#and it wasn't easy for me to get to that point i had to be Convinced. and allow myself to believe it possible

[cvnt4him]

You’ve given me bunny Izuku brain rot 🙏🙏

I was thinking maybe he starts doing rabbit courtship behaviors, which rabbits don’t have a lot of, but bucks do chase and circle does. Which would be pretty funny— Izuku trying to get Reader to run, and then when that doesn’t work he sprints away hoping she’d follow, and then when THAT doesn’t work the poor little guy tries circling and binky-ing around Reader. Meanwhile she’s just like WTF? 😭

Male rabbits don’t nest, but maybe he would as a desperate, ‘look! Look! Look how good I can be for you!! I can do this!! I would be such a good mate!!’ (he’s been pushed to his last straw, guys)

Also I have a feeling the brat would scent EVERYTHING, including reader lmao

I mean surely at some point Reader would realize Izuku has human-level intelligence, even if he has more instincts than a normal human. Maybe it would be, in teary desperation after he’s been rejected every single time, he does research on Reader’s laptop. (over human courting rituals ofc lmao)

Anyways, feel free to take whatever brainrotting you want from above as writing prompts! I’d love to see it!!

HAHSURUEUE THIS IS DELICIOUS.

mating season rolled up on izuku a lot quicker than he expected. He thought he could try to resist it at first but, his urges grew too strong. He needed to mate; to breed, and not just anyone but you.

Izuku couldn't help trying to get your attention, he figured if you realized what he was doing that what he was doing normally rooted with bunny courting methods and stuff you'd understand and help him! But that wasn't the case....at all in fact.

Truth be told you hadn't exactly learned how to take care of a hybrid. You thought it'd be as easy as taking care of a child, or maybe a cat. Something you've done before, you've babysat and even owed animals once upon a time.

You weren't exactly sure what izuku was doing but it sure was adorable....at first. He'd started getting more clingy and all in your face, staring at you , following you around and whining at you. When you'd look down at him he'd get this eager and excited look on his face, his ears standing at attention and his eyes widening.

His nose twitched faster than you recalled and his tail wagged behind him he slightly turned his head to the side, but instead of investigating you simply chuckled and patted him head. Now of course, your touch was all izuku wanted. But that was so brief and so bare, he wanted more.

Izuku whined to himself getting slightly grumpy, he wouldn't give up not just yet. You noticed he'd started following you around a whole lot more. So much so that it got annoying. He was always present and those once adorable eyes grew a little creepy with growing time.

You finally humored him and tried to figure out what he wanted. Izuku was nervous about telling you what he wanted, he was anxious and couldn't get it out to you in words with his nerves so he did his best to express it the best he could. His natural instincts, once again he was under the impression you knew what you were doing getting involved with a hybrid and keeping it.

You started to follow izuku asking him what he wanted and he was quick to run away his eyes still staring back as he zoomed across the hall sliding on his feet and soon sitting in his hands and feet to keep him steady. He tilted his head and you couldn't help but to giggle at the cuteness, be was so fast and so adorable you weren't sure what to do

“ oh, izuku, you're too cute!”

You walk away ultimately breaking izukus heart. No matter, he wouldn't give up just yet!!

His antics just grew more and more hectic, once again you didn't know too much about bunnies or even hybrids. You knew with him being half hybrid he had ears of a bunny, instincts for the most part, and even grew tons of body hair and hair period. Haircut days were the worst..

Izuku was more silent than usual but his eyes were always on you. He always had to be close to you, but never too close unless you asked him to. There was something with him,he refused to get too close unless he heard you ask or seen you motion for him to come.

He'd started circling around more, laying on top of you and more. Hed start running away from you like he was trying to get you to chase him, you understood that the more it happened and whenever you'd pretend like you would you'd see him jump high into the air, especially if you were outside.

You'd only I giggle and laugh at his antics and kiss him everywhere, silly thing. However he'd move himself from your grasp, visibly upset. You didn't quiet understand what he was doing, izuku didn't hop as much as he probably should and used to. He was formerly a wild hybrid before you kept him as your own so only God knows how high he can really jump. You only seen him hoo whenever he's extremely excited or when youre playing so whenever he jumped as high as he did you were more proud and shocked than anything.

Izuku didnt know what else to do... He felt like he was being clear with his hints why hadn't you made a move! Hes been so good and has been doing his best to get your attention but nothing worked! He was growing more desperate by the day, and desperate times calls for even more desperate measures..

You came back from work, you weren't overly tired like normal. You still had a bit of energy to maybe cook instead of eating left overs then climbing in bed with your recently mire energetic bunny. That sounded like heaven. You announced to izuku that you were home, not that he hadn't already heard the door open and shut plus the sound of your foot footsteps and shuffling.

You walk into your room to see izuku sitting on the floor and your covers were made into an odd .... shape? You couldn't exactly describe what it was but it looked like he'd put all of your covers and sheets and even pillows into a little circle in a sort almost like a birds nest. Honestly it seemed extremely comfortable, it was rather big and spacious. And boy was he adorable.

His eyes were wide and his ears were down a small frown on his face as his nose twitched fastly, you seen him sniff the air almost smelling your new scent that traced the air. He loved the smell of you, now especially that you smelled exactly like him.

He'd been rubbing up against you more, his chin all over your face and even rubbing his body all over yours the best he could at night. Sometimes his constant shuffling would upset your sleep especially because you work early when you're not working from home, so you had nothing better than to do besides push him off of be bed

Luckily for him, scenting you already worked! You hadn't noticed but with zuku growing even more desperate this was another sign of him being territorial. If this worked then that would make you involuntarily his!, even more than you already are, of course. Izuku is extremely territorial alot more than you'd think, you had to quickly instill it in his brain to NOT use your entire house as a toilet when he first moved in.

Then he was covered in hair like a damn fur ball and his eyes were always blown wide, since then hes calmed a bit and has definitely been tamed....for be most part. He would often leave whatever of his he could around to signify another way of him marking his own territory. Something slight that you wouldn't pick up on. And of course, you never did.

You cooed at izuku moving closer and rubbing his head against your lower tummy, scratching behind his ear the way he likes and emitting a low groan in return, you hear a small "miss you", leave his mouth as he rubs his head against your body.

The next day you went back to work izuku was quick to grab your laptop and do what little research he could. Of course he had no fucking clue what he should search up. Just typing in whatever he could, like "how to mate with humans" he ends up watching a 20 minute long video about sex education and honestly he feels up to speed.

He reads on google and other platforms that normally women like to be wooed while others like straight forward "rituals" izuku knew well enough you probably wouldn't like if he just pushed you down onto the bed and took what he wanted. But then again there was a part of him that got excited at the thought of it ..you finally understanding and letting him have it, finally letting him take you the way he needs.

His poor little mind fogging at the thought, his ears dropping as he stomped his feet in the bed at his own frustration. What was he to do when you didn't understand! He was too flustered and nervous to speak, for a hybrid that talks with any chance he gets unless he's upset, he has been really silent for the past weeks. There's no way you haven't noticed!

Tonight was the night. Izuku absolutely refused to let this moment slow away from him, he felt like he was going to explode everywhere. You came home a bit tired, you didn't have it in you to cook. All you wanted was to hold your furball to bed.

“ hey izuku, m’ home baby.”

He hears your grumble out with a sigh. Izuku was under your covers lying down in a burrito, he was facing the headboard as you could see the out print of his tail wagging at the sound of your voice. You giggle and crawl in bed with your work clothes still on you pull the cover back from his head to see him turn his head away from you

You heard a little sniffle leave his body and a wave of concern washed over you.

“ awh, zuku what's wrong baby?”.

You brushed his hair out of his face before you turn his face towards you to see tears welling in his eyes. He whined and seen the way you absolutely melted at the sight of him.

Izuku nuzzled his face into your neck, you could hear little hiccups leave him as struggled to whisper out to you.

“ ...want you.. s’bad..”

You pull back from him you hand still in his hair as you stroke it, he looks at you with his eyes blown wide like they used to be. You place small kisses to his freckled cheeks and see the way his saddened look is replaced with something else. His breathing changes and he moves closer to you, his eyes trailing down to your lips within and instant.

It felt like izuku began looking over you, his ear spiking up and his breath seems to still as well, his nose still twitching fastly as his shaky body moved closer to yours. His forehead moves to yours and he leans it agaisnt yours. You hum to yourself and stroke his cheek, izukus whole body shivers at the sweet touch of you.

He couldn't help himself any more, he tried to be patient and he feels like he has been for ever! Izuku smashes his lips onto yours and immediately whines into the kiss his tail wiggling as he moans climbing on top of you and rutting into your thigh. His breathing was heavy and it's like he couldn't be away from you anymore.

You were in for quite a night.

[shuenkio]

Zero o'clock — 니키 🎆☄. *. ⋆

Paring: Ex-bf Ni-ki X M!reader

Synopsis: Will he ever be here again with you, on the new year countdown at the same spot? When both of you already broke up? Would he? Genre: Angst but happy ending. Cw: curse or more? Non proof read | English is not my first. This is a work of fanfiction, do not throw unnecessary tantrums on this nsfw/sfw blog. ©Shuenkio

It has been months ever since you broke up with your so-called boyfriend. And the reason behind this was the right person wrong timing however there was a hint which you never noticed that NIKI still longing for you no matter what the cause, even though both of you knowing that no one had the time to even spare one attention or affection,

Let alone suffering to this point where everyone part ways.

Where was home when you wanted him? Then there he was, out there busy with whatever project schedule he had with his friends, at first all he says was it only takes a few weeks nevertheless the week turns into months, months. And why is that? You caught him red hand where he's hanging out freely in the club, but that's not enough, the fact there was girl and boy by his side, both of his hands clinging on their shoulders? it's not even funny at all when you found him there when you were there for running errands. It was a suffering sight to encounter that could make you tear blood. The first time you thought your first love was meant to be last yet it was wrong. Heart ache is not a strong word to even describe how bad you felt it more than that.

And when he asked why would you break up with him? Simple,

"we're not the right one"

At the campus, the new year's countdown celebration. There were people, countless students presence to celebrate together. The night filled with the blank less cloud that let the full moon shine through the earth.

You were there, the same spot again where you used to stay close with your lover but it was all in the memory now. Something really did not stay the same despite how good it was, never meant to be ?. Your friends asked you if you'd come along with them so you won't feel lonely but you politely decline, need time for yourself though you were not alone anymore, this is a festival after all, definitely feel lonely.

Little did you know, Ni-ki were already there, from a distance not so far away. He'd determine that you'll never spend this memories year alone. He will make a change tonight.

It hurt him the day both of you decided, he begged, asking for forgiveness, mercy, spare for time to be a better boyfriend again but it was never that easy, a broken glass can't be pieces with glue easily. Earning back your trust that could cost more than just words, is the only way.

And he knows that, seeing you with somebody else only to make him jealous, furious, does not sit right. That person will never be anybody but him only. The love that he built for God knows how long a waste will never be — He was such a selfish person for love. Stupid crazy in love with his ex-boyfriend.

"Hey" a familiar voice utter. You know instantly who he was, didn't even bother to turn around. It was awkwardly silent. Playing hard to get on his nerve, Ni-ki palm grip on your slump shoulder as he turns you to face hum.

"You do not have the right to ignore me" his finger points at your face like a threat, he was true to his words and there was no more funny business in him anymore — which makes you unsure and not a single word left your lip. You stood there with him hover, like a shield. The same spot, the same jacket he wore that day, nostalgia hit you in the gut that drew tears to your eyes, you couldn't control any longer.

On the other hand, Ni-ki knows you too much to the fact he wasn't even surprised, and was expected you would be a cry-baby, forever his cry-baby.

"I fucking hate you, why can't you just leave me alone? You always bother me so much when I am trying to move on" the dawn has fallen, but you were so strong that nobody can read your expression to assume.

"Hate me all you want, because hear this M/n! I don't A no as the answer, hm? "

I will apologize, make it up to you till the day I die if I have to, but our relationship never ended since that day you decided— *sigh*

say it, I need you to say what is on your mind hon, you don't have a choice, no one will understand you like I do, go grab your sack and explore the world, you will never whether you like it or not we stuck" Ni-ki manipulate again, he will always use this card and it always work. You want it, want to say that how toxic this relationship or him was, you will still be too deep, drowning in his love that can't be surface — and the fact he also did the same but the once time mistake, killed your trust.

This time you no longer hold in anymore, you cry in his face, salty tears streaming down on your beautiful cheeks that can only be seen by him, one and only. They say you only show your true color with your lifeline and here we are.

"Fine... You won me again, you moron"

Ni-ki won. The only victory that he feels like he won in life. He'd vow from the earth to heaven he never made his boyfriend carry the weight of pain again. As Ni-ki slid his fist down and grabbed you by the waist and held you close into a warm embrace, while he covered you in his long jacket, nobody would see your vulnerability. Your head against his heart, just feels right than the cure of cancer.

"M/n you will always love me and will always, say yes to me and I will kill for you, I'm sorry I make you went through shit, this time I'm pinky promise you, yaksokkhae?"

"Yaksokkhae" (promise)

His hand was tight in yours; fingers intertwined like a promise. He knew you knew he’d never let go. Not now, not ever. There was a feeling in the air not quite peace, not quite ache, something in between. As fireworks bloomed against the midnight sky, painting color into the dark, the moment etched itself into something permanent. This place wouldn’t become just a memory. He was here. He would always be here. And you would never have to stand alone again.

That’s zero o’clock love — the kind that starts again and again when everything else resets.

A/n: It been a while since i write angst, but never real angst but now it here with my love- Ni-ki san... I know some parts may be awkward but i hope you can understand ever single sentences, and for the cover thank to my love @angelsfat3 mwah. Also, happy 1 year's writer debut on tumblr... May 1st.

[seimsisk]

I'm gonna be honest here, I used chatgpt to write some emails and abstracts two years ago. I did it because I was at the end of my rope and I knew it would take me weeks to write a couple paragraphs and abstracts are basically just summaries but I just couldn't get my anxious ADHD brain to do it. I knew doing those tasks without help would be painful and slow and would fuck with my already tattered self esteem and also my schedules. I knew that because it wasn't the first time I had to do such tasks under such circumstances. Those were not small tasks. They were not easy. I had written hundreds of emails in my life and tbh each single work email was a challenge and the stuff I had to write was complex, and I had written dozens of abstracts in my life and the thought of writing a couple more in a tight schedule kinda made me wanna kill myself. None of this is exaggeration; if anything I'm underselling how it felt like.

Writing those emails and abstracts with help from chatgpt was magical. It undercut my anxiety somehow, and I managed what I had never managed before - I actually managed to complete all those tasks on time. The result was subpar ofc, but the fact that I managed to submit subpar results and not hate myself was in itself a win. I'm not sure how much harder it would have been to get my degree without that small help. I might have lost another month or two or twelve, because these things can become a snowball.

Two years later, my mental health is much better. My confidence is better. I can write several emails on a good day, but even when I don't have a good day I can still write an email in a couple of days. I haven't used chatgpt since then, because I can do so much better now. But I haven't forgotten the suffering that led me to it, and I'm so tired of the discourse here just completely dismissing it. "All of us used to write emails ourselves" yeah maybe (I mean I sure asked for help several times to the point of overburdening my partner probably) but at what cost? It's like sure I could jog everytime I need to go buy my groceries and certainly in the long term it would be healthier, but also there would be times when I would go hungry because jogging would be too hard, no matter how much practice I had.

I have many criticisms of genAI and maybe we should avoid relying on it too much but we don't need to pretend like it's not fulfilling a real need here.

the scariest thing about the generative AI thing is how quickly people have accepted it as an indefinite, irrevocable part of their reality. people have genuinely convinced themselves that ChatGPT is the only solution to most tasks - tasks they did with their own brain without any large effort two years ago. like you know damn well all of us used to write emails ourselves why are we pretending like this is an impossible task to do with your own two hands. what's with the fucking. AI revisionism. i feel like i am going insane.

[lambcultist]

꒰ ♱ ꒱ gf!ellie who was oddly secretive about her 'career' since your relationship began, and you never stopped to question why...┆ dark content. hitman!ellie x naive!reader. toxic relationship, manipulation, gaslighting, love bombing. she's literally a murderer, you have been warned + i'm rusty because i've been tired lately, but wanted to get this out because i kept thinking about it ♡ MINORS DNI ( 18+ )

"it's just a job, babe. it's that simple. you never told me you were coming home early, the fuck is up with that?"

you had arrived home with a headache to a near-silent house, not even a whisper, only the faucet running in the bathroom. once you followed the noise, you couldn't get a peep out before ellie spotted your look of horror in the mirror behind her. she cursed quietly and made a pathetic effort in hiding the array of obscene, bloody weapons on the counter from your view with her body, but it was too late.

there isn't any option. you must cooperate, or you will be forcing her hand to her gun, and the barrel to your head. and for her own sake, ellie is praying you will listen.

"it doesn't matter that i came home early, i— i shouldn't have to come home to this—"

"shut the fuck up, if you never came home, you wouldn't have seen me like this," ellie hisses. she keeps her back to you, sparing you nothing but a menacing glare through the mirror as she wipes down her revolver. "you could have prevented this so easily. could've texted, or called."

she yields a fucking weapon, perhaps you shouldn't shout or argue; it may cost your life. truthfully your mind finds it hard to comprehend this. sweet, lovely ellie, who has always been a little overprotective, but not in any questionable sense—until now, that is—she's a killer.

"i'm not the one at fault." you take steps back, speaking more to yourself than ellie by this point, who can't bear to listen to your panicking. "oh my god. oh my god. i have to call the—"

now, this catches her attention. she spins on her heel, hands flying to your wrists to bar you from exiting. "no, you don't call anyone. you don't tell anyone. don't be stupid, baby, god. you know what happens when you call the cops? they take me away from you. that's what happens. you want that? you want me gone?"

fat, hot tears pool in your eyes, spilling down your cheeks as you shake your head. your wrists are rigid, ellie's nails pressing into your flesh with a sickening burn. "no, no, just—"

"you'd fucking betray me like that? after everything i've done for you? i thought you'd be different."

"no!"

"then don't you dare turn me in," she spits. your vision is blurred and your brain foggy, but you can feel the callous look in her eyes. they are like daggers. "i do all of this for you. i do this so we can have a good life. and you'd really just... throw me to the wolves like that, huh?"

"no, no, i won't," you weep, frantically shaking your head now. how could you be so dumb, so selfish? ellie has opened up about her fear of abandonment enough times for you to be conscious of it. you should've remembered how this would hurt her. "i'm sorry ellie, i wasn't thinking."

"fucking hell," ellie mutters, letting go of you finally, critically surveying you up and down. your tears, your weary hiccups and sobs... you are easy enough now. "i'm not a murderer, babe. it's just a job. that's all there is to it."

"okay." she isn't satisfied with your lack of words now, but it is understandable.

"this job.. you know how much blood and sweat it takes? fuckin' look at me. this one didn't go down easy," ellie says. she talks, rambles, to fill the silence in the room. "this one fought. he hurt me. and i do this for us. to pay the bills, the rent, put food on the table, and to buy you whatever shit you want."

you nod along. she lifts her shirt to show you deep, purple marks she has earned, instructs you to watch her clean scratches and cuts she received, and then runs the shower.

"why did you come home?" ellie asks. she is milder now, throwing her black clothing to the ground piece by piece.

"i.. had a headache," you murmur between sniffles.

"why didn't you say that?" she scoffs, reaching for the hem of your sweater. "jesus, baby. could've been looking after you already. shower with me."

you flinch while ellie begins to undress you. she notices, of course, and gives you a warning glare.

"babe, don't be scared. i love you."

for a minute or two beneath the shower head, the water runs pink, the remaining evidence of her crime disappearing. her soapy hands run along your body firmly. her lips press against your forehead and her arms are pulling you in for a cuddle under the water. it should be warm, yet it feels so icy.

"i'm not a danger to you," ellie whispers, kissing your temple before she adds, "as long as you stay quiet."

🏷️ @abbysdollie @valeisaslut @eriiwaii @literallylautski @ellieshothousewife @piercedome @therealhexstrap @jinxedbambi @heyimrye @rhian88 @g4ys0n @yoosohh @marvelwomenarehot0 @l0veylace

[howi99]

From the Nest 21

- nightfall -

Yang: *sitting awkwardly in front of Jaune* So... My mother was your teacher...

Jaune: *sigh, looking at how awkward Yang was acting like* Can you stop acting like a schoolgirl asking her crush for a date? *Taking a beer from Raven's stash, tossing it to Yang* Take that and relax a bit.

Yang: *Sigh, opening the bottle and taking a sip, wincing from the taste* Urgh, i can't believe my uncle like that!

Jaune: *lighting up a smoke, taking a drag* I personally don't like it either, i'm more of a girly drink lover myself.

Yang: ... *Taking a deep breath* I want to know where my mom is.

Jaune: *shrug* No idea.

Yang: *frown* Bullshit!

Jaune: *chuckle* Yang, even if i tell you where she is at this moment, the tribe would have moved before you can get there anyway. *Sigh, looking at the birds flying nearby* Beside, i said i would answer your questions, not sell out where my family lives.

Yang: Then what can you tell me!?

Jaune: *taking another drag* She's a broken mess, Yang.

Yang: *blink in confusion* ... What?

Jaune: *looking back at Yang with fatigued eyes* Raven's a good person who didn't have a single easy choice in life-

Yang: *sarcastically* Oh yeah, because leaving me for being weak must have been such a hard choice!

Jaune: *Point at her* Do you honestly think she left because you were "too weak"? *Scoff* Of course not; she left because the rest of her family was being massacred by both the Mistralean and Atlesian government.

Yang: *roll her eyes* They were criminals. Even you said so yourself.

Jaune: The adults? Oh yeah, they deserved to die. *Point at himself* But me? Or my oldest sister who almost got executed for just being part of a tribe she never wanted to be a part of in the first place, did we deserve to die too?

Yang: *shocked* W-wait, they were going to kill everyone!?

Jaune: *scoff* Of course not; half would have been sent to work in the mines or sold to the highest bidders. Heck, kids fetch a high price on the black market.

Yang: *feeling sick* O-oh God, i-i didn't know-

Jaune: *roll his eyes* Well duh, it's not like the government will scream on every roof that they are abusing and killing kids, Yang. And when she saved the tribe, or what was left of it anyway, she was branded a criminal... *Sigh* Can't really be part of a family when half of the world wants you dead, can you?

Yang: So you are telling me-

Jaune: *Flicking the ashes away, looking away* Her biggest regret was saving us, which meant she could never be a mother to you... or Ruby. *Humorless chuckle* She's so worried about you, becoming a huntress, and yet she can't do shit. *Grits his teeth* Honestly, do you know how sad it is? To hear her cry every single year, on the same 3 fucking days!?

Yang: *confused* What-

Jaune: Your birthdays, Ruby's birthdays and... *Look at his hands, remembering far too clearly the blood pouring out of Raven's wounds, the day Summer died* ... something she keeps feeling guilty of, even if it wasn't her fault.

Yang: *silently looking at Jaune* ... And you? What are you really like?

Jaune: *Put out the cigarette* Well, i'm nothing but a greedy bastard. *Smirk* I want everyone i care for to be happy, even if it would mean burning the entire world. *Shrug* And i care for a lot of people, including you and both of our teams.

Yang: *blink* That's... Not something i thought you'd say.

Jaune: What, that i'd do unspeakable things for my friends? Do you think i'm that weak willed?

Yang: N-no, just... I thought that maybe you became friend with me and Ruby just because of... Well...

Jaune: ... *Scratch his head* You do know Qrow still updates her about you two, right? *Shrug* I didn't have to become friends with y'all; i could have ignored you and Ruby and it wouldn't have changed a thing.

Yang: ... Qrow did WHAT!? HE SAID HE LOST CONTACT WITH HER YEARS AGO!?!

Jaune: (Oops...) I mean, had he told you, you probably would have run in Mistral by yourself and got yourself killed which i doubt he'd want.

Yang: Still! He could have sent her all the letters i wrote her-

Jaune: Oh he did, just without telling you.

Yang: ... MOTHERF-

- Meanwhile -

Qrow: ... Why do i feel like someone just threw me under the bus?

Raven: *drinking a beer with him* Oh yeah, forgot to tell you that Yang found out about Jaune.

Qrow: ... Oh i'm so royally fucked.

[underthehedge]

Thank you. You hadn't answered before and if forgotten about it tbh.

Anyway, yeah, that sounds about right for quails. I leaned to never use any tape to secure anything in brooders because they will find it and they will get stuck to it. Unsticking a quail chick from duct tape is not an easy task, let me tell you.

And yeah I had two that were yelling one morning because they'd walked into the <15 cm space that wasn't under the heat, laid down and chilled themselves to the point of immobility. Like, that brooder was 2/3 heat, and yet...

And they also like to drink by standing in water, if they can, they then shit in it and start crying because they're wet. I normally give chicks like, a less than 1cm deep open water dish for the first few days just because sure, they get a bit wet, but at least they can't shove their heads into it and drown.

As you say, easy to raise once you've worked out the kinks in setting up their brooder but wow they sure do find anything you've missed (and anything that it shouldn't be possible to make into a hazard...).

Silly question but how would you rate different gamebird chicks on a scale of "no brain cells, head empty" to "wait! I think I just saw a thought happen?!"?

You've mentioned before that turkey poults have the survival instinct of a chicken nugget, and I've raised coturnix chicks before which are like...death seeking missiles. Are other gamebird chicks as dumb? Are any recognisably better suited to not immediately kamikaze-ing into the nearest water fountain/single square millimetre of loose tape/one cold spot they can find in the brooder?

Peafowl chicks rate the highest. I know I talk a lot of shit about them, but outside of not eating unless shown the food (which IS a valid survival behavior, for avoiding toxic things in their native environment), they're not prone to doing anything actively stupid. They have great eye sight, they tend to look before they leap (and can fly if they do get into trouble). They have a sense of time ("bedtime" is a concept they have! Every hand raised baby I've ever had has had a strict idea of when they think it's time to go to bed and will scream at me until I agree). They will return themselves to the heat when it's time, I've never had one fail to do this or start screaming because they're on the cold side of the brooder and don't know how to move 1 foot to the left to get warm. I've never had one drown in the water dish even though they get a bowl or are raised outside with a pond/big water bowl. They can coexist with just about any other bird, which is great because their only flaw is they need to be shown food for the first few weeks, and adding something like a chicken will cause the chicken to show them where to eat. And because peafowl are large, all the other babies will follow them around for everything else. For creatures who grew up in an environment where very little (predator wise) can kill them, they're surprisingly adapted to not dying in really stupid ways in captivity. They ARE fragile in other ways (pick up parasites easily), but that's not a matter of stupidity.

Coturnix are so far the worst, and I am including Turkeys in this metric. Turkeys are at least hardy in a brooder setup, even if they are very stupid outside with mom. Coturnix on the other hand have to have a tiny lip to their water dish so they don't get into it and drown or chill (and they still do their level best to get into it, even with the tiny lip where they can barely reach the water, I sometimes check on them and find one Mystery Sopping Wet.... how..... and why...... and also HOW). I have watched one grab a drink of water, throw its head back to swallow, choke, and die immediately. There is NOTHING you can do for them if they fail at drinking water, by the way. If you pick them up too soon after they drink, or any other time, there's a non-zero chance that they immediately panic-vomit any water in their system, choke on it, and suffocate/die instantly so you have to be careful about handling them while they're doing their very best to make that as difficult as possible (and this lovely trait persists into adulthood). They cannot have access to anything they can get caught in/under, I have to put barriers in their cage and not give them a cold spot in the brooder until they're a few days old because they will CHARGE to it and sit there until they die screaming about how cold they are while 1 foot away from the heat. They still throw themselves at this barrier because they can see through a 1mm gap to either side that cold death awaits them with open arms and they desire it so badly. It's why they always look like this:

If you have them standing on your hand they WILL just walk off - nay, run full tilt off - without regard for if there is anything below them to fall ONTO, and they are fully capable of beaning themselves so hard upon impact that they die. I had to find a stuffie that was very light and a stuffie that was very heavy, because a medium weight is just light enough for them to shove themselves into the shavings beneath it and suffocate because they can't get out again, and they will also actively seek to do this. They have to have a solid-sided brooder because if they can stick their head through a gap a) they can probably get out of it if it's just a little bigger than their head and b) they will get stuck in it and break their necks if it's just a little too small.

The vast majority, 99% of them, are extremely easy to raise, and doing a minimal amount of guardianship in their brooder will protect them from themselves, but they do have a deep and abiding desire to be dead, I think, and there will be some you cannot save from themselves. No other game birds/fowl I've raised are like this- not peafowl, not turkeys, not pheasants, not chickens, not bobwhite quail, not even guinea keets... the closest would be button quail and even they are not death-seeking missiles until they're a bit older.

[slimesludge-space]

All because of some stupid pants?- Part 7 (Final)

Note: °~° oh this got chonckyyy. My lord.....I thought this was shorter

°~~°~~~~~~~°~~°~~~~~°~~°~~~~°~~°

Resting his head against his hands in attept to process his new reality. Simon felt the silent tug of his sleeve causing him to flicker his eyes up and hold his breath. You didn't look up at him, clutching your book as an anchor as you silently tugged his shirt. Knowing better than to question you at the moment, he followed silently by your side and took a moment to glance down at your hand. His heart sank a little as he took in the way you gripped his shirt, your hand clenching onto the book as you kept your head down and your gaze foward. He's seen this type of headspace before, it was when he first met you. Words were hard and you did better in doing than explaining. Simon followed without a word as he was lead to Uncle Will's shop once more.

Dear god he wasn't ready but he followed behind you with his head down. The familiar sharp bell as he waited for that same slogan that's been haunting his dreams at night but it never came. Confused as he looked up and William didn't offer them a glance, noticing the way he silently put down his newspaper and gave him a stern look. Did the old man knew from the beginning? Simon wasn't easy to trick and this man had managed to make him feel like shit with kindness. Guess the saying 'kill'em with kindness' was more affective than he originally thought.

You tugged his shirt a little harder when you felt him slow down. Voice small as you glanced up at Will "what size did you get him?"

Will couldn't help a smirk as he crossed his arms and proudly spoke up '3XL little lady' and you nodded as you took him to your favorite aisle. Simon gulped, feeling a little nervous as he leaned down in attempt to whisper once he got out of earshot

"I'm actually a 2XL... nearly tripped on my ass with the ones he got me. Fuckin near-killed me the first couple of days"

He nearly winced as you stopped in your tracks. Sifting through the different colored pajama pants before snapping up to look at him with a serious look and bluntly said loud enough "good." Before looking back at the racks. He can hear William snort and choke on his tea while hiding behind the other aisle, his dislike for the store was only growing.

Simon stiffened as you chose a pair. His eyes pleading for you to choose something else, anything but those. You gave him a deadpan look as you pressed them to his chest and pointed to the Will. Simon slumped and just trudged to the counter, his ears turning pink as he set down the pants and William cackled like a madman. Here he was, lieutenant Ghost. Buying pajama pants that were gonna kill him. Not just any pajama pants. Nope because that would be too easy. And Simon Riley forgot one thing about you. And that was that you were petty as hell when you wanted to be, you had always preferred the pettiness of inconveniences. Bright Bonita pink pants, with little glasses of milk, chocolate chip cookies and oreo cookies with each character having an adorable smile on them. Will had the bright idea to look back at you and ask if you wanted a bag which you politely declined. Simon grunted as he clenched his jaw and yanked out his wallet.

"Just give me the damn price already" plopping the cash on the counter and Will gleefully thanking him for his time.

You gave Will a small smile and held open the door for Simon, the bright pants tucked under his arm and noticeable from a mile away. You headed back to your place with Simon trailing behind you, if people were giving him a raised brow, he wasn't acknowledging it.

Simon sighed in relief when he made it to your place, stopping at the entrance of the livingroom with a slight frown. You had changed up the place and he didn't like it. He glanced around the place and noticed that it didn't feel like....you.

Knickknacks and small souvenirs you picked up randomly were gone from the shelves. Your books were carefully in order like usual but each one had sleeves and covers that hid the titles of the books, each one in a soft neutral color. The blankets and plushies that sat proudly on the couch were gone and instead replaced with a solid color and uncomfortable looking pillows and blankets you'd use to burrito yourself to read were now hidden away from sight. To him, the place turned into something you'd find in an open house brochure. Needles sewing in remorse through his heart when he looked around for any sign of YOU, the things that made it feel like home were gone. Was this all his doing? Did he really fuck up THAT bad? Did his little bird feel so hurt to hide everything that made you who you were? To hide the things that only made him fall more in love with you?

Simon swallowed the knot in his throat and turned back to you, ready to fall on his knees and beg you to take him back. To beg for forgiveness and kiss away the pain he caused, that everything you were was all he needed.

You pointed to the bathroom when he turned around and said in a voice that left no room for arguments "change"

Simon glance down at the pants and just quietly walked into the bathroom as you waited in livingroom. Your ears perking up at the sound of the plastic wrap ripped open then grew concerned when you heard a muffled curse. You winced when you heard what was possibly Simon hitting his head on the shelf you added a few days ago and a confirmation of a growling "fuck", your guest bathroom was always the smallest part of your place.

Simon rubbed his head with a scowl as he used his other hand pull his pink pajama pants up in order to not trip on his ass, already using what he's learned from the first death trap. He muttered to himself before finally looking up in his bulking form as he stood infront of you in all his bonita pink glory. You snorted immediately as you burst into laughter. Clutching your stomach from the sight of Simon slightly waddling and holding the sides of his pants up like a princess trying not to step on her dress. As humiliating as Simon felt, his heart warmed at your laugh and slowly stepped closer.

Slowly your laughter turned into a sniffle as tears burned your vision, as funny as the sight was, it didn't change everything that happened. This no longer felt like home. This was the worst fight you had with anyone in your own home, your own room making you tear up and walking to the livingroom made you relive the words he had no problem in growling out at you. Desperately trying wipe away tears and bitting back a sob. It wasn't fair, why were you the only one hurting and why did you think to bring him back to your place just to make fun of him.

Simon panicked and quickly pulled you into a tight hug. Freezing when he noticed how much smaller you felt. The way his hands brushed against your side and pressed softly to feel the barely there border of muscle that covered your ribs. You haven't been eating as much. You didn't look severely under weight but you definitely shed the weight you'd gain when he was with you. Fuckin hell he ruined a beautiful girl that did nothing wrong to him from the beginning. He held you gentler than ever and whispered softly, his voice wavering at your tears soaked his shirt.

"Shh it's okay lovie, fuck... I'm so sorry. I'm sorry. I was an ass, I hurt you so fuckin bad and I regret all of it. Please love, don't cry" he craddled your jaw in his hands and you whimpered which only broke his heart. Pressing his forehead against yours and nuzzling you. His hands threading in your hair to gently scratch your scalp, something you had always melted at but only made you whimper now. His thumb brushing away your tears as he whispered apologies.

"I'm fuckin sorry...you're my heart that I never.....I didn't want to hurt you" his voice cracking and the knot forming quicker than he can get his words out.

Your voice broke as you looked into his eyes "you dont get to do that. No walking away, I don't care if we fight but...y-you don't get to just leave" gripping his shirt like he was bound to disappear again. Simon blinked back tears and nodded. He sat down on the floor and pulled you into his lap. Arms wrapped around you when your breathing quickened. His arms were heavy but secure in the way you need in order to calm down. You weren't one to neglect your meds but now he wasn't sure of anything anymore.

He tilted your chin and lean in to kiss you but you covered his mouth and shook your head. Sniffling and swallowing back your cries "don't. I dont kiss and make up si....that....to me..that's...that's just...you can't just fuck the hurt away, or kiss to forgive. That's not me and I don't know if I can forgive...Simon, you called me a slut" you mumbled the last part because it still hurts. Sniffling as you looked down at your hands and picked at your fingernails. Simon frowned and muttered "I know. You've always been good to me in ways that I've never thought were possible before"

Simon gently placed his hand between yours. Gently keeping you from picking your skin till it bleeds. Resting his temple against the top of your head "My anger got the better of me. I did wanna talk about the clothes.....I fucked up a good thing with you"

You weren't sure why but now it didn't feel right to talk him about how you felt anymore. It didn't feel as safe as it once did but you pushed that feeling to the side no matter how much your instincts screamed at you.

"I don't trust you. You never talk and I'm not expecting you to tell me your life story. That's something you don't have to tell me if your not ready" you looked up in the eye and craddled his cheeck. Your heart hurts as he leaned into your touch and kissed the palm of your hand "But I atleast want you to look me in the eye and say 'I don't like it' even if I don't understand what that means. It gives me enough to know that you need space."

Simon cried, buried his face in your shoulder. Because you were right, you had done that so many times with him. You had given him space and offered silent support. He had offered his support in the same way, anchoring you in ways that the meds failed. Physical contact was your comfort, hiding in his side when crowds became too much. He wasn't sure where you two stand in this relationship.

You let him cry, rubbing his arm. He was remorseful. You saw it in the way his figure trembled with each quiet shaky breath. He was hurting and here you thought he was gonna jab at you with another insult to burn you. There was a part of you that knew you were gonna regret this in the future. Your friends would be disappointed but you knew you weren't alone if this thing goes sideways once more.

"I don't forgive easy but...Promise you won't leave again?"

Simon stiffened for a second before quickly nodding and holding you as close as possible

"Not leaving anymore. I promise sweetheart, you've got me forever and thats not changin" Simon pressed kisses to your shoulder. He knew it would take more than this to get you to truly forgive and he was gonna put in the work. He finally got another chance at having his little bird be his forever. And the first thing he was gonna do was get this place to look like home again.

°~~°~~~~~~~°~~°~~~~~°~~°~~~~°~~°

*was not prepared for 7 parts* ×~×

[bratzkoo]

WGM episode 8 | dk

episode 8: amusement park

Author: bratzkoo Pairing: seokmin x reader Genre: fluff Rating: PG-13 Word count: 4.8k~ Warnings/note: fluff, fake marriage, and real feelings. cursing, seokmin curses a lot in his head.

summary: WE GOT MARRIED is back. Seokmin and Y/N pairs up to shoot 10 episodes for a special. Turns out, there are more things happenings off-camera than what meets the eye.

taglist (hit me up if you wanna be added): @ateez-atiny380 , @aeerio . @vernons-wifey12 , @odevote118 , @btskzfav , @codeinebelle , @syluslittlecrows , @minghaofied , @ikbennatas , @armycarat2612 , @smiileflower

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[Opening sequence: Highlights from Episode 7, focusing on their intimate photoshoot moments and the surprise cheek kiss]

Narrator: "After showing their sweet side to the world in their magazine feature, our favorite couple is heading out for a day of fun and thrills at the amusement park!"

---

Seokmin arrived at the designated meeting spot outside Lotte World twenty minutes early, as had become his habit whenever he was meeting Y/N. He blamed it on professional courtesy, but the members had taken to calling it his "pre-Y/N panic time"—a chance for him to get his nerves under control before the cameras started rolling.

Not that it ever worked. Seven episodes in, and his heart still did that ridiculous flutter when he saw her approaching.

The magazine photoshoot from last week had complicated things further. The physical closeness, the staged intimacy that hadn't felt staged at all, the surprise cheek kiss that he could still feel tingling on his skin days later—it was becoming increasingly difficult to maintain the mental barrier between reality and the show.

And now they were going to an amusement park. A classic date location straight out of every K-drama ever made. Seokmin had a sneaking suspicion the PD was working through a romance cliché checklist at this point.

"You're thinking too loud again," came Y/N's voice, startling him out of his thoughts.

Seokmin turned to find her standing beside him, looking casual and pretty in jeans, a light sweater, and a baseball cap—a far cry from the glamorous styling of their photoshoot, but somehow even more appealing for its naturalness.

"I wasn't thinking," Seokmin defended automatically. "I was... strategizing."

"Strategizing what? Optimal cotton candy consumption techniques?" Y/N teased.

"Exactly that," Seokmin agreed with mock seriousness. "It's all about the fluffy-to-sugar ratio. Very scientific."

Y/N laughed, the sound still doing dangerous things to his cardiac rhythm even after all this time. "Well, I'm glad one of us is prepared."

The production crew approached, cameras already rolling to capture their meeting. The PD handed them each a small envelope.

"Today's mission is simple," the PD explained. "Enjoy a day at the amusement park together! But there's a twist—in these envelopes are three challenges you need to complete throughout the day."

Seokmin opened his envelope, reading the card inside:

1. Win a prize for Y/N at a game booth

2. Take a selca at the top of the Ferris wheel

3. Share one cotton candy (one stick, two people)

Easy enough. Though the Ferris wheel part made his stomach flip with nerves—not because of the height, but because of the romantic implications. Ferris wheels were where drama couples confessed feelings or shared first kisses. The setting was laden with expectations.

Stop overthinking. It's just a theme park date for a TV show.

Y/N showed him her card, which had similar couple-oriented challenges:

1. Buy matching accessories to wear

2. Feed each other some amusement park food

3. Hold hands on a scary ride

"Looks like we're hitting all the couple clichés today," Y/N observed with a wry smile.

"The PD is nothing if not thorough," Seokmin agreed. "Shall we start with the matching accessories? Get that one out of the way early?"

"Lead the way, fake husband."

The term "fake husband" had become something of an inside joke between them, but lately it had started to pinch a little each time she said it—a reminder of the temporary, manufactured nature of their relationship.

As they walked through the entrance gates, cameras trailing discreetly behind them, Seokmin was acutely aware of the public setting. Unlike their previous filmings in controlled environments, this one would have regular people in the background, potentially recognizing them.

Sure enough, he caught the whispers almost immediately.

"Isn't that Lee Seokmin from SEVENTEEN?"

"And Y/N Y/L/N? The actress?"

"They're the couple from that marriage show!"

"Are they filming right now?"

"Ignore them," Y/N murmured, noticing his discomfort. "Just focus on me."

Focus on me. As if that wasn't what he'd been doing helplessly for the past seven episodes.

"Right," Seokmin agreed, straightening his shoulders. "Just us, having fun. Nothing to see here, folks. Just your average idol and actress fake-married for television, wandering around an amusement park with a camera crew. Totally normal Tuesday."

Y/N laughed, linking her arm through his with casual ease that made his heart skip. "Exactly. Now, about those matching accessories..."

They found a souvenir shop near the entrance and browsed the options. Couple headbands? Too obvious. Matching t-shirts? Too committed. Finally, they settled on simple matching wristbands with the park's logo.

"Subtle but identifiable," Y/N approved as they tied them on each other's wrists. "Perfect for a couple who's been married for approximately five minutes of real time spread across seven episodes."

"When you put it that way, our relationship sounds very efficient," Seokmin joked. "Most couples take years to go through what we've experienced in a few filming days."

"The wonders of television time compression," Y/N agreed, her fingers lingering perhaps a second longer than necessary as she finished securing his wristband.

With one challenge completed, they headed deeper into the park. The atmosphere was lively, with cheerful music playing through speakers and the excited screams from nearby rides creating a backdrop of joyful chaos. Despite his initial nervousness about the public setting, Seokmin found himself relaxing as they walked, falling into easy conversation.

"What rides do you like?" he asked. "Thrill seeker or more of a merry-go-round enthusiast?"

"Somewhere in between," Y/N replied. "I like rides that go fast, but I'm not a fan of ones that spin or go upside down too much."

"What about heights?" Seokmin asked, thinking of their pending Ferris wheel mission.

Something flickered across Y/N's expression. "Heights are... not my favorite thing."

"Really?" Seokmin asked, surprised. "But we have to take a selca on the Ferris wheel."

"I know," Y/N said, looking slightly uncomfortable. "I'll be fine. It's just not something I'd choose voluntarily."

Seokmin filed this information away carefully. "We can save that for last, then. Build up to it."

"My hero," Y/N said with a playful smile, but there was genuine appreciation in her eyes.

They decided to start with some of the gentler rides to warm up. The bumper cars provided an opportunity for Seokmin to showcase his terrible driving skills, while Y/N proved unexpectedly aggressive, targeting him mercilessly.

"I thought we were on the same team!" Seokmin protested after she rammed into him for the third time.

"All's fair in love and bumper cars," Y/N called back, circling around for another attack.

The cameras captured their competitive banter, the PD giving approving nods at their natural chemistry. After bumper cars came the spinning teacups (moderately successful) and a carousel ride (during which Seokmin pretended his horse was in an intense race with Y/N's).

"I think it's time for something more thrilling," Y/N suggested after they'd exhausted the tamer options. "Maybe we can tackle the 'hold hands on a scary ride' challenge?"

Seokmin's heart rate picked up at the thought. "Sure, what did you have in mind?"

Y/N pointed to a massive roller coaster that featured multiple loops and a near-vertical drop. "That one."

"You're sure heights aren't your thing?" Seokmin asked skeptically. "Because that seems very... high."

"Roller coasters are different," Y/N explained. "You're moving too fast to really register the height. It's the slow ascent and hovering at the top that bothers me."

"Like on a Ferris wheel," Seokmin concluded, understanding dawning.

"Exactly," Y/N confirmed with a small smile. "But I'll be brave for the mission."

"We'll tackle it together," Seokmin promised, feeling a surge of protectiveness. "But first, let's see if I scream higher than you on this death trap."

The line for the roller coaster was long, giving them time to chat while the cameras captured their anticipation. Seokmin found himself sharing stories about amusement park trips with his members, while Y/N told him about a disastrous high school field trip where she'd gotten separated from her class and ended up accidentally joining a tour group of elderly tourists.

"They were so nice," she recalled with a laugh. "They kept offering me candies and asking if I needed to rest. I spent two hours looking at flower arrangements with them before my teacher found me."

"That's adorable," Seokmin said, genuinely charmed by the mental image of teenage Y/N being adopted by a group of grandparents.

As they approached the front of the line, Y/N's nervous glances at the coaster's imposing structure became more frequent. When they finally boarded and the safety bars lowered into place, she took a deep breath that was slightly shakier than her usual confident demeanor.

"You okay?" Seokmin asked, suddenly concerned that this might be more than just mild nerves.

"Fine," Y/N insisted, though her knuckles were white where she gripped the safety bar. "Just channeling my inner thrill-seeker."

"We can get off if you want," Seokmin offered, but the ride attendant was already moving down the line checking restraints.

"No backing out now," Y/N said with a tight smile. "Besides, we have a mission to complete."

Right. The hand-holding challenge. Though at this point, Seokmin was more concerned with Y/N's comfort than completing missions.

As the coaster began its initial ascent, he quietly offered his hand. Y/N looked at it for a brief moment before entwining her fingers with his, holding on with what might have been more force than strictly necessary for the show.

"I've got you," Seokmin said softly, giving her hand a reassuring squeeze.

Y/N's smile was small but genuine. "I know."

And then they were at the top, teetering on the edge of the first drop, and there was no more time for conversation. The coaster plunged downward, and Seokmin found himself screaming at a pitch that would have made his vocal coach weep. Beside him, Y/N's initial scream of terror quickly transformed into shrieks of laughter as they whipped through loops and corkscrews at dizzying speeds.

Through it all, she never let go of his hand.

When they finally jerked to a stop back at the loading platform, both were breathless and laughing, hair windblown and cheeks flushed with adrenaline.

"That was AMAZING!" Y/N exclaimed, eyes bright with excitement. "Can we go again?"

Seokmin stared at her in disbelief. "You were terrified thirty seconds ago!"

"And now I'm exhilarated," Y/N countered. "That's the whole point of these rides."

They exited to where the camera crew waited, still holding hands without seeming to realize it until the PD pointedly looked down at their entwined fingers. They separated quickly, both suddenly finding the exit signs fascinating.

"Challenge completed," the PD noted with satisfaction. "What's next?"

"I think I need to restore my dignity by winning something at a game booth," Seokmin declared. "My screams on that ride were not my most masculine moment."

"I don't know, I found them endearing," Y/N teased. "Like a pterodactyl discovering it can fly."

"That's... not the flattering comparison you think it is," Seokmin replied, but he was laughing too.

They made their way to the game section of the park, where various booths offered prizes for throwing darts, shooting water guns, or knocking down bottles. Seokmin surveyed the options, trying to determine which game gave him the best chance of success.

"How about that one?" Y/N suggested, pointing to a ring toss booth where players tried to loop rings around the necks of bottles.

Seokmin eyed it doubtfully. "Those are notoriously rigged, you know."

"All the more impressive when you win," Y/N countered with a challenging smile. "Unless you don't think you can..."

"Oh, it's ON," Seokmin declared, immediately falling for her obvious manipulation. "I am about to ring toss my way into the history books."

They approached the booth, where an array of stuffed animals hung as prizes. Y/N's eyes lingered on a large plush dog with floppy ears and a goofy expression.

"That one's cute," she commented casually.

Message received. Seokmin paid for a round of rings and took aim at the bottles, determined to win that specific prize for her.

His first attempt sailed completely over the bottles and hit the back wall of the booth.

"Just warming up," he assured Y/N, who was poorly concealing her amusement.

The second throw bounced off the rim of a bottle and ricocheted in an impressive series of bounces before landing on the ground.

"Physics is clearly working against me," Seokmin reasoned.

The third attempt actually made it around a bottle, but it was one of the ones that only won a small consolation prize.

"Progress!" Y/N encouraged.

The fourth and fifth attempts were similarly unsuccessful, leaving Seokmin with empty hands and wounded pride.

"One more round," he insisted, paying for another set of rings. "I'm getting that dog if it's the last thing I do."

Six more failed attempts later, Seokmin was beginning to understand why these games had a reputation for being impossible. The booth operator was watching with increasing amusement, while the camera crew had settled in for what was clearly going to be an extended segment.

"Maybe we should try a different game," Y/N suggested gently.

"No," Seokmin replied, a look of determination settling on his face. "I said I would win you that prize, and I'm going to do it. No matter how many tries it takes."

"My hero," Y/N said, and though there was teasing in her tone, there was something warm in her eyes that made Seokmin's resolve strengthen.

Three more rounds and fifteen more failed attempts later, Seokmin was contemplating whether it would be easier to just climb over the counter and steal the plush dog when he finally, FINALLY landed a ring around the center bottle—the one that won the grand prize.

"I DID IT!" he shouted, jumping up and down with more excitement than the achievement probably warranted. "DID YOU SEE THAT? I AM THE RING TOSS CHAMPION OF THE WORLD!"

Y/N was laughing, clapping her hands in genuine delight at his childlike enthusiasm. "That was amazing! I can't believe you actually did it!"

The booth operator handed over the coveted plush dog with a look of mild surprise, clearly not having expected anyone to actually win it. Seokmin accepted it triumphantly and presented it to Y/N with an exaggerated bow.

"For you, my lady. Only took half my yearly salary and possibly the development of a gambling addiction, but totally worth it."

Y/N accepted the stuffed dog, hugging it to her chest with a smile that made all those failed attempts completely worthwhile. "I shall treasure him forever. What should we name him?"

"Persistence," Seokmin suggested. "Or perhaps 'Financial Ruin.'"

"How about 'Lucky'?" Y/N countered. "Since it was lucky throw number twenty-something that won him."

"Lucky it is," Seokmin agreed, feeling oddly touched that she wanted to name it together, as if it were their shared pet rather than just a carnival prize.

With the ring toss challenge completed (albeit at great cost to Seokmin's wallet and dignity), they moved on to the food section of the park. The "feed each other" challenge from Y/N's card was next on their list.

They surveyed the options—corn dogs, ice cream, various fried foods on sticks—before settling on a stall selling hotteok, the sweet pancakes filled with sugar, cinnamon, and nuts.

"These look dangerous," Y/N observed as they received their order. "Very messy potential."

"That's half the fun," Seokmin replied. "Nothing says romance like getting syrup all over your face while cameras document your humiliation."

They found a table and sat down, the hotteok steaming between them. The cameras positioned to capture the feeding moment, which suddenly felt more intimate than Seokmin had anticipated.

"Ladies first," he said, breaking off a piece and holding it up for Y/N.

She leaned forward, eyes locked with his as she took the bite from his fingers. There was something deliberate in the way she maintained eye contact, something that made Seokmin's breath catch in his throat.

"Your turn," she said after a moment, breaking off her own piece and offering it to him.

Seokmin leaned in, hyperaware of her fingers brushing against his lips as he accepted the bite. The sweetness of the hotteok was almost overwhelmed by the rush of emotions flooding his system.

It's just for the show. It's just for the cameras. It doesn't mean anything.

But the soft smile Y/N gave him as she wiped a bit of sugar from the corner of his mouth with her thumb felt anything but staged.

"Two challenges left," she said, glancing at their mission cards. "Cotton candy and the Ferris wheel."

"Let's get the cotton candy now and save the Ferris wheel for sunset," Seokmin suggested. "It'll look better for the photos."

And give Y/N more time to prepare for her fear of heights, though he didn't say that part aloud.

They found a cotton candy vendor and ordered a single stick, the fluffy pink cloud almost comically large between them.

"How exactly are we supposed to share this?" Y/N wondered, eyeing the sugary confection.

"With great difficulty and maximum stickiness," Seokmin predicted. "Want first bite?"

Y/N tore off a piece, the sugar immediately dissolving on her tongue. "So sweet!"

"That's kind of the whole point," Seokmin laughed, taking his own piece.

They wandered through the park, passing the cotton candy back and forth, occasionally tearing off pieces for each other in a continuation of their feeding challenge. It was simple, silly fun, but Seokmin found himself treasuring these lighthearted moments even more than the more obviously couple-oriented challenges.

As the afternoon wore on and the cotton candy dwindled to nothing but a sticky paper cone, they found themselves approaching the final challenge—the Ferris wheel. The sun was beginning to set, painting the sky in shades of orange and pink, creating the perfect romantic backdrop.

Too perfect, in Seokmin's opinion. It felt like a setup, a manufactured moment designed to push them into something neither was ready to acknowledge.

"We don't have to do this if you're really uncomfortable with heights," he told Y/N quietly as they approached the imposing wheel.

Y/N took a deep breath, clutching Lucky the plush dog a little tighter. "It's fine. I can handle it. It's just a slow-moving wheel, right?"

"Right," Seokmin agreed. "And I'll be right there with you."

The line moved quickly, and soon they were being ushered into a glass-enclosed carriage. The camera crew couldn't join them in the small space, instead giving them a handheld camera to capture their own footage. This created an unexpected sense of privacy, despite knowing the footage would be viewed later.

As the wheel began to turn, lifting them higher into the evening sky, Y/N's knuckles whitened where she gripped the edge of the seat.

"Hey," Seokmin said softly, covering her hand with his. "Look at me, not down."

Y/N's eyes found his, gratitude clear in her expression. "Sorry. It's silly, I know."

"It's not silly," Seokmin assured her. "Everyone's afraid of something."

"What are you afraid of?" she asked, seemingly grateful for the distraction as they continued to ascend.

Seokmin considered this. "Professionally? Losing my voice before a big performance. It's my recurring nightmare."

"And personally?" Y/N pressed gently.

The question caught him off guard. They'd shared a lot over the past few months, but rarely ventured into territory this vulnerable. The privacy of their current situation made it easier to be honest.

"Being forgotten, I guess," he admitted after a moment. "Not just as an idol, but as a person. The thought that I might not leave any meaningful mark on the people I care about."

Y/N's eyes softened. "I don't think you need to worry about that. You're pretty unforgettable, Lee Seokmin."

The simple sincerity in her voice made his heart constrict. "What about you? Besides heights."

Y/N was quiet for a moment, her gaze drifting to the sunset visible through the glass, though she kept her hand firmly in his. "Becoming irrelevant, I think. Not necessarily in my career, though that's part of it. But more... being someone people can easily replace or move on from."

The vulnerability in her admission struck a chord in Seokmin. Without thinking, he squeezed her hand. "Also not something you need to worry about."

Their eyes met, and Seokmin was suddenly acutely aware of how alone they were, suspended high above the world in their glass bubble. The moment felt weighted with possibility, with unspoken words hovering between them.

Then the carriage jerked to a stop as they reached the very top of the wheel, and Y/N's fear resurfaced as she glanced down reflexively.

"Oh god, we're so high up," she breathed, her grip on his hand tightening painfully.

"Hey, it's okay," Seokmin soothed, shifting closer to put an arm around her shoulders. "Don't look down. Look out at the sunset instead. Or at me. I've been told I have a very distracting face."

That earned a small laugh from Y/N, though it was tinged with nervousness. "You do have a distracting face," she agreed, turning to look at him rather than the view. "Very expressive."

"One of my many talents," Seokmin confirmed seriously. "Along with pterodactyl screaming on roller coasters and spending obscene amounts of money on rigged carnival games."

Y/N's laugh was more genuine this time, her body relaxing slightly against his. "Don't forget your superior cotton candy sharing skills."

"A comprehensive skill set," Seokmin agreed. "I'm quite the catch."

"You are," Y/N said, and something in her tone made him pause. There was a sincerity there that didn't sound like part of their usual banter.

Before he could respond, she seemed to remember the camera in his free hand. "We should take that selca now, while we're at the top."

"Right," Seokmin agreed, grateful for the distraction from the suddenly charged atmosphere. He held up the camera, angling it to capture both them and the sunset behind them. "Smile!"

Y/N pressed close against his side, her face next to his, smile bright despite her fear of heights. Seokmin took several photos, wanting to make sure they got at least one good one.

"Perfect," Y/N declared, reviewing the images. "Mission accomplished."

As if on cue, the Ferris wheel began moving again, beginning its descent back to the ground. Y/N visibly relaxed as they moved downward, though she didn't pull away from Seokmin's side.

"Thank you," she said quietly.

"For what?"

"For helping me through that. For distracting me."

"Anytime," Seokmin replied honestly. "That's what fake husbands are for, right?"

There it was again—that slight pinch at the reminder of their arrangement. But Y/N's smile didn't falter as she nodded. "Right."

When they reached the bottom and exited the carriage, the PD was waiting with an approving smile. "Did you get good footage up there?"

"I think so," Seokmin replied, handing over the camera. "All challenges completed successfully!"

"Great work, both of you," the PD said. "That's a wrap for today's episode!"

As the crew began packing up equipment, Seokmin and Y/N found themselves standing together in the fading twilight, the park's lights beginning to twinkle on around them.

"That was fun," Y/N said, still holding Lucky the stuffed dog to her chest. "Even the terrifying parts."

"Especially the terrifying parts," Seokmin corrected with a smile. "Those make the best stories later."

"True," Y/N agreed. "No one wants to hear about the time everything went perfectly according to plan."

There was a moment of comfortable silence between them, neither quite ready for the day to end.

"Do you want to grab dinner?" Seokmin found himself asking before he could overthink it. "The cameras are off, but we could still..."

He trailed off, suddenly unsure if he was overstepping. They rarely spent time together off-camera, though their text conversations had become increasingly frequent.

Y/N hesitated, and for a terrible moment Seokmin thought she was going to decline. Then she smiled, nodding. "I'd like that. I'm starving after all that cotton candy and hotteok."

"A balanced meal of pure sugar," Seokmin agreed with relief. "The cornerstone of any nutritious diet."

They ended up at a small restaurant near the park, tucked into a corner booth away from prying eyes. The conversation flowed easily, moving from reflections on their day to stories from their respective careers to childhood memories. It was the first time they'd spent significant time together without cameras recording their every word, and Seokmin found himself cherishing the authenticity of it.

"Can I ask you something?" Y/N said after their food had arrived. "And you don't have to answer if it's too personal."

"Sure," Seokmin replied, curious.

"Why did you agree to do 'We Got Married'? You mentioned losing at rock-paper-scissors, but was that really it?"

Seokmin considered the question, wanting to give her an honest answer. "Partly, yes. The members volunteered me when the offer came in. But I could have refused if I'd really wanted to."

"So why didn't you?"

"I thought it would be good exposure," Seokmin admitted. "Both for me personally and for the group. And I thought it might be fun, in a terrifying sort of way." He paused, then added, "I didn't expect..."

"What?" Y/N prompted when he trailed off.

Seokmin met her eyes. "I didn't expect to enjoy it as much as I have. Or to..."

Like you as much as I do. The words hovered unspoken between them.

"Me neither," Y/N said softly, seemingly understanding what he couldn't quite say. "It's been... unexpectedly nice."

There was that word again. Nice. Such a simple word for the complex emotions swirling between them.

The moment was interrupted by the arrival of their check, breaking the spell that had settled over their conversation. They split the bill and made their way outside, where reality awaited in the form of their respective managers parked nearby.

"Thank you for today," Y/N said as they prepared to part ways. "For winning Lucky, and for helping me on the Ferris wheel, and... everything."

"Thank you for making it so easy," Seokmin replied honestly. "Being married to you, even just for a TV show, has been... nice."

Y/N smiled at his echo of her earlier word. "See you for episode nine?"

"I'll be there," Seokmin promised. "With bells on, probably, knowing our PD's penchant for increasingly elaborate scenarios."

Y/N laughed, then surprised him by stepping forward and giving him a quick hug, Lucky the stuffed dog squished between them. "Goodnight, Seokmin."

"Goodnight," he replied, watching as she walked to her manager's car.

Later that night, as he lay in bed staring at the ceiling, his phone buzzed with a message. It was from Y/N—a selca of her with Lucky the stuffed dog positioned on her pillow.

Y/N: Lucky says goodnight. He also says thanks to his ring toss champion dad.

Ring toss champion dad. The casual implication of shared parenthood, even of a stuffed animal, made Seokmin's heart do a complicated flip.

Seokmin: Tell Lucky he's welcome, and that his Ferris wheel survivor mom is the real hero of the day.

Y/N: We make a good team, don't we?

Such a simple question, laden with potential meanings.

Seokmin: The best team. Even if we disagree on rug colors.

Y/N: Especially when we disagree on rug colors.

Seokmin smiled at the callback to their decoration argument. There was something comforting about these inside jokes they'd developed, these shared references that belonged just to them.

Y/N: I had fun tonight. Both on and off camera.

Seokmin: Me too. We should do it again sometime.

Y/N: I'd like that.

Three simple words that made Seokmin's chest tighten with hope and fear in equal measure. As he set his phone aside, he couldn't help but wonder where this was heading. Two episodes left, and then what? Back to their separate lives, with nothing but memories of a fake marriage that had begun to feel anything but fake?

For the first time since the show began, Seokmin allowed himself to admit what he'd been trying to deny for weeks now: he was falling for Y/N. Not for the cameras, not for the show, but for real.

And that realization was both the most thrilling and terrifying thought he'd had all day—far scarier than any roller coaster or Ferris wheel could ever be.

[balek-noname]

Jason birthday

I'll hold your hand when i get my scenario out alright, don't misunderstood what im saying ok.its not a "ThE bAtfAM dOnT CaRe FOr PooR JAsOn" kind of post.

To put some context, i recently forgot the birthday of one of my closest friend because i had 2really busy and stressful months. Anyway all that made me think of how easy it is to forget that kind of things when you get lost in your little routine,when every day look alike but some how you still manage to get bad news every day, even if you think of the person like really frequently.

So imagine, the whole death followed by resurrection happens, think go how they suppose to go anyway, at some point jason and bruce are somewhat amicable and he pass by the manor every once in a while for XY reason.

Now you have to understand that jason birthday wasn't celebrated for at least 4-5years, because:

he was dead ,and it’s kind of awkward to throw a party for a dead guy. It became somewhat of a sorrow date ,but there was still one that outshined it , the day of his death. His family with the pain of losing a child,a brother,the guilt and remorse coming with it , preferred to think of the day that took him away from them rather than the one where he came to be. It become something that they brush under the rugs (because it makes them realise so much more fuckup things that they knew would ruin their mental state further ). Expecially as the family grows, nobody really know when it is and the ones who knows never mention it .

At some point of course he came back to Gotham but they weren't that kind of close anymore , he became something they knew they couldn’t accept, a guy that didn’t valued life enough . But it was still their Jason , so they had to shut down when they knew he wouldn’t back down , still to protect themselves from the pain. It wasn’t Jason who died tragically in front of them , he was red hood that they had to work against.

and even at this point in the scenario where they made some kind of peace ,he isn't a frequent guest of the manor. When the period surrounding his death anniversary arrives , nobody could find him , even in the back alleys and streets he made himself quieter and smaller.

And life goes on ,and that one day arrive, jason dont like that day but he make it through, visit the grave of his parent like he did every year since he got back to gotham. Spent a few hours on the phone with his friends who wanted to plan something later in the week despite his reluctance . Went through his old street, buy treats for the dogs there, helped an old lady with her groceries, play with kids at basketball and stopped a purse thief. He had done everything he could to makes himself forget which day it was and try to go the fartest away from the people knowing how important of a date it was,but hey he couldn’t push the forward button anyway so he would make it somewhat enjoyable .

20h00 arrive on the digitalclock of his appartement, since the start of the day nobody in his family reach out to tell him happy birthday, he is relieved he didn't want them to,right? He didn't go back at his appartement to make himself findeble he was just tired.

21h00,nothing.

22h00,nothing.

23h00,nothing.

23h58,jason stare at his ceiling, incapable of sleeping . Of course they didn't care,maybe his past was too much to forget.

Nobody hear from him for weeks after that , he wasn’t hurt just…busy.

Nobody knew why , but Jason wasn’t known for his social tendencies, anyway as long as he doesn’t get back to his old ways it’s ok. After all they had busy weeks and were too out of it to worry.

“Wait,what do you mean August was week ago,aren’t we in July??”

[devanitoland]

devani's anger was still there, too close to the surface she normally liked to wear it. ruqaiyah had drawn a reaction from her she hadn't intended on giving, not for the pleasure of denying her it, but simply because she had not anticipated that it could be so easily dragged from her. but then, this was ruqaiyah dayne she was talking to. if ever anybody knew how to get under devani's skin, it was her.

she had to take a moment to steady herself - to take a deep breath and focus only on the air in her lungs until she could feel that anger ebbing out of her. she had never spent much time around children, but this was how she imagined it would be dealing with a particularly hysterical toddler. "when did i say you were supposed to wait for me?" she asked her, a knot appearing between her brows as they furrowed together. "i never asked that of you, ruqaiyah. what everyone else does when i am not there is not my problem." she did not say the words to be cruel, did not even register that they were. it was the mark of a woman who had never in her life made the effort to maintain a bond over time and distance.

for a brief moment, she allowed herself to think, for the first time, on where they would be had she stayed, had she fulfilled promises a different version of herself had whispered in secret. she knew not why she had said such things, save for the fact devani toland had always been prone to bending the truth. when she thought of it, though, there was the realisation that ruqaiyah may not have bound her with chains, but it would have felt like that eventually. it was how it had been when she had wed. no matter how ruqaiyah protested that she wasn't shackled, devani knew in her bones that they would have got to that point.

"not chained," she spoke lightly. "not yet." and on the matter, she said no more.

it was something she had gotten good at over the years, picking up and leaving when it felt like the walls were closing in. perhaps that had always been something she could innately do, and at the time she left ruqaiyah, she had already sensed the binding forming, soft and silken and meant to feel like a gift.

and yet, she still stood here, still listened as ruqaiyah flung back into her face the ruins she had left behind her all those years ago. she didn't flinch, not even when the crack in ruqaiyah's voice came. she simply stood there, taking in what should have been resolved a decade and a half ago, had she given it half the chance to. "stuff on my mind," she could not help but scoff at the way ruqaiyah had boiled it down to something that sounded so trivial. "i was wrong about that one, wasn't i? you didn't see me at all." her head was shaking.

she did not understand why it was so hard for ruqaiyah to see it from her perspective. the world was small when you were sixteen. it was easy to take something good, and make it the centre of all things. but they were women grown now, and devani's world had broadened, across seas and plains and cities the girl who had loved ruqaiyah dayne had never even heard of. "i did mean it," she spoke almost casually. "when i said it, i meant it. that does not change the fact i needed to go." because when she had made her plans to leave westeros, her promises to ruqaiyah had not factored in at all.

she was about to open her mouth to snap then, to tell her to keep dante's name from her mouth, but then she paused, the words ruqaiyah had actually spoken sinking in, and realised she had no idea what she was talking about. dante uller had no impact on her choice to leave westeros. "what does dante have to do with anything?" she was utterly bewildered, and that was to say nothing of the guard. "what guard?" she continued her questioning. whatever hurt ruqaiyah was nursing, devani could not remember it. "i don't know what you're talking about."

★

ruqaiyah let out a breath that came out more like a laugh—sharp, breathless, incredulous. "you weren’t made for one place?” her voice turned cold and lilting, as if she were entertaining a joke no one else was in on. “you weren’t made for it, so we were born to sit and wait for you to flutter off and find your next whim?"” her chest rose and fell rapidly now, but her posture was still perfect, held together by the sheer force of her ego and the fact she knew she looked good. she had lost inches on her waist, as seen by her newest dress; devani would eat her words.

“that's not FAIR, you make it sound like i had you CHAINED!” she continued, tone curdling into something mock-sweet as her voice continued to rise - and despite the fact she were furious, she also loved the fact she had devani here in this moment. arguing with her, giving her full attention.

“you were in my house, you wore my clothes, you sat on my bed. you let me braid your hair while you told me—promised me—that i was the one person who understood you. and you’re telling me now, that you left because you were sixteen and had stuff on your mind?” she took a step back, her arms crossing tightly over her chest. her nails dug into her own arms, but she didn’t care. she wanted to feel it. wanted to ground herself in anything other than the ache that was pulling at her ribs. there was something in her voice now that even she could not quite contain. a tremble, brittle and buzzing with humiliation.

"you don’t get to call me dramatic when you made me feel like i was mad. like i had imagined the whole thing. you said you’d never leave me. you said—” she bit the words back like they were acid. “you said i was the only one who saw you.” her voice cracked, just once, and she swallowed hard, eyes narrowed in fury at her own weakness.

“and don’t you dare stand there and call me a child when you ran off like some storm-chaser desperate to be anywhere but with me.” her mouth twisted, lips gleaming like lacquered anger. “you wanted me, devani. you chose me. you told me things—things you didn’t have to say. and then what? you got bored? you spotted a guardsman and thought, oh, let me just vanish like i was never here?” she tilted her head, eyes glinting, voice rising suddenly. “I SAW YOU. THAT IS WHY YOU LEFT. BECAUSE OF DANTE ULLER AND THAT GUARD.”

[etrosgate]

discussing soriku endgame actually with fellow believers

[sunlitmiracle]

Day 2 Engineer claiming can lead to the fastest own-goals

bonus: I scuffed this round because I was convinced Yuriko was yet again Gnosia when she was going after Setsu, so I helped run a dogpile that put Yuriko in cold sleep. but then. well.

final three with two definite humans and Setsu wasn't one of them :') feels bad when you have to use definite enemy on your Situationship

[eyeslikemirrors]

They mention their 5k, but it very quickly becomes clear what's happening. Heart sinking, Arden watches as Teagan tries to push back the wave of emotions after thinking about the accident. She shakes her head at the apology, “no, it's okay.” It's soft, quiet, trying to offer some sympathy or reassurance while still assessing the situation, offering Teagan some space. And she tries to push through, so they play along, trying to ignore the strain in her voice and the tremor in her hands.

“Okay, noted,” she replies to the comment about the tattoo, giving Teags a small, wry smile. “I've got another on my thigh. Tends to poke out a bit if I'm wearing shorts, so I'm sure you'll get a peek in a few months.” She offers the information with some uncertainty. She wants to give Teagan the option of continuing on with a silly conversation, but doesn't know if she should say more than that.

She likes Teagan. Obviously they hadn't been close when they were younger, but they'd shared space, and Efa used to talk about her siblings often– Teagan especially. And, from this short interaction, Arden feels like she's the kind of person they could be good friends with. She seems bright and kind and playful, even in the face of such grief. Seeing her trying to hold herself together, it makes the cracks inside of them pulse and ache.

Efa had wanted to go to college. They'd all talked about what it would be like if they got into the same school, left town together. But she remembered Efa's uncertainty, how she had ultimately decided to stay home and help on the farm. It was nice to hear she'd taken some classes. “I mean, it's nice to hear we made it look easy, but I remember a lot of it being stressful; science always gave me trouble, much to the chagrin of my mother.” It's more life rafts, attempts to lighten the mood. “But, you know, I can always try to help with stuff if you do decide to go that route.”

When Teagan apologizes this time, Arden doubles down. “It's really okay, you don't have to apologize. You're dealing with a lot, and grief–” she lets out something between a laugh and a sigh, “it– it fucking sucks. I mean, I think you were there with my dad; I dunno if you really remember it, but I was a mess for a while.” She's still a mess now, but that wasn't the point. “It was part of why I left town.”

“All that to say, you know, I kinda get it, and it's okay, and I'm here if you ever need someone to emote at,” they chuckle. “Or go for a run with… or just talk to.”

“Oh,” she exclaims, holding a finger up. “Don't really get a ton of use out of these anymore, but…” She reaches into her pocket and produces her wallet, fishing out an old business card that she hands to Teagan. It's nothing extravagant, but she had paid her artist buddy Zack to help her have something simple that also wasn't just a generic design with her info and clip art of a fountain pen. “Now you have my number.”

“Right, bouquets.” They purse their lips for a moment before, “I guess four?” She had decided she was going to stop at the cemetery on her way back, leave some flowers for her father, Efa, and her parents. And one for her… or maybe the shop? But if someone knocked over the vase, the water could be an issue… Whatever, her place could use the greenery.

"How far d'ya run? My, it's been..." Since the accident-- "Months since my last run. Just don't have the time I used to. You know with--yeah. Um, sorry." Teagan's brows stitch together with discomfort and she breathes shakily. Stop it, she thinks to herself. Her hands begin to tremble quietly, but Teagan keeps them moving, not wanting Arden to notice.

"Tattoos...tattoos." She latches onto the subject like a life raft, refusing to look Arden in the eyes while she tries to compose herself without making everything awkward. What was wrong with her? She's supposed to be stronger than this. People need her.

"Tattoos...um," She sighs, "Got one!" Her voice, still trembling, manages to sound bright again. "Just the one. But it's hidden, you see." Teagan chuckles, though it doesn't carry any actual humor. Nor does it msst her eyes. "If you want to find it, you'll have to search." She sounds nervous and on the verge of tears, but by some miracle, Arden cuts through the tension and calls her their friend.

Teagan looks sharply up at Arden at that, moved how genuine they sound when they say it. She knows her eyes are glossy and red, but she doesn't really care. Arden saw her at her lowest at the funeral and she saw them in the same state too, when their father passed. She knew loss like Teagan, and a part of her wishes they didn't.

"She was the business one. She took those classes. Efa, I mean." Her head tilts side to side, memories bouncing around. "Maybe I will do it--try 'em too. She just made it look so easy. You two always made school look easy." Teagan chuckles halfheartedly, realizing that she's bringing a perfectly good mood down. It just feels so easy to talk about it with her--at least about Efa. They knew her sister, likely mourning her too. Grief didn't like to stew alone. "I'm sorry, Arden." In a blink, she wipes the tears away and flashes Arden a bright smile. After a few awkward sniffles, she tries to behave normally again. "Where are my manners? Bouquet, yes?"

[mermaidsirennikita]

"he reaches out to protect the heroine..."

:)

"... and the two small children in her care"

:(

[seaofreverie]

So busy with Sparkstember that I almost forgot that I go back to school on tuesday

[famewolf]

if im being honest and allowing myself to vent a bit about it ... another red flag was when the DM went 'wow i love the detail of your backstory but idk what i can do with it tho ):'