would like to make that weirdly shaped crib storage spot (thank you @dollsahoy​ for figuring that out for me) into, like... Maybe put some little cleaning supplies in there? like a bucket and some cleaning cloths and maybe a tiny broom or mop, or maybe pet supplies since there are sticker animals EVERYWHERE on this thing. There are like 3 dogs and 7 cats (that is an exaggeration but only slightly).

I stopped buying non-toy Mini Brands so I don’t have any of the kitty litter boxes or anything convenient like that.

I could also just whip up a “door” and cover over the space completely with yet another faux cabinet.

AND I was looking at the MGA MiniVerse balls I have. The smaller one is pretty much exactly the right size AND shape for the fountain cutout on the back of this door.

It would stick out a lot, though, so I might make something else to put there like a rack for garden tools or a narrow planter box or something, just to keep the profile of the house smaller which makes it easier to store.

That could also be a place to put a pet stuff station to hang leashes on or something like that.

-

I don’t intend to buy furniture for the house I don’t think. I do have a bunch of My Scene furniture sitting around though it’s not colors that would work with this space, and if I buy one of the Gloria sets (or the coveted Avon set....) they come with kitchen chairs and a table and I think I’ll most likely have this set to kitchen most of the time, if not fireplace.

Modern Barbie furniture isn’t the right colors or style.

-

So decisions I [still] need to make:

how to decorate the fireplace room wall, mantle, and the fireplace itself

what colors to apply to basically everything in the kitchen, especially the appliances, little bits of wall above the cabinets, and the backsplash

whether or not to do detail painting in the kitchen like adding color to the stovetop, faucet, and drawer pulls

which dishes to get and whether to buy dishes that are already done, get some cheap ones and paint them, try making my own again, or something else

whether to use the Mini Brands shelving brackets as modular shelving or make my own foam board shelves

-

..... The only thing I did today was make a pink rectangle. Ugh.

[the-meme-monarch]

May we have some of your Michelle headcanons too? 🥺👉👈

YAYAAAA I REALLY WANTED TO DO THIS ONE

-i mentioned this in the dr dandy one but I like to think she’s deaf! physically got no ears. she's been deaf her whole life but i don't think she can get an implant bc. no ears. she can talk pretty well but she does prefer using jsl

-unfortunately most people in llt don't know jsl. dandy is her preferred gossip partner bc, even though she doesn't really like him, he Does know jsl and will sign as he talks to her. and well he's willing to partake in a little bit of gossip too 💅

-whicg her being deaf is a little funny considering how she sweeps over batayan's busking tin considering she can't. actually Hear his music/voice. HATES his vibrations ig

-again w my hc that most no one in llt is fully human, in her official illustration she has these sketchy lines on her toes but not her hands and those lines kinda make it look like claws so i think she Had retractable claws, but the complainpot cult uh. made her get declawed. so you can imagine how that contributes to her Generally bad mood and stress (she's so wrinkly. reminder that she's only 29 years old)

-dandy refused to help her get declawed bc Hey You're Not Supposed To Remove Those. but she was so Deep into the cult that she just. went to another doctor out of town who would. part of why she didn't like dandy was bc he was trying to talk her out of it and after she Did it he was trying to at least get her on pain meds so her hands wouldn't like. hurt all the time, which she Again refused bc of the cult. post-game she has left the cult and she is now on pain meds

-lesbian and yet to realize it bc she's been repressing it. hardcore

-she really likes animals :] rocky and the cat love her. she's always got treats for them. i think post-game she feeds the birds (during the game she refuses to "make a mess" by leaving birdseed around)

-showing her mr cheapot's card reveals he's the only person in town she likes, she also says "he sent me eggplants the other day". i like to think they've been friends for a while, if he knows she likes eggplant, despite her not being allowed to eat them bc of the cult <:']

-i think they Started being friends bc of rocky HSBSJNEBE

-i obviously. don't know any specifics about cults so i dnt know how she could've came to join the complainpot cult. but for a while i thought maybe it was bc of cheapot. he's the only person she likes, he says he cleans his house every morning, and in the japanese guide book there's a drawing of him in religious garb??. look at this

but he gifted her eggplants. which if they're both in the cult he should know she can no longer eat them. which also he's very nice so i don't want to think hes in the cult and harming michelle when he's The Only Person she likes :[ also this looks to be a ceremonial pope robe?? but well we don't know where the complainpot cult Originated

-post-game she's also taken up hula hooping as a hobby (based on this piece of concept art :])

[propheciesanddreams]

Feliz Compleaños, Mon Étoile (Part 1)

Hello friends, it was a very special person(to me and the world)’s birthday yesterday! @luna13e-blog turned the amazing 3-0 yesterday! This is part one of her birthday gift. She asked for Dorlene and I threw in some Wolfstar. Here’s a little Dorlene and Wolfstar pre-double date fluff and silliness (and a few lines of spice there cause can’t have Wolfstar without it). Hope you like it my darling. 

Part 1 includes perspectives of Marlene and Remus, tomorrow I’ll post part 2 which contains the date and perspectives from Dorcas and Sirius. 

Marlene jumped over the couch in the Gryffindor common room to plop down next to its other occupant, Sirius Black. He was, surprisingly, reading a textbook and looking quite studious which was hilarious to Marlene and she just had to interrupt. 

“Hello!” She exclaimed close to his ear. He grimaced at her and rubbed at his ear as though he were batting away a mosquito. Marlene chuckled and then leaned back onto the couch. She reached into her robes pocket and pulled out an apple she had stowed away after lunch. Taking a bite from it, she surveyed her friend. He was really committing to the studying act today. His hair was pulled up into a messy bun with his wand and he was deep in concentration. This wouldn’t do. Marlene pulled her legs up under her on the couch and took yet another noisy bite of apple. She relished in the annoyed wrinkle in Sirius’ brow that she elicited. 

“What is it, Marlene?” He finally acknowledged her though he did not set the book down and that annoyed wrinkle only got deeper. 

"Your face will age if you keep looking like that." Marlene joked and took another bite of apple, smiling at the sweet crunch of it. 

"Jokes on you, I'm never getting old." Sirius retorted. "Unlike you. You'll be old, grey, and wrinkly and I'll be forever young." 

"Yeah right." Marlene wrinkled her nose. "No, not me. I'll die tragically in my twenties, I can feel it." 

"That's morbid." Sirius set his book down now and swung his legs up on the couch so they were looking at each other face-to-face now. "Neither of us will die young, we just won't grow old." 

"I'm not sure that's how it works, Black." 

"Well, pray tell, McKinnon, have you interrupted my studying in order to predict my early death or did you have something else to say?" Sirius tilted his head to the side as he spoke. He looked just like his brother when he did that, but Marlene would not be the one to tell him so. 

"Don't tell me you've forgotten." Marlene took another bite out of the apple. She wondered if the kitchens did something to the fruit to keep it tasting so sweet even in the middle of winter as it was. 

"Forgotten?" Sirius questioned. 

"Oh!" Marlene jumped up on her knees, springing forward to grasp one of Sirius' hands in her own. "You have forgotten! Oh this is deliciously funny!" 

"What? What did I forget, Mar. Please have pity on me, I'm exhausted! I don't think I've slept in three nights not with exams and then getting ready for my brother's birthday, and the mo��" He cut himself off abruptly and now it was Marlene's turn to look at him funny. He coughed as if covering something up. It was a very poor job for one of Gryffindor's own "Marauders". 

"I don't care about whatever prank you're planning, so long as it doesn't interrupt tonight!" Marlene gave him some pity from his fake cover up, it didn't matter what he was planning anyway. Those four were always up to something and the school was on alert because there hadn't been a decent prank in over a month so they had to be planning something big. 

"Right, tonight… just so we're on the same page, will you tell me what you know and I'll let you know if the prank coincides." Sirius asked, slowly. 

"You better be joking, Black!" She hit his arm teasingly then noticed his expression remained confused and she hit him again harder. "Sirius! Tonight! Our double date?" 

Realisation dawned on Sirius' face. "Oh shit! That's tonight! It's the 12th already? Oh shit!" 

"Yes! You idiot!" Marlene hissed. "Please tell me you've told Remus." 

"Remus… yes… of course… by any chance have you seen him recently?" 

"Merlin, you're hopeless!" She pinched her nose and then with a shooing motion added, "He left lunch early to go to the library." Sirius leapt off the couch, throwing his book down on the seat he'd previously been occupying. 

"Thanks, Mar!" He yelled over his shoulder from just inside the portrait hole.

"Great Hall at six!" She yelled back, shaking her head. 

~~~

"Mr. Black! This is a library not the quidditch pitch and I urge you to remember that!" The librarian's screeching caused Remus to look up and shake his head and the subject of her screams. Sirius had just barrelled in and nearly knocked over a cart full of books to be reshelved, he was very much like Padfoot if Remus did say so.

"Yes, sorry! I will be more cautious." He apologised with that Black family charm he and his brother seemed to be so good at turning on. Remus rolled his eyes when he noticed Sirius was looking at him. Of course, who else would he have come to bother. 

"I thought I could escape your chaos in here." He grumbled, pushing aside the parchment he had been writing on. There would be no work getting done now. 

"I'll have you know that I was actually studying–" 

"Oh yeah, I believe that." Remus retorted with a smirk.

"Hey! I was!" Sirius pleaded. "Anyway, but then Marlene interrupted by reminding me of our date tonight." 

"You and Marlene, huh?" Remus raised his eyebrow and made himself taller in his seat. That wasn't difficult against Sirius, though he was still standing at the moment which gave him a bit of advantage. Sirius, to his defence, looked back at Remus in defiance before shaking his head. 

"So, how much do you love me?" 

"How much are you going to make it up to me?" He looked directly into Sirius' eyes, holding his stare until the other boy blushed and understood his meaning. He looked around and quickly cast a Muffliato before leaning in close to Remus' ear. 

"Please, Moony. Please let me make it up to you. I’ll get on my knees for you and let you fuck my throat.” Remus shivered at the thought and reached over to curl his hand around the back of Sirius’ neck at the thought. His fingers intertwined with long locks of hair. 

“What do you mean let me?” He growled and received a very satisfying gulp from his boyfriend. 

“Please, Moony, please let me get on my knees for you and have you fuck my throat.” His voice was absolute sin. 

“Good pup, since you look so beautiful begging, yes. That will more than make up for it.” Remus muttered and then pushed back to survey Sirius. He let go of his neck and folded his hands on the table in front of him. Sirius already looked a mess, lust filled eyes and practically drooling, he was too good for Remus. "Now," he smirked up at his boyfriend, "You signed us up for a date with Marlene and Dorcas?" He pulled his essay back towards him trying to present a bored expression. 

"Erm, yes. Hogsmeade tonight for dinner." Sirius nervously played with the hem of his shirt. "Six."  He added. 

Remus looked around, the library was still fairly empty. He stilled Sirius' hand at the hem of his shirt and pulled him in for a quick kiss. "See you at six."

[cjp-film]

Hands of Men - On Set

Day 1

Having not been on set in a while, I was looking forward to getting back into it. Our first shoot day was the 9th November at 5:30 pm until 11pm. I was working closely alongside Cara, who had brought many props to design the set with. We had been on location (Abbie’s room) the day before to move furniture around, accommodating all the equipment that we needed to fill the room with. We decided that we wanted to use any red props to design the set with, such as vases, plant pots, books, plants. It was a big decision whether we wanted the room to look bleak or homely. The initial inspiration for the room in the moodboard was to be empty, signifying the breakdown of the couple’s relationship.

On set, we decided this didn’t work because it simply looked unfinished, like there was no production design apart from the props mentioned in the script. So we decorated the surfaces like so:

… making sure we had a lovely composition of red objects in the frame. This of course included Violet’s costume, the big red gift box and the blood marks on the hand. I liked the choice of red not only because of the aesthetic, but also because it symbolises love, and blood - foreshadowing the events to follow. Additionally, it looks good with the specific lighting setup used by the camera team.

The first shot we captured was a dolly zoom/ close up, so little attention was needed for production design here. However, as spare ‘hands’ on set, Cara, Hayley and I were cast as extras. We played the hands of the women in the flashback (with painted red nail varnish I might add).

After the set and first shot was finished, the art department were responsible for keeping an eye on continuity, making sure props and costumes were kept in the right place. The main props which needed resetting were Violet’s blindfold and the ribbon on the gift box, as both are removed halfway through a shot. We had to take a lot of pictures to make sure we were as accurate as possible.

Day 2

Second day of shooting was at 2pm on the 10th November. This was the day we needed the extra hands for the final shot. Cara had made replicas of the main one, and I was to paint them. As these hands have already been cut off in the film, they need to look more dead than before. They had a base layer of white spray paint which I think worked well as pallid skin. I then used a sponge to add the same grey I used before, but mixed in a lot more red and purple for the blood. We also had fake blood, which we had to pour over the pile of hands, to make sure they looked freshly cut off. Cara and I had to experiment with this first, so we lay down the carpet which we were going to use and began dripping the blood, making sure it pooled in the right places and splattered over the fingers etc. It was actually pretty difficult to make it look realistic, as the blood would sometimes absorb into the rug, or the splats would look unnatural. Plus the fake blood was sticky, and made me feel queasy. We needed a good composition to pile the hands for the perfect looking shot.

As the shot we needed the extra hands for was the very last one, we had to leave the bloody mess, and the blood just seemed to disappear. This meant we needed to revisit it later, which was fine as we had plenty of fake blood. The final shot did look incredible:

Apart from mastering this (at the end), we had still needed to keep an eye on continuity. The biggest problem we had today was the hand itself. It had been worn in, and started to look slightly wrinkly. This meant a lot of quick readjusting of the fingers, bending them into place before rolling the camera.

We were also worried about how the shot of the hand rolling onto the floor may look. As it was just papier mâché, it didn’t have the right weight, and getting it to roll from the right angle was going to be a challenge. We succeeded, however, though it took a lot of rehearsing. It was nerve wracking as we only had one take to get it right - as the blood would stain the carpet.

I was amazed with how good the hand looked on camera….

…and was amazed with the talent shown by the rest of the cast and crew. Here are a few bts photos of how the shoot went:

Well done everyone.

Producer - Abbie George

Writer - Hayley Exton

Director - Paula Sosa Martín

1st AD - Vanessa Townsend

DoP - Max Brodbeck

1st AC - Oliwia Szostka

2nd AC - Owen Neill

Gaffer - Lewis Norton

Sound Recordist - Sophie Brownlow

Boom Op (Day 1) - Mara Prentice

Boom Op (Day 2) - Gabrielle Hafner

Script Supervisor - Krisztián Kajtár

Production Designer - Cara Fidelo

Art Department - Catherine Paterson

On-Set Photographer - Taylor Cowe

Violet - Isabella Dellazari Velarde

Richard - Peter Morrison

OSP and FW

[stationerybear]

Hobonichi A6 Notebook First Impressions

Overall, I'm not completely sold on Hobonichi, but I've only done some basic tests with a few pens and colors. Many, many more thoughts plus pictures under the read more (the lighting in my pictures isn't great since it's overcast, but I wanted to get this posted sooner rather than later). I'm far from being an expert on any of this stuff, but these are all my genuine impressions of the book so far.

Honestly, I was surprised by the thickness of the cover. The cover struck me as pretty flimsy based on what I had seen in videos, but it actually feels relatively thick and sturdy compared to my expectations. I'm sure it would leave a wrinkly crease if I were to bend it too much, as it is still a bit flexible. I was pretty impressed that such a small, thin notebook could lay open flat in the way that Hobonichi books do.

I did have to crack the spine a bit to keep the book open at first, but there were few issues keeping it open on it's own after breaking it in a little. Although, that then makes the front cover lift, which I don't super love.

It'd be nice it there was a little elastic to keep it closed since the cover isn't heavy enough to keep the book closed on it's own. I'm sure there are ones I could buy separately or a cover that could help keep it closed, but I'm trying to use a cheaper introduction to Hobonichi products before deciding to make a larger investment in accessories and bigger books. In the meantime, I'll just deal with it or use a hair tie to keep it closed if I feel like I have to lol.

I heard someone in a Hobonichi unboxing video talk about how the paper smells really nice, which, at the time, I thought was a little odd. But I can see why she said that now lol. I was flipping through the pages and caught a whiff, and it does smell really nice. It's distinctly different from the smell of old Yugioh cards from when I was a little kid, but something about the book makes me nostalgic for them. I told my brother to smell it, too, and it made him nostalgic for Christmas at our old house when he was a little kid. Couldn't say exactly why though. (He kept sticking his face in the pages and inhaling, and I had to tell him to stop before he sucked all the scent out of my notebook lol.)

As far as my thoughts on actually using the Tomoe River paper, I'm... not super impressed right now? I do like how it feels tactilely; it's very smooth, thin, and pleasant to flip through (it almost reminds me of the paper Bibles are usually printed on from what I remember). But it ghosts as much as I've seen it do in videos, and as I've said, I don't love ghosting. Makes the paper feel too busy to read properly. I also primarily use gel pens, especially my Uniball Signo 207 Micro, and boy howdy does it take a long time for gel pens to dry enough not to smear.

Even after a few minutes, my Uniball pen was still smearing after I wiped it. I've recently started trying out the Pilot Frixion Erasable pen (thoughts on that to come), and it's a very wet, runny pen but dried enough not to smear after about 20 seconds. Good thing about that pen is that if it does smear, it can be erased adequately enough. Paper Mate Inkjoy gel pens also take a long time to dry. After a few minutes of testing other pens, I flipped the page to check how the ghosting was, which left residue from some of the pens on the cover page.

I also tested a few Pigma Micron pens (02, 05, and PN), and those dried much faster than the gel pens I tested. 02 dried the fastest, probably because it was the thinnest tip size and deposited the least amount of ink onto the paper. I found that the Stabilo Point 88 fineliner pens and a BIC ballpoint blue ink pen had no smearing when I tested them. The Tombow Fudenosuke hard tip pen did not smudge when I tested it. The black Staedtler Triplis fineliner I tested smudged a lot, but the light blue color did not in the one test I did.

Unfortunately, I don't use many of these pens for casual writing and moreso to add nice lettering or pops of color in my journals that I use as creative outlets. Again, I prefer gel pens for longer-form writing.

I'm not 100% sure if this book has the new Tomoe River S paper or not. I assume it does since it is a 2023 notebook, but again, I don't know for certain. I've seen that the new Tomoe River S paper smears less than the older Tomoe River paper with some pens in tests I've watched, but I don't have anything to personally compare to what I'm using. It's a bit of a bummer if this is the supposedly current version of the paper that I can't really use my favorite pen in this book because the ink stays wet on the page for so long and is likely to smudge.

I also tested a few Mildliner pens and Tombow Dual Brush Pens to see if there was ghosting or bleeding from those. Happy to report no bleeding! Though, I didn't layer the colors much, so I might test the threshold for bleeding or warping of the paper at a later time. The little bit of layering I did do for one of the Tombow pens did make the writing on the other side ghost more obviously (I'd almost say it made the ink from the other side of the page bleed through, but I don't think that's quite accurate).

I want to test some other things in this book, like sticking in ephemera, pictures, washi tape, and stickers to see how much bulk it adds to the book since I like adding a lot of things like that to my journals. I'm also curious how much I'll end up tearing the paper when I erase either pencil or the Pilot Frixion because I tear and crumple thicker paper than this when I erase pencil if I'm not being careful.

I do think the different colored grids are a neat feature for this little notebook and could work well for sectioning off different parts of your book for different functions (commonplacing, planning, daily pages, general notes, etc.). I don't know if I will end up doing that or not since I sometimes just put whatever I want wherever I want in journals lol, but it's nice that the option is there.

(Image from Hobonichi's listing of the book)

I'll also say the grid spaces are much smaller than I expected. For some reason, I thought they were 5mm but are actually 3.7mm, which is apparently the same in A5 Hobonichi books. I'll have to see if I can adapt to such a small size since I'm used to 5mm grids in my Artist Loft dot grid journals.

I'll probably be using this notebook a lot at work over the next week or so since I jot down a lot of notes there, and I'd like to try doing some personal-ish entries with things I can stick into the book. I might use the different colored grids to mark off different sections of use for the book since the option is conveniently there, but we'll see. I'll try to gather some more thoughts in the meantime while I use the book more at length, and hopefully, I'll be able to come to a conclusion if I think getting a Hobonichi planner for the new year will be worth it for me.

[shanicenessssssssss]

Travel Tales Pt. 2

Please read Travel Tales Pt. 1, if you haven't already been introduced to my shenanigans:

Now, let's continue.

I’ve always believed that I wasn’t confident enough and didn’t have the ability to do this Thing. I somehow felt as though I was lacking the special something that was absolutely necessary to plan and execute a trip that Travelers(TM) had, and I didn’t.

That’s bullshit.

The only difference between them and me, is that they did it, and I’m being a lil bitch about it.

What I’m also growing to understand is that confidence, for me, is NOT strolling into the airport, designer shades on, Louis Vuitton Carryall perched atop my suitcase, strutting into the departure lounge 5 minutes before the plane door shuts, and demanding noisily to be let on the flight and feeling 1000% sure that I will arrive in Jamaica a short while later. It might be for somebody else, though. Do you, sis.

Confidence to me, looks like having a structure, strategy and a plan. I thrive when I have a timeline, and allotted time for ‘what if’ situations. I want to cover all my bases. (Guess what my Myers-Briggs is, lol)

I have the option to fly to Piarco International Airport in Trinidad literally immediately before the JA flight - landing in Piarco at 7:30 AM, disembarking, and probably running like a bat out of hell to the international departure gate (which I have no idea where that is yet, btw), cuz the JA flight boarding time begins at 7:00 AM.

Just know that I have woken up with cold sweats, thinking about that horrid scenario.

I’ve learned quite unpleasantly over the years that when you are in rush, things that can go wrong will most definitely go wrong (Murphy's Law?). Your clothes are all wrinkly cuz you can't find an iron. Your driver arrives 20 minutes later than expected. All the traffic lights you meet are on red. You get stuck behind the slowest driver on planet earth. Everybody in front of you walks SO SLOWLY.

I’ve learned that I do not thrive in chaos. I very much prefer to structure my schedule so that I am sitting comfortably in the departure lounge long before my flight is announced, calmly reading a book and sipping on some coffee, or eavesdropping on my fellow travelers’ conversations, or typing up the next installation of Travel Tales, or all of the above. The aforementioned ‘bat out of hell’ scenario may very well happen, but that is confined to Plan Z, to be utilized well after Plans A to Y have been exhausted.

Or, I can say Fuck It, and push myself out of my comfort zone of plans and structure, implement Plan Z and trust that God would allow for everything to run smoothly.

*cue Jeopardy timer music*

Decisions, decisions.

Kisses,

S.

[promiseiwillwrite]

Whatever comes Up ~ March

So here we are, three days in.

This is my only day off in a span of 12 days. I've been good, and doing my physical therapy exercises. All my muscles in my left hip and butt are mad at me. My Right hip is complaining, and my Low back as well. There has been a lot of "Spring Transition Weather" out here, and I think the barometer is probably sea sick at this point.

I have not seen the mouse again.

The Other people that live in my head have more or less stuck around... It's less crowded than it was before, like all of them have day jobs or something... Like they aren't there most of the time, but pop in to visit. It Really feels like self care.

I saw Theater Girl in her red dress again. There were discussions about changes. Discussions about maturity, and sexuality, and values. and where we sit with all that. Daemeon asked me to start playing D&D again. It just so happens that my friend is short some players...

I have done a bit of knitting here and there. Learning stitches still, and seeing the differences in the resulting fabric when you use all Garter stitches, or the sockinette stitch. Learning to tighten things up.

Tried crochet, but I think I used a yarn that was just too fuzzy to start off with. The hook kept grabbing the individual threads of the wrong twist. I tried it out when I was too tired, as well, which could have contributed to the issues. I will re-attempt with a tighter string, and see if I can get the process down a little more concretely before making another attempt with the fuzzy yarn.

I would Really like to make myself a witch hat... But It looks like the pattern for the one I fancy is definitely a crochet pattern.

On the first, I reached out to the inner and outer wilds at the end of my day, and opened the entreaty to whatever might come up.

And I think the creature that came has been waiting for their turn since my cat died.

There is a Mushroom that lives in my back yard that Bloomed with caps in the middle of January. The mushrooms were a dark brown. about two inches tall, and an inch and a half across, with a wrinkly cap. I THINK they are Helvella lacunosa, a type of Elfin Saddle. But I am having a hard time getting a good ID because the fruiting bodies have all vanished. Nothing in the pictures I am seeing looks right. Helvellas are a little too convoluted. Based on some of the pictures in a book I have, they look a little more like Psilocybe stuntzii, but I don't think these pictures are dark enough for what was growing out of the lawn, the color of wet coffee grounds.

At any rate, the entire yard at the bottom of the steps around the porch kind of gets watered when I water all my plants.

That whole area was just covered with mushrooms. I must conclude that the body of the mushroom exists in a huge swathe around the porch, in the grass and soil that has been seeing some incidental love for several many years.

And on the first, I was visited by a Mushroom Fairy.

The mushroom fairy looks like they are covered with black hairs, except for the exposed skin of their face, hands and midriff, which are blue.

I won't lie. I am afraid of the Folk. Okay, Afraid is maybe a strong word. I feel very anxious, cautious, self-conscious, and vulnerable around them. Maybe Afraid is the correct word after all. I have felt like I have had to be very careful of my words. I think this one actually does want to be friends, though, and I don't want to piss them off.

So far, they seem nice. I feel like they really do want to be friends, and don't really have another agenda.

They DID say something that kind of stuck in my craw, however. They said I was one of them, and expressed sorrow that I was so buttoned up. And they meant a fairy. And I am definitely a Human. But my mom always told me that she made a deal with fairies to get me. But my mom says a lot of fucked up shit because that's her way of being edgy.

I have definitely not asserted a priority for enjoying what I like in my life in many areas, because enjoying what I like seems to hurt people, and I've found that I don't like hurting people. I've had to find ways of enjoying myself quietly, and safely, away from others, that don't upset anyone.

But I still look across the fences of my boundaries and daydream. I'm just wise enough in my old age to realize that not having a thing that I want doesn't have to mean I am unhappy with my life. Especially when I would have to put in Huge Effort to get what I think I would want.

There is part of me that thinks this MAY be a large gymnastic routine that I have to do to avoid the laser grid of admitting that I have unmet desires.

The other part of me is fairly certain that this is better than setting fire to my life and the lives of those around me, which could be an immediate result of fucking around and finding out in this area.

More later.

[try-set-me-on-fire]

I was trying to draw a nice picture of them at their wedding to reply to this with but it wasn’t turning out well so. Here’s Eddie being sad instead. Also on ao3!

Eddie watches the heart monitor like a hawk, though he knows the rhythm isn’t going to change much. Stable, the doctors keep saying. Mr. Buckley is stable with their serious faces and soothing voices, and then his lungs stopped working and they hooked him up to more machines and Eddie wasn’t even there, because his love is lying not quite dead but not really alive on a stiff hospital mattress but their son is at home and frightened. He’d been in their kitchen making mac n cheese — the boxed kind that comes out bright orange, Buck would make faces at him for it — while tubes had been inserted into Buck’s femoral artery to take his blood outside his body and pump it full of air. Stable he was told when he returned late that night after he’d finally convinced Chris to go to sleep, after Chimney had paused where he was setting up the couch for sleeping and pulled him into a tight hug before he went out the door. Buck is stable, but he’s in organ failure. Buck is stable, but he’s been comatose for three days. Buck is stable but he died Monday night, up a ladder a hundred feet away even though on Sunday he’d looked at Eddie with tears still in his eyes and said I don’t want to be alone.

“Chris won’t do his homework,” Eddie says. His voice isn’t horse, he’s had to speak plenty, even though the words every time try to strangle in his throat. “The reading for the book report. He doesn't want to get too far ahead of you." He strokes his thumb across the pale skin of the back of his hand.

He didn't touch Buck till the end of the second day. He kept thinking about the time Buck had whispered to him about how long it took to get himself to wash away Eddie's blood after the shooting.

"I was so afraid," he'd said, pressed so close and safe under the covers, sharing a pillow and dropping the words gently between them, "That it was the last part of you that would ever touch me."

So Eddie had sat there next to Buck and all the machines and tried to remember. The last time, the very last time, Eddie had snapped his ribs like twigs as he’d restarted his heart, and that can’t be it. He’d clapped him on the back before he went up the ladder, did that count? When was the last time their skin touched? They were already in gear on their way to the scene, so at the station? Buck had handed Eddie coffee that morning, and his hand had lingered over his on the mug. Surely they’d touched since then but it's the last time Eddie could clearly recall. He tried to hang onto it, a sweet gesture from this sweet man, but he was weak in the end and couldn’t resist taking Buck’s not quite warm hand.

The ECMO steadily hums. “He’s afraid it has a sad ending.” He wants to hold onto Buck till their skin gets old and thin and loses all elasticity. “You make those better.” You’ll call me handsome even when I’m really awfully wrinkly. “I offered to read the chapters to you but it’s- he says it’s not the same.”

A noise behind him. A nurse coming in. Eddie’s not sure he recognizes this one, which seems impossible. Surely he’s on a first name basis with every employee in this goddamn place, at this point. He nods at her, politely, she nods at him, apologetically, and then she bustles around reading outputs and checking IV lines. Eddie goes back to remembering how to keep breathing when Buck took all oxygen with him.

“Sorry…”

He startles. “What?”

The nurse points past him, to the ECMO set up. “I need to get to those, dear.”

“Right, sorry.” The only time he really thinks taking Buck’s hand was a mistake is when he has to let go again, but he manages, stands up, steps back. It doesn’t take long. He’s back in the chair and holding him again in less time than Buck was dead.

“Your team seems very close.”

“Sorry?”

“You’re all first responders, right? Firefighters?” The nurse smiles, gently. She’s middle aged, curly hair going gray. “I don’t think he’s been alone since he got here. And we’ve got quite a crowd in the waiting room.” She must see something apologetic on his face because she follows that up with “It’s no trouble. I think it’s good, in cases like these, when there’s a lot of support.”

Eddie almost asks her to clarify. Good because Buck will need it when he wakes, or because the rest of them will need it if he doesn’t? “Yeah. All a family.” I’ll survive, Buck, I promised, but god please don’t make me survive it just yet. He squeezes Buck’s hand, where they didn’t let him put his engagement ring back on in case he codes again and they need to defibrillate. “We’re getting married.” He smiles at the nurse, and then at Buck, nodding at him like he’ll open his mouth to chime in about venues they’d just barely started to look into. “In August. He says it has the best sunsets.”

Her smile is soft, and Eddie tries to blink past the sadness in it. “I was married in the summer, he’s right. Very hot, though.”

Eddie actually laughs. “Well. Firefighters. We’re used to the heat.”

She laughs, too, and Eddie’s chest feels a little loose and achy. Wake up for me, wake up and laugh for me, come on, my laugh doesn’t sound right when it’s not next to yours. “You’ll have to send me an invitation,” she says, marking things down on the chart hooked to Buck’s bed.

“We will,” Eddie promises. He’s lost track of how many staff he’s offered the same to. We’ll have to go for one of the bigger venues, baby, you liked that big outdoor space in Malibu, right?

“Someone will be back in an hour or so to change his lines,” she informs him, and then they’re alone again.

Eddie breathes in deep, sighs it back out. “You gotta wake up before I cost us a fortune for catering.”

Ah, me and Bobby can handle it, Buck would say, grinning overconfidence.

“That’s a lot of people, Buck, a lot of food.”

Well, Eddie imagines a shrug. There’s two of us.

“Three if you’d let me help,” Eddie smiles.

Buck in his mind scrunches his nose. You know I love you so much. I’m never going to let that happen.

”I’m not so bad in the kitchen anymore.”

Not so bad… Eddie can hear his laughter so clearly it’s sort of surprising that his face doesn’t move. It’s our wedding, Eds, I want it to better than not so bad.

“Alright,” Eddie agrees, running a finger over the bones of Buck’s wrist. “I’ll stay out of the kitchen. Anything you want.” Air or words get caught in his throat. “Wake- please Buck, wake up, please- I- I need-“

Breathe in. Breathe out. Trace his fingers, his bones, find paths through his freckles. Eddie used to not know it was possible to love every inch of someone’s skin.

“It’s alright,” he says, “It’s okay, if you need a little longer. Take your time.” He leans forward, presses one kiss to the back of his hand. “I’ll wait right here for you.”

Eddie settles back in his chair. He looks at the heart rate monitor. The rhythm is stable.

@try-set-me-on-fire brick im billing you for my therapy because what the fuck was this

[sada-siva-sanyaasi]

capture you headcannons (2):

capture you \ green \ blue \ red \ headcannons part 1

@manwalaage @lil-stark @thewinchestergirl1208 @gauri-vishalakshi @rambheem-is-real @seherie @idrinktea-darling @contemporarykafka @redirection04 @itsfookingloosah @nerdreader @adrakchutneyofficial @reallythoughtfulwizard @maraudersfansassemble @darlingletshurttonight @crystalchrysalis19

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Ram and Y/N showed affection to each other very often, but in their own ways.

Ram was a very open person, and publicly showed the love he had for his wife either by constantly touching her, keeping her in his line of sight or by daydreaming about her why they were apart.

Y/N did it a little different, by sending him his favourite foods, a small letter inside his box meant only for him to find with the sweetest note, and tending to him when he returned home, massaging his head and pressing gentle kisses onto his forehead and lips while he slept peacefully in her lap, not a care in the world.

This however, changed when Seetha delivered the news to him.

"Y/N," she gasped as she reached him, struggling to catch her breath but smiling like they had finally won independence. "Ram, your wife is pregnant!"

Ram froze entirely.

Bheem was the first to celebrate, hugging the life out of Ram and jumping around while Ram stayed rooted in his spot, blinking.

Jenny rushed along with Seetha to check on Y/N while Ram's uncle came along and thumped his back, finally bringing him to his senses.

"Won't you even go and see your wife, Ram?"

"My wife," Ram murmured, a smile slowly growing on his face as he ran to his horse, pushing past people. "I need to see my wife, move!"

"I'm coming with you!" Bheem yelled, rushing to find his bike as Ram galloped to his house, too excited to even hear his brother behind him.

Ram and Bheem reached at almost the same time to his house, walking in and seeing Jenny and Seetha walk out of the couple's room with massive smiles. They smiled wider when they saw Ram, giving him affectionate hugs and walking to the kitchen.

Ram moved the curtains and walked inside, looking to the bed to see Y/N sit up as she usually does, going through a book as she bit into an apple, humming to herself.

He walked in, crawling onto the bed and sitting beside her as Y/N immediately melted into his arms, snuggling closer as she waved the book in front of him.

"The guy in this book, Mr. Darcy? Total piece of shit but so so romantic, Ram."

"I should wash that mouth of yours, since when did you get so foul?"

She looked up, pouting slightly as tears filled her eyes. "Since I found out there's a child inside me. What if I become a bad mother? What if I become wrinkly and ugly and old immediately after birth? What if-"

Ram silenced her with a soft kiss, pulling her closer and rubbing her back comfortingly as she held onto him.

"You'll be the best mother to our daughter, I am very sure of it."

"How, though?"

"Bangaram, have you seen the way you handle an entire village of kids and Seetha and Jenny and Bheem and the worst of all, me? You can take on motherhood with ease. God I hope she's as beautiful and as intelligent as you, our little girl."

Y/N smiled through her tears, pressing a soft kiss to Ram's cheek and resting her head on his chest, listening to his heart. "And I hope she's as brave and gifted in shooting as you are."

"Although I'm surprised you got pregnant so quick," Ram observed while scoffed, elbowing him.

"Of course I got pregnant. Did you leave me alone at least one night in the last month, you insatiable monster?"

"We don't have to go that far, mehbooba."

"Then shut up and care for me, shoharji."

The other three cooed silently watching the happy couple, knowing they would be just fine.

Which, truth be told they were.

Ram was just... a tad little too much.

Too much enough for Y/N to almost throw him out of the house at multiple occasions.

He watched over everything she did, including where she set her foot to how she was setting her foot over there.

Ram carried her everywhere unless she grabbed his ear and told him she could do things herself, which Y/N had to do at least ten times a day.

He refused to let her eat anything that he deemed unhealthy, and force fed her foods which he heard were healthy from elderly women and things he remembered from his mother's pregnancy.

"I love my husband, I really do, and I don't want to kill him." Seetha and Jenny once heard Y/N mutter under her breath as Ram smiled dopily at her, telling her about the exercises she needed to do as she had entered her second trimester.

Bheem saw Y/N glare at Ram so viciously while he was cutting up fruits for her, that he got scared enough to leave the house and not see either of them the whole week.

All he did was care for her, dote on her and when he thought and figured she didn't need anything else, he put his head on her belly and listened to his kid, talking all the time.

What pissed Y/N off more than anything else was how Ram was completely in his own world, blissfully ignorant and unaware of how her bloodlust was growing everyday beat him to pulp.

So, she did.

"Ram." She called out once as they neared the eighth month, her belly swollen and feet sore, cheeks puffed with how much she was fed everyday and body glowing because of all the love Ram showered on her daily.

Ram walked in with a huge smile, settling down next to her and pressing a kiss to her hair as he babbled on, "So I heard from the old folks and found a book on the end trimester specifically-" "Ram I want to slap you."

Silence.

"What did you say, bangaram?"

"I said I want to slap you, Ram. And hit you. And pull your hair, and twist your nose, and pinch your thighs, and-"

"O-Okay, okay. I get it. Is it because I'm too doting and being a wonderful husband?"

Jenny sighed and shook her head while Seetha slapped a hand over her mouth in the kitchen.

Ram was going to be butchered.

"No, I think it's because I don't see you in pain. Your legs are not swollen, your hair is not falling out, you're not getting sad looking at birds in the sky, or weighing much more than you did eight months ago, with a child playing all sorts of sports inside your belly. Can I hit you, please?"

Ram watched her carefully as she struggled not to cry, her grip on the bed growing tight as she glared at him.

"Do whatever you want bangaram, I'm absolutely no one to stop you, right?"

Y/N began to cry, holding onto him and hitting his chest as she babbled nonsense, Ram rubbing her back and rocking her back and forth.

Eventually she fell asleep, lulled by his heartbeat and a mindless tune he hummed under his breath.

Ram didn't understand the pains and struggles of pregnancy like other women did, but he proved in his own way that he was not going anywhere.

In a time where none of them knew their futures, Y/N only got ready to become a mother because she knew no one could be a better father than Ram.

And then she went into labour.

Ram stayed awake through the night while his wife screamed in pain from the delivery room in the hospital, the rest of them watching him pace across the area in anxiety.

Bheem went up and comforted Ram by putting a hand on his shoulder, patting slowly. "Anna, she will be fine. She's the strongest of us all, who knows it better than you?"

Ram nodded slowly, looking up when the door opened and the physician walked out, a small smile on her face. "Your wife is completely alright sir, she's resting for now. And congratulations, it's a girl. You can visit both of them in a few minutes."

Bheem and Ram hugged each other tight, tears of happiness and relief escaping both of them as the others celebrated.

Ram finally got to go in after a while, and cried even more at the beautiful sight of his wife holding his daughter, staring at her softly.

"Both my girls are so beautiful," he whispered, making her look up and smile at him, beckoning him forward. Y/N looked tired, her eyes still droopy, but a goddess nonetheless.

"How are you feeling? You look gorgeous," he whispered, hugging her carefully and burying his face in her neck.

"You don't have to be so careful Ram," Y/N chuckled tired as she rocked their daughter with one hand and pet his hair with the other. "I might have just delivered our daughter but I can still twist your ear and make you cry like a little brat."

Both of them laughed a little, Ram just gazing fondly at his girls while Bheem, Seetha and Jenny slowly walked in, cooing at the newborn.

Seetha held her first, crying out of happiness as Jenny caressed her head while Bheem looked at Ram and Y/N.

"Have you thought of a name?"

Y/N nodded as Ram shook his head, which got all four heads turning to her in surprise.

Well, partly. Jenny and Seetha were still cooing at the girl.

"You have a name?"

"Yes, only if you like it, Ram."

He smiled, insisting she go on and Y/N sighed, looking at Ram and Seetha.

"I want her name to be Sarojini, after your mother, Ram." She said, holding his hand and rubbing it as he stilled.

Seetha froze too while Bheem beamed at them, turning to Jenny to tell her what Y/N had said.

Ram and Seetha cried a lot more after that, thanking and pressing kisses to both of Y/N's cheeks to the point where Bheem had to drag them both out and leave the new mother with her daughter.

"I'm coming back for you and Sarojini soon Y/N, take care!" Ram yelled, Bheem holding his hand and dragging him out as the doctors glared at the noisy man.

Y/N smiled to herself, looking at her daughter and caressing her face.

Sarojini had no idea what was in store for her.

[incomingalbatross]

GF Fic: (Insert Time-Related Pun Here)

Having a birthday on the last day of summer was great when you were a kid.

When you were in college and vacation ended somewhere in the last third of August? Not so much.

“Grunkle Ford, I...I don’t think Mabel and I can make it to Gravity Falls,” Dipper confessed, the day before his twenty-second birthday.

“Is it the travel time?” Ford asked from the other end of the phone. “If your usual transportation is too slow, we can call in a favor or two for you kids—I know plenty of entities that would be happy to give you a lift as a birthday present—”

“No, I know, I know,” Dipper said, running a frustrated hand through his hair. “And I really appreciate that, Grunkle Ford, I just...it’s not the travel, it’s being there. The other years we’ve been in college, our birthday was always on a weekend—last year was a Monday, but we spent that year with you guys instead of in school—”

“Thank goodness that seer tipped us off about her vision of 2020!” Ford agreed. “Taking a gap year to sail the Arctic with us was definitely the right decision for you two.”

“Right? Half a semester of online classes was more than enough. But—I mean, maybe it’s being back in school after being gone for a year, maybe it’s just early-semester problems, but...” Dipper sighed. “It’s just, I’m taking five classes, and I’ve got a TA job this year, and I’m getting back into the DD&MD group again and maybe planning to DM a oneshot as a Halloween event, and...” He sighed again. “It all looked much more manageable on my schedule. It was color-coded and everything!”

Grunkle Ford hummed noncommittally.

“Yeah, I know,” Dipper admitted. “Not the first time I’ve overbooked myself.”

“Not quite, perhaps. But it’s very good that you’re learning to recognize it and take steps to take care of yourself—when I was in college, I burned out routinely.”

“Mabel would sic the ‘Self-Care Fairy’ on me again if I didn’t learn.” The “Self-Care Fairy” was a truly terrifying onslaught of Mabelness, complete with costume and character voice, and would not go away until its subject had reached an acceptable level of well-being and had examined their mistakes. “Which is why...I have to cancel. If I came to Gravity Falls, even with instant travel, I’d only be able to get there around like 5:00 PM and I’d be stressed and anxious the whole time. And then I’d get back here exhausted and with no homework done and with class tomorrow, and...I just don’t think I can afford that.” Dipper paused, a knot twisting in his stomach. “I’m really sorry, I wish we could come...”

“Of course, Dipper, we know you do!” Grunkle Ford hastened to assure him. “Don’t feel sorry for us—of course we’d love to see you, but we just had the summer together. I’m just sorry you’re so short on time.” There was a moment’s silence.

“But how is Mabel doing? Is she facing the same challenges?”

“I mean, sort of.” Dipper smiled ruefully. “She kept trying to figure out some solution so that we could have our usual birthday and everything would work out, but...neither of us could come up with anything that would actually work. And she’s really busy too. She jumped back into school full steam ahead, and she’s got her Etsy store, and all her social groups to keep up with—you know she’s better at managing her energy than I am, but it’s still a lot.”

“I understand that,” Ford said. “You both do what you need to to keep up with your responsibilities, okay? We’re very proud of you both, you know.”

Dipper swallowed around the lump in his throat. “I know, Grunkle Ford.”

“Well, then, I’ll let you go—I imagine you have plenty to do right now! We’ll get in touch with you tomorrow, even if only by text.”

“Thank you, Grunkle Ford! Mabel and I are going to video-call at some point, we think, so there’s that. Say hi to Stan and Soos and Melody and the kids and everyone for me?”

“Of course, my boy. Have a good evening.”

“You too.”

The call disconnected, and Dipper sighed, throwing himself down on his bed. After a minute, he picked up his phone again and texted Mabel.

Just called Ford and canceled plans. He said to take care of ourselves and that he and Stan are proud of us.

Then he pushed himself into the homework for tomorrow until his phone buzzed.

Aww, of course he did. <3 Thanks for calling, brobro. I wish we could go, but you were right--I’ve got WAY too much booked. Why didn’t we check what weekday our birthday was FIRST???

Dipper snorted. Maybe we’re dumb :/

IMPOSSIBLE, Mabel sent back. Clearly an evil College Schedule Gremlin messed with our brains

Is that the same guy who makes it so you can never take the prereqs you need when you need them?

Yep!! And the one who fogs your brain so you THINK you’ve filled all your requirements until it’s too late to patch up the holes in your plan. His phone buzzed a second time after that text. ...Ugh, maybe there ARE gremlins in all the college systems

It would explain Blackboard, Dipper agreed with a frown. Huh, maybe they should look into that...

Anyway, though, u good for Zoom tomorrow?

Dipper huffed, reminded of the fact that they had no time for a paranormal investigation right now. Yeah, he typed, I can do an hour or so anytime after 5:30.

Cool, I will figure out a time and let you know!! Can’t wait to see your 22-year-old face!! :) Even if it sucks that we can’t party :(

Same, same. TTYL :)

Dipper tossed his phone aside again, shutting his eyes for a minute. It wasn’t just the party that had him down—though he would miss the bash that Gravity Falls usually threw on their birthday. It was...everything.

It was having a birthday without Mabel.

Oh, sure, they would talk, but they wouldn’t be in the same place. That was why, really, he’d hung onto their plans until the very last minute. He’d made it work on paper—taking an evening to travel to Gravity Falls, have a party, and be back in time for the next class—and it just felt wrong to admit defeat, to compromise on something this important. Their birthday meant the two of them celebrating together, having a good time, acknowledging that it was important.

This year wasn’t going to feel like a birthday at all, Dipper thought glumly.

But no, that was quitter talk. They were going to do their best anyway, because they were the Mystery Twins! Even if the situation was lame. Even if he was going to spend his time on the call with Mabel tomorrow doing homework and/or bursting with stress.

He opened his eyes, staring at the ceiling. “Why do I always overfill my schedule?” he asked plaintively.

The ceiling didn’t answer.

---

Dipper dropped his backpack with a thud on his dorm room floor, hastily unzipping it and digging out his laptop. He was late—he’d left his thermos in his last classroom, and been halfway across campus before he realized and turned around to go get it. He blamed his sleep deprivation (a week in, and his body still hadn’t readjusted to the rhythm of morning classes).

Now, though, he could finally pull up Zoom. He plugged in his headphones as he waited for it to connect (stupid dorm wifi), and was rewarded with an ear-splitting squeal.

“Happy birthday, Dipper!”

He grinned at her beaming face. “Happy birthday, Mabel!”

“Did you get a birthday cupcake?” she demanded. “Or at least a birthday cookie?”

He grimaced. “I got ice cream at the cafeteria, but I had to eat it there,” he confessed. “Here, I’ve got...a birthday candy bar?”

“Hmph.” Mabel looked crestfallen, but plastered a smile on anyway. “It’ll have to do! We can sing Happy Birthday, anyway. One, two, thr—”

Before they could launch into an inevitably out-of-sync rendition of “Happy Birthday,” Dipper heard a loud knock. Judging by Mabel’s startled turn towards her door, she heard it too—

Wait, what?

The knocking repeated. On both their doors.

“..Huh,” Mabel said thoughtfully. With a wordless glance between them, they both unplugged their headphones and went to their respective doors.

“Happy birthday, slugger!” Stan said, grinning, the instant he saw Dipper. Over the internet, Ford’s voice was greeting Mabel at the same time.

Dipper’s jaw dropped.

“Ha!” Grunkle Stan shoved past him into the room. Waving to the camera, he added, “Happy birthday, sweetie!”

Ford peered past Mabel into the screen. “Happy birthday, Dipper, my boy!”

“But—what—”

“Grunkles!” Mabel cried. “...But wait, why not just video call us? Not that we’re not happy to see your wrinkly faces, but you came such a long way!”

“Yeah, exactly,” Dipper said, waving his arm in confusion. “You guys—you know we can’t really visit, right? Even with you with us? We don’t have time. I dont want you guys to waste a trip—”

“But we didn’t,” Ford said smugly. “We came to bring your birthday presents.”

With a flourish, Stan produced something and handed it to Dipper. It looked like...a piggy bank, but with a clock face set into the side?

Mabel gasped. “It’s so CUTE!”

“But what is it, Grunkle Ford?” Dipper asked.

“Simply put, my boy...it’s time.”

“It’s a Time-Savings Bank,” Stan said proudly. “Got our hands on these babies a few months ago, on a little side trip. See, when you’ve got some extra time—like, at night, or when you’re waiting for a pot to boil, or whatever—you can use these gizmos to store it up instead! Then when you need more time, you use the clock to take it back out. Whammo! You squeeze in a few extra hours between the normal ones.”

“Like Daylight Saving Time without the false advertising,” Ford added. “We know you two are short on time right now, but...if you’d like, there’s enough in here to give you and everyone currently at the Mystery Shack a good few hours of spare time. What do you say, kids? Still up for a party?”

“Are we!” Mabel crowed.

Dipper stared at this miraculous device. “But...that’s a lot of hours,” he said. “Where did you get the time?”

Stan barked out a laugh. “You kiddin’, Dipper? We figured from the start that at least one of you would burn out when you went back to school. We’ve been putting time aside in these things for months.”

“...Really?” Dipper said. Somehow, he found himself blinking rapidly, and swallowing down some obstruction in his throat.

Stan coughed uncomfortably, looking away. “I mean, it’s not like we gave you any time we had a use for. Just some odds and ends here and there...every day... Anyway! You kids wanna get this show on the road?”

“YES!” Mabel shouted.

Dipper beamed. “Definitely,” he said. “Absolutely.”

And a few minutes later, when they all found themselves in the Shack (courtesy of one of those “favors” Ford had mentioned yesterday), and Dipper had piled into the inevitable group hug with his twin and his grunkles—and with hours of birthday celebration in front of them all—he had to add, “Best present ever.”