#i am cooking an art with both of them and realized i have only a vague idea of his looks

[confettiinred]

something about these audric and grim pieces make me feel so ?? at ease ?? I CAN’T FUCKING EXPLAIN IT BUT AUUFJDHFJGJFJ,,, I LITERALLY MADENTHE FIRST ONE MY WALLPAPER AS SOON AS I SAW IT AND IT’S SO . 😢😢😢 do NAWWTTT PERCEIVE ME!!!!!!!

[crimsontentacles]

Figuring out how my F&H OC's brother actually looks like. AIming for "spoiled but dashing at the first glance, creepy and scummy on closer inspection" vibes.

[cornerdreams-txt]

quick headcanons about the new characters in the bo6 crew :)

black ops 6 was phenomenal, btw. i loved it. please come talk to me about it. please. please. please. please. please. pl

★ william "case" calderon

— known to dissociate or space out frequently, but is easily pulled out of it. it's on his record, but it's never caused enough problems for command to really get concerned about it.

— fidgets with his holsters when he's on edge. it's too quiet, or he's waiting for something to happen, he'll rub his fingers against the leather of the straps, or catch his nail on the metal of the buckles, over and over again. even if the weapon inside, blade or gun, is already drawn.

— seems uneasy around smoke or fog, shifty eyes and a pinched brow, but whenever its brought up, he's confused. seems like he has no idea that air that's... thicker, maybe, is a good descriptor, seems to put him on edge.

— unbothered by bugs, snakes, and any kind of creepy-crawly. seems to enjoy them, if anything - helped handle spiders and other insects or pests that found their way into the safehouse. biting insects seem to love him, though - mosquitoes especially. probably a blood type thing, right?

— avid horror enjoyer. seems uneasy about human experimentation, though. him and woods both seem to dislike that kind of trope.

★ troy marshall

— art is a coping skill, and hobby, of sorts. he keeps a pocket sketchbook and a handful of pens in his pockets whenever he can so he can pull it out when the inspiration arises.

— the longer the group stayed in the safehouse, the more that sketchbook filled up with portraits and still life sketches. people, interactions, architecture, sunrises, scenery. memories, ones troy couldn't help but want to capture.

— definitely a motorcyclist. did you see how he handled that bike with case on the back of it? that was NOT this man's first rodeo. 110% has a motorbike of his own. his biker jackets cycle in and out of his daily wardrobe at seemingly random.

— terrible cook. cannot make complex dishes to save his life. can follow instructions, sure, and makes a damn good sandwhich, but do not trust him to make soup or anything of the sort from scratch.

— ...isn't terrible at cooking meat, though. says he learned how to grill from his parents, but didn't really give the team many chances to see for themselves.

— seems to almost act as an older brother figure to the team instinctively. based on how he responds to jokes about him being a mother hen, it doesn't seem like he realizes he does it. (it is welcome, though. the compassion is nice, in such a harsh field)

★ sevati dumas

— very task oriented. you give her a goal and the right motivation, and she'll do it. very very headstrong, though. doesn't like taking orders unless compensated properly.

— food motivated. loves a good savory dish. enjoys exploring other cultures through that. but, no, she will not accept food as payment. nice try.

— good at acting lax and unbothered, but does, in fact, care very deeply. she's empathetic, but forces herself not to show it. she's had that be taken advantage of once, and she refuses to let that happen again.

— very reluctant to get attached or form connections to others, see her admitting she's only with the team until she gets paid. but she still hangs around felix, and she still tries to talk to troy when harrow's fellowship with the pantheon was unveiled. seems like she's not perfect when it comes to avoiding getting attached, is she?

— vibes only but like. i feel like she wants a little sibling. she wants someone she can take care of. she wants to be a good family member to someone, but having a child... no. she refuses to be a mother. she doesn't want to be a wife. she wants to be her own person. (she'd make a great godmother. or aunt. if she had the chance, and if she tried)

★ felix neumann

— if this man isn't autistic i am going to swallow a leather jacket whole like a snake. by the way. just sayin.

— the gloves were a paranoia result. they're metaphorical, sure, a reminder to himself not to harm anyone else, no taking another human life, but also a horrible, creeping paranoia eased in, of "what if they find your fingerprints," "what if you get blood on your hands again," "what if what if what if" until he could only ease it by wearing gloves. worked nicely, in the end. taking them off was... cathartic. to say the least.

— probably an anarchist? the vibes are there. hates society. hates government. wants to dismantle it all and start from scratch. that's the vibe.

— you... my special little man, get the nature autism. this guy can go on for hours and hours about the critters case finds around the safehouse, and case listens attentively and happily. also fantastic at foraging, has dozens of safe-to-eat and unsafe-to-eat plants stored away in his brain, and can rattle off the facts at a moment's notice.

— not the best hunter, but is, amusingly, better with a bow when it comes to hunting than he is with a gun.

— would code simple video games (think similar vibes to the chrome dinosaur game) to play for fun if he got bored enough. good thing he's excellent at finding things to distract himself with, no?

★ jane harrow

— photography lover. not fantastic about herself, but she'll sit and analyze photos taken by others for minutes on end, noting all the little details captured by a camera lense freezing the moment in time.

— does the same with drawn art. paint, sketch, whatever, she'll sit and analyze every little detail she can and point it all out. she loves noticing the details. calling attention to them. letting the artist know, if she can, that she sees all the effort they put into their work.

— her guilty pleasure? window shopping for stuffed animals. always writes it off as being for her niece, or a friend's child, but she wants to collect them. there's something soft, precious, genuine and uncomplicated about plush toys. but she's an adult. she can't afford to be so childish.

— ...alongside the drawing troy made of her, she still also keeps the little teddy bear he insisted on buying for her as a thank you gift, once. but that one isn't in her office. she hides it, away from prying eyes.

— mildly claustrophobic. she can push through it, and she will, when it comes to what her job demands of her, but she likes to avoid enclosed spaces when she can get away with it. it's... easier. feels less like being cornered. (she dances around the real reason she hates it. she never wants to be stuck hiding in a closet, or tucked under a little girl's bed ever, ever again.)

[eddiediazismyhusband]

Married Buddie Headcanons

==========

This came about from an ask by @mattsire and I have FINALLY gotten around to sitting down and typing them out— i would like everyone to know i now have a note in my notes app full of these with no context

==========

- everyone assumed buck would be the bridezilla, but in reality he was pretty tame compared to eddie who using the subtle excuse of “i never got to do this with my first wedding” to get his way on everything

- buck constantly made suggestive jokes about their wedding night in the weeks leading up to it, but when the night finally got there, buck passed out as soon as they reached the hotel room; eddie thought this was super adorable

- they don’t spoon in bed; they will spoon on the couch watching tv (alternating big spoon/little spoon) but when they lay down to sleep, they prefer to face each other so that the last thing they see before sleep and the first thing they see when they wake up is each other

- buck wakes up first every morning to make breakfast— he’s a big morning person anyway and he loves to cook for his boys— he absentmindedly hums or lightly sings as he cooks breakfast, and eddie will stand in the dining room, hiding behind the wall, to listen. buck has never caught him to this day.

- buck loves driving and eddie hates it, so more often than not eddie is buck’s passenger princess in the Jeep.

- eddie remains very professional when they are at work; there is the occasional stolen kiss, hand holding under the table, kiss on the cheek/forehead, but for the most part they stick to simply sitting next to each other whenever they can- their knees often pressing together. At home, however, eddie hangs off buck like a koala; as soon as he realized his feelings for buck, he could not get enough of touching/holding on to buck as often as he could, whether it be holding hands at dinner, wrapping his arms around buck from behind and tucking his chin over buck’s shoulder (or vice versa), cuddling on the couch, laying his head in buck’s lap, leaning his head on buck’s shoulder

- buck and eddie cannot agree on a shower temperature; they have only attempted the forray into sharing one time and ended up bickering about the temperature before eddie gave up and let buck win— they’ve never tried since

- eddie slips into saying spanish sweet-nothings to buck constantly, buck taking the time to learn all of them whenever he heard a new one

- buck will sometimes pull eddie close in his sleep so that their chests lie flush against each other and he can feel eddie’s heartbeat.

- they love going all out for their anniversary; fancy restaurant, night at a hotel, grand gestures. eddie likes to spoil buck and buck lets him because he knows how much eddie likes it

- buck is intento on following the anniversary gift list by year; hiding a secret clipboard on which he plans all future gifts for eddie as new ideas come to him (for their first anniversary, buck had gotten eddie a paper-scrap art piece that was a portrait of chris)

- eddie followed the anniversary gift list for their first anniversary only when he gifted buck official adoption papers for chris

- eddie kept his paper vows and keeps them in an antique box that was passed down from his abuelo; alongside it he keeps a small wallet-size photo that buck had taken of them early on in their friendship

- buck made a scrapbook photo album of their wedding and keeps it displayed on the coffee table as a coffee table book

- ik some people like the buckley-diaz hyphenation (and i am absolutely not against that at all) but i am one of the Buck Diaz girlies who hc’s that he drops Buckley altogether

- he and eddie have complimentary tattoos on their ring fingers; buck has an “E” for eddie, and eddie has a “B” for buck.

- buck also got a linework tattoo based on a photo of him, eddie, and chris tattooed on the left side of his chest, over his heart; in the same spot, eddie has “e-c-b”

- they both have their wedding date tattooed under their chest ones

- even after a fight, they don’t sleep apart, because buck has nightmares and can only be grounded by eddie holding him; eddie has nightmares too, but they are less frequent than buck’s

- their wedding bands are simply gold bands, but inside they are engraved; inside buck’s it says “have my back any day” and inside eddie’s it says “and you can have mine”

[invisiblerambler]

GO AHEAD AND CRUCIFY ME IN THE SQUARE

I think this season might be my favorite. Or favorite is the wrong word, it lives most closely to my heart. Before last week I would have said that about S2 and I LOVE season 2 it feels like a warm hug to me and I can rewatch almost any episodes any day of the week and it feels like a comfort.

Especially the back half of the season. The conversation Syd has with her dad about this being the thing and the conversation with Carmy under the table. Those represent a better part of my nature when I'm mostly concerned about the state of my career and what I hope to accomplish.

Season 3 though, and I acknowledge it could be biased towards where I am in my life right now, but season three hit me between the eyes. It's forced me to confront things frankly I didn't want to, but I think that's it's success.

The honesty with which it portrays someone so deep in grief and trauma and the ambition that intersects both of those things.

I cannot begrudge anyone who finds it tedious, but unfortunately healing from trauma is tedious and boring and just as awful as it looks from the outside sometimes.

Living through a period of time where the thoughts in your head are consuming and distorting reality to the point they are with Carmy this season, I have never had words to describe that experience.

That is a gift this show has given me, a way to communicate things that I always felt my words fell short of reaching.

I wouldn't wish the level of trauma Carmy has experienced on anyone, but I wish this season garnered more empathy and less contempt.

I have frequently been described as high-functioning, resilient, and well-adjusted, but like all three of these seasons of The Bear have portrayed in stark relief, no amount of achievement can undo what you do not want to confront.

It's a cliche possibly, but the ways in which Carmy is portrayed as having it all together while not at all... A fine dining restaurant is the perfect place to not have shit together while outwardly pretending.

The messiness and utter raw emotion of it was painfully endearing. I didn't watch this season and see a monster, I saw someone desperately trying to figure out how he can feel better, and everyone around him failing to realize the depth of his suffering.

This season is so human. I saw someone say that this was a cooking show about grief and now it's a grief show about cooking, and a part of me wants to yell THE COOKING WAS A TRICK SUCKERS. IT WAS ABOUT GRIEF THE WHOLE TIME which feels painfully obvious, but based on the reactions, I think a lot of people were not expecting such a grief forward season.

I understand this show was a big swing and was not giving you almost any of what most people wanted or expected, but for me my favorite art is when I get the thing I least expected. And that was painfully true of this season. I didn't want one of my favorite and most painfully tender shows to present me with a season that laid bare a lot of things I had intended to hide away from, but I am better for it.

Even if you didn't like the season, I hope you came away with a sense of empathy for those who have experienced trauma as layered and ongoing as Carmy.

I have for a long time struggled with the idea that I was a perfect victim. I outwardly made the correct choices, and mostly acted in ways that turned my suffering inwards not outwards. I did not feel afforded the luxury in life of taking it out on other people.

Watching this season felt like a window into my id. The version of me that maintained a high level of function, but indulged in many of my worst impulses, not turning them inward and burying them down. The contrast of the way Syd reacts to the trauma of being left alone on friends and family and throughout the renovation vs Carmy feels like a near perfect study in the contrast of expectations for male and female trauma victims.

Syd keeps it all inside and punishes only herself, because to do anything else would sabotage the career she has worked so hard to build. It feels like an obvious statement to make, but feels so much less obvious when the only place it feels like the pain can go is inward.

The panic attack at the end of the season is the physical manifestation of her body no longer being able to contain all the pain she's turned inward. It has to go somewhere and there's no control over when that happens.

I'm not sure if I am simply drawing obvious conclusions everyone else has already come to, but I wanted to reflect on how human this show really is. It is beautiful and artistic and a work of art but it is also messy and human and realistic in ways that set my teeth on edge.

I understand if season 3 wasn't the full course meal you were expecting, but I hope you'll find compassion and empathy for those who felt it to be a slightly abrasive but ultimately satisfying Tuesday surprise.

[more-sonorous]

Hey! Hope everything is alright, we lost power lol- but uhh... Race head cannons? (I am sososo normal 😚) Good morning/day/night! 💜

hi, katz! thankfully the dorms still have power so i'm grateful to be bored out of my mind with internet access loll

race headcanons, let's do it!

his name is edward anthony higgins (which is partially real life canon and partially a nod to fanon) and he despises being called ed or any version of his first name (father's name). he's okay with tony or anthony, though.

i base my race off of livesies and 92sies (with a bit of uksies). his looks lean more towards ben cook and his personality is a mix of mostly max casella and a bit of josh barnett. sarcastic. fast-talking. impish little prankster. sorta mean and rough around the edges. big joker. ugh i just adore tough guy race and will always write him as such.

strong. (you've all seen ben cook's incredible biceps, need i explain?)

i adore the smart race headcanon. dk where it came from but i lovingly adopted it in both canon and modern

albert's his best friend in every universe

he and crutchie and jack are thick as thieves in every universe, caught somewhere between brothers and best friends

specifically canon era

got his nickname from selling out at the tracks in brooklyn, which i think is just plain canon but you can never be sure in this fandom

part irish (father) part english (mother), but he's born on u.s soil.

father is almost definitely 100% involved in gangs like the dead rabbits and the whyos

mother is dead oops

four older half-siblings (oops i think dad got around), two brothers two sisters, doesn't keep in touch with most of them but contacts occasionally as a last resort

manhattan's official second in command, takes over in jack's place when jack ages out. probably is not the next president of the newsboy union, but the next treasurer

related to the last one, the boy is excellent with numbers. very smart but just never had the opportunity to develop those skills. when davey starts school again, he offers to give race arithmetic lessons. when he realizes that race is better at arithmetic than he is, it turns into race helping davey do math homework.

two years younger than jack

became a newsie when he was around ten

misses his mom

knows he's smarter than most of these schmucks, so he's constantly running and winning card games/poker games/betting rings to trick people out of money. it's how he gets his mental stimulation, much to jack's annoyance (how else is he supposed to get extra cash for his expensive habits, jack?)

tobacco addiction oops

specifically modern era

got his nickname from being good at running, unironically. either he did track and field or he picked up the nickname from foster home shenanigans-- i pick my poison based on the au

absolute vape demon to the chagrin of all his friends.

foster system kid! mother is still dead and father was definitely involved in seedy criminal activities, currently in prison

still has all of those older half-siblings but... they do not get along, so his lil ass ended up in foster care at ten years old

misses his mom

still a certified genius when it comes to math and science, but he could care less about whatever else there is. he and davey make great study buddies because they excel where the other falters. they also make good tutors for jack, who needs a little assistance in all subjects that don't involve art or pe

i love making him a dancer in universes where that is financially possible, because here you've got this fast-talking witty tough guy that can whip out ten pirouettes in a row and flip across the room and still get up in your face-- then he still says 'and what about it?' and will beat your ass if you answer wrong

biggest case of gifted kid burnout you ever saw

could compete for valedictorian if he wanted to but he only tries in the subjects he has fun learning about

chronic procrastinator

because of the above, addicted to energy drinks as well. will probably need a kidney stone removed at some point in his life.

chews on the silver part of his pencils like the goblin he is

when someone (probably davey) tries to put him onto mechanical pencils, he snaps off the little plastic pocket clip and chews on that instead

augh thank you so much for the ask! i had so much fun answering <3

[sanjoongie]

Duchess of Death!

☠Pairing: Butler! Jung Yunho x Duchess! Reader (f) x Cook! Jung Wooyoung

☠Au: the Duke of death and his maid anime, anime au, noble au

☠Trope: mutual pining, noble/servant

☠Genre: angst, smut

☠️Word Count: 2,136

☠Rating: 18+, MDNI

☠Warnings: the entire sexy body of Jeong Yunho described in various compromising ways, mxm, handjob, mutual masturbation, verbal instruction

☠Summary: cursed as a child to kill anything you touch, you're banished to your family's estate in the country with only your faithful Butler Yunho by your side. He knows of your curse yet does everything in his power to push your limits--just to see your reaction.

☠A/N: To the Ying to my Yang. may we never see eye to eye and always laugh despite of it 🤣🤣 you’re always there to match my level and i never feel more myself than i am with you. We may fight, and sometimes it’s nasty, but I'd like to think that sisters fight the way we do, so that always eases my heart. Please never change, you’re my world, my sun, happy birthday @mejuii

“Yunho!” You call for your butler at the piano. “My oral fixation is acting up again! Fetch me something to suck on.”

“As you wish, Your Grace.” Yunho bows his head and reaches for his pants.

You watch in horror as he unbuttons them and places both hands by his hips, about to pull down his pants, implying--

“YUNHO!” You screech, covering your eyes with your gloved hands. “Why are you like this?!”

Yunho began to button his pants back up. “Why, because your reactions are so cute, Your Grace,” Yunho chuckled.

“I'll cute you,” You say, a grumble and a warning in your tone, “without the e.”

“Oh no!” Yunho covers his mouth in a mock gasp of horror. “Not my hair, Your Grace, you swore you'd never let me cut it. Or do you mean to say you wonder if I'm cut or not? Do you think that changes the texture on your tongue?”

Your face heats up, embarrassment thrumming through your veins. “No, I did not mean that! Stop with your sexual innuendos.”

Yunho smiles, lips only pulled up at the corners in the slightest, his perfect cupid’s bow  the epitome of temptation. And you will never be able to feel them against yours because of your damn curse.

When you were but a child, a witch had casted a curse on you; anything you touched would die. So you had been banished to this mansion, far from your family, with only your butler as company. It had been hard at first, to be away from your younger brother and sister but soon Yunho was the only family you needed. He eased the ache in your soul. 

“Your Grace, should I prepare the afternoon tea?” Yunho wonders. “Surely you should start utilizing the new chef we hired.”

You perk up at the mention of the new cook but wilt upon realizing you couldn't even thank him properly for the meals he prepared. “No, Yunho, I’ll have my sucker for now.”

“As you will, Your Grace.” Yunho bent at the waist to bow and went to fetch the sweet concoction that would do nothing for your hunger pains.

Wooyoung, unbeknownst to you, is waiting outside the doors in anticipation. When Yunho leaves the sun room and closes the door softly, he shakes his head and Wooyoung’s shoulders fall. All they want is to serve you and you continue to keep them at arm's length--physically as well as emotionally. 

Still, you cannot deny that Yunho has your heart utterly in his grasp. Whether he’s aiding you in moving the plants around to capture the sun best, or he’s tucking a blanket around you when you fall asleep in front of the fireplace, too stubborn to move to your bedroom, he’s your constant. He never leaves your side and you have come to prefer it this way. But it is still torture to know that you will never be able to touch, to kiss, to hug the one you love the most. 

Then one day, a small reprieve is given to you. You had been walking the halls of your mansion, specifically making your way to the wing that held the wonderful pieces of art your family had accumulated over the centuries. They didn’t hold any value or interest to you per say, but it gave you a purpose on this day. 

You scrunch your nose in confusion, tilting your head to follow the complex lines of one particular painting. Your confusion only increases as Yunho pushes into your personal space. In fear, you back up against the wall, palms pressed to the wall. Yunho slams a hand on the wall beside your head and his lip twists into a smirk. 

“If I had known you wished to gaze at something beautiful, I would have volunteered myself, Your Grace.” Yunho speaks in a lilting, low voice and you feel as if you’re being hypnotized by your butler. 

“Yunho!” You squeak, eyes avoiding his own.

Yunho takes the moment to eye you from bottom to top. If you had bothered to meet his gaze, you would have seen the hunger emanating from them. “What I would give to be able to pleasure you with my own hands…Your Grace.” The formality seemed to be added only because of habit. 

You bit down on your lip, the feeling mutual. You breathed quickly, inhaling his dark scent that belonged only to Yunho. “Me too,” you whispered as if you couldn't bear to say it louder. 

You hear pitter-pattering of feet, the screech of the sole of shoes along marble, and finally Wooyoung turns the corner. He braces himself against his thighs as he catches his breath. “....you bastard… Jeong Yunho…starting…without me!”

This causes you to meet Yunho’s eyes finally. His eyes mirror your own, wide and worried. “What is the meaning of this?” You demand.

Yunho backs off, but only slightly. “We should retire to your bed chambers first, Your Grace.” He uses his hand to point the way, bowing to a small degree and waiting for your feet to move. 

You sent a look to Wooyoung, attempting to read his face, but it’s cheerfully blank now. He sends you a winning smile, however, but it only causes you to grumble. The only way you’re finding out what’s going on is by following Yunho’s lead. You’ve been down this road before.

Once in your room, Wooyoung bounced on the balls of his feet while Yunho stood still. “Your Grace, we have figured out a work-around to you not being able to touch me.”

Your eyes flew open in excitement. “You figured out how to break the curse!”

Yunho winces. “Not exactly, Your Grace.”

Wooyoung whistles, seemingly innocent. “We figured out the next best thing!”

“Oh?” You raise an eyebrow at Yunho. 

Wooyoung caught his tongue between his teeth naughtily. “You tell me what to do to Yunho. I’ll be like an extension of your hands.”

Your jaw drops. “What?”

Yunho moves into your bubble, practically cutting off your view of Wooyoung. “I can tell you what I’d want to do to you. You would move your hands to my command. If you willed it, Your Grace.”

“Yunho…"

“Please please please!” Wooyoung begs, poking his head around Yunho’s broad body.

You take a step back and wring your hands through your gloves. “I don’t know…”

Yunho places a hand on Wooyoung’s shoulder to halt his movements. “It’s fine Wooyoung. I told you she wouldn’t want to see me in a debauched state with your hands on me.”

Your face flames up and you slap your hands to it. The pure and unadulterated image of Wooyoung grasping Yunho’s cock in his hand and Yunho’s head cast backwards in ecstasy cannot be erased from your mind’s eye. 

“Wait…”

“Your Grace?” Yunho cocks his head, always waiting for your command. 

“You should show me. A demonstration is in order,” You order.

Wooyoung gleefully giggles and then he’s zooming to your bed. Yunho sends you one more unreadable look and then he is moving towards your bed as well. He sits against the headrest like he belongs there. Wooyoung raises his eyebrows. “Well?”

Oh, right, you had to instruct Wooyoung. “Ummm… unbutton Yunho’s shirt first.”

Wooyoung clucks his tongue at you. “Tell us how you’d do it, Your Grace.”

“I…I would lean in to take in Yunho’s smell and then unbutton his shirt. Slowly.” How were you going to do this and not end up a puddle on the floor?!

“Ooooh!” Wooyoung leans towards Yunho’s neck and takes a deep breath. “He does smell good.” Wooyoung’s deft fingers pluck at Yunho’s vest and shirt until it’s gaping open for your viewing pleasure. “What next, what next?” Wooyoung looks at you eagerly.

You find yourself climbing onto your bed, legs splaying under your body at the foot of it. Wooyoung unbuttons Yunho’s trousers next and pulls him out. Yunho is already hard and impressively long. 

“I’d torture him. I’d run my hand up and down his shaft for hours, to hear his pretty moans just for me,” You whisper and then you clamp your hands over your mouth.

Wooyoung’s smile couldn't have been more full of teasing. “Your Grace knows exactly what she wants.” Wooyoung wraps his hand around Yunho and strokes him slowly, achingly slow.

Yunho swallows loudly and lets out a devastating moan. It’s exactly like you imagined in your bed, late at night, when you would touch yourself after a hard day of teasing from Yunho. It was exactly what you wanted to hear. 

“Your…Grace…” Yunho attempts to pull himself out of the lust he’s feeling from Wooyoung’s hand. “Please imagine my hands skimming up your legs and playing with your most intimate parts. I want to see my fingers pushing in and out of your sweet hole.”

You press your lips together in nervousness. Could you really touch yourself in front of both Wooyoung and Yunho? Wooyoung jerks his chin, as if to say “get on with it!” and you scowl at him, sticking your tongue childishly at him. Still, you remove your gloves, a wary eye on how far the two men are from you.

You pull your petticoats up, spreading your legs, and let your fingers play along your thighs. They skim and tempt and then finally you reach your mound. You move your hands to your hips to pull down your undergarments but Yunho’s grunt stops you.

“Don’t,” he says hoarsely. “Keep them on.”

You push them to the side instead, wetting your finger along your folds, before pushing one into you. “Wha-what next?”

Wooyoung is biting his lip, tempted by both the pleasure he’s giving Yunho and the picture you’re giving him, fingers inside of yourself. Yunho’s chest is moving up and down quickly, like he can’t catch his breath. “I would bring you to as many orgasms as I could give you,” He growls.

Wooyoung tsks at Yunho this time. “She needs direction, Yunho, not a prediction of your sex life.”

Yunho spares Wooyoung a harsh glare before focusing on you. His eyes follow your fingers and you swear he gains some energy and confidence from it. “I would make you feel every inch of my fingers inside of you.”

It’s your turn to gulp. “Fingers?” You squeak.

Wooyoung grins. “You heard the butler. Better put another finger inside of yourself, Your Grace.”

You groan as you stretch yourself with two fingers. It feels good to do as Yunho says and you get a little excited, pumping your fingers inside of you faster. “So good.”

“Your Grace,” Yunho moans, “Please, can you play with my head?”

“Oh Yunho,” You gasp.

Wooyoung, after a quick nod from you, rolls his palm along the head of Yunho’s cock, causing Yunho to jolt. His hands fist your expensive Italian silk sheets in response. “Your Grace, your hands feel lovely on me. I’m sure they’re soft and small but so good to me.”

“Yun-Yunnie,” You mewl in response. “Need you. Need you so badly.”

“Co-come with me, Your Grace. Let us climax together!” Yunho cries out.

You focus purely on coming from your butler. You thrust your fingers in and out of your sopping hole. You aggressively rub your clit as well, chasing that high that’s just out of the reach. Wooyoung’s fist quickly makes good work of Yunho and soon the two of you are coming together. Yunho’s gravelly groan makes your cunt clench around your fingers and you come with a long, drawn out whine. 

All three of you are panting in need but you are well aware that there is no step after this; this is as far as you can go. Until you break the curse, until you can touch Yunho without killing him, this is the most you can manage.

“We’re doing this again,” Wooyoung, of all people, declares. “I’m going to make us food. You two talk.” And with all the energy of a whirlwind, Wooyoung is gone with the quiet hush of a closed door.

You push your skirts down and Yunho tucks himself back into his pants. “Your Grace? Was that enjoyable for you? Please tell me it pleased you.”

You smiled through unshed tears. “It was wonderful, Yunho.”

“Your Grace.” Yunho’s voice is hoarse. He reaches out but lets his hand fall before he can touch you. “We will break this curse. I will marry you and we will be together in every way we’ve always dreamed.”

“I hope so Yunho, I truly do,” You sob.

The two of you sit there, embracing each other with your eyes only, for that’s all you can do. Until Yunho suggests that he touch himself again to get you to stop crying. That is when you choke out a laugh and throw a pillow at him. And all is well in the household of the duchess of death and her butler. 

[bakerstreethound]

Single Dad Corinthian - New Beginnings | Chapter 2: Simple Joys

Chapter 1: A Walk in the Park

Relationship: Single Father!Corinthian x OC Aspen Reeves

Warnings: brief mention of losing a child, absent parents, flirty Corinthian, pining, sensual undertones, mentions of past abusive relationship for Aspen, and supportive Corinthian

Summary: A week after Aspen meets the mysterious Corinthian and his son Levi at the park, they take a chance and start talking to Corinthian. Soon enough a kinship and something more unfolds. How will it go and can Aspen tread through the waters of flirting all while tending to some still fresh wounds of loss from their younger years? How will they possibly get through a first date? Corinthian has his doubts and he finds himself falling for Aspen, been if he's not actively trying. How can he not? What happens if Aspen sees him for who he truly is? A monster on the inside and out?

All writings belong to me @bakerstreethound (Do NOT claim, copy, repost, or translate my works to other sites. I only publish here and on A03 under the same username)

Word Count: 4.4k+

A/N: It has been months, but I am so excited to present chapter 2 of this little snapshot mosaic series of single dad Corinthian and my OC Aspen Reeves. Both of them deserve a hug and Levi is adorable. Many thanks to @novaracer for beta reading and cheering me on as I wrote. I hope you enjoy! Graphic by @firefly-graphics Comments and reblogs are greatly appreciated!

It had been a week since your run-in with the man who called himself Corinthian, but you shortened his name to Cori in your contacts (you would be lying if it didn’t make you smile). The park meeting had been one of the most unexpected adventures in your life the past year. 

You fiddled with the card he left you on the bench that fateful afternoon and it pestered you for days until you gave in and said hello. You felt so stupid reaching out. Would he think you were a creep? A lonely creep was not much harm unless you became a stalker. You blanched at the thought. 

When you did text him, you realized the appointments you had to keep and he had the same, with his work and needing to take care of Levi. You did not mind waiting, but you found yourself looking forward to life, looking forward to seeing him and Levi sometime. If a week had to pass for the outcome to be that way, you would take it.

Having someone to talk to was nice and you were eager each time you heard the ping of your phone, instead of the dreaded pit of worry and anxiety that accompanied them. 

Ever since your child Sam had been admitted to the hospital two years prior in the months before his passing, the messages, texts, and emails had caused nothing but sickness and heartbreak for you and your partner.

You cringed at the thought of your partner Kai, who had all but abandoned you, leaving Sam’s care and bills up to you. You loved your child, you did, you missed going to the parks, and taking him to school. You often wondered what he would have become if he decided to go to college or learn a trade. 

You wondered a lot of things, then, but now you grasped at the possibility of wanting to be with someone new, at least entertaining the company. Your heart was not perfectly mended, albeit bruised after the divorce, but it did not matter in the slightest. You had left the apartment and donated a majority of Kai and Sam’s things except for the minimal keepsakes.

Your new place faired better for you with large windows to filter in the sun and wash your darkness away on those days when it felt nigh impossible to get out of bed, bundled in copious amounts of blankets. 

Regardless, you found solace these days between texting Corinthian through errands and hobbies like cooking, writing, and your art. The easel in your studio apartment held a blank canvas, and your cart was full of acrylics and watercolors stashed away in your art box.

Looking at them brought up memories of Kai and Sam, making your heart twinge. The passion, though, that did not fade, but your irrationality had overridden it. That was months ago, but you felt ready enough for it, but it would wait for another day. 

Your phone pings, the smile crossing your face of its own accord. 

Found this new shiny beauty at the pawn shop today, though it is not as bright as your smile. He sends accompanied by the attachment of a shiny knife. Though dull, it’ll be quite the beauty when sharpened and polished.  

I don’t have many reasons to smile, you know. 

Well, perhaps I might have to be one of them. 

You roll your eyes . Perhaps you might. I have been debating trying that new pizza shop down the street. Have you had it, yet? You breathe a sigh of relief, having dodged the flirt. You are still new to it all.

Oh, darling, I have not had enough of you. But I would like more

Is that so?

I’d kill to see that smile again, the one you flashed to Levi in the park before we officially met.

Your heart thumps faster as you send another text. Would you now?

Only if you asked nicely. 

What, do I have to be nice about it?

There are ways I could make you behave if you prefer. 

You pause. Are you certain about that? I might bite.

I like it when they bite (: 

******

The remaining weeks fly by at a steady pace, much of your interactions with Corinthian brief and flirty, with debates about the best restaurants in between. You bickered about the best brick oven pizza, thin or stuffed crust, iced or hot coffee and tea, and the most random nonsense.

You voted for the regular homestyle crust while he vies for the thin crust when it comes to a Margherita pizza. Regular crust he likes for pepperoni or meat lovers, you find out. 

This easy back and forth becomes the normal and your darker more dreary days turn brighter with the chime of a text and call. Those sounds that once spelled doom now ring with a brighter tune. 

The tune of hope. 

You do not want it to disappear but approach it with caution.

That is the day he asks you out on a date, your first official date together. You remember the confidence he exuded on the phone. 

“Aspen, darling, he drawled. “Would you like to join me on a picnic at the park? It would be me and you only, under that nice shade tree.” 

Your name on his lips sounded utterly delightful and you did not hesitate to tell him yes. 

******

You have not made a trip to the park in some time, but the memories of meeting Levi instantly hit you on the stroll over. The clouds in the sky accentuate the sun and you feel a warmth spread inside you.

Yes, you can be happy and not dread every moment of your existence wondering if you were an awful parent, if you could have done more to save Sam, could have given Kai a reason to stay.  

You shake those thoughts from your mind. Shush, Aspen. You’re here to meet Corinthian on your first date.  

First date. 

The word feels foreign on your tongue and in your mind. You barely remember your first date with Kai, but it was likely a rushed one at a cheap ramen bar, the only thing starving artist college kids could afford.

The rest of your relationship flew by in a blur and suddenly Sam was born, your pride and joy, then he vanished too soon. Five years was not long, a life cut too soon. Such is the unfairness of the world. 

Yet, the world in all its cruelty has given you a new gift, a fresh start, hope. Hope you scarcely allow yourself to feel anymore, 

It’s the feeling that flutters in your chest when you recognize him there under the old oak tree, one you admire countless times from your park bench picnics, a sandwich in hand, your satchel next to you, filled with your wallet, books, and other essentials. 

He looks impossibly heartbreaking and more devastatingly gorgeous than you remember. When you first met him, he wore white suit pants and a simple T-shirt.

Now, he is dressed in navy blue slacks, a pale blue shirt, with a simple gray sweater over it, the collar edges peaking out from it. His signature sunglasses sat perched on the bridge of his nose. His brow rose in greeting. 

Shit, you have been staring too long, more like gawking and you snapped your jaw tighter, determined not to let him get to you. 

You can do this. 

It’s a picnic another normal day. 

Who are you kidding? This is more than you could fathom or deserve. 

“Hello, darling,” He rumbles, the breeze softly swirling around you. A few leaves tumbled around you, crunching beneath your sneakers as you met him, standing fully in front of him, appreciating the view a while longer. 

He reaches for your hand, pressing a kiss to your knuckles before leading you to a place beneath the tree. 

You gasp, a giggle bursting from your lips. “You didn’t Cori.” 

He smiles. “Of course I did. It is all for you.” 

Before you are a simple picnic blanket, a simple wicker basket filled to the brim with drinks, snacks, and an assortment of fruit. In addition, there is a charcuterie board of cheeses, ham, and two loaves of bread, meticulously laid out on a simple wooden board. 

It is more than you could have hoped for. You eagerly sit on the blanket and Corinthian joins you, carefully brushing his fingers along your arm and handing you a plate. He chuckles when your hands brush as you reach for some cheese and meat and he carefully slices up some bread for you, which you gratefully accept.

The flavors burst on your tongue in a delightful manner, a low moan passing along your lips. Corinthian stiffens next to you his slice of cheese close to his mouth, jaw slack.

Hell, he loves the noise you made, and he briefly finds his mind wondering to what other noises he could possibly get you to make. He shakes these thoughts from his head as he asks, “Enjoying yourself?” 

“This is probably the best meal I have had all week.” 

He cocks a brow, his signature move. “Really?” That surprises him. What the heck have you been eating then?

“Yeah. The best I can do for myself sometimes is cereal, some taco meat on occasion, and sandwiches when I am in a pinch. It’s not the worst thing.” 

The way you shrug this off nonchalantly rubs Corinthian, prying an itch from his skin. He wants to make you good warm meals, that is the least you deserve. He wants to hold you against the cruel world, and kill those who harm you, bother you, or stand in your way. 

He reaches out to you to stroke your face with his hand, thumb dragging along your lip. “You had a bit of something there.” 

Your face warms at his touch, and you lean into him more, your gaze transfixed on him beyond the sunglasses. You wonder what emotion he conveys behind his eyes. Curiosity getting the better of you, you reach out to his glasses, but he veers out of your way. 

“Not here, darling,” he snaps, sending you shrinking. What did you do? You didn’t mean it. Panic and worry crawl along your skin. So you have been too foreward and he hates you now. 

Great, Aspen, look what you have done, ruined your once chance of something exciting in your life. Get it together you can make this work. 

“I’m sorry,” you eventually find yourself saying after an agonizing ten minutes, as you and Corinthian continue your meal, the park filling with more people. Children are playing on the playground, a group of teens starts a pickup soccer game, parents run with their children, a couple walks with a stroller built for twins from the look of it. 

You find yourself smiling as Corinthian reaches out for your hand, squeezing it gently. 

“I am sorry for snapping at you, Aspen. My eyes are sensitive and I don’t like exposing to the sun more than necessary, hence why I wear these. Should have explained sooner.”

“Oh.” 

Corinthian swallows, watching you intently. Shit he scared you off, you hate him for his outburst. He understands if you want to get up and leave, but…you don't, you stare at him longer then reach for the bottle opener, picking up the bottle of wine and champagne he bought.

He was not sure which you preferred, but champagne is usually in style, especially for a celebration and wasn’t this a celebration? 

A celebration of a colossal win or a massive failure. 

He had found you and wanted to know you more. What little part of his heart however misshapen by his creator beat stronger in your presence, filling him with a curious warmth, a warmth different beyond his bloodlust for killing.

He cared, that is what he feels when he watches you pilfer through the wicker basket, your face brightening when you produce a Honeycrisp apple. 

Without a word, Corinthian reaches out to take it from you, sliding a knife out from his holster and cutting it up in an expert fashion. Your eyes remain glued on him in morbid fascination, perusing his biceps, down to his forearms, then focusing on his hands. 

You wonder how they would feel on your sides, squeezing you gently, holding you close to his chest where you can hear the thrumming of his heart.

“Something on your mind, darling?” 

 You shrug, swallowing another bite of cheese before replying. “Not really. I was considering going to the bookstore later. I need something else to stimulate my mind while at work.

“Ah I see, work can get slow?” 

“Being a receptionist has its ups and downs throughout the week, but my boss gives us enough downtime to sneak in reading time throughout the day. It is good for our productivity.” 

“Ah, so I see,” Corinthian hums thoughtfully, interrupted by the ping of his phone. “Shit.” He glances down at his phone, mouth pulled into a thin line. 

“What’s wrong?” You take a sip of your champagne. 

“The sitter texted me saying their plans fell through so they can’t watch Levi for the following two hours. I told Matthew I needed him for longer so Levi wouldn’t disturb us.” 

“Oh, I see. Well, would it be that bad if Levi joined us?” 

“I had planned for us to go bowling.”

“He can join us.”

“Wait, you don’t mind?”

“Not at all,” you smile. 

“I wanted this to be a pleasant experience for the both of us with no distraction and people are hesitant when I mention I have a child-”

“Hey,” you squeeze his hand. “There’s no need to explain yourself. I understand how it can be, the unsurety of how people treat you being a single parent.” 

“It is not easy.”

“It never is, but we love our children regardless.” 

Corinthian at least wanted to continue pleading his case so he hurriedly explained his sitter Matthew had to rush off on an extended errand for his demanding boss, and his bosses’ assistant Lucienne who was Corinthain’s fallback was overwhelmed with administrative duties it was not feasible and Merv, well Corinthian wanted Levi to not be surrounded by dangerous equipment - equipment Merv was certain to allow Levi try out all in good fun.

“Say we skip bowling and get ice cream as a treat for Levi. Would he like that?” 

“Darling, you are wonderful. I am sure he will be delighted.” 

******

With a bowling date falling through, Corinthian set his apprehensions aside when he saw Levi running to you for a hug after opening the apartment door. “Pretty person is back. Look dad!”

“Yes Levi, I can see you’re having fun. Hopefully, you were not too much trouble to Matthew. Also, that pretty person is Aspen. Can you give them a proper hello?” 

Levi beams at you as you twirl him in your arms, giggling hysterically. “H-hii Aspen!” 

“Hey bud, you have a good day today?” He giggles when you set him back on the floor, chuckling in amusement as he steadies himself on his legs. He quickly makes a beeline for the kitchen where he climbs up on the table to watch Corinthian. 

You join him and Corinthian sets down a glass before you from which you take a sip, thanking him all the while. 

“I have a few more things to pack then we can go get ice cream.”

“Wait, we’re getting ice cream?” Levi’s eyes widen and he almost falls out of his chair with excitement. 

“Woah buddy hold your horses. We will get some after we run a few errands. You can be patient, right?” Corinthian raises an incredulous brow. 

Levi giggles, nodding furiously. “Yes, Dad!” 

“Wonderful, buddy. How about you run along and show Aspen some of the books you got from the library this week.” 

“Yeahh!!” 

******

A few hours later, you find yourself back in the ice cream parlor you eyeballed weeks ago, one you thought of going to before settling on your park bench. It was the decision that changed the course of you life, leading you to meet Levi and his father. You find yourself enjoying their company their laughter, their conversation and warmth.

You forgot that is how a family could be, how humanity could be. Laughter, joy, the simplicity of running errands. Levi is surprisingly well-behaved and jovial, staying close to Corinthian and holding your hand to not lose you in the slew of people in the aisles and sidewalks. 

Soon enough you’re laughing, full from the ice cream at the parlor, and head back to the park after dropping off the groceries. Corinthian insisted all the while that he is making you dinner sometime after hearing you adore a good spaghetti and meatballs and a variety of American cuisine like cheeseburgers and BBQ. 

*******

He can’t stop watching you, your smile as you guide Levi down the sidewalk, turning your head to be on the lookout for any strangers or creeps who would follow you back to his apartment. He likes your smile, the way laughter flows through your entire being. It lights you up from the inside out and it is a beautiful sight.

You are beautiful, he realizes, has known it since the moment he met you in the park, a well-worn book next to you on the bench, the half-eaten sandwich you likely saved for dinner or lunch the following day. 

His heart seizes at this realization, the grocery bag almost slipping from his shoulder and he almost freaking trips- trips on the sidewalk barely avoiding a yipping dog whose owner rolled their eyes at him. 

You and Levi couldn’t contain your laughter and you were even more stunning then. He wants to reach out and hold your hand, hold Levi’s hand too. He can picture the life you could have together in his simple two bedroom apartment, the one he was lucky enough to find in a pinch soon after he rescued Levi, desperate to escape the confines of the dreaming world. 

Levi who changed his world in an instant and vowed to protect and would riot if Morpheus ever found him and tried to separate them. He needs Levi as much as Levi needs him. He cares for him so much more than he can express and he does not want to lose you either. If he could pull himself into some semblance of a better person for the good of his son, he can do it for you.

He wants to be by your side for as long as you will have him. He says none of this as your walk into the library, his grocery bag full of library books to return. Levi had insisted on another outing to one of the few places he felt save, practically begged Aspen on the phone to join him and his dad again. 

Aspen complied, falling under his spell but Cornthian hopes it is because you want to see him as much as he wants to see you. The weeks have slipped away in the blink of an eye when your both near each other and he can’t explain how much more time he wants in your presence.

The late night killing sprees he completes do not hold a candle to the shine of your smile, the thrill of it all. Hell, he loves to make you smile, the easeful way your hair falls, warm and streaked with sunlight, makes you all the more alluring and he wants your smile to fall upon his face longer. 

******

The time at the park passes in a blur and you're on the way back to Corinthian’s apartment, Levi in tow, sitting atop his father’s shoulders, eyes bleary in exhaustion. The long day had certainly caught up to him between the grocery shopping, ice cream parlor, and additional park time.

You can’t blame him as you stifled back another yawn, yearning for the comfort of your bed. You almost sigh in relief when the apartment door opened, Levi murmuring sleepily that he wanted a popsicle, and Corinthian chuckled good-naturedly. 

You collapse onto the couch after taking your shoes off, relief sinking into you when the soft cushions meet your back. 

“Now this is nice.” You sigh and stretch. 

Cori smirked, Levi yawning on his shoulders as he pulled him down. 

“Time to get ready for bed, little buddy.” 

“Dad…” 

“Now, now Levi we’ve talked about this.” 

“But dad…” 

“Now now son, you know right and well you need to go to bed early tonight.” 

You smiled, continuing to listen in to their back and forth, soothed by the steady rhythm of their nightly routine, and your mind drifted, falling into thoughts you kept tightly concealed, ones that you hoped would never surface, let alone in the house of the person you have come to enjoy the company of for the past week, no month.

How time flew when you were together with him and Levi. You felt a certain kinship to Levi, healing the broken parts of your soul. You shifted adjusting yourself unconsciously, bumping up against something, or rather, someone next to you. 

Your heart raced. You try not to panic. Your heart is thrumming faster, certain you are in a dream until your eyes fly open, greeted with a room with soft light akin to a candle. 

Something, or someone stirs next to you and your first instinct is to get the hell out of there but your mind screams at you to take it slow so you do. 

Breathe. Kai isn’t here. You are safe. 

The mantra steadied you, and now that your eyes adjust to the light you can see you are in a large bedroom with a view overlooking the city, a gentle breeze blew through the room ruffling your hair. A soft sigh and groan followed from the figure next to you. Blonde, no almost platinum hair upon the bedsheets, and a nightmask around his eyes. 

Corinthian had tucked you in bed, his bed, and had fallen asleep next to you. You’re uncertain how you feel, then, but find the comfort of a warm body nice.

You liked that it was Corinthian there protecting you, watching over you, caring for you enough to let you stay. Though you had a panic about it you still find the gesture kind. In fact he was so kind you decided to return the favor and trailed your arm along his sleeping form, grasping onto his bicep. 

“What is it now, Morpheus. I have been good! Please.” 

“Corinthian? It’s me, Aspen.” 

You jostle him and still nothing. Nothing in the room made a sound, the breeze frozen on its journey through, almost stealing the breath from your lips.

Your bones felt cold, yet you can’t break away from Corinthian, his Adam's apple bobbling, lips pleading, forming words that don’t fall from his lips, until he croaks softly, “No…please don’t. Not him. Not Levi.” 

Dread falls into the pit of your stomach, awakening your irrational fears, but you shove them down, focusing on the man beside you. You nudge him again. 

“Cori? Wake up. I’m here. It’s me, Aspen,” You speak into the silence of the room, darkness convalescing down the walls, shadows playing on the cracks of the walls.

They laugh at you forming faces of your failures; you can’t save them, but you are the one who has to be saved. Can’t you do anything right? They taunt. You scream at them to leave you alone, just as Corinthian’s form jolts upright, breathing hard, a cold sweat chilling him to the bone. 

“Aspen?” Your name is a whisper on his tongue, tentative, unsure. 

You reach for his hand, squeezing tight in reassurance. “Yes, it’s me.” 

A few moments of silence pass, frozen in the low light of the room, moonlight streaming in. 

“Could you still care for me, even knowing I am a monster, an abomination?” 

“Cori we’ve known each other, have been talking for two months, now even if we only recently had our first date. You haven’t scared me off, yet. I do not think that will happen.” 

He gaffes before a bitter laugh follows. “Yet. So you will leave eventually, they all do.” 

Will you at least let me look at you? You do not sound okay” You reach for his eyemask and he turns his face from you. You’re not sure from fear, shame, or something worse. 

“I can’t let you or Levi see me this way.”

“Levi is fine, you put him to bed four hours ago, see?” You check the clock on the nightstand which chimes midnight, signaling a new day. “What’s really going on Cori? I know I have no right to prod into any more of your business. We haven’t known each other long, but would it help to talk about it?” 

He huffs, shifting before curling up. Why did you care? He is a monster, and doesn’t want you to see the true horrors he encapsulates.

Sure, he has done some things in the past that weren’t befitting of his station, but he had to claim his right. Surely Morpheus didn’t dare to track him down, yet the fear was always present, the thought of Levi being abandoned, left for dead, forgotten. 

Corinthian does not want to face that shame, so he pulls you close, taking a deep breath before replying. “Can you turn the light off, please?” 

You oblige, turning back the sheets, holding back a chill running down your spine. You hate to admit your fear of the dark but you can do this for him. A soft rustling comes from the bed and you hear the clicking of teeth, faint and rhythmic.

Your stomach turns in knots, thinking you stepped on something but eases as Corinthian feels for you, his mouth pressing a gentle kiss to your forehead, before pressing a gentle kiss to the top of your hand, then your palm, and the inside of your wrist. 

“Would you stay the night with me? I know you fell asleep earlier so I couldn’t ask and I want you to be alright.” He ignores the lump that forms in his throat as he speaks, hoping you will agree and keep his racing thoughts at bay. 

You smile, despite the pitch-black darkness as you whisper, “Of course,” all the while falling into his hopeful, waiting embrace

******

[jazzymarie1006]

You know a TMNT Character I wanna see again who hasn't appeared in a LONG time?

Robyn O'Neil, April O'Neil's older sister!

And oh boy does ya girl have IDEAS!!

Appearance

Since April's color is yellow (with green at times) in most of her appearances, I think Robyn's color should be Cherry Blossom Pink (maybe with a bluish green?). That way both sisters can wear light colors.

Hairstyles, only two opinions for now (if you wanna go with Irish-American or African-American). I am opened to more ideas.

Clothes, a couple of casual and formal styles.

Personality

Her original on is "She's an outgoing but somewhat unorganized and irresponsible woman"

Of course I'm changing that!

She's over protective, but it comes across as bossy. She's still out going, but this encourages her to work harder than she needs to.

She's also incredibly brave and daring when she need to get stuff done.

Interests

She has many hobbies. Drawing/Painting, Fashion Designing, Sewing, Cooking, Dancing, Origami, Parkour, Doing Gymnastics, and Martial Arts.

Ninja Weapon of Choice

I can totally see Robyn's weapon being the Su Yari

Story (Warning: ANGST!)

Robyn is April's 16 year old sister (April's 14). It's been just the two of them when Mr and Mrs. O'Neil died when Robyn was 14 and April was 12 after Purple Dragon thugs broke into their home.

Ever since then, Robyn's been taking small job to support the two of them.

Since the Landlord of the Apartment they lived in is good friends with the O'Neil family, they let the two girls stay there, so they won't be separated through foster care.

The Landlord didn't want Robyn to pay rent, but she insisted and hasn't missed a payment yet.

A year after losing their parents, Robyn would go to work after school, unaware that April was making utterly interesting friends.

Of course Robyn would know of April's new friends because she always talks about the five teens and their father.

Not bringing up that that the four boys are mutant turtles, Mr. Hamato's a mutant, and Karai's the only one who is human.

Robyn doesn't meet the Turtles and Karai until she's leaving her job at the local Pizzeria. When Purple Dragon thugs try to mug her.

She able to hold her own again two of them, but that's when the other three try to jump her.

Robyn's shocked when a girl who looks like she could be April's age comes to her aid by jump from the sky and kicking the thug behind her to the ground.

An even bigger surprise came when a human sized turtle with a blue mask also jumps from the sky and takes out the the remaining two.

Robyn can't help but react with shock.

"Oh my god, those sightings of large turtles is actually true!"

"This is my brother Leonardo. And I'm Karai. April's gonna be so glad that you're okay, Robyn."

"You're April's friends?!"

"Well I ruined the surprise. Got anything to say Leo or are you just gonna stare at girl-"

"IT'SNICETOOFFICIALLYMEETYOU!"

Realizing he said that quite loudly, Leo quickly recovered his composure, almost as if he's trying to ask cool.

"We should regroup with the others."

"Are you trying to make your voice sound deeper-"

"Let’s go Karai!"

Robyn manages to stop the two 14 year olds from leaving.

"I'm going with you. My sister's got alot of explaining to do."

"Oh! Okay!"

"They're not that far from us actually."

As the three of them walked, Robyn has been questioning the two.

"So you've known my sister for over a year and this wasn't the first time you've stepped in to help me?"

"Yeah, every night when we go to play basketball, April asks two of us make sure you get home safe."

Robyn couldn't help but sigh.

"Of course she would..."

"Yeah, this was just the first time you've caught us. I'm honestly shocked that I jumped in before Leo considering-"

"Oh look! The others are up ahead!"

After five minutes Robyn, Karai and Leonardo got to April and the other mutant turtles.

"April O'Neil, explain now!"

"I will, but first I see you've met Karai and Leonardo!"

"H-hi..."

"Really Leo? That's all you could come up with?"

"These three are Raphael, Donatello, and Michelangelo,"

"It’s nice to meet you all. Karai told me how you made sure I left work safely, thank you."

"Nice to meet ya."

"I can wait to show you my comic books!"

"Calm down Mikey, don't overwhelm her."

"Well Robyn O'Neil, it is nice to officially meet you."

"Good work Leo, you got a sentence out!"

"Shut up Raph!"

And that's when Robyn O'Neil became a friend and allie of the TMNT along with April.

She often considers it to be better than dealing with High School drama.

Especially when it comes to dealing with her ex boyfriend Colin and the three Dalindas; Akane, Kendra and Taylor.

But she has her friends Angel and Irma there to make it more bearable.

Relationships

Family

April

Robyn loves her little sister very much and is very protective of her. She goes out of her way to work hard and make sure April's able to life comfortably.

April often has to remind Robyn that she has to take care of herself as well.

When April decides to become a Kunoichi, Robyn insists on becoming on too, to be sure she can have April's back no matter the situation.

When April shows interest in journalism, Robyn's of course incredibly supportive.

Friends

Irma and Angel

Irma and Angel have been friends with Robyn ever since the three were little kids.

The two were even there to comfort Robyn and April when they lost their parents.

She couldn't keep the fact that she met the Turtles a secret from the two, especially since it was Irma's sighting photos that made her aware of them in the first place.

Karai

Robyn and Karai are quite close. Karai will often ask Robyn for older sister advice.

When Robyn becomes a Kunoichi, Karai makes sure she's the first to spare with her.

Karai loves it when Robyn makes her outfits.

Karai is often invited to the girls only sleepovers at Robyn and April's place.

Leonardo (Leo)

Leo has a not so secret crush on Robyn. While Robyn is the only person unaware of his feelings, she does respect Leo as a Ninja.

Because of Leo being April's age (two years younger than Robyn), she's very protective of him and the others.

Leo's also quite protective of Robyn as well. Even after she becomes a Kunoichi. She has to call him out when he goes easy on her during sparing sessions.

As a young teen (14-15) Leo's really shy about his crush on Robyn, but as he gets abit older (16-17) he begins to playfully flirt with her.

Some of the many things Leo likes about Robyn are her determination, bravery, kindness, and understanding.

Raphael (Raph)

Robyn and Raph become quite close. When she finds out he's secretly great at knitting, she gets him supplies whenever she can.

Raph is quite a fan of Robyn's artwork. When she finds this out, she draws some pictures for him and encourages him to ask for more if he wants

Raph often vents to Robyn whenever his brothers tease him.

When Raph decides to become Nightwatcher, Robyn's the only one he tells about it.

Donatello (Donnie)

Donnie and Robyn become fast friends quickly due to them both being very hard working.

The two are excited when finding out they have favorite Anime in common.

Robyn often sneaks Donnie into her High School, just cause he wanted to see it.

When Donnie creates the Turtle Tank, he gets Robyn (when she gets her driver's license) to save it, to make sure it isn't crashed. Donnie even makes sure he's the first one Robyn teaches how to drive.

Michelangelo (Mikey)

Robyn gets along quite well with Mikey. When she's stressed, he tries his hardest to make her laugh (and is often successful).

When Mikey loves her cooking, she happily teaches him how to make the dishes himself.

Mikey loves it when Robyn plays video games and reads comic books with him.

The two absolutely adore each other's artwork.

Master Splinter

Robyn respects Splinter very much, he respects her as well for not only taking care of April for as long as she has been, but also becoming a sorta older sister figure to his sons.

When Robyn decides to become a Kunoichi, she encourages Splinter to train her harder than the others because she's older, buy he refuses.

The two often share tea recipes whenever they can.

They even like to make origami flowers together.

Jason (Jase)

Even though Jase's older sister is Kendra (one of the three Dalindas), Robyn has no ill will towards the 14 year old.

When Donnie and Jase develop feelings for each other, she's so supportive and tries to set the two up on little dates they'd be comfortable with.

Mona Lisa

After their first encounter, Robyn and Mona Lisa don't like each other at first due to a fight they had when Mona Lisa came to earth.

Later on Robyn becomes friends with the alien Warrior Princess.

She's quick to notice Mona Lisa and Raph developing crushes on each other.

Renet

When Renet comes from a portal with no way back to her home, Robyn takes her in without a second thought.

Robyn becomes quite close with Renet very quickly.

When Renet comes really close with Mikey, Robyn's over the moon.

Shinigami

When a 14 year old Shinigami was one of Shredder's minions, Robyn aided the Turtles, Karai and April in some of their fights against her. Robyn was quite hesitant to find her at first.

After Shinigami finds out that Shredder was just using her for her magical abilities, she leaves and finds her way to Robyn's place of work and begs her for help.

Robyn quickly takes the young girl in of course.

When Karai and Shinigami begin to develop crushes on each other, Robyn's shipping them so hard!

Casey

Like Shinigami, a then 15 year old Casey was a minion of Shredder's who was often sent out to fight the turtles, Karai, April and Robyn.

When he finds out that Shredder was actually the one who had the Purple Dragons kill his mother and little sister, he obviously betrayed him and left.

Robyn tries find Casey a please to leave, but he refuses her help. While it does like a while to trust him, but when he earns her trust, the two become friends.

When April starts to develop a crush on Casey, Robyn teases her a little, but is also very supportive.

Venus (Vee) & Jennika (Jenn)

Vee and Jenn are mutant turtles of The Shredder's creation. When Robyn sees that Shredder went as far as to create child soldiers, her heart arches for the two small girls.

When the TMNT Team save the twins, Robyn wants to take them in, but knew the two would be better off leaving with the Hamato family.

Enemies

Colin

Despite not dating for that long (2 and a half month during Freshman Year) Robyn and Colin didn't break up on the best terms.

The Shredder

While Robyn is terrified of The Shredder, she will help the TMNT Team fight him whenever she can.

The Purple Dragons

Robyn wanted to avenge her parents by going after the group on her own. Of course, the team manages to talk her outta of it, promising that they will all bring the Purple Dragons to justice.

The Three Dalindas

Due to the Three Dalindas being spoiled with the money the Purple Dragons take from hardworking people, Robyn doesn't like trio very much.

Akane

When there’s a fight involving the Team and Shredder's minions, Robyn often ends up fighting against Akane. Robyn is disgusted by how much Akane worships The Shredder. Every time Robyn bests her in battle, Akane makes sure to glare at her during school hours.

Kendra

Kendra purposefully tries to antagonize Robyn by pretending not to know her name (they've been classmates since middle school), but Robyn does stick around long enough to care, which infuriates Kendra.

Taylor

Robyn hates how much Taylor flaunts her (purple dragon crime) money. While Robyn doesn't wanna deal with Taylor at all, Taylor is an envy-seeker and is annoyed when Robyn doesn't react the way she wants her to.

What do you guys think? I'm open to more ideas.

[teaboot]

15 Questions 15 Mutuals

Tagged by @lost-and-cused 💛

Are you named after anyone? Yes, a musician my mother met in Russia!

When was the last time you cried? Huh. I think like, two months back? Trigun '98 episode 23. If you know you know. (I am wrapping u up in a blanket.)

Do you have kids?  Nope! I think I might like to be a foster parent someday, though, once I have the money and the time do it properly.

Do you use sarcasm a lot? I- huh. I was gonna say yes, but honestly, not much in the last few years? I used to be so snarky and biting, like, all the time. It must have been really exhausting for the people around me. Now I think mostly it's just when I'm venting. Wild!

What sports do you play/have played?  I dunno if it's a sport if I don't compete but I enjoy martial arts! I do BJJ sometimes but I'm not very good at it, it's just for fun. Oh, and I was on a basketball team for a couple years, but I'm 5'3" and still don't know the rules so I think I was mostly just just for the body count, lol

What's the first thing you notice about other people?  Demeanor. Are you calm or tense? Loose or tightly-wound? Are you likely to explode if you encounter a perceived obstacle? Are you agreeable and easygoing? Or are you pent-up and raw and itching for a fight?

God, I don't think people realize how visibly LOUD they are when they're unhappy.

Some people are like music, moving along to their own little beat or tune, and then a heavy, harsh note walks in and you just KNOW they'll fuck up the rhythm if you brush too close. It's wild. Are they aware of it? Do they care? Who knows.

What's your eye colour?  Brown! Sorta like.... hmmmm. #622a0f in the middle, with a darker ring around the outside. (Never did relate to the 'brown eyes are boring' gang, always liked mine too much. Then again, I was the only one in my family with brown eyes, so maybe it was that.)

Scary movies or happy endings? Scary movies WITH happy endings? But no, actually, I hate watching horror movies. I LIKE them, I think a lot of them are very good and it's an underrated genre, I just. Don't enjoy being scared. Or sad.

Any special talents?  I'm an artist- I enjoy watercolor, acrylic, and India ink as painting mediums, I'm rather good at realistic stippling, I'm decent at identifying animal bones, I enjoy sculpting and sewing and needle-felting, I'm finally at a point where I like to read my own writing, I enjoy interior design and have been told I'm good at it, I'm a pretty good cook, and I've been told I'm a decent singer! I can also fold incredibly tiny origami cranes, and pick up on new languages well enough for simple use.

And I be far more proud of any number of these things if I did them a little more often.

As it is, I sleep a lot.

Where were you born? British Columbia, Canada!

What are your hobbies? Lord, too many. I'm actually sewing a new battle jacket right now, and animating a short video. Also writing fan fiction. And reading! And I like to collect antique books and handmade ceramics and theater masks. And go antiquing. And I'm still learning to knit? Hhhhhhhhrrrrnnggfn I wish I could have a year off to just. Do things. I wanna take a pottery class! And do metalwork again!! I used to love making chain jewelry. Oh, I do beadwork sometimes! And paint! And I'm sloooooowly designing a guest room. Bfyvxuhfhgtjggjhgyu

Do you have any pets? Yes! Big baby bird cat. He lives out of the country now, though.

How tall are you? 160cm!

Favourite subject at school?  Art. And Metalwork. And Psychology. And Literary Analysis. (And lunch break.)

Dream job?  Okay so imagine this: There's a VERY rich eccentric hell-bent on accumulating strange art, and by some miracle they are both mentally stable and not a gigantic dickhead. They travel a lot and don't really enjoy socializing so I don't have to kiss their ass.

Twice a month I receive an automatic deposit into my bank account and in return, all they want is a reasonably steady continued production of literally whatever art. Portraits, statues, robotics, ceramics, conceptual shit, costumes, carvings, literally whatever.

And they'll cover educational expenses for it all so I can go back to college and learn screen printing and 3D animation and use the kiln and shit forever and ever, and take up apprenticeships at tattoo parlors and volunteer as a face painter and pick up photography, and just create as much beauty and love and confusion and joy as I possibly can forever and ever and ever until I die.

And I'll have enough money to own my own apartment that I'll paint in all my favourite colors, with murals and everything, and have a cat who I will of course spoil rotten, and maybe adopt a few weird and goofy kids who'll have sleepovers with their friends in the living room and play new bad music that I pretend to hate, and when they fuck up and do stupid shit like kids do, maybe I'll handle it better than my adults did.

And maybe if they like making stuff too, I can make stuff with them. And maybe I'll get to see them do it better than me. And maybe I'll get to see them do everything better than me. And maybe they'll be happier, too.

So, uh. I guess I'd like to be an artist. A sugar baby-artist? Sugar baby artist combo. I'd like to have a patron is what I mean. A sponsor. Yeah

Fifteen Mutuals*: @Melancholysage @Genderfuckedpigeon @Raspbrrytea @Qthewhatever @Sternenhimmel-mond @Mythosandsuch @Anunholymessofagirl @Ifitistobeitisuptous @Here-you-can-read-my-feelings @Meat-puddle @Catgirlwarrior @Rodeokid @Not-fae-no-sir @Inbox847 @Pip-53

*I have no idea if we're all mutuals but take this anyways

[felis-artis]

I just caught wind of your rewrite and I have barely a clue what's going on but everything sounds so so good and I have a LOT of questions if that's okay!

1. Is there any kind of comprehensive timeline for everything?

2. How do the vigils do things like cooking and painting and making the canvases for that?

3. Do the vigils have holidays of any kind? Or particular celebrations they hold every so often? (Not necessarily once a year)

4. Last one: can you please tell me about the new code if there is a new one? I head "oakstars laws" but I don't really know what that means or anything else that's new lol

of course anon!!!! ask as many questions as you like!!!! because my inbox is empty and i so desperately want to talk about my Little Guys :3

and ohh my goodness ive just realized i completely forgot to transport all my other supplementary stuff from the first draft to the blog when i made it!! i feel like a fool!! this project originally was just me an a few pals in a discord server just thinking of ideas, and i've just forgotten to transfer all the stuff??? will be doing that over the course of the week! wow!

1) I am working on a timeline post off-and-on! it sits right now just under 3k words, and I promise that it's worth the wait. just a little longer! maybe another month as a tentative deadline?

2) Cooking as a whole will be expanded upon in individual larger posts! The canvases made for art are made with wax, bug residue, vines and bracken, and eventually resin. The resin is an addition from the new Vigil of Sky when they arrive at the lake and introduce a lot of new materials from both the gorge and twolegplace. I think I'll have to make a larger post on how the art is made at some point, with the paints and such... we'll see...

3) I've made a few concepts for the calendar but nothing concrete, so the times for this are gonna change, so bear with me:

Celebration of Thunder-Sky -> This takes place on the second day of Spring, and happens only biannually instead of annually, like the Celebration of River. It takes place once within the Vigil of Thunder (and later the Modern Vigil of Sky) camp(s). Then, a larger celebration is had the same Gathering that month. They play games, enjoy snacks, and just reflect on how far everyone has come.

Celebration of River -> This takes place on the first day of Summer, and annually celebrates the foundation of the Vigil of River among the existing Vigils at that time, which would be the ancient Vigil of Sky and the Vigil of Thunder. The celebration happens at both the Vigil of River's camp on the actual date, and another celebration at the Gathering for that moon. They play games, enjoy snacks, and just reflect on how far everyone has come.

Windbreak Treaty Festival -> Takes place on the fifth day of Autumn and celebrates the end of the first Holy war over the Mooneye, considered the "Blood over the Mooneye" conflict. The war itself will be focused on in the big timeline post. They celebrate the Windbreak Treaty Agreement with a feast during the Gathering that moon, and a day of silence at the Vigil of Wind camp on the date, to respect the dead.

I should note that there aren't any holidays in the Wintertime (as of right now) because nothing major has happened in Winter yet. However, as I plan more of the arcs out, this will change! Hopefully! I think!

4) The Oakbranch Laws (aka Oakstar's Laws) are a collection of laws proposed by Oakstar the II. They were restrictions on herbs available to nursing queens, stricter borders for every vigil, the almost removal of the Law of a Queen (aka Queen's Rights), and generally stronger restrictions on what the younger cats of the vigils could do. It failed at the Gathering, with the leaders voting 3-1 against it's introduction. However, a lot of cats still practice them in culture due to how they were introduced. Generally an issue, really!!! i'll have to make more posts expanding on this in the future! :3

thank you for the ask, newcomer! have a great time perusing my wares :)

[seventeenlovesthree]

@izumikoushiroweek: Day 2 - What are your Koushirou headcanons?

I probably have way too many headcanons for him to count, so I thought I'd be talking about 12, relating to each of the other Chosen Children and his Digimon partner.

Tentomon: As implied in this art, Tentomon has to remind Koushirou to not only use his PC set-up for work at times, but to get in touch with the outside world as well, including calling his parents. They maintain having a very loving bond and Koushirou actually enjoys talking to his family, even if he has that tendency to get lost in Chosen Children duty, thus pulling way too many allnighters in his office. Tentomon helps practicing to "talk about feelings" and such and since he was always integrated in almost all of Koushirou's activities as emotional support or "personal assistant" (aside from occasionally getting back into the server realm or Digital World to "recharge"), their bond has never vanished. (Practicing also includes hugs. Tentomon loves them dearly. Koushirou does too.)

Taichi: I probably have a million different headcanons when it comes to their bond, but I think one of the things I am particularly fond of is the idea that Taichi easily picked up on Koushirou's quirks and habits over the years - and that's why he notices stuff others don't realize that quickly. He is very particular about what exact brands of oolong tea Koushirou likes, that he cannot stand coffee or doesn't take alcohol very well. They also have tons of insiders and catchphrases other people just give them weird looks over. They're basically on each other's speed dial, especially considering they're working together as adults. And, last but not least, I think Taichi would be the very first human friend who learns about Koushirou's adoption history, being incredibly supportive about it. (One time, Yuuko probably said something along the lines of "If I could, I would already have adopted Koushirou-kun into our family" and Taichi almost flipped because of the wording, but Koushirou told him it was fine, since he knew she meant it well. They both get along with each other's moms very well by the way.)

Yamato: After they returned from the Digital World for the first time, Yamato actually fulfilled his (PSP game only) promise and showed Koushirou how to cook a few easy recipes (besides how to boil the perfect egg). While Koushirou will probably never be a master cook and prefers stuff that is easy to make/get and eat - and while working -, food is actually something they occasionally bond over. They may not be as passionate about it as Mimi and Daisuke, but they'd absolutely surprise the others with their very own curry creations.

Sora: I've probably mentioned this a million times already, but in my mind, they're destined to become "fashion (and texting) buddies". Takeru - as well as Mimi or Miyako - may be a hundred times more comfortable in being experimental, but these two definitely have to figure themselves out first and foremost, breaking some gender stereotypes in the meantime and would 100% be there for each other (while moping and bonding over Taichi's and Yamato's antics). Let Sora help Koushirou to find his own personal wardrobe while he would support her in getting her designs going digitally - once the time is right.

Mimi: Since Mimi slowly but steadily becomes more acquainted with technology through the years, it shouldn't be surprising that they're becoming "calling buddies". Mimi always preferred calling over typing and since Koushirou is helping her to set up her online business, they also end up chatting for hours without end about literally everything - and they absolutely suck at ending their calls. Mimi keeps telling Koushirou to rest, but she's terrible at just saying "Bye then!". Time zone differences make this even more of an issue and it often happens that one of them just falls asleep while the other rambles.

Jyou: Gomamon and Tentomon forced them to become "coffee shop buddies". I'm not kidding. They were so fed up with them burying themselves in uni/regular work that they ended up making them have "Go outside for a change, let's grab something to eat!!!" meetings once a month (at minimum, since Gomamon was done with cooking and wanted to get treats too and Tentomon loved the idea; occasionally they pull Sora and/or Taichi with them too). Since Jyou never felt intimidated by Koushirou's intellect but knows his struggles with "keeping his mental health together", they have an easy time blowing off some steam.

Takeru: Koushirou and Takeru actually grew closer with each other during "transition years" between middle and high school. With Taichi, Yamato and Sora facing high school entrance exams and eventually leaving middle school, Koushirou was more likely to spend time after school with "the 02 squad" for a while (and the two of them and Hikari would definitely have study sessions together at this point in time). Takeru is also among those who's more skilled with computers, which is why he's easily third admin of the Chosen Children network (with Miyako being second), but also likes to ask Koushirou for advice - who happily rambles along (and they're also "meme buddies", sending each other random stuff in the middle of the night they came across and thought the other would find interesting). Takeru will also be among the first who gets to hear about his adoption history in more detail and he'll absolutely feel more attached to Koushirou because of it.

Hikari: Aside from me being convinced that he is archiving all the photos she's been taking in the Digital World for years (while also helping her to set up her own digital photobooks), one of my favourite headcanons is that Hikari's the main reason why Koushirou turned out to be "a cat person"; he has been around the Yagami residence way too many times in his life and probably thought he couldn't really "get along" with cats in general. But Miko, after having been reluctant at first, warmed up to him rather quickly after Hikari kept her around in the same room as them. So the cat would just end up resting next to him while he was typing away on his laptop. (Sometimes he watches Tentomon curling into a ball when falling asleep next to him and Koushirou cannot help but feel reminded of a cat as well and he finds it adorable.)

Daisuke: Despite Ken being the closest person to him overall, Daisuke has had a hard time talking to Koushirou for YEARS, still having a tendency of wanting to appear extra smart in front of him. It was a lot easier when Taichi, Ken or Mimi were around, he could talk normally then, but even worse when Takeru was there too, because he felt double-intimidated. Koushirou noted that behaviour, didn't get it though, so Taichi had to explain it to him in a sense of "Imagine being the new kid in football club that thinks he can't kick a ball if the ace striker is watching him", to which Koushirou just nodded. They absolutely met for a football match a few days later - and that's how Koushirou ended up in goal, Daisuke, who scored numerous goals against him, started to act a lot less tense afterwards.

Ken: Imagining a scenario in which Menoa gets redeemed (and maybe after they find a way to get their partners back), I could see Koushirou and Ken being very keen to make her realize that she should also rather invest her intellect in improving the infrastructure between the worlds instead of harbouring feelings of vengeance and bitterness... They're all smart muffins with bug babies after all. (And Koushirou would definitely be interested in figuring out why both Ken and Menoa were so prone to "getting corrupted" while he himself was mostly spared... They're not exactly prone to trauma dumping, Ken in particular struggles with it a lot, but that's another case of "once he knows Koushirou's back story, it gets easier to open up.")

Miyako: Miyako pretends that she's bothered by Chosen Children Network duty a lot, and it maaaay be a bit bothersome at times, but the truth is that she felt intimidated by all the effort Koushirou put into it. Aside from Iori, she always looked up to him as senpai the most and didn't want to appear incapable in comparison. If Koushirou didn't know he could entrust it to her, he would have given it to Takeru first, but despite her spunky, sometimes unpredictable nature, he trusted in her judgement and communicative skills from the start without a doubt.

Iori: By the start of his uni life, Iori really values the privacy of Koushirou's office to use it as study space - especially because he's getting resources there for law school he wouldn't easily get access to without spending horrendous amounts of money. And because they just enjoy each other's company, being a lot more grounded than the rest of their friends. Just like in middle school, they end up having study sessions, often joined by Takeru, but also occasionally by Ken, going through several of their study subjects - sometimes they even go for outside activities (because Koushirou is most likely not used to those anymore and needs to keep up on physical training too - when they get the opportunity, they take Jyou with them too).

[koihanwrites]

Me request for a uh

[Hc format]

Rei, Natsume, Tsumugi and Nazuna's reaction in us drawing them

Bc they slay sm so amazing

I am me anon 😍

Nazuna and Natsume's Reaction To Us Drawing Them!

Male reader

Pairing/s: Natsume x m!reader | Nazuna x m!reader

Genre: Fluff

Warnings? : Established relationship!

Nazuna Nito

Out of nowhere while you were in Nazuna's house, you were staring at his rabbit pet you had a sudden motivation to draw your boyfriend Nazuna.

You tried your best to hide your drawing while hanging out/talking with him.

He will catch you looking at him quite often and will ask you what's wrong.

The only way to get out of this situation is by lying so you went on telling that you found a small dirt beside Nazuna's pretty eyes.

You wiped an invisible dirt and wink at him, a blush creeping on his cheeks.

A few hours later and he decided to cook something for you two, you took this the perfect chance to continue your drawing.

It took you quite a long time to draw him, adding a little more details to his hair then...you're finally done!

You rose from your seat then quietly sneak towards Nazuna, the drawing on your hand.

With both of your hands, you covered his eyes while speaking in his ear.

"Guess who~?"

Of course Nazuna already know who that voice belonged but you whispering to his ear? oh boy, this adorable man's face slowly turned light pink.

E-eh, who~? It's you, right? (Name)?"

A smile formed on your lips as you took your hands off his eyes. He turned his head to face you, looking at you straight in the eyes.

You showed your drawing to him and he slowly took it, it took him a few seconds to realize that it was a drawing of him. His face became red as he stares at the drawing in his hand.

"(Name)..! thwis (this) amwazing!! (amazing) it looks so much like me!" Nazuna shouted in glee as he continue looking at the drawing. His eyes sparkling and a big smile on his face.

"You truly have a talent for art! I-i'll keep it close to my heart! thank you so much, I love you!~" He suddenly wrapped his arms around you, pulling you to a hug, a cute giggle escaping his mouth.

After some time you decided to take your leave. After you left, Nazuna puts your drawing to a picture stand then placed it on his desk, which is close to his bed so when he wakes up every morning the first thing he will see is your drawing. (so cute!!)

Natsume Sakasaki

So imagine a test coming up and it's one of your least favorite subject.

You were worried that you might fail the test so you called your boyfriend, Natsume for help.

He is a genius afterall.

You told him if he could help you study for the test, and of course as the best boyfriend he is. He agreed and let you in at his secret place.

Time skip to the test, you passed!

You decided to give him a thank-you gift, so you drew him.

Since Natsume has a secretive and mischievous side, you need to be aware of your surroundings or else you might find Natsume behind you as you draw.

Fortunately, nothing like that happened so it is safe to say that your gift is secured!

You happily gave it to him when you two were alone helping Natsume's idol work.

You told Natsume that you passed the test because of him then gave him the drawing.

"oH? what's thIS Little KitTEN?"

Natsume would be surprised at how great your drawing is, from his beautiful golden eyes trough the way you perfectly drew his asymmetrically cut hair.

His expression outside would be calm and amused but inside he is really flustered and touched at your gift. I can imagine him panicking mentally but puts on a cool facade.

You can clearly see his cheeks turning red a little.

If you tried to tease him about it, he will ignore you and instead puts on a cheeky grin and gave you a quick kiss on the lips as a reward.

He will act very smug towards you and will sprinkle you with praises.

"Fufu~...I'm honoRED to have such a talenTED boyfriend~"

"I will very much cheRISH this work of ART~"

"You did very WELL at draWING my features...I guess you DO really loVE me, KitTEN~?"

All flirts aside, Natsume would stop being smug at you and tell you how much he loves and adores your gift.

He promised that he will make a special magic spell only for you to return the favor.

"Please look forWARD to it, darLING~" + A silly flirty wink

...

The end..... ✩

[iantimony]

tuesday!

hello again! another 2-weeker because I was in Washington (Da Capital) for a portion of last week for an academic conference and boy howdy did that sap my will to live/energy to post.

listening: I finished relistening to TANIS! season 5 felt completely unfamiliar so I either never actually listened to it or it was just that forgettable. which tbh, it was. very forgettable. definitely good background white noise but really nothing cooking in there. very clear to me that at the end there terry miles was way more interested in writing a book than an audio drama.

for the sake of completeness I also am relistening to the black tapes. definitely a more cohesive narrative happening there even though I know the "finale" is looming ahead. also has not generally aged super well, and some of the attempts at writing academic experts of things in make me laugh a lot, and the overlap in voice actors for side characters is also amusing. I think this universe of podcasts only work if TANIS is a fictional podcast in TBT and vice-versa but that's not news. also why did they make cuneiform on…parchment…as a plot point in s3…it's cuneiform…wouldn't it be on a slab of clay…anyways a reference to "current political discourse" in a s3 ep made me check the date and I didn't realize that this came out in 2020????? insane. way more recent than I thought (derogatory).

music-wise, saw Mahjong Crib live a few weeks ago at a local bar so I've been letting that run in the background. the bassist was incredibly high (as he should be) and very funny. the last song of the set he put the bass down and started going ham on cowbell. definitely in the family of freeform jazz which isn't normally my thing. still not sure this band is my thing, will probably not be purchasing this album for example.

reading: How Cheerleading Became So Acrobatic, Dangerous and Popular (David Gauvey Herbert): what it says on the tin. didn't realize how much of it came down to monopoly of an industry again. womp womp.

read these both on the plane back from the conference: By Proxy (Lise): mind the tags. really nailed a good dynamic between LWJ and JC imo. Wuxian The Ninth (spockandawe): was linked by the author in a server we're both in. the choice to just do the intro and finale is so incredibly valid. I should do that for my abhorsen/TLT crossover actually because I have the beginning done and definitely have a finale cooking in my head but writing all the bits in the middle seems exhausting and this has made it occur to me that I am allowed to just. skip all the shit in the middle. nothing is stopping me.

watching: fallow

playing: fallow

making: I have been speed knitting a pair of fingerless gloves for my mom! chose this pattern specifically to do them flat style because I was on the go and didn't want to think about using dpns, and I don't have the equipment for knitting in the round comfortably on that small of a scale.

finished carving the block for my holiday cards BUT printing them has proved. challenging. I have what turns out to be kinda shitty water-based ink that is a real pain in the ass to do more than one print at a time with because it dries so fast. it's also applying and printing extremely unevenly and patchy, and while I don't actually mind the texture that adds, the fact that I have to wash off my block & roller every 2-3 prints or so is really stymying my speed. I am abusing my boyfriend's amazon prime to get an oil-based printmaking ink shipped to me so I have put further printing on hold til today when that allegedly arrives. I miss living in closer proximity to a more professional art supply store :-( I've printed about 15 or 20 now and depending on how much nicer the ink looks I may restart lol… either way next year I think I will get thicker paper to mail postcard-style instead of in an envelope to save on postage and work? we'll see. I'm hand delivering around half of my cards over the course of the holidays as it is to make it simpler and cut back on the amount of envelopes and postage I'll need anyways so it's really not TOO bad…

I kind of want to carve a return label stamp as well but obviously the scale/detail of that is more challenging. the easier move is to order return label stickers obviously so maybe I will design some of those, not for this year at this time scale but y'know. I was thinking of putting up my holiday card designs on redbubble or etsy or whatever as well just for funsies.

eating: made deb smittenkitchen's lentil soup with sausage, chard and garlic! really good! my sausages are generic beef from the farmers market so I feel like I lost a little flavor in there by not using some sort of sweet or spicy sausage but it's still tasty and filling. according to comments it freezes very well so I made the full recipe and will be freezing about four servings. I am rich in frozen soups rn.

I was GOING to make her crispy cauliflower and cabbage salad as well but the half a head of cabbage I had in the fridge tragically finally went bad. so instead I did an improvization at her cauliflower with dates and pistachios salad. I did not have dates or pistachios, subbed in craisins and almond slivers, lmfao, but still tasty and has the same structure. I also got some salmon burgers from kroger that have TWENTY FIVE GRAMS of protein each and were very tasty.

misc: feeling very [horror movie scare chord] from networking at that conference. my advisor's previous student who I did not overlap with but am familiar because I have continued his work casually commented that he applied to over Four Hundred Jobs before getting the one he currently has that he. does not even like that much. (I think? unclear. he is kind of a hater at heart in the funniest possible way, bless him.) so I have the fear of god in me a little bit but it's Fine, I'm doing what I'm "supposed" to be doing that a lot of other people are not by doing extensive networking and looking for summer internships for what will hopefully be the last summer of my PhD program.

I gotta start thinking about my yearly roundup too!!! I did a bad job of keeping a spreadsheet this year for this to note everything down in an easy format so maybe I will do that in retrospect as a time-filling activity in the next few weeks…

[kiame-sama]

I love your other Helluva Boss works, but I want to know more about Syren too! Also, what are your thoughts about Fizz and Ozzie's relationship? I've seen a few others comment on it, but I want to know what you think!

(how about both? A kind of fic-kind of headcannons for Syren and what I think of Ozzie and Fizz's relationship)

Warnings; same as for Helluva; "Graphic violence (not as bad), strong language, sexual themes, as well as rampant demon horniness", a few things are definitely NOT cannon but I tried my best with what I have,

~~~~~~~~

The true tasks of her morning began with getting the coffee ready and placed in the exact spot it should be. It was five minutes before the morning-person of the royal pair awoke to the sound of the Cock-oo Clock. The coffee was not black and untouched, it was treated with an ample helping of sugar and hell-cow creamer.

It was for Fizzarolli, the brat of the pair. Ozzie was a good dom and made sure Fizz's favorite coffee was ready when the pair finally awoke. Truly, it was what gave Fizz a good energy kick in an already energetic moment.

Then came directing the staff succubi around. Some were tasked with carrying clean sheets for the bed, others were tasked with organizing the files for Ozzie's work day. Every staff member had a task and silently followed the direction of the blood-line imp.

The distinct smell of bacon being cooked signaled the next change in task; feeding and harnessing the Quieves. Fizz had a trip to take to the Greed Ring and he wanted to take the Quieves with him. This meant that Princess would have plenty of down-time as Fizz enjoyed getting her ready himself and took it quite seriously. The others; Lulu, Fifi, Precious, Darling, Honey, Baby, Sweets, and Flower, all had to be harnessed and connected to their multi-leash.

It was at times like these where one could see how much Ozzie truly cared about Fizz. That multi-leash was a gift from Ozzie in a long line of special-ordered engraved gifts.

The collection began with Princess.

She had been a gift to Fizz from Ozzie especially after one bad night where the jester's implants backfired and caused him pain. The things he had adapted to as his limbs failed him and hurt him, so he was feeling truly down with the situation. Ozzie flat refused to let Fizz be in pain and removed them to work on them Himself. Without his mechanical limbs, Fizz wanted to have a wheelchair so he could still spend time with Ozzie. Fizz saw her first while on his phone. He felt a bond instantly, and Ozzie just had to get the Quieve for Fizz. The rest followed soon after, most being rescues that others didn't want or care for.

Every time Fizz gets another Quieve, Ozzie has another multi-leash made just so they can all be taken on a walk. They are presents that go hand-in-hand and usually are given on the same day. Ozzie is nothing if not a true King of doms.

From getting the Quieves ready, it transitions to doing summary work for Ozzie. The King of Lust did not like extensive reading when it comes to work, pictures being much more attuned to how He processed information and thought about things. This meant that blueprints had to be drawn accurately with only the most vital details, all subject to change depending on what Ozzie wanted. Just another 'Jack-of-All-Trades' aspect of being a blood-line imp. Art and sketching skills came with the territory.

As did vibrator designing, oddly enough.

Beyond that was greeting prince Stolas while Ozzie was busy in the factory. The appointment was for noon, but Ozzie never did run on a fine-line schedule unless it was for Fizz and Fizz alone.

The owl prince sat anxiously holding his crown and checking the time repeatedly. He had been let in and guided to the seating area outside of Ozzie's office to await the King of Lust.

"Greetings, prince Stolas."

"Oh," the prince jumped a little in surprise, "I didn't realize- ahem. I am here for my appointment with King Asmodeus at noon," his eyes flicked to the time again, "I... trust this is the correct day scheduled?"

"Yes, your highness. Ozzie is running a bit late with work in the factory. He will call for you when he is ready, though I do apologize for the wait."

"It's no trouble! Truly. I am glad He had time for me in His schedule at all."

"Would you like anything during your wait?"

"No, please don't mind me. I'm quite alright."

"As you wish. Call for me, should any need arise. I am here to at least somewhat ease your wait."

The owl prince considered this, his four eyes narrowing slightly in thought. He did have a question, but he didn't know if it would be rude to ask the blood-line imp or not.

"Does... does King Asmodeus often part with his crystals?"

"That depends. It is a case by case basis, but unless he has a particular dislike- or if his 'business' partner Fizz has a particular dislike- for the one benefiting, he typically can be convinced. I will give warning, however, Fizzarolli is out of the Lust Ring currently and in the Greed Ring. His Highness can get... curt... when He is worried, and as it is the Greed Ring, He is very worried. Should you hear the sound of a frog ringtone, it is likely He will end the discussion there as the one messaging Him has greater value over most, myself included."

Stolas asked no more questions, simply nodding and taking the advice to heart. Thus carried on the next four hours.

The next activity shift came with the rumbling roar of a furious Asmodeus. An event that could likely only be triggered by one thing; something happened to Fizz.

The information was easy to gather based on the sudden appearance of a lawyer demanding to an audience with Ozzie. The demon had far too much arrogance for your liking and you knew he wouldn't live long if Ozzie had anything to say about it.

The task was now simple; Find Fizz and retrieve the likely scattered or equally kidnapped Quieves. Fizz was the priority, then Princess, then the others. The loss of one being unforgivable but the loss of Fizz being a death sentence. Her very life hung in the balance, but such was life serving a Sin.

Princess was the easiest to find as she was the one with enough sense to return to The Jizzlord limo with Fizz suddenly taken. Precious, Honey, and Flower had the sense to follow Princess back to the limo. The driver wouldn't allow it to be stolen without first giving his life to defend it. The other five were not hard to find as they luckily stayed together. With the nine rounded up, The Jizzlord was sent back to the Lust Ring with the pups in tow.

All that was left was finding Fizz. Tracking him was difficult with the fact that not a trace was left and several hours had passed since he was snatched. Luckily his cybernetic limbs had tracers in them just for the situation of potential kidnapping. It took some time to get to the specified location, dodging and ending those who sought to rob her. The only thing that did manage to stall her was an unusual Wrath Ring imp, identifiable by the more snake-like qualities he carried.

She stopped because he stood outside the building Fizz's cybernetic trackers were, so either they removed his limbs, or he was inside.

The imp himself looked like he was frustrated- or perhaps he always looked that way- and he was grumbling something about an apparent 'hick-for-hire'. Once his eyes landed on her's though, he completely changed.

At first, he seemed to slightly grin upon seeing a female imp approaching. Then his ringed eyes flicked up to her forehead and that smirk turned into a sneer. He seemed to go between her chest and her brand before settling on her eyes with that apparent glare on his face.

"Well, lookie here. Another fuckin' disgrace to imp kind; not a purse dog but the fucking purse itself. A bit far from your Ring, eh blue-bitch?"

A typical insult used by most anti-royal demons so it had little effect, not that anything he said really could get a rise out of her. The few things that riled her only made her more stone-cold as opposed to how she was typically emotionally open with her Prince and Fizz. When she worked, there was only the goal ahead, her feelings be damned.

"Yes," he frowned at her response but she continued, "I am an absolute disgrace to imps everywhere, because I chose to be born into my famil- wait. No. Didn't do that. I certainly decided to serve a royal- no, wait. Wrong again, I was born and raised for the sole purpose for serving. Well how about being responsible for my parents deciding to- no, they were born into it too. Hmm," her voice was now clearly dripped a serious kind of sarcasm, one of her brows lifting just a twitch, "seems like I am just a bred-to-serve blood-line imp! So if anything, I am serving my intended purpose. You, on the other hand..."

The snake imp hissed and his tail went off with a rattle, his sneer becoming a snarl. His eyes narrowed, the yellow in them glowing with simmering rage. He rest his hand on the holstered pistol on his hip.

"I'm what, blue-bitch? Tell me. Make my fuckin' day."

"You are no better than me. Working for royals and royal-wannabes? Goetia? You talk like you hate them and want them all gone, but you are as dependent on them as I am dependent on my King. At least my leash gets to be diamond encrusted, your's can be that rope you're carrying. It doesn't work to help you, only your benefactors."

One glowing yellow eye twitched as he debated on shooting the Royal's bitch point blank, but he still heard her words clearly. They made an annoying amount of sense and he hated that. Before he could decide what to do, the sound of a ruckus going on inside drew his attention. Of course he was expected to show up as he was hired by the mobster in charge, so he decided to break off the stand-off. It sure as hell didn't mean he quit or conceded but he was needed elsewhere.

Striker's distraction from her and quick entry into the building gave her a quick look inside. It appeared that Fizz and Blitzo- someone Fizz hated for betraying him- were talking while dealing with those inside. From what she learned of Blitzo, he now went by Blitzø and was well known for killing with efficiency and skill. Fizz was no fighter, but he seemed to actually be enjoying the talk and mending burned bridges.

The mission is no longer save Fizz, but let Fizz be saved by his childhood friend turned enemy. He was in good hands.

Of course, a car would be acquired and brought to wherever Fizz wound up once leaving the warehouse. He could at least be brought back to Ozzie safely and all would once again be at peace.

The wait was not long, but the scene met up on arrival was rather shocking. There was fire everywhere and it seemed like Fizz was actually hugging Blitzø. From what she could tell, they made up thanks to the situation they were in together. She walked up, looking up at the two and wondering how she was going to get them down.

But, first things first;

"Your highness Fizzarolli, are you alright?"

"Woah, holy shit, Syren? Is Ozzie okay?"

"Highness Ozzie is being extorted for your safe return. I am here to try and prevent that from taking place. Luckily, the arrogant lawyer is trying to drag it out and make Him distraught so He has not agreed to anything yet."

It was then his friend spoke up, looking between her and Fizz.

"Wait a damn second, who is this hoe?"

"She's Ozzie's main blood-line imp, Syren. She kinda runs everything for Ozzie other than big stuff and she is the one Ozzie and I trust most!"

"Shit, I knew blood-line imps were a thing, but damn, didn't think I'd meet one outside of a fucking Sin's palace."

"Yeah! She-"

"Does this mean you can fuck her whenever you want?"

"Well, I mean, technically- damn it, Blitzo! Stop! Now let's get off this damn thing, I want to go home."

Syren sighed in relief and caught the jester as he jumped down into her arms, letting Blitzø climb down on his own. The car was ready and waiting for the pair as she returned to the driver's seat, headed back to the Ring transport to return to Lust. Both imps actually seemed relaxed in the company of one another despite the history Fizz claimed them to have.

"So, Fizz, what makes her special, hm? Why her and not one of the horny-rooster's succu-bitches?"

"Do you really not know what blood-line imps are?"

"Well," he sounded like he was making excuses now, "of course I do! I want to see if you know."

"Uh-huh, sure. Her family has worked for Ozzie since hell was formed! Most Sins have a preference for how their blood-line imps look, and Ozzie likes them to be more pink, not red like Lucifer or tan like Satan. Blood-line imps are bred to be strong but not very aggressive, so they can do whatever their Sin needs them to without getting all worked up. Ozzie says their horns are also supposed to be blunt and not pointed like most imps."

"Yeah, but why? Why do all this shit for an imp that can just be hired?"

"Because any hired imp can turn if they feel like it. Blood-line imps are born, raised, and bred to be loyal to their Sin without fail. Can't just hire any imp to take care of vital operations, need a blood-line imp to actually do the job without being corrupt as fuck."

"An imp that isn't corrupt? I'll believe it when I fucking see it."

"Syren knows about... about me and Ozzie. She hasn't told anyone but she treats me like she does Ozzie; like a royal. I'm sure demons try to convince or buy information from her, but she doesn't ever say a word about us to anyone."

She remained silent during the conversation, her forehead brand being enough to get her through to the Sin-exclusive transportation, so they didn't even have to get out of the car before they were back on Lust's roads and headed to Ozzies.

"Highness, can Blitzø find his way back on his own, or does he need an escort to his home ring?"

"Eh, Blitzo can just take the car from Ozzie's. Can you take me right to Ozzie when we get there?"

"Anything for you, highness."

Parking in front of Ozzie's was usually enough of a crime in the Lust Ring to get you jailed, but once they saw Syren, they quickly let the group be. Fizz said his farewells and Blitzø took the car to head back to his Ring. As requested, Syren led Fizz straight to Ozzie's office. From inside, the distinct snarl of an angry Ozzie put some pep in Fizz's step as he hurried in to soothe the Sin.

Not long after Fizz entered the office, prince Stolas emerged. He seemed amused, or perhaps vaguely smug as he left the office.

"Hello again, prince Stolas. Would you like transportation to your manor or will you be handling that yourself?"

"I can handle it. Thank you for your help, little one."

The sudden scream of terror from inside the office told Syren and Stolas that the arrogant lawyer demon was no more. Ozzie was not gentle when it came to revenge for His favorite jester and the sounds from His office made that clear. Syren gave a polite bow to the Goetia and returned to her duties, waiting for another call from Ozzie or Fizz.

When the two emerged from the office, she followed along silently as an ever present shadow of the Sin himself. She even smirked at the fear the succubi and incubi showed when Ozzie made an obvious threat should anyone think they want to go to the news about seeing Fizz and Ozzie together. Their room had already been cleaned and prepared for the two in anticipation of their arrival, Syren stopping and posting up by the door.

"Wait, Oz, the babies! I left them! What if they're scared and lost? And Princess is-"

"I have gathered up and ensured the safe return of all Quieves. They are a bit shaken from their ordeal, but I have been informed that they are tucked in and sleeping comfortably now."

"Whew! Thank fuck for that!"

"Upon hearing of the ransom, I made sure to go to Greed and gather them up. Princess is very smart and made her way back to the Jizzlord by herself."

It was then Ozzie gave a happy smile, nuzzling the top of Fizz's head affectionately.

"See babe? Everything is okay. Let me take care of you Fizzie-Frog."

"Oz..."

The evening carried on as most evenings did with just the two, quietly. Ozzie fixed the hand-crafted cybernetics Fizz used so happily and it was clear Fizz was thrilled to have his limbs back. He bounced and flipped with joy, seeming quite relaxed now that he was finally back with his Ozzie.

"The new tube of 'Loob' is in your bedside drawer, Your Highness."

"Good work as always, Ren dear."

"Happy to help, King Ozzie."

[borisbubbles]

Eurovision 2023: #22 - #21

Mild like is not a zone I prefer to rest long in, so let's make the next two a package deal so that only 20 remain going into the new year!

22. SERBIA Luke Black - "Samo mi se spava" 24th place

Decade Ranking: 63/116 [Above Fyr og Flamme, below TBA]

Spaaaaavaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaai

But I am getting ahead of myself.

In the days leading up towards towards the rehearsals I got the feeling that Luke would only barely squeak by despite being both Serbian and reasonably well-liked by the fans. This came with the slow realization that "Samo mi se spava" is kind of cringe, oop. All memes eventually become stale, and that rate at which they age accelerates further if the music's kind of not good lol. Not everyone can have the eternal resilience of "In Corpore Sano".

So yeah, I totes understand why the Latvia stans were pissed they missed out while Luke basically passed to the Grand Final based on flag. However, many acts sucked in the semis, so I'm not bothered if one I liked (sorta) qualified over one i did not (sorta).

Not to get things twisted though, "Samo mi se spava" was serviceable for what it was, as a Melovin-lite combination of shock horror and an art major's irreverent graduation project. Once you've accustomed to the senseless krumpcrat choreo and the atonal mewling however, you just have to recognize Serbia's 2023 entry was the vanity project of an ageing emo twink . Do I enjoy it? Yes, but only as ~A Piece~ (not as "a song") and only in small enough doses. Take, a listen every four months.

All that said, there are two small things about "Samo Mi Se Spava" that I greatly enjoy.

(1) the frogmarches remain hilarious so let's enjoy that in gif form:

What a great way to finish A Piece.

(2) I merely have to think of Luke to hear "SPAAAVAAAAI" and "HELLO?! GAyME OVuh" ring through my mind in his characteristic gaywhispervoice and that ALWAYS produces a chuckle. So ultimately, while "Samo mi se spava" was admittedly not very good, it does manage to lift my spirits somewhat, and for that I'm willing to carry it to 22nd in my list!

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

21. UKRAINE TVORCHI - "Heart of steel" 6th place

Decade Ranking: 62/116 [Above Luke Black, below Kalush Orchestra]

Yeah, Tvorchi did well for themselves. Given the war and the general air of misery surrounding last year's Vidbir (unironically a contender for worst NF this year, even under the circumstances) and the fact that Ukraine picked their most disappointingly heterosexual entry yet, there was no way "Heart of Steel" could become good. Like, who does this appeal to? What sort of person listens to this edgelordian church cabal, and thinks "ah, my favourite has arrived." Just the Musk fanboys, right?

Fortunately for us, Ukraine is the one Eurovision country that always understands the assignment. What do you do when your song below par? You provide a good show at least.

and it kinda nibbled.

...

...

Yeah, there's no punchline. Sorry but it's NYE, i cooked the family dinner by myself and you may think it's a small step to go from roasting broccoli to roasting mediocrities, but the latter action takes up too much thinking space for a brain semi-operating on sparkling wine that is trying to weave in and out of social conversation. Jeffrey sang well, I liked the presentation and it didn't drag the more enjoyable entries around it down, what else can a one ask for? It wasn't going to get any better than what we got. Count them lucky stars, and all that.

Fourth place in the televote is a VERY stupid result (this is more in range of a 14th placer if it were any other country) but let's not end the year on a sour rant. "Heart of steel" could have been a morose drag. Instead it was moderately bemusing. Upward and onward to better things.

THE RANKING

CONGRATZ FOR MAKING THE TOP 20 to the following:

ALBANIA / ARMENIA / AUSTRALIA / AUSTRIA / AZERBAIJAN BELGIUM / CZECHIA / ESTONIA / FINLAND / FRANCE ICELAND / LITHUANIA / MALTA / MOLDOVA / POLAND PORTUGAL / SLOVENIA / SPAIN / SWEDEN / UK Some of you kind of don't deserve to~ ps: Happy New Year Everyone!!!