#gotta get ready for work now oof

[quietlyblooms]

good morning!! bc of my lil hc blurb last night, i’m still thinking about how controlled chiyo is physically despite touch being one of her love languages. as friends, she gets more comfortable linking your arms/holding hands and doing something like laying her head on your shoulder, but it’s still toned down. she doesn’t touch you as much as she wants, doesn’t initiate hugs often, etc. bc she’s embarrassed to want these things so much and doesn’t want to come off as clingy. but the more comfortable you are with her, the more chiyo will be physically affectionate without overthinking it. particularly if you’re dating, chiyo will bounce back and forth between control and throwing caution to the wind :’ ) she wants to be touching you always ( unless she’s working bc it would distract her asdf ), yet she doesn’t want to be too much. she almost always wants any and all attention and affection you’re willing to give, but she doesn’t want to be seen wanting it so much.

chiyo’s got a certain amount of shame with her desire, you could say, and it takes some work getting past it.

[darkficsyouneveraskedfor]

You Don't Gotta Work 2

Warnings: unsolicited nudes, light stalking, allusions to coercive sexual acts.

I would appreciate a little feedback on this tiny whim of mine! Thanks to any all and hope you enjoy.

Your phone chimes, jarring you from a deep sleep. You scramble to grab it. Your heart picks up. Is it Mr. Scarmer? You must have overslept your alarm. 

Your panic dissipates as you realise it’s still early. The room is dim and your vision fuzzy with the dregs of sleep. You groan and squint at the screen. A WhatsApp message from some random number. Another spam bot. 

You go to tap block but instead miss and hit the notification itself. The app loads and opens the conversation. You’re met with an unexpected and unwelcome image. A man’s reflection from neck down, naked, posing, erect! 

You yipe and toss the phone away from you. Oof! What the hell is that? Do guys really pull that stuff now? Sending unsolicited nudes to randos.  

You cringe and shudder in repulsion. You reach for your phone, covering the photo with your hand as you open tap the settings button in the top corner. Below, another message pops up. 

‘Like what you see buttercup?’ 

You hesitate. Buttercup? Only one person ever calls you that... You shift your hand so you can only see the top half of the picture. The arms, the freckles, the chest; you’re pretty sure it’s him. You should’ve figured that out sooner. 

You bring the menu up again and block. You haven’t seen him since that day he threatened you. That’s what he did. His promises can only be that. 

He sent more flowers too but you refused the delivery. The chocolate-dipped berries were also sent back. And the final gift you ignored completely until it disappeared from the hallway. 

You lay back down. Figures. You finally get into a good sleep and the rude awakening has you restless. You close your eyes and fight for another hour before your alarm goes off. You don’t get even half of that. 

You get up and get dressed. You ready yourself with a mug of coffee steaming beneath the mirror. You sip throughout your morning routine. You finish the cup and wait a couple minutes before brushing your teeth. As you put on lip gloss, you check the time. You should get going. 

You step into a pair of low beige heels and rush to the door with your handbag swing. You squeak as you walk straight into a wall outside. You stagger back as Lloyd smirks down at you. He scrunches his nose and clucks. 

“Morning, buttercup,” he raises his arm above you to grip the door frame, “you miss me?” 

You back up and grab the door. You don’t get a chance to shut it before he has his other hand on the wood. He holds it open as he looms over you. 

“Now, let’s not spoil the day before it’s begun,” he purrs. “You didn’t answer my message so I just had to make sure you’re okay. I worry about you, baby.” 

“No, you need to go. You can’t be here.��� You push on the door but he’s too strong. “I mean it, Mr. Hansen--” 

“How many times do I gotta correct you, buttercup? It’s almost like you’re begging for a spanking,” he growls and leans it. 

“Ugh, Lloyd,” you spit out his name, “I mean it. I need to get to work so please, not right now--” 

“Again, I don’t like repeating myself. Buttercup, I’m gonna say it slowly this time. You don’t gotta work. Well, you’ll be doing a different type of work,” he winks. 

He lets go of the door and tries to step inside. You shove his chest and he grabs your wrists with a snicker. He clings to you and pulls you off-balance. 

“Oh, kitty’s got claws,” He holds your hands against his chest. “Mmm, you know, that feels exactly how I imagined. Your hands on my chest, warm, soft... but you were straddling me in my mind--” 

“Get off!” You tug your arms but can’t get free. “Lloyd, please--” 

He narrows his eyes and shakes his head. He pushes your hands back behind you and brings them together. He traps you close to him and walks you into the apartment. He kicks the door shut as he enters and he exhales deeply. 

“I tried being nice, buttercup. I don’t do that. I usually just shove my hand down the hottest girls’ pants and she’s down,” he tisks. “You want me to work for it. I worked. Now you gotta pay.” 

You wriggle in his grasp and whimper. You stare up into his eyes and gulp. You try to twist free of him but it’s useless. You’re not going to make it to work. 

[sluttywonwoo]

Pt2 of my skz thots coz oof I've been waiting for someone to ask. This is a soft thot but a thot none the less. Soft lazy( and very handsy) morning sex with Chan that's filled with giggles and heart eyes and cute ruffled curly bed head🥺

-🐈‍⬛

“it’s too early…” chris moans, rolling away from you.

it is early. but you want him.

you try again, rolling him onto his back and snuggling up to him. he grumbles but doesn’t complain, thinking you’re going to let him sleep. you lay yourself across him, positioning yourself in a way that you can slot his thigh between your own.

the pressure alone makes you sigh in relief. you’d woken up aching and had been trying to wake your sleeping rock of a boyfriend for the better part of twenty minutes.

you’re not very subtle about it, not trying to be, as you grind down on his thigh. chris catches on right away, heaving a sigh.

“baby…”

“please,” you whine. “please, i need you.”

“do you?”

“yes, fuck, please.”

he’s fully awake now, you can feel him hard and twitching against your thigh. you know he’s only teasing you by pretending to be drifting in and out of sleep but it frustrates you nonetheless.

“chris!”

he cracks one eye open and grins cheekily before pouncing on you. you scream as he flips you over and climbs on top of you, laughing through the kisses he plants all over your face.

he’s already naked (because that’s how he always sleeps, although when is he not naked when he’s home—) and is quick to pull your panties to the side so that he can tease you some more with his cock.

“not gonna fuck you just yet,” he mumbles, shushing you when you whimper in protest. “gotta stretch you out first.”

“no, i’m so wet already. you’ll slide right in,” you assure him.

“you sure?”

“mhm.”

he pretends to think about it as he jerks himself off, smirking at the way you’re practically tuning out everything he’s saying and just staring at his dick. “you know, normally i’d still finger you and make you wait for it just for being a brat and waking me up but i’m feeling nice this morning.” he brings a hand to your chin and forces you to look up at him. “ready, baby?”

“god, yes, put it in already.”

“so needy,” chris muses to himself, chuckling. he’s met with practically no resistance as he pushes into you. “jesus christ, you are soaked. what’s got my baby so worked up this morning? hm?” he asks between kisses to your neck.

it isn’t until you feel him nip at the spot he’d just kissed that you realize he’s expecting an answer. “ah! uh, i don’t… i don’t know,” you mumble. “just woke up needing you.”

“yeah? wasn’t a dream?”

it’s hard to think straight with the way your boyfriend’s rolling his hips into yours but you try to string together a sentence anyway. “don’t think so… i don’t remember a dream.”

“s’okay, baby. you don’t need a reason. i was just curious.”

“oh… ok.”

chris laughs and strokes your hair fondly. “you’re so cute, baby. love when you get like this for me. now let’s make you cum so we can get back to sleep.”

[shikai-the-storyteller]

People talk a lot about how Fit didn't want a kid when the Egg event happened, but I'm watching his Egg Event Day stream for the first time and picking up a few interesting things that both confirm and contradict what a lot of people say about Fit's perspective of the Egg event, So here are some notes from his VOD:

Fit immediately went over to Ramon when he saw him and cooed at his cute little mustache.

Fit repeatedly said to himself "I'm not a dad I'm not a dad I'm not a dad" while the informational videos were playing. HOWEVER--

When Ramon flashes the "Egg" sign repeatedly to them, Fit says he has eggs at his base and tells Ramon to wait with Spreen. Ramon chases after him, and Fit insists that he stays with Spreen, saying: "I will be right back, Ramon. Don't worry, I will return. I promise." ~ 1h 17m

Moments later when he's on his own, Fit says "Spreen better keep that Egg alive. I'm not emotionally attached to the Egg with the mustache, ok? I'm not emotionally attached." (Mirroring the things he often says these days about not having separation anxiety. Which is a lie). ~1h 18m

Fit says even though Ramon has a mustache, he doesn't know if Ramon is a boy, girl, or enby. (This isn't really relevant lore-wise, but I thought that was sweet). ~1h 20m

Foolish and Vegetta introduce Leonarda to Ramon, and Vegetta says "Look look, it's a friend, it's a friend! 😊" and then two seconds later says "Now fight to the death! 😊" ~1h 25m

(The QSMP admins also make a whoopsies here and call Fit "Feet" in chat LMAO)

Despite joking that he's going to build Ramon a dog house near his place, when Spreen asks if they should build a simple house or something nicer for Ramon, Fit says, "Well he is our kid, so he deserves only the best, right? Maybe we should make a big mansion." ~1h 31m

Ramon makes a beeline to Fit's starter house (which the admins poked fun at) and excitedly jumps on the bed

Spreen accidentally hits Ramon (again) and Ramon runs off, and Spreen apologizes while he and Fit chase him down. Fit says "He didn't mean to do that, he loves you very much!" ~1h 36m

Fit gifts Ramon a seashell. ~1h 42m

Fit jokes that there's no doubt he's the father because Ramon looks just like him -- bald as an egg

They put Ramon to bed, but Spreen and Fit introduce Roier, Jaiden, and Bobby to Ramon while he's asleep. ~2h 10m

Spreen says he left food for Ramon in case he gets hungry at night. They get worried about Ramon because he's been sleeping for a long time and check to make sure he's still breathing. ~ 2h 14m

Spreen says they'll be a really good team, and Fit says, "We will be very good parents together, I can feel it." (oof) ~ 2h 15m

Fit and Spreen say goodbye to each other, and Fit says "Being a father is not easy, that's why I've put off fatherhood for so long, I don't know if I'm ready." He says it doesn't seem so bad, but Ramon's sleeping a lot and he's kinda lazy, so he doesn't know how he feels about this child, but "We'll make it work." Right after he says this, he suddenly finds Ramon climbing up the hill towards him, and they go fishing together. ~2h 16m

Fit calls Ramon "Mi huevito." ~2h 19m

"I dunno how I got roped into this fatherhood thing" he says while waiting for Ramon to finish using the bathroom. Then he teaches Ramon how to cook the fish they caught (classic Dad behavior) ~2h 21m

Spreen tells Fit he's going out and to take care of Ramon. Fit teases him and says it's a shared responsibility, and Spreen says he has to go to work. ~2h 26m

IMAGES THAT AGED VERY VERY BADLY

The subtitles don't show it, but Spreen is saying "Don't worry, Ramon. You'll see me tomorrow." Fit says he'll teach Ramon how to grow crops, and Spreen says, "That's right Ramon, I want to hear all about how to grow crops when I get back."

Fit tells Ramon "You are my huevito" and sings him a lullaby. 2h 30m

"Spreen going out for cigarettes my ass! I'm not gonna see him for months now. See - someone's gotta step up and be a parent, and be there, and take the responsibility! That's me. That's me. It's weird though, I mean, I'm not used to this whole "fatherhood" thing, keeping a living thing alive. It's weird." ~ 2h 31m

Fit says he thinks he and Spreen will be a good parenting pair if Spreen comes back. But he's glad the child is doing well right now. ~ 2h 36m

Not related to Fit and Ramon, but these are some other funny moments:

Fit gets kicked for "flying" (he was jumping off a tall tower, but manages to clutch it) ~ 2h 43m

Fit meets JuanaFlippa! ~3h 12m

Slimecicle gives JuanaFlippa a landmine. ~ 3h 21m

[katethetank]

Rating: 18+, minors gtfo Chapter Summary: Third date time! Eddie takes Steve out, they trauma dump and learn more about each other CW: Discussions of shitty parents, overdose/parent death, child abuse, parental neglect, alcoholism, cheating, coming out, slutty pasts - tell me if missed anything! Tags: Alternate Universe - modern setting, Rock Star Eddie, Counselor Steve, Eddie is gay, Steve is bi, slow burn, eventual smut Word Count:2,705

Chapter 6<<Masterlist>>Chapter 8

“You surprise me, Edward Munson.”

“How’s that, Chrissycakes?”

“Two dates with this guy and you didn’t even get in his pants. Your physical restraint amazes me.”

He flips her off via FaceTime. “I am capable of keeping my hands to myself, thank you”

“Your track record would prove otherwise.”

“Fair.”

It’s been about a week since date number two and he’s currently getting ready for number three as he catches up with his best friend. 

“It’s not like that though. This isn’t about a quick fuck for me. Or him either! I don’t know his whole story yet, but I get the vibe that he’s been let down a lot in the past. So, he’s being cautious. I totally get that, and I’m not gonna push for anything and risk hurting him.”

“That’s really sweet, babe. I have to ask though…what’s the end game here? Say you guys do get closer and you end up sleeping together. You don’t want to hurt him, but eventually your break is gonna be over and it’s back to work. Then what?”

Isn’t that the million dollar question? Eddie would be a big fat liar if said he hasn’t thought about it. It’s his biggest worry, actually. What happens when he has to go back to L.A.? Back to the studio, or on the road again? 

“I’m not sure…this is all pretty new still, you know? I don’t think I need to have those answers just yet, but the questions have definitely been on my mind. It’s not like I’m never in Indy - I come back to see Wayne when I’m able. I can make an effort to be here more if that’s something Steve would want.”

“Look at you, making grown up decisions!”

“Fuck off!”

“I’m serious! This is big, Ed. It sounds like - dare I say - you’re willing to commit to this guy.”

“Maybe I am, we’ll just have to wait and see! Now let me go so I can finish primping, I gotta leave soon.”

“Where are you taking him?”

“Well, we joked about how the third date is where you trauma dump, so I reserved a smash room for us. We’re gonna break shit and spill our guts. And if he still wants to stick around after learning what a broken man I am, then I’m gonna take him to a food truck festival.”

“That sounds super fun! He’s gonna love it!”

“I sure as hell hope so. Alright, I gotta go, love you!”

“Love you too! Wrap it before you tap it!”

Eddie cackles as he hangs up and gives himself a final check in the mirror. He told Steve it would be casual, so he’s got on some ripped black jeans, a studded belt, super soft faded Metallic shirt, an open red flannel, and his shit kicker boots. His hair is down and he used a little product to tame it. He nods in the mirror and gives himself the finger guns before he steps out of his room at Wayne’s house.

He makes his way out to the black SUV in the driveway. He figured it would be a good idea to temporarily lease something since he’s gonna be in town for a few months. Better than stealing Wayne’s truck all the time. He hops in, turns on some music and heads over to Steve’s.

When he arrives, he barely finishes knocking on the door before it flies open and his sunshine boy is standing on the other side with a big smile. “Hey Eds!”

Eddie’s gonna die, he looks so cute. Light wash jeans that are leaving very little to the imagination, a buttery yellow sweater, and worn black and white Chucks. “Hey sweetheart, you look adorable. C’mere.”

He pulls Steve in by the waist, tilts his chin up with a ringed finger and gives him a slow and gentle kiss. God, he’s missed those lips. 

Steve hums and runs his hands up Eddie’s arms. He breaks the kiss and lightly pushes Eddie back. “Oof, ok enough of that or we’re never gonna leave. C’mon, let’s go!” He locks up and they head to the car. Eddie opens the passenger door and bows. Steve fakes a courtesy and climbs in, both of them giggling like children. 

Eddie hops in and takes a minute to pair Steve’s phone with the car’s stereo. “Alright sweetheart, you’re the DJ tonight. Do your worst.”

“You’re gonna regret that,” Steve laughs. He taps around on his phone for a bit and then music starts to pour out of the speakers.

It takes Eddie all of 3 seconds to recognize what he’s hearing. “Is this Tears for fucking Fears?”

Steve cracks up and says, “I told you you’d regret it! You said I get to pick, so you only have yourself to blame!”

He’s absolutely right. Whatever playlist he’s picked is actually really fun, though. A lot of 80’s pop and new wave. They both know every song and sing along like it’s Car Karaoke, hands held over the center console.

“So, where are you taking me on this mystery date?”

Eddie grins and replies, “Just you wait, we’re almost there.” A few minutes later they pull up to a nondescript building. Eddie opens Steve’s door and leads him by the hand inside.

As soon as Steve registers where they are, his face lights up. “Oh my god, is this a smash room? I’ve always wanted to do this!”

“That it is, sweetheart. I pulled a few strings and got us the whole place to ourselves. Come on, let’s gear up.” Eddie greets the guy who’s running the place - turns out it’s Gareth’s cousin and he was happy to do him the favor. For a price of course. 

He leads them back to a concrete room and gives them the protective gear to slip on. They’re baggy jumpsuits, a white head sock thing that covers their hair and necks, work gloves, and heavy duty plastic shield to cover their faces. They look like idiots but it’s worth it to hear Steve’s laugh. The guy gives them the basic safety rundown. Eddie hands over his phone and has him take a picture for them before he leaves them to it.

“Alright Stevie, it’s trauma time! We’re gonna take turns dumping all that baggage, and then smash the shit out of something. They got a whole selection of tools over here for…well…smashing things. So pick your poison and let’s get started!”

He has no right looking as cute as he does in all this ridiculous gear. Steve peruses the options and hesitates before he selects a baseball bat. Not just any bat though. It’s a fucking nail bat and Eddie may have made a mistake choosing this activity because he’s definitely going to be pitching a tent in this atrocious jumpsuit as he watches Steve twirl the damn thing around.

He chooses a (much less cool) metal pipe and they step over the plastic bins filled with all kinds of glass items. Plates, bowls, mugs, vases, you name it. Eddie decides to break the ice as he grabs a vase from the pile and sets it in a metal filing cabinet in the middle of the room. He gestures to Steve to step back, then looks him in the eye and says, “I didn’t graduate from high school until I was 20.”

The vase explodes when he swings at it with the pipe. “Holy shit. That was fun!” He’s scared to look over at Steve, afraid that there will be a look of disgust and disappointment on his face. He forces himself to turn around and is met with kind eyes and a small smile.

Steve motions him aside and grabs a pint glass, setting it in the same spot. He looks at Eddie and says, “I’m dyslexic.” The nail bat decimates the glass. Eddie could cry.

He takes his turn placing a serving bowl upside down on the floor. “I grew up dirt poor in a trailer park.” Smash

Steve selects a coffee mug with geese on it. “I grew up as a trust fund kid, but I’d have given that all up for parents who actually loved me.” He tosses the mug in the air and swings. Smash

Eddie grabs a mug with a generic flower print. “I dealt drugs in high school to help Wayne pay the bills.” He launches the mug at the wall. Smash

Steve finds a dinner plate. “My parents left me alone for weeks at a time starting when I was 13. They’d leave me money to order pizza and pay the utilities, but never even called to check on me when they were gone.” He throws the plate on the floor. Smash

Eddie takes a wine glass and sets it on the filing cabinet. “My mom was an addict. She overdosed when I was 6.” Smash

Steve sets up another vase. “My mom will deny it till the day she dies, but she’s an alcoholic.” Smash

Eddie gets a teacup. “My dad is in prison for armed robbery, and like, 10 other charges that I don’t even remember anymore. Haven’t seen him since I was 12 when they took him away.” He lets the cup fall from his finger. Smash

Steve finds a soup bowl, sets it on the floor. “My dad has been having affairs for years. My mom would travel with him for business trips and shit to try to keep him from cheating but it never stopped him.” Smash

Eddie puts several shot glasses on the cabinet. “My dad caught me kissing another boy in the neighborhood before he got locked up. Beat me with his belt. Shaved my head. Said he wasn’t gonna have a fag for a son. I ran away and went straight to Wayne. Never looked back. That was my first kiss” SMASH

Steve sets up a serving dish. “When Will came out to his parents, they were so supportive. Like an idiot I thought my parents might be some fraction of that. I told them I was bi. My mom just ignored what I said and offered to set me up with a girl from the country club. My dad was furious. He gave me an ultimatum: take back what I said and live a ‘normal’ life, or get out of his house. I packed up that day and moved in with Joyce and Hop.” SMASH

Eddie grabs a mug from a truck stop diner or something. He hesitates for a moment before looking at Steve. “I’m gonna turn 30 this year and I’ve never been in a serious relationship. And I’ve never been in love.” He launches the mug at the floor. Smash

Steve hesitates as well before picking up a glass. “I look for love in everyone I sleep with and never find it.” He throws it at the wall. Smash

Eddie sets up a pint glass. “I’ve slept with more people than I can count and I don’t even know most of their names.” Smash

Steve finds another vase. “I’ve been a slut too.” Smash

They both laugh at that one. And suddenly the air seems lighter. They take turns just breaking stuff for fun. Lobbing things at each other and swingIng their weapons of choice. Steve making contact way more than Eddie. Fucking jocks.

Steve sets up an old lady candy dish on the cabinet and is quiet for a moment. He looks at Eddie. “I really like you. And I’m scared of getting hurt. Nobody ever chooses me, not for more than a night. I’ve been so happy this last month, getting to know you and connecting with you. But I’m afraid there’s an expiration date on whatever this is. I don’t know what your intentions are or where this could go. But I want to find out. I want to try.” Smash

Eddie has to fight back tears as he picks out a pitcher. “I really like you. More than I ever could have anticipated. It scares me too, you know? This feels like it could be something really big. I don’t know what the future holds either. My break ends in a few months, but I want to spend every moment I can with you. And whatever happens next, I want you to know that I’m in. I’m all in. I want to do whatever I can to make this work. If you’ll let me.” Smash

Steve grabs a glass. “Of course I’ll let you. But if it’s ok, I don’t still don’t want to rush anything.” Smash

Eddie takes a plate. “We’ll go as slow as you need honey.” Smash

They stare at each other and the tension in the air is palpable. Like magnets, they move towards each other, their weapons clattering to the floor, pulling off the shields on their faces and removing those god awful head socks. Their mouths collide in a hard and intense kiss. Steve throws his arms around Eddie’s shoulders. Eddie's hands cling to Steve’s back. Their lips part and tongues entangle. They’re groaning and panting into each other's mouths when they hear a knocking on the plexiglass partition on a nearby wall.

They break the kiss and look over to find Gareth’s cousin shaking his head and rolling his eyes. He taps the nonexistent watch on his wrist and they get the message. Time to wrap it up. 

They share bashful smiles and make their way out of the room. The jumpsuits are shed and Eddie makes sure to give this poor guy a tip for having to whiteness them making out. His phone is handed back - he forgot he didn’t even have it - and they head out to the next part of their date. They climb into his car and Steve sets up the next playlist. Eddie nods in approval as Nirvana pours out of the speakers. 

Steve sighs happily. “That was so therapeutic. Thank you. Seriously, I didn’t realize how much I needed to get all that out.” He takes Eddie’s hand in his and intertwines their fingers. “And I meant everything I said. I really want to try making this work.”

“Me too, Steve. God, I haven’t unloaded like that in a long time. I think Wayne and Chrissy are the only other people who know all of that. Welcome to the club, I guess.”

Steve chuckles and says, “I’m glad to be a part of it. So what’s next?”

“Are you hungry?”

“Oh my god, starving!” 

It’s fully dark out when they get to the food truck festival. Steve is an adorable little ball of energy as he drags Eddie from one truck to the next. They try sushi, brisket sandwiches, tacos, chili fries, everything they can get their hands on. And if they feed each other bites of food and kiss the taste out of each other’s mouths, well that’s for them to know and everyone else can mind their business. They walk off their full bellies at a nearby park, fingers linked, and share more lighthearted stories than their earlier topics.

Steve shivers in the crisp night breeze and Eddie decides it’s time to call it a night. They head back to the car and make their way back to Steve’s. The playlist chosen is really fucking chill. “What is this, Stevie?”

“Gregory Alan Isakov. Is it ok? I figured you usually like metal or whatever, but this is like…really good nighttime music.”

“No, it’s great! Totally not what I usually listen to, but it’s beautiful…you’re beautiful.” It’s too dark out to see the blush, but Eddie knows it’s there. They arrive at Steve’s and Eddie walks him to his door. “I had the best time tonight sweetheart.”

Steve bites his lip and his puppy eyes blink up at Eddie. “Me too, Eds…do you need to head home or?…Do you maybe wanna come in for a bit?”

He’s trying his best to not let his mind wander to what those implications could be. But he knows his boy isn’t going to rush into anything. “Yeah, I can stay for a little while.”

Steve smiles and turns to unlock the door. Eddie slowly breathes in deep. Restraint. He can show restraint.

Chapter 6<<Masterlist>>Chapter 8

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

I like comments! Taglist is open! I love you!

@annachronisme @mrsjellymunson @kozuuji

[nocreativityfornames]

teen mc and the brothers (possibly with the side chars too?? idk u can just do the brothers if u wanr!!) going to a carnival and mc goes

"WOAHHHH THATS A BIG STUFFED TOY!!!!" and they look at it with sparkles and turns to them with a smile like :DDDDDDDDD

so i wondered how they would do to win the prize? it could be any carnival booth activity thingy

Thank you for the request! This was very fun to write! 🐢

The brothers ( + Diavolo & Barbatos ) when Teen!MC wants the big stuffed animal prize at the carnival

Lucifer

• He actually wanted to refuse the idea but after seeing MC's little expression he finds himself not having the heart to do it.

• You know that part of the Lantern Festival Event where Levi is struggling to win a shooting game and then we turn to see Lucifer there with the prizes already, having won the thing without no one even noticing? Same shit happens here. He wins the game so effortlessly that the stall guy is just left standing there in shock till Lucifer calls out to him and asks for the stuffed dinosaur.

• Mr.Pride here can't help but snort softly when sees MC hug the dinosaur like it's a long-lost friend, a sweet smile making an appearance on his face. "Now, would you care to tell me how exactly you're planning on carrying this thing home? Because it's almost your whole size and before you ask, no, I'm not doing it. It's yours and therefore your responsibility."

• Little MC tries to convince him otherwise but after seeing he wouldn't give in, their only option is to accept defeat and carry the big plushie themselves.

• The jerk ( affectionate ), he actually laughs seeing MC struggle to carry the dinosaur. Fine, he'll do it, but only because he doesn't wants the kid tripping on their feet for not being able to see where they're going.

Mammon

• Confident as fuck, he's wearing a big grin as he brags about how he's going to win first round! It's just a little game, it'll be easy-peasy! Child's play for the Great Mammon!

• He's at his 11th attempt and still nothing… 🥲

• Man is struggling, he wants to get the damn thing for MC but he'll lose all his precious money at this rate. He can't disappoint the brat though, not when they look so excited to get the stupid duck plushie prize and he's already promised he'd get it for them!

• Finally wins but his wallet ends up dead empty. He's crying on the inside but also happy at the same time after seeing how excited MC is to hold their new duck plushie.

• If they let him name the stuffed animal to make up for all the trouble he went through to get it, his heart will melt on the spot, what a sweet kid! 😭

• "Of course the little human wants the Great Mammon's help to carry it, give it here! I'll show ya how capable I am!" He's very proud as he carries the duck the whole way home, not caring about the looks he's getting from other demons.

Leviathan

• Just stares blankly at the big octopus plushie and MC for a second. Really? They want HIM to play it??

• Not very enthused at first but will do it for Henry! 

• Hypes himself up beforehand: That's right, he's gotta show the kid the power of a true otaku! He'll get that thing in no time, don't worry MC!

• He fails miserably first try but is still confident, on the second try he'll get it! It's alright!

• It's his 5th attempt and he's getting anxious and losing all his energy, but MC hypes him up again and he's ready for more.

• Oof, he finally gets it! The octopus is MC's now! ( if they name it Levi or Lord of Shadow he'll be moved, much like Mammon )

• "Y-You want me to carry it??" He's embarrassed to be seen with this thing, honestly, but he will give in eventually since he can never say no to MC's adorable puppy look.

Satan

• The moment his eyes lay on the cat plush he's in, not that he wouldn't do it if it wasn't a cat, but it definitely made him agree ( much ) faster.

• Gets it first try because he's read about how the game works and knows the most effective strategies to win ( If MC says he looked cool while playing he'll get them an ice cream on the way home ).

• "Can't you carry it yourself? You're the one who wanted it, after all." He stares down at MC with a curious look.

• "You sound like Lou."

• Immediately grabs the thing and starts walking away upon hearing this outrageous offense to his name. MC better pick up the pace if they want to keep up!

Asmodeus

• Of course he'll do it, MC doesn't even need to say a word, their expression on its own is already enough.

• He's many rounds in, but still hasn't managed to win the prize. It's making him tired and the teen can see it, so they try to convince him to give up, telling him they didn't want the bunny that badly.

• Asmo sees right through their lies and decides it's time to pull out the big guns. "Don't worry, sweetie, I still have one card up my sleeve! ♡" MC watches as Asmo shamelessly goes up to the demon at the stall, greeting the guy in an overly flirtatious tone.

• In the end MC ends up with their beloved plushie, and Asmo with a date scheduled for the weekend. It's a win-win situation, really. 🤭

Beelzebub

• Sure, he'll play it for MC.

• Wins without much trouble on the second try, having understood what he needed to do to win the game after failing his first attempt.

• Very happy to see MC's reaction to getting the stuffed bear. "It's pretty big, do you want me to carry it for you?" He asks after the teen thanks him excitedly.

• Will keep the sweetest of smiles on his face the whole way back to the house as he hears MC rambling about all names they could give the bear.

• Happily accepts whichever one they choose. "That's a very good name, MC." He ruffles their head like any kind older brother.

Belphegor

• Will probably say something snarky about how childish they're being and try to dismiss MC's request at first. But! After seeing how much they want it, he'll agree to it, though he still groans while going up to the stall. He's just too lazy for this, y'know…?

• Doesn't even play the game and instead just approaches the demon there, saying something to him that MC couldn't hear since Belphie had told them to stay behind. Soon enough the avatar is coming back, yawning with boredom as he carries the big stuffed bear under his arm.

• He also dodges MC's question when they ask what he said to the guy to get handed the penguin plushie so easily without even playing the game at all. "This thing is really fluffy, I could use it as a pillow." The brother chuckles as they leave together. "Oh, maybe you could let me borrow it from time to time?"

• Yeah, he definitely threatened that guy… 😶

Bonus: Diavolo ( and Barbatos )

• Diavolo immediately accepted. Man was actually even more thrilled than MC to get this thing, he loves these types of games!

• He's very very excited while playing the round and in the moment of truth, he turns to the demon at the stall with a big grin asking if he won.

• He in fact did not win, but the poor lower demon had no choice but to say otherwise as Barbatos stood behind Diavolo and MC giving him the most ominous aura while somehow still managing to keep a smile on his face.

• Ahaha, of course Lord Diavolo won!! Here's your plushie kid!!

• *insert here Dia's loud ass laugh* "I won! MC, I won!" The prince celebrated excitedly, it was hard to tell who was the real kid, him or MC.

• Meanwhile Barbatos just stands there with a content smile as if he's suddenly standing in a field of flowers and hadn't been this close 🤏 from committing murder a second ago.

[tater-tot-jr]

Yapping time! Spoilers for DRDT C2E14

So the entire episode was great, but there’s one part I’d like to talk about most. David’s monologue towards the end. Specifically the second half, where he gets away from his logical stuff and into the more interpersonal stuff. I’ll break it down line by line.

“All I want is for Teruko to distrust others.”

Okay we are starting off interesting. Now, due to David’s nature we can’t trust him to be honest. We cannot take this as explicit confirmation of any sort of goal. With that said, his goal appears to be fucking up the class trial in some manner. We don’t know his motive, but that goal seems consistent enough to work with. So let’s work with it. Teruko is literally one half of this classes helpful trial participants. Her and Charles are the entire brain of this class. Charles can be killed, he has a glaring flaw in a debilitating fear of blood, he’s easy enough to deal with when the time comes. Teruko is stupidly resilient. To everything. The one thing she obviously struggles with is her trust issues/paranoia. If you’re looking to get under her skin that’s where you gotta go. Saying this is a clear demonstration he intends to poke at Teruko emotionally, which is an interesting thing to admit out loud. If I had to guess, it’s because he’s trying to kill two birds with one stone and make the class start to distrust Teruko as well.

“That’s why I’m doing this, telling such obvious lies.”

This is him saying he’s lying about seeing the body, I think. He’s doubling down on inciting paranoia, in both Teruko and the class. It’s interesting he would say this out loud. He’s hyper focused on fucking with Teruko and it shows. If you take out the brain, the body goes as well. It’s certainly a strategy of all time.

“There is no other proof of Eden’s innocence.”

As far as we know, this is a true statement right now. Unless I’m unaware of something that was the biggest piece of evidence meant to clear her name, and he brought it into question.

“As long as there’s a possibility that the evidence is false, as long as there’s even the slightest reason to distrust others, then Teruko cannot trust Eden.”

Oof, he’s got her dead to rights. I don’t think there’s a good faith argument for him being wrong. It’s cool to see how much he understands the cast. It’s an interesting way to show how Teruko’s thoughts process works without betraying her guarded nature. Having a character so ready to pick at her weakness is a good writing choice, and I hope they keep David around for a time. Teruko is the least trusting character I’ve ever seen in any fangan game, granted I haven’t played them all but still. There’s a chance the story doesn’t have any sort of lesson, and we’re just gonna watch Teruko suffer. The idea that she can’t bring herself to trust if there’s even a 0.001% chance of something being false is such a good character flaw. She’s clearly terrified of risk, and she doesn’t know how to get rid of her paranoia, even though I think she wants to.

“Isn’t that right, Teruko?”

Ohohoho you smug piece of shit. You fucking dick. This is more proof he’s not just saying these things in an objective way. He’s just trying to hurt her, as far as we can assume.

“…”

Yeah she’s fucking rocked. Teruko really doesn’t take things lying down. Befitting of her backstory, she’s the type to struggle and fight back against anything she can. But here she has nothing to say. David has read her for filth and they both know it. Now that I think about it, this probably also plays on her fear of being vulnerable. What could possibly be more vulnerable than someone telling you your own exact thought process?

“It’s in your nature to distrust people.”

This is a more interesting statement than it appears at first glance. Specifically because he says it’s in her nature. To him, this isn’t a choice she’s making because of the killing game. It’s not circumstance that has pushed her into this. No, this is who she is, and this is who she’ll always be. Which is a horribly insulting thing to say, because it’s within most humans nature to trust each other somewhat, and it’s life circumstances that push them away from collaboration. He’s saying that Teruko is so fucked in the head that she’s fundamentally different from the standard human baseline.

“Everyone you know has already betrayed you. There’s no one in this world who won’t hurt you. Even the people you love will turn their backs on you in the end. You know that well enough, don’t you?”

…Jesus Christ. He really is just the devil on her shoulder. These are her worst thoughts said out loud and back to her. Do you think she considers someone dying on her and leaving her alone a betrayal? Is that a part of this? Him saying “even the people you love” is interesting, does she really even have anyone she loves in the cast? Or does she just tolerate them. He’s making grand, sweeping statements about her life potentially before the killing game and hitting the nail on the head every time. An impressive feat of manipulation and perceptiveness.

“So distrust in others. Because that’s the only way you know how to live.”

Ow. Ouch. Owie. Not only is this a banger way to end the monologue but it’s just so telling. Teruko doesn’t even say anything in response she just waits for Charles to change to subject. Also, is he even really wrong? She tried to afford people trust and then she got stabbed and everyone else blamed her. She’s definitely swung too far the other way, but it’s not like she was good at knowing how much trust to afford people. This life is really the only way she knows how to live. How things are now, she’ll suffer any other way. It’s such juicy character writing. Damned if you do damned if you don’t. David has definitely been watching Teruko’s behavior, and quite frankly he has her figured out. He’s perceived her, and she hates it. I think we all know Teruko is lonely, she deeply wants people around her. But between being a danger to them and all her trust issues she shuts herself away. David is doing everything he can to keep her as far away from forming meaningful connections as possible. He’s clearly got some sort of plan.

—

There’s also a few things I want to talk about that I didn’t have the ability to put under a spoken line, so I’ll yap down here.

Firstly, Teruko extending some “trust” to Eden doesn’t prove David wrong. If anything, it strengthens his argument. Looking at the actual content of Teruko and Eden’s back and forth, it’s barely a scrap of trust and it’s completely conditional. Teruko basically said “because you helped me last trial I will trust you enough to investigate you second” which is still incredible progress for her, but it’s nothing close to genuine trust. This is not to diminish the progress Teruko made in that scene, but it’s nothing close to countering David’s claims.

Secondly, THAT VOICE ACTING HELLO?!?? David’s VA has always been great, but combined with DRDTdev’s wonderful writing and sprite design/choices he really brought this scene to life. He was perfectly smug and condescending. He had a voice that really portrayed that “I’m 100% right about you and you can’t do anything about it” vibe. Just a total piece of shit. 10/10 would listen again.

[rapha-reads]

IWTV rewatch

(s1 finale… Ready for pain and blood? Let's do this. *grabs tissues*)

Season 1 episode 7 [The Thing Lay Still] - part 1/3

- Oof, opening with the Moonlight Sonata, how to put you right in the mood.

- Daniel side-eyeing Rashid/Armand…

- [Daniel] "Can an immortal meet mortality?" - weeeell, to paraphrase our favourite rockstar, "the sun or the fire might kill me, but then again, it might not".

- [Louis] "Decapitation. He confided that to me one blood-drunken night in Bâton Rouge." - and then Louis proceeded to never forget it. I want to know more about their nights of hunting and partying. There's like, 80 miles (is that roughly 100km? I'm French, I don't know miles) between NOLA and Bâton Rouge, even if they're vampires, that's still a little trip that could be special when they have all of New Orleans to hunt (an anniversary? A date? A special performance of Macbeth or Puccini? Someone needs to write a fic)…

- [Louis] "Add to the toxic air a new ever-present paranoia, and now, you are with us." - kinda wish I wasn't tbh. "The toxicity, in my city"… Ahem.

- [Louis] "Lestat de Lioncourt. 179 years in the Savage Garden. 148 years the blood-drinker, the bringer of death… the deer come up the trail." - ooof, first point, Lestat, or at least, Louis' version of Lestat in this recollection, oozes danger and predator. He looks, feels and moves dangerously. And acts unhinged. His words heavily accented. Go figure if he really was that scattered and angry at that time, or if Louis' anxiety, trauma and guilt color the scene that way.

Second point, another mention of the Savage Garden! Made by Louis this time, so one could imagine that Lestat told him about it, that they had a conversation or more about the subject during those 30 years together, given that the theme is a Lestat special.

- Ooooh, the unholy family moving and acting together as one, totally in synch! Say what you want about how toxic they are for each other, it can't be denied that they are a family that knows each other by heart.

- Hey, who turned off Moonlight Sonata? Now I'm left wondering if it was extra or intradiegetic music. A disk playing in NOLA in 1940 or in Dubai in 2022? Can't decide.

- [Lestat] "Enough! Two in one night. Dolls, Bibles, letters become torches and pitchforks. We have to leave this place. We have to leave New Orleans." - should have left 10 years ago when Grace decided to kill off Louis… I wanna say better late than never but given that people are actually openly seeking your house to ask for healing and whatnot… Y'all are in danger. And obviously it's Lestat so there's no leaving discreetly. Gotta make a show out of it.

- Looooove Daniel getting distracted by Armand's presence. Cannot wait for some more Devil's Minion.

- Hello social commentary, segregated tramway, another slight to Louis and Claudia. I love the layers.

- [Claudia] "'You share a coffin with him.' [Louis] 'I don't talk in my sleep.' [Claudia] 'You share a heart with him.' [Louis] 'I can cut it off!' [Claudia] 'No, Louis. You can't. You spend an hour with him and you're breathing in sync together.'"

Thank you for confirming that they've still got it bad for each other, Claudia. Love the way the heartbeat starts getting louder, love the way Lestat can feel Louis looking at him and immediately looks back.

[Claudia] "'He'll know. It'll only work if you give in. Give him all your heart and I'll do the rest.' [Louis] 'I can't do that. I'll lose myself in him.' [Claudia] 'Leave a little shelf inside there for me. I'll jump back in and pull you out before I kill him. Can you do that for us, Louis? Louis?' [Louis] 'Yeah, I can do it.'"

*screams* First the wink and Lestat obviously seeking Louis' attention. Then Claudia directly asking Louis to keep a part of his heart for her, all that she's ever wanted, to be put first. Then her overestimating her pull on Louis and underestimating the intensity of Lestat and Louis' relationship. And then Louis very clearly knowing he cannot resist his feelings for Lestat no matter what. And finally Louis outright lying to Claudia saying he can pull it through while already knowing it will destroy him, have you seen his face in the last shot before leaving the tram? He knows he can't but he'll still try and maybe do it, but he'll lose a part of himself, and he's already grieving for it.

Then again. That's 2022 Louis describing the scene and the conversation, with the hindsight of 80 years or more (I'm bad at maths) of knowing what he's lost and how he lost it and how much of himself he's lost. Maybe 1940 Louis wasn't thinking of that at all.

*screams a little bit more* Maybe if y'all learn to openly communicate, we wouldn't be currently plotting a murder. Maybe.

- [Louis] "'What about Greece? Cradle of Western civilisation.' [Lestat] 'Sun worshippers, hot springs…. Those Who Must Be Kept.' [Louis] 'What was that?' [Lestat] 'Nothing.'"

Yeah, absolutely nothing. Don't mind that. It's really not important. Not at all about to come back and bite you all in the neck.

Things that mean nothing for show-only and everything for book readers… *jumps around the room in excitement*

Do we think Marius is still in Greece in 1940? If Lestat still meets him around 1789-1790, it's been a century and a half, he's definitely moved them somewhere else.

Love how Lestat's face goes vacant and momentarily dreamy when he starts thinking about Akasha. You can tell she still lingers in his mind.

- [Claudia] "'Bach. Always back to Bach.' [Lestat] 'Bach is beyond you.' [Claudia] 'Yes, the music of the master race is… not made for these mongrel ears.' [Lestat] 'You irritate me. Your very presence irritates me.' [Claudia] 'I came to make peace with you, Uncle Les.' [Lestat] 'Mm. Sister, daughter, infant death, you must think me an idiot.' [Louis] 'Could you two please just…?' [Claudia] 'Musique française pour les mains françaises ?'"

Pleaaase I love them. Toxic mother-daughter relationship, it's like looking into a mirror. Love all of Claudia's punches. Bailey's French is really good. And love how Louis immediately moves in to turn the pages for them.

- Oooh, so the party idea is not Lestat's but part of Claudia's murder scheme? How delightful!! Like father like daughter I guess, how they resemble each other so much. And love how Lestat starts by being against it and then gets slowly seduced by the idea.

- Oh, goddamn fucking bloody Tom Anderson is still bloody fucking alive. Kill hiiiiiim, please kill him. Wonder why he hasn't led a mob to their doors yet, with how he literally has known them since 1910 and has a pic showing them still as they are. Too chicken, Tom? Or too New Orleans, rather not know and keep going as is? Oh, I see, tempted to make your own deal with the "Devil". Ha. Idiot.

- [Louis] "The weird brothers and their doll-like sister were coming out." - I just like this line. Tells about a whole story hidden behind the main story.

- "Let the flesh instruct the mind." - now that is one hell of a line.

- Lestat playing his bloody Marie-Antoinette fantasy is simultaneously so bad taste and so hilarious.

- Their outfits are GORGEOUS. And the white is making Louis' green eyes even greener.

- [Louis] "The blood was everywhere. The veins and arteries of a few hundred hearts ringing out like air sirens, drowning out the rhythm section of the hired band."

I love how Louis' narration is almost inaudible beneath the sounds of heartbeats.

- Lmao, Lestat has groupies everywhere he goes.

- [Louis] "A cascade of feelings came over me as I watched him sponge up the adoration. I wanted him dead. I wanted him all to myself. The fasting was a mistake. I wasn't thinking clearly. Something was off."

You never think clearly around Lestat, Lou babe. Case in point, the besotted face you were just making at him, that he was returning to you (where are Sam and Jacob's awards), and the fact that suddenly you can't even tell Claudia's mental voice from - oh, a wild Antoinette appears. Yeah, something is off.

- When can we get rid of Tom Anderson. Soon? "It's got to be one of those tricks that you and your fag pederast satanic trio got in your pocket." Ugh, he looks so proud of his dumb line. Please tell me we're draining him soon. Thank you Louis.

- Aaaah, a balcony scene, aaaaaah! Aaaah, the lightning of cigarettes, aaaaaaah! Aaaaah, Lestat being emotional and genuine, aaaaaah!

Time to sing Sam Reid's praises:

"I'm going to miss this place. There's not an inch of this city that wasn't built from the fierce wilderness that surrounds it. Hurricanes, floods, fevers. The damp climate on every painted sign, every stone facade. High windows, through which enamelled bits of civilisation glitter. Silhouettes emerging, wandering out to catch a silent flash of lightning. The silky warmth of summer rain. Desperately alive… and desperately fragile. The hunger has me too, it seems."

*pterodactyl screech*

It's the way his voice wavers with barely restrained emotion. It's the tears glittering in his eyes. It's the way he never stops looking at Louis. It's the way New Orleans was, is and continues to be a metaphor for him, for Louis and for their relationship, "I am she, she is me".

The way his voice breaks on "desperately alive", because at the end of it, that's what Lestat, little Wolfkiller, who refused Magnus' bite and was forced into the darkness, who rejected the idea of a coven, who gazed upon the Mother of all vampires, Lestat who is constantly struggling to run away from his pain, trauma and loneliness, that's what he is, desperate and alive and desperately alive. And so afraid to show his real self to Louis and be rejected for it that he immediately makes a joke out of his deeply genuine moment.

And the way Louis refuses to engage with this moment also says a lot about where Louis is at at this stage. Refusing to give in fully, rejecting the true emotions, running away from both Lestat's love (because that's what it's about) and his own love (the shame and the guilt and the fear)… Refusing to open up his heart and thus forcefully closing down any door that could be opened.

Imagine for a moment that Louis had answered Lestat's feelings in truth? What would it have changed, in what ways? Or would it not have changed anything, because neither he nor Lestat are in control of the narrative at that point and Claudia holds the power? And what would Louis responding in kind and giving in to Lestat's depth and his own emotions look like? It would be interesting to explore it…

ep1 | ep2 | ep3 | ep4 | ep5 | ep6 | part 2 | part 3

[bengiyo]

Ossan's Love Returns Ep 5 Stray Thoughts

Last week, Maki had to leave for a work trip right as his dad was home alone with back pain. Haruta stepped in to take care of his father-in-law, but Maki's dad was not feeling it. We also learned the sordid details about Izumi's dead lover who was Haruta's doppelganger, and they Izumi is determined to avenge him. We also know that Kiku is in love with Izumi. Izumi offered some insights about Maki's dad via chess that allowed Haruta the honor of being allowed to wipe his father-in-law's butt. Kiku also came clean about their law enforcement role to Kurosawa, figuring he'd just be a problem if he wasn't told. Takekawa went on a bachelor show and was summarily rejected. Also, the chief had a fall and scared us all.

Kurosawa won the vacation voucher!

Kurosawa's apartment layout looks similar to Aoyanagi Hajime's.

OOF. Kurosawa is struggling with loneliness.

Yes, let's follow-up on the butt-wiping and Takegawa getting rejected.

These enormous ongiri are throwing me off every episode.

Wow this handstand is very impressive.

Choko is now the Gay Whisperer, and she has new reasons to despise Haruta;

Oh lord these people are still spying on Izumi and Kuki.

Yes! Everyone go to Atami!

I'm so ready for the hijinks!!!

Episode 5: Take Me to Atami

Atami is very beautiful! Good work on the tourism front.

I will never stop thanking this show for how physically affectionate Haruta and Maki are.

Kurosawa almost falling on the stairs twice would be funnier for me if I wasn't worried about his health.

Maki lost his ring!!!

Guys, do not put the waiter through this!

Poor Maki. This is not what her had in mind at all.

Why is Kurosawa still fanning??

I appreciate that Kiku also has strong feelings about honoring Akito's memory.

Oh shit, I didn't expect Kiku to actually admit it.

Oh, Kurosawa. I'm glad he hugged Kiku as a fellow loser in love.

Now how the hell did both Maki and Izumi fall here.

Chief, you gotta stop putting hands on that man!!

This sloppy brawl is everything I hoped for. Chief and Maki fighting and tearing shit up. Kiku stumbling in drunk. Unexpected wrestling and double pinning of Haruta, opening up a whole can of worms about how Izumi and Kiku probably wanted to fuck Akito. Dragging Haruta for being indecisive. Sloppy crying. Kurosawa had a fan the entire time.

Oh, Haruta. I love how hard you love your husband.

"Make sure to reflect on that." I'm so glad Kurosawa had a good time.

Izumi...bro...

This trip was so much fun. I loved seeing them blend with the neighbors, and I loved seeing Kurosawa get to be as extra as he wanted. He was ready to fight Maki the entire time and he did! I can't believe Maki smashed a fake rock over Chief's back. Incredible. I just know the staff was pissed about them in the morning. Let me not forget Choko, because she is right to be annoyed that Haruta always seems to be at the center of gay drama around here. I'm also so worried about Takegawa.

[rmorde]

Trigun Manga Reaction

Now back with Volume 1 - Chapter 3

I like this. Simple pose but very interesting with the "imbalance" I guess with the tilted head, shadowed face, and slightly lower slope of one shoulder. It's not "stiff" and it's easy to imagine the wind blowing through Vash's coat and hair.

A thought occurs tho, Did Trigun predate Tetsuya Nomura's obsessive belts, belts, and more belts design quirk? Did Nightow and Vash started that anime fashion trend?

Uhuh. Says the people who tried to shoot a GRENADE at that same one guy.

I kinda put these three panels in a sequence because... we know Vash is a good guy. Of course, he's going to save the women but the emphasis on the Nebraskas reaction to his rescue is really interesting.

Vash gives them a side-eye. He's either gauging their capacity for mercy or already clocked in that they are capable of mercy and silently hints for them to wait just a moment.

Father Nebraska understanding and just waits as he smokes. Then confirms first if Vash is ready to rumble again.

Idk. It's a moment of humanity not only for Vash but for the Nebraskas too imo.

AND IT'S WEIRD! In '98, Father Nebraska tried to get a cheap shot on Vash while he was still carrying someone to safety.

Yeah, assholes. Vash is doing his best to keep the women in the clear while you guys just throws grenades willy-nilly into buildings who have people in them. Smh.

Ngl. This sequence confuses me a bit. But, going with what happened earlier, the Nebraskas were not targeting the women. The punch was intended for Vash - which he dodged easily. However, instead of running further away, he shielded the women from the flying debris that the punch caused.

WHICH AGAIN, I REITERATE, IS REALLY WEIRD FOR '98 TO DEVIATE FROM!

In the '98, they are bonafide bad guys but in the manga they're still bad but not "Muwahahaha I'll shoot the injured women Hahahaha!" bad . The Nebraskas have some semblance of honor here.

I guess this is why TriStamp has a much more nuanced presentation of these characters. It's closer to the manga.

Oof... Owww... Vash... 😢

Another gorgeous art. I like how Nightow's way of using perspective here!

Junior is established to be huge - a giant. He always take up so much space in the panels/pages like below:

However, when Vash finally "duelled" them seriously. Doesn't Junior suddenly "feels" smaller and Vash really big?

It's really cool how it instantly shows that Vash isn't goofing off anymore and the Nebraskas stand no chance in winning this.

Ragey Baby Girl no longer smiling.

Sigh. Gotta admire their one track mind.

Ngl. The line work here gave me Junji Ito vides for some reason. Vash's eye look haunting, cold, and really old.

Linework carrying hard on this page. Vash is obviously quicker with how much lines are there in his entire arm - convincingly too fast of a blur. Meanwhile Junior has less lines which makes his fist less blurry and, therefore, slower.

Clever use of the sound effects in the first panel.

I don't know what the fuck is going on in the second panel. I've been staring at it too long already and I still can't understand except it has something to do with Junior's arm?

Third panel is the crazy detail on Vash's eye. His glasses seem like he is looking at the side. However, on closer inspection, Vash is actually not looking away from the incoming attack.

The following pages is really great at building the tension on how would this duel end. The '98 anime captured it very well!

Looking cool, Vash!

Also, is it just me or does he always look for opportunities to show off his flexibility and long long legs. Must he really split here?

...

...

YES. YES HE MUST.

Oh. Ooooh! So that's what happened!

In '98, this conclusion was given to the bandit in Episode 1. His own enhancements crunching his body until he passed out and lost to Vash. However, they can't exactly rehash this in Episode 5. So, we have the "LOVE AND PEACE!" scene instead.

Admittedly, I prefer the "LOVE AND PEACE" conclusion more.

I like how, so far imo, Nightow just gives no fucks about anatomy in his art. I mean... Look at this! Even if we reason that it's because his coat is dramatically billowing with the wind, Vash's body is not proportionate. However, it doesn't matter! It looks cool and it evokes the right emotions just fine: fear and awe.

OMFG?!!! The trials these two are going through! These poor insurance ladies! Milly hanging on for dear life to that pillar. Meryl just screaming her lungs out EVEN WITH A MEGAPHONE!

AND IT WAS FOR NOTHING!!!! OML

Being considered as someone equivalent to a natural disaster shouldn't bring joy, but damn it... LOOK AT HOW HAPPY VASH IS!!! AWWW BABY GIRL!!!

Wow. They blame HER!!! How dare- Meryl beat them up! No, Milly. LET MERYL HAVE THEM!!! THEY DESERVE TO BE CRUMPLED LIKE TISSUE PAPER AFTER THROWING OFF GRENADES LIKE CONFETTI EARLIER AT VASH!!!

Awww. Their first interaction is SO CUTE!!!

In '98, it's funny and amusing. Ditto on TriStamp. But this one is sweet since Meryl and Milly kinda saved Vash in here.

I mean. Yeah, the townspeople are scared because Vash just beat the Nebraskas, but they are desperate for money. Desperation can override fear given enough time. Vash would've been hunted all over again.

I take it back. The insurance ladies climbing up to that bell tower was not for nothing. It was enough to allow Vash a moment to breathe and, as he rejoices, be free (even just for a while).

Wonder what exactly went through Vash's head here. Confusion? Fear? Dread?

HELL YEAH!!! BADASS LADIES IN LONG COATS! STRIKE FEAR TO THE HEARTS OF EVERYONE!!!

Oh. Some responses to the a couple of tags:

@alena-reblobs

Thanks! Glad you're having fun too because I sure am. I appreciate the warning and I'm kinda nervous because the action this chapter was kinda confusing to understand. Hopefully, it won't get worse (will it?) I agree that they are very cool nonetheless!

@eldritchneuro

Thanks for explaining! Paneling is always fun to study in mangas because they usually follow a 3 or 4 panels which mangakas creatively breakdown to evoke a feeling among readers.

Trigun is interesting because its from the 90's! So, some of the paneling are probably "prototypes" of the crazy ones we'd see in modern mangas.

I guess, Nightow's aiming to make the page very "cinematic" with slo-mo (sparse panels) and hyper focus on details (graphic weight). It draws us readers in to the story more effectively as if we are there too with the townspeople looking at the Humanoid Typhoon.

[lyra-r05e]

Hi! I thought it would be fun to post a little teaser of the upcoming chapter.

Chapter 11 - Priorities will be posted this Sunday (Oct 6).

The excerpt below is not explicit, but the fic definitely is (minors be warned).

What Friends Are For

Fandom: Stardew Valley

Rating: Explicit (Smut, Graphic Depictions of Violence)

Genre: M/F, Friends with Benefits / Friends to lovers

Pairing: Sebastian x Female Player ('You' perspective)

Summary: You finally finish up the first major arc in your Solarian Chronicles campaign with Sam and Sebastian.

Notes: The characters refer to "you" as "Farmer" in this story. It can be interchangeable with y/n or her nickname.

“The dragon’s fire narrowly misses you both, just barely singeing the ends of your hair as you dodge its fury. It raises its head, and lets out a roar of frustration when it sees you unharmed,” Sebastian snaps his fingers, pointing at Sam who does his best dragon roar impression.

You giggle at his sound effects, breaking character. It's the final boss of this arc in your campaign, and it's been a tough fight so far. No time for giggles, gotta strategize.

“The dragon takes a defensive stance, arching its neck and flicking its tail. It opens its wings wide, looming over you. Both of you, roll an intimidation saving throw please,” Sebastian rolls a die behind his game master screen, taking notes.

“16!” Sam reports.

“Oof, only 11 for me,” you say.

“Samwise is not rattled by the dragon’s body language, but Rancher is shook. You won't be able to move this turn,” Sebastian looks at you over his screen.

“Uh oh. Samwise, I don't think I can dodge another fire breath,” you gulp, looking at Sam, “I could use some of your unearned confidence right about now.”

Sam looks back at Sebastian. “Can I try to inspire her to overcome her fear?”

“Sure, what do you say?” Sebastian grins at his enthusiasm.

Sam turns to you, getting in character. “Don't worry, Rancher. We got this! We've come so far to get here, and we’re so much stronger now. This scaly bastard is slower than us, as long as we anticipate its fire breath there's no way we’ll lose!”

You exaggerate a deep breath. “You’re right, we got this. We’ve already worn it down so much.”

“Good work. Rancher, you get advantage on your next skill check,” Sebastian scribbles another note.

“Can I move now?” You ask with hopeful eyes.

“Too late,” Sebastian says, “the dragon is already preparing its next attack. It bares its teeth, retracting its neck and eyes up Rancher as its next target.”

“Uh oh. I want to move in front of Rancher, waving my arms and trying to get its attention on me instead,” Sam chimes in.

“Go ahead,” Sebastian nods to the map on the centre of the table.

Sam moves his miniature on the grid in front of your character. “So I'll split my movement, stopping here first to do a bonus action. I'll yell at the dragon ‘HEY! I'm the tastiest snack in this cave, feast your eyes on THIS!’ And then turn my ass towards it, waving it in its face.”

You and Sebastian laugh. Sam is so much fun to role play with.

“Alright, the dragon snarls and switches its target to Samwise.”

“Sweet! I'll move to draw its attention away from Rancher,” Sam starts to move his miniature again, but you interrupt him.

“Oooh! I have an idea, don't go too far away from me. Try to bait it so its face will come within range of my light spell,” you say excitedly.

“I like the way you think, Farmer. I mean, Rancher. I'll move here, bracing myself to dodge its attack,” Sam moves his figure a few spaces away from yours, leaving a small window for the dragon to attack.

“Alright, Rancher’s next in initiative, but I assume you'll hold off until after the dragon goes?” Sebastian looks up at you, and you nod to confirm. “Okay. The dragon isn't quite ready for another fire breath, so it's going to attack Samwise with a bite,” Sebastian rolls a die, “you'll need to beat 17 with agility to successfully dodge it.”

You inhale through your teeth, glancing at Sam nervously.

“Come on, come on,” Sam shakes his dice extra long in his fists for good measure. You cross your fingers as he rolls it. “YES! 19, almost perfect.”

“Yess!” You high five Sam.

“Nice. Samwise expertly dodge-rolls the dragon's attack, its teeth snapping shut between you both,” Sebastian looks to you for your next move.

“Right, now that the dragon is in range, I want to use my light spell to flash in its eyes to try and blind it!” You say enthusiastically, and Sebastian motions you to roll your die. “Oh right! Oh SHIT!” You rolled a 2.

“Noo,” Sam groans. “Oh wait! You have advantage!”

“Oh yea!” You roll again, watching the dice with hopeful eyes. It lands on 18, a sure hit. “YES!” You and Sam both cheer.

“The dragon winces its eyes, crying in shock. It's completely stunned for the next round of combat, so Samwise, your next attack will hit as long as you don't roll a 1.”

“Don't jinx it like that!” Sam throws his die, “Okay, it's a 6.”

“Lucky break,” Sebastian grins, “go ahead and roll for damage.”

“Alright, my sword is a d12 plus 8. Moment of truth…” he shakes his dice, and you do a drumroll on the table. “WHOO! Max damage, I got 12!”

“No way, we might beat it right now!” You squeal.

“So that would be 12 plus 8, so 20, and since the dragon is paralyzed it's an automatic crit. You just did 40 damage,” Sebastian looks over his screen to your hopeful eyes, pausing for dramatic effect. “Samwise, you did it. Please describe your finishing blow.”

You both gasp with excitement, and Sam clears his throat. “Okay, okay. As the dragon starts to retract its head from the brightness, I grab onto one of its horns and draw my sword. As it shakes its head to get me off, I let go to get some air above it, and swing down with all my might, slicing its throat with my sword. I do a superhero landing on the ground as it falls, its head landing right in front of Rancher.”

You and Sebastian give him a round of applause, and he bows to you from his seat.

“I run up to Samwise, tackling him with a hug. ‘WE DID IT! Now let's loot the body,’” you say in character.

Sam and Sebastian laugh. It's been a running joke that you always try and collect everything from each corpse or chest you find.

“Well done, team! That's a wrap on act one. I wrote down a list of treasure you'll have for next time. Including anything you can take off the dragon’s corpse,” he winks at you. “How do we feel about that?”

“Great. That was so satisfying,” Sam says.

“Agreed! Though I always feel weird about the whole ‘slay the dragon’ trope. I'd rather make friends with the dragon and use it for fast travel,” you say with a twinkle in your eyes.

“If dragons could be farm animals, you'd find a way to get one,” Sam laughs.

“Only ONE!? I'd want one in every colour!”

The boys chuckle, and the three of you start to pack up. This has been super fun, but the campaign ran later than you’d have hoped. Even with the extra sessions last month, you still needed today to wrap it up.

“Thanks for playing, guys. I've wanted to do this for a long time,” Sebastian smiles warmly.

“Thanks for running the game for us! I know it's a lot of work,” you reply.

“Yea, thanks bud. And you too, Farmer. Having you to play with has been a blast,” Sam flashes you a toothy grin.

“Awe, thanks!”

“No pressure, but let us know when you think you can start this up again,” Sebastian looks at you, a bittersweet hopefulness in his eyes.

“I will, I promise. I want to play, but I'm just trying to be realistic. I'd rather not have to cancel or be too tired to give it my all,” you give them an apologetic smile.

“We totally understand. It'll be worth the wait!” Sam grins, standing and stretching his shoulders. “Do you guys wanna get pizza?”

You check the time before answering. “Well, considering you obliterated that dragon so quickly, yea I'm in!”

“Sweet. I'll text Abby to meet us there,” Sebastian pulls out his phone.

“Do you think she'd join us next time?” You ask.

“Maybe, depends on how busy her classes are this year. I know she's interested,” Sebastian says.

“Yea, it would be a blast with all four of us!” Sam grins, leading the way out the door eagerly.

[astheskycries]

The Meeting

After being Ari's one and only, it's only natural to meet the most important woman in his life.

I'm so excited to share the first of many projects with you! As always comments and reblogs are always welcome, and if you want to view my masterpost (or buy me some coffee) check out the links below! All the love &lt;3

Masterlist Buy Me a Coffee

You bite your lips nervously, fingers drumming against your leg as you stare out the window of the best up truck. The houses are rushing by in a blur, though you can see the street ahead and know time is running out. Despite Sarah and Ari being on good terms, you're still terrified to officially meet her- especially knowing their complicated history. Ari's constant missions and workaholic tendencies tend to interfere with a lot of your time together, but being paired together has allowed more freedom in the relationship that Sarah never had. You can't help but worry about the future, if Sarah doesn't approve of you being near her daughter, or if Maya doesn't like you, or-

"Get out of your head, pretty girl." A large hand takes yours, bringing it to scruffy lips, and you blink out of my thoughts and smile as Ari briefly meets your eyes. “Stop being so nervous, they’re going to love you.”

“Will they?” You raise your eyebrows at him. “It’s your ex-wife, who could think I’m going to try and replace her… Not to mention Maya…”

He squeezes your hand. “Trust me, sweetheart. Sarah will love you. Maya will love you.”

“Says you, you’re biased.” You rest your head on his shoulder, getting comfortable and trying to stop your mind from racing.

“And I’m right,” He kisses your hair, parking along the street. "C'mon pretty girl, let's get you inside. Sarah mentioned some kind of dessert we're supposed to try- daughter's orders."

You can't help but laugh, knowing his sweet tooth knows no limits as you keep a tight grip on his large hand, letting the cool breeze soothe some of your nerves. You bite your lip nervously as Ari firmly knocks against the wood, and you release a slow breath before a beautiful woman opens the door. 

"There you are, come on in." Sarah ushers us inside, eying Ari disapprovingly but smiling at you softly. "Nice to meet you. Usually he isn't this early."

You laugh a bit, knowing damn well you're both later than planned. "I <i>tried</i> to get him out the door on time."

She shakes her head, grinning as she crosses her arms. "He's a lost cause," She smirks at Ari teasingly, making him roll his eyes. "I'm just glad he's here and trying with her. She doesn't need an absent father."

You nod, careful not to overstep despite wanting to defend how hard he works. Their relationship has always been delicate since Maya was born, and even though it's out of love for the little girl, you know he wishes it had ended better. "Well, all that matters is that she has you both now."

"True," Sarah smiles, calling for her daughter as Ari winks at you. "I hope you're ready, she's been excitable today."

As if on cue an adorable little girl bounds down, looking so much like her father but having the warm eyes of her mother. “Daddy!” She rushes over, knocking into Ari enough for a small oof to escape his lips as she wraps her arms around his middle. “You’re back!”

“I’m back,” He grins, holding her close to his chest. “I issued you, were you good for your mom?”

“Always,” She grins, and from behind you watch Sarah playfully make a face. “Well, mostly.”

“Sounds familiar,” You grin at Ari, not missing the side eye it earns you.

“I have someone I want you to meet,” He rests a large hand on her head, turning her to face you. “This is (Y/N), my… friend.”

“Girlfriend,” Sarah corrects gently, nodding to Ari reassuringly at his nervous expression. “She’s his girlfriend, just like your aunt has her boyfriend.”

She nods, understanding dawning in her eyes. “Nice to meet you,” She smiles gently, taking your hand. “You gotta come play with us, Daddy always has the best games. Do you work with him? Is he as fun out there as he is here?”

“Maya, take a breath.” Her mother chides, smiling at her energy while Ari makes a face at her ribbing. “She just got here, remember?”

“I’d love to play with you,” You smile as she lights up, chatting excitedly as she leads you upstairs to her room. It’s beautiful but simple, full of art and pictures of her and her mom and dad, but nothing negative about their relationship- a testament to their devotion to her. “These are beautiful, you’re an artist?”

She blushes a bit. “Yeah, but not that much. I like to draw Daddy pictures though.”

Ari clears his throat, and you turn to see him leaning against the doorframe with his arms crossed. “You’ll have to show her more later. What do you want to do first?”

She instantly moves, leading us into several games- some with Ari playing a sea monster and her leading the ship, some of them drawing and creating stories together, and even some where they play board games with her little collection. By the time you have a second to catch your breath it’s been a few hours, Sarah gently calling everyone down to try something Maya made, and you can see with a glance Ari’s worn out from her antics.

“This is great,” You hum, smiling as Maya grins happily. “You’ll have to share more of your desserts with us sometime.”

“Especially with me,” Ari grins, winking at her. “I need more energy to keep up with you.”

Sarah laughs, shaking her head. “We all do if we want to stand a chance,” She rises to start cleaning up, waving her hand dismissively when you and Ari rise to help. “Go relax with her, I know you have to go soon.”

Ari nods, yawning and stretching. “Give me five and I’ll be ready, I need to recharge a bit,” He pads over to the large couch and flops down, almost immediately falling asleep and snoring the way only he can, and Maya giggles as you wink at her. 

“I don’t know, I think you should make him spend time with you,” You tease, seeing her grin as she sneaks over to him. Before she can do anything he moves, wrapping his arms around her and dragging her to settle on him without opening his eyes. She laughs and tries to scramble away, making you laugh as he tickles her and kisses over her face. Something in you aches, wanting to give him more chances to be with his daughter, and it takes a moment for you to blink out of it and see Ari’s baby blues watching you intently. 

“He’s a good father,” Sarah hums, quietly sitting with you at the table and handing you a mug of tea. “And a good man.”

You blush a bit, taking a sip and letting the warmth soothe you. “He is…”

She gently squeezes your hand. “Things didn’t work out well for us… But I don’t regret the time we spent, or that little girl he loves so much. He’s nothing but an agent, but he’s a damn good father to her.” She smiles at you gently, nothing but warmth and reassurance in her eyes. “He loves you, (Y/N). I can see it in his eyes. You’re a good match.”

You smile shyly, a bit touched she’s being so kind despite her history with your boyfriend. “Thank you, Sarah. “

“What’s going on here?”

You both look up, Sarah smiling as he holds a half-asleep Maya in his arms. “I think it’s about bedtime,” Sarah rises, tea forgotten as she brushes hair from Maya’s face. “Do you want to tuck her in before you go?”

Ari nods, smiling as Maya waves and yawns out a goodnight before he disappears upstairs, giving you time to help gather everything and get ready before Ari rejoins you. After a few goodbyes and promises to visit again soon, he wraps an arm around your shoulders and tugs you closer, kissing your temple. “You ok baby?”

“More than ok,” You lean into his touch, smiling as his arm tightens around you. “I want that. Someday.”

He raises a single eyebrow, glancing down at you. “Want what?”

“That. A warm loving place for you to have a family, a place for you to call home when the thrill of the mission fades. You deserve that happiness.”

“So do you,” He kisses you softly, helping you into his truck but not moving away, keeping his hands on your hips as you spread your legs for him to step closer. “I’d like that. A family with you.” He kisses your ring finger, eyes never leaving yours. “But you’re my home, (Y/N). Not a building, or a city, or even a country. You.” You flush, smiling shyly, and he kisses you again before moving to climb back into the driver's seat. “We have a lot of time to practice… and I intend to start immediately.”

Tags:  @janeyboo  @mylittlefandomfanfictions  @palaiasaurus64  @averyrogers83  @guera31  @soulmates8  @coffeebooksandfandom  @sweater-daddiesdumbdork  @pegasusdragontiger  @mizzzpink  @onetwo3000  @see-you-again-my-sun-and-stars  @sleepylunarwolf  @wheresmyplums  @smoothdogsgirl  @marvelouslyme96  @esoltis280  @jtargaryen18  @k-evans-writes  @rainbowkisses31  @buchanansebba  @katiew1973  @patzammit  @time-for-a-lullaby

[eddysocs]

Mistletoe Mischief — Ted Lasso x OC

Summary: When Ted starts playing around with mistletoe, Matilda goes out of her way to make it difficult for him to kiss her.

Word Count: 972

Warnings: Pure fluff

The AFC Richmond offices were buzzing with festive energy. Twinkling fairy lights adorned every surface, and the christmas tree in the corner glowed with warm white lights, decorated with baubles and tinsel, as christmas music played in the background, hardly heard over the din of the team and its staff.

Ted Lasso stood in the center of it all, wearing a red sweater with “Believe in Santa” stitched across the chest in bold white lettering, a Santa hat cocked at an angle, and a sprig of mistletoe dangling from his fingers.

Matilda Northbrook leaned against the far wall, more keen on observing the festivities than fully participating. She had her notebook out, ready to jot down any amusing anecdotes that may transpire as the night wore on. But right now she was focused on watching Ted parade around the room with his mistletoe like a kid with a new toy. She liked Ted, of course, more than liked him at this point, but he was also relentless when it came to spreading Christmas cheer.

“Careful, Mattie,” came Keeley’s voice as she sidled up next to her. “He’s already claimed three victims, and I don’t think he’s slowing down.”

She’d already seen the evidence. She watched as he managed to sneak up on three Richmond players so far, giving each a quick peck on the cheek before dashing off. “I’ll take my chances,” Matilda replied, though her pulse quickened when Ted turned toward them, his eyes zeroing in.

“Matilda!” Ted’s voice carried easily over the chatter, and the crowd parted just enough for her to see him striding over, mistletoe raised like a trophy. Keeley quickly made her exit. “I don’t believe I’ve caught you under this yet.”

Her heart skipped, but she squared her shoulders, setting her notebook on the table and crossing her arms. “And you’re not going to, Lasso.”

Ted grinned, undeterred. “Come on, where’s your christmas spirit?” Ted took another step forward, the twinkle in his eye unmistakable. “Not even one little peck on the cheek? It’s Christmas, Tildy. You gotta let the season work its magic.”

“Nope.”

“C’mon.”

“No,” she reiterated, but her tone remained light. She was just being stubborn and they both knew it.

Aiming for the element of surprise, Ted lunged, holding the mistletoe high above his head. Matilda squeaked and darted around the table, earning a burst of laughter from the team as they watched the beginnings of this merry mistletoe showdown.

“She’s fast,” Jamie remarked, smirking as he leaned back in his chair.

“Faster than Ted at least,” Roy grunted, though the corners of his mouth twitched, getting a kick out of watching the two of them.

“I’m just here to spread some holiday joy, Miss Northbrook,” Ted tried to reason.

“Well, Mister Lasso, spread it somewhere else," she told him, but the smile that was lighting up her face told him that their game was still very much on.

Ted’s grin grew wider, and before Matilda could dart away again, he blocked her and held the mistletoe just out of her reach, waving it tauntingly.

Now, more members of the team had stalled their conversations to watch, but neither Matilda nor Ted realized the audience they were gaining.

Matilda narrowed her eyes, lips pressing into a determined line. “Give me that.” If she could secure the stupid little plant, this would all be over.

“Come and get it,” Ted challenged.

Without thinking, Matilda lunged for the mistletoe. Ted anticipated her move, raising it higher, and her sudden momentum sent her colliding into him.

“Oof!” Ted stumbled back, catching her by the waist to steady them both.

“Not fair!” Matilda protested, trying to wrestle the mistletoe from his hand. “Give it to me!”

“You gotta work for it!”

Matilda growled in exasperation, but laughter quickly bubbled up to replace it as an idea dawned on her. She grabbed at Ted’s sides and began tickling him mercilessly.

Ted yelped, twisting and squirming. “Oh no—now that’s playing dirty, Northbrook!”

“Give me the mistletoe, Lasso!”

“No way!” He gasped, laughing so hard he nearly dropped it.

She took advantage of his momentary distraction and lunged again, knocking him off balance until they both tumbled onto the couch. Ted’s hat fell off, and Matilda finally managed to snatch the mistletoe out of his hand.

“Victory,” she crowed, holding it up like a prize.

Ted laid sprawled beneath her, his hair mussed and cheeks flushed. “You cheated.”

“All’s fair in love and mistletoe,” she joked.

“Yeah?” He raised an eyebrow, his voice softer now.

Matilda’s breath hitched as the weight of the moment settled in. She was still half on top of him, the mistletoe dangling between them. Ted’s hands rested lightly on her waist, and his eyes were warm, bright, and unflinchingly sincere as they met hers.

“Yeah,” she murmured, her smile faltering.

Ted’s hand moved to brush a strand of hair from her face, his thumb grazing her cheek. “Guess that means it’s my turn to win.”

Before she could argue, he leaned in, and Matilda met him halfway, letting herself melt into the kiss. It was soft at first, almost hesitant, but then Ted pulled her closer, and her fingers grabbed at his sweater as the room around them seemed to disappear.

A loud wolf whistle from Isaac shattered the moment, and they broke apart, both flushed, but laughing breathlessly.

“Finally,” Keeley shouted.

“About time,” added Jamie.

Matilda groaned, burying her face in Ted’s shoulder while he gave an exaggerated wave to their cheering audience.

“Well,” Ted said, still grinning as he turned back to her. “I think we just gave Richmond a new holiday tradition.”

Matilda rolled her eyes but couldn’t help smiling. “Merry Christmas, Ted.”

“Merry Christmas, Tildy.”

And with that, he stole one more kiss. This time, with no mistletoe required.

For anon

Forever Tag: @baubeautyandthegeek, @kmc1989, @curious-kittens-ocs, @fanficanatic-tw, @gcthvile, @immyowndefender

[gayleafpool]

okay so hugo and varian as wolfwalkers. who bites who

OH UR NOT EVEN READY. IVE BEEN SITTING ON THIS AU FOR MONTHS!!!!!!!!! had 2 scour a discord chat for stuff bc i KNOW i’ve talked about this before and i was right hehe. OK LISTEN UP!!!!!!

k so. donella is a wolfwalker and has been since before she could remember. she accidentally turns ulla when they’re teens but it works out fine bc ulla thinks this is awesome so everything seems cool for awhile. and then ulla gets w quirin and she has varian etc etc u know the drill but all the while she keeps the fact that she’s a wolfwalker hidden from quirin. UNTIL. one day she ends up getting killed by a wolf hunter while she’s in her wolf form. donella sees it happen and has to go tell quirin. oof ouch. then she moves faaaaar away to try and move on. varian ends up not being a wolfwalker and quirin is like oh thank god. but lol sorry man that wont last long. and then the events of tts happen as normal varian commits crimes and goes to jail quirin gets amberified etc. then post tts varian is struggling to fit in and move on cuz he’s got no friends his age and most people in town don’t like him bc of his history and he just feels very lonely and like he doesn’t belong anywhere. and one day he’s just kinda hanging out in the woods outside old corona and he stumbles across a wolf. the wolf is hugo ofc. hugo backstory in a moment. so hugo sees him and assumes oh shit human in the woods he’s gotta be a hunter so he instinctively attacks him and bites him on the arm, before quickly realizes wait nvm this person has no weapons and obviously wasnt expecting 2 see me so he jumps off him and runs away. but too late varian has already been bitten. so he starts doing wolfwalkery shit and is freaking out and trying to figure out what’s going on while keeping is a secret from his dad. meanwhile donella finds out what hugo did and basically tells him to get lost bc he’s too irresponsible and put them both at risk by changing someone who was supposed to be uninvolved in this. and for reference hugo got changed into a wolfwalker by donella when he was a kid bc she figured it would make him a more effective spy/conman. now he can kill people as a person or as a wolf haha 2in1 bonus. so anyway hugo goes back and finds varian and meets him while in human form and tries to be like heyyyy hi i have absolutely no ulterior motives for talking to you. btw have you been having any weird dreams lately. and they sort of hate each other for awhile bc hugo blames varian for being the reason donella kicked him to the curb and varian is mad at hugo for biting him. and wait you know what would be funny what if donella wants to kill varian bc she sees him as a liability and what if she says hey hugo u can redeem urself if you kill him for me bc i know he trusts u and then uh oh choice time. meanwhile both varian and hugo and constantly trying to not get murdered by wolf hunters (quirin probably for extra angst) (maybe idk cass or eugene too even more angst) (this is excessively long) (have a good day)

[stargazer-sims]

Caroline's AquaZip

Victor: Yeah! I think Caroline's really going to like this!

Caroline: Yuri said I should come out because you had a surprise for me.

Victor: I do. Be careful climbing down.

Caroline: Don't worry. I got this. I like that we can leave our house by a ladder. It's like living in a giant treehouse, but better.

Victor: Right... I kinda forgot your treehouse back in Willow Creek has a ladder, so you're totally used to ladders, aren't you?

Caroline: Yup!

Victor: Silly me for not realizing.

Caroline: It's okay. Yuri says you're easily distracted. He says that means you forget details that aren't super important.

Victor: I guess I can't deny that.

Caroline: You're funny.

Victor: Can you see it? Your surprise, I mean.

Caroline: Yes! How could I miss it? You and Yuri got me my very own AquaZip! And it's pink!

Victor: We did, and it is.

Caroline: Thank you!

Victor: You're welcome.

Caroline: It's so cool!

Caroline: Victor, can you teach me how to ride it?

Victor: Of course.

Caroline: Right now?

Victor: *laughing* Sure, why not. No time like the present.

Victor: You have to be responsible with this. No crazy tricks, and you have to be careful of swimmers. If you're not sure you can see whether there are people in the water, yell out to see if anyone answers back before you get on. Can you do that?

Caroline: I can.

Victor: I want you to do that even though I'm with you, okay? I want you to form the habit now, 'cause it'll be important when you're able to ride by yourself.

Caroline: You're going to let me ride it by myself?

Victor: Some day, when you're ready. For right now, though, the number one rule is that you're absolutely not allowed to ride it by yourself. You can only use it when I'm around to watch you. You'll be able to go out with Yuri as well, after a while, but he's still learning to ride his too.

Caroline: Okay.

Victor: When you and Yuri are both confident enough, we can ride these all over the place. There's an island with a shipwreck. We can even go there.

Caroline: A real shipwreck? I want to see that!

Victor: Yuri wants to see it too, so let's make that our first outing. We can have a picnic over there and everything.

Caroline: A picnic by a shipwreck! Do you think there are any ghosts? Do you think they like peanut butter and banana sandwiches?

Victor: Maybe. I used to know a ghost who liked ice cream and tea.

Caroline: *giggling*

Victor: How do you feel about using the controls for stopping and starting?

Caroline: I feel good. This is easy.

Victor: Want to go a little faster, then?

Caroline: Yeah!

Oh yes... she is definitely his kid.

________

And then this happened. So much for 'no crazy tricks'

Victor: WOOO!!!

Victor: Oof! Gotta work on that landing!

Victor: *massive adrenaline rush*

Victor: *laughing* This is almost as good as snowboarding!

[elizabethplaid]

what a pill - daily notes, nov 26, 2024

Short list, then blather under the cut:

Made cat calendar, yay

Lindt truffles

Rx refill trouble, but not an emergency yet

upcoming trauma-versary

TL;DR on mental health: Refilling prescriptions is a pain. Keeping an eye on things due to meds and trauma-versary. Trying to be patient with myself. I have support in place and will have meals prepped.

--- Dad approved the cat calendar, saying it's the "best one yet". I disagree, as some of the kitten pics were very good, as was last year's. Idk if I've posted all the past ones before, so I'll double-check my tags, reblog what I have, then post what I forgot.

--- Dad keeps buying huge quantities of Lindt's Lindor truffles each year. Like, he just bought 2 sets of pick-300, because they were on sale. Seems like we each got 250, then set aside the rest for gifts. I gave up another 50, because I felt like being generous.

So far, I've tried the maple and cheesecake flavors and enjoyed both. We got snickerdoodle and some odd white-choc again, and I picked out some other new-to-me flavors. I put my stash-box on top of the fridge, so it's more work for me to reach them. Dad's like, "Don't inhale them; they've gotta last the whole season." It took me a long time to eat last year's stash, and I gave a bunch to my library friends, even after their initial gifts.

--- In prescription news, I'm short on pills. I have been on the same meds for like 15+ years now, and I only last fucked with the dosage back in 2017. I just... Please let me keep a bunch at home, so I'm not running out. I left a message with my doc over the weekend, and I don't think they've called in the Rx yet. And I should've called it in a week earlier, but I misread my bottle, thinking I had another refill.

It's one of the meds that I take 2 dosages for, so I'm somewhat able to supplement. But like, this is stupid. And my insurance isn't letting me get 3-months per refill anymore. (They even put up a fuss for auto-refills on one med? But that seems to be reversed now.)

--Because I had a day where I missed one med (it's since been refilled) and I'm having issues with this other one, I'm keeping an eye on my mood and mental health. It's a trauma-versary this weekend, so I'm already on-edge. The trauma has been a factor in of this year's mental health journey, amid reconnecting mind and body.

The inner-tension I get when I think about it feels more fresh now, rather than feeling resigned or resolved in other recent-years. It's the body sensations, remembering the memory in my nerves. Like, the emotions and betrayal seem fairly resolved. I'm having to approach this in a way that's unfamiliar to me, just as scary as all the other body-sensation stuff from earlier this year.

Phone-friend has already offered support, and we have our usual call this weekend. My dad's thinking of visiting a friend in Boston, who is in the hospital, that day, too. And we'll have Thanksgiving leftovers, so I won't starve by myself, haha.

I can cope well by distracting myself, yes. This year's mild bravery and "ready to face the challenge" attitude is helping, too, making me want to try finding the words for things. My counselor had the best advice last week: You have to take care of yourself first before you can change bigger things. Whatever smalls bits of self-care that are possible will help the bigger things develop more easily. Oof, it's tough to not be so hard on myself, especially after this year's setbacks.

TL;DR on mental health: Refilling prescriptions is a pain. Keeping an eye on things due to meds and trauma-versary. Trying to be patient with myself. I have support in place and will have meals prepped.