#and if it challenges yours? i hate to break it to you bud but you have fragile masculinity problems

[aaronymous999]

I think many queer people who are exclusionists have been shaped that way by queerphobia which is incredibly sad.

The flaws in homophobia/transphobia is honestly really aren’t their facts or statistics or the things they say- there’s no logic and even if their is the problem will and always will be their conclusions from the information. For example, the most common argument I’ve seen is “Having more gay representation will make the kids gay.” And the thing is this is an entirely neutral statement, the claim in itself doesn’t really mean anything to me, because it’s vague, there’s no context and there’s nothing inherently wrong with being gay.

Homophobia’s problem is coming to hateful conclusions from mostly neutral statements. Or hyperfocusing on the gay aspect to fuel their hatred.

A lot of exclusionists regret the idea of trans people without gender dysphoria because they feel that there has to be some sort of life threatening reason for someone to be transgender, because internally transitioning for “no reason” is an inherent evil. But that’s what the transphobes WANT you to think. There is no inherent evil to transition into a boy just because you like how boys look or you think boys are hot and want to be one, or any other reason. Of course medical transition needs long consideration but there’s nothing wrong with someone without gender dysphoria just deciding to change their pronouns to she/her and start using a girl name even if they had no problems as a man. The only people who think there’s something wrong with transness in any form are transphobes.

To get a little personal, I do have gender dysphoria and all the typical good gold star exclusionist binary trans person points. However, I don’t think it’s a bad thing that one of the reasons I’m transgender is because I grew up in a majority male household. I think due to my gender dysphoria I would have always been this way but my brothers and father definitely contributed. And for some out there, if they were born in a more gender equal society, they wouldn’t be transgender. And that’s okay. There’s nothing wrong with saying that. It doesn’t make you any less transgender.

As for accusations that are inherently negative, the problem is the conclusion and the “evil��� drawn from it. Hearing about a story where a trans woman assaults someone, they draw the trans woman from the story and use it as ammunition against trans people as a whole. However the correct conclusion is that we are given little information her and all we know is that someone who happens to be a trans woman assaulted someone. One assumption is taken from hate and malice, and the other is neutral.

Not proofread just some thoughts and your friendly reminder that being queer has no rules and not to let internalized homophobia render you hateful for the members of our community who don’t follow as many “rules”

( I hate that I have to clarify this because I am worried it will be used as a strawman against me or will be co-opted by bad actors but I do not condone pedophilia, racism or anything like that. There is a difference between neo/xenogenders and “genders” that are just racism and pedophilia apology. Queerness shouldn’t involve any of that. )

[hurlingdown]

HOW TO BREAK A MONSTER — TOP MALE READER X ZORO

synopsis. you've heard rumours that roronoa zoro is an unlovable monster. someone whose heart cannot be touched. maybe that is so—but maybe there is a way to feel the pounding of his heart. if you cannot reach him through his chest, then you'll just have to find a better way. (through his stomach) wc. 0.8k

tags. sub! zoro, dom! reader. huge cock, belly bulge, tummy pushing, feminization, tit-slapping, womb-fucking (metaphorical), gagging on fingers.

“Can you feel me in there?” 

There’s a dome-shaped outline of your cock shifting inside him, making the muscles jut out from his abdomen. 

Zoro shudders, barely able to form words. Nods a yes, maybe. It’s hard to tell. 

“Words, baby.” 

Spreading one hand wide over him, you move to palm the soft pouch beneath his navel, kneading into the fat there. Lightly pressing onto the bulge, letting him feel you. 

He tips his head back to let out a breathy moan. “Hah. Full—’s too full.” It doesn’t sound like a complaint to you. A plea, maybe, but not a complaint. 

You hum, satisfied, leaning back to lazily fuck into him. One inch out, one inch in. Lube and cum squelch, caking to form a creamy ring around the base of your cock. 

“You can take more. Can’t you, Zoro?” It isn’t much of a taunt, but one thing about Zoro is that he hates to lose. 

Denial is on the tip of his tongue. It would be so easy to submit to you, to forfeit. You would pull out and suck him off, or maybe finger him to completion. Those are also fun, he supposes—everything with you is fun, really. But giving up a challenge directed at him? Now that isn’t fun. 

So he tells you, more smugly than he feels, “Yeah. Keep going.” 

It would be easier to pretend if you weren’t currently trying to carve yourself into his womb. 

“That’s my good boy,” you murmur, cupping the side of his face. A thumb pushes between his lips, and he parts them eagerly, letting you press the pad of it against the back of his tongue. He doesn’t choke, has a negligible gag reflex. Grins up at you the best he can with your fingers in his mouth, showing you his sharp teeth. 

You push your cock deeper inside and the bulge grows larger in turn, making his belly almost round. Each time he thinks yeah, this is it, you push a little more inside, take up a little more space. It isn’t until he’s slobbering and panting with your fingers gagging him, fisting at the sheets above his shoulders, that you stop. 

Taking your wet fingers out, you smear the saliva over his face, and he gives a shuddering whine. You trail a hand down to fondle his tits, the plump flesh spilling out from between your fingers, buds swollen from being roughly played with earlier. 

“It’s a shame we can’t make these bigger, like down here.” You punctuate your sentence with an angled roll of your hips, the fat head of your cock poking out from his tummy. “What a sight that’d be, mm. You’d look like a woman.” 

Oh, well. They were already plenty. 

“Shut up,” he seethes breathlessly. “You talk too much.” 

Despite his words, you watch in amusement as pre-cum dribbles down the length of his hard cock, arousal heavy in the way it curves and flushes. At least his body’s being honest. The poor thing looks as though it were begging for release, twitching uselessly on his stomach. You want to flick it, fuck a finger into the slit, make him cry with overstimulation. 

“I don’t appreciate your attitude.” 

Without warning, you slap his tit, hard, branding it with a red handprint, and his glare locks into you in silent defiance. There’s a glint in his eye that tells you this is what he’s been looking for. 

“Why,” he drawls with a smirk, “am I too much for you to handle?” 

You smile. It was almost pitiful. 

“You’re asking the right question. Unfortunately, to the wrong person.” 

Pressing both of your hands into his belly, you thrust your hips against him, forcing him to take you deeper into his womb despite the heavy strain from above. Zoro sobs out, shivering as he’s completely impaled on your cock, huge girth making it fit even if it should be impossible. 

His nails dig into your forearms, and you spare him a glance. 

The sight makes your heart flutter.  

If sex was a person, you think, this would be it. There are tears dotting at his lashes, and a line of drool runs down the side of his face. He’s too fucked-out to use his own words, only shaking his head and mindlessly mouthing “more”. You take the opportunity to gag him with your fingers but he only sucks them obediently, unable to think. 

So this is what it feels like to take a monster apart.

masterlist!

[storiesfromafan]

If you wanna do a part 2 to 'The Prank' with Mattheo, you could have Mattheo chase after the reader and tell them that it was a prank on the two of them, so they make up, team up and get revenge on Theo (Just a suggestion though). I love your writing and reading your Mattheo stories so much!! ❤️

I hadn't planned to do a Part 2. But after reading this ask, I knew I had to, because I was so happy to get it lol. So after taking a few days from writing, and taking my mum out for her birthday, I wrote this.

Sorry if its not the best, but I tried 😅 and excuse any spelling/grammer mistakes.

Part 1 The Prank

Do Revenge

It took a week – two days to get you to talk to him, three days to make up and two day's to plan your revenge. There was late night meet ups in the common room, sitting in the darkest corner plotting Theodore's demise. Something you were salivating at. No one knew you'd both made up, it's part of the plan, to keep the masses thinking you and Mattheo were over. And – though it would be hared – to be angry with him.

Stage one of Do Revenge was to emotionally effect Theodore. As he was close to Mattheo, having your boyfriend be upset and angry at him was the start. In the hall’s or classes, when you would be near or pass Mattheo, he would ‘try to reason with you' and you would treat him badly. Wanting everyone to think you despised your boyfriend, or rather ex-boyfriend.

It only took a few days for Theodore to start feeling guilty. As he had reached out to you. To see how you were doing. You played your part, first angry before ‘breaking down'. Theodore awkwardly put an arm around you, trying to figure out what to do or say to get you to calm down. But he was unsure.

“I just don't get it Theo!” You sobbed. “What did I do make him dump me? And by parchment?!”

“I-I don't know (Y/N/N)” was all Theodore could sputter. That pit of guilt in him just getting deeper.

When it came to Mattheo, he played the anger card. Glaring, cursing him with words, ignoring him, the full mile. It came to a head a day after talking to you, Theodore cornered Mattheo in the dungeons. Of course your boyfriend didn't say a word to him, even tried to step around Theodore but he wouldn’t have it.

“Would you talk to me!” Theodore exclaimed holding his arms out, stopping Mattheo from getting away. “Come on mate...please" there was a touch of sorrow in Theodore's voice.

Mattheo crossed his arms over his chest, and gave the boy before him a look to say go on.

Theodore took a deep breath, before releasing it. “Look, mate...I didn't think this would happen" he started, slowly working out his words as he goes. “I thought (Y/N/N) would be mad for a day...maybe two. But I never thought it would end your relationship!”

“Well, it did!” Mattheo growled back, glaring at his friend.

Theodore nodded. “I-I know! Let me help, I can help you get her back!”

That leads us to Stage two of Do Revenge, get Theodore to help Mattheo. But in the most humiliating way or ways possible. Of course, at first Theodore tried to reason with you to take back Mattheo. Practically begging you to take him back. When that didn't work, he and Mattheo ‘brainstormed' way's to make it up to you. From flowers and chocolates, to Theodore reading you poetry. Which to this day has students questioning if Theodore was actually trying to win you over.

That worked into Stage three of Do Revenge, rumour’s that Theodore was being a snake and trying to snag you for himself. Which wasn’t the initial stage for your plan. But it happened to come up, so you both went with it. Little by little – though you hated it – you started to ‘warm up’ to Theodore. And soon the school was disgusted and outraged. For many had shipped you and Mattheo, even if they wanted your position at his side more.

As a couple, the students of Hogwart's respected your relationship with Mattheo. Minus the few girls who had challenged you over the last couple of years. But they learned their place quick smart. So, this new budding spark with Theodore got mixed reviews, but ultimately frowned upon.

And lets not forget the ‘hurt' Mattheo who had been moping around. Looking all the part the wounded ex and friend. All the while, late at night, you would hold Mattheo and give him all the attention and love you could. For you knew he didn't like you being close and flirty with Theodore.

But slowly the female population started to turn on Theodore. And in the end you included. Leaving him isolated, exiled even. Every girl turned their backs to him, or walked away when he would try to talk or flirt with them. His reputation taking a hit, which hurt Theodore the most. His charm's going to waste.

This brings up to the final stage, Stage Four of Do Revenge, the big bang. It was last class, which was Potions with Snape. You were partnered with another Slytherin girl, while Mattheo was working with Lorenzo across the room from you. You both silently communicated to each other, preparing for the final nail in Theodore's coffin.

Using your knowledge on potions, you made quick work of what ingredient you would need to add to today's brewing potion to cause max damage, yet wouldn't be detected that caused the havoc you were about to unleash. With the ingredient in hand, you slipped from your seat, crossing the room and past Theodore, thankfully he and his partner was distracted, and you succeeded in adding it to the cauldron.

Taking your seat, you gave Mattheo the look, saying you had done it. The wicked smiles crossing your faces seeming to go unnoticed by all in the room. Eighteen minutes, you timed it, when Theodore stirred his potion did it happen. First there was a rise in smoke, which turned a icy blue, spilling over the top of your cauldron like a raging river. Both Theodore and his partner tried to stop it, bickering and blaming the other. Soon Snape noticed the smoke, in a flurry he came over to the cauldron. He berated the two, demanding to know what they did, what was added and how it was stirred.

“We added the ingredients the book said!” Said the partnered student.

“And we followed the step by step instructions!” Added Theodore.

Snape tsked. “Nonsense! One of you has done something!” he accused. “Now use your stupid minds and think!”

They did but got nothing. And by then it was too late. For the cauldron began to loudly bubble, the ghastly liquid rising. You, Mattheo, and most of the students were quick enough to hide behind their brewing stations when it happened. The potion made a god awful groan before it exploded. Covering not only the room, but entirely Theodore, his poor partner, and Snape.

The smell was terrible. The destruction the same. Everyone stood up and laughed at the sight of the three covered in the goo. You shared a look with Mattheo, which he sent back to you. Both of you pleased with the humiliation of Theodore. Even more when Snape lost it, yelling at both boys, before concluding with detention for both of them for two months. And no Quiddich for Theodore.

Class ended early due to the goo explosion. Which both boys had to help clean up as part of their punishment. Which you kind of felt bad about for the other boy, but he was a bit of a prick anyways. That was how you justified it all in the end.

Late that evening, when all had gone back to their rooms. You sat with Mattheo in the common, his arm around you as you both enjoyed the low fire before you both. You had spent most of the time enjoying the peace together, but did discuss how your plan had worked.

A little while later Theodore returned from detention. Grumbling about how everything was going shit for him. He hadn’t seen you both, passing you to head to his room. But a you alright? From Mattheo stopped him, and he turned around to briefly curse before going to take his leave. Only two steps before his brain registered you both.

Theodore flew back around, shocked to see you both together. And so cosy. Mattheo placed a kiss to your temple, while you held on to the hand attached to the arm around you. The way you both smiled sweetly had Theodore reeling. For a moment he was happy to see you both together. But then he really looked at you both. Then the dots began to add up. The last week started to make sense.

You and Mattheo stood up, holding hands and walking past Theodore, who was still processing it all. But when it did, he swung around, mad as hell. He growled and cursed. And, you and your boyfriend seemed to not notice, though you did and it was delicious.

“It was you two!” Yelled Theodore. “You tampered with my potion! You caused the god awful explosion! And its because of you both I have detention for two months!”

That made you both stop. Releasing your hands, you both turned back to Theodore at the bottom of the steps to the dorm rooms. The most sadistic smiles on both your faces. Which made Theodore take a step backwards. You shared a brief look to Mattheo, who returned it to you. Then you both looked back at the boy who'd been the subject of your revenge.

“Payback is a bitch” you and Mattheo said at the same time, causing a chill to run down Theodore's spine.

With that, you both turned from him and continued on to where you were headed, hand in hand once more. Theodore told himself that Mattheo was easy to deal with when it came to revenge for a prank. But factoring in you, and the team work you both pulled off, he swore to never do a prank that would involve either of you or your relationship. He had truly learnt his lesson.

[xxsycamore]

𝐒𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐡𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐀𝐧𝐝 𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐢𝐫 𝐁𝐮𝐝𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐞𝐪𝐮𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐬. . . Blanc X MC

↬ A rainy afternoon shouldn't get in the way of Blanc's sweet teatime with Alice!

Blanc Lapin x MC (Alice) • rating: G • tags: Fluff; Rain; Tea Parties; Kissing; Magic • wordcount:  1,481•masterlist

a/n: the weather outside provoked me to start off early with the challenge 👉🏻👈🏻 this is for day 8 of Spring Showers Spring Flowers by @aquagirl1978 & @violettduchess - Prompt: Rainy Days (fluff) - special tags for @vivifucksthevillian @viohasgoneintothewoods @katriniac

"Umm, Blanc… are you sure that we should be here?"

Despite the evident concern in her tone, Alice takes another sip from her cup, enjoying her tea. This impromptu tea party came out of nowhere, but she couldn't refuse Blanc's kind offer…

She'd just come to the Civic Center awhile ago to bring Blanc his lunch, seeing as her distracted White Rabbit had forgotten it again at home… She'd made it right on time for his lunch break, but was quite surprised when Blanc asked for her company. Exiting the office in flavor of finding some place more suited for having a meal, Alice's next surprise was seeing him begin to brew tea. And then the feeling grew tenfold as Blanc began climbing the stairs to the rooftop, where the Garden is situated.

"Why yes, we're merely having some tea, I don't see the harm in that. I'd hate to get you in trouble, dear Alice, I merely wanted to enjoy your company in a place that compliments your beauty…"

Blanc stirs his tea, smiling politely and prompting her to taste the food as well. She'd made enough for him to be sated and more, and a shared meal is always a tastier meal… maybe it's because of believing in this philosophy why Alice complies and nods, returning the smile. Oh, it really is tasty!

"The table looks even bigger when the seats are empty, somehow… there's this energy about this place even when we're alone here."

Blanc hums approvingly, gracious even in his chewing. He pats over his mouth with a handkerchief, manners on point as if this really is one of those special meetings of the top officers of the two armies. Their respective flags waver slightly in the wind, standing proud on their tall poles on either side of the table.

"Aren't you feeling calm in my company, Alice?"

The question gets her off-guard, the tea cup trembling for a second in her hands. She takes another sip.

"Uh-huh! I do. Thank you for bringing me here, it's not every day that I get to enjoy tea in such a place!"

While admiring the scenery, Alice notes how the grey clouds overhead add to the beauty of it, instead of ruining it, strange as it is. It's a pretty unique feeling. Gray days are almost never pretty, but from up here it's different. The budding nature enveloping the Garden adds enough color to contrast with the sky, and the temperature is not unpleasantly low at all. It's a typical spring day.

Well, it wouldn't be one without rain. And so the rain arrives.

Plop.

"Ahh, a raindrop fell into my tea… Haha…"

Blanc's beautiful white lashes flutter and show more of the pretty color of his peach-colored eyes behind the lenses of his glasses, as his attention is drawn to the cup, after Alice's comment. He's quick to react, much to Alice's surprise, as he jumps to his feet and opens his coat to reveal a foldable umbrella… so he predicted that this might happen?

"This is no ordinary umbrella, Alice. It's one of Oliver's newest inventions, you see. I think today makes the perfect chance for us to put it to the test."

Alice blinks but is just as curious as Blanc appears to be, scooting closer to his side. Of course Oliver makes poor Blanc his test bunny that is supposed to report obediently afterwards… she can only hope the invention is harmless. Considering how much of Fenrir's infamous guns are created where this umbrella came from…

"We unfold it like this, and the magic crystal in the handle does the rest of the job!"

Blanc explains, giving himself an aura of someone who knows what he's doing. Fortunately, it goes as he says, the crystal starting to shine as the umbrella is unfolded… and it starts to grow?!

The fabric held on the metal rods stretches out until it reaches the size of a sunshade, like the ones that can be seen in one of those cute outdoor cafes in central.

"Are those… balloons?"

The worries about Blanc suddenly having to hold the weight of that large thing start to disappear as Alice observes dozens of detached balloons inflate under the umbrella, making it float graciously in the air.

"Ahh, good, it didn't fly away! Oliver's main concern was that the balloons would either be too few or too many for its mass. As always, his calculations are top notch."

As more raindrops fall, Alice feels the need to snap out of her awe and take refuge under the parasol, along with her tea cup.

"And now, we can resume our tea time."

Blanc looks at Alice and they exchange a sweet smile. The food is finished and put away, and the rain becomes but a soundtrack to the tranquil afternoon.

"Ah, Alice, please come closer. I don't want the rain to get to you, and besides, you must be getting cold."

Blanc is… offering his lap. True, the parasol is large, but Alice really does feel the raindrops hitting her arm occasionally… oh well. Maybe it won't hurt, just this once.

"If you'd excuse me…"

Ah, this is bad. Her heart is going to explode, and her lips are remaining on a thin line as she attempts to drink as if nothing is happening. The lukewarm liquid is touching her mouth but she can't take in anything, fairly sure that she's going to choke the second she does.

Blanc is warm, especially his arm that wraps around her waist. That's why the invention is so clever, leaving him with two free hands… It's convenient for holding her in place, and nothing more of course, the gentleman that he is. Alice tries to concentrate on anything that is not him, in order to keep her sanity.

Nearby, the blossoming trees are standing tall in the spring shower as it starts to fall with more vigor upon them from the skies.

"Aww, I feel bad for the little buds. They're so fragile, and the rain is so strong."

Blanc follows her line of sight, chuckling softly. The sound of his laugher is more prominent when she's that close, and it sounds way more melodic too.

"They're going to be alright. Nature has its ways. Besides, they're just like you."

"?!"

Alice turns to look at Blanc, not realizing how he'd leaned closer to see better. Their faces are millimeters apart.

"Fate gave you strong rains, yet you held your head high and blossomed after each one. You're strong, Alice. And beautiful, too. You bring spring to Cradle."

Each word makes Alice's head spin more as she finds herself lavished with sweet words… she knows Blanc means each one of them deeply, his usual gentlemanly smile looking a tad more serious now. She's going to explode if he doesn't kiss her right this instant.

"Can I kiss you?"

Yes! Yes!

"Please."

Blanc's chuckle is barely audible, but she can feel it as he presses his lips to her. First, the stretch of his mouth in that sweet smile, then the parting of his lips. She eagerly answers, melting into the sweet-tasting kiss.

Blanc's lunch break draws to an end, much to their dismay. Raindrops start to fall seldom from the skies, like spring showers do, and Blanc outstretches an ungloved hand beyond the margins of the parasol to check. He then folds the umbrella, but still hurries inside with Alice, tea set safely collected as he insists he could take care of that.

"Ahh, I still worry about raindrops getting on the frames of my glasses… Do you think I can ask Oliver to create mini-umbrellas for them?"

Alice lets out a snort that grows into audible laugher, imagining how silly it would look like… but if she can find something charming in that, then the inventor surely wouldn't, and it won't go without some rude remarks. But oh well, maybe the kind heart he hides somewhere deep within would dictate the words "Fine, you stupid rabbit, ridicule yourself if you want to, I'll see what I can do."

"Anything that prevents you from taking off your glasses to wipe them and thus leaves you vulnerable is a good idea, Blanc…"

Going down the stairs with Blanc, the record keeper suddenly stops and looks and looks at her.

"I don't mind the rain, if it makes my dear little blossom show her beautiful, true colors."

With a finger behind his lips, a silent gesture to shush her, Blanc joins his colleague Mousse who seems to have used his own lunch break to its fullest, relishing in his favorite pastime of napping. At least that's what the lines on his face tell. Maybe Alice can too use a nap right now, because all that happened this afternoon felt like a dream, and it was one that ended too fast…

Taglist: @arsnovacadenza @ale-teodora @kimi00twin @otomelady @privilegedpancake @g-kleran    @pumpumnnnp @thesirenwashere @ravenarld @kimmy-banana @devonares @animeworldsposts @randomanimatedhusbandoseeker @galaxyprison @sadshaxk @starshards26 @pro-cat-stination @acethephoenix256 @ikevamp-shrine-2 @nad-zeta @crystal13unny @keen19thcenturygoatsstudent @lordsister @ikemen-banshou   @themysticalbeing @canaria-blackwell @otome-scribbles @rhodolitesrose @coornn @kpop-and-otome @queen-dahlia @kisara-16 @chaosangel767 @ikemenlibrary @queengiuliettafirstlady @aurora-morning @ikemenlover24 @mcofthemansion @tiny-wooden-robot @joy-the-reader @ikemen-writer @tele86 @psychodreamer666 @cilokgoang @moonstruck-writing Let me know if you want to be tagged/untagged!

[imbelfoxxyloxxy]

Note unless I say otherwise, basically ALL my ocs are Mexican, Bi romantic Ace, Genderfuild and use He/She/They because MEEEEE

But I did want to challenge myself and actually work a bit on my ocs and flesh them out a bit more so I wouldn’t have them sitting in my drafts

So yes Adam is still what I just described but he’s also transfem but REFUSES to transition and remain as a cis man. He doesn’t acknowledge his other labels and just either refuses to talk about it or just goes “idk why are you so concerned?”

Now he’s absolutely NOT homophobic/ transphobic, he’s one of the biggest allies you’ll meet as he simply uses the church as a way to get his family off his back, and also provide aid/shelter/support to those who are ridiculed. YOU don’t have to convert but he uses the teachings of Christ to at least give a shoulder to lean on during your journey of loving yourself and seeing how you wish to live to be alive in a moment.

He didnt have a loving village for her to grow in And although he has a small group that loves him now

The world wont love her

Its not safe for her

Hes seen how shell be treated how shes at more of a risk at death than she is at being able to live. He’s seen the struggle she will face simply to survive in a world actively trying to kill or mold her striping away her god given free will. A target rather than a soul

And even though a part of her still wants to even for a second, bloom in the world, even if she’s the smallest bud in the garden of wild extravagant flowers

His desier survive and be heard is stronger than her will to live

So she died the second she was discovered by him. Not in act of killing, but a cherished silent funeral in his childhood bedroom one winter break. Silent tears, but aching heart laying her down to rest.

A secret only both know

Adam may project a bit by actively being VERY supportive of his community/members exploring themselves or being open. That when faced with his community showing distaste for their queer members he would lose his “calm chill priest” persona and snap, laugh at the idea of “love the sinner hate the sin” as at the end they are using what Jesus died for and living a life they’ll only have once, that even if they create the biggest sin it is for god to place their afterlife. NOT the life they’re currently living. And if their joy their found reason to live and experience life for the only one time is a sin then may he be the worst priest to roam a church. As hell stride hand in hand with them as they explore their journey of life.

He remembers the pain of being alone, of having to kill your soul and privately bury her. It was his choice, his pain, and he won’t pressure or argue if they chose the same. But if he can help one life live the life they discovered, even if it’s the reassurance they’re not alone, they’re seen and making the smallest footprint in the sand.

It might make up for the sin of killing that girl

Hopefully that sounds alright? Im trying to actually work on writing my ocs in an attempt to not just be flodded with them sitting in my drafts

And i might change some things since i havent touched this character and his story in YEARS after creating it on

[sharky-the-idiot]

EVERY LILARKY SHIP IN A NUTSHELL UNDER THE LENS OF ANON FANON:

Lilarky (Lilac x Sharky)- i love you more than words can say. you are my best friend and my fondest love, and i don't know what id do without you. you come second to nothing. i would die for you. (the shippers would die for you too). the heart of the fandom, everyone's favourite lovebirds. prime angsty au material

Popale (Poppy x Whale)- i hate the world and i hate my distorted reflection and i'd do anything to be rid of the weight of what i am not, and what i never will be. you are everything they're not and everything i adore, and we will be wed within the hour over a volcano while they scream

Toxic Flowers (Lilac x Poppy)- i hate you. now kiss me you bitch. *starts aggressively making out*

WhaleShark (Whale x Sharky)- and then they fucked even though neither of them want to fuck and actually they were in love the WHOLE time and-

Shanky (Sharky x Ink)- i've known you for years and i will know you until the end of our time. i am damaged and you are damaged but when we're together everything seems better. late night talks and friendly teasing, living for the other's affection and hyping each other up at all times

Ink-Stained Weeds (Ink x Craig)- the only correct ink ship. the only craig ship. they are silly and supportive and argue over cereal. the bickering husbands of all time

Jilac (J x Lilac)- these people are all idiots and it's up to us to stop 'em. hold my hand, we got this. (sorry everyone they are have a PLATONIC SISTERLY BOND in my heart)

Sunlilac (Ink x Lilac)- i'm here. i'm listening and i always will and i may not understand everything but i will support you for as long as it takes for you to love yourself as much as i love you. thank you for being my light

Mothbitten Suits (Moth x Lilac- look i love mothbitten lilacs but they both like suits and i thought it sounded fun)- will compliment and gush over each other until the end of time. flustered messes, brilliant smiles, lazy days and exchanging art. warmth.

Tatobee (Weltato x Red)- Mentor figures. they're older than everyone else and look out for the same weirdo teenager (affectionate) and write so beautifully that it makes people cry. talented, responsible, able to break hearts like its nothing

Carky Shutt (Captain Gutt x Sharky)- a pirate who's never found the treasure he so craves and a boy who doesn't feel special. protection and surprise encounters and a budding affection neither can deny. sneaking onto ships, trying to reform him. challenging him to a swordfight, asking him to join his crew. danger and excitement. what the other sees around the sirens. love so strong that it's gutting, that it hurts and kills and plunders and survives all the same. unpiecing your identity and having someone who'll listen and accept you. its okay to show weakness here. im not going to leave you. i promise.

Ocean Hugs (Olaf x Sharky)- i can't touch you and yet i want to, i crave your warmth and your love even if it kills me. you cover your pain with a smile but i see you and i understand. you dont have to hide around me

Sharning Spiky (Sharky x Burning Spice)- someone who's lost everything, and someone who wants to know more. a lack of judgement, a strange intrigue that neither can explain. a budding crush into something more, something fiery and destructive and passionate. can and will spoil each other to bits

Sugar Lover (Lilac x Eternal Sugar)- sapphics!! guiltily getting flustered, soft gasps you can't hide at the beauty of a god. you're nervous but not because you're scared, you want her to like you even as you know the consequences are damning. power imbalance and absolute awe. you've always enjoyed indulging, what's one more kiss?

Sharkverdrive (Sharky x 2-0-4 tack shooter)- are we all gonna ignore this? yes. yes we are

Sharky x Hollyberry- another one for the pile. doesn't have a ship name and probably doesn't need one. a gal who knows how to lighten up and party, a boy who's not used to getting out much. learning how to relax and have fun again. having someone to defend

Sharkzwalder (Sharky x Schwarzwalder)- t4t cuties who will shower each other in affection <3

Sharhim (Sharky x Yharim)- idk enough about this guy to sat anything. big menacing powerful figure & just a little guy. it would be hilarious

Jasky (Sharky x Jasper)- they keep their relationship quiet. it's all in "i love you texts", private moments and intimate looks no-one else understands. companionship, familiarity

Ink x ...any cookie- ink's into dilfs and pirates lmao. they should kiss

Ink x Twisted Alice Angel- nobody seems willing to acknowledge this one??? whenever it's brought up it's swept under the rug. sorry ink's wife, youre irrelevant in comparision to the Great CraigInk Debate of 2024

Sharkzarella (Sharky x Mozzarella)- they melt around each other. sooo many hugs. physical affection all the way. lilac is jealous :)

Ink x the Entire Bendy Cast- that is so many characters holy shit. he is just too lovable. this is what happens when you put a guy named ink into a game with ink in the title ig

Autumn Showers (Whale x Star x Lilac x Craig)- time travel buddies! they have seen horrors beyond comprehension. they have witnessed death and loss and a future they could not save. joined warmth, joined failure, joined happiness, joined hope. working together for the timeline that never was. relying on each other to fix reality. the family you never used to need

Oceans of Purple Ink (Sharky x Lilac x Ink)- why put Sharky with ONE of his love interests when you can have two?? everyone is happy! sharky is the silly one, lilac is the one who looks after them both, ink is the one who gets hugged 24/7. happy healthy loving relationship. then the angst fics drop.

Murder Smarties (Lilac x Whale)- will stab each other. scarily intelligent and scarily protective. bristling and insulting and sharp smiles full of loathing. will call each other mocking nicknames during confrontations. not at all healthy but pretty fun to think about

Poppy x Sharky- you are everything i despise about the one i love. you are not them and you never will be them and yet i see them in you. i hate you. i don't want you. you're all that's left

Jacman (J x Pacman)- toxic exes. they're on BAD terms but pacman wants to get back together. he keeps bringing her tiny orbs to eat no matter how many times she says they aren't even edible for her. the ghosts keep trying to get him to stop, he is not listening one bit

ShaShrek (Sharky x Shrek)- we had to involve shrek somehow laddies

i think that's all of them?? there's probably more though ngl. why are you so shippable

This was all so interesting and cute until fucking carky shutt showed up

[imogenleewriter]

I have opened up to reading WIPS because of your fics (I love all of them, by the way!!!!!!!). Do you have any others to reccomend? 🥰🥰🥰🥰

Honestly, I hate that WIPs get such a bad wrap. I get it because I hate waiting too, but it's also so exciting to get the email, you know? Like I'd rather get it piece by piece than not at all. I'm not going to make this a pretty post because they won't stay WIPs, but here are some of my favourites! I'm only posting ones that have been uploaded to within the last month, but most have been uploaded to within the last week. I Don't Wanna Face The Music - hereforh / @hereforh Current WC: 24k 3/10 - Weekly uploads. Summary: Louis likes to think he's a pretty normal, typical lad. He likes spending nights at the pub with his mates, he loves football and is very close to his family. So when he moves to London for uni, he doesn’t think much will be different. Until he makes these new friends who are nothing like his mates back home and change his life for the better - and this one boy who messes with his head from the get-go and makes him question everything he has ever thought about himself.

Anything But Awkward - The_Dizzy_Pixie / @dizzy-pixie17 Current WC:91k Ch: 17/? Summary: Harry looked down at the signed album in his hands before flipping it over. He blinked at the sight of the cramped and rather messy handwriting scribbled on the back of the vinyl jacket. When you’re less tongue-tied, maybe give me a call, babes. xx :)  +44 280913 7777 Harry groaned when he walked right into the side of a bus shelter. Louis Tomlinson had given Harry his number. OR The one where Louis's a rockstar, and Harry's his biggest fan. When he meets him at a signing, he's awkward and forgets everything he wants to say to him but Louis thinks he's cute and gives Harry his number.

Babes In Boyland - bananaheathen/@bananaheathen Current WC: 37k Ch: 4/? Summary: The genderqueer parenthood sequel to Of Mates and Men ❤️ In which, Harry and Louis decide to start a family. Or, the one where they all grow up.

The Pros and Cons of Breathing - HelloLovers13/@hellolovers13 Current WC: 50k Ch: 12/19 Summary: Omega Harry has always known he'd be married off someday, so when he's betrothed to Prince Louis, he's anxious about having to leave his life behind, but hopeful for a happy marriage. The hope doesn't last long, with his husband avoiding him at all costs and Harry being left to fend for himself. Can he find happiness even in a broken marriage? everything to lose - stylinsoncity / @stylinsoncity Current WC: 80k Ch: 14/15 Summary: harry is a global popstar who's convinced the world he has it all -- a happy marriage to a devoted alpha, two beautiful children, two grammy awards, three platinum albums, and a budding film career. but some aspects of his image aren't as true as they seem. like the fact he's been separated for over a year, uses meaningless flings to cope and occasionally forgets responsibilities or commitments to his family. he and louis once commanded stages together. they tackled any challenges to their future. and no matter how hard things got, they always returned to one another. harry would always return to louis. until one day, he finds he can't.

Bike Strike - thinlines / @thinlinez Current WC: 62k Ch: 13/14 Summary: What would you do if you saw someone riding your bike, which had been stolen weeks before, across campus? Omega Harry chose to show no mercy. He didn't know it would all lead him to his own demise. The Habit That I Cant Break - Cyantific / @cyantific Current WC:5k Ch:2/10 Summary: While searching for a healthy alternative to fill the void that one habit left, Louis gets hooked on something and someone totally different. This new experience pushes him way out of his comfort zone, making Louis realize he’s capable of so much more than he could’ve ever imagined. Or… The one where Louis quits smoking and tries to get healthy, and Harry is the fitness instructor who helps him achieve those goals while making him sweat in and out of the gym. In which Harry and Louis still meet at bootcamp, just not the one you’re thinking of. Featuring Lottie as the supportive sister that drags her brother to bootcamp class, Louis as the grumpy ex-smoker, Harry as the instructor with exhausting amounts of enthusiasm and one obnoxious pair of yellow trainers.

Addictive Heart - Alwaysinlove /@always-in-love-x Current WC: 91k Ch: 41/? Summary: Louis prefers to be single. He's seen too many relationships crumble around him to want a boyfriend in his life. As a successful singer on tour, his schedule doesn't exactly allow for a relationship anyway. So he has Harry. Beautiful, handsome Harry, who always turns up whenever Louis is lonely or horny. Because Harry is in love with him. Sadly, Louis doesn't do love. Until one day, Harry stops replying to Louis' messages and he goes on a mission to find out why... Two Hearts In One Home - enchantedlandcoffee / @enchantedlandcoffee Current WC: 14k Ch: 3/? Summary: Best friends Louis Tomlinson and Harry Styles have been living together for almost 3 years. With Louis' YouTube videos mainly featuring challenges, vlogs, and tutorials, his best friend is unknowingly a common topic on his channel (with his identity hidden) leading his viewers to believe that they are dating. What happens when Harry's childhood friend, Niall Horan, returns from Ireland and turns out to be one of his biggest fans and sends a tweet that turns his life upside down?

On The Horizon - FitzAndLarry / @fitzandlarry Current WC: 169k Ch: 16/? Summary: “Let’s enjoy each others’ company. You’re fit; you’re young; you’re a bloody doctor. You’ve got everything going for you.” There’s a moment of hesitation before Louis plants a gentle kiss atop Harry’s head. “I’ll be whatever you want me to be as long as we’re having fun, yeah?” Drunk, loose, and excited on the first night of his two-week-long cruise, Doctor Harry Styles finds himself with a little extra company on what has turned out to be a lonely experience. Louis, the pilot who helped fly him across the Atlantic, is the object of his fling. Thus begins an adventure filled with laughter, sun, and trauma rearing its ugly head. Deadline on their companionship, the pair commit to enjoying their time - and Harry, the screw-up he is, can't help but lose himself in the fantasy.

[tinytiger]

The Hobbit - A Kili x F!Reader Fanfic

Masterlist

The Truth

The dwarves are unhappy with a meatless meal, and tensions rise when Y/n, with elven heritage, is treated as royalty by Elrond. Y/n asserts her independence and playfully challenges royal norms. A food fight breaks out during dinner, and later, Y/n encounters the dwarves frolicking in a fountain, resulting in a soaked dress. Despite mishaps, playful banter ensues between Y/n and Kili, hinting at a budding relationship. The evening ends with Y/n surprising Kili with a cheeky kiss, leaving him dazed, and Thorin observing their connection.

Tw- None

The dwarves were not happy.

There was no meat at all on the plates that were put in front of them, just green things that tasted horrible. Thorin had refused to sit at the table and eat food given to him by the species he hated the most. As he looked out of the large hole he stood in front of, his mind was trying to process what had just happened.

Elrond has called Y/n ‘Your Majesty’. She is related to that pampered asshole that is King Thranduil.

Anger flooded through his veins, how come Y/n hadn’t told them.

The chatter behind him stopped. Thorin turned around because the dwarves being quiet during a meal is nothing normal.

As he turned, Y/n walked into the light of the hall. The dress was pooling at her feet, the sleeves were way too long for her. Her hair was pulled back and had been put into a plat, the tiara was weaved into her.

She looked gorgeous, but you could tell she was uncomfortable. As she moved to sit next to Kili, Erland grabbed her hand to make her sit next to him.

“Y/n, you have to sit here!” he exclaimed as Y/n stood up. That is when she exploded.

“Oh, do I, I thought I could sit where I want, and I want to sit with my friends. Not some posh elf boy with an ego that is the size of Smaug’s love for gold. Now stop telling me what to do!” Y/n commanded.

Ever since she had walked into this place, that she used to miss, the people were bowing and telling her where to go and what to do. Surely a princess should have her freedom. She spun on her heel and walked over to where all the dwarves were sat, with astonished looks on their faces. Thorin went to brood out of the window, with a smirk on his face.

At least the sass was passed down.

The chatter returned as she sat down and dug into the salad that was in front of her. After 5 minutes, she looked up at Kili and said,

“I am so sorry about my past. I thought you would treat me differnerly if you would know that i wasn’t a normal half elf.”

Kili smiled and put his large hand on her small, now less muddy, hand.

“I get it, we wouldn’t treat you any different from how we do now. I mean, I’m a prince, and Bofur threw a rock at me the other day.” Kili laughed as the look of shock crossed Y/n’s face.

Then a lettuce leaf smacked her in the back of the head.

“All right, which one of you was that!” she swirled around and picked up a parsnip. All of the dwarves pointed at Fili.

She swung her arm back and threw the vegetable at Fili. But it was way off target and hit Thorin in the back of the head; everyone went quiet.

“Oh Skirth!” she swore as Thorin slowly spun around. She was dead. Then another lettuce leaf hit him in the forehead. Kili and Fili jumped out of their seats and began to throw vegetables at whoever was in reach. Twice Kili got a tomato in the face; Y/n seemed to be the main target for three of the dwarves.

Kili ran towards her and threw her over his shoulder.

“Kili Durin! Put me down now!” She screamed, slamming her fists into his shoulder.

“Ow! No, stop wriggling, will you. Ow,” he argued back but eventually put her on the floor.

“Watch this,” Kili whispered into her pointed ears.

He picked up a potato and threw it in Erland’s direction. He moved out of the way just in time, and it hit the statue behind him. The two burst out laughing. The evening was very enjoyable.

Y/n was walking around Rivendale. She kept thinking of her mother; would the guards of Rivendale tell her father she was here? They had to go near Mirkwood, so would she run into her brother or her father?

As she walked past the fountain, shouts caught her attention. They seemed happy. As she turned the corner, her eyes caught a sight she wouldn’t forget for a while.

All of the dwarves were in the fountain, naked. She squeaked, and that caught the attention of them all. She spun around as Kili got out of the fountain.

“You alright, Lass?” He asked, walking behind her, not being able to see her face. She was glad about that, as she was bright red.

“Yes, Kili, I’m fine. Could you just get back in the water or put a towel on… please,” she muttered as he got closer.

“Come on, Kili,” Fili shouted in his direction. Kili laughed and walked back to the fountain.

Y/n turned around as she heard a massive splash. All of the dwarves had jumped in, causing a massive splash to get her soaked.

Her dress was ruined, which she didn’t care about, but it was starting to stick to her body. Making her curves stick out a bit.

“Guys!” she moaned.

She walked back to her room, dripping water all over the place. She was freezing.

“Y/n!” Her name was shouted as she turned to see Kili, this time in a green shirt with brown trousers on.

“Kili, I’m not mad at you.” His face lit up. “But please don’t do that again.”

“Well, it wasn’t my idea it was—“

“Let me guess, Fili.”

“Yes,” Kili said, looking at the floor.

“Actually, I was surprised that you landed in the fountain. Where did you aim when we needed to shoot the warg earlier?” The e/c-eyed girl looked at Kili with a smirk. She had pushed a couple of buttons.

“Hey, at least I don’t trip over my own feet.”

Leaning in, Y/n glared and stuck her tongue out at him. The two burst into a fit of giggles.

Kili gazed into her eyes as she looked at him.

“At least I can argue with a troll.”

“At least, I don’t get caught by a troll.”

“I was saving Bilbo!” Y/n cried, putting her hands on her hips.

“I saved you twice!” Kili gave her a sideways glance.

“Once, and you told them to drop me; if they did, I would have landed on my head.”

“And we wouldn’t want your pretty ears to get squished, would we?”

Y/n punched Kili in the shoulder.

“Ow! Stop being so rough,” Kili cried out as he held onto his arm.

“I thought you liked it rough,” Y/n cheekily said, raising an eyebrow.

Kili’s face went into a dark shade of red. His head suddenly was filled with situations that made his legs twang a bit.

He came to a halt at her side. Kili wanted to say something. Anything, he wanted to make her feel like this. As she reached her door, she looked at Kili and spoke.

“Thanks for walking me back.” She turned to open the door to her room.

“You’re welcome; oh, and Thorin wants us to leave at midnight. We need to get to Dale before Durin’s Day,” Kili told her, gazing at her.

“Oh, thank you, Kili,” Y/n replied, her thigh holster was beginning to rub; she mentally swore.

“Goodnight, Princess,” Kili said as he walked back to the place where the dwarves slept.

Y/n stopped, her heart beating at 100 miles per hour. An idea popped into her head. She spun around and kissed Kili on his cheek. When she lowered herself to the ground, she smirked at him.

“Goodnight, Prince.”

Y/n disappeared into her room, leaving Kili in the corridor on his own.

Kili had never been so still. He was really tempted to open that door and kiss her back. Walking over to the door, he put his hand on the doorknob.

“Kili.”

His face shot up, and he saw Thorin. How much had he seen? The whole thing. He smiled at the young dwarf and put his arm around his shoulder and walked the dazed boy back to the room he was staying in.

[a-v-j]

Akills and Hryxy rp-turn-to-short-fic

Content warning:

Blood, swearing, mention of killing, not really polished fic so the format can be a bit wonky, self-harm/mutilation

Written by @nyxus-nyx and me

enjoy~

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Chapter 2: Lets play

Akills=italic Hryxy=bold

"…"

"I sometimes like when mine put on a good fight…i mean, I know me, but i have something they dont have. I have tactic, i have strategy… sometimes it irks me how i could easily kill them… considering they are me…" "Heh pathetic"

He leans back a bit by that, averting his eyes somewhere else.

"…"

"Lets talk about our dislikes…for me, i hate red"

Hryxy chuckles. “I dislike white..”He shrugged as he picked at his teeth once more.

"heh, funny" Slightly gesturing at himself, he himself is mostly wearing all white

“Nah.. i like your white..” He guves a small grin as he thinks of more things.

“I dislike.. Seeing other me’s happy..”

"…-"

Akills was caught off guard

".. that's… that's why I've started killing…"

"I hated how they get to be happy…like im… anything less…"

A very faint memory started to stir into his mind, he suddenly felt a bit dizzy

”Interesting.. i feel you there.. but you good bud..?””

He tilts his head his neck popping as he does this watching the skeletons face change a lil.

"…"

Akills jerked and immediately had his hand where his cracked eye socket is as if it's hurting. He hissed a little

"..y-yeah, yeah. Im fine…i just- i just need to…eeeEEAARGHH!"

He quickly stood up and summoned his knifes, directing to a distance. Each plunging to the ground with extreme sharpness, the simultaneous sound of the knives made an echo through the room

He breathe heavily after his outburst and after he calmed down, he look towards Hryxy with a very calm expression

"…sorry.."

"I hate emotions, had to let off steam…"

Hryxy tilts his head and chuckles. He stands up and walks to Akills. ”Stop peeking my interest short-ass..”

He offers his claw, his creepy grin plastered across his face. He laughs a little at Akills position.

“Dork.”

Akills considered swiping the helping hand away but held on to it anyway.

"Isnt that the point of this whole shtick tho?"

“Nah. I think they just want us to get along.” He helps him up with ease and lets his hand go. Not a big fan on touch.

“So.. what now.”

"..hmmm…"

He silently survey the placed, eyeing his surrounding.

"Well, there's still no way out. We haven't interacted enough"

"…"

"Wanna play rocks-papers-scissors?"

”Whats that..?”

He stared in curiosity.

Akills gave a smirk

"You definitely didn't had a good childhood"

"Anyways, each of us takes a hand…place it on the ground, we take our knives out and we stab the spaced between our fingers. And it must be done as hard and fast as possible in one minute"

"Those who still have the most fingers wins"

He nonchalantly instructed

Hryxy grins. And grins widely.

“Oooh.. ive done this before..”

He pulls out his dagger.

Akills' opens his hand and summoned his own knife. He then place his other hand on the ground. He look at Hryxy

"Ya ready?"

He nods as he readys his hand raised over his other.

Akills raised the knife, gripped it tightly and he locked eyes with Hryxy, grinning like a mad man.

"One minute…ready…GO!!!"

He began to stab down on the ground where his hand his at an incredible speed

Hryxy laughs as he goes faster and faster.

“Fuckin finally..!”

He liked the thrill of losing a finger. As he was going faster and faster he made his claw turn normal and human like.

Akills loves the rush he was feeling right now, he locks eyes with Hryxy and he went faster and harder(whoops this is not a smut fic)

He's not paying attention to where he was stabbing at all and his intense staring is him urging the other to take it to a harder challenge.

He twitched a smirk as he felt a quick spike, he stabbed on the tip of his pinky, it's still hanging to the rest of his hand but a good twist will break it off

Hryxy glares with a sickening smirk as he looked at Akills.

“Looks like you lost part of ya finger bud..”

His hand grew faster maching Akills pace(No smut.) and closed his finger closer together for the challenge.

"still have the whole thing attached, it doesn't count"

He retorted as he kept stabbing faster and faster, accepting Hryxy's challenge. He drew his finger closer together, narrowly missing his thumb.

Hryxy chuckles as his speed picked up

“Ya think you could beat me bud..?”

Akills grinned menacingly but soften into a normal grin.

"I pity you so badly i might just let you win"

He said in mild sarcasm

”We’ll see short-ass.”

He laughs as he opens his mouth to let out breathe and salvating as he opens it.

“This is childs play.”

"he he he"

Akills took that as a challenge and jabbed real hard, actually slicing off his whole ring finger. He twitch a bit, smiling sharply as he spoke

"Whoops, looks like youre gonna win, Frankenstein"

Hryxy huffs as he chops off two of his fingers. Black blood splatters on his dagger a bit.

“Oh no.. lost my fingers..”

He laughs.

"oh no you don't"

"Youre" Stab "Gonna" Stab "Win" Stab

"Like a sore winner you are"

With all that, he finally lost his pinky, mutilated his point and thumb and sliced a portion of his actual hand

He kept stabbing and staring at Hryxy, he's not gonna back out now Hryxy chops off hus whole hand.

“You win.”

He laughs.

"FUCK"

Akills growled as he push in one last hard stab, cutting his thumb off. He raised his mutilated hand, showing only his middle finger left. Accidentally on purpose flipping Hryxy off

[irondad-defensesquad]

I'll send an SOS to the world

Also posted on AO3!

This takes place in Iron Man 3.

TRIGGER WARNINGS - presumed dead, mentioned character death, and grief/mourning.

P/ROSHIP DNI.

--

The TV is on but he doesn’t pay a lot of attention. He’s tired from work and is just relieved to be home, even if for a while. He’s sort of spacing out while drinking his coffee, when he hears a tiny sniff that brings him back to reality – or more specifically, to his nephew with tears in his little eyes.

“Pete? Hey, buddy, what’s wrong?” Ben asks, immediately leaving his chair and the coffee.

The boy sobs. “H-He’s gone…”

“Who?”

“I-Iron Man! They destroyed his house!”

Peter starts crying louder. While May comforts him, Ben goes to the living room, finally seeing what’s on TV. That huge mansion in Malibu that Peter always loved… was gone. There was nothing left there. So much of it sank in the ocean.

They had heard that Tony Stark was challenging the Mandarin, but the atrocity of this destruction, and the effect it has on Ben’s nephew…

May hands him Peter, who wants his comfort more than anything. Ben hugs him close, as Peter avoids looking at the television. Eventually the man switches channels so they don’t have to keep seeing that tragedy. Of course, that doesn’t calm Peter down completely.

Ben, unfortunately, has to go back to work. He knows Peter will be with May, but he’s worried about the kid. He’s crying as though he lost someone close to him. Tony Stark was his hero, after all. Peter had so much merch, he wanted to grow up to be just like him… there was always a spark in his eyes, a sense of comfort. Now imagine having that stripped away from you.

Late at night, Peter is in bed. May is still awake. She says Peter cried all day and stayed alone in his room. It was a struggle to get him to eat at all. Knowing Peter, Ben is pretty sure he’s still awake. His guesses are correct when the soft lamp in the kid’s room is lit.

The older man knocks on it gently, smiling at Peter.

“Hey, bud. You alright?”

He can’t actually see Peter’s face, but he knows he’s listening.

Ben sighs quietly, sitting on the corner of the bed. He can half see the teary face. Peter is probably drained of tears at this point. It breaks Ben’s heart seeing him this miserable. He hasn’t seen him like this since…

He wishes he could say something to make the little guy feel better. He knows he can’t. And Ben hates that so much.

Hugging his Iron Man blanket, Peter finally speaks, his voice small, maybe hoarse.

“Uncle Ben?”

“Yeah, Pete?”

“D-Do you think… he’s really gone?”

Ben hesitates. He doesn’t want to lie to Peter, but he doesn’t want to worsen his grief. Peter has already lost so much at such a young age, to lose his hero on top of it all…

“Look, Peter… I’ll be frank with you, I’m not very sure,” he answers.

He thinks about it a bit more, carefully. He realizes something.

“... But honestly, he’s a lot smarter than everyone thinks.”

The boy turns to him, hopeful. What Ben would do for those little eyes…

“He made it out of Afghanistan, right? When everyone else gave up on him, he surprised us. That guy is incredibly resourceful. He survived so many things. Remember the wormhole, Pete? He survived that, too. I’m not saying he’s invincible… but that man, Tony Stark, he’s a genius. He’ll do his best to come back and do the right thing.”

That spark inside Peter finally returns. “You think so, Uncle Ben?”

“Of course, kiddo. You believe in him, so I believe in him, too.”

The boy smiles for the first time today. It’s still broken and scared, after seeing so much destruction, but he hugs Ben tightly. The latter pats his back, grinning as well.

“Alright, bud, you should get some rest. You call me if you need, okay?” Ben says once he lets go.

“Okay.”

“Did you brush your teeth?”

“Yes, Uncle Ben.”

“Alright.” Ben kisses his forehead. “Good night, Petey.”

“‘Night, Uncle Ben. I love you.”

“Love you too, champ.”

He tucks Peter in and turns off the lamp, eventually closing the door. Ben realizes he’s feeling more relieved now. He also hopes Tony Stark makes it out alive. He’s a good man and he makes Peter happy, so who’s Ben to be against that?

--

When everything is silent enough, Peter turns on the desk lamp. Then he grabs a pencil and some pieces of paper.

Peter has always written letters to Iron Man. His first ones were sent, but he never got a reply. He knows that Iron Man is famous and probably receives millions of letters, so Peter wasn’t too bummed out about it.

He still writes letters, but they become more personal, so he will never send these.

Still, it’s nice to think his hero reads them, somehow.

Dear Mr. Stark,

I saw what happened in Malibu and I got so scared! I’m really sorry you lost your home. I was so sad and afraid you were gone, but Uncle Ben told me you’re gonna find a way out of this. You always know what to do, Mr. Stark! You’re a genius! I know you’ll come back somehow and defeat the bad guys. I’m rooting for you!!

Sincerely,

Peter Parker

Once he’s done, he feels… lighter. Peter grabs a small letter envelope and stores the letter inside, so no one else reads it.

His smile fades a little seeing the poster on his wall.

It’s not just Iron Man, the armor, it’s the man inside it.

Yeah, he’s not invincible.

Peter hopes things will be okay.

Finally, he goes back to bed.

He dreams that Mr. Stark returns home and somehow Peter’s last letter did get sent to him… AND Mr. Stark replies!

Of course, that’s just a dream. An amazing one, of course.

But it would never happen. Why would Tony Stark notice Peter Parker?

[geometropolis]

grt3D episode 9: break the 3rd wall

the night seemed darker than usual. the door to group two’s cabin was open, letting the cold air seep into the otherwise warm haven.

square sighed. “listen, triangle, i don’t hate you.”

“yes you do.” triangle was standing in the doorway, motionless.

“shut up. no i don’t. i have plenty of reasons to be pissed, but i don’t hate you.”

“why?”

“if you know someone for practically all your life, it’s hard to suddenly hate them over something.”

“that’s stupid.”

“you’re stupid. go to bed, triangle.”

“no.”

“fine. be exhausted in the morning for all i care.”

“shut up.”

but triangle did not leave; she still stood in the doorway, motionless.

“geez, decide what you’re doing!” square groaned. “either stay or go. it’s getting cold in here.”

“good.” 

“you’re an idiot, triangle.”

“i know.”

“...isn’t it crazy how someone from helvetica’s finally being eliminated? took ‘em long enough.”

“they’re too good.”

“i know. they didn’t even choose to be together, and yet they work so much better than the rest of us.”

“well, if you know someone for practically all your life, it’s easy to suddenly hate them over something.”

“whatever. good night, triangle.”

“no thanks.”

triangle stayed where she was all night, standing in the door, motionless. the air didn’t feel cold to her at all.

…

“COME ONE, COME ALL, TO THE ELIMINATION OF THE DECADE!” möbius declared. “HELVETICA FINALLY LOSES!!!”

“y’know, sir, helvetica did technically lose the first challenge along with yim yum,” origin corrected.

“SAME DIFFERENCE. ANYWAY…”

triangle and square seemed much calmer than they had the day prior, but triangle looked incredibly tired. origin couldn’t tell if this fatigue was physical or mental – or both. either way, the two seemed to have softened.

incredibly, parallelogram was chatting with heptagon. 

droplet and star were walking hand in hand.

and helvetica, most uncharacteristically of all, was full of unease. trapezoid, hexagon, and pentagon were all holding hands, their faces tense and brows knitted; well, trapezoid and hexagon looked worried anyway – pentagon didn’t look troubled at all. 

octagon, meanwhile, kept to herself, away from the rest of the team she had grown so fond of. her expression was bitter and anxious, her face drawn with stress.

“IT’S TIME FOR ONE OF YOU LOVELIES TO LEAVE! AND WHO WILL IT BE?”

octagon kept shaking her head. NO, her mind screamed. NO NO NO NO NO NO.

“SAY GOODBYE TO… PENTAGON!”

“NO!” everyone in helvetica cried. octagon fell to her knees. 

hexagon and trapezoid squeezed their little friend’s hands. pentagon looked shocked, but not upset.

“this can’t be happening,” hexagon sobbed. “tell me i’m dreaming, trapezoid. tell me this isn’t real!”

trapezoid sniffed. “i’m sorry.”

“C’MON, TWINKLE! TAKE HER AWAY…”

origin hesitated, but then started to buzz. pentagon was drawn towards him.

“oh,” she gasped.

“PENTAGON!” trapezoid and hexagon cried. octagon was silent.

“for if you did you’d see that i have had a bite to eat~!” pentagon sang as she vanished, chuckling.

that song, octagon thought. that stupid song is the cause of all of this. that stupid song!

“OKEY DOKEY FOLKEYS…” möbius cut through the tension in the air like scissors through a taut rubber band. “IT’S TIME FOR SOME NEW TEAMS!!! ARRANGE YOURSELVES INTO THREE TEAMS OF THREE.”

square and triangle stayed together; as did heptagon and parallelogram, and the remaining members of helvetica.

“i guess we’ll have to split up,” star sighed.

“aw, now i’ll have to miss you too!” droplet cried. “i don’t want to leave you, star!”

“i know, i don’t want to leave you either… but it’ll be okay.”

“you sure?”

“you’ll do great! i’m sure of it.”

“okay…” droplet looked at the remnants of group two and yim yum. “i guess i’ll join square and triangle.”

“then i’ll join heptagon and parallelogram. good luck, bud!”

“you too!” 

the two friends held hands one last time before joining their new teams.

“THAT WAS FAST. WHAT WILL YOU ALL CALL YOURSELVES?”

“hey, droplet,” triangle greeted. “you’re the one who found the power of two back in the first challenge, right?”

“she sure is,” square answered. “welcome to the team, droplet!”

droplet looked nervous, but she smiled. “how about our team name combines all of our names? like our initials?”

“D, S, T…” square murmured. “how about ‘go the DSTance’?”

that’s so cringy, triangle thought. i like it. “perfect!” she exclaimed.

“how about…” star suggested to his new team, “‘the homeslices’?”

“that’s terrible,” parallelogram said. “but it’s better than ‘the cool kids’ or ‘yim yum’ or whatever. how’d we even come up with those?”

heptagon shrugged.

“AND YOU, HELVETICA? WILL YOU STILL BE HELVETICA?”

“no!” hexagon wailed. “we’re nothing without pentagon!!!”

“UH. OKAY.” möbius wrote “nothing without pentagon” down. “SO, UH, I’D START THE CHALLENGE NOW, BUT TWINKLE ISN’T BACK YET FOR WHATEVER REASON. SO I GUESS WE JUST HAVE TO WAIT LIKE WE USED TO.”

and so the new teams got to settle in. 

“what do you think of the allegory of the cave?” parallelogram asked. “i think generally speaking it makes sense, but the idea that there’s some absolute truth that just, well, exists out there is kind of shocking to me. i don’t think i necessarily agree with that.”

“maybe there are no true ‘forms’?” heptagon postulated. “maybe it’s just a way to put an end-goal to something that doesn’t truly have one.”

“yeah… we all want to know everything, even though we know we can’t… hm, hey, are you excited for today’s challenge? you’ve been doing really well in them lately. you too, star.”

“thanks…!” star said, his voice slightly confused. heptagon sighed.

“anything i can do to help…” heptagon muttered.

“hey möbius,” square called.

“YES?”

“if we’ve changed teams around, what are the sleeping arrangements?”

“WELL… NOTHING WITHOUT PENTAGON WILL STAY IN THE HELVETICA CABIN. THE HOMESLICES WILL BE IN THE YIM YUM CABIN AND GO THE DSTANCE WILL BE IN THE GROUP TWO CABIN.”

“gotcha.”

origin finally reappeared, ready to broadcast.

“OKAY EVERYONE, TODAY’S CHALLENGE IS A RELAY RACE.”

“but we just did a race a few days ago!” triangle exclaimed.

“OH WELL! THIS TIME THE ENTIRE TEAM WILL BE INVOLVED – AS THE RACE HAS THREE LEGS. IN THE FIRST LEG, ONE MEMBER WILL CRAWL ON ALL FOURS FROM HERE TO THE CABINS. IN THE SECOND, ANOTHER MEMBER WILL RUN BACKWARDS FROM THE CABINS TO THE EDGE OF THE FOREST. IN THE THIRD, THE LAST MEMBER WILL JUST RUN REGULARLY BACK HERE. DECIDE WHO’S DOING WHAT.”

“can i do the first leg?” droplet asked.

“sure,” triangle said. “square, do you want second or third?”

“i’m fine with second.”

“okey doke.”

“i’m fine with whatever,” heptagon said in a monotone voice. “whatever you need me to do…”

“okay then, can you do the first leg?” parallelogram asked.

“sure…”

“okay! then i’ll do third.”

“second it is,” star confirmed.

octagon looked at her teammates, who were murmuring to one another. “hey,” she called, “who wants to do what?”

but they were too busy… murmuring.

“hey, octagon…” hexagon’s voice was soft. “...do you wanna talk?”

“we don’t have time for this!” octagon exclaimed. “guys, we have a challenge!”

“octagon…” trapezoid’s voice trailed off as he patted hexagon’s shoulder. 

octagon shook her head. “i guess it’s all up to me then…”

“OKEY DOKEY, FIRST RUNNERS!” octagon, droplet, and heptagon lined up and dropped down to their arms and legs. “ON YOUR MARKS… GET SET… GO!” he turned to origin. “now, about the order for the new teams…”

droplet burst ahead of the other two – she wasn’t very fast, but she was able to spring ahead at first.

octagon and heptagon were neck and neck; both seemed to be going as fast as they possibly could out of some kind of desperation, and they soon overtook droplet.

“c’mon, droplet!” triangle exclaimed from near the cabins. “you can do it!”

droplet bit her lip and kept going. this won’t be like the last race, she thought. i’m gonna win it for my team!

octagon slowed down a bit and droplet was able to pass her. heptagon reached the cabins first and tagged star, who noticed the sad look on his face. droplet arrived just after him and tagged triangle, who high-fived her. “nice going!”

let’s go, let’s go! octagon thought to herself. you gotta catch up!

she finally reached the cabins and stood up. triangle had already gone a long way – she was known for her speed, even if now she was going backwards. star was a few feet behind her.

octagon shook herself and got going, running backwards as fast as she could; she soon passed star, who had tripped. 

triangle went towards him. “okay, get up, idiot.” she grabbed his hand and helped him, before continuing.

hexagon and trapezoid were still sitting by möbius strip, holding hands and talking.

“ARE YOU TWO UH. ARE YOU TWO GONNA DO SOMETHING OR…?”

“listen, this is a hard blow,” trapezoid said defensively. “let us grieve.”

“LOOK, PENTAGON’S NOT DEAD. AND OCTAGON’S DOING JUST FINE, SO WHY AREN'T YOU?"

trapezoid blinked and looked away. “octagon’s different…”

octagon rolled her eyes at triangle. i’m able to pass her now, she thought. but triangle was so quick that she was able to speed past octagon again, even after stopping to help star. “darn!” octagon spat. 

triangle finally reached the edge of the forest, where square was waiting. “hey,” she said.

“hey,” he said.

they paused.

“i’m sorry.”

“for what?”

“what isn’t there for me to be sorry for?”

star reached the forest and tagged parallelogram, who started running back to möbius strip. 

octagon paused by the forest to catch her breath. triangle and square were just… walking. and talking. octagon glowered at them.

“if there’s anybody you should apologize to, it’s circle and rectangle,” square said.

“i know! but i can’t. you’re the only one here. so i might as well apologize to you.”

“so…?”

“i’m sorry for being so horrible to you. and it’s all because of this stupid show! i wanted to go to the third dimension so bad, i almost… i almost forgot about us.”

“about us?”

“us, our friendship. i’ve known you and your brother and circle since forever. but that all vanished… i was so hyped for this new, shiny, exciting prize that i dropped everything i already had for it.”

“and now you can never really pick it up again…”

triangle and square strolled slowly, their footsteps as tentative as their words.

“i don’t know if circle and rectangle will ever forgive me. i don’t know if you’ll ever forgive me.” triangle paused and looked square in the eye.

square reciprocated her gaze, but said nothing.

“but either way, nothing will ever be the same,” triangle continued. “all because i wanted to be anywhere but here.”

“triangle…”

“i guess i never realized that if i did win, if i did go to the third dimension… i would be going alone.”

octagon finally got going again. “don’t do this to yourselves!” she yelled to triangle and square as she passed. “run, you idiots!”

neither responded.

parallelogram was almost back to möbius strip, where his teammates were waiting for him.

“parry! parry! woo!!!” star cheered. heptagon waved half-heartedly.

“AND THE HOMESLICES ARE SAFE!” möbius strip proclaimed as parallelogram met with star and heptagon. “WHO WILL IT BE NEXT? GO THE DSTANCE OR NOTHING WITHOUT PENTAGON?”

"awesome job, both of you!" parallelogram exclaimed, high-fiving his teammates. 

"mhm…" heptagon furrowed his brow.

octagon kept running at breakneck speed, even though she felt like her legs could fall off, fueled half by a desire to win and half by anger towards her teammates.

i'm just as sad about pentagon's elimination as they are! she thought. doesn't mean i get to mope around! they should thank me once i save them from elimination! 

"i don't think i want to win anymore," triangle murmured.

"droplet does," square responded. triangle ran. 

"NOW THIS IS DRAMA!" möbius cackled as triangle and octagon both approached the end of the race. "YES. YES!"

"c'mon sucker, out of the way!" triangle was a few feet from octagon.

"no thanks." and with that octagon crossed the finish line. triangle was a second too late.

"AND WITH THAT, NOTHING WITHOUT PENTAGON IS SAFE, AND GO THE DSTANCE IS UP FOR ELIMINATION – AND, UNSURPRISINGLY, IT'S SQUARE'S FAULT."

"no, it's mine," triangle stated. "it always has been."

"oh, shut up," square countered. "don't hog the blame all to yourself. sharing is caring, after all. it's our fault."

"aw darn, but i wanted to be eliminated!"

"too bad."

"as long as it isn't me," droplet said sheepishly.

"oh, yeah, darn. so sorry for losing, droplet…"

"only apologize if i get out." she smiled. "otherwise you're all clear."

"for the first time in forever! ha."

parallelogram shook his head. "i cannot believe i won a race against triangle of all people. triangle!"

star shrugged. "hey, it could've been worse. at least we didn't have pentagon still around for helvetica…"

"TOO SOON!" hexagon wailed.

"shhshh…" trapezoid soothed. "it's okay."

"i did it," octagon whispered. her voice grew louder. "I DID IT! I BEAT TRIANGLE AND SAVED US FROM ELIMINATION ALL BY MYSELF!" and with that she raised her fist in triumph – and it went through möbius strip.

…through? through? 

octagon's hand went under part of this strange loop and over another. octagon's hand went through möbius strip.

"octagon." origin's voice was grave. "what. did. you. do."

"w-what do you mean, i–" octagon's arm began to lift… off of the face of the world. out of the 2nd dimension. 

"NO!" möbius yelled. "YOU IDIOT! NOW I'M GONNA GO BACK TO–"

and möbius strip vanished. octagon's arm snapped back. 

"...what the heck just happened?" parallelogram asked.

"well, um, huh…" origin started. "...how much do you all know about möbius strip?"

"not much," square replied. "we just saw him in his ad and accepted immediately cuz, y'know, 3rd dimension."

"well, that's the thing. möbius strip is from the 3rd dimension. he's just able to come here out of a strange technicality: like all of you, he only has one edge and one side. but he isn't supposed to be here, which is why he kind of… glitches. he certainly can't be properly observed by any of you. he's… an anomaly."

"so why did he get sent back?" droplet asked.

"well, octagon here accidentally broke a law of physics… you see, things can only go through other things in the 3rd dimension. the universe had to fix that little error… so it sent him back.”

heptagon had a strangely hopeful expression. "is the show canceled?"

"nope. möbius will come back soon… and until then, i can host!"

"oh… okay…"

octagon looked back at her teammates. they hadn’t even looked up.

“what is wrong with you people?” she cried. “you care about nothing besides pentagon!” octagon stormed off.

“we care about you, too…” trapezoid whispered into thin air.

…

“hey guys! wanna learn a fun song?” pentagon exclaimed.

“pentagon…” circle murmured. 

“are you okay?” kite asked.

“huh? yeah. there was this really funny song hexagon taught us, and–”

oval approached the little shape. “pentagon, you just got eliminated.”

“i know.”

“aren’t you upset?”

“not really. i came here to have fun, and i did! though i… i do miss the others, now that i think about it…”

“well, you’ll get to see them in a sec.”

pentagon was amazed by the 10x10 screen. “i can see the whole challenge from here!”

“yup!” heart said. “it’s a lot of fun to watch.”

“speak for yourself…” rectangle muttered.

“hey, could you come here, rectangle?” circle said.

“what?”

“triangle and square… aren’t screaming at each other.”

“...oh.”

pentagon was happy to see her teammates – but her mood soured. “golly, they really miss me… now they aren’t having fun at all…”

circle laughed, half sadly. “don’t worry. they’ll get over you eventually…”

rhombus gazed at octagon. she’s really the only sane one there, they thought, and yet she seems just as emotional as them…

the outcome of the race, however, was the biggest surprise of all.

kite laughed and translated over to circle and rectangle. “i’m sorry, heh, i’m incredibly proud of him for doing so – but how in primes’ name did parallelogram beat triangle in a race?”

rectangle’s voice was distant. “triangle finally slowed down…”

circle moved closer to him.

“hey, wait, look!” pentagon exclaimed. there was octagon, her hand… lifting?

everyone was speechless.

“well,” heart said at length, “if origin is the host now… i guess he’ll need a new co-host!”

[llycaons]

ep9: dafan wens my friends the dafan wens

imo this is def the weakest arc in the show. this episode was fun but whew, I think ep8 might have been my least favorite and we're still getting out of it

he asks this question way later in eps 20 and 43 or something and each time lwj is like 'we just gotta rush them' king of rigid problem-solving and only having one solution to any problem <3

threatening jc with lwj is kind of funny but on a rewatch it's like. ah

credit where it is due. jc almost expressed concern here for wwx

wwx defending lwj for zero reason and then turning and giving him such a sweet smile. bud you are so far gone <3

NOW IT'S DAYTIME?? not even dawn but BROAD daylight. mama mia

yeah, I feel like putting the zombied people in the cage would have been safer than putting the healthy ones in

IS HE. HMM

god this is so sad. look how miserable wq looks to see her popo like this

I don't like any of the surreal, drawn-out, misty sequences interspersed with fight scenes. I mean the waterborne abyss. I mean this forest fight. I mean a chunk of yi city. I mean the maze forest. I just hate the hazy atmosphere and there's usually no good character moments and there's a ton of worldbuilding magic that I can't follow very well and don't rly care for

this fight isn't bad tho! there's some fun banter and some cool angles, like the one above

ANOTHER ATTEMPT AT STRANGLING WWX. WHEN WILL HE CATCH A BREAK. this is the first of...four? jc, wrh, and jgy way later...let wwx breathe 2k23

also this is a VERY funny thing to worry about. lwj is very good at going Heady Empty (meditation) but wwx found it challenging due to having so many thoughts

I SEE BABY A-YUAN!!!!!!!!!!! HELLO!!!!!!!!

as much as I complain about him as a character I was THRILLED to see this little guy. I LOVE baby a-yuan and I think he's just precious. his survival was one of the things I needed to be spoiled for in order to watch the show without significant distress

though given the timeline this can't be a-yuan...he'd be way too old by the time the post-sunshot timeline rolls around. that's at least two years later. so I guess this is his older sister who looks the same as him. god but that's a cute little actor. love him and his big chubby cheeks and his little fingers and his baby wig

GREAT choice for little wn and wq too. they look just like their adult versions. actually I think the casting for all the kids versions of the adult characters was perfect except for a-yuan doesn't look a great deal like lsz imo

HA. wrh may be power-hungry and getting more unhinged by the day with the magic of the yin iron but he's still a more savvy political actor than his stupid fucking son. 'of course wen qing is going to intervene if you mess with her family, you fuckhead' lmao

SUCH a pretty shot I love how saturated the colors are for their outfits and headpieces

literally such a fucking funny scene. well-dressed young nobles hunting in the woods for a chicken. and wwx being so clever and getting wq alone so he and lwj can question her in private. curious how quick he was to cut nhs and jc out. nhs isn't from either of their sects, but jc should theoretically be trustworthy. except! wwx doesn't trust him. hmmm. even this early, he and lwj act as a unit. lwj's entirely given up trying to go it alone and now they work together nearly seamlessly

literally seconds apart. I fucking give up. and I don't think it's the translations because this has been a consistent issue in all the versions I've watched. it's 10! wq and wn are clearly around the age of the others so it's not 20

remember that post that's like 'jc: lady wen may I rub thine shoulders? massage your feet? feed you grapes? vs. wwx and wq doing a six-step handshake and laughing together' that NAILED it. jc trying to be attentive and gentlemanly bc he views her as a Woman and he's trying to fulfill the role he understands to be expected of him, as a man, in society ( to Intervene and Protect). meanwhile wwx views her as an independent actor in this shitty situation they're in. dgmw wwx is also sexist but he treats women more like human people than jc does, esp wq. he also thinks out of the box and isn't afraid to challenge social norms, unlike jc who's guided by social expectations because his parents haven't given him strong positive role modeling and he doesn't have strong instincts on how to behave outside of what he's been taught by society in general

but like I said. still sexist. it's not like being a creative and original thinker can save him from Living In A Society

lwj is very polite to wq, as he appears to be to all women, but I don't think he'd get close with any women because he doesn't get close with anyone at all. also I don't think he meets many women so he doesn't have much interaction with them outside of professional and impersonal settings so they've been at an arm's length from him since he mama died

jc is consistently so unpleasant to wwx. like would it kill you to be supportive of your brother when he's trying to solve a mystery. for ONCE

I like this waiter <3

be nice to the waiter my GOD jc. chill out. he's just telling a story

ohhh cinematic parallels to post-sunshot hmm 👀

overall the yin iron plot is overly complex, kind of silly, and imo feels extraneous, and I can def tell why novel fans dislike it. but it did give the boys and girl some quality time together and an excuse for exposition/backstory development and really, that's all the purpose it needed to serve before its bigger role later. now if only jyl was on more of these trips :( I miss my girl. I love wq but jyl is probably my favorite female character

personal highlights

wwx's cute little smile directed at lwj for no other reason than that he likes him

wwx finding it hard to concentrate in the woods because he just has too many thoughts, which he interprets are being so so smart (and he IS I love you wei wuxian)

nhs and jc going chicken-hunting in the woods

BABY A-YUAN DEBUT!!!!!

[bottlepiecemuses]

In actuality, Moto is quite smart. In fact he's the most knowledgeable of the four heroes at the time of summoning (and yes, that counts Naofumi. Remember, Naofumi had to learn everything from scratch because he knew absolutely nothing when he entered. And had Myne not betrayed him, he would very well become an actually stupid version of Motoyasu because of that.)

I mean, he's the only one among them that went to college.

What Motoyasu isn't however, is rational. People, especially online, tend to think that intelligent and rational are one and the same.

They are not. It is very much possible to be very smart, yet very irrational. Of course there's the problem of this.

Why does he believe malty so heavily!?

This question is easy to ask from the perspective of an audience, particularly when Moto is an antagonist and we see the POV of the protagonist (Naofumi.) But take a step back a moment, remove that audience-centricism, put yourself in his shoes, and ask yourself if you would believe Malty so easy.

"Many of the truths we cling to depend greatly on our own point of view." -Obi Wan

You are Motoyasu. You've known Naofumi for less than 24 hours. Shielders in your game were always kind of sus. Suddenly, Naofumi's party mate runs up to you, butt naked. Crying at you about how she was sexually assaulted. Tears fill her eyes, and her voice is desperate and scared.

Yes, we as an audience knows she's putting up an act. But can you honestly say that were you in this situation, you would not fall for it? With the very limited information and time you had to process it, most people definitely would have.

If you say "Oh I would totally not fall for her bullshit." Well, I hate to break it to you bud, but you're either ultra skeptical, ultra paranoid, or you're still clinging onto that audience centricism I told you to stop having for 5 seconds.

Okay so how could Moto not turn on her after the whole slave crest confession thing?

Because this presupposes again that Moto is rational and that rational is the same as intelligent. Rational thought says that when you're wrong you accept the facts and act accordingly.

However, anyone who's ever had an argument with anyone else should know that people don't work that way. Instead, when people are proven wrong on a presupposed truth (particularly one they've held and reinforced for a very long time, as was the case with Motoyasu at the time of Malty's trial), instead of changing positions they tend to double down on it. This is not a Motoyasu problem. This is... as much as I hate using this term as it's severely overused these days for shitty political stances... a human nature problem. As Adam Ruins Everything points out.

Sure, clearing Naofumi's name like this works (less effectively than shown) on the common masses outside watching the whole thing on ball-o-vision, but for someone that's been with Malty for months on end, has a personal stake in this, and has had no real reason to doubt their companion up until now, all this does is the aforementioned 'backfire effect'.

As an old quote says: "The true form of stupidity isn't the lack of intelligence but the lack of caring to think."

The backfire effect is a psychological phenomenon where people's beliefs strengthen after being presented with evidence that challenges

Motoyasu would, without hesitation, betray his duty as a hero and to the world for his "friends". Motoyasu is a much more cynical depiction of how the "power of friendship" can very quickly devolve into tragedy

when it comes to people he considers friends he is overly trusting

and loyal

and will outright deny the possibility of them doing wrong

Ok

[ennabear]

OH OKAY SO I’M GONNA CRY. SO THATS WHATS GOING ON. AAAAAAAHSHBSWBEHHS I CANT BELIEVE ITS HEREEEEEE!!! BODYGUARD ABBY IM GONNA EAT YOU WHOLE BABYGIRL!!!!! this fic just received a 60 minute standing ovation from ME. can you believe it guys??? the power of ray strikes again (thank god, this fandom would be NOTHING without you)

"God, forbid your hair be in ruin, sweet girl." Abby's wet lips look inviting, especially when she's smirking at you. Delectable, enticing, desired seeping underneath your soul as you try your best to keep them at bay.

"Now that would be positively tragic, wouldn't it? Just a paparazzi's wet dream. Need my hair in ruins for them to get a handsome payday." Abby shakes her head, the budding smile threatening to reveal itself. You can see how it grows, despite the effort she makes to disguise it.

"I think you do enjoy my company. Paid or not, I bring some light into your life." You play with the ends of her hair. The blonde feels a tingle pricking at her skin. She ignores it.

"I can see that smile."

abby anderson call me sweet girl challenge ready set go!!!! hahahah pleaseeee i’d enjoy her company so much!! i’m smiling so hard rn omg… the way you write her is so fucking CUUUUTEEE. she brings all of the light into my life i swear to god… and so do you, raybear, with these absolute lethal masterpieces that you craft for us 🖤🖤 thanks a billion for this mwah mwah mwah i’m gonna smooch you sooooooo hard it breaks my lips

It's these little things Abby remembers, constantly getting her in trouble.

When paparazzi are around, you always accept her hand as she guides you through the swarming crowd. Abby knows you despise it. How inhumane it makes you feel. You feel like an attraction, an object the masses had come to see rather than being viewed as an actual person. In these moments, you cling onto Abby the most. While she's intimidating to all, there leaves a small exception for you, never has she once been anything to you more than just a sweet, gentle giant she wants close to her at all times.

GENTLE GIANT GENTLE GIANT GENTLE GIANT!!!!!!! so unbelievably true… i need her so bad… ngl i would HATE being an actress and you capture this anxiety and overstimulation so well, but would i do it just to have abby as my bodyguard??? well… i’m not saying no…. please i need her to be my bodyguard every day when i get anxious about other strangers walking on the same sidewalk as me….. i need to grab onto her big warm hands…….. mmmmmmh 🍽️

remember when i said some fics deserve to be made into movies??? yeah. yeahhhhhhh HEAVY on this one. (me saying “remember when” as if it wasn’t literally last night 🤦) but SERIOUSLY this is so perfect i can SEE IT PLAY OUT IN MY PEA SIZED BRAIN!!!!!! i’ll never EVER stop singing your praises rayray…. and if you and emi ever wanna cook up a real script… heh… let’s just say…. remiplutenna world domination……

"Please tell me this is the woman I ran into earlier or else I'm going to be even more embarrassed for answering a stranger's phone."

"Well you're in luck."

"Oh thank fuck—" You curse yourself before being so vulgar with someone who you didn't even know. "Sorry! God, this is all my fault. I must have swapped our phones when I picked them up and didn't even realize."

AWWWW THIS IS SO SMART OH EM GEEEE. ACCIDENTALLY SWAPPING PHONES???? AAAAAAAA THATS ADORABLE 😭 abby being in such a rush and a cranky mood that she doesn’t even notice….. real… but i’m swooning i need this to happen to me and her ASAP although my loser ass wouldn’t know how to handle it 🤦 but lemme pretend in the magic of this fic that i would be so chill and cool for a sec 🙂‍↕️

There is a moment, a short one where your eyes go to her chest, the silver barbells constricting against the small fabric, clear as to what lies beneath.

Abby does smirk at that. She's only human.

well yes 🤭🤭🤭🤭🤭 and damn i’m only human too, lemme stare at this bitches nipples for a few minutes… i mean… uhhhh…. lemme suck on them???? or ummm wait….. i didn’t mean to say that haha. yeah sorry heh.

i’d let her guard my body any day…. actually, i’d let her do whatever the hell she wants to my body but that’s a conversation for another time.

"Did I do good? You always say you miss stargazing with your brother back home. I know it's not as quiet as the cabin you have, but I thought it would be okay for now."

"The view isn't bad, not one bit." She admits as she lets you rub her abdomen, the goosebumps crawling upon her skin the more Abby lets you touch her as if she's yours to hold. "Lev would like it. I'm convinced the kid likes you more than me now."

LEV MENTION OH SO IM REALLY BAWLING NOW. MY BABYYYYYYYYY!!!!!!! i need to go stargazing with her NOWWWWW we’d have such a fun time, me and my nerd ass 🤓 but also i wanna hold her and hug her and kiss her… sigh, domestic abby i need you. rayray try not to make me sob challenge failed 😞

"Abs, look at me." She meets your eyes, away from the constellations in the sky, afraid if she looks for a moment too long she'll be stuck here forever. "Talk to me, m'right here, not going anywhere unless you want me to."

Instantly, Abby grips your hips, keeping you in your place.

"No, that's not-"

"What?"

"I'm not what you want. I'm surely not what anyone needs. Hell, l've only been with one woman which is deemed to be for not being enough, right? I'm the girl who came out too late, who doesn't have enough experience but because I'm built like some fucking adonis I need to know whatever the fuck I'm doing but I don't. I never know what l'm doing. The only thing I know how to do is protect you, that's all I'm good for and I'm not gonna screw that up just because-”

"Because what?" Your pelvis is on top of hers, your face coming closer to Abby's, watching as you are irrevocably close to her, closer than you've ever been, wet lips ghosting over her pouty pink lips. Abby doesn't even know when you moved, how you got so close, too lost in her own head to register your movements.

NOOOO ABIGAIL ANDERSON DONT SAY THATTTT MY HEART IS SHATTERING 😭 please my baby has too much anxiety… she just needs me to hold her and kiss her and protect her for once…. SHES WHAT I NEEDDDDDD i would gladly be scared and lost and confused by her side 🖤🖤🖤 my sweet sweet baby who i love so much…. who i wanna kiss….. among other things….

"It's not something I'm proud of and I never wanted you to see me differently but l'm not ashamed anymore though. I'm not that person anymore. I haven't been since I met you." Abby falls silent, her cheeks turning crimson before she can try to hide it "You not knowing how I was, it's just the humbling I needed. Not to mention you were the most beautiful woman I had ever seen — you still are— but you had a girlfriend so I kept my feelings silent. Something just felt different with you and then you were single and I was afraid of you."

"Why?"

"Because I didn't want to ruin you so l made a promise to myself. I would never start anything with you, not unless I was in love with you."

"You love me?"

I LOVE YOU SOOOOO MUCH, ABBYYYYYYYY 😭 GET THAT INTO YOUR THICK SKULL ONE WAY OR ANOTHER!!!!! AND GOD RAYRAY PLEASEEEEE CAN I CATCH A BREAK FROM THIS SWEET FLUFF BEFORE MY ROOM FLOODS FROM ALL OF THESE GOD DAMN TEARS??????????? the way you write dialogue is sooooo cute and so incredibly realistic 😭 my poor babygirl is oblivious and she needs me to repair her heart (which i’d GLADLY do.)

Like honey to a bee, there's nothing that's ever been so sweet.

This is all you need.

"Abby?"

"Yeah, angel?"

"Let's get out of here."

DA PERFECT ENDINGGGGG YUPPPPP!!!! I NEED TO KITH HER NOWWWW!!!!!!! I NEED HER PRETTY SOFT LIPS ON MINEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!! SUCH POETRY RAYBABY IM BEGGING ON MY KNEES FOR YOU TO WRITE A BOOK PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASEEEEEUHHHH!!!!

i love u so much sweetiebear rayray and i love everything you cook for us although sometimes it’s deadly (like right now, my heart can’t take this)… i’m actually biting my metaphorical tongue so hard rn (get it, cause i type with my fingers on here, and not my mouth??? hahahah) to keep myself from getting sappy cause i always do and then i feel like a fucking ding dong after 😭😭😭 but i am so proud of you and this banger nonetheless, and i’m adding this (along with the rest of your masterlist) to my list of amazing fics i need to re-read :33 mwah mwah MWAH!!!!!

≛ LONELY IS THE MUSE!

❝ ABBY!CENTRIC ONE SHOT ❞

feat. bodyguard!abby x famous actor!reader

warnings. eighteen+, suggestive nsfw content: reader fell first nd and abby fell harder, some angst, fluff, slightly coded fem reader, personal trainer!abby, just two idiots pining. i saw the discourse for some romance and i wanted to do my part. enjoy friends.

LONELY IS THE MUSE, entangled in an endless web of a high profile life, everyone waiting on you hand and foot, hollywood’s star in their prime — everyone needing a piece for themselves. yet the mysterious blonde who has not a clue to who you are catches the eye of the lonely muse.

wc. 8k

“You know you don’t have to stand this close to me.” Abby counters, but her words didn’t make you move an inch. Not that she really thought they would. Secretly, she enjoys your gentle touch. She likes how comfortable you feel around her. The downpour in New York has your arm entangled with her own, your hand gripping her bicep as she holds the umbrella.

“Maybe, but I don’t want to ruin my hair.” You replied gently, as you rested your head against her relaxed bicep.

“God, forbid your hair be in ruin, sweet girl.” Abby’s wet lips look inviting, especially when she’s smirking at you. Delectable, enticing, desired seeping underneath your soul as you try your best to keep them at bay. 

“Now that would be positively tragic, wouldn’t it? Just a paparazzi’s wet dream. Need my hair in ruins for them to get a handsome payday.” Abby shakes her head, the budding smile threatening to reveal itself. You can see how it grows, despite the effort she makes to disguise it. 

“I think you do enjoy my company. Paid or not, I bring some light into your life.” You play with the ends of her hair. The blonde feels a tingle pricking at her skin. She ignores it. 

“I can see that smile.” 

Better than anyone, Abby knows the gleam in your eyes is too dangerous to entertain, so she looks forward. It’s what she's paid to do, to keep you safe. Not to entertain some weird crush that will soon pass when you move on to the next actress, artist, or producer. She doesn’t need a reminder of how different your world is, she’s already abundantly clear on where the both of you stand. Worlds apart from each other, even if you’re leaning against her, the greedy hands of the public grab onto you first, mercilessly sucking the life out of anyone who enters your life. 

All it does is isolate you, making your life incredibly lonely. Trapped on the throne you built with your raw talent, but the industry is a double edged sword, as much as it appears to lift you up, it impales any sense of normalcy at a private, peaceful life. You take pride in these little moments you have with her. It’s the only time you get to have a taste of normalcy, even if you did have a bodyguard, which wasn’t entirely normal. Yet, Abby is a gentle reminder of a life she wishes to have. Someone who is kind, and loving; a soul that exists for no selfish gain, greed, or selfishness. 

Sometimes, you take advantage of it. 

Abby knows you crave physical affection. Ever since your messy break up, you’ve been finding any little excuse to justify it. Abby didn’t really mind at all. Even if she tried to deny it in her head, she’d miss it if you stopped. The incessant need you have to be close to her at all times, your essence bleeding on to her, suffocating her with everything she wants, but knows she can’t ever let herself dip into the deepest edges of you. 

Especially, not when you are still attempting to decode the wreckage of your last relationship. 

Abby hates seeing you like this, but she knew there was little she could do to help. All she could do is let you ride the wave of heartbreak, take in the silent tears hitting full cheeks, and hope it would all end soon for you. For now, she would allow immediate proximity.

You’re hurting. You need it.  

The first few weeks, even a couple months after, she expects it. Now it’s month four, and you were still touching her all the time. Lame excuses falling from your lips daily and Abby was sure you didn’t even believe them. She thought about bringing it up to you, establishing healthy boundaries before she crosses a line.

Yet, it feels…nice.

It felt good to be needed. The reason she had taken this job in the first place. It wasn’t what she had imagined for herself – a bodyguard of a famous musician. She jokes about it now, but it's a twisted fate for the two of you. Your eyes shine bright whenever someone asks, and you always take the lead.

Abby has always been more reserved, and your personality is as bright as the sun. She liked Abby the second she laid eyes on her. Not because she was beautiful or the most gorgeous human she’d ever seen.

Which she is.

No.

Her stupid pounding heart, the one she felt beating violently out of her chest, loves you, has no idea who she is.  She had thought possibly the blonde stranger was putting on a front, some did. They liked to conceal their intentions behind greedy eyes and malicious intent.

But Abby turned out to be different.

When a blossoming friendship turned into a job opportunity, it took Abby through a loop. It was the very last thing she was expecting from you. You’d kept her in the dark and when you announced exactly who you were, Abby really didn’t know. Never was she really a fan of social media, didn’t really partake in it unless someone was showing her the latest trend going around. She’s a little old fashioned but she likes it. It worked in her favor when it came to you. Unknowingly, for the first time since your fame struck as quick as lightning, you had the pleasure to befriend someone who had no idea who you were. 

As fresh as breathing your first breath of air, you took pride in the circumstance. Someone enjoying your company for who they are and not just for your social standing, fame, or most importantly the money. Before either of you could really even fully come to it, Abby has become such an influential person in your life, and then you were attempting to entice her with a job opportunity, and she accepted. 

You thought it would take longer and knew from the moment you had asked. But her life was uprooted by you, and she felt guilty about how much it fills her up with glee. 

In the last year, Abby became the only person worthy of your trust, the only one who would keep your confessions confined, not letting the secrets drip like cheap wine down the drain. Rather more as if she was out in the vineyard, carefully hand picking the grapes for the wine as she crafts it herself. Giving it the love, care, and attention it needs to flourish into fine beverage. From one sip alone, knowing she would crave for the taste. 

Getting to know you in ways some would dream of. Often, the mass of the public did, but you’re more selective who you let in your life now. Swiftly, you noticed how easily Abby listened. 

Listening and seeing you for who you are, not some strewed version the media made you out to be.  

She understood why you felt the need to and maybe why you felt comfortable with her. You spent time with her more than anyone. After two years together, she had learned every little detail about you. Where you liked to get your morning coffee, your favorite brunch spot, which bar you like to frequent when you had a night to give, which gym was your favorite, and to not speak with you until you’ve had said coffee. 

It’s these little things Abby remembers, constantly getting her in trouble.

When paparazzi are around, you always accept her hand as she guides you through the swarming crowd. Abby knows you despise it. How inhumane it makes you feel. You feel like an attraction, an object the masses had come to see rather than being viewed as an actual person. In these moments, you cling onto Abby the most. While she’s intimidating to all, there leaves a small exception for you, never has she once been anything to you more than just a sweet, gentle giant she wants close to her at all times. 

Her stature is standing a little over six feet tall. Her arms always looked too good against the tight fabric of her shirt. The one you grip onto as she is navigating through a crowd with you in tow, she’s always focused. The remainder of your team was behind you, while she was always in front of you.

At all times, protecting you.

But it was moments like today, you were grateful for. You blended with the hectic life of the city. You were just two people waiting at a crosswalk, waiting to get to your next destination.

Abby tries not to pay too much attention to how you’re squeezing her bicep, with a strong grip further indication you weren’t letting go anytime soon.

She supposes it’s better than feeling your hand in hers. There were times when Abby deemed it necessary. She would grab it whenever she needed to get you through from point a to point b, quickly. It made you follow her pace instead of lingering behind. She didn’t even know how she was supposed to feel with your head resting against her arm, your body so close to hers.

How was she supposed to act normally?

The rumors were already getting bad. You denied them when asked, and you did gracefully each time.

All Abby could think about if this moment was captured, it would be perceived as intimate. It felt like it was, but she didn’t want the entire world to see. Not when she felt the two of you walking this very nimble line of friends, something professional, and something more. She didn’t need thousands of eyes giving their two senses in a situation she didn’t even fully understand yet. All it took was one person to snap a photo if she gets too close to you. If her touch stayed on you for too long, or if she let the love reach her eyes. The ladder was the most difficult to control. It’s a part of her just as much as the air in her lungs.

This life is new to her. At times, Abby wondered if she’s biting off more than she could chew.

The only reason she’d left was for you. She had a small, quiet life. Abby’s life was very average, a cloud of normalcy hovered above her before the two of you met. A personal trainer full time and she resided in a cabin about half an hour from where she worked. She chopped wood to relieve stress, Her girlfriend liked it at the time, and she did too. She had her two dogs, and a darling kitten. 

She enjoyed the privacy. The isolated countryside her sweet family could reside in. Abby had built this life she was proud of, and it made her happy. For a time, it worked. She was genuinely content with where she was. There wasn’t a need to stress or control where her life was going. It felt like a huge relief. She tended to live inside her own head, not be present in what she has right in front her.

It had been months since she felt like that. It’d felt good and she was proud of herself for not succumbing from within and really coming to terms with what she had built around her. This was the most difficult route for her to take. To allow herself to be open, even if there was a chance of her falling.

Abby really should have felt remorseful for leaving it all behind.

Nora was sweet. The most caring partner she ever had, but there wasn’t much she could compare it to. Besides her, there had only been two, and she didn’t even count Owen. A long misstep until she landed where she needed to be. He did care for her, and he seemed to be more kind-hearted than most men, but the bar was set so low, he should’ve exceeded expectations.

And he did, in some areas.

Others, he fell more than flat but there was little to nothing he could do about it. Abby likes girls and he wasn’t one. Her sexuality shattered their relationship into a million pieces – leaving neither of them any option but to move on.

Nora felt real. This genuine connection she’d never experienced before. Abby knew it one year into their relationship. The pair had built this life together, one where she didn’t feel trapped in, and one Abby could be proud of. She felt acknowledged and loved Nora. There wasn’t a sliver of a doubt in her mind this where she needed to be.

She tells Nora when she needs space, and she isn’t ashamed of it. If she didn’t want to go out, Nora wouldn’t guilt trip her into it. Abby didn’t feel pressured to intertwine her identity with Nora just because they were together. Nora hardly ever gave Abby a reason to be upset. She showed up like partners were supposed to, even when Abby didn’t.

But it was a heavy weight to carry for Nora. Being her first serious queer relationship, Abby was left stunted in areas where Nora had to lend a helping hand. She never made Abby feel bad about it, but the two of them could feel the string keeping them threatening to snap.

Often, it frustrated Abby. To always be the one receiving help and never giving it. She didn't blame her partner, but she was left at a crossroad. 

She never understood Owen more and it really pissed her off.

To no fucking end.

But Nora was far more patient than Abby had ever shown. Maybe it was the testament to love or maybe Nora was just a good person and Abby is shitty. She had more patience than Mother Thersea herself, and it amazed her. Always guiding Abby with a gentle hand, never getting upset with her even when she let her anger shine through.

It makes her feel undeserving of a love she could never earn.

This pure and untainted love had never touched her before, and she’d never fallen this hard. Abby didn’t want to be anywhere but here. She really thought this could be it. Nora could be the one. They could get through those hardships together, right? 

Then you came and overwhelmed her like a tsunami.

She was running late, which was completely out of the ordinary for Abby. Instead of her neat braid, her sun kissed-blonde hair was in a low bun. Underneath her eyes was evidence of her lack of sleep. She hadn’t been getting any as of lately and the bags only seemed to get deeper.

Abby wouldn’t call the fights constant, but it sure did feel like it.

The back and forth, having the same fight consistently. Abby was more than frustrated. The biggest efforts she made were dismissed by Nora, even making her upset at times. She was trying too hard and being annoying, or not doing enough and then it meant she wasn’t present in the relationship.

Abby felt her stuck at a wall, Nora on the other side of it and she couldn’t hear a damn thing.

So, she was running late.

One of the many fights  they’ve had with each other as of late. Nora is tired of dealing with a “baby gay” as she likes to remind her in the heat of their arguments. Abby gets offended, her lips forming into an even deeper pout, her porcelain skin flushed in anger before she gives them both space. 

Contemplating about the future of their relationship in the shower, causing her to be late to work in the process. 

Astronomically behind – her client arrived at the gym she worked at half an hour ago. The most recent argument with Nora plagued her morning. All they seem to do is argue, trapped in what they both need from the relationship, but all the two of them could do is argue, argue, argue.

But neither of them makes a move. They are still as the eerie silence that carries them into questioning. 

It’s when she’s too inside her head, fearing about the future, when she violently bumps into you. Body colliding with yours, Abby’s stone-like build causes you to crash into the pavement, your belongings scatter along with Abby’s. 

“Fuck. Are you alright? Sorry, I’m in such a hurry, I’m sure I wasn’t even paying attention.” You let her pick you from the ground, she does with ease. She looks right through you and you expect the excitement, the excited tears, or to be asked for a picture but it never comes.   

“For a moment I thought I ran into a wall—” You giggle to yourself. “Really, I’m alright.” You spoke softly. You pick up both of your belongings that had slipped from both of your grips, returning it to its owner. 

“Are you sure you’re okay? I didn’t hurt you, did I?” Abby asks again. 

You think it’s cute how much lace of concern is conveyed in her cerulean eyes, full of light and wonder, so beautiful it stops you in your tracks. 

“No no! I’m fine! Really don’t worry about it.” 

Honestly, you’re still in amazement she has no idea who you are. It makes your fondness of her grow even more. The two of you depart quickly, go about your day, and you think nothing of it until you go to unlock your phone to message your manager and it’s not a picture of the moon you’d taken during the eclipse, it’s the mysteriously hot and kind woman you’d run into before. 

Shit. She has my phone. 

Lucky for you, Abby was coming to the same realization. Ready to bring out the workout she had planned out for her first client, opening her phone to access where she had written everything out only to find this isn’t her phone. Well, fuck. 

Abby hollers at Dina to take over the client for a moment, excusing herself for a moment before retreating into the office to call from her direct line. 

Idiot Anderson. Now you get to make an idiot of yourself, twice. 

Way to go. 

She calls her phone and it rings a few times before the familiar voice chimes through the speaker, the one she heard this morning during her fit of anxiety. 

“Please tell me this is the woman I ran into earlier or else I’m going to be even more embarrassed for answering a stranger's phone.” 

“Well you’re in luck.” 

“Oh thank fuck—” You curse yourself before being so vulgar with someone who you didn’t even know. “Sorry! God, this is all my fault. I must have swapped our phones when I picked them up and didn’t even realize.” 

“It’s okay, really, if I was paying attention where I was walking this morning it never would have happened. Did you wanna meet?” 

“No! Let me. Please, this is all my fault. I should at least be the one who makes the drive.” 

“Are you sure? It’s really no trouble. I don’t mind.” 

“I’m really sure.” 

Abby offers the address of work, thinking once after she does if it’s a good idea, a total stranger knowing where she works but she’s already giving the street name and suite number before she can even make her mind. Abby usually doesn’t get nervous but this situation has sent her into a frenzy, thinking about how dumb she could have been. Nora will get a good laugh out of it she thinks, then she is reminded of the fight the two of them were still in. She wonders if she’s even tried to reach out to her yet or if Nora’s just waiting until Abby’s anger rolls over. 

More favorably, the ladder. 

Until the two of them have the comfort of their lives, the cushion they have between their shared friends and the home they share twenty minutes out of the state, until it comes up again and they’ll be contemplating it all over again. Anxiously, the front desk girl, Bevs, the younger girl who has a crush on her, shyly comes up to her. 

Bevs says what she assumes is your name, confusing Abby in the process. 

“You know her?” 

“How could you not? She’s one of the most famous actresses ever.” Abby is stunned to say the least. Truthfully, she had no idea. Her lack of social media keeps her out of the loop and as much as her friends tease her about, if Abby knew who you were the first time around, she’s sure she wouldn’t have been able to say more than two words. Clearly, you’re a fresh face to her. Already, Abby knows Manny is going to have a field day when Bevs lets this information spill in her sheer excitement. 

Great, she thinks. 

“Oh.” 

“I put her in your office. Some of the clients were already starting to have questioning looks, putting the pieces together. Hey! Maybe they're as clueless as you.” 

“Bevs, go back to the front desk.” With a curt nod and realizing she has pushed too far, with a tail between her legs she retreats back to her post. 

Okay, Anderson, let’s get this over with. 

Abby smells you the minute she steps foot in her office. It’s not the usual pinewood scent the candle in her office radiates. There’s a lingering smell of lavender with just a hit of vanilla. It’s sweet as it engulfs her nostrils, she finds herself sniffling slightly, a silent beg for more of it. You’re standing the minute you’re aware of her presence. Painfully, Abby is aware of her lack of clothing. The tight sport jacket is left unopened, her black sweatpants, accompanied with her sports bra, abs on display as she watches your eyes examine her carefully. 

She’s not sure how to feel about it. 

There is a moment, a short one where your eyes go to her chest, the silver barbells constricting against the small fabric, clear as to what lies beneath. 

Abby does smirk at that. She’s only human. 

You keep staring at her for a minute longer, well it feels like one but Abby deems it couldn’t have been more than a few seconds. “Sorry to keep you waiting.” 

“It’s really not a problem.” The more time goes on, the sweeter you are. “It’s pretty close to where I live.” 

Abby didn’t know it then but you were lying straight through your teeth. The trainer didn’t know you moved around your entire day to make the phone swap or the butterflies swarming your stomach from just how attractive and nice she seemed to be. There was something about her that sent your caution flying to the wind, drifting in the leaves with the rest of your pride. 

“Well I appreciate you coming out this way, even if it’s in your area. I really wouldn’t have minded taking the drive.” Abby pulls out your phone as she hands you yours. It’s simple, transactional, and it should have just been left at that but you had a fondness of putting your foot in your mouth. 

“Are you a trainer here?” 

“Uh, yeah. Been doing it for a few years actually. I spent so much time here already, now I get paid for it. Can’t really complain.” 

“Do you ever do private sessions?” 

“Um-” Abby scratches the back of her awkwardly, not sure if you’re asking her genuinely or if you’re trying to insinuate something else entirely. 

“Oh fuck no! I didn’t mean it like that. I just have a….job opportunity I have to get in shape for and you just look like you know what you’re doing.” Abby thought you might as well point to her physique but if anything she was flattered. It was always nice knowing something she’s been working on for years, her longest standing commitment besides Nora, is appreciated. 

“Sure, we could work something out.” You slightly smile before you exchange phones, this time on purpose, to put in the other’s number. Normally, she didn’t give out her number to clients, but Abby makes an exception for you that day. To this day, she’ll never outwardly admit why she did, not even to herself. 

- 

Two years later, she’s single from her life being turned upside down by you. The casualty being her own relationship, leaving Nora behind was one of the hardest decisions she’s made. Nora never agreed on Abby taking the job. As much as Nora wished for Abby to be more open about their endeavors, as soon as she accepted an offer that could drastically expand the trajectory of their life, Nora couldn’t be asked to compromise another thing. 

That was that. Not even two months into Abby working for you and Nora had called it quits. Abby never talked about it, only you knew she had a girlfriend she used to talk about when you began training with her, and then it was just silent. Back then, you didn’t know her well enough to pry, so you didn’t. 

Even as time passed, the two of you became friends through your employment, spending all your time with her during press season for your upcoming film, Lonely Is The Muse, together. Today was the only day you had off, even if it means Abby technically had the day off, you insisted that both of you leave the hotel and go out for the day. It's the most peace you felt during the European leg of the tour. Only one more day of dealing with your sensory issues, people in your face telling you when and where to go, or the distasteful question regarding your past public breakup instead of the work you were promoting. 

Some interviewers were kind enough to let the drama go but some wanted to get their own viral moment, waiting for you to say the wrong thing. As the industry likes to say, any publicity is good publicity. 

When you’re America's sweetheart actress of the century, such luxuries can’t be afforded. 

As your manager likes to remind you, there’s a reputation you have to protect. 

“Would you like to head back now? Long day tomorrow. Last day of interviews and then your flight leaves first thing in the morning.” 

“Did Stassie put you up to this?” 

“Maybe.” 

“I thought you were supposed to be the fun one.” 

“Mhm, your definition of fun is letting you do whatever you want.” 

“And the problem with that is?” 

All Abby can do is chuckle. 

“What do you want to do then?” Abby asks. She takes note of the sparkle in your eyes, as blinding as the sun but obtaining the serenity of the moon. “I’m all ears sweetheart.” 

It’s how the two of you end up here, a rooftop party, a friend of a friend you said. The party was lowkey, more than the typical ones you would get invited. Maybe because you weren’t in Los Angeles, Miami, or New York — but tucked away on another continent — or perhaps everyone here is just discreet. 

There’s only two fans that come up to you instead of twenty. You’re thankful for some sense of normalcy, one night where you can just feel normal. It still never gets old, people coming up to you as they confess the impact you’ve had on their life. It feels unbelievable at times but you’re grateful for the luxury life you’ve been granted. 

“Here. No liquor tonight.” Abby hands you a glass of red wine, your favorite beverage of choice when you couldn’t have tequila. 

“Yes Ma’am.” You playfully salute her. More than anything, you enjoy the not so subtle chuckle. “Not that I don’t love your company but isn’t Stassie supposed to boss me around?” 

“She felt under the weather. Plus, we both know you don’t listen to her.” 

“And I listen to you?” Your hand plays with her loose blonde hair, smoothing out the white button she’s wearing. 

“Yeah, you do. I wonder why that is.” Abby is playing with fire tonight. Possibly due to the fact that you wouldn’t leave her side, not even for a moment, keeping your body close, practically gluing yourself to her. Yes, she’s charged with keeping you safe and protected but it seems you find enjoyment bringing it to another level entirely. 

“You’re much nicer to look at, that’s all.” It’s light, a quiet whisper, not meant to be heard by anyone — not even for Abby to hear. “Don’t wanna make my handsome bodyguard upset.” 

Faking your pout as you let the words leave your lips, Abby chuckles as you get closer to her, her body standing strong as you push your weight onto her. Stoic as always, while you lean on her, she keeps her eyes peeled. Ensuring your safety at all times. 

“Flattery isn’t going to get you a shot tonight.” 

“I’m just stating the obvious.” 

Abby chuckles, again. She’s delighted you’re enjoying yourself, even if it comes at her expense. There’s a soft jazz song playing outside, couples dancing to the music, you zone out for a moment as you look upon one in particular. 

They are older, possibly in their forties, raven hair beginning to gray, fine lines crinkle when they smile at each other but it’s hard to take note of anything else but the way the couple looks at each other. Your mind wonders how long they’ve been together, if it’s been for years, months, a couple weeks. 

It doesn’t really matter. You just want that. 

The feeling isn’t lost on you, especially when you’re in the arms of the woman you love. For her, she’s being protective, doing her job but you wish it was different. A bubbling desire dripping off your tongue, a need to have her close to you but because she wants. Not because she’s paid to. 

“If I can’t have any tequila shots, god forbid, you have to dance with me.” You down the rest of your wine, placing the empty glass on the bar. “C’mon, you can give Stassie an earful later.” 

Pulling her towards the makeshift dance floor, Abby leads as your head rests against her chest. The steady, soft heartbeat soothes you, a reminder of the safety you feel with her. Caught in the riptide of her kind eyes and heart full of gold. It’s what makes her so unique, so loved, so her. With a surprisingly good tone, Abby sings to the music softly before twirling you around and spinning your body back to her. 

“Is there anything you can’t do?” Your hand rubs lovingly on her lower back as she holds you in her arms. You take pride when it doesn’t feel transactional. When she holds you and it feels as if she was meant to. There’s nothing else comparable to it, her frame melting into yours as your soul finds solace in her warm embrace. 

“There’s plenty of things.” Playfully, Abby smirks. 

“Oh yeah. I’m sure.” 

The sarcasm practically drips out of you as her smirk grows wider. 

“Can I ask you something?” You hesitate for a moment as you find her beautiful blue eyes staring into your soul. It’s only then does everything troubling might dissipate while she holds you — secretly hoping it’s forever. 

“You can ask me anything.” 

You give yourself a moment to collect your thoughts as you move to the delicate beat. “Do you ever wish for a life where you could have had a normal life? I wonder if things could be different.” 

Immediately, Abby answers. 

“Not anymore, no, not for a second.” 

If it was even possible, Abby pulls you closer to her, not urging a word more. It’s how she is, cold and distant to some but they don’t feel the stutter in her breath when you’re near or the soft pad of her thumb rubbing soothingly on the back of your hand. Or the soft words of encouragement when you’re having a difficult day. 

They hear none of it. 

She dances with you for a couple more songs, before you find solace on the couch. You lay beneath the moonlight, your body cuddles into her side as you stare up at the sky. 

It’s lost on you how you’ve ended  with her, someone as kind and untainted as her, wanting to spend her free time with you, but you’re grateful for it. Whatever god you have to thank, you’ll get on your knees to praise their alter for bringing Abby into your life. She’s the best thing to ever happen to you and she doesn’t even know it. Albeit, she hardly knows the extent of how wonderful she is. 

“Why here?” 

“It’s a good night, nice weather. Why not?” 

A question with a question. It’s the most straightforward answer you’ll ever give her. Innuendos for the sweet girl to piece together, but with the soft circles being drawn her stomach with the pad of your finger leaves little to nothing to decode. 

“It’s nice, yeah.” 

Abby always has so little to say but her mind swarms with a thousand reasons why this is a bad idea and a million of why this is where the constellations in the jaded sky have led to you. Straight into the pits of innocence, a heart that’s been hurt more times than she can count but still as golden and whole as one could be. 

“What do you think of Italy?” 

“It’s nice.” 

“Nice? That’s all I get?” 

Abby smirks but her body stills when you play with the waistband of her trousers before gliding back to the security of her abdomen, carving the liner of her defined abs. The ones she tries so hard to cover up, but you saw on the very first day you met her. 

“Do you want more?” You ask, an eyebrow raising in suggestion. Abby knows it’s a double edged sword, one she doesn’t want to be injured with. 

“You’re playing a very dangerous game.” Cautiously, Abby warns. “I’m not sure that last drink was a great idea.” 

You rest your head on her sternum, sapphire eyes looking down at you as her hand finds home on your waist, the blunt of your nails scratching softly at her stomach. 

“They always seem like a great idea at the time, don’t they?” With a gentle hand, you caress her scarred cheek, the pad of your thumb gently tenderly kissing the freckled skin. Outlining the softness of her jaw with your left, while your right one refuses to leave her stomach. 

“I don’t see how anyone would ever want to leave you.” Abby hums, not giving you much to go off of, tight lipped as she’s always been. The Nora situation has always been on your mind. One day, Abby’s speaking of her like she’s the love of her life and the next? Abby stiffens so tight when you bring up her name you promise yourself to never speak of it again. Until now, almost two years later, you’re more curious than you have ever been. The fatal ending, not belonging to you, but still you paw for the answers with your greedy palms. 

“You can just ask me if you want to know. I can see the look in your eyes.” 

“What look? I don’t have a—” 

Abby tilts your chin with your palm, leaning into her touch as you often do. 

“Yes, you do.” 

“How do you know this look?” 

“Hm.” Her thumb pulls at your bottom lip, “You’re just trying to get me in trouble now.” 

Your tone shifts, your eyes become transcendent, more crystal clear than they’d been all night. 

“What happened between you and Nora?” You ask, treading lightly on the ground you’re skating upon, in fear the ground beneath you might just crack if you apply too much pressure. 

“Why is it so important to you?” 

“It’s not that it’s—” You face plant into her chest, giving yourself a moment to breathe. Fuck, even her chest smells good. 

“You don’t ask about anything unless it’s of value to anyone. You don’t waste time, you’re very adamant about it. Painfully so.” Blonde eyebrows relax as she closes her eyes for a moment, but her touch on you soothes you. It’s gentle; a somber comfort bleeding into blissful joy. 

“But I’ve spent a lot of time with you.” 

“Yes, you’ve spent a lot of your time with me.

Abby opens her eyes to see you, your head tilted to the right, as you look upon each carve of her angelic face, the one that could only be carved by the gods above, resembling an angel on earth. As pure as the snow with the biggest heart of gold you ever have had the pleasure of knowing. 

“What?” 

“I didn’t say a thing.” You smile slyly. 

“We didn’t break up because of you, if that’s what you’re asking.” Abby sighs, “You’re not some homewrecker. My home with Nora was already wrecked before we met.” 

“Are you just saying it to make me feel better?” 

“No, I’m not.” You play with the ends of her golden hair, it hurts to be this close to what you want but knowing it’s so clearly out of your reach, league even, all of it will end the same. “Nora wasn’t fond of her being my first relationship with a woman. It caused a ripple effect, me feeling like I wasn’t good enough and her feeling like she has to carry me in the relationship, emotionally anyway.” 

“Is that why you broke up?” 

“No.” 

“It was because of me.” You state, as a matter of fact, knowing there is no other truth to be known. With tears welling up in your eyes, an ache  in your heart, one that made you ache all over. The dread of the guilt weighing heavily on your heart, time and distance still isn’t enough for you to run from it. 

“It was a job that was a great opportunity. Alright? It wasn’t you, even if I hadn’t, we both wanted different things. I didn’t even realize it until after but I wasn’t happy. I promise, it has nothing to do with you.” 

What Abby didn’t know, you needed to hear her say those words. In the back of your head, a monstrous demon unleashes in your mind, telling you crashed her relationship. You were the problem and her inevitable doom, but she’s assuring you it wasn’t the case. 

“We hardly knew each other back then.” 

As pathetic as it sounds, Abby can’t imagine her life without you. 

“Yeah hardly.” 

There’s that look again, pouring into Abby’s soul as it eats her up whole, the gleam in your eyes begging for more. It’ll complicate things if Abby gets involved, she knows this, but it already seems like she is despite her best efforts not to be. 

“Did I do good? You always say you miss stargazing with your brother back home. I know it’s not as quiet as the cabin you have, but I thought it would be okay for now.” 

“The view isn’t bad, not one bit.” She admits as she lets you rub her abdomen, the goosebumps crawling upon her skin the more Abby lets you touch her as if she’s yours to hold. “Lev would like it. I’m convinced the kid likes you more than me now.” 

“As he should. I’m pretty damn amazing.” 

“He asks too many questions though.” 

“About what?” 

“I dunno…..things.” Abby retreats back into her shell, the layer of protection she uses to protect herself from getting hurt. Most of all, out of everyone the gods could torture her to be confused about, of course it has to be you. Everyone in your life is always begging for pieces of your time, pieces of your affection and bits of your time to suck you dry. Abby has always wondered how you juggle it all. It feels cruel to even think you would put her in the mix. 

Painfully, there’s nights like tonight, where she sees the desire swarming in your eyes — every part of her pleads to give in to the temptation. Give into something she’s never even let herself think about until the last few months. As thick as drywall, there was a barrier keeping her heart from you, one she kept to protect you and herself even. 

The absolute last thing she wanted was to wreck everything this has to offer. If she makes the wrong move, all of it can come crashing down on you…it’s the last thing she wants. Make you a martyr in her story, one she thinks and dreams of often but knows you’re too big for her to exist in your life. The circles you run in don’t even exist in the same planet, the same fucking universe if Abby’s being honest. 

“What things?” You pout, your hand traveling south, caressing her thigh with a familiarity Abby wishes you didn’t have. She wishes for a lot but they never come true, that’s all you can be, a dying wish Abby curses upon a fading star.  

“It’s just stupid shit, not worth mentioning.” 

“Abby…” 

“Yeah?” 

“I—” You take a deep breath, your voice already shaky and you haven’t even told her yet. “I don’t think you even know how much you mean to me.” Abby isn’t sure where you’re going with this, terrifying her instantly. 

Have you finally had your fill of her? Were you gonna fire her? Now? 

“Lev doesn’t just talk to you about us.” 

“Us?” Nervously, Abby stomach clenches, unprepared for where this conversation is heading. 

“Why are you so scared?” 

Abby visibly and loudly gulps, almost making you giggle slightly. 

“I-I’m not.” 

The stonewall she attempts to hide behind but you won’t let her, not tonight. Slumping in the shadows, waiting for you to find someone else to love as she watches your happiness from a far, that’s what she allows herself. Nothing more and nothing less. 

“Abs, look at me.” She meets your eyes, away from the constellations in the sky, afraid if she looks for a moment too long she’ll be stuck here forever. “Talk to me, m’right here, not going anywhere unless you want me to.” 

Instantly, Abby grips your hips, keeping you in your place. 

“No, that’s not—” 

“What?” 

“I’m not what you want. I’m surely not what anyone needs. Hell, I’ve only been with one woman which is deemed to be for not being enough, right? I’m the girl who came out too late, who doesn’t have enough experience but because I’m built like some fucking adonis I need to know whatever the fuck I’m doing but I don’t. I never know what I’m doing. The only thing I know how to do is protect you, that’s all I’m good for and I’m not gonna screw that up just because I—” 

“Because what?” Your pelvis is on top of hers, your face coming closer to Abby’s, watching as you are irrevocably close to her, closer than you’ve ever been, wet lips ghosting over her pouty pink lips. Abby doesn’t even know when you moved, how you got so close, too lost in her own head to register your movements. 

“It doesn’t matter.” Abby puffs out. 

“It matters to me.” You sink into her, further, if it's even possible. “No one matters more than you, alright?” 

“But there’s people.” Abby looks for an excuse to get up, she comes up enough so she’s sitting up against the armrest of the patio couch, holding your lower back as she does so, leaving you straddling her hips. 

“I don’t care. All that matters is you.” You push a piece of blonde hair away, seeing her beautiful cheeks more clearly, her shining blue eyes finding its unique path to your heart, the one especially made for her. “Here just let me talk, alright? You don’t have to say anything. Just listen.” 

Abby is nearly crying, practically purring as you run your fingers through her cascading blonde hair. It’s too much but not enough. Although she is sure of one thing, the one thing she wants more than anything. 

“I’ve always been one for pretty girls. I had a reputation around Hollywood, always chasing one after the next, never reaching my fill or as the tabloids like to say.” You chuckled half-heartedly; the wound cutting deeper than you would have liked. “My publicist having to pay paparazzi an obscene amount of money to get these photos from ever hitting online, month after month, it was pathetic really. Just trying to fill a hole, one I didn’t even know how to fill.” 

“I didn’t know that.” 

“It’s not something I’m proud of and I never wanted you to see me differently but I’m not ashamed anymore though. I’m not that person anymore. I haven’t been since I met you.” Abby falls silent, her cheeks turning crimson before she can try to hide it “You not knowing how I was, it's just the humbling I needed. Not to mention you were the most beautiful woman I had ever seen— you still are— but you had a girlfriend so I kept my feelings silent. Something just felt different with you and then you were single and I was afraid of you.” 

“Why?” 

“Because I didn’t want to ruin you so I made a promise to myself. I would never start anything with you, not unless I was in love with you.” 

“You love me?” 

“It’s impossible not to.” You sigh into her, forehead pressed against hers, her strong hold not letting go. “You don’t have to say anything or do anything. I don’t expect anything in return. I just can’t live in a world where you think because you’re not experienced as some, you think you’re less than people who are.” 

“It’s true, I’m not there with everyone else and it shows.” 

“Abby, you’re not getting it.” 

“Well, no shit. I’m not good enough for any of this, you especially.” 

“It’s not…” You bite your lip as you reach for her hands on your waist, intertwining them with your own. “Abs, it would’ve saved me a lot of trouble.” Your lips ghost over her lips again, but this time Abby inches closer, her breath warm as it hits your mouth. 

“What?” 

“If I was a patient person and waited for you.” 

More than before, Abby’s breath is heavy as the rise and fall of her chest is rapid, trying to calm herself down but it’s impossible when you’re this close. It’s a lot for her, maybe she’s overly sensitive, but your touch is practically lighting her on fire. Abby wonders if it will ever be able to be put out or if your magnetic touch will leave her scorned. 

Puppy eyes inwardly pleading for an ounce of your touch, so sweet as she supports your weight with her strong thighs, anchoring you to her — never quite letting go. A single glance detrimental to the layer of protection she built around herself. 

“There’s no more waiting, m’right here.” Abby closes the gap indefinitely, lips connecting with yours as they move in perfect harmony, as if this is what she was made for. Involuntarily, she whimpers in your mouth as you gently tug at her bottom nibble at her bottom lip, your tongue sliding in as it dominates her own. It happens too quickly — the way her very being melts into you. 

Like honey to a bee, there’s nothing that’s ever been so sweet. 

This is all you need. 

“Abby?” 

“Yeah, angel?” 

“Let’s get out of here.”

taglist: @brackishkittie @only4theweeknd @tlouloser @marvelwomenarehot0 @grey-jedi12 @r3starttt @bittersu1te @pxgeturner @maxinephobia @marsworldd @aouiaa @twopeoplee @i-lov3-w0men @lvlymicha @half-of-a-gay @pa-co @rkivedpages @abbyspup @lucidfairies @lizzygrant @yourfriendlyneighborhoodeden @iluvme9 @skzhoiic @angelynn-nicole @hearts4joongie @moonyvs4 @loveyru @imdrowningindispair @random-fag @swinesb @spacewlf

[darpow]

MERROCK TASK #17 SPRING FORWARD

first things first: do you like spring? Spring's fine! I don't really know if I have a favorite season, so I don't really have a reason to not like it, to be honest?

what is your favorite thing about spring? Probably just the way campus looks, with all the flower beds and budded out trees.

what is your least favorite thing about spring? Allergies.

do you have a vegetable / produce / fruit garden? I'm going to see if I can bully talk my roommates into planting one with me this year, I think we could grow some mean veggies!

how about flower beds, or things planted in the house? There's a lot of landscaping around our house, if that counts!

regardless of what you do or do not plant, are you good at growing plants? have a green thumb? I'm not, like... bad luck to plants, per se, but I can't really say that I'm a super great gardener or anything, either, you know?

what's your favorite flower or plant? Aloe. It has so many uses.

what's your favorite scent that you associate with spring? Sugar. Does that count? Between Easter candy, peanut butter eggs, people baking, things just smell sweet.

is there a sound that you associate with spring time? The birds are back.

do you prefer sunny mornings or rainy afternoons? Sunny mornings! Ever walk a dog in the rain? It's not the most fun thing on the planet!

favorite thing to do on a sunny, warm spring day? Take the boys out for a walk, go hiking by myself, sit outside and just enjoy the sunshine and breeze.

favorite thing to do on a rainy, chilly spring day? Read, watch movies, maybe break out the board games and see if I can challenge anyone to a fun afternoon of hating each other while playing Monopoly. Just saying.

do you celebrate Easter? any traditions you follow for it? I do, my family has always done the traditional stuff (Easter egg hunts, church, dinner), so if I go home, I do that. If I stay here in town, I normally help out with the egg hunt and the Community Center if they need it, or I just have dinner with friends.

regardless of if you do or don't: favorite Easter candy? I like those gigantic hollow chocolate bunnies, they just bring back good memories!

what other springtime holidays do you observe? None, really.

favorite place in Merrock to visit in the springtime? The dog park, good place to take Gale and Walter, but also just to hang out with friends who are doing the same thing.

the spring bugs are coming out: do you rescue them and let them out of the house, or grab the nearest shoe? If it's a bug that's just minding its own business, I'll politely escort them from the premises. If it's biting or coming after me, it's on sight, and I will absolutely smoosh it with a shoe. Sorry.

are you a big spring cleaner? Kinda, I do feel like it's a good time of year to get rid of things that you don't want anymore.

do you switch over your wardrobe from cold weather to warm weather clothes? Yep! But I normally wait until after the school year, because that way I can put all my "professor" clothes away and pull out the stuff that I actually want to wear.

how about the house: does your decor change for the spring season? do you rearrange furniture? We might change some decor to make it seasonal, 'cuz that's fun, but we don't really change the furniture all that much!

what color makes you think 'spring'? Yellow.

describe your perfect spring outfit: Jeans and a t-shirt! Stuff that I don't get to wear from September through May very often. I'll toss on a light hoodie and wear some sneakers and be set for the whole season. And very versatile, too.

most adorable looking baby animal that you ever did see? I always think that baby birds are cute in drawings and cartoons, until you see them in real life...? I like baby pigs.

what's a drink that makes you think of spring? Iced coffee.

how about a snack? Gelato.

[vaspider]

Oh!! I have a bunch of new followers!

I have to tell you about my dogs!

This is Rumba. He is about 4 or 5 we think. He was stray for a little while and is very afraid of hoses. :( He's actually my wife ( @apocalycious )'s dog and he's the softest boy. @mistresskabooms calls him The Velvet Himbo. He's very gentle and curious. He wants to stand next to me and sniff every envelope if I'm packing orders. He loves snap peas SO MUCH.

If you are not playing with Rumba and he wants your attention, he will just keep bringing you different toys to see if THIS is the toy you want to play with. Or he'll stare at you.

Cap (Captain Malcom Reynolds) is MK's dog; we adopted him for her 15th birthday. He loves getting one-on-one attention from humans and doesn't pile sharing human playtime with other dogs, but he does like to play with Mila and Rumba. He and Rumba are like an old married couple, and also best friends. He dances for attention.

Cap loves His Girl more than ANYTHING and if MK is in another room and he can hear her, he'll start whining and crying until she either can't he heard or she comes to see him.

Cap really loves broccoli but... old man dog broccoli farts. Sorry, bud.

Mila (Lyudmila Pupperchenko) is the dog of @dadhoc, my spouse. She's 80% anxiety and 20% loving Her Person, and she stores all her anxiety in her extremely long legs, I guess. Seriously, she's like 80% leg, too. Mila loves our wife, too, just not when Evie has legs. Something about Evie standing up makes her anxious but many things make Mila anxious. We had a super harassy neighbor at our old house who had to yell a lot, and it's taken a couple of years and a lot of work to help her enjoy walks and relax.

Mila is terrified of wind, which would be fine if we didn't live on the side of a mountain.

If Mila really likes you, she will very solemnly sit down with you and boop her snoot against your mouth just once. If she really really likes you, she may try to lick the tip of your nose with the tip of her tongue. This is very rare and she only does it with people she really likes and when she's very relaxed. It is her ultimate sign of affection.

Last but certainly not least...

Guardian of The Ball, Breaker of Chains, Lightning Conqueror, The Potato, He of a Hundred Names...

Ser Davos Seawoof.

He's the youngest of our dogs, at 4.5 years old. Highly energetic, highly vocal and extremely smart, he causes himself problems by being so smart. When we drove to OR from PA 2 years ago, he broke out of 4 harnesses, 3 leashes, and out of his kennel twice. The last time he had to be boarded, he had to be moved to a glass-door kennel suite bc he kept shoving his nose into the wire door trying to break out of the wire-door suite to play with the humans.

Davos (aka Doble, Devos, Davis, Dabo, Adobo Spice, Dave - all but 1 of those have been misspellings on vet or boarding records) is half AmStaff, half Mini Aussie Shepherd. His Job is "chase the ball."

It's important to know where your ball is at all times, says Davos.

We play lots of enrichment games with him - one of our favorites is hiding the ball in a big soft rope basket with soft toys, towels, etc. He already beat all of our food-based puzzles, annoyingly quickly, so. Yeah.

He's hyperloyal and protects his family from all things but ESPECIALLY the neighbor's cat, who he HATES because that cat should not be in HIS YARD. (This is true.)

He once ran out into the yard while it was raining to bark at a thunderstorm, evading me while challenging the thunder to a fight. He seemed extremely pleased with himself when the thunder stopped, so we joke that he fought a storm and won.

Davos is my dog, and I love him so much.