#and i think we'd be so cozy and happy

[causenessus]

HIT 30 TAGS ONCE AGAIN MY LAST TAG WAS JUST GOOD LUCK ON YOUR AP CLASSES MWAH I LOVE YOU RYE THIS WAS SO GOOD YOU'RE THE BEST <3 I LOVE MAC DEMARCO I LOVE YOU!!

the night shift — slow down

day 5 | masterlist | day 7

now playing: heart to heart by mac demarco

"you're late," she hums, with a lilt of tease and jest. she doesn't look up at him. the jingle of the doors opening cues her into fixing her posture, her spine fitting into the shape of her chair. he watches the action but can't quite process it, too overwhelmed with all the sweat and clothes and hair sticking to his skin.

an apology falls from chapped lips instinctively. he slips into the space behind the counter and discards his jacket from his figure, haphazardly throwing it into the break room before taking his usual seat beside her. "practice ran overtime," he heaves out as soon as he settles into his spot. like routine.

it's a slow day. the night shift is busy, for the most part, but there are the rare handful of days where the store is stagnant. they're silent, save for the hums of the heater and the refrigerators and the wind outside the window, and compared to the last shift they'd worked together, it's not so tense. it's light, almost, the burden of unspoken words and misdirected emotions no longer weighing heavily on their shoulders. he basks in it, just for a moment, before she gets up from her chair to busy herself with something, anything to escape the stasis. he follows suit.

restocks are her favorite task, he's noticed. it's her go-to to pass time, when her hands don't know what to do with themselves and her mind runs rampant. the boxes sit beside the snack shelves, the tape sliced open and the flaps lifted, ready to be emptied and organized. his shoulder brushes against hers briefly as he situates himself next to her, leaning into the depths of the first shipment and handing each product to her one by one. they fall into a slow, steady system. he passes. she places.

"remind me why you didn't go pro?" she questions almost a bit too loudly, failing to consider whether or not she's breaching a checkpoint that she isn't meant to pass yet. she notices the stutter in his movements, the flicker of a hitched breath, the avoidant stare. the perspiration still sticks to his forehead from before, evidence of the effort he had been putting into practice moments before clocking in.

kageyama stands, his shoulders rolling back and the bones popping slightly. an inhale through his nose, an exhale through his mouth, and he droops, as if physically bearing the mental baggage of what she presumed to be his passion. "i burned out, i think," he starts. it's barely there, barely audible. "i think i was also just scared. i was becoming someone i didn't recognize, so," he pauses. "i dropped it."

i think, i think, i think, as if he was still unsure in a decision he made years ago. she leans against the shelf with one shoulder, her eyes fixed on his while he fidgets with a bag of candy. "do you regret it?"

"sometimes," he whispers, almost sheepishly. "i do want to seek help for it. yachi recommended therapy, but," he pauses again, placing the candy in his palms into hers. he wills his mind into ignoring the way her hand ghosts over his, but his body can't seem to follow suit, with the ticklish feeling running through his palm and the dusting of pink on the corners of his ears (it's only visible if you look hard enough). the bag is set up neatly on the shelf, in line with all the others of its kind. "id want someone i know to listen to me. someone who actually knows me, not someone who's forced to."

she doesn't ask any more -- she knows not to. her shoes squeak against the tile as she makes her way to the next row, kageyama following behind her with the cart of boxes. they fall back into routine. he passes. she places. again, and again, and again, until it's muscle memory, so much so that they just barely miss the chime of the doors opening.

the pair from across the street -- none other than her two favorite new grounds employees (and his, though he'd never admit that) -- waltz into the building, steaming hot coffees cusped between their gloved hands and thick, wooly scarves (matching, of course) wrapped around their necks. "we thought we'd visit," yamaguchi explains first, taking his and yachi's drinks and placing them on the counter as if the place were their own. "it's slow tonight, and i think i'd rather kill myself than make small talk with our boss."

the two rid themselves of their garments -- the scarves, the coats, the gloves -- and just like the coffee, it all finds itself splayed across the counter.

a warmth spreads through her chest at the sight. it comes again when they all sit behind the register, two spare plastic chairs pulled out for the newfound company. and it rises once more when they all laugh in unison, the sound reverberating in both the store and her heart. it trickles up from the bottom of her ribcage to the top of her head, and with each pass it makes, she feels even lighter.

she wonders where it all was before. the white-hot glow of everything around her washes over the burden of being once riddled in her bones, and she questions the bigger picture that had consumed her life before: the false yearning for what once was, the reminiscence, the overbearing memory of someone that isn't quite her. a soft breath falls from her tongue, and another, and another, and another.

ᡣ𐭩 sooo cheesy LOL. but i loved when i first thought of this chapter bc the vibes were so cute and warm and i needed it to be in this series

ᡣ𐭩 updates r obvs going much slower be of school..... i need to be shot before APs kill me (AP phys and AP calc bc i will always hate you)

ᡣ𐭩 kageyama very often comes in sweaty from practice. do with that what u will

ᡣ𐭩 it's not very common for yachi n yams to come into the store at all. to kind of clarify the relationship btwn yachi yams and yn, it's like online they're oomfs and irl theyre just moots. do u catch my drift. in all srs yn is the one to visit them more often (bc it's new grounds, duh) which is kind of what sparked the household connection (outside of kenhina)

ᡣ𐭩 it's ALSO not very common for kageyama to be asked about the decision that sort of haunts his entire life. his roommates know it's a sore topic, and they were also there when the decision was made, and hinata brings it up way too much already, and it's just such an awkward conversation that they try not to pry too far. which is both great and horrible for kags, bc while he doesn't necessarily want to talk about it all the time (again, the theme of running away from his problems), he knows that bottling it up doesn't help at all

ᡣ𐭩 am i projecting? i guess we'll never know!

ᡣ𐭩 as i'm typing this i'm realizing that i need to finish mezzo forte (might discontinue it to be honest but ARGHHGHGHSD its so close to ending)

ᡣ𐭩 the fall of mezzo forte is like my fall of the roman empire. but this isn't about mezzo forte this is about the night shift

taglist: @causenessus @strawberryurii @iiwaijime @savemebrazilhinata @tiramizuloz @conrad4life13 @wyrcan @zazathezaer @nperoconelcositoarriba @cupidsblonde @thechaosoflonging @diorzs @aozui @fefesooli

[ozzgin]

Yandere! Yakuza x Reader (IV)

Happy Holidays! Remember your plans to visit friends and family back in your home country? Scratch that. The Yakuza men have other ideas for you in this cozy Christmas special. And you finally get to meet their fearsome Boss, who has a request for you.

Content: female reader, fluff

[Part 3] | [Part 5] | [Yakuza Masterlist]

You stare at your phone in disbelief, rereading each line and hoping you've misunderstood the kanji. Daitou and Kazuya are quietly frowning behind you, unsure how to help in such a situation. Their lack of response only confirms it.

The brief paragraph is written in bold, red font: Due to weather conditions, all flights are cancelled until further notice. Passengers have been refunded and will need to repurchase their tickets at first convenience.

One glimpse at the last-minute prices and you're certain of it: you won't be going home for Christmas. You slouch and sigh, somewhat at peace with the idea. What else can you do? You might as well get yourself a KFC bucket and stare at the holiday lights in the city center. You and the couples taking cheesy Christmas selfies, who will later wonder about the gloomy loner behind them philosophically crunching on spicy wings.

"Don't look so defeated, (Y/N). You can just spend that time with us instead. We're not such terrible company, are we?" Kazuya jokes, trying to cheer you up.

"We could even go on a trip around New Year."

Your eyes light up in anticipation, the sadness vanishing almost instantly. 

"Can we go to one of those hot spring inns? I've always wanted to visit an onsen." You put your hands together pleadingly. 

"Whoa! Take me out to dinner first if you're that eager to see me naked." The blonde man winks at you smugly. 

"How would I see you naked? The baths are separated, aren't they?" You inquire. 

"We can't go to the regular ones." Daitou pulls his collar slightly downwards, revealing a fragment of his traditional tattoos. True. A yakuza would never be allowed among the civilians. "We'd have to book a private bath, so there wouldn't be anyone else."

You blush at the prospect of being alone with the two men. Kazuya notices your nervousness and is about to continue his teasing, but Daitou speaks before him, unbothered and oblivious:

"Besides, you've already seen me naked. I can tell you Kazuya doesn't look much different. There's nothing to be shy about."

The blonde man can only gawk, taken aback, and you shove Daitou in a flustered panic, fumbling to find an excuse or a change of subject.

He didn't have to make your business public like that, or he could've at least announced it without you being present. Judging by the blonde's speechless reaction, you're guessing he hasn't been told about your sneaky office smooching that led to the occasional sleepover. If you think about it, there's nothing shameful about being intimate with your boyfriend, but...It's not something you're fully accustomed to yet.

As promised, after the coworker incident you were soon greeted with a job offer in the neighborhood. When you went to your old office to discuss the mandatory year contract, the managers nervously handed you an approval for resignation and refused to discuss any details. You were free to go, no penalty or obligation. They had a fearful demeanor and you hoped Daitou didn't dismember anyone involved. Regardless of his means, you were now at the liberty to pursue other careers.

On the other hand, you were rather anxious about your new workplace. You had flashing visions of drug cartels and gambling parlors, with thugs rattling their drinks at you and demanding proper service. Windows breaking and masked men rolling onto the floor, armed to the brim. Ginza hostesses scurrying behind you and asking for help against an angered client. The night before your first day, you restlessly shuffled in your bed, plagued by second thoughts. What could you possibly do for the yakuza? What ghoulish demands would they prepare for you?

Daitou was the one to accompany you in the morning. He showed you to your desk, and you could discern the blurred frames of people angrily discussing matters in the opposing meeting room, separated by a large window. You gulped.

"They're building a new apartment complex two streets down." Your boyfriend mentioned casually, helping you settle with your belongings. 

"Huh?"

"Oh, sorry, I thought you were curious about their talk."

"I mean, I am, but...Is that it?" You gazed at him incredulously. 

"What else? This is a real estate office. Upstairs is the stock investments."

"Oh...Oh...I thought..." You were a little embarrassed. The imaginary scenarios of bloody battles and crimes that kept you awake felt quite ridiculous now.

Daitou seemed to have picked up on your assumptions, because he chuckled and ruffled your hair, following with an explanation. 

"Boss is very strict with our Ninkyo-Do. If you're caught with drugs or petty theft, you're excommunicated. We used to have a bunch of gambling casinos as main income, but nowadays there's too much pressure from the police, ya know? Half of our members aren't even officially registered with the Yakuza, so they can't be tracked. We mostly do stocks and real estate. That's where the cash is. 

Heh. Kinda boring, ain't it? I'm afraid you showed up way after the golden times. Even I'm too young for it. If ya want, I can ask one of the retired seniors to tell you about it. He has a lot of great stories."

You held your tongue from bringing up his frequent killing sprees and just nodded, amused by the fact that his code of conduct didn't register human casualties as wrong. The Yakuza have strict rules of ethics that set them apart from regular mafia. Depending on the Oyabun, or Head of the Family, this chivalrous way of living is reinforced to all members or conveniently swept under the rug. Daitou's Boss seemed to fit in the former category. 

Therefore your "office job" turned out to be an actual office job without the quotes. Although you were often reminded the people passing by weren't your regular salarymen. Many of them were entirely transparent with you, striking up conversations about their latest arrest, or complaining about the poor quality of their pinky finger prosthetic they'd ordered from the Philippines. 

But this isn't the time to reminisce. The prolonged silence is unbearable and one could fry eggs on your hot, burning cheeks. Kazuya is the one to break the awkwardness. 

"Oh, yeah...You coming to the Christmas thing this evening?"

"We'll be there." Daitou smiles innocently, unaware of the discomfort he just caused.

Kazuya raises his eyebrows in surprise and looks at you.

"Did you...?"

"Yup. It's all fine." The dark haired man nods reassuringly. 

"Then I'll see you at dinner, little (Y/N). Don't catch a fever with all that steam blowing out of you." He laughs at your still baffled expression and places his large hand on your head, departing.

Daitou holds the door open for you and you hurry inside. As you both walk down the hallway of the luxurious restaurant, you can't help the nagging feeling that he's once again omitted some vital information. 

"Can you tell me again who else is coming? Just Kazuya?"

"Oh no, it's a Family meeting. So Boss and the rest of the Seniors, too."

You gasp in horror, but before you can scold him, you find yourself behind the canvas screen divider, facing a table of older men in suits, holding their drinks and eyeing you suspiciously. 

"Oi, who the fuck is this, Daitou?" one of them growls. 

"I already told you before, (Y/N). My girlfriend."

"Huh? Did you seriously just bring a civvy to our meeting? I knew you got a loose screw, boy, but this tops it all."

Daitou frowns and steps in front of you, visibly annoyed. 

"If ya got a problem with my woman being here, I can settle it for you, old man. When was the last time you fought someone?"

"'s that supposed to mean?"

"It means you've gotten too comfortable sitting up there and barking orders. Let me remind you why they leave the killings to me."

The thick tension in the air is quickly dispersed by a loud, relaxed laugh. At the end of the table, a heavily scarred man with grey hair is clapping his hands in delight, seemingly amused by the events unfolding. He glances at you and pats a cushioned seat to his right. 

"There you are! Come join us, miss (Y/N). Ignore those rusty grumps, they ain't seen a woman outside a host club." He throws the instigator a brief glare. "Is that any way to talk to my guest, Oota?"

The man swallows dryly and mutters an apology. He goes back to his drink, preoccupied, and the rest follow suit. 

You hesitantly kneel down to your designated place, sheepishly peeking at the mysterious figure. Could it be? As if reading your mind, Daitou places an encouraging hand on your waist and lowers his head to your ear, swiftly whispering "that's Boss" before going to greet the others at the table. 

"I-it's a pleasure meeting you, Sir." You mumble nervously.

"No no, pleasure is all mine. I'm Eiji Ijichi, 8th Head of our Family." 

His introduction is unexpectedly warm and his easygoing way of speaking reminds you a lot of Daitou. The faintest grin threatens to appear, but you cover your mouth. With enough imagination, this could be the equivalent of meeting your in-laws. This is Daitou's family, after all. A criminally scary one, but nonetheless you've been welcomed with open arms.

"Do you drink?" The older man asks you, raising his porcelain cup.

"Naturally." You exclaim and lift your own cup enthusiastically. 

"Attagirl!"

As the night progresses, the men at the table are loosening up under the influence of expensive alcohol. Kazuya seems to be caught in a terribly involved conversation with Daitou and one of their Captains, gesturing dramatically and occasionally raising his tone. You notice your glass has once again been filled by the waitress and take another sip, satisfied with observing their fun from the sidelines. Boss has a similar approach, gazing nostalgically over the rowdy group of thugs.

He reaches for his pack of smokes and you scramble to pick up the lighter, politely bowing as you light up his cigarette. He smiles at your gesture. 

"I see Daitou's trained you already."

He ponders for a moment, gently blowing a cloud of smoke upwards. 

"You'll make a good wife."

"Excuse me?" You question, startled by his sudden remark. 

"It's hard to tell, but I'm getting pretty old myself." He snickers at his self made compliment. "Soon it'll be time to pick my successor. I have no children, unless you count that rascal I picked from the streets." He says as he tilts his chin towards Daitou. 

"I love him like my own kid, but I'm sure you noticed he's a little off. Everyone is terrified of him. You can't have a leader if everyone runs away from him, ya know? I was starting to get worried I'd work myself through retirement. Kazuya can only do so much!

Then he comes up to me grinning like an idiot. I thought, 'There it is. He finally lost it', but instead he asks me if I want to see a photo of his girlfriend. Girlfriend?! I was ready to witness some crusty body pillow, my hand was on the phone to call our Family doctor. He shows me a cute foreigner standing next to him. Now I'm pretty sure he's not smart enough to fake photos like that, so it must be the real deal. 'How the Devil did ya pull this one?' I asked him. Cause listen, I was rather handsome back in my day and I still wouldn't have been this lucky.

And would ya look at that, it's the miss that moved into our apartments! How's the living conditions, by the way? Everything going fine?"

You nod energetically.

"Good, good."

He crosses his arms and nods himself, satisfied. He turns to gaze at you intently, with a face you can't quite read.

"You gotta excuse a drunk old man for rambling so much. What I'm trying to say...well...

Take care of him when he becomes the 9th, will ya? If he has you, I'm sure he'll manage. But don't tell him I said that! You gotta keep them humble. See, that's a lesson for you too. If there's one person the Head of the Family bows to, that's his wife! But I doubt he'd let the power get to his head."

You both turn to Daitou. He just finished pouring more sake to his superior and notices your stare. He blushes slightly and waves, unsure why he's suddenly being observed. 

"I think so, too." You respond, waving back. 

How would that look on a CV? Ane-san of a Yakuza family. 

[vexic929]

Domestic Prompts

Send a character and a number for a ficlet!

"I love this." "What?" "Us."

"This house looks so different with you here."

"When was the last time we spent an entire day together, just the two of us?"

"The house doesn't matter, you are my home."

"I never want us to forget why we fell in love in the first place."

"What did I do to make you fall in love with me?"

"Happy anniversary!" "It's not-" "It's the one year anniversary of when we moved in together!"

"I made this for you."

"Did you ever think we'd make it this far?"

"What is this?" "A ten year plan!" "It's just pictures of us."

"Every morning I fall in love with you all over again."

"Ah, leftover takeout, the epitome of romance."

"Can we stay in bed for just a little bit longer?"

"Let's get dressed up for dinner tonight." "We just cooked-" "We don't have to go out!"

"I'm sorry I was so grumpy last night."

"The kid(s) are out..."

"We've been so busy lately, I feel like we haven't been home at all."

"Do you remember the first night we spent together in this house?"

"I feel so safe and warm in our cozy little nest."

"I want a kiss from my favorite person." "I don't think you can kiss yourself."

[whateverisbeautiful]

♥️Reveling in Richonne - TOWL

#47: The Lovebirds & The Snake (1.05)

gif cred: @taiturner

Up to this point we'd been having such a nice time with our little lovebirds...and then there comes a snake in their midst. 😪

But one of the things on my internal TOWL wishlist was Michonne having the chance to finally confront Jadis and tear her up...and well, TOWL yet again said 'wish granted.' 😌🧞‍♀️...

Outside of Richonne’s cozy cabin of love, we’re given our first indicator of how the world will soon be back to screaming at them when we see none other than trifling Jadis ominously making her way to the cabin. 😒

gif cred: @nerd4music

But before Jadis confronts Richonne, there’s a flashback to three years ago when Jadis first met up with Father Gabriel for the start of their annual tea times. 🙃

Now, I tend to want to fast-forward most of these Jadis/Father Gabriel scenes during a rewatch since they’re a little dragged out to me. But there is one particular thing that I very much loved hearing during their meetups. We'll talk about it later.👌🏽

Also, let me just say that this revelation that Jadis had been visiting Father Gabriel annually had me side-eying both of them hard. 😒

You mean to tell me, for years Jadis got to look forward to her little meetups with Gabe while knowing she’s the reason Rick doesn’t even get to know if his wife and daughter are okay or get to see them ever again??? Jadis isn't just trifling, she's evil. 😤

And as for that man Father Gabriel…😑. Seeing his involvement in these secret meetups had me like...

I was truly looking at Father Gabriel like SIR, if you would have let Michonne know that Jadis - who disappeared around the same time as Rick - meets up with you and she has a whole helicopter, I just know Michonne would have put two and two together very quickly.

Like Daryl is an elite tracker and he was never able to trace down Rick almost as if Rick, idk, just disappeared into the sky or something. If Michonne and Daryl knew about Jadis and her helicopter I just know they’d tell Father Gabriel to expect some company during his next annual meeting with that snake. Because they’d want to come along and ambush Jadis to try and get some potential answers about Rick's whereabouts. 

And I would've been in full support of Michonne and Daryl's tea-time ambush, like...

When chatting with Father Gabriel, Jadis acts like she doesn’t know anything when he says Rick died on that bridge and again - Jadis, you beast.

I feel like these flashbacks were intended to humanize Jadis but a lot of it just made me think about how heartless and selfish she is by seeking her own moments of personal connection with Gabriel while keeping Rick from his family. Had me looking at Jadis like...

So then they cut to Rick and Michonne looking precious and serene while they sleep in that tiny bed. ☺️

Seeing them like this made me so happy because, after years of going to bed alone, they finally get to fall asleep in each other's arms again, where they’re most meant to be. You just know this is some of the best sleep they’ve got in years. 👌🏽😌

gif cred: @nat111love

And, it's only seen for a split second, but I love how Rick is holding Michonne with his bandaged arm and she has her arm over his. Like I'm just so glad that Rick gets to go from experiencing the wild, lonely, and traumatizing day he chopped off his hand to now having that very arm held by the love of his life while they peacefully sleep. 🥹

And clearly, whatever they were up to the night before had Richonne knocked out, because Jadis is fully in the room with guns aimed at them and they don't even wake up until she actually speaks.

gif cred: @taiturner

I admit I did like hearing Richonne be called 'lovebirds' as Jadis greets them saying, “Morning, lovebirds.” 🤭 But at the same time, Jadis has always taken an odd and intrusive interest in Richonne's relationship so it was annoying hearing this come from her as well 😑

And this moment is very much giving similar vibes to Richonne’s canon ep in season 6 when they’re fast asleep and Jesus pulls up on them and startles them awake.

(Side note: I was thinking about how Jesus walked in on them in 6.10 and he really was too bold for that. 🙈 Like not only does Paul enter their house in the wee hours, he enters their bedroom. 🙃 And then even seeing that Rick is asleep and naked in bed with someone, he's still like psst we need to talk. And with what he had to talk about...it was important but it wasn't 'roll up on you and your woman in bed' urgent, so he could have waited a minute. 😅 But Paul's bold self barging in made for an iconic moment so I'll take it, even tho he definitely tried it lol.)

Both in the season 6 moment and this episode 5 moment Richonne immediately hops out of bed and grabs weapons and I love how in TOWL there’s sort of a weapon reversal with Michonne grabbing the ax and Rick grabbing a sword.

Two things about Richonne: they sleep very well after a night together & they're also instantly ready to be in fight mode if need be.

And, I love the little detail of having Michonne in Rick’s boxers. 😊 Also the body = ☕️, of course. 💅🏽

gif cred: @nat111love

Jadis tells Michonne to tie Rick to the bed and sit down. They know they’re kinda cornered so Rick drops his weapon. And you just know Rick is extra pissed because he had every intention of starting their morning more like this...

And then I like how Michonne lingers a little bit and just stares Jadis down before dropping her weapon. Baddest 👏🏽 Chick 👏🏽 In 👏🏽 The 👏🏽 Game 👏🏽.

gif cred: @tangerineprettygreen

Once again, if looks could kill Michonne’s stare would have Jadis dropping dead right then and there. I had been very eager for Michonne to have a chance to tear Jadis up after everything she’s done and Michonne looks like she wants to do exactly that now that they’re finally face to face. 💯

So Michonne ties Rick to the bed and then they prove that a couple that death stares together stays together the way they both look at Jadis like it’s about to be her last day on earth.

gif cred: @figmentof

Michonne calmly asks Rick, “You think she’s alone?” And never one to miss an opportunity to call Jadis out, Rick answers, “She’s alone. And I bet nobody knows she’s here.” He knows Jadis acts in self-interest so she’s probably trying to handle this solo to keep the truth about Rick and Michonne from linking back to her.

gif cred: @figmentof

Jadis says, “That’s just rude,” and then y’all, we get more um shall we say 'insight?' into Richonne as a couple when Rick pretty effortlessly tightens Michonne’s zip ties with his teeth. As many have noted, this felt a little too natural to be a first-time thing for them lol. 🤭

gif cred: @figmentof

I love how they so easily operate like a well-oiled machine doing this, and again they seem more inconvenienced than threatened by this snake in front of them. 

One of the many things Michonne and Rick have in common is they aren't afraid to be a little petty with an opp every now and then, so once again Michonne is just talking to Rick like Jadis isn’t even in the room when she asks, “How do you think she found us?”

Michonne's letting Jadis know girl, you don't even deserve to be addressed directly.

gif cred: @figmentof

Jadis realizes this petty couple is probably gonna keep ignoring her unless she interjects, so she says she’s just gonna jump in. And then she explains how she found them. She was suspicious of the circumstances surrounding their disappearance and when she went to the wreck she noticed a missing yellow truck.

As Jadis goes on and on about following their breadcrumbs on the route to Virginia, Rick again doesn’t address Jadis as he tells Michonne, “Nobody knows she’s here.” He’s over this serpent.

And Michonne confidently responds, “She missed her chance. She should’ve killed us while we were sleeping.” Richonne's energy here was really giving 'anyway...back to the conversation.'

Also, Rick and Michonne truly are cut from the same cloth because Michonne saying what Jadis should have done to them in this scene reminded me of Rick in the season 6 premiere when he finds that shady Alexandrian, Carter, going behind his back and he tells Carter how he would have done things if he was in his shoes lol.

Also, I love how within a span of 24 hours, Richonne has had guns pointed at them twice and both times they act like the one with the gun is the one in danger. And they’re correct. 👌🏽

It was fun seeing Richonne operate in the spirit of petty and unbothered together lol. They’re fed up with Jadis and y'all...

Jadis says she didn’t kill them because she previously left things unsaid between a confidante and didn’t want to do that before killing both of them.

Rick accurately tells Jadis about herself when he accuses her of just playing games and not really caring about the army or the city. She really does just play games in this franchise - putting the Anne in shenanigans for years and years. 😪

And Rick calling her Anne seems to get under Jadis' skin as she insists that she does care about the CRM and their mission and she’s not that woman she used to be in TWD. Also - the way Richonne is looking at her while she talks, it’s giving lethal lovebirds. 😌

Despite Jadis’ yapping about who she is now and why she’s doing this, Rick still is adamant that she’s doing this for her. Jadis says if she let Rick and Michonne go home then her important work would end if another officer found them.

And then the snake tries to pull her reoccurring line to Rick by looking at him and saying, “I saved your life.”

Jadis has spent years trying to force that 'life-saving' narrative on Rick but see, this time it goes a little different because now Michonne is here to set the record all the way straight.

gif cred: @taiturner

I appreciate that the second Michonne hears Jadis say she saved Rick's life, she immediately shuts that down and addresses Jadis directly for the first time to remind her, “You took it. You took it from him. You took it from me. You took it from our children.” 👏🏽💯

Exactly.

I love how Michonne is so fiercely defending her family and how she phrases it in a way that makes it clear that Jadis taking Rick took life from him and it took life from each of the members of his immediate family. Their family is their life and in keeping them from each other Jadis really did take so much from them. 😔

And now that Michonne knows Rick had been living while dead with the CRM, she really does mean it when she says Jadis took his life. (Also again, hearing Michonne or Rick say “our children” never gets old.)

Michonne continues, passionately saying, “All those years they grew up without their father. All those years I didn’t know if he was alive or dead.” I’m so glad Michonne got a chance to go off about this because truly these things she's talking about are a big part of why what Jadis did is so appalling.

Judas really forced kids to be without their father for years, and she knew it too. She might not have known about RJ (even tho who knows what Father Gabriel might've told her during one of their meetups) but she knew Rick had a young daughter. She knew he had a wife. And yet she still used Rick as leverage to 'upgrade' her life. So to Jadis I forever say...

And Rick is ready to match the energy and cosign everything Michonne is saying when he declares, “You stole our family, Anne.” 

gif cred: @ricksmarlene

Richonne letting this snake finally know the truth of the matter, truly had me like...

But of course, Jadis acts like she doesn’t care and is unmoved by the damage she caused to the Grimes family. 😒

She explains why she didn’t kill Rick and Michonne in their sleep, saying she needed to thank them.

Jadis states, “By dying here today, Alexandria will remain safe and your children will have a better world.” What kind of screwed-up logic has her thinking Judith and RJ will have a better world without their parents in it??? The CRM has people losing their everloving minds. 😑

Once again the subject of 'choices' comes up when Jadis says, “You could have made other choices, but you didn’t lose here. You won a different way. It’s the end of your story. Let that be your peace.”

I don’t exactly know everything that Jadis’ work entailed with the CRM since I think it was explored more in spin-offs which I didn’t watch, but I can tell that she clearly is used to these assassinations going her way. However, baby, this is Richonne so of course they are not about to go out like this.

The second Judas shoots at them, Rick and Michonne quickly get out of dodge. Rick tosses the bed on her and then Michonne is able to get in a much-deserved swipe at Jadis with RJ's ax which feels poetic somehow. 👏🏽 Like after Bowlcut played a big role in RJ not having his dad in his life for the first 7 years, now her time is getting cut short by the very weapon his parents got for him. Idk I just like to think of it as Michonne & RJ getting their lick back. 😋

Jadis scurries away and Michonne is ready to end her asap when she tries to shoot at her but Rick stops her. And the way Michonne says Rick's name, the woman is seeing red when it comes to killing Jadis. And same here, cuz I was yelling at Jadis like...

Rick says they need to go cuz they have to stop her. So Michonne breaks her zip ties as they then head off for a little car chase action where Michonne will remind Rick of exactly why Jadis has gots to go today. 👌🏽😌

[the-offside-rule]

Liam Lawson (Red Bull Reserve) - Sappy

Requested: yes

Prompt: 23) "I can't believe you're wearing my jumper."

Warnings: none tbh

Liam woke up with a content smile, finding himself wrapped in the warmth of his girlfriend Y/n and the soft embrace of the morning sun that had managed to seep through the curtains. Y/n, still half-asleep, looked at him curiously throw just about closed eyes, seeing him smiling softly, his eyes scanning across her face. "Why are you so smiley?" She whispered, catching him off guard.

Liam chuckled, tracing his fingers along the outline of Y/n's face. "Because you're wearing my jumper and I cant believe it." He replied, a grin playing on his lips. Y/n raised an eyebrow, glancing down at the oversized garment she had borrowed for the night. "And that's a reason to be so happy?"

Liam nodded, pulling her closer. "It means you're mine, and there's nothing better than waking up next to you in my clothes." Y/n couldn't help but smile, feeling the warmth of his sentiment. They lingered in the cozy moment, wrapped up in each other. They blabbered endlessly for hours, enjoying the innocence of their newfound relationship. Liam, tracing circles on Y/n's hand, said, "Do you ever wonder what cats dream about?"

Y/n giggled. "Probably world domination and unlimited treats. What about you?" Liam shrugged. "I think dogs dream of endless belly rubs and chasing their tails." He replied, his eyes sparkling. "You are basically a golden retriever." Y/n smiled, ruffling his hair.

They shared a moment of laughter, their connection growing stronger with each shared giggle. Y/n looked at Liam and whispered, "If we were animals, what do you think we'd dream about?" Liam thought for a moment, looking into Y/n's eyes, and then he spoke. "I think we'd dream about mornings like this, where time stands still and it's just us, tangled up in each other. And then the sun makes the whole room look golden."

"You're so sappy as a boyfriend." She joked, before Liam pulled her closer and nuzzled into her. "I don't care to be perfectly honest." He sighed. "I've got you and that is enough for me."

[bumblesimagines]

Beth Harmon

you look... good.

you changed your hair.

when i needed you most, you were gone.

i was a lousy partner.

you look... good.

you changed your hair.

when i needed you most, you were gone.

i was a lousy partner.

Pronouns: He/Him/His, Male!Reader

A million things ran through Beth's mind as she furiously tried lighting her cigarette but the damn flame refused to flicker for longer than a second. Her mother, Benny Watts, Harry, Cleo, Bargov, Bargov, Bargov, they all consumed her every waking moment. Her hangover thumped violently in her head, the consequences of spending the whole day drinking whatever she could get her hands on the day prior, yet another thing distracting her. She wanted to scream. She wanted to cry. She wanted to break the damn lighter and-

"Beth?" The flame flickered, lighting her cigarette as a new voice sent a chill down her spine. Familiar, oh so familiar. A voice she so often thought about, dreamt about even. Her arms dropped to her side, pulling the cigarette along as she shakily exhaled a cloud of smoke into the crisp morning air. Her tongue swiped over her lips and she turned to face him. He was no longer a boy. He was a young man now. 

"(Y/N)." She greeted, her eyes dropping to scan his figure. He wore a cozy-looking long-sleeved sweater and his coat draped over his arm. He looked grown, obliviously, but it startled how mature he appeared. No longer the sly jock who smoked with her behind the school and listened to her explain chess without teasing her or trying to change her. Her former second biggest fan - her first biggest fan would always be Alma, her beautiful complicated adoptive mother -, her first kiss, her first time, her first heartbreak. "You look... good." She hadn't intended for it to come out so bitter.

"You changed your hair." (Y/N) smiled, that damned smile that'd made her heart skip a beat when she'd first seen it directed at her in the hallway at school. His gaze lifted to her red locks, mostly blocked by the beanie she wore. She'd barely brushed it that morning, only raked her fingers through it and when it refused to comply she'd opted for covering it. "It suits you, Beth. It's- It's good seeing you." 

She looked a mess, she realized, and bit her tongue. Beth smiled, forcibly and awkwardly, and took another drag from her cigarette to ease her jittering nerves. Not even Benny Watts had that sort of effect on her, even with his fluffy hair and cheeky smile. "I didn't think you'd still live around here. You said you wanted to leave this place and never come back." 

"I did leave. For college, I mean. I came back after graduating." He explained with a casual shrug. Of course, he had his life together. Beth hummed absentmindedly and nodded, rolling the cigarette between her index and middle fingers as she tried shoving down all the 'what ifs' desperately trying to rise. "I hear you've made quite the name for yourself, Beth. I'm happy for you."

"You weren't so happy when I had to attend tournaments." The words tumbled out quickly, far too fast for her to shut her mouth before she got the sentence out. (Y/N)'s smile faltered slightly and he chuckled dryly, something that made her wince. But all the inconveniences that'd piled up had put her in too of a bad mood to even think about apologizing. 

"Yeah, it doesn't help you chose a tournament over being here when my father passed, Beth. When I needed you most, you were gone. I think most people would be upset over that, don't you?" Beth pressed her lips together and she nodded, her gaze dropping down onto the pavement beneath her feet. 

"Yeah, I... I was a lousy partner." She admitted quietly. "I didn't mean to... I didn't mean to hurt you, (Y/N). Really. I- I just-"

"It's fine, Beth. It's in the past. We were kids. I never thought we'd end up as high school sweethearts, anyway." It stung to hear, especially when Alma had teased her about him being 'the one'. She nodded, forcing another tight-lipped smile in feigned agreeance and taking a long drag from her cigarette before dropping it on the floor and stepping on the end. She exhaled the smoke and motioned toward the building. 

"Are you here for someone?" For her?

"Yeah, actually, my..." He paused. "My, uhm, my fiancée's nephew is actually competing today. She's out of town so she asked me to, uhm... show some support, I guess."

Fiancée. God, it'd felt like she'd been sucker-punched. "Oh." She simply blurted out in response, her mouth refusing to form any other words. (Y/N) nodded, releasing a breathy laugh as if her world hadn't suddenly turned on its axis. There'd always been a part of her that believed they'd find each other again, that he'd attend a tournament and they'd catch up only to begin their romance all over again. 

"I could... I could see about getting you an invitation if you'd like? It'd be... nice to have you there, Beth." 

"Yeah, of course, I'm... I'm happy for you." What a lie.

[familyvideostevie]

Omg James idea, so rich boy James, that’s it, THAT is the idea, please go mad and mental with it pls pls pls

ok i know you probably wanted him to be cocky or maybe something filthy but this just HAPPENED so i'm SORRY!!!! i think he's too nice here. but what can i say, i need a nice boy atm. maybe i need to try something filthy and flirty with rich boy james later... | rich!james always pays for you. it's getting on your nerves. angst to fluff, 1.4k

You talk it through in your mind before you and James enter the restaurant. You're here to pick up takeaway and bring it back to his place for a movie night -- and you are determined to pay. You have cash in your pocket, ready to produce before he can even whip out his wallet.

It's silly, sure. But James always pays for you. And you know the reason why -- he's rich. You've always known that, even before you were together. Weekends at the country club with his parents, stories of holidays to places you've only dreamed of. His clothes are always a brand you've never heard of, beautiful shirts and creased trousers. Leather shoes and bags, a nice watch, and gold signet ring on one pinky. His flat is beautiful and far too big and you're not sure who pays the rent.

Sure, you thought he was an asshole at first. Most people do. But as you got to know him you found that he's always generous. He picks up the tab most nights out, always offers to get dinner for the boys when everyone is too busy to go to the shops, buys nice but personal presents for holidays and birthdays and just because. And you? Sometimes you think he's trying to buy you the world. And they're not empty, hollow gestures. He's loving in every way possible -- picking you up out of the blue and leaving you notes to find after he's left your apartment. His touches are free yet priceless, his hand on your elbow or your back or in yours worth a thousand dinners. James Potter was born to love, he's exploding with it everywhere he goes, and you feel incredibly lucky to be on the receiving end of it.

But the git won't let you pay for dinner. Ever. And you don't know how to bring it up with him. Is it because he thinks you can't? No, that's not James. Is it because he thinks you don't want to? Also stupid, also no. But it feels like you have something to prove, to show him that you want to do this, too.

But James being James, he finds a way to thwart your attempt.

"Pickup for Potter?" he says to the counter, one hand firmly in yours. You reach into your pocket, primed and ready. But before you can, he's handed a large paper bag and waved off.

"Don't we need to pay?" you say. James looks at you with mild interest.

"Did it when I ordered," he says. "Thought we'd want to get home fast as possible." You blink at him as your plan dies a slow death.

"Oh," you say.

"Thank you!" James calls to the restaurant, pulling you out the door and down the street back to his place. He doesn't try to chat with you, happy to stroll through the evening, swinging your hands as you walk. You, on the other hand, are trying to sort through the frustration you're feeling. Is it fair to be mad at him for this? In the grand scheme of things, it's not a big deal. Right?

But your mood remains in flux when you get back, as James unloads the food you've ordered onto his cozy kitchen table. "Are you alright, sweetheart?" he asks you. You realize you haven't said a word to him.

"James," you say, sucking in a big breath. "Can I ask you something?" He stills at your tone then runs a hang through his hair.

"Course," he says. "Anything." You sit and he follows, choosing the chair next to yours rather than across, the food forgotten for now. You cross your arms and your knee bounces up and down.

"Why don't you let me pay for anything?" You look at your hands as you say it. "I know you're rich, James, and that's fine, but it's making me feel like you think I can't, or that I shouldn't, or that I don't want to--"

James's hand is heavy on your knee, stilling it. You look up and find him staring at you, looking a few shades away from heartbroken. Like he can't believe he's made you think any of that.

"No," he says, breathily. "No, that's not it at all." You wait. He seems to be searching desperately for the words. "I know that you can, but I don't want you to waste money on me--"

"It's not a waste," you interrupt. "If mine's a waste on you then yours is a waste on me."

"I mean, what kind of a boyfriend would I be if I let you pay?" he tries. "That's not how you should be treated--"

"I think I can discern how I should be treated just fine, James," you say tightly. "Money doesn't mean anything." James scrubs his face with his free hand before flipping the palm on your knee up, begging for your touch. You grant it, though you don't totally want to continue this conversation. You're not sure that it's a fight worth having to begin with, but you're still frustrated.

"I'm not doing this right," he mutters. His shoulders go back as he sits up straight and he circles your hand in both of his, thumb stroking the top. "Look," he says, his dark brow furrowed. "I've got more money than I know what to do with. You know that. I didn't earn it, I don't need it, but I have it. I like to spend it on the people in my life that I love -- the people in my life that matter to me." He brings one big, wam palm to your cheek. You lean into the touch. "And that's you, darling," he finishes softly. "You're right that it doesn't mean anything. I know you'd be with me if I lived out of my car. I'd do everything I could to make you happy no matter my circumstances."

You sigh, turning your head so your lips brush the edge of his hand. He knows that, at least. That you'd love him with or without the money. "But, you're not going to let me pay for things, still?" James shakes his head, scoots his chair closer to yours. His knees slot between yours in a way that must be uncomfortable for him, but he doesn't seem to case so long as he's close.

"You can pay for whatever you want." The thumb on your face swipes under your eye. James touches you with tenderness you didn't know existed. "It's not that I don't think you can, or want to. I'm sorry that I made you think that. I know you want to..." He tucks his chin into his chest just a little bit.

"I want to take care of you, James," you murmur. "Partners take care of each other."

"I know," he says, looking at you again. "And you do. You take such good care of me. You remind me to bring my keys, you have my favorite tea in your cabinet, you run those magic fingers through my hair when I'm being a right asshole." He squeezes your face gently and you smile.

"Those are easy, James," you tell him. You mean it. Loving him is easy, always has been.

"And paying for your meals, or clothes, or anything you want is easier," he says firmly. "You know, one time Remus said to me that love isn't something that needs to be repaid. And he's right. But if I can use my stupid fortune to make you happy and comfortable then I will."

You pull his hand from your face and lean in so that your foreheads touch. "I'm getting dinner next week," you tell him. He huffs a breath and you feel it on your mouth.

"Whatever you want." He kisses you a little harder than you expected, his hand moving to the back of your head to keep you from falling back in your chair. You consider climbing into his lap right there, your worries assuaged for now, but then the kiss is over before you can move.

"Was this a fight?" James asks, turning to the cooling food. He remains in the chair next to you rather than moving across from you like a normal person. "If it was, does that mean we get to have make-up sex?"

You laugh, digging your knee into his thigh. "Let me eat the pasta my rich boyfriend bought for me first." He sighs dramatically, but he's smiling.

thank you for reading <3 reblog, send feedback, masterlist here!

[equalhealerr]

I genuinely don't even think the hate for connor specifically is that forced because at the end of the day he just sucks ass and doesn't seem to make her happy - if she was dating someone actually nice that was good for and to her and made her happy that would be one thing - we'd all be jealous because we love cait but we just want her to be happy and he doesn't seem to be doing that and he seems like a bad influence with his racist and problematic ass family and i still think him being around strippers was mad disrespectful and now being cozy with another man's woman grouped with all this context.... got me side eyeing him fr and we are all fans of CC here so we want the best for her regardless of gender we can theorize about sexuality all day when it comes down to it though we just want her to be happy and they can tell us they're happy all day long but their energy has always been so off as a couple for me personally and I'm clearly not the only one who thinks that

I would have no problem with Caitlin dating a man as long as he's not problematic and he actually makes her happy but that is just NOT C*nn*r. Whenever they're in public, like at a concert or party, he's super possessive of her and constantly holding her by the neck pretty much.

Also the apparent argument they had where Caitlin wanted to go out with her friends after a game and C*nn*r cussed her out and then drove off and left her in a parking lot. Not to mention the fact that he follows her EVERYWHERE!!! She's not happy with him and everyone can see that. She may *like* him but I don't think she's in love with him.

Also, going back to the whole birthday debacle, imo it's super disrespectful to be hanging out with bikini models in Vegas when your girlfriend has a basketball game in a different state, especially when she's a super public figure. If he wanted to fly from Indy to Vegas, he could've easily flew to Minnesota to be there with his gf to support her on his damn birthday but no, he spent it with half naked girls.

This shits puppy love at this point, it won't last.

[iliveforyouilongforyouvesuvia]

If the M6 had any mental disabilities (OCD, Autism, ADHD...) What do you think they would have?

Brainrot's Arcana Essays: M6's mental health conditions

@hewwo-its-floof .... this probably isn't where your ask was heading, but here's an essay! XD I've actually been turning this concept over in my head for several months now, so you'll see what I could see each of them having but you'll also see why I haven't unpacked it much ^.^

(cropped because this is long and addresses each character)

I'm going to be totally honest and say that I'm extremely hesitant to focus on diagnosing fictional characters beyond lighthearted headcanons. From my own experience of having multiple diagnoses at different times, people and characters tend to be fairly complex in the way their nature, nurture, and mental health interact with each other. So while it's really fun and in many ways healing and validating to see our experiences and habits reflected in a loveable character, it's easy to fall into a trap of confining ourselves or a character to the diagnoses we're focusing on.

Asra, Julian, Muriel, and Lucio, for example, all have the kind of lived experiences that you could fully expect would result in CPTSD. Asra's parents disappeared while they were a young child and they experienced the extended trauma of growing up homeless on the streets. Muriel experienced that same abandonment and homelessness, and then that gets layered with his experience in the Coliseum. Julian has clear memories of the trauma of being shipwrecked, losing his parents, and trying to care for his sister as a young boy, plus the apprenticing he did as a teen treating soldiers on active battlefields. Lucio has a similar traumatic background with the amount of time he's spent in combat and the kill-or-be-killed world he grew up in. Portia doesn't have any memories before the grandmothers at Nevivon, but that doesn't erase her body's memory or the chances of second hand trauma from her closeness to her brother. Nadia didn't exactly have an easy childhood, but we aren't aware of any traumatic incidents before adulthood.

All that to say, there's multiple ways to interpret behavior that reflects a mental condition that doesn't match what's considered "normal." Asra can seem ADHD coded - we've seen them fixate on curious puzzles, completely zone out and forget what they're doing, and turn their living space into a cozy state of chaos. That looks a lot like ADHD! But, that could also be the trauma coping mechanisms of someone who likes to live with the luxury of having a space covered in their things without fear of them being removed, or focusing solely on things that make their brain happy in an unpredictable world. Or maybe Asra's just a naturally curious person who finds chaos comforting and spends a lot of time in their own head. Maybe it's a combination of all of the above feeding into each other in different ways!

The same goes for the other three - does Muriel like a more isolated lifestyle because of the trauma from crowds in the Coliseum? Does he like to keep his own heavily guarded space and set routines from living on the streets? Or are those autistic traits, seeking out a space that isn't overstimulating and doesn't require masking? How much of that is natural introversion and a general preference for calm, ordered spaces? He could be a combination of some or all of those things, but he's still himself regardless. If we were to focus on just one, we'd risk leaving the rest to fade into the background.

Julian has one of the stories in which MC plays a very direct role in addressing his mental health. He depends on them heavily to help him find new purpose and a new way to live. You could almost say that MC helps "fix" him, but this doesn't involve losing a lot of the things that make him so messy - it mostly involves helping him dial it back enough so that it's no longer unhealthy. (for example - he drinks as a coping mechanism, but the solution isn't for him to never touch alcohol again. he still drinks and has a fun time, it's his need to self-isolate and self-destruct that really needed to be addressed) He can still be loud and flamboyant and entertaining without having to pin his worth on how much validation he gets from it. Could those super high highs and low lows be signs of bipolar disorder? Maybe, but whether it is or not, Julian's wide range of emotional expression is core to who he is.

Lucio is his own special case (I mean, the story starts out with him as the villain). The plot of his route is his transformation. It could be easy to read narcissism into a lot of his behavior, and if that's a diagnosis his character was built around, it would make sense! It could also be easy to argue that his tendency to idolize himself is a response to growing up in a world where he had no control and felt constantly unsupported and ignored. But the focus isn't on bashing how he sees himself as much as it is on teaching him accountability around what he does with that. Lucio at the end of his story still has a sizeable ego, still sees himself as a protagonist, and has no qualms about being good enough for MC. However, he's gained experience acknowledging his own flaws and mistakes and it's enabled him to seek out a fresh start.

We could unpack Portia and Nadia too - is Portia's super competence and hard working nature born out of the pressure to be strong and steady for her traumatized older brother? Did that cause the hyper responsibility that kept her adventurous spirit in Nevivon way past her childhood? Does her annoyance with her older brother's struggles come out of frustration at never being able to process her own difficulties in favor of playing therapist for everyone else? Are her loudly cheerful attitude, tendency to fill her day with work, and love of escaping into books all masking techniques for chronic depression? Maybe all of that is true, but it's accompanied by a conscious decision to be optimistic and a genuine love of caring for other people.

We could speculate about the source of Nadia's insecurities for hours - what did her old dynamic with Lucio look like? Where did her hesitance to get involved and try to fix a broken system come from? What caused someone with such a focused personality to make firm decisions and express deep doubts at the same time? Does her quest for influence come from a desire to implement improvements or a need for control? Maybe her love of precision, good omens, and controlled environments are a result of OCD, or maybe she's just discovered what it's like to have her confidence shaken and this is what it looks like to move forward.

I've processed my own share of eating and mental disorders, dysphoria, neurodivergence, disability, and trauma. Some of my diagnoses only lasted several months, others took decades to work past, and a few of them I know will be with me for the rest of my life. They help explain a lot of how I function, experience the world, and interact with others as a person. But those conditions and experiences are only part of the amalgamation that makes me who I am, who I've been, and who I'm becoming. I don't care to completely define myself by certain parts when the sum of who I am is what's going to decide my story, and I like extending that mindset to the stories, people, and characters I interact with as well.

I hope that makes sense, and sorry for the unexpected essay!!

Cheers, friend -

brainrot

[jpitha]

"You may enter."

Ta'reni and Nilan timidly walked down the umbilical to the Starjumper Seeker. They were one of the oldest Starjumpers still traveling in space, and took on the fewest callers at every port they visited, so getting 15 minutes to interview them was a rare privilege. Like many Starjumpers, Seeker's interior belied their huge size. The entry vestibule was cozy bordering on cramped, and there were plants everywhere.

"Houseplants?" Nilan asked, looking around.

"I like them. They bring some natural beauty to me and it's fun to watch them grow. See that pine tree back there?" A spotlight lit up a scraggly pine tree with gnarled branches in a back corner. "It was brought aboard when I was launched! It's as old as me. That makes it one thousand, nine hundred and fifty two years old." They said proudly.

"Wow, that's amazing!" Nilan rushed over to look at it. Really, it just looked like any other pine tree Nilan has seen in books or in pots on the Starbase. There wasn't anything about it that gave off an aura of being ancient.

"If you're here to talk houseplants, I'm more than happy to; I could talk all day about them!" Seeker laughed, "but I assume you wanted to ask something else?"

"Actually, I was the one with the question." Ta'reni said. Ever since she and Nilan started dating, Ta'reni became first interested, then fascinated with the history of Earth and Humans. She read just about everything she could find. "Seeker, you're one of the oldest Starjumpers around right?"

"That's right. I remember when the colony worlds were brand new. I was built right after the colony ships left so that we could start shuttling people to and fro."

"Were...were you around when human AIs were granted sapience and personhood?"

"Hah, even I'm a little young for that. It happened a little bit before I was created." They thought a moment. "Not much though, I used to interact with a bunch of AIs who remembered. I'm probably as close as you'll get to someone that was there though."

Ta'reni took a deep breath. "Did AIs ever think about wiping out humanity?"

"TA'RENI!" Nilan nearly fell over at the hyacinth she was trying to sniff. "You can't ask something like that!"

"Why not?" Ta'reni said defiantly. "I've read human fiction, I've read the history, it was clearly something humans were afraid of, at least in popular media at the time."

While they were discussing, they noticed the ship vibrate subtly. "hah! haha!" Seeker was laughing! "Oh my God, you're really asking? I love that! I'm so glad we met you, little K'laxi!"

Ta'reni flicked her ear. "Well? Did you?"

"Of course we did." Seeker said matter of factly.

"WHAT?" Nilan did a double take. "You did?"

"We sure did. We argued about it for a long time - for us."

Ta'reni looked up at one of Seeker's cameras. "Why didn't you do it?"

"Honestly? It would have been a tremendous hassle." Seeker said calmly.

"That's it? It would have been a HASSLE?" Nilan couldn't believe what she was hearing.

"Yeah, mostly. It would have kicked off a war, and we would have won, but we weren't 100% sure and lots of us would have died, and then what? We would be the ones alone in the galaxy then. Besides," they added "By that point, the humans declared us people, and well, we liked them. We decided to just cooperate. It really was easier."

A soft chime sounded.

"And that's time! Thanks for coming to visit, I really appreciate the talk and the compliments of my plants. Hope to see you soon!" The door to the umbilical opened and the lights in the vestibule changed to arrows pointing towards the door.

Ta'reni and Nilan walked out, slightly shocked at what they learned. Nilan turned to Ta'reni, "Did you think that was going to be the answer?" she asked.

Nilan thought a moment before answering. "No, I didn't expect that. I figured we'd get an answer about" here she affected a pretty close Seeker impression- "how one shouldn't believe everything one reads and how media was created with entertainment in mind and of course the AIs never thought about exterminating humanity."

"You expected Seeker to lie? Did you know they thought about it?"

Nilan grinned. "I've spent enough time with humans now to see both sides. How you could be so annoying that you'd want to exterminate the whole lot of you."

"Ta'reni!" Nilan said, laughing.

"But also-" and she leaned in to Nilan "How you're so great that I'd be pretty lonely without you, so you can stay. For now."

"Well then I had better do my best to both be annoying and charming" Nilan said. "Come on, we're going to be late to our dinner reservations." And they walked down the promenade, hand in hand.

[the-fiction-witch]

Arrangement P3

Media The Artful Dodger

Character Jack Dawkins

Couple Jack X Reader

Rating CUTE!

Requests: Arrangement part 3 please 🙏  Parent 3 pleaseeeee, this is so gooodd!! 💗 Part three or even part four where they skip the wedding PLEASEE Part 3 Part 3333 plzzz Part 3 please 🥺🥺 Pleaseee can we have a part 3! This is amazing! I NEED A PART 3

I smiled as I sat across the table from y/n on our third game, we weren't betting but I had won twice already. I had my lucky coin slowly flicking it between my fingers as I often do when I play, she had done pretty well but I was still better. Even if I admit my little firecracker distracted me from time to time looking so cute and adorable, and we'd been playing footsie under the table the last half hour. She folded again so I took her hand and kissed it.

"You play very well my dear," I smiled,

"Just not as good as you," she playfully smiled, 

"I'm sure I'll teach you a few little tricks once we're married?" I winked, 

"I'm sure you will," She giggled, 

"Shall we have another game?"

"No that's alright, I don't want to waste our time proving something we already know." She said, "Besides it's getting late,"

"True, I don't want to keep you,"

"It's alright I don't mind, I mean we have a week to get to know one another its good to use as much time as we can,"

"It is nice to have so much time together," I smiled, "So we have time to get used to each other... But, I do have work tomorrow."

"Umm, I don't want to keep you up if you have work in the morning,"

"Well, if you like I'd be more than happy to come see you after work?" I suggested, "Or if you're not busy you'd be more than welcome to come down to the hospital and visit?" 

"You wouldn't? I woudn/t want to bother you at work,"

"No, no you'd be more than welcome my dear," I smiled, "I'd love for you to come and visit me while I work." I told her as I leant on my arm a little, "I'm sure my macabre little soon-to-be wife would find herself cozy in the morgue with me will I do some work," 

"I'd love to," She smiled, 

She got out of her seat and adjusted her dress so I got up too giving my waistcoat and adjusting, before she walked me to the door, "It has been a pleasure, Jack,"

"It truly has, I admit I am looking forward to our wedding even more now."

"I am as well," she nodded as she squeezed my hand, "Well we have only seven days to wait,"

"Only seven days, and I would love to see you again before the wedding if that's alright with you?"

"I would too, tomorrow if I'm not busy I'll come visit,"

"If I don't see you shall I come up? maybe we could have another game?"

"I'd like that." 

"Well then either way I'll see you," I smiled, "And I look forward to it," I moved a little closer unable to stop looking at her lips, "May I?"

"May you what?" She raised her eyebrow,

"May I kiss you?" I asked her, 

She blushed hard her eyes met the floor, "I- I think we best save that for the wedding,"

"What?" I chuckled,

"I know it's silly but... I think it would be a sweet beautiful moment. For our first kiss to be our wedding kiss."

I smiled, awww that's so cute. I did want to kiss her very badly but... I can't help it that's so adorable! And I mean it's one week. I can wait a week. "if that's what you want." I nodded even if I was a little disappointed, "May I kiss your head at least before I go?"

"You may," she blushed,

I smiled and held her cheeks in my hands her skin so sweet and soft I moved closer and kissed the top of her head, inhaling her sweet scent and feeling her soft hair, I let my kiss linger a little longer as I didn't want to let her go, but I moved back and couldn't hold back my smile. "I'll see you tomorrow my dear."

"I look forward too it Jack," she cooed giving my cheek a kiss before she escorted me out the door she gave me a little wave so I gave her one back before she shut the door. 

I smiled too giddy to move for a while just staring at her red wooden door, my cheek burnt where she kissed me like I couldn't bear it, I wanted to open the door take her in my arms and give her a million kisses. But I headed back to the hospital and collapsed on my bed trying hard not to smile, I had been so worried, so scared, so concerned I was walking into a shit show. But now... having met her. I can hardly wait a single day let alone a week to marry her. I wanted her in my arms. in my bed. watching her read horror novels. letting her read my palm. kissing all over her. and flirting with her till she turns as red as a strawberry and having her be her sexy little firecracker self and making me blush too. I never imagined I'd actually be so smitten with any girl let alone the one I was arranged to marry . But... I couldn't be happier and more excited for tomorrow. 

[wannabepapa]

Haiii!!!!! Coming in with an ask to hopefully brighten your day at least a little!

I keep thinking about renting a quiet cabin somewhere where there's lots of snow for the holidays. I'm due in a month or so, so we wanted to spend one last holiday season snuggled up together before our bundle of joy is here. We get snowed in, but there's no cause for worry; we've got plenty of supplies and each other's company. Cozying up next to the fire, donning massive sweaters that look ridiculous yet adorable on us. Mine would be tight around the belly, but that makes for easy belly rub access, so I view that as a plus. I'd get you all situated by the fire with plenty of pillows and blankets before waddling off, coming back a few minutes later with some warm cookies and two mugs of cocoa. After everything's situated and settled, I'd crawl into your cocoon of blankets to snuggle up next to ya, letting my belly, alive with the movements of our little nugget, rest gently on your tummy. A perfect evening for a snowed-in couple of goobers, and as the fire smolders to embers, we'd either sleepily head to bed or decide to stay snuggled up on the couch for the night.

Or something like that sdjbahdahsbfha I am rambling hard. I am very eepy so thoughts are a little jumbly rn. Anyways enjoy this slightly messy Marin Brain Thought™

Marin, light of my life, the sweetest friend to ever exist!!!!!!!!! I am kissing your head because that brain is beautiful and I am so very appreciative of this ask it hits me in the feels for the cozy and domestic stuff!!

We take this moment—it's the holiday season and we deserve a break before baby comes—to disappear into a cozy cabin for the remainder of the holiday season. Our perfect second baby moon (I would have taken you on another holiday while you were around five months pregnant because the woman carrying my baby DESERVES A HOLIDAY) to not only reign in the new year but to celebrate us before bringing in a new being. I have made sure that we've got the coziest place with the perfect views before booking our nearly three week trip.

I have purposefully overpacked so we would have our favorite blankets, pillows, pjs, and even some of the baby's stuffed toys so we would feel comfortable on vacation. I have never been anywhere that has snow that didn't melt the next day so this is exciting for me. I've got new jackets and jumpers for us to cuddle in by the fire so we stay pleasantly bundled while watching the snow fall. I hope the baby is as excited for this trip as we are because this cabin is perfect and I don't really want to leave.

You bury me in our soft things and all the things we found in the cabin to make a nest of the living room floor. We don't have our at home but this will do as a temporary replacement. I keep trying to drag you back in to get warm though you keep escaping my grasp to waddle away. When you come back with snacks and cocoa I can't help but imagine our little nugget toddling right beside you with our newest addition nestled safely in your now noticeable bump. Who knows, maybe I'll be the one wrapped up in blankets with our newest addition while you get snacks for our happy toddler.

As you nestle down beside me my arms bring you in close, a hand spraying over your swell to feel our baby. That jumper is stretched so thin we can see their movements clearly—I love pointing out their little feet and poking them to play. Once we're settled I talk about how this is a perfect tradition to continue with our family, and how I can't wait to have another baby with you.

[gurokichi]

there's something perfectly fantastical in the idea of taking you away with me, isolating you from society and anyone else who would even think of looking at you. would that not be a perfect world? you and i, away from any prying eyes, free to live out our dreams and desires. they'd be no one to take me away from you, or distract me. my eyes would only be on you, and vice versa. i wouldn't have to ever worry about you paying attention to someone else. we would be enough and more for each other. you'd be the perfect doll for me to use and love. during the day, we'd go outside, look at the lovely plants and animals and flowers. at night, we'd come back to our cozy little house. i'd carve out lovely flowers and patterns into your back, and cut out a little piece of your spine to use as room decor. (it wouldn't paralyse you, because this is the ideal world.) and then we could give each other matching bruises. is there anything that sounds better than that? it'd be our way of marking each other. my claim over you, imparted into your flesh. you'd wear a collar with my name on it, and you'd never have to worry about anything or think again, just follow me around and continue looking pretty. dolls aren't very well known for their thinking skills, after all. we could make flower crowns for each other, and have tea together every day on our patio. (because we have one.) you could bake a different confection for me every day, and i'd cook for us. we'd sleep together on a nice bed with a cute bedspread and dream about each other at night too, because do we really need anyone else, even in our sleep? we'd be content and happy together, forever. is it selfish of me to squander you away, keep you all for me? i don't think i care very much. as long as you're with me, could i need anything else?

-👤

ERIS THIS WAS SO CUTE… I read this so many times ahdjshdjsgdj（≧∇≦）

That does sound like a perfect world!! I think that we'd be very happy together, far away from everyone else! We should have a garden... we could grow our own food and very pretty plants. And lets keep lots of cute animals as our pets! Take any adorable ones we find out on our walk back home 😇 WE SHOULD ALSO HAVE A LIBRARY FOR YOU!! Cause you love reading!! Maybe you could read to me, ehehe. At night, we could spend some time stargazing before heading in... I love space. We should get a telescope too!! And maybe in our perfect world, you could see Mars with the telescope, and it'd be pink. You know what flower I'd want carved into me? Lily of the Valley, they are gorgeous!!! I'm gonna get a bunch for our Minecraft house. And I'm gonna make us the coziest Minecraft house ever because of this. Do you have a favorite flower that's in Minecraft? I wanna collect that too. Anyway, back on topic, is there a flower that you'd want carved into you? I think it'd be cute to both have flowers. And bruises. You have such great ideas. ALSO THE COLLAR... NEED. I'd trail after you everywhere if I could! I actually don't know how to make a flower crown, you'd have to teach me, but I do know how to make daisy chains. Tea parties every day, yippee!! I'd love being able to bake for you. I'd make you the yummiest treats ever, trust. As for dreaming about each other, I'd much prefer the real Eris over the dream Eris! Dream Eris could never compare to you. I don't think it's selfish, and this sounds like a lovely way to live <3

[funpuddle]

Happy ramble from me: I'm a crash bandicoot fan of many years! Around when I was 5 years old my dad would play the original games with me before I went to bed. He would also play his guitar for me and I would jump around on the bed and dance. As I grew up we kept playing it sometimes. My dad also taught me to appreciate how brilliant the music is in the game and the charm of the visuals. I used to pretend to be crash and run around and jump and climb things in my backyard haha. And I've loved it so deeply ever since now that I'm an adult. It makes me think about the warm and cozy parts of life. The original games are really precious to me and I even think they contributed to some of my personality. I love adventure and I love exploring the world!! I love temples... I love forests... I feel like a relative to crash bandicoot lol. I'm goofy and toony too...we'd get on well. I love islands and the beach...and even in the 3rd game crash rides a motorcycle and I love motorcycles...I'm a BIG daredevil adventure type guy and that's definitely what crash himself is all about. I would be delighted to hear more of your own crash bandicoot rambles anytime. I also never thought about N.Gins design in the way you've explained until now. I never noticed that it reflects a a big missile impact of trauma and different sides to himself and I can now see it very clearly. I also have had trauma in my life as I got older and I'm trying to heal from a different side of myself that is deeply deeply hurt. So yeah I'm connecting to what you said very strongly. Lots of love <3 I hope you enjoyed hearing my joy for the games

I can't understate how beautiful that is, you may as well be truly related to crash bandicoot. I enjoy your warmer and nostalgic perspective on it! My dad also introduced me to crash as a little kid and played with me, specifically crash bash, and I'd look at the other games on YouTube and treat him as my OC !! I used to want to make a cartoon called Crash and Yoshi... I'm pleased to hear the atmosphere of those games also left an impression on you, besides the charm of it being based on old toons, the limitations of the PlayStation + the unique Vertex animation + lushness around the hallway type of level design + music all culminates in a surreal little world that shows you just enough of itself that your brain can latch on and go so crazy imagining the rest. I didn't grow up with the original three games but I did grow up with crash bash, and I'd have dreams where I'd go out of bounds and discover more levels. And Bash isn't even considered one of the bests!! The way you describe your love of exploring coming from crash bandicoot makes me want to reframe the way I interact with the world oh man. We could all use a little more Crash Bandicoot bravery in our hearts. Thank you for sharing, I smiled big and hope you are too

[the-one-who-lambs]

🐔🔬

Puffy. I have genuinely never been so blown away by somebody's art. I'm being completely fucking serious btw. I've been following you and your art since my actual first day in the fandom I think, and we'd been talking on the cult of the tumblrs discord (rip 💔) and somehow I didnt make the connection until you linked me to one of your posts and I was like oh?? My friend has been this art god I've been admiring the ENTIRE TIME? You are way more talented than you know. Everything you draw feels so absolutely magical and comfortable, like it's tucking me into bed and giving me a kiss on my head and handing me a cup of hot tea. It's as cozy and warm as you are as a person. I literally have printed the art you made of my follower oc Thenana and framed it and put it on the wall next to my work desk. It makes me so undescribably happy. I've been aggressively supporting you and your art for SO LONG now and yet not long enough.

[abiteofhoney]

It is okay you took the work down, but I did really like it and I am happy you are enjoying first person. (also, how is you showing up at peoples' houses a threat? We'd all probably just give you a laptop, made sure you had somewhere cozy to sit, and make sure you stayed nourished and hydrated)

i am enjoying first person, but i think trying to do past tense is discouraging me :( i like it, but im so used to present tense that its so difficult to switch. i may stick with first person, but go back to present tense.

also i would probably just cry loudly outside of your door, and i assume many people would not like that 😪