#i am not immune to the rule of cool

[beliscary]

literally what's the point if prince sameth can't stab himself with anything vaguely sharp/metal and then pull a full sword out of the wound. like the lizards that squirt blood out of their eyes. intimidation

[little-miss-bioweapon121]

Listen, I just really love my vampire sillies

@yestheantichrist

Bat baby bat baby bat baby bat baby bat baby bat baby!

Gave Konrad a lil warp baby because why not (inspired by that necklace of baby bat memes)

[insertdisc5]

✨ The In Stars and Time Spoiler Q&A ✨

it's time. MASSIVE IN STARS AND TIME SPOILERS UNDER THE CUT. IT'S GONNA BE SO LONG. LET'S GO

I hope you are aware of The Secret Final Boss because I'm also gonna spoil the crab out of that. If you haven't,

1. Did you know the events for interacting with your souvenirs are randomized for some of them, and also change depending on how far you are in the game.

2. Did you know there's a way to show souvenirs to a certain character.

3. Did you know you can go back to Dormont during the Epilogue.

Figure that out, and come back here! Or watch a let's play online. You can also do that.

I will also try to adopt a ~mysterious cool voice with no exclamation points~ for Effect. Come with me on this journey.

Now. Questions time!

✨ Will you ever make a sequel to ISAT, or make a game in the same universe?

Nah. This was always intended to be The Story. This is your turn to imagine things now.

✨ But so what happened to the Country? What was its name? What about the wishes? What about the colors? What did Siffrin say as an openphrase to open the door to the King's room? What about--

I will not answer those. It's your turn.

✨ BUT THE COUNTRY AND THE COLORS AND THE WISHES

Ok fine. Here are some facts that I alluded to in-game, that I am confirming now.

-The Country disappearing and the events that made colors go away are not related.

-The colors disappeared a loooong time ago, which is why knowing they even existed is a relatively new find.

-A wish made everyone forget the Country.

I will ALSO say that ISAT's map operates on Final Fantasy/General Fantasy rules (i.e. in-universe locations are based off of real ones when it comes to culture, but are not one to one parallels, especially for geography), so no, the Country isn't based on the UK oh my god please do not say that to me again or im deleting ISAT out of your computers and putting legos at the foot of your bed. It's based on another place. You can figure it out, I believe in you.

✨ But why won't you give more info on what happened :(

Can you imagine if I did answer. Wouldn't that be a bummer, whatever my answer was. Sometimes things need to stay a mystery. And also, I don't want to answer <3

✨ Does the world Loop came from still exist after they left? Or is this a get mystery'd situation?

There is only One Timeline and it's the timeline that goes from the prologue to ISAT. Every timeline that gets rewound does not exist anymore, and that includes the prologue's timeline.

✨ What's the deal with Siffrin's dream at the start?

It's Siffrin's dream, but that doesn't mean our Siffrin is the main star.

✨ Is [specific missable game moment] canon?

Every moment that you personally experience in the game is canon.

✨ Is there a reason Siffrin remembers their name but the King doesn't?

What makes you think Siffrin does?

✨ At the very very end of the game, if you look out the window behind the Head Housemaiden, Sif mentions seeing an island in the distance. Is that his country?

It is. It's always been there, for the whole game. You can see it in the distance, too.

✨ Who was the King, before?

He was just a guy!

✨ With the King left remembering in the end, does that in any way change the redaction effect for other people in the world going forward?

That's a fun idea. Maybe!

✨ One thing that never really clicked for me is: Is the sweet smell Time Craft or Wish Craft? Or is the sweet smell TIme Craft and specifically the burnt sugar smell is Wish Craft? Other way around? Does this question even matter since without Wish Craft you can't attain Time Craft in the first place? (To me, yes.)

Wish Craft smells sweet. Time Craft doesn't have a smell per se, but it does do something.

✨ Does Mirabelle retain her immunity to being frozen in time after the events of the game or does it go away after the Head Housemaiden is saved? Or does it persist for a while and eventually fade away?

I imagine the immunity slowly faded away. But no one's left to do Time Craft, so it's a moot point anyway.

✨ How was Odile able to stop Siffrin from looping back during the fight against Siffrin?

In the Discord channel I stated that it's because "she's just that cool", but really, she does have access to some skills that heighten the efficacity of Rock/Paper/Scissors attacks, so it's not too much of a stretch to imagine she could lower the efficacity of Time Craft as well. In this last loop, while listening to Loop and observing, she could figure out Siffrin was looping way earlier than she could in even the Sus Quest, so she made plans. She is Very Smart <3

✨ Will you ever share everyone's full names?

That's artbook content <3

✨ In the ending, what happened to Siffrin's hat?

Flew away. It's gone now.

✨ Looking back at the original comics, and seeing how comic!sif has both eyes at the start of their loops, but in ending sequences is shown with his eye patch...did you ever consider making that concept of sif losing their eye a part of the main loop in either of your games? and if so, was there any reason why you decided against it?

Early on, I did think about making that whole event an event that happens during the loops, but quickly let that go since 1. it would be a pain to write and code (two different sets of Siffrin portraits!) and 2. if it happened, the player might want to look for a way to NOT make that happen and so 3. it would be a pain to write and code

✨ How was Siffrin's homelife before?

Pretty good!

✨ How old were Nille and Bonnie when they ran away? How old was Sif when their home got zapped?

Both were teens.

✨ How old IS everyone?

Siffrin is mid-late 20s. Mirabelle and Isabeau are early-mid 20s, with Isabeau being slightly older. Bonnie is a preteen. Odile is Too Old For This. Petronille, Bonnie's sister, is late teens-early 20s. You can ignore whatever I said in the prologue's artbook, whoever wrote this was Wrong!!!!!!!!!!

✨ Regarding the book that talks about someone who crafted a copy of themself using wish craft: is that meant to imply someone we know is the author (and/or the copy), or is it not directly related to any of em? or is it a "who knows ;)" situation where we can just speculate and theorize either way?

Please check the book again during Act 5! This applies to most items/map events by the way, like the pendant. You can check those during Act 5 and 6 for some fun new dialogue!

✨ Why are Siffrin's clothes so warm looking?

The Country got cold at night.

✨ What's up with Siffrin's pins?

They're made out of a special material. And also, they make Siffrin look cool <3

✨ I want to know the story behind Loop’s different eye shades!

They're blind in one eye. Also, fun foreshadowing <3

✨ What determines whether someone is paper/rock/scissors craft? Is it assigned naturally at birth or something else (and how do you find out)? Does it make you more inclined to use that specific craft or is anyone generally free to use whatever craft they want?

Astrology rules, It Just Is A Thing. Being Rock Type means it is way easier for you to do Rock Craft, but that doesn't mean you can't learn other types of craft, although it's way harder. Doing Craft of your type is instinct, doing Craft of another type would take some time and resarch.

✨What crimes has Odile committed before. I need to know.

Odile just smiles.

✨ Why did the King specifically target the House of Dormont?

I had a reason in mind, but adding it to the game would've added a layer of Explanation that really didn't need to be there. It's just a nice House.

✨ Who was Odile's hatecrush...

Dunno. It's your turn.

✨ What is loop's body situation. like is the surface of their "skin" solid? they did poke siffrin that one time, and we know they aren't cold, but...

I have some idea. But it's your turn!

✨ Would Sif still have looped if they hadn't made the wish he made in the beginning? As in, would Vaugarde's combined wish have made him loop until managing to beat the King?

No. But without time powers, you can imagine what would've happened next.

✨ During the Loop Hangout, how did the rest of the team make it all the way to The King? What about during Act 5?

During the Loop Hangout: with difficulty. During Act 5: Loop was there to guide them.

✨ Is Loop: 1. Actually comfortable with both he and they, but only gave the one pronoun to emphasize the distance? 2. Only using they/them because a large life event led to a shift in identity/ how they'd like to be perceived? or 3. time lops stole he from they they :(

Mostly that first one. But all three of those reasons have a bit of truth to them.

✨ Who cooked crab in the House of Change???

This is a very funny question! I've never thought about it. It's your turn.

✨ What are the Orbs that open the gate? Did the King create the Gate or was it there before?

(did not think about the orbs or the gate beyond "plot that proves there was a journey before") Stop Asking Questions,,,, It's your turn,,,,,,

✨ Bonnie's dialogue is *extremely* accurate to how overexcited kids talk, which is really rare to see. Was that something that took a lot of effort to achieve, or did it come naturally to you?

Thank you <3 I'm just that good. Really, Bonnie is an adult with no filter, and less general knowledge. I'm very glad I managed to write Bonnie well, especially since. I haven't talked to a kid. Since I was one myself

✨ The Spoilery Concept Art. Blease

oh yeah. here have it all. this is what I gave Mimi to do the animated trailer!

✨ So. What's everyone's favorite shade.

FINALLY the question. Plus I can say shade names now. White = darkless, Black = lightless. Light and Dark is like light grey/ dark grey. Oh my god I'm checking my notes and I wrote a small event I never used about hair dye colors like "midnight dark", "tomato grey", "snow light" past me that's so fucking funny

Anyway, Siffrin loves darkless, Mirabelle is more of a light shade lover, Isabeau loves that lightless (BECAUSE ITS FASHIONABLE OK), Odile likes darker shades, and Bonnie also loves that lightless (BECAUSE ITS AS DARK AS MY SOUL OK)

✨ Are there any bugs you found during developments that you've made into features?

Two! The first one was the ability to ask Loop to just silently hang out during Act 4. I messed up the code and the game softlocked there, with Siffrin and Loop sitting there silently. I thought it was very sweet. They deserve a little quiet time.

The second was in Act 5 - the House map had a lot of issues with the Act 5 map bringing you back to the normal House map. So one of the testers got brought to the normal House map and didn't notice, and interacted with the Mirror on Floor 3, and it gave them the normal interaction with everyone seeing the mirror and taking a picture, and when they went to look at the picture in their inventory, it gave them the actual Act 5 picture. A little bit after they realized the game bugged out, and told me about it, and begged me to keep that in because they were very unsettled by it. So here it is! Beforehand, it was just Siffrin silently taking a picture, so I'm glad I changed it.

✨ Did you ever have emotional difficulty writing the more sensitive parts of the script, like Siffrin’s intrusive/negative thoughts, for one reason or another? Moreover, did you worry the script may be darker than your initial vision for it anticipated?

Not really. The Mirabelle and Odile hangout scenes were the hardest scenes by far because I really wanted to get them right, but everything else was about the same amount of difficulty. And actually, I wanted to go a little bit darker for the script, but I was worried it was going to be too dark... When it comes to the dagger event, I had a whole tangent about Siffrin thinking about the best way to strike, so to speak, but I deleted it because it was getting A Little Too Detailed. T rating come back to me

✨ For the questions you WON'T answer, did you have your own answers while making the game? Or were they left blank?

Some of them I do, some of them I don't!

✨ I loved this game and I want to replay it but I don't want Siffrin to go through everything again!

Here's a little fun fact I decided: if you hit the credits, you helped a Siffrin escape. If you start a new game, you are creating a new Siffrin that you can emotionally tortu-IIIIIIII MEAN, a new Siffrin that you can help. Do not worry about your Siffrins they are fine

✨ A lot of those answers ended up being "It's your turn", huh.

Yea <3 The answers to some of those questions ARE there if you look. Some just aren't. But you can imagine whatever you want. It's your turn! I finished the game! I'm done working! It's your turn!!!

✨ I loved ISAT and it made me feel so many feelings!

Thank you so much. I'm sorry if you sent a message or ask and I didn't answer it. I read every single one and cherish it! Thank you for playing and thank you for writing me a message!!!!! When I get a little down I look at all of those and I feel better. Thank you. I'm sorry I can't answer them all.

✨ What will you work on next?

I have a project I'm currently in the preproduction stages of. I don't want to talk about it until I feel like I have some stuff to show. Plus I still have to make the ISAT artbook and some other stuff, so it won't be for a while. Nonetheless, I hope you will enjoy it!!!

[justwinginglife]

Better Half

“Hey- the Colonel’s hungry. Get him a sandwich or something. Better yet, make it a steak dinner. Actually, make it two.”

You barked orders to a passerby and the confused but obedient soldier threw out a quick salute in response before scurrying away to do your bidding. By now, he knew better than to question you (they all did); it was common knowledge that any command you gave, no matter how bizarre or seemingly random, was to be followed immediately if one wanted to avoid risking your wrath. Even Caleb was only half immune to this rule.

Once, you advised him to flank the left side of the enemy and he’d flanked the right instead. Besides the ground sliding out from beneath him because the right sight of the field had softened significantly more than the left due to recent weather conditions, he also had to suffer the consequences of your cold shoulder for the next week. Now he only disregarded you when he wanted to tease you; he’d never risk doing it out on the field again. You were many things, but you were almost never wrong when it came to battle strategy and that made you invaluable to him. At least, that’s what made you invaluable to him at first. As time went by, you became so much more to him than just sound advice.

You turned to face your superior only to see him attempting to stifle his snickers with a gloved hand. “Did I say something funny, Colonel?”

He attempted to clear his throat but it was to no avail. The slight shake in his shoulders gave him away. “It’s nothing- at ease, soldier.”

You stared at him, unamused.

Realizing it was futile, he finally let himself laugh aloud. “The Colonel is hungry, huh? Last time I checked, I was the Colonel. And I’m not hungry.”

You crossed your arms stubbornly. “You’ll be hungry soon; you always eat around this time anyway. And besides, I’m hungry.”

He smirked. “Are you telling me you’re throwing my name around just to get yourself a free dinner? Tell me, my oh-so-lovely-adjutant, does that sound like abuse of power to you?”

“Nope. Like I said, you’re going to get hungry here soon anyway.”

“Am not.”

“Are too.”

His stomach growled right on cue.

You raised a brow at him as if to say “I told you so.”

He laughed again, holding his hands up in surrender. “Fine, fine. Who knew you had my eating schedule all memorized?” He nudged you playfully with his elbow and you couldn’t help but relax slightly at his familiar touch, biting back a smile.

You knew he was supposed to be your boss, but he’d always made you feel more like equals than anything else. You were always the first person he greeted when he walked into work, and you were the only person he bid farewell to when he left. He kept you at his side almost constantly, seeking advice when he needed it, or simply company when he wanted it. This line of work could be gruesome at times, but somehow he felt that life was a little less gray when you were there to make him laugh.

Sometimes you’d pretend you were the only one who could make him open up like this. If anyone had seen the two of you at work, they would’ve agreed. To anyone else in the Farspace Fleet, he was the Colonel- calm, cool, collected. To you, he was Caleb- silly, stubborn, sensitive. Sometimes you’d even pretend he was your Caleb. But then you’d see that damn necklace around his neck and that familiar pain would trickle back into your chest like a poison seeping into your veins.

He wasn’t yours. He was never yours. He was… hers.

Every time he left for Linkon, every time he gave you that mock salute before grinning widely and telling you to “hold down the fort” until his return, every time he waved at you as he boarded the train, you felt your heart sink more and more. You wondered if maybe one of these days, he just wouldn’t come back. If maybe he’d run off with her, marry her. And then he’d forget all about you.

It wasn’t until he bounded off the train with a souvenir in hand for you ( he got you one every single time, without fail, whether he was gone for a day or a week), that you felt you could breathe again. It wasn’t until he was in the passenger seat of your car, letting you drive him home, listening to an album you’d both discovered together, that you felt you could relax again. It wasn’t until he was making you dinner in his home, the way he always did as thanks for picking him up, that you felt you could finally forget about her for a moment.

But it didn’t help that he always wore that damn thing everywhere he went. Even now, as you waited for the soldier to bring you and Caleb dinner, you couldn’t help but glare at the stupid hunk of metal. What an ugly design- she couldn’t have picked something more classy? It was the most unrefined thing he owned; you were sure you would’ve picked something more suited to him had you been given the chance. But you knew he’d never give you the chance.

Without meaning to, you let out a small sigh as you sank into your desk beside him.

“I don’t plan to return to Linkon anytime soon.”

You froze in your chair. Had he really caught on that quickly? You must not have been as subtle as you’d thought. “What do you mean?” You asked nonchalantly.

“That sigh. You always sigh like that whenever I say I’m going to Linkon. Well, I have no intention of making any visits in the near future.”

You had only meant to glance over at him briefly but when your eyes met his, you found it impossible to look away. You reminded yourself to breathe. “You’re not? How come?”

“No reason to.” He shrugged.

Bullshit. He had a reason. He had a good fucking reason and you hated it. You hated her. Without ever knowing her personally, without ever meaning to, you’d begun to hate her for the simple act of having him. “Oh really? No one to visit?” You asked innocently.

He chuckled. “Just say it if you’re gonna think it.”

“Think what?”

He raised a brow at you. “Really? We’re gonna play that game? Fine, I’m good at games. What should we play, 21 questions? Shall I guess what’s bothering you?” He moved to pinch your cheek and laughed when you swatted him away.

You could tell he was about to press the issue so you were grateful when the soldier finally returned with your meals. “Eat.” You commanded Caleb.

He saluted you. “Yes, ma’am.”

You ate in silence, but you could feel him sneaking glances at you. You didn’t dare reciprocate the eye contact for fear you’d never be able to look away.

“Hey.” The sudden solemnity in his voice surprised you.

“What is it?” You picked at your food some more as you waited for him to speak.

“Would you say I’m… needed?” His voice cracked slightly.

Well now you had to look at him. Just what on earth was going on in his head? You were just talking about Linkon, and now he was breaking out some existential philosophy? “Needed as in what?”

He winced. “Never mind.”

“No, I’m serious. As in what? As in the Farspace Fleet’s Colonel? Or as in Caleb?”

He picked at the edge of his desk. “I dunno. Both, I guess.”

“Honestly?”

He hesitated and then nodded slowly.

“The Farspace Fleet has never been more impressive in its entire history than it’s been under your command. But does it need you? No. So if you wanted to do something else, be something else, you could. You could do anything you wanted.”

“And… Caleb?”

You smiled warmly. “I’ll always need Caleb. He owes me a date, by the way; if you see him, tell him he’s not allowed to bail on me like he did last time; concert tickets are nonrefundable and expensive, and his oh-so-lovely-adjutant doesn’t make as much money as he does.”

He cracked a smile. “Caleb doesn’t get a break even when he’s sick, huh? Alright, I’ll be sure to tell him. No one messes with the Colonel’s adjutant, after all.”

And just like that, you were back to normal.

“He really did bring us steak dinners,” Caleb laughed as he cut up his food.

“I said steak, didn’t I? You should know better than anyone there’s consequences when you don’t listen to me.” You wagged your finger at him in warning and it only made him laugh harder.

“When I brought you on as my adjutant, I didn’t think I’d be hiring a comedian as well. Tell me- do you play venues or am I the sole viewer of your comedy act?” He teased.

“Neither. Both would imply I’m getting paid to be funny and unfortunately I am not. Unless you’d like to add my humor to your bill.” You winked at him.

He shook his head, grinning. “Unfortunately, my dear, I don’t think the Farspace Fleet can afford such quality humor. Will you accept payment in Caleb’s homemade dinners instead?”

Your eyes lit up. “Absolutely! Tastes better than this shit anyway.” You gestured to the food before you.

He chuckled. “You’re the one who made a big deal out of requesting it and now you don’t like it? So hard to please.”

“This steak is so well done, you’d think a crematory cooked it. I like Caleb’s medium rare steak much better.” You made a point out of chomping aggressively on the chewy hunk of meat.

He shook his head, grinning. Then he glanced down and began to poke the food around his plate, and you knew it was time to ask.

“So why wouldn’t you be needed?”

He choked on his water. “Wh-what?”

“You asked if you were needed and it was right after we were talking about your visits to Linkon. Did something happen?” You knew this was a sensitive topic, but you also knew him. He’d beat around the bush until the day he died. He’d tell you a million things, but never how he felt. He’d allude to it, dance around it, but never outright say it. Not unless you dragged it out of him.

“Not… not really.” He cleared his throat and continued to jab at his food with his fork. There it was. The famous Caleb avoidance tactic.

“You get into a fight with her or something?”

He bit his lip. “Nothing gets by you, huh? Yeah… something like that.”

“Nuh-uh. You’re not doing that shit with me, Caleb. She might let you get away with it, but I won’t. You know damn well I won’t. Come on- spill.” You demanded.

He gave you a sheepish look. “I’m fine, really.”

“You start getting all existential on me about if you’re needed and then you tell me you’re fine? You think I don’t know you any better?” You were starting to get annoyed, but you took a deep breath, trying to be patient with him. You knew this was hard for him. “It’s me, silly. I won’t tell anyone. Hell, I didn’t even tell anyone you cried during that dog movie.”

He snorted. “It died! It’s not my fault I cried. They make those movies specifically so you cry.”

You laughed and nudged him with your elbow. “So, if I can keep a secret about the all powerful Colonel of the Farspace Fleet blubbering like a baby, I can surely listen to you rant about your girl for one minute. C’mon. Let loose.”

He hesitated but then he gave in the way he always did when you persisted like this. “She… she said she didn’t need me anymore. She said she could take care of herself. She didn’t like the way I’ve been ‘acting’ now that I’m Colonel. I was just… I was just trying to protect her the… the only way I know how.” His fork clattered onto the plate as pain flashed across his eyes. “Anyway, point is, she doesn’t want me around anymore. So I’m… I’m here.”

Your brow twitched. “I’m sorry- the fuck does she mean she doesn’t need you? What, she thinks she’s all grown now and doesn’t need anybody? Even adults need to lean on each other sometimes, getting older doesn’t mean you stop relying on others. She’s too immature; only immature people go around claiming that they’ve ‘matured’ and don’t need help anymore. I’m telling you Caleb, I’ve been telling you, you seriously need someone older.” You paused to see how he was taking your ranting. He only listened in silence.

You set a hand on top of his and very gently said, “I could blow up her house if you wanted.”

That made him smile a little. “You know that’s not what I want. But I appreciate the offer.”

“I know, I know. You’re too good to people sometimes, Caleb. I think between the two of us, I’m the meaner one. I’d march right up to her -if you’d let me- and tell her exactly what I thought of her bullshit.”

He shook his head. “I don’t think that’s entirely accurate. You’re definitely the better one out of the two of us. You don’t… you don’t know the things that I’ve…”

“What- the things that you’ve done? Honey, I’m your partner in crime. The things you’ve done, I’ve done them with you.”

“But you don’t know what I… what I tried to do to her.” He admitted weakly.

“So lay it on me. What’s so scary that you think you can’t tell me?”

“I told her-” He swallowed, eyes darting away from yours. “That I’d lock her up to keep her safe. That it’d be safer for her by my side.”

“And?”

His eyes flicked back up to yours, wondering if he misheard you. “What do you mean, and?”

“And what else? Was that it?”

He huffed slightly, but there was no annoyance in his voice. “Of course you would think that’s fine.”

“But you’re right though. There is no safer place in the world than by your side. Besides the fact that you’ve got the coolest superpower in the world (seriously- it’s such a cheat), and that you’re a great fighter, you also just have the sway that comes with being the Colonel. She’d be an idiot to not realize that. Yeah, sure, you could’ve maybe worded the whole ‘lock you up’ thing better, but it’s like you said; you were only doing the best you could in the only way you knew how. I wouldn’t fault you for that.”

He stared at you for a moment. “You’re crazy, you know that?”

You gave him a wink. “Absolutely batshit, thank you.”

He laughed. “How is it that you always know how to make me feel better?”

“Umm, maybe because I’m the best adjutant in the world and you should pay me more?” You teased, nudging him again.

He snorted. “You wish. But seriously. Thanks. I needed that.”

You nodded. “Now, let’s go get drunk and talk about how much women suck. I’ll buy.”

He raised an eyebrow, amused. “But… you’re a woman. And you don’t drink. And you’re broke.”

You shrugged. “But my best friend drinks and he looks like he could use a drink and a good, old ranting session. And again, if you just paid me more, I wouldn’t be so broke.” You grinned unabashedly.

He took in the sight of your grin and couldn’t help but smile himself. You always had the brightest of smiles. It was damn near impossible to be upset around you.

The two of you soon found your way to a bar; Caleb specifically picked one near his house because he was sure he’d have to carry you home drunk. You insisted that you weren’t that much of a lightweight and even proposed a drinking competition but by the time you’d gotten one and a half drinks in, you were already dozing off in his arms. He chuckled as he gazed down at you fondly. Signaling to the bartender to close out his tab, he scooped you up in his arms and walked you to his house.

When he got inside, he laid you on his bed and simply watched you for a moment. He was tempted to crawl up beside you, as he was sure you wouldn’t mind, but then he thought better of it. He’d sleep on the couch instead. He turned to leave, but then decided instead to bend down and kiss the top of your head before whispering, “Thanks again for tonight. I had fun.”

He began to pull away, but before he could get too far, you latched onto him in your sleep and yanked him into bed beside you. He tensed up, unsure of what to do in this situation, but the sound of your even, happy breathing made his heart lurch in his chest. He could listen to it all night. He probably would be listening to it all night, because he wasn’t sure he could sleep with how tightly you were clinging to him. Did you even know what you were doing?

“Caleb…” You murmured in your sleep, nuzzling even closer to him.

He covered his mouth to stifle his chuckle. Yeah, you totally knew what you were doing. What was he going to do with you?

He brushed your hair to the side gently, wanting to get a better look at your slumbering face. You were adorable, there was no other way to put it. He wasn’t sure why he was thinking these things, as he was sure he would never dare to in broad daylight, but somehow, as you dozed off beside him, your perfume soaking into his shirt, he couldn’t help but enjoy it. Enjoy you.

He wondered if things could’ve been different, if you would’ve been the only one in his heart and in his bed like this, had he grown up in Skyhaven like you had. Would you have gone to school together? Would you have sat beside him? Would you have had lunch with him? Would he have had the nerve to ask you to the prom? He shook his head, laughing softly to himself. Probably not. He was plenty outgoing, but a pretty girl like you? He’d choke over his own words. It seemed he never had enough nerve when it came to matters of the heart. All he ever did was hold back how he was feeling and what he was thinking. But not… not with you.

His brows furrowed suddenly at the realization. Did he have a single secret from you? He swore he only had the one, and you’d just coaxed it out of him only hours ago. Now that he thought about it, you were the only person who truly knew him. The only one he shared everything with. Of course, he had someone he loved, someone he’d loved his whole life, but even she didn’t know all of his secrets. You were the only one he told them to. You were the… the only one he wanted to tell them to.

He tensed up again. How could he let this happen? This couldn’t happen. Besides the fact that he was already in love with someone, he shouldn’t have been sharing so much with one person anyway. You could betray him, you could leave him, or even worse, you could hate him. One day, he could share too much, and you would never look at him the same way again. And he couldn’t stand that.

Carefully, he pulled your arms off of him and made his way to the living room. He stared at the ceiling until sleep eventually took him.

In the morning, he woke up with a blanket around him. He blinked, still groggy from sleep. He hadn’t remembered to grab himself a blanket, where did it…

Suddenly he heard the soft sound of an inhale and an exhale, then another inhale and exhale. He quickly turned on his side. There you were, sleeping on the floor. You’d given him the blanket he’d had on his bed. He pinched the bridge of his nose, frustrated. What the hell were you doing? Why were you on the floor? Didn’t he leave you in the bedroom? How long had you been here? He hoped to god you hadn’t been here long, otherwise you might get a cold from the lack of a blanket. He quickly scooped you up in his arms, attempting to settle you on the couch where he had previously been laying, so that he could wrap you up in the blanket, but you slowly began to stir.

“C-Caleb? What’re you-” You rubbed your eyes. “What’re you doin?”

He sighed. “What am I doing? What are you doing, why were you sleeping on the floor when I clearly put you on the bed, huh?”

You gave him a sleepy smile. “That’s an easy one. Cuz it’s your house. You should get the bed, silly. I tried to wake you up to get you to come to bed, but you were knocked out. Was like talking to a pile of bricks. So I brought you the blanket and slept on the floor.” You said it as though it were the simplest thing in the world.

He groaned. “You dork, I put you on the bed on purpose. How long have you been sleeping out here with no blanket on?”

“I dunno… couple hours?” You sat up slowly.

He rested his hand on your forehead, brow creased with concern.

“Watcha doin?”

“Making sure you’re not sick or something, cuz you slept in the cold like a dumbass.”

You grinned. “And? What’s my diagnosis, doc?”

“You’re not sick; you’re just stupid.” He flicked you in the forehead.

You laughed. “Good morning to you too, Cap’n Cranky.”

“Morning, goofball. I said I owe you one of Caleb’s homemade meals, right? How ‘bout I make you breakfast? I’ll make it nice and warm to make up for you sleepin in the cold.”

You straightened in excitement, nodding your head enthusiastically.

He cracked a smile and then got to work cooking.

No matter how many times you’d watched Caleb cook, you never got tired of it. You loved the way he expertly diced his vegetables, the way every cube was the same size. You loved the way he flicked his wrist out and flipped the pan. You loved the way he’d dip a pinky into the sauce to taste its flavor. You loved the way he hummed to himself when he got really into it. You loved everything about him.

“You know, I think I just might be your biggest fan, Chef Caleb.” You called out.

He grinned. “Only cuz I bribe you with my food. You wouldn’t like me so much if I didn’t feed you.”

“Hey- that’s not true. I’d like you no matter what.” You declared.

You might’ve imagined it, but you swore you saw him hesitate for a moment.

“Caleb?”

He blinked and his smile returned. “Sorry, spaced out.”

You stared at him carefully.

He sheepishly rubbed the back of his neck, avoiding your gaze. “What? Why’re you staring?”

“Caleb, it’s too early to be doing this.”

“Doing what?” He asked innocently as he stirred the pot.

“To be hiding things. You know you can’t hide things from me, you have a terrible poker face.”

“Hey- I have a great poker face, I’ll have you know.” He said, putting a hand over his chest in mock offense.

“Says the guy who is trying to avoid the topic by continuing to talk about poker faces.” You retorted.

He sighed and turned the stove off. “Fine, fine. I should know better by now, nothing gets past you. I was just… I was just thinking last night about some things.”

You sighed. “Caleb. You’re going to have to elaborate on ‘some things.””

“I know, I’m getting there. It’s just… do you think… there would ever be a day when you don’t like me anymore?” He asked quietly.

You snorted. “Nope. Never.”

“But what if… what if I did something really bad? What if I hurt you?”

“I’d forgive you.”

“But what if I hurt someone you care about?”

“You’re the only person I care about.”

“But what if-”

“Caleb, where is this all coming from? What’s going on? Don’t you trust me?” You cut him off suddenly. You could tell he was starting to spiral.

He winced. “I do… it’s just… sometimes I think I’m not cut out to have any sort of close relationship with anyone. My… my hands are far too stained with blood and I-”

“Well, if I stain my hands right beside you, who’s to say whose blood it is?”

His eyes widened. “Wh-what?”

“I’m saying, I’ll hold your hand no matter what. I’ll stand by you no matter what. I don’t care what you do, I don’t care what you’ve done, I don’t care what you’re going to do. You’re stuck with me. If you’re in it, I’m in it too.”

He let out a breath he didn’t realize he was holding.

You walked over to him and wrapped your arms around him, enveloping him in a tight hug. “You dork, is this why you left the bed last night?”

He tensed up. “You… you knew I was lying with you?”

“Yeah and you were warm and then you left and it was cold. So it’s your fault if I get sick.”

“I just said you weren’t sick,” He grumbled, but a smile tugged at the corners of his lips.

“Don’t bottle your feelings up again, okay? Just tell me if you’re feeling down. I don’t care if I’m asleep, I don’t care if I’m mid-shit, I will drop anything and everything for you.”

“Well I definitely wouldn’t interrupt you if you were mid-shit,” He laughed. “But I will keep that in mind… thanks. I really do appreciate it. You… you have no idea what it means to me to know that you’re there for me.”

“I’ll always be here for you. And my offer still stands; I will totally blow up her house if you ever want me to. I never liked her anyway.”

He shook his head, chuckling. “What’s with you and explosions? I really will have to keep you in line, won’t I?”

“Keep me in line? Who’s the one who flanked right when I said left and went down the hill in a landslide?” You raised a brow at him.

He groaned, palming his face with a hand. “I said I was sorry, how many times you gonna keep bringing that up?”

“As many times as it takes for you to know that I’m always right.”

“Yeah, yeah- you’re always right, eat your damn breakfast.” He laughed as he shoved a bowl of food at you and directed you to his dining room. Then he slid into a chair beside you, nudging you gently with his arm.

The two of you ate in silence but it was a comfortable silence. The kind you can relax in when you know the other person is waiting for you on the other side of that silence. The kind you can only enjoy when you truly cherish the company you have.

“This is nice; I should bother you for breakfast more.”

He let out a breathy laugh. “Is that right? What should I charge you for in return?”

“Is my undying attention not enough?”

“Undying attention is pretty good. But my home cooked meals are a hefty price. How about your undying attention and no more secrets between the two of us?”

You stared at him curiously. “We already have no secrets.”

“I think we have a grand total of one.”

“One? That’s one I’ve never heard of.”

“You still haven’t told me why you get upset every time I go to Linkon.”

You choked on your porridge. “Upset? I don’t get upset. The weather is just terrible there and I don’t want you to get sick.”

He raised a brow at you. “Now who’s got a bad poker face?”

“I think we should have no secrets except for my one. It’ll be the only exception. And then no secrets after that.” You mumbled in between bites. You were now feeling the need to stuff your cheeks so full that it was physically impossible to answer him. God, your behavior was ridiculous, and you knew it was, but you couldn’t help yourself. How was it that you could control an entire fleet and yet you couldn’t control your own feelings? You weren’t even sure you could control your face right now. You were sure your cheeks were as red as the sunrise.

“What’s so big a deal about your one secret? I told you I was willing to lock someone up for the rest of their life, and your secret is worse than that?”

You nodded quickly. “Oh my god, so much worse.”

He crossed his arms, unconvinced.

“You’ll honestly never look at me the same way again, I think it’s probably for the best if we keep this one under wraps.” You said weakly. You didn’t dare to look him in the eye.

“You said you’d like me no matter what. Well, I’m the same way with you. I’ll like you no matter what.”

“That’s-” You cleared your throat. “Kinda the issue.” You mumbled under your breath.

He tilted his head towards you, straining to hear your last words. “What did you say?”

“I said I need a tissue. Too much porridge. Messy stuff.” For good measure, you let some of it drip down your lip, shrugging your shoulders as if to say “What can you do?”

He rolled his eyes before grabbing a napkin. You thought he’d just hand it to you but instead he gently wiped the porridge from your face. His fingers brushed against your lips once. Then twice. Then again.

“Um… I think you got it.” You blushed.

“How long are we going to keep doing this?” He murmured, eyes fixed on the fingers that were still caressing your lips.

You swallowed. “Doing what?”

“Pretending.”

Your eyes widened and you pulled away suddenly, standing up straight instead. “Anyway-I-think-everything-is-going-to-work-out-great-your-girl-will-be-over-herself-in-no-time-at-all-and-you’ll-be-back-in-Linkon-before-you-know-it-okay-great-talk-I’m-gonna-go-wash-my-dishes-now-thank-you-so-much-for-the-meal.” You blurted out hurriedly before escaping to the kitchen.

“This is my house, you know. You can’t run and hide from me!” He called from the dining room, his voice getting louder as he made his way towards you.

“Not hiding!” You called back.

“Bullshit.” His arms wrapped around your waist, turning you to face him. He backed you against the kitchen counter. “Tell me the truth.”

You flinched. “I can’t.”

“You can, you just won’t. But if you’re gonna go and bottle up your feelings, then I can too, right?” His voice dropped to a low tone, almost like he was threatening you with his own feelings.

You sighed. “Fine. Fine, no secrets. But just… could you turn around and look the other way? I can’t say it when you’re looking at me like that.”

“No- you made me spill my guts to your face yesterday. It’s only fair you do the same.”

“Caleb!” You whined.

“No. Come on. Just tell me. I promise that whatever it is, it won’t make me think any less of you.”

You pinched the bridge of your nose in frustration. “Alright. Okay. Fine. I’m in love with you. There. Happy?”

“Immensely.”

Without another word, he kissed you.

Your whole body froze. What? What was going on? Oh. You had to still be sleeping. That had to be it. There was no way he was actually kissing you. He was still in love with what's-her-face. There was no way he was-

His tongue slid into your mouth.

Your eyes squeezed shut as a whimper tumbled past your lips. Oh god, he was actually kissing you. And he tasted good. Kinda like porridge. But good. Oh god, why was he kissing you? Did you even care? Wait, yes, you very much did care. You very much did not want to be a rebound. No way in hell. You’d rather be in the friend zone than the rebound zone. God no.

You quickly pulled away from him, gasping for breath.

“Did you not like it?” He asked, eyes looking slightly hurt as they skimmed over you, trying to find an answer.

“Ha… did I like it? Of course I liked it.” You grumbled under your breath, still looking away from him.

“So then why-”

“Because I’m not her. I’m not sure if you realize that.” You’d snapped and you hadn’t meant to snap. Oh fuck, you really hadn’t meant to snap.

You heard him exhale a shaky breath.

Oh no. No, you really weren’t trying to hurt him. You immediately turned to reach for him.

“Ha. Got you to look at me.” He smirked.

Oh, you bastard. You scoffed and flicked him in the forehead. “Jackass. Why are you acting all hurt?”

He leaned in towards you, grinning. “Why are you acting all sensitive? Aren’t you in love with me? Usually, people wanna kiss the person they’re in love with; I mean, I get that you’re new at this love thing-” He teased.

You pinched his cheeks, interrupting his speech. “Yeah, yeah. You’re being a pain in my ass right now, you know that? And besides, I refuse to be your rebound, so maybe you should be careful who you go around kissing.”

His grin faded. “What do you mean? It’s not like I’m going around town kissing people. Just you. You’re the only one I want to kiss.”

You raised a brow at him, unconvinced. “You were just in love with someone else, only moments ago.”

“Hey, that was yesterday. I’m a whole new me today.” He attempted to joke lightheartedly but he couldn’t help the feeling of heaviness that had begun to settle in his chest. You didn’t believe him. Of course you didn’t believe him. He didn’t blame you, but it still hurt.

“Caleb- you were in love with her for years. That doesn’t just go away. I’m not gonna be the bandaid on a gaping wound.”

His expression grew serious and he straightened. “I know. I don’t expect you to be. But I think… I think we’ve been done for a while now. I just didn’t want to accept it. I was always… changing myself to be whatever I thought she’d like. When I finally got comfortable enough to show her who I really was… well, you know how that went. But you…you’re the only person who sees me and loves me anyway.”

“So what? Doesn’t mean you love me back.” It killed you to say the words, but it was true nonetheless. As badly as you wanted to be his, as badly as you wanted him to kiss you nonsensically until you forgot all rationale, until you forgot your own name, until you forgot what day it was, as badly as you wanted him to cuddle you to sleep, to be there when you woke in the morning, you didn’t want it if he didn’t want it. He’d had enough of pretending in his life; he didn’t need to pretend to love you back just to appease you. It’s not like you would quit your job if he rejected you. You’d already stayed by his side regardless of your feelings and his lack of return on them. You didn’t want to be just one more person he had to change for.

“No, you’re right. It doesn’t mean that. But I do love you, regardless. Love is a choice; I choose you.” He said it so simply. Like he was reciting a book, like he was just stating a fact.

“But what if I don’t want you to choose me just because I’m the only one who understands you? If someone else comes along who understands you just as well as I do, will you want them instead?”

He shook his head. “I’m not choosing you because you’re the only one who understands me. I’m choosing you because you’re the only one I want to understand me. You’re the only one who makes me laugh every damn day, the only one I want to laugh with every damn day. You’re the only person who tells me when I’m being stupid, and the only person I listen to when I’m being stupid. Hell, you’re the only person I can’t live without. I’ve already been living without her this entire time, between the long distance and the long missions, but from the moment I met you, I knew I’d need you. So let me need you. Let me love you.” He held his breath as he waited for your response. “It’s also a no charge on Caleb’s homemade meals for his girlfriend,” He added on lightheartedly, hoping you’d laugh.

You bit your lip in attempts not to.

But he knew you better than that. He grinned. “There she is. Hi, baby.”

Your cheeks flushed. “Caleb! You can’t just call me that- I’ve not even said yes yet!”

He smirked. “Yeah, but your cheeks already did.” He kissed each side of your blushing face.

“No charge on meals and you’re paying for concert tickets.” You grumbled, attempting to remain serious.

He laughed heartily. “Only you would attempt to put a price on a relationship. Fine. Sounds like a deal to me. I still think I got the better end of the bargain anyway.” He wrapped his arms around you, pulling you towards him before beaming down at you and peppering you with light kisses here and there. “I get a woman who’s both generous and gorgeous. She just gets Caleb.”

“Well, Caleb is more than enough for her. She loves Caleb exactly the way he is.”

“He’s starting to love Caleb the way he is too. All because of her.”

Taglist: @tbaluver @pixelcafe-network @ouiouimochi @inkytypewriter @minasfwoopyponytail

[andhumanslovedstories]

I’m genuinely surprised how much I love nursing. Every shift, I get to meet and help so many people. I’m float pool so I go to the whole hospital, but I’ve also been floating for a while so everywhere is familiar. Sometimes it’s hard for me to walk through the hospital because I know so many people I pass, and we keep stopping to chat. I float to seventeen different units. That’s crazy! I know so much about the hospital! Every night I’m somewhere else, working with a different team and a different group of patients. The constant novelty and familiarity of floating is delicious.

And I love my patients! I know this all sounds so goody two shoes, but I love that I get to help so many people in so many ways. I only get them for one night, so I try to give them my best. I love tucking people in with warm blankets, I love explaining what I’m assessing to a patient with a new diagnosis, I love having heart to hearts with patients at three am when they can’t sleep, I love making people hurt less and stop throwing up. And you can be a real scamp about it. I love stealing snacks from other floors. I love when a patient is like “god I’d love some chocolate” and I get to be like “sir I know the location of every candy drawer in the hospital, I can get you some chocolate.” Or like figuring out like a cheat code for alleviating symptoms. When someone’s like “wow this heating pack rules” and then falls asleep instantly? It feels good and it’s fun. I have a lot of fun figuring out how to cheer up my patients in minor little stupid ways.

I never have to wonder if my job contributes value to the world. When I go home at the end of my shift, I can always think of something I did that makes me feel proud. That rules! It’s so fun to be proud of yourself! It’s so fun to know that what you do matters and that you are doing it well. And if I don’t feel proud, I have a drive home to think about why and I get a chance to do better next shift. And that’s good too. There are nights where I can feel the way I let someone down, and I have to sit with that, and I have to learn from it.

(And I don’t want to sound like I’m crushing it always super-nurse style, like I’m completely immune to ableism and the other -isms, or that I’m never lazy or callous or checked out. I’m new and I’m learning and I’m human and I’m tired and I’m not always living up to the person I hope to be. But I do get a lot of opportunities to make up for it and try again. That feels good.)

And I love teaching new nurses! I love having to constantly keep studying so I can be in a position to teach anyone anything. I love watching people get better at stuff. And I love that as I’ve gotten more confident as a nurse and a person who trains new nurses that I’ve started coaching more and more on the soft skills of nurses. Those are really hard! We should get as much practice with therapeutic communication as we do with Foley catheters!

Also where I work pays good, and I’ve got great job security, dude, I can buy so many stupid little trinkets. I was so nervous when I decided to go to nursing school that I was fucking up my life and other people’s plans for a job I wouldn’t even end up liking. I’d literally never worked something remotely close to healthcare when I decided to go to nursing school. I’d been in a hospital like once. I feel like this big life change shouldn’t have worked out nearly as well as it has, but hey it’s really fuckin cool it did

[roscgcld]

Daydream reader x Yuta doing pocky game,, 🌸

DAYDREAMING!READER || winner takes it all

note: *insert 'I like it, Picasso!' meme* honestly, such a god-tier idea. enjoy some little crumbs of writing as i try to get back into the swing of things! the brain is struggling a lil' since i am in the midst of writing my thesis to gradute law school - so creativity has been in an all time low.

pronouns: she/her

daydreaming!reader |  buy me a coffee?  

"Oh - I have an idea!"

It was another date night for Yuta and Y/N. They had both decided to try and bake together for the first time, and were currently waiting for their cookies to be done baking in the oven. Since they had gone out to get groceries for the cookies, Y/N had convinced Yuta that getting some snacks to eat while they bake would be a good idea as well. As 'the things you eat during the process does not count as calories!'.

Yuta was on his phone when he heard Y/N call out for him from the entrance of her dorm, raising an eyebrow at her as he watches her skip over with an excited smile on her face. "What is it?" He asks in amusement as he turned his phone off, placing it onto the countertop beside him as he lets her wrap her arms around his waist in excitement.

"Have you heard of the pocky game before?" Y/N asks with a curious tilt of her head, to which Yuta tilted his head in thought as one of his arms wrapped around her waist automatically. "..I think I've heard Nobara mention it once," Yuta said after a few moments, looking back down at Y/N as she gave him a beautiful smile in response. "Judging by your look, we are going to be playing a round or two?"

"You know me so well," Y/N mentions with a giggle, to which Yuta just shakes his head with a smile before he watches as she pulled away to skip towards the small bag of snacks hanging off the side of a chair.

After taking the cookies out of the oven and leaving them to cool on the rack, Yuta found himself seated in between Y/N's plushies; a hand resting on Y/N's thigh as she happily opens up the packet of pocky in front of him. "So what are the rules?"

The rules were relatively simple - they both bite each end of the pocky biscuit, and both of them take bites until they reach the middle; the last person to pull away would be the winner.

"Not sure if it's really going to be a challenge," Yuta admits with a chuckle, to which Y/N gave him a curious glance as she nibbled on a pocky piece quietly. "We both know that you are going to lose. Also, rude, miss 'snacking before we even started'," Yuta said with a chuckle, shielding himself from the smacks that came his way.

Y/N gave him an annoyed stare as she chomp down on the last of her food, giving him a stare as he raises an eyebrow at her. "I am not going to! Just you wait!" Y/N replied back with a pout, to which Yuta just chuckles before he reaches over to gently brush her hair away from her face. "Uh huh, whatever you say, babe."

Soon Y/N shifts so she was facing Yuta, giving him an annoyed stare as she was met with a boyish smile in return. "Just you wait," She grumbles before she grabbed another pocky, placing the chocolate side of the treat into her mouth defiantly.

Yuta paid no mind to her giving the biscuit side to him as he leans down to bite the other end of the biscuit, his pale cheeks looking a bit warmer than usual as he stares straight into Y/N's eyes. He never claimed to be immune to her beauty and charm, but he has grown somewhat of a backbone since.

Yuta used his fingers to count down to three, and once all his fingers were done he took the first bite swiftly; grinning when Y/N made a noise before she started to take bites as well. Yuta decided to be mean and took progressively faster bites, and soon he reached the middle before pulling away with his arms thrown up in victory.

"I win!"

"No fair!" Y/N whines through her bite as she grabs the pocky stick between her lips, pouting over at her boyfriend who grins down at her. "All is fair in war, babe," Yuta comments with a chuckle, yet he immediately wraps his arms around her to cuddle her into his chest. "Aw, don't look at me like that. I will make sure to go easier on you."

Instead of replying to Yuta's jab, Y/N just smacked his arms away as she pulled out another full pocky from her lap. Giving him an angry glare as she ate the rest of the last pocky. After adjusting herself to face the smiling man once more, she decided to play his game as well; and as soon as the last finger of Yuta's countdown went down, she immediately took swift bites at the biscuit spanned between them.

And just like before, Yuta somehow managed to reach the middle before Y/N. Grinning over at the girl who just lets out a frustrated whine as she glares over at him; looking as if she was about to declare war against her innocent boyfriend. "Don't hate the player, hate the game."

"I introduced you to this game!" Y/N retorted, to which Yuta just shrugs his shoulders with a teasing smile. "Yeah, and the student has now beat the master," He continues on, dodging when she reached over to slap at his shoulders. Chuckling, he wrapped his arms around her instead, pulling her into his chest as she huffs and puffs her heart out.

"I'm sorry," Yuta says with a chuckle, giving her another smile as she squints up at him with narrowed eyes. "I'll calm down and let you win this time, I promise," He reassures her with a soft nod, to which Y/N just huffed and rests her chin on his chest, her eyes narrowed as she searches his face for any signs of betrayal. Instead however his cheeks just blushed in embarassment, trying his hardest to not look away as he lets out an awkward cough. "D-Don't look at me like that.."

Y/N made another noise before she pulls away ever so slightly, reaching over to grab a pocky to eat instead. A look of slight satisfaction on her face as Yuta narrows his eyes at her. "Wasn't doin' nothing," She hums to herself, her tone causing Yuta to wordlessly flex his fingers and dive for her sides.

At that very moment Maki and Megumi were walking down the hallway, having just made mugs of tea to warm up in the cool evening. The peaceful silence between the cousins were pierced by the suddne squeal coming from somewhere ahead of them, causing them both to freeze from instinct before their brains registered what that sound was. "They need to move out at this point."

Maki lets out a tired sign, nodding in agreement to Megumi's annoyed mutters, the two of them continuing their way down the hallway towards their rooms. Passing Y/N's door where belts of laughter and squeals continued to sound into the hallway; pausing briefly when Maki rapped her knuckles against the door sharply. "I'm giving you two 20 more minutes before I kick both ya asses. It's bedtime."

"Yes ma'am," Yuta called out from behind the door, Maki rolling her eyes in response with a grunt before she wandered towards her bedroom. "I hate couples," Maki sighs to herself as she closes her door behind her, reaching for her headphones that were hanging off a hook near her door as she takes her shoes off at the genka - putting on a timer on her phone after she started to play a random podcast to block out the noises next door.

All Maki had wanted was just a mug of tea...

want to read more? > daydreaming!reader |  buy me a coffee?  

© roscgcld — all rights reserved to me, rose, the author and creator of these works. do not repost/translate/claim my work as yours on any platform.

[changingplumbob]

First Round - Day four (Connor group)

Dee: So this is the villa huh? Not too shabby

Berenice: do you think Joey will visit today

Kaye: *sighs* I hope not. Shouldn't you be more concerned about when Deanna will show up

Berenice: I can be concerned for both! I mean I am concerned for both. About both?

Nyami: Don't look at me, I didn't speak until I was five

Isla: That was a true fact?

Nyami: Yeah but I speak a bunch of languages now, I basically never stop talking

Isabella: Being able to speak more than one is so freeing I've found

Dee: How'd you learn so many Nyami?

Nyami: I mean each tribe has a different dialect right? Learning all the differences made it easier to pick up completely different languages as well

Isabella: It might be a weird question but do you have one you like most?

Nyami: For sure! Bunny-Latin. Owhay areyay youyay oingday?

Wikihow on Pig-Latin rules

Unfortunately the Bunny-Latin was too much cringe for Isabella and Isla to handle. They went off to the hallway mirrors to try talk themselves out of their second hand embarrassment.

Berenice: Watcher, Bunny-Latin clears people out faster than cast- cats, I mean cats

Kaye: Cats don't clear people out

Berenice sits awkwardly.

Kaye: I think I'm going to go grab lunch early

...

Nyami: I can be a bit much for some people

Berenice: oh, word. I mean, not you specifically - just word. Word for word. Uh, is anyone else having trouble with how to English?

Dee: *laughs* You're too funny Bernie. Why are you even studying physics? You should do comedy

After a while Isla and Isabella rejoin the group, leaving Nyami happy she hasn't scarred them away forever. Kaye also bring her mid morning mac and cheese to the couches.

Berenice: It doesn't actually take that long to knit the socks, I still find time to study

Isabella: You must hardly sleep with all that going on

Berenice: I sleep! On a bed, even. Yeah beds are great and comfy and things I use every day - uh, night.

Isla: Anyone want to play some some foosball?

At lunch the women settle down and chat with Deanna about how they're settling in. Kaye gets seconds.

Kaye: This mac and cheese is amazing!

Dee: It did taste pretty good. I wonder if there's a secret ingredient

Deanna: Bella? Isla? You all right?

Isabella: Just a bit queesy

Isla: I'm used to Sulani food

Nyami: So long as you're not still put out about my jokes this morning because that would be cringe

Deanna: Normally I like to put bacon in macaroni cheese but I figured with a vegetarian around it would be best not to

Kaye: Thanks Deanna

Isla: I couldn't imagine my life without bacon

Dee: I couldn't imagine my life without love *blows kiss to Deanna*

Deanna: *giggles*

Nyami: One time I heard this story about-

...

Kaye: I'd love to explore more of Salvadorada

Nyami: Well it's there waiting and just full of history. If you want to go you should

Berenice: I heard a rumour that there's maybe some kind of ma - something otherworldly going on there?

Nyami: If you do good the sun gods have been know to grant blessings

Isla: *sighing* I miss the sun

Nyami: Funny you mention the sun. Back home-

...

Isabella (voiceover): I…admit it was a little…cringe. Ahem. I didn't want to make Nyami feel bad so I left with Isla. I don't know why, I felt a little embarrassed. Nyami was nice at lunch though, she knows so much about so much and isn’t afraid to share knowledge. I don't want to nitpick the food but I miss my Bea's pasta a little bit haha. Anyway, after that, I figured I might need to work on my charisma, level my head and refocus.

Isla (voiceover): I think I'm doing alright today. Sure I had to take a minute this morning but I got back to socializing. For lunch, well, I would have liked the chairs to have more cushioning. All the furniture in Sulani you can just sink in to you know? I chose charisma for skill time, hopefully I can develop an immunity to the cringe

Kaye (voiceover): Did I get distracted by food this morning? Yeah... I just get hungry people. It was cool to chat with everyone though. I loved getting to talk to Nyami about the jungle, she's a fellow adventurer I reckon. Berenice is an acquired taste but I think I'm getting used to her? Maybe. Anyway I had to go with video gaming for skill time!

Nyami (voiceover): Oh boy are my family going to have a field day watching this. They're used to me running my mouth off about everything, I forget normal people take pauses. I probably got over enthusiastic at lunch but I feel like Deanna enjoyed hearing about the jungle. So yeah worked on charisma first, reminding myself to take pauses. I don't want everyone thinking I'm talking over them deliberately, I just get excited

Berenice (voiceover): Phew! Almost had some slip ups this morning due to something I may or may not have consumed [eyes dart around]… All natural, totally natural. I swear! Uh well, Dee seems to like me, which is nice I guess. But also it’s like “Dee, are you okay? Do you maybe need to see a specialist about that???” Well she’ll get to know me better and then she won’t like me anymore, so I may as well enjoy it while it lasts *shrug*

Dee (voiceover): I think my first impression of Berenice was spot on, she's hilarious! Of course the more refined in the group didn't approve but I'm sticking with her. She actually got me feeling pretty happy and confident so yeah I threw in a flirt with Deanna at lunch. I'm really hoping for a date from the challenges this round though so I picked charisma to work on for skill time. You never know I could win the very first challenge

Berenice (voiceover): You know, sometimes I think it’s worse for people to find you annoying than it is for them to think that you’re a bad person. Because a bad person, you’re expected not to like them - but with an annoying person it’s like “well they’re not actually a baaad person so I should be friendlier/nicer?” and that makes people resentful or something, but it is kind of nice to have a friend, even for a little while. You're not going to tell Dee that I chose to focus on mischief, right???

It was another cloudy day at the villa but the contestants opted to eat outside again. We really need to put in a complaint to whoever is in charge of outdoor lights at dusk because they really illuminate nothing. Anyway most contestants got to dinner on time. Berenice was a little late, apparently she needed a wardrobe change? Spirits were once again calm as contestants talked, Isla really missed the sun though.

Nyami: And that's how I escaped the python

Kaye: *mouth full of food* Darn, I thought I was adventurous on the slopes but you are one brave lady

Deanna: I hope you wont find watching a movie too slow

Isla: Well I'm excited to watch something that's not just a sports true story turned in to film. At home my brothers hardly ever go for films unless someone wins a trophy in it

Isabella: *smiling* I guess there are benefits to being an only child, picking the film

The group head inside to the living area to set up to watch a film.

Kaye: So I'm really thinking we should make popcorn

Isla: *chuckling* We just ate dinner

Dee: But movies require snacks. I still remember the rush of sneaking food in to the cinemas as a kid

Berenice: Were you afraid of getting caught

Dee: One time an usher came over and demanded we show him our bags to prove we hadn't brought in outside snacks. Luckily the chocolate was in my jacket

As the film plays the contestants sit on the couch and chat about what's happening. Most of this bunch don't seem to mind talking during films. When it finishes half the contestants head to bed but Kaye, Isabella and Isla stay chatting for a while. Eventually Kaye needs to sleep to.

Isabella: I'm sorry Deanna if I seemed out of sorts at lunch

Deanna: It was more than the macaroni cheese then?

Isabella: *chuckles* I don't want to nitpick with the food. It’s just that, it's difficult trying to befriend a bunch of women at once.

Isla: I felt the same. You just want to impress everyone here

Deanna: Don't worry, I feel the same about trying to connect with everyone. It can get hard

Sims created by: @corrienteallita, @eljeebee, @ethicaltreatmentofcowplants, @hashimasims, @jonquilyst, @riverofjazzsims

[thelordofgifs]

Ranking all the Kings of Gondor

Based on what, you may ask? Vibes. Let's go.

Eldacar. Twenty-first King. THE bestest boy in the legendarium. The hero of the Kin-strife, the archetype of immigrant child trauma, the exiled king, the vengeful father... we love him so so so much ok!!

Aragorn. First High King of the Reunited Kingdom. Yes I know your list would put him at the top but this is my list and I do what I want. Anyway he's wise and kind and "the hands of the king are the hands of a healer" and he's brave and clever and has an excellent fairy-tale romance going on and I am very much not immune to Viggo Mortensen covered in blood with unwashed hair.

Elendil. First High King. He's brave he's cool he's wise he DEFEATED SAURON. Love him.

Isildur. Second High King (co-ruler). Justice for my boy the movies did him so so dirty!! Anyway he saved the line of the White Tree and fought so so bravely and he did his best. I will not countenance Isildur slander actually.

Valacar. Twentieth King. Ranks this highly mostly because he's my blorbo Eldacar's father, but Valacar is cool! His father sent him to the Northmen to build an alliance and Valacar promptly fell in love with their chief's daughter instead. And then Vidumavi died long before he ever even became King and you have to wonder if Valacar feared he would outlive his children too :(

Aldamir. Twenty-third King. Also ranking highly mostly because of genetic proximity to my guy, but Aldamir is sooo tragic actually. He's a second son who never should have become King except his older brother was MURDERED and maybe he spent the rest of his life trying to live up to him!! Also he was also killed in battle which I am sad about. This family cannot catch a break.

Eärnur. Thirty-third and last King. This is the idiot who challenged the Witch-king of Angmar to single combat and was never seen again, but I have a soft spot for him on account of. that was really sexy.

Eldarion. Second High King of the Reunited Kingdom. We don't know much about Aragorn and Arwen's son, but movie!Eldarion is very cute which is enough to earn him a high rank.

Rómendacil II. Nineteenth King. An all-round competent guy who ruled as regent for years for first his lazy uncle and then his lazy father. Built the Argonath!! Also he's Eldacar's grandfather which again earns him points.

Eärnil II. Thirty-second King. Ended up with the crown after his predecessor and both his sons were killed in battle (although NOT his daughter. JUSTICE FOR FÍRIEL). Anyway Eärnil strikes me as a decent guy who was doing his best. Props to him for taking pains not to alienate the Dúnedain of Arthedain.

Ondoher. Thirty-first King. The aforementioned predecessor, who is mostly ranked highly because I feel bad that he died :( and he tried to ensure Gondor would still have an heir to the throne if he and his eldest son were killed! But his youngest son joined the battle in disguise and got killed anyway!

Minardil. Twenty-fifth King. Another tragic one, he was Eldacar's great-grandson and was slain in battle by the descendants of Castamir. I am upset about this.

Meneldil. Third King. We don't know much about him, but he was the first solo ruler of Gondor and also the last child born in Númenor before the Downfall, which is cool.

Telumehtar. Twenty-eighth King. Finally got rid of the last descendants of Castamir, excellent work.

Calimehtar. Thirtieth King. Defeated the Wainriders attacking Gondor in a great alliance with the Northmen, which we love to see. Also he built the White Tower of Minas Anor! Good for him.

Anárion. Second High King (co-ruler). He was initally a lot higher on the list because I feel for him always being overshadowed by his father and brother, but then I learned he was killed by a THROWN ROCK which is kind of pathetic ngl. Sorry, Anárion.

Tarondor. Twenty-seventh King. Had the unenviable task of rebuilding the realm after it was ravaged by the Great Plague, but unfortunately he moved out of Osgiliath for good (which makes me unreasonably sad. I love Osgiliath) and also allowed the watch on Mordor to lapse for good.

Eärendil. Fifth King. We don't know much about him, but his name is nice.

Anardil. Sixth King. We don't know much about him, but his name is also nice.

Telemnar. Twenty-sixth King. Died in the Great Plague, sad for him I guess.

Narmacil II. Twenty-ninth King. Slain in battle with Wainriders, made no impression on me at all.

Siriondil. Eleventh King. We know very little about him, but that's a good name.

Cemendur. Fourth King. Boring and doesn't even have a good name.

Turambar. Ninth King. Mainly this low down because THAT'S A TERRIBLE NAME WHAT ARE YOU THINKING.

Hyarmendacil II. Twenty-fourth King. Defeated the Haradrim in battle, good for him I guess.

Atanatar I. Tenth King. No personality. I don't like his name either.

Rómendacil I. Eighth King. Defeated some Easterlings in battle, but apparently not very well because they later killed him. Oh well.

Ciryandil. Fourtheenth King. A Ship-king, and I don't like Ship-kings (mostly because Castamir tried to be a Ship-king).

Ostoher. Seventh King. Didn't do much, although he started the practice of the King spending his summer in Minas Anor. Good for him? I guess?

Eärnil I. Another Ship-king. Died in a great storm, which is one of the perils associated with being a Ship-king!

Calmacil. Eighteenth King. Generally incompetent. Gains a couple of points for being Eldacar's great-grandfather.

Narmacil I. Seventeenth King. Also pretty incompetent. He let his nephew do all the work of ruling for him.

Atanatar II. Sixteenth King. Lived in indolence and splendour, and neglected the watch on Mordor which was not very wise of him!

Hyarmendacil I. Fifteenth King. Ok he actually sucks. The King who defeated the Haradrim and instituted the practice of taking their sons as hostages to live in the court of Gondor.

Tarannon. Twelfth King. The first of the Ship-kings, also known for his loveless marriage to his wife Berúthiel who gets blamed for everything for some reason.

Castamir the Usurper. (Technically) twenty-second King. Should not be on this list and is here purely so that I can say. FUCK. THIS. GUY.

[writerofadream]

Fortune favors the Bold ⛓

TDI!Duncan x Juvie Bestfriend! Reader ⛓

Chapter Thirteen: Princess and the Frog

You were bored, out of your mind. So bored that you had started to juggle which wasn’t something you had done since you were maybe three.

Your mothers had sent Duncan and you to an acrobat camp because your fathers wanted you to get stronger in your upper body.

The tiny rubber spheres flew into your hands and back up again with practiced ease. You were so caught up in watching them fly you didn’t notice the chocolate covered underwear that just flew in front of you. But then you did. 

Your eyes quickly found the redhead responsible. “Harold, what the hell.” You let the balls fall into your hands and you had half the mind to throw them at the boy. Despite his protests you walked away now annoyed.

But before you could get very far you heard Chef Hatchet on the speakers calling you to the dock of shame.

The way he was talking didn’t have you excited. 

As you lightly jogged over to the dock you saw your green-haired devil who was walking on his hands beside Geoff. “Hey cutie.” You resumed juggling. “Hey darling.” Duncan said as his hands felt the difference from the grass to the hard boards. 

“Just kiss already, geeze.” Geoff rolled his eyes as you all lined up. 

“You call this proper formation!” Chef Hatchet was losing his absolute mind. His stick whapped everybody no matter what they were doing. T

he stick hit Duncan’s arms making them fall down, you noticed his body tense. Memories of his father were surely coursing through him. “No fun?” Chef yelled, sounding confused on why the balls were in your hands and he quickly threw them in the water, his stick hit your thigh making you stand on both legs at attention. 

You were going to start yelling.

“Shut up.” Duncan hissed beside you, he was not going to let you lose your cool on Chef, not today. You both had gone to a million military schools. You’ve had worse teachers than this. One lady actually had fourteen-year-old Duncan and you ran fifty laps while carrying twenty pound bags.

Do you want to know why?

Because you asked when lunch was.

“Today’s challenge will not be an easy one. In fact I do not expect everyone to come out alive.” Chef yelled into the megaphone making the sound ring in your ears.

When faced with trauma people deal with it in a multitude of ways. Some revert into a submissive state, some fight back with a vengeance, some deal with it with laughter, some turn themselves off.

Duncan and you were the last too. 

Your mind was quiet and your face went blank and you had a rigid posture.

Three years ago

“You are a grown adult so act like it. My training will make you stronger than you ever were before, youngling.” The man got close to your face and spit flying across your cheeks, you nodded.

“We are fourteen? The only thing making us stronger is milk… sir.” Duncan winked and the man hit him across the face without a second thought.

Duncan on the other hand was… pissed.

“My orders are to make sure every baby here drops out of my boot camp. Except one.” He yelled through the megaphone and your eye twitched. “The last one standing wins immunity for their team.” He whipped Owen.

Then he began down his set of rules. “Yes, Master Chief.” God, that sound was too familiar, you cringed at your words. 

The first challenge was to hold a boat over your heads for as long as physically possible. But Chris wanted you to do another monologue bit in the outhouse.

—

“I am an obedient soldier. No matter if I want to or not.” You muttered staring at the camera, you held your hands as if trying to wring the sweat out of them, your leg shaking anxiously. You were trained at a very early age. Your wants, and needs? Didn’t matter. “

—

Master Chief explained the rules of the challenge and Gwen watched as Duncan directed you towards the canoe, his hands were on your hips as if you were blind and couldn’t see. She noticed that there was something going on in your mind. Some unseen battle.

You lifted the canoe above your head and had to laugh when Owen and Geoff thought this would be easy. 

—

“Come on you sissies you’ve only been at it for three hours.” Chef yelled at you and you noticed how weak the other team was becoming. Duncan had an abusive father, and you’ve had to take care of a man who was supposed to take care of you since you were five. You were beyond used to pain.

Geoff caught Harold's underwear.

Harold took his hands off the boat. 

What a stupid, stupid, man.

“Is there a problem here?” Chef’s head bent down to look at you spit flew on your face and you almost lost it right there. This was too familiar.

—

The moon was bright above you.

Duncan had his chin tucked into your collarbone. He was snoring softly. He knew you wouldn’t fall, you never did. Lindsay on the other hand, lost the challenge for her team as she rang the bell. “Wake up, tiger.” You whispered as your team dropped the canoe gratefully. “I’m up, I’m up baby.” Duncan’s voice was filled with a rasp that made your heart skip a beat.

Chef and Chris had you all go to the cafeteria and you stared at the trash cans in front of you. “You remember when my dad didn’t give me money to buy food that month after my mom died, so I had to eat from the trash.” You chuckled into your palm smiling at the memory. “Fucking racoon.” Duncan laughed much to Courtney’s horror.

“You’ve got ten minutes to eat before night training.” Chef announced. 

The entire camp groaned at the mention of night training. Duncan shook his head and you wanted to start shaking with laughter. Gwen asked a VERY obvious question. “Where’s the food?” 

“Right here. At war you take what you can get!” Chef smiled, taking a lid off the trash. The rancid smell filled the room.

It was probably good that you were getting used to not eating. 

You went with Duncan as he pranked Harold for throwing the underwear at you. He gave him kitchen grease. Which was probably deadly but it’s okay. You rolled your eyes as Harold spit out the drink. “This is why you don’t have a girlfriend, Tarun.” You put a hand on your hip.

“Okay look, I know you like me sweetheart. He knows you like me, everybody knows it.” Duncan leaned close, wrapping his arm around your waist causing you to smirk, booping him on the nose.

“So here’s a tip. You want to kiss me? I might let you.” He winked and you rolled your eyes blowing him a kiss. “In your dreams, baby. But don’t let me stop you from dreaming.” 

Geoff gave Duncan a look as you went back to talk to Bridgette who had asked you to help her do something with the trash.

“Oh you're in love aren’t you man?” Geoff noticed the look the green-haired boy gave you. “None of your business, blondie.” Duncan ran a hand through his hair.

—

You were having dance classes at two in the morning.

By a man in military clothing.

Still not the strangest thing you’ve done to be honest.

You looked to your side but Duncan had disappeared, he reappeared next to the boom-box and turned it off. Chef screamed at him. “Tarun what are you doing?” You yelled at him.

“If someone drops out, we’re done for the day.” Duncan said matter of factly. “You're done when I say you're done.” Chef yelled, ordering him to do 20 pushups. 

That’s strange.

Duncan does one hundred pushups every morning. 

(Juvie habits)

“Anyone else have something they want to say?” Chef challenged the campers surrounding him. Gwen went to the restroom. Suddenly before you could stop yourself you raised your hand. Chef raised an eyebrow as did Duncan. You didn’t ever challenge authority.

“Can I do twenty as well?” Your face broke into a small smile and Duncan almost leapt with joy. 

Chef ordered you to do twenty and you bent down next to the boy. “Oh my days, did I just see a certain girl disobey her superiors? When did you learn how to do that?” Duncan smiled as he did his twenty in sync with you.

The music continued.

“I do a lot of things for people I have crushes on. Thought you knew that, Tarun.” You winked and he had to stop his twenty because did you just say what he thinks you just said?

—-

Chef put you in the cafeteria again and he ordered you to write a three-hundred-word essay on why ‘he was the best’. You’ve had a lot of vain people be in charge of you. But that’s a whole other level.

It was three a.m, by the time everyone was done. 

Honestly your essay wasn’t even about Chef Hatchet.

It was about the idiot beside you.

Just instead of writing Duncan you put ‘Master Chief. It worked, it worked REALLY well actually. “She’s my new favorite.” Chef declared. “Teacher's pet.” Duncan yawned and you smiled innocently.

Duncan of course had to challenge the teacher.

God he never grew up.

You of course had to save him. “No, he’s going to go right to bed.” You dragged the boy away from the sergeant. “If you get eliminated I am going to murder you.” You jabbed a finger in his chest. “Didn’t know you cared, doll.” Duncan yawned again, he was amazed you were still up.

“I don’t. But if we lose this challenge because you are a rebellious idiot I will eat all of your hair gel.” You said. Duncan smirked, you talked a LOT of nonsense when you were tired. “Just don’t get yourself killed because I will make sure your mother beats you if you do.” You kissed his cheek and went to splash some water on your face.

“I love her.” Duncan muttered.

“No, really, bro?” Geoff rolled his eyes.

—

The next challenge was to complete a death-defying course in one minute. There was something familiar about this course which you didn’t remember until you were jumping from one head to another as you raced up the wall.

You were twelve the first time you did this course

Five years ago

“It’s unfair, really.” Duncan laughed as he watched you fly through the obstacle course which was made for grown adult men. “How so?” The counselor looked at him mildly confused, this was supposed to be a punishment drill.

“Acrobatics have always been her favorite thing.”

Duncan did extremely well on the course, he did it slowly on purpose, just so he could grate at Chef Hatchet’s nerves, which earned him one night of solitary confinement. 

He wasn’t even scared of the punishment. He was scared of what his stupid mind was going to conjure up for him. 

—

At dinner, breakfast, lunch, you don’t know anymore you're dead tired. You stirred the mush that was your food before declaring. “I’m going to go check on him. Idiots should not be alone for that long.” You stood up and Geoff smiled at you.

“Does little ole Y/N, have a crush?” he asked. “Clearly, now shush or I’ll gouge out your eyes. Ciao!” You winked when the boy paled.

You used your phone's flashlight to find the door to the boathouse.

“Oi, tiger, you in here?” You called out into the darkness before your eyes adjusted, you saw Duncan smiling at you though it was obvious he was shaking. “Heya princess, come to claim your kiss?” He winked.

“Actually yes, maybe you’ll turn into a prince. I brought food.” You handed him the bowl as you sat down.

“I prefer bait.”

You giggle rolling your eyes. “I hate how I love your laugh.” He said in what you believed was mock amazement. It indeed was not. “I don’t get you, Duncan. How do you egg adults on like that?” You had to laugh. That was your number one fear. Adults.

“You're the one that doesn’t make sense. You're so free when it comes to kids our age. But the second it's an adult you clam up, and turn into a soldier, it’s crazy.” Duncan laughed in bewilderment. “I think it’s because I’m so used to taking care of them.” you shrugged your shoulders.

“You wanna ditch the shack for some pb&j’s?” Duncan asked.

“This isn’t you just trying to get me to eat, is it?” You leveled a fish as if you would smack him with it. “No? I’m hungry too, it’s not always about you.” he said quite dramatically. (He was just trying to get you to eat)

You snuck into the counseling tent and stole a bunch of food.

Also alcohol.

Lots.

—

You were sharing the food with everyone. Duncan and Geoff were busy pranking Harold so he didn’t notice how many drinks you had. (Five shots of vodka to be precise) You were grabbing another one and before Bridgette could protest you chugged that one too.

“That was a mistake.” 

You quickly threw the contents of your stomach over the railing and Duncan walked out feeling a mild sense of worry.

“So the perfect soldier can be a kid sometimes too?” He smiled holding your hair back. You smiled clearly, still a bit drunk as you sat back up.

He gave you a bunch of peppermints. “It’s been a long time since I’ve been free like that, tiger.” You giggled. “I just want more.” You sighed wistfully.

“You could always give me that kiss, princess.” He cupped your chin smiling. “Are we sure that you're my type?” You questioned ruffling his hair and he leaned into your hand.

“Enjoy a funless life then.” He smiled dramatically, turning his back on you. “Enjoy prison, I’m sure the army would love to finally have me.” You smirked.

--

|Trending on X right now|

#whatishappening

#isthisheaven

#PRINCESSANDTHEFROGOMFG

#imcryingtheyaresoperfect

#madeforeachother?

--

“Oh you’d never leave me. Who’d make you laugh-” He whined his eyes shut and just like that you wrapped your arms around his neck and gave him a kiss, a long one.

“Lucky for you we’ll never find out, baby.” You kissed him one more time and skipped away.

“LET’S GO MAN!” Geoff, Duncan, and DJ were losing their minds.

You smiled. Unbeknownst to you, Harold had been watching you, and he wanted revenge on Duncan… but from the side..? You look like an exact replica of Courtney.

The next challenge was a bore. All you had to do was hang upside down. Duncan got out first, weirdly enough. This was something you had practice with. You loved hanging upside down. It felt strangely amazing.

That was for the first thirty minutes. But after having a lot of alcohol. You have to come down.

So you guys lost.

At the campfire that night the strangest thing happened…

Courtney was voted out!

Duncan and you were confused.

Geoff and Bridgette were also confused.

Harold smiled.

[thealternateuniverse]

I don't know if you're still taking requests, but could you pls make a part 2 of your last got7 scenario (high school menace chronicles), with a reader who is part of the group as the eighth troublemaker in this chaos. I imagined that reader could have a personality similar to the boys, and them creating more confusion to protect the reader. Also I love that them hate jyp🤣🤣

Thank you 💚

I didn't think of having an 8th member 😭but for sure this will be more chaotic. Will definitely post it tomorrow.

------

Got7 Menaces + Their Chaos Gremlin 8th Member

🪩 Jaebom (Grumpy but Whipped)

Aggressive as hell. Will throw hands at anyone—except Mark and Y/N (they have immunity).

Eternally tested by the unholy trinity: Bambam, Yugyeom, and Y/N.

The last to escape when skipping class because he's clumsy and injures himself every time.

Got sentenced to dishwashing duty in the cafeteria after losing rock, paper, scissors. This is his villain origin story.

Had an out-of-body experience when Yugyeom rammed his bumper car. Thought it was over, but Y/N came speeding in from the right. RIP. Soul leaving his body

Convinced Jackson to break a science cylinder as a prank, then blamed Yugyeom. A menace, but a smart one.

Singlehandedly trashed their hotel room on vacation. B-boyed for three straight hours after getting drunk.

Wore a dress and danced to Red Velvet's Dumb Dumb for Y/N’s 18th birthday. His self-respect did not survive the night.

Sprained his ankle playing blindfolded soccer at the beach. A walking disaster.

Does Y/N’s bidding against his will—whether it’s stealing makeup or dressing up like a clown, he's trapped.

Once kicked a dude because Y/N said he was creepy. No questions asked.

---

🍜 Mark (Ramyeon Diva)

Permed his hair once. Got bullied for looking like ramyeon. Started fights. No regrets.

Dyed his hair red when he finally recovered from the perm trauma. School rules? What are those?

Packed an Ahgabong light stick for Law of the Jungle camping. Priorities.

Bottled up rage? No. Just lost his patience in a bottle flip game and annihilated the bottle instead.

Gets into fights when people mess with Y/N. Only he is allowed to bully her.

Skipped class to go paragliding with Y/N. Because why not?

Disguised as a white lady to scare Bambam. Successfully made him sprint like an Olympic athlete.

Lost his soul in a horror booth after Y/N whispered demonic threats in the dark. Trust issues unlocked.

Becomes the loudest person in the room when left alone with Yugyeom. Unexpectedly chaotic.

Happily does girly stuff for Y/N. Makeup? Nail polish? He's all in.

Once put fake cockroaches in a girl's locker because Y/N said she was a bitch to her. No hesitation.

---

📢 Jackson (The human loudspeaker)

JYP dancing with Hwasa? Flabbergasted. Dumbfounded. Shooketh. His soul left his body. His face has subtitles all over

Happily does girly things for Y/N. Wigs? Dresses? He’s hyping her up like her personal cheerleader.

Runs for his life when a bug appears. No one lets him live it down.

Joined the archery club with Y/N just to look cool. Missed the target. Hit the wall. Still proud and flexed.

Once told JYP his singing was barely audible. Lived to tell the tale.

Casually threw rice at Yugyeom, Bambam, and Y/N for existing near him because he was hungry.

Blasts Papillon at parties. Every. Single. Time.

Almost committed a crime when Youngjae made him pay for an entire Shabu-shabu feast.

Regularly gets summoned to the disciplinary office for being too loud. Will never shut up.

Dressed as a girl and danced to Dumb Dumb at Y/N’s 18th birthday. Also performed Gangnam Style in a wig along with Kangnam- thought they were doing drag. Iconic.

---

😑Jinyoung (The "I Am Surrounded By Idiots" Energy)

His accent exposes him when he's mad. Everyone knows to run when it comes out.

If Jackson is shocked by JYP’s antics. Jinyoung is disgusted. Actively beefs with JYP.

The official mediator. Prevents suspensions and potential crimes. Exhausted 24/7.

Ready to throw hands if anyone messes with Y/N.

Frequent flyer at the guidance office. Protested against no hamburgers and JYP’s mandatory narcissism assemblies.

Regularly roasts the boys live on Instagram with Y/N. No one is safe.

Went to class hungover. Sat there questioning his life choices.

Left behind at the airport and didn’t care. Completely unbothered.

Nearly committed homicide when they turned a boat into a bumper car.

Also suffered through Dumb Dumb at Y/N’s birthday. The wig had him fighting for his life.

---

🔪 Youngjae (The Accidental Menace)

Got caught smoking. "It’s for method acting," he said—then coughed his lungs out.

Nearly died when Jinyoung caught him holding a knife to Y/N’s throat (they were practicing for his role in acting).

Dragged Y/N to the gym against her will for "fitness bonding."

Ate like a construction worker during the Shabu-shabu incident—then left Jackson with the bill.

Side-eyes JYP at every opportunity. The disrespect is silent but loud.

Yeeted Bambam into a pool like a discarded sack.

Cannot be left alone with Y/N. They seek chaos together.

Chases people with a hammer toy for fun.

Endured Dumb Dumb in a dress. Did not survive the embarrassment.

Thought Bonjour was Spanish in class 😭. No thoughts, head empty.

---

💻Bambam (The Gossip King & Chaos Incarnate)

Packed his entire house for a trip (In his Balenciaga bag). Blankets? Speakers? Everything except common sense.

Runs a gossip page with blackmail-worthy pictures ready to ruin lives.

Skipped school with Y/N. Had one beer. Woke up in a closet.

Failed English even though it’s his favorite subject. Make it make sense.

Almost ended Jackson by making him beatbox 7th Heaven nonstop during their vacant time in school.

Forgot they were on live radio in school and cussed out Jaebeom. Also exposed everyone’s love lives.

Is Twitter’s favorite menace. Roasts everyone daily. Most followed student on Twitter

JYP never punishes him. Somehow gets away with everything.

Absolutely slayed in a dress at Y/N’s birthday. No regrets.

---

👏Yugyeom (Certified Brat & Professional Instigator)

Gets blamed for everything. Didn't break the science cylinder? Still his fault.

Cannot be put in a room with Bambam and Y/N. Chaos is inevitable.

Whines when ignored. Pouts when roasted.

Card-slashes Bambam's ass in the hallway. Almost got detention for it.

Talks through JYP assemblies with Bambam and Y/N. They live in their own world. Couldn't care less about him.

Catches bras at concerts like trophies.

Completely crashes out when pranked. Brain lags for five minutes.

Loud. Always yelling EAAAASYY with Bambam when both their brains click whenever they can

Dumb Dumb dance in dress? Did it. Was mortified.

---

👸The 8th Member (The True Menace Queen)

Brattier than Bambam & Yugyeom combined.

Never gets caught. The boys take the fall. Every. Time.

Insults Jaebeom’s back pain. Calls him "old man." Still alive.

Stole Mark’s cat. He almost had a crash out thinking it was missing.

Lied to Jackson in Mafia Game that she is not the mafia. Got cussed out when revealed herself.

Ate the last chicken wings with Bambam. Let Jaebeom & Jackson fight over it.

Calls Jinyoung "idiot" just for fun.

JYP's favorite student. Smirks when mentioned in assemblies. The boys combust in rage.

[is-the-battlemech-cool-or-not]

Ryūga - THE LAST DRAGON'S OATH

Imperial Palace, Luthien

Late September, 3153

The garden of the Imperial Palace was tranquil, as it always had been—a place where the past and present coexisted beneath the delicate pink canopy of cherry blossoms. The faint scent of incense and freshly steeped tea lingered in the crisp autumn air, mingling with the distant murmur of a koi pond.

Tai-sa Ryūga Kurita knelt upon the tatami mat, his immense draconic form seeming paradoxically at ease amid the carefully curated serenity. Though towering, his presence was disciplined, his movements precise as he observed the tea ceremony before him. Across from him sat Yori Kurita, the Coordinator of the Draconis Combine, her every motion deliberate as she poured the first bowl.

The tea’s surface rippled briefly before settling, a mirror to the unspoken tensions that hung between them. Yori placed the bowl before Ryūga without a word.

Ryūga bowed deeply, accepting the offering with both hands. He turned the bowl in accordance with tradition, took a measured sip, and set it down with equal care. The taste was delicate, yet carried a bitterness that lingered—a perfect reflection of their conversation to come.

“You have come with a request,” Yori stated, breaking the silence, her voice as cool as the wind threading through the garden.

“I would not trouble you otherwise, Coordinator,” Ryūga replied, his deep voice steady.

Yori’s eyes, dark as polished obsidian, remained unreadable. “Speak.”

Ryūga straightened slightly. “The Star League has called for unity. Helios is our battlefield.” He allowed the weight of history to settle between them before continuing. “The Word of Blake lingers there, Coordinator. They fester like an untreated wound, their delusions persisting long after their cause should have died. If left unchecked, they will rise again.”

Yori took a slow sip of her tea, unmoved. “The Combine’s wars are fought with purpose, not sentimentality,” she remarked. “Helios is far from Luthien.”

“It is,” Ryūga agreed. “But distance does not make us immune. The Blakists have not forgotten us, nor our role in their downfall. Rumors swirl that their agents still move in the shadows of the Combine. This is a threat that must be removed before it can fester into something greater.”

Yori exhaled softly, setting down her tea bowl with a deliberate motion. “And yet,” she said smoothly, “I wonder if this request is truly about the Dragon’s safety—or if it is a move to solidify your standing within the Combine.”

For the first time since his arrival, Ryūga allowed a flicker of expression to cross his face. A barely perceptible narrowing of his emerald eyes, a mixture of hurt and rage reflected in them. “You question my loyalty.”

Yori’s gaze remained locked on his, unwavering. “You are the last true heir of the Kurita line. Your blood ties extend beyond the Combine—into the Federated Suns, the Lyran Commonwealth, and some say, even the Free Worlds League. There are those who whisper that your very existence challenges my rule.” Her fingers traced the rim of her tea bowl. “This operation, this grand show of strength under the Star League’s banner, could be seen as a means to build favor among the nobles, the generals, and those who long for a return to a different era.”

Ryūga did not immediately respond. Instead, he reached for his tea bowl again, turning it once more before taking another slow, deliberate sip. When he spoke, his voice was measured.

“My loyalty is to the Combine,” he said. “I do not seek to usurp the throne, nor do I play at politics. I am a warrior. A soldier. My purpose is to ensure the Dragon’s enemies do not outlive its wrath.” He met her gaze unflinchingly. “If my victories bring me honor, that is a burden I will bear. But do not mistake my actions for ambition, Coordinator.”

Silence stretched between them once more, broken only by the faint rustling of sakura petals, falling into the koi pond.

Yori studied him for a long moment before finally inclining her head. “Very well,” she said. “The Ryuken-san and the Hikage will be placed under your command. DEST teams will be embedded as needed. You will fight under the Star League’s banner, but you will ensure the Dragon’s honor remains untarnished.”

Ryūga bowed low, pressing his hands against the mat. “It shall be done.”

Yori stood, the tea ceremony concluded. “Go then, Tai-sa,” she said. “And remember—no matter where you march, the Dragon watches.”

As Ryūga rose to his full, towering height, he inclined his head one final time.

“The Dragon always watches,” he agreed.

And with that, he departed, the cherry blossoms swirling in his wake.

[walkawaytall]

Something insane that I keep seeing on TikTok is younger people using “Millennial-coded” in a weirdly derogatory way to describe someone who is enthusiastically enjoying something without trying to appear cool in any way, and, like…

Look, I feel like Millennials are mostly* immune to Generation War Nonsense™ since our own parents and grandparents have spent the past twenty years hating on us via news headline, and I’m not going to engage with the people who do this sort of thing. But, I also keep thinking, “Did I care what 35 year olds were doing with their life when I was 20?” because no, I did not. What is this? Don’t y’all have some barrel pants to style or something? Why are we living rent-free in everyone’s heads?

*I say “mostly” because obviously there are exceptions to every rule, but also because I would be lying if I said this new weird criticism doesn’t sting a little. Like, the older generations got annoyed at us because of things we weren’t doing; that’s why we got blamed for killing so many industries. And why am I going to care that you’re upset that I’m not buying enough paper napkins to keep the industry afloat? But these newer attacks are all focused on things we enjoy or the very act of enjoying things, and can we not just like things in peaces?

[terra-caw-777]

Okay so my beloved ChippyGaming has just posted a very interesting video..

Here's a list of all the 1.4.5 spoilers I can find in this video 😎 I will be covering ALL of them even if it's stuff we've seen before.

(you could just watch the video and see them for yourself but I just wanna make a list because this video is craaazy)

First of all at 0:40 you can see the lil' bugs in the grass! Kinda hard to get a good pic of them bc they're so tiny.

Here's some of them and it seems they can be lots of different colours.

It seems Red is using a new hairstyle? I'm not quite sure. Also I think Red's hair in the thumbnail of the video is slightly different to this one so at least 2 new hairstyles? Probably more tbh.

The player tethering thing is very interesting! Maybe if we ask nicely we could see it in the update... I really like how recall potions/magic mirrors are kinda broken and force the characters to meet at the midpoint between spawn and the other persons location. So they do work if you do it enough times. Idk I think thats cool and I hope if we do get this then they will keep this weird interaction. Then again it might get kinda annoying idk lol. Imagine using a teleportation potion....

Quick stack to nearby chests button has a green and yellow/orange? colouration and there are new stacking techniques? Presumably each different stacking technique will make the button go a different colour.

At 3:16 you can see a new crafting animation?!? The item also glows after being crafted. This could happen when the item is crafted for the first time. Not really sure cus Red says "it's in the works". The animation also changes colour based on the rarity of the item.

The crafting button that switches on the item selector thingy has a yellow highlight and theres a new quick stack button bellow this? Am I crazy or is this new as well?

Slighly different PvP and team buttons. First pic is new (1.4.5) second pic is current (1.4.4.9)

The Door Method will be the new meta in Terraria 1.4.5?!?!

At 4:17 you can see the first example of the new sunlight effects! (also pointed out at 18:13) The trees, clouds and grasses are glowing and you can also see subtle lens flare.

Also there is fps information at the bottom left of Chippy's screen. Idk if that's new but it seems suspicious. Could be because they are playing on a debug version of the game.

There has been arrows added to the item box of this wooden sword. Most likely to indicate that it is an autoswing weapon? Perhaps you will be able to enable autoswing for specific items as well as turning on the accessibility option.

Whenever they are underground there's dirt and stone dust particles falling from the ceiling?? Is this new? I Might be going crazy.

At the world seed part of the world creation menu it says "<Leave Blank For Random>" instead of just showing a random seed. This is probably because of the new secret seed selector.

New @runicpixels background?!?!?! I think I can see some different ones as well but I can't see it very well because they need height adjustment apparently. It could just be this one again though. Maybe a little bit of another one is visable in the thumbnail of the video as well.

Acorn Slingshot!! Uses acorns as ammo and plants trees where the acorns land. The video doesn't show Chippy actually getting it but all he was doing was chopping trees so you probably get it from shaking trees. Possibly when we get this item the acorns will roll or bounce to a viable tree planting location to prevent planting trees too close together.

New Cloud Slime!! It drops cloud blocks and has floaty physics! I think theres also new sprites for cloud blocks?

Cloud platform! They probably prevent fall damage just like their block counterpart.

Okay so at 10:32 a small tree grows but there is a platform right above it and normally that would prevent the tree from growing? right? New tree growing rules?? Maybe...

Guide is immune to zombies?? This could be a multiplayer bug...

At 11:55 the snail does not die when chippy shoots at it.. Immortal snail has been added??

New Dirt Slime!! It drops dirt blocks and hopefully it can also rarely drop the dirtiest block... We absolutely NEED that for the new skyblock seed.

New Dart Trap Slime? It's actually a Black Slime holding a dart trap which is supposed to be pretty rare. It can shoot arrows at you (which are probably poisonous just like regular dart traps) and it drops a dart trap.

Placeable critters! If you hold a critter in your hotbar and right click you can place down a small object along with the critter. The critter will always stay near this small object and cannot be damaged or killed (probably). Apparently when placed like this they stop being NPCs and become projectiles?? Perhaps we can do that projectlile limit exploit thing with these new placeable critters like we can already do with beach balls and flares?

New Granite Slime!! Can't really see it too well in the video because it is getting brutally murdered with fire. It drops granite blocks and seems to spawn anywhere in the cavern layer. The existence of a Granite Slime implies the existence of a Marble Slime....

New vanity item Goat's Tuft! Found in underground gold chests. I'm pretty sure this causes your character to make a goat bleating sound when they are damaged (as observed at 23:05 when Chippy takes damage from the eater of souls)

New 2x3 painting? Looks like just some guy. In the video they find it in a glowing mushroom cabin but it could just be found in underground cabins in general.

New Slush Slime!! It drops slush blocks and it looks very dangerous.. probably fires ice spikes at you and inflicts frostburn debuff.

HUGE NEWS!!!! MUD BALL IS IN THE CRAFTING MENU!!!!! MUD BALL NEEDS NO CRAFTING STATION TO BE CRAFTED!!!!

At 26:58 Red mentions the Mush Boy. Red is refering to the Mushroom Boi! from Dead Cells which is being added into Terraria along with other Dead Cells items and weapons like the Flint and the Killing Deck. Mush Boy is crafted with glowing mushrooms and is apparently an early game summoning weapon.

Okay! I think thats it? If i missed anything FORGIVE ME and let me know so I can add it! If you're reading this thanks for reading all that! (Still thanks if you skipped to the end though lol)

Love u <3

[bethn0tfound404]

Some OC headcanons :] I am very proud of this

Small TW: non realistic pink blood in Gacha life 2

Iris | Dream SMP: They can actually survive multiple wounds, or one big life threatening wound, that would normally kill someone else. If her body is wounded enough she'll pass out for a while and then wake up hours later, completely fine. They can scare a lot of people with this, some are more used to it than others.

(I had too much fun with this headcanon to the point I made an example 🤣)

They'd join Squid Game (season two probably) oblivious to the fact that the games are deadly with the mindset that the games are just fun child games. Her favorite game would be Mingle and Red Light Green Light. They'd also win all the games with the same exact mindset. Oh and they'd be besties with Thanos. (Jk- she thinks they're besties but she's really just keeping him hostage with her eerieness and he doesn't want to get on her bad side bc he's seen it before).

Their Spotify playlist with newer song additions! I like this one better (biased opinion)

They usually help Sam with redstone and building additional protective mechanisms to the prison, and to Sam, she's surprisingly good at it.

Iris likes to surprise XD with flowers and cool rocks, and sometimes the occasional emerald, saying it reminds them of him.

Iris has a terrible memory, and often forgets small things like names, the date, and if they already said something about something. This often ends in them calling someone a very random and incorrect nickname.

Kyloka | My Hero Academia: They had a small tooth gap as a kid that closed on its own.

The order of timeline: Kyloka gets into UA along with class 1-A, but they fail at getting into the hero course due to getting knocked out early on in the exam. They get recruited for the support course though. They lost their parents during Stain's arc, and Kyloka joined League of Villains a little after Dabi and Toga joined, but before the Training Camp arc, and they were captured during the Gunga Villa arc by Hawks early on in the fight.

Orion | Non-fandom: Orion has a love-hate relationship with sad movies. Nereza loves sad movies, so bc he loves them (/platonic), he'll watch a sad movie with them, thinking he'll enjoy it, only to cry and want cuddles the rest of the day (/platonic). It's an unfortunate cycle.

Nereza | Non-fandom: Their favorite song is End of Beginning, fourth of July, and Harpy Hare. Their favorite movie is The Notebook, Lion King (1994), and basically most Disney movies, with their favorite Disney princess being Tiana.

Atlas | Creepypasta: They have a very weak immune system, and get sick easily as well as for a long duration. Also very sensitive/weak against cold, so they hate winter and snow for this reason.

Kali | Dream SMP: Simpppp- well, a heartbroken simp, but still :>

Kali was a member of a few servers before the Dream SMP server and had a girlfriend named Natalie, but Kali unfortunately died (their server didn't have the three-canon-lives rule), leaving Natalie alone the rest of the duration of the time of the server.

Kali and her wifeyboo are my OCs with the most AUs/Gacha designs!

Peaceful/IRL AU

Hamilton AU

And their past versions

Before Kali didn't die when she did, her and Natalie wanted to get married, but never got around to doing so.

Order of events (hopefully simplified bc it's confusing as hell): Kali and Natalie get together; Kali dies; Natalie is left alone by herself; Natalie dies; the end of their server; many servers later the Dream SMP starts; Kali is reincarnated as a demigod; Natalie is reincarnated as Niki; Niki has no memory of Kali.

Two silly/cute/sad playlists I made of them! The pictures are their past versions.

(please notice the second to last song in the second playlist.)

Samantha | Dream SMP: They thrive on chaos (as well as alcohol), so that's one of the reasons he moved to Las Nevadas. She also heavily believes and worships DreamXD, the reason for them wearing their necklace and bracelet.

Samantha often likes to tease and mess with Sam (the warden) with their nickname Sam. Sam doesn't necessarily hate this, even being fond of it.

They like to cross dress very often, such as wearing a suit or her male Las Nevadas employee uniform, and wearing light makeup, and more ways.

[REDACTED]/Riley | Weirdcore: They hallucinate fairly frequently.

Their favorite hallucination they get is Mr. Banana Man, who they treat as a shop regular, reluctantly taking the offer of any bananas he tries to get [REDACTED] to accept. For some reason, any bananas they take from Banana Man stays whenever he leaves.

404 | Main persona/OC/fandomless: They are a computer glitch that was given a physical form, but something happened that made them glitch constantly. Her creator also accidentally copied their code and made what is their masc version.

Glitch is very competitive, and likes to compete against her male counterpart, and basically anyone that challenges her.

[kustas]

are there any manga series you want to read this year? or anime movies shows u want to watch?

oh boy and how! my to-read / to-watch lists are absolutely massive and they keep growing and growing from hearing cool recommendations left and right :'D a small selection:

Manga

Fool's Night: interesting visuals, combines my interest for weird worldbuilding grounded in biological things and casual horror that I so rarely see together

PEZ: big fan of Hiroyuki Asada's art especially his inkwork, I haven't read some of his stuff in ages but have been missing it lately. This one looks like a short slice of life in a strange setting which I'm always a sucker for

Gachiakuta: this one just looks sick as hell. I am not immune to rule of cool

Anime

Paranoia Agent: seeing Tokyo Godfathers last year's reconciliated me with Kon big time and this is the last of his big hits ive yet to watch

A Tree of Palme: looks incredibly gorgeous, I've seen clips and they all tailor to my tastes in terms of design and animation

Wings of Honneamise: got this one on DVD in a bargain bin so it's just a question of time hehe, I've only heard good things about it including most precious to me the way it presents its setting

There's also a whole bunch of stuff I started and have yet to finish, some im stalling on because it's mediocre, but of the good good stuff I've yet to finish: Ranking of Kings, Kaiba, Veil, Aru Tabibito no Nikki, Revolutionary Girl Utena, Level E, and that one neon green yuri for high schoolers into music

[mrsfrecklesmarauders]

James Potter hadn't always done reasonable things in life. He had made mistakes. He had hurt people. He wasn’t always nice. And he felt ashamed of it.

As a kid, James had everything he wanted. The coolest toys, the best parents he could ask for, money, a big house with a large garden and a pool, a dog to play with, delicious food to choose from and most importantly endless love. That's what made him a bit of an asshole.

It was James's need to make friends, to make kids his age like him that made him act like a selfish twat. He bragged without noticing how others might feel. He made jokes that sometimes could hurt people's feelings. He did pranks to others that sometimes got out of hand.

For James, these things weren't wrong. He found them innocent. Just to have fun. Just to be cool. James was just a kid who wanted to have friends, be liked and have as much fun as he could.

Then James grew up and things started changing around him. He started noticing that not every kid had the luck he had. For example, Sirius, his best friend, had money and everything he wanted but horrible parents. His other friend Peter lacked of confidence because his father disappeared the moment he was born. But yet, James made those two the same way he was. It was more about forgetting about their issues while pranking, breaking the rules and having fun than actually fixing anything.

There were three things that made James open his eyes.

The first one was Remus Lupin. When he arrived, James wasn't happy. He felt threatened by how close he was of Sirius. He got a bit jealous. So he was a bit cold, even mean with Remus. It was until he found out about his past life. Remus had been made fun of, pranked and bullied by other kids his entire life for being trans. And James wondered: "Haven't I done similar things to others?"

The second one was Lily Evans and the way she had called him an arrogant bully. The way she said it wasn't like the silly insults she repeated to him after he tried to flirt with her. This time she had yelled full of rage, leaving James speechless. It had been fair since he had tried to ask her out after her father had died (although he didn't know about it at the time). James understood that the girl he fancied really hated him.

The third and more important reason happened just now, the day before New Year's when James overheard a conversation between his parents he should have never heard.

"We should not tell James for now" his father was saying "You know him. He would act as if this is serious"

"But it is serious, Monty!" Hearing his mother cry had broken his heart "We are not going to pretend you are okay because you aren't."

"Is not that I am sick, Effie. My immune system is just a bit weaker"

"Weaker? Just with a tiny fever you can actually die, Fleamont. You can bloody die and leave me alone"

The way James knew it was something awful and serious was because Euphemia cried. She was sobbing into Fleamont's chest. And Euphemia wasn't a crier. She was always strong, hiding away her emotions. So what James felt in that moment was fear. It was more like panic. Like the one he used to feel when he was little and he was afraid of the dark. His hands shook. His heart raced. He felt his skin shiver in cold.

When James returned to his room, his mind was flooding with thoughts. Maybe he was dreaming. Maybe his hearing was as bad as his sight. Maybe his parents had been exaggerating. This couldn't be right. Fleamont was the strongest man he knew. Sporty and healthy. A bloody rock if you asked him. This couldn't be right.

"So, did you ask them?" Sirius asked as soon as James crossed the door.

In James's mind that question didn't make sense. It felt wrong that Sirius looked as happy as he did after those news.

"Ha?" It was all that came out of his mouth.

"Marlene confirmed she is going to some club with her brothers" Sirius said as he texted "I thought you were asking your parents if we can go"

"Not to be rude or anything but this grown up party is boring" Peter added "Plus you like the McKinnons"

"He workships them more like. Especially Adam" Sirius added with a chuckle "Wait until you see Prongs following Adam like a lost puppy, Moony"

James wasn't even listening. For the first time he wished his friends weren't around. Or any adult that was downstairs. He wanted it to be the three of them. His parents and him. So they could discuss this. And Fleamont would tell him everything would be okay.

"Are you okay, James?" Remus asked with concern when James didn't answer.

The others noticed his expression because they stopped smiling and waited to hear the bad news. But James wasn't ready to tell them. It would make it true. He didn't even know what was going on.

"I don't... I don't think... we should... go...out" James had never spoken as slowly and low as now.

"Why not?" Peter asked "You were the one to say you were bored as an oyster"

"Shut up, Wormtail!" Sirius snapped "Did something happen, James?"

James looked at Sirius. His second in command. His best friend in the world. His brother. How could he tell Sirius?.

"Yeah!" he cleared his throat before his voice broke "I mean they said no... Fleamont and Euphemia... They want us to stay"

"What? Why?" Peter pouted.

Remus kept looking at him as if he knew everything.

James shrugged, grabbing a football from the floor.

"I'm going to kick it for a while..."

"Now? It is almost midnight" Remus reasoned. James just shrugged.

"Want us to come with you?" Sirius asked with his eyebrow raised.

"No! You stay here and finish those beers" James faked a smile to calm them down. Even if he wanted to die in the inside "I'll be right back"

"Be back before midnight!" Peter yelled as James climbed down the stairs two at the time.

James unleashed his frustration with the poor ball kicking as hard as he could, tossing it to the other side of the property and hitting it like a punch ball.

All he could think about was that his father was sick, probably dying and James was so terrible, he wouldn't make him proud. Fleamont's son was arrogant, a brag, a rebel who had been into trouble several times and probably a bully. What was there to be proud of?

"Only you would play football on New Year's in this cold night"

Fleamont had been James's role model since he could remember. He had promise to grow just like him. But he was horrible. He wasn’t the man his father was. Why wasn't James sick instead of him?

"You shouldn't be outside, Dad" James sniffed rolling the ball between his feet, eyes locked on it "It is freezing"

"Dad, is it now? Weren't you too cool to call me that? You've been calling me Fleamont or Old Man for a while now. It actually sounded weird to hear that, you little brat"

James's eyes were burning with tears at this point.

"Do I have privileges now that I am a bit sick?"

James's head turned as quickly as possible. Fleamont Potter was smiling under the moonlight. His glasses reflected the light. His hands were on his pockets. He was dressed elegantly for the party looking casual. But James noticed the bags under his eyes. Sucked cheeks. More wrinkles. Whiter hair. Skinner complexion. James saw Fleamont's illness reflected on him.

"I know you heard my conversation with your mother, James. I saw you through the door"

"Are you dying?" James was surprised how small his voice sounded.

Fleamont took a deep breath "No..."

"DON'T LIE TO ME! YOU'RE FUCKING DYING, I KNOW IT! TELL ME THE TRUTH, YOU COWARD! TELL ME THE BLOODY TRUTH"

James had spit and pushed his father in the process. That made him ashamed. Jokes aside, he had always respected his father. Now he felt terrible. So he started crying.

James felt his father's arms wrapping around him. And James hugged him back, clenching from him as if he would disappear any moment. James didn’t want to lose him. He loved him. He loved him so much. And he needed him.

"It's okay, my son. Sh sh sh. It's okay" Fleamont sighed as he stroked his son's hair gently "I'm not going anywhere"

When James calmed down, they sat on a bench and they talked about what was happening. They missed midnight and the celebration inside but James didn't care.

Fleamont explained that years ago the family's fabric used other chemicals for their products. Poisonous ones. That many workers ended up dying. This changed with time and The Potters discovered other chemical-free ingredients to continue producing. But Fleamont had visited the fabric back then plenty of times when he was younger. And the exposure to those chemicals had damaged his blood and immune system.

"So, you're okay?"

"Doctors said I need to have a healthier life" Fleamont explained "That knowing your mother, she will follow rigorously..." he snorted "But I am not precisely sick. I need to slow down a bit. Take care of myself. Try not to get sick. Because any kind of problem would be dreadful to my organism"

James nodded, now feeling better "If you don't follow the doctor's orders, I'll kill you myself, Old Man"

Which made Fleamont laugh.

"No Dad anymore?"

"You bloody scared me, Fleamont"

The man just responded with a smile and a soft pat on James's shoulder. Though James was still sad and very very scared.

"Do Granpa and Nonna know?"

Fleamont shook his head "Not yet"

"Maikee? The guys from the fabric?"

"Only your mother besides you and me"

"But you didn't want to tell me"

"Because you're just as exaggerated as your mother. Even worse"

"Watch it! Old Man" James pointed a finger at him.

Fleamont let out a soft giggle.

"Should I tell Sirius?" James twisted his mouth thinking about Sirius’s reaction.

"I think we will find the right time to tell him. The three of us. Okay?"

James nodded in response. He was still restless. He was still scared of his father being so vulnerable and fragile.

"Dad..." James said carefully which made Fleamont smile "Are you proud of me?"

Fleamont opened his mouth but James continued before him.

"I'm... I'm not a good person" James said "I've been kind of a twat with a lot of people. I've been mean. I've been selfish. And I haven't been the most obedient son... I've driven you and mum mental many times" James shook his head "I am awful. You don't deserve me"

"I am very proud of you, James" Fleamont answered with a soft smile. James was surprised that he sounded genuine.

"Didn't you hear..."

"Yeah" Fleamont nodded "I am not proud because you are perfect. Because you are not... I am proud because you are an amazing person and a good human being. You've might have made mistakes or hurt people. James, you are so young, you are a kid. We are all a bit awful at that age. But I see you are maturing... You are becoming an incredible man. Even more than me"

James expected some scolding. Some sort of disappointment from his father.

"But I..."

"Have you ever wanted to truly hurt someone?" Fleamont asked.

James shook his head.

"Then it had only been silly mistakes of a kid. From now on, James, be a man. Start doing things right. Silly pranks, jokes and mischiefs are fun. But there comes a time in one's life when he needs to take care of serious matters. And I reckon you are doing an amazing job"

"So you don't think I am a bad person?" James's eyes filled with tears.

Fleamont shook his head "Of course not. You have the best of your mother and me. And we are very proud of you"

James wrapped his arms around the old man as tears ran down his eyes. He was willing to change and ammend his mistakes. It was time to grow up. Yes, he was only sixteen. He was still young and he could still have fun. But he was going to be better. He was going to stop making fun of others. He was going to stop bragging. He was going to make Remus feel welcome no matter who he was. He was going to take care of Sirius and Pete. He was going to stop showing off and asking Evans out like an idiot. She deserved better probably. He was going to be a good person. And make his parents proud. New Year, new James.

"I love you, Dad" James said as he squeezed his father tightly.

"Love you too, my son"