#and do something relaxing and non screen related

[boyapologist]

can't fucking sleep

[scorpiosbite]

when actress!reader and drew made it official

𝜗𝜚 ࣪˖ ִ𐙚 ────୨ৎ──── after casually seeing each other for a few months after that first hook up after the club and then going on that first date, you and drew finally make it official.

𝜗𝜚 pairing: actress!reader x drew starkey

author’s note: this takes place in october 2024, at this point actress!reader and drew have been seeing each other casually for a few months, after their hook up and subsequent date in LA. actress!reader is currently in the midst of filming Anora.

you were holed up in your LA home that you were renting while living LA for the filming of your new movie Anora. it was your day off and you were going to spend it rotting at home and swimming in your pool. you’re a big homebody, although people assumed that you were someone who was always going out, you weren’t, going out for non-work related reasons was a rare occurrence. it’s not like you don’t enjoy going out, you do. but going to clubs and parties was something that you enjoyed once in a while, for special occasions and with the right people. and if you were being honest it got repetitive. going to parties, getting drunk, surrounded by people you don’t know or care about. you would much rather spend your time at home and be able to truly be yourself. you were sinking further and further into the plush couch in your living room, your book propped on your knees. when your phone rang.

drew calling…. accept?

you smiled lightly at the sight of his name lighting up your screen, you let it ring for a beat before you answered, wanting to torture him for a bit. “hey.” the greeting came out like a sigh, almost as if the thought of him relaxes your mind and body. “hey, baby.” you grinned and your cheeks flushed at the low tone of his voice, god everything about him was sexy, and you could see the smirk dancing on his lips through the phone, like he could feel the effect he has on you. “what are you doing today, pretty girl?” you hummed glancing at the time on the clock, ten am. “nothing ‘m just gonna chill at home, maybe go swimming, weather’s nice in LA.” drew chuckled, a low rumble, that sent shivers up your spine. “not like london, huh?” you giggled lightly, “yea, not like london.” drew made a noise of agreement. “you mind if i come over?” your fingers played with the band of your shorts. “what if i say, yes, i do mind?” drew snorted, you could hear him shuffling in his seat. “i’m just gonna come over anyway.” you rolled your eyes, playfully. “creep.” you retort, and he laughed, a sound that came from his chest and made your heart jump. “i’ll be there in ten, baby.” you bit your bottom lip in anticipation. “mhmm hmm.”

you were still laid up on the couch, reading your book when your doorbell rang, you smiled before making your way to the door, pulling it open. drew stood in the frame, dressed in a plain white t-shirt and baggy black cargo pants, his buzzed hair now grown out in a baby mullet, fuck he looked good. his hands were locked behind his back and he gave you a crooked smile, his tongue pushing into his cheek, and his cheeks turning a light shade of pink as he gave you a once over. suddenly you were reminded of your lack of clothing and you felt you face heat up in turn. drew’s eyes raked over you, running over your tight black boy shorts with a cute little bow on the front and then your black bandeau top with the little matching bow on the middle of the upper hem. after what felt like eternity, you cleared your throat. “you wanna keep looking at me, or come in?” drew smirked, unashamed of being caught staring, well it wasn’t like he was trying to be subtle. “hello, to you too, y/n.” he teased in a slightly sarcastic tone. you rolled your eyes at him, but couldn’t fight the smile that creeped onto your face. you led him to your living room, his eyes unabashedly staring at your ass while you walked, and you may have purposely swung your hips a little more than usual for him.

now, you and drew were laid up on your couch together, he sat with his legs spread, his arms resting on the top of the couch, you were laying against his side, you head rest on his shoulder, and your knees bent, toes brushing against the side of his thigh. drew’s hand came down to play with your hair and you snuggled your face closer into him. “how was filming yesterday?” you sighed “long, i had a lot of pole dancing scenes to film.” drew leaned his head back, letting out a groan. “why would you tell me that?” you chuckled, you had noticed this effect you had on him, and adored using it to your advantage. deciding to make it way worse you turned your head, so that you could whisper directly into his ear. “they had me dressed in barely anything, drew.” you whined, he shot up, picking you up with ease and throwing you over his shoulder. “that’s it. we’re going swimming.” you giggled loudly, punching his back, and kicking your feet as he walked to your room.

spending time with drew felt effortless, everything about him set your mind to ease and your heart ablaze. just like now, when he lounged on your bed in a pair of swim trunks you had found, while you changed into your bikini in the walk-in closet. drew’s eyes widened as you came into view, the white bikini leaving basically nothing to imagination. not that it mattered, drew had seen everything anyway. he sat up spreading his legs apart, and you stepped into the space. drew’s hands came up to your bare legs, caressing the flesh. your hands came up to his hair. stroking the strands, pushing them back from his face. drew hummed “i can’t believe you’re real.” you smiled at him. “thanks, pretty.” drew made a face, tugging you onto his lap so that you sat sideways across his thigh. “shouldn’t i be calling you pretty?” he stroked your thighs with his large hand. “ok, what should i say? yea, you’re well fit, lad.” you exaggerated your accent. he laughed “yea, alright, let’s just get in the pool?”

you were sat on the edge, your legs submerged in the cool water. the heavy LA sun was beating down on your back. but the heat wasn’t bothering you like it usually would, not when the shirtless man wading through your pool is the sexiest man you’ve ever seen. you laughed loudly as drew splashed and you aggressively kicked your legs in attempt to splash him back. drew grabbed you by the waist and lifted you from where you were sat. you wrapped your legs around his waist and your arms around his neck. marvin gaye’s distant lover blaring loudly from the speakers. the two of you didn’t feel the need to speak to each other. simply enjoying each other’s presence in the cool water. drew’s hands stroking your back in comforting circles. you couldn’t help yourself from placing a soft kiss on the tip of his nose. he smiled at the gesture. a heartbreaking smile that only confirmed your growing feelings for him. he returned the gesture with a soft peck to your chin.

now the two of you sat on the couch in your patio. sunglasses perched on your noses, sharing a marlboro red. drew was quiet, deep in thought with serious look on his face, but you didn’t bother him, knowing that he would bring it up to you himself. the smoke wafted into the air as you handed him the cigarette for one last drag before he put it out on the ashtray that sat next to him on the couch. you sighed leaning your head onto his shoulder, his hand tangled in your wet hair. your legs bent up on the couch, his spread. “i wanna say something.” you turned your head so that you look up at him without lifting from your place on his shoulder. he really is so pretty. “i know it’s still early, and that you’re going back to london once you’re done filming, but this—today—actually, any time i spend with you is the happiest i’ve felt in my life. and i want to be able to be how we were today everyday, in front of everyone. i don’t want to hide what i feel for you. and if you don’t feel the same that’s ok, i just want you to know that i’ve never felt like this before, these past few months have shown me how good we are together.”

you smiled he was so sweet and so nervous and you thought it wouldn’t be long before you would fall in love with him, or maybe you already have, “i want that too, drew.” his cheeks were pink and he stared down at you with those cerulean eyes, filled with hope and adoration and your heart stirred. “yea?” his voice was low and shaky, like you held his heart in your hands, bared and beating, just for you. “yea.” you brought your hand to his face, stroking his cheekbone with your thumb. he nodded as his eyes rushed between your eyes and lips before he crashed his lips with yours. the kiss was messy like he was conveying every emotion he had kept pent up, in fear that you wouldn’t feel the same. but now that he knew you did, there was no need to hide anymore.

TAGLIST: @sunnybunnyy2 @percysley @wearemadeofstardust0 @idgasb @pinkpantheris @emmaaas-posts @grace-sully @chimmysoftpaws @angvl3tears @josephandrewstarkey

i’m back!!!! i’ve been overseas and literally got back today and wanted to get back to it so here’s this one for you guys. also i’m in the midst of updating my tag list so bare with me, and as always hope you enjoyed!! xx

[so-long-soldier-writes]

drabble #15 - attention to detail

kai parker x reader

summary: kai admires the way you watch tv

tags: tv watching, fangirl behavior, neurodivergent behavior (?)

word count: 1k

a/n: neurodivergent and/or fangirl reader; idk, this is something i do, idk if i'm crazy for it, or if people relate to it. lmk if i'm crazy. i just want my weird habits validated by kai, mmkay! 😅

Your finger hovers over the exit button on your screen as someone enters the room. Anxiety grows in your chest, but you try to not let it show. They circle around you, likely to join you on the couch, but hopefully not.

“Hey,” the person greets. You relax at the voice of Kai. Despite his reputation, you quite like the guy. He has his own demons, and is learning his way about the world, and while you have nothing in common otherwise, you kind of relate to him in that way. 

“Hi.”

You don’t see it, but he smiles at your response. Just the acknowledgement of his presence is nice to hear. Especially in the gentle, non-accusatory tone you use with him. “Whatcha watching?” He saw a glimpse when he passed behind the couch, but didn’t want to make you uncomfortable by lingering. 

“Oh, just this show I’ve been into for the last couple weeks,” you say, not wanting to reveal the title and give him an opportunity to poke fun. 

“Ah, the one you were watching yesterday? With the- with that actor you like?”

A small blush rises to your cheeks as you squeak out a “yes”, and Kai finds it absolutely adorable. 

“What season are you on?” He asks, no judgment about the show, nor the actor you like. A wave of confidence splashes over you. 

“Six, technically, but I’m rewatching season four before I watch anymore of six, because I’m not ready to process new information.” You chide yourself immediately. What a strange thing to say. And you were doing so well until then. 

Kai narrows his eyes, but then shrugs. “Okay.”

“Like, something big just happened in season six. They’ve already introduced the Big Bad, but the Big Bad in season five was so detrimental to the team - it killed a bunch of folks, and mentally scarred a whole bunch of others - that I’m not really ready to deal with another, so I’m rewatching a season where I know what happens, so that I already know who gets hurt, so it’s less painful to watch. Plus, rewatching episodes always helps me see things I miss the first time, which gives me a better understanding of the plot and the characters.”

Kai tries to not study you like a bug, but he’s fascinated by your explanation. The empathy you have for fictional characters is something he can’t help but admire, as is your desire to soak up every detail like a sponge. He wonders what it would be like to care so much that watching any further would genuinely hurt him. For the first time, he wishes he could love, so he could love like you do.

“Sorry,” you say after a moment of silence, “I just… infodumped on you. That was probably really confusing and weird.”

“No, not weird. It’s nice.” Kai tries to reassure you, but can’t find the words he needs you to hear. 

“I should probably just watch the season and have one big cry at the end like a normal person.”

“No, I think your way is better.”

“Wait, really? Most people tell me it’s just a tv show and to get over it.”

“Well, yeah, it’s a show, but it’s something you love, so who gives a fuck how you like to watch it? They’re not watching it with you; they’re not even in the room. I like the way you say you take the time to learn the characters and understand the plot. Y’know, someone put a lot of effort into that show you’re watching, and you’re enjoying it the way they’d want it to be enjoyed. Like it’s a piece of art in a museum, and you’re pointing out all the brush strokes and reading the plaque to understand the medium.” When you give him a confused glance, he smiles sheepishly. “I know a little about a lot of things. Went to a couple museums when I was stuck in 1994.” 

“Ah.”

“But my point is, coming from a sociopath, the empathy you have for the characters in your show is really cool. And I can understand the rewatching bit, too. I haven’t rewatched anything with the intensity that you have, but obviously, I could only watch anything made pre-1994, and to hell if I’m watching anything black and white, so I’ve seen some of the same movies once or twice, or more. Sometimes I get tired of rewatching the same stuff, but sometimes, I’ll also pick out a funny line I missed the first time, or a hand gesture that reveals a character knew something all along.”

You smile at him, grateful for his words and engagement in the conversation. You feel a little less childish about your own habits, especially knowing Kai’s not one to lie or hold back his true feelings about anything. For him to go as far to say he recognizes your empathy is a lot, and nothing you’d expect from the newly-reformed serial killer. 

“Thank you,” you blurt out, not wanting to leave him hanging.

“For what?”

“For not making me feel stupid about my interests.”

His eyes narrow. “Who makes you feel stupid?”

“A lot of people. Family… Damon.”

“Well Damon tries to make everyone feel stupid, and family sucks.”

You snort. “True.”

“If he says anything again, he can go through me.” Kai sends you a wink. 

“Okay,” you giggle in response. 

“Good.”

The man watches you for a minute longer. You press your spacebar to make the show play, and he takes note of the smile that spreads across your face as the characters fill the screen once more. He wants to ask to watch it with you, but doesn’t want to push just yet, so he doesn’t. He’s making progress, though, and gaining your trust. Hopefully soon, you’ll be less shy around him. 

And you think the same, feeling his eyes on you. Your trust isn’t something that’s easily given, but this isn’t the first time Kai’s made you feel comfortable, and you have a feeling it won’t be the last. He stays on the other end of the couch, but sticks to himself, and within a couple minutes, laughs quietly at something on his phone. The air between you is pleasant. His words run through your head once more, as the same scene plays for maybe the tenth time, but this time, you aren’t as worried about the people in the room as you watch.

[arcsimper5]

Flutter

Hunter x F!Reader fic!

I'd like to dedicate this one to the amazing @amorfista

You are amazing! <3

Title: Flutter Pairing: Hunter x F!Reader Rating: M (suggestive language, swearing) Warnings: Pregnancy, angst, mild panic, sickness, vomiting 7202 words

Summary: You've suspected your sickness every morning might be related to something more than you first assumed. When Tech confirms your suspicions, you have you find a way to tell Hunter...

A/N: This is a pregnancy reveal fic at it's core, established relationship between Hunter and F!Reader. Non descriptive reader, pet names in mando'a.

“You are pregnant.”

Tech’s simple statement caught you off guard as you exited the fresher, eyes widening at the goggled pilot. His attention was still firmly on his datapad, fingers dancing over the screen, expression set into one of concentration.

The words had been said without malice, without any emotion, really. Just a fact that he had decided to share, one that made your breath catch in your throat.

“W-What? Tech, I…” 

Stumbling over your words, you looked cautiously towards Hunter’s bunk, your lover still thankfully asleep with his earpieces in, relaxed and even more gorgeous in sleep.

“You have not experienced a menstrual cycle in two standard months, you are experiencing vomiting each morning aligned with morning sickness and our store of corellian greembark slices has rapidly depleted despite your apparent distaste for them,” he explained quickly, eyes darting up to meet yours for a brief moment before returning to his data, scrolling through it.

Blinking slowly as you took in the information, you felt your stomach churn uncomfortably.

You’d been suspecting for a while, the tightness of your breastband one of the first giveaways, along with the almost constantly tingling in your nipples. When the cravings began and you found yourself sneaking out into the kitchen area to grab the barely touched jar of greembark, wincing as you bit into them and chewed the rough surface but unable to stop yourself from going back for more, you were almost convinced.

This assessment from Tech, along with the positive test you’d just used in the fresher, now discarded and wrapped in at least 6 layers of paper before being put into the trash, was the final piece of the puzzle.

“You’re… you’re right,” you sighed shakily, your throat beginning to constrict a little. The familiar pressure of tears forming in your eyes caused your breath to hitch, Tech’s expression changing to one of uncertainty as he looked back up at you, taken aback by your response. “You’re right, Tech, and… I’m so… I’m terrified,” you admitted, a tear escaping to roll down your cheek.

And you were terrified.

How could you not be?

You were on a modified attack shuttle barely big enough for the five of you, hurtling through hyperspace, on the run from the Empire who wanted nothing more than to capture Omega and kill the rest of you. It wasn’t exactly the best situation to bring a baby into.

“A normal emotional response, caused by hormone fluctuations and situational stress,” Tech shrugged, stepping back to allow you to pass towards the cockpit. “Are you going to tell Hunter when he wakes?”

Cold panic flooded your system, catching yourself on the doorway as you went to brush past Tech, your feet catching on the floor. Reaching out to steady yourself, Tech noticed the shaking of your limbs, the pure, unadulterated terror in your expression, and paused, his gaze firmly fixed on you.

He could read all of the signs of the impending panic attack, the reaction in your pupils, the slight pursing of your lips as you struggled to draw in breath, the drain of colour from your skin.

“Ad’ika, your physical state could harm the child if prolonged,” he protested against the behaviour, unable to understand what had caused such a reaction. Was it the discovery of your pregnancy? It had seemed so obvious to him for around a week now, he was unsure how the others hadn’t noticed. “I suggest you sit down. I will wake Hunter, and…”

“No!” you gasped suddenly, voice trembling, “Please, Tech…”

Reaching out, you grabbed onto his forearm, not missing the look of discomfort that flashed across his features but desperate to convince him. “You can’t tell him, you… I need time, to decide what I… If I…”

Trailing off, the lump in your throat grew more and more, tears streaming down your face now.

This decision was literally life-changing.

On one hand, the idea of having a child with Hunter, one the two of you had come together to make, was something that made your heart swell. He would be a wonderful father, you knew. You’d seen him with Omega and thought about it for some time now.

But on the other hand… If you were ever caught or killed, what would the Empire delight in doing to the child of an enhanced clone?

They would be tortured, experimented on, dissected…

The mere thought had bile climbing up your throat for the second time that morning. Pressing a hand over your lips, you released your grip on Tech and sprinted back into the fresher, barely making it in time to empty what little remained of your stomach contents into the bowl.

Kneeling in front of it, sobs began to rack your body, limbs trembling. The burning of your throat and awful taste of bile on your tongue made you feel worse, your back and chest aching from the second bout of violent vomiting.

It was all too much. The revelation, the thoughts about your future, the idea Tech might tell Hunter… He had a right to know, but…

“Not now,” you pleaded through your sobs, eyes creased shut against the world, your body going limp over the fresher as you cried, “not… I need time, I… please…”

The hand that found your back was firm, comforting and definitely not Tech’s, you realised as calloused skin slipped under your sleep shirt, deft fingers tracing soothing circles over your back.

“It’s okay, cyar’ika,” Hunter’s smooth, low voice rumbled over you, comfort and anxiety both flooding you in equal amounts. Unable to meet his gaze, you simply collapsed against him, sobbing against his firm, bare chest. Strong arms held you tightly as he lowered you to the floor, his other hand moving to cord through your sweat soaked hair, “Tech, you got any hydration packets?”

A murmur came from outside, unintelligible to you as Hunter cooed more words of comfort into your ear, careful as he picked you up and held you tight against him, carrying you out of the fresher and towards the bunk room.

“It’ll pass, mesh’la,” Hunter reassured you as he laid you in his bunk, sitting on the edge and taking a hydration pack from Tech, releasing the straw and putting it to your lips. A strong arm still held your shoulders, urging you to sit while he watched you take tentative sips, eyes bleary and unfocused, “Everything’s okay.”

“S’not though,” you managed after a moment, your breath hitching. Hunter noticed your gaze darting around the bunk, focusing on everything except him, his chest clenching a little. Were you still having nightmares? He could smell the fear on you, overriding everything else, hear the pounding of your heart, sense the tenseness of your muscles.

“It will be,” he reassured you gently, leaning forward to press a gentle kiss to your forehead, sighing in contentment as your scent flooded him once more. “I promise you. I will never let anything happen to us, okay? You’re safe. We’re safe. Together, always.”

“Together, always,” you murmured automatically, lips turning up into a tiny smile. It had been your promise to each other, first made after your initial fumble together in the bunks after months of yearning turned into a relationship. 

Leaving Kamino with your squad had never been a question, even if it had meant a blaster shot to the shoulder and a bounty out for your arrest.

None of it mattered. All that mattered was their safety. Omega’s presence had been odd, yet not unwelcome, and now you struggled to remember a time when she wasn’t with you, even war time memories hazed with her.

She was her brothers in every way and more; strong, principled, stubborn and brave, everything a soldier should be, and yet she still carried a childish innocence to her that betrayed her true nature. It was equal parts inspiring and heartbreaking, and she had clung to you like a life raft, clutching you at night and crying out her fears, listing off her dreams and plans for adventure, a piece of your heart shifting to accommodate her as a mixture of sister and daughter.

It was what had pushed Hunter over the edge, in the end. After Salucemi, after his conversation with Omega, you’d been furious he could have even considered leaving her behind, and even moreso that he didn’t discuss it with the rest of you.

What began as an argument turned into a bruising kiss inside your semi-private quarters in the medical bay, your hands pinned by his above your head as lips too soft to be real danced across your skin, lower and lower until you came together like puzzle pieces.

Belonging. It was the only way you could describe it. Hunter was like home, warm, safe and comforting. Familiar.

There were no regrets, just an immediate shift into a relationship which, by all rights, had been there before anything physical. He’d held you close in the morning, kissing you as you woke and making you a promise.

“No matter what, we stay together.”

You’d nodded, smiling brightly before kissing him once more, lost in the elation of your new bond.

“Always.”

Even now, curled up in his bunk as he stroked your hair and calmed you, the memories were as fresh as the day you made them.

You would never have guessed that a mere standard cycle later, you would be here, with Echo, your best friend and confidant back on Coruscant with Rex and the flutterings of life beginning to form inside you. What you wouldn’t give to have Echo here now. He always seemed to know the answer, to know what to do.

The pain of his departure hit anew, more tears slipping down your cheeks as Hunter passed the hydration pack back to Tech and crawled into his bunk alongside you, wrapping himself around you in a protective cocoon.

“It’s okay, cyare,” he breathed, littering kisses into your hair, hands smoothing over your sides, offering as much physical comfort as he could. “Whatever is wrong, we’ll get through it.”

The panic in your chest subsided slightly; at least he didn’t know, for now. Tech had not told him, it seemed, something you would have to thank him for later, in private, and your physical tells hadn’t become prevalent enough.

Nodding against him, you tried to relax, finding solace in his presence, allowing yourself to doze in his arms, even as other voices began to dance through the air around the ship, life returning from the sleep cycle.

“Rest,” Hunter murmured, lips grazing your forehead as he spoke. “We’ll be back at Ord Mantell in a few hours. I’ll wake you when we land.”

With your energy all but depleted, you could only hum in agreement, pressing your nose into the crook of Hunter’s neck as your eyes fluttered shut, security and warmth permeating your very bones. It wasn’t long before sleep overwhelmed you, drifting into a deep slumber against your lover’s chest.

*-*-*-*

Biting your lip, you waited impatiently, staring at the spinning circle on the holo comm, the droning ring seeming to go on forever.

You knew Echo was busy, that his main comm was off, and that using the emergency channel was not the best idea, but you needed to talk to him.

It had been two days since Tech had found you outside the fresher, his expressions whenever he regarded you a mix of curiosity and confusion. He was wondering why you hadn’t told Hunter, you knew, but he had been respectful enough not to tell him, your thanks portrayed in a nod towards him when you’d finally stumbled from Hunter’s bunk almost 9 hours after going to sleep.

The morning sickness had continued, but Hunter and the others were still assuming it was some kind of stomach bug, Wrecker making jokes about staying away from you while Omega gave you her doll, insisting cuddling it would make you feel better.

Even the small gesture had almost brought you to tears, concern written all over the young girl’s face before you’d drawn her into a hug, reassuring her you were okay, that you appreciated her thoughtfulness and you were simply run down.

But the time was ticking, and you knew it.

Before long, you’d not be able to hide the fluttering heartbeat forming within your belly, Hunter’s enhanced senses would make it impossible to hide. You didn’t want to hide it from him, but the uncertainty, the fear still clouding your mind was delaying your decision.

The moment the others had gone on their usual run to Cid’s to hand over their latest acquisition, you’d grabbed your comm and dialled Echo, needing to hear his voice, to tell him, to talk it out with him.

Part of you felt foolish and selfish to boot; he was working with Rex, helping brothers and deep in the heart of the enemy. Risking answering his comm opened up a whole realm of danger for him. Hesitating, you almost cut the call, images of him being captured and tortured flashing through your mind, fresh tears pricking at your eyes.

This was stupid. He shouldn’t have to deal with your issues, be your confidant. He had his own path to follow, and you couldn’t get in the way.

Hovering your finger over the disconnect, you almost pressed it when a familiar figure appeared before you, Echo’s almost omnipresent frown and pursed lips making your heart leap as he rolled his eyes, sighing deeply.

“Havoc, you’d better have a good reason for… Mesh’la?”

His features immediately softened when he registered your face, lips tilting into a momentary smile before fading once more, expression turning concerned as he noticed the fear in yours.

“What’s wrong?”

Those two words were the last crack in the dam of your emotions, tears spilling down your cheeks as you began to sob openly, wishing nothing more than to be next to Echo, to hug him and cry against him.

“E-Echo,” you managed between sobs, chest heaving, “I… I’m sorry, I… I didn’t mean to… I… I just needed to… I needed you, I…”

“Woah, woah, slow down,” Echo cooed softly, his image shifting and flickering a little as he moved, eyes dancing with confusion, “first things first, is everyone okay?”

His words caught you off guard a little, head bobbing in an almost violent nod. You suddenly realised how dire you must have made this look, calling him in tears, sobbing and apologising. Yet more guilt flooded your system; he must have assumed something terrible had happened.

“T-They’re fine,” you hiccuped, more tears escaping even as you drew a shuddering breath, trying to calm yourself, “I… I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to w-worry you, I…”

“Ad’ika,” he chuckled softly, drawing your gaze back to his holo, “it’s okay. I’m glad everyone is safe. Just… the emergency line… what’s happened that you had to call me so bad? Hunter finally lost it?”

His laughter and the smile of his face lifted some of the weight from your heart, the knowledge he wasn’t angry settling some of your anxiety. Now, a new fear overtook you, your lip worried between your teeth once more as you tried to push the words out, saying it aloud somehow making it more real.

“I… I needed to… I’m sorry, Echo, I just… I needed to talk to you, I… It’s so stupid, I… I shouldn’t,” you rambled, sucking in a deep breath as Echo’s expression faltered slightly, confusion obvious. “I… I need to… Stars, I just… I’m… I’m pregnant. Echo, I… I’m pregnant, and I… I don’t know what to do, and I’m scared, and… I’m sorry.”

Echo’s face did a number of things as he registered your words, starting with his eyes widening to the size of dinner plates. His lips shifted into a tight line as he seemed to process the information, jaw clenching and unclenching. His expression seemed to cycle through shocked, angry, and sad, finally settled on elated as he laughed, lips turned into a radiant smile, making him look years younger in an instant.

“Vod’ika,” he began, voice catching in his throat, “you… you’re… you’re a buir, you’re… Force, mesh’la, this is wonderful!” he exclaimed, his delight pure and obvious.

It was enough to bring a smile to your lips for the first time since your conversation with Tech, soft laughter leaving you as well.

“Well, congratulations!” Echo offered, looking like he wished he could crawl through the comm and hug you, body shifting around with pent up energy, “Have you told him yet?”

The lump in your throat returned with a vengeance. Not trusting your words, you simply shook your head, eyes stinging once more.

“Ah. And that’s where being scared comes into it?” Echo guessed, tone gentler now. You nodded, his face slipping into a sympathetic smile. “Talk to me, ad’ika,” he pressed gently, eyes wide and open, waiting patiently while you found your voice once again.

“I… I just keep thinking,” you began, sniffing and clearing your throat, trying to keep your emotions from getting the better of you, “about what might happen if… if we ever get… if I ever get caught. The Empire, if they found out the child had a clone father… an enhanced clone father… they would…”

You trailed off, Echo’s expression darkening. Of all people, he was the one you had least explain about your fears of torture, dissection and betrayal to. He’d lived it, after all.

A moment of silence followed, Echo’s mind working in a way you could almost see.

“Is this what you want?” he asked finally, the question, again, catching you off guard.

“I… I don’t know,” you admitted, your chest tightening. “I’m just so scared, I keep having visions of being caught, of the Empire taking my child, and I… I couldn’t… Hunter wouldn’t cope, I wouldn’t cope, and I…”

“But is this what you want, ad’ika?” Echo repeated, his eyes earnest. “A child with Hunter, a child full stop… if there was no war, if there was no Empire… would you still want this?”

Almost without hesitation, you nodded, warmth spreading through your chest.

“I love him,” you admitted softly, swallowing hard, “and… I know he’ll be an amazing father. I just…”

“Mesh’la,” Echo sighed heavily, a fond look on his face that was underwritten by a deep sadness, one you’d seen many times before, usually when he spoke about his lost brothers, “that fear… it’s justified, don’t get me wrong, but…” 

He paused for a moment, as if choosing his words carefully. 

“I’ve lost vode who wanted nothing more than to have a family,” he admitted after a moment, “ones who would have been amazing fathers. Heck, before Skako, I… I thought about it, about what it would be like to have a daughter, to be able to teach her Mando’a, to tell her all about her uncles…”

Tears gathered in his eyes as he spoke, his throat bobbing as he composed himself.

“You’re going to be an amazing buir, if you choose this,” he breathed, forcing a smile to his lips, “but this is your choice. You’re right, it would be dangerous, and if the Empire caught wind, the target on us, on you and Hunter, it would only get bigger. But… vod’ika… your wants, your needs, your happiness should wait for no-one and nothing. This war, this fight, it won’t last forever. All of us, we all need to grasp whatever threads of happiness we can, weave them into something worth fighting for when the days get tough. It’s the only way we’ll ever survive.”

By the time he finished, tears were trailing down Echo’s cheeks as well, the urge to reach out and touch him too much to bear.

Lifting your hand up to the holo, you let out a choked sob as he did the same, his ghostly hand next to yours. It wasn’t enough, but it was something.

“Stars, I miss you,” you sobbed, the words caught somewhere between a laugh and a cry. “I wanted to tell you first, to talk to you. You always know what to say, Echo. I miss you so much. We all do.”

“I miss you all too,” Echo croaked back without missing a beat, “you know how long it took me to get used to sleeping without Wrecker’s snores? Never thought I’d miss that…”

A laugh erupted from your lips before you could catch it, Echo’s face breaking out into a wide grin, chuckling along with you as the tension finally broke. 

“I’ll trade you,” you offered with a wink, Echo pondering it overdramatically.

“I mean… the base here smells like sweaty ballsacs and metal. At least you can get fresh air when you land. Here it’s just… feet.”

It was so good to see him, to hear his voice, the conversation flowing easily as he updated you in their latest missions, how their small army was growing by the day.

Your catch up was cut short when the door to the medbay slipped open, both you and Echo’s holographic form turning to look at the intruder.

It only took a moment for Omega’s mouth to drop open, her eyes widening in delight.

“Echo!” she practically screeched, pushing through the door, an armful of snacks and some medical supplies dropped onto the table in seconds before she was cuddling up to you, her eyes wet with tears of happiness, “I’m so happy to see you!”

“Aw, ‘Mega,” Echo smiled softly, regarding her with a gentle, fond look, “it’s good to see you too. Hope Tech isn’t pushing you too hard on your studies.”

“I am merely pushing her as much as she requires me to,” came a short reply, Tech peering into the room, eyes darting between Echo’s holographic form and your own, tear stained face. “It is good to see you, Echo. I trust Coruscant is keeping you busy.”

“As always, Tech,” Echo nodded in response, another voice booming from the other side, Wrecker’s excited voice calling out.

“Is that Echo?”

“Now look what you’ve done,” the older clone teased, winking at Omega as she giggled. Moments later, Wrecker burst through the door, elbowing Tech out of the way and yelling his greeting at Echo, who rolled his eyes, silently glad he was not there in person, knowing that Wrecker would, no doubt, squeeze the life out of him in one of him signature bear hugs the moment they were reunited.

You shared one last small smile with Echo before slinking from the room, leaving him to catch up with his brother and sister, not missing the way Tech’s eyes lingered on you as you slipped past the door, surprised to see Hunter had not arrived back with them.

“He is gathering the last few items, and requested we go on ahead,” Tech explained without missing a beat, relief flooding through you. Nodding in thanks, you could practically feel the question bubbling beneath the engineer’s calm surface, the sparkle in his eyes betraying his easy demeanour.

“I’m going to tell him,” you whispered, casting a look behind you to check that Omega and Wrecker were still engrossed in their catch up with Echo, your lips turning up into a soft smile, “tomorrow. When we go for our break day.”

Tech merely nodded, tapping something into his datapad before turning to observe his siblings in the medbay, seemingly satisfied.

Feeling lighter than you had in days, you moved silently through the ship, leaning in the open rampway, simply existing in the moment. Fresh, cool air washed over you from outside, the setting sun bathing you in the last of its light. Closing your eyes, you inhaled deeply, sighing in contentment.

Your talk with Echo had done exactly what you knew it would, settling your nerves and clearing your mind. You were more grateful for him than you could ever express, making a mental note to put together a care package for him as soon as you could. Maker knew all the boys on Coruscant could do with a pick me up.

“Credit for your thoughts?”

Hunter’s low rumble never failed to make your stomach flutter pleasantly, eyes blinking open to find him at the bottom of the ramp, a hessian sack thrown over his shoulder. He was beaming up at you, deep tan skin glistening in the sunlight, caramel eyes flicking up and down your body.

“Just enjoying the moment,” you grinned back at him, his body relaxing at your reply.

“You’re looking much better,” he noted, carefully placing the bag onto the ramp before ascending quickly, one of his large hands moving to cup your face. You giggled softly as he tilted your face up to meet his, brushing his lips over yours.

“I have to say,” he purred, dragging his lips across your cheek, towards your ear, the simple motion sent a shiver through your entire body, your reaction to him always full of desire. “I don’t know what’s changed, mesh’la,” he breathed into your ear, sending more waves of want radiating through you, “but you smell divine.”

“H-Hunter,” you gasped as his lips found your neck, littering kisses over the sensitive skin. One of your hands came up to grasp his shoulder, arousal coursing through you. “The others…”

“Tomorrow,” he breathed against your skin, pulling back just enough that every word sent puffs of air tickling across your neck, “when we land, I’m taking you out into the woods, we’re going to camp, alone, and I’m going to ruin you.”

An unbidden moan escaped your lips, body trembling against his. It had been a good week since you’d spent time together intimately, your core aching for him.

“P-Please,” you managed, the word little more than a desperate gasp.

“Patience, cyar’ika,” he chuckled lowly, licking a stripe up your neck, “good things come to those who wait.”

His emphasis on the word ‘come’ had you giggling as he pulled away, pressing another gentle kiss to your lips as he drew back, eyes darting over your face, drinking in your features, noting your lust blown eyes.

“Kriff, you’re gorgeous,” he smiled dreamily, about to go back in for another kiss when the approach of quick footsteps had him stepping back, eyes fixed on the door as Omega came barrelling out, her smile wide and earnest.

“Hunter! I spoke to Echo!” she announced, Hunter’s smile slipping for a moment.

“You did?” he asked quickly, looking between the girl and you, not missing the flicker of guilt that passed over your expression. “Why did he call? Is everything okay? Does he…”

“He’s fine,” you reassured him quickly, squeezing his arm, offering comfort, “he was just checking in. They’ve picked up some more of the boys. They’ve got wind of Cody as well, and they’re following that lead.”

Hunter regarded you with a pensive look for a moment, stare so intense you almost felt like he was looking through you. Swallowing hard, you forced a smile to your lips, heart clenching before he hummed, seemingly satisfied with the explanation.

“That’s good, then,” he nodded finally. “Getting Cody on board would be a big step. He was one of the best strategists we ever worked with.”

Omega’s eyes lit up at that, her attention squarely on Hunter now.

“Really? Will you tell me about some of your missions with him?” she practically squealed with excitement, Hunter chuckling as he ruffled her hair.

“Sure, kid. Why don’t you grab the last bag, put it in my bunk and I’ll tell you all about it when we’re in hyperspace.”

She was moving practically before he’d finished speaking, giggling with excitement as she grabbed the bag and ran back into the ship.

You watched her pass with a soft smile on your lips, Hunter’s gaze still fixed on you.

“What’s in the bag?” you asked him after she’d disappeared inside, heart fluttering nervously as Hunter crossed his arms over his chest, giving you an odd look.

“How about I tell you when you tell me the real reason Echo called?”

Your stomach plummeted, eyes widening. Of course Hunter would know you were withholding something, his eyes soft but discerning as he watched your reaction. He must have sensed your fear, his posture relaxing a little, arms dropping to his sides.

“I…” you began, tears gathering in your eyes again.

“Cyare,” Hunter cut you off with a sigh, pulling you back into an embrace. “I trust you, implicitly, and I’m never going to be angry with you. I just… tell me. When you’re ready, okay?”

Blinking back tears, you nodded against him, forever grateful for his understanding.

“You’re amazing, you know that?” you snuffled against him, Hunter letting out a soft rumble of laughter.

“I’m okay, I guess,” he shrugged, earning him a playful hit on the chest as you gazed up at him, lost in the deep caramel of his eyes for a moment. His expression was soft and adoring, heat blooming into your chest.

“I love you,” you breathed, the hitch in Hunter’s breath bringing another smile to your lips.

“Love you too,” he murmured, leaning down to capture your lips in another chaste kiss, hands finding your hips and drawing your bodies closer together, “more than I could tell you.”

“You could always show me,” you teased, stomach twisting with desire as he growled into your mouth, deepening the kiss. You could have got lost in the moment, were it not for Tech appearing in the doorway of the Marauder, his nose buried in his datapad. He looked up only for a brief moment, rolling his eyes at the sight of you and Hunter stood nose to nose, a huff of frustration leaving him as he tapped furiously on his screen, the only other outward sign of his annoyance.

“We are ready to depart, if you are both finished with your very public displays of affection for each other,” he stated plainly, Hunter giving a toothy grin as his brother headed for the cockpit, leaning his forehead against yours.

“Back into the fray,” he sighed, one hand threading through your hair, holding the intimate position for a moment more. You allowed him to do so, sighing in contentment as you simply existed in the moment with him, happiness coursing through your veins.

“Until tomorrow,” you reminded him softly, his breath hitching again, “then you can have me all to yourself for a while.”

“Never long enough,” he grumbled good naturedly, slipping his free hand into yours as he pulled away, leading you back into the ship. “Come on. We should get inside before Tech starts lecturing us.”

With a giggle, you followed him easily, barely inside when the ramp of the ship began ascending. Making your way towards the medbay for take-off, Hunter clutched at your hand still, Wrecker wolf-whistling while Omega fake gagged at the sight, sharing a giggling fit with Wrecker while Hunter simply huffed at their behaviour, his soft smile still firmly in place.

“Alright, Tech,” he called back to the cockpit, the engineer firing up the engines, ready for take-off. “Time to get some R and R.”

“Oh yeah!” Wrecker shouted excitedly from beside you, high fiving Omega. Soon enough, you were hurtling out of atmo, Tech making the textbook jump to hyperspace with ease.

You were on your way. And the thought both terrified and exhilarated you.

Tomorrow, Hunter would know, and your lives would change, one way or another.

*-*-*

Hunter made good on his promise almost the moment you landed.

While you’d slept on the journey, he’d packed a tent up, along with the thickest bedrolls he could find. Also stuffed into the satchel he carried were blankets, canteens of water and enough supplies to keep you going for the day you intended to spend away, his comm tucked tightly into his belt.

You couldn’t help but laugh at his mothering of the others, contingency plans, schedules and timetables repeated over and over until even Tech was urging him to leave, insisting everything would be fine for a few hours.

Omega grumbled at first, disappointed she wasn’t allowed along on the trip until Wrecker reminded her that you and Hunter would probably be kissing, the thought enough to make her fake wretch and agree to more target training with her brothers, determined to show Echo improvement when she saw him next.

With a final wave goodbye, you and Hunter headed out into the woods, your lover leading you easily through the beautiful sunlit surroundings.

The planet you’d chosen was sparsely populated, a warm climate and soft, soothing breeze kissing your skin pleasantly. It felt wonderful, freeing. And with Hunter by your side, your hands laced together while you walked slowly under the orange and green painted canopy, sunbeams filtering through, it was perfect.

“We won’t go too far,” he promised quietly, “just far enough that we’re guaranteed some privacy. Tech spotted a good area, a little clearing by a lake as we came in to land. Said the nearest settlement was about thirty clicks away.”

You hummed happily, nodding as you allowed yourself to simply enjoy the peace and quiet the planet afforded you, your stomach quivering with excitement and nerves.

Ideas on exactly how to tell Hunter the big news were swirling through your mind, each more elaborate than the last. What would be the best way? Would he be happy at the news? Surprised? Angry?

Your heart clenched at the last thought, feet stumbling as a breath caught in your throat.

You knew Hunter would never hurt you, but the idea you might lose this, lose what you had together, sent a sudden icy chill down your spine.

Hunter stopped immediately, sensing the change in you.

“Cyare? What’s wrong?” he prompted gently, raising a hand to cord through your hair. Your eyes must have betrayed your fear, as even when you forced a smile, he regarded you with a unbeliving stare.

“I’m fine, just… tripped,” you murmured, Hunter letting out a low sigh.

“Mesh’la,” he frowned, eyes never leaving your face, “you’re…” 

He hesitated, choosing his words carefully.

“You’ve been… different, this past week or so. I… I feel like something is wrong, but you’re not telling me what it is. I thought… I thought you trusted me enough to…”

The hurt in his voice made nausea rise up your throat, lungs stuttering as you drew in a sharp breath.

“I do, Hunter, I… I trust you, with my life, I just…”

Taking your hesitation as confirmation, your lover dropped his grip on your hand, sighing deeply.

“It’s okay, mesh’la,” he reassured you weakly, forcing a smile as he readjusted the bags on his shoulder, trying to keep his expression neutral, “I… I understand.”

“No, you don’t!” 

You didn’t mean to shout, but the idea of hurting Hunter, the idea he thought you were having doubt was almost too much to bear. Spinning to look at your in surprise, his eyes wide, Hunter was staring at you, taken aback by your outburst.

“You don’t understand, Hunter! I’m trying to… I wanted to wait, to find the words to tell you that I… oh, Maker…”

The words caught in your throat, eyes watering as Hunter’s expression morphed into one of hurt and uncertainty, reading something else in your voice.

“If you want to stop this, I… I’ll respect that, but I… I just… I need to know why, cyare,” Hunter croaked, dropping the bags and blankets to the floor, arms hanging limply. “I… I should have seen this coming… the wanting to spend time apart, sneaking off to talk to Echo… I… I’m sorry. I promise, I… I won’t make this awkward, I…”

“No! Hunter, gods, no!” 

You were openly sobbing now, tears streaming down your face.

“That’s not… not ever what I want! How could you… why do you think that? Is that…” 

Your stomach churned uncomfortably.

“Is that what you want? You were waiting for me to break up with you? Are you… do you not want me any more?”

It was Hunter’s turn to let out a broken sob, his face crumpling.

“Fuck no, cyare,” he breathed, falling to his knees. It was like his world was crumbling around him, his resolve broken. For weeks, he’d been looking forward to this time alone, to be with his love, just you and him. How had it all fallen to pieces so quickly?

Reaching into his back pouch, he grabbed a cloth wrapped item, blinking away fresh tears as he desperately tore into it, hands shaking.

“This… this is my answer,” he managed, voice cracking with emotion as he threw the cloth to the side, revealing a small box in his palms. Cracked open, something was glinting inside. Your body froze, unable to process the scene for a moment. “This is why I wanted you out here,” Hunter continued, shuffling forward on his knees, not caring how small or pathetic he might look in that moment. His eyes were locked on you, desperation coursing through every fibre of his being.

“Hunter,” you breathed, trying to catch up.

“I know, it means nothing, not really,” he admitted, voice far too small, “that it’s not legally binding, that the rest of the galaxy won’t care, but… fuck, cyar’ika, I need you, forever. I want you, I… I want to marry you. Even if it’s just for show. I want you to be my wife. By my side, forever. No matter what… we stay together…”

His voice trailed off, eyes falling to the floor as he waited for your reaction. You were still frozen to the stop, too shocked to process his words until you heard the familiar cadence of what had become your call to each other.

“Always,” you choked automatically, the pure, unadulterated hope in Hunter’s eyes as he looked up at you, registering your reply making your heart skip a beat. “Together. Always.”

Finally finding your feet, you stepped forward tentatively, towards Hunter where he still kneeled on the forest floor, a blanket of orange and yellow leaves beneath him, streams of sunlight dancing across his profile. He watched your approach silently, lips slightly parted, sucking in deep breaths. 

He was far too still, as if the slightest movement might scare you away, hands held out still, presenting the box to you. Bending ever so slightly, you saw a delicate silver band resting within the wooden rest, a single red gem sparkling on the top.

“Riddur,” you murmured, remembering Echo’s lessons, how he’d laughed as you and Hunter had exchanged a look and blushed, months before you even touched each other.

Hunter’s breath hitched, the smallest sob escaping his lips as you closed your hands around his, moving them up to your chest. He was confused for a moment, staring up at you with reddened eyes, waiting for your next move.

“Riddur,” you breathed again, closing your eyes as you leant down, pressing a kiss into his hair, “… and… and buir…”

Hunter did gasp this time, eyes widening more than you had ever seen them before. With his face mere inches from your stomach, he moved his hands down from your chest quickly, wrapping them around your waist. Turning his head to the side, he pressed his ear against your stomach, swallowing thickly as he listened closely.

Your heartbeat, strong, familiar, steady, was now accompanied by a fluttering sound, much faster, much smaller, but there nonetheless, alive, growing.

“Cyare,” Hunter choked, sobbing into your stomach as he held you close, his grip on your hips only getting stronger, “ad’ika… a baby, our… our baby…”

“Yes,” you nodded, openly crying again now, tears tinged with a happiness you had long forgotten, “I… I didn’t know how to tell you, I… I was so scared, Hunter, I… I want to be happy, but… I’m scared…”

You let out another sob as he clutched you tighter, pressing a kiss to your stomach, his face nuzzling into you.

“With the Empire following us, I kept thinking, what would happen if they caught us, if they took… took our child. I… I’m terrified, I…”

Hunter scrambled to his feet, arms dragging you into him. With his chin resting on your head, he soothed you, tears still rolling down his cheeks.

“I will never let anything happen to you,” he growled, “either of you. My aliit, my loves… We’ll protect you. All of us. Stars… I love you, cyare. Riddur…”

You don’t know how long you spent in each others arms, simply holding each other, sharing tears and love, the emotions flowing between you as easy as the kisses you shared, but when your legs began to tremble, Hunter gave a soft chuckle, pulling away and looking down on you with eyes still rimmed with tears.

His expression was pure adoration, your heart fluttering in your chest as he pressed one last kiss to you lips, chaste and sweet, one hand running over your stomach tenderly while the other bought the box in his hand back up between you, deft fingers finding the ring inside and offering it to you.

Raising your hand without hesitation, he gave you a sappy grin, slipping it onto your ring finger with ease.

“Riddur,” he mumbled, sweeping his lips over yours once more as he pocketed the box, leaving his hand free to tangle in your hair, holding you even closer.

“Riddur,” you repeated back to him, your hearts beating in sync for a moment, caught in a perfect moment in time.

“I love you,” he breathed against your skin, closing his eyes and simply breathing in your scent for a moment, “and now… I get the change. Your scent, it’s… different. It’s been driving me insane.”

His admission came with a small smirk, familiar heat flowing through your body.

“Guess I’ll have to get a rundown on how all of this works from Tech,” he murmured thoughtfully, raising an eyebrow when you chuckled.

“Well, when a mummy and a daddy love each other very much,” you began, giggling when he wrapped his arms around you and tickled your ribs, forcing you to stop as you bent double, peals of laughter ringing around the trees.

“Don’t be mean,” he laughed along with you, eyes dancing with delight as he finally let you go, a sigh escaping him while his eyes roamed your body. “I just want to know… if it’s safe to… you know… while you’re…”

“Perfectly safe,” you reassured him, tracing your fingers across his cheek, “as long as I don’t get squished or lay on my stomach when I get big.”

“You think I’m going to squish you?” Hunter teased, beaming at the flush lighting up your cheeks. “Come on, mesh’la, I know I’ve been eating more, but you don’t have to say I’m gonna squish you.”

“Dikut,” you retorted, letting out a shriek of delight when Hunter stepped towards you, turning on your heel and running towards the lake. Picking up the bags behind him, Hunter followed quickly, his cheeks hurting from smiling so much.

For the first time in a long time, he felt complete, sated.

Everything was falling into place.

*-*-*

[explosionshark]

Thoughts on Faith and Dawn? They’re dynamic is so interesting to me

Talked a little bit about this one time (with input from @coraniaid)

It IS a really potentially interesting dynamic! There's so little of it on screen, which is a shame. What we do know:

-by s7 Dawn still (understandably!) resents Faith for trying to kill Buffy. She makes some protective comments about it. Actually I watched "Dirty Girls" last week and iirc she's the only one to call Faith out directly in that episode over that

-I think it's fair to extrapolate from what Dawn chooses to call out in that moment, that Faith's violence was never turned directly on her

-Despite this, Dawn does seem to warm up to Faith fairly quickly after she's back. They seem to be getting along in "Empty Spaces" and Dawn and the Potentials leap to Faith's defense when those crooked cops go after her at The Bronze. She essentially goes along with overthrowing Buffy and making Faith the leader in the confrontation that ensues (let's put aside the characterization choices for now and just focus on the fact that she is willing to allow Faith that level of authority)

-In early s3, all of Buffy's friends respond really positively to Faith showing up. I'm sure Dawn (young and impressionable) would be no exception. I talk a little about it in the post I link up there but it's really easy to imagine a situation where Dawn is really impressed by Faith in a way that her Baby Sisterness prevents her from manifesting towards Buffy. Especially since part of Faith's narrative role is to threaten Buffy's relationships in some way, I'm sure there was a bit of hero-worship to get Buffy feeling unexpectedly jealous.

So, there's tension between Buffy and Dawn in late season 7. Despite the initial shot Dawn takes at Faith over rejoining the team ("hotels that take Tried-to-kill-your-sister-types") she doesn't put up too much protest. Buffy at this point is being harsh and withdrawn from the team and her friends. Faith, meanwhile, is showing an interest in people, putting an effort into connecting to the girls, and generally being pretty mellow and non-judgemental. Aka, she's doing stuff that's pretty close to the classic big sister shit Dawn is no doubt missing.

Treating the girls (Dawn included) like people, learning things about them, crucially NOT being the woman cracking the whip that they're all pretty sick of, generally being more relaxed and less uptight, taking them to the Bronze and letting them underage drink instead of locking them in her busted ass living room and giving them speeches about how they're gonna die soon - yeah! Okay! You can really see how Faith becomes super popular just by being a little more chilled out and not being Buffy.

Given Dawn's comments earlier in the season (teasing but still) about feeling smothered by Buffy sometimes, I think there's something interesting in how Dawn seems to respond so much from being treated like someone mature, a little more hands off, but still with positive attention - it's easy to work back from there and imagine what kind of relationship she had with Faith in earlier seasons, why it worked, and why it hurt so bad when Faith betrayed them anyway.

Dawn and Faith have an interesting overlap in being used at various times to thematically represent different sides of Buffy. They're almost polar opposites that way - Dawn being Buffy's childhood, her innocence, Faith being her dark side - so to me there's always going to be something inherently interesting in the ways they relate to each other.

In conclusion: damn dude I really wish they had more scenes together idk

[mermaidmoose]

First Contact: The Laser Incident

In your defense, when you had selected the "laser" option that popped up on the screen of your gauntlet you had expected a laser pointer. One of those green, high powered ones used to help locate stars and planets. The large, smoldering crater that now marred the garish pink wall proved otherwise.

On one hand you were glad your large, flame themed ward had not been around to witness this. He had dumped you onto his desk and traipsed off chattering away in a collection of garbled clicks and electronic noises. But how would he react to this situation? The mech may seem overly friendly but you had never damaged anything before. What kind of punishment could (or would) he inflict on you?

'Maybe he won't notice' an overly-optimistic voice chirps from within your head. It sounded awfully similar to your 10 year old self, and delusional at that. No way anyone could miss a hole that size suddenly materializing in their living space. As if summoned by your thoughts alone, the tell-tale shakes of someone approaching the room manifested. Man, did it feel like your universal luck was terrible. So you did what anyone would naturally do.

You quickly scramble back inside the little "habitat" Rodimus had set up on his desk. As you hid under the various towels that made up your bedding, you felt like a child who had broken something and was about to get a severe scolding. You were only holding off the inevitable, you knew that. All you could do was hunker down in your shame and fear as the loud shwoosh of an opening door sealed your fate.

Rodimus opened his mouth to call out to his little friend and froze at the smell of burning metal. Turning his head slightly to the right his optics widen at the smoldering crater in his wall. He quickly steps over and bends down to get a better look, squinting in confusion. "How the hell ...?" He reaches up and activates his comm link. "Yo Brainstorm! You been making laser weapons again? We talked about this!" "Do you have any idea how little that narrows things down? Most of our weapons are laser based." "Ok but I think one of them somehow blew a hole in my wall? How exactly would that happen?" Rodimus grouses back, picking at the edges of the crater. He was not looking forward to the patch and paint job this would require. "Uh, honestly that doesn't ring any bells. I've been working on these holomatter avatars for the past 24-hours, so no touching any weaponry ... I can feel your judgy, non-believing stare over the comms, but I'm telling the truth." Brainstorm protests.

Rodimus vents out a long, tired sigh. "Fine, I'll let go and presume this isn't related to you. But someway, somehow I now have a blaster hole in my office and I want to figure out who, and how." "Oooh want to make sure our little fleshy friend didn't become fried eh? I can't really see anyone-"

Rodimus jolts up from his position as he sputters out "Okgoodtalkgottagobye" and quickly hangs up on Brainstorm. What if you were hurt? Or Primus forbid dead? He rushes over to his desk and rips the top of your "habitat" off in a panicked frenzy.

You scream and blindly burrow further into the towels, choosing flight over fight. You're a shaking mess as you feel those warm, yellow hands close in and scoop you up, towels and all. You wince as Rodimus peels off the towels with enough force to almost feel bruising. But the worst is when he lifts you up to eye-level, and you can feel him scrutinizing you through your space suit to an almost molecular degree. His expression shifts from panicked to grinning in moments though, and you find yourself suddenly pressed against his chest as the autobot lets out what you can only describe as some kind of "green noise".

As Rodimus hums to comfort both you and himself, he carefully relaxes into his office chair. You're safe, and that matters more than some stupid hole in his wall.

A hole in his wall that's desk height.

...

Wait a minute ...

[jacksdinonuggets]

Vaggie's Classification Chapter 8: Comfort

Summary: Charlie finds out

After walking into the living room, Vaggie sat down on the couch next to Charlie. The princess was picking out a PG and under, human movie for them to watch. She was having a hard time choosing between a couple though.

“Why don’t we just watch some crappy rom com?” Vaggie asked. 

“Because, Vaggie, we need to watch something kid friendly! You, Angel, and the other two regressed today! You guys might be frightened by something too adult, even if you’re big now.” Charlie explained. Vaggie didn’t need a reminder. 

“Alright, hun,” She responded.

When everyone sat down, Charlie picked out the movie and they started to watch it. For the first couple of minutes, Vaggie was doing pretty good. It kept her attention and didn’t make her focus on bad things. However, that soon stopped when her wounds started to itch. She tried to ignore it but it was really bad and annoying. So she just gave it a little scratch through her glove. And then a couple more. Finally, the itching seemed to calm down after she scratched it for a couple of seconds. 

The little itching got Charlie a bit worried. She knew that scars often itched but this just seemed a little different. She couldn’t quite put her finger on it, other than the fact that Vaggie didn’t want anybody to see her itching. But the movie was hitting its rising action so she needed to pay attention.

A couple more minutes into the movie and things were going pretty good. Vaggie was close to falling asleep on Charlie’s shoulder as they cuddled. However, things changed when Charlie glanced over at Vaggie and noticed something damp on her gloves. Specifically, where her wrists were. Charlie felt her heart drop. That wasn’t what she thought it was, right? She went to gently hold her wrist but Vaggie quickly pulled it away. 

“What happened here, Vaggie?” She whispered, pointing to her wrists.

“It’s nothing, let's just watch the movie,” Vaggie mumbled quietly. She tried to focus her attention on the movie but was then picked up.

“You guys keep watching, we’re going to take a little break, okay?” Charlie explained to the group. They gave her a thumbs up, barely looking away from the screen.

As Vaggie was carried up the stairs and into her and Charlie’s bedroom, she fought tears that were ready to come out. Charlie knew and now she was going to have to talk to her about it. Vaggie hated having to talk about stuff whenever she self-harmed, but Charlie always made sure she did within 24 hours. Vaggie was set down on the bed before Charlie sat next to her.

“Vaggie… did you have a relapse?” Charlie asked, her tone soft. Vaggie, not trusting her ability to talk without letting out a sob, made a small nod.

“Can I?” The princess asked, gently touching her gloves. She nodded and Charlie began to roll up her gloves. Sure enough, her itching had opened up the scabs.

“Let me go grab a bandage,” Charlie got up and went to the bathroom. 

Vaggie saw her Koala plush sitting in the bed near the pillows. She really wanted to go over and just hug him. Her headspace was teetering and she wanted the comfort that her regression gave her. The day was just so overwhelming, she just needed to relax.

Charlie came back in with an alcohol wipe and some childish band-aids, specifically made for cut related injuries. She saw Vaggie looking over at her Koala. So she grabbed it from the bed and put it in her non-injured arm.

“It’s okay, sweetie, you can let yourself regress,” Charlie whispered, kissing her forehead. She started to clean her wounds when Vaggie started crying.

“I- I- I d-don’t d- d- deserve you, ch-charlie,” She sobbed and hiccupped. Charlie paused for a moment to cup her cheek.

“Shh, you deserve your girlfriend and your caregiver’s love. I know you have a hard time believing that, but you need to trust me.” 

“B-bu I a-always be a b-buwden,” Vaggie stuttered as she cried. 

“You are never a burden, sweetheart. If regressing helps you, I want you to do it whenever you need it. I love taking care of you.” Charlie explained, placing the band-aids on her cuts. She leaned over and kissed her boo-boos.

“There we go, you’re so brave, Vaggie,” she told her, “Do you want Mama to give you a hug?” Vaggie nodded, making grabby hands for her. Charlie scooped her up and embraced her. She whispered sweet nothings into her ear as she did so.

Once Vaggie calmed down, she started yawning and rubbing her eye. All these overwhelming emotions got her feeling exhausted and sleepy.

“I think it’s time for someone to go nini,” Charlie carried her over to the changing mat on the floor and began changing her into an overnight diaper. Vaggie didn’t fuss as she actually found the diaper very comforting. She then changed her into a onesie and then brought her into the bathroom. Putting some toothpaste on her toothbrush, Charlie helped Vaggie brush her teeth and take her nighttime meds. 

Vaggie was tucked into bed after taking her meds, with her Koala stuffy in her arms and a pacifier in her mouth. Charlie changed into her pajamas and climbed into bed with her. Although it was only 8, she didn’t want to leave Vaggie alone while she slept. Besides, her suit was starting to get uncomfortable. 

Charlie cuddled with Vaggie, giving her back rubs, pats and scalp massages. Anything to help Vaggie relax and calm down. Soon, Vaggie fell asleep, hoping that the next day would be a lot better.

[ericaportfolio]

Anemoiapolis Update Review

After a couple of delays, Anemoiapolis has finally come out. Anemoiapolis is a relaxing liminal space horror game made by Andrew Quist. In my honest opinion, so far, so good. If you're a fan of liminal spaces, this game is for you. I relate heavily to this game because while growing up, I watched one mall I went to as a kid turn into a dead mall right before my eyes due to store competition, a nearby outdoor mall, and the rise of online shopping. The main lobby in the game was the same creepy, uncanny, yet sad vibes I had when I went to do my graduation pictures where the local high schools set up shop to have student pictures done in one of the smaller abandoned shops seeing nothing in the mall left inside except for a kid's theatre, the only remaining opened anchor store, and the still opened movie theatre. Months later, the mall closed for good, except for the movie theatre and the last anchor store. Okay, the backstory is over! What to expect from the game from what I've seen so far? In Anemoiapolis, the character you play gets sent to investigate an undeveloped empty paper town in the middle of nowhere that was sucking power for years without anyone knowing. Suddenly, you fall into a trap that sends you to an underground maze of liminal spaces. Your mission, find a way back to the surface alive. I think the best part of the game is the dread you feel wherever you go thinking that someone is watching you while you are alone in the halls, swimming in the pools, playing on the golf maze, you name it. You can even interact with objects like faucets, showers, lockers, beach balls, etc. One original game level from the demo was changed to start at what was originally the end of that level. I thought to warn demo players and watchers just in case. If I was surprised by something was the ending. I won't spoil it, but now I'm interested to see who else we meet as allies or foes who are still alive down there. I was worried we would get treated to the elevator drop scare Bendy style, but nope, we get the credits paying behind us. LOL! If there where anything else to improve or add, it's some fun mini-games, game achievements like in the golf course, and maybe prizes or hidden notes that explore the lore of Anemoiapolis and how it came to be. If you have the patience to look through all the lockers, you can find some tickets. Maybe the creator, Andrew Quist, wants to add new stuff in the game that causes you to look in the lockers carefully for needed survival supplies. What about a flashlight update? There could be backup batteries to use if your flashlight dies just to have some objects to collect from the lockers. Another detail could be collecting non spoiling food to help your health bar if added. Even a ticket counter at the top corner of the screen that doesn't go away would be great. If you're low on something and have tickets to spare, vending machines of needed supplies could be an interesting addition. Trust me, if you collect almost all the tickets, you may want to spend some tickets on something. Maybe side mini-games like arcades and vending machines can end up punishing you to find more tickets if you are not careful. It's only the first chapter, so there's room for updates Andrew could do. But be ready when the game plays with your mind if you get lost or scared out of your mind. The Blue Backrooms did that to me! But before I end this review, the opening phone call of our character calling his wife to put the Curry in the fridge was cut. I'm going to say this now. BRING BACK THE CURRY!!!

One tweet later…

YYYYYYYYEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEESSSSSSSS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Curry is coming BACK! 8.5/10 for Curry!!!

[coworkspacegurgaon]

5 Tricks to Help You Switch Off After Work | Desqworx

In today’s fast-paced world, finding the balance between work and personal life can be challenging, especially for freelancers, startups, remote workers, and small businesses seeking flexible workspaces. At Desq Worx Coworking Space, we understand the importance of unwinding after a long day at the office. Here are five tricks to help you switch off after work, ensuring you recharge and maintain a healthy work-life balance.

Turn Off Your Phone One of the simplest yet most effective ways to disconnect from work is to turn off your phone. Smartphones keep us constantly connected, making it difficult to fully unwind. By turning off your phone or setting it to “Do Not Disturb,” you create a boundary between work and personal time. Imagine your phone as a switch that, when turned off, signals your brain that it’s time to relax.

Why This Works Our phones are a constant source of notifications, emails, and messages that keep us tethered to our work life. By turning off your phone, you remove these distractions, allowing your mind to rest and rejuvenate.

Practical Steps •Set a specific time each evening to turn off your phone. •Use apps that limit screen time or block work-related apps after hours. •Inform your colleagues and clients of your unavailability during your personal time.

Don’t Talk About Work at Home

Another crucial step in switching off after work is to not talk about work at home. Bringing work-related conversations into your personal space can blur the lines between work and leisure, making it harder to relax.

Why This Works

Talking about work at home keeps your mind engaged with work-related stress and problems. By avoiding such discussions, you give your brain a break, allowing you to focus on your personal life.

Practical Steps •Set a work-talk-free zone at home. •Communicate with your family about the importance of this boundary. •Engage in conversations that are non-work-related to divert your mind.

Start a New Hobby Starting a new hobby is a fantastic way to shift your focus from work to something enjoyable and fulfilling. Whether it’s painting, gardening, or playing a musical instrument, a hobby can provide a much-needed mental break.

Why This Works Hobbies engage your mind in a different way, helping you to relax and unwind. They also give you something to look forward to after work, making the transition from work to personal time smoother.

[pareeksarveshkr]

Living in a fast-paced world, sounds something that we’ve heard before and now that we are in our early 20’s as well, have started using the same altogether, I need to show that I too am preoccupied with my own stuff and really don’t have time. Maybe somewhat a thing that occupies my brain, while I mess around the relations that I’m currently having, be it my mother, or father, my siblings or my cohorts.

Quite a weird generation we’re living in, where one just doesn’t want to live in the time and space that they’re currently in, the children want to be like a man a real man or woman and the grown-ups cry if there could be any time machine to reach back my non-wrinkled face once again, I wish I knew that all this could happen a little before, can I even become God? kindles a question in the budding mind of that young child who roamed around the house without any worries, worries that of if there would be any morsel of food that evening, or the next, or one who didn’t had to re-think of the test that’s tomorrow, their tutor had made them cram all the questions along with the answers the same evening, but the child’s mother seems to be a little worried, what if their cub fails to tear-off the exam sheet’s flesh as they did it the last time, what if the neighbor’s child scores a bit more than the class average and their isn’t even able to reach that score ?

Quite a flashback as it seems to me, while I relax on my arm-chair and chase the story that’s been running in my mind. Well, I am running nowhere, but my mind is, chasing the worries of the project that our team has to submit the report maybe when, even I don’t have an idea; But still the eyes glare continuously directly into the almost completing one-year of my laptop screen, which even though being a window’s machine, looks quite like a MacBook (I haven’t used it much, but until it’s the whole environment that we live in, I think there’s a lesser use to it, personal opinion, let it be).

Give it a thought again once in your head. When was the last time you sat crossed legs, even the lunch and dinner these days are on the same work table that we sit on whole day, typing random things that won’t co-relate after almost even an hour and we’ll have to put in another hour, once we’ve finished our typing. Or when was the last time that we had a yearn to write with a pen, as we’ve been using a pencil this whole day. When was the last time we moved our hands and feet in a random motion to the poems that we once used to cram, so that we were able to sing it in a unison with the whole class of 50 students back then?  Johnny Johnny, yes papa, eating sugar no papa…..I enjoy the delight being in the mid of this unison tone. Almost care-free do I become as that little child in my heart just kicks back in while I’m surrounded by the students that I’m with, teasing and testing their knowledge that was imparted to them this whole time, by my colleagues or their former teachers. Will I get a chocolate if I solve this question? asked the innocent voice of that little pupil who’s been with me for an hour now. The question that seemed too simple to me that the answer could be derived in air itself, but to get back to the roots, and multiplying the digits of 2 and 7 and 9 and 5 yet again in an order to derive the correct answer, to add the tens digits and write down the one’s place of it, gave a different type of joy. Eyes joyed up, I saw a shine in his eyes as he derived the answer with the final addition of 4 and 1, reaching the final answer, the reward was surely a Cadbury from my own side, I had promised it after all. Bringing back the memories of days, when we used to be write with pencils and fountains were just shower and showpieces of water, next to some mall.

Beautiful as it exists and as it'll perish.....

[eyemira]

Clear Vision: Top 3 Optical Stores in Bhubaneswar

Vision is one of our most valuable senses,  yet it is frequently disregarded until problems arise. More than 2.2 million people have a visual impairment of some kind, and surprisingly around 80% of these situations may be avoided or managed. The importance of maintaining good eye health for both our general health and daily functioning becomes evident. Due to digitalization and long work hours, there has been a sharp increase in the number of persons experiencing eye issues. As Bhubaneswar is an emerging city, the growth of digitalization is also happening, and the work hours and screen timing are also increasing. Due to many lifestyle changes, the proper diet of food and many other factors are also there which lead to eyesight problems. 

Here is a list of suggestions that will help people for having or improving eyesight:

Right food habit 

Adopting healthy eating habits isn't just about feeding our appetite, rather it is also about fueling our eyes so that the world appears sharper and clearer. Including the right food habits that will clear vision and improve eyesight is essential for maintaining a good and healthy lifestyle. For better vision, eating a variety of nutrient-rich meals can help keep your eyes in the best possible condition.

Reduction of Screen Time

Reducing screen time doesn't mean going without using it rather, it means striking a balance and giving our eyes a break that they need. Screen time reduction can be put into practice by establishing clear guidelines, taking regular breaks from screens, and doing non-screen-related activities like reading books or going outside. It’s necessary to reduce the periods spent staring at screens can strain the eyes, which can hurt and cause long-term damage.

Exercise your eyes

Particularly in the digital age we live in today, where we spend so much time staring at displays, eye exercise can help preserve and improve vision. In every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break and focus on something 20 feet away. This lessens strain and aids in the relaxation of the eye muscles.

Get enough sleep

Getting enough sleep is essential for preserving the best possible health of the eyes because it gives the eyes the time they need to relax and regenerate. The eye strain from extended screen time and other daily activities can be repaired while you sleep. Lack of sleep can exacerbate pre-existing conditions involving the eyes and could cause long-term harm by increasing eye strain, weariness, and dryness.

The top 3 optical stores in Bhubaneswar are:

Eyemira Opticals:

Eyemira Optical is one of the best optical stores in Bhubaneswar. At Eyemira Opticals, they offer a wide range of products and services that suit all customer’s needs, starting from designer eyewear to affordable glasses. 

Their staff are highly skilled eyewear specialists and optometrists are committed to giving each client individualized treatment. 

Whether a customer simply needs assistance selecting the ideal pair of glasses or requires a thorough eye test, they will make sure to comfort their client.

Titan Eye +:

Titan Eyeplus+ has partnerships with high-end frame companies, which makes its frames appear more stylish and sophisticated. 

The company has been a part of the Titan group since 2007, it is a reputable brand in the eyewear industry since it offers a wide selection of sunglasses and eyeglasses for consumers to pick from. 

With unmatched quality standards, the move was an attempt to reshape the business and bridge the gap between the prescription eyeglasses market.

 Vision World:

To accommodate a variety of tastes and styles, they offer a selection of stylish eyewear alternatives and accessories. 

Vision World in Bhubaneswar probably strives to give its clients complete eye care solutions, whether that means treating vision issues or just making one appear better with fashionable eyeglasses.

 When it comes to choosing a frame, choosing a lens, and general eye care, customers can probably get personalized advice and direction from informed staff members.

In conclusion, keeping our vision at its best and our general health in check requires giving eye care a top priority. Improving one's vision is an investment in long-term health, whether that is done by getting regular eye tests, choosing the right glasses, or forming good habits. In cities like Bhubaneswar, Eyemira Opticals is the leading optical store, and Titan Eye+  and Vision World are among the leading.

[healthserviceplace]

Strategies for Overcoming Insomnia and Improving Sleep

Insomnia, characterized by difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or experiencing restorative sleep, can significantly impact both physical and mental well-being. As the best psychiatrist in Jaipur, I recognize the importance of addressing insomnia through effective strategies for improved sleep. In this guide, we will explore practical approaches to overcome insomnia and promote restful nights.

Establish a Consistent Sleep Schedule: Go to bed and wake up at the same time every day, even on weekends. Consistency helps regulate the body's internal clock and promotes better sleep quality.

Create a Relaxing Bedtime Routine: Develop a calming pre-sleep routine to signal to your body that it's time to wind down. This can include activities such as reading, gentle stretching, or listening to soothing music.

Optimize Sleep Environment: Ensure your sleep environment is conducive to rest. Keep the bedroom dark, quiet, and cool. Invest in a comfortable mattress and pillows for optimal support.

Limit Exposure to Screens Before Bed: Reduce exposure to screens (phones, tablets, computers) at least an hour before bedtime. The blue light emitted by screens can interfere with the production of the sleep-inducing hormone melatonin.

Mindful Eating Habits: Avoid heavy meals, caffeine, and nicotine close to bedtime. Opt for a light snack if you're hungry before bed, and stay hydrated without consuming large amounts of liquid to minimize nighttime trips to the bathroom.

Regular Exercise: Engage in regular physical activity, but try to complete exercise at least a few hours before bedtime. Exercise can promote better sleep, but doing it too close to bedtime may have the opposite effect.

Manage Stress and Anxiety: Practice stress-reducing techniques such as deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, or mindfulness meditation. Managing stress and anxiety is crucial for improving sleep.

Limit Naps: If you need to nap during the day, keep it short (20-30 minutes) and avoid napping too close to bedtime. Long or late-afternoon naps can interfere with nighttime sleep.

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I): CBT-I is a structured program that helps individuals identify and replace thoughts and behaviors that cause or worsen sleep problems. It is a proven and effective therapy for insomnia.

Use the Bed for Sleep Only: Train your body to associate the bed with sleep by using it exclusively for sleeping. Avoid working, watching TV, or engaging in other non-sleep-related activities in bed.

Stay Calm if Unable to Sleep: If you can't fall asleep within about 20 minutes, get up and do something relaxing until you feel sleepy. Trying to force sleep can increase stress and make it harder to fall asleep.

Consult with a Healthcare Professional: If insomnia persists despite trying these strategies, consult with a healthcare professional, such as the best psychiatrist in Jaipur. Underlying mental health issues or medical conditions may contribute to insomnia, and professional guidance can provide tailored solutions.

Conclusion: Overcoming insomnia requires a multifaceted approach that addresses lifestyle, sleep habits, and stress management. As the best psychiatrist in Jaipur, I am dedicated to helping individuals achieve restful nights and improved well-being. If you are struggling with insomnia, seeking professional guidance can provide personalized strategies for better sleep. Together, we can work towards a healthier and more rejuvenating sleep routine.

[jonathankatwhatever]

(Added in transfer from Notes: this is mind blowing and glowing.)

30 August 2023 and I’m trying something different: my ipad is on the footstool. Maybe I can get a different perspective on what I type. There’s this nagging self-doubt today, a cloudy mood tinted down, enveloping without great substance, and so infusing a negative cast. One benefit of this footstool thing is I am now fully contracting my front core inward as I type. Never been able to do that before, to lean back with the balance necessary to contract evenly with alternation being in the checksum, in the parity ad thus along the Boundary asserted by the contraction, which I moved into my glutes, and now pulling inward as the contraction passes to the other side at that foldover spot. I can hold this. It requires relaxing the breath and thus the spine. Then fully contracting up into a true bridge. Nice. Huge release.

So we can teach people the concept of a release, and how they can recover their selves, both their physical and intangible selves, as they connect to the movement potential in their bodies, and as they understand that movement potential … and here it gets difficult because I want to say that movement potential unlocks feeling better about yourself, both physically and mentally, that you will establish or re-establish the connection between your mind and your body.

A release matches your physical and mental selves to an ideal which exists independent of you. That ideal fits to you without any judgement. I know that wasn’t clear, but this is new to me. The ideal fits to you because a Pathway exists which relates you at any point in your existence to you as you are now to you as you might have been. All the different you’s arrange a Boundary, a concept that has much greater depth than I realized (and I was looking for depth, so it’s tricky), and that enables pairings like the good version and the bad version of you.

The way I see this is very blunt and I have to get into this. I see an image of you splintered and arrayed on the other side of the xK plane in yK, meaning there’s a screen between us and you’re the other half-plane and yet another reason why the imaginary unit circle is 2Pi circumference because that’s the representation of this Boundary form into D-structure, meaning the End plus a 1Segment in CR of D1 and more specifically D1-2 because CR is non-specific but we then locate points like -1, 1, i and -i. That sentence took on a life of its own. It looks completely correct.

To continue, you split into good and bad, but then the distinction narrows as the image selected opposite me, the one I see when I look through the mirror at you, becomes the being which can create these images, who knows the meaning of an oath. Which makes it not a choice of good on one shoulder, bad on the other, but a question of which image you actually prefer, and that to me is the one in which the negative leads to the positive. That isn’t a loop like at the level of an electric circuit or a logical loop, though those express this. No, this is that the new negative arises as work to reach the next positive, so the count is forward, and not only as a counted loop.

The resolution of this is in the gs modular counting forms we describe. That’s the key to understanding the Gödelian issues: we generated functions as constructions of gs in D-structure. That enables us to talk about effective Pathways. Or like above, the Triangular of you to you ideal to ideals related to that ideal, etc., connecting to ideals for larger classes, etc., all this means there are Pathways which you can explore to connect to higher ideals, which relate to higher ideals, etc., all as they fit to you. It’s Pathway of work, out of all the Pathways that connect you to every form of higher ideal.

This is an intense experience. In my head, as I’m doing this, I’m able to adopt the most generalized female perspective I’ve yet seen, and that makes me almost infinitely more comfortable in my own skin. That gets more of the conception or theory even of gender identity. The labels are correct, though perhaps a bit confusing because we have a double use for M as man and male. Perhaps a shift of one to n, as in man and nale or nail, because that pinning in the I//I of gs(n) and gs(m) is the core concept because that is fundamental Injection. You can see the idea of inserting DNA into a cell containing other DNA. And thus gender identity is fundamentally about the side you’re on. And that immediately creates a 1-0Segmenting which allows us to populate this aspect of the larger HC with all the prior expressions of 1-0Segmenting. Example is the Between Pathways generate pairings, and these are forms of alternation, which opens up tools like Cantor pairings so we can visualize the orthogonality of the relations and thus of the space created.

Example of space created would be the basic 1 step over that way first, then this way generates an orthogonal 5Square, and that 5Square extends infinitely over each layer, literally over every single count, because each count is also a step this way, step that way, and this means the entire space is Infused with 5Square. And thus 10 Square. And now try to imagine these stacks of 5Square orthogonal spaces jammed together and turned around in CR. This is hard to say, but that means the counts in LayerView, in quadrants, in fCM and SBE, occur within 5 and 10 dimensional spaces.

I need a bit of courage to say this, but that’s what we need. We exist in D3-4//D4-3 space. That requires D5 space because that enables Recombinance within the closure D5 brings to D4. Think of it using D1+CR: D4 stretches down to D3, to its upper edge, and thus up to the inner edge of D5, which means D5 is the Boundary, and thus Recombinance occurs on or approaching the inner edge of D5.

That may be the deepest vision of the inner edge of a Boundary I’ve seen yet. It was lovely: all the potential within D4 connecting up to what is then Incomprehensible at D5. And thus the angle to D10, that it occurs over the szK, as a composite rather than an opposite hand: helping hands combine to make Triangular with the being at the other end of the arms, and thus to the beings when a hand is from 2. This expands to more than 2 within each 1.

This came to me because, bluntly, I saw SBE3+1 suddenly appear and thus fitting with D10. I want to see this better. I think I just got it, but it’s slippery. SBE3 translates into D10, nothing more needed because Attachment occurs in exactly the way described in the last paragraph: to the inner edge, which is the +1 in the form needed so it can be 0 or 1 depending on the higher D-structure needs, counts, etc. And that translation maps back to the grid. So what we have here is not a failure to communicate but a bridge which connects the form of projected grid to the form of a 5Square or other nSquare, which is the world of ideal shapes and Recombinant forms.

Seeing how these relate is magical because, for example, this gives life to the 0-1-0 conception. Take renormalization one more time. We’ve described how the gap is crossed, and now we have the motive for that: there is an I//I process in the construction of gs which actively exchanges information that maps and translates between and among the various representations and forms which generate. That is huge. I’d rank it near the top of realizations. This is the unification door. It’s no longer that we can relate all these forms to the same basic toolbox. Now it’s that we generate the forms and we generate why they connect and we generate why they operate.

This began at top because I realized my oldest obsessions are about seeing it. I needed to see the toilet swirl before I can remember. I needed to see what was wrong with my hand. I needed to see in my head not to be lied to because then my head fills with worse thoughts with constraints removed.

I need a break. This has been astonishingly productive. I hope that’s because you’re nearer to me in every sense of the word.

[sankarsvoice]

9 Vocal Warm Ups For Voice Actors

The term voice actor is made up of two words, voice, and actor. And as we all know actor is always related to acting and similarly voice actors correspond to voice acting which is largely known as voice over. 

Voice acting and voice actors together form voice over which means, as per Wikipedia, a production technique where a voice—that is not part of the narrative (non-)—is used in a radio, television presentation, filmmaking theatre, or other presentations. Voice acting is based on the art of using one’s voice. Like actors use their facial expressions and body language to mold into a given character, voice actors use their voices to do the same. 

Working behind the screens and having no access to using their features or expression, voice actors rely on their voices and creative skills to breathe life into the characters that they portray. And hence it is incumbent to say that for these people, just like singers, their voice is the most powerful weapon along with their means to earn a livelihood. Therefore, it is also needless to say that it is very important to take proper care of one’s voice. 

Vocal strain is the most common problem that voice actors suffer from. Officially known as muscle tension dysphonia (MTD), is an overuse of the vocal cords that presents itself in many uncomfortable or painful symptoms. This voice problem can dramatically alter your voice’s sound and quality and requires proper care and treatment to prevent permanent damage.

It is therefore very important to understand the severity of overusing one’s vocal cord and voice and take appropriate care of their voices to help them in the long run. And how can one take care of their voice? The answer lies in three very simple steps: 

Staying hydrated

Checking what you are consuming

Vocal warm-ups

In this article, we are going to discuss nine vocal warm ups for voice actors that could help them maintain their voice quality as well as prevent it from getting strained. So, without further ado, let’s get started. 

1. Full body warm up 

The first step is to always warm up your full body. Yes, that’s right. Vocal warm ups have to be backed up by a full body warm up. Why though? Well, the reason is pretty simple, full body warm up allows the blood and oxygen to flow, warming up the whole body and allowing you to relax. This is even more necessary during winters or if you work for hours in an air-conditioned space. This may include exercises such as jumping jacks, heel touches, etc.

2. Lip Sirens

For this vocal warm up, breathe out, close your mouth and try to say the word ‘B’ while keeping your lips relaxed. You should feel a vibration that creates a bubbling sound. Now start with your normal speaking range and once you get comfortable slowly move up and down in the pitch. This exercise is meant to relax your lips so that you don’t trip over them. 

3. Tongue twisters

As kids, we all have been fascinated with tongue twisters, isn’t it? Apart from being fun, they are also a form of vocal warm up. There are several tongue twisters available on the internet that you can use. Here are a few for you: 

Example.1:

Someone Said Something Simple A Simple Something Said To Me Simply Simple Someone Said A Simple Something Said To Me

Example.2:

Crooked Cookies Cakes And Pies Crooked Cookies Cakes And Pies Crush It Crack It Crapper Ties Crystal Critters Cry Like Mad Croaking Choking Frogs Are Sad

4. Z-Sirens

Just like lip siren, this is another form of siren exercise. Breathe out and with your mouth closed, make a Z-sound. Keep your mouth slightly open, teeth closed and jaw relaxed. Again, just start speaking at your normal range and then move up and down in pitch.

5. The stray trick 

For this vocal warm up, simply take a straw and try humming or inhaling and exhaling with the straw in your mouth, keeping your lips closed around it. Eventually, you will start to focus on your breathing while your body and face stay still. 

6. The hissing exhale 

In this vocal warm, start by inhaling as much and for as long as you can. Then exhale while producing an ‘sss’ sound. Once you start to get comfortable around this, switch up the time you are inhaling and hissing. Your aim should be to go longer with the hissing until you start to run out of breath. 

7. The Fricatives 

This vocal warm up for voice actors is very frequently used by vocal coaches which include the use of fricatives. Now, what are fricatives? They are consonants that are formed by impeding the flow of air so that a friction sound is produced. Some of the most common consonants include Fs, Ths, and Vs. You can find out more about them and how to use them on YouTube. 

8. Lay on the floor 

Another very easy vocal warm-up is to lay on the floor, rest your hands on your stomach and start practicing a vocal piece. This way when you start to concentrate you can start to feel your diaphragm move. This is a good way to focus on one’s breathing. 

9. Sighing 

The last vocal warm up we will discuss today is sighing. Yeah, that’s right. Sighing is a form of breath support exercise. For this one, just simply sigh out an open vowel sound such as  “uh”, “ah”, “oh”, “oo”, “ee, etc. Like all other exercises, start soft and increase the volume slightly with each one. The aim is to find a relaxed, free sound. 

Voice is an integral asset for each one of us but specially people such as singers and voice actors who use them to earn their living. Hence, it is very important to take proper care of one’s voice at all time. The above discussed vocal warm ups are the ones that are sure to help.

[jcbbby]

"i’ll come running whenever you need me. "

This sentence with Jamie

I'm sorry, this feels incredibly rushed... But I hope it still makes you smile! :) Thank you for the prompt! <3

Warnings: None!

(send me a sentence or line of dialogue and I’ll write a little something Jamie/Henry/001/Kit Marlowe-related with it)

-

This week had been awful. You got home from work, tossing your keys and bag haphazardly on to the table by the door, going directly to the kitchen for a glass of wine. Just something to soothe the frayed nerves. At least you were going to FaceTime with Jamie tonight. He was away in Europe filming a new movie, while you stayed home in LA. It had been about 2 weeks now, out of 6 he would be gone, and you wanted nothing more than to just cuddle up with him.

After slipping into some comfy clothes, a pair of shorts and one of Jamie's shirts, you poured another glass of wine and got comfy on the couch, eagerly awaiting the sound of your phone ringing. Finally, his icon popped up as your phone rang and you smiled wide as you hit the green checkmark, pulling up Jamie's live video.

"Hello my love!" He waved on your tiny screen.

"Hi baby! How are you doing?" You smiled back.

"I'm good, yeah. Just had a shower and relaxing with some tea. How about you?"

You held up your glass of wine, pouting. Jamie laughed.

"Oh, no. Tough day again too?" He asked matching your downturned lips.

"Probably the worst of the week, honestly. Someone side swiped my car. The whole side is dented and the paint taken off. They didn't even leave a note or anything. I mean, insurance will cover it...but still, are you kidding me?" You rolled your eyes, taking a sip of your glass.

"Oh, god...I'm sorry, darling. You've really had a shocker of a week, huh?"

You nodded. "Messed up that big project at work, spilled coffee all over my new white shirt, broke my favorite necklace you gave me, Stephanie is mad at me for who knows what, now my car...a week from hell."

"Well, at least the week is over now. You made it through, love." He smiled.

You inhaled and exhaled smiling back. "Yeah...I wish you were here though. You always make everything better. I miss you."

"I miss you too, darling. I'm sorry I'm not there." He frowned.

"No, no it's okay. You're working, being the best actor in the world and all." You giggled.

He chuckled. "Oh, don't try to flatter me...you know my ego is big enough."

Talking to Jamie made you feel a lot better. Or maybe it was the wine. Or both. But you went to bed that night feeling a little better at least.

The next morning, you decided you would be active, as it was a lovely day. A leisurely bike ride sounded good...until it wasn't.

"Hi baby, what's up? Jamie said picking up the phone, sounding cheery.

You sniffled. "I'm in the ER."

"What?! What happened, are you okay?" He exclaimed.

"I'm okay, I just...I went for a bike ride this morning." You sniffled again. "And I don't know what happened, I must have hit a patch of something and I fell off. I think I broke my arm."

"Oh...my love...you poor thing. Ugh..." You didn't see, as you were having a regular phone call, so Jamie wouldn't see your puffy, red eyes from crying, but he ran his hand over his face. "Well, keep me updated, okay? I can come home if you need me to-"

"No, no." You shook your head. "No, you're working. I'll be okay. I just wanted to let you know- oh, the doctor's here. I'll call you back. I love you."

"I love you too, darling." The two of you hung up.

After a series of x-rays, it was determined you had indeed broken your arm, in two places. You were put into a sling for the next week, before you could get into the orthopedic specialist to be fitted for a full cast. You texted Jamie, slowly, with your non-dominant hand, to let him know the deal. He offered again to come home, but you wouldn't dream of making him do that, filming has only just started anyway.

After a couple days at home, the limitations that your injury imposed became incredibly frustrating. Since it was your dominant hand, even simple tasks were a struggle. You called Jamie this morning, just needing to talk.

"I just want to wash my hair!" You whimpered on the phone to Jamie. "I can't even put it up in a ponytail. I feel so gross, I just want to wash my hair." You wiped a tear.

"Baby...I'm sorry you're having such a hard time. I love you so much." Jamie comforted you as you vented and cried before he had to leave to get back to set.

You spent the rest of the day sulking on the couch watching trash TV. Eventually, at some point you fell asleep watching the dull, plot-lacking reality shows. You awoke several hours later, hearing your door open and then close. You shot up, eyes fixed toward the sound of footsteps coming closer. Your hear pounded, mentally preparing yourself to be met with an intruder since you weren't expecting anyone. Your fear quickly flipped to surprise when you saw Jamie's face come around the corner. He stopped and immediately smiled when his eyes met yours. You blinked, wondering if you were maybe just dreaming.

"Jamie? But how did...when did...w-what are you doing here?"

"I'll come running whenever you need me. Even if we're across oceans." He smiled. "I was already on my way here when you called earlier, I was on a layover in New York.. When I said I had to get back to set, I was boarding my flight."

Your mouth hung open for a moment. "I don't deserve you, you angel man. I really don't." You shook your head, laughing lightly, eyes welling.

"So, would you like some help washing your hair, beautiful?" He smiled.

You nodded, allowing him to help you up as you both made your way to the bathroom. You turned to him as he reached to get the water running in the tub.

"I love you, thank you for always being there for me." You hugged him with your good arm.

"I always will be." He smiled, placing a kiss to your temple.

[the---hermit]

09|09|2022

So my anxiety has been kicking my ass. I have more or less a month to finish my thesis, and I feel like I have done no progress at all. When I think about it rationally I understand that this feeling is caused by the fact that I have yet to do most of the writing. The thing is in these months I was busy with the reseach part which of course was progress but isn't as tangable as written words. So I have been fighting these feelings off with working a lot and having a very precise plan. I really hope that my energies stay up and that my writing will be as quick as I hope (and as succesful as I hopd cause if next time I send something to the professor she demolishes me I will be permanently devastated). I have been really enjoying this new crocheting hobby since my friend helped me figure out the basics, it's been a very relaxing activity that helps me turn off my brain, and that helps me avoid spending even more hours in front of screens.

Productive things I did today:

wrote the whole final part of the first chapter of my thesis, and did a first edit of said part

started working on the introduction and conclusion of said chapter

practiced Irish on duolingo

Self care things I did today (spoiler I did the bare minimum which is not good):

read first thing in the morning (I have a feeling that for these next few weeks my morning/evening reading sessions will be the only non university related reading I'll be able to do, hopefully I'll keep this habit up)

crocheting while listening to an audiobook

avoided coffee

tonight I'll watch the new episode of a series I have started