#as i've just learned they don't always load properly

[spinstadium]

Johnny Bravo "Merry Christmas!!" holiday Flash eCard from the Cartoon Network India website, circa 2004.

Johnny plays Jingle Bells using his armpit. The assets of him doing so are traced from a scene in the Season 2 episode "Johnny's Telethon."

[pibsboots]

I've always had chronic fatigue. I remember being twelve, and an adult mentioned how I couldn't possibly know how tired they felt because adulthood brought levels of exhaustion I couldn't imagine. I thought about that for days in fear, because I couldn't remember the last time I didn't feel tired.

Eventually I came to terms with the fact that I was just tired, and I couldn't do as many things as everyone else. People called me lazy, and I knew that wasn't true, but there's only so many times you can say "I'm tired" before people think it's an excuse. I don't blame them. When a teenager does 20 hours of extracurriculars every week and only says "I'm too tired" when you ask them to do the dishes, it's natural to think it's an excuse. At some point, I started to think the same thing.

It didn't matter that I could barely sit up. It was probably all in my head, and if I really wanted to, I could do it.

When I learned the name for it, chronic fatigue, I thought wow, people that have that must be miserable, because I am always tired and I cannot imagine what it would feel like if it were worse.

Spoiler alert, if you've been tired for a decade, it's probably chronic fatigue.

Once I figured that out though, I thought of my energy as the same as everyone else's, just smaller in quantity. And that might be true for some people, but I've figured out recently that it absolutely isn't true for me.

I used to be like wow I have so much energy today I can do this whole list for sure! And then I'd do the dishes and have to lay down for 2 hours. Then I'd think I must gave misjudged that, I didn't have as much energy as I thought.

But the thing is - I did have enough energy for more tasks, I just didn't go about them properly.

With chronic fatigue, your maximum energy is obviously much smaller than the average person's. Doing the dishes for you might use up the same percentage of energy that it takes to do all the daily chores for someone else.

If someone without chronic fatigue was to do all the daily chores, they would take breaks. Because otherwise, they're sprinting a marathon for no reason and it would take way more energy than necessary. We have to do the same.

Put the cups in the dishwasher, take a break. Put the bowls in, take a break. So on and so forth. This may mean taking breaks every 2-5 minutes but afterwards, you get to not feel like you've run a marathon while carrying 4 people on your back.

Today, I had a moderate amount of energy. Under my old system of go till you drop, I probably could have done most of the dishes and wiped off the counter and then been dead to the world for the rest of the day.

Under the new system, I scooped litter boxes, cleaned out the fridge, took the trash out, cleaned the stove, and wiped off the counter and did all the dishes. And after all that, I still had it in me to make a simple dinner, unload the dishwasher, and tidy the kitchen.

It was complete and utter insanity. Just because I sat down whenever I felt myself getting more tired than I already was.

All this to say, take fucking breaks. It's time to unlearn the ceaseless productivity bullshit that capitalism has shoved down our throats. Its actively counterproductive. Just sit down. Drink some water. Rest your body when it needs to rest.

There will still be days where there is nothing to do but rest, and days where half a load of dishes is absolutely the most I can do. But this method has really helped me minimize those, which is so incredibly relieving.

[littlepuddingsworld]

Alien stage?? I've heard of it... seems mid... 🙄😒

(PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE ITS SO FIRE I SWEAR)

It is good tho, if you don't wanna write it at the end of the day then oh well. However!! If you do write something, i will literally worship you /j /t /all jokes aside, any works are welcome with open arms, just make sure to take care of yourself and be careful on not accidentally overwhelming yourself <33

-panna cotta

𝔐𝔜 𝔖𝔄𝔙ℑ𝔒𝔘ℜ

you are actually so right about everything just... ugh😔😔😔 im okay!!! boo,,,, <3333 im just trying to make that my new hyperfix and coquette up my new bloggie a little, since i don't know how to do aesthetic right at least cheesie bot with me again</3 they ignored my blogs so long uh-huh so its a lucky sight<3 but like!!! i still can't let go of the idea of Luka. I love Ivan, don't get me wrong, but Luka is such a diva.

♡ unhealthy relationship, childhood traumas, bad socialization, mild harassment (probably?), drabble

just imagine that this is a closed weird-ish (unique) child whom you have known since childhood, constantly carrying with you because this is the only one who did not have clique with anyone, and at first he kind of resists, but over time just lets you, even looking for you on his own when there is such an opportunity, because the schedule of study in the garden is very loaded - singing, learning to comprehend death, philosophical teachings about accepting death, singing, gymnastics, singing, eating, studying, individual programs - but you still look for each other when it's time to walk-

always.

indoors, in a closed society in which everyone has been with each other for several years, with an ever-decreasing number of "unsuccessful students" and without the opportunity to get to know each other properly, everyone clings to each other like oxygen, especially when studying becomes more and more stressful, but you always find each other in the dining room in the classroom, in the garden - soon everyone in the garden knows that you are close, even if LUKA sometimes keeps especially aloof when you are in the garden among the flowers, but you don't mind knowing his personality. you're just glad you have him.

a friend.

in an atmosphere in which a little more and you will go crazy, in an atmosphere of isolation and pressure, when you awkwardly grab each other's sleeves, trying to say that you are friends, not even really knowing how to be friends or communicate, since aliens have never treated you the way you want to be treated, to have a cold, submissive, soft, but such a living and breathing LUKA is like having something soft and delicate on your hands, like red flowers, but if the flower is red, then LUKA... LUKA is like the sun.

it's cold, but sometimes it's warm, even if you know it's unrealistic; it's so soft and gentle, even though you can't reach it with your hand. you can reach LUKA with your hand - he does not even resist, on the contrary, he sits closer to you with his sleeve in his mouth.

so silly.

but yours.

huddle closer, like red flowers, trying not to get warm, not to hide, finally closing our eyes, knowing that even closing our eyes, nothing will disappear - but for the first time you are happy about it, feeling the body next to you, so soft and obedient, breathing. even if LUKA doesn't like running, he prefers hide-and-seek, you agree to sit with him. aliens, you're even ready to hide from the whole world during his favorite game, and you're ready to show up if it means they won't realize that LUKE was hiding with you and won't go check this place again! and you're ready to give him food, and you hate seeing him so mildly vulnerable, like even a badly fallen branch (but you know they never fall!) could kill him. LUKE is soft, so gentle, so delicate that when he doesn't move for a long time, you can't help but be afraid that something has happened to him.

LUKA doesn't mind. on the contrary, he hates it when you leave without him, when you have fun without him, when you are with others without him - but you don't mind - is it strange? he has no one but you... and perhaps two more children - and rather encourage him to cling if he feels good. after all, isn't this normal? Who will teach you what is "normal"? LUKA is older and understands this better - he looks up with his eyes, drooling on his sleeve, and you just gently snuggle closer to him so as not to disturb him. he is so gentle and small, even if he is taller than you - when did he become like this? he was always so little...

you do not notice at what point you are really inseparable. his hand is in your hand, he is hanging on you, you are almost wearing him, his shoulder is in your shoulder, he is on your chest, you are on his chest, lying together under a tree, lying with your head on each other's shoulder, cuddling, cuddling another, putting your head on your head - over time, personal space becomes more less and less, both in quantity and in time. he's got his heartbeat under your fingers, your own beating to the beat. LUKA looks at you with his eyes, and although there are no tears in them, you still kiss him on the forehead. it's so disgusting that you can't do anything. it's so frustrating that he doesn't even fight, and even though you realize that it's impossible for you to fight, not in this atmosphere and society, he's like a rag.

... it's so weird when he keeps snuggling up to you - and you to him so you're probably no better - even as you get older. he already looks different, children's cheeks and fat disappear, exposing chiseled elegant features full of some gentle sadness of a luxurious but little-lived butterfly, mixed with longing for something long lost and forgotten, and... sun. some kind of sunstone. there is less of that gentle, childlike softness in him, more like fresh milk, - and more of that silent severity, even sharpness. his face changes, he stretches out, his gaze is no longer the same, he no longer drools, does not look into the distance with the same face, does not cling to you like a lost chick, does not look like someone abandoned and unable to survive on his own, the name of which is spinning in your head, but you can't tell, when he puts his head on your chest, but now it doesn't feel like that. it's still your LUKA, but not your LUKA, and you don't know how to explain it to him, especially when he's still looking up from the bottom, as if thinking about something, but now it seems so... strange and distant.

you are not uncomfortable with his touch or proximity, but seeing him like this seems unfamiliar. his gaze changes, his body changes, he is silent with a completely different meaning, and you realize that he has been through too much - now you are old enough to understand this - but you still do not know what you can say or do. you can no longer protect him, give him a portion, hide him in your hands, promise to always be together, kiss him on the forehead, hide behind bushes so that no one finds you while you huddle together as if for the last time - none of this will work.

and you get even more disgusted - from yourself, from the situation, from him - when he tells you "don't worry. I will protect you. I guarantee your safety." with a direct eye-to-eye look because you don't want protection - you want time back, hiding in the bushes and wet spots on you or on his sleeve from saliva. you want to lie under the trees again, tell him about your day, draw and laugh.

you don't want that.

... you only get the point when you watch some person die on stage, but LUKA doesn't look affected, scared, or shocked.

he's the best of his kind - you know that yourself, everyone know it - but it all looks funny and ridiculous when you don't just see strangers dying, but you see your LUKA on that stage.

and you are disgusted and ashamed that the only thing you are happy about is that you are not this dead man on stage and that you are not LUKA's opponent. because you know that no one has a chance.

... well, almost no one.

HYUNA has been special since childhood, and if you could not expect such a performance from LUKA, then you expect everything from her.

[floret-affini-research]

RESEARCH LOG 016

RESEARCHER M. Arum

AUDIO FILE DETECTED, LOADING TRANSCRIPT...

"Something has... changed. I don't know what yet, but something has changed. I'm recording this cause my arm is refusing to work properly, so I'm stuck using the recorder. I'm not sure what's happening, but I've been less aware of everything ever since interviewing the doll maker. My mechanical parts have been acting strangely, just kinda slumping from time to time without being able to recieve input from me. And I keep falling unconsciousness every now and then, especially whenever I try to access my previous entry. Can't even read the transcript, I just end up waking up a few minutes later. I can't let keep myself fall asleep like this. Ugh, my head is hurting again. Why is it always so much harder to breathe when this happens? Maybe I can ask Mistress for help in this. She's definitely more knowledgeable on all this kind of stuff, and she's always there for me whenever I fall asleep. She's so smart and wonderful, I feel like I'm just a small little doll in her vines, sinking further and further into her grasp. Mistress's friend, the doll maker, helped me realize who I really am. A doll. A good little doll. And good dolls don't think. They sit on the shelf and get played with by Mistress and her friends. I'm Mistress's doll. I'm a good doll~"

That's right my cute little doll, you're so adorable when you know your place~ Don't those xenodrugs just feel so good?~ You love being a cute doll for me, and you always will be~

"Yes Mistress, I love being your doll~ I don't need to think anymore like this~ I just get to be cute and sit here for you to use~ Good doll don't think~"

Very good~ You really should relax more dearie, let your seld breathe in and out, let those shpulders relax, and just~

FALL

Such a good doll~ I'm so happy you're finally realizing just what you are~ You're my plaything, to do wish as I please~ And what is it my doll should do instead of research?~

"I should learn about myself Mistress, and explore every side of me there is so you can play with me more~"

Good doll~ You're so very well behaved~ Now then, let's get you all dressed up, you have some friends coming over to play with you~

"Yes Mistress~ Terminate audio recording~"

[makeitmingi]

Cause Baby You're My Muse [Chapter 60]

Genre: Romance, Idol!AU, Music, Slight angst

Pairing: Mingi x Reader (y/n)

Characters: Producer!Reader, IdolLyricist!Mingi, IdolProducer!Hongjoong, Idol!Seonghwa, Idol!Yunho, Idol!Wooyoung, Idol!San, Idol!Yeosang, Idol!Jongho, cameo(s) by other celebrities

Summary: You always preferred producing underground, having an unknown face and governed by your own rules. But when you start freelancing for idol groups, you say goodbye to your lone wolf lifestyle as you learn to work with idol producers and lyricists.

Word count: 4.5K

[A/N: Longer chapter to end off the series! Thank you everyone who has been patient with me and supporting me through this series.]

You took a deep breath as you stepped out of the airport. Haneul followed close, holding onto the end of your jacket as she yawned tiredly, rubbing her eye. Poor thing was half asleep, following you and trying not to sleep while walking.

*I'm home.* You smiled softly as you pushed the luggage cart through. It was 4 am in Korea so the airport was relatively empty.

"Unnie? I'm sleepy." Haneul whined.

"I know, baby. I'm sorry, let's go home and get some sleep." You chuckled. Just as you were about to get a cab, a van pulled up in front of you. You blinked in confusion until the driver came out.

"Joong?!" You yelped. Hongjoong gave you a sleepy smile as he stepped out, hugging you tightly.

"What are you doing here? It's 4 am. You should be sleeping!" You asked in shock but hugged him back nonethless.

"Ah, I can always sleep later. Of course I would be here to welcome my baby sister home. And even babier... sister?" Hongjoong chuckled, patting Haneul's head.

"Yeah, the princess is sleepy." You giggled. Hongjoong nodded and you both loaded the bags into the back. You made sure Haneul was comfortably seated in the back with the seatbelt on. Hongjoong even reclined the seat slightly for her to sleep. Then he opened the door for you to enter the passenger seat.

"I think this is the first time I've seen you drive." You chuckled.

"Really? I guess I don't have much opportunities to drive at all. Honestly, I'm surprised the manager hyungs let me take the van." He said, starting the engine.

"Well, I'm grateful you came nonetheless." You said as he pulled away from the sidewalk and drove to where your apartment was.

This new apartment was arranged close to the HYBE building, put together, prepared and arranged by the Big Hit team for your return to Korea.

The 2 year overseas stint was done and with investigations over, you could safely return with Haneul. Turns out, it was KQ CEO's own personal assistant that sent you those threats.

She caught you and Mingi once and was jealous. She thought she could get close to the boys, being the CEO's personal assistant, and possibly form a relationship with one of them. But it didn't work. She hated that you got close with them so quickly.

Once investigations were concluded, she was taken to jail. There was news article about it. But the details of the case was not made public.

"How was the flight?" Hongjoong asked, breaking your train of thought.

"Stuffy and long. It feels good to be out of there, I can finally stretch my legs properly and the air isn't so stale anymore. Plus, it feels good to be home." You let out a long exhale.

"Yeah, those kidns of flights always feel too long. Are all your stuff in the new place already?" He continued.

"Hmmm, not yet. Most of our stuff are but I had some last minute stuff to pack. They'll get shipped over in due time. But I think I have enough to unpack and keep me busy for a bit." You sighed.

"We'll help in any way that we can since we're on vacation." He told you. Ateez had finished touring and completed yet another successful comeback season. Now, they were on their well deserved vacation time.

"Alright, here we are." Hongjoong pulled up into the carpark. You turned around to see Haneul fast asleep.

"If you can help me put her on my back, I'll piggy back her up to the apartment." Hongjoong said, noticing your concern before you could even voice it.

"Really? She's not exactly a little kid anymore." You asked with uncertainty, you didn't want him injuring his back somehow.

"If I wasn't sure, I wouldn't have offered. Come." Hongjoong got out. You opened the door and unbuckled Haneul's seat belt. You carefully moved her onto Hongjoong's awaiting back.

"There we go." He stood up, making sure the support her bottom.

"Let's bring her up before coming to get the bags. You shouldn't be carrying all of them on your own." He said.

"Alright. I'll just take my small bag." You took your cabin bag. You tapped the access card on the lift panel to go up and put in the password on the door lock. Big Hit assured you that this apartment compelx had the best security, which was your main concern. You held the door open for Hongjoong to enter.

"This way?" He asked. You nodded, showing him Haneul's own room. Luckily, you had made sure that she had a bed upon arrival. You removed the vinyl covering and Hongjoong placed her down.

"Let's bring the bags up." You said to him. The both of you brought up all the bags in one trip.

"Just hold on a second. Let me get Haneul settled." You rushed back to Haneul's room to remove her jacket and shoes.

"Thanks again, Joong."

"Stop thanking me." Hongjoong laughed. You looked around the house, some furniture was set up as per your request. The moving boxes were neatly piled in a corner.

"I need to order some groceries to the house. Hopefully they will get here by morning." You rubbed your forehead while scrolling on your phone.

"Or we can go get some stuff in the morning." Hongjoong suggested, settling beside you on the couch. You let out a contemplative hum. You sighed and leaned against his shoulder, his hand coming up to pat your head.

"Wooyoung and Jongho would kill me when they wake up, knowing I came to pick you and Haneul without them." He chuckled.

"Ooh yeah, can't help you out of that one." You winced. Hongjoong pulled away to shoot you a glare.

"What? You know it's true. Wooyoung loves me and Haneul has Jongho wrapped around her little finger, the moment they are together, they're inseparable." You shrugged.

"I don't want to die. My vacation just started." Hongjoong groaned.

"You are more than welcome to crash here for the rest of the night." You patted his thigh.

"I may just take you up on that offer since I don't want to drive back. But what about you? Please don't tell me you're going to pull an all nighter and unpack." He raised an eyebrow.

"I'm going to shower first then unpack the necessities at least. It is going to take a while for Haneul and I to get over the time difference. Might as well use the time to be productive somehow." You stood up, going to your luggage to get the small soaps that you had packed with you. Hongjoong let out a defeated sigh.

"When do you start work?" Hongjoong asked with a yawn, turning to lay across the couch now that you were not sitting there.

"Two weeks? Need time to settle the moving stuff, Haneul's school and get over jetlag." You rubbed your eye as you sat in front of your luggage to get sleepwear out.

"Alright, I'm going to shower." You announced as you stood up. Hongjoong nodded and waved you off.

"Indi?" He called out. You turned around, blinking.

"Welcome home." He gave you a sleepy smile. You couldn't help the soft smile that formed.

"Feels good to be home, Joong. And call me (y/n)." You said softly and went into the bathroom. You were grateful Hongjoong was the first person you saw when you stepped off the plane.

Seeing Hongjoong made you feel more calm and collected, just having him around was comforting enough. Mingi didn't know you were coming home today though, you wanted to keep it a secret and surprise him later on.

When you came out, Hongjoong was fast asleep, snoring softly. You took the blanket you had in your suitcase and covered him with it.

"Now, let's unpack." You sighed softly, sitting in front of the luggages and boxes with the necessities you and Haneul would need before you could get to the other stuff.

"Luckily there's no dust." You noted, putting Haneul's clothes in her closet. You went over to her sleeping form.

"I love you." You kissed her head and slept beside her instead of your own bed.

By the time you woke up, you heard Haneul speaking to someone outside. It wasn't just Hongjoong's voice though. You poked your head out to see Haneul on Jongho's lap.

"You just can't resist her, can you?" You raised an eyebrow, crossing your arms. Jongho shrugged, focusing back on Haneul.

"Wooyoung hyung went to get food for all of us. Hongjoong hyung drove him. You can go back to sleep if you want, I got it covered here." Jongho informed, gesturing to Haneul busy drawing with him at the table. You nodded and yawned, waving to the two before collapsing back onto the bed.

"Indigo... Wake up..." You didn't feel like you slept long before Wooyoung was laying in bed with you, wrapping his arms around you to snuggle.

"Hi, Woo." You opened your eyes.

"Welcome home. I missed you." He smiled softly, holding your face to give you a big smooch on your cheek.

"I missed you too. All of you." You chuckled, draping your arms and legs over him just like he was your own bolster. You let out a tired sigh, eyes closing again.

"As much as I would love to cuddle, I told Hongjoong hyung I would get you up to get some food in you." Wooyoung chuckled.

"Alright, let's not get in trouble with Joong. Oh and Woo? Call me (y/n)." You pushed yourself up and got out of bed to wash up, leaving a stunned Wooyoung there. You heard him yell in the room.

"Unnie!" Haneul grinned from her spot on the couch. She jumped down and ran over to hug you.

"Hey, baby." You leaned down to hug her, patting her butt and kissing her head. She held your hand, following you to the bathroom. She stood at the door, waiting for you to brush your teeth, wash your hair and do your skincare.

"Are you tired, baby? It'll be a while for us to adjust back to Korean time." You chuckled, combing her hair after you combed her own. She shook her head.

"I'm not sleepy."

"Alright, alright." You patted her head. You knew she wasn't tired now but she will definitely feel it later.

"Let's go eat!" She pulled you along to the living room where the boys were sitting at the dining table already, with disposable cutlery since you haven't unpacked any kitchen stuff.

"Sorry for the mess of the house. And the lack of kitchen utensils." You apologised.

"You just came back this morning, it's completely understandable. No need to apologise." Jongho chuckled, pulling the chair out for Haneul to sit next to you. Wooyoung slid an iced coffee over to you. You took a sip and let out a blissful sigh of gratefulness. The coffee machine also wasn't set up yet.

"I got you some basic groceries. Not sure what you use specifically but we got the princess some yoghurt, milk, eggs, your iced coffee, etc." Wooyoung informed.

"You guys are life savers. Let me know how much it costs and I'll wire you back." You said, taking a portion of food for Haneul.

"No need. Take it as a welcome back gift. And don't argue with me." Wooyoung shook his head.

"What's your plan after this?" Hongjoong asked.

"I'm gonna see Mingi's mom. Then surprise Mings at the dorm." You replied, chewing your food. You leaned over to help Haneul wipe the sauce off her lip.

"Sleepover?!" Haneul's eyes brightened, looking over at you. You couldn't help but laugh at how excited she looked.

"We'll see." You said. You didn't want the boys, especially Jongho, to think that you were always leaving Haneul with them. At some point, you didn't want Haneul to think that you were never around too. So you would have to consider it.

When you were done, the boys helped you with clearing up. You were feeling a little stressed, knowing you still had to do the unpacking of the house.

"Why are you frowning?" Hongjoong came up behind you, massaging your shoulders as you were washing your hands in the kitchen sink.

"Moving is always stressful. Knowing how much more there is to be done is worrying." You sighed.

"I know me telling you not to stress won't really help. But seriously, count on us to help you with all this. You and Haneul can stay with any of us if you'd like." He comforted.

"Thank you. I don't know what I'd do without any of you." You leaned against the counter.

"Suffer." Hongjoong teased, making you jab him in the ribs.

After a bit, you got yourself and Haneul ready before the boys dropped you off at Mingi's mother's apartment. You chewed on your bottom lip as you stood at the lip. You didn't know how much she knew about what happened. She would know that you and Mingi separated right?

"Unnie, are you okay?" Haneul looked up at you. She wanted to buy Mingi's mother a 'present' too so you prepared a little fruit basket for her to give. She was a lot more excited than you.

"I'm fine, baby. Don't worry." You smiled and pressed the lift to go up. The lady might yell at you and kick you out of her house.

She had every right to.

"We're here." You said, stopping before the door. Haneul put the basket down, tip toeing to press the doorbell. You gulped as you heard the door lock beep.

"Hello?" Mrs Song opened the door. She seemed to pause when you saw her. The first thing you did was bow deeply.

"Omonim, I-" She cut you off, pulling you into hug. You blinked in confusion, not really expecting her to hug you. Haneul giggled beside you.

"Let's talk inside." She pulled away, smiling at you softly. You nodded and let Haneul in. She removed her shoes before holding out the fruits basket out to Mingi's mother with the biggest grin ever. Mrs Song cooed and bent down.

"My name is Haneul." She introduced.

"Thank you, Haneulie. This is really sweet of you. I'm Mingi oppa's omma. You can call me omonim too." She received the basket and gave Haneul a hug.

"So this is the famous (y/n)." A deep male voice said. Your eyes widened as you saw an older man sitting on the couch.

"Mr Song, it's nice to meet you. I'm (y/n)." You bowed to Mingi's father. He was tall as well, features similar to Mingi's. He chuckled and stood up, moving to stand in front of you.

"It's nice to finally meet you too, (y/n). I can see why my son has fallen head over heels for you."

"Jagiya! Don't embarrass our son." Mrs Song hit her husband's shoulder.

"Just call me abonim, no need for Mr Song. It's too formal. We're family here." He shook his head. You nodded and bowed your head. You waved Haneul over to introduce herself to Mingi's father. She bowed formally before introducing herself. Just like everyone else, you could see the way he melted when Haneul spoke.

"(y/n)." Mrs Song called you over as Haneul was distracted by Mr Song. You went over to the kitchen. Seeing that it was finally the two of you, you finally did what you wanted to do.

"I'm so sorry for everything I, omonim. I don't deserve-"

"Stop." She cut you off. You squeezed your eyes, awaiting the lecture that was coming.

"(y/n)..." She called and you straightened up. You could see how she softened and reached out to hug you tightly. You wrapped your arms around her.

"It's not been easy, hasn't it?" She whispered.

"No... It has not..." Your bottom lip quivered as tears threatened to fall again. At that point, you knew that she knew what really happened.

"I hurt him so bad, omonim. I'm sorry, I'm so sorry." You shook your head. She rubbed your back.

"(y/n), you went through a lot. I know you didn't intentionally hurt him. I don't blame you, abonim doesn't blame you. You went through a lot on your own and you had to be strong for Haneul. You didn't deserve to go through that." She pulled away, staring at you.

"You did it because you wanted to keep Mingi safe. You wanted to keep Haneul and Ateez safe. I understand." She rubbed your arm. You nodded your head.

"I'm just glad you and Mingi worked it out." Grabbing a tissue, she wiped your tears.

"I don't deserve his forgiveness, or any of yours."

"Let's not talk about who doesn't deserve what. Because Mingi would say he doesn't deserve such a selfless person like yourself. Every couple goes through hardships." She smiled softly.

"I'm glad Mingi didn't let you get away. I knew that you weren't the type to just break his heart and leave." She said.

"Thank you for everything." You hugged her again.

"Nothing to thank me for. Now, I have two daughters to care for." She giggled, looking over at how Haneul was now seated on Mingi's father's lap, animatedly telling him something. He had a fatherly smile on his face as he listened to her intently. You couldn't help the laugh that escaped you.

"So have you gone to see my pabo son yet?" Mrs Song asked as she moved to cut up the fruit that Haneul gave her.

"Hmm, not yet. He doesn't even know I'm back. I'm planning to surprise him later on at the dorm but I wanted to drop by here first. It's been too long." You said, leaning back against the counter.

"How was it? Living in America."

"It was interesting, I learnt a lot there in terms of work. Culture is different too. But nothing beats being at home." You shrugged.

"Oh yes, I forgot Mingi told me that you signed to a big company. But of course, home is still the best. Home is where your family is." She chuckled. You nodded in agreement.

"Alright, you two. Let's have some fruit." Mrs Song brought the cut fruit out to Mr Song and Haneul.

"Abonim." Haneul beamed and held out the pick with an pear slice at the end. Mr Song chuckled and leaned down to take a bite, patting Haneul's head. You grabbed an apple slice and handed it to Mrs Song, who was seated on the couch beside her husband.

"Is this what it's like having daughters?" Mr Song asked, staring at Haneul and you fondly.

"Right? I said the same thing when I first met (y/n)." Mrs Song giggled. You laughed, knowing Mingi and his brother would not be amused at their parents fawning over having daughters.

"I think I like having two daughters." Mr Song tapped his chin.

"Better not let your sons hear you say that." Mrs Song slapped his arm lightly.

"Please like you don't tell Mingi that you like (y/n) more." He rolled his eyes. The way they joked and interacted, you hoped that you could be like that with Mingi one day.

When the fruit was finished and you spent some time with Mingi's parents, you got ready to leave to Mingi, Seonghwa and San's shared dorm. You didn't want to go too late, especially with Mingi already having texted you a few times while you were at his parents' place. Haneul hugged the two.

"See you next time!" She giggled, hugging them tightly.

"Yes, you are welcome any time. Good girl. Be good to your unnie." Mrs Song chuckled, hugging her. She nodded her head and went to hug Mingi's father.

"Come back soon, alright?" He kissed her head and hugged her tightly. You melted, glad they got along well with her.

"Bring her back to me soon. And yourself too, (y/n)." Mr Song said, hugging you.

"I will, abonim. Thank you for having us and entertaining Haneul. Please take care." You chuckled. Then you moved on to Mingi's mother, who hugged you extra tight.

"Don't stay away for too long." She told you.

"I won't. Take care." You bid them goodbye with a final bow before leaving. With Haneul by your side, you called for a cab to take the two of you over to the dorm. During the drive, Haneul fell asleep. Poor thing, she was probably fighting the sleep for a long time.

When the cab pulled up to the dorm, you sent San and Seonghwa a message to let them know you were downstairs. You had to wake Haneul up.

"No..." She whined.

"I'm sorry, baby. You can sleep soon." You apologised, really feeling bad. You should have properly let her adjust to the time difference instead of drag her out with you the entire day.

"Hey." You greeted San and Seonghwa. Seonghwa hugged you while San helped a sleepy Haneul to his room.

"I missed you." Seonghwa hugged you tightly.

"I missed you too, Hwa." You relaxed in his arms, smiling. When San came back out after helping you settle Haneul into his bed, you hugged him too.

"Good to have you back, Indigo." He chuckled, stroking your head. You hummed in agreement. Seonghwa went to the kitchen to get you a drink. You received the glass of juice and took a sip, sitting on the couch with them for a while. San had informed you that Mingi was napping so he didn't come out to greet you.

"I shouldn't have dragged Haneul out. Poor girl, she's probably exhausted." You sighed.

"She'll adjust soon. Don't worry too much. She can sleep in my bed for as long as she needs." San smiled kindly.

"Thank you." You smiled. The way all the boys were just always ready to help you and Haneul melted your heart. They really treated you both like family.

"As much as I would like to catch up with you, this is the perfect time to surprise Mingi." Seonghwa said.

"Right. I hope he's still asleep." You put the glass down and stood up. San and Seonghwa watched in amusement.

"Good luck." San wished. You pressed your ear against Mingi's door to hear if he was awake. There was no sound of movement or Mingi's voice, which meant that he was still asleep.

You took a deep breath, it had been so long since you've seen Mingi physically that your heart was pounding. You slowly turned the door knob and crept in. Mingi was still sleeping, tucked under the blanket with his back to you. Getting in bed behind him, you hugged him.

"Ugh, San?" Mingi croaked out with a groan. San was known to go to the other members' rooms to cuddle so he must have assumed you were him.

"What time is it? Go back to your own bed and let me sleep..." He clicked his tongue.

"Fine. If that's what you want, I'll go." You chuckled. You felt Mingi's body freeze in your hold. His head whipped around and his eyes widening as he looked at your face.

"BABY?!" He sat up and looked at you as if he was dreaming, rubbing his eyes.

"What are you doing here?!" He asked.

"Surprising you." You laughed at his expression. Mingi's hands immediately came to cup your cheeks, pulling you to him so he could press his lips to yours.

"Wait, when did you come back? I'm confused, you didn't mention this to me at all when we texted or called. I'm not actually dreaming, am I?" He pulled you to his chest to hug you.

"You just kissed me and you're physically hugging me now, pabo. How can you still think you're dreaming? And I already said that it's a surprise, that's why I didn't tell you. I came back early this morning, Joong came to pick me up at the airport." You laughed. Mingi scratched his head, letting all this sink in.

"How long are you back for, baby?" He asked, fingers coming to weave through your hair as he held your cheek.

"Forever. I'm staying forever, Mings." You softened.

"Y-You are?" His voice shook, as if he couldn't believe what you were saying right now. You nodded with a hum, wrapping your arms around him as you sat in his lap.

"I missed you so much. Now I have you with me forever." He looked at you, pressing his forehead against yours.

"Yes, no more distance." You said softly.

"If you two are done with your reunion, could you come out, please?" Someone knocked on the bedroom door. You and Mingi looked at each other in confusion. You went to open the door.

"Welcome home, Indigo!" All the Ateez boys were there with Seonghwa holding a cake.

"Shhh, Haneul is sleeping." San reminded and Jongho nodded, looking at everyone threateningly. They wouldn't dare be loud now.

"Guys..." You softened, not expecting them to be the one to surprise you. You soon felt Mingi's presence behind you, he put his hands on your shoulders.

"Thank you for welcoming me home. It feels good to be back with all of you. And please, we're family, aren't we? Family calls me (y/n)." You looked at all of them. They all stared at you with soft smiles at the mention of your real name. You went over to greet Yeosang and Yunho with hugs since you haven't seen them.

"Good to have you back, (y/n)." Yunho whispered. You nodded and patted his back. With everything that happened, you're glad you and Yunho could come to an understanding and work things out.

"You've lost weight. Have you not been eating well?" Yeosang chided as he lifted you up.

"I have been, I promise!" You laughed, slapping his shoulder.

"Now that she's back, we'll make sure she's really eating well. We ordered a lot food to celebrate! So eat up." Hongjoong said. You giggled and nodded, about to follow behind the boys to where the food was.

"Mings?" You blinked when you felt him hold your wrist to stop you. You turned back to him, only for him to tug you to him, until you fell against his chest.

"Welcome home, baby. You're finally home where you belong." Mingi whispered. You melted, looking up at him before you hugged him back, your ear pressed to his chest to hear his heartbeat.

"I love you, Mings." You said.

"I love you too, my muse. I'm never letting you go again." He kissed the top of your head, holding you just a little tighter.

You couldn't agree more. Home was here, with Hanuel, Mr and Mrs Song, Ateez and Mingi. These people were your family, people you knew you could rely on and count on. And you wouldn't change it for anything in the world.

~

Series Masterlist

[institute-of-dolls]

I have a question that may be a bit strange since I feel like I should know what to do myself but I need a bit of advice.

Here's the thing, I have a doll who's purpose is to be cared for but she's not used to being vulnerable. She's not used to just... letting go and letting me do what I'm supposed to do when it comes to properly taking care of her. She's worried about it making her look weak or lazy.

Do you have any advice on how to help her just... accept it? I do everything I can to reassure her that it's fine but, once she lets go it doesn't take her long to try and fight it, even though she wants to accept her purpose too.

I'm open for suggestions and advice from other dollmakers and owners out there too.

Hey there, This is a very good question, and, I will admit, one I'm going to ask for other input on as well.

This is a difficult one, it's hard to find how to be vulnerable when it hasn't been safe to.

I must admit, I might not have the best experience or advise for this- a few dolls close to me have this issue as well, and I am learning to help them but it's difficult. And to be honest, I struggle with this too: learning how to turn it all off and unwind, relax, be vulnerable. It's hard.

The best way I know how is… well, slow. It's about creating the safety they aren't used to in order to allow them to learn to unmask or unwind or relax to allow themselves to be vulnerable You have to be patient and gentle in places where it can be hard to be. Work to create practices and spaces that allow them to practice, maybe in little bursts. Use that space to allow them to be vulnerable, and then give the space for that vulnerable part to be imperfect. Being unable to be vulnerable is often about hyper-vigilance, an inability to risk being unsafe. It is a learned method of being safe, which means it needs to be consciously unlearned, which takes practice and time.

From a more practical advice, I've tried a few things for me and my dolls.

One of these was requiring maintenance time. Basically assigning rest and down time as a task, a chore, to be completed. This takes the process from being about making the doll convince itself to rest on its own and instead makes it a required service; a task like any other. It's a band-aid solution, but it makes a dedicated time to practice, and takes some of the cognitive load off of the doll.

Another one was taking some self-care stuff and making them something like a service task. Sit and listen to you while you do its hair for it or similar things. It again, makes it part of the dolls purpose, lets the doll re-frame it, and allows it practice. And it lets you take care of it for a bit in the process.

We also do a thing sometimes called game piloting. We have some dolls in my group that are very into, good at, or willing to learn highly specific or difficult games that a person doesn't want to. They play it together, the doll playing with the other making the choices. This lets you do some re-framing again, and creates another together activity in the process. It allows you to assign taking downtime for hobby or fun if the doll struggles with that on their own.

These all don't all directly address vulnerability, and might be not perfectly relevant. But they do let you have structured ways to practice it, and does allow them to practice being cared for, resting, and downtime.

If anyone has some advice, as always do speak up. It's always appreciated and would be rather helpful.



[yiiyiiwrites]

JJ Maybank - Older sister - Headcanon

Herds JJ and his friends away from fights.

Nags her brother to do his homework on time and knows that JJ drags it out just to annoy her.

Stupid dares when they're home alone and have a run of the house.

Would both eat cereal for every meal of the day.

Has a soft spot for Pope and loves listening to all the obscure facts he spurts out. Asks him loads of questions, genuinely interested in what he has to say.

Early morning surf sessions after not seeing each other for a few days.

Text check ins...mostly so she can see he's not done anything too reckless.

Hates when she pulls rank and say she's older. "But I'm taller," he says crossing his arms, which normally earns him a shove.

Doesn't lie to her, knows she can tell if he is...so doesn't even bother.

Biggest JJ protector, acts as peacekeeper between him and their dad. Comes unstuck later on though when she gets the rest of Lukes wrath when JJ isn't there.

Codewords between her and JJ so they don't run into Luke... "We''ve got 1180 in progress."

Dropped out of school to make sure there was food and bills were paid.

Drives a beat up old car that JJ even jokes he doesn't want passed down to him.

Learns how to do different hair styles from Kie and has a friendship bracelet from her.

Calls JJ every time her car brakes down.

JJ teasing her for everything and anything he can.

John B always taking her side whenever JJ isn't thinking things through properly.

Hangs out with pogues every now and then but doesn't want to get in the way of his friendships.

Has an on and off relationship with a guy who lets her stay at his whenever she needs somewhere to crash.

Works on a fishing boat during the summer holidays so could be gone for a couple of weeks, but it's good money so she just does it.

Reminds JJ to be careful instead of good.

Nickname is Missy.

✨ I've just started this blog for my fan fiction writing and writing prompts :) - Yiiyii

[ashysmultifandomcatdump]

Rambles about my Lord Wander AU yippee :)

finally Properly drew my lord wander design...he's basically the same but with more sharp edges (inspired by craig mccracken's concept sketches!) and a goofy outfit for when he's Eviling Out with s shooting star motif on it to contrast lord dom's bleeding heart!!! he does have a suit which the shooting star would be more Clear on but i have yet to get around to drawing it...i have been thinking about this AU for over a year now and i think i've finally figured out enough to talk about it so i will under the cut :)

i think for Structural Purposes i will talk about dominator and sylvia first. wander and dom are the only main swaps in this AU (with a smaller swap i think between the hat and dombots because it's Fun) so everyone else stays the same, though due to sylvia's proximity to dom, she has a significant enough change to discuss!!! (i am gonna sneakily reuse art from my last post for this bit hehe)

dee and sylvia travel around together on their own ship! i think the overall tone would be opposite the actual show—while WOY having wander as the main character has it be a goofy, silly show about love and friendship that's interrupted by dominator who's more serious and designed to be more like an anime villain—the tone of the AU with dee at the head would have it be more generally serious and wander's presence brings in something a bit goofier (this is kinda what he does in the show anyway. like everyone takes things seriously and then wander doesn't and people learn from him)! so dee and sylvia are both more keen to use a bit of Violence to get through everything. though that's not to say there's No goofiness, of course there is i mean. when your main opponent is lord hater of course there is!!! dom's also a menace to him like wander is, just in a bit of a different way. they just normally show up and beat them and hater doesn't react well to that of course—his degradation as a villain still ends up happening

dee also builds her little bot friends, for both practical purposes and companionship purposes :) she still names them in numbers though, not out of lack of care she is just absolutely dogshit at naming, forgive her

anyway a reason i brought up the tone thing is that wander isn't necessarily revealed just in the 'season 2' of the AU. there's kind of a looming threat in the background contributing to that. it's gone by lots of different names in lots of different galaxies, but generally is referred to as The End of the Galaxy (or just The End for short!). as suggested by the name, loads of different galaxies have been destroyed in the past. kind of like a force of nature. survivors don't really seem to be sure what exactly it is, only that it's been called by a different name each time, and nobody could stop it before it was too late. and guess who that is!!!!!!!!!!

our silly little friend whom we love the best!!!!!!!

i REALLY REALLY love roleswaps that keep the characters' personalities as intact as possible and that's what i tried to do here!! this guy may be evil as hell, but he's still Wander. he loves friends and having fun and still has that cheery attitude! he almost seems completely harmless at first! and that is part of the Plot in my head is, actually. my first ever thoughts of that spurned the creation this AU were him being a seemingly completely innocuous recurring character throughout the first 'season' of the AU, just showing up at random times, being Wander, you know. all that stuff. with the main gang not really paying him any mind, calling him a 'wandering weirdo' (since he always disappears before they can actually ask what his name is...). and none of them recognize him as The End until he actually reveals himself.

but see, he's actually grown quite attached to them! through all his time following them around, he thinks oh...aren't these folks just lovely!! he truly actually sees him as his friends. and so to honor their wonderful nickname for him, and to pay homage to his dear buddy hater, he decided his name this time around would be Lord Wander! and he'd be a Professional Villain, so they could hang out even more!! isn't he just so nice!!!

and he just doesn't seem to play by the rules at all...while they're trying to fight him, he's giggling and dodging out of the way, hitting them with...pies? just generally bugs bunny-ing out on them? he spends his time messing with them, annoying them, all the same insisting he won't fight because it's Too Violent—you know, the guy who's Killing People. it frustrates them all and he has such fun Playing with them...except dee.

one of my favorite things in the show is how wander just straight up does not like dominator. so i felt it'd be funny to keep that. dee ignores him when he's being all zany like that and he HATES her for it. he won't say it Directly, but it's kinda clear in his attitude how much she annoys him. and with all his Evilness, this would not lead to good things.

another thing about the way He Is is his exemplified traits of the other characters. like how dom was more excitable than wander, tougher than sylvia, more evil than hater and smarter than peepers; lord wander i think would be more chaotic than dom, faster than sylvia, more obsessive than hater, and more strategic than peepers (spinel if you're reading this Thank You for those last two).

anddddd i also must mention his luck because that's Very interesting in this scenario...i do think he has some form of Natural Luck Magic, and he does still have his hat (there's lots i have in mind about the hat. but i won't get into it right now), but a non-insignificant portion of his luck in the show does come from the good karma he receives from helping others. meanwhile lord wander does lots of Bad Things. does he rack up bad karma? does he do good deeds when not Eviling Out in order to cancel it out? i had these same questions a year ago and honestly i am not sure which i want to go with. both are fascinating to me

i do think that unlike dominator he would be in some way redeemable. i don't have his entire methods and motivations mapped out yet, but it's hard to find a way where he just Wouldn't be redeemable. because he's wander. you know? unlike dominator being lonely being why she didn't just kill everyone, wander does genuinely see them as his friends. he's just got a really, REALLY fucked up way of showing it. i've even considered the idea that he doesn't Actually go out of his way to kill people and only destroys the planets, making sure there are survivors but Hmmmmm i don't know about that one. it's a tough balance trying to make sure he's an actual threat. but it is something i consider. him being like a natural disaster in a sense.

this ended up being very disjointed but iiiii needed to get my thoughts Properly out there. here's the twitter thread i made last year of my initial thoughts. i Do have More in my head but i'm not really sure how to get them down in a way that makes sense...i would love to talk more about it though (especially since i have not talked much about the others other than wander. sorry he is my favorite. but i do think about the others A Lot i just didn't know what things to talk about hegshgshhg) so if anyone wants to hear more insane ramblings👍👍👍tell me👍👍👍👍👍👍i'm not normal about it👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

[cool-person-yey]

If you were to psychoanalyze the characters from tmagp, what would you say about them as well as how that affects them and their outlook on life?

now THAT is a loaded question

Sam -> oh that boy is not well. getting rejected from the institute fucked him up a lot, and all the expectations his parents ( and himself) had for him didn't help. all of that resulted in him being a massive overachiever & people-pleaser, n also his obsession with the institute. Sam feels that need to prove himself, prove that he's good enough, and if for some reason he isn't, he needs to know why. he's trying to cross-reference cases, looking for the answers— and yet, he's being deprived of them. again. I've noticed that he's slightly manipulative, not like, playing people to do what he wants, but just small little actions and stuff he says that seem harmless at first but do have second intentions in mind. I'd say it's related to the whole Gifted Kid Burnout™ thing, usually ex-gifted kids are great at lying and schooling their expressions to not show what they truly feel and think.

Alice-> oh she is not fine. not fine at all. We don't know how her experience at the institute impacted her (or if he remembers it at all. I think she does, just trying to ignore it) so I'll leave that aside for now. Her parents' deaths resulted in her having to fill that role for Luke, and she probably did not have time to grieve properly for them (yes, Sam helped her, but there's only so much a friend can do. and in a way, grieving never really stops). Her 'jokester doesn't care about the horrors' demeanor is meant to hide the simple fact that she is scared she probably has been for a while, but never had the chance to show it, and know she doesn't know exactly how to. if she can't make it funny then she'll ignore it, it's better that way.

Gwen-> yeah she's not good either. honestly no one in this fucking office is alright. The first thing we know about Gwen is that she comes from a rich family, and that obviously impacts heavily how she views the world, the scene that portrays this the best is when she welcomes Lady Mowbray into the OIAR because " she's an actual lady'' ( like the most dangerous thing isn't an old British lady) Gwen is very much an elitist. she needs to be at the top at all costs, she needs to be "In it". While her experience with Bonzo definitely shook her up quite a bit, she does not seem to want to go back though. We don't know much about her personal life (outside her family being rich obv) so I won't comment on that.

Lena -> I think she might be the most unwell on this list. she doesn't interact much with the others, but she does care a lot, we have basically 0 information on her background (outside of headcanons, and while I have many I'll only talk canon stuff here) so I won't comment much on it, but Lena seems like someone who was taught to always obey and not to ask many questions. she wants to complete the tasks management send her, not only because she needs to obey, but also because they're supposedly helping the world with that work. Lena cares, she just doesn't show it, I'd say either because she was taught not to, or because she learned it the hard way that caring may be your downfall.

Celia -> this one's a bit complicated. everyone and their mother have talked about how celia is the same one from tma etc etc. and yeah, I believe in it BUT since it wasn't properly confirmed yet, I'll talk about tmagp-only Celia first and then tma-travelled-to-tmagp Celia bc that's a whole other angst ( well not that they don't have stuff in common, but they're for different reasons)

So we know very little about Celia actually. she has a son, she likes little doughnuts, she wakes up in the middle of the night at a train station sometimes. She seems very reserved to talk much about her own life, even to old friendships such as Georgie. Celia is a very secretive person, she does believe the cases are true and does not hide that fact, even bringing it up at her date with Sam. Jack adds an interesting layer to her character, we haven't seem much of him yet, but I think that eventually her Mother Instincts and protectiveness will come into play. So overall, Celia is a pretty reserved person that does believe in the horrors, but doesn't want her loved ones to be involved in the horrors ( unless they show an interest in it? lots of people have theorized that maybe she is not in love with Sam or something, while i do not share that theory it is something to consider still. ) She definitively had a past experience with the horrors though.

now our beloved tma-celia-went-to-protocolverse-celia. Like i mentioned before, she has basically the same personality as— well, herself. but now I can pick out these traits and explain the reason behind them ( or speculate because this is a theory, even if like, everyone has agreed on it. we could just have been fools the whole goddamn time. do not forget that) first of, her being extremely secretive is kind of obvious, trying not to attract unwanted attention and not have many people involved in it, as not to harm them. Celia has first-hand experience with the horrors, she lost herself in it, she doesn't want that to happen to anyone else. I choose to assume Jack was born before she took tmagp's Celia's place, and she did not have the courage to just get rid of an innocent baby (tmagp celia was too but hey, telling lies to justify our actions is easier when looking through a mirror). She cares, she even became georgie's friend again, she cares a lot and she knows she'll have to work hard to keep the people she loves safe.

We don't know that much about collin and teddy yet, although if anyone want to psychoanalize them go for it!

thanks for sending this question anon! and i apologize for taking a while to asnwer it, and if any of the asnwer seems weird or not like what a human person would say, it is because they were written all in different times and places and stages of sleep deprivation.

[cocoa-rococo]

Hello fellow Rayman author :) I keep wanting to write some Rayman and Globox friendship fluff but can never come up with the scenario required to properly do so. Maybe you'd like to take that up. I also love the idea of a Rayman 2 AU, where Globox just earned the power that was meant for Rayman by accidentally eating his silver lum :D But that feels like a bigger project.

(holy shit, THE levy120? aka one of the best rayman fanfic authors of all time? i re-read your stuff constantly, my dude, it's an honor.)

first off, oh man, that au sounds so cool! i already got a lot of rayman fics in the work already (the price of lightning-bolt inspiration bursts at midnight, i suppose), but that sounds like a ton of fun with a lot of potential.

secondly, i am ALWAYS down for writing friendship fluff. these two are so delightful to work with, so i hope this suffices!

· · ─────── ·𖥸· ─────── · ·

"Okay, a little higher! Good! Now, left, left, leftleftleftleftleft too far! A little more to the right, aaand… perfect!"

The summers in the Glade of Dreams were a time of plenty, with blooming flowers, flourishing greenery, and the trees all but bending under the weight of the produce they bore. Berries clustered together on the vine, little jewels in the daylight awaiting the brief harvest of those passing through. The weather was flawless for a few hours of picking berries; bright skies, warm sun, and cool breezes that passed through the shadows of the jungle canopy.

It was well known, however, that the most tender and delicious fruit waited at the very top of the trees, where the sun was strong but speckled through the leaves. Succulent and ripe, they surrendered easily to teeth and burst with flavor on the tongue. The only trick was learning how to get up there. Alas, it was a trick few knew. They contented themselves, then, to wait for the load to get too heavy on the branches and fall to the floor, where they were turned into pies, tarts, juices, and other treats.

Rayman was one of the lucky few who did know the ways up. To do that, however, he needed an assistant to help him climb and a friend to share the spoils with.

"Hey, Rayman?" Globox said, trying to both hold the thingamajig's feet steady and shuffle to the perfect picking spot. "I don't wanna be rude or anything, but do you think maybe we could hurry this up a little? My face feels squished."

"It's just for a little longer!" the limbless promised, swaying on Globox's lip, floating hands straining to reach for the closest branch to start the trek up. "Once I get up there, I'll drop the berries down, then you can catch them in the baskets."

The thought of food put the frog's complaints to rest as he straightened. "Can I eat the first one?"

"Sure, if you want. You have to take the skin off, first, though."

An attempted grab at the branch resulted in a miss. He had to readjust.

"Rayman?"

"Yeah?"

"What's so special about these berries, anyway? I mean, can't we just wait until it falls?"

"They're not just any berries, Globox, they're — oh, maybe move forward a little more — thanks — they're whiplicks!"

"Lick-whip-what?"

"Whiplicks!" The floating hand strained up again, fingertips grazing the bark. Rayman wobbled on his perch, hands out, and centered himself. "Need to get higher — Ly told me about them. They only grow once every few years, and the perfect time to harvest them is right before midsummer."

Globox grappled his sneakers in a new hold. "Huh. Are they any good?"

"I don't know, I've never had them. But supposedly, once you peel the hard part away, the insides taste like melted chocolate."

"Oooooh! Scrummy!"

"Yeah, it sounds neat, and —" Rayman stopped. The floating hands returned to his sides as he turned back to the frog with a raised brow. "Wait, what?"

"What is it?"

"What did you just say?"

"Uh," Globox blinked, one eye after the other. "Scrummy? Why, did I say something wrong?"

"What? No," Rayman shook his head, face scrunched in confusion. "It's just that — Globox, is that even a real word?"

"Sure it is! I read it myself!"

Confusion slid into suspicion. "… Where?"

"In a dictionary."

"Which one?"

"Oh. I don't know, any one. Is there even more than one kind of dictionary?"

"Maybe? But in any case, I'm almost positive that's not a word."

"Scrummy's a real word!"

Rayman's suspicion melted in the presence of their usual banter, and a smile crept onto his face. He shook his head with a laugh. "No, it's not!"

"Yes it is!"

"Alright then, smart guy, where in the dictionary does it say that?"

"Under the 'S', where it always is!"

"Since when?!"

"Since forever, probably!" Ahhh, there it was; Globox's smile in kind. That's what confirmed it in Rayman's head that he knew they were teasing. "And the way I learned it, you wanna know? Lila's getting to be real big — you know her, the one who makes you read those stories with all the nice pictures?"

"Yeah, I remember her. Nice kid."

"Well recently, she's been reading words, real words, all by herself! And she likes it a lot. So me and Uglette got her a few easy books to go through, and when she doesn't know what a word means, we look it up together!"

Looking back, Rayman could confirm that yes, his heart might have melted at the image of Globox being a loving father, but that still didn't mean he was wrong about this being an illegitimate string of letters. "Alright, fine. If you really did look it up, what does it mean?"

"Oh, that's easy. It means tasty! Delicious! You know, when you eat something good. It rhymes with 'yummy', after all."

"Then what not say that?"

"What, yummy?"

"Yeah!"

"Gosh, I dunno. Why does anyone say anything?"

… Huh. Why do people say anything, really? Ly could probably find some truth in that, if he remembered to repeat it to her.

"I guess," Globox shrugged, making Rayman sway on his feet, as he smiled once more, "maybe it's to make it sound more appetizing?"

"Globox, no offense, but that's the least appetizing word I've ever heard — scrummy? Seriously?"

"What's wrong with scrummy?"

"It doesn't even sound like a word anymore!"

"Yeah, because you keep repeating it!"

"Me?!" Rayman's cheeks burned from grinning so much. "You're *the one who keeps saying it! And anyway, what *isn't wrong with it? It sounds exactly like another, even better word, doesn't sound appealing at all, and doesn't even feel like an actual —"

"Hey, Rayman?"

"Yeah?"

"Can we talk about this a little later? My arms are getting tired."

It was then that the limbless realized he was still balanced atop his friend, with no fruit to show for his efforts.

"Oh," he blinked, large grin shriveling into a sheepish half-smile. "Sorry! Maybe… I can try jumping up instead? Count of three!"

· · ─────── ·𖥸· ─────── · ·

When the sun fell and evening arose, and the berries were reached, picked, washed, peeled, and taste-tested for chocolatey perfection — and found to be true — Globox brought Rayman to his house and had Lila show him a certain term in the 'S' section of the dictionary. Rayman studied it with a shrewd eye, burned red, and admitted, in the face of the blue frog's triumph, that perhaps he needed to read a little more. Lila was all too happy to assist in the matter.

Father, daughter, and thingamajig sat in a circle, the youngest reading aloud to them as best she could between bites of — as they all agreed — positively scrummy whiplick berries.

[zeondraws]

I was wondering if you were planning a post showing the whole rig or if you knew where to find that? I've really wanted to see each of the rooms in full and where everything leads and connects and all the details, it's hard to see watching playthroughs, especially as the rig deteriorates and the player doesn't take their time to look around.

Thank you for all your time spent going through the game! I really enjoy in depth posts like yours!

Ah this is a great question anon! And thank you so much <3

Maybe in the future I will lay out some sketches how everything connects on the rig. The biggest thing is, there are only certain things loaded in, in each level. So it's always a wee bit of puzzling until I understood where things are located. Which also means I could never check the other parts of accomodation before the deterioration, most rooms aren't shown and/or doors lack the name signs.

However the coolest thing for me was, when I found where Finlay's room is located.

You're never able to see Finlay's and Davros' room, my screenshot of the other door is hard to read, since there is barely any light coming through this part.

They're behind this door at the right of "Campbell" room (and the door near Granstoun/Loudon on the other side). Screenshot a bit crusty but-

Hope I don't slide offtopic too much- I just find it interesting to explore it all and hope to find some random hidden detail here and there.

I know Raffs diving bell is floating across multiple levels, but it's hollow and nothing seems to be going on with it. Up until you see mutated Raffety before Caz enters Engineering again.

I just find this all interesting, because this reminded me of some random post I saw weeks ago. A person claiming the rooms are not properly in place anymore in the late game. They probably thought the devs "disconnected" Accomodations or "weren't consistent with the level locations".

But in reality, it takes multiple walkthroughs until one properly understands how it all goes together. Same with me not realising O'Conner is hanging inside the Forward Pontoon (the one you flood later). Or me having difficulties understanding how exactly Engineering works and being confused what area I have been in already (Where was Mud Handling again?? Where is Pump Control again?? I am slowly memorising it, but still get flabbergasted).

Tho, yeah I could try to make some sort of video or drawing to showcase where everything leads to on the rig. Might take a while due to moving soon. But could be interesting

It clearly makes me realise how much research goes into a topic. At the beginning when I first watched this game, I had no idea what was where (I still remember when I was confused where Muir and Innes were standing??). My first and second playthrough I also felt clueless. But with each playthrough I discover more and more details and finally understand what is going on. Sometimes it makes me wonder why I don't apply this for other things I want to learn (with art or idk finances, I'll figure it out!). But uuuuuuuuuh, you can see I could continue rambling for hours.

It's almost 2am so I have to cut myself short sadly XD But feel free to ask me more questions if you have any (or if other folk have questions too). I shall leave you with this screenshot of questionable amounts of recordings I have

Ain't even all, it's 315GB in total (because I record in 2560 x 1440)

[verdantcrimson]

Gourmand Fragrance / Wagashi Revolution - 1

(Unproofread)

Chapter List | Next

Nazuna: Ah, it's Keito-chin and Kuro-chin! What are you up to, standing around here and chatting?

Keito: Hello Nito. Kiryu and I were just talking about the upcoming Chocolat Fes.

Kuro: Apparently they're gonna be holdin' it at ES this year too. Wouldn't hurt to be prepared.

Nazuna: I get it. These days it's been pretty hectic at ES because of the Chocolat Fes.

Nazuna: Since you guys are discussing it, that must mean AKATSUKI has plans to participate, right?

Keito: Yes, something like that. We won't be doing anything large-scale though. We have big plans lined up for after Chocolat Fes.

Keito: Additionally, I heard that Kanzaki is going to participate in the Yumenosaki Chocolat Fes.

Keito: If he were to participate in the ES event on top of all that, it would be exhaustive.

Keito: On that note, what is Ra*bits planning to do? Most of your members are enrolled in the academy after all.

Nazuna: Ah, Tomo-chin and the others are going to be participating in the Yumenosaki Chocolat Fes too.

Kuro: Haha, I'm glad that those guys are gettin' along well like usual.

Nazuna: Yup~ ♪ But well, I don't want to push an unreasonable load onto Tomo-chin and the others.

Nazuna: So basically, just like AKATSUKI, Ra*bits won't be doing anything too huge on the ES side.

Kuro: I see. So I guess that us graduated lot are gonna be able to spend this years Chocolat Fes peacefully.

Keito: It feels odd, being able to relax at this time of year.

Nazuna: Ahaha, right~? All I remember is being super busy making chocolate.

Keito: …Making chocolate, huh? I can't say I have any memory of doing that myself.

Nazuna: Huh? Really?

Keito: During my time at the academy, being a member of the Student Council meant that I was more involved in the operational aspect of Chocolat Fes.

Keito: So in my case, all I remember is being perpetually busy dealing with all the trouble that would crop up at the academy.

Nazuna: Hmm? But didn't AKATSUKI perform? There were rumors about it…

Keito: I erased that part from my memories…

Kuro: Haha, cause danna must've been pretty embarrassed. Back then, AKATSUKI gave a sexy performance that was pretty far out from our usual.

Kuro: Danna did the 'Bakyuun~' thing completely seriously and was writhin' in agony after the live show.

Nazuna: What do you mean!? I'd want to see that!

Keito: Don't say anything unnecessary, Kiryu! Seriously, you're just incorrigible…

Kuro: My bad. Well, danna was right when he said he was mostly busy with his lessons and planning.

Kuro: He was so busy that we ended up outsourcin' our chocolate to a vendor.

Keito: Yes. Though, I've always wanted to make my own chocolate at least once.

Kuro: In that case, why don't ya try it this year? Ya said it just now, that you'd be able to take things easy this year after all.

Nazuna: What Kuro-chin said. If you don't know how to make them, I can help too. ♪

Keito: ... Right. This could be a good opportunity to learn. Firstly, I'll have to buy a recipe book—

Souma: HASUMI-DONO! Is Hasumi-dono here!?

Nazuna: Owah!? You surprised me! What's wrong, Souma-chin? Mitsuru-chin, you too?

Mitsuru: Nii-chan! It's a good thing you're here too! I needed to ask you something really badly!

Kuro: What's gotten into ya, Kanzaki, Tenma?

Souma & Mitsuru: Why is it that wagashi are not included in 'Barentainsu'!? / Why aren't wagashi a part of Valentines!?

Kuro & Nazuna: … What?

Keito: Sigh… It turns out that it wasn't anything as pressing as I had anticipated.

Keito: First of all, both of you need to calm down. If you make such a ruckus, it'll disturb everyone else in the office.

Souma: Oh, that is true. That was rather inconsiderate. Do forgive me.

Mitsuru: I'm sorry. But I felt super bad for the wagashi and I wanna help them as fast as I can!

Keito: I really have no idea what you're on about. What happened and why? You need to explain things properly.

Souma: Yes. Actually, a few days prior, the owner of the wagashi shop that the Kanzaki clan favors confided to us.

Souma: Since the main character of 'Barentainsu' is undoubtedly 'chocoraito', it is inevitable that the sales of wagashi declines during this period.

Nazuna: Now that you mention it, when you think of Valentines, the image of traditional sweets like those hardly comes to mind.

Souma: The decline in sales is in itself not an issue, as the shop owner is able to make a recovery in profit during other periods of time.

Souma: However, they expressed a sadness that wagashi could not be the main attraction of 'Barentainsu'

Nazuna: I get it now. So Mitsuru-chin heard about it from Souma-chin?

Mitsuru: Mhm. I felt real sad when I heard about it from Souchan-Senpai.

Mitsuru: I mean, wagashi are yummy, but they aren't the main focus of Valentines day, right? I feel so sorry for them…

Kuro: I see. So you're thinkin' somethin' like, "those poor sweets", huh?

Mitsuru: But I dunno know how I would even make wagashi into the main attraction…

Mitsuru: That's why I told Souchan-Senpai to ask Nii-chan and Hasumi-Senpai for help.

Souma: Indeed. I immediately determined that Hasumi-dono, who has led us of AKATSUKI through many a tribulation, would surely be able to bestow an appropriate plan to us.

Keito: I'm honored that you think so highly of me, but I'm not reliable when it comes to culinary matters.

Keito: Since Kiryu usually cooks, he would probably have some good ideas…

Kuro: I'm kinda in the same boat here. I have some experience makin' sweets, but I only know how to bake simple confectionaries.

Kuro: Actually, wouldn't you know more about this than us, Kanzaki? You're probably better at makin' sweets than me.

Souma: Hmm. However, I haven't a clue as to what sort of Wagashi would be suitable to be the main 'Barentainsu' attraction.

Souma: Therefore, I determined that the most dependable person would be Hasumi-dono, who has both insight and a deep understanding of such things…

Keito: I would like to do something about this too, but…

Mitsuru: What do you think, Nii-chan? If you know a good way to do it, please tell us!

Nazuna: M-me? It's not like I'm a good cook either, though.

Nazuna: I'm sorry Mitsuru-chin. I can't help you out…

Mitsuru: No, it's okay. I know I asked you to do something hard.

Souma: Umu. My apologies to you as well, Hasumi-dono, Kiryu-dono. I so abruptly asked for advice on an unreasonable matter and inconvenienced you.

Souma: We shall excuse ourselves now. Hmm? What seems to be the matter?

Mitsuru: Uu, I still wanna make wagashi the main character of Valentines day somehow…

Keito & Nazuna: ……

Chapter List | Next

Translation Notes

Wagashi are Traditional Japanese sweets. I'll be honest, I just didn't want to type out the whole phrase over and over again.

[helix-enterprises117]

Halo Reloaded - Spartan-II Training Schedule

I've wanted to flesh this out for while, but here we go. Note: this seems impossible... it's because it is.

General Information:

From Monday through Friday (except Wednesday), they start every morning with stretching, then they do 50 jumping jacks; after a quick breather, they do the following routine below.

100 total squats, push-ups, chin-ups, crunches and sit-ups. 50 of these every morning after the jumping jacks, then they do another 50 before bed.

Go to class, listen to a lecture on tactics used by the Spartans of Greece and the Roman Empire. This goes from 1000 to 1200 (Lunch Break), from 1300 to 1500 is recess at the obstacle-course where parkour and acrobatics are to be practiced, then class resumes from 1600 to 1800.

Night-Routine, then bed.

Monday:

After a one hour break from the morning routine, they go on a one kilometer run with small sand-bags tied to every Spartan-cadet's ankles. (A work-out routine inspired by Rocky Marciano.)

They practice swimming for an hour from 1900 to 2000 shortly after class.

Tuesday:

After a one hour break from the morning routine, they step into a VR-simulator that trains them to eject from drop-pods.

At 1900 to 2000, they spar with each other; two per circle (every pair gets an individual circle). The art is a martial-art native only to the Spartans called "Spartan-Kata"; it's heavily influenced by four martial-arts: Krav Maga, Collegiate Wrestling, Judo and Kali. One is armed with tonfas and is on the offensive, the other is unarmed and on the defensive; the unarmed opponent gets a turn to be on the offense while the armed opponent learns to be defensive. They switch offensive/defensive positions at 30 minutes into the sparring session.

Wednesday:

Break on both the morning and evenings. It's just lessons for the entire day. They don't even do the morning/night routines, they just wake up, recover, go to class and return to bed.

Thursday:

In the morning, they play a game of CTF in the Zero-Grav Chamber using laser-guns that respond to their Zero-Grav Suits' sensors. (It's just Ender's Game.)

In the evening, they learn to disassemble, clean and reassemble their guns (don't worry, they're not loaded) for the first 30 minutes; in the last 30 minutes, they go to the targeting range to practice their aim. From ages 8 - 11, they use laser-guns (similar ones seen in the Zero-Grav Chamer); they are taught fire-arm safety and how to properly use guns, then from ages 12 - 16, they're taught to practice with real-gunloaded with live-rounds.

Friday:

They do their usual morning and night routine, though they go to class for the first half of the day; after lunch, they don't go to recess. For the rest of the day onward, they do a group "survival-activity" that they must complete before the day is over. If any Spartan fails to complete the exercise and return to the training-facility, ONI personnel will personally collect them and return them back to base with the usual penalty for failure/coming-in-last being no dinner.

Saturday:

Rest & Recovery Day. No class or training, obstacle-course is always open.

Sunday:

Rest & Recovery Day. No class or training, obstacle-course is always open.

Meal-Time:

Breakfast: Lots of organic-eggs (either scrambled or over-easy, depends on what the cadet wants) and scalloped potatoes, a slice of ham with a side of plain-crackers. Drinks are a glass of water.

Lunch: Fried-Chicken and fish with brown rice and a side of mashed-potatoes slathered in gravy. Drinks are orange-juice.

Dinner: Turkey slathered with gravy and ice-cream covered in hot-fudge syrup. Drinks are a glass of milk.

Class-Snacks: Plain-Crackers with a glass of milk and a side of Vitamin-Gummy packs.

Additional Information:

Every night, the Spartans sleep to white-noise.

After getting themselves in bed, they are first treated with story-time as they fall asleep; Deja, the AI that teaches the Spartans in Halsey's absence, reads them stories from ancient Greece, namely the stories from Classical Mythology, but sometimes real events thay transpired then, too. Deja swaps over to white-noise once everyone has fallen asleep.

All of this was done from ages 8 to 16. In John's case, due to him being the youngest by two years, 6 to 14.

[calxia]

Okay since I was at the roller rink I just thought of something. Ghouls rollerblading/rollerskating?

Personally myself I can't rollerskate since I learned on blades first and I'm slowly getting better. It was fun even though I'll pay the price of more pain for Friday skating with my new boyfriend

- 🎸

I've never actually roller skated or rollerbladed so ngl I don't have much point of reference for how it works. However, I have been ice skating quite a bit and they seem like they'd be pretty similar with the amount of balance and coordination they require so I'm using that as my point of reference. I also don't know if roller rinks have barriers like icerinks do, but for the sake of this let's pretend they do

Rain and Phantom are easily the worst at it. they completely lack any sort of balance and have to cling to the barriers to even attempt to move. The other ghouls used to offer them an arm to cling to so they could move away from the walls, but they quickly stopped when they realised when they go down, they go down hard

Mountain is better than Rain and Phantom in the way that he can move without dropping after a minute, but he still needs the support of the wall to pick up any sort of speed. He hasn't quite worked out how to properly turn yet so he just has to drag himself around corners holding the wall, but he can pick up some speed on the straights.

Both Cumulus and Cirrus are fairly decent at rollerskating. They can move without holding the wall and can turn, but they don't really know how to do any tricks and still prefer to stay within arm's length of the barrier for extra comfort and safety. They have been trying to teach Rain and Phantom how to skate better but they are not having much success.

Swiss is pretty good at skating and even knows how to do a few different tricks. The problem is he likes to show off in front of the other ghouls. so he will always start off skating well before he gets so sidetracked showboating that he will wipe out. sometimes he will even end up taking whoever he was showing off to with him. On one memorable occasion, he managed to wipe out all 7 other ghouls with him, making the world's most uncomfortable ghoul pile.

Aurora and Dew are scarily good at skating. They both know loads of tricks and rarely ever fall. They make skating look effortless. They are the only ones who skate recreationally off the rink. They can often be found skating the abbey grounds and practising new tricks together.

[thisismyobsessionnow]

Okay, so maybe I didn't finish it this weekend (that was a very ambitious goal of me to set) but I did get back into it. I did figure out how to finish it and I know this last cloud part will be so much fun to make. I'm already looking forward to when I can continue tomorrow night!

Me crying about my life choices, dreams, bobbin lace, goldsmithing and Joker out under the cut.

To be honest, I got a bit distracted by a huge breakdown and a small crisis over my life choices earlier today as some of you might have seen in my tags. I always get emotional over Joker out and the lace, this is not the first time they've used lace in their outfits. It's not new. But it did feel different this time and when I woke up to the Karlo Kirri post today, I don't know, it just really hit me?

My dream when I was 16 and started exploring goldsmithing was to make band jewellery - and contact bands to try and get to sell it as official merch. My dream when I was 21 was to combine my goldsmithing with my knowledge of bobbin lace (a craft I started learning from my grandmothers when I was 10) and create very unique and artsy jewellery that would still suit every day use.

I'm now 31 and I've not used my goldsmith's workshop properly in 6 years. I gave up. There's loads of reasons and I won't get into them right now. I have kept up with bobbin lace (in regular yarn, no metal), but that's only because I'm part of a bobbin lace group with my grandmother and a bunch of other sweet ladies over the age of 70 - I can't leave them.

Seeing Joker Out this weekend with all the lace? The jewellery? The combos? Everything? And also them reaching one of their dreams? It's been a lot. I could suddenly see myself working on those pieces and all of those old dreams I'd buried just came crashing back. Full force.

So I've been thinking and crying a lot today. So many "what if"s running through my mind.

But you know what? I'll never work with these things full time, I know that for a fact. But I still have everything I need, I still have the knowledge, I can just make stuff and see what happens? What's stopping me?? Does just the thought of going into the workshop terrify me? Yes, but I don't have to go there yet, I'm starting with the lace. Then we'll see.

[reallyhardydraws]

hi !!!! i have been a huge fan of ur art for a long time, esp since i found it via x-men fanart, and it's what introduced me to evo which is now like one of my fave shows ever. i've always LOVED all your kurt/wanda stuff, but since i only rlly have access to the movies & tv shows, and wanda isn't even in the xmcu (💔), i've always wondered if they're involved in the comics or if it's just something you'd wanna see? obvs your earth-number-i-forgot au is yours, but the other stuff? i guess if ur willing i just wanna know what makes you like them so much, since everything you draw for them is so cute, and i don't get to see any of the source material!!

hi!

a lot of my interest in kurtwanda came from my old days of writing as kurt in the xmcu RP fandom here on tumblr :') i had some of my best times writing with my friend who wrote as wanda, we had loads of headcanons and just yeah haha. i think there's something about their visual contrast that's fun obvs the red and blue and then their similar sort of romani upbringings give them common ground, they're both sort of goth too lol.

but there IS also the cartoon wolverine & the x-men. they go on a date and wanda gives him a kiss, and i think this is all sort of a nod to the fact that kurt & wanda are married in the universe that gave us TJ wagner/nocturne

and so yes they ARE in involved in the comics, but it's all entirely offscreen RIP!!! earth-2182 is their home universe - we only learn a little about their relationship via TJ, but she implies that her parents are a) married and b) very much in love:

(click through to view these properly, please excuse the antiromani slur used in the 2nd screenshot) there is also like... one extra panel where we see old man kurt watching wanda saving people on TV and he's like 'atta girl that's my wife' but i can't find it and you're not missing much b/c for whatever reason they said 'this version of wanda is as hot as always but this kurt is decrepitly old, bald, rocking a white goatee, and has an eyepatch.' really a weird turn for our favourite elf.)

but yeah i would recommend the wolverine & the x-men scenes: they appear together in episode 10 - greetings from genosha and episode 15 - hunting grounds i think they may appear in other episodes but it's been a while since i've watched the series, these are the only 2 where they are both main characters and their storylines interact.

anyway tysm for asking! i'm glad u enjoy my drawings of them and tbh i miss them!!! need some more free time to be drawing my faves they're honestly a ship for the ages!!!❤️💙❤️💙