#Minus shaving but I don't do that every time

[wisteriasymphony]

any more asylum au perhaps 👉👈😎

CW: Physical and Verbal Abuse, Arson

FALL 1993

Adrien was held still by two of his former bodyguards—Laurent and DuPont, if he remembered correctly. Laurent always had his blonde hair shaved to the skin, whereas DuPont's was thickly braided. Such distinctions weren't helpful at the moment, of course. Any two of Gabriel's men would be restraining him the same. It's what they were always paid to do.

"Sixteen—Almost seventeen years' worth of work. Seventeen years!" Gabriel shouted, his gargoylish face contorted into a thousand graying wrinkles. "Do you know how much I sacrificed for you? Do you know the hours, the months of work I have slaved to put you where you are. —And this is what you choose to do with your life?! Getting high and fucking whoever you find sitting on the street corner?"

Adrien opened his mouth to protest—more just for protest's sake than because he had anything on his mind to speak—only for Gabriel to backhand him so hard the sound could surely be heard from outside. Even as Adrien staggered, he was forced upright by the guards, kept in a jawlike grip by his forearms, held just low enough that he couldn't stand, only bend at the knees to get even a semblance of bearing.

"Well I'm through with it," Gabriel spat. "I am through with your delinquency. I don't care where the hell they send you—" Gabriel extended a gnarled, pale finger to point at his son. "—But I will ensure you spend the rest of your life thinking about what you have cost me with this stunt of yours. And when I can finally drag you back out, you should be nothing but thankful that I had the mercy to not kill you, and her, where you fucking stand."

It was supposed to be so easy. It was supposed to be so easy. Adrien knew how to bypass the limits on his cards, Adrien knew every place in the manor to hide from the security cameras. He had bought plane tickets, stolen his passport, and had just enough money hidden in his mattress to not have to worry for two months out of the city, maybe more. It was supposed to be so easy, he was supposed to finally be safe.

Adrien hadn't a single desire to ever see Gabriel's face ever again. Now, confronted with it—varicose and gaunt and furious—what was there for him to do? What option did he have left?

...The option he took had left him at the doorstep of Hospital Sainte-Marie-de-Dieu with a plastic muzzle over his face.

SPRING 1995

Adrien looked up at the billboard, the acrid smell of burning vinyl filling his nose. If there was anything he was still good at in life, now that following orders (and later, drinking) were both entirely off the table, it was his penchant to set stuff on fire. Even when he still had some semblance of good left in him, Adrien remembered taking a large magnifying glass out into the garden to fry holes in blades of grass. This was basically the same thing, minus the gasoline and matches.

It was maybe two miles ago that he'd found a pair of glasses, their cracked lenses tugging a ray from the headlights of the stolen car and getting Adrien to stop. That was probably the benefit of these gone-to-shit roads in the middle of nowhere: Being able to just stop and see what people had left. Adrien had put on the glasses for the time being, but was just as willing to throw them away once he tired of them. They weren't worth much, anyways. The frame was warped and barely sat on his face right.

The fire had eaten up nearly half of the billboard by this point, and it was just starting to melt Adrien's face off—the one on the vinyl, that is. He remembered posing for it a few years ago, selling some perfume that was basically the same goddamn thing in yet another glass bottle. It was nice to see the thing go up in smoke.

Marinette stood a few feet away, the orange glow of the fire throwing itself at her face. She didn't talk much, to the point where Adrien assumed she was likely mute. Her big brown eyes did enough of the talking for her—a look for "You're stupid", another for "Stop driving so fast". As weird as it felt to say for someone so much shorter and quieter than him, somewhere he held respect for her muteness. Maybe envy, too. A jealous respect.

...There wasn't much more to see from the fire. Only scraps of nauseous-smelling vinyl floating down like leaves of hell, glossy embers of tar-black only coming into view here or there when something other than the dark sky was behind them. Most small enough to maybe inhale. Adrien reached in through the broken window of the car to open the driver-side door again. "Come on." Marinette's shadow made its way to the car, stretched long by the light of the burning billboard.

(I started this Aug 31st what the fuckkkkk why'd it TAKE so long)

[storiesbyjes2g]

3.187 Passing the keys

That night, I went back to the rental website to fill the vacancy because it didn't make sense to wait. The house had been sitting all this time, waiting to generate income for us, and it was past time I did something about it. I decided to rent to the older gentlemen, but his application was no longer available. I was kind of bummed because I had already formed a picture in my mind of what he would be like based on the information he shared on the application, and now I'd have to start over. The plus side is that I found a young family like I originally wanted, so I accepted their application right away. In the morning, I got a notification saying they had moved in already, so I went over there after breakfast to introduce myself and get to know them. The application stated they were a married couple with twin infants. The house wasn't exactly setup for two babies, but they can make it work.

As I approached the door, I overheard them arguing, and my whole body tensed up. They reminded me of Mama's friends, who stayed with us and argued literally day and night. I hope to the Watcher these two are not like that. I pressed my ear to the door to see if I could get an idea of what the issue was. It turns out the woman was flustered because she saw a lost dog who needed help but ignored it. She felt guilty about it and wanted to go back and find the dog, but the husband didn't get it. He was very dismissive and said dogs get lost all the time and it was none of her business if someone can't keep track of their animal. Oh boy. This better not be a bad omen. I knocked, hoping to interrupt him berating her, and they let me in. Owen and Jilliana Sage are their names. Owen works at a store and seemed to have a good sense of humor, so maybe he's not so bad. Jilliana is more serious and super smart. She works at the space center, but I don't remember what she said she does there.

She tried to introduce me to the babies, Xavier and Zahava, but they both started screaming because Owen had the TV way too loud. Xavier calmed down enough to let me hold him, though. He was so tiny and made me miss Desiree at that age. I didn't intend to spend the day with them, and they clearly had things to do, so I told them to call me if they needed anything and made my exit.

I had to pass by Chi Chi's house on the way back home, so I stopped by to tell her we were moving to Gibbs Gardens soon. She was bummed about not being around the corner from us anymore, but relieved we weren't leaving the city. Behind her eyes, however, there seemed to be more than just disappointment at losing her favorite neighbor. I asked if something was wrong, and in Chi Chi-like fashion, I got way more than I bargained for.

As she began this tale, my initial reaction was to beat myself up again about not being a good friend because the details of her story started a while ago. But I stopped those thoughts before my brain ran away with them. We all have super busy lives. No one has time to be involved at such a granular level anymore, and no one is expecting us to know everything. I am a good friend, and I don't have to know every detail to prove it. Come to think about it, my friends—minus Dub—know less about me than I know about them. Needless, I'm done with stressing myself about this.

Chi Chi's woes began with her birthday a few weeks back. Like many women her age (especially when they are as fine as she is), she didn't handle the adult birthday well. Of course, she knew her body would change, but like me, seeing it hit differently. Between that and the little lines creeping from the corners of her eyes and across her forehead, she's feeling frumpy. I almost laughed. She is still one of the most beautiful women I've ever seen. Frumpy where?? She would turn heads wearing a paper bag. I bet she could gain 300 pounds, shave off her hair, and still have a trail of thirsty men following her everywhere. Still, if the aging stuff was the only thing she had to deal with, she would be fine in time. The problem is all her other worries reinforce the aging issues, and she is struggling. The short version of the story is her life has not turned out how she imagined. She once told me she wanted to remarry and have more kids, but all the dates she's been on led nowhere. Now, as an adult, she's thinking about giving up on that dream, especially when she's about to be a grandmother! Karmine, her daughter, is grown grown now. She moved her boyfriend into the house without even discussing it. Then, she got pregnant and moved out, so Chi Chi is all alone in the house with nothing but these crushing thoughts to keep her company, and she's not doing that great.

I had no idea if it would help, but I decided to share my midlife crisis story. It felt wrong at first because I never told Sophia I was struggling, but if Chi Chi can walk away feeling better, the discomfort will be worth it. Even though her story is different, I identified with everything she said because I realized life rarely turns out exactly how we plan. The reason is because we never factor in trouble or change. Our plans are always perfect and positive. When change and trouble comes, we feel out of control, like our world is falling apart. But the world isn't falling apart. It's the same as it always was. We just haven't taken off our rose-colored glasses yet.

I told Chi Chi everything would be okay, and she should look at it from a positive perspective. Because she's not starting a new family, and is an empty nester, she's got so much extra time to do all those bucket list things she's been looking forward to. And since she won't have any young children to raise, she has time to time to be super grandma and help her daughter through those oh so difficult first two stages. She's still really young and can reinvent herself if she wanted. And when love finally finds her again, and I believe it will, it will be all about them with no one else coming between them. They'll grow old together and be annoyingly in love.

Like I said, I have no clue if my little pep talk helped, but at least I left her smiling. Kinda like grieving, she'll find her way to accepting her new normal, and when she does, she'll appreciate the picture I painted for her.

[astoundingbeyondbelief]

Kaiju Week in Review (February 11-17, 2024)

Warner Bros. unfurled the second trailer for Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire, which seems to be going over much better than the first. There are multiple glimpses of the ice Titan Shimo throughout, and an even briefer look at Mothra reflected in Jia's eye. (My favorite shot, of course, is Kong decking Skar King as he's holding out Suko like a wriggling shield.) The rough shots from trailer #1 still look rough, but at least the new footage is more impressive.

The new issue of Empire (how fitting) has a short article on GxK—the big revelation there is that Godzilla Evolved is pink simply because that's director Adam Wingard's favorite color. Collaborations are also popping up. Circle K is offering a movie-branded sandwich, chocolate bar, and Froster drinks/cups. Godzilla and a seriously wizened Kong are also entering the mobile game Lords Mobile.

I don't know much about Oscar politicking, but Takashi Yamazaki's strategy of bringing a model Godzilla with him everywhere he goes seems like a winner. Both appear in the "class photo" taken of all the nominees at the Oscar Nominees Luncheon. At the same event, Yamazaki and Godzilla met with Steven Spielberg, who told Yamazaki he had seen Godzilla Minus One three times. Posting their photo together on Twitter, Yamazaki said he had "met God."

Toho's English Godzilla YouTube channel also uploaded a six-minute video on Minus One's VFX, with a focus on the various ways the production was able to shave off costs. Officially translated behind-the-scenes featurettes for Toho Godzilla films are a rarity, a sign of how badly they want that little gold statue. It's worth watching just for Yamazaki scooting his chair around the office.

Shout! Factory's onslaught of old Toei tokusatsu films on its streaming service turned out to be a prelude to offering them all on disc. The Classic Tokusatsu Collection Blu-ray set includes Planet Prince (1959; called Prince of Space), Invasion of the Neptune Men (1961), Watari the Ninja Boy (1966), The Golden Bat (1966; called Golden Ninja), Magic Serpent (1966; called Dragon Showdown) , Ninja Scope (1969), and Terror Beneath the Sea (1966). None have ever been released on English-friendly Blu-ray before; some haven't even made it to DVD. The set is $70 and limited to 2,500 copies.

Major caveats seem to accompany every English-language release of vintage tokusatsu these days, and unfortunately this set's no exception. Despite the existence of English dubs for at least some of these films (two of them riffed on Mystery Science Theater 3000), only Terror Beneath the Sea is dubbed; the rest are Japanese-only. And the dubbed Prince of Space well-known to MiSTies was actually an amalgamation of Toei's two Planet Prince films, only the first of which is present here. (Even the first film seems like it's going to be in upscaled standard-def, going off the streaming version.) No special features in the production description either, although one person who got the set early reports that at least one trailer is included (for Invasion of the Neptune Men).

IDW has announced still another Godzilla miniseries, Godzilla: Skate or Die. First-issue description:

It's Australian skater punks versus Varan and the King of the Monsters in this thrilling debut issue by writer/artist Louie Joyce (A Fistful of Pain)! Four years ago, four best friends and die-hard skaters found the perfect location for a DIY skatepark. After months of hard work, they created the world’s sickest spot that they could enjoy for the rest of their lives… That is, until the ferocious Varan appeared in the middle of central Australia and started making a beeline for their beloved park. Why is Varan on a rampage? Why did Godzilla just appear off the coast? What does their beloved skate spot have to do with this? And most importantly…what are these punks willing to do to save it?

Sounds like there's a lot of author appeal here, as Joyce is Australian and calls the tale "inspired by all the amazing DIY spots I've had the privilege of skating[.]" And a meaty role for Varan is a pleasant surprise.

Perhaps inspired by the success of Troll on Netflix, we've got another Scandinavia giant monster movie on the way. Kraken will be directed by Pal Oie (Dark Woods) from a script by Vilde Eide. No cast yet, but here are the plot details divulged by The Hollywood Reporter:

[T]he thriller will follow Johanne, a marine biologist who encounters several strange occurrences while researching a fjord, including the brutal deaths of two local teenagers. “At the bottom of Norway’s deepest fjord rests a mythical monster as large as a mountain, with a myriad of arms ready to crush and devour anything they can grab,” the film’s synopsis reads.

Krakens are certainly having a moment in giant monster stories right now, between Ruby Gillman, Teenage Kraken and the three that somehow wound up connected to the Monsterverse. (To wit: Na Kika was originally called Kraken, the unnamed antagonist of Skull Island bore the same name internally, and the guardian of Atlantis in the Justice League crossover comic is a Kraken as well.) This seems like a more back-to-basics approach.

[dogtoling]

How do you think inkfish 'hair' grows? I can't imagine it working anything like hair follicles, but considering there's different hairstyle lengths it must grow over time as mammalian hair does. Same with Cuttlefish's beard- do the individual tentacles just sprout from the skin, then merge together over time? (The extra short inkling cut weirds me out, since its just a solid 'mat' of tentacle material...)

Inkfish hair does grow over time, but not infinitely like human hair. Inkfish "hair" are basically limbs after all, and they have a preset maximum length that varies based on species and genetics, mostly. On average, Squids have pretty short head tentacles (minus the hunting tentacles, which are more prehensile) and Octopuses typically have much longer ones. The easiest way to monitor tentacle length if you want them to be shorter is to cut them short, which is how most Octolings get their shorter tentacle styles. The tentacles will always grow tips back before they slowly begin regrowing in length, which is how you get hairstyles with very short tentacles. (And for the SUPER short tentacle styles, you need to be shaving the nubs off too...)

As for the positioning of the tentacles on the head I would like to have an answer for you but there's just none. I am dumbfounded. Logically it would be obvious that tentacles have a root and are connected to the brain and evenly split across the head for optimal, well, existence, given that they are Meat and they Do Things. But no, seemingly magically inkfish tentacles can be in any random arrangement on the top of their head, or not even on the top, judging by Cuttlefish who has a BALD HEAD and a BEARD instead.

It is unclear whether there is insane genetic variety on what exact part of your head your tentacles will grow and you just have to hope that they grow in the arrangement you want for the hairstyle you want and some styles are out of your reach forever. It seems more likely that the position of the tentacles can be changed, given that inkfish literally DO THAT every time they switch form, but that's also much more unrealistic than them just having natural variety. It's like if a werewolf turned back into a human and now its arms are on the back of the body for funsies instead of being on the sides. This has been ruining my life since Splatoon 2 came out and I hope we get like, answers on inkfish haircuts some time soon because they keep getting more and more insane and making less sense.

On the topic of beards I literally hate that inkfish get beards. There is ZERO reason to have extra tentacles sprouting from the front of the face to obscure the beak. In the wild these wouldn't have been cut most likely. Hell, in the modern day, CAN YOU shave? Because again, THAT'S MEAT. If you're growing a whole tentacle out of your face not only is that muscle (does it anchor into your beak musculature?) but if it's multiple, your face is now full of tentacle mass that should be on your head. Even humans when we shave don't actually REMOVE the facial hair, we just cut it extremely short so it's less visible. How does an inkfish shave? It would always leave a meat slab behind with a white cut surface and grow back as nubs. It wouldn't just peel off like an orange peel when you take a razor to it, tentacles are muscle.

This all on top of it usually literally being EXTRA TENTACLES because you can have a beard while you already have the correct amount of head tentacles. Like okay maybe inkfish just evolved to sprout some additional extra tentacles on their face over time to look pretty, since the head tentacles are decorative as is. But why in the middle of the face. Why there where it obscures everything and is probably impossible to remove fully because as TENTACLES, which are (for the billionth time) MEAT, they are fully attached to the rest of your flesh and wouldn't just peel or pluck off. Congrats on your flesh beard you're stuck with it forever and it has no evolutionary purpose and whether you get one and what it looks like is completely random.

[nathank77]

5/8/24

2:04 a.m Edited/Added to

So I'm playing bo4, I have been all day since shipping the envelope minus when I showered and shaved my head and face.

The problem with games like this is there is hardly any dialogue... so I mean I hallucinate constantly. Constantly. CONSTANTLY. I have a head ache from it. This is why I listen to TV all day or chose my games wisely and tbh I really think the Xanax half life plays a role. Every day by like 11 p.m or 12 a.m my brain stops being sedated and I hallucinate more..

I had a flashback of me hitting myself in the head over and over again. And I keep thinking about how I didn't write about that in my Kristen Report. It's fucking sad trying to play my favorite game all day and having flashbacks and hallucinating constantly.

I'm like dying inside. I'm so exhausted from hallucinating... and I'm worried about not making it to my t-shot... beyond that, why didn't I write about that in the kristen report???? I can't do it now. I mean clearly I blocked it out.

Sometimes I wonder why I fight so hard to be here? I'm so single I'm going to die alone. All I have is my siblings. And I can barely be around big groups of people bc it's exhausting af. Also money and everything.

My grandmother and aunt is here bc my uncle who I hate is dying. And my dad wants me to go there Thursday and I just can't do it. I can't. It's too much. I missed seeing my grandmother last time she came here too bc of psychosis.

My uncle Mark the transphobic asshole is dying from dementia and a lung disease. I feel bad and idk If I should see him or even go to the funeral. I always said I wouldn't when the time came.

Anyways I'm here hallucinating thinking about all this stuff while I try to play and I have a head ache..

Trying to figure out how to drug myself tonight to make it to my stupid Testosterone shot...

Melatonin interacts with Ibuprofen... and I need Ibuprofen... to stop this head ache... so maybe I'll take 1mg of Xanax and 25mg of Hydroxyzine.. and leave out the Melatonin..

I just don't know why I'm still here. I love being Nathan so much but this hallucination is never ending and I have nothing to live for other than the guy in the mirror. I can barely accomplish anything bc my mental health keeps me so held back. It takes me triple the time of a normal person.

I wouldn't even be seeing Mark. I'd be seeing just my grandmother and aunt and dad and step mom and the kids and it's just too much.

Not to mention the other day I either threw my xanax bottle on the bed before going to the bathroom (its only got my daily dose in it the rest is locked away) and I don't remember bc I can't think of a reason I did that... or my mother did. Before I saw the bottle on my bed I heard my mother on the phone say alprazolam... did I hallucinate that? She was talking to our neighbor Mark and about to go over there. Now I'm suspicious she's stealing my xanax despite the fact that the count is right. I went over the options:

1) she's stealing it- but the numbers add up

2) her and Mark are getting fake Pills and replacing my real ones with the fakes- this sounds utterly delusional.

She's prob heard me say benzodiazepines 5000 times and idk how stupid she is. Does she know Xanax and Valium for example are benzodiazepines. I was reading my Kristen Report outloud so many times to stop hallucinating as much bc reading in silence is torture... so idk..

She could be replacing the Pills but it's very delusional.. although not impossible or she could be planning to steal a couple halfs slowly...

Or i could have hallucinated it.... but why did I hallucinate that? I was thinking about picking up my xanax bc I was doing it that day- but I think xanax not alprazolam... it was before I saw it on the bed. Obv alignment with the hallucination has become an issue I can think any word and it can say it... but I do really think xanax... My hallucination can go into sounds and into inaudible dialogue.. beyond that maybe I read the cvs text on my way to my bedroom... and that says alprazolam.... she was kinda whispering and then said like it's smoke some hash and started talking about weed...but...

Why was my xanax bottle on my bed?? I can't remember for the life of me why I would throw it on the bed...

[kimmysurveyblog]

37

What is your absolute favorite hobby? Who got you interested in it? Gaming! My older brother? We had gaming consoles growing up because of him.

What color are the squirrels where you live? Brown or black.

Have you ever fostered an animal? No.

Have you ever dated a fat person? Yes.

Have you ever dated someone with a fine ass body? Yes.

What are two foods you think taste good with whipped cream? Fruit and pie.

If you eat it, what is your favorite way to eat beef? Hamburger.

Do you have any medication that you keep with you at all times? No.

[TW: ABUSE] Have you ever had a significant other who hit you? No, I have not. My heart breaks for anyone who has experienced that. :(

Do you own any exercise machines? Treadmill in the basement that we don't use.

Do you have a dining room in your house? Yes. It houses our small table and our large PC gaming set up lol. I can't wait to move.

Are you in the process of watching or re-watching a series at the moment? Kinda. We're watching Mad Men sporadically.

Has anyone you know gotten a new pet recently? No.

How old were you 10 years ago? Who were your closest friends at that point? I was 22. The same as now minus my boyfriend, I think.

Do you still speak to any of them? Yup.

Have you ever kissed someone of another race? Yes.

Are there any races you wouldn’t kiss? No.

What is your favorite thing about your best friend? He's a very caring partner (and an amazing dad).

What do you mostly have in common with your best friend? Video games, but also being parents to our two year old.

Do you like it when men shave their chests? If you are a guy, do you shave? My ex shaved his chest. My boyfriend does not. I don't care either way.

What is your favourite kind of video game? Farming sim.

Do you watch anime? If so, what are some of your favourites? Not anymore.

Do you have any siblings? If so which one of them do you get along with the best? I have one and we don't get along very well.

What’s your favorite TV show? And who’s your favorite character from it? Ohhh probably Greys Anatomy (not current era). I love Lexie and Mark, RIP.

Do people think you look like either of your parents? Does that offend you? I used to look like my dad, but now I see my mom more. It doesn't offend me.

Do you prefer regular bacon or turkey bacon? Regular.

Do you think it’s weird when people talk to their pets like people? No, I think it's sweet. And I do this.

What is the last place, other than home, that you stayed overnight? The hospital after giving birth.

What is the furthest you have traveled alone? Toronto.

Have you ever dated someone simply for their looks? No.

What was the name of the main character in the last book you read? Penelope and Colin. I've been reading the Bridgerton books.

Do you prefer pizza or hot dogs? Pizza.

What is your favorite pizza topping? Sausage and green olives.

Is anyone in your family currently in the military? No.

What is your favorite dog breed? Golden retriever.

Do you own a bikini? No.

What are three of your favorite bakery items? Cannoli, cinnamon bun, lemon tart.

Which book series could you read again? I don't read much at all but I'm enjoying the Bridgerton books so far.

Is your last ex currently in a relationship? No clue. Probably.

Who was the last female you were introduced to? My therapist?

Who was the last male you were introduced to? I have no idea.

Is there any band out there that you like every song by them? Probably not. I'm not a music person.

Have you ever smoked? Yes.

Have you ever been in a lighthouse? No but I want to.

Do you know anyone who always makes themselves out to be the victim? My mother was like that.

How far away do you live from the house you grew up in? A two minute drive away. We chose this house because it was close to my mom and now she's gone. We've been talking about getting the house ready to sell so we can move and I'm really excited to live in a different neighbourhood lol.

Have you ever been to a same-sex wedding? No.

What’s the most difficult experience you and a significant other have gone through together? Becoming parents. We're thriving now but it was rough at first.

Would you like living on the coast? No.

Honestly, do you enjoy arguing? No.

Are you scared of losing the person you like to someone else? No.

Do you have a hard time making decisions? Ohhh yes.

If there was a large spider in your room, would you stay in the room? Yes.

What’s your favorite kind of meat? (vegan/vegetarian options count!) Chicken.

What’s the coolest or most memorable animal you’ve ever seen at a zoo? I think giraffes are neat.

What video game have you played the most hours of? If you don’t know, just make a rough guess. Ohhh I have no idea. Maybe League of Legends? Or ACNH.

Have you ever modeled before? No.

What’s your best friend’s favorite color? Red.

What color was your senior prom dress? I didn't go.

Which YouTuber do you feel like you could be friends with easily? No idea.

Who do you know personally that has a nice singing voice? Sunny.

If you met your favorite musician, what would you ask him/her? I have no idea.

What’s something you used to believe in that you don’t anymore? God.

What’s something you believe everyone should have? Food and shelter.

Who do you know that wears the most makeup? I'm not sure.

Are you anyone’s first love? Yes.

How much does your mother know about your sex life (or lack thereof)? She knew most of it.

What's the most embarrassing thing you've ever had an obsession with? Do you still like that thing? J-pop and no.

Have you ever played any of the Animal Crossing games? Do you have the new game, or do you plan on buying it? Yes! It's not new anymore but I bought it when it was released. I played the shit out of that during COVID.

When was the last time you were nauseous? Do you know what caused the feeling of nausea? Last week. Hunger.

What brand of earbuds/earphones do you own? Do you like them? Samsung or something. They're fine.

Can you remember the last time you saw a rainbow? Yes! We showed our daughter. She did not care.

Do you have any plants or flowers in your house? What kinds? Do you like having plants in your home? We have a few. We've just started adding them to our home. I don't recall the names of all of them, but we have four.

[otvlanga]

Do you have any thoughts on hygiene habits of Tamriel?

OKAY SO, I am very passionate about the idea that people in Tamriel are NOT dirty. I'm nowhere near an expert on TES lore and stuff, so everything I'm listing are just personal headcanons for a few parts of Tamriel.

Of course bathing habits will vary within different areas, but I genuinely believe that good hygiene is practiced thoroughly and frequently, regardless of social status and class.

I don't know much on soap making, but most of Tamriel's soap would be made of lard (or other animal fats and oils) and lye, and scented with various plant extracts if you have the extra coin for it. Commoners and middle/lower class citizens would likely only bathe once a week unless working a dirty job, and those of more noble status would probably have the luxury to a bath every other day, or even daily.

Magical Alchemy is also a thing in TES, so I don't doubt the possibility of body washes, perfume, and antiperspirant solutions or potions. There's also clearly sewer systems and some sort of knowledge of plumbing, so I like to think the really rich assholes would possibly have running water in their homes. Especially in Markarth, where Dwarven technology and architecture is at their fingertips.

I refuse to believe people in Skyrim are yucky. Nords are modeled after Vikings, who were notorious for having excellent hygiene (for the times, anyway) and many Viking graves have things suck as tooth picks, hair combs, nail trimmers, etc. in them. People in more rural areas like Kynesgrove, Rorikstead, Shor's stone, etc. wouldn't have as much every-day access to luxuries like quality soap or clean water, (especially during the Civil war) so they might be generally a little bit “dirtier.”

Places like the Summerset aisles and Cyrodiil would be probably be much more hoity toity about bathing and taking care of the body, with things like lotions, moisturizers, creams, scented oils, and hair butters being common household items among people of all social statuses. I feel like Altmer would definitely take milk baths in attempts to further slow signs of ageing, and probably pour healing potions into bath water to rid themselves of any “flaws” like cuts, scrapes, bruises, and blemishes. 

Some parts of Tamriel may even use sugar waxing for body hair removal, or have specially crafted razor blades for shaving. Probably more common in Summerset, as I can’t see Nords giving a fuck about shaved legs when it’s -10 degrees and snowy, or Dunmer when they get coated in ash wherever they go anyways. 

Khajiit would be VERY meticulous with hygiene and cleanliness, considering they’re covered in fur. Tics, mites, and fleas could become a serious problem and easily transmit sickness. The hot climate of Elsweyr would also be a BREEDING GROUND for diseases, especially in the rain forests. Fur and manes would be brushed twice daily, in the morning upon rising and at night before laying down to sleep. Braids and twists would be common hairstyles for convenience, and claws would be regularly filed. They probably make scrubs and soaps out of Moon Sugar and cocoa butter. Sleek, shiny fur is highly sought after, with Elsweyr and neighboring countries being notorious for their excellent hair care products. 

As said above, those living in more tropical/warm climates like Hammerfell, Valenwood, Summerset, and Elsweyr would have easy access to things like coconut oil, cocoa butter and shea butter, which would all be used for moisturizing and hair care. Minus Valenwood mostly, because of the green pact.

Dunmer would likely come up with a lot of neat ways to use ash and charcoal for things like face masks, exfoliating scrubs, and even antioxidant/antibacterial ointments. Pumice stones for scrubbing and exfoliating the skin too! Soap made from sload oil and the fresh ashes of Red Mountain would likely be highly sought after in other provinces for it's rumored healing properties, and probably makes many Dunmer merchants stinkin' rich. Mud masks from Black Marsh are also credited for their rejuvenating and detoxifying benefits.

I don’t headcanon the Argonians as using many soaps frequently, as their scales can be very sensitive and dry out easily, which would cause painful rashes. They also spend a lot of time in water daily anyway, and likely wouldn’t need to use soap often unless they were going for a dive in a nasty swamp and needed to do some serious scrubbing. Their resistance to disease would likely ease any fears about getting sick from bacteria and dirt, and I’m 100% sure any human that isn’t careful while visiting Black Marsh would probably catch a deadly disease and die horrifically from what Argonians would call a common cold. I do see them using a wide variety of mud masks though, and likely have spas with fish that help pick off old, dry, and cracked scales. Sort of like those weird fucked up fish pedicures we have.

[neonstatic]

i've decided to try locs. what's the worst that could happen? i don't like it and i lose a lot of inches combing out the hairstyle? it's not like i've been annoying everyone with my desire to shave my head (eye roll) but ye it was wash day and i found myself realising that i don't want to go thru the whole combing + blow-drying process anymore. and while dreadlocks aren't necessarily low maintenance it definitely asks a lot less effort from my understanding. cus you can just braid your entire head and then just wash and blow-dry it every 2 weeks or so, which is already the same wash frequency i'm used to minus the hours involved in combing the hair. like, fuck combing.

i went in blind when sectioning, only tried to keep a middle split, so it's not gonna turn out neat and pretty at all. it'll turn out wonky, but i can pull off. some ppl don't wear messy well but i think messy was made for me. rn it doesn't actually look v bad like i look like a kid with funky micro braids, but i can just wear a durag most of the time like i've been doing already. like i kid you not i've been hiding my hair under durags and the occasional wigs for months now. i do not care for that shit on my head, she's such an inconvenience. but having this much less work to put into it might help me keep my hair, and i'll get to see just how much this shit can grow when i actually leave it alone. (instead of ironing stretching blow-drying bleaching etc etc)

i'm gonna try and keep that hair for a while. bc well locs are abt patience. i won't see any result if i can't stick w it for at least 3 months. so that's what i'm gonna do. ideally this is gonna be a 1 yr project but i hesitate to make that official since there's nothing in life i've ever willingly and purposefully done for a year that hasn't been, like, some impulse slash hyperfixation thing or esp smth very passive. but i can confidently declare that i plan on keeping the braids for 3 months at least, just so i can see the fuzz of hairgrowth that signifies the beginning of the loc-fication. (that's the scientific word, trust me.)

anyway tldr; braidlocs journey starting now, countdown to march 2023 for next big update. if all fails it's chop-chop time.

[oddsnendsfanfics]

Unraveling in the Sheets

Genre: Fan Fiction

Pairing: Henry Cavill/OFC

Warnings: Language, Sexual Content, NSFW

Rating: M

Length: Short Story

Disclaimer: a strict work of fiction, I own nothing except the original characters and the plot line. In no way am I affiliated to any of it.

A/N: Spoiler Alert, there is smut. Be warned. It's there.

Also, I am no longer doing tags on posts. Since my list exceeds the tag limit. Please feel free to join the chat in place of the tag list.

Henry Cavill Master List

“How did you do it though?” Gliding the car into a free parking space, Henry glanced at Nell in the passenger's seat.

“How did I do what?” Eyeing him curiously, she tried to hide her gloating smile. She could be a terrible winner, even if she wasn't the winner, she had came ahead of Henry.

“You know what I mean, Nelly.”

He looked so silly, his new mustache curling when he laughed or smiled. Nell had to admit, if any man could wear the 'stache Henry did it well.

“Oh, you mean how did I suddenly leave your ass behind and finish nearly 50 positions ahead?” She laughed, crinkling her nose. “I told you, I've been working hard for this. Besides, you're too big. You move slower than I do. It's that simple. Maybe next year, you will finish ahead of me.”

“You're impossible.” Unbuckling his seat belt, Henry hurried to get out of the car and around to the other side, before Nell could open her own door. Nearly there, he frowned when she opened the door, stepping out of the Aston Martin. “You were supposed to let me open that.”

“I am supposed to do a lot of things that I do not.” Nell grabbed her hand bag. “I'll let you open the door, next time. You big dork.”

Henry was always the gentleman, even when Nell would rather rip his eyes out than speak to him in a civil manner. Not that she ever felt the former much, but on the rare occasion. Sometimes that's how things went for ex-lovers. The mid May air was growing cool, leaving a few goosebumps on Nell's exposed arms. She had expected to be back before now, which is why she'd left her sweater in the hotel.

“Well, happy late birthday. It was nice having dinner with your family. I've missed them.”

“They've missed you, too. I could tell that dad was happy you came along. He hasn't talked that much during a dinner since the last time you came over.” Henry smiled fondly. "I'm glad that you came, Nelly." Hands in his pockets, Henry sauntered along beside Nell. Approaching the main entrance, he held the door allowing her to enter. 

When he'd invited her for the weekend, he wasn't confident that she would come. Wrapped up in work, Nell didn't take too much time away from Dublin these days.

"It was a nice break from work." Tucking a piece of hair behind her ear, Nell bit her bottom lip. "I know that you are busy, but do you have a few minutes to talk?"

"I always have time to talk with you." Scanning the hotel lobby, Henry tried to find a spot for them to sit and chat privately. "Should we have a seat at the bar?"

"We could, but I would really like to change. Do you mind coming up with me? We can just talk in the room. It's probably more comfortable anyway."

"Is this about the wild boy?"

"Isn't it always?" 

Laughing, Henry pushed the call button for the elevator. Their son was truly something else. One day he would surely take over the world; Henry could see that coming from the day he was born.  To say Ivan was Henry's pride and joy would be a massive understatement. He lived for their son. This weekend having Ivan, and Nell, in Jersey had been fantastic. A short glimpse of what life could have been. The ding of the elevator brought Henry back from his brief fantasy.

He and Nell had split up several years ago, there wasn't much chance she would feel the same as he did. Lost in the thoughts of happy little family. Allowing Nell to step onto the elevator first, Henry stood silently with his hands clasped in front of him.

“So, Ivan has been doing well in school?” He may as well get this under way.

“Define doing well,” Nell snickered. “I get a call nearly every day from his teacher. The woman is impossible, but knowing our son, he isn't making it easy for her.”

“I was like that in school. Right up until the day I left.” Henry shrugged. The elevator gently bumping to a stop, he stepped forward to hold the door for Nell.

Muttering a thank you, Nell dug for her key card, leading the way down the hall. She loved this hotel, it was the only one she stayed in, if she could help it, while visiting the Island. A great view of the water on one side, the other dazzling with a fantastic look out into the city. The first time she'd ever been to Jersey, she had stayed in the hotel and fell in love with the charm. There were days when that felt like a life time ago.

Opening the door, Nell paused to allow Henry in. “Have a seat. Anywhere you'd like. Sorry it's kind of a mess. I'm going to change.”

The hotel room was anything but a mess, minus the few sketch books that Nell had dropped on the bed. Always working. Henry took a seat on the edge of the king sized bed, casually glancing at the colour coded notes and designs that Nell had in one of the open sketch books. Costumes. A few notes detailed leather armor and Viking era clothing. She'd done well for herself, since he'd met her. The same shy costume apprentice hiding out on set of The Tudors, was now helping drive forward the details of Vikings.

In the bathroom, Nell pulled off her dress. The fabric had became clingy after a while and she needed to be more relaxed. Running shorts and a tshirt would do the trick. Sighing at her reflection, she bit her bottom lip glancing down at her top. The worn coral Nike tshirt was her favourite, it was showing the love and wear in a few spots. Perhaps she should have picked something less frumpy? She was a busy, single mom she didn't have to look the part. Ah fuck, who cared. Henry certainly wouldn't.

He was here to discuss their son, not flirt with her until she gave in to that smile. Or got lost in his eyes, those gorgeous blue eyes – the left with the flecks of brown. His charm alone was enough to make anyone weak in the knees. Damn it, she needed to get over it. He had moved on. She needed to do the same.

Blowing out a breath, Nell reached for the door, pausing when she heard Henry talking. His tone told her that he was speaking to Ivan. Quietly slipping out of the bathroom, she smiled.

“Hold on, just a sec.” He pushed the screen of his phone, allowing the speaker to connect. “Alright, wild boy. Say goodnight to your mum.”

“Mum, momma, mum.” Ivan's voice filled the room. “I love you.”

“I love you, too, Ivan. Are you being a good boy?”

“Uh huh. I love you. Good night.”

“Good night, wild boy. I love you.”

“Night dad.”

“Good night, I love you. I'm going to be back soon, you go to bed and I will see you first thing in the morning.”

“Okay. Oh, dad, can Kal sleep in my room tonight?” Ivan was fond of the large black and white American Akita. Henry laughed.

“Of course he can. You and Kal go to bed, now.”

“Okay, bye.” A little too quickly, Ivan hung up the phone. Henry laughed at the eagerness, he would talk to his mother when he got back to the house. Making sure that Ivan and his dog had gone to bed as they were told, with no fuss.

"Can you believe he is growing this fast? My god where has that time gone?" Henry rubbed his hands against his face. His mustache and subtle stubble scratching his palms. 

"Time is a cruel mistress." Rubbing her hands on her shorts, Nell stood. "Drink? I have a bottle of Johnnie Walker." 

"Of course you do." Smirking, Henry shifted on the side of the bed. “I had a look at some of these designs, by the way. They're magnificent. My god, Nell, you are so talented.”

“You're saying that to be nice,”

Shaking his head, Henry accepted the glass, resting it on his knee. “No, I am saying it because its true. You are one of the most talented costumers that I had ever met. Are you enjoying the job?”

“I love it.” Nell smiled, leaning against the large wooden desk in the corner. “The work is great, the people are amazing, and Ivan is really enjoying it. I'm glad we went.”

“Good, that's good. He talks about it, a lot. He really seems to love being there. I'm glad. Once things settle, I am going to try and come visit. I kind of miss it, Dublin.”

“You should.” She smiled fighting the urge to scoff and roll her eyes. Henry was always busy. He'd make it to Dublin, when Hell froze over. “So, how is work coming on this new character.”

“I can't say much, but I can say that I will be happy when I can shave.” He rubbed the mustache expertly. “It's not as bad as some of the beards that I've had to grow, but it's not my favourite look.”

“You look good with a beard. I know you hate them, but you do.”

Leaning forward to set his glass on the bedside table, Henry licked the whiskey off of his lips. “I'm glad to have that compliment.”

“Sure.” Nell nodded, tipping her glass to finish the drink. “Another?”

“Uh, I'm good.” Henry motioned to his glass. Rubbing his hands across his jeans, he furrowed his brow. “I've been thinking, since I am fairly busy the next few months, what if I keep Ivan for a few extra days? Once you leave, I will take him back to London with me, until I have to go.”

Shifting on the bed, her face warm from the second glass of whiskey, Nell sniffled and cleared her throat. “What about school?”

“What about it? He isn't going to miss much, is he? They're nearly finished up and I don't know how long it will be, until I see him. Possibly not until Christmas.”

All he wanted was to spend a little time with his son, was that so hard? His next move would have to be calculated, Nell had been known to stat arguments over less. If Henry wanted to avoid a shouting match, he would have to go about this carefully. Reaching for his glass, he downed the remaining contents in one large gulp. Sighing.

“I want to hang out with him a little. It wouldn't be more than three days extra. Then you get some time alone, as well. Nell, I know that you need a bit of a break. You work so hard and take care of Ivan, please.”

“If you want to, then I suppose I can't really say no. What kind of mother would I be, if I didn't let you see him?”

“Don't say things like that, please.” Henry reached out, his hand taking hers. Gently stroking the back of her hand with his thumb. “You are a wonderful mum. You know that.”

“Sometimes, I feel like I could do better. I really do.” Nell shrugged, allowing Henry to continue holding her hand.

“All parents feel that way, I am sure. I know that I feel like that, all the time. I guess it's natural, always wanting to do better, to be better, for our children.”

There he went again. There were times when Nell could not stand to be near him, other times she wanted to be as close as possible. Damn it. Watching him talk about Ivan and the few extras days they would be together, Henry's eyes lit up. His smile broad and the enthusiasm in his voice was one that dictated proud father. Nell nodded, only because she felt it was appropriate to the conversation.

Henry continued to chatter about how he wanted to take Ivan to a new exhibit at the Natural History Museum, in London. Leave it to the father and son, finding a day at the museum to be high on the list of fun. Nell sighed, continuing to half listen, half gaze at Henry in awe. One thing she loved – well love could be a strong word – adored? Enjoyed? About Henry was how much he loved Ivan.

Mid sentence about some Sir David Attenborough documentary that he'd watched with Ivan; Nell couldn't help it any longer. Leaning in, without warning, she grabbed Henry's face turning it to her and kissing him. Lips connecting, she stopped and jumped back as if hit by an electric shock.

Clearing his throat, Henry rubbed the back of his neck, but not pulling back. “I didn't know that the National Geographic was that exciting.”

“I'm sorry.” Hiding her face in her hands, Nell shook her head. Oh that had been a mistake. She had absolutely no right. None. Henry was crazy, if he didn't get up right now and walk out. If he was angry, then she deserved that.

Blushing, Nell shook her head. “Henry, I shouldn't have.”

“I'm certainly not going to complain.” He shrugged, leaning in his arm sliding around her shoulder. Nell glanced up, getting the nerves to look at him. Oh she had fucked up. “Next time, I would like some warning though.”

“Warning? Next time?”

“Hmm, yes. Kind of like this, close your eyes.” Henry instructed pulling her closer and kissing her. Nell sighed her body melting against him. She loved the way his lips felt on hers. Soft, with a slight force.

Straddling his waist, her arms wrapped around his neck, Nell's fingers laced together. Her lips leaving his, tracing along his jaw, nearing the sweet spot below his ear. A slight nip and he was an unraveling mess. Henry nuzzled his face into her hair, she smelled amazing. Comforting and warm. A groan erupted from deep in his throat, as predicted she had gone straight for that spot.

“Nell, Nell,” Henry cleared his throat, holding her at arm's length, “Janelle, stop.” Looking for any sort of sign that she truly felt that this wasn't a good idea, he sucked in a breath. “Are you sure about this? Because if we continue, I won't stop until...”

“I am.” She nodded firmly, “I don't want you to stop. I don't want to stop. Oh god, Henry. Please.”

“I need to know that you truly, absolutely want to do this.”

“If you don't stop talking and bend me over, I am going to kick you out and do this myself. Please, stop talking. If I didn't want this, I wouldn't have started it.”

A deep rumbling laugh followed, Henry rolled his eyes. God, she was something else. Who was he to deny a gorgeous woman what she wanted? Would this come back to haunt him? Probably. Did he care? Not much. Come morning they would once again go their separate ways, but that didn't matter right now. Right now, he could pretend that he had everything he wanted. And what he wanted was her.

Pulling her to him, Henry kissed her hard. Nell moaned, the force of the kiss was nearly dizzying. Arms around his neck, she rubbed her body against his, trying to grasp the friction that was created when she started to grind herself against his thighs.

“Henry,”

“Hold on, you need patience.” He brushed a bit of hair out of her face, “all in good time.”

Nell squealed when he stood, her legs desperately scrambling to hold onto him. In a futile attempt she huffed, when he let her go, standing in front of him pouting. Unbuttoning his shirt, Henry smirked giving her a heated stare. “Well, are you going to get on the bed or make me do all the work? Shorts off.”

Sliding the mesh shorts down her ass and along her legs, Nell made a bit of a show letting them pool at her feet. Stepping out, as slowly as possible, while lifting the old tshirt from her body. Allowing it to go where it would, as she dropped it. Sitting back on the bed, she could feel her heart in her throat and her stomach where her heart should be.

“Lie back.” Henry instructed, kneeling at the edge of the bed. Arms around her thighs, guiding her to him, he studied her for a moment. She was trembling as his fingers slid across her thighs, positioning her in just the right way.

“Oh god, Hen-Henry.” Nell's mouth was suddenly dry and her voice hoarse. His hot breath between her legs was tormenting her, in unimaginable ways. In anticipation she bucked her hips forward, trying to clench her thighs. Holding her knees with his shoulders, Henry chuckled.

“Eager.”

“Please.”

“You are...” He lingered, kissing the inside of her leg. “Gorgeous. Look at you.” He brushed his thumb against her. Nell whimpered trying to push further. “Hold on, hold on.”

“Why are you teasing me?”

“Because I want to enjoy the view, for a moment.” He shrugged, her legs lifting gently. A hand on her lower abdomen, as if holding her in place, he used the other to gently tease and trace along her calf. Without warning, his lips attached to the most sensitive part of her body with his mustache adding an extra sensation, Nell bucked her hips hard, shoving his face further between her thighs.

Nell's head was swimming, it had been a while since she'd felt this good from such an act. Sure, she'd had the odd date here and there, semi-serious relationships, but nobody could do this the way Henry could. He was a fucking magician, she was certain of it. Humming against her mound, Henry couldn't hide the laughter in his eyes, when she began to squirm and wiggle against his face. She was desperate and he was going to prolong this as much as he could.

Sucking her clit, his tongue generously lapping at her, he thoroughly enjoyed the show. Pushing his head as far down as she could, Nell was nearly in tears each time he leaned in, his mustache tickling in just the right way. Oh god, she gasped trying hard to find release. Henry was cunning, backing off at the right moments.

“Henry,” She whined, threading her fingers through his hair. “Don't tease me, I really need you to finish.”

“Stop being so impatient.” He was teasingly stern. Pushing her hands away, he locked his fingers with hers, holding them at her side. Lifting his head, he smirked, kissing up her body ending with another dizzying kiss. Nell sucked on his tongue, freeing her hands from his, she tugged him closer, pulling at fistfuls of hair.

Cleaning herself from his tongue and lips, she sighed. “I'm going to need more than that.”

“You're sure?” Henry paused, holding his weight on his forearms, resting above her. His jeans still on, he could feel the strain against the denim.

“Jeans, off.” She demanded, sitting up to watch. Shivering against the slight chill, her breasts on display giving him the perfect view of her erect nipples. Nell blushed under his gaze. She was not the tight, toned, and perky body she once was. She wasn't out of shape, by any means, but compared to Henry...

“You are gorgeous.” Henry complimented, his jeans on the floor, boxers being pushed down to join them. Stepping out of his pants, he stood at the side of the bed, in all his glory.

Nell licked her lips, reaching out to take him in her hand. Hissing under her touch, Henry involuntarily bucked his hips forward into her hand. Rubbing the head, Nell intently watched Henry while she leaned in taking him fully in her mouth.

“Fuck, Nelly.”

“Hmm,” She hummed, sliding her head back along his length. Hand wrapped around him, stroking in place of her mouth. Bobbing her head back down, she swirled her tongue around the base. He nearly choked her the first time she'd ever gone down on him. Oh how long ago that felt.

Dragging her tongue against his length, she felt her core tighten, with each moan Henry gave. His slight salty taste mixed with the aftertaste of the Johnnie Walker, Nell inhaled deeply through her nose, hollowing her cheeks around him. Gripping the back of her head, Henry tried to not force her too hard, as he began to guide her movement.

Happy to go along with what he needed to feel good, Nell allowed him control over her guidance. Her finger nails grazing the back of his thighs, she mentally checked the small victory when he threw his hips forward at the sensation of her wrapped around him and her nails on his skin.

“Good girl,” Henry mumbled, his head lulling back, his chest rising rapidly. “Keep it up, just like that. Oh shit,”

Nell's chest swelled a little, she could still make him feel good, even after all of this time apart. That was not something she would take lightly, even if this shouldn't be happening. Oh fuck, who cared? They were two consenting adults. Henry's legs quivered, his hands unsteady stroking the back of her head.

“Nell,”

“Hmm?” She glanced up at him. His face soft and his jaw slack, she could feel him tightening. The perfect time to stop her actions. “Not yet,” She smirked, wiping her hand across her chin, drool gone. “Fair is fair.”

“Jesus,” Henry grumbled. He had been so fucking close, the knot in the pit of his stomach clenched Slowing his breathing, he took a moment to think of anything else. Laundry? Running? How much longer until he had to renew his passport?

“Henry?”

“Yeah?” He snapped his head to look at Nell.

“Are we going to stand here all night, or...” She shrugged, a devious smirk on her face. Laying back on the bed, she curled her finger beckoning him to her.

“You're still sure about this?” Henry asked. His eyes on her, waiting to see if she had any hint of doubt or hesitation.

“I don't have a condom, but I'm clean. It's not like I'm getting pregnant, so....” If she were to get pregnant, there was going to be on hell of a hefty lawsuit against that surgeon.

“You're sure? I know that I'm...but I don't have.”

“if you don't want to, then I understand.”

“I do, though, but...”

Nell shook her head. “No buts. If you want me, then I'm yours.”

“Fuck, you're making this hard.”

Giggling, Nell glance down. “I think we're beyond things being hard.”

His body betraying him, Henry cleared his throat, she certainly had a point. Fuck it. What did they have to lose? Unless this, some how, came back to bite them. No, no he had to stop that. Give in, enjoy what was happening. It had been too long since he'd been able to watch her in such bliss. Bliss that he was responsible for.

“You're sure?”

Nell nodded siting up, opening her arms, “Come here.”

On the edge of the bed, Henry sighed, his large frame leaning into her. Nell held him for a moment, stroking his hair, the feel of his warmth against her sent shivers through her spine. Pushing him back on the bed, she bit her bottom lip, waiting for the go ahead. Henry gave her a slight nod, adjusting himself on the bed to get comfortable. Straddling his hips, Nell lifted herself to slowly take him.

Sheathing him inch by inch, Nell groaned at the fullness. This was her favourite part, taking him to the end, feeling him stretch her. Rocking her hips forward, she countered the motion sliding them back in the same tantalizing pace. Henry held her hips, pushing his up to meet her. Nell squeaked and giggled. She loved the way he hit all the right spots.

“You can touch me, don't be shy.” Nell winked, lifting her arms and crossing them above her head, allowing him a full view of her breasts. “Go on.” She encouraged.

His large hands cupping her breasts, Henry softly rolled her hardening nipples between his fingers, giving on a slight flick when she moved herself up on his length. Close to letting him slide out, she moved back down, her ass grinding against him.

The way her body moved against his was mesmerizing. Massaging her supple skin, from her breasts down her sides, one hand settling on her ass and the other on her hip. Henry loved the shape, even if she had changed a little since having Ivan. God she was stunning.

Hastening her pace, Nell rocked back and forth, up and down. Henry closed his eyes feeling every bit of movement, each clench. Taking in the sounds of her breathing, mixed with his, her small moans not going unnoticed.

“Henry,” She whispered, biting her bottom lip, leaning forward to touch her lips against his. “Please,”

Without having to be asked twice, he moved swiftly, turning them over to pin her beneath him. Nell sighed and stretched her arms over her head, the pull of her muscles caused another shiver. Her head now against the pillow, she reached, tracing the lines of his face with her fingertip.

“I don't know that I can be as slow as you were.” Henry nipped her finger. Holding back on his desire to pound her into the bed.

“Then don't.” Nell batted her eye lashes at him.

Somehow that was all he needed, that tiny bit of permission. Picking up the pace, Henry grunted. Nell moaned drawing her knees upward, allowing him an even better vantage to this position. As if the pent up emotions from the last few years, hours, minutes had been released the couple were lost in the sensation of skin on skin. The feeling of sparks and electricity coursing through them. Connecting them.

“Fuck, Janelle.” Henry hissed, his arm locked into position on either side of her head, keeping him from tumbling on top of her.

“Henry,” She squealed splaying her hands against his chest, tugging at the soft hairs. “Oh god. Please, don't stop. My god, oh fuck.”

“You are fucking amazing. Fuck, look at you.” Kissing her roughly, he sighed, steadying his pace. His hips slapping hers, Nell shook slightly her soft sobs of pleasure were enough to send him to an end.

Shaking with pleasure, Nell gasped trying to bring herself down from the high. Henry moaned, his head back and chest heaving. It had been a while since he had felt that good. Nell laid with her legs hooked around his thighs, no desire to move. Collapsing with his head on her chest, Henry allowed his body to rest. Sweaty and sticky, they laid tangled together. Neither one wanting to break the feeling.

Dosing in and out, Nell was the first to move. Her body growing heavy with Henry still on top of her. She needed to move, before seizing up. Pushing his head to the side, she giggled and kissed the tip of her nose when he lazily looked up.

“I need to pee,”

“Hmph.” Henry nodded, slowly rolling over. Allowing her to escape. Laying flat on the bed, while she scurried off to the bathroom, Henry pushed himself up off of the bed. He should be getting back to his parents, back to Ivan.

All thoughts of moving were squashed, when Nell came back, climbing in beside him. Her clothes still on the floor. Her body was comforting against his. “Hi,” she whispered, sliding in under his arm.

“Nell?” Henry laid with his arm around her shoulder.

“Huh?” Nell grunted, her face buried in his chest.

“I should head back.”

“If you want to. You can stay, I don't mind.” Nell yawned. Her eyes closing.

“Okay, but only for a little while.” Henry agreed, closing his eyes. In a few minutes, he would get up, shower, and head back.

With a start, Henry woke, a loud banging noise rattling him. Looking around the dark room, he squinted to find the source of the noise. Hearing someone whispering at a distance, Henry laid in bed, listening. Against him, Nell stirred, but didn't wake. Someone in the hall was talking, no doubt they had been the source of the banging. He had fell asleep, Nell wrapped against him.

Looking at his watch, Henry frowned. 4am. If he left right now, he could be back before anybody woke. If he left now, he risked Kal barking and waking the house. If he waited, he would risk walking in and having to explain himself to one or more person. Of course he could tell them that he'd ran into some old friends, had some drinks and stayed on a sofa somewhere. Too drunk to drive.

Shifting in bed, Nell sighed, her arm around his waist she snuggled in closer. She was content, who was Henry to try and disturb her sleep? He would wait an hour or two, before he made his departure. So what if he waltzed in, being faced by one of his brothers, or even his mother. He was an adult, if he wanted to stay out all night enjoying the company of a fantastic woman, then he would do just that.

Kissing the top of Nell's head, Henry smiled, sinking down further into the covers, closing his eyes.

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[itsstrangelypermanent]

Let's talk about helmets and hair

I'm going to preface this entire thing with some disclaimers.

1. I have a lot of hair, but its thin, white-Irish girl hair. Yes, I know. It's green. Thanks for noticing. 2. My prop helmet has had absolutely zero post-print processing, and is held together by blue painters tape so I could start working out designs and fits. As such, it is NOT 100% accurate, but more than sufficient to demonstrate its true size when fully assembled. 3. Addendum to #2 - there is ZERO padding inside, evidenced in one of the pictures. 4. It is a 1:1 scale, designed for a male (human :D) of approximate canon height. It's a commercially available - both the print and the .stl file. I did not print this myself, as my printbed isn't quite big enough for it, but bought it from the creator himself. 5. I work in a cleanroom. For those unaware, that means I basically go through a form of decontamination every time I enter the workroom floor, and we wear Resident Evil type white suits (minus the giant spacesuit helmets.). We wear hoods over our hair to prevent FM (free matter) contamination. Why is this relevant? It is, trust me.

AND now that I have that out of the way, let's begin, shall we?

I am all for clones having their own private individualities. I adore the fanon/canon beliefs that they embrace body art (and I'll include hair styles/coloration into this) to make them unique, them. Kix and Keeli with their ridiculous shaved patterns (canon), Thorn and Hound having dyed/bleached hair respectively (fanon), the absolute myriad of both canon and fanon tattoos... while I honestly and truly believe the writers of TCW had zero intent for it meaning more than "oh hey, let's give Crys blond hair in this episode so we can tell him apart when we do shots from the shoulders up" and "gee whiz, Fives and Echo look exactly alike when they stand next to each other, let's pop a tattoo on Five's fat head so our audience can be spoon-feed who is who" -- well, sorry guys, it had more implications than that.

So past clone tattoos, which as a connoisseur of tattoos in genral, I could write pages on... let's focus on hair. Specifically, let's talk about the practicalities of having long hair as a clone trooper.

That's just it.

There aren't any.

Behold. A helmet. (Also, a cat. Her name is Duchess Helga.)

Specifically, a Phase II clone commander helmet, minus the greeblies that make it a commander helmet. Those bits aren't relevant for this as they do nothing to affect internal fit. As mentioned, its 1:1 scale, and unless you have some weird bulbous protrusions, it should fit a generally normal sized post-puberty human.

Also observe: Zero post-print processing. There's been no filling or sanding. This is as raw as that chicken Gordon Ramsey is constantly screeching about. Important - there is no padding. I can't repeat this often enough. Padding can be expected to add anywhere from half an inch to a full 2", depending on how you want it to fit, how big your noggin is, etc. Think: bike helmet.

Exhibit the Third: Hair. Standard, semi-long hair. Hits my shoulder blades, maybe just a touch past since my ends are split and terrible.

This is with my hair loose, down my back. Please note that I don't generally wear my contacts if I'm not working these days, and my glasses very much do not fit under. That's fine. Canonically, there are no glasses-wearing clones that I can think of, save Tech, and well... I'm not even going to touch that with a 10' pole. I was vaguely satisfied that I actually ended up in frame, since I couldn't see what I was doing.

The inside bowl of the helmet is sitting on the top of my head, I'm just holding it still since there's nothing internally there to help that yet. It rests just on my shoulders, as-is.

(protip: if you're doing something like this yourself, make sure all your tape, if you have any looping into the inside, is completely down and not sticking up. Painter's tape does not like to come off of hair, but alas, we must suffer for our art.)

Now we have all that out of the way, let's talk clones. Specifically, let's talk Tup.

Canonically, he has majestic hair, if a questionable male-pattern-baldness/Vegata (it's over 9000?!?!) hairline. (That's not coming from me, that's coming from my brother, who suffers similarly.)

Here is a Tup.

This was one of the best angles of his hair I could find, and has the benefit of one of our favorite ARCs. Note the bun, and how high it is on the crown of his head.

Let's science.

Simple wrap bun. Basic pony, take the tail and twist, then use whatever random scrunchie or elastic that comes to hand to secure it. This is low on the back of my neck. I generally wear my hair for work around this height because it's easiest for me to put up, and around the house about the same because I wear a lot of ball caps. Remember how I mentioned working in a cleanroom and wearing a hood over my hair? With my hair down low like that, I can wear a size medium hood, the standard generic, "typical" size expected for someone of my height and build.

Without resorting to pixel measurements (I am not MatPat), visually, the... density? size? of my hair appears similar to what Tup sports.

Ignore my foot, this isn't that kind of post.

So, with my hair down low, the helmet does not fit. Not anywhere close. Unseen, but relevant: my nose now has a scrape on it because I tried to finagle my way in. Bun was rather unforgiving unless I wanted to rip out chunks of my hair. I did eventually manage to cram myself in, but it was distinctly unpleasant. The cap of the helmet did not rest on the top of my head - the bun basically wedged my face against the visor part of the helmet.

Remember: no internal padding.

(You gotta have buns, hun.)

Once I freed my hair from its blue, sticky prison, I took another look at my file of Tup reference pictures. He wears his bun way up high, on the crown of his head.

So, with the not-very-helpful assistance of my cat who kept trying to eat my elastics, I put mine up in approximately the same place. Yes, I know my hair looks like a rat's nest, I hadn't been up for long when I took this... it's very much bed-head. Also god DAMN the gray :sobs:

After a few adjustments (I rarely wear my hair up this high, it took a moment to adjust it), I tried the helmet again.

Success!

Or not.

So, the pros... I got my head in.

That's about it.

Cons: My nose is very much mashed against the "teeth" part and, well... hair. Hair takes up space, be it in your helmet or in your bathroom drain. My bun is absolutely mashed to the top of the helmet, and my rough measurements of it's height are 3.5-4" seem to correlate to what Tup has. I actually had to pull the helmet down a bit because otherwise my chin would be hanging out - that's how badly the height of my hair affected the fit.

Remember how I mentioned I normally wear a medium hood at work? if I wear my hair with my bun anywhere north of my ears, I have to go to a size large. I'm in that hood for 10 hours out of 12, and the discomfort of my hair binding on the back of my head is just vile. Also, I'd have a line across my forehead where the seam of the eye-hole section of the hood is, and that's just not cool.

And that's with fabric, which inherently has some give to it.

Finally, and again, there's no padding in the helmet. It's bare PLA on the inside, plain, simple, somewhat fragile white plastic filament. In fact, I'd go so far as to wager that PLA/PET/typical 3D print filaments have more give to them than "plastoid" does.

So. Where does this leave us?

For me, it's (and Lordy Lordy I dislike using buzzword bingo words like this) immersion breaking. It's just not practical, and between the Mandalorian heritage and the Kaminoans being what they are, I can't imagine extensive hair styling, at least of the having lots of it variety, to be a thing. Helmets are one-size-fits-all, with the only real distinctions being different "classes" - ARFs, command-types, phase I/phase II, pilot-specific, etc. One clone head can fit into every helmet, every helmet can fit onto every clone head. I can't imagine that the standard-issue helmets would have any sort of adjustable padding, either. Further, there's electronics in canon helmets - HUDs, etc. That takes up space.

To try to keep my meandering to a minimum, I'll narrow this. I can't imagine a clone, a being who's in their armor far more often than they're out of it, voluntarily being that uncomfortable for that long, when there are other methods of expressing individuality. Now, that's not to say that some wouldn't - pain is pleasure kind of nonsense, the need to do something to break the mold. I get that. BUT... I would see them in the incredibly vast minority. The physical discomfort would be a big thing, as would... well, helmets come with instruction manuals and warnings. Not wearing a helmet properly puts you at potentially more risk of injury should something happen. I can't imagine a commander, a medic, a brother knowingly let another brother go into a combat situation with a potentially life-saving piece of equipment not fitting right because he wants to have fluffy hair, not when there are other options. Hair color, shaving it, tattoos, piercings... all would seem to be viable and valid alternatives.

Aaaaaaaaaaaaand this has been my TEDTalk on why clone hair as portrayed is broken as fuck and quite possibly the most unrealistic thing in the series. Little green men playing with energy swords is ok. Clones of a space Polynesian (I'm going to use that term broadly, it's not meant to offend anyone, but more to bring attention to physicality) with BEAUTIFULLY LUSH HAIR cramming said BEAUTIFULLY LUSH HAIR into overly-tight helmets just isn't.

[lolly-dolli]

Just woke up from a dream that I was a character in what I think was a Seinfeld-era sitcom where I was at a group therapy appointment for my roommate (their name was Sid, they were one of them lost boys-type sewer punks with a mostly shaved head and a rattail and a leather jacket and a ton of pet rats and a running joke was that they called themself the rat king and sometimes ordered the rats to do their bidding, it was a whole thing) and their older brother who had dropped in for a surprise visit.

Anyway I think this was the episode where their gender is addressed because their brother (also wearing a leather jacket, but like in a typical washed-up Hollywood dudebro way) and we were all trying to explain to him what nonbinary means with the discussion getting comically out of hand as we branched into different subtypes under the umbrella (see Always Sunny's "twunk" scene) with him getting angrier and angrier and not getting it.

Eventually we get home, them still arguing while my character is trying to deescalate and comically accidentally causing more misunderstanding, and he says some offhand remark about "not getting it," and it becomes very clear that this is the stereotypical "clumsy explanation of our identities" episode until Sid suddenly gets this look on their face, switches gears and tells him "hey come look at something in my lair?" And leads him by one hand behind a bookcase where after a moment the sound of commotion and rat squeaking and Sid's brother yelling could be heard, and my character looking more and more deeply concerned until there is only silence with the implication obviously being that Sid has fed yet another person to their rat subjects.

Only for Sid's brother to step out, visibly shaken but unharmed, give the rat that's usually Sid's "head minion" (rode around on their shoulders so Sid could whisper into its ears and tell it to do stuff maybe once or twice an episode) this dark look and say "get rid of their body."

Anyway it turned out that the REAL reason for his visit was to usurp their throne as rat king, with him progressively growing more and more mad with newfound power until at the very end of the end of the episode Sid returns (turns out they'd been hiding out and laying low in the secret sewer tunnels under my house and commanding their subjects from the shadows until the time was right) and has the rats drag him offscreen as screaming is once again heard

I should mention that every other aspect of this show was 100% mundane minus Sid being the rat king and it was played as if they were just the "morally-grey-leaning-black friend character." Up until then it was usually only implied that they frequently offered to "take care of people" via feeding them to the rats and that the rats were smart enough to do their bidding.

So basically ABC hire me because I woke up cackling maniacally and I think I could really bring something to the writer's room and also I don't want this idea ending up a failed Kickstarter goodnight im going back to sleep

[ecofinisher]

The Adventures of Super Nathan 4 - Chap 2

Chapter 2

https://archiveofourown.org/works/29003949/chapters/71391201

https://www.wattpad.com/1018609843-the-adventures-of-super-nathan-4-chapter-2

The class was now in the break playing with each other in small groups. Most of the parents stood together with other parents watching their children play and chatted along with each other.

Nathaniel hung out with Luka, Ivan, Kagami, Rose, and Jin on the stairs observing their offspring play tag with another. Ivan held out his smartphone in his hands to watch the kids thought it and took a few snapshots of them running and showed it to Nathaniel, which nodded.

„Who would have thought one day we would sit together years after we finish school and watch our own offsprings play with each other?“ Luka asked looking at the friend group, which nodded at Luka‘s comment.

„I wasn‘t for myself expecting it so early, but I gotta admit it gives me such a great feeling to see Elliot run there along with the others,“ Kagami stated watching Elliot crash against Rouven, which was laughing afterward Rouven began to haunt the blonde laughing along with him, making Kagami smile enchanted. „Adrien blessing me with this cute, little boy was the best thing he could have done,“ Kagami mentioned earning a nod from Ivan.

„Did you really have to give up your education to be able to be around Elliot?“ Ivan questioned looking at the Japanese woman, which shake her head.

„No, I was able to repeat the next semester on the other year. I just didn‘t want to be less present in Elliot‘s life as I would be along with Adrien gone at the uni. I left the university to be at home with him, later on, Gabriel opened for me a 70% workload to be working at the office along with him and Emilie,“

„At least it‘s something good,“ Ivan commented.

„How‘s is every one of you doing?“ Kagami questioned. „So far I only know about Lila and Nathaniel. What are you doing Rose?“

„I opened the hair salon along with Juleka, Jean, Aurore, and Marc,“ Rose mentioned. „We cut everyone‘s hair and Jean and Juleka also know how to barber. Every man can get for 7 bucks a new hair cut. Depending on what else we do it gets another price,“ Rose explained.

„What would Nath pay for his haircut?“ Luka asked placing his hand behind Nathaniel‘s head watching Nathaniel grab Luka‘s hand to pull it down.

„Hey, I like my hair the way it is,“ Complained the redhead making Luka snicker.

„Sure you do, babyface,“ Luka joked.

„Says the one who has the face shaved,“ Nathaniel countered making Luka grin.

„You know I just shave my face out of hygienic reasons, right?“ Luka commented making Ivan chuckle at their argument.

„Are you two really going to talk about shaving right now?“ Questioned the tall man.

„Don‘t worry Ivan, if Lila was here the conversation would have turned awkward in the next five seconds,“ Kagami mentioned making Ivan chuckle.

„She really would,“ Luka agreed making Nathaniel frown.

„Hey you two are talking about my wife,“ Nathaniel commented watching Luka slap his friend on the back.

„Don‘t worry, we‘re not meaning to offend,“ Luka assured, then his phone began to ring and he got up to attend the call and walk towards the exit.

„Do you still work in the retirement home, Nathaniel‘s dad is living?“ Rose questioned earning a nod from the raven-haired man.

„Yeah. I don‘t feel like anything has changed at all except for Cody growing up,“ Ivan mentioned.

„This year was tough for me and Nathalie. We were all on our own and we only managed to visit my mom every second week. Lila was the entire time out in Italy during the recording of the series. Lila‘s luck now was, that the role she got as a protagonist will mainly play in Paris and just the first season takes place in Italy. Soon she will be here and we‘ll be able to see her more often,“

„Wish I could see her today, but we‘re going to have dinner with my parents and we won‘t be able to come,“ Rose mentioned earning a nod from the redhead.

„It‘s okay you can visit us any other day,“ Nathaniel added making the blonde nod.

„I may bring her one of the coupons my frequent guests usually receive at Christmas. In case she wants to color her hair back,“

„I think she likes having black hair so far,“ Nathaniel mentioned. „But it‘s not a bad idea either,“

„Good,“ Rose agreed, then watched Nathaniel take out his smartphone as he heard it receiving a message and he opened it to see it was sent by Ivan, that showed his son along with Luka‘s running. Nathaniel gave a thumb up, then opened his gallery to send the previous picture he took during class to the chat Ivan was in along with 14 other students from his class. Ivan replied with a thumb up followed by Marinette beginning to type down a message.

„Aww my little Prince,“ Marinette commented with several hearts beside it.

Mrs. Donner passed across the court of the elementary school with a plateau with middle-sized and small cups of coffee and stopped by the adults on the stair to offer them a drink.

„Is anyone interested in a coffee or an espresso?“ Questioned the teacher earning a nod from all students, except for Nathaniel and the teacher bowed down at the adults so each of them could take a drink.

„Ivan remember the first time my friend Paulo offered Adrien a cigarette to smoke?“ Luka questioned earning a nod from the tall man.

„Oh yes I do,“ Ivan responded with a laughter. „Why did he want to do that again?“

„He said something about it would make him more manly,“ Luka mentioned. „Really?“ Nathaniel asked. „I would have never done that,“

„I understand you,“

„Hey what‘s the next lesson in the schedule?“ Ivan questioned. „Was it Math?“ The raven-haired man asked earning a nod from the teacher.

„Yes, it is. Don‘t worry. It‘s very simple for them,“ Mrs. Donner said watching Luka elbow Nathaniel on his arm.

„You‘ll be able to tell Nathalie the difference between a plus and a minus, right?“ Luka joked making Nathaniel frown.

„Are you kidding me?“ Questioned Nathaniel making Luka chuckle. „Of course I do,“

„That‘s great, but you don‘t need to worry about if anything isn‘t understandable for you to explain to your daughter when needed. The school is here to help her out, when she needs it,“ Mrs. Donner explained earning a nod from Nathaniel.

„Your group seems quite close I have noticed. Were you in the same class before?“ Questioned the woman earning a nod from Luka.

„Well I was a class ahead of them, but I knew Nathaniel and Ivan from the elementary school. Rose was my sister‘s childhood friend and they‘re together now and I‘m married to Marinette, who attended the same class as Nathaniel and Ivan,“

„Okay and I think I‘ve seen you in some magazines along with the former teeny model Adrien Agreste, right?“ Questioned the teacher earning a nod from the blue-haired woman. „I remember starting university and see your first image with him,“

„Oh yes….I think it was with our sponsors for the fencing tournament or a paparazzi shoot,“ Kagami mentioned. „I‘m not really fond of photoshoots so I‘m sort of lost in the ones I attended with him,“

„It‘s no issue. I will move further to the next parents. See you all in the classroom again,“

„Is anyone of you going to eat at home?“ Ivan questioned. „I‘m not sure if I can make it to cook something quick for Cody only,“

„My mom offered me to pass by her house for lunch with Rouven. If you want I can ask her if she could make space for you two,“ Luka offered. „Nathaniel, you‘re also interested?“ Questioned the raven-haired man his short friend.

„I was planning in stopping at the restaurant down the Louvre, but if you don‘t mind it, I could go with you,“ Responded the redhead.

„Great, I will just make the call,“ Luka stated getting up from the stairs to search his mother‘s phone number to call her.

„Has Adrien actually have a plan B, if he fails again at the exam?“ The blonde woman asked watching Kagami take a sip of her espresso.

„I didn‘t ask him anything about it, cause I don‘t want him to feel negative about it or that I think negatively about his performance later on the exams. I think after we know the results we can see later. Maybe he‘ll get luckier this time and we won‘t need a plan b,“

„Wee, when he passes this means he will once more be distant from all of you again. How are you able to deal with that?“ Questioned Rose.

„Well, we may get used to that. If there‘s something changing between all of us I ask Adrien if we can find out a solution to this. We will wait first,“

„Don‘t let Adrien miss all the memorable moments he can experience with Elliot throughout his life. How many men or even women miss the most important parts of their kids' life, just because they're hoping to provide them a better life?“

„Oh Rose don't‘ worry. I and Adrien are both in this. We promised each other to help each other out,“

„That is good. These coming years are going to be the best ones you‘ll have with him. Believe me,“ Rose spoke earning a nod from the blue-haired woman watching the playing kids.

Adrien sat in the bedroom in front of his desk gazing into the book he was using to study. Plagg, his kwami sat on top of a shelf over the desk, which contained various named files watching the blonde learn for the exam.

„Why didn‘t you go together with Elliot and Kagami to the first school day?“ Plagg questioned. „You would be only the morning there,“

„I need to focus on Friday, Plagg,“ Warned the blonde.

„I know you do, but you could have been present there like Kagami or at least for an hour or two,“

„I could, but I couldn‘t. I will make it up for him tonight anyway by watching that movie with him they didn‘t finish yesterday,“ Adrien mentioned picking up the smartphone, which lied at the edge of his table counting the amount of minutes he‘s been studying, which were at 135. „I‘m not sure when exactly we will watch it thought. I would prefer in the afternoon rather than after dinner,“

„Wouldn‘t you want it after dinner?“ Questioned Plagg. „You know so that he can straight off go to bed or get ready for it?“

„I don‘t know…..Well it could come the case that he has homework to do and I believe it‘s better for him to do them right after school. Or he should do it the way he feels is better for him. I used to hear from Kim or Ivan, that they had the need to do something after school before working on the homework first,“

„Eating first always is a good option,“ Commented the black kitten earning a nod from Adrien, which looked back at his smartphone as he heard it vibrate then pressed on the home button to lighten up the display and see a message from his wife, then he sighed.

„Oh damn it, the surprise party,“ Adrien commented leaning back on the seat picking up his phone to unlock it.

„Morning Adri. I forgot yesterday about the surprise party we were participating in going to. If you prefer to stay back to study, stay. I‘ll be going there to at least see Lila again. See you later,“

„I promised her to go a long while ago. I‘m not going to skip it,“

„What about the movie?“ Questioned the kwami.

„We‘ll see that later. I‘ll wait until they‘re back,“ Adrien stated beginning to text a message to Kagami. „I prefer to solve it with her, rather than randomly agreeing or disagreeing on it,“

„Sounds quite better than the last few times,“

„That‘s why I chose this way. I‘m lately being so absent that soon or later I will end up being like my dad or worse“

„What your dad was in the past was worse. You‘re just something else…..something that comes before bad,“

„There‘s nothing before bad. I‘m either bad or worse,“

„Okay I know something else. You‘re not perfect and that‘s normal. You‘ll never be perfect, you will just learn how to deal with it. This is a good start, you prefer to discuss with Kagami the issue about Elliot and Lila‘s surprise party you agreed on going months ago. Just talk you two about it and it will get solved in a way or another. Which way you‘ll both agree on remains unknown for now,“

„Sure, I‘ll do it, don‘t worry. Here I need to focus now on the learning,“ Mentioned the blonde shoving the smartphone back to the end of the table, followed by the kwami to sit down on its cover with a piece of cheese on his hands to observe the holder continue his practice for the exam.

[charlie-writes1]

Valentine

By: @charlie-writes1

Writing Masterlist

Fandom: My hero academia

Ship: KiriBaku

Warnings: Swearing, gay

Word count: 2,354

Posted: 27.4.21

a/n I got this idea from a comic I saw a long time ago (like a year or two), I don't know who created it and I only ever saw a few short panels. If someone knows the comic please please please tell me because I want to link it! As I said I only ever saw a few short panels so minus a very short scene that I tweaked to be my own the rest of the story is mine. (Characters belong to the respectful creator)

-Summary-

Today is the day! Kirishima was going to ask out his crush. That is... he was going to ask him out, but someone beat him to the punch and he didn't think he had any chances left.

"Yo! Baku wait up!" Kirishima yelled, running up behind his explosive friend.

"What do you want Shitty Hair?" Bakugo grumbled. He didn't even spare Kirishima a glance as the redhead swung an arm playfully around his shoulder, topical interaction for the two students.

"Well, I was wondering- uhh-" Kirishima stared as he fiddled with a small box in his pocket. He took a deep breath, about to speak again but was cut off.

"U-umm excuse m-me? B-Bakugo?" A timid voice came from behind the two. They turned to see one of the 1-C students. She had orange hair that had been shaved on one side of her head while the rest of it covered her left eye. She was shorter than the two boys so Bakugo was literally and figuratively looking down at her.

"Damn extra, what do you want?" Bakugo grumbled, not in the mood to have to talk with people he didn’t know or care about.

She looked at the ground and Kirishima noticed she was holding a nicely wrapped box with a small heart-shaped card on top. "I-I w-was wondering, w-well I mean I umm-"

"Just spit it out, I'm going to be late for class," Bakugo snapped.

"I would like you to accept my feelings and be my Valentine!" She bowed and held out the box for Bakugo. Kirishima stared at the small gift, it was similar to the one he was just about to give the blond moments ago before she cut him off.

"Tsk, and why would I do that? I don't even know you," Bakugo told her. “You’re just some extra.”

"B-but-" In reality, they had had a few classes together, sometimes their classes work together in different subjects, not often but it happens, especially when a teacher had to take the day off for hero work or a sick day.

"Besides, I'm trying to become a hero, I don't have time for stupid distractions like a girlfriend, though I guess you wouldn't know much about becoming a hero since you're in general studies.” Bakugo’s voice was cold as ice. Even Kirishima thought it was harsh, even for Bakugo.

"Bro, that's not nice..." Kirishima said quietly. He didn't know how to feel, Bakugo was rejecting her, therefore he still sort of had a chance, but the way he had said it... 'I don't have time for stupid distractions like a girlfriend' that probably went for boyfriends as well.

"Tsk whatever, come on Shitty Hair we're going to be late for class," Bakugo grumbled turning back around and walking towards their class. He didn’t even spare a glance back at the girl who just stood there staring at the ground, shoulders shaking ever so slightly as she tried to hold in her tears. Kirishima gave a sympathetic look to the girl who had just had her heartbroken, she looked like she was about to cry, and truthfully, Kirishima was right there with her, Bakugo had indirectly said he wouldn't date him.

"Yeah, I'm coming," Kirishima muttered, turning back around to follow Bakugo. He gripped the box in his pocket and shook his head trying to forget about it. There’s no point in giving it to him now, not now that he knew what the reaction would be.

Kirishima couldn't get his mind off the scene from that morning all class. "I don't have time for stupid distractions like a girlfriend." Was it a stupid distraction? Was dating someone really just a distraction when they were training to be heroes? Even if both had their minds set on the same goal?

"Kiri? You okay bro?" Kaminari asked as they stood in line for their lunch food. "You've been extremely spaced out all day, did something happen?" It wasn’t normal for Kirishima to not at least try and crack a few jokes, so when he had barely even spoken three sentences... his friend had gotten worried.

The redhead looked up to his friend, getting pulled out of his daze a little too quickly. "What? Yeah, I'm fine, why wouldn't I be?" Kirishima asked, flashing one of his signature smiles, but it didn't quite reach his eyes like it usually did, and the blond could tell. Kaminari gave him a look that seemed to say, 'yeah right, you're not okay.' "Okay fine, maybe I'm not completely okay," Kirishima admitted, looking down at the floor.

“So what’s bothering you?” He asked, tilting his head to the side a little.

"Can we talk about it after we get our food?" Kirishima asked, he didn't need anyone else listening in on their conversation. If someone heard... it didn't matter if UA was generally really good when it came to queer kids, Kirishima didn’t know what he would do if it got out that he had the biggest crush on the most explosive person in the school.

Kaminari smiled a little, "sure thing." They got their food and Kirishima led his friend out of the cafeteria to talk. He made sure that they were far enough away that no one would hear them before turning a corner and sitting against the wall. "So what's got you all down in the dumps? Girl troubles?" Kaminari asked jokingly.

Kirishima stared at him for a moment. "It's not girl troubles, Kaminari, I'm gay," he told him. Had he not told Kaminari, one of his closest friends, that he was gay?

Kaminari's face went red with embarrassment, "man I got to stop assuming this stuff, first Mina and now you, totally cool with it though don't get me wrong," Kaminari started to ramble. "Anyways what was it?"

Kirishima took out the box from his pocket. "I was going to confess today," he muttered, handing the small box over to his friend.

Kaminari took the box and turned it over a couple times in his hand. It was wrapped in shiny orange and black wrapping paper, though there was about half a roll of tape trying to hold it together. 'Be my Valentine?' had been written across the top in sharpie. You could tell he was trying to keep it neat, though it didn't work. "So what happened?"

——

Bakugo had noticed that Kirishima had been acting strangely after that morning, though he couldn't figure out why. It was almost like the redhead was avoiding him. No nagging for him to hang out with the self-proclaimed “Bakusquad” no arm being randomly thrown over his shoulder, no “Bakubro!” Being yelled, while he tried to do his work. It was too quiet.

When he noticed Kirishima and Kaminari leaving the cafeteria instead of sitting with their friends like usual, Bakugo got even more suspicious. He couldn’t remember a day that the two didn’t sit with the others, so he went to investigate.

He left enough space between them so the two in front wouldn't notice they were being followed. When they turned the corner and sat against the wall, Bakugo waited just on the other side to listen in.

No, Bakugo was not one to usually eavesdrop, but he wanted to know what was going on. Though he may not say it, Kirishima was his best friend, and maybe even more than that to the blond. He wanted to make sure Kirishima was okay.

"So, what's got you all down in the dumps? Girl troubles?" Kaminari's voice came.

Bakugo couldn't imagine Kirishima having girl troubles, it just didn't make sense to him. He didn’t know if it was because the redhead had never shown much interest in any girls or if it was because Bakugo thought Kirishima was nearly perfect in every way, having girl troubles just didn’t fit with his character.

There was a small silence, "It's not girl troubles, Kaminari, I'm gay."

Bakugo was shocked to say that least, though that would explain why he never showed any interest in girls like Kaminari or some of the other boys in their class had. He would not have pegged Kirishima as gay. But he couldn't help but feel happy about that.

Kaminari began rambling about something before asking again what was happening.

"I was rejected," Kirishima said. He sounded hurt, he sounded broken, he sounded like it was going to take years to build him back up again.

"By who?" Kaminari asked with a bit of worry in his voice.

"Well, it wasn't direct, but he made it clear that he didn't have time for a relationship," Kirishima muttered almost too quiet for Bakugo to hear.

"Who was it?" Kaminari asked again. His answer was too quiet for Bakugo. But whatever he said shocked Kaminari. "What? Him? He’s so... How?"

"Oh shut up," Kirishima said. Bakugo imagined him rolling his eyes. "He's not that bad," he continued. "I just, can't get his words out of my head.”

"What'd he say?"

"Just that he didn't have time for relationships, and that he had to focus on school."

The words began to click in Bakugo's head. If he wasn't trying to stay hidden right now he would be cursing at himself for being so stupid and saying something like that in front of Kirishima. He realized the way he turned down that girl made him think there was no chance when in reality Bakugo had turned her down because he liked Kirishima in a way he's never liked, anyone. This explosive Pomeranian was gay as well for his best friend.

He had to find a way to make it up to him somehow, make sure he knows that he still had a chance... but how?

"Well, he's a dick for saying that," Kaminari said. "Well, he's a dick in general-

"Kami," Kirishima cut him off, not very amused. "I'm not in the mood for that right now," He muttered.

"Right, sorry," Kaminari said.

Bakugo had heard enough and went back to the cafeteria. "I'm so fucking stupid," he muttered under his breath.

——

When school ended, Kirishima was going to head straight home. All his friends had plans so there was no point in going anywhere else, that is until he was yanked aside by the explosive blond he had been avoiding all day.

"Bakugo what are you-"

"Shut up and follow me Shitty Hair," Bakugo grumbled, pulling at Kirishima's arm for him to follow.

Kirishima stayed quiet and followed Bakugo around to the side of the school. He wasn't sure what to expect but what happened next was not it.

Bakugo stopped and turned to Kirishima. Staring at the ground he started talking. "I fucking messed up and I feel like fucking shit for saying what I said so I..." he trailed off. Shoving his hand in his pocket he pulled out a slightly wrinkled card. "JUST FUCKING READ THIS," Bakugo said shoving the card in Kirishima's hand.

Kirishima was shocked and looked down at the card. It had originally said "to Shitty Hair" in Bakugo's handwriting but then it was crossed out and replaced with "to Kirishima Eijiro."

He looked up at the blond confused. "Just fucking read it," Bakugo grumbled, a small blush crossing his cheeks as he continued staring at the ground, his hands finding their way back in his pockets.

Opening the card Kirishima read out loud. "'I don't have time for a stupid girlfriend, but maybe I can make time for a stupid shitty-haired boyfriend?' Bakugo what is th-" he was cut off by Bakugo grabbing his shirt caller and pulling him into a rough kiss.

Kirishima was too shocked to do anything. The note he was holding fell to the ground and he wasn't sure where to put his hands.

"Just shut up, I heard you talking with sparky, I'm sorry you thought I didn't want a relationship," Bakugo muttered when he pulled away. "I'm gonna sound fucking cheese and you're not allowed to tell anyone I said this, but you're the only person I can imagine being with."

Kirishima was shocked, taking a long moment to process what he was being told before a huge grin formed across his lips. He let out a small laugh before pulling Bakugo back into a kiss.

"You're the only person I can imagine being with too, Bakugo," Kirishima said pulling away slightly and resting his forehead on Bakugo's. "Even if you are loud and explosive," he laughed.

"So? Will you be my Valentine?" He sounded so cheese saying that, but honestly, at that moment, he couldn't care less.

"Of course, Bakugo Katsuki, of course," Kirishima said smiled. "Oh, I almost forgot, I have this for you," he said pulling back and taking a small box out of his pocket.

Bakugo took the box, looking up at Kirishima a little confused. The redhead motioned for Bakugo to open the box and unwrapped it before sliding the top off. The blond found a pack of cinnamon candy hearts, pokey and... "dog tags?" Bakugo asked pulling out the long chain that had two of what looked like military dog tags dangling from it.

Kirishima looked a little flustered. "I knew you weren't big on jewellery, but I thought you'd like these so I got them custom ordered," he explained. "One has your name and the other has mine. I-it's fine if you don't like it, I just wanted to get you something special."

Without a word, Bakugo slipped it on over his head and tucked it into his shirt. "Stop rambling. It's cool," Bakugo said, a light shade of pink on his cheeks as his eyes drifted to the side. Kirishima smiled. "I feel bad I didn't get you anything," Bakugo muttered.

"W-well it's not necessary, I just wanted to do something and-"

"I know," Bakugo said cutting Kirishima off. "You're free tonight, right?" He asked. Somehow Bakugo seemed a lot calmer and somehow softer as well. "I'll take you to dinner."

Kirishima's cheeks burned. "Y-you don't have to," Kirishima said. "R-really."

"I want to," Bakugo said. "Come on Kiri, I'll walk you home so you can get changed."

Bakugo started walking off and it took Kirishima a moment to register what just happened and follow. "R-right!" He said running a little to catch up.

He was happy it all worked out.

[michaelbranch]

A Brief Summary of Ideas: How Much Money Do I Need to Retire?

*These summaries are kept intentionally very brief, just hitting what I consider some of the important/interesting takeaways, most word-for-word or paraphrased. My goal is also to stick to ideas/principals that might guide others (or my future self) in deciding the value of a read (or re-reading). T = takeaway, Q = Question

How Much Money Do I Need to Retire?: Uncommon Financial Planning Wisdom for a Stress-Free Retirement

Author(s): Todd Tresidder

"The ultimate security is your understanding of reality."-H. Stanley Judd

"Make everything as simple as possible, but not simpler."-Albert Einstein

T=Combine multiple (retirement planning) models to increase chances of success.

Setting a goal is an effective exercise that can get you into action.

Model 1: Convention Retirement Planning

Annual income - pensions, social security, inheritance, etc. = shortfall = income from saving / safe withdrawal rate = savings needed

7 critical questions to answer

What amount of money will you spend every year during retirement?

What will inflation rate be during retirement?

When will you/your spouse die?

How much will your pension/social security pay during retirement?

What will be the growth rate of your investments over your lifetime?

What will be the sequence of those investment returns?

What age will you/your spouse retire?

Your retirement number is only as accurate as the assumptions behind it!

Most accurate way to know what amount of money you need is to formulate your own budget.

Use one full year of current spending as benchmark.

Adjust spending for any unique plans.

Most research suggests spending varies by age bracket (older = spend less)

Adjust spending for inflation.

Add assumption for long term care cost.

Correct and adjust your plan over time.

Inflation is probably the single biggest threat to financial security that retirees face (can't be accurately estimated, you don't control it, effects compound over time).

Prudent to test a range of assumptions on your retirement plan: pension/social security, investment return - inflation, taxes, market valuations, etc.

Statistics don't work when you're a sample size of one.

Unknown longevity?

Assume a very long lifespan unless medical or family history indicates otherwise.

Can use home equity as reserve.

Consider longevity annuity.

Failure is when you run out of money while still alive!

Most conservative position is to count pensions/social security as 0 (not happening).

Determining expected investment returns

Valuations: at beginning of holding period; want lower.

volatility: compound returns are reduced by short-term volatility; bigger the loss the greater the negative compounding effect on your account.

Sequence of returns: want increases and no high inflation during first phase of retirement; fear long slumps.

Dividend Discount Model: Rooted in the financial concept that the value of any asset is the discounted present value of its cash flows. Income required (per year) / return - inflation.

Rule of 25: How much you'll spend (annual) x 25 = total savings required (mathematically same as 4% rule). Rule of 33 (3% rule) more conservative.

Two critically important numbers for your retirement security:

% of income saved in early years

Return on investment minus inflation

Model life scenarios, not numbers!

Model 2: Lifestyle planning

Isn't really a separate model, per se. Focuses on retirement spending rather than income.

Envision your life from the ground up, question what makes you happy and use those values to determine lifestyle.

You can imagine many different ways you might like to live.

For every $12,000 you can shave off your annual retirement budget, you'll reduce your savings required by appx. $300,000.

Smart to start any savings with the biggest expenses (housing, taxes, healthcare)

Some people prefer to work at saving money rather than earning it.

When your time to retirement is short you need to strategize from both ends--savings and spending. When time is longer, focus on investment returns net of inflation with early savings.

Model 3: Cash Flow Planning

The 3 rules:

Build an investment portfolio that generates passive income in excess of personal expenses. ONLY spend the income thrown off by the assets, NEVER the assets themselves.

Manage your assets so that growth (total return minus income) is greater than inflation.

Passive income must come from multiple, noncorrelated sources.

(Bonus rule): to be very conservative, don't retire until your cash flow exceeds what you spend so you have money left over to reinvest for future growth.

The real goal is sustainable spending, not portfolio value.