#am i more angry about this than I should be? PROBABLY but y’all love tim. lets just say theres a reason i relate to tim the most.

[majorshatterandhare]

Most people who responded to this seemed to decide to just completely ignore that I was asking about Gawain *in legend* and not *in the album* so in case anyone is curious, the best response I got was from @brookreader, thank you brookreader.

[ID: a screencap of tags from brookreader responding to the above post, they read:

“#I never noticed the Loki connection before! #as for Gawain #not that I know of #he almost got his head cut off once which includes the eyes and I suppose could tie into gptvtmk a bit? #but he DIDN'T end up getting his head cut off #and that's probably a bit of a stretch dhxgdg #oh! Gawain does go on the warpath after loved ones get killed in some versions #(his brothers) #so there's that parallel #the mechanisms #posts that make me have to go have an autism moment on discord”

The screencap has a blue background and off-white text. Brookreader’s icon is a photo of Ben Below as Drumbot Brian, in profile.

End ID]

Gunpowder Tim plays Gawain.

He also plays Oedipus, who pulled his own eyes out

And Loki who has poison dripped into their eye.

Tim’s own eyes were burned out.

Did something happen to Gawain’s vision in legend?

[joy1579]

RFA (plus saeran) with an MC that leaves when she gets angry (don’t worry they all make up)

so this took me all day but i want to try writing something everyday so here ya’ll go let me know if y’all like it. also i just noticed how often i misspell the names and i ask for mercy i have dyslexia and i really am trying to catch these things.

Jumin

-        You two rarely argued but when you did it tended to bring out EVERYTHING past and present

-        You couldn’t even remember what exactly had sparked the argument

-        Something about not eating, or was it because you had worked yourself to exhaustion two days ago

-        Whatever the reason both of you were angry.

-        You knew he cared about you, knew that behind the anger was fear and love

-        That didn’t make his stern and angry voice more tolerable though

-        Didn’t soften his piercing gaze or ease your own frustration

-        “okay. I’m done fighting Jumin.” You say coldly cutting him off mid-sentence

-        “what” he asked looking for intents and purposes like you had slapped him across the face unexpectedly

-        “I’m done Jumin. I’m not doing this anymore. I’m going for a walk; I’ll be home by dinner.”

-        “your leaving me?” he asked cautiously afraid of the answer

-        “if I were leaving you I would have just left. I wouldn’t have told you I’d be back. I’m just, I’m done fighting.”

-        And with that, you were out the door.

-        3 hours later you hung your coat up in the penthouse entry way and met your husband at the dinner table

-   ��    “I’m sorry” both of you said simultaneously

-        You put your hand up to quiet him as you see the question in his face before he can even ask

-        “I know I can’t just leave like that. It’s not good to just shut down a conversation like that. I just I hate fighting, I hate being angry and arguing. I’d rather simply not do it. You know?”

-        “better than you could imagine my love”

Yoosung

-        “I wasn’t flirting with him!

-        “he was flirting with you though!”

-        “I can’t control what he does yoosung”

-        “you could have walked away!”

-        “I was pay- no you know what. No” you put your hands up and turned to leave the kitchen where you too where arguing as you put away the groceries

-        “wait, we, we were talking” yoosung spluttered as you tugged your coat back on and grabbed your purse

-        “no yoosung you were talking, you were talking if you want you can keep talking, you’ll get just as far in the argument as you would if I were here so go ahead. Me I’m going to go get a drink at the cat café. I’ll call you when I’m on my way back”

-        Then you were gone. Door shut surprisingly gently behind you

-        And yoosung was left alone angry and confused

-        So he did what he always did when he needed to process emotions, he played LOLOL

-        You called on your way home just as you said you would but when he didn’t answer he couldn’t help the sigh that fell from your lips

-        “yoosungie? I’m sorry I bailed on you. You know I don’t deal with frustration well, but that’s no excuse. I shouldn’t have walked out like that. I’m on my home. See you soon puppy.” You mumbled into the phone as you left a voicemail

-        As soon as you walked through the door he was on you with the tightest hug you had ever felt

-        “MC! I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to make you leave I just I saw the guy at the store and the way he looked at you I guess I kind of freaked out”

-        You couldn’t help yourself, not when he was nuzzling his face into your hair and rubbing your back as he hugged you

-        “puppy!” You cooed pulling back to fluff his hair a bit “I love you” you laughed at the rising blush on his cheeks and kissed his nose

Saeyoung

-        You only fight when seven is closing himself off again. Most of the time when this happens you can usually simply love him through it

-        But every now and then you got frustrated. Frustrated that he still didn’t trust you frustrated that he still thought you were better off without him. After all this time everything you’ve been through he still doesn’t understand how much you love him

-        That what led to this fight. He was shutting you out again

-        “MC seriously I’m trying to work I don’t have tim-“

-        “saeyoung I’m leaving. I’ll be back, I don’t know later I guess I’ll take the routes with cameras so you don’t have to worry”

-        “what? MC you can’t just”

-        “I can. I am. See ya”

-        So you left before he could say anything else.

-        You took the CCTV covered routes and purposefully avoided looking at the cameras.

-        He called you a couple of times and you made sure he saw you see the call on your phone before you decline the call.

-        When you finally calm down you make your way home and find him at his computer.

-        You sit on the floor next to his chair and pull out your phone texting him a quick sorry message and telling him you’ll be right beside him whenever he finishes working.

-        After a while you feel his hand in your hair and you hum contentedly knowing that you two could get through this

-        Just like you had gotten through everything else

Zen

-        He hurt himself. Again. You had warned him that he was pushing himself to hard and he still pushed.

-        Now he was hurt and out of commission for 2 days and you had more work to do than ever.

-        You loved this man really you did, but between the upcoming RFA party, the new fan club coordination position you had taken up, and being his manager you were feeling frustrated and overwhelmed

-        So once he was settled in bed and safe you told him you had to run some errands

-        “ugh you were right jagi I’m sorry”

-        You damn right I was right

-        “listen to me.” You said coldly “I love you, but if you get up from that bed while I’m gone, I will throw the TV through that door and then post that video of you after you met Elly, swollen face and all.”

-        That shut him up fast. Looking at his mouth opening and closing as he looked for something to say almost made you feel bad. Almost.

-        “I’m just, I’m angry right now and I need some time to calm down. I love you but you have to give me a bit. I promise I’ll be back soon” you explained with a sigh.

-        And so here you were sitting on your laptop at local café and posting an update for Zen’s fan club.

-        It had only been 15 minutes but you already felt bad for leaving him alone. So you began to pack up. That was until you noticed a new message on your latest post.

-        The fans wanted to put together a collection for Zen’s injury. That actually gave you a good idea

-        30 minutes and 48 different emails later and you were ready, this would be perfect and you couldn’t wait to get back to your zenny

-        When you got home you were relieved to find zen asleep and not waiting up for you as you worried he might. You kissed his forehead and set to work connecting your laptop to the TV.

-        When he woke up you helped him to the couch and just before you showed him what you and his fans had put together you set of a camera

-        “jagi? What is all this?” he asked laughing a little at all the stuff you had set up

-        “trust me Zenny you’ll love it and so will they. I just know it”

-        You played a compilation of the videos the fans had sent you of them wishing Zen well and telling him how much they loved his work. Video fan mail would definitely lift his spirits.

-        Not to mention posting his reaction would make the fans happy.

Jaehee

-        Cake burned, coffee spilled, cat hair everywhere.

-        day ruined

-        You were dog tired and so done with today when an equally tired and grumpy jaehee stumbles from the cafes back office

-        “MC what, it’s a wreck in here!” she exclaims

-        “really? I hadn’t noticed.” You replied sardonically before sighing “I know I’m working on it right now.”

-        “no it’ll be faster if I do it you just go, go make dinner at home” you could hear the edge in her voice and couldn’t help but respond in kind

-        “You know I’m not the one who let the cat in right?” you almost spat

-        “I didn’t say you did MC.” She sighed rubbing her temples

-        It had all started about 2 hours ago when a child had let in a street cat to get it out of the deluge outside. The ensuing chaos led to shutting early and trying to desperately heard a scared and soaked cat outside into a slowly fading rainstorm.

-        Needless to say that the café you two had worked so hard for was currently in shambles.

-        “fine. Your right. It’s probably faster if you just go it alone.” You muttered before stalking out the door and into the rain.

-        You had only made it half a block before you felt the rain stop

-        But it hadn’t stopped. You looked around only to see jaehee holding an umbrella over your head

-        You couldn’t help the breathless laugh the left you

-        “I guess I wasn’t thinking when I left was I”

-        “I wasn’t thinking when I told you to leave. So we’re even.”

Saeran

-        you knew this wasn’t about you

-        it was about the new councilor, who had mentioned his mother

-        it was about seven doting over him about his medicine

-        it was about everything and everyone smothering him

-        so you told yourself again and again that this screaming wasn’t about you

-        you tried to be understanding and most of the fights ended with the catharsis of a tantrum and the comfort of a gentle hug

-        this was not most times

-        “I should have just left you at mint eye where you belong!”

-        You had worked so hard to support his recovery. You were used to insults, used to frustration

-        But he said this quietly, seething and dark and you were angry.

-        You felt your stare go icy and saw his eyes widen in surprise

-        You didn’t get angry often and he was always surprised when you did

-        “saeran. I’m leaving for a while. I’ll come back when I calm down”

-        “you can’t just leave”

-        “I couldn’t leave at mint eye but I can now” you spat without even looking back at him

-        “you wouldn’t dare!”

-        “I will be back when I calm down” you said slowly before finally walking out the door

-        He was furious, and with no one to point his anger at he paced his room.

-        As his anger faded he felt the all too familiar regret and guilt wash over him as he let himself fall backwards on his bed

-        You had been gone for quite a while and he wondered balefully if this would be the time you didn’t come back to him

-        It had to happen sooner or later after all

-        You had left nearly an hour ago and you could still feel the cold and icy grip of anger on your heart. You really had to do something, anything with this feeling.

-        you yelled. You raged and spat and cursed alone in the middle of the woods. Primal scream therapy, your mother had called it; cathartic your father had said. All you knew was you felt better and Saeran didn’t have to take the brunt of it.

-        When you returned you saw saeran laying on the bed and you cleared you throat as you stood in the door way. He sat up and eyed you in clear surprise

-        “your back” he said simply as though you hadn’t told him you would return.

-        You chided yourself when you remembered all the people in his life that HADNT returned

-        “it’ll take more than a raised voice a few mean words to get rid of me” you said making your way to sit next to him

-        “you just left.” He mumbled not meeting your eye’s

-        “I know. I shouldn’t have done that. I was very angry and I didn’t want to say something I’d regret. Next time I Promise to try to calm down here instead of leaving.”

-        “I don’t like when you leave”

-        “I don’t like leaving”

-        These quiet moments were few and far between, but you cherished them, they meant progress.

[stonerbughead]

Maria watches friday night lights (#17)

wow 4x06 was such a rollercoaster ride! Here we go:

Okay this Matt and Julie scene with the two of them making out in the car demonstrates so much about why I love them —tho I’ve surmised there will be more trouble ahead before they get their happy ending. Julie remembers she has something to tell him; they banter about her being pregnant with twin aliens; and then she tells him she’d been meaning to surprise him with tickets to a music festival in Austin before his dad’s untimely death but is totally cool with not going if he doesn’t want to??? It’s like ugh these two are so cute and care so deeply for each other my heart 🥰😭 “The chapter said that when your dad dies, you should probably most likely go to a music festival.”

the rest of my flailing under the cut:

Omgggg that assistant coach who annoyed me earlier in the season is back with a vengeance making wild claims they can’t hold up ON CAMERA I am Eric Taylor in this scene

Damn I’ve always loved Tim and Lyla — I mean especially in season 3 and OOOOOH boy this reunion banter and make out sesh into Tim’s trailer had me fanning myself! super predictable when Lyla comes to see Tim at his TRAILER on “midterm break” but no less hot!

Oh shit Matt and his grandma got $$$ from the military? He gotta go to art school now, bish!

“I don’t understand why people keep asking me why I’m okay, I’m fine.” Honestly my partner started getting annoyed by people in this way after his dad died too, grief is WEIRD and hard!

I love watching a teen show where just taking off for a music festival for two days with her long term boyfriend is the big scandal.

Omg Landry you’re still talking about Tyra to Jess?! Stop doing this, bro! Lol Jess slaps him in the face right after I typed that. nice.

Lyla and Tim’s chemistry is still off the charts!!!!

Yeeeeesh that Becky and Lyla introduction was pretty yikes

Lol I love the assistant coach being tight-lipped with the reporters now re: the lions’ “guaranteed win.” did Eric chew him out lol

More in This Is That Shit I Like: Matt and Julie eating sandwiches on their car roof on the side of the road talking about how romantic it is! “Good sandwiches I put my heart and soul into.” Cutiessss but also sings to Saracen: ~you must deal with your grief, babe~

Jess’s relationship with Vince intrigues me. And I love the introduction of Jess’s dad’s bbq joint as another watering hole in East Dillon.

Becky, yikes, don’t go off on Luke, he was being so cute and respectful! Also he is much more age-appropriate than Tim and you are letting out your anger about your unrequited Riggins feelings on poor Luke!!! (Forreal am I supposed to like Becky? I have mixed feelings.)

baby Grace yelling “uh oh” as Tami leaves an angry voicemail for Julie lol

“Show them your ring, Tim.” Wow okay never change Billy Riggins (jk you should def change a lot of things)

“I think she asked me what it was like being pregnant.” Yes go off, Mindy, and Billy, don’t speak for your wife!! Lol Lyla’s gonna ride the bull? I love that Lyla and Mindy eventually got along.

awww Tim is so still in love with her, my heart! “You missed me.” “You had no idea.” Swoon

Omg this Becky and Lyla convo broke my heart and was super uncomfortable. Becky legit said, “You’re so lucky. You’re super pretty.” What does one say to that? Silently walking away with an awkward smile is all I could manage too, Lyla 🙈🤦🏻‍♀️

Are the panthers making fun of East Dillon players for watching game tape in Sears? Their blatant classism is gross, Oh wow, assistant coach finally steps up, nice! also obligatory fuck JD McCoy

Back to back Matt and Julie dancing in their hotel room and Tim and Lyla bedroom scene “thanks for coming back” “you’re welcome” my heart (you know the angst is coming but I love the soft moments we get first)

Awww vince’s mom wants to come to the game clean 🥺

Tami being unable to think about anything but Julie and not knowing where she is makes so much sense!! (oldest child vibe is reallll here) but damn she’ll have a rough transition if Julie goes away to school

Oh no Tim thinks Lyla will stay in Dillon baby noooo

“I know but I hate it, i don’t want her to go.” Oh Tami it’s so hard 🥺

WOW did not realize Matt didn’t know Julie wasn’t allowed to go to Austin until Landry called. It’s really cute that the reason saracen’s upset is bc he wants Eric and Tami to like him and that was not cool of Julie, at least let him decide if he wants to break the rules too!

Aw fuck there it is, what’s been bubbling under the surface all season: “the responsibility of having to stay in Dillon.”

Omg Vince’s mom actually showed up!!!

Oh whaatttttt they’re all sad they lost? Don’t be, babes! This is a sick underdog moment, y’all put up a fight against a team you thought was gonna slaughter you!!!

Gotta love the early 2000s indie band appearance concert trope!!! although yikes this fight, Julie desperately screaming “I love you” as the band plays!

Tim with the forehead kiss for Lyla at the bus stop fuck me up

Ohhh the thematic “stay” theme for both Tim/Lyla and Matt/Julie is just so *chef’s kiss* this show is a gift

“It was nice just to get away with you.” “I love you Julie.” “I love you Mattie.” Feels like a goodbye, man. Like they both know it’s not working right now by circumstance even tho they love each other 😭🥺

Julie breaking the fuck down when she gets inside yepppp! “I think he’s leaving” ME TOO 😭

Tami immediately putting her head on Julie’s shoulder is that good mom shit even tho she’s def gonna ground Julie’s ass later lol

“Do you have a broken heart?” “Was she the love of your life?” Why does Becky talk like the cringey Riverdale writers. I hope people won’t throw things at me but Becky annoys me and her soulmate speech is a stretch

“Becky.” “Yeah?” “Shut up. Please.” Lmao same tim 😂

Oh shit Matt issss leaving damnnnn! Dramatic Trauma Rama! feat pretty footage of matt driving away

BRING ON THE ANGST

[jordm]

Heartland 11x02- Highs and Lows review

This episode, we have Cass, Caleb, Lisa AND Peter back for their season 11 debut. Holy moly! Cannoli! (So I don’t know where I was going with that but it totally rhymed & I do like Cannoli). Anyways, here we go.

I’ll start off by saying I loved the opening sequence where Amy (Amber) herding the animals in the beginning because not only do I love seeing Amy ride but it’s also how I imagine Amber doing chores around her house, with Remi following close. And it honestly, just feels so natural to see.

Overall, I thought this episode was a high.... no pun intended ;)

TY & AMY

At the top, Ty still seems protective but this time it doesn’t bug me because Ty does seem to catch himself and Amy seems amused by it. And frankly, I am too. It’s his first time leaving his girls behind and it just felt like a natural reaction from Ty as someone whose leaving for his first day. I loved that last lingering look Ty gives to Amy/Lyndy before he leaves. It shows his love for them... and that he doesn’t want to go even though he really really should. Because dear god, he’s been off for like a year and they have expenses to pay!

Them finding out about Georgie’s parents and her experience in foster care, made Amy and Ty think about their will. They didn’t want Lyndy to have to go through that if they were to ever both die. Let’s go through their options:

Jack & Lisa - too old (or not as young as they used to be). And let’s face it, not great options since if they do die, I’m sure they wouldn’t want to have to care of an infant and enjoy their retirement. Plus, chances are they can still see Lyndy regardless of who Amy and Ty choose.

Tim & Casey / Lou - Well, frankly, they’re just all over the place. We don’t know where Casey is and Tim has his past issues which we know will come up again, not to mention Lou is never home. If Lou was home more often and regularly, I would argue that Lou would be a better option than....

Cassandra & Caleb - definitely an option, especially after Amy witnessed Caleb holding Lyndy and talking to her, and furthering their case, when Ty witnessed how affectionate they were when they adopted Jasper. Seriously, how cute was Jasper?!

... yeah, Cass and Caleb definitely seem like the best option at the present moment and because of Michelle Morgan’s seemingly reduced role in the show this season (or as they know, Lou basically lives in NYC half the time), Amy & Ty seemed to agree, luckily- so did Cass & Caleb! 

CASS & CALEB

Of course, the minute Amy leaves, of course Lyndy cries, however I loved seeing Amy’s reaction to Caleb bonding with Lyndy, despite the frightened look on his face when Lyndy starting crying. They also adopt a dog named Jasper and it’s also really really cute and adorable with how they interact with the Jasper. I have also used the word cute way too much in this section... oops. 

I still don’t know much about their marriage, except that they are ready for the responsibility of a dog & being the parents in the case of both Ty & Amy’s death. So. That was disappointing but also not wholly unexpected. More Cass & Caleb please! 

LISA & JACK

Oh Lisa, how I’ve missed you on our screen! How I’ve missed seeing Fairfield, it’s been a few seasons for sure, even though I think there could have been way more Lisa & Lisa/Jack scenes but y’know. We can’t all have nice things.

Anyways, one of the name “Fernand LeForte” sent Lisa flowers and this sent Jack to Fairfield. Lisa says that in France, they talked investments and that’s why he was sending her flowers. As a viewer, I’m sure there’s more to this truth. Nothing is ever as it seems; further, at that moment I’m also positive it’s nothing bad, but something that could get ugly with misunderstandings. 

Eventually, Jack looks up Fernand on the super convenient world wide web, where Amy calls Fernand, not just a real estate agent, but “the worlds’ best looking real estate agent.” Yikes. I mean, if that photo was Fernand then he looks like half of Lisa’s age... so i’m thinking she isn’t having an affair?

But thank god Jack is an adult and instead of moping or assuming things, he ASKS Lisa about Fernand... and what Lisa says isn’t what he thought. 

The assumption: Fernand is someone who likes Lisa and wants to... date her? Or something? I’m not sure what Jack was implying but it definitely wasn’t the truth

The truth: Lisa is broke because no one is buying high end horses as much anymore and she’s renting her house in France so she doesn’t have to lay off any of her staff because they have families and mortgages y’all. I love Lisa and her big heart. Such an angel. 

I loved this conversation between Lisa and Jack. It show’s how mature they are; despite Lisa not telling Jack initially. Once confronted with the truth, they don’t make it worse by covering up the truth. They were able to have a mature, sensible conversation without getting angry that the other kept a secret from the other. 

It was also nice to see SOMEONE struggling financially. Logically, it should be Amy & Ty since well... obvious reasons so Lisa being broke came out of left field, but it gave me a belief of realism, that not everyone on Heartland is well off and never struggles with money anymore (since we haven’t heard about it the last few seasons)

Which leads me to a few questions: Does this mean more Lisa this season since she has absolutely no excuse to be in France anymore? How broke is broke for Lisa? And how long has she been broke for? If all she had to do was lay off a few trainers she couldn’t have been that broke... right? Anyways I’m glad Lisa is back on my screen & I hope for more Lisa soon.

GEORGIE 

(Warning, this section is long!)

We find out early on that Jeff had the article about the drunk driver and he didn’t want to give it to Georgie until she was older. As much as I loved this Jeff mention, I don’t understand why Jeff would send this to Georgie with little to no explanation when he knows it will affect Georgie and he should/will need to be there for her; since out of everybody, he knows what it feels like the most. Heck, he lived it. 

But I supposed, the actor wasn’t available and I will assume Jeff and Georgie talked on the phone about this. But let’s be honest, I just really wanted a Jeff appearance. Doesn’t Jeff only live a few hours away somewhere else in Calgary? My memory is failing me.

When Jade seems visibly worried about Georgie going to visit Charles, one must think it must not be such a hot idea. But she’s a good friend so she goes with her. Some things I noted:

- Georgie must be driving, so she must’ve gotten over her fear of driving? That’s a plus. 

- Did anyone think that maybe Jade should have been driving? I know it’s Georgie’s car but like, someone must have thought that Georgie driving was not the best idea especially given the situation. 

Georgie wants to put the “genie back in the bottle,” once the truth comes out but we (and probably deep down Georgie) that this is not a good idea. One way or another this fear/past will manifest and it’s best to face it head on to prevent it from coming up at an inconvenient time, like say while in a jumping competition? Luckily, she has the support of her family to get her through this.

Enter Peter. Jack calls Peter since Georgie really could use the support, because she literally has no parents around. +1 for jack realizing having parents around is good and for communicating with Peter about Georgie’s whereabouts/happenings despite him living so far away (or a 30 minute plane ride as @the-real-tc so pointed out). and +1 for Peter for realizing he needs to be there for Georgie and catching a flight asap. 

With her father’s encouragement, she agrees to talk to Charles. And for what it’s worth Charles did seem truly sorry. He seems to have realized how his actions impacted Georgie, have truly changed and turned his life around. With him having a family, I personally think that it made him realize what he took away from Georgie. Georgie, although realizing this, could not forgive Charles, to the complete understanding of all parties, but of course she was able to turn it around and make the best amends she could... by making Charles promise to love his daughter everyday, and by therein turn realizing everything Peter has done for her. 

Upon rewatch, I also realized that making amends with Georgie probably also helped Charles move on as well. Not that I would know, but I imagine if you caused an accident and innocent lives to die, you would live with so many regrets; regrets that aren’t usually fully realized because you can’t/won’t confront the victim’s family to apologize; regrets that nag at you the rest of your life. Thereby, this conversation gave both Georgie and Charles CLOSURE (not forgiveness). And sometimes, closure is the best you can ask for when it’s something this serious and it’s all you need to move on (but never forget).

ANYWAYS, this seemed to have freed her from her past, knowing that while she can’t forgive, she can make amends with what happened and move on, with the support of her family. It was so great to see Peter and Georgie bonding, something I feel like I we have seen so rarely lately, and I hope we get to see this more.

PETER

I loved Peter being a good father and flying back to be with Georgie, despite her reservations. in the end he’s the one who ends up getting through to Georgie and being there for her when she talks to Charles, encouraging (but not forcing) her to face her fears and talk to Charles, and the one who was there when she woke up from her nightmare. 

I’m so glad Georgie acknowledged that she needs and loves her father; the first happy family memory she had since her parents died. Peter has, have and will continue to do everything to be there for Georgie

TIM & MITCH

Frankly, I’m surprised that Mitch even came when Tim called since he doesn’t even work there. Of note, Mitch didn’t know Lou turned down Peter... SO HOW DID SHE GET THE CASH TO KEEP MAGGIE’S GOING??!?!?!? Like seriously. I need an explanation here. 

Speaking of the Dude Ranch..., with Lou gone is she neglecting the dude ranch? Is it on purpose? Did she not have someone running it at one point in her absence? So many questions! But one can imagine no one has been taking care of it since she has been gone since it’s been so dusty, plus the skunk appearance, which was pretty stinkin’ cute... also, no pun intended ;) Let’s add the dude ranch to list of things suffering in Lou’s absence. 

Tim calling Mitch trooper shows that he still respects Mitch, and might even miss having him around the ranch, even if he doesn’t want to admit it. Jack missing Mitch around the ranch only makes sense and I feel like Tim may have told Mitch that as a cover up. He did thank Mitch for his skunk help... which I think Mitch was surprised at, because Tim is not the person to say ‘thank you’ or show gratitude as easily as others.

“Thanks for your help trooper” 

- Tim

Another favourite moment of this episode was at the end when Tim was on the phone bragging to Lou about how he saved $300... only to find out the duvet cost twice as much and he actually lost money. Oh Tim. 

Side note: Are duvet’s REALLY $600?! 

PROOF THAT GEORGIE HAS A GREAT SUPPORT SYSTEM

- Jade being a good friend and almost forcing Georgie to tell the family about her visiting Charles. Because if she didn’t then this fear/issue/past might continue to haunt her which will not do any good for the future.

- Jack being a good great-grand father and calling Peter since Lou can’t be around (and she literally has no parents around at the moment); knowing that Georgie knows her parents.

- The whole family being there for Georgie and Amy knowing intuitively that something was bugging Georgie and on her mind when she wasn’t able to jump successfully; and not pushing the issue, knowing that hopefully Georgie will tell when she’s ready. 

FAVOURITE QUOTE

“I only remember my life without them and it was pretty bad before I come here. I can’t forgive you for something I don’t remember, but you can make me a promise instead. Promise me you’ll tell Jillian you love her everyday..

and when she’s a teenager, be the kind of dad who flies in from anywhere even when she tells him she doesn’t need him, because the truth is, she loves him and needs him, even though she doesn’t say it enough.” 

- Georgie Fleming-Morris

SONGS IN THIS EPISODE (@heartlandians)

Through the Fire - performed by Sion- Russell Jones

If you made it to the end of this, hopefully you found no grammar or spelling mistakes because I actually read it over once or twice. If you did. Eh. You got the point ;) Till next week! 

[tubbotums]

A Serious Talk

*This talk is very long and ranty. I understand not everyone wants to see that on their feed, and I know you guys don’t come here to see personal biznasty. I’m going to cut this off so you don’t have to read it if you don’t want to, but I please ask you do so if you follow my blog for the most part. I feel it’s important for you guys to see this, and I hope it’ll clear up any questions you might have for me and also give you a little insight on who I am. Thank you for reading in advance if you do so, and I hope you have a great day. <3*

It’s time I sit you all down and have a talk with you guys, my lovely followers, roleplay partners and friends. This is a talk I feel like I’ve needed to have for a while with all of you, just to be honest with you guys about me and what I feel about this blog. I think honesty is the best policy, and getting this out there is something that I feel like needs to be done.

So, as all of you are probably aware at this point, I change muses on this blog as quickly as I change pairs of socks. Some come, some go, some stay for a while and then fade away and end up getting booted. For a while, I really felt like I had a good list of muses to use, and I actually really thought that my current batch was nice. That being said, now that I take a more serious look at them, I realize that there are a few problems with it. A lot of my muse picks are for characters that I really love and want to see fat. characters that can really fit a specific thing I’m trying to do when I feel it a certain day. However, that’s the problem:

My muse list isn’t flexible

There are a couple of muses that get attention by the masses (heh puns), such as Yang or Mia and most recently Momo (seriously y’all love her so much). But that leaves another half that I’m not satisfied with, the “niche” characters if you will. These are the characters that when I’m in a certain mood I’ll be like “hey I wanna play them”, but they aren’t ones that’ll catch anyone’s attention. I’ve come to notice around here that Fate, Touhou, DanganRonpa, and a couple of other series are very popular around here, while others such as Fairy Tail or Skullgirls aren’t, and that’s perfectly fine. I have no problem with that because quite honestly the girls in all those series are on a god level of cute/perfect for these situations. But unfortunately for now, that leaves me stuck. I’ve never watched a Fate series, played a match in Touhou or touched a DanganRonpa game, but I’ve watched 200+ episodes of Fairy Tail and played the mobile game of Skullgirls to basically its entirety at this point. I don’t have a lot of muses that are flexible with things people know and that I know, which really does stink at times. I should know better than this at this point, but quite honestly I don’t because part of me thinks it’s on me for not being a good enough writer and keeping you guys interested in my muses. So, at this point I’m going to make clear who the muses I’m going to be trotting out for now:

Yang Xiao Long

Tohru

Mia Fey

Pharah

Momo Yaoyorozu

Now that leaves Erza, Cerebella and Akira gone. Most of you will probably ask why I would get rid of Akira. After all, he’s from a very popular game a lot of you know, and he’s the only male muse on here that I can’t stop talking about. The issue I’m having with Akira now is that he’s certainly fallen into that niche roll. I won’t always be in the mood to do a thread for him and I’ll leave my RP partners on wait for weeks on end, which isn’t right for them at all. I’m not at a point on my blog where it’s active enough to maintain keeping him here for asks at this point, and quite frankly I’m starting to think having male muses on here was a mistake. It has nothing to do with anyone, but I think it would just be best to focus on female muses from here on out. I love my big boi’s, but with how niche I can be with them I don’t think it’s worth it anymore and it’s time for me to really focus on how flexible I can be with characters I like to write and people know. I’ll be adding another Persona 5 muse in the coming days however, since it is my favorite game of all time. I have it down to about three people I’m considering adding, so if you guys want to hear more or don’t care, I’m fine with giving you whatever information you guys wanna hear.

Moving on to the next thing I wanna talk about, I want to talk about my writing and my feelings for the future of this blog. As of now, I’m a college student who wants to write his own TV shows in the future. I want to make worlds, tell stories and inspire others to do the same. That being said, I am probably my biggest enemy when it comes to this. I’m scared of myself, my shortcomings, of others, and the world itself. I have goals that I’m too scared to pursue because I worry about what others think of me. I do the same thing on here, mainly because there are so many of you I want to RP with but am too scared to even approach. I feel like my writing is insignificant and bad, and when I start threads with someone and they die, I’ll always blame myself for the cause. I want to be the best RP partner possible for all of you guys and entertain you guys, but being the person I am, I don’t feel like I can be that at all...

For a while, I was considering shutting this blog down and moving on from here. I didn’t think it was worth feeling shitty about myself all the time, but I started realizing that this place was probably my biggest safe haven. There are a ton of other places I’m involved in that don’t feel nearly as welcoming as this community. Other places, I feel like my words hold no value and that I’m just someone who doesn’t contribute anything positive. I just make people angry because I say a stupid thing, and then I feel terrible about it and want to apologize correctly, but I can’t even do THAT right and I make things worse because of the stupid person I am. The more I take a look around me, the more I start seeing people that don’t really care about me at times. They say they do, but they’re just as quick to move on from me when I want their help.

I’m not afraid to admit that I’m needy and love attention. I need people around me to talk to and keep me positive because I hate being alone. I like talking with all of you guys because you all make me feel special and wanted. I have made so many good friends on here that I talk to almost everyday, whether it be on here or through discord. They’ve helped me through some tough times, supported my ideas and encouraged me to go beyond what I feel comfortable doing. For the past three or more months, this place has been my safety net, my pride and joy because of how afraid I was to do other things at times. This blog actually got me watching new shows and playing new games I might’ve never tried before, and it still is. I don’t know where I’d be in all honesty had it not been for some of the amazing friends I’ve made on here.

So how does this tie in with my writing? How does this affect me and most importantly, you the fan of this blog or potential partner/friend. I’ve decided that I’m going to keep this blog going, and I’m going to write for me now. I’m going add muses that I’ll think are fun to play and flexible enough to use in certain situations as well as ones you all can interact with. I’m going to write whatever the hell I feel like on here and not feel like I’m being judged for it. I want to write because it’s fun, and I don’t want to feel pressured to be perfect. I’m nowhere near a perfect writer at this point in time, but trial and error will help me develop these skills that are essential to mold me into what I want to be. My writing from here on out is going to be something I can take great joy in and feel proud to show it off to everyone. I’m not going to pressure myself with feeling like I have to write this for everyone.

I’m going to write this because I want to write this, and I don’t give a damn what anyone thinks.

Granted, it’s not going to be easy to break out of old habits that have kept me down for years on end at this point, but I’m going to try my best. So please, bear with me and I promise that I’ll be better than ever for myself and for you guys. You guys deserve so much credit and praise for sticking by me for soon to be a year in February. Almost eight months going strong on here has been a treat, and I hope that it’ll continue being that.

As for a couple other small things, I haven’t forgotten about the Lucy X Erza feeding session fic I promised you guys. Time and motivation have probably been my biggest downfalls when writing this fic, but I promise that soon I’ll have it done and it’s going to be amazing. Just give it time and I’ll reward your patience. I’ll also give updates on muses as time goes by, maybe even hint at some if I feel like it warrants it. But as for now, the only muse I know for a fact that I want to play on here is Android 21. UNFORTUNATELY FOR MUN, Dragon Ball FighterZ doesn’t come out until February, and because we don’t have enough information on her personality, I don’t feel comfortable playing her. Sure, I could make some stereotypical observations based on her clothes and fanart, but I feel like that would be really... weak? ( I can’t think of the right word) on my part. I want to give you as close of a canon representation as possible, so waiting for the game is really the only option. Aside from that, I’m going to be delving into some of these more popular series that I see floating around here to familiarize myself with the content, maybe even pick a muse from some of them if someone catches my fancy.

With that, I think that about does my little rant. I really just want to thank all of you for sticking by me and supporting you, especially my close friends on here. There are way too many of you to list, but you guys certainly know who you are. This probably won’t be the last time I switch up my muses again, but I’m hoping I have a long interval in between the next time I do so. Thank you all for being awesome, and I promise I’m going to be better for me, which in turn will be better for you. <3

-Your very sappy mun

[oh-mother-of-darkness]

asks (20)

@winchdean said: Hi. I'm sending you this message to ask to reblog my friend's post because her parents kicked her out for being gay and now she lost her job and she doesn't have money for meds, food and rent. Can you do that? Thank you! 

Sure thing! Here’s the donation post right here if any of y’all can help 

Anonymous said: Hey! I just, I've been so desperate I'm from Mexico but because of some papers I have to stay in US, I've been here for 6 months and it's not that much to hear but it feels like a year I haven't see my friends, i really miss my life and I feel like I need to talk without just texting, I'm really getting crazy I feel so angry and emotional But there's something I always question myself, am I right to feel this way? Or am I just been exaggerating?

I think it’s important to remember that the reality of a situation doesn’t always matter. If something hurts, if you feel bad, if you’re in pain, it doesn’t matter whether that should be true or not. That’s how you feel. You’re hurting, and you’re forced to deal with that. It makes the situation hard, no matter the reality of the thing.

But for the record? That does sound terrible, and I’m sorry you’re in that position. Let me know if I can help with anything <3

@fernandidilly-yo said: This might be a really stupid question, but I was wondering, is it canon that Damian goes to school, or is that fanon?

That one is fanon! Damian is homeschooled. He did attend Gotham Academy for about a week one time as part of a mission, but that’s the only school he’s ever gone to.

The homeschool thing has been repeated in multiple series, but I don’t really feel like tracking the other panels down just now. Here’s Damian getting expelled from GA though. Look at my boy being all noble

Anonymous said: Hi. I'm a new-big-fan of the batfamily and especially the realationships between the siblings! From what I've gathered Dick and Tim had a good brother run (pre52? I've no clue in the new52 or rebirth it's still very confusing to me) but as for now Dick has a very close relationship with Damian, which is great but I'm like what about Tim now? Are they still close? What's going on?

Ughhhhhhhhh okay here’s what happened. Yes, Tim and Dick were super close in the preboot, and that relationship was well-developed over decades of material. They were brothers, and even before that, Dick was a big part of Tim’s life-- Tim discovered Batman and Robin’s secret identities when he saw Dick as Robin execute the signature move of Haly’s Flying Graysons... which Tim recognized because he was in the crowd the night Dick’s parents died.

Tim spent years watching Dick and Bruce before he stepped forward, and when he did it was to talk to Dick. Dick was Tim’s childhood hero. They were extremely close.

But then came Scott Lobdell, one of the few writers I’m prepared to openly shit-talk around here. Lobdell wrote the n52 origin stories for both Jason and Tim. Both of them are terrible, horrible failures, but we’re going to limit ourselves to Tim’s right now. In Teen Titans #0 (n52), Lobdell completely rewrote Tim’s backstory, and one of the worst things he did was completely remove Dick from the equation. In Lobdell’s version, Tim never discovered Batman’s identity on his own, and he never knew Dick at all. 

Now this has presumably been retconned (I think) (please let it be retconned) by Rebirth, and there was an unpublished issue of n52 Nightwing that included the old version of their introduction, but in the n52 Tim and Dick’s relationship got screwed. Lobdell also decided that Tim’s closest sibling was Jason, which is.... wow oh boy that’s something else, and although Tim and Dick did interact every once in awhile, they never seemed particularly close. I will note, however, that emotional distance between the n52 Batfamily is pretty damn normal.

Anonymous said: WONDERWOMAN WAS SO GOOD

IT REALLY WAS I cried real tears when she stepped out of that trench..... it was just.... so majestic and wonderful

@almost-puzzlesme said: ERMAGHERD DID YOU SEE IT

I forgot to answer this message!!! I’m so sorry!!! Yes, I saw it, and I’ve been screaming about it ever since

Anonymous said: So apparently Jason is a role model and Dick is Damian's other dad. Thanks Rebirth.

¯\_(ツ)_/¯ 

Anonymous said: Crap! How do I keep missing your giveaways by less than five minutes?!

Ah that’s really more my fault than yours :/// I used to do dignified giveaways where I gave everyone enough time to reblog the post and enter as many times as they wanted, but I got tired of keeping track of all of that. The way I do it now definitely rewards the people who are always online, which is an unfortunate bias

I hope you win eventually <3

Anonymous said: I don't need a plush I just wanted you to know you're very sweet for offering to make them :D

Oh thank you! You’re very sweet too

@arabian-batboy said: Thanks a lot for doing that request, I actually almost forgot that Jason would look older than Bruce last saw him, it makes me wonder if maybe one day some computer-person (maybe Tim?) close to Bruce would photoshop a pic of Jason to make him look as old as if he was still alive so that they would give it as a gift to Bruce and how Bruce would react to that (assuming this was before Jason came back)

Hmmmm that would be something I could see Bruce doing himself, but I’m not sure it would be a good idea for anyone else to spring on him. Bruce was pretty possessive of Jason’s memory while he was gone, and I don’t think he would react well to that particular surprise

@glorytommy said: This is a tumblr hug. 💕 (Send this to your ten favorite blogs)

@nightwinglover said: Thank you for existing. 💗 Send this to 10 people who you think deserve a sweet and kind message in their inbox ❤💛💚💙💜

@novelty--night said: Thank you for existing. 💗 Send this to 10 people who you think deserve a sweet and kind message in their inbox ❤💛💚💙💜

Thank y’all :)

Anonymous said: I was just thinking about your post about how Gotham thinks Damian killed Tim and I was sad because while Damian is probably outwardly like 'tch Drake's death just proves he truly was inferior' he's probably actually pretty messed up about it. And he hears the whispers and rumors and sees the glances at meetings and galas and regardless of his past attempts on Tim's life it still makes him a little sick to his stomach to know people believe he truly did murder him in cold blood just for money.

Right?? It would be super messed up for a couple reasons, the first being that Damian super did try to kill Tim that one time, so even though he wouldn’t try it now-- and that growth is very important in how he sees himself-- he can’t exactly claim the high ground on this particular accusation. Plus it can’t be easy to have thousands of people add to your grief by accusing you of murdering someone you love are related to

Anonymous said: Please bury me in your Jason Todd plushies. Thank you.

Have you considered the chance that those plushies might crawl out of your grave, as they once did themselves

Anonymous said: What do you think would happen next after your catatonic Jason fic? Do you think Bruce would realize he wasn't hallucinating? When he does dies he assume this is just a homeless not that looks too much like Jason? That fic killed me and I would love any other thoughts you have on it

Hm assuming that we’re maintaining the proper timeline, Bruce can’t realize that’s really Jason-- if he did, Jason wouldn’t have ended up with the League, and we’d be looking at a very different fallout. I suppose we’ll have to say that Bruce never did figure it out, which is only believable if that kind of thing happened to Bruce all the time. And I think it did. He saw Jason everywhere, and the first few times, he investigated. That might really be Jason, maybe he isn’t dead, maybe this isn’t in my head.... but all of those times, it wasn’t. Eventually, he accepted that, so by the time that story happened, he didn’t look too closely.

Anonymous said: but what /is/ the actual dignified wayne family motto when translated into english

Well I’m not getting any canon results for that one, and I don’t want to try to make one up, but here’s something I found for the historical surname “Wayne”

“Time and chance occurs for all”

That seems to be a variation of Ecclesiastes 9:11: I have seen something else under the sun: “The race is not to the swift or the battle to the strong, nor does food come to the wise or wealth to the brilliant or favor to the learned; but time and chance happen to them all.”

That would be King Solomon of Israel saying that victory is unpredictable; you can prepare as much as you want, but time and chance can give the battle to the person that should logically lose. That’s an amazing motto for the batfamily considering that Bruce’s #1 rule is “be prepared.” On the one hand, the passage seems to go against Bruce’s philosophy, but on the other, in the context of the superhero world, the batfamily usually is the one that should logically lose. I’m super willing to accept this motto.

Anonymous said: fellow college station resident here; I understand how you feel completely. sending good vibes for your drive tomorrow, and I wish you all the best

I made it home! I’m still really upset about leaving though :/// I’m not even moving that far away, but it’s a whole three years of my life ending, you know? And I’m going to miss my friends and my roommate and my apartment

Anonymous said: witch comics are you reading right now?

Ahh I’m super behind on everything right now, but all the batfamily titles and superman

@shewritestochangethefuture said: Hi there! Just wanted to let you know how much I adore your blog :) I just found it recently and have spent /hours/ looking through it already and liking all your headcanons/ original stories. Everything you write is absolutely /hilarious/, and so spot on with each and every characterization. The way you've put so much research into some of the requests/asks you get is honestly super impressive. Way to go! I'm such a big fan of this blog, thank you for sharing it with the rest of the world!!

This message made me so happy <3

[thefictionlady]

Lessons in Love 2: Commencement - Chapter Thirty Seven

“I was thinking, maybe Jasmine and Aladdin or Danny and Sandy from Grease. Oooh! Or Daisy and Gatsby!” As I sat on the floor between Justin’s legs, I scrolled through Pinterest looking at couples’ Halloween costume ideas.  “We could do Greek mythology…like Zeus and Nemesis or Aphrodite, or one of his many other hoes…” “I wanna do something funny, though. Like Chazz Michael Michaels and Jimmy MacElroy,” he said as he lathered his hands with moisturizer. I rolled my eyes as Justin mentioned characters from one of his favorite comedies.  “This is my first Halloween in LA so I wanna be something cute or sexy, especially if we’re going to one of those big parties.”  Regardless of where we ended up going I knew I wanted to look dope. “We don’t have to do a couple’s costume. If you wanna do Blades of Glory, that’s fine.  I could be something else.” “But babe,” Justin whined as he ran his hands through a section of my hair, coating the freshly washed and oiled strands with the creamy moisturizer.  After begging me to teach him, Justin insisted on twisting my hair every once in a while.  Even though he wasn’t great at it, I appreciated the effort and it was nice to just feel his fingers running through my hair. I’d probably just end up wearing it up tomorrow anyway.  “This is our first Halloween as a couple,” he continued.  “We should do something together.” I couldn’t help my smile as Justin manipulated my hair into a two strand twist.  “Well we’ll have to compromise.  But I wanted to ask you something,” I said, changing the subject. “What do you think about having our families come for Thanksgiving?  I just think it’s time to get our families together.”  Justin and I have officially been together for just about nine months, but after everything we’ve been through over the last two years, it’s really felt like forever.  Bringing our families together just seemed long overdue. “I think that’s an awesome idea, baby.” Justin kissed my temple then continued with my hair.  We could have Chef Gina do a whole spread.” “Nah.  Thanksgiving should be cooked by hand by us… I dunno.  I’ll figure it out.”  Cooking is a big deal in my family, on both sides. We put our love into our cooking and we show we care with food.  I didn’t always subscribe to traditional gender roles and believed in balance, but cooking for Justin and our families also showed a level of responsibility that would impress them and put their worries at ease. “Who all do you wanna invite?” “My dad and maybe my grandma.  Jeremy and Patty, and the kids if it’s cool with their mom..  Just something small and intimate.  I think it’ll be nice.  Wait…” I paused.  “Do y’all Canadians even celebrate Thanksgiving?”  The thought hadn’t even occurred to me. “Of course we do.  Just not the same day.  It was a couple days ago, actually.” “What?!” I whipped around, pulling my hair from his hands.  “Why didn’t you say anything?  We could have done something nice.  J, I’m so sorry.” “Would you please sit still?”  Justin adjusted my shoulders so that my back was to him again.  “It’s not a big deal. I’ve been living in the US for so long that I just celebrate it in November now.” It’s weird to me that they even celebrate Thanksgiving in October.  “What do you eat?  In my head I’m picturing Tim Horton’s and poutine.” Justin yanked on my hair.  “Shut up,” he said with a chuckle.  “Obviously we eat turkey…and drink maple syrup.  We’re Canadian, eh.”

Halloween I only went trick-or-treating a few times as a kid.  My mom was never a fan of Halloween so she never wanted to take me.  On the off chance that my begging would work, I’d go with Drea and her mom.  So I was probably a little too excited to go when Justin told me his siblings were coming and we’d get to take them out.  Not wanting to miss out on my goddaughter’s first Halloween either, I had Drea, Aaliyah, and Dougie flown in for the weekend. The four of us and the three kids got dressed up and set out to collect candy in The Oaks.  Even though I drive in and out of this neighborhood every day, I felt like I was seeing these homes for the first time as we walked up to each one. Every home in The Estates at The Oaks was different, customized to the tastes of the owners.  Grand in both size and style, each home spanned nearly a block. They were so spread apart that it took a minute or two to walk to each one.  Despite there only being a few homes in this Calabasas community, I wasn’t sure if we were going to make it to each one. The kids had elaborate costumes, totally outdoing the adults.  “Spin around and let me see your Elsa costume,” Drea said to Jazmyn.  The little girl twirled in her sparkling blue dress, so excited to finally be dressed as the Disney ice princess.  Her younger brother ran up and down sidewalk, flapping his Batman cape as if he could fly.  Dougie pulled Aaliyah in a wagon and she looked absolutely adorable in her cute little strawberry costume.  In keeping with the fruit theme Drea donned a ridiculous banana suit and Dougie was dressed as a pineapple.  “We’re a fruit basket,” Dougie had said when they’d all emerged rom their guest room ready to take pictures. Despite the outlandishly large mansions, the families at each one gave out a handful of candy just like in any other neighborhood.  “I half expected them to be giving out iPhones or silver spoons,” Drea said with a laugh. “Girl, me too,” I said, adjusting my cat ears. The adults were saving their fancy costumes for the big Halloween party tomorrow night.  Justin just threw on a plaid shirt and a cowboy hat, all things that he already owned, and called himself a sheriff. “I can’t wait for us to be able to do family costumes like y’all,” I mused, mostly to myself.  I couldn’t help but be a little jealous of all the parents and their kids dressed in adorable themes, hoping one day I’d be among them with kids of my own. “Have you been thinking about having kids again?” “No, not really.  I mean, sorta.  I dunno,” I shrugged.  “Every time I see Justin around children my ovaries start freaking the fuck out,” I whispered.  Justin and Dougie had taken the kids up to knock on the next door while Andrea and I stayed on the sidewalk, out of hearing distance.  “I obviously want kids someday.  Justin and I are nowhere near ready to even have this conversation. We’re just trying to make it into the next week, but I just can’t help the baby fever I get every now and then.”   Our relationship is so tumultuous and unpredictable, but I looked forward to growing with him.  No matter what we go through, we’re always improving for the better.  But I’m not focused on the future.  “I am enjoying it just being the two of us, learning more about each other and strengthening who we are as a couple.  It’s just, my clock is ticking and…you know what? I sound like an idiot.  Let me stop.” “You’re not an idiot,” my best friend said as the guys walked back down with the kids.   “I think it’s normal to think about kids.  But you’ve got plenty of time.” “Babe!” Justin hollered, eyes wide, holding onto Jaxon’s candy bucket as he ran down the walkway.  “The lady gave out full sized candy bars!  Like the big ones!  We should have gotten our own bags…”  He held up a large Snickers.  “See!?” Jaxon glared at his older brother with his little hands on his hips.  “That’s my candy!” “We can share, buddy.” “My kid can’t even eat candy yet so this is all mine,” Dougie bragged. “Bro, you got like two giant Snickers!” Justin tried to peek into Aaliyah’s bucket.  “It’s not fair that all the babies get all the best candy and they don’t even have teeth.” I shook my head silently as Drea gave me a knowing glance and Justin and Dougie negotiated a candy trade deal.  With a sigh I smiled to myself.  We have our hands full with two big ass kids already. By the time we got back to the house, Jax and Jazzy were bouncing off the walls having already eaten what looks like pounds of candy.  We all should have known better than to let them eat so much of it but we weren’t paying attention until it was too late. Now they are running around like psychos, screaming because we took their candy away and keeping the baby awake who is now hollering too.  I swear this has to be a record for going from angelic to demonic in 0.2 seconds. “That’s not fair!” Jazzy kept screaming with tears streaming down her face as if the world had ended.  Jaxon was no better, throwing a fit and kicking Justin in the shins as he pried the candy bucket out of his little angry hands. Since the guys were in charge of the monitoring the candy, it was their job to get all of them to calm down and into bed. As I rubbed my temples, I plopped down on the couch next to my best friend who’d already poured each of us a glass of whiskey.  She’s smart.  Wine just wasn’t going to cut it. “Still want those kids right now?” she asked with a smirk. “Nah, I think I’m good for a while.” There was no better birth control than some loud misbehaving kids.

JPOV When we pulled up to the house I paused before turning to my mom in the back of the SUV.  “She’s a little stressed today, so just be chill, okay?”  My mom could have driven herself to my place but I figured she’d appreciate being picked up for the fancy Thanksgiving dinner we’re having. Despite everything I’d said, Yadira insisted on doing everything herself rather than letting me hire a chef.  I just figured it’d be nice to spend time with your family instead of slaving away in the kitchen.  But what do I know? And of course she’s been freaking out all weak. From a chaotic paparazzi filled trip to the grocery store to a gridlocked trip to the airport, things have been quite stressful for her.  Everyone knows that stress can take its toll on her.  Fortunately, once her dad was in town she seemed to be a little more at ease, but the pressure of our parents meeting for the first time was freaking her out again. “I’m chill,” my mom scoffed, trying way too hard to be cool.  Things between them were civil, even friendly now, but I know the both of them were still a little on edge in each other’s presence. With a roll of my eyes I left the car and my mom followed.  As soon as I opened the door I could smell the food.  Yadira’s been at it all day.  “Pattie!” she exclaimed as she came around the corner.  “It’s so good to see you!”  She pulled my mom into a hug with a big smile. “Likewise! And that dress is so pretty,” my mom replied.  Yadira twirled around in her orange DVF dress.  Even though I told her that she didn’t need to get dressed up, she insisted and forced me to dress up too.  I just threw on a grey sweater and some dark jeans that didn’t have any holes in them, you know, the dressy kind.  But I shouldn’t complain.  She looks cute in her little homemaker dress or whatever. “Babe, you need anything?” I asked, already knowing her answer. “Don’t worry.  Just spend some time with your mom. Dinner is almost ready.”  She scurried away and left me and my mom standing in the foyer. “Wow, this is just so…beautiful,” my mom said as we walked by the dining room all the glasses, plates and silverware (bought by Yadira specifically for this occasion) were set nicely around an elaborate centerpiece. “I actually helped with this part,” I said proudly. Our dads were watching football in the den with kids messing around in the corner.  My dad wasn’t really big into football, but he seemed to be having fun with Carmello.  To be honest, I was nervous about them meeting.  They’re just so…different. But so far so good. As we approached Yadira’s dad stood off the couch, followed by my dad.  Carmello towered over my mom, more than most people did, making her seem childlike next to him. “Mr. Bernard, this is my mom, Pattie.”   With his giant hands and long arms, he reached out to pull my mother into a hug. “It’s a pleasure to finally meet you. Both of you.” Our parents settled on the couch discussing boring shit like the weather and traffic in LA.  “Are you enjoying Los Angeles?”  Yadira’s dad came a few days ago to spend some time with his daughter and explore the city. “I’m loving the weather.  It’s a nice break from the cold.”   Boredom swept over me and I felt my eyeballs glazing over. When they were too deep into a conversation about the difference between Canadian and American Thanksgiving traditions, I slipped away into the kitchen to check on my girl.  She’d managed to refuse help from everyone all day except her grandmother who was making some sort of salad off to the side. “Justin, please go sit!” Yadira waved me off, stirring something on stove. “Let me help,” I said, noting the stress on her face. “No!” she snapped.  “You need to mingle with our parents.” I dunno why she kept thinking we couldn’t leave them alone or something.  “They’ll be fine. They can entertain themselves.”  Even if she didn’t want my help, I was happy to just stand in the kitchen inhaling all the mouth-watering smells.  “Oh my God, I’m starving!”  The words tumbled out of my mouth with a growl as if spoken by my stomach.  Driven by hunger, I tore off a corner of a cornbread muffin and shoved it into my mouth. “Fuck, Justin! Stop!” At first she caught me off guard, but I knew better than to take it personally. Since meeting Ya, I’ve learned that anxiety comes in many forms.  Even my own.  Sometimes getting upset was how she coped. Her grandma Ella, on the other hand, wasn’t as understanding. “Enough, Yadira! You’ve been rude and bratty all afternoon.” It’s true.  Our morning started out fine, but as the cooking went on Yadira became stressed and her attitude began to show. “This is why I didn’t want anyone in here with me,” she grumbled not so softly under her breath. “Relax, babe!” I intervened, trying to prevent a fight.  Under normal circumstances, Yadira would never speak to her grandmother with that tone so I knew she must be feeling like she was under a lot of pressure. “It’s not that serious. It’s just food.” She scoffed. “I didn’t ask for either of you to—ow, shit!”  As she was chopping onions she sliced right into her finger.  As her eyes filled with tears, her grandma rushed over with a paper towel. “I’ve got it, Miss Ella,” I said, wrapping my arms around Yadira’s shoulders.  “Let’s get you a band aid.”  I could tell she was trying so hard not to let the water in her eyes spill over onto her cheeks and I could tell those tears were for much more than just the pain from her cut. When we got to the guest bathroom, I closed the door behind us before rummaging under the sink for the first aid kit. “I don’t have time for this,” she mumbled with a sniffle.  “The macaroni and cheese is going to burn.” Paying her worry no mind, I found the kit and pat the edge of the counter for her to sit down.  “I’m sure your grandma’s got it under control. Chill.” Yadira’s wound was bleeding through the paper towel and was probably going to need much more than a band aid. “Besides,” I continued.  “That cut looks worse that I think you realize. Rinse your finger.” With a frown, she followed my order while I looked through the kit for the necessary supplies to tend to my wounded lady. “Is there blood on my dress?”  She looked down at her dress frantically while keeping her I injured hand under the faucet. “Your dress is fine.  You look great.  Come, sit back down.”  I gave her some tissues as she moved to sit back on top of the bathroom counter. “Now you wanna tell me what’s going on?” Though knowing her and her neurotic tendencies when she was stressed, I think I already had a good idea. “Nothing is going on,” she snapped. “Maybe you’ve forgotten how well I know you…” With a raised eyebrow, I threw out the tissues and dressed her cut with some Neosporin.  The bleeding was down to a minimum now but I could tell by the way she winced when I touched it that it still hurt. With a roll of her teary eyes and a sigh, Yadira leaned back against the bathroom mirror.  “You know, sue me for trying to make our first Thanksgiving together special.” “It already is special, babe,” I said, giving her some gauze to hold against her wound.  “Not only is it our first Thanksgiving together, but it’s the first time our families are getting together.  That’s huge.” “Exactly!” she said exasperatedly as I wrapped a bandage around the tip of her finger.  This was going to complicate using her hands in the kitchen, but she was just going to have to deal.  “I just want it to be perfect.” “Then why do you keep snapping at people who are only trying to help you?”  After all of her effort, things were about as perfect as they were going to get.  The significance of today didn’t excuse her attitude.  And she knew it. There was guilt written all over her face as she tried not to cry.  I felt guilty too, watching her get so upset and put so much stress and pressure on herself.  But enabling her helped no one.  We worked so well together because we called each other out on our shit.  Tears weren’t going to change that. “I’m just trying to prove that we could do this.  Be a normal, healthy, functioning couple.  Everyone out there had their doubts about us being together.  They doubted my decision to be with you. Your family, my family, and at times even we did.   Pulling off the perfect Thanksgiving seemed like the best way to prove everyone wrong. To prove to your mom that I can take care of you and to prove to my dad that we’ve got it together.”  She looked down at her hands, picking at the new bandage.  “I realize how stupid that sounds now that I say it out loud.” It bothered me that she was carrying around this burden of proof, as if executing the perfect Thanksgiving dinner and painting this image of the perfect family, was some act of redemption. Our being together is not a sin and nothing we could do will ever erase our messy history or complicated past. And I would never want to.  It’s part of who we are and what makes our relationship so strong. “We do not owe anyone anything.  We do not need to prove anything to anyone.  Nothing anyone says is ever going to change what we have between us, family or not.  And I think our families know and respect that now, and if they don’t, fuck ‘em.” She sighed heavily and nodded.  “I know that.  I think I was just getting in my own head.” “You gotta quit doing that, baby girl.  You’re stressing yourself out which sometimes stresses me out.  So can you relax for me, please?”  I wrapped my arms around her waist and looked down at her.  “Everyone is already impressed with everything you’ve done.  Just try to relax and have some fun.”  When we look back on our first major holiday together, I want us to remember how much fun we had with our families, not what color napkin rings she used. I brought her bandaged finger up to my lips and gave it a tiny kiss.  “Are you chill now?” I asked, noting the tension that remained on her face.  So stubborn.  “Or am I going to have to resort to other methods?” “What other methods?” she scoffed. I was hoping she’d ask. I leaned forward, caging her in with either hand pressed against the glass.  Since her dad has been in town, she’s been paranoid about him catching us in the act even though he’s sleeping in bedroom on the other side of the house. It was crazy to me how this girl wasn’t shy about getting freaky in public but the minute her father shows up it’s a totally different story. “Don’t kiss me,” she said, putting her hand on my chest.  “I don’t want my makeup to get messed up.” “Don’t worry,” I said as my lips pulled into a wide smile.  “The lips I plan on kissing don’t have any lipstick on them.”  I dropped to my knees and spread her legs apart.  Yadira attempted to stop me by smushing her hand in my face and pressing her thighs together. “Don’t.  Our families are on the other side of that door.  If my father hears us, he’ll murder you and make your parents watch.” “Then if you value my life at all, I suggest you stay quiet.” I pleaded with her, giving her my best pouty face.  I just wanted to taste her and watch as the stress left her body.  “I just want to make you feel good, baby.” My girlfriend looked down at me then toward the door before looking back at me.  She was silent for a moment, as if weighing her options in her head.  Without a word she spread her thighs apart again, the uncertainty in her eyes quickly replaced with wanting anticipation. I accepted this as an invitation to curl my fingers around her panties and slide them down her legs and over her heeled sandals, tucking them discreetly into my back pocket.  Leaving her feet in her pretty pumps, I kissed her ankle just above the strap of her shoe.  My kisses didn’t cease as they traveled up her leg to her inner thigh where I bit into the fleshiest part of her body. Yadira’s gasp was subtle as she leaned back into the mirror.  “You must have a death wish, Bieber.” “Well if I’m going to die today, I’d better make it count.”  And I couldn’t have asked for a better ‘last meal’. Hooking my hands under her knees, I pulled her toward me so her but rested on the edge of the counter.  I was careful not to wrinkle her dress as I pushed her thighs back and even further apart so she was nice and open for me to taste.  My tongue swept over her pussy quickly, lapping at the moisture that’d already gathered there.  When my lips touched her again, I lingered, sliding my tongue between her folds, licking from her center to her clit. Yadira stifled a groan as she gripped the edge of the counter.  I worked my tongue skillfully against her skin, burying my face into her sex, coating my nose, lips, and chin in her arousal.  Like a starving animal, I devoured her, my hunger for her insatiable. Sweat misted my forehead and a faint ache formed in my jaw, but I wanted more.  As I wrapped my lips around her clit, Yadira shoved her fingers into my hair, crying out as she pulled on the strands.  I growled against her before sucking the button of nerves firmly into my mouth. “Fuck!” Her head fell back against the mirror with a soft thud and she grit her teeth, trying not to make any more noise. If I hadn’t been so focused on making her come, I would have laughed at her failed attempts to stifle the involuntary sounds she was making without touching her face or disturbing her makeup. But I was determined to give her an orgasm that made her forget her own name. My tongue teased her with torturously slow strokes, speeding up only to slow back down just before she reached her climax. I did this over and over again until her thighs were trembling in my grip. “Justin, please,” she begged with a loud moan, not even trying to stay quiet now.  I plunged my tongue deep inside her and her pussy twitched and throbbed around it, causing my dick to harden.  Confident that she was right where I wanted her, I sucked hard on her clit, drawing a violent orgasm out of her.  Her whole body jerked against the mirror and she tried to pull her hips back but I held her tight against my face and tongue.  A slew of incomprehensible phrases toppled randomly from her lips. Then her body stilled, tensing up before releasing into a fit of jerks and shakes.  Her mouth hung open as a second orgasm rolled over her. Her skin was hot in my hands and against my face and I could feel the heat radiating from her even as I pulled away. Suddenly her grip on the counter loosened and she slumped back onto the glass.  When I let go of her thighs they dangled over the edge of the counter like a lifeless ragdoll.   “Still thinking about that mac and cheese?” Yadira just hummed in response, not bothering to formulate and coherent words.  Mission accomplished. While she sat there catching her breath, I attempted to help her sit up but she swatted my hands away.  “Don’t touch me yet.  I feel like I might shatter into a million pieces.” I gave her a minute to cool down before we cleaned ourselves up and fixed the bathroom as if it’d never been disturbed. “Come here and let me fix your hair” I glanced in the mirror and saw the hot mess she left on top of my head. “Sorry,” she mumbled as she attempted to smooth my hair back into place. “You’re not sorry,” I scoffed.  I wouldn’t be either. “For fucking up you’re hair? You’re right, I’m not. Besides, you kinda brought that on yourself.  But I am sorry for acting crazy.” She grabbed my jaw and pecked me quickly on the lips.  “Even though I worry about stupid shit, act out when I am stressed, and behave like an asshole, you still spoil me with earth shattering sex.” “My only plan was to get you to chill the fuck out.” She smiled lazily.  “Well your plan might backfire.  I am so chill I might fall asleep at the stove and burn the house down.” Her eyelids were heavy as she reached to unlock the bathroom door. “That’s only if your dad doesn’t kill us first, loud mouth.”  That was my fault too, but she wouldn’t dare complain.  Though I was proud of my work (I can literally feel my ego and man-pride swelling, or maybe that’s just my unrelieved dick trapped in my pants), I’d be like if I said I wasn’t afraid to face her father.  I didn’t know Carmelo well, but I knew him well enough to know that he wouldn’t take too kindly to hearing his little girl having sex right under his nose, even if we were in our own house. We tiptoed out of the bathroom and back to the kitchen where Ella was still hovering over the stove. “Don’t worry,” she said casually with her back still turned to us. Everyone went outside.  No one heard you…except me.”