#emma actually answers questions

[carpediemma]

✅and 🌅 for the ask game!

✅ list one or two favorite lines you’ve written and explain why they’re your favorite “I don’t think Google has an ancient Aramaic translator…” Crystal noted the puzzled look on Charles’s face. “Never mind.” She really needed to explain the internet to them.

This is from Abstract... and I just enjoy this scene in general between Crystal and Charles (and later Jenny). I felt like I really got the characters' voices.

I think overall I will always be proudest of the dialogue I have written for Charles. The ability for my mind to reproduce his voice easily is what prompted me to start writing fic.

And since I'm wanting to pick deep cuts...

By the time the trio returned from their sojourn to pick out movies, Edwin had already taken a spot on their couch. And he had his notebook out.

“You’re going to take notes?” Crystal asks, incredulously. Charles situated himself on the floor, laying back against Edwin’s legs.

“You said that I needed to understand your references,” Edwin replies, as if it was obvious, “I find that taking notes is quite helpful in understanding and recall.”

this is from 'feels like the start of a movie I've seen before' which is probably one of my least viewed fics--most likely because it is more on the fluffy and character introspection side--but I really loved playing with the interaction between all of them in a not-high-stakes sort of environment. I also loved thinking about what movies each of them would pick out. 🌅 do you typically known the ending to something before you start writing it?

Somewhat? I think I have a vague idea/outline of how I want the story to progress and kinda organically grow/solidify the ending.

For my Shadowhunter/DBDA fusion snippets... I have no idea, haha! Very flying by the seat of my pants on scenes or segments I would be interested in looking at, but not really a large overarching narrative structure.

Thanks Gen!!

[delucadarlingwriting]

Vampire Divorce Court - Striking Matches Burns Fingers

Man, writing has been a hell of a task lately. This has been marinating in my docs for a while, because I like having two parts done before posting one, but...Yeah, I'm doing it now. I've got the next one done, though it needs a bit of work. I'm still figuring out the outline for part 10. Part of me feels like I need to go back and replay the games a bit, just so I'm not constantly second guessing if I've written them OOC or what.

Anyway! I did have fun with this part. Mason and Barbie barking at one another while getting absolutely zero communication done is very fun for me. Plus, I love Kira.

Summary: Mason really wishes he could backpedal on the whole Barbie-coming-to-help thing.

First | Previous | Part 8 | Next

Word Count: 3,610

***

Book 1, Haley’s Bakery, early morning

There’s not much good about this mission, but Mason can at least appreciate that Barbie seems to want to be away from him as much as he wants to be away from her. She’d been gone when he came down for his break from babysitting the detective just a few hours after snapping at one another. He couldn’t catch her scent at all either, so she must’ve left right after he’d gone inside. No telling where she went or what she was doing, only that Adam had determined someone needs to keep an eye on her. Mason’s glad the commanding agent chose to tackle that project himself.

He’s doubly glad that Farah had elected to leave the subject well alone as they wandered the quiet town. That didn’t stop her from chattering about anything and everything else, but Mason’s more than used to tuning other people out. That is, until she suddenly says, “Adam’s texted.”

“What about?” Mason grunts. He’d just dug out his carton of smokes, but finding only a quarter left inside, he shoves it back into his pocket. The sky is just starting to turn pink, the quiet buzz of life starting to grow around them. If he’s going to make it through the day, he’ll need to ration them out.

“We’re going to meet up with him, and then we’re going to go meet up with Nat, Kira and…Well, you know.” Farah eyes him, but he doesn’t give her anything to read off. Other than annoyance, but that’s practically nothing. “Think you can manage it?”

“Shut up,” he snaps. Farah snorts and shrugs.

“Alright. Come on, he said he’d meet us near that park in the bougie part of town.” She flounces off, her enthusiasm to meet up with Adam grating against his dread for meeting up with everyone else.

Adam is waiting for them when they arrive, and after greeting Farah, he looks to Mason. At Mason. Like he’s making sure there are no cracks. Mason just takes it until Adam leads the way to wherever they’re going. He hadn’t been listening when Adam told them.

While he’d denied needing anyone to arrange shifts so he doesn’t have to be around Barbie, Mason is starting to regret that now. It’s done though, so he just has to suck it up until it’s done and she leaves. Adam falls back as they approach the bakery, and Mason nearly does too when he spots the back of Barbie’s head through the huge windows.

Farah looks up at him when his next step is off cadence, but he pretends not to notice and keeps going. It’s not as if talking about it will help anything, no matter what she and Nat think. He pushes through the door, Adam catching it as Farah slips through, following the both of them in.

There’s only one enormous table in the place, but luckily no other customers. Nat’s on one side, facing the door, while Kira and Barbie are hip to hip on the other side. A fact that has Adam growling quietly. Admittedly, Mason has his own hesitations at the sight. No vampire that’s as hungry as Barbie has to be should be anywhere near humans. Let alone the human they’re supposed to be protecting.

Mason heads straight for the chair at Nat’s side, throwing himself down on it, while Farah takes the one next to him. Adam doesn’t bother, standing tall with his arms crossed right behind Barbie’s chair. She doesn’t look at him though, nor does she look at Mason. She continues the conversation as if she hasn’t even noticed either of them at all. Fine by him.

The rest of them talk, but Mason isn’t paying attention to what they’re saying. He’s doing his best to tune everything out. It’s damn near impossible though. Ever since she arrived in this town, Mason swears he can feel her, despite the ways in which she’s changed.

She smells different now. Indescribably so, considering he can still recognize her scent as being distinctly Barbie. Her heartbeat is quiet and sluggish, enough to be alarming for a human, but it may as well be a drum beating against the inside of his head. Loud enough that he barely notices the baker woman coming up behind them all.

“Anything I can get you?” she asks, terribly cheerful as she wipes her sugar dusted hands against her apron. Mason turns to glare, but pauses first to look her up and down. Her heart beats fast, faster still when she meets Mason’s eye.

“We’re fine,” Barbie says, her voice slicing through the moment. Her eyes are wide behind her glasses when Mason looks over, like she managed to surprise herself with the vitriol in her voice. “I mean…We—We’re—”

Nat jumps in to fix the situation. She turns to the baker and smiles. “We don’t need a thing, but thank you.”

The baker looks confused, stuck between offense at Barbie’s response and flustered at Nat’s. She settles on an awkward smile, a nod, and beats a hasty retreat for the kitchen.

“Wow,” Farah says with a snicker. “I see how you managed to charm Mason’s pants off.”

“That’s hardly a difficult task,” Barbie mutters, staring down as she folds and unfolds a paper napkin on the table in front of her. Mason leans forward against the table, but he’s cut off from responding by Nat.

“Kira had a question,” Nat says, gripping the conversation in an iron fist before it can go down the drain any further.

The detective, cradling a mug of something dark and bitter in her hands, hesitates for a moment as if forgetting the question herself after that whole exchange.

“Um. Yeah. I guess I was just wondering about…” She looks over toward the counter, but Mason can already hear the baker starting up an industrial mixer in the back. None of this will be overheard. Kira pulls her long, strawberry blond braid over her shoulder, twirling it around a finger as she talks. “The thralls that attacked us. You said they’re people, right? Humans?”

Nat nods. “Residents of Wayhaven, in fact.”

Kira’s face scrunches up unhappily. “But no one’s been reported missing.”

“They wouldn’t be,” Mason says. “He can’t control them without being at full strength.”

“At night,” Barbie elaborates before Kira can ask. “Otherwise they’re just themselves. Normal humans, living their lives.”

“And they don’t know what he’s done to them?” Kira asks.

“Not a clue,” Farah replies. She shifts, uncomfortable with the direction of the conversation.

“Well, I want to check on them,” Kira says, jaw set.

“We are already keeping an eye on them,” Adam says, his tone saying without words that that should be the end of the conversation. Kira dismisses this idea and continues.

“It’s my job to keep them safe,” she says, turning to look up at him. “I know I haven’t done a stellar job so far, but that doesn’t mean I can just shrug off my duties and give up.”

“I’ll go with you,” Barbie says, gently laying a hand on Kira’s. Every other vampire stiffens at the gesture. “I’d like to get an idea of the sort of people Murphy has been targeting, and if there may be a connection to be found there. Where he found them may be an indicator of the locations he’s been working around.”

Kira beams, way too grateful for what’s being offered. Adam’s eyes shift behind his sunglasses, looking quickly between them as he realizes he’s rapidly losing control of the situation.

“Mason,” he says sharply. Mason’s shoulders drop.

“Seriously?” he asks. Adam stares at him.

“It’s fine,” Kira says, giving Mason a concerned look that he curls a lip at. She shakes her head at him. “Barbie will be with me, I don’t need another babysitter.”

“Yeah, Babs being with you is like, the whole problem,” Farah says. Barbie flinches, looking away as if she hasn’t heard when Kira gives her a questioning look.

Unsure of what possesses him to do so, Mason interferes. “Yeah, you need a real babysitter. So one of us.” He gestures as briefly as he can manage to the rest of Unit Bravo.

At his side, Farah starts peering at him closely, and he can practically feel how she’s trying to pry at him. So he throws an elbow into her side, making her squawk indignantly.

“I’m not a field agent,” Barbie adds on across the table, eager to pounce on the opportunity Mason’s given her. “I wouldn’t be of much help in a dangerous situation.”

Surprised, Kira says, “Really? But you’re also a…”

Looking nauseated, Barbie holds a hand up and shakes her head. “I’ve never been good at physical activities, and that’s as true now as it ever was.”

“All but one, at least,” Mason says. That earns him a swift side kick to the ankle from Nat, along with a stern glare. He growls at her for it, but doesn’t retaliate. No need to start breaking shit and get yelled at for that too.

Kira’s hiding her distaste with a very quick swig from her mug, while Barbie goes a pale pink, her sluggish heartbeat picking up its pace for a moment. He doesn’t think about why she doesn’t blush as deeply as she used to.

“As much as I’m certain Kira and everyone else here appreciates your insight, shall we keep things professional?” Barbie grits out. Mason just grins toothily, enjoying how it makes her let out a frustrated sound and push back from the table. Kira scrambles to follow her lead, pausing only to dust the crumbs from her skirt.

As Mason is hauling himself up, he hears keys jangle in Barbie’s hand. The idea of being stuck in a car with her and the detective makes him want to scratch all his skin off. “I’ll meet you there.”

“Naturally,” Barbie says breezily as she walks past, as if he was being presumptuous by suggesting there was any other option.

Why does he even fucking bother?

***

Book 1, Near the outskirts of Wayhaven, Mid-morning

They show up when he's on his second cigarette. Kira wrinkles her nose as soon as she’s close enough to catch the smell.

“Put that out,” Barbie demands, frowning at him.

“You're one to talk,” Mason says, taking a long, deliberate drag.

“I refrain from doing it around anyone it can damage,” she replies, jerking her chin toward the detective. He cannot summon enough of a fuck to give, considering he’s not exactly huffing in her face. Barbie flinches, the way she does every time he meets her eye, but she doesn’t back down.

Mason sighs and stubs the cigarette against the bottom of his boot before flicking it into the bushes. Kira watches it sail through the air, glares at him, and then stomps off to go fetch it. Barbie crosses her arms and arches a drawn on eyebrow at him.

“Are we here to watch thralls or skip around the woods?” Mason snaps. From behind a bush, Kira pops her head around with a chastising expression.

“We could be watching them already if I didn't have to chase down your litter.” At Mason’s impatient groan, she adds, “This is protected land!”

“That must be part of why this place is so lovely,” Barbie says, as if she has ever gone hiking or appreciated nature in her life. Mason leans back against a tree, doing his best to ignore the way the bark digs into his skin.

“Oh, Wayhaven’s the best!” Kira exclaims, again unseen as she hunts. Eventually she emerges, cigarette butt in hand. Barbie holds her hand out toward her, a cotton, embroidered handkerchief laid over top of it. Kira delicately places the cigarette there, and Barbie folds it up before slipping it all into her pocket.

“Can we go now?” Mason huffs. Barbie flutters a hand at him.

“Well go on, you’re the one who knows where to go,” she urges.

He remembers a time where he liked her decisiveness, the way she didn’t hold back on telling him exactly what she wanted and how she wanted it. Now though, it rankles. He’s tired of every goddamn thing being on Barbie’s terms.

The women exchange glances, and Barbie says, “Well?”

Fuming, Mason swings around and stomps onward. It’s not a real path, but by this point he knows the path of least resistance through the uneven earth and brush. He pushes a branch sticking out in front of him out of the way, letting it go once he’s past it. It swings back, and there are dual yelps of surprise behind him, followed by a sharp, “Mason!”

He smiles to himself and hastens his pace, if only to hear Barbie grumbling as she tries to keep up while wearing heels and a tight dress. The detective isn’t nearly as thrown off, which he almost finds respectable.

Eventually they come to the spot Mason’s used on and off for the past week to keep an eye on the thralls here. Not all of them live in this area, but two are neighbors. Probably targeted for the ease of it all. He crouches down, settling in for a long, boring watch when Kira emerges with Barbie stumbling along behind her.

“Have you spotted them already?” Kira asks. Mason nods and gestures to houses below.

“The ones there, with the red brick,” he says. “The other two are on opposite ends of town, but these ones are easy to watch.”

The detective comes close, smelling distinctly of fragranced soap. It makes his nose itch and his eyes water, but he does his best to ignore it. Eventually, after watching squint for several seconds, he realizes she can’t see the thralls moving around in their houses through the windows.

“They’re in there,” he says. He can’t hear anything at this distance, not over the wind in the leaves.

“What are they doing?” Kira asks. This though, she aims at Barbie.

“I can’t see either,” Barbie replies.

“But you’re…” Kira trails off, then gives a sheepish smile. “Sorry, I know you said you’re different.”

Understatement of the fucking year, there. Mason doesn’t say it out loud, but Barbie glares at him anyway like she already knows that’s what he’s thinking. He doesn’t like that she still knows him well enough for that, while he feels like he hardly knows her at all anymore.

Before the quiet can settle in, Kira asks, “Is that why you wear glasses?”

Barbie laughs, the noise like a punch to the gut. “Oh God, no. These are fake, just plain glass in frames. They actually make it harder to see sometimes.”

“Oh,” Kira says. It’s clear she has a thousand questions, while Barbie seems to regret saying as much as she did.

“You know, I’ve never actually seen a thrall before, so this expedition is quite exciting,” Barbie says quickly. While it doesn’t wipe away the curiosity in the detective’s eye, she follows Barbie’s lead anyway.

“Never?” Kira asks. Barbie shakes her head.

“No. Not even in all the time I worked with Unit Bravo.”

“So you worked with them before?” Kira asks. Barbie looks at Mason again, but he isn’t offering any easy answers this time. So she sighs and nods.

“Yes, I work with a variety of teams who need my help, but I used to work most closely with Unit Bravo before I was transferred,” she says.

That makes Mason snort. “Really? You’re calling it a transfer?”

“Do you really want to get into this right here, right now?” Barbie snaps, her gaze cutting over to Kira and back again. Having her stand over him, looking down her nose with every hair in place makes Mason itch all over. He stands, just to put himself on equal footing with her.

“I don’t give a fuck if the detective hears about it, and you’re the one who brought it up in front of her,” Mason says. Barbie rolls her eyes and it makes Mason’s head start spinning.

“Perhaps I don’t feel the need to air out my dirty laundry. Though Lord knows you probably have!” Barbie shouts. Mason steps closer, nearly bouncing Kira out of the way.

“Guys, easy,” she says as she scrambles to her feet, but neither vampire is really hearing her.

“What the fuck does that mean?” Mason demands. Barbie meets his eye fully.

“You have no shame and no decorum,” she says. He blinks.

“Is that news to you?” he asks.

“Don’t speak to me so flippantly,” Barbie says. Mason snorts.

“You think I’m flippant? What about you?”

“What about me?” Barbie crosses her arms.

“At least I actually give a damn about the people I’m supposed to care about,” Mason says. “You can’t handle your goddamn vanity being wounded to the point of running to another fucking continent to hide away.”

Barbie moves then, arm coming up before freezing somewhere just above her hip. She closes her eyes, breathing deep as she pinches her nose with the hand she was certainly about to slap him with. Mason almost wishes she’d tried, even if he’s not sure exactly what he’d do about it.

“Mason, if you think the only problem I have with being a vampire is looking like this,” she says, as if she’s some sort of horrible, mangled thing, “then divorcing you really was the best thing I could’ve done.”

Before Mason can even begin to come up with something to say to that, Kira shoves her way between them.

“Okay, come on. Enough. You’re just finding things to argue about.” She looks between them, keenly taking in all this new information, while also wanting to stop either of them from continuing. Which is just as well, as Mason’s throat has gone so dry he doubts he could say much anyway.

To hell with this, Adam can come babysit if he really wants someone to watch the detective.

Of course, before he can even will himself to move, Barbie steps away first.

“I doubt I can glean much just from observing them as they are now,” she says, fussing with the buttons on her coat. “I’d be better off completing the files the Agency wants on them, which I can do with my laptop and a printer.”

“I have a printer at my apartment,” Kira says after a moment. “You can use that one.”

“Wonderful,” Barbie says flatly. She’s gone the next moment, stumbling back through the trees.

Mason curls and uncurls his fingers, itching to run after her and…

And what? What the fuck does he even want with her anymore? He thought nothing. It should be nothing.

Everything is too bright, too cold, and too damn much. He turns away to settle back on his haunches, ostensibly to observe the thralls, but if he's being truly honest with himself he isn't absorbing a damned thing. The detective settles in beside him, wrapping her arms around her knees.

“That was…a lot,” Kira says haltingly. Mason snorts.

“That’s nothing.” One of the last conversations they had before she ran off, he and Barbie had screamed so loud at one another that Elidor had had to use his magic to separate them. At least Barbie wasn’t cursing his name down for the next century.

“Still, arguing with someone you used to be with can’t be fun.”

Mason rolls his eyes. “You’re a real genius, huh?”

“I guess she hasn’t always been a vampire?” Kira asks. Mason ignores her, but that doesn’t stop the detective from continuing. “I’d ask her, but she seems to get upset when she has to talk about being one. That plus some of what you guys just said…”

“No, she was turned,” Mason says, suddenly too fucking tired to tell Kira to mind her business. Answering her questions will, with any luck, get her to shut up faster.

“Did you know each other as humans?”

“No. I was a vampire, she was human when we met.” Mason stands again, stomping his feet to try and get some feeling back into them. Bloody fucking cold. It’s always worse this close to the ocean.

“But she turned before you two broke up,” Kira says. It’s not a question, so Mason doesn’t answer. Besides, he doesn’t really want to even think about Barbie turning, let alone talk about it. If he had his way, she’d be just as human now as she was then. Nearing the end of her life, sure, but not miserable in her existence either. It’s what he’d been preparing himself to deal with ever since they decided to give being a couple a try.

“What does any of this have to do with the thralls?” Mason snaps. Kira shrugs. Just when he thinks that’s the end of that, she piped up again.

“How do you turn people into thralls?”

Mason scoffs. “I don’t. I can’t. Only natural vampires can. And no, I’m not explaining anything else about that.”

To his surprise, the detective’s response to his acerbic words is to laugh. She rests her chin on her knees.

“That’s fine,” she says. “I don’t mind sitting in silence.”

Relief floods him, as that’s all he’s really wanted the whole time. Even if the silence isn’t really silence, between the wind, the birds, and the squirrels darting around barking at one another, it’s better. He can think more clearly. Even the sound of Kira’s breathing isn’t so bothersome.

As time stretches on, he finds the presence of Kira in general isn’t as bothersome as it once was. He might even enjoy it a bit.

Next

[harleybarbarahandler]

margot is so pookie in the sag-aftra actress discussion video

[always-a-slut-4-ghouls]

On tumblr when you post you’re just playing Russian roulette with your post getting attention, but it’ll probably get ignored.

On Reddit any comment you make outside of some very niche community will immediately have someone downvoting you and calling you like, three different insults. Then they will wonder why you only log in every couple months. Like, it’s a very helpful website when you have a question for another community you’re in, but you’ll also get someone being immediately hostile when you make an innocuous post on a garden subreddit 😑

At least on tumblr people have to actually seek out your random ass text posts and go out of their way to start shit, and you don’t have the up and down vote system that feels like playing with my self confidence and worth issues.

Both websites are toxic part of the time (what social media isn’t?) and both are actually more useful for weird people, but holy shit does Reddit feel more aggressive about shit. Maybe it’s just the devil you know, but at least on this mess of a website half your hate will be for the most random shit and misunderstandings that people have to seek out finding if your blog is a normal size. Reddit is either posting on a dead sub or getting immediately thrown to the, well, sharks and wolves aren’t actually super aggressive towards humans under normal circumstances, so something else that could tear you apart instantly for just existing in the same space as them.

[ribombeee]

16, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, and 27 for the ask game? i love you!!! ❣️❣️❣️❣️

OK HERE WE GO!!

16. the book that made u fall in love with reading?

oh gosh. um. the first series i was every into as like a young young child was the little house on the prairie series but i think the first book/series i ever really liked for like the Themes and Artistry was the gregor the overlander series hot damn those books made me so upset as like an 8 year old child. if u remember i wanted to have my 9th birthday party be gregor the overlander themed. with like giant rats and cockroaches i guess. it would been fucking awesome

20. do u prefer audio books or e-books?

i read a lot of ebooks bc theyre the easiest format to get ahold of but i dont have fond feelings towards them. whereas i am a certified audiobookhead certified freak for audiobooks. bc i like reading while walking around or drawing and i like voice acting

21. hardcovers or paperbacks?

hardcovers for modern books bc im a book cover HATER if a cover is bad it will distract me and most hardcovers u can take the dust cover off and burn it as a sacrifice to Big Graphic Design. however in an ideal world with no hideously ugly covers i would read exclusively paperbacks small enough to fit in a hoodie pocket <3

22. a book that u hated at first but now love it?

this may be kind of a cop out answer but the translation of the odyssey i read in high school english was extremely boring and cliche and the version i read in college (tr. emily wilson) gave me a bit of a diff perspective… i still wouldnt say i love it but i have a healthy respect for it

23. a book u used to love but now hate?

i really dont know if i can think of an answer for this… i feel like even really stupid books i loved as a kid i can appreciate for what they are even if i wouldnt read them now

24. a book genre u haven't read? why?

idk if i have an answer for this one either?? umm i was gonna say i havent read steampunk but i actually totallly have OH i guess i havent read self help books. bc i think theyre stupid and unhelpful

25. a book that had u bawling ur eyes out?

by god. nona the ninth. literally perhaps the book on this earth that has made me the most upset. all 3 locked tomb books made me cry but for weeks after reading nona i would randomly start crying just thinking about how she never got to have her first birthday party and invite all the dogs. poor poor baby nona…… u also already know that i used to be completely unable to read like more than 3 lines into snow and dirty rain from richard siken’s crush without bursting into tears like a maniac that was very normal of me. average 15 year old experience

26. ur fav quote from a book?

many many many!!!! but the first one that comes to mind and the one i’ll go with is this fucking banger of a classic from tlhod thank u miss le guin thank u miss therem harth rem ir estraven

[thirsty-4-ghouls]

The thing about shall we date games is that to get the alternative ending you need to choose different dialogue and I am so fucking bad at that. I’ll try, but there’s just too much “we (me/character me) would not fucking say that” and if I actually do choose those and get the alternative ending I’m like “I’m a fraud. I can’t live like this”

[screwhope]

also : emma did not always have the 'i always know when people are lying to me super power' thing. she learned that , because she trusted everyone prior to jail -- lily &* neal specifically, but also whats her face. the snow queen lady with the dumb name. hold on. INGRID. yeah. googled it. she developed that sense &* kind of ... OVER learned it. she trusts very few now. well. no.

the only times it really comes up are when she's talking specifically about like ... serious lies. she misses little lies all the time (at least in s1). but regina ? ofc she clocks her. regina is the worst of lily &* neal &* literally everyone.

( side note , regina only getting away with being awful in storybrooke is bc everyone else being stuck in a perpetual loop of the same day/week never aging EXCEPT FOR HENRY ? LIKE. did he just ... think all the other kids were stupid &* getting held back for the last 5 years of school ? like 'yeah haha he's 10 he just didn't really notice ; he has no friends' sure but how did he miss that miss blanchard is making bird houses every single day ( SHES NOT A BIRD HOUSE TEACHER) or like archie doesnt seem to know what hes talking about in therapy like 'haha yeah hes so detached and sheltered'. BE FUCKIN FOR REAL WITH ME RN. ten year olds are not fuckin idiots asndfjka like i know he didn't really encounter people like ashley (cinderella) WHO ON HER OWN IS A GODDAMN NIGHTMIRE -- 28 YEARS LIKE ABOUT TO BURST PREGNANT? fuck you that's horrific. -- so like his examples weren't quite as weird as they could have been. but the school thing gets me. like 'where were those kids from last year ?' what grade does mary margaret teach ? elementary tends to keep the same teacher for everything. we know she's his teacher. does he notice the repetition in school work? i just have so many questions that the writers have only give vague hand gestures and 'idk foggy brain woo' answers. )

ANYWAY. regina radiates evil. so does rumple. i'm specifically thinking of s1 bc that's what i'm rewatching rn, but like -- she knows david &* mary margaret aren't lying to her bc ?? they're fucking stupid golden retrievers &* SHE KNOWS ITS REGINA. she has no proof but the bitch is evil. she can just. feel it in her bones.

ALL THIS TO SAY , emma probably does not have this ooh mysterious lie detector power. she's just used to fucking liars. she's a god damn bail bonds woman. she chases liars &* cheats for a living.

[makingqueerhistory]

Hi!! You've probably already answered this before, but... Could you tell me about any aros or aces (or, ideally, aroaces!!) who have made significant contributions to the LGBT+ community?

I know it /shouldn't/ matter, but... Hearing about trans women at Stonewall, or lesbians helping gay men with AIDs... It's just hard not to feel really isolated and rejected and unwanted among the queer community a lot of the time. I do think that many historical gay men/lesbians might've fit the definition of ace or aro (how many historical queers just, ran bars or whatever and were beloved by the community but maybe never really dated?) but it gets so hard to find people I can look up to who are really Mine, as dumb as that sounds...

I totally get this actually, queer icons can often center more well known identities. Here are some stories that might help:

Early Asexual Feminists: The Asexual History of Social Purity Activists and Spinsters

Emma Trosse

The Golden Orchid Society

My strongest recommendation is Emma Trosse though. Here is a quote from her article:

"Her most enduring legacy though comes from her medical writing, where she became the first woman known to write a scientific book about homosexuality titled Der Konträrsexualismus in Bezug auf Ehe und Frauenfrage (Homosexuality in relation to marriage and the question of women's rights). Within her writings around queerness, she would use words such as Urning, which comes from Karl Heinrich Ulrichs, and would demand sympathy for “contrary sexuals” writing: “I will continually exert my full strength to destroy that weak deception and help to open the eyes of those it affects. For only when one has learned to see can one rightly comprehend and judge the poor creatures who are damned without having been understood or heard, or who—if one is being benevolent—are passed by with a sympathetic shrug of the shoulders. That is an Urning! How may we take further notice of him? With this hard, loveless feeling one renounces once and for all his fellow creature.” Coming from a great legacy of scientific writers coming to the defense of queerness, she would immortalize herself with the word Sinnlichkeit, which is the origin of the current word asexual. Not only did she note the existence of people whom the community would now recognize as asexual or demisexual, but she would also identify herself among them."

[carpediemma]

🎀 and 🧮 for the fanfic writers thing!

🎀 how do you decide when something is done?

For a chapter... I think when I can give a good hook or cliffhanger for the next thing.

For a story... I guess when I feel I have answered enough of the underlying questions, but maybe not everything is perfect? If that makes sense. It's kind of like with a good TV show--end with a satisfying conclusion, but you kind of want to see more.

In terms of just the pure writing process... once I've written a first draft and have done 2 to 3 rounds of re-reads for edits, then I just post it. Because if I try to think more about it... I would probably post nothing.

🧮 what are you working on? describe it in 20 words or less

Werewolf Edwin and human Charles navigate friendship (and more) while also trying to go to University. Shenanigans and Angst ensue.

I have a Shadowhunters fixation and love to shove DBDA characters into alternate universes, apparently.

Thanks for the ask, V!

[wondrluv]

୨୧ what you deserve ; pb5

➪ summary: when paige learns that you've never been to prom, she makes it her mission to change that, giving you the prom you deserve

➪ warnings: prom, illusions to not having money (kind of but not really), feeling like you have to go to prom with someone. lowkey kind of choppy, lots of time jumps, def not my best work

➪ word count: 2.4k

➪ emma's notes: changing everything to say dallas wings instead of uconn huskies made me both so proud and upset. but like- okay anyway. also dallas has blue in their logo so i'm keeping paige's things blue. anyway again. i hope you guys like this :) here's some picture references -> dress ! nails ! hair ! as i am writing this i realized i never wrote paige's reaction to seeing her in the dress so let me know if you want a part two and i will write, i am easily persuaded

© wondrluv ; do not copy, repost, or translate my work and designs on any other website or here

You’d never told anyone, mostly because the first time you told someone you never went to prom, they looked at you like you had just told them you killed their cat, and then you had to listen and answer their questions, wondering if you regretted it. 

And the truth was, no. You didn’t regret it. Spending $80 to attend a party where you’d be surrounded by people you probably would never see again, eat some food that barely tasted like actual food, and take pictures that you would post the next day and then forget about them the day after. Add that on top of however much money it would take you to get a dress that you didn’t even really like, made you feel uncomfortable, and only wear it once? 

To some people, that seemed like a huge offense; prom was something that they looked forward to since they knew what prom was. You could admit, it had its appeals; hanging out with your friends, getting all dressed up, being with someone you loved (or convinced yourself you did). 

It seemed like a school function that you could only have fun with if you went with a date or a huge group of people, and you had neither of those. It didn’t bother you, not really. Deep down, you thought it would’ve been nice to have been able to experience the thing all kids your age raved about when they got back to school the following Monday. To dance with your friends and someone who gave you butterflies when you so much as looked at them. To sneak some alcohol at a random after-party despite telling your parents you wouldn’t. 

But at the end of the day, you didn’t want to put your family down 100+ dollars just to have fun for one night only, to have memories that you would forget about years later, even if everyone said you wouldn’t. 

You were determined to keep this small piece of information to yourself after the first encounter you had when you did tell someone. Yet it seemed like the universe had other plans. 

ﾟ+*:୨୧:*﹤

It was something you had done a million times, hang out in someone’s apartment or dorm with a bunch of food as you KK started the live and talked to the chat, answering their questions. You sat next to Paige, eating your food slowly, taking sips of your water between bites, her arm wrapped around your shoulders, tugging you into her side. 

“Favorite prom moment? Oh uh-” You tensed at the question, hoping nobody would direct their eyes to you and ask for your answer. If Paige noticed your behavior, she didn’t say anything. 

One by one, they answered with their own memory, and one by one, you listened intently, trying to distract yourself from the possibility of having to confess the thing you’d been keeping a secret. Sure, it wasn’t a huge secret, something that wouldn’t hurt anybody's feelings or ruin your relationships, but the way people looked at you like you were crazy seemed to make your stomach just as queasy. 

“Y/n/n? What about you?”

You froze, looking up from your food and staring at Azzi with a surprised expression, “What?”

“Your favorite prom moment, ma,” Paige whispered, nudging you out of whatever trance you were in. 

“Oh, um- I never went to prom.”

You watched as each of them reacted - Paige, KK, Azzi, Ice, Kaitlyn, Sarah. Azzi was the one to say something, her expression softening, her eyes full of curiosity, “You never went to prom?”

“Nah, didn’t want to spend the money on it, it would be a huge hit to my parents. I had my fill of Homecomings, prom just seemed like a more glamorous version of it. Plus- never mind. Yeah, just didn’t want to.”

“You never told me that, ma.”

You just shrugged, going back to staring at your food, lifting a bite to your mouth. The group continued to gaze at you sadly but quickly diverted their attention when they saw the look on Paige’s face. 

“Baby…”

“Hmm?” 

KK moved the phone just slightly so the two of you were out of frame, Paige shooting her a grateful expression before focusing on you again, her fingers underneath your chin to tilt your head up. 

“How come you didn’t tell me that?”

“Never seemed relevant. Honestly, P. It’s no big deal, I didn’t like dances. Nothing more than that.”

“You’re telling me you never wanted to experience prom?”

“Yeah, I guess.”

“There’s gotta be more than that, Ma. C��mon, I know you too well.”

You just sighed, picking at your food. Her hand reached out, resting over yours and pausing your movements, “Tell me.”

“I never had someone to go with.” Her eyebrows furrowed, urging you to continue, “I didn’t like anyone, or at least, nobody that liked me back. My friend group was made up of people who had other friend groups, so I just never had anyone to go with.”

“M’sorry, baby.”

“Don’t be, it’s fine. I promise, it’s not a big deal.”

You could see the look in her eyes, it wasn’t pity. She would never look at you like that. Sympathy? No. Empathy? No. It was one you’d seen way too many times since you met Paige Bueckers. A look that could only be described as the Paige look. It happened before games, during a hard practice, and when she was doing homework. 

It was the look she gave when she got an idea, and no one was going to be able to stop her. 

ﾟ+*:୨୧:*﹤

Two weeks later, you’re waking from your bed to a knock at your door. Your phone lights up with a random notification, allowing you to see the time staring at you. 9:30. Normally, you’d be fine waking up at this time, but you’d had so many assignments and tests the past two weeks that you needed to sleep in. 

You opened the door, shock making its way onto your face as you stared at the girl in front of you, “Azzi? What are you doing here?”

“Girls' day!”

You dragged your hand down your face, blinking at her slowly, “Girls' day?”

“Yeah, c’mon, let's get you dressed. We’ll go get some food and then we’ll get your nails done and your hair done, and your makeup.”

“For any particular reason?” You stepped aside, Azzi bee-lined it to your closet to flip through your clothes, landing on a pair of jeans and a UConn Women’s basketball shirt that was probably Paige’s.

“Paige said you’ve been stressed. So I figured you needed a day of pampering. Plus, Paige was busy, so you’re left with the second-best option, me!”

“Oh, c’mon. You know you’re my number one, Az.”

She just grinned at you, handing you the clothes, “Nice try. Get dressed, brush your hair and your teeth.”

ﾟ+*:୨୧:*﹤

With each spot, you grew more and more suspicious of Azzi’s motives. The way she’d be giggling as she looked at her phone, sneaking glances at you before typing something out. The way she’d insist on getting your nails done dark blue with white accents because she was ‘feeling it’. The way she handed the hairstylist a pack of clear, glittery butterfly clips. It was getting to be too much. 

But the final thing that set you off was when you got back to your dorm and your roommate was there, holding a large garment bag. You looked between them, eyes narrowing at Azzi’s less than innocent expression, “Okay, what is going on?”

“Nothing!” 

“Guys…”

“We can’t say anything, it’d ruin it. Just please- put on what’s in the bag.”

Your eyes narrowed even further, slowly unzipping the bag to reveal the dress you’d never even dream of having. It was a dark blue, one that reminded you of the multiple UConn shirts and sweatshirts you had in your closet. It had an illusion neckline with two straps and a corset-type bodice that was sheer, the skirt fluffy and flowy, but not too much. Rhinestones covered the entire top half, a few lines of sparkle dripping down the skirt. 

“What? What is this for?”

Your roommate and Azzi just shared matching expressions, a huge grin on their faces as they urged you into the bathroom to change. All you could do was let them shove you in the direction, staring at yourself in the mirror as you tried to figure out what was happening. 

You slipped the dress off the hanger, stepping into it and admiring it every time it moved with you. You zipped it up as best you could without straining, and when you couldn’t get it to go up any further, you stepped out of the bathroom, stepping into their view. 

“Can you guys help me with the zipper?”

Their heads snapped over at your soft voice, mouths opening slightly as they looked you up and down. You let out a nervous laugh, arms wrapping around your stomach in habit, “Does it look bad?”

“No- holy shit no, you look good, y/n/n. Like jaw-dropping. She’s gonna freak when she sees you in this.”

“She?”

Azzi froze, mentally cursing herself at her slip-up, “I uh-okay fine, this might have something to do with Paige, but that’s all you get.”

You felt your cheeks heat up at the thought of Paige seeing you like this, in this dress, your hair and nails done like you had somewhere important to be. You turned around, mind racing at what Paige’s reaction would be like when she did see you as your roommate finished zipping you up. 

Unbeknownst to you, you wouldn’t have to wait long. 

ﾟ+*:୨୧:*﹤

Azzi led you downstairs, where the two of you came to a stop in front of a limo. You couldn’t help but roll your eyes, because now you knew Paige had something to do with this. Your eyes drifted over to where someone stood, and it took you a few moments to realize that there was KK, decked out in a suit and a pair of all black sunglasses covering her eyes. 

“Miss. y/l/n, your chariot awaits.”

“My chariot?” A laugh bubbled out of you, hand going up to cover your mouth. 

KK ignored you, simply opening the door and gesturing for you to climb in. You rolled your eyes again, a smile still playing at your lips as you slid into the limo, immediately met with five bodies. Kaitlyn, Aubrey, Sarah, Morgan, and Jana all sat there, in their own formal outfits and a small rose in each of their hands. 

“Okay, I’m actually so confused right now. What is happening?”

“Girls night!”

“I seem to be hearing that a lot. What’s with the flowers?”

“They’re for you.” Kaitlyn handed you hers first, followed by Sarah, and then Jana, Aubrey, and Morgan.

“So any clue where we’re going?”

They just smiled again, saying nothing and handing you a glass which you eyed eerily but took anyway. 

ﾟ+*:୨୧:*﹤

Five minutes later, they were leading you into a park. 

“Did we all just get dressed up for you to kill me because this is all really sketchy?”

“C’mon, y/n/n. If we were gonna kill you, we wouldn’t be dressed up.” Jana wrapped an arm around your shoulders.

You came to a stop in front of a tree, Paige standing there with a sign that said “My shooting percentage is 99%, but you’re the only 1 I need at prom”, but that wasn’t what you were paying attention to. 

You could only focus on the way the suit clung to her, the dark blue tie that matched the color of your dress perfectly, the rings on her hands, the bracelet that hung loosely on her wrist - the only you got her for her birthday last year -, the two necklaces hanging from her neck - one with a cross and one with your initial -, the way her hair fell perfectly against the suit, tucked behind her ears, and the dorkiest, smug expression on her face. 

“P…”

“C’mon, ma. What do you say? Make me the happiest girl and go to prom with me?”

You were in shock, eyes almost watering at the whole situation. You took a hesitant step forward, your hand reaching out for hers, and she took it with no instruction. She pulled you closer, grip tight as you stared up at her, “Really?”

“Yeah, really.” She laughed softly, “The way you talked about not having anyone to go to prom with broke my heart because you should’ve been the girl everyone was tripping over their heels to ask. But that also means that I’m the only one who gets to ask you, which is boosting my ego a lil’ too much.”

Your giggle was full of tears, but you didn’t care; this was everything you could ever ask for and more. “Yeah, I’ll go to prom with you, Paige Bueckers.”

“Really?”

“Really.”

She pressed a kiss to your temple, sign dropping from her grasp as she pulled you into a tight hug. 

ﾟ+*:୨୧:*﹤

You shouldn’t have been surprised by this, Paige pulling whatever strings she had to get Gampel to look like some whimsical, magical place with fairy lights and a large table to eat at, a backdrop to take pictures with balloons that spelled out Prom next to it. 

“Paige, this is- this is too much.”

“It’s not too much. It’s just what you deserve.” Her arm wrapped around you, pulling you in front of her to rest her chin on your shoulder, head turning just slightly to press a kiss to your neck. 

Your hands rested on top of hers, still looking around in awe as the team all started laughing and dancing to the music playing through the speakers.

“You really did all this for me?”

“I’d do anything for you.”

You just shook your head, smiling, turning in her arms to cup her cheeks and pull her into a kiss. Her hands found their way to your hips, squeezing slightly as her tongue swiped against your bottom lip, seeking entrance. 

When the two of you pulled away, both breathing a little bit heavier, your cheeks flushed, and you smiled even wider, your voice soft, “Thank you.”

“Like I said, you deserve this, and I’d do anything to give you what you deserve.”

꒰ DALLAS WINGS TAGLIST ꒱

@alexxavicry

PB5 MASTERLIST ; WBB MASTERLIST

TAGLIST ; NAVIGATION

[justcruisingaroundrevived]

The yandere Pete love letter was SO GOOD!!! Could you please do Jerry or Bill next? ❤️❤️❤️

This Invasion Makes Me Feel Worthless, Hopeless, Sick

Summary: You’re infecting Bill’s mind…and he hates it

Word count: 990

TW/CW: Yandere behavior, obsessive tendencies, stalking, implied wet dreams, mixed signals,

A/N: Thank you so much for the request! This was so fun to do (cause I think Bill’s love letter would be very, VERY stalkerish)

Reblogs are appreciated!

I keep seeing you in the halls, you know? It’s weird. All of my life, normies have been in the background of my life. Still remember the time I lost my Superman cape on Halloween cause fucking Brad and his bullies tore it up and hung me up in the tree. My mom had to get me down, and she scolded me! Saying I care too much about those “childish” hobbies and “You should just grow up”. What the fuck does she know? Only started to act like this when it was clear my dad’s late night leaving meant she was stuck with a parasite.

Don’t get me wrong; you’re exactly like that. Noticed you in my math class, being over excited to answer the questions and anxiously looking at your notebook while taking notes. You know, you shouldn’t even be in calculus if you’re so nervous?! At least when I read my comics in class and the teacher calls me out, I can answer confidently. At least I CAN GET THE FUCKING ANSWER RIGHT?!

Whatever. The point being that you don’t stand out to me, or at least you shouldn’t. Like the others, you blend into the background, and I stay as the underdog.

However, how the fuck do you know about X-Men and Squirrel Girl?! The stickers on your locker indicate that you actually read that shit, and that’s something to gawk at! You? Having normie friends, doing normie activities and being just fucking normal, actually liking the same shit I did?! I’ve spent weeks of my life, reading the latest editions and waking everyone up because I noticed a mistake with my copy? The same shit I waited online at midnight for, kicking and screaming because they said they had enough copies for everyone, but ALL OF A SUDDEN didn’t when I came through the door?! Like, it’s not my fault little kids don’t know what hit them on the way out!

What’s worse is that you keep appearing to me as fucking Emma Frost. Her blonde hair being replaced with your (H/C). You’re lying on my bed, teasing the FUCK out of me. What’s worse is that it’s in her Hellfire Club outfit.

I can forgive Wonder Woman, Lara Croft, Trinity and even Tasha Yar (it was a wet dream with her) but Emma Frost?! She was sacred to me, until your fucking being invaded my dreams. I can still hear your voice saying “Come to bed, honey” in that stupid fucking voice! Your finger beckoning me to come…and I did.

Despite all fucking instincts, I FUCKING DID! I went over to you and ravished you like a fucking fool. It didn’t even look like those porn videos, but an actual sappy romance scene! Just two people crashing lips together!

…you’ve invaded my mind. You’re controlling me like Professor Xavier did to Magneto in the cartoon. Every time I see you walking in the hallways, the thoughts I formed in my brain just melt away, and all I’m left with is you. You’ve imprinted me. Every last capacity of my brain has been invaded by your existence.

It’s gotten to the point where the club mocks me, especially that fat piece of shit boulder! I can hear his nasal laughter while he talks about me being “whipped”! FUCKING WHIPPED! The only thing whipped are pussies and normies, AND YOU’VE TURNED ME INTO THAT!

You’re not even that interesting! You get up, take a 5 minute shower (usually doing your face and body), put on that expensive skincare only available at Sephora, eat the breakfast your mom usually makes (pancakes with a toast is your go to) and then head out!

You stop for a coffee (iced with 2 sugar and cream) and head to school. Going to your locker on the third floor (the twelfth one) and talking to your friends (your locker is so strange…it’s like someone molded you to be my other half….even the way you talk about the latest comics…)

I only have you for third period calculus, and you’re so strange. Always paying attention to class and actually responding to what the teacher says. It’s like you actually like being in class. Strange….

I hate your friends. Seeing them near you is like bugs crawling in my spine. I hate them. I hate them so fucking much. I hate how happy you seem with them, the way your hand gently pushes them jokingly….that should be me. I want that warmth in your eyes, that soft touch you can bring. Still remember how you offered me a pen when I couldn’t find any. I’d admit, I grip onto your hand when I accepted…you smelt so fucking good. Like a floral, clean scent. You would look so beautiful in my collection. My most prized collectible. And I can show you off, cause I caught you. You. YOU!

I hate you. I want to crawl myself into your skin and become you. See how you function…see how you deal with this day to day life. You’re so intriguing.

I LOVE YOU I LOVE YOU I LOVE YOU I LOVE YOU I LOVE YOU I LOVE YOU I LOVE YOU I LOVE YOU I LOVE YOU I LOVE YOU I LOVE YOU I LOVE YOU I LOVE YOU I LOVE YOU I LOVE YOU I LOVE YOU I LOVE YOU I LOVE YOU I LOVE YOU I LOVE YOU I LOVE YOU I LOVE YOU I LOVE YOU I LOVE YOU I LOVE YOU I LOVE YOU I LOVE YOU I LOVE YOU I LOVE YOU I LOVE YOU I LOVE YOU I LOVE YOU I LOVE YOU I LOVE YOU I LOVE YOU I LOVE YOU I LOVE YOU I LOVE YOU I LOVE YOU I LOVE YOU I LOVE YOU I LOVE YOU I LOVE YOU I LOVE YOU

I hate you. Just stay the fuck away from me.

-William Alan Dickey

[cressidagrey]

the one real thing you've ever known

Pairing: Max Verstappen x Ariel Cane (Original Character)

(Part of Stay through it all)

Summary: If there was one thing that Dr. Percy Cane, B.Sc., M.Sc., M.A., Ph.D., Sc.D., Head of Electrical Engineering, Oracle Red Bull Racing, knew how to do then it was how to hold a grudge. 

Warnings: 

Jos Verstappen, Illegal Use of Emails?

Author Notes: This was hilarious to write, so you are getting it as a treat lol (Also don't worry, spam mail is not the only revenge Percy is gonna dish out...it's just the start...

If there was one thing that Dr. Percy Cane, B.Sc., M.Sc., M.A., Ph.D., Sc.D., Head of Electrical Engineering, Oracle Red Bull Racing, knew how to do then it was how to hold a grudge. 

Percy had a very long memory. He could recall every single slight, every single wrong that had ever been done to him. And each of those slights and wrongs were marked down in the long list of grudges he held.

Percy knew a lot of things. He was an actual genius after all. With two doctorate, a IQ of around 150 and enough other degrees to prove it. 

He also knew that he was absolutely helpless at most of the stuff other people considered normal. That's what his sisters said at least. 

He could still remember, a very long time ago, his father sitting him down and telling him that protecting his little sisters was going to be his job. 

Percy had failed utterly at that. He was very much aware at that. 

If there had been somebody protecting somebody else, then it had always been Ariel, protecting both him and Emma. 

Ariel. Ariel Josephine Cane. 3 years, 7 months, 20 days younger than him. 

His little sister. His. 

There weren't many people he claimed at his. But Ariel and Emma were his family. The only family they still had. 

He was also very much aware that Ariel had given up her teenage years for them. There had been no going out to parties. No underage drinking. There had been no time at University for Ariel where she hadn't been burdened down with the looking after Emma and him...with going grocery shopping and running the household and keeping on top of the bills and cooking. He had helped. Some. 

But sadly an IQ of 153 did not mean that he was able to cook an egg without it exploding apparently. 

And it also didn't mean that his sister's teachers found it particularly pleasant when he questioned their degree after a completely unfair math assessment from Emma. (He still thought that Mr. Henry Payne had bought his teacher degree online. Ariel had told him to shut up.) 

Percy was self-aware enough to know that there were certain things he was incredibly bad at. Cooking being one off the top of his head. He had tried, he really had. But in the end, a kitchen and him just didn't mix well.

He was also aware that his social skills and emotional intelligence could be considered lacking. It was something that never really came naturally to him, this whole connecting with people thing. He was never sure quite what to say or how to behave in social situations. It was... frustrating, to put it mildly.

But even him...Even Percy Cane who was very, very bad with people...He was not going to stand for anybody putting his hands on his little sister. He was not.

Jos Verstappen would regret the day he was born. That much was certain.

The mere idea made his blood boil.

He had never been the violent type. But in that moment, he wanted nothing more than to wipe that smirk off Verstappen's face. Permanently.

Sadly, he also couldn't throw a punch. Though maybe Connor would be willing to help him. But then...that wasn't thorough enough.

Percy knew that resorting to physical violence wasn't the answer. It wouldn't be enough. It wouldn't be nearly enough to make Verstappen pay for what he had done to his little sister.

No, Percy had a far more effective weapon at his disposal. He was a genius after all. And he wasn't above using his rather above-average intelligence to make Verstappen's life a living hell.

He was going to make the man's life a living nightmare. Every single aspect of it. He would dig up every single dirty secret. He would contact every single person that Verstappen had ever wronged or slighted. He would ruin him, reputationally, financially, emotionally. He would ensure that Jos Verstappen would be left with nothing. No money, no friends, no allies, not even a good reputation.

He would start by digging into his past. Every piece of dirt, every skeleton in the closet Verstappen thought he had locked safe, Percy would find it all.

And then he would use all of that to publicly ruin him. His reputation would be absolutely destroyed.

It was a long game to play, but Percy played the game of chess at a grandmasters level. And he was patient. He could wait.

He was going to destroy him entirely and completely.

And it wasn't like he couldn't have his fun in the meantime, right?

There was absolutely nothing that stopped him from finding out Jos Verstappen's email address and sign him up to every spam mail he could find.

He couldn't wait for the man to be flooded with an onslaught of unsolicited newsletters, scam emails, and countless offers of online gambling and adult entertainment websites.

It was just a fraction of the torment that he had planned for the man...but it would be a good start.

Maybe sign him up for some online courses.

Some philosophy? He didn't seem to have much of that.

Or perhaps...

Percy smirked as he navigated the online course platform, searching for just the right subject. After a few moments, he found what he was looking for: "Introduction to Anger Management for Beginners".

He couldn't wait to see the look on Verstappen's face when he realized he was now enrolled in a course teaching him how to control his temper. It was almost poetic, in a way.

Percy couldn't help but chuckle as he hit the sign-up button. "Let's see if you can actually learn something," he said to himself.

He highly doubted that actually, but education was good for everybody.

Anyway, that was just the start. It wasn't enough. Not by a far shot. But it was a start. 

His hands drummed against the dining room table for a moment.

He had dealt with Jos Verstappen.

Now it was time to deal with Max Verstappen.

Ariel's now...boyfriend if Emma's ungodly screeching and dancing around the room had taught him anything.

Percy winced at the thought of his sisters' reaction to the news. Emma had started performing some sort of victory celebration dance that included a lot of jumping and singing off key.

Ariel loved Max. Had loved him for years. Even Percy wasn't that blind.

He had seen the way Ariel's face lit up when she talked about him. He had seen the way she softened when he came into a room. He had seen the way her eyes tracked him whenever they were in the same room together.

Percy was many things, but he was not blind. He could see how head over heels in love his little sister was with Max Verstappen.

She could do worse, he supposed. Granted, she also could do better.

But she wanted Max, so Max would need to suffice.

Percy grudgingly admitted that Max Verstappen wasn't the worst choice his little sister could have made. At least the man had a good heart underneath everything else.

And, most importantly, he made Ariel happy. At the end of the day, that is what truly mattered to Percy.

But that didn't mean Percy was going to let him off easy. No, he was still going to give Max Verstappen a good old-fashioned "don't you dare mess with my baby sister or I will end you" speech.

Or more exactly... the 40 page document that told Max Verstappen exactly what kind of behaviour was appropriate and definitely wasn't appropriate towards Ariel Cane and that Percy Cane had been working on for 5 years. 

That was appropriate older brother behaviour, regardless of what Connor wanted to tell him. 

Initial Observations and Expectations Regarding Your Relationship with My Sister

Max,

Let me preface this by stating that I am not naturally predisposed to emotional discussions. My professional expertise lies in electrical engineering, and my contributions to Oracle Red Bull Racing's success have been rooted in precision, logic, and a steadfast aversion to failure. My concern here is not a matter of sentiment but a calculated response to a situation that demands my immediate attention: Your sudden and unannounced pivot from "best friend" to "romantic partner" of my sister, Ariel. 

You and I have coexisted in a professional capacity for some time. As Head of Electrical Engineering, I am well aware of your talents behind the wheel. While I respect your ability to follow telemetry data and navigate complex racing strategies, I am under no illusion that this translates into competence in the far more intricate task of maintaining a healthy, supportive relationship with a woman of my sister's caliber.

Ariel is a person of exceptional intelligence, unparalleled kindness, and unyielding patience—qualities that, frankly, you lack in sufficient quantity to match hers. Her value is not up for debate, nor does it require validation from you or anyone else. 

You are someone whose primary skill lies in pressing a pedal and turning a wheel at high speeds while driving a car around engineered circles. While this skill has evidently brought you fame and a modicum of fortune, it does not, in my estimation, qualify you to be a suitable partner for someone as exceptional as her—yet here we are.

Before we proceed further, let's clarify a few key points. I'll keep this simple for your benefit:

My sister is not your pit crew. She is neither here to fix you when you're broken nor adjust her life to accommodate your lapses in maturity or judgment. If you treat her as such, you will find yourself uncomfortably acquainted with the concept of consequences—both professional and personal.

Prioritization of Ariel's Well-Being: Her happiness, ambitions, and individuality are not optional considerations—they are prerequisites. She is not an accessory to your life but an equal partner, and this dynamic must be respected at all times. If you are not prepared to prioritize her needs with the same intensity you dedicate to your career, then don't bother. 

You are not indispensable. While your ability to drive a car very fast is impressive to some, it does not make you irreplaceable in her life—or the team's, for that matter. Formula 1 drivers come and go. My sister's trust is much harder to earn, and significantly harder to regain if lost. Treat it accordingly. Your skill set, though narrowly exceptional, does not automatically qualify you for the privilege of being a part of Ariel's life.

Reliability Beyond the Track: I will assume you possess at least a baseline awareness that her well-being now partially rests in your hands. This is, frankly, an unsettling thought. I have observed your performance on the track and in team meetings, and while you are undoubtedly capable under controlled conditions, I question whether your ability to maintain composure under personal and emotional strain is as well-developed. My sister deserves stability, not the emotional equivalent of an unpredictable gearbox.

Long-Term Planning: My sister is not a temporary fixture in your life. If you are unable or unwilling to build a future with her in which her dreams and aspirations are given equal importance to your own, then you have no business being in her life.

Acknowledgment of Consequences: Relationships are not races; there are no podiums, no trophies, and no resets after a crash. If you fail her, there will be no pit crew to fix the damage. Consider this carefully.

Remember who is watching. That's me, in case you were unsure. I have access to your data—lap times, telemetry, the whole lot. Don't think I won't leverage every piece of technical information at my disposal to make your life extremely inconvenient should you fail her. 

I trust that even you, with your evident fondness for high-speed decision-making, can appreciate the gravity of this situation. You have been entrusted with something far more valuable than any championship trophy: my sister's trust. Do not squander it.

This is merely the prelude to a far more detailed assessment, which will include chapters such as:

Your Track Record: A Comparative Study of On-Track Aggression vs. Off-Track Emotional Stability

Effective Communication: Beyond Race Strategy and Post-Race Excuses

Aerodynamics of Trust: Building a Stable and Transparent Relationship

High-Performance Partnering: How Not to Total My Sister's Emotional Well-Being

Overclocking Your Efforts: Why Being Adequate Won't Cut It Here.

How to Keep Your Relationship on Track Without Blaming DRS Failures

And the most important chapter:

What Happens When You Violate Safety Protocols: A Comprehensive Guide to My Wrath

To be clear, this is not an emotional outburst; I am incapable of those. This is a calculated and rational attempt to ensure my sister's happiness and well-being are safeguarded. If this level of scrutiny makes you uncomfortable, I suggest you reconsider the life choices that have brought us to this point.

While I do not presume to control my sister's choices, I am well within my rights to evaluate those choices and respond accordingly. Ariel is my sister, and I will not hesitate to involve myself if I perceive you are not treating her with the respect and care she deserves.

You are, effectively, on probation. Rest assured, I will be monitoring your behavior with the same meticulous attention to detail I apply to every project at Oracle Red Bull Racing. Should you fall short of the standards my sister requires and deserves, you will hear from me again, at length.

In summary, approach this relationship as you would an understeering car: correct it immediately, or you will find yourself in a metaphorical wall of my making.

Consider this your first and final warning.

Sincerely,

Dr. Percy Cane, B.Sc., M.Sc., M.A., Ph.D., Sc.D. 

Head of Electrical Engineering, 

Oracle Red Bull Racing

[bennyboyfics]

tennis player gf and emma shelton playing a prank on ben. I love your work you are amazing

Pranking Ben || Ben Shelton x tennis player!reader

A/n: thank u so much for the request bby!

Wc: 1,150

Warnings:

MASTERLIST

-

Ben had a day off from training, and you were spending it at his family’s house, lounging in the living room with Emma, his younger sister. She had convinced you to film a TikTok with her—something lighthearted, just a little brother-sister versus girlfriend challenge. The concept was simple: Emma would ask Ben a series of questions, and he’d have to choose between you and her.

Ben was in the kitchen grabbing a snack when Emma turned to you, her eyes gleaming with mischief. “Okay, so here’s the plan,” she whispered. “We’re gonna make him super uncomfortable. I’m gonna be, like, a little mean to you. Nothing crazy, just enough to make him mad.” You grinned, catching on quickly. “Oh, he’s gonna lose it.”

Emma nodded. “He’s so protective over you, it’s actually ridiculous. But I wanna see just how far it goes.” You glanced toward the kitchen, making sure Ben wasn’t eavesdropping. Emma set up her phone on the coffee table, adjusting the angle so that both of you were perfectly in frame. The second Ben walked back into the room with a protein shake in one hand and a banana in the other, Emma hit record.

“Alright, Ben,” she announced, already slipping into character, “you’re gonna answer some questions, and you have to pick between me and your girlfriend. No copping out.” Ben shot you a knowing look, already suspicious. “Y’all are up to something, I can feel it.” “No, we’re not!” Emma said quickly, eyes wide with feigned innocence. “It’s just for fun. Ready?”

Ben sat down between you and Emma, exhaling through his nose. “Fine. But I know I’m getting set up.” Emma ignored him and jumped right into the questions. “Who has the better style?” Ben barely hesitated. “Y/n.” Emma scoffed dramatically. “Be so for real. She wears the same tennis skirts every day.” Your mouth fell open, feigning offense.

“Wow. That’s crazy coming from you, Miss Oversized T-Shirt and Crocs.” Emma waved you off. “Whatever, next question. Who has better music taste?” Ben took a sip of his shake, pretending to think. “Hmm… I gotta go with my girl again.” Emma gasped, clutching her chest. “What?! I literally put you on to half your playlist.”

Ben smirked. “Yeah, and the other half is her.”Emma rolled her eyes but stayed in character, cranking up the fake hostility. “That’s actually insane, but okay. Next—who’s funnier?” Ben tilted his head, looking between the two of you. “Y’all are both funny, but I think Y/n makes me laugh more.” Emma groaned. “You’re such a liar.” She turned to you, her tone suddenly clipped.

“You’re not even that funny. He just laughs at everything you say because you’re his girlfriend.” Ben’s head snapped toward her so fast you thought he might get whiplash. His relaxed posture stiffened, his jaw tightening. “Emma. Chill out.” You bit your lip, trying not to laugh at how quickly he turned serious. You feel his hands squeeze your shoulders lightly.

Emma, still in full prank mode, crossed her arms and scowled at you. “I don’t even get why he picked you for any of these. You’re kinda mid at all of them.” That was the breaking point. Ben set his protein shake down with a loud thud and turned his full attention to his sister. His brows furrowed, and his voice dropped an octave, the way it always did when he got genuinely mad.

“Yo, what’s your problem?” Emma shrugged, still playing it up. “I’m just saying, maybe you should give an honest answer for once instead of simping.” Ben leaned forward, elbows on his knees, staring her down. “Nah, you’re straight up being rude. Dunno what’s wrong with you today but seriously, don’t be a bitch .” Emma, fighting back laughter, kept pushing.

“I mean… I just think I’m better than her at, like, everything.” Ben let out a bitter chuckle, shaking his head. “That’s real cute, Emma. But let’s be clear—there’s a reason she’s a professional tennis player and you’re sitting on your ass-”That did it. You and Emma lost it, bursting into laughter as Emma finally broke character.

She threw her head back, wheezing. “OH MY GOD, BEN, IT WAS A JOKE.” Ben blinked, looking between the two of you as you dissolved into giggles. His shoulders relaxed slightly, but he still looked wary. “What?” You wiped a tear from your eye, grinning. “It was a prank, babe. Emma wanted to see how mad you’d get if she was mean to me.”

Ben exhaled sharply, dragging a hand down his face. “Y’all are the worst.” Emma clapped her hands together, triumphant. “But I knew you’d flip out! You got so protective, it was actually adorable.” Ben shook his head, muttering under his breath. “Y’all are so annoying.” You leaned into his side, resting your head on his shoulder. “Aw, but you love us.”

Ben sighed, wrapping an arm around you. “Yeah, yeah.” He glanced at Emma. “Don’t ever pull that again, though. I was two seconds from kicking you out of your own house.” Emma cackled, snatching her phone to stop the recording. “Worth it.” Ben groaned, but the way he pulled you closer told you he wasn’t that mad. And, if anything, the prank just confirmed what you already knew—Ben Shelton was always gonna have your back, no matter what.

[cwritesforfun]

Hi!!

So, I'm so desperate for a Emma D'arcy x Fem Reader fic!!

Pleeeasee

Ok here you go: hope you enjoy!!!

Emma D'Arcy x Fem!Reader: Co-Workers or Something More? (Request)

Y/N = Your Name using She/Her/Hers pronouns Emma's pronouns are They/Them ** I do not own any House of Dragon plot points briefly mentioned

Y/N's POV

Getting the role of Alicent on House of Dragon was nerve-wracking. You were a huge fan of Game of Thrones and even read all the released books. You've been working for years towards getting a role in any TV show or movie. You have been in some indie films and when you got the call to be Alicent, you thought you were dreaming. It was amazing. It was probably one of your favorite days to ever exist.

At the table read for the first season, you were pouring a cup of coffee for yourself when you heard, "So you're playing Alicent?" You turn and see someone beautiful staring at you. You felt lost in their soft blue eyes for years if you could. You instead say, "Yes I am, my name is Y/N. Nice to meet you, what's your name?" The person standing opposite you says, "It's lovely to meet you, Y/N. Y/N is such a beautiful name. I'm Emma D'Arcy and I'm playing Rhaenyra." You reply, "Emma is a beautiful name for a beautiful person. Rhaenyra is a Targaryen, so I am jealous." Emma lets out a laugh and says, "I'm flattered. Say, do you want to grab a bite to eat after this?" You nod and answer, "Sounds great." You both take your seats next to each other, and the table read begins. It lasts several hours.

Afterward, you and Emma make your way out to a restaurant that claims to have great cocktails. You arrive, get seated in a booth, and both order drinks. Emma orders a Negroni Sbagliato with prosecco in it and you order a Gin Martini with a twist. (If you know, you know.)

The night carries on with you two discussing your career, your lack of a love life, and dragons. It's a great night with even better company.

The next 10 months as you film season 1, you become close with the cast, especially Emma. You both hang out outside of filming time and you really like Emma. You find yourself dreaming of Emma some nights and you can barely meet their eyes. It's so embarrassing to have a crush, especially on a coworker. Emma also flirts when they get drunk and it's always directed to you. You don't know if they're just drunk or actually like you.

Season One finishes filming and the whole cast is at an open bar. You're sitting sipping your second gin martini and you are starting to feel tipsy. You hear, "Is this seat taken?" You see Emma standing there in all their glory and you shake your head. Emma sits next to you, leans back, and puts an arm around the back of your seat. Should you lean back... or what...? You lean back and Emma's hand finds your shoulder. Emma exclaims, "I was wondering if you were going to move closer." You reply, "Sorry, what was that? I keep getting lost in your eyes, what too cheesy?" Emma laughs and asks, "Is that why you've been avoiding me on set?" You shrug and answer, "Yes, you exist in my daily life and in my dreams. It's hard to look at you after I dream about you." Emma raises an eyebrow, places their other hand on your thigh, smirks, and asks, "And what are we doing in those dreams, may I ask?" You place one of your hands on Emma's hand on your thigh and answer, "Oh you know hot stuff." Emma smiles and asks, "Wanna get out of here?" You nod.

You both leave the party together and head to Emma's place.

When you get there, Emma complains about being hungry so you agree to cook with them. You both cook pasta, listen to music, and dance together. You both eat dinner so fast while laughing whenever you make eye contact.

You both walk to the couch and Emma asks, "Just a question, but when you said hot stuff in your dream with me, does that mean you have a crush on me?" You answer, "It's so embarrassing being a 30-year-old with a crush, but yes I do like you like that." Emma says, "I think the only embarrassing thing would be if I didn't feel the same way... I like you too. I really like you. I want to kiss you, but I know we're both really tipsy." You reply, "We can still kiss tipsy. I give my consent." Emma smirks and replies, "I think if we kiss, I won't be able to stop." You smirk and ask, "OK then what should we do?" Emma answers, "We could just watch a show or sleep."

You both watch a part of a movie until you both start falling asleep and waking each other up. You go to the bedroom to sleep and you wear one of Emma's shirts to bed. Emma is the big spoon and cuddles you as you drift off to sleep.

You wake up cozy and with a raging headache. You groan and twist a little. You hear Emma groan next to you and they say, "Morning. Is it just me or did those drinks really break your head?" You say, "I'm in pain. Yeah... but I liked waking up next to you." Emma replies, "I liked waking up to you too. You're a good cuddle buddy."

You both get up, you borrow clothes from Emma, and you go out to eat breakfast. You eat breakfast sandwiches and start to feel like a human. You go back to Emma's place, get back into pajamas, and turn on the TV to watch something.

Emma exclaims, "Let's kiss." You smile and say, "OK." Emma cups your face gently and you kiss. It's even better than in your dreams when you kiss them.

Part Two

[respectthepetty]

Before I do whatever it is I do for episode twenty of Perfect 10 Liners, I want to state that Junior is entering into the Fluke Gawin territory of babygirl.

And every week, I get more excited for Junior and Mark to give me more of their special brand of chemistry in My Romance Scammer.

It wasn't in my Top 5 GMMTV picks for nothin'!

So I am delighted that Junior and Mark get to play Lapis Lads in love with each other because they are easily my favorite couple in this eighteen-year-long show.

I think the only ones more happy than me are Green Guy Gun and his bestie Yellow Yal Arm.

Who is actually wearing yellow! Unlike his Red Rascal boyfriend who is wearing black.

But I'm not upset about it because I have bigger issues to focus on like Yotha constantly being true to his color and embodying his Negative Ned persona as he continues to doubt Faifa's ability to love while his sunshine boyfriend resides in Optimistic City with the rest of us.

So I loved the fact that Gun kindly reminded his man that Yotha once made him cry . . . a lot. People need time to learn to love, and thankfully, Gun gave Yotha plenty of time, so now it's time for Yotha to support his brother who was there when Gun needed him and quit being the nail in my clown car's tire!

Because Faifa is in love with Wine even if he can't say exactly that! But, to my surprise, he has been owning up to his big emotions every chance he gets. He told Wine that he purposefully bumped into him in the park. He tells Wine he is cute, and that he is trying to change his ways for him. HE REJECTS PEOPLE!

Faifa likes this dark Blue Boy!

And the whole world knows it!

Sidenote: I'm in love with the translation since it uses this idiom which also includes their color!

And even though Wine isn't 100% sure of his feelings, the colors and his actions are telling me he likes Faifa just as much as he agrees to stay on the phone with his light Blue Boy while they sleep with the light blue backing him up.

So even though these two color-coded boys in love are still trying to confirm if they need to make another plate for Wine at the family dinners,

Arm is already in his Jane Austen Emma mode and matchmaking like a true Regency era socialite. Only Arc could rein him in, and even then, Arm is prepared to pull out the final boss next week when he suggests his OTP visit the love guru known as Tawan.

And considering how everyone, including Yotha during an actual physical fight to support his brother and bestie Blue Boy Phuri, keeps telling Faifa he needs to be a bit more selfish when it comes to love and quit being so dang nice to everyone and their mom, I'm excited to see what advice Tawan will offer the boys.

Like they can't keep hiding from what is right in front of them.

And they can't keep ignoring the way they feel about each other.

They are in love with each other, and they are helping each other in all the best ways.

So if these two toxicitos could make each other better and communicate how much they love each other, then I have hope for the best Blue Boys.

But these perfectly color-coded boys have to get over a few humps first, and, unfortunately, they aren't the sexual kind.

So thank goodness Wine is there to help light Blue Boy Faifa learn how to reject people since it physically pains Faifa to not be of help at all times.

And it's even better that Faifa is turning darker for his dark Blue Boy and becoming more possessive about Wine as he slowly realizes he wants to be the only one to be his special someone.

Thank God.

And thank (Blue Boy?) Jay for asking the questions that need answers!

Because our boy deserves someone to make sure he drinks milk alternatives, changes his shattered phone cover, and gets home safely.

I love these Lapis Lads.

And soon they will realize they love each other.

But . . . will that be before or after Tor makes an appearance?

[edbydraws]

Hi !! Question: for the Ghost Fiddleford AU, how did Emma-May react when she realized/found out her husband was missing? Did she actually care, or just decided to brush it off, since she canonically divorced him in the show, anyways. Was Tate ever informed? Thanks for taking the time to answer if you do. I’m obsessed with this AU rn, and your art is gorgeous !! <3

Thanks for the question!!!

Well, when Fiddleford was gone, they weren't divorced yet and I'm sure they both loved each other, so of course she cared!! I think she reported it to the police and they must have been searching for him for a long time, but unsuccessfully

While Tate was a kid Emma-May probably kept saying that his dad was still working on some project very far away, but told the truth when Tate got older

Then Tate went to Gravity Falls to find him himself, but he couldn't and just stayed in town