#I’m not totally following the pattern anyway

[vashti-lives]

Knitting is a constant battle between trusting the pattern and trusting your gut. My pattern wants me to knit another half inch of ribbing here but I think I’m going to call it now.

[anthotneystark]

Wanna change my clothes, my hair, my face

(Also on AO3 now!)

It doesn’t happen suddenly.

Or, it does, but it’s a long time coming.

It’s a long time coming because it’s been coming his whole life. It’s been coming since the first time someone looked at him and said “it’s a good thing you’re pretty”. It’s been coming since the first time he heard someone say “beauty over brains”. It’s been coming since he was old enough to know that his dad was already planning on having to make connections to get him into a school of his choosing. He’s always known his book smarts were lacking, but it always hurt when he was reminded of it.

But it’s been more recent than that too.

It’s been coming since he felt that slick tail wrap around his neck. It’s been coming since Robin helped to change the bandages on his back. It’s been coming since the first date after everything ended with him going to bed alone because “I’m just not in the mood anymore” followed him pulling off his shirt.

It’s been coming since forever.

His looks have been his biggest asset his entire life, the only thing he could really use to get attention. And now there’s scratches in the paint.

After everything, when they’re finally safe, everything changes.

He doesn’t change, or he doesn’t think he does, because his habits are the same and his thoughts are the same and his nightmares are the same. But life slows down. And with it slowing down, he changes anyway.

Where once he was all lean, taut muscle, he softens. It’s still there, his daily runs and exercise are proof of that, but it’s a little more insulated.

(Robin tells him it’s because he’s been living with the stress of monsters for years, that feeling safe has pushed his body out of survival mode.)

It’s been coming though. With each comment from his mother about how he’s clearly eating too much junk food. With his father’s comments about how long his hair has gotten. With how girls’ eyes just skim right over him and move on.

It’s not all bad, of course. The kids, surprisingly, don’t comment beyond their usual teasing over things within his control – “stripes again? Don’t you have any other patterns?” or “why do you have to wear those shorts while you’re cleaning the pool?” which is usually followed by Eddie smacking whoever said it. Max makes exactly one comment, quietly, when it’s just the two of them still awake during a movie night.

“You’re a better pillow these days.”

Maybe it’s a joke, maybe she’s just being nicer with her teasing, but whatever her reasoning he likes it. When he thinks about it like that, being different doesn’t feel like a bad thing.

It doesn’t usually last long though.

So it’s not a sudden thing, until it is.

He’s not even totally sure what causes it. Some comment, sure, but the words themselves are in one ear and out the other. His parents are leaving for another trip, his mother comments about eating healthier while they’re gone, his father makes some dig that’ll lodge under his skin with all the other barbs he’s thrown at him for all these years.

All he really remembers is that a comment is made. The rush of heat and sour bile in his throat. The door shuts and all he can hear are overlapping echoes of all the comments that have ever been thrown at him. All he can feel is the tightness of the tee shirt he’s wearing the weight that no longer rests on his shoulders, but which is spread over his entire body. He finds himself looking into a mirror and suddenly cannot look at that any longer.

His hands shake and he doesn’t trust himself, but he knows where he can go.

It should scare him that he doesn’t remember the drive. It should scare him that he’s here but doesn’t fully know how he got here. But he doesn’t have room for more panic in his head. They’re past the point of knocking, of waiting to be let in, so pushing through the doorway of the trailer is a familiar motion. Eddie looking up and smiling where he’s strumming his guitar is a familiar sight.

The way his smile faulters and turns into a frown is less familiar.

“Stevie? What’s wrong?” He feels like he can’t breath, can’t possibly explain everything in his head, but he can’t just expect Eddie to read his mind. He’s not Robin after all.

“I need it gone. Off. I can’t…I can’t,” he manages, one shaking hand sliding into his hair and tugging, the pain grounding for just a moment. Eddie might not be able to read his mind, but he understands him these days more than most people. It’s an unlikely friendship founded in terror and fortified by countless hours in hospital rooms and new homes.

“Oh sweetheart. Are you sure?” He knows it’s extreme, but he can’t help what he needs, even if Eddie is concerned. He nods, swallowing hard. Eddie doesn’t try to talk him out of it, just pulls him to the bathroom and sits him on the edge of the tub.

“Lets start small, okay? And we can go as far as you need from there.” He wants to argue, but at the same time he knows it’s reasonable. And it’s Eddie. He trusts Eddie. He can’t make any words come out, but he manages a little nod. Eddie, doing what he does best, just starts talking. He’s not really paying attention to the words, but he doesn’t have to. He can feel the chill of the metal scissors, the soft rumble of Eddie’s voice, the too gentle fingers pushing and pulling him into whatever position is best. Eddie pauses now and again, a question in his eyes, but continues on when he sees whatever he’s looking for still lingering.

It's not until Steve feels his shoulders slumping, his hands loosening where they’re clenched at his knees, the chill of the breeze from the open window hitting skin that no longer feels boiling hot, that Eddie sets down the scissors. He feels lighter, doesn’t even care about the itchy feeling of stray hairs clinging to his clothes and skin.

When he finally looks in the mirror, his hair is shorter than it’s been in years. It’s not gone, not buzzed off, but it’s not the same as it was.

Neither is he though.

Eddie’s giving him a knowing look, one that says he’s got something to say but is holding off.

The cut itself is a little rough, but in a good way. It’s clearly not a professional sort of thing; he likes it more because of it.

“Thank you,” he whispers, exhaustion and relief hitting him in equal measures.

“You know, when I buzzed my hair, there were a lot of rumors,” Eddie says softly. “Stuff about my dad punishing me, about looking too girly before, that sort of thing. But really, it was just…so much going on all at once. My dad had just gotten arrested, mom took off, Uncle Wayne was stressed over having another mouth to feed. I felt like I couldn’t breath and just-” he makes a buzzing noise and mimes shaving through the mop of dark hair, which he’s got tied back today now that Steve can actually see it.

“Just had to get it off?” he asks.

“Yep. Needed it gone. Growing it back was a pain, but it was good too. Felt like a fresh start even if it was a little like trying to get back to where I used to be,” Eddie explains. It makes sense, at least to Steve. “So, you know, I get it. But I also know you’d have another breakdown if we shaved it all off completely,” he jokes. It’s enough to drag a laugh out of him.

It’s very Eddie, baring his soul while he’s helping to bandage a lost sheep, and Steve wishes he had the words to say how grateful he is. Instead, he just takes the towel Eddie throws at him and the soft, well worn clothes Eddie sets on the counter. He showers, pulls on a shirt for a band he doesn’t recognize, and breathes out a sigh of relief when the vice around his body finally, finally, comes loose.

Eddie doesn’t wait long once he sits down on the couch, immediately flopping back to use his thighs as a pillow while he goes back to strumming along to the music in his head. It’s a quiet moment, a safe moment. He doesn’t even notice as his head drops back to rest on the cushions, his breathing slowing as he finally feels light enough to rest.

Later, he’ll wake up with their positions reversed, with Eddie playing with his hair in a way that’ll make his brain turn into mush. Later, he’ll gather the courage to finally stop toeing that line of friendship and more that he and Eddie have been dancing on for so long now. Later, Eddie will hear everything that’s been in his head and will hold him down while he kisses every last insecurity and promises that it’s only made him more obsessed with him.

Maybe that won’t fix the insecurities, but that doesn’t mean Eddie isn’t going to make it very clear just how happy he is loving Steve exactly as he is at every point in time.

Because it doesn’t happen suddenly.

Or, it does, but it’s a long time coming.

[hlficlibrary]

HL FIC LIBRARY ☕ Coffee Shop Fics

Remember to leave kudos and a comment on the fics you enjoyed to show your appreciation! You can find the library's other recs here.

☕ I’d Still Dance With You by kikikryslee / @flamboyantommo {M, 57k}

“Liam, if you met someone that you really liked, would age matter?” Louis asked. “I suppose so; to a point, anyway.” “Like, how young would you go?” Liam thought it over. “Uh… I don’t know. Like, 24?” Louis groaned and dropped his head in his hands. “Why? How old is this guy you like?” “Twenty-one,” Louis muttered. “Hang on. He’s 21, and you’re… what? Twenty-eight?” “Yeah.” “Wow. Um… well, OK. That’s a, uh, that’s a gap.”

Or, the 21/28 age difference fic where Harry is younger than Louis thought he was, and even though Louis’ head is telling him not to pursue anything, his heart doesn’t seem to agree.

☕ I Really Like Your Styles: The Baking Advent-ure by @homosociallyyours {T, 34k}

Louis isn't much for frills, and the coffee shop he co-owns with his best friend Liam is evidence of that. Yes, it's got a decent sized, well-kept industrial kitchen, but Louis insists that people come to coffee shops for coffee, not mediocre pastry and plastic wrapped cookies. When Liam's campaign for serving treats turns into watching a few baking accounts on whichever popular app he's on, there's one that really gets on Louis' nerves: "I Like Your Styles." With his chipper demeanor and over the top descriptions of the food he makes, Louis is sure that the (unfortunately cute) baker is full of it. Nothing that adorable could possibly be worth the hype.

It doesn't actually take much for him to eat his words...and some quality baked goods, while he's at it.

☕ love drunk, waiting on a miracle by @hellolovers13 {E, 30k}

Christmas inspired Coffeshop AU

Harry has a bit of a crush on a customer. Thankfully, the feeling is mutual.

These are their first 24 days together.

☕ And That’s The Tea by @2tiedships2​ {M, 27k}

I’d like an Earl Grey with milk and sugar, please.

Louis had the phrase memorized, even though it had disappeared off its place on his upper arm over thirteen years ago now.

At fourteen he didn’t understand. Soulmarks don’t just disappear. Not unless…

Unless one of them dies.

Or, the one where Louis loses his soulmate before even getting the chance to meet them, and he is in no way prepared for the kind of distraction his new friend Harry proves to be.

☕ Friday I'm in Love by @perfectdagger {M, 25k}

It has a pattern, Harry has noticed.It’s not that he has been observing the guy who regularly comes to the coffee shop for the past few weeks; but he totally has.It’s also not Harry’s fault that he’s infatuated with the guy who apparently follows a very repetitive schedule.

Or the one where Harry works at the coffee shop and Louis goes there almost every day and Harry is head over heels for him, making his love life look like a The Cure song.

Inspired by Friday I’m in Love by The Cure (obviously).

☕ From The Heart (series) by jacaranda_bloom / @jacaranda-bloom {E, 24k}

Every Tuesday, Louis spends his day off holed up in his favorite coffee-come-bookshop, writing his little stories as part of the WordPlay challenge while daydreaming about the resident barista, Harry. Each week a new word prompt is revealed and Louis adds to his series of short stories about Henry, the owner of a B&B in the Cotswolds who has curly hair and dimples, Lewis, his long term guest who just happens to be a writer, and Tigger, Henry’s cat.

As Louis and Harry’s friendship develops, could his fantasy world spill out into real life? And how does that reader who leaves the lovely comments with the teacup emoji seem to be able to read Louis’ mind?

☕ ever since new york by @sunflower-live​ / sunflower_live {NR, 22k}

Louis works at a coffee shop in NYC and he pines endlessly after the boy who lives above it.

☕ blend into my favourite colour by rainbowninja167 / @rainbowtitania {T, 19k}

Harry often wonders if they’ll ever meet in real life. And if Harry will recognize Tommo the instant they see each other, like somehow their souls will just know. Or maybe Harry’s soul is shouting “Louis!” too loudly for any other signals to go through.

Harry is a barista with a secret Werewolf High fan blog, a desperate crush on a customer named Louis, and a best friend on Tumblr who always makes him laugh. Louis can't figure out why the barista at his favorite coffee shop keeps creepily staring at him, and to make matters worse, he may be slightly in love with a friend he met online.

A love square involving two boys, one TV fandom, and one food fight.

☕ The Importance of being Earnest by @louloubabys1992​ / louloubaby92 {NR, 16k}

Harry cannot help but pay extra attention to Louis' order, even if it is just a warm cup of tea with a dash of milk and no sugar. He also makes sure that the Danish Louis asks for is warm and fresh from the oven and not the one in the display, even if it means delaying Louis a bit when he fetches said Danish from the kitchen. It's all worth it when Louis smiles his crinkly smile at him before he rushes off to work.

Man, he's hot, he cannot help but think.

Or Harry is a barista who's been harboring a crush on Louis for months. Little does he know that Louis actually likes him back.

☕ Before We Ever Wrote a Song by @casuallyhl​ {E, 13k}

Harry just can't be around Louis when he's flirting outrageously with Chad Michael Murray. So what if he's the star of one of the country's most popular shows? Harry's seen an episode or two and it's not that great. Sure, the drama is exciting and all the actors are attractive and it’s shot in his hometown, but still. Not that great. Certainly not great enough for Louis to fall over himself every time Chad enters the coffee shop.

Harry doesn’t want to watch the over-the-top spectacle, which is why he usually retreats.

And besides, it hurts to see the boy he’s in love with flirting with someone else.

Or, Harry and Louis work in a coffeehouse on a film studios lot, and Harry wishes Louis would pay half as much attention to him as he does the famous actors.

☕ A Love Stronger Than Espresso by tempolarriefics / @tempolarriefix {G, 12k}

Louis is entirely dependent on caramel mocha in the mornings, but soon he finds that there's one thing at the coffee shop he needs more than coffee - a cute barista named Harry.

aka: The one where Harry is a cute barista guy and Louis plays hard to get by using a different name to order coffee each day

☕ John Doe by FitzAndLarry {G, 12k}

John Doe I don't even know you, but I know fo' sho' That you are beautiful, so baby let me know Your name Damn what's his name?

xxx

There's a boy taking the stand at the open mic night where Harry works as a barista, and he's going to find out the boy's name if it's the last thing he does.

An ode to Never Shout Never, and a story about finding a new home.

☕ Coming Home Through the Dark to You by LadyLondonderry / @londonfoginacup {G, 6k}

Harry Styles works at the Fox in the Snow, the most hipster coffee joint around. He's got too many roommates and a best friend he met his first day of university who he might very well be head-over-heels for.

☕ ‘Sup by MediaWhore / @mediawhorefics​ {G, 6k}

Gemma really wants her little brother to sign up for a dating app and get back in the game after a messy divorce. Harry thinks he’s way too old to swipe. They compromise to devastatingly embarrassing results.

Meanwhile, all Louis wants is to finish the play he’s been commissioned to write, but one of the regulars at his local coffee shop keeps distracting him.

ft. older larry, pushy gemma, harry being a disaster gay and silver fox louis.

☕ Time Of The Season by alienharry {NR, 6k}

When writer's block stands in the way of Harry completing his second novel, he turns to the sweet-smelling omega behind the counter of his new favorite coffee shop for inspiration.

☕ I Kinda Need A Hero (Is It You) by @fallinglikethis {NR, 5k}

Louis is a barista who’s had his heart broken. Harry is the boy who wants to put the pieces back together.

☕ That's Not My Name by @lululawrence {NR, 3k}

He froze for a second, because he hadn’t expected to be hit with such an intense gaze. Green eyes beneath a beanie and loads of curly hair made Louis miss a beat before coming back to himself.

“Uh, hi. Sorry. Can I take your order?”

The boy (man?) gave a shy smile and said, “Just a caramel macchiato, please. Grande.” Louis nodded as he scribbled onto the cup and punched it into the register.

As the boy held his phone to the machine to pay, Louis asked, “Name please?”

“Oh, uh, Marcus.”

Louis scribbled Marcus on the cup and handed it off, but not before giving the boy a smile and nodding over to where he’d be able to pick up his drink. Louis watched him a bit longer than he probably should have, then forced himself to move on.

Or the one where the cute boy coming into the coffee shop gives Louis a different name every time...for over a month.

☕ A Cuppa Courage by @juliusschmidt {G, 3k}

Liam kicks Harry's shin, picking up another cup to fill. “He seems like he’d be a good catch, if you liked guys, I mean.”

I do like guys, Harry does not say, even though he’d like to shout it at the top of his lungs. I DO LIKE GUYS.

[a fluffy lil' fall coffee shop coming out au.]

☕ cursing the cosmos by 5sexualhomos / @hogwartzlou {NR, 3k}

In a world where people have timers counting down to when they meet their soulmate, finding love is easy. Harry meets Louis in a coffee shop one day. They slowly fall in love, the only thing holding them back is that they aren't soulmates.

☕ baby baby, you're a caramel macchiato by @missandrogyny {T, 3k}

So, yeah, Harry doesn't think it's that far of a stretch to call himself a good barista. There are some particularly bad ones, and some particularly good ones, and, with his work ethic, his skill, and his charm, he'd probably be lumped in with the latter group.

☕  tell me what you need by @disgruntledkittenface​ {G, 2k}

“And a fresh cherry?” he asks, pinching his bottom lip between his fingers. He waits as Louis stares him down, his brow furrowing.“No? What the fuck,” Louis rasps, looking bewildered.

coffeeshop AU based on this iconic prompt:

harry: can i please get a semi-iced half caramel half vanilla decaf latte with no foam using fresh almond milk with a small swirl of whipped cream covered in a pinch of cinnamon and a fresh cherry? louis: ...no? what the fuck

[slvt4em1lyprenti2s]

heyy could you do a renee rapp or Regina george x reader? Any genre is ok! Thank you!

OFC ANON!

my masterlist!

Slow mornings

Summary: A slow morning, and just reader and Reneé being all domestic. Tooth rotting fluff!

Word count: 667 (SORRY ITS SHORT!!)

TW: kissing, I think that’s it?

Pairing: Reneé Rapp x fem!reader

A/N: Hey so I’m kind getting back into writing, going to try keep going with all my requests I get sent and try keep going with my emily series!! Hope you enjoy!

Reader pov:

The chilly autumn breeze floats through the windows and parts the curtains for a few seconds, the sun peaking through as it does so. My hands come up to my eyes to shield them from the golden sun beating down on me and Reneé through the thin gap.

I turn around after feeling her arms around me like usual, and burry myself into her chest, making myself at home. I let out a relaxed breath as I feel her stir. I attempt to stay still in hopes of not waking her but her eyelids pry themselves open anyway. Her blue eyes find my own and a tired smile graces her face.

“Good morning” Her tired voice croaks, the sound bouncing off the walls, sending shivers down me. She could never not be gorgeous.

“Morning, love” I say back, tilting my head up to be more in her eyeline. She takes this opportunity to capture my lips in hers, moving against each other softly, gently pouring every ounce of love we could muster at this early hour into the kiss. She pulls back and cups my face in her hand, rubbing soothing circles over my cheek and smiling softly.

“I love you” The words tumble drowsily out my mouth before I could stop them. But her smiles grows fonder nonetheless.

“I love you too baby” The replies falls upon my ears as I place my head back in her chest, now enjoying the warmth of the sun on us rather than being annoyed it disrupted my sleep. Our legs tangle together and it’s hard to see where she starts and I end.

Her hands draw mindless patterns over my side as I begin to feel my eyes close again. I know I shouldn’t go back to sleep but who can resist when in my position? Safely tucked into your lover, the sun warming us gently, being totally lost in the other’s touch.

A blaring alarm rips through our tranquil state reminding us we do need to get up at some point. Reneé reaches over me and turns it off.

“C’mon baby, we need to get up” Her breath fans over my ear as she whispers to me. I reluctantly pull myself out of her embrace and watch her as she rolls over and sits upright on the edge of the bed, stretching slowly, waking weary limbs after a peaceful night.

I quickly follow suit as she slips into the darkness of the hallway and walks down to the kitchen. She puts on the kettle before turning her attention to me. Her hands find my waist and she pulls me so we’re flush against each other. Her nose brushes mine as we talk.

“What are we doing today, anything in particular?” She questions.

“Not that I’m aware of” I reply. A content hum leaves her lips, we haven’t had a day where both our schedules agree in a while so, finally having today is nice.

Reneé taps the backs of my thighs gently as she pressed me against the kitchen counter, signalling for me to jump. I do as she says and position myself on top of the marble countertop. She stands between my legs, sliding her hands up and down my thighs in a soothing manner. Her eyes lock with mine and we both lean in. We’re lost in yet another kiss, the world seems to dissolve whenever we’re together. Like it’s only us, and only ever been us. Nothing beats slow mornings. Lazy cuddles and kisses. The lack of words made up for in gentle lingering touches and the whispers of the autumn breeze.

[azucar-skull]

Just You And Me

(written for @tmnt-write-fight for @remedyturtles)

Fandom: Rise of the TMNT (Post movie)

Prompt: Autistic Donnie!!! Literally anything for autistic Donnie. Sensory overload, deep pressure hugs, food issues, the works.

Word Count: 3785

Posted on AO3 too!

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

A fun day at the beach. This was meant to be a fun day at the beach. A moment for the team to get away from the hustle of New York and enjoy a nice day out on a secluded beach where the turtles didn’t have to worry about any stray humans spotting them.

April, Cass, and Sunita were teaching Casey Jr the ropes of volleyball. Mikey was busy burying Raph in the sand and making him a mermaid tail. And Leo was heading out to catch some waves with an abandoned surfboard he found.

Donnie spent a good chunk of the time sitting in the umbrella shade. But the sand is now kicking onto his towel and just…ugh. Donnie is not a fan of sand. It gets everywhere and is a pain in the ass to get rid of. Besides, he’s supposed to be hanging out with his brothers, he promised them that much. The softshell spent the majority of his time in his lab, working endlessly day in and day out. He tried to say no to a beach day but his brothers weren’t having it. So…sigh…

The water seems nice. It is pretty hot out. And being an aquatic turtle, Donnie has no dispute about it. Plus it’d be funny to go underwater and prank Leo by knocking him off his surfboard. 

Alright, swimming it is, Donnie thought. He got up from his towel and headed down to the shores. He winces at the loud screech of April’s cheering, looking over to see that Casey Jr had punted the volleyball way out of bounds. The teen looks nervous and apologetic as the ball disappears into the aether, never to be seen again. But the girls all swarm him with hugs and cheers. They are being quite loud about it though.

Crunch.

Donnie stumbles back as he notices the strip of seashells lining the shores. He’s stepping on a few and it pokes the bare soles of his feet, eugh. The softshell carefully tries to maneuver around them—

“HEY DEE!!!”, Mikey bellows from down the shore, carrying a plastic red pail full of shells. “Can you grab me that white shell next to you?”

White shell? Sure. White shell, white shell… Donnie glances down and around him.

There are several white shells…

“W-Which one?!”, Donnie hollers back.

“Right next to your foot!”

His foot? Where?? Which foot?!?!?!

“...What????”

Mikey huffs a sigh. “Nevermind, I got it.”, he calls out, bounding his way over to his purple-clad brother. Mikey reaches behind Donnie and picks up the large white spiraling shell he almost stepped on. “I was talking about this one.”

“O-Oh, I see. My bad, I didn’t—”

“No, no, you’re good! I should’ve been more specific. Plus it was behind you.”, Mikey wavers his hand and offers a reassuring smile. “You having fun so far?”

“Uhh…yup!”, it’s not a total lie. But Donnie hasn’t done dick diddly since they got here.

“Cool! Wanna help me decorate Raph’s mermaid tail?”

Help decorate…but Don’s plan was to go in the water with Leo. But. Mikey’s asking for him and Donnie really doesn’t want to let his brothers down so…

“Okay.”, he nods. He could go swimming later anyways. This is okay. Just a little change. Not a big deal.

Don’t make it a big deal. It’s not. It’s literally just a change of plans.

Donnie follows Mikey over to where Raph is patiently waiting with his legs buried under a mound of sand that’s been sculpted into a rather impressive looking mermaid tail. Always leave it to the artist of the group to wow the others with his craftsmanship.

“I’m back! And I brought some help!”, Mikey beams, placing the now heavy bucket of shells down beside the snapper.

“Awesome! I’m going to be the coolest mermaid out there!”, Raph flashes a toothy grin at his brothers.

Donnie sits himself on Raph’s other side and simply follows Mikey’s direction in sorting all the shells into groups based on size, color, and general pattern. Bit by bit, they press the shells into the sand sculpture. While Mikey works the scales, Donnie presses large shell flakes into the fins. But he ends up pressing a bit too hard and the sand begins to topple over. The corner of the fin breaks apart, causing Raph’s foot to stick out.

“Oh crap! My bad, Raph, I didn’t mean to!”, Donnie winces at his mistake before snapping his head at the snapper.

Raph lets out a dramatic gasp, “My mermaid tail!! Oh no, the spell is wearing off! I’m turning back into a human—err…—turtle…”, Raph cries out. “My life is simply ruined! How could you betray me like this? My dearest brother?!” The alligator snapping turtle presses the back of his hand against his forehead as he flops back on his shell.

Oh shit. Shit! Raph’s mad at him. Of course he would be. How could Donnie make such a mistake? Sand is delicate and now Raph is—

Mikey’s laugh breaks through. “Alright, alright. Quit joking around, Raph. I’ll fix it. Just hold still again, would ya?”

Raph was…joking? He was joking. Oh. Right. Of course he was joking. Duh. How could Donnie think Raph was mad? It’s just sand. It’s an easy fix too. Raph was just having fun with him. Why couldn’t Donnie see that??

Mikey hums to himself as he scoops up the sand and pats it back in place again. Donnie wants to try and help some more but now he’s worried that he’ll just fuck it all up again. He clenches and unclenches his hands, hesitant to make a choice.

“Boys! Lunch time!”, April calls out to them.

“What?! Now?! But my mermaid tail!”, Raph whines.

“We can camp next to you then, Raph.”, April rolls her eyes fondly.

“Phew.”, Raph sighs, wiping his brow. He glances up ahead at Leo on his board. “Hey, Donnie, could you go grab Leo and tell him it’s time for lunch?”

“Yes!”, Donnie answers immediately, quickly standing up and a bit too eager to finally be helpful again. “U-uhm I mean, yeah. Sure thing. No probbles.”

Donnie hurries his way down to the shore, now mindful of the shells. He brisks the waterline to get in earshot of the slider before cupping his hands around his mouth.

“LEO! LUNCH!”, he shouts.

Leo can’t seem to hear him. Laughing to himself as he ducks under a wave, grazing the water with his palm. He looks so…joyful. At ease. It’s been a while since Donnie’s seen that. But…a growing turtle needs his food. Donnie huffs in annoyance and begins padding into the water, going deeper and deeper as the cold ocean water soaks the rims of his board shorts.

“Leo!”, Donnie tries again. “LEO!!!”

Still nothing. Guess Donnie finally gets to swim after all. He lurches forward before diving in. The refreshing cold water washes over him as the softshell blinks through the murky ocean and begins to swim after his twin. He sees where the water surface bobs and waves up ahead, where Leo is surfing. He just needs to get close enough for Leo to hear him.

He swims, no worry for his breath which he can hold for a good couple of hours if he wants. The water was hard to see through, unlike a swimming pool, but as long as Donnie focuses on the reflective rays of sunlight above, he could pinpoint where—

Something grabs his leg.

Something slimy, grainy, enrapturing around his leg. Tugging, pulling, yanking. Donnie yelps a muffled scream which takes all the air out with it, trying to kick away but it grabs hold of his other leg. Tugging and tugging and Donnie is kicking and kicking trying to break free but he can’t because the Kraangisyankinghimoutoftheslimyickyviolatingcontrolpanelsofthespaceship—

Suddenly, arms are pulling Donnie out of the water and he desperately gasps for air.

“You’re good, you’re good. I gotcha, Dontron.”, Leo assures as he pulls Donne up close for him to latch on to the surfboard. “What were you even doing down there?”

Donnie holds onto the back end of the board for dear life as he catches his breath. He blinks. Twice. Glancing around and registering that the slimy icky seaweed vines are no longer there. Because of course it was just seaweed. He knew that. He did.

“...What?”, Donnie asks dumbfoundedly, not registering Leo’s question.

“I said what were you doing?”, Leo raises a brow.

Donnie huffs in annoyance once again. “I was coming to get you for lunch time but then some seaweed grabbed me and…and I thought it was…something else.”

“Ugh! I hate that feeling!”, Leo scoffs, reeling his head back. “Every time that happens, I think it’s a stingray and I get all worked up about it.” The slider then scoots forward and pats the back of his surfboard. “Well come on then, let’s head back. I’m starving.”

Donnie graciously obliges, climbing up on the board and balancing himself on the center line. Leo glances behind him really quick but takes note of Donnie’s hands.

“Uhh…you might wanna grab on.”, he suggests.

Oh right, of course. Donne nods, scooting forward and gripping the edges of the surfboard but careful to not get too close to Leo. He’s still reeling from the icky seaweed just now. Leo cocks a brow before slowly turning his head back around.

“Oookay, that works. Let’s go.”

Leo paddles the two towards the shore, aiming for the wave that’s starting to form. Donnie fears for it to be a big one but the wave is simply tugged a bit out of the water, giving the board a gentle push that glides them back to the shore. Thank pizza supreme. He quickly gets off the second the ground is within leg range and pads out of the water with Leo to join up with the others.

The rest of the fam is setting up their picnic spot but the glorious snapper-mermaid as they start distributing sandwiches out from the cooler they brought. Leo and Donnie take a seat beside them all and that’s when Donnie is reminded of…sand.

The sand sticks to him like glue after his impromptu swim and near-drowning experience, getting stuck between his toes and grinding up against his scaly skin and—

“Here ya go, Donnie!”, April grins, passing him his sandwich.

Donnie accepts the offering, now distracted by just how hungry he is. He is most grateful that April and Mikey have packed sandwiches and chip bags for everyone. He opens up the plastic baggie and from the smell alone, he could tell it is a tuna salad sandwich. It sounds delightful. Donnie feels his tongue begin to salivate as he takes a big bite. Ah, finally, something nice. He chews on the bite, reminiscing in the delicious homemade flavors of the sandwich that Mikey made. He starts to feel a bit better too. He must’ve just been hangry this whole time—

CRONCH.

Donnie bit into something hard, hard like a rock. The texture is a startling difference from the softness of the sandwich and it throws the softshell off balance. Not wanting to spit it out in front of everyone, he crunches through the odd texture and gulps the bite down. He peaks into his sandwich to find a culprit but nothing is seen. He’s lost his appetite anyway, putting the rest back into the baggie and opting to thrive off of the potato chips for the time being.

The others are engaged in a lively conversation about how much of a fast learner Casey Jr is at volleyball. Donnie knows he should join in, they all urged him to come along on their beach day so he should be participating. But—

“Not eating your sandwich, Dee?”, Leo asks, though not unkindly.

Suddenly, eyes are on him. Donnie tries to glance up but the stares bore into him like heat lasers and he can’t bring himself to look back. Donnie shrugs through the embarrassment.

“Had a funny texture.”, he mumbles. “I-It tastes great though, Angelo. Really.”

“I believe ya, Don.”, Mikey smiles. At least…Donnie could hear the smile. “Sorry the texture’s off.”

“Well here, you still need something…”, Leo adds. He peels away at his sandwich, separating the bread from everything else and holding the tuna salad parts in his other hand. He hands the bread to his twin. “Here, you can have this. Bread is good, right?”

“O-oh, no. You don’t have to do that.”, Donnie shakes his hand at the offering.

“It’s fine, I prefer the salad straight up anyways.”, Leo assures. “Come on, don’t let this bread go to waste.”

“I…okay.”

Donnie takes the bread slides, munching away at them as the conversation picks up where it left off. The bread has the delicious tuna flavor to it though so at least that’s good. But Donnie still feels bad for being so picky about things. He doesn’t mind tuna. So why is this bothering him now?

“It is settled then!”, Cass’s loud voice breaks through the conversation. “All of us shall compete in a game of volleyball!”

“Aw, yeah! I’m in!”, April nods.

“Sounds great!”, Mikey beams.

“But…my mermaid tail…”, Raph whines.

“FUCK YOUR MERMAID TAIL!”, Cass shouts as she stands up and kicks over the beautifully and carefully crafted mermaid tail that Mikey put his blood, sweat, and tears into. “EVERYONE TO THE NET!”

The rest of the gang bound for the net as Raph mourns the tragic loss of his beloved mermaid tail before catching up with the rest of them. They split into two teams. Leo, Donnie, April, and Sunita on one team. And Raph, Mikey, Casey Jr, and Cass on the other team. Donnie opts to be the back end guy, away from the action where people could crash into each other and start screaming their heads off.

The game begins, April serves (and slays) the ball into the air and the tension begins. A point to Donnie’s team, then a point to the other team. The ball aims at Donnie’s direction a few times, but he stammers to hit back whenever Leo steps in a bit. He’s doing it to be ready to help but knowing Leo’s “No, no, I got this one.” attitude that almost cost them an entire apocalypse, Donnie is rendered hesitant. After a couple serves, Leo catches on and instead sends Donnie a reassuring nod when the ball comes his way again. The softshell does pretty well for the most part. Not too much action but enough that he’s helpful. He likes to be helpful. 

The ball is served again, a tie breaker now, and it hits into the other team’s side. Casey Jr quickly steps into the ball's line of flight, jumping high up in the air and smacking the ball across the net with such force that it slams into Donnie’s team’s side in an easy point hit. But the ball quickly rebounds and bounces up towards Donnie at lightning speed and before Donnie could even register it’s trajectory—

WHAM!

Donnie is knocked off his feet as the ball hits him square in the chin and makes the softshell bite his own tongue. He falls back against the grainy sand. And suddenly everything Donnie’s been trying to keep down all day suddenly snaps. He quickly sits up, tucking his head down as he is suddenly made aware of every little thing around him. The sun is too bright, everyone’s concerned shouting is too loud, his jaw and chin hurt, he’s still hungry because bread and chips is not a lunch meal, there’s fucking sand everywhere and it’s all just…too much.

A high-pitched whine escapes his throat through clenched teeth before Donnie is sucking in a large breath. He clutches his hands against his forehead and rocks himself in place. The sounds he’s making are not of his own volition but at least it has thankfully stopped the shouting. Donnie barely registers what everyone is saying but it doesn’t matter because they’re all focusing on him. Staring and boring their eyes into him so much that it hurts like heat vision rays determined to melt the flesh off his bones and all Donnie wants right now is to get away and maintain some of his fucking dignity.

“Deep breath, Tello. It’s just me right now. Just you and me. You and me.”, Leo’s voice hushes close by. “Deep breath. With me. In…and out. In…and out.”

Donnie tries to follow but his breathing comes in desperate gasps. He manages though. He tries.

“That’s good. You got it. You so got it.”

Donnie begs to fucking differ.

“Come here. You up for a hug?”

Donnie doesn’t even answer yet and there’s arms wrapped around him. They feel icky at first until they tighten, harder and harder. And now Donnie latches onto his twin like a lifeline. He doesn’t dare open his eyes, he can’t. Everything is just too much. But he holds on. It’s all he can do right now.

“There we go. You’re good. I got you.”

Leo shushes him calmly, still holding on as tightly as he dares until Donnie’s panicked rocking slows down. Donnie curls up as much as he can, wrecked with uncontrollable whines and sobs.

“There, there, mellizo. I’m here.”, Leo murmurs. “You wanna go home? Hm?”

A gentle suggestion. And honestly, Donnie would love nothing more than to get the fuck outta here. But…his brothers wanted him to be here. And if he leaves, they’ll want to leave too. He doesn’t want that.

“...I don’t want to ruin the fun.”, he whispers, barely audible, but Leo is holding him so close that he doesn’t have to be loud to be heard.

“You’re not ruining anything, I promise.”, Leo whispers back.

“I’d feel bad if they all want to leave too.”

“Hm…yeah, I get you. We can ask them to stay here, if you want. We could head back together, just you and me.

“...Just you and me…”

“You got it.” Leo shifts, craning his neck up at the others. “We’re gonna head back to base, you guys carry on though!”

Raph hums in concern. “Are ya sure? Raph don’t mind—”

“Yes, we’re sure. Go on. Continue the game without us. Mikey, switch with our team. Avenge our honor.”

“Uhm…sure!”, Mikey replies. “If that’s what Donnie wants.”

A pause, and Donnie realizes they want him to say something. But he could only muster a subtle nod.

“Dee would be honored to have you take his spot.”, Leo assures. “We’ll take my portals back so just give me a call when you’re done and I can teleport you all back.”

“You be sure to give us a call too if you need anything, okay?”, April insists.

“Absolutely!”

Leo shifts to get up but Donnie still grabs onto him tightly. The slider makes no fuss though, hoisting Donnie up with him and guiding the two back to the shade where a blue shimmering light forms. Donnie is guided through the light until everything feels a comforting familiar. The softshell blinks his eyes open to see the dimly lit lair before them. It almost looks completely dark but that’s simply Donnie’s eyes adjusting to being out in the bright sunlight all day. Leo sets his swords aside and gives his twin a patient smile.

“Hey bud, how’s your chin? Does it hurt?”, he asks softly. And thank fuck for it, Donnie doesn’t think he can handle much more stimuli.

His chin doesn’t hurt anymore now though. So Donnie just shakes his head, not wanting to engage in eye contact right now.

“Hm…how about all that sand, huh?”

Now Leo’s speaking his language. Donnie subtly nods which prompts Leo to gently grab his hand and guide him down the hall.

“Let’s head to the bathroom then before we get sand everywhere.”

They head into the bathroom where Leo grabs some towels from the rack. He passes one to Donnie before shaking off his own sandy skin in turn. The sand, now drying off, flakes away with ease which Donnie is most grateful for. He takes extra care to pick away the sand stuck between his toes and fingers before yanking off his bandana when he discovers how much sand got stuck up in it. Once the twins are sand-free, Leo ushers him out of the bathroom.

“Come on, it’s hoodie time.”

They head down to their rooms where Donnie is more than agreeing to dress out into something more comfortable and dry. He puts on his usual shorts and his large oversized purple hoodie before stepping out and sees that Leo has done the same in a blue hoodie.

“You don’t have to do that.”

“Are you kidding? I don’t want to keep wearing those damp sandy clothes anymore.”, Leo chuckles. “Come on, let’s pop on a movie. You pick. I’ll grab some snacks. Something more filling than bread, I bet.”

Call it twin instinct, but Donnie is glad that Leo is able to read his mind. He heads down to the TV room and shuffles through a few options before opting for his go-to Jupiter Jim comfort movie. Something mindless he can just focus on. As he settles on the couch, Leo comes back with a couple juice boxes and instant noodle cups. Donnie soaks up the minimal warmth of his ramen cup as Leo snuggles up next to him. Together, the two just sit in peaceful silence, enjoying their noodles and the movie. But something still stirs in Donnie’s gut.

“...I’m sorry.”, he murmurs.

“For what?”

“For not being as participating as I should’ve been today. You guys have been insisting I come along and I owe it to you after locking myself up in the lab for a long while. I tried to be more sociable but…it was all just too much.”

“Hey. We wanted you to tag along because you’re our brother and we wanted you to feel included.”, Leo presses. “You didn’t have to come with if you didn’t want to and even if you wanted, you still didn’t have to push yourself beyond your comfort zone. We would never want you to make yourself uncomfortable for us, Dee.”

“...Yeah…you’re right.”

“Well of course I am.”, Leo flaunts. “Who would you be without your genius twin?”

“Excuse you, that’s my line.”, Donnie smirks. “...I still like going to the beach. Just…not now. I guess.”

Leo wraps his arm around his brother. “Then we’ll head out again some other time. Just you and me.”

“Yeah…

“Just you and me.”

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

This was the longest attack I've made so far for write fight and tbh I am kinda bummed that it's a friendly fire one too so the points ain't that much BUT THE RANDOM NUMBER GENERATOR HAS SPOKEN SO I DO NOT QUESTION THE RANDOM NUMBER GENERATOR GODS!!!

Hope you like it, Rem! Consider it a fuck you and a thank you for writing firefight. (I still gotta catch up. Why does Donnie want to eat bananas--)

[dracoxmalereader]

Wrapping Paper

Draco x Male Reader

Context: First of a two-parter because Draco deserves more than a one shot (will post the second one tomorrow). My usual Huff!Reader, takes place in third year so before they're together, but they totally have mega-crushes on each other. <3

Summary: Draco has developed a habit of dragging you along with him whenever he sees you. Today is no exception, even as the holiday season comes into full swing.

Word Count: 800

An arm hooking around the bend of your elbow is all you feel before you’re being tugged away.

Frost nips at your nose, snotty and icy when you sniffle and echo a confused goodbye to your friends. Draco’s gloved hand warms your sleeve. He can’t have been outside for long. 

“How come I’m always the one coming to find you?” His voice is playful, confident lilt caked into it. His arm doesn’t leave yours. 

His footsteps crunch against the snow, falling heavy over it, bearing his full weight and pulling him faster than you can keep up with. He turns to side eye you as you fumble and trip. You catch yourself before you can meet the slushy ground.

“At least you’re wearing a coat this time.” He chuckles, a smirk on his face. His eyebrows are high and passive in a way you rarely see. “But really, your little Hufflepuff friends can’t be half as entertaining as I am.”

“My friends are plenty entertaining,” You reply. “You’re just always hanging around Crabbe and Goyle.”

You both remain still, chilly eyelashes blinking at one another. Hot chimneys mark the cold, bleak sky, smoke billowing from them into the air. Red lights glitter in the reflection of Draco’s eye.

“I told you they’re harmless,” He starts. “Dumb lot they are, but harmless. Even if they don’t know when to keep their mouths shut. Or do homework.”

His hand starts to slip from your arm, the flurry of people muddying the streets all too claustrophobic for the contact. You swallow and nod along, not quite convinced. A glimpse of vibrant green catches your eye through an open door. 

You crane your neck to get a better look around him. His passive brows furrow before he spins to see too. “Stitches and Draughts? But they just sell junk.”

“Junk that I want.” Giggling, you take a bouncy step towards the store. Draco grumbles, but follows regardless.

The two of you mosey into the building. It’s a homey thing, warm and quiet. Unpopular, too, if the lack of people is anything to go by. Behind the counter is an old man you don't know the name of. 

You carry yourselves to the shelf that had grabbed your attention. Holiday wrapping paper covers the whole of it, from the dusty floor to the low, wood beams of the ceiling. Your fingers tug at vibrant green, and the roll slips into your palm. Little cartoony Santas smile up at you.

“How adorable,” Draco mocks, his voice filling the insulated space of the store. “Almost worth some little kid’s play money.”

You shoot him a glare, and he looks away, exasperated, trailing his eyes on a table in the corner. It’s covered in tiny wooden statues. 

“It is adorable, thank you very much.” You bite. “Worth all two of the hard-earned galleons it’s going for.”

Your fingers curl firmly around the roll, and your other hand snakes up the inside of Draco’s arm. You tug him to the counter. His throat bobs, awkwardly lingering at your side while you dig into your coat pocket to pull out the money. The old man takes the coins with shaky, wrinkled hands.

“Too expensive for you, eh?” Playfully, you nudge Draco with your elbow. “Here I was thinking money wasn’t a problem for you Malfoys.” The redness that blooms under his skin is lost in the twinkling string-lights strewn about.

You wish the old man a happy holidays on your way out of the store, paper in hand. “You certainly have interesting taste.” He says. 

“It’s cute,” You laugh, pulling the roll open a bit to look at the pattern of Santas continue across. “I needed wrapping paper before break, anyways.”

“The paper we use at the manor is a lot more mature.” Draco teases. “I haven’t seen anything like this since I was a child.” An amused breath blows out of his nose, puff clouding in the cold.

Your brows furrow and you stay. In your peripherals you see Draco open and close his mouth once, twice, then he’s speaking again. 

“But I guess it’s not that bad.” You turn to look at him. He shifts his weight and shoves his hands in his pockets. “For a Hufflepuff.” 

He rolls his eyes. You give yourself a moment just to take in the way he holds himself. You tuck the paper under your arm, and fondness pulls the corners of your mouth up. People had webbed away from the edges of Hogsmeade, the street now mostly populated by the stray adult settling into place at a shop.

You hold your arm out to Draco. 

“Where to next, hm?” You smile, and hope the sun will stay in the winter sky long enough to make just one more memory with him.

Updating later than I promised, again. TT

This time it really wasn't my fault, I was having tummy troubles all day. I'm in no shape to write Draco fic if I can't even leave bed. I felt like a dying widow in a period drama.

"Take me forth to the riverside one last time. When autumn dawns, only my memory will wake to dip its toes." - Me probably if it was like 1412

Tags: @nowayisthistakenyet @gayaristocrat @siuspider @dracoshusband @skrunklespoingo @joongbin @esperfraud @midwestemosblog @we2222 @ashton-laufeyson @0-alastair-0

[bebe-writes-stuff]

OMG i love the Sick! clingy! Mikey fic!! It’s really adorable! And yes to part 2 please when you have the time🙏❤️‍🔥 Thank you in advance!

--bro I literally be opening requests and forgetting about them IM SORRY. Anyway go read part 1 or you'll find me in the corner of your room at 2am. This a smut + plot kinda btw--

^ part 1

Y/n lay in bed, her head pounding and her throat raw from days of relentless coughing. The soft glow of the afternoon sun filtered through the curtains, casting a warm yet unwelcome light over her disheveled room. A half-empty mug of tea sat on the bedside table, steam long since vanished. She sighed, feeling a mix of frustration and fatigue.

Just a few weeks ago, the roles had been reversed. Mikey had been the one confined to bed, battling a nasty cold. Y/n had nursed him through it, despite his constant demands for kisses and cuddles. She had tried to keep a safe distance, knowing the risks, but Mikey’s puppy-dog eyes and relentless affection had worn down her defenses. And now, here she was, suffering the consequences.

A knock on her door was followed by it swinging open. Mikey stood there, his face a picture of concern mixed with an air of contrived innocence.

“Y/n,” he whined, dragging out her name as he approached the bed. “You’re ignoring me. Are you mad at me?”

She didn’t even have the energy to roll her eyes. “Manjiro, I’m sick. I just need to rest.”

He pouted, his bottom lip jutting out in that way that always made her heart melt, even now. “You’ve been resting all day. Can’t I just stay with you?”

“Manjiro, no. I don’t want you getting sick again.”

He didn’t seem to hear her, or perhaps he chose not to. Instead, he slipped off his shoes and crawled into bed beside her. Y/n tried to protest, but her voice came out as little more than a hoarse whisper.

“Manjiro, seriously—”

But he had already wrapped his arms around her, pulling her close. His warmth was both comforting and infuriating. She could feel the steady rise and fall of his chest against her back, and despite herself, she relaxed into his embrace.

“You’re burning up,” he murmured, pressing a kiss to her neck. “You should have told me you were feeling this bad.”

Y/n sighed, but a small smile tugged at the corners of her lips. “Just don’t blame me if you get sick again.”

Mikey chuckled, the sound a soothing balm to her frazzled nerves. “Worth it,” he whispered, holding her a little tighter. “Totally worth it.”

As she tried to muster the energy to protest again, Mikey's voice broke through her thoughts, mischievous and playful.

"You know," he murmured, his lips brushing against her ear, "I have a way to distract you from your cold. Make you feel good."

Before she could argue, he leaned over her, his eyes glinting with mischief. His lips found the sensitive spot just below her ear, pressing soft, lingering kisses there. Y/n shivered, a mix of fever and the electric sensation of his touch.

"'Manjiro," she breathed, her voice a weak protest.

He pulled back slightly, his eyes locking with hers, a smirk playing on his lips. "Trust me, Y/n. You'll feel better, I promise."

Mikey's hands were gentle yet insistent, roaming over her sides, his fingers tracing patterns that sent shivers through her.

"You're not playing fair," she managed to murmur, her resolve weakening with each kiss, each touch.

"All's fair in love and war," he replied, his voice a low murmur against her skin. "And this is definitely love.", his kisses growing more heated, his hands more daring.

She felt a warmth spread through her that had nothing to do with her fever. Her breathing shallow as Mikey trailed kisses down her neck and across her collarbone. The room was quiet, save for the soft rustling of sheets and the occasional hitch in her breath.

"Relax," he murmured, his lips brushing against her skin. "Let me take care of you."

She swallowed hard, her heart pounding in her chest. As much as her mind protested, her body was already responding to his touch, her defenses crumbling under his tender ministrations.

Mikey's hands slid down her sides, his fingers grazing her skin in a way that made her breath catch. He paused at the waistband of her pants, his eyes flicking up to meet hers, silently asking for permission. Y/n gave a small nod, unable to find her voice.

With deliberate slowness, Mikey peeled her pants down, his touch sending a jolt of anticipation through her. He placed a kiss on her hip, then another just below her navel, his eyes never leaving hers. Y/n's breathing grew more erratic, her body trembling with a mixture of nerves and desire.

"Mikey," she whispered, her voice barely audible.

He smiled, a soft, reassuring smile that made her heart flutter. "Just trust me," he said, his voice a soothing balm to her anxious thoughts.

He shifted lower, spreading her legs gently. Y/n's heart raced as he settled between her thighs, his breath warm against her skin. He kissed the inside of her thigh, slow and deliberate, his lips leaving a trail of fire in their wake. She couldn't help but gasp, her fingers clenching the sheets beneath her.

When he finally reached her core, he paused, looking up at her one last time. The intensity in his gaze sent a shiver down her spine. And then, with a tenderness that took her breath away, he lowered his mouth to her.

The first touch of his tongue against her was almost too much. Y/n's back arched off the bed, a moan escaping her lips. Mikey's hands gripped her thighs, holding her steady as he began to explore her with a slow, deliberate rhythm. His tongue moved in languid strokes, each one sending waves of pleasure through her body.

Y/n's hands found their way to his hair, her fingers tangling in the soft strands. She tried to stay quiet, but the sensations building inside her were overwhelming. Every flick of his tongue, every gentle suck, drove her closer to the edge.

"Fuck," she breathed, her voice a mix of desperation and need.

He hummed in response, the vibration sending a jolt of pleasure through her. His tongue moved faster, more insistent, as if he was determined to unravel her completely. Y/n's body tensed, her breaths coming in short, ragged gasps. She was so close, teetering on the brink of release.

Mikey sensed her nearing climax and doubled his efforts, his tongue working her with a skill that left her breathless. He added his fingers, sliding one inside her, then another, curling them in a way that made her see stars. The combination of his mouth and fingers was too much.

With a cry, Y/n came undone, her body convulsing with the force of her orgasm. Waves of pleasure crashed over her, leaving her trembling and breathless. Mikey didn't stop, his tongue and fingers drawing out her climax until she was a quivering mess beneath him.

her in his arms. Y/n's heart was still racing, her body still humming with aftershocks of pleasure. She looked up at him, her eyes filled with a mixture of gratitude and love.

"Feel better?" he asked, a teasing smile playing on his lips.

--yurrr which character yall want next? I was thinking Mitsuya idk?--

[dreamingcricket]

Hi Cricket! I soaked up your Tav/Halsin snippet, about them being injured and shrugging off Halsin's advances, it's absolutely sweet! I kindly request another Tav/Halsin if you don't mind... My Tav is a naive little sunshine and as a tiefling bard loves to dance, sing along and play on her fiddle, I imagine her having skirts that flow around her feet whenever she danced and plays around camp or inn's for some coin. Halsin being in love with Tav and like totally unable to hide it and it's obvious to everyone but Tav themselves. I would love for him to join her dancing, maybe something slower, more intimate with meaningful touches. He loves seeing her so at ease in rare moments like this, even when he's a clumsy dancer. 🤭

I'm so happy people are enjoying these!

Halsin was unused to revelry. 

He couldn't speak for every druid, of course, their kind ranged far and wide in both calling and temperament, but the Emerald Grove was prone only to subdued rites. He certainly couldn't fault the refugees for wanting to release some tension, however, and he wanted to show his appreciation to the small band that had saved him and his grove alike. Her, especially. 

And of course she was at the center of it all.

She reminded him of a celestial center, the hub of a wheel around which everything else turned. She glowed in the firelight, all orange and gold and purple, skirts flying as she fiddled. Music seemed to follow her everywhere. She danced like water, one pattern to the next without pause. It was beautiful. She was beautiful.

“You’re staring.” Shadowheart was difficult to read, as she appeared behind him, goblet in hand. He couldn't tell if her observation was meant to be an admonishment or not.

“I know.” He was usually reserved, if not stoic, and his developing feelings bubbling to quickly to the surface was alarming, but it would do no good to deny it.

"We all know. You're not subtle, Halsin." 

His attention was drawn back to Tav as she laughed. The sound was like the sun on his face.

Shadowheart followed his gaze. “Nobody blames you, Halsin. But she should know.”

“I don’t want to rush her.”

“Under any other circumstances, I’d agree. But we’re running out of time, and…” She shakes her head, clearing the morbid thought. “Just… everyone knows.

She finishes her number with a bow, and yields the stage to Alfira, who begins to pluck a lively tune. Her eyes lock onto Halsin’s and she bounds over, holding out her hands.

“Come, dance with me?”

He could feel the eyes of the camp upon him. Knowing. Halsin coughed. “I’m not much of a dancer. I may trample your feet.”

“That doesn't matter!” She giggled, and leaned in conspiratorially. “Everyone’s too drunk to notice anyway.”

Suddenly, she was pulling on his hand, tugging him to the wide patch of dirt that served as a dancing circle in the middle of camp. His heart hammered against his ribs, and it wasnt from embarrassment. 

He could vaguely recollect the steps, some hazy memories of his youth floated back to him as they began to whirl. A tavern dance, not refined in the slightest, but light and fast, more momentum than intent. While there was something to be said for his particular brand of ursine grace, it didn't lend well to dancing, and he let her lead. Her hands were so small in his, and she flitted around him, almost birdlike. 

“You’ll have to slow down, Tav, I’m not as young as I used to be.” 

She giggled, twirling under his arm. “I think you’re a fine dancer.” 

“The wine has apparently gone to your head, as well.”

“Perhaps. Or maybe it's just good company.”

The music slowed, and their pace changed. They circled each other, hand in hand. She held his gaze, not defiantly, but with tender trust. He hoped beyond hope he wasn't reading too far into her gaze. 

There was an ease to her here he hadn't seen before. The weight she carried throughout the battle at the goblin camp (and how fierce she had been, she had torn through their ranks like a diving hawk) had seemingly lifted. She wasn't a warrior, her hands were gentle as they gripped his, and so small. He loved her already, but even more so like this, when she was unburdened.

He wondered if this was what she was usually like, sans tadpole. There’s a terrible pang in his chest at the thought: that her days were numbered, that she might be doomed. It's quickly followed by a wash of righteous fury. It wouldn't happen. He wouldn't let it. 

She stepped in close. Their palms pressed together, chests nearly touching, and he nearly stopped breathing. She was so close, if he only leaned down, their lips would touch. He was halfway to her, his rational brain screaming to stop and his instincts screaming to kiss her until she couldn't breathe.

And then she pulled away, dropping into a curtsy. The song was over. 

There was already a  buzzing flock of people vying for her attention. Halsin released her hand and bowed out of the center of camp, excusing himself as she leaped onto a rock to begin a new number. 

It had been a long, long time since anyone had made him feel this way. 

He rolled into the grass, reveling in the coolness against his heated skin, and prepared to trance. 

Halsin smelled her before he saw her. Lilac and honeysuckle and musk, and the scent of the open road. She moved to lay beside him in the grass, and whispered, "Can I join you? Everyone is quite drunk, Karlach is sleeping in my tent for some reason, and I’m getting really tired."

"Of course."

He didn't expect her to nestle into his side, his heart began to hammer in his chest, his skin became hot. 

She gazed upwards, and pointed into the sky, at a smattering of stars. "That's the huntsman." Her hand drops back down. "At least I think it is. We didn't have much time for stargazing at home, and the city lights are so bright. But here? I feel I can see every single one."

Halsin pointed upward himself, “The… spine of the dragon? I realize… I don’t know exactly how to say it in common, that’s as close as I can get.”

She hummed. “I can see it. With the wings, there.” She gestured lazily, and he became aware of how close she was for the second time that night. He was less intimidated by his own feelings here, without the watchful eyes of the party, and only the music of night time insects, the grass rising around them like a shelter. She turned her face toward him, blinking slowly, and clearly holding back a yawn. “I think… I’ll just sleep here.”

“That’s fine by me.”

The rhythm of her breathing slows and evens out, and he brushes a stray lock of hair away from her cheek, running his thumb over the apple of her cheek. 

Tomorrow, she would take up her burdens again. She would brave her future with the noble ferocity he had come to admire, he was sure, but he would miss this carefree night. 

Whatever it took, he’d ensure she had many more to come.

[basiltonpitch]

Devi vs. David: aka a comprehensive list of every single time ben gross has referred to devi as one or the other (season four edition)

HERE IT IS!!! the final edition of devi vs. david!!! if you're new here and haven't checked out any of my other devi vs. david deep dives, please feel free to check them out here: season 1, season 2, season 3. you can also find all of my devi vs. david ramblings here. and as i've said again and again and again, this is a list of every single time ben refers to her as either devi or david, this time in season 4, with context + insight + my own lil insane thoughts, because i'm 100% totally normal when it comes to this topic (they said, like a liar).

heads up, not all of the netflix captions are accurate, or the whole quote wasn't all in one frame, so if the font looks different in any of the following screencaps, it's because i captioned them myself.

i already noted in previous analyses, as well as in this post, that ben tends to go for “david” during their rivalry and their friensdhip, as opposed to when they’re estranged/fighting etc and when they're in more...well, romantic situations, he defaults to “devi.” i’ll go a little more into this towards the end, but it’s just something i’d like to bring to your attention before i get started.

anyways, here we go!

hmm remember when i predicted we would get a “devi” first this season because of the months of distance and miscommunication? and when i thought it would happen immediately after devi sees margot kiss ben? i may not have had all the details right, but i saw this coming from a mile away. and this also fits into the pattern i thought was going to be established: season 1 we get “david” first, season 2 we get “devi,” season 3 “david” and now in season 4 they’re finishing the pattern with another “devi.” they’re in wildly different places in their relationship in each of these instances, which i go more in detail about in this post where i predicted that we would get a “devi” first this season.

anyways. this use of “devi” has me hurting for both of them. they’ve got this - this chasm of months of distance, of zero contact, of miscommunication and misread feelings and misrepresented actions (“he was clearly embarrassed for me.” vs “it was so clear she that thought it sucked. she got up and sprinted out.” i love my two unreliable narrators devi vishwakumar and ben gross!!). i’m having a lot of thoughts about devi’s intentions here that i…probably won’t go into further detail about, lol, because this post is about ben. so. of course he reverts to “devi” here - they aren’t friends, right now. they aren’t really rivals right now, either - i mean, they always will be, of course, but that’s not the focal point of their relationship here. they’re talking for the first time after three months of radio silence, of ben creating this rift between them because of some bullshit advice after misrepresenting what happened (okay like. i’m not here to hate on ben - i just. it’s his fault. it’s literally his fault). he can’t call her “david” because, as i’ve said before, “david” has turned fond. they aren’t friends, they aren’t rivals, they aren’t lovers. so, “devi.”

(didn't include the first "devi" he says to get her attention in this scene, sorry.)

okay this is. basically bouncing off the last one - he can’t call her “david.” they aren’t close enough for that, not right now - they won’t be for some time this season. but he’s also trying to set the tone of the conversation, a more mature version of the one they had in the beginning of the episode. and i do applaud him for this, for owning up to all of this being his fault, too (which. i don’t think all of it was, honestly - there is blame to be placed on devi and on margot over what happened this episode, but the 3 months of no contact? ben’s fault, 100%). big props to him for apologizing. however still a little salty about him internalizing those words from mr. basketball player all those months ago, because dude did not have all the info when he gave ben that advice. but to be fair - ben is a seventeen year old with low social skills (not faulting him for that because like. same) so i sympathize with him a bit there. overall, based on where they are in their relationship in 4x01, i was really pleased with how this convo turned out especially since the spoilers we were given from the premiere made it look so much worse than it really is.

hm. remember how that last convo of theirs was pretty mature and low-conflict. yeah then they give us this. ben’s…exasperated. within reason, i think - and to be clear i don’t think devi’s really in the wrong here, it’s just…he chose to be with margot because he thought it was the easier route. he distanced himself from devi because he thought it would be easier. but it’s not. of course it’s not - he and devi both still have all these messy feelings for each other that they’ve been pushing down and suppressing and denying. and it’s tiring. being around devi while he’s “““moving on””” is tiring. being sucked into drama over and over is tiring. he wants - or thinks he wants- something calm, and easy. -and like. it would be fuckign easy if y’all just got your shit together and admitted your feelings but that comes later so we’re moving on for now-

okay so. as i’ve said in my previous posts, it doesn’t make sense for him to refer to her as “david” to other people when she’s not around, so we’re not going to explain why he said “devi” here - that’s a given. but this whole scene…he kinda let devi get into his head before talking to margot. like, from the characters’ point of view, not ours, it definitely seems like margot had the most motive to deface her car. i mean ben straight up says, “you did have a good reason, so i could understand why you might.” and this isn’t me digging at devi for thinking margot did it, or ben for second-guessing margot, or anything like that - it’s just like. objectively. it does seem like margot could have done it. so i get where ben’s coming from.

okay so…we know that that is. false. a lie. an untruth. et cetera. bouncing back to the first instance of “devi” in 4x02, this, once again, makes me think that ben is just…trying to make things easier, calmer. he doesn’t want to deal with devi’s drama right now (again, not dissing devi, just explaining his pov). interrupting her with, “listen, devi,'' to get her attention, to shut her up because he just…can’t do this right now. he’s conflicted - he cares about devi so deeply that it’s detrimental to him at times, and after the events of 4x01 and 4x02, he thinks the best thing to help him keep “““moving on””” (bc like. i’ve touched on this before but there is no moving on for him when it comes to devi) is to go back to silence and estrangement. back to how they were over the summer. back to how they were in those few episodes of season 2, even, just with less vitriol. so, “devi” to further that distance - earlier in the episode, he says, “we are friends,” but here, he’s all but saying, we can’t be friends, not anymore. not now. maybe not ever again.

following this up with:

the thing is…he does look sorry. he doesn’t want to lose her again. it hurts her, yes, but it also hurts him. but like i said - this is easier for him, for right now at least.

oooh this brings me back to 2x08, “devi, you’re daisy.” ben, currently dating a girl that’s not devi, while still having all these complicated feelings for her, relating her to the material they’re currently studying, after she almost became the reason said girlfriend had to leave sherman oaks (temporarily for margot, of course, but still) - it’s not an exact copy/paste, obv, but i’m loving the parallel. also brings me back to 1x02, “it’s okay, devi. i know how hard it is to memorize seven facts,” the same tone being used then as it is now - although with different intentions, of course. ben is - bitter, i would say. of course he is. this whole situation is just…really reminiscent of that 2x05 to 2x07 arc, although with a bit less anger - they’ve got not just their rivalry and (currently, failed) romance behind them, but also those months of real friendship they had during season 3. there’s even more history between them to contend with now, which makes it harder for him to be angry with her. he still is - just not to the same extent as the s2 aneesa situation. 

remember when i said ben stopped talking to her to make it easier? yeah. i honestly totally forgot he says exactly that until i got to this scene while writing this out. “it’s just easier this way. she just always complicates things.” just - ouch, ouch, ouch. this is just me reiterating everything i’ve already said, i guess. does he want to push devi away right now? no, i don’t think so. but it makes things less complicated for him. devi is messy, yes, they’ve established that well over all four seasons - but this isn’t really about how messy devi is, is it? he tells margot that it’s because of devi, and it is, partially, but it’s also because of him. because he and devi clash. because he and devi mesh. because, at least right now, it is so hard for him to separate all these things he feels - angry and disappointed, yes, but there’s this - wistful, i want to say, feeling there under all of that, this pull he’s always going to feel with her. and he’s not in a place where he can let that go unless he cuts her off.

god i do feel for ben here. i wish they had brought back some of the stuff from last season with him…chilling out more when it comes to academics and all that, but like, this is ben gross we’re talking about here - one intestinal blockage and heartfelt convo with his dad isn’t going to erase over a decade of self-set high expectations. dude is stressed, literally sweating through his clothes and now he looks like someone squirted a bottle of french’s on him.

and amongst all this, comes the last person he wants to talk to right now - he smells like sweat and acrylic paint and he just had his girlfriend judge the spiel he’s probably recited in the mirror a hundred times (which like, in all fairness to margot, it did feel like a bowflex commercial). and now here’s devi, all calm and collected with her power blazer and bouncy high pony - looking like the opposite of what ben’s feeling. he’s already frustrated, and her showing up makes it that much worse - until approximately two seconds later when she saves his women’s medium sized ass.

episode 5’s you never disappoint do you. i love, love, love this conversation between ben and devi - this vulnerability here, the way they tell each other that they’ll be okay, that yes, this is scary. our lives are about to change forever - but you’ll make it through. you’ll survive. you’ll thrive. 

and this line…this so much. ben knows who devi is, has been in proximity to her for twelve years at this point, as a rival, as a friend, even as a lover for a short stint - and he knows her, and he knows that she knows herself. maybe - no, definitely - she didn’t know who she was before, drowning in fresh grief, but she’s grown, she’s healed (not completely, but she has healed nonetheless), and ben has had a front row seat to that. he has watched from up close as she became the person she is now. he believes in her, and he knows she can believe in herself, too.

i promise i’m feeling so totally normal about this…remember when i said i thought the first “david” would be at the end of 4x05 during reconciliation? i do, and, surprise surprise - i was right, because ben gross is nothing if not consistent (most of the time, at least). this “david” is driving me insane. they just had this heartfelt discussion about their fears with going to college, reassuring each other that they’ll be okay, fucking…pep talking each other, because they know each other better than they know anyone else, and ben drops a “david” like it’s nothing. like it’s easy. like he means it!!! i’ve said so many times that “david” has turned into this term of endearment almost exclusively used during their friendship, with ben avoiding using it when they’re not friends, and after last episode, where it had been verbally established (by devi, at least), that they still aren’t friends…now he slips a “david” in. this is the closest, the most vulnerable, they’ve been with each other in months. this is ben taking that step to pull them even closer - ben feeling safe enough to do so. this is ben saying, “i can be your friend,” thirty seconds before he actually utters those words.

okay full disclosure, “david” isn’t in the official captions on this one, so like, idk if jaren decided to add this day of filming or what - but whatever. that doesn’t matter here. what does matter is this absolute effortless slide back into their friendship. ben going out of his way to approach her, to tell her the good news (well. it’s not really good news for devi but like. he doesn’t know that, so). he’s excited for her!!! he gives her this boost of confidence (and yes i know it doesn’t last long, what with the deferral email coming in that day but. still.)

ooooh the way i love this scene!!! the fact that we get to see this interaction through paxton’s eyes is just delightful to me. like, okay, i’m not a “he’s mean to you so he likes you!!” kind of person, but banter like this coming about while they’re actively friends and post-bargot (bengot? ragross? ykwim) breakup…it’s thinly veiled flirting, and idk if we would have been given that perspective if this scene had been shot from devi’s pov, or ben’s. while this isn’t the first taste of mutual banter we’ve got all season (looking at you, 4x04 bathroom scene), this is the first friendly mutual banter, and god we were starving for it - at least i know i was. there’s bite behind their words, but it’s playful for both of them!! but like - then there’s the shot of them both immediately fixing their appearance after they’re no longer in each other’s line of sight (ben tucking in his necklace, devi taking off her cardigan) and i just. ooooh my god i love it. i’ve said it before, and i’ll say it again - peak crush behavior. and ben isn’t even posturing for paxton here like he would have before, thanks to the literal shitstorm of 3x06 - ben’s only…well, acting up, i guess i would say, for devi. not anyone else. 

(and like this is totally unrelated but god do i wish we got more bexton interactions this season, but oh well.)

hi yeah no i’m still not over this scene. it’s. so unapologetically horny and it’s a side of ben i’m honestly so glad we got to see. like, okay, we already know he messed around a little with shira, had (bad) sex with devi, and is canonically a boob guy, but this more in-depth peek at his desires (cough cough degradation kink cough cough) is just…chef’s kiss. yes this is devi’s show first and foremost but god do i love the looks into ben’s brain we get. and this - this desire for devi, this want for her, something he can’t run from in his subconscious no matter how hard he runs from it in his waking hours - yes, it’s a wet dream, but it’s more than that. trent says it: “...you really love her.”  ben loves her. he can’t get her out of his head. he wants her - physically and emotionally.

let’s, for now, ignore that this is moments before disaster. god, the look on his face, this eager, hopeful smile, the fucking bouquet he brought for her. he’s riding the high (ha, get it) of trent’s earnest pep talk, ready, for the first out of multiple times this season, to tell her he wants her. he’s done denying it, to himself and now to her, too (which. the latter obviously doesn’t really happen for another few months - but that’s beside the point).

this instance is pretty self-explanatory from ben’s pov (i mean, that’s what y’all are here for). checking in that she’s okay after seeing her throw up, congratulating her, etc. not spending too much time on this one - just noting the, once again, effortless slip back into “david” after the events of last episode. not saying there’s not some inner turmoil going on for him regarding his feelings for her; even though we can’t see it, it’s still there - but birthdaygate (as nalini called it) was…a disaster, to put it lightly, so. back to “david” it is…for now, at least.

god this followed immediately by the “is she okay?” and then ben rushing off to go check in on her…i’ll touch on this more in the next instance, but like. he’s truly the only one who gets how much this would hurt. not saying that no one else understands how devi feels, but he’s the only one who would really, truly get it if the same happened to him. just - the wondering how she didn’t get in anywhere, because she’s just as smart as (and, technically as 4x10 proves with that valedictorian sash, smarter than) him.  the immediate concern for her, the need to check in...god, he cares for her so much.

“But you’re not a quitter.” bringing back the “no one knows them better than they know each other” thing - because it’s true. no one knows devi better than ben knows her. he knows what she’s capable of - has been on the opposing side of it for over a decade. he has won against her, lost against her, won with her, lost with her…he’s seen her rise and fall and pick herself back up to rise again. he understands her, and he understands why this is so painful for her - if it were him, it would feel like twelve years of hard work, of early mornings following sleepless nights, of flash cards and meticulous notes and extra credit projects, all being flushed down the drain. he gets it, gets her. this being the first use of “devi” (to her, and not in a dream sequence) since 4x05 - he uses it to set the tone, to get her attention, to get her to listen to him. because he knows she doesn’t really want to give up. and he as much as says that: “but if you don’t try everything that you can, you’re gonna regret it.” she already knows this - there’s no doubt in my mind about that, and there’s no doubt that ben knows that she knows this. she just needed to hear it from the one person who understands - and it worked. she does try - and, as we see in 4x10, she succeeds.

this…this is the biggest break in his pattern when it comes to “devi” vs “david.” he never refers to her as “david” with a - romantic isn’t the exact word i’m looking for, but it’s the one we’re gonna use - romantic intention. i think he’s using “david” here to sort of…ease the tension, so to say? to lighten the mood a bit. he wants to tell her - has wanted to since trent told him to speak his truth, likely longer than that. but after birthdaygate - he doesn’t want to show too much of his hand. “maybe i was wrong, david.” not “i was wrong, devi.” 

feeling especially attached to this use of “david” tbh. the excitement he feels for her, immediately rushing to pull her into a hug, how proud he is of her, especially after the events of the last episode. again, he knows how hard she’s worked for this, and he knows what it’s like to feel all of that hard work pay off. she’s not alone in feeling this satisfaction - he’s feeling it with her.

 i loved, loved all the callbacks to the previous seasons, and this is no exception. the addition of “david” here brings me back to this post by @catty-words that i’m still thinking about almost two years later (and have referenced in 2 out of 3 of these analyses): “it’s a relic from their rivalry.” obviously cori goes into it a bit differently in that post because it’s about their season 2 arc, but to re-work that line here: the equatorial guinea nametag (i would say plaque but like. it’s a piece of paper) is a memento of their first time teaming up, but it is also a relic of their rivalry in a way - the initial anger of devi infiltrating his club, the temporary alliance that was struck down just hours later, the nuclear attack. and so, yes, “david” here is used as that mark of friendship, as i’ve referred to it before, and so is the nametag, but they’re also both a representation of their enmity - albeit in a much more playful way than the "david" from 2x05.

i’m going to refer you to the genius of rae @ice-sculptures real quick, who had this to say in regards to ben’s patterns when it comes to what he calls her: “it could be that he “hides” behind david when the lines of their relationship are blurred and uses it as a way to convey the affection that he doesn’t think he can openly express. but when they actually get together he doesn’t need to hide anymore bc he knows that she’s aware of how much he loves her…so devi is enough.”

y’all. devi is enough. he doesn’t need to use a term of endearment, a pet name, with her here. he doesn’t need to hide behind “david.” and like. just in case you aren’t aware - “david” means “beloved” in hebrew. i’m sure ben’s aware of that - he’s a giant nerd, and he’s jewish - it never gets established in canon, so it may just be something we’re all collectively reading into, but like. i’m obviously going to continue reading into it - he doesn’t have to hide behind “beloved” anymore, he doesn’t have to use this roundabout way to tell her how he feels - he can just say it. and he says it without even knowing if she feels the same way. he’s following trent’s advice from 4x08: “you must go to her. [...] you must tell her how you feel. there's no time to waste. [...] you must speak your truth. she needs to know." he flies to her on a whim to tell her he likes her. actually, he thinks he loves her, “devi.” he loves her. this is the bravest thing he’s done - he doesn’t know how she feels, doesn’t know if she loves him back - but he tells her anyways. he can’t wait. it doesn’t matter that she’s flying to the east coast the next day, where she’ll be a two hour and six minute train ride away. he has to tell her now. there’s no time to waste. she needs to know.

god. i just - i love that they already had this - this whole soft, sweet love confession, full of shy, gentle smiles and giggles, followed by The Big Damn Kiss of All Time (and like. the big damn bang of all time) and he still feels the need to tell her that he wants to be with her. that he wants to start this next chapter of life with her. and there’s just…something so important to me about them not being high school sweethearts. about them not really giving this an actual shot until they’re headed to college. he doesn’t want “let’s kiss at our lockers in between periods and sit next to each other in the cafeteria while we eat gloopy square-shaped pizza.” he wants “let’s fall asleep on facetime during exam season. let’s spend one weekend in new york and the next in new jersey. let’s meet in the middle. let’s cram ourselves onto a twin-sized dorm room bed that’s definitely not made for two people. let’s learn how to be adults together. let’s give this a real try. let’s give us a real try.”

and so they do.

and with that...we're done. if you've reached the end, thank you for reading! i'm so sad that this series of posts has come to an end, but i've had an absolute delight doing these, and i'm so pleased with the ending of this show - because it didn't feel like an ending. it felt like a new beginning. i'm going to miss never have i ever (i already do), but i'm so happy to have spent the past few years yelling about it with all of you - and i'll likely continue yelling about it in the near future.

[sweaterkittensahoy]

Hey, you wanna crochet a pencil skirt? I got a tutorial for you!

Years ago, I made a video tutorial for making a pencil skirt. It ended up on the front page of ravelry, which was fucking wild. 

Anyway, time has passed, I’ve kept making pencil skirts, and now I’m here with what we’ll call Tutorial 2.0. Let’s get to it: 

Supplies:

Yarn

Hook

Clear Elastic Cord or woven belting

Buttons or Zipper

Step 1: Measuring

Measure the following things: 

Your waist.

The widest part of your hips.

The length between your waist and the widest part of your hips. 

For example measurements, I will use my own:

Waist: 33”

Hips: 43”

Length between: 8”

Step 2: Gauge swatch

A gauge swatch will help you accurately size your skirt. Work a gauge swatch of ten stitches across and ten rows. You can use any stitch you want for your skirt, but I tend to use single crochet for the waistband and double crochet for the body of the skirt. When I do a gauge swatch, I work it in double crochet since that is what I use for the skirt body. 

Write down your number of stitches per inch, and the number of rows per inch. 

For our example, let’s say I get 4 stitches per inch and 2 rows per inch. 

Step 3: Make the waistband

Crochet a chain to the same length as your waist measurement. Work in single crochet rows until the waistband is 1 inch tall. You can work clear elastic cord on the wrong side of the rows to add some stretch to your waistband. You can also work the waistband without elastic and use belting at the end to help hold the skirt in place. I have an example of belting in this video.

Step 4: Start the body of the skirt

Once you have the waistband 1-inch tall, you can start the body of the skirt by completing a row in pattern stitch. Once you’ve done that, wrap the waistband where you want it to sit, with the open ends at the back. 

Step 5: Add increases

This pencil skirt uses raglan increases. There will be four points on the skirt where you will always increase. You will work 3 stitches into each increase, always placing the next increase in the second stitch of a previous increase. 

These increases should shape close to your body to give you the classic pencil skirt fit. For best results, place increases in the same places on either side of the skirt. Line them up with the front curve and back curve of your leg (the green line is the leg). 

I find it easiest to mark one side of the skirt, then simply count over from the other end the same number of stitches for both increases on the other side. 

Step 6: Let’s math it up!

To make sure your skirt’s gonna curve correctly, you need to be sure you can hit the last round of increases you need within the length you have between your waist and your hips. As I mentioned earlier, my waist is 33” and my hips are 43” with an 8” length between. I get 2 rows per inch and 4 stitches per inch. 

First, I need to know how many stitches I will need to add to my starting count:

33 (waist measurement) x 4 (stitches per inch) = 132 stitches

43 (hip measurement) x 4 (stitches per inch) = 172 stitches

172 - 132 = 40 stitches

Second, I need to figure out how many sets of increases I need to do to add those 40 stitches. On every row I increase, I add 8 stitches. 

40 / 8 = 5 rows of increases.

Third, I need figure out how many rows I have to work to reach the full 8 inches between my waist and the widest part of my hips. I know my waistband is 1 inch. I know the one row of pattern stitch I’ve completed for the skirt body is ½”.

8 inches (total length between waist and hips) - 1-½” (amount of skirt already worked) = 6-½” to work. 

I get 2 rows per inch.

2 x 6 = 12 rows

And then 1 more row for the other ½”. So, that’s 13 rows I need to work, but I only need 5 rows of increases. This means that I can work increase rows, then work a row or two even. This will keep the curve of the skirt smooth. The increase pattern may look like this:

Row 2 of skirt body: Increase

Row 3: work even

Row 4: work even

Row 5: Increase

Row 6: work even

Row 7: Increase

Row 8: work even

Row 9: work even

Row 10: Increase

Row 11: work even

Row 12: Increase

Row 13: work even

I do recommend working one row even between each increase row. That is 100% a personal preference.

Step 7: Join and work in rounds!

After you’ve completed the final increase round, you can join to the first stitch of the row and work in rounds for the rest of the skirt. This will let you try it on as you add length, so you can see how it’s building. When it’s the final length you want, fasten off. 

Step 7: Waist and fastenings. 

If you carried elastic cord on the back of the waistband when you worked the waistband, you can either add a zipper or buttons, depending on what you’d prefer. I like zippers just because I’m bad at buttonholes.

If you did not carry elastic, you can either sew in a strip, or you can use belting to create a stronger waistband that will keep its shape over time. If you choose to use a zipper with the belting, I recommend putting the belting in first because then it can act as extra support for the top of the zipper. 

Once you’ve finished off that way, you’re good to go. I bet you look great!

Final notes: 

If you need more than 8 increases per increase row to get your skirt the right hip measurement at the correct point in your hip, you can add more increases. Here’s an example:

If you want a pencil skirt that is a big snugger in the butt, work an inch without increases, then complete decreases in the same spots you had previously been increasing (You’ll decrease over 3 stitches for each decrease to match your increase count). Work a row or two even, try on, and then decrease again if you want to. Repeat as much as you’d like to get a very close fit. 

If you keep working increases, you’ll get an A-line skirt. You can still join at the end of the final increase you need to hit your hip width and work in rounds after that.

[shenglingyuan]

title: in the heart, there grows flowers and thorns (ao3) pairing: togame jo/sakura haruka summary: A strange feeling creeps up Sakura’s chest as he watches the exchange silently. He rubs at the spot above his heart. Why was it suddenly difficult to breathe? “Is everything okay?” Togame asks him, ever so attentive. At times, Sakura is grateful Togame can pick up on his thoughts and feelings without him putting it to words. Today is not one of those times. “Yeah, of course.” *** for day 1 of wind breaker week 2024! established togasaku meeting the family + a bit of gardening + talking about feelings implied sideships: endochika, suonire

Sakura checks his reflection on the blank screen of his phone for the third time, patting down the top of his hair. Bedhead is no issue for him, but something about this day just makes him extra anxious about the way he looks. After all, Togame has invited him out for the weekend, and Sakura isn’t sure what to expect.

Togame didn’t specify the details, only that they should meet under the tracks early in the morning. Sakura even had to wake extra early today so he can pick up the polo Kiryu was lending him.

They were having dinner last night at Pothos, making plans for the weekend, when Sakura informed the group that he couldn’t join because he has a schedule with his boyfriend. Upon asking what clothes he’d be wearing, and Sakura answering, “Just the usual.” Kiryu raised a ruckus in panic.

“You can’t go on a date with your usual get-up, Sakura-chan!”

“It isn’t a date, though?”

A chorus of disapproval met his response.

“It doesn’t have to be called a ‘date’ to be a date.” Kiryu had added with conviction, confusing Sakura even more.

“Why does it matter?” Sakura grumbled, feeling offended that his very convenient and casual fashion was getting slandered. “We’re already together, I don’t have to impress him anymore, right?”

“And that’s the start of your relationship’s downfall.” Suo commented on the side, with Nirei and Tsugeura nodding in agreement.

A cold feeling settled on Sakura. Even though he and Togame were just starting to go out, he didn’t want whatever they have to be gone so soon. “Then…do you…guys have something I can borrow?”

“Don’t worry, I got you.” Kiryu smiled then, relief flooding his face. “I’ll message you my address; drop by tomorrow before you meet with your boyfriend, okay?”

And here he was, wearing his usual plain white shirt, layered with the plainest oversized jacket he could find from Kiryu’s wardrobe, if one can call faded floral prints simple. The colors and patterns of the other choices were just too bold and striking for Sakura’s taste, hence he went with this one. Kiryu seemed to approve anyway, so it shouldn’t look bad.

“It’s Sakura-chan!”

Sakura hears Tomiyama’s voice even before he sees him. When Sakura looks up, he finds the guy waving both his arms wildly in the air at the other end of the tunnel. Togame is closely following behind, smiling as they catch each other’s eyes.

“Sorry I was late, Sakura,” Togame immediately apologizes upon reaching him.

“No, Sakura-chan. It’s totally my fault. We’re halfway here when I realized I forgot my wallet at home!”

“Ah…no worries.” He didn’t expect to see this guy today. The way energy exudes off his small body always bombards Sakura that he thinks he should at least get an hour’s notice before encountering him just to prepare. “You’re…coming with us?”

“Huh? No way.” Tomiyama grins excitedly. “I’m meeting Ume-chan and Ragi-chan today, they’re treating me to Pothos, hehe! Kame-chan just asked to walk together because he said I might get lost again. As if I wasn’t able to go to Furin on my own before? Hmph. Kame-chan can be soooo overbearing.”

“Choji, I think you should go now. You don’t want to be late, don’t you?” Togame pushes at Tomiyama’s back, a wry smile etched on his face. Tomiyama giggles back, seemingly enjoying teasing Togame.

A strange feeling creeps up Sakura’s chest as he watches the exchange silently. He rubs at the spot above his heart. Why was it suddenly difficult to breathe?

“Right, right, enjoy you two!” Without even waiting for a reply, Choji skips away.

Togame looks after him with a touch of concern on his face.

“Pothos is just along this street. He won’t get lost.” Sakura reminds him.

“Just worried he might knock over something on his way, he’s too excited for today.” Togame shakes his head with a smile. He turns to Sakura then, regarding him quietly for a moment.

“W-what is it? Do I have something on my face?”

“Is everything okay?” Togame asks him, ever so attentive. At times, Sakura is grateful Togame can pick up on his thoughts and feelings without him putting it to words. Today is not one of those times.

“Yeah, of course.”

Togame seems to accept his response. He reaches out to ruffle Sakura’s hair, smiling at him warmly. “Let’s go?”

Sakura decides to bury the weird feeling away and takes Togame’s hand.

Throughout their walk, Sakura tried to guess what Togame might have planned for the day, but Togame neither confirms nor denies any of his guess. Togame leads them to the far end of the town until they reach one of the residential areas. The streets here are quiet, lined with bungalow houses, each with colorful gardens decorating the front. Finally, they arrive at one house which yard doesn’t bear the same liveliness as its neighbors. Togame stops right in front of it and opens the gate.

“Welcome to our humble abode.”

“Y-your house?” Sakura feels the heat rising to his face, his mouth struggling to form another word. What?! Isn’t this too quick of a development for two people who just started going out?

“Don’t get any ideas,” Togame smiles coyly at him as he steps inside.

“I’m not thinking about anything.” Sakura hits him lightly on his arm, his cheeks still burning. “Why’d’ya bring me here?”

“Don’t you Furin guys like to help around town? I thought you could help me with household chores today.”

Needless to say, Sakura has zero experience on anything romantic prior to Togame. He did have some ideas about what “dates” are. And yet, doing household chores together isn’t really a date activity in his limited knowledge bank.

“Were you hoping to go somewhere fancy?”

“I wasn’t.” Sakura pursed his lips. It’s not that he was expecting something grand, but if he knew he was going to do physical tasks today, he wouldn’t have bothered suffering under Kiryu’s critical scrutiny of his fashion choices.

“I’ll bring you somewhere nice next time. But for today, I want you to meet somebody important.” Before he takes another step, Togame faces him with a suddenly serious expression. “I’ll introduce you as my boyfriend, is that okay with you?”

“Oh, Jo, who’s this you brought over?”

Sakura turns to the source of the voice and finds an old man relaxing on a tatami on the front porch. His facial features are similar to Togame’s, as if he’s looking at Togame’s older self in sixty more years, only frailer and with more white hair. He even had the braid Togame used to sport before he had it cut.

Before Sakura had the chance to answer Togame’s question, Togame has already shifted his attention to the old man.

“Hey gramps, this is the person I told you who’s helping with the yard today, Sakura Haruka.”

“My, what a unique name,” the old man stands and strides towards them, his movements even slower than Togame. And yet, there’s a comfortable force in the way he clasps Sakura’s hand and squeezes. “It’s nice to meet you, Haruka. I don’t think Jo has told me about you before.”

Sakura could see where Togame takes his penchant for the slow life after.

“Nice meeting you…sir.”

“Just call me Uncle, no need to be so formal. Uncle Jiro. Now, where did Jo pick you up, hm?”

“A new friend.” Togame answers swiftly, laying a hand on Sakura’s shoulder.

“Really? You made a new friend?” Togame’s grandfather laughs heartily. “Here I was thinking you’re stuck forever with that Choji. Where’s he anyway?”

“Busy as always.”

“Ah, that kid. It’s been so long since I last saw him.”

Right. Sakura still hasn’t answered Togame when he asked if he could introduce him as a boyfriend. Something about the direction their conversation took made him uneasy and eager to stake his claim on his role in Togame’s life.

“Actually…,” Sakura cuts in, wrapping a hand around Togame’s wrist as if to make point. “I’m…his boyfriend.”

Both Togame and his grandfather look at him in surprise. Togame’s face quickly lights up, though, his green eyes almost disappearing behind his crinkled gaze. 

“You heard him, gramps. Sakura’s my boyfriend. I wanted you to meet him.”

“Now that’s a shock.”

“That I have a boyfriend?”

“I thought you were with that Choji?”

Togame’s smile faltered, his eyes darting in panic between his grandfather’s confused face and Sakura’s flustered one. “Don’t be silly, gramps. That never happened.”

At that moment, Sakura has a realization: this is the most mortifying moment of his life.

“My apologies, Haruka. This old man doesn’t know how to watch his mouth. Now, this grandson,” he lands a chastising hit on Togame’s free arm, “I’d appreciate getting informed ahead of time.”

“Sorry, sorry.”

“Hah, this has been a very awkward first meeting. Jo, you go inside and prepare the snacks and drinks, will you? I’d like to talk properly to Haruka here.”

“You don’t have to —"

“I’d like to insist.” Jiro smiles at him so gently that Sakura doesn’t find the heart in him to further refuse.

“Okay then. Oh, Sakura, should I hang your jacket inside? I can lend you another long sleeve to use for the yard work. That isn’t yours, isn’t it?”

Of course, he'd know. In any case, Sakura doesn’t want to soil Kiryu’s clothes either. He takes the jacket off and gives it to Togame. “Thanks.”

“Come and sit with me for a bit while we wait for Jo.”

Sakura follows Jiro to the front porch hesitantly. After that brief awkward moment, he can’t imagine what kind of questions will this old man bring up. Jiro returns on the tatami, and pats on the spot next to him, motioning for Sakura to sit. Left with no other choice, Sakura yields to the old man.

For a moment, they both gaze at the quiet garden with its scattered patches of green, filled with overgrown, unkempt shrubs and weeds.

“Any experience in gardening, Haruka?” Jiro asks as he hands him the sun hat laying nearby. “Though you really can’t call this yard a garden now.”

“Just a bit. We cleaned someone’s yard some time ago.” Sakura gratefully takes the hat and puts it on. “There’s also a vegetable garden up on our school rooftop we help with.”

“Well, it's just some weeding today. Haven't been able to keep up with it the past few months, what with my back aching more and more. That's old age for you." He looks pensively at the view in front of him. “Look how messy this garden has become.”

“Shouldn’t you be leaving this in Togame’s care, anyway?”

“Well, he used to, you know. Him and Choji. Once or twice a month. Then, something must have happened. Choji stopped coming over, and Jo started carrying himself as if he’s some mafia boss. That’s why I mistakenly thought they had that kind of relationship before.” Jiro shakes his head with an amused laugh. “Young boys these days, really. But I’m glad he seems spirited enough now to pay attention to this yard again. So, Haruka, are you also part of Jo’s gang?”

“No. I’m from a different group. Bofurin.”

“Bofurin? Hanging out with other groups? That’s news to me.”

Bofurin’s name is really known far and wide.

“Yeah, we’re supposed to be friends now with Togame’s group.”

“Supposed to be, huh. I still remember, Bofurin’s reputation isn’t good. When we first moved here, Jo was still a little kid then, the neighbors warned us not to go too far into town because of those rascals always fighting with other gangs.”

“We’re different now,” Sakura finds himself saying, feeling the need to defend Bofurin’s honor. “These days we keep those gangs in check.”

“You’ve duked it out with Jo’s gang, haven’t you?”

“Yeah, they challenged us.”

“And Sakura totally floored me.” Togame finally appears from the house, carrying with him a pitcher of ice-cold water, a plateful of biscuits, and glasses. “He’s real strong, gramps.”

“You lost on purpose.” Sakura glares as he takes the long sleeve Togame brought out with him. “You still owe me a proper rematch.”

“Now, now, fix the yard first before you two go at it. Then you can roll around the grass all you want.”

After a few bites of snacks, Sakura and Togame finally start with the actual task at hand, with Jiro overseeing their progress. Instead of spreading out, they work on the same areas together to finish the process quicker. Prioritizing the weeds overtaking the path, they work their way to the edges of the yard. As a form of entertainment, Jiro tells Sakura of Togame’s exploits as a child, much to Togame’s embarrassment.

By noontime, Jiro calls them inside for lunch. The awkwardness from the earlier misunderstanding has completely vanished, and Sakura is able to even exchange banters with Jiro easily. Sakura realizes he’s not much different than the elderly people that frequent Pothos; in fact, Jiro reminds him of Grandma Sato.

“I’d love to show you Jo’s childhood photos, but I forgot where I put those albums. Do you know, Jo?”

“Even if I knew, I won’t tell you, gramps. You’re just going to embarrass me more.”

“Hmph. I’ll just look for it myself. Then Haruka, I’ll show it to you on your next visit, okay?”

A next visit. Just like that, Sakura finds himself a new place to return to in town. He gives an enthusiastic nod. “Okay, Uncle.”

Orange streaks have started to paint the sky by the time Togame and Sakura finished cleaning all corners of the previously unkept yard.

“Where’s Uncle Jiro?” Sakura asks as he joins Togame on the tatami, crossing his legs, and examining the job they’ve done with the yard. “Sleeping?”

“Nah, he went to his friend a few streets away. They usually play shogi or Othello in the afternoons. He should be back by dinner.” Togame absentmindedly reaches for his hand, weaving their fingers together, rubbing at Sakura’s knuckles with his thumb. “Hey, Sakura.”

“Yeah?”

“Sorry about gramps earlier.”

“About what?”

“When he brought up Choji.”

“It’s nothing. He already talked to me about it, too.”

“You still look jealous, though.”

“That’s—,” Sakura wants to deny it, but the matter of fact is, it’s true. He feels silly, though, feeling jealous over his closest friend. Is it because he never had anyone to call “his” until Togame that his possessiveness is a bit irrational? “That doesn’t matter anymore.”

Togame’s arms snakes around his waist then, pulling him close so that his chest is pressed against Sakura’s back, resting his chin on Sakura’s right shoulder. Sakura can’t help but relax at his touch, his body curving to fill the space in between them seamlessly.

“Of course, it does. I understand if you’re jealous. It’s not entirely baseless. I’ve devoted myself to Choji, to Shishitoren, to the point of ruin. You witnessed a part of it, after all.”

“Yeah, you sure did.” Sakura smiles wryly at the memory of their battles at Ori. They seemed so distant now.

“But at one point, I realized the feelings I held were not for my own,” Togame heaves a sigh. “I regard Choji as the sun – Shishitoren’s sun, that is. I want everyone to bask in his light. I did anything, everything, for everyone to keep seeing that.

“Yet,” his arms tighten around Sakura’s waist, “When I think of sharing you with others the same way, my chest tightens, it’s hard to breathe. It doesn’t feel good at all, Sakura. When it comes to you, I just want to be selfish.

“But I can’t do that. Hiding you away from the world would be a disservice to your person. You’re one of the most selfless people I know. You share your warmth to others as if it’s the breathing, and I can’t deny them of that. Not when it’s the same warmth that saved me.”

Sakura’s breath hitches at Togame’s words. Just a few minutes ago, he’s the one losing his mind over being jealous of someone else. But now, he realizes Togame is harboring the same concerns as him, the same pain, and yet he puts it in such a way that is still able to make Sakura feel so…treasured.

Togame has never lacked in expressing his admiration of him; Sakura didn’t think his feelings can get this strong. They were never overwhelming though, instead, his words always felt like finding the perfect solace in the middle of his own stormy thoughts. His own worries dissipate in a flash. There was never a reason to doubt, after all.

“You were jealous?” Sakura cranes his neck to look at him. “Of whom?”

“Are you really asking me that now?”

“You know I got jealous with Tomiyama. Should be fair enough to tell me a name.”

Togame closes his eyes, as if that hides him from answering. But of course, Sakura won’t let him run away from this. He cups Togame’s chin and pinches the side of his cheeks, forcing his lips into a pucker.

“Thishishabuse.” Togame struggles to say as he opens his eyes.

“One. Name.”

“Fine.” Togame pulls Sakura’s hand away from his chin but keeps on holding on to his wrist. “Where are you learning these tricks?”

“Suo did it to Nirei once. Seemed effective. Well, who is it?”

“…That tattooed bastard.”

“Ha? Why?”

“Because he’s always trying to hang around you, and when you give him the time of the day, he overdoes it with the food and gifts.” Togame finally let go of his arm, shrugging his shoulders as he leans back as if in defeat, “How can I compete with that? I’m just a simple man.”

Sakura looks at him as if he’s crazy. Endo is indeed a bit forward and obsessed with him, but Sakura attributes it to the fact that only he has given Endo a genuinely enjoyable fight, even if it was emotionally harrowing on his side. For this alone, he never really thought of Endo in any special way. Besides, that guy is truly and deeply taken by another person.

“That doesn’t count.”

“Oh, it sure does for that guy, I know those types.”

“No, really, it doesn’t. Every time he comes around Furin, he just mostly talks about Takiishi anyway.”

Togame scratches the back of his ear, his forehead crumpling in confusion. “Who’s that again?”

“…You probably wouldn’t know. Anyway, there was never a competition. Stop worrying about it.”

Togame smiles softly, “And there isn’t a competition with you either. So, you don’t have to feel jealous of anybody, okay?”

Finally, the strange feeling that encroached in Sakura’s mind earlier that day completely vanishes. Sakura leans back, lets out a huge sigh of relief that seems to have been stuck in his chest for the longest time, and rests his head on Togame’s shoulder. Both their eyes are directed at the view ahead of them: a newly revived yard, free from creeping vines and overgrowths. From here on out, it could only be more vibrant and splendid, and they’ll both work on it together.

But that’s a job for next time.

[numberonetacostan]

i have completed the polycule kids

i’ll probably take some time to flesh them out a bit more and go into depth about their relationships with their parents later, but as i’ve worked on them i’ve decided i’m so hyped to make an askblog based around them they’re so silly

anyway here they are!!!

Portable CD Player (tacomic)

- one of those round cd players you suggested!

- she/it

- 13-14 years

- has heterochromia

-!protective over the rest of the kids

- tacomic’s eldest and first kid, inherited a lot of taco’s attitude and mannerisms, plus her eyes!! (i like to think taco has heterochromatic red and green eyes). can actually play cds, just doesn’t like to bc it uses up a lot of energy. also has the ability to hide her arms. seems to have inherited taco’s insomnia as well

Mini Mic (tacomic)

- one of those small, fluffy microphones

- she/her

- 8 years

- really short, will barely be taller than taco as an adult

- tacomic’s second kid, just a year younger than restaurant tablet. she absolutely loves her older sister. personality is very similar to early season 1 mic, with some of taco’s season 1 mannerisms

Restaurant Tablet (tacopad)

- restaurant tablet without a neck lmao

- he/him

- 9 years

- same screen color as mepad

- tacopad kid!! born a few years after the first tacomic kid, so the second oldest out of all of them. follows mepad around like a lost puppy 80% of the time and has an odd fascination with limes

Speaker (micpad)

- one of those portable cylindrical speakers if that makes sense. lights up!!

- they/them

- 5 years

- micpad kid, one of the youngest. they don’t talk very much since they have a hard time controlling their volume (similar to mic) and are really shy. will be as tall as mic once they’re done growing

Paper Towel Dispenser & Air Hand Dryer (toipad)

- twins!! i liked both options a lot and thought it’d be fun to do both and make em twins

- both he/him

- 3 years

- no arms!! doesn't seem to limit their mobility though

- toipad kids who started causing chaos the moment they learned to walk. must be supervised at all times or else things will be destroyed. restaurant tablet absolutely adores them

Tea Cup (toico)

- the baby of the family <3 and the only one outside of the twins without arms

- she/her

- 9 months

- toico kid and the newest addition!! cd player pretends she doesn’t, but she absolutely loves her and often volunteers to watch her to give her parents a break. has fallen asleep with her on more than one occasion

- ✨ anon

Hi Sparkles!!!!✨✨✨ Welcome back, and thank you for submitting more POLYCULE!!!!!! XD

I'm so happy to hear you're going to make an ask blog for them!!!! :D Good luck with it, I'm looking forward to seeing what you make!!!!! :3

I like the idea of a Tacomic child sharing the arm-retracting ability!!!! I suppose she could put them inside it's lid, yeah? Taco dealing with a child who has all of her sass could be so funny i think!!!

AWWWW TINY FLUFFY MICROPHONE!!!!

HOORAY NO UNSETTLING NECK THANK YOUUUUU!!!!!^^ :D and omg inherits the love of citrus from Taco that's so very cute. i would also follow Mepad around like a duckling if i had the chance so i totally get it.

oooo, I like a cylindrical speaker for their fan kid, yeah!!!

TWINS WHO INHERIT TOILET'S CHAOS that's so cute. Mepad is like the only parent with any semblance of chill in this polycule lmaooo

TEA CUP! TEA CUP! TEA CUP! TEA CUP! TEA CUP! and she's the baby of the family that's so cute. Does she have patterns on her? I collect tea cups, most of time have flowers on them :3

[aghoststitching]

there’s this lady on youtube (Just Vintage Crochet) who makes these mystery crochet videos where her son has blacked out the titles and descriptions of these vintage patterns for her and then she picks one at random and follows the pattern without knowing how it’s gonna end up. It’s usually like. A Really Pretty Doily. but I’m totally addicted anyway. sometimes the patterns are really hard to follow without a photo for reference or anything and it’s cool watching her figure it out.

[insanelyadd]

TOTALLY REAL NOT AT ALL FANART OF A COLLECTOR TIMESKIP DESIGN!!!  (for legal reasons this is a joke, though I would appreciate a cease and desist because that means I did a good job emulating this style)

More info under the cut

Anyways I made a future Collector who’s a hippie because they are LITERALLY a star child, free-roaming space, and are very laid back and peaceful compared to his family. Personally I like the color schemes for 2 and 3.

1 doesn’t align with their design philosophy for the other’s time skip designs where the colors are mostly new though still follow a pattern of implied color preferences. 4 is genuinely super out their and doesn’t fit but I thought it was fun so I’m keeping it.

As for 2, I think this is the Best in line with how I think a future design of him would look, and 3 is a personal favorite because I took inspiration from Whimsigothic which is a celestial-themed goth/hippie look which feels very him.

You can’t really see it but the moons around the bottom of their bell bottoms are meant to be a condensed set of the phases of the moon with the full moon front and center and the new moon on the back.

Originally I was going to have his ears out with earrings but since we still don’t have confirmation on what his ears look like I opted to keep them hidden behind the bandana. Their hair was also going to be in a braid that hung over one of his shoulders but I removed that because I was worried about the design getting cluttered.

[austinslounge]

I’m on the fence with regards if they seen together again! I will try to explain - A pap walk would make sense if they’re still together and that’s what their PR teams want us to think but that’s when damage control makes even more sense cause it’s still to early after Z/C split IMO and all a BU article would bring is Kaustin shippers making a whole lot of noise to try protect her and make out it was ALL Austins fault cause their princess can never do anything wrong 🙄

But then it would be stupid to carry on the circus act as the last time they were seen together (him looking unhappy again) was at HER friends concert and by what videos we’ve seen (I know we only got a few seconds) but they didn’t even look like a couple. Plus when she was actually IN NYC for her Vogue party he didn’t attend though it was a big night for her and then she went straight back to LA when it was supposedly his day off and we didn’t get the usual pap walk.

So nothing makes any sense with these two cause if they’re still a couple why not spend time together rather than go back to LA for a meal with friends. Why couldn’t he attend the vogue party even if it was just for a few hours - shippers can’t say it was because he was tired from filming as he went to that concert straight from set. Then to suddenly been seen as a ‘happy’ couple and doing pap walks again etc just looks weird. I just hope we don’t have to deal with another Cabo scenario 🤢 I can’t cope with that!

However I do believe if they have split then it probably won’t be confirmed til next year like it was with Vanessa even though they split in Nov. I can’t help but think that he’s just letting the dust settle after all BU rumours and he’s trying to do it quietly (again like he did with V) cause there’s not been much mention of them in the media or articles. Too much has happened this year to make me believe they’re a real couple nowadays and I do think it was a PRship from the beginning when maybe it was good for them to be seen around award season as it got people to notice him and maybe he was happy with the situation until the family started demanding more from him. Maybe their opinion is that they think he owes them by that I mean helping Kaia get the publicity and attention like she did for him. Controversial opinion I know!! IMO all she did was cause a media storm for him and not always in a good way but esp this year when he’s acting should be the talking point and not them.

I'll admit girl, your theories sound valid! While I don't think they would be holding off on a breakup announcement (if they did breakup) forever due to the Z/C breakup, I can definitely see the both of them not wanting to bring any attention to a breakup at this current time.

I just don't think that Zoe is even a factor in any of this, and I think it's silly that people are even speculating about her and Austin in the first place. For one thing, we haven't even seen Austin hanging out with her outside of filming on this shoot at all. Usually, when two costars have something romantic going on with each other, there WILL be signs.

Second, it doesn't even seem like Zoe's role was huge in this film, because I haven't seen her filming on the set for weeks since their initial scenes filmed outside. I'm sure she did some indoor scenes with Austin at some point, but we haven't even seen her coming out of any place near set in weeks.

Anyway, I totally agree with you regarding the Vogue party, but we have to also keep in mind that a lot of celebrities attend events without their significant other. It happens all the time. It doesn't mean the couple has broken up. I've followed quite a few couples over the years, and so I see patterns with celebrity couples.

Also, keep in mind that Austin and Kaia are never going to be a Tomdaya or even an Austin and Vanessa. They're just not that serious. Their relationship is totally different. So they may not do the normal things that normal couples do, because I don't believe that they are a normal couple.

So we have to look at a variety of things (imo) to see what the status of this relationship is. Presley still not following Austin back again is quite telling though, I will say that. 🤔

I agree with you about the PR thing. I started strongly suspecting that Austin and Kaia are PR last year, and that feeling has only intensified this year.

PS- I also cannot do another Cabo trip either 😩 With a towel over his head 😭

[ptn-imagines]

as hcs, what are suspect r’s reactions to f!chief’s fashion? if possible, could you also include the upcoming cny event’s attire (f!chief looks so handsome, 10/10 cutie pie <3)?? no worries if not, i’m technically at ch11, and chief already has like five skins (tho rip me i’m at medium bfl + f2p only :/)

follow up on r’s reactions to chief (not sure if i could ask both together so i split it just in case <3): as hcs, what would f!chief’s thoughts be about her Wife’s- i mean suspect r’s attires? i know she technically already saw her in the prologue (and later in the iconic wet dream- i mean her surprise appearance in ch6) but lmao she just woke up, groggy and totally clueless and first thing she sees is a half revealed chest? and what about the dress and cute hat r wears in the trailer and the crimebrand? also do NOT ask me how long i stared at creation i’m gobbling up every suspect r crumb (oh ho ho hooo i spy expensive gloves and an even more expensive purse looks like a certain suspect is super rich but what peek? what experiment?? (ok that one is probably connected to paradeisos) whAT SECRET??? WHAT PROMISE???????) ALSO i’m sorry for rambling a bit more but before r woke her wife- i mean f!chief did r seriously change her dress to a shirt and unbuttoned the top five buttons and rolled up her sleeves and made sure her skirt shows her fine booty perfectly even if chief can’t even see or feel it fhsadhakjdhakj truly no one does it like suspect r pls never change ma’am

Hi anon! The deluge of Suspect R asks startled the shit out of me but it's okay because I love her. I decided to combine these two requests because otherwise the one about Chief reacting to Suspect R's fashion would've been reaaaaally short. I hope that we see more of Suspect R in act two of the story, I'm begging for crumbs... It's been over an in-game year since we saw her! And I'm pretty sure it's also been around that much time irl too. Aisno is edging us. I need to know what she knows about us! She acts way too much like our ex-wife! Clearly she knows us and she speaks of us fondly, who were we to her?!

Suspect R and F!Chief reacting to each other's fashion

The Bureau uniform is what Suspect R is used to, of course. She doesn't think much of it, beyond what she thinks of Chief herself: that she's absolutely stunning no matter what she wears. R longs to run her fingers through Chief's hair… and of course, she would've gotten Chief some clothes more to her taste if she'd managed to scoop her up and whisk her away. She also finds the jacket cute – and she has no room to talk about wearing your jacket properly. She thinks it's a way in which they match, which she likes.

The Stalker attire just adds a hood and cloak, but R thinks Chief wears it extremely well. If she could, she'd love to tease about how she looks like a “true Syndican” now.

R is more enamored by the story behind the Passage of Time attire than the outfit itself. She thinks the colors and patterns look nice on the Chief, but what truly makes it shine to her is Chief's interactions with OwO. She also thinks the braid looks very nice. Overall, it's a bit of a different look to what she's used to from the Chief, but she likes it anyway.

She thinks the Traveler attire is adorable. She honestly can't pick a favorite part about it because her eyes are too busy roaming everywhere, though she definitely appreciates the good view of Chief's legs. This is a strong competitor for her favorite outfit, because she thinks it brings out Chief's heroic spirit and kind heart by the vibes of it, which is by far her favorite aspect of the Chief.

Her reaction to Nightfall Soiree can be summarized as “lol cute.” She prefers seeing Chief in blue – not that she's biased or anything – but she admits the red is a good look on Chief. It's bolder than what is standard for the Chief, and she thinks her fluffy curls look adorable. It's an easy contender for her top three.

Her thoughts on the upcoming attire is that she wants to pull on Chief's ponyta– ahem. She's a big fan of the subtle touches of red against the black and white. While her bias is definitely Chief in dresses, she's a big fan of looks like these as well – she prefers it to Passage of Time, as far as celebrating the Chinese New Year goes. Once again, she feels like this outfit brings out her beloved Chief's heroic spirit.

As for Chief…

When you awaken with amnesia, you don't expect your first sight to be… anything at all, really. But if Chief did have expectations, Suspect R and her appearance would've been low on the list.

It actually took a moment for Chief to take note of R's fashion, held spellbound by the striking glow of her eyes – but when she did tear her gaze away, her heart did a flip in her chest and she had to swallow as her mouth suddenly felt drier than a desert.

R was stunning, simply stunning. Her blonde hair cascading over perfect shoulders, slender fingers tracing over Chief's cheek, breath hot on her face…

Oh, and it didn't help that her top, uh… left little to the imagination. A physical one was not the only awakening Chief went through in that moment; if Nightingale hadn't showed up, Suspect R would've probably succeeded in whisking her away.

When Chief finally gets to see R's alternate outfit, she'll be stunned as always. It's not something she'd ever imagine R wearing, but she can't deny that R looks amazing – and white has always been a good color on her.

Still, Chief prefers Rebecca's more casual outfit – if you can call it that. Her fancier outfit feels like it loses some of R's spirit, the spark that draws Chief to her in the first place – making her look like any other rich Eastside (or Paradeisos…?) lady.