#and I know who I am now and I’m comfortable with myself

[nitro502]

My top 3 favorite Sonic characters at different times in my life

When I was a kid:

1. Tails

2. Knuckles

3. Sonic

As a teen:

1. Knuckles

2. Tails

3. Amy

In college:

1. Amy

2. Tails

3. Sonic

Now:

1. Tails

2. Sonic

3. Shadow

[reasonandfaithinharmony]

2024 Gif Round-Up

Thank you for tagging me @heartstringsduet @thisbuildinghasfeelings @paperstorm @alrightbuckaroo

@carlos-in-glasses @guardian-angle22 and @reyesstrand!!

I’m very late to this because the holidays didn’t leave me any time to myself. But @herefortarlos tells me there’s no deadline for these things. So here we go.😅

This year was the first time I watched 911 Lone Star live, and it was actually the first time I’d ever made gifs for *any show* as we got new episodes. It's been a lot of fun, even if it makes me even more aware of just how long it takes me to finish a set. 🙈

Here’s to everyone who puts lovely content on my dash, whether it’s your own work, reblogs, or funny/heartfelt commentary and tags. I would be so lost without all of it.

Please consider this an open tag for anyone who would still like to do their own round-up!

January

Carlos smiling into kisses Parallel set with scenes from Yee-Haw (1x02)

“You asked me to feel safe with you.” Flashback set with scenes from Friends With Benefits (2x04) and Push (3x04)

When a new hyperfixation takes hold Dan Levy reaction gifs

February

TK and Carlos comforting each other Parallel set with scenes from Friends With Benefits (2x04) and A House Divided (4x16)

March

“I'll keep going with you.” An emotional entry for incorrect quotes/text post–gifs, with scenes from In the Unlikely Event of an Emergency (3x08) and In Sickness and in Health (4x18)

 “I am tryna be your home, your safe place, your go to person…” Back to the more humorous incorrect quotes/text post–gifs, with moments from Yee-Haw (1x02)

“there’s honestly a lot of things wrong with you but im kind of into it for some reason. Do you want to get married.” Incorrect quotes/text post–gifs, featuring the darts scene from Texas Proud (1x03)

April

Their last terrified moments in their first home. Their first brilliant and joyful moments in their new home. Parallel set with scenes from The Big Heat (2x12) and Push (3x04)

“Hey now those (your big brown eyes) are some dangerous weapons…” Incorrect quotes/text post–gif with a look at Carlos in Negative Space (3x12)

That lovely first tarlos scene in Riddle of the Sphynx (3x13), without the credits obstructing our view.

"just got diagnosed as your soulmate...". Incorrect quotes/text post–gif featuring scenes from Yee-Haw (1x02) and A House Divided (4x16)

Season 4: parallel statements of love and devotion Scenes from Abandoned (4x04), The New Hot Mess (4x02), Swipe Left (4x12), A House Divided (4x16), and In Sickness and in Health (4x18)

May through December are below the cut because things got very out of hand very quickly:

May

Husband, husband, husband Every instance of “husband” from In Sickness and in Health (4x18)

When there are clues that date night has been interrupted Adding some visual aids to the conversation about the state of Carlos' shirt at the end of This Is Not a Drill (4x06)

“I think that both of them like to be the little spoon and the big spoon” – Rafael Silva For @carlos-in-glasses who shared her amazing Cameo video with us

“I missed it so much, I took a stab at writing fanfiction.” A relatable moment from Modern Family

June

If that moment in the fire was Carlos' last chance to say anything, he was going to say everything. A flashback set inspired by @doublel27's post that lives in my head, rent-free. Features scenes from The Big Heat (2x12) and In Sickness and in Health (4x18)

“He might not understand TK's fixation with a lizard, but… Um, you know, Carlos loves TK. And if Carlos loves TK, then that's all that matters.” – Rafael Silva For @thisbuildinghasfeelings who generously shared not one, but two Cameo videos with us

Just taking the opportunity to look at the details of some intense moments from the fire in The Big Heat (2x12)

“It’s a meal, not a marriage proposal, TK. || “So, the wedding. It’s coming up.” A flashback set with TK and Carlos sitting across from each other at the dinner table in Yee-Haw (1x02) and This Is Not a Drill (4x06)

wedding planning → wedding ceremony Parallel set with scenes from Control Freaks (4x08) and In Sickness and in Health (4x18)

July

“And when did you figure that out?” / “The day I met you.” How long have you thought that?“ / “Since the first night I took you home.” A flashback *and* parallel set with scenes from the pilot (1x01), Yee-Haw (1x02), The New Hot Mess (4x02), and A House Divided (4x16). Made in collaboration with @paperstorm. (Check out the accompanying fic here.)

That sounds sexual. 😏 A Rafael Silva reaction gif for various situations here on tumblr dot com

Andrea with her husband and her son, both in their tuxes for the wedding. Parallel set featuring scenes from  Best of Men (4x17) and In Sickness and in Health deleted scene (4x18). (I blame this one on @goldenskykaysani 😭)

August

My best attempt at zooming in on the final shot of the proposal scene in A Bright and Cloudless Morning (3x18)

September

No more wasted moments. A collection of scenes from A Bright and Cloudless Morning (3x18), Swipe Left (4x12), Both Sides Now (5x01), and the promo for Thunderstruck (5x05). (I still need to update that last one to the version used in the episode. Oops.)

Carlos on the outside, looking in  ->  Carlos surrounded by the love of his friends, family, and husband Not sure if I should call this a parallel or a flashback set. Either way, we have scenes from the pilot (1x01) and In Sickness and in Health (4x18), and I'm so very normal about it.

Sweet moments where Carlos is grabbing TK’s sweater/jacket Parallel set of still images from Riddle of the Sphynx (3x13) and the Thunderstruck promo (5x05)

Reaching across the table Parallel set of still images from Austin, We Have a Problem (1x10) and Both Sides, Now (5x01, season 5 promo)

TK and Carlos:  "husband" A collection of scenes from A Bright and Cloudless Morning (3x18),  Swipe Left (4x12), In Sickness and in Health (4x18), and Both Sides Now (5x01)

The look on Carlos' face when his own love language is returned to him in kind Parallel set with scenes from Swipe Left (4x12) and Both Sides, Now (5x01)

October

“One of the most magical things about being in a committed relationship is learning to really open up your heart and hate one of your partner’s coworkers you’ve never met” Incorrect quotes/text post–gif  for Both Sides, Now (5x01)

The way Carlos walks into the 126 firehouse:  unwilling to move past the threshold -> strutting in with donuts for everyone, just because. A collection of scenes from Austin, We Have a Problem (1x10), Bad Call (2x08), Spring Cleaning (3x17), and Trainwrecks (5x02)

“You look like the night we met. Green t-shirt and short hair.” For @strandnreyes and @paperstorm, to accompany their coda for C12 (5x03), with parallel gifs from the pilot (1x01).  (Read the fic here.)

TK and Carlos are not on the same page Parallel set for Swipe Left (4x12) and the Thunderstruck promo (5x05)

kiss + hand + ✨ring✨ Parallel set of still images from In Sickness and in Health deleted scenes (4x18) and Thunderstruck promo photos (5x05)

I will never not be thinking about this kiss 🔥 Thunderstruck (5x05) sneak peek

Had to make a post with sexy scenes from three different episodes. As a treat. 🔥🔥🔥 Parallel set for Yee-Haw (1x02), The Big Heat (2x12), and Thunderstruck (5x05)

"…everybody has needs." Pairing moments from The Big Heat (2x12) and Thunderstruck (5x05) with Rafael Silva’s Cameo video (courtesy of @carlos-in-glasses)

November

TK, Carlos, and Jonah – with Gwyn and with Enzo Parallel set of still images from Push (3x04) and a Kiddos (5x07) promotional photo. A closer zoom of the Kiddos image can be found here.

“This is great. I’m going to get a good grade in therapy, something that is both normal to want and possible to achieve” Incorrect quotes/text post–gif for Carlos in Thunderstruck (5x05)

TK and Carlos moving in sync during couples therapy Thunderstruck (5x05)

Carlos in his troublemaker era, egging on Owen and Enzo Kiddos (5x07)

TK, Carlos, and Jonah at the firehouse Parallel set with scenes from  Push (3x04) and Kiddos (5x07)

“Hi, big brother.” / “Hi, little brother.” TK and Jonah reunited in Kiddos (5x07) A longer version of this gif set can be found here

Just the tiniest bit of slightly different footage from TK's birthday party Kiddos (5x07)

“Who’s gonna take him to dim sum?” || “Who’s gonna hug him?” Parallel set with scenes from In the Unlikely Event of an Emergency (3x08) and The Quiet Ones (5x08)

A microsecond of behind-the-scenes footage from TK's party Kiddos (5x07)

December

TK and Carlos reaching for each other in their sleep Parallel set with scenes from Riddle of the Sphynx (3x13), In Sickness and in Health (4x18), and The Quiet Ones (5x08).

Our loved ones live on through us Parallel set with scenes from In the Unlikely Event of an Emergency (3x08) and Fall From Grace (5x09)

“You were my dad." Flashback set with scenes from Best of Men (4x17), In Sickness and in Health (4x18), and Fall From Grace (5x09)

[freshl6ve]

𝐂𝐇𝐑𝐈𝐒. 𝐒 | 𝐒𝐇𝐔𝐓 𝐔𝐏 & 𝐃𝐑𝐈𝐕𝐄²

⭑.ᐟ : 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐧𝐞𝐱𝐭 𝐝𝐚𝐲 𝐟𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝 𝐦𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐦𝐲 𝐠𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐠𝐞, music blasting in my headphones as I worked on my car. The Los Angeles sun streamed in through the opened garage door, casting a warm glow over the space. I hummed along to the music, completely engrossed in my work.

I was tinkering with the engine, a sense of familiarity and comfort enveloping me. I always found solace in this space, the tools in my hands and the motor in front of me. I was so invested that I didn’t notice the sound of footsteps approaching.

I pulled back from the engine, wiping the grease from my hands onto a rag. As I looked up, my eyes widened in surprise. Standing directly in front of me was none other than Chris, hands in his pockets, a smirk on his face.

My heart skipped a beat, caught off guard by his unexpected arrival. I couldn't help the look of confusion that crossed my face.

I tugged one of the headphones off my ear, continuing to wipe the grease from my hands. I faced him, my expression a mix of curiosity and mild annoyance.

“What are you doing here?” I asked bluntly, my voice revealing a hint of my surprise.

I paused in my task of wiping down my hands, my eyes narrowing slightly. “Matter of fact,” I added, my voice now laced with skepticism, “how did you get my address?”

Chris chuckled, his smirk widening at my question.“Well, you’re my brother’s mechanic so all I had to do was ask,” he replied nonchalantly, as if it was the most obvious thing in the world.

As Chris spoke, I couldn’t help but silently observe him. His cocky and full-of-himself demeanor immediately set off a dislike in me. Matt’s words from yesterday echoed in my mind, about how Chris could get any girl to sleep with him. Definitely a player. I scowled—I despised people who played with others’ feelings without any regard for their own desires.

I crossed my arms across my chest, the rag still in hand. I scrutinized him more closely, the skepticism growing stronger. “Did Matt send you here?” I asked bluntly, my voice somewhat hostile.

Chris chuckled, seemingly amused by my skepticism, “Relax,” he said, his tone patronizing. “Matt didn’t send me. I came here myself.”

I tossed the rag over my shoulder and walked back to the engine, my focus shifting back to my work. “If you’re here just to talk,” I stated bluntly without turning to look at him, “you should leave. I’m busy.”

Chris walked over to the workbench, pulled out the stool and took a seat. “Look,” he began, a hint of curiosity in his voice, “I just came by because I didn’t know my brother was seeing someone.”

I interrupted him, not even bothering to look up from my work. “We’re not seeing each other,” I corrected, my tone matter-of-fact. “We’re simply just friends.”

Chris raised an eyebrow, a smirk tugging at the corners of his mouth. He leaned back, folding his arms.

“Just friends, huh?” he repeated, skepticism evident in his voice. “You’re telling me you’re just friends with my brother and that’s all?”

Chris smirked further, a glimmer of mischief in his eyes. “I mean,” he began, his tone suggestive, “you fix his car. You can’t tell me there isn’t anything between you.”

He paused, a knowing look on his face. “You probably take a different payment since you didn’t take the money from him yesterday, eh?”

I paused in my work, my tongue poking the inside of my cheek. My eyes narrow, a hint of irritation seeping into my voice.

“Who do you think I am?” I retorted, my tone sharp. “Some slut who fixes your brother’s car and sleeps with him for payment? Because I can assure you, I am not.”

Chris smirked, leaning back against the workbench. “Well, that’s why I’m here,” he explained, a hint of mischief in his eyes. “I wanna know about you. I didn’t know you even existed until yesterday when I saw you in our garage.”

I rolled my eyes slightly, the skepticism still present on my face. “And you came all this way to satisfy your curiosity?” I retorted, sarcasm heavy in my voice.

Chris chuckled, a sly smile on his lips. “I just wanted to know more about this girl whose brother has kept her a secret from his brothers for three years.”

He paused, his eyes studying me intently. “You can’t blame me for being curious, can you?”

I raised an eyebrow, my defenses still up. “Curiosity is one thing,” I replied, my tone guarded. “Showing up unannounced at someone’s garage is another.”

Chris chuckled, an impish glimmer in his eyes. “If I asked Matt about you,” he began, his voice laced with mischief, “he’d tell me nothing. Sometimes I gotta get my hands dirty to know things.”

I felt a pang of irritation, my expression hardening. “So, you just decided to turn up at my garage unannounced because you couldn’t get any information from your brother?” I asked, my tone more critical than before.

Chris held up his hands in mock surrender, a charming smile still on his lips. “Hey, don’t get me wrong,” he said, his tone light. “I would’ve got information out of Matt eventually, but it would have taken a helluva lot longer.”

Chris leaned forward slightly, his eyes never leaving mine. “Listen,” he began, his tone softened slightly, “I just thought you were interesting, okay? I mean, a girl that works on cars—you kidding? I hardly ever see them do that. And since my brother kept you hidden there has to be something amazing about you.”

His compliment caught me off guard, but I tried not to show it. I crossed my arms across my chest, a mix of skepticism and irritation still lingering in my mind. “You don’t know anything about me,” I said defensively, “How could you know if there’s something amazing about me?”

Chris stood up, his movements fluid as he approached me. “C’mon, Y/N,” he said, his tone now dripping with a charming and persuasive tone. “You’re practically making me repeat the reason why I came here.”

I watched him approach, my stance remaining guarded. His words sparked both curiosity and skepticism within me, but I kept my composure. “You came here out of curiosity,” I stated matter-of-factly, “And apparently, my existence is intriguing because I work on cars. Your brother’s including.”

Chris chuckled, now standing directly in front of me. “Not just because you work on cars,” he explained, a smirk tugging at the corners of his lips. “Although that definitely added to it. But also because you’re a mystery. My brother’s been keeping you a secret for over three years.”

I spoke bluntly, my voice nonchalant. “Maybe he did it for the better,” I said, my gaze fixed on him. “If I were him, I wouldn’t want my friend to meet my womanizing brother.”

Chris chuckled, a charming grin spreading across his face. “Womanizer? That’s a new one,” he responded, his tone tinged with amusement. “Looks like my brother made quite the first impression of me for you.”

Chris shrugged, a roguish smirk on his face. “I wouldn’t call myself a ‘womanizer’ though,” he clarified, his tone nonchalant. “I’m just someone who wants to have some harmless fun. You know, no strings attached. It’s their fault if they’re looking for something more serious—they hurt their own feelings.”

I couldn’t help but feel a twinge of irritation and judgement at his words. “You realize how ridiculous you sound right now, don’t you?” I retorted, my eyes narrowing, “They’re not at fault for their own feelings. You’re the one leading them on.”

I closed the hood of my car with a slight bang, my irritation clear. As I walked past him, I shot him a glance and muttered, “You’re a real douche.”

I made my way over to my workbench and began cleaning up my tools, focusing intently on the task at hand. “I don’t know what your intentions are or what your motives might be,” I continued, my voice firm, “but why should I trust you?”

Chris leaned against the workbench, his casual demeanor unfazed by my words. “You don’t have to trust me,” he replied, his tone still light. “But that doesn’t mean I can’t be trusted. I’m not as bad as you think I am, Y/N.”

Chris’ smirk faded slightly as he watched me move away from him, the irritation clear in my gaze. He crossed his arms as I continued tidying up my tools.

He let out a sigh, his demeanor slightly more serious now. “You don’t know anything about me.” he acknowledged, his voice measured. “And I genuinely just wanted to get to know you.”

Chris’ expression softened slightly, his demeanor remaining more serious. “Wouldn’t it be better to know someone before judging them?” he asked, his tone somewhat sincere. “You know nothing about me, and I know nothing about you. I think it’d be fair if both of us got to know each other before making any assumptions or judgments, don’t you think?”

I paused in my task, my gaze flickering up to meet his. The irritation I felt towards him was still present, but his words stirred something within me. He had a point, after all. Judging someone without knowing anything about them wasn't fair.

I set down the tool I was holding and sighed, my arms crossing over my chest. “Fine,” I conceded, “You have a point. If we're going to be talking, then you gotta answer some questions. Straight up, no bullshit answers.”

Chris chuckled, a slightly roguish smile on his lips. “Alright then,” he agreed, his tone somewhat entertained. “Fire away with your questions then. I’ll answer them truthfully.”

With a press of a button, I closed the garage door, effectively sealing us inside. I walked over to the workbench and leaned against it, facing Chris, who was now seated on the stool.

“Alright,” I began, my voice businesslike but a hint of curiosity crept through. “Question number one. Why the hell are you suddenly interested in me? And don’t give me any of that ‘you’re interesting because you work on cars’ bullshit. I can see through that from a mile away.”

Chris chuckled again, leaning back in the stool. “Alright, straight to the point,” he quipped, his tone somewhat bemused. “Fine then. To be honest, my interest in you isn’t solely because you work on cars. That’s just one part of the reason.”

He paused, his gaze meeting mine directly. “There’s something about you that stood out to me,” he continued, his voice somewhat candid. “Your attitude, your indifference, your guarded nature, that’s what caught my attention.”

He then continued. “And To be honest with you, you’re not the typical girl I’d go for,” he explained bluntly. “I’m attracted to girls who are more… girly, I suppose. But you’re different, and that caught my attention.”

He leaned closer, his eyes unwavering. “So, there’s that. Satisfied with that answer?”

I rolled my eyes at his response, his words only adding to my irritation. “So you do want me to end up in your pants just like the others?” I retorted, my tone laced with skepticism.

Chris chuckled, a mischievous smile on his lips. “I mean, if you’re down, I’m down too,” he replied, his tone still tinged with his usual charismatic charm. “But maybe we should slow it down a bit, take me out to dinner first, ma.” His words and pet name only added to my annoyance.

I gritted my teeth, my annoyance with his words and attitude palpable. “Alright, next question,” I spoke, my voice cool and brisk. “How many girls have you been with?”

Chris leaned back slightly on the stool, his expression cool and nonchalant. “A gentleman never fucks and tell, sorry.” he replied, his voice carrying a hint of mischievousness. He then shrugged his shoulders, a lazy smile on his lips.

I rolled my eyes at his response, my irritation growing. “Oh, how noble of you,” I quipped, my voice laced with sarcasm. “But you’re not much of a gentleman, are you?”

Chris shook his head slightly, a mock hurt look on his face. “Now, that’s not fair, Y/N,” he replied, his tone light and teasing. “You’re judging me, and here I thought this was a safe space.”

I let out a scoff, somewhat taken aback by his response. “A ‘safe space’?” I retorted, my tone somewhat mocking. “Please, you’ve been trying to charm me since you walked in here. If it weren’t for the questions, you probably would have tried some other bullshit.”

I continued with my questions, my gaze fixed on him. “Next question,” I began, my tone slightly cool. “When was your last relationship, and how long did it last?”

Chris chuckled, a confident look on his face. “Why?” he countered, his tone dripping with charm. “You wanna be my next? Sorry, I don’t do relationships—”

“Just answer the damn question,” I cut him off, my patience wearing thin.

His expression sobered slightly at my insistence, his playful demeanor replaced with a more serious tone. “Alright, alright,” he conceded, his voice losing its earlier charm.

“Few months ago,” he began, his gaze drifting thoughtfully. “Lasted about two or three months.”

He paused, his expression stoic. “If you’re ask how many girls I’ve been with, approximately three. All three of them were horrible,” he answered bluntly.

I raised an eyebrow at his response, somewhat taken aback by his honesty. “Only three, huh?” I commented, my voice somewhat skeptical. “And what made them so ‘horrible’?”

Chris shrugged slightly, a hint of bitterness in his expression. “Because they just were.” he replied, his voice tinged with resentment.

I continued with the questions, my expression firm. “Are you scared of relationships, since you only have one-nights only?” I asked bluntly.

Chris’ expression tensed slightly, and he avoided my gaze before responding. “I rather not get into that subject,” he admitted, his voice distant.

I noticed the subtle shift in his demeanor and decided to move past the previous question, seeing his discomfort.

“Alright, let’s move on then,” I said, my voice softening slightly. “What about family? Job?”

Chris' expression relaxed slightly as we moved on to a different topic. “I’m a triplet,” he began, his tone somewhat casual. “But I have an older brother named Justin, who is a gambler. And our Mom and Dad are back in Massachusetts. As for what I do, well, I’m a street racer. If you want to consider that a job, then sure.”

I asked him the next question, my gaze fixed on him. “If you’re from Massachusetts, then why move to California?”

Chris responded casually. “There were higher prices in street racing here,” he explained, his tone nonchalant. “California is a hot spot for street racing, so the rewards are more attractive.”

I nodded slightly, acknowledging his response. “Right, I guess that makes sense,” I admitted, my tone somewhat cool. “And how long have you been street racing then?”

Chris’ expression lit up slightly as he answered, his tone casual. “Since I was 18,” he replied, his voice laced with a hint of nostalgia. “I didn’t really know how to work a car at that time, but Matt taught me a few things, and then we both got into racing. But I am self taught when it comes to drifting.”

I interrupted, asking, “How old are you now?” He paused, a smirk playing on his lips. “Currently, I’m 21,” he revealed, his tone lighthearted.

I took a moment to observe him, noting how surprisingly young he looked for his age. My gaze lingered on his features for a moment before I noticed his remark.

“You’re staring,” Chris mused, a hint of amusement in his voice.

I paused, thinking for a moment before deciding on one final question. “Alright, last question,” I said, my tone somewhat serious. “What’s your biggest fear?”

Chris didn’t hesitate with his response, his tone candid. “Commitment,” he stated bluntly, his gaze meeting mine.

I raised an eyebrow at his answer, somewhat taken aback by the honesty in his tone. “Commitment, huh?” I repeated, my voice tinged with skepticism. “And why do you fear commitment so much?”

Chris leaned back slightly on the stool, a casual expression on his face. “Just not my thing,” he replied, his tone somewhat indifferent. “I’m not into the whole relationship scene, you know? Committing to one person and investing all that time and energy. It’s just not my style.”

Chris’ expression took on a somewhat serious note before he continued. “And trust me, I’ve tried before,” he added, his tone sincere. “But it just didn’t work out. It only led to disappointment and letdown, so I’ve just grown to avoid commitment altogether.”

I couldn't help but let out a soft chuckle, amused by his response. But catching myself, I quickly covered my mouth, hiding any trace of amusement.

Chris noticed the brief chuckle, his gaze locked on me as a smirk played on his lips. “You found that funny?” he asked, his tone laced with a mix of amusement and curiosity.

I shook my head, trying to regain composure. “No, no,” I denied, my voice firm. “It’s just, what you said. It’s… funny. Commitment being your greatest fear?”

Chris chuckled, his smirk growing wider. “Hey, don’t laugh,” he retorted, his tone half-teasing. “I’m serious. Commitment is terrifying to me.”

Chris leaned forward slightly, his gaze fixed on me. “Alright, since we’re sharing,” he began, his tone somewhat lighter. “What about you? What’s your biggest fear?”

I paused, considering his question. “Honestly?” I began, my voice somewhat guarded. “My biggest fear is getting hurt, emotionally. Opening up to someone and having them use that vulnerability against you, that’s what scares me the most.”

I continued, my voice gaining a hint of vulnerability. “Probably abandonment as well,” I admitted, my tone somewhat distant. “You never know when people can leave, taking with them all the secrets you shared. It’s unpredictable and scary, not knowing when someone you trust can just… leave.”

Chris listened intently, his gaze fixed on me as I confessed my fear. He didn’t say anything for a moment, just observed me silently before speaking. “I get that,” he said finally, his tone somewhat softer. “It’s tough to let someone in when you’re always bracing for them to leave suddenly.”

I nodded slightly, appreciating his understanding. “That’s the thing, right?” I responded, my voice somewhat resigned. “It’s easier to just keep people at arm’s length, so you don’t have to deal with the possibility of them leaving and taking everything you shared with them.”

Chris’ eyebrow raised slightly at my response. “And Matt?” he asked, his tone somewhat curious. “Do you think he’d leave?”

I paused before answering, my voice firm. “I hope not,” I replied, my tone somewhat protective. “He’s genuinely the only one I have. I trust him with my life.”

Chris’ expression softened slightly as he heard my response, a mixture of understanding and respect in his gaze. “Sounds like you guys have a pretty close bond,” he remarked, his voice somewhat warm.

Chris continued with his questions, his tone still somewhat warm. “How did you guys meet?” he asked, his eyebrow raised in curiosity.

I smirked, playing off his attempt to get more information. “Well, trust is earned, right?” I said, my tone slightly teasing. “Looks like I earned yours pretty easily, but you haven’t earned mine yet, not yet at least.”

I couldn’t help but tease him, not yet ready to open up and give him the details he was craving. It was a defense mechanism, a way to keep people at arm's length. It took months before I even opened up to Matt, and I hated letting people in. I despised feeling weak when they left.

Chris chuckled in response, his expression hinting at amusement. “Playing hard to get, huh?” he said, his tone light. “I see how it is. You’re gonna make me work for it, ma?”

I shrugged nonchalantly, a smirk on my lips. “Maybe,” I responded, my voice somewhat coy. “You have to prove yourself worthy of my trust, after all. Why would I make it easy on you?”

Chris leaned in slightly, a charming smile on his face. “Maybe because I’m irresistible,” he said, his voice dripping with confidence. “And you can’t help but be drawn to me.”

I rolled my eyes at his overconfident statement, but couldn’t deny the slight flutter in my stomach. I tried to maintain a cool exterior, however. “Oh, please,” I retorted, my tone somewhat sarcastic. “I’m immune to your charms.”

As I continued to banter with Chris, my mind wandered for a moment. I had to admit, when I first laid eyes on him, I couldn’t deny that he was attractive. But as soon as I found out what he was really like, any initial attraction faded away. Yet deep down, I couldn’t deny that there was a thrill in playing hard to get, in seeing him try to charm me. It was a game, a challenge, and though I was loath to admit it, I couldn’t help but somewhat enjoy it.

As we continued to banter, I decided it was time to end our interaction. I started putting away my tools, my movements casual. “You should head home,” I said, my tone somewhat indifferent. “Before your brothers are worried sick.”

Chris grinned, that familiar smirk playing on his lips. “Trying to get rid of me already, ma?” he teased, his tone playful.

I let out a soft scoff, a smirk tugging at the corner of my lips. “More like making sure you don’t wear out your welcome,” I retorted, my tone half-teasing.

Chris chuckled, his expression amused. “Oh, come on,” he protested, feigning hurt. “You’re kicking me out already?”

I rolled my eyes, though secretly enjoying the banter. “Yes, I am,” I responded, my tone firm. “You’ve pestered me long enough for one day. Time to go.”

I walked over to the garage button and pushed it. “Alright, out you go,” I said, my tone somewhat sarcastic. “Time to go bother someone else for a change.”

Chris feigned hurt once more, dramatically placing a hand over his heart. “You wound me,” he said, his tone playful. “Being discarded so easily.”

I chuckled, pushing him gently out the garage. “Oh, you’ll survive,” I retorted, my tone light. “Now shoo, before your brothers really do get worried.”

Chris laughed, letting himself be pushed out of the garage. “Alright, alright,” he conceded, his gaze still holding a hint of mischief. “I’m going, I’m going.”

Chris turned back as he reached his car, a confident smile on his face. “See you around, ma,” he said, his tone somewhat cocky.

I rolled my eyes once more, not at all fond of the pet name. I watched him get in his flashy car and drive off, shaking my head slightly. “So full of himself,” I muttered under my breath.

After closing the garage, I found myself sitting at my work bench, curiosity getting the better of me. I decided to grab my laptop and start searching for information about Chris on the internet.

Normally, I wouldn't trust what the internet had to say, but given how little I knew about him, I couldn't resist the urge to find out more.

As I read through various articles and social media pages, it dawned on me that realistically, I could just ask Chris these questions myself. But no way was I going to let him know that I was actually interested in learning more about him. I refused to give him the satisfaction of feeding his ego.

As I scrolled through various search results, one article in particular caught my eye. “Chris Sturniolo and His Rise of Success,” the headline read. Curious, I clicked on it.

The article went on to discuss Chris's rise to fame in the street racing industry. My eyes widened as I read further, discovering his full real name: Christopher Owen Sturniolo.

I leaned back slightly, taking it all in. So, not only was he a street racer, but he had some fame in the world of illegal racing as well. This certainly explained his arrogance and confidence.

The article described Chris's accomplishments in the racing world, mentioning his impressive track record. It also hinted at his association with a certain gang, though the details were vague.

As I finished reading the article, I couldn't help but feel a mix of unease and intrigue. I knew street racing was dangerous, but the fact that he was involved in some sort of gang made it all the more concerning.

I closed the laptop, running a hand through my hair as I took a moment to process the newfound information about Chris.

I reopened the laptop, a mixture of curiosity and intrigue taking over. I navigated to his social media accounts, scrolling through pictures of him with different girls, their Instagram accounts linked.

I found myself getting more and more curious, clicking on the girls' Instagram pages one by one. I couldn’t help but snoop, my need to know more about him taking over.

As I continued to scroll through each girl's Instagram page, a familiar sight emerged. Video after video and picture after picture showed Chris at clubs with these girls, sometimes partying, sometimes smoking, but always around high-speed cars and dangerous races. It seemed that this lifestyle was a significant part of his life.

As I was scrolling through one of the girls’ Instagram profiles, my eyes landed on a video that made me grimace. It was a clip of Chris and the girl making out in what looked like a crowded party. His hands running all over her body.

“Gross,” I muttered to myself, quickly clicking out of the page. I couldn’t help but feel a mix of disgust and annoyance at the idea of Chris with these girls. Why did he have that effect on me?

I continued scrolling through his tagged photos, and one in particular caught my eye. A guy’s account had a picture of Chris working on a car in a black tank top, his orange coveralls rolled down to his waist, revealing a toned physique.

I couldn’t help but linger on the photo for a moment, taking in the sight. His muscular arms and shoulders were on full display as he focused on the car. It was a striking image.

I mentally shook myself, realizing I had been staring a bit too long at the picture. “Snap out of it, Y/N,” I muttered to myself, scolding my own thoughts.

I needed to stay focused. I couldn’t let myself get sidetracked by his appearance, regardless of how attractive he was.

Despite my best efforts to stay focused on the task at hand, my curiosity got the better of me. I found myself clicking on article after article, searching for more information about Chris.

I spent hours going down a rabbit hole, learning tidbits about him and his life within the street racing world. It was addictive, the thrill of discovering secrets I shouldn't know, secrets I shouldn’t care about.

The more I researched, the more I wondered why I was putting so much energy into learning about this guy. He was obviously a playboy, a charmer, with a reputation for having women falling at his feet.

But still, I couldn’t stop. I kept going, reading article after article until my eyes started to burn from the screen glare.

I finally closed the last tab, closing my laptop and letting out a sigh. I leaned back in my chair, massaging my forehead.

“Who really are you, Chris Sturniolo?” I muttered under my breath. The more I learned, the more confused I became.

He was a talented racer, a womanizer, and possibly even linked to a gang. But what did I really know about him, outside of all the articles and pictures?

I picked up my laptop, walking over to the garage door connecting to the house. With a flick of a switch, the garage lights darkened, casting the space in shadows.

I pushed open the door leading into the house, my mind still swirling with thoughts about Chris and all I had read about him earlier.

As I walked further into the house, my thoughts continued to stir. Who was Chris behind the flash and fame? Behind all the pictures and articles, the illegal racing, and the girls?

I couldn’t deny a feeling deep down inside that there was more to him than what met the eye. A person, a real person, different from the persona he often portrayed. There had to be more to him than that, a depth that the internet and the media couldn’t capture.

A/N: SECOND CHAPTER! SO HAPPY HOW THIS ONE CAME OUT

TAGS: @st6rify ✮⋆˙ @jetaimevous ✮⋆˙ @certifiedstarrr ✮⋆˙ @slvtf0rchr1s ✮⋆˙ @l3sbiancvnt ✮⋆˙ @wh0remikasas ✮⋆˙ @r0s3luvr ✮⋆˙ @emely9274 ✮⋆˙ @mimiluvzpicklez ✮⋆˙ @courta13

── .✦ MASTER—LIST ⭑𓂃 | ── SERIES HERE ໑‧₊˚.ꪆ

[utilitycaster]

I am curious if you think the campaign wrap up will perhaps address some of the campaign shortcomings or challenges the cast faced in trying to land this campaign narratively, especially in comparison to previous campaigns? Not that they would disparage the whole campaign - but like a little “yeah this didn’t work as well as we wanted at times?” 

It’s odd because I find myself weirdly optimistic about CR as a whole despite this campaign’s possible lackluster ending, so I guess I’m hoping the campaign wrap up acknowledges that this campaign didn’t always play to their strengths in hopes that their next long form venture does more, idk.

I don't know if it will but. that's precisely the tenor any question I send will have: I don't think the fundamental concept is the issue - hell, I don't even think killing the gods is actually a problem if you appropriately set up a scenario where killing the gods has a motivation other than "mortals were mean to me in their name" [thing that happens irl all the time in a world with zero proof of divinity, in my religiously observant ideologically agnostic and skeptical opinion] or "I have issues with my parents I never worked towards so I've projected this onto The Ultimate Parents instead of like. being fucking normal." But it needed a lot more scaffolding at the VERY least in the prep for this campaign, and actually, to be blunt, if you want to make this a balanced issue you needed to seed this concept through prior campaigns in a meaningful way. There's a reason pretty much everyone who defends this campaign as Extremely Good, Actually is either doing some form of wildly revisionist history of the fandom and the past campaigns that's demonstrably false if you were like. there; or else they started with C3 and decided they were an expert despite being of below-average literacy and deeply below average personality and have to resort to such miserable efforts as "arguing that canon isn't real" and "posting an out of context Le Guin quote over and over in the hopes we won't notice they're actually 511 mice in a trenchcoat who can't actually read". So yeah I hope Matt is like this was an ambitious project and I'd have done many things differently.

I do wonder what's next for CR, because as I mentioned, it feels like the cast is stronger in shorter form; that even the other longform shows are moving to shorter form right now; and that WBN and C3 kind of show the limits/failings of longform. I hope they do another longform campaign at some point in the future, but it might make sense to take an extended break and play in the space for a while. They only took about 4 months between campaigns for the past two and maybe it would be good to take longer and focus on Daggerheart, Candela, and EXU for much of the year and if they do longform wait 8-10 months, especially with the comparatively extensive touring schedule this year.

I also hasten to add, and I mentioned this briefly in talking about CRPGs, but I think there's a Third Campaign Dip that's not inevitable (NADDPod didn't really have it; TAZ switches systems enough that it's not an issue) but definitely hit here, that doesn't apply to a fourth one. Like, for CRPGs (girl who's played Veilguard twice and gotten through the first day of Disco Elysium voice) it feels like the first run is following what seems most fun to you and then the second is playing around with other choices that maybe aren't as appealing just to see what happens, and then for the third and future runs you kind of know the full lay of the land and what you'll like while still allowing for a range of choices. For class-based TTRPGs, the first is the self-insert/thing that's fairly comfortable and easy/character you've dreamed of; the second is what you do now that you know how this works; and then the third can be...an overextension, shall we say. I think after that you figure out, again, the bounds of your comfort zone, how much you can stretch it, and what you don't like, you're in a much more consistent footing.

[mangionebabymama]

On some real shit though, I want to put this out there:

Thank you so, so much for all of your love and support that you’ve given me and all that I’ve been able to give back to so many of you in return these last few days. I should have known once that I started seeing more Luigi memes and reels of all sorts of my social media a few weeks ago, it was a sign of something. I’m wholly invested in this case, for a multitude of reasons, across different approaches and, though I’ve said this so many times, it’s something about his story that reels me in like no other. I don’t know what the unforeseeable future will exactly hold this year, but my only wish that it brings Luigi closer to freedom and vindication, and the confirmation that he is loved and supported by many.

I’m kind of even surprised that I’d ever go out this far and make a dedicated blog on Tumblr, as I’ve had the app for many years but never actually attempted to create a functional space. I know it’s not about the numbers, but to reach a 100+ followers on both blogs and have active camaraderie on here? It’s crazy. Who knew that it wouldn’t be in honor of one of my fav artists, but some nice-looking, tall, curly-haired Italian frat boy that I wish I had a chance with. The odds, right?

On italianbabydaddy, I stated, word for word, that the purpose of the blog was a safe space for me to let the imagination run wild through posting my simp-fueled dreams and horny thoughts, and I guess now I’ve made that my trademark on here—and a lot of people are rallying behind me on that one. Thank you for engaging with me, interacting with me, talking to me about lore, fawning over the most precious visions/dreams/wishes you have about Luigi, and enjoying my little imagines and ideas that go on in my mind. But also, thank you for being vulnerable and comfortable enough to join me, along with many others, on a platform like this to stand in solidarity and show your support for him, too.

I am honored that some of you have reached out to me and said how my blog makes your day, teaches you something entirely new, or that my writing is entertaining—because that last part, along with everything, means a lot. I’m hoping maybe by joining this community, I’ll learn to develop a better relationship with self-reflecting on my skills of writing and stop putting myself so far down that I lose my love for it. I’m nowhere near a defense attorney or Luigi Mangione historian, but one of my main goals of this blog (beside all the simping) is to spread awareness, provide evidence, and bring knowledge about his story in all honesty. There’s a lot of stories about him going around that are lacking in truthfulness and sincerity right now, and it’s so important that we find spaces and talk about things in the correct way. We have to continue to say his name and keep talking.

I really planned for this post to just be a paragraph or two, but if you made it this far, then I really love you and appreciate you, beyond words that I possibly could ever come up with. Thank you thank you thank you 🥺

[ducktracy]

there are a lot of evil people in the world and a lot of darkness in the world and so it’s very important for me to stress that now more than ever is the time to spread kindness and compassion. combat the evil by not only not partaking in it, but actively refuting it. destroy the notion that being compassionate or generous or kind to someone is uncool or embarrassing or even scary. be the change you want to see. start a chain reaction. positivity only breeds more positivity. do an act of kindness for someone so that that person who is too afraid to do it themselves can see you, realize that they’re not alone, and perhaps sheepishly follow your example. and then the next person who is too afraid but sees that person can do the same. when bad news comes out about bad people or horrible atrocities in the world it’s such an easy impulse to despair, and obviously it’s important to feel what you need to feel. grieve. be angry. be sorrowful. be empathetic. but dust off your pants and get up and be a part of a chain reaction that, no matter how small the scale, and spread compassion and love and care. all the reasons why you might not—“it’s hard! it’s scary! people will make fun of me! it’s useless because there’s too much evil!” are all grade A arguments as to why you should. you have no idea how many people you could inspire to do the same. even if it doesn’t get you anyway far, you can at least say you have the nobility of trying. please choose love and please choose life. you are worth loving and you are worth inspiring others to love

[hplonesomeart]

Hey. Sorry about the inactivity, but pretty sure no one cared that much anyways lol. Been a looooong time since I kept that distant from Tumblr…at least now I know I’m able to survive without checking posts every day/being chronically online! I’ve got an intense love-hate relationship with this lifestyle I’ve dug myself into. Think I’m getting a little bit better with the balance even if school isn’t really giving me an option. Got a load of work I need to keep catching up on if I don’t want to disappoint my professors. We’ll survive somehow. Here take a quick batch of Puzzle doodles k bye

[wundrousarts]

Mini Silverborn Countdown

If you’ve been around for a few years, you’ve seen me vaguely mention a “Silverborn Countdown Challenge” several times. It’s been delayed and changed as many times as the book itself, lol.

If anyone wants sort of a low-stakes, very chill and spaced out version of this ye olde never tackled challenge to complete in the next year before Silverborn, I propose what I’m doing:

Every 3 months leading up to the initial release, I am creating one thing based on each of the books.

January — Nevermoor

April — Wundersmith

July — Hollowpox

[wireboy]

days without crying over them counter: 0

[vaguehotels]

hey just a reminder that sometimes you have to accept that you’re going to have to have feelings without a filter, and you’re going to have to tell people that you care about them, and you’re going to have to start saying i love you. if you want affection and love and adoration you cannot close yourself off forever and ever. keep up your walls as you must to protect yourself but not forever. and if you feel like you can’t ever let them down then i’m sorry. i hope you find someone that makes you feel safe enough to start saying and feeling these things.

[milflewis]

feeling v . hmm. interesting

[h3ck]

I miss you guys. I miss all the people I used to see that haven’t updated in years, miss the dead blogs I follow and that follow me, miss the people I used to send fanmail to and receive from a decade ago. I barely know who I was then, the memories are so fuzzy and unfamiliar, but I miss it regardless. I’ve been so many people since then. Even if I may not cross your minds, many of you still cross mine. Many of you touched a cold heart at one point or another, without, likely, even realizing.

I’m glad I’ve never truly left. I hope I do not any time soon. I want to keep making little fragmented memories for a while longer.

[salsflore]

going to sleep soon ～ let me get some things off my chest here.... my eyes are super itchy again (fell into the trap of snuggling my cat even when i swore i wouldn't do it again)

[supergraphicultramoderngirl]

. sigh.

[kavehater]

It’s crazy cause ever since I was crying the other day, I stopped then looked at the mirror and it’s almost like the face dysmorphia momentarily vanished and I was like maybe …. I am being too hard on myself and that I don’t look like my brain was telling me … and I was so surprised like as if I saw myself for the first time and I just kept staring at my reflection bc I couldn’t believe it like the dysmorphia it was GONE !!! And then I stared so long it came back so booo tomato tomato 🍅🍅🍅🍅

[gor3sigil]

Before starting T, when I socially transitionned, I was surrounded by radical feminists who saw masculinity as gross and inherently evil, something to avoid, something to make fun of, something to destroy. The other transmascs in my friend group, sometimes, told me that they didn’t knew if they really were non-binary or if they just were scared shitless of saying “I am a man”. Because they saw this as a betrayal to their younger self who had been SAd and abused.

I saw many of my masc friends and trans men around me hate themselves, not outing themselves as men because it would imply so so much, it was like opening the Pandora Box. Even when we were just together, talking about our masculinity was always coated with bits like “I know we’re the privileged ones but…”, “I don’t want to sound like I have it bad but…”, “Women obviously have it worse, but last time…” and we were talking about terrible traumas we experienced while taking all the precautions in the world in the case the walls were a crowd of people in disguise waiting to get us if we didn’t downplay the violence we faced, or like crying and being upset and being traumatized and afraid and scared and to say it out loud would make us throw up the needles we were forced to swallow every second of every day living in our skin.

Most of us weren’t on T yet, some of us were catcalled every day and harassed in the streets or in abusive relationships nobody seemed to care to help them get out of because they were “strong enough” to do it by themselves.

I was using the gender swap face app and cried for ours when I saw my father looking back at me through the screen. The idea of transforming, of shedding into a body that would deprive me of love, tenderness, and safety, was absolutely terrifying. I knew I couldn’t stay in this body any longer because it wasn’t mine, but I also knew that if I was going to look like my dad, my brother, my abusers, it would be so much worse.

5 years later and I’m almost 2 years on T, and almost 2 months post top surgery.

I ditched my previous group of friends. I was bullied out of my local trans community. But let me tell you how free I am.

I was scared that T would break my singing voice: it made it sound more alive than ever.

I was scared that T would make me less attractive: it made me find myself hot for the first time in my life.

I was scared that T would make me gain weight: it did. But the weight I put on is not the weight I used to put on by binging and eating my body until I forgot that it even existed. It’s the weight of my body belonging to me, little by little. The wolf hunger for life.

I won’t tell you the same story I see everywhere, the one that goes “I started going to the gym 8 times a week, I put on some muscles, I started a diet and now I look like an action film actor”, in fact if you took pictures of me from 5 years ago vs now I’d just have more acne, I’d have longer hair and still look like I don’t know what to do with myself when I take selfies.

But the sparkle in my eyes, my smile, tell the whole story way better than this long ass stream of words could ever.

I want to say some things that I wish someone told me before starting medically transitionning.

It’s okay to take your time. It’s your body, it’s your journey, if you don’t feel comfortable taking full doses and want to go slow, the only voice you need to listen to is your own. Do what feels right.

If you feel overwhelmed, it’s okay to take a break, it’s okay to ask for support.

Trans people are holy. Everyone is. You didn’t lose your angel wings when you came out because you want to be masculine. You are not excluded from the joy of existence, from being proud of yourself, from being sad, from being scared, from being angry. The emotions and feelings you allowed yourself to feel while processing what you experienced when you grew up as a girl and was seen as a woman are still as valid as before. Nobody can take that from you. If someone tries to, don’t let them.

It’s perfectly normal to grieve some things you were and had before you started to transition, like your high soprano voice or even your chest. Hatching is painful. You can find comfort in things that don’t feel right, so making the decision to change can be incredibly scary and weird and you deserve to be heard and supported through this. Wanting top surgery doesn’t make the surgery less intense, less terrifying, less painful to recover from. When it becomes too much you have the right to take a break and take some deep breaths before going on.

You don’t have to have a radical, 180° change for your transition to be acceptable or valid or worthy of praise. Look at how far you’ve come already. It doesn’t have to show, you’re not made to be a spectacle, you’re human and it is your journey.

Oh, and last thing, you know when some people say “Oh this trans person has to grow out of the cringy phase where you think that you can write essays about being trans or transitionning or just their experience because it’s weird” ? If you ever hear this or see this online, remember all the people whose writing you read and, even if they were not professional writers, helped you more than any theorists did ? If you want to write, do it. It won’t be a waste. It can help people. Or it won’t, and even then, if it helped you, that’s enough.

Love every of my trans siblings, take care of yourselves. You deserve the world.