#also forgive this trash of starter

[carmenhearst]

It wasn't the ideal place to be, especially not given the familiar face spotted among the crowd, the familiar face that Carmen still felt immense uncertainty around, but it's no surprise that after being asked, she'd happily volunteered to stay after and offer her assistance. "I believe I heard mumblings between fourteen and eighteen. Though I also didn't hear that from anyone official so...don't give my words too much weight."

who: open

where: ogden mascot tryouts

you've gotta be kidding. when her supervisor at the gym had asked if she might be interested in picking up some extra cash in the fall semester, logan had thought she meant adding another shift. but as she stared into the eyes of a decapitated oggie the ocelot she considered whether she needed a job at all or not. "how much did they say this paid again?" on second thought, at least no one could see her face.

[mel-child-of]

{open starter} death of a child, birth of thy women of hatered

*Mel wasn’t doing so good, I mean she was doing better but still, she had a lot of hate. Who could blame her even with her exploding at people deep down it made sense because she never was able to show her full range of emotions unless it was needed for the camera. But that was in the past, and currently Mel had a portal open to hell more specifically Lucifer's house and was throwing trash and shit in there just making it more of a mess. You also saw that she had some alcohol nearby clearly she was drinking.*

*After a few minutes Mel closed the portal and started to go for a walk, you can see some hatred still in her eyes as she walked. She wasn’t going to forgive so easily*

What do you do?

(tags @acezinspace @emdabitchass @urbestestwindgod @cloak-of-ares @least-favorite-hades-kid @penelope-is-waiting @odysseus-of-ithaca-is-lost @aura-of-the-winds @lucifermorningstar-official @the-speedster-god @lethia-not-athena @the-god-ofwar @seleneandheliosog @mother-of-trust @princess-of-jade @notesbyaphrodite @justice-bringer @god-of-smithing-and-cozy-vibes @amber-the-unknown @apollo-ask-blog @least-favorite-ares-kid @that-roman-arsonist @thomasofithaka @the-great-emperor-commodus @defect-child-of-eros @/anyone )

(my master list)

(tell me if you want to be added or remove)

[iwriterpstarters]

naruto sentence starters

“I don't know why, but I understand your feelings so much, it actually hurts.”

“When you give up, your dreams and everything else, they’re gone.”

“A smile is the easiest way out of a difficult situation.”

“Hard work is worthless for those that don't believe in themselves.”

“Somebody told me I’m a failure, I’ll prove them wrong.”

“Every one of us must do what’s in their power!”

“But knowing that pain allows people to be kind. Pain allows people to grow… and how you grow is up to you.”

“It’s not the face that makes someone a monster; it’s the choices they make with their lives.”

“It’s human nature not to realize the true value of something, unless they lose it.”

“If you don’t like the hand that fate’s dealt you with, fight for a new one.”

“The moment people come to know love, they run the risk of carrying hate.”

“If we’re going to die anyway, then it’s better to die fighting than to do nothing!”

“Never underestimate your opponent, no matter how small they may seem.”

“Those who forgive themselves, and are able to accept their true nature… they are the strong ones!”

“Growth occurs when one goes beyond one’s limits. Realizing that is also part of training.”

“In the ninja world, those who don't follow the rules are trash. But, those who abandon their friends are even worse than trash.”

“I am a nobody, but I never gave up.”

“Failing doesn’t give you a reason to give up.”

“The pain of being alone is completely out of this world, isn’t it?”

“When people get hurt, they learn to hate… When people hurt others, they become hated and racked with guilt.”

“When people are protecting something truly special to them, they truly can become as strong as they can be.”

[blueshadesfandomstuff]

Shutterbug and Seaglass Part 5 (for now) - Big Bird, Littlewing and now Babybird

https://archiveofourown.org/works/53743228

Put below the cut for anyone without an Ao3 account or who doesn't want to change websites

Jason is happily reading, Bug tucked up next to him playing Pocketmons, in the library at Wayne manor when Big Bird bounds in. Dick has been better lately, less argumentative with Bruce and happier than before. Bruce and Dick sat down to talk about two-ish months ago and it was a private chat, so Jason wasn’t there but he’s more than happy to reap the benefits. The part of him that’s terrified that he’ll be thrown out is still there but it’s quiet enough he can usually logic himself through it. Dick and Alfred love him, and he can see times Bruce is fond of him too. Plus, he’s a little older now and has almost three months of being actively (In the field) Robin under his belt. If he has to go it alone now, he’d be much better at it. Dick and Alfred wouldn’t leave him to be alone anyways – he’s almost certain of it and he’s seen before that neither would Bug or even Mrs. Mac.

Bug makes a triumphant noise as she finally catches an Eon to level up for her team of Eonvolutions, now that there are five of them they can take almost all the spots in a team with enough room she can still have her starter too, and Jason pops a bookmark in his book, puts it down on the side table and prepares to cut down the stupid before it can begin. Dick isn’t stupid, not as himself and certainly not as Nightwing but his sense of humor certainly makes him look it sometimes. No, Jason is being unfair, Dick looks the smart he is most of the time, but Jason is tired of Dick’s teasing him about Bug – that’s where the dumb is. He gets that he and Bug look close for friends. That’s because they are close! (aside from when he’s out as Robin) Bug and Jason act more like extensions of the same person than friends, but at twelve and ten respectively getting together is not going to happen! Not now, possibly not ever.

Jason has only just got over the idea that not all girls are gross early sometime last year and this the beginning of this year he’s had to deal with the realization that guys are cute too. His life is hard enough right now, he really doesn’t need Dick’s ‘match making’ skills when he’s still figuring out crushes and not getting flustered and tongue-tied – or worse, having his body react by itself - around pretty girls and guys (it’s always at the worst, most inappropriate times! Like when he can’t hide at all! Bodies are bullshit! He wants a refund!). Bug can just stay in her own category where he doesn’t have to think about her as anything other than Shutterbug. Thinking about her as a girl can only fuck him up further then he is already. Why are people so attractive? Why are the attractive people at his school almost universally horrible? He still has to fight assholes in his grade for ganging up on Bug a couple of times a week, so if he could stop realizing mid-fight that his opponents are kinda hot that would be great! It’s got him two gut shots this month that could have been avoided if he wasn’t off his game!

Bug will always be cute to Jason, but she mostly reminds him of Fizzgig from the The Land of Gorch at the moment, feisty and vicious as heck but oh so small, fluffy and easily kick-able. Half the reason Jason gets into fights at school is because Bug always starts shit! He knows why she does, and he mostly supports her, but Bug took having a reputation for caring for people ‘less fortunate’ and interpreted it (correctly) as the insult to poor people it is rather than a win for her and then decided to make that everyone else’s problem. All that he could forgive and applaud but more often than not it actually ends up being Jason’s problem. She will start a fight every time she gets called a ‘bleeding heart’ or ‘lover of gutter-trash’ and Jason knows it’s unfair bullshit but he’s also very tired of fighting because she decided to talk shit and now, he has to get in the way of the ‘get hit’ part of the equation. He knows she says she can defend herself and to a certain extent she can. Several years of martial arts training, learning trick roller-skating at the skate park and the parkour needed to keep up with bat-watching she did before he came to the Waynes have made her very strong for her size but six on one is still a little much for someone who has to go up on her toes to smack Jason upside the head. He’s not even the kid tallest in their grade!

Bug - at the entrance of her idol - has also stopped actively playing her GameKid but is still moving her character around on screen, away from patches of long grass, and letting her eyes flick down regularly so she isn’t staring. Dickie doesn’t really know what to make of Bug. He says she’s a little creepy, and Jason finds it hysterical that fucking Nightwing is leery of a Jason’s four-foot-nothing tiny, fluffy, weirdo best friend. It’s like watching a fully grown Golden Retriever get bullied by an entranced kitten. Though unlike a kitten in that situation Bug knows Big Bird is uncomfortable and has been trying to tame the stare thing she does. Unfortunately, despite her best efforts, it’s still kinda central to who she is as a person. For as long as Jason has known her, Timianna Drake has had ‘The Stare’. A calculating gaze that can make you feel like a bug under a microscope.

Jason, too, had found it creepy at first but then he noticed that she did it to everything and everyone around her, a tiny staring sentinel but she’d also been five or six at the time, so he can recognize it was probably cuter then. So, he’d asked one day what she was doing. She’d explained that if she didn’t know how something worked, she had to look at it until she understood it. That made a certain amount of sense to Jason, observing something does give you way more data but that doesn't work for people. When he told her that all he’d gotten was stunned and confused doe-eyes which, even then, was Bug’s rarest kind of stare. “Then how do I work out how to act around people then? This is the only way I know how to work stuff out!” Jason couldn’t help laughing at her. If he laughed at her now, she’d hit him with a pillow or maybe flick him and huff, but back then it inspired a sad little frown and petulant puppy-eyes.

He’d apologized – the look had demanded it! - and explained that, while he was sure she did get a lot of information that way, most people find staring creepy, and their behavior would change because she was staring so intently at them. So, she couldn’t just stare where people could see her if she wanted to know how to act around someone. It would be far better for her to break up her staring, or not stare at all, and interact with someone instead to find out how to act. He’d had to fight laughing at her again when he realized she had never thought of that before. He’d assumed she had just weighted the pros and cons and assumed that the cost of being weird was worth the information, he hadn’t expected her to be utterly flummoxed by the idea that starting was creepy and antisocial.

It had been a humanizing moment, and deeply endearing – not that he had the language to know that back then. Until that point Jason had kinda thought Timi was a know-it-all and while they were friendly, he had thought she was also a little snobbish, so he had been keeping his distance. Turns out that no, she wasn’t snobbish, she was just utterly unsocialized and used silence to try and cover for her lack of social skills. The hesitation that he took for her being unimpressed and thinking herself above him was actually her pausing, fretful and slightly bewildered, because she had no idea what the appropriate response was. When he met her for the first time she had never even heard or used slang before – let alone the Old Gotham version that she was surrounded by once a week for music lessons - for Timi it was bewildering often, like when you only conversationally speak a language and watch a conversation of two people fluent in the language and by that he means the slang English, as Catherine had also taught Jason Spanish very early. Learning he could actually have things to teach her about life made him more willing to get to know her and the rest is history.

Ever since then Bug has, slowly, changed her behavior and tried to hide her calculating gaze but that’s tricky in a house of trained detectives. Especially when you don’t know about everyone’s alter egos and thus don’t suspect you can be caught quite so easily. Even if Dickie can’t see Bug staring, he’ll likely get his arm hair raising with the feeling he’s being watched. Because, while she has gotten so much better from when they were little, she still follows and stares at anyone she doesn’t know well and feels she needs to impress. She undertakes an amount of reconnaissance that would make the Bat proud, but it’s done with utter dedication, devotion and love and thus – to Jason – is still endearing. He might know a way to help her a little more in this case!

In a frame on Timi’s beside table is a photo of Dick and Timi in the foreground and Mary and John at the back from the last night the Flying Graysons were alive, and Jason thinks this may be the way to change Dick’s stand-off-ish manner with Jason’s weird little Muppet of a best friend. (God he’d love to say that to her face but he’s never going to be able to – she’d kick his ass – but it would be funny as hell until the ass kicking ensued.) At first, he thought it might be a little mean to present Dick with a copy of the photo, after all it was from the night his parents died, but then Jason noticed Big Bird didn’t have many photos of Mary and John Grayson. He then found out the majority of them had been taken from Dick by Gotham social services and then lost when he was put in Juvie because they had nowhere else to put him. The photos Dick had were the only copies of the photos as Haley’s performers traveled light and didn’t think to keep negatives for making copies. Dickie had ended up losing most of his things and by the time Bruce arranged for him to come to Wayne Manor all that was left was a few knickknacks and a pair of pajamas in an old, dirty, yellow backpack. Jason knew how much that stung! The social workers who took him from the hospital wouldn’t even accompany him home for his things either.

It had been quite a process convincing Bug to give Dick the photo though. She was very worried he’d be angry, and she’d lose access to Jason as a punishment. Jason hates that they both have been left with fears about being shut out or abandoned or banned from seeing each other. For Jason it makes sense, his mom turned to drugs because she couldn’t afford Chemotherapy for cancer, and he’d been turned out onto the street after escaping a group home he’d been threatened in five minutes after being dropped off. Bug though shouldn’t fear like he does, she should have an easy and stable life! Be a pampered little princess who’s utterly sure of herself, just like the rest of their classmates. It’s not just what he went through that makes her fear either. She won’t talk about it but Jason suspects that the reason Bug is so compliant with her parents’ wishes is because there is a heavy price tag attached to disobedience. They already leave her alone too much as is. Frankly Jason doesn’t trust Jack Drake not to be the worst kind of parent when faced with anything that could be twisted into ‘rebellion’, ‘acting out’ or ‘acting inappropriately’. The man can’t even be trusted to look after Timi when she’s legitimately sick.

Right! Action before Dick can get to whatever stupid he’s planning today. “Bug go get tha thing fer Big Bird”, he rolls his eyes at the purple-blue pleading puppy-eyes he’s instantly subjected to. Bug would very much like Jason to give Dick the photo, so she doesn’t have to, but he’s not going to be swayed. She makes it really, really hard though; those puppy eyes are nearly lethal. He gently pushes her off the couch and she makes time to flash him one last betrayed look before scurrying away to get to her backpack where they both left them after finishing their homework under Alfred’s watchful eye. He takes a big breath to get through the sting of her being anxious and him not protecting her from it. Jason has a plan! He’s thought about it a lot - It will work, he’s sure of it! If Bug gives this picture to Dickie it will start to change how he sees her and eventually net her Dick’s big brother protection and love too.

If Dick can get over his hate of near constant surveillance that stands in for affection from Bruce as well as Barbara’s, frankly, terrifying calculating eyes to maintain the-mother-of-all-crushes on Babs then he will fold like a wet house of cards to be a big brother for Bug – Timi’s sweeter by far, tiny, and way more harmless than Barbara will ever even pretend to be! Plus, Bug wants Dickie as her big brother. Just. So. Badly! It took Jason a while to realize it wasn’t a crush Bug has on Dick, it’s a fondness that has grown very large despite the absence of any interactions. It’s this fondness that trips her so badly when she tries to talk to him, making her stilted, awkward and painfully shy – even hiding behind Jason occasionally when she’s too done with emotions for a day and Dick bounces in to hang out. She already loves him, but Dick doesn’t know Bug at all and so she just about freezes in place, unsure of how to act ‘appropriately’.

Jason will concede to Timi that it’s a difficult situation to navigate alone. Any rejection, even mild rejection, from Dickie is going to hurt Bug like a knife to the side but the fondness that’s tripping her is adorable too – it was born from Big Bird hugging her and telling her she was special as an almost-baby. Once Dickie is aware of it, he’s going to lose his entire mind over it, not to mention his joy at the prospect of another little sibling. Timi’s love for Big Bird is purely platonic and cute as hell and if Jason can get Big Bird to see that rather than the ‘The Stare’ they’ll be set. Heck even if he can’t, it’ll at least convince Dick of what Jason keeps telling him: Bug stares because she wants to impress him, befriend him, if possible, but she doesn’t know how. Her staring is not because she wants to take you apart and see how you tick, unlike a certain Batgirl Jason happens to know.

Dick looks at Jason in surprise as Bug slips past him. “Sit down Big Bird, it’ll take Bug a while ta get back. Hopefully she doesn’t psych herself out nd’I haveta’ drag her back in here”. Dick’s surprise levels up to intrigued and he sits in the armchair opposite the loveseat Jason and Bug were sharing. They bantered back and forth a little for a few minutes, Jason making fun of Dick for nearly braining himself and eating roof gravel last night when Batgirl had flipped, admittedly very impressively, to go through a skylight and start a fight with the goons boxing up Scarecrow’s latest fear-gas experiment and Dick trying to land barbs about Jason and Bug ‘cozying’ up in the library together. Jason’s reasonable point that it’s a stormy November evening and cold - thus significantly warmer when huddled together is not making even the slightest dent in Big Bird’s teasing. Sigh.

Both of them quit when they hear Bug on the way back. He’s kinda glad she was taught to make a little noise when she’s coming back into a space to warn people off sensitive topics, because naturally the little shit is almost more silent then he is, and he has Robin training now! On the other hand, that’s a really weird thing to teach a child! Jason used to think it was because of her social class but now he’s had a chance to look, no other kid he knows does it and Jason is now as well acquainted with the glittering 1% as he’s willing to be. Jason feels fairly safe then at blaming that one directly on Jack Drake. Janet wouldn’t care as much and is far less likely to be a horrible human being who needs a warning that his impressionable daughter is coming into a room, so he can’t be an asshole anymore.

Bug peeks around the door and Jason watches Dick go on high alert. Why? For fu-goodness’ sake Dickie, she’s about as threatening as a chihuahua in a handbag! Sure, she stares like a mini supervillain but it’s not malicious. Maybe it’s because Bug looks guilty? Okay no. Jason has officially had enough of this noise. “Get over ‘ere ya tiny menace!” he snarks. Well at least that gets her pouting at him rather then looking like she accidentally turned everyone’s white laundry pink with an errant red sock.

“I still don’t like this plan.”

“I explained what happened ta all’a Dickie’s photos of his parents didn’t I?”

“Well…. Yes, but I still think this might be mean.”

At the mention of photos of his parents Dickie’s cocked his head. The move is very avian and far more common and at home on Nightwing. He raises his eyebrows in question at Bug and she bites her lip – buck teeth showing. Dickie flashes Jason a horridly smug smirk. Great. Why? He’s only trying to help! He doesn’t deserve teasing!

“Oh, so that’s where you got that expression from? It a lot cuter on her Littlewing. God you two are almost married and your both babies! If it wasn’t so cute, it would be gross as hell! I can only imagine how much worse this is going to be when your both in your teens, let alone when you’re adults!” God what a troll! Why is Jason trying to do something nice for this jerk again? Bug’s gone bright pink, stone still, and he’s almost never seen her so doe eyed. It’s like she’s been transformed into purple-eyed version of goddamned Bambi! Thanks Bug, you’re so much help! Jason chews on his cheek. He wants to rip into Dickie but anything he says here will just be more ammunition for Dick and Jason is just a little worried at Bug’s reaction. She’s rarely speechless and the only time he’s ever seen her that colour was when she was sick with a high fever. Shit!

He catches himself far to late to help his reaction. He reaches out and drags Timi closer so he can check her temperature on complete auto pilot. She blinks at him for a moment before catching his hand, pulling it away from her forehead and puffing up her cheeks at him before her expression slides into a huffy pout that Jason has always added capitals and italics to and emboldened in his head: The Pout. He’s seen her turn that look on Bowery kids about to feed Jason his teeth and it had actually worked! They instantly backed down and made sure she was alright! He’s lucky he’s used to it and thus it doesn’t work on him anymore. Hmm, then again, she didn’t actually let him check her temperature so maybe The Pout still has some effect on him. He’ll deal with that in a minute. Just because Catherine is gone doesn’t mean he wants Timi to backside into hiding when she’s sick again but mission first!

Dick, the ass, laughs long and hard until she turns the same expression on him and then he seems to instantly sober up and blinks shocked for a moment. Huh, that’s interesting. Not even Dick is immune to The Pout. It’s criminally good at influencing people around her and Jason kinda fears what it’s going to look like when Bug is done growing up. While he’s aware he keeps her in her own category of people, mostly for his own sanity, she’s still going to grow up super pretty. Heck, she already is by several metrics. The eye colour alone counts as pretty, mixed with flawless skin and doll like features goes a long way to explaining why he’s had to actually haul one or two assholes in their year off her while no fight has been happening. They certainly weren’t trying to hit her, that’s for sure – hit on her seems far more likely. Heck if they were all a little older, he might have let them shoot their shot if not for the fact that there version of shooting their shot was to try and full body glomp her which is just kinda gross.

“Turn that off b’fore ya break the idiot. Jesus Christ!” Timi turns back to him indignant now rather than pouting and he instinctively dodges her swatting at him for grumping at her.

“Jackass”

“Better’n fraidy-cat Bug”

“I’m not scared! I’m worried, it’s different and you know it!” Oop! There goes the wounded tone to go with the sad face. Bug’s curled in on herself, clutching the frame – photo towards her - close to her chest with both arms. God have mercy, he knows she afraid of rejection, but this is ridiculous. He doesn’t understand what got her this fearful? Jason looks over Bug’s head at Big Bird quietly preying for support. Dick blinks at his expression, head cocking again and wheels obviously turning, his own expression morphing from laughter at Bug swatting at Jason to concern at his expression and at Timi’s apprehensive and wounded tone.

“How about I promise I won’t be mad? Would that help?” Dick starts and Bug whirls around to face him. His expression in the face of her fear softens further and he sits forward on the edge of the seat and reaches out to take her elbow to draw her closer to him. Bug resists for about a second before she moves forward and then keeps going and, somewhat uncharacteristically in her usual interactions with Dick, tucks her head under his chin. Dick hugs her automatically while making shocked eye-contact with Jason. Jason huffs a silent laugh but keeps his expression open, part amused at Dick’s shock at Timi being actually as cuddly as she naturally is but with him this time, partly worried that Timi is effectively hiding or maybe she thinks this will be her last ever hug from Dick. Just as Jason is about to throw in the towel and explain everything and take full responsibility so Bug can actually relax Timi pipes up, muffled from where she still has her face tucked.

“I have a photo of you with your parents and I want you to have it because you lost almost all of your ones, but the context makes me worry it’ll hurt you.” comes tentative but still clear from round-abouts Dick’s collarbone where Timi has mushed her face. Some enlightenment hits Dick’s expression.

“Timi did Jack and Janet get their photo taken with my parents the night my parents fell? Is that why you’re so worried?” Dick pushes Timi back a step so he can make eye contact, further enlightenment flashing as he takes in her, likely given her hunched shoulders, guilty expression. “Were you there too?” is spoken much more gently and would probably just be between Dick and Timi if Jason couldn’t lip read. Timi nods, turning and then lifting the framed photo in the cramped space until the top of the frame obscures her nose. Dick shudders through a shocked breath before taking the photo in one hand and using the other to guide Timi sideways so he can tuck her against his side. “Okay! Okay… Okay, I can see why you were stressed a little bit. I remember this photo and I remember you, now I’ve seen it. Gifting someone a photo from the night their family died would be hard – even harder when you're in the photo too… You were so little! You must have only just been two or three at maximum! A truly Baby Bird! I remember nagging my parents that I wanted a little sister before the show because of how cute you were! Do you even remember this?” At Timi’s nod Dick tightens his hold, pressing her further into his side before letting go to slide his hand back to rub her shoulder and back. Timi melts into the hold, forehead resting against the side of Dick’s head as he continues to rub her back.

Jason lets himself relax, Dickie knows now and he’s not angry. There is no emotional fallout to worry about aside from Bug maybe losing it later because she can paradoxically freak out after big things are over – like she’s been compressed too long and the only option for relief is a blow-out rather than the slow release. It can be a bumpy ride sometimes but at least she doesn’t chase him away anymore and hasn’t for years now. Originally Timi got very protective of any time she might even be close to vulnerable – which is another worrying precedent that Jason is still not sure where it came from. Though once again his suspicions land on someone whose name rhymes with sack fake.

Timi, now seeing she isn’t in trouble begins to ask Dick questions about Mary and John and Dick lights up at the chance to reminisce about his mom and dad - or daj and dat as he called them. Jason smiles letting the conversation wash over him, though he cringes internally at the thought that Dick will have to explain about his mother’s nickname for him while keeping it separate from Robin the vigilante – so to explain the reason he calls Jason Littlewing and now seems to be set on Timi being Baby Bird… and that Jason calls him Big Bird. That should be interesting! Though he is grateful that he ended up Littlewing rather than Baby Bird as it suits Timi way more than it does Jason.

[straying-further-from-gods-grace]

⚠️‼️WARNING- This is a rant about forgiveness and letting go. Centered around my childhood. I keep a lot of things vague but there's mentions of emotional, slight physical abuse and addiction.‼️⚠️

"How can you still love dad but you can't forgive mom? If anything dad was WORSE"

Maybe. Maybe not. You don't even know a thing.

For starters. I HAVE let go of mom. I let her go a long time ago. When I was turning 13, she called me, crying the same crocodile "I'm getting sober and staying sober" tears. And I told her, straight up.

Don't you EVER contact me again without a one year chip, a letter from a sponsor, and can look me in the eyes without crying your lying tears and tell me you've changed.

I haven't heard from her since.

I learned yesterday she died, twice, but they saved her, both times. I didn't feel a single thing about it. I just kept watching my show "Serves her right" and moved on. Because I do NOT give a fuck about her.

I've let go of a lot of what you all have done, in fact. The only reason I let you stay in my life is the fact y'all are more or less sober and more or less functional.

"But dad is as bad an addict. And he's DONE WORSE"

He is. But has he?

Dad never got high and drunk and screamed in my face about how he can kill me, wants to even.

Sure. Dad did scream in my face. Because words were never our strong suit. Communication something his thick bullhead never learned. Because we're two Taurus who do nothing but lock horns and it's the same as how he was raised. Constantly arguing with his mother.

A big difference between our mother and father?

For starters you two were favored by mother.

Father, blessedly, loved me more than the son he'd prayed for. Because I was the only one of us three who was ready to love him when he stepped in and out of our life.

Know why he stepped in and out? To keep us from seeing his worst.

Where mother deemed it suitable to expose her very young children to the monster she was and then blubber on about how sorry she was without trying to make changes.

Dad never apologized for something if he didn't plan to fix it. And he made leaps and bounds while I was living with him and forcing emotions and communication on him.

He was a functional addict, at least. I never had to worry if he'd black out and miss work or wreck the car, or start choking me, or even raise a hand to me.

I pushed him once. I pushed him and screamed and cussed and asked "What!? You finally gonna hit me!?"

He looked horrified at the very notion.

And I was so pissed off at the moment I just laughed and walked away.

And he made me dinner and asked if I wanted to sit at the table with him.

That's another thing. I didn't get a home cooked meal from mom until she married her bitch of a now ex-wife who I had mutual animosity for.

And yes I'm a hypocrite because he's an addict too.

But he was, some how, bipolar as he was, the most stable part of my life.

He was also there for my most crucial moments.

Before my teenage years I lived on and off with him. Running to him for safety, comfort, privacy and space. And as a teenager I ran to him again for the same things. From mid middle school to mid high school, where life is really starting to make sense and you learn who you are as a person and the people you want in your life. It was HIM. There for the mood swings. And yes he gave as good as he got, but damn did he take a lot.

He's also the only THE ONE Person who didn't let my little brother treat me like trash.

I spent YEARS fighting tooth and nail against him, literally, physically.

Brother came to stay with me and dad briefly and he put my brothers shit to a stop so quickly I got whiplash.

He was my literal one and only defender.

Idk. Maybe I'm crazy, stupid, a hypocrite.

And I wouldn't live with him where he is in life right now. Or even permanently with who he was before my stint with him in my beginning-mid teenager years.

But those hm, four-ish years?

They were the most important.

He taught me love takes work. Patience and understanding and hard sweat blood and tears.

I'll never have the dad I loved back.

So I guess now it's time to let him go, too.

But at least, unlike with mom, I can look back on my dad and think. Know. With 100% certainty and his whole heart. He loved me truly, sincerely, even when I was a raging bitch.

So I'll let go. But I don't owe a single person my forgiveness. Not even he gets that.

[carterharcourt]

He had been reading the same sentence for the fourth or fifth time and his brain continued refusing to take the information, maybe it was an after effect of only sleeping four to five hours a day or could also be that this book was so dense and boring that he was sure even the author had fallen asleep several times over the course of writing it. Letting out a sigh of frustration, he put the book aside and took a large gulp of his coffee. "Please tell me something to keep my mind off this nightmare," he started, looking at the person sitting in next to him. "Seriously can be anything, about your day or about flying squirrels. Just talk to me."

[rockethorse]

Day 3: Four fully-furnished starter tiny homes at varying budgets!

Most starter homes are meant to be blank canvases, but I wanted some that already had personality so you could jump right into playing. I was also inspired by “smallest home possible for X Sims/Y budget-” YouTube videos for TS4 and wanted to try it in TS2! Edit: I forgot to mention- as usual, these are CC free.

§20k Starters for up to 8 Sims

The first two are both your average 20k starter designed to house large families. The blue house has three bedrooms, two bathrooms, and is furnished for four Sims by default, while the red house has four bedrooms, two bathrooms, and is furnished for eight Sims (!) by default.

Both have a whole 10x10 worth of backyard space, because that's kind of important when things are so crowded - but if you want to shave off even more space or money, the actual houses are built such that the lots can easily be shrunk with the Lot Adjuster to just 10x10 total.

§19,650 - 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom

§19,952 - 4 bedroom, 2 bathroom

Both lots have the same downstairs layout, while the red house has a smaller upstairs landing to facilitate an extra bedroom. By default, the red house assumes two baby/toddler residents, but you can sell both cribs and the potty to afford two more beds whilst staying under-budget.

The back yards are half-”paved” in free-to-own terrain paint in preparation for any outdoor furniture you might want to place. I recommend making use of neighbourhood decorations for free landscaping! Obviously they look boxy and a bit funny on their own, but they look good placed in a row, or squeezed into a small space in an already-populated suburb.

BE AWARE that neither house includes burglar or fire alarms/sprinklers; however, the blue house will leave you with enough Simoleons to afford both. You could also choose to buy enough supplies for a cat and/or a dog with the budget left over.

The staircases have been placed with Nopke’s mod which allows Sims to pass underneath spiral stairs, functionality which should stick even if you don’t have the same mod (unless you buy new stairs). However, the house still functions even if Sims can’t pass underneath the stairs.

The little 2x1 space by the back door ended up being quite useful in such a tight layout, especially the 4-bedroom, like so:

But if you use an open staircase mod, feel free to consider this alternative layout:

§10k Starter for Single Sim or Couple

This one is perfect for newcomer Sims saving up for a bigger house, retired Elders who want to leave the family estate to their adult kids, or frugal Sims who simply have no desire to start a family.

§9,919. The layout is not so large as to feel lonely but not too small that Sims can’t entertain a guest or two. No backyard to this one - it’s a true 1x1 lot.

§2k Shelter

And the ultimate budget challenge - trying to make a decent shack for Sims under 2k. I actually love how it turned out; it looks so cute and cottage-y from the outside and feels so cozy and safe on the inside.

§1,956. No shower, but Sims can sponge bathe in the sink if they get desperate. The toilet is outside but that’s honestly preferable in such a small space. Most of the walls are actually made from roofing to keep the price down but the house is fully weather-proof.

This looks a little silly - but it works! Sims can access the toilet through the cutout provided under this extra roof. Put some neighbourhood deco trees around for privacy and for the woodland fairy cottage vibes. This lot was mostly just a fun challenge, so it’s not super practical, but I do think it could be useful for down-on-their-luck Sims who need a place to crash in a hurry.

Download 4 Budget Starter Tiny Homes @ SFS

[sokrovennyi]

@hhemeraa

Archeon-6

     The AI aboard his ship drilled the name into his head as the ship docked in spite of warnings and protests detailing the dangers of the planet. Once a lush, verdant planet, it was now little more than a barren rock, destroyed and polluted by industrialism and corporate greed. Anything that couldn’t adapt died. On the way down, he caught glimpses of ruined structures, battered and beaten by time and nature. Those must have been the factories and facilities where the humans did all of their production. There were patches of discoloured land and things sticking up out of the ground. They abandoned it once the resources dried up. Left everything behind without a care. Nothing of any value remained; this was a dead planet of no interest to anyone in the galaxy anymore.

     Or so it was supposed to be, but sudden news of his newest target brought him here to this wasteland. Whatever was going on in the kid’s head was unimportant; he didn’t need to know the backstories of his marks. Didn’t need to know anything else about them but the essentials: name, age, description, last known location, bounty, crime, and where to collect. Of course, that wasn’t to say some of them were interesting. Some tried striking up deals for their freedom. Others tried pleading in hopes that would strike a chord with him and secure their escape. Others shared for the sheer pride in where they came from. Either way, somebody was paying a hefty sum for the live capture of this one and he was close enough to get the jump on it.

     The still-smoking remains of a starship told him he was in the right place. The boy had a head start, but not by much.

     Up close, the planet looked even worse. He could see immediately that wherever this was used to be a forest. A large one if the number of tree stumps were anything to go off of---they stretched as far as the eye could see. In the distance, he could see a full trunk, mangled and hunched over without a single leaf or hint of green to be found. This planet could have easily been the inspiration for horror stories.

     He activated the scanner in his helmet as more information about the planet’s current state flickered before his eyes. The image of the target appeared in the top-left corner as a reminder---the photo was of no real help: the image was old and of poor quality but there was enough there to let him know if he was staring at the right man or not---and then disappeared after thirty seconds.

     Warning: Class-8 Planetary Hazard approaching. Estimated time: 28 minutes.

     He needed to be quick about this.

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

     It didn’t take long for him to be face-to-face with the only other living thing on this desolate planet besides himself---Myles. The very man that brought him here in the first place. A fight was inevitable---nobody with a bounty on their head ever surrendered willingly---and he had to be sure to use only non-lethal methods to subdue him. He did not want to ruin this chance.

     A loud crack broke the silence from the distance and the black-purple sky seemed to ripple overhead with its fury.

     “Myles!” From what he could see, Myles looked like he could be an easy capture, but previous experiences reminded him never to judge a book by its cover. It was always the ones who looked the most innocent, who looked like the easiest prey, that fought back the hardest. A person’s profile never crossed his desk without a reason.

     “There is nowhere you can run. I assume you know why I am here. I am going to take you back with me. Come.”

     Make this easy on yourself.

[kyugy97]

@musicalxstars​ liked this post for a starter;--☀

It had been a busy day at the coffee shop near his college,thank God he didn’t have any classes to attend today or tomorrow or he would have been fried for the rest of the night. Even if it was busy, he enjoyed the rush to sum degree, it made things go by quicker--not that Hyunjin didn’t enjoy his job, he just liked to stay busy when needed. “Here you are,ma’am! Please enjoy the rest of your day~” The teenage boy beams brightly,handing over the hot drink to his customer,his head tilt slightly as he instantly went into thought. “Ma’am..excuse me but you look familiar..do you normally come here--ah--well I mean..nevermind, I’m sorry for being weird!” He laughs,rubbing the nape of his neck.

[vhvnv]

“  just make sure these glass doors are open, because of the pyre there shouldn’t be a fire-hazard. the mandap, where the puja will be, drapes — either white or magenta, let’s not overcomplicate it, it’s a quick turnaround for holi after all — ”   their time in the space is almost up, she can tell from the movement in her peripheral, although gaze remains trained on one of her assistants and the manager. they had been promised one uninterrupted hour, from guests wishing for a more private dining experience, this was minute fifty-five. a finger delicately raises at her side to signal she needs a moment more, “ but most importantly, it needs to be ready on time and i want to be sure we will not be disturbed, the privacy is very important. ”  

once the list is repeated back to her one final time to be sealed with a nod, she finally turns to find a familiar form. her smile is slightly delayed, many familiar faces, the name and correct title doesn’t leap to her mind as quickly as the recognition does. a cluttered mind !  “ your highness, a pleasant surprise... i hope i haven’t kept you, we’ve just finished, it’s all yours. i thought you’d still be on honeymoon ! ”   [ @catherinestvart ] ​

[sungrownarchive]

☼ • → CLOSED STARTER FT. OLIVIA ( @nimbcsus )

☼  •  —  he stumbles across the room by a c c i d e n t, as he does most things. ( but to be fair, he would call it fate  —  it sounds a lot more mystical that way, more purposeful, and he has always held faith that everything happens for a reason. ) and to be fair, under any other circumstances, he never would have been so disrespectful as to enter another survivor’s home without invitation. but this was a r a r e occasion, an unusual one —  one of the few times he’s told olivia in advance that he was going to drop by instead of simply showing up as he often did, unexpected on her doorstep. and though she does not come to the door when he knocks  — on the subject of u n u s u a l things about this encounter that have already occurred before it’s even occurred  — he finds it unlocked after a gentle push and calls her name into the home. it’s only out of worry that he actually enters, worry that crests with the silence that follows her name; he’s not used to her absence here, though he supposes she does have to leave from time to time. but would she leave her home so o p e n ?  

          the door is one he’s never opened. he’s never had a c a u s e before now. ( he’s wondered what was behind it a time or two in passing, but curiosity does not warrant invasion of privacy. his respect for her is deep, genuine, and he would feel awful if he ever caused damage to the foundation of trust he’s slowly begun to establish with her. ) but he can’t find her, and he’s got this s i n k i n g feeling in his gut that something’s not right. there isn’t anything e x p l i c i t l y wrong, but he’s just  — he’s getting these vibes, okay? and they’re not —  they aren’t g o o d. but then he’s stepping into a study, bare feet sinking into soft beige carpet as his gaze is caught by a mosaic of bright color and imaginative imagery and lopsided crayola dedications to miss olivia, and suddenly those vibes seem so incongruous to what’s before him. because this  — this is b e a u t i f u l and he can’t help but be drawn inexplicably further inside.

[edenmemes]

hades sentence starters

❝ somebody else came through earlier. you should have seen the look on my face when it wasn’t you! ❞ ❝ let’s forgive each other and forget, go back to how things used to be? ❞ ❝ right now i wouldn’t talk to me if i were you. ❞ ❝ i’ll have to pick up the pieces somehow, and figure out how to get on with my existence. ❞ ❝ we have caused such violence in the intervening time, that we must take this as a real victory. ❞ ❝ i’ll wait for you however long it takes. ❞ ❝ i’m sorry. but this is something i have to do. you wouldn’t understand. ❞ ❝ the only one responsible for all of this is you. and i thought even you would have understood that by now. ❞ ❝ i don’t like it when you’re quiet for too long, what’s on your mind? ❞ ❝ what is it with you gods talking behind the backs of all your friends? ❞ ❝ the world you seek out there...it’s even crueler than the one you know. ❞ ❝ look, i don’t hold grudges, you know that. ❞ ❝ i’m worried you’re going to burn yourself out if you keep pushing yourself past your limits. ❞ ❝ your lapse in judgement here is not so easy to forgive, yet easily punished. ❞ ❝ i didn’t mean to lose my temper with you. ❞ ❝ the fates are pretty mean to keep on doing this to you. ❞ ❝ i hardly think this is the time or place to indulge your overwrought imagination. ❞ ❝ for our sparring practice, there's no teacher than the real thing. ❞ ❝ they say a lot of things about me; and they’ll tell you, ample caution is in order. ❞ ❝ either your limitless power has considerably waned, are you are up to something. ❞ ❝ i risked everything by helping you out there. ❞ ❝ my voice is nothing but the crunch of gravel underfoot compared to yours, which soars as though on wings. ❞ ❝ to doubt is an important instinct. without it, we could not conceive of better circumstances than the ones we know. ❞ ❝ let’s not set a bad example for the family. we’re better than all that, they’ve many bad examples as it is. ❞ ❝ you are persuasive like your mother, and determined like your father. ❞ ❝ if you think for an instant that i shall go easier on you, you’ll soon learn otherwise. ❞ ❝ is clinging to a memory what keeps the soul from fading? ❞ ❝ don’t know what it is about you, but i feel like i can be me with you, you know? ❞ ❝ war, much like the heavens and the sea, can be considered as a force of nature. ❞ ❝ if you know that you could only see me for but a moment’s time...would you still make the journey for me? ❞ ❝ i, too, wish for a lot of things. unfortunately there’s no unraveling the fates’ patterns. ❞ ❝ i left when it was necessary. i thought of you and hoped you’d understand. ❞ ❝ all of which you think you have achieved was merely handed to you. ❞     ❝ the past me, it’s as though...it wasn’t even me. this is me, now. ❞ ❝ in war, one must take sides, and you had best choose mine. ❞ ❝ i do not act by whim or by mistake. ❞ ❝ i just don’t understand. why keep on being nice to me, like this? ❞ ❝ you’re so much more than what you said. i wish you could see that. ❞ ❝ it’s really nice, sometimes...knowing somebody really cares about me. ❞ ❝ my father? he’d not a one redeeming quality. ❞ ❝ we can learn from our mistakes or we can keep repeating them. ❞     ❝ there’s nothing you can do to hurt me. ❞     ❝ soon doubtless it’ll be your portrait hanging on that wall back there. ❞ ❝ just don’t go starting any wars you don’t intend to finish. ❞ ❝ you do something for me, in the meantime: don’t give in to what you’re feeling now. ❞ ❝ it is not often i attempt to kill someone and they survive. bravo! ❞ ❝ why does the soul remain, after the body bleeds, and dies, and turns to ash? ❞ ❝ all gods and goddesses are to be feared. ❞ ❝ what more could i have even done? could i have swayed you, in any other way? ❞ ❝ i tried, with all my might, with all my heart, you must know that, and still, it never was enough. ❞ ❝ i’m pleased to see your father’s stubbornness is manifest in you as such determination. ❞ ❝ i’m really starting to hate you. you know that? ❞ ❝ know that i am grateful for the outcome. even if i fail to act like it ❞ ❝ i’m with you every step. then i will probably ignore you like the rest. just warning you ahead of time. ❞ ❝ i only wish we met sooner, though i’m grateful to have met you at all. ❞ ❝ you work too hard. live a little. ❞ ❝ i warn you: i shall hold nothing back. ❞ ❝ that’s something very private that you’re asking... ❞ ❝ use caution with the tone you take with me. ❞ ❝ if you have any sense remaining in that head of yours, i caution you not to discuss this here and now. ❞ ❝ you saw something in me i never knew was there. in turn, with you, i felt....calm. whole. ❞ ❝ i only know that i was filled with rage. ❞ ❝ the fates decided this for us, i guess, and so...who are we to complain? ❞ ❝ i pray the fates not ruin all your dreams as they did mine. ❞ ❝ what’s the worst that could happen? ❞ ❝ they left their mark upon the world. shall you? ❞ ❝ your mockery of me may temporarily embolden you, but achieves nothing useful in the end. ❞ ❝ what exactly is it that makes you feel entitled to show me such disrespect? ❞ ❝ i’ve got to admit, you are really frustrating, you know? ❞ ❝ i seem to have this whole ‘easy-to-underestimate’ thing about me. ❞ ❝ you seem a little quieter than usual. dare i even say a little somber and remorseful, for some reason? ❞ ❝ it’s because i like you. in case you still have some misgivings about that. ❞ ❝ keep following that heart of yours. it’s good enough a guide, believe me. ❞ ❝ you always seem in good spirits, though. ❞ ❝ i cannot change the past. and there is only so much i can do about the future. ❞ ❝ a loving heart is a forgiving heart. ❞ ❝ just in case it hasn’t been made clear as crystal lately, let me tell you: when presented with the opportunity, don’t ever reject me. ❞ ❝ you know, i got to say i had a few concerns when we first met, your father being who he is and all. ❞ ❝ i like it when my prey bites back. ❞ ❝ my attempts at making peace are going to be rather subtle for your tastes. ❞ ❝ you'd best not take for granted my affection yes, i’ve lots of it to go around; but i can just as easily rescind such privileges. ❞ ❝ don't be messing with my feelings. my loyalty's hard-won and quickly lost. ❞ ❝ the truth is i’m a lover, not a fighter. ❞ ❝ if i may say? you’re a hell of a guy. ❞ ❝ you truly take me to the best of places. ❞ ❝ death shall come. either to your enemies, or you. ❞ ❝ a mortal’s life is short, and fraught with pain; is that truly the life you yearn for? ❞ ❝ you think you are superior to me? you are a fool. ❞ ❝ even i have doubts, from time to time. ❞ ❝ i wasn’t expecting to make any new friends here anytime soon. ❞ ❝ i grow angry merely thinking of your situation. ❞ ❝ i wanted to apologize for when i pried about your past. ❞ ❝ nobody gets out of here, whether alive or dead. you think i jest? you think i haven’t tried? ❞ ❝ they got me, finally, of course. but not before i broke them first. ❞ ❝ you are immortal, but in a manner, you can die. ❞ ❝ you have a lot of nerve --- but little else. ❞ ❝ oh, you look terrible, if i may say. ❞ ❝ you’re either naive or you’re much too kind, or both. ❞ ❝ despite whatever difficulties you’ve encountered, again and again, you have never yielded. ❞ ❝ though, that war? don’t ask me about it again. all right? ❞ ❝ you may not make your father very proud, but it is just the opposite with me. ❞ ❝ even i’m beginning to fear you, i think. seems i don’t know you as well as i thought. ❞ ❝ you have a worried look about you. spare me your thoughts? ❞ ❝ names are there to be forgotten. ❞ ❝ it’s not your fault. you couldn’t have known. ❞ ❝ i know it’s not been easy for you. ❞ ❝ you honor me...i have done nothing to deserve this. ❞ ❝ oh, how i hate to fight with you like this! ❞ ❝ follow your heart? that’s odd advice, especially from you. ❞ ❝ the fear of death keeps mortals well in check. you’d best learn to fear something yourself. ❞ ❝ you are going to get me in a heap of trouble before all is said and done. ❞ ❝ i'll hear no more such wicked lies, half-truths, or quarter-truths. ❞ ❝ well, if you won’t say it, i’ll say it. good-bye. ❞ ❝ i know of no one, nothing stronger, other than the love we share. ❞ ❝ i’ve some memories i’m not quite ready to give up on, yet. ❞ ❝ you seem less warlike than the rest. ❞ ❝ can’t always trust what feelings say. ❞ ❝ my temper i shall keep in check, but only barely so. ❞ ❝ i am unmade, unwhole, here in this place, alone. ❞ ❝ my past is not really worth mentioning. ❞ ❝ you may not really need me, but i will take these opportunities to help. ❞ ❝ you sound a little tongue-tied. just like you always used to around me. ❞     ❝ you should be ashamed of yourself, and learn your place. ❞ ❝ this look like a shoulder to cry on to you? ❞ ❝ ...you know who you sound like right now, don’t you? i can’t believe this. ❞     ❝ i think, deep down, you are still that inexperienced little godling that you used to be. ❞ ❝ i always had doubts the gods were listening. that they could even hear. ❞ ❝ i was just checking up on you, just...let me know if you wanted to talk, for any reason. ❞ ❝ if there’s one thing i know, it’s that the three fates always get their way. ❞ ❝ hey, you’re not alone. you’re not alone, ok? ❞ ❝ you're not exactly easy to approach, you know. ❞          ❝ i grieve for you, my friend. ❞ ❝ are you lecturing me about healthy relationships with family? your family is the most broken and corrupted in the history of the entire concept. ❞ ❝ you think you can just walk away from me? ❞ ❝ how about it, then? care for a drink, with me? ❞     ❝ you are entirely too young to have had meaningful experience with loss. ❞ ❝ something the matter, there? or have you come to torment me some more with idle chat? ❞ ❝ you will find me waiting for you once you get here. every single time. ❞ ❝ men worship ares willingly; they are so much like him. ❞ ❝ while love’s the force that brought me and countless other’s low in life, it also brought me and countless others strength. ❞ ❝ others shall always doubt me. you may doubt me. ❞ ❝ beware the narrow distance between hastiness and swiftness. ❞ ❝ a crashing wave or thundering tempest are nothing to a broken heart. ❞ ❝ think back on when you started all of this. you now know so much more. are capable of so much more. ❞ ❝ as ever, you think only of yourself. ❞ ❝ this is where you belong. you feel out of place? where would you even go? your place is here. ❞ ❝ your path is yours to shape as you see fit, regardless of the fates’ design. ❞ ❝ you’re no god! you’re nothing but a piece of trash, born into all of this. ❞ ❝ you seem to have me all figured out. and here i thought we were still getting to know each other. ❞ ❝ are there truly no depths to which you would not stoop? ❞ ❝ leave me be, and don’t think you’re going to be so lucky next time we meet out there. ❞ ❝ you have the tendency to ask too many questions. ❞ ❝ i smell the blood on you. you are severely wounded. ❞ ❝ don’t be messing with my feelings there. my trust is hard-won and quickly lost. ❞ ❝ if you wish to test the fine relationship we’ve built, why then, i can confirm you’re testing it, all right. ❞ ❝ don’t ever take me for some thoughtless nymph to be manipulated. ❞ ❝ don’t get on my father’s bad side like that and you’re going to be fine. ❞ ❝ how’s your endless toil treating you? ❞ ❝ i’d never trade my bow for all that pomp and armor. but, to each their own. ❞ ❝ let me see you now for what you truly are. ❞ ❝ was i deceived, in thinking this of you, of us? ❞ ❝ i get what i want around here. ❞ ❝ don’t you understand i’m trying to fix the problems you caused? ❞ ❝ the gods are on my side, not yours. ❞ ❝ don’t you dare look at me like that. ❞ ❝ life isn’t particularly fair. i’d have expected you to know as much. ❞ ❝ i’m leaving. try and stop me. ❞ ❝ you have no concept of which impulses to act upon, and which to keep in check. ❞ ❝ when i inevitably, inadvertently trample all over your feelings at some point, please tell me, all right? ❞ ❝ you don’t even know who i am. who i was. ❞ ❝ won’t you come back to me? when you are able, please. come back. i shall be waiting here, however long it takes. ❞ ❝ never met a god that bleeds like you. red. like a worthless mortal. ❞ ❝ i got to hanf it to you. you don’t back down. you don’t ever back down. ❞ ❝ i’ve a tip for you: don’t be slow! ❞ ❝ you can’t escape your problems. you have no choice but to confront them, and work through it, sooner or later, one way or another. ❞ ❝ i knew you had a more sinister trick at play, because your fighting style certainly is of no concern just on its own. ❞ ❝ i...feel awful. i...i have to go. ❞ ❝ once people set their minds to certain things, it can be difficult to show them other possibilites exist. ❞ ❝ there’s something that i’ve wished to tell you: there’s no shame in your upbringing. ❞ ❝ i have known too many far too proud to accept help, even when it was sorely needed. ❞ ❝ may you yet come to your senses. ❞ ❝ i have virtually done everything within my powers to prevent this. all of it...for nothing. ❞ ❝ you can’t be serious. you’re going to pretend as though it never happened? ❞ ❝ seems i’m left to thanking myself, since you’re too proud to do it. ❞ ❝ fight like i’d fight out there. ❞ ❝ what have i done to deserve such scorn? ❞ ❝ you left, without so much as telling me good-bye. ❞ ❝ you’ve such weak blood, and such a temperament... ❞ ❝ i am very, very sure i haven’t murdered anyone. ❞ ❝ i am truly blessed simply to have made your acquantince. ❞ ❝ you wish to take advantage of my pity? ❞ ❝ it comforts me to see how far you’ve come. ❞ ❝ i’ve always wanted to kill a god. you’ll have to do. ❞ ❝ you don’t have to give me something in return, it was a gift! ❞ ❝ you know i’d take you if i could. ❞ ❝ you shut your mouth right now, with that. ❞ ❝ it’s never been an easy time for me. ❞ ❝ why do you think i keep on showing up? ❞ ❝ who might you be, wandering all the way out here? you’re trespassing on private property, you know. ❞ ❝ i’d rather have you as a friiend than as a foe. ❞ ❝ really, you’re kicking me out? why? ❞ ❝ you’re funny, but you’ll break. they always do. ❞ ❝ you must think that i abandoned you. you think i had a choice?❞ ❝ you’re stuck with me forever. remember that. ❞ ❝ you know these heroes by their deeds, not by their character. ❞ ❝ some would question the destruction which you sow, but i shall never do so. i fully understand your impulses. ❞ ❝ you’re quite effective at locating me, but not so good at leaving me in peace. ❞ ❝ you don’t need me & i don’t need you. ❞ ❝ you lived through all that? ❞ ❝ my heart soars, knowing you live. then it breaks, that our time together was so brief. ❞ ❝ you’ve only me. and i have only you. ❞ ❝ sulk in your chambers all you like, for i care not. ❞ ❝ where did you go...? what did you do...? ❞ ❝ monster! you have no bearing, grace or courage! ❞ ❝ you’re beneath the notice of the gods. i have earned their favor. ❞ ❝ your youth provides you with a certain mindless strength. ❞ ❝ wait. i don’t think i owe you any favors, here. ❞ ❝ you appear to have grown stronger since when last we interacted. ❞ ❝ please...it was never my wish to hurt you. ❞ ❝ death is your only family. ❞ ❝ i too was born of darkness, but i chose the path of light. ❞ ❝ don’t know how come everybody doesn’t sing. lightens the mood, passes the time. what’s not to like? ❞ ❝ you come from the bowels of hell. this is not your place. ❞ ❝ heroes? mere mortals, same as all the rest. ❞ ❝ offend me, and i’ll drain the last traces of colour from your cheeks. ❞ ❝ punishment is not the path to rehabilitation. ❞ ❝ you’re nothing like your father. i mean that as a compliment. ❞ ❝ i just hope that their intentions are as pure as they appear. ❞ ❝ don’t be sad, pretty much everybody dies sometime. ❞ ❝ i’ve done some things that maybe aren’t great. ❞ ❝ actions beat intentions. ❞ ❝ look! i’m grinning ear to ear! ❞ ❝ my fits of anger come and go just like the tides. ❞ ❝ you know, i’d rather have my eyes put out, but thanks for offering! ❞    ❝ you will need to face your fears someday. ❞ ❝ true wisdom only comes with age. ❞ ❝ something has stirred within your heart. i can always tell. ❞ ❝ or...wait...what is this, did you just ask me out? ❞ ❝ i’m getting awful sick of seeing your smug face, time, after time, after time. ❞ ❝ your humility is matched only by your perseverance in the face of adversity. ❞ ❝ your stubborness shall only bring you pain. ❞ ❝ sometimes, our hearts become so full that they could burst. if only you could see how much i care. ❞ ❝ let’s see if you’re as skillful as you think. ❞ ❝ wait, you’re not serious. that famous sense of humor shining through. ❞ ❝ i’m surrounded by my family, but i always feel alone. ❞ ❝ i shall make myself quite clear in one respect: i fear i have a lack of patience for discussion. ❞ ❝ thought i might find you all the way out here. although, quite frankly, i’m surprised you’re still alive. ❞ ❝ absolute silence is my general preference. it may not be yours. ❞ ❝ i just like to see you menacingly smile. ❞ ❝ don’t tell anyone about this, understand? ❞ ❝ i told you i don’t need your help. ❞ ❝ you’re much too modest for someone with such a number of heroic deeds to their name. ❞ ❝ if anybody asks, we’re even. ❞ ❝ we had a lovely time getting to know each other. we laughed, we cried! ❞ ❝ what’s the matter, you gone soft or something? ❞ ❝ be sure to add those to the list of words you’ll eat someday. ❞ ❝ you know i’d do just about anything to aid you. ❞ ❝ you again. i told you to stay clear of me. ❞ ❝ in spite of all your efforts, it is probably the case that you still have a long and painful road ahead. ❞ ❝ you’ve always cared for me. i can’t ever repay you for that. ❞ ❝ i just thought i’d say, that was well fought back there. ❞ ❝ hush, it’s the god of trash, come once again to filthy up this place. ❞ ❝ changed your mind yet, or looking for more pain and suffering? ❞ ❝ maybe get some sleep or something? you look pretty beat. ❞ ❝ look, i’ve got a reputation to uphold. ❞ ❝ your father’s quite the big shot around here, but that means nothing to me, understand? ❞ ❝ you don’t have what it takes. nobody does. ❞ ❝ there’s no returning to the way things used to be. ❞ ❝ can i offer you some words of advice? get over yourself. ❞ ❝ fear is for the weak. ❞ ❝ you now what i like about you? the way you bleed. ❞ ❝ may all the death you bring become the stuff of legends told in fearful mortal whisperings around the world. ❞ ❝ i just happen to think you deserve better than you’ve got. ❞ ❝ no love without pain. ❞ ❝ failure is the greatest instructor of all. ❞ ❝ i think you feel like you have some sort of fearsome reputation to uphold. ❞ ❝ you know what? i think we’re finished here. ❞ ❝ i know you’re not in a good spot right now. ❞ ❝ what you’re attempting is impossible. ❞ ❝ i’m not your practice partner, fool. ❞ ❝ i know you don’t mean any harm, but it just isn’t something i discuss with anyone, ok? ❞ ❝ first you defy me openly, and now you lie. ❞ ❝ admit it. you can’t stop thinking about me. ❞ ❝ i’d like to be alone again, so you go on ahead. ❞ ❝ maybe this might numb the pain a bit. ❞ ❝ something’s troubled me a little, about you. ❞ ❝ your failure is quite easily imagined. how often it recurs! ❞ ❝ found this, thought of you and all that, so...here. ❞ ❝ how i love these unexpected little run-ins with you. ❞ ❝ what brings you back around this way again? ❞ ❝ now what’s the matter? it’s like you’ve been up feasting day and night, you’re barely standing, everything ok? ❞ ❝ first i found you, i was certain that you had no chance at all. ❞ ❝ if it wasn’t you proposing it, i’d like to call it madness. ❞ ❝ i'll sleep when i’m dead. ❞ ❝ thank you for not forgetting about me. ❞ ❝ you must see plainly, then, what your birthright amounts to: you’re no better off than any of us here. ❞ ❝ i’ll do my best. for both our sakes. ❞ ❝ the world is not all lies and deceit as you make it out to be. ❞ ❝ you fight so desperately. at first i thought you simply lacked in patience. but now i see it’s urgency that drives you. ❞ ❝ you don’t know who or what you’re dealing with. ❞ ❝ who are you to judge, you misbegotten, shameful, unfilial maggot? ❞ ❝ you’re getting real predictable, you know. ❞ ❝ no one can avoid taking sides forever. but you can take the more sensible side, at least. ❞ ❝ ahh, so you are taking pity on me, then? ❞ ❝ thank you for making me feel welcome in your pleasant home. can’t say the same for most places i’ve been lately. ❞   ❝ i would very much prefer to think we both know better than to let old grudges stew forever. ❞ ❝ nothing is ever perfect, right? no matter how hard you try. ❞ ❝ while i know what you meant, i don’t want you to say such things again. ❞ ❝ look at you, you’re hurt there pretty bad. ❞     ❝ i can’t be completely sure but, what you said just now i think contained some of the component pieces of a compliment? ❞ ❝ don’t fall for mortals. use them if you must, but do not waste your love on those who waste away. ❞ ❝ you’re stubborn. however, so am i. ❞ ❝ you think me cruel, yet know nothing of cruelty. ❞ ❝ you just stick with me, i’ve always time for you. ❞ ❝ you look a little down and so i was just wondering, would you perchance fancy a song right now? ❞ ❝ i get the feeling we’re starting off on the wrong foot. ❞ ❝ a harsh winter is coming for you. and i’m afraid you’ve brought it on yourself. ❞ ❝ i was unkind last time. forgive my indiscretions there...or don’t. but i wished to apologize. ❞ ❝ don’t suppose i can talk you into fighting back this time? ❞ ❝ go occupy yourself someplace else. ❞ ❝ don’t feel bad! it had to happen! but if it’s any consolation, it’ll probably happen again! ❞ ❝ you’re running from yourself. ❞ ❝ wine does have a rather special way of making everybody look even more beautiful than ever. ❞ ❝ i am not interested in having company, especially from you. ❞ ❝ my faith is prone to shakiness sometimes. ❞ ❝ you’re not your father, thank the gods. ❞ ❝ i’d ask you to join me for a drink, but i know you’ve a task ahead of you, and liquor dulls the senses. ❞ ❝ you’re more stubborn than your father. i never thought that such a thing was possible. ❞ ❝ remember, next time, that on my whim i can take everything from you. ❞ ❝ haven’t we had more than enough of each other by now? ❞ ❝ i get the feeling i’m being watched. ❞ ❝ you’ve berated me repeatedly and often. ❞ ❝ you ever lose somebody dear to you? ❞ ❝ as you grow long in years, perhaps you shall learn better judgement as to whom to trust, and whom to never, ever disrespect. ❞ ❝ sometimes things weigh heavily on me, but then i hear from you, and it’s like i don’t have a care in the world. ❞ ❝ stay focused on the hunt, and it’ll help keep the pain at bay. ❞ ❝ you are just so spontaneous, and i’ve a liking for that sort of thing! ❞ ❝ no one gets out of here, whether dead or alive. ❞ ❝ what is it that you’re after, really...? ❞ ❝ don’t take my silence the wrong way, all right? ❞ ❝ that’s terrible...wish there was something i could do to help. ❞ ❝ your unpredictability is one of your assets. ❞ ❝ do not throw away your life as i did mine. ❞ ❝ you do not take all your defeats to heart, do you? that’s good. ❞ ❝ the fates can twist intentions. i don’t want to take the risk. ❞ ❝ sometimes you make me feel alive again. ❞ ❝ why...i was much stronger once, than this... ❞ ❝ sometimes i wish i knew more about your past. ❞ ❝ you shall not goad me into anger with a petty insult such as that. ❞ ❝ we’ve been through a lot, and i think we’ll be going through a lot more yet. ❞ ❝ feelings we shared...they faded, with time. ❞ ❝ learn well to shut that foolish mouth of yours, or i shall shut it for you. ❞ ❝ i knew so many warriors who would throw away their lives for glory, believing that the gods were on their side; refusing to consider that their opponents felt the very same. ❞ ❝ you didn’t need to vent all that inner turmoil onto me throughout my life. ❞ ❝ swear to me that you shall never repeat what you are about to hear. swear it! ❞ ❝ sometimes i wonder what’s going through your head. ❞ ❝ i can do this. i can do this. i can do this. ❞ ❝ i heard you got yourself into another mess that needed cleaning up. ❞ ❝ you have a good heart. keep listening to it. ❞ ❝ you picked sides, and things are not the same. ❞ ❝ all the terrible choices i’ve made. by the time you have existed for as long as i have, pray youo will have made fewer. ❞ ❝ i must admit i have grown fond of you. ❞ ❝ please open your mind to the fact that there are those who care about your wellbeing. ❞ ❝ i know you mean well. from the bottom of my heart, i thank you truly for the thought. ❞ ❝ how can somebody be so brash yet hate to take unnecessary risks? ❞ ❝ i know we can’t exactly change the past, but we can try to move forward. ❞ ❝ you didn’t answer my question. though, you know something? forget i asked. ❞ ❝ just checking in on you, but i’ll be on my way again shortly. ❞ ❝ you would speak to me of foolish mistakes? ❞ ❝ do not question my power. ❞ ❝ there is no point in doing it but pride. and pride is dangerous. ❞ ❝ i must admit, your strength of will is quite inspiring. ❞ ❝ i don’t hate you. i don’t think i can ever hate you. ❞ ❝ i've decided not to kill you. no sport in cornered prey. ❞ ❝ i never thought i’d hear you talking about looking forward to working. you feeling alright? ❞ ❝ it has been far too long. although, the passing of the time was very kind. ❞ ❝ i have been thinking on this for some time, and i’ve a declaration i must make: i shall hear no more of your silver-tongued lies. ❞ ❝ oh good, somebody’s here to save me from myself. ❞ ❝ i wonder how much more insulting you could be. ❞ ❝ may i have this dance for old time’s sake? ❞ ❝ no matter how far you run, it doesn’t make your problems go away. ❞ ❝ i ever tell you you’re a real sweetheart? because, if not, i’m telling you right now. ❞ ❝ oh don’t worry, i’ll be back in fighting shape in no time. ❞ ❝ it’s not that i’m upset or anything. you know i’m not, but truthfully i’m a bit annoyed. ❞ ❝ you’ve got quite the fighting spirit in there, i have to say. ❞ ❝ ...answer me something. what am i to you, exactly, as of late? ❞ ❝ if you’ve not anger enough for it yet, you’ll learn, i promise you. ❞ ❝ i shall bring desolation upon those who wrong you. ❞ ❝ you know nothing of tempers if mine is your frame of reference. ❞ ❝ let me save you lots of future suffering: i happen to be the jealous type. ❞ ❝ i was really hoping we could change the subject. please? ❞ ❝ finally you cleared the mess you caused. ❞ ❝ i never grew accustomed to the air, up here. it gusts senselessly whichever way it pleases. ❞ ❝ i need your help with something. as i’m about to risk it all. ❞ ❝ love tends to blossom in the strangest places at the strangest times. ❞ ❝ normally they grovel, then they scream. they shut up eventually, but not you. at least, not yet. ❞ ❝ you know, you ain’t near as bad as i’d heard! ❞ ❝ so now you know. but, only half the truth. ❞ ❝ you are and always will be an insufferable brat. ❞ ❝ they say both gods and mortals are notoriously poor at estimating how long it takes to get anything done. ❞ ❝ flattery never got me anywhere with you to begin with. doesn’t mean i won’t keep trying. ❞ ❝ i’m warning you, i’m not susceptible to bribes. many have tried. ❞ ❝ by my estimation, you have slain at least a thousand souls. ❞ ❝ everyone’s saying i went easy on you. ❞ ❝ no, on quite the contrary i’ve been under no impression that avoiding conflict is an option here. ❞ ❝ you really won’t tell me anything about you? you’re just going to leave me to speculate, forever? ❞ ❝ fears, i think, are born of ignorance. ❞ ❝ i don’t exactly know the ways of mortals. ❞ ❝ it’s not just you swept up in all this nonsense now. you didn’t ask for me to get involved but what did you expect? ❞ ❝ if only i had wisdom such as yours, so that i was more capable of picking up on subtle jabs and insults such as that. ❞ ❝ did i detect some hesitance on your part just then? perhaps you knew that you were making a mistake. ❞ ❝ i need you in my life! how can you just...turn me away like this? ❞ ❝ no. no mournful speeches. now get out of my way. ❞ ❝ you needn’t lavish me with your faint praise. ❞ ❝ our memories are warnings. when you have lived as long as i have, you come to understand your weaknesses. ❞ ❝ you speak none of this, to anyone! ❞ ❝ it seems to me your strength outweighs your smarts ❞ ❝ you’re really too much for me sometimes, you know that? ❞ ❝ you speak as one who’s not experienced war. ❞      ❝ you’re looking kind of down. normally you’re all smiles, for whatever reason. ❞ ❝ your heart shall never carry you astray. ❞ ❝ it almost sounds as though you’ve broken up with me. ❞ ❝ come now, i don’t think that’s anything to be concerned about. ❞ ❝ where did you steal that kingly blade you’re brandishing about? it seems ill-fitting for one such as you. ❞ ❝ you overstep your bounds with me. but i shall make you fall right back in line. ❞ ❝ if there’s one thing i’ve learned since we met, it’s that the trust we share is at the very foundation of our relationships. ❞ ❝ it is woefully infrequent that i’ve cause for this, but i do have to thank you. ❞ ❝ so you’re realizing now that your entire image of me came from your imagination, is that it? ❞ ❝ sorry, my lips are sealed. how about we change the subject? ❞ ❝ you mistook me for someone who blindly follows orders without considering the implications. ❞ ❝ you, in a healthy relationship? why yes, that i have to see. ❞ ❝ you won’t tell me anything about you? you’re just going to leave me to speculate, forever? ❞ ❝ oh, would you look at whom i found, all by their lonely self. ❞ ❝ sometimes our tempers get the best of all of us. you’re fortunate mine didn’t get the best of you back there. ❞ ❝ you really need to learn to stop meddling in others’ affairs. ❞ ❝ was just thinking about you. ❞ ❝ the mortal concept of what constitutes as a hero is absurd. ❞ ❝ i may not be the one to kill you. but i’ll soften you up for whoever does. ❞ ❝ i have been waiting for a special moment to confess my great appreciation for your deeds. this moment’s special enough, isn’t it? ❞ ❝ all mortal life is fragile; it simply is a struggle to survive. ❞ ❝ it wasn’t any of my business to pry into your personal life. i should have asked. ❞ ❝ what do you say we deal some death together? ❞ ❝ the more you step away from your responsibilites, the less you shall want anything to do with them. ❞ ❝ what we were once, i wonder if it’s but a falsely ringing memory of mine... ❞ ❝ in all your boundless intellect, i’d have expected you would know i see through your intentions, plan as day. ❞ ❝ ii shall not lie to you again. that much, i swear. ❞ ❝ oh, i don’t have the heart to keep exacting vengeance on you. ❞ ❝ privileges are earned, not begged for. ❞ ❝ i thought we had an understanding. but, this wouldn’t be the first time i was wrong about someone. ❞ ❝ i have every confidence you’ll someday clamber from the shadows into the light. ❞ ❝ no paradise awaits you. ❞ ❝ did you miss me? i thought i’d steal away a bit and that together we might make up for lost time. ❞ ❝ when blood is spilled and death is dealt, i simply cannot remain discontented for too long. ❞ ❝ unlike my present company, i do not ask too many questions. ❞ ❝ what’s life without a little pain. ❞ ❝ i would do anything that you would ask of me. ❞ ❝ such a waste, all for your foolish pride, that you should care more to be remembered by those you shall never know than to be loved... ❞ ❝ look, if you don’t feel the same way about me at this point, i would rather know. ❞ ❝ you chose to die in glory, not to live in peace...and all for what? ❞ ❝ what’s the matter there? gone awful quiet. did i hurt your feelings? ❞ ❝ please, if not for your sake, then for mine...do not return. ❞ ❝ you blame your ancestors for your own weakness? ❞ ❝ i still grow frustrated with myself quite often and don’t always know whom to turn to. ❞ ❝ i’ll just remain here, comfortably at rest, for some untold millenia. ❞ ❝ the world has a limitless capacity for pain. ❞ ❝ well, if you do require some emotional support, know that i likely shall be standing over here. ❞ ❝ you’re not fooling anybody with your feigned benevolence, you know. ❞ ❝ i'm just an old killer, yet you treat me like i’m the one who’s royalty around here. ❞ ❝ life and death are inextricable, and war is often what connects the two. ❞ ❝ someday or night you shall look back on this, and thank me. ❞ ❝ i can no longer tolerate my life here in this place. ❞ ❝ they said you were headed this way. i said i’d stop you. ❞ ❝ if you were being too pushy, you better believe i would have put you back in your place, royalty or not. ❞ ❝ i am leaving, even if it kills me. ❞ ❝ hey, can’t ever be too careful when it comes to people’s past and feelings and stuff, right? ❞ ❝ should you ever go to war...do look me up. i imagine i would take your side. ❞ ❝ have you given any thought to just...leaving me alone, and going back to wherever it is you came from? ❞ ❝ and here i was beginning to think we had something special going. ❞ ❝ i’m worried you’re going to burn yourself out if you keep pushing yourself past your limits. ❞ ❝ whoever it was you used to be, i believe you’ve changed. ❞ ❝ i’m no mere mortal. ❞ ❝ i suppose this must be what it’s like to be a god. being shown affection such as this. ❞ ❝ admittedly i was quite good at it, but i was nothing other than a killer. ❞ ❝ no need to get emotional, is there? i’m not the sentimental type. ❞ ❝ all that pent-up rage behind your smiling words... ❞ ❝ don’t ever fall for mortals. use them if you must, but do not waste your love on those who waste away. ❞ ❝ i was never terribly fearful of gods. they seem to have their struggles much like mortals do. ❞ ❝ i would ask you to think of your well-being for the time, not mine. ❞ ❝ must say you’re very good at hiding your worries. ❞  ❝ anger fades. anger burns hot, then burns out. what’s left is a dull ache. ❞ ❝ you have much to be proud of. you’re a great warrior. a great instructor. a great friend. ❞ ❝ you must know the seven types of love by now, don’t you? why, i have several types of love for you! ❞ ❝ sometimes i fear i shall develop some sort of grudging respect for you. ❞   ❝ as you grow long in years, you gain more burdens and responsibilities, until they bind you. ❞ ❝ you’re being very nice to me, and that makes me suspicious, understand? ❞ ❝ you like me? i never thought, i...don’t know why that sounds so strange, coming from you. ❞ ❝ just know that...if you feel the way i do...you know where to find me. ❞ ❝ i still have feelings for you, i think. ❞ ❝ you’re a god. i’m telling you to learn to act like one. ❞ ❝ we were invincible together, weren’t we? though, i have never missed those days... ❞ ❝ i like being on my own and all, but it’s been nice, talking to you like this. ❞ ❝ you’ve done more for me than i’ve any right to expect, from anyone. ❞ ❝ the heart can make us do the strangest things, can’t it? ❞ ❝ i would never have been remotely prepared for everything i’ve had to face, if not for all your guidance. and i don’t just mean the violent stuff. ❞ ❝ you’re not so bad, you know that? careful with that, or you’ll undermine the ruthless reputation you have. ❞ ❝ well, for all his failings, i’m thankful that he did not teach you how to hate. ❞ ❝ i don’t know that i hate anybody, really. ❞ ❝ why am i never proud of you? don’t take it personally. i’m never proud of anything. ❞ ❝ there are a myriad of tales to be told, of both great deeds and of vainglorious defeats, and this has been a tale that falls somewhere in the middle. ❞ ❝ why your path keeps on crossing mine, i’ve not the slightest clue. ❞ ❝ there is no replacing your presence. i felt that before we ever met, and now i know for sure. ❞ ❝ mortals are so bent on clinging to their lives, that many among them would gladly kill for it. ❞ ❝ listen to me. i don’t know how else to put this, but, i want you to come home. ❞ ❝ i think we understand something of loss, now, don’t we? ❞ ❝ hey, look, i can tell you’re struggling right now... ❞ ❝ you must know i often hunger for destruction, almost uncontrollably at that. ❞ ❝ you still have no idea how to be up front with me, do you. why don’t you tell me why you’re here, and what you want. ❞ ❝ the destruction you have sown, the sheer carnage...nothing can surpass that. ❞ ❝ i do not think i ever would have asked for help, at any point, because...i don’t entirely know how. ❞ ❝ but hope alone is worthless without action, is it not? ❞ ❝ as bloodshed has become somewhat of a necessity in my situation, i am very grateful that you’re with me in this. ❞ ❝ many mortals strive for greatness all their lives, never quite realizing there is no existing formula for it. not even a specific definition for it. ❞     ❝ there are aspects of my country that i miss, from time to time. the stark, bright beauty of that strange, wondrous land. ❞     ❝ pride is perhaps our family’s worst trait. ❞ ❝ i think for many of us, it can come as a surprise to learn that love and war often go hand in hand. ❞ ❝ you don’t have what it takes. ❞ ❝ had a feeling i would find you all alone out here. ❞ ❝ quit messing with my heart. ❞ ❝ swear something to me. that you’ll discard your fears about our bond. ❞ ❝ each time we fight...i think i learn a little more. ❞ ❝ you’re nothing to me anymore. ❞ ❝ say, you must know a lot of big shots, don’t you? other gods and all that? ❞ ❝ i trust, from time to time, you stop to ask yourself how come you choose to fight. ❞ ❝ you cannot change the course that has been set. try all you like. ❞      ❝ we don’t all share the same demeanor, nor see eye to eye. though all of us, i think, wish you the best. ❞ ❝ i’ve known great men throughout my life, and i can always tell when someone’s better than their circumstances. ❞ ❝ i am quite capable of making your life plenty difficult. ❞ ❝ i bet whoever it is that loves you...it’s because of who you are. ❞ ❝ i lay the blame entirely upon you, yes. who else? ❞ ❝ i think, deep down, you are not the heartless harbinger of retribution that you want everyone to think you are. ❞     ❝ in my domain, you either find your place, or you learn your place. ❞ ❝ you have no idea how good you’ve had it here. maybe someday you’ll come to understand. ❞ ❝ do not mess with me right now. ❞

[sw124]

MLC: Sarah and Eugene

[Western Dragon Boyfriend]

“Oh for the love of a- Eugene!”

Fifth time this week, a wall of miscellaneous items almost crashing down on the young girl. All randomized junk from stuffed animals, plastic fast food toys, old rugs and so on. These weren’t even normal things for dragons to collect! She’d understand if they were like priceless items like artwork stuff but not random things.

The worst part of all this is when she tried to throw them away he’d throw such a hissy fit, not a toddler one but the kind where he’d get really weepy and cry…an that was something Sarah avoided. When he started crying he always had to hug her like a teddy bear until he was done, or she give in and not touch his things. But it was starting to get out of hand and their apartment was going to run out of space very, very soon.

She turned around, already she saw the dragon in question peeking just around the corner….he looked like a puppy who got caught piddling on the rug. Oh she was ready to tear a new one, the pile almost fell right on top of her, she could’ve gotten hurt!

She was already to yell….but instead stopped, pinched the bridge of her nose and gave a heavy sigh. No, yelling never solved anything and…she just couldn’t do that to Eugene no matter how bad he messed up. She needed to handle this with a calm mind.

“Help me clean this up please…” she sighed, in all honesty she wanted to cry…she was just so tired of this…

The constant fear of being crushed under an avalanche of junk, the back and forth arguing and then some…not to mention their apartment would soon run out of space for them both to live comfortably. She knelt down and started picking up a few of the things, Eugene knelt beside her and helped….she looked an already saw the tears forming.

“I’m sorry….I’m so sorry love, I know you don’t like this and I’ve been selfish but..I can’t throw this stuff away, I don’t know how to explain it in a way anyone can understand…”

He wasn’t lying, she knew if he was lying. This big boy as so bad at lying, it was so bad no one tells him if there was a surprise party cause he’d couldn’t keep the secret.

“I know hon, listen…I get its your nature to collect and protect your treasures, I just don’t see how any of these things are ‘treasures’ to be honest.”

Ooh…maybe she should’ve held back on that, now he looked like a kicked puppy…well no going back now, time to spring the question.

“Eugene, I think we ‘both’ need to work on this. I want to know what makes these things so special but you have trouble telling me. So I’ve been thinking…what if we went to see that Dr. Fortune we heard about on the TV?”

There was a long pause…flicking his long tail from side to side like a cat sometimes helped him think. He didn’t like airing out his problems to strangers but…an this was getting a bit out of hand. What if Sarah got hurt next time…he could never forgive himself if that happened.

“An….we’ll do it ‘together’ right?” Whimpered Eugene, he drooped his head down to look her this time directly….oh his heart jumped when she gave him a smile.

“Of course, we’ll do it together. In fact how about we make the appointment together after we clean this up. Sound good?”

This time was his turn to smile, oh it wasn’t fair for a smile to be that adorable! After giving a peck on the cheek to each other they proceeded to push the wall of junk back into the closet, they’d deal with it later.

[one week later]

Sarah had to admit, she never expected a doctors office to be so…huge or well furnished, especially for Eugene’s standards. When they made the call the doctor made a rather…odd request. They had to bring five items of Eugene’s choice to the first meeting, apparently to help understand his reasonings.

So after going through the ‘avalanche’ again, Eugene gathered five items. Each one he cradled to his chest as if it was made of delicate glass, odd sine they were made of plastic. Dr. Fortune sat across from them with a clipboard in hand, twirling a pen the other before turning to smile at them.

“Well, lets get started. Eugene, did you bring five things from your collection?”

With a nod, Eugene pulled out the items in question. One bobble head fairy, one kitty keychain, a little fast food toy car, a pendant from some costume jewelry and lastly a tiny princess figurine. Sarah blinked, they were odd little things to keep.

“Eugene, these are very precious to you right?” Asked Fortune.

“Yes…very much so.”

Fortune picked up the princess figurine “An out of all of them…this one is the most precious of them all cause its tied to Sarah.”

Sarah snapped her gaze directly on the doctor, they held the little figure flat in their palm. For a moment Sarah dismissed it as some random piece of Eugene’s collection..although she had a feeling she seen that little figure before but couldn’t’ quite place ware…an why was it connected to her. She watched as Eugene reached and plucked it from the doctors hand…he was smiling so innocently like he was holding a newborn kitten.

“I…bought this at the shop Sarah worked at when we first met, it was a souvenir shop at a renaissance themed park…”

Sarah’s eyes almost popped out of her socket when she heard that….now she remembered! Eugene coming in looking both annoyed and frantic, how she barricaded the door to keep the growing crowd of entitled brats out…an how he timidly asked to buy the little princess figurine….

“An all these other things are from dates you went on with Sarah, so your treasure is keepsakes from your time spent with your darling, correct?”

Eugene nodded, he clutched the princess figurine in his massive claws…shivering a little bit.

“Its normal for dragons to collect treasures but you can’t just collect every little thing she touches on your dates, but I do have a solution that may help with his hoarding.” The doctor smiled and took out their phone.

“For starters, pictures are wonderful keepsakes that won’t take up space in your house just your phone…unless you got the ‘cloud’ an a lot of memory on it. An if you want something to put in your room that really means something then sure keep it, but be aware that you two must live together an if these items get out of hand then you’ll need to throw them out or find a new space thats out of the way.”

From Eugene the doctor turned to Sarah.

“As for you, understand a dragon’s treasure is really precious to him and he’ll fight tooth and claw to protect it. However dragons also can be sensitive, so if it does get out of hand please try not to yell or guilt them into throwing some of it away. Be gentle in your approach and if so maybe work with them on finding a space that they can keep their treasures in.”

The two looked at each other…an back at the items at hand..

“It doesn’t have to be right away, take your time in how you tackle this problem. But remember…take it slow, if you rush things it’ll only cause problems. Start out with little things before moving to big ones.”

With that said the session ended, they thanked the doctor and left the office. The ride home was quiet to say the least, both digesting the advice the doctor gave them. When they came home..they found the ‘avalanche’ was still there…still the large pile of things from date nights or outings….

Sarah went to use the bathroom but…when she came back she found the entire ‘avalanche’ was gone. Eugene tying up a black trash-bag and setting it by the door. A big smile on his face, on the counter were some small items she recognized from trips they took.

“Um…honey, you don’t have to throw them all away, you can look through them and-“

She was cut off by his claw so gently pressing against her lips.

“I know…but to be honest…I’ve got what I wanted, I went through them and…I don’t remember half of the items in these piles. Some didn’t spark any memories, but the ones that did I’ve kept and I took a picture of the pile already. So I can safely say these can get thrown away.” He gave a big grin and held up his phone, a picture of the mess in his collection.

She then watch as he put some of the treasures he kept on the mantle in the living room…the princess figurine in the center. Sarah smiled…then ran quickly to her room, Eugene watched..his head cocked to the side a bit. She came jogging back holding something, gently she placed it next to the princess figurine. It was a special in incense burner designed as a castle with a dragon on top, when a incense cone burned in it the smoke traveled up and out the dragons nose and mouth.

“When did you get that?” Asked Eugene.

“…I got this after you left the shop that day.”

Eugene turned to her, eyes wide…

Sarah continued. “I thought it was so cute how you purchased that little figurine, so much in fact I ended up buying this at another shop at the fairgrounds….to be honest I didn’t know if I was ever gonna see you again so I bought it to never forget that day. How funny it was to see you come in the next day…browse the shop and ask me to give you a tour of the fairgrounds…”

He couldn’t argue with her there…the two looked up at the mantel, the princess figurine and the dragon statue. Standing side by side…almost like they were meant to be.

[steves-on-a-plane]

Sincere Apology

Words: 1151 Pairing: Luke Skywalker x Reader Summary: Luke and Reader were in a speeder bike accident and the former moisture farm tries his best to apologize. After several attempts he come up with something that might finally win back Reader’s favor. A/N: Inspired by this post by @make-me-imagine​! 

“[Y/N], how many times do I have to say that I’m sorry before you’ll forgive me?” Luke Skywalker asked as he chased after you. You didn’t answer him. Instead, you continued on your way to deliver the data pens in your hands to Leia. While you were walking slightly faster than your normal pace, it was hardly considered a brisk walk. Luke was his best trying to keep up with you. His boots thumped against the metal grates on the floor as he stomped along.

“I already said forget about it Skywalker.” You answered without stopping or looking over your shoulder.

“That’s not the same things as saying you’ve forgiven me!” Luke huffed. You stepped to the side, avoiding a collision with Han Solo who had appeared from an offshoot corridor. Luke was not as agile and collided shoulder first into his friend’s chest.

“Easy there, Farm Boy!” Han said, gripping Luke by the shoulders. “What’s got you so fired up this early?”

“It’s [Y/N].” Luke sighed. He gestured impatiently behind Han, but when the smuggler turned to look, you were long gone. “Leia sent us out on a scouting mission late last night. [Y/N] doesn’t know how to drive a speeder bike, they don’t have much use for them on her home planet, so we just took the one and I…”

“Wait a minute.” Han began to laugh. It was joyous chuckle that starkly contrasted his usual sarcastic scoff. “Are you the one who crashed that Speeder bike? The brass isn’t too happy about that...”

“It was an older bike.” Luke answered defensively. “It’s not like it was a new one! Besides, I’ve already offered to help repair it.”

“The bike I saw was pretty banged up.” Han shook his head, no longer laughing. “You’re lucky neither one of you were hurt.”

“Now you sound like [Y/N].” Luke pouted.

“you’re going to have to do something big to make it up to her.” Han said.

“Yeah.” Luke sighed in agreement. “If you think of anything, let me know.”

Hours later, you had finished the work you’d been assigned. Work which included a mission report detailing exactly what happened to the unsalvageable speeder bike Luke had ruined. It had been a long day of paperwork and data logging. You were ready to hit the sonic and then retire to bed wearing one of your few remaining home planet luxuries, silk pajamas. Then there was a knock on your dorm door.

“[Y/N], it’s Luke.” He told you.

“What do you want Skywalker?” You snapped before tapping the door control and watching the door panel slide open.

“I’m here to apologize…again.” Luke explained.  

“I already said…”

“Let me make it up to you please!” He begged.

“Alright.” You sighed. “But this better be quick.”

“Uh, it won’t be.” He apologized. “But it will be worth it. Trust me.” You followed Luke through the Rebellion Base to outside. He led you down a small path less than a mile long. The same one you’d gone down the night before. At the end of the path was a makeshift corral of sorts that was used to house the speeder bikes.

“Because you didn’t learn your lesson the first time?” You asked him. “Who the heck did you convince to let you borrow another speeder bike immediately after you trashed the last one.”

“Well…” Luke rubbed the back of his neck awkwardly. “I didn’t exactly get permission…”

“So we’re here to steal and ruin a seeder bike? I skipped my sonic for this?” You shook your head.

“What? No! I thought ya’ know, maybe since you don’t have a speeder bike license, I could show you how to drive one so that next time we go on a mission together you can drive.” He explained.

“Why would you do that?” You asked suspiciously.

“Because I know it would make you feel more secure to be able to drive the speeder when we go out and I’m hoping it will make you less mad at me. I can’t stand the idea of you not talking to me for another day.”

“Speeder bike lessons, huh?” You considered the idea.

“I brought you a helmet.” He offered out a repurposed biker trooper helmet that someone had painted rebellion orange.

“Alright, but if we crash, you’re taking all the blame.” You insisted before accepting the helmet and his apology.

“[Y/N], Turn! Turn! Turn!” Luke shouted over the rumbled of the speeder bike. There was no reason for him to worry though, you’d already begun to make the turn and avoided the tree in your way. You’d been training together for two weeks now and it turned out the farm boy was not a bad teacher. He also wasn’t too bad at driving the speeder bike either, when he wasn’t distracted.

“Same time tomorrow?” You asked, parking the bike make in its corral.

“Sure.” Luke beamed. You walked together up the path to the rebel base. “Goodnight, [Y/N]. See you tomorrow!”

“See you tomorrow, Farm Boy.” You smiled back. As you and Luke went your separate ways down two corridors. You walked towards your dorm with your speeder helmet in hand.

“Does the quarter master know you’ve got that helmet? You know you’re not supposed to take those things to your private quarters.” You turned slowly on your heels to see who had just caught you red handed. It was Han Solo. “Oh Han, it’s only you.” You sighed with relief.

“Yeah, only me.” He repeated gruffly. “You and Luke just come back from your secret rendezvous?”

“I wouldn’t exactly call it that.” You answered.

“Well, if it is supposed to be a secret, it won’t stay that way for very long.” Han said. “The kid has been talking me and Chewy’s ears off about how much he looks forward to meeting with you every night. I think he’s got a thing for you.”

“I-what? Why are you telling me these?” You asked him. Han shrugged.

“I want to see how things play out.” He smirked. “I figure the kid’s never gonna make a move on his own so…”

“So you thought you would push things along.” You nodded, now understanding.

“Hey it’s a win, win for me.” Han explained. “If you feel the same way about him, I get to take all the credit for nudging you in the right direction and if you don’t, I get some entertainment out of the blow up.”

“What makes you think he has feelings for me anyway?” You asked.

“For starters it only takes about a week to learn how to operate a speeder bike and you two have been sneaking off for about three now. That means that either you’re the worst driver in the galaxy or he’s finding an excuse to spend time with you. Think about it.” Han shrugged again before continuing what he was doing before bumping into you.

[buddiebeginz]

So I finally got to watch 4x08 and I have a lot of thoughts so be prepared for a long rant.

For starters I literally groaned out loud when I saw they brought back Taylor Kelly. I know that some would make the argument well the only reason you don’t like her is because you want Buck with Eddie. If Eddie didn’t even exist I still wouldn’t like her and I definitely wouldn’t want her anywhere near Buck. She’s incredibly self centered doesn’t care who she hurts at times and can be really manipulative too. Like how she went out of her way to hurt Buck in front of Albert and Veronica for no reason. I get it if she didn’t totally understand why Buck asked her there but she could have said that to him privately. She could have left without turning it into a whole big spectacle to make Buck look like a dick.

Then the stuff she said to him in the hallway was just totally messed up. Buck called her because he got roped into the stupid double date thing and didn’t want to look like a loser in front of Albert and Veronica but also it’s clear he’s been feeling lonely for a while and didn’t want to be the third wheel. He should have communicated more to Taylor what was going on with the dinner but nothing about what he was doing was malicious or manipulative to me, Buck can just be kind of clueless at times.

When they were in the hallway Taylor made it seem like Buck used her. That he basically wanted people to see him with “famous” Taylor Kelly the reporter. The thing is when Taylor got to the apartment she thought that her and Buck were going to have dinner and hook up. She was clearly planning on using Buck for sex like she has before, yet she accuses him of using her.

She called him needy and said that he can’t stand the idea of someone not liking him. To which he ends up apologizing. Watching this I’m like WTAF are you apologizing for Buck? This woman is trashing the shit out of you and you’re standing there apologizing?! I mean this is what I’m talking about when I say she’s manipulative. Like I said before Buck should have communicated better what was going on that night but it’s also not his fault that Taylor assumed he was calling her over for a hook up. I also don’t think Buck called her because she’s sort of famous and he wanted to look good or to use her, I think he didn’t want to look like he’s all alone when everyone around him has someone. He had seen her recently and talked to her about things he’d been dealing with so I think she was the first person he could think of to help him and likely the only one really.

Even after Buck tried to explain some of this to her and tried to be vulnerable about how he was feeling what does she do? She laughs at him then basically calls him a liar and tells him that he treats his friends shitty and his issues with Albert are his fault. Never mind the fact that Buck had opened up to her about feeling uncomfortable about his roommate dating a woman he dated and bringing her home to their house. Never mind the fact that Taylor knows nothing about Buck and his relationships.

I mean she says something earlier in the episode  “your life is nothing but meaningful relationships” (talking about the 118) but that’s pretty obvious to anyone who meets them so I don’t give her much credit for that. Not to mention a while back she spent time in the firehouse filming so that was easy enough to see then. But the fact that she could spend time with Buck and he could open up to her the way he has multiple times through out the show and she could still make the kind of snap judgments she does about him or use him the way she does is just awful.

By the end of the episode the shows tries to make Taylor look like this poor sad woman who is dealing with so much and I think they were even trying to make the connection that she was also feeling alone like Buck feels alone. They also try to make it seem like she just wants to help people, again I think trying to connect her to Buck and his innate desire to help everyone around him but I don’t think she’s anything like Buck and I still can’t stand her.

I really hope people haven’t forgotten that this was the same fame hungry woman that was ready to air footage of Bobby (calling out to his dead daughter) and almost jumping off the roof when he had eaten laced brownies. She made it clear when we met her when kind of a person she is. That she was the kind of person who would probably sell her own mother if it meant furthering her career. The thing is I definitely believe characters who make mistakes or who start out as villainous or problematic should be allowed to grow and change (I mean some of my favorite characters are ones that have started out awful) but this doesn’t feel like a character that has changed. At all. The way she went out of her way to try and humiliate Buck in front of Albert and Veronica and the things she said in the hallway prove that. I’ll be utterly disgusted if they try to pair her up with Buck.

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

I’m just really tired of how the show seems to treat Buck. I have no problem with characters going through hard times, dealing with others being awful to them, or even abuse. These are all things that happen in real life and can make for great storylines. But if you’re going to show a character repeatedly going through something it should serve a purpose, it should be leading towards something and I’m not sure if the 911 writers get that. I love the show but sometimes I feel like they’re just putting Buck through stuff for the hell of it.

Like we’ve repeatably seen women treating Buck awful which in an of itself isn’t a problem if it’s going somewhere. Like the show could use that as way to say Buck is always picking the wrong people and has problems with speaking up for his needs (likely because of his family). There’s a lot the show could explore with Buck’s relationships especially with him seeing a therapist. Unfortunately though we haven’t been seeing him talking to the therapist and especially after this recent episode where it feels like the same old same old (i.e. a woman treats Buck like crap and Buck apologizes) it just doesn’t feel like there’s a good enough reason they keep writing Buck’s storylines like this.

First there was Abby who I feel like used Buck in some ways to jump start her life back up and then ghosted him when she didn’t need him anymore. Then she didn’t even take responsibility for that when she saw him again nor did the show really let Buck call her out on how she made him feel really. Then there was Ali who knew how dangerous Buck’s job was when she got involved with him and did anyway then chose to drop him when he was going through one of the toughest times of his life. The show didn’t even do Buck the dignity of really talking about what happened with that relationship she just was gone by the next season.

There was Taylor who just used Buck for sex and for her career and who the show tried to paint as being like the female version of Buck which I thought was kind of bullshit. Buck has made plenty of mistakes in his life and he certainly was all about sex when we first met him in season 1 but in the first place Buck would have never sunk to the kind of lows Taylor has just for his career. Being a firefighter is everything to Buck but the 118 are like his family and he wants to be a firefighter to help people not just for fame or glory. There was the lawsuit but Buck didn’t even realize how much that asshole lawyer was going to go after the 118 and I’m pretty sure if he did he wouldn’t have done it. You can tell when Buck talks about it to Eddie how much he still regrets it. As for all the sex Buck was having it’s clear he was looking for a more meaningful connection and just hadn’t learned yet that wasn’t where he was going to get it. Not to mention it seemed like a lot of the women he was sleeping with were just using him to an extent like the therapist who slept with him. Buck is very different from Taylor who in my eyes is not a very empathetic or emotional person and seems much more about herself than anyone else. So the shows need to compare them really gets on my nerves.

Then there was his date with Veronica which was just ridiculous. My problem wasn’t that they had her be some strawman SJW feminist who got offended by everything it was the way they had Buck respond. As usual he wasn’t allowed to stand up for himself and just had to sit there and take the mistreatment.

It hasn’t just been in romantic relationships either we saw what Buck went through with his family and the show just kind of closed that off with Buck forgiving them for a lifetime of abuse.

I don’t get why the show constantly lets Buck get treated like crap by so many people around him and without standing up for himself no less. Like I was so angry about that scene in the hallway with him and Taylor. It would have been one thing if Taylor had lashed out at him (maybe taking her own issues out on him something she could have explained later) but the show still should have had Buck push back against some of the bs she was spewing. I’m tired of Buck having to hear how much of a failure he is. I’m tired of seeing Buck hurt by people he tries to let in. Buck would literally die for the people he loves. He almost has numerous times. So to hear someone like Taylor trashing him and telling him he wasn’t a good friend was so infuriating.

-------

I mean it’s not that everything with Buck is handled bad. I love the relationships he has with the 118 and especially with Bobby and Athena. Her and Bobby are almost like parents to Buck especially when it feels like Buck never really had the family he deserved and I love them for that. There’s also Maddie who has always been there for Buck and their relationship is so important. But the best relationship Buck has is obviously with Eddie. He’s the one who gets Buck the most and who Buck is the most himself with. Buck doesn’t have to hide or hold back with Eddie and neither one of them are afraid to call each other out when necessary.

I love the relationship Buck has with Eddie and I really want them to just get together already, though I know there’s no guarantee that will happen. But if the plan isn’t for Buddie to happen I wish that the show would stop dangling that relationship around every episode as a way to pull viewers in because it’s clear they know how popular they are. I especially wish that the show would be clearer about what they plan to do with Buck’s sexuality. I feel like there’s been so many hints since the beginning that Buck could be bi and I don’t know where the show is going with it.

I’ve seen people saying that Buddie isn’t going to happen and it doesn’t need to happen because there’s already other lgbtq characters on 911 and there’s a main lgbtq ship on Lone Star but I disagree. Buddie could still happen but even if it doesn’t the show could definitely still explore Buck’s sexuality. It would be so important to have a main male character who has been straight presenting on a popular prime time show come out as bi. There’s this misconception that representation in media for lgbtq isn’t that big of a deal anymore because there are so many lgbtq characters now but it is still a big deal and many shows still don’t feature lgbtq characters and storylines prominently nor do their stories justice. They definitely don’t when it comes to bi characters especially bi men.

To have a character like Buck have a storyline that would explore his sexuality would be huge. It would be even more huge if it was about him coming out as bisexual. Biphobia is a big problem not just from straight people but within the lgbtq community maybe even more so in some ways. Popular media rarely shows accurate good depictions of bi storylines. Even when there are bi characters on shows or movies we usually don’t get to see their journey like we have in media through the years with other lgbtq characters. We rarely get to see what it’s like to figure out you’re bi and to live as a bi person. As someone who is bi myself I really want this to change. 

The show has made many hints to Buck’s sexuality and it’s something that they could easily explore. If they aren’t planning on going that route though I don’t get why they keep hinting at it. I don’t get why they’ve had multiple instances where people have commented on Buck’s sexuality or being with Eddie and he never corrects them. I mean once would be enough but what is the point of the show doing it over and over? I mean the Lone Star moment was just crazy to me if they don’t plan on doing anything. It didn’t just feel like a throw away joke moment especially since Buck didn’t deny it and Eddie came around the corner it felt like the show was saying something.

If the show isn’t planning on having Buck come out or putting Eddie and him together why does it feel like Buck and Eddie behave almost like a married couple? I mean they connect and know each other almost more than some of the actual married couples on the show. It feels like Buck is Chris’ other dad. I mean we saw Eddie going out with Ana but at the same time it almost felt like it did with Shannon like Eddie just trying to do right by Christopher and make sure he has mom. After the date the one Eddie comes home to is Buck. When Chris is upset the one he runs to is Buck.

If Eddie and Buck and Chris aren’t meant to be a family was does the show keep making it seem like they are each other’s safe space? It’s clear that the connection Buck and Eddie have goes beyond just being friends. It’s just unclear why the show has developed them this way and what they plan on doing with them now.

One last thing in this giant ramble. This episode was called “Breaking Point” but I feel like we didn’t see Buck’s breaking point. I’m hoping that all these bread crumbs are leading somewhere in exploring Buck’s sexuality maybe this episode title was a clue that Buck’s breaking point is coming. We’ve had lots of hints about his sexuality throughout the course of the show and this season in particular there’s been a lot of talk about how lonely he feels and how disconnected he seems to feel from everyone. So maybe we’ll get to see him talking to his therapist and exploring some of these feelings. Maybe if Eddie continues to see Ana Buck will end up feeling jealous and this will bring up feelings he hasn’t wanted to confront yet, about himself and about Eddie. Guess we’ll just have to wait and see.

[osakaso5]

Halloween Event Story

~Fluffy Blast Racing~ Chapter 6: Preparations

Chapter Index

Toma: Find anything, Torao?

Torao: Nope. Nothing but useless scraps.

Toma: Doesn't this colony have any shops we could buy parts from?

Red Cotton: <There were, once. But they haven't had decent items to sell ever since the eviluffs came.>

Torao: I see... And that's why nobody can build a car that could rival theirs.

Torao Eviluff: Look, luff! They're digging around in trash, luff!

Toma Eviluff: Here, have some of our garbage too, luff! You're welcome, luff!

Torao: ...Aren't you guys even a little ashamed of yourselves for doing that?

Torao Eviluff: Right back at you, luff!

Torao: Can you be happy with your victory if you don't actually earn it?

Torao: Is it satisfying to win through harassment and cheating?

Toma: Torao...

Torao Eviluff: Shut up, luff! We don't care what methods we use, as long as we win, luff!

Toma Eviluff: If you wanna lecture us, you gotta win the race, luff!

Toma: Yeah, that's exactly what we'll do!

Toma: And we'll teach you what REAL racing's like!

Torao Eviluff: Yeah right, luff!

Toma Eviluff: We'll see how good you race with a piece of junk, luff!

Torao: Oh, we'll do just fine. Our mechanic and engineer are talented enough to turn any piece of junk into a bona fide racer.

Torao: One man's trash is another man's treasure, as they say! 

- - - -

Haruka: This is where they keep their out-of-commission cars..? They're dented all over.

Haruka: Plus stained in some kind of weird liquids and eggshells...

Minami: Most of the tires have been sliced, too.

Minami: This couldn't have happened during a normal race. They must've been subject to sabotage.

Haruka: Unbelievable... Only an awful racer would ever damage a car on purpose!

Minami: I agree. They should cherish their cars like you cherish your tools.

Haruka: I-I don't do anything that special for my tools...

Haruka: Ah, what about that car over there? The engine looks intact, so we should be able to get it back up and running!

Minami: Hmm... It does look to be in a better condition than most cars here. We should probably use it for our project.

Minami: Also... we should probably come up with ways to counter our enemy's sabotage.

Haruka: How are we gonna do that, when we don't know what tricks they have up their sleeves..?

Minami: I have an inkling of what tricks they're using, based on the damage they've inflicted on these wrecks.

Minami: Hee hee hee. Let's make this even more fun by not only avoiding their attacks, but giving them a taste of their own medicine, as well.

Minami: ...For starters, let's install this machine here, and modify these parts over there...

Haruka: You seem more excited than usual.

Minami: Heh. I have a few mod ideas I've been waiting to try.

Haruka: Mod ideas...

Minami: They're a bit financially and ethically questionable on Earth, so this is a great change to make them a reality.

Haruka: Wait... What do you mean, "ethically questionable"..? I'm starting to get real worried...

Minami: Ah, don't worry. I won't make anything dangerous. They're only for self defense.

Haruka: Hmm... Oh well, I guess I'll have fun working with a new type of car, too.

Haruka: The stuff you design is always so unique and interesting.

Minami: You're the only person who understands my vision, Haruka. I'm counting on you.

Minami: ...I just hope Toma and Torao will find us good parts.

Toma: Hey, we're back!

Haruka: Here they come.

Torao: We couldn't find much... Can you two work with these?

Haruka: Duh. Don't you trust my skills?

Minami: Let's give it a try. 

- - - -

Minami: Phew... The design will look like this.

Haruka: Are you sure..? These don't exactly look like the blueprints for a car.

Minami: Yes, I'm sure. I was a bit worried about our lack of parts, but Toma and Torao brought us just what we need.

Toma: I didn't know you could use them for something like this...

Toma: I thought we'd be in trouble, since we could barely find working car parts.

Minami: On the contrary, everything you found provided useful. I'm amazed by the quality of what you brought.

Torao: Apparently the place we went for scavenging was a dining district the racers used.

Torao: Though all the restaurants went out of business thanks to the eviluffs.

Haruka: All the cars here were completely wrecked because of those guys, too.

Haruka: Breaking down perfectly good cars for no reason... Now that's something I can't forgive.

Toma: Yeah... That's why we're gonna teach them a lesson, and show them what's more fun than being bad!

Torao: Yep. If you make the car and I drive it, there's no way we'll lose.

Haruka: ...Not like we've ever won a race before.

Torao: This will be our first victory of many!

Haruka: I guess you're right! Don't you dare lose, because I'm gonna build you the best car you've ever seen!

Torao: Sure! You can count on me!

Minami: Heh, I look forward to watching you race. 

To be continued...