#for clarification - what he did was wrong and i'm still mad at him but. something about his major fuck up speaks to me on an emotional leve

[shield-and-saber]

i keep thinking about what would make a man so dedicated to being a jedi so reckless and selfish when it comes to wanting a padawan, and all i can think about is him growing up lonely

he's so shy that he's unable to connect with his peers and thus feels closest to his mentors and the adults in his life, but nothing feels satisfying to him the way he wants it to. he doesn't feel like anyone truly knows him bc his peers see him as odd and the adults see him as a child, and he feels somewhere in between

so even though he has an understanding of what it means to be a jedi, all the right things to say and do, he grows up empty and alone despite being surrounding by people i would assume love him - his master & indara, even vernestra

and ofc when he finally feels a connection to someone, it ends in disaster. because he never learned how to approach connection with someone, a spiritual connection, in a normal way. bc he never got that when he was younger.

[lover-of-mine]

Okay, but I kinda wanna talk about the panic attack conversation with new context, because here's the thing, the wording of that conversation is very on purpose. And Buck is calling Eddie out in a very specific way because what Buck is saying is actually "if you love me you're not going to do that to her" but like, everything about that conversation is crazy. Buck is checking in in a way I feel he's very entitled to considering that he gets Chris if something happens to Eddie, so if Eddie is seeing cardiologists, something might be wrong and I think Eddie gave up the right to privacy about his health when he signed his will, but like, does Buck assume the problem is the shooting because he is still anxious about it? And like, Buck is assuming things are fine with Ana, we have no reason to believe things aren't fine with Taylor, but you don't talk about a relationship you want to be in as just fine, and Buck is talking about loving someone who doesn't love him enough to be all the way in and he's talking about Abby, but is he? The will reveal was a love confession. But halfway done. It was a shield. Eddie hiding behind Chris. "My kid loves her" "Is that enough?". Is Buck saying your kid loves me. You offered him to me. What does it mean? Is that all it takes? If that's all it takes then why aren't you all the way in with me? Why does all I get is a maybe under a condition I can't live with? "Somehow we became a ready made family and I don't know if I'm ready for that" Buck has been taking care of Chris since he found out Chris existed. Someone assumed Eddie, Chris and Buck were a family months into them knowing each other. Is Buck seeing that as Eddie being scared of any type of family? Is Buck seeing that as Eddie being scared of his place in Chris' life? Does he think Eddie would freak out if it was him? That's pretty much the only situation where we see Buck seem genuinely mad at Eddie. Eddie confessed his love hiding behind his child, now he's having all these feelings about someone assuming Ana's place in their life. Is Buck feeling as rejected there because he has no way of knowing if Eddie wouldn't react like that if someone assumed that about them? Because the will is a love confession but is one that Buck can't accept. In his head that is conditional. And the price is something he will never be willing to pay. "If you don't want to hurt Ana, you owe it to her to be honest" "come on, Eddie, if you're not gonna be honest with Frank, at least be honest with me", "look, man, you don't need to pretend with me" was Buck begging for clarification? Was Buck asking if he's allowed to want this? Has Buck been daring Eddie to say it again because he doesn't know if he read what happened right since Eddie didn't mention it again and he can't risk being wrong? Is the miscommunication of this situation even deeper than we imagined? Did Eddie assume Buck rejected what he offered while Buck assumed Eddie didn't love him enough to offer everything? Does Eddie understand that while he offered everything, he put a condition to it that Buck will never take because Buck needs him too much to even consider? Does Eddie understand that he offered Buck everything he ever wanted and put it just out of his reach in a place Buck would never dare to reach for anyway, because he thinks the only way he gets there is if Eddie dies and Eddie dying means he's not actually getting everything he wanted? I wrote in a fic once "I can't ask for more of you, Eddie" "everything is already yours", but do they even realize that that's what's going on? That they are imagining obstacles that could be solved if they were just honest with each other the way they keep begging the other to be? Do they even understand that the only thing between them is the way they keep assuming things and acting on that assumption instead of just asking for clarification? "You don't need to decide right now" does Buck think that Eddie not telling him again means he made a decision already? Are they just looking at each other thinking they can't reach for it????????

Are they just trapped in the moment that gun went off watching the other fall away and helpless to do anything about it??????

[literali1110]

6x06 Thoughts

(these are my live thoughts as i was watching, with some later thoughts/clarifications added)

Tamara's moving out? Great [Listen, I like Tamara, but I think it's weird Tim and Lucy are always hanging out over there when she has a roommate] Although the timing is not great. Bet Lucy feels like everyone is leaving her Tim caved to Angela pretty quick Boo 😂 Angela doesn't even want to know why or how he lied? Ok they're sticking to the same story as last week Oh wait there's more? I love these BFFs together again It's like the last 2 seasons never happened 😂 Tim is bad at this 😂

(Del Monte has gotten mean. And corrupt?)

The rest of Tim's story is even worse 😭 So why is he doing the same thing now that he did wrong back then? To protect himself? [i didn't love that the backstory was about how Tim ended up risking his squad to keep his job. perhaps that is just how he is telling it because he feels so guilty? idk. and it's one thing if he comes clean but...he doesn't. and he's doing the exact same thing this episode - not going through proper channels and putting people at risk to supposedly save his job?]

Ray cloned the gps and is going after Lucy?! Omg she deserves to be furious at him Done being the good girlfriend 🔥 [loved this scene - and I think it made sense, they know due to the job they won't always be able to tell each other everything but that doesn't mean they can't help each other] Woah they caught Ray super fast 😂 [I thought there would be more to this dock scene] Woah interesting editing skipping to him in the interrogation room Why is Tim lying?? I am veryyyyy confused I fear this has ruined Tim's character for me [ok i still love tim but it was not clear to me why he lied and why he didn't try to right his wrongs - both in the past and present]

(Undercover nyla ❤️) (Celina better not be moving in with Lucy [but i bet she is]) (Whyyy do we need a baby Nolan) (It's a little weird this is how they brought Jackson's dad back?? and he seems perfectly fine)

We got a hug But where is the apologyyyy Okay so he lied to protect her and Lopez - and his job - and she's ok with it?? Did she make him lie? And now he's the one mad at her? This makes no sense And now HE'S breaking up with HER?? Oh! He did say I'm sorry 🙃 Is this because he doesn't believe he's good enough for her or he blames her for why he had to lie? Ohh she's not taking this from him, good for her Of course this is happening in the parking lot 😂😭

(Yuck why are we ending with this scene)

Okay so without the rest of the context of the new Tim backstory and how we got to this breakup, I actually really like the last scene and am excited for what comes next. I guess I kind of wish they had done something like this before they even got together - Olicity S3 parallel, anyone? - because these issues existed for Tim even before now.

Also I think it would have been helpful if they didn't just skip to Tim lying, and they would have explained the plan/why he was doing this/what had been agreed upon between him, Angela and Lucy. Because until she said it I didn't think she would agree with that plan and I still don't really understand why Tim wouldn't come clean - except if it's to protect Lucy (and Angela).

And at first I was thinking what Lucy said - so you lie to me to protect me and then you break up with me because you had to lie? that's messed up - but I don't think that's why he actually broke up with her. He broke up with her because he's feeling really guilty and he doesn't feel like he's good enough for her.

And the 'I know, I know' (remember when we held on to each 'I know' we got?) - he knows he's wrong and he's hurting her so that gives me some hope. So basically I have some empathy for Tim here and understand why he felt he had to break up with her but I still think he should have come clean. And I feel for Lucy too of course, she's just had thing after thing be piled onto her.

The promo for next ep is crazy. I'm excited to see Tim do some self reflection and healing. But this is going to be the third Tim heavy episode in a row. So when are we getting our Lucy arc?? Unless they're trying to make her even more alone for hers? And either Melissa is really good not giving out spoilers, or else they're really not going to resolve a bunch of stuff this season that we thought they would... :( Look I'm still processing this all but bottom line, I'm not mad about the breakup. Those scenes were super emotional and good and it just means we get another "getting together"/makeup scene down the line. And I would say this has significantly raised our chances of getting another sex scene! 😏

[sizzlingpatrolfox]

You're right about speaking up thing. I remember that time when that bangtan bomb or whatever that is dropped from the day of BTS's at white house and im the video they used a word which is actually used by jm's korean antis so kpjms got mad and others explained that things to international pjms and then we started tagging them and trending. I was in jkkrs space more than pjms back then but i still used to follow some pjms and when we got to know all pjms and jkkrs i know we were tagging them asking them to correct the subtitles and hrs later they changed the subtitles and since that day i know that if something is wrong you gotta speak up. There's this account on twitter @/NoabsNolife something they're either a k-pjm or they do translation and all, i have been following them for yrs now and from that account i actually got to know about them using anti word in subtitle. I remember many armys saying it's not a big deal and trying to shut us down but we didn't listen and made them change the subtitles.

We have done that multiple times, the recent one was how they made jm look insecure in that BTS game and we made them change the subtitles and they even apologized for using those.

About the RIAA idk if it's because of the trucks or not cause kpjms sent those trucks just 15-20 days before ig and this RIAA certification thing takes atleast a month(idk how true that is but i read it on twitter during jk's RIAA). But i as a pjm do not at all feel emabrrased for the truck thing. Atleast we're asking for clarification and not why our fav is dating xyz so I'm not at all embarassed no matter what others say.

Embarrassing companies and putting them on the spot has always seemed to me like the most logical thing to do idk 😭

We literally got abortion rights in my country by protesting and demanding for it.. I'd say historically everyone has had to ask for their rights.

I know this kpop thing is not even close to being as important as human rights, but my point is... Whole laws get approved because people complain and protest. It does make a difference.

Of course, yeah, nobody really knows if it was because of the trucks or not. I think most people (me included) are just connecting the two events because they happened in more or less around the same days; another song getting the certification (which meant that the company was asking for those only for one member), and the trucks. Because the truth is that we've also asked for other stuff and they didn't comply with that, so. Maybe it was because of the trucks, maybe not.

They definitely didn't do it before getting Jungkook's, and we know why. That in itself is problematic, even if it happened now; it should've happened earlier. As someone pointed out a while ago, Jimin gets his song on Spotify #1 and the versions get split. Another member is given MORE versions added together so he can get that #1.

It's not embarrassing, especially considering that there really aren't many ways for the fandom to get in touch with the company. Mailing doesn't work. Tagging didn't work. Trending hashtags didn't work. Stuff that has worked when it came to a different member's release, mind you. So what other choice was there?

I'm honestly so tired of having to constantly be in this "don't look a gift horse in the mouth" mindset when it comes to Jimin and the company because none of what they did for him should ever be considered a gift. If anything, he's gifted the company more than they've given him; they're just paying him for his job with the same money he's earning them. They should be giving him unbridled support and should be doing all the paperwork in proper time and work just like they're capable of doing for other people.

[mercysventingblog]

why is it considered rude to say "i know" when one actually knows the information of which the other is talking about in a conversation?

like, my father tells me of scams and phishing (like i was still unaware and didn't know after the 27 other times.), and he says USPS don't usually tell you stuff via text. i say "i know" and he takes it offensively (furrowed brow, huff, higher technically-can't-be-considered-mocking-but-really-is-such intonation)

(like the one where the kids have plausible deniability when they asked me "oh wow do you like beetles?" (in a teasing, mocking, probably bullying way; laughing after they say that, and grinning all the while) when i was researching beetles and talking to my friend about them & how much i love them & why. i scoff and they say "oh, well, i'm just asking!!! don't be sooo easily offended.".)

is it not a compliment to have your (directed however not directed to you, the reader.) kid know, if anything??? to know your kid understands? it's factual, are you offended, too, when i say 1 + 1 = 2?

i waited until he was done talking (DID NOT INTERUPPT AT ALL), and i responded accordingly, with my genuine verbal reaction, in a non-monotonous voice. (i have an issue with saying what i don't truly think just to be nice and have people like me, alongside my voice being monotonous and thus passive aggresive and ingenuine?) i responded trying to sound nice, with the kindest intonation i can do. but he's still offended? what? i thought it was my monotonous voice that set people off?

i genuinely dont understand.

do i need to get a psychology degree to understand this? i'll get it. i will study relentlessly. i'll know everything about psychology until the cows come home. please just tell me why.

maybe i am overthinking this but please this has happened so many times with my mom and my dad and my aunt and just any adult in my life i am so confused and they never tell me why they're angry at me after i said i know.

my mum tells me that everything that can cause harm is offensive. okay. i believe her, but WHY BE SO ANGRY OVER SOMEBODY SAYING THEY KNOW WHAT YOURE TALKING ABOUT?? would you rather be angry over being understood or not being understood? is he mad he thinks i misunderstood? i did not, i told him the information he told me to prove that i understood his idea entirely, BUT HES STILL ANGRY AT ME AND CALLED ME A 'SMART-ASS'? what did i do wrong please im just a teenager i dont understand.

please i write all these little clarifications in my writing to make sure i'm not misunderstood because misunderstandings make me lose friends, reputation, opportunities, EVERYTHING and they see it as condescending and me thinking they don't already understand. how am i supposed to know you would understand? why is it considered an insult to not understand something? why is it bad to lack ungiven knowledge? "oh, well, because who wouldn't understand?" (in response to the first question in the paragraph)

I DON'T KNOW????? YOU???? i don't know whether or not you would understand which is entirely why i do this. im so tired. im sorry if i come off as rude in this. i genuinely don't know how to phrase my feelings to be nice AND accurate. i don't want to downplay my feelings. please. i'm already AFAB so i was told to always be nice and polite and to just say "oh, i kinda think you shouldn't be doing that!" instead of "don't do that." to be nice and to not sound mean. if only i was born a handsome man. maybe everything would be better.

please how do i be human.

[elderemorune]

My Dad

I've been deep in my feelings since the week before Christmas. A lot of it's been because of my dad. He came to visit us here in Seattle because we didn't feel safe making the trip to where the rest of our blood family lives, bringing with him a wagonload of gifts and trauma. There was a lot about that visit that I wish had gone differently.

I wish my dad wasn't so stuck in his ideas. He's spent his entire life generally being right about things, and when I was a kid, there was simply no proving him wrong, even if your logic was flawless. He's grown a lot since then, and now is much more willing to accept being incorrect on occasion.

And that actually brings me to what I wanted to talk about in this post.

I love my dad. I'm tired of saying things like "I wouldn't wish him on anyone". He's not a bad person, he just hasn't always been the best.

Who hasn't been there though? He has his own traumas, his own spoonfed ideals that are impossible to fight without a ton of support. I've said before, he's the bastard child of US royalty (still won't say whose), and that's so much generational trauma, you can hardly expect a couple of years of therapy and some meds to magically change the heuristics in his brain.

And with it came money, yes. My dad's always been weird about money. One of my most vivd memories from childhood was a Christmas where, as a young child with ADHD, I peeked at the presents. It's a time honored tradition, according to the cartoons, and I was just so curious I couldn't contain myself. I remember him throwing his wallet at me and telling me I could get my own gifts next year.

As a (mostly) grown up, I get it NOW. I understand that he was disappointed that he didn't get to see me be surprised, that I'd ruined his enjoyment of the holiday. Back then, he didn't know how to communicate that, he just had the example set by those that came before him.

It's taken a lot of time, but I've forgiven him for this. After all, I've done the same. Maybe not exactly, but when I couldn't figure out how to talk to people, all I could do was get angry. Before I got into therapy, I spent a lot of time being mad and hurting people. Because that's what hurt people do, right?

What brought this up is that show I've talked about, Dad of Light. In this scene, Indy and Maidy are fighting a boss, and Maidy wants to give up. Indy tries to convince him to keep playing by reminding him that in Real Life, there are no game overs as long as you don't give up. That sure, you can quit now, there's nothing wrong with that, but if you're just unsure of yourself, give it one more try.

I know my dad's said something similar to me. Otherwise this wouldn't resonate in my mind the way it did. And it got me thinking about why I wanted to come back to working for him.

I think the real answer is that in a lot of ways, I admire my dad.

His visit left me in my feelings because that admiration sometimes really doesn't mesh with the actual man. I have a hard time understanding his perspective in a lot of things. I'm practically a communist, and he's the most conservative person I know personally.

But even now, in my vague age range I see him setting examples I can't help but follow. One of his friends needed a place to stay, so he and my mom moved him in. They've done this more than once.

I followed suit and now live with my best friend and my wife. For clarification, we all agreed to become roommates here in Seattle because we all wanted out, but still!

Any time someone they care about has needed help, he's offered. And so too do I.

I don't want to say that my dad could be good anymore. I don't want to say "Oh, he's got good parts, you just have to get used to his abrasive personality" (And I'm not really exaggerating, my dad's abrasive as hell. I think it's mostly his tone and his penchant for getting frustrated with spoken communication. I'm pretty sure he's on the spectrum, but he's never been tested.)

My dad's intensely creative, and is genuinely one of the best DMs I've ever played D&D with. He's there with peripherals, accents, dice if you need them, and if you need help making your character, well shit he's been playing since AD&D, his knowledge is practically encyclopedic.

He can be really funny! He's got a dry sense of humor from having been raised in a very English household, and he grew up on Monty Python, things like that. It's him whose humor I take after, though I'm significantly more crass.

Don't even get me started on his love of sci-fi. My motherfucking dad is in Star Trek: The Motion Picture. A teenager, this future engineer was but a bright-faced extra looking to Kirk for guidance in the face of VGER. I'd post the pic for proof, but this is the internet, 1: I do what I want and 2: I don't know who's gonna get all fucking weird about it.

I mean, shit. Alien is my favorite movie of all time because it was one of the first ones he and I shared without my mom and sister. That and Event Horizon, which to this day he insists I was scared of, but like, come on. I was 14, I'd seen some shit online, trust me, I wasn't scared. Hell, it's literally just the plot of Doom!

The man loves his animals so deeply that he names his business after the ones he loves most. There was always at least one dog in the house growing up, and I only ever got bit once. It was my fault, I went to hug the poor old bastard and he was not having it since my sister had just sat on his damn tail. Still miss you Reilly.

When I was a child, I believed my dad to be this Paragon, you know? Someone to want to be. It seemed to me like he had everything figured out, and if I followed suit I'd be successful and have a home and a family like his. It took reaching adulthood to see that I don't actually want what he had.

I don't want the long hours, the pressure. I don't want my loved ones to walk on eggshells because I'm always stressed and angry. If I'm to be the one in charge, I want that to happen via mutual respect, not fear.

But just because that's how things were doesn't mean that's how things are anymore. I think that's important. He is making an effort to be a different man. A better one, who's more open. He still gets frustrated because he overestimates the average person's base knowledge of stuff he's been doing since he was 20. His tone still gets condescending when he's trying to teach, to the point that a casual observer might consider it abusive.

I don't mean to say "that's just how he is", because it's not. The tone may be condescending, but it isn't the intent, it's how he was taught. When I was a kid, I couldn't have told him that, but now I'm here, and I can.

I did, too. He apologized, clarified, and promised to try to be better. And really, that's all we can ask of anyone, isn't it?

There can be this paragon in my head, and he can still be a flawed man. Both of these concepts can exist at the same time. I can expect him to improve, and he can still make mistakes on that path.

Anyway, that's enough prattling on from me. Thanks for letting me vent.

[cerealforkart]

Y'all asked for this.

Quick clarification before I go into my thought process under the cut: This list is not "who would make me personally the saddest" because tbh, I don't think any of them would really make me sad. Instead, it is "who I think would be the most impactful to the narrative if they were to die right now" and also exists under the idea that there will somehow only be one parent death. I'm 100% ready to be proven wrong next episode.

Cassandra - I genuinely can't imagine how Freddie would handle Taylor if Cassandra died. The players have said in Teen Talk a couple times that Taylor's incredibly sweet and loving relationship with Cassandra is his big redeeming quality that keeps him from being completely insufferable. And knowing that's how the players feel about their relationship makes me believe that her death isn't something even Freddie would be able to just brush off and move on from. Also, if she died and stayed dead, what would happen to Taylor post-season? Would he move to Hell to live with Nicky? Would he just be alone? Those both feel like bad endings for him (sorry Nicky). He loves his mom so much, she's his favourite person, maybe the only person he really loves

Veronica - Those last reasonings for Cassandra also apply to Veronica. What happens to Scary if her mom is dead? Does Terry somehow need to step up from Hell to look out for her? Veronica ranks below Cassandra because Veronica isn't really a character. She's the parent we've spent the least time with, Beth hasn't really shown any interest in Scary's relationship with her, so the personal impact of her death wouldn't be there, but as the title of the tier says, the implications put her here. If she did die maybe there could be some fun parallels with Terry and post-pyramid Ron, both so scared of having to step up and being the only person their stepkid has left.

Sparrow - I will accept trading Sparrow with Grant and Marco if that's anyone's personal preference, he could go in the "Here's How We Can Still Win..." tier too, but I put him above them for one reason, which is that Link and Grant have reached some understanding and catharsis in their relationship, whereas Normal and Sparrow haven't. So much of Normal's arc has revolved around Sparrow and making him proud, to leave that storyline hanging, to have Normal never have that conversation, however it might go, to cut off their relationship here, with Normal mad and Sparrow disappointed and both of them still caring about each other so much and unable to connect. Ugh. I would have loved it.

Grant & Marco - As stated above, I can see Grant and Marco in the "You Need to Think of the Implications!" tier as well. Marco is higher in this tier than Grant is by virtue of being the better dad (lmao) and also Link hasn't had a conversation with him in so long, I think it would mess him up. But I'm not sure it would hijack Link's arc or ending the same way the characters I ranked above would. On the other hand, Link and Grant's storyline is kind of over. Link can understand him and respect his actions as a person, but as a parent, the standard is different, and he can't accept him, there's a conclusion. And maybe he will change his mind someday, but they've gone through a complete arc, nothing is getting interrupted and dropped into limbo.

Rebecca - Middle tier queen. This is what she would have wanted. This is a lot of the same thoughts I have with Marco, so I'll keep this one short, I think her death will mess Normal up and leave him sadder than he otherwise would have been, but I don't think it sends his character careening in a completely unexpected direction and shattering his ending and catharsis.

Terry - The beat of Terry being dead exists at the end of season whether he's in Hell or has vanished from all planes, it's something that happens one way or another, putting him down here on the list. It's already a part of Scary's arc, and it's something we can already see, she's going to come back from it with the love and support of her friends. I love it for her, I think it's a great part of her story, but it already happened.

Nicky - Given how Freddie plays, I think Taylor would end the season still being Taylor if Nicky were to die. I think it would become Taylor's motivation through the fight, and it would be his new anime protagonist backstory, and then Taylor would go home with his mom and live happily ever after. The season ends, and Taylor ends up in exactly the same place as he started, without a dad.

Lark - Long one because Lark is actually the reason I thought to make this tierlist, because I was running through all the options for who could have died and when I got to Lark, I came to the surprising revelation... at this point in the series, Lark doesn't really matter. The fans would be upset, because the fans love Lark, but none of the PCs really care about Lark. Think about it. In the show, Normal and Lark do not have a relationship, they don't have a dynamic, they don't want or need anything from each other. Will has never engaged in the "Lark might be Normal's real dad" storyline, Normal has always very adamantly insisted he knows who his dad is. Sparrow raised him, Sparrow loved him (as imperfectly as it might have been), Sparrow doomed a world for him, Sparrow is his dad, Normal has shown no interest in a fantasy that it might be Lark instead. Lark was an obstacle pushing against trying to redeem the Doodler, and that ended ages ago, leaving him without any threads to pull on. Lark isn't a character the story or players have shown much interest in for a while and I can't imagine his death shaking the status quo. At least Terry and Nicky do have active relationships with PCs that would be brought to an end by their deaths.

Scary's Bio Dad - Your honour, who cares? Beth's a great player, and would probably make a wonderful meal of his death should it occur, but honestly? No one cares about this man. I couldn't even be bothered to draw him an icon. Fuck 'im.

Seeing everyone upset about the end of the last episode meanwhile I’m ranking all the parents from most to least interesting/impactful if they died

[arc-misadventures]

I'm curious. Why is it called empath jaune when I seems more like telepath or something like that? I always thought Empaths could only feel another person's emotions. Not hear or speak in their minds.

A Clarification Of Thoughts

Nora: Jaune!

Jaune: (Nora.)

Nora: You lied to us! To all of us!

Jaune: (What about?)

Nora: You’re not a empath, you’re a telepath!

Jaune: (Because…?)

Nora: You can speak to me in my head! That’s what a telepath does!

Jaune: (However, I can also project emotions into your head. That is a trade mark of an empath.)

Nora: Still a telepath.

Jaune just rolled his eyes as he dealt with more of, Nora’s exuberance. She was like the little sister he never knew he wanted.

Jaune: (Okay, I am a bit telepathic. I can project my voice into your head, that is something usually telepaths can do. But, I can’t enter you mind, and find your favourite pancake is chocolate chip pancakes. I can feel what your emotions are, and share them. There are different levels to telepathy, Nora. I’m just on the higher end of the spectrum… I think…?)

Nora: Oh, I guess that makes sense… But, I have one question for you buddy…

Jaune: (That being?)

Nora: How did you know chocolate chip pancakes was my favourite…?

The short woman stood on her tiptoes, ‘staring down’ the far taller empath with an inquisitive stare as she buffed out her cheeks trying to look bigger than she actually was. Jaune just thought she looked like an angry ginny pig.

Jaune: (Hehe~! So cute~!)

Nora: Quite acknowledging my cuteness, and answer my question!

Jaune: (what, I wasn’t sending? How did you know I was saying that?)

Nora: Your face. Now answer the question!

Jaune: (Okay, okay. It was a… lucky guess. I know you like pancakes, so I guessed you like some sort of pancake. blueberry would have been my second guess if I was wrong.)

Nora: I do like blueberry pancakes…

Jaune: (But, do you like it more than chocolate chip?)

Nora was about to retort before her brow furrowed into deep thought as he speculated on what really was her favourite pancake. Jaune couldn’t help, but stare at her with great concern as a simple thought ran through his head.

Jaune: (Oh no… I think I broke, Nora…)

Nora: Blueberry, raspberry, chocolate, caramel, Renny’s pancakes?! WHAT IS MY FAVOURITE PANCAKE?!!

Soon the door to their dorm room opened, and Ren, and Pyrrha entered the room, before, Jaune could say anything, Ren beat him to the punch.

Ren: Asked her what her favourite pancake was?

Jaune: (Yeah… I-I think I broke her…?!)

Pyrrha: Nora…? Are you okay?

Nora: P-P-Pancakes?! S-So many types, so my flavours so many favourites?!

Pyrrha: I think you did break her…

Ren: Don’t worry, I can fix that.

As, Nora was starting to delve into madness, Ren put his hand on her shoulder, and and a grey wave covered her body as she slowly calmed down. She turned around, and smiled at, Ren her hand rubbing over his in turn.

Nora: Thanks, Renny… I…?!

Jaune: (THE FUCK ARE YOU DOING?!)

Ren, immediately pulled away, this grey aura that enveloped, Nora leaving her instantly. The trio all turned to stare at, Jaune as a wave of panic, and sheer horror briefly flood their minds as they were hit with a wave of mental feedback.

Jaune: (T-The fuck was that?!)

Ren: Oh, I’m sorry, Jaune. That was my semblance.

Jaune: (Semblance?! The hell kind of semblance is that?!)

Ren: My semblance allows one that calms a person down to the point where they can even hide from, Grimm. It has saved out lives many times.

Jaune: (That’s your semblance?! That’s… That’s a highly useful semblance.)

Ren: Oh? Why thank you, Jaune.

Pyrrha: You okay, Jaune?

Jaune: (Kinda…? Ugh… I was just reading randomness, then I felt like I’m drowning; falling deeper, and deeper into the void of darkness. Gods that felt wrong!)

Ren: I’m sorry, Jaune, I didn’t mean to hurt you. I never took into thought the effects my semblance would have on you.

Jaune: (Think nothing of it, Ren. Neither of us knew this would happen. It just caught me off guard is all. I guess we can add me getting used to your semblance as part of our training with my semblance.)

Ren: I think that would be a wise idea. I look forward to training with you.

Jaune: (Well, that’s one of us.)

Pyrrha: Well, I for one am looking forward to training with your semblance, Jaune. I can’t wait to see all the possibilities it can bring to us!

Nora: Me neither! With your semblance, and my RAW POWER we will be unstoppable!

Ren: That’s a worryingly thought.

Jaune: (Alright team, now that we’ve dealt with that, I am a little peckish. And, I know just what to eat.)

Pyrrha: Oh? What do you have in mind, Jaune?

Jaune: (Well~! Nora couldn’t picker her favourite pancake. I’m sure she will after she tries Arc Family Secret Pancake Recipe~!)

Nora: Arc Family Secret Pancake Recipe?! What is it like…

Jaune: (Why spoil the surprise~?)

They could all feel the excitement flood out of, Nora as she started to jump out in joy at the idea of trying a new pancake recipe. Ren, smile in relief meaning he wouldn’t have to cook pancakes for her as often as he did. Pyrrha was excited to try out this new food, and enjoy a meal with her new family. And, as for, Jaune. He was just happy because he was just that: Happy.

Jaune: (Alright Team JNPR, lets get baking!)

NPR: YEAH!

As an empath you can kinda see what’s going to happen by reading one’s emotions, and learning how to pick them apart. But at this moment, Jaune didn’t need any of that because he simply knew, that it will be good. For as long as they were together, things will be great.

And, that’s all that really mattered honestly.

[louweasleymalfoy]

Part 1

Masterlist

•••

"Y/N/N? You up?" A voice said as I heard knocking on the door

I groaned as I glanced over to the clock. It was 9:30 in the morning, luckily there were no classes today.

"No" I shouted back, as if it was the smartest thing to do, putting the pillow over my head. I heard the door open before slamming shut.

Then there was silence. I took the pillow off to see Draco leaning against the doorframe, arms crossed and looking extremely good. Damn him.

"Where's Pansy and why are you here?” I asked, closing my eyes once again.

"I know you're not feeling well and I wanted to check if you were okay" He said "What do you mean 'not feeling well'?" I looked at him in confusion

"Well Pansy said that you're really sick, which is why I'm here to visit you"

'Pansy I'm going to kill you when you get back' I thought

I huffed into my pillow. "Well, as you can see I'm fine. You can leave now.”

He chuckled and said, "How about I sneak into the kitchen and get you breakfast?" He offered, still convinced that I'm 'sick'. I would normally be grateful for the gesture, but right now I was just pissed.

'Why can't he just go back to his precious Heather?' I mentally said in a fake high pitched voice. My face was probably scrunched up in disgust at the thought of them.

Draco watched the scene, eyebrows raised. He leaned against the wall, staring me down.

"Okay spill. What’s got you upset?"

"Nothing" I bit back. Then I realized how I sounded, and said in a softer tone "I’m fine"

"You’re lying" Draco stated "I know you Y/N, something happened last night. Let me think. You were fine when I last saw you in the hal-”

"Draco stop-"

"-but then you were upset when you were sitting in the great hall when I brought heath—" He paused. "Is it Heather? Do you not like her?"

"No! Heather is...I am sure that she is a great human being" I said with a fake smile.

Draco squinted his eyes. "That sounded fake. What’s wrong with Heather?"

I sighed "Nothing. She’s beautiful and seems very nice. She will be great for you Draco, I mean it"

He stood up straight and crossed his arms across his chest. "So you don’t want me to date her? Why, do you have a thing for her or something?"

I was seconds away from losing it. “No I do not have a thing for Heather, I barely know her! It’s just-"

He waited for me to continue, but I couldn’t get myself to say the words.

“It’s just what Y/N/N?” He raised a brow

"I just really like you" I mumbled under my breath as I looked down. "What did you say?" He asked me "Nothing"

"Oh come on tell me" He kept on pushing me into telling him until I finally gave in

"I said I like you okay!!" I exclaimed and looked away from him, thinking of worst things that could happen any moment now. Will he get mad? Will he shout at me? Even worse, will he stop being friends with me?

Negative thoughts swirled around in my head until all of my worries faded when I felt something press onto my lips.

My eyes widened and realized that he was kissing me. It was completely different from the first one. Where Draco was soft he was now demanding. Where I was hesitant, now gave completely into him. Where the first one lasted mere seconds, this one lasted for minutes, maybe even hours because time seemed to stand still.

I had been yearning for this, for this and so much more it felt like I was in a daydream

A thought, unwanted and intrusive, came to me and I pulled away. "Heather?"

"What about her?" He casually asked, peperring soft kisses on my cheek.

"I thought you liked her"

"I did, a little, but she's actually into girls. I've been hanging out with her because she wanted me to help her ask Daphne out"

Draco laughed, laying his head on my shoulder. "Wait, if she likes Daphne then what's with all the handholding and shameless flirting you guys have been doing? You were even blushing" I asked in curiosity

"Simple. I wanted to try and make you jealous. Never thought it'd work but I guess I got my answer yesterday when we were at the great hall. It was her plan by the way, gotta thank her for that" He informed, planting kisses on my shoulder

"And I was blushing because she was trying to embarrass me. I gave her a sweater because she's a dumbass like you who doesn't bring their own sweater"

Draco leaned in to kiss me again, but I had too many questions.

"Hold on. I love this. I want to get back to this. But I need some clarification. I thought you regretted kissing me that night at the black lake because you suddenly left and never mentioned it again"

He ran his finger across my cheek. "I thought you hated it.You didn’t exactly kiss me back, I thought maybe you were disgusted, so I pretended like I was too drunk to remember"

I let out a loud laugh and Draco smiled.

I wrapped my arms around his neck, pressing my forehead against his.

"So what does this mean? What are we?" I asked him as I stared into his eyes. "Well, I want us to be more. Unless, you don't want to?" He asked with nervousness in his tone

"I'd love that" I pecked him on the lips "But please take me out on a date first before you ask me to be your girlfriend" he chuckled "Of course I will darling"

"And also..." Draco pecked me on the lips before pointing at what I'm wearing "You look so hot in my clothes"

Turns out he does love me like that.

•••

🏷️: @desiredmalfoy @hearmyharmony

[pure-kirarin]

Slow & Steady [P2] [Sabo x f!reader] (+18)

Genre : Romance - Smut - Bestfriends to lovers General warnings : Alcohol consumption - Dark themes - Swearing - S m u t - possessiveness - Mention of ex-relationships - jealousy

A/N : This is really different from my usual writing style but I am experimenting. Please tell me your thoughts and don’t hesitate to ask to be added to the tag list :) AO3 : https://archiveofourown.org/works/31877203?view_full_work=true

In the last chapter --  «-Enough playing now, you're going to sleep. -B-but ! This wasn't what I asked for....You're really a coward after all...You virgin... » He carried you to his room, putting you on the bed and sitting next to you. «-I'd love to prove you wrong. However, it would be better if you were in a state where you'd be able to recall how good I am. If you want me to fuck you this badly then maybe ask me when you're sober.

Part I - Part II

Part II  -Yeah yeah...Pff..You're no fun Sabo. Things were finally getting interesting ! »

He smiled seeing that you were now calmer. You started to yawn and bury your face in his pillow. He loved to see you getting so comfortable in his room. He really needed a cold shower after your little show.  -Goodnight (Y/N). I'll sleep on the couch. You can get comfortable. -Are you crazyy ? You gonna leave me alone like this ? Let's sleep together~ -Come on (Y/N), you're a big girl. You could sleep alone for one night, would you ? Translation : I don't want to spend the whole night with a semi. And you're dangerously flirty, and I have wanted you for years and now I have to abstain.

-Pleaaaase. You said looking at him with puppy eyes. He rolled his eyes placing a hand in his hair. God.damn.it.

You won again. Like every time. * * *  You opened your eyes hardly next day, feeling something hard against your thigh. You looked at the ceiling

Oh...I am not in my room...Where the fuck am I ?

you turn around only to discover the embodiment of Adonis to your side. A light beam was lighting up Sabo's face. He looked like an angel as his beauty couldn't be that of a human.

Was he always this handsome ?

You didn't know, in fact, you have never had the occasion to wake up in his bed. Wait, in his bed ? This realization came slowly as your head was still foggy from yesterday's consumption.

You looked down, the thing that was pressing against your leg was indeed :

his thing.

You frowned, blushed, pulled away, put a hand on your lips repressing an internal scream, all of this in around three seconds. You then tried to calm down, telling yourself that it was very normal for a man to experience this kind of morning unconviniences, and that Sabo was a man, after all. Even if  you have always seen him as a bestfriend, he was still a man that is capable of physical attraction.

Now that this internal monologue was done with, you felt a bit calmer, but that didn't answer your question. You got out of bed, trying to recall what happened after going in the bar. And it came back. All of it. Without any mercy for your feelings.

You wanted the ground to swallow you whole. Your only wish was to disappear which meant : calling Nami. You headed out of the house, not even having the courage to face your bestfriend.

« Namiiiii -Uh ? What's the matter ? -I fucked up. I fucked up really bad. -Oh yeah ? Tell me about it. -Wait, why do you seem excited ? -O-oh I'm not excited. Come on tell me. What else could you have possibly done ? -I asked Sabo to fuck me. -Wait what ? You could hear Vivi ask Nami about what happened and her answering « She asked Sabo to fuck her ». -Nami ! Don't go on telling everyone about this. I'm on my way. -For starters, Vivi isn't « everyone », she's my girlfriend. And I'm here waiting for you to tell me what happened. -Wait, I'll come at your place. This can't be discussed over the phone. »

You hung up on her. Ten minutes later, you were at her place. Extremely confused. Nami was painting her nails bright red on the bed while Vivi was sitting comfortably on a chair. You let your whole body weight fall on a lounge pug, tourmented.  «-So tell me how you and Sabo ended up fucking. She emphasized the last word in a way that made you almost choke on air.  -We didn't actually. Nami and Vivi both sighed in a synchronized « Ah » of disappointment. -So hmm...I don't remember clearly. I was really drunk-- well that you're aware of and...And Sabo didn't want to leave me alone so we went to his place. Ace was at Thatch's so we were alone. We hugged and he comforted me. Then I started teasing him, and I don't know what I was thinking, but I kissed him, and then I asked him to fuck me. -Wow that escalated quickly. Said Nami as she continued painting her nails.

-Well, I was heartbroken, I needed something, someone, and he was there, and you know Sabo, he's a good guy ! I don't know what's worse, the fact that I asked him to fuck me or the fact that he said no.

-Oh god I'm so so sorry

- Nami please don't make things worse for me.

-No offense, but you're so dense. Sabo has always been into you. Do you want him, or do you not ? I know that going right into a relationship after a breakup is a bad idea. But honestly it's worth giving it a shot. He's a really good guy. Try dating someone nice for once.

-I don't know, he has something unsettling about him. Like « almost too good to be true » you know ? Added Vivi.

-Ohhh~ I see. Honestly, I always thought that he was a bit prude and hella vanilla. I mean, yes, he's my best friend. But he has never talked about girls to me or about sexual stuff. So I just assumed that. I never thought that he'd be packin' like that. You said as you popped a lollipop in your mouth.

-Ah ? Was it really that impressive ? asked Nami, genuinely curious.

-Yeah. On a scale from 0 to doflamingo he's a solid eight point seventy five. (*)

-Oh gosh. I understand why you're so worked up now.

-That's really...precise. Added Vivi, a bit horrified.

(*) [ The dear reader might need this clarification ; Doflamingo was Law's uncle, he sometimes came to pick him up after uni with his luxurious lamborghini. He wore extremely tight pants that left little to the imagination. And he was most known among your clique for having a nine incher. It was a running joke wether to know if Law got his uncle's genes. Needless to say that this joke wasn't to Law's taste. Now back to our adorable Y/N. ]

-So. I really don't know what to do. I am still heartbroken. -And horny. Added the ginger. -Yeah, that too. I'm afraid of ruining our friendship. -Listen dear, said Nami as she was closing the nail polish bottle, if you're not going for it, someone else would. And trust me, that girl Koala is upping her game. She's going to steal him right in front of your eyes, just like this - and she snapped her fingers. -Oh, and then, you can forget about being « best friends ». Said Vivi adding fuel to the fire. -Yeah, once he's gonna start dating, he won't have too much time for you-- and then, that Koala girl, my god, she seems extremely possessive ! -No way, your voice was detached, trying to act is if you weren't worried, Sabo has never dated any girl before.- -Yes but he seems to get along with that girl. And to be honest, she's kinda cute.

-Nami ! Vivi pinched her forearm playfully, pretending to be jealous.

-That hurt ! And don't be jealous, you know that you're my only one~

-Hmm...I prefer that. Vivi laughed. You started caughing reclaiming for their attention.

-Attention please ! We're discussing my dick-appointment here.

-Jesus you're really annoying, (Y/N), just go for it already.

-How much did he pay you to tell me this huh ?

-What ? He didn't pay me ! You're just always getting your heart broken. I'm just trying to be a good friend.

-Say that you are trying to get rid of her~ Jokes Vivi.

-Vivi, don't expose me like this- Nami plays along while laughing.

-I hate you girls ! You say as you throw a pillow on Nami. The ginger starts complaining that you messed her Nail polish, and the whole scene metamorphosed into a pillow fight.

* * *

You spent the whole day with the girls, chit-chatting about boys and girls and playing stupid games. You felt way more comfortable now, less ashamed. However, you were surprised because you didn't get a message from your bestfriend. You wondered wether he was mad at you, it wasn't in his habits.

You decided to message Ace [click for conversation] [ (Y/N) : Heyy amigo is Sabo ok ? Did he tell u smth abt yesterday ? Ace : Ouch, your hurting my feelings, </3 Only talking to me to ask about my brother~ Yea hes okay why tho ? (Y/N) : Ooo kay. He's home ? Ace : He is. Why don't u directly text him ? (Y/N) : Don't tell him I asked. Btw I didn't forget about those 10 bucks you « borrowed » from me. Give it back.] He didn't answer. You sighed and decided to go see Sabo to settle things down. It was the first time that you were embarrassed to see your best friend. You dressed up in a black skirt and t shirt. You didn't usually pay attention to your looks when you went to hang out at Sabo's, but you were really stressed out and what the girls have said about Koala made you scared of losing him. After all, you had some abandonment issues. You had to settle this down once and forever. You arrived at the guy's place, it was an apartment not so far from your own student flat. You knocked on the door and Ace opened : -Ohhh, (Y/N), he whistles, lookin' like a girl today huh ? -What are you implying you dumbass ? Where's Sabo ? -He's in his room with Koala.- -Wait what ? Koala ? What is she doing here ? Ace raised an eyebrow then said amused ; -I don't know, go ask him yourself. -You're useless as usual. -Always so sweet. You on your period or something ? -I didn't forget about my twenty bucks by the way. -I said I'm goin' to pay you back alright ? Now go talk to Sabo. You and Ace were always teasing each other in a brotherly way, but in reality, he really cared for you, it was just your usual way of communication. But it was true that knowing that Koala was in Sabo's room put you in a bad mood. You knocked on the door with a knot in your stomach. Did they start dating ? Was Sabo interested in her ? These ideas were torturing you. But why did you care anyways ? It was none of your business. He could date whoever he wants. You opened the door but there was only Sabo relaxing on his bed, still fully clothed. « - Sabo ?-Oh, (Y/N), what brings you here ? -Why ? Do I need a reason to see my best friend ? He sits on bed looking at you. He doesn't fail to notice your cute outfit, it was different from your usual sweatpants and hoodies, the way it complemented your figure was almost too much for him. Just that sight was driving him insane, but his face didn't betray his emotions, like always, he acted friendly, not an ounce of lust in his dark ebony eyes. You took place next to him. He smelled good, you thought. The same fresh minty smell as last time. Did he always smell this good ? -(Y/N) ?Huh ? Is everything okay ? His voice seemed concerned.He cared for you. And you had those stupid immature and posessive thoughts. Get a grip of yourself, (Y/N), you thought. -Oh yea-- wasn't Koala here ? Ace told me you were with her.

You tried so hard to act like you didn't care, but he knew you like the back of his hand. But still, he played along. -Hmm..Yes. She just left. I was going out as well. He says with a sweet smile, looking at his watch. You couldn't help but make a disappointed face. -But Sabo I wanted to - I'm really sorry (Y/N), let's talk later. He ruffles your hair and you close your eyes as he does so. You felt stressed out. What happened exactly ? You felt intimidated in his presence for the first time. You wanted him to stay and talk this out. It was a bit awkward for you now. You never thought too much. As he was going out of the room you held the fabric of his coat tight in your hand ; -Sabo- -Hum ? Need me to drop you somewhere ? -N-no. You let his sleeve go, realizing what you have just done, I'll stay a bit then go back home. Don't worry about me. -Alright then. See you later ? -Yeah. See ya. ]

You looked at Sabo go away and you followed him shortly after. Meanwhile Ace was sitting on the couch and watching some movies. You went back home and was quite tormented. It wasn't the right time to worry as you had your assignments and studies to deal with. On one hand, you didn't even have the time to think of your ex boyfriend and his cheating but on the other, you felt like you were let down by Sabo. But why ? He didn't do anything. He just found himself a new friend and a potential new girlfriend.

He didn't even talk about her, but why where you so upset by him meeting her ? After all, he had the right to date just like you always did.

A few days have passed and you didn't get the chance to talk to Sabo. Your exams were getting closer and closer and you didn't feel ready.

Usually, Sabo would help you with your assignments but you were too scared to ask. You realized how much you relied on him and how he has been always there for you.

Who were you exactly to him ?

Maybe you took him for granted.

As you were on your bed looking at the ceiling and trying to collect every drop of motivation in your system to study, you heard your phone ring. It was Sabo's ringtone ! ----- Tag list : @vemuabhi @chloe-abbacchio @mwls-garden @soanywaysistartedsimping If you wanna get tagged just ask for it :)

[lilacrespite]

                     as   someone   who   was   quick   to   jump   to   conclusions,   confirmation   of   their   worst   fears   gripped   them   quickly.   in   the   short   span   of   five   minutes,   luna   had   convinced   themselves   that   she'd   ruined   everything   with   drew.   not   only   would   he   look   at   her   with   disappointed   eyes   and   pained   frown,   but   he'd   never   want   to   see   them   again.   there   would   be   no   apologies   she   could   give   to   change   his   mind.   maybe   if   they   had   let   him   speak   early   she   would   have   learned   that   wasn't   the   case.   '   i'm   not   mad   '.   three   simple   words   released   a   wave   of   relief   enough   to   drown   out   every   wrong   ending   they   thought   would   come   between   the   two   of   them.   ❝   you're   not   ?   ❞   tone   immediately   softened   with   the   clarification;   brown   eyes   blinking   at   him   in   delighted   confusion   as   a   smile   tugged   at   the   corner   of   their   lips   once   more.   the   hope   of   a   potential   future   with   drew   quick   to   build   up   once   again.   there's   a   desire   to   interrupt   him   as   he   speaks;   tell   him   that   he   shouldn't   worry   and   everything   is   fine   but   they   don't.   instead,   she   settles   for   shaking   their   head   to   display   how   much   they   disagree   with   what   he   was   saying.   admittedly,   it   was   surprising   to   know   how   much   drew   had   loved   luna's   work...━━━   admired   them   as   a   creative   but   he   didn't   know   how   validating   that   was.                    luna   could   be   in   a   room   with   director's   like   radio   silence   and   tim   burton,   have   critics   on   the   board   of   the   emmy's   decide   that   her   performance   is   worthy   of   a   nomination,   and   still   ━━━   they'd   wonder   if   drew   would   have   thought   it   was   good.   ❝   you've   always   been   more   than   a   friend   to   me.   ❞   luna   started   softly,   a   hand   reaching   out   to   his   but   suddenly   feeling   too   shy   to   hold   it   so   instead   an   index   finger   gently   brushed   along   the   back   of   his   hand.   ❝   back   then   and   especially   now,   i   always   thought   you   were   the   coolest.   i   was   always   trying   to   impress   you   so   learning   that   you   were   a   fan   without   even   realizing   was...━━━   ❞   there's   a   pause   as   a   wide   smile   broke   on   her   features   and   happy   sigh   soon   followed.   ❝   ━━━   i   don't   know   if   i'll   ever   find   the   words   for   how   amazing   that   felt.   i   mean,   i'm   glad   you   know   now,   but   there's   something   really   nice   in   knowing   that   you   didn't   have   to   know   it   was   me   to   be   a   fan   of   the   work   i   did.   ❞   though   they   found   it   hard   to   look   at   him   while   being   so   vulnerable,   it   was   impossible   to   look   away.   finally,   sharing   with   him   things   they   held   onto   for   nearly   ten   years.   ❝   you   were   the   first   person   to   really   make   me   feel   seen   and   understood   for   all   of   my…━━━   oddities.   ❞   she   offered   the   last   bit   with   a   small   laugh   as   they   gestured   to   the   spiders   that   surrounded   them.   ❝   i’m   happy   i   can   finally   say   thank   you   in   person   for   that.   ❞

drew isn't mad. he tries to tell luna so when she asks him, and then again in between profuse apologies, and makes a third and final unsuccessful attempt at some point during the bewildering confession about the scream vi premiere that he had received an invitation to a few months ago only for it to be rescinded almost immediately. though disappointed, he had assumed it was another instance of a strangely common error ; as it turns out, drew kent and drew barrymore are right next to each other on the contact lists of more than one person in the entertainment industry. besides, why would he get invited to a scream movie premiere ? it's not like he's the president of the northeastern chapter of the national fanclub or anything like that. he's just vp in case the president takes a bullet, obviously. and trust, constantly making that reference yet still losing the election year after year to some nerd in a party city ghostface mask is much more upsetting to him than not being invited to a movie premiere, so he honestly isn't mad at luna. he just wishes that he could get an opportunity to tell them that. he returns the book of matches back to the shelf where he found them, unintentionally mirroring luna as they set down the set of tongs. "luna ... " drew huffs as he gets no further. "hey, luna," he tries again, "look, i'm not — i'm not mad." he sighs, relieved when he finally gets all of the words out. "okay ? i swear. i'm a little surprised is all. i wish i'd known sooner," he admits with a frown, "because i treated you like a celebrity. and i know that i sometimes treat famous people like they're, um ... celebrities." and he's probably never been more starstruck by anyone than he was when he first met luna. "and all this time that we've been hanging out, you've viewed me as a friend while i viewed you as larger - than - life because i've only seen you on a movie screen. when you gave me your phone number it seemed so unreal and so i never texted you. i can see past the whole ' luna the famous person ' thing now," he promises them, "and it's not just because now i know that you're actually that longtime friend i met on a scary stories to tell in the dark internet forum. i already liked you for the person that you are before this. i just think i would've realized that a lot sooner if i had known. but, seriously, it's cool." drew met their gaze the entire time as he told them what he was feeling. he's never excelled at easing the concerns of others, but how could he not try for one of his oldest friends ? how could he not try for luna ?

[theinsidiousdice]

Look. I'm always thirsty for more knowledge of your OCs. Specifically Kalina. So just please like... answer all of them.

Okay!

1. What’s the maximum amount of time your character can sit still with nothing to do?Kalina is good at finding ways to distract herself, especially if there are books around - she loves to read and also proofread. If there's *nothing* to do, though, she's okay at talking to herself in her head.

2. How easy is it for your character to laugh?If she knows you, it's pretty easy to get Kalina laughing; if you're a stranger, she'll mostly just clam up.

3. How do they put themselves to bed at night (reading, singing, thinking?)Kalina reads until she can barely keep her eyes open, then goes to bed.

4. How easy is it to earn their trust?Kalina likes to think she's an okay judge of character, so if you approach her in a way that seems genuine, she'll connect with you better.

5. How easy is it to earn their mistrust?Likewise, if you try to trick or mislead her, she's not on your side anymore.

6. Do they consider laws flexible, or immovable?More on the 'immovable' side. She's a big rule-follower, but on occasion she'll skirt a rule that she thinks is drastically unfair or ill-thought-out.

7. What triggers nostalgia for them, most often? Do they enjoy that feeling?She gets nostalgic when she has foods that are native to her home - the Dola Islands. She has a very good relationship with her family and only left home when she found a library to work at, so nostalgia is a welcome thing.

8. What were they told to stop/start doing most often as a child?Not much, actually - she was a very obedient kid. The rare times when she had to be prodded it was because she was reading when she should have been doing chores.

9. Do they swear? Do they remember their first swear word?Kalina does not swear! She doesn't much care if others do (unless they're being really obnoxious about it), but it's not something she ever really got in the habit of.

10. What lie do they most frequently remember telling? Does it haunt them?She once lied to her parents about her brother when she was really mad at him, with the goal of getting him in trouble, and it eats at her constantly. He doesn't remember this at all.

11. How do they cope with confusion (seek clarification, pretend they understand, etc)?Usually, Kalina is good at finding resources she needs on her own to clear up confusion. She hates having to ask for clarification, since she thinks it makes her look incapable.

12. How do they deal with an itch found in a place they can’t quite reach?She uses a pencil or a ruler or something along those lines.

13. What color do they think they look best in? Do they actually look best in that color?Kalina tends to wear yellows and oranges, and they suit her pretty well, though she looks all right in blues as well.

14. What animal do they fear most?Probably slimes, considering they're lumbering hell-beasts, but honestly Ennen has so many animals that could kill you at a glance that it's sort of a crapshoot.

15. How do they speak? Is what they say usually thought of on the spot, or do they rehearse it in their mind first?Kalina tries to be quick with her answers, but sometimes, especially when she's nervous, she gets ahead of herself and stutters. She absolutely rehearses things in her head if she has time.

16. What makes their stomach turn?Being near someone throwing up.

17. Are they easily embarrassed?Incredibly.

18. What embarrasses them?She gets really embarrassed when people call her out on things she did wrong or her flaws.

19. What is their favorite number?13, which, according to the Esry Organizational System, is the section of the library that has books on organizing books.

20. If they were asked to explain the difference between romantic and platonic or familial love, how would they do so?She'd say that platonic love is the kind of love that makes you feel safe and cared for, and romantic love is that plus also making your heart jump out of your chest.

21. Why do they get up in the morning? Because if she's not at the library on time, the head librarian yells at her. Also because she does generally like her job, and she likes the people in her town.

22. How does jealousy manifest itself in them (they become possessive, they become aloof, etc)? She gets insecure, and tries her best to convince herself that things will work out.

23. How does envy manifest itself in them (they take what they want, they become resentful, etc)? Envy makes her feel sad, since she thinks she'll never actually get what she's envious of.

24. Is sex something that they’re comfortable speaking about? To whom? Not in the slightest.

25. What are their thoughts on marriage? She's all for it, and hopes to one day settle down with the right woman. She's a romantic at heart.

26. What is their preferred mode of transportation? Walking when possible. She'll occasionally catch a ride on a cart if necessary. Teleporting makes her nauseated.

27. What causes them to feel dread? Most things, though a special mention goes to when she thinks she screwed up and will have to tell someone.

28. Would they prefer a lie over an unpleasant truth? As much as she hates confrontation, she hates lying too. So she'd probably tell the truth, even if it took a little while.

29. Do they usually live up to their own ideals? Usually. Her ideals tend to be "I'm going to do the best I can."

30. Who do they most regret meeting? Probably [SPOILERS]

31. Who are they the most glad to have met? Dizzy!

32. Do they have a go-to story in conversation? Or a joke? Bold of you to assume she's in any way good at keeping a conversation going, especially with anecdotes

33. Could they be considered lazy?Lazy and Kalina are two words that are difficult to conceptualize in the same sentence.

34. How hard is it for them to shake a sense of guilt? Incredibly. She still feels guilty over things from when she was a kid.

35. How do they treat the things their friends come to them excited about? Are they supportive? Very much so! If her friends are excited, she's excited, even if she doesn't quite get it.

36. Do they actively seek romance, or do they wait for it to fall into their lap? Kalina didn't used to seek romance out, but then Dizzy showed up.

37. Do they have a system for remembering names, long lists of numbers, things that need to go in a certain order (like anagrams, putting things to melodies, etc)? Kalina writes everything down.

38. What memory do they revisit the most often? When she was young, her momma left their home to help their town evacuate during a flood, and her mom comforted her in the process by talking with Kalina about heroes.

39. How easy is it for them to ignore flaws in other people? Depends on how big the flaw is. Small ones she can gloss over, but bigger ones will needle at her.

40. How sensitive are they to their own flaws?Incredibly.

41. How do they feel about children? She loves them but does not want them.

42. How badly do they want to reach their end goal? She's not even quite sure what her end goal is, so...

43. If someone asked them to explain their sexuality, how would they do so? She'd call herself gay. She really likes women, y'all.

A) Why are you excited about this character?There's a lot of myself in Kalina, and I like having a protagonist who's shy, meek, and not a fighter - every other protagonist I've got is. I like setting up situations that require thinking and being careful to get out of, because Kalina excels at those, unlike Dizzy and Pascale.

B) What inspired you to create them?See above! She's a really good counterbalance to Dizzy and Pascale, and from a meta perspective, her relation to Octavius Esry and her copy of the Collected Journals means that she's a good source of world-building.

C) Did you have trouble figuring out where they fit in their own story?Nope! From the first notes of the new Another WInter, she's had a solid role.

D) Have they always had the same physical appearance, or have you had to edit how they look?Kalina herself has maintained the same appearance, but she's a reworking of a character I had ages ago who was, among other things, a white guy, so there have been some changes.

E) Are they someone you would get along with? Would they get along with you?I like to think so - like I said, there's a lot of myself in her.

F) What do you feel when you think of your OC (pride, excitement, frustration, etc)?Mostly just potential - I know where her story is going, after all!

G) What trait of theirs bothers you the most?Sometimes she just needs to actually confront someone.

H) What trait do you admire most?Though she runs from confrontation a lot, she generally tries to do the right thing and never gives up.

I) Do you prefer to keep them in their canon universe?Actually, of my characters, she and Dizzy are the ones I'm most likely to draw "cosplaying" other characters!

J) Did you have to manipulate or exclude canon factors to allow them to create their character?I AM the canon.

[shsl-shipper-gamer-fangirl]

"I jokingly told you that the only way I'd marry you was if you did this wierd outlandish thing, and you actually did it, and I'm kind of charmed." with... a Danganronpa ship of your choice, I guess? Don't want to make you write on a ship you don't like

A/N Here’s my thanks for sending me that prompts list. I chose hinanami for this and honestly I’m a bit relieved to find out that I still have some writing left in me. Hope you enjoy it!

“I know I say this a lot, more often with other friends, but what the fuck?”

“Hm? What’s wrong Hajime?” Chiaki asks with her usual calmness, completely oblivious to her boyfriend’s panic. Well, not completely since she at least senses his slight discomfort. “Ah, could it be… I got it wrong?”

If Hajime could be frank, which he was, he couldn’t honestly tell what exactly about this is wrong. Hell, he couldn’t even tell what this was supposed to be. He’s used to his friends pulling shit and dumbass stunts but Chiaki? She was supposed to be one of his more sensible company. Sure sometimes she’d do something confusing just never this… this outrageous.

This is Chiaki sitting too comfortably in the middle of a pentagram drawn with what Hajime hopes to be paint and not blood. The room is dimly lit because the curtains are drawn and candles never did burn bright enough. Has he mentioned that there were too many candles? He was sure that this was what a fire hazard looked like. And then there was Chiaki herself who has lipstick smeared all over her face except for her lips! And don’t even get him started with her outfit.

He doesn’t even know where to begin at how wrong everything was.

“Hey, Chiaki… is there something that I should know?” He bluntly asks.

She blinks, slowly, as if his question so absurd for her to comprehend. But she does eventually, and she was not at all pleased.

“Hmph!” She huffs and pouts at him, disappointed. “After all the effort I put into this!”

“Sorry, sorry! I honestly can’t remember what’s this supposed to be.” He apologizes even though he feels more confused than remorseful. “But I want to know. So if you’re not too mad, would you please tell me?”

She just pouts harder in response and although he knew this should have made him feel more guilty, it was hard to when she just looked cuter.

Only she didn’t think this was cute at all.

“Last week,” She says in a flat tone that told him he should already remember it with this hint.

He couldn’t.

“Last week?” He repeats, hoping that she would expound on it this time.

She huffs and he tries to at least not look like he was distracted by her adorability.

The not so adorable glare got his attention though.

“Last week you said we’d get married if I did this.” She says with arms crossed.

“I did?” He asks and she nods eagerly.

Huh, he thought that if he did say anything remotely hinting to this then he would have remembered. Clearly he hadn’t remembered. He thought of the odds that there was a misunderstanding. Probably high. Probably irrelevant considering that she already went through the odds.

Honestly, this was obviously one of those things he says in sarcasm and yet… she took it to heart. She even went beyond and actually did it.

He feels like swooning.

“Woah, you did all this… just so we’d get married?” He blushes the moment the question left his lips. It sounds more like a fantasy than a statement.

“Yeah, I did. Because you said this was your requirement and if it’s just this then I’m willing to commit,” She answers without falter.

He’d be lying if he said he didn’t fall harder for her at her resolve. She knew what she wanted and she wanted him. She didn’t falter at all.

Except she did falter, just a bit.

A mix of uncertainty crossed her face as she looks up at him and asks, “Unless… you don’t want to marry me?”

He feels as if a bucket of ice was suddenly poured on him.

“No I- it’s not that.” He tries to reassure(?) her or console(?) her. He’s not sure what exactly he was going for. Did he want to marry her? “I…” Sure he liked her but weren’t they too young for this? But it’s not like he was completely against it… and yet. “Marriage? I mean, isn’t this too soon?”

“Not really? At least, I don’t think so,” She says, deflating at his deflections. Her shoulders slump as she mumbles, “I guess… I was the only one who wanted us to get married.”

“But I do want to marry you!” He spouts and his eyes widen at his sudden declaration. When he sees how happy it makes her, he finally gives in. “Alright, fuck it. Let’s get married.”

“Really?” She smiles expectantly and when he returns the gesture, she tackles him for a hug. “Yes! Husband acquired!”

“Geez, don’t make it sound like you just got an item in a videogame.” He scolds her but it’s more affectionate than reprimanding. He places a hand atop her head and when she looks up, he finds himself looking away from her earnest gaze. When he speaks, his voice sounds smaller than he feels. “You’ll have to wait for the rings though. I honestly wasn’t expecting this. I’m actually embarrassed that you proposed first but if… if you let me, I want to do it too but next time with rings.”

“Rings?” She tilts her head in confusion. And then practically jumps at the clarification. “Oh, you don’t need to bother with that. I already have a pair ready.”

“W-What?” He gives her an incredulous look. He’s actually internally screaming at the missed opportunity but outside he tries to play it cool. “Aren’t you too prepared?”

“Naturally! We can’t get married without rings after all!” She giggles. “Is now a good time to get married?”

“NOW??”

“Yeah, now’s actually the best time to optimize a marriage.” There’s a shuffling noise as she fishes out something from her pocket. Her phone. “There’s a couples event in Never Ending Fantasy Online tonight and I want to register us earlier.”

He blinks.

“Hold on.” He has a foreboding feeling about this but it’s too late for him. He has to know. “Never Ending Fantasy Online is having a couples event?”

“Yes, that’s just what I said. Did you not hear the first time?”

“No, I heard you. It’s just…” What did that have to do with this? Seriously, what the-

Fuck.

“Wait, so the marriage you were talking about… was for this game?” He asks even though he already knows the answer.

“Hm?” She looks back at him with an innocent gaze that just makes him feel twice as foolish. “What else could it be for?”

“I-”

For a moment, he considers telling her.

He considers telling her of this shortlived fantasy where they finally tie the knot. He considers telling her how much he had been looking forward to seeing her in a wedding gown, walking down the aisle. He considers telling her of his idea of their married life where they’d be living together and maybe have some kids down the road. He considers telling her of how happy he would have made her and how they’d grow old together.

He considers telling her all of this.

“Never mind.” He decides in the end.

With a face that’s red and ripe from those fantasies.

“You look red, Hajime. What’s wrong? Do you have a fever?”

“Just a headache.” He passes it off with a groan. Thank goodness he has experience with rollercoaster emotions because he schools his face neutral.

He’ll get over it.

He’ll also probably cry a bit about it later.

“Yeah, sure let’s register now and get this over with.” He places his hands over her face and rub maybe harder than necessary. “But first lets get this horrible makeup off your face. Seriously, that is not how you use a lipstick.”

“Thanks.” She smiles too brightly. He thinks that it’s unfair that she’s this cute.

He’s already pulling her towards the bathroom to wash up when she suddenly stops and tugs him back.

“Oh and one more thing.” She starts.

He sighs. “Yes?”

If only the room was just a bit brighter.

“I look forward to those rings next time…”

Maybe then he would have seen her face— cute, hopeful, and just a bit redder than his.

[thatcrappypuppy]

This is about the Rocket ship thing, and I must say I'm a little nervous cause you're really cool and jeez.I'm Argentinian. I get angry easily and start mumbling shit in Spanish, I'm a loud smartass, and a funny person according to people, I'm an extrovert, and really goofy. I'm 5'4, brown hair, green eyes, very pale and curvy, oh, I have a big scar on my leg, I got it in a car accident, I wanted to comment that cause it's a thing that became a part of who I am. Thank you for reading.

M-me? Cool? You must be mistaken. You seem cool, though! Thanks for participating and I hope you enjoy!

Befriending you:

You met Rocket because he broke something of yours during one of the guardians’ missions. He did so accidentally because he was under attack. You chased after them until he was reunited with the rest of his team. They braced themselves for a fight but you stepped in and, in your anger, seeing that the reason why Rocket wasn’t listening to you because of this person, took out the guy fighting them with ease, which shocked them.

Because Rocket owed you and because you accidentally helped them on their mission, you were offered a place on their ship until he paid you back. Only, you didn’t leave once he did and no one thought to question you about that.

Very quickly after you joined, Rocket rigged his translator to understand you whenever you muttered in Spanish, curious to know what you were saying.

He finds it funny that you switch languages when you’re mad, except when you’re mad at him. Then, he just slinks out of the room to avoid talking back to you and revealing that he knows what you’re saying.

While some find it alarming that you are easily angered, he finds it relatable. However, you two butt heads, often, and he never apologises. On the other hand, he doesn’t expect you to, either.

Usually, he’s the one to set you off, either by being insulting or by causing fights with others that, really, aren’t necessary.

Your scar drove him crazy. Not because of the way it looked, but, because he wanted to know how it happened, but didn’t want to pry (having a few private scars of his own). It was Quill who asked about it, first, and Rocket stopped what he was doing to eavesdrop.

He has trouble knowing how to respond when you’re being silly.

However, sometimes, you two can act out an entire sarcastic scenario when something goes wrong. “Oh, great! This is just what we needed.” “I hope the defense system breaks, again, now that you’ve JUST repaired it.” “Yeah, right, perfect timing, as always. Then it would kill us all.” “The perfect end to a perfect day.”

You two could go on like this for a long time, baffling Drax, before Gamora or Quill told you to stop. Then, Rocket would pause, wondering at how you got him to act like such a weirdo.

Falling for you:

The first shift in sentiment he noticed was his attraction to you.

Whether he’s checking out your scar (it’s a mark of strength and survival, in his opinion) or admiring your curves, you often catch him staring at you. Whenever you catch him, he either pretends he wasn’t staring by darting his eyes away, or pretends to be irritated at you for looking at him. Even when you don’t catch him, he gets embarrassed and his face heats up, feeling like he definitely shouldn’t be looking at you like that.

Whenever you guys go out as a group, he follows you around, claiming that “you’re gonna get yourself in trouble with that big mouth of yours.” But, really, he’s worried that someone might hit on you and he won’t be there to snarl at them and frighten them away.

For some reason, he’s taken to affectionately calling you “dummy.” He says it with a rare tone of voice, calm, low, quiet, almost kind, so, you don’t have the heart to tell him to stop.

He’s also taken to standing on tables and chairs whenever you’re nearby, so that he can look and feel more confident and, also, so that he is usually eye-level with you.On the days when he feels he’s not good enough for you, he spends his time, alone, tinkering and sulking.

Once, while working close to you, out of the blue, he asked “Does it hurt?” When you looked at him for clarification, he waved his hand at your leg in such a small, quick motion that you almost didn’t catch it. He played it off like he was just curious, but, it was something that had been bothering him, since he didn’t want you to be in pain.

Whenever you seem angry (except when it’s at him), he asks if you want to go for a walk or a drink, sometimes even telling Quill to drive the ship for a while.

(Here’s something more and I don’t know what to call it?)

Your weapon got pretty badly trashed in a fight and you weren’t sure if it could be repaired. Rocket took it and, although it took him some time, fixed it. He was standing on a table, again, when he called you over to take it.

“Thanks,” you chirped, “Now, I owe you.”

At his current height, it was all too easy for you to kiss his cheek. You noticed him flinch and felt embarrassed, like, maybe you had just imagined the change in his behaviour towards you and, maybe, the walks and the staring meant nothing, after all.

“I… guess I owe you for that, as well,” you tried to laugh it off.

He moved to put a hand to his cheek, where you had kissed him, but stopped himself midway when he realized how corny that would look. The motion did not escape your notice.

“Y… you dummy.” Caught off guard, he forgot to hide his stunned smile. You grinned back.

“You’re the dummy,” you told him. When you kissed him, again, he did not flinch. But, he did shake his head.

“Nah, it’s still you.”

[macabrecabra]

SEP is that program that Jack and Gabe went through to become super soldiers. I'm not asking for torture, I'm just curious about your take on how it went down

Original prompt was asking about SEPand I blanked entirely on what it was so needed clarification butlike dum dum did not keep original prompt so only got response torespond to ;  w ;But here is a little something I whippedup!(Note: still not taking Overwatch writing prompts, tryingto clear em out so I can focus on finishing longer fics, one-shotcollections in other fandom, and aquawatch asks c:)Title:Test of Endurance

Rating: PG-13Relationship: Gabriel going through experiment things Gabrielremembered doctors always saying that when you got shots, it was bestnot to look at the needle.

It was hard advice to follow though whenstrapped down with the mother of all needles descending towardshim, tip glistening with the fluid that would soon to be injectedinto his body. He tried to focus is gaze elsewhere and force himselfto relax, but the grinding of gears and the almost agonizingly slowpace of the needle drawing closer and closer to his body ate away athis last shred of nerves. He was wondering again why he hadagreed to this madness. The Solider Enhancement Program orSEP was not a by the book sort of operation. It had gained itsclassified standing for a reason after all. Sometimes the progress ofscience and super soldiers had to take some dark twists and find somewilling rats to put themselves under the needed to test the geneticmanipulation practices they were trying to make breakthroughs in. Gabriel just was wondered why he had thoughthimself a lab rat enough to let Jack talk him into this insanity. Onpaper it sounded great. What career soldier wouldn't want enhancedstrength, speed, and endurance?  The process though, well that ishere the oh so helpful scientists smiled wide and became vague aboutwhat they were doing, throwing in scientific bullshit that probablymeant nothing and was said only to cause confusion. They sureas hell did not mention they were going to stab a needle about thelength of his forearm into him, that is for god-damn sure.“Mr.Reyes. Please. You need to relax,” The voice on the com wascalm, almost to a point it seemed they were far too happy about theproceedings. It only served to make Gabriel's skin crawl and put himfurther on edge as he glared around the room, knowing somewhere, abunch of suits were standing behind a window watching him squirm likea worm on a hook. “Shouldn't I be put under for this?” Hegrowled as the needle stopped mere inches to his face.“Weneed you conscious for the procedures, just to make sure the desiredresults are happening. Some patience reacted poorly to treatment whentheir metabolic cycle and heart rate dropped during the inducedsleep. We will do our best to numb the pain in the area we areworking but we apologize now for any discomfort,”

Gabriel had to bite back the bitterlaugh. Discomfort? He was pretty sure that the doctors in charge ofthis mad scientist project cared little about discomfort and cared alot more about getting the results they wanted. The needle inchedforward, dropping lower until it rested against the side of his neck.He swallowed hard and closed his eyes, unable to even try and forcehimself to relax.He must have been disillusion and drunk tohave ever agreed to this insanity with Jack. That was the lastthought he had before the needle struck and sharp pain shot throughhis body, numbed to only a dull throb.  All his limbs seemed to tingleas if his entire body had fallen asleep despite the fact he couldstill move it all, although sharp pain lingered like a thousandlittle needles being pressed against his skin. His mind felt far toalert all at once, as if the world had come into sudden focus to thepoint every detail he could make out in the dark seemed to imprintitself onto his mind. Every sound was enhanced to the point hisheartbeat was a constant thrum and the hum of the lights above wasalmost maddening.  He closed his eyes and gritted his teeth, wishingto just all unconscious rather than be so overstimulated by the wholeof the room. That though was a blessing he was not to begiven as his chair was reclined back and more mechanical arms droppedfrom the ceiling like a macabre mechanical spider. Each arm ended insome sort of tool or syringe, all twitching like they were sentientenough to know a lab rat lay beneath it, ready to be shaped into amasterful weapon.

Fear was not an emotion that GabrielReyes was familiar with as very few things scared him but lying therehelpless as a pinned insect beneath that twitching machine had hisheart hammering faster and faster in his ear to the point he was sureit was going to burst. “Just relax, Mr. Reyes,” the voicecrooned from overhead. “Just relax and trust in us.”Themachine descended and the world was plunged into something close to awaking delirious dream. Pain was there, but it was drowned out by thefeeling of something moving inside of him that he couldn't quiet see.He could only stare up at the moving metal and the flashes of redreflected in the gleaming surface. He wondered if he was being takenapart and put together in all sorts of new ways. Nothing felt realand his mind was both there and hundreds of miles away, floatingabove his body that just felt entirely wrong now.  Nothing felt likeit should. There was only dull throbs that raced up and down his bodycombined with that tingle of sleeping limbs despite how his fingerstwitched and moved with every nerve proddedHow long it went,Gabriel was unsure. Time felt as if it had simply vanished forhowever long he had laid there beneath the moving limbs of themechanical horror. He was barely aware of faces leaning over him, allwearing surgical masks as they worked. They were about ashuman-looking as the machine as they talked and murmured above him.Eventually though, the sense  of wrong like he had been abducted faded and the machine and doctors retreated once more. The chair helaid upon slowly moved him into a sitting position and he staredstraight ahead blearily. He certainty felt different even ifon the outside it didn't seem too much had changed. When the claspsopen to release him, he let out a sigh, rubbing his wrists. “Wasthat all there was to it?” he asked out loud, knowing someone waslistening. Any small relief or hope he had about theprocedure was dashed by that far too cheery voice speaking up againand he could practically hear it shaking its head, “That was thefirst of a few procedures you will be going through butcongratulations. The first step was a success. In a few more weeks,you'll be ready to field test.”Gabriel grimaced and hisshoulders sunk.What hell of an experiment had he agreed toparticipate in?