#cjs is just an extra here

[xx3bvvx]

Another one... again.

---------------

The office of Team 1 was bustling with the usual activity, papers, and files strewn across desks, team members rushing to and fro with urgent tasks. Lee Soo Hyuk was at his desk, rubbing his temples as he stared at the ever-growing mountain of paperwork before him. The constant hum of activity and the impending deadlines were enough to give anyone a headache, but today, the situation was made worse by one particular team member.

Kim Rok Soo.

Lee Soo Hyuk glanced over at the young troublemaker, who was currently engrossed in a heated phone conversation with someone from the higher-ups. His voice was raised, his tone sharp and unyielding. It was clear that whatever Rok Soo had done this time, it was serious.

Choi Jung Soo, sitting nearby, watched the scene unfold with a smirk. He leaned back in his chair, tossing a stress ball up and down, clearly enjoying the chaos.

"Rok Soo really knows how to stir the pot, doesn't he?" Jung Soo said, loud enough for Lee Soo Hyuk to hear.

Lee Soo Hyuk sighed heavily. "What did he do this time?"

Jung Soo snickered. "Apparently, he bypassed some protocols and reallocated resources without the proper clearance. The chairman is not happy."

At that moment, Rok Soo slammed the phone down, his expression a mix of frustration and defiance. He stalked over to Lee Soo Hyuk's desk, a stack of papers in hand.

"Team leader, the higher-ups are being unreasonable. I made those changes for the mission's success. They can't see the bigger picture."

Lee Soo Hyuk pinched the bridge of his nose, trying to stave off the pounding headache that was threatening to overtake him. "Rok Soo, you can't just make unilateral decisions and expect everyone to be on board. Now we have to deal with the fallout."

Rok Soo crossed his arms, clearly not convinced. "They'll thank me when the mission succeeds."

Jung Soo burst out laughing. "Oh man, Rok Soo, you really have a way with people."

Rok Soo shot him a glare. "You think this is funny, Jung Soo?"

Jung Soo shrugged, still grinning. "A little. You always manage to cause the most trouble in the most spectacular ways."

Lee Soo Hyuk shook his head, feeling the headache intensify. "Alright, enough. Rok Soo, you're going to fix this mess. Write up a detailed report explaining your actions and how they benefit the mission. And make sure it's thorough."

Rok Soo scowled but nodded. "Fine. But I'm telling you, this will work."

As Rok Soo sat down to start his report, Jung Soo continued to snicker, clearly enjoying his friend's predicament. "Hey, Rok Soo, need any help with that paperwork?"

Rok Soo didn't dignify that with a response, focusing instead on his task.

Just then, the door to the office opened, and a stern-looking senior officer walked in, his gaze immediately zeroing in on Rok Soo. "Kim Rok Soo, a word."

Rok Soo stood up, casting a quick glance at Lee Soo Hyuk, who gave him a resigned nod. As he followed the officer out, Jung Soo couldn't help but chuckle.

"This is going to be interesting."

Lee Soo Hyuk let out a long, weary sigh. "Jung Soo, get back to work. And stop enjoying this so much."

Jung Soo saluted playfully. "Yes, sir!"

As the door closed behind Rok Soo, Lee Soo Hyuk slumped back in his chair, the weight of the day pressing down on him. The headache was relentless, and the thought of more paperwork was almost unbearable.

"Why do I feel like this is just the beginning of a very long week?" he muttered to himself.

Meanwhile, in the hallway, Rok Soo was having a heated discussion with the senior officer, trying to defend his actions. Inside the office, Jung Soo continued to smirk, clearly enjoying the chaos his best friend had caused.

"Hey, hyung," Jung Soo called out. "You know, for all the trouble Rok Soo causes, he does make things interesting."

Lee Soo Hyuk couldn't help but chuckle despite his headache. "That he does, Jung Soo. That he does."

As the day wore on, the team continued to work, the ever-present hum of activity a constant reminder of the challenges they faced. And through it all, the bond between them remained strong, even in the face of endless trouble and paperwork.

[hms-incorrect-quotes]

Demon: Now, in exchange for this deal, I require...your SOUL.

Heart: (Alright, I'll go bring him over.)

Demon: ...wait, what?

*Heart walks out of frame.*

Soul, off camera: {Oh, hey Hea- ...wait, what are you doing- N-NO- HEART-!!}

*Heart walks back into frame, dragging Soul behind him.*

Heart: (Got him!)

Demon: ...you know what..? K...Keep him.

‎

[thewandererh]

🩺✨TW // medical concepts (tubes, ivs, veins), noose mention (cj storm and a spring lyrics)

(personally icky and squeamish on the medical concepts myself due to my health history, but im trying to conquer my fear by drawing them!! baby’s first IV drawing <33)

@calamarispiderart @calamarispider

I drew some fanart of calamarispiderart’s very cool hms guys in my sketchbook 👀. ive been dubbing them the ‘crazy concept calamari crew’ or something of the like. been having a hyperfixation ever since i found their tumblr last week :]. so earhm,, hope you enjoy!!!

.-.

‘’ spoiler image!! this is what stuff will be centered around ,,

.-.

ok art time

slowly listening to the full cccc album my myself :]. im very much in the fandom, just might not get all the references. mind is my favorite guy (everyone else is awesome too) so that might reflect here haha. calamari’s mind neck was so interesting to draw, i had the idea it can retract-ish and hide away in his weird fluffy coat. they all look so cool 😭😭

oH and a little extra whiteboardfox doodle wouldn’t hurt anyone. i wondered why the tubes on his neck were there, and came to the conclusion maybe theyre to substitute bloodflow because his neck is broken and blocked :0!

kind of funny because i first discovered calamari’s art amidst the aftermath of some twilight sedation i had (related to my ✨gut issues✨). discovered both calamari’s (i think) and spook on twitter’s (definitely) art after that whole procedure when i was home and watching turning red, love that movie,,, makes me cry. kinda funny i’m returning to calamari and spook’s arties at the same time after discovering them both at also the same time a while ago. was it october? wow.

anyways uhm…sending virtual hugs calamari!! i know this crew might be a bit old-ish (i had to scroll to find them) but i hope you enjoy it. time to do laundry ok bye

[aiodenhunt]

Isle dreamer.

Where the Hook siblings assume CJ died. Set during wicked world, before D2

! TW!

-Character death (Let's pretend CJ is dead and not in Auradon for the sadsies)

-Depictions of grief.

——————————

Harriet went to sleep without thinking a lot about CJ being out for the night. Her sister was that way, she would never come back home in the estimated time. CJ would always come back one hour after her curfew, just to mess around with them.

Plus, she was with Freddie. If someone could put some reason into Calista’s head that was definitely Freddie.

So there was apparently nothing to worry about.

She stopped worrying about CJ coming home to sleep when the latter was around 11, ever since then CJ would sleep ‘Wherever the night caught her’ and take turns sleeping in the Jolly Roger, The lost revenge, Freddie’s house or Harriet’s ship; The crimson zephyr. She had that bad habit.

Her sister was just that careless.

And Harriet had given up with her a long time ago. Once she found CJ eating breakfast in her ship’s kitchen, which would’ve been normal if her sister had slept in her ship the previous night.

Harriet honestly didn’t care about that. She had learned to leave one window open and extra food just for CJ. It was better if her sister slept there than on the streets like the other children on the Isle.

Uma also didn’t mind CJ’s random presence on her ship, the pirate had just adopted her as ‘Harry’s annoying little sister that crashes here without warning’ and rolled along with it.

Captain Hook? He was sometimes delighted to see his daughter come back to her home and spend the night there, sometimes he would make it clear he didn’t want her there.

So, yeah. CJ spending the night out while she had explicitly told Harriet she would sleep in her ship wasn’t that much of a big deal. Maybe the Faciliers made something CJ likes for dinner and so she decided to spend the night there.

Oh well, she would just scold her little sister when she got home and that’s it.

Cj will be fine. She can fetch for herself.

So the following night, Harriet Hook woke up without too many worries inside of her head, half of those worries weren’t really related to her sister. They were mostly about her crew or the fact that they lived on a jail-island, nothing too bad or out of the ordinary.

She walked out of her cabin, heading to the kitchen. Greeting some of her crewmates in the process.

Claudine Frollo was already up, making breakfast for her crew. She was probably the only member of the crew who got up at the unholy hour that 5am was.“Good morning, Captain.” She said, serving some crepes for Harriet.

“ ‘Morning, have you seen Calista around the ship?” The captain asked, sitting down to eat what had been just served to her.

Claudine shook her head no.

“Are you sure?” Harriet insisted.

“If she had slept inside of the ship, I would’ve heard her entering it. You know I have quite the sensitive ear.”

“Hm.True.” Harriet hummed, taking some last bites out of her breakfast. “She must’ve spent the night with Harry or Freddie. She’ll probably be back in a day or two.”

“May the lord be with her.” Claudine made the cross gesture.

Harriet just let out a sigh. “Yeah let the religious stuff from your dad for an actually dangerous situation, We’ve got raids to do.”

And so, the next two days passed by normally for Harriet Hook.

Her rutinary raids, antics, some robbery and someone being stabbed, whatever was normal for her.

But, during those days. CJ was nowhere to be seen. At least inside of her ship.

She woke up with a little of a hangover from drinking last night, walking to the kitchen with one of her hands holding an ice pack on her head to calm down the migraine.

Harriet barely opened her mouth, and Claudine already had an answer for her question. “CJ still isn’t here. And no, Sammy hasn’t seen her either.”

The captain sighed. “Don’t serve me any breakfast, give it to Sammy or whoever needs it. I’m going to the Lost revenge to drag that brat back home.”

Harriet could hear a small giggle before leaving. “Good luck with that rascal.”

The way to the Lost revenge wasn’t too far from her. The isle was quite small, so it was just around two blocks away from her own ship. The port was way too small.

She knocked three times on the wooden of the ship, some of Uma’s pirates looking at her with fear, and some others with respect.

Uma looked at her from the deck, looking like she wanted to cuss her out of there at first; but once she realized it was Harriet she only sighed. “Ah, it 's you.”

“Harry! Your sister’s here!” The fellow captain screamed so loud it could probably be heard on all of the ship.

“The crazy one or the normal one?”

“The normal one!”

And so, Harry could soon be heard walking towards the deck, then he jumped out of the ship. “What up?”

“Has CJ been sleeping here for the last three days?” Harriet asked, straightforward.

Her brother bit his lip, frowning. “I was actually going to ask you if she had been sleeping in the Crimson zephyr. Haven’t seen that polliwog around in a while.”

Harriet took a deep breath. “So she hasn’t!”

Harry shook his head no. “Might be at dad’s.”

The captain shrugged, wanting to not look lowkey frustrated. “Wanna search for her with me? Maybe Hook’s got her hostage thinking she’s Peter pan or something. She never stays with him for that long.”

“Oh I had forgotten she’s that guy’s age already.” Harry mumbled. “Count me in. Uma ain’t doing anything interesting today.”

And so, The oldest sibling nodded, walking across the port along with her brother.

The Jolly roger being so close to the Lost revenge it was almost comical it took them around three minutes to get there

Once they were close enough, Harry yelled. “Oh Dad! Would you mind talking to your children?”

Hook looked down at them, making some gestures with his fake hand. “I do it every once in a while. What do you want now?”

“Have you seen Calista? Or, a child resembling Peter Pan lately?” Harriet asked, her arms crossed.

Their father frowned at the mention of that boy. “My little girl? Nope, and I wish I don’t see that hellish boy or anyone who resembles him again.”

Harriet sighed, turning around and walking away from the port (Dragging Harry along with her), refusing to listen to Hook any longer. “I believe him. If he had lost his mind he wouldn’t make it clear that Cj’s his favorite child.”

Harry decided to not argue any longer. Walking to wherever Harriet was going to.

Which seemed to be… The arcade the Facilier’s run?

How odd.

Harriet entered almost kicking the door open, her presence being ominous enough to startle most people inside of the arcade. She looked straight into Dr.Facilier’s eyes as soon as she spotted him.

“Has CJ slept here the last three days, Shadowman?”

“Easy there, Hook. I could ask you the exact same question about Freddie.” The older man answered, something in his voice made the phrase look like a threat. “Unlike your little sister she has some manners. She never sleeps outside of her home, much less uninvited. Where is my daughter?”

Harry almost walks up to Facilier, hook in hand. Yet Harriet stopped him.

“Where is my sister? They should be together. I’m not looking for a fight.” The pirate dropped her sword, and made her brother drop his hook. (Although he rolled his eyes when she did.) “Kidnapping your daughter would only make CJ hate me.”

The shadowman seemed a little more relaxed, less menacing. Yet he still looked stressed. “I’m serious. I don’t know where both of them are. Celia has been worried, so am I. We figured maybe CJ was keeping her hidden, or rather hiding with her.”

Harriet growled in frustration, picking up her sword and passing the hook to her brother.

“Whatever. Those two must be hiding anywhere waiting for us to lose our minds searching for them. I’ll tell you when I find them, so you can also ground Freddie for life for letting CJ do that.”

Facilier nodded, with a heavy sigh. Then the siblings left the arcade.

Harriet kicked a stone in frustration.

Harry didn’t know quite what to do. Looking worried was not a choice, though. “Maybe she is okay. Just playing hide and seek anywhere, just to toy around with us.”

Harriet bit one of her nails, not wanting to seem worried either. She could not show weakness in public. “Tell Uma and her crew to look out for her literally everywhere. My crew will do the same. No stone must remain unturned.”

Harry let out a laugh. “That polliwog will be so grounded when you get her.”

“She will not see the sunlight until she turns eighteen.”

And so, the day passed by.

All the raids planified for that day came to a halt. For both Uma and Harriet’s crew. The pirates looked for every street inside in the isle, every alley. Every business that could be a possible hideout.

Harriet’s crew even had to swallow down whatever fear they had left and enter Maleficent’s now abandoned castle. Still, no trace of CJ nearby. It seemed like her most probable hideout but there wasn’t a single trail of her or Freddie in there.

The search went on for two weeks.

Uma’s had looked inside of the Hell hall but even there, there was not a single trace of the missing girls.

Every alley had been temporarily invaded by the pirates in search for the girl, and no one was there.

Harriet had screamed her sister’s name time and again, and nobody answered.

During the second week, they had stopped searching and began raiding more often, in case somebody had the guts to hold hostage the youngest Hook child.

The hopes of Cj’s older siblings were high when the raids began, and they had in fact found some of the missing children of the isle who would then be sent back to their parent’s arms.

Nonetheless there was not a single trace of CJ or Freddie in any of those raids. When interrogating people, they claimed that they knew that kidnapping CJ Hook was technically suicide.

So, during the third week of Cj’s disappearance, Harriet and Harry stopped looking for someone living.

Harriet shivered, her voice trembled a little when she asked what might be the hardest question she had ever asked. “I need Uma to ask Ursula if she has seen any remains of CJ in the depths of the sea.”

CJ never learned how to swim unlike her siblings. Maybe she stepped on rotten wood whilst walking on the port and drowned.

Or maybe someone had killed her and dropped her remains into the sea.

They knew the villains were immortal, as she herself accidentally killed her father once. (In self defense.) But they also knew that VK’s could die. Everyone who wasn’t deemed as a dangerous villain was not immortal. How charming. Thank you, King Beast.

Whatever, Harriet needed a coat, her sister’s headband, anything. She needed to know what happened to her baby sister.

Neither of the siblings had the strength to tell their father that they thought CJ was dead. They just knew that he was probably drinking himself blind thanks to her daughter’s disappearance.

Harriet also wanted to do that.

Yet she needed to be sober to keep on looking.

She was angry at first.

Angry at the world who set this godforsaken barrier on them. Angry at herself for not looking out for her sister earlier. Angry at her father, for neglecting them in that way.

She screamed, smashed a couple bottles against the floor and punched a wall, yet the people in her crew knew it was best to let Harriet be.

Sammy told them that it was her captain’s way to go through grief.

Harry, on the other hand, seemed more maniacal than never. Whenever they attacked he laughed more than usual, he was more prone to burst out laughing after any inconvenience happened to him. He lashed out when someone mentioned CJ, too.

Uma was there to hold Harry whenever he broke down. She was there to at least tell him that his sister was probably in a better place now. There was someone to be Harry’s support.

Harriet did have Ginny to hold her down while she lashed out, and unlike Harry and Uma, she was not enough to calm her down completely.

Of course she appreciated her partner, but no romantical love could fill the hole her sister left in her heart.

Harriet had raised that girl. She saw her grow up, she taught her how to read and how to count, she taught her how to defend herself.

Had she done something wrong? Had she forgotten to look somewhere else?

Oh.

She did.

The underworld.

All the dead went there, and the god of the underworld was there, on the Isle. Maybe she could give her an answer.

Nonetheless when Harriet sat down to speak with Hades, all she got was disappointment.

Hades was no longer the ruler of the underworld during his imprisonment, the ones ruling it were Persephone and Nyx. Some other goddesses, or demi-gods. Harriet didn’t gave a single fuck about whatever divine status they had.

Persephone was the only one who could tell her if her sister was dead or not.

And Persephone could only come to the island during the winter. It is currently the beginning of autumn.

Great.

So she had to wait months to know if her sister was alive or not.

Harriet did her best to not break down when she reunited with Harry a couple of days later.

They picked up a couple of the few flowers that could be found across the isle, and some shiny stuff CJ would have wanted.

Since cameras weren’t a thing on the isle and they didn’t have a picture of the deceased girls, Harriet painted a small portrait of CJ and Freddie, although it wasn’t her main hobby or a sustainable one on the isle, she was quite good at it.

They made a makeshift altar on the Crimson zephyr, inside of the cabin where their little sister used to sleep in.

Neither Harriet nor Harry cried during Claudine’s memorial speech, all her time with Frollo had prepared her to host funerals; at last. Celia did cry for Freddie.

Claudine lit up a small candle on the altar for the two souls.

Harry didn’t have the strength to speak during the makeshift funeral.

Neither did Harriet, but she spoke anyway.

She swallowed down a tear while standing in front of the portrait of her little sister. “Calista was not a saint. Hell, she stole from us more times than I can count on my two hands.”

“Yet she never had ill intentions. I dare to say my sister was the closest we will have to someone being genuinely kind on this Godforsaken isle. I hope she is happy and in peace along with her best friend, away from this living hell. I hope that this is a reminder of the cruelty of King Beast. And I hope one day we will be able to break this down, so no more innocents will die with misery and pain being all of what they knew during their short lives. Calista Jane Hook, I hope you forgive your siblings for not being able to save you.”

Maybe she teared up while speaking, yet no one pointed it out.

Harriet doesn’t remember anything else that happened during that funeral. She zoned out, just thinking.

Thinking about how CJ used to tell Harriet about her dreams of navigating and seeing the world beyond the barrier she was born into.

She thought about how that little dreamer never got to see anything more than misery, and thinking about how they don’t even have a body to mourn her properly.

Did she suffer?

Did she go in peace? Did she thought about them while leaving?

What a waste…

Ginny had to drag Harriet to bed that night. She drank until she passed out, mumbling something about not being able to save her.

Maybe one day, the memory of the youngest Hook child will stop being painful.

It won’t be today.

[thebiggerbear]

Something Like This

Summary: A Nor'easter hits Boston and luckily for you, you don't have anywhere you need to be except right here snuggled up with CJ.

A/N: So, I started writing this back in January. We got quite a few snowfalls that month and I had wanted to write some cuddle time with CJ and the reader from the "I hate you" prompt. I wrote about 70% of it but then got distracted due to busy times at work and in life. But after this latest snowfall, I picked it up again and had to finish it. This wasn't originally meant to be for Valentine's Day (obviously) but I changed it up a little since the timing worked out. It's not much but I hope it's alright. Btw, I love snow, just not shoveling it lol.

Unbeta'd so all mistakes are mine.

Please let me know if you would like to be tagged in any future CJ or Dawson's Creek works.

Sequel to this prompt response

Warnings: pure fluff; implied sex

Word Count: 5995

Taglist: @avada-kedavra-bitch-187; @rieleatiel

CJ Taglist: @deans-spinster-witch; @birdiellie; @heartlessdelusions; @illicithallways; @nancymcl; @muhahaha303

Jensen Taglist: @samanddeaninatrenchcoat; @deansbbyx

This was recc'ed by @winchestergirl2 here.

You opened one eye and turned to glance out the window after hearing a low whistle. You watched as snow flakes whipped around in a furious dance against the glass before moving on. “Wow, it’s really coming down out there.”

You felt your boyfriend nuzzling your ear. “Yeah, it is,” he murmured. “Not that I mind.”

You couldn’t help but smile and turn to face him. You saw the blissed out grin gracing his handsome face and the affection in his green eyes as they settled on you. You ran your fingers gently through his hair, making him let out a tiny contented sigh as he burrowed into your neck. 

The meteorologists had predicted a Nor’easter for the weekend, one that was going to produce at least a couple of feet of snow after a 24 hour period, and predictably, people panicked and flooded the stores. Being a college student, you hadn’t needed to make a mad rush to the store to buy bottled water, canned goods, or bread; that was something you normally had in your stash. But the storm was something everyone on campus was talking about. Some students who didn’t want to stick around for the mushy white stuff headed out early on Friday for a warmer (or at least drier) destination. Even some professors had canceled classes in the early afternoon even though it wasn’t supposed to start snowing until well after midnight. During all of this hubbub, CJ had called you and suggested you come stay at his place for the weekend. Considering you didn’t want to get stuck with Stacey and her boyfriend (you had heard her making plans earlier that day) and you hadn’t seen CJ since Tuesday, you were completely on board with that plan.

You had brought what you considered to be your own personal snowstorm kit which consisted of hot chocolate mix (with tiny marshmallows of course), a big cozy blanket, and the warmest pajama set you owned. They may or may not have bunny rabbits dressed in sweaters, hats, and mittens enjoying a snow day on them. And CJ may or may not have laughed and enjoyed teasing you when you put them on Friday night for the first movie of the evening. He hadn’t been laughing long though when he discovered how easily he could unbutton your shirt and get his hands in there or how quickly he could undress you. 

CJ had his own preparations he had made. He had candles, flashlights, the same type of food and drink stash you had with a few differences, blankets, extra pillows, a few movies picked out and ready to go by the TV, and enough Twizzlers to last you the weekend. You had happily kissed him for that last one; he knew how much you loved Twizzlers.

Sure enough, the snow started right after midnight and hadn’t stopped. Boston was covered in a thick white blanket that just kept growing and growing no matter how many plows made their way through the streets. Now it was Saturday afternoon, with the storm halfway over, and it didn’t show any signs of slowing down any time soon. Feeling CJ pressing gentle kisses to your neck, you were just fine with that.

You hummed happily and closed your eyes, enjoying the sensations of his lips on your skin and his hands sneaking under the hem of your shirt to caress your back. “I love this,” you whispered.

“I love you,” he whispered back, making you smile as he worked his way up to your jaw line.

“We just showered and changed the sheets an hour ago,” you whined when you felt his fingers trail from your back to your front, sneaking under the waistband of your pajama pants. 

“I have extra sheets,” he reassured, placing kisses to your cheek and then the corner of your mouth. 

“You’re insatiable,” you teased. He had already had you twice this morning and once last night.

“So, I love having sex with my girlfriend, sue me.” He wiggled his eyebrows playfully before pecking your lips.

“We have all weekend,” you reminded him. Thankfully, his roommate had made other arrangements for the impending snowstorm, something you highly suspected CJ had urged him to do. “Besides, I wanted to just snuggle for a while and maybe make out a little.” You pouted up at him.

He studied you for a moment and then let out a chuckle. “Just snuggling and making out, huh?”

You grinned and nodded, loving the sight of his smile. CJ may be an attractive guy with handsome features, but his smile made your heart leap inside your chest every single time. Enough that you were starting to worry that you should probably go to the doctor for a checkup, but damn did you love his smile. Had you been able to see it through the months of phone conversations the two of you had, you probably would’ve been an absolute goner from the get go.    

“Okay,” he sighed and moved his hand out of your pants and flopped onto his back next to you, pulling you further into his arms. “Happy?”

“Very.” You picked up his hand and began to play with his fingers while he kissed the top of your head. His free hand rubbed up and down your back in soothing circles and he let his cheek rest against your hair.

You both stayed quiet for a few minutes and just listened to the wind howling outside every so often.

“You know, Y/N, I never thought I’d be able to have something like this,” he quietly admitted to you. “A relationship with a girl where I’m sober…and happy.” You smiled, squeezing his fingers in between yours. “I had a plan I was sticking to until I graduated and nothing was going to change it. But then I met you.” You glanced up to find him watching you, an affectionate smile on his face. “And it all changed.”

The words should have made something in your chest warm but instead a spike of anxiety flowed through it instead. He was supposed to be in New York City right now, not Boston. He was only here because of you, because he didn’t want to be two states away from you long term though you had promised you would visit if he went. Nope, he decided he was staying here and finishing out his education at Boston Bay no matter what you’d said to try to convince him not to miss out on an important opportunity. As far as he was concerned, he’d made his decision, he was good with it, and it was case closed. 

So, a part of you started to worry but knowing you as well as he did by now, he leaned forward and kissed you until the worry began to fade away. “And I couldn’t be happier that it did,” he whispered to your lips before kissing you again. You felt him shift an arm away from you but before you could look to see what he was doing, he deepened the kiss and you melted into him.

A moment later, he pulled away, making you whine and reach for him when suddenly there was a bouquet of red roses in your face causing your eyes to widen in surprise. CJ was beaming down at you. “Happy Valentine’s Day, sweetheart.”

Your mouth dropped in shock. You had been so busy the last two weeks, you had completely forgotten the holiday was today. Truthfully, you had never bothered with the holiday before. To you, it was nothing more than a day that Corporate America hijacked to make even more money off of the backs of its consumers. You had never put much stock into it before, not since you reached high school. And now, you had someone you deeply cared about, someone you loved, and you had made the worst mistake you could’ve made by forgetting the holiday while your amazing boyfriend obviously hadn’t. 

“Th-Thank you,” you stammered. He offered the bouquet to you and you gratefully accepted them, leaning them up to your nose to gently sniff their wonderful scent. “They’re beautiful.”

CJ carefully moved to the side and sat up against the headboard, watching you with a grin. “Only the best for my girl.”

“You know I have to ask how.” You had been here since last night and never once had you come across any flowers. Not to mention, there was no way any flower deliveries were being made today. You idly wondered just how much money florists across the city were losing.  

He inclined his head towards the other side of the room. “Mike’s closet.”

You shot him a look of disbelief. “And they survived?”

CJ laughed and gave you a nod. “They did. I’m not going to lie, I checked on them in the middle of the night when you were asleep. I was worried they would be all wilted or that we might have a Little Shop of Horrors situation suddenly on our hands.”

You snickered and sat up next to him. “If it starts asking me for blood, I’m putting it back in Mike’s closet. It can be a very belated Christmas present.”

He shook his head, chuckling, and wrapped his arm around your shoulders. “I’m just glad they held up. I got them delivered last night before you got here. I put them in water and when you were in the bathroom before, I took them out, dried them off, and hid them on my side of the bed. They seem to be doing okay.” He studied the flowers to make sure.  

“They’re perfect,” you whispered. They really were. They could have been dying or missing petals or even a cheap bouquet from the convenience store, and they still would have been perfect. No one had ever given you flowers for Valentine’s Day before or any flowers period — no one other than your dad that is. 

CJ smiled over at you and leaned in to kiss you. “I’m glad you like them.”

“They must’ve cost you a fortune, though.”

He waved his free hand dismissively. “Worth it.” He pecked your lips again. “And I made reservations for us for Tuesday night at that seafood place you like.”

Your eyes nearly bugged out of your head. “The super expensive one?”

He shrugged. “I was going to take you last night but I knew it would be packed. So this way, we avoid the whole crowd of everyone trying to cram in a romantic dinner at the last minute and we can just enjoy ourselves on Tuesday.”

Shame began to unfurl in your chest. He had really thought of everything. Now him lighting the candles last night, the Twizzler stash, him insisting on ordering your favorite takeout — all of it started to make sense in a different way than they first had for the romantic weekend you both were holed up in for the snowstorm. How could you have been so blockheaded not to realize? Granted, you both never talked about what you would want to do for this holiday; it was your first one since you began dating. But you still should have realized. Now CJ had gone all out for you, and you had nothing to give him in return. He had even been thoughtful enough to choose not only your favorite restaurant but a night where it wouldn’t be so crowded since he knew how you felt about being in the same room as a massive amount of people. You had the most amazing and considerate boyfriend and you literally had nothing for him. What a crappy girlfriend you were. 

And due to the snow, you couldn’t even try to make up for it by making plans or reservations to take him anywhere (you would have sat in a crowded restaurant for him if it made him happy), or go to the store to get him anything or even purchase ingredients for a meal you could cook for him. You hadn’t even brought anything sexy to wear to bed for him, just your old comfortable PJ’s. Girlfriend fail indeed.

Your smile started to fade and you glanced up at him worriedly. “CJ…I didn’t…I wasn’t—”

He gently kissed your nose. “I know. We never talked about it and I knew you were busy these last two weeks. I just wanted to do something nice for you. I know how you feel about this holiday and well…I wanted to change that up a little. Give you some good memories.” He stroked a petal of the rose closest to him before turning a warm smile on you.

You could feel a familiar stinging in the corner of your eyes. He remembered what you’d told him in one of your many phone conversations when you’d been getting to know each other. You’d been discussing each holiday and sharing both of your thoughts when it came to each one. You didn’t care for Valentine’s Day and when he asked why, you surprised yourself by telling him the truth. In high school, every year, roses were for sale. You could choose between red, pink, and yellow ones; they were approximately five dollars each. You could give it to the person (or people) you bought them for directly, leave it taped to their lockers, or have them delivered to the class they were in. And each year, you were one of two people out of your whole class who never received any. You weren’t a social outcast by any means but you weren’t part of the whole cliques business, preferring to do your own thing. No boy was interested in you and while you had friends, they weren’t the type to buy yellow roses for all of their friends on that day. You and Charlotte Campbell never received a rose in any capacity. And that only held true until junior year when finally you couldn’t take the sad expression on Charlotte’s face anymore as she watched deliveries being made in class, knowing that she was going to be crying her eyes out in the girl’s bathroom before next period, and you did something about it. You ignored the shocked look on Justine Helman’s face when you purchased a pink rose and gave her instructions on where and when to deliver it. The surprised and grateful smile on Charlotte’s face later in History class when a student had delivered the rose to her had been worth it. So much so that you repeated the process in senior year. You had no idea if she ever figured out they were from you (Justine was known to be quite the busybody), but you hoped that regardless, it gave her a little bit of happiness in that moment each time the holiday rolled around.

And from there you slowly began to realize that the holiday was an excuse for florists, candy companies, greeting card companies, condom companies (CJ chuckled at that one but didn’t disagree), lingerie departments and boutiques, jewelry stores, and movie studios and TV stations to make more money. Like one big conspiracy they all partook in for the almighty dollar. So, every time the holiday came around, you rolled your eyes and refused to even acknowledge it. If you loved someone and they loved you, you didn’t need a corporate-infused holiday and two empty bank accounts to show it. That’s where you had stood on the holiday of love and you were determined to keep that stance for the rest of your life.

But then you started dating CJ and now…now you were ready to tear up because he had remembered what you’d said and wanted you to have a good memory on this day for once. You launched yourself at him, kissing him passionately while being careful not to crush the flowers. “I love you,” you whispered when you both needed air.

He moved his hands up to your cheeks and wiped tears away with his thumbs. You had no idea they had escaped. “I love you, too.” His brows drew together as he studied your face. “This was okay, right?”

CJ had never celebrated the holiday with someone either. He’d never been in a relationship when it would roll around on the calendar before this one. So this was his first time acknowledging it, too, to anyone outside of family and friends. 

You gave him the most grateful smile you could. “Yeah. More than okay.” You could see the relief playing over his expression. You reached behind you to gently place the flowers on his nightstand and turned back to him, cupping his face. “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome, sweetheart. I’m really glad you like it.” His soft smile made a leaping sensation happen in your chest.

“Like it?” A glimmer of worry shined in his green eyes. “Oh, you are so getting laid right now, pal.” You started to pull him to you as you leaned back onto the bed. He laughed but it got cut short by you kissing him deeply. You moaned into his mouth when he settled in between your thighs and you cradled his hips with your legs. You began to hurriedly unbutton your top when his hands stopped you and he lifted up for air. 

“Wait, wait.” You gulped for air, watching him intently, wondering why he was stopping you. “As badly as I want this, and it’s really, really badly, I actually have a plan.”

You arched your brows in question. “A plan?”

A small raw sound escaped his throat as you rubbed up against him, feeling him growing impossibly harder. “Yep. Damn, I’m going to have to start thinking about Kierkegaard, aren’t I?” 

You had been smirking, digging your teeth into your bottom lip as you continued to tease him, when that caught your attention. “Kierkegaard?”

He nodded emphatically, his eyes closed, as he tried to pull away from you but you locked your legs around him. “Yeah,” he nearly moaned out as you grinded against his erection.

“CJ,” you called in your most seductive voice, a tone that you knew drove him crazy, as he’d told you one night after phone sex during finals week. That had been the first time you’d attempted it and boy, had that turned out to be one fun evening.

You both had been stressed and unable to make time for one another, so you’d taken the situation by the ‘nads, literally. You were nervous; you weren’t sure if this would be something he liked or if you would screw up or if you would sound horrifically laughable. Before you could chicken out, you’d called him up one night near the end of his shift.

“Hello, Helpline. This is CJ.”

“Hello, CJ. I seem to be having a problem that I think only you can help with.”

“Oh? And what’s that, Jo?” You could hear the smile in his voice, having recognized yours right away. You felt a little bit of a thrill at him using your old name; it just added to the excitement of what you were about to do.

“Well, the thing is, my boyfriend and I haven’t had much time to see one another. Finals, you know?”

“Yeah, finals week can be brutal.”

“Mmm, you know what else is brutal? We haven’t had sex in almost two weeks.”

It took him a moment to respond and in that time, you wondered if maybe you had already screwed things up. Perhaps you shouldn’t have started this while he was on shift. Perhaps you had made him uncomfortable or you sounded like an idiot as you had feared, probably both. You were just about to backtrack when he quietly cleared his throat. “That does sound pretty brutal. Maybe you two should make some special plans to remedy that once finals are over.”

Relieved, you let out a drawn out sigh into the phone. “But that’s at the end of the week. I’m not sure I can wait that long. I’ve tried taking care of things myself, you know? But it’s not the same.”

“Well, perhaps you’re not using that…method correctly. Maybe you should tell me what it is you’re doing and we can figure it out together why it’s not working. Don’t leave out a single detail. I’m here to help.”

You smirked and shook your head. “Well, that’s sort of what I was thinking, CJ,” you played along. “But, I don’t think that it’s anything I’m doing wrong in the process. I think it’s that my boyfriend isn’t present when I do it. So, I was thinking maybe you could pretend to be him while I do it and we’ll see if maybe that will help, you know?”

“Whatever you need. That’s what I’m here for.” You could hear his voice getting deeper and you felt a flipping sensation in your stomach. 

“That’s what I like to hear,” you whispered huskily. “How much longer do you have before we can do this experiment?”

“I’ve got ten minutes left.” He then lowered his voice. “I can be at your place in twenty.”

Oh God, you would have loved for him to come by but Stacey and her worse half were expected to walk through the door in the next hour and you wanted to continue this game for lack of a better word. “Uh, uh, uh. No can do, CJ. My boyfriend wouldn’t like it and we’re supposed to do this over the phone. You’re helping me so I can make it through the next week until I see him again, remember?”

“But if my shift is over in ten then how—”

“Now, CJ, I believe we exchanged room numbers, didn’t we? In case I ever needed your help outside of your hours at the helpline?” You then lowered your voice again. “And, baby, I really need your help on this one.”

You heard a quiet gulp on the other end of the line. “R-Right. You know, Seth just walked in so I’m going to clock out early and head home. I’ll call you when I get there, it should be no more than ten minutes, give or take.”

“Make it seven,” you huskily commanded before hanging up the phone. You snickered, wondering if he would literally run those three blocks to his dorm if he had to. Sure enough, when he called you eight minutes later, panting and breathing out, “I’m here. I’m here,” you knew you had been right. That had been one explosive night and you had not only discovered something new about yourself but you also discovered something new about him as well. You liked to tease him and be in charge sometimes; he liked being teased and he liked for you to be in charge sometimes. Win-win and it had done wonders for your confidence in the bedroom. You had certainly never done anything like that with anyone else. That was another thing you loved about him. CJ allowed you the room to explore and you felt completely safe with him to do so. 

There may or may not have been a few more illicit call-ins at the end of his shift, and there may or may not have been another week or two that you purposely didn’t see each other so it could lead to fantastic phone sex, desperate and passionate sex when you reunited, or both. 

So now, you decided to use that tone on him once more. “Why are you trying to pull away? I want this really badly, too.” You gently dragged your nails down his bare chest down to his navel, knowing how he loved it when you did that. Sure enough, you heard a tiny gasp coming from him. You lifted up to whisper in his ear, “You can still have your plan but let’s do this first. Come on, CJ, I know you want this just as much as I do.” You nibbled at his ear lobe. “So, I love having sex with my boyfriend, sue me.” You couldn't help teasing him by repeating his words back to him.  

His eyes snapped open and he gently pushed you back on the bed, his hands carefully pinning your shoulders down and his chest heaving in and out. You could see his pupils were blown wide with lust. You knew then if you just nudged him a little more, he’d give in and you wouldn’t leave this bed for the rest of the day. “I really want this but I also want you to see the rest of my plan just as much. And we need energy for it. I’m more than willing to give you what you want later but right now, let’s go see what I’ve got planned first, okay?”

You gave him the sad puppy dog expression as he called it, and predictably it made him chuckle. “Okay,” you agreed. Considering how much trouble he’d gone to in order to surprise you on this holiday, you’d do as he asked and stop teasing him. You unhooked your legs from his waist and he released your shoulders. He began to lean down to kiss you in thanks but he seemed to think better of it and lifted his head once more. 

“So, what’s the plan?” You asked.

“Did you happen to bring gloves and a hat in that huge bag of yours?”

Your eyes widened and then narrowed. “Why?”

He grinned down at you and ran a tender thumb along your cheek.

CJ had told you to get dressed and to bundle up. You had begrudgingly done so, not happy that you were obviously leaving the warm cocoon you had both been in since the storm started, but it was what he wanted and you were intent on giving him anything he desired today. Sure enough, he led you out of his dorm and down the street. The thick snowflakes were still coming down steadily but at least the wind wasn’t as bad as it had been earlier. It was almost peaceful, your gloved hand in CJ’s, you two being the only ones out and about. The lack of sounds of city life and the white landscape painted a picture that was beyond beautiful. 

You came to a stop near a park and CJ turned a smile onto you before trudging inward, bringing you along. He settled on an open spot and let your hand go. “Remember when you told me about those snow days you used to have?”

Your lips parted in shock. He really did remember almost everything you told him. You should be used to it by now but it still managed to surprise you every once in a while. Back then, you had no idea just how much he looked forward to your phone calls and how much he truly enjoyed talking to you as you got to know one another. 

You had told him about the snow days you had from elementary school, the rare ones where you would get more than a foot of snow. You didn’t have any siblings and your dad, who was usually busy with work, would take you outside to do all kinds of fun things. You made snowmen, you had snowball fights, you would go sledding…he had even made you a small snow fort once. Afterwards, you would both go inside and your mom would have steaming mugs of hot cocoa with marshmallows waiting. Those days were some of your best childhood memories.

CJ grinned over at you and then began to make the bottom part of a snowman. You let out a tiny squeal of excitement and hurried over to help him, earning you a laugh. 

It wasn’t long before you had the snowman built. CJ reached into his pockets and pulled out buttons, a carrot, and an old pipe that he told you he had managed to buy this week when you asked where he’d gotten them from. You felt that familiar warmth in your chest when you realized that he really had been planning this longer than a day or two. Again, you felt horrible that you had been so oblivious and that you had nothing in return for him. You were resolved that you were going to make this up to him, though. Big time. He could pick all the movies you would watch for the next month. You would play all the mini golf he wanted (when the weather cleared up of course). You would let him choose the takeout and restaurants for however long he wanted. You would do everything he wanted to do and give him whatever he wanted.

He placed the items on the snowman and slipped out a beanie hat to finish off the look. He stood back with you as you both studied your creation.

“Something’s missing,” you wondered aloud.

“Sticks for arms? I can find some.”

“No…something else.” It finally hit you and you removed the scarf from around your neck, the one CJ had lent you, and wrapped it around the snowman’s. “There.” You beamed over at your boyfriend. “All done,” you informed him in a singsong voice. CJ smiled warmly at you and his eyes held a familiar gleam of affection as he stepped forward. He removed the scarf from the snowman, making you frown. “Hey! Now he’s incomplete again.”

He took a step closer to you and shook the scarf of any snow remnants, gently wrapping it around your neck once more. “You need it more than he does,” he murmured, placing a tender kiss on your nose. 

You couldn’t help but smile at his sweet gesture. You lifted up to kiss him when he took a few steps away from you, making your brows furrow. He grinned and suddenly fell backwards, making you gasp and hurry over, falling to your knees beside him. “CJ, are you alright?”

He chuckled and looked up at you. “What was the last part of the story you told me?” He began to move his arms and legs in a familiar motion. 

“Snow angels,” you whispered.

He continued making one and you crawled a little distance away to plop onto your back and make one of your own. You couldn’t help giggling as you did it. God, this was amazing. Why had you ever stopped doing this once you were no longer a little kid? Why weren’t there any other adults out here, minus children, doing the same? This was incredible.

You had just finished making your snow angel when CJ’s face appeared in your vision. His smile rivaled yours. 

“You ruined your snow angel, silly,” you teased, knowing it wasn’t intact from him crawling from nearby over to you. 

He shrugged. “I don’t need it, not when I’ve got the real deal right here.”

Seeing his eyes intent on you, you knew it wasn’t just some cheesy line he was using on you. As much as you loved him, there was a part of you that didn’t understand the reverence he looked at you with sometimes. You didn’t feel you deserved it and sometimes it scared you that he might have put you on a pedestal that you were destined to fall from, being human and all. But when you would remind him of your imperfections, he would simply shrug and remind you that he wasn’t perfect either. He didn’t want perfection; he wanted real, something like what you already had. “Although, I’ve got to say, you’re pretty damn close to perfect,” he’d murmured in your ear. You had gently swatted his shoulder, which made him laugh, and he’d given you a tender smile. “Perfect for me,” he added. You had kissed him thoroughly for that sentiment and he had nuzzled you as you both settled in to watch whatever horror movie he had picked out.

You now lifted your arm up to grab hold of the collar of his coat to pull him slowly down to you. You pressed your lips to his and heard his hands settling on either side of your head, anchoring him so he could keep his weight off of you. “Thank you for today,” you whispered. 

His smile grew bigger. “You’re welcome.”

You bit your lip nervously. “I’m sorry I don’t have anything planned for you. I didn’t even think… But I’m going to fix that. Starting this week. I’m going to—”

He kissed you again, effectively shutting you up. “Today has been a good day for me, too. I don’t want anything else so don’t worry about it.”

You gave him a look. “But that doesn’t make up for—”

“Tell you what, how about we head back to the dorms, get some hot chocolate going, and then you can make it up to me.” He gave you that all too familiar salacious smirk.

“CJ,” you laughed. “I’m being serious.”

“So am I.” He wiggled his eyebrows playfully.

You thought it over for a moment, studying him intently, seeing the red in his cheeks and nose from the cold, and tiny snowflakes hanging from his eyelashes. “Okay,” you agreed. “But we need to do one thing first.”

His smirk grew into a triumphant one. “What’s that?”

You instantly scooped up snow on your right and gently hit the side of his head, causing the snow to fall down the left side of his face and onto you, making you twist and squirm underneath him to keep most of the mess from pelting you. 

CJ glanced down at you in shock, one half of his face covered in snow, his beanie completely saturated with it. You laughed and he immediately caged you in between his arms. “Oh, you’re going to get it.”

You hit him with another snowball and as he recovered, you crawled out from underneath him, laughing. You had just gotten to your feet to run when he tackled you, making you shriek, and began to pelt you with snow. An all out snowball war ensued and you couldn’t remember the last time you had laughed that much. Eventually, CJ won (you let him win though you would never tell him that) and he hovered over you, snow covering every inch of him, smugly smiling down at you. Now, this was perfection. You had never seen a more beautiful sight and your heart had that leaping sensation in your chest again. You hoped that no matter how old you got one day, you never lost this memory. Not only of how he looked but also how much you truly loved him in this moment. 

You lifted up and kissed that smugness right off of his face. It wasn’t long before you were back at the dorms and he had snuck you into the showers with him, promising hot chocolate after you both got warmed up. As the hot water rained down on you both, you gasped as he teased you from behind, his hands roaming all over you. You turned in his arms to face him and wrapped yours around his neck to keep steady. You gasped again when he picked you up, urging you to wind your legs around his waist, and moved you under the spray so he could use the tile wall behind you as leverage.

CJ kissed you deeply, neither of you minding the water trickling down over your faces. He broke away and stared into your eyes. “Happy Valentine’s Day, sweetheart,” he murmured.

“Happy Valentine’s Day,” you whispered back to him, smiling, before his lips covered yours once more. You quickly thought back over everything from today and his words came back to you. “You know, Y/N, I never thought I’d be able to have something like this.” “A relationship with a girl where I’m sober…and happy.” The truth was you never thought you’d be able to have something like this either. But you did; you had it. And like CJ had also said, you had never been happier.

dividers by @firefly-graphics

[kaylinalexanderbooks]

How Cuddleable Are Your OCs?

Thanks @laureleavess here!

Rules: on a scale from 1-10, rank your OCs based on how cuddleable they are!

Round One, Round Two, Round Three

Yes I've done this before with the main/core/supporting cast of TSP.

So I'll do the folks who are more supporting cast in Part Two!

Alex - 10/10 loves cuddles so much! Very big on physical contact!

Issa - 8.5/10 very bubbly and gives great hugs, but she's insecure about herself so that will hold her back a bit

CJ - 5.5/10 he will be very confused but will awkwardly hug back out of politeness. The extra .5 is for Issa

Wendy - 4/10 the only reason she's this high is because she won't hurt you. She'll just remain stiff and unreactive if she's hugged

I can probably do one more round of this game with the TSP cast before I have to move on.

Tagging @inkednotebook @talesofsorrowandofruin @addicted2coke-theothercoke @melpomene-grey @eccaiia

+ ANYONE ELSE

TSP intro

TSP tag list (ask to be +/-): @thepeculiarbird @illarian-rambling @televisionjester @finchwrites

@nebula--nix @literarynecromancy @honeybewrites @the-golden-comet

[steddieas-shegoes]

take a break

Happy Birthday CJ @tboyeddie )!!! I hope this tiny token of my friendship makes you smile, and I hope your day is relaxing and you get to do whatever you want to do. Giving you the biggest hug and wrapping you in a fuzzy blanket so you can be cozy. - Mickala 💖

rated m | tags on ao3

/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/

“Wayne’s just as bad as you.”

Steve looked at the giant box sitting in his living room, scribbled with little doodles and notes to their daughter, Jess. Her birthday wasn’t until next week, but since Wayne could only come this weekend, they’d arranged an early party.

He shipped her gift to their house since he couldn’t bring it on the plane.

Now Steve sees why.

“I don’t know what you mean,” Eddie said against his cheek as he came up behind him and wrapped his arms around Steve’s waist. “Nothing bad about wanting the best for our girl.”

“The best doesn’t have to be so…big.” Steve gestured to the box that was nearly his height. “What did he even get her?”

“He might’ve mentioned something about a swing set.” Eddie rocked them back and forth slowly. “But maybe it’s not.”

It was.

Steve glared at Eddie as he opened the top of the box to peek inside to confirm.

“We don’t even have anywhere to put it!” Steve whisper-yelled. Jess was asleep in her room, exhausted from a busy day at school and softball practice. “I’m not setting it up in my living room.”

“Sweetheart, we’ve got enough room on the back patio for this. It’s just one swing!” Eddie pulled a printed picture of the assembly from the side of the box. “See? Barely takes up any space. You won’t even notice it.”

“Right. I’ll just have to walk around it every time I have to take the trash out.” Steve crossed his arms. “Where are we even hiding this until her party?”

“I can make it fit in our closet.”

Steve’s brows raised in surprise.

For all that Steve used to hoard clothes, he only took up about 30% of their shared closet now. He was content with just enough to get through his week and a couple extra nicer outfits for special occasions.

Eddie, however, believed that more is more and he should get to have every shirt that looks even remotely decent on him.

Which, Steve admits, is most shirts.

“You’re not gonna make that fit.”

“How many times have you said that to me? I’ve always made it fit, right?” Eddie smirked at him, wiggling his eyebrows suggestively.

“I’m going to bed,” Steve sighed, turning so he could hide the fond smile he had on his face.

“I’ll be in soon to make it fit!” Eddie replied.

Steve shook his head as he walked to their bedroom.

He stripped off his clothes with every intention of letting Eddie try his best.

——————————

“Daddy! You said Uncle Wayne was coming at 3:45. It’s 3:47 and he isn’t here!” Jess whined.

“Daddy did say that. But Daddy forgot you can read a clock and Daddy should have thought this through better,” Steve said as he finished making the pitcher of lemonade that Jess had long since abandoned.

“Where is he? Is he still in the plane?” Jess looked out the window and up to the sky as if she would be able to see Wayne waving out of the window of a plane if she tried hard enough. “Dad said that sometimes planes have to fly in circles before they can land. What if he’s dizzy?”

Steve hid a smile in the fridge as he put the pitcher of lemonade on the top shelf. “He’ll be here any minute. Maybe there was a holdup with his bags at the airport.”

He was glad Eddie was working right now or else he’d be pacing the floor and being as impatient as Jess. If he knew Eddie half as well as he thought he did, he probably was.

“Maybe they lost him.”

Steve couldn’t hold back the laugh at that. “Lost Uncle Wayne? I don’t think so. It’s pretty hard to lose a person, lovebug.”

“Not sometimes! My friend Hannah at school lost her sister once at the grocery store and her mom cried for two whole hours before they found her.”

Steve’s eyes widened momentarily. “But they found her! And she was just a kid who probably didn’t listen to her mom or dad, right? And your Uncle Wayne-“

“Is here!” Wayne yelled from the front door.

“Uncle Wayne!” Jess yelled as she ran out of the kitchen and dining area to their living room. “You’re not lost!”

“‘Course not! Couldn’t get lost right before your birthday. Then who’d sing ya the silly birthday song?” Wayne picked her up and settled her on his hip.

She was turning eight, and she was quite tall for her age, so this would probably be the last year Wayne could get away with this.

“Dad knows it. Doesn’t he?” Jess asked Steve, suddenly growing concerned. “What if Wayne did get lost?”

“Your dad knows it just fine,” Wayne said, setting her down and walking to Steve. “Hey, son. You doin’ alright?”

Steve let himself fall into a hug with Wayne, doing his best not to let tears gather.

It’d been a while, okay? He missed Wayne’s hugs.

“Glad you made it. Want a drink?” Steve pulled away to grab him a beer. “Grabbed your favorites at the store last night.”

“Drink sounds good.” Wayne popped the top before turning back to Jess. “I was promised a makeover last time we talked on the phone, wasn’t I?”

Wayne was a good sport, insisted that he didn’t care if it was playing catch at the park or getting his nails painted, he wanted to spend every second with Jess. Steve was just excited to have a day go by without eyeshadow glitter on his clothes.

“I got a new lip gloss that tastes like strawberries and you will love it, it’s just a little pink, but it tastes so good,” she said seriously, folding her hands in front of her and rocking onto her tip toes. “Can I show him daddy?”

“Yes, but remember what I said. It all stays in the bathroom. Go get everything ready first while he rests for a minute,” Steve smiled at her as she clapped and ran to the bathroom. “You don’t have to let her do the makeover. She’d be just as happy doing it to herself.”

“I’m happy to get a little glitter on this face. Could use a shinin’ demeanor,” Wayne joked. “Especially after the airport lost my bags.”

Steve’s jaw dropped. “What? Do you need me to run to the store and get you stuff? Why didn’t you say so sooner? I’ll catch Eds before he leaves work so he can stop on the way home.” He walked over to the phone, only to be stopped with a hand on his arm. He looked at Wayne with furrowed brows. “What is it?”

“If you waited a second, you’d know they found them. That was why I was a bit late.” Wayne shook his head. “You ain’t gotta jump through hoops for me, I keep tellin’ ya. You doin’ okay? Really?”

Steve’s sharp inhale, his painstakingly schooled features on his face, his hands being kept busy so Wayne wouldn’t see them shake, it all added up to him not doing okay.

Wayne pulled him into a hug, one hand cupping the back of his head and one rubbing his back as he felt Steve sob against him.

“Son, what’s goin’ on? You boys need some help?” Wayne whispered so Jess wouldn’t hear. “You know I’ve got some money saved up if ya need it.”

Steve shook his head against Wayne’s shoulder.

“No, no.” He sniffed. “I mean we’re broke, but all the bills are paid and we still managed to spoil Jess for her birthday. It’s just-”

Wayne smiled sadly before pulling away.

“Everything?” Steve nodded. “I know the feelin’. You boys are doing a great job, though. I know it’s a lot right now, but you’ll get through it. You always do.”

“Just overwhelmed lately. Eddie’s been working a lot more and my classes are all labs this semester, which is so stupid, like why do teachers even need labs if they aren’t gonna be science teachers?” Steve threw his arms up. “And Jess got in trouble at school last week for fighting and she was technically right and protecting herself and another kid, but they have policies or whatever so she was suspended for a day and I had to miss class, which was a midterm day and the professor is a dick who doesn’t seem to understand that people have lives outside of the classroom. And Eddie doesn’t really understand my frustration because he hated school, so why should I care so much, right? But he’s kinda right, like, I was allowed to make up the midterm, why am I still letting it bother me?”

“Papa! I’m ready!” Jess yelled from the bathroom, interrupting Steve’s rant. “Do you want blue or purple eyeshadow?”

“Surprise me!” He yelled back before touching Steve’s arm. “We’re gonna talk about this more later, okay? Ya don’t have to hold this in, son.”

“I know. Enjoy your makeover,” Steve sniffed, wiping at the few tears that managed to still trickle from his eyes. “Eds should be home soon.”

——————————

When Eddie got home, Wayne was well on his way to being the prettiest princess Chicago had ever seen.

He barely contained a snort of laughter at the streak of dark pink blush across one cheek as he kissed Jess’ head and made his way back to the kitchen.

“Hey, sweetheart. Smells good,” Eddie leaned in to kiss Steve’s cheek, brows furrowing when he saw the red around his eyes. “What’s wrong?”

“Nothin’. How was work?” Steve’s attempt at a comforting smile failed, and Eddie let his hands fall.

“Fine. Turn the stove off.” Eddie wasn’t sure what could’ve happened between that morning and now, especially since he’d been looking forward to Wayne’s visit even more than Eddie had been. “Look at me, Stevie.”

Steve turned to him, eyes still downcast, bottom lip worried between his teeth.

“Your head being loud?” Eddie whispered, cupping Steve’s cheeks in his hands. He smiled sadly when Steve nodded. “What do you need me to do?”

Steve shook his head, unsure of what Eddie could do. They were both doing everything they could, it was just how life was going for them right now.

No way out but through.

Eddie wordlessly pulled him into his chest, ignoring his quiet protest.

“We’ll order pizza if it burns.” Eddie had $20 cash in his wallet ready to go if Steve just said the word. “You’re doing too much, sweet love.”

“Jess, I totally forgot!” Wayne’s voice echoed from across the room. “Part of your birthday present is coming to stay with me at the hotel for a night so you can swim in the pool! Did you know it has a slide?”

Eddie turned to glance over his shoulder, nodding once when Wayne gave him an encouraging smile.

“Really?” Jess squealed. “Daddy! Dad! Please!”

Steve and Eddie were nearly bowled over by Jess, her excitement making them both give genuine smiles.

“If Papa is absolutely sure.” Steve looked over at Wayne, who was nodding. “You should go pack your backpack with pajamas and a bathing suit, little one.”

“I’m not little! I’m almost eight!” Jess argued as she ran to her bedroom.

“Wayne, you don’t have to-” Eddie started.

“You both need a night off. Maybe it won’t solve everything, but it’ll give ya time to yourselves.” Wayne ruffled Eddie’s hair, ignoring his groaning and complaining. “I’ll have her back before lunch tomorrow so she can get ready for her party. Plus, it’ll keep her outta your hair while you set everything up.”

Eddie and Steve knew better than to argue further, not with that stubborn old man.

Jess was packed in record time, giving Steve and Eddie hugs and a kiss on the cheek before practically bouncing out the front door.

Wayne just laughed and waved at them as he took her hand in his to lead her to his rental car.

The silence that followed was deafening, almost overwhelming.

Steve looked at Eddie, Eddie looked at Steve.

“We’re alone all night.” Steve sounded shocked, like it just sunk in. “Just us.”

“Just us. Alone,” Eddie repeated, his smile growing as he walked forward and stopped right in front of Steve. “I’m gonna take such good care of you, sweetheart.”

Steve melted against his chest at the words, grateful that Eddie was already wrapping his arms around him, keeping him from collapsing to the floor.

The past…six months or so, really, had been so stressful for both of them, they’d barely had time to do anything, let alone take care of each other in the way they both desperately needed. Steve wasn’t even sure the last time they actually managed to go to bed at the same time, his homework often keeping him up long after Eddie went to bed.

It would all be worth it, and they still managed to do little things for each other when they could, but it still sucked trying to get through it all.

“Miss you so much, Eds,” Steve mumbled against his neck, pressing his lips to the juncture of his shoulder and neck.

“Miss you all the time, baby boy. You wanna take a bath?”

Steve nodded against him, but didn’t pull away.

He didn’t need to; Eddie lifted him up under his thighs, waited for him to wrap his legs around his waist, and walked to their small, but cozy bathroom. Jess’ bath toy basket was still by the tub, along with an open bottle of bubble bath and her fruit punch shampoo along the edge. Eddie shook his head fondly before setting Steve down on the sink counter.

“She sure knows how to leave a mess, huh?” Eddie asked, not nearly as annoyed as he probably could be. “I guess she gets it from me.”

“Forgetting to close shampoo bottles? Definitely a learned behavior.” Steve kicked his toe out to nudge Eddie’s leg as he cleaned up and started the water. “Definitely not learned from me.”

Eddie turned around just to roll his eyes. “I don’t close them because I know you’re gonna use them. I don’t just forget.”

“Sure you don’t.” Steve pulls his own shirt off as he watches Eddie pour some of the coconut bubble bath. “Which is why you must also always forget to tell me when you’re running low on your body wash.”

“Exactly! You get it.”

Steve snorted and got off the counter to unbutton his pants, didn’t wanna waste any of their time waiting on Eddie to get him undressed.

“In a rush?” Eddie said over his shoulder as he let his hand run through the water to check the temperature. “We’ve got all night.”

“Not in a rush, just don’t wanna waste a second.”

“That sounds like rushing.”

Steve poked his shoulder as he stripped off his socks. “I’m not rushing.”

Eddie finally stood up and turned around, his breath catching when he saw Steve, completely naked, watching him with his hands on his hips.

“You’re so beautiful, baby boy,” Eddie whispered, reaching his hand out to run his fingers across his chest. His scars weren’t nearly as widespread as Eddie’s, mostly focused on his side and stomach, but Eddie liked to trace along the sensitive skin surrounding them just to watch him shiver. “How do you always look so good?”

Steve blushed, never good at taking compliments, even 15 years after Eddie gave him the first one. “I have bags under my eyes that look worse than that bag you found on the side of the road and tried to convince me you could polish up to use for when we visit Wayne.”

Eddie leaned in to give him a kiss. “No one knows how good you are at imagery, it’s such a shame. But they aren’t that bad, sweetheart. And they don’t make you less beautiful.”

Steve didn’t say anything else, just pressed a kiss to Eddie’s cheek and moved him out of the way so he could get into the almost full tub.

As he sunk down, every bit of stress he had in his body left him in a long sigh. The water temperature was perfect, the bubbles smelled good, and he could feel Eddie’s eyes on him in a way that made him feel precious, cherished, loved.

“You gonna join me or just stare at me all night?” Steve kept his eyes closed as he spoke, didn’t wanna disturb his peace.

“Can I do both?” Eddie asked from right next to the tub.

Steve opened his eyes to see Eddie already naked and gesturing for him to scoot up so he could join him.

Their tub was small, definitely not built for two grown men, but they managed to make it work. Once Eddie was settled against the back of the tub, Steve settled his back against Eddie’s front, pulling his knees up slightly and letting them rest against the sides of the tub.

Eddie’s arms wrapped around his chest, holding him up so he could relax completely.

They stayed like that for a while, quiet except for the occasional hum from Eddie.

Steve let his eyes drift shut after a minute or two, focused on the feeling of Eddie’s heart beating against his back, his breath puffing against his shoulder and neck or the top of his head, his fingers making patterns against his skin and chest hairs.

Every moment they’ve had to touch each other over the last few months had been rushed, and while Steve loved when Eddie got rough, he craved the softness of this moment sometimes too.

Now that he had it, his brain was shutting down, taking a rest from expectations, even the ones he liked having.

“Doing good, sweetheart?” Eddie whispered, not wanting to interrupt him.

“Mhm.” Steve’s mouth didn’t quite want to form words, but he was able to get that out at least. “Mmm.”

Eddie’s hands disappeared for a moment, but quickly came back with a soaped up washcloth. He rubbed along his arms and chest slowly, gently, whispering words to him as he worked. Steve felt cloudy, kind of like he’d stuck his head under the water, but kept smiling to himself. He hadn’t felt this good in a while, and he knew Eddie would take care of him.

“Stevie, I’m gonna get out so I can wash your hair. Can you open your eyes for me?” Steve blinked them open and turned his head, his vision blurry and taking a moment to completely focus on the man behind him. “That’s good, sweet love. You heard what I said?”

“Mhm.”

Eddie kissed his lips briefly, not wanting to pop the bubble Steve was in, before getting out of the tub and helping Steve settle back against the wall.

He wrapped a towel around his waist and dropped to his knees, cupped water over Steve’s head slowly, meticulously.

“Good,” Steve managed to get out as Eddie started scrubbing the shampoo into his hair, dragging his nails across the roots, massaging his scalp. “Love you.”

“I love you so much, baby boy.” Eddie kissed his forehead as he helped him tilt backwards so he could submerge all of his hair in the water to rinse it. “You deserve to feel good like this.”

Eddie always said that to him, even when Steve wasn’t floaty. They’d be sitting at a restaurant with Jess and he’d tell Steve to order whatever drink he wanted because he deserved to treat himself sometimes. They would be at the park watching Jess play with friends and Eddie would tell him that he deserved to have the family he always wanted.

Eddie made sure he knew he deserved to be happy, no matter the situation.

When Eddie was done, he kissed his temple and helped him out of the tub, pulling the plug for the water to drain as he held on to Steve’s hand.

The night went on, Steve got extra care and attention, and when he finally came out of the clouds, Eddie was holding a cup of hot chocolate for him to sip on in bed.

“Thank you, Eds. Needed that,” Steve said after taking a few sips, letting his head drop onto Eddie’s shoulder beside him.

“I needed it, too. Haven’t been able to really do much for you in so long. Started to feel like maybe I was failing.” Eddie sighed. “I know it’s not our fault, but we haven’t made us a priority in a while. I’m glad we got to tonight. We owe Wayne big time.”

Steve nodded, taking another long sip. “Maybe we can try to save up and get him that fishing pole for Christmas? That one he keeps talking about like it’s his firstborn child.”

Eddie barked out a laugh. “I think if we got that for him, he’d name it. I’d be forgotten.”

“I hope you don’t get jealous of your future sibling,” Steve joked, nudging Eddie’s side. “Wayne’s got plenty of love for you both.”

“I guess we’ll have to find out, huh?”

“I think if I can pull off a few extra shifts next month during school break, we can do it.”

Eddie kissed the top of his head. “Wayne would love that.”

“Well, I love him.”

“And he loves you. He wouldn’t have offered this if he didn’t.”

“He loves you and he loves Jess, he would’ve offered for you both if not for me.” Steve set the mug down on the bedside table before turning back to Eddie with a grin. “I think we could probably find the energy to get one round in before we pass out, couldn’t we?”

“One whole round? Very optimistic of you, sweetheart.”

Steve straddled Eddie’s lap, cupping his face in his hands. “Half a round?”

“That sounds possible.”

[idoodlemen]

psst im really late but os there anything that explains. the cj sacrifices au,, cuz im curious abt it but im also.LOST sorru if this is stupid,,,,

I’ve been working on a doc but I can happily explain the primary lore right here!

The whole idea is a medieval fantasy. It was mostly out of spite out of socialclimbs clue au ( no hate, just thought it could be better written ) and that’s the primary bias of how it started!

In october of 2022 I started the story and rough designs, and then February this year I redid it, which was fun.

The splits into 4 different main characters.

Featha/ Soul- He is the king and rules Adolere(kingdom). His parents died unexpectedly and he looks for guidance into his “ adoptive mother “

Haiku/ Heart- He is the “ run away “. He was based off aladdin and flint rider from tangled, however character wise he is definitely different. he wasn’t always like this, he has his reasons.

Emeline/ Mind- she is the most disconnected from cccc in general but she is the head knight for Adolere, following under feathas rule, and also being his closest friend. she is the kindest of the punch, and her spare hobby was playing violin.

lastly, Kamaria/ Whole- She is the hisses of rage, why? well I lied, the whole story starts with her, this was around the witches trial and in the mix of it her baby was killed, which left this poor grieving mother to act out of rage and burn the village, only to be burned with it. She’s caused torment to kingdoms and she doesn’t plan on stopping, until she met featha. She killed off the king of Adolere when featha was young so she can teach him her ways.

If you didn’t get it from the name- Featha sacrifices to kamaria for power, to keep his kingdom running! this however coast his youth and his mental health being shut out.

another interesting fact, they all represent the economy too! hince also is a reason why haiku hates featha.

Featha- High class

Emeline - Middle class

Haiku- Lower class

extra notes:

Featha paints in his spare time :)

Emeline has a secret garden

Haiku was a tailor before the accident happened.

[damienf519]

Download Coastal Roads Here

Coastal Roads is ready to be downloaded! The completed version of the world is here along with its official saved game file! This version also includes all of the lots by CJplays. Thank you CJ!

The map requires every single expansion pack and stuff pack with the exception of Katy Perry Sweet Treats as that is is the only pack I do not own.  In addition it uses the following free store objects

No Tricks, Just Treats

 More Halloween Treats 

 More Holiday Presents 

 Weba Yayfoo

 Modern HDTV by Webbsta Industries

 Honeycomb Bookshelf ( I'm having trouble finding this one in the store for some reason. Hope its still available ) 

 Let there be Sims!

Note : it is saying that I used the slot machine on the exchange. I do not remember doing that. It must have been a mistake. Don't worry if you do not have it.

You can download the world via the exchange here

As an alternative you can download the world via Media File, if you are unable to download it via the exchange for some reason, but I would prefer you download it via the exchange

You can download the official saved game file here

( It should also be noted that you cannot run the official saved game file without this current version of the map installed, otherwise it will not run. )

Here are the two additional lots that use premium store content

You can download the Coastal Roads Farmers Market Here

It uses the Humble Harvest Stands, but its not listed as doing so on the exchange

You can also download the Modern Boardwalk Here

If you download either of the extra lots, make sure you take a screenshot of the name and the description in case it gets deleted. You can than follow the instructions on where to put it.

If you would like to get a better look at the two extra premium content lots before downloading them, you can do that right here

Hope everyone here enjoys Coastal Roads now that it has been completed

Upadate 11/1/2024

Sorry I just noticed this in the map description on the Exchange.

I forgot to edit that text before uploading it to Mediafire and The Exchange. Just to clear things up, this is the final version. Sorry for any confusion that may have caused

[simplykenni]

AHHH I've been working and going to classes ajfjdjejs

I've also been on tiktok

CJ, my beloved...

KENNNNNDRA ITS BEEN 84 YEARS!!

WHERE YOU BEEN AT???????

[tblsomedoodles]

Will you do the new seers (do clara and cj have a names like how their predescesors were the seer twins?) in their uniform/training geer/ninja wear? idk what you call it. theyre still in the apocalypse right, so woukd they just go out on missions in their everyday clothes or do they get extra weapons/armor?

Idk, i've just been calling them the Non cannon seers, or maybe just the seer kids, since they got the powers so small.

but yeah, here's a picture of both of them.

CJ doesn't really change, and Clara's dressed somewhat to match. She has a similar style of armor (it's a cross between what CJ wears and a battle shell.) And her tofa's have all sorts of hidden gadgets for when she needs them (though she usually just uses them to hit things lol.) Both sets of gear Donnie created and put away for them before he died.

When she's not in combat gear (especially post timetravel), i think she dresses more casual punk-like (i think. help i don't know style lol.) Like she wears snarky graphic teeshirts or tank tops, and skinny jeans with hanging chains. And combat boots. She definitely gets a jacket that she covers in pins and patches. I'm gonna have to draw her in all that at some point but yeah.

Thank you!

[themulitipurposechannel]

Hello!

I LOVE your story!!! CJ having healing Ninpo is so genius and it’s making my brain run wild with possibilities!

Are there any tidbits you’d like to share about the au? Also could you possibly explain what happened with CJ aging due to Ninpo (in the latest update)?

(No need to answer any of the questions if you do not want to)

AWESOME COMIC, AWESOME STORY, AWESOME ART!!! I can’t wait to see more!!!

Hope you have a great day ^-^

BDJDHDHDHDHD Aww dude stop you have no idea how happy this makes me 😭 I’m so so so happy you love my au!! 💗💗💗 I love the concept of Casey with healing powers! He’s has a temper but I still think suits him so well given how protective he is as a person ahah!! And I’m so glad there are ppl out there who agree with me too! But Hehe yesss join me join me in my healer!Cj brain worms hehehe

.

Hmm since you asked bout the aging(and that’s a little complicated) I’ll answer that first. So I can’t go into too much detail cuz that will spoilers for a comic and some other art that will explain everything! ..Maybe😂 But I will say this. Cj unlocked his Ninpo when he was 10 he was fine, he was aging normally. Till a certain incident happened when he was 11 and well.. we all know what happened next, freshly baked trauma and he aged a couple years forward overnight plus some extra long term injuries (that I will go into later).

The good news is that as long as he doesn’t push himself like that again he will be aging mostly linearly again? But the damage has alr been done 😅. But anyways, after the incident, he never pushed himself like that again. One, cuz the Hamato fam would never allow it and Two, cuz the recovery period is so long/bad (cuz Cj is no master and worse he’s a literal child unlike Mikey who was in his early 20s when the cursed Aging started) no one can afford for him to be knocked out of commission like that again. It makes him wayy too vulnerable.

Post-incident, at his worst he has only aged a few days forward but cuz that’s so small no one except Master Michelangelo (cuz he’s a mystic master and cuz he’s also in the same boat) can tell the difference. Plus it’s so negligible it doesn’t technically matter.

But long story short, pulling himself tgt from that incident physically and mentally loooonnng time haha. But as you can see even now it still leaves its scars haha and probably always will.

.

As for any other tidbits? Oh gosh where do I start ? Ahh there is just so much to say! Ok update wise I’m actually working a PMV for Healer!Cj so if I go quiet for a while that’s why. Idk how long it’s gonna take but I’m excited to show some sneak peaks along the way lol. This is my first time doing something like this so here’s to hoping it goes well!

.

Lore wise: although Cj does have a subway car in the lair. Once he gets more settled in he actually bounces around quite a bit. Boy was not meant to stay in one place for too long. While he does spent most of the week at the lair cuz the underground is familiar too him, he will spend 3-4 days crashing on the couch at April/Casey’s apartment. And on a rare blue moon he’ll give Draxum a heart attack 😂 by breaking into his apartment and sleeping on that old man’s couch. After a while it becomes their own little inside joke 😂. Draxum tries Cj-proof his apartment using mystic or otherwise and Cj makes it a point to still try and sneak in.

.

And the surprise of no one. In this Au, Uncle Mi is Cj’s favourite uncle. Sometimes second pesudo dad. But mostly on accident by a very sleep deprived Cj.

.

I have plans for P!Casey to eventually develop Ninpo a few years down the line. But I can’t think of any powers for her so if ya’ll got any suggestions pls fire away.

.

And oh P!Leo is gonna permanently need a leg brace. Sometimes on rlly rlly bad days, he will need to use a crutch (not that he ever does cuz he’s wayy to stubborn) but you get the picture.

Raph’s eye is permanently gone, Donnie and his shell will heal but bro will have chronic back pain for life plus certain parts of his shell where the tendrils dug into the thickest are now numb cuz ya know, nerve damage from being literally ripped out the technodrone. Mikey will need to wear compression gloves but his shaking gets significantly better over time. So he draw but he still needs to every two months or so he can get pretty bad flareups which are jsut Oof.

.

Good news is April is fine aside from a broken arm during the invasion that will heal. Splinter was surprisingly not that badly injured just a few pulled muscles here and there. And Cj is Obvi fine too aside from a minor concussion that he got prior to time traveling. Which to him was basically nothing. The reactions by everyone else was hilarious and a major culture shock for Cj. Turns out his apocalypse pain scale was drastically different to their normal not apocalypse pain scale.

It was hilarious the gang were like: “you’ve running around taking care of us a lot. Are you good?”

Cj: “yup all fine. Just a few bumps and scrapes”

8 Hours later..

Cj: “It looks like everyone’s settled? Great. I’ll go grab painkillers for my concussion now.”

Them: “I THOUGHT YOU SAID YOU WERE GOOD!?”

.

Long story short no one escaped the failed invasion unscathed :’D but also whoops sorry for the long ramble 😅 this kidna got away for me 😂

[soldiermom1973]

TW: pet death. Under the cut

I had to say goodbye to my cat this morning. Her kidneys were failing again and I just couldn't afford the treatment. This happened last year and I spent over $3000 to save her. The vets had no idea what was wrong. Could be a once and done, they said. Could be she was dealt a shit hand and has shit kidneys and it'll happen again. They just didn't know.

I got home from work last night and she was just... Weird. Didn't curl up on my chest like she usually does. Didn't lay next to me when I went to bed. I got up about 615 to her throwing up. But the time I got to her, she was eating it. And then she just laid down. Didn't move when I stepped near. So I called the emergency vet that took care of her before. Woke my son up because I just knew I wouldn't be bringing her home and I'd need someone to drive.

Her levels were so high they were literally off the chart and couldn't be read. Just like last time. I broke down, explained I couldn't afford the treatment, that I'd have to put her to sleep. On the one hand, I HATE that it was a financial decision. On the other, I don't know how much pain she was in last time. She was at the vet for a week, then it was many more weeks of subcutaneous IV. I'm sure she didn't enjoy any of that. So while the knee jerk was financial, maybe I saved her some suffering...? I just hope she knows how much I loved her.

I got a nice urn for her ashes - it's a statue of a cat laying down. I'm going to put it in front of my TV, where she liked to lay and was always blocking my view. Her collar and bell is hanging around my shift stick (I drive a manual) and on the way home it would jingle when CJ shifted and I just looked in the backseat for her and started crying when I remembered she wouldn't be there.

And now I sit in my house and have this massive cat tree that she isn't here to further demolish. Habits I got into that I don't need to do anymore (I'd always leave the bathroom door open just a crack for her to come in). I unplugged her water fountain. I miss her so much. She was only 4.

Please, if you have a pet, give them some extra love for me. I don't care if it's a dog or cat or birb or snek or spider or horse or goat or whatever. Maybe share some pics with me...? I'd love to see your animals.

[starshine555]

Metal Vocalist Indicators in Astrology

I decided to do something a little different to practice reading natal charts so I had the idea to look at metal vocalists' natal charts. Unfortunately, for many of them I couldn't find any birth times so these will mostly be aspects and planet placements. I was specifically aiming for metal vocalists that actually "scream" and not just sing, even if the music they make is more like rock rather than metal to see if there's any significant indicators. So i'll start this list with the placements I saw the most.

Water Mars

This is the placement that appeared the most. I was actually very surprised at first to see this placement pop up A LOT. But the more I thought about it, the more things added up, because of how much water mars bottle up how the feel. I think water mars channel the energy of metal music very well. I was expecting to see a lot of fire mars, but I only saw a sprinkle of leo mars and aries mars here and there.

Examples:

Scorpio mars: Serj Tankian (System of a Down), Jonathan Davis (Korn), Marilyn Manson (Marilyn Manson), Angela Gossow(Arch Enemy), Joe Duplantier (Gojira), Franz (Attila), Kadeem France(Loathe), Winston McCall (Parkway Drive).

Cancer mars: Phil Anselmo (Pantera), Chester Bennington (Linkin Park), Caleb Shomo (Beartooth), George Fisher (Cannibal Corpse), Chris Roetter (Like Moths to Flames), CJ McMahon(Thy Art is Murder), Alex Koehler (Chelsea Grin), Ben Burnley (Breaking Benjamin).

Pisces mars: Chino Moreno (Deftones), Zach de la Rocha (Rage against the machine- yes, i know, he raps, but he does in fact scream in his music), Frank Mullen (Suffocation), Jake Luhrs(August Burns Red).

Mercury-Uranus

This placement makes a lot of sense, because this placement is a huge indicator of having a unique voice in general. I mostly saw a mix of harsh aspects(conjunction, oppositions and squares.), but there were some harmonious placements also.

Most of the people on this list above had this placement, but here are some without water mars:

Ex:

James Hetfeild-conj.(Metallica), Tatiana Shamayluk-sextile(Jinjer), Maynard James Keenan-trine(Tool/ A Perfect Circle), Morgan Landers-sextile(Kittie).

Mars-Uranus

People with this placement have a desire to express themselves through ways that are considered 'out there', hence, this is a good placement for metal vocalists(screaming).

Ex:

Tom Araya -conj.(Slayer), Corey Taylor -opp.(Slipknot), Maria Brink -square(In This Moment), Lacey Sturm -Trine (Flyleaf), David Draiman -square(Disturbed), Chad Grey -Trine(Mudvayne).

Extra Indicators:

These placements weren't as common but I saw some synchronicities to them, so here are some extras.

Mercury-pluto/lilith/saturn- I suppose these placements could sort of an edge to how people communicate, but it wasn't super abundant.

Sun-Mars - this was fairly common, and ofc it makes sense that people with this aspect would do something as bold as scream in music.

Moon-mars - This one wasn't super common but I could definitely see how people with this placement could be potential metal vocalists.

Leo Mars- after all the water mars this is the other more common mars placement. Roar, Leo, roar!!

Taurus Mars- Yet another placement I was not expecting, but I did see it in a lot of people's charts.

Possibly Virgo moon- okay, to be fair, again, most of the natal charts I looked at didn't have birth times so this could be inaccurate. If it wasnt for that I would've put this placement at the top of the list with water mars, but from what I saw a-hell-lot of vocalists had this moon sign.

Conclusion

I'm going to be honest, I was expecting to see a lot of aquarius or aries, but to my suprise that wasn't the case. But the point of this post isn't to say that you MUST have these placements to be a vocalist or whatever, but just to see what kind of energy is most likely to be suited for metal screaming. I put a lot of time into researching this stuff, but it was fun anyways😁.

Photo credit to:Trev Earl

[angelpuns]

In your Birthday Comic, do the others remember that it is Donnie's birthday as well as Leos? Its just that they had all forgotten until Dee reminded them, and since Mikey and Raph were busy decorating the place, did they manage to get Donnie a gift as well?

Yes, they remembered after Donnie reminded them! I imagine after decorating they snuck out to get both him and Leo some last minute gifts :)

Mikey probably already had some little ones he made pre-invasion and Raph definitely had something he got pre-invasion as well. I like to think they get each other's gifts way in advance, but they probably got them each smthn extra and then ofc April and CJ got them something as well :)

Here's what I think everyone got him:

Mikey: made him a custom Jupiter Jim figure from scratch; also bought him a little Lego set that his kid self can enjoy

Raph: bought him tickets to see a magic show later in the year; got him a kid-sized Unicorn onesie :)

April: Bought him some fancy looking sunglasses and then a slightly smaller pair for his kid self LMAO ( she has a matching pair as well )

CJ: bought him the latest Jupiter Jim issue, but then April convinced him to also get him a toy so he got a funny lil purse ( it's full of fake money )

and then this is what they got for Donnie:

Mikey: A hand-painted laptop case with Donnie's logo on it :)

Raph: new beanbag chair!!! It's huge ( Donnie kept falling asleep on Raph's giant beanbag so he got him one of his own for the lab :') )

April: tickets to see Oppenheimer ( also tickets to see Barbie but she got those for everyone else as well )

CJ: didn't have a gift already so he bought a specific JJ movie when they were out. Donnie already had a copy, but he was happy nonetheless

Leo: Got him and Donnie tickets to see a rerun of their favorite movie ( which was supposed to be on their birthday but he doesn't remember where it is/doesn't even remember it exists sooo)

Leo will probably get him another gift later, anyway. He just literally doesn't know he already got him one :)