#Why don't you calm down and put on some stylish earrings.

[texasflowers]

I don't like Gotenks (he's ugly). So I made a Potara fusion for Goten and Trunks.

[pallas-perspective]

Well, at the time of writing this my posts STILL aren't back. If they really are gone forever I guess I'll have to give a full rundown of everything I do again. For now though, I'll just cover a few basics as I explain today's client, Primrose the Delcatty!

(I was gonna upload a video but those seem to be screwed rn too. UGH.)

Delcatty (for those who don't know) are feline pokemon known for their wonderfully stylish fur. They typically have positive temperaments and will avoid fighting if possible, unless otherwise trained (in which case, their ability to normalize can set up a good paralysis on ground types, which most don't see coming, but that's a tangent). They're crepuscular and normally very good at grooming themselves.

Many people believe that there's no reason for feline pokemon to be groomed at all. Those people are wrong. First of all, it can be a wonderful experience for the 'mon, a great way to relax and feel refreshed. Secondly, there are many occasions where it may become medically necessary for one to be groomed. In such cases, it helps to get them used to things like brushes and water when they are young, so that they aren't suddenly exposed to a bunch of new experiences when they're in a state of distress.

NOW. I've worked with Primrose before and she's very used to the grooming process, so I won't need to speak much on dealing with difficult felines. (Their temperament usually means you have to be much more careful then with most 'mons, especially with how much distress you could cause them.)

Primrose was in for a regular comfort grooming and also to deal with some matting in her bells. Trying to smooth out the fur there can often result in a lot of tugging... which results in most Delcatty wanting to leave. In those cases, shaving out the matts is often necessary. Here though, I was able to brush most of them out by switching between brushes and plying her with treats (yay food motivation!).

It's important to try and get as much of the tangles done in the initial brush as it makes washing and especially drying a whole lot easier. There's not much to say about the washing process here, except for the fact that Primrose loves laying down during it and it means I had to halfway lift her up to get at her stomach (Oscar if you're reading this I had to carry a whole wet pokemon because you weren't here. I'm suffering babe.)

Next up was a towel dry and then the drier. Primrose is used to myself and the whole process, but the noise still stresses her out. That's why I put a fabric band around her head that compresses and swaddles her, keeping her calm and her ears away from any high-pressure air.

Finally I shaved out the long fur around her her paw pads, that way she doesn't track dirt and it gives her better traction... and done!

Her owner does like to battle with her, so I won't be doing anything vis a vis her nails.

Primrose has sensitive skin and thus most poke-safe makeup isn't good for her, but over the last year we've tested out a few bottles of perfume to find one that she is comfortable with AND happy with.

After that, she's off prancing around the room like a Deerling!

If things clear up with this damn website I'll try and get a photo or two of her uploaded but for now...

Thanks for seeing through Pallas' perspective! I'll see you next time!

[juanarcthethird]

An Opportunity Has Arrive v8

Everyone: 3. 2. 1. Happy New Year!

Team RWBY and their friends are having a New Years party. They have food, drinks, and music. Everyone is having a good time and looking good in the stylish outfits. (Volume 2 outfits)

Ruby: I am so happy to welcome the new year with all of you! I can't wait for the new adventures we are going to have!

Yang: *Smiling* You really are excited.

Blake: I am also excited. I can't wait for all the "Action" I will get this year.

Weiss: You mean the fights we're going to have, right?

Blake: …yeah that's what I meant. By the way, where is Jaune?

Yang: *Teasing* Why? Do you miss your study partner?

Ruby: *Worry* Blake, I wanted to ask you for some time. Are you two ... dating?

Weiss: *Also worry* T-there's no way Blake is dating someone like Jaune!

Yang: Jeez, calm down Weiss. It was just a question, but I'm curious. Are you two dating?

Blake: What if I am?

R/W/Y: You are?!

Blake: *Giggles* I'm not dating him. We became very good friends and I just want to wish him a happy new year. I mean, he would be rude if I didn't do it after we've spent so much time together.

Weiss: *Calms down* That’s true, I would be impolite if you don’t.

Ruby: *Relieved* I’m glad

While they talk Pyrrha, Ren, and Nora appear and they look worry.

Pyrrha: Have you girls seen Jaune? He said he was going to have a drink but he never came back

Yang: Maybe he got lost?

Pyrrha: I don’t thinks so. This place is not that big. I don’t know hay to do.

Ruby: Maybe he went to the bathroom?

While team RW_Y and Pyrrha talk. Blake whisper in Ren’s ear.

Blake: Is Jaune with a client?

Ren: *Whispers back* He doesn't have one scheduled for today. I already checked with Nora. We don't know where he is.

Blake: I see, let's hope he's okay.

Ren: Let’s hope.

Meanwhile on an empty room away from the party.

Jaune: *Nervous* so Velvet, why did you bring me here? A place away from the party.

Velvet: *Also nervous* I-I know your secret Jaune.

Jaune: *Tries to play it cool* What do you mean?

Velvet: I-I know you have an intimate relationship with Weiss's mother and sister. I-I also suspect you have one with Blake. I can smell her on you.

Jaune: *Sweating* Yes, I know his mother and sister, but we don't have that kind of relationship, and about Blake, we study all the time. That's why I smell like her.

Velvet: *Still nervous* I-I have proof *Shows a picture of winter, willow, and him have some “fun” together*

Jaune: How did you… Please don’t tell anyone.

Velvet: Do not worry. I won't tell anyone about this. Also, this is the only copy. I promise.

Jaune: *Worry* What do you want?

Velvet: *Blushing but with confidence* I want you to breed me.

Jaune: I’m sorry?

Velvet: *Gets closer little by little* I saw what you did to Weiss's mom and sister. The way you took control over them. How your hips moved with such vigor. It's like you're trying to get them pregnant for real. But what triggered this feeling in me was your eyes. They look so dangerous, like a predator staring at its prey.*Put her hands on his chest* I want you to look at me like that. To fuck me until you're satisfied. So please take me. Make me yours and breed me

Jaune: * Shock* I-I don’t know.

Velvet: Forget about this. *Rips the photo in front of him* This new year I try to be more assertive. Sorry about the photo. I don't have enough confidence in myself to say what I want and I use it without thinking. I am trying to do better. So please, just this once, listen to my selfish request.

Jaune looks at her big sweet eyes, her red cheeks, and her trembling body. She looks very nervous and is a bit cute.

Velvet: Please Jaune. *She pleads as she presses her body against his* Please breed me.

Jaune just stares at her. He is conflicted.

Velvet: I promise this will stay between us. You know I never lied to you.

She is right, Jaune has known about velvet for some time and she has never lied to him and has not done anything to hurt him. She is one of the most loving and loyal people he has ever met. Maybe it's time to return the favor.

Jaune: Ok, just this once. And I am doing it, because I want to thank you for all the times you have helped me. This stays in this room, okay?

Velvet: *Excited* Yes! I promise! *She jumps, put her arms around his neck, and kiss him* Now breed me you big stud. *Then uses her body to pull Jaune to the bed*

Jaune: With pleasure~

Happy new year everyone~

——————

Velvet joins the group. I hope you all have a great time with your loved ones this last day of the year. Enjoy the food and music, but most importantly, be careful. Don’t party to hard. See you guys next year. Adios!

[is-the-primate-vid-cute]

would it be unethical to make clothes FOR primates to wear?like, the ones in zoos and stuff. and they can wear the clothes that were made for them. would that be unethical?

See the thing is that non-human primates don't really wear clothes of their own volition without being habituated to it. Many captive primates enjoy dress up, but accessorizing is more up their alley because items like hats, scarves, sunglasses and such are easy to put on and remove and do not impede their movement. Even then, this is typically only seen in former pets. Some primates do enjoy playing with other articles of clothes, but this is much more in line with the way they would play with nesting and play materials.

Clothes specifically made for primates is an interesting idea, and to tackle that specifically I would like to consider the reasons clothes exist:

1. Function. The biggest reason for any species to wear clothing is for protection. This is not only the origin of human clothing, but why many animals are given clothes to keep them from picking stitches, calm them down, or keep them warm. Sweaters for hairless cats, fabric collars, and harnesses for dogs all fit in this category.

2. Style. This is sort of a two pronged category, because humans wear clothes to be stylish ourselvea, and we dress animals up for the same reason. Obviously it isn't ok to dress a primate up for our own entertainment, but it has been theorized that other primates have the capacity to have some semblance of of what we might consider style. The main evidence for this speculation is the grass in ear trend among a group of chimpanzees.

The reason why clothing for primates is basically a red flag for bad ethics is that simple put, clothes don't have much of a function for primates other than us. Even sanctuary primates that live in climates colder than their natural habitats make do fine with indoor areas, and other accomodations. Simply put, they don't vibe with clothes and I think it's unlikely that bespoke garments would change this.

Like the old saying goes: you can lead a primate to a great outfit, but they'll probably just build a nest. 🦍🦧

- mod J

Sanctuaries and zoos often accept clothing donations for this very purpose!

making clothes for primates- not great, would mostly be suited for private owners

Donating clothes for enrichment- great! Would suggest! Especially any unique fabrics like fur or faux fur as this is often offered to animals who over-groom their peers.

[juanarc-thethird]

An Opportunity Has Arrive V8

Everyone: 3. 2. 1. Happy New Year!

Team RWBY and their friends are having a New Years party. They have food, drinks, and music. Everyone is having a good time and looking good in the stylish outfits. (Volume 2 party outfits)

Ruby: I am so happy to welcome the new year with all of you! I can't wait for the new adventures we are going to have!

Yang: *Smiling* You really are excited.

Blake: I am also excited. I can't wait for all the "Action" I will get this year.

Weiss: You mean the fights we're going to have, right?

Blake: …yeah, that's what I meant. By the way, where is Jaune?

Yang: *Teasing* Why? Do you miss your study partner?

Ruby: *Worry* Blake, I wanted to ask you for some time. Are you two ... dating?

Weiss: *Also worry* T-there's no way Blake is dating someone like Jaune!

Yang: Jeez, calm down Weiss. It was just a question, but I'm curious. Are you two dating?

Blake: What if I am?

R/W/Y: You are?!

Blake: *Giggles* I'm not dating him. We became very good friends and I just want to wish him a happy new year. I mean, he would be rude if I didn't do it after we've spent so much time together.

Weiss: *Calms down* That’s true, I would be impolite if you don’t.

Ruby: *Relieved* I’m glad

While they talk Pyrrha, Ren, and Nora appear and they look worry.

Pyrrha: Have you girls seen Jaune? He said he was going to have a drink but he never came back

Yang: Maybe he got lost?

Pyrrha: I don’t thinks so. This place is not that big. I don’t know what to do.

Ruby: Maybe he went to the bathroom?

While team RW_Y and Pyrrha talk. Blake whisper in Ren’s ear.

Blake: Is Jaune with a client?

Ren: *Whispers back* He doesn't have one scheduled for today. I already checked with Nora. We don't know where he is.

Blake: I see, let's hope he's okay.

Ren: Let’s hope.

Meanwhile on an empty room away from the party.

Jaune: *Nervous* so Velvet, why did you bring me here? A place away from the party.

Velvet: *Also nervous* I-I know your secret Jaune.

Jaune: *Tries to play it cool* What do you mean?

Velvet: I-I know you have an intimate relationship with Weiss's mother and sister. I-I also suspect you have one with Blake. I can smell her on you.

Jaune: *Sweating* Yes, I know his mother and sister, but we don't have that kind of relationship, and about Blake, we study all the time. That's why I smell like her.

Velvet: *Still nervous* I-I have proof *Shows a picture of winter, willow, and him have some “fun” together*

Jaune: How did you… Please don’t tell anyone.

Velvet: Do not worry. I won't tell anyone about this. Also, this is the only copy. I promise.

Jaune: *Worry* What do you want?

Velvet: *Blushing but with confidence* I want you to breed me.

Jaune: I’m sorry?

Velvet: *Gets closer little by little* I saw what you did to Weiss's mom and sister. The way you took control over them. How your hips moved with such vigor. It's like you're trying to get them pregnant for real. But what triggered this feeling in me was your eyes. They look so dangerous, like a predator staring at its prey.*Put her hands on his chest* I want you to look at me like that. To fuck me until you're satisfied. So please take me. Make me yours and breed me

Jaune: *Shock* I-I don’t know.

Velvet: Forget about this. *Rips the photo in front of him* This new year I try to be more assertive. Sorry about the photo. I don't have enough confidence in myself to say what I want and I use it without thinking. I am trying to do better. So please, just this once, listen to my selfish request.

Jaune looks at her big sweet eyes, her red cheeks, and her trembling body. She looks very nervous and is a bit cute.

Velvet: Please Jaune. *She pleads as she presses her body against his* Please breed me.

Jaune just stares at her. He is conflicted.

Velvet: I promise this will stay between us. You know I never lied to you.

She is right, Jaune has known about velvet for some time and she has never lied to him and has not done anything to hurt him. She is one of the most loving and loyal people he has ever met. Maybe it's time to return the favor.

Jaune: Ok, just this once. And I am doing it, because I want to thank you for all the times you have helped me. This stays in this room, okay?

Velvet: *Excited* Yes! I promise! *She jumps, put her arms around his neck, and kiss him* Now breed me you big stud. *Then uses her body to pull Jaune to the bed*

Jaune: With pleasure~

Happy new year everyone~

Part 2 @darkvaga ------------------------

At the party (2hrs since velvet's bredding)

Velvet stared dreamily at the current dancing jaune with his "nephew" in his arms

Velvet: hmmm~~

???: you seem happy

Velvet: *jumping, turns to see blake* BlAkE!....phew you scared me

Blake: *chuckling* suppose i did...*sitting beside her* so....i take it you have a thing for jaune?

Velvet: *blushing* wha......i.......dont....*sighing*....i guess I'm pretty easy to read huh

Blake:...mhmmm.......

Velvet:...haa...

Blake: you seem happy~

Velvet: I am. I just got the best new year's gift ever

Blake: oh?? Do tell~~

Velvet: *grinning* sorry but i lady doesn't kiss & tell

Blake: velvet please, i can smell the sex you two had

Velvet:..*blushing* .....guess I can hide it from you can I.......Blake.....is Jaune in a relationship?

Blake:.....what?

Velvet: is he.....*looks down*...i saw him with weiss's mother & sister.....i asked but he dodge the question.....if he's

Blake: he isn't....its more so a favor of a sort..since that cuck jacque schnee isnt paying her attention. he's still single and mingling, so you have a chance

Velvet:....i doubt it...

Blake: why

Velvet:...are you kidding.....Jaune's been chasing weiss for weeks and now he has the attention of her sister & mother......*looks down* there's now way he'd even look my direction after tonight

Blake: *shaking her head* velvet....who approached jaune tonight...

Velvet: me....but...

Blake: and who did jaune lay with?

Velvet:...me...

Blake: exactly. Jaune isn't some douche bag who plays with the hearts of anyone, velvet. See

Velvet looked towards jaune again. This time he blushed and waved back. Velvet returned the gesture timidly vefore turimg back to blake. This time she had more confidence

Blake: see

Velvet:...i....suppose you right.....

Blake: you're younger, you have more energy and flexibility than that old bag (no offense). No to mention you practically see him everyday. So if you want to make him your's, you have the edge

Velvet: *glowimg more* Right....i have the edge!

Blake: *nodding* plus you got the lead on pyrrha & ruby so you have a good start

Velvet: exactly! *stand with determination* i will make you mine jaune arc just you wait!

Blake: that's the spirit

Velvet: hey....blake.....

Blake: hmm?

Velvet: thank you

Blake: *smiles* it's fine. We faunus should look out for each other.

Velvet:....yeah...hey do you think jaune would like to have kids at this age?

Blake: *nonchalantly*....well he already has one so.....*she trails off realizing her mistake*

Velvet: .......WhAt......

Blake: *shrinking*......you see the kid he's holding........

Velvet:......*staring at adrian then jaune then back to adrian.....then back to jaune*.........bye blake

Blake: wait velvet...do you know jau...

Velvet: *more aggressively* Bye Blake....*she zipped to jaune to have a little "chat" with jaune leaving a stunned blake*

Blake:............holy.....

Ren: *Who happened to be next to them the whole time*.........she doesn't know he's a...

Blake:....i...dont...think so?

Ren:........huh.....

Blake:.......should we tell her....

Ren:......we have her aunt as one of our clientele so.....probably not...

Blake:....there goes ruby & Pyrrha joining the interrogation.....

Ren:..........

Blake:.......

Ren: We should leave before they come after us

Blake: way ahead of you

[hoe4hotchner]

After sending you so many angsty thoughts, this is some cute stuff:

It's winter in DC and the whole city is painted white by the most recent snow storm.

Luckily the weather has calmed down since, but the snow stayed. So Hotch decided to take his pets out for a longer walk.

While puppy is mentally preparing for the cold weather and the freezing she'll endure, Spencer plobs is butt down next to the wardrobe in the hallway, waiting more or less patiently for Hotch, who puts his winter gear on.

Puppy looks confused at first, because Spencer always waits right beside the door, but maybe he is in a silly mood. So she ignores him, getting in the right headspace for the outside weather.

Hotch finally emerges from his room, dressed in a thick coat and warm pants. He then gors to a drawer in the wardrobe and pulls something out. Quickly, Spencer is enveloped in a knitted sweater (we all know who made them), keeping him warm.

Puppy looks confused. Why is he suddenly dressed like a hooman? She goes over to Hotch and sniffs the other garment he holds, nudging it with her head then. "Oh Puppy, you also wanna looks as stylish as Spence?" She wags her tail, wanting to look as cozy as her "brother".

So Hotch puts also her sweater on. It also has a little hood with free space for the ears. And she has never felt this cozy and safe in her life. After having played in the snow for hours, the three return back home and when Hotch is about to change Puppy out of her hoodie, she is not having it. Hotch doesn't have any other options then leaving it one.

And even though she is slowly overheating, laying the the dog bed next to the fireplace with Spencer cuddling her. But it's just too cozy.

(Hotch ends up buying her a weighed blanket, helping her feel safe while not overheating)

-🐶

Puppy is super reluctant to jump into the snow at first, not even wanting to touch it with her hands. So Hotch ushers them inside again and digs out an old pair of gloves of Spencer's that had shrunk in the wash and puts them on you. After that you're jumping into the snow piles, snow sticking to your face making Hotch giggle as it melts off of you.

No one was out on the streets because of all the snow, which was nice, since he could let you roam around without your leashes attaching you to him. He only does this because he's able to recall you without a miss in his step. Or else it would've been too risky.

He takes you to the park a few blocks over and throws snowballs for you, some of them hitting your faces. While Spencer finds it absolutely hilarious, you end up pausing in your step whenever they hit you, you'd rather chase them.

Hotch ends up carrying you home, having tired yourself out to the point where you don't want to walk and Spencer still has as much energy as ever.

At home, Aaron tries to pull your sweater off, but every time his fingers trace over the hem, you turn your head around to snap at them, not wanting to take it off. You manage to get out of his grip and jump into your bed where Spencer is already sleeping, while Aaron fires up the fireplace.

He barely manages to get it off of you when it's time to go to bed for real.

[dutchforstrangers]

Digiweek day 3 - Music | Shades of red; a Taikoura fanfiction

Chapter 3/7. Candy cane red

Chapters [1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6] [7] 

AN!: Yes, I wrote a Christmas fic in the middle of summer. So get cozy, place yourself in front of a random pine tree, put on an ugly Christmas sweater and get yourself some ‘glühwein’ and ‘kerstkransjes’. Happy readings!

Characters: Taichi Yagami (Hikari Yagami, Koushiro Izumi & Sora Takenouchi and other Adventure and 02 DigiDestineds in background) Genre: Romance, songfic (Chirstmas!) Rating: K Wordcount: 1.568

Song used: Wrapped in red - Kelly Clarkson

Art by Sanni @seventeenlovesthree

“Do we have to go?” Taichi sighed, slouching further into the couch. From where he sat he could see his baby sister rolling her eyes, simultaneously packing up the pie she made earlier today to bring to the party.

“Don’t be such an indifferent baby,” Hikari said, her eyes now directed to him. “It’ll be fun! I know you’re dying to see everyone together. Daisuke made some special ramen for us, Mimi-san spends this Christmas in Japan for the first time since three years, even Jyou-senpai and Iori-kun could take off from their busy work schedules.”

Hikari was right, he wanted to see everyone, especially together which was something very rare. Taichi tried to think back to the last time all of them were together, but it was hard. Meanwhile Hikari continued her enumeration, saying they should be prepared for Miyako and Ken showing off Miyako’s little baby bump. They would be the first ones to have a baby and Taichi suddenly felt old.

“Of course Sora-san and Koushiro-san will be there too.”

Taichi felt his face heating up hearing those names, immediately sitting up straight, his throat dry. Hikari’s suspicious gaze made Taichi feel even more uncomfortable as he swallowed trying to get back his cool.

“You forgot the blondes,” he quickly covered up his nervosity to which Hikari responded with nervosity of her own. Now they were even. However unlike Taichi, Hikari managed to keep her cool.

“I don’t have to mention them, because they obviously will be there as the party is hosted by Takeru.” her calm voice replied to him. “And of course he will drag Yamato-san with him just like I have to drag you with me. Kami, why do you two always have to be so stubborn and indifferent while both of you love to have the group complete?”

“No I love to have the group complete while Yamato just pretends to love it, when in reality he just wants to be alone with his guitar.” Taichi countered.

“You sure about that?” Though the counter was short lived. “Because Takeru told me he is bringing a girl. And you know, it’s Christmas... we’re at Takeru’s place... meaning there will be one or two mistletoes...” Hikari shyly smiled, a pink blush on her cheeks. Taichi sighed, standing up from the couch now having two good reasons to go to the party. One to see Yamato trying to act all cool but miserably failing being all nervous around the girl he would bring. And two to keep an eye on his sister, Takeru and the mentioned mistletoes.

Or maybe he had three reasons. After all, Sora and Koushiro would be there too…

Takeru’s Christmas party was a blast and Taichi had to admit he had a good time eating with everyone, catching up and seeing everyone all happy together. Not to mention that the booze was lifting up his mood. Also, luckily for him Takeru hadn’t decorated the place with mistletoes but instead everywhere were candy canes. The ricocheting light shining on the candy canes turning the room slightly red.

Taichi looked over to Sora and Koushiro who were in deep conversation with Mimi and Jyou. Their red colored hair fading because of the red shade filling up the room. Nonetheless they looked stunning to him, Koushiro dressed in a simple black trousers topped of with a forest green blouse and Sora in a stylish indigo colored cocktail dress. He dreamily smiled to himself enjoying the sight in front of him, the confusing romantic feelings he experienced during the past months coming all back to him at once. His heart speeding up by the thought of a possible confession.

He had thought about it for a while now, feeling like he had to confess his feelings someday. But it was complicated, he had no idea how to do it and, most important, he didn’t want to ruin his friendship with the both them. Besides, how did one confess his feelings towards two people at the same time? He could feel his head spin as he gathered all the courage inside of him.

Yamato interrupted his plans, taking a seat next to him. Not wanting or able to ignore him, Taichi shifted his attention from Koushiro and Sora to the blonde, giving Yamato a questioning look. Their friendship was either a stormy one or a quiet one and right now it leaned more towards the quiet friendship, because the only thing Yamato did was nodding a single nod in the direction of the improvised stage where his date picked up the microphone of the karaoke set.

Everyone in the room immediately grew quiet, just like Taichi had done, shifting their attention to the girl with the microphone. She told everyone she had played in a band, which didn’t surprise Taichi knowing Yamato’s type, and that she wanted to kick off the karaoke part of the night. He glanced over to Yamato -who looked a tad embarrassed- to gave him an approving nod. Making himself comfortable he leaned back in his chair, music accompanying the red light painting the room.

Everybody's happy Snow is falling down Prayers are being nicer Miracles all around 

The girl’s voice sounded soft in comparison to Yamato’s more raw sound. It had something magical with the redness in the room. That thought made his gaze drift off to his two favorite redheads once more.

From afar I've loved you But never let it show And every year another December comes and goes

A warm smile escaped Taichi’s lips upon looking at them. Kami, they looked gorgeous and so incredibly happy. He had looked at them for quite some years, but recently those looks felt more like deep stares. Or maybe those stares had always been there and he wasn’t sure anymore. Thinking back to it, how long did he have these feelings now? It was hard to remember as those feelings felt both confusing and strangely familiar for so long all the same. Because, well, he had to admit to himself that over and over again he was mesmerized by their appearances. Even after all these years. The way they looked, the way they smiled, the way they talked…

Always watching Never reaching

He had always watched them. Always. He knew them from the inside out. Thing was that they didn’t know him, or at least not the way he felt now. And to be honest, he had no idea how to exactly reach them about this matter. He never had been able to. Never.

Blue is where I've been Green can't buy me you Silver bells remind me That mistletoe's for two

Taichi looked to his left where Yamato was. His mouth was curled into a proud smile while his eyes were closed, deeply listening to his date’s singing. Then Taichi looked over to Mimi who was supportively and excitingly clapping for Yamato’s date like a little kid. His eyes then shifted to Jyou who’s foot was attempting at tapping along the beat of the music, a serene smile on his face. Of course his eyes then fell onto Koushiro and Sora sitting side by side. He whispering something in her ear. She laughing to whatever he had said to her.

The realization hit him there that they were already with two. Sure, as far as Taichi knew they weren’t a couple or a thing or each other’s date. But he couldn’t just interfere telling he loved them both, right? Besides, a romantic relationship existed of a maximum of two people.

So I found a color That only tells the truth That paints a picture Of how I feel for you

They were messing with him. It was messing with his head. He was messing with himself. The confusion in his body and mind only grew bigger and Taichi could feel himself slip. He had to tell them. For all he knew he had to. But how? Or when? Where? Who? Who…

I'll never feel you If I don't tell you

All he knew was that he had to confess and that tonight could be his chance. Having no clue where it would lead him. Lead them.

But this Christmas I'm gonna risk it all

But Taichi had to risk it all.

This Christmas I'm not afraid to fall

He could fall deep. And if so, he could still count on them to catch him. Right…?

So I'm at your door with nothing more than words I've never said

What were words anyway? It was all it took, words. It would be best to just tell them the things he had been afraid to tell them. He had been afraid to confess.

In all this white, you'll see me like you've never seen me yet

It would definitely place him in a new light. Though suddenly he wasn’t sure if it was a good or bad light. A bright and shiny one or a cold and darker one. He didn’t want to seem desperate. It had to be sweet love, like the red of the candy canes all across the room.

Wrapped in red

But what if it turned out to be the bitter red of fury and he would destruct their bond like a raging fire… He could feel his courage fading, a dark shade of doubt replacing all the shades of red he cherished and loved so dearly.

[wildcatofgreen]

"Y'know how to get outta this place?"

The younger wildcat turned on her heel, from walking backwards to forwards, putting her hands in her pockets. "Of course! I am the Cattlesphere Champion, after all--"

Cory stifled a laugh, "Cattlesphere, sis?"

Oh. She didn't even notice. "I meant Battlesphere, obviously." She got in front of Cory, walking backwards again to face her, "I work here!" She said, triumphantly. "I could tell you where Kalaw kept his secret stash of cash if I wanted to."

"I thought you were a part-timer? And--wait, wait, secret stash of cash?"

"Well," she rolled her eyes, "It's all fake, of course. It's always named after the last Battlesphere Champ, as a potential uhhh, come back thing? Like wrestling," she points at her sister, "Y'know when someone's REAL BAD and they gotta play up their part and stuff? It's kinda like that."

"Sis I have never watched a minute of wrestling in my life."

"Awh man, you too? Lilac could never get into it."

The two of them kept up their idle chatter, until they met the end of the corridor. And immediately, Carol realized something.

Her voice dropped to a whisper, "Wait."

"What--"

"SHHHHHHH," she put a finger on her sister's mouth, peering around the corner afterwards. Now, where the hell was--there. She spotted the bat reporter, idly listening to some bystander--her name is Claire, right?--going on about their day or something. Stones know her and the cameraman must be bored to their skulls.

She started to gaze around further--oh stones why is she in front of the exit. Why do things just have to get harder and harder.

The younger groans, coming back inside the corridor and pinching the bridge of her nose.

"What, Carol?" Cory was whispering this time, at least. She can be thankful for that.

"Maria Notte."

"The reporter girl?" She saw the gears turn in her sister's brain, before she pinched the bridge of her nose much like her younger sister, acommpanied by a similar groan.

"Yup. How we doin' this?"

She didn't respond, not immediately. It looked like her senior was lost in thought, analyzing their situation. Then, she started taking off her coat, followed by her pa--

"HEY," she whispered, yelled, "WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING."

"Calm down, I'm wearing a jumpsuit." The brown bits of her pants were just a stylish addon, apparently. She had on a full black bodysuit, made out of... Carol could only guess, cotton? Who wears that? Cory took off her goggles, locket, and gun as well, handing it all to her little sister.

"Put all that shit in my jacket, tie it up like a bag, distract the reporter. I'll sneak out once you got them locked down," she walked to the end of the corridor herself, peeking out, "Where's the exit?"

"She's standing next to it."

"Of course." She came back around. "Try to lead them away from it, I guess? Make it snappy, we don't have time to be fucking around."

She held the items in her hands, looking down at how... intimidating they were. It's mostly the gun. Very much mostly the gun. She looked back at her sister, unsure, "You think that'll all work?"

"If it doesn't then we're fucked beyond belief. Unless you got any ideas, sis?"

Now it was her turn to think. Could there be a better option? She looked around, trying to find anything that could help them. Nothing but Zao, Zao merch, Zao music, and whatever else the Battlesphere sold--wait.

She put a hand to her ear, walking deeper into the corridor.

"Sis, what are you doing?"

Come on, pick up you bozo. Does Libbie help you take a nap, too--

"Whaaaaaat," there was a very annoyed, tiny man, on the other line, "I'm TRYING to have my ~beauty sleep~, wildcat!"

Well, there's that question answered. "Zao, can you do me a favor, real quick?"

"No."

"I DIDN'T EVEN SAY WHAT IT WAS!"

"SIS, QUIET DOWN!" Cory's panicked whisper-yell reminded her of the situation. Shiiiiiit.

She heard him say... something. But she couldn't hear it over Corazon. "Sorry, what was that?"

"I SAID, that you and your little BOYFRIEND have already asked TOO MUCH OF ME! My beautiful FINANCES are going down the DRAAAAAAIN."

"Fiance. And I'll take no pay for a month if you do this."

"Okay I'm listening." He didn't take a second more to turn around, "This call is being rec--" EW, EW, EW, OW, OW, OW.

She covered her ear, turning to look at her sister, who was currently flicking ear wax off of her finger. "You ain't doin' that."

"Did you have to do that????" So gross...

"Didn't wanna argue. You are not doing that."

"Cory--"

The mercenary furrowed her brows, stepping to her younger sister with her fists balled, "I don't care if we both get thrown in jail for a decade, I ain't having my baby sister desperately scrounge for cash for a fucking month, not when you've got so much shit to look forward to. I am not letting you throw all of that away just to get back to Shang Tu in ''one piece'', you fucking got that?"

"But Cor--"

"I wasn't asking."

She was dangerously livid. Stones know that if that fucking rat actually let her go through with that... She instinctively went for her gun, but then remembered Carol had it.

The younger wildcat just, blinked. She was shocked, to say the least. And right now, they were still bleeding time. They couldn't focus on this right now, not when getting to Shang Tu was still so important.

So, she shrugged.

"Guess that's my plan out," she bent down, neatly placing Cory's items on the inside of her coat. She'd zip it up and, using the pants as a kind of makeshift handle?, put it on her shoulder. She walked back to the corridor's end, "I'll make a really bad pun when we're ready, okay?"

Cory stayed silent. Guess that's good enough of a confirmation as any.

The younger wildcat cleared her throat, then walked into the open air of the Battlesphere. She deliberately walked past Maria, who immediately seemed interested in Carol way more than Claire.

"Carol Tea! Savior of Avalice--some say twice over--how are you doing today?"

She faked a smirk, "Oh, me? I'm doin' perfect, really. Just another day as the B.S. champ, no biggie." She'd walk over to a nearby table, sitting at a chair and putting her feet up at it. She put the ''bag'' on the table as well, it surprisingly still keep it's shape.

"Great to hear! If you have the time, we'd like to ask a couple questions," Maria motioned her cameraman to follow her, following Carol's tail.

Away from the exit. That was way easier than she thought it'd be. She couldn't help but show a grimace.

"Ms. Tea? Are you alright?"

"Huh? Yeah no, I'm fine!" Smirk came again, "Honestly, I'm catceptional, right now!" That one was garbage, by her standards. She kept her mouth shut, keeping herself from groaning.

And in an instant, her big sis lept across the Battlesphere floor, rolling out of the exit door.

Maria was saying something, but Carol interrupted, "I am on a time limit today, though. Gimmie two real good questions and that's it."

The reporter frowned, putting both her hands at her hips. "Alright then, Miss Tea. First question!

"Why does your bag look like clothes?" She held her microphone to Carol's face.

She tried really fucking hard not to groan. Stones damn it.