#I'm not as in the loop with celebrity stuff as I used to be.

[castlebyersafterdark]

who from the main cast do you think will have the most successful post ST career?

Very interesting!! Now, I don't know all of the cast's careers equally as thorough, but these are my thoughts from what I do know. Would love to hear other's takes as well to fill in where I might not know the cast as well! I'm going to do the older teens and the party. In no particular order:

Finn - Already a huge star. I think he'll continue to be successful if he stays acting, but I do see him stepping more into directing/writing maybe. And working on his lil indie music hobby. If he acts more, maybe he'll take a role here or there, and I hope he takes more interesting things as he gets older (not that he's been in a string of duds, but I'd hope he branches out into something fresh and not another IP style franchise media immediately). A while ago I remember talking about him maybe doing a cool period piece or a retro comedy movie. I wish he was a lead in the SNL movie, I think that's his sweet spot. I think he's going to be very successful and remain publicly in the industry. I will be following his career the most out of everyone here so, admitted bias.

Noah - very difficult to say at this point. I think it depends on if he decides to continue school, lean into his entrepreneurship and business ventures. He's a very good actor, but I really don't know what kind of roles he's actually looking to take. I think he's said he's more interested in drama movies and I know this is a little type-casty, but I would adore if he becomes a new scream king. Dramatic horror/thrillers but quality, smaller films. I'd love for him to lead an era of queer horror films but I honestly don't really think that's what he'd be into, as much as I personally would love that. He has the range though! It's really hard to say how good of an acting career he'll have because I have to be honest - if he curates his craft he could find a lot of success but I can also see him fading a bit in the acting world and please don't get upset with me for that!! It's just an analysis of the career he's had so far and the crossroads he'll face once the series is over if his role choices are off. An honest read.

Millie - She's gonna have kids with baby Jovi and sell her skincare and ghostwrite shitty books. JK JK sorry for the shade, I'm just not a Millie fan haha oops. But I'm super not sure about her. She's a huge celebrity with a huge fanbase, but now that her Netflix contract is up, right?? Is she marketable and good enough of an actress to land lead roles in things? I think she's going to have a few big roles and those movies will be critically panned and she'll fade away for a bit, and then a decade or so later after a huge flop she'll land something surprising and fall into the spotlight again, but only for a little while. I could be wrong and misunderstand the Millie effect, bit that's how I feel.

Caleb - I feel like he's got talent, he's going to get a steady stream of work in film and other campaigns. He has the makings of being a really good dramatic actor when he's a little older, we'll have to wait and see. But he has the low-key acting chops and needs a little more meat on his resume. He's got promise.

Gaten - I don't know much about him and I love him but I also share the same worries that he himself has expressed in interviews I believe. Nerves about the future after the show. I see him more in television over movies. I don't actually know much about broadway so I'm not sure what his career there was like or if he could break back in. Big difference between child actors on bway and adult acting if I would guess correctly.

Sadie - Promising career, I feel like she could be up for the awards show circuit if she lands decent roles in the future. She could have an Emma Stone type career. Depends on the right roles. But I think she'll have longevity in the industry. Interesting, pretty redheads with dramatic acting chops and high fashion leanings tend to have the potential to go really far.

Charlie and Natalia - I'm putting them on the same page because I equally don't know much about them and I think they'll equally get the same amount of work. I think they're just kinda fucking around and traipsing lazily through Hollywood. Unsure. They're so weird. But, good for them?

Joe Keery - I don't know much about this man and I always refer to him by his full name for some reason. He's a singer? No idea the popularity level there, wasn't my type of music so I never looked too deep into it. No idea what he does outside of Stranger Things. He is an enigma but not one that captivates me. (I have nothing against him I just never really felt an interest in him as an actor even if I really do like Steve).

Maya - Well, she's industry famous already, she'll have a career as long as she wants it. She'll have steady work, unsure how big she'll be. But I think it's as big as she wants it to be personally, what type of projects she wants to work on. I think she's one of the better young actors in the cast. She's probably the one with the most choice in terms of future career.

[ddejavvu]

So I finally use makeup and i feel like i unlocked a new part of the store (im 19 sad ik ) and i might have spent my whole paycheck on makeup (didnt mean to ) and while I was doing that i kept getting thoughts of Bradley looking at the price of makeup and being flabbergasted (I was looking for a highlighter and i found one and was gonna get it BUT it 17 dollars for a SMALL AND I MEAN SMALL highlighter stick so I got a new one ) i just know Bradley would be so stunned. But he try to help but he would lose his mind at the prices

Bradley's mostly content to wander behind you with the basket when you shop, but as your hand reaches for a lip gloss tube, his eyes widen.

"Baby," He hisses, "That's- twenty-nine dollars? Isn't that lip gloss?"

"It's a celebrity's brand," You point at the label, "That makes it more expensive."

"Jesus. Well don't get that one," He scoffs, "Isn't there shit by the counter for cheaper?"

"I want this one!" You retort indignantly, "It's my money, Brad, I can do whatever I want."

"I'm not trying to control you," He swears, "I'm trying to save you money! I saw a color just like that at CVS for six bucks."

"Is Rihanna the one selling it?" You raise a brow at him, "Makeup's expensive, that's just how it is."

"I guess. Twenty-nine dollars for lip gloss," He grumbles as you toss it into the cart, "That's, like, a meal out, baby. I could buy a new pair of shoes for that much money. And- Forty dollars?!" You're surprised his jaw doesn't drop through the floor like a cartoon, "Babe! That little jar is forty dollars!"

"Keep your voice down," You round on him in a fit of giggles, covering his mouth so as not to draw attention to yourself in the bustling store, "I know, baby. Like I said, makeup's just expensive. Let me just grab what I need, and then we can go, okay? I'll make us something for lunch, we won't spend any more money."

"I don't know if I can financially support this hobby of yours," He regretfully informs you as soon as you remove your hand from his mouth, "Baby, I mean it, I'm happy you like this stuff, but this is gonna break the bank."

"I said I'd use my own money," You promise, though you're certain he'll slide his card through the reader before you can even get yours out of your purse; he always does. "It's okay, baby, it lasts for a while. It's worth it."

"I hope so," His shoulders slump, and you know he's not going to cause another scene, "I just can't believe they're allowed to charge you that much for a tiny little tube. I mean, my shampoo is five dollars, and it comes in, like, a gallon."

"I know, honey," You placate him, looping your arm through his own. You neglect to mention the fact that you're fairly certain his shampoo is also technically body wash and conditioner, and how that might be why it's so cheap, "I know, it's okay. Next time I'll come by myself, I promise."

[takeachillpillshawty]

Very specific TWST head cannons

Jack was accidentally given alcohol by a third year at a party because they thought he was also a third year.

Ruggie would make bets with students if they can guess Jack's age correctly.

Malleus would stay back at after the final class of the day just to sing, he likes the sound of the empty class room. He stopped doing that because a rumor about a "haunted class" was spreading.

Sebek yelled so hard one time, he couldn't talk the next day due to the pain.

Vil watches those self care videos, as in the earwax removal, black head removal, technically any of those gross removal videos. It's a guilty pleasure of his.

Cater is a hot cheeto girl, he and Idia would make ramen and put hot cheetos in it.

Silver is a heavy sleeper...like heavy sleeper. One time a fire broke out in Diasomnia and everyone was screaming. Only after the fire was out did he wake up.

Malleus used to talk to stuff animals as a kid.

Sebek monologues to himself, and everyone can hear him.

Sebek when he was a kid chased another child with a broken ruler for saying Malleus' name in vain.

Riddle and Jamil have this weird friendship, basically it's just them trying to relax but remembering there are idiots who are in the dorms and can't rest until they get things done.

Each dorm has their own WiFi router, Idia usually hacks into the others in case Ignihyde's one is down or he just want to see people's search history.... Let's just say he's not comfortable around certain classmates.

Idia permanently puts Ortho on child lock so people won't ask him to look up not so friendly things on the internet.

Ortho can get sick from viruses or corrupted data he accidentally downloaded.

Jade and Rook have a passive aggressive rivalry. Like imagine them in the botanical garden having lunch and Jade handed him a poison mushroom infused tea and Rook just 'accidentally' pours it in a plant watching it wither. While looking Jade dead in the eyes, both have smiles on there faces, as they passive aggressively try to kill each other.

Cater x Jade or Rook would be so fucking funny. Like imagine dating the most dangerous students in the school but hey at least the dick is crazy.

Trey has a collection of his baby teeth and his siblings baby teeth on his night stand. No-one brings it up...ever.

another reason why Cater doesn't eat sweets is because he'll get a tooth ache just eating a smore.

A student once asked Crewel if it was possible to make 'crack' in potionology..... Crewel wasn't getting paid enough for this.

Crowley has committed tax evasion.

Azul Is thicc. I said what I said, and don't boo me. I'm right.

Ruggie is banned from Monstro Lounge due to finding loop holes in Azul's contracts and getting free stuff.

Malleus hates cake with too much frosting, It defeats the purpose of the cake.

Malleus would use fae circles to teleport prefect to him.

Floyd likes to just bite things, especially his phone case.

Rook takes the best photos.

Sometimes people forget that Vil is an actor and model, so when seeing him in a movie, commercial or magazine they just get jump scared and remembered .

" oh yeah....Housewarden Vil is a celebrity.."

I think prefect is desensitized to meeting famous or high status people that they're not a big deal to them. Imagine Prefect going to a cafe and THE KALIM AL ASIM Is paying for their drink, everyone is shocked that someone who's richer than royalty is paying for you and all you say is " Oh thanks Kalim. "

I feel like up to book 6 every dorm leader helped out in repairing Ramshackle adding there own piece of their dorms in there. A gaming room from Idia, A luxurious bathroom with skin care supplies and designer clothes from Vil, pantry and groceries from Heartslaybul and Scarabia and a cook book from Trey and Jamil respectively. An indoor and outdoor pool from Savannah claw, wallpaper and decor from Azul, and finally furniture and jewelry from Malleus.

[box-dwelling]

So I saw this post talking about how grace is the most tied to Nibbly which makes sense. She hungers for power, sex, food metaphors with dirty girl soup, which said post already discussed. But also Nibbly is kind of the most prominent one in the summoning scene other than wiggly which would make sense if this is Nibblys ending. Especially because grace is consuming the souls of the horny, those who desire sex, those who are hungry for it. Which aligns with Nibblys modus operandi in Honey queen. Those who hunger taste sweeter. Also makes sense as to why Nibbly's apocalypse is basically a happen ending. He has a pretty sweet gig already. Cult of followers, regularly getting fed, he even gets to walk the earth annually. I make sense that he wouldn't want to change hatchetfield that much and he needs to keep some people alive so he keeps getting fed.

So if TGWDLM, BF, and NPMD show Pokey, Wiggly and Nibbly's respective apocalypses then maybe we'll get 2 more musicals for blinky and Tinky.

From what it looks like, the next show in Hatchetfield (which might not be the next Starkid show, I heard they wanted a break) is going to be about Miss Holloway. And who did she explicitly make a deal with? Tinky! So my guess is he's going to be our next apocalypse. Miss Holloway talks explicitly about him in Killer track and also we know there's a ton of time shenanigans going on with her. I'm like 99% certain if they do the Holloway show he's our main villain. They could do a time loop story, that could be fun, or a million other time travel concepts. I think it would be cool if Frank was involved. We know he was friends with Miss Holloway from Daddy and having a toy store owner and collector would be fun as hell to face off against Tinky. I think a Tinky show is also the perfect time to properly address the lore around the split timelines. We have some stuff but we could get more and now would be a great time as presumably the penultimate show.

As for the 5th show, this is understandably more amorphous. But if I'm right we're talking Blinky. I have a few vauge ideas of places it could head. So one is that they could focus on Rose from Killer track. She's a musician so performance is kind of her thing, maybe the band gets big and that deal with celebrity voyerism and spectacle. And hey I'd like to see her more developed. My other theory is linked with his reference in TTTO. So Jack Bauer mentioning "the watcher with a thousand eyes" in that show is an explicit forth wall break. Said watcher is the audience. And that makes me wonder if a Blinky show could lean into that more. Have the audience be Blinky in some way. And of this would presumably be the finale, a forth wall breaking ending could be a good way to bring closure to the fact that this is a split timeline. Or maybe go full TTTO hand have multiple endings the audience gets to choose. Like which ending they want. Maybe one apocalypse does have to happen so the audience gets to choose who's. This is way more speculative though.

As for setting for these two it's complicated. They like to set the shows at a black altar. But there's 5 and all 5 have already been settings. I think either it's completely new or Tinky is CCRP and Blinky is the starlight theatre. It kinda feels like it's stepping on Pokeys toes a bit but they're both more backdrops. I can't see either at the Wayland's (maaaaaybe Tinky because it's where the black book is in NPMD and Miss Holloway obviously uses it but eh) and Hatchetfield high is so clearly the setting for NPMD where as TGWDLM dots about places so much that there doesn't seem to be as definitively a setting. That being said I do think the high school is Blinkys alter and all the others have come through at their alter (Nibbly's being the Wayland's where grace gets the book) so maybe we get another teen show for blinky. But then again Miss Holloway is working at Hatchetfield high too now so maybe her show will be there as well. At the very least I think the finales will be at their set altars. Blinky comes through at the high school and Tinky at the CCRP

[cringefailvox]

hi, i'm bay or spoon (they/ze)!! i'm spoondrifts on ao3 and i'm currently writing for hazbin hotel :] if you want to see non-hazbin or more personal stuff from me, my main is @spoondrifts!!

i also have a ko-fi if you'd like to spare a broke college student a few bucks, but no pressure; i write for fun, not for money, though it can be a great motivator!

my inbox is always open, so don't be shy to shoot me a question or anything you want me to see / talk about!! i'm always down to chat :] love u guys!!

fanfic directory under the cut:

our lovely company appears so entertained — alastor/vox, rated M, 2.6k. complete. one-sided bdsm torture session where vox is into it, sexually, and alastor is definitely not

The Diving Bell — charlie/vaggie, rated T, 9.5k. complete. a pre-canon character study of their relationship progression

riding out the drop — valentino/vox, rated E, 4.3k. complete. val gets fed up with vox's fixation on the radio demon, they fuck about it

to slip such carrion ties — alastor & rosie, rated G, 1.7k. complete. missing scene between episodes 7 & 8, rosie character study

sometimes you scrape and sink so low — alastor & husk, rated G, 1.8k. complete. missing scene post-ep 5 where alastor and husk work things out

time has changed the metaphor — alastor/rosie/vox, rated T, 15.2k. complete. first installment in my meteor shower au series where alastor, rosie, and vox are in a qpr together

Featherstone — valentino & velvette & vox + valentino/vox, rated T, 7.8k. complete. accidental baby acquisition with the vees

dragging its tail in the sea — alastor/rosie/vox, rated T, 15.4k. complete. second installment in the meteor shower qpr series

pas de deux — carmilla/velvette, rated E, 4.7k. complete. plotless smut where carmilla teaches velvette a lesson about respect

ET TU, ALASTOR? — angel/lucifer + husk/lucifer + niffty/lucifer + alastor/lucifer, rated M, 4.8k. complete. crackfic of charlie gradually losing her sanity as lucifer rebounds with 80% of her staff

oleanders in june — alastor/vox, rated T, 6k. complete. pre-canon, alastor and vox share a meal and some uncomfortably intimate sadistic tension

spiraling down thy majesty — lucifer/vox, rated E, 7.1k. complete. lucifer and vox decide to vent their mutual frustration about alastor by fucking each other

the world we knew (over and over) — alastor/lucifer + lucifer & charlie + alastor & charlie, rated M, 7.9k. in-progress. time loop fic in which charlie dies during the final battle and lucifer and alastor relive it again, and again, and again

Trust Us With Your Stress Relief! — valentino/velvette/vox, rated M, 2.5k. complete. in which the vees use their monthly vacation day to blow off some steam together (read: torture their employees)

strange perfections in any stranger i choose — alastor/vox, rated G, 3.6k. complete. a take on pre-canon radiostatic's first meeting

i want your violence, your silent sedation — alastor/vox, rated M, 5.8k. complete. in which radio isn't as dead as you think, vox is an irresponsible pet owner, and alastor gets attic wife'd

even now you mark my steps — alastor/vox, rated T, 5.2k. complete. alastor, vox, and an improvised waltz at a plant nursery

come and kiss me, pretty baby — alastor/vox, rated G, 3.3k. complete. drunken queerplatonic radiostatic shenanigans

when the flies fell — alastor/vox, rated E, 32.9k. complete. human(ish) au where weird shit happens when they try to summon a demon together

a putrid feeling that i've addressed — valentino/vox, rated T, 5.1k. complete. helluva boss full moon, staticmoth edition

undone, undress — angel/valentino, rated E, 7.5k. complete. the vees have been defeated, but angel and val aren't finished with each other just yet

volta; you woke the world inside of me — alastor/vox, rated T, 9.6k. complete. queerplatonic t4t radiostatic where vox has a gender crisis and alastor handles it shockingly well

the invitation to happiness — alastor & rosie & vox, rated G, 3.5k, complete. precanon rosemedia celebrating hanukkah together

verbatim — alastor/valentino, rated E, 8k. complete. vox is unavailable for alastor's heat, so valentino steps in to help

scatterbrain — alastor/vox + alastor & rosie + alastor & lilith, rated T, 6.8k. complete. in which alastor's seven-year absence was spent catching some z's

nobody as sweet as you — lucifer/vox, rated T, 8k. complete. sequel to "spiraling down thy majesty" where lucifer and vox follow through on their fake dating plan

jeepers creepers! — alastor/vox, rated E, 8.1k. complete. precanon hypnosis practice gone sexy

all scotch, no soda — angel & husk + angel & alastor, rated M, 5.1k. complete. precanon au where angel and husk are both owned by alastor, based off of this post

thus always to tyrants — alastor/valentino/velvette/vox, rated T, 3.7k. complete. after 7 years off the air, alastor comes home to his partners

loveproof — alastor & lucifer, rated T, 4k. complete. lucifer mistakes his platonic feelings for romantic ones and confesses to alastor, who predictably doesn't take it well

opium of the people — charlie & vox + vox & valentino & velvette, rated M, 6.7k. complete. crackfic where charlie unionizes voxtek

christmas kids — alastor & vox + valentino & velvette & vox, rated T, 3.7k. complete. radiostatic new year's eve, then and now

in the middle of love and liars — valentino/vox + valentino/angel + angel & vox, rated M, 7.1k. complete. when val hits vox for the first time, angel thinks he's knows what happens next. unfortunately it isn't so simple this time

[remcycl333]

hi rem, remember me? I'm the anon who asked about what type of stuff to do in the early 2000s! I'm back to share a success story!

long ask ahead

short 'backstory' for those who might be in a similar situation as I was: I used to be in a very difficult situation. I've been bullied for quite literally no reason ever since kindergarten and had no friends because of that. I stayed inside, rotting in my room while all other people my age lived their teen years to the fullest. later on, I was diagnosed with autism and came out as trans which made the bullying even worse. another problem was that I had only one year of school left and already signed a job contract with a company that I didn't even wanna work at. I just felt so lost and like I'm not made to live like this

how I did it: I randomly discovered this post and it pretty much changed my whole perspective on the void. I already knew that the void was just a meditative state but I never quite… realized it? like I'd say that yet still treat the void as this magical place that manifests instantly. I also 'forced' myself to not stop until I actually entered the void, no matter how long it would take (tho I didn't actively affirm that it'd take long). I just laid down, set the intention to tap into the void and occasionally affirm 'i am', that's all.

stuff I manifested:

changing the year to 2005 (fyi, I manifested taking my phone with me just to write this

revising my age from 16 to 14

revising my birth year from 2006 to 1991 (since that'd make me 14 in 2005

a 'time loop' // I'm gonna elaborate on that one since it's a bit confusing. I saw this on another anon ask a while ago and found it so cool! basically, I manifested that the year is 2005 permanently. like every new years eve, the date will just change to 2005 again. ages also don't change even tho people celebrate their birthdays. nobody dies/ages and nobody is born. this also feels natural and not like some weird sci-fi movie plot lmao (kinda like in pokemon where this mf ash has been 10 for 25 years

immortality for everyone (goes hand in hand with the time loop)

living in the city

living with my brother

new friends (manifested an exact friend group from my fav manga)

just my entire ideal life

my exact ideal appearance

my ideal name

revised being amab

being better at dealing with my autism (i didn't manifest it away, that just felt wrong to me)

and so much more but I can't remember…

fun fact for anyone who's still reading: my fav character from my fav manga started out being my df, then became my db, then my ideal voice, then I stole their name and their birth date, then their family members, friends, etc. and at last their literal life, like I literally self inserted myself into the manga as them. btw, it's also set in 2005, can you guess which manga it is?

thanks for reading!

STOP THAT IS SO EXCITING!!!! you're making me wanna go back to 2005 so bad!!! did u manifest your fav music still existing in 2005 bc i'd miss it so much

im so proud of u 🥺 i wish u nothing but happiness!!! <3 enjoy your new life, you deserve it!!!

[thatdude01181]

The singer part 2 Thanksgiving-JO

The plane landed at Orlando international airport at 4 am, Y/n and Jenna, hand in hand, walked through security, grabbed their bags from baggage claim and made it to the entrance as they saw Y/n's mom Cassandra waiting for them.

"My boy" she said as she pulled him into a hug, which was strong for her height of 5'4. He hugged her back picking her up off the ground.

"Hey momma" he said

Jenna smiled and watched as the two in front of her made small talk before taking notice of her.

"Oh I'm sorry, mom this is Jenna my girlfriend, sweet heart this is my mom Cassandra, but you can call her mom, everyone does."

"Hi it's nice to meet you" she said

"You too sweetie, now come on, we've got a long drive a head of us" she said as Y/n and Jenna carried their bags to Cassandras van. The ride took a few hours, but Jenna enjoyed watching the sun rise.

Pulling into the driveway, Y/n jumped out of the van, jostling the van enough to wake Jenna up.

"Sorry darlin'" he said as she stood and exited the van. The house that stood in front of them was a large 5 bedroom 4 bath, with enough land to have cattle and for several kids to play on.

"It's fine babe" she said as he grabbed their bags.

"Ryan we're home" Cassandra said as she opened the door. Said person came down stairs and pull Y/n into a hug.

"Hey baby brother" said the man now attempting to noogie Y/n, who was successful in fighting him off.

"Jenna this is my oldest brother Ryan, Ryan this is Jenna" he said as Jenna shook his hand.

" it's nice to meet you" she said.

"Likewise, Y/n tells us youre this famous actress" he says as they walk into the emasculate living room.

"Yeah, I'm in Netflix's Wednesday, the baby sitter killer queen, and I'm in scream 5 and 6" she said as his eyes widened.

Just then the door opened and in walked a small girl around Cassandras height with three dogs.

"Is he here yet" came the voice of the girl

"I don't know, why don't you come find out" Ryan called.

Around the corner came a woman who was the spitting image of her mother, but with longer hair. She immediately hugged Y/n.

"Hey big bro" she said

"Hey little sis, Jenna this is my sister Sarah, sis this is Jenna".

"I'm a huge fan, I loved you in scream 6" she said fan girling.

"Awwe thank you"

Later that night...

Y/n hopped out of his dad's truck that Cassandra gave him the keys to as he ran around to open Jenna's door.

"Such a gentle man" she said as she took his outstretched hand and stepped down to the ground below.

He looped his arm and she took it, wrapping her arm around it.

(she wore what she's wearing in the cover image you wore an all black outfit with matching cowboy hat)

"What is this place?" Jenna asked,being raised in Coachella Jenna didn't really experience community get together a as a kid.

"Its the rec hall, every weekend the town comes together and just celebrates life and family, and with tomorrow bein' Thanksgiving, we celebrate tonight by dancin' and bein with friends and family, so we can stuff ourselves silly the next day."

They walked ina and the place was popping off, there was music, drinks, and people were dancing. At one point good time by Alan Jackson came on.

(play good time, by Alan Jackson)

Y/n pulled Jenna towards the dance floor and taught her how to line dance, which was a challenge to be sure, but he pulled it off. She was dancing along with him, matching the beat.

The song ended and Jenna was smiling, a true smile, something Y/n hadn't seen since they started dating maybe this vacation was just what she needed.

As the other inhabitants danced they sat at a near by table and held each other close. She looked into his eyes. He was truly happy, whether it was that he was home or that he was with her she couldn't say, but she knows that he makes her happy.

As she was about to say something a girl in a rather short skirt with boots on walks towards them.

"Hi Y/n" she says

"Hi Candice" he says looking uncomfortable

She began talking to him, completely ignoring the fact that Jenna was there. Jenna put up with her as long as she could until she touched Y/n his arm.

This sent Jenna over the edge.

"Alright, that's enough, can't you see that he's uncomfortable" she said stepping in between Y/n and Candice.

"And who the hell do you think you are?" Candice asked.

"I'm his girlfriend" she said as Y/n stepped in between them.

"Yeah right, like he would date a stick like you" this enraged Y/n.

"Candice that's enough, I was fine with you talking to me, but you've obviously upset my girlfriend, so I'm gonna have to ask you to leave"

"Y/n, you can't be serious, as a fuckin heart attack, now get out" he said as security escorted her out.

He looked to Jenna as he knew she was angry. He walked up to her, placing his hand on her neck.

"You know that I love you right?" He said in his deep Southern accent as she nodded.

"I just can't with people like that, she could clearly tell that you are with me, holding my hand, and she still did that"

He pulled her closer as one of the employees came to check on them.

"Everything alright over here Mr.L/n" he asked

"Yeah Chuck we're good, could you set up the mic and two chairs with my guitar I'm about to go on stage with this pretty little thing here." He said gaining the attention on the shorter girl in his grasp.

"Can do" he said running back stage.

After about half an hour he and Jenna had both taken the stage and the crowd cheered. He grabbed his guitar and played a few chords as Jenna sat next to him, with him staring at her.

"This song is dedicated to someone very important to me"

(play in case you didn't know by Brett Young)

Jenna had began to tear up at the thought that you were singing for her, the crowd had began to slow dance as the song began, Jenna smiled swaying to the song as small tears streamed down her face.

After the song ended, she pulled him into a deep passionate kiss, letting him know just how much she loved him. They spent a bit more time at the rec center before they decided to head back to his mom's house.

The next day he woke early to help his mom with things, tending to the cattle, collecting eggs other things to do around the farm. Jenna woke to the smell of bacon eggs and sausage. She walked down to the kitchen to see Y/n walking in after completing the mornings work, seeing her he smiled and enveloped her in a hug, planting a kiss on her lips.

"Mornin' darlin'" he said

"Morning, what's for breakfast?"

"Oh, Y/n said that you were pescatarian, so I just made you eggs" Cassandra said "if you would like, I'm making bacon and there's sausage links on the plate over there.

She looked at the sausage links on the plate and took some, deciding to sacrifice her pescatarian life style.

"Do you have any toast?" She asked.

"In the toaster sweetie" Cassandra said

Jenna took some toast and began eating. She savored the flavor of each part of the meal.

The living room TV was playing the parade, it was a tradition that his dad started when he was young, every year they would start cooking food while the parade played on the TV.

"Is there anything I can help with Cassandra?" She asked

"Get me the hand mixer please" she said pointing to the device on the counter. Grabbing it, Jenna handed it to Cassandra and began helping cook thanksgiving dinner as Sarah walked in.

The door opened to reveal an elderly couple, Jenna stared confused until Y/n walked up to them and hugged them.

"Oh goodness is that my Y/n" the woman said

"Hi Mema, where's pop" he asked

"He's getting my gizzard stuffing and gravy out of the truck" she said patting him on the shoulder. She headed into the kitchen and started helping until she noticed Jenna.

"Hi I don't believe we've met yet, I'm Jodie, Y/n's grandma, you must be Jenna." She said to which Jenna nodded and went to shake her hand, to which Jodie pulled her into a hug.

"Sorry I'm a hugger, and you can call me Mema" she said releasing the girl. Y/n walked in with an elderly man, treys in hand.

"I told you I got it son" he said.

"And I told you that mom nor Mema would let me live if I didn't help." He looked at Jenna a smile spread across her face "I see you've already met Mema, she's a hugger"

"So I've seen" she replied as man known as pop walked past.

"Scott go introduce yourself to your grandsons girlfriend" Mema said as pop did as he was told.

"I'm Scott but you can call me Pop" he looked as Y/n "she's a keeper."

They sat around the the table, Pop sitting at the head of the table as he said grace. Food began to be passed around and conversations were had.

After dinner Pop sat in the lazy boy snoozing as the Thanksgiving day football game played. Sarah's husband and her kids arrived and were in the back yard playing football with Y/n and Ryan. Jenna was in the kitchen with Mema and Cassandra washing dishes and putting left over food away.

"So Jenna, what do you guys have planned after Thanksgiving?" Mema asked.

"Y/n and I are staying for a few more days, I was hoping to find something for Y/n tomorrow, if that's ok" Jenna replied.

"Well that sounds just fine" Cassandra said.

[captainsophiestark]

Lost Pizza Delivery Guys

Platonic!Percy Jackson x Reader

Masterlist - Join My Taglist!

Written for my Year of Olympians and part of a bigger challenge being run by @yearofcreation2023​! It features a ton of other awesome creators and runs all year, so go check it out!

Fandom: Percy Jackson

Prompt: Dionysus; Wine, Cups, Dolphins, and Goats

Summary: Percy's cousin and friend on Sally's side helps him celebrate his 21st birthday right.

Word Count: 1,843

Category: Fluff

A/N: I also wrote this oneshot and this oneshot with Percy and his cousin being besties, loosely related to this one! You don't need to read one to understand the other, but in my mind they're in the same universe

Putting work into an AI program without permission is illegal. You do not have my permission. Do not do it.

"IDs, please."

I grinned and nudged my cousin excitedly as he pulled out his driver's license and handed it to the bouncer before us. Tonight was his 21st birthday, and this officially marked the first time he got to use his card to get in somewhere.

"Okay, go ahead," said the bouncer, passing our IDs back before stepping aside. "And happy birthday."

"Thanks," said Percy with a smile and a nod as we headed into the bar. I beamed at him, dropping my hands onto his shoulders and jumping up and down a little.

"Welcome to adulthood, Perce! First round's on me, but you put in the order."

"Alright," said Percy, laughing a little at my antics but heading over to the bar with a smile anyway.

After a full-family day of celebrating Percy's 21st birthday, I'd asked for the honor of taking him to his first bar. He'd been all in, and I'd brought him to my favorite place in the city.

Despite being close cousins if you looked at a family tree, I hadn't gotten to be a part of Percy's life until the very end of his high school career. I'd been separate from the family I shared with him and Sally, escaping a bad situation when I was young without looking back. Once I'd gotten to college in New York, however, and knew I had family in the area, I decided to reach out and see if it would be worth reconnecting. And it had turned out to be the best decision I could've made.

My Aunt Sally was absolutely incredible, that went without saying. The few memories I had of her from when I was young were the things that had made me want to reach out in the first place. But finding Percy, who was only a few years younger than me, was like getting the little brother I'd always wanted. Even a little later, when a monster almost took my head off when Percy and I were out getting lunch and I learned about all the Greek mythology stuff, I didn't have even a second of regret over having these people in my life.

Luckily for me, Sally's clear-sightedness ran in the family, so I wasn't completely out of the loop when things came up. And, even better, I could look around the bar and feel confident no monsters were about to interrupt me and my little cousin celebrating his 21st birthday.

"Alright, first a toast," I said, raising my glass towards Percy once we had our drinks. He lifted his, too, grinning at me as I continued. "To you, Percy Jackson, hero of AHS swim team, son of Sally Jackson, and the best cousin I could've ever hoped for."

We clinked glasses, Percy still absolutely beaming, and took the first sips of our drinks. The night had officially begun.

We stayed in the bar for a few hours, laughing and dancing to the live band and occasionally refilling our drinks. Finally though, with a little less than an hour and a half to go before midnight, we wandered outside, smiling like idiots with our arms around each other.

"That was fun," Percy decided as we nodded a goodnight to the bouncer.

"I'm glad. And remember what I told you about drinking lots of water."

"I will. Maybe it'll work even better for me since I'm a son of Poseidon."

"That would be sick."

"Yeah."

We both stood there for a moment, letting the cool night air wash over us, a serious relief for the end of the summer. Percy had planned to spend the last moments of his birthday at Camp, with his girlfriend Annabeth and his best friend Grover. I knew it was time for me to let him go, to get us each a cab and head our separate directions, but I still didn't quite want the night to end.

Apparently, Percy felt the same way. He turned to me, a mischievous grin on his face and a light in his eyes that definitely meant trouble.

"Do you want to come back to Camp with me?"

I laughed, smiling a little even as I shook my head. "Perce, you know as well as I do that I can't. I wish I could, but there's no way for me to get in."

"Actually... no one knows how he did it, but a really lost pizza delivery guy made it through one time."

"If no one knows how he did it, how am I supposed to replicate it?"

Percy shrugged. "I don't know. But it's possible."

I paused, debating with myself for a moment. Worse-case scenario, I couldn't get in and I had a much longer cab ride than necessary. Not ideal, but not the end of the world either. And best case, I'd finally get to see the famous Camp Half-Blood and hang out with Percy and his friends.

"Alright," I finally said, turning back to Percy with a smile. "Let's give it a shot."

"Cool. Then I'm sorry for this."

Before I could ask what he meant, Percy held out his hand and threw a golden coin I recognized as Olympian money onto the street. At the same time, he shouted something in what I guess was ancient Greek, and the pavement before us started to bubble. A moment later, a smoky gray taxi rose out of the ground, suddenly sitting and waiting just in front of where we stood on the curb.

"Whoa," I breathed, a smile making its way onto my face as the astonishment wore off. "That is so cool."

"Maybe wait until after the ride to decide if it's cool."

Despite that shady warning, I got into the cab when Percy opened the door and climbed in with me. In front of us across the driver's bench were three ancient old ladies. It took about thirty seconds for me to realize they only had one eye between them, at which point only love for Percy kept me sitting in the car.

The ride from the bar to Camp Half-Blood were a few of the worst moment of my life. It was terrifying from start to finish, and although the travel was incredibly fast, there was also a stretch of that time where I thought we'd never get out of the cab alive again.

After Percy convinced the drivers, apparently the Gray Sisters, to take me even though I was a mortal, and after they spat some poetry about Apollo meddling to help Percy as a favor in the near future (which Percy seemed less than thrilled about), the car finally came to a stop. I rushed to get out, making a beeline for some bushes in case the motion sickness was enough to make me throw up. Thankfully, it wasn't, and when I turned around the cab was gone, leaving me and Percy on a darkened stretch of road.

"That was the worst thing ever," I declared. Percy shrugged, a grin tugging at the corner of his mouth.

"Fastest cab service in New York."

I just shook my head, closing my eyes and then immediately regretting it since my world was still spinning. When I opened my eyes again, Percy had moved past me to the edge of the forest.

"I figured we'd try to go in the back way, by the woods here," he explained. "We're pretty sure that's where the pizza guys come from."

"Would those be the monster-infested woods you've told me about?"

"Yup."

I sighed, long and heavy, letting the last of the adrenaline drain away. Then, I managed a smile at Percy.

"Alright. Let's do this."

Percy pulled out his sword as I followed him into the woods, incredibly tense and jumping at every single noise. I couldn't tell exactly where the barrier to Camp Half-Blood was, but I didn't run into any invisible barriers, and by some miracle we didn't run into any monsters. After a while of walking, finally, we came to a beach, and not far from us I could see two figures waiting.

Percy turned back to me with a grin as our feet reached the sand.

"We did it."

"Did we seriously? This is Camp?"

"Yeah. The cabins and everything else are another walk through the woods, but this is the Camp beach. Annabeth and Grover are up there."

"Hell yes," I said, grinning as I moved to walk next to Percy. "Lost pizza delivery guys have nothing on me."

Percy and I high-fived, and as soon as they noticed me, Annabeth and Grover threw their hands up in the air and waved me over.

"You made it!" cried Annabeth, pulling me in for a hug. "How did you make it?"

I shrugged as we pulled apart, then immediately turned to pull Grover in too.

"No idea. However the pizza delivery guys did it, I guess. Whatever it was, I'm glad I'm here."

"Me too," said Percy, slinging an arm around my shoulders. We shared a smile, and then I turned away to reach into my bag. I pulled out the last surprise I'd been saving and faced the group again with a massive grin, two wine bottles in-hand.

"Don't tell your camp director," I said, smirking a little to myself. Percy, Annabeth, and Grover made a perfect scale of worried (Grover) to cackling, laughing happy (Percy) with Annabeth in the middle. I passed one bottle to Percy, then opened the first bottle and poured us each a glass. "To Percy! Happy twenty-first to the greatest cousin and friend I ever could've asked for. I love you, and I can't wait to drag you on every ridiculous, non-lethal adventure I can think of, from now until forever. And you have the next year to prepare for how many times you're gonna hear Taylor Swift's 22 at your next birthday."

"Hear hear!"

"Cheers!"

"Can't wait!"

The four of us clinked our glasses, and a moment later (like it'd been planned, which it probably had) a literal pod of dolphins burst out of the water, dancing and swirling in the waves. Percy groaned next to me while Annabeth, Grover, and I laughed.

"Poseidon knows how to put on a show for a birthday," I said. Percy sighed and shook his head, then dropped into the sand. The rest of us followed right after him, leaning back in the sand and watching the ocean sparkle and stretch out before us. The four of us stayed out there long into the night, laughing and talking and drinking by the surf.

When we finally decided it was time to head to bed, the trio helped me sneak through the woods again and into the heart of Camp. I wandered around happily, taking in everything while Percy and I made a beeline for his cabin. I'd have to leave earlier than early tomorrow to keep us all out of trouble, but for just one night we could manage to get away with it.

A Half-Blood's life was full of crazy, and even though I wasn't one, I intended to be part of every single thing that I could be part of for Percy, Annabeth, and everyone else he cared about for the rest of his life.

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

Everything Taglist: @rosecentury @kmc1989

PJO Taglist: @valkyriepirate

[puzzled-pegasus]

Wof Tribe Headcanons

IceWings have lots of variety in the shapes of their horns. They can be straight, curved, looped like a ram's, or branched like antlers.

IceWings can have gray or green eyes as well as blue.

Somewhat of a given but IceWings have blue gums. I noticed this while drawing one with bared teeth lol

SeaWings have a coating of slime on their scales to help them glide through the water, like a fish. Because of this, they always feel wet to the touch.

More of a redesign than a headcanon but I feel like SandWings should be able to have a gene for rattle tails instead of barbed. Additionally, they should have mouth venom like a NightWing.

SkyWings are particularly closely related to RainWings and can change color very slightly between shades of red, orange, or pink.

Solid color dragons are boring af so guess what! They can have markings! Stripes, tails of different shades, spots, speckles, freckles, face stars, muzzles, blazes, tail tips.

Many MudWings have green mixed in with their scales to blend in to more mossy or algae filled swamp land. They can also have green or yellow eyes as well as brown.

SkyWings have a holiday like Halloween, where they carve gourd lanterns and make sweets and whatnot and the high status ones paint their faces and wear costumes because it's the night where the spirits can come down from the sky and cause Mayhem and I'm not sure what other traditions it would entail but the war and Queen Scarlet and all that kinda made it not fun for a while so they stopped celebrating as much but Ruby is bringing back the Fun and doing pair costumes with Cliff

SandWings grow marijuana

NightWings can have silver freckles

The only tribes that have SLIT PUPILS should be SeaWings and NightWings because SeaWings have good night vision and NightWings also should, as they are in fact up at night.

This fact in mind, NightWings should 100 percent have LIGHT eye colors because LIGHT eye colors reflect more light so one can SEE BETTER AT NIGHT. These colors should include yellow, orange, green, and blue, maybe purple because they're all mystical. Not black eyes like are described on Darkstalker.

SandWings are often superstitious and things like magicicans, psychics, witchcraft, onstage shows are common jobs. It was probably originally an idea to trick people into paying them for lying, but it caught on and now many people believe it. Storytelling is also a common job.

NightWing wings have sort of feathery edges like an owl, allowing for near silent flight at night.

Falconry is common in SkyWings because birds of prey are the only pet they can have follow them and be even close to keeping up with them in the sky.

I've probably said this before but uh?? Where's our tribe flags??? They need flags and symbols and stuff??

RainWings have flat molars because they eat more fruit than any other tribe and have for thousands of years

SilkWings can have fuzz like moths! They can have patches of it, or a line down their back, or a tail tuft, or be completely covered!

SeaWings can have barbels like catfish. This makes them especially useful at hunting for shellfish. SeaWings and SandWings also have heat sensors.

SandWings can taste the air like a snake. Their tongues flick out whenever they are intrigued. They have a bit of a lisp because their tongues are unusually shaped.

[itsscromp]

Reader and Rocket running away from the nova corps cause Rocket stole something and Reader ends up getting hurt.

Job gone haywire

Ahh some early-day stuff, I really like it anon. Poor guy, he would feel so guilty getting you hurt and would do anything to help you feel better :D. Word count:891

You and Rocket have been partners in crime for about 7 months now, Rags to riches, you two used your brains together to be able to pull off some amazing heists together. Today was no exception. You've heard that there was an ancient artifact being transported to the collector as you spoke, If it wasn't in his hands it would be worth 5 million units. Oh now this was something you needed to tell Rocket, Immediately running to him.

"Rocket, you are gonna love what I'm about to hear" You smirked.

"Lay it on me pal, what ya got ??" He turned his attention to you.

"So an artifact is about to be present at the collector's emporium, if we can pull it off correctly and quickly, we'll be 5 million units richer," You said eagerly.

His eyes and ears perked up. "5 Million units !!!!"

"Easy 2 and a half to each of us"

"Oh, I am down, when is it coming in ??" He was now super eager, you swore you saw his tail swish in excitement.

"If from what I heard, Later tonight it'll arrive"

"Ok, I think I have an idea"

You both agreed when the artifact arrived late into the night, you'd hack the cameras to make a repeat loop and then Rocket could sneak in and disable any other security measures. Easily pulling it off and sneaking in.

"Ok, so we need to be on the lookout for something that looks like this" You pulled out a drawing of the description of what it could look like.

"Gotcha, now come on, 5 million units await." He then began to look around the place as did you. Up and down, Left and right. You two worked tirelessly to find this flarking artifact.

"How ya looking y/n ??" Rocket spoke up after a little bit.

"Nothing on my side, Yours ??"

"No, goddamn why did they make it so flarking hard to find."

'Wait, hang on I think I got something" You then found a box and began to slowly open it, Rocket right onto it, climbed onto your back gently and looked over your shoulder to see it. Sure enough, this was the artifact.

"Wow... so shiny" He awed at it, making you chuckle.

"5 million unit's is ours" You smirked and raised his fist for a fist bump, which he gladly returned.

But the celebrations were short-lived as the alarms blared, You found that the box had its own tripwire if anyone were to lift the lid, the alarms would be set off.

"Scut, let's bolt it !!!" Rocket shouted and started running, you hot on his tail.

The two were quickly surrounded by Nova Corps officers, You then found a way out and began to bolt for it. "This way !!" You urged rocket.

But then you felt a sharp graze on your thigh as an officer shot your leg with his phaser, Rocket saw the injury and grew scared and angry, pulling out his own weapon and shooting back at the officers.

"Rocket no !!!"

"Go, Get outta here, I'll take care of them !!" He yelled.

You mustered through the pain and began to escape back to the ship, Rocket then threw a tazer bomb at them, which sent a huge electric shock wave throughout the building. He then caught up with you at the ship and immediately high-tailed it away from the planet. Once he was sure they were safe, he ran to your side, seeing you patch up your injury.

"Y/n... I'm so sorry, I did this... this is my fault" His ears drooped deeply.

You've never seen him so worried, so caring. You've always seen Rocket as this cocky lone wolf. But this was completely different.

"Rocket... it's not your fault"

He shook his head, he wasn't taking that for an answer. This was his fault, he wanted to make it right for you.

So later on, while you were changing the bandages, he brought in some coffee and food he coul make from whatever you two had left.

"Here... Your favourite" He gently rubbed his arm gently, looking down in guilt.

"Buddy, I'm not mad at you" You said softly. making him look up at you, ears still drooped.

"None of this was your fault, Absolutely none of it. This job comes with many risks, this is just one of them, ok ??"

He looked back down and gently nodded, without thinking, he jumped on the chair and hugged you tightly. You both were taken aback by what was happening, nevertheless, you gave the hug back. Rocket had a softer side to what you know.

"Hey, besides, How will I share the 5 million units with you ??" Letting go of the hug, smirking as you pulled out the artifact.

His eyes and ears perked up once again, a smile returning to him. "WOOHOO !!!!" He ran around the place, you two were rich !!!

"Oh, what should we do first ??" You offered.

"Drinks and lots of them, I know a really good bar, I'll punch in the coordinates." He ran off to the cockpit.

You smiled seeing him so happy, you would always help him, save him and protect him. No matter what.

Taglist: @callofdudes @fun-k-board

[sol-consort]

Alien holiday ideas?

Not even necessarily stuff like Christmas, just holidays in general

Some major arabic holidays don't actually have an official date to when they start, that's because they aren't based on a human-made calander but on the phases of the moon during the year.

Specifically, the current one in the sky, you can't rely on a written date from previous years. As a result, the holiday shifts in weeks each year, much like our own moon shifts from Earth since a full day isn't actually 24 full hours.

People can give you an approximate week/month when Ramadan will start, but not a specific day. Not until the astronomers who observe the moon announce it.

And before observatories were a thing? You just had to wait for a clear night sky and look at the moon with your own eyes. It's why so many decorations in Ramadan and Eid are moon-themed.

That's actually common in various human cultures, the use of astronomy, specifically the moon. Chinese New Year is based on a lunisolar calender, which you guessed it, is determined by the phases of the moon in the sky. Why it's sometimes called lunar new year.

Most alien species' homeplanets lack a moon, Thessia, Sur'kesh, even Tuchanka. Like in this post, only Palavan—the turians, have a moon.

Species who have a moon seem to completely fall in love with it. While the sun is useful for keeping track of hours, the moon is useful for keeping track of the days, weeks, and even months.

What I'm saying is, with no easy way to keep track of months in ancient civilisations, alien holidays will be disorganised and lack a proper "tell" to when it is time to celebrate. Without a moon, their months won't be around 4 weeks because that, too, is based on the moon cycle.

Without a moon orbiting your planet, the ocean tides will be less than noticeable. This rock in space is the major thing keeping our oceans in check.

So the hanar can't base their daily cycle on the direction of the ocean tides since no moon = random weak tides. The deeper you get in the ocean, the harder it is for light particles to penetrate the water. It's called the abyss for a reason. Depending on how deep the hanar usually reside, there is a very good chance they didn't use the sun to determine their daily cycle. Having natural bioluminescent seems to imply they originate from deep within the ocean floor.

Not to mention how a lot of human holidays are season based. Celebrating the first harvest of the season in spring, the warmth in summer, the life cycle of autumn, the snow and rain in winter.

When I first wrote this post, I claimed the Earth's loop-sided orbit around the sun is what causes the seasons... which is false, actually. I was wrong.

In fact, the Earth is at its furthest point of orbit during the crest of summer—aphelion—and the closest to the sun—perihelion—during winter.

So, if it was truly the orbit of the Earth, then it wouldn't make sense.

The Earth spins around itself on its axis, the north and south pole, that's true. But those axes are titled in relation to the sun. Add to it the fact that the Earth is closer to an oval shape than a perfect ball, and you realise one side of the planet is leaning out to the side.

Funny enough, the reason is that this tilt is theorised to be caused by the creation of the moon. A celestial body slammed into the Earth hard enough to cause the planet to tilt, and the remains of it eventually got locked in our gravitational pull and became the moon.

This info guide from NASA explains it better.

To achieve seasons, you need a planet with titled axes

Which is really common in planets. All of our solar system planets have an axial tilt to some degree.

RIP Pluto. You'll always be missed you cheating marble.

We don't get information on the axial tilt of Mass Effect planets... do we get them in Andromeda? I'm not sure. I'll need to check.

The less severe the tilt, the more consistent the weather and seasons will be on the planet. It's how you achieve a tropical all-year-round planet like Sur'kesh.

So if the alien homeplanet doesn't have a noticable axial tilt, then their holidays have no reason to be based around the changing of the seasons.

Because there are no seasons to be changed.

It's also a slippery-slope, if you have too much tilt, then any life on your planet is practically wiped out clean during the extreme temperatures. There is a small room of error allowed in a tilt in order for life to prosper, and Earth just hit bullseye.

So far, the alien species holidays

possibly aren't season based

Aren't moon based

Aren't monthly based (you need the moon for that)

Possibly not even calander based.

And that leaves us with...???

Well, the cycle of life.

The elcor are known to migrate from one capital to another during the swtich of the dry/wet season. Despite their advanced technology, they prefer to do it on foot, to walk the distance and take it slow.

That seems like a holiday in everything but name to me, like your entire civilisation went on a joined roadtrip to the other side of the planet. It's practically a cultural event when your entire culture is participating in it during the same time.

But how do they get a wet/dry season on their planet? An axial tilt.

What does wet and dry remind you of? The dryness of autumn winds and the sprinkling rain of spring. Dekuuna is titled just slightly to alter the water cycle, offer spring and autumn, but not severe enough for summer and winter.

Then there are the krogans who have heat cycles, now the question is, are they synced or personalised to each person like a period?

If not them, then another species might have a specific mating season that's enforced by their biology. Which can easily take the shape of a holiday. Be it a celebration of love, family, or even life itself.

A holiday which we can't recreate or relate to since humans mating season is all year long.

There are also the turians who couldn't afford to go out much during the day courtesy of the deadly sun laser in the sky, meaning their holidays are either mainly located at home or occurs during the night.

A lot of holidays stem from religion, usually getting embedded into the culture itself, and even non religious people look forward to celebrating it. Christmas is one of the examples, Valentine's Day, even Halloween.

So the hanar, drell, and asari (maybe even turians who used to worship titans) definitely have holidays who once held a great religious significant, but now is more of a cultural holiday.

Although with the devoted hanar, it might still carry those religious roots.

The asari having a day to celebrate the goddess who gifted them their biotics. Possibly, the day is centred around biotics and their use. Maybe a festival style holiday?

The drell priests who never forget to honour Arashu, the goddess of motherhood. What to us is a single day celebrating Mother's Day, the drell turn into a full week or longer of celebration and gratitude to all the mothers in their life who gave them this gift of life.

And how could I forget food! A lot of holidays could boil down to "get together with your loved ones and eat delicious food" at its core.

The dancing as well, a lot of aliens seem keen on the idea judging by the booming business of clubs in Mass Effect. Quarians especially deeply honour and respect their dancers. There's gotta be a holiday dedicated to dancing in their culture.

Holidays don't even need to be rare or once-a-year event, it can occur weekly! Sunday, Saturday, and Friday are holidays in a lot of religions/cultures that got so widespread that it shaped the modern working week. It could vary as well, in the Middle East, Friday and Saturday are the weekend days, while sunday is the "ugh monday" of the week.

A holiday is an abstract idea. Its definition can vary and take many shapes and forms. It can range from occurring many times per week to once a century event.

Talking about centuries, asari holidays definitely are more spread out, a 100 years is nothing to them after all.

The very concept of a birthday could also qualify as a holiday, there is a possibility it's a human thing where we're the only species who celebrate the date of our birth.

Or it could take different forms in other species, maybe they celebrate the birthing mother instead of the child? Maybe it's common practice to offer your parents a gift during your birthday than the other way around.

Gifts play a major part in so many human holidays. We like material things, having posessions, and trinkets to decorate our caves with. Be it gifting money or an object we think the other person would like, we use holidays as an excuse to give freely and show that we have no ulterior motives.

But Earth also has an overabundance of resources and self-sustaining ecology. It's what allowed this gifting process to prosper. Even if you pluck a flower from outside to give someone, another will sprout in its place courtesy of the rich soil and pollinators.

At least... back before we polluted the planet.

On planets with scarce resources, the act of gifting might seem wasteful. In cultures who deeply respect the life of all creatures around them and never take more than they need, gifting might seem blasphemous. Or in highly pridful societies that nurture independence, gifting can be seen as insulting and sketchy.

Many holidays focus on gifting things to children, Christmas toys, Birthday presents, and Eid money. Would other species look at this act with fondness, or would they think humans create spoiled kids?

Much like we have holidays centred around invoking certain emotions, like Valentine's Day and love, or Día de Muertos and remembering our late loved ones. Despite being drastically different holidays, love is there at their core.

Alien species who value different emotions would have days for the invoking of these emotions.

Drell, whose range of feelings puts humanity's limited range to shame. Their holidays embody their intense emotions, how hard it would be for a human to relate or begin to understand.

Turians who value honour and service could dedicate their holidays to invoking these feelings. Maybe the celebration is related to their heritage and clan of origins.

The angara who surprisingly have very few holidays that are centred around love because they consider it an average everyday thing. The concept of Valentine's is so absurd to them because why can't you just act like that every day of the week? Why do you need an excuse? Do humans also have a day celebrating the oxygen they breathe?

The protheans are prideful, yes, but also have shown a distaste to what they deem as frivolous events. Their holidays need not only be practical but serve a purpose, strengthening their empire, ideally. It's less of a relaxing get-together and more of an intense day of labour and one-upping one another.

But yeah those are all the ideas I could squeeze my brain for.

[gaytommykinard]

I know we talked a lot about what Tommy said while breaking up and how that is so out of left field but tbh what Buck is saying made me scratch my head too. So he wants to take the next step because he is comfortable with Tommy- and he got that after he spiraled and talked to Josh? His little speech was so disjointed and that and in the end, the Abby stuff did not matter at all. Which drives me nuts! Why even make it a thing then? Every women would have done the job if it was about Buck being worried that Tommy was dishonest. IDK am I missing something here?

you're not missing anything. it was bad writing.

i think it was absolutely unnecessary and didn't make a damn difference so I'm still on my “actually it was abi clarke” bullshit until the end of the show and forever after that 🫶

and yeah buck was... hm. the fact that he was thrown for a loop when josh asked do you love him and then had to break down what loving someone means, helping buck reach the conclusion that he sees a future with tommy... should have absolutely had him opening the door and immediately saying i love you like, right after tommy kissed him. you know? and THEN asking tommy to move in. that for me would be a nice and logical conclusion. he's 6 months in. he's taking his boyfriend out for dinner to celebrate. he's realising that he loves tommy and wants a future with him. “i love you. let's take the next step in our relationship.” boom. done. a 10 year old could write it better than that shitshow, anon.

i'm of the opinion that either they had to find a way to give LFJR some time away to go film for swat (ok fair but still bad writing!) or they did some last minute reshoots because we yapped too much about endgame and i love yous and moving in together (looks like someone wanted to blindside us with a shocking plot twist to feel like a big smart man, huh?)

[rose-n-gunses]

I'm late to the party, what's going on in hellcheer land?? I knew grace is dating a johnny depp fan but has more happened? (Feel free to just ignore this if you don't wanna answer btw, i know you might not wanna invite drama onto your blog!!)

I am going to risk answering this but only because I have no idea.

I am honest to God probably the worst person to ask about this because I am so extremely Out Of The Loop when it comes to the goings on of celebrities because, to be quite frank, I don't care. What famous people do in their personal lives doesn't affect me and my opinions on things are rarely anything more than "oh cool" or "ew". The most involved I get is following some on Instagram but even then it's only a select few.

I think a lot/the majority of whatever is going on is/was happening on twitter and i don't have twitter so i've only ever seen whatever's trickled onto here (which even then is very very little because, again, it doesn't affect me and also I think I've just tailored my blog to my tastes so that stuff doesn't typically cross my feed beyond the occasional reblog from a mutual or that one anonymous ask I got one time)

That being said, fiction ≠ reality and characters ≠ the individuals who portray them. I am in hellcheer land, as you put it (which I like that btw, I'm going to keep using it lol), for Hellcheer The Characters. I will acknowledge that there is "drama" that is either starting or continuing to infiltrate hellcheer land even though it has no place to do so. Hellcheer is fictional and fandom is supposed to be a fun community experience and by allowing your feelings about Certain Matters to significantly affect the fandom and other people you are making it an unfun community experience and that's kind of mid tbh :( If there's going to be drama (which there inevitably will be) it needs to, imo, not be brought into hellcheer land because, again, hellcheer is fictional and characters are not real people and real people are not characters

[inkabelledesigns]

I know I'm posting a day late here, but Happy Birthday Bendy! February 10th, 2024 marks the 7 year anniversary of when Bendy and the Ink Machine came out. And boy, has it been a wild ride. Normally I would reserve this for my Bendy sideblog, @angelofthepage , but I'm posting it here because this is where I started years ago, and I want some of those people who don't see that blog to have a chance to see this. Because you guys are a part of this story.

In about three months, seven years ago, I was in finals hell, working through my process book for my packaging design class in one of the dorm lounges while my roommate had taken the room for herself again. And the only thing keeping me sane was putting Can't Be Erased and Build Our Machine on loop as I worked. BATIM only had two chapters out, and I didn't know everything about it, but I was so intrigued by what its deal was. I took one look at Sammy Lawrence and I wanted to know everything about him. Something about this barely started game, the idea of your characters coming to life to kill you, it thrilled me, intrigued me. It was something I was really afraid of, being so attached to my characters and putting so much of my identity in my art. And while the story isn't really all that much about cartoons themselves being alive, it gave me something else that ended up changing my life.

Over that summer, I would become obsessed, and for the first time in years, I let myself be a fangirl again. And maybe one day I'll pull up the timeline and tell you how it all went down. But right now, after all the celebrating of yesterday, I just wanna take a moment to appreciate the last seven years. All the people I've met, all the friends I've made. All the experiences we've had together, big and small. Some have been incredibly close, and others have been people I still smile about whenever I see them on my feed, even if we're not all doing stuff in the same fandom anymore. There's some people I've fallen out of touch with that I likely won't ever see again that I miss. There's some I'll be lucky if I never see again. There's the official voice actors for Dark Revival, which I've had the pleasure of working with on community things here in the fandom. I regularly moderate their livestreams (or Lovestreams as we call them) where they sign prints and interact with us fans (and sometimes I'm tech support, once an ink machine technician, always an ink machine technician xD). I'm honored to call a lot of them my friends, we've had some truly wonderful conversations. I've spent a lot of time in a variety of servers, trying to uplift people and make for a positive fandom experience for everyone, fans old and new. Sometimes it lands me in interesting places, like helping out over on the Inky News channel. The host, Brandon, invited me over to guest star on his anniversary stream yesterday, and in the past I've been fortunate enough to showcase my art on two of his interviews, one with Dave Rivas and one with Adrienne Kress. Sometimes it lands me on fun projects, like working on a fan game, and for the first time it's not as a voice actor! I'm a writer. I've had my work uplifted in turn too, meeting people who value me for me and also cheer me on when I try new things (sometimes entirely new mediums like doll customizing). I got my first helpful constructive critique in this fandom, and it was something I ASKED for. That is a huge personal milestone! I have a really complex and twisty set of feelings about critique, and finally, I feel better, because someone helped me start to unravel that just by being themselves and being thoughtful. It's inspired me to want to be better in how I handle critique and problem solving with others.

I spent so much of my life putting my self worth in other people's hands. I thought I would never be good enough to have friends who didn't treat me like garbage. I thought I'd never be a good artist in any sense of the word either. But I was wrong. I've grown. I'm valued, I'm wanted. I don't have to hide parts of myself to be desirable. Sometimes being the silly, goofy, fangirl that is Kat is enough. My art is enough, my ideas are enough, my flavor is tasty, and I am a goddamn treat. And after so many years of not knowing that, I'm glad I finally do. And it's all because of the people. It wasn't ever that my flavor was bad, it's that I hadn't found people with a taste for it yet. Bendy's greatest gift was giving me a fresh start, a chance to meet new people, good people, and for that, I'm forever grateful. Even though things have changed, I'm glad I met each and every one of you, you all taught me something valuable along the way, and I think about those experiences we shared often.

I won't lie to you, I've been rather frustrated with Bendy lately. And I think a lot of it has to do with the games not truly having grown with me. At some point our paths deviated, and there are elements of what's come and what's coming that are getting away from what really enticed me about the very first entry, the things I valued most in it. But in some ways, analyzing that has led me to figure out what made that first game so special. It was human. It was a character focused game, and each of the characters, while vague, gave us just enough about themselves that we could feel for them, get invested, imagine, maybe even sympathize. Everyone is a tragedy, but they're all different flavors of tragedy. And it was seeing people explore that, seeing people write these characters in ways that were so human, that really built a connection. For some people, Bendy is another indie horror experience. For others, it's something to indulge in that hits hard on a personal level. In many ways, it attracts a lot of us who feel like misfits. It's many things. But to me, the magic was in the people. The people in this universe, and the people in its real world community.

It has solidified my belief that people should play with fiction however they want, no matter how far it deviates from the canon, no matter how weird it is. Go be interpretive, go tell your story, go be free to make what speaks to you! (All I ask is that you're thoughtful about tagging it so people can make smart choices about engaging with it.) All stories are worth telling. Even if no one gets into it, having told it makes a difference.

Whether you're someone who's been there from the beginning, or someone that's new to Bendy, I hope you're all having fun. Whether you've finished exploring the world or you've just begun, I hope you've found something valuable. Thank you, for coming along for the ride. Here's to many more fun experiences and stories, be they official or be they in the fandom. Happy Bendyversary!

[userseokmins]

secret wishes ◦ h.v.c.

💞 🄿🄰🄸🅁🄸🄽🄶: Hansol Vernon Chwe x gn!reader 📚 🄶🄴🄽🅁🄴: Fluff, Humor/Comedy/Crack, PLATONIC!au, Besties!au 💬 ⓌⒸ: 3.4k ⚠️ 🅆🄰🅁🄽🄸🄽🄶🅂: Food, One mention of alcoholic beverages, Reader gets a tattoo, Cheesy corny stuff, Everyone is a menace imho, lmk if i missed smth! 📝 🄰/🄽: what better way to make a fic debut on this blog than a (very belated) birthday vernon fic to my beloved @aceofvernons. Basically it's a love letter from one bestie to another but it got kinda out of hand sjjskakak I still hope you enjoy it 🎉 (also ty Nova for color correcting and giving me confidence 💖)

It's like waking up disoriented from a dream. 

Vernon is suddenly snapped out of the daze Seungwkan had left him in moments ago. The man responsible for it is now standing next to him, barking orders out to at least five other people who are running around their tiny, shared apartment.

"Geez, you didn't need to make such a big deal outta things."

"Should've stopped me instead of pouting in silence in your abysmally dark room like always."

"It's not that dark," Vernon protests and scratches the back of his head, "and I don't pout." 

Lilac strands flutter as he tilts his head and does the very thing he said he doesn't do: pout. Seungkwan spares him a look only to roll his eyes.

"Yeah, yeah Mr. Vamp. Maybe when a certain person isn't mentioned, sure." He jerks his head to the right. "Now get your lazy butt moving so I'm not tempted to take a hundred percent of the credit, love, and appreciation in your stead."

Vernon reluctantly peers into the kitchen. Mingyu is waving a spatula in a threatening manner at Wonwoo and their partner for eating and playing with the batter he's been working hard on. Peeking into the living room causes his entire body to cringe at Seokmin and his fiance who are supposed to be blowing up balloons. Instead, they're taking a break to giggle and kiss at one another's necks.

Ugh.

Seeking reprieve, he finally finds comfort stumbling next to Joshua, the seemingly only calm one among the other chaotic scatterbrains. With a kind smile, the maroon-haired man hands a loose end of the various paper chains he's looping together to Vernon, who readily takes it.

"You're pouting."

"I don't pout, Josh."

"Sure, sure. Unless it's about you know who."

"Seungkwan said the same sort of nonsense."

"He's not wrong. Otherwise he wouldn't be putting in all this effort for the both of you."

Vernon frowns. "He didn't have to."

"He did 'cause you were pouting. We all had to."

"I don't… ugh, whatever. All I wanted was something small but different."

"It's different that's for sure." Red bangs fly up when Joshua snorts at a sweaty Seungcheol stumbling through the front door, flanked by additional friends, to bring in an unnecessarily large table. "I know it's not what you normally do but I think it'll be nice."

"We like to do quiet things. Just the two of us. But everything's been screwed up this year."

Joshua's laughter is soft and melodic despite the underlying mockery Vernon suspects it disguises. "So, this surprise party and the commotion that came with it isn't bothering you. You're sulky because quality bestie time has been sacrificed since they went away."

Just because he's right doesn't mean he has to say it. 

"I'm not sulking and I'm not sure what's so funny either." 

"You are, my dear buddy!" He clasps his friend's shoulder reassuringly whose lilac hair cutely lessens the intensity of his perpetual frown. "After we celebrate, you'll get them all to yourself."

Vernon's nose crinkles. "Why is everyone being so insufferable?"

Not bothering to reply, the other man simply hums and stands to hang the completed portion of the chain. He can manage his grumpy younger friend who's now stapling the remaining rectangular pieces of paper a little bit too aggressively. The knowledge that Vernon will settle back into his easy-going nature once you return is inevitable. 

It's just a question of how long all of them will be able to hold out until then.

By the time the sun sets, the fast-paced energy of the afternoon has dwindled down and the party preparations are finally finished.

"Are you sure it will be fine?"

"Honestly, Chwe! Do you not trust my baking skills?" 

"More like I don't trust my fridge."

Seungkwan looks up at the exchange between a whiny Mingyu and indifferent Vernon. "Just don't open the fridge overnight and everything should be fine." He huffs, handing a stack of empty pizza boxes to Seokmin. "There's nothing but the cake in there anyways."

That must be enough to satisfy the dessert maker who obnoxiously puffs out his chest in pride. Wonwoo secures the last pack of untouched beer he'd brought in one hand and his partner's wrist tenderly in the other. Bidding everyone a good evening, he leaves with Mingyu following behind them like an elated puppy heading back home after a tiring walk.

"We'll take these and head out too," Seokmin supplies helpfully as he and his fiance finish gathering the final pieces of trash laying around. "See you tomorrow!"

Joshua is the last to go and jingles his car keys loudly before shutting the door with an exclamation of, "Enjoy the surprise!"

He disappears with a cheeky grin and swift departure before the opportunity to be questioned arises and Vernon turns to his unphased roommate.

"What did he mean by that?"

"Oh, you know him. Sometimes he's normal, more often he's not. Probably just wanted to re-remind you of that fact."

Seungkwan's statement is one that anyone can agree with. Figuring Joshua meant nothing as usual, it's already forgotten by the time Vernon's made his way up the steps.

Much later into the night, he's on a desperate search for something when you call but picks up nonetheless. No matter what he's doing, one thing for sure is that he'll always answer the phone when it displays your name. Because it's you.

But maybe that wasn't the smartest decision.

"Hello 'sol!"

"Hey bestie," the phone is cradled between his shoulder and ear as he rummages between the couch cushions. "What's up?"

"Nothing much, guess I just wanted to hear your voice."

A silly smirk halts him in his tracks. "Miss me?"

"Oh, how I long for you so!" The sarcasm lacing your words can't fully hide the smile he hears. "I've talked to you every day as always, it's like I never even left."

"Wish you didn't."

"You and I both. It's nice to be home but still…"

"We've always spent your birthdays together."

"Which is exactly why you should've come back with me!" 

"Couldn't intrude on the fam like that."

You sigh. "No one would've minded, you're so dear to them." Mimicking your mother's voice, you continue, "Where's that lil Hansolie of yours? We enjoy his company so much, it's as if he's our son. In fact — we might love him more than our own child!"

Vernon laughs brightly. Bold and loud like he always does in your presence. You draw that part out of him like no one else can, setting him at ease to simply be himself. Comfortable. There are no appearances to uphold with you, no worries either. Everything melts away and it's easy to forget what he was all stressed about before you called. Until hurried feet pounding on the floor signify that someone is about to rush into the living room.

"I found them! I found the — " Seungkwan's happy skip halts upon seeing his friend on the phone and attempts to catch his breath after scrambling down the steps. But the keywords to the unfinished sentence roll right off Vernon's tongue out of relief without thinking. 

"The rings?"

Even if he can't see, you perk up from your slouched position in the car and repeat eagerly, "Rings?"

Vernon shares a wide-eyed look with the other man in the room who hesitantly places the box on the coffee table. So much for being relaxed — he got too relaxed and ended up spilling the secret. Exposing himself like an idiot. He normally doesn't care that you are privy to everything there is to know about him but now…

Licking his lips nervously, he chuckles awkwardly. "Uh… yeah?"

"Did you get married or something in the week that I was gone?" you tease. "What's all this ring business about?"

"N-nothing. It's nothing big… y'know how Kwannie was… contemplating… um, engagement."

The man in question gapes and starts waving theatrically while mouthing silent charades full of utter disbelief and betrayal that are readily ignored.

Meanwhile, you snort. "Oh yeah, because that's definitely not a big deal at all. About time! But how did you end up with his rings then?"

Vernon turns his back on a dramatic Seungkwan in order to focus on organizing a believable white lie. "We… invited some of the guys over to talk it out and uh, he didn't want to lose them in the chaos because… he's still deciding and all that, you know… "

"Incredible," you mutter, "yet it seems like you lost them."

Panic, his brain screams. And maybe some shame added as well.

"But whatever, at least you found them." Somehow you seem to miraculously buy his pathetic excuse. Leaving the matter alone because you're distracted by a hearty yawn, he lets out a quiet exhale of relief while you stretch your neck out. "I'm tired." 

Your best friend collapses onto the couch, feeling exhausted himself. "You should get some rest."

"And miss when the clock strikes twelve?"

"You've got a long day ahead, flying out after your celebration. You know you can stay longer if it's too much." 

He's a little nervous saying that after everyone excitedly spent time to set up a surprise party but your well-being will always be more important to them over anything else. 

Mingyu and his cake would survive.

"Puh-lease," you grumble and Vernon knows your eyes just have to be rolling, though you're actually glancing at your watch. "Don't you worry your handsome little head, I'll be right on time."

His eyebrows furrow. "On time for what?"

But you've already put the speaker away from your face, giggling like a gremlin in the background before you loudly cackle, "You're a horrible liar, Hansol!"

He breaks out into a cold sweat, even more perturbed when you simply hang up without even a farewell. "What is up with people today?" 

"I dunno, what's up with you?" Phone held dazedly in one hand, Vernon turns to face Seungkwan's wrath. "Because suddenly, I'm engaged — according to your standards!"

"Sorry 'bout that. I'll explain everything when I give them their gift, okay? I think… I don't think they believed me anyway."

"Even Bookkeu wouldn't be fooled by that awful acting. Gosh, now I'm gonna feel bad about not proposing."

"Aw, c'mon Kwan. You know that's not what this meant."

Seungkwan's not really upset and Vernon knows that. Still. It's a subtle sting of a reminder that neither in the ten-year relationship have made a move for sealing that lifelong commitment. It would be a lie to say that it didn't occasionally eat away at the gentle-hearted man. Not that marriage was needed in every romantic relationship.

"I should've said Seokmin but that wouldn't have made sense either… "

"Those two? They're so attached to the hip they would've never handed over their rings to anyone. As a matter of fact though, I wouldn't give you mine either seeing as how you treated yours."

Vernon is quick to jump at his roommate and put him in a light headlock as faux retaliation, knuckles rubbing on the top of his hair while the latter yells in protest. They roughhouse as usual (this time staying clear of any lamp posts), nearly pulling off one another's clothes in the friendly tussle.

That's the position they freeze in when there's two heavy bangs on the door — Vernon with his hand fisted in Seungkwan's collar who has the former's shirt halfway up his torso. Inching closer to one another, they hold their breath. Peeking warily at the front door before meeting each other's terrified eyes that continue to widen in alarm when the beeping sounds of the code being entered starts after two seconds of silence. 

They scream (very manly screams if anyone asks them about it afterwards) when the lock clicks open because who on earth knows their code and would break into their apartment at 11:56 PM?

"It's me!" You announce with a flourish — arms raised in exhilaration — only to lower them in confusion. "Oh. Am I interrupting something?"

Joshua glances around you to laugh at the two men entangled in what now looks like a hug. "Is that how you guys plan to defend yourselves? With a lover's embrace? You knew we were coming, Kwannie."

"I didn't know you'd show up at midnight!"

They step away from one another with disgruntled expressions and Vernon side-eyes everyone dubiously.

"You knew?" 

Seungkwan's stuttered excuse is cut short when your (and everyone else's) phone buzzes and you excitedly cheer, "Happy gremlin birth hour to me!," and turn to a gobsmacked Vernon. "Aren't I gonna get my welcome back squish and squeeze?"

Of course, he could never deny you a hug. Especially on your birthday. Even if you scared the crap out of him by 'breaking in' when you're supposed to be far away with your family still, he opens his arms with an upward lift of his lips.

"Happy birthday, bestie. Now tell me, what in the world are you doing here?"

He takes in your appearance. Despite the off-and-on nap in Joshua's car on the way back from the airport somewhat helping, there's no way your animated behavior can hide all the obvious tiredness and jet lag.

You back away with a pat to his left bicep that has various rows of little black tattoo symbols encircling it, rocking back and forth on your heels.

"Wanted to celebrate my birthday with you!"

"You should have rested."

"I'm not a child, I wanted to surprise you!"

"But — " Vernon gestures helplessly to you, then the decorations he's sure you haven't noticed, and expects some support from his other friends but they have seemingly disappeared to give the two of you privacy. Plus, likely to escape him asking about the bizarre circumstances.

Gee, what wonderful pals.

"I know, I know… all of you put in a lot of effort. Especially Kwannie."

"I helped too!"

"But it was his original idea and organization, no? You'd never plan something like this."

"Why do you know everything, it's your birthday?" He groans in exasperation at your laughter. "It's supposed to be a secret and you're supposed to be surprised!"

"Ah, speaking of which," you eagerly roll up your right sleeve, "look at what I got!"

His eyebrows raise at the reveal of the ink that now circles over your skin. "Oh? You got tatted?"

"Yes! When I called after you got yours last year, the waitlist was so long I ended up just scheduling it as a birthday gift."

From afar, one might think they're the same as the ones dotting his arm. But upon closer inspection, he's more than pleased to see how you chose to have your own unique personality shine through. Miniscule versions of symbols that mean something precious and objects that seem to represent you best are outlined or filled-in with your favorite color.

"Beautiful."

You smile broadly at how awestruck your best friend is. "No, you."

"No, you."

"No, you."

"Fine, we're both pretty!" Vernon relents, well aware that this could go back and forth forever. 

"That we are." You urge him to sit down on the couch and situate yourself next to him, right shoulder to his left, and grab his wrist. "Look!"

Extending your joined arms, you show him how your tattoos align almost perfectly. Then securing his other free hand in yours with the traditional pinky promise the two of you have done since childhood. He chuckles as you nudge him cajolingly with an elbow.

"I see."

"What do you see?"

"You just want me to say something cheesy 'cause you're in your affectionate era."

"It's the least you could do on my birthday."

A deep, weary sigh. "We're… each other's… better… half?"

The hands you have placed on his body tighten their hold as you squeeze hard in your excitement. He grunts as appropriate between your rambling, focusing mainly on when he'll be able to get circulation back where you're gripping, until you suddenly deflate.

"I messed it up. Stupid, sleep-deprived brain."

"You're not stupid."

"You're right, it's your fault."

"Mine?"

"I took the brain cell but now you have it back because we're together." Finally freeing the poor man, you stand in front of him and point. "Okay, let me try again so you'd better wipe your mind clear."

"Yeah, yeah." Vernon crosses his arms and pretends to look annoyed as if there isn't a goofy grin on his face.

"It was supposed to go something like this. We mirror each other, right?" You gesture to your tattoos again. "We're very similar, maybe even too similar at times. But," you flop down where you were originally seated, "we're also different! Different enough that we can compensate for each other's weaknesses and complement each other's strengths… you know, like you said — all that corny stuff."

"Cute."

"Like you."

"And you."

You lean in so close to Vernon that your noses almost touch. "Yeah, because we're besties and we look cute together. Okay, since I ruined the surprise and told you all my secrets, isn't it your turn now?"

"My turn?"

"Yeah, Mr. Rings."

"Ah… so that was your goal all along."

"Of course, I'm waiting with bated breath."

He raises his chin in the direction of the coffee table. "It's right there."

Despite teasing him about not wrapping it, you quickly snatch the velvet box before he can grab it himself. "Couple rings?" You put a hand over your heart dramatically. "Aw, you shouldn't have, Hansol."

"They're bestie rings, you dolt."

"Did you just call me an idiot?!"

"Yeah. With affection though."

You make a sound of disgust but return to the precious gift, lips curling upwards. "They're beautiful."

"Copycat."

"Stop it, you love me."

"I do."

"Then put it on me," you demand, handing him the ring box and wiggling your fingers in anticipation. 

Vernon mumbles something about how impatient you are and to chillax. But he does as asked and gently takes the hand always used to pinky promise and bro-slap him. Sliding the ring on your middle finger, pleased when it's a perfect fit. Then, he does the same on his own and scrunches his nose in satisfaction.

"Perfect."

"I know."

He takes your hand back in his like before, and brings you into the kitchen. Identical rings brush against each other and the tattoos on your arms act like magical sigils to shield from anything that threatens to break through the personal bubble created by your joined hands.

"How did you figure out my ring size?"

"There are lots of opportunities because you don't fall asleep until some ungodly hour and happen to still be passed out when normal people awaken. So thanks for that."

You stick your tongue out at his snarkiness and receive a dollop of icing on it in return. "Mingyu makes amazing cakes!"

"So you knew about that too."

"Duh. And I know he'll be mad if you cut a piece."

"Two," Vernon deviously points out and places a plate down for himself. 

It would be an absolute crime to not devour such a delicious treat, figuring it a waste to let it sit out instead. Making a gross noise of appreciation at the first bite, you couldn't wait to thank Mingyu later. 

You get that opportunity the next morning as more and more friends from the day before tiptoe in one after the other per Seungkwan and Joshua's request. Quiet giggles and definite blackmail material when they sneak a peek into the kitchen to see you and Vernon fast asleep with your heads laying on the counter, limbs splayed all over the place and each other. 

The two of you had chattered about everything, anything, and nothing at all. No words needed to be said even when a comfortable silence settled as the sun started to rise before both of your eyelids closed. 

You were his best friend and he was yours. That was all that mattered. The strength of your bond meant that you were content just being in each other's thoughts, even at times you were far apart. Physical reminders like tattoos or rings were just the cherry on top of the cake that you had worked hard and spent years together on creating.

Speaking of cakes…

"My precious darling," Mingyu whisper-screeched from afar, "I knew you would be destroyed!" 

He sighs, distraught, and Wonwoo pats him on the back. Their partner begins snickering when the tall man gingerly lifts up the new one he brought with shaking hands. "Good thing I made two!"

userseokmins 2023 ©

[loopadoop]

(You look at your new whip. True to the name, it certainly looks rather festive with all of the shades and frills, although you can't recognize what holiday it's festive for. Then again, you haven't celebrated any which holiday in a while, so you'd fall short for any number of them you think. Still, the gift from someone else celebrating it is a good gestu-)

*biff* Ack! What th- (Your train of thought is derailed by something soft bouncing off your head. You look around and quickly find a small drawcord bag to your left with a note attached to it.) Hm, no bird carrier for this one? *shrug* Oh well, can't muster the effort every time I suppose. (You pick up the bag , pull the note off, and give it a read aloud.)

"Hi there Loop. You don't know me, but like the other folks I know a good bit about you. It's simpler for me not to use a bird to send stuff to you, but I won't dull you with the explanation as to how. I just wanted to give you a gift of my own while the holiday on our end is still going on. The contents of the bag aren't anything extravagant, but I'm sure you and Soupe will find your worth with these. Hope your end of the festivities go well, what little there may be. - T."

Well thank you "T" for sparing a thought and a gift for your little known-about star. I guess I'll go ahead and see what "interesting" thing is in the special bird-less delivered bag~. (You reach into the bag, grab the first thing you touch, pull it out and... find out it's you. Well, a stuffed toy version of you anyways, but it's got all the correct features: the lightless body with stars specked about, a star in the center of the chest, the spiky darkless head, the whole 9 yards. You can notice it faintly glowing - nothing like a normal light, but it's glowing all the same. You stare your plush facsimile in the eyes, wondering the logistics of it, but then you remember all the other oddities that you've seen.)

... Personally I don't think I can get much use out of something like this, but it would be rude for me to just cast such a gift aside - no telling how much effort went into it. I'll keep it around in case my own thoughts fail to be proper company.

(You got a Plush of You! You set it next to your prior stuffed animal. Now there's two you & bird duos here under the favor tree, isn't that fun~?)

(Speaking of birds, the note did mention Soupe. Let's see if- Yep! there's something else in the bag: a star pendant on a small bead necklace. The star matches the one on your own chest.) Wow, really hitting the nail on the head with this accessory. Oh well, so long as Soupe doesn't mind it I guess I have no objections.

(You got the Star Pendant. You hold it in front of Soupe's head, and let them stick their head in the necklace themselves. It fits with little issue or need of adjusting.)

If this keeps up, you'll have your own chest of garments to lug around. Thanks again for your special gifts "T". I'd suggest working on your sign-offs for letters, but I digress. Best wishes for you fine folks who're celebrating something~.