#days till vandalism

[aroaceascension]

It’s still fucking sad we didn’t even reach day 5 for days till vandalism. Like it’s such a sad fucking thing, LIKE WOW DID NOT EVEN LAST A WEEK

[storiesfromafan]

I HAVE REQUEST!!!! Fall rides with Benny! Reader hears about a really good cafe 5 towns away and she runs into the vandal bar to drag Benny out and forces him to take her to the cafe cuz she wants to try the customizable milkshakes “WE DONT HAVE IT IN OUR DINER, ITS A MUST HAVE EXPERIENCE”

I believe I kept to the ask, only changing a few things and adding more fluff haha. I hope you like this!! 😊😊 It took me a little while, but finally got my head around it lo.

If anyone wishes to request, feel free too~

Fall was your favourite season. From the comfy, warm clothes to the all the food and drinks to the mark the season. Give you a good hot chocolate on a cool day, while either wrapped in a cosy blanket or knitted sweater. Today was a cosy sweater day with some slacks and flats. And you had been catching up with some of your girl friends over some hot chocolate at a local diner.

While catching up, one of your girl friends was telling you about the day trip she’d taken with her boyfriend to an amazing diner five towns over during their stop off. She recalled how warm the town had been, and the diner. Which she said had such delicious food and snacks, along with amazing drinks. You were hanging on her every word, knowing you had to visit this place and its cafe.

“And they had customizable milkshakes!” She gushed. “I mean, you could have just about any combination!”

And with some more positive words from her, you were sold. You had to go, hand to get one of those milkshakes. But the obstacle was getting Benny to take you. Sure, you could say you wanted to take a ride and just miraculously stumbling across the town and cafe. But you know you couldn’t play Benny like that, he’d see right throw you. So, you know you will have to be up front with him, possibly beg him. Which happens more then you think. Yet, you think he would give you the world if you asked, he just enjoyed prolonging giving in. Your begging and the face you pulled was so cute to him.

After your catch up ended, it was late afternoon, which mean Benny would be at Grand and Division. So off you went, determined to get him to agree to a day ride so you could try a milkshake five towns over. But with every moment of your journey, you began to think maybe it was a silly request? Like, who travels five towns over for a milkshake? Unfortunately, you had made it to the door of the bar. Well, no turning back now.

Pushing the door open you slipped into the bar. Greeted by the sight of only a handful Vandals – Johnny, Brucie and Benny being the three of them – and the barman. Usually Benny would be playing pool, but you were surprised to see him sitting with Johnny and Brucie towards the back of the place. He was facing the door, and he spotted you before you even noticed him. The way he smiled at you warmed your heart, the look of love in his baby blues causing butterflies.

Two months of dating, and after the second week you knew you were a goner for Benny. For him, it was not even a week. Your relationship has been an intense one, something you had never experienced before. And at times it frightened you, but as soon as Benny holds your hand or wraps am arm around you, that fear retreated till the next time.

Crossing the room, you walked over to Benny with a bright smile. You greeted Johnny and Brucie, before turning to your boyfriend. Who had been looking up with you, his arm moving up, hand going under your sweater to rest on the skin of your lower back. You looked down at him with a matching warm smile.

“Hi...” you greeted Benny softly.

His smile widened, teeth on display as he replied “hey".

Without another word, Benny used his hand and moved it to your waist, before moving you to sit on his lap. Of course in your surprise you let out a small squeal, which both Johnny and Brucie chuckled at. Johnny was happy to see Benny with someone like you, a nice girl who could tame the young Vandal, yet didn’t change him.

“Geeze, can ya stop with the cutesy stuff" joked Johnny, sitting back in his chair with his cigarette. “Makes me sick".

Benny chuckled, turning to the older Vandals. “Whatever old man". And he wrapped his arms around you, holding you close. “Thought you’d be happy for me".

They chuckled. “Yeah kid, we sure are" was Johnny response before taking a drag of his cigarette.

They talked a little longer, while you sat there half listening to the men. All the while you were trying to decide if you would ask Benny about the day ride. With every passing moment you were thinking not too. Benny noticed how you weren’t fully present, which told him you had something on your mind. And when both Johnny and Brucie left the table, did he finally have the chance to find out what was up with you.

“Alright sweetheart, what’s goin’ on?” Benny had moved you around so he could see your face.

The way he was focusing on you, made you blush a little. His strong gaze on you, a flicker of worry flashing in those baby blues. “Well...you see, I caught up with a few of my girl friends...” you began.

Benny nodded, a sign for you to go on.

“And Fran, she was tellin’ me about this diner, five towns over. How they have these customizable milkshakes...”

He hmmm, a small smirk on his face. “And ya want me to take ya, right?”

Slowly you nodded. “Yes please".

“I dunno...” Benny said, teasing tone. “We got milkshakes here at the local diner".

“They don’t do customizable ones Benny" you practically whined. “We don’t have them in our diner, it’s a must have experience!”

Chuckling at your childishness, Benny took a hold of your chin and turning your face to him. Looking into your hopeful eyes, Benny knew he couldn’t say no to you. “Alright sweetheart, we will go tomorrow. Happy?”

You smiled brightly, moving to wrap your arms around his neck and planting a hard kiss to Benny's lips. “I’m always happy with you" you answered, before going in for another kiss.

The next day, Benny picked up in the morning. Thankfully it was a nice day for a ride. He’d zipped up your leather jacket before helping you onto his bike, instantly you wrapped your arms around Benny’s waist. You both enjoying the closeness the bike gave you. It didn’t take long to ride through town and out the other side. Benny’s body heat helped with the cool licking of the wind that rushed past your face.

The ride was a long one, factoring in pit stops along the ride. When you finally arrived at the town, you smiled taking in how fall had really came to the place. The trees leaves were yellows, browns and oranges, and many lining the ground having fallen from the branches. The houses were warm and homey, many having small families. And the diner you had come all this way for, looked like any other diner you’d been to before. But this one was special, an exciting milkshake that you hoped lived up to the hype.

Parking the bike in their parking lot, Benny cut the engine before helping you off the bike. He then followed shortly after. Once your legs and backsides were feeling less numb, Benny took a hold of your hand before leading you into the diner. The bell rang as Benny opened the door for you, you walked in before he followed you and closed the door. You both got a few unsure looks, but you never let it bothered you.

Leading you over to a booth, Benny let you get in first before sliding in next to you. Resting his arm along the back of booth seat, you pulled a menu up so you both could look over it. Of course the milkshakes were the first thing you looked at, after all its the reason you were here. Next was food, as poor Benny was starving, and you were gonna make sure your baby was fed right.

With your orders taken, you both settled in, waiting for your order to arrive. Benny looked to you, smiling at your excitement. He would never deny you if this was the reaction he got. Leaning in, Benny placed a chaste kiss to your temple. You smiled, turning to your boyfriend before leaning in and giving him a quick kiss of thanks. That of course started him leaning in for more kisses, until you turned away and he moved to kissing your neck. It tickled you, making you giggle. You tried to stop him but Benny wouldn’t have it. You were both like teenagers.

It only stopped when your food and milkshakes arrived. You grabbed your customised milkshake, mixing (flavour) and (flavour) together. And it was perfect. Like you could drink it for the rest of your life perfect. From the pleased sound from Benny, he must have liked his milkshake too. Content with a few sips, you moved on to your burger and fries, as did Benny. While eating you both talked about the trip there. When finished your food, you went back to your milkshake, savouring every last drop. Eventually you paid the bill, treating your boyfriend as he brought you both here.

Exiting the diner, it was now afternoon, and you had a journey of a ride back. Benny made it down the few stairs before you. You stood there watching him, as he pulled out his cigarettes and lighter, but upon realising you weren't behind or beside him, Benny turned back to you, a confused look upon his face.

“Ya alright sweetheart?” He asked, putting the items away, just in case.

You smiled contently at him, stepping down a step as he moved to stand before you. “Of course baby" you cooed.

Benny loved it when you called him baby or any pet name, though he won’t admit it in front of the guys. You placed your hands on his shoulders, enjoying the feel of the denim vest against the palms of your hands. Before moving to cup his cheeks, the stubble softly stabbing your skin. You leant up a little – being on a few steps higher then Benny helped with his tall frame – and placed your lips on his. It was a soft, warm kiss. Showing your doting boyfriend just how happy you were right now.

Pulling back you caressed his stubble with your thumbs. “Thank you Benny for bringin' me here. I know it’s a silly reason, but I appreciate you doin' it for me".

Placing his hands on your hips, Benny drew you closer, now nose to nose. “I’d do anythin' for you sweetheart. I wanna make you as happy as I can".

You giggled. “Just bein' with you makes me happy, baby".

“Same here" he sighed contently. Then an idea hit him. “If we’re so happy sweetheart. Then let’s get married, yeah?”

Now that surprised you. Your two months boyfriend had just proposed to you. And though things were good, yet moving a little fast, you knew your answer. Benny waited with baited breath. He’d wanted to ask you for a few weeks now, but there never seemed to be a right time. Until right now.

With a deep breath, the sweetest and adoring smile crossed your lips, eyes sparkling. “Of course Benny!”

In his excitement, Benny wrapped his arms around you, pulling you off the stairs and swung you around. You laughed as he moved you both around, before planting your feet on the ground. Benny then leant down and planted a lasting kiss to your lips. Happy to have made you happy with a milkshake, and now ecstatic that you are going to be his Mrs Cross.

[bluecollarmcandtf]

Too Old to Trick-or-Treat

When the doorbell rang, I did not expect to be seeing an 18 year-old standing on the doorstep. Nevertheless, I grabbed my bowl of candy and greeted him with my best Transylvanian accent. The handsome young man flashed me a winning smile and stuck out his chest.

"Trick or treat!" he charmed, "It's Brandon from down the street. By the way, that vampire costume is sick!"

I rolled my eyes, "Brandon, aren't you a bit old for trick-or-treating?"

"What's it to you, dude? Aren't you a bit old to be dressing up?" Brandon laughed, "I'm just killing time 'till my friends pick me up."

A small sigh escaped my throat. Brandon's friends were as careless as he was. Countless mailboxes had been smashed over the last few months, and I had a sneaking suspicion of who was responsible. Brandon may put on a good performance during the day, but he was quite the rebellious vandal at night.

"Wait here, Brandon. I have something special for you..."

"Hope it's a king-sized candy bar!" he called as I slipped back into my house.

With quiet steps, I retreated back to my study, where I kept all my ancient texts and spell books. My family has practiced witchcraft for centuries, and I knew just the thing to help Brandon grow up.

"Here you are, Clark Kent," I said, handing the young man an enticing little pastry.

"Damn, that looks good," he gasped before scarfing the baked good down, "That was the best cookie I've ever had!"

I smiled inwardly and leaned against the doorpost to watch. Brandon looked confused when he suddenly noticed a stinging sensation in his stomach. He groaned in shock as his stomach rumbled louder and louder. He held his belly nervously and looked at me with panic.

"Woah, what was in that thing?"

A loud belch bubbled up his throat and sounded out of his mouth. All his thoughts and worries seemed to leave with the air from his stomach because his face slackened immediately after the burp. He kind of slumped back into a relaxed standing position, and a physical transformation began happening all over his young body.

His gut gurgled and bubbled outward as his spine stretched taller. Mass seemed to spawn all over his frame as his metabolism rapidly aged. The skin on his face seemed to sag and age as wiry hairs burst out of his cheeks.

"Wow, you've aged quite well," I noted, suddenly stunned by manly body wearing a tight costume in front of me.

Brandon seemed to snap out of his stupor, and glanced at his surroundings. Something seemed off to him. He was unaccustomed to his sudden change in height.

"What just happened?" a much deeper tone surprised the young man.

"You needed to grow up, Brandon."

"What?" he began to notice his new body with panic, "Why am I fat and hairy all over?"

"This is just your body in 20 years. I just made it come a lot faster."

"Woah! Dude, change me back," he begged, "This is gross! God, I look just like my dad."

I chuckled at the guy. It's not so often you see a grown man like this in a tight Superman costume, whining like a child. I decided I might have him stick around for a little bit.

"I'm not changing you back," I explained deviously, "But I will change your thoughts..."

"What?" he scoffed.

"... It'll be easier for you to accept your new body if you have a new mind to go with it. It's not like you can go back home or hang out with your friends looking ike this. Can you?"

"You can't change my thoughts-"

"Babe, get back inside!" I suddenly chastized him.

He looks confused for a moment. A whole minute passed where his brain seemed to be loading the new information, and then said, "Ok, babe."

"I love the costume on you, babe," I add, patting his round gut, "Even though you've packed on a few pounds since our wedding."

Brandon blushed beneath his hairy face and felt his chest self-consciously. He looked embarrassed about his heavy frame.

"You know I like a little pudge though," I added, "Hey, while I'm on candy duty, do you mind cleaning out the gutters in the back? The fall leaves clogged them up again, and I know how you love taking care of things around the house."

"Sure thing, babe," he gave me a peck on the cheek and steps down the hallway.

"You really are my superhero!" I called, watching his big ass move in those tight superhero pants.

"And you're my evil villain," he heartily laughed before stepping outside to do what I asked.

It was going to be nice having Brandon around for awhile. I was determined to teach him the pleasures of a mature and stable lifestyle. Sure, he' was taking care of all my yardwork and house chores for the next few weeks, but I really just did this for his own good.

I was ready to train him to be the perfect little husband, and part of that involved enjoying that tight superhero costume he's squeezed into at the moment.

[ventiij]

Hello I have a request that came to my mind. What about the sumeru boys reacting to yn staring at them as the work out. (Are any genshin characters if you like) I wanted to write this but unfortunately I have zero writing skills so if you did it would be great :D

I’ll write this with the characters in my list, yesyes

love this request 😈

watching the sumeru boys work out 

(romantic, separate)

Cyno x reader; Scara x reader (implied that y/n is part of the Adventurers’ Guild); Tighnari x reader

Cyno

-seeing Cyno work out isn’t that rare, it is part of his job after all.

-ngl, he might even invite you to admire his super skills; let’s just say he doesn’t mind your presence. 

-so make it spear training or just running, lifting weights and all that stuff, you’re always welcome to watch! he’s happy with your presence in general. 

-let’s say he’s doing push-ups: normally, he would do them the classic way, but if you’re there, he might as well use one hand… hell, he might even try with just one finger (he fails)

-“you’re so resistant, you’ve been doing push-ups for the past… uhh..?” “push-ups? love, please, I’m just lifting Teyvat up and down.” pls ignore this ndkwnaml

-when he’s taking a break, he tries to look hot while drinking too

-no but like fr, if you’re just chilling in a corner, sat on a chair, bro will come to you running slowly while breathing heavily, he’ll grab the water bottle and try to make some of it drip all the way down to his abs to then take deep breaths while looking at you. he’ll wipe the liquid off his face and then lean in to steal a kiss, using his hands to cup your face. 

-he drinks really often when you’re around 🤷‍♀️

-he also makes sure to keep close to you

-“what did you think of that?” asks for your opinion after any exercise he does, expecially the hard ones or the cool ones. 

-shows you some tricks he learned after a lot of practice (pls act super surprised, he’ll feel proud of himself)

Scaramouche

-you have to be sneaky for this one

-scenario: after finishing your dailies,  you claim the extra rewards, walk around the Sumeru city for a bit when suddenly you hear Scara’s voice (aka his whimpers) and that surely catches your attention, so you decide to peek through a big plant at the entrance of the building you heard it from and see the beautiful sight of your boyfriend lifting weights that might be twice as him. 

-you stare for some time and woah, how does he do that? he looked so small and tiny but now? whole new impression, so there you are, sticking your head between some leaves while looking at shirtless Scara who’s turned the other way.

-well, you do it ‘till you can

-“hey, you! what are you doing?!” a random man yells at you, turns out he thought you were vandalizing the plants and as you both apologize to each other for the misunderstanding, your s/o is already looking your way, chuckling and grabbing his shirt as he walks up to you. 

-“something caught your eye?” he teases you as you’re obviously flustered he found out what you were doing. “how long have you been enjoying the show for?” he smirks, waiting for an anwser. “I was just passing by, when suddenly… oh look, someone’s calling for you inside” he doesn’t turn around after you say that “no, nobody is. now anwser” 

-well good luck getting out of that

-he keeps teasing you for the next 2/3 days but he actually thinks it’s cute how you like him in every shape and form (mutual feeling but he’ll never admit it)

-honestly though, he loves it when you watch him working out, he feels important so he shows off as much as possible, if you praise him he’ll be even happier and you’ll boost his confidence 

Tighnari

-doesn’t work out really often because of work, but when he can, he doesn’t expect anyone to want to spectate

-he’s running some laps in a particular area of the Avidya Forest, he brought his bow and his arrows, he had laid them down on the ground next to some other objects he took along with him

-you arrive later on: you were previously looking for him since you hadn’t seen him in a couple of days, Collei was the one who told you he’d be where he is. 

-he’s so concentrated, looking at his surroundings in the smallest detail, stopping every now and then to observe little plants or creatures, “so cute!” you think as you take a seat next to his belongings and watch as Tighnari proceeds to work out and really just warming up for the rest of the exercises he planned

-when it’s time for him to take his bow, he turns in your direction and his eyes open wide as he sees you. you wave hello and he comes up to you

-“y/n? when did you get here, love?” he asks you as he sits next to you “not long ago, actually. how are you?” “hmm..” he kisses you. “I’m fine. better than before, since you’re here.” 

-you pet his head and ears while talking. the situation takes a gigantic turn and it’s now extra romantic and cute

-you guys cuddle a bit, then he asks you if you wanna join him and work out toghether 

[artbyblastweave]

Something I find interesting about the Lizard League is that these guys are supervillain supervillains, costumed in the classic mold- Salamander with the impossibly-skintight patterned-cloth costume, Iguana with the tight-tights-and-animal-headpiece combo, Komodo with that 70s-style strongman cowl-and-jersey, King Lizard with the Baron Strucker-style double-breasted greatcoat. These guys are unrepentant in their design. And in the comics, where the Sequid arc didn't happen till around issue 40, these guys were part of this established stable of villains who'd show up as fodder for montages and one-off fights where they needed to have a hero beating up someone who's clearly a supervillain, never mind who. That meant that their eventual escalation to nuclear terrorism after 30+ issues of low-rent stuff, and the ensuing clusterfuck, actually parsed as a meaningful escalation from the established status quo. These guys are breaking the rules. Supervillains do stuff like this sometimes, sure, but not this kind of supervillain- these guys are doing MCU-style unmarked-Kevlar terroristic supervillainy when they should be doing lizard-themed gimmick crimes or Super-friends stuff!

Well, no, that's not quite true. It feels true, but honestly there are plenty of examples of campy big-two villains doing flat-out nuclear terrorism pretty early on, actually. Just to pick some examples from X-Men, Magento did it in his first appearance, and the ANAD lineup's first real outing was to stop Count Nefaria from hijacking NORAD. Screwing around with the military's world-ending shit is downright commonplace for supervillains, once you start tallying it up. But between the goofy kid-gloves approach of a lot of early silver-age comics and the sheer volume of Stuff that's happened in the Marvel and DC continuities, the impact of attempted nuclear terrorism inevitably gets sanded down, it just becomes one more data point in the endless ebb and flow- hell, it can result in actual nuclear detonations, and eventually it's going to get sanded over. In the nineties, Vandal Savage actually nuked Montevideo using depreciated USSR stock. Is that salient, these days? This event that would have reshaped geopolitics had it happened in our world? So yeah, supervillains make a run on the nukes all the time- but it doesn't count if you do it in a onesie with your initials stenciled on it.

But Invincible, as a self-contained continuity, actually has the ability to maintain perspective and appropriately weigh a grab at the nuclear arsenal - it's very much not business as usual, it's not part of the typical cops-and-robbers runaround. It's not stealing a priceless diamond, it's not a bank job, it's not even rampaging through the city center with a giant robot. It's a credible attempt to end the world, it's a challenge to government power that they won't let stand, costumes or no. It's the government sponsored super team coming in guns blazing trying their damnedest to kill you from the word go, and its you trying to kill them equally hard because there's really no coming back from this if you lose. And it ends up that treating this situation with a commonsense level of gravity acts as a deconstructive backhand against every similar situation in the comics that ends with the villain shaking their fist and escaping at the last minute.

[iocity]

ASL ‘Merica AU where Ace is the only one who can make coffee. Sabo can cook (mediocrely, Ace is much better) and usually does due to Ace being so “free-spirited” (a whore). But Ace is usually back in the morning to make the coffee because if anyone else makes it, it tastes like hot dooky water. One time Luffy tried to make it and they all feared for their credit scores (he almost burned their rented home down). Luffy, despite being very knowledgeable in food, cannot cook for shit. Sure he knows what is healthy and what plants grow where, but applying them in the kitchen?? Danger and destruction to everyone involved. Usually Luffy just ends up backseat cooking (standing next to them, wrapped up in a blanket and telling them how he wants it cooked). Sabo doesn’t mind it much, since he is quite particular with his food too. But Ace?? Oh he is pissed. If there is one thing that will start an argument in the ASL household, it’s questioning his culinary prowess. Sure he’s no Sanji, but he’ll be damned if the only person in the house who can’t cook tells him how to. Usually when Ace is cooking, Luffy is a) keeping his peace and deciding to yap about his day or b) in the time out chair while Ace curses with every movement he makes.

Despite that, cooking and eating together is very important for all of the brothers. When Ace moves away for school, both of the brothers feel that the empty space on the couch is overwhelming. No more arguments, no more specially Ace-made meals on birthdays and holidays, and no more brotherly bonding time (till summer of course). Sure when they can they’ll call during mealtimes, but it isn’t like him being there. It wasn’t the same rushing home to eat because Ace insisted their food be hot. Luffy is affected the most by his absence. Sabo had gotten used to eating alone as a child, so it was a familiar concept that he could (unfortunately) go back to handling; Luffy on the other hand had always had someone to eat with. When it wasn’t Garp or Garp’s “old people” friends, it was Dadan and the boys. He felt childish and immature for feeling so sad when Ace left, especially since he knows Ace would never have left if he could help it.

It’s on one particularly bad day that Luffy feels the gap in their house the most. After a long exhausting day of running from the cops (for vandalism) all he wants to do is be around the people he loves most. So he calls up his friends, wanting to just hang around them, maybe play a video game or go outside and wander. He is instead met with a chorus of no’s to which he complains about GREATLY. Nami has to go out and handle “some business” (whatever that means), Sanji has to cut Zoro’s and Ussop’s hair (Sanji is very particular about noise since he isn’t professionally trained), Chopper and Franky are working on a big project (something about mechanical blah blah blah) and can’t be distracted, Brook has a gig in another state, Robin has classes to teach, and Jimbei is babysittting for a friend. Law didn’t answer which usually meant he was at the hospital, and Luffy hated that place. They wouldn’t be free till later, and Luffy was bored now. So, he came home hoping to see Sabo but was met with a note on the counter about how he had to finish a project and wouldn’t be home till later. Luffy felt exceedingly lonely, and he HATES feeling lonely more than anything else. When he is alone, his boredom makes way for thought, and thought makes way for headaches. So, he calls Ace. It rings once, then twice before…

“What’s up ya lil’ crybaby?” Ace’s voice rings out flatly despite his happiness that his little brother called.

“I’m borrreed. And hungry. I���m hungry and bored and no one is around.” Luffy whines miserably, head on the kitchen table as he kicks his feet.

“WOMP WOMP wah wah wah get over it loser.”

“Asshole.”

“Shitface.”

“Doodoohead”

“That’s basically the exact same thing I just said dumbass. Why don’t you just go hang out with one of your delinquent friends?” Ace queries with a chuckle before a crashing sound clangs out loudly and a slew of colorful curses leave his mouth.

“They are all busy…” Luffy mumbles through a pout, his hands drumming a soft beat into the table to distract him from the fact that one of his brothers is halfway across the country, one is a workaholic (he actually has a very average work schedule; Luffy is just dramatic), and none of his friends can hang. Ace is silent for a while, before a video call notification is popping up on Luffy’s phone, a wide smile replacing his pout as he picks up.

“So we meet again foul fiend,” Ace grins, his teeth and nose only visible as he shuffles with his phone, “I’m super fucking busy by the way, you should be glad I’m taking this precious and majestic time to call my dumbass brother.”

Luffy laughs gleefully, ignoring the insult in favor of grabbing his phone and tossing it on the couch, yelling out a quick, “I’ll be back!”

“Don’t throw your dearest brother!” Ace yells from the mic as Luffy cackles his way down the hallway and back, game in hand. He sets the phone up to where he won’t have to touch it but him and Ace are still visible when he returns; he laughs again with a stupid grin as he settles into the couch. Ace has adjusted the phone in his absence, now his face and torso are showing, his hands and eyes focusing on something out of frame as his hat hangs loosely on the back of his neck.

“So you’re just gonna sit here while I’m workin’ and taunt me with freedom?? Didn’t you say you were hungry?? Why aren’t you eating?? You should eat go eat. Matter fact, go learn to cook for once,” Ace blabbers worriedly, his concern thinly veiled by his teasing.

“Keep distracting me and I will. Besides, I want your cooking right now, so I don’t wanna eat anything else.”

Ace’s face contorts in horror at his threat, before softening slightly and sighing, his lips pursing into an almost motherly glare.

“Look Luffy, you know I would be home all the time, but I have to do this. We’ll have enough money to move out and pay for college. It’s somethin’ I gotta do for all of us to live freely. Even if I’m not there, ya gotta eat and take care of yourself,” Ace lectures, his hands still working on something out of frame, his eyes focusing on the task despite the frown he adorned on his face, “And-“

“Don’t lecture me, I know already. I don’t care about any of that. I miss y’all,” Luffy is obstinate about it, crossing his arms and regarding the screen of his phone with deep displeasure, “I don’t wanna miss anyone, ever.”

“We know you don’t care, that’s why we do it instead, ya crybaby,” Ace says simply, cursing again as he leans into whatever he is working on, his head leaving the frame, “Life ain’t perfect.”

Luffy is silent for a moment, his frown deepening as he puts his game to the side. Groaning in displeasure, he gets up, grabs his phone, and walks to the kitchen to eat. He snags a random frozen meal, albeit begrudgingly, and waits for it to cook while looking at the phone boredly, “Let’s all just be pirates.”

“Fix your face; pirates don’t even exist anymore. Besides, who knows who could appear within the next week.” Ace’s mischievous tone soars over Luffy’s head as he lets out a loud, “Huh?”

“Semester is over next week asshat.”

“Yeah. I got finals, so what…” Luffy pauses, racking his brain for insults but coming up short, “welder…”

“That sucked assss bro. I did not raise you like this,” Ace laughs, a thumbs down entering the frame before continuing with its work.

Luffy grins feeling happier and more energetic after some yapping, and he dances as he grabs his meal quickly before sitting down and starting to devour it, pausing only to say, “Oh yeah, that necklace you left?? I stole it, it’s mine now.”

“HE-“

“I’m gonna go steal plants from the big ass garden down the street again! Bye!”

Ace is about to yell as the line clicks, his precious necklace that he accidentally left last visit and dumbass brother only fueling his annoyance. He shakes his head, his hair falling over his face as his eyes refocus on the orange, red, and blue stones he is trying to link into a pendant with gold wire; his hands are tired from the work.

“He better run me my shit back when I give him this, fucking criminal.”

Tags >:D: @porschethemermaid

ASL AU Masterlist!

[marimayscarlett]

If not for the bands message, I would 100% believe he was quitting either Rammstein or both the band and music. In fact, I think last year he was going to. No doubt about it. But the support and love stopped him. Made him rethink things. There are still people, a lot of people, who want to see and hear him. Like a Phoenix from the ashes - that's what I think the end of the poem implies

I also think he lost a lot of people. In music industry and personal life. People turned their backs on him long before any verdict was issued, and that made him lose hope. It would make anyone lose hope.

But truth prevails. And those who were genuinely loyal - stayed. And for those people alone, it is worth continuing... and I don't mean just music.

Hi 👋🏻

If Rammstein's thank you-message from two days ago hadn't been posted, I would be even more worried than I already am.

Nevertheless, I try to hold onto the fact that it is hardly likely that the band would publicly announce their continuation for all fans to see, and then their lead singer would announce his departure two days later.

Yet Till had to endure incredibly much last year. He was pilloried and prejudged from all sides, while at the same time, no one gave him the opportunity or allowed him to actively defend himself. His professional environment (the band, other Rammstein employees), as well as his private environment with family (there were even articles about Nele and his mother in the German press) and friends were dragged into it, then there was vandalism and death threats against him.

That one becomes hopeless and thinks about quitting (not only in a professional sense...) is not surprising. The poem reads very personally, as if he is not necessarily (only) referring to his musical career. If you approach the matter interpretively, you can also think that he has lost a lot privately (maybe friends who turned on him, other people in his life became frosty and distant...) and had to endure a lot. However he meant his poem, it seems to be an emotional/sad vent for the emotions and grief he still actively carries and now, with the tour over, perhaps feels more than during the busy and consuming tour life.

I think it is good that he makes it clear how close it hit him - a witch hunt was carried out against him to an incredible extent. Having to endure that leaves marks that do not fade quickly. Till is not a saint and has his quirks, but he certainly did not deserve this.

He is an artist, so he naturally expresses himself in a lyrical and cryptic way. We must be patient and wait to see if and what comes next. I really hope that he has found hope and confidence again. The matter is far from over; proceedings against a podcast are ongoing, and his lawyers have filed a lawsuit against Der Spiegel. That means it will accompany him for a while, whether he wants it to or not. I hope he has a network of loyal people around him who are good for him, and that he at least somewhat finds inner peace... and strength to carry on.

[imagines-babes]

Headcanons(q! Wilbur)

Hello, so this is qsmp! Wilbur headcanons. This was requested from my one of my wattpad reader. I’m not very good with headcanons but I hope you enjoy. This is over 1000 words also just a warning.

Wilbur list Masterlist

**************

In the beginning

He sat right in front of you on the train. Everyone was talking and introduced themselves one by one. While he sat looking to the side to see outside the window. You didn't know why but you wanted to know more about him.

The first night, everyone gathers at the first house, Roiers, to have a party. Music was playing and everyone dance. You look to see where Wilbur was, he was in the corner. Your guess was his social battery went out. So you went to ask him if he want to go outside across the party. He nods. After that you both became friends.

You would visit him at his home. And smile. You help him make his home bigger maybe one block more higher. He didn't mind. He loved when you both would hang out. He's a good listener while you talked and verses.

One thing you both had in common was music. He said he loves music and it brought him peace. While you were crafting for a pickaxe you happened to search for an instrument for him. There was. So instead of making a new pickaxe. You made a guitar. So the next day, you went to his house noticing the rams on the stone. Knocking on his door with the guitar behind me. He opens it and smiles. You handed him the gift and he notice the gift smiling as he hugged you. This was a first for you both. You both never hugged before only a wave bye but it was nice.

He let you know that he would be going on a boat and to not worry about him. But you did worry. You worry very much about him. He notices your face as he hugs you then his hand on your cheek. 'Darling you don't have to worry I will be fine and I will send a letter alright.' You didn't reply you just stare at Wilbur as he stepped back from you giving him space.

Meeting Tallulah

You were doing your normal routine till you notice Wilbur and Fit at the adoption center. Waving at them you stayed with them. Heading inside it was abandoned. Never looked like this before. You fell off till you felt someone holding your hand. Looking down to see his hand holding yours. Then you looked at Wilbur smiling. Fit explain more till there was a noise about us and a ladder appeared. Going up the ladder to see an egg.

Wilbur had 3 names for the egg. The egg got to choose one now her name is Tallulah. Tallulah passed you and Wilbur a red rose. We thank her.

Helping Wilbur raise Tallulah is fun. She showed us she plays some instruments. He would show her more tricks. Staring at the both with a smile.

You would also take pictures of them together. And give Tallulah any instruments you craft and she is grateful for each and one of them. Wilbur would watch you both bound. His love for you just grew stronger.

when Wilbur is away on a trip, you would stay with Tallulah and take care of her. Tell her many things about her father that you knew. She would smile.

Most nights, he would rush inside looking for his guitar. You hand it to him, 'She is waiting for you.' You would say as he goes to her room hearing the guitar play. You walk in to see him on her bed as she stares at him. You would walk in sitting by her bed she places her head on your lap.

Bad was telling us how quackity and some others vandalize the outside of the house. With quackity saying he has been claiming Tallulah as his own. You saw Wilbur's rage. Telling bad thank you and he was off. Wilbur started to look at the front seeing it a mess. You would try and calm him but by the second it wasn't working you stop him before going inside. In the end, you both thought that it was best you just come back tomorrow.

Tallulah would ask why you didn't stay the night. You just tell her it's grown-up things. Sadly you just said we agreed to disagree on something. She understood while Wilbur stood by.

You would fish with Tallulah but Tallulah would fish better than you ever could. That's when Wilbur would stand behind you and show you how to fish. Tallulah would stare at you both seeing you both get along now.

Meeting Chayanne

When first meeting him, Wilbur didn’t know who he was. Phil welcome us and we talked till Chayanne woke up and started to attack Wilbur. You and Phil tried to call Chayanne but he tried to get where Wilbur was. Wilbur was already on top of the house. That is when he found out about that Chayanne is related to him. (but not honestly it’s very confusing) Wilbur lost it. That’s when the two started having a family rivalry. Saying who was better. Honestly, you excepted this to happen.

Wilbur would notice how Chayanne would take care of Tallulah as you made your way over to him. He breaks a stare to look at you. ‘Chayanne is such a big brother.’ All you did was nod in response.

When Wilbur was away, and you were a little busy Tallulah would go to Phil and play with Chayanne but the time you would finish. Tallulah would be asleep next to Chayanne. You held her up thanking Phil and telling Chayanne thank you as well. You teleport home putting Tallulah asleep.

Now

One night, You were outside talking to Bad tell you heard crying from inside. Rushing inside you notice her moving around. You tried to wake her up it was a nightmare. She started to talk in her sleep. You try one more time as she looks at you and hugged you deeply crying into your arm. You tried and messaged Wilbur but it wasn’t working. Tallulah stayed in your arms as she went back to sleep.

Waking up one day to notice Tallulah handing a phone saying your name on it as you played a video. Saying all the eggs' names and how many lives they have. With them only having one more day till something happens. That same day happens to be Wilbur's last day. Turning over to notice Wilbur slowly waking up telling him about the video. He was sad he just got Tallulah and he didn’t want to lose her.

On Tallulah and his last day before they left for a while. You three would spend it together. Rather than just dwell on them leaving. It was productive fixing the outside of the house to her liking with her tortoise zoo in the fair right. Many would stop by and Wilbur changed with them as you stayed with Tallulah. At the end of the night, you three would be in Tallulah's room with Wilbur Gutair. Wilbur sang her favorite song, Dear Theodosia. Shortly you join in sitting on Tallulah's bed. She stares at her parents singing to her.

Wilbur left a book for you and her.

‘Dear y/n,

By the time you are reading this, I will be off doing something. I can’t tell you that yet but soon I will. When I leave chances are you are in the house alone if Our daughter was taken by her mother. I want to say thank you for helping me take care of her. I know you cared for her as much as I did. If I’m being honest I didn’t think I was ready to be a father. But I saw how you connected to her quickly. Shortly she connected with me. I didn’t want her to leave my side. When you were away mining she would tell me the adventure you would take her on. And how she was giving you some lesson for you to surprise me with. I’m sad I didn’t get to see you perform for me. But I hope when I come back you will be ready to play me any song. Even if it's a baby song. The reason I’m writing to you is because… wow I’m very nervous even if I’m writing it to you instead of saying it to your face. The reason I’m writing to you is because I don’t know how to explain my feelings face to face. I thought this letter would help. So y/n ever since the first week, I wanted to get to know you. More than your name or your favorite color. I wanted to know the real you. And I did you are the most kind, caring person I know. You help me with everything involving my first house to our first child. I hope you feel the same when I say I like you more than friends. When I come back I hope we can be more than friends. Darling, I am very much in love with you and I hope we talk soon.

- Wilbur Soot’

[spectrechosts]

Vandalize My Heart - Chapter 7

Welcome to the circle of Lust! Group painting starts at 5, please enjoy your complimentary demonic womb tattoo.

Full Series

Hell was hot.

Which, obviously. But it wasn't hot in the way Grace expected it to be. Less burning for eternity and more lazy summer afternoon. Lilith was protecting her, making it so she was accustomed to the heat like the demons were.

"This is my mark, little lamb. It protects you from the hellfire, from anyone who gets any bright ideas about stealing that precious soul, and it labels you as mine."

"This is a tramp stamp!!"

"No it isn't, a tramp stamp goes on the back."

Well, whatever it was, it looked not unlike a slutty tattoo.

Not that there was anything wrong with being slutty. Or having tattoos.

She was a new, more sexually liberated Grace. Friend of succubi! Pretty okay with being gay now! Probably not a nun anymore! She could have a slutty tattoo if she wanted.

Well, less wanted and more was okay with it being a thing she needed.

But it looked fine, in her opinion.

Baby steps.

Someone must have come to see why she wasn't at morning prayers and discovered the summoning circle by now. She had always been so careful to get rid of any trace of her deeds, and now she just felt…

Free. Like a huge weight was finally off her chest. She was a sinner, and that was okay.

It helped that Lilith hadn't exaggerated about her realm. She was splayed out on a huge comfy bed in the room that Lilith had made for her in her palace, a labyrinthine temple to the sin of lust that seemed to bend to her will. One moment there was an empty wall, the next, a doorway to her room.

In this place, Lilith was god, though she would probably dispute the comparison. If there was any trick, it was no longer needed. She had her. Grace was completely at Lilith's mercy.

And yet, lounging relaxedly, she felt that her trust hadn't been misplaced. Hell was, truly, luxurious. A big fancy bedroom, her own private bath, a closet full of nice clothes tailor-made for her. Even the temperature seemed to fluctuate according to her wants. If she got under the blankets, the room got colder. If she, hypothetically, tried on one of the skimpier outfits she found in the closet, it got a little warmer.

Lilith only wanted her to be comfortable. This whole place only wanted her to be comfortable. How had she ever feared this? Why would anyone want to avoid coming here? It was paradise!

She drew a hot bath and soaked blissfully. Coming here was the right choice, she was sure of it.

~

She spent her second day in Hell just exploring. The endless halls of the palace seemed to have a will of their own, shifting of their own accord as she walked. More than once she would reach a dead end and turn around, only to find herself somewhere entirely new.

"You get used to it, eventually." A stray succubus told her, between lazy drags on a cigarette. Many of the denizens of the palace seemed almost afraid of her, watching her from afar and scurrying away if she tried to approach. The meaner ones though, the ones that looked more monstrous, they would let her speak to them before tersely shooing her away. "Maybe if you decide you like it here, I'll show you around sometime, hm?"

The succubus traced a long claw slowly up Grace's throat, before theatrically twisting her wrist to tap her on the nose.

"Till then: fuck off, mortal." She said with a sharp-toothed smile.

Grace supposed she did have a glowing magic DO NOT TOUCH stamp on her, but it made things… lonesome. She had come here to feel accepted, and she felt a little bit like a freak.

And as she thought that, the palace brought her to someone who could help.

"Hiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii Grace!!!!!!!!!!!!" Azaerixia squealed, glomping her with almost enough force to bowl her right over. "Ohmygod I heard Mistress brought a human down and I thought it might be you!!! This is so exciting!!!"

"Azaerixia! It's so good to see you, it feels like-"

"Hold that thought, I have to introduce you to EVERYONE!!!" She said, grabbing Grace by the hand and dragging her down the hall as fast as she could manage.

Well, that was one problem solved.

"OKAY SO: Everyone this is Grace, Grace this is Sarana and Eshirlith and Vylona-" Azaerixia rattled off names at lightning speed as a roomful of demons setting up canvases stared at the two of them, some waving, confused, when their names came up. "-we paint together every week which is what I was gonna do right now but now you're here and I have so many other people to introduce you to so we have to keep moving-"

Grace waved at them as Azaerixia pulled her away, already zooming to her next destination.

"These two in the kitchen are Carilaith and Jaentia, they like to cook even though demons don't really eat food, so they'll be excited to meet you Grace!"

Azaerixia herded her into the kitchen, where a spoon was quickly shoved into her face.

"Taste this."

Grace ate the offered spoonful, and regretted it instantly. It was like someone had dumped an entire shaker of salt into a pot of battery acid, and then somehow burnt the resulting mixture.

"How's it taste?"

"Um-"

"It's bad, right?"

"The worst, right?"

"Yeah it's uh, it's pretty bad."

"Only pretty bad? I told you it needed more salt!" One demon said to the other, placing her hands on her hips as Azaerixia dragged Grace away again.

"They're basically the only people around here who actually use the kitchen for cooking, and not just wearing nothing but aprons and having sex on the countertops." Azaerixia paused, deadly serious for a moment. "Always remember to wipe down the countertops if you want to cook something. Always."

"Got it." Grace nodded, and Azaerixia took off again with her in tow.

"This is Zrixira's room, and that's her girlfriend Gor'omath." She said, pointing at a pair of demons playing a computer game. "Gor'omath is a wrath demon so she's technically not supposed to be here but nobody on our end really cares."

"Hey, she's helping me with official business." Gor'omath said, getting up from her computer and letting her character die. "Hi, Gor'omath. You find yourself feeling especially wrathful often, mortal?"

"Uh. A lot less, recently."

"Well, if you ever are, hit me up."

"That guy is yelling at you again, babe." Zrixira said.

"Tell him he doesn't pay my sub."

"Okay!"

"See? Official wrath-generating business. She's a natural." Said Gor'omath.

"Well, don't try and poach her! Anyway, we have more people to meet, later!"

"Uh, bye?" Grace said, closing their door and following Azaerixia, who had run off ahead of her.

"These are Aezorim and Helneth! They're having sex! This is Grace, she's new!"

Grace averted her eyes from the two, who did not stop fucking to make introductions, Aezorim waving at her as she bounced on Helneth's cock and Helneth too overwhelmed to pay attention to the two of them at all.

"They're really cool, I think you'll like them!"

"Azaerixia don't you have more people we need to hurry to meet please?"

"You're right! Let's go!"

~

This went on for hours, Azaerixia making quick introductions and then rushing off to the next person that popped into her head, always magically just down the hall.

Until suddenly, Lilith's mark shone brightly and Grace stumbled, slumping against the wall as her legs nearly gave out. The demon's seal pulsed with unholy power, sending jolts of pleasure through her cunt. She whimpered as she soaked her panties, the sudden magical stimulation unlike anything she had ever felt before.

"Oh!"

Azaerixia helped her stay on her feet, squeezing her hand reassuringly.

"Mistress must want to see you, she'll be here in just a moment!"

Grace didn't respond, inhaling sharply as the mark glowed brighter and the power ramped up in intensity, before slowly fading and stopping entirely.

"Hello, little lamb~" Lilith cooed, appearing before her, though whether through magic or just walking up to them Grace was too frazzled to tell. "Were you giving her the tour, Azzy?"

"Yeah!"

"You're so sweet, darling. Would you mind letting me have some alone time with her?"

"Of course not! Bye Grace!" Azaerixia said, giving Grace a quick kiss on the cheek before wandering off.

Grace took deep breaths, steadying herself before looking Lilith in the eyes.

"It protects my soul, huh?"

Lilith grinned. "And it marks you as mine. Fun, isn't it?"

"If Azaerixia hadn't been here I would have collapsed and had fun all over the floor." Grace said, rolling her eyes.

"Awww, you think that I would let you? Just from magic, no touching? Grace if that was my idea of fun I could just snap my fingers and reduce everyone in this palace into mewling messes, if I were boring." Lilith slumped over onto Grace, wrapping her up in her arms. "How are you enjoying my realm, little lamb? Is it to your liking?"

"It's nice." Grace said, closing her eyes and sinking into Lilith. "I was a little lonely, but Azaerixia introduced me to… everyone. So I think the demons are more comfortable around me now."

"That's good. The mark can make them a little nervous, nobody wants to make a bad impression and scare you away."

"Please, as if anything could scare me away at this point."

"Ooh, brave." Lilith hummed. "What if I told you that I can't wait to see how cute you'd look with a little pair of horns?"

"I'd tell you to slow your roll."

"It's too late, I'm thinking about grabbing them. Some cute little curved horns for my little lamb…"

"Oh no, my soul is in danger, I think I'll run back to the nunnery."

[joeseventies]

RTC characters as quotes my friends and i have said

Mischa: "Go get your ears hear-ed."

Constance: "Today I got out of my mom's car and I fell and I said 'weeee' before I fell."  

Penny: "And they sit in the windowsill and just stay completely still and they stare."

Ricky: "How giant… is the Uno."

Noel: "Meh." Ocean: "Meh? What does that mean?" Noel: "Its like shrugging, but with my voice."

Penny: "If I had a nickel for everytime I swallowed a nickel, I'd have exactly one nickel."

Ricky: "Everytime a phone rings, nitrogen gets its wings."

Mischa: "Too fast for the eye movement."

Constance: "I think that's legit the flavor." Ocean: "Flavor? Do you EAT your handsanitizer?" Penny: "I do."

Constance: "Dont threaten me about my socks! You almost gave me a heart attack!"

Ricky: "Careful there J.D." Mischa: "Who's that?" Ricky: "You dont know who J.D. is?" Mischa: "Isn't he from Warrior Cats?"

Noel: "You have the IQ of soft toast."

Penny: "I'm not a criminal, I'm just a drug dealer."

Mischa: "If I'm an idiot, then you're a ghost."

Constance: "You're not stinky."

Noel: "He’s like a very Italian pepperoni pizza. But british."

Ricky: "I'm shoving my gay up my pants."

Mischa: "Everybody gangsta till they tongue starts feeling weird."

Ricky: "Imma great mafia talk. Meow shmeow."

Penny: "3 people voted. God is dead."

Ricky: "Homosexual bad grr"

Noel: "I am not fucking watching Glee."

Ricky: "Remember: When fire strikes… Gay out and slay out!"

Noel: "They're still gnomes, I don't care if they're gay."

Ricky: "Happy Birthday, here's my AIDS."

Constance: "Chocolate MILF? I like women."

Ocean: "What's under my eyes? That's right. Abstinence."

Mischa: "I will only shake my ass for the POPE!!"

Ricky: "Run me over with your car, oh baby."

Ocean: "Give me your paper, you infertile gold digger."

Noel: "You're the one staring at my donut like a pedophile staring at a playground."

Penny: "Its not vandalism if it's fun."

Mischa: "Do you wanna check out my ass? For one second?"

Constance: "Straight people can be kinky too."

Ocean: "I'm literally a lobster. Lobsters don't have airpods."

Ricky: "Another day, another slay."

Mischa: "Don’t pull up on me. I'll pull up on your mouth."

Penny: "I know where your heart is."

Ocean: "You want my life to be miserable because you won't give me a penny?"

Penny: "I can feel every fiber in your body."

Noel: "Do as I say, not as I say."

Penny: "Does your fish want to paint? Woop woop woop."

Ricky: "Do you guys like my ring? Just kidding it's a pink monkey."

Mischa: getting choked "That was good form."

Ocean: "Let me put my hand in your pocket and show you I'm not gay."

Penny: "I always make people look away. Whether it be with my face or my actions."

Constance: "Little donuts on my math paper make me anxious."

Penny: "I've been craving water since 2nd grade."

Ocean: "Turn on your brains. Turn on your ears. Cause it sounds like they're not on."

Penny: "So health or religion?" Ricky: "Communism."

Mischa: "They word in such a way that words should not or should word."

Mischa: “Wait Stuart Little is Shakespeare?”

Noel: "You know how much I'd kill myself??!??!"

Penny: "Yep that's some high quality cocaine."

Noel: "Youre pissing me off." Ocean: "You're pissing me on."

Ocean: "You're gonna end up on an episode of forensic files."

[aroaceascension]

I hope today will be day 2 of no vandalism. Because fuck I don’t want the queer art I made to be vandalized, so I’m hoping no one homophobic or transphobic will do shit to it. I worked very hard on them

This image is from day 1 of no vandalism

It’s for all kinds of love and I drawn loving your pets and some lesbians

[eightmakesonebraincell]

Hello Loren. Firstly I want to say that I enjoy your writings a lot! I'm really sorry to bother you, but I'd like to ask for a help. I'm an atiny from Bangladesh. It is a small country in South Asia, if you might wonder. I don’t know if you're already aware of what's happening in my country. Here's a summary of it: 

University students here started a peaceful protest against the unfair job quota system. But our Government didn't want to accept our demands and things turned ugly as they tried to brutally suppress the protest. Almost 200 people (Officially reported), most of whom are students, were killed by Bangladesh Student League (Subordinates of the government party), Police, RAB and Bangladeshi Army in the past few days during the internet blackout. Yes they disconnected us from the whole world for a good 5 days, we still can't access social medias without using VPN and the Internet is hella slow. According to unofficial reports though, the death toll has increased up to nearly 1000 people, including journalists, civilians and even little children; countless people have been injured. However, mainstream media are not daring to cover any of these. The dictator prime minister is mourning over infrastructural losses and vandalism but hasn’t apologized for the deaths of these people yet; while other ministers are telling brazen lies to cover up. So much brutality is still going on, we can't go outside as there is curfew, and they're performing home raids, searching students' phones and arresting them under false allegations, taking away protest co-ordinators to torture them. I'm not going into further details of what we're witnessing but it's just horrible here. And to think that it's not some other people but our own race torturing, attacking and killing us. We’re not safe in our own homeland, in our so called independent country. As people are trying as much as they can to  document and share their crimes via social media platforms, we're in risk of another internet blackout, we can't even imagine the consequences if that happens. 

So I'm here to request that, if you have Twitter X, could you please make posts using hashtags such as–

#AllEyesOnBangladesh

#StarlinkForBangladesh

#SaveBangladeshiStudents

#StudentsUnderAttack

#SaveBangladeshiPeople

#JusticeForBangladeshiStudents

#JusticeForBangladeshiPeople

I'd be really grateful if you helped out and asked your mutuals to do so as well. Thank you for reading till now. Much love 💛

hi!! i'm sorry to hear that this is happening and thank you for giving such a comprehensive summary 🫶 i don't really use twitter but if anybody who sees this does, maybe they can take the time to use those hashtags to help raise awareness

i hope you stay safe and lots of love to you and everyone else who has been affected ❤️

[pers-books]

A familiar face is hanging around in Victorian England in

2.1. The Paternoster Gang: Rogues Gallery

AVAILABLE OCTOBER 2023

Victorian England is home to the Great Detective, Madame Vastra, her resourceful spouse, Jenny Flint, and their loyal valet, Strax. Solving conundrums, fighting injustice and capturing criminals are all in a day’s work for the Gang – but the most dangerous threat is one that takes up residence undetected.

There are trespassers in London, and they are coming to Paternoster Row…

1.1 The Ghost and the Potato Man by Barnaby Kay When a criminal gang pulls off a series of impossible heists, Inspector Cotton calls upon the talents of the Great Detective to crack the case. Tipped off by Ellie Higson, the Paternoster Gang uncover a link to a baffling music hall act.

While Jenny and Vastra chase down leads in London’s dangerous underworld, Strax finds a career on the stage is beckoning…

1.2 Symmetry of Death by Dan Starkey Cases are mounting for the Paternoster Gang. Three mysteries call for immediate attention: a murder, a locked room conundrum, and some acts of random vandalism. But is there a connection?

As Jenny goes undercover and Strax stakes out the suspects, Vastra finds an echo of the distant past which could be the key to the solution.

1.3 Till Death Us Do Part by Lisa McMullin Jenny has decided she wants a wedding – a real wedding with Vastra, before their family and friends. But the viewing of a dress leads to misunderstandings and confusions, becoming ever more serious. The owner of the dress claims to have been jilted years before by a man both familiar and unfamiliar… the Doctor!

As tempers flare, alien forces are at work – and what’s more, there could be a trespasser in Paternoster Row.

-- I'm just gonna go ahead and say 'Ooh!' at this news!

[dragon-business]

On the first playthrough we got Majma's business card from a vending machine pretty early in the game. We're absolutely sure Kiryu found it stuck in the bills slot. Small vandalism from an unknown Grand customer.

And then Majima got Kiryu's card too.

And somewhere before the end of y0 they surely met, and Majima got his eye on Kiryu, but canon doesn't specify anything. So here’s how we filled up that blank with disco, fate, and quick time events!

– Majima can't leave Sotenbori, so it's Kiryu who comes there.

The trip is definitely related to the nightlife business, and factually is about something really boring, that leaves Kiryu stuck between the hotel and the conference rooms 24/7.

The trip should've taken just a few days, but the partners keep postponing stuff, due to the "unstable situation with ownership of certain places" in Sotenbori.

(This is totally the side effect of the cabare wars going on there right at the same time) (And Kiryu being busy and stuck in the hotel explains why later in the game he acts like he's seeing Sotenbori and Grand for the first time)

Kiryu is not having a good time. When business gets too much in Kamurocho, he knows where to escape to to chill for a bit. At the very least he can drink in the human trafficking bar or something (it's the one in the Campion district, if you know you know). And because Maharajah chain is not related to his business, Kiryu does enjoy dancing his problems away quite often.

So, aimlessly wandering the hotel, he sees from the window, or just hears the glimpse of a disco party in Sotenbori's Maharajah.

(I believe Maharajah was on the same street as the hotel? There were fur trees near the entrance.)

Of course Kiryu waits till Marina will be busy and sneaks out to the club.

Meanwhile, Majima is in the middle of his battle for the title of the best cabare club + Grand duties + Sagava sniffing around. Hard life galore.

At some point he comes to the Maharajah specifically to find Isobe, because he wants to recruit her as a hostess or something like that. She is quite famous, and will attract a new crowd to Sunshine for sure.

Also she might add some dancing to the cabare's evening program. The stage they have is for the musicians, but things can be arranged.

(Isobe will not be so keen on the offer, it's one thing to dance on the dancefloor for your own enjoyment, and a whole other thing to go through the routine on stage. She'd rather train other girls on how to act on the dancefloor of something.) (Isobe is the girl from Majima's dancing substories) (Where Majima danced off all the challenges and became the disco goddess)

Isobe is of course guilt tripping Majima for not visiting the club that much. He jokes that the weight of the problems stiffens his movements, and she laughs it off: "You know, the only way to relax those stiff shoulders is to groove a bit".

She wants to kick him towards the dancefloor. And the best way to do it is to catch him in a bet. So she bets that Majima can't use the fan in his dancing routine or something. "If you prove that you can - l'll come work for you." Majima, being the dance goddess (Scott McCall nod.gif), takes the bait. What does he even have to lose?

Maybe additionally Isobe is worried about some sneaky business going on in the club? And she wants to ask Majima for help, but for that Isobe needs to get him alone.

(Also let's say Majima gets a nickname like all other disco dandies. The crowd knows him as The Lord, and Isobe teasingly calls Majima "mister manager".) (All of this is for plot reasons, bc we don't want Kiryu to add rwo and two about Majima's name and mafia connections)

At the same time, Kiryu is circling around with a drink. There's no friends and dance partners here, and he feels a bit out of place. Though there are some things that remind him of Kamurocho.

In his short time in the disco club: -Locals tried to scam him twice. -There has been at least a couple sneaky ass squeezes. -He paid triple the price for a cocktail with the most ridiculous name on earth (and it was quite mid). True Kamurocho experience. Just like back home .__,

And then Kiryu sees someone putting a pill in a lady's drink and comes up to her to warn about it. After that he assumes the position near the bar, watching other people's drinks like a hawk. This goes on for some time. And let's say that him being around and intrusive like that puts a wrench into the shadowy stuff and deals planned for the night.

The stuff is some new drug, very addictive. The shady people started giving out free samples on the new territory - to people who have money to waste at the disco club. Maybe they even plan to get the girls addicted, and rope them into human trafficking. Perhaps they did the same routine in other districts before. But in Sotenbori all this is in the starting stages for now. 

Isobe is sensing weird shit happening, but she can't pinpoint the guys stirring it, they always slither away. So the help of the super manager might be handy.

Obviously, Kiryu has already befriended people at the bar, someone is pouring their heart out to him, and so on. The shady people don't like it that much.  But beating up Kiryu would attract too much attention, so they want to kick him out painlessly.

So the plan is: if this guy insults lady Isobe, he will definitely be gone forever. He'll be kicked out and banned from ever entering the club.

And somehow they orchestrate the situation where Kiryu is invited to the lounge zone right at the moment when Isobe and Majima leave it to go dance. And right when they pass each other someone trips Kiryu up and he falls forward.

Goin down full force only a heavy boi like him can provide, in slow motion, Kiryu realises what's about to happen.

Trajectory is relentless. 

To his left stands the lady ⬅ To his right – the gentleman ➡ He has instinctively put his hands forward while falling ⬆ ⬅ left hand is about to meet ladies boobs ➡ Right hand is still firmly holding that stupid drink (with the most ridiculous name on earth) ➡🍹 It will certainly spill on the gentleman's tuxedo if Kiryu would not do something ➡❗🍹

(Oh, the quick time events)

Kiryu has half a second to react, and his brain gives him 2 commands:

Do NOT grab the ladies' boobs.

Do NOT wet the gentleman's shirt.

So, with his last braincell, Kiryu decides to throw the cocktail from his right hand to his left 🍹⬅⬅⬅ > wait no. nO. ABORT MISSION.

What happens next is that, obviously, by the nature of inertia, Isobe gets a full splash of cocktail to her face and dress. Everyone GASPS.

And Majima gets. The hand firmly squeezing his left boob. Kiryu didn't want to rip his shirt, so he Gripped Hard. Day saved. High five, brain! Wait, no-

M: …… K: ………. M: your hand. K: M: put your hand somewhere else. K: *slowly puts his hand on Majima's shoulder* *they just look each other in the eyes for a bit* Isobe, with an elegance of a lady: hahah, it seems, I won't be dancing with you tonight, mister manager. What a pity.

(Her snot totally doesn't taste like Malibu swimming pool)

No one listens to her much. Majima is losing his last nerves right here right now, this second.

M: Are you in for some violence tonight? Because it's gonna happen/ K: I can dance with you. M, in a very kansai manner: Wha-t? K: I said I can be your dance partner. M: … K: You know. While the lady is cleaning herself (High five, brain). M: … Isobe, slightly worried about the audience uproar: I don't know if this is a good ide- M: ALRIGHT. I was going to wipe the floor with you, and that's exactly what I'm gonna do. Someone in the crowd: Hey! The Lord is about to teach that Tokyo boy what's what! DANCE BATTLE! Isobe: …aaand it's too late now. K: Oh, you're into dance battles here too? Sweet. M: What, did you think it's some kind of province, Tokyo boy? Isobe: …. It's totally too late now, ain't it.

(Kiryu hand is still on Majima's shoulder) (Because where else should it go even) (Too late to change positions, human interaction is happening) (You just go forward and improvise)

Majima grabs Kiryu by the collar and drags him to the dancefloor with murderous intentions.

In retrospect, he could've handled the situation much better. In the same way he was handling management, the same way he was juggling invents of his life. But this felt (like the kick in the dick) like a last straw for today. The only thing he wanted now was to punch and claw and forget himself in a feat of mindless violence.

The least he could do is to not do that.

The least he could do is to take this guy, this obstacle, and use him as a little sweet dopamine boost. No one would be hurt by that except this dude's ego. Honestly, the only crime the guy committed was getting in Majima's way today.

The crowd quickly surrounds the stage. Majima gets a bunch of admiring screams, the "Tokyo boy" gets a fair share of booing. But apart from looking around like a puppy, he seems more curious than fazed. This somewhat gets on Majima's nerves. Clearly, it all comes from the arrogance and bad attitude of the guy. Majima has seen too many guys like this, even in the last couple of weeks there's been at least a dozen.

Isobe quickly cleans herself with a pack of 10 yen pocket tissues ™️ and goes to whisper something to the DJ. Her makeup may have been ruined but the synthetic dress has seen worse. So she still behaves like the disco queen and takes her rightful place by the stage. Also she's not gonna stay in the bathroom, when a possible historical event is about to take place.

The music starts, and Majima goes in with a couple moves.

Dancing is a lot like fighting, there's inner structure in both. Maybe that's why he likes to dance so much.

Dancing alone is fine. Just gotta make sure you're true to your rhythm. Dancing against someone - here it comes to who's presence is more overpowering. At least for Majima. Dancing with someone here is where he's having difficulties. He have never been able to fully synchronise with anyone. Outings with hostess girls were almost embarrassing.

The Tokyo boy goes into defence surprisingly smoothly. He acts more cautious than expected. Maybe he's smarter than he looks.

He doesn't attack Majima yet, just looks at what is presented and answers accordingly. He reacts to the movement with his own movement, not mirroring Majima, but taking what Majima's offering and applying it with a little twist. It's amusing to watch, and the boy doesn't even miss a single beat. After a while Majima catches himself doing things just to provoke the boy's reaction. It's kinda curious to see how he would take another blow.

But as curious as it is, Majima can't allow himself to be dependent on someone's reactions. It would mean he doesn't direct the fight- the dance himself. He's gotta lead.

(There was a bit more on the specific way this should play out, but I don't remember now)

The point is, when Kiryu gets more comfortable, he starts to go on the offensive, gathers, dare I say, more fever. So Majima begrudgingly has to adapt to his movements here and there. At one point Kiryu seethes the moment (nice song part, lights are on him) and pulls some impressive moves that he learned directly from Miracle Jonson, and pulls all the attention to himself.

This time they don't synchronise yet. The dance-off is interrupted somehow, and no one wins or loses.

Additional notes: –There's a Whole Thing about feather fans and not knowing what to do with them, for Kiryu and Majima both. –But Isobe counts Majima using them in a fight against the bad guys. –Majima doesn't say he got inspired by the Tokyo boy who grabs in a fight and uses just about everything. –Some plot stuff happens, they barely have time to dance some more. But now it's personal for Majima. He gotta win!!

In a true over the top Yakuza fashion, I wanted to get the underlying plot to the point where they have to fight together against a bunch of baddies, and only then they synchronise, and Majima feels weirdly euphoric.

But it's due for Kiryu to leave, and he disappears like (24 hours) Cinderella.

I've held in my mind a scene where Majima discusses with Isobe later in Sunshine, that maybe he found the one in a million special dance partner. And immediately lost him. Not even catching his name. Isobe understands heavily, because it happened to her once, but what can you do. Gotta work, idk.

– Aaaaand theres an epilogue set after all the main plot stuff. Where Majima, still lost, dishevelled, and healing from the beatings is drinking some Kamurocho bar, not knowing what he's gonna do next. And suddenly he notices Kiryu there, sitting quietly, wearing his red shirt already and sinking of leaving real estate business behind.

And Kiryu, apologising, finally gives Majima his business card and says his name. But he (and I'm so not normal about this) is actually offering Majima his own steel card.

There's a moment of pause, when Majima looks at it and Kiryu looks at Majima. And silence lingers long enough for Kiryu to look at the card too and go all: "!!!So sorry! Sorry! Here, here, this one is mine, I just have this one on the ready."

(He may have just taken out both his and Majima's cards on accident, because they sit in the same inner pocket)

And Majima just stares at Kiryu's card now. Because in his pocket is an identical one given to him by Sera.

So Majima takes it out, puts it on the table. And then offers Kiryu another steel card of his. Because Kiryu's one "is a bit worn down already".

The end.

ABBA - VOULES-VOUS is playing in the distance.

– Epilogue thoughts

My last brainsell is on the dancefloor.

Even Kiryu being surprised that “Lord of the Night” is not just a nickname in Kiwami fits here.

I’ve just been thinking of a million possible reasons why Majima could’ve been focused on Kiryu so much. There’s so many. But this one has such a nice underline.

Oh, to meet outside of the yakuza context, to separate because of it, and still inevitably meet again. It’s all in the human connection.

Something something, fate may be at play here, but the main stuff was laid down before it played its main card.

Going insane over tropes and narratives.

– Kiryu doesn’t meet Majima for a while after 0, instead absorbing legends about him from Nishiki and others.

He already started hearing about him and learning history in the game, would definitely get more of it all while Majima moves cites and re-styles himself.

– Kiryu 10000% kept the first card he found, and had it stored somewhere. But maybe after he went to prison for the first time and got out, it got lost somewhere, with Kiryu’s stuff being moved around.

– Majima in karaoke: you dance much better than you sing, Kiryu-chan! Kiryu: *is torn between taking it as a compliment or not*

– Also I can’t believe at some point Majima can say “First thing he did when we met was grab my boob, and ask to be my partner.”

The punchline is that they are getting married ~30 years later, this is Majima’s toast at the wedding.

– navigation / next

[rogueshadeaux]

Chapter Thirty-Five — Road to Sanctuary

“By the time I agreed to work with him, he was sure he was onto something bigger,” Zeke continued. “It was a whole conspiracy. Curdun Cay was impossible to find, but apparently he had a group of hackers that managed to break through once. Barely got into a database for experiments before the FBI were at their door.”

7k words | 23—30 min read time | TRIGGER WARNING: death mention, hallucination mention | CHAPTER THEME:

AUTHOR'S NOTE: A very large, very heartfelt thanks for @lobotomizedlemon for trusting me with Alessia Donovan. I've adored this OC since they made her, and I love her story and simply everything she made Sia into. To be able to make this story her home, to be able to claim this her canon and intertwine her route with my own story? Well, I can't think of a higher honor. Love you babe! And I hope you all love this character as much as I do.

I was surprised that the drive to Boston was faster than the one to New Marais. 

Everyone rotated in the gutted out van throughout the two day drive, trying to stay comfortable. Zeke no longer had an inflatable bed — and after hearing about some of his escapades while on the road, I was happy for it — but we ended up finding this large camping mattress thing that we shoved in the back, edge curling up against the back of the van. 

The East Coast was…not a good place. Definitely not one to try and drive through, at least. The closer to the Atlantic ocean we were, the worse everything got. 

Some areas were lucky enough to heal from the Beast. Washington, DC was never touched, and some cities like Roanoke and Charlotte in North Carolina found a way to build up from the rubble. It was a miracle New York City wasn’t toppled, but Philly wasn’t as fortunate. But there were other areas that were ghost towns. I was convinced Baltimore was a myth for the longest time as a kid like Atlantis or El Dorado — till Dad forced us to watch Hairspray: the Musical. It just wasn’t there anymore. The Smoky Mountains had a canyon carved through them that refused to grow any foliage, just dirt and rock and remains of getaway cabins that no one but vandals had bothered to touch in the last twenty-five years. 

Driving to Boston, though, was a challenge; there was no way to ride the coast all the way north, not anymore. We traveled up to Pittsburgh, then even further north to Albany. We couldn’t stick close to the coast here. Anything near the Atlantic was gone, either ghost town or slum or absorbed by the shore. That carnage stopped just under New York City, though, in the waters off of the shores of New Jersey — meaning once we passed the latitude that used to hold Empire City, we could finally travel East. 

It was the dead of night by the time we left Albany after getting a late dinner, Dad sleeping on my right while Brent was laying on my left. Zeke was driving as Dr. Sims worked on his laptop, the sound of phonk music leaking from the earbuds shoved into his ears. I was on my side, trying and failing to sleep as Brent shifted beside me again. And again. And again.

My eyes snapped open. “Dude, would you stop?” 

Brent groaned lightly. “I drank too much coffee at that breakfast joint,” 

I chuckled softly. “I warned you,”

“Shut up.” Brent’s chest heaved a bit with his sigh, and then he finally looked over at me. “This isn’t how I thought that ‘family road trip’ Dad always talked about would go.”

“I know,” I sighed. “Always thought it would be…better than this. After we graduated too, like he said.” 

Brent hummed, staying silent for a minute before saying, “School started three days ago. Mei was telling me about it.” 

God, I had forgotten entirely about school. How was I supposed to even care about it right now? “Think our online classes did too?” 

“They did,” Brent said. “Did you not get the email?” 

“I…” I drew off, feeling the phone burn a hole in the back pocket of my jeans. I barely looked at it since the day I was released from the hospital; I knew if I got on it, I’d break and check out more about the tsunami, and I couldn’t take the image of another flooded house or a funeral with my essence as the victim’s reaper. “I don’t really…use my phone much.” 

Brent looked at me for a moment before nodding. “Okay,” he said, sounding entirely unconvinced. “But yeah, school started Tuesday.”

“I don’t even think I could do any homework right now if you held me at gunpoint,” I admitted

Brent chuffed. “Yeah. Yeah, me too. It almost feels stupid compared to the monsters and Archangel and — fucking time travel. You ever just think about that for a bit?” He asked me, eyes alight. The caffeine was definitely talking. 

But he had a point. “Yeah,” I admitted. Whenever I wasn’t wallowing in some pathetic self pity like my issues mattered more than what I created, I couldn’t help but think about the wild fact that time travel existed. “How do you think he did it?” 

“Probably some overly complicated bullshit that doesn’t exist now,” Brent muttered, light from a lamppost crossing over his face. “Otherwise I feel like Dad would have known about it, ‘cause there’s no way Kessler would’ve been the only time traveler if it was still possible. Or, currently possible.” He huffed, that same look crawling on his face when he was solving a problem or had managed to crack the catcher’s signs on the plate. “Imagine if we could figure that shit out. The things we could do.”

I could think of a list of things I’d love to do if I knew how to time travel — stopping my tsunami being at the top. Brent, though, had different priorities, as after a moment he murmured, “I think I’d try to meet Mom, if I could. Maybe Uncle Brent, Reggie. Dad’s parents.” 

Mom. I forced myself to breathe deeply as my mind pulled forward images of the hallucination when I was dying or dead or whatever; her outfit made of opaque neon and the freckles on her face. The way her eyes shined like Brent’s. 

“Hey, can I…” I drew off; no one but Zeke knew about this and I never took the time to actually describe the hallucination. It felt like a fever dream in retrospect, and yet I needed someone, anyone else to know about it. That’s his mom too. And that’s my twin. I knew I could trust him with anything. “Can I tell you something? You can’t make fun of me,” 

Brent huffed, smiling crookedly. “No promises,” he teased. But when he glanced at me, examining my expression, the smirk fell. “What’s up?” 

I swallowed, glancing over my shoulder to make sure Dad was asleep before turning my head back, leaning in a bit. “I…I saw Mom,” 

Whatever Brent was expecting me to say, it wasn’t that. He blinked a few times in confusion before managing to work out a, “W-what?” 

I explained everything; the field I woke up in, me looking for him first before thinking I’d caught a glimpse of Dad. How I knew this wasn’t where I was before I fell but how I’d gotten there was fuzzy. The forest, the mine, the size of it all. 

And Mom. 

Seeing Mom standing in that drained pond littered with crystal growths. Her face, her words, her smile. I’d told Zeke about this before, sure — but reliving it with Brent was something else entirely. It was a relief to, for a moment, act like it happened and not something I needed to keep secret for fear of either seeming insane or instigating some sort of reaction out of Dad.

By the end, Brent was speechless, chewing so hard on the inside of his cheek I was sure he was going to gnaw a hole straight through it. “It felt so real, Brent,” I murmured, breathing shakily. Retelling every bit of the hallucination nearly made me cry, multiple times. 

Brent was staring at the little bit of mattress between us before he exhaled, looking back up to meet my eyes. “What do you think it was?” He asked solemnly. 

“When…when I talked to Zeke alone about the tar and Cole and all that, he said that it made Cole see stuff too.” I began. “Apparently breathing it in was enough to get the guy to trip — and it got in my blood. I wouldn’t be surprised if it was because of that.” 

He nodded, following my train of thought and adding, “Isn’t it normal for people to imagine dead relatives when they’re dying? They see them standing in the corner of the nursing home or something and think it’s time to leave. Maybe it was something like that?”

I shrugged. “Maybe. Sad to think that that hallucination has been one of the best parts of the last two weeks.” 

“Right?” Brent scoffed. “Hasn’t even been a month since we were freaking out about exams.”

I couldn’t help but agree; those dreams of college and comic books seemed so small compared to everything else right now. “Things are so bad now,” I grumbled.

Brent shrugged. “I mean, it’s not all bad. We finally get to see Aunt Sia’s new place."

We hadn’t seen her since the charity gala in Seattle two years ago; between her regular work with COLE and all the added political stuff from the last two years, she’s been too busy to even visit. The New England chapter needed a lot more support than the West Coast, anyways. 

The closer we got to Boston, the more apparent it became how much this entire region was struggling. Boston looked overpopulated between the cars in the street and the homeless on the sidewalk, like it never truly figured out what to do with the refugees from the south before the population started growing again. Every bridge had a plethora of tents underneath it, every soup kitchen had a line a mile long behind it. Brent’s head stayed on a swivel the entire way through the city, and I couldn’t blame him; the buildings here just looked older in a breathtaking way, a testament to this area being one of the first to be settled in America. We both made sure to make jokes towards Dad about a sign pointing towards Rowes Wharf, and watched the skyline with pristine glass and steel buildings reflect back the sunrise as we approached the outskirts of town, turning down more one-way side streets. 

The van lurched forward a bit as Dad pushed on the breaks and parked on the side of the road. There was a row of townhomes nearly touching each other, the alley only small enough to hold trash cans and barely any wiggle room between them, hiding untouched white snow instead of the grayish sludge on the street.

“This is it,” Dr. Sims confirmed Dad’s unasked question. 

As we got out and began fishing for our bags that were stored along the edges of the mattress pad, there was a slamming door, a blur of red and black clothing with fishnets, and a sudden huff from Dr. Sims, who breathlessly laughed. “Hey, Squeaks,” he greeted. 

Aunt Sia was a small woman, but that never stopped her. She took to life like she was bigger than it all, and made it bend to her. That’s what I loved most about her; being able to see someone so small do so much inspired me a lot as someone nearly the same size. I wish I had that much confidence. She almost took down Dr. Sims with her hit, arms wrapped around his waist like she was going to pick him up and carry him back into the house. 

Aunt Sia pulled away, looking up at Dr. Sims with the same face you would an old friend. “I’m so happy to see you!” She chirped, messy bright red updo bouncing with the declaration. Her voice had that softness to it Disney would reserve for its cutest characters, the sorta squeaky tone that would let the main character know hey, I can trust this one. 

Which I guess is why Dr. Sims called her ‘Squeaks,’ though I’d never heard anyone call her that before. I didn’t even know they knew each other personally. 

Aunt Sia turned to Dad, smile going soft. “Delsin,” she gently said. Dad smiled back, and he moved in to give her a hug — and was promptly interrupted in his movement by a quick thwack to the side of the head. 

“Ow!” He complained, looking at Aunt Sia. “What was that for?” 

“Everything that’s happened, and you didn’t think to call me once?” she demanded, now scowling. This was the other side of her I loved; she was a no-nonsense woman. Many arguments between Brent and I when we were younger were quickly extinguished by her ability to see through our bullshit. “I’ve had to find out things from the news or Arthur or—”

“I know, I know,” Dad grumbled, rubbing the spot she hit. “You’ve already yelled at me about it.”

Aunt Sia scoffed. “And I’m going to keep yelling at you about not telling me a thing about my babies,”

At this, she glanced behind him, eyes settling on Brent and I and immediately growing in excitement. “Oh, look at you two!” She cooed, pushing past Dad, who stumbled back a step and rolled his eyes. 

She went to Brent first, regarding him fully. “God, you’ve gotten huge,” she murmured, pulling him into a hug and coming to the middle of his chest. Brent had a huge growth spurt in the time she was gone, and she didn’t look at all happy about the fact as she pulled away from him. “You can’t get any bigger, it makes me feel bad.”

Brent chuckled. “I’ll keep that in mind,” he jokingly promised. 

Her eyes traveled over his form to me, somehow getting even softer. “Jeanie,” she smiled, moving to hug me next. 

She was always gentle, in spite of how badass she was. The same woman throwing bricks over bridges at passing DUP convoys was also someone who would hug you softly, like she knew you needed it more than she did. It was weird being a little bit taller than her now, too, but other things never change — like how she still smelled like cinnamon. 

Aunt Sia pulled away and her hands went to cup my face, gray eyes examining me. I knew that look, I knew what she was doing, but it felt less judgmental coming from her. “I’m glad you’re okay,” she whispered before lowering her hands and regarding the group, giving Zeke a nod of acknowledgement before declaring, “Well — who’s hungry?”

“You’ve made a lot of work for me, Delsin,” Aunt Sia chastised, plopping down a bamboo bin on top of all of the COLE paperwork on her round dining table. 

“I know,” he grumbled, unwrapping the bandaging around his arms. 

Brent and I were on the other side of the kitchen, chowing down on breakfast. God, I missed Aunt Sia’s cooking almost as much as I missed her.

Dad glanced over at us. “You act like you’ve never had a homemade meal before,” he jested. Mostly. He did look a little offended.

Brent, mouth full of at least three different types of food, spoke past it to say, “It’s different when it’s Aunt Sia’s food,” 

“Bean, not with your mouth full,” Aunt Sia laughed, smiling so hard the single dimple on her left cheek popped out. Brent turned beet — or maybe bean — red at the childhood nickname and muttered something about being a man that we all ignored.

Dr. Sims moved to finish undoing Dad’s bandaging for him as Aunt Sia and Zeke began pulling things out of the bin. Even more files, a few different flash drives, a couple chips that were probably dead drops. “I kept it all,” she said, looking up at the group. Her eyes seemed to immediately flit to Dr. Sims’ back, like she was talking to him specifically. “I don’t have a way to listen to any of the audio anymore—“ 

“I do,” Zeke said, reassuring her. “In my bag. I’ll go get it,”

“Good! Good, okay then. Delsin, I also still have some of the things from Seattle, too.” She added. 

Dad nodded, “From Project Sanctuary? Or the Conduit Rights League?”

Aunt Sia shrugged. “Both. I used my volunteer time at one to inform the other, so I suppose they go hand-in-hand.”

“Is that how you two met?” I asked suddenly. It was very obvious that they’d known each other from before — it was more a question of how before it was. “You knew Dad as…Delsin? Even back then?”

Aunt Sia looked at Dad — and then glanced at Dr. Sims before letting her eyes return to me. “I did, but it’s not how we met. Eugene introduced me.”

Brent blinked, swallowing away a mouthful of food before asking, “So you knew Dr. Sims then too? Did you all meet in Seattle?”

Dr. Sims chuffed, eyes far away like he was reliving some memory. “Oh, no. Alessia was my closest friend in high school, before everything,”

My eyes went wide, and I glanced between the two of them. “You’re kidding,” They’ve known each other since high school? Since my age? Maybe even earlier?

Aunt Sia put a hand on Dr. Sims’ shoulder, squeezing once. “We met on an old video game,” she informed us, laughing slightly. “Didn’t even know we went to the same school together until I…helped him out.”

“Hard to mistake a voice like hers,” Dr. Sims chuckled. 

“Right, ‘cause that’s what gave it away, not you playing on your computer during lunch.” Aunt Sia rolled her eyes. “But yes, I…I’ve known your father for a while. We did a bit of work together in Seattle.”

Dad was still unwinding his bandaging, saying through the bit in his teeth, “Alessia was the only way I could stay in touch with Eugene, after your mother died.” He let the bandage fall from his mouth as he peeled the brown away from his forearm. “Couldn’t reach out to him normally. Had to be careful.”

I nodded, looking down at the ground; Aunt Sia must have followed Dad out of Seattle when everything happened. It made sense, right? And I’m actually really glad he had some support during that time. Losing your fiancée, becoming a single father, having to go into witness protection — that sounded like hell. At least he had someone.

But still, it all just felt like another lie. 

I took a deep breath, trying to shake off the negativity as I instead concentrated on Dad, who was beginning to peel the gauze off of his arms. “Do you need any help?” I offered, setting the plate on the counter behind me. I wanted to be helpful in some way, especially since I couldn’t do anything to prevent this injury in the first place. My dreams were plagued by the gaps that riddled Dad’s skin, only nightmares would paste them to my skin instead. And I wouldn’t be able to fast track the healing like he could.

Dad shook his head. “I’m hoping it’s done healing,” he said. “And if not I shouldn’t need much medicine.” And luckily for him, he was right; the skin on his arms was fully healed, save for some redness and flaking that he shooed away with a quick rub under the faucet, like it was nothing. 

I couldn’t help but look at him in jealousy as he moved to gather all his used bandages and throw them away, arms fresh and recovered. 

Zeke walked back into the room, that little device he used to listen to the other dead drops in his hands. “Here you are, Alessia,” he said, handing it to Aunt Sia, who immediately began trying to plug it into one of Dr. Sims’ computers. 

“So what are you guys hoping to figure out?” Aunt Sia asked as she flipped the USB port of the cord after it refused to plug in. 

Dad grabbed a blueberry pancake and shoved it in his mouth sans syrup, helpfully saying between chews: “Anything.”

Dr. Sims decided to clarify. “Zeke has a journal from Dr. Wolfe. The First Sons scientist, not the reporter. According to him, they had ice soldiers a lot like the ones that attacked Salmon Bay. And they swiped some hard drives from the underground base in New Marais that I’m trying to recover files on.”

Aunt Sia blinked. “You think…whoever this Archangel is, they’re tied to the First Sons somehow?” 

“Well, we’re hoping we’re wrong,” Dad said. He then looked over at Dr. Sims. “Have you gotten anywhere with the hard drives? And the journal?”

Dr. Sims didn’t answer immediately; he turned to one of the computers, opening some sort of program file and clicking away. “Hopefully it finished translating every page of the journal on our ride up here,” he muttered, clicking around some more. A mouse scroll, and he said, “Almost done, it’s on the last few pages.” 

“And the hard drives?” Zeke asked, moving to approve some pop up on Dr. Sims’ computer. 

Dr. Sims glanced at his hand disapprovingly when he touched the ‘enter’ button, taking a moment to respond, “I made pretty decent headway there, but I can’t guarantee we’ll get anything good from it. These drives are both futuristic and from the nineteen-nineties. It's old and yet unlike tech I’ve ever seen. Doesn’t help that the military wiped them. A triple pass of the entire storage space is hard to reverse.” 

Dad flinched at that, like something about the statement mattered more than if it was just some random joe that did the same. “So what’re the chances you’d be able to recover anything?” He asked. 

Dr. Sims sighed. “Right now? Slim.” Dad groaned and Dr. Sims held up a hand. “But, if I could get your support on this…I might have more luck.” 

Aunt Sia looked at the man curiously as he readjusted his glasses. “Isn’t that dangerous?” She asked, immediately concerned. I glanced over at Brent who looked just as confused, answering my unasked question with a shrug — what on Earth were they talking about?

“It is,” Dr. Sims said. “But with Delsin’s help, I should be fine.” 

Aunt Sia didn’t look convinced at all, but she sighed hard. “Okay. Do you need anything?” 

Dr. Sims shook his head. “Just Delsin.” 

Dad moved, taking a spot by Zeke as Aunt Sia stepped aside, arms crossed and with that worried scowl on her face. Dad’s hand came out and he pressed it against the screen, the press of his hand causing the screen to warp and bend as the home screen became lost to pixels that popped like static, crawling off of the screen with each crackle and onto Dad’s skin as he drained video. The screen flickered but didn’t go completely black like I had seen before, motors whirring to turn it back on like it was programmed specifically to fight against the drain. 

Dad moved his hand and nodded to Dr. Sims, who pressed his own palms against the main laptop of his hub and closed his eyes, brow furrowing. The screen grew brighter, the light encapsulating his hands as he glowed blue with it, and there was a flash that disoriented me. “Ah, fuck!” Brent exclaimed from somewhere. 

I blinked hard as sight slowly returned to my eyes, looking around; Dr. Sims wasn’t in the room anymore. Dad was still standing in the same spot, hands out as he kept a stream of pixelated blue between him and the computers. “Wh—” I cut off, looking around a bit just in case I missed Dr. Sims. “Where did…”

“Damn, so that’s what it looks like when he does that?” Zeke asked, looking at the screen. 

I looked around Dad at the computer screen, faltering when I saw it; it was blue like most of Dr. Sims’ video powers, but the screen warped and twisted on itself like an oil spill in a gas station parking lot, bending and churning and swirling. Dr. Sims was here, with files on his computer screen…and now he wasn’t, and the screen looked like something that could be stepped through. “Is…” I drew off, glancing at Aunt Sia, “Is Dr. Sims—”

She nodded, “In the computer, yep.”

Brent looked over at me wide eyed, balking. “He’s in the computer? Like a virus?”

Dad decided to speak this time, “He’s rebuilding the database from the inside out. And I’m trying to make sure he doesn’t run into an irreversible issue and dies, so if I could have some silence, that’d be great.”

Well, jeez, with a risk like that, he didn’t have to ask twice. 

We all stayed quiet as Dad held his hands towards the computer screen, brow furrowed in concentration. Aunt Sia seemed too nervous to not move around, succumbing to a pace that had her walking the five steps back and forth between the back door and the swinging door that led to her living room, combat boots threatening to carve a hole in the tile. 

The fans on the laptop whirred to life, kicking up like a helicopter trying to lift off, and Aunt Sia froze, turning to watch the screen. Brent and I did too; the ambient color shifting of the screen left, the entire thing vibrating from the center outwards. The edges of the screen got brighter, and Brent and I both made sure to look away this time, me turning around completely to face him while he hid his eyes in the crook of his elbow. The blast of energy that happened was so strong that I could feel the wave of warm air, my eyelids going pink with the flash as Dr. Sims reentered the room, huffing like he had just ran a marathon. 

Aunt Sia’s shoes hit the ground so hard the floor vibrated, and I turned in time to see her push Dad aside a bit and wrap an arm around Eugene’s shoulder, demanding, “Are you okay?” 

“Y-yeah, yeah,” He huffed out, forcing a deep breath. He looked behind himself at Dad, “I got somewhere. Didn’t manage to dig up a lot, but I got something. I just need to finish refining it.” 

Dad nodded as his hands fell to his side, relieved. “Good, okay. Hopefully there’ll be something worth it in there.” 

“We can look at this stuff in the meantime,” Zeke decided, moving to begin to pull stuff out of the bamboo bin Aunt Sia had brought out.

Aunt Sia began flipping through the files Zeke set near her, Dad moving to her side. “This is a lot more than I sent you guys,” he said. 

“We just needed you to do the dirtiest work for us,” Aunt Sia said with a hint of a tease to her voice, looking over her shoulder at Dad. 

Dad gave her a sarcastic smile, picking up a random manilla envelope from the pile to open. He was always so comfortable around Aunt Sia — I missed their cohesion over the years since she moved. “What all is in this? Do you remember?”

Aunt Sia trilled her lips. “Not a lot that wasn’t revealed in the UN trial,” she sighs, holding up various papers and flipping through them. “What Augustine subjected the Conduits to, natural RFE, the Ray Sphere. They were trying to figure out something about Conduits, but…we didn’t figure out what before Raymond Wolfe died. You went and tore down the DUP and so many files disappeared.”

Brent, food finally finished, decided he wanted to remind everyone he was in the room by saying, “So all the messed up things they did were erased?”

Dad held up a finger. “Hold on — the Ray Sphere?” he asked. 

Aunt Sia nodded. “You’ve gotta remember, whatever the First Sons were working on in New Marais? They got it. And that includes—” Aunt Sia cuts off, looking through the files in her hands and then two on the table before handing one to Dad. “—the Ray Sphere prototype.”

Dad took the file, thumbing through the pages as Brent and I did the worst job at trying to be discreet while looking over his shoulder. 

I could remember the Ray Sphere Zeke showed Brent and I, the mock up that was in that journal. The near perfect roundness, the little indent like the crater that held the scary secret weapon on the Death Star imprinted on its dome. This? This was nothing like it. It was a contraption held together by wire and hope, more pill-shaped than round and with two handles on each side as if to steer it. I wasn’t close enough to read the notes, but Dad seemed to find something that shocked him. “‘Unrefined raythium mined from the Earth’s core?’” he read aloud, looking to Aunt Sia for confirmation. 

Brent’s brow furrowed. “Raythium? Like the stuff in the Earth’s core?”

“By the core,” Dr. Sims corrected. “It’s what remains of Theia when it crashed into Earth eons ago.”

“It’s what causes the Ray Field too, right?” I asked, moving to sit at the table opposite the adults. I remembered that from my Earth Science exam two weeks ago; the radioactive remains of Theia were close enough to the core to be pulled into the whole process that made Earth’s electromagnetic field, the churning with the iron and stuff in the center making the Ray Field. 

Dr. Sims nodded, “And what Conduits use to convert energy into their conduvergence matter.”

“I still don’t get how that works,” I admitted with a mutter. 

Dad looked like he was working through some sort of math problem in his mind. “So the First Sons were…trying to use raythium to activate Conduits? Like MacGrath?”

“Not Cole,” Zeke chimed in, moving to lean against a wall. “He got the end product when they perfected it and started using rayacite instead. But the Blast cores Cole used to ‘power up?’ Those came from New Marais and Bertrand’s testing.”

“Wonder if that’s why Bertrand’s power was so messed up,” Dad hummed. “If he used raythium to activate his power, he basically nuked himself with radiation. Isn’t raythium really radioactive?”

Dr. Sims leaned back in the kitchen chair. “It is. If Earth’s geodynamo process was any different, and a fraction of the radioactive RFE in the core leaked out, there’d be no life on Earth.”

Brent and I glanced at each other, grimacing; that was a fun fact we could have lived without. 

“Let’s just…start with what we know,” Aunt Sia said, turning to her bin after an awkward pause and digging in it. Eventually she pulled out a small manilla folder with some sort of crinkly window on it, revealing a dead drop a lot like the ones Zeke kept in his way-less-organized ammo box. “Here, Angel, put this in.” 

She held it out and Dr. Sims took it from her, him taking long enough to play it for me to look up at Brent as he mouthed Angel? at me with a raised eyebrow. I guess they really did know each other. 

The speakers on the leftmost laptop crackled a bit, the computer’s motors picking up as the dead drop began to play. “Cole’s Gift: Short Lived or Just Beginning, by Raymond Wolfe.” The voice began, firm and lyrical like any other reporters’. “It’s common knowledge that when Cole MacGrath died he not only cured the plague that was sweeping the world, but took every Conduit with him to his grave. What we didn’t know was that this would be temporary. Within a year, rumors emerged of the return of the Conduit gene. Some believed that the plague had survived and mutated, this time creating Conduits rather than killing normals. Some believed that not all the Conduits were actually killed, that a few remained and were somehow able to spread their abilities.” 

I shook my head. That didn’t sound right—how do you spread a gene? Besides the obvious procreational way. 

“I’ve personally looked into both of these urban legends and have yet to find any proof of either of them.” Raymond Wolfe said, agreeing with me. “Which is why I’m here in Seattle. I believe the DUP know more than they are letting on.”

The recording stuttered short there, Brent saying what I was thinking: “That’s it? That was his report? That was nothing,”

Dad’s eyes screwed shut like it was painful for him to think. “I remember Raymond saying something about…the DUP having a hand in the gene?” He asked like he wasn’t sure, opening his eyes to look between Aunt Sia and Zeke. “Did you guys ever learn what he was after?” 

Aunt Sia shook her head. “He died before he got anywhere.”

Dad rolled his eyes. “That’s nice,” he said, tone suggesting it wasn’t at all. 

Zeke ignored the jib, saying, “Raymond found me, long before we took this to Project Sanctuary. Came knocking on my door in the swamp and nearly found out what the business end of a twelve gauge felt like. Apparently when Wolfe, the doctor, was captured and the Militia bombed his lab, it triggered some sorta failsafe in his computer to email Raymond a goodbye letter. He showed me it.” After a moment, Zeke continued, “It admitted to everything he did. Shit Cole and I didn’t even know about. Some sorta final attempt at soothing his subconscious or something.

“He mentioned Cole in it, his one attempt at redemption. Everyone knows the heroes, not the sidekicks, so it took a while for him to find me. Three years, to be exact. The DUP had started putting people away in droves and he thought they had a hand in the fact that they were coming back to begin with. Asked me to help — tell him what I knew from back then with Wolfe and Cole.”

Dad’s brow furrowed. “And?” 

Zeke sighed. “I told him to fuck off before I used him for chum in a gator trap.” 

Whatever Dad was expecting, it wasn’t that; he blinked hard twice before eventually asking, dumbfounded, “What?”

“I didn’t want anything to do with it at first.” Zeke admitted. “I was mourning and pissed at the world. My best friend did everything he could to fix what Kessler started and not only did it not matter, but they were making him into some sorta villain.” He looked at Delsin. “You know what that’s like.”

Dad just seemed to relent with a single nod. “By the time I agreed to work with him, he was sure he was onto something bigger,” Zeke continued. “It was a whole conspiracy. Curdun Cay was impossible to find, but apparently he had a group of hackers that managed to break through once. Barely got into a database for experiments before the FBI were at their door.”

I heard of the testing done in Curdun Cay long before I knew Dad was Delsin. Everyone did. It was one of those blemishes the history teachers would breeze over in class and you’d have to learn after seeing a survivor’s interview on television or some post on social media. I learned about it from a Wikipedia rabbit hole when writing a report on Delsin Rowe’s tag art and importance of civilian empowerment. 

Dad’s art. Dad. 

And apparently, Dad seemed just as familiar with those stories as he sighed. “That could’ve been anything,” he said solemnly. 

“It could’ve been,” Zeke agreed. “But you don’t think she had a reason for doing what she did?”

No one had a good retort to that. 

Dad’s eyes traveled thoughtfully from Zeke’s face to the bin Aunt Sia had brought out and he stepped forward, digging around in it for a minute and rejecting two different dead drop sleeves before finding what he was looking for. He pulled the little chip out of its folder and handed it to Aunt Sia, who put it into the player without question. 

“Report by Augustine.” Her voice was softer than anything I heard from her on Christmas eve—but it still sent a jolt down my spine so violent I jerked in my seat a bit, hair on the back of my neck standing on end. “While the inciting incident that supposedly claimed the lives of all the Conduits was in fact a lie, it was not one created by the DUP. Conduits did live through Cole’s Gift, myself included.”

I hated how tense her voice made me. I hated how I could hear waves roaring in my ears despite being in the middle of Hyde Park. I glanced over at Brent, who was trying his hardest to scowl a hole into the fridge’s door before looking down at the table, trying to shake the tension from my shoulders. Not that that helped; all it did was turn my attention to the cast on my arm — the cuts and scrapes still healing from the car crash and the monster chase — and it just made my stomach churn more. 

After a breath, Augustine continued, “Instead, we used the calm to build, learn, and prepare. We got better at early detection and collection. Curdun Cay’s facilities were upgraded and we built an army. The events here in Seattle will ensure the DUP will be funded for the foreseeable future.” 

A hand landed on my shoulder and I jumped, the hairs on the back of my neck standing on end. My head snapped back and the sight of red hair made my heart stutter until I realized it was too red, with exposed black roots — not wild and gray streaked and more auburn than cherry. Aunt Sia looked down at me in concern as I tried to force my breathing to steady, hand moving from my shoulder to rub my back reassuringly.

“This will allow me to expand our facilities abroad.” Augustine confided in the recording in a hushed tone, like they were sharing secrets under a duvet at a sleepover. “We have made an excellent headway on establishing a permanent science facility in Australia. The work we’ve already done there using Dr. Sebastian Wolfe’s notes on the Conduit is…” She drew off, breathing deeply, “Well, awe inspiring, even to me.”

The recording cut short right there, and we were all left in silence for a considerable few seconds. 

“‘Wolfe’s notes on the Conduit,’” Dad eventually asked, looking up at Zeke. “What notes?” 

Zeke looked to Aunt Sia, who sighed. “He thought Augustine was trying to influence the gene to create herself a little army,” she began, “And that, since the DUP had information on the Ray Sphere and RFE, that she was planning this mass event that would have activated Conduits everywhere, make it impossible for the world to ignore Conduits.” 

Dad huffed. “She was locking up every gene positive person she could find,” he pointed out. “You believed that?”

“Yeah.” Aunt Sia responded, that firm finality in her voice that always lingered in its tone whenever she refused to hear otherwise. “I did. Because when I heard about what happened in there? I refuse to believe it was just for shits and giggles. Augustine was up to something, you can’t tell me she wasn’t.”

Dad didn’t seem convinced. “When I fought her, she said she was just…trying to keep them outta the hands of the government,” he started, brow screwed tight as he tried to access the memory from that time. “That the military was the reason they died in the beginning, and she was the only thing keeping them safe.”

Aunt Sia cocked an eyebrow at Dad. “You believed that?” she returned with the same doubtful tone he had earlier. 

Dad faltered as he considered her words, and Aunt Sia stepped forward, a hand going to Dr. Sims’ shoulder. I hadn’t noticed it till this very moment, but it seemed like Brent and I weren’t the only ones bothered by Augustine’s voice; Dr. Sims’ jaw was tense, the fingertips of his right hands sort of tapping against the keys like he wanted to distract himself with typing but couldn’t think of the words. “After everything Eugene told me, it’s—I can’t believe that she didn’t have some sort of ulterior motive.” Dad opened his mouth to retort and Aunt Sia continued without waiting, “Someone that cares about Conduits doesn’t torture them to see what they can do. They don’t experiment on them, and they sure as hell don’t train them to kill. Fetch wasn’t the only one she did that too.”

Dad’s shoulders immediately tensed when Aunt Sia mentioned Mom, looking off like the mere mention of what happened then made him want to slew a string of curse words. He took a moment to run his hand over his face before asking, “So, what? She was slowly building some sort of army?”

Aunt Sia sighed, shrugging. “I’m not sure. I can’t say I fully believed the idea, because I didn’t. I still don’t. But she was doing something in that little ivory castle of hers, I can promise you that. We just don’t know what.” 

Dr. Sims suddenly sat up in his chair, eyes scanning over the entirety of his screen as he said, “We may have just found out,” before looking over his shoulder at Dad. “I can access the hard drives now.”

Dad moved to Dr. Sims’ shoulder as Aunt Sia’s hand moved to grip the back of the chair I was sitting in, tense. “What d’ya got?” Zeke asked, leaned against a back wall. 

“A lot of…corrupted files…” Dr. Sims hummed, hands working overtime as he typed away. I couldn’t see what he was doing but Brent could, his eyes moving from scowling and angry to a bit wide as he watched Dr. Sims do his thing. “Maybe I’ll have more luck in the network file share…”

Dr. Sims continued his typing, brow furrowed as he dug in the computer’s data mine, looking for gold, the screen reflecting in his glasses; I couldn’t make out the words, but what I could see were the multiple popup windows and various loading bars, Dr. Sims looking like someone straight out of some cliché hacker scene. 

But white suddenly overtook his glasses as something bigger popped up on screen, lines of text spawning faster than he could read it. Dad leaned forward, lips moving ever so slightly as he silently read off of the screen. 

Zeke was the first to crack. “What did you find?” He asked. 

Dad and Dr. Sims shot each other a glance. “Notes from the First Sons,” Dr. Sims hummed, reading further. “About power transfer, forced Conduits, RFE exposure, and…evolution.” 

“Evolution?” Aunt Sia asked, “Like the gene evolving to survive the RFI?” 

Dad shook his head. “No—evolution to make a Conduit all powerful.” 

[helmetkeeper]

#ColeminecanaryEvent, for @coleminecanary 's event🌈.

day 6: your favorite color / favorite character. i think my overall theme here is "being indecisive" because um... rainbow playlist :).

doing white, pink, red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple and black!! songs go like "song" + "artist" :333

white

"MILLION DOLLAR BABY" + "Tommy Richman"

"Space Walk" + "Lemon Jelly"

"La Seine" (Excerpt from the soundtrack A Monster in Paris) + "Vanessa Paradis" and "-M-"

"Smile" + "Sammy Davis Jr."

pink

"BANANA SHAKE" (Sped up) + "HUS"

"Vending Machine of Love" + "The Stupendium"

"Écoute Chérie" + "Vendredi sur Mer"

"Kubes" + "machinegum"

red

"Blood - End Credits" + "My Chemical Romance"

"The Masochism Tango" + "Tom Lehrer"

"Denial" + "The Vaccines"

"Fell in Love with a Girl" + "The White Stripes"

orange

"Kangaroo Court" + "Capital Cities"

"Borderline" + "Tame Impala"

"Peaches" + "The Presidents Of The United States Of America"

"This Must Be the Place (Naive Melody)" (remastered 2005) + "Talking Heads"

yellow

"Banana Man" + "Tally Hall"

"Ríe y Llora" + "Celia Cruz"

"Here Comes The Sun" (remastered 2009) + "The Beatles"

"A Little Less Conversation" (JXL radio edit remix) + "Elvis Presley" and "Junkie XL"

green

"The Ballad Of The Green Berets" + "Sgt. Barry Sadler"

"Urban Struggle" + "The Vandals"

" 'Listen to Your Heart.' 'No.' " + "Cheekface"

"Generals And Majors" (remastered 2001) + "XTC"

blue

"Always Forever" + "Cults"

"If My Heart Was a House" + "Owl City"

"Army Dreamers" (remastered 2018) + "Kate Bush"

"Starman" (remastered 2002) + "David Bowie"

purple

"Cold Cold Cold" + "Cage The Elephant"

"Freaks" + "Surf Curse"

"Sunny Delights" + "I Monster"

"She's Not There" + "The Zombies"

black

"Shut Eye" + "Stealing Sheep"

"Kitchen Fork" + "Jack Conte"

"Ugo" + "The Dead Pirates"

"Black Out Days" (Future Islands remix) + "Phantogram" and "Future Islands"

dividers by @/unknown-till and @/eimogji.