#especially the ensemble twins????

[a-little-artsy]

hi guys

[faraskyee]

if I had a nickel for every fictional character that got into a depressive episode that thematically meant or was described as death for reasons related to their loved one and chess I'd have two nickels

[translunaryanimus]

A Nhâchchech [Naak'kek] hunter shows off typical daywear. The Nhâchchech (weaver) culture is the most prominent culture of the northern polar regions. The Nhâchchech are also sometimes called the Eshtchchonh [Eshtk'kon], or 'pattern folk/pattern people' due to their brightly patterned outfits. Ssereâch [Sareaat], a hunter, displays typical daywear for teens and adults. Garb is conveniently labeled for our sake. More in depth description under the cut.

Ssereâch is wearing a Ghelâmach, a Nhêdchchonh, a pair of Mhshêchchonh, Dhlesfa and Dhlepach, and a Ssamhnhâl. She also wears Ffâpecha and a few Bhearpaf as accessories. A Ghelâmach [Gelaamat] is the skinned, tanned pelt of one or several polar Ghelâ turned into a warm, insulating cloak. Perfect for colder environemnts. Traditionally Ghelâmach are handmade and use real fur, but faux fur dupes can be found in tourist heavy polar cities. Ssereâch's Ghelâmach is split into two parts, with a more typical overcape 'mach' and a separate waist wrapped section sometimes referred to as a Shochghelâ [Shotgelaa], Ghelâ skirt, when worn apart from the mach. Together though, the two piece ensemble is collectively called a Ghelâmach. A Nhêdchchonh [needk'kon], literally 'pattern shirt', is common upper wear following the same vein as Mhshêchchonh. The patterns of a Nhêdchchonh are typically reserved for the collar, sleeves, and bottom border as opposed to trailing up the entire side of the fabric as is common for Mhshêchchonh. The bright blue color of the body fabric is due to the dye of an aquatic plant rather morbidly called Fôlachemhêsh [Fulatemeesh], "Blood Root". This name comes from the plant's tendency to 'bleed' a vibrant blue sap that heavily resembles Chenesht blood when wet, and when dry, can be boiled down to make a liquid pigment.

Mhshêchchonh [msheek'kon], literally 'pattern pants', are common legwear for polar cultures. Their patterned bands traditionally contain information about the individual wearing them such as name, job, and family but can also contain folk stories, poems, or legends, though purely decorative patterns have come into style among younger generations. Ssereâch's Mhshêchchonha have purely decorative patterns.

The patterned borders of Nhêdchchonha and Mhshêchchonha are woven either through the loom weaving method or the more typical card weaving method and made of dyed sinews, braided plant fibers, or spun fur. They can take months to years to complete depending on the complexity of the pattern. Dhle [Dle] is the common word for any sort of hand or foot covering, typically translated as either 'boot' or 'glove' depending on the context for its use. The Dle being worn here are Dhlesfa [Open Dle] on the forelimbs and Dhlepach [Closed Dle] on the hindlimbs. Dhle were near exclusively worn by the Nhâchchech culture prior to the Three Beasts War and the subsequent cultural merger that led to global leaps in technological advancement. Their once niche use as protective coverings from harsh elements became common use as comfortable footwear for walking along the artificial sidewalk pavements and streets of most modern cities.

Ssamhnhâl [Samnal] literally translates to 'bone glasses' [ssamh - glass, nhâl - bone]. Ssamhnhâl are carved from bone and serve as eye protectant from winter storms or harsh light gleaming off of the snow. The primary eyes look through horizontal slits in the bone, while the secondary eyes are shielded by a carved in 'flap' that they can look under or over. Ssereâch's Ssamhnhâl is carved with decorative patterns as well.

Ffâpecha [Faapeta], or 'twin rings', are a common decorative accessory among teens used to show their devotion to one another. Each ring is made of carved bone and sealed together by animal sinews mashed into glue once they've been linked, and typically have the first name or family name of their beloved carved into one, and their own name into the other. Ffâpecha have long been a source of drama and contention among especially young teens, and broken or cracked sets can often be found littered around the grounds of majority teen camps. Bhearpaf [bearpaf/bearpaw] is the general term for any good luck charm taken from an animal and worn on the hunter's person. Bhearpaf literally translates to 'blessing' or 'lucky charm', but is quite often misinterpreted as the english term 'bear paw' when speaking to humans. Shortening the word to Bhear (gift) has not helped the jokes, and has instead spawned a new tradition of gifting carvings, drawings, or anything with images or patterns of earth bears to your chenesht friends during birthdays or other gift-giving holidays.

[usomads]

Under the Mistletoe // Jimmy Uso x Jey Uso x Reader

Author’s Note -> Strap in folks, this is a long one 😅 I may have gone a little overboard with this one but hey, it’s the holidays and I’m in a giving mood 😂 anyways, I hope y’all enjoy this and as always happy reading!!! 

Plot -> A holiday tradition puts you in an interesting position with your future brother-in-law Jey, and your fiancé, Jimmy. Will the three of you brush past it like it’s nothing, or will the tension consume you?

Pairings -> Jimmy Uso x Jey Uso x Fem!Reader

Warnings -> Cursing, Fingering, Spanking, Oral Sex (M!Receiving, F!Receiving), P in V, Double Penetration, Threesome (M/M/F), Creampie, Not Proofread, MDNI

Word Count -> 4.0k

Holiday parties were a specialty in the Fatu/Anoa’i household. Every year, the Samoan Dynasty threw an extravagant party on Christmas Eve to celebrate with their closest family and friends, and you being engaged to Jonathan meant you would be there no matter what. Most people would dread the amount of time they spent with their future in-laws but you loved the get-togethers the family would put on, especially the annual Christmas party, being that this was your third year in attendance. You loved it so much, in fact, that you bought yourself a brand new dress just for this occasion: a red corset-style bodycon dress, made in velvet, with a plunge neckline and a thigh-high slit to match. You paired your new dress with gold jewelry and a matching pair of red velvet heels, your hair falling down your back in wavy curls. You looked elegant and classy with a dash of seductiveness, not enough to bare everything to all of the other attendants but just enough to turn heads in the right way. Adjusting the strap of your heel and grabbing a handbag from your closet, you made your way downstairs to Jonathan, who had been patiently waiting for you to get ready. He adjusted his watch and smoothed out his all black suit before watching you descend down the stairs, a look of adoration and desire evident in his eyes.

“Damn, baby…” he walked over to you, wrapping his arms around your waist, “you sure we have to go? ‘Cuz I’d have a much better time here at home.” He moved a curl to the side and pressed kisses to the side of your neck, making your eyes flutter shut before lightly pushing his chest.

“Babe, no! We have to be there tonight, we don’t need your mama and Kishi gettin’ all mad at us because you can’t keep it in your pants, mister.” You teased, shooting him a wink as he pouts. 

“But-”

“But nothing! We’re going, and if you’re good maybe we can resume this when we get home,” you bite your lip, holding back a smile as his eyes light up- his hopes of getting some tonight going up with your words. “Now c’mon, we gotta go before we end up bein’ late.” He then rushes to grab your coat, making you giggle as you put on the fabric over your dress and heading outside to the car.

The party had now been in full swing for about an hour now, and you spent that time sipping on a glass of champagne and socializing with friends and family about your upcoming wedding, life updates, and all the usual small talk that was had at these types of events. Eventually, though, your glass of champagne was empty and you needed another. A waiter came by offering to refill it for you but you declined, wanting to move around a little bit so you walked to the kitchen yourself to refill your glass. After pouring yourself another flute of champagne you decided to make your way back, nearly bumping into Joshua, Jonathan’s twin brother, in the entryway of the kitchen. 

“Oh my god, I’m so sorry. I totally wasn’t paying attention.” You stammered, trying to apologize.

“Don’t worry about it, Y/N, it’s gonna take a lot more than you to knock me on my ass.” You laugh in response, relaxing a bit in his presence as his eyes wander down your body. There was no denying you looked incredible tonight, and your ensemble had his mind racing like so many times before. He would take those thoughts with him to the grave because if anyone found out, if Jon found out, about how bad he wanted to rip Y/N’s dress off of her body and fuck her against the nearest wall… well, he’s not entirely sure what would happen. So instead of falling deeper into his imagination he focuses his attention back on her face, engaging in simple conversation and definitely not thinking about something else. 

The two of you talk for a while about random things, letting the conversation take y’all away for a while until you’re interrupted by Jonathan walking from the living room into the kitchen.

“Y’all gonna head in here for the gift exchange or- oh, what do we have here?” He looks above you two then smirks, his eyes darkening slightly. Both yours and Josh’s eyes follow and notice something hanging above you- mistletoe. Your eyes grow wide and Josh holds his hands up in surrender, taking a step back.

“Aye uce, we were just talkin’. Ain’t nothin’ goin’ on here, bro.” 

“Jon, I-” you stuttered, still in shock, “it’s really not what it looks like, like he said, we were talking and…”

“I know, I know,” he laughs, leaning against the wall, “but… it is tradition. So you know what that means…” Josh and you stand in shock, still not quite sure if Jon was joking or not. You make eye contact, feeling heavy tension between you and him as you both remain standing under the hanging plant.

“Um… uce, are you saying that we should, you know…”

“Why not? It’s tradition, you can’t break that shit. Especially in this household? That shit would never fly, uce. I’m not stoppin’ y’all, might as well.” Jon shrugs, his eyes dark with lust and a hint of excitement, and that’s when you realize- he’s dead serious. You swallow hard and turn to Josh, who’s already eyeing you closely. You shake out a breath, your voice only finding a whisper.

“A-are you okay with this? W-we don’t h-have to if you d-don’t want to..” your hands fidget with your dress as you look down, embarrassed. 

“Are you?”

“I- yeah, I mean it’s just a kiss… right?”

“Yeah…” Josh trails off, “just a kiss…”

“Y’all just gonna stand there or are we doin’ this?” You snap your head back, finding his eyes for permission as he looks at you. “Y/N, baby, it’s okay, I promise. I’m not gonna be mad or anything. I just wanna see somethin’...” Your brows furrow in response as you feel Josh reach for your hand, turning your attention back to him. 

“We don’t have to if you don’t want to, it’s entirely up to you, Y/N… your move.”

“I-,” you breathe out, “I’ll do it. It’s just a kiss…” You notice Josh’s eyes flicker with an emotion you hadn’t really seen on him before. Disappointment, maybe? The thought leaves your mind as quickly as it comes in, his hand reaching for your waist and gently pulling you closer to him- almost hesitant, like he’s still unsure if he’s crossing the line or not. You look up at him, your heart racing as he stares down at you. Are we really about to do this? 

Josh leans down as your eyes close, leaning into him as his lips brush yours. They’re soft as they touch yours, lightly hovering before pressing onto your own. He’s a great kisser, his lips massaging yours gently but passionately until you sense him holding back- like he wants to kiss you harder, deeper, but knows he can’t. After a few seconds he pulls away, your eyes remaining closed as you take in deep breaths, still trying to grasp the fact that you just kissed your fiancé’s brother. You open your eyes to Josh’s staring into your own, his now intense gaze staring right back at you. You bite your lip as you look at him, trying not to crumble under his gaze.

“That’s all you got?” Jonathan breaks the silence, as you both turn to look at him. “Y’all can do better than that. Don’t act like y’all don’t feel that shit too. I been seein’ the way look at each other, you don’t gotta hide it. Go ‘head, try it again but this time do it like you mean it. And after that, we can see how far we wanna go.”

“Uce, you sayin’ that…”

“Josh, I’m not stupid. You don’t do a great job of hiding it at all. Shit, when I first came in here you looked like you was wantin’ to bend her over the counter and drill her shit in front of everybody,” you gasped, a rosy blush rising to your cheeks. “And don’t give me that look either, Y/N, I saw you lookin’ him up and down earlier. You want him too. So let’s make this interesting, hmm?” He paused, walking over to you two. “Honestly? I can’t lie and say I’ve never thought about it. So if you two want it, and I want it, then why don’t we just go all the way?” You and Josh stand frozen, eyes wide as you stare at Jon. Jon’s lips turn to a devilish smirk, looking at you both. “Do it again, and what happens afterward happens. I wanna see where this goes, and I know y’all do too.”

You bite your lip, looking back at Josh as he watches you take your lip between your teeth. Josh and Jon make eye contact, having a silent conversation before Jon nods at him. With the confirmation he needed Josh pulls you to his chest, tucking a hair behind your ear. 

“You don’t know how long I’ve wanted this, Y/N.”

“M-me too.” You blush as his hand brushes your cheek, sending sparks through you as he pulls you in and kisses you hard. This time, he’s more desperate. Your head spins as his lips massage yours with desperation, hunger, like he’s been starved his entire life. You kiss him back with the same urgency, wrapping your arms around his neck and tangling your fingers in his curls as the kiss deepens. Suddenly the both of you pull away, gasping for air as your lips tingle from the sensation- wanting more, needing more.

“There we go, now that-” Jon is cut off by someone yelling into the kitchen, letting the three of you know the gift exchange was about to begin. “We’ll come back to this later, yeah? As much as I’d love to stay here, we got gifts to open. C’mon, y’all.” He walks back into the living room as you join his side, looking behind you at Josh who gives you a wink before the three of you rejoin the festivities.

The gift exchange went without a hitch, only some occasional glances shared between the three of you that the others were too distracted to notice. Usually that would be the end of it but someone suggested watching a Christmas movie to end the night, which had you sharing the couch between Jon and Josh. You were anxious, but also excited? It wasn’t out of the ordinary to share a couch with them but after the events that unfolded, you were looking at this completely differently. Blankets were passed around to everyone which meant the three of you were sharing one, only fueling your jitteriness. The lights were turned off and the movie started, the only thing illuminating the living room being the large TV.

About halfway through the movie Josh had adjusted himself to where his thigh was now touching yours, and Jon’s hand was sitting on your other thigh. You glanced at Josh out of the corner of your eye, his eyes glazed over as he stared down at you and smirked. Jon picked up on this, making eye contact with Josh and slowly sliding his hand down and in between your thighs. You shuddered at the movement as you felt another hand, Josh’s, do the same. 

“Focus on the movie, baby,” Jon whispered in your ear, “gotta be good for us if you wanna get what you want. I need you quiet, got it?” You nodded eagerly, adjusting to spread your legs for them- resting a leg on each of them. Josh swallowed, suppressing the groan that wanted to escape his throat as the twins inched their hands closer to your aching core. The two cursed under their breath, realizing you werent wearing any panties underneath your dress as you felt their fingers graze your wetness. Jon found your clit first, rubbing slow circles while Josh’s teased your entrance, sliding a digit in as your head fell back and rested on the back of the couch. Jon’s free hand moved the blanket to shield any prying eyes, although no one could see due to the darkness in the room, as the two men played with your pussy underneath it. You were biting onto your lip hard enough to draw blood, trying desperately not to cry out in pleasure and draw attention to the three of you as they continued. 

“Fuck Y/N, you’re so tight… can only imagine how you feel squeezin’ my dick, baby.” Josh mutters in your ear, his tone making you gasp quietly. He chuckles at your response, moving his fingers faster and watching your face contort at his and Jon’s actions.

“Whatchu think, ma, should he come home with us tonight?” Jon whispered loud enough for only you three to hear and you nodded, looking at the two with pleading eyes. 

“Don’t worry, baby girl, imma be there. Promise.” You sigh in content at Josh’s words, your eyes flickering back to the screen as the ending scene begins to play. The other two notice, sharing a look then removing their hands but not before tasting your juices on their fingers. You watch as they bring their digits to their lips, winking at you as the lights turn on and the guests begin to depart- the three of you doing the same.

The car ride was silent, Jon occasionally sneaking glances in your direction as you desperately pressed your thighs together. You continuously looked in the rearview mirror, watching as Josh’s car followed you home. Finally you had made it, pulling into the driveway with Josh pulling in behind you. The three of you got out of your vehicles at the same time, trying to remain calm and not rush to the front door as Jonathan punched in the code to unlock it. The door was opened, as the three of you tumbled inside. You removed your coat and the men their suit jackets as Josh gripped you from behind, latching his lips to your neck as Jon kissed your lips full of fervor. Josh had unzipped your dress from behind, allowing it to fall to the floor as you stood completely exposed to the twins. Both groaned at the sight, their hands searching your skin desperately for relief. You felt Josh’s hard-on press into your backside as you leaned into him, pushing back on him enough to elicit moans from the man’s lips. Your fingers fidgeted with the buttons on Jon’s shirt and removed the material from his torso, your hands gliding along his chest as you continued to kiss him. 

“Go upstairs and get on the bed, me and Josh will be up in a second.” You nodded excitedly as you rushed up the steps, Josh smacking your ass as you moved past him. You yelped in excitement as he chuckled, watching you ascend up the stairs. You made it to yours and Jon’s room and did as you were told, laying down on the bed and anxiously waiting for them to get there. Finally you heard them coming up, their voices low as they discussed what you assumed were ground rules for this. They entered the room, both now only in their boxers as you waited patiently for them to join you. You sat up as they got onto the bed, laying down on either side with you in between them. You went to Jon first, removing his hard cock from his boxers and spitting on it before wrapping your lips around the tip. As you swirled your tongue on him and bobbed your head you also took Josh’s cock in your hand and stroked him, Josh hissing as your hand wrapped around his shaft. You alternated between the two, taking turns sucking both men and making sure both got equal attention. 

“Shit, ma, you’re takin’ us so fuckin’ well,” Josh moaned, his head resting on the headboard.

“Fuck, baby, look at you takin’ us both…” Jon moaned in agreement. “She deserves a reward, don’t she, uce?” Josh nodded in agreement as you looked up at him, his eyes glazed as you took as much of him as you could down your throat. He lifted your head up from his cock, his fingers resting under your chin. 

“Go ‘head and lay back, baby. It’s our turn to take care of you.” You obliged, laying on your back as the two men stood up, stroking themselves. 

“You want Josh to eat you, ma? Should we let him taste you?” You whined in response.

“P-please…” Jon nodded at Josh who kneeled down between your legs, planting wet kisses along the inside of your thighs. Jon brought his cock back to your lips, you opening them for him to slide his cock along your tongue as Josh placed a kiss on your throbbing clit. You arch your back, moaning around Jon’s dick as you continued to suck him. Josh moaned into your pussy, his tongue lapping at your folds as he brought a hand to your breast, kneading it in his palm.

“Tastes so fuckin’ sweet, fuck, could eat you all the time,” Josh muttered against you as you bucked your hips, eager for more. He chuckled, bringing his free hand to your folds and rubbing the skin.

“Be patient, Y/N, imma give you what you want..” You moaned once more, Jon now thrusting himself inside your mouth as Josh wrapped his lips around your clit and pushed two fingers past your entrance. You cried out as they stretched you, pumping inside you at a fast pace as he continued biting and sucking on your clit. You were already close to cumming, your walls tightening around his fingers as you moaned profusely around Jon’s cock, him knowing you were close.

“You gonna cum for Josh, baby? Gonna let him see how pretty you look cumming all over his face?” You whined, now bucking your hips to match Josh’s movements. “Atta girl, you can cum, baby. Let him see you.” Your eyes shot open and looked at Josh, watching as he ate you like he hadn’t eaten in days. That was enough to send you over the edge, releasing Jon’s cock from your mouth as you moaned Josh’s name and came for him. He cleaned you up as you came down, lifting his head to reveal your juices all over his face and beard. 

“Goddamn, uce, you wasn’t lyin’... she’s fuckin’ incredible.”

“And you haven’t even felt her pussy wrapped ‘round your shit yet,” Jon looked down at you, still breathing heavily but aching for more. “You wanna let him feel you, baby?”

“Fuck yes, please, baby…”

“You heard her, you got first. Remember what I told you though…”

“Yeah, yeah, no cumming inside her, I know…” you unconsciously pouted hearing that, feeling a little bit of disappointment.

“But- but I’m on birth control… please? Just this once? I just…”

“You what?” Josh asked, Jon now staring intensely at the two of you. “What, you want us both to fill that pretty pussy of yours? Hmm?”

“Well… that would be nice but I kinda had something else in mind…” 

“And what’s that?” Jon asked you gently, playing with your hair.

“I, um, I saw something a few days ago but I was thinking… I know we don’t do, uh- anal that often but… in this video she was getting fucked by two guys at the same time… like one was doing it normally and the other was, um…”

Josh wore a shocked expression, 1. not expecting you to watch double penetration videos and 2. definitely not expecting you to want that. Jon, on the other hand, was intrigued.

“You sure you can handle that, princess? That’s some pretty intense stuff… I-”

“Fuck yes,” you responded, a little too fast. “I mean, yeah, I think so. I just wanna try it, you know, see what it’s like…”

“That good with you, uce?”

“Yeah, I mean- shit, if y’all are down then I am…” Josh replied, “You wanna lead the way, princess?” You sat up quickly, the excitement and adrenaline taking over as you pushed Josh by his chest to lay on his back so you could straddle him. You took his cock in your hands, guiding it to your entrance and sinking down slowly. You gasped at the size, feeling your walls mold around his shaft and wrap around him tightly as you sat completely on him. Josh moaned loudly, his hands immediately finding your hips as you began to grind on him. He guided your movements and helped you find rhythm, allowing you to pick up your speed and bounce on him. Your thighs connected with his over and over, him now bringing his hands to your ass. He kneaded the flesh in his hands before smacking your ass, moans falling from your lips as each slap filled you with a mix of pain and pleasure. Behind you, Jon was applying lubricant and stroking himself at the sight before him. He had imagined a scenario like this many times before, but none of them compared to what was happening now. Seeing you handle them both so well only turned him on more as he situated himself behind you, teasing you with his tip from behind.

“You’re sure about this, baby? It’s not gonna be too much?”

“N-no please, n-need you both.” You stammered out in between moans as he groaned at your response, his tip at your entrance before pushing himself inside your ass. You cried out, tears brimming your eyes as he pushed his way inside, not used to the feeling. Josh pulled you down to his chest, peppering you with kisses to help you through it as Jon fully entered you. He gave you a few moments to adjust, working at your pace, but eventually the initial pain subsided and you were nodding at the two of them to move.

You had no words to describe how this felt, only loud moans as the two men fucked both of your holes- their moans combining with yours and filling the room. Both of them picked up their pace and were drilling into you, using you as their personal fuck toy, and you loved every second of it.

“O-oh my g-god, fuck, p-please d-don’t stop…” you cried out, “s-so fuckin’ g-good…”

“Yeah, you like that, baby?” Jon grunted. “You love it, don’t you? Being fucked stupid by both of us at the same time? You’re taking us so well, baby…”

“Mmm, I- I l-love it…”

“S-shit, ma, look so pretty all fucked out f’us,” Josh moaned in your ear as he kissed your neck, “you gonna cum for us, baby girl? I feel you squeezin’ me, I know you’re close…”

“I- I-”

“I know, baby, I know,” Jon moaned, “I’m there too, mama, cum for us, princess. Let go all over his dick like a good girl.”

You convulse between them, your orgasm coming at you in full force as your pussy tightens around Josh, urging him to follow suit. Both men cum inside you with loud moans, filling you completely with their seed. All three of you ride out your orgasms, finding your sense of reality and coming back down as you catch your breath. After a few moments they both pull out, the three of you laying side by side as their cum drips out of you and onto the sheets.

“How you feelin’, baby? You good?” Jon asks, turning over and brushing your hair out of your face.

“Never better,” you breathed out.

“Shit, uce, I’m standin’ under every damn mistletoe I can find to get that shit again,” Josh laughed, you and Jon laughing with him as the three of you slowly drifted off to sleep.

[onlyonetifosi]

Behind the camera -> chapter 8

<- previous series masterlist my main masterlist next ->

author note1: more yn/joris fluff 🥹🥹 based on charles los angeles vlog here

The warm California sun welcomed Charles Leclerc and his entourage as they stepped off the plane at Los Angeles International Airport. The city's vibrant energy and palm-lined streets signaled the beginning of a much-needed break for the Formula 1 driver and his companions.

"Ah, Los Angeles! It's good to be here," Charles exclaimed, stretching his arms wide.

Andrea, Charles’ trainer, nodded in agreement. "Sì, Los Angeles è sempre bello. È il momento di divertirsi" ( Los Angeles is always beautifuI) (t's time to have fun)

Joris, Charles's best friend and Yn's boyfriend, grinned. "Time for some fun, my friends!"

As they settled into their luxurious villa, Charles couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement. "This is exactly what I needed, guys. A break from the racing world and some time to unwind," he said, a genuine smile on his face.

The group, which included Charles, Andrea, Joris, Charles's girlfriend Alexandra, Riccardo, and his wife Marta, as well as Antoine, Charles's photographer and videographer, headed to their hotel to drop off their bags. Charles couldn't help but glance at Yn, his twin sister, who was engaged in lively conversation with Alex.

"Hey, Yn, ready for some LA adventures?" Charles teased, a mischievous smile playing on his lips.

Yn rolled her eyes. "Always ready, Charles. As long as you don't embarrass me too much, big brother"

The group's first activity was a friendly basketball game at a nearby court. Charles, not known for his basketball skills, tried his best to dribble and shoot hoops.

"Mon dieu, Charles, maybe stick to racing, tu es vraiment nul au basket!" Yn teased him, earning a laugh from the others.

Alexandra chuckled, also teasing him, "Yea, mon cher, maybe stick to the racetrack. Your skills on the court are... how do you say... not impressive."

Charles smirked, replying in kind, "Eh bien, at least I'm a world-class driver, not a basketball player. And Yn you think you’re very funny, Yn. Let's see you try" Charles replied, passing the ball to her.

After a few failed attempts, Yn admitted defeat. "Okay, maybe basketball is not my forte either, it's a twins thing"

The group decided to cool off with some ice cream, sharing laughs and stories. Charles couldn't help but admire the way Joris and Yn interacted—the subtle glances, the shared jokes. It was a reminder of the strong bond they all shared.

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

The following day, the group rented bikes and explored the iconic Venice Beach boardwalk. Charles and Alex shared a tandem e-scooter, while Yn sat on Joris's lap and with Andrea on another.

"Vous avez l'air tellement mignons ensemble!" Alexandra grinned. (You two look so cute together!)

Yn couldn't help but giggle as Joris wrapped his arms around her waist. "Looks like you guys are having fun," Charles shouted from behind them, causing them all to burst out laughing.

Yn blushed, playfully swatting her brother's arm. "Ignorez-lui, il est juste jaloux" Joris calms her before the two siblings start bickering (Ignore him, he’s just jealous)

"Bon, let the race begin!" Charles declared, revving the e-scooter engine.

Andrea struggled to keep up, and Yn couldn't stop giggling at his attempts. The Venice Beach adventure ended with a mini-race, with everyone enjoying the wind in their hair.

Next on the itinerary was a trip from Malibu to Universal Studios. Yn couldn't contain her excitement, especially when they entered The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

"Charles, we need to buy wands!" Yn exclaimed, practically dragging him into Ollivanders.

"I solemnly swear that I am up to no good," Yn whispered, holding her wand and exploring the magical surroundings and Charles chuckled, indulging his sister's enthusiasm "You really are a fan, aren't you?"

Yn winked. "Always."

"Charles, you have to try the butterbeer! It's amazing!" she exclaimed, dragging him toward the Three Broomsticks.

"Alright, alright, I'll give it a go," Charles chuckled, letting Yn lead the way.

Meanwhile, Joris and Alexandra rushed behind them, especially behind Yn. "I can't believe we're here," Joris whispered

"Me neither, but it's magical and they seem so excited," she replied, high fiving him.

"Look at her, she's like a kid in a candy store," Alexandra remarked, her arm intertwined with Charles'’ when they finally reached the twins in a merchandise shop.

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

The group also spent another day at Six Flags, where Charles, Alex, and Yn attempted to persuade Andrea and Joris to go on some thrilling rides.

"I prefer the safety of solid ground," Joris insisted, while Andrea nodded in agreement.

Charles, not one to be deterred, grabbed Joris and Andrea by their arms and playfully dragged them towards the rides.

"Come on, guys! Live a little!" Charles exclaimed.

"Non, non, pas question," Andrea protested (No, no, out of the question)

Joris nodded in agreement. "We'll pass, thanks"

"Come on, Andrea, we'll hold your hand the whole time," Yn said with a grin.

Yn, ever the persuader, looked at Joris with puppy-dog eyes, "Allez, mon amour, just one ride!"

"Yeah, come on, guys! It's all in good fun," Alexandra urged, exchanging a glance with Yn.

Joris resisted, but Yn's persistence paid off. Andrea, on the other hand, was tougher to crack. Charles, feigning violence, grabbed Andrea and Joris by the collars, threatening with a smile, "You're coming with us, whether you like it or not!"

Andrea finally relented, and the four of them headed to the ride. As they waited in line, Charles couldn't resist teasing Andrea about his fear.

"Don't worry, Andrea, I'll protect you," he joked, wrapping an arm around his trainer.

Andrea rolled his eyes but couldn't hide the smile on his face.

The group's day ended with a whimsical game at the carnival section of Six Flags. A victorious throw won them two enormous plushie bananas. Gleefully, they engaged in a playful banana battle, filling the air with laughter and the occasional thud of soft impacts.

"Attention! Incoming banana attack!" Charles shouted unexpectedly.

Laughter echoed as bananas flew through the air, hitting targets with precision. Alexandra threatened Charles, "If you hit me one more time, you're sleeping on the couch tonight!"

"Banana warfare!" Charles laughed, dodging plushie projectiles.

And they engaged in a hilarious banana fight, Joris and Andrea being the main targets.

The evening continued with board games and ping pong. Charles and Andrea engaged in fierce ping pong battles, while Yn and Alexandra shared laughter and girly moments.

"Hey, Yn, let's go shopping tomorrow before we leave," Alexandra said, breaking Yn out of her thoughts.

Yn grinned. "I would love that"

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

The following morning, Alexandra and Yn set out for their much-anticipated shopping trip in the heart of Los Angeles. The city's famed boutiques and exclusive shops awaited their exploration. The sunlit streets beckoned them as they strolled, laughter and excitement filling the air.

Their first stop was a trendy boutique showcasing the latest in Los Angeles fashion. Racks adorned with colorful dresses, stylish accessories, and unique pieces lined the walls. Alexandra and Yn eagerly sifted through the racks, exchanging opinions and approving nods.

"I can't believe how different the styles are here," Yn remarked, holding up a vibrant sundress.

Alexandra nodded in agreement. "It's a whole new world of fashion. I love it!"

After finding some stylish additions to their wardrobes, the duo headed to Shepora, that promised exclusive and makeup brands that are not available in Europe.

Yn's eyes widened as she discovered the vibrant array of products, including makeup from House Glass, and other niche brands that had yet to make their way across the Atlantic.

"Alex, look at this! I've heard so much about this and now we can finally try it" Yn exclaimed, her excitement contagious.

Alexandra, equally thrilled, added a few items to her basket. "And House Glass! I've been dying to get my hands on their products. This is like a beauty paradise."

The duo then ventured into clothing stores that were exclusive to the United States. American Vintage, Brandy Melville, and Forever 21 were on their list, promising a unique shopping experience with styles not commonly found in their European wardrobes.

As they explored the racks of clothes and tried on various outfits, the two friends couldn't contain their joy. Yn found a bohemian-style dress at American Vintage that perfectly suited her taste, while Alexandra discovered a trendy jacket at Brandy Melville that she couldn't resist.

With bags full of fashionable finds and exclusive makeup and after a successful shopping spree, the duo met with the rest of the group for a leisurely lunch. They chose a charming outdoor cafe with a relaxed atmosphere, where the California sun cast a warm glow over the scene.The vibrant energy of Los Angeles seemed to follow them, making the meal even more enjoyable.

Charles, Joris, Andrea, Riccardo, Marta, and Antoine were eager to hear about the shopping escapades of the two ladies.

"So, how was the shopping spree, ladies?" Charles asked with a grin.

Yn laughed, "We may have gone a little overboard, but it's all worth it."

Yn and Alexandra couldn't stop sharing their excitement, showcasing their newfound treasures and makeup finds. The group laughed and exchanged stories, creating an atmosphere of camaraderie.

Charles, Joris, Andrea, and the others eagerly greeted Yn and Alexandra, curious about their shopping spoils. The table quickly became a showcase of vibrant fabrics and makeup palettes.

"Wow, those dresses are stunning!" Joris exclaimed, eyeing the bags.

"And look at these makeup goodies! You two are going to turn heads," Charles added with a grin.

"Looks like the shopping trip was a success," Joris remarked, his eyes twinkling.

As they settled into lunch, the conversation flowed seamlessly between bites of delicious California cuisine. Yn and Alexandra recounted their shopping adventures, sharing anecdotes about the unique styles and products they discovered.

"Next time, we're all going shopping together!" exclaimed Marta, glancing at the fashionable purchases.

As the sun began to set, casting a warm glow over the city of angels, the group bid farewell to the vibrant streets of Los Angeles. Early the next morning, they would embark on the next leg of their journey, heading to the Vegas Grand Prix.

The excitement in the air was palpable as they boarded the plane, their hearts still buzzing with the memories of the Californian adventure. Ahead lay the glittering lights of Las Vegas, where the roar of engines would once again take center stage in the world of Formula 1.

i hope you liked it and if you want to know more about joris and yn and the adventures they are going to follow stay tuned (drama coming soon)

taglist: @love4lando @gcldtom @im-mi @topguncultleader @celesteblack08 @reblog-princess @sunf1ower16

[dropthedemiurge]

High School Frenemy (Ep 1-2)

I love that nothing changes and sometimes the most tense and homoerotically charged scenes happen in gen shows between ex-friends

(or maybe GMMTV actors all have that chemistry with each other :D)

Anyway, guys, go watch High School Frenemy!

First 2 episodes are already interesting, I love watching GMM boys I like play outcasts and teenage bullies (Hugo!! I mean, Ken!! Evil twins!!) and survive in a bad environment - but some are good and hardworking and just suffer which is also delicious. And, of course, if I could make gifs I would, but daaamn every time Saint says 'I will do anything for you, please demand anything from me' while his gang goes wtf you're bowing to someone from the other gang?? let us beat the shit out of you

and Shin (the guy Saint used to be so lovely together, talking about forever love and friendship) keeps punching Saint down with words about how Saint shouldn't have anyone close because he only hurts everyone - especially his friends

Their dialogues PLEASE GIF THEM the shots are just beautiful, the way Shin wanted to punch Saint but couldn't and Saint knew it - toddlback на минималках, PatPran would envy xD

p.s. I don't know about Thai, but in Korean (and probably Chinese?) Shin means 'God' so basically one guy is called God while another one is called Saint. All this while another side character is called just Cable :DD

but also just go and watch High School Frienemies! I'm sure BL lovers would enjoy it too - it's not BL but it's a good ensemble show with social/personal commentary. If you watched Home School last year, this one is for you too!:D

[pa1nkill3r]

Day 2,557 [G.W]

[Pairing:] George Weasley x GN!Reader

[Summary:] A boy comes into the joke shop with his mother; It felt all too weird for the one-eared owner to feel so at ease, something he never felt for the past 7 years.

[Warnings:] angst, sad, major character death (not Fred obv), reincarnation, grief, mourning, swearing

[a/n:] Scrolling through facebook and getting videos of children talking about their past lives really intrigued me. This is my first fic and it might be bad so please don’t bully me, I’m sensitive <3 (jkjk but I am open for constructive criticism!)

[a/n; March 2024] I wrote this draft back in 2021 or 2022 I believe, waiting desperately for the opportunity to finish and post this. That time never came. Now, 2 or 3 years later, I gravely admire my vocabulary, creativity, and passion for writing back then. Honestly speaking, moving schools killed my spark and I am desperate to get it back. For now, I am working on reviving that spark within me by going back to where I started. Even though the HP fandom isn't as active as it used to be, I would still like to share this piece I made because I am so, so proud of my younger self.

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There was something about Y/N wearing white that George loved so much. He always got so giddy and cute which in turn made their eyes roll and mouth grin.

The way Y/N looked sitting at the Great Hall with their white sleeves rolled to their elbows, one hand under their chin and the other twirling a spoon while their eyes dragged along their charms textbook, cramming in as much information as they could for the upcoming test that afternoon. 

Or that time at the Yule Ball when they thought it’d be funny to wear an all white ensemble because: “What?...I wanted to feel like a bride at their wedding.” whilst having the best night with George, their “groom”.

Even small moments like when they would steal a shirt from George’s drawer and wear it to sleep. He loved every single bit of it, even if it cost him many shirts.

He truly never got enough of them wearing white. So seeing them in a casket wearing that same color 7 years ago, looking so peaceful and so… dead. That killed him. That’s the last time he will see them in white; That’s the last time he’s going to see them at all. 

That was the last time he could actually feel their hand rather than just dried oil on linen canvas, framed in oak and hung atop his bed. How he wished their eyes could roll one more time at how stupidly in love their boyfriend is with them, especially in white.

Voldemort’s reign of terror had ended, as well as the lives of many others, and maybe even George. They were a horcrux he never made, his life force created by deep love and affection rather than the hunger for immortality.

It never got easier even after 7 years, he simply just got used to it. 

He got used to the feeling of an empty bed. He got used to gripping onto a cold body pillow instead of a warm figure and a heartbeat with Y/H/C hair disturbing his lips. He got used to counting the days since their death which gravely disturbed Fred, his twin. He got used to waking up everyday and checked off a box from the calendar with an absurd amount of numbers on it. 

Admittedly he is doing better than he did 7 years ago. No more jumping from every small sound and drawing out his wand in the middle of the night. No more vivid dreams of several dead bodies laid across the Great Hall. No more crying himself to sleep. No more missed dinners. No more grieving. 

He’s longed for them longer than he has actually been with them. But his love never faltered. Not once. 

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Day 2,557

It's now exactly 7 years since the Battle of Hogwarts. And in a month it would be the 7th anniversary of his obituary for Y/N on the Daily Prophet, a suggestion made by Percy to try and help his grieving brother. It helped, but not really. 

The small May 2nd, 2005 box wrote “Baby Vic’s Birthday!” in bold red ink. George moved the yellow paper star that stuck gently onto the calendar with paper tape as Fred walked into his room. Envelope in his hands, bread between his teeth, and a beautiful haughty looking owl on his shoulder.

“Fun to finally see you up, Georgie!” Fred greeted sarcastically as George hummed in response. “Bill just sent an owl that little Vicky’s turning 5!"

"That is usually how birthdays work, Freddie." George joked, grabbing his wand and with a flick, his bed is magically fixed. "I'm not a dumbass, you know?" Fred chuckled lightly as he handed George the letter from Bill and Fleur, "They're hosting a party for her at the Burrow at 5."

He took the piece of parchment and flattened it by his desk before pulling it closer to his face, his back mindlessly pinning itself to the wall. 

Dear Fred and George, 

Bill here, As you should know, it's baby Victoire's 5th birthday today and we would really like love to have you two come by the Burrow at 5 pm. 

Vic really misses you both. Uncle George this, Uncle Fred that. She’s going to be like you two one day, I’m tellin’ ya. She loves listening to stories you tell her, especially the ones about Y/N and Tonks. She thinks that they’re the coolest people ever and that she wished she could meet them. I simply told her that one day she would, but it’ll be far far away from now. 

Hope to see you later! Please owl back immediately, Vic’s got Ginny’s temper.

xx Bill

“I’ve already owled them my ‘happy birthday’ letter before Chouette came.” Chouette, the owl cooed at the mention of her name. Slightly shuffling her feathers therefore lightly tickling Fred's neck, making him shiver. The haughty owl flew from Fred's shoulder to George's making the younger twin chuckle. 

"Seems like Chouette is telling you to take a bath, mate." George laughed as the back of Fred's hand flew to his forehead. "I got us crepes and bread for breakfast! And you go on and call me stinky?" Fred exclaimed dramatically. 

"How 'bout you be a dear and write to Bill and Fleur that we are going to Vic's party, alright?" 

"Yeah, yeah, I'll do that." George agreed, taking out a roll of parchment from his desk drawer as well as a quill and a bottle of ink. "While I eat my breakfast and write this, will you be a dear and take a bath!" Fred cackled at his younger brother's statement. Though in a bit the sound of water dropping down the shower head echoed through the small flat above the shop.

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School owls poured in as numerous Hogwarts students wanted to take advantage of the annual “54% off ‘End of War’ sale” at Weasley’s Wizard Wheezes held in memory of the fallen 50. Because in Fred and George’s philosophy, “...We might not be able to save them, but they can save our customers over 50% off of all our products!”

It seemed insensitive but it’s the thought that counts. They wanted to make sure that their passing didn’t go to waste, even if it is counted as a discount to the famous Diagon Alley shop. 

Mr. Weasley and Mr. Weasley were rather busy picking up and shipping out their joke products, sending it to the owls who were perched up in a little area at the back of the store, nibbling on insects Verity; a part of their staff had handed them before sending them back to the school her bosses previously dropped out of. 

It was nearing lunch time when everyone wearing magenta robes stocked up the shelves again, having been sending out owls since 8 in the morning when they heard a clanging from the front doors, signaling that a customer had finally came; A middle aged woman looked starstruck whilst holding onto a young boy that’s slowly getting out of her grip, having the same eagerness as his mother.

It wasn’t unusual for customers to react this way coming into the Weasley’s joke shop. The boy’s eyes sparkled while the mother looked in admiration. The mother crouched down to hold onto her son, keeping him from running while his mouth spilled with words. 

“Mum, we have to get something for Mia!” the boy cried out eagerly, eyes darting towards every single corner of the store. George’s mouth upturned into a sloppy grin whilst listening to the boy. 

“Marty, that’s sweet of you, but we already got the quill she wanted.” The mother said quietly, running her hands over the boy’s shoulders, easing it. “And it’s your birthday...” George didn’t know what came after that as he took the chance and walked towards the small family with a big smile on his face, quickly followed by Fred. 

“Heard it’s a little man’s birthday.” inclined George, hands in his pockets and head down turned. The mother looked up and stood from her spot, giggling slightly as she kept a hold of her son’s shoulders. “What’s your name?” he asked, now being the one to crouch down in front of the boy.

The boy tilted his head to the side, eyes slightly strained. He looked both confused and hyper focused at the same moment. Though weird, George thought nothing of it. After all, he was a kid, the man he’s looking at has one ear, and the hyperfixation was quickly ended by the slight shake of his shoulders. The mother looked down at her son, silently telling him to introduce himself. And so he did. 

"I'm Martin! I turn 6 today!" the boy said enthusiastically,bringing a smile on George's face. Being around Martin felt odd, it felt so unapologetically peaceful and rather… familiar. 

"SIX?!" Fred loudly piped in. "Well now that's big, little man!" 

The mother was slightly startled by the appearance of the ginger's twin, though the same cannot be said about Martin who simply smiled absentmindedly. 

"I knew you before." said Martin, eyes targeting the younger twin. George smiled and kept close to the boy, keeping the conversation going. "Really?" he asked with vivid curiosity, he did not recognise the boy or his mother but fueling a child's imagination wouldn't hurt anyone. 

"How?" piped in Fred, now also crouching beside his twin, "And why just him?" he asked comedically, pointing to his brother. 

"Since we were 11." Answered Martin with no signs of struggle on his face. The red haired owners looked at each other, though more in disbelief than in confusion. 

"Thought you said you were 6, Martin?" George asked with a kind look on his face. The boy’s mother shook her son’s shoulder harder than she did the past few times, mumbling “Marty, what did I tell you?” in tired disbelief.

“M’sorry mum.” Martin said with a pinch of sincerity before turning back to face the bigger man in front of him. “I was 20 before I became 6.” “Marty.”

Chilling, the owners thought. As they were 20 at the time of the battle of Hogwarts. 

“I’m so sorry Mr.--”

“Weasley.” Fred replied as the confusion simmered throughout his twin brother. “S’really nothing to worry about Mrs.--?”

“Edevane. But I truly am sorry, he’s just a very imaginative little kid. Always has stories of his quote-unquote ‘past life’.“ she explained, making the kid become a bit mad. “But mum, it’s true!-”

“Marty, how about we look around the store, alright? Mr. and Mr. Weasley could show us around perhaps?” Mrs. Edevane hinted to the twin owners, relief gracing their legs as they were now able to stand on their feet. 

“Yes, we can certainly do that! Come along Marty, tell us more about this ‘past life’ of yours.” Fred’s arm wrapped around the small boy’s shoulders, showing him around the color filled shop. “Sorry about that Mrs. Edevane.” he added mischievously, “Here at Weasley’s Wizard Wheezes, we like to encourage creativity and imagination.”

“--As it is the reason we got here.” George finished, giving Mrs. Edevane a kind smile as they start roaming around the shop. “Uhh. Mr. Weasley.” Her fingers tapped onto George’s shoulder. His head whipped around and mouth about to open when suddenly the 6 year old spoke; “Mum, Mr. Weasley’s name is George. This one’s Fred.”

The utter shock that went through the twin wizards was clear as day. No where in the shop did it say the owner’s names. Even their name tags; The little badge pinned on their suits merely wrote ‘Mr. Weasley’. Fred, being the initiator that he is, leaned forward. “Now how can you be so sure, Marty?” he teased, “What if I tell you that you’re wrong?”

Martin simply smiled, angling his head a bit to the side again. “Mr. George has a longer face, down turned eyes and eyebrows, he’s a bit taller than you, Mr. Fred. You have a squarer face and shorter features than him.” he explained smoothly and innocently. As if it’s something he’s observed over the course of his whole life.

“Ma’am, I’m afraid your son’s a genius.” George joked, even if he’s visibly disturbed, though nonetheless intrigued. Nobody has ever differentiated them this way, even their own mother. Though one person did. The one he cherished most. The mother smiled, holding onto her son once again. 

“I’m no genius.” Martin spoke, a shy smile gracing his small little lips, so identical to the person’s portrait above George’s bed. He even said their typical response to their mind being praised. 

“-- I just quietly observe.”

Martin spoke but George merely whispered. A shiver ran through his spine, heart pumping, cold sweat dripping from his forehead. It could’ve all been a coincidence. One big coincidence served on a silver platter, garnished with confusion and terrifying accuracy. 

“Mr. Weasley?”

He snapped back, giving the woman a sign to continue. “Uh, I just wanted to ask... err. Why that big of a discount? Why is it 54% off of everything? That doesn’t really sound like a good marketing strategy, doesn’t it?” She asked curiously. 

“Well Mrs. Edevane.” George started, seeing as Fred and little Martin were still going around the shop. “Remember the last wizarding war?” Mrs. Edevane shook her head. His smile faltered a bit but still kept his composure. “We’re, what you call it? Muggle--born?” Her eyebrows furrowed while her teeth sinked into her bottom lip. “Well, my daughter... err. Just started her first year and that McGonagall woman said that she’s a ‘muggleborn’.” 

They truly didn’t know who they are.

“-- What I’m trying to say, Mr. Weasley, is that we, or at least I, am not magical. Nor is my husband.” He nodded, breathed in a bit as his mind tried to ease itself. The boy couldn’t have known who he is as they wouldn’t have known anything about the prophet, or could they?

“Well, Mrs. Edevane. 7 years ago at this date. The second wizarding war has ended. My brother-in-law defeated... him.” It was still hard to say his name, even years later. “V-Voldemort.”

She looked curious but silently let him continue. “Uh, remember when. Uh-uhm that bridge collapsed in muggle london? 7-8 years ago? A big hurricane happened? When a lot died like-” It was hard to explain. Truly. It was hard to live through it again.

“Like that Emmeline Vance lady?”

“Yes, exactly!” He exclaimed. “It was all caused by him. By wizards! Dark wizards!” Her previously bright face now looked horror struck. It was all making sense. “Seven years ago, this day. Everything ended at Hogwarts. As well as the lives of 54 on our side.” He wanted to mention one very special loss, but figured that she doesn’t need to know about it. She was just a muggle mother who brought her son birthday shopping. “We wanted to commemorate them.”

A sincere look graced upon her face, out of pity. “Is there any chance that you’ve seen anything from the ‘Daily Prophet’, Mrs. Edevane? Or your son?” He asked, breaking the uncomfortable silence. She shook her head, now gracing a look with pure confusion. “A-Anything. Like a paper? A newspaper with moving photographs? Or maybe a-a Quibbler?”

She shook her head. “Why’re you asking Mr. Weasley?” His mouth opened, about to burst out his concerns and held in grief to a complete stranger when; “George!”

It was Fred, hand resting on his twin’s shoulder as the six year old boy beside him just stood. “-- Can I talk to you? I need to talk to you.” He said, fright gracing his features and panic in his voice. 

George nodded, bidding a quick goodbye to the mother and son who came in a few moments ago and calling for one of their faculty to give them the tour they wanted.

Fred pulled his twin to an empty corner of the shop. Sound muffled by the stacks of products ranging from fireworks to extendable ears. “That boy George.” Fred panted. Voice shaking. “He knows too much. Is there a chance that you put anything about how Y/N saved me?”

“Briefly. Why?” His heart was about to pop out of his chest at any moment. Any moment now his heart would be a new WWW product. 

“He explained everything! Everything George! Knew things that he shouldn’t have!” Fred said, terrified. “What did he say?” asked George. Croaking out whatever’s left in his heaving lungs. 

“He said that he saved me. Me and Percy! From the explosion! I didn’t think much of it at first, George! I knew that you wrote that in their obituary. But he just kept going.” Frightened. They were both frightened. “Everything they did. He knew.”

“How accurate was he?”

“Very. George. Disturbingly accurate.” Back straightened and composed, Fred stood back, eyes darting back and forth from his brother to the entrance of the shop. “He knew that they transfigured the rubble to sand. He knew that they cast that ring of fire shit they did. The diabolica thing to ward off the death eaters? Yeah. He named the spell. HE NAMED THE SPELL, GEORGE!”

“I heard you the first time!” George yelled back. Disturbed, yet he felt at peace. He could have the last goodbye he’s always wanted. “We need to talk to the boy, Fred.”

His twin nodded fervently, about to walk away from the corner when he felt an arm tug on his elbow. “Oi, how can we do it without worrying the mother?”

“Give whatever he wants for free. It’s his birthday after all. Now come on!”

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[sirsadly]

request: orc/human - human is the orc's tailor; are they upset cuz the clothing keeps getting messed up? are the appalled by the quality of their former clothing for being so shoddy? does the orc's current ensemble simply not bring out their eyes? are they distracted during a fitting for their friend who deserves nice clothes dammit and didn't expect their ripped-ness to be such a problem because it isn't with their other customers? is this fantasy or modern? -shrugs- i apparently have more thoughts than i thought but this work training is so very boring - feel free to use none of them but the overall prompt but i crave anything that doesn't discuss "the five subcategories on this slide" pls

i hope you got through that work training okay, and you enjoy this mini fic. sorry for being beyond late ;)

Where My Hand Treads 

male orc with gender neutral reader

591 words | sfw

Their thighs ate up most of the measuring tape. Their very same thigh you perfectly custom made pants for, that now stretched taut against the gulf of their muscles.

As their tailor, you were happy about their frequent patronage, but it felt like they carefully maneuvered the small shop you worked at least twice a week with an old garment at hand needing repair.

Sometimes that garment was something you made a week prior that needed mending. You wondered what their lifestyle could be like to warrant this many repairs, not that your wallet was complaining. Curiosity that is what we will call it for now, what that shapely legs do for a living.

You could excuse the ripping and loose threads, but what had you up in arms with annoyance, frustration, and maybe even anger was how his ensemble made the least amount of sense. Though he had all the pieces of a professional suit, he never seemed to put the right colours together. And when he did something of the proportions was off, or fraying at the hems hence coming to the shop.

Most importantly it hurt to see a diamond just covered in mud, his clothes never seemed to bring out his personality or the colour of his warm brown eyes. You told him as much after measuring him again for the second time this month, to make sure his clothes were not faulty on your part.

“You want to style me? But I don’t think you provide those services.” He said slowly. “Is this an exclusive offer for my frequent patronage, if so do other clients get this treatment as well.”

“You’re right we don’t. I think I’ve never offered anyone this. It’s just that you clearly need help assembling an outfit, especially if you are going to be here every day needing a garment repaired.”

His eyes wandered towards the rumbling ceiling of your small shop under the subway tracks, rubbing at the back of his head in thought. You have embarrassed him, your banter does not always read as playful as you would hope. Your ears heat in shame, in the already hot summer afternoon. Your words might not always lift a person’s confidence but you knew what you could achieve with your sewing machine and your critical eye. You knew it every time a client looked in the mirror after a fitting. 

“Please allow me, I just think you are not shining to your highest capacity. Everyone has certain colours and cuts that make them look effortlessly put together. Not everyone gets to learn that, it’s something you either gotta be passionate about or learn early on.”

Your eyes looked straight ahead to his distracted ones, trying to catch the colour change of his mood. “I would like to extend that knowledge so that you may be your brightest self. I did not mean to embarrass you…” you trailed off after his lips pulled tight. He seemed to be enduring you, that expression twin to those braving the biting wind. 

His tusks jutted out, a bit large for his face with his brown eyes, squat nose, and long curls.

You were already imagining the colours you would pull for him, neutral reds and browns for his green skin, toeing that line to bring out his complexion. He would be magnificent. This you could do, this where your hands have tread before.

“My body is in your capable hands, Tailor.” The comment did not go unnoticed, but you knew words could only go so far.

[iydiamartinx]

OCEANS BRAWL

𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗽𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗼𝗻𝗲 | the reaping

Pairing: Finnick x OC

I wasn't planning posting a new story especially with my busy schedule but I've had this idea swimming around in my drafts for so long that I finally decided to post it anyways. 

❝ 𝑦𝑜𝑢𝑟 𝑛𝑒𝑤 𝑙𝑖𝑓𝑒 𝑖𝑠 𝑔𝑜𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑡𝑜 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑡 𝑦𝑜𝑢 𝑦𝑜𝑢𝑟 𝑜𝑙𝑑 𝑜𝑛𝑒.❞ — 𝐮𝐧𝐤𝐧𝐨𝐰𝐧

Kaia Bystrom was many things—a daughter, a fisherman, stubborn, and, perhaps most notably, too clever for her own good. Clever enough to understand that glory wasn’t everything,

District Four, one of the career districts, prided itself on producing victors—though not as much as Districts One and Two did. Parents sent their children to the academy early, training them with the skills necessary to survive the Hunger Games if the Reaping ever claimed them. For some, this training wasn’t just about survival; it was about ambition. Some families dreamed of their children volunteering, imagining the fame and fortune a victory could bring.

In Kaia’s eyes, however, volunteering was nothing short of seeking death. She was many things, but eager to die was not one of them. Her life was modest, but it was one she cherished. Days spent aboard her father’s fishing boat with him and her twin brothers soaking up the sun and learning all that he could teach, she loved diving into the saltwater depths where she swam among fish and coral wishing she was truly one of them, and when evening came they would head home where she would help her mother prepare the day’s catch, while some days she spend entirely with her mother at her bakery—this was the life she was content with.

It wasn’t an easy life. Much of their hard-earned fish went straight to the Capitol, leaving little behind, but Kaia wouldn’t trade it for anything. That’s why Reaping Day always unsettled her. This was her fourth reaping, and although their district often had volunteers, she couldn’t shake the uneasy flutter in her stomach.

As she stood among the girls her age, Kaia briefly observed the crowd. Some trembled in anticipation, others like Annie Cresta were practically trembling in fear. The only outward sign of her own nerves was the soft, rhythmic tapping of her index finger against her thigh. She watched, only half-listening as the mayor recited the same speech he gave every year—praising the Capitol, reminding them of the Games’ purpose, and listing the past victors of District Four. His voice droned on, but Kaia’s attention remained steady, fixed on the stage, more specifically where District Four’s six victors sat.

She knew for certain at least three of them had volunteered to be in the games and she couldn’t help but wonder why they would take that chance. Yet, she didn’t dwell on it as she heard the mayor call up their escort.

Her tapping never missed a beat, even as her attention shifted to the stage where District Four’s escort, Odessa Starstrickle, made her way up to the podium.

She looked as outlandish as Kaia remembered. Her skin was a pale, porcelain canvas, dusted with just enough shimmer to catch the sunlight and sparkle. Her makeup, though extravagant, was softer than expected—hues of blue, purple, and coral blended artfully to complement her ensemble, an elaborate outfit of iridescent ruffles designed to mimic the delicate folds of clamshells. Her hair was coloured a vivid ocean blue, styled in intricate updo of curls.

The escort of district four greeted the crowd with a dazzling smile. “Welcome, welcome, citizens of District Four! What a glorious day for the Reaping, where one lucky young man and woman will have the honour of representing our proud district in the 67th annual Hunger Games! The Capitol celebrates your strength and resilience, and remember being chosen is a mark of glory—a chance to bring honour to your district. Happy Hunger Games! And may the odds be ever in your favour! Now, without further ado, let the Reaping begin!”

Odessa beamed at the crowd once more, her smile as polished as the pearls that adorned her neck. “As always, ladies are up first!” she announced, gliding over to the glass bowl filled with the names of the district’s girls.

Kaia’s tapping quickened. Her gaze fixed on Odessa’s long fingers as they dipped into the bowl, stirring the slips of paper as if savouring the suspense. The movement was slow, almost torturous, before Odessa finally plucked a name from the pile.

The air thickened with anticipation, the crowd collectively holding its breath as they watched Odessa make her way back to the podium.

“The tribute for the 67th Hunger Games is…” Odessa paused, letting the moment stretch. “Kaia Bystrom.”

The tapping stilled.

Next Chapter →

banner credits: cafekitsune & reveriesources

[techs-feral-wife]

You're Cute When You're Jealous (Echo x f!OC)

Summary: Leli is doing her part to help Rex and his brothers. She is prepping to leave for her next mission, and Echo is not happy about it. (I suck at summaries, sorry) Content: mild jealousy. parenthood(?). Babies in general(?). Pre-established relationship.

A/N: Welcome, friends, to Max's self-indulgent fantasies. Seriowan's Dad!Clone content gave me brainrot and I have not been able to get Echo with twins out of my head. This is just some fluffy nonsense I started writing on a napkin at work the other day. Hope you enjoy! (credit for the twin's names goes to @seriowan. Thank you for letting me use them Nay!) tags: @techtalksfics @seriowan (I know I already tagged you, but 🤷🏻‍♀️)

Word count: 1.6k

“I don’t like this,” Echo said for the hundredth time that afternoon.

“Ya know, I’m starting to see why your brothers named you Echo,” Leli smirked, pulling the poncho Rex had given to her over her head. After all the missions she’d done with Rex, she still did not understand the train of thought that led all clones to think that poncho = civilian. 

Echo gave an unamused huff from where he sat in the corner of the boys’ room. She didn’t have to look at him to know he was pouting. It was that same kicked tooka look that he wore when Fives had approached her at 79’s back when the world still felt normal. Seeing him from across the bar with that cute little pout on his face made Leli’s heart flutter in her chest, and although that night felt like a lifetime ago, something just never changed.

She finished adjusting her new ensemble before walking over and placing a gentle kiss to his forehead. She felt some of the tension ease beneath her touch, but she could tell he wasn’t going to give this up anytime soon. She reached out to cradle his cheek in her hand, tilting his head up to place a chaste kiss on his lips. The kiss was far too short for Echo’s liking. When Leli pulled away he chased after her, but she stood up straight, a satisfied smirk dancing across her lips. 

“Relax, will ya? I’ve run this sort of mission dozens of times,” Once the war had ended, Rex found himself short on allies. She had found him waiting for her outside of her apartment in the lower levels of Coruscant and had been helping him anyway she could ever since. 

“That doesn’t mean I have to like it,” In fact, it made him dislike it even more, but he would never admit it. 

“Quit worrying trooper, I can take care of myself,” 

“That’s not what I’m worried about,” He grumbled, crossing his arms over his chest. It wasn’t a lie, not fully anyway. Leli wasn’t a soldier, sure, but she had never been one to shy away from a fight, especially when it came to defending clones. It was one of the things Echo loved about her--the passionate way she defended him and his brothers touched him so deeply, but it had gotten her into more than her fair share of trouble over the years. Now, more than ever he was worried for her safety. If anything happened to her or the boys, he would never forgive himself. But something else about this mission just didn’t sit well with him. 

His eyes followed her as she moved about the room to continue prepping for tonight. She tucked the counterfeit chain codes Rex had given her into the pouch at her hip then made her way towards the two cribs that sat against the far wall of the room. Leli bent down and plucked one of the twins from his crib, cradling him gently against her chest. Based on all the fussing, he knew it must have been Sky. 

Over the last few months, Echo had committed the twins’ disparate mannerisms to memory. The events of the Citadel and his imprisonment at the hands of the Techno Union (as well as his own insecurity) had robbed him of the first year or so of their life and he was determined to make up for lost time. Quinn was typically calm, he rarely cried and went down for naps without a fight. Sky on the other hand was a menace. 

He takes after Fives, Leli had joked the day that Echo had finally met the twins. He’s always up to something.

At the time, Echo did not understand how an infant could be “up to something”, but after the first week with the boys, he understood completely. 

Once Sky had stopped fussing, Leli adjusted him so that he was settled on her hip. She smoothed her hand over the small tuft of curls on his head and pressed a kiss into his hairline. The sight made Echo’s heart melt. He stood up from his seat and made his way towards her. 

“The boys will be alright too,” She said, her tone more serious. “I would never let anything happen to them,” 

“I know that,”He said softly, stepping closer to her. And he meant it. Leli had managed to take care of the boys on her own for so long. Echo knew that she was more than capable of keeping them safe. 

Sky babbled happily on her hip, unaware of the conversation taking place between his parents, drool dribbling steadily down his chin. Before he could think better of it, Echo reached out his hand and wiped Sky's chin, then  grimaced at the mess it had made of his glove. The look on his face made Leli snort. He wiped his hand on his blacks before smoothing her hair back behind her ear. Leli scrunched up her face at the residual dampness which made Echo let out a snort of his own.

“Then why are you so worried?” She questioned with a smile. Kriff, he loved that smile. Echo bristled.

“Who said I was worried?” He tried playing defense, but Leli was not having it.

“You did, now spill”She shifted her grasp on Sky and placed her now free hand on her hip. Echo knew there was no getting out of this one. The ex-ARC trooper sighed, bending down to pick up the neglected Quinn from his crib in an attempt to buy himself more time. The action was still a bit awkward as he tried to use his scomp as minimally as possible, but he was starting to get the hang of it. 

He held Quinn against his chest the same way that Leli had and relished in the warmth of his son pressed up against him. He would never get tired of this feeling, even when the boys decided to spit up on him. 

Leli tapped her foot impatiently, but couldn’t help the smile that spread across her lips at the image before her. It was a sight she thought she would never get to see, a little different than she had imagined, sure, but it was still a sight she would treasure forever. Echo met her gaze sheepishly before turning his gaze back to Quinn with a heavy sigh. 

“I just don’t like this mission, alright?” Echo frowned. The mission itself was simple enough. They were essentially smuggling a deserter off world and into the outer rim where they would theoretically be beyond the reach of the Empire. It was a standard operation for Rex and his men, Echo knew that. But it was the way in which they were going about it that got under his skin. 

Smuggling a single clone trooper onto an off-world transport was tricky. They were more likely to be recognized if they were traveling alone. A family however--

Echo scowled at the thought. He knew that the twins made Leli the perfect candidate for this role, but he still didn’t like it. The thought of someone else cosying up next to her, even if it was one of his brothers, bothered him to no end.

 A knowing grin split across Leli’s face as she watched Echo wrestle with his thoughts. She let out a bark of laughter that made him look up. 

“Awww look Sky,” she cooed playfully. “Buir’s jealous.”

Heat crept up Echo’s neck and his cheeks dusted an adorable shade of pink that only added to Leli’s amusement. Echo sputtered a bit, desperately searching for a reply. 

“Am not!” Was the best he could come up with. 

“Are too,” Leli smirked, leaning in to press a kiss to his flushed cheek. “You’re upset that I have to pretend to be someone’s wife.”

She had hit the nail right on the head, but Echo was too proud to admit it. 

“No,” He said lamely, letting out an exasperated huff before trying another excuse. “I just don’t like this mission. You sneaking onto a transport past imperial security with the boys.”

“Technically I’m not sneaking. I do have a boarding pass, ya know.” She said, her tone remained playful as she grinned at the flustered clone before her.

“There’s too many variables. What if something goes wrong?”

“Nothing is going to go wrong. And if it does, my husband will be there to protect me,” She teased. Echo scrunched his face at her use of the word husband. His face was so red he could've passed for an imperial guard. Leli let out another bark of laughter. The look on Echo’s face was priceless and she wished she could snap a holo of it for future reference. 

“Very funny,” Echo rolled his eyes, lightly bouncing the baby in his arms. Quinn snoozed soundly against his father’s chest, completely unfazed by the events unfolding around him. In this moment, Echo envied his son. 

“Aw don’t be like that Eck, I’m only teasing you,” She purred, stepping close enough to rest her head on his shoulder. “And besides,” She placed a kiss at the base of his neck that made him shiver. “You’re cute when you’re jealous.”

“Yeah, yeah, yeah,” Echo grumbled, but he couldn’t hide the smile that tugged at the corner of his lips. He rested his head against hers, drinking in the moment. 

A beat of tender silence passed between them before he spoke again, voice barely above a whisper.

“I am worried, though.” He murmured against the top of her head.

“Everything’s going to be fine, Echo. I promise.” She replied, pulling back to look into his beautiful deep brown eyes. “You’ll be there to watch my back, won’t you?”

“Always, cyare.” His breath fanned against her face as he leaned down to capture her lips in a gentle kiss. 

“Good,” She said once they had parted. She pressed a quick peck to his cheek and gave his butt a gentle tap. “Now, help me get your sons ready for tonight. I’ve got a husband to meet.” 

[widowshill]

music ask game: 2, 4, 8? please and thank you!

MUSIC ASKS.

2. A song that features an element (earth/fire/water/air)

I have a few fire-specific ones saved to my playlists because of Laura, so have a sample platter: "Fire," The Crazy World of Arthur Brown (1968) "Light my Fire," The Doors (1967) "Burning Love," Elvis Presley (1972) "Fire," Jimi Hendrix (1967)

4. A song you’d put on a playlist for a character you love

"The Girl I Knew Somewhere," The Monkees, 1967, for Vicki <3 first and foremost because I think Vicki would dig the Monkees and because it reminds me of this scene with Jeremiah in 373 — Vicki, without a double in the past, recognized by the man with the same face as her (very recently!) dearly departed fiancé, who, for the briefest of moments before the plot takes a sharp left turn, is convinced that they've known each other in some other time, in some other place.

but also because the repetition of faces, especially women's faces, is important to many of Vicki's through-lines as a character (before doubling actors becomes common enough to not bear much thematic weight). there's the trip to 1795, where she is surrounded by faces that are physically familiar and yet internally obscure: Naomi, who looks just like Elizabeth, but is not Elizabeth; Sarah, who she knows by sight as a ghost and yet knows little of her as a living girl; Josette, whose portraits in the Old House/the family history as well as her ghostly form are very familiar to her and yet Josette the woman is a stranger to her. Collinwood itself is known to her only by it's exterior, the hill of course is the same, but the living things within are changed. And this lyric especially resonates with the 1795 arc to me because as viewers we recognize Victoria Winters among the same ensemble cast, among the same sets of Collinwood, despite everything being different. Vicki herself is different, arguably, only traces of the Vicki that exists in the present day:

You're standing in the places and you're staring down through faces That bring to mind traces of a girl, a girl that I knew somewhere

much earlier in the show, Vicki chances upon an old portrait of Betty Hanscombe, to whom she shares a striking resemblance. whether or not you subscribe to the belief that Betty is her real mother, the portrait is identical to Vicki, obvious to the viewer as well as the characters, and this creates the strongest lead she ever gets in her search for her parents. Vicki, who had no ancestral double in the past, has a twin here, and a family resemblance is invaluable to a girl who shares her name with no one but herself — her face is echoed out there, somewhere, with someone. but the plot goes nowhere, and the titular unknowable "girl that I knew somewhere" is both Betty and Vicki, without much more than a likeness to tell us anything about her.

Vicki's own resembling someone will briefly come back in the Barnabas arc, though it's never so strong narratively as Maggie/KLS becoming Josette incarnate. rather Vicki's affinity for Josette, and her desire to belong to the Collins family, fashions Vicki in Josette's image. for the costume party, Roger comments that Vicki looks like a portrait of Josette, which Vicki takes as the highest of compliments not only for Josette's beauty, but because resembling a Collins ancestor is a key device of familial acceptance in Dark Shadows. Burke (the outsider) mirrors Jeremiah (founding myth of the family); Roger (prodigal and exile) mirrors Joshua (revered patriarch); David (possibly illegitimate) mirrors Jamison (lineage certain); through resemblance, all have their place secured. and of course, there is Barnabas mirroring his own "ancestor's" portrait proving that he is a Collins and belongs at Collinwood, despite arriving a stranger — like Vicki!

in 1967, it's Laura's self-repetition through the centuries that drives Vicki to save David. like the short-lived Hanscombe plot, Vicki gains her first flush of knowledge through recognizing Laura's face in Sam's painting, surrounded by flame (though it's not until the show goes to 1897, after Vicki has left, that we get an eighteenth century painting of a former incarnation). for much of the phoenix arc, though, it's primarily the suggestion of the repeating woman through the contours and the actual physical manifestation left up to the viewer's imagination we are told about the body in Phoenix that is her double, that matches everything down to the dental records, though we are not shown the corpse; likewise we see the empty coffins of the various Laura Murdoch's graves, rather than her image, or the stories of the same tragedy repeated — a boy named David burning in his mother's arms — in the newspaper clippings, without being shown a picture:

Someway, somehow this same thing was done Someone, somewhere did me this same wrong

after she returns from 1795, Vicki recognizes the portrait of Angelique right away, and she has learned an extensive, singeing lesson when it comes to spooky portraits of Roger's witchy wives:

Well goodbye dear, I just can't take this chance again My fingers are still burning from the last time

as with Laura, Vicki's uncertainty is always part of equation — is Cassandra telling the truth and has never been here before? can Vicki trust her own memory of a distant past she was not alive for? were her experiences in 1795 real? — a girl that she knew somewhere, though she cannot admit where to most of the other characters. hard proof is always hard to come by for Vicki: it's enough to put her on her guard (correctly!) that Roger's new wife reminds her of a woman she knew very, very long ago.

8. A song from a soundtrack

I think you'll like this one! I almost picked up this soundtrack on a visit to a record store in KC, and I decided to put it back because I'd already bought a record earlier in the week, and I'm kicking myself for it now. alas! anyway, lots of good ones on Girls! Girls! Girls!, but I'm nominating "Thanks to the Rolling Sea," Elvis Presley (1962)

[clockwrkcabaret]

Ordinary Day

WARNING! This show is for adults. We drink cocktails, have potty mouths and, at least, one of us was raised by wolves.

The Clockwork Cabaret is a production of Agony Aunt Studios. Featuring that darling DJ Duo, Lady Attercop and Emmett Davenport. Our theme music is made especially for us by Kyle O’Door.

This episode aired on Mad Wasp Radio, 12.17.23.

New episodes air on Mad Wasp Radio on Sundays @ 12pm GMT! Listen at www.madwaspradio.com or via TuneIn radio app!

Playlist:

M. Ward – Poor Boy, Minor Key

Jenny Lewis With The Watson Twins – Born Secular

Cat Power – Salty Dog

Fiona Apple – Extraordinary Machine

Rufus Wainwright – Cigarettes and Chocolate Milk

Regina Spektor – Old Jacket (Stariy Pedjak)

Black Pumas – Colors (Acoustic Version)

Ibeyi – Transmission / Michaelion (feat. Meshell Ndegeocello)

Laura Mvula – That’s Alright

Tom Waits – Big In Japan

The Creatures – Godzilla!

AURORA – Running with the Wolves (Pablo Nouvelle Remix)

The Cassettes – Intermission

Todrick Hall – Ordinary Day (feat. Nick Rashad Burroughs)

Michael McGrath, Todd Ellison, Tim Curry & Spamalot Ensemble – Always Look On the Bright Side of Life

Patti LuPone & Sweeney Todd 2005 Broadway Revival Cast – The Worst Pies in London

Rasputina – The Donner Party

Hannah Fury – The Last Piece of Cake

Hozier – Eat Your Young

American Murder Song – The Five Sisters

Kristin Chenoweth, Alan Cumming & The Cast of Schmicago – Good Enough to Eat

Charming Disaster – Disembodied Head

They Might Be Giants – By the Time You Get This

Kim Boekbinder – Sex, Drugs, & Nuclear Physics

Asylum Street Spankers – Hick Hop

Willie Nelson – I Gotta Get Drunk

A Band Called Horse – My Truck Belongs to Satan

Tally Hall – Mucka Blucka

Check out this episode!

[mdhwrites]

Don't you think it's short selling Sasha and Marcy by saying they aren't major players?

Like it's kinda weird you'd sooner consider the Wartwood citizens to be more major than those two. I mean those guys (like Ivy, Maddie, Croaker, Wally, Toadie, and Felicia) only get like one or two focus episodes per season individually at best and it's not as though they have much of a story arc with them or have as much involvement in the overarching story the same way as Sasha and Marcy do.

Like if you count all the episodes that put Sasha or Marcy in a major role, I'd argue they may actually have more focus episodes than Polly (who appears more than them).

For crying out loud, Matt Braly has outright lumped Sasha and Marcy in as main cast in Tweets with one for season 3B even having him outright state Sasha and Grime are main cast in season 3. Voice director Eden Riegel also lumps Sasha and Marcy's voices as part of the main cast with Anne and the Plantars so they're clearly intended as major players, or at least higher on the prominence scale than the Wartwood citizens.

And it makes me wonder how you would classify characters in other shows that are too prominent to be lumped as simply supporting and nothing more, but also aren't 24/7 main cast.

Owl House has Amity, Willow, Gus, and Hunter (who are kinda similar in prominence with Sasha and Marcy) as not being 24/7 main players like Luz, Eda, King, and Hooty, but also too prominent to be lumped as just supporting and nothing more like the Hexside characters such as Boscha, Skara, Bump, and the Blight Twins.

My Little Pony Friendship is Magic has Starlight, Celestia, Discord, Luna, Trixie, and the Cutie Mark Crusaders as not being 24/7 main players like the Mane 6 + Spike, but too prominent to be lumped as just supporting and nothing more as well.

Star vs the Forces of Evil has Eclipsa, Tom, Moon, Ludo, River, Janna, and Pony Head in that same territory as not being 24/7 main players like Star and Marco, but too prominent to be lumped as just supporting and nothing more.

Steven Universe has Connie, Greg, Peridot, and Lapis in that same territory as not being 24/7 main players like the main 4 Crystal Gems (Steven, Pearl, Garnet, and Amethyst), but too prominent to be lumped as just supporting and nothing more.

Sasha and Marcy certainly have way more prominence than the Wartwood citizens and I feel you're kinda underestimating them into being minor supporting and nothing more, ignoring their importance to the show's story.

Well, I deleted this after not wanting to deliberate on the definition before but if this is going to come back each time I say what is my opinion:

I have never called Sasha or Marcy minor supporting characters. I even admitted in my last blog to Sasha being the primary antagonist for 2 seasons, just that her presence isn't really felt. Honestly, I've been trying to be NICE to Marcy but she has seven episodes dedicated to her... If you REALLY stretch the definition because I'd argue half of those are actually about Anne while we're simply told things about Marcy for Anne to wallow about or Marcy is just there for moralizing at Maddie in what is actually a Maddie episode so that's closer 3-4 which puts her on par with TOADSTOOL. If not straight up behind him.

I'm not saying they're unimportant. I'm not saying they're bad. Just that the focus of the story is on change and on community. Singular characters struggle to fit those themes. Sasha exists for two entire seasons just to challenge them as she opposes Anne's willingness to change, is stubborn in her refusal to change and loses her community because she's not willing to show care to them. It's really good... But it's SEVEN episode segments out of almost EIGHTY. And in s3, she gets two more dedicated to her and then is more an ensemble member for the Oum stuff, especially mother Oum, and then helps in the final fights of the finale, with a bit of her being commander sprinkled in like any random Wartwood citizen before.

And why is that? Because she joins the main cast the same way ALL of Wartwood is a part of the main cast. In finding community, she finds a place amongst the main players but I do not consider HER, INDIVIDUALLY, to be a main character, just like I don't argue Hop Pop or Polly are INDIVIDUALLY main characters. Honestly, questionably even Sprig.

It's the idea that a supporting group of characters can come together enough to build a main pillar of the show better than any one of them. If you claim NONE of the Wartwood characters are main characters, you trivialize the ENTIRE SETTING. But those characters are interconnected enough, tied together so tightly as a joint unit of characters, even if only one or two may get focus per episode, that you can see their change happen gradually in their own, collective arc.

And that arc is more important and arguably even more powerful. After all, if Wartwood hadn't changed, Sasha would never have gotten her second chance. She'd have died in Turning Point. Or they wouldn't have ever gone back to them in the first place. Marcy might have been told to piss off simply because she was from Newtopia because they didn't want to be looked down on. The armies might not have come together if Wartwood and others weren't moved to start thinking of the bigger picture rather than petty squables.

These are all critical to payoffs in the show and the themes, just as much, if not more, than anything with Sasha. It's why I think Thai Temple is one of the most important S3A episodes because it reassures that you don't have to go to a fantasy realm for community. There are lots of them who wish to share who they are, welcome in people with open minds, etc. like that and who will support each other in dark times.

There's a reason why Anne's final words to the Core, her refusal of it absolutely, isn't about Marcy and Sasha. It's about the world. And of course she's the one standing there because she has had the biggest impact on, and impacted by, the various communities of Earth, Amphibia and Wartwood especially. She is fighting for them, for they are her greatest treasures.

SO. With my having hopefully made myself clear: Let's talk about some of the claims you make with other shows so I can dig myself a hole. If you just want the Amphibia stuff, you can leave now.

TOH is a fucking nightmare to classify. Main characters often are meant to be storytelling engines, help establish what is most important to the show and set the status quote for antagonists and side characters to disrupt. Again, it's why Sasha actually makes a great primary antagonist early on for the capstone episodes because she does challenge Anne on much of this, just isn't around 99% of the time.

TOH has the problem that a story can be poorly written enough to make you wonder "WHO THE FUCK IS THE MAIN CAST!?" There's ALL sorts of arguments I could make, not helped that just time wise, Amity takes up a literal third of the show and doesn't help themes, doesn't push the plot forward and mostly doesn't fit the show's GENRE even. But time wise, she actually gets close to as much, time especially Luz, as Eda does. Eda spends literally NO time with Luz in the second S1 after all because she's too busy spending time with her sister.

Gus and Willow are LAUGHABLE to be called main supporting characters because every single one of Willow's episodes is actually someone else's and Gus gets one every half season and they also had to break their magic for one of them with a retcon. Hell, Willow gets maybe a dozen lines in the entirety of S2A and then I'm not sure if she actually says more than two lines to Luz in the entirety of S2B.

The only other one I can comment on is MLP which I watched... A bit over five seasons if I'm remembering right (I despised Starlight's redemption as one of the worst redemptions I've ever seen, let alone how it felt like they were performing character assassination on others to make Starlight look good afterwards) so this is from that perspective.

And like... No. Just no. Not even the entirety of the Mane 6 are always there and Spike certainly isn't around 24/7 but the only characters you listed, besides Starlight because yes, she was made into a main character, who got more than MAYBE two episodes a season are the Cutie Mark Crusaders. A lot of the fandom WISHES Luna and Celestia did more instead of feeling like a stiff breeze can incapacitate them and getting mentioned does not make you a main character. Trixie was a reoccurring villain but not very often. Even with the CMC, Apple Bloom is a main supporting character of Applejack... But they themselves are more side characters. They're along the same vein as most of the Wartwood citizens honestly.

None of them are bad mind you, I have been inspired by all the characters you've listed (Michael Hudson on fimfiction and no, I do not condone everything there but I don't like denying my past and so I don't nuke the entire account) before and I like a lot of stories with them. It doesn't make them main characters. At best, I'd put them in a middle tier where they're just supporting characters and part of that's simply because SIX MAIN CHARACTERS IS A LOT OF MAIN CHARACTERS. It's kind of hard to get in a word edgewise when that's the case, something TOH also suffers from.

I keep main character status TIGHT because those are the characters the story genuinely revolves around. If your existence only revolves around a different character, you're probably not a main character. As an example of my own work: In Rich Witch, I'd argue Pythia, despite being a part of the main 5 girls, is not a main character. Arguably, neither is Blair as she takes on more of an antagonist role. The main characters of that series are Azu, Igni and Daina. If a plotline doesn't have any effect on those three, I'm not going to include it.

And I think that's just straight up better for storytelling, at least if you're going for a tighter, more focused narrative. After all, the six protagonist for MLP work BECAUSE that show isn't about having a tight narrative so having a wide breadth of perspectives to potentially invoke stories is useful for it.

Amphibia is not the same way which is why I argue if anyone is the main character than Anne... It's in units because the whole of those people being affected matters more than any singular one. And that isn't me calling them bad, or unimportant or disinteresting. It's just me classifying it as I believe and that will paint how I analyze the show.

Sorry if you don't like it.

======+++++======= Side note: Don't expect more blogs on this topic. I have now addressed it but I don't think it's actually that useful of a point to deliberate, not when I'd rather talk about how effective the characters are regardless of their specific titles. After all, for as much as I want to teach with this stuff, it's still MY opinion and this is how I view the show.

I have a public Discord for any and all who want to join!

I also have an Amazon page for all of my original works in various forms of character focused romances from cute, teenage romance to erotica series of my past. I have an Ao3 for my fanfiction projects as well if that catches your fancy instead. If you want to hang out with me, I stream from time to time and love to chat with chat.

And finally a Twitter you can follow too!

[cross-my-heartt]

Odd bird

(Inspired by this post because bounty hunter Crosshair has been living rent free in my head for more than a year and I need the fics)

Slipshod groaned and leaned back against the rock at his back, giving up all hope of getting back to his feet anytime soon. The blaster wound in his side turned out to be a bigger nuisance than he initially thought and he cursed the damn natborns that’d been tasked with chasing them down.

Their aim was absolute Bantha shit. Yet that somehow made it worse when you were looking for a quick death rather than bleeding out in a rocky desert with a mouthful of sand and a headache of a wound to make it painful.

As far as desertion went, they could have handled it better. He was sure Trap and Duster had made it though he didn’t dare hold out hope for the three shinies…

Some things were better left unknown, he decided.

He coughed, spitting out a mouthful of blood, and turned to glare at the figure looming over him like some persistent service droid.

“Where is the base you escaped from,” the figure drawled, monotone, and he bared his teeth in a snarl at the shiny black bucket.

“Why would I tell you?” He spat out another glob of blood and watched as the bounty hunter didn’t even twitch, staying rooted the ground where he at least provided some shade from the setting sun.

One last accidental mercy for the dying trooper. As the silence stretched on, Slipshod put on a grin and tried his best to look down his nose at the man even though he was the one sitting on the ground.

“You’re the one they call Vulture, aren’t you?” he sneered. “So what’s the deal here? You’re here to pick up stragglers? Circling the Empire to trade their scraps back to them for small change?”

As before, the hunter didn’t respond and Slipshod was left squirming on the ground in his pain.

He was getting tired of looking at the man’s faceless bucket. It was a shiny black color, much like the rest of the guy’s leather ensemble, and there was this eerie avian quality to it when one looked past the droid-like features.

The guy was good at branding, Slipshod would give him that.

His eyes roamed over the tall frame and the occasional odd armor piece, and he frowned to himself as he considered it.

Any other day, Slipshod would have been able to take him. The guy was scrawny, practically a scarecrow, though Slipshod knew the thing to watch out for were the two A-180s tucked in twin holsters at his waist.

“Where is the base,” Vulture interrupted his thoughts again, voice raspy as all hell even through the vocoder.

Someone was definitely a smoker…

His tone was flat and Slipshod couldn’t suppress a shudder, still venturing to wonder why this maniac thought he would give him directions to his own prison.

Although… if he would cooperate and somehow reach the base alive he may get another chance to escape. Another chance to live. It stung, to be so desperate, especially in the face of someone so callous but Slipshod hadn’t spent his life cooped up on Kamino and then on this desolate rock only to be put down like a dog at the end of it.

Maybe if he gave this kriffer what he wanted he wouldn’t be presented to the Empire with a blaster bolt hole though his skull.

He sucked on his teeth, trying to suppress a scowl.

“It’s two klicks from here, northwest through the canyon. You can’t miss a building that ugly.”

The jab at the end was obligatory and he didn’t feel any regret when it made him cough up more blood, causing his bones to rattle and the damned wound to flare up. He gave it some time to subside, though he expected for Vulture to move or shoot him any moment now, now that he had the directions he was asking for.

Instead what happened was him nearly jumping out of his skin when a medpac landed in his lap and Vulture’s skinny legs disappeared from view as he marched back to the speeder parked not too far behind. Slipshod stared at the pac, blinking at it like an idiot.

Then the sound of an engine reached his ears and he watched the hunter speed off into the canyon, the only signs of him ever being there being some boot prints and a cloud of dust.

He almost thought the whole thing was a joke but when the medpac didn’t explode and the echo of the speeder engines grew fainter, he tentatively picked it up and began daubing the bacta inside over his wounds.

A quarter of an hour later he was bandaged up and he’d managed to get to his feet, feeling well enough to attempt the trek to the nearest city where Duster and Trap were supposed to be laying low.

The bounty hunter hadn’t crossed his mind throughout it all but then an explosion reached his ears and he looked up to see a plume of smoke rising into the air, suspiciously close to where he remembered his base being.

Limping on his way to the city, he couldn’t help but wonder what kind of part the man had played in whatever fate had befallen the base.

“A karking odd bird…” he muttered to himself and laughed at his own joke, shaking his head.

He only regretted Duster wasn’t there to roll his eyes at him.

Part of him asked himself if it was even worth telling his batch mates what had happened though he supposed being saved by the infamous bounty hunter sounded more plausible than him running back to the base and blowing it up in a blaze of glory.

Knowing them, they would give him shit for his story either way.

(Yes, bounty hunter Crosshair uses A-180 blasters because they can apparently be reconfigured into a sniper rifle and that's so Crosshair not to mention cool as heck. The choice isn't set in stone but I quite like it for now.)

[miasiegert]

Shout out to these incredible donors who helped make the Wichita Production Happen!

Donors/Patrons are SUPER critical to the arts, especially after the pandemic as it really hurt musical theatre. I want to share pics of the two who helped make CATS in Wichita happen. I mean seriously, the SET??? That HUGE CAST? Hiring US?! (crickets) Okay okay okay. I'll leave the humor to other people!

Yes, they got full costumes! Yes, they had fun!

The one on the left is one of the Demeters and the one on the left has been used for Gus, Pounce, Vocal Booth Singer, uh... honestly don't remember. I just call it "The Pretzel Costume."

All of the main cast have different designs for the different sizes. This is in case of ensemble or something going wrong where two costumes need to be onstage at the same time to differentiate the pair. The exception is the twins unitards, all with the same design. Please note and be aware that the pics you've seen are all from dress rehearsal and tech so if something seems a little off, that's why! It's figuring out last minute quirks!

If you ever find yourself in a position to help a theatre, please do!

[musicinstrumentsins]

The Difference Between Piccolo and Flute Instruments

At first glance, the piccolo and flute might seem like twins in the woodwind family. Both are held horizontally, played by blowing across a hole and possess a similar elegance. But if you delve deeper, you will find a universe of differences between these two instruments. This blog will unveil the key differences between the piccolo and flute, encompassing size, sound, range, construction, and their roles in the musical landscape.

Differences in the Pitch: High Notes vs. Melodic Flow

The disparity in size directly translates into a significant difference in pitch. The flute boasts a rich, lower pitch, with a range spanning three octaves, starting from middle C. It allows the flute to navigate a vast sonic territory, weaving melodies that can be both serene and vibrant.

The piccolo, on the other hand, is a champion of the high notes. Due to its shorter length, it produces a sound pitched one octave higher than written. It translates to a bright, piercing quality, often used for adding accents, excitement, or a touch of whimsy to a musical piece.

Precision Can Make All the Difference

While the basic fingering system might be similar for both instruments, the piccolo presents a unique challenge due to its diminutive size.

The tone holes and keys are considerably smaller and spaced closer together compared to the flute. It demands a higher degree of finger dexterity and precise embouchure (the positioning of the lips on the mouthpiece) from the player to achieve clear and accurate notes.

Interestingly, some flutists find the closer spacing of the piccolo's keys to be more comfortable for their hand size. However, the smaller embouchure hole on the piccolo necessitates a more focused and directed air stream to produce a clean sound, especially in the higher registers.

Construction Choices: Material and Mechanism

Flutes are traditionally crafted from silver or nickel-plated silver, although professional models can be made of gold or even wood. This material selection influences the instrument's tonal qualities, with silver offering a bright and clear sound, while gold imparts a warmer and richer character. All the work that goes into making these delicate pieces deserves kudos and your flute or piccolo deserves a comprehensive musical instrument insurance plan or dedicated policies like piccolo insurance and flute coverage plans.

Piccolos are predominantly constructed from grenadilla wood, similar to high-end clarinets. This wood resonates well with the piccolo's high-pitched nature, producing a focused and penetrating sound. However, some student-grade piccolos might be made of plastic or ABS resin for affordability.

The keywork on both instruments facilitates playing notes that wouldn't be possible with just open finger holes. The flute, with its three sections, offers more intricate key mechanisms. It allows for a wider range of notes and half-tones. The piccolo's simpler two-section design translates to a slightly less complex keywork system.

Taking Center Stage: Where Flute and Piccolo Shine

The flute is a versatile workhorse in the musical world. It's a mainstay in symphony orchestras, chamber ensembles, solo performances, and even folk music traditions across the globe. Its expressive range allows it to sing lyrical melodies, weave intricate counterpoint lines, or add a breath of airiness to a composition.

The piccolo, with its piercing brilliance, often takes on specific roles within an orchestra. It injects excitement during dramatic passages, adds a touch of whimsy in lighter moments, or creates a sense of urgency in fast-paced sections. Its high notes have the power to slice through the entire orchestra, drawing the listener's attention to a specific motif or melody.

The bottom line

Whether you own a flute or piccolo, make sure to buy a dedicated insurance policy weighing in their pricelessness in your life and career. There are many reputable musical instruments insurance providers, who help you customize your flute or piccolo insurance plan according to your needs and preferences. Get in touch with the best right away!