#and i drew a plane one time and shared it with her and she got so excited

[navysealt4t]

i got on social media way too young but i also met cool ppl

[illdowhatiwantthanks]

Coming Out

Emily Prentiss x fem!reader Warnings: some explicit language, mention of an unsub hurting Emily 😱, vague insinuations of homophobia, mostly fluff on fluff, feat. loyal himbo Derek Morgan Word Count: 2k

Summary: Emily gets injured on the job, and all she really wants is you, her girlfriend. But she's not out to the rest of the team yet. Can she be vulnerable enough to share that part of herself with the team? Can she be vulnerable enough to let you take care of her? Takes place at the end of S3.E2.

Emily dabbed at her head and winced, checking her watch to see if it had been long enough to take more pain medication. But despite getting clocked with a plank of wood, she was glad to be on the jet, glad to be back with her team because they really were starting to feel like her team. Who was she kidding? She loved her job.

According to the pilot, the team would be landing at Quantico in a little over an hour. Emily grabbed her phone, discreetly shoving it into her pocket, before heading to the back of the plane. She needed to call you, but the rest of the team didn't know about you yet. Hell, the rest of the team didn't even know she was gay. It felt too personal, and she'd been hurt by people's reactions–people she loved and trusted deeply–too many times. She played her relationships and her sexuality close to the vest.

Reid tapped Emily's arm as she passed by.

"Oh! Are you going all the way to the back?"

Emily tensed. "Yep."

"Could you bring me a Sprite?"

She felt her shoulders relax, and she patted Reid on the arm. "Sure."

After knocking on the bathroom door to make sure that truly no one was around, she called you, her voice hushed as she rifled through tiny airplane soda cans, looking for Reid's Sprite.

"Hey, Em," you said, your voice bright.

"Hey," she said, a goofy smile spreading across her face. "What are you up to?"

"Nothing much. Saw a street rat earlier. I named him Guillermo. I think he's on the prowl for a girlfriend."

Emily laughed, covering her mouth.

"How was Milwaukee?" you asked.

"Good. Really good. We got the guy. We're on the plane now."

She could nearly hear how smug you were through the phone.

"You're glad you went back," you snickered, relishing in being right. She'd sworn that it wasn't a big deal, that it'd be easy to get another good job, but you knew her heart was with the BAU.

Emily sighed. "I am. You were right."

"You're gonna stay?"

"Looks that way."

"I knew it!" you crowed. "I'm glad. You're too good at your job to quit it."

"Thanks, love. Listen, Y/N, can I ask you a favor?"

"Of course! Anything."

Emily winced, touching the swollen bump on her head. "We land in about an hour. Can you pick me up and stay at my place tonight?"

"Wow." You drew out the vowel, milking the fact that Emily needed you for once. "You missed me that much, huh?"

"Well, yes, of course, but... I, uh... I kind of have a concussion?"

Your tone shifted immediately from smug to concerned. "What?! Why?! What happened!?"

"Unsub hit me with a plank of wood," she admitted reluctantly.

"Jesus Christ, Em! Are you okay!?"

"I'm fine, baby, I promise," she reassured you. "I just got a little banged up, that's all. But I'll need you to wake me up every few hours and make sure I'm cognizant."

"I think I have some soup in the freezer," you observed, your voice far away. You'd put her on speakerphone to rifle through the cabinets. "And I have a thermometer. I don't know, do concussions cause fevers? I've never had one."

Emily shook her head, smiling. She loved that your first response, always, was to take care of her. Emily was not used to being taken care of, and she didn't let many people do it. She certainly wouldn't let many people see it either. But she let you.

"No thermometers needed. Just you and your car and more you when we get home."

"You got it. When did you say you land?"

"In about an hour."

"Okay. I'll leave in a few."

"Oh," Emily added quickly. "And you're cleared to drive into Quantico. They know the car you drive and they've got your ID on file. Just show it to them at the gate."

You paused. "Well, that's a little Big Brother of them."

"I gave it to them a few months ago. Just in case you ever needed to come by. Sorry, I should've told you."

"It's okay," you decided, pulling on a jacket and a beanie. "It feels kind of badass to be on Quantico's list."

Emily laughed, almost excited to have a concussion because it meant you'd be snuggled right up to next to her for however long it took to get better. 48 hours at least.

"Alright, baby," she finished, Reid's Sprite in hand. "I'll see you in a bit."

"Bye, love."

Emily wiped the grin off her face before returning to the cabin with Reid's Sprite–it'd look suspicious if she was too happy coming back.

An hour later, the team was going their separate ways in the parking lot, waving goodbyes and slamming car doors under the buzzing lights.

Emily leaned on the wall outside the building entrance, relishing the crisp night air.

"You need a ride, Prentiss?" Morgan asked as he walked out, used go-bag slung over his shoulder. "You shouldn't be driving" He pointed to her head.

"No, that's okay," Emily waved him off. "I've got– uh... someone's... picking me up."

Fuck, she thought. The concussion was not helping her ability to lie well.

Morgan stared at her suspiciously.

"What?" Emily laughed, trying to act normal.

"Why are you acting shifty?"

"I'm not!" she protested.

Morgan smirked and waggled his eyebrows. "Do you have a secret boyfriend?"

"What?" Emily said, laughing a little too forcefully. "No!"

He crossed his arms and waited. "You're seriously not gonna tell me?"

Emily leaned against the brick wall, rubbing her forehead. On the one hand, she was tired of keeping you–and herself–a secret. And if anyone was going to be supportive of someone on the team getting laid, it would be Morgan. But on the other, did she really know that much about him? She didn't know his religious background. Sure, he'd defend a gay victim, but that was his job. This was personal.

Emily sighed before replying. "I have... I have a secret girlfriend."

The silence felt like it lasted hours, stretching between them until Emily was sure the chasm would never close again, and that with just a few words, just by being herself, she'd ruined any chance of a friendship with Derek Morgan. It wouldn't be the first time. It probably wouldn't be the last.

Morgan seemed to think deeply before leaning against the wall next to Emily, turning to look her in the eye.

"Prentiss, why didn't you tell us you were gay?"

Emily was afraid to look at him, but when she did, her heart soared. He looked at her with nothing but love and respect and appreciation, no hint of hatred or disgust. If anything, he looked sad that she'd waited so long to tell him.

"I don't know," she shrugged. "I don't always get a good reaction."

"Well, you know nobody on this team would have a problem with that, right? Hell, Garcia'd probably hang pride flags everywhere."

"I know," Emily nodded. "I just... I don't think I'm ready yet. For everyone to know. Soon, though."

Morgan nodded, then thought for a few minutes before asking, "Is it serious?"

Emily chuckled. "Being gay? Yeah, I'd say so."

Morgan shoved her shoulder gently, mindful of the day's injuries. "No! The girl! How long have you been seeing her?"

"A little over six months."

"So, it's serious."

Emily grinned. She was glad to have someone to talk to about this. She'd held it so close for so long. She wasn't used to having anyone to tell about you. Maybe Morgan could be that person.

"Promise not to tell the others?"

Morgan put his hand over his heart. "Promise."

"I'd marry her tomorrow if she'd let me."

"Wow." Morgan raised his eyebrows, smiling lightly. "Prentiss is in love," he said, teasing her.

Emily fought a wide smile, but lost in the end. "Oh, shut up. And don't tell anyone. Especially her."

"Your secret's safe with me," Morgan reassured her. And she could tell he meant it. Emily trusted him, she realized. She trusted him to be a good friend, to keep her secrets. She trusted him not to out her to the rest of the team. He'd let her go at her own pace when it came to telling the others.

"She better be amazing," Morgan added. "I don't know how anyone could be good enough for you."

Just at that moment, a pair of headlights crept slowly into the parking lot, hesitant and unsure. It had to be you. Emily stepped forward and waved a bit, then turned to Morgan.

"Well, I'll see you tomorrow?" she said.

"Not with that head, you won't," Morgan observed.

You put the car in park next to the curb and leapt out of the driver's seat, hurrying over to Emily.

"Oh my god!" you exclaimed, anger and concern washing over you. "I thought you you said you were fine!"

You gingerly touched Emily's face and pulled her head down to examine the butterfly bandage above her eyebrow.

"Look at this," you grumbled, more to yourself than anyone else. "It's already bruising." You glared at the butterfly bandage. "Did a doctor do this or you? If it was you, I think we should clean it with rubbing alcohol at home."

Morgan looked absolutely delighted, both because you seemed like a delightful person and because Emily was beet red at being observed with you.

"Y/N, I'm fine," Emily said firmly, grasping your fingers in hers and removing them from her face. "This is my colleague Derek Morgan. Morgan, my girlfriend, Y/N."

You looked Morgan over and immediately decided you liked him. Mostly because you could tell that he really cared about Emily. But also because he looked mischievous, like he'd tease her. And if there was anything you loved, it was teasing Emily. You shook his hand enthusiastically. "It's really nice to meet you," you said. And you meant it.

But you didn't have time to chat with Morgan tonight. You were too worried about Emily.

"You don't look fine," you argued, looking to Morgan for backup. "Does she look fine to you?"

Morgan grinned at Emily, raising his eyebrows. "She definitely looks like she could use some TLC."

"Oh, and she'll get it alright," you assured him, opening the passenger door for Emily. "Shall we?"

Emily bent gingerly to get into the car, and you were careful to guard her head from the ceiling.

"Derek, it was really nice to meet you," you said, shaking his hand one more time for good measure as Emily rolled down the window, staring bullets at Morgan.

"You too, Y/N," he said, looking over your shoulder at Emily. "I hope you all have a very marry evening."

Emily pointed at him aggressively behind your back, mouthing, "SHUT. UP."

"See you, Prentiss," he called as you pulled away. He laughed and called out, "I hope it's a real honeymoon from work!"

Emily's hand shot out the window, flipping him off.

Later that night, your alarm buzzed and you blinked awake. You forgot for a moment that you were at Emily's, but her strong arms wrapped protectively around your waist were enough to remind you where you were.

You turned slowly to face a sleeping Emily, brushing her hair out of her face.

"Em. Hey. You gotta wake up, honey."

She groaned, placing a hand on her head.

"Sorry," you grimaced. "Gotta make sure your brain's alright."

"My brain is fine," she growled.

"Oh, yeah?" you joked, checking the time before shaking a few pills into your hand from the pill bottle on the nightstand. "Who am I, then?"

"The love of my life, Whitney Houston."

You laughed, which made Emily laugh, too. But she quickly doubled over in pain, groaning.

"Here, take these," you said gently, handing her the pills and a glass of water. "It'll help."

She took the pills obediently and lay back down.

"You know," you said, pulling up the blankets to make sure they covered Emily's shoulders. "I may not be Whitney Houston..." You wrapped your arms around her and drew her to you, and she burrowed her head into the space between your neck and your collarbone.

"But I think I'm a close second," you finished, running your fingers rhythmically through Emily's hair.

She sighed contentedly, pressing into you, then moving one of your arms to wrap it more tightly around her.

"Why are you so good to me?" she asked, quiet. You couldn't quite tell if it was a joke or serious, but you'd reply the same either way.

"Because I love you, you nerd."

She leaned up, planting a kiss underneath your chin. "I love you, too."

Within minutes she was conked out again, and you were setting another alarm, ready to do it all over again in a few hours.

[cheynovak]

The Road to Clarity - part 1  

 

Summary: Y/N is a photographer, loving her job in New York. During a shoot she worked with her now boyfriend, Tom. They soon started dating. Now three years later her life takes a turn and when she flies out to Texas, she meets Jensen, a rancher with a teenage daughter Samantha. 

Warnings: slow burn, romantic, nothing to explicit -> yet

English is not my first language  

Words:  3730 

*This story is my own original story, please do not copy my work, reblog/comments/likes are appreciated* 

Y/N had always loved the way her camera captured life. In a city like New York, where everything moved at a breakneck pace, photography was her way of freezing time, of holding onto the moments that mattered. Her days were filled with shoots, editing sessions, and gallery meetings, but her nights belonged to Tom. 

She met Tom on a crisp autumn afternoon. He was the model for a high-profile fashion shoot, and the moment she saw him, something clicked. His chiseled features, confident demeanor, and the way he carried himself—it all drew her in. What started as professional banter quickly turned into late-night conversations, shared dinners, and eventually, love. 

They had been inseparable for the past three years. Y/N often marveled at how lucky she was to have found someone like Tom. They complemented each other in every way—her quiet introspection balanced his outgoing charm, her artistic vision complemented his natural talent in front of the camera. When he proposed under the soft glow of the Brooklyn Bridge, she said yes without hesitation. 

But love, Y/N was beginning to realize, could be as fleeting as the moments she captured on film. 

It started with little things—a text message he quickly hid, unexplained absences, and a change in his behavior that she couldn’t quite put her finger on. Y/N tried to ignore it at first, brushing away her unease as paranoia. But the doubts gnawed at her, growing larger and more insistent with each passing day. 

One evening, while Tom was in the shower, Y/N's curiosity got the better of her. She hesitated for a moment, heart pounding in her chest, before unlocking his phone. She wasn’t prepared for what she found. Dozens of messages, photos, and late-night plans with someone else. Her worst fears confirmed, she felt her world collapse in on itself. 

Tom emerged from the bathroom, steam billowing out behind him, and saw the look on her face. There was no need for words—he knew she had found out. 

"Y/N, I can explain," he started, but she cut him off. 

"Don’t," she whispered, tears brimming in her eyes. "Just… don’t." 

The apartment that had once felt so warm and safe now felt suffocating. She needed to escape, to put as much distance between herself and this betrayal as possible. Without a word, she grabbed her suitcase, threw in whatever she could find, and walked out the door, leaving Tom standing there, drenched in the silence of his own making. 

At the airport, she stared blankly at the departure board. She had no plan, no destination in mind—just the overwhelming urge to be anywhere but here. Texas. It was the first place that caught her eye. A place far from the towering skyscrapers and the painful memories they held. She bought the next ticket out and boarded the plane, leaving behind the city that had given her so much, yet taken away even more. 

As the plane lifted off, Y/N stared out the window at the sprawling city below, the lights glittering like a thousand broken promises. She let the tears fall freely now, each one a testament to the love she thought she had, the life she thought she was building. 

-- 

Texas greeted her with open skies and a warmth that contrasted sharply with the cold she felt inside. She rented a small cabin on the outskirts of a quiet town, far away from the hustle and bustle of city life. The days passed slowly, the rhythm of the rural life a stark contrast to the frenetic pace she was used to. She spent her mornings walking along dusty trails, camera in hand, capturing the beauty of a world that seemed so far removed from her own. 

One day, as she was photographing a field of wildflowers behind her rented cabin, swaying gently in the breeze, she noticed a young couple lounging near a tree. They couldn’t have been more than sixteen, the girl with long, flowing hair and the boy with a mischievous grin. There was something so innocent, so pure about their presence. Y/N raised her camera and snapped a few shots, the soft click of the shutter almost lost in the rustling of the leaves. 

The couple noticed her, and she waved them over, smiling. They approached, curious and a little shy. 

"Hi there," Y/N greeted them warmly. "I hope you don’t mind—I couldn’t resist capturing such a sweet moment." 

The girl blushed, her eyes sparkling with young love. "No, we don’t mind at all. Can we see?" 

Y/N showed them the photos on the camera’s screen. The girl gasped in delight. "These are beautiful!" 

"You two make a lovely picture," Y/N said, feeling a pang of something bittersweet as she looked at them. They reminded her of a time when she, too, had believed in love that simple and untainted. 

"My mom has a darkroom at home," the girl said suddenly, her voice filled with pride. "She used to develop photos all the time.” Y/N’s curiosity was piqued. "A darkroom? That’s rare to find these days. Where do you live?" 

The girl pointed off toward the distance. "Not far, just a couple of miles down the road. You should come by sometime!” The boy nudged the girl gently. "We should get going, Sam. It’s getting late." 

Samantha nodded, smiling at Y/N giving her hand. "Samantha, Sam for short, It was really nice meeting you." 

"You too, I’m Y/N" She replied, watching as they walked away, hand in hand, disappearing into the twilight. As Y/N stood there, the camera hanging loosely from her neck, she couldn’t resist capturing one last image of the young couple. They walked hand in hand toward the setting sun, their silhouettes framed perfectly by the golden light. She clicked the shutter, knowing that this moment, like so many others, would be one she would keep with her. 

-- 

The following week, Y/N found herself at a quaint café in town, her laptop open in front of her. The smell of freshly brewed coffee filled the air as she sipped her drink, her focus on editing the photos she had taken over the past few days. The images of the teenage couple were among her favorites, and she found herself drawn to the warmth and innocence captured in each shot. 

As she worked, the familiar sound of a truck pulling up outside the café caught her attention. She glanced up just as the door swung open, revealing Samantha and a man who looked to be in his early forties. He had light brown hair, slightly tousled, and sharp green eyes that contrasted with his weathered face—features that suggested years of hard work under the Texas sun. 

Samantha’s eyes lit up when she saw Y/N. She waved enthusiastically, her smile as bright as ever. Y/N smiled back, motioning for them to join her at the small table by the window. 

“Hi, Y/N!” Samantha greeted her cheerfully, sliding into the chair across from her. The man followed suit, offering a polite nod. 

“Hey, Samantha,” Y/N replied warmly, turning her laptop so they could see the screen. “I was just working on your photos. What do you think?” 

Samantha leaned forward, her eyes widening as she took in the image of herself and her boyfriend walking into the sunset. The colors were rich and vibrant, the mood of the moment perfectly captured. She gasped, her excitement bubbling over. 

“Oh my gosh, Y/N, this is amazing! I love it!” 

Y/N smiled, pleased with the reaction. “I’m glad you like it. I wanted to capture that feeling—you two looked so happy.” 

The man, who Y/N assumed was Samantha’s father, peered at the screen, his green eyes narrowing slightly in thought. “That’s a great shot, but I thought you two had broken up?” 

Samantha’s expression shifted instantly from joy to irritation. She shot her father a sharp look. “Dad, seriously? You don’t understand a thing, do you?” 

Y/N watched the exchange, feeling a twinge of discomfort at the tension between them. It was clear there was something deeper going on beneath the surface. 

Her father sighed, rubbing the back of his neck as if searching for the right words. “I’m just trying to look out for you, Sammy. You’re young, and sometimes boys aren’t as true as they seem.” Samantha crossed her arms, her voice defensive. “I know that, but we’re fine. It was just a stupid argument, okay? We’ve moved past it.” 

Y/N, sensing the need to diffuse the situation, gently interjected. “It’s clear from the photos how much you care about each other. Relationships can be complicated, especially when you’re young, but it’s the love and the connection that really matter.” 

Samantha’s expression softened as she glanced back at the image on the screen. “Yeah… you’re right. We do care about each other. I just wish Dad would stop worrying so much.” 

Her father gave a small, resigned smile. “It’s my job to worry, Sam. 

The moment of tension eased, and Y/N felt a sense of relief. She closed her laptop, feeling like she had intruded on a private moment. “Y/N, would you mind sending me a copy of that picture?” Samantha asked, her voice lighter now. “I’d love to print it out and hang it in my room.” 

“Of course,” Y/N replied, smiling. “I’ll email it to you tonight.” 

As they got up to leave, Samantha’s father paused, glancing back at Y/N with an expression that suggested he wanted to say something more. His green eyes flickered with a mixture of hesitation and thoughtfulness, but after a brief moment, he simply nodded and walked out the door, following Samantha. 

Y/N watched them go, wondering what he had been about to say, but she didn’t dwell on it for long. Instead, she packed up her things and headed back to her cabin, where she spent the evening editing more photos, including the one Samantha loved. True to her word, she sent the image to Samantha later that night, feeling satisfied with the day’s work. 

-- 

A few days later, Y/N found herself wandering through the small town, her camera slung over her shoulder as always. The sun was warm, casting a gentle glow over the streets, and she felt more at peace than she had in a long time. As she passed by the local high school, she noticed a group of students gathered around a bulletin board, hanging up posters and flyers. 

Curious, Y/N walked over and saw Samantha among them, carefully pinning up a large picture of a race with bold lettering announcing a charity event. The flyer explained that the race was part of a school project to raise money for a local cause, and the image captured the excitement and energy of the event perfectly. 

“Samantha!” Y/N called out, waving as she approached. 

Samantha turned, her face lighting up when she saw Y/N. “Hey! What do you think?” she asked, gesturing to the poster she had just hung up. 

“It looks great,” Y/N said, admiring the picture. “You’re doing this as a school project?” 

“Yeah,” Samantha nodded enthusiastically. “We’re trying to raise money for a new sports field. The schoolpaper is doing a big feature on it, and we want to get as much coverage as possible.” 

Y/N smiled, already anticipating what was coming next. Samantha’s passion for the project was infectious, and Y/N could see how much it meant to her. 

So,” Samantha began, her tone hopeful, “I was wondering… would you be willing to take some pictures for the schoolpaper? I know it’s a lot to ask, and we don’t really have a budget, but it would mean so much to us. We’re hoping you might be able to do it for free?” 

Y/N didn’t hesitate. “Of course, I’d love to help out,” she said warmly. “I’m happy to do it.” 

Samantha’s face lit up with relief and gratitude. “Thank you so much, Y/N! This is going to make a huge difference.” 

Y/N smiled, feeling a sense of fulfilment in being able to contribute to something meaningful. “Just let me know the details, and I’ll be there.” As they chatted about the upcoming event, Y/N couldn’t help but feel a renewed sense of purpose. The more she immersed herself in the community, the more she realized that this small town had given her something she hadn’t expected a new home. 

-- 

The day of the event arrived with a clear, bright sky and a gentle breeze that carried the scent of grilled food and sweet treats from the stalls lining the field. Y/N had chosen a light blue summer dress, the fabric swaying around her legs as she moved. She’d even bought a new pair of cowboy boots, a nod to the local style, and felt a little thrill at how they clicked against the ground as she walked. She was trying to fit in with the laid-back yet distinctly Texan vibe of the town, and from the friendly nods and smiles she received, she figured she was doing a decent job. 

The event was held at a large open field, which had been transformed into a lively fairground. There was a race track with wooden horses where kids lined up eagerly for their turn, a children’s rodeo that drew cheers and laughter from the crowd, lasso-throwing contests, and a variety of stalls offering everything from smoked brisket to homemade pies. The high school cheerleaders were busy running around in their uniforms, selling tickets for the upcoming football game, their energy infectious as they chattered and laughed, adding to the festive atmosphere. 

Y/N wandered through the crowds, her camera slung around her neck, capturing the vibrancy of the day. She photographed the wooden horses mid-race, the concentrated faces of children trying to lasso a wooden calf, and the rows of colorful stalls filled with local treats. Everywhere she looked, there were moments worth preserving. 

As she scanned the scene for her next shot, she spotted someone who immediately caught her eye. Dressed in all denim—jeans, a button-up shirt, and a well-worn cowboy hat—a man stood at the lasso-throwing area, his tall frame and broad shoulders making him stand out even in the crowd of similarly dressed locals. He had a short, neatly kept beard that added a rugged edge to his features, and as he moved, there was a calm confidence in his every gesture. 

Y/N raised her camera, zooming in slightly, and watched through the lens as he skillfully threw the lasso, effortlessly roping the target. There was something about him that made him different from the countless other men she had seen that day, though she couldn’t quite put her finger on what it was. Maybe it was the ease with which he carried himself or the quiet intensity in his expression as he focused on the task at hand. 

She snapped a few shots, capturing the moment as the lasso looped perfectly around the wooden steer. As she lowered the camera to check the images, she noticed him glance in her direction. Their eyes met briefly, and she felt a small jolt of surprise when he nodded and smiled, acknowledging her presence. There was a warmth in his smile, a subtle charm that seemed to suggest he was used to being watched but wasn’t bothered by it. 

Just as Y/N was about to return the smile, Samantha popped up beside her, nearly startling her. 

“That’s my dad,” Samantha said with a grin, clearly proud. “He wins at the lasso game every time. It’s not even fair, really—he’s been doing this since he was a kid, and owning a cattle ranch doesn’t hurt.” 

Y/N looked back at Jensen—now realizing he was Samantha’s father—throwing another perfect lasso. It suddenly made sense why he seemed so familiar, even though she hadn’t met him properly before. 

“So, he’s an expert, huh?” Y/N replied, watching as Jensen accepted a small prize from the booth operator with a casual wave of his hand. 

“Yeah,” Samantha said, rolling her eyes playfully. “He’s good at just about everything when it comes to ranch stuff. Mom always said he could rope the moon if he wanted to.” 

Y/N chuckled, amused by the image that conjured. She turned her camera back to the scene, snapping a few more pictures of the other contestants, but she found herself glancing back at Jensen every so often, intrigued by the man who seemed so much a part of this town yet somehow stood out to her in a way she couldn’t quite explain. 

“Want to meet him?” Samantha asked, noticing Y/N’s lingering gaze. 

Y/N hesitated for a moment. “Sure, why not?” she finally said, feeling a mix of curiosity and something she couldn’t quite name. 

Samantha led the way through the crowd, weaving between people who greeted her with familiar smiles and nods. As they approached, Jensen looked up, his green eyes bright with recognition as he saw them coming. He tipped his hat slightly, a polite gesture that felt almost old-fashioned but perfectly in character. 

“Dad, this is Y/N,” Samantha said, introducing them with a wide smile. “She’s the photographer I told you about—the one helping with the school paper.” 

Jensen extended a hand, his grip firm but gentle. “Nice to meet you, Y/N. I’ve seen you around town a few times. You’re doing some good work with that camera.” 

“Thank you,” Y/N replied, shaking his hand and noticing how warm and strong it felt. “I’ve been enjoying capturing the spirit of the town. It’s a lot different from New York.” 

Jensen smiled, a touch of humor in his green eyes. “I figured you were a city girl.” 

Y/N raised an eyebrow, curiosity piqued. “What makes you say that?” 

He glanced down at her new cowboy boots, then back up at her with a playful grin. “Let’s just say you’ve got a bit of a city way of dressing.” 

Before Y/N could respond, a group of men called out to Jensen from across the fairground, waving him over. Jensen tipped his hat to Y/N with a slight, respectful nod. “If you’d excuse me, ma’am,” he said, his voice carrying a gentle Texas twang, before turning and heading toward the group. 

Y/N watched him go, her mind still turning over his words. She glanced down at her boots, wondering what exactly he had meant. “What’s wrong with my boots?” she asked, turning to Samantha, a hint of confusion in her voice. 

Samantha burst into laughter, the sound light and teasing. “Nothing’s wrong with them, I promise,” she said, grinning at Y/N’s puzzled expression. “My dad’s just old-fashioned. He can tell those boots are brand new—he’s used to seeing people in well-worn work boots around here. He wasn’t being serious, just poking a little fun.” 

Y/N let out a relieved laugh, realizing that Jensen’s comment had been more about teasing than criticism. “So, it’s not about me looking out of place?” 

Samantha shook her head, still smiling. “Not at all. It’s just his way of saying he noticed. You’re doing just fine—better than fine, actually. You’re fitting in more than you think.” 

Y/N smiled, feeling reassured. “Thanks, Samantha. I guess I’ll just have to break these boots in a little more.” 

“Yeah, maybe do a little more walking in them,” Samantha said with a wink. As the day wore on, Y/N continued to move through the fairground, her camera clicking away to capture the vibrant energy and joyful moments of the event. The wooden horses, the excited kids, the colorful stalls—all provided ample opportunities for great shots. Yet, despite her best efforts to focus on everything happening around her, her attention kept drifting back to Jensen. 

He seemed to have an effortless way of commanding attention, even when he wasn’t actively posing. His tall, broad-shouldered frame and confident, relaxed demeanor made him stand out naturally. Y/N found herself repeatedly drawn to him, her lens finding him almost instinctively, as if he was the centerpiece of her day. 

Jensen moved through the fairground with an easy grace, interacting with people, participating in games, and generally embodying the spirit of the event. Each time Y/N looked through her camera, he was there—his presence somehow adding a special quality to every shot. His laughter was infectious, his expressions genuine, and his movements so natural that he seemed to glide through the day with an effortless charm. 

As she followed him around, Y/N couldn't help but feel a flutter of butterflies in her stomach. It was as though each snapshot of Jensen was more than just a photograph—it was a moment captured in time that held a kind of magic. Her favorite shot of the day came when Jensen was in the middle of a hearty laugh, his head thrown back, his eyes sparkling with joy. His perfect white teeth gleamed against the backdrop of the fairground, and there was something so incredibly captivating about the way he looked in that moment. The raw, unguarded joy he exuded made the photograph feel alive, brimming with the essence of the day. 

Y/N looked at the image on her camera’s display, and her heart skipped a beat. The way Jensen's laughter was caught mid-air, the way his eyes crinkled with mirth—it was as if she had managed to capture a piece of his soul, and it was both thrilling and slightly unnerving. The fluttering in her stomach intensified, and she found herself smiling, unable to shake the feeling that there was something profoundly special about this moment. 

As the sun began to set, casting a warm, golden light over the fairground, Y/N knew that this day would be one she wouldn’t forget. Jensen had unwittingly become the focal point of her photographs, and she couldn't deny that he had also become the focal point of her thoughts too.  

-------

Please like, share or comment when you liked the story. If you liked this, please check out my masterlist for other stories.

Tag list:-> If you want to be added let me know what you like to read! If anyone feels like you're tagged too much, also let me know please. :)

@kr804573

@nancymcl

@suckitands33

@mostlymarvelgirl

@globetrotter28

@jackles010378

@hobby27

@call-me-mrs-winchester

@cevansbaby-dove

@winchesterwild78

@deans-baby-momma

@yvonneeeee

[yourpalmickeymouse]

Hello Mickey! I’m back once more haha! (For a little while though 😅).

Just poppin’ by to ask, what’s your favourite hobby to do in your spare time? (When you are not in the department working on cases) I hear that you have a thing for planes (which I find fascinating! I would love to hear more if you are okay with it).

Anyway have a good day Mick! See you around!

-Sunny ☀️

(P.S my favourite hobby to do is. Well drawing! So I drew a pic of ya!) (sorry if it’s a little wonky hehe…😅)

🤯🤯🤯

Did you DRAW THAT!!! Oh Boy! That's Incredible!!! Thank you so much!!! I love it!!! Do you mind if I share it with all my friends? They would all love to see this! Can I take this home? I want to frame it on my wall...

Oh... Sorry 😅 I just got really excited. I wasn't expectin' to get a picture. I really appreciate it though!

Now for your question. I kinda have a ton of hobbies. I like to keep myself busy and learn new things.

You mentioned planes and yes I do very much love planes. I really love readin' up on 'em (as well as trains and boats). You could probably point to any plane in the world and I'll be able to tell you exactly what kind it is. When I was younger, my parents would take my to private airplane hangers and I would spend hours askin' the pilots about their planes. I actually met Colonel Doberman that way and we still keep in touch.

I also like to create little plane models in my free time too. Though I probably have way too many sets lying around my house. I kinda don't know where to put them all 😅 I dunno why I love planes so much. I guess I just always like the idea of bein' able to go anywhere in the world. The idea of having bein' able to see many amazin' things. I don't have my license, but I do want to get it someday.

Hm... I think some of my other favorite hobbies are the ones I do with friends. I love to fish, bowl, or play video games with Goofy or Donald if he visits. Minnie and I love to garden together. Sometimes Horace and I will work on fixer upper projects. Clarabelle and I will do some exercises and martial arts trainin'.

Oh! And someone on here recommended that I should spend some more time with Daisy and it turns out she's actually really into journalism, like I was. She currently runs her own online news site and we've been meeting up so that I could help her with the pictures. Her site's more focused on trends, fashion, and pop culture which normally isn't my thing, but has been fun to learn about. But she also covers important world events as well, which is more in my wheelhouse.

Also drawin' is a great hobby. Thank you again for the art. I also like to sketch things sometimes and even make comics, though I'm definitely not as good as you ha ha. Maybe I'll share them some day. But for now I'm happy with seein' all of the art you make 😊

- M.M.

[theresa-of-liechtenstein]

art by em year in review 2024!

i find myself surprised i drew much at all this year considering the circumstances (completing a bachelor's degree. concerts. international trip. starting a phd. general state of world.) however, for the fifth time i am happy to present my yearly retrospective.

as always, reflections under the cut.

jan: i feel like my weakest pieces always happen in january 😭 this was definitely one of those where concept > execution; some of this feels woefully flat and i wasn't too enthused about how herc looked. oh well. that was literally one of the only things i drew in january

feb: one of the developments that came about this year in my drawing was that of my cartoon/comic style, because i wanted to have a record of all the funny shit that happens in my music life. i've continually been surprised at the reception of it online haha. tita conductor is OUR internet microcelebrity now i guess

mar: ah, the douglas seventh wheels the hercolyn wedding fic i've been saying i'd write for almost two years. well, that actually got written and will go up later this week. but anyway, Hurt That Old Man!

apr: in which some professor of media studies with a slide whistle chose to examine a 160-year-old novel through the lens of an intergenerational relationship, and i took it personally. i was not drawing a lot during this time, so i was naturally falling back on my favorite subjects, namely. herc and linda. so much for branching out this year LMAO

may: a pen test for my graduation gift to tita conductor (finished version here, which she loved so much she couldn't stop talking about it when we next saw each other in september). someone once said to me 'it's weird that you can draw her from memory.' i replied 'looking at her is kind of part of the job description.'

jun: drawing theresa is probably one of the ways through which i measure my art progress, given that out of all the character designs i have (bar one, which i don't share on this blog for Reasons) hers is the one that has stuck around the most persistently. the grey is here to stay‼️

jul: i drew this one while having stomach problems in the philippines 😭 but something about the philippines (and like. being around people of my ethnic background on a daily basis) made me think a lot about my character designs for the soft-shoe-shuffle trio, so i wanted to do something with them a bit

aug: for all i talk about martin i sure never draw him, ever 😂 it's probably not obvious, but i was trying painting an base layer rather than an overlay (which i've been using pretty consistently since last year). in the future, i want to experiment more with coloring: i think i've not been eager to touch that part in my art and that needs to change. also pour one out for what i almost captioned it:

if i got onto a plane and i saw a twink in that mfing pilot seat i'm jumping off 😐🤚🏻‼️

sept: the piece that got the most attention this year i think. i'm not sure how well it came across that douglas is supposed to be ever so slightly horny in this one. oh well. it was funny.

oct: i think it was this piece that made me start to realize that i have kind of developed a problem with making everyone's faces super long. which. i don't really know how that happened. anyway this is really cute still. read the theresa-becomes-a-pilot fic.

nov: omg guys remember when i was obsessed with the theresa-maxi dynamic. well it came back for a blazing second of glory in november. maybe it'll come back to me again for good. we'll see

dec: again, familiar subjects during a tumultuous time. not much of note here, except i have noticed myself getting very lazy with lighting recently. also i wrote a fic about this.

overall: going into the new year, i think the whole 'making everyone's faces look super long' thing needs to be addressed; otherwise, as stated earlier, i really should start experimenting with coloring and base layers and shading and lighting.

thank you everyone! and a happy new year to all!

[hollow-grave-diggs]

FINAL ONE!! CUT FOR INSANE AMOUNT OF YAP

ITS FINALLY CHOMPERS TURN.

ENTRY 3/3 OCS

JAMESON MCCOY

JAMIE MY BABY ♥️♥️♥️

Full name is Jameson McCoy!

CALL-SIGN: Chomper

PRONOUNS: He/Him

AGE: 34

AFFILIATION: Shadow Co.

RANK: Sergeant Specialist- Weather and Terrain

PLACE OF RESIDENCE: Not Shared

.

He’s a southerner, Texas raised, but moved to Alaska sometime during high school and fell in love with the cold. He’s adaptable, and a survivor. He lived mostly off grid and after high school, surviving the winters of Alaska on his own. His resourcefulness is what led him to the army, and then out of it and to the special missions division of the Shadows. He’s almost always fully covered, and tries not to go anywhere without his red tinted snow goggles and a face mask. Paranoia.

.

His expertise lies in navigating terrain and stakeouts in inclement weather. The ones where your environment is just as dangerous as your target. He's also in charge of training recruits for those kinds of missions. He’s perpetually exhausted, built like a brick wall, and absolutely rabid when pushed too far. Almost always fully covered. He's incredibly loyal to people he views as having earned it and a strict but efficient teacher. He's a decent sniper and his work in vicious weather means he's pretty resilient. Beneath it all, he's got a bleeding heart. He's never vulnerable if he can help it so if he gets that way with someone it's akin to a declaration of love, platonic, familial, or romantic.

.

He is, however, poor at rationalizing his emotions, often jumping to self-deprication or despair. He overlooks health. Ex: may not sleep if he finds it not completely necessary, may not take meds for fear of seeming weak. He's bad when it regards demolitions. Explosions freak him out, along with small spaces Finally, he's super paranoid. Like insanely paranoid. Especially to anyone non SC. If you are not his friend or ally, you are a potential threat.

.

QUIRKS AND DESCRIPTIONS

.

Chomper drew the short stick in a lot of ways. He's suffering a leg injury currently from a botched mission in Russia. Honestly he should be discharged for the severity of it, but he's trying so hard to get to back to walking and regain his ability to move. Graves doesn't want to lose him either, so he's trying to give Chomper as much time as possible. He's got a gnarly scar he keeps under his mask that exposes the muscle layer of his cheek. Additionally, he has two small scars beneath his right eye. He likes to have good stomping boots and often opts to wear the ones with spikes even if he's not going into snow. He has a cane, he just hates it. (For now. He accepts it and understands its use eventually. I went through those same feelings with my leg issues and I wanted to write him accurately.)

.

He's got a daughter! Her name is Lorelai and she's back home in Texas while he works and sends the money back. She lives with his brother for now. Jamie's ex called him from Texas while he lived in Alaska and dropped the bomb on him. The ex-girlfriend, Lorelai's mother, basically said she didn't want the kid and if Jamie didn't come get her then she'd go to an orphanage. She then signed away parental rights and left Jamie to deal with an infant and no knowledge of what to do, fresh off the plane from Alaska. Talk about a curve ball. Anyway, Lorelai is the light of his life and his reason for living most days. He's a good dad

.

Some extra info from recent events. He was in a relationship with a man from the 141 until that guy snapped and tried to kill him and his battle buddy. (This is the story I'm running with. In reality, my RP partner turned out to be wack and I've had to scrap a crud-ton of lore 😭) The break-up process is bad for him since he already doesn't trust easy. To trust someone with his heart?? Big commitment, especially since he's got a kid. Phil gave him a month of leave lmao, and he's equal parts pining and angry.

.

CALL-SIGN

.

His callsign backstory is more serious than the others so far. He got the name Chomper from a messy mission where he and some of his teammates were captured and separated. With his arms tied behind his back, a broken leg, and no weapons, Chomper resorted to taking out his captor in the only way he could. He head-butted them back and tore their throat out with his teeth. They bled out and he escaped, clearing almost half the building and rescuing three of five teammates mostly on his own with a stolen knife. I’m sure having the door slammed open and seeing a man built like a brick wall with blood dripping down his face from his mouth staring you down is not a fun sight. His teammates got him the mask with teeth on it as a joke, but he loves it and wears it as much as he can.

YAYAYAYAAYAY!!!

[eponymous-rose]

I was thinking about something that happened about ten years ago - I've talked about it here, but not for a while.

(tw: plane crash, death)

In college, I was close friends with a fellow student named Mike - we had all our classes together, we worked on every project together, we hung out at cafes and made big plans and drew comics in the margins of our notes to make each other laugh. He wanted nothing more than to be a pilot. The last time I saw him he and I and our group of friends were walking down some unused railroad tracks, knowing it was the end and we were all going our separate ways, excited and melancholy in equal measure.

I went off to grad school in 2010; he became a pilot. He flew supply runs in Antarctica, an absolute dream. He shared pictures of every flight he was on: spectacular vistas, impossibly remote places.

I moved to the U.S. in the fall of 2012 for my PhD. There I met some lovely people right off the bat; a somewhat intense woman who confessed to Facebook stalking me once she heard we were going to be in the same office, who introduced me to her awkward-but-sweet boyfriend, also in our graduate program, and promptly invited me to her birthday party to be held two weeks after meeting me. A quiet woman from Brazil who I uncharacteristically approached after class when I noticed she was looking a little down; we chatted and she confessed to feeling lost after moving so far from home, especially now that her husband had moved back. A cheerful woman with a bubbly personality who struck up a conversation with me as we walked between classes.

We realized our Brazilian classmate had never done a US-style pumpkin carving, so when Halloween rolled around I awkwardly invited everyone I'd met thus far to my apartment for just such an activity (where I met the bubbly woman's high school sweetheart, an entertainingly stoic contrast until we got to know each other better). I liked this group of friends, but I didn't know them particularly well, so when my birthday rolled around in January of 2013, I was a little hesitant when they announced they'd throw me a party, but I was cautiously looking forward to it.

Then I got word that a plane Mike was on had crashed in Antarctica.

At first, the news came through piecemeal - he might not have been on the plane, he was on the plane but they were pretty sure it had just made an emergency landing and due to weather they couldn't confirm, but then it was several days in a row of rescue missions being called off again and again due to dangerous weather. In the end, around midnight on my birthday while I was nervously messaging one of our mutual friends and refreshing the news pages, it was confirmed that the plane had been spotted and the crash was not survivable; not even his body could be recovered. I had to convey the news to my friend via text.

It was really devastating as my first (sadly not last) real experience with a death like that, inconceivable and impossible to prepare for and with so little closure. And then I got a message from my group of new friends - they knew what had happened and were okay with calling off the planned party that day, but if I was up for it, they wanted to see me and get me something good to eat and distract me for a few hours.

In spite of the voice inside that told me to wallow, I went. And - I tear up just thinking about it - laid out on the table at my friend's apartment was my name spelled out in cupcakes, with a little Canadian flag in a vase, and it was so cheesy and sweet and heartfelt that I couldn't help but be charmed, distracted from misery. We had a great evening! We ate great food and chatted long into the night.

And for that, and for so many other things, all of their names are engraved on the walls of my heart. I don't mean to make it sound transactional - they did this for me, I would do anything for them, that kind of thing. It's unconditional, it's a realization that near-strangers did something fundamentally kind and I have in turn been given the incredible gift, again and again, to do kind things for them in turn.

I've since been unfathomably lucky to have found another group of friends, the (in)famous Movie Night Crew, who similarly rescued me three years ago when Mom died and Hector died, and that's a story I can't tell yet because it still hurts. But I'm incredibly lucky. I just am.

That group of friends who sat around the table of cupcakes with me after Mike died are still very dear to me, and I'm leaving on Friday to attend one of their weddings (with the exception of the Brazilian woman who is on the other side of the planet being incredible, all the others will be there, including the bubbly woman and her stoic high school sweetheart, now married and part of my weekly D&D game!). As a shy and awkward kid, all I ever wanted was to be a good friend. To have been given these riches of opportunities to learn to be just that... I can't fathom how I got so lucky.

Sappy? Sure. But I hope everyone reading this gets a chance to find that kind of love. It radiates.

[eiderducksonofhumperdink]

Eider Duck Coot is 58 years old and the oldest child of Elvira (neé Coot) and Humperdink. He has two younger siblings - his sister Daphne (deceased) and Quackmore (56)

He married fairly young, sadly, his first wife died when they their son Abner (36) was a baby. This hit Eider deeply. What now? Him alone with a baby boy who was just learning to sit?

On the funeral he met his old childhood friend Lulubelle who was his age, his wife however had been a year younger. She admitted that she had been jealous at first and it broke her heart, but she'd forgive him. She also wanted a child, but after having recently overcome cancer, she didn't think she could give birth.

Nonetheless, she would have two. Only a few years later, Mary was born. And then Fethry when Abner was almost ten. They named him Fethry. Fethry showed himself to be very similar to both his father and mother, but also a contrast. Eider is a person who can be rough but also a class clown. That's what he was when he was young, constantly playing pranks on others, often getting spankings from the teacher or his parents. He always showed a good heart nonetheless. He also is incredibly strong, which is natural as a country boy. Talking about that, he also plays musical instruments, especially stringed ones. Another hobby him and Lulubelle share and keeps them connected no matter what. What he however hates is both his and Fethry's #1 hobby drawing. He finds it stressful and just cannot get connected to it. That's what brought him into an argument with Lulubelle, when he told her: "That's not something Abner der needs to learn! I'm an art lover, but this is useless! We don't have the money for that, considering Abner's bad temper. Give him a guitar or any other musical instrument, we can teach him at that better. Just look at his banjo lessons, he's doing great!" But their marriage survived it. And as far as Fethry is concerned, he couldn't avoid it anymore. But what Eider loves about his younger son is his sense of humor - and he may be alone at that. Eider does care, and that has been shown many times.

Even through tragedies. And there were many. When Fethry was five or six, Daphne died from overeating. Eider would blame his godson Gladstone for it, as would Lulubelle. Eider managed to forgive him a year later, but Lulu just couldn't, Eider needed to help her.

Then Mary died in a plane crash, and left behind a son named Dugan who is now in Fethry's custody.

Abner too got widowed when his children Alina and Habakkuk were 6 and 2 (they are 11 and 7 respectively now). And once again, Eider gave support.

Overall, he is a mixed person who can still be a troublemaker, his parents joke that he never grew up. But nonetheless, he is a wonderful husband, father and grandfather. Nobody's perfect!

Credit to Carl Barks for the idea and Don Rosa for the design. I drew him after the latter's style.

[angelasscribbles]

Victim of Love Chapter 14: Yes and Maybe

Series: Victim of Love

Fandom: The Royal Romance

Pairings: Drake x Riley

Word Count: 1,739

Rating: MA

Warnings for this chapter: none

Song Inspiration for series: Victim of Love by The Eagles

Show me what kind of love have you got? My other stuff: Master List.

Drake looked back and forth between his best friend and the woman he loved in perplexity. “I think there’s been a misunderstanding.”

Liam bit back his anger and emotional devastation as he struggled to remain calm, “Which part have I misunderstood? The part where you came to visit me and then slept with the woman I love or the part where you ran away with her or perhaps the part where you proposed to her in a bid to take her away more permanently?”

Drake shook his head as he moved to Riley’s side, “That last part.”

Liam’s voice rose a little, “How is marrying her and taking her to Texas not permanent?”

Ignoring Liam, Drake took Riley’s hands in his. “Remember when I told you that any man who had the opportunity but not the sense to lock you down properly didn’t deserve you?”

“Yes, but Liam-“

“I’m not talking about Liam. I’m talking about myself! I let you get on that plane without giving me an answer because I didn’t want to pressure you but what the last two weeks have taught me is that I can’t live without you. I know you said you had some things you needed to figure out and I know those things have to do with Liam. Am I right?”

“I…” her eyes flew from Drake to Liam before dropping to the floor, “Yes.”

Liam tried to interrupt, “Drake, I don’t think-“

Drake never pulled his gaze away from Riley as he cut Liam off, “I’m not talking to you. I’m talking to her! Riley…do you remember when I asked you to give this, me and you, a real chance?”

She nodded.

“And you agreed…”

She nodded again.

“Do you remember what else I said that day?”

Her head lifted and her eyes met his, “What?”

“Just before I asked you to give us a chance, I told you that I wasn’t asking you to stop having feelings for Liam or to end your relationship with him. Remember?”

Her brows drew together in confusion, “Yes…but…”

“I asked you to marry me because I want you in my life, and I want to be in yours…forever. But I don’t want to own you or control you. What you do with Liam is still your business.”

Liam sucked in a hopeful breath as he watched Riley’s face, gauging her reaction to Drake’s offer. It was a solution that could resolve a lot of issues for all of them.

Riley’s gaze once again darted between the two men. “Are you saying you’d be okay with me having an affair with-“

“Not an affair,” Drake corrected her, “We’d have an open relationship.”

“Really?”

“Yes, really! I know you don’t want to abandon Valtoria. We can split our time between Cordonia and America. We’ll figure out the logistics together-“

Liam had been watching the exchange quietly. Four months ago the idea of sharing her with anybody would have infuriated him. But four months of living without her had been an excruciating experience, one he had no intention of repeating. Not if he could help it.

And besides, he had asked her to share him with Hana. Political marriage or not, he had given another woman everything he had promised her, and he knew he was lucky she hadn’t walked out of his life then and there.

He was through being selfish.

Clearing his throat to get their attention, he took a step closer to the couple and using his most conciliatory tone made an offer he hoped they couldn’t refuse, “Or you could take the job in the King’s Guard I offered you and move back home.”

Drake jerked as surprise hit him square in the chest, “That’s still on the table? I assumed that offer had been rescinded the minute you found out about us.”

Despite the gravity of the situation, Liam laughed, “It was! But I just put it back.”

It wasn’t as unselfish as it seemed. Ever since he’d had to marry another woman, Liam had walked around with a low level of anxiety gnawing at his insides every minute of every day. He was convinced she was eventually going to get sick of the position he’d put her in and leave him. And he wouldn’t blame her if she did.

Giving her Valtoria had been a bribe, she was right about that. Everything he’d done from the moment he’d stood on that stage and called out someone else’s name had been a desperate attempt to hold onto the love he didn’t feel he deserved.

If she married Drake and if Drake joined the King’s Guard, then she’d stay. It was really that simple.

“So, what do you say?” Liam asked.

“I say that it’s all really up to her,” Drake turned back to face the woman that held his heart in her hands, “Riley? Marry me? Please?”

“Say yes,” Liam encouraged.

Riley shook her head, “But do you want to join the King’s Guard? And how would this whole thing work? And what about Hana? How does she-“

“Riley, I was going to say yes to Liam’s offer four months ago. Where we live, how we juggle this whole thing…those are all just details, and we’ll figure them out as we go. I promise.”

“Hana and I have had a lot of time to talk,” Liam told her, “And I mean really talk. She wants you to come home too. She’s hopeful that the two of you can repair your relationship as well.”

Riley looked from one man to the other, her heart beating so fast she was sure it was going to jump right out of her chest. She loved them both, there was no denying that. The only reason she hadn’t said yes to Drake in the first place was the thought of losing Liam. And here they were, telling her she could have both. She thought about everything that had happened since she’d first come to Cordonia and came to a decision.

“Drake, I’ll marry you bu-“

She was cut off as he swept her into his arms with a resounding whoop. He spun her around as he laughed, “I don’t care what the but is, Riley, you’ve just made me the happiest man in the world!”

He set her back on the ground and drew her into a passionate kiss.

Liam cleared his throat again, “I’m still here.”

“Sorry, sorry,” they both murmured as they drew apart, but neither one looked sorry as they grinned sappily at each other, fingers covering lips, and blushes swirling across cheeks.

“What about us, Riley?” Liam’s voice was strained as he interrupted the happy moment.

“I don’t know what’s going to happen with us, Liam,” she told him truthfully, “All of our issues are still there. All of my issues with Hana are still there.”

“All right,” Liam said carefully, “But surely we can work on those. If you’re willing that is.”

“Me?” She stared at him like he’d grown a second head, “You are the one that shuts down any conversation about the future, you are the one that issues demands and decides when we can and can’t be seen together, you are the one that-“

Liam looked like he’d been struck, “Riley! I….I….” with a dejected sigh he sank into the nearest chair, “You are correct, and I am sorry. I have been reluctant to discuss the future because I dread facing any future that is devoid of your presence.”

Drake let an involuntary snort escape him.

Liam’s head snapped up, fire in his eyes, “What?”

“That’s not how you made it sound at lunch the day you pretty much bragged about having your cake and eating it too.”

Liam wanted to be angry, but he knew Drake wasn’t wrong. Anger fought against pain and fear inside of him. Being honest was being vulnerable. A quick glance at Riley convinced him that being vulnerable was worth the risk. He was dangerously close to losing her completely, “It was false bravado I didn't want to admit how much I depend on her, how much I need her, how utterly lost I am without her in my life.”

Drake blew out a long, slow breath, “I know the feeling.” With a wry shake of his head, he asked, “What are the odds that we would both fall for the same woman? And fall hard and fall fast?”  

“Pretty high considering that we've both always had the same taste in so many things,” Liam was astonished that he managed to find humor in the situation. But it was true. He and Drake appeared different to the world because of their vastly different stations and the way they interacted with the world. But at their core, they were very similar.

They were both bound by honor and duty, they both strove for perfection, holding themselves to impossible standards. And either one of them would give their life for the other. They had never had a serious disagreement over anything in their lives until they fell in love with the same woman.

It suddenly made perfect sense to him that they would fall for the same qualities in a life partner. Even for the same woman. Perhaps especially for the same woman.

Drake's laugh boomed across the room at Liam’s observation. “I mean we have, but she’s not ice cream.”

Riley’s brow quirked up, “You have the same favorite flavor of ice cream?”

“Yes,” Liam answered, “Vanilla. And we have the same favorite whiskey-“

“Macallan,” Drake interjected.

“We like our steak cooked the same way-“

“Medium rare.”

“The same favorite color-“

“Blue.”

“We have the same favorite polo team, horse breed, soccer-“

“I get the idea!” Riley laughed, “You do have a lot in common. But you’re very different men.”

“We know that.” Drake smirked, “For example, I hate ballroom dancing, he loves it.”

“It’s not my fault your idea of culture is watching two men pummel each other to a bloody pulp.”

“Mixed Martial Arts has the word art right there in the name!"

Riley watched them banter with a soft smile on her lips. She would have expected them to be at each other’s throats all things considered, but they weren’t. Their affection and respect for each other were clearly evident despite the gravity of the situation they found themselves in.

Maybe, just maybe, there was a way forward for all of them.

[seacee16]

hues of you | charles leclerc

charles leclerc x original character

warnings: mentions of suicide

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chapter six ~ bittersweet shimmer

juliette.amelie

Liked by pierregasly, charles_leclerc, and others

juliette.amelie how nice of Nice

charles_leclerc you're less than an hour away and you didn't tell me? I'm hurt

juliette.amelie suprise?

landonorris its giving "where's my hug", mate

juliette.amelie X_x

georgerussell63 all hail Ferrari's first driver, Charles the Rizzless

Tucking the girl under his arm and drawing her closer, Pierre kissed her temple and said, “I’ll be back in a week or so.”

“A whole week without you in my hair? What ever will I do to pass the time without your delightful presence?” The Frenchman pinched her side, a wide grin on his face the entire time. Getting back from Australia, the pair spent two days lounging on her couch and catching up on needed sleep and series. Now they were back at the airport, waiting for Pierre’s plane to open for boarding. The announcement was made and they shared one last hug before he picked his bags up off the floor.

“Message me when you land,” Juliette told him, giving a small wave as he backed away from her. He sent her a playful wink and then he was gone.

Now, three days later, Juliette found herself splayed out on the floor of her bedroom surrounded by stray pieces of paper torn from her notebook, each page covered in inky scribbles and streaks of florescent yellow. In the eye of her storyline storm, she shifted pages around until her narrative flowed like a mountain stream. Seeing her vision come to life gave her a rush that no experience could compete with. This world in her head was now laid out before her, gaping holes ready to be filled and finalized. It came too easily. Her friend had been right all along.

As she thought over the relevance of one particular character, a low buzzing filled the room. Her phone was eventually found under one of the many sheets of paper, a familiar growing number displayed on the screen.

“Charles,” she answered nonchalantly, eyes still focused on her work.

“Juliette,” his voice called back through the small speaker. She rolled her eyes, unable to keep the smile off her face. Putting the device on speaker, the woman set it down on the carpet besides her crossed legs.

“To what do I owe the pleasure of a phone call from you?”

“Are you busy?”

“Kind of. Why-“

“Great, you’re not. I’ll be over in a few. Send me your address.” Juliette opened her mouth to correct him, but stopped mid syllable when his words dawned on her. What? Surely, he wasn’t in Nice…right?

With a nervous laugh, she asked, “Could you repeat that, Red? Because for a moment there it sounded like you said you’d be over in a few. Over. As in here. In Nice.” She could hear his deep chuckle on the other end of the line.

“That is correct. I have an event nearby with some sponsors tomorrow, and thought I’d come down a day early. Colour me surprised when I found out that Pierre isn’t even in the country. So, I guess your company will have to do this weekend.”

“You really know how to make a girl swoon, Leclerc. It’s a true wonder that you’re still single,” she drew out, words dipped in sarcasm.

“Address, luce mia. I don’t have all day.”

Reluctantly, but not without excitement building up in her stomach, Juliette sent the man her address. He gave her an estimated time, saying he’d need to drop his things off at the hotel once he got to town before heading over. That gave the girl a forty-minute period between him hanging up and knocking at her door to clear up. By the time she was notified of his arrival, her forehead held a thin layer of sweat from running around. With one final stop in front of her mirror to fix herself, Juliette jogged over to the door to let in her guest.

Charles in casual clothing was a sight that Juliette enjoyed way more than she should. Yes, there was something incredibly sexy about a man in a race suit – preferably red…or tied around his waist – but this was different. The Monégasque wore denim jeans paired with a cream branded sweatshirt, a pair of the cleanest white sneakers on his feet. On the other hand, the girl wore a pair of loose shorts and a t-shirt for a band he couldn’t quite recognize the name of. One or two sizes too big, the material hung wide on her frame. To top it off, a pair of glasses sat on the lightly freckled bridge of her nose. He grinned down at her, greeting politely.

“Hi,” she replied shyly, motioning for him to come inside.

The driver passed her, entering a small corridor which opened into the open area between her kitchen and lounge area. A row of tall windows lined the wall along the lounge, a pair of balcony doors in the very middle. Charles suddenly flinched at the feeling of something against his ankle, calming at the sight of the fluffy white animal pawing at his laces curiously. It paid no attention to the eyes watching, jumping away when the man lifted his foot, allowing the loose lace to dangle in front of the animal.

“I hope you’re not allergic,” Juliette prayed, picked a second cat up off the floor and cradling it in her arms. The animal knocked its nose with hers, causing a bright smile to spread on her face, followed by a soft giggle. Several kisses were placed between its ears, a loud purr erupting from the cat. Two pairs of blue eyes found Charles, who couldn’t help but watch. He shook his head. Crouching down, he allowed the cat to rub up against his open palm, feeling the smooth fur beneath his fingers.

“That’s Everest.” The white cat mewed, recognizing the sound of his name being called. “And this handsome boy is Summit.”

Charles couldn’t help but smile as he watched her. She was so gentle with the small creature, cradling its body to her chest and swaying softly as if drawing a child into a deep slumber. Her eyes matched those of the car, a sparkling blue that rivalled the waters of the French Riviera.

“Not that I’m not happy to see you, Red, but why are you here?” Juliette asked him, setting Summit down on the floor, her gaze following him as he chased after the other cat playfully. Her attention moved to the man, dismissing the pink in his face as a product of the day’s heat.

“I thought you could use some company, since Pierre isn’t here.”

“Despite popular belief, Pierre isn’t one of my limbs. I can manage just fine without him around for a few days. This year has actually been the first year I’ve seen this much of him,” she explained. They ventured further into the large apartment, passing by the open kitchen until they reached the lounge. A sleek black instrument caught the driver’s gaze almost immediately, contrasting the crisp white piano in his own home back in Monaco. There was a wall of shelves, overflowing with books and potted plants and tiny trinkets from her travels over the years. The natural light from the windows lining the length of the room filled the space with warmth, a balcony right outside a pair of glass doors.

“Will you be with Pierre for the entire season?”

“Uhm.” Charles could sense the conflict within her. He remembers the question being brought up in the club that night, but there had been no definite answer at the time. A good half of the grid had grown to enjoy her company on race weekends, him a little more than others. So, he couldn’t deny that his heart dropped a little when she said, “I’m not sure, to be honest. Pierre suggested it, but I’m not too sure if I should.”

“Why, if you don’t mind me asking?”

She twisted the tuft of hair at the end of one of her braids around her finger. “Pierre thinks that the travelling will help with the writer’s block I’ve been having, and I’d never admit it, but he’s been right so far. I’ve gotten a lot more done in the last few weeks compared to the final third of last year. But it’s a lot to just leave home to be on the road for months on end. I’d have to find someone to look after Summit and Everest and water the plants, and I’d have to speak to my manager about how it would affect my current schedule, and don’t even get me started on the amount of packing I’d have to do before Pierre leaves for Baku. It’s a lot. Plus, the cost would be huge, and both our friend’s pride and dick are too great in size for him to even consider letting me pay for it. The money might not be a problem for him, but I don’t want him to spend that much on me. He’s been a great friend to me, and I don’t want anyone to think I’m using him for what he has.” A frustrated sigh passed her lips. “I don’t know if that made any sense, but that’s my case, I guess. And I don’t exactly have much time left to figure it all out.”

“Sound like you need to not think for a little while. Have you had lunch yet?” Juliette seemed confused by the question. “You do know it’s nearly two, right?”

Her eyes widened. Had she really been cooped up in her bedroom with her notes for that long? All she remembered was making herself a cup of coffee before sitting down. After that, Charles had called her. Right?

He chuckled, shaking his head lightly. “Go get dressed, then we can get something to eat. My treat.”

“Are you trying to buy my company, Red?”

“Of course not. What idiot uses money on a nepo baby, that’s what my charm is for,” he said, using an awful wink to close his sentence. All she could do was roll her eyes.

“Ferrari admin has been lying to you. Your ability to wink hasn’t gotten any better.”

Charles couldn’t get in a response before she turned and headed towards what he assumed was her bedroom to get ready. While he waited, he found himself drawing closer to the dark piano. A fine layer of dust blanketed the cover over the keys, showing its lack of use. Then again, Juliette had been on the road with Pierre for the last few weeks. He sat down at the bench, lifting the cover and tracing the ivory with his fingers, too light to make any sound.

In the other room, Juliette threw a blue cotton shirt over a white tee paired with beige shorts. Her trusty white sneakers lay somewhere near the front door, so she would grab them on the way out. After pulling one of the many caps she had stolen from her friend over her two messy braids, she filled her pockets with the essentials and went to find Charles.

The sound of piano keys stopped her in her tracks. Her closed door had muffled the noise, only hitting her once she had entered the narrow hallway. The tune was unfamiliar, but she knew the feeling it brought up in her chest all too well. Slowly, without detection, Juliette approached the living room where she knew she would find the man sitting at the grand instrument. And he was. His body was slightly hunched forward, fingers moving swiftly over each note. Sometimes his eyes followed his fingers, but now and then his eyelids would fall shut and he would play from memory. It was mesmerizing. She could almost see the silhouette of someone else in his place. Her heart should have twisted at the sight, but it didn’t. Instead, it swelled, filled with a lightness that had left with her brother. Juliette sat down next to him on the little bench, fingers gliding silently over the few end keys that the racer’s fingers never met. She listened as he played, pulling one leg beneath her.

“You play?” Charles asked, eyes still focused on the instrument.

“No. Timothée.” The playing stopped, and the woman could feel his gaze on her now. “He was great with instruments, but the piano was like an extension of his body. A second heart outside of his ribcage. He would play for hours. The sound of his endless dabbling filled up the apartment at the most random time of day. He was amazing.”

His fingers pulled away from the keys, resting on his knees instead. “I’m sorry.”

Juliette shook her head. “Don’t be.” She looked down at the keys for a moment. Memories of her brother’s hands over her own as he attempted to teach her how to play his favourite song flashed through her mind. “It hasn’t been touched since he passed. I keep it clean, as if he’d come back one day and scold me for letting his baby get all dusty and dirty,” she said with a laugh. “I contemplated selling it. The sound of the keys were almost haunting to here. I thought hearing you play would bring it all back. The pain, the sadness, everything. But for the first time since he passed, the apartment doesn’t feel so empty.” Her soft gaze met his, and Charles felt his breath leave him. “It feels like home again.”

Despite his restraint, Charles couldn’t help but glance down at her lips for the briefest second before finding his way back to her eyes. They were warm and golden, like honey. He mentally kicked himself for his thoughts. God, he wanted to kiss her. But would it be too soon?

His answer came in the form of his very desire.

Taking a breath, Juliette leaned forward and pressed her lips to his. Something sparked inside her chest, filling a hole that had long since been covered and ignored. Surely it was wrong, kissing him after the slight baggage dump. But the look in his eyes had her folding like an origami crane. She was pathetically weak for his eyes. Blue and green and clear with the softest crinkles at the outer corners when he smiled. So, she allowed herself to be pulled in by him, feeling the tide wrap around her ankles and drag her down without any struggle. His lips were soft, sweet. They moved slowly against her own, testing the waters as she felt herself starting to drown. The burn in her lungs felt better than any oxygen she could take in. She felt his palm cup her cheek, his head tipping to the opposite side. A thousand dormant butterflies woke inside of her, swarming her stomach as her hand found his chest for balance. His heart was hammering beneath her touch, racing faster than any car on the circuit. She finally pulled away, noticing the way the blue of his eyes glistened like the water far above. One dimple appeared, followed by a second, and it wasn’t long before her smile matched his.

A sudden shy feeling washed over her, causing her cheeks to burn like the brightest sun. Hiding the flush in her face, the woman rested her cheek against his shoulder and closed her eyes. His body shook with a small chuckle, the hand on her face dropping down to pat her knee in a comforting manner. Little did she know, his face was as red as her own.

Soon, the sound of an unknown song filled the room once more, and her heart fell into rhythm with the keys.

 

[druidx]

The Tragedy of Elo & Merri's Unrequited Love

Hello dear readers. People who've been perusing my blog for some time now should be familiar with my OC, Elowyn O'Toreguarde, and that of my freind @aquadestinyswriting, Meredith Gruksdottir, Clan Bloodvein (née Ironforge). These two characters were ones we roleplayed in a D&D campaign set in the Fighting Fantasy World of Titan. And as much as we've talked about them and shared their stories, neither of us have explicitly spelled out the Tragedy of their Unrequited Love.

So without further ado I would like share a condensed version of the Destiny's New Servants Campaign, focusing on their not-love story. (Note, this is from my POV and is not impartial)

Elo & Merri hit it off as friends right from the start. They meet because of a ghoul situation, take one look at each other and decide – yes, I need you on my side. These are two women who were often overlooked, not least because of their heights, both strong proponents of justice with a go-getter attitude and a penchant for running head-first into trouble.

So, of course, off they go adventuring. They pulled each other through many trials, though most often it's Elo supporting Merri – Merri was the holy one at that time, she was the one with the special powers that no one else had, she was devout and tough and steadfast. They drew close after an incident where three of their party drowned, and closer still when the last reminding character of the originals, a Monk, drops off the face of the planet¹. They get new party members, but it takes a while for them to warm up and mesh in etc, especially as the new characters are younger and more inexperienced compared to our girls. So for a long while they feel like they can only rely on each other. Then Elowyn died, was made a vassal of Kurtulmak, a whole lot of shit went down, and they're kicked off to the other side of the world for Plot reasons.

Two very important things happened not long after this.

The first was that an insane half demon robot from a different plane mistook Elo for her Aunt and tried to attack her…. And Merri was the first to step in front of the woodling to defend her. As an aside, dear reader, I need you to understand that, out of game, I was going through A Time, and my feelings of abandonment, isolation and depression were feeding through into my gameplay. So Elo was also having Some Problems. She'd been ripped out of her life, away from the city and everyone who knew her and everything she'd known. She was feeling lost, abandoned, and suddenly burdened with the knowledge she'd become de facto leader of their group. She was holding together spectacularly². Anyway. She's facing off with this demented thing and fully expecting the party to kinda fuck off and make her deal with it on her own. And she's gearing up to do just that, when this woman, filled with righteous wrath, steps in front of her and says, "You'll have t'go through me if you want her." And, fuck me, if that didn't hit me right in the godsdamned chest.

Bear in mind that this was such a slow burn that us Players, let alone our characters, did not figure out anything until way later in the campaign. That said, I think that might have been the start of Elo falling in love.

Anyway. Elo's made a Paladin, a gold dragon drops out of the sky to be her mount³, they're sent back to the other side of the world for more Plot reasons, dear pain-in-the-ass Felix starts the rumours Elo's some kind of messiah or prophet⁴.

And the second important thing happens.

So they're at this village in the mountains, Felix has convinced half the population Elo's some kind of Saviour, and these random bandits rock up. One of them was a horny bard, who took one look at the pair of us womenfolk and announced that he's gonna take one of us home. And Merri goes, "Well it ain't gonna be me sunshine, I'm taken." We're in the middle of combat when this happens, probably got some better things to be focusing on, but Elo looks at Merri with a face like a slapped puppy and says, "What? You never told me that?" Like, this woman is her best friend, maybe her only true friend at that point⁵, they were close as anything, and not once has Merri mentioned she was engaged. So Elo's hurt because Merri didn't share this. But she's got a deeper hurt and she doesn't know why⁶.

Fast forward, we were conscripted to resurrect a god, Deep Sashelas. Merri is grievously injured by the required ritual. The others in the party are concerned, of course they are, but Elo is next level. Full on fretting by the bedside etc. And as they move on, Elo finds herself shielding Merri more and more. Which is, in game mechanics, frankly unnecessary, because Clerics are as tanky as Pallies are. But if I'm honest, Elo might have done this even as a pure rogue because, of course she would. Elo thinks she's just being a Friend. Merri thinks Elo is being a Friend. The rest of the party are picking up on Something, but no one knows what so no one says anything. Only the on-and-off Monk⁷ thinks he understand what's going on, but he's not around enough to do anything about it.

So now we come to a switch point. Out of game, Urbanvoodoman was tired of GMing and wanted to play so Aqua was going to take over from him. But we had a BBEG to fight first.

Before the fight Elo was contacted by the BBEG, saying she could either hand over Merri or he was going to destroy Toreguard. So Elo now has this horrible predicament. Does she sacrifice the person she's slowly realising might be the love of her life and save her home, or does she allow millions to be slaughtered for the love of one woman?

Elo told the BBEG she'd sacrifice Merri. Only then she didn't. The BBEG fight was a mess, and frankly not important to this story.

What is important, is that to transition Aqua over to GM, Merri had to be retired as a Player Character. So the morning after the BBEG fight Elo and co wake up… and Merri is not there. In her place are letters, apologising for having to leave for her home, Fangthane, and explaining why. Elo's letter contained apology after apology, and Merri's holy symbol to remember her by. It broke Elo's heart. Because now, of all possible times, Elo realises she's in love. Merri is many hours down the road by this point, Elo has no hope of finding her. And even if she did, Elo can't confess her feelings because Merri is already happily engaged to someone else. And Elo is never going to see Merri again because of the ban in Fangthane preventing non-dwarves from entering the city. Then, the world came knocking at the door, and Elo had to suck it all up and get on with her job.

You'd be forgiven, dear reader, for thinking that was the end of the tale. But it's not.

Rumour has made its way to Toreguarde that a young dwarven woman has been imprisoned in Fangthane for the crime of blasphemy. It doesn't take a genius to guess that young woman is Merri. She's due to be executed, unless someone can provide compelling evidence to the contrary. The main issue is that Fangthane still holds a grudge against Toreguard and her citizens. As a representative of Toreguard, Elo (who is still very much In Love with her unattainable dwarf, but Repressing with great success) refuses to break the line, once again putting her duty before her love. This leads one of the other Party members to accuse Elo of not caring about Merri, and, my gods, did I pitch a fit. Elo would have decked him if she thought she wouldn't accidentally kill him.

So the Party receives special dispensation from the Crown to enter Fangthane with evidence showing Merri is, of course, innocent. Elo is Not Allowed to see Merri while she's incarcerated for obscure legal reasons which escape me now, which just kills Elo. But she does her job, Merri is exonerated, everyone is joyful. And then Merri wants everyone to meet her fiance. Elo wants to hate him, wants him to be a bastard of epic proportions. But he's not. He's lovely, a cinnamon roll too good for this world, too pure etc. Yoruk is also a paladin, a decent, principled, loyal and devoted up-standing young gentleman of fine birth. Elo is, in a word, gutted. But she puts her big-girl pants on, pulls Yoruk outside and threatens to end his life if he ever hurts Merri and swears this on her power. He goes back to the party, suitably fearing for his life and his manhood, and Elo thinks she's just going to walk away and go have a cry in her beer, but Merri stops her. They share some words, embrace, and Elo parts from her saying, "With all the love in my heart, I wish you and Yoruk the best luck in the world."

I suppose the girls get a bit of a happy ending, inasmuch that after the Final BBEG is defeated and a little time passes, they grow close again in other ways. For that, please see Aqua's explanation of a Cridhe-dàime.

––– ¹ His player stopped being able to make sessions. ² I was not. ³ Because though the GM, UrbanVoodooman, can be a spectacular bastard for angst, he does love the fluffy stuff too. ⁴ Bless Felix's player, but he'd gotten a completely incorrect read on the situation, vis a vis Kurtulmak, St Cuthbert and Paladinship, which mean he – and therefore his Character – was convinced I was some kind of, IDK, minor deity? This never went away despite how many times we explained it. IDK if it makes it more or less funny to reveal Felix's Player is a very devout Anglican. ⁵ I don't think we'd managed to make it back to Toreguard by this point, and if we had, things were still on rocky ground, so Elo really didn't have many people on her side. ⁶ She was an idiot in love. Relatedly, IIRC, Aqua had only decided Merri was engaged prior to the session where this happened, so it was a bit difficult to retcon that fact in. ⁷ The Player who had previously dipped (See point 1) could now make intermittent sessions.

[dynamic-power]

Weekly tag Wednesdays- firsts!

I haven't done one of these in so long. Thanks Nosho @creepkinginc for the tag!

Name: Dyno 🦖

Age: 29 (but not for much longer 😩)

First pet? A brown and white hooded rat named Sugar. She was such a sweetheart.

First word? "Juice!" Which makes sense, as fruit is my favorite food group.

First celebrity crush? David Tennant as the tenth Doctor 😍

First IRL crush? The kid who sat next to me in band in the 7th grade. (I ended up dating their twin in high school 🤣)

First kiss? It was also in 7th grade. It was terribly awkward.

First car? Petunia 😍 She was a 1998 Jeep Cherokee in gunmetal blue. Both of my younger brothers drove her before I bought her from my parents. She was a death trap with no passenger airbag and no horn and headlights that probably weren't good even in '98 and I loved her very much. I have lots of good memories with her.

First time on a plane? I was 7 and we flew from California to Florida.

First apartment/house/dorm/whatever away from your parents? It was a one bed, one bath shit hole that I shared with a friend from high school. We used a curtain to cut the dining room off and that was what I used as my bedroom. There was a cutaway that looked into the kitchen and it provided more than one awkward moment.

First cellphone? I saved up my money and bought a Razr when they first came out. It cost me a whole $50.

First concert? It was a local metal band in a bar that I *technically* wasn't old enough to be in.

First sport you ever played? Teeball. I graduated to baseball eventually, but stopped playing in high school when music became my main focus.

First career aspiration? I wanted to be a Pediatric Endocrinologist lol. (A very young auto-immune diagnosis meant that I was in and out of endocrine offices for a lot of my childhood)

and finally… tell me about the first time you wrote/drew/created/whatever something that made you think "wow". Oof. When I was about 14, my mom stumbled on some of my original fiction. She thought I'd been practicing my typing skills and asked what book I was copying. 😅 that was when I really realized this whole writing thing had potential. Unfortunately, all of my work up to age 16 was saved to floppy disc's and then lost in a house fire. I wish I was kidding, I really do. I've since rebuilt and improved upon the world I'd built, and still to this day when I delve into it, I'm really proud.

I'm not gonna tag anyone specific. If you got this far, this is me, tagging you. Also, take some cake before you go. 🍰🍰🍰

[oneshortdamnfuse]

You have access to a forensic anthro lab bestie? 👀 Speak nerdie to me.

Ha ha that’s when I was in college… 😂

The high school I work in does offer forensic science as a career pathway program, but it’s not forensic anthropology. When I was in high school, I read forensic anthropology and forensic art books and textbooks, as well as watched autopsies on Discovery Health back when they actually had health related programming. My parents took me to the Mutter museum in Philadelphia with my aunt when I was 16. I was really interested in medical oddities, especially pertaining to the impact of disease on the body- there’s a really good book I read called The Mummy Congress which talks a little bit about this. Anyway, I went to college intending to focus on forensic anthropology. That didn’t happen the way I expected but I’m happy with my career path nonetheless.

I majored in anthropology, and my university required coursework in the main sub-disciplines including biological, cultural, linguistic, archaeological, and applied anthropology. My forensic anthropology professor was great. She had worked on major cases, including, if I remember correctly, one of the crash sites of one of the 9/11 planes. So, she had a lot of experience. But. I realized I didn’t like the idea of working with recent human remains, especially blood and guts and the smell of rot. I was more interested in bones form the ancient past. I did dabble in archaeology - we had a dig lab as well, but the coursework bored me to death actually lmao. My professors for that course and my biological anthropology course were kind of old school and dry.

My forensic anthropology teacher also taught a course on non-human primates. I got to meet some of Jane Goodall’s staff, and I got to see non-human primates up close when a primate sanctuary came to visit. I still nerd out on primates. I could talk endlessly about them, which is a problem. I once stopped a whole grammar lesson I was teaching because my students said that their science teacher told them we descended from monkeys and I had to correct that. I drew an entire chart with prosimians and old world monkeys and new world monkeys and apes and I explained humans share a common ancestor most closely with other apes and we are not nor have we ever been descended from monkeys and good god why don’t certified science teachers actually know about evolution?

I digress.

Some of the most challenging and interesting work I did was actually in the cultural anthropology and linguistic anthropology field. I had a linguistic anthropology professor who I greatly admired, and I ended up TA’ing for her level 100 cultural anthropology course. I took every single one of her linguistic anthropology courses, and I ended up taking on a linguistics minor because of her. She’s an ethnic minority from mainland China, so she tied those experiences into her teaching. I ended up taking Mandarin courses incidentally while I was taking her courses, and I had an awesome Taiwanese professor. Both my linguistic anthropology professor and my Mandarin professor taught me how to make Chinese dishes like jiaozi, hong shao ji, baozi, and mapo tofu. So, I now know how to cook Chinese food I guess.

Then my linguistics professors essentially “adopted” me. One of my linguistics professors is coincidentally also from Mainland China, and I used to run into him at the Asian Market all the time whenever I bought ingredients to try making these dishes on my own. But I also ran into him and his wife (also one of my professors) everywhere else and I found out they lived five minutes away from my house. Anyway, they wrote a grant proposal and won like over a million dollars to start a special TESOL (teaching English to speakers of other languages) teacher training program. They asked me to join to get my teaching degree for free. The only catch was that I couldn’t graduate with two degrees so even though I passed all my requirements with flying colors, I didn’t get my degree in anthropology.

So, that’s how my interest in forensic anthropology grew into me double majoring in anthropology and TESOL and minoring in linguistics and here I am today with the most random skill set in the goddamn world.

[calvins-dad]

I love this post. https://www.tumblr.com/drew-marsinvestigations/724745820429320192?source=share

I'm from the south, and I haven't listened to country music in so long because none of it feels authentic to my experience or beliefs. I listened to Tyler Childers for the first time today. I loved it. It makes me so nostalgic for the music I grew up listening to. Do you have any recommendations for more songs/artists with this type of music?

oh boy do i this is like one of my favorite things to talk about

putting this above the cut because they deserve the promotion:

Black Opry Revue is a collective of Black country and country adjacent artists that tours, offers artist residencies for Black artists, and generally does fantastic work promoting Black performers in a really white dominated industry. i've seen a set of theirs live and can't recommend them enough !! they are a great place to start for finding artists that fall outside the country mainstream :)

more specific recs below

i would say that tyler and zach bryan are two of the biggest stars of the country/appalachian revival rn and both deserve the praise they get

a tyler gem i would recommend is follow you to virgie live at red barn (really that whole album, there are no skips on it)

zach bryan's live version of revival on his all my homies hate ticket master red rocks recording never fails to make me want to go to a concert posthaste

orville peck is pretty big on tumblr and is a more country-western sound if you like that better! he has some incredible good music that handles topics like bisexuality and relationship violence with a lot of nuance and grace (he also has plenty of fun ones, but i like that he's not afraid to handle difficult topics too)

hexie mountains is one of my favorites by him because it deals with complications around home and distance in ways i love

ok now for some people who aren't as big on here but deserve all our love <3

adia victoria is FANTASTIC and has some really incredible music with a little bit of a darker, more gothic sound

stuck in the south is the obvious place to start

in the pines is also amazing and follows in the sacred country tradition of talking about the grittier sides of the south and trying to understand where you fit into all of that

valerie june is also a little bit less straight-country but she's doing some really cool stuff and she never fails to make me pull out my most exaggerated twang. her voice is amazing

astral plane is my favorite of hers

shakedown never fails to make me dance

i only recently discovered wyatt flores but i love the rasp in his voice on

please don't go

jason isbell has been around for a while and released music as a solo act and with jason isbell and the 400 unit.

morgan wallen (don't bother with him he Sucks) released a cover of his song cover me up that got a ton of press but the original is lightyears ahead of the cover

the nashville sound is no skips album from him

hope the high road off this album fulfills the niche for me i think this year does for a lot of other people

le siren isn't all county but i love her music

the banjo on yikes! Gets me as a country girlie

i saw kyshona live and her voice is UNbelievable

my own grave is my personal fav

the turnpike troubadors have plenty of bangers including

a long way from your heart which is another no skip album

some other bangers:

jersey giant - elle king

georgia to texas - leon bridges (the only reason he didn't get his own section is he's really more r n b but this song is about being from the south so it counts)

just let go - sturgill simpson (this guy's music is all over the place in the best way, and he produced some of tyler's stuff if you like that)

a life where we work out - flatland cavalry ft kaitlin butts

also everyone above is a modern artist but it goes without saying that classic country is full of people with interesting things to say that isn't the boot-licking-bro-country-sound folsom prison blues, harper valley pta, 9 to 5, the pill, cowboys are frequently secretly fond of each other, etc are all classics for a reason !!

finally rainbow kitten surprise really aren't country, but they are a queer band from north carolina and everyone should watch their hide music video which is about being queer in the south and features several drag queens coming out to their families

in conclusion: yeehaw

[m1ckeyb3rry]

HAHAHAH imagine the first chapter of pursuit starts with “I wanna be the very best that no one ever was, to rizz then is my real test, to date them is my causeeeee” LMFAOO

LMAOO you forgetting but you also being the one to make his team sends me (i would so do this) ASH AND CHARIZARD I love that dynamic that would be so funny imagine it’s just lazy on lazy hate crimes like “no bitch you move and do it” “no im sleeping”

Even before remembering the setting I thought Charles matched the YIPPEE vibe well LOL WAIT RINS IS FUNNY HAHSAHAHAH “yippee.” NAGIS EGO LEAVING HIM LIKE HIS SOUL IS ASCENDING TO ANOTHER PLANE HE LOOKED ETHEREAL

LMAOOO Karasu has beef with her now yes whenever you have doodles do show!! Obv no pressure to make any LOL I just love seeing the crumbs

Wait lowk Barou yayoi spinoff this angst…/hj barous and karasus>>> on that note I had to remember that reader doesn’t inherit the Barou last name because when I looked at the funeral graphic I was like wait do we need to distinguish which one and then I remembered the whole cousin thing and also how cousins don’t always share the same last name but anyways NOOOSHSJS IM CRYING JN MY FEELS “my ex sending my brother the love he could never give me” goodbye (lowk the move from romantic to platonic love makes this even deeper bruh I wasn’t planning on sobbing rn)

DAYCARE WORKWR KARASU WAITTTT esp if his talonflsme has flame body (if I get pokemon teams wrong do correct me because I think the team listing got buried somewhere and I have bad memory as we’ve established) lowk I like this idea too it’s like he’s proving himself to yayoi but not limiting himself to just the gym leader like breaking the mold yk…..just makes him more extraordinary (in his terms LMAO) like proving himself without needing to be gym leader…..im ngl I jumped to far and read “he cooks eggs” and I was like he does WHAT but anyways

OH LMFAOAO I somehow thought there was a specific meme so I looked it up to no avail but REAL and LMAOOOO DOOFENSHMIRTZ(spelling??? Idk man)

HAHAH no it’s ok they can take the slander (i always find it really funny how even Nagi himself is like this shorty…in ref to Isagi HAHA and ig by implication Reo since he doesn’t really disagree when Nagi calls Isagi that) THE BIG HANDS imagine they do that thing where you measure hand sizes oh god but also one slap from them and you’re stepping into your grave LMFAO (they would never but ykwim)

STOP MIRAVERSE MUKTIVERSE (im abbreviating this to MVMV/MMV) actually goes too hard it all fits too well within the pokemon au SHSHSH white butterfly Hiori and reader him waiting at the safari zone in the house she described raising the pokemon she listed from her childhood dreams bye…now instead of white butterflies white butterfree/beautifly (I can’t lie im a beautifly enthusiast so id pick that over butterfree but wtv floats your boast yk just needs to be a butterfly)

IM GONNA SHIT MYSELF THE TABIEITA ONE IS TOO FUNNY but IVE SEEN THE SAE ONE LMAOAOA finally accurate rep of him omg wait I’m gonna go stalk this artist more I didn’t realize they drew tabieita

LMAOO me rn thinking I’ve said one too many LMAOs and tossing in LOL and HAHAHA (I lowk hate hahaha because it HAS to be in caps or else it looks passive aggressive unless I do like four “ha”s or more but that looks excessive ughhhhhh) in too deep we’re entering my LMAO keyboard smash zone now (I’ve sometimes sandwiched sentences with LMAO too) but enough about my LMAOs

LMFAOAOOOOOOOOO IM DEADDDDD imagine we’ve been talking about peregrine this entire time and I’m just like “WOW she knows all the details about the whole plot does she know the author??” Isagis life is too boring he needs angst to spice it up fr wait I love how Isagi kinda projects Barou into reader and struggles with his loss/disappearance you made him like 10x more interesting in like two seconds damn….QHESTIONING IF THE WRONG ONE GOT TO LIVE omg that goes HARD I love complex feelings like this go off!!! Barou’s death fr doing numbers on everyone like talk about catastrophe of a lifetime (wait side note but this almost kinda parallels MLP and how the mane six get their cutie marks like one event tied them together forever and ig in this case it’s Barou’s death?? SHSHSHS don’t ask me why I made this connection)

Karasu bfb about to be the household Karasu fic trust but no fr there’s no way I’d be able to tell from reading the request prompted fics like if we weren’t talking I would’ve just thought you liked a bunch of characters LMAOO

WAIT WHAT I HAVENT STUDJED YET I paused writing this and scrambled to check ok thank god it’s not up quite yet I need to type faster omfg but RAGGHHH POKEMON THEME LETS GOOO wait on that note would you prefer to write something for a fav or not or are there any characters you aren’t as inclined to write for atm because if so I’ll keep it in mind while deciding because I’m indecisive so (imagine I say Isagi /j I wouldn’t prefer that anyways) good thing I’m in my chronically online hours rn and saw this

- KARASU ANON that wasn’t supposed to be all caps but I’m too lazy to fix it now oops

HELPPPP THE NOT THE THEME SONG (AIKU'S VERSION) SDLKFJHSLDKJ i'm crying omg there needs to be an aiku spinoff that's just him and his arbok spreading rizz and pokémon knowledge HAHAHA

LMAOO besides arcanine whimsicott and reuniclus i feel like nagi's team is kinda irrelevant in terms of our discussions...goodra does get mentions every now and again plus it's SO nagi that i remember that one but rip clefable and snorlax forever second place HAHA that's the exact vibe i was imagining or like reader throws out her gyarados in a battle so nagi whips out snorlax for some reason and snorlax is just sleeping meanwhile nagi's like "BRO IT'S Y/N WE HAVE TO LOCK IN" but snorlax does NOT gaf FKLJHKLSF

all of the foreign/professional players knowing one another is so fun tbh reader in that au definitely would team up with charles to bully kaiser when they play bm so he def fits!! or imagine rin has to get internet culture lessons from shidou and charles so he can keep up with reader's references but he's so unenthusiastic about it so he brings zero energy to the table (his first choice in tutors was karasu but he can't ask karasu for help because karasu's his biggest opp since reader likes him/is friends with him)

KARASU HAS INSANE BEEF WITH EVERYONE IN THE CORE FOUR i actually can't decide why he'd have beef with tullia because she's...not unproblematic necessarily but too focused on bullying otoya to do anything to karasu HAHAH maybe he has beef with her because she beat him in a battle when they first met (four baby birds vs a fully grown lanturn is not a great combo) and he never gets over it (it's mostly like a joke grudge he holds ofc but he would be the one)

no because i've been thinking about barou x yayoi (baroi?? shoyoi?? i'd say barasu but that could get confusing as a ship name because of tabito)...they kind of give mrs l/n x toji vibes from pomegranate ink but opposite!! okay but yk how we have reader and co and it's reader + tullia + karasu + otoya well imagine barou's group was himself, yayoi (who had to do on field training before her parents gave her the gym), isagi, and then aiku occasionally dropping in (aiku serving more of a manshine trio vibe than anything tbh) KLSJFDS the angst there goes INSANE okay wait lowkey isagi and yayoi reunion could go crazy maybe they haven't spoken since barou left because they don't know what to say to each other and isagi's avoiding her because barou told him about his illness but not yayoi and the guilt of that is crushing to isagi (love triangle dare i say?? yayosagi canon because barou's gone??????)

yess he has a talonflame w flame body that's actually where i got the idea of him and the birds looking after (NOT cooking) the eggs!! honestly i think it would be cute too like after beating yayoi and getting her badge as well as being at reader's side when she takes down team x he realizes he doesn't NEED to prove anything to anyone ykwim?? like as long as he's happy it's okay if people consider his existence "mediocre" (because i'm sure people would find it crazy that he goes to be a daycare worker/owner when he could very easily be a league official) because nothing lese really matters...character growth/development we love to see it

HAHAH no there's no specific meme unfortunately but the doofenshmirtz cracked me up so ofc i had to share (lowkey i can imagine otoya in that fit SDJFHSDL)

no because reo calls bachira a banged freak those two are BOTH evil reo is just more outwardly nice so nobody knows what insults he has brewing in him LMAOOO omg isagi is like one of the shortest in bllk besides kurona and kiyora so ig calling him shorty isn't necessarily off the mark (chigiri's a little taller than him but that one low quality panel of the manshine trio where chigiri looks tiny next to reo and nagi cracks me up HAHA)...nah because if i ever got to compare hand sizes with karasu or barou i would BUST i feel like barou wouldn't even understand what it so he's just like "uh ok" if you ask but you KNOW karasu is 100% aware of it he'd be so smug too LMAOOO once again in the words of isagi "this guy...is a villain!" or wtvr he said

MIRAVERSE MULTIVERSE IS REAL wait kalos doesn't have beautifly (they have butterfree) imagine the beautifly when they were kids was just one of yayoi's many gym pokémon that happened to be out and about BUT once he gets the safari zone hiori puts in a special request to have beautifly placed there because of that specific meeting SLDFKJD too many possibilities fr

THE SAE ONE HAD ME CACKLING THE WAY HE PASSES CHIGIRI TOO truly the sae the world needs...the tabieita one was so silly but so them HAHA sadly i am typing this from my laptop (hence the zero emojis too) so no tik tok this time around but next time trust i will lock in (call me nagi battling reader fr) and send smth!!

PLS i always throw in either an LMAOO or a HAHAH or a key smash to break up my trains of thought or the classic...or the !! and ?? because i feel like normal punctuation makes it feel sm more formal like a business professional email or smth when we're literally just besties giggling and chatting yk

I'M CRYING THAT'S WHAT I THOUGHT i was like didn't i show you the drafts of earlier chapters did you think i just pulled those out of my ass??? haven't you seen my masterlist before?? but anyways i get what you were saying now HAHA

no because i have this vivid vision of isagi snapping and going full on-field on reader and she gets upset/starts crying (bonus points if karasu pulls up to comfort her #notthestepbrotherbutthebrotherthatsteppedup) and he immediately feels so bad that he starts apologizing but he just knows barou wouldn't have lost his temper in that situation (barou especially pursuit barou strikes me as someone who gets irritated super quickly but rarely if ever GENUINELY angry) and he already has a complex because he could never beat noel noa hence why he's an elite four candidate whereas barou was supposed to be the next champion so he's basically isagi but better (throw in some yayoi picking barou over him [not that isagi ever confessed he just assumed yayoi would want barou so he didn't say anything and surprise she ended up going for barou]) and yet isagi's the one who's left and barou's gone

PLS not the main six that's literally reader and co + manshine trio (otoya is spike the dragon) truly though barou's death/disappearance leads to so so much happening like it's insane how that one event changed the entire government...mr mikage and the government would've gotten away with their nonsense for much longer if barou literally just didn't leave for his journey or told his family he was ill and came home for his final days SLKDFJLSH ofc they still would've been exposed by the mutiny plot that the gym leaders and elite four members made but considering that plan wasn't meant to be executed for a WHILE who knows if it actually would've been effective or if they would've just murked noel noa and threatened the others into submission

KARASU BFB TAKE OVER REAL AND TRUE and okayy that's good HAHA sometimes i end up liking a character after i write for them too which is another can of worms (like kiyora i barely cared about him besides acknowledging that he was pretty pre-wicked game but now i fw him!! he's not a top top fav but he's cool)

LMAOO BRO YOU CAN'T STUDY YOU DON'T EVEN KNOW WHICH TYPES ARE WHICH TROPE YET HAHAHAHA and no i don't really have a preference for any character!! whatever strikes your fancy...almost hoping someone requests isagi so i can redeem myself and actually write something long for him /hj...i'm limiting the slots to twelve (two full teams) this time because i want to have time to be able to write pursuit and the oaeu and the other requests i still have to do (EEK) but i have no idea who if anyone will actually join so don't stress too much about getting in on time i'll make sure you get a spot (imagine that one drake audio that's like "don't worry...daddy's home") just make sure to send the request in a separate ask so i can respond to it w just the story hehe...anyways i fell asleep instead of posting the completed event so i will be finishing up the post and getting it out now hopefully!!

[photoniccyclone]

Sun Fueled Rage: Hide and Seek Part II sneak peek

Hey everyone, I just wanted to share a small sneak peek of Hide and Seek Part II to help tide us over to the release of the next chapter. Keep in mind this has only been run through grammarly and then read through once, it has not received all the editing treatment that chapters usually receive before they get published yet so there may be imperfections, please bear with me.

Team Rayla is walking through the ruins of Elarion when all of the sudden Soren discovers something...

It took a good one or two seconds before Rayla realized it, but after a while, Soren's mount seemingly split off from the group, much to Nyx's dismay. Amaya was the first to notice, as she was traveling right next to him, but she eventually signaled to Gren, who relayed the message to Rayla and Corvus. 

Soren had entered what appeared to be a short, narrow building with an exposed roof, though most of the walls were still standing. Several lines of stones, the remainder of what must have once been seats, stood on either side of a center aisle running down the entire building length with stairs at the end rising to a raised pedestal—an old place of worship. 

Soren had abandoned his mount at the foot of the stairs leading up to the elevated plane of what must've once been the altar, staring motionlessly at the wall in front of him. 

"Soren?" Rayla said carefully but got no response. 

Corvus, behind her, immediately stepped off the moonstrider and slowly walked towards the crownguard, the exposed stones crunching under him with every step he took. Slowly, the rest of the gang followed. As they drew closer, Rayla noticed that the wall Soren was staring at was filled with multiple splotches of what appeared to be graffiti, consisting of an array of lines and drawings harshly thrown across the entire surface.

Different amalgamations of words and phrases and an odd circle with an x through it were also present, but most of it was rather hard to make out. 

Scribbled diagonally on top of everything with large black letters was a phrase. 

"Proditus in tenebris morior" 

Corvus stood alongside Soren, looking at the weird drawings with him before he put a hand on Soren's shoulder and asked with a somewhat concerned expression, "Everything alright?" 

The others inched in closer to hear his response.

Soren closed his eyes and sighed. "This is Claudia's handwriting…" 

Everybody was silent for a moment, looking at him with stunned eyes. Rayla impulsively felt a slight tinge of worry in her chest and unconsciously reached for her blades at the thought that she might be here but quickly shook her head and thought better of it. It was a force of habit, given the encounters with Claudia she was used to, but she knew from her talk with Soren the other day that treating her like the enemy was not what he needed right now. 

"Soren…" Rayla started gently. "Are you sure?"

Soren quietly nodded his head. "Yeah… I've seen her writing thousands of times… this is unmistakable." 

Soren sighed, closed his eyes, shook his head, and pinched his nose with his fingers. "Of course, she'd come here… she always loved the ruins…"

Rayla walked up to Soren's other side, smiled, and laid her hand on his shoulder. "Don't worry… if she's out there, we'll find her."