#Phase 4 hasn't been the best

[s-123-dont-know]

You know what I miss?

All the MCU content and the fics we had because of that on 2021. Just when I thought my love for Marvel was almost none existed we get all those series, and that was the year I started reading Marvel fics :')

And now my love for the MCU has started to fade again... Hope that changes with the oncoming movies with the characters I like.

[skk-fan-page]

What does this:

Mean in the context of skk, 15, stormbringer, and dazai acting like a lovesick puppy.

Well, the first thing I notice is that it's heavily implied that dazai didn't say shit and hasn't in his entire employment at the ada. Everyone talks about the mafia with a certain level of "hey I heard about you because my mom's dad's aunt's best friend's knitting club was talking about you and one of the members' dog's coparent said they saw you at Walmart."

Between akutagawa, higuchi, and now chuuya, it's like they know nothing that might help them with the mafia.

Why wouldnt yosano know though, she used to be mafia? Well that's what I thought at first too. I figured maybe rumors had just spread throughout the mafia in her time there.

But, at the same time, add up these numbers and then tell me if the math is mathing for yosano to know anything about chuuya

Chuuya is 22 and joined when he was 15, meaning he joined 7 years ago. 14 years ago (11 when she finally escaped) means not only would she not have met him, he would've been 11 by the time she left.

Not only that, but she was an 11 year old child-doctor, which means she would've had no contacts in the Mafia and no friends to tell her anything.

And, most damning of all, in 15 phase.02 mori says this when asked about suribachi city.

By the time chuuya was awakened, yosano was already out.

So maybe it's kyouka. But here's the thing: she doesn't seem to know shit outside of her (old) job description. She was in such an information silo that she didn't know what a crepe was. That makes her out of the picture for me, especially considering she was the subordinate of the subordinate of the boss's subordinate.

So that leaves 2 options: word on the street, and dazai.

If I can get information on the second highest ring of your underground murder organization by asking around, your organization is getting shit on by the feds in 4 seconds flat.

So that leaves one option: dazai.

But he doesn't seem to be much of a sharer, so why would he share about mafia things? Well we have precedent for it.

There's this incident, proving he's totally chill with sharing about the mafia. And then, there's something so gay it will make you want to claw your eyes out and join the witness protection program to get away from how single you feel

I wish someone would look at me the way dazai looks at chuuya's corruption form. And he's even bragging about him and how cool and powerful he is.

Regardless, this proves that he does totally talk about chuuya when he's not listening, and that he's not the inscrutable clamshell of a man he pretends to be.

Now: the other implication. Chuuya just assumes dazai was talking about him, meaning this was a pattern in the past. We can see this pattern manifest in the party that dazai tries to throw in 15, as well as the fact that ango knows chuuya in dead apple.

How many times do you think dazai genuinely set up challenges for chuuya back in his mafia days, to the point where upon being recognized, his first thought is "dazai did this."

Just put a ring on it already guys.

[runespoor7]

hello!! for the ask game -- any more details about that post where wei wuxian finds out that wen ning and jiang cheng are hooking up post-canon 👀

the background for this is that WWX hears about WN/JC a while after WN/JC has been a thing - they've had time to phase out of the hate-sex phase, the phase where they're surprised that they have a cordial acquaintance interspersed with moment of kinship outside of sex, and are in the phase where they're willing to see where this takes them. it's been a few years since the end of canon, so WWX and JC have crossed paths since then.

WWX goes through some truly embarrassing denial. Because clearly what WN and JC gave been having isn't sex, it's not like, y'know, sex-sex. They must have been cutely holding hands and cuddling.

or, well, actually WWX isn't even thinking about that part too much either because the idea of JC cuddling makes his heart twinge and his throat go tight and actually what matters here is that what WN and JC are doing is fake sex and can't be real or correct or good!! They're probably too embarrassed to even hold hands, WN's too nice to push and JC is awful!!!

for the record LWJ hates this and is glaring at WN whenever they meet because WN is the one who stumblingly and delicately mentioned that he and SLJ are seeing one another, thank you WN.

2. for a while WWX manages to keep his obnoxiousness under enough wraps that WN can ignore it.

then one day WWX makes the mistake of switching targets for his random bout of fretting, and instead of bothering his husband he talks at WN about his ConcernTM regarding JC having sex WN having sex WWX not being there JC not being good at cuddling while WN needs someone who'll be nice to him.

WN awkwardly conveys the information that oh, hm, actually, that is not an issue, JC is a very good cuddler.

and then some demon must have taken over WN's mouth for a moment, probably invited by WWX's moue of disbelief because WN adds, very neatly cutting through WWX's exclamation that ah, that's just like WN to be so nice, but he's just saying that because he doesn't know better, because in fact--, "i just get him tired enough."

3. denial comes crashing down violently around WWX's ears and so does his peace of mind.

(there's a lot WWX hasn't made his peace with. JC never let him cuddle when they swapped handjobs as teens.)

suddenly WWX starts treating WN like a rival. it's unexpectedly thrilling for WN, and the fact that WWX's moods make it clear that in WWX's mind, WN is winning, makes it even sweeter. WN isn't used to winning. (WN wouldn't have thought of JC as a prize, it's complicated, the thing with JC. and yet. WWX thinks of JC as a prize. Even if he's not admitting it to himself.)

(LWJ is hating this even more but if he'd made a habit of trying to enforce his boundaries with WWX he wouldn't be WWX's regular, would he. he does try to distract WWX! with his dick! it has admirable success for the duration of coitus and then WWX starts getting the same look again. Distracting WWX with a mystery and a night-hunt just ends with WWX musing about looking up specific legends in YunmengJiang, at which point LWJ recognizes that they're going to have to go to Lotus Pier and hope for the best.)

4. They go to Lotus Pier, where: JC has so far been blissfully ignorant of this entire farce.

There's some new tension between he and WN because JC misinterpreted some mentions of WWX WN made, and WWX is an extremely fraught topic between them, one that they've avoided since they rolled out of their hate-sex phase. Originally JC doesn't link WWX's visit to WN's presence, he's too busy being taken aback (and distrustful) (and happy) at WWX being there, WWX trying to recall their history, WWX acting almost as close as they did once.

WN - who was already here! funny how these things work out! - is wincing throughout out these proceedings. WN himself isn't invited to stay in Lotus Pier proper, it's one of these things. YMJ doesn't have dogs for SLJ to unleash on WN, but he wouldn't want to take the risk, it seemed like a boundary worth respecting. There's something particularly awful about seeing WWX ingratiate himself - the word that comes to WN's mind is woo, really - with JC with JC unaware of the reason why it's happening.

Telling JC the truth keeps being the role WN stumbles into, time and again. At least this time he isn't trying to hurt JC on purpose. Even though talking about WWX is another of those boundaries of JC, another of those things that WN knows hurts JC, but--

at least this time he didn't wait years before telling JC either.

5. JC reacts by immediately being furious at everyone involved, but mostly at WWX, and there's a HUGE DRAMATIC SHOUTING MATCH.

JC acts like WWX returning like that, because of this, is some horrible betrayal.

WWX is outraged that WN told JC. (WWX's actual problem is that he's atrociously jealous of someone, anyone, getting somewhere with JC that he never got, by which I mean not just sex but also cuddling and a stable relationship that you can tell the people close to you about, and desperately needs to be higher in JC's priorities. he knows better, he really does, but WN's revelations turned his world upside down and.)

JC is also outraged that WN told WWX about-- *angrily cuts himself off* "--about you two fucking," WWX finishes, so incensed he's that close to calling JC by his courtesy name. And how is that any of WWX's concern exactly, to which WWX retorts something along the lines of "making sure they're not hurting one another," or something equally untrue. There's accusations of WWX playing games (JC - about WWX's return; then WN - about WWX trying to seduce JC, which gets JC snapping at WN and LWJ grimly nodding), there's an attempt from LWJ (who is throwing poisonous looks at both JC and WN) to convince boo that they're not worth it, let's just go, and WWX spits out in a fit of atrocious jealousy that it's his business because they're his, WN is his, and WWX had JC first, so why does JC let WN cuddle him--

at which point JC throws everyone out for the night. WWX and LWJ have to find a room at an inn, and WWX feels the disgrace acutely from having a guest room. (LWJ is indispensable in dragging WWX away, for the record. LWJ doesn't drag WWX all the way back to Cloud Recesses, because WWX "needs" to have JC, as he stresses to LWJ. But he thought about it before WWX started tugging on his heartstrings.)

5.5 - that same night

WWX slinks back out of the inn and beelines straight for LP. he needs to talk to JC, to fix things - JC always thinks the worst of things, it all went topsy turvy. There were too many people! This conversation he should have had without WN. (there's another conversation he needs to have with WN, but WWX's been putting that off forever and isn't going to stop now.) Even LWJ, bless him, of course JC would take everything the wrong way, given how he is with LWJ around.

WN intercepts him just as he's about to enter LP. And isn't budging on not letting him in. ("He said no, Wei-gongzi.") there's something very ironic about WN acting like JC's watchdog without being asked but WWX isn't unpacking all that - it feels like if he did he would entirely unravel.

A couple of WWX's arguments erode WN's resolve - "he threw you out too; you know you need to convince him to take you back or he'll keep a grudge and he won't take you back before forever" and "WN, we both care about JC," and "we need to dissipate this misunderstanding" - and if he'd had just a little more time he's sure he could have gotten through to him but JC finds them before that can happen. (people who trust in WWX's ability to take no for an answer: 0) Eyes slit, looking unhappy, all "what are you doing here."

"We came to see you."

Grudgingly, JC takes them in.

(He, too, thinks it's something unfinished. And his weak point was always fear of abandonment. What if he pushes away too much. They returned tonight. It would be foolish to push them away again; what if they change their minds?)

they're more tired than earlier, and quieter, so despite JC taking them to his office and not his bedroom after the confessions of caring and hurt they'll manoeuver themselves into a successful threesome before the night is out. (despite WWX tempting fate or at least JC's temper by asking whether it's truly so bad that WWX didn't say why he was back now? and no, for JC of course it's not, it's about WWX never telling the truth.)

After all, they came back.

[one-piece-aus]

Unbottle Your Emotions

Eustass Kid x Reader (Part 5)

Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6

Taglist: @lingxio @h0n3y-l3m0n05 @tremendoushorsepatrolgoth @lil-skelly-bones (ask or comment if you want to be added)

Ahoy! Part 5 is here! I took inspiration from ask-bolthead-crew for the crew's names (aside from Killer, Heat, and Wire). You should check their blog out because the art style is metal(/pos). Also shout out to the people who voted in Killer poll, it was helpful :3

Without further ado, enjoy the story ^-^

Okay, calm down. You'll be fine. Hawkins said the cards said you'll be fine so you'll be fine, right? You just need to stand here, where Kid told you to meet him at lunch. Is this the right one? Well, he did say to be by the glass-stained window by the south entrance, and you're staring at a glass-stained window as you lean next to the doors.

...

Surely it's been a few minutes, and it'd be understandable if you left, right? You did wait and he hasn't shown up so-

"Is that her?"

'Oh great, they're here.' You internally groaned.

You glance over to see Kid and his gang approaching, internally thanking there's a security camera monitoring the hallway. Bouncing off the wall, you wave.

"Hey."

"And I thought you would've been late." Kid smirked at you.

You roll your eyes. "I was only late to class this one day."

Truthfully, you had shown up late to English class (when Makino started attendance) because you didn't want to go knowing Kid's your work partner. You only showed up because you feared what Kid would do if you didn't. You've been early to class otherwise.

"Enough chit-chat, let's go. I'm hungry." A guy with sunglasses and a tall mohawk took the lead, and you all followed outside.

You felt assured that they were heading in the same direction you went yesterday, when you had lunch with Hawkins and Apoo, at least you'd know your way back in case you needed to run. Still, you were dragging your feet, lagging at the back of the group. The blond with long hair took notice, slowing his pace to walk next to you.

"Kid forgot introductions, didn't he?" He guessed.

You nodded, pushing away the urge to question why he wore a face mask. "Yeah, uh I'm [L/n] [Y/n]."

"I go by Killer."

You try to keep a straight face. That doesn't stop the thousand questions erupting in your brain. Main one being: Is that part of the teenage edge phase or has he genuinely killed people?

Killer begins pointing out the others to you, starting with sunglasses. "That's Haikei, Oscar, Noe, Wire, and-"

"Heat?"

"You already know him?" Killer raised an inquiring brow.

"Yeah, he uh- he was in one of my classes last year. He probably wouldn't remember though."

Normally would've forgotten your classmate's name, but the few times Kid came to your classroom after the lunch bell rang because Heat was there, not only made you aware of who the loud redhead was, but you also took note to avoid him in order to not encounter Kid.

"I see," Killer said. A moment of silence passed, well at least between the two of you, Kid and Haikei were loudly arguing about something in front of the pack, before Killer spoke to you again. "So you're Kid's partner in English?"

"Yup." A nonchalant answer.

"You must be smart."

"What makes you say that?"

"Kid normally complains about group projects. He hasn't said a word about you."

You're taken aback. Letting Killer's words sink in, your mind does its best to keep the shock invisible. Does that mean Kid enjoys working with you? No. It means he tolerates you, that's the reasonable conclusion. He's only interacting with you because you have a project, as you are with him.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Find us a booth." Kid grinned as he walked up to the counter.

You were about to follow when the guy with the beanie called you, Noe you think it was. "Woah, where ya headin' off to, dollface? Kid's already ordering for us."

"I'm gonna make my order," you simply stated.

Last time someone ordered for you, you got a salad. You were pissed to say the least.

Killer face palmed. "Kid didn't tell you, did he [L/n]?"

"Tell me what?"

"The whole point of Kid inviting you was to help us finish this challenge," Haikei said.

"What challenge?" You didn't have to wait for your answer when Kid approached your table with a giant platter full of chicken wings.

"Alright boys, you know the drill!" Kid set down the platter and took his seat. He glanced at you, looking at you with a gaze that questioned why you were standing. Rolling your eyes, you sit down across from him.

A waiter came by a set a timer down. "600 chicken wing challenge, finish in one hour or less and your meal is free. Your time begins now." He hit the clock and the others dived in.

You blinked a few seconds, confused as hell. 'An hour? We didn't have an hour, lunch is only 45 minutes, and we'd have to leave in 30 minutes if we didn't want to be late for class. Are they stupid or do they not care?' You glanced at Kid, a frown present on your face. Though one of them spoke up before you got a word in.

"Whatcha waiting for? Dig in," Noe told you, his mouth full. 

"The three who eat the least gotta pay the bill," Heat informed beside you. "But I'm sure you won't have to since it's your first go."

"We only have half the time the restaurant gave us, shut your yaps and get to eating!" Kid ordered putting four chicken wings in his mouth.

"Guess we have to, princess over here must not like chicken," Haikei remarked.

Oh hell naw. You got up and walked to the counter. Kid briefly glanced at you before looking back at the platter. Maybe he should've let you order something while he got the chicken wings-

"Let's do this!" You slammed a large glass of milk down and took a handful of chicken wings. Kid's gang stared at you wide-eyed and jaws dropped as you began wolfing down food. You glared at them during your milk break. "Come on, I don't wanna be late to class."

Kid snapped out of it and continued eating, as did the rest. Killer took notice of his friend's demeanour shifting. The blond glanced at the rest who were now glancing at you with interest, however, a quick stern shake from Killer made them drop it. Humming, Killer ate another chicken wing under his mask.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Alright, we finally beat that stupid challenge!"

The gang cheered as they exited the restaurant. You simply smiled, satisfied with your lunch. Maybe you'll have that burger tomorrow. You felt someone pat you on the back.

"All thanks to [L/n]! Here here!" Noe exclaimed. "No wonder Kid brought her."

"Kid knew you weren't going to be any help," the one with the short blond mohawk remarked.

"Fuck you, Oscar." Noe flipped him off.

You laughed along with the others, though you felt that irritation from earlier begin eating at your mind again. Did Kid invite you because you were extra help? What would he have done if you didn't help like the others expected? A sour taste sat in your mouth, at least you tuned into the conversation.

"Is she not part of the gang, already?" Heat's the one that asked.

"What?" You blink confused.

"This was [L/n] initiation, wasn't it?" Oscar asked, looking at Kid.

The redhead didn't say anything, making brief eye contact with you. Tossing the sourness out the window, a mixed puzzle settles in your mind instead.

"Hey, Kid just invited me for lunch since I'm working with him in English. I accepted since wasn't working on anything else, though I'll likely be busy studying tomorrow."

Sweet, you corrected the situation and made an excuse so you don't have to go tomorrow. He can't get mad if you're studying, right?

"I'll invite you again when we get the A on our project," Kid said.

"Alright," you say nonchalantly, internally dreading the idea of coming back. You barely survived today. The only reason you didn't struggle to hold yourself together is because you did more than they were expecting so Kid's barks were directed at the others. You can't go through that again now that you've raised his expectations.

"How 'bout we get something else for lunch," Killer suggested. "Since we completed their challenge, I'm sure it'll be a while before they let us take it again."

Well, that was a relief. At least, you know you won't have to deal with that. You half-tune out of the conversation now that they're chatting about other food joints. Slowly the school building came into sight, your eyes passively precepting your surroundings, until you heard an annoying voice. Not just any annoying voice.

Trying to stay cool and invisible, you glance in the direction you heard the voice. Sure enough, it's Helmeppo who is talking to Koby. Shit. You're dead meat if Koby spots you.

You slowed down by some plants and stepped into nature, walking for a few moments before hiding in the green. Silently, you counted up to a minute and stepped out. Glancing around, you sighed, relieved before heading to a different entrance than the south, blending in amongst the crowd.

For a moment, the thought of Kid getting mad because you disappeared without saying anything crossed your mind. A drop of fear swirled in your mind, not knowing how he'd react when you'd see him again. However, when comparing it to the latter, an angry Kid is far less worse, he's only in one class and you know how to hide in the crowded halls. He's easy to escape from, unlike the alternative.

You stand by your choice.

[isa-ghost]

OMG i would love to hear more qphil headcannons!

SET 5 LETS GOOOOO

Previous Sets:

Set 1

Set 2

Set 3

Set 4

When he's alone he gives so many less fucks. Anytime he passes a Federation camera or building or whatever he flips it off. Sometimes he'll stop to do it, do a funky mocking jig out of spite. If Fit has Fuck The Catfish (FTC) then Phil has FTF. Fuck the Feds

Besides the fact that he's sentimental about stupid shit, he also hasn't deconstructed the shitty dirt shack yet because he treats it as rent lowering gunshots. That's his wall. Bitch.

He's a teeny tiny bit sad everyone who lived IN the wall is sorta gone for one reason or another. It's a bit lonely. And eerie, considering a lot of the time they lived in there was before the worst of what's happened to everyone happened. The insides of the walls feel like a fucked up time capsule now...

We've seen this in canon but he LOVES to wander. Wanderlust his beloved. Find cool shit, collect cool shit, get cool pictures. It's just nothing but Ws. ... He feels a lot of deja vu doing it. He'd be able to place it if he could just fly...

Ever since that taste of flight in Purgatory, he's been aching so much more for it again. His stomach fills with dread at the thought of saving Tubbo's life costing him his wings. He'd make the decision he did again & 100x over, but flying is so core to who he is. He can't fathom being grounded for the rest of eternity.

If it weren't for the constant danger he feels like he's in, he'd LOVE to just lay down on his stomach on Chayanne's old house's roof & just sun his wings. Mmmmmm warmmmm

He'll never admit it to Lullah, but sometimes he switches up what he eats between his avocado toast phases so he never gets sick of it. She thinks he just infinitely enjoys the stuff.

He's convinced the Baker is a paid [Federation employee? Cucurucho 3?] actor that can't, no matter what, break their stoic smile. Phil spends SO much time when he has no other responsibilities trying to get them to crack. He flips them off, he makes faces, he threatens them, he rambles off the wildest most random shit. He did the DK prank. He dances in front of them. Nothing. But one day he'll get them.

Just like cc!Phil, he loathes a lot of stereotypical British stuff, like tea. It's so funny. Fit & Tubbo especially like pushing his buttons about it, his food rants are the best.

When he heard someone on the island made up a rumor that Eggza is legit because Phil taste-tested a cookie out of curiosity, he took that and RAN. Yeah. He's egg sometimes. Who's his parent you ask? Well that's a secret (it's Rose).

The moment Fit told him he has a thing for Pac, Phil instantly launched into wingman mode (pun intended). No more,,,, Hitting The Gym Together. Fit wants more than a fwb, Phil is SO here for it

Cellbit & Baghera take priority over everything. But GOD is he not ready for the flashbacks when he gets to Egg Island to save them. He didn't know Etoiles left that scar on his back...

In very dad fashion, his sneezes and yawns are fucking atrocious. Unnecessarily loud.

The islanders closest to him + the kids are starting to think he's got some kinda sleep disorder. He sleeps for an awful long time sometimes... (when his hc streams get long :) )

This idiot sleeps in the worst places I bet his back cracks and pops like fucking bubble wrap (same tho)

[bellestarot]

Changbin's Reading

October 13, 2024

Right Now

He's planning something around the number 4. It could be the 4th day, the 4th month of next year, something linked to the number 4, and he's really involved in it. He's been super active, giving his opinions on the issues he's working on for this project, though I don't know exactly what it is. He's in a really good place with his self-esteem right now. He's loving himself more. I think in the past he struggled with self-acceptance, but now he's going through a phase of loving being in his own skin and truly valuing himself.

And that's opening doors for possible romantic interests in his life.

But he's been feeling really tired. He's working a lot and hasn't had much time to enjoy life. So, he really wants to take some time to relax a bit.

Love Life

He's involved with more than one person, and he doesn’t really feel like committing emotionally to anyone. It’s more physical for him, and he really likes being in control of things, including his own emotions. He tends to approach things logically and talks things through. He’s not just seeing one person. I feel like there are probably two or three people he’s been seeing more frequently.

It seems very casual, and one of the people he's involved with might also work in his field, maybe in entertainment. It could also be someone he’s known for a long time. He’s been feeling a bit confused about some of these relationships because, even though they’re casual, he feels strong connections with a few of them.

Career

I think he's doing a great job, traveling the world, but he’s very protective of his privacy. He doesn’t like people digging into his personal life or asking about certain private things, and something has been really hurting him lately. It's left him feeling anxious because one of the people he's involved with is someone he could see himself having something serious with someday—maybe even getting into a relationship or getting married.

But he realizes that for that to happen, it would be really difficult. The biggest obstacle is his fame, and he’s sure that this person wouldn’t be well-received by his fans. He knows the fans would judge the relationship, and it would probably end because of that. This has been on his mind a lot recently because he wants something serious one day, but he sees that where he is now, it’s hard to make that a reality.

Family

He cares a lot about his family and has so much love for them, but they tend to be very judgmental. They might hold very conservative views and are harshly critical of other ways of thinking and acting.

There’s a young girl in his family who’s been suffering a lot because of their judgment. He’s been really worried about her because the criticism has been so intense that it’s caused her to isolate herself, and most of the family is against her. This situation has been stressing him out a lot, and he’s really concerned about her.

Friendships

He has a lot of friends he can rely on, and there’s a woman he’s very close to, someone he really values and protects his friendship with. However, he’s been feeling quite cautious about another friend from work.

This person is impulsive and has certain behaviors or maybe even habits or addictions that he strongly disagrees with. Because of this, he’s taken a step back from their connection, as he feels it’s something he can’t support or accept.

Future

He’s going to move away from being so logical and overly cautious with his words and actions. He’ll feel more confident to just be himself, and I think soon he’ll show people who he truly is at his core. I believe this might become the best phase of his life because he’s going to fully love himself.

He’ll also recognize his flaws and handle them with ease and a light-hearted attitude, which is a big shift. His self-esteem, which has been a major challenge for him, is going to improve. I see him really valuing himself in all aspects.

He’s going to be working on a new project with different people, and he’ll feel really excited and curious about what others will think. He won’t be afraid of the outcome—he’ll feel light and energized, enjoying the process and doing what he loves. He’ll also be more in touch with his emotions, even though he’s usually more in his head. He gives off earth sign vibes rather than fire sign, but he’ll start connecting more with his feelings.

[lemmilemura]

Alright so I've had this idea for like over a month but only now am writing it!!! Somehow the Simon well hasn't completely dried out yet :D Also I know nothing about the american school system, so I'm either 1. assuming or 2. basing it off answers american friends have given

Based on the show All kept gender neutral but reader has a female reproductive system

Life started going by so fast. Your last week of classes, prom, graduation, and before you knew it, it was the last night you had with your boyfriend before he was leaving for college. You and the rest of your friendgroup was staying behind on Bayview for atleast another year, he was the only one leaving. Of course he was going far away, even with a timezone adjustment.

Neither of you could fall asleep, laying there in his now emptier bedroom. It was already close to 2am, but you were still awake. So much was going to change. Your entire daily lives. You spent almost every moment together, and now, he would be thousands of miles away.

"I can't believe I'm about to say this..." Simon suddenly started after you've both been silent for over an hour. "But I think I'm really gonna miss those two crazy lesbians." You chuckles. Maeve and Janae were both already a little off the rocker alone, but together they were fully unhinged. It was entertaining seeing their evolution, their awkward phases. You and Simon sort of felt like proud parents. You couldn't imagine how sad he must be to have to leave you all behind.

"I'm sure they're gonna miss you too." You wanted to reassure him the best you could, looking up at him and smiling. He smiled back. "You know what I'm gonna miss most?" He asked. You tilted your head. "You....r moms food oh my god it's good! Better than any restaurant I've ever been at that's for sure."

This jerk. This loveable, ridiculous jerk.

"C'mon Si! You're such a jerk." You jokingly swatted his arm and he started laughing. "I'm kidding sweetheart, I'm kidding. Of course I?m going to miss you the most..." he eached out and tucked a strand of hair behind your ear. "Don't know how I'll make to without you for a year."

And truth be told, that was the last time you saw him for an antire year. All 4 of you knew this, but none of you were ready. Sure he was only one of 4 people, but him being gone still changed so much about the friendgroup. Noone to make mean sarcastic comments, noone to be a sugar daddy... noone to tell you were having his baby.

You had all mutually decided to, atleast for the first year, have as little contact as necessary. It really was a random decision. One of a couple scribbled ideas on a piece of papaer thrown into a hat and pulled from. Why you actually went with it you didn't know. You could have had daily facetimes, you could have had monthly game nights, but no. All 4 of you agreed to no contact. If only you'd known.

It was about 2 or 3 weeks after he left that you started feeling weird, sick, tired. One doctors appointment later and there you found yourself, pregnant and the father gone for atleast a year. You knew this was crazy, life altering. Yet you didn't tell him, even with Janae and Maeve saying you should. "He probably has so muc hgoing on! I don't want to throw a wrench into his plans..." you said. "It's not a wrench, it's a baby! His baby!"

You weren't fully sure why you kept it. It would have been way easier if you hadn't. Afterall, you still had your entire life ahead of you. you never imagined having a kid this young, if at all. You think it might have been the dream you had. The dream where you were in a house, a beautiful one, during a summer golden hour. You could see the sun coming in through the windows, you could hear the birds and laughter outside.

And outside, in the perfect house's perfect garden, was Simon, and a child. Your child. The child you just found out you were having. The sight was one that made you happy. So, so happy. You spent the next hour after waking up crying. Because it wasn't real? Because it could be? You didn't know, and you still don't.

So you kept it. You went through all of those months, right until the end. You had Janae and Maeve by your side, and even before it was born they were already amazing aunts, they bought it toys and clothes and even that one "Get the fuck to sleep" book. Without them, you proably wouldn't have made it. That can be said about a lot of things and situations. they were your lifeline, your anchor.

You'll never forget the moment you first saw her, your daughter. After hours and hours of pain and agony she was there. The moment you held her and saw her tiny, wrinkled face, you were sold. She was, in almost every way, a carbon copy of her father. It almost scared you. Not that you considered it, but it was then that you knew you were never giving her up to anyone. It was impossible. Your little Lucy.

Maeve and Janae basically lived with you, they helped you take care of Lucy so you weren't alone. Maeve got the hang of it a little faster than Janae but can you blame her? The amount of babies she's interacted with in her lifetime is 1, that 1 being Lucy.

~~~~~~~~~~

It's a warm, summer day when Simon finally returns home. A year since he last saw his friends, his family. He dropped his things off at home in a matter of minutes and then went straight to your house. He couldn't wait to see you again, to hug you and to tell you how much he missed you. He wonderef if you'd changed, and if how so? Did you change your appearance? Your lifestyle? Did you move on and find someone new?

He had started speed walking, almost jogging, before he realized it. He just couldn't wait anymore. He ran up the steps of your porch and rang the doorbell, waiting for it to open. Through the glass he could see Maeve, still the same as ever. She was the one who opened the door for him. "Wait, Simon? What are you doing here?" She pretty much jumped at him with glee. "Well, I wanted to come visit my 3 favorite girls." "Never ever say that again." Maeve threatened, and Simon put his hands up in defense. "J! It's Si! Can you go get (Y/N)?" Maeve yelled in teh direction of the livingroom, from which came a "Riger roger", followed by Janae walking up the stairs, cradling something in her arms.

"So how's college?" Maeve asked to make some small talk. She cared, she really did, but she moreso wanted to make time go by faster for him to see you, and to see Lucy. "C'mon, it's easy. Fuh-ck." Janae said from the stairs. He heard your laugh, that laugh he had been missing for an agonizing year. He turned and saw you, as beautiful/handsome/appealing as the day he last saw you. "Janae if you actually manage to make her first word fuck I'll give you 50 bucks."

He now saw the small thing clearly. A baby? Why was there a baby in your house? Surely you were just babysitting, right? Yea, totally. You didn't move on, you're just babysitting. Simon hardly had the time to fall into a spiral of thoughts before you pretty much launched yourself at him. He managed to steady himself so you two didn't fall over from the force. You stood there in eachothers arms for a while. "God I missed you, so, so much." You whuspered. "Missed you too, sweetheart" he responded.

When you pulled away you just looked at eachother, taking in your features. Your eyes quickly shot over to Janae, now sitting down, but still holding Lucy. Simon noticed. You noticed that he noticed. Now was the moment. Nowhere to run, nowhere to hide. Time to face the past year head-on. Maeve and Janae got the memo and gave Lucy back to you, leaving the two of you alone.

You sat down and didn't say anything for a while. You didn't know where to start. "Who are you babysitting for?" he asked. Good, you didn't have to start. But how to respond? "Oh I'm... I'm not babysitting..." you trailed off. He raised an eyebrow. "This..." you started, slightly turning her around so he could see her better. "is Lucy. She's... my daughter."

That moment destroyed him. You did move on, and not only did you move on, you had a child with them aswell. He was crushed. There went the one good thing he had. Goodbye future with you, goodbye happiness. He felt like everything was starting to blur and slip away, until you took his hand and looked at him. He looked at you. "She's... our daughter."

He had to do a mental double-take. Him? A father? There was no way that would go well. "Ours? When... when did this happen?" He kept looking from her to you and back again. "The night before you left, I guess. I was shocked, too."

"Why didn't you tell me... that I'm..." "A dad? I just... didn't want to tear you away from college, I guess. I mean, you're finally out of Bayview and you're immediately called back?" You explained. "Sweetheart this is different! You really should have told me!" "Oh, come on, you have your whole life infront of you, Simon! I wasn't going anywhere anyway." You tried to explain. "No, no, you really should have told me! I..." he stopped for a bit and took a breath, the look in his face changing, becoming somewhat softer. "I missed so much..."

"I wasn't here to help you. I missed her birth I..." He took another breath and wiped tears you didn't even realize were in his eyes. He grabbed your hand. "I'm a dad. You're a mom/dad/parent. We're parents. We have a daughter. I have missed way more that I ever should have. I don't care how you interject, I am switching to online classes and I'm moving back here."

"Simon-" he cut you off. "I'm serious, (Y/N). I'm not going anywhere. I don't care about college. I care about you. I care about our family." That made the wall break, the tears you had been holding back breaking free as you started crying. He pulled you in for a hug and you swore you could hear him sniffling too. "We're gonna do this. We've got eachother, and Maeve and Janae."

"IIf she does acrually teach her fuck as her first word I'll also give her 50 bucks." He joked. You pulled away and he looked at little Lucy in your arms. "Can I hold her?" "Of course" Anyone could tell he wasn't used to handling infants, but he'd be damned if he wasn't prepared to do his best.

You watched as he held her, looking over her with love in his eyes. "Hey Lucy. It's me, your dad. I know I missed a lot, but I'm not going anywhere anymore." You laid your head on his shoulder. "We really have a Lucy now..." "We do indeed" you responded.

Any time the two of you played a game where you could have children, be it Sims, Minecraft comes alive or otherwise, the fist one was always, even if you had to cheat, a little girl named Lucy. Neither of you knew exactly why Lucy, but it stuck. And now here she was.

Your litte Lucy.

ALRIGHT HERE YOU ARE I HOPE THIS WAS GOOD this ended up at 1927 words which is really great, I'm so happy that I'm still managing to write stuff!! SIMIN IS A GIRL DAD AND NOONE CAN MAKE ME THINK OTHERWISE THANK YOU AND GOODNIGHT

~Taglist~ @pine-ferret

[mooncalfe-art]

It's been a few months since I last asked a TMNT Question for you(been taking a break and started reading IDW Sonic Comics) but I just had a few more questions for you

1. What would happen if the past Alopex(the start of Mutant Town Alopex) talked with the present Alopex? And what would her Reaction be to the events that past Al hasn't been through yet?

2. If Raph and Alopex acted like Mushroom,Zanna and Zink's parents,how would it go?

3. How come Ramon wasn't with the Splinter Clan fighting the Mutanimals in issues 119-122?

4. Out of your Next Gen IDW TMNT Characters,whose your Favorite

5. If you helped with 'The Last Ronin" which Turtle would you make the Last Ronin?

6. If Tang Shen was reincarnated as a Mutant Spider would she remain Tang Shen or be given a Mutant Name like Yoshi being Master Splinter?

7. Saved the Best for last, if IDW asked you to Write and draw a Leo x Koya story set a year after 150, what would the story be?(Besides Raph X Alopex -still hoping they get back together due to too much history- , I find Leo x Koya to be my 2nd favorite Ship, 3rd favorite is Donnie X Mona lol)

It's a lot but again it's been a long and sometimes I think of the TMNT Stories you made(and I'm still hunting for issue 105) so I wanted to ask you some more and I hope to at least save enough money to go to a Convention you're going too so we can meet. Keep on drawing Sophie,we all need your Awesome Art

Past Alopex would go "oh HELL no" and dump Raph immediately after Present Alopex told her what he did.

Probably okay but they'd have a hard time when Zink got to her angsty phase.

He couldn't get off work in time. :(

Artemisia

Michelangelo

Hmmm it would depend on if she remembered her past life or not! If she didn't remember, at least at first, she'd take on a new name like Splinter and the Turtles did.

I had an unfinished Leo/Koya pitch from years ago where Koya, in an attempt to destroy Leo (this was back when they were still enemies), messes around with some of Kitsune's dark magic which causes Leo and Dark Leo to split into two separate people. Then of course Leo and Koya have to team up to stop Dark Leo who is stalking them through the wilderness. I still think that's a fun idea and I'd love to bring it back in some way one day.

Thanks for the support and everything as always!! :D

[that-one-ao3-writer]

10 fics for International Fanworks Day

THESE ARE ALL ALMOST FROM THE SAME FANDOMS IM SO SORRY but they are very good I recommend.

Please consider going through the authors' other works as well.

1. Nothing hurts like the almost, almost, almost by communist_sasuke

Fandom: Bungo Stray Dogs

Summary: “Don’t use Corruption, Chuuya.” Dazai tried again. “Let’s just get out of here.”

(A mission goes wrong, and Dazai learns to hold on to the things he can't bear to lose. If only his revelation hadn't come a little too late.)

I KNOW I KNOW mind the MCD tag but it's so well written and the grief just hits best at 1 am.

2. Atsushi's Guide to Surviving in the Armed Detective Agency (and Being a Part of a Family) by FrogintheWindow

Fandom: Bungo Stray Dogs

Summary: Atsushi studies his coworkers in the hopes of understanding what exactly he’s a part of, and realizes that he’s joined a family, not an agency.

Basically a series of short stories where Atsushi writes about his experiences with the Armed Detective Agency (and the Port Mafia)

FOUND FAMILY FOUND FAMILY FOUND FAMILY

3. try again, try again, try again by absolutefuckery

Fandom: Heaven Official's Blessing

Summary: Feng Xin accidentally steals Mu Qing’s first kiss. Naturally, the only logical solution is to give him another one. And another. And another. And another. And—

I'M LITERALLY IN LOVE WITH THIS FIC HONESTLY FQ ARE IDIOTS

4. Sleepwalking in shadows by oilux

Fandom: Jujutsu Kaisen

Summary: “Fushiguro Megumi,” Sukuna drawls. “You summoned—”

“Do you have two dicks?” 

It's all fun and games until you summon the King of Curses from your shadows.

OKAY OKAY SHIP CHOICE IS WEIRD IK BUT IT'S FUNNY

5. and all the things unsaid, come sweetly to your lips by citruspromenade

Fandom: Heaven Official's Blessing

Summary: the Xian Le Trio reconciliation, through the (metaphorical) seasons.

(The actual summary is longer guys) FENG XIN LOVE AND MULIAN FRIENDSHIP WHAT MORE DO YOU NEED

6. pretty face, electric soul by khrys

Fandom: Heaven Official's Blessing

Summary: Feng Xin and Xie Lian are attempting to re-enter high society. Mu Qing helps, and Feng Xin realizes a few things along the way.

LAST TGCF FIC I PROMISE

7. like, comments, share and subscribe by detectorist

Fandom: The Untamed / Grandmaster of Demonic Cultivation

Summary: Lan Zhan runs a popular studytuber YouTube channel. Wei Ying decides to parody his videos. Things escalate from there.

THIS FIC GIVES ME LIFE

8. A Broken Soul by raendown

Fandom: Naruto (dont judge I had a phase)

Summary: Kakashi was born with a counter just like everyone else. But his was different. His was broken.

THIS IS ANGST OKAY YPU HAVE BEEN WARNED

9. Autonomy by beetlebee

Fandom: Naruto

Summary: "But this Not-Sensei soulmate guy could be anybody," Naruto whines.

Sasuke narrows his eyes. "No. He tried to act like Kakashi, use his techniques. He must be familiar with him already..."

"They could be childhood friends!" Sakura gasps.

"Sensei has friends?" Naruto asks, squinting at Obito.

"Or he's a stalker." Sasuke grips the kunai he still hasn't put away.

"I'm not a stalker," Obito lies, pushing away the kunai edging towards him.

----

(A soulmate bodyswap AU)

FUNNY OBIKAKA THERE I SAID IT

10. An Executive's Guide to Love, Jealousy & Everything in Between by mocarin

Fandom: Bungo Stray Dogs

Summary: Dazai Osamu is known for many things. Being the Port Mafia’s renowned strategist, a coldhearted executive, and ½ of infamous duo Double Black is just the shortlist. One thing he isn’t known for, however, is being capable of being in love. More specifically, in love with his hot headed slug of a partner of 3 years.

Or, Dazai attempts to navigate the complexities of love, with varying levels of success. Featuring his own special brand of flirting, an all too knowing audience, and poor, poor Tachihara who just wanted a friend but ended up on Dazai’s personal blacklist instead.

OOC WARNING BUT IT'S FUNNY SO

+1. Snapshots from different lives: It's a bittersweet symphony this life by Crepuscolaria

Fandom: Heaven Official's Blessing (I couldn't resist)

Summary: He didn’t even get to meet Mu Qing last time! And now they could grow together and have a lot of time! Of course he would run to him!

Not that he can explain this to his mom. She would just look at him with the same exasperated fondness she reserves him when he grumbles under his breath things like youths these days, or back in my day.

------

A brief glimpse to that one time FX found MQ and they were both kids and he actually managed to grow with him until old age.

Series

Part 4 of Beyond Space and Time

CRIMINALLY UNDERRATED FIC GO READ IT NOW

(Might make pt. 2 idk)

[flamingskull28]

So this stood as a wip in my drafts for a long time so I had an idea. I'd finish it on a cliff hanger.

Now I will @ 3 friends to challenge them to finish a bit more. Maybe they will @ more people, who knows?

---

Marie vaguely listened as Callie and Agent 3 chatted. They always had some random topic to chat about, whether it be exercising routines, turf wars or music those two always had something to yap about.

While Marie did enjoy listening to them, with her own occasional chime ins. Her attention was mostly spilt over at Agent 4 who lay on the nearby couch outside the cabin, not really resting but more pretending to. Marie had demand she rest for a while after her 5th time going into the Canyon to train...

"Hey! Earth to Marie! Marieeeeeeeeeeeeee." Callie stretched her words out in the most annoying way possible till Marie finally snapped out from her half there trance.

"huh, who..."

"Me, silly...You okay Marie? You've been more zoned out more than usual." Callie's voice was un-naturally caring.

"I...." Marie sighed and tore her gaze from 4 "It's Agent 4, she's... been different lately, you've noticed right? She's been less chipper and upbeat, she barely talks anymore, her face is almost always stone cold, even when I tell her she can use her dualies in a misson... she doesn't even smile... and she's been spending more and more time in the Canyon. Always saying its for training.... she always comes back exhausted and covered in scars and bruises then at the first chance she gets...goes straight back out..." Maries voice rose and fell as she spoke untill she finally huffed,

Callie paused and looked at the out of breath Marie, considering her words for a moment "I... I have noticed, I just thought it was just a phase but.. you're right.." Callie forced a smile "Maybe 3's just rubbing off on her." She said trying to make light of this, 3 rolled her eyes in response thought the agent seemed nervous about something.

"That- Cod damit..." Marie muttered glancing back at the couch and seeing 4 vanished as if they'd never been there in the first place. Marie tapped her ear piece. "4, are you in the Canyon?" she tried to put disapproval into her voice.

After a few seconds of silence, her ear pieces speaker trickled to life, "Mhm." was all 4 said.

"4 I want you to come back. Now. Thats enough patrolling for today."

"....No...." gunfire was audible in her mic.

"4 you have spent well over 12 hours out there today. Come back to the Cabin, that's an order..." after a minute of no response she added "Please?"

*click*

..."4!" Marie yelled processing that her Agent had hung up on her. She turned to Callie and 3 as if to confirm that wasn't her imagination, but both their jaws were agape. 4 wasn't always the best with orders but she never refused one, let alone hung up on Maire...

Then 3 face planted into her hands and groaned "Cod... this is all my fault.... "

Marie and Callie stared at the girl, silently asking for an explanation.

"I..." 3 audiblely held back tears. Her and 4 has grown very close from what the sisters understood. Callie said they were like beasties but Maire saw... something more building between the two. So if 3 had done something to upset 4, this reaction would be understandable.

3 took a deep breath "Last month, you recall that patrol where me and 4 were gone all day and came back battered?" 3 continued knowing the sisters did remember. "Well as you know.. 4 and I were ambushed, we were overwhelmed by a whole splatoon of troops and barely scraped through...."

3 paused, her face covered in sorrow and regret. "Afterwards we were pissed, 4 and I argued about how that could've happened to us.... I-I was such a bitch to her." 3's voice cracked guiltily, as the regret pooled inside her bubbled over and leaked out in her words "I said 'this would have never happened if 8 was here,but no I was stuck with your incompetent ass and almost died because of it'.... she looked so hurt.....she hasn't talked to me since."

3 stopped and her tears finally broke through. Callie placed a comforting hand on their shoulder. Marie did not, feeling the urg to punch 3 mixed in her pity.

"So.." Marie death gripped her brella "She's been doing this to herself... because you couldn't hold back your temper? Now... she thinks torturing herself is the only was to be worth while..." Marie threw her umbrella aside and kicked open the cabin door. Rummaging through until she found her hero charger.

"Marie... you can't just blame 3." Callie said sternly, to no response. Marie kept walking away. "Where are you going?"

Marie looked back. Visiblely angry. "To find 4, don't follow." She super jumped away.

----

I challenge @geminired @sodapoppss @deemodomino to build on if they wish.

[laidlays]

MAGICAL RANGED DPS

Magic is fucking cool, man

The Magic DPS in FFXIV are all fairly varied in their own right, but I personally find that they range from deceptively hard to outright brainless, and it's no surprise who's in my last place if you've been paying attention.

Pictomancer

As of 7.05, Pictomancer remains the most overtuned, powerful caster in the game. It's a huge surprise that it hasn't been nerfed yet, but I cannot complain. Pictomancer's kit had a surprising free-flow style to it where most of what you're doing, as long as you understand why you're doing it, will contribute to the party. By its design it has one of the most committed cast times of all the Magic DPS and thus to make up for all the time NOT spent DPSing, your canvas magic makes up for in HUGE DPS. It's no surprise to see them top-DPSing on third-party tools. But like I said, it's a deceptively hard class. Between mechanics, juggling your canvases and building up Aetherhues to gain negative palette, you're constantly working up towards your burst until 2 minute hits and you release EVERYTHING you've saved up. And it feels fantastic. And its pseudo-leylines skill is extremely unique and rewards good playing and knowledge of the raid. Definitely the most well-thought out class overall.

2. Black Mage

The Great Sword of FFXIV made into a class. It boasts (what's supposed to be) high DPS with the tradeoff being long cast times and stationary playing. It's a class that rewards knowing the fight and understanding your kit well to be extremely effective in-combat and I hope they never change it. But it's one of those classes that you NEED to have community knowledge and guides on if you wish to be effective, otherwise you're dead weight. I think more classes should be this difficult and punishing if not played right, but that's just me. In Dawntrail, it's had a very rocky start and was recently changed to play like it did in Endwalker, which I am thankful for. But right now, its damage is pitiful for what's supposed to be THE premiere selfish DPS class. Still better than the other two on the list, but no where near where it should be for how much work you put in unlike Pictomancer.

3. Red Mage

Red Mage didn't exactly change much between Endwalker and Dawntrail. All of its new skills, just added onto the finishers and it still kept its utility as a pseudo-healer and situational resser (thank god). Ironically enough, of all the caster classes I feel that Red Mage is the class that has the least mobility. There's very few movement options that Red Mage has and outside of its finishers, you move very little unless you learn to slidecast. Probably my least played class not because it's bad, but because it has more fun alternatives for me.

4. Summoner

If Dancer didn't exist, this would be the most boring class to me, so we'll settle for second. Its Shadowbringers counterpart was full of an old and outdated design that also dealt with the infamous pet actions that didn't work most of the time. And yet, it was extremely engaging what with micro-managing your Summoned pet and taking in the power of Primals to do devastating damage. It was the first class in FFXIV that forced me to actually study how it worked, and I felt satisfied figuring it out. In Endwalker they had drastically changed it to better encompass the Summoner identity and at the same time reducing its kit to what's basically baby's first color identifier. I had held out hope that Dawntrail would have added more complexity because as it stood, it was a super bare bones class, but unfortunately it seems that they felt they didn't need to do any more to it than just add another phase and swap around Bahamut and Phoenix. To aptly describe the change would be the saddest fall from grace.

Bonus Stage:

Blue Mage

BLUE MAGE #1 STILL THE BEST FOREVER

In all seriousness, I like the role it's been put in by the community. Because none of the spells you learn are locked behind levels, its potential damage output is insanely high at any level, making it the perfect choice to farm Fates or old content with. It's the key reason why I'm even able to farm as many Aetheryte tickets as possible, making me save a LOT of gil, especially as a crafter and gatherer.

[pjo-tvs-version]

hi ivyyyyyy how are you

I'm taking this ask as an opportunity to explain my current life situation because I need to crib... But before that, thank you soo much for the ask Mish! I love the fact that always inquire about me and send asks. It means a lot to me ❤️❤️

SO I've been having my half yearlies since the 9th of August which ended on the 31st which is the reason I was inactive here for a while and couldn't answer the asks I got but know that I read every one of them and just wanted to answer them when I am in a sane state of mind. My exams were initially supposed to end on the 28th but because of a heinous crime that took place in the city I live, there were many violent protests so for safety precautions, the school postponed the last exam to Saturday which honestly sucks because had this not happened, I would have got 4 days of holiday. Right now also I just have temporary freedom as I have project vivas starting from tomorrow, practical exams next week and an English research project to finish by November. Time has flown soo quickly like I didn't even know when August came and went. On top of that since I came in Class 11 it's like a huge jump so my exams till now went awfully bad. Like it hasn't gone so bad for me ever like EVER. Our teachers aren't helping either as they just keep saying that we messed up our papers and have performed way below expectations.

However the rocky phase is almost going to end so I'm excited. I'll be going to the beach this weekend some I have something to actually look forward to! Help has sent a fic request which I'm working on which I think I'll post by this weekend too.

So to conclude this rant post life wasn't the best till now but things are improving. I just look forward to stuff to end. Thank you soo much Mish for the ask and I apologize for the long crib post.

[the-red-thread-that-strangles]

Sweater weather time

Rei acknowledges he might have a problem roughly 4 months (or 12.5 sweater exchanges) too late.

Really, the problem has existed for quite a while already - a secret agent is not supposed to be predictable, and they've been meeting pretty regularly, every two weeks at first, and lately every single one, like clockwork. It's a risk he should not be taking, for the sake of his own cover, Hiro's, and if he's being entirely honest, Akai's. He tries not to think too hard about how Okiya Subaru could probably exist peacefully, without his interference, but then again, it's all Akai's fault anyways. He's had three years to contact Rei about Scotch's survival, to only do so now when it was about to bite him in the ass, well, he deserves whatever the consequences of his actions might be. After their little stint at the Kudo manor, Rei's really done his best to destroy the evidence of his investigation, to let it be known as a failure, and thus, officially, Akai Shuuichi's death has been laid to rest. It is simply practical to keep an ally's cover safe so they may strike unexpectedly, at an opportune moment (and if Rei feels any regret about his actions or gratitute for how Akai has quickly become a reliable presence in his life, well, those pale in comparison to his duty).

That opportunity might come sooner than later, as the plan to take down the organisation is entering its critical phase. They both need to be at their best for this showdown, and he really, really can't afford to be distracted by Akai. He also can't afford to raise attention, and he knows at least Vermouth has her suspicions. She likes to dress him up too much, whisper in his ear, get too close too close too close; while Akai's cologne at least disperses quickly, the smell of his cigarettes lingers on the sweaters, and by extension, on Rei. It seems, of all things, to work as a shield - Vermouth wrinkles her nose when she first smells it on him, asking if he is, perhaps, stressed, for any reason at all? He's lying through his teeth, claiming smoking helps him concentrate, as Rum's requests are getting more challenging - but not to worry, it's nothing he can't handle. She's keeping more distance than usual afterwards, and he honestly can't help but be a little glad for that. Still, just to be sure, he's nabbing the pack of cigarettes from Akai's breast pocket when they met up after, requistioned to have them on hand as evidence if need be. (He's allowing Akai one last cigarette from the pack, which they share, 50/50, to get Rei reaccustomed to the sensation.)

Which is how he finds himself, weeks later, standing in front of his open window, smoking one of Akai's cigarettes. The glow of its tip pales in comparison to the lights of his beloved Tokyo all around him, but it's filling him with a little warmth at least. It's not the same as the lingering smell he's grown accustomed to; it's too intense, too lacking in complexity (too much like when Scotch and Rye were sharing cigarettes on their missions together). But at least the nicotine calms him somewhat. He's been restless, these last couple of days; Akai's somewhere in the US, procuring equipment and briefing people for the coordinated offensive. So much for his reliability. Usually, Rei would contact him, and they'd find a way to meet within the next couple of days - he has the sneaking suspicion Akai has been getting better at gauging the intervalls for their meetings, and is keeping some timeslots open for him. Or maybe he just really has that little to do. Who's to say.

In any case, it's way past their usual meeting time, and he hasn't been able to get in touch. He could go through official channels, seeing as the FBI and the PSB are cooperating now, but it really isn't that important. He can wait. The final briefing is scheduled three days before the sting; if he can deal with his problem by then, they'll be able to give their all for the finale of this mission four years in the making. He can't wait for that to be over.

But, to get closure, he'll need to settle the score. That 0.5 in their sweater exchange rate, the first sweater he took, is the issue, keeping them both locked up in an eternal inbalance, because technically Rei owes Akai that sweater back. There's only one problem - he's tried to get over himself, to undo the original sin. It shouldn't be hard, it's only a piece of clothing, after all. He's washed it and put it in a bag with a little ribbon, a month after the initial borrowing, and he's tried to give it back. And found himself unwilling, no, unable to. This sweater he holds onto in the nights where nightmares threaten to devour him whole. This sweater has kept him warm through shock, has caught his anger and relief at the revelation of his best friend's survival, and it's such an inextricable part of the experience it has become tangible proof of a brighter future for Rei. He can't give it up, needs it like breathing.

It's invaluable. There's nothing he could give Akai that's even anywhere close.

.

Sweater weather AU masterpost

[kilfeur]

Mon ami sur Discord se demandait pourquoi Roseille n'a pas essayé de parler à Kassis plutôt que de nous laisser nous occuper de Kassis. Mais le truc c'est que justement quand on a signé pour affronter le conseil 4. Et que Roseille essaye de lui parler, Kassis lui dit clairement de la fermer. Donc ouais, Kassis n'est pas réceptif à parler avec sa soeur. Peut être qu'avant qu'on arrive, Roseille a essayé de lui parler mais son petit frère l'a envoyé bouler car il veut se focaliser sur son entraînement !

Elle nous dit même ce qui ne va pas avec Kassis. Et au fond je pense qu'elle comprend pas ce changement radical. Le fait qu'elle dise "C'est juste une phase." C'est la seule raison qu'elle a réussit à trouver suite à son comportement. Mais je pense qu'elle se doute que quelque chose ne va pas mais n'arrive pas à trouver les mots pour l'expliquer ! Oui Roseille n'a pas été la meilleure des soeurs on l'a vu. Or je sais pas si quelqu'un d'autre l'a remarqué, mais après l'incident des statues d'Adoramis. Roseille ne le rabaisse plus à ce moment là !

Le fait que justement elle a du mal à parler son frère, fait d'elle une grande soeur assez réaliste. On voit qu'elle se soucie de lui mais comme Kassis ne semble vouloir ni écouter sa grande soeur ni même Irido. Et que le seul qu'il veut bien nous entendre, c'est nous ! Je peux comprendre pourquoi Roseille veuille nous confier Kassis. Car pendant l'histoire, la seule personne dont Kassis est obsédé de vaincre c'est nous ! Donc on est mieux apte à ce qu'il nous écoute contrairement aux autres.

My friend on Discord was wondering why Carmine didn't try to talk to Kieran instead of leaving us to deal with Kieran. But the thing is, just when we've signed up to take on Council 4. And Carmine tries to talk to him, Kieran clearly tells her to shut up. So yeah, Kieran isn't receptive to talking with his sister. Maybe before we got there, Carmine had tried to talk to him, but his little brother told her to get lost because he wanted to focus on his training!

She even tells us what's wrong with Kieran. And deep down I don't think she understands this radical change. The fact that she says "It's just a phase." It's the only reason she's managed to find for his behavior. But I think she knows something's wrong but can't find the words to explain it! Yes, Carmine hasn't been the best of sisters, as we've seen. Now I don't know if anyone else has noticed, but after the Loyal Three statue incident. Roseille didn't belittle him then!

The fact that she has trouble talking to her brother makes her a rather realistic big sister. We can see that she cares about him, but Kieran doesn't seem to want to listen to his big sister, or even Drayton. And the only one he'll listen to is us! I can understand why Carmine wants us to look after Kieran. Because during the story, we're the only person Kieran is obsessed with defeating. So we're more likely to get him to listen to us than the others.

[an-indecisive-nerd]

Sibling Questionnaire

Tagged by @the-letterbox-archives here and @paeliae-occasionally here

Gonna respond with Alexander and Melantha, and I'll do a bonus answer including Lucia and Phoebe.

1. Who looks most like their father?

Neither of them look much like either of their parents, but Mel's facial structure looks closest to her father, and she acts the most like him.

Out of all four of them Phoebe probably looks most like William, but Mel still seems the most like him if that makes sense.

2. Who looks most like their mother?

Again, neither really look like their parents, but Alex probably looks closer to their mother. No one who knows their family situation would ever say that though.

Lucia looks very similar to Eleanor, but again, no one would ever say that to her.

3. Who eats the most?

It depends on what part of the story we're in, but most of the time it would probably be Mel, even with all four of them. She does a lot of physical stuff and needs the calories.

4. Who has been in the weirdest situations?

Ooh, honestly? It's probably a tie between the twins. Their lives are kind of insane.

5. Who sleeps the most?

Out of the twins, Alexander. He's the more responsible one.

Out of all of them, Phoebe, because she's the youngest and hasn't had anything happen to ruin her sleep schedule.

6. Most stable romantic life?

Oh my God the twins both have such weird love lives. Like their partners are great and they're very happy, the instability comes from various forms of magic bullshit and plot shenanigans. So yeah it's a tie.

Out of all four of them, the winner is Lucia. She’s happily married with kids and has no shenanigans going on.

7. Worst habit of each?

Oh boy they have so many bad habits lol. Alexander is a perfectionist. Melantha neglects her personal health for the sake of others. Neither of them are good at asking for help.

Lucia bottles her emotions. Phoebe is naive, but she's also literally a small child so that's not her fault.

8. Who's the most dramatic?

They all have their moments, but it's definitely Mel overall.

9. Who had the weird phase?

Mel is currently in her goth phase and has never and will never get out of it, so I'd say her.

10. Who's the best cook?

Alex is the only one who can't cook, because in his time men didn't really cook and his mom was low key sexist so he was never taught. Out of the four of them Lucia is the best cook.

11. Best memory together?

Ooh, tough one. For Alex and Mel it's probably when they first started their training. For all four of them, probably the months after they found out Mel was going to die soon so they tried to get as much quality time together as they could.

12. Worst memory together?

When Phoebe got sick.

13. Dream trip together?

Honestly, they would love being able to go anywhere all together, as long as their mother wasn't coming with.

14. Would you rather not be able to shower or change clothes?

They would all die if they had to go too long without showering.

15. Who's older?

Lucia is the oldest. Alexander and Melantha are four years younger than her. Mel is slightly younger than Alex. Phoebe is six years younger than the twins.

16. Describe the others in 3 words.

Lucia: "Alexander is smart, responsible, and social. Melantha is strong, protective, and reckless. Phoebe is sweet, cute, and kind."

Alexander: "Lucia is responsible, reserved, and thoughtful. Mel is a reckless stubborn idiot. Phoebe is an adorable little sweetheart."

Melantha: "Alex is an annoying perfect princess. I agree with his descriptions of Lucy and Phoebe though."

Phoebe: "Lucia is smart, nice, and like a mom! A good mom! Alex is friendly, smart, and awesome! And Mel is pretty, strong, and super cool!"

Mel: "Awww, thanks Pumpkin."

17. Role model?

Lucia doesn't really have one. Alexander's role model is Melantha, but he'd never admit that. Mel's role model is her dad. Phoebe’s is all her siblings and her dad.

18. Who has the worst ideas?

Mel has plenty of good ideas, but she definitely has her fair share of bad one too.

19. Who kills the bugs?

Alex would kill the bug with no issues. Phoebe would befriend the bug and cry if anyone killed the bug. Mel would pick up the bug and chase Lucia around with it.

Tagging the taglist (if you want to be added, interact here)

@thelovelymachinery @unforgettable-sensations @littleladymab

@megamijadeheart @my-bright-legacy @ominous-feychild

@thecomfywriter @wyked-ao3 @anamelessfacelessnerd

@differentnighttale @mysticstarlightduck @the-letterbox-archives

@leahnardo-da-veggie @paeliae-occasionally

[stevie-petey]

I need something cute, like Steve getting a glimpse into the future and just seeing everything he's ever wanted. A big house full of kids, it's loud and busy, Toys scattered around. Then he just sees bug in all her glory. She's not dressed up or anything. Wearing pj's and sitting on the couch surrounded by a gaggle of little Harringtons. Some look like her, some look like him, maybe one who's too little to tell. Older ones sitting across the floor. Everyone's doing their own thing but all together in the same room. Everything feels warm and cozy. No more fighting for their lives, or worrying about what's gonna happen next. They're safe, surrounded by love that they created.

I imagine it like when Nancy comes back around Steve feels confused about his feelings ( Steve and Nancy never really had a friend phase like Steve and bug did, so I feel like they have trouble acting like friends around each other. It always lands into flirting territory and this might be confusing for the both of them.) And then he just gets hit with this vision and it makes him wanna cry. All he's ever wanted right in front of him but out of reach. When he'd get out of the upside he'd basically throw himself at bug. Any confusion is out the window and he knows what he wants.

ALSO, I feel like the jug reunion will be so good. I know season four took a lot away from Jon's character but I feel like it was needed. He saw his younger brother dead, his mom go crazy, planned a funeral BY HIMSELF ( and bug), he's almost died a million times. He deserved a break. He deserves to be a teenager and smoke weed, to forget about college for a minute. I feel like it helped him kinda go back to his old self, or maybe become someone new entirely that's a mixture of his two selves. Bugs tired when he comes back from California. She's been through hell and back and now she gets to see her old friend again. She gets to pretend like nothing has happened. Like she didn't almost die, like she hasn't been cursed or plagued with nightmares. She gets to relax and distract herself from everything that's happening around her. Don't get me wrong she's Happy, she loves Steve and she wouldn't give those memories up for the world, but she missed Jonathan. Everythings fucked but when bug and bee are together it's okay, they feel like everything will be okay. I feel like after everything that happened with vecna she'd feel homesick if that makes sense? She's way too stressed out and just wants to go home, but homes changed. Having Jonathan there would definitely help.

honestly what i adore about bug and jon is their childish innocence they still have together. the world is ending and theyve had the worst fucking three years of their lives but the second theyre together its bearable again.

i like to think of them as that feeling we all had as children, where we played superhero or tag or hide and seek, and the thrill and invincibility that followed after an exhilarating game with your best friend. your knees may be scrapped from falling, or maybe the dark closet you were hiding in began to scare you, but the moment youre back with your best friend all the fear and worries disappear because how couldnt they ? youre seven and your best friend is your favorite person in the entire world.

also you make such an interesting point about nancy and steve never JUST being friends. i never even considered that and now may have to rethink my pure hatred for that season 4 plotpoint (thats assuming the duffer bros even had that tidbit in mind). i think it adds such a nice layer to everything, so we shall see !!