#glad to have a backup option at least

[carlthecloaked]

Wrong Number, Right Person

938 words | no cw | i know i said i would do eddies pov but everytime i tried writing it it felt off :< | and so sorry this took so long!! i have a LOT of stuff going on personally

|previous chapter|

Robin snatched Steve’s backup phone from his hands before he could protest, scrolling through the messages with a gleeful smirk.

“Oh my god, Steve. You flirted with them.”

“I did not!” Steve lunged for the phone, but Robin dodged, hopping onto the couch to keep it out of reach.

“Uh, ‘I hate how funny you are’? ‘Okay but you have to say who you are though��?” She mimicked his voice in a ridiculous falsetto. “That’s textbook flirting.”

Steve groaned, dragging a hand down his face. “It’s not. I was just—curious.”

“Curious,” Robin repeated, deadpan. “Right. Because you totally put this much effort into every wrong number text.”

Steve opened his mouth, then shut it.

Robin grinned. “Exactly. Now—” She tossed the phone back to him. “Text them again.”

Steve fumbled the catch, barely saving it from face-planting onto the floor. “What? No. I already apologized for the wrong number thing. It’d be weird.”

Robin rolled her eyes so hard Steve worried they might get stuck. “Steve. You trauma-dumped about your terrible date to a complete stranger, and they not only listened but joined in on roasting him. That’s not ‘weird.’ That’s fate.”

Steve scoffed. “Fate?”

“Fate,” Robin repeated solemnly, pressing a dramatic hand to her chest. “Now text them, or I swear to god, I’ll do it for you.”

Steve hesitated, thumb hovering over the screen.

It was kind of nice talking to them. And they were funny. And—okay, fine, maybe a tiny bit intriguing.

He exhaled sharply and started typing.

Steve: so. about earlier.

Steve: i feel like i should apologize again for trauma dumping on a stranger lmao

The reply came almost instantly.

Unknown Number: nah, don’t worry about it. your suffering was highly entertaining

Steve: wow. glad my pain amuses you

Unknown Number: it really does. so, any updates? did you block the guy? change your name? flee the country

Steve: considering all options tbh

Unknown Number: i vote flee the country.start fresh. new identity.

Steve: you’re a terrible influence

Unknown Number: you have no idea ;)

Steve bit back a grin.

Robin, who had been shamelessly reading over his shoulder, nudged him with her elbow. “Oh my god, they’re flirting with you.”

“They are not,” Steve hissed, though his ears felt suspiciously warm.

Steve: still not gonna tell me who you are?

Unknown Number: nope. but i’ll give you another hint

Steve: …ok?

Unknown Number: i have two eyes

Steve groaned.

Steve: revolutionary. truly.

Unknown Number: i know, i’m so mysterious

Steve: you’re so annoying

Unknown Number: you love it

Steve’s thumb froze over the screen.

Robin let out a loud “Ooooh.”

Steve elbowed her. “Shut up.”

Steve: bold assumption

Unknown Number: not an assumption. a fact.

Steve’s face warmed.

Robin cackled. “Oh my god. They’re good.”

Steve ignored her, typing quickly before he could overthink it.

Steve: okay. if you won’t tell me who you are, at least tell me how you got my number

Unknown Number: wouldn’t you like to know, harrington?

Steve blinked.

Steve: wait. you know my name?

Unknown Number: of course i do.

Robin gasped. “Ohhhh shit.”

Steve’s pulse jumped.

Steve: okay now i definitely need to know who this is

Unknown Number: where’s the fun in that?

Steve: i hate you

Unknown Number: no you don’t

Steve exhaled, exasperated but amused.

Steve: fine. keep your secrets. but i will figure it out

Unknown Number: looking forward to it

Robin snatched the phone again before Steve could stop her, typing rapidly.

“Robin—”

“Relax! I’m helping.”

Steve grabbed for the phone, but she danced out of reach, hitting send with a triumphant smirk.

He stared in horror at the screen.

Steve (Robin): so when are you guys going on your first date? since you’re so sure steve loves you

Steve’s stomach dropped. “Robin.”

The reply came instantly.

Unknown Number: name the time and place. i’ll be there.

Steve groaned, burying his face in his hands.

Robin cackled. “This is the best day of my life.”

Steve grabbed the phone back, typing frantically.

Steve: IGNORE HER. SHE’S A MENACE.

Unknown Number: too late. i already like her

Steve: …this is a nightmare

Unknown Number: don’t worry, steve. i’ll make sure our first date is better than your last one

Steve: you’re insufferable

Unknown Number: you’re blushing

Steve was, in fact, blushing.

Robin collapsed onto the couch next to him, wheezing with laughter. “Oh my god. You’re screwed.”

Steve groaned, throwing an arm over his face.

This was not how today was supposed to go.

(And yet—some small, traitorous part of him was excited.)

Steve stared at his ceiling, phone resting on his chest. He should not be thinking about this. He should not be smiling at his phone like an idiot. And he definitely should not be considering texting them again.

But.

He grabbed his phone.

Steve: okay. one more hint.

Unknown Number: bold of you to assume i’ll give in that easily

Steve: bold of you to assume i won’t annoy you until you do

Unknown Number: oh? so you are planning on keeping me around?

Steve: don’t flatter yourself

Unknown Number: too late ;)

Steve huffed a laugh.

Steve: fine. no hints. but answer me this—do i actually know you?

Unknown Number: maybe

Steve: that’s not an answer

Unknown Number: it’s my answer

Steve: you’re impossible

Unknown Number: and yet here you are, still texting me

Steve rolled onto his side, biting his lip to keep from grinning.

Steve: …shut up.

Unknown Number: make me

Steve’s breath caught.

Oh.

This was bad.

This was very bad.

Because whoever was on the other end of this phone?

Steve was doomed.

taglist: @ellietheasexylibrarian , @tartarusknight , @ravenfrog

[bots-and-cons]

Hello! How have you been? Hope you have been doing okay lately your writing is really good love everything you make

Reader with nyctophobia (extreme fear of dark) getting terrified after all the lights on base turn off during a strong storm outside

And the Autobots (you're free to choose 3 <3) who didn't know about reader's phobia and tries their best to comfort and reassure them

A bit short sorry!

A/N: I decided to do this as a group thing, rather than separate, since it seemed like the easier option. Just Optimus and Bee this time around, I didn’t really feel like writing about anyone else. I kinda feel bad that I haven’t posted in weeks, but I’ve been really busy with IRL stuff.  I’m doing good though, and I’m glad you like my stuff. Good request, enough information, not too much either, so no worries if it’s short

•None of the autobots had ever even heard of such a phobia

•It was very rare for the base to go totally dark, at least for a longer time, since they had backup generators and all that jazz, but for some reason they took their sweet time turning on this time

•You’re trying to assure yourself it’s going to be fine and that the lights are going to turn on any second now

•They don’t though, and Optimus is starting to notice your panic, since he has only very little trouble seeing in the dark

(•I’ve now decided cybertronians have night vision, Idk if that’s canon, but I don’t care)

•You’re starting to panic, and you can feel your breathing getting more and more shallow

•Optimus asks if you’re not feeling well?

•You just straight up tell him you’re terrified of the dark and you’re starting to feel like you’re going to have a panic attack

•Optimus thinks about it for just a moment, and turns on his headlights

•He asks if that’s better, and you just nod, feeling yourself calming down just a little bit

•Optimus tells you it’s okay to be afraid, and he appreciates that you told him, so he knows what to do if this happens again

•Bee also comes into the room, buzzing at Optimus and asking why he’s got his lights on?

•You tell Bee it’s because you don’t like the dark and Optimus just wanted to make you feel more comfortable

•Bee of course then turns on his lights too, wanting to help you as well

•You find it kind of funny that they basically have these lights on their chest that they can turn on whenever they want to, mostly it just looks funny though

•Bee and Optimus are wondering what you’re laughing about, but they’re just glad you’re not feeling as panicked anymore

•The lights eventually come back on after a while, but until that happens, Optimus and Bee stay with you to make sure you’re feeling at least a bit better

•You just talk, and it makes you feel a bit more at ease, since it takes your mind off your fear and gives you something else to think about

[20dollarlolita]

Hi friends,

it's absolutely okay to use disability aids if they help you, and you are allowed to be the one who decides if they will help you.

I spent Christmas in a non-weight-bearing cast, and a friend of mine suggested I use her backup wheelchair so that I didn't have to use crutches for the whole time. I was initially resistant, but I'm glad I got over it.

It made a huge difference. It allowed me to work my job with minimal accommodation, and allowed me to be independent outside of work. I was able to go out and shop for holiday presents. I could leave my house and not worry about if I was going to get too tired to move. It was better for my body, because I wasn't putting my entire body weight on one hip or leg. It helped me be treatment compliant, because I didn't have the constant temptation to put my foot down and put a bit of weight on it. It allowed me to carry things and shop on my own. I was able to work at my job, make sales, and earn commission. The only work-related things I needed help with was to have us move our office plant (whose name is Randal) and to get help carrying large or heavy boxes. My doctor had approved return-to-work paperwork that said I had to sit down for 75% of my shift, and with a wheelchair, I was easily able to do this without going on disability or medical leave.

Here's a collection of pictures of me, not being stuck on the couch in my house.

And people, both friends and customers, were so very weird about all of this.

A lot of people questioned if it was some kind of overkill, because many people who can't bear weight on one leg will use crutches or a kneeling scooter. Other people commented on how inconvenient is had to be, and how difficult things had to be when I was using a wheelchair.

And I realized that other people saw me, compared their level of ability to what they thought mine was, and decided that using a wheelchair was difficult and inconvenient. What I saw was what my level of ability would be without the wheelchair, and what it was with it. Carrying a drink wasn't doable via wheelchair, crutches, or kneeling scooter, but I'd be unable to carry a drink in the wheelchair and people would see it as a huge inconvenience. (BTW the answer is just to get boba at a place that seals the lids on, carry it in your lap, and punch the straw through once you're at a place where you can set it down. Boba lids are wheelchair-friendly).

I think people see "wheelchair" as the ultimate in disability, but for me it was freedom to take care of myself. People want to save using a wheelchair for when you absolutely cannot function without it, but you deserve to be happy and not just to function.

And the fact is, if people are unable to judge my disability aids by understanding the options to them, and if they're only able to judge my mobility aids by comparing their personal ability to how they'd feel using my mobility aid, then there's no way whatsoever that someone else can judge if I actually need it, or not. But I deserved to be using the thing that gave me the most freedom, impacted my life the least, and was the least damaging on my body.

Anyway, I've spent the morning trying to convince someone I know who broke their leg that using a wheelchair is better than staying at home on the couch. I'm not making a lot of progress with that, so hopefully I can make some progress with my friends on the internet who might be going through something. You deserve to be comfortable and happy, and not just to exist. If you do things that take care of your body, instead of hurting it by refusing to take the help that you need, you'll be able to function better. Wheelchair isn't a bad or dirty thing, and it doesn't have to be a means of last resort. You can use it if it helps you.

[leoneliterary]

Oh gods, I love and adore the new update! My new grey horse Dust (bc it will leave them in the dust, is grey and unassuming at first glance, but also pure diamond) is already a favorite, even if my MC is slightly afraid of horses and not very good at riding. Aretas offering PRIVATE RIDING LESSONS and MC making not even one dirty joke to Merikh about it shows how serious the tension is, though. The cliffhanger is just mean, bc we don't get to sass big bad brother back. Not even a "you smell better, don't worry about me leaving you for him, wow he looks like a paler imitation of you".... I just imagined letting Desma loose on miserable big bro Labadon, but somehow that feels like bullying. ... Is that on purpose? He feels so arrogant and desperate to put down the bastard child, that it feels a little pitiful and insecure instead of evil, though I of course dislike and disdain him a normal and healthy amount, for his crime of a personality. But back to the important bits, Aretas is being smooth right back and I wasn't sure he'd have it in him. But so worth it, bc I already got a shovel talk from his mom! (a pretty mild one for now, thanks Teacher Alim) Aretas looking pained at Daddy Labadon's grand speech about his father's supposed greatness and aspirations and unsubtle attempt at baiting his king was greatly appreciated and the option that simply says "Blame Merikh" when asked why we couldn't ride? It was so .. tempting, I don't know how anyone can choose another. It's just such an impulse control defying little red button that all imp MCs just HAVE to press. And the reaction did not disappoint in the slightest! I laughed so hard! And then it got better, bc Merikh is just as clueless as you and my MC is learning that omg, he's actually just a grumpy little good boy. You just gotta adopt him. Sorry Sutek, sullen grumpy warrior slots are filling up really fast... I also loved cheering for Sefu and Sefu being so friggin POLITE and well behaved. I love when they show that they can be mature and competent at the same time as being total loving idiots. Desma feeling insecure was really hurting my kokoro, but then it got funny again when she asked "but are they REALLY brothers, how can we ever know?" Never change, best sister girl, my MC will steal horses with you and bury bodies. Their own horse, but probably other people's bodies. I do feel a tiny bit worried about Tamu being alone and trying to find the guild traitor preparing a take over without backup, though. Please let him be ok or at least let Gally have his back a little! This whole update had so much comedy potential with the right choices, it was a delight to read and totally worth staying up till after midnight! I love your writing style, it really hits me in all the best feels! Thank you for persevering, even through difficulties and I will honestly forever love your story! May all the cake, coffee and cookies be with you! As well as muses, time and motivation! I would offer a shoulder massage, but I can't reach through my screen anymore! All my love and adoration!

I always love your in-depth reviews, charcoal!! And thank you for such high praise!

Yeah, Merikh's big brother isn't the most well-adjusted, but whether he's just a pathetic weasel or a real threat, you can be the judge.

I wonder how many of y'all picked the 'blame Merikh' button. I had to give y'all the chance for some petty revenge, lol!

Judging by my asks, most of you chose the grey horse that you got to name.

Sefu really was on his best behavior, but good catch about Tamu. Wonder what he's up to while you're away. Desma is going through it, but she's being so mature and putting it aside to come on this hunting trip...

Anyway, I'm glad you enjoyed it and had a laugh or two at some of the choices!

[blackjackkent]

OK for some reason even from my SSD the shaders took 12354125123 years today but I'm finally in for more Veilguard!

Our first stop is check-ins with Lucanis and Bellara in the wake of our coffee date (oh, and the terrifying eldritch qunari).

Lucanis first:

"Rook. Do you have a minute?"

"Of course. Something wrong?"

"Teia wants to meet." Lucanis sounds remarkably strained as he says this, which is puzzling.

"That doesn't sound like a bad thing," Helena says, bemused, leaning her hip against one of the nearby baskets of fruit that keep appearing back here courtesy of the Caretaker.

Lucanis frowns, his eyes dropping to the floor. "She wants to plan Caterina's funeral."

Helena blinks, then winces. "Oh. Right..."

"If you don't mind, I... could use some backup. In case Spite gets out of hand."

"Let's not keep Teia waiting!"

Aw. Helena still doesn't really get the deal with Spite, but she is, I think, no stranger to having lost people - not in her line of work - so she can understand wanting to have some moral support. We will in fact keep Teia waiting for a little while cos our to-do list is extremely long. But we'll get on that soon, Lucanis.

-----

Next up Bellara, who is hanging out with Neve!

"A sharp eye, a quick mind, and luck. That's most of the job," Neve is saying when Helena enters.

Bellara grins eagerly. "So... do you think I could become one? An investigator?"

Helena watches with amusement as Neve shifts uncomfortably while trying to decide how to answer.

"It... takes a certain amount of focus, too," she finally says carefully.

"Oh," Bellara says cheerfully, seemingly unperturbed by this realization. "Okay. Well... maybe not, then."

(A/N: Hee. <3 Also - can we please get Neve an ice pack or something? That bruise is really fucking holding on.)

"I still can't believe it," Bellara goes on, hooking her hands around one knee and looking at Neve admiringly. "I'm talking to *the* Neve Gallus."

"And that's sweet," Neve says ruefully, still looking a little uncomfortable, "but I don't need the flattery."

"Right," Bellara says earnestly. "Just a person. I'll try to remember."

Helena chuckles, and Neve looks up at once, clearly welcoming the distraction. "Rook!" she says brightly. "Here to join us?"

Helena grins. Neve isn't getting off that easily. "I'm glad to see you're making friends, Bellara," she says casually to the young elf.

"Oh, definitely!" Bellara gushes. "Neve's, well-- Neve! She's just been so kind."

Neve looks as if she's trying to decide whether to be amused or embarrassed. "It turns out Bellara knows my work," she murmurs wryly. "Or at least the parts that make the papers."

"It all sounds so exciting." Bellara's eyes brighten as she speaks. "The things you've done, the people you've helped!"

"Those are the ones that go well," Neve says with a shrug. "You don't hear about the rest. Everyone wants a scandal - or a happy ending."

Bellara giggles. "Or both! Like that time you told the marquis to--"

Neve winces. "Hold on--" she says hastily. "I don't think Rook's interested in that story."

A wide, shit-eating grin spreads across Helena's face at once. "Rook's a little interested," she says, mock-innocently, her eyes narrowing teasingly.

Neve sighs, chuckling. "Look. I'd love to - honest. But that story needs the right atmosphere. After dark over bad coffee - or expensive wine. Take your pick."

"Speaking of!" Bellara bursts out, veering abruptly onto this new conversational track. "What's the situation with cooking, exactly? Are we on a rotation, or what?" She rubs her jaw thoughtfully. "I can help out - I'm a pretty good cook. With some things at least. Well... most of the time. Sometimes I get distracted and things burn."

(A/N: I love her, your honor.

Interestingly, we have the three normal diplomatic-aggressive-humorous options here and then another one marked with a star symbol that's just "I have to go":

Unsure what the implications would be of selecting this, but anyway Helena still wants to chat, which is good because this conversation is very cute.)

Helena laughs, shaking her head. "There's no official rotation. Everyone just makes extra food when they get hungry." Lucanis has been in the kitchen more than the others, and not only because he has inexplicably decided to put his bunk there. But just as often, food seems to just... manifest, presumably delivered by the caretaker spirit. Helena frankly finds this a little unnerving, but it's hardly the strangest thing happening to her right now.

"Do you mostly cook Dalish foods?" Neve asks curiously. "I haven't had the chance to try many."

"Sometimes," Bellara answers. "Not a lot of options when you're out in the forest. But I've learned a lot of different cooking styles! Antivan, Rivaini-- I even learned how to make Tevinter khachapuri!"

Helena and Neve's eyebrows both shoot up simultaneously. "Wait. Real khachapuri?" Neve asks; all her mysterious panache (and embarrassment) has drifted away for the moment and she sounds legitimately excited. "The hollowed-out bread, three kinds of cheese? I *love* khachapuri." She shoots a look at Helena with a grin. "What about you, Rook? What are you craving?"

But there's a matching grin on Helena's face at the mention of khachapuri. She's lived in Minrathous her whole life - at least the part of it she can remember - and one of her fondest memories is of her first meeting being recruited by the Shadow Dragons, and sharing one of those bread bowls with her recruiter and talking about the city. "Cheese and bread were the only words I needed to hear," she says eagerly.

"You have *no* idea," says Neve.

(A/N: Yes I fucking do! I'm Tevene like you, Neve. Get it together, Bioware.)

Bellara nods a few times, her grin joining theirs. "It's good! With the right cheese," she says. "Which can be hard to find out in the forest."

"Well, we'll have to see what we can find you," says Neve. Then she raises a hand and adds thoughtfully, "You should have an assistant. Someone to make sure it doesn't burn. See if it tastes right. That sort of thing."

Bellara's eyes go very wide. "Neve Gallus? Helping me cook?"

Neve winces again. "Again... the flattery..."

"Right. Just a person," Bellara says firmly. "Got it."

Neve relaxes. "Great. Now... let's see what we can scrounge up."

[ejaydoeshisbest]

Immediate Thoughts on the Movie "Hayop Ka" (You Animal) on Netflix.

Overall Impression I did not like it. While I loved the animation and found some of the dialogue funny, the story is cliché. “Hayop Ka,” directed by Avid Liongoren and produced by Rocketsheep Studio and Spring Films, unfolds like an overdone romantic-comedy/dramedy reminiscent of 80s–early 2000s Philippine cinema. The film features a toxic love triangle involving our dissatisfied, working-class protagonist Nympha (a common, but sexy, street cat), her macho mongrel boyfriend Roger (a janitor), and the high-society charmer Iñigo Villanueva (drawn as a Siberian Husky, perhaps to emphasize his foreign lineage).

Plot and Themes The basic premise: perfume-selling kitty Nimfa Dimaano must choose between her macho boyfriend Roger and the bourgeoisie business dog Iñigo. It immediately struck me as being overdone, overcooked, and overused, echoing the same tired narratives I’ve seen since childhood. Although the modern animation helped update the presentation and may have saved it from harsh reviews on Google and Rotten Tomatoes, I’m still unclear about the film’s deeper message. It appears to be a satirical portrayal of modern Philippine society, highlighting how the working class navigates poverty and oppression while clinging to dreams—often through the mundane rituals of sex and beef stew—all wrapped in a cartoonish, 90s movie vibe. Ultimately, the film leaves me wondering: are we all just animals acting on base instinct and primal desire, or are we depicted as such because we’re all fundamentally flawed? Or is it just a movie for horny adults with nothing much to do on a Saturday?

Humor and Sexuality The humor was somewhat entertaining, and I did chuckle at the sex jokes throughout the movie, especially during the pivotal shower scene where Nympha and Iñigo gave in to desire, even shouting lists of food items to replace their body parts. The thing is, the film relies heavily on dirty jokes and sexual innuendos. I’m glad there was at least some plot to keep it from becoming merely an adult, lewd spectacle. It’s clear that the film intends to showcase the evolving, open-minded sexuality of Pinoys.

Characters and Their Arcs Every major character is driven by desire, whether personal or carnal, from the protagonist to the aristocratic villains. While I appreciate their flaws, I wish the story made them more sympathetic and three-dimensional. Unfortunately, the moments meant to add depth instead lean on outdated, overused tropes.

For example, Nympha is depicted as a common street cat struggling to provide for her family back in the province. She is caring for her sibling and aging mother, while her little sister is pregnant at a young age. This portrayal left a bitter aftertaste, with the only redeeming factor being the stunning animation and art style. In the end, she becomes pregnant with Roger's baby and decides to go through the pregnancy without his support.

I also expected Nympha to rise above her station as she faced consequences—to learn her lesson, stand strong, and either find a man worthy of her or become an independent, badass woman. Instead, the ending credits hint at her pairing with a simple, ugly frog named Jerry, whom she met earlier as Inigo's chauffeur. Granted, Jerry is much nicer than both male leads: he is honest and hardworking, qualities that far surpass those of Inigo and Roger. Meanwhile, Roger ends up living with her ex-best friend, Jhermelyn, (more on her later), happily dodging child support, and Iñigo, despite being comically launched from his office building when he proposed a throuple with Nympha and another upper-class girl, remains a rich, charming asshole who scoffs at the poor.

Nympha’s ex-best friend, Jhermelyn—a rabbit who openly displayed her desire for Roger early on—settles for being a backup option for Roger when he and Nympha break up, and is unashamed when Nympha discovers their relationship when she seeks her comfort in tough times.

In the end, both Nympha and her early-pregnant sister seem to perpetuate the cycle of poverty. While one might imagine that Nympha ending up with Jerry could signal a healthy, stable relationship, it instead feels like a rushed nod to the classic Pinoy humor trope of the beautiful girl falling for the ugly guy, with no real development or romance established beyond him simply being present at their usual beef stew shop.

As for Inigo Villanueva, his subplot deserved more exploration. Scenes hint at his impatience with common people and his willingness to trample over them—taking their land for building projects, for example. I wish he had experienced a fall from grace, had his ego been knocked down, or even learned from his misdeeds. Instead, his fate was played purely for laughs.

A brief scene that stuck with me was when Nympha called the radio DJ near the end. The DJ tore into her character, voicing exactly what the audience would have shouted. It reminded me of those late-night college calls to radio hosts for advice. Missed the way they cut through all the caller's bullshit and called out their lies.

Voice Acting I did not like Angelica Pangilinan’s voice as Nympha, though her personality and quirky edge did shine through at times. On the other hand, I appreciated Robin Padilla as Roger, whose rough, deep-voiced bad boy persona fit perfectly. Sam Milby also delivered a fitting performance as Iñigo, embodying the super-rich, playboy archetype.

Conclusion In summary, while the animation and art style were commendable, the clichéd plot, overused tropes, and unsatisfying character arcs left me disappointed. I know I'd like to add more. But work and coffee calls.

[unitedbydevils]

Match Review: Manchester United Women 3-0 Brighton & Hove Albion Women

We seem to be playing Brighton a lot lately... odd. A good win for United's ladies puts the Reds into SECOND in the WSL now. Ooh.

It took just two minutes for Ella Toone to put Brighton behind. You love to see it. A return goal against the Baggies, a hat-trick versus City in the league, and now this. A good win and bring down of the ball from Terland, played neatly wide left for Tooney, and a cute bouncing shot - surprisingly slow paced - dodged Sophie Baggaley to put United ahead.

Nine minutes later and Hinata Miyazawa finally got her first goal of the season - with Ella Toone playing assist on that one. A quick free-kick passed into the Japan international saw her right footed shot blocked by the Albion defence, but her left foot shot nestled neatly into the bottom left corner for 2-0.

I should point out that Miyazawa getting some consistent gametime in lieu of no Lisa Naalsund has really showcased her versatility and talents; able to sit as an 8 alongside Janssen or push up to be twin 10s with Tooney/Grace. Great under pressure, very press resistant, scans a lot and keeps her head up to be aware of the play. I'm a huge fan and glad to see her with Player of the Match.

Terland, Galton, Toone, Miyazawa, Terland again... so many nearlies for United that could have really upset Brighton in the first half but nothing went in.

In the second half, Nikita Parris came tantalisingly close to a goal back for Brighton, but it would take until the 69th minute (nice) for Celin Bizet to wrap up the result for United. A weird scramble of lost possession from both sides, Bizet picked up the ball, megged Maisie Symonds, and then had a punt at goal on her left which millimetre perfectly beat Baggeley's reach and tucked under the crossbar.

I know I should be more optimistic, and I'm really enjoying this team of ours, but I can't help but feel we're not quite there yet.

The goalkeeping department is actually bang on. Phallon's having a great season, Kayla's been class for Soton and England, and Saf is a promising upcoming talent who is a useful backup option.

In defence I worry that Maya's still a bit "ball watchey" at CB, and Millie's lack of technical proficiency opens her up to being preyed upon by elite strikers like Ramirez, Kerr, Miedema... this can undo the work of Riviere and George, but they themselves have that mental 'switch off' now and then in games. Focus 100% of the time is hard but there have been some key moments of disappearing.

In midfield we have some great ability and skill in Tooney, Clinton, Miyazawa, and reliability in Naalsund and Janssen, but Dom is a CB, Lisa isn't that quick, and they're a little lightweight in duels. Simi Awujo could be some tenacity in that respect but she's still very new and at present not starting quality.

Up top and we have the prowess and experience of Rach Williams, but she's ageing. Elisabeth Terland is very promising but as a runner she can be quite predictable and have quiet spells. Melvine Malard offers a middle ground between the two but she isn't quite as fox in the box as Rach (yet).

All that being said, if we keep winning and can at least avoid defeat against Chelsea/Arsenal/City (loss, draw, win so far) then why can't we challenge for the WSL title? Or at least bag a European spot? Plus the Europa Cup starts next season...

Next up: Spurs away on Sunday, 6:45pm kickoff.

[fallen-goldfishcracker]

I've been thinking obsessively about my gladiator!Hunter au for the past 24 hours straight- so take some random plot drabbles!

Hunter is sixteen/seventeen ish at the start of the story, although he doesn't know his exact birthdate or age. He has been a professional gladiator for at least a year, training at a ludus gladiatorius (a gladiator training school- currently unnamed) in a province countryside near Rome/

He was abandoned by his mother at the age of seven or eight, and was picked up a few years later by a group of slavers, and sold to very small gladiator trainer/manager- called a lanista- to compete as essentially canon fodder in small provinces.

He survived somehow, and began getting more skill and kinda-sorta-almost fame, and around the age of 13 was sold to the ludas gladiatorius just outside of Rome.

What type of gladiator was he? I'm glad you asked! but this answer is gonna get a little long, so I'm putting it under the partition.

There were several types of gladiators, all of which had different fighting styles and armament, and were suited to different opponents. At the moment, I am unsure which type of gladiator he was. His combat style in canon is very light and agile, and he is semi-lightly armored; I want to represent that in this au with giving him those same traits and abilities.

-the lightest and most agile gladiators were the Retiarius; these guys:

They wore next to no armor besides a manica (arm guard) on one arm and a galerus (shoulder-guard) on the other. They fought with a trident, weighted net, and dagger, and were largely looked down upon, even more than already sub-human gladiators, especially if they belonged to the specific subset of retiarius, called: retiarius tunicatus, who were especially "shameful" and "effeminate" because they wore (can you believe it??) clothes. For shame.

Their main paring in the arena was the more heavily armored: secutor

However, I'm not sure if I like the look for my boy, Hunter- and the fighting style doesn't super call to me, so I'm not sure.

The second option is a rarer type of gladiator called a veles, or velites (skirmishers, in English). Because they are so rare, information on them is a little lean, and most mentions of them are from the Total War Wiki, soooo. I'm going to do my best with what I know.

They fought with a small, round shield and a six ft long spear (hasta in Latin), and were lightly armored. They were also given a sword as a backup, should the spear fail or be lost. They were a latter addition to the gladiator games, based off of a subset of the Roman infantry of the same name. In contests, they would be paired against other velietes.

Like I said, there's not a lot of information on them, which is definitely a con, as it makes design a lot more difficult. But-

Look! Wolf Boy! That is definitely a plus.

As I mentioned, the velietes are based off of an actual subclass of soldier in the Republic, pictured above on the left. We can see the spear, sword, and shield, and he also has a tunic and the wolf cap thing which slays. The right one is a warhammer figurine, but listen, supplies are thin. I can assume, using my very limited historical knowledge, that, as gladiators were, essentially performers of the likes of the despicable actors, they would dress as some sort of caricature of the actual soldiers, with the same weapons, and I propose keeping the wolf beanie as it slaps, but the tunic probably would have been ditched for something more revealing, like on the right.

(gosh that was long why didn't a make this a separate post good heavens why)

Whichever type of gladiator Hunter was, over the course of one or two years he would have sparred 5-7 times in an arena, as well as several times at private functions/ banquets depending on his popularity (spoiler: he is pretty popular). He's also the youngest (scout to be made-) professional gladiator, which is very appealing for a lot of people. Everyone likes an underdog, right?

When not sparring, he endures a harsh training regiment at his ludas gladitorius (still unnamed) under his lanista- who I think should be a character from the show but I do not know who at the moment. Although popular and well-liked, he's a very high flight risk, so his freedom is extremely limited. He basically lives and works and exists at the school, except for when he is rented out for contents and arenas 3-4 times a year.

Sometime during the story he gets spotted at a contest by Belos, (that's right lads you knew he was going to show up. You knew it). Belos is a affluent, high-ranking general in the Roman Army, and attends the contest, and becomes very interested in Hunter.

A few months later, Belos celebrates the ten year anniversary of his brother's death with a gladitoral munera, three days of gladitoral combat and feasts, and rents out gladiators from Hunter's ludas gladitorius, mainly because Hunter looks very similar to his dead brother,(wink wink) and Belos is the emperor(ha) of healthy coping. At the end of the munera, Belos buys Hunter from the lanista to become his personal guard, and boom- we have the Golden Guard dynamic from the show!

Small baby headcanon's that don't really relate:

Hunter is a pretty good pickpocket, from those few years on the streets, but if he got caught he was royally screwed because he can't lie for the life of him.

His favorite color used to be red, but since his time as a gladiator he doesn't know his favorite color anymore. During his time under Belos, it becomes yellow.

When he was younger, he tried to run away twice, and because of that was branded on his arm or neck (maybe with the letters FVG, for fugitive??). With Belos's permission, he cut off/hacks it off after he's bought.

His favorite foods are those little honey cakes sometimes served at the banquets the night before gladiatorial contents. The first time he was important enough to go to a public banquet, he ate so much food he got himself sick, and now at banquets he doesn't eat much, to give himself a better chance the next day, but he does have a honey cake if they are provided.

He thought gladiators were super cool until he became one. Think like, a little kid's obsession with superheroes.

He's still sort of scrawny, especially for a gladiator, who were fed a lot of bulky food to give them some fat to cushion blows in the arena, but he has a good amount of muscle, and after he leaves the arena (and maybe after Belos???) he starts filling out more.

Lastly, at sixteen years old, he still hasn't lost all his baby teeth! (even with how many times he's been socked in the jaw)

I'm hoping to work in more characters later, right now I am frankly obssesed with gladiator!hunter and gladiator!hunter only, but I do have some ideas for Hexsquad + the CATT's, so hopefully I'll be able to expand on that.

Anndddd that's that babbbby take the my disorganized rambles for 24 hours of hyperfixation. And yes, I am writing this because if there's one thing I'm good for it's hyperspecific au's of my loveliest boy.

:D

[ocean-anchored]

Dear future self... December 27, 23

Dang I wanted to write last week before I started forgetting things but let's do a quick recap to catch up on the last two weeks. After my last posting.. I went for sushi with Kamber which was great. Friday after I went to the hitman game with Shane which was a nice chill night. Saturday I went out to Barrier lake & did a beautiful hike with Nova, it was such a perfect day. Really needed that, then that evening had a facetime with Marc which was also nice. I enjoy his company, he's a sweet guy & I'm glad to have him in my life as a friend again. Sunday went to church with mom, then to the Peter Lougheed house for lunch with her which was really cute. I think I mentioned in my last post that Troy had come to the trivia night, on Thursday Kamber convinced me to text him about buying him a beer so I did that night. I gave him an out, an easy way to say no to going out 1:1 in case he wasn't feeling it but he said he'd definitely take me up on the offer so that was exciting. We exchanged a very few short messages back and forth for a bit throughout the weekend. So back to sunday, then after lunch with mom we went to the centre street church choir with Steven & amanda which was nice. It was actually pretty good, beautiful music. Then on Monday Kamber and Shane came over before the hockey game & we went with Amber & Naythan. That was really fun & was a blast to be with them all, we had a great night. The next night I just gamed with Steven for a bit. Somewhere through this time, Nathan had started messaging me on LinkedIn which we were having pretty good conversation & he had asked for my number. He was really great with chatting, very engaging & we got into a lot of deep topics right away. He had asked to hang out & we established our ages... hes 45. Definitely up there but I was surprised with how easy it's been to talk to him. on Wednesday we went to The Himalayan for food, which was good. He's really sweet, very funny and witty & we get along really well. We talked a lot & laughed but had some good deep conversation as well. Then Thursday - my non date with Troy. I picked him up around 7pm and we went to Bank & Baron which was a pretty nice place. All around I thought it went pretty well. He talks a bit fast but I really got to know him a lot. He was pretty good with conversation & it flowed both ways. We have some things in common but he's very interesting. He's hard to read honestly. He comes from a small town and moved a bunch so there's things that I feel we'd collide on or at least maybe they don't fully line up but I also have just been keeping an open mind & not having any expectations. We hung out for 3 hours so that was nice, he said he had a great time too at the end of the night. After that I told myself that I wouldn't text him, if he was any interested then he would have to reach out since I felt like I had done all the work & chasing to get us there. He did text me the Saturday night something about twitter because we laughed at how twitter deleted my account & I was super funny. Anyway since then which I understand with the holidays that it's really busy, but I get one text back from him a day if that so it's been hard to talk to him & again I seriously can't tell with him. I'm going to just leave it, if he doesn't say anything about NYE then I'm not going to force anything. I certainly am not forcing anything anymore. On a side note which I'll get to anyways, but I was supposed to hang out with Conner again somewhere in this timeline too, I might have talked about it in a last post or two but I ended up just being like dude I'm not interested in being a backup plan or option so let's just leave it at that, he did apologize & somewhat take accountability that he's completely lacked consistency & communication the last like month even which we both said no hard feelings but I'm just so done with trying to force people to hang out.

[roadtodeltarune]

Earthbound Beginnings: Final Week

It's surreal to make this post, but I finished Earthbound Beginnings! I knew I only had an hour left in the story, but with all the grinding and leveling up, I thought I wouldn't finish in time. Especially when you consider it took me 3 weeks overall to play the game, plus me getting distracted by the Pokemon DLC.

Well, to continue my experience, play through, review, whatever you'd call this post: I last left off right before Mt. Itoi.

I heard tales of Mt. Itoi and how difficult it was. In some ways, it was easier than I thought but also harder. First, I leveled up Carrot (NinTen) to the low 30s with Beet (Teddy), then I went through the cave, got our new weapons, and went to the mountain house.

Several things happened there I want to touch on. First, I love Potato (Ana) and Carrot's relationship development, from friends at first sight to admitting their love and dancing, it was all very sweet. Then, we were attacked by a giant robot. Onion (Lloyd) came to our rescue, but Beet was too injured to continue. This made me a bit annoyed. While I loved having Onion back, Beet's time on the team was too short, and I feel like his section was a bit of a waste of time.

Anywho, with Onion back, I started leveling him up. In fact, my goal was to get Carrot to level 36 and Onion/Potato to at least 32. It took me a long while. I had to heal lots at the house cause of all the strong enemies, but Potato's Beam Y helped a lot, especially with the Grizzly Bears. I also decided to go back to Ellay to fight the BB Gang. I got 3 Flame Throwers for Onion, one to use, one for backup in our inventory, and one at home in the closet. Since they can break, I wanted to be prepared.

Once we were strong enough, I pushed on toward the lake. Thanks to the leveling, we weren't in much danger. I found the whirlpool in the lake and decided to jump in. Luckily, that's what I was supposed to do. In the submarine, I was worried it would be another Duncan's Factory, but it was peaceful. Then I found EVE.

Eve was a great addition to the team, reminding me much of Beet. I figured that maybe this meant Beet would rejoin at some point? With Eve, we leveled up a couple more times and then found the Sea Pendant- I gave it to Potato. But then, we fought another robot.

I'll admit, I knew EVE would die, that was spoiled for me by wal throughs, but I didn't expect to get so emotionally detached to her. She was so powerful and so helpful, and all she wanted was to protect us. And she was powered by a melody.

After EVE fell, I figured surely Beet would appear and join the team again, but he didn't. And with EVE gone, the mountain was much worse. Up until now, the mountain has been hard, but I have been able to fight back. Even against Grizzly Bears, strong enough to one-shot my party members, I was starting to outspeed them and survive their attacks, but now it was crazy. The peak of Mt. Itoi was horrible, and I'm glad I never had to climb it again.

I got the final melody from the grave and then went to Magicant. I reorganized my items and went to the Queen.

The scene with Queen Mary was beautiful. She finally regained her memories, revealed the truth to me, and accepted her death. Just like Beet and EVE, another ally is gone. It's up to us now to stop Giygas.

We returned to Mt. Itoi and went into the cave, to find the parents. It was a little disturbing, but it hardened my resolve.

Now, it was time for the last battle...

I didn't look up this fight, wanting to do this on my own. I figured it would be like a normal fight, but it wasn't. Potato went down, then Onion, then Carrot. And at that last turn, I realized I had a new option in my menu: "Sing".

My second attempt wasn't much better. On my third turn, I realized I should have set up my defenses on the first turn. Everything was out of order, so I reset.

My third attempt was the final attempt.

I started by having Carrot use Defense Up B and Potato use Psi Shield B and I had Onion guard. This combo buffed us up enough to tank his hits for a few turns without guarding. I then went on a cycle of guarding, Singing, and healing when needed.

The first few turns were mostly healing. I learned from my second attempt that singing wouldn't work until he finished his monologue.

My method worked, however; and I was able to beat Giygas, sending him back to his home!

It was in this final battle and while watching the epilogue I realized something. Beet and EVE are all about dealing damage, but Beet and Queen Mary said it themselves, we need to believe in our friends and use the power of love. The melodies were her memories of love, broken into eight parts. Most were twisted for evil by those who rejected love, like Giygas, but some were used for love like EVE and the Canary Village. When put together, the full song is the power of love, the love of a mother, of friends, of family, and even the romance between Carrot and Potato. This love Giygas rejected, turning him into a creature of hate.

"When you think about it, this series is all about love. And those who understand it, and those who don't." - Mswordx23 from the YouTube comment section

One more thing though. I have an issue and it's that I had to name Beet at the beginning of the game. He was barely in this game! If they ever do a Link's Awakening-style remake, I'd love it if Beet was introduced earlier in the story. I used to think the same about Onion, and my idea was to have him replace Pippi, but I think Pippi should stay. Instead, I think It'd be fun if we got to name NinTen, Pippi, Lloyd, Ana, Teddy, and EVE since they're all party members.

Thanks to anyone who's been reading this. I might just be talking to the void right now, but this journey is something I've really wanted to do, so I ain't stopping here.

Before I leave this game behind and put it back on the shelf, I'm going to walk some retrospectives, reviews, and the sort, get some community feedback, as well as see if there's anything I left out that I want to touch on. I don't know if I'll make that a separate post. I plan on it, but there might not be enough for me to work off of. We'll just see. So expect either that or an update once I start Earthbound/Mother 2.

[keefiswhoiam]

August 31 - 2023 Thursday

10:40 PM

Forgot to do my thoughts today, oops.

All that's on my mind right now is the recent drama my friend is having with a previous friend/love interest. I'm in my own head in ways I know are wrong for lack of a better word. I understand the situation and where everything is at between her and him and myself but my jealousy is flaring up anyways. I feel jealous because she made it sound like she really missed out on something she wanted, potentially better than what I'm offering. Like she wishes she could go back and take that path instead. I'm sure thats not true but thats just how I'm feeling. The feeling itself is valid but I know better than to act on this unless it doesn't go away. But my bet is that it will pass in time. This seems like it's stemming from me not valuing myself like I should since I'm basically assuming I'm just the backup option when the reality is it's not that simple.

I guess I've been devaluing myself in general lately. One symptom of this is requiring a lot of reassurance and validation but when I do get it, it's never enough. No amount of external reassurance will help how I feel, at least when I'm unable to accept it. I've definitely gotten plenty lately but sometimes it slides right off of me even though I'm trying my hardest to take it to heart.

Today I had a sausage burger and rice for breakfast. I peeked at some streams until it was work time. During my stream I did my warmup and worked on my friend's late birthday gift. Afterwards I did some yardwork since I hadn't mowed for awhile. In the shower I got pretty degen and DMed my bestie about it, I'm glad I did instead of bottling it up. Lunch was a broccoli pizza. I hung out in a fairly annoying call while doing today's request and I didn't work any more after that. I played Transport Fever 2 touching up details on a Hyrule map someone else made and I played HOI4. I hopped in Vrchat a little bit to test out the locomotion app I got and ended up hopping with someone that really got on my nerves because they won't stop talking. Not long after that I hung out with the bestie and was told the drama.

There's lots of reasons I feel shitty about myself lately but I'm trying to focus on action I can take rather than the thoughts themselves.

[thefirstknife]

Something I'm confused by: Why didn't Ana & Elsie try to kill Clovis on Europa?

Does this leave Clovis vulnerable or even willing to Xivu Arath's influence? Is that something to worry about?

Is it even possible to kill him in his Europa network? Does he have Backups? Also where does this leave Banshee irt risks of a Clovis hijacking?

As well as why not shut him down? Would Elsie need him or at least resources that he can only access once the Glassway portal to the Vex Forge Star becomes relevant/needed? Maybe keeping him around for a post Final Shape plot?

I like Clovis as a villain, and I am glad to see them keep his voice around via Rasputin.

It's really unclear, but from what's been implied, Clovis AI is really hardwired into the facility on Europa and probably can't just be quickly deleted. Clovis uploaded himself with the most high quality and high tech option possible at the time, including being able to keep all of his memories. The Clovis AI is literally a full unaltered copy of him as he was in the Golden Age and isn't an Exo upload.

He probably not only has backups but also various failsafe systems and other stuff that we probably don't know about that made sure his AI stays safe infinitely on Europa and is impervious to tampering. He was only genuinely afraid of Xivu Arath's tampering which sort of implies that damaging or overtaking the AI is not something we're capable of doing and maybe only Xivu is.

Also, deleting him from Europa would basically be killing him yeah. I don't think Ana is ready to go that far just yet. And of course, the probem is that no matter what, he is still the best source of Golden Age data and resources. If he were willing to share, he would probably be an asset to us so there's always some sort of hope that we might get there eventually (though with Clovis I genuinely don't think he would've ever been interested. He is simply not a character looking for redemption).

It's also very possible that he will continue being a pest to us beyond Lightfall and into Final Shape, yeah. He's a very curious case for an antagonist in that he's not actively doing anything wrong to us, he just has plans and those plans are concerning but he's still a necessary evil that we kinda keep around and hope something will eventually motivate him to help us.

[cloudbattrolls]

Cylindric Sonata - Part 2

Jastes Verdan | Civitrecce | Present Night

This drabble is preceded by Cylindric Sonata - Part 1 and is part of The Mind Electric plot.

Jastes’s power was still suppressed by the room’s lining (the same as the door’s, to prevent anyone’s psiionics from interfering with the helms). None of his lockpicks would function without a mechanism to fool or a bolt to pry out; there was nothing for him to work with, the entire device internal to the door itself. He hadn’t imagined such a situation; a flaw to correct for the future. 

The yellowblood sent another message to his ride and activated his cloaking tech just as feet thundered by and cursing sounded from outside the door before two trolls stepped in moments later, clearly in the middle of a conversation.

“Maybe it was that company mechanic!” Shouted the cerulean he’d seen earlier. “I passed them in the hall but didn’t see them anywhere else, and the scanner’s been used recently!”

“Calm down, Narvat.” Said the oliveblood man accompanying them in a would-be patient tone of voice, one currently taking a bit of strain. “This was an in-system hack, they’re saying; someone who already had our codes. Internal sabotage, that’s why the screen’s dark.” 

The greenblood confidently waved at the shorted-out monitor wall.

Jastes’s pointy ears pricked at that. So that blueblood probably was who he’d implied himself to be. Why would he hack his own factory’s security feed? Revenge? Or had he been covertly looking for something?

For someone?

The yellowblood felt a chill.

“I don’t care.” Snorted the blueblood. “All that matters is that we don’t look like fuckups; I don’t want Latrai coming down on us.” 

The olive rolled his eyes. “Because she’s been so scary, what with extending our breaks and raising paid overtime.”

“Oh sure, kiss her ass.” Narvat shot back. “You can’t trust someone who’s basically a rebel.”

Only the dire urgency of staying hidden kept Jastes from laughing.

“Okay, Nar, I think it’s time for lunch before you start going off on anyone within ten feet of you, huh buddy?” Said the olive conversationally. “Let’s go try that new stir-fry from the canteen courtesy of the boss I totally don’t like at all, cross my heart.”

The blueblood grumbled but allowed themself to be led out…until they stopped in the doorway, turning back around with a suspicious expression. Jastes held his breath.

“Nar.” Said the olive, a bit exasperated.

“I’m just saying, we should have the room checked! You never know.”

“Yes, whatever, I’ll ping security if it’ll shut your piehole.”

The two kept bickering as they walked out of sight, having not realized in their busy conversation the faint gust of movement from someone slipping by them before the olive thought to shut the door. Jastes was grateful - not for the first time - that he was small and slim.

He was also glad he hadn’t had to ask his ride to cause a distraction so he could escape. Sometimes Xineck was a little too enthusiastic about such things.

He paused before the door he’d first come in earlier, realizing he would almost certainly set off an alarm by going through while cloaked. Hacking the security system was even more of a non-option by this point.

The lowblood sighed internally and pinged his backup after all. The maroon’s later smugness was a necessary price to pay for what he needed.

A minute later, a small white raptor-like dragon barged in through the sliding glass doors, shrieked, and started to tear up the place. The receptionist yelled and cursed, reluctant to hurt what was obviously a lusus, and babbled for help from security. 

Trolls came running from deeper inside the factory and with everyone’s attention on the dragon kicking over a potted plant and flapping its wings while screeching, Jastes became visible again and slipped out the door.

Unfortunately, his sudden reappearance would likely be noted on the security feed unless it had still been compromised by the blueblood’s hacking. At least he didn’t look like himself, and he was cloaked again, dodging around trolls on the busy sidewalks who couldn’t see him. 

The blueblood would be delayed in looking for him, after what he’d done to the man’s system. Perhaps he’d gone a bit over the top…but if it worked as a deterrent, it would have been worth it, though he’d played more of his hand than he preferred to.

His greater concern at the moment was Latrai. If she was as smart as she seemed, she might put together some idea of who he was.

Yet there was also something strange about the blueblood, he mused as he reached the less crowded back alleys, shadowy in the wake of the tall buildings. 

If he really had been looking for Jastes in particular, why hadn’t he stopped him when he first set foot in the helm room? He’d assumed at the time that he’d tripped some sort of hidden sensor on the retina scanner or by walking through the door, but now he wasn’t sure. 

The man had seemed startled to find him at all, though clearly pleased and working off a preexisting agenda.

He’d have to find out just how much the former owner of Starsight knew about him, and stop its current one from learning anything at all. 

The yellowblood turned his cloaking off, glad to before it started draining his energy to dangerous levels. He was already feeling hungry.

“Hey, what’s a little oliveblood like you doing on lowblood turf?” Drawled a familiar voice.

Jastes turned with a small smile to see Xineck leaning on the beaten-up van he drove, parked at the end of the alley he stood in near a dumpster stuffed to the brim. The skinny maroon had six horns and a messy mop of hair that almost never got trimmed, along with a cigarette in one hand. He wore a tattered red hoodie and faded black jeans, contrasting Jastes’s neat gray mechanic’s outfit.

“Better be careful, there’s lots of scary psiionics who could - ”

“That stopped being funny a while ago, Xin.” Interrupted the yellowblood, as he had several times before. The taller man took a drag off his cigarette before replying. 

“You never started being funny, so I don’t wanna hear any shit. Get in before I have to look at your fake face any longer.”

Jastes obliged, carefully grasping the partially broken handle of the van’s shotgun door as he pulled it open.

“What about this one bothers you?” He asked evenly as he settled in the cracked leather seat, fiddling in the door’s side compartment for a snack.

“For one thing, it’s ugly like all your faces, and for another thing, you look like ass with straight hair.”

Jastes laughed softly, casting a glance at the messy back of the van as the other lowblood started the car after a few tries and curses. 

“Is your lusus back yet? I don’t see him.”

Xineck grunted as they began moving, becoming part of the downtown traffic.

“Pops will be fine. He can use the exercise.”

“I’m sure he can.” Sighed the yellowblood. 

He almost never let his own lusus out in the open without cloaking tech, fearing for his safety. As far as he was aware, none of his enemies had the faintest idea what his guardian was, but you never knew. Guinea pigs weren’t the most common of caretakers, and unlike Xineck’s lusus, his father wasn’t much of a fighter.

They sat in silence for a bit as the maroon made his way through the crowded roads, and it started to rain lightly.

“So, what’d you find?”

Even though the car had been relieved of any imperial trackers or listening devices long ago and was regularly swept for any new bugs, Jastes instinctually hesitated.

“It’s true.” He said after a moment. “So far, Latrai is as good as her word.”

Xineck groaned.

“Fuck me, are we gonna end up helping a highblood after all? No one is gonna like this.”

Jastes raised his eyebrows.

“They don’t need to like it, as long as they cooperate. If she succeeds and the business does well, better than others that rely on helms, it will set an example.”

Xineck rolled his eyes. “Fucking incredible to me that you believe that. Highbloods hurt us because they want to and they can get away with it. Turning a profit is just a bonus.”

“I don’t have to be told that highbloods like hurting people, Xineck.” Said Jastes quietly.

An awkward silence stretched between the two men.

“You make me fuckin’ wonder sometimes.” The lower caste man said at last. “Still trying to act like they can be reasoned with.”

“They can. With the right leverage.”

The maroon shook his head, apparently giving up the argument.

Jastes was fine with that. 

He didn’t expect the resistance to agree with his beliefs. He knew many of them had lost far more than he had, suffered in ways he would never know.

Yet his detachment from some things let him look to the future and better protect them as only he could, though no one except the man beside him knew what his power truly was.

Hints of glowing green flashed in the psiionic’s eyes as he stared at the windshield wipers constantly beating back the rain. Unlike most trolls, his did not cast a steady, organic light.

Instead they shone with the flickering LED quality of a machine. 

[couldbebetterforsure]

Still haven’t been able to start chapter 10 of Engage yet 😔 Life just doesn’t want me playing this game. Well, screw you too life!

Anyways until I get the time to continue I can at least give you my thoughts from the chapters I did play!

The opening is so entertaining! It plays like a Saturday morning cartoon opening and that is NOT a complaint! While I have said many times male Alear is the one I’m more fond of I chose female Alear because whenever I do first runs/main runs of games that allow gender choice for the player I always go with the female option. I also named Alear after my real life name, which I typically only do once I do my main/true run of a game. But this time around I decided I’m gonna have my true run Alear stay named Alear. But my true run won’t be until all the DLC is released. Right now we’re talking about my first run!

Prologue: What is this music so unsettling for????? Seriously, the song that plays on this map is so creepy! The little cutscenes within the chapter itself were pretty, I especially liked the first engage moment with Marth! Straightforward map against creepy purple dragon guy.

Chapter 1: Clanne, Framme, and Vander: “Oh noble and wonderful Divine One, we’re so glad you’re awake!” Alear, dragon who just woke up: ???????? Alear has the appropriate response to sudden zombies, we run from those suckers! But no worry folks, I’ve got years of zombie ass kicking experience from a land called Ylisse, this won’t be any sweat! But then I learned it would be some sweat because Engage has a somewhat different way of handling battle stuff. It was a bit hard to get it started but it’s fun! And Vander was here to do his job and keep my low level self alive. And we get officially introduced to my man Mar Mar! The chapter ends with us meeting Lumera (MOM!!!!!!!!)

Chapter 2: What better way to get used to all the new mechanics than by fighting our dragon mom? When she engaged with Sigurd she hit like a TRUCK! Vander was hanging on by a thread after blocking attacks for me. Framme, sweetie, you’re adorable but you hit like a marshmallow! Clanne, my little dude, meanwhile was out here getting a dozen crits. It really is adorable how much Lumera wants to be with Alear again. I can’t imagine how it must feel like, waiting for 1000 years for your beloved child to wake up so you can talk and eat and spend time together again. I’m so weak to family stuff….

Chapter 3: We start the chapter with interest dream/flashback(?) of red Alear. Ooooh creepy grin there. MOTHER NOOOOOOOO!!!!!!! It’s too soon!!!!! I know I know people will say we’ve only had her for one chapter but like I said I’m super weak to family stuff. I also was plenty attached to Mikoto back in Fates too. Also it was Alear’s voice acting that really sold it. Like WOW that was some incredible work to sell me on Alear’s grief. I actually looked up male Alear’s version of this scene and that destroyed me! Getting a bit ahead of myself, first off battle! And we got three new friends in Etie, Boucheron, and ALFRED 😍😍😍😍 As I said in another post, I really did think Diamant would be my man but Alfred showed up and said “remember how much you love the earnest sweethearts”? Boucheron is sweet and was a decent tank, I really like the whole backup mechanic. Etie is out here testing my notorious luck with archer units but she’s cool so I’ll try my best with her! And Alfred my main man!!! I actually didn’t get to use him that much this map 😂 But I already fell in love with the bits of his personality he showcased. Anyways, hello there mysterious murderous hooded girl!

Chapter 4: The Somniel is a gorgeous place! I love that it’s so pretty and bright to look at but also not as annoyingly big to explore like the monastery was in 3H. Firene’s battle map music is so pretty I love just taking my time through this map as I listen to it. We get more pals in this newest chapter in the form of Celine, Chloe, and Louis. Celine is so good and she was terrifying when I engaged her with Celica. I love Pegasus units and Chloe was a great addition to that group, especially with her dodging. And Louis was SUCH a good tank, I love that armored units have the special gimmick of being immune to break! Also the Alfred-Sigurd combo was amazing, my man is just galloping across the map! We end the chapter getting our item and weapon shops, AND we our time rewind mechanic! Heck yeah! And we meet the mysterious little Veyle who saved our ass! I really love her swan look it’s cute!

Chapter 5: Gasp! A wild living Fire Emblem mother! With a name and face too!!! And we meet mystery evil lady Zephia! I really appreciate the change up to the way chests/locked doors work in this game. Anyone can open a chest without needing a key or ability and similarly if you can just break down locked doors. As someone who hated using keys because I consider them a waste of inventory slot, I love the change! And while I love the units with special lock picking abilities I’m glad this game made it so that you’re not forced to make/use one. We got ourselves a clothing shop and blacksmith to join us on the Somniel! A shame the outfits are only for the Somniel. Speaking of the Somniel I got to play around with the features in the ring chamber and the polishing mechanic is funny. The bond ring gacha is a fun little thing and I am glad it strictly only uses in game currency. Plus, SOMMIE!!!!!!!! Tiny adorable puppy looking baby!!!! That I can feed and pet and dress up!!!!! I named it Benji for this run but when I get to my main run I’ll stick with Sommie as the name.

Paralogue 1: FUCK YEAH!!! New villager unit!!! Listen I know villager units tend to be a pain in the ass to level up and use but I adore them to death! And not a single one of them has failed me yet! Jean is so adorable, a tiny little doctor in training who is ready to punch! I like that they make him ready and able to heal from the start so it’s not as bad to train him as it would typically be with his unit type. And bless, when I saw this map was a “keep the villagers safe” one I was already getting ready for the headache. But Jean and his dad did a good job keeping the villagers healed on my behalf, leaving me free to kick ass and take names. Also why did Firene abandon all the British people on this one island? 😂

Chapter 6: Yunaka is so funny! I love her energy, her voice mimicking thing, the way she’s blatantly hiding being a killer, her silly quotes and puns. And she’s a thief unit too! I really like the whole “thieves’ daggers have poison” thing. Pain in the ass to get hit by but really nice when dishing it out myself! Also we get Micaiah this time and holy shit does she provide a healing boon! Our very first fog of war map of the game and I didn’t make too many dumb mistakes! Heck yeah! Nothing much to say for this chapter, a straightforward map and funny story content. Ooh and we meet again Veyle! Why are you randomly here? Oh and after the map went back to the Somniel and got the Three Houses bracelet! Dimitri my gentle hearted baby boy, so good to see you, I missed you!!!!!🥹🥹🥹🥹 And Claude, hi there!!!😄 Oh and I guess you’re here too Edel 😒

Paralogue 2: Ahh here’s our latest Anna! And unlike the last game she actually gets to take part in supports! Interesting that they made her a little kiddo this time around. Also I looked up her growths, why the heck is she an axe user if her magic growth is that good???? Welp I mean she’s been doing pretty okay with her axe regardless for me since she’s actually been coming through on getting strength for level ups. But I had to restart this map a couple times because I couldn’t keep this girl alive. She takes hits like tissue paper…But I like how spunky she is!

Chapter 7: We hop on over into Brodia and Alear nearly gets shot in the head along the way. And we get to meet Alcryst! The way his whole apology is so completely at odds with the pretty cool way he’s introduced was hilarious! Also his retainers are so pretty!!! Alcryst is another bow user but he’s also a crit machine for me. Alcryst: “I’m sorry I am such a pathetic failure 😞 *massacres a dozen enemies* Why am I so useless?” Lapis is really good at dodging and pretty speedy too! Citrinne is so pretty looking and magic wise she’s fine but my Clanne is honestly more solid, but my gosh she can NOT take a hit! I mean yeah she’s a mage but even by mage standards my girl can’t be hit. Looks like we get to meet the circus crew for this battle! Hortensia seems interesting so far, kinda bratty from the looks of it. Goldmary’s personality was not what I expected like she seems soft spoken but she’s also sounding kinda rude too? Everything about Rosado is great from his pretty hair to his adorable wyvern to his utter confidence in his cuteness. And ooh Hortensia has an evil version of an Emblem? I wonder what-*sees that it’s Lucina* FREE MY DAUGHTER YOU CIRCUS FREAKS!!!!!! Luci, baby, don’t you worry mama’s gonna save you!!!!! Taking a peek at Lucina’s abilities and geez that shit’s terrifying. I was so careful with how my units were advancing because I did NOT wanna get hit by everybody and their mother with Lucina’s special ability. We didn’t get to free my baby girl in the end 😡😡😡😡 I’ll save you Lucina I swear!!!!!!

Chapter 8: Oh so Veyle is looking for a missing sibling huh? Okay I already can tell where that little plot point is going! We get to meet Diamant, a handsome lad for sure! Sorry Diamant I really was gonna make you my main beau but Alfred has stolen my heart! But since I’m saving Alfred for my main run I’ll still S support you for this run! You know assuming none of the other fellas catch my eye more. We also get to meet Diamant and Alcryst’s dad, Morion, who was definitely NOT what I was expecting. I do like that despite Alcryst being so self deprecating and all that it doesn’t look like it comes from a lack of love/parental favoritism. We also obtain our boy Roy along the way! And he’s got some nice goodies for us as an Emblem! I love how hard they’re leaning into the fire stuff. And geez this is the chapter of introductions huh, now we’re meeting Ivy and her squad. Ivy looks super pretty and super spiky too! I like how she rides her wyvern side saddle. And she’s got a red version of my son Leif, so you know I’m gonna kick her ass to save him! Kagetsu looks adorably out of place compared to how goth Ivy and Zelkov look but I love how cheerful he seems! Speaking of what an *interesting* gimmick Zelkov has going on. And shit here we go with another intro from Amber, one of Diamant’s retainers! What a….goof. Seriously he’s such a weird little goof from the introduction onwards. Diamant himself hits hard, and I do love me some swords. Gotta say of the three Kagetsu was the scariest. A promoted unit and that stupid crit level of his!!! But we managed to get my boy Leif back and I am sooo eager to use him I love Leif so much! And from the sneak peek I saw of his abilities he looks like fun! I really like how the ending scene shows Diamant is just as nervous as Alcryst but in a different way. But yeah, Morion is TOTALLY getting his ass killed. Also yeah, why can’t I become a dragon Intsys?!?!?!?!??!?!!!!!?!?!?!

Chapter 9: Yup what did I say about Morion? Well he might not be DEAD dead just yet but I have little hope for him. Also wow was NOT expecting Hyacinth to be a punchy dude. And WOW dick move making Ivy have to get herself killed to buy you time to escape…We get Diamant’s other retainer in this chapter in the form of Jade, and she looks and sounds super cool! And she also was stealing a bunch of experience from my squad until I could reach her and recruit her 😞 Kagetsu was once again the scariest fucker of this map but my boy Alfred crit his ass to oblivion! That’s my sweet flower prince!!! Nice of Alear to let Ivy and her squad escape with their lives. Just as it was nice of Ivy to tell us where to go!

And so that’s where I am, waiting for the chance to continue with chapter 10 onward. Haven’t been able to set aside the time to play, which I am so annoyed about because I am really having fun playing Engage and want to continue. All I’ve been able to do since finishing chapter 9 was getting the update and just working on some supports, leveling up, bond ranks…That stuff.

Anyways that’s all I have for now! Hopefully will get to update with my thoughts for the next chapters soon!

[monarchisms]

@gvinfrees​, i’m glad you asked. i’m not fully sure, actually! i’m still getting my thoughts together.

full stop: jeremy isn’t leaving achievement hunter. at least, not completely. if he were, he would’ve said so by now. he, like ify and fiona, are now part-time employees. jeremy being remote while everyone else is physically together has worked out pretty well so far. what’s currently unknown is how that will change once they’re back in the new office. besides flying in for big events, stuff like ready set show and his contributions to between the games are unclear.

with quarantine, jeremy and fiona becoming contract workers, and well, the ryan thing, AH seems to be going through a soft restructuring period right now. i, for one, am kinda excited, to be real with you. as successful as twitch streaming can be, and has been for people like jeremy, michael, matt, and alfredo, it’s also unstable. in contrast, a 9-to-5 like achievement hunter and rooster teeth is more consistent and reliable. i don’t see livestreaming full-time as an option for them unless it’s made as a last resort/backup plan.

in general, i have a tiny bit of fear because the future is scary and unpredictable, but i’m more optimistic than scared, because in the worst case scenario, they’d still be fine. alongside rt animation (mainly rwby, let’s be honest lol), achievement hunter is one of the most successful subdivisions at rooster teeth. i’m 99% sure if something bad does happen, they can bounce back stronger than they were :)

[ptergwen]

4 times peter loved you and 1 time he said it

warnings: angst, swearing, and flash being a dickwad (love him tho)

a/n: i wasn’t sure if i would ever finish this bc i started in march? and gave up but i really like the concept so i made myself get back into it and AHH i’m really happy with how it turned out! fingers crossed y’all like too ahaha. also this is unrelated but send me requests!

-

to say you and peter were each other’s missing halves would be an absolute understatement. there wasn’t a secret you didn’t share, an inside joke you didn’t have, a text or call left unanswered, or a second you weren’t on the other’s mind.

it had been like that since your first day of freshman year. you took the seat next to peter in first period spanish, and the rest was history.

peter knew you better than you knew yourself. as cheesy as it sounded, it was true. he could guess what you were going to order at a restaurant before you picked up the menu. if you had a bad day, he’d come over to your place with tissues and hugs, without you having to ask. he knew all the little things.

you? you were a peter parker encyclopedia. you watched all his favorite movies so he could rant to you about them, and you’d actually understand what he was saying. whenever he felt overwhelmed by his chaotic life, you found a way to calm him.

you two were soulmates in best friend form.

best friends, nothing more.

♡ 1.

you had an arm around peter’s neck as you picked at some fruit on his lunch tray. his head was resting comfortably against your cheek, whole body leaning on you. impromtu cuddle sessions weren’t unusual for the two of you. they worked in both of your favors. peter was your own personal heater, and you were just really comfortable to nap on, in his opinion.

“are you gonna eat all my grapes? i was looking forward to those,” peter whined, taking one out of your hand. “are you gonna keep using me as a pillow?” you challenged. he responded by moving his head to your shoulder and chewing. “then, yes. i am gonna eat all your grapes.”

“you know what two people who share food are?” ned chimed in from across the cafeteria table. already knowing what he was implying, you sighed. “what, ned?” he cupped his hand over his mouth like he was about to spill the world’s biggest secret. “a couple.”

it wouldn’t be a regular day without ned trying to play matchmaker for you and peter. the idea made peter scoff. “leave us alone, man. that doesn’t even make sense.” “yes it does!” ned nudged mj for backup. she only raised her hands in defense. it was always a hard pass from her on getting involved in these types of things, unless she found a reason to.

“really? how?” you grabbed peter’s milk and took a sip just for the hell of it. he chuckled at that, forgetting he was supposed to be annoyed with you. a bit of milk dripped down your chin in the process. “oops,” you grimaced at yourself and licked it away.

something about the whole thing made peter’s heart clench. it was so... you were so... cute. cute was definitely the word he was looking for. wait, what? that was new. peter had always thought you were pretty and all, but he’d never found himself endeared like this over such a little thing you did. or had he? no. nope. it was ned’s stupid theory messing with him. that was all.

“y/n, dude, everyone knows it’s a thing. like, why else would someone give up their whole lunch? it’s flirting,” ned interrupted peter’s sudden thoughts about your cuteness. the smug look on his face made you want to throw the tray at him.

before you even joined their friend group, ned was on a mission to set the two of you up. peter described you to him and mj as “the actual sweetest girl ever. she makes me laugh a lot. you guys gotta meet her.” mj obviously ‘tsked’ at him, but a light bulb went off in ned’s head. peter was crushing. he just didn’t know it yet.

part of how you and peter got so close was that ned and mj used to back out of group plans. you’d end up hanging out alone most of the time. of course, it was ned’s idea. a successful idea, yes, but neither of you understood the obsession. apparently it was a guy in the chair’s duty to be a good wingman, and you should leave it to him. whatever that meant.

“if i remember correctly, you and your mom went halfsies on a piece of cake at your birthday party last year. what are you trying to tell us, leeds?” mj asked with a smirk. you and peter looked at each other and burst into laughter, ned’s mouth hanging open. the girl could really get someone when she wanted to.

“shut up, you guys! that’s different!” “so is y/n stealing my food and you calling it sharing,” peter made a point of saying more to you than ned. despite his words, he pushed the tray over to you. it was basically yours, anyway.

you thanked him with a pat on his cheek and popped more grapes into your mouth. in that moment, peter decided he’d get you all the grapes in the world if he could. jeez, he seriously needed to reel it in.

ned was only going to keep going now. “see that? peter’s such a sweet boyfriend. isn’t he, y/n?” he cooed and clasped his hands under his chin. you didn’t have the chance to change the topic before flash appeared at your table. he’d probably overheard your conversation. “penis parker is somebody’s boyfriend? good one.”

feeling peter tense up next to you, you put a hand on his shoulder to let him know you were there. you’d been in too many of these situations. the way flash talked to peter pissed you off in ways you didn’t think were possible. he was fine with everybody else, so why did he choose to pick on him? peter was the least deserving person of having to put up with it from anyone.

“just ignore him, okay? he’ll get bored and leave. works every time,” you reminded peter. too uneasy to say anything, he reached back and put his hand on top of yours. he tried to focus on how nice your touch felt instead of the fact that he was about to be humiliated by flash yet again.

“peter could totally get a girlfriend! he has, like, tons of girls after him,” ned attempted to back peter up, pleased with himself. groaning, peter put his head down on the table. he couldn’t bare to watch his friend destroy what was left of his social life. “you’re really pushing this now. stop talking,” mj warned in a whisper yell to ned. that didn’t stop flash from hearing her.

“she’s right. even parker agrees! look at him,” he snickered at peter’s embarrassed state. you’d had more than enough of him at that point. screw the silence. it wasn’t going to cut it for this one. while wingman ned was still making up stories, you tapped peter’s shoulder to find out how he was doing. his head remained down.

“you okay? want me to say something?” “i’m used to it, and no. i don’t wanna make you deal with him.” peter hated putting his issues on other people, but you couldn’t stand another second of listening to the things flash was saying. you cut into an argument between him and ned about peter’s body count. like his was any higher.

“fuck off, flash!” he stopped in the middle of his sentence. “huh?” “i said fuck off. anyone would be so lucky to date peter. you’re probably salty at him all the time because it’ll never be you,” you finally snapped. his tough guy persona faltered for a few seconds at your words, ned and mj taking the opportunity to high five you for telling him off.

peter was glad his head was still down because his cheeks were pinker than he’d like to admit. did you really mean that? would you be lucky to date him, too?

“what are you, president of the parker protection squad? or are you two a thing?” flash quickly recovered. there he went trying to get the last word in. the embarrassment for peter if you denied it was exactly what he wanted, but you weren’t letting him have it.

“ask me again some other time.” you plastered on a shit-eating grin and waved goodbye. unsatisfied with your answer, flash huffed his way back to his own table. after he was gone, peter looked up at you with something you’d never seen before twinkling in his eyes.

“thank you, y/n. you really didn’t have to say all of that.” “oh, no. don’t thank me. i‘d do it for you anytime. i am president of the parker protection squad, after all.” your fake smile turned into a genuine one for him. peter couldn’t help but mirror it.

his was heart doing that thing again. he guessed it was because he loved you so much, but this love felt different somehow. it wasn’t the friend kind of love he’d had for you all those years.

it was the kind of love he saw in the rom coms you made him watch when you got to pick for movie night. cupid’s love was the official name for it. when he put two and two together, the realization smacked him straight in the face. ned was right.

peter was starting to fall in love with you, and there was no way he could stop.

♡ 2.

peter was a workaholic. patrolaholic to be exact, especially when he had a reason. he’d sometimes find himself in a cycle of getting home late and going out early for days on end. he’d gotten used to the sleep deprivation. his grumbling stomach from missing meals wasn’t too big of a deal either. not when he had a city to save.

it was also a good distraction from everything else going on in his life. man, did he need a distraction. after peter came to terms with the fact that he loved loved his best friend, he narrowed it down to two options; telling you about his feelings or taking them to his grave. since the city was so busy, he was thankful he could throw himself into patrolling and not decide just yet.

may would usually only allow peter to patrol on weekends. school existed, and he had to take breaks. peter really wanted to help out more, so he proposed an idea that could potentially let him up it to the full seven days. he had to make it home in one piece every night for a trial week. that would prove to may he could handle it.

ignoring his black eye on tuesday and limp on thursday, it worked out. peter was positive he could finish off the week just fine. may didn’t have the same optimism. she decided that so much as a scratch on friday and it was strike three. friday came, and peter had impressively managed to end the day, like he thought, just fine.

he did one last swing around the neighborhood he was in, then started heading back to queens to gloat to may. on his way, he remembered he had to text you goodnight. he was bound by a pinky swear to you that he would do it every time he finished patrolling.

peter being spider-man was something you figured out only a few months after he got his powers. he technically exposed himself, and you pieced everything together. it all happened when spider-man offered to walk you home from school one day.

the way he rubbed the back of his neck while asking was a nervous habit that was oddly familiar, and urged you to say yes. you also thought it was strange how even though he didn’t ask for your address, he somehow knew where he was taking you. then again, he was spider-man. it was his job to know new york city and the people living in it.

you came to the conclusion you were making things up until he was about to leave. he walked you to the door of your apartment building and said, “stay safe, squirt.” nobody called you that besides peter. he came up with it because he had recently grown a few inches taller and could finally give you hell for being the short one.

needless to say, peter didn’t take off like he was intending to. he realized his slip up as soon as the nickname came out of his mouth. you brought him upstairs and had a long afternoon of questioning, explanations, and making promises.

peter typed out a message telling you he was fine and to go to sleep. as he was about to hit send, he swung too low and smacked his head right into a traffic light. that was what he got for texting while swinging. he could imagine mj giving him one of her famous safety lectures already, but that wasn’t first on his list of worries. he had a throbbing head and may’s third strike to deal with.

crap, may couldn’t know about this. she’d ban him from patrolling probably forever. going home was out of the question, but peter was in desperate need of an ice pack. there was already a bump forming from where the light hit him. his next choice would be to go to happy, only he couldn’t do that because he‘d tell may.

peter’s hands worked faster than his brain, and he started swinging over to your apartment. the overthinking began soon after. nobody wants to deal with a surprise appearance from their possibly concussed friend at 2 a.m. besides, what would he say? he’d barely seen you all week. it wasn’t fair to you, but it was too late to turn back.

peter landed on the sidewalk with an “oof” and crawled up the wall of your building. when he reached your window, he knocked in the same rhythm that he always did. no answer. he knocked louder. no answer again.

seeing as he had no other option, peter had to let himself in. he pushed on your window to see if it was unlocked. thank god it slid up then, but he made a mental note to remind you about keeping it locked another time. he climbed through the window with as little noise as possible so your family wouldn’t hear.

after navigating in the dark, peter pulled off his mask by the side of your bed. he instantly melted at the sight of you. your face was squished into your pillow, hair sprawled everywhere. you’d must have fallen asleep waiting for his text because you were holding your phone. peter was sure he’d never seen something so adorable.

he let himself stand there and watch the peaceful rise and fall of your chest. the bump on his head was no longer a priority. peter was utterly and completely entranced with you. god, why was he acting like this? oh, right. he was secretly in love with you.

before peter could help himself, he brushed some hair that had fallen into your eyes away with his fingers. you squirmed in your sleep, peter pulling his hand back. he was such an idiot sometimes. your eyes fluttered open and landed on him.

“peter? ‘s that you?” you squinted to see in the darkness of your room. he moved closer. your legs dangled over the bed as you slowly sat up. “yeah, it’s me. sorry to wake you.” he went to scratch his head out of nerves, but stopped when he remembered it really freaking hurt right there.

“‘s okay. i was hoping you’d come over soon. missed you all week.” you frowned at the red and blue clad boy in front of you. except for school, you hadn’t seen peter the past few days. “lots of crime to fight lately?” “missed you more, and yeah. been kicking lots of asses.” the awkwardness peter was imaging faded away when he plopped down next to you on your bed.

“how’s your eye doing? and the limp?” you turned his head towards you by his chin. he exhaled in relief. “getting better, i think. now that we’re talking about injuries...” the sleepiness was knocked out of you. you all but leapt to your feet and turned on the lamp by your bed. peter had a feeling you’d slightly freak.

“we’ve been making small talk and you’re hurt? what happened, peter?” “i-i sort of, um, i was texting you and swung into a traffic light.” “oh my god, where?” he pointed at his forehead with a weak smile. surely enough, there was a big bump. you gasped. “please don’t be mad at me.” “i’m not mad at you. just feel bad it was kinda my fault. do you think you have a concussion?”

you weren’t sure what to do beyond the mostly useless first aid videos they played in gym class. being an avenger, peter had had his share of experience with wounds. whenever he came to you hurt, he talked you through how to help him. the most you’d ever dealt with was a few particularly deep cuts. this was not the same.

“i‘m not sure. you could try that finger thing?” he suggested. you crouched down in front of him. “good idea. let’s do that.” as you waved your index finger back and forth and peter’s eyes followed it seemingly well, his mind was elsewhere. he was thinking about crawling into bed with you and sleeping in your arms.

“well, you passed or whatever they say. i’m pretty sure you don’t have a concussion. you’ll heal fast because of... you know.” you stood up and mimicked the way he shoots his webs. peter chuckled quietly. your thumb ran lightly over his bump, making him wince. “how bad does it feel?” “on a scale from one to ten it’s, like, a five and a half.”

although not what you wanted to hear, it was manageable. you hoped so, at least. “i’m gonna go get some stuff. change into comfortable clothes.” “yes, doctor y/n.” peter saluted you. you were happy to see he still felt up to joking around. biting your lip to hold back a smile, you made your way to the kitchen.

peter searched through the spare clothes he’d left here over the years. there were so many, you had to give him a drawer. he changed into pajama pants and a t-shirt, then sat back down criss cross on your bed.

you came in shortly after with a water bottle, two advil, and an ice pack wrapped in a towel. “i was kidding about the whole doctor thing, you know.” “too bad.” you handed him the advil and water. “take these. they’ll help until your magic healing powers kick in.” peter took the pills while you pressed the ice pack to his bump. he took it from you when he was finished.

“is that any better?” “much better. i’m all good. i should probably go soon.” he mumbled, not meaning it but also not wanting to overstay his welcome. you’d already done so much for him. you stopped him from getting up by putting a hand on his chest.

“what? you already changed, and i’m not sending you home to get killed by may. just stay.” “are you sure? i don’t wanna bother you anymore. it was annoying for me to come here so late in the first place.”

a frown set on your face. “peter, don’t you remember my promise?” there was a beat of silence while he thought about it. “that you’d help out with spidey stuff?” “however and whenever i can. i don’t know what made you think differently just now, but nothing’s gonna change that. doesn’t matter if it’s the middle of the night or early in the morning. i’m always here.”

only you could reassure him just like that. peter was really lucky to have you. really, really lucky.

“right. you’re right. sorry for... whatever that was.” “you apologize too much.” you poked his chest to punctuate your statement and switched the light off. “sorry for that, too,” he teased, wanting a reaction from you. “peter benjamin parker, just get in the bed.” “yes, ma’am.” that was enough before you changed your mind and threw him out.

you rolled to lay on the other side of peter. still pressing the ice pack to his head, he laid down next to you. it didn’t take long for both of you to be settled under the covers. “try not to bang into the wall or something,” you joked and pulled your comforter up to your chin.

peter puffed some air out of his cheeks, tugging more of it back. “you can’t be mean and hog the blanket.” “it’s my bed, so i actually can. i’ll hog everything.”

to prove your point, you moved over to peter until there was no room between you. both of you knew it was an excuse to cuddle. he wasn’t mad about it at all. peter opened an arm for you. you curled into his side, letting him hold you close. his whole body relaxed as you hugged him against you. “goodnight, spidey.” “night, squirt.”

♡ 3.

“what does that cloud look like to you?” you pointed up at the sky. peter’s eyes darted around as he tried to find exactly which one you were talking about. there were a lot of them, in his defense. you made a big circle with your finger around the cloud in question.

“the really curvy one. right there.” “kinda looks like a tiger. can we keep walking now?” peter tugged your arm linked in his in an attempt to move you from the spot you’d randomly stopped in. he made a whiny noise when you didn’t budge.

“i think it looks more like a horse, and no. why are you in such a rush?” furrowing your brows at him, you tightened your grip on his arm. “because some people don’t like cloud watching, grandma.” “i only asked you about one! i’m just... trying to get the most out of today.”

with college around the corner, you and peter both had a lot to do and a little bit of time to get it done. your only hangouts had become some shared extracurriculars and weekly study group with your other friends. trying to binge watch your shows together on facetime hadn’t been easy, for one thing. you fumbled to keep your phone up more than you payed attention.

on a more serious note, being apart sucked majorly. it was going to be this times a million when you would inevitably have to split up in a few months. thinking about it for too long usually made you cry.

peter was struggling in other ways. his more than a friend feelings for you were only getting stronger. having all that love and not being able to give it to you was hurting like hell, and he had to just pack everything up and act normal during the rare moments you were together. you were both going through it.

this was the first sunday in what felt like forever that you and peter were both free. you decided that the nice weather called for a meetup at central park. so, there you were, arm in arm on your afternoon stroll.

“don’t say it like that, y/n. you’re making me sad.” peter let out a breath as you rested your head on his shoulder. “that was the point.” you started walking again, peter following next to you. he kicked at pebbles while you smiled up at him. that made him smile at his feet. you were getting really good at making him flustered.

“so, did you finish that pre calc packet?” peter asked to distract himself. you lifted your head off his shoulder with a groan. “peter, we’re not talking about school for once. let’s talk about literally anything else.” “like what?” you were about to make a suggestion, but something caught your attention.

you raced over to a swingset, dragging peter along with you before he could realize where you were taking him. you stopped in front of it and threw your hands up to present it to him. he let out a breathy laugh. “when was the last time you went on one of these?” you asked, taking peter’s arm again. peter shook his head. “way too long ago.”

with a smile, you walked him over and took a seat on one of the swings. peter sat on the one next to you. you spun around in a circle to see how much you could twist the chains, peter laughing. “y/n, what are you doing?” “having fun. you should try it sometime.” he backed up to get himself started and grabbed his own chains. “i do have fun. it’s just not in the ways you think.”

you untwisted yourself to watch peter. “so, how?” “well,” he started going higher, “i like learning about stuff, even the things we have to in school.” “everybody knows that. that’s the first thing i thought of.” you did know everything possible about him.

everything except his new feelings for you, but this wasn’t the time for him to blurt that out. he was still figuring out when or if he should.

“guess i’m not gonna say i like movies, either.” “singing?” you were swinging next to him, turning it into an unspoken competiton for who could get the highest. peter slowed down a bit since he’d had a head start. “i suck. the only person who’s allowed to hear me is you.”

“it’s possible to suck at something and still enjoy it.” the breeze blew your hair around, peter seeing it from the corner of his eye. he’d always loved how carefree you were around him. it rubbed off.

“remind me to force you to do karaoke one day.” “you’re so annoying.” that motivated you to kick off harder on the ground. peter huffed and tried to catch up to you. “don’t be mean to your only source of fun.” if that wasn’t true, he would’ve came up with a comeback.

the only time peter remembered to relax was when he was with you. it was usually because you reminded him. he skidded to a stop on the swing and looked up at you.

“why’d you let me win? was that too mean?” you looked over your shoulder. “nah, i just got tired.” “oh. we can do something else now. catch me?” “sure,” peter chuckled and got off the swing. he stood in front of you on the grass and waited for you to get lower. you clenched your teeth into a nervous smile.

“ready?” “ready.” swinging towards him, you jumped off and expected to land in his arms. you ended up completely on top of him instead.

the wind was knocked out of both of you, but peter had it worse because he broke your fall. your hands were on his shoulders and one of his was around your lower back. neither of you realized the position you were in. you were too busy trying to breathe again.

“god, that hurt.” “my bad,” peter mumbled. in any other circumstance, he wouldn’t be complaining about this. “i should’ve warned you or something,” you dismissed him.

you were still hovering over peter, your lips dangerously close to his. he could’ve sworn they almost touched. that was when you got off of him. he only forced out a laugh. nothing ever went his way. you offered him a hand, oblivious to his inner conflict. peter took it and pulled himself up, falling into step next to you as you headed to another path.

that could’ve been a chance to make some sort of move, and he blew it.

♡ 4.

it hadn’t been easy for peter to move on from that day. his mind kept replaying the split second you almost kissed on an endless loop, and all he could do was come up with what he should’ve done in the moment.

things were getting to a point where he had no clue how to act around you. being your friend was hard, but becoming your boyfriend would be that much harder. his stupid feelings put him in an awkward place, and he was afraid you were starting to realize. he couldn’t lose you altogether.

you asked peter to meet you for coffee after school. it was this small place in between your apartments you’d both been to once before. they had really good cookies and an overall cozy feeling you liked. peter wasn’t sure what this was all about.

were you going to confront him? did ned say something? maybe it was a mistake to confide in his most gossipy friend about how he felt.

with a headache from stress and a heavy backpack hanging off his shoulders, peter walked into the café. he spotted you at a table near the window. you’d already taken the liberty of ordering, two drinks and a chocolate chip cookie waiting there. you looked up from your phone when peter pulled a chair out.

“hi.” you gave him a small smile and put your phone down. “i already got everything.” peter shrugged off his backpack with a grin. he sat down facing you. “thanks. sorry i’m kinda late. i had to stop at my locker.” you usually met him there. come to think of it, why hadn’t you today? you pushed peter’s drink over to him. “you’re fine. i came here early to get us a table, anyway.” phew.

peter bent the straw to his iced macchiato and took a sip. it made him feel grown up, casually drinking coffee with you over a boring conversation. adult life must’ve sucked. “so, how was the rest of your day?” he asked to fill the silence. you only had two classes without him after lunch, so that was a dumb question. he’d never had so much trouble talking to you.

“eh. betty fell asleep on me during this cold war documentary we had to watch.” “didn’t she say american history is her favorite?” you broke off a piece of the cookie with a laugh. “not after that. what about your day?” the light from the window was shining directly on you, blocking out everything else from peter’s view. he wanted to tell you how beautiful you were so bad, but that would be creepy.

you took a bite of your cookie and raised an eyebrow. he was staring. “uh, nothing interesting. i’m gonna patrol a little bit later.” peter sipped his drink again. you clicked your tongue and let out a breath. “that’s all you do these days.” he knew you were catching on to how off he’d been. what was he supposed to say? it would’ve helped if he’d prepared a few excuses.

“just trying to help out while i’m still here.” that was a half truth. “yeah, but you should still take some time for yourself.” you ripped open your straw wrapper and blew it at peter. he caught it just before it hit his face. rolling your eyes, you put the straw into your drink. “i hate your reflexes sometimes.” he shrugged one of his shoulders casually. “jealousy is a disease.”

neither of you said anything for a few minutes. you stared out the window while peter finished the rest of the cookie. he could tell something was on your mind. whenever you were deep in your thoughts, you sort of zoned out like this.

he was too nervous to ask you what was wrong because of the conversation you just had. it sounded like you had already considered he was being distant before today. his feelings aside, he needed to reassure you. that was more important.

“y/n?” you turned your head to look at him. “yeah?” peter’s gaze shifted from you to his thumbs twiddling in his lap. “i know we’ve both been really... busy lately, but i’m still here. don’t forget that.” a hint of a smile played on your lips. you would’ve hugged him if you could reach. “thank you, peter. i kinda needed to hear that.” he nudged your leg under the table. “of course. hey, you wanna come with me tonight?”

a couple of hours later, you were in peter’s arms on a rooftop that was much higher up than it looked. he insisted on taking you for a swing so you could get the full experience. he’d been trying to get you to do this for the longest time, so he wondered what made you agree today. you wanted to find out what was so enjoyable about it.

“i trust you, but you’re not gonna drop me, right?” your legs were around his waist, and he had one hand supporting you by your back. that wasn’t terrifying at all. you grabbed peter’s shoulders, the idea of it making you nervous. he wrapped his arm tighter around you.

“oh my god, no. i can always web you back up.” “peter! that’s not funny.” even behind the mask, you could tell he was smirking. “you’re always safe with me, squirt. don’t worry.” you brought your arms up to loop around his neck.

“i feel better now.” “good. i’m gonna jump when we get to the edge, okay?“ your whole body stiffened up. peter could sense it. as excited as he was to share this with you, he didn’t want to make you feel pressured. “or we don’t have to do it.” his voice was quiet. you tried to relax in his hold. “i’m just gonna close my eyes. i think that’ll help.” “we’re about to find out.”

peter started walking towards the edge of the building with you holding on even tighter to him, your eyes squeezed shut. he kept finding himself in situations where he was close to you in the ways he’d been wishing for, but never for the same reasons. it was bittersweet.

he bit down on his lip and aimed his free hand at a building. you squealed when he leaned back. “i’m jumping now,” he prepared you, and before you could respond, you were in the air. you hid your face in peter’s chest the second you felt yourself pretty much flying.

“what the fuck, you like this?” you had to yell so he could hear you. peter shot another web to keep swinging. “it’s really not that bad! try looking up!” he shouted back, clearly amused.

grip tightening around his neck, you slowly pulled your face away from him. he kept you close as he swung. you somehow convinced yourself you weren’t going to die by looking at something besides peter. your eyes landed on the sky behind his head.

the sun was almost completely set, deep pink and orange merging together against the glowing lights of the city. you were finally understanding why he liked this so much. it was beautiful.

peter peeked at you for a second to check on you. he swore his heart was going to explode out of his chest. the look of adoration on your face, it was even better than the view. it was the view. the little moments where peter got to see you this way made him realize how in love with you he really was.

“this is... wow. i get it now,” you laughed in disbelief, watching as the city whirled past you. peter smiled so big it hurt. “pretty awesome, huh?” one of your hands slid back down to his shoulder. “take me with you more often.”

♡ 5.

peter licked his lips out of habit as he held the door open for may, who was following behind him with a look of pride. he was about to graduate high school. the ceremony was being held in a really nice stadium-like place. trying to find it added minutes on to the parker tradition of being late to everything important.

peter wasn’t as concerned with his tardiness as he was with finding you.

while he tossed and turned in bed the night before, he went over his whole school year in his head. that meant little things and big things. he was starting to drift off until he remembered a conversation with ned a few weeks back. they decided on a deadline for peter to tell you about his feelings, and it was before graduation.

they chose it because if peter got rejected, he’d be over it by the time college started. that was the goal.

it wasn’t that peter had changed his mind. it was that he completely forgot. he didn’t have a solid plan for what he should do. these things needed to be decided way in advance. he ended up pulling something together last minute because it was you. plus, this extra pressure gave him the push to go through with it. somewhere between steps seven and eight, he passed out.

may rushed him to get ready because he’d slept past his alarm. the whole morning was a mess, and he had at most fifteen minutes to confess his love to you by the time he got there.

“you should go make sure you’re marked here. i’ll see you after. love you.” may pressed a kiss to his cheek and half-jogged to the auditorium for a seat. he squeezed her arm and headed off to check in. your whole grade was already lined up along the walls for what looked like miles. the deal was to tell you before graduation. he still had about ten minutes.

peter walked past hundreds of students with his heartbeat thumping in his ears. everyone was in alphabetical order, so it didn’t take too long to find you. relief washed over you when you saw peter. you were worried he wouldn’t show up at all. his cap was in his hand, hair getting tangled from running his fingers through it. he looked at you with pleading eyes.

“finally, i’ve been trying to call you all morning. where were you?” your tone was dripping with concern. “i overslept. there’s something i gotta tell you, y/n.” he gulped. you smiled in a way that was kind of pitying. “we’re about to start going inside. i- you have to wait, pete. go get lined up.”

this wasn’t how it was going to end. not again.

he looked around to see who was watching, then he grabbed your wrist. “peter, what are you-“ “just come with me really quick.” despite yourself, you let him lead you down the hallway. you dodged a couple of teachers having a conversation and went into a bathroom that was vacant by some chance. he let go of you after the door shut. you stood behind it while he walked over to a sink.

it was making you anxious to not be out there. you could be late. peter was the same way when it came to school, so you knew this had to be pretty serious. you gave up the battle with yourself and made your way over to him. he was looking at himself in the mirror, trying to get a stray curl back in place.

“let me help.” you stood next to him. he turned to face you, that same look of urgency still in his eyes. you used two fingers to brush through his hair. there was so much gel that it was wet enough to mess with. you smiled a bit and took your hand out of his hair. his hand was gripping the sink.

“you look good, pete. you smell good, too.” “so do you.” his voice was lower than usual. you flattened out the material of your blue gown. “thanks. so, talk to me. what’s up?”

the question was so simple, but way too many answers were running through peter’s brain. he wasn’t even sure he’d have enough time to explain everything now. this was why he needed a written out and carefully crafted plan.

but, like he said to himself last night, this was you. his best friend in the entire world and any other that might exist. the person who’s been there for his most embarrassing moments, and who’s been responsible for some of his best ones. if he couldn’t finally say the three words he’d said to you so many times before, what was the point?

his fingers drummed a steady rhythm while he mustered up the last remaining bit of courage in him. you watched him expectantly, waiting for him to say something. “just, um...” he was stalling. he pulled his hand off the sink. “i... love you.” peter only glanced at you for a second, too afraid to see your reaction. “i love you, too. is everything okay?” his heart sank. you thought he meant it in the friend way.

that was what he got for being so terrible with words.

“no, y/n. not like that.” he blurted. you were lost. peter pressed his back against the wall and sat down. confused and equally worried, you sat next to him on the floor. “then what do you mean? you’re scaring me.” he checked the watch may made him wear to see how much time was left before graduation. four minutes. he really should’ve woken up on time.

“we have to get back in line soon. i don’t wanna miss-“ “i love you, y/n. i’m in love with you.” a weight that had been on peter’s chest for months was lifted just by saying it. you squinted your eyes at him, but said nothing.

“i’ve been trying to tell you for a while, and it’s okay if you don’t feel the same. i just had to say it.” “fuck, are you serious?” you sounded what peter could only describe as disappointed. yeah, it was unrequited. here came a summer of crying. “i was gonna tell you first.”

peter’s breath hitched in his throat, and he swore you could hear it. he was so sleep deprived that it felt like he was hallucinating. you shook your head as heat came to your cheeks.

“how long have you...” peter trailed off, an eye crinkling smile interrupting him. “that day we went for coffee. something clicked, so i thought for a while and figured it out. i think i’ve loved you for a really long time.”

you inched closer to peter, just barely resting your head on his shoulder. for once, you felt like the shy one. he put his hand on top of yours. his thumb traced over each of your fingers. “i’d ask you out, but you know. we don’t really have time.”

“peter, it won’t take that long.” you giggled. he squeezed your hand in his. “hm. y/n, would you wanna go out with me after this?” you thought about teasing him for it, but he was right. you had to go. that was the friend still in you. “i’d love to go out with you, peter.”

with that, you both jumped to your feet and ran out of the bathroom. you were still holding hands, and a few classmates made faces when you rushed past them to get to your spots. you exchanged one last smile with peter before lining up.

the person in front of you said everybody was looking for you two. honestly, you didn’t care all that much. you were too excited for your date later. peter already knew he’d be checking his watch throughout the whole ceremony.

it was a best friend and soulmate thing.