#battle of the gingers round 4

[its-to-the-death]

Battle of the Gingers Bracket B Round 4

Quill Kipps (Lockwood & Co. (books)) vs Donna Noble (Doctor Who)

Mod comment: This is going to be the Kipps picture for the rest of the tournament

[demonslayedher]

The "Umai" Bentou: Gyunabe

A very special edition of Kimetsu Kitchen, recreating the most iconic meal of Kimetsu no Yaiba, one fit to power a Hashira through a night of battle! Good enough to be one's last meal!

As a quick forward, the first official fanbook makes it official that what Rengoku was eating on the train was a gyunabe (beef hot pot) boxed lunch, which is pretty close to a sukiyaki recipe for how it simmers beef in sweetened soy sauce brine. However, sukiyaki is typically eaten with the freshly cooked beef dipped in raw egg, for eggs were also a luxury food back in the Taisho Period commonly associated with Western style restaurant food (they were not commonly used at home until later in the period). Putting some egg in the bentou is part of what elevates it to be especially fancy. Speaking of time period differences, although it is not common now, Taisho Period gyunabe recipes included miso as part of the sweet soy sauce brine.

Thankfully searching in Japanese for keywords like "gyunabe bentou rengoku recipe" yields many results from Japanese fans who were mindful of this difference, so I more or less followed the following recipe. Unlike my usual Kimetsu Kitchen experiments, I'm going to try to write this one in a way you can follow. You can see the visuals in gif form on this post. That being said, I hate cooking, and I may not be a good person to take advice from.

Umai!! Gyunabe Bentou

2 servings, based on a Mizunoto-ranked Corp member's typical serving size

Ingredients:

200g of sliced beef short rib*

1 egg**

1/4 white or yellow onion

1/2 package grilled tofu***

1/4 leek

🔥2 tablespoons sugar

🔥1 tablespoon red miso paste

🔥3 tablespoons soy sauce

🔥3 tablespoons sake

🔥4 tablespoons mirin****

🔥2 tablespoons water

Beni-shoga (pickled ginger), to taste*****

Whatever serving size of white rice your heart desires (Japanese rice recommended, but I am not the rice police)

*Short rib is a fatty cut with lots of cartilage that turns to gelatin when slowly cooked. I prefer lean cuts, so even though it comes out tougher, I used sliced beef round and it turned out just fine.

**I prepared two eggs in case one wouldn't be very photogenic. That turned out to be a good call.

***Grilled tofu, like firm (momen) or silken (kinu), is water-packed and likely available at Asian grocers. However, the vegetarian section of a Western style grocer might only have firm & silken, in which case, go with firm.

****This can be substituted if you can't find it

*****Or totally omitted if you dislike it, can't find it, or otherwise don't mind not totally recreating the bentou

Step 1.

Get your egg(s) boiling. The internet will tell you wiser things than I can about this, but what I did is bring my water to a boil first, and then put in the eggs, submerged by about an inch. I added a splash of vinegar to make them easier to peel later. I set the timer for 10 minutes, but you can pull them sooner for runnier yolks. After that, put the eggs in cold water to stop the cooking. You could also steep the eggs in mentsuyu for half a day if you want, but I didn't bother and just peeled and added them to my brine later.

Step 2.

Get your rice cooking. I added nice clean bamboo charcoal to mine for good luck. I am not the rice police, but I did make sure to wash my rice first and gave it about 15 minutes to soak before I turned on the rice cooker. Because that is what old ladies in Japan tell you to do.

Step 3.

Cut and drain your tofu. To drain it, fold up a bunch of paper towels and set the slices on top, then put more folded paper towels on top of them. If you have flat surfaces like cutting boards to work with, you can put something heavy on top to squeeze out more water and make the tofu slices firmer and easier to work with. Do expect the surrounding area to get very wet--this is why I like to place mine on the bottom of a pan so there is somewhere for the water to flow away from the tofu, but it's not a big deal if your tofu is wet. Since you're only using half a block, you can save the rest of the tofu in water for later use; it's very versatile and packed with protein. Oh, you don't like tofu? I don't think tofu likes you much either.

Step 4.

Cut your onions. For the leeks, give them diagonal cuts, for the yellow or white onion, slicing with the grain will make them milder in flavor because you rupture fewer of of the cell membranes. Speaking of, you know what happens when you rupture those?

Step 5.

Cry. Because you miss Rengoku-san, because you hate cooking, because you are cutting onions. You must press on.

Step 6.

Mix all the ingredients marked with an 🔥. The miso might be a little clumpy, but don't worry about it. Just try to dissolve the sugar. It's a little late to say it, but I don't know if calling this a "brine" is correct. Don't at me. Do you think I cook?

Step 7.

Fry the yellow/white onion slices until almost translucent. Set aside, and clean the pan if you plan on reusing it for the rest of the dish.

Step 8.

Give the 🔥mixture a stir for good measure, and then heat it up over medium heat. Add the beef slices, simmer until heated through. Remove the beef slices, set aside.

Step 9.

Add the onions, leeks, tofu, and eggs to simmer. I just listened to my heart on the timing and wish I would have given the leeks more time and the onions less time, and I can't remember how much time I gave them. I peeled the eggs and put them in whole to give them some color and heat them back up, but maybe that wasn't necessary if you had them soaking in mentsuyu half the day. My tofu behaved. I like tofu and tofu likes me.

Step 10.

Your rice is probably done. Spread it across the bottom of your bentou.

Step 11.

Carefully slice a boiled egg in half. If you fail, try the other one. Select the prettiest half-egg to place in one corner of the bentou. Next to that, place your two prettiest leeks. Next to that, your two prettiest slices of tofu. There should a little space remaining to add your pickled ginger. You probably want to taste this first to decide how much you like it.

Step 12.

Stir back in the meat with the onions, then layer this mixture on top of the rest of the rice. The bentou is complete!

You know the final step to take once you take a bite.

Say it.

[wizardbracket]

Round 5: Match 1 of 4

(Battle of the German mud wizards)

PROPAGANDA UNDER THE BREAK

Why they deserve to be the ultimate wizard according to YOU:

Caleb:

Vanquished (so far): Essek Thelyss, Adaine Abernant, VR-LA, Will Byers

"consider: Caleb said 'you were not born with venom in your veins. you learned it.'"

"Caleb is a disaster bisexual middle aged ginger with mud in his pockets and an emotional support cat who is also an octopus at times"

"he's literally a little german boy."

"he's an angry ape he's got zero muscle tissue on his body he's a professional diplomat he smells like literal shit all the time."

"There will never be a better wizard than Caleb Widogast"

"Caleb deadass planned to rewrite time to fix his childhood mistakes"

"He is peak sad wizard boy energy, but also has that little bit of flair that is essential to any wizard"

“Caleb just has that je ne sais quoi”

"Caleb has a cat!!!"

“Dedicated his life to learning the ultimate magic to change reality & fix his mistakes, and also opposes the magic CIA.”

“Chaotic bisexual snarky powerful wizard who married a war criminal and killed a living city”

Mud Wizard:

Vanquished (so far): NZ/Aotearoa Wizard, Amaury Guichon, Orb Wizard, Vermin Supreme

"Actual real-life wizard beats out any fantasy/literary/tv wizard"

"he fought the police while being knee deep in mud"

"i just learned about german mud wizard but i respect his field tactics"

"Mud wizard has field experience ... mud wizard is the one you need on a battlefield"

"I'm sure the other dude is very cool but throwing cops in the mud >>>>>>"

"my boy mud wizard getting the recognition he deserves. there is a mud wizard in all of us. and it says ACAB"

"absolutely german mud wizard its not even a question"

"German mud wizard uses his powers for good"

"Mud wizard is objectively cooler"

"Mud wizard takes direct action against cops. He's doing good old fashioned wizardry ... mud wizard embraces the chaos of magic"

“Outplayed cops with mud magic.”

[chuuyaszn]

PHASE 4 ROUND 3

ginger battle pt 2

(just a silly poll, random and for fun <3)

[bonefall]

BB Allegiances: TPB Book 1

I get these as a request now and then, so, now that I have 4/5 of the family trees done, now's a good time to finalize some ranks and changes!

Since this is the first one, I'll explain a bit about BB's extra rankings. There are 4 new roles within Clans;

Head of Construction Patrol In charge of building and maintaining not only the dens, but also the wall, any tools, and comforts such as bedding.

Head of Kitchen Patrol Oversees prey processing and reduces food waste. Makes sure valuable materials such as pelts and bones aren't ruined, helps to 'stretch' food further in times of hunger.

Head of Hunting Patrol Manages the territory's environment, tracking what animals are being hunted, what the prey is probably eating, and keeping an eye on the populations of other predators.

Educator An intelligent cat in charge of giving all kits an overview of their Clan's version of history, plus extra skills like glyph-reading. Elders teach stories and traditions, an Educator is more like a teacher.

Additionally, a Chaperone is not an official role in the era of TPB, but Daisy comes to permanently occupy much later. It's the fandom "permaqueen," a non-parenting cat who helps the occupants of the nursery.

ThunderClan Recently underwent a horrible plague and lost many young cats.

RiverClan Has had low birth rates in the past few years, causing many eligible warriors to go without apprentices.

WindClan Embroiled in a rapidly escalating war over the Mothermouth Moorland, about to reach a bloody crescendo.

ShadowClan The largest Clan, reaching a fever pitch over their war with WindClan. Its leader plots a nefarious end to the conflict, and will pay any price for victory.

Cats Outside the Clans A young ginger cat dreams of the forest...

THUNDERCLAN Total: 30

Leadership (Cats occupying powerful positions)

Leader: Bluestar Sleek molly with blue fur, and a large scar across her shoulders.

Deputy: Redtail Red-and-white calico transtom with a bushy tail. Apprentice: Dustpaw

Cleric: Spottedleaf Orange-and-black tortoiseshell with a skull-shaped marking on her face and splotches that look like leaf blight.

Construction Head: Rosetail Silver tabby with a distinct red tail and skull-shaped marking on her face. Hoping to retire soon. Secondary apprentice: Cricketclaw

Kitchen Head: Frostfur Pure white, battle-scarred molly with a nick in her lip that permanently exposes two teeth. Nursing: Cinderkit, Brackenkit (Regretfully overworking herself through nursing as the plague took out several kitchen cats. Is also pregnant.)

Hunting Head: Lionheart Thick, massive golden tom with a mane. Apprentice: Graypaw

Educator: Dappletail An old tortoiseshell with pale fur, white-and-gray dapples, and a white ridge from head to tail.

Senior Warriors (Cats above 5 years of age who have had an apprentice, but are not in a leadership role)

Speckletail Large golden molly with a scruffy ruff and brown flecks. The oldest active warrior, staunchly refuses to retire.

Tigerclaw Dark brown tabby tom with thick fur, bright amber eyes, and unusually long claws. The largest cat in ThunderClan. Apprentice: Ravenpaw

Goldenflower Yellow, flecked molly with green eyes and a braided mane, neatly keeping it out of the way. Nursing: Lynxkit, Swiftkit

Whitestorm Fuzzy white tom with fur that sticks out at angles, blue eyes, and a dark gray 'mask' on his face. Apprentice: Sandpaw

Brindleface Pale brown molly with gray flecks and stripes and a broad, round face. Expecting kits

Warriors (Cats above 2 years of age eligible for an apprentice, but below 5, or cats who have never had one)

Runningwind Impatient pale brown tabby tom with blue-green eyes and a puffy, sandy 'vest' mane on his chest and horizontal stripes.

Mousefur Snappish brown molly with eyes the color of sunlit ice and pale, puffy fur on her back legs.

Darkstripe Black tabby tom with a black ridge from head to tail.

Cricketclaw Dark gray molly with distinctive tabby markings, and a black ridge from head to shoulders.

Young Warriors (Cats below 2 years of age, or haven't been out of apprenticeship for more than a year.)

Longtail Sandy-pale tabby tom with green eyes, a whiplike tail, and horizontal stripes.

Willowpelt Shining silver molly with long teeth.

Elders (Older cats who have retired)

One-eye Small, round, speckled molly with a single, golden eye. Practically blind and deaf. The oldest cat in ThunderClan.

Smallear Gray tabby tom with amber eyes, faint silver stripes, and tiny, shredded ears.

Halftail Very dark brown tabby tom with delicate, dandelion-yellow eyes, and half of his tail missing. His stripes are horizontal.

Patchpelt Black-and-white gib with broken teeth from gnawing at a snare and a missing paw.

RiverClan Total: 34

Leadership

Leader: Crookedstar Wooden-brown tabby tom with a leaf-shaped marking around his apple-green eyes and a twisted jaw.

Deputy: Oakheart Sienna tom with a creamy belly and a leaf-shaped marking around his amber eyes.

Cleric: Mudfur Battle-scarred brown tom with black spots and amber eyes.

Construction Head: Petaldust Tortie molly with ginger-tipped fur and a white chevron on her chest. Secondary apprentice: Carpwhisker

Kitchen Head: Lilystem Gray molly with faint, comma-shaped markings Secondary apprentice: Loudbelly

Hunting Head: Stonefur Blue tom with leaf-shaped markings around his eyes.

Educator: Piketooth Old brown tabby molly with thin stripes, black eyes, a graying muzzle, and snaggle teeth.

Senior Warriors (Cats above 5 years of age who have had an apprentice, but are not in a leadership role)

Dragonclaw Huge gray tabby molly with white patches, large ears, a short tail, and big teeth. Graying with age.

Ivytuft Dull brown tabby molly with thin stripes and gray eyes.

Voleclaw Gray, battle-scarred tabby tom

Beetlenose Black tom with lighter gray tips on his fur, making him appear misty, except for his nose which is pure black. Raising Whitekit, whose mother died a few months ago.

Dawnbright Ginger-and-white molly with bright, dappled amber-and-gold eyes.

Leopardfur Intense golden molly with darker rosette spots, and bright amber eyes. Apprentice: Vixenpaw

Carpwhisker Thick, dusty molly with dark spots, a white chest and paws, and green eyes. Apprentice: Grasspaw

Frogleap Gray tom with a ringed tail

Mistyfoot Blue molly with one white paw, and a leaf-shaped marking around her blue eyes.

Swansong White tabby with black stripes and green eyes. The river's reflection of Rippleclaw.

Warriors (Cats above 2 years of age eligible for an apprentice, but below 5, or cats who have never had one)

Skyheart Pale brown tabby with shredded ears

Blackclaw Black tabby tom with small, round ears and scars across his chest.

Reedtail Grizzled, dark gray tabby with a straight, tufted tail that resembles a reed.

Sedgecreek Wooden brown molly with comma-shaped markings and cheek points, like a lynx. Apprentice: Silverpaw

Loudbelly Dark brown gib with cream highlights and comma-shaped markings.

Mosspelt Plush-furred calico molly with green eyes

Emberdusk Plush-furred, dark ginger molly with pale green eyes

Young Warriors (Cats below 2 years of age, or haven't been out of apprenticeship for more than a year.)

Greenflower Brown tabby molly with white splashes and long, thin claws

Duckfur Brown gib with long fur and white splashes, thin claws, and a lazy eye

Elders (Older cats who have retired)

Magpiesky Large, long-furred black molly with white facial markings. The oldest cat in RiverClan.

Graypool Gray, amber-eyed molly with big ears.

Ottersplash Pale ginger molly with white patches, short legs, long whiskers, and a long tail.

Softwing Small, white molly with honey-golden tabby patches

Owlfur Brown and white gib with a small head and big, sparkling eyes. Likes bugs.

WINDCLAN Total: 32

Leadership

Leader: Tallstar Lanky black-and-white tom with a long muzzle, big ears, and a white blaze and tail.

Deputy: Deadfoot Spiky black tom with a limp paw, bound up with a wooden gauntlet.

Cleric: Barkface Broad-faced tom with chevron stripes and deep-set, sunken yellow eyes.

Construction Head: Sorrelcharm Brown and gray molly, wearing a necklace with clay beads Secondary apprentice: Whiskernose

Kitchen Head: Ryestalk A soft, downy-furred tabby molly with two slashes across her face, slicing her ear and blinding one eye.

Hunting Head: Appledawn Pale, rose-cream molly, plans to retire as soon as Pigeonflight's apprentice is fully trained.

Educator: Darkfoot Dusky-blue gib with black paws and bright yellow eyes like the dawn sun.

Senior Warriors (Cats above 5 years of age who have had an apprentice, but are not in a leadership role)

Pigeonflight Dark gray gib with white, slashing patches and spiky tufts Apprentice: Thrushpaw

Ashfoot Sleek, calm gray molly with a plumy tail tip Apprentice: Stonepaw

Flytail White, battle-scarred tom with ginger flecks. Apprentice: Blackpaw

Rushtail Short-furred sandy tom with a very thick tail

Storkfeather Black tortie molly with a large ginger cape on her shoulders and back

Eagleswoop Gray tortie with golden tabby patches and a cape down her shoulders and back

Morningflower Calico molly with curly fur and black, brown, and white patches and a plumy tail tip Apprentice: Whitepaw

Adderstone Handsome, creamy-golden tom with faint stripes and blue eyes. Apprentice: Robinpaw

Warriors (Cats above 2 years of age eligible for an apprentice, but below 5, or cats who have never had one)

Mudclaw Mud-brown tabby tom with chevron stripes

Torear Stone-gray tabby tom with chevron stripes

Hillrunner Thick-furred, plush black molly. Identical twin of Downwind, distinguished by a scar on the nose. Apprentice: Graypaw

Downwind Thick-furred, plush black molly. Identical twin of Hillrunner.

Young Warriors (Cats below 2 years of age, or haven't been out of apprenticeship for more than a year.)

Onewhisker Pale ginger and brown tom with a round face, little eyes, and one long, curly white whisker.

Whiskernose Sandy tom with an unusual amount of bristly whiskers

Whintail Pale tom with tawny points and bristly whiskers

Elders (Older cats who have retired)

Cloudrunner Long-legged (even for WindClan standards) gray tom with cloudy spots and a distant, sad blue stare.

Stagfur Grand, thick dark brown tom with a big, fluffy chest and milky-yellow eyes.

Crowfur Shaggy black tom with wild, yellow, amber-ringed eyes.

Wrenflight Wooly brown molly with amber eyes

SHADOWCLAN Total: 43

Leadership

Leader: Brokenstar Huge, scarred brown tabby tom with a thick marking around his blazing amber eyes. His tail is broken in two places, once at the base and again near the tip.

Deputy: Blackfoot Large white tom with an extra toe, solid golden eyes, black paws and a black hood over his entire head.

Clerics: Shroompelt and Runningnose Shroompelt is an old, thick-pelted gray molly with a broad, flat face, and yellowing teeth. Runningnose is a white, thick little tom with gray patches, scheming yellow eyes, and an unfortunate blotch on his muzzle that looks like snot.

Construction Head: Fernshade Sleek tortie she-cat with black paws, lidded yellow eyes, and a deceptively loose stance. Nursing: Badgerkit

Kitchen Head: Darkflower Muscular black molly with blue-green eyes. Graying with age, but dodging retirement. Secondary Apprentice: Ashheart

Hunting Head: Appledapple Gold-and-brown dappled molly with a long tail and a round face. Smells strongly of juniper. Apprentice: Poppypaw

Educator: Newtspeck Little black-and-ginger molly with a puffy ridge of a mane. Nursing: Littlekit and Rowankit

Senior Warriors (Cats above 5 years of age who have had an apprentice, but are not in a leadership role)

Rowanberry An old brown molly with cream patches and a broad, flat face. Graying with age. Nursing: Marigoldkit and Mintkit

Clawface Brutal-looking, battle-scarred brown tom with yellow eyes, ringed with amber. Apprentice: Whitepaw

Tangleburr Small, stocky, cream molly with gray and brown patches and mismatched eyes, one green and one yellow.

Flintfang Sleek gray tom with lidded yellow eyes and black points.

Snaketail Dark brown tom with auburn eyes and a long, striped tail

Deerfoot Lanky, puffy-chested brown tom with long, sweeping whiskers, dark brown paws and muzzle, and yellow eyes.

Warriors (Cats above 2 years of age eligible for an apprentice, but below 5, or cats who have never had one)

Wolfstep Shaggy silver tom with black, thorn-sharp claws and stripes on his face, paws, and tailtip.

Ratscar A gray tom, peppered in little scars all over his body from vicious ratbites, and missing half of his tail. Apprentice: Oakpaw

Russetfur Ginger molly with really thick eyebrows and prickly whiskers. Apprentice: Wildpaw

Frogtail Black molly with a puffy ridged mane that stretches down her tail, almost like a tadpole's fin

Boulder Sharp-featured, solid gray tom with light blue eyes. Nursing: Brownkit, Whitekit, and Wetkit.

Ashheart Soft-furred, pale gray, blue-eyed molly with a cowlick on her head and lighter gray around her eyes. Looks just like her deceased mother.

Cinderfur Unkempt, soft-furred gray tom with chewed paws and yellow eyes. Popular with the youngest warriors. Apprentice: Kinkpaw

Stumptail Thick brown tabby tom with a broad, flat face, bobbed tail, and round stripes circling his body.

Young Warriors (Cats below 2 years of age, or haven't been out of apprenticeship for more than a year.)

Volestrike Low-set pale gib with light blue eyes.

Scorchflare Tall ginger tabby gib with a reddish splash across their chest and shoulders.

Mossthorn Low-set white molly with reddish-brown patches.

Nightwing Sleek black molly with lighter undersides and milky-yellow eyes.

Spottedbark Dark brown, almost black, molly with lighter spots.

Elders (Older cats who have retired)

Nightpelt Black tom with a lighter muzzle, who makes a rattling noise with every breath. Made to retire early.

Crowtail A small black tabby molly with green eyes.

Archeye Silver-and-brown tabby tom with a cocked stripe over one eye. The oldest cat in ShadowClan.

Dawncloud Vivid pale tabby with reddish stripes and dreamy blue eyes.

CATS OUTSIDE THE CLANS

Rusty Blazing, fire-colored orange tom with green eyes and a tinkling bell collar, about 6 moons of age.

Princess Subdued brown tabby molly with a pink collar.

Smudge Plump, black-and-white tom.

Leo Young ginger tabby with white dapples and no collar.

Snapper Big but young molly with black, tan, and white patches, and a collar with a single tooth poking through.

Snag Golden tabby with a dirty collar, and two teeth poking through.

Mowgli Black cat with a cutely patterned collar, and a single tooth poking through.

[moviebracket]

One group of polls will go up each day and polls will be a week long! Submissions will remain open through the end of the first round, and I'll add some more first round groups depending on submission numbers! Apologies for the brief absence, I had some personal stuff going on.

Movies that lose by smaller margins may have a chance to return to the bracket at the end of Round 1.

Round 1 Group A

Lilo & Stitch (78%) vs Guillermo del Toro's Pinocchio (22%)

Pan's Labyrinth (53%) vs Mickey, Donald, Goofy: The Three Musketeers (47%)

Legally Blonde (96%) vs The Last Temptation of Christ (4%)

Brother Bear (59%) vs Kubo and the Two Strings (41%)

Round 1 Group B

Stardust (47%) vs Heathers (53%)

The Batman (2022) (47%) vs Moulin Rouge! (53%)

Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (58%) vs Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (42%)

Now You See Me (78%) vs Morbius (22%)

Round 1 Group C

Portrait of a Lady on Fire (29%) vs The Prince of Egypt (71%)

Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl (32%) vs The Princess Bride (68%)

Rogue One (33%) vs Spirited Away (67%)

Goncharov (90%) vs Love Actually (10%)

Round 1 Group D

A Silent Voice (38%) vs Princess Mononoke (62%)

How to Train Your Dragon (65%) vs The Sound of Music (35%)

Knives Out (43%) vs Howl's Moving Castle (57%)

Little Miss Sunshine (42%) vs The Little Mermaid (1989) (58%)

Round 1 Group E

A Quiet Place (45%) vs Zombieland (55%)

10 Things I Hate About You (72%) vs Lemonade Mouth (28%)

Juno (21%) vs The Addams Family (1991) (79%)

The Parent Trap (1998) (54%) vs Bend It Like Beckham (46%)

Round 1 Goup F

Rent (48%) vs West Side Story (2021) (52%)

Elf (39%) vs The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy (61%)

Hairspray (2007) (43%) vs Mamma Mia! (57%)

Clueless (51%) vs Miss Congeniality (49%)

Round 1 Group G

Forrest Gump (50%) vs Kingsman: The Secret Service (50%)

Enchanted (69%) vs Ferris Bueller's Day Off (31%)

Battle Royale (45%) vs High School Musical (55%)

Matilda (1996) (60%) vs Chicago (40%)

Round 1 Group H

Mean Girls (54%) vs School of Rock (46%)

The Hitman's Bodyguard (25%) vs Grease (75%)

The Nightmare Before Christmas (51%) vs Parasite (49%)

The Wizard of Oz (46%) vs Star Wars: A New Hope (54%)

Round 1 Group I

Populaire (13%) vs Labyrinth (87%)

Matilda (2022) (17%) vs Kung Fu Panda (83%)

Superman (1978) (44%) vs The Sixth Sense (56%)

The Martian (65%) vs Trainspotting (35%)

Round 1 Group J

Dune (37%) vs Back to the Future (63%)

Phineas and Ferb: Across the 2nd Dimension (44%) vs The Return of the King (56%)

Home Alone (63%) vs Frozen (37%)

Monty Python and the Holy Grail (59%) vs Meet the Robinsons (41%)

Round 1 Group K

Crazy Rich Asians (68%) vs The Phantom of the Opera (2004) (32%)

Alien (75%) vs Mulholland Drive (25%)

The Imitation Game (39%) vs The Simpsons Movie (61%)

Castle of Cagliostro (59%) vs Once Upon a Time in the West (41%)

Round 1 Group L

North by Northwest (22%) vs Arrietty (78%)

Scream (53%) vs War and Peace (1966/1967) (47%)

Arrival (18%) vs The Rocky Horror Picture Show (82%)

Little Shop of Horrors (1986) (55%) vs Night at the Museum (45%)

Round 1 Group M

Steven Universe: The Movie vs Atlantis: The Lost Empire

Everything Everywhere All at Once vs Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan

Rise of the Guardians vs She's the Man

Pacific Rim vs Treasure Planet (2002)

Round 1 Group N

Deadpool vs Spiderman: Into the Spiderverse

Pitch Perfect vs Get Out

The Perks of Being a Wallflower vs Mad Max: Fury Road

Inception vs The Hunger Games: Catching Fire

Round 1 Group O

The Princess Diaries vs Paddington

Pride vs Velvet Goldmine

Shrek 2 vs The Devil Wears Prada

Saw vs But I'm a Cheerleader

Round 1 Group P

Evil Dead 2 vs Nope

Whip It vs I Love You Phillip Morris

Jennifer's Body vs Ginger Snaps

Bodies Bodies Bodies vs The Social Network

Round 1 Group Q

The Mummy (1999) vs The Silence of the Lambs

Fight Club vs The History of Future Folk

Cyrano vs Beetlejuice

Die Hard vs While You Were Sleeping

Round 1 Group R

Cocaine Bear vs Boy Meets Girl

Clue vs Dungeons and Dragons: Honour Among Thieves

Coco vs Wendell & Wild

The Lost Boys vs Scott Pilgrim vs. the World

[geniusbuilttm]

Surp-Rise!S4 Teaser Info

As a reward for getting Surp-Rise to round 2 of the @tmntausummit​, here is some teaser info for Season 4 (which will take place after s3, obvs, and the rewrite of the movie). Info is under the cut.

Also, make sure to vote for us and An Arm and A Leg tomorrow! =)  We will give more rewards if we win!!!

Season 4 starts a month post-Kraang invasion

Big Bad of S4: EPF (Earth Protection Force)

Some of the points that will be important in the story cannot he disclosed due to it spoiling the Kraang movie rewrite

New characters that will be fleshed out and were introduced in S3 / the movie / end of the movie:

Mona Lisa: Komodo dragon yokai, female, 17, love interest of Raphael. Dark brown skin with golden markings, ginger brown hair and a soft voice. Extremely sweet. 7’3” She’s very girly despite her intimidating size and build. She loves to dance and while she is very into Raph, she’s also very shy. Considers Leo a good friend and has gushed to him about Raph more than once. Lives with her parents in the Hidden City.

Casey Jones Junior (CJ): clone of Cassandra Jones from the future with an unknown DNA donor so he isn’t a complete clone of his mother. Created by Donnie. Proud of being a clone. Male, 16. Trying to figure out how to navigate the world now that his whole life and way of living has been uprooted and flipped on its head. Living with the turtles in the lair and with his own train car bedroom. 5’6”

Yuichi Usagi: white rabbit yokai, male, 16. Has a few elements inspired from the TV series he is from but is mainly his own iteration designed and crafted by us. Came to the US from Japan and his aunt’s farm that resided in the outskirts of Neo Edo in order to participate in the newly-renovated Battle Nexus (ran by reformed Hypno and Warren Stone) and hone his skills to become a samurai. Lives with Hueso and Hueso Junior, works as a waiter, as he learns English, American customs, and how to navigate life while trying to not get himself in trouble accidentally 24/7. Embodiment of ‘pure of heart, dumb of ass’. 4’7”

New relationships in S4

Leo/Usagi

Raph/Mona

CJ&basically everyone

More development with Casey&Mikey’s unique relationship

Donnie will flirt with mental stability but it’s not meant to be

New enemies but also new friends

[kigiom]

@weidli and @reginaldbright and @chiropteracupola tagged me to share the first ten lines of my posted fics! sorry for taking two months but, here we are

Rules: ‘share the first lines of ten of your most recent fanfics and tag ten people. If you have written less than ten, don’t be shy and share anyway.’

I decided to use the phrase "first lines" fairly liberally, so they're all under the cut!

1. There’s a familiar face sitting in his usual spot when Thursday sidles into the pub on a Saturday evening. / Morse looks pale, shabby, his shock of ginger-ish hair already going grey at the temples. Jesus Christ, Thursday thinks, standing stock still on the corner to his usual alcove in the tiny pub, it’s only been two years. (rockets for mary, Endeavour)

2. "Here's to looking at you," you say, raising your glass. / He's too tired to say anything, you can see that. He's swaying a little and his eyes are bruised, the vivid blue of his irises glassy. He's clutching his own glass like a lifeline. You wish your heart wouldn't do ten backflips in a row every time you see him. (it walked out of the light, MASH)

3. “Why are we here again?” / It’s the first thing Hawkeye’s said in a while. BJ looks over at him, surprised, only to find him trying to light a cigarette with shaking hands. (all singing must now be howling, MASH)

4. Don't go, he begs. / BJ looks at him. BJ smiles. He's getting smaller, and smaller, and smaller, and he's waving across the endless expanse of washed out brown and grey. (all that is gone (and all that's to come), MASH)

5. “Ain’t you cold out here?” / Stephen made a harrumphing noise and kicked at a loose bit of gravel. / Behind him, Jack sighed and stepped closer. (thirteen angels standing guard ‘round the side of your bed, the aubreyad)

6. “Would you ever grow your hair out?” / Keith made a considering noise into Ewen’s chest. He was lying half on top of Ewen and clearly beginning to fall asleep, even though he was still in shirt and breeches. (I'm going home, no more to roam, The Flight of the Heron)

7. “Does it hurt?” / For a moment, his fingers hover over the scar; Livesey makes an aborted noise under his breath as Trelawney traces a fingertip gently over the smooth, livid skin. While not large, it’s raised and almost knotted, uneven round the edges. (and we march on, hand in hand, Treasure Island)

8. After a day's chasing, they had boarded their prize. From the opposite deck, in a brief lull, Jack had looked over and seen Stephen crawl up onto the deck of the Surprise (even though he should have been below - why hadn't he stayed below?) and stand his ground, cat-quick with a sword, sharp with a pistol; for a blessed second they saw each other across the distance, then Stephen had grinned viciously and disappeared. Jack had been glad to see him alive and dangerous, unspeakably so, even though Stephen on deck in battle made him anxious - why was he not with his patients? Why was he not safe below decks? (for grief to refrain, the aubreyad)

9. Francis passed him an apple. / Their fingers brushed and lingered. James had started noticing this more and more, these little touches, sitting at their table in their kitchen in their house. How they almost always sat next to each other rather than opposite, for a reason James chose not to examine for the sake of his own sanity. How their knees would touch under the table, how their elbows knocked against each other, too, how their hands brushed with no gloves or layers of fabric in the way now. (undertow, The Terror)

10. “We’re too far from the sea.” James said one day. / He was standing on the garden lawn and staring out over the hills as he said it. The farmers had been digging as of late, for what purpose exactly neither of them had bothered to ask. However, they did know that that was the reason for the faint smell of silt and sea that permeated the air, stronger on the breeze. (we sell our lives to the sea, The Terror)

I don't have the braincells for ten people but I'm gonna tag (sorry if you've already done it!):

@edge-of-green @riot-in-bloom @someawkwardprose @terribleoldwhitemen @phoenixflames12 @valley-o @rhaill and @starsreside (I hope the last three of you have published works but I know you write at the least)

[rottingskunk]

night at the museum: Kamunrah rises again review

-i was binging the hell out of the night at the museum franchise (I chose to start with Smithsonian museum arc (2) then i’ll end with one). I watched the fourth movie and have many thoughts, as someone who loves this franchise to bits. (If you dont see mentions of the first movie its bc i havent seen it yet from my movie marathon)

1. The timeline is hella off im so confused about it. Nick is in highschool but NATM3 he was going to college?? Laa is there so it can’t be post NATM 2. If it was post NATM3 the best solution to this problem is having the adventure set IN THE UK???

2. I honestly am confused why kamunrah was revived again such a strange character to bring back i mean he was already dead before why bring him back?? (He was so iconic in the 2nd movie. Has funny bits in the fourth but third act bore me sorry) I genuinely wish there was a different bad guy instead

3. Infact i genuinely wish they had a small series for post NATM3 arc wherein its about the British museum rather than our main cast. Theres so much room and potential to introduce interesting historical figures too! Heck even make some of the animal statues talk that would be interesting (i doubt thats possible even with the tablet but shush) (is this an excuse to bring back rebel wilson to be the night guard-maybe Jdjfjsjdk/lh)

4. I love Octavius design he is not ugly to me at all infact he looks amazing in the movie! I love his face and his hair they look good. (I question why Jed is ginger and clean shaven, hes better off looking scruffy and scrappy looking) SIDE NOTE I LOVE THEM ADOPTING A CAT IT WAS MEANT TO BE !! (Their dynamic was off but them being clingy asf to each other made things less unberable)

5. Sacagewea and Joan of arc be lookin fruity in that one scene I see yall HDDJSJ, cute momment too. I love their respective character designs they are very fun plus Sacagewea is more plot relevant for once im glad for that:’D. Ik Joan of Arc wasnt there for the previous movies but my only answer to that plothole is shes also a new exhibit that was installed before NATM4. Or she could be in the British museum AKA AN EXCUSE TO HAVE JOAN AND LANCELOT TO INTERACT BRO THAT WOULD BE COOL

6.i love these movies but NATM4’s final fight scene wasn’t as impactful as the others. No.2 was so fucking good at their fight scenes the characters battling it out with a good amount for both sides, theres different spotlights for the characters even if its one second. The third movie it was more of a chase scene ft. LION STATUES BEING BIG CATS GAHHH<33 and Lancelot identity crisis poor man. This fourth one felt like a fight you see in every cartoon or show, just felt not as creative? Except when Nick destroyed the bird soldiers eye with arrows that was cool.

7. WHY DOES DEXTER NOT LOOK LIKE A CAPUCHIN??? He looks like a generic orange or brown ish monkey. I looked up how they look like irl and they tend to have multi colored fur so his design rlly confused the hell out of me. I genuinely love capuchins bc of dexter and able (choosing them over chimpanze’s just saying)

8.Lightning round bc I RAN OUT OF SPACE: Mia looks cool (wish she was used more in the story), Akmunrah not being there is so saddening, Nick and the bi sticker ™, Fun call back to the subway scene very cute, I love the oil painting joke its corny and useful to the chase, OFFENDED THERES NO BIG ANIMAL IN THE MAM MUSEUM EXCUSE??😭😭 theres always a big boy in there wdym (Rexy, Octopus, Trixie),Comic convention joke was my fave its such a cute moment

Heres some photos yey!! ok im done i spoke too much on this-did not expect such passion over it!!

[evicted-oc]

═══════☠️ Donn the god of the dead ☠️═══════

══════════☠️ Godly Information ☠️══════════

☠️ Full name: Donn [he/him]

☠️ Known as The Dark One

☠️ King of the dead

☠️ He used to be a human. he was one of the commanders in the military and was killed in battle

☠️ Responsive for guiding souls into the underworld

☠️ Abilities: invisibility (can disappear and reappear at any moment), multilingual (fluent in all languages), medium (sees and speaks to spirits), superhuman strength (insanely strong)

══════════☠️ Godly Appearance ☠️══════════

☠️ Age: 4,790

☠️ Height: 7'8 | 233 cm

☠️ Body build: skeletal

☠️ Eye colour: black

☠️ Hair: black | long and choppy

☠️ Noticeable features: scars all over his body | his fingertips are an inky black. the black travels up his hands and arms when he uses his powers. it is very painful for him

☠️ Usual fashion: long black cloak

═════════☠️ Human Appearance ☠️═════════

☠️ Age: 30

☠️ Nationality: Croatian

☠️ Birthday: May 4 | Taurus

☠️ Height: 6'0 | 182 cm

☠️ Body build: lanky and skeleton like

☠️ Eye colour: grey with a hint of purple

☠️ Hair: naturally ginger | dyes it white and black | short

☠️ Noticeable features: black fingertips, so pale you can see veins under his eyes

☠️ Usual fashion: suits, chains, black makeup, alt style

☠️ Job: professional ghost hunter and mythology professor during the summer

════════════☠️ Personality ☠️════════════

☠️ Traits: sarcastic, sassy, annoyed, grumpy, tired, loner, calm, lazy, moody

☠️ Fears: his powers destroying his body

☠️ Irritants: yappers, people, touching, having to repeat himself

☠️ Likes: sleeping, cemeteries, being alone, quiet, naps, darkness, sharp things, heated blankets, libraries

☠️ Dislikes: people, light, talking, bright colors, flowers, bugs, pda

☠️ Other notes: Donn constantly hears the dead talking to each other. It drives him crazy and often has a break down and gets severely overwhelmed when it's loud. His ears tend to bleed

══════════════☠️ Nsfw ☠️══════════════

☠️ Position: hard dom

☠️ Demands control

☠️ Will get lazy and tired after a round or two

☠️ Kinks: blindfolds (giving), bdsm (giving), breath play (giving), nipple play (giving and receiving), praise (giving), edging (giving), face fucking (giving), lingerie

═══════════☠️ Relationships ☠️═══════════

☠️ Sexuality: gay | polyamorous (2/2)

☠️ Dating: Loki [12/17/2019] | @romeochen [4/23/2023]

☠️ Friends: Hœnir [Besties], Óðr [besties]

[its-to-the-death]

Battle of the Gingers Bracket E Round 4

Ms. Frizzle (The Magic School Bus) vs Dana Scully (The X-Files)

[healthyyhabitshub]

9 Drinks to Lower Uric Acid & Beat Gout Naturally

9 Drinks to Lower Uric Acid & Beat Gout Naturally https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=scgsJ3Lk7Xk Welcome to the ultimate guide on beating gout and lowering uric acid naturally! 🌿🍋 If you've been battling the invisible enemy within — high uric acid levels — causing painful conditions like gout and kidney stones, you're in the right place. In this video, we reveal 9 drinks that are not just refreshing but are also nutritional powerhouses in promoting health and well-being. From the citric acid-rich lemon juice to the antioxidant-packed green tea, each drink is a miracle in a glass, promising to manage uric acid levels effectively. Incorporating these beverages into your routine can be a game-changer in your health journey. 🌱 Whether it's starting your day with a warm glass of lemon water, enjoying a soothing cup of green tea, or exploring the benefits of apple cider vinegar, each drink offers unique health benefits and nutritional content that support your body's natural ability to flush out excess uric acid. Before you dive into the video, hit the Subscribe button and ring the notification bell 🛎️ so you never miss out on our health-boosting tips and tricks. Don't forget to like 👍, comment 💬, and share this video with friends and family who might benefit from these superfood secrets! Remember, while these drinks are potent in combating high uric acid levels, it's important to consult with a doctor before making significant changes to your diet, especially if you have underlying health conditions or are pregnant or breastfeeding. The power of health is in your grasp with these nine potent beverages. Embrace the change and watch as your body thanks you for it. This video is for educational purposes only, and we encourage you to do further research and consult healthcare professionals for a well-rounded understanding of how to manage uric acid levels naturally. Until next time, stay healthy, stay active, and keep hydrating with these incredible drinks! 💧🍵 #ReduceUricAcid #HighUricAcidLevels #UricAcidSymptoms #NaturalDrinks #UricAcidDiet CHAPTERS: 0:00 - Introduction to Uric Acid Reduction 0:59 - Lemon Juice Benefits for Uric Acid 1:31 - Apple Cider Vinegar for Uric Acid Control 2:00 - Green Tea Advantages for Lowering Uric Acid 2:30 - Olive Oil, Cherries, and Celery Seed Juice for Uric Acid 3:21 - Water, Baking Soda Solution, and Dairy Products Against Uric Acid 4:16 - Conclusion on Natural Remedies for Uric Acid Reduction ▶️My Other Video: • 🚫 STOP EATING THIS! 10 Foods To Avoid Before Sleep || Don't Eat Before Bed || Health Tips: https://youtu.be/tG3agebyo4o • DO NOT Refrigerate These 10 Foods: https://youtu.be/SdC9OPZP_40 • Ginkgo Biloba Benefits: The Ultimate Guide to Mind and Body Wellness!:https://youtu.be/SEjlknGC3fQ • AVOID Ginger If You Have THESE Health Problems!: https://youtu.be/28Ju0fhcX_o • 10 Natural Ways to Remove Plaque & Tartar Buildup: https://youtu.be/ShVQCysBORM ----------------- © Healthy Habits Hub via Healthy Habits Hub https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCauUf6FRrLX90ye_EJy6w2g February 08, 2024 at 10:00PM

[wine-dark-seashells]

Sharing my favourite LotR trivia off the top of my head just cause I can and it makes me feel happy

1. gandalf hitting his head on the beam in bag end was not scripted. ouch. poor ian mckellen

2. viggo mortensen got arrested once bc he was walking home after filming and was swinging a sword around still dressed as aragorn. this was not a smart decision on his part.

3. because he was afraid of flying in a helicopter, sean bean climbed a MOUNTAIN every single day they were filming caradhas to get to the set. it took him about two hours each way iirc.

4. to help make galadriel look more mysical and elf-like, they put fairy lights in front of cate blanchett so they reflected in her eyes. this was supposed to show that she'd seen the light of the two trees in valinor. i love it.

5. the scene in FotR where aragorn deflects a knife in from an uruk-hai was not supposed to happen. the stunt double was not supposed to let go of that knife. viggo almost died y'all.

6. i'm fairly sure viggo also broke a tooth at some point. not sure when tho

7. when the three hunters (legolas, aragorn, and gimli) were filming those panoramic shots running through rohan, every single one of them was injured. orlando bloom had like two broken ribs, viggo had broken his toes, and brett beattie (the size double for gimli) had two dislocated knees. they were given a bag of candy and told to run whenever they saw the helicopter coming. how is everyone involved with these movies not dead yet.

8. obligatory VIGGO BROKE HIS TOE IN THAT SCENE WHERE HE KICKED THE HELMET

9. a good percentage of the rohirrim on horses (the "men" of rohan) were actually women with beards bc they couldn't get enough men and there were many women with horses available

10. possibly the most cursed one on this list. andy serkis drank what he liked to call his "gollum juice" while on set. it was actually a mixture of lemon, honey, and ginger and was supposed to soothe his throat after talking himself hoarse while acting. gollum juice.

11. for that scene where the witchking of angmar is lifting his mace threateningly, peter jackson kept insisting it be bigger to look more threatening. the final product was so insanely heavy that there was someone helping lawrence makoare lift it bc he just,, couldn't. this person was lying on their back to do this. yes the outtakes are fucking hilarious.

12. i've seen this one making the round on social media but here it is anyways. when peter jackson was telling christopher lee how to act after he'd been stabbed, lee stopped him and just, oh so casually, informed the director that no, that's not what someone getting stabbed sounds like. christopher lee knew this because he'd been an intelligence officer in the RAF in world war 2. this is also your daily reminder that christopher lee was a fucking badass.

13. this is the last bc thirteen is a lot and i'm tired lol. the land where they filmed a bunch of the battle of pelennor fields was actually a testing ground for the new zealand army and just slightly filled with unexploded ordinance. they had to get special permission to film there. why there specifically? because it was the only place in new zealand that looked enough like a desert. again, how is everyone involved with these movies not dead yet???

anyways lmk if u want me to do a part two or whatever or even one for the hobbit. even tho i have my issues with the hobbit movies themselves, the behind the scenes trivia is funny lol.

[ptgigi]

Scattermy/Loelia/Flovigade [PBFP]

You may have noticed there was no fusion last week. This is why. Also, same as last time, here are high quality links for each frame: Dill/Mild Dill/Aromatic Cardamom/Savory Cardamom/Pungent

Scattermy (Dill/Cardamom) [Bug/Psychic] > Loelia (Dill/Cardamom) [Bug/Fairy] > Flovigade: Mild: Turmeric [Fairy/Psychic] Mild: Rosemary [Fairy/Flying] Aromatic: Ginger [Fairy/Psychic] Aromatic: Basil [Fairy/Flying] Savory: Bay [Bug/Fairy] Savory: Cumin [Bug/Fighting] Pungent: Mint [Bug/Fairy] Pungent: Saffron [Bug/Fighting]

#024 – Scattermy decorate their bodies with fallen leaves. They are easy going Pokemon that are very empathetic. They are so named for the scent they are most associated with. #025 – Loelia like growing plants and helping tend to gardens. They are vary in-tune with their trainer’s personal garden, no matter how far they travel. They are so named for the scent they are most associated with. #026 – Flovigade are divided into four categories of two forms each, which they often change between during battle. The categories are named for the flavors they prefer, while their form names are named for the scent they are most associated with. Savory and Pungent Flovigade tend to be male, while Mild and Aromatic tend to be female, but both can be any gender. The form Loelia turns into varies, but is thought to depend on the Pokemon’s diet or region. Dill Floem often evolve into Turmeric or Ginger Flovigade, while Cardamom Floem often evolve into Bay or Mint Flovigade.

Pokemon Bracket Fusion Project Info: Generation: 2 Parents: Bebemy (T,CF) + Scatteralts (T,CF) See more: PTGigi, Spreadsheet, Tumblr, ComicFury Design Notes: Another crazy fusion oh boy going to keep this brief(ish) because I should be asleep: The parent fusions were already crazy. Scatteralts’ forms per stage were 1, 1, and 12 while Bebemy’s were 4, 4, and 3. Averaging each stage turned it into 2.5, 2.5, and 7.5. Rounding would put this at either 2/3/7 or 2/2/8 and 2/2/8 ended up being the nicer one.

First two stages were easy, pair off the Bebemy/Floem forms based on the most similar colors which ended up being Blue/Yellow Bebemy/Floem and Pink/Orange Bebemy/Floem (then each combined with Scatteralts and Pewpalia).

The last stage–*long sigh* I want to sleep but I must.

Vivigade was split into 4 categories, so to narrow down 12 forms into 8 forms I combined the two most similar (color-wise) wing patterns for each category. The final Vivigade combos were Delta/Mainland, Prairie, Sea/Aurora, Subarctic, Flora/Gale, Source, Desertbloom/Honor, Vogue. Flormadam was weird trying to convert 3 forms into 8. I eventually settled on having each color and then the average of all the colors, so Blue, Pink, Yellow, and a Hybrid, then doubling those up to make it to 8. I then paired up the Vivigade and Flormadam by color, but having a Flormadam set per Vivigade “battle” form (e.g. which ones were originally Mega Gardevoir/Gallade). I think I did just the main colors but my notes are so incomprehensible now IDK. It’s all just a bunch of numbers with almost no words. Good job me.

So the final pairings were: Delta/Mainland + Pink = Turmeric Sea/Aurora + Blue = Bay Prairie + Yellow = Ginger Subarctic + Hybrid = Mint Flora/Gale + Hybrid = Rosemary Desertbloom/Honor + Yellow = Cumin Source + Blue = Basil Vogue + Pink = Saffron

Names. Names are my suffering especially when it was about the last thing I did and boy do I want to sleep. I’m going to regret all these sleep notes in the morning, I generally get good sleep. Vivigade’s forms were location based (categories were emotion based) and Flormadam’s forms were flower based. Regional plants? Spices and herbs I guess! I picked some based on color (Turmeric is orange-y), others based on region (Sea/Aurora, Bay ‘leaf’ but also bay like water). The categories were me Googling “categories of spices” and a few results suggested the four categories of Hot/Pungent, Savory, Aromatic and Aromatic again…but Pungent is a synonym of Aromatic so I went with that.

And that’s about it (besides drawing this whole thing), thanks for reading this far! Have a cookie: 🍪

[livingstonegordo]

Operation Idiots in Love

Bobby

"Okay, that's it." Hen sighed as she watched Buck run up the stairs and out the front door. "I can't take it anymore. We have gotta get them together."

"Get who together?" Bobby asked, sipping a ginger ale.

"Those two idiots who are so far up each other's asses they can't see how in love with each other they are!" she exclaimed, gesturing to where Buck disappeared too.

Chimney was nodding enthusiastically as he listened to Hen. "He's literally abandoning us because Eddie called and said he broke up with the teacher!" He threw his arms up in the air, dangerously sloshing his own drink.

"Maybe we shouldn't meddle in their personal lives, guys," Bobby admonished lightly. "If Buck and Eddie are going to actually take the leap they need to do it on their own."

"Bobby, this is a family, and family meddles in each other's personal lives." Athena gently smacked his arm for emphasis. "Not to mention they're both so oblivious it could take 20 more years before they get it together." There were laughs and murmurs of agreement from their group.

Bobby and Athena had planned a small baby shower for Maddie and Chimney, not wanting to host too many people during a pandemic, but wanting to celebrate with their chosen family. It was just them, Hen and Karen, Buck and Albert, and of course Chimney and Maddie. Eddie had been invited but had back to back appointments for Christopher and was supposed to have lunch with Ms. Flores. They'd gotten through presents, cake, and some games and were mostly just hanging around and chatting in groups when Eddie called Buck to report that, for whatever reason, he and Ana had decided to call it quits. Buck had been sprinting up the stairs before Eddie had even stopped to take a breath.

"Whose personal life are we meddling in?" Maddie asked as she made her way over to them, leaving Karen looking bewildered with a very enthusiastically gesturing Albert.

"Buck and Eddie's," Chimney said, leaning over to kiss Maddie on the cheek when she gracelessly plopped next to him on the couch. "We can't take it anymore. They obviously need a push, just to get the ball rolling."

"I wholly agree," Maddie said. "They're never gonna get there on their own." She was slowly rubbing a circle on her stomach.

"We'll need to plan it out carefully," Hen said. "Maybe we should schedule something where we can get together and brainstorm."

"I'll make a group chat now." Athena set her drink down on a coaster on the coffee table and pulled out her phone.

"We should come up with a code name," Maddie said. "We don't want them knowing we're talking about them."

Grinning, Chim said, "Operation Just Admit It Already."

Hen snickered. "Operation No Homo."

"Excuse me?" Karen said walking up.

"Operation We Can't Stand the Sexual Tension Any Longer." At that Maddie shook her head then lightly pushed Chim.

Hen quietly explained what they were up to to her wife (who looked more and more gleeful with every word) while they all got a text from Athena who had finished creating their group chat. Bobby looked at his phone, a little dismayed to be included in it, but he smiled when he saw the name of the group chat.

"That's perfect, Athena." Maddie smiled. "It's not exactly discreet but they're so oblivious they would never think it's about them."

"Bobby called them that the other night, I thought it was fitting."

"We should include Carla! She'll be so angry if we don't. She likes to gossip about them with Maddie!" Chimney said.

"We do not gossip about my brother. We simply vent about how dumb they are." Hen and Karen laughed while Chimney rolled his eyes.

Bobby sighed, sure all future down time was going to be spent on this.

Operation Idiots in Love.

---

Maddie

The next day Maddie had some time, so she called Carla to explain what they were up to and she asked immediately to be added to the group chat.

"I've been watching those two dance around each other for years. It is high time they get it together."

"Oh I know!" Maddie exclaimed. She was sitting at the table with a cup of tea, wishing it was a second cup of coffee. "I met Eddie and Chimney at the same time and I said to Buck that day ‘he's cute’ meaning Chim, but Buck immediately responded with ‘he gets that a lot, you should see his son’ cause, you know, Eddie is always on his mind. Even back then." She shook her head even though Carla wouldn't be able to see it.

"They've both been through so much, before they met and after. I just want to see my two boys happy."

"And Christopher will be okay with it, right?" Maddie, who was always on the verge of tears these days, fought to keep herself from crying.

"Honey, Christopher has told me at least 4 times that he wants his dad to marry Buck, so that Buck can be around all the time!"

"He has?" Maddie asked, losing the battle with her tear ducts.

"That boy loves our Buckaroo so much,” Carla said, and Maddie could hear the smile in her voice.

"Buck loves him so much, too," she said, sniffling. "Okay I will add you to the group chat. But I am warning you now you might want to keep it muted. Chim and Hen have been blowing it up all morning."

After hanging up with Carla, Maddie had a stern talk with her tears ducts -we cannot cry over everything for the rest of this pregnancy!- downed her tea and quickly got ready for work. She'd downgraded to only working part time as her pregnancy progressed. Since this was a geriatric pregnancy (God, did Maddie hate that word) she knew she and the baby were at a higher risk and wanted to make sure she wasn't over exerting herself- not to mention the fact that she cried a lot easier these days. And when you're a 911 operator crying is not beneficial to the people who really need her help. When she got to the call center she saw May and Linda already on the phones and Josh standing with another operator named Cheryl. She quickly made her way to the locker room to stow her bag, stopped for more tea from the break room and settled in at her desk. It was an hour later when she got some inspiration from a call. The caller was a young woman, Daisy, who was on a first date at a small vegan restaurant, and her date, Cara, had been hit by a car while crossing the street after lunch- nothing serious just a broken leg, though, from the sounds of the scene, the driver was under the influence. She dispatched a squad car and EMS to the scene and waited with Daisy who was on the verge of a panic attack. Maddie was able to keep her calm by giving her clear directions on how to help her date, and reminding her to breath. Daisy had the phone on speakerphone, laying on the pavement next to Cara’s head and when the paramedics arrived Daisy let out a sob. “They’re here! Maddie, the paramedics are here!”

“Good. I may be a little biased, but the 118 is the best firehouse in the city and they will take excellent care of Cara.”

“Playing favorites, Mads?” she heard Chimney say followed by the smack of his chewing gum. “Guess I can’t really blame you. Alright, Miss, can you tell me your name?”

“Cara,” she said weakly. Daisy must have picked up her phone and turned off speaker phone because Chimney’s voice became quieter as he continued to assess Cara’s injuries.

“They know you?” Daisy asked.

“They do.” Maddie smiled. “We’re family.”

When Daisy disconnected the call, Maddie quickly wrote down the name of the vegan restaurant knowing that her brother would love it.

---

Hen

In the week since they started this group chat Hen and Chimney had been tossing out plenty of outlandish and silly plots to get the boys together, but she knew none of them would actually work. Maddie was working on something involving a restaurant but so far nothing had happened. They needed something so rational and normal that Buck and Eddie wouldn’t even question it. They needed a new tactic so she opened up Operation Idiots In Love and sent off a message.

When did you first realize? >Hen

Chimney< When Buck completely lost it when Eddie was trapped underground

Chimney< dude was clawing at the mud with his bare hands WAILING

Karen< Christmas 2019 he organized that whole dinner so Christopher could spend Christmas with his dad!

Carla< Xmas 2019 for me as well

Athena< When Bobby called Eddie after he stole Chimney’s phone and was nearly arrested.

Karen< Does that mean Bobby knew before then?

Karen< The first time Hen mentioned it to me was when Buck arranged for Christopher to spend the day at the firehouse. Is that when you knew, babe?

Chimney< 🤮 babe

That was the day I called it. The way that Eddie looked at Buck that day nearly knocked me over >Hen

👊🏾👀⚠️>Hen

Maddie< I think I knew for sure after the tsunami. Buck called me, completely wrecked because he didn’t know how to tell Eddie they were there.

Chimney< 🪓💪😙

Chimney< What about you cap?

Bobby< The tsunami was when I couldn’t ignore it anymore.

Bobby< No one else saw them after they took that live round out of the guy’s leg in the back of the ambulance. My gut knew then.

Maddie< Wasn’t that Eddie’s first week at the 118????

Chimney< IT WAS!

Bobby< I don’t think they were in love then. But I knew they would end up here.

Bobby< Buck was actually flustered when Eddie complimented him.

“Flustered!” Karen exclaimed. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen Buck flustered.” Hen gazed down at her wife who was laying across the couch with her head in Hen’s lap. Hen had been absentmindedly playing with Karen’s hair (which Karen loved) and had a few strands wrapped around her knuckles.

Chimney< You know that Eddie got under Buck’s skin that very first day

Chimney< If Buck hadnt been so wrapped up in Abby back then things would be so much easier now

Athena< I hate to say our Buck needed his heart broken, but the heartbreak from Abby certainly helped him get to where he is today.

Athena< We got front row seats to Buck maturing these past few years.

Buck 3.0 🙈🤣🙄 >Hen

Carla< He really has come so far ❤🙌🏼

Maddie, how is your plan coming along? 👀 >Hen

Maddie< So I'm thinking of asking him to meet me at this new trendy vegan restaurant, but I can’t think of a good reason for standing him up and suggesting he go with Eddie 🤔

Karen< He would jump at the chance to try a new vegan restaurant! 🌱🤤

Carla< Oh he would love that, not so sure about Eddie though 🥩

Maddie< Exactly

Chimney< Hes so pretentious

Maddie< Honestly, I figured Eddie would go because Buck asked. But even if he refused Buck would probably pick just another restaurant

Maddie< I just can’t think of a plausible excuse for bailing

Maddie< Buck is too good at telling when I am lying 🤥😔

Chimney< Tell him you’re having contractions! 🤰👶

He would just rush off to the hospital, Chim > Hen

Bobby< He would just want to be at Maddie’s side

Karen< No, he would just want to be there for Maddie

Chimney< Alright, alright, hes too good of a brother for that 🙏

Chimney< 🙄🙄

Hen looked at the time and sighed. “You okay with making dinner, while I do some homework?” she asked.

“Of course, babe,” Karen said, smiling up at her. “Just give me 5 more minutes on the couch with you.”

“Anything for you,” Hen said, leaning down to kiss her wife’s forehead.

---

Chimney

Maddie was at a doctor’s appointment and Chimney, upset at not being able to go and bored at home on his own, invited Buck and Albert to go on a short hike. It was a small trail that had only just opened up after the mudslide, and while Albert was a little disappointed it wasn’t a more difficult trail he at least understood that Buck and Chimney both were hesitant to embark on a long trail with Maddie so close to her due date. The trail was fairly empty so they had taken their masks off, though Chimney was a bit weirded out by how naked he felt without it while in public. With Albert running ahead and out of earshot, Chimney decided it was a good time to ask Buck about his love life.

And naturally- he was incredibly awkward about it.

“So, Buck 3.0?”

“Yeah?”

“Is he gonna dip his toe in the dating pool anytime soon?”

Buck let out a huff of breath, looking down at his feet. “Buck 3.0 is about letting go of the past, but honestly? I still don’t think that I’m really in the right headspace to be dating now. Therapy is helping, but it’s not an overnight process. It’s a lot of work letting go of nearly 30 years of low self esteem and abandonment issues.”

“You’ll get there,” Chim said, clapping Buck on the back. “You’re honestly one of the best people ever, Buck.” Buck looked over at him with a single raised eyebrow. “I will deny it if you tell anyone.” He pointed a finger a Buck for emphasis. “But you are my favorite brother.”

Buck’s face cracked into a brilliant smile and he put his hands over his heart. “Oh, Chim, do you mean it? Really and truly??”

Chimney laughed and gave Buck a shove. “I hope it echoes in your ears for the rest of your life because I’m never repeating it.”

“It’s okay. I’m Albert’s favorite brother too.”

“You are not!”

“And Albert has no problems telling me every time I wash his clothes.”

“You wash his clothes for him! Buck, never, ever give Albert anything he will never be able to take care of himself!”

“I don’t mind the laundry, so I don’t make a big deal about it. I do Eddie’s laundry sometimes too.”

“You do Eddie’s laundry?” Chimney asked, eyebrows raised high above his aviator sunglasses.

“Eddie hates doing laundry, and I mean hates. I’ve been over there while he was switching loads and he was grumbling under his breath the entire time. So sometimes if Eddie lets it pile up for too long I’ll do a couple loads while I’m there.”

“You do Eddie’s laundry?” Chim asked again, eyebrows still raised high. It was actually getting a little painful, so he let them relax and come back down. He couldn’t believe this. How domestic. He was definitely telling that to the group chat.

“Yeah, man, it’s not a big deal. Laundry helps my brain calm down. I focus on the clothes and not on all the negative shit running around up here.” He tapped his temple with his first finger, looking down at his feet again.

There was a couple jogging towards them so the conversation stalled while Chimney and Buck pulled out their masks and put them on.

They were quiet as the couple passed them, nodding in greeting and continuing on their way. When Chimney pulled his mask back off he asked, “So what happened with Eddie and the teacher?”

Buck looked over at him, eyebrows raised again as he tucked his mask into his pocket. “He didn’t really say,” Buck answered.

“He didn’t?” Chim asked. “Doesn’t he, like, tell you everything?”

“Usually. But you know Eddie. He processes things on his own time, and when he’s ready he talks about it. All he would say was that she is the one who ended it and that he wasn’t really that bothered because it was just casual and now he doesn’t have to talk to Christopher about him dating.”

“Christopher would be okay with him dating, though, right?”

“I think he would,” Buck answered. “He is legitimately the best kid I have ever met, and he wants his dad to be happy.” Buck looked at his feet here and Chimney noticed his cheeks were a little more red than before. “Chris told me once he wants his dad to date me.” He chuckled awkwardly and rubbed the back of his neck.

Chimney knew this already, because Maddie had told him what Carla said. He was very interested in how red Buck was turning though, another thing to report to the group chat. “Christopher wants you to date his dad?”

"If I date his dad then we can hang out all the time."

"You would love that." Chimney gave Buck a little shove. "Well all know Christopher is your favorite person in the entire world."

"He is," Buck agreed. He shoved Chimney back a little harder so that Chimney veered off the trail briefly. "He's better than you lot by miles."

They were quiet for a moment and Chimney debated whether or not he should ask. In the end his mouth won and he asked, "Would you?" Buck glanced over at Chimney but didn't say anything. "Date Eddie?" he clarified.

Buck turned an alarming shade of red and opened his mouth to respond when they heard Albert call to them.

"What are you two doing?" He was running towards them, sweaty and grinning. "I made it to the end of the trail and halfway back! Pick up your pace!!"

Buck grinned and took off running. Chimney took out his phone and started texting.

---

Athena

May was working, Bobby had run out to the store, and Harry was still staying with Michael so Athena found herself with a rare, quiet evening. She poured herself a glass of wine and headed to the table on the back patio. The Operation Idiots in Love chat she had started had been pretty active that day but Athena hadn’t had the chance to look through it until now. When she was all caught up with Chimney’s discussion with Buck and everyone’s reactions she sent off a “Sounds like they’re already dating…” and placed her phone face down on the table.

Over the years she had come to think of Buck as her step son of sorts and after seeing his heart break so many times, she just wanted him to finally be happy. Athena wasn’t one to believe that a person needed to be in a relationship in order to be happy, but the only time she had seen Buck looking genuinely content and happy was when he was around Eddie.

Plus she had been a cop for 30 years. She was an expert on picking up on the things left unsaid. She had no doubt that both of them wanted something more, but they were both too terrified of being rejected by the person they depend on the most.

Maddie’s plan was half cooked, at least, and Athena didn’t think that it would really work the way that they wanted it to - and not just because Eddie refused to eat vegan.

She was contemplating possible plans when Bobby returned. He dropped the groceries in the kitchen and came outside, hands falling on Athena’s shoulders and dropping a kiss to the top of her head.

“You’re radiating your Sergeant Grant energy,” he said as he pulled out the chair next to her. She just raised her patented Athena Eyebrow at him. “Lay it on me.” Bobby waved a hand between them. “What are you planning?”

“Nothing yet. Just thinking about what could work.”

“For Buck and Eddie?” “Mhmm.” Athena sipped her wine.

“You don’t think they need to get together in their own time? What if whatever ‘Operation’ we all come up with backfires and ruins their relationship?” The air quotes around ‘operation’ were very clear in his tone.

“I think that their relationship, as it is, is strong enough to withstand any sort of awkwardness that we may create if it backfires.” Bobby still looked skeptical. “Look, Buck and Eddie have both been burned in the past. And now they have essentially built their entire lives on top of each other. Co-dependant is how most people would think of it. They’re both terrified of losing each other so neither one of them will ever make the first move. They just need a little nudge. Something to get them both open their damn eyes and look at each other.”

“Okay,” Bobby said, nodding. “We need to keep Chimney and Hen reined in though. They seem to be a little too invested in this.”

“Agreed.”

“How about we have them over for dinner? Just the two of them and the two of us.”

“Mmm a double date?” Athena gave a second, totally different, patented Athena Eyebrow.

“That’s the goal isn’t it?” Bobby stood up pulling out his phone. “I’ll text them.”

“Have it be next Friday,” Athena called. “May will be working late that day.”

“Alright.” Bobby disappeared inside the house and Athena turned back to her wine. She picked up her own phone to text Hen and Michael about the three boys - Harry, Denny, and Christopher - having a much needed sleepover. Harry had been missing his friends since the pandemic started, and if it was just a small group Athena didn’t think they would have to worry too much.

Twenty minutes later Michael was added to Operation Idiots in Love and Athena was texting Eddie to see if Christopher could sleepover Michael’s next Friday.

[estaticheart]

hi omg may i request a draco fic where they mutually break up and aren’t friends or anything after but like over the course of a few months they start to miss eachother but see the other in other flings/attention from other people and they kinda silently sit with thinking it’s unrequited love but then one night they have an argument out of jealousy (maybe dracos jealous) and they get back together 🥺

A/N: of course you can i loved this idea!!

“He’s such a fucking idiot.” You complained from your view of Draco on the Gryffindor table. You friends had probably had enough of you complaining by now but that didn’t stop you not when Draco has about 4 girls hanging of him. Harry and Ron turned around from copying homework to look at Draco Malfoy, to them both it wasn’t an unusual scene for Draco to have girls flocking around him. 

“I mean y/n you did break up about a month ago, you aren’t together anymore.” Ron rationalised from his point of view. Only angering you more by his words you looked up at the ginger boy. “Well Ronald you don’t see me walking around like him, at least I have some decency.” You seethed, you’d had enough of watching him. 

Harry and Ron glanced nervously at one another because when you got like this there was nothing saving you, especially when you said Ronald not Ron. “Do you think maybe you still have feelings for him y/n?” Harry suggested anxiously. You rolled your eyes and tore your eyes from Draco to shoot daggers at Harry. “Don’t be ridiculous Harry. I cant stand that bloody pureblood.” Ron glanced up questionably. “Sorry Ron.” You added on.

“Harry! Stop cheating!” Hermione shrieked unexpectedly from behind you, gathering the attention of all three of you, well somewhat you. As the three went on to battle over the homework you couldn’t help but drift over to Draco once more. Yet, this time his eyes were on you too. His infamous smirk appeared when he noticed you looking at him, and then with his eyes on you he layed a kiss on the cheek of the Beauxbaton girl next to him. “I hate you Draco Malfoy.”

-

The next day at dinner you decided to one up Draco. Throughout the year relationship you had with him, he was always rather jealous of Dean Thomas, a close friend of your family. So what’s the best way to make him jealous? Dean Thomas on your arm. 

“Are you sure y/n?” Dean asked for the millionth time as you walked closer towards the Great Hall about ten minutes later than most people. You were fixed on making sure Draco saw you. “Come on, we are going in.” You told him not even answering his stupid question, but dragging his arm around your waist and pushing the doors open.

As you both walked through the hall towards your normal seats, gasps eruted from people from all four tables- it was widely known that Draco was always jealous of Dean. And now he probably wanted to kill him. You were well aware Draco was watching you walking with him.

After spending a year with Draco Malfoy, you knew when he was mad. Easily able to tell from the crease in his brows or even the pale white colour spreading over his clenching fists. Nevertheless, you acted as if you hadn’t even noticed him sitting at the Slytherin table. Sitting down now, you moved yourself closer to Dean, now pratically hanging off of him. 

Deciding that you had to know what Draco looked like now, your eyes peeked at him finding exactly what you wanted. His eyes were riveted on you, not in the way you wanted it to be. Cheekily, you beamed up at Draco sending a sly wink over to him. Although he was about a dozen meters away you could read his lips with ease, “I hate you Y/n Y/l/n.”

-

You watched from the clock tower as people ran about in their cloaks, laughing and giggling with one another. Particularly, a sixth year couple hidden in the corner of an arch. Their arms were wrapped round each other, slowly moving up and down each others back. Faces of love and warmth, something you were once familiar with. Your mind couldn’t help but drift to a world where you had love. Love was something you knew well enough, an old childhood friend. 

Thinking of a love, someone to share and cherish moments with together. Someone to run around Hogwarts with laughing and joking around. Someone to hold close in your dormitory when winter settled over Hogwarts. But there was only one person you could imagine being with and doing those things with. Draco Malfoy.

-

Ever since you realised that you liked Draco Malfoy, again, you couldn’t help but notice the little things he does that made you in awe. The way his hand held his satchel over his shoulder, his veins becoming more visible.

You had been walking to your transfiguration class, running slightly late due to waking up a lot later than you had pre-empted to. Your legs, whisked past the other latecomers scattered around the halls. The speed you had gained worked to your advantage until you suddenly stopped against a wall. The impact creating you to fall onto the floor, the books you held in your hands clattered everywhere.

Your hand brought itself to your head, a pain unlike any other vibrating in your forehead. “Fuck.” You moaned, your vision becoming faded very rapidly. Sadly you couldn’t even feel the hand plastered to your face anymore. Then another hand reached out to touch it over yours, “Y/n get up.” The voice instructed, their strength holding you up against their body. Before you could even react to the uninvited touch you felt your vision fade completely.

-

“Y/n wake up already.” A familiar voice, spoke in your ear. Pushing through through the pain you opened your eyes, trying to look past the fuzzy vision you had. When they eventually opened enough to see clearly enough, you saw the last person you expected.

The fluffy blonde hair could be spotted from a mile away, his blue orbs staring right back into yours. “Draco?” You rhetorically asked, already knowing that it was definitely him. You could also definitely tell that you were in Draco’s dormitory.

“Hey, sweet one. Took you long enough.” He joked, taking your hand in his stroking it slightly. “I’m kind of out of it right now Draco. But I’m going to think that you are flirting with me.” You smirked, looking over at him slightly, hand still in yours.

Draco looked away from your eyes, shaking his hide slightly. “Maybe I am, what would you know? You’re knocked out.” He kidded, pushing his back with his spare hand, leaving a view of his flirtatious wink. “Maybe I’m better than you know.” You retaliate, hoping he can sense the hidden message underneath what you said.

“Oh y/l/n your much better than i could ever now.”