#i like claire she's neat

[citrine-elephant]

had to turn on assisted mode for this ending

first date and they're already got a child lmao

[kindlythevoid]

As promised. Memes:

And as promised, ranting:

Okay, so, real talk, I did not actually like everything in this book, but I still fucked with it SO HARD. Like, honestly, I picked up what this was putting down (a little heavy-handedly, but done so well imho???) and the WAY IT WAS WRITTEN????

Like, I did a course on the Aeneid. And obviously it was a Roman mythos, not Greek, but DAMN, CLAIRE NORTH. I could see my translations!!! Written in the vernacular of english!!! RiGHT THERE IN THE TEXXT!!!! I GOT SO FREAKING EXCITED!!! It's just, such little things. The phrasing of a certain line. The odd usage of certain similes or metaphors that go off about people or places. The strange diversions to explain events or people right in the middle of the text before jumping straight back into the story. IT WAS SO VERGIL GUYS I SWEAR.

(i haven't had to translate the greek myths sorry guys and I read the odyssey so many years ago in english many apologies am working off what I got)

And, like, as I said, it was very heavy-handed as it backhanded the greek poets for ignoring the women but, like, she was right??? It was insane guys. It was absolutely insane. And everyone was so nuanced and had personalities and hopes and dreams and backstories and at points I was worried she was going to sacrifice the guys to further the women??? Which, like, I understand the irony, and obv couldn't super fault her for it, but she ended up balancing everyone out so well??? Like the guys were in the background instead but they were still all unique and had different priorities and shit.

Just, this whole book was such a breath of fresh air. Damn.

[dapperrokyuu]

The charm point of Witch's Heart truly is the characters, they all are endearing and have an ounce of depth in their own ways. The trio the story revolves around are definitely the best, but theres some unique stuff from the others.

[woodlandscab1n]

Still thinking about how Leon would freak the fuck out if something was misplaced from where he thinks its supposed to be placed in.

Chreon wouldn't survive a single day living together cuz Chris would be like ?? oh ?? sorry?? and Leon would be like SORRY????? WHAT KINDA FREAK PUTS THE SALT SHAKER ON THE COFFEE TABLE???

[stillaclownlol]

Im BACK :) (nobody noticed I left LMAO) with HEADCANONS

For...nailpolish...

Ashlyn: She keeps her nails really short and blunt because The Autism and she actually hates when people touch her nails. Taylor beggggggggggeeeeeed to let her paint them tho and eventually she relented. Prefers darker colors, and she only keeps them on for the first day/night, the second they start peeling she cleans them off cuz the texture bothers her

Taylor: LOOOOOVES nail polish :))) she always buys cheap brands from like Claires tho so her nail polish is usually flaking. She likes all colors but she gravitates more towards brighter colors and glitter polish. She really likes stickers and patterns too. She wishes she had the time to experiment with long nails and gems and stuff like that but she doesn't have the money and they would interfere with her mechanics class, so she usually she keeps em short.

Tyler: short and neat, doesn't want to bend a nail or smth during baseball. He doesn't really loooooove painting his nails, but if Taylor asks him he'll let her practice on him, and secretly he likes matching with her <3

Ben: he's actually interested in it but he was worried a long time that people would make fun of them. His nails are usually long cuz he forgets to cut them and kinda dirty because he's constantly got pencil lead under them. Eventually Tay convinced him to try, but his fingers are really big so he was having a hard time doing it, so she did it for him (benlor shippers get your food). Mostly likes pastels :)

Logan: his nails are short because it bugs him when he gets dirt under them while gardening. Not really smth he thinks about but he won't say no if Tay offers. He likes astronomy related stickers tho (like stars and planets) and glitter polish

Aiden: he has gross hands sorry guys. Constantly covered/has under his nails marker, pencil, dirt, dead skin- just. Yuck. If Tay wants to paint his nails they gotta do a whole routine. he bites his fingers sometimes so they're all different lengths. sometimes he just bites the nail off so the ends are either jagged or really long cuz he always forgets to cut them. He bends and breaks them a lot while doing sports too. He likes coloring them with a Sharpie in class while he's bored, but if Tay does them he prefers bold colors and glitter, and ofc lots of stickers. When he paints them himself ofc the color gets all over his fingers smh...he bought long nails just for fun but he wouldn't wear them seriously since they kinda get in the way of stuff he likes doing.

[shiberamune]

some personal breakfast club hcs because im feeling sad and this movie is my comfort rn :) <3

-john pierced his ears himself, it is miraculous how they arent infected

-claire secretly likes weird-ish stuff like allison, she wants a pet leopard gecko and she likes snakes too

-they all let each other bunk at each other's houses if they need to, like brian will let john stay at his house if his dad's being a prick, or andrew lets allison spend the night if she just wants to get out of her house

-my personal hc of their lives afterwards? they all live together and help each other get over the familial trauma/problems they experienced

-brian is a pokemon fan. i know pokemon didnt exist yet in the 80s but i know he would be one. and he always picks grass starters

-allison steals stuff for the others 24/7. claire wants a necklace? it's in alli's purse. john sees a cool switchblade he wants? alli's in the process of shoving it in her shoe

-andrew one time wore a dress from claire's closet to see what it would be like and john caught him. john, of course, never shuts up abt it

-andrew is the mom friend. i just feel this in my bones.

-and john is the most protective. he will find someone's house if they pick on allison or brian. only he can do that

-they all played spin the bottle one time, and this led to andrew and john having to kiss

-they liked it. they never told the others.

-brian will help the others study. he saved john's ass from flunking school as a whole

-they're all very physical with each other. always giving each other hugs or little affectionate touches. john and allison are weird about it at first, so the others take their time with them

-andrew has a guy purse

-since the movies take place in the same universe/school, i like to believe brian and cameron from ferris bueller's day off are friends

-same for ferris and andrew, or claire and sloane

-allison likes to blurt out weird/grim/niche facts she somehow knows from time to time and the others are just like "neat, thanks queen"

-john likes system of a down. again, not from the 80s, but im projecting here

-every friend group needs 1 dr pepper obsessed friend, and that is allison

-claire somehow convinced john to let her do makeup on him. he said he'd only do it if she bought him beer or cigarettes after

-john and andy are brian's wingmen. if he thinks a girl is cute, john and andrew are already plotting how they'll get brian to talk to her

anyway, that was a lot sorry 💖 idrc if not a lot of people see these, this was mostly just to make me feel better. but also i like providing for this somewhat small fandom :)

[fist-of-vengeance]

thinking about how essentially every relationship john locke formed in the early seasons of lost has completely disintegrated by the time of his death.

of course there's his relationship with jack, which starts tense but manageable and culminates in jack pointing a gun at john's head and pulling the trigger. but even his smaller, less narratively prominent relationships either implode or drift apart. he bonds with walt in season one but then walt leaves the island, which is itself a severing of their bond since it was mainly based on being the only two people who wanted to stay. still, he goes and visits walt off the island so this is probably john's most successful relationship. I dont think i need to explain how he fucked up with boone, "the sacrifice that the island demanded." charlie viewed john as a mentor and claimed to trust him more than anyone on the island, but after the events of fire and water, that trust is destroyed and charlie despises him. at the same time we get john bonding with claire and having a pseudo-paternal dynamic with her, but their closeness basically drops off the face of the earth as he gets less and less involved with the other survivors.

his arc in the series is essentially a gradual distancing from everyone around him. it starts when he abandons hunting (providing for the others) in favor of trying to get the hatch open (it's extremely clear his primary motive isn't any survival applications but getting answers to the mystery). when they do open the hatch, he spends more and more time inside, underground, cut off from other people. he spends more and more time interacting with ben, a human mystery box that he's obsessed with cracking even if it gets him killed. he follows the proverbial white rabbit deeper down the hole and leaves his connection to humanity behind. the island and its mysteries become more important to john than anything or anyone else.

then in season three we get him claiming to go undercover with the others only to unceremoniously tell sawyer that he's actually going to join them. and it doesn't feel shocking, it feels inevitable. because john has spent the entire series becoming less and less connected with the people he arrived with. in that sense he actually makes a fascinating foil to juliet, who is introduced as one of the others and yet never really fits, she's increasingly sympathetic and kind in a way the rest of them aren't, her redemption arc feels so natural that she actually starts referring to her old people as "the others" like she's been one of the crash survivors from the beginning. her and john basically have inverse arcs, which is probably accidental but very neat.

in season five john tries to convince everyone to go back to the island, and fails spectacularly. and of course he does, because he was so consumed by obsession that he stopped maintaining his relationships, and in many cases actively alienated people (this is also basically what happened with helen) and now he can't wrap his head around why they're all so hostile to him. i am forever obsessed with the scene where he confronts kate and she brutally calls him out for wanting to return to the island because he doesn't love anyone. it actually struck me on rewatch how well the two of them got along in season one, and how badly their relationship has degraded by this point. john repeatedly casts aside interpersonal relationships in favor of his obsession with destiny, so when said destiny actually involves persuading the people he once shunned, he's at a loss. this is because john treats purpose as a supplement for connection, destiny as an alternative to love.

as an aside, this aspect of john's character kinda ties into my opinion that several lost characters can be read as allegorically neurdivergent under a certain lens. i know this was absolutely not intended, but as an adhd former gifted kid who struggles socially, there is something uncomfortably familiar about a character who allows their relationships to burn around them because of a single-minded obsession, especially as a result of being promised the fickle status of "special."

tl/dr: john locke is a doomed idiot and i love him

[muffin-snakes-art]

Hi. So I’m not a Layton guy and all THAT familiar with the lore, but a close friend of mine is, and as far as I understand Layton has a dead girlfriend? Can I please know who Magolor’s dead girlfriend equivalent in this AU is? I’m legitimately so curious. /pos

I have been thinking A LOT about which Kirby character would fit Claire's (dead gf) role. In the end I chose Taranza bc I feel he and Claire are the most similar in character. They're both really good at what they do (Claire: brilliant scientist - Taranza: immaculate mage), quick thinkers, humble, and have a lot of love to give.

I'll explain more under the cut (along with images of Claire and younger Layton for design ref), but Taranza could've also fit in as a couple other characters bc I made Sectonia as Descole. In this essay I will-

In Kirby there's an interesting connection between Magolor and Taranza. Primarily based on that one Magolor portrait in that haunted house in Triple Deluxe (like ok huh????) and also that one Star Allies Wave 3 illustration.

With that portrait existing, to me it implies that Magolor has met Taranza and Sectonia before the events of the game somehow. This theory is further backed up with the Old Friend mask in Merry Magoland. Magolor would HAVE to have known what Joronia looked like before her transformation, and that means he would also have met Taranza too at that time. I could be completely wrong about this HAHA but those are my thoughts on that.

When Wave 3 was announced, I didn't think much on the connection of the 3 characters other than they were from the first three core games of modern Kirby. But then they posted this art piece.

It's so cute how Magolor and Taranza combined their magic to create a shield for Kirby!! Both of their respective magic circle designs are melded together perfectly. Did they practice together on their own to perform this or was that a lucky in-the-moment occurrence? Either way, they must know and understand each other's magic abilities to a decent extent. Like how both Claire and Layton understands each other's careers and goals. Layton is a professor in archeology. Claire is a scientist researching time travel and other stuffs. Those fields go hand in hand, and the two do what they can to support and improve each other's passions.

Now onto the other characters that Taranza would've fit as and reasons why I ended up putting him as Claire.

So I put Sectonia as Descole. Descole has an extremely loyal partner/butler/henchman named Raymond. Yea Taranza would easily fit as him, but a few things made me decide not to. Descole may appear cold and not show it, but even in his madness he cares for Raymond. He does order Raymond around, but he still gives Raymond freewill to do as he pleases. Sectonia is very controlling over Taranza. If Raymond were to make mistakes, I don't see Descole punishing him for them. Sectonia would. She blasted Taranza away for mistaking Dedede as the hero of the lower world. Maybe when she was Joronia she wouldn't and wasn't as controlling but....I feel we don't have the full story on their relationship. I also focused more on Sectonia's overall in-game personality. I absolutely love seeing the two spiders enjoying each other's company and having fun, but in-game we never really got what Joronia really thought of Taranza. As Sectonia, she saw him as a disposable servant. You can say her personality was corrupted by the mirror, but I personally believe the mirror actually amplified her negative feelings and views. Negative emotions are brought up a lot in Kirby lore. I personally find that more interesting than just the mirror possessing her or something. I may be very wrong on that, but those are what I thought about.

Last reason, which is uhm, Raymond saves Descole from death FGDHSJ I don't think I need to elaborate on that. It would be so neat and ironic to have Taranza as Raymond, but I also wanna keep things in line as possible with Kirby lore canon.

Yet, who could be Raymond then? Idk fgdsj that's why I struggled so much. If Claire wasn't an option, Taranza would've been Raymond.

Now the one other character Taranza could've fit as is Descole's late wife. His wife was never mentioned by name, to my memory, and didn't have a huge role in the games. There's not enough information on who she was. I wanted to give Taranza a fitting role in personality and importance.

So in the end after all that thinking, Claire it is! I also don't know who else in the Kirby cast would fit her better and be Professor Magolor's late partner. One may think Susie would fit Claire more, but I've already decided she will be Emmy. Emmy's and Susie's personalities are very similar to me. And Emmy's lore? Fits quite well with Susie's. I'll draw that at some point.

So uh yea. Thanks for reading all that if you did! Hope you enjoyed the insanity

[madsmilfelsen]

I think Rust is neat and all but what drew me in was his HANDS. Idk how to explain it, but something about the way he holds things and articulates makes me just. Stare at them. Like I just Know he has rough hands

alright babe, you want to talk about his hands, let’s talk about his hands via timeline

Obviously living in the bush of Alaska requires a lot of manual labor to survive, skin rubbing raw inside leather gloves, blisters from splitting wood, scars from his knife slipping on salmon (v real, I used to filet 500 salmon a summer and baby…. yew, my left hand has gotten nicked more than once— Travis and Rust had a fish camp on the Copper River, probably across the bridge from Chitna and a touch north, and lived way up river between Slana and Nabesna bc I’m making all this up right now and I said so) etc etc so his hands well worn before he got out, moved back to Texas and meets Claire snared by his weirdo allure and bizarre way of handling things— Sophia comes along and I bet he was washing his hands like a maniac, dry as fuck, probably worried his rough hands might make her fussy so held her with her little swaddling blankets at first (compensated with A LOT of skin to skin time but that’s a different ask), carefully petting her hair with just the tips of his fingers, down the bridge of her nose to make her go to sleep. Sophia loved his hands (like mother like daughter fr) could be occupied when he took her fishing by just letting her sit in his lap to play with his fingers, try on his wedding ring, ask why his nails are shorter than mommy’s or why they aren’t soft like mommy’s, map his calluses, trace the lines of his palms until he set a hook and watched him reel in dinner.

(Addition) hol up, hear me out— Sophia rooting around his bare chest and pacified with the curl of his knuckle, Sophia teething and gnawing on his fingers, Sophia learning to walk with her soft pudgy hands in his, Sophia squealing and giggling as he tickles her round lil tummy, Sophia’s only sitting still to get her hair brushed but only for daddy— Rust’s hands becoming the most abused part of his body after she’s gone

Crash era— this man does not give a shit about his hands, the most treatment they get is when he taped them together after breaking a finger, had a punching bag for obvious reasons and beat the shit out of it no gloves no tape constantly bruised. Not a stranger to working with mechanics (in Alaska, Travis would make sure he could keep his equipment running— boat engines, four wheeler oil changes, changing snow mobile tracks etc) and probably took his bike apart and put it back together just to make sure he could be Authentic, different calluses with new tools, divots in his skin lost to the unforgiving scraping bite of metal, hissing when he gets transmission fluid in his split knuckles

1995– habitual hand washing returns, dry as hell, his wrists probably crack and bleed in the winter (very very very rarely is annoyed enough to actual do something about it, probably had to bleed on one of his files— he’d use Johnson and Johnson baby lotion becuase that’s he only shit he knew, definitely drunk cried about it at least once, before sucking it up and swtiching to Vaseline), pull up bars give calluses at the base of the fingers/tops of the palms, just does calisthenics because who the fuck wants to buy equipment. Does all the upkeep on his truck (and thinking about it, this would be the first time he’d be like Alone alone in a long while, no handlers, no Iron Crusaders, no backstory upkeep, no dad, no wife, probably takes truck parts inside and cleans them on his kitchen counter because no one is there to say what the fuck are you doing— “we don’t mind being alone” okay Okay sure honey) Makes it worse by the talcum powder in his rubber gloves or licking his fingers to go through case files or staying too long in the dry archives where he can’t smoke so probably tapping his mouth, rubbing circles on his knuckles with his thumb or running it along his nails— don’t know what flavor of adhd that man has a strangle hold on but he can’t sit entirely still, fingers moving with the bits of his mind that aren’t occupied to keep himself from distraction, pretending he didn’t lose his patience with his fatherhood.

2002– Laurie :) home girl said that’s enough! Probably got recommendations from surgeons and plys him tins of hand salve, he doesn’t like the greasy feeling, but his girl is askin’ he won’t say no babey!

2012– full circle, back to them Alaskan fishing boat hands, type of hands that snag fabric (my husband isn’t a mechanic but does work with his hands and I can’t wear silk around him) and hair gets caught on, the man does not own a brush, finger combs his hair once a week and puts that shit in a hair tie, done with it.

[andieperrie18]

happiness in exile

series: that vacation you're looking for

pairing: Leon Kennedy x Reader

warnings: None

a/n: I'm just gonna write... thats all

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

Stockholm wasn't the first place that would pop into Chris's head when looking for an ex-government agent who recently quit due to personal reasons, one that he was very well aware of. He would have assumed that Y/n would rather be out somewhere in a rural area, in a cottage and a garden. Rehabilitating her heart and mind from the stressful job of fighting off bioweapons all while dealing with her breaking her engagement with Leon. As much as the male wanted to leave the woman alone, she was the only one capable of attaining information on his current target right now. 

"Claire, are you sure you're giving me the correct address?" 

Chris stared back and forth between the piece of paper in his hand and the residence before him, or a bakery instead. The walls are colored a dirty mustard yellow with a wide window with various pastries and a singular door beside it. Above it was an intricate sign, 'Gütiokipänjä Bakery' it read.

"Yes, it's a bakery and if you're standing in front of one, then you've found it," she replied through the other line. The buff male stared at the establishment. There was a pathway beside the bakery that led to a yard. He dared not to enter the said establishment but did take a look through the glass window display.

No Y/n, just a female cashier with a rather unusually large red bow holding her hair in a neat ponytail, she was taking a few customers' orders and a baker with rather red hair and big round glasses putting freshly baked pastries through designated baskets and racks on display. Having had enough of just eye scavenging for the woman he walked towards the door. The male slowly treads to the bakery's door to inquire until he is called.

"Chris?" he spun to see who called him, it was a woman. It took him two squints to finally acknowledge who it was.

"Y/n," she just smiled radiantly at him.

-----------------------++------------------------

Chris was jealous, well a tad bit envious. Envious of Y/n current state in comparison to his. Despite wearing a typical tourist outfit to blend in the crowd, his tired frown had forever etched itself on his face through years of trying to fight against monsters and people who created them for their benefits that had cost him countless lives of his men and women.

And then there's Y/n, who has been a close acquaintance of his after working together in various missions where the BSAA and the US Government needed to work together. And like him, this battle had taken its toll on her too, that was before she left for a rather long vacation.

He wasn't clueless of the sudden end of her and Leon's relationship, aware of the unusual relationship the male has with a female mercenary. 

"Soo… its been a while,"

Y/n took her seat across from him at a small dinner table in a relatively spacious room he didn't know the bakery had, it was an apartment space connected to the bakery. It was a bit dim but the slightly large window and the fresh morning sun lit her room without effort.

"It has. I guess you're doing quite well," he replied as he took a small sip of the hot beverage in front of him. 

Y/n exhaled as she rested back against the chair a soft smile grew on her lips, and he stared. The usual bags under her eyes were gone, her skin no longer sickly pale, a bit more meaty frame through her simple button-down dress, and her hair is neatly kept and put together, showing her rather radiant features.

“So… You bake?” he asked, as he smiled at how bright she looked.

Y/n chatted to him a bit more about small and simple things. Like how she learned to bake and so, sometimes pulling his sister's name through the conversation. A carefree conversation, devoid of any kind of topics involving zombies and terrorism. Rather refreshing in Chris's ears, whatever Y/n placed in his coffee to have him get laid back at that moment was working. The fresh sea breeze of the Swedish country sweetly crawled over his nape that left him to surrender his back fully on the sturdy wooden chair, the sent of the freshly baked pastries entering through the window. He could've swore that he might have dozed off for a few minutes and Y/n knows it.

"What brings you here anyway?" 

Chris heaved a breath as the question he was waiting for came, his lips shut close as he leaned forward, as his usual military demeanor returned.

"We need your help," he muttered with a little struggle, his gaze meeting hers, waiting for her expression to contort.

"We're looking for a weapon dealer who's currently involved with another virus. We don't know its effect, but we think it's related to bioweapons too," he trailed, torn by the slow fading of her warm expression. It was as if he was pulling her back to the reality of where her real occupation lies. 

"I'm sorry if I had to barge in through your vacation like this, and I know this isn't a typical one, a lot of things happened to you and I would leave you alone if I could but, I really need your help,"

Chris wasn't necessarily begging, and Y/n wasn't exactly a simple government agent. She was on the job two years before Leon was recruited. And she has a higher status than her ex-fiance, even now. That's why she was able to basically blackmail the higher-ups to give her a break. She's one of the best.

Y/n leaned back and crossed her arms, lips puckered to the left with squinting eyes. Chris felt blue, he didn't really want to force her back to duty but considering her resignation from DSO, he would be lying if it didn't cross his mind to recruit her. Surprisingly, his sister invited Y/n as field advisor for Terrasave a few months ago. So there goes his recruitment.

"I know it's sudd-" he starts, "When do you leave?" she pops on.

Taken aback by her quick reply but he never got to answer back as she left the chair and went to a closet beside her bed. She pulled out a duffel bag and placed it on the bed. 

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

there'll be happiness after you

[panlight]

So true, literally all of your options could be written and the story would not change fundamentally. Lol "SM deciding something first and then working backward trying to justify it" seems to be her whole thing. Like with Jacob and Renesmee, they just had to be together, and instead of thinking like, maybe its not a good idea to let a boy imprint on a baby, she goes with "I should write Quil imprinting on a baby first so the audience gets used to it and it is not as gross anymore! like NO

The imprinting one is SUPER fascinating to me because when you look at the books as-published, it seems like weird way to tie up the "love triangle" in a neat little bow. Like, whoops, got this leftover character here oh hey maybe he ends up with Renesmee, good thing I already established how imprinting works with Quil/Claire.

But when you look at how the books were written, you realize that Jacob/Nessie was already a thing in Forever Dawn, which was the original sequel to Twilight. That means SM knew that they were endgame but then still wrote New Moon and Eclipse the way she did, with Jacob and Bella growing closer. Why . . . why would you do that when you already know he's ~destined to be with her daughter?

Another thing I think was a "work backwards" example is the climax of New Moon. I think she had this vision of Bella running through Volterra to save Edward from sparkling in public and then had to work backwards to get there, and that led to all the weirdness of, you know, Bella going cliff diving solo, Alice seeing it in a vision, Edward pretending to be Carlisle on the phone, Jacob answering the phone at Bella's house, the misunderstanding about Harry Clearwater's funeral, and Alice being in Forks for 2 days yet somehow Rosalie doesn't know Bella's alive. She wanted this Romeo and Juliet miscommunication and dramatic rescue and, IMO, worked backwards to get there rather than be like, "okay, how would people actually behave in this scenario?" Surely the first thing Alice would do upon discovering Bella was actually alive was call home and let the other Cullens know. And Jacob has to pick up the phone because Charlie's not home to do it and it can't be Bella, not because it makes sense for him to do it.

And like I get it, This isn't really a knock on SM so much as a comment on the writing process. I'm sure anyone who has written fiction has done something like this at some point. You have this big important scene in your head and then you've got to hammer out how to get there and sometimes it's not . . . it's not super elegant. This is where "kill your darlings" can come in because sometimes you just have to realize that big cool scene you wanted won't work or can't happen how you wanted it without breaking everything else.

[chevvsgotanumbrellatattoo]

I haven't even seen the full season, but from Tumblr alone (yall are troopers), I am devastated. Even my shitty fic from 2020 made more sense than this shit (before you ask, no I will not sharing /gen /nm. My writing pre-4-years-of-creative-writing-classes was AWFUL)

Also, the true ending was revealed to me last night in a dream:

Viktor owns and runs his bar. Sissy is alive and well. The two of them and Harlan (kid aged, like S2) live on a farm and go to the record store every Saturday. Mr. Pickles comes along each time. Harlan has no powers.

Ben was never in jail bc crypto currency can't exist when the best phone tech is a rotary phone??? Anyway, he goes to art school, hones his craft, and makes up with the family by inviting them to his first art show. He visits Klaus on Mondays for lunch.

Five works at the CIA. He truly loves solving big puzzles, he learned that from the Commission. After work, he comes home to human!Delores and helps her cook supper. They talk about science and how Five's boss keeps telling him to pick up a new hobby for stress relief. Delores smiles over her glass of wine and suggests picking his guitar back up.

Klaus lives in a 2 bedroom apartment with Dave. His OCD and anxiety is still rampant, but with Dave's support, he gets on meds (which Dave holds onto and administers for him since pills make him nervous) and gets a handle on it. He and Dave have movie nights every Friday and talk about tarot. Dave makes the best menudo Klaus has ever had.

Allison lives happily with Claire and Ray. She learns to manage her guilt and anger, apologizing at length to the family and vowing to herself to be a better person. Claire needs a better role model than the person she'd been. Ray and Allison take Claire for picnics with the at least one of the Uncles once a month. Claire looks forward to it every time.

Diego and Lila are happy. They have their 3 little nuggets and love them to pieces. Diego learns that his father-in-law has a friend at the archery range in the next town over. He drives over with him one day and decides to pick up knives again. It takes a long time to make peace with the fact that his aim will never be marigold-perfect, but Diego is entirely happy with his progress.

Lila is ELATED to have her parents. She talks to them daily and plays Twister with little Grace and the twins while her Mom and Dad take turns spinning the Twister wheel. She goes to the gym to scratch the itch of adventure she sometimes finds herself needing and talks to Diego when something is bothering her. Diego does the same. They call it 'Thick-Headed Therapy Thursdays' and they get ice cream afterwards.

Luther lives in a lovely house with Sloane. He studies space and cooking at the local college and helps Sloane kickstart her fashion designs (based off when she made her KILLER wedding dress in like,, no time at all). They have a small dog named Moon-Moon McGee. Sloane keeps her moon-rock wedding ring safe in a small box in her nightstand.

Grace works at a daycare and is the favorite of kids and grownups alike. She visits Diego and Lila on Sundays and makes little Grace and her siblings pancakes and chocolate milk for breakfast (Lila and Diego partake in this as well).

Pogo works at the library. He prides himself on neat bookshelves and loves when people ask him for help. He calls everyone "Master," "Miss," or even "Mx." and asks politely for preference and pronouns before doing so.

None of them have their powers.

Reginald Hargreeves still has a heart attack and kaputs. Abigail never bothers the Brellies.

The family all make it to little Grace's birthday party. The piñata breaks when she hits it. The cake is gone within an hour. Little Grace and Harlan are damn near inseparable. She makes Mr. Pickles hats for the holidays, much to Harlan's delight.

Case in point, they're all so happy and love each other! They each go to therapy and work out their own issues and don't take it out on each other!! The kids love all their aunts and uncles!! Everyone wins!! (Except Reggie bc FUCK YOU).

[snottertooder]

“Better” ending for The umbrella academy season 4 (A fix-it)

I genuinely think the idea of the ending is a fitting one for tua since the last 3 seasons, they have been doing EVERYTHING but giving up. But they absolutely dropped the ball on the execution and what built up to it (I didn’t shed a single tear last episode because they felt more like strangers in force proximity than sibilings, ESP DIEGO AND FIVE DYING HATING EACH OTHER??)

I think a better ultimatum would’ve been if instead of giving up their existence they gave up on their RELATIONSHIP as sibilings. The goal the hargreeves had the entire series is to A. save the world b. Save their family. That has been challenged MANY times and as a final Ultimatum, they have to pick between

- forever time jumping to other timelines (via subway idk) and repeating the cycle of saving the world to keep their family together

-save the world by getting rid of their powers (like og) and relationship with one another, where they would exist in a new timeline without umbrella academy, without powers and without the hargreeves name connecting them to one another (for this to be really impactful, season 3 needs to be FILLED with fluff and family happy moments like we all hoped to see)

So when they all give up their power (with Ben bc he deserves to be there at their final moment) we get the whole season 1-3 scenes and then when we see the new timeline instead of a bunch of minor characters living normal lives (which lowkey no one cares for) we see the hargreeves living normal happy lives without one another. I think it would be a neat call back/parellel if they showed their lives like how they did in season 1 ep1. Starting from Luther and ending with Viktor (including Five and Ben this time)

My hc for how they would be in this new timeline:

(FYI, I haven’t seen the other seasons in a hot second and the new season didn’t help me get an idea for their motivations so if any of these are ooc sorry 😜)

1) Luther

• I think in the new timeline he would have a fulfilled life with Sloane and a few kids(which he DESERVES, instead of being a stripper). I think they’re soulmates (even tho personally I didn’t care of their relationship) I think it’s fitting that they get their happily ever after. As a Career, I think he would be a of CEO/Manager, his entire life he’s been told what to do by his father and struggles as a leader to the family. Him being in charge of something for once esp his life would be fitting. (I think it would parallel well with season one him being alone and a mess to season 4 him being happy, loved and put together)

2) Diego

• as a career I think a Lawyer. In his new life with his new family he would still have a call for justice except this time he plays by the books since he didn’t have a father turning him into a vigilante by the age of 10. I don’t think in the new timeline he would be with Lila since then the sacrifice would be meaningless. I can see him get with his Dead girlfriend from season 1?? In a diff way as Lawyer x Detective. Also he’s a Universal dilf, he adopts stan from an abuse/negligence case (his real mom is pretty terrible) and they live happily ever after :)

3) Allison

• an Artist. Her entire life is a lie and she’s never been able to express herself, I think she would be a Artist who expresses herself through her art and becomes successful through her own means, this way for being herself (maybe an anonymous one so she isn’t famous as a person but her art like Banksy, I think it would be neat if some of her art was about the civil rights movement) Maybe she’s even with Ray and/or an alternative version of Claire.

4) Klaus

• Since everyone wanted Klave season 4 (rip), he could be with Dave in the new timeline. He would be 100% sober, and honestly I see him being a TV personality, either a TV show host or has his own talk show (LOLL it would be funny if he had smth like dr Phill happening where he’s fixing messed up families, orrr a paranormal series where he visits haunted houses, or even a game show host like love island, maybe he even met Dave on there idk scandal

5) Five

• Retired 100% finally, I honestly think he could be anything but smth in action like a police officer or CIA since he REALLY needs the rest. I imagine he’s living life like the creator of androids in Detroit becomes human with the Chloe robots except the robots are Daloris and his family visit him often so he’s never alone (also because his grandchildren wants his inheritance but he just gives it to a dog or smth for the giggles bc they are all morons) i think he either becomes rich for inventing/discovering something or because he’s a Nepo baby, Either way he deserves it.

6) Ben (the og one)

• An author who travels the world 100%%%%%% I think he would be a professor or Author (or both) but he travels more than he works, he’s a lazy bum for sure!!(for work) I think it’s fitting that he sees the world since he never got to from Dying young + being trapped with Klaus (ig they did explore the United States but he never really got far plus it was the 60s)he never settles down until his legs give out. In this timeline I think Og ben and asshole ben would be twins/sibilings (og would be the older one) their names would be Benedict and Bennett bc their parents couldn’t decide who Benjamin would be.

6.5) Ben (the asshole one)

• This one is hard since he’s barely been developed. But he’s gives me MAJORRRR Ken sato vibes from the new Ultraman movie on Netflix. He would DEFINITELY be a professional athlete teenage girls make edits of on tiktok (that I consume) Idk if he would stick with the water as a sport having tentacles and all but if not he would be a Race car driver, play a ball sport (basketball and baseball esp) or boxing. Since him and Jennifer are “fated” she would play a similar role to Ami Wakita (in the ultraman movie) as a Journalist, lowkey power couple (if they were properly developed) Also Jennifer as a journalist would be fun, maybe she crossed paths with Diego once or stalked Allison to find her true identity. Her first issue was DEFF about her creepy as home town. She wrote many books about the cult.

7) Viktor

• a Swimmer like his parents orrr a teacher/professor. I could see him write books too (since he already wrote one) lowkey try a lot of diff hobbies and Job jump alot into diff professions. Just do everything. Sissy (I forgot how to spell her name) could be in the new time line like the rest of them too with Danial? (I forgot the kids name) as alternative versions. I imagine they meet as Teachers (sissy gives me MAJOR councilor vibes)

Lila

• if they were to do like a montage of their lives like in season one, I don’t think she would get one since she isn’t numbered but I think it would be hinted in the background. I honestly imagine her becoming a Singer/Actor. She’s either in a Metal band, go on Broadway, be an Oscar winning actress, end up in hall hallmark movies or all the above ( like singer-> Broadway -> A tier actor -> D tier hallmark movies) (she loves it tho, keeps her on the toes)

The last scene is What viktors been up to but then the Radio plays idk “I think we’re alone now” which leads to Viktor starts dancing, and then it shows everyone else also start dancing from where ever they are in different locations. Because even if they aren’t siblings anymore they are still connected ☹️ and that’s the final dance scene we never got 🙏

I imagine it would be even more twisted if they all lived in diff time periods like how they all missed each other in season 2. Like Allison is already dead from old age by the time Ben is born. Lila is already a Punk rock legend by the time Diego loses his first tooth. Five in his young days had an enemies to lovers with JFK while Viktor is reading about them being best friends in Textbooks yk.

Anyways that’s it. Season 4 sucks put me in the writers room atp, I would have the end credit scene be Reggie burning in hell with his wife 4K 🔥🔥🔥

[jillsandwhichs]

Valenfield OneShots/AUs Collection, Chapter 18, Gender Reveal

Masterlist

Pairing: Jill Valentine & Chris Redfield

Summary: Chris and Jill host a gender reveal party for their upcoming baby girl or boy

Status of their relationship in this one shot: Married

WC: 4.8k

Type: SFW

A/n: Hi! Hope you all enjoy. Please check out my masterlist, there's a lot of stuff there. You can get to know me, you can see the rules of my blog and then you can see all of my fanfictions. You'll be able to find the previous chapters to this fic and upcoming ones. You'll also be able to find my Wattpad & AO3. Comments, reblogs & likes are appreciated. Thank you

"Looks great baby." Chris smiled at his wife, gazing down at the cake before them. "You think? Gosh, I cannot thank Kathy enough for baking it." Jill expressed, placing another strawberry on top of the white cake. Chris & Jill are hosting their very own gender reveal party, they want their friends & family to be here when they find out whether or not they're having a girl or boy! "So the strawberry represents girl whereas the blueberries represent boy?" "Correct!" Jill confirmed.

Chris nodded, understanding the concept now. He was nervous, he also didn't care what gender they had, whether it be a boy or a girl, Jill on the other hand, she wants a girl, she always has. "How does my outfit look?" Jill questioned, "I'm not used to wearing dresses, especially tight ones." "My love, you look just fine, you in pink is just mmm." Chris said with a seductive tone, his hands going to the side of her belly. "Not when there's children around." Jill teased, pointing at her tummy.

He chuckled at her statement, loving her sense of humor.

Jill grabbed the cake, making sure to be extremely careful. "Chris, please open the back door so I can set this outside." She spoke calmly, making sure to track her every step. Chris was a dear, he immediately jogged over to the sliding door, pushing it all the way open. "Baby, I can take that." He said softly. "No, I don't wanna risk you dropping it." "Yes ma'am." Jill stepped through the door, breathing out as she felt the autumn breeze hit her face. "Great weather for today." Jill basked in it.

"So, whose all coming?" "Last I checked, Barry, Kathy, Claire, Parker, Sheva, Josh and Rebecca." Jill responded, keeping track of everyone. Chris whistled, "Well, I suppose I better start grilling then, you just chillax, yeah?" Chris smiled, kissing his wife's cheek before heading over to the grill. Jill blushed, gazing at Chris as he set it all up, he was truly one of a kind. All Jill had to do now was set up the meat & fruit trays!

Turning around and walking back inside, Jill ambled her way to the fridge opening it with ease and pulling out the meat and cheese along with it's crackers, it all came in a bundle and was rather cheap. Jill then opened the room cupboard, taking out a organized tray to lay it all out in. Despite it being her party and her being the host, she was still very willing to put in the work, not to mention, she's pregnant, she'll definitely eat some of this food.

She set the cheese in one area, the meat beside it and the crackers in another, making it look neat. She was excited to see how many of their guests would eat it.

Now, she had to make the fruit platter. They were only going to use Strawberries & Blueberries to determine if someone is team girl or team boy. Jill only knows that Rebecca is team girl, just like her. Rebecca will be a great god aunt to their child, no matter their child. And Claire will be a great aunt too, Jill is in such bliss with it all. Being pregnant has truly been a blessing.

When Jill first found out she was pregnant, she cried. Not because she was upset or angry, rather because she didn't know how she would do as a mother. Growing up, she had neither parent present but her father more than her mother. Without a nurturing figure, it's hard for her to cope with how she'll be. But Chris, being the perfect husband he is, has reassured her immensely. He'll be a perfect father, Jill is enthused to see how he'll be with their infant.

Setting the clear glass bowl down, Jill made sure there were absolutely no smudges, wanting it to look pristine. In the bowl, she'd mix both berries, it'd look so pretty and appetizing. "Alrighty." Jill mumbled to herself, grabbing the plastic container of blue berries, dumping them into the glass bowl. She then did the exact same thing with the strawberries. She used her clean hand to mix them up, wanting to make sure it didn't look so certain.

Juices from the tasteful fruits were slightly squirting out from them. She hopes people will actually participate in eating whichever team they're on. Jill has a feeling Barry is hoping for a boy, it'll be like he has a grandson. Both Chris & Jill view Barry as a sort of father figure. He's looked over them as such since their time in S.T.A.R.S and that was back in the '90's. Same goes for Kathy, she is closer with Jill but she's still been so loving to Chris.

Glancing outside, Jill stared at Chris as he warmed up the grill. He was a great cook but honestly, only with the grill. Today, he'd be making Cheeseburgers and hot dogs, just keeping it simple.

Jill slid open one of their kitchen drawers, pulling out some tin foil to set over the food before their friends and family arrive, wanting to make sure nothing gets in them - She'll also bring the foil out to Chris since he'll need it. She set the foil over the bowl, shaping it to it and making sure it looked nice and then, she did the same with the meat board. "Baby!" Jill shouted, the tin foil in her hand as she made her way back outside with him.

Chris turned around with a grin, checking his wife out. "That for me?" He chuckled, holding his hand out. Jill nodded with a smile, "Yes, my love, take it for the food." She said softly. Chris took it from her and took a few sheets off of it. "Well, until they arrive, I think I'm gonna turn something on, is there a game on today?" "Not sure sweetheart." He said as he focused on the grill. "Okay..." Jill murmured, walking off. She understood, he was just trying to get his grilling done.

If there isn't a game on, she'll find something else, maybe a random movie or show. A Disney movie of some sort would be fitting, keeping the positive mood lit. She stepped over to the brown, fabric couch, sitting down and picking up the remote. They had every streaming channel, luckily, they were able to afford it. She decided on using Disney+, wanting to keep the movie or show kid friendly considering what this entire party is for.

Jill clicked on her profile, the profile picture being Mulan, but that's just because she's so badass. Chris on the other hand, his is some ugly muppets dude.

She scrolled through all the different movies featured, there were hundreds, definitely less shows than films. There were so many movies she hadn't even seen before. "Jeez, Disney pumps out more movies than I thought." Jill chuckled, sighing softly and deciding on 'Beauty & the Beast', it was a classic and it was one of Jill's personal favorites. Even the music fit the theme for the day, it was a good pick on her end.

It was hard to tell what else she had to do. She already got the food and a movie, like what else could she possibly have to do? In reality, not much, she just wants to do stuff in order to pass the time. She turned her head to check on Chris, he seemed to be doing alright. When Chris found out she was pregnant, he was at a loss for words. Jill remembers his face - It was all shocked and surprised but then it instantly shifted into happy and excited. Chris practically raised Claire, he basically has some experience.

Whether it's a boy or girl, Jill knows Chris will be a great daddy to them.

The main thing Jill is worried about with this whole pregnancy is giving birth. The pain looks and is described as excruciating and she's not ready for that. Of course she's endured some insane levels of pain but birth? That's a whole other story. Hopefully, with Chris's love & support, it won't be all too bad. She's already expressed so many times on how she'll need him to hold her hand, play with her hair and check on her during the labor, she believes it'll serve her well.

Standing up off of the couch, Jill made her way to the kitchen again, having an idea. She'd get wine glasses out for everybody... Well... Besides her, of course. Everyone else though can enjoy some tangy wine. She reached up and grabbed three glasses, setting each of them down onto the polished wooden counter, then grabbing three more, Chris would be able to get his own. They had all sorts of wine, mainly from their Wedding but they also tend to casually purchase it too to go with their dinners or events.

She grabbed out some red wine and set it down onto the counter, pushing it back so it wouldn't spill or break ; The last thing she needs is to clean up a stained mess. She'd pour it when the guests arrive, it'll be unfresh if she does it now. "There's literally nothing else I can do." She giggled to herself, simply treading back outside to Chris.

Outside, their backyard as two picnic table, one of them already has the cake on it but that's where they'll all be able to eat and enjoy their time, along with inside too but it's too nice out to pass up the opportunity. "Got the wine out." Jill stated to Chris. "Why...?" "Hmm, I don't know, to get wasted." She puffed out sarcastically. "Mmm, you're funny." Chris hummed out, cupping her face in his hands. "I know." Jill shrugging, holding onto his wrists. "Got the grill heating up, then I can start the food, you should text them and see when they'll be here." "Will do." She nodded gently.

Her phone was inside, upstairs in their bedroom. Rarely, unless she needs to be, Jill never uses her phone. When she's at home, she's with Chris 90% of the time with that other 10% either being her reading, cleaning or well, being on her phone. To her, there's more to life than cellular devices. Chris is the same way but he uses his phone more, he's addicted to his stupid mobile games. But for Jill, she just messages people or scrolls through Facebook.

Walking up the staircase, Jill sighed softly, opening up her bedroom door. Their room was quite big, it was the master bedroom. They had a Queen sized bed in the middle of the room, pushed back against the wall. It was neatly made, they made sure it looks nice every morning. Her phone was on the entertainment center, charging as well. Grabbing a hold of it, she seen a notification from iMessage. It read "Hey hun! Be there soon." And it was from Kathy, good to know, her and Barry would be over here soon.

All Jill needed to know now was when Claire, Parker, Sheva & Rebecca would be here. She opened up the messenger app, shooting a text to all four of them. It just read, "Hey, let me know when you guys will be on your way!" Short & sweet. She held her phone, and went to add it to her pockets but she remembered she was wearing the dress. She seriously wasn't used to wearing formal, eventful clothing like this. Chris isn't as dressed up, he's lucky. Shorts and a buttoned up shirt seems a whole lot more comfortable than this tight pink dress.

Closing the door behind her, she treaded down the stairs, seeing Chris now in the house. "You message them?" "Yeah baby, just did. Pretty sure Kathy and Barry are already on their way." "Ok, Claire will probably be here after them, I know she was quite excited." Chris chuckled, leaning against the door way. "Mhm." Jill murmured, stepping up to him. "You put the food on the grill?" "You know it." He made a click noise with his mouth before setting his hand upon her hip.

"Go relax baby, they'll be here soon, I don't need my beautiful lady overexerting herself." Chris whispered to Jill. He could tell she was all over the place. Simply relaxing will definitely help her head clear up. She could read or watch the movie, he doesn't care, he just wants her to be in a good mood for their gender reveal. Even though he may show it as much, he is ecstatic for it. To figure out the gender of their child is a dream come true, he's been awaiting since the day he found out she was pregnant. Any gender, it doesn't matter, he just wants their baby already.

"You sure?" Jill mumbled, yawning softly, "You'll be able to handle the food on your own?" "Of course hun, just chillax." Chris smiled, kissing her forehead with love, taking her teeny hand in hers and leading her towards the couch. "Baby, I really wanna help." "Oh I know, but you've done so much already, just take it easy, my girl." Chris set her down on the couch, looking back at the TV. "Beauty and the Beast?" "Yes." "Great pick, watch that and lay down." Chris tossed the living room blanket onto her with a cackle. Jill rolled her eyes, but listened, "Yes sir." She smiled at him, loving his caring side.

-

While indulged in the movie, the sound of the doorbell ringing was heard. She shot her head back, a slight grin plastering on her face. She wondered who it was. "Coming!" Jill yelled, adjusting her form fitting dress, her belly showing like never before. Through the front door, the window on it revealed it was indeed Barry & Kathy. Despite the window not being completely clear, she was still able to tell. Jill opened the door, giving them both a welcoming smile.

"Hi, you two!" "Jill, oh you look wonderful." Kathy complimented, covering her mouth in shock. "Ya you do, that baby is showing themselves today." Barry teased. Jill tittered, giving the two of them quick hugs. "By the way, we brought some sweets, figured since you've been craving them-" Kathy was cut off by Jill taking the box from her, obviously in a playful way. "Say no more, you get me." Jill joked, stepping back so they could both head on into the house.

"Wheres Chris at?" "Grilling outside. We chose to make Hotdog's and Cheeseburgers. But, on the counter, we have a meat and fruit platter along with wine." "Wine? You best not have had any." Kathy laughed. "Never ever, just for the guests and Chris." Jill assured her with a giggle. "Would you like some?" "Sure." Kathy said softly, sitting down at the counter. Jill nodded. She popped the cork off of the bottle, pouring the wine in two different glasses, one for her and one for Barry.

She set both of them in front of the couple, glad they're so far enjoying themselves.

Jill sat down at the counter with them, making sure she was comfortable. "How are the girl's?" Jill questioned them both. "Well, Moria is great, she's been hard at work, as always." Kathy chuckled. "Polly is well too, she's so close to graduating middle school and it's so crazy to me, my babygirl is growing up. Natalia is also well." Kathy went on, sipping her wine and giving it a gentle hum, it tasted divine. "That's good, for each of them. Natalia is a sweetheart, it was great to meet her. Makes me excited to have the baby." Jill gandered down, holding her tummy.

"Speaking of... Clearly, you want a girl, your dress is fabulous." "Yes, totally, it's honestly my dream but even if it's a boy, I'll love them to the end of the universe and back." She stated with a truthful tone. Kathy nodded, "I would kill for a son but it's to late now, but my girls are my world. You'll be happy no matter what, that's your duty as a mother." Kathy shared. "Barry, what do you hope I have?" "A boy. I wanna take the little man fishing and I wanna take him to hooters." He joked. Kathy smacked his arm. "You're never going there, Barry!" She scoffed out. Jill couldn't help but chortle at the couple, she hopes her and Chris are similar later in life.

Whilst the three of them were talking, the sliding door slid open, revealing Chris as he headed inside of the house. Little yet noticeable drips of sweat were visible on his forehead, the heat from the sun plus the grill wasn't nothing to bat an eye away from, it was just so sweet of him to pull through and do. "Barry, Kathy, hey you two." Chris said kindly, grabbing a couple pieces of paper towel, dabbing them onto his forehead. Kathy gave him a swift wave and Barry spoke, "What's up Chris? Ready to be a daddy?" "You know it." Chris smirked, tossing the towels into the garbage and giving Jill a speedy kiss.

"Has the cake already been made? Y'know, with either the pink or blue filling?" "Yes, it's outside in the shade, is it still okay, Chris?" "Yeah baby, it's fine." He nodded, sitting beside her too. As the four of them conversed the sound of the door being knocked on was heard. "Go get that sweetheart." Chris said softly to Jill. Jill nodded, standing up cautiously. She opened the door up and seen Sheva there, she had a small blue pin on her white button up. She was definitely team boy, along with Barry.

"Sheva, how great it is to see you, come in." Jill stepped aside. "Thank you Jill, I've been very excited for you and Chris and to see what the gender of your baby will be." The woman tittered, taking in the view of their home ; She's never visited before, until now! "Well, just over here are mine and Chris's good friend's, Barry and Kathy." Jill introduced them, allowing the three of them to shake hands and be courteous. "There's also wine over there, feel more than free to get a glass." Jill said kindly, sitting back down. There were still a few free chairs around the island counter.

"Sheva, did you ever catch my message?" "Message? I'm afraid not, was it important?" She asked, a bit of confusion in her voice. "No, not really, I just messaged everybody and asked when they'd show up but if you were driving, that's completely understandable." "Yeah, I was, I live quite a bit away so I wanted somewhat of a headstart." She talked, pouring some of the wine for herself. "Has anyone messaged you yet?" Chris wondered. "Let me check." Jill heaved, grabbing her phone and turning it on to see if anyone had.

Only two people - Claire and Josh. "Yeah, your sister and Josh messaged me. Claire said, "Be there soon, picking up some snacks." And Josh said, "Hey Jill, I'll be there pretty soon, heading out now." Both messages were from no later than ten minutes ago. "Josh is coming? It'll be amazing to see him, it has been some time." Sheva voiced, her tone seeming to have uplifted. Both Chris & Jill are well aware of the fact Sheva & Josh are super close, maybe a little to close sometimes. They'd be great together but they won't say anything about it.

"Can't wait to see Claire, I have seen her a lot recently because she's been babysitting but she's great to be around." Barry spoke. "You're only saying that because she'll get drunk with you." Kathy chuckled. "Yes ma'am." Barry snickered, raising his cup up before sipping it. "Claire did want her boyfriend to come but I don't know, I guess I don't know him well enough, so it's weird." "Seems like a dick anyways." Chris scoffed, raising his eyebrows before drinking.

"We met him, he seems like an alright guy but we all know Claire and her thing for bad boys." Kathy giggled. "Most definitely." Chris laughed along with Barry's wife. Claire was not only boy crazy growing up, but also in Highschool, then College and even now and within all those years, rarely has she been with a nice man, always some sort of asshole that Chris ends up having to handle for her. Not that Claire can't handle herself cause wow, has she knocked some sense into some of these men but Chris really knows what to do, he used to be just like them. She tends to pick the dumb, immature bad boys who think speeding and smoking makes them look cool. They're seriously stupid.

"Let's hope Parker and Rebecca are still going to make it." Jill groaned out, rubbing her temples. A bit of a headache was coming on. As the others spoke, Chris took notice of it. "You ok, my love?" He whispered, his hand going to her forehead to see if she was running a fever or anything. "I'm okay, just stressed, that's all." "Go relax honey, we're all adults here, we don't need you to supervise us." He snickered, kissing her shoulder. "Go ahead, watch that movie playing, we'll all be here when you're ready to cut the cake." He smiled at her.

Contemplating the idea, she decided to listen. He was right, it is true that they don't need her, he's here, she's just so welcoming, that's all. "Okay honey, just call me out once everybody is here, okay?" "You got it baby." Chris whispered before pressing his lips to hers. Jill breathed in softly, kissing him back before setting her hand on his cheek, it was warm, comforting. "I actually see Claire's car, she must've just pulled in, go greet her, then lay down." Chris teased. Jill gave him a cute look before standing up and making her way to Claire.

-

The movie had finished up as Jill was lying down so she had began a new one called 'Secret of Nim', It was an oldie. But as she continued to watch it, the feeling of two hands on her shoulders could be felt. She looked up, seeing Rebecca. "Hey girl." Jill giggled, standing up and pausing the film, wanting to watch it later too. "Everyone is here, Chris wanted me to let you know." Rebecca spoke softly. "Oh finally, you all took your time." Jill snickered, removing her hair from her shoulders and walking along with Rebecca.

In the kitchen, she was right, everyone was there. Chris, Barry, Kathy, Sheva, Claire, Rebecca and Josh, all of them. "Hey Josh, didn't get to say hi yet, I was laying down." Jill articulated. "No worries, a lady needs her rest, especially during a time like this." The man was very understanding. "Hun? The food done yet?" Jill questioned her husband, placing her hand on his fibrow forearm. "Yeah, it is, I platted all the hot dogs and burgers. Would you like to have us eat first or the cake first?" Chris asked his wife.

Jill thought about it for a few moments but ultimately, doing the cake first makes more sense. "Let's do the cake, I doubt I can wait any longer." The woman tittered, taking his hand in hers. "Guy's, we are gonna go cut the cake now, if you all want to see." "Of course we do, c'mon everyone." Claire responded almost instantly, following the couple outside.

Over in the shade, the cake rested on the table, set nicely still. It wasn't melted or anything either which was good. "I'm nervous." Jill murmured to Chris. "Nothing to worry about, this is our day." Chris smirked down at her, kissing her head. He was a lot more in control than she was, that's for sure. "Is the knife already set out here?" "Yes baby." Chris assured her lovingly, "We should have Claire record, I wanna save this forever." Chris added on, slithering his hand onto Jill's thin waist, resting it on her back. "So Claire, can you please record this?" "Sure thing, Chris!" Claire shouted back to him, getting ready to pull out her phone.

"Alright guys-" Chris began, grabbing a hold of the knife. "Actually, I have no clue what to even say. I just wanna state that whether it be a boy or a girl, I'll be beyond happy nonetheless. It has been such a ride, finding out Jill was with child and now about to figure out the gender of said child... I just want our baby to be healthy." Chris stated, a grateful smile playing on his face. Jill then began to talk, "As you all know, my dream is to have a baby girl but even if that cake filling is blue, I'll scream happily at the top of my lungs." Jill giggled, getting some laughs out of them too.

"Here goes nothing." Jill bit her lip, delicately placing her hand on top of Chris's, holding it as they used their force to shove the knife down. Chris then pulled it out, cutting the other side of the slice too, making it a chunky piece. Chris grabbed the other piece of silverware, sticking it beneath the slice of cake before pulling it out. Everyone was watching, some having their phones out, some not. Jill had moved her hands, now just gripping the bottom of Chris's shirt in anticipation, the excitement was unbearable.

As it was in the air, the sunshine beaming upon it, the coloring of the cake batter was clear as day - It was pink. "Yes!!!" Jill squealed out, jumping up and down but carefully, remembering she was literally pregnant. Chris was at a loss for words as he set the piece down, he felt his heart swell up with love and happiness. Deep down, he really did want a girl. He wanted to take care of her, make her a daddy's girl and treat her like the princess she'll be.

"I'm gonna have a niece!" Claire giggled out, continuing to record the loving moment between Jill & Chris.

She wrapped her arms around Chris's neck, kissing him numerous times before tucking her head in the crook of his neck. Chris chuckled, holding her head, stroking her soft hair whilst doing so. He held her so close, unbelievably happy with the results of the gender they'll be having. "I love you so much." Chris whispered, kissing her head a couple times, "So fucking much." "I love you more honey." Jill gripped the back of his shirt, feeling so much immense joy. Honestly, she thought it was going to be a boy, she would've still been ecstatic but this was her dream, what she really really really wanted.

Jill pulled away, her hands still holding onto his forearms, a singular tear stripped down from Chris's eye ; He was always emotional. Jill giggled, wiping his tear before kissing beneath his eye. "We're gonna have a girl!" Jill yelled out, clearly beyond full of glee.

Moments after they recuperated themselves, Claire came over and hugged both of them, "I am so happy for you both, I can't wait to meet her." Claire smiled gently, cupping Jill's face before hugging her, "You'll be an amazing mama." She reassured her before pulling away from her shortly after. Parker also came over, "I never thought I'd see the day, but I'm happy for you two, congrats." Parker laughed, it always sounded the same. "Thanks you guy's." Chris shook his head in a friendly way.

The others each said their congrats and were beyond happy for the two of them, but not as much as they were. The fact it was going to be a girl was so amazing, especially for Jill. Her heart is still pounding out of her chest, not only from blissfulness but timidness too, she was super nervous and it was silly to be over, but she gets iffy easily, that was a moment for her. "I am so happy." Jill whispered to Chris, kissing him with genuine love. Chris allowed his hands to roam her waist, pulling her against him as he did, loving the feeling of her lips against his own.

"Woah, easy there." Jill nudged him, giving him that look. "Sorry." He snickered, kissing her once more, his thumb and index finger tilting her head up by her chin. "I love you." "Love you sweetheart." Chris replied. "You hungry? Because I am, I want two cheeseburgers and some fruit please." Jill requested from Chris, flashing her fluttery eyes at him. He snorted, not being able to resist her. "Anything for you, my girl." Chris huffed out, kissing her once more and making his way to go ahead and do her up a plate.

For them both, they wouldn't be the only loves of their lives anymore, there would be a second, their beautiful, lovely, precious babygirl.

[journalsouppe]

Professor Layton and the Spectre’s Call!! I actually discovered ordering the game from the UK with shipping was actually cheaper than ordering the American version of the game, there were no major differences that I could tell as they still had the original English voice actors.

I enjoyed this game!! Not my top favorite installment but I still had a great time and loved the new characters. The puzzles were well designed and had nice scaled difficulty and the mini games were really neat too. The Eternal Diva references were so blatant lmfao but I’m excited for Miracle Mask! I was also super exhausted when writing the summary so sorry there’s so many errors and I use the word fun a million times ToT

The Descole and Tea sticker are from JordyDrawsMerch! All other stickers are from Daiso. Writing typed below!

Rating: 8.3

Played: Sp 2024

Port: DS on 3DS

Favorite? Y

Replayable? Y

Recommend? Y

Series: Professor Layton

Comments

Emmy and BABY LUKE!!

OH THANK GOD IT’S CHRISTOPHER ROBIN MILLER

Ngl im so excited to watch the anime, I love the animation sm

Oh Layton is not taking Claire’s death well at all

I love how animated the background now is!!

Beautiful music as always

Does Clark have the same VA as Dmitri lol

THE WORLD WILL END? Damn Luke

The specter looks like one of those little kingdom hearts guys

Luke’s been a LaytonMobile hater since day one lmao

Luke is especially funny in this game

Layton taking Luke to the black market is so wild

THE PUPPET PLAY IS ADORABLE

I’m going to fight aunt taffy

Ooo we get to play as Emmy

Holy shit Emmy

GIRL FROG

Emmy asking if Layton always pokes lamps he sees is making me think he physically touches everything the player taps

The convo with the meowing man???

CHELMEY AND BARTON

Based anti-cop npc

THE DYNAMITE WORKS LMAO

Is Hershel gonna get a cask of amantillado’d T^T

The canals are so pretty i like the design of misthallery

Oh i do not like the police chief

I LOVE YOU EMMYYY

Grosky is very funny

Omg the cliff death police cover up reminds me of killer frequency which i just watched a playthrough of

FUCK JAKES

Where’s phoenix when you need him

JAIL BREAK JAIL BREAK!!!

I love descole’s voice

YAAA LADDER VS STEP LADDER

NESSIE???

The story book stories and animations are so CUTE!!

I wonder if Naiya was added to the game to hit at the Eternal Diva

This kinda reminds me of a pokemon movie but I don’t remember which one it was

^^ it was pokemon heroes when latias and latios were caught ^^;

AN OCARINA!!!

Creepy fucking factory music ToT

Oh dear. I seem to have stepped on a hexagonal spanner

Descole always serving massive cunt

Woah the golden garden is beautiful

Ohh so that’s why Luke was fork life certified in plvspw

ZAMN T^T

THE WAY THE SPRITES WALK KILLS ME LOL

I really like these little episodes from others POVS! ^_^

Summary

This was such a fun origin story for Luke and Layton. Very much a classic Layton game with world ending machinery and gorgeous environment design. I really liked both Emmy and Descole, there’s a more serious undertone than with Don Paolo as the main villain (even though I do love Don Paolo). Emmy is amazing!! I was afraid she would be sidelined like Flora was but I’m glad to she stands her ground and does what she wants to do. I alos like how we got to go on our own adventure as her to London, she’s a character that doesn’t need to rely on Hershel to solve everything. Meeting Luke was great, loved his blank stare. It was fun seeing his origins and how Clark and Hershel knew each other. I’m curious how the prequels will play into the New World of Steam, especially now that Luke’s family have stories and sprites (unlike in the original trilogy). Loved the ACAB story, v nice to play while I’m still so mad at what’s happening to university students currently. Descole was so fun, I am obsessed with his outfit and personality. Unfortunately I was spoiled on who he is but I’m very excited to learn more. I think similar to Ace Attorney, the fourth installment is that last game in the classic 2D style, which is sad but PLvsPW makes me very hopeful about 3D Layton. The overall story was fun, I really liked the sub plot about the Ravens - that was really fun (i was so tired writing this omfg). I wish we got a little more backstory on the rich guy who died, I feel like there’s more to the story. OO I loved the little episodes, especially the one about Chelmey. They added a lot of fun context and gave more life to the NPCs. Such a fun and classic Layton game, I can’t wait to play Miracle Mask! (And read the light novels). This wasn’t my favorite Layton game but I still really loved it and had a great time and loved the puzzles — that’s all I want from PL!

[fanficshiddles]

The Redbridge Hunts, Chapter 2

Loki stared at Claire’s outstretched hand as if it was going to bite him.

When he noticed she was looking at him as if he had three heads, he snapped out of it and coughed as he took her much smaller hand. ‘Yes, Miss Mason. Nice to meet you.’ He sounded a little strained, but managed to smile at her.

‘Please, call me Claire.’

Loki rushed over to his desk and placed his bag down next to his chair, he pressed his forearm against his nose to take in a few deep breaths without her scent flooding his nostrils. She followed him to his desk though, which didn’t help.

His sharp fangs were trying to emerge, but he bit down on his forearm to hurt himself enough to focus. The sting of the pain knocked him back to his senses slightly. However, he realised to his horror that his fangs weren’t the only body part trying to emerge.

Claire just smelled unbelievable, he had never come across a human that smelled as irresistible as she did, without any of her blood even exposed in the air. Plus, being a beautiful woman really didn’t help Loki's situation. He didn’t know if he wanted to feed from her or fuck her into next week… or both.

Desperately wanting to remain professional, he focused on just breathing through his mouth as he straightened himself up and turned around to face her.

‘Are you ok, Mr Laufeyson?’ Claire asked, slightly concerned with his odd behaviour.  

‘Yes, fine… and just call me Loki.’ He smiled at her kindly.

Whilst Claire found his actions to be slightly… odd, she certainly didn’t expect him to be so damn hot, focusing properly on her job with him around wasn't going to be an easy task.

‘Well, what would you like me to do first?’ She asked.

‘If you could put one of these books onto each desk that would be great, please.’ Loki motioned to said books that were sitting in a neat pile at the edge of his desk.

The whole classroom was neat and tidy, with numerous thick history books lined up on a book shelf that took up the entire wall space at the back of the room. Posters of important historical people lined the side walls. Of course, at the front of the class sat Loki’s desk and behind him hung a large chalkboard on the wall. Loki had been offered a fancy new monitor instead a few years ago, but he refused. He preferred the older, more traditional methods of teaching.

‘Sure thing.’ Claire said chirpily and rushed off to do what he’d asked.

‘I’ve forgotten something in the teacher’s lounge… I’ll be back in a few minutes.’ Loki rushed out of the classroom before waiting for a response.

He hastily made his way down the corridor, dodging students that had already started to arrive, no doubt early to take advantage of the big breakfast in the cafeteria before their first class. A few of the teens he knew from previous years greeted him on his way by, he gave curt nods in response.

Loki skidded to a halt outside the chemistry class, but glancing in, he found the room empty.

‘Damn it.’ He hissed, then continued on further down the corridor to the chemistry store cupboard. He had never been so relieved to find the chemistry teacher there, gathering supplies.

‘Severus!’

Severus turned slowly to face Loki. ‘What’s troubling you?’ He asked as his judging eyes flitted up and down Loki, noting his slightly flustered state.

‘When you first met your human girlfriend, did you struggle to contain your urges around her?’ Loki blurted out.

Severus raised an eyebrow and glanced along the corridor to make sure no one was within earshot.

‘Perhaps. Why?’

Loki ran a hand down his face. ‘My assistant… she’s human, but she smells…’

‘Intoxicating? Simply so mouth-watering that you don’t know how you will control yourself around her without taking a bite?’ Severus asked.

Loki’s eyes widened a bit. ‘Yes… so you’ve experienced this yourself?’

‘I have.’ Severus nodded.

‘What do you do to contain yourself?’

‘I don’t.’ Severus said simply as he continued gathering what he needed for his first class.

‘Wait, what? What do you mean you don’t? She knows you’re a vampire?’

‘She does.’

Loki clenched his jaw. Getting information out of Severus could be like pulling teeth sometimes. ‘Come on, Severus. Please. I need help here, I’ve never had an issue like this before with a human.’

Severus turned to face him again and shrugged slowly. ‘I have never had to control my urges around her. It is said that when a vampire meets their soulmate, they will struggle to control themselves around them. Although, I have heard that vaseline around your nostrils might help with the smell issue.’

‘Vaseline… for crying out loud.’ Loki pinched the bridge of his nose.

‘Don’t knock it till you’ve tried it.’ Severus held out a small tub of vaseline towards Loki with the slightest hint of a smirk tugging on his lips.

Loki grumbled, but he took the tub from Severus and sulked back to his classroom. On the way there, he ducked into an empty room and applied some of the vaseline around his nostrils. It did have a smell to it, but it wasn’t overly strong, making him doubt whether it would actually work.

When he got back to his classroom, he was surprised yet relieved to find that while he could still smell her, it was dampened down a lot more and he could handle that. The vaseline caught a lot of her scent particles before it got fully into his nostrils.

‘So, what brings you to Demsdale?’ Loki asked Claire when she finished putting a book on each desk.

‘Well, this job.’ Claire laughed as she went back towards him and stopped by his desk. He was rather glad she stayed at the other side of it while he sat down and started taking out papers. ‘I had the option of here or somewhere more local.’

‘What made you pick here?’ Loki asked curiously.

Claire shrugged. ‘I wanted to get away, see somewhere new. Plus, I was kind of curious about the blood river.’ She said honestly.

Loki kept calm as he looked up at her. ‘Oh, really? What’s to be curious of about the river?’

Claire folded her arms over her chest. ‘Living here and being a history teacher, I know you’ll know all about the rumours. I saw it red last night, but absolutely fine this morning. Surely, you’ve seen it for yourself too?’

Loki paused for a second before answering her. ‘I have. There will be a reasonable explanation for it, of course.’ He stated in a matter-of-fact tone. ‘Probably a farmer spilling chemicals or some kids being stupid.’

‘Well, that’s what I thought too. But I followed the river up through the park into the trees and came to a big barbed wire fence blocking the way.’

Loki’s head shot up again, eyes wide. ‘You went into the forest?’ He asked, his tone slightly panicked.

Claire frowned. ‘Yeah… just a little bit, to try and see if there was anything obvious that might be causing the water to turn that colour.’

‘Do you know how dangerous that was? Especially in the dark and on that night of all nights.’ Loki stood up abruptly, but caught himself from going closer to her.

Claire was slightly taken aback at his reaction. ‘Yeah… I probably shouldn’t have, but apart from a bunch of bats making me jump, there was no one else there. What do you mean by of all nights?’

Loki sheepishly sat down again and took a few deep breaths to compose himself. But the thought of her going in there, so close to that place... it worried him deeply.

‘Just… that because of the river turning red and all, it attracts all kind of people. Redbridge isn’t exactly the safest of places to be on your own in the dark, especially on the night with lots of people going about to see the river.’

‘I guess so… well, I’m fine. I’m still here to tell the tale.’ Claire felt warmed that he seemed so concerned about her safety, considering they’d just met five minutes ago.

‘Yes… indeed. Just be careful, especially around there. Do you live locally?’

‘Yeah, just a ten-minute walk from here. Next to the library.’ Claire smiled.

Loki nodded. That was good at least, it was in the opposite direction of the bridge from the school, and just outside of Redbridge, in a slightly safer area.

‘So, bats spooked you, huh?’ Loki asked as he began twirling a red pen around his fingers.

Claire laughed and rubbed the back of her head. ‘Yeah, I’ve never seen so many at once actually. Was pretty cool to see once I got over the initial scare. Anyway, enough about my night, how long have you been a teacher?’

Loki put the pen down. ‘Twenty-one years.’

‘Wow, you must’ve started teaching young? Or you’re just very blessed in looking younger than you are?’ Claire asked with a smirk.

Loki chuckled. ‘Bit of both.’

Students began pouring into Loki’s class, all of them chattering excitedly as they took their seats.

‘Settle down everyone.’ Loki barked over the class. ‘I hope you all had a nice holiday, but now it’s time to buckle down and get to work.’

Claire watched in silence from the side at first, just to see how Loki taught and to get a feel for it all. Loki introduced her to the class, and told everyone to treat her with the same amount of respect as they would himself and the rest of the teachers, which she thought was nice of him. She had been worried that she would end up with a teacher that just regarded her as the help more than anything. By the end of the day though, she knew she had found a good one.

‘Thank you for today, Claire. It’s been nice working with you, and I’m looking forward to the year ahead.’ Loki said charmingly as he put his hand out towards her.

‘Thank you, Loki. Me too. And I really appreciate this job.’ She smiled up at him and shook his hand.

Loki was glad he’d applied more vaseline not too long ago. Even though touching her hand again had been bad enough, he could sense the rich blood pumping through her veins and it took all the strength within him to refrain from drooling.

‘Nice to see you’re both getting along well.’ A dark voice purred from the doorway.

Loki tensed up immediately and he instinctively stepped slightly on front of Claire, glaring over at Chris. Then he suddenly remembered where they were and that he had only just met this human mere hours ago, so he backed down slightly, but still remained right next to her, tensed up.

Chris noticed Loki’s reaction and smirked a little as he took a couple of steps into the classroom.

‘It’s Claire Mason, isn’t it?’ Chris asked as he closed the distance between them and put his hand out towards her.

‘Yes! You’re the headmaster, right?’ Claire asked as she shook his hand. She began to wonder if there was going to be a pattern with all the teachers being tall and handsome. Two so far was not bad.

Chris brought her hand up to his lips and he kissed the back of it gently, making her skin tingle… though that delightful feeling wasn’t to last for long, as she felt a little shiver of danger run down her spine, something she couldn’t really put her finger on though.

The headmaster also sniffed her skin at the same time, though she never noticed. Loki did notice, of course. His jaw clenched and it took everything in him to remain calm and civil.

‘I am indeed. Call me Chris. If there’s any problems or anything you need at all, please don’t hesitate to come to me. My door is always open.’ He said with a big toothy grin as he released her hand.

‘I will, thank you. And thank you for giving me this opportunity.’ Claire blushed a little from the way he had greeted her.

‘You’re very welcome. I’m sure you will be a wonderful asset to our school.’ Chris began slowly backing up, he looked at Loki with a very sly smirk, then he turned and left the room.

Loki’s shoulders sagged as soon as Chris disappeared. He forced on a smile and turned back to Claire. ‘He’s often pretty busy, so I hope you’d feel comfortable enough to come to me with any issues.’

‘I will. Thank you, Loki. Is there anything you need me to get ready for tomorrow’s first class? I can come in earlier to get set up.’ She offered.

‘No need at all. I’ll see you at the same time.’

‘Alright, see you tomorrow.’ Claire grabbed her jacket and bag, then with one last smile at Loki, she headed out.

Loki leaned against his desk and let out a big sigh as he unbuttoned the top few buttons of his shirt.

‘How did it go?’

Loki jumped, he looked over to see Severus stood in the doorway. ‘How the hell do you do that?’

‘Do what?’ Severus asked and slowly entered the room.

‘Sneak up on me like that. I’m supposed to have good hearing, but I can never hear you coming.’ Loki grumbled as he tugged at his shirt to fan himself a little.

Severus just smirked. ‘You’re avoiding my question.’

Loki sighed and wiped his brow. ‘It went… ok. The vaseline actually helped, so thanks for that.’ Loki held out the tub towards him, Severus noticed nearly half of it was already gone in just one day.

‘You keep it. I think you’re going to need it, and a lot more, if she’s to be with us for a few years.’

‘Fuck.’ Loki put his hand over his face for a moment. ‘I need to speak to my father, see if he has any tips. I won’t be able to cope long like this.’

‘It gets easier… well, it did for me. Once I got what I craved, it eased. For a while, anyway.’

‘So… do you feed off your girl?’ Loki asked, though he wasn’t entirely sure if he wanted to know the answer or not.

‘Occasionally. I try not to too much, because I don’t want to make her ill or lethargic.’

‘Well, Claire just smells so good… but she’s not mine, so I can’t just take a bite of her whenever I want. I need to get this urge under control.’

‘Maybe you should go hunting, it might take a little of the frustration out.’ Severus suggested.

‘No. I am not like that and you know it.’ Loki snapped.

Severus shrugged. ‘It was just a suggestion. I know you don’t like to feed off humans without permission, but if you give them the endorphin release then they don’t even feel it.’

‘It’s still doing something to their body without consent.’ Loki said firmly.

‘Alright. Suffer for the next two years with your little tub of vaseline.’ Severus chuckled as he left the room.

Loki flexed his fingers out and balled them into fists a few times. There was no way he was going to revert to his natural instincts like that, he would find a way through this, the right way.