#She won't be able to play for the rest of the season due to her injury

[coochiequeens]

The son of a social justice activist and a local musician who worked references to his son into his songs is playing on the girls team

By Reduxx Team November 30, 2023

A concerned father in California has come forward to reveal that his daughter sustained a traumatic concussion after playing high school volleyball against an opposing team with a trans-identified male student. Luis, whose name is being anonymized at his request due to fears about repercussions against his family, alleges his daughter had a ball spiked into her head so hard that she experienced blurry vision.

The incident occurred in October during a match at Half Moon Bay High School. Luis was in attendance to support his 17-year-old daughter, who was playing on behalf of a visiting high school Reduxx has chosen to withhold the name of in order to protect her identity. Luis explains that volleyball had been one of his daughter’s passions from an early age.

“My daughter has been involved in volleyball since she was in 4th grade,” he says. “She has always been a kid with her eye on the prize. When she first started asking about playing volleyball she began practicing in the backyard. For hours at a time, she’d hit the ball on the sloped roof. Eventually she was able to be a Team Captain at her school.”

But while his daughter had racked up an impressive school athletic record and had played dozens of games, Luis explained he immediately felt something was off during the October match. He says he noticed something strange about one of the Half Moon Bay players, who he says seemed stronger than all of the girls on the team.

“From a distance It seemed like a boy dressed in a girl’s volleyball uniform,” Luis says, adding that he quickly texted his wife in confusion. “I asked if she knew that there may be a boy on the [Half Moon Bay] team. She said yes.”

Immediately, Luis says concern began to set in.

“I told my wife that this was not fair. I felt frustrated that, in an indirect way, I was now supporting someone’s gender confusion. To boot, they were now playing against my daughter and her teammates. I had heard about transgender in sports issues, bathroom gender identification politics, and trans groups reading to kids at school. Now it was directly hitting home.”

Luis says that during the game, while he was chatting with another parent, the game suddenly stopped, and he turned to see his daughter being led out of the gymnasium while holding her head.

“[The other parent] turned to me and said, ‘Did you see that? She was hit by that boy?’ I had missed the actual hit, but felt the weight of everyone staring at me, including the opposing team,” Luis explains that he rushed to check on his daughter, terrified that she might be bleeding.

During a medical assessment by Half Moon Bay officials, Luis says his daughter reported blurry vision and head pain. Despite her injury, Luis’ daughter wanted to remain at the school to support her teammates, but sat out for the remainder of the match.

“After the game, a few parents voiced their displeasure with the incident. With all of the cancel culture crap, I was walking on eggshells, not wanting to add more fuel to this fire,” Luis says, noting that he tried to remain calm for his daughter’s sake.

“I totally felt alone. Like this was a bad dream. My daughter knew how angry I was. The drive was telling as my daughter asked me not to make it a big deal. But to me, it was already a big deal,” he says.

“We ended up taking my daughter to the doctor. They confirmed the concussion and my kid ended up not being able to play for the remainder of her senior year. She was playing for fun, and this was her final year doing it. She felt robbed. I felt deflated and powerless,” Luis explains.

Despite scheduling a meeting with school district administrators, Luis was told nothing could be done to prevent males from continuing to play on female teams. Internally, Luis struggled with the news, and began to weigh the risks of coming forward.

“If I say something out loud, will my kid be ostracized at school? If I don’t say anything, will I be silently accepting boys playing against girls at schools? Are there parents that would shame me and my family for saying anything? Don’t get me wrong, I have empathy for the boy. I don’t know what it feels like for someone to be born male and not identify with that. Life must be difficult,” Luis says.

“But at what point does someone’s gender dysphoria cross the empathy boundary? In my case when my daughter was injured.”

Reduxx has learned that the male student playing on the Half Moon Bay girls’ team was Aaron Lester, the son of California musician John Lester and social justice activist Lisa Phelan.

Lester’s parents claim he began to express an interest in wearing feminine clothes at age 9, when they say he wanted to wear a dress during an elementary school talent show.

“(His) mom and I had a talk with him. We said, ‘We’re totally fine with that, but there might be some people who don’t understand. You might get a hard time from some people and you should be prepared for that,’” Lester’s father is quoted as saying in a 2017 article published in the Half Moon Bay Review.

Lester’s father then wrote a song and incorporated references to his son.

“Pink for girls and blue for boys, fairy dust or fighting toys, a child must choose when they’re still young between a magic wand or plastic gun, but there’s this kid who doesn’t care,” the song’s lyrics state. “He’s strong, he’s wise and he’s pretty too.”

Lester and his mother at Ru Paul’s Dragcon. Source: Lisa Phelan / INSTAGRAM

While it is unclear when Lester began to identify as “female,” it appears to be relatively recently. In 2020, he was still referring to himself and his sibling as “brothers,” but in 2021, his mother began posting more frequently about “supporting trans kids” on her social media.

During the October match which resulted in Luis’ daughter being injured, Lester issued almost 1/3 of the total “kills” for the team, and helped Half Moon Bay dominate to an overwhelming victory.

In videos from the match reviewed by Reduxx, Lester is seen jumping higher than the female players, and hitting the ball with far more force.

Due to a lack of action from the school district, Luis says he has joined a group of concerned parents looking to push change on a local level.

“My daughter is okay now. She has no further treatments,” Luis says. “I feel like my daughter would not have injured had Half Moon Bay not allowed a male to play with the girls.”

Speaking to Reduxx, a representative from the Independent Council on Women’s Sports (ICONS) attributed much of the blame to the policies of California Governor Newsom.

“Governor Newsom and California school leaders are to blame for allowing boys to cause brain injuries and take opportunities from girls in sports. The Governor dismisses situations like this girl’s career-ending injury as unimportant to him,” the representative said.

“[Newsom] believes the well-being of ‘so few’ boys is paramount when measured next to safety and fairness for girls. These boys are ‘Gavin’s Golden Boys.’ They are allowed to do whatever they want and girls are acceptable collateral damage.”

ICONS is a non-partisan campaign group dedicated to defending the rights of female athletes to single-sex sport and has vocally advocated against policies which allow males to self-identify into women’s athletic categories. Since its founding, the group has railed against incidents of injury or risk involving female athletes forced to accommodate males in their sport.

“It’s time to stand up, speak up, and sue. Putting girls at known increased risk and stealing their opportunities is unethical.”

I did a quick search for the dudes parents since I never heard of either of the them. And father info was just about his music. But the mom ...

So if the election doesn't go the way she wants it's the fault of women. I don't know the demographics for the last election by during the trump Clinton election it was the men I heard say "I'm not voting there's no point" with a smug 'I am soo smart' attitude.

And there's this

Coaching? I didn't see anything on about her officially being on the team but I did see a write up on social media

And what about her son?

Team leader...........

[imaginespazzi]

Part 1: Simple Things

Masterlist - Part 2 - Part 3 - Part 4 - Part 5 - Part 6 - Part 7 - Part 8 - Part 9 - Part 10

Cause your presence still lingers here (it won't leave me alone)

(In which a procrastinating writer starts another series to continuously procrastinate on)

Pairing: Paige Bueckers X Azzi Fudd

Themes: Angst, Pining

Words: 5.8K (lowkey shocked I managed that)

TW: Swearing (I think that's it?)

A/N: Hello my lovelies <3 Look at me not being a liar! I'mma try to be good with updates but we all know me. This first chapter is mainly buildup and it's not my favorite but it's important to get the plot rolling. I know very little about California and it's going to become more and more apparent throughout this series so everyone who knows Cali, just pretend thanks! Did I edit? Yes. Are there probably still mistakes? Also yes. As always, let me know what you liked, what you disliked, and what you wanna see next!

February 2033

“Anywhere but GSV,” Paige says adamantly, staring at the white wall in front of her, instead of her exasperated agent. 

Talia lets out a deep sigh, perfectly manicured sharp red nails tapping incessantly against her desk. For the most part, Paige is a dream client and when Talia says jump, she says how high. It’s easy to trust Talia’s vision when she hasn’t let her down once since Paige’s management company has assigned her to their basketball sensation. But most of those decisions had been about endorsement opportunities, opportunities that wouldn’t have other ramifications on the rest of Paige’s life, opportunities that didn’t come with personal consequences. 

“Paige-”

“How about the Sparks?” 

“They’re not offering nearly as much.”

“I’m okay with taking a pay-.”

“You do not pay me as much as you do for me to let you finish such a stupid sentence.”

“Fine,” Paige spins around in her swivel chair, “you’re telling me nobody else is offering me anything as big as GSV.”

“Well I mean Indiana…” Talia trails off, barely able to hide an impish grin at Paige’s pronounced eyeroll, “and of course you could always just stay in Dallas.”

Paige winces at the mention of the current team. With one championship and two MVP campaigns under her belt, it would be incorrect to say her time with the Wings hadn’t been fruitful but she’d never felt quite at home here. And that had been before the personnel changes had hit Dallas and suddenly, the team coming off a near perfect season with a trophy in their hand, was struggling to keep themselves in playoff contention. Paige had stuck it out two more seasons after, a testament to her loyal nature and desire to start and finish her career at the same place like many legends had done but ultimately enough had been enough and she’s come to terms with the fact that she’s not meant to be a part of the Wings forever. 

“Can’t you try talking to the Sparks again?” she says, hands massaging her temple as she resorts to begging, “it’s fucking L.A. they’ve got to have some money lying around somewhere.”

“Even if they did, you and I both know the Sparks aren’t a good fit basketball wise either. GSV has everything you’re looking for. They need a PG and you need a championship contender who’s offering you a deal like they are. You can’t throw all of that away just because-”, Talia bites her lip, catching herself before she can vocalise out loud the real reason they’re having such a complicated conversation about what should be a simple decision. 

Paige swallows uncomfortably, skin prickling with that all too familiar fire that spreads through her veins every time her past brushes a little too close to her present. It would be impossible to keep them from ever colliding, but for almost a decade now, Paige has managed to keep them separate beyond absolute necessity. She’s done the cordial handshakes when the Wings played the Valkyries and given due diligent praise when the media had asked about the competition, but that was it. More than that would have been like willingly walking into a fire with kerosene all over her body. And Paige can’t do that, not when the burn marks from years and years ago, still haven’t healed. 

“Team chemistry is important,” Paige says finally, “I might be an on-court fit at GSV but that won’t matter if it’s a disaster off the court.”

Talia sighs and Paige can tell she’s fighting the urge to whack her head against her desk, “it’s been years Paige. You've lived a whole life without each other. The two of you are adults. You’re professionals and you’re two of the best goddamn players in the league. You have the same goal; you want to win. You don’t think you can put that behind you to get you both what you want?”

You've lived a whole life without each other

It’s like a well-aimed arrow that barely breaks skin but shatters something underneath, something buried deep within, something she should have gotten rid of years ago but hasn’t been able to let go of yet. Something that feels a lot like a forever she’d never gotten to live out and an always that had flown out of her reach. And Paige knows nobody lives the life they’d expected to live at fifteen or even eighteen but the truth is that most of her dreams had come true. The only thing missing was the person she’d expected to be there by her side when they did. 

“Okay listen,” Talia begins again, “here’s what’s gonna happen.”

“Bossy,” Paige smirks, bracing herself, knowing she’s not about to like the next words out of Talia’s mouth. 

“You’re going to go to San Francisco,” the older woman raises a silencing hand the minute Paige tries to protest, “you’re going to meet the front office, you’re going to meet the GM and you’re going to tour their facilities. And if after talking with them and seeing all they have to offer, if it’s still not enough to counter having to play with her, then we can revisit this conversation.”

“Can I say no?” Paige tilts her head with a sigh. 

Talia smirks and it’s enough for Paige to let her head finally hit the table, “your flight leaves in two days.”

***

Azzi wakes up to a light weight sprawled over her back and tiny fingers rubbing circles against her temple. She can’t help but smile, keeping her eyes closed and listening to the sound of her daughter’s quiet breathing as the little girl continues her ministrations. It’s a new skill she’s been taught, to wake her mom up like this instead of screaming. So far, Azzi think’s it’s been a successful transition. 

“Mama,” Stephie whispers in Azzi’s ear, “are you awake yet cause I really really want waffles.”

Azzi laughs, finally flipping herself over and Stephie squeals as she goes from on top of her mother, to landing on the bed, “I thought you said you wanted pancakes last night?”

“I did,” a thoughtful look crosses the five-year-old's eyes, “I think I changed my mind.”

“You think?” Azzi suppresses a smile. It’s uncanny really how she’d given birth to her perfect mini-me. The moment the nurses had placed the tiny little creature into her waiting hands, she’d noticed immediately how much it felt like looking through a door into her childhood. And with every passing day, it seems Stephie morphs more and more into Azzi. From the way her face betrays her every emotion to the way she can’t make a decision to save her life, it’s all Azzi and really it makes sense, because Stephie is all Azzi’s. 

“Yes,” Stephie nods matter-of-factly as she sits up onto her knee and pulls at Azzi’s blanket, “so can you get up and make me waffles now?”

“Oh of course I can, your highness,” Azzi says dramatically, rising off the bed and letting Stephie climb onto her back, “would you like chocolate sauce or maple syrup with that your majesty?”

Stephie groans, burying her face in Azzi’s neck as if her mother has asked her to make the most difficult decision in the world. They settle into their morning routine, Stephie brushing her teeth as Azzi goes through her meticulous skin care regiment, occasionally dabbing little bits of this and that on her daughter’s skin, eliciting soft giggles from the little girl. It’s her favourite sound in the entire world. Azzi’s life isn’t perfect and there’s a million what if’s, one bigger than all of the others, that plague her mind sometimes but then she looks at Stephie, and she knows she wouldn’t change a single decision she’d made. Because they’ve all led to this moment, 9 am on a Friday, making waffle batter as her five-year old sits on the counter-top. It’s not everything but it’s enough. 

The frantic sound of a door being haphazardly slammed open has both Stephie and Azzi startled, until Colleen comes bursting through it like a tornado. 

“Oh thank god you’re awake,” Azzi’s best friend and manager says, out of breath, as she throws her car keys on the kitchen table.

“Hi Aunty Leen,” Stephie grins, waffle batter all over her mouth as she continues to dip and lick. 

“Hey kiddo,” Colleen ruffles Stephie’s hair before sitting down and staring pointedly up at Azzi, “you might wanna sit down for this. I have news.”

“Sorry to break it to you Collen but your new h-o-o-k-u-p-s are not sit-down-newsworthy,” Azzi smirks as Colleen scrunches up her nose trying to keep up with the spelling. 

“Oh trust me Az, I wish this was about my h-o-o- whatever,” Colleen takes a deep breath, “GSV is meeting with a potential point guard this week.”

“I would hope so. We really need a PG if we’re gonna redeem ourselves next season.”

“Right, well- you see- the thing is-”

“Today if you can please Colleen,” but there’s this knot forming in the pit of her stomach. Her sixth sense that’s been dormant for years is prickling and if she’s honest with herself, Azzi knows the next words that are about to come out of Colleen’s mouth before her best friend has even said them. 

“GSV wants to sign Paige,” Colleen says slowly. 

For a moment there’s silence and it’s ridiculous how all it takes is her name for Azzi’s mind to start flipping through pages and pages of a photo album she’s buried deep in the treasure chest of her mind. And for a second, she allows herself to get lost in a flood of everything we could have been until the sting of her hand slipping against the waffle iron jolts her back to reality. 

“Fuck,” she curses, immedaitely blowing at her fingers. It does nothing. She should know by now that when things burn, the flames might die out, but even the ashes remain on fire. 

“Bad word Mama,” Stephie chides immediately, unaware that her mother’s world has just been thrown off balance, “you owe me a kiss.”

She juts her cheek out and Azzi complies, trying to ignore the way her heart is desperately trying to beat out of her chest. It only calms down a little when Stephie presses a kiss of her own against Azzi’s cheek. 

“Sorry sweetheart, mama’s bad, Here can you mix this batter for me,” Azzi whispers to the younger girl, distracting her child with something to do, before rounding on her best friend, “she can’t come here.”

Colleen sighs, getting comfortable in her chair, “unfortunately I don’t think you have much choice.”

“The h-” Azzi cuts herself off, closing her eyes and taking a deep breath, “the haystack I don’t. This is my team and I don’t want her on it and I’m gonna walk into Ohemaa’s office and tell her exactly that.”

“Right and what exactly are you going to tell her when she asks you why you don’t want the best point guard in the league on your team Azzi? Your team, who mind you, lost in the finals last year because you didn’t have a point guard.”

Azzi flinches, gritting her teeth, both at the reminder of the loss that had happened not long enough ago and the fact that she couldn’t very well go into her boss’s office and blurt out the truth about a tragic relationship that had lived and died in secret. 

“It's a bad idea, the two of us- we’ll kill each other Colleen,” she struggles to string the words together, swallowing away the we already have that tastes like bile on the tip of her tongue. 

“Well you’re gonna have to learn not to,” Colleen says decisively, slipping from being Azzi’s best friend to her manager, “because you and I both know that if you want GSV to win another championship, you’re going to need her.”

“Are you my manager or GSV’s,” Azzi grunts, rubbing a tired hand against her forehead. 

Colleen smiles, “it’s the same thing isn’t it? What’s good for GSV is good for you. And we all know the two of you thrive on the court together.”

“We did. Past tense,” the admission falls like lava from Azzi’s lips, singeing the edges of her mouth as everything that she’d let simmer underneath threatens to bubble over, “there’s no guarantee we still will. Besides, it's all a moot point anyways because she would never agree.”

“Wouldn’t she?” Colleen cocks an eyebrow and Azzi groans at the rhetorical question, waiting for the inevitable other shoe to drop, “because last I checked, she’s flying into San Francisco tomorrow.”

***

Paige has a problem. A really big fuck i really want to be a golden state valkyrie type of problem. She’d fought it every step of the way since she’d landed in San Francisco. Something about the city felt like it was bursting with basketball. The drive from the airport into Oakland had been bursting with murals of the Warriors and the Valkyries and for a split second, Paige can see her own face up on the billboards in a #5 Valkyries jersey. She just doesn’t know if it she can imagine herself next to the woman in #35 again, the woman whose smile in the posters is exactly as she remembers it to have been like when it was pressed into Paige’s skin every night almost a decade ago. 

On top of that, Omehaa Nyanin had seemed to know exactly what made Paige Bueckers, the basketball player, tick. Every argument Paige had about why she shouldn’t be Valkyrie, the woman had a counter ready, as if she’d already anticipated exactly what the blonde would say. The Valkyrie coach had been even more prepared with videos of their offensive and defensive sets and how they fit in tandem with Paige’s own skill set, all ready to show off the minute she had walked through the door. It should be the easiest decision in the world to let herself just belong to this world that is screaming her name but there’s a rope around her waist trying to tug her back to safety, trying to tug her away from dousing her still-open wounds in salt. 

Sighing, Paige lets herself into what she’s been told is called the “chill area”. Coach had offered to give her a tour of the facilities herself but Paige had declined, asking instead for her former UConn teammate and currently Valkyrie centre Jana El Alfy to do the honours, desperate for a familiar face who knew her history to bounce her thoughts off. It clearly wasn’t what the woman had wanted, but considering she was trying to convince Paige to choose them, whatever the blonde wanted, she was going to get. Massaging her temples at this irritating predicament she’s unwillingly found herself in, Paige’s head rolls back against the back of the chair, eyes closing involuntarily. 

“You’re not supposed to sleep in here,” a tiny voice echoes and Paige almost jumps out her skin in shock. 

“Fucking hell,” she curses as her eyes fall upon a little girl who seems to have materialized out of nowhere, “shit kid, you scared me.”

The child scrunches her nose and Paige feels her heart beat start to quicken as recognition settles in. She knows this little girl, has seen her on the sidelines at countless games and just like every other time, all she can think of is just how much this child resembles the future Paige had once believed would be hers. 

“You owe me three kisses,” the girl says matter-of-factly, her tone so similar to her mothers. It shouldn’t surprise Paige, not when the kid has those same dark curls, those same doey brown eyes, that same nose scrunch.

“I owe you three kisses?” Paige repeats. 

The girl rolls her eyes letting out a sigh far too grave for someone of her age, “yes. Mama says whenever someone says a bad word around me, they have to give me a kiss. You said three bad words, so you owe me three kisses.”

“And what does Mama say about asking strangers for kisses?”

“Stranger danger duh silly,” the child puts her hands on her hips, tilting her head as she looks at Paige with a far too familiar expression, “but you’re not a stranger.”

Paige purses her lips, “I’m not?”

“You’re Paige Bueckers. I’ve seen you at Mama’s games and Nanna and Pops have pictures of you in their house,” she stops, staring accusingly, “you don’t know who I am? Did you forget me?” 

And Paige doesn’t know what catches her off guard more. The casual mention of a house that used to feel like a home, of people that used to feel like family or the fact that, that puppy dog stare still has the exact same effect on her that it did years ago, even if the owner of said eyes is different.

“Of course I didn’t forget you. You’re Stephanie,” Paige says softly, trying to muster a smile as she adds the last name, “Stephanie Fudd.”

“Stephanie Katarina Fudd,” comes the immediate correction, “but everybody calls me Stephie,” tiny hands wrap around Paige’s neck as Stephie climbs on to her lap, tapping a finger on her left cheek as she smiles up at Paige, “so now can I have my kisses?”

Slowly, Paige presses three featherlight kisses against the little girl’s cheek and when Stephie squeals in delight, she wishes she could record it. Someone somewhere is playing a practical joke on her, Paige is sure of it. Because all of a sudden, all the little things she’s been collecting as to reasons why she might just like the Bay Area are starting to feel insignificant in front of this one, in front of Stephie and her innocent smile and the way her free hand is curled around Paige’s neck as if she’ll hold on forever. And the world is definitely playing a cruel prank on her because Stephie can’t be the reason Paige wants to stay, not when her mother’s the reason Paige needs to go.

“Your Mama just lets you run around the building like this?” Paige asks, trying to focus on Stephie instead of the turmoil in her brain. 

Stephie smiles sheepishly, “well I was ‘posed to stay with Aunty Leen while Mama talks to Miss O but then Aunty Leen got a call and I was bored so I came here.”

It doesn’t take Paige too long to decipher that Miss O must be Omehaa, but she’s stuck on who the hell Aunty Leen could be. She’s distinctly aware that her skin has no right to prickle, her hands have no right to sweat, her stomach has no right to knot, she has no right to feel anything when it comes to Stephie’s mother. But jealousy floods through her anyways. 

“Who is Aunty Leen?” Paige asks and then mentally slaps herself for it. 

“Aunty Leen is Aunty Leen,” Stephie explains unhelpfully, “so Miss Buecks-”

“Bueckers.”

Stephie shoots her an unimpressed look, “same things Miss Buecks. Are you here to join Mama’s team?”

“I-” Paige scratches her neck, only slightly taken aback by the direct question, “I don’t know.”

“You should,” Stephies says decisively, “Mama’s team is the best team in the world and Mama’s the best player in the whole wide world.”

Paige can’t help but smile at Stephie’s loyalty, “so why does her team need me then?”

Stephie looks contemplative for a moment before she uses her index finger to beckon Paige towards her, “can I tell you a secret?”

“Of course you can,” Paige says, leaning her ear down so Stephie can whisper into it.

“Don’t tell anyone but you’re my second favourite player.”

Paige swears her heart feels like it might burst. She’s been plenty of people’s favourite player and it’s always been nice to hear. But somehow, all of that seems to pale in comparison to being Stephie’s second favourite player. 

“Why’s that a secret?” she asks softly. 

“Cause you play for the wrong team silly. I can’t cheer for not Mama’s team,” Stephie huffs and then her eyes twinkle, “that’s why you should play for Mama’s team and then I can support you!”

“Can’t argue with that logic,” Paige concedes, battling against the part of her brain that’s conjuring up an image of Stephie on the sidelines, cheering for Paige. 

“What’s log-ic?” Stephie asks. 

“Just means you’re a really smart kid,” Paige says, tapping the little girl’s nose. Her head is ringing with warning bells because this floaty feeling of belonging that’s encompassed in this little bubble she’s found herself in with Stephie is not one she’s allowed to feel, not now, not ever. 

“STEPHIE,” a shrill voice echoes outside and Stephie immediately dives into Paige’s neck, hiding herself in the crook of it as a frazzled woman bursts through the door. Her eyes soften when they fall on Paige and the blonde can’t help the caught expression that filters on her face. She knows she’s done nothing wrong; Stephie had been the one to find her after all. But perhaps it’s because she’s scared Colleen will take one look at her and see that tiny rebellious part of her that wants to fight what’s coming next, wants to fight the woman who’s going to take Stephie away from her. Paige isn’t one to get attached easily. It had only ever happened once before when she was fifteen and she’d just known that the girl shooting three’s next to her on the court was meant to be in her life in one way or another. But things had been simple then. Nothing was simple now. 

“Stephie,” Colleen says slowly, “what have I told you about running away from me?”

Stephie peeks her head out from Paige’s chest, a coy smirk playing on her lips, “not to do it? But you were boring me Aunty Leen.”

Oh that’s Aunty Leen, Paige thinks and she absolutely should not let out a sigh of relief at that but she does anyway. 

“I was on the phone for two minutes, Steph.”

“Two minutes too long,” Stephie counters and Paige has to stifle a laugh. 

Colleen rolls her eyes before holding out a hand, “well your Mama’s nearly done so we have to get going kiddo.”

“Can Miss Buecks come with us?” Stephie asks innocently and both Colleen and Paige freeze. 

“I don’t think-”

“I’m not sure-”

They both begin before their eyes flicker to each other and they can’t help but smile. It’s funny how relationships work, how one snapped string can cause a whole web to dissolve, no matter how hard everyone involved had tried to make it work. 

“I’m waiting to meet someone sweetheart so I can’t come right now,” Paige explains, “but maybe next time?”

And she shouldn’t add that last part, not when Paige should be devising an escape plan to never be in Oakland again instead of giving Stephie false hope about a next time that’s far from guaranteed. But it’s worth it for the way Stephie grins, staring at Paige like she’s given her the world’s greatest gift. 

Before Paige can say anything, the little girl presses her lips against Paige’s cheek and she swears she stops breathing for a moment, “I hope you choose to play for Mama’s team Miss Buecks. I think you’d look pretty in purple.”

***

May 2024

“I’ve figured it out,” Paige says triumphantly as she unceremoniously flops onto Azzi’s bed.

“Well hi to you too babe,” Azzi grumbles as she scoots over to give the other girl space. It’s unnecessary because the minute she does, Paige only moves closer, wrapping an arm around Azzi’s torso. 

“Hi baby,” she whispers before pressing a kiss against her girlfriend’s lips and pulling away so quickly that it leaves Azzi chasing after her. 

Azzi huffs and Paige laughs as she gets herself comfortable, resting her chest on the darker skinned girl's stomach, “I’ve figured it out.”

“Figured what out?”

“Our future,” Paige says triumphantly and Azzi can’t help but smile at the our as she intertwines their fingers together. It’s been years in the making and there’s nothing Azzi’s more confident in than those two words. Not everyone finds forever this young, but she’s certain they have because really she can’t imagine a life where they don’t belong to each other, a life where every night isn’t spent exactly like this. 

“And what do you see for our future,” Azzi asks softly. 

“Well it’s simple really,” Paige hums, “I’m going to get drafted wherever next year but the year after,  you’re definitely getting drafted to Valkyries-”

“I don’t know about definitely-”

“Azzi it’s rude to interrupt,” Paige sends her a chastising look. 

“Right of course,” Azzi nods solemnly, “continue.”

“As I was saying. You’re definitely getting drafted to the Valks and then we just have to wait for my rookie contract to be up and boom! I’ll join you in the Bay Area and we’ll be together forever and ever and ever.”

Azzi giggles, brushing her hands through Paige’s hair, “that simple huh?”

“That simple,” Paige promises, catching hold of one of Azzi’s hands to press a kiss to her palm, “it’s us Az, we’ll always be simple. Besides, I think we’d both look pretty good in purple.”

***

May 2033

The Valkyrie facilities are state of the art as expected. Jana is the perfect tour guide, pointing out everything she knows will garner Paige’s attention. As they step foot onto the practice court, Paige feels the overwhelming sense of this could be home that’s been dancing along with her every step of the way today. All the resolve she’d carried with her from Dallas is slowly crashing down and she can practically hear Talia’s sing-song i told you so voice echoing in her head. 

“You’d be really good here P,” Jana says excitedly, doing a little spin.

“You’d be lucky to have me,” Paige teases, as she picks up a basketball and subconsciously starts dribbling. 

Jana laughs, before a serious expression takes over, “we would. We got really close to winning it all last year and I think you might be our missing piece.”

“I want to,” Paige confesses, “I just-” her eyes flicker to the most recent MVP poster hanging on the walls, Jana’s gaze following hers, “I don’t know if I should. It’s so complicated.”

“Only if you let it be,” Jana says as she swipes the ball out Paige’s hands, “don’t think of everything else P, just- just think of the basketball. Because you know basketball-wise, this is the right move,” she passes the ball to Paige with a smirk, tilting her head towards the basket, “why not take a shot at it P?”

Paige shakes her head, palming the ball in her hands, “can’t believe my son’s all grown up.”

“Children of divorce have no choice but to grow up,” Jana says gravely and Paige laughs despite herself. 

Taking a deep breath, Paige raises the ball, arching her arms perfect as she shoots it. It barely touches the rim, before falling through the basket with swish. Hitting the floor with a quiet thud, the ball rolls until it’s stopped by someone's foot. Behind her, Paige can hear Jana cheering for the shot but she barely registers it, her entire attention on the new figure who’s just entered the court. It’s a tale as old as time. Azzi Fudd enters the room and suddenly everything else in Paige’s peripheral fades away, until it’s just her and the girl who still manages to steal her breath away. 

“Nice shot,” Azzi says, as she takes a slow step towards Paige. The air is thick with tension as if a time capsule has been opened and their past is leaking onto the pages of their present, staining it with marks of the you and me that we used to be. She should say something, even if it’s just an acknowledgement of the compliment but her tongue feels dry and she’s scared that if she opens her mouth, all the things she shouldn’t say will flood out instead. 

“Hey Az,” Jana’s eyes flicker awkwardly between her former teammates, “I didn’t know you were coming in today.”

“Had to talk to Omehaa about a couple of things,” Azzi says airly, eyes still fixated on Paige, “Jana can we have a minute?”

“You won’t kill each other will you?” Jana asks nervously.

Azzi laughs and even Paige cracks a small smile, “no Jana, we won’t kill each other.”

“Just making sure because last time-” Jana clamps a hand to her mouth as both Paige and Azzi flinch, “because nothing- you guys- you guys talk. I’ll give you guys a minute.”

She scampers away cursing to herself about putting her foot in her mouth and it would be amusing, if not for the fact that Paige can still barely breathe. They haven’t been alone in a room since last time and the air around them hangs heavy with the casings of the grenades they’d hurled at each other. 

“I’ve never seen you with braids this early in the year. They used to be your summer braids,” Paige remarks slowly. It’s a mundane change to notice but it’s significant of the larger truth, significant of all the time that’s passed, significant of the fact they don’t know these new versions of each other. 

“Yeah um, can’t really do summer braids with the W season,” Azzi chews at her lip.

“Right yeah- yeah that makes sense,” Paige nods. The awkwardness is killing her. She’d never been a fan of the silence, always more comfortable in the chaos but it had been different with Azzi. There had been something peaceful, something calming, about the quiet, when it was just the two of them, hands intertwined, eyes closed, as they listened to the sound of each other’s heartbeat. 

“Paige-”

“Are you here to tell me not to come to GSV?” Paige blurts out, “because it’s- it’s okay if you are like I get it. I mean- the two of us- it’s just really fucking complicated so I get it- I get it if you don’t want me here.”

“I didn’t,” Azzi admits and it shouldn’t, but Paige feels it sting anyways, “you’re right. You and I- there’s just a lot there and it would- it would be really complicated and when Colleen first told me I- I was gonna go fight Omehaa and be like abso-fucking-lutely not but-” she sucks in a deep breath, “do you remember the promise we made to each other?”

“We made a lot of promises to each other,” Paige says, unable to keep the harshness out of her tone, “sorry I-”

“No you’re right,” Azzi swallows, “but I meant the promise we made when we first started dating. We said we’d never let the personal affect the professional. We promised each other that no matter what, we’d never let our relationship affect us on the court And I know- I know we’ve broken a lot of promises to each other,” they both let out a breath at that, “but I think- I think maybe we should try and keep this one.”

“What are you saying?”

“I’m saying you need a championship contender and GSV needs a PG. Paige, I’m not here to convince you to not come to GSV, I’m here to ask you to join our team,” Azzi says resolutely. 

Paige isn’t easily shocked by anything really. She’s lived what she’d consider a pretty interesting life but of course if anyone was going to surprise her, it would be Azzi. Azzi, who has always been an exception to every rule. 

“You- you want me on your team?” Paige repeats, a little dumbfounded.

“Yes,” Azzi affirms, “you told me once that we could be the best backcourt duo in college basketball and we were, even if it was only for a year, we were and so now I’m telling you that I think we could be the best backcourt duo in the WNBA.”

Paige is silent for a second before a smirk takes over her features, “I think I did a lot more than tell you, pretty sure I had a whole video that proved it.”

“Are you asking me to make you a recruiting video?” Azzi raises an unamused eyebrow. 

Paige shrugs, “could be a nice gesture.”

“I have a five year old child, Bueckers. Trust me when I say I don’t have enough spare time for bullshit like that when you can easily just search up our highlights on youtube. Or just look in your trophy case if you’re looking for proof of how good we can be together,” Azzi says, a hint of that familiar sass bleeding into her spiel. 

“We really were good together weren’t we,” it spills out before Paige can stop it and it’s like they’re taking two steps back from each other, the friendly-ish banter of mere seconds ago being clouded by a past tainted by their mistakes, “on the court I mean. We were really good on the court.”

“Right,” Azzi averts her gaze, “just- just think about it okay? This doesn’t- it doesn’t have to be about you and me, not like that at least. It’s about basketball. GSV is the perfect fit for you and you’re the perfect fit for us. And deep down you must know that too, otherwise you wouldn’t be here.”

“Maybe I’m just in it for the free trip to Cali,” Paige surmises. 

Azzi scoffs, “you and I both know you make too much money to need a free trip to Cali. If anything, the hotel they’ve given you is probably cheap for your standards.”

“Maybe I just like feeling important? I always did love people showering me with praise.” 

“You always did love the attention,” Azzi grins teasingly, “but there’s one thing you always loved more.”

You, Paige thinks but she can’t say that, “and what’s that?”

“Winning. That’s what this is about. You want another championship, so do we. Come help us and let us help you. It’s that simple.”

As Azzi turns to walk away, Paige can’t help but call out from behind her, “you know I think your daughter’s pitch might have been better.”

There’s a smile playing on Azzi’s lips when she turns her face back a little. It’s a new smile that Paige can only assume is Azzi’s Stephie smile,  “yeah? What did she say?”

“She told me she thinks I’d look good in purple,” Paige smirks. 

Azzi laughs, and it’s exactly like Paige remembers,  “it’s that simple huh?”

“It’s that simple.”

[poppylovestowrite]

hii could i please request a little hurt/comfort drabble where reader feels sad during christmas season but forces herself to at least pretend to be happy because karma’s birthday is on christmas day :( but karma notices how her smile doesn’t meet her eyes and stuff and asks reader about it!

Smile For Him | Karma x Reader

Pairing: Karma x Reader Summary: Your life has been falling apart due to the recent events of your parent's divorce. But since it's Christmas and your boyfriend's birthday, you tried to act as if everything is okay, but Karma sees through your fake smile. 

●・○・●・○・●●・○・●・○・●●・○・●・○・●●・○・●・○・●

It's supposed to be the happiest time of the year. It's your boyfriend's birthday and Christmas. The holiday spirit has to be overflowing you by now. But, it isn't, no matter how much you wanted it to be. Last year, you were spending time with your family. Everything was perfect. And here you are, one year later, living with your mother, talking about what the two of you would be doing on Christmas.

A Christmas without your father. He's out of town. Separating from your mother took a number on his mental health, so he is spending the holidays with your grandparents. You won't see him until January. 

Of course, your mother understands that this was hard on you, but promises you that Christmas with her could still be fun. You guys talked about it a bit more but decided that you would rather spend Christmas with Karma instead. 

She tried not to get too offended and figured it was for the best. 

You did feel better knowing you would be spending the day with him. However, the pain of your parent's separation stopped you from being fully content. 

When you saw him, you made sure to keep a smile on your face. It's Christmas and it's his special day. You can't have your personal problems ruin his day. Especially since Karma has already been your rock throughout the entire divorce procedure. 

"Guess which hand is holding your gift." Karma smiles, keeping both of his hands behind his back. 

You looked up from your hot cocoa and blinked. 

"Oh. You didn't have to get me anything." 

"It may be my birthday, but it's still Christmas. What kind of boyfriend would I be if I didn't give my favourite girl anything?" 

Normally, you would internally swoon when he calls you his favourite girl, but not today. 

"Now hurry up and pick a hand." He urged you. 

You weren't really in the mood to play this game with him, but, it is his birthday. The least you could do is play along. 

"Um..." Your eyes lazily darted between both hands. "The left one."

Karma grinned. "Correct." He reveals your gift that looked perfectly wrapped. "Actually, I was using both hands to hold it so either way you won."

You strained a smile and accepted the present before putting your hot cocoa on the table. 

"Thanks, Karma."

Before you can even open it, Karma places a hand on your lower back to push you forward to let you rest your forehead against his chest. 

"You don't have to pretend everything is okay for my sake," Karma spoke softly with a smile and a gentle pat. "I mean, it's cute that you're trying, but I don't want to see a fake smile on your pretty face."

His hug and gentle words caused you to reach your breaking point. 

Unable to control yourself, you started to shake as tears were building up until it all came pouring out.

You cried and cried, even if you promised yourself you wouldn't today, worried you would ruin something that was considered a magical day. 

Karma didn't think you ruined it, though. Just having you try and make his day special was enough for him. 

When you stopped, you were able to enjoy Christmas with Karma somewhat. 

Maybe next year you will be in a much better place. 

[yanderes-galore]

Would you do yandere Queen Chrysalis x reader with a pegasus darling? Thank you if you do, I love your stuff!

Okay, this is going to be in general as I'm only on Season 5 still ^^; The pegasus part affects some of the concept, other than that it would be the same if you were any other pony.

Yandere Queen Chrysalis with Pegasus! Darling

Pairing: Romantic

Possible Trigger Warnings: Gender-Neutral Darling, Obsession, Manipulation, Kidnapping, Forced affection, Deception, Possessive behavior, Stalking, Hypnosis, Forced relationship.

Queen Chrysalis would start to obsess over any darling due to her craving of power.

Changelings feed on close connections such as love.

She herself doesn't understand the concept fully.

Only that it fuels her...

Her obsession over you would lean towards "romantic".

This is because she needs to feed off that type of love from you.

Chrysalis is Manipulative, Arrogant, Cruel, Obsessive, and Clingy due to her nature.

Her obsession over you, for the most part, is to milk your love from you.

If it's for anything more than that is unknown to you.

Chrysalis would manipulate you by disguising as those you're close to.

This is also how the queen stalks you, using changling spies to keep an eye on you.

What spurs on her obsession could be something simple.

You're too nice, making your love and care the sweetest.

A taste she craves whenever she sees you.

Normally she seduces royals for their power and love.

Which is why her obsession confuses her when it's toward some pegasus pony.

In an attempt to learn why you're so special, she watches you.

She abducts your friends, replacing them with changelings.

If you have a lover? Jackpot.

If you don't, she'll find someone to your type to copy.

Either way, her idea is simple.

Replace everyone around you with her hive.

She'll play your lover, her changelings your friends.

You'll never know the difference.

Chrysalis while playing as your lover is overly affectionate.

She wants to keep your trust as long as she can.

She'd do anything to keep your adoration on her.

It's best to farm your love posing as your lover.

If she had to reveal herself, she'd have to break you for it.

Chrysalis always tries to get you alone with her.

Any non-changeling friends of yours are pushed away from you.

She frames them all in an attempt to keep your succulent love to herself.

When you're alone in your home in Cloudsdale, Chrysalis puts on a show of keeping you interested.

At first, she does it because she has to.

She nuzzles you, hugs you, rests next to you.

Anything to keep your love and trust.

Although... soon she does it because she's addicted to the feeling.

Your coat and mane are so soft.

Your wings are well kempt....

You look so cute... perhaps she's-

No. She can't be.

She feeds off of love, she can't feel it.

Yet you keep managing to surprise her.

She can't help but adore the loving look in your eyes, pure adoration.

She doesn't feel bad for what she's doing, however.

The look of yours just makes her want to keep you more.

Most of the time she's just going to play her part, in this case, your pegasus lover.

Doesn't matter what you prefer... she'll replicate it.

Stallions, Mares... short, tall... this color, that color.

She'll do it for her own craving.

Although, if Chrysalis is exposed...

Or one of her changelings give themselves away...

Her trust between you will be strained if not gone.

If one of her changelings are revealed, she may still be able to pull it together.

You'll cry and be scared of them... running back to her.

Then she'll cast the changeling away and play your hero.

It'll be okay... she won't allow them the harm a feather on your wings.

She promises to protect you, a kiss sealing the deal.

If she's exposed...

It's all over.

"It's a shame I have to treat our relationship differently now, dear."

Chrysalis may just kidnap you then hypnotize you to keep you.

That way she can continue farming your love to feed herself.

She could drain you dry... but at this point she's too attached to this pegasus pony.

Instead, Chrysalis decides to keep you as her little pet.

With her hypnotism there's no easy way to escape.

That means you can keep your wings, since it's not like you'll use them to defy her in your current state.

You're completely under her control.

While she somewhat regrets the fact she has to make you a shell of who you once were to keep you...

She doesn't care much about that...

She just cares about keeping you to herself.

"How's my darling love bug doing today?"

[theghostofashton]

grief week

thank you @lonestar-s5countdown @bonheur-cafe @corsage @reyesstrand for the tags!!

1. Which character death in 911 Lone Star hit you the hardest?

gabriel's, for sure. i was in denial that they would actually kill him all the way up until they did it. i don't think it's fully sunk in yet. it probably won't until s5 starts and they reference it and i'll have to face it head on lol. ik it was the very point of the storyline but thinking about everything carlos lost in losing his dad, the potential of their relationship.... it was a lot, especially within the context of the end of s4. really excited to see what they do with this in s5!

also, as many have said, the astronaut call from 1x10 hit me really hard. every time i rewatch, i know it's coming, but it still ruins me.

2. What is your favorite grief-related moment in the show?

i think the carlos owen conversation in 4x18 is probably my favorite. what owen says about not letting obsession ruin his life, him giving carlos knowledge he probably wished someone would have given him when he was grieving his brother, his old crew, etc is just...it's really beautifully done, especially as we've watched owen grapple with the consequences of the way he handled his grief

i also love the 126 getting together to pay tribute to tim at the end of 2x07, and tommy asking tk if he'd be interested in going to the grief group with her. the scene where she asks him is so sweet and i love how much care these characters have for each other, her knowing how that group's helped her and wanting to share that with tk.

3. Do you think there will be a character death in season 5? If so, any guesses about who it might be?

i really really hope not lol the only one i can think of enzo, that's why he's showing up to texas out of nowhere

4. Which living character's death would destroy you the most?

any of them tbh. they're all so close, such a tight-knit family, that losing any of them would mean not only grieving that character but also watching the rest of them be destroyed over it and that would be so awful

5. Which character's childhood trauma do you think was most significant in shaping them?

feels like a cop out to say this but truly all of them? i don't like comparing trauma because things that are "objectively" the worst may affect someone less than someone else being more affected by something that may not have been objectively bad.

but things like owen having such a hero complex because of all the people he wasn't able to save (his brother, his old crew, etc), marjan being such a fierce and loyal friend and placing so much value in that due to losing a dear friend at a young age, judd losing a friend as well and sort of losing himself in the way the aftermath played out, tk dealing with the fallout of his parents' divorce, the way 9/11 changed everything for their family, paul being so atuned to the details of a situation so he could watch out for anything that could harm him, developing that sense of threat assessment, as he figured out his identity, mateo being forever changed by losing a cousin he was so close with, nancy dealing with how to move forward after losing tim in such a horrifying, tragic way, carlos signing himself up for a life he didn't want and struggled to be okay with because he was so affected by the way his parents reacted to him coming out.... it's hard to truly say because i think they've all been so impacted by what they been through, it's impossible to separate that from who they are

leaving an open tag bc i'm very late to this!

[cars-cause-why-not]

Post Cars 3 timeline (Human AU)

I'm gonna lay out what happens in my AU after the events of Cars 3. Fair warning, it gets pretty angsty and sad later on. (I'm so sorry in advance) Also, this post is really long.

(Note: I haven't planned out much with Cruz since I'm not sure who I ship her with yet so she won't appear much until I figure out what to do with her)

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

I'm gonna start somewhat before the third film in 2015. So right before the beginning of the 2015 season, Sally becomes pregnant with her and Lightning's first child. Fast forward, Sally gives birth to their son, Henry, the same night Lightning won his seventh Piston Cup. Henry is the splitting image of his father with a few differences.

Then the events of the third film play similar to the movie (except Doc is still alive in my AU). Lightning takes the 2017 season off to train Cruz and she wins the Piston Cup that year. After the season ends, Lightning and Sally finally get married. Over a year later, they have their second son, Mack, who heavily resembles his mother.

For about the next decade and a half, Lightning still races while being Cruz's crew chief. He still wins races and even wins an additional three Piston Cups. Doc officially retires due to age and health during this period, but is confident in Lightning's ability to be able to race without him. He's happy in retirement and focuses on being a grandfather. And with Cruz's help, Lightning and Jackson become a bit more friendly with each other (not friends, but friendlier).

While doing all this, Lightning's also balancing being a dad as well. About two years after Mack was born, Sally was assigned to a child neglect case involving a 3-year-old girl named Amari. Since she has no one to look after her, Lightning and Sally volunteer to take her in for the time being until the trial is over. However, they soon fall in love with her, and after the case is won, they officially adopt Amari as their daughter.

Two years after Amari is welcomed into the family, Lightning and Sally have their fourth and final child, another daughter named Sarah, who is a mix of both her parents. Their family now consists of 6-year-old Henry, 5-year-old Amari, 3-year-old Mack, and now Sarah. By this time, Lightning is 37 and Sally is 39.

For the next six years, Lightning and Sally manage to balance parenthood with their somewhat demanding jobs. Whenever he was back home in Radiator Springs in between races or the off-season, Lightning always made sure to spend time with his kids and he and Sally are loving, affectionate parents.

It's a pretty good life until Doc finally passes away. Lightning (and everyone else in RS) is devastated as the man who's basically been his father for the past 20+ years is now gone. However, he manages to overcome his grief and wins his ninth Piston Cup the same year.

But this is the point where it's starts to get really angsty.

About four years after Doc's death, and mid-way through the racing season, Sally is diagnosed with aggressive breast cancer. Initially, she responds well to the treatment, but near the end of the season, the treatment stops working and the cancer becomes terminal. Sally insists that Lightning finish the season for her and he does, winning his tenth and final Piston Cup the night of the final race.

A day later, Sally passes away at age 49, leaving Lightning a widower and single father. At this time, Henry is 16, Amari is 15, Mack is 13, and Sarah is 10. He announces his official retirement from racing and being Cruz's crew chief. He returns to Radiator Springs and manages the Cozy Cone Motel and Wheel Well Motel while raising his children. For the rest of his life, Lightning remains unmarried and never dates again.

Fast forward about nine years, Lightning’s older son Henry is now 24 and a racer in the Piston Cup under the number 91 (a combo of his dad’s and Doc’s numbers) with Lightning as his crew chief. Of course, there’s a lot of pressure on the younger McQueen cause he’s the son of Lightning McQueen and (unofficial) grandson of the Fabulous Hudson Hornet.

But like his father and grandfather, Henry is a good racer. Really good. So good that he wins his first Piston Cup his rookie year.

He wins it again the next year and again the year after that (you can probably see where this is going). Fans had a feeling that Henry McQueen would become one of the greats and maybe even surpass his father.

But sadly, Henry suffered a fate similar to his grandfather and namesake's. While trying to go for his fourth Piston Cup, Henry suffered a career-ending crash with his father watching.

But unlike Doc, Henry didn't survive the crash and died at age 27, a few weeks before his 28th birthday.

The racing world is devastated by this (especially older fans who still remember Dale Earnhardt's death). Another bright, shining star of the sport snuffed out too soon.

And Lightning? To say he was devastated is an understatement. After the funeral, he took a page out of Doc's book and left the racing world completely, even cutting ties with Cruz, Cal, Bobby, Brick, Dale Jr, Jackson, or anyone he knew from that world. He locks up his #95 and Henry's still-destroyed primary car that he wrecked in qualifying the day before he died in the garage of his old racing headquarters and doesn't touch them for a while. He becomes more reclusive and a lot grumpier and angrier. He still manages the Cozy Cone Motel & Wheel Well but does not interact with tourists much. He also refuses to go by Lightning anymore, instead just goes by McQueen.

But things don't get easier. In the years before and especially following Henry's death, Lightning also experienced the deaths of everyone who was in Radiator Springs when he first arrived. Mater was the last, dying about a year and a half before Lightning.

Lightning rarely appeared in public before and only made one return to the racing world three years after Henry's death, an event celebrating the 40th anniversary of the famous tiebreaker race and Doc's return to the racing world. There, he met Cruz, Cal, Bobby, Dale Jr, and Brick for the first time in several years. Deciding there was no time like the present, he apologizes to his friends for his behavior and they forgive him. For the last seven years of his life, they were still a part of his life even though he wasn't a part of the racing world.

However, despite all the loss and tragedy in this period, there are still bright spots. A few months after Henry's death, Lightning becomes a grandfather with the birth of his granddaughter Selina. Several more grandchildren follow in the years and he becomes a bit happier. But he's still pretty grumpy for the most part.

Lightning outlives Henry by ten years before finally dying at the age of 69, survived by his three surviving children. He's buried in the Radiator Springs Cemetary next to Sally, Henry, and the rest of his Radiator Springs family.

——————

And there you have it. I’m gonna do a separate post about what happens after Lightning’s death later when I get the details sorted out. Anyway, hope you enjoyed this (and cried your eyes out)

[what-do-1000-swords-look-like]

A sequence that shows the literal Buddie pieces on the board: Sleep vs The Controller and The Onesie

First we get:

And we know that the video game Eddie was playing was one that he, Buck, and Christopher have played together before. It's also the same one that Buck and Christopher were playing that Eddie turned off. Before this scene, we have the conference call of Buck telling the 118 about his big news. We also have Eddie getting off the call after a while, saying that he was going to try to take a nap since Chris would be up in an hour. (and he's sleeping on his couch)

The very next shot:

This is also after the conference call where Buck tells Hen he thinks he'll be able to sleep now that he knows the insemination was successful. And after we see Buck sleeping, we get:

We already saw the onesie in the Buck shot, but they make sure to show up this up close...to rival the controller shot.

Both props are used to show us what part of the future both guys are focused on. Eddie = completing that family; Buck = being a dad/parent. Even though this child won't be his technically (and we've yet to see how things will play out on that front which I'm assuming will happen in 6B especially with the Buckley parents coming back into play plus Denny looking up his bio dad in this episode is no coincidence or that Eddie was the one that Hen spoke to about it first), it will still have him thinking about something similar to what Eddie's thinking: family. These two props are showing what's next in their journey for this season, so it's beyond fitting that they used these two props.

Then the next shot is Madney sleeping:

(also notice how Maddie's position is similar to Eddie's while Chim's hand is out like Eddie's & Eddie was presumably holding onto the controller like Chim is holding onto the papers; and notice Chim's position is sort of similar to Buck's)

And the prop we get:

They're attempting to buy the house where Maddie stated it looked like a family had lived there, and Chim thought a family could live there again.

And then:

There was zero reason to show Karen here because she didn't need to sleep. Maddie being a first responder and her and Chim filling out papers could explain her presence away logistically, but no logistical reason for Karen in this shot. But they did it to show the couples, Hen being the 118 member who couldn't sleep before due to her worry about Denny, just like Chim with his obsession over the house. So they purposely put Karen in here to keep the couples theme going, and the undercurrent of this episode is family. Notice how both of them are on their side and Karen is spooning Hen.

So we have:

Eddie asleep, alone on the couch, on his side, he presumably drops the controller & is snoring; prop: controller; voiceover: "The city rests. A familiar cycle--"

Buck asleep, alone in his bed on his back; prop: onesie; voiceover: "--starts again." (voiceover for onesie: "The rain comes, no less every year now.")

Maddie and Chim asleep, in bed, Maddie on her side facing Chim, Chim on his back & he moves in his sleep for a moment; prop: papers; voiceover: "We wait for the jacarandas to bloom and curse their flowers when they fall."

Hen and Karen asleep, in bed, both on their sides with Karen spooning Hen; prop: none; voiceover: "Knowing that every passing day brings us closer to the return of those winds."

Not only did they make sure to keep the couples going for Henren following Madney but they also made sure to have Chim and Eddie both moving in their sleep, both having something in their hands, both with one hand extended out. And you have at least one person in both couples in the fetal position, one couple even featuring spooning. And they made sure to show us all of this in a sequence.

Eddie didn't have to fall asleep on the couch. He didn't have to have the controller in his hands. He could have been reading when Buck called. He didn't have to mention Christopher. That particular part of the voiceover didn't have to happen then.

All of it is being done for a reason. And seeing what they're showing us plain as day in episodes like this, there is no separation going on. None. The video game/controller confirms it as does the mirroring of the prop shots when it wasn't needed from a logistical stand point since the onesie was already in the shot with Buck. It's also confirmed by them choosing to put the Buck scene right after Eddie's then followed by Madney and then Henren. -> Blocking of a scene is a thing. Directors and editors make choices. It's pure Brenna Malloy/911 brilliance again, y'all.

We already been knew that the pieces on the board are being moved but man is it fun watching it while it happens. Perfect 6A ending. Now it's going to be hell to wait until the spring for 6B lol.

But regardless, it's coming. And by it's, I mean Buddie.

[tetrakys]

Hi. How are you? It's been a while since I have written a message here, but I've always had an eye on your profile and I wanted to thank both of you and Chino from the bottom of my heart for giving us the ANE story of Eldarya we all deserved to have, our little hearts are less heartbroken :))

Now I am wondering just as much as the others in the community how new gen candy is gonna be like. 😂😂😂

Truth be told, I am a little worried that no matter if they're gonna try their best or not, there will be a though crowd to impress due to recent events and I don't blame anyone for being skeptic, it will be hard to beat the original MCL that we all love and grew up with. I never tried Moonlight lovers or Uncoven, so IDK why they've never been an interesting subject of interest. Henri's Secret sincerely should have been left like that, only with the first season, the second one was a waste of time and money.

Getting back to New Gen, unfortunately, because of the comparison that will be between this and the previous series, the risk of not being successful is pretty high and I really hope it won't happen. It will be hard for them to have another failed project like Eldarya ended up for example. I never understood why I loved Eldarya TO so much (do you know how to answer that question for yourself?). I discovered it very late, despite MCL, but it still means so much to me and I'm sad that it's probably gonna end this way, with these 20 failed chapters. 💔

To answer my question, maybe because everything just made sense and worked together perfectly: the plot, the characters, the references, the harsher topics which made it real and somehow relatable.

Anyways, keep up with the good work girl and I will be back with a feedback that you will be asking for or not after finishing the story (I love writing, so who cares as long as I'm enjoying myself 😅). Sending love and hugs to you and the community. 🫶

Hello! Lovely to see you 💕 thank you for following me and the kind message, let me answer everything (long post, I'm putting it under the cut).

About New Gen:

You're very right, it's gonna be hard to impress people, I'm fully expecting part of the fandom to claim that the new LIs aren't as good as the old ones for the simple fact that there's no replacing your first love. I'm also expecting some people to hate on the game just because it's Beemoov and they would hate the company even if they found the cure for HIV. But I also thing that the game has the potential to bring a breath of fresh air to the fandom. Lots of people have left and haven't come back even to play Alternate Life, maybe a similar game but with a new story and new characters will make tired people and new people interested. Personally I just love Chino's characters, the way she brings life to them, in her 3 games I've managed to fall in love every single time so I'm fully prepared to do it again. I've never been able to get so attached to other games' characters even if I enjoyed them. I guess at the end of the day it's just a matter of personal preferences, her writing just click with me. Which brings me to Eldarya...

About Eldarya TO/ANE:

Why I loved Eldarya TO? 🤔 Firstly, as I mentioned before, I enjoyed the characters even the secondary ones, even the ones I hated (*cough*Miiko*cough*), I just got attached to them. I also started playing Eldarya late, it was 2018 or 2019, when the game first came out it was in French only and then I never kept up with it. Then I joined Tumblr, saw people playing and decided to play as well. I started with Nevra because he was the one dressed in all black and looked a little like a bad boy, turns out he was the ladies' man route instead, not exactly my type but I am still attached to him as he was my first. While I was playing his route I got super invested in wanting to tame Ezarel, he was such a bish, so I had to make him fall for me. In the end I got over him the moment I won the challenge and I got him lol, I spent the rest of his route trying to get with Lance with no success, obviously. After that I tried Leiftan because he was clearly in my eyes the "main guy" but I'm a shallow person when I play these games and I've never been able to move past his clothes, hair and general fakeness. I love him though, when he's his real daemonic self, just not my perfect type. Then I played Valkyon because he was the last one left and oh boy... I fell for him hard. I still bonk myself for having left him for last. However, I think we all know here that my one true love is his brother and I've spent years trying to have him to end up with... whatever his ANE version is. As I said I love Chino's characters, and since Eldarya was given to another creator you can SEE that the characters aren't the same. I've seen a couple of people upset when I say that Eldarya's characters aren't the same, they claim that the way they are now is a natural consequence of what they lived through those 7 years time lapse and NO I'm sorry I will never be able to agree with this. Game characters' aren't real people, they exist only in the way their creator makes them exist, if the creator changes they are very literally the definition of different people. ANE LIs are what ANE writer and creator see them as, which is not what TO writer and creator saw them as. It's really, quite literally, a different game. Including the way dialogues and events are written. I LOVED TO's darker themes and I loved the potion plot. TO wasn't a perfect game by any means but it made me feel things, now I just feel nothing when I play Eldarya. It makes me really sad. (And I haven't managed to keep playing since episode 14 :( )

About The Dragon's Call:

Thank you for liking our story 💕💕 writing it is cathartic for me, not only because of the game, but also because life has been a bit tough this past year and I'm fully aware Chino is indulging me only because she cares (and also cares about all the players who love Eldarya of course). I want to get to the point where I have Lance's (and Valkyon's) route complete and I can read it whenever I feel like I miss him. Honestly I wish someone else would've written it so I could've just enjoy it as a reader 😂 but at least I hope I'm doing the characters justice. And yes please come back to give me feedback whenever you want I really appreciate it! 💕

Sorry for the loooong rambling, hope to see you around here again 😊

[mcmxrtinski]

I accidentally wrote a semi fic? it was meant as a synopsis only fvdkfhrh

feat. sick Theo and worried Liam and Malia, this could be considered a part 1, cause the original idea for this hasn't happened yet (btw this is totally inspired by Zuko getting sick in s2 of ATLA)

Theo on his path to redemption ends up seriously sick, at first he doesn't pay it much mind, it's probably nothing

but then his vision starts to get hazy more and more, he's sweaty and shivering, food and water won't stay down and something is definitely wrong

was he poisoned? had he become so careless as to not notice a hunter getting to him? no, this wasn't like any supernatural poison he knew

but he couldn't be sick, people like him didn't get sick...

of course he doesn't tell anyone, he secludes himself in his truck in the preserve and just hopes it'll go away on its own

it doesn't

days pass and if anything it gets worse, he can't ignore the simmering panic anymore, he turns the key in the ignition and one shaky car ride later, he's standing on the McCalls' doorstep

when Melissa opens the door and regards him apprehensively, Theo barely manages to say "Something's wrong.." and promptly passes out, falling into Melissa's unsuspecting arms

-

Theo has been laid down on the McCalls' living room couch, a soft pillow under his head and a thick woollen blanket covering him neck to toe

his breathing is labored, a cold sweat has broken out on his forehead, and under his closed lids his eyes dart around restlessly

Melissa stands close by, a deep frown on her face, two anxious teens, Liam more openly so and Malia trying to play it off, wait for her verdict

"there shouldn't be anything wrong with him, none of the tests indicate anything that would lead to a fever of this caliber"

Malia growls, "yeah, there shouldn't be anything wrong with him. He's a werecoyote. We don't get sick."

"then explain to me why he has a temperature of 106°" Melissa's tone isn't unkind, she looks like she genuinely wishes for Malia to know of an explanation

she falters, "it has to be some type of wolfsbane or poison, right? maybe something we haven't encountered before"

Liam just watches, eyes moving between the two talking and finally coming to rest again on the boy sleeping on the couch

he wants to think Malia's right, but Argent had already ruled out poison, and he was a seasoned hunter who knows what he's talking about, Liam trusts his judgement, symptoms of that kind would be distinct he'd said and Theo isn't displaying even one (that should be reassuring... and yet it isn't at all)

-

it's days later when Deaton finally steps over the threshold, he was out of town and hadn't been able to return sooner

Theo has been out cold for over three days now, there were moments when he came close to being lucid but they were few and far between, and Melissa used those to have him eat and drink at least a little

in the end Deaton only confirms Chris's assumption; no supernatural element, be it poison or anything else, has a play in Theo's condition

Melissa nods, as if she had expected the diagnosis

"well, I suppose that only leaves one cause then." she looks meaningfully at Deaton. "it's psychological"

"I would think so too"

-

the revelation doesn't seem like a revelation at all to any of the adults, they are thoughtful though, as if depsite the suspicion they hadn't expected to be right

and even with the cause now discovered it seems, there weren't any attempts made to help Theo

Melissa had said that he'd become better in due time, it would take care of itself, well that doesn't seem to be the case if you asked Malia

a week has passed now, and Theo isn't faring any better, the relief of knowing Theo isn't in any imminent danger has faded by now

and Melissa herself isn't at work where she should be but restlessly moving between kitchen and living room, Malia can't help being surprised by all the care Melissa is giving Theo, their relationship is rocky at best

but she supposes Scott would want her to help Theo, because that's the kind of person he is, and Melissa is a nurse so maybe this thing just came naturally to her

still.. Malia is fairly certain her and Liam are the most affected by all of this, neither of them has been at school (or home) much, camping out on the McCall living room floor, she knows Liam is itching to do something, anything to help, and feels useless just sitting by, it's how she feels too

"it's like he's stuck in his mind.. isn't there a way to just- I don't know- drag him out?" Liam suddenly wonders, he's resting against the coffe table, eyes on Theo, rarely anywhere else

Malia is about to respond when her head perks up, it has gone quiet in the kitchen, Melissa was in the middle of preparing dinner though

hurried steps move towards them and Melissa's eyes are wide when Malia catches sight of her

"why didn't I think of that"

-

this is risky, they said

are you sure, they said

you don't have to this, they said

so what if it's risky, and yes he's sure about this and no you're wrong, he does have to do this because if he needed to sit and watch for even one more hour, he'd probably go insane

Deaton is back to guide him and Malia

he instructs him where to dig his claws in and how deep

Melissa and Chris stand together and watch, worried but they don't interfere, Liam and Malia have made their conviction clear

they propped Theo up so Liam is able to access his neck, head hanging, he's still clammy all over, making his neck glisten

Malia sits next to Theo, back straight, Liam can't see her eyes but he's certain that they are brimming with determination

a few last notes from Deaton, followed by a nod from both of them

and Liam's claws break skin

[kevin--of-desert-bluffs]

WTNV quick rundown - 134 - Fall Football Preview

Read the rest here!

There is no I in team. This has been a partial list of Letters Not Found in the Word 'Team.' Welcome to Night Vale.

NV HS Scorpions kick off the varsity football season against last year's district champions, Red Mesa.

Nazr is not coaching this year, he's taking a sabbatical due to previous personal issues. Taking over in his place is Latrice Beaumont. She used to be a player herself and is the first Gemini ever hired as coach. She calls a conference to talk about her new strategy and changes to the game.

Players mentioned include; Junius Duncan who is 5'4'', 120lbs, has 8 legs, no arms, a thorax and can jump up to 20 times his height and Prince Reynolds who has hydraulic joints installed in his shoulders. There is also Timothy Llano, their offensive guard.

One of the changes is a crack down on endzone celebrations. District head of officiating Jake Kemp states that in his day everyone was more conservative and not selfishly making the game about them. He then blames Millenials for ruining everything. When it's pointed out that current high schoolers are not millenials and that he, at 33, is one, Kemp makes himself age to 93.

There is also a rule saying players must have two or fewer legs which means Junius can't play.

Red Mesa players mentioned are; Salam Talib and Trung Pham (who has 20 inch antlers).

Everyone in Pine Cliff is a ghost, which makes their defence really weak. Cecil makes a bad pun about them coming 'dead last' which his producer, Ian, dislikes because his mother was part of the Great Cataclysm of 2008 that resulted in the residents all becoming ghosts. Their running back is called Alfonso Menendez.

Cactus Park senior running back Patrick Lyle is being encouraged to hold the ball and not put it in his pocket.

DBToo now has a new team and wants to start playing again, although there are worries about crossing between the DOW and this one for other players, theoretical physicist Cedric Dumond from DB Junior College tells them they need to stop looking at the bad and think about the good instead. Their kicker is called Leonard Clayton.

The Whispering Forest is now an independent and ever growing township with it's own football team this year. Despite all of them being trees. They won't be able to do much but recruit the other team to their side by turning them into trees. Their team is the Wood Dogs.

Coach Beaumont's new strategy is 'surprise'. The team will play all 5 rival teams at once, in 5 minutes from her saying that. At first their chances of winning the game seem slim, then Beaumont gets Junius to stand on his back two legs and pretend the rest of his legs are arms, thus technically allowing him to play and win the game for them.

Weather: "Raising Helvetica" by Sims x Air Credits x ICETEP

Football games in NV start with the national anthem, the pledge of allegiance, the eldritch chant of national unity, the secret police helicopter flyover, and the pre-game Blood Stone Bacchanal Dance.

Cecil, Carlos, Abby, Steve and Janice all go and see the game.

The library is having a used book sale, which is a thinly veiled attempt at trapping people.

Traffic tells us about a woman called Lisa Farmer, who seems to be living a somewhat unfulfilled life.

Stay tuned next for "Gentle Takes": our political roundtable where the hosts listen to each other talk about their days while they knit and say 'thanks for sharing that with me.' Good night Night Vale. Good night. 

Proverb: Dress for the job you want (sports team mascot) not the job you have (customer service manager)

[suggahsweet]

A little bit in love with Glee!

and just life in general right now, honestly, but specifically Glee. I write this as a reminder for my future self who will probably make the same mistakes again and forget to be grounded, and forget that change is good and transitions take time but eventually you're going to find the sunshine of it all, because the first night of this season of Glee I was like, oh nooo. B wasn't able to come and there were SO many new faces and SO few of the OG members and we were in a new practising space that takes me a good 40 minutes to get to, and everyone's personality seemed SO big and I was worried that signing up this year was a big ole mistake. Specifically I had a conversation with Niall (whom I knew from the season where I was pregnant, what a trip that was bahaha) and Chandler, where Chandler immediately cussed me out and told me he hated me. And I knew it was a joke! I did! But the people pleaser in me was like no, please, you're supposed to love me and I will not rest until you do! Hahaha. And B said, don't worry, everyone was nervous, and everyone will settle down, and things won't feel so aggressive, and of course, she was completely, 100% right. A few weeks ago I really felt like we hit the part of the season where we all started gelling as a team, and everyone knows each other's personalities better, and everyone (I hope) feels accepted just as they are, plus I've always preferred learning the choreo and dances to the singing anyway, and when it all starts to come together that's the very best part. I come home every Thursday completely wired. And there are little things I love about everyone, like:

Alana's sense of humour. She is constantly cracking me up just by being her, and I was hit by a sense of extreme nostalgia this week realizing that we've been performing together now for over eight years. Amazing! She was talking about Glee Season 10 and I was like excellent, so this isn't going to end anytime soon, God willing!

Louis's smile and kindness

how some people open their mouth and their voices just come out, effortlessly. Looking at you, Vee!

how quick Chandler's brain works. I truly can't keep up with him when we talk...and he's no longer telling me he hates me so that's great 😂

Faith's unwavering commitment to perfect choreography and harmony memorization. I panic texted her the other day and she was immediately at the ready to be like calm down this is how we're supposed to sing it.

Mara has the absolute chillest vibes and I am here for it. Literally the first day of Glee she was like I don't even know whether I'm a soprano or alto, and yet I never hear her singing off-key or messing us up. We love to see it! (And hear it.)

Maurice. He's so sweet and brought a hat just for EJ. So thoughtful!

I hated that Nick left halfway through the season BUT Seb is one of my favourite singers and we go way back so the fact that he just showed up out of nowhere to razzle dazzle us is just the best

getting to know Billy who straight up feels like he could be part of my high school gang. He comes off as the self-deprecating funny guy so it's been a fun surprise to find out that, much like the character he plays in Freak Flag, he is indeed an onion. :)

and of course, carpooling with B, while probably not good for my overall bedtime on Thursday nights due to the fact that I am still high on social interaction until almost 11pm rather than coming down during my drive, gives me LIFE. We love a debrief, and debrief we do!

I can't believe the show is in two weeks. Already praying for a babysitter and some sort of setup to work next year so I can come back!

[kairi-princessofheart]

What would you think if Chloe and Audrey heard rumours about the way they were going to be portrayed in Astruc’s new movie, so they went back to Paris in an unsuccessful attempt to stop the movie from being completed? Then an evilized villain (maybe a wishmaker-like villain or maybe even a villain that's unrelated to the butterfly miraculous) caused Chloe and Zoe to switch bodies somehow, and nobody fully understands what's going on, so Zoe (in Chloe's body) is taken by Audrey back to New York, despite Zoe desperately trying to explain things. But Chloe enters a fugue state (heavily due to trauma caused by the neglect of her parents) and genuinely thinks she's Zoe, and is even able to recall many of the things Zoe did due to being in Zoe's body. The class thinks “Zoe's” change in behavior is due to the psychological effects of method acting, since “Zoe” is playing Chloe in Astruc's new movie, but they gradually convince “Zoe” to let them help her relearn how to be “herself” again. Meanwhile, in New York, Zoe is trying to get back to Paris, but when she gets there, “Zoe” thinks she’s there to try to hurt Marinette.

Eventually, after listening to “Chloe”, Marinette starts to suspect that “Chloe” might be telling the truth, so she decides that she must test “Chloe” and “Zoe”. She fakes being in danger to see how they react. “Zoe” reacts slightly faster than “Chloe”, so Marinette comes to the conclusion that “Chloe” is lying and that “Chloe” has an evil and manipulative plan. Marinette thinks that “Chloe” must have picked up a few tricks from Lila, because she thinks no version of Chloe could possibly react faster than Zoe when it comes to protecting her. So Audrey takes “Zoe” back to New York again to “correct” her after “Zoe” fails to convince anyone of the truth.

10 years later, “Zoe” gets seriously injured after fighting a villain when Ladybug isn’t around, which causes “Zoe” to not have long to live. Then Ladybug accidentally stumbles upon the truth about “Zoe” while trying to help “Zoe” using magical powers. Ladybug decides that the moral thing to do is to switch Chloe and Zoe back to their original bodies. Once Zoe gets her body back, she blames Chloe for her impending death and for leaving her with 10 years of loneliness, while Chloe got off scot-free. When Lila gets defeated, Zoe steals the Butterfly Miraculous to get her hands on Ladybug and Catnoir’s miraculouses, hoping to “make things right”. Zoe gets defeated by the heroes (including Chloe, who has gotten her memories back) and Ladybug manages to cure Zoe’s injuries.

Answer: That's definitely an interesting concept for both Chloe and Zoe, Anon. Truth be told, it could work and could probably be made into a special of some sort.

Now though to business at hand: I do find the concept interesting BUT, I do want to see an much more deeper exploration into this idea (since we all know Astruc won't get involved in any sort of redemption for our favorite bee). I have a couple of ideas: for example, Chloe in Zoe's body, having her memories and doing the things that Zoe did in both S4 and S5. Maybe the idea could go into deeper depth about 'Zoe' and her sudden change. Maybe Zoe's aura could fix Chloe or something like that? Change her a bit.

As for the ten years bit, that would be quite out of character for Zoe to blame her sister… well, unless Zoe's emotions are fake and she really is much worse than Chloe. I still have this sneaking suspicion that Zoe Lee is much worse than Chloe in the canon show. We'll see how much of the show continues (note: I won't watch the rest of the series since it's gone down the hill, Anon. Hope you understand.)

But as I said, your idea is interesting. Might even help with the whole broken sibling relationship that they have… if Astruc doesn't ruin the character. Let's hope Chloe isn't in the rest of the seasons of the show. I really hate Astruc for making that stupid 'airplane crashes' joke. (Yes, I know it's not real but I still hate him for admitting that on Twitter.)

Hope I answered the question, Anon. And I hope you like my answer.

[kittysuicoffee]

My au version of lila rossi and her alte ego royal nine tails .

Hello everyone I decided to do this quick think feel free to put your thoughts here!

So by what the title says I'll be explaining my version of lila in my aus and her alte ego royal nine tails. So let's begin with that lila is a descendant of nine tails fox goddess named white tails but in truth that's a lie... let me explain you see the nine tails actually have one more tail making it a ten. ten tailed fox in the planned backstory a young fox was taken in by the nine tails and was caring for it when the young fox wanted the nine tails beauty and power and device a plan to steal the nine tails power... since it's kinda spoilers so I won't go deep into it but long story short the young fox was able to take all of the nine tails tails and power which created the long line of "nine" tailed foxes but the family of nine tails were all killed by God and Goddess who was afraid of their power and was slowly killed up until the present time where a young lila was orphaned as a baby due to her mother and the rest of the family giving baby lila all of their powers... lila never knew she had these abilities until one day (at the age of 13) lila was walking around a old abandoned neighborhood there was one house in the far center that pulled lila to the house she opened the door to see an old woman with one tail sitting and waiting for her (she was an family member who was close to death door but wanted to show lila her history and powers) the old woman introduced herself as lila grandmother abd told her the history of the nine tails and their almost complete extinction telling lila that she's the only nine tailed left and to take revenge on those who killed them before dying themselves lila was shocked and horrified by this and had so many questions but she wasnt sure how to take the news or to believe in it... she tried to live her life as normal as possible but she couldn't a feeling of sadness and rage grew within her after a couple of months she decided to accept what she heard was true (after doing a lot of research herself) now she grew curious to how to bring out her powers and her abilities... do she want back to the abandoned house and look for ways to call her powers she found books in old writing that she was surprised that she could read despite never seeing it before it took years of reading and training to finally called her power her own and she use it to help out her foster family because she own them a lot for taking her in and caring for her as if she was their own daughter until one day lila was sent off to Paris because college scholarships forgot to mention she is extremely smart she had do many things that would give her bagging right but she to humble to do so. Now this is before season one begins and season one starts with emilie death a death that lila cause... because she had found the descendants of those who had killed off her bloodline... she's the reason why everything is starting and the reason why everything is coming to a end lila main goal is to kill of the descendants... nothing will stop not even the goddess of luck herself because she played a hand in lila family death...

Hope ya like this I may have to rewrite it a little bit if I see any mistakes lol anyway enjoy and I would like some feedback!

Forgot to add Lila is 18 when she moved to Paris!

[blogsbyaauie]

Realizations in the Midst of the Pandemic

It has been a year since the pandemic started, lockdowns, facemasks, face shields, and alcohol were the highlights during those days. Due to the lack of customers, some stores close permanently while others do so temporarily. Every person has a unique pandemic story to tell, whether it is one that is filled with tragedy, joy, or other horrific and memorable occurrences. I also have some tales to share.

When the lockdown began, I was in grade 9, but fortunately, the class was already out. When it comes to the return to school season, I am relieved at first because it basically means there won't be any face-to-face classes, however, I later realize how insensitive this is. I regret terribly that the lockdown made me happy for a short while.

While on vacation and in lockdown, I have some simple repetitive routines. I rise from bed every morning, check my phone, use the bathroom to get ready, and then go have breakfast. I would then complete all of my tasks, including sweeping, mopping, washing the dishes, and doing laundry. After that, I spend the remaining time watching TV, playing online games, and reading books that I enjoy. It resembled a typical life in the midst of the pandemic.

But I had no idea that it wasn't just an ordinary life. There are times when I am in a vulnerable state. For these past few weeks during the lockdown, I have had a terrible day and am always feeling down. I lost interest in what I am enjoying the most which is the really hard event that has ever happened. Never knew that the lockdown would be so cruel.

How should I spend my day? The question that I continually ask myself because, during the lockdown's first half-month, every day was becoming monotonous. I was stuck performing my daily tasks since I had no other ideas. I asked several questions to my friends during the lockdown so we could catch up before online school started, and many other individuals my age had similar experiences.

I recently read an article that I can really connect to. Brook (2020) stated that the lockdown made her ecstatic because it meant that her final year of school had ended early and that exams were being cancelled. She was simply happy and happy that everything would be alright. But as the lockdown situation began to sink in, she began to struggle and a number of unfortunate incidents began to occur.

I was in a position like that, just like Brook. At first, I'm glad that there is a lockdown, but later, I struggle and realize how insensitive I am. In addition to this struggle is the beginning of online classes. I'm glad I handled it properly because I had no idea it would be that difficult.

However, I know that I need to improve myself since I can’t go on like that forever. That is why I start to be a better version of myself.

I was able to learn and have fun during the lockdown. It makes me appreciate myself and my hobbies even more. I start to become more connected to myself since I know that I have to take action during my downtime while on lockdown. Though it was never easy, I tried to build myself many times and failed but luckily I still managed to handle it.

I begin by attempting to continue my hobbies while equally learning new things. I feel really active and happy now that I know I can accomplish more than what I usually do. I gradually learn to appreciate myself as well because when I am content not just with myself but also with those around me, I feel as though I am on the right path and growing as a person. Additionally, I started communicating with the people that matter to me the most. We learn through our shared experiences that we have similar situations. However, connecting with my family was the most important thing because they were the ones I spent the rest of my lockdown experience with and I never knew that we can be a lot closer. With that, I realized how important communication is. Basically, I adjust myself to the situation I am in during the lockdown. 

Moving to the present, the new normal, I am really glad that I managed to survive the lockdown. I still am the better version of myself and will be always like that. I didn't initially enjoy the idea of taking classes in person. As the face-to-face classes draw near, I experienced three different emotions: anxiety, overthinking, and fear. I didn’t know what or how will I do when school starts.

It makes me overthink and have so many questions for a lot of different reasons, including what if I can't make new friends because it has been a while since I've spoken to other people, what if my grades become low since I know to myself that I am really talkative and shy to answer in recitation even if I knew the answer since I think it will be wrong and that kind of action can damage my grades and performance so bad, and most especially what if I disappoint my parents. But there is a part of me that misses face-to-face classes, so I prepared myself for any possible events that might happen. 

All of my nervousness and overthinking fade away when school starts. Since I realized I can meet new people, learn a lot easier, and have fun at the same time, attending classes in person is still preferable to doing them online.

I adjust faster to this new normal situation since it is just like the past to which I can roam around, meet new people and friends, and bond with my family in different places but with a facemask and still be careful. While adjusting to this new normal, I continue to learn a lot. I also grow more independent and work harder anytime I want to accomplish something for myself.

Despite all the difficulties I had throughout the lockdown, I was able to live and get stronger. I came to understand how important it is to communicate and share when you've had enough since doing so will let you know that someone is paying attention to and caring about you.

Never imagined how much this pandemic lockdown and new normal would teach me. It makes me more resilient and independent than before, enables me to manage every situation expertly, and encourages me to make the best choices for myself. I can honestly say that I am appreciative and thankful for the journey I had because without it, I wouldn't have known if I was headed in the correct direction. I will carry the knowledge or lesson I learned from my experiences with me for the rest of my life. Can't wait to see what happens next.

[in-superbloom]

did you ever hear about the girl who got frozen? (a.i.)

right where you left me: prologue

pairing: ashton irwin x olivia jones (oc)

warnings: uhh a kinda grieving theme i guess? but no deaths. it has a sad tone overall, but nothing major (in this chapter hehe). foul language because i can't help myself. the tiniest mention of alcohol, but as a memory. think i should probably warn you that this contains a very sad ash. also not much dialogues. this is mainly for explanation and introduction, but very important for the story. if you find anything else that might be triggering, please let me know so i can add it here !!

author's note: oof okay. so. this is the prologue of a series very very dear to my heart that i've been working on for what it feels like my whole life but really it's been just a few months. but i'm in love with the story (which rarely happens with my own writing) so i hope you can enjoy it too !! this is also my very first time posting a fic since 2013 so pls keep that in mind <3 no i am not shaking as type this ofc not also: although i have the full story ready in my head, this is the only chapter that's written. i wanted to wait until i had at least a few ready before posting this but i'm too anxious for that lmao just saying this bc it will take a good while until i have any more chapters, so <3 (p.s.: i went over this thing a million times since may so if you find any errors pls look away, i'm not fixing this thing anymore. thanks <3)

another note: anna from the future here to say that i completely forgot about the playlist i made for the story lmao here it is in case you're interested k thanks bye <3

credits: title is from taylor swift's song right where you left me. model in the picture: paola locatelli. banner by me.

i also wanted to take a minute to thank some really nice friends that i've made here over these past few months & that i'm extremely grateful for @wastelandcth @suchalonelysunflower @littledrummerangie i cannot thank you babes enough for inspiring me the way that you do & for letting me yell about this to you && for encouraging me so much 🥺 i'll never be able to explain just how much this means to me, so i'll have to settle for saying thank you at any change that i can get <3 i love you all 💜 also gem my baby, thank you for the inspo with the banner 💚

@bluesdelis look babe i did it 😌 you know how grateful i am for you & for you letting me have a breakdown every week about my writing for the past 8 years so let's not dive into that or else i will write something bigger than this prologue jsjsjdjd love you 🖤

i hope you all have a good reading and a nice day ♡

let me know what are your thoughts about the fic ! ♡

word count: 4.1k

☆☆☆

Cold. That was the first thing that Olivia’s brain processed.

Still with her eyes closed, she buried herself more into the duvet, while her arm blindly reached for the furnace in human form that she calls boyfriend. However, as soon as her arm was only met with cold sheets, her eyes shot open.

Blinking the sleep away, she sat up on the bed, searching for the infamous red clock resting on Ashton’s bedside table that was supposed to look like a vintage alarm clock. Olivia had ordered it online at an auction website a couple of years back, as a gift for his 23rd birthday, since it was something he had mentioned multiple times prior that he was looking for, but still hadn't found. But when it finally came in (two weeks after the due date), it looked nothing like the picture she saw on the website. Feeling beyond frustrated, she wanted to send it back immediately and ask for a refund and maybe leave a not so polite review on the seller's page. But Ashton stopped her right away, laughing like the situation was absolutely hilarious to him, while saying, 'I like it, it’s quirky'. So, the clock stayed and found a home right next to him in their room.

Some days, however, she would wake up at some ungodly hour because of the blaring noise of the only ringtone the clock had. But whatever annoyance she could feel towards the object, it always vanished as soon as she felt Ashton's lips gently touching her face in a good morning kiss before he would get up to start his day, leaving her to catch some more hours of well deserved sleep.

As the furthest from a morning person as a touring musician could possibly be, Olivia had always feared that living under the same roof as Ashton would turn her into an early bird like him, but she's thankful that it never happened (not that he needs to know about that).

When she sees the red clock, she smiles at the sudden but welcome memories of them flooding her foggy brain, but frowns slightly when she realizes it reads 12:13 pm. Ashton rarely lets her sleep past 10 am.

Gathering all her strength and will, she rises up from the bed, smoothly picking up a grey wool sweatshirt from the chair (way too baggy on her slim body, but it smells like him), pulling it over her head and relishing on the soft material warming up her body. Making her way to the door and calmly going down the stairs, she can’t help but stop for a minute to admire the picture frames on their walls, one in particular catches her attention – probably one of the most prized pictures and memories they had. It felt older than it actually is, but it was around 4 years ago, she's sure – a little while after the two of them met. The picture was of their group of friends that still remains the same: Ashton and his best friend, Luke; Olivia, her best friend, Calum and their old hometown friend, turned into Calum’s new friend at college, turned into everyone’s friend, Michael; and her then newly band members, Suki, Eli and Ravi. Together, their group was the life of the party through all their college years, and it showed by the big smiles and drinks in hands they all had in the picture. It was a very special night, the first time Olivia’s little band played for the public – for a small audience sure, but it was a wonderful night nonetheless. What a long road it had been since that night.

Her nostalgic thoughts were interrupted by a shiver that went through her whole body, and it made her realize how oddly cold the whole house was, not only their bedroom. Which, granted, it was November in New York and the weather was just getting colder, but that’s exactly why Ashton always made sure to keep the house warm enough. As much as she loved the chilly season, the warm weather always reminded him of his hometown, and who was she to deny him that?

The smell of fresh made coffee could be sensed even before she reached the kitchen. Arriving there, the curly haired woman still found no signs of her boyfriend, so she went straight after the coffee maker pot sitting on the far left corner of the cream marble counter. Smiling softly at the tons of memories of Ashton's sleepy figure making their favorite beverage, she reached for a coffee mug on the cupboard on top of the counter and poured the remainder of the hot liquid on it (it's her favorite mug, if she must choose – it was a gift from a fan, and it had printed on it a collage of the pictures of her and Ashton that were posted on social media through their first year of relationship).

Moving to the glass doors that lead to the mini garden they cultivate, she didn't have to open them to spot the 6-feet-tall man sitting on a bench outside, looking oddly small in his oversized clothes, coffee mug tightly held between strong hands. Something about his figure made Olivia frown, however: he was staring with an unwavering look at her small but eye-catching pot of yellow daffodils that were almost as much of a pet to them as Stitch at this point. Sensing that there’s something definitely off about his semblance, she made a mental note to talk to him and find out what’s wrong later. So she goes back to the kitchen, knowing that he might need this quiet and private moment for himself.

She lost count of the minutes that went by (couldn't have been more than five) before she hears the garden's door opening and closing, and then his bare feet are dragging his brawny body to her. Except, he goes over to the sink, walking right through her, not showing any sign that he even saw her hunched figure over the counter table in the middle of the room.

Alright, someone's in a mood.

Olivia tries to swallow the annoyance already bubbling inside her – he knows how much she hates to be ignored, no matter how mad he might be – by trying to think of what she can say that won't piss him off. This is always a hard feat to accomplish when Ashton gets in these moods, but there’s a reason for them to work so well together.

“I missed my favorite body heater when I woke up,” she says in her best sweet voice, knowing how quickly his resolve crumbles when he hears that voice.

Still, no reaction.

That settles a worry at the pit of her stomach, because Ashton is never like this. Even when he's not in the mood to talk, he always gives some kind of reaction to her words; it doesn't matter how small, just enough to make her feel acknowledged.

When he's finished washing his mug and the few scattered dishes across the sink – she noticed that he already had lunch, if the lone plate in the drying rack is anything to go by –, he dries his hand in a towel, turns around and throws it on top of the same counter Olivia was leaning up against. Once again, he walks away not even sparing her a look.

Indignant, she leaves the now empty coffee mug on top of the table and follows him as he walks up the stairs, any determination to not aggravate his mood now well gone.

“Hey! In case you didn't notice, I'm right here. Whatever got you in this sour mood, I'm certainly not to blame, so can you stop being a child now and talk to me?!”

Ashton just keeps walking – more like sluggishly dragging his body – until he reaches their bedroom and suddenly stops just merely two feet inside the room, looking around with vacant eyes; like he was expecting to see something that wasn't there.

“Okay, that's really mature of you. Are you planning on ignoring me all day then?” Olivia questions exasperated, staring angrily at the back of his neck, where the condor tattoo lives – her favorite of his, but that sight doesn't bring her any peace today like it usually does.

Her glare only breaks when she hears the familiar sound of dog tags swaying on her right side. Shifting her gaze to the direction of the sound, Olivia notices Stitch, their small, black & white French bulldog – who she thought was outside in the garden – slowly trudging his way from around the bed until he stops at Ashton's feet, looking up at one of his humans with sad eyes. That realization only makes the worry in her stomach grow uncomfortably.

“Hi buddy,” Ashton's voice cracks a bit from the lack of use, but he smiles softly at the sweet dog, and crouches down to pet him.

Olivia can't help but gasp as she notices three things all at once that leave her overwhelmed: first, how she didn't even notice Stitch was in the room when she woke up – which never ever happens, in fact, most days he wakes her up whenever he deems her bedtime as finished and can't ever contain his excitement when she finally gets up; second, how the windows blinds are closed, which, again, rarely occurs under their roof, not if Ashton can help it. And third, how sad and melancholic the whole scene in front of her is – how sad and melancholic Ashton is. Pointless to say by now – that's also a very rare occasion.

A chill creeps up Olivia's spine, putting her body into high alert and also serving as a reminder of how everything looks out of place today. Trying to keep her head from spiraling down way too soon, she wraps her arms around herself and crouches down beside her two favorite boys, trying once more.

“Ash? Can you hear me?” even with her throat closing, she softly asks, purposefully putting her face in Ashton's point of view. Her only answer is the low whispers he's letting out to Stitch, while cradling the tiny dog in his arms, spreading gentle kisses on his head.

“I know, bud, I know. I miss her too,” is the only whisper she could understand and immediately wishes she hadn't. The weak wail that comes from Stitch's throat seems to fit perfectly with how the three of them feel.

Ashton then looks up and for a couple of seconds, and Olivia can swear he’s staring right into her eyes. But when he shows no reaction, she knows he’s just staring ahead and not at her, with that look that says there’s too much going on inside his head. She feels the urge to embrace him and get him to talk about whatever is on his mind, so they can share that weight like they always do, but when Ashton gets up from the ground and settles on the bed with Stitch, Olivia can physically feel the crack in her heart caused by the feeling she’s left with.

While Ashton is pulling the duvet over him and the dog, with clearly no intentions of getting up anytime soon, Olivia stands up on her feet with a new-found determination – she needs to figure out what the hell is going on.

This nightmare had to be just that, right? Nothing but a very vivid dream – she's had those before. Scary sure, but they always go away, and soon enough she's back into Ashton's arms, with Stitch jumping on the bed ready to lick their faces off. She just needs to wake herself up from whatever fucked up dream this is – right?

She's running down the stairs this time, frantically in search of something, of what exactly, she doesn’t know – but she knows she needs an answer. The more she looks for something, the more desperate she gets, not knowing what to look for. Then suddenly, something catches her eyes.

The white and blue calendar that's held up by magnets on the side of the fridge. She knows their calendar is red and yellow. They got it from their favorite flower market. Slowly, as if scared of what it might be there – “It's just a calendar, for fucks sake” – she approaches the damn thing. Upon inspection, she deems it as a normal calendar – she really doesn't know what she was expecting – until.

She knows what's wrong with it now.

It's November. She knows it, because the Asian and last leg of her first world tour is about to begin November 21st, eleven days from today. Right after Mike's birthday, she knows this.

Then why does the calendar say today is January 14th?

☆ ☆ ☆

Ashton woke up with a jolt. He quickly sat up, frightening the little Frenchie that was asleep right next to him on the bed. Trying to make sense of his surroundings, he roughly rubbed his face to get some sleep off of it and soon reached for the dog that was staring at him with sleepy but sad eyes. Ashton is sure Stitch understands far more than a dog is supposed to understand about their current situation.

The room is covered in shadows, almost pitch black, but he can see the sunlight even through the thick dark grey blinds covering up the windows. Ashton knows he won't be able to sleep again at that moment, so he gets up from the bed – much slower than he used to. His heartbeat is still out of control because of the nightmare that woke him up, but he can't bother to pay attention to it when Stitch is softly wailing beside him. Ashton lets out a ghost of a smile when the dog rests his head on his right upper thigh, looking up at him with an expression Ashton knows all too well.

“C'mon you little ravenous creature, let's feed you,” the bulldog excitedly jumps to the ground, already running his way down the stairs, not even waiting for Ashton to get up.

That gets a real smile out of him, but it vanishes as soon as he glances at the alarm clock on his bedside table. It reads 5:13 am, nothing out of the ordinary for him. But that small and inoffensive clock, with its red paint peeling off, holds a lot of memories for him. Memories that two months ago would bring joy to his heart, but now he almost wants to throw the object across the room.

It was a stupid thing, really. He had been wanting a vintage alarm clock and Olivia got one for his birthday. But the product they received was definitely not the one she bought, and if he's being honest, he didn't like it as much as he made out to. But seeing her so excited in the weeks before it arrived, and how disappointed she was when it did, he couldn't help but try his best to make her smile that luminous smile again. It's part of his nature by now.

That's also the reason why he lets her think that he doesn't notice when she wakes up at some ungodly hour (her words, not his) along with him, because of the annoying and only sound the alarm clock is able to produce. He always leaves soft kisses in every inch of bare skin he can find on her sleeping figure, so she goes back to the dream land and doesn't wake up before 10 am. No one wants to deal with that kind of bad humor, not even him.

As much as he likes being a morning person and absolutely enjoys her company in the mornings, he knows she'll take any and every extra hour of sleep she can get before starting the day. And that's why he loves that she's so stubborn that his early bird tendencies never got to her – he knows she feared that this would happen when they moved in together, but he met her like this, fell for her like this. He wouldn't change a single thing about her.

Ashton drags himself out of the bed, wincing slightly at how cold the wooden floors are under his bare feet. He doesn't bother putting some socks on, or a sweater – the cold weather in the house is uncharacteristically comforting to him. Nothing feels warm without her anyway.

While descending the stairs, he mentally curses himself for not being strong enough to look past the picture frames on the wall. One in particular catches his eyes – a picture from the night of Olivia's first concert with her band. The memories of that night are still painfully vivid in his mind: the laughter among their group that eventually infected everyone at the pub, Suki and Luke's first kiss and the silly smile that didn't leave his best friend's face all night, the standing ovation Olivia got after her three-songs set, and her captivating and breathtaking smile that made him realize right then and there, while watching her sway to the music, that he was definitely falling in love with her and there was nothing he could do to stop it – not that he wanted to.

So many memories held up on that wall, in the relatively short time since they met, that he can't help but wonder if that's all they'll get in this lifetime.

Ashton is abruptly taken out of his thoughts by Stitch's barks coming from the bottom of the stairs. He quickly jogs down the few steps left and goes straight after the dog's food in the kitchen's cabinet. After Stitch starts to happily devour his breakfast, Ashton goes to make his coffee, doing enough for two people like he always does, since Calum drops by most days for a chat or to drop Duke before going to work. Although all three of them know he just can't bother to make food for himself in the morning, while Ashton is the group's elected chef. Ashton always says he just needs a boyfriend – Olivia says Calum already has one who makes him breakfast every day.

He grabs an apple from the fridge and makes his way outside to their garden. Even though a lot of their memories took place there, the garden is the only space in the house where he doesn't feel like suffocating all the time. At least here, he can breathe some fresh air and look at the sky when he's feeling overwhelmed – which is basically all he's been doing for about a month now.

Yet, a lot of the garden has Olivia's name written all over.

He remembers vividly the day she came home after spending two weeks in LA doing some pocket shows, with a pack of daffodil seeds and the largest smile. She excitedly told him that a friend gifted it to her when she mentioned the little garden they were planning to build together at their new house. The friend told Olivia that daffodils symbolize rebirth and new beginnings, so as the good lover of symbolism that she is, Olivia loved the idea of having those flowers to symbolize their new beginning.

Ashton, on the other hand, wasn't a fan of the flowers at first – he just didn't see the appeal to them. But nonetheless, he indulged her, letting Olivia plant the seeds near the bench they used to sit during the quiet and unrushed afternoons, so they could admire the sunset, and she could happily look at the daffodils.

Pointless to say – the damn flowers grew on him.

Now, however, looking at them without Olivia and her contagious joy next to him, they were back to be as dull as they were before, if not more so.

Still lost inside his head without any sense of how much time went by since he sat down, Ashton doesn't hear the front door closing, and doesn't notice that he's no longer the only person inside the house until someone sits next to him on the bench. Yet, he doesn't show any sign of acknowledgement to them.

A few minutes go by before either of them speaks up.

“Luke said you didn't go to see her yesterday,” Calum starts softly, not wanting to disturb the calmness of the morning.

Ashton takes a few seconds to respond, “No point in doing that.” The black haired man licks his lips while thinking carefully about his next words.

“You know staying inside this house all day by yourself won't help either,” Calum turns his head to his left and takes a good look at Ashton's uncharacteristically hunched over figure, and immediately thinks that anyone can tell this man is not himself anymore. His second thought is that Olivia would hate seeing him like this.

“And what exactly do you expect me to do? Move on with my life like nothing happened? Like I'm not slowly and painfully losing the love of my life? Just because it’s easy for you doesn't mean it's easy for me.”

Calum closes his eyes and takes a deep breath. He knows Ashton doesn't mean it, it's the anger and frustration talking. He knows it. Doesn't make it sting any less.

“I'm not telling you to move on with your life, because that's far from what I'm doing, and I certainly don't expect you to do it. I'm just saying you need to occupy your mind or else–”

“I'll go insane? Think it's a bit too late for that,” Ashton interrupts with a bitter tone that doesn't belong to his usual chirpy voice.

“You know it's not,” Calum sighs and drinks the rest of his coffee, moving his body slightly, so he's facing the blonde man, “I got a job interview for you at that school you talked about so much last summer, the principal said you can go any day this week. I went ahead and sent her your resume as well as explained everything that she needs to know about Olivia, so you don't have to. You just gotta put on some decent clothes and show up.” he sees Ashton's face softening a little and takes it as a victory. A few beats go by and then, “Maybe take a shower too. That's gonna make you feel better.” Calum leans in closer to his friend's personal space and takes a sniff, causing Ashton to deflect from him slightly, but not to push him away – another small win.

“Definitely take a shower, you stink. When was the last time your hair saw shampoo?”

“Fuck off,” is Ashton's only reply to the younger man's inquest. But Calum can see a smile creeping up on the blonde's face, which brings out a smile of his own.

“I'll send you all the details later today,” he checks the hour on the watch on his wrist and gets up, “Just please, Ash, go. I can't lose you too.”

Calum gently lays a hand on Ashton's shoulder and squeezes a little. The man doesn't look up, but gives a curt nod to his friend, who's satisfied enough. Calum stops on the threshold of the garden glass doors to give some kisses to Stitch – who came to make Ashton company as soon as he finished his food –, and then he puts the coffee mug on the dishwater. And soon enough, he's on his way out of the door. But not before snatching a tangerine from the fridge.

Ashton is left by himself once again. As he hears the sound of the front door closing, he thinks that this might be his life from now on. Just him and Stitch, trying their hardest to make it through another miserable day without the love of their lives. While everyone else comes by just to make sure he's still breathing. Breathing, maybe, but alive?

Swallowing the tears, he looks up at the sky. It's a deep, beautiful mix of orange, pink and blue, but he knows that it won't last long and soon the rain will be pouring down. He thinks about how much Olivia loves the rain.

God, he needs to pull himself together. She would hate to see him like this. Maybe he should take Calum's offer after all, he really needs to occupy his mind.

Making a mental note to thank Calum later, and also to apologize for how rude he was to him this morning, Ashton slowly gets up from the bench to put his mug on the sink and makes his way to the living room, with the small dog loyally following his every step. He puts on some cartoon that for once doesn't remind him of her (she always lovingly made fun of him for still watching those) and cuddles with Stitch on the couch. He can take a shower later.

Not half an hour goes by, he falls asleep and has a good dream for a change. He dreams of the days he spent with Olivia in the Philippines last February, right before her first world tour started. Some of the most magical days of their lives – surrounded by delicious food, a whole new culture to learn about and the warmth of the sun. Infinite counted days full of love and passion, where they were the only people in the world.

Even his subconscious knows to hold on to that brief moment of happiness, because he might never live that again.

[librastrai]

Ship ask for Clanya

send me a ship & i’ll tell you.

who hogs the duvet. absolutely clarke & anya's solution is simply just to snuggle up closer & grumble about it when they're both awake, secretly loving the sheepish sorry clarke gives in return.

who texts/rings to check how their day is going. clarke is very much a worrier about anya, especially when they're apart on missions or if clarke has to be away on skaikru business. anya worries too but hates the radios, preferring to write letters delivered by rider.

who’s the most creative when it comes to gifts. i think both really struggle in giving gifts because they're not materialistic in a way, & clarke tends to have a bad association with physical gifts due to finn. the best gift they can give each other is time together because they're so busy as leaders for their respective clans.

who gets up first in the morning. anya. clarke will die before waking up when the sun rises. go to hell.

who suggests new things in bed. both definitely are open to new things, especially when anya gives clarke a book that was found in one of the old ruins & it's the kama sutra. clarke's ears stayed red for hours.

who cries at movies. clarke & she's not ashamed. anya just throws a cushion at her face when clarke points out she's crying at the scene in toy story three.

who gives unprompted massages. clarke; anya holds a lot of stress in her body when she isn't able to train it out & clarke offered one night to give her a massage to help. now it's a weekly occurrence & clarke doesn't mind, it's the perfect time to sneak kisses.

who fusses over the other when they’re sick. anya wouldn't call it fussing over clarke but she knows that her lover has a tendency to ignore the signs that she's sick & tries to work through them until she can't. now anya makes sure that clarke takes all the rest she needs & everyone is under orders to leave her alone.

who gets jealous easiest. neither get super jealous but they are quite protective & possessive over each other, especially with the constant danger they're in because of their positions. clarke is more willing to let things go whereas anya will stand up against a slight against her or clarke's honour.

who has the most embarrassing taste in music. clarke & she is very proud of it.

who collects something unusual. anya finds clarke's obsession with collecting letters found in the districts very odd but she doesn't really question it, just brings them back whenever she's on a campaign to the other clans.

who takes the longest to get ready. listen anya's braids take so long to do okay, even just in her day to day style as a general. clarke takes advantage of the time anya's seconds are braiding her hair to make the pair some tea.

who is the most tidy and organised. anya & when she looks at clarke's workspace to see all of her drawings & supplies & notes strewn about everywhere ... she needs to take a moment outside because ho boy. how does her wife live this way.

who gets most excited about the holidays. neither are very holiday motivated but their friends won't let them get away with just hiding away for christmas or the winter season or any of the other holidays so they don't have a choice. get in the shitty sweaters guys.

who is the big spoon / little spoon. anya is always the big spoon, clarke is always the little spoon ✨

who gets most competitive when playing games and / or sports. they're very playful together until clarke says the wrong thing & anya's kill instinct (affectionate) is activated.

who starts the most arguments. both are incredibly stubborn when it comes to the other so while there isn't a lean on who starts the most arguments, these arguments will drag on until one caves & they come back round to talk about it.

who suggests that they buy a pet. clarke didn't set out wanting a pet but when she saw the retired war dog from boudalankru while on a convoy with anya, & was told that their owner had died in the recent conflict, well ... they came back home with a very good doggie that clarke called spot.

what couple traditions they have. time together is very important to both of them because of how demanding their positions as clan leaders are, so when they do manage to be together; they’ll go to the beach bordering floukru for some alone time.

what tv shows they watch together. clarke showed anya the recorded football games she used to watch with her dad; anya doesn’t get it but knows it’s important so she watches with clarke nonetheless. that “red card” was completely undeserved in her mind.

what other couple they hang out with. linctavia though it’s not really as like a “double date” but more that lincoln & octavia are very important figures in trikru & important to them as friends so they’re all often found together.

how they spend time together as a couple. usually naps, anya sprawled out on the couch with her head on clarke’s lap while clarke reads or draws, humming softly.

who made the first move. clarke, though anya will fluster about it & point out that clarke nearly knocking out a tooth in their frantic first kiss was not “making the first move.” clarke disagrees. ✨

who brings flowers home. anya, she brings home ones from the other clan’s territories so clarke can press them & decorate her sketchpads with them.

who is the best cook. clarke looks at food & it burns, though anya is doing her best to remedy that with the help of murphy & lincoln.