#but my teacher wasn't too keen on that idea

[tenderwulf]

I have to make three maps for Art School: one of them using just lineart, one using just shading, and one using color. I had no idea what to make for the lineart one

So I decided to make Domino's map as described in the Last Puzzle and add lines of different color tracing each main character's journey through the city from the beginning of the fic till now

Yeah wish me luck

[yallthemwitches]

Some thoughts on Lily Evans (Headcanons and other musings)

Headcanon things

---I think she really struggled internally about "not belonging" in both the muggle and wizard community. I couldn't imagine finding out I was part of some special group that made my family members ostracize me, THEN joining said new community to find that I am actually discriminated against and considered lesser. I don't think she was on the nerd level of say Hermione, but I think she really wanted to prove herself.

--I don't think she wore a bra. I use this in my fics a lot not just because it could be taken sexy, but because it would've been trendy at the time in the 70s. I think Lily would have kept up with the politics of the muggles and the wizarding world, and I would imagine she would be keen to follow the feminist movement.

--I'm really not of fan of the swarmy, bookish version of Lily that purveyed often in fics (I see more diversity now but back 10 years ago Lily was like some studious angel all the time.) We know she was smart and teachers loved her, but we also see a lot of anger and cheekiness from her too. I think James wouldn’t have been half as attracted to her if she was just a know it all. I imagine she was really sarcastic and quippy.

--I think Lily thought about fancying Remus in earlier years---to the point that in 4th year she turned on him quickly one day during prefects rounds and kissed him, immediately realized she felt nothing, and then they both agreed to stay friends and never speak of it (James would have died if he knew). After then, Lily had the habit of giving him a kiss on the cheek as greeting/goodbye (think of it as the french bisous, not like a real cheek kiss) and Sirius would always joke about "Where his kiss was"---which prompted Lily to draw real close to him ( making James feel jealous and uncomfortable) before yelling at him to fuck off.

--When Sirius and Lily became friends, they really became friends. They both confided in each other about being the family outsiders, they spent lots of study time listening to music, and she was always able to keep up with his sarcastic and self deprecating style of humor. Whenever Sirius would conjure rock music to play in the corridors, Lily always was the last of the prefects to put a stop to it. She would often spend time in the boys dorms even if James wasn't there to shoot the shit with Sirius and she often was his insider into all the cool muggle things he missed out on.

---Petunia peddled the idea that Lily was a "Hippie type" to Vernon and her friends upon being questioned and Lily really leaned into this gladly. She was very amused by the muggle occult craze in the 60s-70s and found a lot of enjoyment visiting muggle "esoteric shops" and getting books from them. This trait would later be adopted by the marauders who would take some of her muggle “occult magic” books and try to reproduce the (ridiculously fake) spells (often leading in explosions or very bad consequences seeing as the muggle “spells” were all a hoax and couldn’t stand up to real magical attempts). When she was home from the summer it was not uncommon for her to be reading a book by Aleister Crowley on the front stoop.

---Lily hated flying despite James' many tries to get her to enjoy it (he mostly liked that she was scared and held onto him more). Contrary to this, she loved Sirius motorbike. It felt more natural to her despite still being a flying object ( and despite both James and Sirius flying it in the most haphazard way possible.)

--One thing that drew Lily to James was his interest and love for muggle pop culture. I imagine Lily tried often to get Snape to listen to Joni Mitchell or have a laugh at how muggles depicted wizards/witches in film, but Snape didn't see the worth in doing those things---wanting to focus on the wizarding world. James on the other hand ate all of it up--he would jump at the chance to watch Carrie or The Wicker Man. Even before dating James, I think Snape's disdain for all things muggle was off putting to Lily, who saw just as much to learn from muggles as she did from the wizarding world.

Reference things

---I base a lot of my fic Petunia/Lily relationships off of the British show Fleabag. I HIGHLY recommend it and I think its a great example of two sisters who are completely at odds with each other. I think Lily and Petunia's relationship would be much more complicated obviously due to their reasoning for falling out, but I think in general its a great depiction of two sisters who don't get along. I admittedly have cradled their dialogue patterns for scenes. ( Its on Amazon prime really really really go watch it its amazing)

---One of my big references for Lily ( and James for that matter) is Paul Thomas Anderson's Licorice Pizza. I think the love story of the two main characters who are at odds against the world really works and its the typical Jily "one is madly in love with the other and does schemes to win her over while she's sarcastic and wary and grows to love him despite it all." Its also the 70s which helps a lot ( for me). I think also Alana Haim's character is a perfect lily as she's someone who is a bit lost despite having everything going for her on paper. I highly reccomend it if you haven't seen it.

Trailer link here:

[takes1]

Some fluff w Koushi maybe?🫶

koushi realizing barista!reader is pretty cute

thanks for the request! this was a cute and refreshing prompt for me <3 much love!!

warnings. none info. sfw / fluff / college!au / coffeeshop!au / simple but cute / suga wears cardigans / timeskip!suga / like imagine english teacher suga pulling a stretchy cardigan over himself ugh so cute / 630 words links. haikyuu collection. masterlist. requests open. my ao3

"Good morning!" A gentle voice blessed your ears.

You smiled without looking up from the register.

Mr. Cardigan's ritual began. Glance over the menu, top-right to the espresso drinks, consider getting a decaf-- of course he won't go with the decaf, it was 7:40 and he was already tapping his foot to get to his 8 a.m class. Then he would decide on his tried and true as if it were a brand new idea:

"Double espresso, steamed milk, sweetened with honey."

He was wearing a face of mild shock, a touch of embarrassment, when you looked up from the order you already input.

"Oh, shit--," You laughed, warm at your slip-up, "I'm so sorry."

"Nono, it's- it's fine," He sported a similar color.

After a moment's hesitation, he chuckled and gave you his card.

Your Monday, Wednesday, Friday shift lined up with everyone who had a MWF 8 a.m (+9, 9:30, 10:00, and 10:30, regrettably). He was one of the few you cared to remember since he was such a cutie and he usually tipped you well.

"It's been a long morning, I get it," He graced you with a smooth forgiveness.

You sighed, relieved, and agreed wholeheartedly.

Spring semester was right at the close. Most were coming in to the Business building's little ground-level cafe early or late to cram for finals. He stayed consistent throughout the past few months, though, with his 7:40 sharp arrival.

7:44 if there was a line, but that was Mondays. Fridays weren't as busy because so many people skipped. But reliable Mr. Cardigan never missed a class.

"Almost done, though," You handed him his card back and spun the tip screen around for him, expecting nothing this time.

"Thank god," He tapped for No Receipt and closed his wallet.

He stood at the counter with his hands crossed in front of him to wait for his drink.

He never noticed how pretty your hands were before today. He looked down at his own kinda stumpy fingers. Then he watched -careful not to come across as creepy- at how gingerly you held the mug to the steam wand while screwing the filter in place.

The urge to talk to you nudged at the back of his throat, but he fell silent when you flipped the switch on.

The espresso machine was always a little too loud to talk over.

It was a graceful background noise to those who studied in this lobby, and a good backdrop to stay quiet to.

This time, he didn't feel as though your usual exchange was natural anymore. He wanted to talk, but didn't know quite how. The usual 4-minute wait felt like ages, but today he wasn't keen on leaving until he spoke to you again.

Your eyes flitted over his when you turned towards the lobby side for the honey.

His broad shoulders tensed and he turned his head to take false interest in some of the artwork on the walls. He didn't realize he was staring so hard.

He wondered how long you had been paying attention to him. If was just habit, or maybe a fondness had been growing and he was always too tired to notice anything other than how well you made his drink.

Now it was impossible not to overthink your friendly customer-service smile, or the smiley face you always put on the side of his cup.

Say something!

He repeated it so many times that his mind had been made unintentionally blank when you held the cup up for him to take over the counter.

"Good luck with finals," You said softly.

When he reached for his latte, your fingertips brushed for the tiniest moment. An intense heat crept up the back of his neck.

A shaky, "You, too," was all he could manage.

masterlist.

requests open.

[judyprincess]

Too Pink For me- Logan Howlett + 18

03: First Canva

Hello, my little readers! Just a heads up that for those who have already read Chapter 1, it now includes an illustration where I've shown the real design of Rosellina so you can have a better idea. As an illustrator, I'll be creating illustrations for each chapter, or at least most of them, featuring the most important scenes.

Kisses, Judy. ✨️

ilustratation of the first chapter: Ororo (storm) and Rosellina, frst meet:

________________________________________

Logan's strange behavior lingered in Rosellina's thoughts for a while.

What a peculiar man, she thought as she followed Ororo, keeping her in sight through the corridors.

Even so, Logan's roughness toward her wasn't enough to dampen her curiosity. She gazed around the mansion in awe, her eyes gleaming as they explored every corner, anticipating the spaces ahead thanks to her keen vision. She could hear laughter and teachers giving lessons as she passed by a classroom. Many walls were bare, and she couldn't resist the urge to imagine them filled with color, though the mansion held its own charm in its old, stately architecture.

Nervously, she fidgeted with her hands and occasionally smoothed her dress, as if trying to fix some crease or imperfection. Ororo glanced back over her shoulder, smiling at her reactions.

"Relax," Ororo said softly, her voice warm with reassurance. "Aside from Logan, I can promise you everyone will like you."

"Thank you, it's just... I've never lived with so many people before, or been around this much company," Rosellina replied quickly, flashing a small, embarrassed smile as she quickened her pace to walk beside Ororo.

Ororo felt a pang of sympathy, a dull ache forming a knot in her throat. She had seen so much over the years-most mutants who grew up alone were shunned, filled with so much anger, so much pain, that it often turned them away from kindness.

But Rosellina was different. She had grown up in a place where people adored her, yet still, she was alone. Why did she seem so happy? Ororo wondered. She was so full of color.

"This is the professor's office. He's eager to meet you," Ororo said with a smile as she opened the door.

Ororo pushed what seemed like a part of the wall, revealing a large, spacious office adorned with bookshelves and ancient artifacts. In the center stood a grand polished wooden desk, and behind it sat the man Rosellina had been told about-the head of the school, Charles Xavier.

"Buongiorno, Rosellina."

Rosellina blinked in surprise, realizing his lips hadn't moved. No, that greeting had come from inside her head.

"Buongiorno, signore. Are you... in my mind?"

She responded through her thoughts, confused, and Charles couldn't help but let out a small, amused smile.

"I believe you've just discovered my ability," he replied, and Rosellina's surprise quickly turned into a wide, excited smile.

She had known about other mutants, but seeing someone with such incredible abilities was astonishing.

"That's amazing, signore," she laughed softly, her excitement shining through. It was written all over her face, the joy of discovering the powers of others. Strangely enough, it made her feel at home.

"Well, I don't think mine could be better than yours," Charles remarked, entering the subject of abilities.

"Your father told me you possess great talents, capable of captivating even the most skeptical person," he said, stepping closer to Rosellina, echoing what her father had said about her. "Not to mention your remarkable beauty," he added kindly, meeting Rosellina's gaze.

Rosellina didn't fully express herself-not out loud, at least. But her heart was so treacherous, so talkative and nervous, sending those hopeful thoughts and desires straight to her mind.

Does he really think that? Does my father truly think that about me?

Rosellina thought, a small, betraying glimmer of emotion appearing in her eyes.

Charles couldn't help but feel a surge of sympathy. He let out a soft chuckle, charmed by her reactions. He could see everything going on in her mind, and he had never sensed a mind quite like hers-constantly walking along a path of flowers. Her thoughts were so beautiful, her desires so sincere. There was no anger, no pain, nothing negative to be found within her. At least, not while the persistent sunlight kept the storm at bay, a storm that never seemed to come.

"Would you allow your emotions to show me what I'm sensing in your mind?"

The older man asked gently. Rosellina nodded and made a graceful bow.

"It would be my pleasure."

Charles found himself drawn to her eyes, those bright emeralds that seemed to grow more intense the deeper he gazed into them. Before he realized it, they were no longer in the office-they were standing in a field of flowers. Charles looked around, feeling the breeze, the warmth of the sun. Even his mind was conjuring the scents that filled the air. In all his years of encountering mutants, he had never seen anything like this. He was amazed. Of all the mental powers he had witnessed, this was undoubtedly one of the most beautiful and exotic.

A delighted smile spread across his face as he turned to Rosellina, who stood before him, smiling softly. He nodded several times.

"You have truly remarkable eyes. I can see why your father speaks so proudly of you."

He didn't hesitate to let his words drift toward her on the wind, and Rosellina smiled proudly, nodding in return. His words filled her with such joy that Charles could see a glow in her hair, as it seemed to deepen into a more vibrant pastel pink.

Outside the illusion, Ororo leaned against the wall, arms crossed, smiling as she watched Charles, lost in the beautiful vision Rosellina was showing him.

Rosellina felt the urge to cry, but out of happiness. Ordinary people didn't know about her powers, only her talent for painting. Hearing such kind, warm words, as comforting as the sun in her beloved homeland, and knowing that her father spoke of her so fondly despite their distance, filled her heart.

She had never thought her father didn't love her-quite the opposite. Despite her loneliness, there had never been room in her small heart for negative feelings toward the man whose presence was so often absent. His letters were always so brief, containing only the necessary information. But to know that he truly thought of her, cared for her, and spoke of her so genuinely beyond his written words, was deeply comforting. Rosellina looked up slightly, trying to stop the tears from betraying her joyful eyes. The illusion broke with that movement.

"Don't cry, my dear," Charles said with an understanding tone. "There will be better moments worthy of those happy tears," he assured her. "We will take good care of you."

The Italian girl turned to him respectfully and nodded.

"I believe your words..." she said softly.

Rosellina took her time explaining her abilities to Charles, or at least what she knew about them so far. Charles made small notes and deductions as he listened. She did her best to give him demonstrations of what her eyes could do, though some abilities she mentioned weren't always under her control. These were the most important to Charles, as Rosellina, being a mutant who directly affected the mind, needed to understand the full extent of her powers and learn to control them responsibly as soon as possible.

In the end, it was agreed that Rosellina would take lessons with Charles, sometimes alongside Jean, who was still learning to master her own abilities.

"Rosellina," he called.

"Yes, signore?"

"You have extensive knowledge of languages, art, and history thanks to your photographic memory," he began, introducing his proposal. "Since you'll be taking some classes with me a few days a week, I would like to offer you the opportunity to teach the younger students. I believe no one is more qualified in the arts than you," he finished, presenting his offer fully.

"Huh? You want me to teach at the school?"

Rosellina wasn't opposed to the idea but was clearly surprised by the suggestion. Charles nodded slightly, confirming her question.

"Not only can you teach them with words, but you have the ability to show them far beyond what they can imagine," Charles continued, giving her more confidence. "I'm sure the children would love your classes."

Rosellina felt a small wave of excitement. Art was what she was most passionate about, out of everything she had learned from her books. The idea of teaching it to the younger students filled her with a sense of joy.

"Well, I suppose... I could try," she said timidly, fidgeting with her hands.

"You'll do great," Ororo chimed in, offering even more encouragement.

Feeling a bit more confident, Rosellina nodded and looked at Charles.

"I'll do it," she said with a more assured smile.

Charles nodded, pleased that she had accepted without any hesitation.

"After this weekend, you can start at your own pace. Ororo will introduce you to the other teachers and help you with your schedule," he said, glancing toward Ororo, who nodded in agreement.

Rosellina listened carefully, and just as Ororo was about to mention the tour of the facilities, Charles interrupted her, seemingly anticipating her kind offer.

"Logan will show you around tomorrow. I believe you've already met."

Charles remarked calmly, looking at his papers, fully aware of Ororo's glances from behind Rosellina. The weather mutant was silently mulling over all the potential issues with this unexpected choice of host for the Italian, hoping Charles might read her mind.

But it seemed Charles had chosen to block out any psychic interference-or perhaps he was simply ignoring her entirely.

"I think that-"

"I'll also ask him to show you the mansion's attic. I'd like you to have that space in case you ever want to work on your paintings in peace."

Charles interrupted Ororo again, as though he weren't hearing her mental complaints about the situation.

"I don't want to be a bother..." Rosellina murmured with a nervous laugh, recalling her recent encounter with Logan.

Of course, she wasn't going to tell Charles what had happened-perhaps he already knew. She wasn't sure. But she wasn't going to be the one to refuse the offer either. She didn't have any real issue with Logan; she found him more curious than anything else.

"Nonsense, he'll be delighted," Charles assured her, resting his chin in his hands and looking at her with a warm smile.

Ororo raised an eyebrow at Charles's comment, struggling to keep her thoughts about his statement to herself.

On the other hand, Rosellina, somewhere in his words, could almost swear there was a hint of mischief. She mentally shook her head; this man seemed like nothing but a kind soul to everyone.

"Well, if Logan is willing..." Rosellina said, not wanting to contradict Charles any further.

He knows him better than I do, right?

She thought to herself, not wanting to dwell too much on something that was probably just a misunderstanding.

"Great, I'm glad we all agree on this," Charles said, nodding in approval.

"Professor-"

Charles cut Ororo off before she could even voice her complaints, as if he had anticipated her every move.

"I've asked Rogue to take you to your room, as it's next to hers on the second floor," he added, completely ignoring Ororo's look of disbelief. "I believe you've already met her; if not, she's delightful, and you'll get along well."

Ororo stared at Charles, looking like she was about to explode. She knew very well who was on the other side of Rogue's room.

"Rogue?"

Rosellina tried to recall if Rogue was the girl with the striking silver streaks from the entrance.

"She's waiting for you by the stairs, don't take too long. I'm sure you're very tired from your trip, you should go rest and eat something," Charles suggested cheerfully, motioning with his hand for her to leave the room and meet the other girl.

Rosellina blinked several times before nodding her head gratefully.

"Yes, of course. I think I could use some sleep," she said, still sounding nervous. The situation felt strange and curious to her. Yet her innocent heart only led her to believe she was overthinking it and that the man was simply being kind and charitable. Besides, she would be lying if she said she wasn't already feeling sleepy after her long flight from Italy, where she hadn't slept a wink.

"Thank you so much for your kindness," she added before turning and giving Ororo a friendly wave as she left.

Ororo didn't even have time to say anything before Rosellina had already exited the room.

"Were you saying something, Storm?" Charles asked as if the woman hadn't been trying to interrupt for the past 10 minutes.

Ororo looked at him in disbelief.

"Is your telepathy failing you, Professor?"

"I think it's working just fine, if you ask me," he replied disinterestedly, returning his focus to his papers.

Ororo could almost feel the mockery from where she stood.

"Professor, normally I don't question your decisions, but I'm not sure you made the right choice. I could've done the tour, or Hank," she expressed, placing one hand on her hip in frustration over the choice of candidate for the simple task.

"Are you worried about Logan's behavior at the entrance?" Charles mentioned, to which Ororo raised both eyebrows indignantly.

"Oh, so you do know what happened. All the more reason for me to object," Ororo said, not holding back her feelings.

"You're worrying too much, Storm. You're bringing the storm faster than you should," Charles dismissed the matter lightly.

"Professor, Logan doesn't like Rosellina. Not even the charm of the girl had any effect on him. They're from completely different worlds," Ororo expressed her concerns.

"Besides, you know very well that this is the kind of thing Logan hates doing the most. He'll only have more reasons not to like Rosellina. Knowing him, he'll refuse and say Scott should do it, claiming it's not his job."

She concluded, laying out everything that could go wrong, while Charles simply continued looking at his papers, unfazed. After a moment, he set the papers aside and looked at Ororo, a mischievous glint in his eyes.

"Oh, believe me, he'll agree. One way or another."

Ororo looked confused.

"Besides, Logan needs a little color and joy in his life. All he ever thinks about is war and the blood of the past. Maybe Rosellina will finally bring him some good cheer."

"Allow me to doubt that," Ororo murmured under her breath, turning her head away and shaking it.

Unaware of the conversation, Rosellina met Rogue at the stairs just as Charles had indicated.

"You must be Rogue," Rosellina said with a kind smile.

Rogue didn't hesitate to return the smile with equal warmth.

"Yes. Sorry for not introducing myself earlier, I see Storm was eager to get you to the professor," she said, a little embarrassed for not having mentioned her name sooner. "Shall we go up?"

"Of course."

Rosellina noticed that her luggage was no longer there, remembering that Jean had mentioned earlier that everything would be arranged in her room. Without further delay, Rosellina followed Rogue upstairs.

"Storm...did you mean Ororo?"

Rosellina asked, curious after hearing a nickname for the woman she had initially known as Ororo.

"Oh, yes. Right, you wouldn't know." Rogue chuckled at the small situation. "Mutants tend to give each other nicknames, usually when we become part of the X-Men, it's like... you know, superhero aliases."

Both of them laughed as Rogue gestured dramatically when saying "superhero."

"Got it," Rosellina said, now understanding the reasoning behind the nickname. It made sense-during the flight to America, Ororo and Jean had talked about their abilities. To Rosellina, Ororo's ability to control weather seemed unique. It wouldn't surprise her if she was one of the most powerful mutants in the school.

"Even I go by the name Rogue," the girl with the white streaks mentioned, glancing at her.

"I see... Does that mean I should too?"

"Oh no, not at all. It's completely up to you. Not everyone has to have one," Rogue quickly intervened to avoid any pressure on the Italian. "Besides, if I had a name as beautiful as yours, I wouldn't hide it. It sounds like a princess's name."

Rogue openly complimented Rosellina, and she felt the blush rise to her cheeks. Rosellina was used to hearing people murmur about her, always from afar, under gazes filled with admiration but fearful of being overheard by the subject of their admiration. People always showed her a respect she hadn't asked for, as if they felt unworthy of saying such words openly without her permission. This custom, shaped by an old-fashioned and distant village, likely made her more susceptible to such unexpected, open, and sincere compliments.

Deep down, though, they filled her heart, but her cautious and shy nature kept her humble in front of those who praised her. After all, she wasn't someone worthy of such words that could easily inflate a person's ego, or was she?

It was something she would always debate with herself.

"What is your name?" Rosellina asked, wanting to know the real name behind her companion. "Your real name."

Rogue hesitated, sighing slightly. But Rosellina gave her a sense of trust that she couldn't quite explain, as if she wanted to tell her everything. In the end, she relented.

"Anna Marie D'Ancanto," she finally said.

Rosellina's lips stretched into a smile, and her eyes sparkled slightly.

"You say mine sounds like a princess, but yours sounds like a countess from my beloved Europe in its younger years."

For the first time, Rogue felt that her name was beautiful. She smiled, looking at the ground as they continued walking toward the rooms.

"You're very kind, Rosellina," she said later, glancing at her with eyes full of gratitude. "And I like your Italian accent, it's refreshing."

Rosellina laughed at the compliment.

"Well, I think... Italian speaking habits are hard to shake."

"Do you do the gesture when you talk?"

Rosellina turned, confused.

"Gesture?"

Rogue suppressed a laugh, biting her lips, unsure if it was appropriate or rude to ask, but her curiosity got the better of her.

"You know, the gesture." Rogue brought her fingertips together and moved her wrist up and down, mimicking the famous Italian hand gesture.

Rosellina's eyes widened in realization, and she couldn't help but burst into a sweet laugh. She hadn't known that the gesture was so famous on the other side of the planet. It was a pretty common gesture when someone saw something slightly odd and wanted to question the person about it. But it was actually a very versatile gesture.

"Oh, you mean la pigna," Rosellina tried to stop laughing. "It has a history, believe it or not-it's said to come from ancient Greece."

She explained, maybe because, to most people, it was a rather amusing gesture to watch.

"We don't use it for everything..." she said, not really noticing her hands while speaking. "I think."

Rogue was dying to one day see that gesture naturally come out of Rosellina-it seemed like European culture was deeply ingrained in her.

"Did I do something wrong this morning?... It seems like Logan hates me," Rosellina blurted out after a while, once they reached the door of the room. She didn't want to dwell on the matter, but after all, Ororo had told her not to take it personally. Still, she'd never had an encounter like that before.

Rogue held back a smile, as if she had been waiting for this topic.

"I don't really think he hates you; it's possibly the opposite-you're very beautiful. Even he must have noticed," she explained, trying to avoid a misunderstanding.

"Do you think so?" Rosellina responded, not entirely convinced.

"Normally, Logan is like a caged lion in the mansion; he can't sit still. He tends to get grumpy easily, but don't worry. You just caught him at a bad time," Rogue encouraged Rosellina not to avoid her interactions with Logan. Rosellina nodded at her words-maybe it was just as Rogue said. After all, she seemed to know him well.

"Are you two close?"

"You could say so. I promise he's not a bad guy," Rogue assured.

They were just about to finish their conversation when they heard footsteps and saw Logan approaching his room, which was to the left of Rogue's and across from Rosellina's. Rosellina fidgeted with her hands.

I don't think he's still mad at me.

She thought as the man stopped, looking at both of them before specifically addressing Rogue.

"I don't want any slumber parties, Rogue. My hearing is very sensitive," Logan said, seeing them in the hallway.

"Logan, Rosellina's room is this one. The professor said it'd be fine if she stays next to mine," Rogue replied with an innocent smile, as if she herself hadn't asked Charles if Rosellina could take the empty room across from hers.

"What?"

Logan looked baffled by the revelation.

"Is this a joke?"

"No."

A heavy silence followed before Logan glanced at Rosellina with that stern look again.

"I'm no trouble. I'm very quiet, I promise I won't disturb you," Rosellina assured in a second attempt to be kind.

Maybe they had just started off on the wrong foot.

"Of all the rooms in the damn mansion..." Logan muttered under his breath.

Rosellina blinked several times. What was his problem?

"Don't be so grumpy, Logan," Rogue teased, lightly punching his arm with a small smile, trying to lighten the mood.

"Too much pink for me," Logan grumbled before turning around. "I need a beer," he muttered to himself as he walked away. He didn't even give Rosellina or Rogue a chance to say anything else before disappearing again.

"What were you saying?" Rosellina asked with a sigh of mild frustration, referencing Rogue's earlier claim that Logan didn't hate her.

"Well, I must say I don't understand that attitude," Rogue admitted, confused by Logan's dislike of Rosellina, though she found the situation amusing. She had never seen anyone put Logan in such a bad mood with so few words. The only one with that natural talent was Scott.

"Anyway, don't worry about that now-you look tired," Rogue suggested, encouraging her to head into her room and rest.

"I have so many more questions, but the professor said you needed sleep, so I'll give you your space," she added, signaling a farewell that would last until the next day when they'd see each other again.

Rosellina smiled widely and nodded enthusiastically.

"Yes, thank you so much for everything, Rogue."

Rosellina always emphasized the "R" in Rogue's name, something that Rogue found endearing. Her unique accent brought Rogue joy whenever she said her name. For Rogue, it was undoubtedly the beginning of a friendship.

"I barely did anything, no need to thank me. We'll see each other tomorrow and talk more," Rogue assured.

Rosellina nodded again, clearly happy.

"Yes, we'll see each other tomorrow."

Rogue smiled and waved goodbye. Rosellina stood in the hallway for a moment before entering the room. She looked around-it was the kind of room you'd expect in a mansion, spacious and lovely, with a rustic feel from the wooden decor. She smiled to herself as she closed the door behind her, leaning her back against it. Thinking about everything that had happened in the last 48 hours, she sighed deeply, finally allowing herself to give in to the nerves, excitement, and passion that she had been holding inside since she knew she'd be coming to this place.

Everything felt so natural. She felt so many new emotions, but... they were wonderful. They made her feel even more alive. She never imagined she'd tell someone she'd see them the next day just to continue chatting and getting to know each other better. That kind of thought had never crossed the mind of someone so solitary in her own world.

As captivating as Van Gogh's starry night, as warm as Monet's rising sun, as mysterious yet thrilling as any work of El Bosco. Could her heart, which had been shielded in its own solitude, wrapped in its own illusions and longing for something like this, handle all the emotions of something that seemed so eagerly awaited, without her ever realizing it?

It felt... so good. So alive. It brought color.

________________________________________

The longing didn't exist under so much illusion. Perhaps because it was never achieved.

Can someone who has lived with nothing from the start, without realizing they needed it, truly long for something?

For those who believe they have everything, without the sins brushing the limits of their emotions, they don't see what they lack.

When something they never thought they would long for or need enters their life... mischievous greed sneaks in through the doorway.

Will you be able to live once it's gone?

[noblehouseofgay]

No only 1 will die tonight THEN ITLL BE YOU EXPELLIARMUS well well sirius looking rather rugged aren't we finally the flesh reflects the madness within well you'd know all about the madness within now wouldn't you remus *gay hugging* I found him I know it's him I understand let's kill him NO I TRUSTED YOU AND ALL THIS TIME YOUVE you've been his friend *lover* he's a werewolf it's why he's been missing classes how long have you known since professor snape set the essay well well well Hermione you really are the brightest witch of your age I've ever met enough talk remhs come on let's kill him wait I DID MY WAITING TWELVE YEARS OF IT IN AZKABAN very well kill him but wait one more moment Harry has the right to know why I know why you betrayed my parents you're the reason they're dead no Harry it wasn't him somebody did betray your parents but it was somebody who until quite recently I believed to be dead who pETER PETTUGREW AND HES IN THIS ROOM RIVHT NOW COME OUT COME OIT PETER COME OUT COME OUT AND PLAY expelliarmus oh vengeance is sweet how I hoped I'd be the one to catch you severus I told Dumbledore you were helping an old friend into the castle and now here's the proof brilliant snape once again you put your keen and penitrating mind to the task and as usual come to the wrong conclusion now if you'll excuse me rrremus and I have some unfinished business to attend to give me a reason I beg you severus don't be a fool he can't help it it's habit by now sirius be quiet OH QUIET YOURSELF REMUS listen to you two quarreling like an old married couple why don't you run along and play with your chemistry set I could do it you know but why deny the demetors they're so longing to see you do I detect a flicker of fear a dementors kiss one can only imagine what that must be like to endure its said to be nearly unbearable to witness but I'll do my best severus please after you expelliarmus Harry what did you jusy do you attacked a teacher tell me about Peter Pettigrew he was at school with us we thought he was our friend no Pettigrews dead you killed him no I thought so too until you mentioned seeing Pettigrew on the map the map was lying then the map never lies pettigrews alive and he's right there me it's mental not you your rat scabbers has been in my family for 12 years curiously long for a common garden rat he's missing a toe isn't he so what all they could find of Pettigrew was his finger the bloody coward cut it off so everyone would think he was dead and then he transformed into a rat show me give it to him Ron what are you trying to do to him SCABBERS LEAVE HIM ALOME GWT OFF HIM WHAT ARE YOI DKING remus sirius my old friends Harry look at you you look so much like your father like James we were the best of friends HOW DARE YOU SPWAK TO HARRY HOW DARE YOU TALK ABOUT JAMES IN FRONT OF HIM you sold james and Lily to voldemort didnt you I didn't mean to the dark lord you have no idea the weapons he possesses what would you have done what would you have done I WOULDVE DIED I WOULD'VE DIED RSTHER THAN BETREAY MT FRIENDS

[hollowed-theory-hall]

I was just reading and back and forth post between you and @fandoomrants and there's a part when you're talking about the DADA curse position and how many people have gone through it, how can someone think to still apply? And I'd like to add a thought I read on a fic once that I think makes a ton of sense. So the curse is that no teacher would last more than a year but that doesn't particularly mean they have to die or something really awful has to happen to them, maybe some actually got a better job, maybe some had to move away, I'd like to think there were more female teachers than just umbridge, maybe they got pregnant and this position is too dangerous to teach while pregnant, my point is it wasn't actually considered a dangerous job till Harry started there, people applying for the job didn't see "oh others in this position have died, this is too dangerous and not a good idea" actually in canon they don't say Dumbledore was having trouble finding new teachers until fifth year that is after one died, one ended in the Janus thickey ward, one was uncovered as a werewolf and one was kidnapped, at that point then it makes sense people weren't keen on applying anymore

Yeah, by year five it's definitely dangerous, and yeah, it's possible it wasn't as dangerous at first.

I mean, this theory fits with Lockhart's willingness to take the job in Harry's second year. He wouldn't have taken the job if he thought he'd be in real danger. I mean, it's Lockhart.

So it's very possible the teachers before Harry's time left for very legitimate and fine reasons like a pregnancy, a better job offer, a research job abroad, or any number of nonlethal negative things; like a relative who requires care or something like that.

Though, I think by third year Dumbledore was already struggling to find a teacher. One died, and one obliviated himself... that's not a good track record. Even if it isn't a pattern quite yet.

The reason I'm saying he might've already had a rough time finding teachers is that in third year he brings in Lupin, who doesn't have many employment options and is desperate. Who also hangs on Dumbledore's every word. In fourth year Dumbledore brings in Moody, who's an old friend who probably owes him something. So, it shows there's already some desperation on Dumbledore's part.

Still strange there were 23 sorta qualified DADA teachers (between 1967 and 1990) in a small community like the British wizarding world...

[studentinpursuitofclouds]

Hello there! I've been looking through your Stardew Valley and mods headcanons and I really like them! Especially the Ridgeside Village ones, I adore everyone in that mod sm, especially my boy Jio <3

Anywayss speaking of Ridgeside, could you do like "What Ridgeside Village bachelor/bachelorettes would think or do if their child with the farmer wanted to become a fighter"? I hope thats not an odd request lol, I'd mostly like to see what Jio would think, cause again, love that guy, but I love all the romancables in that mod too so they can all be on here :]

Hewwo :3

Thank you for your kind words, dear anon! And don't worry, your ask is completely fine ☺️ Enjoy some more headcanons with Ridgeside Village, and have a good day! 💖

_________________________________________

RSV bachelors:

"Then, my child, I will be your teacher. Starting tomorrow. Be ready." No questions, no hesitation - Jio is ready to teach his and Farmer's child hand-to-hand combat and the use of blades. What? Fighter or not, the kid would benefit from knowing self-defence techniques anyway, the elf thinks.

Shiro will be a little confused. Does his child mean a career as a fighter in boxing, or in the army? Either way, he would support his kid in their endeavours, but before doing so, he would sit down with them and give them fair warning of the difficulties that might await them and what they might face. Especially if his and Farmer's child had a military career in mind.

"Sure about that, kiddo?" Considering Bryle's profession and Farmer's adventures with monster battles, the bodyguard wasn't too surprised at their kid's choice. Heh, the little one had a fighting temper from childhood. Well, then he'd sign them up for a kickboxing class if that's what they wanted, and show them a couple of moves from his arsenal himself.

"Our little one certainly has your spirit, dear." Jeric, as a caring father, would naturally be worried about his and Farmer's kid, who would be enthusiastic about going to their first boxing lessons, but later Jeric would calm down afterwards, and would soon be proud of the baby's progress. His child defeated their opponent, well done! Woohoo!

Well, if Kenneth's child is determined to be exactly a fighter, then he will not prevent them. After all, it will help his child become physically developed, strong and tough, and gain self-defence skills. So he gives the go-ahead, taking the kid's word that they won't start fights at school.

"I hope you're not talking about underground fights." June has turned on slightly protective dad mode, but he needs to know for sure that his kid meant relatively safe fights with certain rules, not the suspicious no-holds-barred fighting establishments that the movies like to romanticise. Plus don't forget about safety! As it is, he's fine with their choice of hobby.

Zayne was at a loss for words at his child's statement. Are they... exactly sure this is what they want to do? No, not that the head of the Amethyne family is adamantly against it, it's just that all this violence and blood... Well, if that's what they desires, so be it. Zayne would be proud of them, even though he doesn't fully understand his kid's passion.

A bit of an unusual choice, but Sean isn't too worried about it, to be honest. Because his and Farmer's kid is still young: today they want to be a fighter, and tomorrow they'll probably ask to sign up for painting or dancing. If that's the final decision, well, he'll support them in their endeavours.

"What? Wait, are you serious?" It's not that Ian is against his kid playing sports, but a boxing specifically? Is it because of the TV shows with fights they've been watching recently with their friends? He's not too keen on the idea, but will relent if his kid really wants to. The important thing is that they keep safety in mind.

Philip had to watch those kickboxing programmes sometimes, and the kind of injuries the contestants could get a bit scary, physical therapist thinks. He carefully approaches with this conversation to his kid, wanting to know if they really want to be a fighter.

"Sweetie, I don't think it's a good idea for you..." Anton sighed tiredly as his child pouted after those words and said that he didn't understand anything. Maybe he didn't understand, but he did worry about them, just like he worried about his spouse when they went off on adventures. Sigh, it's going to be a very long conversation.

RSV bachelorettes:

"All right, sweetie! So, fistfight or swordfight?" Honestly, what is there to be surprised about: Daia herself is a ninja (from the Cult, but shhh!), and Farmer is a part-time adventurer in addition to their day job. So kid's desire to fight (albeit in the ring, as they've explained to their parents) doesn't surprise Daia or her spouse. "So it's a fist fight. Hmm..." Then Daia will help her child get some skills.

"Oh, no no no no! Why do you need all this... violence? If you want exercise, how and football?" Faye initially reacted rather harshly to the child's plea to become a fighter and start attending classes as she thinks they are cruel for their kid. It will take time before the waitress comes to terms with the child's determination and doesn't stop patronising them too much, but she's just worried!

Similar to Faye's situation, Irene isn't too fazed by her child's eagerness to get involved in fights where teeth can be knocked out, fractures given or - Yoba forbid! - something worse. She'll calm down too, but always gives her child a small first aid kit, water, and anything else they'll need if they happen to get injured at practice.

"Sure thing, dear! Should I sign you up for a class already?" Blair's child was overjoyed that their mother not only allowed them, but even helped them pick a good place to start their training. They'll definitely get some healthy exercise, and yes, she believes in them. Everything's gonna be okay, the fisherwoman believes.

A fighter? Hmm, okay, Paula sees nothing wrong with their energetic child wanting to pursue such a hobby. But the army doctor will insist that her kid should learn from her how to properly give first aid to themself and others, to make sure they can give/recive help if there is some kind of emergency.

*Gasp!* A fighter? Why a fighter exactly? Maybe Alissa could suggest some other exciting sporting activity for them? Running or football? Oh, they... Alissa just doesn't accept all this violence, and she's scared to imagine her and Farmer's child in that situation. But if that's what they want...

"Being a fighter isn't easy. But if that's what you desire, we can sign you up for boxing classes." Corine is quite confident that her dear child can stand up for themself, she's just giving fair warning of what they can expect during training and competition.

Maddie was shocked, to say the least. "No way.Period." She certainly didn't like the idea of her kid swinging fists and potentially getting injuries, some of which could be lifelong. Considering the lab assistant is stubborn, Farmer and their kiddo will have a bit of a hard time convincing her.

Flor would wonder if it was because of action films and other programmes on television that their child suddenly made a statement like that. Though on the other hand, martial arts and boxing would help their child develop stamina, health and fortitude. Still, the red-haired girl will suggest sports less traumatic than fighting.

When Ysabelle's and Farmer's kid blurts out that "I want to be a fighter," she will ask everyone to have a family talk. The conversation won't be long, but she will clearly explain with Farmer to the kid what might await them in fights and whether they really want it. If not, she will offer them an alternative. If the kid insists, she'll allow it, but she'll worry periodically about every scratch they got in training.

"Wow, that's some fighting spirit!" The most important thing for Kiarra is that her and Farmer's dear kid actually want this and will be happy. Sure, she'll worry sometimes, but thanks to a good teacher, first aid lessons and safety rules, the graphic design doesn't worry too much about her kid.

[honeykngdom]

the caretaker | iruka umino

Pairing: Iruka Umino x 19+f!reader Synopsis: It's particularly rainy that Sunday morning. You have places to be, and the rain certainly wasn't going to stop you - a pothole in the road might, however. How embarrassing, now you're late and wet. Oh, God, please tell me you didn't see that? WC: N/A - nothing but fluff. Word Count: 5.5k A/N: tbh I fell in love with the idea of iruka being soft and taking care of me, so I decided to write something to fulfil my own need since I couldn't find anything to scratch that itch. Reader is a Sarutobi bc the plot required it. If you liked reading my work, please know my requests are open & I offer taglists for new content I post! :)

Read part two here!

It was raining outside. Under any other circumstance, Iruka wouldn’t have minded. Except that it was cold, and wet, and it was Halloween. And normally, Iruka didn’t have arrangements for Halloween, so the terrible forecast wouldn’t have been a concern – except that he did this year, and the rain was impeding on those particular plans. 

For the last two years, Halloween landed on a school day. For the most part, he was bogged down with lending an additional hand after class. In prior years, he didn’t bother to celebrate the holiday simply because he hadn’t had the time. It appeared that wasn’t a sufficient answer for Master Jiraiya. 

The Sannin arrived in town just the night prior after a gruelling month of training with Naruto; he was dining at Ichiraku’s with Kakashi and Asuma. They feasted on ramen while Iruka listened to the tales of their various training. He was always impressed as a teacher of the Academy to listen to the growth and strength that students of his past accomplished in their own personal endeavours. Especially with Naruto. The boy was an enigma, Iruka decided, one he was keen on rooting for. 

But no amount of compliments to Jiraiya and his masterful work with Naruto could spare Iruka from the dreaded conversation; what was going on for the holiday in the village? Iruka all but hung his head in his ramen bowl as the conversation around him ensued. It was unsurprising that Kakashi knew the goings-on of celebrations within the village; the man knew everything about everyone, for the most part. Asuma, not unlike Iruka, also didn’t typically partake in the festivities, but appeared rather intrigued at the prospect of joining his fellow comrades in a night of fun. 

Iruka tried to avoid it; he was busy grading, preparing next week's lessons, and watering his plants – to no avail. Jiraiya all but insisted that Iruka join them for the evening. No if, ands, or buts about it. This brought Iruka to his current predicament. Not only did he have plans for the evening, it was also pouring with rain. 

He watched the puddles from his perch on his small balcony attached to his second story apartment. The streets were painted a dark grey from the moisture, curbsides overflowing with an ongoing stream that seemed to come from and go nowhere in particular. The tea in his hand was far from serving its purpose of keeping him warm, which was a pity, given it was the last of his favourite herbal blend. Iruka signed petulantly, circling the remainder of the cup's contents in a slow motion.

When he heard the yelp, he nearly leaped from where he stood to the sound. Looking up to search the street once again, he noticed the laying figure of a young woman. From the way her wicker basket sat several feet away from her, Iruka determined she must have fallen in her travel. He watched her for a few moments, noticing that she was slow to rise to her feet. Ultimately, he decided if anything, he needed to ensure she wasn’t injured. 

In your rush to make it to your aunt’s get together in time, you had stupidly forgotten to securely fasten one of the ankle straps on your rollerblades. Under normal conditions, it wouldn’t have proven to be too much of a problem; but when you’re speeding down the road and forget about the pothole just on the left hand side, it certainly can be. 

You probably should’ve moved. You were in the middle of the street, after all. Sure, it was raining and there was likely no one coming that you could be a bother too, but nonetheless. You were laying in the dirty street. In a puddle. And you’re pretty sure your ankle would begin to swell just about any moment. 

“Just great,” you muttered to yourself, unable to contain your annoyance any longer. It was nothing but obstacles since your eyes opened that morning. You ran out of your favourite tea blend, and in your search of finding something new to pair with your morning eggs, you burnt the last of them. You had no hot water when you went to shower – something that now seemed futile, given that your hair was soaked in rain water and mud. And, you were running late.

You heard the slam of a door followed by the approach of footsteps. You turned slowly, using your arms to push yourself up off the ground with a groan. 

“Are you alright?” 

Looking up, a gentleman stood above you with an umbrella in one hand and the other stretched out as an offer of help. He looked so comfortable in his training pants and turtleneck – comfortable and dry. You went to grab the hand he held out, and grimaced when you noticed the scrapes across your palm mixed with pieces of gravel. 

“I’ve been better.” You conceded, brushing your hands across your pants as soon as you were standing upright. You noted a tear in the knee in one pant leg and frowned. “Thank you for coming to help me, though.” You turned to the man that was now bent over and collecting the various items that had fallen from your basket. Oh, no – the taiyaki! “My desserts!” 

Rolling forward to grab the basket, the movement of your weight from one leg to the next sent a shooting pain throughout the entirety of your ankle and up the front of your leg. With a short cry, you went to collapse to the ground again, but found yourself caught by a pair of firm hands. 

“Woah, easy! I think it’d be best if you get that ankle checked out.” Iruka felt horrible. There was something about the way your face broke at the sight of your soaked taiyaki that made him feel all the more guilty, although he hadn’t the faintest clue why he would. “Those are death traps you have strapped to your feet.” 

You shot a look up at him. “They are not!” 

“That so?” Iruka’s brow lifted in challenge, slowly removing his grip from your arms to allow you to steady yourself on your own feet. From the look of pain that pulled your brows together, he had proven his point. “It should be looked at.” 

You sighed petulantly. Looking up at him now that the umbrella was situated over both of you, you allowed your brain a moment to register the man standing in front of you. You knew Iruka. You were only a few years his junior, so the pair of you never shared a class or completed any training together. But he was a familiar face, and a friendly one at that. 

“I appreciate the concern, Iruka. But I’m actually running late.” 

“I don’t think you understand,” he began, shaking his head slowly as he explained, “you’re not going to make it very far in this condition, and certainly not in this weather. Aren’t you in pain?” 

Of course I’m in pain, you thought coarsely. “I promised my nephew taiyaki, I’m bringing him taiyaki.” 

Iruka paused. As much as he wanted to argue that it was imperative you seek medical attention, he could appreciate that you felt you had a duty to fulfil. He often felt that same sense of duty when tending to his students. He took a moment to assess the situation, gnawing on the inside of his cheek while he processed. 

“For Halloween?” 

You nodded your head. “It’s his favourite holiday, and I love that he loves all things scary. I make him taiyaki every year and we eat it after we carve pumpkins.” 

Iruka fell into silence again; the two of you stood under the shared umbrella surrounded by the pouring rain with your basket full of the ruined dessert hanging between the two of you in your hands. If you weren’t soaked to the bone, and your ankle wasn’t screaming with pain, it might have otherwise been quite a pleasant little moment. 

Finally, Iruka spoke with an even and controlled tone. “I think it would be a good idea if you let someone take a look at your ankle. Besides, you can’t bring these to Konohamaru,” he held up one of the fish-shaped waffles between his fingers, “he’ll just come to the Academy tomorrow and tell everyone all about it. Do you want all the other youth to hear about how your taiyaki was soggy?” 

Could this be considered blackmail? You wondered, skeptically eyeing him. Probably not. But he was making a good case, unfortunately. 

“If I go to the clinic now, I can kiss the rest of my day goodbye.” 

Iruka paused, pursing his lips together in a firm line; then he sighed. “I can take a look at your ankle for you.” 

This time, you hesitated. You watched him for a long moment, searching his face for any indicator that he might be just saying that for the sake of being polite; but from where you stood, he appeared nothing if not sincere. While you didn’t entirely love the prospect of letting Iruka see your foot, there was still the matter of your wet clothing. 

You grimaced. “I’m not sure.” 

“At most, it’s probably a sprain. You can ice it for a bit and then I’ll wrap it for you.” He replied, his face remaining calm and even. 

You looked down, tugging at the hem of your shirt. “I’m going to drag mud in.” 

Iruka sighed. “Are you always this stubborn when offered help?” 

You almost laughed. “Unfortunately. Bad habit, I guess.”

“How about this: I’ll help get you back home, that way you can change into something dry and then we can set you up with a temporary fix for your foot.”

Admittedly, that was a better option. The feeling of your pants clinging to your body from the rain was beginning to irritate you greatly, and you were itching to get out of these clothes. “Okay, that’s not a horrible idea.” 

Iruka lifted the corner of his mouth in a half-grin, shifting the umbrella from one hand to the next. “Do you think you can manage if you hold onto me?” 

You shrugged. “I guess we’ll find out.” 

The pair of you only made it to the top of the hill and around the corner before you halted entirely and shook your head. If you lived closer, it may have been feasible, but you still had another eight minutes to go. No chance you’d make it. After another five minutes of arguing, Iruka opted to pull you onto his back. It was decided that it was the easiest option to get you back to your apartment without putting further strain on your ankle, all while keeping you both safe from the rain. 

The short walk back to your home was quiet. Iruka needed to use both hands to hold you steady, leaving you in charge of keeping the umbrella upright and over the both of you. Sometime along the way, you became increasingly aware that you were soaking his clothing with your own — something you felt terribly for. You wanted to apologize for it, but you knew Iruka would shrug it off. Always the gentleman. 

“Here, let me help you.” Iruka knelt down once you were safely concealed inside your apartment. Remnants of your baking clung to the air and the space was still warm. You watched as the man’s fingers worked to undo the straps on your rollerblades; you quickly placed a hand on the wall beside you to steady yourself when he loosened the laces. “Can you step out of them?” 

Albeit painful, you did manage to remove your feet and place them flat on the floor. Iruka placed your rollerblades next to a pair of sneakers you had just to the left of your front door, then stood and immediately began removing his own footwear. 

“Do you own a tensor bandage?” He inquired, placing his jacket on the hook next to the one you had opted to leave at home just twenty short minutes ago. 

“Somewhere in the bathroom,” you pointed to the door across the way. 

Iruka nodded once. “I’ll go look for it. You find something dry to change into.” 

He left you where you stood and made his way across your tiny studio to where the bathroom was. He shut the door behind him, offering you a moment of privacy; it was when the door was closed and you were alone that you finally took a moment to process what was happening. 

Six years ago, you would have simply died to have Iruka hold you close, in any regard. Thankfully, you no longer felt like your tongue was swollen every time he happened to say hello when passing by in the streets. Overtime, the silly school-girl crush dissipated into respect - a mutual respect. You weren’t entirely sure when it happened. Maybe after Konohamaru started at the academy. 

Not wanting to waste any more time, you quickly rummaged through your closet for a pair of clean joggers and a matching sweater. Peeling the rain-soaked jeans from your legs was the least enjoyable part of the process, but one you were grateful for. The flesh of your thighs were so cold it felt as though it was being pricked by thousands of tiny needles. 

By the time Iruka exited out of the bathroom, you were pulling your sweater over your head. He found the tensor bandage and was stretching it out between his hands, his eyes lifting up to meet yours from across the space. “You look more comfortable.” He smiled. 

“I am,” you conceded with a nod and a smile in return, “thank you for getting me home. I’m sure you have better things to be doing with your afternoon.”

Iruka chuckled and shook his head. “No bother at all.” The man appeared sincere, coming to sit down next to you on the tiny loveseat nestled at the foot of your bed. He pursed his lips together tightly and patted his meaty thigh twice. “Alright, let’s take a look.” 

Removing the sock from your foot was the last thing you had wanted to do, but it couldn’t be put off any longer. You gave a quiet sigh, then reached down to slip the material of your sock away from your foot. Iruka helped guide your ankle into place on his leg; he then spent a few moments surveying the tenderness, his fingers gently touching along the swollen area. He kissed his teeth, offering a slight ‘tut’. 

“I think you may need something to help bring the swelling down.” He finally decided.

“I’ve got a bottle of painkillers up there.” You sighed, pointing over to the cabinets above your stove. “There’s also a bag of frozen vegetables in the freezer, could you grab it for me?” 

Iruka was quick to retrieve the items; he filled a small glass with some tap water and made his way back over to the loveseat to sit next to you. He set two tablets into the palm of your hand and watched you throw them into the back of your mouth before he handed you the water to swallow them down. When he was sure you had taken them, he took the glass from your hand and placed it on the table in front of him before gingerly placing the frozen bag of peas over your ankle. 

You couldn’t help but still feel embarrassed. Surely he had better things to do with his Sunday than play caretaker for you. “I’m so sorry.” 

Surprised, Iruka looked over at you. “What are you apologizing for?”

You shrugged once. “This definitely isn’t the best way to spend an afternoon, let alone your Halloween.”

The smile that Iruka flashed at you was warm and comforting. “Trust me, this is more up my alley than going out to celebrate.” 

You rolled your eyes. That felt hard to believe. “What, you don’t go out with Asuma and the others?”

This time, it was Iruka who looked embarrassed. He brought a hand up to rub the back of his neck in a guilty manner, his eyes slipping closed as his cheeks lifted in an innocent smile. “I have a great deal of respect for your brother,” he admitted, “but Jiraiya can certainly be a little enthusiastic. Large gatherings aren’t exactly my idea of a good time.” 

You blinked twice, then snorted. “Are you scared of the jōnin, Iruka?” 

“Absolutely not!”

“Master Jiraiya’s enthusiasm is not a good enough excuse to opt out of Halloween,” you retorted. 

Iruka sighed. “What if I say something stupid?” 

You couldn’t help but laugh again. What a silly thing to be worried about, given that your older brother had his own fair share of stupidity. However, you also knew that Asuma also held most people at arm's length at all times, and so the remainder of the village didn’t have the privilege of knowing the Asuma that your family did. For the most part, he was rough around the edges; most certainly the suffer in silence type. But over the last few years during his budding relationship with Kurenai, another side of him began to make its appearance. Someone softer, more tender. 

“If that’s what you’re worried about, don’t.” You lamented. “People say stupid things when they’re halfway through a bottle of sake.” 

The man next to you seemed to visibly relax. “I suppose you’re right.” 

“Besides, if Master Jiraiya invited you, then you’d ought to be there. I don’t really think anyone in the village turns down a request from one of the Legendary Sannin.”

Iruka seemed to consider this. Admittedly, he would never let it be known that he just simply didn’t care for the antics of the holiday. In his youth, Halloween was the perfect day to plan for. He’d spend hours upon hours pulling together the most elaborate pranks; as responsibility came to the forefront, Iruka found that he spent less and less time giving a second thought about trivial things like holiday celebrations. Not having a family to celebrate with may have also played a part in that. 

“What about you?”

Confused, you replied, “What about me?” 

“Do you have any plans for the evening?” Iruka inquired, quickly followed by: “I mean, apart from trying to deliver moist desserts to a poor unsuspecting child?” 

“To be fair, Konahamaru is expecting them.” You couldn’t help but snicker at his words. He was teasing you, and despite the fact the pair of you had not engaged in a steady conversation in almost four years, Iruka teasing you felt natural. As though he had been doing it his whole life. “But no, no plans. I probably would’ve been home after spending the afternoon with him and spent the evening watching a bad thriller and eating leftovers.” 

“That doesn’t sound like an awful time.” He lied. Did she do this every year? Understandably, bringing sweets to your nephew seemed like a wholesome tradition – returning home like a hermit to indulge in the most basic and mundane of activities? 

Well, Iruka couldn’t really judge. If he had it his way, he would be staying home tonight. Glancing down at your iced ankle, he decided if he was lucky enough, he could maybe weasel his way out of it.

You shrugged. “Not as fun as hanging out with my brother, I suppose.” 

Iruka tensed, lifting his hand to the back of his neck to scratch the area lightly. It was still damp with rain from outside, but he was no longer cold. Actually, he noticed it was quite warm inside your studio. “Can I ask you a favour?” 

“Anything.” It came out embarrassingly fast. You hoped he couldn’t see the heat creeping up your neck. 

He appraised you for a long moment, then shook his head. “Nevermind. I couldn’t ask that of you.”

You decided not to press it any further; truthfully, you were a little annoyed. Now you were curious. What had he wanted to ask you? “I think I should probably wrap it now.” 

Iruka nodded, dutifully tending to your ankle. Using both hands, he gently guided your foot from the table to his lap; he spent time examining the wound closely before unravelling the tensor bandage. He began at the base of your foot, then slowly brought it up in careful motions around your swollen ligament. When he was satisfied with his handiwork, he tucked the loose end of the bandage into one of the loops and repositioned the bag of frozen vegetables over your ankle. 

“I appreciate you helping me,” you said after a moment. Admittedly, everything that happened to you up until this point should have had you in tears of frustration — nothing had gone right. Yet, from the moment Iruka joined you outside in the rain to offer you a helping hand, the anger began to melt away. Now, the only thing weighing on your mind was the fact Konohamaru would go his first Halloween in six years without you and your shared desserts. “It’s nice to have a friend.”

It sounded so foreign coming from your mouth, but you were sincere. 

“I won’t keep you any longer.” You said suddenly, feeling silly for not sending him off sooner. “Wouldn’t want to keep Jiriya waiting, would you?” 

Iruka sighed. “I suppose.” He was slow to move, staring down at his hands that rested in his lap for a few moments longer before he turned towards your body. “I have a few hours before I’m expected anywhere, and I think I should make sure you get something to eat first.”

“Iruka, I’m fine.” You assured him. 

The man nodded in agreement, but remained seated. “I hear you, I just think Asuma may think differently of me if I were to head out without making sure you were set for the rest of the evening. What kind of a man would I be if I left you now?” He said it nonchalantly, but there was a heavy insinuation behind his words. 

You sighed, “I highly doubt Asuma would care.”

Iruka looked pointedly at you, “Would Asuma do it?” He asked, waiting patiently for your answer. When you lowered your eyes to the table in front of you, the man next to you chuckled and nodded in satisfaction. Because he was right – Asuma wouldn’t have left anyone’s side without ensuring they had everything they needed. You chalked it up to the way you were raised; your father had been an attentive man, and your brother seemed to be following in his footsteps. “That’s what I thought.” 

Unwilling to argue with him, you accepted defeat and leaned back into the cushions of your sofa. “Fine. If you feel you must,” you grumbled lowly, trying to sound annoyed albeit unsuccessfully – Iruka appeared amused – and folded your arms indignantly across your chest, “what were you thinking?” 

The man simply smiled, pushing himself off the sofa to wander over to the pantry just next to your fridge. He spent a few moments browsing through the various items you had leftover in your fridge and cupboard, compiling a batch of ingredients onto the countertops. 

He paused after a while, a sound of displeasure breaking the silence. “No eggs?” 

Guilty, you sunk lower into the pillows. “I used my last two this morning.” 

Iruka looked over his shoulder to where you sat. He didn’t appear to appreciate that answer, and after shutting the fridge door, he made his way over to where he had left his shoes by your front door. 

“Where are you going?” You asked, embarrassed by how quickly it had come from your lips. 

He looked over to you again, his expression blank as he responded. “Heading to the market, I need eggs.” 

You looked over to where your bag sat at his feet and sat up. “I have some change in the front pocket —”

Iruka held up his hand to stop you. “Nonsense, I’ve got it.”

Iruka looked so out of place standing in the middle of your tiny kitchen. He towered over the top of the fridge, needing to bend considerably in order to investigate its contents. His shoulders and back flexed with every movement; you found yourself mesmerized as he diligently diced the veggies into fine slices, absolutely enamoured with the current visual taking place. Admittedly, you never wanted it to end. For a moment, you allowed yourself to live in delusion. Having Iruka up close and personal like this made you long for something more permanent. 

An hour later, Iruka set down a large bowl overflowing with a heaping pile of steaming deliciousness. “Tantanmen is served!” 

You watched as he sat down across from you, noting the way he left his sleeves rolled up to his elbows and kept the apron around his waist. It was amusing to see Iruka so domestic; you only knew him as a prankster growing up, and in his later years, as a dutiful and dedicated teacher. To see him in any other light was strange, and yet, still refreshing. 

“It looks incredible,” you couldn’t lie even if you wanted to. The scents that now filled your apartment had you practically drooling by the time dinner was ready. 

“I wasn’t sure how much spice you could handle, so I went a little easy on yours.” He admitted, watching you intently as you took the first bite. When you closed your eyes and hummed in delight, his mouth broke open into a wide-toothed grin. 

“It’s delicious.” You claimed, happily digging in for a second bite. “Wish I could cook like this.”

“Asuma doesn’t bother to teach you?” He inquired. 

You shrugged. “When we were younger, sure. But, it’s been sixteen years since our mom died. I can’t imagine he remembers all of her recipes.” 

Iruka hesitated with his next question. “Do you remember much of her? Your mom?” 

“No.” You frowned, pushing the noodles around in the broth. “I was six when she was killed. Most of any memories that I have of her include watching her practice medical ninjutsu, more so when Kushina was pregnant.” 

“That’s right,” Iruka nodded, “I had forgotten Biwako was one of Kushina’s midwives.” 

You sat back, staring down into your bowl of ramen. “Seems like so long ago, when you consider everything.” 

The man pursed his lips, watching you quietly for a moment before he leaned forward onto the table. “Do you ever think about following in her footsteps?” 

You smiled, mostly to yourself. “Sometimes. I’m a fair kunoichi, don’t get me wrong. I’m just not sure if maternal practice is the best suited for me.” 

Iruka nodded. “You mean that you prefer to be in the field.”

You shrugged sheepishly, meeting his gaze. “I blame Asuma for that. Reckless as he is, he may as well have his own team of medical-kunoichi.” You sighed deeply, dropping your eyes. “Not that I’ve been out in a while. Since my old man died, well . . .” you trailed off, chewing on the inside of your cheek. 

“No one thinks any less of you, if that’s what you’re implying.”

“I’d like to say I believe you,” you mumbled dryly, “but people treat me differently now that he’s gone. Not bad, but almost like they feel bad for me. Like I need their pity.” 

Iruka folded his arms on the table, “I hardly think anyone pity’s you. You’re a Sarutobi, for God’s sake.”

“Sure feels like it.” Now you just felt silly, pouting at your grown age like this. In front of Iruka, nonetheless. 

The man across from you sighed, unsure of how else he could comfort you. Iruka had watched you train plenty of times; from his classroom at the Academy, he had the perfect view of a few of the training fields that chūnin and jōnin gathered at to practice. He would be lying if he said he didn’t watch Asuma help you work on your hand signals from time to time, or that he found it amusing when you became frustrated.  

“You’re stronger than you give yourself credit for,” he said after a while of silence. The softness of his voice surprised you. “I know that living this life can be difficult for most, but I would like to think that your father and mother wouldn’t want you to feel like this. Hiruzen spoke about the will of fire so often, I felt like I needed to make it my personal mission to ignite it within the youth of our village. 

Sometimes I forget about how much will the rest of us harbour. I see it in Asuma everyday. I see it in Kakashi, and even Naruto and Shikamaru. They show up for their teammates and their friends every day, they make the choice to continue to aid the community and village in their own unique ways. Whether that be through completing missions at the benefit of protecting the village, or through enhancing their own strengths with vigorous training. It exists in all of us, and undoubtedly within you, too.” 

Unable to hide the blood that rushed to your cheeks, you looked down into your bowl and moved around the noodles. Iruka was right. Maybe you did need to stop being so hard on yourself. 

The pair of you sat across from each other for at least another hour or two before either of you realized the sun was setting behind the tops of the apartments; the rain had cleared, but the streets remained damp with puddles. A part of you was a little disappointed the afternoon had flown by so quickly. Spending time with Iruka turned out to be incredibly relaxing, and it turned out the two of you had a lot more in common than you previously thought. 

You decided that you liked the way he smiled with his eyes. You liked the way the area around them crinkled whenever he lifted his lips into a grin. His hair was beginning to fall in stray strands from his neatly formed ponytail, and while you didn’t understand the logic, it made him all the more human. Intimate, even. Iruka was always seen pulled together, despite working closely with some of the most rambunctious youth the village had ever seen. Even during his sparring matches, a single hair never fell out of place. 

The broad shouldered man was leaning into the counter as he washed the small batch of dishes you had accumulated throughout the day. You told him to leave them and protested profusely, but he waved you away with a laugh in reassurance.

“Are you going to end up meeting with Asuma and the others?” You asked after a few minutes of silence. 

“Why don’t you come with me?” He asked in return, turning away from the sink. “I’m sure no one would mind.”

You almost laughed in disbelief. “I wasn’t necessarily invited.”

Iruka shrugged nonchalantly. “I fail to see the problem. Like you just said, Asuma’s going.”

You thought about it. Surely you would get some grief about not making it to see Konohamaru, but being able to join your brother and his friends in the festivities. Not that Asuma would truly care — if anything, you were more concerned about how he may react to seeing you in a bandage. Protective as ever, Asuma was. 

“Should I really be walking around just yet?” You wondered, looking down at your ankle with uncertainty.

Iruka wiped his hands on a small towelette, his head tilting to the side as he appraised you for a brief moment. Then, he replied, “If it gets to be too much, I will carry you home.” 

From the definitive look in his gaze, you could tell he was sincere. You felt like you had no other choice but to chalk it up to the simple fact Iruka didn’t want to attend this gathering any more than you did, but a small, miniscule part you really wanted it to be because he enjoyed spending time with you. 

“You’ll carry me all the way back?” 

He nodded once. “And you can always lean on me if you need to take a load off, though, I imagine we will be able to sit.”

We will. It may have been wishful thinking, but you wanted to believe that meant he would stay by your side the rest of the night. Suddenly excited with the prospect of spending the remainder of your evening with him, you finally decided to nod and brace your hands on your knees. 

“Alright. I’ve just got one more favour to ask before we head out anywhere, though.” You admitted sheepishly, looking sideways at him. 

He only chuckled, something that always sounded carefree. “Name it.” 

“I may need help changing into something a little less … casual.” 

This time, it was Iruka who appeared to scramble to hide blush that creeped into his own cheeks. Flustered, he nodded but for the first time, suddenly looked completely frozen.

“Don’t worry,” you giggled, noticing the way he gulped noticeably when you began to unzip your sweater, “I won’t tell Asuma that you had a peek.”

[nrilliree]

https://www.tumblr.com/spacerockfloater/745120064183943168/oh-i-absolutely-sympathise-with-alicent-criston?source=share

Favoritism isn't the issue; the problem is that he is negligent and petty towards innocent children who haven't done anything to him.

2. Alicent demanding the baby immediately after birth was purely out of pettiness and as a power play. Joffrey's hair color won't change in an hour. Allowing Rhaenyra to spend time with Joffrey and letting the baby be bathed and changed wouldn't magically change his hair color.

3. It's funny how fans of the TG always say Rhaenyra taking Joffrey to Alicent was her decision, but Alicent showing her feet to Larys in exchange for information is coercion, even though he never blackmails her and she has much more power than him.

4. Criston is just a big hypocrite who believes himself morally superior to judge and insult others when he has gotten away with killing a nobleman, hitting the future king consort and son of a Targaryen princess, as well as causing a disturbance that endangered several nobles during the party and still getting away with it.

Criston insults Rhaenyra, but never shows any kind of disgust towards Aegon, who harasses the maids and enjoys watching children tearing each other apart; that should tell you something about him. The man was even quite proud to call him the true heir to the throne and put a crown on his head. That's a big demonstration that he doesn't really care much about morals and justice.

5. The first thing Aegon did as King in the book was literally fire Otto, and in the show, he's heading down the same path. 😭

6. If Daemon is a pedophile, then Criston is too. Why do people act like Criston is a teenager and the same age as Rhaenyra?

7. It's ironic that he says Daemon massacred people when Team Green has a bunch of murderers (including Criston himself), and Alicent ordered Larys to get rid of Mysaria, causing him to burn down a brothel full of innocent women and possibly children...

This is why I use the teacher argument, because I can bet my left arm that if these people were in Rhaenyra's position and some person they hurt in the past took it out on the children they have power over, he wouldn't be so keen support such situations. Criston is in a position where this shouldn't happen.

Especially since Alicent knew Aemma's story very well and knew that giving birth could also have consequences for Rhaenyra. She knew well that Rhaenyra would bring the baby herself (because it wasn't the first time), but she demanded it anyway.

Of course. Because Alicent is more the victim. Rhaenyra is a spoiled cunt and deserves what Alicent did to her, and Alicent is a poor thing who was forced to do everything.

Criston is justified (like Alicent) for everything he has done, because he is a pawn of the system oppressed by the monarchy, and it is very good that he decided to stand up. That's right. And I can bet that if the situation at the tournament were reversed and Criston won and then Daemon attacked him FROM BEHIND, they would not call Daemon an honorable winner, but an asshole who cheats and plays without honor. And for me, Criston doesn't have even an ounce of pure honor after everything he's done.

To this day I still don't know why Aegon thought Criston would be a good replacement for Otto. Just…why him? Criston has never even led anything on his own, so where did you get the idea that he would be a good Hand :P?

It seems to me that Criston's fans: a) like a large part of TG, do not know the definition of pedophilia, b) have no idea how old Criston is. AND HE IS FOUR YEARS YOUNGER THAN VISERYS. He's Daemon's age! But he's more handsome, so we forgive him :P?

You know what? I really think that this person is either a troll or is so detached from reality in own belief that everyone is stupider and less educated that a discussion with him is pointless :P

[not-so-allegiant-general]

Part 1/4

If he only could stop thinking about Hux. Oh how much easier would it be. But every time he was closing his eyes he felt every bite mark. He felt every kiss, every push, every wound. He would sell soul to see him again. But they wouldn't let him. Hux is a prisoner and so as Kylo. They just have different cages. He sighed pushing Rey away and parring her blows with swift move of his new saber. Only three more moves and she was laying on the ground without a weapon. How could i lose a fight to her? Rey hit the ground with her fist.

"How come you always win!?" Kylo shrugged.

"Your balance is off" So as mine " you wave mindlessly instead actually use forms. You focus on the outcome too much"

Luke who was sitting on the ground opened eyes and looked at them.

"Apart from that... ah i don't know. You're trying to be to fast but you can't pull that off. Instead of being fast you get tired quickly. You're not grounded and..."

"Yes! Thank you i understand! I will go back to kindergarten and practice forms with Fin. " She snorted with growing irritation"Happy, Lord Ren?!"

"Rey." Luke glanced at her. A warning. Kylo just shrugged again.

"If you actually going to do that than yes. Very happy. I am tired of practising with someone who barely knows how to hold her saber"

"Ben. "

"Its Kylo. If you please." He barked.

"Rey. Can you leave us alone?"

" Sure" she snorted again. "I get It. It's not a place for kids. " She glared angrily at Kylo and walked away. Luke looked at her worried.

" Don't worry. She's not like me."

" No. She is not... but quit provoking her."

" Why? She needs other motivation than your ancient knowledge. She doesn't buy it you know but doesn't want to upset you either. And i am right she is off balance, is not grounded, has troubles with duels.."

"You have changed."

" That's... Rather, obvious statement."

"Yes i know its just .... I hoped... "

"Ben is not coming back. Simply because there is no Ben and... I... Don't think there ever was. No matter how many times you're going to call me this name. I am Kylo. You either respect that or ignore that as my lovely mother. But decide already." He felt tired. And fought the urge to just laid down on the ground.

" You re not well... "

" I am not" he turned and walked away.

"Kylo. " He stopped and glanced at Luke. " You clearly do not need a teacher anymore. But if you need something" he shrugged "an advice, a talk, a tea"

" I will concider that"

Dreams were the worst. The most vivid memories of everything he lost. Vibrant ginger hair, green eyes and a smile as sharp as blade. And that mouth everywhere on him. He sat straight and sighed closing his arms around himself. A tea wouldn't kill him.

Luke wasn't asleep.

"A talk, tea or advice ?'

"A tea" he raised his eyebrow and sat down looking at a cup" Its trine"

"It is"

Kylo felt pain in the chest. Tarine and cigarettes. Only thing Hux would "ate" in the morning. The tea itself was awful. But he doesn't mind it anymore.

"Something hounds you or maybe someone ? Am i right?"

" I came for a tea not advice"

"Ah. My bad" they sat in silence. Kylo sighed.

"Alright. Yes. Someone."

"Someone dead?"

"no. I Hope not. I Hope he is very much alive" i know he is. "We were close. I asked mother if i could... See him. She wouldn't let me"

" Yes well... I guess She's not keen on idea because She's scared that you two will plot"

" Us two vs whole new republic? Without ships, crew and organization? She obviously thinks highly about us. I... I don't want to rule anything. Not anymore. Just... A couple hours would be enough for a start."

Luke observed him for a short moment.

" i will talk to my sister."

"If you will manage i will be nicer to Rey"

"don't. You're right. " Kylo smiled.

" Do i now?"

"Yes. Yes you are. She needs that kind of motivation. Just... Don't over do It. I don't want to deal with another dark side user. It's not a path for her"

"Yes, sir" he said mockingly

"And leave that for your Imperial boyfriend "

"He is not my boyfriend. "

"no? Then what?" Kylo touched a chain on his neck and puled out a black ring. Luke's eyes opened widely.

"You're... "

"Engaged." he said silently. "Married actually"

[yuri-is-online]

500 Followers Event

You voted for it, and you shall receive. As thank you for 500 followers I present for you an invitation to a Masquerade Ball! Thank you all very much for your continued enjoyment of my work, I hope to be able to continue to provide entertainment for you.

Rules!

All prompts will be written as gender neutral.

Please give the number of your selected prompt.

Please limit yourself to one prompt and three characters per ask.

Multiple asks are allowed assuming they follow the format, but I will pass by second requests to fill others.

Many of these prompts involve mistaken identity. If you have a preference for who is making the mistake (i.e. Ace does not realize he is talking to Yuu and admits to liking them vs Yuu does not realize they are talking to Ace and admits to liking him) please tell me! I won't mind at all.

The event will be accepting requests from 9/10/2023 to 9/15/2023 EST

Prompts

Someone decides to ask you for your opinion about someone, and you decide to take advantage of your anonymity to admit your feelings. For some reason this flusters them.

"Someone" decides to ask you for your opinion about "their friend" and you decide to have a bit of fun and tease them.

You were invited to this stupid party by someone you really can't stand, but you can't find them anywhere. Thankfully you found this wonderful person to dance with whose a great time and nothing like that person at all.

You met someone really wonderful at the Masquerade Ball and have been ranting about how he was totally the love of your life to your abnormally quiet friend. Actually wasn't he invited too? Maybe you should ask him how that went.

You know it's him and he knows it's you, but you're both a bit too shy to admit you would like to keep holding onto each other when the masks come off, so you'll just stay here together a little longer.

Crowley has decided to put together a murder mystery for the whole ball and you've been the first one "killed." Whoever is playing detective seems really upset about that.

Crowley has decided to put together a murder mystery for the whole ball and you have been selected as the killer! Time to flirt shamelessly with the detective to throw them off.

Crowley has decided to put together a murder mystery for the whole ball and you have been selected as the detective. And suddenly someone has started flirting with you for some reason.

You weren't technically invited to this event but it's a Masquerade! It's not like anyone will notice or care if you sneak in, so you do just that and find a really depressed friend of yours lamenting they won't get to dance with their crush.

Technically neither of you were invited to this ball but your friend found a way to sneak you both in and you were having a great time until you had to sneak your way back into this secret passage to avoid the teachers.

There is a really lovely moon outside tonight that you find yourself admiring, but if you would just turn around you would find someone admiring you.

You had a wonderful time dancing and flirting with someone at the ball, only to find out from your friends the next day that was your crush. And you have no idea if they knew it was you they were dancing with.

You have been dancing with the wrong person all night. Well wrong as in not the person you were looking for and you know that now because they just stole you mid dance and seem very keen to hear the rest of what you were about to tell "him."

Technically you came to this ball intending to meet up with a friend, but for some reason that jerk has decided to tease you by staying just out of reach all night. Well jokes on them because you have them right where you want them right now.

Formal balls weren't a thing in your world so you have been hiding in this strategically chosen corner to avoiding having to step on anyone's toes. Unfortunately someone really, really, REALLY, wants to dance with you and has managed to track you down AGAIN.

[coffeeclcuds]

❀ *◦ jung eunbi ( eunha ). cis woman. she/her. bisexual. ⇝ hey, isn’t that lana bae? i think that the twenty-seven year old from seoul, south korea works as a baker at puggy's cakes, but outside of that people describe them as traces of flour left behind on otherwise spotless blue jeans, highlighter and ink staining the tips of fingers, meticulously crafting latte art only to disrupt it a few minutes later, textbooks collecting dust on the shelf, and the faint scent of saltwater. i hear they are subservient & cowardly, but they are also known to be practical & passionate. consider giving them a visit at their home in delilah's den gated community and get to know why they’re called the sensible.

-former golden girl and high school valedictorian with gifted kid burnout -law school dropout, currently trying her hand at baking -the peacekeeper in her family, but really just hates conflict -thinks she's the "chill girl" just bc she's agreeable (but is actually very type a) -always looking for a silver lining in a bad situation -very sensitive, will fight back tears if you raise your voice at her -might go back to law school, might go to culinary school, who knows? -just wants to be validated and to not feel like she's throwing her life away

pinterest board / playlist

all the lights couldn't put out the dark running through my heart: lore.

Childhood:

Ever since she was a newborn, Lana had a reputation as the "easy baby." She never gave her parents too much trouble, a trait that continued well into her life and which she would become especially known for within her family unit. Easy-going and more soft spoken in nature than the rest of the Bae clan, Lana learned quickly how to diffuse a potentially volatile situation with a smile and a few thoughtful words. In a way, she fit into the role of "the peacekeeper" seamlessly, happy to bring her siblings a bit of comfort with her mere presence.

Despite her gift for diffusing tension, Lana had never been the kind of kid to revel in being the center of attention. In fact, she considered herself more of a wallflower, content to let others shine brightly while she played the supporting role of the observer and comforter. But with her agreeable disposition, Lana made friends easily and quickly throughout her life, despite her more reserved tendencies.  

Though she wasn't the type of student to promptly raise her hand or speak up all that often in class, Lana remained at the top of her class throughout her childhood academic career ( even if her teachers always marked her class participation as "needing improvement" ). It became a defining characteristic for the young girl, the ease with which she soaked up new information and make keen observations about the world around her and, without even realizing it, it swiftly became a part of her identity.

Adolescence/Young Adulthood:

In high school, Lana continued to excel in her academic pursuits, setting her sights on maintaining a 4.0 GPA so that she would be able to get into the college of her choice and eventually make her way to a prestigious law school. Homework and study groups weren't the only thing occupying her time, though. Lana was also secretary of the student council, co-captain of the debate team, and a member of the cheerleading squad.

The picture of a shining girl-next-door that rarely (if ever) acted out, Lana felt immense pride in being a child that her parents could brag to their friends about. She felt no bitterness or resentment towards the role that she'd been cast in. If anything, she embraced it, and was eventually rewarded for her hard work when she was named the valedictorian of her graduating class and voted Most Likely to Succeed.

Though she made it through high school largely unscathed (and with the exemplary grades to match), the cracks started to show during Lana's undergraduate years in college. She'd never been particularly good at the idea of doing things half-heartedly, and with the title of high school valedictorian weighing heavily on her shoulders, she threw herself headfirst into the world of collegiate academia. Every semester was bursting at the seams with extra credit hours, internships, and extracurriculars, ensuring that every second of Lana's days were accounted for as she made the most of her college experience. With such a full course load on her shoulders, Lana's demanding schedule left little room for time to herself. But academics had always been the thing she was best at. Surely, she could handle it.

After finishing her undergraduate studies, Lana wasted no time enrolling in law school, barely giving herself the summer to recuperate before classes began. And after four years of burning the candle at all ends, for the first time in her life, Lana was finding it difficult to focus during lectures and keep up with her assignments. The fatigue of her nonstop dedication to her education soon caught up with her, and after only a year in school came a first for Lana: failing a class for the very first time. Embarrassed and ashamed of herself for coming up short on her life's dream, she deferred from her program and returned home. 

Present Day:

Unaccustomed to failure, Lana is having a difficult time grappling with the reality of her academic dreams going up in flames. Grades and school have so long been a part of her identity, that she isn't sure who she is without them. And after the disaster that was her first year of law school, she's uncertain whether or not she'll ever go back.

With her legal future currently on hold, Lana has dedicated the last five years to recovering from the mental strain of her nonstop studies. But she's never been particularly good at sitting idle. Stuck at her parents' house with no solid schedule to follow, Lana instead threw herself into a round of self-improvement and side-projects spanning a wide range of topics such as home renovation, crafts, mindfulness practices, and exercise. But the one that she stuck with the longest was cooking and baking, an endeavor that eventually led to her current means of employment ( and gave her the financial means to finally leave home ).

With no proper baking training under her belt, Lana had to engage with her new hobby as a complete novice ( a weakness for the notoriously ambitious girl ). She gave herself permission to fail and learn from her mistakes, assured that every new dish would be a step in the right direction. Could this newfound passion be enough to reignite her competitive spirit, to build the skills of resiliency needed to make it through life in Anchorage?

But with the unexpected arrival of her niece Callie, the disappearance of her brother's long-time girlfriend, and her brother losing custody of the baby, there's not much time for Lana to worry about herself or her future. After all, the world keeps spinning, regardless of her indecision and fears. The best thing she can do right now is help Mark get back on his feet and take care of his daughter. Everything will sort itself out in the end. It has to.

lights up, and they know who you are. do you know who you are?: stats.

General Info: Full Name: Lana Marissa Bae. Nicknames: None. Age: 27. Date of Birth: April 24th, 1997.  Zodiac Sign: Taurus.  Gender: Cis woman. Pronouns: she/her. Sexual Orientation: Bisexual. Romantic Orientation: Biromantic. Relationship Status: Available, single.   Alignment: Lawful Good. MBTI: INFP, the Mediator.

Appearance: Faceclaim: Jung Eunbi ( Eunha ). Height: 5′4. Eye Color: Brown. Hair Color: Dark brown. Tattoos: The number 888 on the back of her left arm, a bunny on her right wrist, a calla lily in the center of her back, a pair of angel wings on her lower back, a small bow in the middle of her chest, a pair of stars on her left hip, a sword with three hearts through it on her right ribcage, a hibiscus flower on her left ribcage, and a vine running along the top of her right thigh ( all but one of her tattoos were acquired post-law school and, to this day, remain her biggest rebellion even if her parents don't know about most of them ). Piercings: A single earlobe piercing on each ear.

Background: Education: Bachelor's degree in pre-law, got a year into her law degree before dropping out. Occupation: Baker at Puggy's Cakes. Residence: Delilah's Den Gated Community. Class: Middle ( comfortable ). Ethnicity: South Korean. Lanague(s) Spoken: English / Korean.

Identity: Label: the sensible. Positive Traits: practical, passionate, reliable, disciplined, easy-going. Negative Traits: subservient, cowardly, sensitive, envious, spineless. Quirks/Habits: Fussing with her clothes whenever she's sitting idle, tucking strands of hair behind her ears.  Love Language: Acts of service. Hobbies: cooking, baking, running, pilates, yoga. Likes: French manicures, matching pajama sets, strong espresso drinks, clear and sunny beach days, expensive skincare and dewy skin.  Dislikes: getting emotional in front of people, vocalizing sentiments that go against popular opinion ( even if they're how she truly feels ). Fears: disappointing her parents, going against the grain, always doing what's expected of her at the cost of her own happiness.  

[oneatlatime]

The Waterbending Scroll

We start this post off with the unnerving DVD art for this disc:

I call this look "nothing but bangs"

My collection of wallpapers is ever-growing.

Makes sense that Aang would be stressed. Objectively speaking, trusting the salvation of the world to a twelve year old who is at best going to have a beginner's understanding of three out of four of his superpowers is a bad idea! It's just about the worst possible idea. Too bad it's apparently the only one that will work. Sokka even points out (with delightful sarcasm) how nonsensical the whole thing is, but does anyone have any better ideas?

Appa living the dream.

Iroh has big dumbass energy here. He'd have to be deluded to genuinely think that getting a game tile is more important than capturing the avatar, which makes me think that he's not that keen on capturing the avatar after all.

"I'm lucky to have such an understanding nephew" immediately after Zuko breathes actual fire. Which I did not know he could do. I will say, plenty of wilful misinterpretation and misreading of reactions is necessary when dealing with teenagers. Once again making me think that Iroh has been looking after (wrangling) Zuko for a while.

I take it back, this is Appa living the dream.

Katara's tendency to baby Aang coming back to bite her in the long run. Raise your hand if you didn't see that coming.

Good thing they were practising bending water, not fire or earth. I guess you can be sloppy with water and air, but the other two?

A blep! An Appa blep!

And there go the supplies. What was that I was saying about it's a good thing he wasn't practising the more harmful elements?

Guy on the left has only one arm and one eye. Either the guy on the right is tiny or that's a giantess.

Water tribe scam artist?

So after setting up that they have basically zero money, the first thing Aang & company do is go trinket shopping. That's peak teenage behaviour.

"You guys are pirates!" Took you long enough.

All of these pirates have such great designs. I want the lead pirate's hat.

KAtara you DIDN'T.

Cabbage Guy! Hi Cabbage Guy! Unlike in Omashu, that actually is malicious destruction of cabbages.

I think there are three pirates shown here, but I originally thought that the legs high up belonged to the guy in the grey shirt, which would have been bad. They're facing entirely the wrong direction.

A badass line. Too bad about the pose.

Confirmed: a modern Katara would totally be that girl at the mall stealing earrings from Claire's.

Aang says that those pirates were terrible, but they actually weren't until they discovered that their scroll had been stolen. They behaved like merchants until Katara gave them a reason to behave like pirates.

This is going to be an episode where the problems are self-inflicted, isn't it?

No! Stealing a scroll from pirates isn't great! You've already got the fire nation on your tail, and at least they want Aang alive. Now you've got pirates too. You think they have a no killing code?

I am 100% with Sokka on this one. They're going to be at the North Pole in a few weeks anyway. They can both learn all the forms they want to there, with actual living teachers as a bonus.

I was right. Incoming problems of Katara's own making. Also the pirates could tell that Katara was water tribe. Further weight to my theory that the fire nation has a high incidence of colour blindness. Or fashion blindness.

And now we get selfish, jealous Katara as well as thief Katara. Sokka 100% in the right again: she is only interested in teaching herself, to the point where she's happy to endanger herself, her brother, and the goddamn Avatar to get hold of a lesson plan.

Add bitch to jealous, selfish, thief. You made Aang all sniffly. Somehow I think her scroll resolution is not going to stick.

Zuko using his brain again. Good reasoning. And right - they are on the water.

Nooooooooo. You are better than this. Girl stop it!

Zuko pulling out his best panto villain act. Also the colouration of his scar in the night scenes is odd. It's almost lilac.

He's technically right. Zuko did not steal that necklace. Unlike Katara, who does steal things.

Sokka 100% right for the third (fourth?) time this episode. It IS just a matter of time before Katara gets them all into trouble. That time is now.

Do you think if Sokka had kept his mouth shut, they wouldn't have kidnapped him? Was that a pity kidnap?

Yes it completely is her fault! No 'kind of' about it!

Sokka's brain and motormouth saving the day. I feel like that's a running theme.

This fight is cool. Seems like, if you know what you're doing, a bunch of nonbenders can fight firebenders on even footing.

A lot of convenient rope sawing going on.

This is a classic gag but it's funny every time.

Sokka fulfilling his quota of required minimum number of beatings per episode. I swear there must have been a rule in the writers' room that no episode may be considered complete until such time as Sokka has concussion damage.

Also it kind of feels off that Aang & company defeat the pirates so easily while on the pirate ship. They had to run away from them in the market, and these guys go toe to toe with firebenders. Don't you think they would do well when fighting on their own turf?

Is this from Top Gun? I haven't seen Top Gun, but this feels Top Gun-ish.

Second episode in a row that they owe their lives to Appa.

Zuko's "My Boat!" was near-operatic.

I'm calling it: Iroh is deliberately obstructing the hunt for the avatar and deliberately undermining Zuko.

Honestly, reasonable reaction from Zuko. Actually a bit of an under reaction. I would have saved the breathing fire for here.

Did the parrot lizard drown? Last I saw he was stuck in the flag on the mast, and he isn't floating down the river afterwards with the rest of the pirates.

Katara is right to apologise to Aang. But she should have apologised to Sokka too.

Katara finishes off this episode by learning literally the opposite of the lesson she should have learned. The lesson should be: stealing can be justifiable (she does have more claim to that scroll than the pirates do), but not in cases where it endangers yourself or others. The lesson Katara takes is: stealing is wrong, unless it's stealing from literally the most dangerous people you can find.

Final Thoughts

This episode was frustrating. Katara was a colossal idiot, who turned into a selfish thieving idiot, who turned into a self-centred thieving idiot with no sense of self-preservation or concern for her friend's and brother's life, and then she took a hard left into being a bitch as well.

Now, I remember being a teenager. I had my bitch moments too. But when someone rightly called me on them, I stopped. I think Katara's portrayal in this episode is a very realistic depiction of a certain kind of teenage girl. My problem is two-fold: a) I couldn't stand that kind of teenage girl, and b) Katara just keeps going. Sokka calls her out for her behaviour, she keeps going. She freaks out at Aang and makes him all sniffly, she has a two second long attack of conscience and then she keeps going anyway. She gets captured by a combined force of fire nation and pirates, the two biggest threats they've faced so far, and she just keeps going. And the joke that ends the episode shows that she's learned nothing.

I think I've said before (probably when I was talking about imprisoned) that Katara seems like she's used to having Sokka do her thinking and planning for her. I think this episode shows that too. Katar thought of herself, and herself only for 90% of this episode. That's not something Sokka does. I think that, being the only waterbender in the whole south pole, Katara is used to, if not being spoiled, then certainly being the centre of attention. And Sokka is used to looking after her and cleaning up after her plans (the literal cleaning seems to have been Katara's job), which means that he's way more used to thinking of the big picture, and Katara has never had to think beyond herself and her wants and needs. She wants the scroll, she takes it, fully aware that it will get them in trouble (why else was she pushing to get them off the pirate ship so fast? Vibes are off? No Katara, you're off). Sokka's immediate reaction to finding out she took the scroll is to bring up how much danger she has put them ALL in. Sokka sees big picture; Katara sees Katara.

Katara is lucky too that Zuko is apparently the kind of firebender that believes in non violence, and that these pirates are the Disney version. They had her tied to a tree all night and she apparently spent a considerable portion of that time spouting defiance. I'm wondering if Katara knows what genre of story she's in. Or maybe she's just that naive?

I was wondering if they would eventually touch on power/skill imbalances within our main cast, and I'm glad they did. In a way, Sokka has it easier than Katara, because as a non-bender, he's never going to get compared to Aang by himself or others. Plus, he's just not the kind of person who would do that. He's got that weird teenage boy contradictory combination of big ego + low self-esteem, so he's going to talk a big game (see Warriors of Kyoshi) but he's never going to think of himself as being in the same league as Katara. Katara, on the other hand, absolutely would at some point end up in competition with the only other bender she's ever met, even if they bend different elements. I'm glad they touched on it, but if this is the way they touch on it, I'll be very happy if they never touch on it again.

I did not know firebenders could breathe fire. Is the skin in their throat fireproof? And their nose? I bet they have crazy spice tolerance.

Something deeper is going on with Iroh. That goofy old man act is just that - an act. Kind of mean to string Zuko along like that though.

Sokka shines as the voice of reason over and over in this episode. Too bad no one listens to him at any point. Sokka is grounded in a way Aang and Katara aren't. They would be screwed without him.

The self-inflicted nature of this episode's plot is realistic, but annoying. What Katara did this episode is absolutely something an idealistic yet selfish teenage girl with anger issues would do. Especially so when you consider her in context - this may be the first waterbending artifact she's ever seen. But consider: if Katara hadn't stolen from the pirates, the pirates wouldn't have been after them, the pirates wouldn't have discussed a water tribe girl and a bald monk in front of Zuko, who was in such a rush to get back to avatar hunting that he likely wouldn't have asked a ship of pirates if they had seen the Avatar, which means Zuko & crew wouldn't have been after Aang either. Aang & company would have been down one waterbending scroll, but also down not one, but two enemies on their tail. Of course it all worked out in the end; this is a kids' show, but this plot is an entirely self-inflicted (Katara-inflicted) problem. Imprisoned was one of those too, come to think of it.

Aang has a rather lax policy on theft for someone who's supposed to be a mystical peace-bringer.

And I really do want the lead pirate's hat.

[quirklessidiot]

Wow im shooked that in nocous that sukuna loved her enough that he couldn't hurt her and any possible heirs she could have had also he had her dad's approval? that means a lot.

Im gonna assume that yn is an only child and through marriage her husband would be clan head?

Also she didn't want anyone else as a husband if it wasn't sukuna? Man she really wanted him huh

Even though yn and her dad approved of sukuna the other clan members and immediate family weren't that keen on the idea of it right?

Sukuna would probably do an elden ring😂 and what i mean by that is he asserts dominance over her disapproving family and marries yn in the end and becomes head of her clan

He doesn’t hold back in terms of fighting but he knows y/n can hold a candle to him. She was sort of like his second teacher so a lot of his techniques, fighting styles, and such were honed by y/n and her father (but y/n especially which is why she’s basically his last link to being human and a sorcerer.)

Also he’s very strong! The reason why he was even taken in was because her father saw his talent first and he respected that, he’s like gojo who likes to invest in the future of the youth so he’s one of the forward thinkers of his time.

y/n would still be considered clan head despite marrying sukuna (like i said forward thinker and u have to take note, nocous-verse is very different from my other story minazuki because of how different the situation is. y/n is actually very strong that it can’t be ignored type of strong, it’s described she’s one of the sorcerers on par with sukuna which is why she’s one of the hunters) take note that the father was alright if they ever got married because he knew sukuna was loyal to y/n first (something he considered pivotal since he loved his daughter dearly) and wouldn’t stage a coup for power. Sukuna would end up becoming a male-wife (smthng he doesnt mind)

and yes, she loves him very dearly and only wanted him, in a way, nocuos!verse has y/n loving sukuna more than him loving her because u see him in the first chapter he’s conflicted and wavering due to ideologies but she loves him despite that and she continued to love him.

And no, they didn’t end up married. They were lovers but due to outside conflict, contrasting ideologies, and ofc him becoming a curse, y/n was left alone and eventually, the line died with her.

ANON. Didn't want to marry anyone that wasnt sukuna.

Her father approved of sukuna marrying her

Sounds like they were set. Wonder what happened for it to fall apart?

ideaology and society. Based on my drafts, Sukuna was filled with too much hatred and he wanted to eradicate the system that hated him but y/n was more inclined to the idea that they should approach it more politically to prevent the loss of lives (basically sukuna didn’t care who died and y/n wanted to approach it in a peaceful way!)

[kmze]

Meredith was there in the original script but plec said they decided to drop it for the time being since there were too many characters.But when finally introduced,Meredith wasn't fleshed out on the show at all.In the books, she was a student and best friends with Elena and Bonnie,a hunter and some kind of vamp too(?) but on the show she was older and a doctor.I think the only thing that remained same was her pairing with Ric although in the books she was in love with him while on the show it didn't seem anything serious.Plus once ric was killed off,she appeared twice in s4 and was abruptly written off.Maybe writers weren't that keen about her!?!

Yeah she was basically what Caroline ended up being on the show in the books, the main friendship was Elena, Bonnie and Meredith and Caroline was more Elena's rival than her friend. Meredith felt so random on my rewatch, when I watched live I was excited when she was introduced because I read the books and liked her but in the end she really didn't make that much of an impact. Then Matt Davis got a starring role in a new show (I think it was called Cult) and they killed him off and then had no idea what to do with Meredith. So they gave her a scene with (her then husband) Stefan and then shipped her off, and I mean good for her because at least she didn't die like Alaric's other love interests. Its been so long since I read the books but I think she ended up being a vampire hunter too and I can't remember why it wasn't weird that she was with Alaric because I'm pretty sure he was also a teacher in the books and older than them all. I think she was just brought on for book fans as a little easter egg sort of thing but since Caroline had become such an important character by S3 they didn't really feel the need to have Meredith.

[3dnygma]

What I read in 2023

That post about my fave 2023 movies and TV shows made me want to do a similar post about the books (and stories etc.) I've read in 2023!

I'm not usually too keen on sharing my reads because it takes me ages to finish books, which usually results in a very low amount of pages read each year... at least compared to the amount I often see others share on Social Media. But tbh, any amount is better than reading not reading at all :)

That's also why I often tend to gravitate towards novellas, short stories and anthologies.

So yup, here are all the novels, stories and non-fiction works I read in 2023.

And then I woke up by Malcolm Devlin: My girlfriend gifted me this one and I read it within a single day (which is quite rare for me) while we were on a train ride to Berlin. It's the best book I've been gifted in a while: perfect length, perfect style, intriguing subject matter, deep characters. Devlin uses tropes from Zombie shows and other post-apocalyptic media to address the much larger topic of radicalization in the 21st century and I love with how much humanity + understanding he went about this.

Good Omens by Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett: This one's been going on for a while, fellas. Literally started reading it during my trip to the States in summer 2019 but due to already having seen the show, I never really felt like finishing the novel in one go. But I think that also reveals a lot about how entertaining I found the novel. It was good and I def get the hype surrounding it but the style wasn't as much to my liking as I hoped it would be.

Damals war es Friedrich by Hans Peter Richter: I read this one for work. The other German teachers at the school I worked at in 2022/23 all chose to read this one with their students so I went along with it. It's about two young boys who grow up as neighbors in Germany before and during WWII. I totally see why this one is such a popular choice in schools over here, it taught some v important lessons to my students regarding the spread of fascism and antisemitism. What I liked most about it is how the novel aimed to teach its readers about Jewish culture, traditions and successes, which I haven't seen much in other "WWII media" that is frequently dealt with in Austrian schools.

Matilda by Roald Dahl: Def my most fun read of 2023! I wanted to read another book with those same students at the end of the year (after their final exam). Out of all the books in the school's library, I went with this one because I was familiar with both movie adaptations and thought that it would allow for some really fun lesson ideas. We made bingo sheets with our predictions of the story, split up the roles whenever we read chapters in class, did grammar + spelling tasks with snippets from the book, wrote a diary entry from Mathilda's POV, and wrote an email from Miss Honey's POV. After finishing the book, we watched the older movie adaptation with Danny Devito in it. It was so much fun :')

All Tomorrows - A Billion Year Chronicle of the Myriad Species and Mixed Fortunes of Man by C. M. Kosemen: This book deals with sci-fi, body horror AND is written like a historical account - love me some epistolary, always. In short, it checks off all of my favourite boxes. It tells the story of a future in which humans start colonizing space and are punished for their hubris through various procedures of genetic engineering that are enforced on them. Multiple species that once used to be human and their habitats are documented and accompanied by fascinatingly horrifying illustrations. The free PDF can be found here and there is also an abridged retelling of the book on YouTube featuring snippets of the novel and its illustrations. I've consumed and can recommend both. This work made me discover and love the biopunk genre. If anybody has recommendations that fall under similar categories, please let me know.

four essays from It Came from the Closet: "Twenty-five contemporary queer and trans writers reflect on the horror films that shaped them and shook them." So far, I've gotten around to reading "Both Ways [Jennifer's Body]" by Carmen Maria Machado, "My Hand on the Glass [Hereditary]" by Bruce Owens Grimm, "The Wolf Man's Daughter [The Wolf Man]" by Tosha R. Taylor, and "Black Body Snatchers [Get Out]" by Samuel Autman. Out of those four, "My Hand on the Glass" and "Black Body Snatchers" stuck with me the most.

My goal for 2024 is to finish the books I've already started and to read more works by female writers.

Because my reading habits are a mess, there are several books that I've started reading a while ago and have yet to finish. These include:

Nightbitch by Rachel Yoder (abt 1/5th done)

The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller (almost finished w that one)

Fullmetal Alchemist by Hiromu Arakawa (my friends gifted me the first volume of the manga for Christmas bc the FMAB anime is one of my fave pieces of media)