#he looks so much more like Brenden now

[cherryhazee]

First Game Jitters | Luke Hughes

Warnings: Mature language and alcohol use.

wc: 3.5k

Part 4 of The Art of Loving series

The day of the game had finally arrived. It was a home game against the Kings. They weren’t one of their biggest rivals, but the arena was still packed to the brim with fans eager to see the action.

Luke felt the contagious energy the moment he stepped into the arena. The lights, the sounds, the excitement, it all felt too familiar, but today was different. Avery was here, and that made his stomach twist with a mix of anticipation and nervousness. He’d never been so aware of someone in the stands before, except for his family, of course.

He could already feel the excitement as he finished his pre-game routine in the locker room. As he finished tying his skates he felt someone nudge him. “Feeling good today?” his stall-mate and line partner, Brett Pesce, asked.

“Yeah,” Luke said, nodding quickly, but his mind wasn’t all the way in the game just yet. “Just ready to get out there.” He smiled, trying to convince himself that everything was perfectly fine.

He had been looking forward to this, there was nothing like the feeling of playing in front of a home crowd, but the thought of Avery being there made him feel a little different.

Luke felt his nerves build up even more as they lined up by the tunnel, waiting for the signal to hit the ice. Normally, he was calm before a game. Not today. Today, he was restless. His foot tapped against the rubber flooring, and his hands adjusted his gloves over and over, probably the tenth time in the last five minutes.

Noticing this, Brenden Dillon, one of his teammates, leaned over with a characteristic teasing grin. “You nervous, Rusty? Or just thinking about a certain someone who’s here tonight?”

Luke shot him a look, heat creeping up the back of his neck. “I’m not nervous,” he replied quickly, trying not to drag attention from the rest of the team.

“Uh-huh,” Brenden said, clearly enjoying himself. “Sure, you’re not. Just don’t wipe out in front of her, alright? That’s a tough look to come back from.”

Jack, overhearing, laughed and joined in. “He’s got a point. No pressure, though.”

Luke groaned, shaking his head as the rest of the team chuckled, clearly enjoying this.

When the noise from the crowd started to fill the tunnel, Luke’s focus sharpened. His instincts took over him, stepping onto the ice with the same confidence he always did. The cool air hitting his face, his skates gliding smoothly. This was where he felt at home.

Still, he couldn’t help himself. As he skated past the glass, he took a glance toward the stands, scanning the crowd for her face. It was harder than he expected with so many people in the crowd already.

He was mid-turn when he felt a strong push on his shoulder.

Jack skated past him smirking. “Eyes on the ice,” he teased under his breath. Luke rolled his eyes but didn’t respond, instead forcing himself to tune back into the warmup.

As the puck dropped to kick off the first period, the crowd noise faded into the background. His focus locked on the ice, adrenaline pumping through him as he moved with the pace of the game. The puck felt right on his stick, and the plays just came naturally.

As much as he loved the rush of the game, there was still that thought in the back of his mind. Avery was sitting in the stands, watching him. He couldn’t help but glance up now and then, even though he knew his complete focus should be on the game.

Halfway through the second period, that wavering focus caught up to him. As he moved to make a play, his skate caught on the ice, and he tripped, hitting the ice and sliding a few feet before getting back up.

“Oh my God! Is he okay?” Avery watched as Luke hit the ice, her eyes watching with concern as she tightened her grip on Caroline’s arm.

“Yeah, he just tripped,” Caroline said while laughing. “He’s getting up now. See?”

Avery exhaled, her shoulders relaxing “You’d think they’d have mastered the art of skating by now,” she said, her tone light but with genuine relief.

Caroline grinned. “Maybe he’s distracted,” she teased.

Avery gave her a look but didn’t reply, her eyes drifting back to the ice. She followed the play as the puck moved down the ice, though her attention kept slipping to a particular player in a red jersey.

The energy in the arena was electric by the time the final horn sounded, signaling the end of the game and a solid win for the Devils. Avery found herself cheering along with the rest of the crowd, a genuine smile on her face. She hadn’t expected to enjoy the game this much, but there was something exciting about the chaos of it all.

As the players began coming off the ice, she couldn’t help but let her gaze stay on Luke a little longer, her chest tightening with a mix of excitement and pride as he disappeared down the tunnel.

In the locker room, Luke hurried through his post-game routine, eager to find where Avery and Caroline were waiting. Jack caught him on the way out, throwing an arm around his shoulder.

“Not bad out there,” Jack said with a knowing grin. “Though I think someone in the stands enjoyed the show even more than some of the fans.”

Luke rolled his eyes, shoving Jack off of him.

Jack laughed, giving him a playful shove back. “Hey, I’m just saying. Go talk to her,” he added, nudging Luke in the direction of the family lounge.

His hair was damp from his post-game shower, and his easy smile as he approached made Avery’s stomach do an unexpected flip. He looked good, really good.

“Hey,” he said, his voice warm and happy. “What’d you think?” The thought that she’d been watching him the entire time made his heart skip a beat.

Avery turned to face him, “Not bad,” she replied, drawing out the words. “Though I didn’t expect the fall. Is that part of the show?” her lips curled into a teasing smile.

Luke chuckled, shaking his head while blushing. “Had to keep things interesting,” he said, his tone light but his eyes on hers, his gaze a little more intense now.

“Well, it worked,” Avery replied, her smile softening.

“So-”

“I-”

They both spoke at the same time.

“Sorry, you go first,” Luke said, urging her to speak.

Avery smiled and shook her head. “It’s fine. I was just going to say, I’ve got an early shift at the gallery tomorrow…” She paused, fidgeting with her hands and her expression nervous as she met his eyes. “But I’ll be free tomorrow afternoon. How about we celebrate my first game being a win at my apartment?”

Luke’s face lit up with a smile, the kind that made his boyish charm come to life. "Yeah, I’d like that," he said, his voice soft but sure. He hesitated for half a second, rubbing the back of his neck, then added, “Just the two of us?” The question came out casual, but his tone had a hint of hope.

Avery’s confident expression wavered for just a moment, her fingers brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. “Just the two of us,” she confirmed, her voice light but with a hint of self-doubt slipping through. Her eyes looked at his for a split second as if measuring his reaction before she looked away. Since when did he make her feel so nervous?

Luke caught the flicker of uncertainty and felt his chest tightening with a rush of emotions. “Perfect to me,” his tone steady, offering her a small smile that felt reassuring.

Her lips curved into a softer smile, and she gave a quick nod. “Tomorrow, then,” she said, her voice growing firmer now but still carrying a note of vulnerability.

Luke nodded agreeing, “Tomorrow.”

Before either of them could say more, the sound of chatter and footsteps approaching broke them apart. Avery glanced over her shoulder just as Caroline and Jack appeared.

“There you two are,” Caroline said with a grin, her eyes flicking between Luke and Avery like she’d just walked into something interesting. “Thought we lost you.”

Jack, still half-laughing at something Caroline had said, clapped Luke on the back as he came to a stop beside him. “You ready to head out? I’m starving, and the faster we get home, the faster I can eat.”

Luke blinked, his gaze briefly shifting from Avery to his brother. “Yeah, I’m ready,” he said, though his reluctance was subtle but clear.

Jack’s eyes narrowed slightly, a sly smile tugging at his lips. “Unless you’ve got other plans?” he teased, clearly enjoying himself.

“Jack,” Luke said, his tone half-warning, half-embarrassed.

“What? Just asking,” Jack replied, holding up his hands innocently.

Avery cleared her throat, her smile returning as she looked at Caroline, then back at Luke. "I guess I’ll see you tomorrow,” she said lightly, though her eyes stayed on Luke for a moment longer than necessary.

“Tomorrow?” Caroline repeated, her tone filled with amusement as she crossed her arms, looking between Luke and Avery. Her eyebrow arched, the question hanging in the air.

Avery shot her a quick look, her cheeks warming. “Yeah, tomorrow,” she said, a little too quickly, trying to sound casual. Before anyone could say more, she added, “Well, see you later, guys,” and grabbed Caroline’s arm, practically dragging her toward the exit.

Jack waited until the girls were out of earshot before turning to Luke with a smirk. “So, you and Avery, huh?”

Luke couldn’t resist the small smile tugging at his lips. “Drop it, Jack.”

Jack laughed, clearly not planning to. “Alright. But seriously, nice game. And, uh, nice moves off the ice too,” he added with a wink as they headed for the car.

Luke shook his head, his smile growing as they walked out into the night. Tomorrow couldn’t come fast enough.

—

It seemed like tomorrow could come fast enough after all.

Since she came home from her shift at the gallery Avery had spent the better part of the morning pacing her apartment. She didn’t know where yesterday’s burst of confidence had come from. Inviting Luke over had seemed so natural in the moment, but now, with the reality of it settling in, she was second-guessing everything.

Her eyes scanned every corner for something out of place. The throw pillows on the couch weren’t sitting right, the coffee table looked cluttered with her art materials, and she swore the windows could be cleaner. She adjusted and readjusted everything, her movements quick, as if setting up the perfect space could somehow settle the nerves in her chest.

She paused in the middle of the room, hands on her hips, and took a deep breath. "What am I doing?" she muttered to herself, brushing a hand through her hair. She glanced around the room again, her gaze falling on a half-finished painting leaning against the wall. The sight of it made her stomach twist with uncertainty. Was it too personal to leave out? Would he notice?

“It’s just Luke,” she reminded herself softly. The words didn’t do much to settle her nerves, her pulse quickened at the thought of him standing here, in her space. She found herself fidgeting with the hem of her sweater, wishing she could shake the mix of excitement and nerves that had taken over.

Avery wandered into the kitchen, hoping to busy herself with preparing for Luke’s arrival. She opened a cabinet, pulling out a box of pasta and some canned tomatoes, then arranged them neatly on the counter alongside garlic and fresh basil. She stared at the ingredients, chewing on her bottom lip as doubts crept in.

She glanced at the clock on the wall. Fifteen minutes. She had fifteen minutes before Luke would be knocking on her door.

Leaning against the counter, she exhaled slowly, trying to calm the flurry of nerves in her chest. Cooking together had felt like such a good idea last night—a casual, fun way to spend time together. Now, though, the thought of him stepping in her kitchen, laughing with her while they cooked, felt oddly nerve wracking.

The doorbell rang unexpectedly, making Avery’s heart skip a beat. She quickly peeked through the peephole, spotting Luke standing outside the door. He looked casual yet handsome, his appearance sending a flutter through her chest.

A knock followed moments later, breaking her brief daydream. Taking a steadying breath, she hesitated for a moment before finally opening the door.

Luke stood there, his trademark warm smile lighting up his face. In one hand, he held a small paper bag. “Hey,” he said, his voice light. “Hope I’m not too early.”

Avery stepped aside to let him in, her own smile forming. “Not at all. Come on in.”

He stepped inside, his gaze briefly scanning her space, the apartment had a cozy, lived-in vibe, with soft lighting that made everything feel warm and inviting. The air smelled faintly of coffee and paint, and the quiet hum of the city outside barely seeped through the windows.

His gaze then landed on the kitchen counter. “What’s all that?” he asked, nodding toward the neatly arranged ingredients.

Avery tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, suddenly feeling self-conscious. “I was hoping we could make dinner together,” she said, her voice a little uncertain. “Nothing too fancy, just pasta.”

Luke turned back to her, holding up the paper bag with a grin. “Good, because I brought wine. Thought we could make it a proper celebration.”

She let out a small laugh, her nerves easing at his enthusiasm. “Good, because I was starting to second-guess this whole plan.”

"Second-guess? Are you kidding? This is a great idea,” Luke said, stepping toward the kitchen. “I make a mean garlic bread, by the way. If you’ve got bread, I’ll handle it.”

Avery grinned, reaching into a cabinet to pull out a loaf of bread. “I think we’ll make a good team, then.”

Luke’s eyes met hers for a moment, his smile softening. “Yeah, I think so too.”

Her cheeks warmed, but she turned back to the counter, pulling out a cutting board. “Alright, let’s get to work.”

As they moved around the kitchen, the air between them began to feel lighter, the awkwardness from earlier fading, making the moment feel more natural. Avery busied herself with chopping garlic while Luke took over the bread.

A few moments later, she reached into the cupboard, pulling out two glasses. “Here,” she said, handing him one along with the bottle of wine she’d opened earlier. “For the win and my first-ever hockey game.” She raised her glass in a small, celebratory gesture, her smile warm as she met his gaze.

Luke took the glass with a smile of his own. “For the win and our good luck charm in the crowd,” he replied, hoping it wasn’t too forward but feeling the sincerity of the words.

Her eyes softened, a small laugh escaping her lips. “You sure know how to make a girl feel special.”

Luke’s heart skipped as he clinked his glass lightly against hers. “I’m just speaking the truth,” he said, taking a sip of the wine while making eye contact with her. The smooth taste of it lingered on his tongue, but it was the look in Avery’s eyes that seemed to make time slow down.

“Well, I appreciate it,” she said, turning back to the counter to continue preparing the meal. “I’m not used to being the good luck charm, but I’ll take it.”

Luke chuckled, leaning against the counter, his gaze following her movements as she worked. “Seems to be working pretty well so far,” he replied, a hint of admiration in his voice.

Avery glanced over her shoulder, catching his eye for a moment before looking away, her cheeks flushing ever so slightly.

When they finished cooking they moved from the kitchen, deciding on the couch to stay comfortable and enjoy their meal. As they ate, Luke’s gaze wandered around the room, the easy conversation between them flowing without much thought. He paused mid-bite when something in the corner of the room caught his eye.

Was that…? No, it couldn’t be.

He set his fork down, leaning forward slightly, unable to look away.

Avery caught his gaze and followed it, “You noticed that, huh?” she said quietly, her fingers nervously tracing the rim of her wine glass.

Luke’s heart raced a bit, “I- Yeah, I did. It’s beautiful. I just didn’t realize you were… capturing moments like that.” He smiled softly, “Is that from...?”

The sky painted on the canvas was unmistakable. A wash of soft purples and pinks, with the faintest trace of orange.

Avery’s gaze dropped to the floor for a moment before she looked back up at him, her cheeks turning a deep crimson. “The night we went out for dinner? Yeah.” Avery admitted while chuckling nervously, her cheeks becoming a deep crimson color.

There was a brief pause. She hesitated for a second, before speaking again. “Sometimes, I just paint what I’m feeling, what stands out to me. That night, it stuck with me.” She met his gaze, her eyes searching his for a reaction.

Luke was quiet for a moment, his heart thumping in his chest. The thought that she’d turned a moment they shared into something so personal made something inside him stir. “It’s amazing,” he said, his voice soft but sincere.

Luke took a slow breath, his gaze never leaving Avery’s. There was something in the air shift between them, as if the world outside had faded away.

He shifted closer, reducing the distance between them, his heartbeat quickening as he leaned in just a bit more. Avery's gaze softened, her eyes flicking to his lips for a moment, a quiet understanding passing between them.

Just as he was about to close the distance between them his phone buzzed loudly on the coffee table, shattering the moment. Luke flinched, his eyes darting to the screen, instantly feeling the tension slip away.

Avery’s smile faltered slightly, her gaze flicking to his phone. Luke cursed under his breath, reaching for it. “Sorry,” he muttered, picking it up and glancing at the caller ID.

Jack

Fuck, now was not the time.

Before he could silence it, the phone buzzed again. Avery’s shoulders relaxed, and she let out a quiet, almost relieved laugh. “You should probably take that.”

Luke sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. “Yeah, I should. Sorry about that. I… didn’t expect the night to go like this,” he added with a half-smile, his tone apologetic but still slightly playful.

“Hey, no worries,” Avery replied, giving him a small, understanding smile.

Luke nodded, casting her one last look before swiping to answer the call.

Luke returned to the living room after finishing his call, a sheepish look on his face. “Sorry about that,” he said, his voice laced with apology. “Jack got locked out of the apartment and the locksmith isn’t available until tomorrow morning, so I’ve gotta head over there to let him in.”

Avery, who had been quietly cleaning up the remnants of their dinner, didn’t seem fazed by the interruption. She wiped her hands on a dish towel and looked up at him, offering a small, understanding smile. “No problem.”

Luke nodded, a little disappointed that their evening was being cut short. “I’m really sorry to leave so soon. I was enjoying this.” He gestured toward the unfinished bottle of wine and the cozy atmosphere they had going on.

Avery chuckled softly, folding the towel in her hands. “It’s alright. It’s not like I’m going anywhere.” Her voice was light, but there was a quiet sincerity behind it.

He paused for a moment, looking at her as if trying to decide if he should say something more. “I’ll make it up to you,” he said, his expression serious, though the warmth in his eyes made it clear he meant it.

Avery gave him a playful smile, one eyebrow raised. “Oh? How?”

Luke shrugged slightly, trying to seem nonchalant, though there was a hint of nervousness in his tone. “Maybe I’ll cook next time,” he suggested, though the idea of doing something alone with Avery again made him a little nervous in itself.

Avery laughed, the sound light and easy. “I’d like to see that.” She winked at him, her playful side still coming out despite the tension between them from earlier.

He smiled at her easygoing nature. “Alright, I’ll hold you to that,” he said, starting to collect his things. He moved toward the door, his steps slower than they needed to be. He turned back to face Avery one last time, his smile warm but reluctant. “Thanks again for tonight. It was… really nice.”

Avery nodded, giving him a soft and genuine smile. ”It was,” she said softly. Then, with a slight hesitation, she added, “I’ll see you soon, yeah?”

Luke hesitated for a moment before nodding, the thought of leaving already making him miss the evening they’d shared. “Yeah, I’ll see you soon.”

As he left, Avery stood by the door, her fingers still brushing the counter as she cleaned up. She couldn’t help but smile to herself, the memory of the night still replaying in her mind.

Next Chapter

[devilsupdates]

Remember all of these are from Twitter

Brenden Dillon is wearing the ‘A’ on his jersey in the absence of Ondrej Palat today for #NJDevils 

With Ondrej Palat out today for #NJDevils , Kurtis MacDermid will draw into the lineup.

Paul Cotter moves up in the lineup to Palat’s spot. MacDermid takes Cotter’s spot with Lazar and Bastian.

#NJDevils  starters versus Buffalo in Prague:

→ Tatar-Hischier-Mercer

→Siegenthaler-Kovacevic

→ Allen

Brenden Dillon just laid out JJ Peterka with an open-ice hit.

Alex Tuch goes right after Dillon. The two drop the gloves and Dillon sends Tuch to the ice.

Dillon is being called for a major penalty, which is now being reviewed.

Peterka was down on the ice for a while and helped off by teammates.

Nico Hischier and Rasmus Dahlin are both standing by the refs waiting for an answer.

Dillon ends up getting two and five.

Buffalo's Tuch get five for fighting.

Two minute power play for Buffalo.

Dillon gets the two minutes for interference. Five for fighting.

Timo Meier is hooked/tripped trying to keep the puck in play and #NJDevils  will go to their first power play.

Dawson Mercer takes Ondrej Palat's spot on the #NJDevils  second PP unit.

Casey, Mercer, Tatar, Haula and Noesen.

Great hustle -- sprinting to your spot? -- for Timo Meier to negate a Buffalo breakaway. He cut off all the angles and the Sabre (someone fill me in here -- I missed who it was) had zero options and didn't get a shot off.

A little heat brewing between Dougie Hamilton and Peyton Krebs. The refs step in.

First 20 in the books.

#NJDevils  and Sabres are still looking for goals.

Shots 12-5, NJ

Sabres had a much better first period than they did last night against the #NJDevils . That was to be expected.

But the Devils were able to keep the Sabres mainly shooting from the perimeter. BUF had some extended time in the NJ zone, but NJ kept them to just 5 shots all period.

JJ Peterka is out the remainder of the game, the Sabres announce.

Second period underway!

Early power play for #NJDevils  to start the second period

Huge shot block by #NJDevils  Brenden Dillon who limps off the ice in pain. He's staying on the bench right now, powering through.

1-0 Sabres. Crashing the crease

A third #NJDevils  power play of the game coming up.

Thompson off for goaltender interference

IMO they should put in Markstrom

SEAMUS CASEYS FIRST CAREER GOAL!! #NJDEVILS  TIE THE GAME!

Erik Haula and Stef Noesen assist on Seamus Casey's first NHL goal.

Devon Levi has been the difference so far otherwise it could be much more lopsided. Seems like #NJDevils     have been testing him low. May be time to test the glove and blocker

Pretty incredible. I've been dreaming of that since I was a kid." - Seamus Casey to the crowd here in Prague

Not to get too far ahead, but how can Seamus Casey come out of the lineup when Brett Pesce is ready!?

SOG: 28-11 NJD

He scored 6 goals with the #NJDevils  on a PTO this preseason.

SOG: 28-11 NJ

PP: 0/2 BUF - 1/4 NJ

Hits: 15-8 BUF

FO: 21-12 NJ (63.6%)

Blocks: 13-9 NJ

the Labanc to #CBJ     rumors are accurate its difficult to fault Fitzgerald. #CBJ     has cap space it has to use to get to the floor, plus with the injury to Vorkunov, they have a need for forward depth that #NJDevils     don't currently have

Third period underway

Can confirm in addition to @mark_scheig that Kevin Labanc has signed with CBJ.

2-1 #NJDEVILS !!! PAUL COTTER FROM JACK HUGHES!

It’s Timo time!!! 3-1 #NJDevils ! !!

These assists today as as nice as the goals that one just now by Jesper Bratt!

#NJDevils     are using Cotter on 4th line in place of MacDermid to kill out the game. Rotated Tatar to play with Noesen and Haula. Also have paired Hamilton with Siegenthaler and Kovacevic with Dillon

[rindemption]

Alright alright, a lot more people than I expected liked that ask I got.

Below: Stephan, his wife, and his otha wife

So: Stephan Bradshaw is the third generation of a long term Sims 4 game I'm playing. Long story short I'm doing a series of challenges back-to-back, starting with his grandma.

Rest under the cut because it got really long, and this is just the quick backstory and introducing all the household members

Tonya Cavanaugh was rolled up for the Asylum Challenge, and then moved on to the the Rags to Riches Challenge once she completed that. She married Sage Ackerman, and had twin daughters Lexie and Lacy. (Lexie had a pretty interesting life as well (and death, and rebirth, and near death again) but I'll save that for another time). During college, Lacy met Brenden Bradshaw, and they married after graduation. They then had Stephan, who would continue the family legacy of doing challenges! (They also had a surprise baby Naomi after I switched active households)

Now Stephan was set up to do the Runaway Teen Challenge (which does mean he's a high school dropout, and for the plot had a strained relationship with his parents), and then once a young adult started something inspired by the Cult or Commune Challenge (the original full rules are lost, as far as I looked at least, so it's really just inspiration). It's more of a free love, self-sustaining homesteading community that turns into a cult of personality down the line, and thankfully he's fitting into that role wonderfully.

Below: The legend himself, Stephan, and Arturo being friendly with the farm critters

The first person to move in with Stephan was Arturo Landgraab (disclaimer: the game cannot figure out how he connects back to the original Landgraab household. His mother is someone named Karen, no father, but it shows Malcolm as his full blooded brother. Don't know what happened in that family. He looks like a Landgraab though.) They met as teens and became besties, and Arturo was the last one living in the Landgraab house, so he moved in with Stephan out of loneliness. The commune life wasn't really fulfilling for him though, so he moved out after a while. Something about not going anywhere in life. He still visits often!

The second person to move in was Abdullah Caliente, son of Kiyoshi Ito and Dina Caliente. He met Stephan when they were teens as well, and the life on a homestead sounded romantic. It's turned out to be much more... grimy than he expected. The life agrees with him some days and irritates him others, but he's willing to stick around. Mostly because Stephan is sweet on him.

Below: Abdullah and Rita helping with gardening chores

The third to join the homestead community was Rita Assaoui, daughter of Mehdi and Princess Assaoui (Pretty sure they're randomly generated townies). They met during Abdullah's High School graduation and hit it off pretty quick. She's one of the more headstrong ones in the group, but her and Stephan have a bit of a when-they're-both-in-the-mood kind of relationships. His charm is the reason she moved in, anyway. She also flirts here and there with the others when the mood strikes, but most aren't really up her alley.

Fourth to join was Lucille Katz, daughter of Hugo Villareal and Danica Katz (likely a townie). She also met the group at Abdullah's graduation, and visited a few times to see what things were like. When she moved in, she and Stephan hit it off nearly immediately, and ended up with one of the strongest relationships in the household (much to Abdullah's annoyance). The life fits her extremely well, and she's thriving almost as much as Stephan. They also recently had a baby boy! Garrett Bradshaw, who somehow got red hair. But his aunt has red hair so I'm guessing a recessive gene.

Below: Lucille on laundry duty, Rylie chatting up customers at the homestead's market stall, and Stephan with baby Garret

Fifth to join was Rylie Volkov, daughter of Kristopher Volkov and Lilith Pleasant. She joined because of Stephan's charm and flirting as well, also after visiting a few times so they could get to know each other. But despite the initial charm, she and Stephan seem to have a hot and cold, on again off again relationship. Not for lack of trying on his part. But she does seem to have a thing for one of the residents in a rental on the property.

He's... "courting" I guess would the the best term, a couple other people. With Arturo moving out he has a spot in the community he'd like to fill, but the last few people he's tried to befriend didn't sit well with him. And he will, of course, flirt shamelessly with them once they move in.

Below: Potential new housemates getting vetted with the "tried and true" method of playing Thumbs Up

(Fun family facts: Rylie's half-brother is married to Lucille's aunt, and Abdullah's half-brother has a kid with Arturo's half-sister. The family trees in this game get nuts the longer you go. I'm not about to make it any better)

There are a few other people technically living on the homestead, but they reside in "rental units". Stephan set them up for people wanting to try out the homesteading life without fully committing, vagrants needing a place to stay that only cost labor, or simply anyone willing to live on an off-the-grid farm. (Doylist reason: I didn't want to control that many sims, but wanted a more populated commune. It's working for the most part. They help out with chores in the shared areas, and hang out with the rest of the group. Depending on how many children I decide to let Stephan have, Rylie and whichever new person may move into one to make space)

[sims4storiesbygracepensora]

Story 4

Story 4: Characters introduced in this story

Danielle Scully, 46 Years Old, Divorced Spouse of Kelly Fottsbury. Family friend of Wendy. Violinist

Story 4: San Mushyno, 122 Hakim House, Same day (Sat 2nd September) 2.30 pm

Door bell rings

Wendy: Oh! Danielle! I'm so happy to see you

Danielle: I hope I didn't disturb you...

Wendy: Not at all! I was just working on some cases and I just wanted to take a break. Come inside!

Wendy: You still have this bad sunburnt from the holidays. So what have you been up to since we last parted?

Danielle:: Hmm nothing much, I'm just going to work, I dropped the boys over to their father and I decided to say hi...

Wendy: How are the boys doing?

Danielle: (hesitantly) Well...

Wendy: What happened?

Danielle:: Well... Please don't say anything to Brenden... I just learned that Isaac is smoking!

(Dianelle is mother to twin boys: Isaac and Carter)

Wendy: (Shokingly) Smoking what ?!?

Danielle:: For God's sake, only plain cigarettes! Though I found him coming home high once!

Wendy: Gosh! Have you tried talking to him? Do you think it's the divorce?

Danielle:: I don't know! He's undergoing speech therapy with the school psychologist and I'm waiting for a feedback... I've tried my best to get them enrolled in this private school and he goes around smoking. You can't imagine how disappointed I am right now. Ok! Let's talk about something else... I'll have my first solo recital next year!

Wendy: Woah! Nice. I know you were working on that!

Danielle: Yeah, My agent finally managed to convince the orchestra to organize that... provided I compose two more melodies till December.

Wendy: Is that a lot of work?

Danielle: If I'm deeply inspired, not much!

(Chantel coming back from her walk around the city)

Wendy: Oh Dianelle, I believe you know Chantel. Willy's daughter?

Danielle: Yeah of course!

Chantel: Hi

Wendy: Chantel asked me if she could stay here until she finds herself an apartment. She's working as a model here and wants to be closer to her job...

Danielle: Great! So how did you find the city, it's different from Brindleton Bay, right?

Chantel: Oh yeah! So much! it's much more busy and people here are quite diverse... I love it.

Danielle: I won't stay long, Wendy, I've got to go to work. I'll call you during the week and please not a word to Brenden.

Wendy: Don't worry, take care!

Chantel: So Danielle's your friend right?

Wendy: Much more than a friend, she's like my daughter! Hmm, she was married to my nephew but now she's... seeing my brother!

Chantel: What?1? No way! (laughs loudly)

Wendy: (annoyed, trying to change the subject) Do you want something to drink, what would you like for dinner?

Chantel: (while looking at her phone) No thanks, I'm invited to this huge party... You know, for work...

Wendy: (disappointed) Oh okay...

Wendy: Are you sure? I can order some sushi...

Chantel: No thanks, I don't eat carbs...

Chantel: I'll get ready...

Wendy: Seems like I'll spent my evening working today as well...

[fangtastic-vampyra]

TAKE ONE...... RECOVERING FROM COVID/UNPLEASTANTRIES....

i love this shirt, forever, <333

CAT EYEZ sunglasses

AND DONT KNOW WHETHER IM A BOY OR A GIRL, I THINK IM A CROSSDRESSER, IDK, HAHAHAHA.

(z courtesy of reminders of Louis..this retrograde umm.. He is always typing that way, (z instead of s) I am so glad I met him, he's my EX but I keep thinking about him, like we wanted to be each others primary, ) idek, I really thought our relationship was so innocent and cute, but meanwhile, Im trying to find my next meal and he's painting his nails and wont' buy me a drink when we go out.. idek.. but it was cute, and I would have married him..a few men i would have.. idk.. i think though, genuinely, im with or know or am about to find him. a few wanted to put a ring on it, but things just didnt work out, and havent popped out any kids yet... so >_> idek... hoping im not but i feel so weird rn.

even though im like mid sex change umm, no one talks about this, omgg..theres literally NOTHING, is it embarassing to people like fo srs i think its very fun and interesting.

tbh tho..im nonbinary (but i dont often remember when i act like a girl um) but i hate ugh... ugh hate being female soo soo much, it it wasnt the oppression, the overbaring patriarchy, and men literally hitting on females, like...idek... i wish i was a lesbian!!!, but im not, though i find i do want women to like me, but like, as a friend or a maaayyybe a bit more, like to have a good relationship with other women and to encourage having female friends with each other-- instead of worrying about stupid dudes that hurt us.. ugh...

idk, >_> I wasnt uh, lesbian with Livvy, Im a TRANS GUY.

LIKE ON HRT, THREE YEARS, PRETTY MUCH NO GOING BACK NOW, BUT I DONT THINKI WANT TO BE LIKE, A 50 YR OLD DUDE, MAYBE ILL STILL LOOK GOOD THO??,

Louis made my life beauitufl, I am enjoying the Dark side .... Industrial, REAL FUBAR SHIT THAT ACTUALLY HAPPENED that he has pictures of, and struggling along.. Louis only got SSI too... Brenden gets child support for Jette and he is about to get hired as a maintenance, he is always running around cleaning.

TRULY-- I like people that liek downers cause Im so nervous. And MYSELF? i LIKE THE NEED FOR SPEED. But..... I dont do speed! Only a few lines. Yaknow. Literally. A few. Years and years and years and years. And I got on meds, and Im becoming a lot more wholesome. TBH. asking mum how shes doing and what she thinks of stuff and sharing recipes with her, like a FAMILY. They started the drugging out shit though, and i dont mind a drink here and there, im mostly a cig smoke these days, and cloves, i took a few puffs of weed and got nervous like and was hungry three hours later and felt bad like it had something wrong with it, idk do not want them to the point that they get violent, but you arent suppose to go over your limit with anything! Mum would come home and bark out orders and tlel me what im doing wrong, like she gave me three compliments in my life..the v2k (fake schizo voices cuz im a targeted individual) ... said.. she abandoned me in a parking lot!! pfft. Brendan said dont pay attn to that crap.

[stillunusual]

Leeds United: Meslier, Ayling (Spence 81), Rodon, Struijk, Shackleton, Ampadu, Gray (Kamara 88), Gnonto, Summerville, Piroe.

Subs not used: Darlow, Cresswell, Gyabi, Poveda, Gelhardt, Hjelde, Joseph. It was slightly bizarre to be able to watch this match live on LUTV while in Barcelona, which I wouldn't have been able to do at home in the UK…. Before the end of the transfer window Leeds signed Ilia Gruev from Werder Bremen and Glen Kamara from Rangers (both on permanent deals) and Djed Spence on loan from Spurs. We also unexpectedly ended up with Jaidon Anthony on loan from Bournemouth, in a deal that saw Luis Sinisterra heading in the opposite direction. Leeds wanted to keep Sinisterra but he had threatened the club with legal action over the release clause in his contract, so we chose to avoid a possible legal battle by allowing him to go. Sam Greenwood and Sonny Perkins also left Leeds on season-long loans, which should ensure that they'll get much more game time than they would have done at Elland Road. Of all the players from the relegation squad who insisted on being loaned out, Sinisterra is one of the few I'd actually want to return (along with Jack Harrison and Max Wober). The rest of them (Brenden Aaronson, Marc Roca, Robin Koch, Diego Llorente and Rasmus Kristensen) might all think that they're too good to play in the Championship, but they demonstrated in game after game that they're clearly not good enough for the Premier League. We didn't sign a left back so it looks like Sam Byram (who is right footed and injury prone) will be first choice in that position, with Junior Firpo (who is also injury prone as well as being shit) as back up. As both are currently injured, Jamie Shackleton started at left back against Sheffield Wednesday…. Playing against Leeds United is a cup final for them and they set themselves up not to lose. Leeds dominated but lacked a cutting edge up front. For some unknown reason our new centre forward was playing behind Georginio Rutter and neither of them were particularly effective. A long overdue clean sheet was very welcome, but it definitely felt like two points dropped. Pretty much every team is going to come to Elland Road with the same game plan this season so we have to do better, and Daniel Farke now has the international break to start moulding the squad into one that stands a chance of finishing in the top six….

[handelplayssims]

Oh man. I am excited to get back to school! Statements by the absolute deranged, that is.

Was going to befriend this teen, Brenden Downing, but uh, he just got locked into a loop of being mean to everyone. Ah well, we’ll try again at lunch. Also Manami dropped by and asked to be Autumn’s best friend. She’s crushing on her so sure! Math class is the class for the morning, which gains logic skill! With lunch, after some routing issues, we talk to Dennis McMillan. And the mean kid again...who’s a klepto! Great! Keep at arms length, that guy! Hmm. Not able to add him on Social Bunny. Might be the slightly bad relationship, alas! Anyway, adding Dylan and sending some friendly messages to other teens who aren’t here and aren’t our friends. Yet. Pop up during Science class was evidently someone messing with the PA system during class. I didn’t have Autumn do anything but appreciate the prank but our new teacher is now suspicious of us. Welp. I was going to see if Dennis would leave the lot because he’s a football guy but apparently not! Well, let’s befriend! Annnd it’s done! Onto the mean guy! We’re now able to add him on Social Bunny since our relationship is in the green! Annnnnd she’s crushing on him. My god. Autumn has had only one good choice in crush! -scribbles down notes for the future- And that makes 9 friends! Let’s make it 10! Let’s drop by Anton’s house!

...ironically enough, in terms of traits, and in spite of being a vampire, I think Anton is the quote unquote best match for Autumn. Funny that! Friend made! Let’s head home! And eat and take a shower and make another lifestyle review! Bills are 14 thousand this time. Sadly, we are just under not being able to pay them. Just a slight cash injection to get above the threshold. Ah, and once again, Autumn is to cross-promote at a venue. That we can do – after school tomorrow. And as for Freddie in the very brief time we’ve had with him? Just wanted to critique some art and listen to some tunes. Couldn’t do much more than that.

Neighborhood Watch!

Beatriz Daniel in the Daniel household has died. Beatriz fell for a cowplant’s cake bait. She could not have her cake and eat it too.

Nikolas Horner in the Horner househhold has died. Nikolas let it go and froze solid.

Autumn is up at 4AM. Her needs are fine at least. Still has cross-promote at a venue but...eh, what’s open at 5AM? Probably still should head out somewhere though. With some of her free time. That first, I’m bringing a sack lunch. Even if I’m not playing as her today. Really just don’t much care for the school lunches. Ah, the Bus Stop. Sketchy teen-hangout. And the only one I consistently think about. Probably should also make the park at Copperdale a teen hangout.

This gal looks a lot like Shioban Fyres. It’s the hair. And she’s a football team member! Good for her. (It’s also a stand-in for sports in general, I suppose) Don’t want to leave just yet so I’ll play some chess and then just let Autumn do whatever. Her homework apparently. Off to school alone so control heads back to Freddie.

Let’s see, should think about more parties for Freddie. Hmm. Don’t need to goal an event in particular so let’s go for a dance party! Let’s see...man, I do only have a few Nightclubs in game. Not really too many particular areas I want to house Nightclubs at! Del Sol Valley is “closer” than Windenburg so let’s go there. You know what this means? New party clothes! But we’re not going to trendi! We’re going to the retail lot in Magnolia Promenade. I use retail lots way too infrequently. And it ties in so nicely with his materialistic and admire recent possessions want.

In my search for cooler Magnolia Promenade lots, I found this one by QueenOfMeowreen, now just recently added with those High School Years lot racks! Mm. I did make an outfit but ehhh, I might just head back home to fully finish my idea. Besides which, I think most of the things are available in CAS anyway so meh! Mostly it’s because we still have items missing from the last time Autumn was in there and they’re not back yet so...don’t want to mess with it.

Reason 2 is that there is a much better pants selection in CAS than there is on the racks. Got an outfit I’m satisfied with! But I have not “purchased” anything. Hmm. There’s also a furniture store across the street. Let’s look and see what they have for sale.

WHAT IS THAT!? This is also a gallery download and I have never seen that drink stand before! Let’s see, fish taco, haddock and hamburger. Coffee and Apple Cider. Also pet supplies. Must be a Cats and Dogs one. And now I’m looking at the furniture and going...decision paralysis! AAAAAH. This is why I get things off the Gallery! ...and everyone is hanging around the stereo. Bah. If we’re going to listen to tunes, we’re going home.

Hmm. Seem to have trouble making posts on Social Bunny. Want to post about the new outfit, since, ya know, that’s what I got and didn’t work! -shrug- We also don’t have much money so uh, let’s go off somewhere and do some yoga. Willow Creek’s park will do! Yoga at the park! Autumn returns from school and is now a B student! Good for her. I won’t aim for A but if she gets it, that’ll be fine. Yoga was all members of the Garden Gnomes. Eh, I’ll take it. All Sims’ll pay anyway! It’s now supper-time and there are no food stalls around here but I know there are in the business district! ...or I could grill but if I’m to grill, I want to be able to take the food home and we got dance party in less than 3 hours. Having soup and coffee! Coffee to energize us to DANCE! And did some flirting with Demetrus Pyor before the dance party started. He’s pretty attractive, so hooray. And a Dog Lover. Nice. And perhaps a Snob as well. Double nice.

It is time to dance! And so the crew shows up to dance! The person we’re primally talking to, Ian Pearson, seems angry. Perhaps it’s the fact he showed up and tried to be my bestie and I was eh? Let’s try to calm him down with a drink! And order one for ourself! Annnd get stuck at the DJ. Reset object debug time! Throne Bailey is also hanging out here so I guess let’s snap some pictures! And with that, the dance party is- ...that doesn’t count for the aspiration. BAH. CHEAT TO MAKE IT COUNT. Bedtime for both Autumn and Freddie now.

Neighborhood Watch!

Forgotten Hollow: The Swaminathan household moved out.

[christmic]

Wed 10:35 AM 06.19.2023

Would you be willing to deliver?

A baby a borax a borometer,

A cabby a cunt a corosive tester.

Can you make sense? I just met Brenden, that’s here on Earth. I’m in the reading nook at Majewski’s and he came over to trim the backyard. He grew up in Japan a bit, he’s 25 and his GF Niltak’s sister is 28. We both observed we are dating older women. But he asked if we were dating and I was like IDK ask her we’re seeing each other so maybe it was a mistake but are we dating? I am so intimate and last night with the star lights and the little electric heater in the tent full of instruments - we did a gamlan jam and a ukelue one and it was so fun she read some month old freewrites and it was so organic and I recorded the hour long set then we fell asleep listening to the hour long set. Totally organic so what’s the hold up? I check off all the things on her list but does she check off any of mine? First and it’s the great filter I’ll never want to be with a cuck - as in a vax nigger. So that already knocks out you know a lot of women. But it’s perfect she’s not and never was close. The second one is someone who knows how to live. She lives exceptionally well, and is in essence a master of this material realm. Her house is full of warm details, the garage is a dream, it’s all so perfect. The next thing is that she’s super healthy. Like healthier than me. Teaches yoga, goes to hot yoga from the other guy I always call Tony but he’s Tobi maybe. She sees her personal trainer three times a week. Does that mean she’s banging her personal trainer? No that’s another wonderful trait on her list, on a brown scroll on the wall is a beautifully written marker extravaganza that starts with

‘Loyalty is Royality

is Totality’

and how many women live like that? Lists oh lists! She listed off a very long list of what she was looking for in a partner in the tent last night - I hit everything on the list in our opinions and in my opinion more.

But the list goes on! My reservations we must address but how when my heart is black and the voices are loud. My voicemails to Craig have a certain charm to them and I hope to listen to them one day.

But where does the list fall short? I wrote a list too damnit woman!

1) A woman who puts God before all else.

2) A woman whose voice is butter.

And maybe it’s because she’s born a day before my soulmate or maybe it’s something I can solve in freestyles but that’s what I thought and dreamt and wanted many a time. But she wants to improve! But am I the psycho to tell someone to change her voice? No one knows not even my closest friends but I changed my voice. Yuor natural voice can change. People value working out, getting educated, looking good, but as soon as they think about their voice they see it as unatural to change. It’s hilarious. I told my sister for years I’m trying to change my voice and I’m talking like 15 years now. I hated my voice and it took a long time but you can change your voice - just think when you listen to yourself back often you start to cringe, but what if you didn’t? Why NOT use your radio voice as your voice for your life? You’ll get more of what you want and what you like. Just like if you are attractive everything is easier and everyone wants to hire you be around you invite you yada yada yada. Combine looks with a sexy voice and that’s a double threat. Throw that schizo fire energy persepctive like a music hobo with a home and that’s your triplle threat right there. WHy do the threats have to end in threes? Must be a subtle masonic joke.

But let’s get back to number one on my list. The voices get more intense, I’m not reading my bible as much, I’m sinning more. And the closer I get to this girl the further I get pulled from walking in line with Christ. And this is key, and there’s no knowable actionable solution for me, except like mom said yesterday ‘roll with the punches’ but she was talking about the bunk meals on wheels nonprofit where they come and microwave some messed up prison food cause I’ve been too busy to cook for her. And I’ve barely been home. And if I am I’m busy. I still hung out with her a good bit yesterday though.

Mom gave me full control of the way back and I’ve been spending a lot of time out there, prepping it. pee break and a buck saw majewski’s in therapy right now and Ima bout to swim then teach with bonnie at grogan park then rush off for a lesson at 3:30pm. Forgot to send a video lesson to daniel and liam! But will see them today, of AND I better do hours and where does the time go when you just want to deliver flowers to people. A greenhouse of flowers? Doable, easy, or difficult? I’m working on moving out of the green room and into the backyard in the wizard tower you know. A little cottage that costs this or that or takes this amount of time or that. It starts with planter boxes at least. So in that old freestyle, listify your dreams. It’s a self aware line like sure put them in a list but like Regina sang about years ago once it’s put out into the universe then it has a chance to get stolen and taken by anything and anyone. So don’t listify ALL your dreams! Don’t give doubt a second chance! Who the fuck is Benji? Lol 9 months dating 9 months so that’s pretty recent. Prolly Poly guy

that’s her ex

but it sounded like it wasn’t even dating level so who knows who cares loyality is royaly

my sister texted me this morning trying to make sure we are going to her potluck so she can ‘judge our relationship’. Girls have always been intimated by my sister, but this time it’s different. A) My sister set this up and B) Miss Majewski has taught my sister yoga multiple times.

But your mom, your life, your past, your family, your momas fake titties, your druggie sisters fake nanis, your relationship with God through Christ, your voice. Are those those your soft spots?

startsx Would you be willing to deliver?

endsx: Are those your soft spots?

[devilsupdates]

Update Time

Defensemen Simon Nemec and Daniil misyul are out tonight for the Devils against Red Wings

Jacob Markstrom leads the Devils onto the ice for warmups in Detroit. He's your starter tonight against the Red Wings. Jake Allen is backup

Here is tonight's lineup

Meier - hischier - Mercer

Palat - Hughes - Bratt

Cotter - haula - Noesen

Tatar - lazar - bastian

Dillion - Hamilton

Siegenthaler - kovacevic

Hughes - Pesce

Markstrom

Allen

Luke Hughes and Pesce are in, Nemec and misyul are out. Everything else stays the same.

My best guess in we will see Luke Hughes on PP2 tonight. Seamus Casey first held the spot, then Simon Nemec. Luke seems the obvious choice while keeping PP1 together

The Devils powerplay has been pretty solid ( 25% - 10th in NHL) and feels like they're still working out some kinks. With Dougie on PP1 and Hughes on PP2 wonder if they'll go on another great run like early last season

Starters

Meier- Hischier - Mercer

Siegenthaler - kovacevic

Markstrom

Puck drop in Detroit

Period 1

Timo just fell awkwardly on the ice and took a second to get up. He skated gingerly back to the bench but is being looked at by a trainer. Weird play, didn't see anything really happen there. Staying on bench for now

First shift for lake Hughes and Brett Pesce this season

Meier seems okay, taking his next shift

Talbot has had to be real sharp early on. Devils with a good start here

So far. The Devils have had much better breakouts. Which is allowing them to play far more in the offensive zone. They are getting them to the perimeters.

Devils going to get the first power play of the game. A penalty drawn by a board battle by Paul cotter. Markstrom to the bench

Seider will go to the box for the Red Wings and Devils deploy PP1 to start

1-0 Devils! Nico goal!

Jesper Bratt with the lone assist on the Devils power play goal by Nico Hischier. That's his 9th point in his 10th game of the year

Devils have scored first in each of their last six games. Major difference from last season su far

Luke can thank Markstrom for bailing him out after that turnover. The sophomore is shaking off the rust

Pesce hits the ice for his first shift on the penalty kill.

Tie game. Detroit ties it 1-1

2-1 Red Wings

DeBrincat wires one from far out on Markstrom

This is really unfortunate. Turnof events. The Devils have been playing such a strong first period

End of one.

Devils trail the red wings 2-1

Hischier (Bratt)

Fischer ( copp )

DeBrincat

Shots: 18 -8 NJ

Notes after first period:

To make matters worse, the Devils were called for too many men as the period expired. Now they'll have to start the second period with A two minutes pk against a lethal Red Wings PP

Period 2

Puck drops

Brenden Dillon nearly scores off a shorthanded rush. Dawson Mercer with a nice feed there. He had no angle to shoot at Dillon did.

Tartar out of the box

Jack tried the goal line goal. Save, Talbot

Paul cotter just caught an elbow right to the face. He goes down on the ice and a training heads out to help. Quite a bit of blood on the ice.

Paul cotter to the locker room for repairs. Lots of blood

Devils power play!

Nico wires the puck Off the cross bar

Cotter back on the bench

Tie game! Erik haula in this 700 Th NHL game

Kane off for roughing

Another Devils power play coming up they're 2 for 2 so far tonight

Luke Hughes earns his first assist of the season on the Erik haula power play goal. Goal reads haula from Meier and Luke Hughes.

Brett Pesce just played a Red Wings 3- on - 1 with so much confidence and calmness. Read the play perfectly and cut off the cross ice pass

Nico Hischier (7) and Dougie Hamilton ( 5) have combined for 12 of the Devils 30 shots on net

Red Wings have 16 shots

It would be in the Devils best interest to slow this game down

End of two.

Were all evened up at twos.

1. Hischier (Bratt )

1. Fischer (copp )

1. DeBrincat

2. Haula ( Meier. L. Hughes )

Shots: 31 -16 NJ

Period 3

Puck drops

The Devils will need to shutdown Detroit's top line to have the best chance at a victory

The Devils need to find A way to beat Talbot

Brenden Dillon is hit hard into the boards. He stays there for a minute before bouncing up and dropping the gloves with Christian Fischer who had just laid him into the boards

Both will go to the penalty box. But we will see if there's any other call on the play. Nico is waiting patiently by the refs. All that while Fischer and Dillon are yelling at each other

Should've been boarding, dangerous hit from Fischer on Dillon but no call

Red Wings 3-2 Devils trail by 1

Devils have every right to be irate there. After the goal Keefe continued to berate the officiating crew

Devils Power play coming up. Big moment here.

Once again Nico doing everything.

Kovacovic joins Dillon and Meier in there sin bin

Nico scores! 3.3

Dawson takes a penalty with 3:54 to play

Red Wings 4-3 Devils behind by one

Cotter draws a penalty Devils to powerplay

2:37 to go score is 3-4 Red Wings

Final score 5-3 redwings

[fortheredbullboys-blog]

Happy Graduation Paxten!!!

[kaunis-sielu]

Him

You would’ve sworn he was an Alpha. Based only on physical and behaviors that you’ve seen. The way he moves for example, long strides with purpose, each movement is precise and nothing wasted. He’s built like an Alpha, all muscle, large and sharp angled. He’s observant, seems to notice everything and is always aware of a new person entering the space. But when you get transferred to be the new manager of the Avengers you’re shocked to find that he doesn’t smell of an Alpha. Instead he smells like a Beta. Steve, Tony and Clint are all Alphas while the rest of the team are Betas, you are the lone Omega in the room.

You take suppressants which helps hide the fact that you’re an Omega from most people but these aren’t most people and now that Steve has called you into his office after only a week it has you worried sick. You tap on the door and hear him call for you to enter. Pushing open the door you’re surprised to find not only Steve but the surprise Beta Bucky waiting.

“You wanted to see me?” You say softly and Steve gives you a smile.

“You’re not in trouble if that’s what you’re worried about.” He soothes and while that, and his calming pheromones put you more at ease you’re even more surprised to find that it’s actually Bucky that’s putting you at ease.

“I was.”

“No, I just wanted to make sure that you’re feeling okay in this new job. I know we can be an intimidating group, especially for an Omega.”

“I’m not-“ you protest for a second before he stops you with a look.

“You don’t need to worry, as long as you’re comfortable we’re not going to stop you from working with us.”

“How did you know? Most Alphas can’t tell.”

“Oh, I couldn’t. Bucky could.” You blink over at him in confusion. This is the first time ever that a Beta has been able to tell. “So just let me or Bucky know if anyone harasses you or you feel uncomfortable okay?”

“But he’s a Beta?” You mutter and a wave of irritation rushes over you. “No, wait sorry. Let me explain. I take the suppressants and was told that a Beta wouldn’t be able to tell, they’d think I was just another Beta. Occasionally an Alpha would be able to tell but it’s rare so I’m just confused as to why Sargent Barnes could tell.”

“Bucky.” He corrects you and you nod.

“Well, if you don’t want to use suppressants anymore you’re safe not to.” Steve tells you with a small smile, “I know they can make your heats really unbearable.” He’s not wrong,

“Thank you. I’ll think about it.”

“Okay, you’re free to go.” He says dismissing you, and both he and Bucky wait quietly until you’ve left.

————————————————————————

“Buck, you need to tell her.”

“I don’t need to do shit.” Bucky growls and Steve rolls his eyes at him.

“If you think that we can’t handle adding another Alpha to the mix you’re nuts. She’s clearly your Omega.”

“What? No she isn’t.” Bucky protests.

“Why else would you still be able to smell her? I certainly can’t. You’re not being fair to either of you if you stay on the suppressants.” Bucky growls at the other Alpha but Steve only laughs. “If you’re trying to prove that we can’t manage you in your true nature you’ve proven yourself wrong.”

“Fine. I’ll think about it.” He snaps and Steve nods.

“I’d hurry, if she’s gonna stop taking hers than she’s gonna have some interested Alphas around.” This gets a real growl out of Bucky and he decides in that moment that he’s going to go off the suppressants and he’s going to claim you. If you’ll have him.

————————————————————————

You decide to go off the suppressant as soon as the month is over and the second you do Alphas notice. Some of the men on the tac team are getting a bit too much,

“Come on Omega let me take ya out baby.” Brenden coos and you shake your head. He’s been the most persistent, but his scent really puts you off. It’s almost acidic.

“No thank you Brenden.”

“That’s Alpha to you.”

“No. It’s not. I am not your Omega.” You argue, under his smell is one that’s soothing, it’s a cedar and smoke and coming closer.

“You’re an unclaimed Omega. I’m an Alpha.” Brenden argues backing you against the wall, you feel the rage before you realize who it is that’s so angry. It’s not you and it’s not Brenden. It’s not until Brenden is yanked away from you that the calm settles over you.

“She said no.” Bucky growls and you find your hand clutching the back of his shirt. Since when did Bucky Barnes smell so good?

“Back off Beta.” Brenden sneers and Bucky lets out a snarl.

“He’s no Beta.” You say softly, “He’s Alpha.” You mutter and Brenden laughs.

“Everyone knows Barnes is a Beta.” Bucky goes for Brenden but doesn’t get far with you clinging to his shirt. Bucky freezes and looks back at you with soft blue eyes.

“Omega?”

“Let’s just go please.” You mutter but when his attention is off of Brenden the other man lunges for Bucky. Without even looking away from you Bucky catches the other Alpha around the throat.

“Omega. Please go to my room. I’ll be right there.” Bucky says calmly.

“Your room?”

“I don’t want to invade your nest.” He explains as Brenden thrashes in his grip.

“Oh, okay.” It’s very sweet of him to not want to invade your space.

“Really quick,” he takes your hand and scents your wrist. “So you’re left alone. Now please go.” It’s incredible how gentle he can be with you while holding the struggling Alpha. You go, making your way to his room like it’s a path you’ve walked a million times. When you get to the door it slides open without you even needing to touch it.

“Sargent Barnes requested I give you access to his rooms.” FRIDAY informs you as you step inside. The room is cooler than yours, which isn’t a surprise, and his scent is everywhere. His space is bigger than yours, it’s not a studio so you don’t have to worried about his bed being the most prominent thing in the room. You sit down on the couch and wait silently for Bucky to come back.

Tag list:

No tags because it might have smut in the next part.

[morphaeus]

MORPHAEUS reintroduction

Hi! I’ve been on a writing/writeblr hiatus for a while, so now that I’m back I figured it was time to make a new pinned post and introduction.

You can call me Micah. I’m thirty-one years old, and I’m an aspriring novelist. I say aspiring, because despite my efforts, I’ve yet to finish an entire novel. Still, I persist in my writing, with high hopes. I have adhd, major depression, and social anxiety. I also deal with chronic pain. I’m also currently a part-time college student.

Below are three WIPs — I have at least two more that I’d like to introduce soon.

saltmate

Sadie Nelson’s summer is off to an awful start.

Her first year in high school has been a disaster, with failed classes and more detentions than she’d care to admit. With summer school the only thing to look forward to, she doesn’t think it can get worse - until her parents sit down and tell her they’re getting a divorce. The news comes as a devastating kind of relief. She can’t wait for the fighting to come to an end, even if it means split holidays.

So when her parents send her off to her aunt’s house in Newfoundland for the rest of the summer, she figures things can’t get much worse. Her Aunt Claire is content to leave her alone while she works on her art, and Sadie spends most of her days by the seaside, wandering or drawing boats, and lost in thought.

When she finds a strange girl on an abandoned cove, far from town, Sadie is quick to try and make her first friend in St. Brenden’s Bay. But her new friend is stranger than she realizes - and what does her Aunt have to do with it?

empyrean eclipse

Dr. Hazel Hartley-Pryce is what most people refer to as a genius. The leading cybioengineer in the paradisaical city of New Eden, she’s revolutionizing the very concept of prosthetics. At least, that’s her day job. Most of the time, she’s just Zelle Pryce, awkward and unknown heir of an oil empire trying to make up for her family’s myriad sins.

Lark Donaghue lost their arm and their memory in an accident five years ago — or, at least, they think it was an accident. Ever since, they’ve been doing their best to recover in both mind and body. As one of the recipients of the Hartley-Zimmer prosthesis, they spend most of their time in the labs having their new arm calibrated, or in physical therapy, getting used to having a left arm for the first time.

When they bump into each other in the hospital café, Zelle has no idea that Lark is one of her test subjects. Likewise, Lark doesn’t associate the cute young doctor he meets with Dr. H. Hartley, the mysterious billionaire scientist who invented their prosthesis. Each are determined to keep their past a secret, eager to have something normal in their lives.

But when Zelle is attacked, everything changes. The mystery behind Lark’s amnesia might finally be solved — but at what cost?

ai: first contact

For Sylas Vale, joining the Stanton-Grant Corporation’s AI Partner Program was an easy decision. After all, SGC makes a lot of promises to their prospective subjects, most importantly the end of the chronic pain that has plagued him since childhood. Now, five years on, the AI known as Minerva isn’t only his partner — she’s his best friend and constant companion, helping him pilot the UNSS Inquisitor into unknown territory, seeking out ever more natural resources for humanity.

Captain Lhaileth Tansh'r has been patrolling the edge of Alliance space for the past five rotations. It’s a thankless, not to mention boring task, and one that was given only to get him and his radical ideas out of the way. He doesn’t foresee anything exciting happening. He certainly doesn’t expect to encounter a strange ship appear on their sensors. But protocol for first contact with a spacefaring species is well established. Lhaileth believes everything will go according to plan, and this will cement his name in history.

But the crew of the Inquisitor soon discovers that AI are outlawed by the Alliance, and Sylas’s connection to Minerva might doom humanity’s chance to join the celestial community as equals — and cost him his life. Ordered by Earth to keep her a secret and use her abilities to infiltrate the alien society, Sylas reluctantly becomes humanity’s de facto representative.

With a whole new galaxy to explore and cultural miscommunication abound, Sylas will soon become torn between his duty to his people, his ideals, and his budding affection for his guide, Lhaileth.

[trentskis]

leeds have so many pretty boys...... share with the class? 😉

hi anon thank u for this important question. well i'll start with two men who sadly went to cringe clubs over the summer but remain cute: raphinhna and kalvin phillips

this is evidence of them being cute and also evidence of what ahem clubs they went to. i think also a lot of people think raphinhna is a dickhead but truthfully i cannot remember why. kalvin is a really sweet boy, so very cringe and sad for him that he went to city but that's his L to take

now we move onto a classic leeds pretty boy, mr robin koch, who currently looks like this

having a sexy mustache moment as u can see. but he has also been clean shaven, blonde (which was um. certainly a choice he made).. he said variety is the spice of life

next we have the beautiful long haired pascal struijk, a man i for a long time only knew as the player who fucked harvey elliott up. i believe in this controversy there was not enough attention paid to how pretty he is

i also think crysencio summerville is cute. being honest with you i don't know much about him other than when i watch leeds matches and im like. oh that guy is cute

and then there's jesse m's US babies!! this is more about me just thinking they're cute and talented lil guys so im including them lol. left is tyler adams right is brenden aaronson who yes DOES look like football shawn mendes

and finally, not for me personally, but jesse marsch DOES have your school friends dad energy if that's your thing

there u have it anon and no i was not expecting this answer to be this long either but u know. that's the leeds baddies i guess !

[black-velvet-lady]

Reboot VS Avatar Comparison Part 1

A little while ago I stated that Reboot did much of Avatar the last Airbender’s tropes and beats a lot better then the show and I suppose I should put my money where my mouth is and explain why I think such.

Reboot was eleven years old when Avatar first came on the air and was somewhat of a children’s show rock star at the time. Especially in North America. It wouldn’t be a stretch to imagine the show runners being at least a little inspired by the show. One can actually see how influential the series was when they take into account the very striking similarities between Mad Max Fury Road and the Mad Max the Road Warrior inspired episode of Reboot titled Bad Bob. Both plots involve the protagonist driving a transport truck down a deserted post apocalyptic highway, hauling a fuel source while the antagonists attempt to stop them. And then you look at the writing staff and realize Brenden McCarthy, who worked on the art during the production of Reboot, Co-wrote Mad Max Fury Road. An episode of a children’s show went on to influence a movie twenty years later.

Enough padding though lets get down to the comparison.

The Hero

Bob from Reboot and Aang from Avatar

Both main series protagonists are very similar. Both are goofy at times and serve the role as the main hero often coming to blows with the early villain. The part I find striking is that both have humanitarian values preferring non violent solutions to defeating their enemies. With Avatar Aang he uses the removal of bending, Bob uses reformatting of the core programming. These are later called into question as to whether they are worse or better then actual death by other characters. Reboot actually had time to bring up the reformatting of viruses and call into question that such an act erases some of victim’s personhood during the shows run time. It even presents Bob with this question and it wouldn’t be addressed until years later In the Avatar series with the advent of Amon, even still we would not see Aang confronted with this very same question until the Imbalance comic.

Heroic Siblings

Dot and Enzo Matrix vs Sokka and Katara

Both siblings have the sister being the more parental figure of the group as well as being the love interest of the main hero, while the brother suffers from an inferiority complex brought on by being less capable then the people in his life and an older male figure in their life whom they admire.

While Katara suffers from parentification due to her being the younger sibling, Dot is not quite so burdened being the MUCH older sibling. Dot is already a responsible adult with her own thriving business and a good head on her shoulders when she is forced into the position of being a parent to her brother Enzo after the death of their actual parent Welman Matrix.

Not the only parallel. Welman is the father but shows a kind and supportive nature while having a very close bond with his daughter Dot. He does die in a round about way, Sprites after deletion tend to turn into little slug monsters called Nulls that absorb energy like a leech. Its a rather bittersweet reunion when his consciousness returns in the form of a collection of Nulls forming a humanoid body. Dot spent a desperate amount of time trying to bring her father back and now that he’s there, she can’t even hug him cause his new form would drain her of energy.

Enzo in a similar vein to Sokka is left feeling inferior no matter how much he may try to help. He lacks in ways different from Sokka’s non-bending, he’s a kid surrounded by adults. Enzo aspires to be a successful business-man like his older sister Dot, just as much as he aspires to be a guardian like his Hero Bob. Eventually he gets his chance when Bob is sent off into the web via betrayal. Much like Sokka who desired to be a warrior and leader like his father Enzo flounders at first but gets the hang of it quickly with a unique style of his own that is not quite like Bob but is something akin to his hero.

Villain Siblings

Megabyte and Hexadecimal vs Zuko and Azula

Personality wise Megabyte has closer comparisons to Ozai than Zuko but in a sibling Dynamic Hex and  Megabyte have closer ties to Zuko and Azula. And I would be remiss if I ignored it for character personalities. One of the closest similarities is that they both share a violent sibling rivalry but will join forces if the need arises, one gets a redemption arch while the other comes back as a more dangerous villain with a grudge, the sister is shown as more mentally unstable, both have a royalty motif throughout their design, etc etc... but how do they compare on an individual level?

Megabyte much like Zuko was a much more frequently shown villain than Hex. He has aspirations to higher power and it often brings him into conflict with the heroes as he attempts to use the main hero and their assets to achieve this end. He also has a very violent rivalry with his sister often resulting in his humiliation. This ultimately culminates in an arch where the brother has his sister captured and restrained and made to co-operate under threat of violence. Sound familiar yet?

In this case, Megabyte is placed in the wrong clearly by the narrative, but with avatar the shoe is on the other foot. Hex and Azula deserve their on parallel page cause there is a lot to cover.

Next time.

Main Female Villain and the Treatment of Mental Illness

[torterragarden]

003 for either Magma Boss Maxie or Champion Steven Stone

I'll do both!

Let's do Maxie first

How I feel about this character: I love him. He's my favorite character in Hoenn along with Archie, though if pressed I will pick Maxie just cause I'm a Ruby person. Tbh tho... while I have a lot of nostalgia for the original gen 3 games, Maxie didn't really become an intriguing character until ORAS. For the most part, I prefer Emerald to ORAS, but one of the thing ORAS did REALLY well was Maxie and Archie. They were literally interchangeable (and not all that interesting either way) in the originl RSE, but ORAS made them distinct characters and also made me LOVE them. Misguided idiots who mean well and who got the whole region involved in their messy divorce. NO ONE is doing it like them fr

Any/all the people I ship romantically with this character: Archie! Like. Come on it's so obvious they love each other. Whether you interpret that as platonic or romantic, they love each other

My favorite non-romantic relationship for this character: uuh I guess Maxie with the rest of Team Magma, or Maxie with the player. May/Brenden trying to deal with their idiot divorced dads sure is a concept

My unpopular opinion about this character: don't think I have one

One thing I wish would happen / had happened with this character in canon: I think he and Archie should have kissed

Favorite friendship for this character: Archie. yeah.....

My crossover ship: why would I ship him with anyone else Archie is RIGHT THERE

Now for Steven!

How I feel about this character: So uh. Steven is one of the first characters in Pokemon I had a crush on as kid lmao he's so cool! And he has a great design, his ORAS design in particular is so good! It's one of those designs that looks better the longer you look at it. Like at first glance it's like, yeah good looking guy in a nice suit, cool. Then you notice the steel cufflinks, then you notice the metallic sheen inside of his jacket, then you notice his lapel and belt and the color placement and how it all reads as classy but still evokes the Steel typing he prefers. It's great! It's a really good design! Honestly like... he might be right after Cynthia in terms of favorite Champion design. Steven is such a cool Champion honestly, I don't think his team as a whole is as threatening as say, Cynthia's or Leon's, but his Metagross alone is a HUGE Threat, and even his Cradily can be annoying, and maybe it's only because I played Ruby/Emerald so much as a kid but Steven is very memorable to me, I really love him as a Champion like truly. His personality is um. Okay so I feel like Game Freak was going for introspective and cool but it kind of reads more as. pretentious loser hfhhfdjks but that also is endearing. I LOVE Steven okay. Like yeah there's other Champions I prefer but I love him so much fr he's so cool and kind of underrated in my onion

Any/all the people I ship romantically with this character: I don't really ship him with anyone. Except myself maybe

My favorite non-romantic relationship for this character: uuh idk tbh

My unpopular opinion about this character: He has one of the best Champion themes. Like. I feel like his theme is so rarely brought up when people talk about Champion themes but it's SO good. I love how fast it is, like it just starts and keeps going and never really loses tempo and the vibe is very much "oh you're here you got your Pokemon okay GO" and like I love the intensity I love how much it contrasts Steven's relatively calm personality while still feeling like it Fits, like it feels like Final Battle music it feels like This Is It, and this dude who was your friendly mysterious mentor for most of your journey is unleashing his full power on you, and you better be fucking ready to show what you're made of. God it's such a good theme like I understand how certain other Champion other themes could overshadow it, honestly I can't think of a single Champion theme I don't love, but like. I feel like people overlook Steven's SO much idk. It's so good tho

One thing I wish would happen / had happened with this character in canon: uuh idk.

Favorite friendship for this character: uuh.

My crossover ship: none

[lunatic-fandom-space]

Episode 7 Time

Ugh I kinda hate that Aphmaus doin her little youtuber intro in front of every episode in these earlier ones bc its like. how the fuck am I supposed to work that shit into the start of literally anything else much less a more conventionally told story

Idk she walks around town n runs into Kiki and her lil hamster party

Something about Kikis design just really irks me and Im pretty sure its her oversaturated darkish pink shirt, even more so when its combined with that bright red hair and big bright red heart on her chest. When I redesign her I'll probably replace it with a more earthy pink tone

The exchange between Kiki n Aphmau can stay the way it is mostly, I'll definitely have to tweak it though and completely rework that last paragraph so it doesnt sound like an obvious explanation of a game/mod mechanic

Zenix is also nearby saying "What strange adorable creatures" which is cute, I think I'd like it a lil bit more if he was maybe also petting/holding a hamster while saying that

She has some fun w/ a hamster in the enclosure, Im kinda hesitant on giving her a pet like that ngl, but I feel like a hamster is a bit less of a 'deal' than her dog so yea, I'll see what I'll do

If she keeps the hamster, she'll drop him off at her house (or maybe in the chicken enclosure idk) and then walk around town talking to everyone, if she gives it back to Kiki she just goes to talk to everyone in town right away

While shes doing that, she runs into Paul ofc and they have the same lil exchange that they have in the OG

Once shes done w/ all of that she goes over to the beach to start building that boat where she meets Brenden, who just finished the docks and is Exhausted. He says the thing about the docks being done AGAIN while wheezing and panting a bunch, Aphmau tells him he did a good job like in the OG and Brendon just thanks her without mentioning poop, thank god

Then she also goes to talk to Garroth, their exchange is also mostly the same except Im changing the line "I'm having an item delivered here for the boat" to smth like "I/Zenix and I have had something built for the boat, we should get it tomorrow" bc I feel like they kinda mentioned that the village is cut off from all the other villages but then they didnt fully realize that that would make things like this difficult yknow?? (or me and whoever wrote this just have a different definition of "cut off" lol)

Aphmau starts trying to build the boat, maybe Brendon offers to help once hes rested properly bc he seems to know a lil more than Aphmau. At this point we should probably do another small timeskip and show the boat being built via montage equivalent or by just showing small snippets and interaction. I'd also like to get Paul and Kiki on board (ha) bc they also know about what happened and they need all the help they can get

I'd also like Garroth and Zenix to help a lil or at least offer some emotional support. Like, I dont remember Zenix at all and I do know that most of the big moments for Garroth n Aphmau come later but some small cute interactions before that could be nice

Okay nvm I watched further ahead in the episode and what she ended up building was more of a raft or smth which could probabls be built by a single person in like 2 days if they had some skill and patience lol. Im keeping those previous points though bc I like the idea of this being a bit of a bonding moment despite it all (and I'd kinda like Aphmau to be a pretty skilled builder in my version idk why)

EDIT: NVM SHIT I MISSED SMTH; so Zenix sneaks onto the boat and looks into the chest/maybe puts something in it??? Dont remember what it is or what it leads up to so Im keeping for now

So yea, thats it for this one babeyyy