#What I'm learning from this is that I need a time turner

[artemistheauthor]

ugh the creeping knowledge that I need to sit down and devote 3+ hours to PR soon

I dont WANT to

But alas. Someone must.

[vevobly]

Yellowjackets With Filipino Reader Headcanons! [Peri-crash] (1)

A/N: One of my friend's birthday is coming up pretty soon, so I decided to make this post as a gift to them! There's a translation for everything that the reader says in filipino down in the comments for you guys. Enjoy and devour as always! 😺

Jackie Taylor:

It frustrates her to no end that you’ll mutter something under your breath in Tagalog and smirk after someone annoys you. And she knows it’s about her sometimes. So, she starts asking you what certain words mean. “So what does…‘buwisit’ mean? You called me that earlier.” You tell her it means “beautiful” and she just absolutely believes you. When she finds out that it didn't mean the same thing as you told her it meant from someone else on the team, she confronts you directly about it before storming off pissed as fuck.

Jackie does not know how to take you. I mean, you weren't impressed by her back then. You definitely aren't impressed by her now. You fight—a lot. And one day, she snaps to which you just facepalm and mutter “ang arte mo talaga” to her. “I KNOW that was about me,” she replies, lip curled. You look her dead in the eye and respond. “Yeah! You’re dramatic.” She doesn’t talk to you for a day. Then, when you’re out splitting wood, she just says this. “You’re kind of the only one who doesn’t treat me like I’m useless now.”

After that, she starts being really weirdly too nice towards you. Even more when Shauna was distancing herself from her. She's almost always sharing her food ration with you, brushing it off with confusing stuff like “you’re cold all the time" or "don’t want you freezing to death before I win an argument" etc. She keeps gravitating toward you—watching you peel wood, eavesdropping when you mutter in tagalog. Over time, she starts asking for your help with things but she never phrases it like she needs you at all. You think it's funny somehow and a bit cute.

Shauna Shipman:

You’re the only one who notices when Shauna’s hands tremble after burying someone. And then you're almost always quietly handing her something random to hold, telling her it's something she needs to look after out of nowhere. She's confused, but she nevertheless does just that and never forgets it. She doesn't know when or how exactly it happened, but she starts quietly learning tagalog phrases just to understand you. Especially when you're insulting her for something.

You correct her tagalog when she asks what “pikon” means after hearing you say it to Jackie. “Means sensitive. You are, a little” you say gently to her, and Shauna flushes. One time when you caught her looking guilty after Jackie scolded her for spacing out, you decided to ask her if she was okay. She just nods in response and you frown for a moment before replying with “Hindi ka nag-iisa” - She doesn’t ask you what it means, but she keeps the words in her mind despite it. Shauna is drawn to you like a moth to a flame she swears she won’t touch, and it is BAD.

You teach her a few Tagalog words from time to time. She tries them but messes them up. When she says "maganda ka" to you one day, you freeze - caught completely off guard with it. "Did I say it wrong?" She asks you. "No," you replied quietly. "You just said I'm beautiful.." And that gets her really red in the face while you're all so quiet with her after it. Later? When everyone's asleep, she leans against your shoulder and despite the kinda awkward moment earlier, you don't move away. Neither of you says a word before drifting to sleep.

Taissa Turner:

Tai knows you're swearing when you start talking in tagalog. She doesn’t know what you’re saying, but she knows. She pretends not to care when you say something about her in Tagalog, but she corners Van later and asks her “That thing she said to me today—how bad was it?” When neither Van or anyone else on the team knows what you're saying about her, she starts going out of her way to sit next to you during planning stuff and makes a game of guessing what your words mean.

You guys butt heads early on because while Tai is efficient, you're intuitive. She says you’re “sloppy” once and you haven't stopped calling her “masungit” since then. She admires the way you are, but when you push back on her trying to be a leader for the team? Oh boy, things get tense fast. “We need to follow a system,” she snaps at you one day. “You mean your system,” you reply. You walk away, muttering a curse in tagalog. “You always do that—say shit no one can call you out on!” Taissa shouts. You guys don't talk to each other for days because of it.

But eventually, she corners you and asks her what you said about her. You look at her. “I said I’m tired of being ordered around by people who don’t listen” She doesn't say anything, but the next time she makes a decision? She looks at you first. You both end up becoming the designated planners of the group, and she starts seeking out your opinion before anyone else since then. She asks you to teach her some words once. You don't say yes, but later when you mutter “gago” when Travis does something stupid? She repeats it under her breath with a grin.

Van Palmer:

Van thinks you're hilarious. Even though half the time she doesn't understand what you're saying. When Mari annoyed you once? She whispered “say something in tagalog” to you. You glanced at Mari and muttered “hayop ka” to which Van nearly choked laughing. You make her laugh even when you’re not trying. Especially when you mutter “bahala kayo diyan” and walk away dramatically. She’s the only one you don’t mind translating your curses for on the team because she doesn’t take it personally.

You and her create secret inside jokes about people. Like, if someone’s being annoying? She’ll whisper “banana ketchup” and you’ll both just lose it. Van flirts with you a lot openly. But her flirting is very weird, and confuses you because she just tries to come up with her own fake filipino words just to tease you. One time she accidentally says something real and really vulgar that your jaw dropped. You tell her never to say it in public again. "What? What'd I say?!" She asks you. "I'll tell you if you hold my hand" You replied. "Deal!" But you're both equally weird, tbh.

Van is one of the few who doesn’t get weird when you speak Tagalog. She asks questions and she listens to you about it. “Teach me a swear word,” she begged you once. And you do. But she butchers it badly that you laugh for the first time in days. After that, Van starts sitting closer to you—sharing food, nudging you awake during night watch—you never talk about it. But it feels like something is forming. Or maybe breaking? She gives you dumb nicknames in Tagalog based on what she thinks they mean. “My little... tinapay" You stared at her. "You just called me bread"

Natalie Scatorccio:

You and Nat have this weird unspoken thing. You don't ask about her shit. She doesn't ask about yours. That's the foundation of your relationship with each other. You once threw a knife into a tree after an argument with someone else on the team and muttered “lintek na buhay to” to which she passed you a cigarette without a word. You help her with her hair one day and Natalie practically short circuits. You sit together often. Not talking, but just being close to each other. You don't need her to be soft, and that's what does it for her.

“Next time you wanna say something sweet in tagalog, just whisper it in my ear” She jokes to you after it, and you basically stop working for a moment. She opens up to you in small ways. Tells you about her dad. Her mom. The anger. She doesn’t expect comfort, but you give it anyway. When you mutter in tagalog, she doesn’t ask that much. You asked her why once. “I like it better when I don’t understand,” she replied. “At least I can pretend it’s nice.” You tell her you don't know what to think about that to which she laughs about.

One night, when everyone else is asleep, she tells you "I like hearing you talk, even if I don't get it all. I like how you talk" and then the two of you don't talk for two days after until she gets a cut on her hand and you happened to be the only person available to patch it up for her. "You could be gentler" She winces. "You could be less reckless" You snap back. Her lip quirks and she replies with. "Fair." You flick her head after you finish patching her up. "jusko, ikaw ang ikamamatay ko"

Lottie Matthews:

Lottie watches you more than she speaks to you at first. She doesn’t mean to focus on you, but she does. Before the crash, you guys barely ever interacted with each other unless necessary or because of something like being left alone with each other and so. On a cold morning after a few days since the plane crashed, you lend her a scarf. “Para sayo.” You tell her. She asks what you just said meant, and you can't help but smile. "For you" You answer. After that, she starts being close to you. Doing tasks with you almost more than anyone else on the team.

She learns words like ganda, tanga, and so much more just so she can understand you better. That, and so you'd have someone else to talk to in tagalog even though she wouldn't be able to understand everything you say in it. At least you'd have someone to talk to in your native language, right? She asks you from time to time to teach her a word every day. And surprisingly so, she remembers them. She says “ingat ka” before you go outside the cabin once and you freeze, your mouth agape while you blinked repeatedly to see if you heard what you did correctly at the time.

There's this strange comfort between you, and this really weird thing where you speak in tagalog but she doesn't understand what you said yet she knows exactly what you meant by your words somehow. In the middle of a really cold night when everyone else but you guys are asleep, you whisper “malamig” to yourself. "What does that word mean? " She asks you after. "Cold," You replied. Later, when she lies next to you by the fire, she whispers. "Still cold?" And you feel your cheeks heating up. "Not right now.."

Laura Lee:

Honestly, you surprise her. You're crass, tough, and sometimes harsh but you always say “thank you” when she shares food or water. She's a bit wary of you at first. Not just because you weren't religious, but you also tended to ask her a bunch of questions about her beliefs and so that came off as insensitive and offensive at times. She thought you hated her initially because of it until you caught her crying once and told her how much you admire her will to keep being faithful at times like these before leaving.

Just because of that one moment, Laura Lee has a whole reevaluation about you and starts getting close to you. It begins with the smallest things—being paired up for chores, helping her out now and then, and little shared moments. Though she doesn’t understand anything you say when you curse, she just knows they’re definitely not good. She mostly guesses the meanings of the words you say in tagalog. And if not that, she just asks you. "What does putangina mean?" And you respond with. "It's motherfucker" She gasps, scandalized.

She starts asking you for “non-evil” tagalog phrases, and you teach her the most church appropriate ones like — salamat, mabait ka, and etc. But you also teach her pakyu and lie about the meaning of it. So she says it at Jackie one day, and you lose it. She hears you sing a kundiman one night and thinks it’s the most beautiful sound she’s ever heard. “Does god understand me?” You asked her. And she giggles like the question is a bit silly. “God understands all, no matter what language they speak.” Somehow, your cheeks heat up at that.

Misty Quigley:

Misty desperately wants to know what you’re saying all the time. She starts carrying a notebook and tries to phonetically spell out your curses to look them up when you guys get rescued in the future or just to decipher their meanings by herself and in which situations you use them. That, or she just asks you instead. She tries to parrot your insults but always gets the stress wrong. “Pu...ta—gee-na?” She says one day. “That’s not how you say it, Misty. Stop before I call a multo on you.”

You avoid her at first, but she keeps “coincidentally” being wherever you are. One day she tries to help you cook rice wrong and you snap. “You don’t stir the rice! Anong ginagawa mo?!” You shouted at her. “I’m sorry! I just wanted to bond!” She replied, quickly going away. You start calling her makulit, epal, and sira ulo since then. She thinks those are words of endearments, but they're not. One day she gives you a sad look and asks, “Does ‘sira ulo’ mean you like me?” It reminds you of a kicked puppy. “...Sure. Let’s go with that.” You replied.

She eventually finds out that they aren't, and while she's super hurt about it. She just ignores it, because you're nice to her. Although “nice” is a bit subjective though. Misty doesn’t understand boundaries, and while you would love to tell her off immediately, you feel bad for it so you start scolding her in Tagalog—huwag mo kong hawakan, ha? She never gets you, but at least she tries to. She still hovers you, despite of it. One day, she asks. “Would you tell me if you were saying something mean about me?” And you look her in the eye. “No, ” You replied. “But at least you can think what I say to you is nice, right?” It's bad, but it's better than being outright mean to her.

[arthurs-better-half]

Yellow - The Heart / "Because I care about him."

1. Malevolent part 40 “The Order” II // 2. Marina Ianova Tsvetaeva, Poem Of The End // 3. Malevolent part 21 // 4. Chen Chen, Nature Poem // 5. Malevolent part 21 // 6. Ace Song - Izzie Burton // 7. Clarice Lispector, The Stream of Life // 8. Malevolent part 21 // 9. O My Heart - Mother Mother // 10. Malevolent part 22 // 11. Leah Horlick, For Your Own Good // 12. Malevolent part 21 // 13. Roadkill - Searows // 14. Malevolent part 21 / Malevolent part 22 / Wanderer by Joseph Feely // 15. Malevolent part 22 // 16. @starparkdesigns (Instagram) // 17. Malevolent part 22 // 18. “How to Be a Dog” by Andrew Kane // 19. Malevolent part 22 // 20. halfabed - clem turner // 21. Malevolent part 22 // 22. Franz Kafka, The Castle // 23. Malevolent part 22 // 24. Against the Kitchen Floor - Will Wood // 25. Janet Fitch, White Oleander // 26. Malevolent part 22 // 27. @metamorphesque (x) // 28. Malevolent part 40 “The Order” II // 29. Judas’ Gift by Adam Phillips // 30. @/lostaffections (Twitter)

I actually just want to get this one done so I can move on to other ones but I hope it's good enough I've been working on it for ages. Anyway I’m going to chew through drywall if I see someone say Yellow is genuinely uncaring again. The FAÇADE.

Ask to tag

YELLOW: I... I... (Quieter.) Why you, John? What did you have to offer? Why does he care about... you? JOHN (softly): Because... I care about him.

Either love is... - A shrine? - or else a scar.

YELLOW: What is that? ARTHUR: A poem. YELLOW: You wrote it?

"Why can't you see me? Why can't I stop / needing you to see me?"

YELLOW: Why did you share that? ARTHUR: Because... it's beautiful. It makes me feel strong. It makes me... feel. (He sighs.) Doesn't it make you? YELLOW (uncertain): I suppose.

And it's not something I'm missing Not something that I need But when you said something's wrong We both know that you meant me

I'm restless and harsh and despairing. Although I do have love inside me. I just don't know how to use love. Sometimes it tears at my flesh, like barbs.

YELLOW: Does it hurt?

And I throw my heart into the fire 'Cause, I want to set my heart on fire And I watch it try befriending embers But the ice don't melt in mid-December

YELLOW: Because I'm trying to understand. You want that, right? You wanted me back here, you wanted my friendship. So tell me what I have to do. ARTHUR: To what end? YELLOW (frustrated): To any fucking end. Did you even want your body back?

for you, ready. You'll never recover from that kind of devotion. Little lights

YELLOW: Wait. ARTHUR: What? YELLOW: There are... snowshoes, next to the door.

And maybe I'm crazy But some part of me had to care for you What would it take for me to be cared for, too?

ARTHUR: We can always turn back if there's nothing for us out here. YELLOW: You keep saying 'us' as if we're one. ARTHUR: It's an old habit. (He walks through the snow.) YELLOW: Fine. Then let's leave. We've paid, slept. You've shaved, taken a much-needed bath. Is there anything else for us here?

ARTHUR: I don't want to hurt you. (Gentle, optimistic piano melody.) I never have. I can be a real pain... when you cross me the wrong way, don't get me wrong, and - and don't say anything about that, but... I don't lavish causing strife. I don't - I don't enjoy making others suffer. I don't like hurting people. YELLOW: People. ARTHUR (scoffing, splashing water): You don't have to be a human to be a person, Yellow.

- How many times can the same thing break your heart? - As long as you love it

YELLOW: What's that? ARTHUR: God, look, I promise you, we can talk about all of this soon, when I'm not so hungover. For now, I just want to shave and head back to the room. YELLOW: Right.

A fugitive is also a kind of dog. Of course you must learn to love, to love always and love entirely and to be wounded by nothing so much as the violence of your own love. You must learn to be confused but never disappointed by a deficiency of love.

YELLOW: We're at the edge of the woods. This is where we came through last night. Your snowshoes are around here somewhere. ARTHUR: My what? (Shocked.) Oh, Jesus! I completely forgot. YELLOW (slightly smug): I noticed.

i sing a song to you with lyrics i can't even pronounce with lyrics that predate words the melody won't come out.

YELLOW: I don't know, Arthur! I see the mountain on the horizon, I'm leading us there. What do you want from me? ARTHUR: Some communication, Yellow! (Frustrated) God damn it.

"You misinterpret everything, even the silence."

YELLOW (furious): I'm trying, Arthur, I'm fucking trying!

I swear, I'm really trying Oh, I'm sorry, I promise, I'm doing my best I just haven't learned how to be human as you are yet

Isn't it funny. I'm enjoying my hatred so much more than I ever enjoyed love. Love is temperamental. Tiring. It makes demands. Love uses you, changes its mind. But hatred, now, that's something you can use. Sculpt. Wield. It's hard, or soft, however you need it. Love humiliates you, but Hatred cradles you.

YELLOW: You're... sorry?

Rage, that is love - rotten! Rage, that is desire - rotten! Rage! - like a prayer, unanswered, ricocheting from your ceiling and landing right onto your eyes, never quite reaching where it was meant to.

ARTHUR: I know. I'm not apologizing for you.

entrusted to secrecy in Judas' story is that betrayal is one of the forms revelation takes. Betrayal is an uncanny form of intimacy. Somewhere in ourselves we associate being loved with being betrayed, and being betrayed with growing. And we do a lot of work trying not to know this when it is, in fact...

he doesn't hate him, he came to realize, and that's what he hated.

@sunw00d because you asked

[komotionlessqueenmm]

Imagine # 1,057

Gif NOT mine.

Year posted - 2023

Rating - SFW (Includes injuries involving flogging obviously.)

Reading time (roughly) - 10 minutes

It's been a while since I watched these movies, so some things are not going to be super accurate. Just roll with it my lovelies.

Pushing Will aside (Y/n) stepped forward to face Davy Jones. "I will take his place." She stated suddenly, confusing both Will and Davy Jones. "You will take his place?" The Captain asked in bemusement, a amused smirk on his lips. "Yes." She stated confidently, shaking off Will's arm when he tried pulling her back. "(Y/n) what are you doing?" He hissed at her, again trying to pull her away, giving up when she shook him off a second time. "And why should I let you take Mr. Turner's lashings?" Davy Jones asked, several of his crew mates chuckling at the absurd demand. "Because then he'll actually learn his lesson." She stated matter-of-factly before continuing. "Will's a proud man, if you punish him, he won't learn, he'll only disobey you again, and the cycle will continue." (Y/n) allowed the Captain a moment to think before continuing. "But he's also a honorable man, and should I be punished for his actions, he'll think twice about causing trouble." She concluded, and she could tell Davy Jones saw her perspective. "Very well. The woman will be flogged." The Captain concluded, his men quickly grabbing her arms, and pulling her to the mast. "No!" Will argued trying to put a stop to this, he was grabbed by his father and only held back for a few moments before he broke away.

"You can't do this!" He shouted when he reached her, attempting to pull the crew members away from her. (Y/n) pushed them away and faced Will. "Don't." She warned, not fighting the men when they took ahold of her shoulders. "If you interfere, you'll only make this worse for me." She hissed at him, her serious expression turning to shock when the crew mates tore the back of her shirt open. "Captain get a look at this!" One of the guys barked with amusement, turning (Y/n)'s back to Davy Jones who stood with the rest of the crew. The crew burst into laughter, and the Captain chuckled in amusement. Her back bare to his gaze, Will gawked in astonishment at the sight, where over a dozen large scars littered her back. "It would seem this isn't the first time you've been flogged." Davy Jones mused, waving his arm for them to continue. "No no I can't-!" Will shouted when his father dragged him back by the shoulders. "Will you need to stop, if you keep this up, they will whip her to the bone." His father warned, and the young man went slack, knowing his words were true. "But shes- I-" Will muttered, cutting himself off as he locked eyes with her. "I know son, I know." The old pirate pat his sons shoulder in a vain attempt to comfort him. (Y/n) was shoved against the ships mast, her arms pulled around it, and bound tightly with rope. "She doesn't deserve this." Will muttered mournfully, his heart breaking at the sight of the fear building in her eyes. "She's a tough woman, she will be fine." Bootstrap consoled his son, releasing his hold on him, believing Will wouldn't do anything stupid or rash.

The first strike pulled a pained cry from the woman, and blood stained the deck, instantly getting washed away with the rain. Will couldn't control himself, when the second lashing came, rushing forward to comfort her. "Will don't!" Bootstrap shouted, but it was to late. Will stood before her, taking her hands in his, and resting his forehead against hers. One of the crew mates moved to pull Will away from her, assuming he was trying to free her. "Leave him." Davy Jones commanded, knowing Will wasn't trying to untie her, and allowing him to remain so close to her, knowing it would only hurt him more. "I'm sorry, I'm so sorry." Will wept as she was struck again, and again. Her cries choked and breathless, the pain splitting across her back nearly unbearable. "I swore to protect you." His whisper was pained, as he peered into her watery eyes. "I'm so sorry I have failed you." He squeezed her hands, his own heart breaking at the sound of the whip crack. On the eighth whip crack, (Y/n)'s knees buckled and she fell slack against the mast. Will quickly moved his hands to grab the underside of her bent arms, and pull her to stand up straight. Knowing if she was hunched down, the whip was likely to strike her head, and the man wielding damned thing wouldn't care. "It's almost over." He tried to assure her, knowing the sentencing was only ten lashings. "Hang in there." He whispered, their tears mixing with the heavy fall of rain, foreheads resting together.

The ninth strike, and every muscle in her body shook from the shock, and pain of it all. The tenth and final strike came harder than the others, the force making (Y/n) crumble to the ground, despite Will's attempts to keep her upright. "She has the rest of the day to rest, but I expect her to be on deck working first thing in the morning." Davey Jones dismissed, the crew mates departing to go about their work, leaving Will to help (Y/n). "Take it easy, I've got you, I've got you." He murmured quickly untying her hands, and easing her into his arms as gently as he could. She whimpered in pain, clinging to his arms, her body still shaking from the shock and pain. "Easy firefly easy." He murmured softly, the nickname bringing a ghost of a smile to her face. "I'm okay Will." She murmured weakly, trying to stand on wobbly legs. Instinctively Will wrapped his arm around her back, nearly jumping away from her when she cried out in pain. She fell forward in an instant, and Will rushed forward to catch her in his arms. Now chest to chest, his hands rest firmly on her hips. Swiftly he hoisted her up, wrapping her legs around his waist, while she wrapped her arms around his shoulders, and buried her face into his neck. "I'm sorry, I've got you now." He whispered into her hair as he carried her below deck. Once they were below deck, and away from prying eyes, Will sat her atop a sturdy table.

"I need to clean your wounds." Will stated in a soft tone, slowly moving to unbutton her now ruined shirt. Moving slow enough to give her the opportunity to push him away, should she want him to stop. She didn't fight him, and allowed him to slide the shirt off of her shoulders. Gently he slipped the shirt from her arms, and tossed the ruined fabric aside. He kept his eyes locked with hers, as she sat before him, bare from the waist up. "Why did you do it?" He asked the question that had been burning in his mind like hellfire. "To keep you from causing any more trouble." She murmured, her words only making Will scoff. "Bullshit. Why did you do it?" He insisted. "Because it's what you do!" (Y/n) suddenly shouted as best she could, grunting at the pain in her back. "You protect the ones you love, no matter what it takes." She huffed before slumping forward. Despite the shock he felt at her words, Will was quick to catch her by the shoulders. "You..." He tried to gather his thoughts, a far away look in his eyes. "Forget it." She grunted, holding herself upright and turning her back to him. "My cuts need dealt with." She reminded him, and in a instant Will rushed to work. Carefully he cleaned each of the open wounds, unable to keep his mind from running a mile a minute. His fingers subconsciously tracing over one of the old scars, muttering an apology when she suddenly pulled away from him.

"What happened?" He asked in a soft whisper. (Y/n) chuckled bitterly, glancing over her shoulder. "The life of a pirate isn't an easy one... Especially with a brother like Jack." She muttered the last part so only Will could hear. "Your-?" He cut himself off, knowing if Davy Jones found out, it could end horribly. "He's reckless." She chuckled again. "Just like someone else I know." Will smiled softly when she glanced over her shoulder at him. "I never meant for you to get hurt." Will muttered as he prepped a needle and thread. "Yeah I know." She shrugged a little. "But I also know that what I told Davy Jones is true. Had it been you to get flogged, you would have ended up making the same mistake of pissing off the Captain of the Flying Dutchman." He hated to admit it, but he knew she was right. "And if I was the one to get hurt, you might actually take the time to stop and think, and maybe just maybe you'd learn to keep your head down." She continued, hissing when Will began stitching her wounds. "We can't just do nothing." Will said, trying not to sound angry. "Jack will come for us, we just need to bide our time." (Y/n) said in a soft tone. "Jack? How can he possibly save us? You heard what Davy Jones said." Will argued, trying to keep his hands steady as he worked on her stitches. "He owns one hundred souls... How can he possibly get one hundred souls?" Will's voice was mournful. "Do you know how Jack came to owe Davy Jones so many souls?" (Y/n) asked pain evident in her voice, making Will slow his work.

"To get back the Pearl." Will stated, and (Y/n) chuckled softly. "Eighty souls would have bought him the Pearl. The other twenty were for me." She explained, her words making Will still in his work for a moment. "You see when Barbossa staged a mutiny, and stole the Pearl from Jack, he kept me prisoner. Knowing full well how close me and Jack are, he wanted to rub salt in the wound." She sighed when Will washed away the blood that had spilled as he worked. "I died Will." He froze at her words. "When the Pearl went down, I went down with her. I drowned of all things." She chuckled bitterly. "Jack bargained for twenty more souls to bring me back." She turned to look at Will. "Jack is reckless, a little crazy, and sometimes a selfish coward... But he always comes back, he always does the right thing, and he does whatever it takes for the ones he cares about." Will smiled faintly at her words, she really believes in her brother, and for her he's willing to believe in Jack as well. "You know... Before you told me Jack was your brother, I thought you guys were a couple." Will smiled at the face she pulled. "But I'm glad to know you aren't." He added before kissing her cheek. "I-" (Y/n) tried, but Will cut her off, turning her back around to finish patching her up. "And I'm glad to know you love me back." He added in a soft tone, kissing the nape of her neck, smiling when she shuddered in response.

Once he finished patching her up, he took and wrapped her torso securely with wrappings. And with that done, he removed his shirt, assisted her into it, and buttoned it up slowly. "What about Elizabeth?" (Y/n) asked after a moment, having been unable to think about what he said. "I thought you loved her?" She added. "I thought I did too. That is until I met you." His knuckles brushed across her cheekbone. "How many times have you saved my life, or protected me?" Will asked with a smile. "You need it." She smiled. "Yeah I guess I do..." His smile slowly faded as he thought about what had happened. "I'm so sorry that you had to go through this, that I did this to you... I promise... I promise you I won't let this happen again." Will insisted, resting his forehead against hers. "You know that's what Jack always says, when he gets me into some crazy situation that risks life and death." (Y/n) mused with a grin. "The life of a pirate isn't an easy one, but luckily for me, I was born to be a pirate." She added, making Will smile. "You should get some rest, the Captain expects you to be working on deck in the morning." He helped her off of the table, laid back in the hammock, and pulled her gently to lay chest to chest with him. "Drink up me hearties yo ho." (Y/n) sang softly, a tired smile pulling at her lips. "Sleep love." Will encouraged her, kissing the crown of her head.

Buy me a coffee sometime? ☕️

(Click the coffee for my Kofi link, IT'S NOT NECESSARY BTW.)

[tkachuktkaching]

Matthew & Steve "Goldie" Goldstein

(Photos by Brian Babineau/NHLI via Getty Images)

Steve Goldstein on the Stugotz Pocast

Sitting back and watching Matthew Tkachuk (at club E11EVEN ) just kind of absorb it all, he did a little speech, the ra-ra stuff but he mostly spent the whole night sitting back, watching Brad Marchand, watcing Sam Bennett, watching a very drunk Rodrigues just everybody accepting all the love, (he got enjoyment & satisfaction waching them having enjoyment) he was like the father of it all sitting back and watching but he's not even that old. That's when I realised this town is so connected with him, the guy is like for the lack of a better term like everybody's daddy right now!

Steve Goldstein on Matthew :

"He's such an awesome guy, treats every great, even as a broadcaster he treats me the same way he treats a team mate. It's amazing to watch whether your security at the arena, the people that work on the plane, he's a terrific guy he learned that from his dad, all he told them two boys - Matthew & Brady, play hard and treat everybody with respect, and both kids really do that, amazing trade by Bill Zito to get Matthew Tkachuk here and in a lot of ways he's the franchise turner they always were a good team before, a good offensive team, but he brought the juice, he brought the energy, he brought the swag to it - then we find out he's playing I don't even know at what percentage maybe 60% maybe 70% at times, may need surgery? Just an unbelieveable person, unbelieveable player and a guy the whole team rallies around.

It seemed that was the moment when they signed Tkachuk that seemed like the moment when the players started taking the Florida Panthers seriously...

Steve Goldstein:

He could of come in and could of forced the trade that he wanted to another team, he could of demanded 'I want 11 million, I need 12 million,' he came in here paraphasing obviously 'I know Barkov & Bobrovsky make 10 million I'm going to be just under that - that's fine' so he's making 9 and a half, so that also sets the tone on the team, it's about team, it's about winning. If thee is one less zero in the bank account at times, so be it, that kinda slotted everybody in that's why Sam Reinhart - they were able to get that done at 8 and a half.

[misteria247]

So I'm going to ramble a bit cuz I've been noticing that there's a lot of split opinions on Timmy Turner that rage from people adoring him flaws and all to people thinking that he's a little shit. So I decided to throw in my thoughts cuz it's been awhile since I've analyzed a character and I've got some thoughts fam lol. Please don't take this personally cuz this is just my opinion.

I think one of the main reasons why Timmy gets such a mixed reaction from fans is because a lot of his actual story is played like a sitcom. It's not placed in a more serious way, though there are moments where it is, it's quickly glossed over. If you take away the sitcom setting and the attempts of comedy and whatnot you actually get a rather horrible reality for this 10 year old boy. And with it suddenly a lot of his actions and attitude makes a lot more sense.

Timmy when introduced is a 10 year old. He's a child but he's also old enough to know the basics of right and wrong. Much like any kid. He gets his fairy godparents, Cosmo and Wanda because he was deemed to be a child in need of help. This whole scenario is played for laughs and whatnot but like, Timmy's life is actually horrid. He's abused by his babysitter, is tormented by school bullies, is essentially harassed by his teacher and is neglected by his own parents. This is his every day life, from the moment he was old enough to understand this was what he was exposed to and forced to accept. In a way Timmy was forced to grow up a bit faster because of it but not to a point where he completely lost the magic of childhood. When you think about this in a more serious way, things start to click together more.

Timmy's behavior when he gets snappy or creates mischief is a way to get attention from his parents. It's not a good kind but it's something. Or when he acts cold and selfishly, while it could be chalked up to being a kid, I could also argue that he might have actually learned it. Cause who else in his life puts their wants and desires before others? Who else doesn't think about the consequences of their actions and how it'd effect others? Who else ignores other people's thoughts and feelings when it comes to things?

His parents.

Timmy's parents do this shit constantly. From leaving him with abusive babysitters, to not really interacting with him, to making jabs about how their dreams died when he was born to a bunch of other shitty things. They forget to feed him and always criticize him, they're always jumping at the chance to essentially get away from him. All these things are things Timmy's witnessed and has been on the receiving end of for a decade. And never once does his parents really suffer any consequences. It's a known fact that children watch their parents and absorb information from it. Timmy's behaviors can very well be behaviors he unintentionally learned from them. Which is so sad because whenever Timmy's not acting like this, it's quite clear that he's actually incredibly different.

It becomes clear that Timmy's actually incredibly kind.

There's so many moments where he shows his kindness. From lending Cosmo and Wanda to Tootie, to helping fairies in Fairy World to literally giving his fairies the baby they always wanted to saving the whole world several times with little hesitation. Timmy at his core is a kind boy, but due to his home life and its constant reminders of the people in his life not wanting him. (Hell there was a whole ass episode about the world being better if he hadn't been born, like can you imagine that, it's fucking awful-). So in a way Timmy hides that kindness and rarely shows it because of these things.

Which is why Cosmo and Wanda and eventually Peri are so fucking important.

Cosmo and Wanda from the very beginning where different from everyone else. These fairies while granting some reckless and dangerous wishes, have always had Timmy's best interests in mind. Cosmo and Wanda are the positive influences that Timmy desperately needs, the adults that he actually needs to help encourage and push him towards the right direction. Cosmo and Wanda are always in Timmy's corner, even when he's made a mistake, and are always there to catch him and remind him that he's loved and wanted. In one episode where Timmy sneaks into his godparents castle, at the end when they're putting the picture of Maryann back into the hall of infamy, Timmy's first reaction is to apologize and believe that because he'd made this one mistake that he'd end up there with the other bad kids. Only to immediately be told no, baffling Wanda and Cosmo with the very idea of it.

It's things like this that help Timmy grow and feel comfortable with making mistakes. Cuz what he thought isn't exactly a normal thing. They help Timmy in so many ways and grow to love him as their very own cuz when Timmy allows himself to be well himself he's a rather endearing kid. It's no surprise they get so attached.

There's a lot of other things that I've got in my noggin but I just wanted to say these things for the time being. Maybe I'll update on this later lol.

[cupcakeshakesnake]

HELLO UM-

Your little Harbour PotC AU gives me absolute life, just for the record. Even tho i am very very late, thank you for making it :D

There is a headcanon I got that wouldn't leave my brain after looking at your art, originating from that one conversation between Beckett and Jack where there were some implications about canon being everyone’s previous lives. Whether this is actually a part of your au or not, it got me thinking eheheh

Theoretically, (perhaps in an au of an au, if this headcanon contradicts your lore,) what if your au and canon were the same 'verse, just several hundred years later? And what if not everybody were on their second life?

We obviously have a sprinkling of supernatural stuff, so what if the secretly-a-goddess Calypso and immortally-cursed Davy Jones were the OGs that they were in the films? Like, Davy Jones maybe came back somehow (as per movie 5's end-credit scene lol) and took back the role of the Dutchman's Captian after Will went back to Shipwreck Cove. All is good.

He learned his lesson now and actually does his job of ferrying souls. As times changed, so did his ship, in some magical way. She's no longer a sailing ship, and he'll always miss that, but he doesn't mind all that much. His crew usually only stay for that 100 yr contract, so he's seen plenty of sailors come and go. Eventually, he even hires living mortals. Less people die at sea, so by the 20th century, Jones takes a mortal job as a fisherman (or whatever his job is in your au) as well.

Whether or not he knows about the whole reincarnation thing doesn't really matter; the day he employs a familiar man by the name of Bill Turner, he chalks it up to coincidence. Even if Bill has a son named William, well- it's been 200 years, perhaps it's just a really really big coincidence. Either way, it doesn't matter to him.

It's not until he's docked in a small, out-of-the-way harbour, and three troublemaking kids sneak onto the Dutchman that he finally realises. Bill's boy, on his own, is just a matter of coincidence. Those three, together? It's unmistakable. And as bothersome those three pirates were, so long ago, I'd like to think that he looks back on that age, on those people, with some kind of fondness.

(Until he discovers they can be the most INFURIATING little gremlins he's ever met in all his centuries. But he'll find that out later.)

Anyway I drew it :D Have my humble, scribbly offerings.

(I feel bad about running away with this, even as just a headcanon-of-an-au, please don't take this as a 'you should do this' lmao, it's just me adoring all of your content it makes my brain go brrr you are amazing thankyou!!!)

This is so lovely 😭😭😭

The idea of Calypso and Jones being the same ones from canon but just... having had a lot of time to chill down and have a second chance is so??? Imagine what Jones must be thinking looking at those kids... this is so bittersweet (but mostly sweet)

I'm sorry it took so long to respond, I wanted to write a proper reply expressing just how much I love this but couldn't get around to it. Hope you don't mind me posting this publicly; I need everyone else to see this as well.

[signfromeywa]

AUNGIA TA EYWA (A SIGN FROM EYWA)

Chapter 08: Back in the enclosure

Description:

Anastasia Novak is a behavioural scientist tasked with socializing a captive Na'vi on behalf of the RDA. The longer she works with the Na'vi and the closer she gets to him, the more she has to rethink everything she thought she knew and redefine her morals and values. Can she just carry on like this, or will she follow her heart?

Content: Rating +18, Avatar fanfiction, human x Na'vi ship, Na'vi captured

Characters: Human OCs: Anastasia Novak, Steven Turner, Patra// Na'vi OCs: Ean'tu,

Word Count: 3439 

⊹˚₊‧─────────────────────────────‧₊˚⊹

❗️English is not my native language! I apologize very much if it reads a bit bumpy here and there.

I’m a German author and this is the first time I’ve tried to translate a story I’m working on into English and upload it. I still hope you enjoy it.❗

The airlock opened and Ana stepped into his old enclosure with Ean'tu by the hand. After a few more weeks, the cultivation of the new plants had finally been completed and Ean'tu was able to move back into the old enclosure. Ana had been eagerly waiting for this, it gave them more privacy but also more space and comfort for the Na'vi. Thanks to the great trust Ean'tu already had in Ana, they were once again able to move on foot. There had been no need to sedate him or use other heavy measures. He trusted her and had walked calmly by her side back to his enclosure. It was always a big risk, Ana was aware of that. He could try to escape at any time, which she would even understand. The desire for freedom certainly burned deep in his heart and Ana felt the same way. This thought was also growing in her mind. The Na'vi could not stay here forever. That wasn't right.

Turner called over the radio: "Novak, everything okay so far?"

"Yes, we arrived safely at the enclosure, you can give the all-clear." Ana replied and Ean'tu looked at her. By now his English wasn't bad at all, she could hardly believe how incredibly quickly he was learning. Communicating with him had become so much easier but also more intimate.

"Was that the other minder of mine?" he asked quietly, still with a strong accent despite his good English.

"Yes, that was Turner, he wanted to know if everything had worked out." Ana looked up at Ean'tu, he hadn't been able to hear the radio because she had a small headset in her ear.

"I'm sure he just wanted to know if I'd done something to you." He still didn't trust Turner and obviously didn't like him. So far, he had also refused any contact with Turner.

"No, he knows you won't hurt me, he's on our side, even if it's hard to believe." Ana stroked Ean'tu's hand and then led the way. "Look, they really did grow the plants in question."

Ana tried to lighten the mood a little. She knew they were still in a prison, but they had to make the best of it. Ean'tu walked past Ana, over to the plants and stroked the leaves. She could see a slight smile on his face, which then gave way to a dull, sad look. Did he remember his home? Should Ana perhaps ask or was that inappropriate and would only open old wounds?

To her surprise, Ean'tu herself began to tell the story, "Sa'nu and I used to go out a lot to collect these leaves. She was a good teacher, she taught me how to weave."

"Your mom?" Ana came over to him and also touched a leaf. He nodded sadly. "Where's your mom now?"

"I hope with Eywa..." it was almost a whisper from Ean'tu, his words sounded sad and heavy. Ana didn't know what exactly they meant, but she thought it had a similar meaning to when people wished their loved ones were in heaven. She would not realize how serious the words really were until much later.

Ean'tu seemed to be grieving. Ana would have liked to know so much more about his childhood, but she didn't dare ask. It just didn't seem to be the right moment. The Na'vi closed his beautiful eyes for a moment and seemed to pause. Then he took a deep breath and turned to face her again.

"I can show you how we weave ribbons." he struggled to smile to hide his sadness.

"I'd love to learn from you." Ana was excited by the idea. So far, Ean'tu had only learned from her and she had felt bad about imposing her culture on him. It was only appropriate that she also learned to understand the Na'vi and their way of life.

Ean'tu nodded. "Okay, I'll look for some nice leaves later so we can start tomorrow. Today I would like to ask you for something."

Ana listened with interest. "Yes?"

"My hair is soft and beautiful again thanks to you, I wonder if you can put it back together for me?" he took his hair and held it together in a half-up hairstyle.

"Yes, I can do that if you like. Tell me how you want it, I'll help you." Ana was proud and honored. It was the first time Ean'tu had actively asked her for help. "I have to get out of the enclosure in a minute, we've got a delivery. I'm sure I'll find everything I need there."

These were the things Ana had asked for. They included all sorts of things. From fabrics and materials to clothing. She didn't know what the Na'vi normally wore, so she had asked her secret contact. They gave her a rough description and Ana had to choose things based on this rough information. She hoped he wouldn't hate the things she had chosen.

"Okay, I'll wait for you at the tree." He smiled at her again, with that warm, friendly smile. Every time he did, her heart leapt for joy. He touched her on the head, almost as if he wanted to stroke her cheek, which was unfortunately not possible thanks to the mask. Instead, he stroked her neck and turned away to go to the tree. His only place of retreat.

Ana breathed a heavy sigh and tried to ignore the longing tugging at her heart. It was wrong, she kept telling herself so as not to lose her reason. Then she too made her way through the airlock to accept the delivery she had ordered.

When she arrived at the top of her department, Turner was already waiting for her among a pile of delivery boxes. He had a digital clipboard in his hand and seemed to be checking that everything was there.

When Ana came into the room, he looked up from his work. "Out of the enclosure so soon?"

"I want to get some things out of the boxes, I hope everything I asked for is there." Ana walked over to the boxes, put her hands on her hips and looked at the mountain of boxes. With a bit of bad luck, it would be a while before she found what she was looking for.

" Have you seen, the plants have settled in well in the enclosure, they look great."

"Yes, Sky has already had a closer look at them too. They were very satisfactory. The responsible staff have done a good job." Ana took the first box, opened it and looked through the contents. "You could take the other boxes from the pile and put them in a row."

Turner nodded and set to work. She was grateful for his help, the boxes looked heavy. "What exactly are you looking for?"

"I requested hair accessories for Sky and some clothes." Ana stuck her head up to her shoulders in one of the boxes and rummaged around.

"I'll help you find it." Turner also opened one and rummaged through the contents.

After what felt like a while and three boxes later, Ana emerged triumphantly. "I've got it!" she pulled the hair ornament out of the box and held it up solemnly. Then she turned to Turner? "So, have you had any luck yet?"

He also straightened up, but shook his head. "No, not yet. I'll try the last box." He opened it and began to search. "I have to say Novak, that's a lot of stuff I don't know what you want to do with."

Ana grinned and came over to Turner. "I won't be able to do anything with it either, but I'm sure Sky knows exactly how to process all the materials. Otherwise, he and I will figure it out together."

Turner paused. "I think that's what you were looking for. At least that's my guess."

He pulled out a pair of pants, they were made of light beige fabric and were very breathable. On Ean'tu they would fit loosely, comfortably and give him enough leg room.

"Yes, exactly, then the other parts should be in there too." she leaned over to the box and picked out the second part of the set. It was also a loose fabric that was wrapped around the chest and fastened at the neck. "I hope he likes it, definitely better than the old leather rag he's wearing now." Ana stroked the fabric.

Turner nodded in agreement. "I think he'll be pleased, at least you've put some thought into it and I'm sure he'll appreciate it."

"Good, then I won't keep him waiting any longer. Take a break, you've done a lot of work. The break will do you good." She smiled gratefully at Turner. Ana knew that he organized and worked a lot for Ana and Ean'tu. Without him, she wouldn't know how she could manage it all, he was a good ally.

Turner looked at her hesitantly for a moment. "Are you sure you'll be all right?" he still seemed slightly worried.

"Yes, you can trust Sky. Just like I do." Ana assured him.

He sighed. "All right, but be careful. I'll be in the canteen."

Ana nodded and grabbed all her things and her laptop, then went back into the enclosure. She had put the clothes and hair accessories in a smaller cardboard box to make them easier to transport.

Packed full, she arrived at the tree in the enclosure, where Ean'tu had said Ana would find him. Before she had walked the last few meters, however, someone grabbed the box. Ana looked up and saw Ean'tu standing behind her. She hadn't even heard him approach her. He was always so gentle and quiet.

"I'll take something for you." he said kindly and smiled.

"That's sweet, thank you." Together they walked to the large trunk of the tree and set the things down. Ana sat down on a raised root while Ean'tu looked curiously into the box.

"What did you bring?"

"Clothes." Ana answered him and he looked at her questioningly. "For you, I think it's time you get rid of that old leather rag and get something new."

Ana pointed to the old loincloth Ean'tu was wearing. It seemed to be made of leather, was very old and looked torn. It must have been long at some point, but now it didn't even go down to his knees. The shred of leather just about did the job.

"That's thoughtful of you, what did you bring me?" Ean'tu squatted down in front of the box and was very curious.

"Go ahead and take it out. It's yours anyway..." Ana squatted down in front of it and watched as the Na'vi carefully took out the fabric. First the pants. "I don't know if you like it, it's certainly not the same as what you wore back then." Ana sounded uncertain.

Ean'tu noticed this. "Let me put it on right now." He smiled at her happily. "Wait here."

He stood up and disappeared behind the tree. It was so wide that he could easily hide behind it to change his clothes. When he had his pants on, he came out. "There's a hole missing for my tail." He turned around to show the problem. The waistband of the pants was still below his tail and he held the pants tight.

Ana took a pair of scissors out of the box and approached him. "I'm cutting a hole, please don't move."

The Na'vi was nervous about having a sharp object so close to his tail, so to be on the safe side he held on to it as well.

Ana quickly made a small cut, "Try it now and if it's too small, carefully tear the fabric a little."

Ean'tu nodded and put his tail through the new hole, it fit well and he was finally able to pull his pants up properly.

"Sorry, I didn't know exactly where the hole needed to be, so I didn't include that, now at least we have it just right." she smiled at him. "So... what do you think?"

The Nave squatted a few times with the pants. The pants were very loose and airy and followed his every movement without any problems. "The fabric is very soft and I can move around easily. I like it a lot."

Ana was relieved. She had been worried that it might come across as insulting if she simply brought him human clothing instead of his traditional clothes, but he seemed to take it positively. He went to the box and pulled out the fluffy top. "What's this?"

"Oh you don't have to wear it if you don't like it, but you wear it sort of like this." Ana indicated how to wear it on herself.

"That's unusual for us, but I'll try it on." With Ana's guidance, he skillfully wrapped the top and tied it around his neck.

Ana smiled at him a little more dreamily than planned. "It looks really good on you, you look very pretty in it."

Ean'tu looked down at himself and stroked the soft fabric. "It's definitely something different." Then he looked at Ana. "Thank you for thinking of me." he returned her gentle smile.

They both blushed and Ana sheepishly tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. "It's the least I can do for you."

Ean'tu came to her and knelt in front of her to look into her eyes. "I know you feel guilty about what the sky people are doing to me... but you're not like them."

Ana held her breath and returned his gaze. He had seen through her. In fact, she felt terribly guilty that Ean'tu was trapped here. It wasn't right, but she felt so powerless.

She pressed her lips together in dismay and smiled wanly. "That's sweet of you to say... but I work for those monsters..."

Ean'tu did not take his eyes off her. His reddish eyes were still on her, with all gentleness in his gaze. "Ana..."

The way he pronounced her name, only he had that certain sound with his accent. It made a pleasant warmth rise in her.

"If it wasn't for you, I might have already given up all hope. Eywa... my home... everything is so far away and out of my reach. But your big heart has given me hope again. I will not give up." He then said and touched her chest again, where her heart was.

Ean'tu was such a good soul. Ana didn't deserve that and yet she was happy about his words. She was glad that he hadn't given up yet, even though the situation was so hopeless.

"Would you like to... do my hair? I'd be delighted." He smiled at her encouragingly.

Ana felt ridiculous for moping around like this, even though he was the prisoner here. So she finally shook off the gray clouds that were clouding her mind. "But of course. Sit down, I've brought a few things especially for this."

Ean'tu sat down expectantly and happily. Ana took all the things out of the box that she would need to fix Ean'tu's hair.

He patiently held still, using his hands to gently instruct her where he wanted the half-open plait and what he would like to have braided. Ana did her best. His hair was a little rougher than hers, if only because it was curly and therefore much harder to tame. But after a few attempts and some back and forth, she had the hairstyle done. Finally, she fetched two more things. One was a tablet, from which she used the inside camera so that Ean'tu could look at herself.

"What do you think? Did it turn out right?" Ana watched as the Na'vi looked at himself in the tablet.

He turned his head from right to left and looked very satisfied. "Yes, it's perfect, thank you very much." he breathed a sigh of relief. Apparently it was a great relief to have his hair out of his face in a proper hairstyle. Before he could stand up, Ana held him by the shoulder.

"Wait, I have something else for you, close your eyes for a moment." She had hidden something behind her back.

Surprised, Ean'tu remained seated and closed his eyes. His tail twitched back and forth excitedly. Ana approached him and pulled out a small pearl necklace for his hair. It had a drop-shaped pearl in the middle, which was meant to lie in the middle of his forehead. It was a hair ornament she had made herself. When the secret contact told her that Na'vi liked to wear homemade jewelry, the idea came to her.

When she had attached the pearl necklace to his hairstyle and the pearl was perfectly centered on his forehead, she allowed him to open his eyes. "You can look now."

He opened his eyes and looked at himself in the tablet. His mouth was slightly open and he looked enthusiastically at the pearls on his forehead. "Pearls..." he said, amazed and delighted at the same time. "How beautiful." He touched them carefully.

"Do you like it? I made it myself." Ana came to his side and looked at his reflection in the tray with him.

" If I like it?" he turned to her, "Of course! I love it!" he beamed happily at Ana's face, which now made her beam with delight too.

"I'm glad, I wasn't so sure it was the right thing. I'm glad I could make you happy." She was just about to turn away to put away the rest of the utensils she had used for Ean'tu's hair when he held her by the wrist and turned her to face him again. Then he took her in his arms. He wrapped both his arms tightly around her and snuggled up to Ana.

Ana was a little taken by surprise at first, but then she also put her arms around him as best she could and pressed herself into the embrace.

"Thank you..." Ean'tu murmured into the hug and Ana's heart began to beat excitedly again. A hot blush rose to her cheeks. She had never been this close to the Na'vi in all this time, but it felt great. He was warm and his skin was soft. Even though he was so much bigger and stronger than her, his embrace was cautious, though not lacking in intimacy. Their bodies snuggled together seamlessly.

She felt the Na'vi breathe a sigh of relief beneath her hug. As if it was exactly what he had been longing for. Ana allowed the hug for as long as he needed it, because apparently he really needed it. She wanted to give him the closeness he had apparently missed so much.

Hesitantly, almost reluctantly, he released Ana from the hug. "..." he wanted to say something but seemed to swallow it.

He still had his hands on her hips. Ana stroked his cheek lovingly. "What is it Ean'tu, tell me."

He lifted his eyes and looked at her, slightly embarrassed but also a little sad. "I was just thinking... it would be nice... if we could do this more often."

As soon as he said it, a blush crept onto his cheeks. Ana was also surprised by what he had said and her heart reacted strongly to it. Why did she react so strongly to Ean'tu? Why couldn't she turn off this feeling in her heart? What they were doing here was no longer professional. It no longer had anything to do with her work, but she couldn't escape it either. She was spellbound by the Na'vi.

She lowered her eyelids sheepishly, "If that's what you want."

Ean'tu reached for her hand and gently stroked her fingers. "Is that what you want? I don't want you to be uncomfortable... because... I'm not human."

Now Ana suddenly looked him in the eye. "That's not it! I don't care if you're human or Na'vi!" She put her hand on his chest and could feel his strong heart beating. "What matters is what's here Ean'tu. I like who you are."

Moved by her statement, he bit his lower lip and suppressed tears, she could see it in his eyes. He was very emotional. How could she have ever believed he was aggressive? He was probably the exact opposite.

"I see you, Ana." he said softly, his voice quivering slightly, as emotional as he was at the moment.

Now Ana felt a heavy emotional sigh, which she suppressed. There was no way she was going to come close to tears now. She had to pull herself together. But her heart was heavy and the longing pulled at her more and more. Almost whispering, she answered him, "I see you too, Ean'tu..."

Tag list: @twisteduniverse5 @yukilaaw @mooniequeen @anemonelovesfiction @talialobi @gimmebones715 (If you want to get added, comment it under the post)

[brightlotusmoon]

I receive interesting calls.

A very upset parent called to complain to me - evidently, her school was teaching her child "pronouns". She was appalled. She asked me to do an Ask Mary Jo column on what she called "gender ideology".

I did what I always do when someone calls me with a question for the column. I listen and try to assess the problem. There's often a 'question behind the question'.

I also try very hard to not judge.

In this case, the parent was upset because she was certain her child's teacher was "trying to make my daughter trans".

I asked which pronouns the teacher taught.

The parent was confused by my question. "Those trans pronouns" she said.

I asked her if she knew any pronouns. She told me with certainty that they did not use pronouns "in our house."

I then gently explained the definition of a pronoun. And a noun. And a verb.

I asked if the teacher had taught these parts of speech as well. The parent was suddenly silent. I explained that pronouns stand in for a noun, as in he, she, you, me, I, we, us, this, them, and that.

She blurted, "I feel foolish. I didn't understand."

We had a lovely conversation about misunderstanding (which we all do) and pre-judging (which hopefully we try to avoid).

She then asked me about gender. Surprised, I took a deep breath and told her I would be happy to share what I knew. I also shared that I spoke from my heart, and from nearly 5 decades of experience (I met my first gender-fluid child at Children's Hospital in 1972; we also cared for children with Turner Syndrome, Kleinfelter's Syndrome, ambiguous genitalia and adrenogenital syndrome. I worked on the Clinical Studies unit). She was interested. She had many questions. I explained all those chromosomal differences in humans.

When I finished explaining she had more questions. She asked about trans kids. I talked about how few truly trans kids exist, and how challenging gender dysphoria can be, and how young people do not become gender non-conforming or trans because they hear about pronouns. I shared how a study as recent as 2022 showed that 82% of transgender individuals have considered killing themselves and 40% have attempted suicide, not because of their gender but because they feel ostracized....and how other studies show how much the presence of only one caring adult can improve a gender non-conforming young person's mental health....

She said she'd never heard any of that.

I told her that, ultimately, I believe each young person is worthy of respect. She very softly said, "That's a good thing to believe."

She added, "There's a lot I don't understand." I told her I was still learning at 75 and that there was a lot I didn't understand, but I read as much as I can. She asked if we could chat again if she had other things that confused her and I said, "of course."

I thanked her for her respect and for asking.

I thanked her for listening with an open heart.

I assured her there are professionals who have studied pediatric endocrinology who know how to best support these young people, so she didn't need to do so, but she should try to respect each person's worth. She agreed.

We spoke nearly an hour.

She asked how she could donate to our Teen Center, and said she wanted me to share our conversation, "not in your column, but some place where people like me can read and learn."

I'm doing so now.

My papa said we have a chance to reach each person's heart every time we encounter someone. He taught me to lead with love and kindness.

The final thing she said to me was, "I think I'll go watch Schoolhouse Rock!" We both laughed.

Is it possible to connect with those who are adamantly misinformed about something? Not always. I've failed many times.

But I keep on trying.

#EachPersonIsAPersonofWorth includes those who are misinformed.

[youresodarkbabe]

i'm listening, ready to learn (prof!a. turner x reader)

smut.

warnings: prof!al x reader (yes this is influenced by the recents), age gap, piv, dom-ish al, oral (f!receiving)

word count: 2.6k

took me a while but im back!! hi :)

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"it's definitely not the worst i've seen."

those four words were like a knife to the heart. you put everything you had into those pictures, worked on them for weeks, refining, editing, reshoots, and that still didn't please him. you gave him everything you had to offer, and it still wasn't enough. you could cry on the spot, but his voice pulled you out of your mind's abyss.

"do you want a second chance? i mean, i think you could do much better than this, not to be too harsh."

you had to stop yourself from showing your sheer happiness, you couldn't believe this. you try your hardest to compose yourself before speaking.

"yes, please," you mutter quietly, your voice coming out almost like a squeak. he found it endearing.

he sets your portfolio on his desk and stands up, sliding it over to you with a smile before taking a sip of his coffee.

"tell me if this crosses a line, but would you like to do the shoots at my studio? i have everything you need and more there, i think it'd be very useful."

reality hits you hard. you and your professor at his studio, all alone. if you weren't already trying to conceal your emotions, you were definitely doing it now. ignoring the heat pooling between your legs, you nod, not trusting yourself to speak, afraid of what would come out of your mouth.

"alright," alex grabs a pen from his shirt pocket and jots down his phone number and studio's address on a post it note and sticks it on the top of your portfolio, "how's this friday? is 7 good for you?"

you nod again, eyes fixed on his. "'s perfect, sir."

the sun was shining perfectly, his eyes illuminating like gold. he was so, so beautiful and it took everything you had to break that eye contact and walk out of the class.

come friday, and you're already panicking. you can't find any of the things you need, your reference pictures are shit in hindsight and your roommate had accidentally broken the lens you needed for your camera. regardless, you show up to the studio twenty minutes too early with all you could carry, hoping he wouldn't hate you for your lack of equipment.

he opens the door in a red shirt, a few buttons undone. you couldn't help but picture what he'd look like with the shirt off.

"you're early, doll," he lets you into the studio and shows you where to keep your stuff. "i would've rushed a bit more when cleaning if i knew you'd be so early."

your cheeks heat up as you take in his words.

"i can always come back later?" you say, almost immediately packing your stuff back up, only for alex to stop you with a hand holding your wrist firmly in place.

"it's fine, promise. just a tad unexpected."

he gives you that classic smile and all the worry in your heart seems to melt away. he asks if you'd like some space to set up, and as much as you want to spend time with him, you know it'd be best if you focused, so you say yes. alex darts off to the other side of the room where you see him fiddling with the portfolio from your previous meeting. you tear away your focus from him and set up your camera and all you'd need for the shoot.

he shuts it abruptly, the sound making you jump, his voice instantly soothing your mind.

"did you bring any references?"

shit, you think to yourself. you hated the references you originally had, you left them at home. you had absolutely nothing.

alex tuts, setting the portfolio back down and walking to you, tapping your chin so you'd look up at him, which you do.

"i can see you gettin' in your head. you don't have to worry, we can figure this out, okay?"

"okay."

you and alex stand there for a moment, faces so close, almost close enough for you to close the gap— to kiss him, but you choose against it. alex again seems to be the one to snap out of the haze first, taking a few steps away, clearing his throat. "i, uh, have some pictures you could use as a reference."

right. the photoshoot. that's why you're here.

"you wanna go get 'em for me?" alex asks as he sits down on the chair in front of your camera. you say yes, waiting on him to tell you where to go.

"just that shelf there, the gray one."

you hold the hefty photo album in your hand and hand it to him, standing behind him, leaning in to look at the pictures.

calling them gorgeous would be an understatement. you had been passionate for photography for as long as you could remember and you had never seen pictures that had captured the human essence that beautifully.

alex points at a specific picture and looks up at you, beaming.

the photograph looked simple enough, but there was something to it, something that made it transcend normalcy, the model looked ethereal. it was in black and white, and the standout feature was the bright red lipstick mark on the model's neck, you could immediately picture alex like that, he'd look so perfect.

you try ignoring how wet just the thought of him like that makes you and as if on cue, he says your name, you look away from the picture and back at him.

"i can see the ideas in your eyes, i think we'd best get started, hm?"

you let out a shaky breath and are about to go to your camera, before you pause and turn to him.

"am i.. do i have to take the pictures of you?"

and for the first time, you see a blush grace your professor's perfect face.

"that was the plan, yeah. we can always find a different picture to replicate if you want, it's fine, i don't mind—"

"no! i mean, it's fine. i'm alright with taking the pictures of you, sir."

alex runs a hand through his hair and licks his lips, "alright, okay,". he smiles at you again, making your heart melt and you feel yourself getting soaked. "think i should change this shirt, though. what do you think, sweetheart?"

based on the look on his face, you can tell he didn't mean to let the nickname slip. you'd be lying if you said you didn't love the way how naturally it rolled off his tongue, though. his accent made the word go straight to your core.

"you can change if you'd like."

he mumbles a quiet 'yeah', and goes off into the corner of the room, unbuttoning his shirt as he walks, unaware of how your eyes are fixed onto him. he slips the shirt off and turns to you, holding two shirts in either of his hands.

"black or white?"

you eye him up and down, replying despite being completely distracted.

"white."

he puts the shirt on as he walks back to the seat, you avoid eye contact because who knows what he'd say if you kept staring.

he sits down and you look back down at the reference picture, one question filling your mind.

"sir?"

he hums in response, fixing the camera slightly.

"the lipstick mark. do i have to—"

"if you want. it's not needed, you don't have to."

the second you hear alex say you can kiss him, you grab your red lipstick and apply it, not noticing how enamored alex is. he watches on as you swipe the lipstick along your bottom lip, wanting nothing more than to feel them against his, but at the same time, terrified that you don't see him the same way.

you stand in between alex's legs, one of his hands on your waist as you lean in and press your lips to the side of his neck, under his jaw. you hear his breath hitch as you pull away, the grip on your waist getting firmer.

"it doesn't look good, can i redo it?" you ask, just so you could kiss him again. alex nods and hands you his old shirt to wipe the lipstick off with. you kiss his neck again, this time with your lips parted, your teeth lightly grazing his pulse point.

alex's eyes fall shut and his mouth hangs open, a quiet groan gracing your ears. with his eyes still shut, he moves his other hand to your waist, pulling you closer to him. "that one good enough for you?", he asks, his hands moving to your back, wrapping around you.

"no, i think i need to kiss you again." you mutter, dipping your head even closer to his. alex doesn't hold back, this time. he leans in and kisses you, standing up and pulling away to kiss your cheek, laughing at the slight red tint he leaves.

"'m i right in assumin' my lips are red too, now?"

you nod as you tangle your hands in his hair, kissing him again, deeply, tongue and teeth clashing with no regard for anything but each other.

alex's hands slip down to your thighs, tapping on them and instinctively you jump into his grasp, letting him carry you with his hands planted firmly under your ass. he pulls away again, dipping his head to your neck, sucking, biting, licking— anything that makes you feel good. you feel how hard he is through your jeans, and you grind against him, making him moan along your collarbone.

"d'you wanna go to my room, baby?", he asks in between kisses. your mind is too overwhelmed with him to respond, so you just tug on his hair, hoping he'd take the message, which he does.

you can barely focus on where he's taking you, working on unbuttoning his shirt, not realising what alex takes with him into his room.

he lays you down on his bed, it dipping when he settles on his knees by your side, letting you unbutton his shirt. he shrugs it off, smiling at how you look at him, completely obsessed with you. he slides his hands under your shirt, waiting for you to let him know it was okay to take it off, which you do with a moan. you're grinding against his thigh now, letting him take your shirt off. while he's there, he also takes your bra off, swearing under his breath at the sight of your tits. he cups them, twisting your nipples between his fingers, watching as they harden, taking one into his mouth.

he sucks on it before pulling off with a pop, kissing all over your chest until he reaches the waistband of your jeans. he undoes the button and pulls them off slowly, along with your soaking wet panties, both joining the growing pile of clothes on his floor.

alex runs a finger through your folds and pops it into his mouth, humming as he tastes you.

your hips roll into his as you whine, "sir, i need you, please," you begged, and alex simply couldn't say no to you.

alex strips down fully in front of you, and just the sight of his cock makes you squirm. he was bigger than you'd imagined him being. trying to convince yourself that you could take him, you watch as he slides back in between your legs and places his arms on either side of your head. you can't help yourself from reaching out for his cock, stroking it and playing with the tip. his arms almost give in as he groans straight into your ear.

he moves one of his hands to pry yours away from his cock, "if you pull somethin' like that again, i'll make sure to leave you here, just like this. got it?"

the harshness in his voice makes you clench around nothing, you nod rapidly, biting your lip to keep quiet.

"good girl," alex mutters as he aligns himself with your aching hole, pushing in as slowly as possible, both of you moaning as he bottoms out. his hand goes to your clit, rubbing it in figure eights as slowly as possible as he pulls out almost completely, only to slam back in.

your hands go to his back, nails digging into his skin as he thrusts. he had a plan— he was going to take it slow, be as gentle as possible— but it all went to shit the second he saw the way your tits moved with every thrust.

he speeds up, going faster with every thrust, eyes flitting between your face and your tits. his fingers work your clit like magic and your back arches into him, tits pressing against his chest as he hits the perfect spot. you moan his name loudly, biting into his shoulder to muffle your noise. he strokes your hair softly, slowing down just a bit to kiss your cheek.

"feel good, princess?" he asks, his voice sweeter than sugar.

"so, so, so good, fuck—" you feel yourself getting closer and closer and alex can feel it too. you clench around him before you see white, the pleasure of it all taking over as you cum hard. alex fucks you through it, getting closer and closer to his peak.

just as he's about to cum, he pulls out, slightly too late. his cum spurts all over your thighs, stomach and cunt, but you're too fucked out to care.

"that was so good, love, you did so, so well for me."

he kisses your collarbone again, moving lower and lower, eventually settling with his face in between your thighs. he pushes the cum off of your stomach and thighs and into your cunt with his fingers, twisting them inside you. surprised, you tug on his hair, pulling him to look at you.

"i got you, good girl, don't worry, okay?"

you nod as alex pulls his fingers out and slides them into your mouth, making you suck them clean— which you do.

he kisses your inner thigh before finally licking a stripe up your worn pussy, making direct eye contact as he does so. his lips attach to your clit, teeth grazing against it as he flicks it with his tongue, eventually moving his thumb to do that job for him. he slides his tongue into you, tasting you as best as he can, moaning into your cunt. the vibrations drive you crazy, hips bucking into his mouth as he licks into you relentlessly.

his nose nudges your clit as you feel your peak getting closer once more, legs wrapping around his head as you cum again, letting him clean you up with his gentle kitten licks. alex looks up at you through his messy hair, laughing as you pry him away from your overstimulated cunt. he eventually gives in, moving away and kissing his way back up to your face.

the two of you sit there in silence for a while, the only sounds you hear is alex's quiet breathing as you run your hands through his hair.

"'m sorry," he mumbles against your lips. "you're my student, this isn't right, i shouldn't have—"

you press your lips against his once more, softer this time, less starved, less desperate. you kiss him as if you can see more of these kisses coming your way in the future.

"i can see you getting in your head, alex." he chuckles at the callback to what he had told you earlier, hiding his head in the crook of your neck. "i want this to work. i think if we tried, and if we're careful, it will."

alex takes a deep breath in, sitting up next to you, gently stroking your stomach as he presses another kiss to your neck.

"it better work, doll."

you feel yourself starting to drift asleep, only waking up to the feeling of alex's body leaving yours.

"what are you doing?" you ask quietly, voice too hoarse speak normally.

alex grabs what he took with him earlier, that object you couldn't quite make out, and waves it in front of your eyes. that fucking camera.

"just stay still, love," he says as he snaps a few pictures of you, smiling at the stills.

"so.. are those getting me my A?"

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anyways.. sextape fic soon!!

[the-cerene-rewritten-railway-au]

The Thing About Today...

14 February 1970

Word Count: +3,890

Valentine’s Day is supposed to be one of the most joyous holidays of the year, even if the engines don’t fully understand it! James certainly does! Everything’s red, like him, and it’s nice to be appreciated for once. But when he comes across Edward, he’s shocked to learn that he isn’t enjoying it. Compared to last year, it’s a complete turnaround for the blue engine, so what changed?

fanfiction.net | my site

a/n: happy 5/2 (or 2/5) !!!

~

"Bonjour, pa'! Joyeux Saint Valentin!" piped Jacqueline.

"Bonjour, Jackie!" chuckled James as he backed into his goods train. "Joyeux Saint Valentin! Feelin' bubbly?"

Both engines were taking loads of aluminum from the works up north the Shen Valley Branch Line. James would take his load to Tidmouth while Jacqueline would take hers to Vicarstown. It was originally meant to be the other way around but Jacqueline had been insistent in swapping loads last night.

"I have a friend there!" "I haven't seen her in a while, pa'!" James quickly gave in, knowing how it felt to not see a close friend in a while. Apart from the weekly gatherings at Tidmouth, he hadn't seen Edward, one of his closest friends, in a few weeks. They didn't meet up as often as they used to years ago. Sometimes, they'd go one or two days without seeing each other and other times, they'd go weeks instead, simply because their schedules didn't line up with one another.

Besides, it was Valentine's Day. He could at least greet his friends on such a wonderful day on any chance he could get.

"Oui, pa'!" Jacqueline's cheeks burned, but the red engine thought nothing of it, laughing as he was coupled up to his goods train. Her guard's whistle shrilled. "I'm off, pa'! Au revoir!" With her boiler full of energy and steam, she headed off for Vicarstown.

"Au revoir!" He lurched forward, slightly straining as he was pulled back by his flatbeds. Right then, it didn't bother him-.

"Watch out, you silly engine!" His driver, Demian, popped his head out, shaking his fist.

Now it did, to which James snapped right back, "Shove off, will ya!"

Ever since Demian and Richard, his new driver and fireman respectively, took over from his previous crew, there was nothing but constant bickering between them. James didn't see them fit enough to understand him. They weren't the same as Mr. Quill and Mr. Turner.

They weren't them.

But, they were better than sitting in the shed, waiting to come out because no one else could take him out. Mr. Quill and Mr. Turner were well past their youth, having a hard time keeping up with the workloads. It was hard for James to admit it but they needed to retire. They deserved it after having spent so many years by James' side, tolerating him at best.

He knew that, and it was the very least he could do to thank for everything.

...

Right as James neared Knapford Station, he spotted Thomas waiting with Annie and Clarabel. From a distance, he noticed the lack impatience or cheeriness within his expression.

Curious, the red engine hollered as he slowed down, “Wonderful day, innit, Thomas?"

Nothing.

He slowed down some more, leaning to his right. “Thomas~! I know you can hear me~!”

Again. Nothing.

“Thomas-?”

“What?” grunted the engine in question.

“He speaks!” snickered James, coming to a stop. “What's up with you today? It's only morning of a wonderful day!”

“Don’t say it-”

“Joyeux Valentine's Day!”

“To Lady, you're insufferable-”

That's it. Today was no day to be in a sour mood. It had to be the worst day to be so. Determined to not let his day go wrong, at least not so soon, James figured that getting to the bottom of... whatever was going on might help. “Ok. Seriously, what's got you all puffed up?” The splendid red engine looked over the stumpy blue engine, trying to spot any injuries that could imply something.

He found nothing. But still. “Did you-?”

“I'm not like you!” jabbed Thomas. “Getting into trouble every single day!”

“Hey!” he scoffed, thrown off by the sudden anger. “I was just asking!”

“I'm still waiting!" the blue iron horse snapped once more.

Confused, James stayed quiet.

“Go on! Make fun of me.”

What is up with him? “...what?”

Thomas was ready to snap again but suddenly stopped in his tracks, frowning. “Wait... were you on the island last year? On Valentine’s Day?”

James huffed. “'Course I was! I got stuck up in Peel Godred, remember?”

“...so you didn't hear about any rumor that happened that day?”

“I heard that something happened—" James leaned further to the right. "Not sure what it was."

"Forget what I said then!"

"Oh no, you don't!" Thomas wouldn't be allowed to leave anyways, James knew that. His guard hadn't blown the whistle, and Thomas didn't want a repeat of what happened years ago. "What spills has spilled. Fess up!"

Thomas' cheeks burned, glaring at James. "Mind your own beeswax!"

The last bit was sneered, taunting James for something that happened years ago. It set off the red iron horse, sending him into a flustered rage, gritting his teeth. "You-!"

Thomas' guard blew his whistle. The moment it did, Thomas fled, startling his crew and successfully avoiding confrontation.

"Thomas!" James could holler all he wanted but he knew Thomas wouldn't come back. "Damn it!"

"James, language!" Demian popped his head out, shaking his fist.

James fumed but held on. Just long enough for when his signal turned green, he jerked forward, just to show, once again, how little respect he had for the young men. Ignoring their chides once more, the red iron horse headed toward Tidmouth to finish up his job.

...

Tidmouth Yard was busy as usual, with shunters scuttling about the tracks, switching points left, right, and center. As James arrived, he surveyed the area for Stanley or any of the other shunters when he spotted Edward, who appeared to have just arrived. Odd, as James didn't recall seeing or hearing Edward on his way here.

Just as James approached his friend, he had an idea.

Maybe he knows what happened. Often seen as wise and kind, others would forget that Edward, somehow, knew every little thing that happened on the island and was responsible for any rumors spread. Partially.

As he drew near Edward, the latter piped, "Good mornin', Stanley!"

Behind the row of cars to Edward's left, Stanley replied, "Good morning, Edward!"

And like that, the older engine sat there idly, waiting to be uncoupled from his train.

But James took note of how Edward's smile slowly diminished, his face losing the soft warmth, matching the late winter cold. It wasn't a frown but it wasn't anything pleasant to signify that the smaller engine was at peace. Something must be bothering him.

"Good morning, Edward~!" James piped, startling Edward. "How's it going?"

While James was all cheery, bright as the morning sun, Edward's day began with a foggy mind, like yesterday's cloudy skies. It was full of thoughts about today, Valentine's Day. Ones that led to thinking about the red engine.

In the past, like other engines, Valentine’s Day was something that Edward didn't care much for. It wasn't something he hated but it wasn't something he was interested in either. It was one of those nice holidays the passengers would celebrate, hoping on trains to visit their loved ones. Seeing them so cheery made Edward bubbly, leaving him in a pleasant mood for the day.

But, oh dear... That morning, he was bubbly for a different reason, and that reason was here. A part of him hoped to not come across the splendidly red engine today. The fear of possibly making his friend uncomfortable with his odd behavior had nagged him since December, and it chose to be his biggest concern that day.

Ever since that December, Edward's mind would return to the subject. He thought about it over and over again, thinking he had come to terms about his feelings the first night at the works. "I have plenty of time." Too much time, if anything. He wanted to understand how and why he felt this strongly for James. He didn't intend to think about the possible outcomes if he told James. Or how other engines would take it. Or how Sir Topham Hatt II would take it.

As his thoughts spiraled, Edward fell into panic and, as normal as a reaction he could have, he boxed them up and shunted them to the back of his mind.

It didn't resolve anything as, unfortunately, the back of his mind spoke the loudest.

Since then, whenever he came across James, his boiler bubbled and those thoughts screamed at him. Is this really what love is all about? People enjoy this feeling, of being on edge about someone they care about? It wasn't fear. Edward knew what it truly felt like, and this... surge of complex emotions wasn't it.

James was a dear friend that he deeply cared about. That he knew for certain. A dear friend whom he had a complicated history with. A roller coaster, if you would. When they met, he hoped to befriend him but with the way Sir Topham Hatt spoke about James...

Edward couldn't help but be envious and scared, thinking that James would replace him. In response, the little blue engine worked, grinding his wheels, close to the point of flattening them until the controller confronted him. Once those thoughts were dispelled, he focused on befriending the newcomer once more.

And yet, everything went south because, of course, what he thought would be helpful, what he believed to be for the best, wasn't.

From mistrust on Edward's end to selfishness on James', it was a relationship that others deemed to be a waste of time. It's not worth saving, he was told. You're both too different! They've heard their fair share of advice.

But with time, the pieces found themselves and they were able to rebuild from there. It was a beautiful way to think of their bond when another engine would remind him of how James could be.

Could. A keyword perfectly describing the splendid red engine in his books.

James could be vain. He could be selfish. He could be rude.

But James could also be kind. He could be selfless at times. He could admit that he was wrong and work to make up for his mistakes. He could very well be confident and, at times, be correct to be so. Edward's seen it. Others have definitely seen it, yet some see past it and focus on what screams the loudest. They didn't care about James' good traits.

He did. He admired the way James was, confident in his strides and willing to do what it takes to make up for any wrongdoing of his. He accepted James the way he was, and he didn't want him any other way.

Noticing how seconds of silence were about to turn into minutes, Edward shook away his thoughts, shunting them away once again. The cerulean engine looked over to his side and piped, "Mornin', James!"

"Another clay delivery?" James eyed the clay trucks trailing behind the other as he approached him, stopping so his buffer beam lined up with Edward's. It meant that their smokeboxes didn't line up as James' was further pushed back than Edward's. He wouldn't see his face, and it worked well in Edward's favor as he was sure that his face was still burning. "Is there a project going on?"

"Ah think sae?" He wasn't exactly sure but he had noticed the sudden rise of materials being delivered to Tidmouth. "Most o' the supplies ah bring thae days ur bein' taken up th' Little Western. I huvnae been able tae ask Duck or Oliver aboot it, though."

"You usually know everything," noted James. From an outsider perspective, it was an insult, but he knew Edward would catch on to what he was laying down.

He did, proven by the sudden quirk of his eyebrows. "Curious aboot somethin'?"

James stayed quiet, meticulously choosing his words. Yes, Edward loved to "chit-chat" but he had some restraints. Some. "Thomas was acting weird this morning. I don't think he likes Valentine's Day. Do you know why?"

Again, quickly falling into their personal routine, his skeptical expression sharpened. "'N' whit wid ye dae, if ah told ye?"

"Nothing, nothing!" reassured the red engine. It was a strict expression Edward bore. This was his son they were speaking about, afterall. How the small tender engine could intimidate in an instant, James couldn't figure out. And he probably never will. "Just curious."

"Mmm, alricht then... Ye say he diz'nae like Valentine's Day?"

"Yes! From the sounds of it."

There was hesitation then. "Ah-" Guilt bubbled within him. "It has somethin' tae dae wit' what happened last year. Ah'm... surprised ye ne'er found oot, seein' how oot o' hand it got-"

"Ok!" His interest very much piqued. I knew something happened! That little rascal! "I'm not leaving until you tell me everything."

Ah- "...everythin'?"

"Everything!" he smirked.

It was enough to lighten up his mood, but he wouldn't look directly at James. "Well, th' twins started teasin' him 'n' Rosie that mornin' aboot thaim possibly bein' together. Frae thare, it got oot o' hand. Thomas wasn't tae happy aboot it. Wit' how he reacted, he hurt Rosie in th' process. They reconciled by th' end of th' day but other engines continued tae tease aboot it." It was when he looked back at James, who simply stared at him with interest and confusion. "Again, ah'm surprised ye didnae hear aboot it."

"That makes two of us," he huffed. "But I don't get it-"

"Whit dinnae ye get?" He wished it wasn't what he thought it was.

"What's so bad about Thomas and Rosie being together? They're friends, aren't they?"

Oh dear... "No, James. Ah-"

But, alas, his persistence naturally flowed, letting his logic spill. "We're friends," he emphasized, unaware of the way Edward's freckled cheeks furiously burned. "We're together-!"

"James!" he squawked before quickly shutting his mouth, face burning. Everyone else in the yard stopped and stared at the two, including their crews. They'd gotten into their own conversation but his outburst caught their attention and concern.

"Is everything alright?" Edward's driver peered out of the cab windows.

Equally concerned and confused, James inched closer, his smokebox lining up with the other's. He saw how pitch black his freckled cheeks became, and how those bronze eyes refused to look right him. "W-We're fine!" he hollered, refusing to look away. "We're fine."

He noticed how a smile, a grateful one, peaked out, only to quickly disappear. I'm in the clear. Maybe.

"...Is it wrong?"

The small cerulean engine shook as gently as he could on his chassis and cleared his pipes. "That's not-" This conversation needed to end. Now. "Ah meant in a romantic wey. Th' wey th' controller 'n' his wife ur!"

"Oh!" His eyes widened, finally understanding the situation. "That makes a lot more sense," he hummed. "...Are they?"

Edward's eyebrows quirked.

"I'll take that as a no." James heard Edward sigh, one that wasn't meant to be heard. "...Did that bother you?"

The smaller tender engine didn't answer, his eyebrows pinched and appearing bothered.

"...so would it be bad for us to be together that way?"

There wasn't any indication of hope in his tone. Only curiosity.

I'm a fool.

Closing his eyes and sighing once more, Edward replied, "Na, it's nae that." Lies. "I just... Ah still feel awful for whit ah did." Not a complete lie...

"What did you do?" Didn't sound like he believed him, his words carried by a playful tone.

"Ah didnae ken whit wis goin' oan either, 'n' it started oan ma line." Lip line crumpling into a frown, the memory came back to him. "Ah didnae mean tae add fuel tae the fire but ma comment upset Rosie. We came across each other at Wellsworth, 'n' she told me that Thomas wis actin' rather rude that day. She thought 'twas because he didnae like her. Ye remember how those twa were whin thay met, dinnae ye?"

James hummed, and Edward continued. "Ah thought somethin' similar happened but ah knew Thomas wasn't lik' that anymair. Ah told her that 'twas strange 'n' that ah thought Thomas really liked her." His nose scrunched up as he frowned. "Ah didnae mean it romantically."

"Is that what you were so upset about then?"

Wait- "Ye clocked?"

James scoffed, insulted. "Course I did." You're my close friend. "If you're upset, I can tell, even without your nose scrunching."

His interest was piqued. "...How exactly kin ye tell?" He looked over, gaze locking with James and paying close attention to how the larger engine responded.

The prideful engine carefully picked his words. "Well, you have this..." he muttered some gibberish, "-presence to yourself. That's as best as I can explain it."

"Ah think ah git it." He wanted to know a little more. He didn't expect an observation from James. It just doesn't happen often. "What kind o' presence?"

The large red engine's pride started to lift up. The small blue engine noticed how James looked around, his eyes calming down from being on high alert. Everyone else must've gotten busy once again. Edward didn't know as he couldn't pull his gaze away from the other engine, carefully observing him. "It's..." his face, in turn, started burning, "-welcoming. It's nice to be around... That day, it didn't feel the same. You were putting up that front but I- it was easy to tell that you were upset about something."

The smaller engine didn't miss the switch up, but he decided to not address it. "Ah didnae mean tae worry a'body." He saw James' smile. A rare one. One that was soft, appreciative, and genuine.

Once Edward realized where his mind was going, he cleared his throat, returning to the original conversation. "Ah said sorry tae Rosie afterwards. She forgave me but ever since then, ah still feel guilty for whit happened. Tis silly, ah ken that, but wi' how Thomas has been actin'-"

"Well, that's on him!" he exclaimed, earning them looks once again. This time, Edward ignored them. "He's not that young engine who constantly followed you around the yard once upon a time!"

"That ah ken-"

"So what gives? You didn't start the rumor, did you?"

"Na, but it did oan ma branch line."

"But did you start it?" he insisted.

Edward hesitated but relented. "No." His partial lie was starting to fall apart. This conversation should've ended a while ago.

"See? Problem solved. So what gives?"

"...I didnae really look forward tae today."

"What? Why not? You didn't mind it before? Was it really because of that?"

"Aye," he quickly replied. "It hud me thinkin' 'n'- well- ah rather nae think too much aboot it." Finally, a decent truth. Not the complete truth but it was still true nonetheless.

"So you don't like the roses all over the place neither?"

"Ah mean... th' roses ur beautiful oan thair own..." he hummed, hesitating to continue. "I like th' white ones."

James smirked. Gotcha! "But Valentine's Day is about the beautiful things! You've said so yourself that it's to appreciate them!"

The urge to just smile started to bubble up, but he opted to roll his eyes playfully. "Ah meant relationships-"

"And your smile's one of them!"

A squeak was hummed and his steam pressure rose as he tried to suppress the silly smile showing up. The smile James just complimented.

He failed, letting himself grin, his crooked lip line curling up and his overbite showing. His soft chuckles quickly became squawks, and he was blushing quite furiously. James turned him into a giddy, flustered mess, and for the moment, he did not mind. The same went for how proud James was becoming capable of making him smile. It was happening more often as they grew closer...

"...so is it bad for us to be together that way?" To Edward, no. He would be perfectly happy if they were.

But what about you? He continued to smile and chuckle as he gazed at James, thinking, Do you feel the same, dear? He just wanted to ask how he felt about such an idea.

But I can't. James had just grasped at the idea of how love worked, beyond platonic relationships. It wasn't fair. It would be cruel and selfish to just ask and tell him, expecting an answer from someone who, just moments ago, didn't think about the mere idea of romance between engines happening.

"We're friends." "We're together-!" "Well, is it wrong?" To be friends, no. Yet in the early age of steam engines, it was considered taboo by railway boards and engines themselves, being seen as a distraction from work. Would engines being together be a problem?

It would. Here he was experiencing the pinning, and he could tell it would become a problem.

So maybe it would be. Maybe it is best to keep it down, his gaze behind fluttering eyes intensified as he laughed, It's best for you, dear.

He wasn't about to drag James right along, possibly into something that could ruin their friendship or him.

Keep it down.

"Ye think tis beautiful?" asked Edward, once his laughter died down. He felt his crew start to work with his gauges, readying him for the return trip to his branch line. "Is it really?" he asked again, timidness and disbelief peaking through.

"You don't believe me?" James mocked, yet blushing furiously. "I don't just go around complimenting everything, you know?"

"Och, ah know," he teased. A small pleased smirk formed, passing off as his typical soft smile. "I ken."

Ready to tease back, James opened his mouth, only to be interrupted by his crew. "Let's get going!" yelled Demian.

The red iron horse loudly groaned and rolled his eyes. Normally, Edward would say something but he let him have it this time. He'd seen the way James' new crew were and understood why James reacted so poorly. He just hoped they could get along sooner rather than later.

"Ah shuid git goin', too," chuckled Edward. "Heaven's kens whit Bill 'n' Ben ur up tae, 'n' ah cannae be leavin' Ryan oan his own wi' thaim." Not after last time, the poor dear.

The bit of humor was enough to cheer James up. "I'll see you around then! Bye, Edward!"

"Bye, James!" With two whistles and a wheesh from releasing his brakes, Edward was off. A part of him was sad to leave, but another was glad. The giddiness bubbling within his boiler persisted throughout their chat, gradually raising his steam pressure. A sensation once unpleasant was now welcome. Very welcome, indeed.

He was curious as to why his crew had made no mention of it. They were suspiciously quiet.

As he got back on the Main Line, he began to wonder, Is this what a fluttering heart feels like? Is this what they call ‘butterflies’? He heard that expression many times these days. The feeling was soothing yet uneasy, the latter of which becoming infrequent.

“Lovesick, ah truly am,” he whispered as he puffed away, shocked at how loud James and his crew's bickering was but unaware of how his own crew whispered to one another.

Back in the yard, James and Demian bickered about, the latter ready to use stronger language. Richard stayed in the engine's cab, watching with disinterest. His mind was busy with another thought. Unlike the clueless red engine, he wasn't convinced of Edward's reasoning. I'll make a note to tell James, he decided as he poked out of the cab, ready to separate the two. But first, work.

~

important note: so in terms of when "Rosie is Red," "The Fastest Red Engine on Sodor," and this fic happen, "Rosie is Red" happens first, one year before thie fic and Rosie is yet to be repainted red. "The Fastest Red Engine on Sodor" happens after this fic, which is when Rosie is repainted, including "An Engine of Many Colors."

Happy 5/2, everyone! :3

story threw me in whirlwind when i thought it was done 😞 Kept going back and forth on some plot points. Its not even close to the original idea anymore but im happy with how it turned out! :DD

expect an upload on my site at some point. i'll reblog the post once i do 👍

so instead of my normal rambling, have this! <3 (a repost from last year hehe)

oh and the cover art too! :3 glad i got this done in time, enough for me to edit the story. as of posting and reblogging, im going back to sleep or smth. idk.

i hope you enjoyed this short story! :D comments, reblogs, and likes are appreciated! <3

[oidheadh-con-culainn]

let's be more positive about books for a while! here are some queer historical romance novels that i've been rereading recently that i think do something interesting with making characters feel historical in their mindset and worldview, but are also fairly progressive, diverse queer books that are, frankly, a delight to read

this is by no means exhaustive and to be honest i could put almost anything by cat sebastian or kj charles on a list like this so this is purely the highlights of what i've reread in the past week to take my mind off work, and why i think they're interesting from this specific angle

cat sebastian, the ruin of a rake (turners #3)

this is technically the third in a trilogy but they're only very loosely connected, so you don't need to have read the others if you don't care about knowing who all the background characters are. the others are also good though

why it's interesting: features a character who has had to painstakingly study and learn the rules of polite society in order to claw his way up to respectability, and is now deploying those skills to help another man repair his reputation. shows the complexity of those rules, the social purposes they serve, and the work that goes into living by them, as well as the consequences of breaking them. also explores some of the financial side of aristocracy, and features a character with chronic illness (recurring malaria following repeated infections as a child in india) whose feelings about his illness are very relatable without feeling overly modern.

kj charles, society of gentlemen series.

this trilogy is closely related plot-wise and best read in order. all three explore cross-class romances and characters struggling to reconcile their political views and personal ethics with their desires, in the aftermath of the peterloo massacre, with a strong focus on the political role of the written word. first book is long-lost gentleman raised by seditionists / fashion-minded dandy teaching him to behave in society; second book is tory nobleman submissive / seditious pamphleteer dominant who've been fucking for a year without knowing the other's identity; third book is lord / valet and all the complicated dynamics of consent there with a generous side-helping of crime.

why they're interesting: close attention to the history of political printing and the impact of government censorship and repressive taxes on the freedom of the press; complex ideological disagreements that aren't handwaved as unimportant; examination of trust, consent, and social responsibility across class differences and in situations with problematic power dynamics; most of the characters are progressive for their time without feeling like they have modern attitudes. the second book, a seditious affair, deals most strongly with the revolutionary politics side of things, but all tackle it to some extent.

kj charles, band sinister.

look i'm probably biased because this might be my favourite KJC. it's a standalone about a pair of siblings: the sister wrote a gothic novel heavily inspired by their mysterious and scandalous neighbour whose older brother had an affair with their mum (causing scandal); the brother is a classics nerd. the sister breaks her leg on a ride through their neighbour's estate and can't be moved until she heals so they both have to stay at the house and find out if the neighbour is really as scandalous as he seems.

why it's interesting: discussion of atheism and new ideas about science and creation (very shocking to the brother, who is the viewpoint character); details of agriculture and estate management via main LI's attempt to grow sugar beet, as well as the economics of sugar (including references to slavery); "unexpurgated" latin and greek classics as queer reference points for a character who nevertheless hasn't quite figured out he's queer; material consequences of society scandal

bonus: wonderful sibling dynamic and a diverse cast including a portugese jewish character, which i don't think i've seen in a book before

i will add to this list as i continue to reread both of their backlists! (bc i have read them all enough times and in close enough succession that they blur together in my head unless i've read them very recently)

[memesfortas]

"The Thief" Sentence Meme

All quotes are dialogue pulled from the book "The Thief" — Book 1 of the Queen's Thief series by Megan Whalen Turner Change pronouns, proper nouns, verb tense, etc as needed! Made by Joly (theshirallen)

"What, haven't you escaped yet?"

"We might someday attain a relationship of mutual respect."

"For now, I will have your obedience."

"Some things take time."

"I think it's going to take a lot of time. I think it could take the rest of your life."

"Idle boasts, I suppose."

"I can steal anything."

"Well, you've learned to keep your mouth shut, at least."

"I want you to steal something."

"Don't try to be smart. You don't pretend well."

"Do you announce that you're going off to steal something before you start?"

"None of your business. Just keep your mouth shut, do you understand?"

"He's exhausted, that's all."

"Not exactly stalwart, are you?"

"Look, I'm very clean. Why am I washing again?"

"Where did you get so dirty?"

"What a lie that was."

"You can keep your civility to yourself. You don't talk to anyone, do you understand?"

"That was absolutely the most awful thing that has happened to me in my entire life."

"You'll make yourself sick."

"I don't want to get up. I want you to go away."

"I didn't plan this trip with your comfort in mind."

"I'm a lot more important than anyone else here."

"Most people find it galling to lose their freedom."

"Do you mean that we are out here in the dark looking for something from a fairy tale?"

"No one would mistake you for anything but a tool."

"Everything about you reveals your low birth."

"This is boring. How come boring makes me so tired?"

"Everybody goes to the temple, and everybody likes to hear the old stories after dinner, but that doesn't mean they expect a god to show up at their door."

"Tell me what other mistakes I made."

"Uneducated people rarely know much about the things they talk about every day."

"You're the one who doesn't know anything."

"A successful thief doesn't depend on things being unlikely to happen."

"If he finds out I want to stay, he'll take me away."

"Don't match your weakness against your opponent's strength."

"Glad to see someone is alert, if a little bit late."

"What are you looking at, sewer filth?"

"A little circumspection might be wise for someone in your position."

"You learn something new every day."

"What are you learning?"

"How can he look down his aristocratic nose at the unwashed masses when he's as poor as everyone else?"

"I bet he wakes up every morning and can't stand it."

"No. You're not going to tie me up."

"They're dead, too, stupid."

"Be blessed in your endeavors."

"I have work to do, and I don't like to work with bruises."

"Gutter scum can't fight its own battles."

"Gutter scum gets drafted into the infantry and fights for a worthless king, and hangers-on like you watch."

"That's treasonous!"

"Do I care?"

"His kind only ever serve themselves."

"Oh? And who else are you serving?"

"No unpleasantness, I trust?"

"This is where you earn your reputation."

"Do you come to offer, or to take?"

"Don't get yourself drowned on the first try."

"I don't know how it might happen, but if you fail, we are all lost together."

"I couldn't find it. I couldn't find anything."

"When you have returned to the land of the living, I have some questions to ask."

"Damnit. What were you doing all night?"

"I was tripping over prybars."

"I hear and obey, which is more than you have ever done."

"I have the highest respect for a craftsman."

"I'm trying to rob a god's temple, and you think I should worry about the ghosts of a few dead men?"

"Do not offend the gods."

"It is a great relief to my conscience that you are not drowned."

"We are alive, and you are alive, so this expedition was at least not the disaster of earlier ones."

"Do you have any doubts?"

"I just don't understand why I am so sure."

"I see you found a safe place to wait while we were busy."

"A little danger adds spice to life."

"I can't pull food out of the sky for you."

"How do you propose to get food?"

"You are going to steal it."

"I'll make sure we all go to the block together."

"It's not your job to think."

"You'll do your best, and if you best isn't good enough, we'll all go to the block together."

"Do you have any idea how impossible this is?"

"I thought you could steal anything."

"Things don't make noise."

"I'm not going back to prison."

"You think I would take you back to the prison?"

"You think I would trust you?"

"You don't have time to waste forcing me."

"Fine! Go die on the swords of the [name]. Be drawn, be quartered, be hung. I don't care!"

"What possible difference would it make to me?"

"Leave me a sword, and I'll do my best to slow them down."

"Just leave me alone. I'm fine. Go away."

"We saw everything from the top of the cliff."

"The only thing he can do with a sword is steal it or sell it."

"I've never seen someone win against that many men."

"I don't want him to be dead."

"The bleeding stopped and you will probably be all right, as long as you don't get a fever."

"Yes, that was a silly question."

"I owe you many apologies."

"I'll always wonder what you saw."

"Won't tell me, or can't?"

"I don't believe he holds you in high regard."

"And you will not break your promise?"

"You are more beautiful, but she is more kind."

"All I'm wearing is bandages."

"I think that I am more of an asset than a liability."

"All she wants from you is a promise of your service."

"Can we stop discussing this just now?"

"The river is running the wrong way."

"She might let me go as well. But she'd probably like best to catch me, and let you slip away."

"If you could be anywhere you wanted right now, where would it be?"

"Don't faint."

"I can manage, I promise."

"All my beauty gone."

"It might heal clean."

"This is not for us to figure out."

"You viper."

"I'm glad to see you looking better."

"I've decided not to give you the satisfaction of gnashing my teeth."

"She'll be plotting an elaborate revenge."

"Am I plotting an elaborate revenge? No, I haven't been able to think of anything adequate."

"He was clever. It's too bad he was a fool, too."

"I think you need more rest."

"I'll get up, and find someone else to tell me."

"The court is greatly impressed."

"People were careful not to offend her."

"I couldn't stand it, I think."

"It doesn't belong in this world."

"Stop biting your lip and say it."

"Anyone lucky enough to be married to you would count his blessings."

[subpar-celestial]

My Thiam Playlist

I have more Theo songs on here than anything which is why I’m asking around cause i do want more Liam songs cause he’s my baby too

Valintine by Laufey

“I’ve rejected all affection for years and years. Now I have it, and damn it, It's kind of weird”

c’mon that’s Theo right there. This is the first (semi) normal relationship Theo’s ever had so of course it’s going to be confusing, and shocking, and weird. And this song encapsulates that beautifully.

God Must Hate Me by Catie Turner

“If Jesus died for all our sins. He left one behind, the body I'm in”

I don’t think Theo is so far gone that he thinks Liam is perfect, or he idolizes him. But I think he sees something in Liam that he doesn’t think he has. Something inherently wrong with him and so right with Liam, something he’s lacked since birth. It’s more to do with his self-loathing than his perception of Liam.

Love Like You from Steven Universe

“I could even learn how to love”

It’s more hopeful, he’s not where he wants to be but he could be. Liam inspires him to be.

I'm Your Man by Mitski

“I’ll destroy you like I am”

He doesn’t trust himself around Liam. He fears a backslide, that if Liam lets him get too close he’ll betray him, destroy him. If he’s not careful, if he doesn’t trust himself it’ll become a self-fulfilling prophecy.

Letter by Avery Pickup

“i've never once in my life been allowed to hold on to something that makes me feel good, so i don't know why, when i found you i thought that i could”

It’s like an au thiam where things turn sour. And I say au because in my heart it’s canon that they last and I won’t hear any different. Towards the end it strays from fitting but I think it works well for Theo thinking back on their relationship.

Seventeen from Heathers

“Can't we be seventeen? Is that so hard to do?”

Ok silly goofy, and mainly there because I do kinda wanna make an animatic where Liam is Veronica and Theo is JD. But also there is a nugget of truth. A big motif of the show is how they aren’t allowed to be children, to just be seventeen.

Problems by Mother Mother

“When we get to the pearly gates you'll get the green light, I'll get the old door in the face”

Again Theo isn’t deluded enough to think Liam a saint as it says in the song. But he think’s he’s a genuinely good person, unlike himself. He thinks if heaven were real Liam would be let in no question while he’d be kicked to the curb.

We'll Never Have Sex by Leith Ross

“Oh, you kissed me just to kiss me. Not to take me home”

It’s soft, it’s sweet, I made a fic about it already. I don’t think they don’t have a sex life I just think sometimes They just want to exist with each other. Theo deserves someone who just likes him to like him after a lifetime of using his body to his advantage.

Strawberry Blond by Mitski

"I don't need the city and I don't need proof. All I need, darling, is a life in your shape. I picture it soft and I ache"

Theo, to me, as scary as it is, Is willing to shed the sharper parts of himself in pursuit of Liam. He'll never be fully soft or smooth and he knows that. But for Liam he's willing to get as close as possible. He doesn't even need to know Liam likes him back, he just NEEDS to be near him, to take as much as Liam's willing to give without ever taking that final leap. Without ever fully admitting his feelings for fear of having less than he has now. He'd rather yearn than have nothing.

Lemon Eyes by Meg Myers

“Lemon eyes, you're mine. Yellow eyes all mine”

Need I say more? Both of them have yellow eyes when shifting?

Escapism from Steven Universe

“I guess I have to face that in this awful place I shouldn't show a trace of doubt”

It’s short, it’s simple, it’s Theo during his tenure with the dread doctors. Or even just having to live after it all, feeling isolated in Beacon Hills, alone in his truck.

What Makes You Beautiful by One Direction

This is here purely because I believe with my whole heart Liam would dub this their song and play it any time he could to annoy Theo.

The Deal by Mitski

"I want someone to take this soul. I can't bear to keep it. I'd give it just to give and all I will take are the consequences”

I imagine Theo has yearned to not feel. To lose his conscience, his soul so what he had to do to survive wouldn’t hurt so bad. So he wouldn’t be weighed down by what he’s done. To feel every beat of his sisters heart in his chest. He’d trade away his soul if he were given the chance, just because he doesn’t want it. 

Lemon Boy by Cavetown

“It's actually pretty easy being nice to a bitter boy like him, so, I got myself a citrus friend”

Theo is a lemon boy and Liam likes his shit sour. Also “I found out that my friends are more of the savoury type” no one really likes Theo other than Liam at first, so this rings very true to me.

Wrecking Ball by Mother Mother

“I made a wreck out of my hand, I put it through the wall. I made a fist and not a plan. Call me a reckless wrecking ball”

Liam my impulsive, reckless baby. Liam my darling sweet boy, who get’s so angry he can’t think. And all the people who’ve taken advantage of that.

“It takes a dedicated hand to put it through the wall. You gotta wanna break the heart of all those pretty porcelain dolls”

Theo who thinks he has to go against the grain for his own safety. Who at this point doesn’t know how to work with people. Who has to tear things apart because it’s something he has control over.

Abbey by Mitski

“I am something. I have been something. I was born something. What could I be?”

I don’t fully understand this song. It’s metaphor, it’s symbolism, it’s not clearly stated. And those are all things that don’t jive with my brain. But something about it rings so true for Theo it hurts. I can’t explain it.

That Distant Shore from Steven Universe

“Then I see the colors fading. Gentleness of light escaping. Shadows of my fear invading”

This whole song is Theo trying and struggling to integrate with the pack after the series end and you can't tell me anything different.

For brevity I kept it short but I really could go in depth about every lyric and what it means to me and about them.but anyway, point is, I WANT MORE!!! If you have any songs you feel represents them, let a girl know! And if you want to contest any of these songs or think they don't fit, let me know that too.

[ballerinaangel98765]

Epiphany chapter 2

thunderbolts X reader

Bob Reynolds x reader

okay buckle up this is a longgggg one but we'll deffo be seeing some familiar faces next chapter!

Gina found herself stood outside the avengers tower. The subway ride she just travelled had her questiong whether she should be doing this? At every stop her brain screamed at her to get off and go home. But her body persisted.

She took a big breath and looked up at the skyscraper above. Very shiny. Very new.

She remembered her first time seeing the tower, she had just turned 11 and was terrified of it. Benji used to tell her stories about what happened in 2012 when the chitari had invaded the city. He used to tease her, threatening that they were going to come back and get her if she didn't give him extra goes on their shared Wii. Obviously looking back on those memories, Gina found it hilarious that she believed his childish threats. 

She allowed those thoughts to appear in her brain and slowly fade as she glanced back at the doors to the tower. She looked at the time  "11:25". 

She had time.

Walking into the building she didn't know quite what to look at first.

There were workers everywhere running around keeping the busines going. Tour groups of school children being relayed from display to display. Employees talking into phones, trying to convince the person on the other side of the line whatever they were preaching was important. An automated announcement declaring tour times, opening hours and what was the latest deal in the merchandise were.

"Organised chaos" Gina reassured herself.

Or just plain chaos.

Approaching the reception desk she pulled the card out of her pocket, keeping it close to her side.

The receptionist was ferociously tapping at her keyboard. Gina cleared her throat "excuse me"

The receptionist didn't look up. She had her coily hair slicked back into a bun, her charcoal blue pansuit buttoned neatly to the top. She looked pristine and well ironed-putting the "organised" into the contrasting chaos.

Gina cleared her throat once more "excuse me?"

The receptionist glaced back up "Good morning, welcome to the avengers tower! How may I help you today?".

"I have an appointment with Director de Fontaine"

Gina The receptionist politely smiled back

"Okay could I take your name?"

Gina paused for a moment. She technically didn't have an appointment, but Valentina had told her to come back any time. She figured her name would come up in bright red flashing letter, signifying that she needed to be seen immediately.

"Gina Nicoletti"

The receptionist smiled, aggressively typing Gina's name into the system. She looked back up, "I'm sorry we have no appointment for a Gina Nicoletti"

Gina felt a relief wave over her. Maybe this was a bad idea, maybe she should just turn around and go.

"It could be under Gianna Nicoletti?" She blurted out against her brains wishes.

The receptionist went back to her computer.

"I'm afraid nothing is coming up. You are welcome to make an appointment with our help team, unfortunately director de Fontaine isn't taking appointments for the next 12 weeks"

Gina has come to learn she is easily convinced.' It is what it is" was her mantra, a way to take control of her unpredictable life. 

"Maybe this is a sign" Gina thought. She glanced behind her, a qué had now formed 

"I think it's time to go" her brain convinced her. 

"Okay thank you!" She interrupted as the receptionist was reciting people she could make a further appointment with.

Gina turnered at her heel and made her way to her exit. 

I shouldn't have come! What if someone saw me? I don't need help I can do this myself! 

'What ifs?' Raced around Gina's brain.

She was getting closer to the exit .

10 steps away and she would be free.

9 steps

8 steps 

7

6

5

"Gianna?" 

"Shit." Gina turned slowly to address the figure who has spoken her name. 

"It is so great to see you, I take it you've changed your mind!' 

Valentina Allegra de Fontaine stood tall and proud. She wore a tailored blazer and a government style pencil skirt. She looked powerful,and although slightly shorter than  herself, Gina found herself intimidated by the director. 

"I want to help." Gina admitted as she met Valentinas eyes.

"I need help" 

Valentina nodded as she looked at the young woman Infront of her. She examined her, specifically how much Gina's body had changed since they first met. She was taller, ever so slightly. Her face was contoured with fatigue, her frame still the same but folded in ever so slightly, as If the young woman's worries were all pilled on her back.

"Why don't you follow me." Valentina declared as she led the girl to the elevator. 

..................

"Again I'm so very sorry about your step brother" Valentina SAID

"A horrible accident, just horrible" she emoted placing down the tea pot.

Gina sat in the soft padded chair. As if she was a child being sent to the principals office.

"Thank you" was all Gina seemed to get out. "It's fine really" 

It wasn't fine Gina screamed in her head. It just wasn't particularly why she has found herself in Valentinas office.

Valentina took her place on the throne that was her office desk "so Gina. How are the suppressants working for you?"

"They're fine I guess" Gina stated as she picked up the tea Valentina had laid out.

"Any side affects? Nausea? Fatigue? Val integrated "Clearly not death as you're sat here! Looking as dandy as a daisy!" She laughed grasping her hands together.

Gina pursed her lips "I feel okay, they just keep me awake. Like I've drank a gallon of coffee at every meal" 

"And the issue Gina? No more-well - you know what I mean."

Gina paused. The concoction that Val's team had created for her was supposed to suppress something inside her. Something bad. Dangerous. Something that she couldn't control.

"That's actually why I wanted to see you" Gina looked up from her tea. 

"I dont want to hide it anymore-like you said."  Gina began.

"I want to be able to control it. Help find others like me, who have these... Mutations."

Val grinned, rising from her office throne.

"I am so happy you've come to your senses"

Val had taken her to the 10th floor, a floor not advertised on the neverending tour announcement.

As they stepped off the lift a pungent smell encased them. Sterile. Clean. It reminded Gina of the long, tiring hospital visit she endured as a child.

"So we can take two routes to harness your brilliance" Val stated as she lead Gina through her laboratory. 

Gina studied the vials and bottles all lined up of shelves. 

"We can admit you to an in-house stay or you can come it bi-weekly however.."she explained as they reached the last room of the floor.

"The latter is more lengthy than the former. Now it is up to you but I do think the quicker-"

"I can stay" Gina decided.

Val smiled "I'm so happy we've come to that agreement"

The room was spacious but small. A small bed facing the window, with a sink and toilet hidden by a door. The blinds, closed at this point, were painting the light a warm yellow hue. It reminded Gina of home.

Val turned back to the door,"Okay I'll let you make yourself comfortable. Well run a series of tests first thing this evening. I have some business things that I need to attend to, I'll have Mel send over some initial documents, you know standard medical things, nothing crazy"

Gina looked back from the window "Wait."

Val forcing a smile, reversed her moves. Opening the door. 

"I want to go home and let my dad know- I'll tell him something, something that won't make him worry too much?" 

Val paused, for a moment Gina thought she'd say no, and that shed lock the door and through away the key.

"Sure thing" Val said glancing at her watch "I'll get Mel to send a car. We'll let you know when it's ready."

And with that she closed the door. Leaving Gina alone, once more.

OKAYYY LET ME KNOW WHAT YOU GUY'S THINK

I'm so excited for chapter 3 we're finally gonna see some familiar faces x

[deafeninggalaxycandy]

✨️HEIDI TURNER HEADCANONS✨️

i know i said give me like a week to write this, but I got inspired as of lately, so I decided to just fast track and post it now. You guys really like Heidi, so let's go!! Also, pardon me if im a shitty writer. I'm projecting in these bc I've been through what Heidi went through, but I'm bad at explaining things.

• Heidi Ramona Turner

• She/Her

• Born on January 7th, 2004

• 4'11"

• Asexual

• After her breakup with Cartman, Heidi had a talk with her parents and they decided to send her to a therapist. She continued with these sessions until she turned 12 which happened to be about the same time Cartman got sent to a psych ward.

• During these sessions, she truly realized how mistreated she was. Not only with Cartman, but generally in her life. She's an only child with two working parents with full time jobs and never had a lot of genuine friends. She stayed out of the way mostly, was quiet, shy, unproblematic. This led to her being seen as a "houseplant" and ignored when she developed her own problems.

• Before Wendy decided to take on the role, Heidi was the mom of the group. She was the gentle sweetheart everyone dumped their issues on and she absolutely didn't care because she had so much empathy for everyone. She later realized it wasn't just empathy, but more so low-esteem and guilt which led to an obsessive feeling to fix everyone's problems compiled with insecure pride and a desperate need to make herself appear fine or "easy to deal with".

• With time however, Heidi learned to love herself. She took a break from school, social media, everything. She began to exercise again, go on nature walks. Just generally do things she wanted. She focused on her studies, her interests. She felt guilty at first for being "selfish" but her therapist made her see she needed a loooong break from carrying everyone.

• She's still kind-hearted, selfless, and charitable but much more of her authentic self, less quiet and complacent, and absolutely will not take any shit from anyone. She follows her feelings more than logic sometimes, so her reactions to other people messing with her are a lot more harsh. She'll warn you once. You fuck with her again, whatever happens next is your fault.

• She also managed to forgive Cartman even before he came back from the ward, she decided to forgive him so she can move on. Turns out, she still had some feelings for him and after he apologized, with time, decided to give the relationship another try.

• Heidi took up an interest in psychology and neurobiology. She'd always been fascinated with how the human mind works. She wants to be a psychiatrist. Specifically a child psychiatrist, she's great with kids.

• Her favorite movie is A Fault in Our Stars. It makes her cry every time.

• Listens to Pink Floyd, Babe Rainbow, Jimi Hendrix, and Ultimate Spinach.

• Has a dog, 2 cats, a rabbit, a parrot, a turtle and a lizard she adopted with Cartman.

• Volunteers at animal shelters, a food bank, hospitals, basically anywhere she can.

• Hard-core vegan.

• Has a green thumb. Her entire house is covered with plants. She also has a plant garden and she grows a lot of her food.

• Best friends with Wendy, Kyle and Kelly

• Hates violence but can fight. Wendy taught her mixed martial arts and Cartman taught her how to put someone in a headlock.

• Deleted social media entirely. She only uses her phone for texting.

• Makes her own jewelry and taught Karen how to make hers.

• Heidi is an omnist (someone who finds some form of truth in all religions). Her parents do not approve.

• Practices mediation and does yoga every day.

• Plays the violin and electric guitar. She can sing too but she's shy.

• Heidi gets a really pinkish red face when she's angry and everyone thinks its adorable.

• LOVES to sew and crotchet. She helps Bebe make clothes a lot and makes a majority of her own.

• Studies eastern philosophy and Greco-Roman myths.

• Likes snails for some odd reason. Nobody questions it but she just picks up and keeps random snails she sees.

• She moved out of her parents' house when they started calling her a witch for wearing an evil eye necklace.

I 1000% leaned into the idea of her going to therapy and turning into a hippie, honestly. It just feels right to me.

Also I just heard my first Babe Rainbow song and I'm hooked. Go listen to it, it's a rlly good band. :)