#a lot of these will be about SL because it just happened and I have many thoughts

[todayisafridaynight]

Especially because in the end... Arakawa loses his son in small ways that just Accumulate... but Jo's the one who even gets to outlive his son... AUGH. THROWING MYSELF INTO A WOODCHIPPER

Also while going through old messages, I saw I actually had a dream back in 2021 that Jo came back in LaD8. I mean sure he had "longer hair" and "a new outfit NOBODY liked except me" and was Unserious like RGGJo whereas in the actual teaser he sounds more depressed than ever but I'm still taking credit alright... the vision came to me...

And in a Hell Will Freeze Over Before This Happens I Just Like To Think About It way. I want him in my goddamn party and I have for all of Y7 so it's not related to the new game. I don't care. I want to find out what his favorite flowers are I want to take him to Every Movie and get his commentary on all of it I want to take him out to eat and watch his little itadakimasu animation play out I want to have the most light-hearted and inconsequential conversations and I want him to chime in I want to exhaust every option on his Drink Link I want to unlock his sickass tag-team moves I want to wear True Hero and fight by his side I want to shower him with so much love and affection he won't know what hit him (<- channeling Arakawa tbh)

its just insane because from a metaphorical sense arakawa 'outlives' masato in that he becomes aoki and like. That's One Thing, but then Of Course. There's Jo. //stuffing my mouth with wet cement// like OHHHH the pain never stops it never ends,,

mate i think your brain was just tryna manifest RGGJo to make a come back through y7 ☠️☠️ CREDIT WHERE CREDITS DUE THO BUT DAMN would have been. THE MOST interesting change to his character though.... on the real.... because yeah he just sounds so tired from the trailer so far （；´д｀）would be hilarious if instead of entering a Super Depression arc bro's just. Yeah Alright Fuck It. What Can We Do Now Amirite. walk right out the cell with the white suit and snake-patterned lapels and all ☠️☠️

OK BUT MOST VALID RANT EVER. MOST VALID WANT EVER. would really just have the vibe of dragging your jaded uncle around the city i would died to have that,,, 😭😭

[rafey-baby]

dealer!rafe knows just the right way to apologize after coming home late once again…

c/w: kinda free use, p-in-v, angsty undertones? 18+ mdni!

wc: 820

part two

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

It’s past midnight when she stirs awake in their unlit bedroom to Rafe’s calloused hands roaming along the skin of her waist as he slumps down on top of her, groaning when he can feel her delicate presence underneath him, at last.  

It’s unbearably thermal, which is why she’s merely wearing a flimsy top as she lays on her stomach under the covers; softened bones feeling mellow under the weight of his heavy limbs profoundly pressing her into the mattress.  

She tries to move around some, albeit unsuccessfully as his much bigger body cages her between the rumpled sheets and his strong abdomen and she lets out a displeased huff because he was supposed to be back hours ago. 

“Rafe? Where were you? Waited for you…” she sounds almost upset with her mind hazy; dreamy sleep still lingering. 

“Just had to take care of some shit, m’sorry,” he murmurs, guilt weighing him down at the prospect of making her sad. It’s something he seems to be doing a lot these days. 

“Missed my girl all day,” he burrows his face in her hair, inhaling the dulcet coconut scent of her favorite conditioner still present in the damp strands.  

She sighs.  

“Thought you said you’d come home early tonight and we’d watch a movie…” she complains, voice still coated in the glimmer of the dreamland she’s been forced to wake up from.  

“I know, baby. But listen, you’ll get me all to yourself tomorrow, yeah?” His honeyed words soothe her some but she’s still discontented. He always does this. Promises something and then gets her hopes up thinking he’s finally going to keep his word but every time some shit comes up.  

“Was worried something happened,” she persists, a frown obscuring her face as he presses a sugary kiss on her cheek in apology. That’s the other thing, it’s not exactly the fact that he works too much that concerns her, but the nature of his business. It’s dangerous.  

After all, he doesn’t keep a gun tucked in the waistband of his pants whenever he leaves the house for nothing. And even if she knows he can take care of himself, she can’t help but feel a sense of relief wash over her whenever he opens the front door unscathed. 

“Don’t have to worry about me, you know that,” he scolds, peeling the covers off her frame and tugging her closer by a grip on her hips.  

“But Rafe—” she whines. 

“But nothing," he interrupts her as he tugs down the zipper of his pants. "Look so sweet when you sleep, gets me so hard, you know?” He mumbles before she feels him poking at her entrance.  

“I’m still mad at you,” she complains with a pout. However, she doesn’t exactly do anything to stop him. Craves to feel close to him in any and every capacity he lets her, even if it can be exhausting to love him as much as she does. 

“Shh, let me say hi to my pussy, hm?” Love it when you’re not wearing any panties to bed, make it so easy for me to just…” he trails off, finishing the sentence with a nudge of his hips against her; tucking his cock into the warmth of her with his fingers sinking into the flesh of her ass.  

“Ray…” she whimpers; the odd intimacy they seem to share in the quietest hours of the day always comforting her in some peculiar way.

“Let me make it up to you, okay?” It’s more of a demand than a request and she has no choice but to let him do as he pleases when he pushes in deeper; prodding at the spongy spot inside her and making her cry out.  

“Yeah? That feel nice?” He pants in her ear; shoving her face more into the fluffy pillows with each thrust of his hips against her.  

“Promise, I’ll take the day off tomorrow and we can do whatever you want, can watch all the movies and make some food and could run you a bath, hm?” He rasps in her ear as her breathy moans get louder by every drag of his cock in and out of her gummy walls.  

His rough hands slide between the mattress and her body, groping at the flesh of her tits as he’s letting out guttural groans from the back of his throat; thrusts growing sloppy in their search for a release in the all too forgiving girl who wishes Rafe was always like this.  

The way he’s talking to her right now initiates false hope in her and she thinks that maybe one day she’ll be able to actually trust his empty promises.  

However, she knows that the minute he gets a call regarding a missing shipment or a late payment, he’s going to have to leave to make sure everything’s in order; returning after nightfall the following day because that’s what always happens. 

[thirteenheavens]

Heyy how are you?

I asked for wonwoo fic a few days before

It was my first request ever but :⁠-⁠(

Maybe I'll ask again

Wonwoo×pregnant needy reader

Where the reader is kinda horny and needy because of wonwoo bulk up but wonwoo refuse the reader gently because he didn't wanna hurt her or baby reader the explains it's not gonna hurt her or baby then he gives in to her passionately kinda;⁠)

Are you sure??|| Wonwoo x Preganant reader

Notes: guys this is a note for everyone no matter how long requested thing whether it’s been months it will eventually be answered so don’t fear this is why I recommend requesting a lot as yours is more likely to be answered and quicker :)

You had been feeling incredibly horny lately, thanks to Wonwoo's new physique. He had been bulking up and working out a lot, and you couldn't help but notice how hot he looked with his toned muscles and abs. One night, as you lay in bed, you couldn't resist reaching out to touch him. You ran your hands over his chest and abs, feeling the hardness of his body.

"You look so good," you said, your voice filled with desire. "I want you so badly." Wonwoo smiled at your words, but there was a hint of hesitation in his eyes. "Babe, I don't think it's a good idea," he said gently. "You're pregnant, and I don't want to hurt the baby."

You pouted, not wanting to hear his excuses. "Wonwoo, please," you whined. "I'm pregnant, not made of glass. Nothing is going to happen to the baby if we have sex." Wonwoo looked torn, torn between his desire for you and his concern for your safety. He knew that you were a grown woman and capable of making your own decisions, but he also wanted to be responsible and take care of you.

"Are you sure?" he asked, his voice laced with worry. "I don't want to take any chances." You nodded, your eyes pleading with him. "I'm sure," you said firmly. "I need you, Wonwoo. I need to feel you inside me." Wonwoo sighed, knowing that he couldn't deny you when you were like this. He pulled you close, his hands roaming over your body as he kissed you deeply.

"Okay," he whispered against your lips. "But we have to be careful." Wonwoo gently pushed you back onto the bed, his body hovering over yours. He looked down at you, his eyes filled with a mixture of love and desire.

"I'll take care of you," he promised, his hands moving to caress your stomach. "I'll be gentle." He leaned down to kiss your belly, before slowly trailing kisses up your body until he reached your lips again. He kissed you slowly and deeply, his tongue exploring your mouth as he began to undress you.

Wonwoo continued to undress you, his hands moving with a gentle yet urgent pace. He was careful not to jostle you too much, mindful of your pregnant belly. Once you were naked beneath him, he took a moment to just look at you. He admired your body, the way your curves had softened with pregnancy, and the glow that seemed to radiate from you.

"You're so beautiful," he murmured, his hands roaming over your skin. "I can't believe you're mine." Wonwoo pulled his pants down, revealing his hard and throbbing dick. He was nervous, still unsure about having sex with you while you were pregnant.

"Are you sure you're okay?" he asked again, his eyes scanning your face for any signs of discomfort. "I don't want to hurt you or the baby." You smiled reassuringly at him, reaching up to cup his face in your hands. "I'm fine, Wonwoo," you said, your voice firm but gentle. "I promise. I need you, and I know you'll take care of me."

You wrapped your legs around his waist, pulling him closer to you. "Now stop worrying and just love me." Wonwoo chuckled at your eagerness, his worries slowly fading away as he focused on making you feel good. He slowly thrust into you, being mindful of his strength and the extra weight of your pregnant belly.

"You're so demanding," he teased, his hands gripping your hips as he began to move faster. "But I love it." Wonwoo's movements were gentle and deliberate, his hips moving in a slow and steady rhythm. He was careful not to go too deep or move too quickly, wanting to ensure your comfort and safety above all else.

"Is this okay?" he asked, his voice strained with pleasure. "I don't want to hurt you." You moaned in response, arching your back as he picked up the pace. "Harder," you gasped, your fingers digging into his back. "I can take it." Wonwoo growled at your words, his control slipping as he began to thrust into you harder. He was still mindful of your belly, but he couldn't deny the primal need to claim you as his own.

Wonwoo smirked down at you, his eyes dark with desire. "You're insatiable," he teased, his thrusts becoming more forceful. "I already gave you a baby, and you still want more?" Wonwoo's smirk widened as he listened to your moans, loving the way you responded to him. He leaned down to capture your lips in a deep kiss, swallowing your moans as he continued to thrust into you.

"You're so greedy," he whispered against your lips. "But I love it. I love how much you want me." Wonwoo was getting closer and closer to his release, but he was still unsure about cumming inside you. He didn't want to risk anything happening to the baby, even though you had reassured him countless times that it was safe.

"Babe," he panted, his movements becoming more erratic. "I'm close. I don't know if I should... in you." You looked up at him, your eyes clouded with lust. "Please, Wonwoo," you begged. "I want to feel you cum inside me. I need it." Wonwoo groaned at your words, his resolve crumbling. He couldn't deny you when you were begging so sweetly, and the thought of filling you up with his cum was too tempting to resist.

"Fine," he growled, his thrusts becoming more urgent. "I'll give you what you want." Wonwoo buried his face in your neck as he chased his release, his body tensing as he got closer and closer to the edge. He gripped your hips tightly, holding you in place as he thrust into you with abandon.

"I'm gonna cum," he grunted, his breath hot against your skin. "I'm gonna fill you up so good." With one final thrust, Wonwoo let out a deep moan as he came inside you, his hot cum spilling into your womb. He held you tightly, his body shaking with the force of his orgasm. Wonwoo pulled out of you slowly, his chest heaving as he tried to catch his breath. He looked down at you with a mix of concern and satisfaction, his eyes scanning your face for any signs of discomfort.

"Are you okay?" he asked, his voice laced with worry. "And the baby? Did I hurt either of you?" You smiled up at him, your body feeling blissfully satisfied. "I'm more than okay," you reassured him. "And the baby is fine. You didn't hurt us at all."

Wonwoo let out a sigh of relief, his shoulders relaxing as he listened to your words. He gently placed a hand on your belly, rubbing it softly. Wonwoo leaned down and pressed a gentle kiss to your belly, his lips lingering on the skin. He spoke softly, his voice filled with love and adoration. This is when you realised you couldn’t be happier with the man you chose to have your children with.

[theallyandhisbeast]

About bucktommy and 911 in general

You know, in the end, this just feels extremely cheap and cruel.

Showing bucktommy be incandescently happy in all the episodes but 8.6? Even in this ep you can feel how much they care and genuinely love each other. Audience was largely optimistic and excited about them, in a way we have never seen for other buck's LI.

Only to what? Throw it all away because you can't be bothered to write a satisfactory arc for them? Because Buck is the epitome of the guy who dates a lot but always gets broken up with? That to be able to decide if you want to be in a committed relationship if you are bi you have to explore first or else your decision is null and void?

What a way to waste potential and your characters arc.

The special thing about Tommy was that he was beloved by not only bucktommy fans, but GA, and most importantly he was a sort of representation we don't see all that much in media. People loved him because they saw themselves in him, they could connect to his journey and they were genuinely rooting for him to find love and family with Buck. To waste it all away, and to do so by basically throw at us all that we loved about them is unnecessarily cruel.

What hurts the most is that even buck and tommy themselves didn't want to break up. but instead they "must" because bowing down to harmful stereotypes about bi people who are "confused and so they must experiment before settling" is more important than telling a compelling story.

Even without bt break up, I feel like this season took a sharp dive for the worst about well thought storylines in a way that baffles him. Gerrard was reduced to a joke, as was Ortiz, both pgs that could have been used to create compelling arcs that intertwined the 118 even more but instead we got this cheap throwaway joke of a Gerrard, Ortiz was basically throw out of office in a single ep. Hotshot sl could have been fun but instead it's just.... there. And coming back too just for funsies, cause apparently that sl was more important to develop instead of a interesting queer relationship.

Athena once again doing copaganda. Bobby coming back to the 118 without any particular struggle or even guilt about dropping the bag. Things said in interviews that we expect to happen and never even made it to the screen (Eddie's loneliness? Chim and Hen having conflict over Mara? Buck feeling guilty about injuring Gerrard?).

The way Maddie cannot have any sl that is not either tied to a man or about motherhood. Madney having another surprise baby instead of them choosing on purpose to expand their family. Hen & Karen gaining trauma after trauma about their children and not having any other sl that is not tied to that. Josh just existing in the periphery and only becoming important as the "insightful token gay" but not having any type of meaningful screen time since Carson.

The other side characters like Sue, Ravi, Linda, Carla completely disappearing without anyone mentioning them. Ravi has not been given any important sl ever since he talked about having cancer and ever since reduced as a comic relief without anything to add to his character but he's a "landlord".

Chris is out of the picture for who knows how long, and is basically kept around to be traumatized over and over again. Eddie hasn't gotten any character development until first s5 and seemingly now, but i'd argue that the whole thing just felt rushed because what do you mean it takes one chat with a priest for him to do a 180° while he still isn't talking to Chris? And Eddie was the one who got the best treatment of all of them this season.

It's the way this show is slowly chipping itself away. It's the way they start a queer story line promising it would be impactful and handled with care and then half-assing it a best. It's the way the other queer characters are never explored and able to breath and revel in their queerness in the first place. Because, really, when was the last time Hen and Karen kissed on screen? When was the last time they went on a date? When was the last time their arcs were not about children or getting hurt, but just about them as individuals? And on this thread what about Maddie? Or Josh? Or Chim? Or Eddie?

Everything feels reused again and again and again without no real development than then starting the circle all over in half a season.

What a waste.

[witchygagirlwrites]

Little bit Older

Jay Halstead x Reader

Miss @allisonargent144 asked for Jay with a reader 9 years younger than him and a baby on the way.

You originally met Jay through his older brother Will. When you started at Med you were new to Chicago, new to the job and trying to find your footing. Will was the first to welcome you, offer a kind word and a helping hand should you need it. After Will it seemed like you were almost immediately integrated into the little family that the staff of med formed. 

You were at the nurses station, finishing charting from your last patient when Will popped his head around the corner. You knew from the look on his face he was about to ask you for a favor. “Out with it Halstead” he grinned “My brother is in exam one. I stitched his arm up but I don’t have time to clean it because a trauma just came in, can you handle that for me?” you’d heard him mention Jay a time or two but had yet to meet him. You nodded “Yeah, go” he thanked you then headed towards trauma two. 

You knocked at the door and heard a smooth voice call out “Yeah, come in” you pushed the door open and nearly dropped the kit in your hand. Will was a good looking man but his brother? Jay was fucking gorgeous. “Detective Halstead?” you asked with a smile. When he looked up, a smile that made your heart threaten to jump out of your chest slipped onto his face “Jay, please”

You stepped into the room and held the kit up “Will asked me to clean your arm and bandage it because a trauma came in. Hope you don’t mind” he shook his head “You’re a lot prettier sight than my brother” you felt your face warm “You Halsteads are sweet talkers aren’t ya?” he raised an eyebrow “Why? My brother try to hit on you?” you shook your head “No, I think I’m a little too young for him” “How old are you?” he asked as you started to clean his arm. You told him and he whistled “Yeah, Will has eleven years on you”

You cut your eyes up at him and smiled “So that means you have what, nine on me?” he nodded “Not that bad of a gap” you laughed lightly “Why detective are you hitting on me” he grinned “Depends on if it’s working” you pulled your bottom lip between your teeth, thinking about it before shrugging one shoulder “I think it may be”

That was nearly a year ago. You and Jay had gone out the weekend after his visit to the emergency room and had been with each other since. He was an amazing man. He was sweet and caring, brave and protective. He wasn’t perfect by any means but was quick to admit his faults and want to talk out any problems between the two of you. You were head over heels in love with him, maybe that was why when you found out you were pregnant you didn’t panic. 

You sat on your bed, staring at the test and waiting for Jay to walk in the door. He’d called when he got off but you hadn’t told him you were taking a pregnancy test, even if you’d mentioned you were late. When you heard his key in the door you glanced up considering you’d left the bedroom door open to give you a direct line of sight to him. The moment he saw you sitting there he dropped his bag on the couch and headed your way “Baby, what’s wrong” 

You shook your head, suddenly being hit with emotions. You passed the test to him and he was quiet for a moment before pulling you into his arms “You’re pregnant?” you slowly looked up to meet his eyes “I’m sorry, I don’t know how it happened. I’ve never missed a pill. I haven’t been on antibiotics..I..” he cut you off by saying “Darlin, you weren’t alone in the act there! Don’t apologize baby…”

You blinked back tears, “Are you happy?” you asked and he gave you one of those smiles he had the day you met “The woman I love is carrying my child, why wouldn’t I be happy?” you practically dove into his arms at that.

“What if they don’t like me” you were nervous because you honestly hadn’t ever met any of Jay’s coworkers as his girlfriend, well fiance considering he’d proposed with a ring he’d brought a month before finding out you were pregnant. He slipped his hand into yours and gave it a light squeeze “They’ll love you. Voight is a bit of a hard ass but you’re pregnant and not one of his unit so he’ll go easy on you, Ruzek is just like that with everyone..no one else requires warning labels”

He held the door of the restaurant open for you then put his hand at your lower back to guide you to the corner table where everyone was sitting. When they spotted you all the men around the table stood up. The older man offered his hand “Hank Voight, we’ve met at Med but not officially” you smiled and shook his hand before introducing yourself.

Kevin Atwater you’d met numerous times. He always bought the nurses coffee when he had to hang around med for any reason, Adam Ruzek was as Jay warned a little weird but sweet. Kim Burgess and Hailey Upton both hugged you with a smile and Trudy Platt who was the house sergeant of the twenty first smiled “I knew it, from the way Jay was always so eager to go to Med”

You cut your eyes at the man in question and he shrugged “The option to see my girl and get paid to do it? Who wouldn’t” you shook your head with a laugh. Jay slipped his arm around you, his hand coming to rest on your stomach “We have two announcements to make” 

All eyes moved to the two of you “We’re expecting a baby and we’re engaged” Jay sounded so damn proud your heart flipped. Everyone around the table congratulated the two of you.  Voight nodded to Jay “Now take care of her Halstead. With this crew? It’s good to have a nurse in the bunch” you shook your head but couldn’t help letting a laugh escape. 

Trudy cupped her hands together “Well let's eat” 

___________

Everyone sat around the table, joking and laughing. You felt Jay’s arm around your shoulder, fingers lightly grazing your arm. He leaned closer and whispered in your ear “I love you” you smiled and whispered back “I love you too” why had you been nervous to meet them? You should’ve known Jay would always take care of you. One of your hands went to your stomach…well Jay would always take care of both of you.

[north-noire]

My Michael Afton throughout the years! ft. his own little doodles. I'll try to be brief about the timeline and how my Michael was without saying too much since it'll be explored in the Hidden Hands AU fic's chapters anyway so I won't say all the details. Feel free to read if you guys like! I have a lot to say about him.

1983 (FNAF 4) - Michael was 12 or 13-ish when the Bite happened. Very reckless yet adventurous kid. Didn't really hate Evan (William, as much as he had a soft spot for Evan, still loved Michael all the same), just had really bad friends and influence (his friends were mostly bullies) - and didn't really like that he's being told to parent a little brother he had no idea how to take care of. It didn't help that Evan tended to be a tattle-tail sometimes about the trouble he was getting into. Michael also, deep down, got scared of what the bullies would do to him if he dared stand up for his brother or spoke out against them, so he ends up going along with what they did for his own sake. After the Bite, Michael was still deeply guilty about what he did to Evan, and it haunts him every night, knowing he had no good excuse but irresponsibility for what he did to his brother, because after all, it wasn't like William wasn't giving him enough attention. Michael just knew that he deserved anything unfortunate coming to him, but is genuinely surprised that his father kept telling him he loved him all the same. From this point on, he becomes easily troubled, tends to stay close to his dad. Makes sure he follows the rules and doesn't do trouble. Just wants to do a complete personality shift, and is deeply ashamed of who he was before. 1985 (Charlie's death, Fredbear's Family Diner shuts down) - Michael was 15 here. Over the years, he slowly isolated himself from most of the people in his life since he gets worried about his past scars coming back to haunt him. Mostly a recluse and reserved. He's not handling things well after Charlie's death and a family divorce - not to mention the non-existent social life he had. Just prefers to be left alone, but he's nice if you get to know him. Doesn't really have a good relationship with Elizabeth, but is actually pretty close with William. Feels extremely guilty and hates himself/blames himself for Charlie's death. He gets paranoid easily, as he thinks whoever took Charlie is now after him, but his father tells him to not worry too much about it. 1987 (FNAF 2) - (17) Slowly having a good relationship with Elizabeth. Starts to get into stuff like the supernatural and becomes superstitious to a degree over the years. In public, he's mostly polite and nice, but his actual personality shows through whenever he's with his father or Elizabeth - he's sarcastic, and has quite a dark sense of humor, can be a bit of a rebel, he's just more subtle about it. A bit of an over-thinker - he gets lost in his imagination/head easily. Has a (surprisingly) good relationship with his dad, as he's not really afraid to be himself around him - sometimes gifts him funny things or something he knows his dad would love/would use (he gifts William a rabbit's foot - for good luck, he says). He also helped William build the Fun-Times with blueprints and other technicalities (He's not really aware of the questionable features they had, unfortunately). He couldn't really come with his father and Elizabeth on Circus Baby's Pizza World opening due to things he had to catch up with his home-schooling, he had been skipping classes to work on the Fun-Times, but he really wanted to graduate highschool with a bang, so he's giving everything his all, here. Then Elizabeth suddenly goes missing all of a sudden, and, well... I would say more, but my fic sort of takes a canon-divergence route around FNAF 2/SL-FNAF 1 so that would spoil half of the stuff I've been working/writing about! Reference-sheet wise, I just wanted to show how he progresses from a rebellious, happy and adventurous kid into a more reclused, anxious and soft-spoken adult. Sorry for the long post! I've just been wanting to talk about him for some time now. There's a looot more that I've left out but yeah that's because there will be more in the fic!

[immobulusmalfoy]

Good Enough // George Weasley x F!Reader

Summary: 4.6k. In which the reader is harassed by multiple family members in saying that they’ll never amount to anything and no one will love them and George fixes that. Warnings: Emotional abuse, depression, mentions of food, angst with a happy ending! A/N: This one hurts because it’s slightly personal. Still, this request is from ages ago and I’m glad it’s finally seeing the light!

------------------------------------------———————

You sighed as you looked at the letter your owl had just dropped onto your breakfast plate. The handwriting was recognizable as your brother’s, and you knew what it contained. You made to tuck the letter into your pocket to read later, but Fred snatched it from your fingers first.

“Oooooh, got a secret admirer, have we?” The redhead smirked, eyes glittering with mischief.

“I haven’t got one, you tosser. No self-respecting wizard would attach himself to me.” you frowned, and took the letter back from Fred’s surprised self. “It’s from my family.”

“You’re not going to read it here?” he asked, confused now. He always immediately ripped open every letter his mum sent, the scent of the paper dragging him home for just a moment once he’d unsealed it.

“I’d rather not have a cry in front of everyone today, thank you very much, Fred. I’ll read it later when I can do that alone. Now where’s George? We have potions together.” Your eyes searched the Great Hall, but Fred’s devious counterpart was nowhere to be found.

“Beat’s me. He and Lee were working on a quidditch thing with Katie and Angelina, so maybe the pitch? He told me he’d fill me in later.” Fred shrugged.

“Oh, okay.” You shouldered your bag as you stood up, grabbing a piece of toast to go. You weren’t thrilled he was spending extra time with the chaser girls, but he wasn’t your boyfriend and you had no claims to his time except as a friend. “Guess I’ll see him in class then. Will you two be in the common room later? You promised to show me some of your new products.”

“Yeah, yeah we’ll be there. Just don’t eat anything Georgie gives you.” Fred grinned.

“I’m not stupid, Freddie,” you laughed. “I ended up in the hospital wing last time from those pastilles in your box thing.”

“Yeah, sorry about that.” Fred swung his arm around your shoulders. “Walk you to class? I’ve got a free period.”

“Sure, why not.”

You and Fred were great friends, but definitely nothing more. You were the only one besides George who knew the boy harbored feelings for one Angelina Johnson, who just so happened to be the best chaser on the Gryffindor team.

You had met the twins your first year after all three of you were sorted into Gryffindor, but George had always stuck out to you. He was quieter, yes, but he was the powerhouse behind the Weasley twins. While Fred was the front man, George was the main ideas man. It was refreshing and you’d quickly fallen for him. Fred suspected, but he didn’t know for certain and teased you endlessly when George wasn’t there.

As you rounded the corner, there was George who was leaned up against the wall talking animatedly to Katie Bell, the bane of your existence. You liked her a lot, really. It was just that you were certain George had feelings for her—he’d even asked her to the Yule Ball last year, leaving you to go alone. Fred had already asked Angelina or he said he’d have taken you, but you didn’t want a pity date. Your roommates had been asked, all four of them, but not you. You had lasted all of ten minutes in the Great Hall before slipping away quietly.

That was the night before you got the first letter from your parents about your relationship status. You didn’t know who was informing them about your life at school, but it was hurtful to say the least. That was also the night you realized just how much you loved George and how much it hurt to see him with Katie whom you saw as much prettier and much more talented than you were. And she certainly looked it today.

Freddie murmured a goodbye before slipping away, leaving you to walk into class alone. As per usual. You took your seat and sighed, setting up your equipment. George wouldn’t step inside for a few minutes, per his routine, and you didn’t mind for once as you busied yourself in setting up both your cauldron and his since he’d already set it on your shared desk. Then the bell rang and George slid next to you on your desk bench, and you willed the day to go faster.

A few hours later, you’d reached the end of your classes. You trudged up the stairs to the common room and mumbled the password to the fat lady’s portrait before collapsing on the couches in front of the fireplace. For once, no one was in the common room so you took the time to open your brother’s letter.

Just as you expected, there was an entire page detailing his wedding plans and how wonderful his life was going as he juggled being an auror and his various other responsibilities with the Ministry of Magic’s defense team. But then came the other expected words.

Mum and Dad are wondering when you’re going to start dating. I’m starting to think you never will. We all know how unlovable, unworthy, and unwanted you are. I mean, you’ve completely gone off the deep end. Ever since you got sorted into that horrible house, you’ve been nothing but useless. I guess we shouldn’t wonder now why you’ve not dated anyone—no one would want to date someone like you and it’s not like we can arrange a marriage for you because no other pureblood families would want to sign the contract. Salazar, you’re so pathetic. Couldn’t even get a date to the Yule Ball, so I’ve heard. I suppose no self-respecting wizard would want to be caught dead being with a filthy blood traitor like you for even a few hours.

Then came the tears. Even though every letter he sent you was similar, he always found a way to twist the knife even further into your heart and make you feel worthless again. And that’s how George found you, letter pages crumpled on your lap and tears streaming down your cheeks.

You sobbed violently into your hands, and George was shocked. He’d never seen you cry like that.

He called your name softly as he approached the couch. “You alright, love?”

You froze as soon as you’d heard his voice and started wiping away the tears. Once you’d located your wand beside you just seconds later, you whispered a small spell and then there was no evidence of your tears at all. George was stunned.

“Hey Georgie,” you mumbled, “I’m fine. What are you doing here? Aren’t you supposed to be in Herbology?”

“I came to grab something for Fred, but clearly you’re not alright. Fred can wait. What’s up?” George sat down patiently beside you, waiting for an explanation he wouldn’t get. Not now, anyway.

“My dog died.” You fumbled for an excuse that he wouldn’t see through, but you were doing an awful job of it. George knew you better than you thought.

“That’s a lie. Your family doesn’t own a dog. What’s really going on? You never cry, so this had to have been big.” George replied as he wrapped his arms around you from the side. It felt nice, but you knew it wouldn’t last long.

“It was just a letter from my family, George. Nothing new,” you sniffled, hoping he would drop the subject. He knew your familial relationship was strained, but they rarely wrote you letters and you spent most holidays with him and Fred at the Burrow.

“They’re not disowning you for your house, are they?” George’s eyes darkened with anger at the thought of your mostly Slytherin, pureblood family treating you horribly.

“No,” you mumbled, “just telling me what I already know.”

“And what’s that?” George pressed. He needed to know what was so upsetting about the crumpled pages in your lap. You finally gave in.

“Here, you can read it. I don’t mind. Everyone already knows it.” You smoothed out a single page out of the three you’d gotten and handed it to him wordlessly, pointing to the section where he could start.

George’s eyes skimmed the page quickly, his anger mounting. He’d loved you for years, but never thought himself good enough for you. You had high standards, and he didn’t want to disappoint you, plus his family wasn’t well-received in most wizard places. Once George had gotten to the bottom of the section he figured had made you cry, his eyes met yours.

“This isn’t true.” he spluttered.

“Yes it is, George.” you replied calmly. “It’s all true. My brother isn’t wrong. Everyone else can see the same thing.”

“That’s not true. Loads of people love you and you went to the ball with that bloke from Durmstrang you were dancing with.” George tried to expel the supposed myths from the letter, which was very sweet of him to do, but unfortunately he was wrong.

“Georgie, you and Fred are my only friends. I’ve never had a boyfriend in the whole time I’ve been here, which I’m fine with but they’re not. Everyone in my family hates me because of my house and it wasn’t even really my choice; I just didn’t want to be like them. I didn’t have a date to the Yule Ball either. I was there for maybe ten minutes, and then I left, so you must have seen that girl from Ravenclaw who looks a lot like me from the back. No one asked me, and I didn’t want to keep being stag all night, so I left and came here and cried for hours while you and Fred spun your dates around. Georgie, no one wants me. That’s the truth.” you confessed your feelings.

George was shocked. He’d had no idea you felt that way.

“I—“ he started.

“Please don’t. I don’t want pity and you know that. I shouldn’t have even told you. It’s not like it really matters that much. I mean, will any of us really remember who our Yule Ball dates were or if we had significant others in school? Not really. I’ll be fine. I just need to go lay down for a bit.” You stood, and George rose with you.

“I’ll see you later?” he asked hopefully.

“Yeah, promised I’d come see your treats in the common room after dinner, remember?”

George nodded. “Yeah, see you then.”

By the time dinner rolled around, you’d stayed quiet but still showed up and spent time with the twins. You joined them in the common room and learned more about their new products, even laughed when a few first years turned into canaries right in front of you. You were able to put on a facade like nothing was wrong, and it scared George.

How many letters had you gotten? What was life like for you back home? Had he really not noticed the horrors you faced because of them all the time? He knew he had to do something. So he watched you.

He counted the letters you were receiving from various family members and watched your reaction to each one. All negative. Seven in a month. He wanted to know the contents of them, but didn’t want to have you let on that he was watching.

“Fred,” George finally confided in his twin, “our best friend hates herself.”

“What?” Fred asked, very confused. As far as he could tell, you were fine. But he knew George had a sixth sense about you, especially since his twin was in love with you. Hence why he was always trying to push you two together. It was exhausting.

“She does! Those letters she gets from her family,” he said as he flopped backwards on his bed, “they’re all about how she’s a terrible person, how she needs to find a boyfriend, that she’s a blood traitor, you name it. She’s heard and read it all.”

“Well, what else do you expect from a pureblood Slytherin family? Remember what mum said about the Blacks and what they did to old Sirius when he was at school? Her family is no different. I’m sure they’d have already tried to arrange a marriage for her if she hadn’t been sorted into Gryffindor.” Fred pointed out, and that idea made George see red.

“I’m going to do something about it.” George determined, sitting back up on his bed and twirling his wand between his fingers. Sparks flew from the tip, making Fred scoot back to avoid them landing on his clothes.

Fred raised his eyebrows, very surprised. “Finally gonna make a move, Georgie?”

“Absolutely,” George nodded determinedly.

George approached you two days later to enact the first part of his plan. He flopped beside you on the couch and sighed, prompting you to look at him, eyebrows raised. He grinned.

“Darling, if you were to go on a date with a bloke, where would you want him to take you? Hypothetically, of course.” he asked. You frowned.

“Me? Why are you asking me?”

“Humor me.”

You didn’t know what game George was playing at, but you answered him nonetheless with what you’d want to do on a date. If you ever went on one, that is. After you’d described a few things, George smiled that blindingly wonderful smile at you again, kissed you on the cheek, and left. You were more than confused, but gave yourself no time to really question it. He and Fred were always up to something and you just hoped it didn’t have to do with you.

Two days later, the incident nearly wiped from your mind, you and Fred were walking into Hogsmeade to meet George in the Three Broomsticks. You’d planned to meet at four, eat some pub food and grab a few butterbeers before heading back to the castle. But you hadn’t expected to find George already inside with a glass of something, cuddled up right next to Katie Bell.

You stopped in your tracks, letting the unsuspecting Fred get a look at what you were seeing. What you wished you weren’t seeing, really. Because there was George, the boy you were in love with, sitting right next to the one girl you were insecure about. They were laughing and joking, brushing arms and smiling, and looking so . . . happy. Your family was right. How could you compare to her or any other witch?

Fred still hadn’t seen them, but your appetite was gone. What if George had used your date ideas to get Katie to go out with him? Had they gone to the bookstore or one of the other shops you’d mentioned and then come here? Was he planning on using you to talk up Katie? Your thoughts spiraled and you knew you had to leave. So you did. You made your excuses to Fred, told him you weren’t feeling well all of a sudden, and immediately dashed back to the castle where you planned to curl up in a ball in your bed and wallow in your unrequited feelings.

Fred didn’t notice George and Katie until he’d nabbed a seat at the bar and done a sweep of the room, and that’s when he knew why you’d left so quickly. His brother was a right idiot, he snorted as he started sipping his first butterbeer.

George joined him at the bar a few minutes later, looking around for what Fred assumed had to be you.

“Where is she?” George asked, still looking around.

“Gone back to the castle.” Fred shrugged, continuing to drink.

“Why?”

“I’m not sure. Said she wasn’t feeling well, but I know she was fine all day when she was with me. Y’know, where you should’ve been? Maybe she saw you cuddled up back there with Katie and decided she didn’t want to deal with you. And that.”

George was taken aback.

“But we were just—”

“Listen,” Fred said with a glare, “I don’t really care what you were ‘just’ doing. You know your best friend likes you and you love her and now you’re seen with another girl. I mean, what would Angelina think if she saw me hanging around another girl? Aside from your girl, that is. Actually, I can’t call her that because she’s not.”

“I keep mucking this all up. Katie’s a good friend and I wanted her advice on how to ask someone out without sounding like a right tosser, and I’ve gone and done that anyway.” George sighed, ordering his own butterbeer. “I’m going to fix this, but it’s going to take some time.”

Fred scoffed, “yeah it will, you tosser.”

Back in the castle, you’d done exactly what you’d planned. You’d wiped off your makeup, gotten into your pajamas, closed your bed’s curtains, and sent a silencing charm to the curtains so you could cry in peace. And cry, you did. At first it was just a few sniffles here and there, but then the waterworks really started. So did the thoughts.

Your anxiety wracked your brain, sending you spiraling. Your family was right. Even George, your best friend, didn’t want you. You were in the middle of that spiral when your owl hopped up on the top of your curtains and dropped yet another letter onto your bed beside you. This time, one from your father. You were already crying, so you figured it couldn’t hurt to read another horrible letter from your family. It’s not like it could be any worse. But you really should’ve just burned it first.

It read, Daughter, I’ve just heard some horrible news from Lucius Malfoy. His son says you’ve not been doing well in Arithmancy and that you’re being beaten in nearly every class by Draco and some mudblood. Even if you are in that house of blood traitors, I expected better of you and for our family name. As you know, your brother will be getting married during summer break. Your mother and I have decided it best that you not attend. It’s very important to maintain our family’s strong pureblood image, and you no longer fit that mold as you well know. You may come home for break, but you will not be attending the wedding or any other social events we may be invited to. And so on.

The letter reiterated many of your faults (many of them based on your looks and behavior), spoke of how you were despised despite them, and how you really wouldn’t be welcome home even if you were “allowed” to be there. So the tears started anew and didn’t stop until you’d cried yourself to sleep.

The next morning, you didn’t bother changing your appearance or casting a glamor. It wouldn’t change reality. The reality that even your best friend didn’t think you were good enough to hang out with or date and would rather spend time with the girl you were constantly comparing yourself to. The reality that you couldn’t change your life no matter how much you wished you could.

You ate your breakfast silently. You attended classes silently. You watched the twins’ Quidditch practice silently. You were practically a ghost, and the twins noticed immediately.

“George, you better do something and do it quick. She’s breaking.” Fred snapped, punching his brother in the arm. George whined at the pain from the hit, but nodded. He already had a plan; he just needed to put it into action.

That evening, a new letter dropped on your plate. You didn’t even look up at the owl delivering it, but it didn’t matter. The letter wasn’t from your family, for once. In fact, it wasn’t signed at all.

Curiosity caused you to open it and the words surprised you.

My darling, you pierce my soul. I am half agony, half hope. I have loved none but you. The letter said, quoting Pride and Prejudice of all things, one of your favorite novels. But it wasn’t signed at all, except with a W.

“Did one of you tossers send this as a joke?” you asked the twins immediately, both of them sat across from you at the table. They both looked up from their own mail in surprise, peering over the table at the letter you now waved.

“Eh, what’s that then?” George asked, taking it from you. “A love letter? Blimey, sweetheart, looks like you’ve got an admirer. Want me to find out who it is?” He hid his smile behind the letter, gauging your reaction to it. You didn’t seem upset, just flustered, and he figured that was a good sign.

“No, don’t. I probably won’t get another one, anyway.” you sighed, taking it back and folding the parchment carefully. “It’s probably a joke, anyway.” If this was the only kind letter aside from Molly Weasley’s occasional note, then this was something you wanted to keep special.

But it wasn’t the only note you got with the same pen. One came for breakfast and dinner for two whole weeks, each quoting some famous love story, but tying it to you and this mystery person.

Until finally, one of the letters asked you to meet them in Hogsmeade on Saturday, just below the sign, at precisely two o'clock. Despite your nerves, you knew you wanted to find out who was sending you love letters. It had gotten to the point where you actually looked forward to getting mail, something that George had noticed and been immensely proud of. He only hoped he didn’t blow it when he met up with you in Hogsmeade.

Saturday came and you put a lot of care into your outfit. You didn’t want to ruin whatever this was by not dressing appropriately and scaring the poor sod off before you could even go out. You hadn’t even told the twins this was happening.

But then the time came and you showed up underneath the sign just a few minutes before. Witches and wizards passed you by and you sat there, leaning against the wall, wondering just who this mysterious W could be.

As you checked your wristwatch, you noticed that the time to meet this person had come and gone by five minutes and no one was standing under the sign like you expected them to be. Well, maybe you hadn’t actually expected the person to show up, but you’d hoped. You’d just decided to give up when someone cleared their throat behind you.

And standing there, nervous and twiddling his thumbs, stood George Weasley.

“Surprise, darling.” he whispered, stepping forward to stand right in front of you where your mouth was currently gaping like a fish in surprise.

“You?” you asked weakly, “was this some kind of joke? Are you having me on?”

“Never,” George said emphatically as he took your hands in his own clammy ones. “Darling, I have loved you for years and I’m finally doing something about it. You’re the one I want. Screw your family and their expectations and all the things they keep saying about you. None of it is true. You are kind and beautiful and funny and one of the smartest witches I know.”

“But what about Katie? I saw you—”

“I was getting some advice, but I didn’t need it and I see that now. I don’t like her. I like you. I love you, in fact.”

You gave him a watery smile, the tears coming down in earnest now. No one had ever said such kind things to you before.

“And those letters? Did you mean them?”

“Every word. I had a little help from Hermione and Harry, though. Hermione helped me with the book quotes—though I don’t know how you managed to get your hands on muggle books in your family’s household—and I had Harry write them and send them with a school owl to throw you off the scent. I wanted you to enjoy getting mail again.”

“George, I—”

“You don’t have to return the sentiments now,” he cut you off with a smile, “but I hope you’ll let me take you on a proper date just like I’d planned.”

“You’re taking me out?” you asked incredulously. Today was turning out to be quite something.

“Of course I am, darling. I promised you a date and I have it on good authority that this would be someone’s perfect date. Considering she told me so herself.” George winked, hooking his arm through yours to lead you to the one place you always hoped someone would take you, the bookstore.

Every moment of the date was better than you could have hoped for. He took you into the bookstore and bought you not one, but two, books then took you to the Three Broomsticks for butterbeer and dinner. He walked around with you in the time it took between both activities and talked to you about things you both hadn’t really discussed before like your dreams for the future. You both knew most of it, but it was nice to talk in a different way than just friends would. He even walked you back to the castle, but before you went inside he pulled you to an outdoor corridor.

“I had an amazing day with you.” George grinned easily, stroking the back of your hand with his thumb. He hadn’t let go of your hand the entire time you walked back, which made your cheeks heat the whole way. “But I have two more questions.”

“Fire away,” you smiled, happy for the first time in ages.

“One, can I take you out again on the next Hogsmeade trip?”

“Absolutely. And your second question?”

“Can I kiss you?” he asked nervously. You couldn’t remember the last time you’d seen George so nervous. It was endearing and you found yourself nodding.

That was all George needed. He stepped forward and reached his hand up to cradle your cheek, then he leaned forward and kissed you.

And oh, Godric, was it amazing. You’d never been kissed before, but if this is what it felt like then you knew heaven was real because you’d found it in his lips. It was in his kiss, the air you lost between you, and the feeling of his rough hands on your face. When he finally broke the kiss, you giggled happily. Had there ever been a better feeling?

“I love you, George.” you whispered between you two, eyes shining. You hadn’t had the courage to say it earlier, but you wanted to now because you knew how you felt. You loved him and had done so for so long. It was time to finally say something, just like he’d said earlier.

George answered your declaration with another kiss; this one shorter than the last. You were lost in it when someone broke your concentration.

“Blimey, it’s about fucking time, mate.” Lee snorted from down the hall where you saw him and Fred leaning against the wall, Fred suggestively wiggling his eyebrows at you both and Lee grinning like a fool.

“Oi, leave us alone, you losers.” George protested as he moved you more behind him, away from his brother and best mate’s prying eyes.

“Hey, all I’m saying is you could’ve been like this so much sooner if you’d have listened to me.” Lee continued before he dragged Fred away towards the common room.

“Hey, I’m just glad you did make a move.” you said quietly as you brushed a finger over George’s blushing face.

“So am I, sweetheart.” He smiled back, kissing you again. But this time, no one interrupted.

Two days later, another letter arrived, but you burned it in the fireplace before you could read it, knowing their words didn’t matter. And you never went back.

[chuusheartattck]

THAT’S THAT ME ESPRESSO (TTME)

Chapter 6- Apologies ☕️

You’ve woken up to the sounds of the birds chirping and the morning sun peaking in through the windows. You would’ve loved waking up in the giant room provided by Ayaka, if only you weren’t so violently hung over.

The feeling of being incredibly nauseous while remembering some of the memories from last night, started hitting you like a semi truck.

Why did you have to drink so much? You’re never drinking again.

You always say this but never actually stick through with your word.

You loved being drunk but hated the consequences that come the next morning. Your phone was buzzing with new messages. Have you always hated the sounds of notifications? Or was it the headache talking? Annoyed, you checked your phone.

Bergrudgingly, you got up. As soon as you stood up however, you felt like you needed to throw up.

Quickly, you rushed to the toilet. Expecting for something to come out. Nothing did.

“I hate being hungover.” You quickly muttered before making your way to the dining room.

You noticed everyone had arrived before you. They all looked like shit. Including you. Mona was in deep explanation of how she read Yae’s birthchart. Apparently the woman has a lot of baggage.

You sat down in between Hu Tao and Mona.

Ayaka handed you a bowl of miso soup, “It’s for your hangover. You look rough.” She smiles.

You quietly thank her. The miso soup looks good but were you able to eat this without throwing it back up? You took your chances and fed yourself.

Luckily you didn’t.

Before you could finish the soup, Hu Tao turned towards you.

“So are you going to explain what happened last night?” She questioned.

You cleared your throat and explained your experience at the party. From start to finish. Everyone had listened intently to your story. Someone would occasionally gasp.

.

.

.

“Well he sure does know how to act like he cares about someone.” Mona mentioned. Scaramouche is actually a good actor.

It seems like he practiced on you the most.

As you were showing the group the texts you sent to Scaramouche and Childe, your phone buzzed. It was a text from Childe. Everyone began freaking out.

“Shit what do I say??” You were panicking because you didn’t really expect him to answer.

“Maybe an apology?” Lynette suggested.

So fucking annoying.

He’s so fucking annoying.

How can he be like this? Why was he being like this? You heavily sighed. The audacity of this man.

Lynette looked up at you, “Is everything alright?”

You put your phone in the middle of the table and stood up.

“Yes. Everything is so perfect.” You replied sarcastically, “Ayaka thank you for the breakfast and sleepover. Have fun everyone reading those stupid ass texts. I’ll be getting ready to leave.”

When the words left your mouth, you walked away and towards the room you were sleeping in.

As you were packing up you heard a knock at the door.

It was Hu Tao. She was returning your phone.

“I’m so sorry Y/n. He’s such a big dick. You don’t deserve this. She pulled you into a hug.

“It’s ok, don’t worry about it. It’s how he is.” You reassured her.

She helped you pack the rest of your stuff.

You then said goodbye to everyone and got inside your car.

Masterlist II Previous II Next

A/N: Hi I’m back! Ik its been a few days but I haven’t been feeling the best so I took a while to update. I’m still sick but I feel better enough to update even if this chapter was a bit short. Another written chapter I hope you guys like it!! Also pls ignore the typo in furina’s text I meant to put ‘parties’ 😭

ALSOOO lmk if you guys want your users to be added to this au and i’ll make you a twitter user :)

Synopsis: You’re a new idol that just debuted under ‘Fontaine Entertainment’ with your new single ‘Espresso.’ You just graduated high school which means all your classmates are shocked to see you into stardom. Including your old situationship, who happens to be an actor.

Taglist: @skyoverkill1 @quacking-simp @lolmeowing @astro-stars @kaitfae @sl-vega @veekoko @scarawiki @yuminako @samyayaya @kur0kki @practicoi @kukikoooo @scaraenthusiast1 @shutingstar @lloovvv @moonjellyfishie @miy-svz @xionri @lalalaloveallmydays @hearts4lizzzz @kathiwis @state-of-grac3 @morgyyyyyyy

[huggywuggysuppy]

hi i just read your e!gem post (same anon) and yeah. e!gem is such a fantastic character 💜💚 i don't have much to say that you practically touched all the points as to why gem's pov and her character in empires felt so special to me 🏔

but now i'm interested in your traffic!gem thoughts, because she's also one of my favorite blorbos to think about; on one hand she's really difficult to crack because a lot of things don't really seem to face her (at least after secret life) and she like, barely creates attachment to material things. on the other hand, her relationship with pearl does help to know gem as a character better because of how uniquely they treat each other (both in sl and wl).

i definitely think she tries to put a facade of "i don't heavily care about death or anything because this is all a game" while also constantly bringing back secret life, almost like that season and what happened (end portal, eye taken 'against her will', a camel and the weight of leadership she never desired) haunts her to some degree that she won't ever admit outloud. some things she brings back are certainly remembered with fondness (her saving that camel during ep6 and then making sure it stayed safe in the barn... you could tell she missed pearl) and others are not (she does not like sacrifices after sl).

the idea that a celestial being, who had been boundless all her life and held control over every aspect of her existence, now keeps coming back to the games because she wants to recuperate what, for the first time in all her life, she lost during sl (her agency? control? freedom?) is an interpretation i'm a fan of rn, but ofc there's so many other things you can delve into (i could rant way more about how she actually is her own biggest enemy and that ties into her trying to not care too much about people and stuff after sl but it’s kinda late lol).

as for fic recs, i definitely recommend this series from dustaundonut (https://archiveofourown.org/series/2796937) basically a canon divergence that explores a reality where corrupted!gem isn't cured, roseblings are really nuanced and complex, shinyduo is shinyduo, and the world is still moving forward. updates for the main fic are slow, but it’s still soooo worth it for the great narrative. one of my faves ever

(also i do think someone should put all gem variants in one room and see which one comes out of the room as a better person and which leaves wanting to commit more crimes)

Hey !! Thank you for all of this !! I’m so proud of my Empires 1 Gem analysis, glad you enjoyed and extra happy you want to hear more :)

I'll do my best.

Traffic Gem’s theme is control. She is constantly fighting to maintain it, to get it back, to pretend she has it, while the whole world makes it their mission to take it from her. She’s a trophy, threat, leader, lover, and at the end of the day: she is and has lost. The tragedy of Gem is her inability to fulfill her full potential, how her situation leaves her no option but to resign, giving a glimpse into what could have been if she was allowed. And the triumph of Gem is when she rejects that, spins things around so her only option is committing, delighting not in the spoils but in the hunt.

Gem is wonderfully difficult to pick apart, with Traffic!Gem as the worst offender -- most of my #analysis were posted during WL trying to figure her out. But the fun is in discovering another aspect/layer that completely changes an interpretation. All to say: this isn't my first crack at Traffic Gem, and it certainly won't be the last. Written mostly in January, I was gonna wait till I had a companion fic to post with this (EDIT: now posted!) but Simple Life April Fools spelled soooo much out, I can't resist posting now. Enough disclaimers, let’s get into the great Gem analysis!

Traffic Gem, willingly or not, is the villain of everyone's story. Even her own.

Gem (and most other mcyts) are very utilitarian with adapting to what reputation is thrust on them: as it's the smartest decision if she wants efficient power/control over the situation. There's less legwork for her in establishing motive, skillset, tone, etc. and makes her very accessible to other players: they already know her story and can work around/within it. Her HC intro season having a cottagecore theme and really her cute girl aesthetic in general is fitting into a marketable stereotype that she can then go on to subvert. And this is the fun of CC's in general, especially for the audience! The difference comes in how freely they're able to act.

In every season Gem is sought after by others: defending them, being a target, challenging them to act. If she's standing near someone, she can't be ignored, and people are always seeking her out. Many other traffic villains (Scar, Martyn) don't try taking leader at the same time, and the few that have (Ren, Lizzie) dedicate their time entirely to managing it. Gem has the worst combination because she can't turn it off: she's too aware of playing the physical and social game (and playing it well) to not lead. Because of her skill she must be used and fought against. Funnily enough Scott has this same problem, which is why he usually attaches to someone with a similarly strong reputation (social and/or skill) to mask his movements. Grian also falls victim, but his position as gamemaster and first victor often takes the heat off: people trust him to prioritize lore and not overextend. Obviously Gem and Scott would also like to RP, have you seen them, but to individual players it's more tactical to be wary.

So Gem is caught in a terrible cycle. If she embraces her villain leadership status, she has power over the server, but will never catch a break or get to tell any other type of story. And if she tries to reject her reputation, an uphill battle on its own, she'll be targeted anyway for an entire season, without the allies to block the bullets. She still finds ways to thrive in subversion: Gem explicitly follows the rules of the Life Series to the letter: passive till it kills her, because everyone's expecting her to murder from the start. Gem loves playing the villain, her SL aesthetic lives rent free forever, but also longs for peaceful episode segments and initiating her own shenanigans -- which can only come when others are independent. Oddly, I think Real Life demonstrates her ideal vibe: everyone was a lot more laid back so while she was still feared and followed, it wasn't stopping her from having fun. Meanwhile, Simple Life is her nightmare. All this to say: Gem has a lot of complex emotions around embracing slash being forced into villainy and leadership.

Gem uses this reputation for her benefit. She doesn't have much choice.

Let's talk about how other players see her, and what she does about it. Gem was typecast as everyone’s antagonist before she even entered the games. Subbing in for Cleo with her only direction as “Kill Etho if you can” only cemented her reputation. In her actual seasons, she shows sportsmanship with her kills, but rarely seems (or really has reason to be) apologetic for them. Gem takes initiative to gear up and becomes a problem if left alone too long, all the while grinning behind honeyed words and pretty walls. And even regardless of any actions, she’s known for pvp and building prowess, cutting wit, and seemingly effortless control over most situations. If Gem's this deadly when she's forced to hold herself back, what is she like at full power? She can never be under the radar because Gem’s entire existence is a challenge.

The contrast between SL and WL is insane. SL feels like a joyride: she’s got her historically closest allies and they’re completely loyal, the server is entirely at her mercy either in competitions and dragon fights or actively hunted as prey, she even gets to rp toxic yuri with no consequences! And then in the final hour her hubris blinds her to both Scar and Pearl's feelings, and she dies in disgrace. WL Gem is significantly more skittish: narrowing her field of view to only a few goals and broadcasting how uncomfortable she is with everyone paying attention to her all the time. Making a point not to tryhard for kills, merely surviving out of obligation, Gem acts like she's given up everything. She's trapped by the narrative, so she stops fighting against the current. Obviously, at least.

And the other players are clearly off balance from this change. They're unsure whether to fear Gem's machinations as if she was at the height of her boogeyman army, or to hang out sympathetically at her base. Most opt to take the safe route and target her anyway: only to face tauntingly little resistance as she uses their attempts as evidence to her innocence. Is her head still a trophy if she stands still under your minecart? Why are you making her a more dangerous color? Gem admits she played "aggressively passive:" her offense was a manipulatively weak defense. It aims to disorient others and gain sympathy for herself. There's a clear rebranding effort at play, all to change popular opinion towards Gem into something favorable.

Lifelong Allies (by accepting they all want you dead.)

After SL, Gem changes targets from directly winning to interpersonal goals. She’s already demonstrated her strength, though learned the hard way that nobody will ever leave her alone long enough to safely take her win. And since she's joined late, there's no foundation of trust or love to fall back on -- if anything, she's almost ostracized -- so now she chooses to build one. Gem needs strong allies, but even stronger ties to her enemies. If Grian and/or Pearl hadn’t intervened, had they gone for the other enemy instead, she almost certainly would’ve been crowned. Don’t be fooled by her facade: Gem never gave up on winning. Everything she does in WL is setup for her next Red rampage.

If there’s anything she learned from Scott, it’s having relationships everywhere. She wants to have a stronger tie to them so that when it comes down to a 2v1, the worse side isn’t Gem. They don’t have to love her or even want her to win, they just have to want the other person to lose more. To do this, Gem butters up every player -- she only truly denounces the G's, everyone else receives kindness and civility. She also constantly calls out the enormous target on her back, both for sympathy, but also making every attempt on her life impersonal. If everyone’s targeting her, she has no reason to be enemies with you even if you do kill her. She's friendly, if blunt, and competent enough to deserve the win, if only everyone would leave her alone! Boldly, to an almost insane degree, Gem is trying to circumvent her reputation as "Biggest Threat" into "Enemy Of Your Enemy."

Why team with Joel? As she's building bridges with all players, she also covers her tracks with the other greatest threats. Among Grian, Scar, Martyn, and arguably Etho, (all of which she also dedicates extra time to befriending,) Joel is the best fit for her mission. Loyal to the grave, there's no risk of a surprise betrayal. He doesn’t put much effort into peace talks or reputation, so he’s a perfect contrast against the smiling, hands up, ‘peaceful’ Gem. Although aggressively lore-phobic: often off-setting the tone of her story moments (most glaringly trying to kill Pearl in the finale while they’re talking,) even that demonstrates her being a storyteller instead of a sweat. He’s also competent and the perfect Champion: their team does win as a group effort. She directs him towards targets, quietly takes heat off him, and they keep each other alive to the finale. Gem more or less succeeds with Joel, and establishes her position as unfairly targeted, mostly harmless, maybe there's someone better to go after...

But Gem can't befriend everyone. …Unless (and they never got off that camel.)

Singling out the G’s fits perfectly into her “enemy of your enemy” plan, since EVERYONE can get behind stopping GGG. The G’s are the only other team that faced constant sweat allegations, despite their clear intent to infight and do lore -- something Gem clocks as she's experiencing the same thing. Also, the G's have an arsenal of messy dynamics with everyone from past series and many would target them before Gem. Beyond that, it's implausible to befriend everyone, nevermind the stigma when you're called out on being a floater (BDubs, Impulse.) But more than any convenience or necessity: Gem loves a nemesis. To say nothing of entertaining content: if her attention seems focused on someone else, she's not aiming for you, and they're both getting weaker in the process. Though, that only actually hurts Gem if her and her enemy are properly fighting.

Pearl sees through exactly what Gem is doing. If anyone's an expert on being trapped by the popular narrative, it's Pearl. As such, Pearl doesn't want to win, and only really cares about uplifting her loved ones -- and having chaotic fun while she's at it. She's the only player (except maybe Grian) who doesn't want to kill Gem, for reputation or for a safe victory. Sure, she's pressured into it by Gem's promise of a 1v1 on red, but that’s all in service of murder camel reuniting. Her attempts are half-hearted, and Gem only fights back when a third party gets involved (poor Impulse), maintaining the enemies illusion while functionally just having fun/RP. (Not that I think Pearl ever wants to be bloodthirsty 5 AM again anyway, although Gem sure does.) Pearl also takes a “yes, and” attitude to everything Gem does ever, and willingly slides into the role she needs Pearl to be: pulling more attention than Gem, and (depending on what the players/you're looking for) villainous and/or heroic while she’s at it. As long as Impulse is off the radar (and he is compared to the dramatic GGG), Pearl is fine with whatever. And Gem serves her in return: an undeniable threat to target despite Pearl’s allies’ objections. There's enormous flexibility in the storyline too: since neither of them really care about the 2v1, or trying to win this time for that matter, they can spend as much time as they want taking it in any direction. In a quiet, twisted way, being Gem’s nemesis is the best way Pearl can help her.

(Eternal dynamic of Pearl, willing to jump headfirst into whatever Gem's up to, not caring about what'll happen to her own reputation, or even fate, so long as it helps Gem and makes her happy. That unconditional safety allowing Gem to reach higher, unleash her full potential, and having a safe place to land if she falls. And she uses that power to take care of Pearl in return ohghghhh. For the shippy interpretation, I direct you to my ao3 :)

Of course there are consequences to this playstyle. The G’s are very scary on their own to be enemies of, although Gem has unusually strong relationships with all four, so they probably won’t hold a long lasting grudge. Maybe. Moreover, Gem is publicly called out for her unreasonable beef with Pearl, the consequences of which may create an actual enemy in the future if Pearl ever lets herself properly hold her exes accountable. Most of all, it makes Gem look cruel or — worse — sloppy, both of which discourage others from working with her / being on her side. But even with all these downsides, Gem vs. the G’s succeeded in balancing her reputation. And it’s undeniably a highlight of WL.

Yet a villain needs her thematic demise :/ or “what is a victory but other people?”

The best Gem moments and stories are when she gets to have fun doing what she wants. The Boogey Army, lore with Pearl, even the moments of peace at her base where she talks to the camera about her process. But the most disappointing is when she’s forced physically and narratively into a box. Gem is constantly pushed into passivity because it’d be ‘unfair’ — also punished by the rules, unable to instigate until the gimmick (inconsistently) or other players send her to yellow/red. But in WL, Gem had organized things so that when she finally went Red, the most compelling and coherent option was murdering those who wronged her, finding long awaited closure with Pearl, and a satisfying final death that laid groundwork for next season. Unfortunately, by nature of the game/rules, they didn’t have the time or space to execute that throughout the season let alone the finale, resulting in her hard work falling flat.

And isn’t that frustrating? Her playstyle is dictated by the rules and, despite appearances, puts control of her actions/storyline in other players hands. SL worked because Gem could satisfyingly get herself on Yellow and interact with/terrorize other players within the rules. But WL left no time or room for either. She’s a villainous character — decided for her and embraced for maximum effect — and so it’s agonizing to take all the heat with none of the payoff. Gem always finds ways to work with it: building relationships, supporting Joel and Scar and others in getting kills, salvages a rushed makeup with Pearl, but it’s not her lore, her joy, her victory. It's dying to a mob, alone at her base, with only a sardonic outro as closure. And yet she keeps on trying anyway.

The stakes are too high for Gem. She wants to win so badly, in spite of the target on her back preventing her honest victory. So she weaves her own story into the villain narrative: an underdog, or at least a lesser enemy, that treats you kindly and deserves the win. Gem creates a rival in Pearl to showcase her innocence and a weakness so others let their guard down. All of this to promise that, when she goes Red, she can finally get some murder -- some control back. Yet Gem falls, unsatisfied and unfulfilled, before she can take her moment to have fun and thrive. Traffic Gem is constantly fighting for control, and we yearn and fear for when she finally realizes her hunt.

E1 Anon thank you for the ask !! I've been preparing a major Traffic Gem analysis for a while, and your prompt was the perfect jumping off point. There's still so much to talk about, but I think I've covered the major points here, at least until the next ask. So excited to see what develops next in Life Series that’ll add even more depth :) Thank you for reading!

Bonus Thoughts: Real Stakes cc!Gem, Meta Worldhopper Gem, and Taking Her At Face Value c!Gem

No Gem character is complete without intense interconnectivity between her worlds. Everything above is the Traffic Gem intent/action analysis, as seen and interpreted by other players. But here are some other more Gem centric ideas that I'd be remiss if I didn't discuss.

Traffic Gem is intense because the stakes are real.

Life Series is a microscope for mcyts. It's a Situation with just enough guidelines to build a cohesive story, a finite time limit incentivizing risks, a sandbox of character dynamics and with players they already have history with to utilize and alter. Part of the lightning-in-a-bottle value is seeing the mcyts at 100%: using their full arsenal of improv, relationships, production, and lore, on the most elite stage they have right now. One's content, brand, fandom, their very legacy, is indisputably shaped by Life Series. It’s an insane level of pressure even by mcyt standards. And Gem enters that as a newbie four seasons in, with all eyes on her.

If Wizard Gem is a collection of her themes into one masterpiece, Traffic Gem is the refined core of GeminiTay: who she is without any structure to fall back on, how she operates in the middle of chaos, and what she fights for when she can't have everything. It’s an ornate quilt versus a knight’s sword: you admire the comfort and handicraft of the quilt, but the sword challenges anyone to wield it — with varying levels of mastery. That's why Traffic!Gem is such a beautiful challenge compared to all her other characters: she is overpowering and raw, and her very presence challenges you to investigate deeper.

CC's often say their characters are exaggerations of themselves, but Gem's Traffic character is directly interwoven with her general CC struggle. Sorted into a box of "scary, competent, cottagecore," it's interesting that much of her battle is breaking out of her reputation. Gem loves playing around with perception, it's "how she gets away with things," and Life Series demonstrates both the strengths and weaknesses of her openly deceptive brand/playstyle. (I also consider False and Keralis this subtype, and can rant about this endlessly.) While she's soooo careful to not overextend, Gem is constantly beating back the "too good at PVP/minigames/etc." accusations, often to the point of handicapping herself. The more actions she takes, the closer she gets to winning, the louder the outcry to stop her -- even in the name of "fairness." And she subverts expectations by embracing that role for her own ends. I think that's beautiful.

Worldhopping! Yippie!

I could go on about the delicious c!Gem lore around an eldritch creature originally delighting in the death game, until struck with the horribly real betrayal woven into every single player, having a nihilistic and desperate attitude in every game afterwards. But this post by rainecreatesstuff already covered that beautifully. I think this is 100% intentional on Gem’s part: she keeps a lot of her machinations behind the curtain but loooves character building and consistency. Her "its fine" mantra fits perfectly in anyway. Similarly, much to appreciate from the Watchers specifically choosing her to join the games and cull the herd. Gem carrying on the eye-lost-to-portal plot is a fun nod to that interpretation. Imagine if she gets to boogeyman again in the future. Personally, I love a Worldhopper Gem who actively seeks to change events -- as opposed to simply enjoying the chaos and/or getting her feelings sent through a woodchipper by the Watchers -- but both interpretations are great.

An important aspect of Worldhopper Gem for me is how she actually cares way too much about every world. You’d think remembering tons of them and knowing it’s all roleplay would make her detached and here to have fun, and oh how she tries, but she can’t stop loving everyone too much and is always punished for it. Her fondness for Impulse, Scott, and Pearl, is thrown in her face in SL. Despite calling in dragons and fighting tooth and nail, Empires 1 gets raptured. Everything always ends. and Gem knows it from the start, and still she cries for every fallen world. Something to be said for loving her friends in every universe too!

Grumpy, impatient, and hurt Gem - what does she actually want to happen?

While I subscribe to a very tactical and intentional Gem — targeted actions influenced by her emotional priorities — the spiteful pure emotions Gem is worth discussing, especially regarding Pearl. Things like laughing as the barn burns, SACRIFICES, "did you even look me in the eye during our murder camel... happenings?" Gem is CONSTANTLY using whatever's being done to her and trying to manipulate it into something she can accept. She desperately wants to go on a murder spree with Pearl again, camel included, but doubled down on playing hard to get so now they're circling each other like (pathetic, wet) cats. It annoys her to no end that she keeps getting interrupted by murder attempts and base visitors, so she hides her irritation and pretends she's already given up on a safe, intact, quiet base, all the while grumpily snarking and retreating to the woods. Part of the fun on SL was being a yellow name and too scary to approach, getting to menace others just by standing next to them, so why is it taking so long to get there this time? Surely somebody should be able to kill her on their own. Gem is perpetually unsatisfied, and not even hiding it all that well, yet players seemingly refuse to see past her evil cottagecore facade. Much to be gained and appreciated in a grumpy, pretending to be detached Gem, who cares a lot, actually, and would appreciate if somebody would take the hint and let her murder already!

Thank you again for reading!! Stay tuned for the companion fic going up on my ao3 sooner or later :)

EDIT: now posted!! take a look!!

[sturniololoco]

hi i know you just did a sturniolo little sister fic but could you do one where she gets into a fight at school because someone was talking shit to her about her looks or something and she won the fight or whatever but she was in a lot of trouble and matt picked her up from school then like something sweet with everybody and maybe a little bit more with matt cause matt is like my comfort person ?

Fight

Sturniolo Little sister (SLS) x The Sturniolo Triplets

Warnings: blood, fighting, etc.

SLS’s POV

All I remember thinking was I’m about to beat this bitch up.

So that’s what I did.

Usually a wouldn’t let a dumb bitch calling me names bother me. But when she compared me to my famous triplet brothers, then called me names right after?

That set me off.

“I can tell the rest of the family got the good looking genes. Look at her then look at her brothers! No wonder she’s only in three of their YouTube videos!” A girl in the hallway said to a bunch of giggling girls.

I throw my books to the floor and walk over to her, breathing heavy. Most of her friends scurry away, shrieking dramatically, but two stay.

I get right up close to her face, pushing her into the lockers. At this point we had an audience.

“What the fuck is wrong you? You-“ I start to say, but then I’m being smacked with a 610 page biology text book, the corner hitting my eye, while the rest practically breaks my nose.

One of the girls stupid friends tried to help her. I stumbled back, turning away from the girl against the locker to see you hit me. The girl, who was now behind me, frantically ran into a nearby classroom.

“Oh you really shouldn’t have fucking done that.” I say, immediately pouncing on her and taking her to the floor.

She was helpless, trying to slap at my bloody and bruised face. I grabbed her hand and put them behind her back, pushing her head into the floor.

I was about to tell her who the fuck she was messing with, when all of the sudden, arms were around my waist pulling me of the girl.

I look up to see Mr. Howard, my Chemistry teacher, who also happens to be the varsity football coach.

“Get to the office Sturniolo! No detors!” He barked at me, letting me go. I kicked my books while walking down the hallway to the office, yelling,

“She’s the one who fucking started it!” And I stick my middle finger up, not even bothering to look back at the girl, crying on the floor, worried about her skirt that I got my blood on.

-

“SLS/N, I know you’re a good kid. You’re on the all A’s honor roll, you’ve never gotten detention, and you’ve never been sent here before this. What happened that got you so upset?” My principal asked me as I sat across from him.

“Don’t wanna talk about it.” I mumbled, chewing my nails because I knew how much trouble I was in.

“Then I’m afraid I’m going to have to suspend you for three days and call your brother to come pick you up.” He said, giving me a sad but knowing look.

“Fine, but I’d call mat if I was you. He’s the only one who can drive.” I say, picking up my stuff and walking straight out of his office to wait for my brother.

-

Matt walked in, looking upset and down cast, but when he saw my bloody nose and black eye, his face contorted into a look of complete shock. I didn’t stand up.

He signed me out and quietly thanked the lady at the front desk. He then walked over and needed in front of me. I averted his eyes as I felt the tears stabbing at my own. He must have noticed because he said,

“Hey it’s okay kiddo, we’ll talk later.” He the stood, slung my back pack over his shoulder and grabbed my hand as we made our way to the car.

-

The car ride was pretty quiet, except for my occasional sniffles as the pain from my nose and eye began to set in. I didn’t realize where we were until Matt pulled into the Mcdonalds parking lot and put the car in park.

He got out of the car and rationed me to follow him, as he walked towards the front door. As he held the door open for me, I pulled my hood up, to cover my bloody face.

Matt went up and ordered while I got us a booth all the way in the back, and pulled out my phone.

12 Snapchat notifications and 16 text. All about the fight. I put my phone down and tried to stop the tears threatening to spill, when Matt came back with two chocolate milkshakes and two large fries.

He sat across from me and we began eating, but I still averted eye contact.

“Look at me SLS/N.”

I looked up and he gave me a sad smile.

“you know we have to talk about it, so we might as well get it over with.”

I sighed and began telling him the story. About how the girls at school would always compare me to my brothers and call me ugly names.

“It just gets really hard sometimes when you feel like you have strict expectations to live up to, ya know?” I say, some of my tear slipping to make streaks of blood down my face.

“hey I completely understand. I know what it’s like to be compared to Nick and Chris. It’s the only way people could ever tell us apart!” He says earning a small chuckle from me.

“you just need to learn not to get to fired up about it, and just know that people will be mean, but they don’t know the real you, and how perfect you are. No one compares to you because everyone’s unique. And I am so proud to have you as a sister, and so are Nick and Chris.”

I nod, knowing I wouldn’t be able to talk without sobbing.

“And speaking of Nick and Chris, I haven’t told them yet. But If you want, I can talk to them instead of you having to explain everything again. Sound like a plan?” He says.

I nod again, thankful that I wouldn’t have to go through this again.

-

We pulled into the drive way, and before I opened the car door to go inside, I had to take a deep calming breath, knowing I’ll be walking into a dozen questions.

“Hey, you got this kiddo!” Matt says grabbing and squeezing my hand lightly, before walking up and opening the front door.

-

As soon as I step foot into the kitchen, Nick is all over me.

“Oh my fuck, SLS/N! What the fuck happened?” He yelled, picking me up and sitting me in the island, then sprinting to the bathroom for a wash cloth.

“I beat a bitch up.” I say plainly, earning a laugh from Matt. Chris comes up to me and gives me a fist bump.

“Damn sis, you look tough!” He says ruffling my hair. I giggle.

“Christopher!” I hear Nick scold as he walks back in the room. Chris puts his hands up in mock defense.

Nick gently wipes most of the blood off my face, the gives me a sock filled with ice to put on my eye and nose, which were now purple.

“Okay, now spill. What the fuck happened?” Nick says. I look at Matt, who quickly stands from the couch and says,

“Actually Nick, come in here, I need to talk to you and Chris for a sec. Why don’t you go hop in the shower bud.” Mat says.

I give him a quiet okay and hop off the counter and head to the bathroom, taking my ice-sock with me.

-

Getting all that blood off my face and out of my hair felt so good, no matter how dark blue, green, and purple my nose was. I threw on a pair of sweats and one of Chris’s Fresh Love hoodies, before walking down stairs and to the living room.

Matt, Nick, and Chris were all sitting on the couch, getting ready to watch a show.

Matt motions me over to sit with him, so I grab a new sock of ice, a blanket from the basket and snuggle up with him.

“I think I could get used to this for the next three days.” I joke, snuggling close into Matt’s chest. He chuckles and rubs my back comfortably.

I slowly feel myself driving off, due to the long days events, but not before I hear my brother let out a soft,

“I love you kiddo.”

I hope this is what you were asking for! ❤️

[sombaf]

The night had settled comfortably around them. The fireplace crackled, filling Regina’s living room with a golden glow as the last remnants of game night lingered on the coffee table—half-drunk glasses of wine, a scattered deck of cards, Henry’s abandoned blanket from where he’d dozed off against Regina’s side.

Now, he was tucked in bed, and Regina had just come down from his room, smoothing out the sleeve of her blouse as she stepped into the hallway.

Then she heard it.

Muted voices. Hushed, but urgent.

She slowed, pausing just outside the entryway to the living room.

“When are you finally going to do something about it?”

Emma’s groan was exasperated. “Oh my God, not this again.”

Regina frowned.

Mary Margaret huffed. “Emma, come on. You can’t seriously keep pretending this isn’t a thing.”

David chimed in. “We’re just saying, if you don’t make a move soon, she’s going to end up settling for someone else.”

A pause. Then Emma’s voice, quieter. “She’s not settling.”

“She is.”

“She’s dating some guy.”

“Exactly.”

Regina’s fingers curled slightly against the doorframe.

Emma sighed, a long-suffering sound. “Guys, please. Regina isn‘t even into women.”

A scoff. Mary Margaret again. “She doesn’t have to be into women, Emma. She just has to be into you.”

Regina’s breath caught.

Silence stretched. Then, finally—

Emma’s voice, low, firm. “She’s not into me.”

David let out a frustrated breath. “Emma.”

Emma rubbed a hand down her face. “Look, we spend a lot of time together because of Henry, okay? We’re practically co-parenting. That’s all it is. Of course she likes me, we have to get along for his sake. It doesn’t mean—”

“Oh my God,” Mary Margaret groaned. “Emma. Seriously?”

Emma blinked at her. “What?”

“You really think this is just about Henry?” Mary Margaret threw up her hands. “Everyone—everyone—can see that Regina is absolutely crazy about you.”

Emma let out a short laugh. “That’s ridiculous.”

“It’s not ridiculous,” David countered. “You’re the only one who doesn’t see it.”

Emma shook her head. “No, I do see it. And what I see is someone who—who trusts me. Who values me as a friend. That doesn’t mean she wants me.”

Mary Margaret looked like she wanted to strangle her. “Emma. The way she looks at you—it’s not just trust, it’s not just friendship—”

Emma cut her off. “She is not into me.”

David sighed heavily. “So that’s it? You’re just going to stand back and let her slip away?”

Emma hesitated. Then, softer—“There’s nothing to let slip away.”

Silence again.

Regina exhaled slowly, carefully schooling her expression before stepping into the room. “Did I miss anything?”

Emma startled slightly, but her face was carefully neutral when she looked up. “Nah,” she said, reaching for her beer. “Just talking about how Henry totally cheated at Scrabble.”

Regina smirked. “He gets that from you.”

Emma’s laugh was a little too quick, a little too forced.

No one else said anything.

Mary Margaret and David exchanged glances. Emma suddenly seemed very interested in the rim of her beer bottle, tapping her fingers against it in a nervous rhythm.

Regina let her gaze linger on Emma for just a moment longer than necessary before walking back to her chair. She sat down gracefully, picking up her wine glass, swirling the last of it.

A tension had settled over the room, subtle but undeniable.

The conversation limped forward—casual, light, but with an undercurrent of something else.

Mary Margaret and David eventually made their excuses to leave.

Emma stood to walk them to the door, and as they stepped outside, Mary Margaret shot her a look—part exasperation, part encouragement.

Emma just shook her head. “Not happening,” she muttered under her breath.

Mary Margaret sighed but said nothing.

The door closed, leaving behind a heavy silence.

Regina was still seated, finishing the last sip of her wine.

Emma hesitated, shifting on her feet. “I’ll help clean up.”

Regina raised an eyebrow but didn’t argue. “If you insist.”

They moved to the kitchen, Emma rolling up her sleeves, grabbing plates while Regina wiped down the counter.

The quiet stretched between them—not exactly uncomfortable, but different.

Emma focused on the dishes, rinsing them under the warm water, stacking them carefully, the repetitive motions keeping her hands busy.

Regina watched her for a long moment before finally speaking.

“I heard you.”

Emma froze.

Her shoulders tensed, fingers tightening around the plate she was rinsing. “…Huh?”

Regina took a slow step forward. “I heard what you were talking about.”

Emma let out a nervous chuckle, setting the plate down with a little too much force. “We talked about a lot of things.”

Regina arched a brow. “Emma.”

Emma’s stomach dropped.

Her voice was quiet, careful. “I heard you talking about you and me.”

Emma swallowed. “Look, it’s— It’s not a big deal.” She grabbed another plate, scrubbing unnecessarily hard. “They’re just… being ridiculous. You don’t have to—”

“Emma.”

Emma exhaled sharply, bracing her hands on the edge of the sink. “I was going to take that secret to my grave, you know.”

Regina tilted her head. “Why?”

Emma scoffed, suddenly talking faster. “Because it doesn’t matter, Regina. It’s just—okay, fine, yes, I might have feelings for you, but it’s not like I planned on it, okay? And it’s not like it changes anything because you don’t—we don’t… And I value our friendship and Henry and all of this and I know you don’t see me that way, so it’s really just better if we forget about it. In fact, let’s just do that, okay? Let’s just—”

“Emma.”

But Emma wasn’t stopping. She laughed—too high, too nervous. “I mean, honestly, it’s probably just a phase or something, you know? Like, emotions are weird, and I get confused sometimes, and maybe it’s just all the time we spend together, and eventually, it’ll just—”

Regina took another step forward.

Emma was unraveling fast now, hands gesturing wildly. “It’s not like it has to be a thing, okay? Because people fall in love all the time. It’s not a big deal, alright? I will fall out of love eventually—”

She stopped.

Too late.

Her own words crashed into her like a freight train.

The silence stretched between them, heavy and fragile.

Emma inhaled sharply.

Regina’s voice was low, steady. “What if I don’t want that?”

Emma’s breath hitched.

Her heart pounded in her ears.

Emma swallowed. When she spoke, her voice was barely a whisper.

“…What?”

She didn’t trust it, didn’t trust herself to hope.

Regina stepped forward, slow and deliberate. There was no hesitation in the way she reached out, no uncertainty in her touch as she lifted a hand and cupped Emma’s face, her thumb traced gently over her cheekbone, a soft, reverent touch.

“You falling out of love with me eventually.”

Emma’s stomach twisted.

She searched Regina’s face, waiting for the moment she’d realize this was all a mistake, that Regina hadn’t meant it the way Emma desperately wanted her to.

But Regina didn’t move away.

Didn’t take it back.

Instead, she brushed her fingers along Emma’s jaw, tilting her chin up just slightly.

Emma was still, too stunned to breathe.

Regina’s gaze flickered to her lips.

And then—slowly, purposefully—she closed the distance.

Their lips met, soft and searching. A breath of warmth, a gentle press, a quiet confession.

Emma made a soft, startled sound against her mouth, barely more than a sigh, and Regina felt it vibrate through her fingertips where they rested at the nape of Emma’s neck.

Emma didn’t pull away.

Regina kissed her once, twice—tender and certain—her thumb tracing soothing circles just beneath Emma’s ear, grounding her, telling her it’s okay. I’m here. I want this too.

Emma shuddered, something in her giving way.

Her hands, trembling slightly, found their way to Regina’s waist, gripping softly, like she still wasn’t sure she was allowed to touch.

Regina kissed her again, deepening it just a fraction, just enough to leave no room for doubt.

Emma exhaled against her lips, her hands sliding up—over Regina’s back, up her shoulders, finally cradling her face like she couldn’t believe this was real.

Regina smiled against her mouth, pressing one last kiss to the corner of Emma’s lips before pulling back just enough to rest their foreheads together.

For a moment, neither of them spoke.

“Still not a big deal?” Regina murmured eventually.

Emma let out something between a laugh and a shaky breath. “You’re—” She exhaled. “You’re really not messing with me right now?”

Regina pulled back just slightly, brushing her thumb over Emma’s lower lip with deliberate tenderness. “No, Emma.”

Emma’s stomach flipped.

Regina cupped the back of her neck, fingers threading into blonde curls, kneading gently, soothing. “I meant every word.”

Emma’s breath hitched. “Oh.”

Regina smiled, small and knowing. “Oh.”

A pause.

And then Emma—still dazed, still breathless—tilted forward, capturing Regina’s lips again, this time with the full force of finally, finally, finally.

Regina pulled her closer, smiling against her mouth.

https://archiveofourown.org/users/sombaf/works

[aceyanaheim]

So I've been trying really hard not to make this post but I've found myself in a really bad situation.

As you all know I recently moved out of my mom's for what I'm hoping is permanent. The original plan was to move to MIami with my qpp and platonic polycule and use the time I had with them to find a job in my field in Miami or at least one that would make living here sustainably. 

This ended up not working out. I’m not gonna go into details but the bare bones of it is this: I had to safety plan my way around my ( now ex) qpp’s fiancee and at one point got on an uber and left the apartment because things escalated to a point where I no longer felt emotionally safe around her. She then talked to the leasing office and I was moved without any warning and against my will. 

I’m now in a new apartment with a new roommate who doesn’t drive me to tears for forgetting things but needless to say my relationships and plans for the future are more or less in free fall right now. 

Moving with my mom or dad’s isn’t an option as the last time I stayed at my mom’s I was constantly on a hotline so I’m trying to crowdfund for a car. Miami is incredibly high in rent and it’s taken two jobs to barely make ends meet. It’s come to the point where a car isn’t just for transportation but for survival. 

If I manage to stay here, which is unlikely, a car will mean more job opportunities as I’m really limited in finding jobs right now. It’ll help me not sink too much money on Ubers which will make it easier to pay rent and also doctors appointment ( as I'm epileptic)

If the worst happens and I have nowhere to go a car will mean shelter for me and Indi ( she has to come with me wherever I go and a lot of places I could bunk at might not be dog friendly) even if I find somewhere to go if I can’t renew my lease a car would be the only way to get me and Indi there since she isn't allowed on public transit and Ubers Have turned me away because of her.

Even if I end up bunking at my mom’s ( tho I refuse to go there for longer than a week) having a car would greatly reduce me relapsing into unhealthy coping since I’ll have a way to leave the house when my brain gets bad. 

All options lead to the fact that I need a car for survival. I talked to some friends and we figured out for a used car that I would at least want to have 10 thousand. There’s also driving lessons which at the cheapest will still run me over 200 and the license will be 50 but I could swing that. The car is the main thing I need help with.

My parents are both…only sometimes supportive ( the last time I talked to my dad about living with him he said “We’d both hate each other and it’d be your fault” not only that but they’re both disabled and in their 60s so they aren’t an option even when they want to be. My siblings are also striking out on their own and don’t have anything to spare and that’s all the family I have in the states so it’s gotten to the point where I’ve had to make this post even tho I’ve really tried not to.  

If you’re in strife yourself please don’t donate but reblogs help. 

https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-a-trans-person-in-miami-secure-a-car-for-safety/cl/s?utm_campaign=fp_sharesheet&utm_content=amp8_t1&utm_medium=customer&utm_source=copy_link&attribution_id=sl%3A2d64a1db-d26d-4d9c-a305-44f9042d5945

[dedalvs]

I was studying up on SLIPA and I'm kind of curious how one would go about performing sound changes (hand position changes?) with a signed language? Do the concepts translate over to SLs similarly? Like, how would you express assimilation or metathesis or umlaut through a SL? Or do they just have their own completely unique set of changes separate from spoken languages?

Remember that when we write things like C[-cont] > [+voice] / V_V that these are shorthands for descriptions, and they're not necessarily consistent across the discipline. There are absolutely changes that occur in sign languages—both synchronically and diachronically—and there are linguists who have studied them. For example, in the history of ASL, signs that were signed in the periphery have moved closer to the center; signs where two hands were doing non-parallel actions have switched to parallel; and two handed signs have shifted to one handed signs. These are long-term, general trends, but there'es plenty of assimilation that's quite explicable.

For example, consider the verb TEACH, signed up at the top of the forehead. In TEACHER, where TEACH is followe dby the two hand PERSON suffix, the hands rarely get so high as the top of the forehead. This makes sense, as the place of the TEACH sign is farther from the usual place where the PERSON suffix happens, and so its shift to be closer to the place of PERSON is a kind of anticipatory assimilation, akin to nasal place assimilation. You could describe this with SLIPA, or you could describe it in words, as I've just done, or you can describe it with video augmented by words, etc. The concepts are the same; only the articulators are different.

A lot of sound changes (synchronic or diachronic) boil down to two major factors:

While it is possible for human beings to be precise in their actions (to say the same word the same way every single time; to sign the same thing the same way every single time), it's not convenient, and so humans take shortcuts, where they can (i.e. where they can get away with it without sacrificing the whole enterprise, i.e. conveying a message).

While it is possible for humans to pay careful attention and decode a message precisely as it was intended—and even to inquire when there is confusion—it's not convenient. We will often make false assumptions about what we see and hear. Furthermore, we will often assume that when what we perceive doesn't square with what we expect, it is our expectations that were incorrect, not the sender of the message. If in replicating the error the message doesn't suffer, the error may propagate, leading to change (i.e. errors in perception that don't interfere with the transmission of a message can be replicated and become largescale language changes).

These two factors account for the majority of sound changes (not ALL of them, of course, but the lion's share). Notice that neither of them require that the language be either spoken or signed, because they deal exclusively with transmission and reception. Only the details are different when the medium changes. For example, there's nothing similar to a velum and how it works in sign languages. It's too specific an organ with too specific a function in spoken language. But that doesn't meant that some of what it's involved with (e.g. various assimilations, blocking, etc.) won't have analogs in manual languages.

To offer a more concrete analogy, I was born with six fingers and no thumbs (two index fingers on each hand). I had surgeries to turn one index finger on each hand into something that approximates a thumb, and it functions fairly well most of the time. When I learned ASL, I discovered there were certain things I simply could not do. In signing numbers, for example, 6 and 7 are very hard to form on my right hand, and impossible on my left. My new thumbs simply don't connect that way, and furthermore, there's some connection to my other fingers when I try to move the thumb, and so I can't raise my other fingers while I'm trying to make that connection. This is what the number 6 is supposed to look like (signed with my right hand):

You can see my thumb is making contact with my pinky with the other three fingers extended upward.

Now this is what happens when I try to make that sign with my left hand:

You can see my hand is basically forming a claw. If I thought about it, I could extend my index and middle fingers, but I cannot continue to stretch my thumb to my pinky while extending my ring finger. Furthermore, that is the very furthest I can stretch my thumb. It simply will not extend anymore. i can use my other hand and push it, but what I'm doing is pushing my pinky closer. That's the furthest my thumb will go.

As a result of this, the way I sign is always noticeably distinct. There are things I simply cannot do that the majority of signers accomplish with ease.

Even so, the way my hands are does not and has never interfered with my ability to speak any oral language. Why would it? It's not relevant to speech.

Having said that, what if instead of hands it were my tongue? Or velum? Or lips? Or teeth? If I'd been born without front teeth, for example, it would impact the way I sounded when I spoke English. Consider that [f], [v], [θ], and [ð] all crucially involve the front teeth.

So back to the original question, there is no direct analog for the way my hands work to speech, in that my hands will affect a sign language in the same way that some change in the mouth will affect an oral language. But the CONCEPT! That is analogous. That is, a change in your physiology can affect your ability to produce an oral language int he same way your physiology can affect your ability to produce a signed language. The concept is the same; the instantations will differ. That means the specifics will crucially differ, as well.

In other words, yes, sign languages do have their own specific sets of changes, but, no, the basic concepts are the same as spoken languages, because both of them are nothing more than human patterns of production and perception.

[ender1821]

shinyduo/gempearl post-SL is sooo funny because before SL they were the typical "friends who like to do pranks with and against each other, partners in crime, really adorable sometimes" and then SL happened and they became OBSESSED with each other (really obvious from pearl's side since gem was more subtle) and innuendos started to appear left and right. now after WL they are not only obsessed they are also 10x times freakier and flirty. it's gem's fault a lot of the time but pearl enables it and digs herself into a deeper hole so she gets a wack too.

i am pleading to the sky for the fated shiny duo alliance to happen this year because 1) i am sure gem's possessiveness would get multiplied by 20 even if she tried to not show it and that'd be really fun + pearl would like it 2) their dynamic is so complex that they could be anything (codependent or healthy or possessive or die for each other or kill for each other or-) and 3) the aftermath of them teaming would be funny asf and the streams would be horrendous

thank you for coming to my ted talk 🙏

the freakier being in bold and italic is really getting to me for some reason lmao. anyway

you are right in the shift of them pre and post-SL, like, they are STILL giving cute partners in crime but also they’re. so. abnormal about each other??? thats not to say they weren’t flirty/making innuendos before the life series but god did all of that get worse after. also, it has kinda been shown how Gem is the one saying most of the questionable things, but Pearl definitely contributes a lot as well. lets not forget the pickles

of course we’re all manifesting for them to properly team up. its not even subtle at this point they both know that. the only things stopping it from happening really are luck and Gem’s homophobia (/j) cough. i mean. they would definitely get time to resolve what they failed to address back in WL if they’re allied together and can have time to talk. it could also make things worse but we’ll be seated either way. and then we’ll be questioning our existence again when the streams inevitably come

BUT. imo the alliance i really want is them + any other player. yep. i want a third wheel. it can literally be any other player because i think having someone else to affect/witness their dynamic is always entertaining, allows for exploration of new potentially fun dynamics between Pearl/Gem and another player while still offering plenty of opportunity for them to be. weird (/aff), and generally just gives the team a new spin instead of just Murder Camel 2.0. like. i’ve put way too much thought into this so there’s a whole ramble under cut about some of the potential trios and why i think they could be cool for a new life series

Jimmy: originally my life series s6 team predictions was pearl/gem/jimmy </3 mainly out of wanting more pearl + jimmy interactions, but i think having gem there helps just keep the team together. i thought they would be a nice team for jimmy in terms of support (think the SL scene where jimmy finds out he’s not the first out and they’re the ones there cheering him on) but well. thankfully we still had bamboozlers… anyway gem’s ego will get even worse if she had this team, and don’t we all wanna see that

Lizzie: PLEASE. impossible minecraft sent me to the point of no return because now i’m BEGGING for more pearl/gem/lizzie interactions. please. the girlies. we just need more gem + lizzie interactions in the life series imo, and we’ve already seen what happens when pearl + lizzie are together. i can’t tell you for sure if i think any betrayal will happen in this team but it would be really funny if there was, mainly just so lizzie and gem can bicker while pearl is just. There like a sad puppy. it’s cool if there isn’t though, i can see them thriving straight to the finale. cmon. think of the yuri

Ren: hey. hey. remember that one ren stream? you know the one. the wedding. do you see where i’m getting at. do you see the dynamic. it’s so funny to me ok. and we haven’t even mentioned the times where ren has mixed them up. i think it would be a horrible time for him to have to deal with these two and that’s so entertaining. if i picked jimmy because i thought he would have a nice time then for ren it’s for the complete opposite reason. make him suffer with these weirdos

Martyn: HE is the one who’s going to make them suffer. HE will be the one to make it worse. and it will be hilarious. let the man get some form of revenge for them terrorising him back in SL. they’re going to be insufferable and it’s going to be great. you might as well start the “hump duo” counter now …also i may just have a personal preference of wanting to see more pearl + martyn and gem + martyn interactions

Cleo: i mean. cmon. this one doesn’t need that much explanation. the people want a pearl/gem/cleo team

Impulse: same as cleo— SOUP GROUP ASSEMBLE!!!

Etho: pearl + etho interactions are great. gem + etho interactions are great. boom. gem gets to bully them both, then they either make a really successful trap or perform the greatest fumble ever! i see nothing but wins here

BigB: nosy neighbours… what if we tried again… plus i’m pretty sure there was a temporary gem + bigb team in RL, so why not give them a whole season. i think it would be fun. it’d be interesting to see how this team shifts with bigb’s general play style in the life series. i wonder how the base(s?) would turn out

Mumbo: listen to me. they have the funniest opportunity here to fluster this man to the high heavens. think about SL ep 5. think about it

Scar: so like. remember that 2v1? yeah. crazy, right? no but okay i don’t think if they teamed up there would be that much more emphasis on the 2v1 after all that in WL, but there WOULD be good times. i know this deep in my heart. the pearl/gem/scar interactions would go crazy. i hope they go on a hunting spree

Joel: i think this one is the least likely (on account of the fact that pearl has teamed with him in SL, and then gem doing the same in WL) but there could be beautiful world where pearl and joel build an even bigger and better car and gem just watches and sighs

Scott: insert manic laughter here. Pearlescentmoon you are about to have the worst time of your life ever

[sasheemo]

When We Collide

Chapter 4

Chapter Summary: Unexpected vulnerabilities and glimpses of hidden struggles are unveiled. But as defenses rise and words cut deep, the moment is fractured, leaving you and Agatha to confront unresolved emotions alone. Back at home, tensions only deepen.

Word Count: 2.9k

Chapter Index

Read on AO3

Agatha’s eyes fix on the ground, her fingers absentmindedly tracing patterns in the dirt as she collects her thoughts. “It’s … my mother” she begins, each word dropping heavily, like stones tossed into a deep well. “She… she expects a lot from me.”

You stay quiet, watching her carefully, patiently waiting for her to keep going as if any movement or sound could rip the moment apart.

Agatha sighs, frustration clouding her face “It’s like no matter what I do, it’s never enough. Ultimately, I always do something wrong, some unforgivable mistake that makes me unworthy of her legacy. It’s … it’s … it’s exhausting.”

You feel an unexpected twinge of empathy, the weight of those expectations all too familiar. “So that’s why you… reacted like that?” you ask softly, choosing your words with care, as to not startle her. 

Agatha’s tone sharpens, but something fragile lingers beneath “I was… tired. Tired of always being under her scrutiny, tired of feeling like I’m never good enough.”

You study her, take in her words, trying to gauge how much more she is willing to reveal. 

And then she speaks again, almost startling you. “I’m supposed to be Agatha Harkness” she says, voice laced with sarcasm “powerful and poised, the daughter of the great Evanora Harkness” she sweeps her arms out in a mocking, theatrical gesture, her lips curling into a bitter smile that doesn’t reach her eyes. Then, her expression falters and her voice drops to a murmur “But here …” her gaze lowers, arms falling back to her sides, her voice barely audible now. “Here, I was just … broken. Powerless”.

An unexpected protectiveness stirs within you and the words easily come out “You’re not broken, Agatha. Sometimes… it’s all just too much.”

Her eyes flash with something unguarded—is it … gratitude? “You make it sound so simple” she scoffs bitterly, “But it’s not. Not when your are constantly being told, reminded, that you’re failing to live up to some impossible standards someone else set for you.”

You fight back the urge to share how much you relate to her words, choosing to let Agatha have her moment. Right now, you just want her to keep going, to talk to you. “Maybe you should tell her that” you suggest, your tone gentle but firm. “Your Mother, maybe she needs to hear it.”

Agatha’s laughter is hollow. “Right, because that’s how these things work. I’ll just sit down for tea with her and be like, ‘Hey, Mother, can we have a chat about your impossible expectations?’”

“Why not?” you counter, your voice calm and steady as you try to hold back a smirk at her sarcasm. “What’s the worst that could happen?”

“She’d probably just sl- laugh in my face and remind me what failure of a daughter and witch I am” Agatha replies, her voice trembling with suppressed emotion.

You meet her gaze, determined not to back down. “Why do you let her get to you? You can choose not to let her opinions define you.”

And with your words lingering in the air, an unbidden thought strikes ‘you are such a hypocrite, is that what you do when it comes to your own mother? You, giving mother-daughter relationship advice … really?!’. Your own voice is so loud in your head, but you are quick to push it aside, determined to keep your focus on the conversation and on Agatha.

Agatha scoffs shaking her head “And you think that’s easy? Maybe for someone who hasn’t spent their life under the weight of someone else’s expectations.” her tone is icy before she pauses, her eyes narrowing. “What would you even know about that?”

“Enough to know that resentment eats away at you” you shoot back, tension tightening around you. 

Agatha opens her mouth, then hesitates, a flicker of uncertainty crossing her features. “So now you’re just the expert on my life, right?”. The moment the question hits your ears, you realize there’s something about the way her sass flares up, only to vanish just as quickly, that’s starting to grow on you—for reasons you can’t quite explain.

“No” you say evenly “but I’m trying to understand. You act like you don’t care, but tearing up half the forest isn’t exactly indifference, is it?”

Agatha rolls her eyes “Oh, aren’t you insightful?” she shoots back, sarcasm dripping from every wordy. “What’s next, are you going to solve all of my life’s problems with your little spells and the power of nature?” she raises her hand, fingers flicking in exaggerated waves as if she’s casting a spell in mockery of your abilities. 

When her teasing is met by your silence and unimpressed face, Agatha’s hand drops. She shifts on her spot and slightly away form you, her walls slamming back into place. “What makes you think I need your help? I don’t want you to understand me” Agatha snaps. Yet, her bravado feels thin, barely masking the vulnerability underneath. “And I don’t need you to either. I don’t know you and you don’t know me and things don’t need to change just because yester-”

“Maybe I’m starting to see you” you interject, your voice low but firm. “And maybe … that scares you.”

Agatha’s expression darkens, and you can see the inner conflict waging war once again within her. “What do you even want from me?” she asks, her tone suddenly softer, almost pleading. “Do you want me to apologize? To grovel at your feet? Because I’m not going to do that.”

Your scoff immediately fills the air “I don’t want any of that.” you say, meeting her gaze with unwavering determination … before it falters. “I-I just want to listen, to help you” the words escape your lips before you even realize it but, weirdly enough, you feel no urge to take them back.

It’s Agatha’s turn to scoff, crossing her arms tightly over her chest as if trying to shield herself from your words. “You really think you can break through, don’t you? You think you can just stroll in and make it all better?” she says, her voice dripping with sarcasm. “What’s in it for you, anyway?” her eyes narrow, a twisted smirk curving her lips as she tilts her head, examining you “Or do you just get off on trying to ‘help’ people?” she sneers. “Is this your idea of fun, finding broken souls to patch up?”

The words hit you like a slap, and you feel a surge of irritation rising in your chest. It’s not like that… is it? You’re not even sure why you’re here, why you feel this strange pull toward Agatha’s pain, her defenses, and her sharp sarcasm. But her accusation stings, and for a second, you’re at a loss, unable to find a response that doesn’t sound defensive. You press your lips together, trying to ignore the way her gaze feels like it’s cutting straight through you, exposing motives you hadn’t even figured out yourself.

You just… sit there, quietly, as the silence between you grows stifling and almost suffocating, locking you both into this strange standoff. Then, Agatha finally looks away, her smirk of satisfaction fading quickly to your own surprise. 

You study her face for a few more seconds before letting your gaze drift away. For an instant, you can feel how her words are suspended in the air, mingling with the wisps of smoke from the dying fire. Enveloped in that same air, Agatha can feel the weight of what she said, its sharpness. A flicker of uncertainty crosses her face, giving way to something heavier, the realization that her words likely reached a part of you she hadn’t entirely meant to wound.

A hint of regret seeps in, unexpected and unwelcome, but undeniable. Her fingers find a loose twig on the ground, and she twists it absently, a distraction from the unfamiliar pang of guilt settling in her chest. 

The two of you remain like this, silently lost in thought and unwilling to meet each other’s gaze, as time stretches on indefinitely. Finally, as if needing to fill the silence pressing down on her, Agatha breaks it, her voice edged with frustration “It’s just… I don’t know why I’m even talking to you about this.” she mutters.“This whole conversation is ridiculous. I should be studying, or practicing my spells, or… I don’t know, anything else! Not sitting here talking to you, of all people.”

At the sound of her voice, you turn your gaze back to her, noticing how she is yet again tracing aimless patterns in the dirt, this time with the twig. Her eyes are fixed downward, still avoiding yours. “Maybe you needed to get it off your chest” you reply calmly. Only then does Agatha’s hand still, her gaze lifting until her eyes meet yours, something flickering within them as if your words have caught her off guard, as if she was expecting you to reply something else entirely. “Besides” you add “they say it’s easier to talk to someone you’re at odds with.”

“Right, because that’s totally sane” Agatha snaps, but her voice lacks its usual bite. “I’ve lost it, talking to my mother’s rival’s daughter. What’s next? Making each other flower crowns?”

You raise an eyebrow and take a breath, feeling the tension ease just a fraction. “We’re not so different, you know. We are both fighting to escape expectations that were never ours to begin with.”

“Great!” Agatha replies, giving a slow, exaggerated clap, the faintest hint of a reluctant smile tugging at the corners of her lips. “Two broken souls bonding over the wreckage of their lives. Truly inspiring.”

“Better than being at each other’s throats” you shot back, your words almost a question, a small grin threatening to break through.

Agatha rolls her eyes, but you can see the corners of her mouth twitch again. “I suppose. Just don’t expect me to start writing poetry about my feelings anytime soon.”

“Wouldn’t dream of it” you reply, unable to suppress a chuckle.

But the lightness of the moment doesn’t last long. Agatha’s expression shifts back to something more guarded as she speaks “Look, just … I don’t want to be some sob story. I’ll handle my drama in my own way. I didn’t ask for this heart-to-heart.”

“Fair enough” you say, your voice steady. “Just know that you can talk to me if you ev-”

“Sure, I’ll just add it to my list of things I’d rather not do.” she cuts in, but there’s a flicker in her eyes—a glimmer of something like acknowledgment, maybe even appreciation.

This isn’t a resolution, but it’s a step. Toward what, you’re not entirely sure. The tension between you shifts slightly, softened by all the things left unsaid. You tell yourself it’s nothing significant, but somewhere, buried beneath your thoughts, lingers the sense that this might not be the last time you talk.

Agatha’s voice pierces through the silence, her expression serious “It doesn’t make sense, does it? And yet here we are.”

“Yeah” you murmur, letting the strange truth settle between you. “It’s ridiculous, we’re practically rivals.”

“Practically?” she scoffs, though the tension in her voice hints at something different, an understanding just beneath the surface. “I’d say we’re already well past that point.”

“Fine, we’re rivals.” you say, and you can almost taste the faint hesitation on your tongue. “But… do you even know why?” you can’t help but ask, the question just hanging there, almost rhetorical. “I mean, it’s just… always been that way, hasn’t it? Like, it was handed down to us and … we went along with it?”

Agatha’s eyebrows shoot up in amusement at your questions, her expression shifts slightly as she considers your words. But her tone suddenly hardens “You think that just because we’re sitting here, chatting about my emotional breakdown or whatever, that we’re best friends now? That’s not how it works and you know it.”

Agatha’s words settle heavily in the air, cold and dismissive, pressing against you like an invisible wall. Whatever momentary connection you thought you’d glimpsed now feels fractured. For a brief second, you almost want to reply, to push back, but a strange resignation settles over you instead. You can’t shake the feeling of foolishness creeping in, a nagging sense that this whole morning was just a waste of time. Why did you even bother? What were you even expecting?

You force yourself to nod, as if conceding. “Right. Like you said, that’s not how it works.”, but the words taste empty. You exhale sharply before standing up, glancing back at her one last time “Goodbye, Agatha.” you say, your voice steady and calm, deliberate. You hold her gaze for a moment longer than necessary, as if silently making it clear that you won’t be the one left vulnerable. Then, without waiting for a response, you turn and walk away, letting the muted sounds of the forest close in around you.

Agatha doesn’t move for a long time, her gaze trained on the fading embers. The ashes lift and drift in the breeze, remnants of something heavy and unresolved, scattered too easily, just like the semblance of a connection that had briefly flared between you. She watches as the ashes dissolve into the air, a reminder that what’s been reduced to ashes rarely returns to what it once was. The weight of the moment clings to her, an odd pang she doesn’t fully understand. It presses against her usual defenses, almost like regret, not that she’d never admit it.

As she sits there, the faint rustle of underbrush draws her attention. She looks up, noticing a rabbit moving toward her with a cautious, uneven gait. Her brow furrows slightly as she watches it come closer, each hesitant hop tugging at an unspoken guilt she doesn’t want to acknowledge. Only when it pauses just a step from her crossed legs does she feel the certainty settle. A quiet, undeniable recognition that this is indeed the same rabbit that had fallen victim to her anger the day before.

Instinctively, she raises a hand to shoo it away, irritation flashing across her face. “Get lost.” she mutters, her voice sharper than she intends, her fingers flicking in a dismissive wave. But the rabbit doesn’t retreat. It stands its ground, then hops closer, pausing in front of her with a quiet insistence. She watches it, her irritation softening as it sits there.

With a sigh, Agatha relents, lowering her hand until her fingers barely graze the rabbit’s fur. The warmth of its small body surprises her, grounding her in the quiet solitude of the forest. Guilt and tenderness flicker in equal measure as she absently strokes its fur. “I’m sorry.” she whispers, barely recognizing her own voice as a single tear trails down her cheek. The rabbit hops into her lap, then settles in, curling up as if it belongs there, its small body calm against her. For the first time in a long while, Agatha allows herself a moment of quiet reflection, feeling the weight of emotions she can’t fully name.

The stillness of the forest fades as you cross through your garden and step into the walls of your home. Before you can even close the door, your mother’s voice pierces the silence, her tone laced with its usual mix of mockery and disapproval. “Back already?” she sneers, her gaze scanning you as if searching for signs of trouble. “You usually haunt the woods till dusk, and here you are, so early.”

You suppress an eye roll, your patience already strained “Not much going on out there.” you reply coolly, moving past her toward the stairs, hoping to avoid the inevitable lecture. But her voice follows you, sharp and cutting.

“Not causing trouble, I hope? I’d hate to hear of another mess like yesterday’s. Evanora doesn’t need any more reasons to question our family’s… stability.” Her words are thinly veiled, the accusation hovering in the air between you.

You take a slow breath, fighting the urge to snap back. “No troubles and no messes, Mother.” you say dismissively, willing your voice to remain steady.

As you place a foot on the stairs, your mother’s voice sharpens again, keeping you rooted to the spot. “And don’t think you’ll be skipping Evanora’s gathering this afternoon. She’s called on every one of us to further discuss this hunter situation and possibly put together some kind of patrol group. And you will be there. I won’t have you embarrassing me by staying behind.”

You pause, frustration simmering beneath the surface. “And if I don’t want to go?”

Her smile is as cold as her tone “Then I suggest you finally master that invisibility spell. But since I doubt that’ll happen anytime soon, you’ll attend. Just like the rest of us.”

You feel her gaze on your back as you ascend the stairs, her words echoing after you with their customary bite. In the silence of your room, you find yourself looking out the window, the image of Agatha sitting cross-legged by the smoldering ambers lingering at the edges of your thoughts. You brush it away, frustrated at yourself for even allowing it to linger.

And then, as you sit in the quiet of your room, a sudden thought hits you, sharp and unwelcome. Of course, Agatha will be there this afternoon. You almost laugh at the bitter irony, escaping the forest and that exhausting conversation, only to be thrown back into her presence. It feels as if the universe itself is playing some twisted joke, forcing you back into her orbit before her words have even had the chance to fade. Normally, neither of you would spare the other a glance, content to keep a safe distance in the silent rivalry that’s defined you both for years. Today won’t be any different. Nothing has really changed, you tell yourself. 

[legally-allowed-to-slime]

been receiving asks in various degrees of seriousness (you guys are very nice) so i might as well elaborate on galaxy duo before any actual toxicity leaks in

first of all. i could care less if you love galaxy duo and think they’re fluffy and cute. there’s only so much objective interpretation you can draw from literal cubes, so at a certain point it’s just your biases forming your opinions, same way you can’t build a house with two bricks. personally, i found them interesting, my interest dipped slightly in the latter half of WL, but who knows? their dynamic could change if/when there’s a new season.

a disclaimer in advance: if it wasn’t already apparent by the asks (anyway the only people who will see this are people who were following me already but this is jic), i am a pearl main. i don’t watch scott because i don’t like the editing. therefore my takes are exceedingly biased but so is pearl, so there’s that.

let’s talk about their dynamic pre-WL. for LL, i’ll accept that they were a cute wholesome duo. i didn’t watch LL so i can’t really say anything, but from what i’ve heard they were your regular alliance. and then in DL. well. the Horrors. i’ve said a lot about DL already so we’re going to settle and say, pearl absolutely deserved to be mad at scott. abandoning her and not even considering a polycule was not very open minded of him

anyway throughout LiL and SL she’s still angry at him and wants to kill him, which again, i find fair because of the tilly death do us part sacrifice (i invite you to rethink the implications of that line paired with what he did next. essentially saying “we break up when one of us dies” and then killing yourself. ?).

and then add in the element of gem in SL. trust me she’s relevant. gem and pearl have a thing going on, scott doesn’t like it because he sees it as gem nearly leaving their alliance for his ex, but still, because gem is Gem, he holds back on giving her the jimmy/pearl/joel treatment and still tries to be nice to her.

WL begins. it’s a lot. gem doesn’t like pearl because she viewed it as a betrayal and also she finds it funny to play around with her like that. scott doesn’t like pearl. pearl doesn’t like scott.

this is where it starts to get contentious, but also a hill that i will die on: the Gs were absolutely toxic, at least for the first four episodes. i don’t really feel like pointing out all the clips of the pointed comments, the veiled insults, the DIRECT QUOTE of “we’re a family whether you like it or not”, so i’ll use two examples, one for scott, one for pearl.

pearl borderline sold her alliance out. mumbo and skizz came up to pearl, explicitly told her that they were trying to kill her allies, and she not only agreed but engaged in friendly conversation with them for the entirety of their hiding. when the rest of the Gs came back (even joel commented on how pearl was alone at the base), mumbo even helped pearl cover up.

this is not normal alliance behaviour, and definitely not normal pearl behaviour. if pearl was happy in the alliance she wouldn’t have practically invited two would-be murderers to kill her allies. neither is she unjustified with how scott and cleo dismissed her feelings from DL. look, pearl is one of the most loyal lifers, to the point she faced a messy breakup with gem. even to mumbo she was reluctant to trash talk scott or cleo, but still, she let them make the hole, because plain and simple, the alliance was toxic.

as for scott; scott was more friendly to gem than pearl. see, i told you she was relevant. this is less black-and-white than the mumbo and skizz trap, but in social terms it means a lot. it’s like your bestie siding with your ex instead of you, which if you think about it was exactly what was happening. scott spouts a lot about loyalty, but he thinks about it very plainly: loyalty is killing yourself for your ally. but in fact what he did was push the “antagoniser” narrative onto pearl and reinforce and encourage it. gem said an inch, he said a mile.

not to say gem wasn’t the one who created it in the first place, but as pearl’s ally, scott’s first reaction shouldn’t have been to side with gem (he admits to pearl that he doesn’t know what she did, but that based off gem’s reaction he just assumes that pearl did something wrong, despite KNOWING that gem has beef with pearl from SL and is thus an unreliable narrator). as pearl’s (and impulse’s, but to a lesser extent because impulse kind of deserved it for going on about the cows) ally, he shouldn’t have brought it up at the start of every session and result in pearl defending herself furiously before he dragged pearl and impulse to apologise to gem.

this is not up for debate. wl!pearl did nothing to gem, or to anyone. scott tried to convince her to apologise to gem, for nothing. again, even gem points this out to pearl, and because pearl is loyal to a fault, she says that scott’s her ally.

anyway. the Gs were toxic for at least the first four episodes, full stop.

here’s where it starts to derail slightly (for me, at least): the sacrifice. but, you know, let’s examine the circumstances a little closer. as background information, pearl was the only yellow/red whose allies didn’t try to get them a kill. like, the Gs’ approach to gaining lives is not to kill others but to spend one session doing nothing before the guy with the most lives offers to kill himself. strange. lots of issues, these two.

anyway, scott offers the sacrifice, and pearl’s initial reaction is to refuse. the alliance talks it through, and decides it would take the target off scott’s back and give pearl a life. pearl and scott have pretty similar playstyles, in that while they do engage in more rp than say, grian or jimmy, they are also, in a way, sweats. the sacrifice was discussed logically, practically, and it turned out to be a logical decision because without it pearl would’ve permadied a few sessions too early.

here’s where i was a little thrown off, by the presenting that this would be somehow cathartic (iirc, scott uses this exact word) because pearl finally gets to kill scott. it’s funny because pearl does admit while they’re going back to base that she would’ve preferred a 1v1, but i don’t think her deal was ever over that she wanted scott to die. sure, she wanted scott dead, but it was because she didn’t have agency in the dl finale. in the same way, the WL sacrifice isn’t exactly because she really wanted the life (she refused it at first), or because she wanted to kill scott so badly (she said she wanted a 1v1), but mainly because both parties recognised that it was the most sensible decision to do in the circumstances that they were in (scott was dark green, pearl needed a life). to me, it didn’t address pearl’s lack of control over the season that she won, or scott’s distrust of pearl.

but whatever. they act friendly for the rest of the season, because technically their story’s been resolved, so there’s no aggression to be acted out. nothing galaxy duo there.

the ONLY OTHER thing of note is the?? matching hoodie?? not on my bingo card at all. i’ve spoken about it in some ask before but it’s just so random to me? like it never went anywhere, and i don’t see why scott wanted to match red hoodies with her anyway. like why her, specifically? pearl hadn’t killed anyone besides martyn, and that was to avenge her allies. they never address this so i suppose this lack of logic is what spurs on the majormoon truthers; that scott loves pearl so much that he wants to match with her so they can be like a #dynamicduo or something.

uhhhhhhhh. i dunno. it’s just so random and again, because it’s never brought up besides pearl’s cursory “oh, we’re matching” (which we now know was planned because scott asked for permission when getting the skin), it doesn’t have any narrative significance to me. maybe scott explains it in his video. idk

anyway, my problem was how a duo with so much bad blood (>3 seasons), to the point that they were at each other’s throats while in the same alliance, was just kinda. rushed? look, i know the life series isn’t scripted, and the players just have to make do with whatever improv they can do, and i do think scott and pearl did the best with what they had, but personally i was hoping that they wouldn’t go the “pearl finally forgives scott! yay scott for sacrificing!” route because it’s pushed under the rug so suddenly in the hopes of achieving any sort of closure.

again, ccs are fine, i think they were great, i wasn’t a big fan of how the story was handled. that’s it