#he may just be spoiled (has two separate beds one of which is his own couch)

[numbaoneflaya]

anyone got dogs who are picky eaters :/ trying to find brands he'll enthusiastically eat is like hunting unicorns. he wont eat most dog cookies even high end brands, he even spits out frenchfries if u toss him one.... tried so many mixes of wet and dry food and a mix of them but the most irritating part is that we find something he really likes (like a bit of cottage cheese mixed in w his food made him go nuts on it for a few days) but then he suddenly decides hes sick of it and wants something else.

[twistedwonderlandshenanigans]

Pet Sitter AU

So anyways ummm I've had this locked and loaded for a while. It's not complete. Buuuut it's a comfort AU for me so I shall talk about it when I need it most! (Like rn) I have more I'll add eventually, but if you have any world-building questions lmk!!!

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

The premise/the basis of all this is Cater needs to get away from home when he's finally at his breaking point and ends up leaving, no plans, nothing packed, just his wallet, his phone + charger, and the clothes on his back. He ends up calling in an old favour to Trey, a classmate he hasn't seen or spoken to in years, who comes to pick him up off the street and lets him stay in his apartment he shares with Che'nya until Cater can get back on his feet.

Cater recognizes he needs to get his shit together, but he's a depressed mess and has largely been isolated from other people besides his family, so when another person in the apartment needs a last minute pet sitter, he figures it's a small enough task he can handle.

this is based off of this comic

In which Idia has a skrunkly ass stray cat named Meat Spud (Cater does not want to touch it whatsoever bc it has. no fur. He's used to his sister's big fluffy spoiled cats)

The Apartment

So like. Idk, my brain liked the idea of each floor of an apartment building being more luxurious than the floor below it. Im by no means an architect or have any bg in this stuff, apologies if it like. Irks anyone sldkjfhlskdjf

it's a 15 story apartment building with roof access

- First Floor - Apartments are one bedroom, a kitchen and a living room, as well as a small "porch" area outside. There are communal bathrooms + laundry. Unfurnished Rent is ~$560 a month (about 20 apartments are available) There's also a communal deep freeze for anyone who needs more room for their food, but the apartment is not responsible for any losses that may occur.

- Second floor - Still one (larger) bedroom/kitchen/living area, but you get your own bathroom (woo), but the shower is like. the same design as a public shower, you know? like just the spout coming out from the wall. Tenants are still expected to use the laundry room on the first floor though. Small balcony/outdoor area. Comes with a bed + couch. Rent is ~$610 a month (about 15 apartments available)

- Third floor - options for two bedroom apartments become available, but the rooms are Very Small. Balcony is about the same size as the second floor. There is room for a small dining area. The bathroom has a free standing shower. Rent is ~$660 a month (Also about 15 apartments available) Rent has some variation depending on whether you get a furnished or partially furnished apartment

- Fourth floor - More spacious in general, better options for two bedroom spaces if needed, there is a gym on this floor which kinda cuts into how many apartments are available. Most are partially furnished, but there are options available/the lease is negotiable to a certain extent. Still just a free standing shower in the bathroom. Yes there's still a balcony. Rent is ~$700 a month (only about 7 apartments available because of the gym)

- Fifth floor - Tenants finally get their own laundry machines lkjshdfkjdf woo, more spacious, etc. they get a bath + shower combo in the bathroom + a decent sized balcony. They can opt in/out for once a month room service for an additional $50 a month (this increases by $10 the higher the floor but remains an option). Rent is ~$800 a month (about 10 apartments available)

- Sixth to eighth floor are all about the same, just getting slightly bigger (like by 1-3 square feet) as they go up, but they all become two bedroom options. Rent falls between ~$850-$870 with about 8 apartments available on each floor.

- ninth to twelveth floor are all about the same, they get a shower and a bath in their (2) bathrooms, like they're separate from each other, they have walk in closets in the master bedrooms, and they get a storage room. They still are 2 bedroom. Rent falls between $1100 - $1350 a month (only 6 available on each floor)

- there is a thirteenth floor, but it's not an option on the elevator. The owners of the apartment are superstitious and don't rent out any rooms on the thirteenth floor, but wanted to HAVE a thirteenth floor bc...in the event there are ghosts or something in their apartment they would be stuck on the floor with the most energy?? Idk man. Nothing is furnished. Just empty rooms. "Empty" Rooms. :)

- The fourteenth floor is like. luxury apartments. they get the whole shebang with walk in closets for every (3) bedroom, full bathrooms (2) huge livingroom, huge kitchen with up to date appliances, and once a month there's a full course meal that's just brought to the tenants for dinner. They're living the high life for the same price a lot of people are sharing a house with four people withs flkjshdlkjfsdf Rent is ~$2000-$2100 a month. There are only 4 of these apartments, the balcony wrapping around each one

- and of course, the fifteenth floor. Literally. It's like having an actual house to live in but you get a great view of the city from above. It's ridiculous. four bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms, like it's just big and beautiful and bright. as for the food, it's "complimentary" (factored into rent) and happens every other week. Or it would if the people living up there didn't opt out of it lsdkjfhlksdjf the apartment owners don't care it saves them money. Rent is ~$2500 a month.

And you might be like. hey. that rent doesn't actually sound that bad.

I know.

I know. Like I share Half a house with four other girls and the total rent per month is $3100. My rent alone is $575. But I wanted to be nice (I did not plan out the rent before this and I simply do not care enough to change it I think I'm being "reasonable" with it)

ONTO THE CHARACTERS

Okay:

Basement

- Jamil (22) – Yeeeah baby he gets the whole basement to himself. Almost. Like there’s a section for all the maintenance and storage stuff, but he gets to live at the hotel rent free because he’s friends with the owners (the Asim’s), and works for them at the front desk. He doesn’t even have to do the cleaning. It’s the freakin’ dream. In order to actually make money though, he does have side gigs so he can deck out the basement however he wants + do what he wants for fun. He has plans to keep snakes eventually, but he’s saving up for his dream enclosure as well as the extra heat lamps he would need for down there.

First Floor

- Ace (21)- Ace's mother divorced their dad she found out about some of the bad habits he had been up to. Just a little over a year ago, his mom became extremely ill and his big brother Jack became the main provider of the family, trying to take care of their mom and his little brother. Ace knew he wasn't outwardly being a burden, but he still felt like one and decided to save up and move out. Shortly after moving out, he lost his job, so he's desperately been searching for another one, but also been doing what he can as a little entrepreneur. Nothing's been super successful yet, which has been super discouraging but he has a couple repeat clients for his stickers that he makes. He also has 4 pet hamsters which he keeps on a live stream most of the time, (they're all named after card games). All he has for furniture is a desk, two rickety old chairs he probably found in an alley somewhere, his mattress and a dresser. His place is a bit of a mess with the stress he's under, and he's had to ask Jack for money a couple times which only makes him feel worse.

- Riddle (18)- Riddle has been playing violin since he was just A Baby (like 3) and had been on fairly good terms with his mother. She encouraged him to move to the city as a means of giving himself more opportunities, and she would pay for his rent. A few months in, Riddle realizes oh shit. I'm gay. And decides to come out to his mother because he has no reason to believe she wouldn't take it well. Well. she doesn't. She immediately disowns him and stops paying his rent for him. He can barely pay for one month on his own, and decides he needs a roommate. He did not really....do any digging into his roommate because he was just desperate to have one...(eventually, when things get better, he gets a pet hedgehog)

- Ruggie (21) - Riddle's Roommate :) He's the only reason Riddle's apartment is furnished, because he manages to find things on sale or on the street or whatever and clean it up. He thought Riddle was joking when he said he wanted to be a musician In This Economy. Ruggie doesn't mind one bit sleeping on the couch. He keeps himself sustained through whatever means necessary. (Doesn’t really want a pet because of the cost, but likes Riddle’s hedgehog a lot)

Second Floor

- Rook (24) – Rook is a blue collar worker, I think in construction? He owns a really old, well behaved golden lab and a brand new, very energetic bichon frisee puppy. They absolutely adore each other. He has no contact with any of his family.

- Deuce (19) – Moved out to be closer to work. He’s currently an apprentice as a mechanic, but on the side he offers blastcycle modifications (so long as they’re legal), and also babysits! He ends up adopting like 4 German Shepard mix (unknown, they’re not purebred) puppies with his roommate because they were both too much of bleeding hearts to give them away or sell them once they found them. It was already tight, (spaciously), because their one bedroom was already split in half with a paper divider, but they surrendered the livingroom to the puppies. Money wise, it is a little tight.

- Epel (19) – Deuce’s roomie. He was the one who found the puppies. He tried to leave them, he really did but Then He Couldn’t. Epel’s family supports him because their farm is successful, it’s not ‘a lot’ but they send him about $150 a month just to help out in the big city. Epel met Deuce at work, his lease was almost up and asked if he could move in because Deuce was venting a little bit about rent. Epel is apprenticing as a fabricator – he’s already a pretty good mechanic because of the upkeep he had to do on the farm, but fabrication seemed fun, profitable, and secure so he decided to try it out. Lowkey has a goal to get into all the trades as an apprentice eventually. He also has his own blastcycle and does late night delivery service as a side gig.

- Jack (19) – Moved to the city to go to school. He wrote home about how he felt really…lonely without his family, and his mom ended up gifting him a Samoyed puppy the next time he came home. She sends him money for all puppy related expenses, and he works part time at a fast food restaurant to help sustain his rent. He’s going to school on a scholarship for his athleticism, and could technically afford a nicer apartment, but he’s trying to be smart with his money. He’s also working to develop his own fitness trainer app because he wants to help people exercise to feel good, not necessarily to loose weight or anything.

- (Nameless OC) – She’s like a 75 year old widow who has a crush on her upstairs neighbour on floor 4. She’s adorable, she’s a little Korean grandma. Every now and then her daughter comes to visit. Her daughter is the one who ends up adopting (human) Grim + Gidel (both friends with Ortho) (Jack helps her bring up her groceries a lot)

Third Floor

- Jade + Floyd (21) – They actually live in a single room apartment, because they toured both a two bedroom and single room and found that they could make more use of bedroom space in a single room. They’ve never met Azul in this AU (I’ll explain this later in ‘relationships’) and are fairly new to land. Jade’s side of the room is all terrariums, his isopods and springtails are his baaaaabies. Floyd has a huge glass enclosure on his side of the room for his Albino Burmese Python. He thought it was a ball python when he first got it. Uh. Yeah. He puts in a lot of work and sourcing people who can teach him how to care for it properly, he’s a great snake dad. When it’s available, Jade will feed the shed skin of Floyd’s snake to his isopods. Floyd also retains some of his strength from having been a mer, so it’s not entirely uncommon for him to answer the door with a snake scarf. They’ve both got working Visas for now to be on land, and Jade is working towards figuring out all the paperwork to become land citizens for both of them. Jade works in a greenhouse, but also sells custom terrariums, Floyd works at a pizza place and LOVES it.

- Trey (23) – He works at his parents bakery basically for free, as they make sure he has enough to cover his rent, groceries and phone bills. He only moved out to escape the chaos that is his household of (hc) 11 children. He is a volunteer firefighter, and the apartment Loves him because he brings leftover treats the bakery can’t sell anymore and just gives them out. Also just. The third floor smells great, all the time because he’s always baking something or other.

- Che’nya (22) – A bit of a freelancer, Trey isn’t even entirely sure what Che’nya does for work, but he always pays his rent on time so he doesn’t really care. Most of the time though, Che’nya works at a coffeeshop. They don’t have a pet in the apartment, though Che’nya kinda wants one.

Fourth Floor

- (Nameless OC) – 76 year old Korean grandpa. Has a crush on the lady two floors below him. They’re adorable and will end up together eventually sldkjhlksdf

Fifth Floor

- Azul (22) – Also a musician, he plays piano and has mommy’s money sustaining him for the most part lmao He’s managed to land a few gigs here and there, but it’s not really enough to keep him going. He ends up getting work at a museum as the person at the front desk and really enjoys it. He gets a couple perks that really make the job worth it (free lunch + 2 museum passes a month so he can go in for free with a friend. If he had any friends) He has a rather impressive tropical fish aquarium.

I don’t have anyone I Want on the 6th floor

Seventh Floor

- Silver (23) – Was raised in the foster care system, but never adopted. He vaguely remembers being taken off the streets and somewhere warm by some black and pink long-haired Guy but that’s about it. He’s always been pretty resourceful, and runs his own, small pajama company, has been since he was 18. He mostly gets to work from home now which is really nice. He owns 2 bearded dragons. He only has a roommate because he didn’t see the point in having a wasted space of a bedroom. It’s kinda funny because it’s almost like there’s an invisible line in the apartment where you can tell which roommate decorated which side of the space sldjfhksdjf

- Sebek (18) – Silver’s roommate. It’s his first time living away from home and he doesn’t really know how to cope. He insists he knows what he’s doing, but Silver can tell he has a lot of life skills left to develop and tries to teach him in subtle ways. While this will be mentioned again later, Sebek is emo in this au LMAO. Sebek also insists that he doesn’t care about the bearded dragons, but he learns how to handle them and ends up loving them and helping Silver take care of them without being asked. Sebek’s dad helps him pay for half of his rent, but he’s responsible for his own groceries which…is where he finds it more difficult to be honest. Sebek was initially going to go into school to become a dental assistant, but he finds it. So boring. And kinda gross. So he ends up going to become a veterinarian. Is his ‘bedside manner’ the best with animals? No. But he’ll learn. Sebek currently works part-time as a parking attendant.

Eighth Floor

- Idia (23) + Ortho (9) (this is a lil. Depressy-espressy okay?) – A little over a year ago, Ortho was in a car crash with his parents. It ended up orphaning the Shrouds and left Ortho crippled from the waist down. Idia feels like he should carry some of the blame because he didn’t get there fast enough, he wasn’t there to protect his brother, etc. etc. but Ortho doesn’t blame him for anything. Idia did inherit the family home, but it felt too big and empty without his parents, and Ortho said he wanted a new space to try and reset. So they’re living off their parents will + business money still, Idia doesn’t really have to do much to keep it running so he can focus largely on Ortho. Ortho’s mobility is very limited early on, using only a wheel chair, but as he attends physiotherapy, he learns to use forearm crutches and he’s very optimistic about being able to walk again. Ortho attends online school, after having challenged a few grades, he’s working on grade 7 level homework/classes. Idia only takes in his cat, Meat Spud, about a month before Cater shows up. It’s a feral, horrifically mannered little gremlin but he Loves It and is the first thing in a long time that kinda shocked him out of his depression for a little bit. Ortho named it. He also refuses to touch it lsdjhlkjsdf but he finds it funny. Ortho deeeesperately wants a White’s Tree Frog because he’s done his research and knows he could handle it. He wants to name it. Cornelius. Also, the kid just generally. Loves frogs. Please let him info dump to you. Please. He knows So Much.

I got nobody in my mind until floor 13

- Lilia(???) – He’s the ‘ghost’ of the apartment. Not really. He is a squatter. Nobody knows how he got in. Nobody cares enough to shoo him out or complain about it because most people don’t even know he’s there. He’s got ‘pet’ rats. They’re city rats he’s befriended with food. It’s not that he doesn’t have money. Don’t ask me to explain him I don’t fully know how it works yet sldkjfhlskdjf

Jumping up to the 15th floor

- Vil (24) – A model, and actor and a successful fashion designer, Vil loved the concept of the apartment which was really the only reason he chose to move in rather than own his own place. He is trained as a falconer, and does have a ‘pet’ falcon. ‘Pet’ as in it is not captive bred, but it was a rescue. For the most part, it flies freely, and only comes back to the apartment for the sake of companionship or for a safe place to sleep. Vil mostly keeps tabs on it’s health. (I need to research this more but like it’s less of a pet and more just a wild animal Vil has favour with and he recognizes that.) He also has two Great Danes from the same litter named Iris and Poppy

- Vizzie (21) – She is a vtuber and Vil’s roommate (will go over this more in Relationships). In person, she is *largely* non-verbal. She’s more of a listener/observer. She has a ‘pet’ crow. Shortly after being friends with Vil she found an injured fledgling and followed instructions over the phone on how to care for it to transport it to a National Wildlife Rehabilitation Center, then decides she would like to actually like to become licensed as a wildlife rehab. Officer. When that crow was cleared to return to the wild, it ended up following her around anyways, so once she finished her certification she knew legally she *could* handle the crow if need be. She ended up getting permission to set up an ‘enrichment station’ on the roof, so ‘her’ crow can has a safe, man-made stimulation board basically and can bring any of it’s friends along, but it’s also not uncommon to see it sitting on her shoulder. It is trained well enough that she brings it into the apartment now and then, but most of it’s time is spent outside. It also loves delivering messages for her. It’s name is Ragnar.

- Neige (22) – You’ll never guess. Yeah. He’s a successful model, actor and fashion designer. He’s got permission from the owners to keep pigeons on the roof. You can imagine the commotion that happens when they see Vil’s falcon, even if Vil does stay on the opposite side of the roof when he interacts with it. He likes the apartment because it’s central so all the volunteer and charity opportunities are within walking distance. He ends up also bringing home a box of sopping wet kittens at one point, but gives all but one away because of his roommate.

- Leona (25) – Neige’s roommate. I think both his parents recently passed away, so the family business was passed onto his brother. Falena is concerned about Leona’s mental and physical health, so offered to pay his rent for him. Leona wasn’t going to say no. Currently doesn’t have a job. Doesn’t really plan to get a job. He will eventually become a lawyer (?). He ends up adopting the runt of the litter of kittens Neige brought home and named her Mgambo. She’s got a tortoise-shell coat.

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

Others

- Kalim (22)– his parents own the apartment. He wanted to live there, but they ended up buying him his own place. It doesn’t matter, he’s in the lobby every day, (no job), chattering away to Jamil and trying to contain his six ferrets and an African Grey Parrot that he keeps mostly on his shoulder. He isn’t the most responsible pet owner, but he loves them and tries his best. Jamil often gives him pointers, and he listens to all of them (most are to make Jamil’s life easier but keeps Kalim’s pets safer anyways)

- Malleus (??)– Not quite sure where he lives in the city, but he knows Lilia lives at the apartment and goes to visit him often. He doesn’t understand why he chooses to live the way he does, but won’t comment on it. He has a pet raven but Idrk how he got it. If it’s even legal. It is a happy bird though and that’s what matters most.

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

I'll elaborate on more ships later but for now

Azul + Riddle – The twins instigate this lmao, they’re right in between the two musicians and love just laying on their balcony after a long day and listening to both of them practice. Floyd ends up yelling down to Riddle that Azul – the pianist above them, said his music lacks emotion, and Jade tells Azul in passing that while *he* enjoys his music, the little redhead on the first floor said that his music sounds amateurish. This sparks a competition between the two. Keep in mind. They can’t really hear each other. They’re both just swayed by the twins words . It ends up helping both of them, as Riddle realizes he’s always played the violin for his mothers approval, it’s always been mechanical to him, so he slowly starts to really tune in (hehe) to his emotions, why he chooses to play the violin, the sense of loss he feels with his mother, but still wanting to make her proud, and a part of his mind thinking if he can ‘beat’ Azul, if his mother knew, she would be proud, but that slowly becomes less and less important as time goes on. Azul, on the other hand, knows that he’s had less time than the many musicians to perfect his craft, but he’s mostly been forcing himself to learn impressive sounding pieces rather than really learning the basics and practicing them. Eventually there will be a night where they can hear each other, maybe like all the electricity goes out and either out of boredom or to try and lift people’s spirits they both end up playing, but it’s the first time they really hear each other play and they manage to make something beautiful. The twins then ‘ruin’ the moment after a beat of silence from both of them to ask when they’ll finally go on a date. Both immediately deny wanting anything like that. By the next week Azul mentions something about having a free pass to the museum and Riddle doesn’t think it’s a date until he Gets There and realizes it is.

Idia, Cater, Viz are a polycule, but Viz dates Ace as well

Jade and Trey are a thing

Deuce and Epel, maybe?

Vil and Leona

Who knows

Not me

The rest is still being workshopped

I'll elaborate on ships later

And character aesthetics bc Vil and Viz being the resident Goths are soooo important to me.

Anyways

Uh

Ye

Taglist:

@fluffle-writes @my-cursed-brain

Lmk if you wanna be added ^^

[flowersandbirdsflyingfree]

With TF2 being a main focus again, I’ve decided to at least write my self-shipping stuff for fun for myself!

Although Excavator will likely star in future writing and/or comics, I have to admit I have more fun just slapping myself next to Medic because that is self-love to me. So the lines may blur a bit

Edelweiß (TF2 Storyline)

How did this happen? Excavator wasn’t sure herself. Seeing as Medic threw his hippocratic oath out the window, he isn’t the most reassuring. Yet they developed a close-bonded friendship with each other.

Excavator is the one who usually throws Medic a bone the most on the battlefield (and sometimes literally too). She’s fended him from near death experience many times. Her help extends in her free time to care for the baby baboon nursery and some voluntary projects.

Archimedes has taken a liking to the digging woman. She shares her sunflower seeds with him. There isn’t a day she doesn’t ask for him when seeing Medic.

It wasn’t until Archimedes had heard Ex open up about her feelings for Medic. Medic was intelligent, charismatic, energetic, surprisingly patient with her, incredibly dreamy… Archimedes spoiled this secret to the doctor!

At first, he thought it was endearing she found someone like him to be gush worthy. He might’ve playfully flirted with her in amusement to surprise her. But it’s not long until he realizes he felt the same way.

Excavator is his best friend. Ex always put him first and supported his dreams. But he also felt his efforts to protect her were fulfilled with being taken for granted. She was very sweet yet a force to be reckoned with. So much that factored in his deep-rooted affection for her. A grounding force for his racing mind.

Medic and Heavy already dated in the past, so he was worried of ruining another work relationship becoming awkward. He took the risk anyways, and luckily for him, everything turned out far better than expected.

Edelweiß (Modern AU)

Medic has cheated the devil before, so he WILL do it again! He not only lives in the same modern day as me, but he doesn’t look like he aged at all. Nothing genetic rewiring and black magic can’t fix! Doing so has allowed him to sneak into being a doctor again in a new state. He carries out his medical mysteries at home which may or may not include copious amounts of stealing for materials and tools.

We bump into each other in the middle of a HomeGoods. Although he got in to escape the cops in the evening, I’m just looking for a lamp to put in my new apartment since I just moved into town. We feel drawn to each other and exchange numbers. It’s not long at all until we become great friends.

It wasn’t long until I found out his dirty little secret in his… medical interests. However! I promised him I’d tell nobody about it. But in exchange, he found that I would have to help him as his partner in crime

Of course, feelings manifested regardless and the two of us became the world’s most unhinged power couple (well, second most compared to Zhanna and Soldier)

Now time for fun mushy stuff!

We definitely enjoy just sitting beside each other and reading our books. Usually we pick out our own separate novels. But we do like to occasionally read the same book together before bed. This will vary from a picture book to huge medical textbooks

Our main ship song is Here Is The House by Depeche Mode. Runner ups include Edelweiß (yes The Sound of Music one), Who Knows What Love Is by Strawberry Switchblade and My Heart Goes Bang (Take Me To The Doctor) by Dead or Alive

We pretty much bounce off each other’s playfulness. If you stood in another room all you’d hear is endless giggling and maniacal laughter. His energetic, kooky nature is one of my favorite things about him

Medic does enjoy teasing me for his amusement. Something about seeing me so shocked or horrified over his dark jokes or some sort of medical rambling is adorable. It's never anything mean thankfully, just lighthearted banter

I do have to chase after him sometimes if he's accidently caused anything life threatening.

We do work together. Enjoying one another's presence is a big thing for us. There are two desks down in the lab extension to our home. One for his studies and another for me to craft nearby him.

I'm genuinely surprised just how much of a hidden romantic he is. He never fails to surprise me with roses and never turns down the chance to cuddle at all. He's old fashioned but never fails to make me smile.

We both have a shared past trauma about dating partners. We used it as strength to be better people for ourselves and each other. There's at least an understanding of what we don't want to ever put each other through knowing the feeling of abuse. With my more complex childhood things however, he's not at all bitter about it.

Nothing's better than falling for your super best friend <3

[starseneyes]

Chenford REWIND - Lucy Chen / Tim Bradford - The Rookie - Season 3 Ep 1, 2 & 3

Season 3 has a totally different rhythm for Tim and Lucy. We're in the last month or so of Tim training Lucy show-wise, and they're definitely friends at this point. We can feel the natural rhythm they've built between them.

I really wanted to string these three episodes together because they're kind of one thought springing from Lucy's post-DOD trauma. I'll get into why once we're past the "Keep Reading" barrier.

SPOILER ALERT: I'm going to spoil these episodes and possibly everything that has come before. Yes, I spend a lot of time on Chenford, but there are also specific Lucy/Tim scenes I focus on because Chenford is nothing without these two separate, beautiful characters. I do try to write without too much foreknowledge of what comes after these episodes.

Are we all clear on what to expect here? Huzzah! Time to dive in.

Consequences

"Look, at the end of the day, we only think we know other people. I learned that the hard way."

Look, Tim's been burned. And burned. And burned. Almost everyone he has ever trusted let him down, shut him out, or manipulated him in some way.

His view may be jaded, but it's also informed by his own life experiences. The one time he really chose to trust was with Isabel... and that fell apart, too.

But Lucy knows Nolan. And she trusts her gut that Nolan is still the same guy today that he was before.

"Drive up to Chowchilla and retrieve the security footage from Nolan's meeting with Rosalind Dyer yesterday."

The second Rosalind's name hits his ears, Tim's eyes flash to Lucy, worry swimming in them as he gazes upon her. Lucy feels that shift as she looks up at him.

Tim's a tough guy, but he knows what it is to have to face the monsters down. He had to live with his. So, the last thing he wants to do is put Lucy in a position where she will be hurt, again.

"Sir, I'm not sure we're the right team for that assignment given Chen's history with Rosalind Dyer." "What assignment?" "He wants us to get the surveillance tape from Nolan's meeting with Rosalind yesterday." "What the hell was he doing meeting with Rosalind?"

It gives me special pleasure that they call Rosalind by her first name.

Back at my university, we had an unspoken rule in the Communications department. If you liked a professor, they were called by their last name in conversation outside of class. If you hated them, first name only.

And there was one teacher we all called by his first name. He was rude, condescending, misogynistic, tried to trick his students on tests, and hated me because I was the first person to ace one of his tests (and I did it on 2/3 that semester).

Demons don't deserve the courtesy of a last name. Rosalind absolutely qualifies.

"It's your call, Bradford. You're her TO. I trust your judgement." "Tim, it's not a problem."

Watch him watching her. Because when it comes to Lucy and this particular subject, he still questions his judgment. But he trusts hers.

She holds his gaze. "I can do this," it says. He finally agrees to the assignment.

"Now head back to the Shop while I get a statement from Rosalind." "What? No way." "It's for your own good."

They got this far, but Tim's still looking for ways to shield Lucy from this. And I doubt he'd do this for anyone else.

Look, we're nowhere near these two dancing the horizontal mambo on Lucy's too-rickety bed, but Tim has a special spot for Lucy by Season 3. It's not just because of DOD. It's because of everything they've been through.

Bit by bit, Lucy Chen has worn down Tim's walls, and he's let her in, bit by bit. Protecting her is just something he does, now.

"You have a personal connection." "So do you." "It's not the same."

Does she mean the case he worked? His connection in the search for Lucy? I've never quite known which she meant, because there are dozens of officers who worked Rosalind Dyer cases. I don't know if I'd call that "personal".

"If I can't handle talking to Rosalind while she's in a cage, I shouldn't be a cop."

And what can he say to that? The rational side agrees with her. But the side that wants nothing more than to protect her is screaming at him. And we all know which side TO Tim leans into. So, together they enter the lioness' den.

"You know, I am so impressed with you."

Rosalind barely acknowledges Tim once she locks onto Lucy Chen. It's been less than six months since Lucy's harrowing near-death experience at the hands of a practiced serial killer—a serial killer under the spell of the caged woman before her.

No, Rosalind wasn't the one placing her in that barrel. But it was her legacy, and Lucy Chen's defiant survival coupled with Caleb's death ended that legacy.

For Rosalind, Lucy will always be of special interest—the girl who refused to scream. Screams were the erotic fixation of the murderer, the source of his perverse pleasure. The panic that rose in the throats of his victims as they grappled with their impending death.

But Lucy Chen didn't scream. She sang. Lucy Chen didn't panic. She persevered. She lived.

"The way you handled what was obviously a very traumatic experience, it's inspiring." "Thanks. That means a lot coming from you." "Rawr. So defiant." "Let's stick to Nolan."

Tim's trying to keep things on track, and right now he's keeping himself in-check. Look, we know that Tim can turn it on the second he needs it—the energy that had him threatening a guy and slamming his head against a steering wheel.

But he's keeping it together because Lucy is keeping it together. He's feeding off of her energy. And much as this sucks, we all know Lucy can keep her head in the game.

"Just like you were when the lid came down on that barrel. You know, it must have driven Caleb crazy, denying him the fear that he desperately wanted to see in you." "How-" "Do I know that? You think the camera in the barrel was for Caleb?"

In the words of Malcolm Bright from Prodigal Son, "I have so many questions". Now, some of them are answered in this episode (secret phone in the wall), but I'm surprised neither of them questioned how she saw that video.

"Don't listen to her, Chen."

Tim's keeping it professional and clean. He's also trying not to show his hand.

Calling Lucy "Chen" at this point is a way to distance or maintain order. He calls her "Lucy" often enough, now, that we can tell it's a choice to call her Chen.

And the last thing you want to do is give a serial killer who loves mind games any hints about how you feel about anything or anyone. Emotions can get you killed.

"She's just playing mind games." "Oh, I am totally playing mind games. But I'm not lying."

She starts singing the song. Lucy's song. The one she sang to keep herself calm in the barrel. And it's a beautiful song that I've loved for years. But for Lucy it can never be just a beautiful song, again.

I have a song that I listen to whenever I'm feeling broken. Inner Light by Jay Chattaway. Listening to that song, I'm transported to every moment I've listened to it over the years... or when I hummed it for strength. And I simultaneously feel all the strength I've drawn from the clear call of the flute to the rising and falling strings.

Music is powerful. It can bond us to people and moments. And in the cold, grey room... the verse of a familiar song slices through Lucy's control and strength. She's literally back in that barrel, feeling all those feelings, again.

And that's too much for Tim.

"Knock it off."

He barks it, the veil of formality torn as the truth he's tried to conceal bursts forth—Lucy matters to Tim.

Not like a TO and Rookie, or even just friends, but as two people whose lives are enriched by the other in a way nobody else can touch. Not yet love, but soulmates, nonetheless.

Rosalind's attention has been locked on Lucy since the beginning of the conversation, but with three words, the monster shifts her gaze. She looks between the two of them, connecting the dots swiftly. There's a connection, here. There's something to exploit, here.

Tim just handed the monster a modicum of power, but he had to do it to break her spell over Lucy.

"Ah, the fierce protector."

Yes, he is. He didn't ask for it. He didn't go looking for it. But he was always a little protective of her (remember how he snatched Caleb's number away?), but it only intensified after DOD.

Lucy has seen Tim at his absolute worst, his most broken. And she didn't run away. She didn't give up on him. And he sure as hell isn't giving upon her. Not ever.

"We're done here. Let's go."

You can hear the emotion in his voice even though we're looking at Lucy on the screen. Lucy has tears in her eyes, and Rosalind put them there. The one thing Tim was worrying about happening happened and he didn't protect Lucy enough.

Lucy is right. She's a cop and she should be able to deal with a criminal in a cage. But Tim was also right. Lucy shouldn't have to be re-traumatized for a job.

Nyla often says that the job isn't worth your life. I don't think it's worth Lucy's peace of mind, either.

Tim glances back at Rosalind with contempt as he opens the door for Lucy. Oh, he hates that bitch. Me, too, Tim. Me, too.

"You were wrong earlier." "About anything in particular? Or just in a global sense."

First off, I want to talk about the growth here. He's willing to entertain the idea that he's wrong about something. TO Tim of Season 1 would have told her off, and Season 2 would have given her a glare. But Season 3-era TO Tim is willing to hear her out, and even asks to know where he went wrong.

Second, is Tim Bradford coming off a little flirty!? Season 3 is definitely the era of Lucy no longer fearing Tim and instead flirting with him. This feels like Tim's flirting a bit back and I kinda love it.

Let's be clear, this is harmless flirting at this point. They aren't flirting because they want to sneak into the back of the Shop and add their body fluids to the seat's history.

"You said 'at the end of the day we only think we know other people', but you're wrong." "Lucy-"

With no Rosalind, we're back to Lucy.

"No. When I was in that barrel, I knew you would find me. No matter what it took."

She. Knows. Him. And, damnit, he can't say she's wrong that she knew he'd try.

But even he didn't know he'd succeed. He didn't know he'd find her. In fact, he was terrified many times that day that he'd failed.

Lucy's the one with the steadfast faith. She believed that he would be okay in the Quarantine House, and she believed he would find her in the barrel. Her faith in him is so strange and magical considering what an ass he can be. It baffles him, sometimes, as much as it amazes.

"I found you because of your ring. Okay? You saved yourself. And I really hope what happened with Rosalind today doesn't screw with your head." "If it does, I'll deal with it."

Their secret. The truth that nobody knows but them. And I love that Tim credits her as much as it pains me that he refuses to credit himself. Because he still sees his perceived failing for her the night before, how he missed the signs that weren't there to tell him Caleb was a murderous psychopath.

Yes, it was a team effort to rescue her, but Tim was a huge part of it. And Lucy knew he would put everything he had into saving her.

As for the rest, he nods at her last statement that she'll deal with it. That works for him.

"And I know you'll help me."

Because. She. Knows. Him. So many times he's protested it when people point out the good in him. It's easier to keep up walls, to shield himself, to lock people out.

But Lucy's always been able to see through that. she knows who he is behind all that hurt. And that's what's truly terrifying about her, for him. Lucy has seen the worst of him, the worst year of his life. But she still sees who he really is, even when he can't see it himself.

"Uh, that's not really part of my job description." "MMhmm."

Look at that look she throws over her shoulder at him. That knowing look. Yowza, Lucy Chen has your number, Tim Bradford. You better watch yourself!

In Justice

"When you graduate. You have to celebrate. No more Tim Tests? Come on." "He's been quiet lately... Too quiet... He's planning something."

First off, I love the way these three help each other. The original OT3 of the show, it was great to see them come up together, not only as Rookies, but as people.

Second, Melissa O'Neil's read on that line had me rolling, and I love to rewatch it just for her facial expressions. Lucy thinks Tim's planning something, but I think Tim's giving Lucy a little space after the Rosalind thing.

His instincts were to keep them off that assignment, but they went because she thought she could handle it. Instead, it was stressful for both of them.

Tim stepped in to protect her, and every time he does that, I feel like he pulls back just a little to keep himself from feeling like he's crossed some invisible line.

Again, we're not at the tear-your-clothes-off-with-my-teeth stage (yet) with these two. This isn't a romantic line. It's a personal boundary that Tim keeps in place between himself and his Rookies. Usually, it's very easy to keep in place. But Lucy challenges him in ways he never imagined.

Funny enough, he does the same for her. So, much as she's eager to move past Tim Tests, I don't think she's as eager to move on from Tim.

"Why is roll call in the parking lot?" "It was all in the departmental email." "You actually read those?" "Chen does."

And your wife boot's going to be sure you stay on top of things and look good. Look, the best relationships are where two people fill in each other's weaknesses. Tim and Lucy have that in abundance.

"We need to rededicate ourselves to doing this job the right way, which means the last 25 days of your training are gonna be even more intense." "We should check the chop shops, see if anyone brought my car in." "That's what you're focused on? Even as parts your car is worthless." "Not to me."

Tim likes to tell Lucy how "intense" things are going to be. Before, it was almost to terrify her, but now it feels like a warning.

He doesn't want to scare the Rookie off anymore (Lucy isn't afraid of him anymore). He wants to prepare her so she can do her best work.

But Lucy's thoughts aren't even in that Shop. Her thoughts are on a barely-driving tin can that matters. And God bless Tim, but to him things are things. Break the thing and buy another thing.

But things aren't just things to Lucy. If you look around Lucy's place compared to Tim's, you can see the little baubles and bits that mean so much to Lucy. Tim's life is so much grey and beige.

He needs someone like Lucy to bring the color back as much as she needs someone with the structure to help her organize her thoughts. But we're not to the point, yet, where Tim and Lucy can be each other's person.

Right now, they're still learning to speak one another's language.

"Let the hunk of junk go and focus on the end of your training."

He's not trying to be insensitive. He simply doesn't understand.

"Is that what you would do? Let someone get away with stealing the thing that means the most to you? The one constant for the last 10 years?"

Roughly 10 years ago, she moved out of her parents' place. So, we're talking about her whole adult life.

And, weirdly, I just realized I've known Matthew my whole adult life because we met when I was 18. Crazy.

"It's a car." "It's the only place-. Never mind."

Tim could let this go. He could. But he knows Lucy, now. They've had almost a year together, and he can tell when something's really bothering her.

"The only place what?"

I love him being the one to draw this out. Yes, we've seen him pull things out of her before, but this is different. This isn't the harsh bark of "Boot!" when she didn't want to tell him about his learning disability. This is softer. Caring. Gentle.

Tim doesn't drop into this tone that often, so when he does, it really stands out. His inflection on "what?" is leading her, asking her to elaborate, but not demanding it. It's a request. It's a hope. He needs to know why this matters so much to her.

"Where I felt safe... after Caleb."

She can't even look at him. I mean, this is the guy who considers air conditioning a weakness. Stuff is stuff. She expects that he still won't get it.

But he does.

"There's a chop shop on Melrose. We'll start there."

Watch her react. She was hoping he'd help her with this today, but a part of her was ready to be disappointed. She's relieved. Even if they don't find it, Tim is going to help her. He's going to be there for her. And that's what she needs.

Because these three episodes are really strung together by Lucy's trauma and struggles post-DOD. You might think, "Rachel, huh?! That was sooo last season."

But 3x01 taps into Lucy's trauma with Rosalind. In 3x02 she loses her safe place, which is no doubt where she went as soon as she and Tim talked last week, and now it's gone. We'll get into 3x03 later, but right now, Lucy is in that "I know you'll help me" phase, and she. was. right.

Timmy, it might not be your job, but you're doing it anyway.

"Really? A Tim Test right now?"

Damn straight. If you've got him chasing the Tangerine Wonder all across town all day, he's gotta work in his stuff in-between.

"Does this mean you're not up to the challenge?" "No, sir, I am game for whatever you want to throw at me."

Her smile and defiance on that is borderline flirty. And I approve. Flirt on, little sister. This is the era of Lucy Chen charming Tim Bradford, a bit, and I'll take it!

"Back up. I got this."

He holds his hand out toward her as though conceding and getting the hell out of her way. We're a long way from the Tim Tests of old. This one actually feels instructive and almost... fun.

Stressful, yes. But the point system's rather cute.

"Calm, plus leaving, plus an apology. I crushed this test."

Hell, yeah, you did! And she did it with the compassion and kindness that she walked in the door with.

What I really love about this whole thing is Lucy's confidence. She has come so far from that frightened Rookie at the beginning. Yes, she is still a Rookie by the show's measurements, but there's a hell of a lot less "Boot" coming from Tim these days.

"Nice recovery." "MMhmm."

Because she knows he can't compliment her. But, that's close enough. She knows he's proud.

And she is proud of herself, damnit! Lucy loves being a cop, but she hasn't really found support for it at home.

For a while, Lucy looked to Tim for approval. I think she still likes when he actually compliments her, or says nice things, but I think she's stopped looking for his approval and has instead accepted her own. Lucy is proud of Lucy. And that feels good.

"You still go to school? Yeah, I do, and I get good grades. Anymore dumb questions?"

Oh, I like her. She talks a litlte like Tim but has the sentimentality of Lucy.

Straight up, when people told me I should get into Chenford, I thought, "I don't have time for a show like this". I don't. I don't have time to be invested in another show on a weekly basis. I tend to do one a year.

Why? Because our lives are just that chaotic. But, I watched a few clips of the show, and I saw this relationship right here between Tamara and Lucy... and it was what grabbed me first.

So, in a weird way, if you're a fan of these Metas, you have Tamara to thank.

"Is she for real?" "Officer Chen, a word."

You better put some respect on my girl's name. Two seconds ago, it was "Boot", but she talked right over him. So, he's showing her a little respect, and now she's ready to listen to what he has to say.

"Honestly, I'm surprised it took you so long." "Did you have a puppy?" "That's... not relevant here." "Mmhmm."

Wait... that's... that's it!? I wanna hear Tim's story! I love Tim stories... especially stories that help illuminate why he is the way he is.

It's not that Tim thinks he's so special that if things don't work out for him, they can't work out for others. It's that he's been burned so many times, he can't even think past his own experiences to imagine a better world.

He's not narcissistic, constantly pointing his gaze inward. He's looking out, but the blocks of his own fears, insecurities, and heartaches have created a wall between him and the possibility of something else.

"Well, she's not a puppy. She's a girl in trouble, and I'm gonna help her, okay?"

He gives her a little smile, there, that disappears as soon as she looks away. It's not his placating smile. It's not his "kill me now" smile. It's not his real smile... but it feels sincere in the moment. Almost like he appreciates her making this decision even if he thinks it's a bad one.

Again, Lucy is showing a lot of confidence in her choices and decisions, right now. She's not asking for Tim's permission to do what she thinks is right, and so long as it's within the law, Tim's good with that.

"I'm gonna give you my car." "What?" "Just until you get back on your feet. You know, I know it doesn't run great. But it took me to college, it saw me through three really bad relationships, and it kept me sane after... well, after I almost died."

In the aftermath of the horrors she endured, no place felt right. No place felt safe. Lucy settled back into her life, but there were no constants.

Her car had been her sanctuary when she's wept over relationships gone bad. It'd been her celebration spot to blast her music and sing at the top of her lungs. It was her quiet place where she could ride past the beach with the windows down, just soaking in the sand of salt and sand.

It was something that was hers that nobody had taken away. When she thought she'd lost it, she was heartbroken. But then she met someone who right now needs "safe" more.

Look, I'm not saying we ever heal fully from trauma. But, I believe we find ways to move past it, bit by bit. And Lucy releasing her car is huge.

Lucy will get a new car for the first time in her adult life. That car will have a new smell, new look, and new feel. But, she isn't afraid of it. She's no longer clinging to her old car to feel "safe".

And Lucy is making this change in her timing and on her terms. Yes, I think Tamara stealing the car gave her the push, but Lucy has no trepidation as she hands over the key.

Lucy is reclaiming her peace, bit by bit. And she's reminding us who she is—someone who loves others even when they don't think of themselves as lovable. Lucy sees the good. More than that, she draws it out.

It's the Lucy Effect. And I love it.

"Look, I hear he's a solid cop. Learn what's useful and ignore the rest."

This is the same attitude Tim was giving Lucy earlier with the car. He's trying to give what he thinks is practical advice to get through the situation. He's missing the point. He's playing to the old-school attitude of ignoring the bad apples, because it's not worth the effort to try to fix them.

But those people are still on the streets representing the badge. And Tim's not thinking big picture. It's not his strong suit. But it is his blind spot, and he needs someone to help him realize it.

Just because a guy's not out here dropping the "n" word doesn't mean he isn't racist. And racism is so ingrained in our society that it's accepted as inevitable when it shouldn't be.

Alright, I'm gonna get off my soapbox before this Meta takes a turn.

Tim absolutely has the wrong perspective on this. But he won't be able to shift it without some help from someone who sees clearly.

"If you quote me on that to Chen I'll deny it."

Jackson smirks a little at that, despite how dire the situation is. Because Tim isn't his TO, he can say things like this to Jackson. But, he doesn't need Lucy knowing she can ignore him on anything. After all, he holds her fate in his hands.

La Fiera

"Is it possible Tim Bradford is having performance anxiety? There are pills for that, you know." "Look, I've come in second behind Lopez the last four years. Now that Annie Oakley's with the detectives, I got the patrol crown in the bag." "Oh, there's only one problem with that. Me."

These two really do have a great chemistry and an easy trust. This isn't romantic relationship level, but definitely a solid friendship in the making.

Also, nice way to sneak in that exposition so we know what's on the docket for today. Firearms. Competition. And Egos.

"Care to make it interesting? 20 bucks if your Boot makes it out on top?" "I'll take that bet."

I love how he looks at her when he says it. He has full confidence in Lucy being best of the Boots. After all, he trained her, right?

"So, finishing first with the most hits, fastest time, and tightest grouping... Officer Chen."

That's My Bestie!! She is so proud of herself for being first. Above the other Rookies. Above the other Officers. Above all of them. Lucy is a badass.

Tim's right behind her, so we get to see his face as he soaks it in that, welp, he didn't come in first, even with Lopez out of the way. But, hell yeah, his girl came out on top (and Tim likes her on top).

Not only did she come out on top of the Rookies, but she smoked them all. He's a little surprised to have lost out to her (watch his face), but he recovers fast.

And I wish we had an angle on Lucy's face as he thanks the others for their money... because he bet on her.

"Uh, Bradford, Harper, you both tied for second." "I don't know what I hate more—tying for second with you or losing to a Rookie."

Lucy is smiling. She's so damn proud. And Tim actually smiles his pressed-lip smile over her shoulder as he looks down at her. Because, "Yeah, Harper. Same."

"The car is officially yours."

This blew me away. Because, she is signing over the car for good. Yes, she believes she'll see it, again, but she still lets go of it in writing. Good for her!

"How's the puppy?" "She's doing really great. Oh, she told me to tell you, uh, better luck next time at the range." "Get changed." "Yes sir."

The heat. I am living for Flirty Lucy in Season 3. Because this is so. damn. flirty.

She's not afraid of Tim anymore. And because of that, she can tease him, now. And Tim's softened toward Lucy, so he's not going to snap at her. They've eased into this Grumpy/Sunshine trope, and it's freakin' adorable on them.

No matter how "happy" Tim is in life, he's always going to have a bit of the set-in-his-ways grump about him. It's just a part of who he is. And Lucy's always going to have that ball-of-energy/sunlight glow.

They will always be who they are—they're simply helping one another find the best of themselves throughout their relationship.

"Mid-Wilshire Shooting Champ! I like the sound of that. Wait, do I get a trophy? I love trophies." "Relax. You had a few good shots."

Lucy is riding high, sure, but she also doesn't know how badly he wanted to come out of on top. Sorry, Timmy, my boy. Lucy topped you.

I'm sorry. These lines are just writing themselves.

"Come on! I rocked it! Don't be salty just because you got second place. Plus, you won 40 bucks. I should get a cut of that." "Not happening. But as your TO, your successes are my successes. So you should be thanking me for training you so well." "Wow."

Want me to cook up some steamed veggies so you have somewhere to put all that salt, Tim? Because, my man, you are jealous of your Boot.

"You gotta be kidding." "Bad puppy."

I'll admit, I laughed aloud at that one. I'm not the biggest fan of Tim's "Puppy" moniker, but this application was funny.

"I'm arresting all of them..." "What are you doing here? There are cameras all around. You nabbed an innocent man. The D.A. won't file."

Tim's heard Stanton's a good cop, so he's trying to talk to him like a good cop. He's trying to reason with him like a reasonable man—but that's not Stanton.

"These people don't respect authority." "You grabbed the wrong guy." "You're senior officer. It's your call."

And you can be damn sure Tim Bradford will make the right one, ass-wipe. Stanton is trying to appear reasonable, hoping Tim will be his version of reasonable—see it his way.

But Tim's a good person in his bones. Yes, he has a long way to go with his biases and his own blind spots—but he is willing to learn. He's willing to self-improve. He's willing to try to do better.

Stanton's one white sheet away from completing his asshole attire.

"And now you're gonna kiss their ass?" "It's called the least we can do."

Boom. Suck it, Stanton.

"Really? No comment. None at all?"

Lucy is past being afraid of Tim, and right now, she's aghast. Sure, Tim did what he could to clean up Stanton's mess. But that's not good enough.

Stanton paints the picture of one type of cop. Tim paints another. While Stanton is the blatant racist with a chip on his shoulder, guys like Tim exist, too. The ones who are complicit, who don't say anything to avoid ruffling feathers, who let things slide to keep the peace.

Until both are addressed, nothing will change. And that's the truth.

"Look, he's not my favorite cop, either, especially after he handled that family." "You mean the way he terrorized them." "Look, I've been around guys like Doug my entire career, military and police. They're rough around the edges." "'Rough around the edges', 'old-school', 'hard-charging'. Come on, man, Stanton is a racist."

Lucy Chen calling it like it is.

"You don't know that for sure." "Uh, yeah, actually I do. But, you're right. Let's just make excuses for him."

That gets Tim's attention. It's such a brief flash cross his face, but the first time I watched it, I could see that she got through. Because Tim is willing to learn, but he needs someone with patience to teach him.

Lucy breaks through Tim's defenses. He would never admit it, at this point, but it's true. They are friends, now, and she holds a special spot for Tim, even if it's not (yet) romantic.

"Bradford, we're in the middle of something, so-" "I-I think I know what it's about. Look, whatever Officer West is telling you, I stand with him."

That's my boy. Yes, Tim is a few years older than I am, but I feel maternal right now, okay!? Tim spied the conversation through the glass, and knowing that a Rookie might not be taken seriously, he threw in his word as Senior Officer.

And that got Grey's attention.

"Look I know you're pissed-" "Why aren't you?" "I am. It's just, I've been making excuses for pricks like Stanton my entire life, figured there was no changing them, so I'd let it go. I gave them a pass."

"excuses". Lucy's word. The word that got through.

"It wasn't a pass. You gave them permission. Silence is complicity, sir." "Yeah, I get that, now."

Jackson is keeping it professional with Tim, and I applaud him for that. There's a lot of emotions, here. And it sucks that Tim got this far in life without taking a stand. But, I'm glad he did.

"Look, I don't trust people who are nice to me." "I get it... trust is something that needs to be earned not bought. So, how can I earn trust with you?"

Oooh, I feel this in my bones. As a kid, any time someone was nice to me it was so they could screw with me. I was once invited to go to the roller rink with some kids. But it wasn't sincere. They had planned to stand back and laugh as I waited outside, alone. A friend who was with them told me, later.

My mom sniffed it out, called them back with Star 69, and threatened a bunch of middle schoolers. It was a thing of beauty to behold.

But, it explains why I have been so slow to trust in my life. The rug's been pulled out from under me too many times to believe that everyone is inherently "good".

"I need a safe place to keep this at night..." "And your cousin's is not a safe place?" "It's safe-adjacent."

Safe. What is it to feel truly safe? Lucy hasn't known it in a while, safe from the inside of her beater sedan. Now, about 21 days shy of ending her Rookie year, Lucy has released her safe place, and is focusing on helping someone else find "safe".

She's healed enough to help another person. And that's huge.

Tim and Lucy are both natural caretakers. Tim is more guarded of who he takes care of, while Lucy is more broad. But they both watch out for the people they love. And I love that about them.

As always, thank you for reading!! I know we're all anxious for the new episode, and I can't wait to watch it with y'all.

[echoghost1]

Five Fav Fics

got tagged by @jackdaw-sprite to pick 5 of my favorite fics that I've written! (here's their list)

this is gonna be hard cuz I have over 100 to chose from... ( ╯□╰ )

at least they don't have to be complete right?

Under the read more are the ones I chose

These aren't in order, just five that I picked

Carnival Mythika

Summary: What starts as a fun day at the carnival takes a turn after an innocent mistake. Danny gets separated from his friends at the carnival and asks the fortune teller for help to put him in the right direction, or maybe just back to the place he last saw them, the Cryptid Zoo.

Reason: this fic is my baby 😭 it's practically a novel and it really won't be that hard to change a few things and make this an original story because of how much of an AU it is. It's not done yet and it's taking me forever to write mostly because I keep having to take breaks because the emotional parts are so fricken heavy. Danny goes through it. he has a horrible time and it's all emotional trauma If you haven't read it, which it's an over 60k incomplete work with lots of angst and heavy topics, so I don't blame you. BUT if you wanna just read ch. 3 and let me know what you think （*＾-＾*）

Lively Conversations In Dead Man’s Land

Summary: Danny goes on a voluntary field trip to help his suffering grades.

Reason: This is one of the first fics I ever wrote way back in 2013 during PhannieMay (now DannyMay). The prompt was Western and I just went ham with a fluffy GrayGhost field trip fic. I had so much fun writing it and I still enjoy it today.

Quoth the Librarian, “But I’m Alone?”

Summary: Eleanor loved her job at the school library. She always made sure to come in early to make sure everything was just right before the students came. Today something beat her there.

Reason: One of the many fics I wrote for my first phic phight (2021) that I liked but it didn’t get much traction. The premise is simple, just a “what happened to this side character after a scene from the show” + making up a random OC that may never be used again.

Parallels

Summary: It's amazing the things you learn on a field trip.

Reason: My take on a reveal fic where Maddie & Danny try to have a normal mother-son bonding time during a field trip only for Danny to get triggered by something innocuous. A big part of the reason I’m proud of it was because I figured the trigger was so obvious but every comment that mentioned it was surprised by how perfect it was despite having never thought of it themselves.

A Night in La Casa del Sol

Summary: La Casa del Sol is an abandoned Bed and Breakfast on the North end of town, which like any good dilapidated building, has the reputation of being haunted. Paulina may act like an airhead, but she can still put two and two together. If her favorite ghost only comes out of hiding when there's another ghost around, she sure hopes her Abuela was right about the place. Danny is fist clueless, and then just confused, but mostly wants to make sure Paulina doesn't get hurt. Besides, what's the worst that could happen? Another sleepless night?

Reason: Even though it took me a while to add the final chapter to this one I think it was worth the wait. I had fun with a more classic haunted house type horror of Paulina and Danny exploring the old B&B together. That and that last chapter man, I don’t want to spoil it if you haven’t read it or if you did and forgot (it has been three years since I posted that final chapter lol)

And honorable mention goes to...

I think it would be illegal for me not to mention jackdaw’s favorite bedtime story 😜

Lost and Found

Summary: His parents had always warned him about the dangers in the woods.

Reason: Fae AU! Lost Time flavored Fae AU even! Also, like I said, Jackdaw really enjoys it If you don’t believe me check the comment section on that fic But I also really like it too. It was fun to write and it had my two favorite things, an au and taking an idea someone else did but putting my own spin on it! Fun fact: the final spoken bit of dialogue was actually the very first line that I thought of. It’s what made me write this story. It was just so good. And I’m happy to report that it did in fact pay off

[x-atlas-x]

💖💛 for Atem and/or Ryou <3

Heheh, I’m excited for this one too!! :D I’ll be doing both of them and together because why not? :3

💖: Romantic Relationships

Atem

Atem is clueless about romance, but he has so much love to give. Albeit, he may not completely know how to show that affection at first, but he learns along the way. He uses a lot of words of affirmation for his partners because physical affection can be overwhelming for him. However, this poor guy is definitely touch-starved, so once he gets past being overstimulated by touch, he’s more comfortable with touch.

He doesn’t think that actions speak louder than words. He believes that both are equally powerful, so his partner will have to deal with being smothered and hearing a lot of sappy things. On the other hand, he can get a little flustered when the same is done in return to him; yet, he hides his embarrassment by turning the tables and telling his partner some flirty remark in response (either that, or he doesn't understand the flirtatious comment to begin with and stares at them in confusion).

He’s unaware of cliche romantic gestures in the modern day, so he’s often found writing love poems for his partner, which was a common practice for expressing love in ancient Egypt (or at least, that's what I found).

Ryou

Ryou has a much quieter way of expressing his love with his partners. He prefers to do things for them, such as cooking or baking things for them. He'll do whatever he can to help them out and relieve them of any stress they might have. He's not as open with his affection, especially when in public, but in private, he'll be physically affectionate with them. He has a harder time expressing his thoughts and feelings through words, so he prefers to do it with actions.

He's a sucker for romantic cliches. Making tea/coffee and providing breakfast in bed for his partner happens frequently, or he'll plan date nights for when they're staying in. It may involve watching scary movies or horror gameplays, but he'll ensure that his partner is comfortable with it before indulging. He prepares platters of snacks and treats for them to snack on while watching, then encourages them to snuggle up under the comfy nest of blankets he's gathered.

When it comes to receiving affection, he gets flustered easily. Sometimes, he'll go completely silent whenever he's complimented or told a pick-up line. He's pretty bad at flirting himself (very awful at letting anyone know he has feelings for them), and it's a miracle when the other person catches on and takes the hint that his actions are romantic.

Fragileshipping

These two are a very quiet and private couple. They avoid PDA like its the plague, except for holding hands while walking, waiting in lines, or whenever they're sitting. Occasionally, a kiss on the cheek, but that's about it. They prefer to keep their affection in the privacy of their own home.

When it's just the two of them, they'll spend the majority of their time curled up on the couch while doing separate things. Ryou will watch his spooky stuff, and Atem will play games on a handheld console. If one of them gets bored, they'll stop what they're doing and watch what the other is doing.

Due to Ryou's awful sleep schedule, he usually pulls all-nighters and spends the mornings making Atem breakfast. He brings it to him and wakes him up with it, then sits and chats with him while he eats. Occasionally, if Atem gets lucky, he'll catch Ryou sleeping in and return the favor for him. Ryou gets extremely flustered (and embarrassed that he fell asleep), but he accepts the sweet gesture.

They have many date nights in the comfort of their own home, but Atem enjoys taking Ryou out and spoiling him. Whether it be taking him to the craft store or a bakery, it's always something that has Ryou extremely excited.

Even though they're a couple that seem questionable to be together, Atem feels bad for all of the things Ryou experienced while he was possessed by Bakura's spirit. He wants to better understand his relationship with him, and he wants to make it up to him for the hell he's gone through. He wants to protect him from ever getting hurt again.

💛: Familial Relationships

Atem

Regardless of canon or some sort of AU, I feel like Atem is always gonna have a distant relationship with his family (specifically his father). With his father's past involvement with the Millennium Items and the village of Kul Elna, I feel like Atem would be terrified to take on the role as Pharaoh and follow in his dad's footsteps. He'd have a hard time preparing for it, especially since it's so dangerous to be the Pharaoh and requires many responsibilities (which he wouldn't want to take that weight onto his own shoulders).

When he's thrown into ancient Egypt during the Millennium World arc, he knows nothing of the past and immediately assumes that his father was in the right. However, after learning the truth, Atem would spend more time thinking about it and questioning his father. He still does his best to defend the man and honor him, but not with out feeling hesitant about everything he's doing.

If he's resurrected, then he feels even worse due to the fact that he doesn't return to the Afterlife where his family is waiting for him. He always feel like he's betrayed them somehow, or that he was never a good enough Pharaoh back in Egypt.

His chosen family, on the other hand, is a completely different story. He's much closer with all of his friends and sees them as a second family. He has a much better relationship with them than his biological family. He wants to always be there for them and do what he can to help them when they need his help. He still retains guilt for being closer with them than his actual family though.

Ryou

Ryou tries to maintain a good relationship with his family, but he struggles, especially after the passing of his mother and sister, Amane, in a car accident. As said in the manga, he writes letters to Amane in heaven. His relationship with his father worsens though. The man is always away from home, and Ryou is all by himself. He's left with nobody except the spirit of the Millennium Ring (I believe Ryou's father feels guilty that he has to deal with it and refuses to be around him due to the fact that he can't live with that guilt nor witness his son being possessed/tortured).

Considering his friends as his family, his bond with them is much better. He loves growing more comfortable with them and viewing them as the family he never had. They're constantly taking care of him (*cough* thanks to Bakura *cough*), and he's eternally grateful and indebted to them for doing so. He's always trying to help them out, but he always feels like the younger sibling following them around cluelessly.

Nonetheless, he continues to enjoy his time spent with them. Once he's rid of the Millennium Ring, he's able to get closer to them without the fear of being threatened for doing so or causing any of them to get hurt. He's able to truly surround himself with them as his family.

[cutiehornyb]

MileApo Short Story - "In the Middle Of the Night"

#MyMAandKPthoughts

Apo rolls over in his bed once again. Despite the fact that he is exhausted as hell, sleep just won't come. His muscles are sore, and his head is aching.

But the fatigue in his body can't override the uneasy feeling that has taken hold of him ever since he slid into his sheets. He feels lonely. And foolish. Why does he unconsciously search for Mile's comforting presence over and over again? When he perfectly knows that he is not here with him. That he is alone in this large bed, way too big for him. Without Mile by his side, it's so empty and cold, and despite the warmth of the room, Apo is freezing.

He tightens his arms around himself and buries his nose in the collar of the t-shirt he's wearing. It's Mile's. Instead of being calmed by the aroma emanating from it, Apo feels even more uneasy. Because it's not the same as breathing in the smell of Mile's skin. Which he was still able to do the night before. And he already misses it so much that he feels like suffocating.

Separating from Mile at the airport a few hours earlier had been so painful. Which is even more stupid because Apo knows that they will definitely see each other tomorrow. Whether it's to drink coffee, to talk, to work on their film, they will be together. But what can he do ? He can't help it. He needs to have Mile by his side all the time. Even now. Especially now.

When he grabs his cell phone in a hurry the next second, Apo knows he's being selfish. Yet he can't bring himself to change his mind. His fingers mechanically type in the number he could dial with his eyes closed. One ring. Two. Will Mile answer? Three rings. Four. Apo's heart aches at the thought that his call may remain unanswered.

"Hello?"

Without understanding why, Apo feels his throat tighten and tears filling his eyes just at the sound of that one word. His lips quiver. What the hell is wrong with him? How dependent has he become to Mile that the mere sound of his voice puts him in such a mess?

"Apo?"

Mile's sleepy voice echoes once more and Apo forces himself to swallow down his tears before answering:

"Y-yeah." he croaks, hoping not to give himself away.

But it's no use. He can hear clearly the sobs about to burst through his voice. And so can Mile.

"Apo? Are you crying?"

"M-maybe?" he sniffs.

What's the point of lying? Mile knows him inside out, he can't hide anything from him. Apo hears the rustling of sheets on the other end of the receiver and he knows Mile has straightened up in his bed. He's willing to bet that a worried frown twists his handsome face.

"What's going on? Are you okay? Did you hurt yourself?"

Apo feels a tear rolling down his cheek. Why does Mile have to be so perfect? Despite being tired, despite being as exhausted as Apo, he worries about him, he cares about him. Mile needs to know that he's okay and damn. Apo's heart clenches harder.

"Apo? What's wrong? Answer me."

Mile sounds wide awake now, and Apo feels bad for ruining his sleep. Why is he like this? He feels so weak and vulnerable. To be honest, he doesn't even know what to say to Mile. "I miss you."

This isn't even remotely close to reality. It's so much more than that. He feels empty without Mile, incomplete. And that fucking scares him. He feels like he'll never be able to fall asleep again if he's not surrounded by his warmth. If he isn't caressed by his soothing hands. Blanketed by his firm body that makes him feel safe, protected. He wants to feel his breath tickling his neck, his legs intertwining with his own. To see his tender smile when he wakes up, his messy hair. There are so many things Apo could say to justify this call in the middle of the night, but the only words flowing out of his mouth are:

"I can't sleep without you. I need you."

Apo doesn't hear anything for several seconds except his own shaky breath cut off by his faint sobs and his heart hammering in his chest. He feels pathetic. He feels like a spoiled child crying for that only thing that would make him feel at ease. Mile should probably blow him off. But because he's so perfect that he makes Apo want to cry even more, he says:

"I'll be there in 20 minutes."

Apo should tell him there's no need. That it's 3 a.m. That he shouldn't bother with his selfish request, that he should go back to sleep. But he can't. Because he desperately needs Mile to be here with him.

"Okay... Okay." He whispers.

Mile will come to him and everything will be okay again.

- The End -

[twstmischief]

May i request the dorm leaders with an s/o who literally drowns themselves in work? Like even more work than the dorm leaders themselves? And when they refuse to take a break the dorm leaders decide to take matters into their own hands. Please and thank you 💖

I’m a person who tends to stress over work oops 😰

~ Riddle is also one who to keeps up with work! But if he notices you start to drown yourself with it to the Dorm Leader starts to worry quite a bit.

~ He will take you for a walk in the Heartslabyul garden, away from your work, even if you argue with him, you know you can’t win. If he sees it has it or hasn’t calmed you down he will try other things.

~ He will also try separate tea (and sweets) times with you away from everyone else, alone with just the two of you. It’s nice, the two of you are talking just one on one it feels nice.

~ Leona isn’t one to do work, everyone knows that. He will pretty much pick you up and carry you away from your work, no matter how much you argue with him, he doesn’t really care.

~ He will pretty much force you to rest with him on his bed. He will probably want to cuddle with you, and want you to make up for all the time you missed while working.

~ If you end up falling asleep while he really doesn’t mind. You’ve been through enough stress already, so you deserve a nap or two.

~ Azul will also stress over work, everyone knows that. So if you need to talk the Octavinelle is your guy!

~ All you really need to do is head over to his office and sit or lay down pretty much anywhere, he will lay his coat on you so you can relax and take it easy for as long as you would like.

~ Azul will get tea (or any type of beverage) you would like for you! Just to make sure you are in a calmer environment!

~ Kalim is a carefree guy, people know that. So he might help by just being himself and trying to calm you down.

~ By being himself and trying to calm you down I mean by getting you away from your work and wanting to take a walk a with you! Even share a few laughs!

~ He will be holding your hand and if it starts to shake due to anxiety or stress he’s got you! He will give hugs and kisses no doubt!

~ Stress is not good for the skin! Vil definitely knows that! The Pomefiore dorm leader is going to drag you away from your work no matter how much you fight with him and clean you right up!

~ He is going to make sure every mark of stress is gone! He will give a massage to make sure any stress in your muscles is gone.

~ Vil will spoil you with all of the make up that he thinks suits your skin tone. Vil thinks it looks lovely on you, he wants to make sure you don’t pay any mind to your work right now, and just to him!

~ Idia does not really like the idea (no pun intended) of stress. So he will let you hang out in his room all day or however long you would like!

~ He will also lend you his jacket, which means he trusts you with it, since he does NOT lend it to just any one person!

~ Then he will also take your mind off stress and work by gaming with you in his room! He wants to bring your attention to something other than what you usually drown yourself in! So why not playing games?

~ People might not think Malleus is good at noticing significant other’s vibes, but it’s quite the opposite! He understands when you’re drowned in work and stressed.

~ He will ask if you are feeling okay, just to make sure, but if you lie, he just holds you in his arms until you are honest with him.

~ When you tell him you are stressed he takes you to his room and lays with you and gives you cuddles until you feel better.

[kyotakumrau]

2021.02.16 1st talk session of Meguro Rock-May-KanGIG at Zepp Yokohama

Zepp Yokohama is a such a nice venue, I really hope we will get to see dir play there live properly!

The concert recorded at Meguro RockMayKan was great! The setlist surprised me quite a lot (especially encore!!!)! And I think that was the smallest stage I ever saw dir on!😆 the footage definitely deserves a separate entry and I don't want to spoil anyone if they go to next events.

After the concert film screening staff quickly prepared the stage, bringing two long tables and four chairs, they also placed a water bottle at each seat.

Punctually (thank you for not repeating Nagoya's situation😆), at 3:30 Fujieda came on stage and started with greeting everyone, and asking us to greet the band members with applause.

After a moment of uncertainty (even as my heart was almost set it will be Kyo) Die came on stage with Kyo after him.٩( ˆoˆ  )۶

They both looked super classy. Die had a dark grey suit with a long jacket, his usual award winning hair and wore sunglasses.

Kyo had a black jacket (with a round Chanel pin) and shirt, green hair, he wore glasses (not sunglasses).

When they sat (Kyo stood in front of the chair first until Fujieda gestured them to sit) F asked them to introduce themselves.

D: ども、Dieです

K: 京です

...and then F announced 'today is Kyo's birthday!' and a birthday song melody began to play😆

Kyo turned on his murder face glaring at Fujieda who happily observed 'oh what's this song?'😂

The soft Happy Birthday melody got then a guitar joining in and Takabayashi came on the stage carrying a small strawberry shortcake (with a chocolate message おめでとう京さん) which of course he placed in front of Kyo.

We couldn't sing but we clapped.

Kyo snatched a strawberry and popped it in his mouth. He gestured 'throat slashing' looking at Fujieda😂

And then ate another strawberry🍓😂

F: the song was made by Die.

K: (only interested in the cake) Could I get a fork?

(staff went to get him one)

F: how do you feel? (about your own birthday)

K: I don't care.

The fork arrived and Kyo literally dug in right in the middle, scooping a huge piece he put whole in his mouth.

Fujieda wisely left Kyo to his cake then and started talking about RMK footage. Die said they had hard time deciding on a tour or events like this in COVID situation. They also mentioned the secret show in 2009 was held in RMK.

Next Die talked about how nice it was to rehearse and play together with the band, first time since March, he was happy about the show, creating sound together as 5 people.

F: did you finish eating K?

K: yup

(there was last 🍓 left (out of 4 big ones), he ate about 25~35%?)

F: then tell us about recording the RockMayKan show!

K: the place was very narrow.

F: anything else?

K: Not really.

But then he added more, that as it has been a while it felt like the first day of the tour.

F: was there anything that was difficult? Was a struggle?

K: when recording I can do it at my own pace, I can do one song when I want, but that day it was back to performing over 10 songs all at once, it was tough, hard on my throat, energy/stamina wise.

But at the same time it was exciting, meet with other members, play music together, that was nice.

F: 2019 was filled with shows, it was busy, then things changed. So after a break to see an audience again got me nervous, in a good way.

Next F said had would like to talk about the release of Oboro.

D: what do you want to know?

F: so the song is not out yet, any hints?

D: it's gonna stay a secret for a bit more.

F: the 2nd track is TDFF？

D: (interesting letters ???didn't catch exactly) it's a powerful song.

F: how is Oboro for you Kyo?

K: quite fresh/refreshing

F: really?!

D: especially the video

...but then Kyo just burst with a whole speech how Fujieda always ask something and when he gets an aswer he didn't expect he doesn't react well, just says what he wants, is not listening to what Kyo says and... it went for a while😆

Next F moved to the topic of the merchandise and asked the band members which items they like.

K: the big badge, before the big pick was huge, shouldn't the badge be like this size (showing about 20cm with his hands). It bothered me from when I saw it. Isn't it just normal?

in the end they agreed it's just 'a bit big' 😂

F: how about for you, D?

D: the rubber key chains?

F: they got sold out very quickly, sorry to fans about that.

D: they are cute. And I like the wristbands too. The color combinations are nice.

T: the badge has the old band's logo, it brings me back

D talked about old times when artists made stickers like that, with logos, to put on their equipment, they worked a bit like business cards, he said he still have some at home.

T picked the rechargeable heat pack.

K: so it's to be used instead of heat packs? (ホッカイロ)

F: uh, it's already warm.

D: huh? Show me? (F passed it to him) it's like a phone that gets hot when charging.

Next they moved on to fans questions. ("~~" is a question from fans they read)

K (unusually picks the first question super fast): "what's your favourite cake?"

K: Well, the strawberry shortcake is good, but this one doesn't have strawberries inside, just some jam, it should have strawberries inside too.

(F so dead😂😂😂)

F: "what's your best or bad memory connected to birthdays?"

K: at a concert somewhere, it was quite long time ago, I got a present all wrapped and in a bag from a silver accessories brand I liked, so nicely wrapped, I opened it and it was empty, isn't that really strange? I looked at the attached letter and it said the person is keeping the item for themselves. It annoyed me so much, the worst bd memory ever.

☹️

F: how about you D?

D: it's not exactly bad memory, but many band members have birthdays in February, in the past when we were still giving each other presents Toshiya and I had to think what to get for 3 people, it was always tough. We stopped that at some point.

T: "any memory/story about China Town?"

D: I like China Town

T: do you go often?

D: sometimes. But only to my favorite restaurants. (?? Talked more about the stadium?)

T: do you usually order the same thing?

D: Mabodofu, the spicy version

(then I think he said something like there's no point in overdoing spicyness, it's not healthy??)

K: I don't know which restaurants are good so I get annoyed. I don't know what decides it's a good one or not.

F: I don't go, but I'd like to.

then they talked about the types of Chinese food and food they tried when in other Asian countries.

K: when we were touring in the US I ordered Chinese abd it was terrible, it was all bad. The egg soup was all clumpy, so bad.

D: "any stories about RockMayKan?"

D: honestly I don't have good memories with this venue, when with a previous band we played together with more senior bands and they took over the dressing room, we couldn't use it, and we also had to greet all senpai musicians.

K: remember when Shinya sat on the lockers? Like on top of the 170cm lockers?

D: was it in Nagoya?

K: he's done his make up there, like a cat or something

D: Shinya climbed a locker and made a space for himself there

K: He's not exactly human. Normally you would not even consider climbing a locker...

D: we usually did our make up on the stairs, didn't use changing room. When we played at RMK as dir for the first time I saw 'this is the changing room!'

He also talked about how the hair spray used by all the bandomen would stink up the whole place 😂

F: "what do you usually wear to sleep?"

K: just underwear. Doesn't matter if it's summer or winter I want to feel the towel like fabric, I use towel cloth for my bedding, I want my whole body to feel it so there's no point in wearing pajamas.

D: at home...wait you mean my home or my family house? At my parents' I always wear the pajama my mum got me, currently the Mickey Mouse one. I only have that one there.

K( with sudden interest): can you draw it?

D: it's about this big, quite big print. The one I wear at home, it wasn't sent by my mum.

K: not Mickey one??

D:  that's Nightmare Before Christmas.

K: Disney theme?

D: this one has a face in the front.

K: do you change characters (for pajamas) every year?

D: this year it's Nightmare.

Next was something they wanted to say to F. K chose to comment on his haircut, because it's asymmetric K is bothered that it will end as an uzumaki in the back. They talked more about F's style.

F: "I'd like you to tell us about your costumes you wore for RMK show".

D: I wanted something motovating so red colour.

K: I had no special reasoning, just what I wanted to wear then.

D: "have you gotten any food delivery?"

He said he only got it once or not much, I think he said he's not fond of shops that don't do it properly, but when recording it's good???

F: Shinya said he orders Uber almost everyday.

K: I only got Uber once.

F: what did you get?

K: Burger King. I quit McDonalds. After eating Burger King I can't go back to McDonalds.

They talked about sizes of burger here?? Whooper versus Junior Whooper?

F: So McD is not good?

K: the meat taste is different. McDonald now tastes like trash.

F: what about the Mc fries, when they get a bit soft.

K: not only a bit. Gross.

D: in the US we usually also have some American staff, when we had some time and we went to eat out, it was funny, American staff went for sushi, Shinya went for McDonalds.

F: was it last time?

D: no, quite some time ago.

F: when did you eat McDonalds the last time?

D: I also don't eat it, it's been some time already.

They talked more about the food, some restaurants D liked in the US (didn't catch the name🙃 but in Sacramento?), then F talked more about event schedule and the time was over.

Last comments from the band members:

Die: From today the new series of film screening starts, thank you for coming to the first day. So well... the band is working on the new album while coming to the events at the same time, we're working on creating a great album. Please come amd enjoy the events.

Kyo: I don't have a special thing to say. Many of you will be coming to few or many events and will end up with many t-shirts, you can do whatever with them, even use them as a doormat, there are many ways to use them, no problem for the whole year.

[travellingarmy]

║Zhongli║Happy Birthday

This is requested by me as a gift for you and Zhongli’s birthday.

A/N: This was posted on Wattpad for Zhongli’s birthday but came here late so it’s late.

Gender-neutral.

Fluff. A bit suggestive.

Word count: 2.5k

---

It was the coldest time of the year as December rolls on by, bringing the gift of white, little snowflakes along with it. This, no matter how beautiful, was cold to the touch and the people of Liyue bundled up for the season, dressing in extra layers. It may not be as cold like in Snezhnaya, but it certainly was cold for the locals.

And during this time, the streets would be less crowded, seeing as they want to be inside a building that gives them warmth and shelter from the snow. The holiday was long gone, leaving as soon as it came. However, there was something else to be more excited about that isn't the New Year-- that's in February. What you're going on about is Zhongli's birthday.

He may be an Archon, but he certainly must have been born into the world-- even if it's just created into the world by little specs of matter.

The sun was just peeking out in the horizon, its light shining through the little gaps of your curtains.

Sounds of fabric against fabric rustles and a deep groan made its way to your ears before feeling an arm wrap around your waist, strong and firm, not wanting to let go of you any time soon. You would shot up wide awake, very alarmed, if you didn't know who it was-- if, might I highlight.

You groan into their chest, just feeling the weight of sleep lift from your eyelids. Slowly just waking up, you were suddenly aware of the cold air that surrounded you and so, you reflexively drew closer to the person that emitted warmth, touching their bare skin that was left exposed from events the night prior.

"Good morning," the person croaks, making you melt at the sound of their voice. You hummed in response, then feeling their lips on your forehead, giving you a good morning kiss. "It's time to get up, my dear."

"Just a couple more minutes," you say, burying your face further into their chest. A low, yet deep chuckle reverberates from them and pulls away from you. "I'm afraid I can't stay much longer, my love. I have to go to work."

You opened your eyes, showing how upset you were. "Can't you call a day off, just for today?" you plead. "And beside that, I think you owe me a massage from yesterday.."

There was no reason to be alarmed, just as said before because the person in bed with you was no other than your lover, Zhongli.

Amber eyes glowed, reflecting in amusement of your attempt, but he was not easily swayed. However, he did lean in for a kiss that you took as another opportunity to make him stay, wrapping your arms around his neck to draw him closer.

You shifted on top of him, trapping him underneath you as you continue to kiss him, slipping your tongue inside his mouth, tongues now intertwining with each other.

His hands started to wander until it got down to your thighs and rubbing it. The heat from last night certainly have not died down just yet, but Zhongli knew better than to let you continue this, pushing you away and leaving a thin line of saliva that connected your lips to his.

You eyes was filled with visible lust from last night just starting a new flame of desire. Zhongli couldn't help but admit that he, too, was feeling his own flame being ignited once again. He would love to pin you down and do you over again, but he must restrain himself. Chuckling, he spoke, "I think you are more than able to walk, my dearest." He kissed your forehead before leaving your warmth.

"So, it's decided then, huh?" You pouted. He smiles down at your bare state, loving every inch of you. "I'm afraid so. And don't you have an errand to run with that boy today?" he says, referring to the ginger who goes by the alias of "Childe".

"Oh, right.. I forgot about him," you mumbled. "Did I possibly cause that?" he jokingly says, making his way to the bathroom. "Yeah, you did, so you owe it to me," you said, though knowing it was hopeless.

He turns the doorknob to the bathroom, but stops and looks over his shoulders at you. "Care to join me, my dear?" he asks and it took you no more than a second to answer happily, joining him in the bath.

After breakfast, you two went your separate ways, but not before kissing each other a good bye for now.

Although it may sound awfully suspicious about how you were going on an errand with Childe, Zhongli has an infinite amount of trust in you and the both of your relationship-- the two of you are married, after all.

"(Y/N), good morning," Childe greets, seeing you approach him. "Good morning. Did I make you wait long?" you ask. He shook his head almost immediately. "I just came. Anyway, what did you call me out here for?" he ask.

"First, did you reserve a table at Luili Pavillion?" you ask. He nods. He was quite curious when you approached him out of the blue to ask for a reservation, but he complied and waited for the day you'll explain. "Good. Thank you so much, Childe. You know, it's Zhongli's birthday today."

"Oh, is that so? I didn't think the Geo Archon would be interested in remembering his own birthday," Childe states quite jokingly. He wad still irritated about the fact that Zhongli toyed with him on his mission to retrieve the Gnosis and it certainly showed in his tone. "He forgets his birthday, so that is why we have to make him remember!" you exclaim.

"The reservation is during dinner time, so we'll have enough time to look for gifts! Come, Childe, we must not delay."

During the long gap until dinner, you had certainly chosen a lot of presents for his special day. Yes, you have given him quite the handful of gifts for Christmas, but that was for then-- the presents of now were for his birthday.

If you think about it, you and Zhongli were similar to your spending habits, but unlike him, you knew how to play to make the price go your way, and you never forget your wallet.

"I'm sure Mr. Zhongli will be fine with one gift as long as it came from you," Childe states, looking at the stack of boxes that were wrapped perfectly in his hands. You called Childe today to join him for Zhongli's birthday, but also because you knew you won't be able to carry the presents with just you alone. "Mm, I guess you're right, but you haven't chosen a gift yet, have you? We'll go choose yours and then we'll wait it out until dinner."

"Ah, but before we do that, could we possibly get lunch?" Childe ask. It was quarter to one and Childe felt like he was about to collapse any time soon if he doesn't get something to eat. "Oh, right, let's go to Wanmin Restaurant. My treat," you say.

"Could I possibly ask for a spoon and fork?" Childe asks Xiangling when the two of you got there. "Eh? Oh, of course!" Xiangling says and made a dash to get a spoon and fork for the male.

You laughed. "If I was Zhongli, I wouldn't dare let you get a spoon or a fork," you state, knowing how cruel Zhongli can be when it comes to teasing. "Yeah, and that's why I'm glad you're here instead of him," Childe admits, scratching his head and awkwardly laughing.

After getting Childe stuffed up, it was his turn to pick a present. To your questioning gaze, he only picks one present. "You're quite excited about his birthday, huh?" Childe says, tone neutral. It was understandable for Childe as he loves to spoil his family as well, being that they are his loved ones.

You nod. "Zhongli didn't get much free time like as now, being occupied of the status as Archon," you confess. "Now, I have much more time to spend every waking day with him.. I want to spoil him just this once."

Childe smiles at your earnest words and turned to face ahead, eyes widening when his eyes laid upon a familiar male.

He was about to tell you, but Zhongli was quick to turn his head and look your way, soon walking up to the two of you.

"M- Mr. Zhongli, hi!" Childe greets, soon getting you to panic. "Greetings, Childe." Zhongli nods to the young Harbinger and turns to you. "Hello, my dear, how are you faring this afternoon? I assume you have had your lunch?" Zhongli greets.

"Oh, ah, Z- Zhongli, fancy running into you here!" you stammered, eyeing the boxes. "Hm? Are you alright, dearest? You are aware that the funeral parlour is right over there, right?" Zhongli points to his workplace that was indeed a few metres away from the three of you.

You and Childe stare at each other from the corner of each of your eyes, eyes questiong the other what to do with the things in your hands, sweat dropping excessively.

Zhongli notices the awkward glares to the other, quite clueless. "I see that you are carrying wrapped presents.. I don't assume that there is a second holiday, one is there?" He examines the presents, finger on his chin as he does so.

"Oh, no, there isn't! These are for um.." you trailed, looking at Childe to urge him to help you. "These are for my siblings!" Childe steps in, saving the day. "Yes, for my siblings.. You know how much I love my sibilings." He chuckles forcefully.

"Ah, I see.." You two let out a silent sigh of relief. You weren't sure if it was a good thing or a bad thing how clueless he could be, but as for now, you think it was a good thing. "So, uh, I'll see you at home, Zhongli." You waved to the male and walk away, Childe trailing just as hastily as you were.

"Right, so, I'll just keep the presents safe and bring them to the restaurant, correct?" Childe asks and you nod. "Thank you for helping out, Childe."

"Haha, it's no problem. I'm quite excited for tonight. Well, I'll see you then," Childe says, and waves you off.

You went home and spent the rest of the time entertaining yourself until Zhongli was finished with work. "Welcome home," you greet, closing the book that occupied your time, and standing up from your seat, making your way to him.

You brought him into a kiss, wrapping your arms around his neck, which he took to a deeper measure by wrapping his around your waist. The kiss was long and loving, but he soon pulls away, smiling.

"Might I ask how you have been, my dear?" Zhongli asks, pulling you close as you both stood at the front door. "Mm, it was okay. Oh, in fact, we should leave right now!" you say, almost revealing your great enthusiasm.

"Oh? Where to?" he asks as you take him by the hand and drag him outside. "You'll just have to find out!" is all you said, making your way to Luili Pavillion.

Upon arriving there, your eyes make contact with Childe who waved you over smilingly. "Hey, it's about time you guys came!" Childe greets, eyes following as the two of you sat down, Zhobgli looking quite clueless.

"I've already ordered the dishes you said, (Y/N), and placed a custom made order to the place you said to go," Childe says, leaving Zhongli in the dark. You nod, thanking him.

"Might I ask for an explanation?" Zhongli asks, turning his gaze onto you. "I knew you'd forget.. But before I tell you, want to take a guess?" You grin at the male.

"Hm, there isn't a second Christmas nor is it the Lantern Rite Festival.." Zhongli hums, bringing his fingers to his chin as he deeply thought it through.

He gave no answer and asks you to tell him. "Nuh-uh, I guess you'll have to wait and find out later," you said, making Zhongli much left out in the secret.

Soon, the dishes came, filling the once empty table with delicious food. The aroma was so strong that anyone passing the restaurant would soon hear their stomach growling. "Ah, but before we eat, there's another one that's still yet to come!" you state, and as if on cue, the last waitress came, holding the most delicious and well decorated cake, placing it in front of Zhongli.

"Hm? Care to tell me now, my dear?" he asks, not connecting the dots. He could be so dumb, but that was sort of his charm. You sighed, though not out of annoyance, and finally helped him out. "Happy birthday, Zhongli!" you cheer.

"Ah, so today is the day of my birth. I quite forgot," Zhongli says, eyes fixed on the candles on the cake that almost emitted the same colour as his eyes. "I can't believe you actually forgot, Mr. Zhongli," Childe laughs at the Archon.

"Mm, come on, make a wish and blow it out!" you excitedly say. "What do I wish for?" he asks, eyes tearing away from the candle and to you.

"Whatever your heart desires," you say. Zhongli stares back at the cake, silent for a while before closing his eyes to mutter a wish in his head. After that, he opens his eyes and looks over to you once more. "Now, you blow out the candles!" you instructed and watch as he does so.

You and Childe claps, smiles adorning both of your faces at the oldest Archon. Before, you'd celebrate his birthday just enjoying a cup of tea and hear him speak, but now that he was living the life of a mortal, you decided to celebrate his special day like that of a mortal.

"Oh, right, the presents!" Childe says, standing up to talk to a nearby waitress who went to the back and soon return with an extra person, both carrying the wrapped presents, bringing it over to the table.

"And you know about the gifts from earlier? Well, they were for you," Childe says. "Most of them are from (Y/N)."

Surprise was seen reflecting in Zhongli's eyes and turns his head away from the presents to you who was smiling. "I thank you, my dear, but you didn't need to spend so much for me," he says kissing your forehead and letting his lips linger on it.

"But I wanted to," you say, melting from his kiss. Childe coughs awkwardly, a bit embarrassed to see two people getting so affectionate in front of him, seeing as he was a bachelor.

You both chuckled at the young male. "Well, let's enjoy the dishes that I know you like!" you exclaim.

After the pleasant evening, you and Zhongli returned home, now cuddling in bed, his head resting on your chest as you played with his hair. "This has been most joyous, and I thank you once again, dearest," Zhongli says.

You hummed. "I'm happy you think so," you said, closing your eyes as a smile spread across your face. "Let me say this again.."

"Happy birthday, Zhongli."

---

[sunflowersseemhappy]

The Arcana | Little Romantic Gestures Headcannons

Asra

A lot of Asra’s little romantic gestures are aimed at getting you to smile, he spent so long watching you struggle after he brought you back that all he wants is to see you happy.

Ever since he started travelling Asra has always brought souvenirs from his trips. Things he thinks you’ll like. Although he knows you so well that what he brings you never fails to make you happy at how thoughtful he is. It’s only after the whole ‘saving the world thing’ that you realise this was a gesture of his affection for you all those years.

Tied in with bringing you souvenirs Asra loves to spoil you every once in a while with a outfit tailored to you. Clothes that make you look stunning in the most modest of ways, leading to everyone else complimenting you. Asra has a critical eye when it comes to fashion and making the love of his life look good.

His goofiest gesture is probably making heart shaped foods for you, this only began after his confession of love (before then he made little animals and flowers from the food he gave you). Its an intricate process, but Asra definitely has the patience.

Once every-so-often Asra will ask if you want to bathe together, there is generally no other reason than he wants to pamper you/feel you close to him. Asra will draw a bath and cradle you in the water, and you’ll both just talk and give each other soft kisses.

When the night is waning and the candles burn low Asra will ask to cuddle in close with yo u and puts his head against your chest listening to the beating of your heart. He doesn’t consider it his anymore, he gave it to you, therefore it is yours. But he hopes the connection between your hearts will always be this strong.

Julian

Julian can be a little distracted when if comes to romantic gestures, big ones get lost in his planning for them. The little romantic gestures Julian gives you have no plans, just him and his complete adoration for you.

It’s like clockwork. Julian is awake as soon as the sun rises and quickly brings you morning coffee/tea/or whatever you favourite morning wake up beverage is. It’s simple and maybe you do or don’t notice it, but it’s always fresh, like he knows exactly when you’ll wake up and makes it just before you do. If you manage to catch him after he leaves it on your bedside table you give him a good morning kiss (he deserves it).

If either of you are out and separated from each other for the day Julianhides lovely little notes in your pockets. Poems, quotes, even simple ‘I love you’’s. One is always there, you save each and every one in a box under your bed and look through them while he’s gone. You plan to one day stuff them all in his coat as both a prank and a grand romantic gesture. He has the same idea, so right now it’s a waiting game to see who gets to it first.

He doesn’t necessarily do it on purpose or even in your presence, but Julian absentmindedly sketches little portraits of you in the margins of his books/scrolls/whatever paper is on hand. He’s committed you to memory and when he realises Julian gets flustered, is it weird that he just does that? After you discover a whole sketchbook of you, you pretend not to know even though you secretly love it. He can show you when he’s ready.

If he’s drunk or sober Julian will shamelessly flirt with you when he knows you need some love. He loves it when you do so back. Most of it is PG, but if you want him to Julian will most certainly compliment you on your finest assets *wink, wink*.  

Anywhere and anytime Julian will just stop, look into your eyes, smile and honestly tell you how much he loves you. It’s probably the most beautiful gesture of love you can think of, its just that pure. 

 Nadia

The moments spent with Nadia would usually be considered mundane to most, but that’s what makes them so pleasant. As a countess and former princess, Nadia doesn’t usually get to enjoy ‘normal’ so the moments spent with you are the best sense of normality that she can get.

Nadia is such a busy bee that by the time you wake up she’s off doing her morning duties, so she (like Julian) leaves you little love notes, usually accompanied by breakfast. The notes are always written in her hand, on scented paper and laid with a beautiful flower. On more than a few occasions her notes have made up mini scavenger hunts, just to keep you on your feet and lead you to where she is in the castle at a later time.

If she can avoid morning duties Nadia will spend time helping you with hair and makeup, she likes making you feel beautiful/handsome/gorgeous and just looking at your face brings a smile to her lips. Her skills always seem to make you look better and you wonder how she’s so good at it.

As anyone would Nadia finds your magical abilities fascinating and loves to watch you work on spells and the like, she also asks about things genuinely interested in what you are doing and how you do it. She thinks possessing such a skill as magic is like an extension of you yourself and she loves all of you (therefore she loves your magic). Given the chance Nadia could watch you work all day, alas palace duties call but she always asks you later in the day how that spell you had been working on went. 

Nadia is forever inviting you on long walks through the palace grounds at the end of her day. There’s nothing more relaxing than walking though the palace grounds and just talking about each other’s days. She’ll always let you talk about your day first, no matter how dull it may have been. She likes to find things out, figure out ways to entertain you while she is busy and plan out activities the two of you can try out together. She also just really likes listening to you, she’s had people talking AT her all day. It’s a nice change of pace to actually have a person to talk to about everything.

Tied in with doing your hair Nadia can’t help but play with your hair,she only usually does it in the privacy of your room but when she does you’re on cloud nine. Something about her hands trailing though your hair is so soothing that it sends you to sleep, which isn’t a problem in itself. The problem is; you fall asleep on her, and Nadia hates waking you up. So she just lies there and accepts her fate with a smile. 

 Muriel

Muriel doesn’t necessarily realise he’s making his little romantic gestures, to him they just feel like a normal part of his day but he’s glad to do them. They make him feel close to you and make him more comfortable with being in a relationship.

Muriel can cook, but he’s spent so long making meals that just state his hunger he forgot food could taste good. Since living with you and learning about you Muriel has discovered he quite likes making your favourite meals, not only because they are tasty but it’s nice seeing the smile on your face when you realise he made the meal just for you. Also you seem to like his way of making your favourites rather than your own.

It’s normal for Muriel to do his own chores around and out of the hut, and although you usually tell him to leave your own messes for you to clean up later Muriel can’t help but get itchy fingers. Doing your chores for you, he thinks he might as well, what’s more he wants to. You’re so busy running the shop, buying nice things for him and just making his life brighter, its only fair to lighten the load.

Even Muriel knows people like flowers, and what’s more you give flowers to the people you love. So Muriel finds flowers everyday and gives them to you, it might just be a single rose or a bundle of forget-me-nott’s but each flower he picks out is carefully chosen and perfect. It took him some time but Muriel soon figured out the perfect combinations of flowers to give to you, sometimes they say things better than he can.

Being the big shy boi he is Muriel remains pretty quiet when the two of you are out and about among other people. Even among your friends he can get pretty uncomfortable when trying to love and dote on you, therefore it’s not uncommon for Muriel to pull you aside to compliment you. It’s easier getting words out when it’s just the two of you and he wants you to know that he does notice things. Like how shiny your hair looks and how well your clothes suit you, it’s not just physical things either. He might mention how kind you are after helping a lost child find their parents or that he just really likes being with you. 

Once he’s gotten used to them being enveloped in a Muriel hug is probably always a great feeling.You don’t actually notice at first but he holds you in that embrace for a little longer than a normal hug (especially when you’re leaving to go on an errand, etc...), when your arms loosen his own take a little longer to do so. He gives you a gentle squeeze and sighs in his head, he wants to hold you longer. Forever, maybe. He’s too afraid to ask though, but when you finally do notice his hesitance and think back on all the times he was the last to let go, it clicks. You can be late opening the shop, as long as Muriel knows that you love him as much as he does you. You both hug each other a little longer. 

 Portia

Portia romantic gestures almost make it seem as if you are married already, her little gestures are comforting and you’re always aware she does them because she always states; ‘I’m doing this because I love you!’ She needs to make sure you know because she loves love, and loves you.

A good meal never goes amiss when it’s with Portia, you know how a lot of people leave the best thing on their plate till last? That’s what Portia does. However she always offers the last bite of her food to you, even if you’re eating the same meal. If you’re in the same room, eating at the same time Portia will lift her fork to your mouth and offer it to you. It’s usually quite funny because she kids around, making silly noises as she puts in your mouth or teasing you by holding it just out of reach.She’s a good cook, Portia’s peach cakes are to die for. 

She’s aware of how much you like her cooking, so when you’re off to work in the shop for the day she will pack you a hearty lunch and send you on your way with a kiss on the cheek. She want’s to make sure you have a balanced meal ready for you when you need it, it helps that she makes it because it’s irresistible! The first time you made a packed lunch for her (because damn this girl works hard, and how does she make the time?) she burst out crying saying how happy she was that you loved her enough to make her lunch. You figured out that that was one of Portia’s romantic gestures that day, now you make packed lunches together. 

Days off with Portia are full of sunshine and relaxation, most of which is spent in her veracious garden tending to the plants and chatting away about your week so far. It’s a peaceful pastime, when the sun is highest in the sky and it becomes too hot to work you and Portia take up residence beneath the maple tree she has growing on the fringes of the garden. There the two of you lay back and feed each other berries/fruit/veg from garden, there’s always something ripe and fresh that tastes like sunshine and rain. It’s got to the point where it’s become a part of your day, where Portia and you just flirt and kiss and enjoy the mundane parts of your lives. It’s her favourite thing to do.

She wouldn’t be Julian’s sister if Portia wasn’t a shameless flirt, she’ll do it anytime, anywhere and in front of anyone. She gets a certain kick out of seeing your cheeks redden, but she’s careful to keep it at a comfortable level for the situation. You wouldn’t think a simple ‘I love you’ could sound so... flirtatious but Portia may just be better at this than her brother.

Even Portia doesn’t realise she’s rubbing your back for no reason until she’s actually doing it. It’s not always a situational thing, but it often happens when your uncomfortable/scared, or when you’re relaxing. It makes the both of you feel better, you’re both together standing by each others side and figuring things out together. She’s glad the two of you can be there together, but she’s still not sure why she does it. After mentioning it to Julian, he says something about how their mother used to do it to the two of them when they were upset. Their mother had always whispered ‘I love you’ as she did so, Portia figured out it was her subconscious way of saying ‘I love you’. It was a strange time when you did it back, because for a moment she felt like she had her mother back. For a moment you made her feel complete. 

Lucio

Lucio’s extravagant, and so are his ‘little’ romantic gestures (it scares you to think what his big romantic gestures must look like). But whatever he does it’s with good intentions that become skewered when he goes over the top. You’re his king/queen, he intends to treat you as such.

One day Lucio, left alone as you tend the shop, thinks back to your conversation about favourite meals. He remembers you saying about a dish you loved but could never find a certain ingredient, so a scheme forms in the back of his mind. How better to express his love for his dearest by making their favourite meal. He debates getting the servants to make it, but... When you come back Lucio is nowhere to be found, you search everywhere and almost pass by the kitchens. There are audible crashes and some swearing, when you step in you find Lucio covered in flour. He’s very embarrassed, but explains that he found the ingredients and wanted to make it himself. He got confused and ended up making a mess instead, you can’t laugh because it’s almost too sweet that he tried. The next day you spend together is teaching Lucio to cook the dish and enjoying the fruits of your labour.

Lucio just so happens to like your face a lot, so he brings in an artist and commissions a portrait of you you. Only problem is he want’s it to be a surprise, but the artist can only paint what he can see and you’re not there. The end result is a culmination of his terribly drawn doodles and the vague descriptions he gave the artist. You’re horrified when you find it in your room. Lucio instantly throws it out and begs you to pose for the artist this time, he just wanted a really nice portrait of you so that even when you’re gone he can see your beautiful face. You insist that he poses with you and you get a much better portrait of you and Lucio.

You often humour Lucio while listening to his stories time and again, and he’s kind of aware that he’s probably told you a story before. He does about 90% of the talking in this relationship, but when you tell him stories he hangs on every word. While you let him ramble non-stop Lucio is always politely asking you to elaborate on things because he wants to hear more! No matter what Lucio has never once told you that he’s 'heard that story before'.He’d be fine with you saying it to him, but he could never do so to you. All he wants is to hang on your every word and see your face shift into different expressions, happiness, sadness, excitement and disgust. He wants to see it all because knowing every part of you as a person makes him happy and love you all the more.

Lucio believes the most romantic thing ever is people dancing together (at a point he thought it was fighting together, but the two are close enough), the way he saw people at his masquerades dance together made him long for the perfect partner. Although Nadia was always a good dancer it never felt natural with her, when you came along he found his true partner. There have since been many times where he has led you into and impromptu slow dance. No matter when, where or who is present, its like a natural part of your lives, Lucio loves it. Twirling and dipping you and making you feel like the centre of the solar system, because to him he is just a planet and you are his radiant sun.

I had a lot of fun writing this, but what I really want is you lovely people to send in requests to my ask box! Don’t be shy, I accept any type of request (fluff, angst, smut, etc...) for any of the main six. Anonymous is on, but if you’d like to request with your handle that would be great!

Lots of love! XOXO 

[talkfantasytome]

During the monthly court meeting E/lain had this kind of behavior, at this meeting Nesta or Lucien were not present to justify this kind of behavior (which are behaviors that are pointed out that she has with both, Nesta in ACOSF and Lucien every time they meet).

“I’d have E/lain try her hand before we approach him, though.” E/lain had already departed with Feyre, claiming she had to be up with the dawn to tend to an elderly faerie’s garden. Cassian didn’t exactly know why he suspected this wasn’t true. There had been some tightness in E/lain’s face as she’d said it. Normally when she made such excuses, Lucien was around, but the male remained in the human lands with Jurian and Vassa.”

Do you have any thoughts or theories about this?

Because many people point out she behaves like this around Lucien but she has also behaved like this with other people.

From the pov of the other characters we also see them pointing out things about her personality or how much she tries to belong to NC and has her ignoring Rhys as well.

Any thoughts? I like to read about your point of view

Hi! And thank you so much! I appreciate your interest in my point of view. <3

This ended up longer than I thought it would - as these always do. Not super crazy, but still. The last paragraph is also a bit of a TL;DR.

E\ain's Lie

This is a super interesting paragraph, not going to lie.

I believe some people have interpreted the tightness and escaping to be because Azriel was at the meeting. However, I don't really believe that. If she has a crush on Azriel, why would she escape with some excuse? Why wouldn't she stay around? He's apparently incredibly pretty, so just staying would mean getting to look at that masterpiece a bit more. 👀

However, the more important tell to let us know this isn't the case is this:

Normally when she made such excuses, Lucien was around...

Azriel is around a lot more than Lucien. If E\ain was doing this because of Azriel, I feel like they'd see this happen more when Lucien isn't around.

It's also important to note that Cassian observes a tightness in E\ain's face "as she'd said [she had to be up early to garden]". He didn't observe it throughout the dinner, no, solely as she made her excuses. It's why Cassian thinks she was lying, making an excuse to leave.

However, if she was struggling because someone else was around, it would have been a noticeable change in her personality throughout all of dinner. Az is around more than Lucien, but we also know he's not around that much, because he's trying to stay away from E\ain. So it wouldn't be an "well, Az is around a lot, so it's just not noticeable that she's stressed around him too". Just as, when Lucien is around, we do see that E\ain is a bit more withdrawn.

So, I don't believe it was Az that caused E\ain to make an excuse to leave. It could have been, but personally I find that less likely, or she'd have been doing it more often. Regardless of whether it's because she likes Azriel or because she views him as a threat on her own plans, I don't think that's the reason.

It could be just that she's less comfortable around the group without Feyre.

I find this one an unlikely possibility, but it is possible. Despite what E\ain says, she really is not part of the court, and she's definitely not part of the Inner Circle - no more than Nesta. In fact, by the end of ACOSF, you could argue Nesta is more part of it. But Feyre is the only true IC member of the Archerons.

But, either way, I don't see E\ain as being friends with any of the IC members. Not even Az. They may have some sexual chemistry there, but they're not friends. They never talk and they don't really know each other at all. So it could just be that simple.

But, unlikely if this is meant to be foreshadowing.

She also could just be tired and making some excuse to sound less lame - we've all done it, don't lie. XD

Again, though, I find this unlikely. I don't think her face would be super tight in doing this, because we know E\ain can lie. Or, at least, use words and smiles to her own advantage.

Rhys's brows lifted. "You'd think they'd been told plague had befallen the house."

I pulled the door open wide enough to let them in, then quickly shut it against the bitter cold. "My sister E\ain can convince anyone to do anything with a few smiles."

It's not exactly the same, but this is one of the first things we really learn about E\ain beyond "pretty and likes flowers", her ability to convince others to do anything. To use her wits and wiles to get her way, and it's pretty obvious that's something she's used to in her life. It may not specifically state that she can lie, but she was convincing the staff to leave the house so that Fae could come into it. And we know she definitely wasn't telling them that was the reason why.

She can lie, she can stretch the truth, to do and get what she wants. With ease.

So, the fact that her face is tight tells me this isn't an easy lie for her. This isn't a bland excuse.

More so than that, why not just say she's tired? Why not use that as the reason? That's an easier lie. But no, it was something that would include an explanation for her being out early in the morning.

My conclusion: she did have something happening the next morning, but it wasn't gardening for an elder faerie.

Now, I could be wrong. Cassian's assumption was that E\ain was just lying to leave the dinner. She was making an excuse to go up to bed. You can see that because he drew a parallel to when E\ain makes excuses around Lucien, which we can assume actually is to just get out of the room where he is.

And maybe he's right. Perhaps that observation was meant to be foreshadowing about some other form of discomfort E\ain has around someone in the IC. But, based on my reasons above, and how that would happen more often, I find it unlikely.

Thus, the lie must be about something other than her just making an excuse to get away. And she uses it to also explain away why she won't be in the house the next morning.

Think about it - she made the excuse in front of Rhys and Feyre too...maybe. Maybe not. I read it as E\ain and Feyre went up together at the same time. Either way, at least one of the people she currently lives in this house with heard the excuse, so they'd expect her to not be home early the next morning. Why do that if all she was doing was making an excuse to get away from someone? The next morning she may have to answer questions about that, which I don't think she would want to do.

Now, I honestly have no idea what she was doing instead. After the bonus Az POV chapter, we know she wasn't having a secret rendezvous with him. Based on that chapter, it sounds like the two have had minimal interactions other than at dinners and things at the River House. But that's just what isn't happening.

Some wonder/hope that she's having secret meetings with Lucien. As amazing as that would be, that her "discomfort" around him is, maybe, more just lying to everyone else and pretending they aren't spending time together. I don't think that's the case. We're told Lucien is remaining in the human lands, that he looks at E\ain with longing, and that E\ain didn't even thank Lucien for his Solstice gift to her.

For someone who has a defining trait of being "sweet", that's kind of a big thing to not do when getting a gift. Like, even if she's pretending to not really care about him or know him, not thanking him is...kinda awful.

So, it would mean she's meeting with someone else. With whom? I honestly don't know.

I am intrigued by the concepts and theories about E\ain seeking out a way to try and become human again. I find it plausible, and that there was some information in ACOFAS to make it sound like she was trying to do this only makes it more so. Also, E\ain is definitely more stubborn than I think we've seen, but she's stubborn in a selfish way. Remember that she was doted on by Nesta, but also at times by Feyre, and her father. I, personally, believe that she is likely the most spoiled in nature. In fact, I wrote a post about how I'm wondering if E\ain is somewhat narcissistic.

With that, I don't think E\ain would have been deterred by Amren's comments. All I think that would have done would have made E\ain try to be more secretive and subtle in this pursuit.

I am also intrigued by the thoughts that, in doing this, she ends up siding with/helping Koschei, essentially turning into a villain. Of course, if this does happen, I think it would be revealed very end of book 5 or very beginning of book 6, and in that reveal she would plummet to rock bottom and then her book would be about her journey out of that.

And I do love the idea of a possible semi-villain E\ain because, in the end, her current development has been "she's pretty, and good, and sweet, and kind"...so, she can't be further developed and be made more "good". If her development is just her continuing to be good, that doesn't actually give us more of her character. As we learn about E\ain more, I am convinced we will learn about sides of her that aren't so "good".

E\ain & the Night Court

Okay, I'll be much faster on this, because I've talked about it before as well.

My perspective is that those vignettes, comments, narrations, etc. from other characters' POVs are all very important. I do believe this is some foreshadowing happening that tells us E\ain will not end up in the Night Court. And, I believe, her initial leaving of the Night Court may not be a particularly pleasant separation. I'm not saying it'll be absolutely awful, but maybe it's E\ain leaving on her own, or following someone she shouldn't follow due to promises of a better life, or something similar.

The other possibility is that it will be part of E\ain's emotional journey, to understand that she's not living in a place that's right for her, and that it's OKAY. It's okay if the Night Court isn't the right place for her, even if it is for her sisters. It's okay if she needs something else, if she'll find value somewhere else. It's okay to be different. I think that will be a huge thing for E\ain to learn and accept.

But, yes, I do agree with the perspectives that say those passages are telling us that E\ain doesn't belong in the Night Court. Not because she's not good enough, just because it's not where she shines. And you can find a deeper analysis on that in this post, in the "Home is Where You Shine" section.

I will say, though, that I don't think she'll end up doing anything crazy in an attempt to prove she's part of the Night Court. She's defensive about it, for sure. But if there's a big goal we're going to see her try to work toward, and maybe do so in a not so great way, I'd say it's more likely something about trying to be human again. When with the NC people she wants to be included, because she's selfish and self-centered and narcissistic - and I don't mean that as an insult, those are just some of her personality traits, and they're not necessarily a bad thing. However, I would say that's more likely why she wants to feel like she's a part of the NC. Because her sisters have both started to truly become a part of it, and she's never been the outsider. She's never been the third wheel. It was always her and Nesta. Now it's her and Feyre. But if Nesta is so much a part of the Night Court, if her two sisters will be working together on things - well, that leaves E\ain on the outside, and she can't handle it. Not because she wants to work with them. Not because she actually wants to be part of the Night Court. But because that's just not how it goes in her mind.

And I truly hope that in her journey she'll come to understand herself better, and understand that it's okay to be different. E\ain will find her place, with people who love her, care for her, adore her FOR HER. They don't simply dote on her and protect her because they think she's weak or fragile. No, she will find those who will see the wonder in her. Who will appreciate her stubbornness and ability to convince anyone to do anything. And who will only ever want the best for her because they love her. I look forward to meeting them.

And, hey, if it happens to be Jurian and Vassa and Lucien, I can see it. E\ain could use some snarky Vassa and Jurian in her life. XD

Summary

So, there you have it. That's my perspective on this. I do think E\ain was likely lying. I think the lie went beyond her just trying to get out of the room, and more so was a lie about the why or what she had going on the next day. And I do think she may have had some meeting she didn't want anyone knowing about. I know it wasn't with Az, I don't think it was with Lucien, but I don't know who else it could have been. I like the idea that it has to do with her trying to become human again, which fits in with my thoughts on what her emotional journey will be like in her book, and I'm intrigued at the thought that it could lead to her working with Koschei. But I'm not yet convinced that's definitely the case. I'll have to try to read it again, but so far I'm not sure there's been enough foreshadowing to prove that. The best thing would be her interest in helping find the Dread Trove, except I don't believe she actually was interested in that. I think in that discussion she was just more interested in proving Nesta wrong, because she never actually did anything to try and find the Trove. So, it would be cool, but we need more info before I can say I definitely think that will happen.

And yes, I do agree E\ain likely doesn't belong in the Night Court, based on all those internal thoughts we've seen. It's very telling when you have three characters observe how black does literally nothing for E\ain, how it drains her.

[thedistrictsleepsalonetonight]

Your mess is mine

Sue may only be a math major, but she knows this much about telling a story: it needs to have a beginning, middle, and an end.  

If she were to sit down and write one, here is where it would start — Emily laughs and she falls in love. It doesn’t matter the year, the month, or the minute; when Emily laughs, she falls in love. Sue’s a little slow when these things are concerned, love doesn’t come to her as quickly or as easily as it has historically come to Emily. I saw you in the coffee shop and I knew you were the one, she’s fond of telling Sue, usually during fights. It’s highly annoying that Emily thinks it’d work on her. Even more annoying is the fact that it does. 

Alright, does she have moments of intense déjà vu sometimes? Like when they’re lying in bed, after one of Austin’s house parties, and Sue curls up into Emily’s soft shoulders, plays with her pretty, pretty hands? Or when she catches Emily conked out in front of her laptop in a corner table at the café on her break and gently wakes her up? Sure. But isn’t that what love is? The same five gestures repeated in infinite ways, creating a well of infinite affection. So if walking the steps with Emily settles deep into her bones without flinching, as if they’ve done this before, she’s convinced that it’s because they’re well and truly perfect together. 

(Definitely not because — and this is something that has been occurring to her more and more lately — they were star-crossed lovers in a past life a century ago.) 

(That would be crazy.) 

(Right?) 

***** 

Falling in love aside, Emily can be really, infuriatingly, secretive about the worst of things. Sometimes it is charming, watching her having to pick her way through multiple explanations, create long-winded detours just to attempt to confuse Sue into getting exasperated enough to drop the subject altogether. But that’s at the very end, when it turns out that she was going to all this trouble to make sure Sue wasn’t going to find out she’d gotten her that one Hawaiian shirt Sue had off-handedly admired once, aeons ago. Or that she’s been holed up in their room all day because she’s been setting up lights in honor of it being exactly six months since they first hugged. Which is why she is more resigned that surprised when Lavinia sits down in front of her, leans in, and asks her what she’s doing for Emily’s birthday next week. 

Sue sneaks a look at Emily who is currently chatting with an old lady who usually comes in on the weekends. Her girlfriend happens to be one of those baristas who is beloved by the elderly, God only knows why. All the older ladies will hang back at the counter and tell her all about their grandkids’ schools and ballet recitals. In return, Emily will rant to them about college and apparently, Sue as well, which was something she discovered one day when she walked in and two old ladies gave her teasing yet approving smiles from their table. 

(And then took her aside to whisper — Showing a little skin wouldn’t do any harm and would keep your girl on her toes — which near about killed her)  

The entire situation is hilarious. Also the most adorable thing she has ever seen. 

“Why haven’t you guys discussed your birthdays yet?” 

“It’s just never,” Sue muses, “come up, I guess.” 

Austin rollerblades past, swivels to a stop and bends so he’s approximately level with their faces. “Are we talking about,” he says, lowering his voice to a comical whisper, “Emily’s birthday?” 

Lavinia pulls him down, so he’s sitting on the spare chair. “And Sue’s, apparently. Did you know her birthday falls, like, nine days after Emily’s?” 

Austin stares at her, wide-eyed. “That means it’s on the.... 19th? 

Sue nods. 

“The 19th of December? After Emily’s birthday, on the 10th of December?” 

“Y....es?” 

He swipes at his phone, taps a couple of buttons, and then looks up with a smug smile. “I knew I remembered something. Look.” 

Lavinia has to angle her whole body to see, but it registers for both of them at the same time. A certain poet and her muse, who also apparently shared the same birthday as her and Emily. 

“Huh,” Lavinia says. “Maybe there is something to Emily’s theory after all.” 

“You mean Emily’s theory that we’re the reincarnations of those two?” she asks, hearing her own voice get progressively more hysterical by the word. She clears her throat, takes a deep breath, adds it to the list of rapidly growing coincidences in her head that she’s never going to give a closer look to, because that would be crazy. 

“Really the only part of this I’m genuinely shocked by,” Lavinia says after a long pause, in which Sue is struggling to reason with the logical part of her brain, “is that Austin remembers Emily Dickinson’s birthday.” 

Austin smiles proudly, and the thought is so funny that it drives potential insanity out of her mind eventually. 

***** 

“Why didn’t you tell me your birthday’s tomorrow?” 

Emily startles from where she’s staring out the window of the car, and Sue has about a moment to regret blurting it out before they’re looking at each other. She’d spent the entire week setting up the entire thing for Emily and now it probably won’t even be a surprise, but she’s insanely curious. No better time for it, either way. She’d planned everything perfectly, from picking up Emily at the café in the classy car she’d borrowed from Austin, to making sure it wasn’t too late after dinner. And yet, here they were, surrounded by cars and honking people because traffic was a fickle bitch. 

“Is that why we’re taking this trip?” she asks, wide-eyed. 

Sue extends a hand towards her, ruffles up her hair, feeling fond. Trust her idiot girlfriend to not have figured it out yet. She moves her hand to Emily’s cheek, and feels Emily cover it with her own. Feels a soft kiss pressed against her palm. 

“What did you think it was, dumdum?” 

“Well, it is the three month anniversary of—” Sue’s alarm is probably showing on her face, so she backtracks quickly. “Kidding. Kidding. There’s nothing tomorrow.” 

Sue pinches at her cheek. “Except your birthday. Speaking of which—” 

“Eh,” Emily shakes her head, shuffles around on her seat awkwardly, “it’s.... uh, complicated.” 

“Is the complication that you happen to share a birthday with a poet from long ago?” she’s only half-joking.  

Emily laughs at that. “Caught on, did you? Did you also check—” 

“E-yup.” 

“That your birthday is also—” 

“E-yup,” she says. Then turns to look at Emily. “Wait. How do you know when my birthday is?” 

Emily opens her mouth, but before she can say anything Sue hurriedly cuts in. “And you’re not allowed to say you have your ways.” 

Years ago, when Sue was fourteen, one day her dad and her mom came home with the same vegetable. Same quantity. It was beans, and she could vividly remember all three of them staring down in mock dismay at the two separate huge bundles of beans that now took up most of the space on the table. Then they started comparing prices. Turns out her mother’s bundle had cost a couple cents lesser than her father’s. But it’s not the same , her mother had insisted, holding up both the bundles. See, yours weighs more. I think the grocer I bought it from took some off . 

To this day, she defines love as the way her mother’s hand fell over his, combined with the way her dad looked at her next — like a child who had just been told that the blanket fort he’d spent hours constructing, wasn’t going to be torn down. Like someone had just handed a piece of the world to him, and told him to make of it whatever he wanted.  

Sue recognizes it in the way Emily looks at her. Like she’s saying — Of course. Of course, you know me well enough to guess the next stupid thing that comes out of her mouth. 

(She’s not very good at love, but she hopes Emily can read the answer in her eyes just the same) 

“Birthdays are complicated,” Emily says, slowly. “I’ve had some very good ones and then some very bad ones.” First girlfriend who she asked out on her 20th birthday, and second girlfriend who she broke up with a week before her 23rd; Sue fills in the blanks as she talks. “So I guess I try not to tell people so I myself don’t expect anything out of it. Neutral birthdays are better than euphoric ones or sad ones, because at least they don’t haunt me forever.” 

“Baby,” she says, and then trails off. Sometimes she likes calling Emily endearments, or just say her name out loud, randomly, even if there’s no statement attached to it. The sentiment’s always the same, however. I’m glad you exist. I’m glad you found me. I like your name. I love you.  

(Emily’s fallen asleep by the time she’s driven to the top of the grassy knoll, by the time the clock hits midnight. Sue lets her sleep through it. There will be time to sit on top of the blanket and watch a sleepy Emily blow out the candles on a tiny cake that looks like a typewriter, to stare at the stars all night long while they listen to soft, slow songs on a pair of shared earphones. For now, Sue watches Emily sleep, head tilted against the glass and decides to hold off on telling her she loves her until the day after her birthday. It’s a perfectly neutral birthday. No use in spoiling it.) 

(Emily says it back though, in case anyone was wondering) 

***** 

Sometimes, when Sue sees Emily cooking for her, she loses her breath. 

(And sometimes, it’s not even due to the smoke from a burned dish) 

But there’s something peaceful about watching Emily cook, especially if she hasn’t yet cottoned onto the fact that Sue’s watching her. She’s one of those annoying people who always has their headphones on, so most of her cooking in the kitchen involves perfectly timing the beats with the swipes of her spatula. Sometimes she spins around in the middle of a pancake flip to see if she can catch it in midair. Juvenile shenanigans aside, what really gets Sue, even after almost a year of having watched Emily dance around in the kitchen is the care with which she handles food that they will eat. It’s so different to the kind of food she cooks when she’s just cooking for herself. Sue’s seen her slap on two days expired cheese on top of a tortilla and call it lunch. And yet. 

And yet. Sue will have the best of things. Lasagna that’s still steaming. A sandwich filled with the most delicious ingredients. Waffles topped with cream that Emily will get up early in the morning to get for her. Food enhanced with care, made better with love. 

Why don’t you make those nice things for yourself, she’s asked on multiple occasions, to which Emily’s always shrugged. It’s just me. I can have almost anything. 

(Emily deserves the best. Sue will make sure she has it) 

There are flowers on the table, an assortment of daffodils and lilies arranged on a vase. Right in between two shiny plates laid out with napkins folded carefully beside them. Sue slides into one of the chairs quietly, rests her elbows on the table and waits for Emily to finally turn around. 

There is a panicked scream when she does. Sue doesn’t want to be that girlfriend, but this is definitely going on the list of stories she’ll tell their future kids when they’ve grown. 

(Another day she would worry about how the term — Their kids — moves around in her chest comfortably like a sip of hot cocoa. Today, exactly one year to the day Emily told her she liked her, she shrugs it off) 

“You weren’t supposed to wake up for another half an hour at least.” 

Sue hums. “You did tire me out last night, that is true.” 

“Sue!” Emily says, scandalized, face rapidly turning red. “I — that’s highly — okay wait, first things first....” 

She walks over to the table, and bends to kiss Sue.  

“Happy anniversary.” 

Sue closes her eyes, kisses both her cheeks in response. “Happy anniversary, my love.” 

Emily grins back, then stands again. “Either way,” she says, as she ladles soup onto a bowl, and gathers multiple plates on a tray to subsequently bring to the table, “brunch! Courtesy of your beautiful girlfriend who finally managed to figure out how to make the perfect chicken pot pie without burning down the house, or worse, giving you salmonella.” 

Sue inspects what lies in front of her. “Babe, this looks amazing.” 

Emily looks proud, as she sits on the other chair. “And that’s not all, okay? This is just the start. Today evening I have gotten us both tickets to—” 

“Move in with me.” 

When Emily blinks, Sue startles. The words that had just come out of her mouth definitely weren’t well-thought-out, but now she was thinking about it and it seemed like all she ever wanted in life. To go to sleep with Emily, and wake her up in time for her morning classes, to be able to see her all the time, and not have to watch her go. 

“That wasn’t my gift, by the way,” she adds, speaking fast, thinking of the limited-edition original copies of a book she’d driven five hours to the next town to get. “But it’s what I want. Us. Living together. I love you. We should.... uh, live together so — uh, okay Emily make me stop talking please.” 

Emily shuts her up with a kiss. When they separate, she stays close to Sue, looking right into her eyes with that soft, soft expression.  

“Are you sure?” she asks. 

Sue takes in a deep breath. Nods. “Yeah.” 

Emily considers that for a moment. Then says with a teasing smile — “I thought this violated your relationship rules.” 

“What ae you—” 

“No kissing before the second date. No celebrating six-month anniversaries because that’s for dummies. No moving in before at least two years of dating—” 

“And if you remember correctly,” Sue cuts in, smoothly, “I kissed you two days before our first date. And serenaded you with a Taylor Swift song at the café on our six-month anniversary.” 

“You did do that,” Emily says, quietly. 

“And as long as we’re on the subject, I hate staying up past 11, or listening to sad girl music in the car, or watching that horrendous show about those two annoying men fake-dating,” Sue tells her, “but — it is my greatest honor that I get to do that for you. And with you. Emily, if you haven’t figured it out already, you’re kinda the exception to every single one of my rules.” 

Sue reads Emily’s answer in the kiss she receives next. 

***** 

The middle, the middle, everything boils down to the middle. It’s what Sue sometimes hears Emily muttering to herself in the middle of the night when she has an assignment due the next day. Sue will blink, look over to the desk where Emily is planted with her nightlight on, hands in her hair. Sometimes Sue will keep blinking slowly, taking in the sight of Emily typing until she falls asleep. Sometimes Emily will notice that she’s up, walk over to the bed, and hum snippets of songs until she’s drifting off again.  

And for all the beauty of the beginning, of first kisses and first dates and first times, there’s something to be said about the fifteenth time Emily plays her something on the ukulele, warning her beforehand that her voice might crack. Or the sixtieth burger she runs across the campus to hand over to Emily when she knows she’s got back-to-back classes scheduled. About the hundredth time she falls into bed, and scooches over, eyes closed, until Emily’s wriggling body is aligned against hers. There’s peace in knowing that a first time will inevitably lead to a second time, and then countless others.  

(There’s peace in knowing the middle lasts the longest)   

***** 

She knows she’s in trouble. Has known she’s in trouble the minute she came out of the store and discovered that there was a pileup on the highway. And then when Lavinia called her panicking because their house-warming slash house party was getting out of control because of a lack of beer and a general overabundance of Austin. And then when her phone died in the middle of her conversation with Emily.  

(So much trouble) 

She’s exhausted by the time she makes it back to her apartment (their apartment , she corrects herself, smiling at the thought) and makes her way up the stairs, hearing the volume of the music increase with every step. Opens the door and is assailed with extremes — the tiny sparkling mirror ball someone’s managed to hook up to the ceiling, the dancing crowd in their living room, and a very loud and weirdly on-point Austin making guitar noises on the karaoke microphone. 

“Lavinia!” Sue calls out in relief, when she catches sight of her. “Where’s Emily?” 

Lavinia excuses herself from a group of frat boys hanging onto her every word and walks over. “Sue! Emily!” 

“Yeah, I know! Tell me where she is!” 

Sue points towards the ceiling, and in the same smooth motion, grabs the crate of beer from her hands. 

Sue’s out of there before the first cry of “Beer” permeates the air. She climbs another two floors, and then the metallic ladder to find Emily sitting there, wrapped in her blanket, glaring up at her. 

“You promised,” she says, flatly. 

Sue drops onto her knees and takes Emily’s cold hands in hers. “I know.” 

“No, you,” Emily repeats, then pauses, looking like she’s struggling, “you promised you were gonna be here, okay? I agreed to the housewarming thing only because you told me there wouldn’t be many people and you’d stay with me the whole time—” 

“—baby....” 

“No, don’t baby me. Let me finish.” Emily waits until Sue nods. “And then you went off to the store.” 

“We ran out of beer,” Sue says, feeling sheepish. 

“I know — I know that, okay?” Emily says. “I know there’s a reason, and probably a valid one but I’m mad, okay? You promised me something and then bailed. That’s not cool.” 

Sue adjusts so she’s properly sitting down right in front of Emily. “I’m sorry,” she says, and means it. “It was inexcusable.” 

Emily sighs, and seems to relax a little. “Okay. Thank you for saying that.” 

Sue nods. “Some party, huh?” she says, after a while. 

Emily smiles a little, then. “Did you see Austin? He was performing the High School Musical songs when I left.” 

She laughs. “When I came in, I think he was doing the guitar riff to Bohemian Rhapsody.” 

“Hey,” Emily says, after they’re done giggling at that. “I never asked. What took you so long? I thought you just went to get beer.” 

“Uh,” Sue says, “I’d rather not tell you.” 

“What? Why not?” 

“Because I don’t wanna charm my way out of you being mad at me.” 

“Oh,” Emily draws the sound out, teasingly. “It can’t possibly be that charming.” 

If she wanted to play it this way, then okay. 

“I stopped at an animal shelter on the way home. There’s a young cat there I thought we could adopt. Consider her a housewarming present.” 

“Oh,” Emily says, then in an undertone. “Damn it.” 

“Charmed?” 

“Ugh, fuck, okay,” Emily admits, then pulls at their joined hands till Sue gets on top of her lap. “I hate you. I love you, but I hate you.” 

Sue kisses her in return, settles in more comfortably. 

“Tell me about her?” Emily asks, softly, in the quiet. 

“Well, she chased the light reflected off my watch round and round so it’s safe to say she’s not the brightest.” 

“I love her already,” Emily assures her. 

***** 

On her eve of her 25th birthday, Sue walks into her apartment and finds Emily, Lavinia and Austin panicking over how to fit the last half of her last name onto limited space on a handmade banner. She says hi to Juggers and Iguana, their two cats, then picks up their two-month-old puppy Rooney, all before one of the three already present humans in the room realizes she’s there. 

“Sue, I’m so sorry,” Emily says, walking over to her and looking at her with a slightly desperate look in her eyes. “We tried baking cake, but it’s half burnt, but we can’t decide what to get and all we have are balloons but then Austin’s going crazy trying to keep Juggers from bursting them, because guess what? The cat is the devil—” 

“—babe—” 

“—no, I tried to make it a good birthday, I really did!” 

She puts her hands on either side of Emily’s face, which forces her to quiet down. Then she looks over at the others.  

“Have you guys been here the entire time I was taking classes?” 

They nod. 

She feels a little overwhelmed. “Guys, I — thank you so much,” she says, then takes stock of the situation. “Can you order pizza? We’ll ring in my birthday with pizza tonight.” 

Lavinia side-hugs her on their way out to the couch, and then they’re alone in the kitchen. She kisses Emily on the forehead, then on both cheeks, trying to drive away the frown. 

“What?” 

“I just wanted you to have a good birthday,” Emily says, despondent. 

“You’re here, aren’t you?” Sue says. “And so are our friends, who sat and worked this hard for hours trying to make me happy. And we’ll have pizza! We like pizza.” 

“You’re just saying that.” 

“No, you idiot” Sue explains, fondly. “I mean it. We’ll have burned cake, and we’ll fight over the pizza, and even if the animals are outnumbered, we’ll probably lose to them. And then we’ll probably watch a movie, and somehow all fall asleep on the carpet because Austin always claims the whole couch. Either way, it’ll be a good birthday, because I’m happy. And you know why I’m happy?” 

Emily’s still pouting. 

“Emily, why am I happy?” 

“Because we’re together,” Emily completes, in a small voice, and then finally, finally smiles. 

(It’s the messiest birthday Sue has ever had. Also the best) 

***** 

Here’s the thing about endings: everyone who writes stories knows they don’t really exist.  

A famous author once said that they weren’t really the end of the story, just where you chose to stop it. Well, Sue agrees. Which is why this story in her head never ends. The imaginary typewriter in her head will keep typing long after, filling pages with anniversaries and birthdays and emergency dog adoptions. Maybe the next page talks about the day Sue breaks her arm, and Emily proposes to her with an onion ring she gets out of the hospital vending machine. Or the day Lavinia loses Rooney, walks around the entire block with Austin to find him and finally discovers he’s hanging out at the old café they used to work at. 

So. Yes. This is where she decides to leave it. Finish it. There will be more stories to write later.

The end. 

(Wink wink. Nudge nudge.) 

[cdt12345]

BABY! Ian called Mickey BABY! It's finally canon! Also finally canon is Ian is Franny's favorite!!!! She likes him the best! I always knew Ian would be her favorite! I feel so vindicated! She also loves playing with Mickey! She knew if Ian lives with them Mickey would have to come too and she wanted them both! 11x10 was by far my favorite episode of the season so far!

I didn't want to say anything before in case I was right and I didn't want to spoil it but I had a feeling that pool was at the condo they were looking at. A lot of people were speculating that they wouldn't get the place but I was really hoping they would. The pool gave me confidence that they were actually going to get it and they did!

I know some are upset with Ian, but I'm glad Ian did it. Mickey will be happy with Ian anywhere! This is good for them! Let me be clear, I would never make a decision like that without talking to my significant other. Ian was right in them moving there, but Ian was wrong in the way he went about it. Mickey wasn’t right when running off without talking about why he didn’t want to move their and throwing insults at Ian. Neither of them were in the right on how they handled this.

I understand Mickey's reservations as does Ian. But that's the thing! Ian knows Mickey better than anyone! He knows Mickey will resist, but actually does want this as much as he does. He knows Mickey wants this and he's making it happen for both of them and I love Ian for that. Even if that meant his husband would be mad at him for a while. He knows Mickey deserves this and wants this. Mickey is afraid and a little uncomfortable about this change. He needs Ian to alleviate these fears but Ian didn’t get a chance to do that since Mickey ran off. That's the thing about these two though. They get each other out of their comfort zones and at the end of the day, that is a great thing. It helps them grow. This is why they've both come so far and have grown into the people and couple they are now. Without the pushing, supporting and guidance they've given each other, they wouldn't be here today.

Ian didn’t even want to look at the condo in the first place because it was on the west side. Mickey said they should go check it out anyway. He did say it was because he wanted to use the pool, but he didn’t have as big aversion to the west side until it became a real thing Ian wanted to do and it was all happening so fast. Mickey needed more time to ease into the idea. It was just so sudden for him. I understand Ian wanting to take advantage of the deal and it was a good deal for them to get. I would’ve done the same, just not without talking to my significant other about it first. But of course we can all agree they should’ve talked and decided together first! That is what a marriage is. Deciding on these things together. But like the great @luckyshazmrsmonaghansblog pointed out in her post, Mickey spent all of their wedding money without consulting Ian. Yet, did people get all over him for that. No! Again this is Ian being overcritized by the Ian haters. At least this was something good for the both of them. We still don't even know what Mickey used all the money for!

If people are blaming Ian, they can also blame Mickey for getting mad and running off. He didn't stay to talk it out with Ian. They have both come a long way with their communication but they're not perfect at it. Ian isn't the only one who runs away during conflict. I hate when Ian is accused as being the one who runs away from an argument when Mickey does this sometimes too. They both do it not just Ian all the time.

I really want this for them! I want them to have nice things! They deserve it! They only live 15 minutes away from the south side! He can get his beer 15 minutes away. They're still going to be close and close to Ian's family. They're still going to be working in the same area. Not much is changing. Just at the end of the day and their days off they can spend it together in a nice safe place with lots of cool amenities. Like a gym, heated pool, garden, working appliances finally, and a soft big bed. Not to mention they're not sharing the place with Ian's siblings. It's just going to be them! One day them, dogs and their own kids!

The fact that they think $900 a month is cheap, is amazing! I'm sure it's cheap for the area in Chicago, but that's way more than they'd ever have been able to afford before. It makes me wonder how much are they making if that's affordable to them? Not to mention that Ian was talking about expanding the business, which was another thing that made me so happy! They're expanding their business!

Ian wanting to plant tomatoes!!! He's so sweet and precious! Ian implying they've cooked together before by offering to do so when Mickey was mad!!! Ian defending his husbands to his favorite sibling Lip!! Telling Lip if he ever hit his husband again he would kill him!!!!! Ian and Mickey having their own place now! Did this episode really happen?! How was this episode not just a dream I had last night?!

Mickey needs to move on from doing criminal shit! That life is over as it should be. He can't risk him or Ian going to jail again. He doesn't want to be separated from his husband again, then he has to listen to Ian and stop doing criminal shit.

Mickey needs to stay out of jail so he can protect his tomato growing husband!

Anyway, if Mickey feels the need to do some crime. The south side is 15 minutes away. It's not that far Mickey! I get where Mickey is coming from though. It's a big change and he never thought he'd even be able to live outside of the south side. But this is good for them! I can't believe they're going to be living together on their own now. This is literally the first time they're living together without other people.

Also considering how well their business is going and plans to expand. One day they'll be able to afford an even nicer place some day. Maybe even get a house! I'm so happy for their future! It's looking so fucking good for them!!!

I know that there is still a chance things can change. We do still have two episodes left. They can always back out of the lease. I don't know what the consequences are from doing that, but I know it's something people have done before.

But the most important thing is that at the end of they day, they'll be together. They are each others home. If they live in a cardboard box or a mansion, they're going to be okay because their together. Like Ian said about the painting, they may be miserable but at least they're miserable together. In good or bad, Ian and Mickey are in all of it together!

[rosethornewrites]

I don’t know if I can fully express how tired I am lately.

To sum, I’m less and less enamored of my workplace. Academia is hegemonic in structure and basically the difference between castes and power sucks. In the last few years, a significant number of colleagues I loved have jumped ship for a variety of reasons. But the main reason has been discrimination and hostile work environment. To make matters more fun, one of the people who led to one such friend’s departure is now department chair.

On a personal level, I have no trust that the work that I do for the department or university is valued because I’m not the right academic caste. I got a clear indication of that last semester and have regretted all the extra work I have put in beyond my contractual obligations, sometimes at the cost of my physical and mental health, over the last going-on-9-years.

But here’s the sad thing: if I move on, it’s same shit, different institution. I’m disabled and queer, and the academy caters to people who are hostile toward both. Systemic oppression isn’t going away, even when multimarg faculty join the ranks, because guess who gets shat on every step of the way.

It has been 3-4 years since my fibromyalgia diagnosis. Two of those years allowed me to teach from home. Now, with a disability that is largely considered an autoimmune disease (guess what researchers don’t know much about because it primarily impacts afab folks?), I am no longer protected by a mask mandate on my campus. I’m in fact not allowed to mandate masks in my classrooms because fuck me, I guess. I’m just a cog that can be replaced (for free if UCLA is any example). So I self-identified to my students (which frankly should not be any of their business) and appealed to them to wear masks to protect me and others who may have autoimmune diseases. Half of them care if I die, I guess.

I’ve basically inherited all of my mom’s health problems. Fibromyalgia? Check. Bipolar? Not quite, but double depression with a side of generalized anxiety disorder and trauma is aces. And now it turns out that she’s been having mini-strokes, potentially for years. I probably have that in my future too.

She’s also stuck 15 hours away for another week and a half, and I’m taking care of her incredibly spoiled dogs, who have made it their personal goal to shit and piss on every available piece of floor space, and who cannot get on the guest bed by themselves and will howl until I wake up and put them on it. All. Night. Long.

So I’m not really getting good sleep. I managed to rig a system so that one of the dogs can get up on her own, but the chihuahua can’t.

Guess what flares with lack of sleep? Yep, all of it. I spend a couple hours a day soaking in an effort to alleviate the pain. While doing a full time job that doesn’t even value my life, let alone my contributions. While taking care of dogs that are not mine, who are actually traumatized at the separation from my mom because the last time someone left and didn’t come home it was Dad and he died. So I can’t even be too mad at them for the piss off potty mats, for the incessant whining and howling, for the general neediness. Because it’s been 6 years and thinking about Dad dying still makes me sad, so I can’t expect less from the dogs, especially given the chihuahua was his.

But overall, I’m rapidly approaching burnout, if I’m not there already. There are days my spoon deficit is so bad I wish I could just turn off existence for a little while. Like, can I get a medically induced coma as a treat?

Oh, and add to the fact that I had some fandom fucks threaten to dox me 2 years ago for daring to speak out about an abusive asswipe, and I have no idea if they still stalk my Tumblr or whatever.

Yeah, I’m tired. It’s not getting easier.

I really just want to rest.

[ohpedromypedro]

what would Christmas with max be like?

So uhh... I initially intended this to be a headcanon, but I went a little off track and turned it into a 2k word fic 🙃 Oops?

Max never really celebrated Christmas until he started dating you. Never had reason to, honestly. He has no family, that you know of at least, and he’s not much of a gift giver unless he actually likes somebody. Plus, do vampires even care to celebrate holidays? Max didn’t. Until he met you.

You changed it all for him. You’re all for the Christmas season. Decorating inside and out, the traditional picking out and cutting down a Christmas tree, baking lots of delicious goodies, sending Christmas cards (mainly to your own family and friends), wrapping of the presents on Christmas Eve, which of course the two of you wrap each other’s in separate rooms.

Max spoils you every Christmas and I mean spoils. With the amount of money his management style brings in, his Christmas bonuses are always generous on his wallet and he’s more than happy to spend it all on you. The one person in this world he truly loves and cares about.

The first Christmas you spent together as a couple, you were surprised to see Max had bought practically a whole mountain of gifts for you. He had asked you to spend Christmas at his place that year, which you were more than willing to do so because his loft apartment was a lot nicer than your tiny one bedroom apartment. What you weren’t expecting, though, amongst the many gifts Mr Max Phillips got you was a key to his apartment with a nice little festive note which read “All I want for Christmas is to always wake up with you. Please move in with me?”. You were stunned at first and your face said it all, that was a Christmas present you were not expecting. Of course you happily accepted and moved in the next day.

For your second Christmas together, on top of more thoughtful and expensive gifts from your boyfriend, Max decided to buy and name an entire new constellation after you. The whole thing was extremely romantic to you, something none of your past ex partners were even considerate enough to do for you, and it earned Max a nice romantic lay by the fire. Sometimes the best way for you to show your boyfriend your appreciation is by having your cunt suck the life from his cock and boy does he love that.

This year, your third Christmas together, both of you are more than excited to give each other your gifts. Max may think he’s more excited, but you strongly believe you have him topped. He has no idea what’s coming. Usually your gifts are just things you can buy with a simple swipe of a credit card, but not this gift you have for him. Money can’t buy what you’re giving Max this year.

Max is already awake when your eyes open first thing. He’s been lying here just holding you in his arms and admiring the peaceful look on your face while you sleep. He smiles at you when you look up at him from where your head’s resting on his chest, soft yawn leaving you as you smile right back.

“Good morning, handsome.” You murmur, leaning up to press a warm kiss to his lips. “Sleep any last night?” Your fingers gently touch his cheek and he lets out a content sigh as he leans into you.

“Morning, my sweet girl. A lil bit, yeah. But mostly I just watched over you while you enjoyed your own slumber.” He smiles, reaching out to tuck your hair behind your ear. “Ready for some coffee and opening presents by the fire?”

“You know it.” You giggle and press one more kiss to his lips before wiggling out of his hold. “I think I’ll take a nice hot shower first. Feel free to join, if you’d like.” You give him a smirk and quickly roll off the bed to walk into the bathroom. Obviously he’s going to join you. Max Phillips doesn’t turn down taking a shower with you ever, especially hot ones. He’s off the bed and closing the bathroom door behind you mere seconds after you cross the threshold, his increased speed abilities helping to get the two of you undressed from your matching Christmas pajamas and into a hot shower just how you like them. “Someone’s in a rush this morning.” You tease, slipping your arms around his neck as you gaze up into his soft brown orbs.

“I’m just excited.” He shrugs, his hands rubbing up along your hips as they pull you flush against him beneath the flow of hot water. “Why? Are you not excited for presents?” He gives you a teasing smirk, nuzzling his nose against yours. “Has my girl lost all her Christmas spirit already?”

“Gasp! Never.” You playfully pout up at him, your fingers playing with the hair at the nape of his neck. “I just haven’t seen you this excited for Christmas morning before.” You smile, leaning up to give him a quick kiss.

“Yeah. Well, I got you the best gift this year and I can’t wait to give it to you.” He gives your ass a playful squeeze and you only narrow your eyes suspiciously at him.

“I swear, Max Phillips, if you’re talking about your dick--” You start and he only shakes his head with an amused chuckle.

“Better.”

“What’s better than your dick?” You scoff and Max only laughs harder.

“Oh, baby. I love you, you know that?” He smiles, leaning in to kiss you again. “How about we finish up in here and then I show you what’s a better Christmas gift than my dick?”

“Hmmm… Okay. Sounds like a plan to me.” You smile. “I love you.”

“I love you too.”

~

“Okay, best gifts for last.” Max smiles, grabbing your final gift and setting it on the floor in front of you. “How about we open them at the same time?”

You grab his gift and place it on his lap with a smile, nodding your head as you pick your gift up from the floor and hold it on your own lap. “Sounds good to me, baby. Yours has a little card you need to read first.” You point at the little envelope taped to the box and Max smiles, tracing his fingertips over the red lipstick print sealing it with a kiss.

“I can see that…” He chuckles, opening the envelope and pulling the card out so he can read it in his head to himself.

My Dearest Max,

My heart is yours, I’m here to stay

And now I’m ready to give it to you in the forever way.

Max’s brows furrow in confusion for a moment, his eyes flicking from the card to you where you’re very slowly peeling away the wrapping paper of your gift, your eyes still set on his face. You smile at him before flicking your gaze to the present on his lap then back up at him, giving your lip a small bite. He catches the drift and sets the card aside to start unwrapping the decent sized box that holds his gift, his own gaze switching between his present and you opening yours. He doesn’t want to miss the look on your face when you see what your gift is, it’s a look he’s been looking forward to for some months now.

After unwrapping your present and setting all the paper aside, you slowly lift the lid from the box, tilting your head when you see what looks to be a special made book inside. From the looks of how oddly thick and formed it is, it definitely seems to be a pop up book. You glance warily at Max now, noticing that he’s stopped unwrapping his. “Hey, mister! You stopped unwrapping.” You pout.

“Yours is more important.” He smiles and you huff out a semi offended breath as you take the pop up book out of the box. “I promise you, you’re gonna love it.”

“I still say your gift is much better than a book.” You remark, a small, knowing smirk on your face. You examine the cover of the book, seeing that it’s definitely specially made because the two cute little animated characters on the front more than resemble you and Max. They are you and Max. You look at the title of the pop up and smile. “My Life With You”. You can’t deny it, this is quite an adorable and thoughtful gift, but you still think yours tops it.

You open the cover of the book and the first image that pops up makes your smile widen. It’s a cute little replica of you and Max outside the bookstore where you two first met. You remember that day like it was just yesterday and the memory makes your heart flutter. At the bottom of the page there are words and you slowly read them to yourself.

This little bookstore I will cherish forever because it’s where we had our first encounter.

You turn the page and the second pop up picture appears, eliciting a giggle from you at the image of you and Max under a tree sharing your first kiss during a summer night walk in the park.

Our first kiss I will always remember. You seemed so eager to kiss a vampire for the first time.

A lighthearted laugh escapes you when you read the words and you share a quick glance with Max with a knowing smile before bringing your attention back to the book and turning the page again. You feel the pang in your chest at the image of your first fight with Max, but you still continue to read on.

Our first fight I for sure thought I’d lost you for good. I let my own ignorance get the best of me that day and that’s something I’ll never allow to happen again.

You look up at Max again, unable to stop yourself from leaning forward and giving him a reassuring kiss. He only chuckles, savoring your kiss before pulling back and motioning to the book. “There’s more, babe.”

“I know. I just couldn’t help myself.” You smile, turning the page and revealing the fourth pop up. You gasp and burn up with a shy embarrassment as your eyes take in image of you and Max in a very scandalous position in the bedroom. This is definitely no children’s pop up book company. “Jesus, Max.” You giggle, reading the words at the bottom.

The first time I took you to bed is one my cock and I will remember for the rest of time. How warm, wet, and tight you were as I sank into you… Your whimpery little moans as each thick inch of me stretched you.

God, he’s already having an affect on you and he hasn’t even touched you. The littlest things like these will always have some sort of affect on you coming from him. You bite your lip as you turn the page, your eyes met with the fifth image. It’s you both during your first Christmas together and you can tell by the key you’re holding in the image.

I loved our first Christmas together, asking you to move in with me was the best move I could have made. But there’s one more first, I’ve still yet to do and that’s to make a beautiful woman’s like you dream come true...

You tilt your head at that and when you turn the final page, revealing the largest pop up of the book with Max on his knee holding up a ring, a real ring set in place in the book with large words reading “Will you marry me, my sweet darling girl?”, your eyes widen. You look back up at him now and he’s got a shit eating grin on his face.

“Oh, Max…” You whisper, tears already well past slipping down your cheeks. “Of course I’ll marry you.” You take the ring out and set the book aside, quickly slipping it onto your left ring finger before crawling over onto Max’s lap and kissing him deeply, your arms slipping around his neck as he holds you against him.

“I love you.” He murmurs into the kiss, hands holding you by the waist.

“I love you too… Now open yours, mister.” You tut, picking his present up where he set it aside and resting it on your lap. “You read the card, now open your present.”

“Alright, alright. My impatient fiancée.” He chuckles, finishing ripping off the wrapping paper and tossing it aside before opening the box and pulling out its contents. His eyebrows raise when he pulls out polaroids you took, but he quickly smirks as he gives them a quick look through. “Such a sexy little thing…” He sighs, biting his lip as he sets the polaroids aside and pulls out another wrapped gift. It’s a picture frame and inside contains Max’s true Christmas present. He shoots you a curious glance which you only smile innocently at and he grabs the wrapped frame from inside the box and tears that paper off too.

You anxiously chew your lip as you watch Max open his gift and when he really sees what the framed picture is signifying, his head is shooting back up to look at you. You were slick enough to get an x-ray image of your heart from your doctor for this gift and written in metallic sharpie are the words “A reminder of what once beat for you, now that I’m asking you to take its life essence away.” It’s your creative way of telling Max you’re ready for him to turn you.

“Are you asking me to turn you?” He already knows the answer, but he’s just so stunned that he still needs to ask for clarification.

“Yes, Max Phillips. I’m asking you to turn me. I’m ready to spend forever with you.”

“Oh, honey… I love you so fucking much.”

He carefully sets the picture frame back in the box before cupping your face and kissing you deeply again. Max wants nothing more than to spend the rest of his immortal life with you, hence asking you to marry him, but he was not expecting you to be ready for him to turn you already. He’s more than ecstatic that you’re ready to take this large step with him. He breaks the kiss after a few long moments to let you breathe and you smile up at him widely.

“Merry Christmas, Max.”

“Merry Christmas, beautiful.”

Everything tag list:

@halefirewarrior @takemepedropascal @wildcard566 @readsalot73 @talesfromtheguild  @oberynispunk @whiskeyxinxaxteacup @pedrosdoll @ah-callie @manuphantom @dornish-queen @ihaveashield @shayna-winchester @lonelystarship

Max Phillips tag list:

(None, for now)