#I thought about budgeting and maybe … like going shopping for fun

[lokislittlesigyn]

I had a con this weekend and gosh it’s making me think I really am an ambivert. I felt so energized and excited going in to see and talk to people all day, to help them, talk to them etc. - but I also felt tired and a little overwhelmed.

I was excited to get home and (try to) rest - to try to anyway - but also feel so, so sad not being around anyone. No one to talk to.

I wish I had a partner to come back home to. Sink into the arms of, cuddle, and be soft with.

[luveline]

hiii!! i saw that you wanted some roan & eddie & reader requests sooo,, becuase barbie is trending so muchh i was wondering if you could write reader watching roan play with her barbies and instantly taken back to her childhood and getting very emotional ??

i mean its whats happening to me being reminded how much ive grown and how much effect those dolls had on me soo yeah 😭

tysm ♡ eddie and roan

A long, creaking squeal sounds from Roan when you come home. Eddie plugs his ears, knowing exactly what it is you have in the huge plastic bag at your waist —Roan's special treats, as previously discussed, for being such a lovely girl lately. 

It might be a silly thing to treat her for, but she deserves toys before any amazing behaviour, and you have the extra money to buy them. Why shouldn't she get them? You and Eddie chatted some while you were at work that morning, trying to choose what toys to get. 

"I haven't bought her toys by myself since we first met, what if I pick something crappy?" you'd worried. 

Eddie gave it a little bit of thought, hand twined in the curling wire of the telephone, slouched as he usually does against the back wall of the shop. "Hey, she hasn't had any new dolls since Christmas. They'd go over nicely. Or she always likes a new dress. I'm sure you'll find something when you're there. You can get me something fun at the same time if you want." 

You'd laughed at his joke and, if the light in your eyes now is anything to go off of, managed to find some presents you're happy with.

"Naddy's Toy Emporium!?" Roan shouts, rocketing off of the couch where she'd been standing waiting for you. 

You've a nightly routine, hugging her when you come home like your life depends on it, but clearly Roan has decided the hug can wait. For once, Eddie's finished dinner before you're return, so he has a good seat on the couch to watch everything unfold. 

You let her grab the bag's sides but lift it a touch when she tries to take it. "Hey, they're for you, I promise, but let's come inside and put them on the table!" 

Roan squeals and knocks into Eddie's knees. He sits up and grabs her gently by the waist, hoisting her onto his lap. You sit on the couch cushion trampled flat by Roan's feet, pulling the play table where she likes to eat her snacks closer. 

"Are you doing the speech?" you ask Eddie, putting down the bag. 

He grins. "Ro," he begins, turning skewiff, her back to the couch to allow you both a great view of her face, "you've been a really good girl, lately. Do you know that? You've been eating all your dinner, no tantrums before school, and now you're even starting to help clean up around the house. So me and Y/N just want you to know how proud we are and how awesome we think you are." 

"And we think all this awesome deserves some presents because we love you," you say. "Do you want the smallest or the biggest one first?" 

There's lots of nice presents. You've stayed within the confines of the agreed budget, which is a feat for you (as you love to spoil her). There's five new barbies, one of which comes with a car, and the other a puppy dog. They have clothes, accessories, and an abundance of plastic he needs to cut away with scissors. His hand is welted red by the time he's through. 

You also bought her a glittery lip gloss to replace the one she lost a few weeks ago. The proof of it sparkles on your cheek and Eddie's, twin thank yous. 

You go quiet as Roan retreats to her satin princess tent, driving the pink corvette back and forth as she makes the barbies talk to one another. 

"You okay?" he asks. You'd been wearing this huge smile for the last twenty minutes and now it's gone, he hates it. "I've been thinking maybe you deserve something nice, too." 

You smile weakly. Okay, so you're not wanting anything. 

"Dinner should be ready soon." 

"Thanks, Eddie." 

He gives up. He's about as subtle as a feather boa and you love him that way, drifting down toward your arm, his face smashing into your shoulder. "What's wrong?" 

You put your head atop his. "Well, I'm just thinking." 

"I may not look like it, but I think too, occasionally. Share with me." 

You push his arm until he sits up and sinks down into his side instead. Eddie supposes you're allowed, even if usually he'd call it sexist or selfish. "I had a lot of fun picking those out today, and I kept thinking about the look on her face…"

Eddie hums to show he's listening. Kisses the top of your head 'cos he can. "Yeah?" 

"I just remembered being her age. Do you remember wanting something really badly? There was something so nice about getting to grab a kart and– and to just stand there debating which ones to get." 

Eddie toys with your pinky finger. "That's not everything, is it?" 

Your smile presses against his arm, a deep emotion in your voice that's hard to pin. "Watching her makes me remember. Being a kid, playing make believe. I'll never be that young ever again, and there's no way to go back. But I," —you take in a steadying breath— "don't mind. I love seeing her so happy." 

He intertwines your fingers between his, shorter and a little bit softer than his. He soaks in your presence for a moment, the smell of you, your tiny sounds, the secret you've shared with him. You're a mixture of sad and happy. He's not sure which one overpowers which, only that they're hitting you hard. 

"There's lots of cool shit that comes with being a parent. You know the best one?" he asks you, raising his eyebrows at you with a fondness lining his lips. 

"No?" 

"You can play games without anyone judging you. I know it's not the same as being a kid again, but it's close." 

"Yeah?" you ask, sitting up. "You'll come play too, right?" 

Eddie casts his gaze to his daughter where she chit chats on the floor. "Hey, Roanie? Can we come play with you?" 

Roan is almost as pleased as when she first laid eyes on her treasure trove of dolls. 

[saetoru]

tee! tee! will rb!gojo and reader eventually move in together? I can't stop laughing at the thought of gojo struggling with basic household chores bc he grew up with maids and servants doing everything for him 😭💗

also, can I be 🍒anon if it's not taken already?

i would love for them to move in together so much but idk how dating a rich guy works in a split financial sense LMAO like he could easily afford for them to live in luxury apartments. but. i don’t think reader would like that very much bc they’d probably wanna pay a portion. but then idk if like they’d be able to afford 50/50 of rent for an apartment so expensive

but then it’s like ok maybe he has the rent covered and they cover food and bills and stuff bc that’s not exactly out of their budget is it. IDK i just like for it to be kind of respectful to the middle class (i am the middle class) bc honestly if i had a rich bf. as much as i joke i want a rich man to pay for everything. i would feel quite pathetic if i was just grocery shopping while he was paying rich ppl rent. so idk how to go about it yet if they do bc i mean c’mon. i think satoru would insist on the nice apartments. as much as he loves her lil student apartment and it’s tiny living room, once it’s in his control, i think he’d wanna spoil and reader would be all insistent and yeah. IDK I OVERTHINK IT A LOT

ANYWAYYYY in a more lighthearted sense. i think he for sure is horrified when he realizes he has to DO CHORES. like you come home to a sink full of dishes and u drag him by the ear in the middle of playing video games w suguru like “wash these damn dishes” and he’s like :,) and then the first time he has to help clean a bathroom ??? JFJAJDJDN 💀💀💀 imagine him sobbing over having to clean a toilet. and ofc the classic laundry mess up of not separating the whites 💀 u have a lot of fun teasing him the first few weeks. but he finally learns basic life skills and sometimes he feels a bit more accomplished and he has u to thank

[obsidiancreates]

Taishen's Guide On Being The Best Uncle You Can Be

(Somehow I hit exactly 1,400 words for this. I just wanted to say that because that is a damn satisfying wordcount.)

It takes just about a year after traveling with Gricko and Frost for Gideon to start being called "Uncle Gideon" whenever Gricko mentions him to Hootsie.

"He sure warmed up to us quick," Kremy had said one night, sitting by the campfire and keeping an eye on his roux. "Callin' us family already seems a little much, don't it, Gid?"

"Yeah, but he's a fuckin' weird little guy. Not really surprisin'."

"True."

Truth be told, Gideon doesn't mind it. He thinks Kremy doesn't mind the "Uncle Kremy" title either, because there's always just enough room in the budget to buy Hootsie a trinket, or snack, or new little hat. And sometimes Gideon decides not to go back for thirds of whatever Kremy cooks so Hootsie can have seconds, and sometimes Gideon doesn't even need to hold back because Kremy sets aside extra just for her.

The first time Gideon accepts it aloud, though, is when they're staying in a little inn, and Hootsie is dancing just for fun in the tavern area, and someone throws a tankard at her and calls for the "wild beast" to be thrown out.

The man finds himself thrown out, his throwing arm broken, and the shout of "That's my fuckin' niece, asshole!" haunting his drunken dreams.

"That was very violent, Gideon," Gricko says later as they're all prepping the single room they could get. Hootsie is curled up in the corner, a little rattled still, but Gricko already has his pack set out and is making up a little bed for both of them where she lays. Gricko's tone is scolding, but he mouths "Good job," when he knows Hootsie can't see it.

"People shouldn't be throwin' things at her," Gideon says with a shrug, fluffing up his thin-as-paper pillow as much as he can. "She's just a baby."

"Your little baby niece," Gricko says with a wide grin. "Isn't that right, Hootsie? You've got big strong Uncle Gideon to protect you!"

Hootsie looks up at Gideon with those giant round eyes and hoots. Maybe Gideon's starting to catch some of Gricko's strange brand of cookoo-bananas, but Gideon could swear she looks and sounds grateful.

"Yeah yeah, I'm Uncle Gideon, we all heard me say it." Gideon gets into the bigger bed in the room as Kremy and Frost play a game of cards to determine who gets the other one (card counting versus slight-of-hand cheating, mind-reading versus shadow magic, it's tough to know who'll win) and shuts his eyes. The sounds of shuffling cards, Gricko telling Hootsie a bedtime story, and the bed likely splintering beneath Gideon's own weight lull him to sleep.

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

Gideon walks into a tea shop. He doesn't really drink tea, that's more Frost's thing, but he's here anyway.

He doesn't question it, as is the nature of dreams.

"Finally!" an excited voice rings out in the empty shop as Gideon finds himself sat down at a counter. The golden dragonborn on the other side grins brightly at him as he pushes a cup of fresh tea forward. "I've been waiting so long for you to finally realize you're an uncle!"

"Uh... what?" Gideon takes a sip of the tea. It's actually not bad. He didn't know tea could be spicy.

"That little owlbear has a lot of support, but that doesn't mean you can take being her uncle any less seriously." The dragonborn gestures at an ink painting hanging on the wall, of himself and a younger dragonborn girl. "Mei Li taught me just how important this role truly is, and I'm going to help you be the best possible uncle you can be."

"Hey man, listen. I appreciate the fuckin' thought and all, but, I don't know who the hell you are!"

"You won't remember once you wake up anyway," the dragonborn says, pouring himself a cup of tea and pulling a stool over to his side of the counter. "We've talked a few times, actually. But those were usually extremely upsetting times, and now we finally have something to celebrate!"

"Celebrate with tea?"

"I know you prefer alcohol, but if I can get Skrimm to enjoy tea I can get you to enjoy it as well."

"Well, I dunno why I'd need any advice on bein' an uncle, 'cause it seems pretty fuckin' easy t'me." Gideon knocks the rest of his tea back. The cup is full when he sets it down. "Give her treats, buy her stuff when she wants it, and punch guys who're fuckin' dicks to her."

"Those are all part of it," the dragonborn agrees, "But there's more to it than just spoiling her and protecting her. You have to nurture her as well!"

"I mean, Gricko's her dad, he's the one who's doin' all the raisin' and stuff."

"If you all lived in a town, that might work out just fine. But you're always on the move! You're the only four constants in this young girl's life, so you're all very influential on her as she grows!"

"Aw, man. I gotta be a good fuckin' influence now? I just got outta havin' to watch my every fuckin' move all the time, man."

The dragonborn seems to deflate, suddenly growing weary and ancient. "I'm... very aware. But I promise it's nothing like that. I just mean that Hootsie is an impressionable little girl right now, and it's a good idea to teach her important, valuable lessons."

"... Like... if somebody's bein' a fuckin' dick, she can bite their fingers off?"

"Well, I don't know if I'd encourage it to be that extreme, but self-defense is a good lesson, yes! And self-respect, it's much easier to defend yourself when you respect yourself and your value."

"Okay... I think I get it. And uh... knowin' when somebody's talkin' a load of bullshit."

"Exactly! Not to insult anyone but, you and I both know that Gricko can be... quite gullible. I mean, I understand him, I was very much the same way for most of my life, and can still be now. Oh, I remember Skrimm told me that a certain gesture was a universal greeting-"

"Which one? This one?" Gideon flips him off.

"That's the one! He always managed to find me when no-one else was around and pull pranks on me like that." The dragonborn laughs a little, fond. "Oh-ho, when it was a matter of life or death I was truly distressed, but now it's easy to look back and laugh."

"Alright, so, make sure she knows she can bite people, make sure she knows when she's bein' tricked, and I guess... make sure she knows how to get outta tough situations!"

"That's another great idea!"

"Man, I knew this whole uncle thing'd be easy." Gideon knocks the tea back again and looks around the shop. There's lots of ink paintings like the one he saw before, with these two dragonborn enjoying life. One catches his eye, of the man who sits across from him letting the young girl ride around on his shoulders.

"That'll be easy too," Gideon says, gesturing at the painting with cup in hand and sloshing spicy tea all over the floor- or would, if it ever hit the floor, but the tea just ceases to exist before it makes an impact. "Fuckin' piggyback rides and life lessons, easy as hell."

"And best of all, rewarding. It's an incredible joy to care for a child, as much as it is a serious responsibility." The dragonborn looks around. "And if you see Yorgrim when you leave here, let him know about the piggyback rides you plan to give. I think he'll appreciate a little warning."

"Who?"

"You're right, I'll tell him. I think you're waking up now anyway."

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

Gideon picks Hootsie up and plops her onto his shoulders as the group exits the inn and gets going. Hootsie gives a startled hoot at first, and then looks down. Her face lights up, eyes ghetting as big as possible, and she gives another, more excited hoot as he leans over to watch everything from her new height!

Taishen sighs happily as he watches, and looks up at Yorgrim. "Does that help soothe some of your old wounds?"

Yorgrim huffs a little. "It's... bittersweet."

Taishen reaches up and pats Yorgrim's arm. "I understand. ... Tea?"

Yorgrim is quiet for a moment before sighing and holding his hand out. "Thank you."

"Of course, my friend."

[kiefbowl]

What advice would you give to a woman who is about to turn 30?

Your work probably has direct deposit and you’re probably already using it, but make sure you’re setting up 10% to go to your savings account. Self tithe yourself, once you start you won’t even miss that 10% and your savings will grow. If you don’t have a savings account, I recommend getting one. You don’t have to do it with your current bank, you can shop around for what works for you and have it with another bank. Some banks have rules about when and how you can open a savings with them, like I would bet there are many that won’t let you open one without a checking account (I’ve been with the same bank since I was a small child, so I haven’t even done my due diligence and shopped around).

Limit your alcohol. Yeah, it’s tasty and fun and you might not even have a problem or you might not drink that much anyway, but tbh it catches up with you so much faster now. Try to take intentional breaks for long stretches of time to get a sense of how you feel without it.

You’re probably and hopefully entering a phase of your career where you have a bit more flexibility with your income. Even if you’re not there yet, you’re probably getting better with money. In either or neither case, let me stress this importance: your home is worth designing to be fun and dreamy for you. You can easily do this slowly and at a minimum budget, but put some money and time aside for it! A couple of thrifted knicknacks and $30 for a framed poster and maybe some twinkle lights or w/e can do a lot to make your home feel like home, and stop feeling like you’re still living a transient 20 something lifestyle. The point is start putting some priority on it, because more often than not people forget to buy art for their home because it’s “frivolous.” It’s not, it’s important. AND, it’s a great thing to ask for for gift exchanges since you’re probably getting to the point where you don’t know what you want and you don’t want random ass shit any more.

You have to wash your dishes before putting them in the dishwasher, it’s better to use as a sanitizer.

Cleaning can be fun if you make it fun. Intentionality with your space (related to that point up there about making a point to gussy up the place) makes for a happy and healthy person. Don’t work against your impulses and motivators. If you can’t power clean for 4 hours, don’t try you’ll just be mad that you didn’t get it done. Do the routine that makes you the least miserable, and then make if fun somehow like an audio book or rewarding yourself with a milkshake or w/e.

Another thought about cleaning: add some straightening up routine to your bedtime routine. Wait, scratch that, let’s do that one first: have a bedtime routine. It doesn’t have to be super specific, it can be like turn on the lamps and turn off the overheads at 7, no screen time after 8, be in bed by 9. Or whatever works for you.

But my suggestion is to also do some straitening up too! 15 minutes! Straighten up the couch, clear off your coffee table, sweep - wam bam you wake up to a nice clean living room. Maybe the next night you clean the toilet and clear up the bathroom sink. Now you wake up next morning into a nice clean bathroom. And it just makes it easier when it’s time to really clean-clean.

Delete instagram.

Don’t suffer bullshit. With each passing year it comes easier.

Enjoy what comes, you’re always changing and growing :)

[tumbleweed-writes]

Now That I Have You: Chibs Telford X OC. Chapter Three

Molly knelt down beside her son as the boy stared at the expansive selection of toys on the shelves in front of them. They had gone to a little toy store downtown. It was right down the street from a barbershop called Lloyd's Barbers.

She had to love all the mom and pop shops in Charming. It was so nice to be somewhere where big box stores did not seem to be a thing. It made the town feel so safe; like a little haven free from the outside world. She loved all that she'd seen of the town so far. It truly felt like a special place.

She did her best to push down any sense of guilt that she might have about not being able to afford the nicest gift for Abel Teller. Money was a little tight until she got her first paycheck in a few weeks. She still had some spare fun cash though.

She did her best to sound cheerful and not focus on this guilt as she spoke up. "So what do you think buddy? There sure are a lot of really cool toys to choose from."

Mason looked at her staying silent. She gave him a soft smile reaching out a placing a gentle hand on one of his cheeks.

She was beginning to worry about him. He still had not spoken despite her efforts to encourage him to do so. She wanted her happy little boy back.

She felt as though any problems he was having were all her fault. She knew he was traumatized thanks to his father. She felt guilty thinking she could have protected him from that trauma if she'd been stronger. Letting him stay in such a toxic household for so long had harmed his psyche and she felt she had enabled it. She was debating finding him a therapist. She feared the longer she let him remain silent the worst the trauma would grow. No one had prepared her for this. She had never imagined this for her boy.

At least she had talked him into leaving his Spiderman action figure home today. Though to make up for it she had washed his favorite Spiderman T-shirt the night before and allowed him to wear it.

It was a shirt that looked like Spiderman's costume; the red and blue web pattern and the black spider on front.

He wore the shirt as often as possible which meant that she washed it just about every week.

She gave him a soft smile trying her hardest not to break down and cry from the guilt and stress that she felt. Her baby needed her to be strong. She knew him seeing her break down would just make that trauma worse. She felt like she was failing as not only a mother but as a woman overall. She was trying so hard and it felt like she was tripping along the path she'd set.

She ruffled his dark hair knowing that she needed to get it cut. That would have to wait as well.

Molly made a mental note to take Mason to Lloyd's Barber Shop as soon as she got her first paycheck. His curls were getting too shaggy and she didn't trust herself to trim them at this point.

She pressed a kiss to Mason's cheek before the boy looked back at the toys spotting a box of two plastic dinosaurs; a T-Rex and a Raptor.

He picked the box up looking at the back of the box deep in thought.

He gave his mother a smile handing the box over. Molly smiled looking down at the box knowing that the price was right in their budget. "That's a good gift baby. I bet Abel is going to love it."

She spoke again hoping that maybe she could get a response out of Mason. "Do you like hanging out with Abel? He seems to think you're pretty cool. Do you think he's cool too?"

Mason nodded his head apparently choosing to give his mother a silent answer. She sighed doing her best to give him a smile deciding that the head nod was better than nothing at all.

She took his hand in hers silently wondering if she should look into getting a balloon for Abel as well. She shook the thought from her mind deciding against the balloon.

She picked up a roll of blue wrapping paper and some tape before she led Mason to the checkout desk.

The birthday party was today and Molly honestly found herself looking forward to it. A fun day would be good for Mason. He needed this. Maybe the party would break him out of his shell? Getting him into a routine and letting him be a kid was what was best for him. She told herself it would help him adjust to the changes in their lives.

Maybe this party was what they both needed? She had to hope that Abel Teller's mother would prove to be the friend Molly needed. She wanted to find friends so badly. She just wanted to live her life to the fullest. She had missed out on so much being married to Brian. She had neglected her life to appease him. She wanted to enjoy her life.

She wanted to have all the things Brian disallowed. She knew she deserved the life Brian denied her. Her kept her from so much. He made her feel guilty for ever wanting more than what he had allowed. With Brian her day consisted of just going to work and then coming straight back home to him. She couldn't socialize with coworkers. She couldn't join them for after work drinks. She had to shut herself off from being close to anyone but Brian. The only social things she did had to be by his side. It had felt so isolating. 

She was sick of being isolated. She knew she could finally live her life for herself. She no longer had to appease Brian Parker.

She was looking forward to finally doing something without Brian Parker looming over her. This birthday party wouldn't just be good for Mason. She knew it would be just as good for her.

She needed to adjust too. Making a friend would be a great step in adjusting to her newfound freedom. 

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

Molly felt a little overwhelmed as she pulled her tiny rental silver Ford Focus up to Tara Knowles Teller's house.

The house was nice though clearly an average middle class home. Even as normal as it appeared, it felt far nicer than Molly's little boxy rental home. The lawn was maintained and the house looked cared for on the outside. It made her unkempt yard and faded siding look awful. She took a deep breath knowing that she couldn't let her insecurities get the better of her.

They were all grown ups for god's sake. Tara didn't seem like the type to worry about money or class differences.

Tara had been nothing but kind to Molly and Mason so far.

She silently prayed that Tara would be willing to befriend her. She felt so silly; being so desperate for friends. She had to pray that she would not come across as so desperate. She just missed having friends so much. Any friends she had prior to Brian were long gone and she didn't feel comfortable reaching out to them. Of course her friends had been unwilling to abandon her at first. Brian had pushed them farther and farther out of his wife's life though. Soon they'd stopped calling and she'd been alone.

She had nothing to worry about, she told herself. This was going to be a good day. She knew she just had to play it cool and pretend she wasn't a friendless traumatized woman...she cringed at the thought hating it. She hated what Brian had turned her into. She was a neurotic mess always questioning every move she made. She knew she was so different from who she had been prior to Brian. She prayed she would be able to rediscover herself or become someone new at least.

She raised an eyebrow at the few motorcycles pulled out in front of the house. She couldn't remember if she'd ever seen so many Harleys in her life. She furrowed her brow at the sight. She didn't take Tara to be the biker type. The woman had seemed so prim when they met.

Molly got out of her rental car going to the backseat before she helped Mason unfasten his seatbelt. He still had trouble with buckles and it was a struggle that she'd been working with him to conquer. She could admit her son was a tad bit clumsy. It was a curse he'd inherited from her. She'd been just as uncoordinated as her son when she'd been his age...she wished she could claim she'd outgrown it, but that would be a lie.

She allowed Mason to carry the gift wrapped up in blue wrapping paper with a orange bow on top. He seemed to be proud of the gift and seeing that he seemed so proud made Molly feel a sense of joy.

She put on her best smile as she took Mason's hand leading him up to the front door. She took deep breaths hoping her anxiety was not written all over her face.

She reached out ringing the doorbell a little surprised as a woman who she didn't recognize answered.

Gemma raised an eyebrow as she took in the sight of a pretty blonde and a kid. She frowned not recognizing these party guests. She was not fond of outsiders.

She didn't have time to say a word as Tara walked over and spoke taking the gift from Mason. "Molly, Mason. I'm so glad you could make it."

Gemma stepped aside as Tara let the blonde and the kid in. Tara spoke hoping that Gemma would be civil for the day. "This is my mother in law Gemma. Gemma this is a coworker of mine and her son Mason."

Molly reached out suddenly feeling as though she was under a microscope as Gemma took her hand in hers a knowing look crossing her features as she put two dots together. She knew the blonde seemed familiar from what little she'd spotted of her that day at TM Auto. This was the same pretty single mom Chibs seemed to be so taken with? This was the girl he was doing all those free auto repairs for? She was overtaken with a sense of distrust. Molly was getting free auto repairs but what was Chibs getting in return? "So, you're Molly."

Molly didn't have time to ask what that was supposed to mean as Abel walked up to her and embraced her wrapping his arms around her leg clearly not shy about affection. "Miss Molly, you and Mason came."

She looked down at the little blonde boy surprised by this act of affection. She spoke giving him a friendly smile amused by the affection even if it was a shock. "Of course we did, buddy. Mason and I wouldn't have missed it for the world. What is it your twenty-fifth birthday?"

Abel giggled as he responded. "Nope my sixth."

And with that Abel released Molly and took Mason's hand in his. Molly watched as the boys ran off towards the backyard leaving her alone with the adults one of whom made her feel like she was being judged for a sin she was unaware of.

Molly felt her throat tighten up a little anxious about being left alone with Gemma even if Tara was there. She had a feeling she'd done something so wrong to offend the woman. It was like her presence ruined the woman's day. Molly struggled to understand why she sensed so much hostility. She had to wonder if it was just in her head. Maybe Brian and ruined her so much that she was recognizing hostility where there was none? Judging by the way Gemma was gazing at her though a lingering look of disapproval made Molly think that she was not so paranoid.

Tara swooped in though saving the day as she took Molly's hand in hers. "Thank goodness you're here. I could really use a hand with all this food."

Molly did her best to give Gemma a polite smile, hoping to kill her with kindness, as she was led away by Tara.

She was beginning to think that Gemma was going to be a roadblock in her attempt to make a friend.

——————————————-

Chibs pulled up to Jax and Tara Teller's house before he unstrapped the brightly wrapped gift from the back of his bike.

He was a little hungover to be honest. He had spent another night locked up in his room at the clubhouse alone with a bottle of whiskey. It was how he spent most nights to be honest. It was a cycle he couldn't seem to break. The whiskey made him forget how miserable he felt. He knew he was isolating himself but he just couldn't sink back into the life he'd known for over a decade now. He felt like he was stuck in a rut and he didn't know how to escape it.

He knew that Abel would have his head on a stick if he missed his birthday party. The kid was defiantly the little prince of Samcro.

He walked into the house, without knocking, not surprised that Jax gave him a friendly hug upon entering.

He handed over the gift hoping that Abel didn't already have this particular Lego set.

Honestly Chibs had thought that it just looked cool; it was pirate ship themed. He'd figured a little mutiny would be perfect for a Teller boy.

The last thing Chibs had expected to see was a familiar little boy sitting outside by Abel's side as Chibs glanced through the screen door into the backyard.

Mason Garrett was plopped down on the ground playing in the dirt beside Abel with army men.

The kid looked happy, a smile on his face. Though he still didn't seem to be talking. He only nodded his head and pointed as Abel talked.

Chibs eyes grew a little wide as a familiar woman walked out of the kitchen helping Tara carry a cooler full of kid appropriate drinks. Bobby had already snuck a few beers for the adults into the white cooler that was already outside. The red plastic cooler was full of juice boxes and waters for the kids.

Molly Garrett looked far more attractive when she wasn't in her hospital issue blue scrubs. The causal clothing made her figure all the more apparent.

She was wearing a dark purple tank top with floral embroideries along the bottom that made Chibs think of the nineteen sixties. Along with a pair of white converse sneakrs, and a pair of dark wash jeans that seemed to make the curve of her hips far more obvious.

Her makeup was a little darker than it had been the day at the garage in her lips at least; they were a red color that made Chibs think of strawberries. Her hair had been curled and left down showing that it was pretty long an observation he'd not noticed as she'd had it pulled up that day at TM Auto.

He suddenly felt as though he should be dressed a bit nicer. He had forgone his brown leather jacket and chosen to wear an old pair of jeans and a black t-shirt with his kutte and boots.

Molly widened her eyes as she spotted a familiar man. She hadn't expected to see the mechanic at Abel Teller's birthday party.

Jax and Bobby took over carrying the red cooler as it was proving to be a bit of a struggle for the women given the bulk and the weight.

Molly felt her stomach twist into knots as she made her way over to Chibs. She felt her stomach knot up fearing he might not even remember her and she'd make a fool of herself. She ignored the thought as she spoke hoping that her cheeks weren't flushing though they probably were. "Filip."

Bobby raised an eyebrow as Jax and he made their way out the backdoor, not missing the use of Chibs' real name.

Thankfully Bobby didn't have time to comment as Jax practically drug him out back.

"Miss Garrett." Chibs blurted out feeling daft for being so formal.

"How do you know Abel?" Molly asked hoping that she didn't sound too nosy, but the curiosity was killing her.

Chibs cleared as he felt his eyes scanning her body not helping but to love what he saw. Why did her top have to be so low cut?

He looked into her eyes praying that she didn't catch him gawking at her cleavage for the barest second. "I work with his da...and we're in a... motorcycle club together as well...known him fer years."

He knew better than to go into too much detail about the motorcycle club to an outsider. Molly would probably freak out if she knew just what Samcro was.

He spoke after an awkward moment of silence. "How do you know tha birthday boy?"

Molly gave him a smile that she was sure might be a little too flirty but she couldn't stop herself. The way he was looking at her made her feel more attractive than she'd felt in a long while. It was pleasant reassurance that she was in fact a woman who was appealing to a man no matter how much Brian had tried to tell her that no man would ever find her desirable. "I work with his mother... it's a small world."

"Aye...sure is." Chibs stated feeling so idiotic for not having something more eloquent to say.

It had seemed that his brain had shut down killing any usual bravado that he might have when it came to talking to women.

It was like he was a prepubescent boy all over again. His voice may as well start cracking, he thought bitterly.

The moment was interrupted as Mason ran up to his mother grasping her leg. She looked down at him as she spoke. "Mason you remember Filip, right? The nice man fixing our car."

Chibs stared down at the boy speaking up hoping that the kid might talk to him this time. "Hey little lad, its nice ta see ya again."

Mason simply smiled at Chibs giving him a tiny wave before he took his mother's hand in his and pointed over to a swing set in the backyard.

Molly smiled a little surprised that her son had been brazen enough to wave at Chibs. It was a nice change given that he'd hidden behind her the last time they'd seen Chibs back at the garage.

She spoke up trying to talk her way out of her son's constant silence hoping that it wasn't obvious she was lying. She didn't know how to explain the truth though without giving the full sob story of what they'd been through. "Still shy. It takes him a little bit to warm up to people. I think the move has made him even more shy."

Chibs nodded his head giving the boy a smile. "Aye, thas alright. He's jus the strong silent type."

Molly laughed at the comment finding the small joke eased her nerves as well as her guilt over not being exactly open about the reason behind her son's silence. She was just thankful that Chibs didn't think she'd raised some sort of silent bratty kid.

Chibs smiled at the sound of her laugh not helping but to feel that he could get used to hearing it.

He opened his mouth wanting to say something more to Molly and maybe find another chance to make her laugh. He missed his chance as her son pulled her away leading her to the swing set she barely having a chance to work out a see you later to Chibs.

Chibs closed his eyes taking a deep breath. It was like fate was screwing with him. Fate seemed to have placed the woman he told himself he'd be wise to forget right in front of his face. It was as though life was dangling what he could not have right in his face.

He let out a huff as he opened his eyes spotted Tig walk through the front door...great.

————————

Chibs sat out back on a picnic table that sat near the side of the house beside the grill that Bobby was insisting on manning as hotdogs and burgers sizzled.

Chibs found that he was unable to take his eyes off of a certain blonde.

Molly was smiling talking to Tara as a few kids obviously on a sugar high ran around the backyard making full use of big area.

Chibs took a drag off of his cigarette trying to ignore the need to go to Molly and say something more; perhaps flirt a little. He feared making a fool out of himself though. He knew talking with her would just make him want her all the more. He would be an idiot to want what he could not have. It would just make him miserable.

Tig had already spoken to the pretty blonde making Chibs' blood boil a little, though Molly had seemed to tolerate Tig's attentions more than anything.

At least Tig was being less of a pervert than usual, which wasn't easy for the man. Tig knew enough to know that Gemma would have his head if he went too far into freak town at Abel's birthday party.

Chibs rolled his eyes as he spotted Gemma in the corner of the yard talking to Jax but keeping a close eye on Molly.

Wonderful just wonderful, he thought sarcastically. Gemma would more than likely terrify Molly the first chance she had.

Chibs wasn't sure why he felt so protective over Molly. He didn't really know her and she certainly wasn't his girlfriend.

So why should he care when Tig got a little bit too friendly with her? Why should he care if Gemma interrogated her?

He shook his head hating to admit it; he had it bad. He had developed a big fat crush on Miss. Molly Garrett. He wanted someone who would never want him.

Chibs let out a sigh knowing that there was nothing he could do about this. She didn't need a guy like him. She and her son deserved someone safe. He saw ol ladies come and go over the years. Ol ladies came and went but SAMCRO was forever. Molly didn't seem the type that would be comfortable with what his life entailed. He had to think that being an ol lady would destroy someone as lovely as her. Pursuing her would be selfish, he told himself. She seemed so sweet and so gentle. He told himself his life would smother that sweetness. His life would destroy gentleness. There was no place for gentle in his world.

She deserved someone normal who could give her a boring safe little life. Still though the ideas of someone else having her made him sick. He hated the idea of someone else making her laugh or looking into those eyes of hers. The idea of someone else getting to find out just how soft her lips were made him feel bile rise in the back of his throat. The concept of someone else getting to see and feel her body made his blood boil. The idea of some other guy getting her smiles made him feel nauseous.

He rolled his eyes knowing that he couldn't have it both ways. He either had to make a move or he had to walk away.

Chibs was shocked as Mason sat down beside him looking up at him curiosity clear behind his eyes though he remained silent.

Chibs took another drag off of his cigarette, nearing the end of the cancer stick, as he spoke up already knowing that the kid probably wouldn't talk to him. "Don't ever smoke little lad. It's a bad habit. Ya never start it up, aye."

Mason nodded his head not saying a word as he continued to look at Chibs.

Chibs put out his cigarette in an ashtray at the center of the table speaking up again as he nodded down to the boy's t-shirt. "Ya like Spiderman?"

Mason nodded again still not saying anything. Chibs gave him a half-smile as he spoke feeling a little awkward as what to say to a kid who wouldn't talk to him. Molly hadn't been exaggerating, the kid really was shy. "He's a good superhero huh?"

Mason nodded again as he did the last thing Chibs had expected. The boy put his left foot in Chibs' lap pointing down to the red converse on his foot, it was untied.

Chibs chuckled a bit as he reached down tying the boy's shoe. "Ah usin me fer my shoe tyin abilities."

Mason took Chibs by surprise laughing though the giggle was brief it ending as soon as it started. Chibs smirked as he spoke. "Ah so he does speak."

Mason said nothing in response as he hopped off the seat his shoe now tied. He gave Chibs one more smile before he ran off across the yard to join Abel in the bouncy castle that had been set up.

Chibs smiled as he watched the boy jump in the castle laughing along with the other children.

He looked back to Molly to see her smiling as well as she watched her boy. She looked relieved to see her son having a good time.

Chibs couldn't help but to enjoy the sight of Molly and Mason both looking so happy. Talking to kid had felt easy despite it being a one sided conversation. The small interactions he'd had with Molly had felt so wonderful. 

A tiny part of him had to wonder if maybe he could find a way in Mason and Molly's lives after all. He had to wonder if he should just embrace what fate seemed to be shoving at him.

Perhaps he could make this work? Maybe he could accept that there was a chance she might want him and the life that came with him? Maybe he could bring her into his life and find a way to make sure that she would not lose that sweetness? 

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

Molly was shocked when Abel asked for Mason to spend the night. She was even more shocked when Mason had seemed all for the idea.

She was a little afraid to leave the boy alone, though Tara and Jax both seemed like nice people even if Jax's mother was intense.

Molly was feeling overprotective considering what Mason and she had been through. The idea of being separated from her son for a night made her feel an overwhelming sense of anxiety. A voice told her she could not protect him if he was out of her sight.

Still though she knew that a night spent at a friend's house was good for Mason. He needed to have a chance to be a kid without his paranoid mother hovering over him. She told herself she should be relieved he wanted to spend a night away from her. It was a good experience for him. He should be having sleepovers and having fun with a kid his age. She had to trust that he'd be safe.

The boys had just eaten cake and opened gifts and were now playing with a Lego set in the living room.

Tara and Molly had found themselves cleaning up the mess of wrapping paper with a surprising extra set of hands provided by Chibs. Molly did her best to pretend that she didn't feel just the slightest bit like a schoolgirl with a crush around the man hoping it wasn't obvious her cheeks had flushed the few times his hand had brushed against hers as he held out a garbage bag for her to throw rubbish in.

Molly frowned as she stared out the window at her rental car realizing that she was blocked in. She needed to pack a bag for Mason; he needed his inhaler.

Unfortunately her son had developed asthma at a young age. Brian had actually had the gall to blame her for this abnormality in their son. After all Molly had a history of asthma in her family.

Molly looked at Tara a frown on her face feeling embarrassed as she spoke. "I'm blocked in. Mason needs a bag for the night...he needs his inhaler."

Tara saw her opportunity as she spoke. "Chibs can take you by your place to pack a bag, his bike isn't blocked."

Chibs almost spit the soda he had been drinking out when he heard this comment. He'd been lingering long after the mess of wrapping paper had been cleaned up trying to pretend that he was just sticking by to help lend a hand to clean up any more messes ignoring the looks of confusion on his brothers faces at the fact that he was assisting the women indoors. He was just relieved Gemma had taken to cleaning up outside not seeing his lingering stares at Molly.

He knew it might be obvious to most of the people in the house that he wanted to be close to Molly. He felt the need to make sure that Tig stayed far away from the blonde. He knew the man didn't have any pure intentions with Molly and he wanted to be around in case Tig made a misstep and offended her. He was surprised by how protective he felt over her. He just couldn't stand the thought of Tig saying something crude to her and upsetting her. He didn't want her to think the men he shared a kutte with were all perverts who would treat her with disrespect.

He couldn't help but to think that Tara had been planning this lift via Chibs to Molly's place, as though she could somehow predict that Molly would need a ride to her rental house.

He felt his stomach knot as Molly looked to him. She spoke her voice not hiding her nervous energy a voice in the back of her head insisting she was burdening him even if Tara had offered the favor. "You wouldn't mind?"

"Not at all, Love, anything fer the little lad." He blurted out not even having to think about it. He felt giddy at the thought of having her on the back of his bike.

Molly grabbed her tie-dyed cloth purse strapping the thing along her body like a sash, she was thankful for the long strap. Thank god for the hobo bag trend.

Chibs spoke up as they headed out to his bike the address to Molly's apartment that had been written on a yellow post it note in his right hand. "Have ya ever rode a bike, Love?"

"A few times...my granddad had a Harley when I was a kid. He used to take my sister and me on rides...my brother was always afraid of it" Molly explained smiling at the fond memory from her childhood.

Chibs nodded his head thankful that he'd brought his bike with a backseat, his other bike was only a one seater.

He handed her the black helmet he had borrowed from Tara as he spoke hoping that he could smooth out any worries she might have. "It's easy. Jus lean with me when we turn and hang on."

Molly nodded her head feeling a little nervous as she put on the helmet and climbed on the bike behind him.

She placed her arms around his waist not helping but to admire the feel of his firm stomach below her hands.

Chibs closed his eyes for a moment her closeness to him making him feel a little overwhelmed; the feel of her arms around his waist and the scent of her rose scented perfume made his heart race.

He had to enjoy the feel of her behind him like this, so close.

She tightened her grip on his waist as the bike started up and pulled out of the driveway on to the street.

Chibs smiled as he heard her let out a small giggle behind him clearly enjoying this. She wasn't the only one.

He could get accustomed to this. He couldn't help but to hope that she would give him the chance to get accustomed to it.

[goodluckclove]

hii do u have any advice for someone looking to get into playwriting?

Hey! I recently realized I didn't have Anon asks on! Now I do! Hopefully I won't regret this, maybe!

Uh so I've pretty much exclusively written plays that I then produced and directed. This means my perspective on playwriting is super specific and heavily biased by the three plays I produced from like 18-20.

This is going to be long so here's a read more.

(The website is not great but apparently it has samples of all three of the plays I put on. The monologue from Unhappy People made a LOT of people cry.)

I mainly produced through a local art festival in San Jose, California. Most cities have festivals like these, they're usually held in some downtown street where artists rent out spaces to set up canopies and usually sell their wares. Sometimes they do discounts for performers - I think I'd pay like less than a hundred bucks for the weekend, maybe. And then I paid for a canopy. You might not need that, though. I would put out a donation jar and put up signs around the block with the two "showtimes". Both times I think I made enough to pay for my space, plus a bit extra.

All the money I made went straight into the next show. I did not make any profit for myself. I did make the right connections to do a show inside, on an actual stage. If you're ever in San Jose, catch a show at the Art Boutiki. It's super cool and I left my troupe's signature on the wall of the green room.

Producing plays was, in my experience, more accessible than I thought it would be. Not profitable, certainly - but fun, and extremely validating. If you're willing to send emails and have conversations that are a little vulnerable, you can get surprisingly far. And when you direct a story into a cohesive, collaborative whole, it's an incredible feeling. When you see the way an audience reacts, it's even better.

You need a play to do all that first, though. So what have I learned from writing plays?

Dialogue is usually a crucial element. if you're familiar with absurdist and experimental theater, you'll know there are plays with little to no actual lines. Samuel Beckett's "Breathe", for instance, a real play that exists and can be produced. Of course I'm personally of the belief that before you deconstruct the expectations of a medium, you should know how to build something. So if you hate dialogue, if you think it's lame and dumb and avoid it at all costs - I won't say don't write theater, but I'd love to talk to you and find out why you're drawn to it as a concept.

How do you write dialogue? I'm not - certain, really? I'm sure there's several paths to get to the same place. I'm sure it doesn't hurt to read a lot of books and watch a lot of movies and plays - all of which from different eras and genres whenever you can. Just absorb a vast spectrum of different ways people talk. I think this is like my one form of writing advice across the board. Eavesdropping and people watching are also super useful - I usually do this at busy coffee shops or parks.

Early on I got a lot of use out of reading my dialogue out loud. Having it sound "real" is remarkably less important than making sure it sounds the way you want it to sound. Sometimes dialogue in writing isn't supposed to sound the way people actually talk. Sometimes people speak in poetry. Sometimes they rant in riddles (Side note: I couldn't remember Sarah Kane's name but she is the first result if you Google women playwright eating baby which absolutely says a lot about her type of vibe). Theater brings an allowance of abstraction. For some reason, when writing dialogue made specifically for people to hear spoken to them in person, an audience tends to not question when it doesn't sound like how people actually talk. It's weird.

There's a lot of limitations in theater. Even more so when you have a super limited budget. At the same time, there are a ton of workarounds that do way less and yet paint the same effect. Lights, sound, basic set pieces - all of these things can imply grander elements when you can't actually depict them. It's a tricky balance, though, so I personally tend to stay super simple. Most of the plays I've written don't require anything other than chairs and a table or two.

If you have a table and some chairs you can absolutely just move them around and use dialogue and a few props to establish you're in an office, or a restaurant table, or a kitchen nook - whatever. It's implication and illusion. An audience is able to fill in the gaps. It's like playing pretend when you were kids - you had nothing in terms of effects, but you all understood where you were.

I would also say keeping things vague in the stage directions of a written script is also super valuable - for me, at least. You'll see varying degrees of specificity depending on the playwright - Tennessee Williams leans meticulous, using paragraphs just to describe the set of a play, while Tom Stoppard give very little in terms of character direction and fucking nothing in terms of set pieces. There's a clear spectrum here.

The less you explicitly write, the more is left to actors and the production team. I think this is cool, so while I write a decent amount of stage direction I like to phrase it in a way that allows multiple interpretation. Instead of taking a dramatic scene and describing how the character trembles their lips and releases a sob, then crumples into a chair, head in hands before slumping to the floor - I would probably just say she breaks. That can be seen in a lot of different ways depending on the actor, which I enjoy. It's cool in theater to open yourself up to the collaboration other actors can bring to enhance your story in ways you never would've predicted.

A few more things that are also kind of my own opinion, but I'll say them anyways. If you get the chance to direct your own work, even just for a reading, don't refuse to cast a role purely because it doesn't fit the Exact Mold you had in mind. Consider different possibilities! You might be blown away by the atmosphere created by making a casting choice you didn't initially intend for. Collaboration is a beautiful part of theater. Writing and producing end up so much better when you don't work from a place of blatant ego! This is totally not referring to specific people I used to know and collaborate with!

Anyways this was a huge ramble but I'm happy you asked and I'm happy to talk about it. Feel free to hit me with more anons if you want to know anything else!

[magic-belodie]

I finished MCLAL Armin, episode 6.   It cost me, 1182 AP.   I got the illustration.   Here is the summary:

(This summary is the sequel of the summary proposal route  episode 5: https://www.tumblr.com/magic-belodie/710622731941609472/i-finished-the-proposal-route-of-mclal-armin?source=share)

You start this episode in your own house. You have been busy with making it ready. Armin has arranged a truck for a few days to move everything. His now looking things up for a wedding suit. He wants something a little less traditional. He found a nice batman suit. Armin was also looking for an outfit for you. You like Ivy the most, but it would be weird if she would marry batman. But that kind of goes for every female character. And your parents will be there, maybe they don't like that kind of wedding. But it is your wedding. Maybe you two could decide over a Super Mario Kart game. That is not going to work for every wedding decision. Maybe we could go for a little more classic. Armin looks annoyed. You kiss him and tell him that he could still order suits. You two could use them for later. He tells you to stop. Armin has to concentrate, there is so much to do. For the wedding and the house. You two make a schedule for the coming time. You are going to get the wedding outfits end of this week. Armin is going to take care of the batman outfits. But he has to stay within the budget. At the beginning of this week, you two will see the caterer. The bachelor parties are arranged by the maid of honor and the best man. Nathaniel and Alexy are Armin's best men. You haven't asked anyone, yet. Rosa seems to be the good choice for you, and you also like to ask Chani. You will call them both tomorrow. You also have to do a lunch with both of the parents. They did help you both a lot with the wedding. You will both work that out. You still can't believe it, you are going to get married in an amusement park in front of the castle. The whole trip has been planned. But you still feel like you missed something. You are playing with your engagement ring and suddenly you know. You forgot about the wedding rings. Armin wants to do that as soon as possible. The day after tomorrow, you both have time. It feels a bit weird for Armin to buy wedding rings. It will make everything very concrete. You are scared that Armin has doubt. But he doesn't he is looking forward to it a lot. Only two days left to go.

The wedding rings The drive to the center only takes 15 minutes. Your new house feels far away, but exactly it lies perfect. Armin and you walk happily toward the jewelry shop. Armin would love to have rings inspired by a movie. But if they don't have that, he would like something original. You both walk into the store. There are a lot of options. Armin sees a ring he likes a lot. It looks nice, but you haven't thought about it yet. You still like the idea of getting a simple gold ring. There is also one thing that you haven't decided on, the ring bearer. Armin thought of asking Evan, since he isn't one of his best men. He is still his brother. But you like the idea of going with Rocket. Armin likes the idea, but he doesn't know how to explain to Rocket what he has to do. Evan could guide Rocket. That way, Evan would also be part of it. That idea makes Armin smile a lot. It is the best idea ever. Back to the rings itself. You look again at all the options. You like the black with neon details. They fit with you two. It was the one that Armin liked so much. He hugs you. You two buy the rings. Armin feels so happy with the rings.

The caterer Armin and you are testing the appetizers. They all fit with the fairy tale theme. Armin likes them all too much, he can't choose. You go with the Alice's miniature pastries in trompe l'oeil.  Everything looks like a dessert, but it is an appetizer. That is a surprising meal. You like that a lot. It will be fun to see the guests reactions. For the main dish, the caterer likes to go with Spaghetti con le polpettine and the vegetarian option would be ratatouille. It tastes amazing. It fits perfectly with everything you have planned. The caterer also called the park, they arranged for them to wear costumes. Armin lights up with that idea. You get to choose what they wear as long as the theme park has it. You like this idea also. The caterer will e-mail you a list with the options. You send your answer back. You now get to choose the cake. The tiered wedding cake would be shaped like a castle. Just like the Cinderella one in the park. You like that idea a lot. But otherwise you could go with a cheesecake. For that, they all have different kinds of options. Armin and you taste every option. You still like the Cinderella castle the most. Then everything is decided. Armin and you leave the caterer. You are both kind of full from everything you have tasted. But it was all too delicious. Armin and you walk towards the restaurant.

Both of your parents are already at the restaurant. You all say hi to each other and go sit at the table. All the planning for the wedding is going well. You just arranged everything with the caterer, and you still have room left for a small lunch. The place you two are getting married is very original. But it suits so well with the two of you. After the ceremony is over, you are allowed to go on all the rides. Everyone is going to have so much fun. Maybe you will also see some of the characters. You still have to buy your outfits. You will meet Rosa in a few days and Armin will get his suit. Armin and you are looking forward to it.

The Dress Armin and you are at Leigh's store. Leigh will close the shop, but when he is about to do that, Alexy walks inside. He is here to help Armin choose his suit. Rosa also comes inside. She will help you find a fairy tale princess dress. Armin will leave with Leigh and his brother to Leigh's workshop. That way he won't see you in your dress before the wedding. You stay behind with Rosa. Rosa explains to you all the dresses she has. You all try them on. When you try on the GHLF one, you are sure Armin will like this. You get to choose the dress. There is only one to pick. Rosa will make sure that your dress is ready on the big day. Armin, Alexy and Leigh get back. Armin found the perfect suit. It wasn't easy, but he found it. You both thank everyone for their help and leave.

The bachelorette party Armin and you are at home. You are a bit tired, Armin and you were busy with getting the house ready. Armin asks you if you still have energy for the party. You have, it won't be a long night. Rosalya has Thia and the other girls still have careers. Armin is going to do A LAN at his party. There are going to be all different kinds of games to play. Armin and you kiss and you leave to go to Leigh's shop.

When you stand in front of the store, you see no one. You look at your phone, and then you see a limousine drive by. Inside are your friends; Rosa, Priya, Chani and Nina. You go inside and drive off to a restaurant. There you eat with everyone. Then you go to the movie theater. You get to see a self-made video. With all the stories about your life. And then back to Leigh's shop. There you all put on different kinds of outfits.

After the party, you see Armin at home. You are both exhausted. There is still a lot of stuff to unpack. Yesterday, you moved from the apartment to this place. You will soon feel at home here. But let's first go to bed. Tomorrow you have to wake up early for the big day.

The big day Armin and you start with packing everything for your trip. Sometimes you have to look for things because a lot of stuff is still in boxes. But you find everything on time. The flight goes easily. Everyone is there on time, and you stay awake and chat with Armin on the flight. When you get there, the place looks perfect. You are with Rosa getting ready. Chani will keep you update on how everything is going. You are not nervous, with being at this place. Everything will be perfect. You are ready. Rosa takes you to your parents.

Your dad will walk you down the aisle. At the end of the aisle you see Armin. He looks so handsome. The story switches to his mind. When he saw you walking towards him. He suddenly felt a rush of stress. It's stupid, but Armin just can't believe it. That you are the one. You look so beautiful. Armin needs to get a hold of him self and enjoy the moment.  You are getting closer to Armin and smile at him. It lifts the weight from Armin's chest. Everything is going to be fine. As long as you two are together. You take his hand. Armin is going to explode with happiness. The story switches back to you. You are both very happy. Armin will start with his vow. He still has a hard time realizing how lucky he is. It is hard for Armin to believe all this is real. And Armin is not talking about the place. The place is magical, but it is just a setting. But your new life together is real and that is magical. It may sound a bit lame. But Armin means it. And he wants to make a promise to you. The timing seems right to him. He promises you that he will do everything he can to keep the reality magical, for as long as possible. Because the most important is you. Armin loves you. You have tears in your eyes. It is your turn. You believe in Armin and that he can do it. Over the past few years, Armin has brought so many amazing things into your life. So much imagination, fictions, but also a lot of real things, that you would never have thought to be possible. You never thought you live with a genuine righter of wrongs. You never thought you have so much fun with a game partner and live with a ferret. Or getting married at this place. You have no promise to make other than to marry him and love him as long as possible. You want to thank Armin for turning your life into a fairy tale every day. Armin has tears in his eyes. It is time for the rings. Rocket has the rings on his collar. Evan walks him towards you two. Armin and you both take a ring from the collar. You both say I do and kiss each other. You get the illustration. Armin and you feel like this moment will never end. But the episode ends here.  

[expatesque]

Oooo if you’re open to helping us shop please help me find my wedding dress (big ask)? I feel like I’ve tried on every dress in London and am about to give up! I’m not tied to it being white (blue? metallic?) I just want it to feel special enough that I don’t look like my own guest, but not a full meringue moment because there’s only going to be 15 people total. Vibe is casual Saturday afternoon picnic in the park and drinks at our local afterwards, my budget is £2k!

Sorry I should have added that I’m super short so midis tend to fit better, maxi not really my vibe and I’m worried it might feel too formal for the picnic!

Oh my god this is my dream task. First off - congratulations! Sounds like it's going to be a beautiful wedding. Okay so I've got a few thoughts first before we dive in: (1) You can get anything shortened - I'm also relatively short (well, actually I have long torso and short legs, but works out the same) so 90% of my bottoms are tailored. And what better time to invest in some good tailoring than your wedding! Assuming the dress isn't beaded / heavy on appliques, it's usually<£30 to have something shortened, and it's the same price to have something taken up half an inch vs taken up a foot, to make a maxi tea length. So I'm going to recommend a few things that are longer but know that I always mean you should have them shortened if you want. (2) Have you thought about a veil? I just think it's the easiest, most obvious way to say 'Wedding!' but still keep things cool. Personally I love a birdcage moment but I'm also partial to a short veil, particularly if you get something meaningful embroidered on it (this one is fully customizable and I love the look of the phrase running down the side).

Okay now that we've done that, some thoughts: Rixo makes cute, special but low key dresses. For a city wedding feel, I love the shorter ones (60s vibes! This CAPE) but there's loads of cute options (remember, you can have the longer ones taken up!). They're also v affordable which is always nice.

On the less classically bridal end of the spectrum, we have La Double J who go big on color and pattern. Again, I'd consider adding a veil (maybe in a fun color?!) to feel more bridal. I'm not sure your body shape but this top and skirt combo! With a pale blue veil?! Come on. They also do have more classic bridal pieces as well. There's also Zimmerman - flirty and flouncy, their dresses have pure romantic vibes. Something like this could definitely read bridal (+ a birdcage viel and a little shrug maybe?). If you're not put off by black (again, veil and accessories can help) then this is to die for and super re-wearable. Or embrace the chill vibes and go yellow! They have loads of great options.

I'm sure you already know this but just in case: Reformation does bridal. Like their normal dresses, the options skew towards people with model proportions but they've got some gorgeous ones - love this minimal take. I'd also recommend Wolf & Badger again. Do you want to be a hot and cool minimalist? A sea foam mermaid? (I'd personally have the slits closed a bit and the whole thing taken up but that's me). A ball of spring flowers? The Badge has you covered.

And then of course, a net a porter troll. Are you a disco queen? The most elegant woman alive? (Prob not best for the park, but def could work for a pub). A garden fairy? A jumpsuit (!) babe? A queen of less is more? (maybe with tulle gloves!) A column queen? (I'd style with blue shoes that match, I have this pair from Ferragamo that I love).

Again for lots of these I think accessories are key. You add a veil, a glove (consider short too!), a white shoe and all the sudden, bang it's clearly bridal. I hope some of that is helpful, and good luck!

(okay also you did not ask about this but just a thought: you can get really beautiful, affordable, old embroidered white table clothes fairly easily online and at antique shops. How gorgeous would your wedding picnic be on all white 'blankets'? Maybe with something waterproof underneath because, London).

[friendshapedplant]

[Video Description: Portrait video of Atticus dressed in cosplay, specifically Dracula from Hylics and Biker from Hotline Miami, as it shows off Cosgears Cosplay Planner App. Screen recordings of the app are also often used, showing off certain sections as they are brought up. Lo-fi music plays in the background. /End VD.]

Oh yeah I got hash tag sponsored to share about this app I use alot :0 Gettin paid to share this but tis all my own words and thoughts and experiences.

Aforementioned link since Tumblr doesnt work like Insta and I primarily made this for Insta lmao

Transcript and additional description details of the video under the cut!

Cosplayers! What are your methods for tracking and planning your cosplays? Notes app? Notebook? Spreadsheet? Your brain? (How do you manage?) If I may propose another tool, Cosgear's cosplay planner!

[Dracula cosplay pops up, poses to emphasize curiosity and then demonstrates examples.]

This website and app have been in development for around a year, and I've been using it just as long. Its honestly my favorite way to organize my processes. You've got a section for your basics, like the character, series, budget, and deadline, and of course a place to put your tasks like what to buy and what to make. I love that the tasks can be organized by what part of the cosplay it pertains to, like weapon or helmet or pants, whatever you want! Theres also a nifty view for just the things you need to buy, ideal for shopping trips so your list is all in one place.

[Dracula scrolling the app, some screen recordings as well.]

I've been using this app to help me work on Biker from Hotline Miami. Being able to go step by step through each piece has been so satisfying, and I can store progress photos in the app as evidence of my work if I were to ever do a cosplay contest! (Which I might be we'll see)

[Teaser of Biker cosplay from the back, shows off specifically stuff with Biker in app.]

Another fun thing you can do with those progress photos? Theres a built-in social media feed where you can post your progress, including sharing your techniques and materials! Progress photos on Instagram can be hit or miss for engagement, but in a place built around progress, it makes sense to have, and I've found some real neat work!

[Scrolls personal work in progress posts.]

On your profile, each cosplay has a page, where again you can add materials and techniques, as well as share links and even your shopping list. Good cosplayers don't gatekeep!

[Cosplay page for Biker, shows mentioned features.]

Or if you don't want to mess with any of that social media stuff? Totally fine, it's all optional. Cosplays can be made private, the Planner is your landing page, and hype can be hidden.

[Scroll profile and cosplays, shows hype hide setting.]

Final thing, this tool is constantly being updated and worked on. There's ocasional bugs and maybe theres things you'd like to see that aren't already around. There's a discord server for that! The Cosgear team is super open to suggestions and because of people like me, the community reference library requires sources for its images.

[More cosplay scrolling, show off references library for Link from Legend of Zelda.]

And I didn't even get to talk about the reference libaray! There's so many resources built into the app to try and make your process as streamlined and convenient as possible. Why not give it a shot? I'll have a link in my bio, go give it a look!

[Scrolls posts again, final shot is Dracula cosplay waving phone with cosplay plans at the camera.]

[dweetwise]

The Long Con (part 1/6)

Happy Oktoberfest! 🍻 With the festival starting today in München, I figured it would be the perfect time to start posting this fic 🥰 Please also check out @ell-clavel's amazing riconti art that inspired me to write this AU in the first place 🧡 Rated G | 1.5k words | ao3 link [next]

"Man, look at all these people!"

Meg's grin was bright as she jogged past Ace and looked around in awe, her bow-adorned braids bouncing in time with her steps.

Ace hadn't expected quite this much of a crowd, either. It was only a Monday afternoon but the festival area was quickly filling up with groups flocking to the large beer tents or shopping at the stalls lining the central street.

He knew Oktoberfest was popular, but not this popular.

"I wonder if they're here to see Denson too." Ace smirked. "You might have some competition for the spot as her number one fan."

Meg's face scrunched up. "Shut up. You're the one who insisted on flying all the way out here, not me. Oh, look, there's a chocolate fruit stand!"

Ace smiled and bit back a snarky comment as Meg excitedly took in what the festival had to offer. The girl was an avid fan of country artist Kate Denson's work—Ace had a sneaking suspicion it was something she'd listened to with her late mother—and after an off-hand comment that Denson would be performing in Münich at this year's Oktoberfest?

Well, Ace simply hadn't been able to resist.

Just like he couldn't resist obnoxiously cooing, "Want me to buy you some choccy bananas?" when Meg kept eyeing the food stall.

Meg bristled. "I'm not fucking five years old."

"Really? Could have fooled me, with those pigtails."

"I'm just blending in," Meg said. 

She did a twirl to show off the rest of her outfit: a frilly top and floral bodice combined with full-length lambskin pants. She looked like she'd jumped straight out of one of those quaint paintings of a girl yodeling in the Alps.

"Which is more than I can say for some people," Meg snarked.

Unlike Meg’s outfit, Ace’s get-up had been thrown together on a budget. The fancy red waistcoat he’d…acquired from a casino’s staff room and it clashed horribly with the cheap fake bundhosen bought from a tourist shop. Hopefully, the random scarf and traditional Argentinian belt he’d tacked on would make it seem more like a fashion statement instead of an insult to Bavarian culture.

"So I took some creative liberties," Ace said.

"Yeah, that’s probably for the best." Meg smiled smugly. "You're about sixty years too old to pull off leather pants, anyway."

Ace gasped. "Attacked by my own protégé! The audacity!"

"Wonder where I learned that from," Meg said dryly. She looked around again. "I'm gonna go scope out the other tents before the concert."

"And here I thought you wanted me to hold your hand at baby's first festival."

Meg rolled her eyes and pointed at a large tent with something resembling a clock tower next to it. "That one looks the busiest. You go check it out and I'll come find you once I'm done."

Ah, ever efficient. Ace had taught her well.

"Remember to have some fun, too," Ace said. "All work and no play makes Meg a very dull girl!"

"And you remember what we're actually here for." Meg's piercing blue gaze bore into Ace's. "If I find you in a beer chugging contest again, so help me—"

"That was one time and the frat boys dared me!"

"Ace."

Ace smiled and shook his head. "Of course. Who do you take me for?"

Meg raised an eyebrow. "I bet I can score more than you."

"Oh, really?" Ace countered. "Maybe whoever loses should pay for lunch the rest of the week, if you're so confident."

"Deal." Meg turned around, waving over her shoulder as she walked away. "Smell you later, old fart!"

"Have fun, Firecracker."

Meg disappeared into the crowd and Ace allowed himself a moment to appreciate how far they'd come. It seemed like just yesterday that he'd taken the girl in.

A few years ago when he'd been stateside, Ace had managed to cash out big after a blackjack win streak. When he'd left the casino, he only made it two blocks down the street before someone bumped into him and Ace was very aware of the weight of his wallet disappearing from his pocket while he struggled to right himself.

The thief had run off in a blur of red hair and sneakers pounding on pavement. After feebly trying to chase after them, Ace had stayed in the area and waited, and only a few hours later the pickpocket—a teenage girl—returned to the scene of the crime. She was clearly tailing a woman in a fur jacket and designer purse, but even across the street Ace could see that both the fur and bag were obvious fakes.

Amateur mistakes, really.

This time, Ace had familiarized himself with the surroundings beforehand and even as the girl spotted him and took off in a sprint, he eventually managed to corner her in an alleyway.

And after some angry screaming from the girl and a kick to Ace's shin, they'd ended up in a 24/7 shoddy diner with Ace buying her a meal in exchange for her story.

Meg had been homeless for months after her mother passed away from cancer. At only seventeen and with no close relatives, she'd been forced out on the streets and struggling to survive; it was only her sharp reflexes and years as a track star that kept her afloat by doing petty crimes.

And maybe it was the situation that was eerily similar to Ace's own childhood, or the fire he could see in her eyes, but Ace had only smiled before critiquing her pickpocketing technique and asking if she'd ever thought about being a con artist.

That was how Ace ended up taking Meg under his wing and teaching her everything he knew. With his experience and her quick feet, they made a surprisingly good team and had traveled across the States stealing and scamming much more efficiently than Ace usually managed on his own.

Having another person in on his schemes made a big difference. Meg could do anything from pretending to join Ace's poker table as a stranger to emptying someone's purse while Ace was doing magic tricks as a street performer. Meg had only been caught once by the police, and she'd been so convincing at sniffling pathetically and claiming she was only fifteen that the officer had taken pity and simply called her father—a.k.a. Ace's burner phone—instead of taking her down to the station.

But easy money or not, Ace hadn't expected their arrangement to last long. A few months later when Meg turned eighteen, she'd already earned enough to start her life anew—yet when Ace asked where she was planning to settle down, he only received a look of pure betrayal. And then there was screaming and crying and Meg accusing him of abandoning her, just like her dad and everyone else.

Ace had never wanted children, but as he dared to hug Meg for the first time and she merely clutched at his shirt and sobbed in his arms, he decided he'd do his best to be there for her the way nobody had been for him.

That was four years ago and Meg was still here, so he must have been doing something right.

Ace knew that their friendship was unorthodox. A middle-aged man and grumpy young woman who were visibly not related often garnered suspicious looks, especially whenever they went out to eat in a proper restaurant or money was tight enough that they had to share a twin instead of booking separate motel rooms.

Which was ironic, because it was Ace who hated sharing a room with Meg. She took ages in the shower, always sat on Ace's bed to eat and got crumbs all over the sheets, and stayed up way too late watching crappy late-night TV when Ace was trying to get his beauty sleep. It was like she knew exactly how to annoy him and did it with a smile every chance she could.

He tried not to show how proud he was of her mischievous streak.

Ace chuckled to himself. He couldn't have asked for a better partner-in-crime and he was glad they'd had enough extra cash to make the trip to Germany. Even if she tried to play it cool, Meg was clearly excited about seeing both the country and her favorite musician.

The fact that this happened to be one of Europe's biggest festivals, with countless drunk, rich patrons for easy pickings and dense crowds to quickly disappear into was simply a bonus.

Ace took a steadying breath and straightened his shirt—patterned with tiny card suits that hopefully nobody would notice weren’t traditional Oktoberfest checkers—and slipped on a familiar confident persona. As long as he pretended that he belonged here, everyone else would believe it too.

With a carefree smile and a spring in his step, Ace made his way to the beer tent to people-watch for a worthwhile target.

[neuronary]

ok that time of year is coming around again where everyone has to worry about getting people christmas presents, even if, like me, you don't celebrate christmas. here is my definitive guide to good gift buying based on who the person you're buying for is:

immediate family and close friends. adjust for your budget, but you probably know these people well enough to go over to their house. visit a few times and keep an eye out for what seems to be bothering them. is their house cold? get them a blanket. do they get annoyed with having to wash up a certain kitchen tool too frequently? get them a spare. this year for her birthday i got my mum a couple of extra blades for her nutribullet. she loved them and i know for a fact that she's actually used them.

extended family. pick a basic interest of theirs that you know of, find a book on the subject. done. alternatively, a nice box of chocolates or other food you know they like will always go down well. if you're strapped for cash, hunt through second hand shops. you can always find gems and they don't need to know that that nice jumper is from oxfam.

acquaintances and work colleagues. time to break out the secret santa suggestions and/or group gifting. stationery and notebooks always seem to go down well with this crowd for some reason? especially if you can theme it to an interest they've brought up before.

kids. books will endear you to their parents, but there are a fair few kids that won't be interested. my hack for this is Top Trumps cards. they come on pretty much any topic, so they can seem personalised and thoughtful, plus they're decently cheap and easy/fun to play for kids of most ages.

teens. again, books are a pretty safe bet if they enjoy reading, but giftcards are really the way to go. they're old enough to know what they like and spend money (relatively) responsibly, but young enough not to consider you cool enough to talk to. they'll appreciate just cash, too. maybe if you know they’re a big fan of [insert large creative property here], get them a pencilcase themed to that.

group gifts. this is a personal money-saving hack i have for when you (like me) have an enormous family. that family will probably split into households, particularly when you’re looking at all your cousins/aunts/uncles/nephews/nieces/etc. so get each household a good boardgame. something they can all do together. the same goes again for friend groups. grab packs of matching/adjacent bracelets/t-shirts/whatever and personalise them a bit and. boom. a group gift that’s cheap as chips but seems like it was a lot of money or effort. when all my friends graduated i got us matching personalised pencils with an inside joke on them. it was relatively cheap and i just got a bunch of photos from our mathematicians and physicists showing the remaining stubs after they’d been all used up.

[dk-wren]

Happy Valentine's Day

Had a few hours and wanted to write a short fic for the occassion, featuring bonding time with Miri and Rei!

Hope you enjoy it! Any comments are appreciated! Thank you for reading!

(I'll post the full fic below too!)

“Is that everyone on your list, Miri?”

“Yep! Definitely gonna have to bring another bag to school. I don’t think I overdid it, but…”

“I don’t think so. You just shower everyone with kindness. Been that way since you were little. Not to mention, I’m sure that bag will come in handy to carry all the chocolates you’ll get. Maybe just…don’t tell Papa Kazuki how many are from the boys in your-”

“-Stop it, Papa Rei!”

Rei smiles before he can no longer contain his laughter, with Miri quickly joining in. They might have lived together for several years now, but Rei always appreciates spending one on one time with his daughter in a way he can hardly put into words. And it always amazes him that even now, he is still experiencing “firsts” with Miri (and Kazuki too).

In the past, Kazuki would take Miri to go Valentine’s Day chocolate shopping. However, a burst pipe in the diner’s kitchen meant Kazuki was now preoccupied with trying to get the pipe fixed and cleaning up the watery mess it left behind. Being in the period Kazuki deemed “Maximum Ideal Purchasing Time,” where the chocolate selection still had plenty of variety, but it was not too far out where the chocolate could go bad, he insisted for Miri not to push back their shopping trip and go with Rei instead. 

Rei had no idea what he was getting himself into. He knew there were different types, shapes, and flavors of chocolate, but not about the customs or politics that came with giving chocolates out on Valentine’s Day. He was curious to learn more, but halfway through her explanation, Miri could tell Rei became a little overwhelmed by it all. So, she stopped herself and told Rei to just help her make a decision when she’s debating between two and make sure she doesn’t go over budget. Luckily for Miri, Rei only saw chocolate and told her to get what she wants, he’ll cover it, so there’s no reason for Miri to worry about price.

“Ooo! Look at these, Papa Rei. Is it okay if I get this set for Hinata and Kotori instead?”

“Sure. Is that a special kind?” Rei asks, still trying to wrap his head around all the different rules Miri explained on the car ride over.

“Not really. Just a few more pieces than the average box. Thought it might be nice to do a little something more since I’ve known them for so long,” Miri replies, looking at the display case and contemplating which one to get.

“Papa Rei, help please,” Miri says while giving a teasing pout. This earns a small chuckle out of Rei as he looks at the display case with his daughter.

“That one looks more fun. There’s stuff on top of each piece and they’re different shapes. The one over there are all squares, probably don’t have anything inside of them either,” Rei concludes.

“Done, I’ll get the decorated and not all square shaped chocolates box.”

As they make their way out of the Valentine’s Day section, a thought crosses Miri’s mind. “Papa Rei?”

“Yes, Miri?”

“Are you not gonna get Papa Kazuki any chocolates?”

“Am I supposed to…?”

“I mean, it’ll be Valentine’s Day in a few days. But you two always followed your own path, so it’s not like you have to or anything.”

Rei stops in his tracks causing Miri to walk ahead a few paces. She turns around and sees Rei with a new glint in his eyes, asking her, “Wanna help me pick out some chocolates for Kazuki?”

A smile breaks across Miri’s face as she grabs Rei’s hand and guides him back into the aisles of chocolate.

-----

“Tadaima!”

“Okaeri. I’m in the kitchen.”

Rei and Miri make their way upstairs and place their bags of chocolate on the couch. Kazuki, who was frantically moving about their smaller, upstairs kitchen, finally stops after seeing their haul and how happy Miri and Rei look. He can’t help his smile from growing wider at the sight.

After reorganizing the bags, Rei turns to face Kazuki in their kitchen. He notices the plate of cupcakes sitting on the counter, already perfectly frosted. Rei then realizes the oven is still on, presumably baking another treat Kazuki made with love, meant just for the three of them.

“Aww, are you stress baking again, love?”

“That was one time, Rei! And you know it was for a bake sale, so my actions were completely justified!”

“Hmm, if you say so,” Rei teases as he walks around the kitchen island to give Kazuki a quick kiss on the cheek. After a brief moment of thought, Rei decides to stay by Kazuki’s side, wrapping his arms around Kazuki’s waist, slightly leaning onto him and resting his head on Kazuki’s shoulder. 

“I had to do something, they put me on hold for over an hour.”

“Aw, I’m so sorry, Papa Kazuki. You could’ve gone with us and just stayed on hold while we shopped around,” Miri pipes in as she joins her papas in the kitchen, hugging Kazuki’s other side.

“Hi, princess,” Kazuki greets while planting a kiss on top of Miri’s head. “I see you have quite the chocolate stock. You ready for Valentine’s Day?”

Miri shakes her head enthusiastically. “It’s not all mine though.”

“Oh, really? How so?”

“Papa Rei bought you chocolate!”

“Really?!” Kazuki asks while whipping his head around to face Rei, who gives a shrug in response.

“...Maybe,” Rei replies. His effort to look nonchalant ultimately fails as he can’t keep a smile off his face. Rei then pulls away from Kazuki to grab the box of chocolates he and Miri decided on. Miri remains attached to Kazuki’s side, excitedly bouncing up and down, as Rei makes the journey from the couch back to the kitchen.

“Happy Valentine’s Day, Kazuki.”

Kazuki takes the box of chocolates from Rei. He cannot believe Rei actually went out and bought him chocolates, not that he stayed up some nights in January and February thinking about if Rei would ever get him a box of chocolates for Valentine’s Day (nope, never). This might have only happened because of the burst pipe, but Kazuki will cherish the moment despite the circumstances.

Opening the box, Kazuki looks at the selection of chocolates Rei (and Miri) picked out for him. He’s always on Rei and Miri’s case about not eating too many sweets, but Kazuki is willing to be a hypocrite this time since they all look so good.

“Aw, babe, I would love to be your Valentine. I love you too.”

Rei gives a puzzled look before Kazuki explains, “Rei, these are honmei choco. You give them to someone you have romantic feelings for, a significant other, or your husband.”

Realization dawning on Rei, he exasperatedly shouts, “Miri!”

“I’m sorry, Papa, but you didn’t know and you were already looking at these. I couldn’t help myself,” Miri laughs while trying to hide behind Kazuki from Rei’s stare. “Papa Kazuki, protect me!”

“Don’t worry, Miri. I won’t let him hurt you.”

“Whatever, it doesn’t matter. I would love to be your Valentine, Kazuki,” Rei says as he returns to Kazuki’s side. Rei then tilts his head back until he can catch Miri’s attention. “Since we avoided combat, are you thinking what I’m thinking?”

“Oh yeah.”

“Wait. Hold on, what are you two thinking?” Kazuki nervously asks, placing the box of chocolates onto the counter. “I don’t like the look you two are giving each other.”

Turning their attention back to Kazuki, Rei and Miri shout, “TICKLE HUG!”

[twentyfivemiceinatrenchcoat]

OH MY GODDD okokok so first off. That gojo post. fucking DELICIOUS !! Ughhhh gojo comforting u with cuddles n him being all soft and sweet and ohhh I’m weak <333 that was so good I’m literally twirling around in circles giggling kicking my feet screaming BUT ALSO !! The post u reblogged about lipstick kisses jesus what are you DOING TO MEEEEE !! You’ve put domestic poly!stsg thoughts in my brain. Sitting on suguru’s lap with his arms wrapped around ur waist and his head buried into ur neck from behind + satorus head on your lap while u do ur makeup… Satoru being cheeky n leaning up to kiss u all over ur face even if you’re busy putting on ur makeup because he just thinks ur so gorgeous :)) or suguru being the housewife he is and washing dishes/cooking while u latch onto him from behind <333 going grocery shopping with them and satoru whining about wanting sweets the whole time (n sugu pretends to be annoyed but folds and lets the both of you get as many snacks or diff ice cream flavours to try as u want) or doing ur nighttime routines together. One of u in the shower one of u brushing ur teeth/doing skincare and one of u just sitting on the bathroom floor talking away about ur day…. going clothes shopping together while u put on a fashion show for both of them except you don’t get any real help with what looks good and what doesn’t because they think you look amazing in anything and everything. Sitting outside together in your backgarden with a picnic blanket and homemade snacks looking at the stars just holding eachother n talking about whatever comes to mind AUGHHHHHH 😭😭😭 I LOVE THEMMM SO BAD IT HURTSSSS. Alsoalso I almost forgot to say this but if u r busy with writing or don’t have time to answer pls don’t feel bad about responding later !! There’s no rush at all dw shdjsjdj <33 — stsg anon !!!

STSG ANON STSG ANONNN <333333333

OHHHH U R KILLING ME W UR LOVELY THOUGHTS ALWAYS ……. any variation of stsg/lipstick drives me a lil crazy tbh ALL OF THESE ARE SO GOOODDDD i cherish ur takes on them sooo dearly u dont even know!!!

first of all SITTING ON SUGU’S LAP >>>>>>> LITERALLY ANYTHING ELSE uve found my weakness stsg anon…. AND GOJO IN UR LAPPPP WAHHH they’re so clingy and precious 😭😭😭 kissing u!! bc he just can’t help himself!!! i love them soo much :<

ANDANDAND HOUSEWIFE SUGU ….. my greatest weakness AGAIN u get me HE’S SOOO……. hugging him from behind while he chuckles and pats ur arm 🥺🥺🥺 he’s a softie a little cutie pie etc etc i need him in my kitchen rn !!!!!

GROCERY SHOPPING & CLOTHES SHOPPING ohhh it’d be sooo chaotic and fun…… ur so right stsg anon it’d literally just be u and gojo whining for sweets while sugu (ur budgeting king <33) tries to be responsible but ofc he could never resist the combined power of u and gojo’s puppydog eyes…. also them not being any help w picking out clothes bc they think u look perfect in Literally Anything is SOO canon to me they’re just swooning while u want actual advice LMAOO

AAA and the quiet moments….. stsg anon u are making me feel soso soft. doing ur nighttime routines + having a midnight picnic im melting wahhhh they’re just sooo…….. so soft and pretty 😔😔😔 i can imagine the comfortable silence so vividly!!! owowowowww theyre perfect

OKOK BUT IMAGINE …. while we’re on the topic of makeup ….. the boys wearing it too 😵‍💫😵‍💫 i think sugu would look so effortlessly good w any kind of beauty products he just has that androgyny abt him yk… maybe u would have to coax him into letting u put makeup on him but he always ends up indulging u <333 he’s just too smitten to say no!!!

meanwhile gojo will put on ridiculous amounts of lipstick JUST to kiss u all over … he looks very good in it tho. like imagine gojo w his plump red lips hhhh he’s just so gorgeous…..

[gracelesslady23]

An outtake Chapter 2 from my prongsfoot age gap fic. Unfortunately I wrote something that fit the plot better so it had to go... but I thought it was cute. Another obligatory shopping trip (because I apparently love putting these in my fics) this time with 18 year old, time travelling Sirius & trio! Hopefully its fun :)

The area Hermione took them to was much more suited to Sirius’ taste (and more importantly his budget). But even as he tried to hide it behind enthusiasm and jokes, the mornings lack of success had hit Sirius rather harder than he expected.

The places that had opened his mind and challenged his perceptions of muggle culture, they were all gone or changed beyond recognition… there was little left of the section of muggle London he had explored with James. Unlike the forgiving slow pace of the wizarding world, the relentless progress of the muggle society had made it that much more brutally clear… the world Sirius had known was long gone.

“You alright, mate?” Ron asked.

Sirius tore his eyes away from the house coat he had been staring at for several long minutes to find three sets of concerned eyes watching him. He plastered on a smile.

“Yeah, sorry, just a little tired,” Sirius said, he pushed the hangers to one side of the rack and started filtering through the merchandise.

Although they didn’t question him further, the trio seemed to take Sirius low mood as a challenge to be rectified, turning their little shopping expedition into something of a joke, picking out the silliest outfits for the others to try on and laughing themselves silly under the disapproving eyes of the other customers and sales clerks.

It wasn’t until the last charity shop that the silliness finally died down and Sirius (now in a much brighter mood) started looking in earnest. Finding a few pieces that met both his high standards and his budgetary constraints, he hit the changing rooms.

He twisted and turned in front of the mirror trying to see all angles of his current outfit: a pair of faded, artfully torn jeans that fit him like a second skin; a soft, forest green t-shirt that stretched across his broad shoulders and clung to his flat stomach finishing a little less than inch before the waistband jeans; and a black leather jacket covered in pins and patches, not dissimilar to what he had owned in the past. In this, finally, he felt like himself again.

“What do you guys think?” Sirius asked, turning back to the suspiciously silent group, a marked change from their earlier joking commentary at the other shops.

“It’s a bit, erm, fitted,” Hermione said, the tops of ears turning red.

Sirius’ eyes flickered back to the mirror… was it too fitted?

“I think that’s the point, Hermione,” Ron said. “Looks great, mate.”

“Harry?” Sirius said, turning to third member for the group for the tie break.

Harry eyes flashed to his face, his wide-eyed expression looking almost guilty.

“It’s good. I mean, fine,” Harry said very quickly, now not looking at Sirius at all. 

Sirius huffed, walking back into the changing room. “You lot are rubbish to shop with, by the way.” Sirius shot over his shoulder, “except you Ron.”

Sirius changed back into the oversized muggle clothes he’d borrowed from Harry for the journey and stared at his selection, his nerves reappearing… maybe it wasn’t as perfect as he had first thought. He decided it wouldn’t hurt to take another lap around the store to see if there was another option he’d missed.

Sirius started weaving his way back through the over-stacked racks of clothing in the vague direction of his friends. Before he started down the row, he heard Ron talking in not a particularly quiet whisper.

“You two are ridiculous,” Ron said.

“Whatever do you mean, Ron,” Hermione replied.

“About Sirius,” Ron said. Sirius slowed his approach to listen in, “you’ve got to admit it’s a bit funny, you two gaping at him, barely able to string a sentence together. I mean I know he’s fit, but that –“

“Ron!” chimed the scandalised voice of Hermione. “You can’t say that! That’s Harry’s father’s best friend.”

“Well,” Harry said, slowly, “he’s not exactly wrong, is he?”

“Still, it’s not… it’s not appropriate,” Hermione blustered.

“But gawking at him is…” Ron said. “Got it.”

“I wasn’t gawking at him, Ron, I was… appraising his outfit,” Hermione said her voice far more shrill than usual.

Sirius snorted, before walking back the other way to give them some privacy to end the conversation.

It was kind of nice to hear some appreciation for his appearance. Even if it wasn’t from the person Sirius wanted to hear it from, and even if a moment later he started to feel a bit weird about it, given that was James’ son and his son’s friends out there.

Sirius had been feeling unusually plain and unsatisfied with himself ever since his conversation in the hospital wing with the new, very hot version of his best friend, surely not helped by his own temporal disorientation and the standard-issue, hospital-wing pyjamas he had been wearing at the time. It had been one of the reasons Sirius had wanted to go shopping in the first place, he wanted to look at a fraction as good at his welcome back party as James had looked bursting into the hospital wing. And some poorly fitting borrowed clothing from Harry or Ron, or god-forbid, his school robes, would just not cut it.

Not that it would change anything, Sirius reminded himself. James was a married man, married to Harry’s mother in fact. Sirius would just have to move on from this stupid infatuation, especially if he wanted to remain friends with James, and keep his new friends in Harry, Ron and Hermione.

Sirius decided to give up on his search for something better and approached the counter, if his eavesdropping had confirmed one thing, it was that the outfit he had selected looked rather good on him after all.

[kellanved-ammanas]

TF2 Drabbles Scout, Soldier, & Engie - Spicy Muffins

Summary: Soldier strikes me as exactly the sort of person to have a mild/moderate food allergy and have never realised that it's an allergy - i.e. he thought that was the normal effect of the food (given that foods can feel "hot", feel "cold", provide a rush of energy, cause windiness, cause temporary red Jarate if you eat too much of it, or produce a slight numbing sensation (Szechuan peppercorns), it isn't an entirely unreasonable conclusion).

~

Grocery shopping sucked but to ensure he got his preferred flavors of snack foods, Scout had to go occasionally. While he was here though he might as well put other things in the cart that he liked too. Engie, not the least bit discreet about it, put a lot of it back on the shelves. Which was was fair, the whole team pooled a set amount of their money into the grocery budget so they could eat real food instead of military rations all the time. So spending so much of it on stuff only Scout wanted wouldn’t be cool. It was still annoying though.

Scout didn’t complain though because Engie was doing the exact same thing to a lot of the stuff that Soldier was adding to the cart as well. How long would it be before Engie finally told them to stop? Would Scout or Soldier have more of their additions in the cart by the time they reached the checkout counter? It wasn’t a particularly fun game but it eased the boredom of wondering through the isles, following only a boring shopping list.

Eventually they ended up in the pastry section. Out here in a small town in the middle of nowhere, like the store in general, it was a lot more limited in its selection than the grocery stores back home in Boston had been. But it was still the pastry section and that meant everything here was probably good. Scout could probably find something that the most of the team would enjoy and thus easily justify putting in the cart. But what though?

“Ooh, spicy muffins,” Soldier said, drawing Scout’s gaze towards because what the heck?

He went over to investigate. The only thing Soldier was picking up though was a thing of banana nut muffins. There were blueberry muffins next to them on the shelf but that’s it. “Where are the spicy muffins?” They didn’t sound particularly good but Scout was willing to try almost anything.

“Right here,” Solider replied, seemingly indicating the banana nut muffins.

“Uh… how are those spicy?”

“They have banana in them and banana is spicy so they must be spicy as well.”

“What the fuck, dude? Are you crazy? Bananas aren’t spicy.”

“Incorrect. Bananas are spicy. They have always been spicy and they will always be spicy. If you don’t believe me, try one.” As he spoke, Solider turned and marched back over to the cart to put his ‘spicy’ muffins into it.

Scout followed. “Engie, tell him bananas aren’t spicy.”

“I heard they are if you’re allergic to them.”

“It’s possible to allergic to bananas?” Allergies were supposed to be for stuff like pollen and peanut butter. Whoever heard of being allergic to bananas?

“Yep and seems Soldier is.”

“Maybe,” Soldier said, “you are the ones who are allergic and they are supposed to be spicy.”

Engie shrugged. “Doubt that but sure, maybe.”

If it weren’t Soldier insisting on it backed up by Engie, Scout wouldn’t have believed it for a moment. But seems it was possible to be allergic to bananas and that made them spicy somehow. A shame because that meant spicy muffins weren’t real and thus Scout wouldn’t get to try one. Banana nut muffins were pretty good though so he’d settle for them.