#In addition to photos with each other I was able to take a couple of photos in the forest!

[follineo]

Forest walk

[thistlecrimes]

Things I've learned from getting covid for the first time in 2023

I wear an N95 in public spaces and I've managed to dodge it for a long time, but I finally got covid for the first time (to my knowledge) in mid-late November 2023. It was a weird experience especially because I feel like it used to be something everyone was talking about and sharing info on, so getting it for the first time now (when people generally seem averse to talking about covid) I found I needed to seek out a lot of info because I wasn't sure what to do. I put so much effort into prevention, I knew less about what to do when you have it. I'm experiencing a rebound right now so I'm currently isolating. So, I'm making a post in the hopes that if you get covid (it's pretty goddamn hard to avoid right now) this info will be helpful for you. It's a couple things I already knew and several things I learned. One part of it is based on my experience in Minnesota but some other states may have similar programs.

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The World Health Organization states you should isolate for 10 days from first having symptoms plus 3 days after the end of symptoms.

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At the time of my writing this post, in Minnesota, we have a test to treat program where you can call, report the result of your rapid test (no photo necessary) and be prescribed paxlovid over the phone to pick up from your pharmacy or have delivered to you. It is free and you do not need to have insurance. I found it by googling "Minnesota Test to Treat Covid"

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Paxlovid decreases the risk of hospitalization and death, but it's also been shown to decrease the risk of Long Covid. Long Covid can occur even from mild or asymptomatic infections.

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Covid rebound commonly occurs 2-8 days after apparent recovery. While many people associate Paxlovid with covid rebound, researchers say there is no strong evidence that Paxlovid causes covid rebound, and rebounds occur in infections that were not treated with Paxlovid as well. I knew rebounds could happen but did not know it could take 8 days. I had mine on day 7 and was completely surprised by it.

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If you start experiencing new symptoms or test positive again, the CDC states that you should start your isolation period again at day zero. Covid rebound is still contagious. Personally I'd suggest wearing a high quality respirator around folks for an additional 8-9 days after you start to test negative in case of a rebound.

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Positive results on a rapid test can be very faint, but even a very faint line is positive result. Make sure to look at your rapid test result under strong lighting. Also, false negatives are not uncommon. If you have symptoms but test negative taking multiple tests and trying different brands if you have them are not bad ideas. My ihealth tests picked up my covid, my binax now tests did not.

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EDIT: I'd highly suggest spending time with friends online if you can, I previously had a link to the NAMI warmline directory in this post but I've since been informed that NAMI is very much funded by pharmaceutical companies and lobbies for policies that take autonomy away from disabled folks, so I've taken that off of here! Sorry, I had no idea, the People's CDC listed them as a resource so I just assumed they were legit! Feel free to reply/reblog this with other warmlines/support resources if you know of them! And please reblog this version!

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I know that there is so much we can't control as individuals right now, and that's frightening. All we can do is try our best to reduce harm and to care for each other. I hope this info will be able to help folks.

[alphajocklover]

InstaJock: Going Viral

**Hey! This is my entry for @occamstfs Viral Transformation Challenge. Congrats on getting 2,000 followers, and thank you for beta reading this and helping me edit it. I hope I can get to 2,000 followers myself one day! For those who are new to my stories, this does connect to the plot established in my blog, but the concept is simple enough you should be able to follow along even if you don't usually read my stuff! I hope you all enjoy!**

When I talk about the InstaJock App Phenomenon – which I seem to do a lot. What is this, the 17th InstaJock related post? I need to diversify more – I usually talk about the transformation aspects and not the app itself. That’s partially because the transformation is the most interesting and hottest part, but it’s also because I haven’t been able to take a good look at the app. Even with all the protective spells and equipment I have, I can’t use a phone with InstaJock on it for very long without getting an urge to set up an account. 

Until now.

With some help from the devilishly handsome (and literally devilish) Nick, I’ve been able to get my hands on some better equipment and better explore the app. I was able to spend a couple hours on it before I needed to quit, and actually got some very interesting information, mainly about how the app works post-transformation. I had always assumed that once a user got transformed into a jock, they’d ignore the app from then on unless they wanted to change someone. I was very, very wrong, not just about that but about the purpose of the app itself. It’s not just for making people into jocks: it’s for finding the best ones.

The app generally works like any other social media app, with its members posting about their interests. It’s set up is a lot like Instagram, where pictures and videos are the main format used for posting, but what really makes it different from other social media apps is the content. You can probably guess what an app full of buff cocky jocks looks like, but I’ll confirm it for you: the app is a thirst trap paradise.

The entire app is stuffed with half naked –  and sometimes fully naked – photos of buff jocks, ones of all different kinds. If you can think up a jock related stereotype, they have a full hashtag dedicated to it. Just buff jocks playing sports, flexing and making out with other hot people, for as far. I know that doesn’t sound too different from normal social media apps, as most have a healthy NSFW side, but the posts have more in common then just showing jocks. Each and every post, every one that I saw, mentioned a Master. Some were talking about how they were getting pumped up at the gym for Master, some were talking about how they loved being jocks and were so glad Master had found them, and some were literally begging for Master to notice them, often wantonly describing how they’d debase themselves and be the sluttiest jock ever, all for him. Everyone on the app would post at least once a day about this mysterious Master. It doesn’t seem to matter if the jock is a dom, a sub, a top, a bottom, in a relationship, single, gay or even straight, all of them wanted this mysterious unnamed master – so much so they seemed to completely change personalities whenever he is mentioned. It seems instaJock has an additional side effect I didn’t know about till now: complete and utter devotion to their Master.

It took me a while, and some covert interviewing of a number of jocks in their DMs, but I think I figured out what's happening. The Jocks aren’t just posting for fun, they’re competing with each other. InstaJock isn’t really a social media app, it’s a sort of ranking app. Every day the jocks log on, post a picture of themselves with a caption somehow related to their Master, and leave likes on some of the other posts, usually the ones they find hot. If a jock’s post gets enough likes though, they get what every jock wants, what all of them are trying to get. They get to Go Viral.

Going Viral on IntsaJock isn’t like going viral on a regular app. It essentially means you’ve gotten enough likes, been reposted enough times, and have become popular enough on the site… that Master has noticed you. That's what the social media part of the app is really for. It’s just a way for Master’s jocks to organize themselves so only the hottest ones show up on his feed. If he really likes you, he’ll do more than just look too. Soon that Jock will disappear from his regular life, never to be seen again, whisked away to become a part of Master’s personal harem. This entire time the app has been about one thing: creating lovestruck sex slaves for the man who created InstaJock.

Like most actual social media apps, InstaJock jumps from one thing to another, and what's viral is always changing. But there are two tags that are always trending on InstaJock. The first, and most popular, is #JockMaster, which is only ever used by this mysterious Master when he makes a post. I’ve seen his account. He never shows his face on it, but from what little of his body that makes it into the photos, he’s… enchanting. As much as I hate to admit it, seeing just a bit of that creep almost made me drool. He usually only posts a couple times a week, as opposed to the jock who posts daily, but everything he posts goes viral on the app in moments. I’ll admit, there's something about his posts that is just… hypnotic. I almost set up an account after seeing one myself, and probably would have if Nick wasn’t there to stop me.

The other tag that's always trending is… more interesting, at least to me. It’s #MastersBoyfriend. It’s another tag used only by Master, and one he uses whenever he posts a picture of one particular member of his harem. 

Whenever he posts pictures… of my Uncle John.

I finally know who took my Uncle. I know who this Master is. I suspected it was him for a while, but now I’m sure. The man who made InstaJock and the man who turned my Uncle into a slutty buff himbo are one in the same. I finally have proof.

So now what?

**The identity of the person behind InstaJock AND the person behind my Uncle's transformation and kidnapping has finally been revealed! Been working up to this for a long time, and I'm glad to keep this story moving forward! Hope you liked it as much as I do! Thank you to @occamstfs once again for being absolutely awesome and inspiring!**

[dawnbreakersgaze]

Excuse me but the idea of MC and Xav sitting on their respective balconies and texting each other The Tea while people watching in their neighborhood is both so silly and so endearing to me.

So let's go on a small adventure, shall we?

Warnings: None.

Just fluff. Pure, unadulterated fluff.

The late morning sun was already warming you through the windows of your tiny apartment before you'd even stepped foot outside. It was finally mid-spring in Linkon, which meant you could enjoy your late breakfast on the patio without having to worry about a stray chill or errant frost dampening your weekly Saturday 'brunch' plans.

Opening the patio door with your granola bar in one hand and phone in the other, you settle into the cushioned bench that overlooked your apartment courtyard and took a deep breath. Sometimes it felt like winter was neverending in Linkon, but you could finally feel the tension of the gripping cold that had settled in your bones start to slowly bleed from you.

After getting comfortable, you finally pulled out your phone, and quickly found your brunch 'date's' contact info, sending him the customary "Get up it's people watching hour" text.

[Hey Xav, you up? I'm already on my balcony?]

It doesn't take long for his reply. This has been your weekly tradition for a few months now. Ever since you had both just so happened to see that kid getting dragged down the street by the monstrous hound, it had become something of a... habit for the two of you to text each other the funny happenings on your street when you were home. Not that either of you were particularly prone to gossip, but the simple domesticity of it was oddly comforting after a long week of getting slogged on by wanderers.

[Yeah I'm up. Give me a sec]

The soft ping of your notification broke the peace, followed shortly by the shuffling of his patio door sliding open from above you. Sure, you could simply call out and greet him, as the acoustics out here are great and the soundproofing is atrocious, but the silence is cozy, and the atmosphere almost feels magical. This is your ritual, after all.

It's a bit like a storybook scene, you think, the two of you sharing a moment in time together yet still separated by some outside force. Maybe it was silly, but the fabricated longing almost made it feel romantic in a way that you're sure your neighbor would find ridiculous.

When you hear his footsteps above you come to a halt, you immediately notice something in particular is missing, however.

[You forgot your coffee Xav. Are you gonna be able to stay awake?]

[How could U tell?]

[I didn't smell any burning 🤭🔥]

He doesn't reply, but you can hear the huff he makes over the railing as his footsteps retreat, fading behind the sliding door once again. You don't even try to hold back the laughter his reaction elicits from you, hopeful the concrete carries it to him easily.

When he finally does reemerge, faint smell of bitter charred beans on the wind, his phone is already buzzing with the morning's newest additions to your people watching portfolios.

An older man you'd long ago dubbed "Green Thumb" who liked to frequent the flower garden outside your apartment complex was already taking photos of the new stargazer lily blossoms that had just opened this morning. So enamored by the vibrant petals, he didn't even seem to notice the couple he'd backed into who'd happened to spill their groceries all over the sidewalk. You heard Xavier call "Watch out!" From above you when he'd recognized the impending impact, but at your distance, it was no use.

[That was nice of you Xav. Too bad it didn't help 🫠]

[I can't believe they didn't see Green Thumb. He was so hard to miss. Even when Ur distracted U still see better]

[HEY! I'm not the one who sleep walks! 💀]

[And yet I'm always there to guard Ur back partner]

He's right of course, though you're not going to tell him. Xavier likes to play the part of a soft and harmless little thing, but it doesn't take much to stoke the hunter into burning hotter than you intended. His evol might be light, but you know better than anyone that light, under careful concentration, can start a blazing fire if you're not mindful. His teasing isn't ever harmful though, so instead you decide to simply poke the bear.

[Only because I'm starting to suspect you like it back there]

The distinct sound of a phone accidentally hitting the concrete marks the end of that thread.

Its not long before another of your regulars, pair of young kids Xavier had called the Trouble Twins arrived on scene. Aptly named for the number of times their poor mother has chastised them for chasing the ducks and picking the flowers, the siblings were quite the rambunctious duo. Today they seem to be a few steps ahead of their vigilant mother, rushing into the park with high-pitched hollers and improvised swords made of small branches they'd found. Today's unfortunate conquest seemed to be the pigeons that were being fed by the local grannies.

[They look like a pair of knights today don't they?]

[Knights? Don't knights usually protect people?]

[Maybe they're protecting us from the pigeons]

[Xavier those old ladies look pretty mad idk. That one even tried to chase the boy and almost caught him!]

The pause in messages was punctuated by his soft laughter above you, carried on the spring breeze. It was so warm, so genuine, so comfortable. You didn't need a mirror to feel the heat bloom in your cheeks; the overwhelming sensation of ardor flooding you at the the very sound.

[You're right. He needs more training. A good Knight should never be caught by an old lady]

[.... I don't think that's the message here Xav]

The rest of your morning goes back and forth like this for another hour. Watching your favorite people pass by, concocting new and interesting stories for them as they pass your balconies. Xavier has very interesting and oddly insightful opinions on those around him, considering you don't really recall seeing him with many friends. None the less, his company and companionship on your balconies has easily become your favorite part of the week. The only noises between you are the laughter that passes back and forth as the texts volley from one to another.

Finally, as the afternoon sun starts to become an uncomfortable heat, your phone chimes once more.

[I'm getting kind of hungry]

[Oh good. You're warning me this time. Thanks!]

[What?]

[No. I was going to ask if U wanted to go to lunch. With me, I mean?]

And just like that, the storybook was snapping shut. No longer a fragment lost in time where two people gazed at the same scene together from two separate places, but a tangible moment you could step into. Something intimate and real.

Perhaps you stayed in this thought a moment too long, or your silence below him made him second guess himself, as the chime of your phone snapped you out of your daze again.

[I didn't mean to impose if U have plans]

[I know it's Ur day off too]

Fumbling with the suddenly slippery device, softly cursing, and praying he didn't hear, you quickly hammer out the only thing that's been playing in your head on repeat-

[Yes absolutely! I'd love to grab some lunch I'm starving]

[Meet me downstairs in 30?]

[tulip-room]

“I Love You” “…still?”

Pairing: Akaashi x Reader

Content: Comfort -> Hurt, break ups

a/n: Enjoy angst :)

You roll over as sunlight flickered through the curtain. It was much later than you usually got up. Where was Akaashi when you needed him? You didn’t have to look far as a shadow flitted over your eyes. Slowly opening their eyes they saw it was a hand. One belonging to the very person you were just searching for. You smile and reached up to grab his hand and pulled it down for a kiss.

“Thank you my love, I’m awake now though.” Both of you were content to lay in each other’s embrace.

“I was hoping you would sleep for a little longer my darling.” It was moments like this that you lived for. The gentle humming of the A/C unit acting as background noise for their bubble. Suddenly their peace was interrupted by a cat jumping on their bed. Mogli was a tuxedo cat that Akaashi had rescued on a walk back home. Sometimes he liked to do that. Take a walk to clear his head. He had been doing that more recently. Not the point though, Mogli was hungry and you or Akaashi had to get out of bed to feed him. With a sigh Akaashi picked up the blankets and rolled out of bed. He leaned back down to kiss you on the forehead and Mogli was quick to follow him.

Once the door was shut, so were your eyes. The next time they were woken up was by the sound of a door shutting and the shushing coming from familiar lips. “Mogli. Be quiet, you don’t want to wake them up.” Akaashi shushed gently and sat down on the bed after placing the tray on the nightstand. He bent down and peppered kisses over their face. A smile soon spread across their face. “Good morning my love. I made you some food.” He caressed their face and moved a piece of hair out of your face.

You yawn and slowly sit up. “Thank you darling. You’re wonderful.”

And your soft morning continued on for the rest of the day. Akaashi hadn’t gone to work that day and you had the luxury of being able to work from home. Next week was your favorite day of the month. Once a month Akaashi would take you on a special date.

Akaashi laughs as you struggle to find the right shirt. “Hurry my love, we wouldn’t want to miss golden hour.” You shake your head and finally find a shirt.

“Okay! I’m done! I’m done!” You grab your wallet and put it in your pocket. Akaashi shakes his head before grabbing your hand.

“It’s sweet that you still bring your wallet but you really don’t need to my love.”

“What if I wanted to spoil you?” You smile and intertwine your fingers. As you head out the door you make sure Mogli has food and give him extra pets. “Be good.” You say to the cat before locking the door.

Half an hour later the two of you arrive at your destination. Akaashi remains the perfect gentleman and opens your door for you. He helps you out of your seat and you look around. “The place where we had our first date?”

He nods with a genuine smile and adjusts his glasses. “I’m glad you remembered. The same thing?” He asks as he points to the food stand.

“There’s no way you remember exactly what we had three years ago.”

Akaashi raises an eyebrow and crosses his arms. “Wanna bet?”

“No way.” You smile widely and find a seat. “Of course I want the same thing. Gotta recreate the moment.” As he goes up to the counter to order you pull out your phone. You take a photo of him as he smiles at the worker. He was right, golden hour was the perfect time to come here. The golden light makes him look like an angel. He looks radiant. If you could keep him forever you would.

Nothing lasts forever. But we won’t dwell on that. Another year has passed and Akaashi’s walks have gotten even more frequent. No new animal additions have been added to the family though. He’s been distant recently but you assumed it was because of work. I mean everything else had been perfect so far, besides a few fights but every couple had fights.

Tonight was supposed to be your special date night. Akaashi had locked himself in his office since he got home and didn’t appear to be coming back out. You knock on the door and push it open a little. “Do you still want to go out tonight my love?”

You can see him tense up. He must be very stressed. His jaw clenches a little bit before he sighs. “Not tonight Y/N.” That’s new. You can count on your hand the number of times he’s called you your name in private.

You don’t want him to get worried though, he’s probably just really stressed. He does have a big deadline coming up. You nod and close the door.

He seemed back to his usual self two months later. Three special dates had been missed. Many more regular dates, too many to count, had been ignored. It upset you but you didn’t want to come off as needy. You didn’t need to go on dates to be in a relationship but maybe a few nights a month where you hang out.

That would be nice. It had been far too long since Akaashi had hung out with you. Maybe you could convince him to a stay at home date. Or even just watching a movie with some ice cream. Once again making your way to his dreaded office you knock on the door. This time he replies. “Come in!”

You open the door and lean against it a little bit. “Do you want to watch a movie and eat ice cream?”

Akaashi smiles and turns off his computer. He turns to get out of his chair and takes his glasses off to rub the bridge of his nose before placing them back. “Yeah, let’s go.”

He’s been so stressed. Stressed because there’s a ring sitting in his dresser and he’s trying to plan the perfect way to ask. He realized that in his perfectionism he had been forgetting you. Odd. His friends never forget their partners.

The two of you enjoy your evening a cuddled up on the couch.

A month or so later it was over. One month after feeling perfect again. One month and it was all suddenly gone.

Five years suddenly feel like a blip. There wasn’t enough time. No more breakfast in bed, no more special dates, no more walks. No more Akaashi. As quickly as he provided you with security and stability it was gone. He was gone.

Now here you are. Two years later. You were cleaning out your apartment getting ready to move. Funny how the time flew. Here the both of you are. Sitting in the diner you met in, one box of his things that he had forgotten.

“I love you,” you say quietly. The statement feels odd on your lips. It’s been some time since it’s been said to anyone besides family.

Akaashi’s eyes widen a little. He takes an unsteady breath. “…still?” He never did give you that ring. The one still sitting in his bedside table. The one he couldn’t bring himself to part with.

I hope you enjoyed! I actually really like writing angst but for my own peace of mind I write mostly fluff. My requests are open if you wanted to request something!

taglist: @hiraethwa @sanaexus

masterlist

[rebirthgarments]

Hi friends! We have a couple of updates to share. 

Firstly, Seraj needs more than $3,300 to pull off his final Ramadan project before Eid. He wants to distribute it on the last day of Ramadan, which is in 3 days, so we need to get to $20k ASAP! 

contribute at bit.ly/serajfund

The financial situation in Rah Fah continues to decline, with intermediaries taking a 15-17% cut when people get cash out. He is so hopeful that this project will work out! Helping others and bringing smiles to faces–especially those of children–is clearly one of Seraj’s passions. 

Here are the project details, all thought up by Seraj himself. He has amazing ideas! 125-130 cash envelopes containing either 50 or 100 shekels each. Seraj will distribute them based on how large each family is. Seraj will also make 40 envelopes for kids, each containing 20 shekels. 

Currently, Seraj’s plan is to distribute his envelopes on the last day of Ramadan, before Eid al-Fitr. Last time he tried to print something, the printer had no electricity. He has a plan this time for checking in early to make sure he has a chance to print. 

Working with Seraj on his mutual aid projects has been such a tangible reminder that we reject the notion of charity (which is very rooted in the white savior complex and pity of Black and Brown folx), and even allyship (not enough action)  instead are partners and collaborators with Seraj self directing, leading us, and constantly motivating us to to get to the next goal so he can achieve his vision! 

 Because Seraj and his family have managed to survive, he’s been able to give back. No NGOs or governments, just a 21-year-old young man helping as many of his neighbors as he can. In his words, “This is my duty, sisters, as long as I can help! Why don't I do that!”

Seraj is genuinely a superstar to everyone on our team. His generosity is humbling to us. We have so much to learn from Pale-eh -steinians. 

Secondly, we have a date for our upcoming virtual dance party! Mark your calendars for Monday, April 29th in the evening (Pacific time). Sky is hosting this event to hype up our virtual auction for Seraj. Follow Sky on Instagram for more details @rebirthgarments or @radicalvisibilitycollective

If you’d still like to contribute items to the auction, go to bit.ly/fundraiserforseraj ! Seraj’s Support Soirée would like to offer an item or service for every budget. And we encourage a wide variety of dough-nation types! While many of them will be creative objects, they do not have to be.

Some examples:

a book you love or wrote

a framed photograph

a massage (local area bidders only)

a meditation session

a piñata

a tarot reading

a t-shirt you love or designed

stickers

a virtual lesson on social media marketing

visual art

a virtual dance lesson

Your items will be listed this week on Give Butter! (stay tuned for details!) 

Our support soiree dance party will hype up the auction featuring selections from the archives of Rebirth Garments fashion performances while you can dance with Sky!

Thank you so much for being here for Seraj. He and his family are so deeply grateful for all of the ways folks have supported them and partnered with them to help others. And our team is so thankful for how you all have stepped up. Please share and contribute! 

-Written by my team member Bex with additions by me!

[image Description: a flyer featuring a photo by Seraj of a small little kid with a blue plastic bag full of fresh fruits and vegetables. The kiddo has a heart emoji over their face and is smiling really big. They are wearing a red shirt that says “sleep time” with a sleeping bear on it. They are standing on a sandy ground in front of a tent. Text to the right of the photo on a red background reads: Gaza Sky Seraj’s mutual aid project for Ramadan in Rah-fah For part 2 of Seraj’s Ramadan project, he gave out 32 food parcels for 32 families around him in the displacement camps. Send support to his family + others! bit.ly/serajfund “ Underneath is a QR code with the link. ]

[dc418writes]

✨Pairing✨: mechanic!Ari Levinsonxblack!reader

Summary🪄: The girls are growing up, and Ari doesn’t like it (Operation: Rekindle addition)

⚠️: mention of spider, killing of said spider, Ari being an emotional bean lol, pretty much all fluff💕

*Disclaimer!: although collage/visual created by me via Canva, I DO NOT CLAIM OWNERSHIP of photos used, as they were all found via Pinterest*

“Hey,” you smile answering the incoming FaceTime from your ex. Finally able to sit in bed after a long day of cooking and leading an entire kitchen staff, being surrounded by your soft, plush comforter is the closest thing to heaven on Earth. “Everything okay?”

“They don’t need me anymore.”

“Wait what? They who?”

Sitting on the side of his own respective bed, Ari lets out a heavy sigh as his unoccupied hand finds his forehead. “The girls. They don’t need me anymore.”

You feel relief shower over you - momentarily worried he was referring to his job - before you’re light-heartedly rolling your eyes watching him dramatically flop backwards onto the bed.

“I thought I had until 18. 16 at the very least…you know what? I blame that kangaroo they used to watch that would always go on adventures by himself and say how they were big boys and girls that could do anything on their own. What was his name? Rodney? Bobby?”

“..Robbi Hopper?”

“Him! Who agreed that was a good show for kids?,” he asks nearly making you erupt in laughter. You slyly move out of the camera’s view as if you’re just making yourself more comfortable - subtly giggling to yourself - before you move back into the screen gently clearing your throat as if nothing happened.

“Okay I’m a bit lost, so I need you to start from the very beginning.”

“I’m cleaning up after dinner right? And then I hear a shriek then a thud, so I hurry upstairs to check on the girls.”

-

“You guys okay? I need to come in?,” he asked after knocking a couple times. Slightly panicked hearing complete silence as he waited on the other side of their door. Soon there’s soft footsteps and Aliana appears in the doorway looking nonchalant in her pajamas.

“Nope, all fine. We just saw a spider and-,”

“Where?,” he asks looking along the walls and ceiling of the semi messy room. “Keep an eye on it and I’ll get a napkin.”

“No need, I got it,” Brynn states proudly holding out a crumpled tissue of her own. “I threw my shoe at it.”

“Oh..good job guys.” This is how it all started. They kill their first spider by themselves and next they’re off getting their own apartment and jobs completely self sufficient and independent.

No longer daddy’s girls crying out for him and wanting his comfort or safety.

It seems like it wasn’t that long ago one or both of them were running into his room scared of the “monster” outside tapping against the window. Their big, brown eyes and soft “peaseee?” easily breaking him down to let them sleep in his king sized bed.

They’re tiny bodies would scoot close into each side and hold onto his long arms as he tried to calm their worried, little minds with their favorite songs or made up stories. Soon all three would be asleep and that mean monster long forgotten.

How he missed those days that passed much too quickly.

“Dad? You okay?,” Brynn asks after throwing away the squished insect and noticing her father’s sudden stare into the unknown.

“A-Are you crying?,” Ali adds tilting her head in confusion at his now misty eyes.

“No no, I just uh..allergies,” he nervously chuckles quickly trying to wipe at his eyes. “I’m gonna go take something. Y-You guys get ready for bed.”

“…But we are?,” they say in unison, but Ari’s already out the door reminding himself to breathe and that everything would be okay as he moves towards his bedroom.

-

“And then I called you,” he finishes while toying with a loose thread on his comforter. Hearing your muffled laugh has him sitting up - admittedly a little too fast for his brain’s liking - now focused on you through the screen pressing your lips together with clear amusement on your face.

“Are you laughing at me right now?”

“Okay yes, but I swear it’s not because I’m making fun! Honey just because they kill one spider doesn’t mean they’re gonna forget all about you.”

He’s quiet, but you can see his little cute pout as he looks down at his lap.

“Remember when they learned to tie their shoes? I had them married off and leaving me to rot in a nursing home run by that evil lady from Matilda.”

Ari softly chuckles remembering that day. Of course in front of the girls you were so excited and supportive - like the amazing mama you were - showering Ali and Brynn in kisses and praises for achieving such a huge milestone. But he later saw the tears as you sat on your closet floor clutching their baby blankets to your chest while you hummed “Isn’t She Lovely”.

“They’re leaving me,” you adorably sobbed. Tears dripping down your cheeks as you looked up at Ari who immediately crouched down giving you one of his signature bear hugs.

“Yea I’m feeling pretty much the same right about now,” he states.

“And do you remember how maybe 10 minutes later they were running in the room wanting me to fix them a snack?”

He softly chuckles using his hand to push his hair from his eyes. “And how you practically trampled me to go do it.”

“Again, I’m sorry for knocking you down,” you chuckle. “But my point is that they’re always gonna need us. Maybe not for as much like when they were little kids, but still.”

“Yea you’re right,” he quietly admits. “I just miss those days you know? Everything went so fast and now they’re almost teenagers.”

“I miss them too. They gotta grow up though, it’s part of life.”

The light taps at his door already tell him it’s Brynn on the other side - who tended to drum her fingers/fingernails along the hardwood ever since she learned the movement.

“Hold on Y/N. Come in!”

Brynn’s the first to enter twisting a strand of hair around her index finger; then Ali with her tattered stuffed bunny firmly held at her side. Both common tells that showed you and Ari when they were stressed or worried.

“What’s up?”

“Nothing. Well not nothing but nothing’s wrong or anything,” Brynn answers making Ari lift his brow trying to figure out exactly what she said. “We were talking about the spider and how we didn’t know if it was a boy or a girl which led to us wondering if there were babies…”

“And now we don’t know if there’s more in our room,” Ali finishes.

“So can we stay in your room tonight?,” they ask in unison. Both girls in their matching satin, floral bonnets peering at him with those eyes that were dangerous in their own right.

On the outside, Ari appeared to be playing it cool lightly nodding along throughout their explanation. Internally though, you’d think he’d won the Super Bowl how overjoyed he was; practically vibrating with excitement.

From your side of the phone, it’s as if you could personally feel his mood brighten making you smile to yourself. He had his girls back and all was right in his world

Not that he’d really lost them

(And not all was completely right in Ari’s life. If it were up to him, you’d be by his side helping him through this instead of halfway across town. You’d eventually see that later.)

“Well, you guys are a bit too big to spend the night in here, so how about we camp out in the living room tonight? Then tomorrow I’ll check and spray in your room.”

“Okay,” the twins nod with content smiles.

“Alright go ahead and pick a movie we can watch; I’ll meet you guys out there. Oh, and say goodnight to mom,” he states turning his phone towards them.

They each say their respective “goodnight” and “love you” before bouncing out the door going back and forth about what movie genre they should pick.

“Hate to say I told you so,” you smirk causing him to shyly chuckle and rub at the back of his neck as he moves towards his en suite bathroom.

“Okay maybe I was being a bit dramatic.”

“No, you had a moment where you felt sentimental and that’s okay.”

Ari was feeling that quite a bit lately. Especially remembering your time together.

How things could’ve been so different had he never caved.

Gazing at you as you began wrapping your hair in your own headscarf, that feeling returns to his chest as a soft smile curls along his lips. “Thanks for always being there. I know we’re not together anymore-,”

“Not together as a couple, but still friends. So you don’t have to thank me Ari.”

“I don’t have to, but I am.”

Now it was your turn to be in your feelings. “Well, if you insist,” you shrug making his laugh deepen and smile a tad wider.

“Goodnight sweetheart,” he waves. “I’ll talk to you later.”

“Goodnight Ari.”

Who would’ve known at this stage of life you’d be in the friend zone? And utterly miserable

[withlove-amber]

Ballroom Dancing

alden parker x reader

(Y/N) would be lying if she said she wasn’t at least a little excited to go. The whole of NCIS had been invited as a sort of “thank you for all of your hard work” to the upcoming Navy ball. She had gone dress shopping with Kasie and Jessica, and after hours of trying on, (Y/N) was starting to lose hope that she would find a dress that would make her feel good. But as the trio was walking past a display at a mall, she saw a deep navy blue, cowl-neck, satin dress. It also featured a sheer silver overlay, that looked as though it was starlight made into fabric. (Y/N) didn’t realize she had stopped walking, but let out a small laugh when she heard Kasie say, “We are not leaving this store until you try on that dress.” So try on the dress she did. And the looks on Jessica’s and Kasie’s faces when she stepped out from behind the curtain, said it all. 

“Wow, just wow.” Jessica said, with her jaw almost on the floor. “Words not working.” came from Kasie, who hadn’t blinked since she saw (Y/N) step out. “Can you imagine Parker’s reaction to you in that dress?” Jessica said with a smirk, once she was able to pick her jaw up from the floor. Needless to say, (Y/N) bought the dress that very same hour. (Y/N) had also practiced curling her hair in preparation for the ball, as well as practicing walking in heels. Since tonight was the night of, everyone thought it best to just get ready at NCIS. Everyone was happy there wasn’t a case, to provide extra time to look extra good. Kasie’s ballistic chamber had been turned into a changing room, with the addition of a small curtain to provide a bit of privacy. 

‘Ding!’ (Y/N) checked her phone, and saw a text from Torres, saying the team was waiting for them in the bullpen. “Ooh, alright girls, we gotta go. Everyone’s ready.” (Y/N) said, grabbing her clutch and walking to the door. When the 3 exited the back elevator, all eyes were on them, followed by multiple proclamations of ‘wow’ and a couple of whistles from Torres. Kasie and Jessica looked incredible, but (Y/N) felt just as beautiful as she looked. She immediately searched for Parker out of habit, and it took everything in her to not say ‘hot damn’ when she laid eyes on him. He was wearing a fitted tuxedo, and his suit jacket just so happened to match her dress perfectly. 

(Y/N) wasn’t exactly sure what to do at these events, so she just tagged along with Kasie and Jessica to the bar in the hotel, where the ball was taking place. After a couple hours of dancing with her friends, (Y/N) sat at a vacant table nearby with a glass of champagne. She glanced at a dancing couple who looked so in love, and she started to daydream about herself and Alden dancing like that. Sure, there were cute sailors sweeping women off of their feet, but the only man (Y/N) wants to sweep her off her feet, is Alden Parker. She wondered if her feelings were as one-sided as she thinks they might be. Earlier before they left the bullpen, she felt him gently grip one of her hips, as they took a team photo to commemorate the night. Maybe it was a sign?

She didn’t have to daydream and wonder for long, as the very same silver-haired man that had captured her heart, made his way over to where she was sitting at the table. “If I’m being honest here, I don’t really know what to do at these things.” he confessed to her with a small laugh. “Neither do I, Parker, this isn’t really my scene.” (Y/N) replied. They were sitting so close, their shoulders brushed up against each other’s. Alden was trying to ignore the sparks he felt when she looked at him with a gentle smile, so he decided to make conversation by pointing out that Torres had danced with 3 different women in the span of only 2 hours. 

In the middle of the conversation, the song that was playing changed to “Can’t Help Falling In Love” by Elvis Presley. “I love this song.” (Y/N) said, now softly swaying side to side. He decided in that moment to make a move on the woman he’s had a crush on since he started working at NCIS. “Would you like to dance?” he asked, holding out his hand for her to grab. “I’d love to Alden.” They made their way to the dance floor, ignoring everything else in the ballroom except each other. She melted inside when she felt his gentle touch on her waist, and his gentle touch while holding her hand. She often wondered how gentle his touch would be. Months of daydreaming about Alden, had nothing on the real thing.

They moved closer and closer to each other, so there was almost no space between the two. They had also made their way to the center of the dance floor, and neither of them had realized their friends had stopped dancing, and were now watching them like hawks. As the song went on, she thought about closing the gap between them, and it seemed he had the same idea. They were now standing so close, their chests touched, and their noses oh so softly brushed each other’s. ‘Close the gap. Just close the gap.’ (Y/N) thought over and over and over again. Alden was thinking the exact same thing, over and over and over again in his own mind. So close the gap they did. And when they reluctantly pulled apart for air, they could hear the team saying, “I knew it!”

[hana-no-seiiki]

GROUND ZERO [IMPORT]

↳ ❝ 𝐏𝐑𝐎𝐋𝐎𝐆𝐔𝐄 / 𝐒𝐍𝐄𝐀𝐊𝐏𝐄𝐄𝐊 !❞

pairings: yandere! bf! katsuki + yandere! harem! bnha + ocs x rich inventor! gn! reader

warnings: soft! katsuki. snob reader.

        

        ↳ DATING BAKUGOU KATSUKI WAS AN EXPERIENCE AND A HALF.

        To [Y/N], most of it was getting relentlessly scolded and nagged upon by the explosive persona. Bickering was the usual. Both enjoyed honesty after all, or maybe it was just a sadomasochistic dynamic that only they would understand. 

        Sometimes — although he may argue that it was backwards — they would have sweet quiet moments. 

        Underneath the orange sky, they would lay down after some heated training matches and just enjoy each other’s presence. 

        Not a word was spoken, nor was it needed to be said. 

        ”Oi, what the hell do you think you’re doing?” Katsuki glared at the camera within [Y/N]’s hands. He wasn’t familiar with electronics really, all he needed was his phone and computer at times. However, he had the feeling that whatever his significant other was using should definitely cost a fortune. 

       ”Taking a damn photo so it’ll last longer” [Y/N] beamed as they imitated one of Katsuki’s words early on in the relationship.

        Their propinquity started around late middle school, and boy did Katsuki soften the following years.

        ”What’re ya staring at?!” Katsuki snarled at his masked partner. He couldn’t see the upper half of their face, but considering that their head had been turned towards him for several minutes? He had to fill in the silence.

        ”A boy named Bakugou Katsuki?” [Y/N] tilted their head in confusion. In contrast to their tone in the present day, their words came out as robotic and excessively formal.

        The heir also had their own personality differences between the years of dating. The previous [Y/N] was ruthless, and reveled in the pain — of whatever form — in others.

        They still did now, but having Katsuki to tease 24/7 made it less apparent.

        The said boy blushed at the straightforward confession, ”Take a damn photo. It’ll last longer.”

        After the couple took their fair share of rest, they set off to Katsuki’s home. Orange sky now darker shade of blue as the sun made its leave as well. ”Tch. We’re going to be late for dinner, [L/N]. Hurry your ass up.”

        ”Coming. . . coming. . .” [Y/N] groaned. Katsuki did a number on their equipment. Most have been charred or just completely obliterated, including their portal and wormhole making gadgetry. This meant that they had to lug around all the weapons — yes, I mean actual weapons — that they’ve been launching at their boyfriend. And, [Y/N] being the spoiled brat that they were, definitely did not like having to exert physical effort. But, oh well, it was just another normal day at the park for these two. They should have been more prepared.

        Why throw weapons instead of using practical things like lazers and the such? Well you see, [Y/N] might just be a huge fan of certain characters in F*te and H*nk*i Imp*ct. They couldn’t help it.

        And if you’re wondering how they’re able to practice with Katsuki using his quirk in public, it’s money. In addition to the fact that [Y/N]’s family probably ‘owned’ the majority of Japan if not just having a major influence in it. “Is Mitsuki making beef stew tonight?”

        ”We’re making beef stew.” Katsuki reached for the claymore above [Y/N]’s pile, thinking of how disastrous it’d be if it somehow falls off and stabs them or a person in their vicinity.

        ”B-b—“

        ”No buts. Maybe if you learned how to properly use a knife you wouldn’t cut yourself so fucking much. I managed to convince the old hag to let us be, too. She will not be coming to your rescue.” He grimaced at the memory of his mother bending towards your requests. She loved you and it shows.

        ”If—“

        ”No ifs either. You won’t burn down the building. Think the old hag hasn’t explosion and fire proofed the whole place?”

        ”How about—“

        ”A kiss won’t change your fate.” Katsuki scowled at their attempt in bribery. Like he’d be the type to give in just because of a simple kiss? What did they think he was? A simp? He needed to teach them how to stop being a spoiled brat. What if their family’s money went down the drain? They needed to learn how to be independent. “Just shut it—“

        He is quickly silenced by a quick kiss to the corner of his lips. “F-Fine!”

        ”You and your stupid pouting, stupid cute fucking face — and those stupid pretty lips. . .”

        ”Love you, Ba-ku-go-u-san!” [Y/N] created a heart shape with their arms, basking in their tiny victory for the day.

        “Tch.” Katsuki gritted his teeth, ”Love you, too. [L/N].”

        ”T-they’re so different when they’re together. . .” A goon — [Y/N] referred to Katsuki’s other companions as that due to the power difference in their dynamic — finally spoke up after numerous hours of being ignored.

        ”Right????” Another goon replied to the comment, equally baffled by the lovey-doveyness of it all.

        [Y/N]’s demeanor immediately switched at moment they noticed the cronies’ presence. Speech devoid of all emotion or interest,  ”Eh, you two were still here?” 

        Katsuki wasn’t an exception to the change either, his face morphing into the usual grouchy one he seemed to wear every damn moment, “WHY ARE YOU EXTRAS STILL FOLLOWING US HUH?! BUNCHA STALKERS!”

        The two boy’s accompanying the couple froze up in fear, “Totally different!”

©️ hana.no.seiiki - yun | 2023

[sheliesshattered]

We had a fabulous time visiting Batuu yesterday! Our outfits were comfortable and functional and well suited to what turned out to be a relatively cold and cloudy day in southern California. Disney cast members definitely seemed to interact with us more because we made the effort to dress up, and we got some lovely compliments from other guests, too. We were even gifted some BSO credit coins by random strangers who liked our outfits!

It was Jack's first visit to Batuu, and while I did get to spend a little bit of time there with my mom in October, this was my first opportunity to really explore the entire area, browse through the shops, and sample all the food and drinks available. It was at least as cool as my first impression of it back in October, and Jack was impressed and delighted by all of it. We spent a good portion of the day just admiring all the details and world-building and excellent sets.

Jack has requested no photos, but I did manage to snag this pic of him blocking the camera like a victim of the paparazzi, lol.

But look at those pleats! Both Jack and I are so pleased with how they turned out. Several of the Resistance jackets on display in the Rise of the Resistance queue had similar pleat details, and it was fun to look at them up close.

Over this last weekend and all the way up to late Monday night, I was able to add a few last details to our outfits. I finally adjusted the chain length of my dangley earrings and glued the leather cording wraps to the back of my kyber crystal necklace so that it wouldn't slip out. While I had the glue out, I figured I'd take a stab at making some spat-type things to cover the lacings of my tall Doc Marten boots. I was completely winging it from start to finish, but I'm really happy with how they turned out!

The spats are made from some left over suede I've had in my stash for literally more than 20 years now -- it's been used for an Aragorn vest for Jack, a couple of bags for me, and the inner layers of the big wedge shaped piece on my Oswin belt. And I still have some left over! Maybe I'll make myself a belt pouch to match these spats at some point in the future.

The narrow end of each spat tucks under the laces closest to the toe of my boot, and theoretically secures to itself with a hook and eye, though I found the hook didn't really hold from that angle, and really wasn't necessary anyway. The straps then velcro around the back of my leg, at the lowest point of the bend of my ankle, and right at the top of the boot, so that the strap sits just above the top edge of the boot in the back, which helps keep it from slipping down.

To make these I really just draped scrap suede on my boot while wearing it, started cutting it to the shape I thought might make sense, then copied that over for a second spat. I measured how much I would need for the straps and how much of an overlap I wanted for the velcro, then cut out all those pieces and glued them together using E6000 -- which works wonderful for adhering velcro to suede and suede to suede, but is a bit more iffy with the metal hooks and eyes (one eye popped off when I was taking off the spat at the end of the night, but since it wasn't staying hooked anyway, I'm not fussed).

Despite being such a quick off-the-cuff project, the spats worked out great, and added that last little bit to my outfit by covering the laces of my boots. They're visible in the third photo, the full-length shot in front of the door (and in the video below), and I think they add an understated bit of texture difference in all the black-on-black there, in addition to obscuring the modern look of the boots a bit.

Besides those detail bits for me, I also made a pair of little pockets for Jack's jacket, to hold 'code cylinders'. It's a tiny detail that really makes the jacket look that much more Star Wars-y, and the cylinders themselves are empty and their tops unscrew, so the space can actually be functional, too. (Currently they're filled with gum!)

And at Jack's request, I threw together a quick insert for the zipper section on his collar that used to hold the hood before we removed it. The hood was making the collar too puffy, but without it the collar didn't have enough body to stand up on its own.

I took some measurements, then cut a piece of cotton duck canvas (that I had originally bought to cover the zippers on my Moment vest, before I changed gears and made the Batuu vest instead) to the right length and about three times the height of the interior of the hood section. I did a simple zigzag tri-fold on the height, ironed it flat, and marked some guide lines perpendicular to the length. Then it was just a simple process of quilting the three layers together by machine sewing in short vertical rows ~1cm apart.

The quilting gave the canvas even more stiffness, and after that point it absolutely did not want to fold or droop along the short vertical axis. I slipped it into the former hood pocket (after snipping one corner to fit around the snap I hadn't accounted for), zipped it closed, and gave the whole collar area a quick pressing. It's removable if we ever need to, completely washable, and keeps the collar standing upright without looking too stiff. Jack was very happy with the result.

With our outfits finally done, we headed into the park around mid-morning, with a plan to stay late. I wasn't quite sure what to expect with Batuu Bounding at Disneyland (which is notoriously a bit more hit-and-miss than Batuu East, in Florida), but we got through security without incident and through the rest of the park without anyone commenting on our outfits. We saw someone else wearing the same leather-look leggings as me, and a guy wearing similar jacket and pants to Jack (but without the pleating), which made us feel like we didn't look too weird, by general Disneyland standards.

Once we were in Batuu, though, our bounding definitely got noticed more. A couple of fellow guests complemented our outfits (including the kind strangers who gave us the coins!), and cast members seemed way more interested in interacting with us in-character. I got to bring up a bit about the history I'd made up for Samæni Ray -- which led to one cast member later referring to me and Jack as "my friends from Denon!" All of the prep and character design made it a lot easier to think on my feet in those little improv interactions.

One cast member in particular kept finding us throughout the day, just suddenly appearing out of nowhere it felt like, and kept trying to sell us a speederbike that totally wasn't a broken down lemon.

Later in the day, he kind of sold us out to Kylo Ren and a pair of stormtroopers (but like, in a fun way, lol) which led to an intense interaction with Kylo Ren right up in both my face and Jack's. Kylo Ren is tall, and the voice and the mask and the body language was all perfect up close. There was a bit of nervous laughter on our part, but we kept our cool and convinced Ren that that since we'd only just arrived on Batuu from Denon, we couldn't possibly know anything about any Resistance activity in Black Spire Outpost.

We were way too in the moment to get any photos, but because we were dressed up and Kylo Ren was so much up in our faces, we did draw a bit of a crowd, so for all I know other people may have taken pictures or videos of the event, lol. My family has a saying about 'look hard' rather than take photos, and it was definitely that for us.

Overall the whole day was wonderful, and we ended up spending nearly 12 hours in Batuu without leaving once. I got to pilot the Falcon multiple times (though I can't really say I've gotten any better at it, lol), and got to try out gunner and engineer, too. We managed to ride Rise of the Resistance both during the day and again after dark, explore every part of Black Spire Outpost in detail, learn to play Sabacc with a cast member, have drinks at Oga's, and eat a bunch of really tasty, really well-presented food.

All together it was an excellent, excellent birthday. And we're already talking about when we might want to go back again.

[eemcintyre]

One More Night (Tom Cruise)

A continuation of my previous fic "Something to Talk About."

TW: Nothing, as per usual. I'm a simple gal.

Summary: It's the last night of you and 90s!Tom's vacation where your relationship was uncovered by the media. He surprises you with a short motorcycle ride, a beautiful view, and a special gift to close the day out.

The last day of their vacation in Provence was coming to an all-too-swift end, and Y/N and Tom were scheduled to fly back to the States the next morning. Despite having finally been discovered by the media, they tried to spend the rest of their vacation exactly as they had planned. And for the most part, they were able to, although they did notice a number of cameras everywhere they went, and a couple of daring reporters did briefly approach them, but Tom and Y/N both gently declined to speak, continuing on their way. Annoying as these reporters and their frequent photo-taking were, Tom told Y/N that it was best to accept it and move on, as the reporters had not been confrontational, and there were no laws against being annoying, so it wasn’t as if they could have the reporters kicked out of where they were staying.

Although she was still anxious to see how she would be accepted by the media and Tom’s fans, Y/N had acquired an additional concern. Since their relationship was now out in the open, Tom had asked her to accompany him to the Academy Awards, which would occur days after they returned home. She was intrigued by the idea of experiencing the glitz and bustle of the prestigious ceremony while dressed in a gown. Tom was also excited to potentially share the occasion with her and was very hopeful that she would come; especially so because he had been nominated for Best Actor for his latest picture, Jerry Maguire. But at the same time, to debut their relationship at such a big event, where representatives from every news station would be peppering them with questions, was an intimidating prospect.

But, all of these concerns were to be put aside until the couple touched down on U.S. land. On this last vacation day, Tom had suggested they close out the evening with a motorcycle ride. The two of them were currently soaring down a road that overlooked the water, and the sky was beginning to dip into a beautiful sunset. Y/N sat on the bike behind Tom, arms wrapped tightly around his leather jacket and meeting in the center of his chest.

“Where are we going?” she called over the wind as they took a sharp turn around a winding patch of road.

“It’s a surprise,” he shouted, and she could tell that he was grinning. Both of their voices were slightly muffled by their helmets.

“Ooookay,” she laughed.

As the journey continued, they inched further and further from the heart of the city, the buildings patterned with lit and unlit windows, and the people who wandered the streets enjoying the temperate weather and each other’s company. Tom finally slowed the motorcycle to a stop when they reached the faraway edge of a small cliff, giving them a view overlooking everything they had passed. The city lights resembled gold sequins glimmering in the last few brilliant colors of the sunset above it. They could just barely spot the sea in the distance beyond it all.

Without dismounting the bike, they admired the panorama for a few minutes. Y/N rested her head on Tom’s back, and he put his hands over hers, which were still curled around him. Eventually, Y/N broke the peaceful silence, unable to contain her curiosity any longer. “Honey, don’t take this the wrong way,” she said softly, “This place is really lovely- but why did you bring us here?”

Tom chuckled and nodded his head, giving her hands a squeeze. “Because…” he trailed off, rising slowly from his seat on the bike, “I needed to appropriately set the scene, so I could give you this.” He got on one knee in front of where she sat and produced a small velvet box from his jacket pocket. Y/N brought her hands to her mouth as he opened it, revealing a ring with a halo of small diamonds sparkling around the central gem.

“Wh- darling, you didn’t have to-”

“I know, but I always wanted to,” he replied. “I just wanted you to be able to deal with the public eye in your own time, on your terms. But, seeing as everybody knows now anyway,” he shrugged, wincing slightly, “Would you do me the honor?” He gestured with the ring box. “I want everyone to see that you’re my girl, so they better think twice before they mess with you."

Y/N brought a hand over to cradle the side of his face. “I really snatched up the sweetest man,” she giggled softly, bending down to kiss him.

“Is that a yes?” he joked, the smile lines around his eyes crinkling.

“Are you kidding? How am I supposed to say no?” Y/N grinned, playfully smacking his arm. “Now, are you gonna put that thing on my finger or do I have to do it myself?”

[mylevisdontfitanymore]

Idea: Bucky learns that Steve has a thing for bigger boys right before the other has to leave on a mission for anywhere between 6 and 10 months. This is the perfect time to put on a little weight for his bf to come home to!

He starts with stuffings but isn't gaining as obviously as he wants, so he finds some helpful tips and tricks on the internet. He works from home now, and he and Steve can't call or FaceTime, just send letter once or twice a month, so he can stuff himself full whenever he wants. His sedentary life coupled with not having to hold back makes him blow up, we're talking 40/50 lbs a month! He doesn't even really notice the weight gain, Bucky just likes to eat and stuff himself so much that it doesn't register

It isn't until Steve finally returns after almost a full 10 months that Bucky realizes what he's done. Steve calls and asks to be picked up, but Bucky can't stand easily, and he waddles badly due to such an extreme gain in such little time. He's lost so much muscle and gained too much fat, each step is a struggle from how out of shape he is. But he tries! He makes it to their car after 20 minutes of wobbling and panting, but... He can't fit. Bucky is too big for their car, and if he tries to force himself inside, he won't be able to get out, let alone drive

So he calls Steve and tells him Sam is on the way to pick him up and drop him off since something is wrong with the car. He takes the time he has before Steve gets home to waddle back inside and get himself into their bed, waiting for Steve to stumble upon him

How would Steve react to seeing Bucky, who is easily an additional 350lbs fatter then before Steve left?

This really, really reminds me of three fics (actually two fics and one series, lol) that I've read! So feast upon them 🤤🥴

"Surprise, Surprise" by surgicalzebra

Wanting to please Steve, Bucky decides to do a real life trial of things he's read on the internet.

"Something Else Underneath" by goodmanperfectsoldier

Bucky goes away on an undercover mission and comes back with something else undercover as well. Inspired by those photos of Seb on the set of The Devil All the Time (you know, the ones where he's kinda chunky).

Aaaaand

"384" by wreckingtheinfinite

^ That's the link to the series, but I especially would recommend the first fic in the series, also titled "384" with the summary

Bucky isn't ready to come back to Brooklyn, so he and Steve have been exchanging letters for months. Bucky's letters are funny, sweet, playful, entertaining--and they make it possible for Bucky to keep his rather considerable weight gain an absolute secret. What could go wrong?

Your idea is so so so fucking hot by the way, don't think it's not because I didn't write something for it. It just fucking scrambles my brain 🥴🥴🥴

[willothewispwisteriadawn]

This may be a long ask because I like to yap lol

Honestly, I feel like one of the most realistic possibilities/best addition they could give us in the remaster is: more clues to find that would provide more insight to the characters and their relationships to one another. I feel like there’s many great opportunities for them to do that with the characters, especially the Washington’s (which I would happily take as a win because they are so interesting to me and we didn’t really get to know Hannah and Beth). First opportunity that comes to mind is when Sam finds Josh’s phone. This is probably me totally being biased because I want more Josh content even though he is the character that has the most lore (sue me) but I feel like we didn’t really get to see him genuinely interact with most of the characters. I mean there were obviously moments that I believe Josh was being genuine, but most of it was definitely a mask *pun intended* and him being devious. They could add some text interactions between him and all other members of the group or allow you to just kind of search through his phone. Because I’m a JoshxSam enthusiast I would geek if they had a couple of flirty messages between the two or texts that show them being what each other needs. Hell, throw in a couple messages between him and Chris where they both talk about their crushes (and more texts between him and Josh in general because friendship goals). I mean the devs used to look through Reddit so they know what the ppl want. Why not make JoshxSam Semi-Canon 9 yeas later LMAO?! I’d also like to know if Josh is really girl crazy or if it’s an attempt at being normal so seeing some brief talk surrounding Josh’s love life or affairs would be rather entertaining to me.

Another cool thing they could do with his phone is have it to where you can go to the photos app and get to see photos he’s taken. They could even have you be able to open his email and find things regarding school or his interest ect. 

Since I mentioned the photo app, They could also add like a scrapbook in Beth‘s room where she writes little notes about the characters to give insight about her relationships to the characters or memories she’s had with the group and her family. All the devs gotta do is add a couple more badly photoshopped edits to the game /lh.

Another thing I think they could do is add a couple more rooms that you can explore, maybe like two or three. One: Josh‘s bedroom, Two: Bobs office where maybe you can find emails on his computer regarding Josh’s psyche, talks of Hannah and Beth’s disappearance/memories of them, some personal journal entries that talk about the dynamic of their family, history of the land and their encounters with the suspicious activity that takes place on the mountain. It’s been a few years since I’ve watched the video game fully so maybe some of this is in there because I think I remember you being able to find police report Melinda made regarding noises. ORRRR im making things up.

This would be an easier way to add some content without actually needing the actors to be there. What do you think? Do you think it is plausible? 

Yap away, Anon!!! Honestly, we all need to get used to reading detailed thoughts again 😂. It’s healthy.

Anyway, I love this!!! I mean, I am a SUCKER for putting pieces together via settings and items. (I am weirdly attached to the fact that you can find one of Bob’s trophies for a film called “Blood Monastery,” because it loops back to Chris finding the monk outfit in the basement). I just geek over anything that makes the world feel detailed and connected. So I love the idea of adding content to Josh’s phone! You’re right; it’s a very easy way to add more lore and fun interactions (absolutely give me texts between Josh and Sam or Josh and Chris!!!).

I also like the idea of seeing Josh and Beth’s rooms, because I thought Hannah’s was VERY well done. You can glean so much about her from her bedroom. Whoever designed her room did a stellar job. Beth is the least developed notable character in the whole game, acting as a bit more of an exposition machine than character at points, so I’d love stuff to further humanize her like what we saw for Hannah.

Anyway, Ballistic Moon DID confirm new footage/story animation (though it seems limited)— along with more collectibles and interactions, so your idea is quite feasible, actually! Meaghan Martin has confirmed she recorded a little bit for the remake, and there have been vague leaks of Jessica. So we will be getting some new voice work/face animations for at least some characters.

In a weird way, I hope it truly is all minor additions. I definitely want certain things cleaned up and emphasized and whatnot, but I’m also nervous that a lot of new content might include things that don’t align with the tone or lore of the original (though, there have been official statements saying the devs worked hard to ensure new content keeps with the integrity of the old. And Ballistic Moon has many workers who’d worked on Until Dawn before).

I think the following things are also realistic:

Adding Emily and Matt’s “extra” chapter back into the game. That really should not have been removed as a pre-order bonus. It’s part of the story.

I think they could recycle some PS3 content for Mike and Chris. Brett Dalton and Noah Fleiss joined the project in its PS3 phase. So they have recorded content for Mike and Chris that was scrapped along with parts of that prototype that didn’t make it into the finished project. Now, I think some things were very much scrapped for a reason. All the characters changed a bit from then as did the tone and beats of the story. But I also think some stuff could potentially be added back even if Brett Dalton or Noah Fleiss can’t/decline to return.

Anyway, these are my thoughts! Thanks for the discussion!

[todayimgonnaplay]

Today I'm Gonna Play: Love and Deepspace

I came across this video a couple months ago of a really high poly guy and thought it was CGI made by someone talented. Turns out it was an upcoming otome game for mobile?! I replaced my phone recently so this was a good time to look forward to trying something with high-end graphics for this platform.

My experience with Otome games isn't much. I've played those dating sims that a few friends were very into back in school on DeviantArt, notably by Zeiva and Pacthesis. This was my entry to the Visual Novel (VN) genre, but I didn't understand the appeal of of liking 2D guys. Fast forward and I've also played a couple otome VNs on mobile and dabbled slightly on PC and even though I find a few interesting love interests based on appearance and personality, I STILL didn't get the appeal, until I finally played Mystic Messenger two years ago and got my heart shattered and was rejected by my love interest lol. This idea of having a social messaging format with calls for a mobile game is one of the most creative things I've seen for both the VN genre as a whole as well as the mobile platform. I don't know if any other VNs have done something like this before.

What Love and Deepspace does, is basically take that same format and iterate upon it with its worldbuilding. But it doesn't stop there. The real selling points of this game is that it uses very high quality 3D models akin to Final Fantasy CGs and also have real-time action combat. This seemed like a combo I never thought would exist, but I'm sure as hell glad to see it. Apart from chatting and calls using your own created avatar, it includes other features such as micro blogs which are Twitter-esque, so you can like and comment on the other characters' posts, and sometimes make your own. There are interaction features with the love interest, by being able to touch him, ask him things, and even things like listening to heartbeats or blowing on him using your mic?? It's another level of immersiveness! Minigames also exist which add to the story, such as claw machines (which are actually not to rigged compared to real life), playing cards, taking photos, and mini stories or audio that you can obtain from gacha.

The gacha aspect is not related to obtaining your love interest like in other gachas, but rather it's unlocking additional content about them, such as the mini stories. These stories tend to look like casual hangouts or even romantic dates. I'm not sure if there are any intimate scenes or not so far.

The story is not bad, I'm intruiged by the lore and the overall world as I like futuristic settings. There's a lot of info dump in documents and such that you typically see in gachas or RPGs, but this is one of the few times where I actually read through them. And surprisingly, the protagonist (you) is actually a lot more competent than expected!

The only issue I have is that the way the story is presented makes the characters look like they don't know each other yet and are distant, which is fine. But the romance parts you unlock through gacha or other features of the game seem more affectionate so it feels quite disjointed. It makes me feel confused on how I can piece these moments together.

Another nitpick although minor is that the daily stamina that you can obtain through login times don't seem to sync up in local time, so I'm assuming it's based on China's time zone instead. I've mostly been on this game during the evenings which make me miss both of them. It's a bit of a weird decision for international players.

I've also seen comments online about the lack of a male character or other gender options. I also agree that this would be nice to have. But I also acknowledge that this game is primarily aimed towards women (therefore an otome game), and since it's a Chinese game, I'm not sure if they would allow any type of BL in it. This could cause a bit of disinterest for international players. The only option I can see is to provide a larger variety of options for the current female avatar (which is also a complaint even amongst women playing the game), which could also have the avatar look a little more masculine presenting, etc. This could be a slight workaround towards any censorship laws while also allowing for more diversity. Plus technically speaking, the advantage of shorter hair or buzz cuts etc. would also mean less complex hair rigging (like with long hair) so it may be easier to animate and handle.

Overall, this game has huge potential that could transform romance/otome games for mobile like Mystic Messenger if all goes well. This will be another mobile game I'll keep playing!

[torreshalstead]

You make the miles worth it - Chapter 21

Summary - The Chicago Marathon had always been a dream for Hailey. And when she meets a stranger in pink running shoes whilst training, she realises maybe she had been dreaming for more.

Chapters - 22/24

Chapter Summary - Race day is fast approaching and with Jay still in NYC, Hailey makes a trip to visit Michael.

Notes - I can’t believe we are so near the end! See you next week for race day! Thanks for all the support, I really hope you enjoy this chapter! AO3 Link

1 week to go

The marathon was in just 7 days. Jay was still relatively positive that he would be back in time, they were still discussing running together, getting excited about completing the miles and getting to that finish line. He had to be back on Saturday with enough time to go to the expo and pick up his race number. The rules were strongly enforced and everyone had to collect their own. So if he wasn’t back in time for that, then he wouldn’t be able to run.

They were still keeping contact with each other everyday, texts as often as they could and a couple of phone calls dispersed through the days. But as each day was ticked off the calendar, Hailey’s hopes were dimming. She knew Jay was a good cop, a great cop even. But even a great cop couldn’t predict how long it would take to close a case. And this case was clearly stretching even the FBI’s extensive resources.

3 weeks to go - Expo Day

Walking into the McCormick Place Convention Center surrounded by hundreds, thousands of other runners was like nothing Hailey had ever experienced. The air was alive with excitement. People from all walks of life, from all over the world were all together in this hall for the same reason. This weekend they were all taking to the start line to be part of one of the largest marathons on earth. And if everything went to plan, they would all be crossing the finish line too.

She let the excitement infect her, the smile fixed firmly to her face as she waited in line to collect her race number. When she got to the front and showed her pass, the volunteer behind the desk retrieved the envelope from one of the boxes behind him. Pulling out the number to show it to her, Hailey felt all of her emotions bubble up to the service. H-55055. That was the number she would wear on her chest through the 26.2 miles the next day.

‘Best of luck’, the volunteer said with a smile as he handed the pack over.

‘Thank you,’ Hailey said quietly, still staring at the number in front of her. It was finally real, finally happening.

Next stop was the back of the next hall to collect her finisher shirt. Walking past the large number of stands in the hall, selling any type of Chicago Marathon merchandise that you could dream of. People buying hats, shirts, hoodies, shorts, shoes, socks. It was all plastered with the city flag, the race logo or just Chicago emblazoned across the front.

Collecting her shirt and the other freebies for being a participant, Hailey wandered around the rest of the expo, perusing the merchandise. Her mind drifted to Jay, wondering what he was up to right now, wishing he was by her side. They’d be laughing at some of the bold printed socks, collecting all the free samples and enjoying each other’s company. She pushed that thought to the side of her brain for now, not wanting to take away from being present in the moment.

About an hour later, her bag slightly heavier than it had been when she had entered thanks to the addition of some new limited edition running sunglasses and a Christmas tree decoration in the shape of the medal, she made her way to the exit. Stopping at one of the photo opportunities, she got a stranger to take a photo of her with her bib in front of it. She sent it to both Jay and Vanessa with a couple of nervous face emojis. She might be physically here alone but she still had people supporting her no matter where they were right now.

1 day to go

The marathon was tomorrow. And Jay wasn’t here, he had called her yesterday evening to give her the bad news; the case was still not closed and he wouldn’t be back until the next week. She had kept it together on the phone, put on a brave face and told him she would give him a play by play when he got back. But once she was off the phone, the waterworks couldn’t be stopped.

She had known this would be a possibility, ever since that night at Molly’s when he had got that dreaded phone call. But in her heart she had always hoped it wouldn’t be true, that he would call her and say he was going to the airport. That he was coming back to Chicago. Coming back to her.

Vanessa had crawled into bed with her that evening, holding her best friend tightly and letting her cry. Hailey knew she could do it without Jay, that she had trained hard enough for her body to be able to complete the distance and cross the finish line whether he was by her side or not. But that did nothing to alleviate the feeling in the pit of her stomach that it might not be quite as special if she didn’t have him next to her.

When her alarm had gone off that morning she had groaned and angrily jabbed her finger at the snooze button. She had the day off but had promised herself she would visit Michael today. She was running tomorrow for both of them and she wanted to tell him how close she was to finally reaching the goal they had set out.

The weather was sunny but still cool when she walked towards the cemetery, a classic October Chicago day. If the weather stayed the same for the next 24 hours, it was going to be perfect race day weather as Jay would have said. Hailey smiled to herself as Jay’s voice echoed through her head.

‘So we want it to be sunny, a little chill in the air but minimal wind. That’ll be perfect race day weather Hails’, Jay said cheerfully as they ticked off another mile of their Sunday morning run.

‘It’s Chicago in October Jay, the weather could be doing anything,’ Hailey said with a chuckle. In the past few years, race day had brought wind, rain, snow, sun and heat. Any weather you could think of, there would have been a Chicago Marathon that was completed under those conditions.

‘I’m manifesting it Hailey, it’ll happen,’ Jay said firmly. ‘I know it.’ He flashed her a grin and she smiled in return.

She approached Michael’s headstone slowly.

‘Hey Mikey,’ she said quietly as she stood before it. ‘Sorry it’s been so long.’

She reached down to check the level of moisture in the ground. Finding it dry enough, she sat down, crossing her legs in front of the carved marble. Picking at the grass surrounding the area, giving her something to do with her hand, she started to talk.

‘It’s the marathon tomorrow. I know we always said we’d do it together but I’m carrying you with me tomorrow. Training has been good, and I made a new friend’, Hailey smiled. ‘I guess he’s a bit more than a friend really,’ she chuckled. ‘You’d like him Mikey, he’s a good guy. His name’s Jay and we agreed to run together. He’s doing it for his Mom who passed, and I’m doing it for you, so I guess us doing it together made sense’.

‘He’s a cop, a really good one from what I’ve heard. But he’s in New York right now, working with the FBI. Big deal I know,’ she chuckled again. ‘So he’s not going to make it back in time. I’ll be running it by myself.’

‘Well not really by myself because I know you’ll be with me but it’s still not quite how I had it planned. Make plans and God laughs, isn’t that what you always used to say? But in reality Mikey, I think he’s it. Since you left, I haven’t really let anyone in, couldn’t risk getting my heart broken again, but Jay somehow snuck his way in.’ She quickly wiped a tear from where it had escaped. ‘He knows everything, everything about you, about me, about what we went through when we were kids. And he never ran away. And I pushed him away, I really did but not because I didn’t care. The opposite really, I cared too much and I was scared.’

‘But you always said it was okay to be scared, as long as you didn’t let it stop you doing things you really wanted to do,’ she smiled at the memory. ‘Guess I still need to learn to listen to my big brother’.

‘I wish you were here to meet him though, I know he’d get your seal of approval. I’ll bring him to visit you when he gets back, maybe I won’t be so scared by then. By then I’ll be a marathoner. Imagine that Mikey, an actual marathon finisher.’

Hailey fell silent and continued to pick at the grass in front of her, letting her mind wander as the blades ran through her fingers.

‘I can’t stay too long Mikey, gotta start carb loading for tomorrow,’ she chuckled softly. ‘But I wanted to tell you that I’ve decided I’m going to go to college. I know it’s late and I’m older now but it’s been in the back of my head for years. I always thought it was just a pipe dream, not something I could actually do. But then Jay came into my life and showed me that I could. I’m not one hundred percent sure of my major yet but I know I want to help people. People like us.’

‘It’s a change, a big change, but I’m excited about it. I’ve done my time at the restaurant and I’m ready for a new chapter. I know you’re saying it’s about time I did something for myself.’ She smiled softly. ‘When I walk across that stage at graduation, I know you’ll be so proud of me.’

‘I miss you,’ Hailey whispered. ‘It’s not fair that you’re not here. But tomorrow, I’ll be thinking of you a little more than I normally do. Those miles are for you, for us.’

She got up and dusted any stray ruminants of grass off her jeans.

‘Love you Mikey,’ she rested her palm against the cold stone. ‘Cheer me on tomorrow, I’ll be listening.’

[kiarazuri]

Cover Appreciation: A Spider's Mate Trilogy by Tiffany Roberts

He’s spent years as a hunter, but now he’s the one ensnared in a creature’s trap. Ketahn did not want a mate. Fate has a different plan for him. When the queen he despises declares her intention to claim him, he retreats into the jungle. What he finds there changes his world. Small, delicate, and pale skinned, Ivy Foster is nothing like the females Ketahn has known. She’s not of his kind at all. Yet the moment he sees her, he knows the truth in his soul—she is his heartsthread. And now that he has her, he won’t let anything take her away. Not the jungle, not the gods, not the queen and her warriors. Whether Ivy agrees or not, their webs are entangled. No one will ever sever those threads.

(Ensnared, Amazon)

The gorgeous artwork on these covers tells you EVERYTHING you need to know:

The genre (Fantasy [technically Fantasy and Sci-fi] Romance)

That the series follows a single couple. Which is rare among Romance novels (although I've seen quite a few recently while looking for new books to read. I have to be extra careful now since I prefer serieses of standalones with an overarching plot, so being able to tell just by the covers is incredibly helpful.)

The couple’s specieses (human and spider (Oops! Silly me, he’s obviously a Vrix)

What type of monster’s getting fucked (there's literally no getting around that Ketahn's a spider. Not a spidertaur/coptaur/arachnetaur where the upper-half's human and the bottom-half's spider oh no, a full on top and bottom spider with a little big of humanoidness sprinkled in as a treat)

At least one of their genders.

What they look like (the best part of illustrated covers is that they can actually show what the characters look like... unlike a lot of stock photo covers which almost always leave me with a feeling of "that doesn't match the descriptions in the book" )

Their dynamic (big/small, dom/sub; Ketahn's obviously the one in control, look at that body language! In addition to their sexual dynamic being on display you can also see that they get closer and more comfortable with each other with each book. [Ivy's definitely looking up with heart-eyes on Enthralled])

Even the webs in the back change too, becoming more cohesive and put together with each cover. Her outfits also help tell the story, changing from the human clothes she had while on the ship into dresses made from Ketahn's own silk.

I only have a few criticisms. And the biggest one is about the last book. To get straight to it: “Bound” feels… odd. I would have probably named it something like Entangled or Enamored or something. And the reason is simply because it breaks pattern--and instead of putting a flourish on the bottom of the N they chose the top of the U... why? It just bothers me.

Now my next criticism is more so for the trilogy "box"(?) set cover.

It's gorgeous and really embodies their dynamic… except, there is something to be said about the white/black innocent/dangerous dynamic that it gives off that is very watered down in the individual covers. The webs in this one are drawn so that Ketahn's looks like a puppeteer and Ivy's his puppet which is very sinister.

While the Vrix aren’t necessarily Black coded, they ARE coded as non-white and indigenous (possibly Asian). They’re also more “primitive” (🤢) than the humans and the dark/light dichotomy does make me a bit uncomfy. If the other books (Roberts intends to write books about Ketahn's friends and their human mates) continue with the same pattern, ill become much more concerned (I'm especially nervous about what the Japanese girl’s [who's meek and shy personality is already a red flag] book cover's going to have on it).

I checked Goodreads to see if there were any alternate covers and found that only the first book (Ensnared) has one.

I do like this cover, and I wonder if Roberts will make matching covers for the other two as well. The only problem with this cover is that it's... more Horror- than Romance-oriented. That doesn’t mean I don’t like it, but it definitely doesn’t look like a Romance, especially since it doesn’t say “A Spider’s Mate” on it and instead has a very threatening tagline 😂 (having read the books, I think the tagline is great but it really does feed the whole horror-thing this cover’s got going on) as a cover it’s obviously beautiful; the black, purple, green, and white an absolutely gorgeous combination.

As a final note I wanna point out that when I first saw this cover I thought the spider was gonna be asexual because he’s got the ace-flag colors on him.

That is not the case 😅 (though I would love to use that sort of color symbolism in a story someday)