#Undiscovered future

[stupendouspeanutstarlight]

Undiscovered future - pt. 1

Jake Sully has been on Pandora for one year, and has no knowledge of his daughter on Earth (Plus his five years in Cyro). Heather O’donald and Jake Sully, long time friends, never had any romantic relationship besides comfort between one another, after the trauma of war together, but from that comfort brought Savanna Sully. 

Getting lung cancer at only the age of four and fighting the disease for two years the RDA approached Savanna’s mother, who has been highly sought after for her highly decorated military career and expansive knowledge on trauma surgery in the field. Up until this point she had no reason to accept the RDA’s propositions. She was unable to bring her daughter along with her in cyro if she wanted, so she never had a reason to accept. Before dying on Earth, Savanna Sully’s consciousness is transferred into an avatar's body, when her mother agrees to join in the RDA’s mission of Pandora's destruction.

(In the story people will refer to Savanna as her mothers last name to hide her identity, but high ranking RDA officials know her official last name is Sully)

Also eventual aonung romance! Will take a bit, story will be mainly family related for awhile.

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Heather O’donald was a nothing if not a loving mother, as a highly decorated veteran and as someone revered in her field she had extensive connections. She fought tooth and nail to provide for her daughter all on her own on a dying planet, but unfortunately not everything could be solved with connections. After being diagnosed with lung cancer, repeated hospital visits since the age of four and intense drug intervention, Savanna’s condition didn’t seem to be improving, but deteriorating rapidly. In desperation Heather did the only thing she could do, reach out to the company who had been trying to get her skills and co-operation in a last ditch effort to save her daughter's life. In return for her mothers service Savanna’s consciousness and memories would be copied and put into an avatar's body. Having to keep the existence of a child avatar's creation confidential the agreement was to grow Savanna’s body while her mother was in cyro on the trip to Pandora. In order for the plan to be enacted Heather would have to withdraw care from her child and watch her die. There ended Savanna’s first life, her human life and began the push for her future.   

Aboard a ship about to make contact with Pandora was the new avatar body of Savanna Sully and Heather O’donald. Waking up to a blinding light was the first thing. The second was the unusual strength of new strong lungs. Blinking rapidly and accessing the surroundings, scientists with lab coats poked and prodded, machines buzzing, and beeps rapidly indicating the sound of her rapid heartbeat. A sound that was familiar, but sharper appeared to the right, “Savanna, baby, can you hear me? Look at mom.” There stood Heather O’donald, who was in the hospital only five minutes ago, but she had a different haircut and she was tinier. Going to rub her head to figure out what was so weird and why her mom was so different when it had only been a short time, Savanna brought her hands up to her face. Upon seeing blue she stopped dead in her tracks. Blue hands! hands were blue! Why are they blue! 

(Time jump)

Thinking back to the first step, the first inhale, the second life as an avatar, memories and fondness of the beginning of a new life sprung to mind as Savanna watched her mothers coffin being sent into cremation. Life was simple when they had arrived, being a six year old and learning to navigate in a child navi body had its struggles, but her mom was her rock and shoulder to lean on. That all changed after Savanna’s eighth birthday, the new RDA base camp was settled and General Admore demanded more of Heather and Savanna began military training; although she was a child Savanna was considered highly valuable and was expected to join the ranks of RDA soldiers when she was ready. Years of grueling Navi training in their language, customs, and weaponry along with General Admore’s intense military training by the age of eleven Savanna was participating in small routine military activity around the base. Savanna having lost her first life to cancer it was a sad humor that Heather O’donald also suffered the same fate, but her illness being in the brain, making a mind transfer impossible. Now at twelve years old Savanna was orphaned.

Savanna Sully knew of her father and his past, but nothing of his present other than the information offered by the RDA, simply he was a traitor to the human race. Growing up Heather would tell stories of her friendship with Jake and how wonderful he was, which was why Savanna always felt so torn thinking of her dad. Gaining the favor of scientists who disagreed with the RDA’s path, but wanted to research Pandora, Grace and Jake's video logs were open season. Watching and re-watching all the logs made the past seem so complex, and annoying. Wishing to just meet her dad and get straight answers, but knowing that could not happen was torture. 

“O’donald! Time to suit up, we're out of here by O’six hundred. Time to finally meet some of the locals kid!” A new team member that was previously a soldier of the RDA, but brought back named Linc hollered. Normally Savanna was to remain strictly to base operations, but being an incredibly gifted soldier and fluent in Navi she was beginning to get more intense missions. 

“I’m almost ready just grabbing some ammo!” Grabbing a couple mags and stuffing them in her pack Savanna sprinted out to the helipad. 

The ride was uneventful. This was just a routine mission for most soldiers to go to the outskirts of native territory to get information and get out. When the small deployment of two avatars and Savanna touched ground the helicopter returned to base camp to await the pick-up information. Nothing particularly interesting was happening, and no locals had been spotted. Linc was about to call for evac, but a cry in the distance was heard. Slowly in a triangle formation with Linc at point the group follow the noise to discover a very injured and pregnant Navi woman. “Well look what we’ve got here sweetness!” Only receiving a hiss back Linc chuckled. “I guess we should put the bitch out of her misery then folks!” Sabrina the other marine chuckled, egging Linc on, and began circling the woman. Frightened and scared she began to pray to the great mother.

“Linc! This isn’t right! She’s not a threat, our mission is data recovery and then to leave! Not kill a pregnant woman!” Moving to stand defensively in front of the Navi woman, everyone went silent. 

“What do you think you’re doing kid? She’s a native, it doesn't matter if we have a little fun right!” Linc was trying to be humorous, but his eyes and tail betrayed his anger. Thrashing out of control he approached and whispered into Savanna’s ear, “I won’t have a tree hugging thirteen year old get in my way!” Throwing her to the side he began his taunting steps towards the woman along with Sabrina. Raising his gun two decisive shots rang through the air. As Savanna’s supposed comrades' bodies hit the dirt she could only think about how screwed she was. 

The Na'vi woman stared at her stunned before speaking after several silent minutes, “Why? Why did you help me?” 

“I-I, I couldn’t just let them kill you! You haven’t done anything wrong! Omg, Omg, I can’t explain this to the general! Where do I go Now!” Pacing, the ground beneath began to warp from the intense steps. 

“My father is the Olo'eyktan of the swamp people. Would you be willing to learn sky demon?” 

“Of course! I Can’t go back!” How could this be happening? A routine mission gone so wrong. Why is a Navi who is supposed to be vicious and inhumane offering me help? 

“Then come, if you assist me my village will only be an hour's travel from here. I was only to gather today, so my mate will notice my absence. My people will find us on the way, do as I say, or you will die.” Stumbling a little still shocked from the sudden events of the afternoon, Savanna approached the Navi woman and assisted her movements. How the hell am I going to survive this.  

__________________________________________________________________________

Please give me feedback! I didn’t read anything over and am trying to make everything line up time wise, but honestly probably going to be a lot of creative liberty on that part. Quartich isn’t here yet and my character is supposed to be a year older than Neteyam in her body, logistically she should be older, but having her avatar grown she wasn’t aging with her mind just being on a file so she’s only a year in her mind and body.  masterlist

[daredussy]

i love picking up random comics and then they turn out to be good

[sxnctxxry]

if in the grishaverse, the world is a globe, it is round, and the two opposite ends of the map do not connect to each other, then...

[full-of-mercy]

Tag dump.

[thefriendlypigeon]

“Cas! What the hell are you doing in here?!” Dean practically yelped. Castiel stood frozen, phone in one hand, the other half-raised and immediately forgotten. His mouth hung open as if every functioning brain cell had spontaneously vacated the premises. His eyes were growing to a worrying size with each passing second, steadfastly fixed at waist level. He unabashedly stared at the frilly pink lace peeking out of Dean’s ripped, borderline-offensive cut-off jean shorts. Both men stopped breathing. An entirely awkward second later with Dean's face color shifting through exciting undiscovered shades of red, Castiel swallowed audibly.  Dean stared daggers. “You know what, Cas? I own it." A wet sponge hitting Castiel square in the face pulled him back into reality. "Now get working and help me clean Baby!"

I HAD SO MUCH FUN DRAWING THIS!! I should draw more ridiculous things in the future :D

Prints available here!

👉COMMISSIONS ARE OPEN👈

[my social media links]

[devonpink]

Conversion in the Deep

Far from land and deep in the sea, lives a world undiscovered by humanity. In an underwater kingdom where merpeople not only exist but thrive. Ruling over them is King Lyle, his wife, and his only offspring, Prince Dorian.

On the morning of his 25th birthday, Dorian was not his usual cheerful self but distressed, swimming back and forth in one of the castle's many gardens. "What kind of a birthday surprise was that?!" He was utterly flabbergasted over what his father had sprung on him only a half hour ago. "An arranged marriage?! With a mermaid, no less! When is he gonna get it through that thick head of his that I'm gay! Gay, gay gay!"

Unbeknownst to Dorian, his future bride, Princess Alana, was not far behind, watching and following him in curious wonderment. She couldn't help but eavesdrop. Neither could the royal guards. "It has to be a joke?" Dorian questioned, trying to keep his head on straight. "I'm sure that's what it is! There's no way my father is that-" Dorian was too lost in his own head to realize Alana had swam up behind him. So when he abruptly flipped around. Boom! They smacked right into one another, face-on. They were mere centimeters away from accidentally kissing, causing Dorian's face to immediately blush from embarrassment—he was redder than a cooked crab. "Oh! I'm so sorry! I wasn't paying attention!"

"It's okay! I should have said something." Alana insisted, hoping to soothe Dorian's embarrassment. She smirked slightly, thoroughly amused with how awkwardly cute Dorian's nervous expression was. That pared with his muscular build making him even sexier. She swam back slightly to give them some breathing space, easing him further. However, she couldn't help but give in to her feminine wiles. "I hope you blush as cutiely on our wedding day."

"About that," Dorian anxiously gulped, assuming Alana was just kidding but didn't like the glimmer of sincere lust in her eye. He took a deep breath, hoping to reason with her. "Look, you must think this whole arrangement is as crazy as I do, right? I mean, we don't even know each other! It would never work out! I'm just not made for this kind of marriage!"

Alana looked confused, almost hurt by what he said—her heartbroken expression made Dorian uneasy, filling him with bizarre guilt. "Why not?"

Dorain gently grabbed her by the arm and pulled her over to a nearby rock formation, out of the guard's sight. "I don't know how to break this to you other than spitting it right out: I'm gay. I'm incapable of giving you a happy marriage."

"Well, I wouldn't say that." Alana smiled slightly, inching herself closer to him. She laid her small hand on his massive bicep, making him unexpectedly quiver in titillation. "They don't call marriage hard work for no reason."

"What?" Dorain was surprised by her reaction or lack thereof. It's as if his confession went right over her head. "Didn't you hear me? I'm gay. Like, really gay!"

"You think you're the first?" Alana plainly said, brushing her fin against his. "It's not like this hasn't happened before. It has, and it's worked out." Dorian was stunned, frozen in disbelief but her calm demeanor. Throwing him off further, she swam around him, eyeing him like a delicious piece of meat. "Just take my parents for example."

Dorian's eyes lit up in shock, watching her confidently swim around him, trying hard not to stare at her perfect tits. "What do you mean?!"

"A long time ago, my father was in the same position you're in right now," Alana nonchalantly answered, stopping back in front of him. She seductively bit her bottom lip, still processing how unbelievably muscular Dorian was—a true muscle god.

"You mean, King Trenton is gay?!" Dorian questioned in disbelief. He couldn't figure Alana out or why he felt so funny. The more Alana talked the more smitten he weirdly became, confusing him more.

"He is, well, was. I guess you can say it's complicated, but love will do that. "Alana answered, her eyes kept making their way to his genital slit. She swam closer to him, forcing him back against the large rock formation behind him.

Inside Dorian was a swirling mess of emotions. He felt both frightened and turned on by her, which didn't make sense. He was gay, but her obvious lust for him was making him unbelievably horny. He suddenly felt overwhelmingly enamored with her as if a switch abruptly went off in his brain. "I don't understand?"

"I'm not surprised," Alama smirked, with an all-knowing look. She moved her hand up his ripped chest, making him quiver. She then gently grazed his firm nipples, which made him gasp. He was blushing uncontrollably. "God, you're so cute when you're nervous."

"Alana, please. I can't!" Dorian's heart was racing, enthralled with her heavenly touch. How could he want her so badly?

"Do you want me to show you?" Alana seductively asked, purposefully ignoring Dorian's growing concern. She moved her hand back down his perfectly toned body, heading for the genital slit in the front of his tail.

"Show me what?" Dorian asked, trying his best to keep his voice down to not draw the guard's attention. He wanted to moan so badly but kept it from coming out, which was hard to do. A few minutes ago, the idea of being in this type of situation with a mermaid repulsed him, but the reality of it only turned him on. It felt as if his body was acting on its own, out of his mental control. Was it primal instinct? Was it pure madness?

"Do you want me to show you exactly how my mother turned my gay father into a mermaid lover?" Alana rephrased, eyeing Dorian's plump lips in lustful hunger. She put her other arm around him, feeling up his manly backside. "How?" Dorian nervously asked, afraid yet intensely curious of the answer. Alana moved her hand over his slit, sensually rubbing it. His prehensile penis was in danger of popping out. "Oh, fuck." Dorian quietly moaned, trying not to alert the guard's attention. "Why aren't I stopping her?!" He thought. "Why does her touch feel so right? Why is her voice pure music to his ears? Why do I want to fuck her like a primal sea beast? How could I suddenly be so damn horny for a mermaid?!" He couldn't help but moan in sexual agony. "I don't understand why I feel so-?"

"Horny?" Alana answered, already knowing what he was gonna say. Her tone was dripping with lust, she was just as horny as he was.

Dorian sensually moaned again, unable to resist letting his massive prehensile penis finally emerge from its slit, all 13 inches of glorious man meat. Alana licked her lips, reached out her hand, and gently grasped it. Dorian moaned again, only this time more desperate. She stroked him, unable to believe the enormous size of his throbbing member. He instinctually grabbed her waist, unexpectedly loving how manly he instantly felt. They gazed at each other like lovers, as if they would passionately kiss at any moment.

"What's happening to me?" Dorian loudly pleaded, not caring if they got caught. Actually, the thought of his gay self getting caught with a mermaid was an unexpected turn-on. He then moaned loader, letting himself give in to his lust even more.

"My family's powers," Alana finally answered, after stroking him a bit more. "The mermaids in my family have a certain way with mermen. We can bring out whatever we want from them, able to mold them like clay. And the best part, the mermen love it. It's a win-win. Everybodys happy. Even if it takes a little persuading to get there." Alana slowed her stroking and played with the tip of his tapering penis with her finger, edging his lust even further. "You can't tell me it doesn't feel good, that I don't make you feel good."

Dorian moaned again in lustful agony, reluctantly loving how her finger teased his sensitive tip. None of it made sense, but he was starting to not care. All he knew was he felt good and beginning to enjoy himself. As hard as he tried, his lust was winning. He looked her straight in the eye, his gaze burning with passion. He didn't want her to stop. Damned it be her doing or not. He wanted more.

"There must be a part of you that's always secretly wanted to be normal, to be the prince your father always wanted." Alana picked her pace back up, grasping him tighter. She could sense his temptation to fully give in and was hellbent on making sure he did. "Allow me to make that secret desire a reality. Give in to me."

"Oh, fuck!" Dorian aggressively moaned, grasping the ridges of the rocks behind him. Her touch was pure heaven, winning him over. His gay resistance was hanging on by a tread.

"I'll be the perfect wife," Alana assured him, knowing she was close to fully having him. "And will make the most beautiful babies."

"Alana… I-" Dorian could barely speak, only able to moan in utter pleasure as Alana stroked him even faster. Out of the corner of his eye, he could see the guards watching them with cocky grins.

"I want to breed with you," Alana hornily begged, wrapping her tail around his. Her smutty confession surprising Dorian but turning him on more.

"I want…" Dorian bit his lip, not wanting to let the rest of his words escape. The small part of himself that was resisting cried out, not wanting to give in. However, the second after Alana ripped off the shell bra off her huge tits to reveal her juicy nipples, it was over. Any last shred of resistance evaporated. With that, he finally let the truth bubbling inside him surface out of his quivering mouth. "I want to breed with you, too!!!"

And thus they finally kissed—french kissing, indulging themselves completely in their lust for one another. Her small feminine body against his massive masculine frame was electrifying. He plunged his rugged face into her huge soft tits, sucking on them like his life depended on it. Seconds later he had his thick fingers in her tight slit, making her moan like a merslut—fueling his testosterone even more. Never in his life had he felt so masculine. He didn't give a damn if the guards were watching. In fact, he wanted them to watch. He wished everyone was here to see him finally become a real man. Dorian figured this new way of thinking was all Alana's doing, but he didn't care. It felt too good to fight. Still gay or not, it didn't matter. He was hooked and couldn't wait till the wedding night.

[ningauinerd]

I've been doing a lot of volunteer fieldwork with these guys recently so I thought I might as well do an infodump about them here.

The pygmy bluetongue skink (Tiliqua adelaidensis) is one of the most unique and unusual members of the Tiliqua genus, which includes the true bluetongues as well as the sleepy lizard/shingleback. However, the pygmy bluetongue actually lacks the blue tongue the group is named after, having a pink tongue instead! As its scientific name suggests, it is quite a range restricted species, being found only in open grasslands north of Adelaide, South Australia, as far north as Peterborough. Historically they ranged more extensively across the Adelaide Plains, as far south as Marion, but due to the destruction of suitable habitat they now occur no further south than Kapunda.

While most bluetongues are notable for their large size amongst skinks, with several species regularly exceeding 30 cm in length, the pygmy bluey lives up to its name by measuring a measly average of 9 cm long from snout to vent. This is actually still a fair size compared to the average skink, but it's miniscule by bluetongue standards. Even more notable than their size however are their habits, for they are the only species of lizard that is specialised to live exclusively in old spider burrows! The burrows of both trapdoor and wolf spiders are used, but trapdoor burrows are preferred in most instances.

Pygmy bluetongues spend the majority of their lives within these spider burrows, leaving only to defecate, seek out mates and disperse. The average length of time a lizard spends in a particular burrow is highly dependant on the individual - some are sedentary and spend many years within a single burrow, while others will move around fairly frequently. As well as places to shelter and raise their young (they have parental care, it's very cute), pygmy bluetongues also use the burrows as ambush sites, waiting at the top for suitable prey, usually a mid-sized arthropod, to stray close enough for them to quickly dart out and drag them into the depths.

but here's the ambusher

The chief natural predators of pygmy bluetongues are raptors and brown snakes, and sheltering in the burrow is the main defence against both of these threats. Their burrows are often wide enough for a brown snake to enter, but not wide enough for them to open their mouths in - this means all the brown snake usually gets by pursuing a sheltering pygmy is an angry lizard attacking its face, forcing it to retreat.

The lazy lifestyle of the burrow-stealing pygmy bluetongues is certainly unique, and also explains why they have been such an elusive species since they were first discovered by Western scientists in the 1860s. Rarely seen or collected, their habit of inhabiting spider burrows remained undiscovered for the longest time, and by the 1960s they had become so hard to find that they were believed to be extinct. That was until, in 1992, a pygmy bluetongue was found inside the stomach of a roadkill brown snake by amateur herpetologist Graham Armstrong, confirming their status as a Lazarus of the lizard world.

The historic rediscovery of the pygmy bluetongue (Image credit: Graham Armstrong)

Our previous assumptions of extinction were fortunately premature, but the pygmy bluetongue skink is in serious trouble nonetheless. While they are able to live in a variety of different grassland types, both native and exotic, the extensive modification of their entire distribution through cereal cropping and urbanisation has led to their populations becoming very small and fragmented, giving them a ranking of Endangered on the IUCN Red List. Almost all of these populations are on private land (often grazed by sheep), which makes protecting and/or studying them particularly difficult and complex.

However, when it comes to future threats to the species, climate change is easily the most worrying. As Australia becomes ever hotter and drier, their small remaining distribution is likely to become largely unsuitable, threatening the existence of the entire species. To combat this, researchers are currently investigating the viability of translocating populations further south to areas with cooler climates, providing a safeguard if they do indeed disappear from their remaining natural distribution.

But how do you study a lizard that lives exclusively in small spider holes? Well, if you want to catch them, there's only one tool for the job - the humble fishing rod. Not any special fishing rod either, just a regular rod with a poor mealworm shoddily tied to the end. David Attenborough kindly demonstrates the technique in Life in Cold Blood, although in his case the lizard was steadfast in remaining in the burrow!

the sacred tool of the mighty lizard fishermen

returned to their abode

Two additional Fun Pygmy Facts: Fun Pygmy Fact #1 - The closest living relative of the pygmy bluetongue is the sleepy lizard!

cousins!

Fun Pygmy Fact #2 - Wooden artificial burrows purpose-made for pygmy blueys have proven effective, and the lizards inhabiting them even tend to be in better body condition than those in natural burrows!

[spirk-trek]

"Course heading, Captain?" "Second star to the right, and straight on till morning."

--Captain's log, stardate 9529.1. This is the final cruise of the Starship Enterprise under my command. This ship and her history will shortly become the care of another crew. To them and their posterity, will we commit our future. They will continue the voyages we have begun and journey to all the undiscovered countries, boldly going where no man, where no one... has gone before--

[pokedawriter]

Nymph!Reader x Sumeru!Men

- gn!reader

- Kaveh & Tighnari (I can do Alhaithem and Cyno later if people want)

- The Sumeru men stumble upon you... how to they react?

Idk what I'm doing man

Kaveh

He was scouting out a location one of his clients wanted, surveying the land to figure out what could go where and if a building was even possible

Of course, with his terrible luck, he slips and falls down a hill, bumping his head and falling unconscious

When he comes to, the most beautiful being he's ever seen is looking down at him, his head in your lap

As he gets up, he realizes you've tended to his cuts and bruises, putting a strange paste on the and then some leaves

You ask him a few questions on his health and he asks you where he is

After a bit of conversation, he realizes you are 1) a nymph and 2) will die if this grotto is destroyed

he'll go back to the city and have a hard time convincing his clients to move elsewhere, but he'll manage

He tries his best to visit you while also keeping you a secret, though his friends learn pretty quickly

Alhaithem learn anyways though because he sees Kaveh's notes on you

Tighnari learns because Kaveh asks him about how to take care of nymphs

Cyno learns when Kaveh asks him about protected areas of the forest and what qualify

They all follow him and meet you, much to Kaveh's annoyance and dismay

His friends help him make your grotto a protected area of the forest, preventing any future construction in it

Kaveh will try to visit you all the time, even after this

you're Kaveh's muse and he can't help but be enamored by your beauty. You inspire him and you're so kind and he hates leaving your side

You even make a little place for him in the roots of a huge tree

he brings you trinkets from the city and he can't help but smile when he sees your wonderment with the little toys

Perhaps he could live here instead of with Alhaithem

Tighnari

He was exploring a little further than usual when he found your grotto. How your little sanctuary has remained undiscovered for so long is genuinely a mystery to him

He tries to take a flower but you appear and bap his hand

Flora person? An aranara? No, you're too human looking to possibly be one

You don't attack him but you don't let him pick anything either

He comes back repeatly over the next few months to study you and you study him with equal intensity... he thinks?

While he writes notes on you, you draw him with different colored flowers and make little figurines of him out of wood

Eventually, one day you start speaking to him (which surprises him greatly, because he had been talking with you this entire time and you never responded, just gave him various head tilts and hand motions)

You can casually banter with each other and you teach him about the plants in your grotto

Coming to see you is his favorite part of the day and he eventually brings Cyno (with your permission). Cyno cracks his puns much to Tighnari's dismay

However, Tighnari likes the moment when you are alone together best

"I could study you forever. You're so beautiful and fascinating"

[moonliched]

Futuristic fnaf mermaid au, aaaauuuauauauu🐠

For humanity, space travel and alien intermingling is business as usual. Y/N works on a facility on a largely unexplored aquatic planet. Deep underwater and surrounded by caves and tunnels, the building is submerged and embedded in rock. The facility has a rotating team of researchers that study at the place every half year or so, and the last team has just switched out! Y/N just needs to get the facility ready for the next team, enjoy some downtime, and try to track down a tangle of net and chains that went missing a few cycles ago.

And then they find it. In an undiscovered cavern.

Trapping a mermaid.

Y/N feels totally at home with the fishies, but an intelligent mermaid feral with fear might be a little too much to handle alone.

Especially after he takes an interest in the weird two-tailed creature that keeps coming at him with bolt cutters.

Y/N works as an all-purpose handyman maintaining the facility, and doing small fixes in the on-site utility tunnels that pump water through the generators. They also regularly exit the facility to maintain the remote generators and ensure the territory is secure with nets and markers.

This is the first time Y/N has been left totally alone in the facility, aside from a few staffbots, and the resident AI, BON-BON.

Plus something weird is happening. Rumbles in the water create currents and dislodge rock, like the stirring of a colossal creature. It could just be tectonic activity! But probably not.

Some lil facts! Sun and Moon's fins and gills all glow, as does Moon's esca, but they can turn off the glow to better hide. Light takes energy, so if the mers are sufficiently tired or hungry, they can't glow.

The Glamrocks are in this AU, but I'm not saying how yet. We got giant mermaid Eclipse, plus megalohydrothalassophobia (gasp pant.) And an AI that's a little too intelligent and argumentative to strictly be allowed to function.

The entire facility is located in rock, under the ocean, and is consequently pretty claustrophobic. To combat this the facility is done up all white and large with smooth walls, chunky furniture - think white liminal space futurism. There are plenty of big windows, but as the view is mostly dark water with the occasional weird thing swimming by, it has the opposite effect.

I got a fic in the works ;0 I do need to decide on a title tho. Idk if anyone will be interested in this AU but i'm in too deep and enjoying myself. And I👏love👏mermaids👏👏👏

[owlobservation]

Itoshi Sae Profile from Egoist Bible Vol.2 (2024)

"Only the idiots who can keep up will get to see what comes next."

Team: Japan U-20 National Team

Position: Offensive Midfielder (OMF)

Weapons: World class kicking accuracy, world class technique, world class tactical vision, and world class physical ability.

Birthdate: October 10th.

Age: 18 (Third year high school)

Zodiac sign: Libra.

Birthplace: Kanagawa Prefecture (Kamakura City)

Family structure: Father, mother, himself, younger brother.

Height: 180 cm.

Foot size: 26.5 cm.

Blood type: A.

Previous team before he returned to Japan: Re Ale Youth FC.

Dominant foot: Left.

Favorite Soccer Player: Álvaro Recoba. "The left-footed player who creates a rainbow on the pitch."*

Age started playing soccer: 1 years old. "Before I knew it, I was already playing soccer."

Nickname: Treasure of Japan.

Strengths: Being able to see things objectively. "I'm often told that I'm a dry person but who cares."

Weaknesses: I don't know anything except about soccer. "Don't live like this, you guys."

Favorite food: Salted kombucha. "Because I can return back to zero."**

Disliked food: French fries. "It's so delicious that I could die, but it's also so unhealthy that I could die."

Best rice accompaniment: Salted kelp. "They don't have it in Spain so I got it sent from my parents' home."

Hobby: Analyzing data of soccer players and teams. "It's nice to see things visualized as numbers."

Favorite season: The end of summer. "I feel like the whole world has become lonely."

Favorite show: Chibi Maruko-chan. "It reminds me of my parents' home."

Favorite music: Suisei by Tofubeats feat. Seira Kariya. "I listen it to cool down."

Favorite movie: Taxi Driver. "This De Niro guy is the coolest."

Favorite manga: Gegege no Kitaro.

Character color: Azuki Red.

Favorite animal: Seagull. "I like migratory birds that don't stay in one place."

Favorite brands: All the brands that sponsor me. "They have good eyes for betting on me."

Best subjects: No idea because I didn't really pay attention in class and only focused on soccer. "I've never seen my report card."

Fetish: Butt. "You can tell an athlete's ability by the shape of their butt."

What makes you happy: A play beyond my imagination.

What makes you sad: Being forced to carry the weight of Japanese soccer on my shoulders. "Yes, I'm talking about you guys."

The first time someone confessed to you: I don't even remember which one was the first time, dumbass.

Last year's valentine day chocolates: Around 2.000. "My manager told me."

Sleep time: 8 hours. (7 hours+1 hour nap)

Where do you wash first in the bath?: Bangs' hairline.

Mushroom or Bamboo shoots?: Depending on the mood.

What made you cry recently?: Why would I tell you, idiot.

At what age did you stop receiving presents from Santa?: 10 years old.***

What did you ask for a Christmas present from Santa?: My undiscovered talent.

What would you do on your last day on earth?: Give the world's best striker the world's best pass.

What would you do if you received 100 million yen?: I'm not interested. It's just a small change.

What do you do on your days off?: Gazing at the sea.

What would you be doing if you hadn’t discovered soccer?: Living a normal, happy life. Maybe my personality wouldn't have turned out like this.

Who is your favorite historical figure?: Copernicus. He was the man who overturned the world’s common knowledge.

If you could only bring one thing to a deserted island, what would it be?: No need. I’d live the way I wanted without any rules.

Where would you go if you had a time machine, to the past or the future?: Not interested in either. I have no pointless expectations or regrets for my future or my past. Just live in the moment. You guys are so tepid. 

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World-class Offensive Midfielder With Boundless Parameters

Aiming to become the best midfielder in the world, Sae is a super player with the complete package of mind, technique, and physique. Isagi’s best play which he pulled off with “reflex” was stopped with just a light tackle. He killed The Direct Shot flawlessly, showing the big difference between the two.****

He’s Only Interested In Blue Lock! The One He Chose Was Shidou?

Sae was only interested in Blue Lock and paid no attention to his younger brother Rin or the U-20 Japan National Team. The world he sees and the place he aims for are clearly different from those of the U-20 National Team. Sae chose Shidou from Blue Lock as his teammate. With a series of super plays, they managed to corner Blue Lock.

The reason for Sae's sudden change... What on earth happened in Spain!?

Sae went to Spain and promised his younger brother Rin that he’d become “The Best Striker In The World”. However, when he returned home four years later, his attitude had changed completely . He declared that he would become “The Best Midfielder In The World” instead and pushed Rin away, calling him "tepid".*****

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Sae's Ranking on "Best 3 of Everything: Players seriously voted each!"

1. Ranked #1 The Best at Crossing (Centering)

Hiori’s commentary: "Well, all of Itoshi Sae’s kicks are perfectly designed. I admire him."

2. Ranked #2 The Most Likely To Succeed As Coach

3. Ranked #1 Who Doesn't Cry Easily

Aryu’s commentary: "If Itoshi Sae were to cry, it would be when he became the world’s best. That would be the moment of ultimate styl."******

4. Ranked #1 The Least Family-oriented person

Isagi’s commentary: "If you look at those two, you would assume so. But if they really hate each other… It means that they also think about each other."

5. Ranked #2 The Most Likely To Thrive In The Sengoku Period

6. Ranked #2 The Most Leader-like (or has the qualities of a leader)

7. Ranked #3 Longest Eyelashes

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

Notes:

*Álvaro Recoba (El Chino) is a midfielder from Uruguay known for his "rainbow-like" curved kicks.

**Return back to zero=being refreshed.

***In early 2021 twitter Q&A, he said he stopped getting Christmas presents when Rin stopped believing in Santa. His answer is revised in Egoist Bible to just "10 years old."

****The original sentence is “...a super player who possesses everything– mind, technique and physique (心技体)”. 心技体 or Shingitai refers to the three qualities an athlete must have: 心 is heart/mind, 技 is technique/skill, 体 is body/physique/strength. It is said that an athlete needs 3 of them to succeed. If they only have the right mind and skills but not the body to support them… well you’ll know what will happen!  So from our understanding Shingitai is an ‘inseparable set’. We translated it as a “complete package” to let you know that those 3 qualities are inseparable!

*****Here the word used is 突き放す (tsukihanasu). Tsukihanasu is 'to push away', to push someone (or something) away and make them leave. It can also refer to an attitude of  treating someone without love, sympathy, or emotions. Please check my notes on Rin’s profile page, because there is a connection!

******What Aryu originally said isファ イナリーオシャ final osha. "The moment where Itoshi Sae finally cried would be the moment of ultimate/final styl.” is most likely what he meant! We personally think ‘ultimate styl’ had more feel than ‘final styl’ (?), that’s why we went with ultimate osha!

Check Sae's profile from the first volume of Egoist Bible here!

[stupendouspeanutstarlight]

Undiscovered Future - pt. 2

A New Chapter! This one is a bit longer, so happy to see the enjoyment on the first part. Will try to keep updates consistent, hope you all enjoy!

______________________________________________________________

Trying to learn the customs of the clan didn’t prove to be hard, but because of the clan's past with sky people integrating among the people was difficult. Harsh stares, many near death experiences, and low whispers followed Savanna wherever she went for some time. Not only did her sky people features make her stick out among the clan, but they all had skin that was green like moss and shorter stature to navigate the marshes. Having saved the Olo'eyktan’s daughter Nali was her only saving grace, Nali would scorn her people when she heard of mistreatment towards the young girl. Nali’s mate Eketxme had also grown to care for Savanna, being forever grateful that she had saved his mate. Only the Olo'eyktan and his family knew of Savanna’s parenthood, they became a second family to her and the village warmed up to her as they watched her interact with the people and her gentle nature. When Savanna passed her Iknimaya she became a revered hunter and warrior among the people at only the age of sixteen. Then came the day that her clan was called upon by the great Toruk Makto. 

Gathered in the center of the village, a place deep in the dense swamps and hidden in a cluster of trees where the clan resided the Olo'eyktan spoke, “My people! Toruk Makto has called for the aid of our clan! The sky demons are burning the forest and will soon reach our borders if we do not aid in this war! Because of this I am sending some of our mightiest warriors to assist. May the Great Mother guide us!” An uproar of cheers could be heard, many of the elders and older warriors remembering the first time Jake Sully called upon them. Welling up with tears and cheering among the people who Savanna now believed to be family, she raised her bow and joined in. An affectionate arm lead her by waist and Nali led Savanna out of the crowd towards her father, mother and Eketxme. 

Eketxme approached her slowly placing his hands atop her shoulders,“Savanna Sully! You will join the war party, make your people proud!” Silent tears made their way down his face, always getting more emotional for his family than would be expected of a mighty warrior and future Olo'eyktan. Welling up with emotion Savanna wrapped her arms around a man who had become a paternal figure and choked on a sob. “Show the demons the power of our people! Show them the power of Savanna Sully, daughter of Toruk Makto and of me. I see you.” 

Preparing to leave the place that had quickly become home Savanna wondered if she would be able to make her people proud? Would she fail to live up to the expectations and drown? Would she return here? As if overhearing her nervous mind Nali appeared at her nook's door, peeling away the hyde that blocked the entry, “What makes your mind race child?” 

Wrapping her arms around herself and sinking onto the padded floor, Savanna released a heavy sigh looking at Nali with glossy eyes, “I don’t want to let all of you down, and what if I meet my dad and he hates me?”  

Squatting next to the distressed teenager Nali wrapped her arms around her form and began to rock her, “Do not worry. You are perfect, if the Great Mother wills it you will meet Jake Sully and he will adore you! You think to much for a child with such an absent mind”

Giggling softly Savanna looked up to Nali and reminisced, her life had changed so much that day. If she had not stepped in, Nali would have died along with the beautiful baby boy she adored so much that was growing so big everyday. This place that she held so deeply she feared she would not return to for a long time, “What if I never get to return home?” Savanna whispered softly.

“Ma Savanna, even if you never return we will never forget the wonderful, talented sky demon we cherish so much. The whole village will feel your absence until the day you return. This is your home, you can return whenever you want and we will embrace you with open arms.” Wet droplets began to soak into Savanna’s shoulder as Nali began to sob, “Find Jake Sully, if he doesn't love you as I do he is a fool! You are my family, my little savior, my child!” Hearing the horns signaling the warriors time to depart, Savanna and Nali separated, both with tears streaming down their faces and hugged one last time. Leaving was one of the hardest things she had ever had to do and as Savanna and her fellow warriors rode off on their ikiran towards the Omaticaya, Nali, Eketxme and little Uawwa waived until she was far out of sight. Breaking down in her mate's arms Nali knew she’d miss the child she loved and adopted all those years ago, but this was necessary in Savanna’s journey. 

Upon entering Omaticaya territory Savanna wore a cloak weaved of reeds to conceal her foreign features, she did not have to have direct contact with any military meetings and chose to stand in the back to receive orders. The first mission was to be a raid on a transport train full of supplies headed away from the RDA’s basecamp, due to lack of experience on direhorses herself and her clan members were to provide arial assistance on their ikirans. Loving her bow but, Savanna knew her skills were in her gun, having brought along her old M60, she set off to find ammo. Wandering aimlessly through Omaticaya territory still concealing her face and body to lay low, Savanna accidentally bumped into a small girl, “Oh i'm so sorry! Are you hurt?” Crouching and inspecting the young girl closely for scrapes spinning her around she found nothing.

  Giggling and squirming, the girl grabbed Savanna’s hand, “You have five fingers like my dad! What’s your name?” 

Stunned silent Savanna couldn’t think straight, only avatars and children born of them could have five fingers! “I’m Savanna, from the swamp clan! What’s your name?” 

“Tuktirey, but everyone calls me Tuk!” 

“That’s a beautiful name!” Gesturing to her gun she continued, “You wouldn’t know where to find ammo for my gun would you?”

“I know who to ask! Come with me!” 

Before Tuk could lead her off a girl a little younger than Savanna rounded the corner looking agitated. “Tuktirey! You can’t just run off! Time for supper!”

“Kiri!! I want to show Savanna something! She needs my help!” Whining Tuk began to tug on Savanna’s hand once more, but Savanna could see Kiri was highly agitated. Due to Turk’s relation, and visible human characteristics Kiri displayed she worried she’d catch on about her characteristics as well. 

“It’s alright Tuk, I need to head off to my people before supper as well! I’ll see you later alright!” Ruffling the young girl's head Savanna stood and walked towards her fellow warrior's hut.  

Watching Savanna leave, Kiri grew confused. What Navi has a human name? “Tuk, who was that?” 

“One of the swamp clan's warriors! Her name is Savanna!” Bubbling with excitement Tuk rambled about her new swamp friend all the way home and occupied all of the Sully family's conversation that night, but forgetting to mention her five fingers. 

When the next day rolled around and Savanna began to prepare for battle she had managed to find ammo for her M60 and acquired an old military vest. Having met Tuk and Kiri the day before Savanna knew the Sully family also had two boys, deciding to keep an eye out for distinct hybrid features Savanna left her clan's borrowed hut. Knowing her sky people background would quickly be discovered if she removed her cloak, Savanna opted to keep it on right until the battle started. 

The battle was going well, Navi units in the sky were taking down helicopters and the ground team was handling soldiers in suits. Having successfully derailed the train ground team began to haul the supplies out and celebrated, cheering filled the air until a sight made it fade into the background. Two ikirans landed on the battlefield, flying closer to see what the ruckus was about between the two young warriors, but as she approached Savanna recognized the distinct hybrid features. Feeling delighted on finally seeing the people who were her brothers, Savanna was momentarily distracted until she heard the cries of her people. One of the warriors from her clan was shot down from his ikiran and a missile was headed for the battlefield where her brothers were. “Run! Get out, move!” Screaming and willing Daisy onward Savanna could only watch in horror as her brothers were flung sideways from the force of the missile. Heading towards the closest brother, Savanna made a clumsy dismount in attempts to get to him. Looking over she saw a tall muscular Navi assisting the other, so she hurried to the closer brother. Calling upon all her medical background from the years of her mothers teachings and what she had learned from Nali, Savanna quickly checked for any open wound, or punctures seeing only scrapes and bruising she released a breath. Applying some herbs and vines from home, she wrapped up the bigger wounds on the boy's arms. 

Coming to his senses he groaned and looked at the figure above him, “What happened?” His voice came out mainly in a groan, but all together he seemed relatively ok. 

“You were blown away by a missile! You really are a dumbass landing on the ground! What’s your name?” 

“Neteyam, and the only reason I landed was to watch over my dumb brother Lo’ak!” As if realizing Neteyam shot up and looked around frantically. “Where is my brother?” 

Trying to stand and achieving nothing but being out of breath she gently pushed him back down to sit. “Lo’ak is fine! I saw he was receiving attention from others when I made my way over to you.” Finally being able to breathe properly and assess the situation, Neteyam looked at Savanna’s face. He felt something familiar, like she resembled someone he knew, then it began to click, the eyebrows, falter nose, and five fingers. She was no true Navi, but what a hybrid? Neteyam hadn't heard of any hybrids like his family among the Omaticaya, and you were older, surely he would have heard of you. Snapping him out of his daze she spoke, “Ok well I don’t trust you to fly on your own, so you fly with me. We should be back at base camp relatively quickly!” Leaving no room for protest Savanna called Daisy and heaved Neteyam in front to ensure he didn’t plummet to his death on the way back. Hearing the horns to signal return, she took flight and wrapped a protective arm around Neteyam. 

On the return a new voice came from Neteyam’s comms, “Neteyam! Neteyam come in!” 

“I’m here sir.” The way his body tensed in front showed that he was in for a scolding when they returned, in order to delay his possible torment Savanna slowed her speed. 

“Are you ok? Where are you?” The voice was wavering, almost afraid, what kind of connection did Neteyam have with who she assumed was someone in a commander's position. 

“I’m ok, not seriously wounded anywhere. I’m en route on someone’s ikiran.”

“Who are you with?” 

Then it hit Neteyam, he had not asked a single thing about her, he blindly accepted Savanna’s help and was now miles above ground with a stranger, but he did not feel any fear, if anything she relaxed him. Before connecting back into the channel Neteyam turned his head to look at Savanna, “What’s your name?”

“Savanna Sully, daughter of Heather O’donald, a warrior from the swamp clan!” Smiling at the dumbfounded look on the boy's face, she giggled, obviously catching him off guard, but why wouldn’t it? A Navi who appeared to look just like his brother from a clan of people who had green skin, and claiming to share his last name. To try and refocus him to respond she gave a light tap to his comms, then returned to wrapping an arm around his waist to secure him to Daisy. 

Nervously biting his lip Neteyam hesitantly responded, “Um…  Savanna Sully, daughter of Heather O’donald, a warrior from the swamp clan.” 

Masterlist

[jaxinkh]

Why Pokedex entries are weird

Now, I'm not the only one that has the first part of this, but I haven't seen others go a bit deeper into this yet. Obvious answer first:

You are a child and filling these in yourself.

Now, others say this to, but I haven't seen this take here:

Your character is a little freak, doing stuff they really shouldn't.

In the Pokemon Universe, it's normal and customary that; when a kid leaves Elementary school they have a little adventure to help them figure out what kind of person/trainer they want to be in the future. So they go to their local (volunteer) Pokemon Professor, get a starter Pokemon and a Pokedex and set out into the world!

But that's not a regular, pre-filled Pokedex with factual information. It's a junior Pokedex that they can fill in themselves. After a week or 2 when their adventures ends they can take it home and laugh with their family about the entries years later as a memento. No actual professor looks at them for their research, unless it pings an undiscovered Pokemon, but how often does that happen?

But you, player character, are a little freak.

You were SUPPOSED to go home after camping in the local woods for a few weeks and making it to the next village! Every kid does! But YOU actually went out into the world! Only you immediately went after the gyms and beat your way through! the only reason people aren't concerned when they see a unfamiliar 12-year old in town is because they think you came from the neighboring city, they have NO IDEA you are MILES, sometimes an OCEAN away from home! You are living completely off your winnings in battle, your little fund you got from mom only lasted until the next town! You were expected to call mom for some cash to get home but you went further and battle for a living.

Not only that, but you decided that you were going to be a hero! You saw a thief/gangster/terrorist/edgelord that was causing trouble and you beat their ass, so now you are off to topple a criminal empire! Which almost always turns out to be involved with Legendary or Mythical Pokemon, so now you are fighting GODS.

When you FINALY come home, your poor mom has been so worried that she is either in shock, depressed or straight up thinks she's hallucinating you coming home again, so she barely responds to you being home. By the time she realized that it actually was you you're out the door again!

You're a terrible child, and no one can stop you.

[carmesi-butterfly]

childhood nostalgia with enhypen. part 1

this turned out super shitty im sorry t__t it's prolly my first time writing since march lolzies despite everything i hope you like it!!

enhypen's heeseung! jungwon! sunoo! sunghoon! + gn! reader. word count 798. warnings none. not proofread.

heeseung: searching "aliens caught on camera" on youtube.

“are you being serious? this is obviously fake!” your words were accompanied by a small giggle, “why do all these videos are recorded with shitty cameras? i can't even identify what's going on”

“what do you mean by fake?!” his indignation was more than clear, “look at how the flying saucer approaches the person; it's pretty visible” the video played on repeat a few times, pointing at this apparent ‘ovni.’

“where did you find this video? it has only 200 views, don't tell me you've been scrolling through youtube for so long that you started to find videos that only you and the person who posted it saw”

“that doesn't matter; see this one,” he said while clicking on another video, changing it to another with better quality and more illumination. “there! look at it! it's right there, imagine you're just walking by a lonely road trying to go home and an ovni starts following you”

if it was anyone else saying something like this to you you would've just laughed, but knowing your boyfriend and his beliefs, this was really serious, his big deer eyes looking at you in search of an opinion on the matter while putting the most unhinged and undiscovered alien videos of the internet.

jungwon: playing love testers.

It was your idea at first, while recalling your times as a kid with free and unlimited access to the internet the memory of you using those famous pages for kids that “calculated” your affinity with your crush by just putting their name or zodiac sign popped on your mind like a popcorn, you had to find those webs and use them with your boyfriend, it was a life or death matter!

“seventy percent?! this is not accurate, it should say one hundred…” you said in distress as if this ‘love calculating’ page would define the future of your relationship.

“I will try using our full names,” suggested Jungwon, who in the beginning was kind of reluctant about this, maybe because he wasn't interested or found it boring, but in the end, it was just a silly activity he could do with his partner. What he didn't count on was that it would become his mission to reach the hundred percent in every net he could find, reaching to the point of finding the webs you frequented as a kid to do the same. “yoi! I told you, a hundred percent! Now our names and zodiac signs are compatible.” The enormous amount of pride his expression demonstrated couldn't be described by words.

sunoo: learning vocaloid’s mirror dances.

a mirrored dance tutorial of ‘romeo and cinderella’ by hatsune miku sounded on repeat in one of the practice rooms of hybe’s building; the chorus could be heard on repeat, accompanied by your clumsy movements and the frustrated noises you would make every time you got something wrong, luckily, when you were about to reach the last level of insanity and give up on learning the choreography, your boyfriend came to your rescue! and with a lot of groceries from the convenience store.

“sunoo! how am i supposed to do this step? i'm trying but i can't get it right…” your defeated look was funny to see by your partner; doing this was his idea as a ‘fun activity’ to do and bond, but your poor ability to dance was making it difficult for you. fortunately, you have an amazing boyfriend and dance partner who will help you with everything you need!

“ooh, which part? i will help you”

the young couple stood bending in front of the ipad watching what parts were more difficult for you, and after rewatching it a few times to get the movements right sunoo proceeded to teach you everything step by step, he was patient with you because of your inexperience on the topic but couldn't stop himself from teasing you a few times if your motions were awkward.

sunghoon: playing dance dance revolution.

the levels of frustration and humiliation both of you felt couldn't even be described in words, seeing a kid that couldn't reach the ten-year-old mark publicly beating your asses in this dancing machine felt embarrassing.

“you are an idol, where are your dancing abilities?!” you muttered to your partner, who was more than immersed in the child’s dancing.

“the company should recruit him” was the only thing his mouth dropped.

“i can't believe it,” your sigh took sunghoon out of his trance. it was kind of fun seeing the pout that decorated your face, expressing your emotions through it.

“let's try again, but i don't think you will be capable of following my pace” such a cocky comment could only leave your partner’s lips, especially now with his ‘arrogant’ mood.

[hubbvrd]

Crush | Joe Burrow

In which Joe asks you how to know if you're in love with someone

✦ . 　⁺ 　 . ✦ . 　⁺ 　 . ✦

The fresh smell of coffee and sweet pastries hit Joe's nose as he pushed open the woodsy door of his favorite coffee shop.

He quickly slipped into the air-conditioned interior and took a quick but searching look around.

His gaze stopped at his regular table, where he did not discover the person he had hoped for.

For at his regular place sat a mother with her little son, who could not have been more than two years old.

The little boy was sitting in a high chair eating his cake while his mother sat next to him, proudly watching her son as he clumsily shoved his fork into his mouth.

"Excuse me young man, may I?" , an older voice snapped Joe out of his daydreams, bringing Joe back to the here and now.

"Yes, please?" Joe asked kindly as he looked to the older lady who was balancing several coffee mugs on her hand while holding a large café bag in the other.

"Could you maybe..." , she began the sentence, but Joe knew directly what she wanted from him and opened the door for the elderly lady, who thanked the quarterback.

"Do you want me to take something from them and accompany them?" , he asked her politely as he followed her a step outside, but the elderly lady shook her head.

"Oh, thank you very much, but my car is right over there."

Awkwardly, the older lady tried to balance the coffee mugs, which were in a designated position, as she began to rummage in her bag - possibly looking for her car keys.

Without thinking twice, Joe took a step towards the elderly lady to take the coffee mugs from her, so that the lady could look for her keys in peace.

She gave him a quick look of thanks before digging her key out of her pocket and holding it up in the air.

"Found it," she said with a smile, taking the coffee mugs back. "Your girlfriend must be very lucky to have such an attentive man in her life."

Joe raised one eyebrow in confusion, while his gaze continued to rest calmly on the old woman, who put the coffee mugs, which had slipped slightly, back down neatly.

"In fact, there is no one at my side" , Joe said.

"Oh, but then your future girlfriend will have it especially good with you."

The older lady patted Joe's hand briefly as she thanked him again and headed across the street to her car.

If she ever becomes my girlfriend, Joe thought to himself as he turned and made his way back inside the café.

—

"Can I get you anything yet, Joe?" Maxime, the waitress, asked him after he had sat down on one of the tables at the end of the café, where he hopefully remained undiscovered as much as possible.

But he was not too worried about that right now, because it was just early noon and therefore the rush in the café was not too big, so he had to fear that he would not be able to get out of taking pictures and signing autographs.

Because there were actually often one or the other day, on which it remained impossible for him to remain unrecognized.

"Uhm" , he said, pausing as he considered whether he should really order already.

After all, there was still nothing to be seen of y/n far and wide. Probably one of her university classes went on a bit longer again or she was delayed by one of her lecturers.

"I'll wait", he said after a short consideration, because he decided to order only when y/n would be with him.

For he knew how much she hated cold tea. In fact, y/n preferred tea, which Joe could not understand.

After all, how could anyone perk up without coffee?

"Alright. Just let me know if you want to order." , she let him know before turning away and then beginning to attend to other guests.

Joe sat back and reached for his cell phone, which he had placed next to him on the table, to see if y/n might have texted him that she was running late.

But nothing.

Briefly, the quarterback considered calling her. But he decided against it, because he knew that y/n had always kept her appointments and if something had come up, she had canceled.

While Joe waited, he glanced through the large window, which revealed a view of the adjacent park, where all the blooming flowers and shrubs could be seen up to here, bathing the park in a beautiful colorful blob.

Shortly after, his cell phone rang, causing him to wince in shock before he answered without looking to see who was calling him.

"Burrow?"

"Hello my favorite quarterback! I hope you're not waiting too long for me at the coffee shop. I've been delayed by my annoying lecturer! I just got out of college..." , y/n began and Joe listened to her get upset with her lecturer, which made Joe smile.

"Oh man, I think this calls for a large coffee and a raspberry muffin now?" , Joe asked, knowing he had hit the mark.

"Yeah, did you order already?"

Joe heard y/n cross the street as the traffic noise suddenly doubled.

"No not yet, I was going to wait for you. Do you want me to order takeout and meet you there? I think after this stressful college day you could use some fresh air" , as Joe spoke he had gotten up and walked over to the counter, in front of which he joined the small line.

"How do you always know exactly what I need right now?" , he heard y/n sigh contentedly at the other end.

"Um, I guess I'm a good best friend and listener?"

"Okay, okay, okay. Now don't praise yourself too much. I'll see you at the bench in the park in five minutes!"

Before Joe could say anything else back, y/n had already hung up and Joe looked at his lock screen for a few seconds, which showed himself as the background, before it was his turn to order.

—

Searching, Joe looked around again while holding the two mugs in one hand and a small bag containing a raspberry and a blueberry muffin in the other.

Unlike the café, the park was quite crowded, so he let his gaze wander more slowly through the surroundings in order to be able to discover y/n.

Around him, a few people were walking their dogs, and on the small playground that was a bit away from him, a kindergarten group was playing, which seemed to be on an outing.

But he couldn't spot y/n among all the people, so he let out a light sigh and kept his eyes on the path.

With quick steps y/n entered the park and dodged the one or other dog, which romped across the path without a leash.

Her eyes searched the park for Joe, whom she spotted shortly after, standing with his back to her.

She was quite sorry that Joe had been waiting in vain at the café for the last few minutes.

But even though she couldn't help it, since her lecturer, who had gone through the homework assignments with her, had held her up, she felt guilty.

And that's why she hurried to get to her best friend, which is why she almost ran over to him and then snuck the last few feet towards him and covered his eyes.

Joe flinched in fright as it suddenly went dark in front of his eyes and he felt cold hands on his eyes.

But he relaxed immediately as he caught the all-too-familiar scent he had smelled countless times before and given away himself.

"Y/n!" , he said directly and within seconds his hands were removed from his eyes.

"How did you know?" , y/n asked sulkily as Joe turned to face her.

"I smelled your perfume. Maybe next time you should wear something more inconspicuous."

Joe handed y/n her coffee mug, which contained her favorite tea, from which y/n took a big gulp and sighed with pleasure.

This was exactly what she had brought now.

"Hm..." , she murmured as she pressed the still lukewarm cup against her palm and then dropped onto the bench behind her.

"You're unfair, Burrow..." , she mumbled as she reached into the bag and then bit into the raspberry muffin.

"What did I do now?" , Joe asked, eyebrows raised in confusion as he also reached for his muffin and bit into it as well.

"Oh, nothing."

The muffins were still warm, just the way the two liked it best, which is why they hurried to eat the muffins as quickly as possible.

"How was your day?" , she asked Joe and he began to tell her about the elderly lady at the café.

Attentively y/n listened to him while she kept breaking off a piece of the muffin and then shoving it into her mouth.

"And then she said: but then your future girlfriend will have it especially good with you". , Joe finished his narrative, eliciting a giggle from y/n.

"How sweet" , she said, dragging out the word 'sweet' impossibly, causing Joe to roll his eyes.

"But while we're at it, how are things with the women?" , y/n inquired as she wiped the crumbs off her pants and then sat down cross-legged, looking curiously at her best friend.

In doing so, however, she concealed from Joe the fact that she was incredibly fond of the quarterback. If 'fond' wasn't a bit of an understatement, she had actually fallen a little in love with Joe.

But she would never tell him that openly, because she didn't have a good feeling about it.

After all, the two of them were friends and that could or would ever become more, could not happen.

Because that's exactly what the two had sworn to each other a few years ago, so that in the end, in the worst case scenario, their friendship wouldn't break up exactly because of that.

"Uh..." Joe began the sentence, but left it hanging in the air, unfinished.

Joe thought about how he could best get around this answer. But he might not have had a chance with y/n to avoid this question so easily.

Because y/n was a person who didn't make it too easy for other people to simply dodge questions, which is why Joe decided on a counter question.

"How do I know if I have a crush on someone?"

Joe slowly sat back as he buried his trembling fingers in the pocket of his hoodie, swallowed briefly, and then looked everywhere but at y/n.

He tried to ignore his heart, which slowly began to snake faster against his ribs, as best he could.

Stay cool, Burrow, he told himself quietly in his mind, trying to relax a little.

But the fact that y/n next to him remained silent didn't ensure that he succeeded in doing so right now.

So he loosened his gaze from the point he had fixed until just now and looked over at y/n.

Y/n thought for a few seconds about Joe's question and how she could best answer him.

"Well, you can't stop thinking about them, you feel strange when they're around and you want to -" Y/n broke off the sentence when she noticed that Joe was looking at her strangely. Almost staring at her strangely.

"Why are you looking at me like that?" The question slipped quietly from her lips as Joe had come dangerously close to her, so she could hear her heart hammering almost continuously against her ribs, and she suddenly felt quite warm.

"Because...Because I have a crush on you..."

[avocado-writing]

What places in the city do you think Astarion would want to show you or take you to? Thinking about the city and its undiscovered streets/shops/places as I was gazing out over Baldur's Gate from Ramazith's tower. Would he sit on the edge of the balcony and tell you things about the city or his experiences?

oooo, what a question...

if there's a chance his favourite tea shop from when he was alive is still there (possible, if its owners were elvish) he takes you for a cup of assam and a slice of cake. he watches you enjoy your food and talks to you about when he used to come here, how things have changed, what he recalls of the original decor.

later, he probably knows the hole-in-the-wall places and little-known bars which serve the best drinks. the fine vintages which they aren't really meant to have their hands on, but somehow they find their way to the owners anyway. he buys you a couple of glasses and watches you light up in pleasure at the taste. he was a wine snob in life, he knows what the best bottle is.

when he was stalking around as a spawn, he saw so many tailors he wanted to go and visit. now he finally has a chance! the two of you buy whole new wardrobes, spending a long afternoon getting measured and discussing fabric together. you are the best-dressed couple in Baldur's Gate.

takes you to his favourite bookshop. yes, he has one. it sells old tomes at far too high a price, but they're all first editions and collector's items. he tells you not to let Gale know about this place, because he thinks it's funny to keep it a secret. you pretend to tell him off but agree to keep this only between the two of you.

he knows the best spot to watch the sun set over the water, see the way the orange light dances across the waves. he's too busy to enjoy it himself, though, because he can't stop staring at you.

doesn't tell Rolan he's taking you up to the top of Ramazith's Tower (that little tiefling can't stop him anyway, and it's better to ask forgiveness than permission). the two of you sit, sharing a bottle you bought earlier, looking out across the whole of the city. he tells you of his life two hundred years ago here, what's changed, what's not. how he's so much more glad to be experiencing all this with you this time. you're a new light in his life.

he kisses you, lays you down on the balcony, and makes love to you over the top of the city in the sweet summer air. a celebration of your new life together here. with you, his future is bright for the first time.

bonus: rolan finds you embraced together the next morning and is apoplectic. the two of you have to run away, half-dressing yourselves and giggling as you go.