#i don't think cross would enjoy seeing the cows

[calciumdreams]

If you're making requests, sooo...can you draw the Cross x Farm ship?

I don't know, I think they would be cute together.

Like: An easily embarrassed guy who isn't used to affection x A chill, goofy guy who gives him all the affection he needs

Cross helps around the farm because he feels like he's being lazy and taking advantage of Farm's kindness. Saejun appreciates it but he just wants Cross to relax.

[anxious-lee]

|| These Moments That I Treasure || Arcane Tickle Fic

A/N: holy cow does this fandom need some fluff right now 😳. this takes place before season two, but other than that, it can pretty much be whenever you want. if for whatever reason, you don't like these kinds of fics and you stumbled onto this, SCROLL AWAY

Summary: During one of their quiet moments in the lab, Viktor learns something about Jayce

Lee: Jayce

Ler: Viktor

---

Sometimes all it takes is one touch. One sweep of skin on skin to dissolve all your worries. The throes of passion are nice too, but even they cannot replace the value of a simple, delicate touch.

Viktor and Jayce knew this truth better than most. In Viktor's condition, delicacy was crucial. Sometimes in between work sessions, they would prop themselves up on the table, and just hold each other. Playing with fingers, rubbing shoulders, combing through hair, it didn't matter. It was what kept each other grounded when the obstacles seemed too insurmountable; when the weight of living was too difficult to bear.

It was in one of these gentle moments, that Jayce let something slip.

Viktor was exploring the skin underneath Jayce's shirt, taking in every crevice and contour, when he felt his partner shift.

Then came a huff. "Be careful down there."

Viktor's concern was immediately piqued. He hadn't realized that there was a boundary there not to cross. If he had, he would have been much more careful. Jayce had told him about the sort of trouble he used to find himself in, and the memories that his body kept record of.

"You have scars here too?" Vik asked.

The fret in his partner's voice was laughable to Jayce. Absolutely laughable. But only because it was severely misplaced.

"No, no, nothing like that. I'm just..." He trailed off, smothering his sheepishness long enough to say, "... a little ticklish there."

A moment of relief. A moment of quiet. A moment of opportunity.

Viktor chuckled. "You shouldn't have told me that."

Before Jayce could process that threat, nimble fingers were dancing over his ribs like they were plucking a harp. It was electrifying. He was so unused to this feeling that he choked on his own laugh.

It was a sound of shock, but more importantly to Viktor, it wasn't a sound of discomfort.

Jayce tried to hold it in like a breath, but some part of him didn't want to. That part of himself just wanted to enjoy how ridiculous this all was and laugh about it. But alas, his pride was stronger, and so was his will to stay quiet.

Viktor wouldn't let him. He moved his hands down the front of his belly and around to the backs of his sides. Jayce's bubbling laughter was his reward.

"It's funny. I never thought to try this. Now you'll have to listen to me when I tell you to go to sleep at a decent hour."

"You're one to talk," came the giggly retort.

The devilish hands trailed higher, drawing higher chortles. Jayce was now folded in half like a mouse trap, flinching but not quite shifting away.

"I see I'm not the only one having fun," Viktor smirked.

"SHUHUT UHUP!"

Viktor couldn't contain a chuckle of his own. "Where else are you ticklish?"

The audacity to expect Jayce to reveal himself like that amused him. That was such a Viktor thing to do.

"I'm nohot telling yohohou that!"

"That's okay. You don't need to," he said simply.

Suddenly Viktor's hands abandoned their post under Jayce's arms, and instead latched themselves onto his thighs.

The shriek was incredible.

Jayce could do nothing but cling to his torturer's shoulders. He was so overcome with hysterical laughter that he couldn't see Viktor's smile, bigger and brighter than it had been all month.

"I love you like this" Viktor said.

"LIHIHIKE WHAT?" Jay wheezed.

"Glowing. Happy. Not thinking," Viktor would have had half a mind to be embarrassed of how sappy he sounded right now, if he wasn't so enamored with his partner's smile.

At the unexpected sincere words, Jayce looked up at Vik for the first time since this whole game began. He got a good look into the eyes of warmth and love that were reserved only for him. How he treasured those eyes.

Viktor hadn't realized he had stopped tickling. He also hadn't realized how close his lips were to Jayce's.

The gap between them closed, and whatever they were working on today was entirely forgotten. Nothing in this dusty laboratory could replace the value of a loving, delicate touch.

---

i really need this after yesterday's episodes 😭

[carryonafi]

rodeo.

ashton irwin x luke hemmings x reader; SMUT!!🔞

a/n: a little buffer while i work on the next part of where did the party go. (go read it and beg for a second part) enjoy luke being a whiny bitch and ashton in a cow costume����

also SHOUT OUT TO MY FAVORITE MISS SOUPERBLOOM!! she gave me tons of inspo and we’re simply just insane sluts for some poly!lashton which might be turned into a series? :] idk we have SO many ideas

ˏˋ°•*⁀➷

Idly sat on the kitchen island, your legs were neatly crossed over each other as Luke stood with you and you scrolled on your phone. You could feel his hand on your leg, his thumb tracing gentle patterns on your knee and slipping into the small holes in your fishnets. Nothing about this was sexual, just soft touches and quiet giggling as you waited for Ashton to finally be ready.

“God… how long does it take to put on a fuckin’ onesie?” Luke hummed, you could just barely see his blue eyes from the side of his sunglasses. He turned to look at you after eyeing the hallway, and honestly, the cloud goggle-style sunglasses looked ridiculous.

“He should be out soon,” You said with a humorous huff of breath, your eyes followed his lanky frame dressed insanely accurately to Kurt Cobain, full black outfit and those stupid sunglasses which usually just sat atop his head and pushed back his curls slick with product.

Not even another minute had passed before Luke was insisting you take another shot with him to pre-game, nothing could get you to refuse his offer with those sweet eyes and awfully whiny tone of voice. He was already tipsy, and you were sure he’d be in deeper by the time you got to the party. With this Luke there was never a moment of silence, he was happy and giggly which was majorly separated from his usual soft spoken demeanor.

However, a few minutes later there were footsteps coming down the stairs.

“Ash?! Come on, we have to leave!” You called, getting a quick excuse that he was coming in response— and in all his glory he stood in that dumb cow onesie and… fuck. Smudged black eyeliner.

You turned to look at Luke, who’s eyes were glued onto your boyfriend in complete and utter awe. If this were a cartoon, his heart would be beating straight out of his chest and you swear you would have to pick his jaw up off of the floor.

“What?” Ashton cocked an eyebrow, picking up the car keys and waving his hand at the both of you. “I know, I know. It looks fuckin’ stupid.”

“No it doesn’t.” Luke said immediately, making you snicker and bring a hand to cover your mouth.

“This cow onesie?! It’s stupid, Luke. So incredibly stupid.” Ashton quipped, both hands on his hips as he stared at the two of you expectantly.

“No, idiot. The eyeliner. He thinks you’re talking about the eyeliner.” You explained, seeing the puzzled look on Ashton’s face slowly come back into a smirk.

“Ah, gotcha.” He approached the kitchen island you were still sitting on, allowing you to get a better look at his messy makeup. “Figured I’d go back to the emo roots, y’know?”

“Yeah…” Luke mused, both ring-clad hands cupping Ashton’s cheeks so he could look straight into those darkened hazel irises. You propped your hands behind your back, leaning back on the countertop to watch your boyfriends. Ashton seemed to be enjoying this attention, the way he slowly blinked to let Luke get his fill before gently tipping the other man’s chin to press a soft kiss to his lips.

“Hey, now…” You whined, grabbing their attention and another sweet yet cocky smile from Ashton.

“Don't think I forgot about you, cowgal.” He attempted to flirt in a ridiculous sounding southern accent. You playfully rolled your eyes and felt his hands grasp at your denim covered hips, holding you in place to give you your own loving kiss.

“You’re not funny.” You placed both hands on Ashton’s chest, helping you to get down off of the counter as you and your two loyal sidekicks headed for the door.

“Shotgun!” The sound of your voice made Luke groan in frustration.

“Not fair..!” He complained, yet didn’t put up a fight.

ˏˋ°•*⁀➷

Upon arriving, you realized that the lack of a theme between the three of your costumes wasn’t a big deal. No one really cared too much, and you all managed to fit in anyway. I mean, you looked better than the people who didn’t dress up at all. How boring?

Luke’s hand gently gripped your wrist, relying on you and Ashton behind the both of you to lead him through the crowd as he made quiet observations about everyone in the room. You made your rounds, greeting each of your friends as you walked about and watched as everyone practically fed Luke shots from the moment you walked in the door. The fact that you’d have to keep an eye on him was told with a shared look between you and Ashton, but there wasn’t a problem with that.

Ashton, being the more sociable one out of the three of you strayed off to enjoy more time with your friends and interact on your behalf.

Luke spoke into your ear, but you couldn’t hear too well, you could only see his wide eyes and pink cheeks.

“Hmm?” You reached out for his hand, but instead of him taking it he wrapped both arms around your waist.

“C’mere… ‘miss you.” He said sweetly, adjusting the sunglasses on his head to keep them from falling down.

“You’ve been right next to me all night, Lu.” Your tone of voice wasn’t so teasing, but definitely pointing out the obvious. “Come on, we should get you some water.”

Even though you insisted, Luke was still whining as you dragged him off towards the quieter part of the kitchen and searched around for anything to sober up your boyfriend.

“Baby!” You could hear the pout in his voice, turning away towards the sink until his arms wrapped around you again. “I wanna take another shot, come on… come with me please?” Luke spoke into your hair, his face pressed against the top of your head as you squirmed in order to face him again.

It was again that his sweet charm struck once more, you looked up into his bleary eyes and shook your head.

“You aren’t slowing down, are you?”

Luke immediately shook his head with a giggle.

“Fine.” You sighed, then the next thing you knew your arms were horribly linked together downing your next round of Pink Whitney which wasn’t helping you put your foot down and avoid your boyfriend getting blackout drunk.

“You look s’fucking pretty in that costume.” Luke murmured, hooking his pointer finger in the bandana you wore around your neck as his other hand squeezed your hip.

“Hush..” You scrunched up your nose at him, Luke let out another intoxicated giggle in response before leaning in to gently nip at your neck. His words never stopped, muttering against your skin and dragging the tip of his tongue over his teeth marks— the soft complaints you made for him to stop only drew soft laughter from Luke.

Your eyes closed for a brief moment, living in the thumping bass and the fleeting sensation of your boyfriend's lips on your neck. Until he drew back, flinching. You opened your eyes, seeing Ashton with both hands on Luke’s shoulders.

“You scared th’ shit outta me.” Luke complained, shifting just a little bit so he could see both you and Ashton under the now slightly purple light. These LEDs would drive you crazy.

“Sorry, honeybee.” Ashton laughed, nuzzling the side of Luke’s neck before he pressed a quick peck to his cheek. “Wanna come do another round with Mike and Cal?”

You angled your head to look over Ashton’s shoulder, seeing the other two guys standing at the kitchen island watching Ashton fetch you and Luke. Without a doubt, the both of you agreed with no second thought. The idea of your relationship with Luke and Ashton wasn’t very foreign to Michael and Calum, surprisingly they weren’t very curious and didn’t ask a lot of questions.

—

Time no longer mattered, what did matter was being surrounded by your friends while sitting in Luke’s lap to keep his pleas and begs to a minimum. None of it worked. This boy just couldn’t keep his hands to himself no matter how hard you tried to keep him pleased. Luke’s fingertips massaged gentle circles on your bare midriff, face buried into your neck like he hadn’t been near you in years. You tried to squirm out of his arms, but he really wasn’t having it. In fact, he made this sound when you moved that made you realize he was more turned on than you thought. Straining against those worn out jeans of his, you turned your head to whisper into his ear.

“Wanna go to the bathroom, baby?” You mutter, his head popping up from your neck to stare at you. His sunglasses were gone, they were now sitting atop Ashton’s onesie hoodie because they kept falling into Luke’s eyes and annoying him.

“Mm, mhm.” He replies, lips parted as he helped you off of his lap and stood up with you. You went to wrap your arm around his waist, but instead he was taking your hand while quickly weaving in and out through sweaty bodies and others who didn’t bother to find privacy.

A few seconds went by of your endless giggling as Luke tried a few doors, then finally found the correct one with an empty bathroom on the other side. Finally, some release of pressure for him. Luke pinned you to the counter, kicking the door of the cramped space shut and immediately attacking your lips with his own. You couldn’t stop laughing, gently cupping his cheeks and smiling because of how astounded you were. He had never been like this before— well, he had, but the poor thing would almost never act on it. The alcohol really helped him get across what he had desperately needed all night.

The sudden realization hit that Luke hadn’t locked the door, you pulled away from the kiss to look into his eyes. His pupils were dilated so wide you swore there was nothing but black enveloping his sweet icy blues, his cheeks were so pink and his eye makeup had started to smudge… the door suddenly didn't matter anymore. You pulled him back in for a kiss, those swollen, needy lips that were begging for yours again. Luke moaned against your mouth, his hands roaming your body before being interrupted once again.

The two of you froze as the door opened, within the same second you were relieved to see that it was just Ashton standing there. Two drinks in his hand, without saying a single word. After putting the drinks down on the counter, he closed the door behind him and actually locked it this time.

“Ash—“ Luke breathed, unable to finish his thought before Ashton was pulling him in for a kiss just as fierce as the one you were just receiving.

There was nothing you loved more than watching your boyfriends love each other, seeing Ashton’s thumbs hooked tightly in the belt loops of Luke’s jeans as he furiously made out with him was a very close second. You sat up on the counter, giggling to yourself as you picked up a solo cup and enjoyed the show in front of you. Luke rolled his hips forward trying to gain some friction from Ashton, it worked judging by how Luke gasped and Ashton sighed into the kiss.

“Don’t go… don’t stop.” Luke whimpered quietly as Ashton gently broke the kiss, he had to hush him as he turned to look at you.

“But look, Luke.” Ashton patted Luke’s hip, meeting your eyes which were burning with lust and slight jealousy. You wanted that attention too. “What, pretty? Y’want a turn now too?”

You nodded slowly, bottom lip pulled tensely between your teeth as you set the cup back down.

“Let’s see how good you are at riding the mechanical bull, huh?” Ashton flashed you a stupid grin, Luke started giggling like it was the funniest thing in the world while pressing his nose into Ashton’s done-up hair. It was now that you noticed the hood on the onesie, which doubled as the cow’s head, was resting on Ashton’s back.

“Can’t do that here— my gosh.” You smacked Ashton’s shoulder with the back of your hand, he playfully flinched back and sucked his teeth with a soft hissing sound.

“Ouch, you’ve got one hell of a hand. It’s from all that rope pulling, ain’t it?” There was that southern accent again, it was getting very annoying. So annoying that you had to tug Ashton in for a kiss to get him to shut up, he hummed in response and melted against your frame. He placed his hands on your thighs, playing with the frayed hems of the denim and squeezing as the kiss started to get desperate. Yours were on his chest, feeling up the gentle fur of the onesie which just made Ashton feel so cozy. It was incredible how he was surviving in that thing.

“Mmh, let me in…” Luke muttered from behind Ashton, wrapping his arms around his waist and resting his head against his shoulder. You briefly pulled away to look at Ashton, your smile being mirrored back at you as you appreciated the clinginess Luke seemed to possess from all of the alcohol he was allowed to have.

“So cute.” You mused, Luke starting to press sloppy, open-mouthed kisses to Ashton’s neck.

“Very.” Ashton replied in the same gentle tone, tilting his head to the side to let Luke’s hair brush against his cheek. “Needy tonight, are we, honeybee?” He teased.

Luke let out another sound, long and needy like a lost puppy. The look in his eyes made you pout, pushing a sweat damp curl behind his ear. There was a mutual gaze shared between you and Ashton, this wasn’t a need for you two at the moment. You could wait until you were home to really enjoy each other, but Luke could barely keep his hands to himself… something had to be done.

“Think I should help him out?” You raised your eyebrows at Ashton, Luke perked up and eagerly tightened his grip on Ashton’s waist.

“Mm, has he been good? Seems to me like he’s been misbehaving.”

“Have not!”

“See? Up to you, though.” Ashton shrugged nonchalantly, hiding his smirk from Luke which just made you smile.

“I think he deserves to be spoiled.” You settled this battle, keeping your ‘good cop’ front as Ashton was still the more brutal one when it came to bedroom roles. He liked to tease, he liked to push to the point of uncomfortableness where as you treated Luke like the princess he acted he was sometimes.

“Please?” Luke begged, giving you those sweet puppy eyes which had Ashton stepping back to you could hop off of the counter. Luke was already back against the wall, fumbling with the zipper of his jeans and hastily tugging at his skinny jeans.

“You don’t even know what I’m gonna do yet, baby.” You giggled, even though your next moves were predictable. Luke huffed and placed his hands at his sides, allowing you to do the work as you got to your knees in front of him. Ashton stood at Luke’s side, tilting his chin to meet his lips.

“Let our girl do all the work to make you feel good… don’t focus on helping.” He mumbled, lips brushing against Luke’s as he spoke which earned another needy whimper from the blond. Luke kissed Ashton again, humming when he felt both his jeans and boxers come down.

Their make-out session was bound to be broken the second your lips were pressed to his tip, moaning out helplessly to Ashton who gently stroked his jaw.

“Shh, relax. I know it feels good, don’t you love that mouth?” Ashton only fueled that desperate fire within Luke’s chest, he felt like he was about to burst at any moment because of how badly he was trying not to look at you, move his hips— nothing. He was trying so hard to be good, trying so hard just to stand there and take it. You had barely done anything and Luke was already in shambles.

Now, your mouth wrapped around the head of his cock and gently sucking, this is where he started to get used to the feeling. Those whimpers turned into rough sighs through his nose while Ashton placed loving kisses to the corner of his mouth, Luke wanted more than anything to tangle his hands in your hair… but he knew the consequences he would receive from Ashton if he did.

You took him further into your mouth, closing your eyes to focus as you heard the volume of his cries increase again.

“Oh my god,” He tilted his head back against the tile wall, lip twitching in pleasure as he panted out your name and earned more attention from Ashton. Your cycle continued, bobbing your head, swallowing around him, driving him crazy with a flick of your tongue. The recipe for his release, and you could tell he was close. How his hips jerked and his breathing picked up, his hands which were still at his sides balled into fists as he felt his control slipping out of his grasp.

“Better not see your fuckin’ ass leave the wall again.” Ashton scolded, grabbing Luke’s chin so he was looking at him again.

“Sorry— ‘m sorry, so close…” He whispered, voice hoarse from the effort he was putting in to contain himself. “So fucking close.” Luke repeated, moans following each word he spoke. He was waiting for the clear from Ashton, even though he didn’t technically need it.

“Not on her face. Don’t ruin the makeup.” Ashton finally said after a few moments of silence, he knew Luke needed that guidance when he was in a state like this. He couldn’t go without being told what to do, it was like he craved it, needed it so badly that he couldn’t think for himself.

That was also your cue to not pull off of Luke, stilling as you felt that intoxicating twitch before he came down your throat with a breathy whine of relief. It sounded like he hasn’t had an orgasm in months, when he was cumming in the same place this morning and coating your mouth for the second time today. You could say he was pretty spoiled, even if Ashton pretended like he was an extreme hard-ass.

Poor thing, his body went weak against the wall. Ashton had given him his sunglasses back and placed them on his head to push his curls back, you finishing up the job by cleaning up and helping him back into his jeans. Ashton was better at tending to him, he knew just the right words to say and how to treat him… you were better at straightening up and making sure everyone looked like nothing had happened. You were now turned towards the mirror, fixing your shirt and sneaking glances of the two boys behind you softly whispering to each other.

“Can you handle yourself for half an hour longer?” You turned to look at Luke, it was meant to be a bit of a tease, but he nodded and gave you a lazy smile.

“Definitely.” He agreed, Ashton chuckled and gently squeezed his hip before kissing his cheek. However, you paused with the familiarity of a song thumping from the main room. You looked at the other two puzzled, and in turn they gave you the same expression.

“What’s that face for?” Ashton furrowed his eyebrows, and the fact that your face lit up didn’t help at all.

“Do you seriously not hear that?!” You squealed, reaching out to grab both of their hands to lead them towards the door. “Blackout? Brokencyde is playing?! This is my favorite house party song ever!”

It finally clicked for Ashton, although it did take poor Luke a few more seconds to figure out exactly what you were excited about because he had that dumbfounded look on his face. Ashton started to laugh, having to help you open the door as you barreled down the hall and dragged the two with you. Luke was laughing as well, only for the reason that you were so insistent on getting out onto the dancefloor so you could show off. At least he had the promise of more treatment at home, knowing he could behave.

[duhragonball]

It's my birthday today, and the local grocery store was thoughtful enough to stock the Dragon Ball Z Reese's Puffs, so I'm gonna try it out. Join me, won't you?

I still can't believe this is real. I mean, Reese's Puffa is kind of surreal enough as it is. It sounds like some satirical brand meant to poke fun at sugary kids' cereals. The box says "Made with REAL REESE'S Peanut Butter", the same way a fruit-flavored beverage will claim to contain genuine fruit.

The bowl on the box art is a Reese's cup, so it basically depicts candy being served in more candy. I'm old enough to remember when they would photograph cereal as "part of a complete breakfast", and there'd be grapefruits and toast and maybe a hard boiled egg. Basically they were admitting that the cereal was so unhealthy that you needed to eat three or four other breakfasts to make up for it. I just liked the photos because they were so picturesque. Ah, to have unlimited free time to prepare a leisurely 4-course breakfast while reading the paper. I just assumed everyone else was having toast with their cereal except my family, but yeah, it never really made any sense.

I haven't even gotten to Goku yet, but first I want to talk about his spoon. I don't think we see him holding a spoon very often. He's usually a chopsticks kind of guy, or he'll just use his bare hands or even dunk his head into the bowl. It kind of looks like a ladle when he holds it like that, which implies he cooked this bowl of candy soup all by himself, and he's showing it off like a proud chef. This spoon kicks ass, is what I'm trying to say.

But the real reason I bought this is because of that orange hillbilly who needs no introduction. I wasn't even looking for Reese's Puffs. It was the furthest thing from my mind. No, I was stocking up on the old-man cereal I require to survive, when I just saw him staring at me, with his friendly-yet-confident smile. Goku's not pressuring you to buy the cereal. He's sure you'll enjoy it, but it's okay if you want to take a pass. He'll just enjoy all this peanut butter chocolate goodness all by himself. Goku is truly the ideal spokesman. How can you say no to this lovable hunk?

I'm kind of out of touch when it comes to cereal marketing, but I'm pretty sure this sort of cross-promotion is a rarity. Like, they once put WWE wrestlers on Wheaties or something, but usually if the cereal companies want a cartoon on the box they'll just make their own character. Or if the cartoon people want to put their guy in the cereal aisle, they'll just commission a whole new cereal just for that brand. C-3PO had his own cereal for a while. It was pretty good!

What I'm saying is that it's kind of unusual to see a popular character like this on a cereal box. The only exception I can come up with is Fred Flintstone on Fruity and Cocoa Pebbles, but I always assumed that those were specifically "Flintstones Cereal".

Other than that, yeah, I can't think of any other examples of cartoon characters appearing on unaffiliated cereal boxes like this. Well, I drew my DBZ OC on a box of All-Bran today, but I don't think that counts.

"MY FIBER IS MAXIMUM, KAKAROT!"

I wondered what was up with the picture of Piccolo on the back of the box, and it turns out that he's one of seven different characters you can find on the back of the box. Collect them all! Aw man, that Cell one looks fucking sick! I don't know how they distributed these. Maybe they roll them out in waves and Piccolo's came first. Or maybe it's random and I might have found a Cell if I'd checked more boxes at the store. Well, Piccolo's pretty good. I guess.

All right, I just poured myself a bowl and Goku's cereal is gonna have to set course for Planet Oat. The dairy industry may not applaud my shopping choices, but I like oat milk because it doesn't spoil as quickly as cow milk, and it's got a nice oat-y flavor that compliments the cardboard taste of All-Bran.

I did not put Dawn liquid soap in my cereal. This time.

So what's the verdict here? Well, the first few bites were pretty tasty, and then I realized I was getting kind of sick of this as I made my way to the bottom of the bowl. The peanut butter flavor overwhelms everything. It has a very strong odor, so if you like Reese's peanut butter cups you can just sit this out in your room and savor the aroma. I barely registered any chocolate flavor at all. I mean, I believe they put it there, but the peanut butter is the whole story to this.

It's basically Chocolate Frosted Sugar Bombs from Calvin and Hobbes, only this is a special Peanut Butter variant they made. I never really appreciated the jokes about sugary cereals before. I grew up on Frosted Flakes and the like, but there were a certain class of cereals that my mom would just refuse to buy. My grandparents would have them, but I never really understood the difference between Frosted Flakes and Honey Smacks. As I got older, I ate less cereal in general, but that was mostly because I fell out of the habit of eating breakfast altogether.

But now I'm 47, and the only cereal I eat these days is bran topped with diced peaches and a couple of packets of artificial sweetener, so Reese's Puffs is way, way too sugary for my palate. It's not bad, but a little goes a long way for me.

When I was a kid, old people were always griping about all the stuff they couldn't eat anymore. I remember Isaac Asimov writing mournfully about how he couldn't have an Oreo cookie, which bummed me out because that was my favorite cookie back then, and it seemed that the fate of all humanity was to be denied the simple pleasure of enjoying them.

Now, I realize that a lot of the stuff that you liked as a kid just doesn't age up with you. Your tastes change, and you gain appreciations for new things that you wouldn't have appreciated before. That's not a bad thing. It's life. Things change, and you change along with them.

Well, you and I do, anyway. Not Goku, whose Saiyan biology keeps him looking exactly the same for sixty years so he can eat all the sweetened corn puffs he wants. But I don't envy him, is what I'm trying to say. I'm watching a wrestling show on PPV tonight, my mom took me to Cracker Barrel for lunch today, and I drew on a cereal box. I can't complain.

[fromtenthousandfeet]

Is the love and support for Jimin deep, but not wide? Did we succeed in growing his fanbase, or did we just get smarter? We were told to get Apple, which I did. I learned to properly stream Spotify and YouTube, which I do. I bought different versions of his album, which I don't need.

But what is the point of all these charts and wins and firsts? I'm not interested in a pissing contest with other K-pop groups, other BTS members, or Billie or Harry or Jade, or anyone else.

I would like to enjoy Jimin's music in the way I can enjoy the music of any other popular and successful artist. To walk into a store and hear Like Crazy playing. To turn on the car radio and start singing along to Who. Ah, serendipity!

Why is this too much to ask? Why won't they put him on the radio? How is he supposed to reach the GP if nobody hears him?

I'm tired of doing Hybe's work for them. I'm tired of enriching the pockets of these assholes only for them to mock and sneer at us. BTS is the cash cow, but so are we.

One line I haven't crossed: buying anything from a BTS store. Have never, will never.

And as for now, I will keep streaming--as pointless as it may feel--but I'm not buying any more albums. Enough. Basta!

Forgive my rant. I pretty much freaking worship Jimin, but I'm just so fed up with this Hybe/Geffen B.S.

Talk me down, please.

Hmm. Are you reading my mind?!?

I'm not sure if I'll be able to successfully talk you down, but I'll try.

First, let me start off by saying that I am in no way an expert on Korean culture and I'm basing what I'm about to say on watching an obscene amount of K-dramas (embarrassing but true) and newspaper articles I've read about the Korean educational system. Broad generalization - Koreans are obsessed with rankings to an extremely unhealthy degree.

BTS didn't just export K-pop to the rest of the world, they seemed to have exported the obsession with charts, superlatives, placements, accolades, accomplishments. I don't blame BTS per se, but more the fandom who have made it their life's work to make sure BTS always did well on music charts and music competitions. I see that it's both a labor of love and a means of expressing support to the group, but at what cost? And who really cares? All that stuff takes the focus away from supporting good music for good music's sake. And as long as the focus is on chart placement above all else, the general public will continue to view K-pop as fraudulent.

What's the point of literally billions of streams of songs that never make it to human ears? What's the point of albums sold that end up in landfills? And it's almost an insult to the artists who make the music. Can you imagine knowing your fans aren't even listening to your music, they just feel obligated to buy it, or worse, do it to compete with other K-pop acts. Yes, initially this effort was a way to bring attention to BTS outside of Korea when the industry ignored their existence, but at this point, the streaming culture and obsession with charts is a mental illness.

So who has the courage to say no more? What will it take to collectively agree that Jimin lovers will enjoy his music and his amazing performances and stop stressing themselves out over charts and awards? I don't know, but I do know that Jungkook's fake accomplishments are like fuel the fire in this situation. PJMs, wounded from the incessant gaslighting from the company and JJKs alike, aren't going to stop trying to prove reality anytime soon. Everyone needs therapy!

I do have a suggestion, though, and that is to focus all our efforts on getting radio for WHO. I think this is infinitely more important than mass streaming and buying. You are right that the Jimin fandom is deep, and while wide, it's not wide enough to accomplish what all the scolds on Twitter we do. There are a finite number of people who have both the will and means to stream incessantly. And the number of buyers will dry up. As my mother used to say, you can't get blood from a turnip.

Fans' money and labor is better spent getting the word out to the general public about Jimin's insane talent. He's met us half way with a song that appeals to the general pop music-consuming public. He's given us a compelling music video. It absolutely sucks that the onus to market him falls upon his fandom, but it is what it is. The powers that be at HYBE are definitely afraid of the success he would achieve with just the basic promo package.

Radio play means fans won't have to work so hard for charting and won't have to buy so much. But most of all, as more regular people recognize and compliment JImin's talents, the more confident PJMs will become. As it stands now, his fanbase is altogether too insecure. (Did none of you grow up with an older brother who teased you relentlessly? Was I the only one? Don't take the bait!)

So, what to do to get that garbage company to give Jimin radio? I hate that it already feels like we've lost too much momentum, but let's not give up. How many fans live in Los Angeles?! HYBE America's office is located at 2110 Colorado Ave STE 200, Santa Monica, CA 90404-3763. Any PJMs up for a little protest outside their office? Santa Monica is lovely. Maybe hit the beach afterwards? Trucks parked outside of HYBE headquarters? Tagging the songwriters and producers from WHO? Using shame and public humiliation seem to be the only tools in our toolkit. Twitter/X is pretty much useless these days.

Anon, I've been doing what you've been doing. I even bought from the BTS store, despite my better judgement. I agree with you, though. Enough is enough. Basta!

We are only two people, but change has to start somewhere. Let's encourage others to celebrate Jimin's artistry and accomplishments and stop playing the K-pop numbers game.

[mineonmain]

Second Couple Syndrome strikes again...

There is something really fascinating about a lot of second couples in shows where I find myself more drawn to them than to the main couple (VegasPete v/s KinnPorsche, DongheeXHotae v/s TaejoonXWonyoung, WinTeam v/s DeanPharm [i love you pharm...can i pay you to stop crying], SornThat v/s TanBun [i'm so sorry i'm actually lying here i'm obsessed with TanBun. But Sorn and That are fucking adorable and there's a reason why I mentioned them here hold awn], GunYok v/s SeanWhite, etc etc), and there's probably a few reasons. Maybe the main couple is too dreary/boring, maybe their story is uninteresting, maybe we're too used to the old couple and enjoy the freshness of a new couple with a new story and conflict. But personally, while all of these are true, I think the biggest factor is how much we don't know. We're given a taste of what they are, and are left to fill in the blanks for ourselves. It's the most incredible fandom cud that us fan cows are given to chew. (I'd argue it's this very thing that led to Between Us getting made, us liking what we saw of WinTeam in UWMA and wanting to know more).

Step by Step's side couple, Jaab and Jane, is very much shaping up to be the same. Not that they'll get their own show, but that we get to see just enough to make us want more, and yet not enough so we are compelled into thinking (and theorizing) about them all the time.

EP 5 SPOILERS AHEAD...

So let's talk about the two most important scenes for Jaab and Jane so far:

First is from Ep 3, when Jane is waiting with Jaab in the flat to be picked up by his boyfriend.

Yes, Jaab is the one to start, he's the one who raises his hand first to touch Jane's hair and cup his cheek. It makes sense for him to do that (emotionally as a character, not necessarily morally/ethically but that's not the point here), because he's in love with Jane and isn't really hiding it. Yet, he's still hesitant, trying to respect the boundary that Jane keeps reinforcing by reminding him of his boyfriend's presence. On the left, his hand his cupping Jane's cheek, but barely. His touch is feather-light, his hands are hovering millimeters above Jane's cheek.

In fact, it's Jane who crosses the line completely! Jane is the one to grab Jaab's hand, press it firmly against his cheek, hold it there securely, close his eyes to relish in the feeling. Jaab is obviously going to go along with it, because being with Jane is all he wants, so it was on Jane to stop it before it went any further, when instead he was the one to take it further.

Second is from Ep 5, after the team dinner back in Jane and Jaab's shared hotel room. Based on what I can tell, (because it feels a bit piecemeal sometimes, like there's scenes which happened off-camera, but maybe i'm just not paying good enough attention) Jaab is trying to apologize for something. Maybe fighting on camera? Or The Moment they shared back in EP 3?

Once again, Jaab is the one who initiated the contact, the pinky-swear, but that's all he did. He tentatively reaches out to Jane, every time, and waits to see whether he is accepted to rejected in that moment. Once he holding onto Jane's finger, the tension in the room becomes palpable, and Jaab waits. He knows that technically Jane is not on the market, so worst case scenario even if he is rejected he'll understand why, and so he's patient. He just stays there, and waits.

And once again, it is Jane who bridges the gap between them, he is the one who moves forward slowly towards a statuesque Jaab and kisses him. Jaab makes sure that the power is in Jane's hand, and surprisingly Jane uses that power. Again!

Even further into the scene, if Jaab were to keep going like this, he would just be content with whatever Jane was willing to give him , even if it was just a pinky-hold, so he doesn't ask for more (left). And once again, Jane is the one to first use his other hand to grab their interlocked hands together (right), and use that to yoink them closer together.

It's only been a few episodes, but time and time again it's the same ritual. Jaab expresses his love and affection towards Jane in a direct or indirect way, through his looks and his words and his actions, and Jane might usually remind him about his boyfriend so as to establish a boundary, and then Jane crosses the boundary that he himself drew to go towards Jaab. Jane is cheating on his boyfriend, almost with awareness.

And that's why this couple is so compelling to me. Other than this 'cheating', there's nothing about Jane that paints him as a bad person. Then why is he doing this? What is he thinking about when he does this, what happens when he's alone with his boyfriend? What is his boyfriend doing? What is happening is magnetic, and what isn't happening keeps us constantly guessing. Jane's actions paint him in a really grey light, and we can't help but question what his intentions are. For example, Jane has never once verbally acknowledged or reciprocated anything Jaab has said to him, but instead he has physically gone above and beyond, and that's still cheating. There's absolutely no clarity, for the viewers or the characters.

I'm obsessed with them.

[drafthorsemath]

TBB and Clones HCs - What kind of horse would they have?

Thank you to @staycalmandhugaclone for listening to my entire ramble about this and encouraging me to post it.

I don’t actually do a lot of AU HCs but this was fun.  I’ve definitely thought about this in depth. Here are my HCs for what kind of horse these clones would have (breed, color, name, and horsenality) and what kind of horse sports they might be into.  You’ll see terms like left brain (a horse that is naturally confident), right brain (a horse that is naturally unconfident), introvert (in literal terms, this would rather stand around than move quickly unless they feel danger), and extrovert (the horse not only wants to move their feet, their instinct drives them to frequently).

Wrecker

This big boy needs a draft horse or cross. It's only fair. He gets a black Percheron.  And as Wrecker is pretty extroverted, he needs a left brain extroverted horse who can keep up with him. This horse likes chasing cows and going on trail rides. But don't let their size fool you. Like Wrecker, this horse is an absolute locomotive when it comes to getting somewhere fast.  When cow working or the trail ride is over though? Wrecker takes the saddle off and makes sure his equine partner gets plenty of time to roll and shake off. Horse's name: Hector.

Echo

This smart boy needs a horse who can be patient at the mounting block so he can get on safely and is comfortable with vocal cues in addition to the usual stuff. Echo prefers riding Western because he can get away with using just one hand on the reins. He definitely rides a left-brain introverted horse. One that will not take off with him for no good reason, but that is steady. Echo also prefers a shorter horse who is easier to get off of due to his cybernetic legs. This horse can walk for miles while Echo enjoys nature with his equine companion, but is also willing to book it when asked. Echo’s horse is a chunky, buckskin Quarter Horse named Blaster.

Hunter

Hunter is a pretty sensitive soul. He likes to take his time and consider things without jumping in too much and he definitely needs a horse who can think without jumping into trouble. Like Echo, he gets a left-brain introvert. Now Hunter is canonically the shortest of the group (except Omega) so he doesn't want to have to climb onto some super tall horse like Wrecker can.  Hunter can handle some height, but too much is annoying, especially when he has to get on and off a lot from the ground during trail rides or camping trips. Hunter has a palomino Tennessee Walking Horse which is perfectly suited to his horsemanship goals. While they may often be found in the show ring under stressful circumstances, Hunter prefers their natural gait and refuses to show his horse.  That’s not for him.  He finds it easy to ride outside for hours at a time. Hunter takes his horse deer hunting, dragging a deer carcass home after a successful morning in the woods. His horse’s name is Zip.

Tech

So Tech might be a chatterbox at times (and legitimately, I could listen to him all day about anything), but he's also a quiet thinker and can spend a lot of time to himself. When he's taking in new information, especially learning about an animal without the assistance of a data pad, he's going to be good at watching his horse and he learns how to read his horse quickly. He is a very quick study when it comes to horsemanship and so he would do well with a right brain introverted horse. This horse needs someone to take their time with them and form a strong bond, so when something scares them, their person will be right there to help them calm down.  Tech notices the small things that bother his horse before they become really big things. This kind of horse that needs a minute to think and a person who they can trust. Tech believes in himself and his horse latches on to that and so together they can do just about anything. Of all the batchers, I think Tech would be the most drawn to classical dressage for its elegance and precision. Tech’s horse is a dark bay Dutch Warmblood named Descartes.

Crosshair

I firmly believe Crosshair masks a lot of his emotions with snark, but I think underneath it all, he is very emotional. I think he would also do well with a horse that has emotions brewing underneath it all, so like Tech, I think he would do well with a right-brain introverted horse. This horse doesn't want to go fast and is naturally unconfident, but Crosshair takes the time to quietly reassure his horse that things will be fine. With time, they form a strong bond and Crosshair gets into mounted archery (obviously). This once nervous horse who wanted to stand around scared is now one that can be ridden at speed through a course with Crosshair hitting each target. And in between each target he discretely pets his horse letting them know that they're doing great. Because Crosshair knows what it's like to need some validation, he's not going to let his horse down. Crosshair surprises people and so does his horse. Crosshair’s horse is a Clydesdale named Arrow.  They show up at mounted archery competitions and all these people with tiny, fast horses get blown away by this absolute tank of a beast running through the course as they kick everyone's ass.

Omega

Omega got into horse riding like her brothers, but she’s not one to get on some tall horse.  Instead, she gets a left-brain extroverted Fjord pony named Beatrice.  This draft pony is full of sass.  I mean, you could not possibly put more sass into said pony.  Omega really wants to work on mounted archery like Crosshair, but initially Beatrice loved jumping the short fences along the path of the course and then just flat out galloped through any field before coming to a screeching halt.  Hunter thought getting Omega a pony instead of a big horse would be a good idea, but it was not.  However, Omega loves Beatrice and is learning a lot in the process. She has gotten good at warm-up exercises where she asks her pony to speed up and slow down and speed up and slow down.  This way she is teaching Beatrice not to run off with her, but also promises Bea that they can still go fast sometimes.  Recently, Crosshair started taking Omega to the mounted archery course to practice because they discover that Beatrice does better with another horse around.

Rex

Rex really wanted to try dressage.  He really did.  He like the elegance and felt like the athleticism required would be perfect for him, but his horse could not handle the mental collection needed for dressage. Rex should have known better with a horse named Chaos.  Instead of dressage, Chaos wants to go fast and jump high.  Chaos is a right-brained extroverted Friesian / Arab cross. This horse is naturally unconfident and his instincts say “go fast.”  At first, this combination resulted in Rex feeling like he was having a heart attack every time he rode, but as time went on, he was able to help Chaos be more confident, and especially be more confident in Rex himself.  Once Rex fully sees that his horse is just following his instincts, he’s very understanding.  He takes his time during warm-up so by the time they get to the real work, Chaos is much more calm.  Rex decides that show jumping would be a better outlet and Chaos excels at it.  They get to go fast and jump high as a team of two and while it’s not originally what he planned, Rex loves flying high.

Fives

Oh Fives. Fives is really into cross country.  He has a gray, left-brain extroverted Holsteiner horse.  This tall leggy horse is incredibly athletic and will take on the cross country course at full speed whether or not Fives is still on his back part way through.  Fives loves the adrenaline and manages to stay on each time, but it’s not what one would call a pretty ride.  Fives originally named his horse Uno, as in “the one and only,” but Kix started calling him OhNo and it stuck.  Despite their absolute insane rides, Fives does actually care about OhNo and puts in the time to be a better rider.  He knows that it can’t be fun to have a human flopping around your neck and back while jumping down a hill and into the water, and so he spends a lot of time both in the riding arena and on trails working on his balance.

Kix

Kix has a liver chestnut and white Sugarbush Draft horse.  This big, steady horse is a left-brain extrovert.  Unlike the more extreme extroverts on this list, Kix’s horse is find just trotting around all day.  As long as he’s moving.  They love trail riding and while they don’t compete, Kix is trying his hand at the discipline of reining.  Kix named his horse Spike, but Fives calls him FreckleButt.  When the group all go trail riding together, Kix and Spike bring up the rear, making sure everyone is together and okay.  Sometimes for fun, Kix paints the red medic symbol on Spike’s hind end.  As a result, the boys got him a saddlepad with the medic symbol embroidered on it.

Cody

Cody has an immaculately trained chestnut Oldenburg that he sometimes doesn’t know what to do with.  This left-brained introvert mare was a schooling horse, but at this point in her life, she’s tired of teaching people how to ride.  She instead prefers to be fed when she’s not snoring loudly in her sleep.  When Cody got her, he was determined to ride her regularly, but instead he has had to take his time to get to know her and win her over with a lot of undemanding time (mostly involving taking her to the best grazing area on the farm).  This horse is the epitome of “horses don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.”  Because of the time he spent with her, she will only put in effort for him now.  If anyone else tries to ride her, she refuses to move or will lay down.  Cody is mostly working on his freestyle riding, but after each ride he makes sure she gets a good brushing, some friendly scratches on her shoulders, and plenty of snacks.  Her favorites are molassas cookies and Cody knows better than to show up to the barn without plenty of cookies and an apple.  This horse’s name is Gloria and to Cody, she’s worth her weight in gold.

Jesse

Jesse has a buckskin Paint horse who has some markings that absolutely do not match his tattoo, but he's convinced otherwise. While Jesse originally got into horses because he wanted to run barrels, he actually really enjoys liberty work.  His mare is a right-brained extrovert and she needs to run.  While her previous owner and trainer had her run barrels thinking it got her energy out, it’s clear now to Jesse that it just gets her more worked up.  To take the pressure to perform off, Jesse started spending most of his time doing online and liberty work.  While he thought he would love riding and they sometimes go on a nice ride through the field, he spends most of his time teaching her tricks.  He likes the feeling that his horse can be running around without a halter or lead rope on and still wants to be with him and play.  Whenever he arrives on the farm, she runs to him the moment she sees him.  Jesse’s horse’s name is Venatrix and he frequently lets her steal carrots out of Fives’ stash for OhNo.

Howzer

Howzer has a Swedish Warmblood named Lucy.  This right-brained introvert is very unconfident and very introverted.  When he first got her, she would really rather just stand in her stall and be left alone.  She possibly comes from a difficult past, but it’s hard to say.  She is, however, a good equine match for Howzer.  He wants to do right by her.  He’s not going to just throw on a saddle and go.  He spends a lot of time standing around in her vicinity without asking much of anything.  This turns into doing online work and going for walks together outside.  As soon as she shows she’s worried about something, he backs off so she doesn’t feel pressure.  It doesn’t take long before Lucy realizes that he’s a different kind of horse owner than those of her past.  She rapidly bonds to him after this and as he’s able to ride more, Howzer is also interested in dressage, like Tech.  Lucy likes this discipline as well because it isn’t too fast and there is a lot of quiet communication with the rider.  As they begin to trust each other, Howzer is able to ask for more from her and she is able to expand her bubble of comfort.

Gregor

When Gregor decided to get a horse, Rex joked and said he should get a mule instead.  Gregor rolled his eyes a little bit, but within a week he brought Petunia home.  Like any mule, this Belgian Draft Mule has a lot of opinions.  She’s a left-brain introvert who values her downtime.  She is incredibly sure-footed and Gregor loves riding through the mountains with her.  She also enjoys cow working and Gregor gets a kick out of seeing her big ears pinned at the cows who don’t move out of her way fast enough.  While she can be very slow, she definitely gets into her groove around cows.

[tia-amorosa]

Sunset Died - The Loners

New Roommate (Part 2, looonger Part)

While Reginald waited for his food, Gage had taken the last of the leftovers from the fridge. “And I'm not a burden for you either? I mean…"/ ”Hey, don't worry, it'll be fine. Our larder is still well stocked.”. Gage looked at him briefly. “hn, I'm glad my clothes fit you. And you really quit your job?"/ ‘mhm, I think I'm getting too old for that’.

Gage looked at him with a raised eyebrow. “Too old to sell a few things or…"/ ”No, too old to stand on my feet all day. Maybe that sounds like I'm lazy, but I'm not, I just… I need some time to myself. I couldn't get off work until late at night, slept for a few hours and had to be there again in the morning . Day after day. That's no life.”. Gage's face now showed something like pity. “Yes… That's true. Do you have any hobbies?”.

“Hobbies? Yes, but it's nothing special, I'm a nature person, I like gardening and repairing this and that. I guess I got the manual skills from my father…"/ ”I see, well, every now and then there are a few things around the house that need fixing. So if you want, you're welcome to help…."/ ‘Mhm…’. Reginald kept looking over at Twyla and watching her.

“So you slept in the gym the whole time?"/ ”Yes. Before the whole thing happened, I had just moved here, had found this one little house, but after the bang… It was no longer usable. Since then, I've more or less lived for the day. The offer of the small store came along. I really liked the job, but…” Reginald paused for a moment.

Gage realized that Reginald couldn't seem to find the right words. So he continued with his own words. “At some point you need a change of scenery, don't you? You don't really have much of a chance here in terms of work anymore. Everyone is their own boss"/ Reginald nodded. “That's true. But I'll check on the cows now and then, I think they'll miss me."/ ”Hehe. Who replaced you there?"/ ”Gus, a nice guy who wanted to do something other than just lie around. I think he'll do a good job”.

Lucky played outside the whole time and then at some point noticed a familiar smell, which he followed and went back into the house. “Hey, there you are. Well, you've really found a great home… I'd be interested to know if you had an owner before…”. Many animals lost their homes in the disaster and were wandering around alone. And sometimes they were just lucky.

Twyla had finished the cooking and brought Reginald a bowl. “I couldn't find any fresh cheese, but I hope it tastes good anyway"/ ”Never mind, I…I like macaroni with fake cheese. Thank you“/”hnhn. OK, but be careful, it's still hot and bon appétit”.

After handing him the bowl, she let him eat in peace and sat down with Leila. She looked at her and smiled a little. “What?"/ ‘Hn, nothing, I just get the impression you're going out of your way for him, hm?’/ ”Nonsense, he's just a friend I want to help. Sure, he could have made the food himself, but he's our guest.“.

“Mhm… And he smells nice again,” Leila whispered as she leaned slightly towards her. Of course, Twyla, and certainly some others, also noticed the somewhat unpleasant odor emanating from him. But it wasn't necessarily due to a lack of personal hygiene, but rather because his clothes had been worn and unwashed for far too long. “Oh, do you happen to know where the scissors are?"/ ‘somewhere in the kitchen cupboard’.

Reginald was lost in his own thoughts as he ate. And above all, he enjoyed the hot meal after the warm bath. (“I've never been very picky when it comes to food. Whether it's real cheese or the stuff from the bag… As long as it's warm and filling. I'm… really grateful. And she's… Even nicer than I thought she would be.”) A slight smile crossed his face.

A little later. “I hope the meal was all right for you. It's difficult to cook with fresh ingredients in winter…"/ ‘It tasted good, yes, thank you. Thanks also that i can sleep here’/ ”hn, no problem. I'd like to show you where you can sleep now, okay?”. He looked at her briefly and nodded.

Twyla went upstairs with him to show him his new sleeping place. “we actually have two free beds, but Lucky has already taken one of them"/ ‘hnhn, it's okay, I… h-ha-hatshoo’/ ”oh dear! I hope you don't catch a cold"/ ‘No, don't worry, that always happens to me when I'm in new surroundings’.

“really? So a temporary, allergic reaction to new living conditions, hnhnhn"/ ‘haha, yes, like that… Something like that, I've always had that, ever since I was a little boy’/ ”hn, I see. well, if you like it here, then this is your room now. It's also much warmer than the other rooms because of the stovepipe”.

“Mh, yes, the room is fine. Thanks again"/ ”hn, good. And tomorrow I'll take care of your head”. Reginald rolled his eyes up a little to look at his overhanging hair. “Yes, that's really necessary. I used to wear it very short"/ ‘Should I take care of the beard as well?’/ ”No, I look like a teen without it. It can stay"/ ”o.k. Then take a rest for now”.

Twyla turned around and walked slowly to the door. Then she stopped for a moment. “Tell me… How old are you anyway?"/ ‘Me?’/ ‘Hn, do you see anyone else here I could ask?’/ ‘Oh, no… I'm 41, why do you ask?’/ ”Just interested. Sometimes it's hard to guess someone's age, So it's really time for a haircut, I'm looking forward to it, hnhn, good night”.

Reginald followed her a few steps outside the door. Then the easel caught his eye. “Which one of you paints here?"/ ”Me, mostly. Sometimes Gage too, but only when he's extremely bored, hnhn. But I paint to get through all the chaos here"/ ‘and where do you get the colors?’/ ‘I make them myself.’/ ‘Oh… O.K.’.

“It's something special when you can create certain things with your own hands. When I still had a garden back then… I spent almost the whole day tending the plants"/ ‘And they certainly grew well thanks to the good care’/ ‘I don't want to brag, but… Yes’. Twyla had to giggle a little.

“d-do you like gardening?"/ ‘Me? Sure, hn./ ‘Silvia, she… She hated it when I spent more time with my plants’/ ‘Silvia?’/ ‘Yes, my… My almost-wife’/ ‘Oh, is she…’/ ‘No, she's not dead, maybe… Maybe I can tell you about her later?’/ ”mhm. I hope you sleep well tonight, Reggie"/ ‘thank you’.

Twyla went to her room and put on her sleeping clothes. She was pretty tired today, even though she hadn't done much. But time passed unusually quickly today. “His almost-wife? If she's not dead… something must have happened. He's quite reserved, almost shy, but not completely closed off. If he wants to talk, I'm happy to listen.”.

It wasn't just Twyla and Reginald who went to bed early that night. Leila and Gage also went to bed early. It was pleasantly warm in the house, but the cold that winter brought with it was quite unpleasant. But not for Lucky, who played outside for most of the day. But he knew that when everyone else went to sleep, it was time for him to get some rest too.

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

@greenplumbboblover

[blackhakumen]

Mini Fanfic #1156: Nightly Christmas Shopping Around Southtown (King of Fighters)

6:45 p.m. at Southtown's Stanfield Mall: Clothes Store........

Rock: So that's what a onesie looks like, huh?

Shingo: (Happily Shows Off a Blue Colored Cat Onesie He's Currently Wearing in Front of the Dressing Room) Yep! Comes with various different sets and colors: cows, horses, elephants, lions, King of Dinosaurs, you name it and they're probably selling a few of them elsewhere. I'm thinking of getting another cat one for Leona-san for Christmas this year so we can match. Different colors though, I'm hoping Teal colors are still in stock.....

Rock: (Nodded in Agreement) Yeah, I can see her wearing something like that on her off days. You two would look more like a cuter pair than you are already.

Shingo: More like cuter trio. We can't forgive about Heather in the equation. Check it! (Presents Rock Another Onesie, Kitten Size)

Rock: (Chuckles Lightly) They actually cat sized onesies too?

Shingo: I know, crazy right? I just found out about it after I left the house. It's looks so adorable~ (Presents Rock a Wolf Onesie in his Other Hand) I even got you cool wolf one if you ever wanna join in on the club.

Rock: (Smiles Sheepishly) I'll.....give it some thought later, bud.

Few Minutes Later at the Candy/ Sweets Shop

Rock: (Picks Up a Tall Looking Candy Cane From Out of a Barrel) How about we give the girls this candy cane? It's nothing too special, but I have no doubt she'll enjoy it regardless.

Shingo: (Nodded in Agreement) Sounds good. (Shows Rock Four Chocolate Bars in his Hands) We could also give them these Willy Wonka's Chocolate Bars as a bonus, but we're gonna have a find a really clever hiding spot for all of them.

Rock: ('Sigh') That's easier said than done really. Kula has a nose of a bloodhound.

Shingo: ('Sigh') So does Naomi.......You think Terry still have that Mini Fridge of his?

Rock: Probably? I'll have to ask him tomorrow. But for now, let's try and hide them somewhere neither of their noses can find.

Shingo: Right.

Few Minutes Later at a Sunglasses Store

Rock: (Sighs While Looking for the Coolest Looking Sunglasses They Have in One Selection) I swear, of all the things he could want for Christmas this year, why does it have to be pair of sunglasses? (Turns to Shingo) Doesn't he already have enough of them back home or something?

Shingo: (Shrugs) Probably. Even then, that won't stop him from getting more.

Rock: (Forms a Bit of a Teasing Smirk at Shingo) Sounds like a certain someone else I know with notebooks.

Shingo: (Starts Pouting at Rock) Hey, at least I use my notebooks for strategic and research purposes. K' has a million sunglasses under his belt and I have YET to see him wear anything different than the one he's wearing now!

Rock: True, but you can't deny some similarities you guys have from each other

Shingo: ('Scoffs') Oh please. (Crosses his Arms Together While Turning Away) I'm way more mature and proactive than that mopey, lazy bones wishes he would be!.....(Slowly Turns Back to Rock) D-Don't tell him I said any of that, okay?

Rock: Help me bake a few treats for the party in a few days and I'll pretend this conversation even happen. (Put his Hand Out)

Shingo: (Gives Rock an Agreement Handshake) Deal.

Few Minutes Later at the Pet Shop Store

Rock: (Looks Down at Some of the Items He Got inside the Basket He's Carrying) Okay. I got one two marten plushies for Itokatsu to play with, a star-shaped chew toy for Antoine and a mini Terry costume for Ukee to wear.

Shingo: You know, I always keep forgetting you guys used to have monkey for a pet.

Rock: Yeah, it has been a while since we last saw him, but I heard from Uncle Andy that he's been doing great in hus and Aunt Mai's place as of late. Speaking of which.....(Pulls Out a List From his Coat Pocket) After we leave here, we gotta head to the Besuty Shop to get a hair spray for Aunt Mai, a Swan Soap for Mary, and a Sakura Flower hairpin for....(Clears his Throat a Bit While Blushing) Hotaru.....

Shingo: (Chuckles Lightly) D'awww~ You're buying your girlfriend a Christmas gift already?~

Rock: (Sighs While Rolling his Eyes) Don't start. She told me was going to get me something days ago, so I figured I would try and return a flavor. I just hope there's still some more left in stock. Heard they ran out quicker this time of year.

Shingo: Then we'll just have to get it before anyone else does. Im sure sure it won't be that hard to do, right?

An Hour and a Half Later at the Beauty Shop

'Door Opens'

Rock and Shingo jumps out of the store in an exhausted state.

Rock: (Starts Panting Along with Shingo) Thank.....GOD.....we got out of there......

Shingo: Right!? It was like.....a freaking WARZONE in there!.....

Rock: And those perfumes.....Who idea was it spray them all over the place!?

Shingo: I dunno, man.....But those ladies in there.....REALLY weren't holding any punches at all.....

Rock: They didn't. (Pulls Something Out From Inside. Bag) But at least we got what we were looking this whole time- Ah dammit! I got the wrong flower!

Shingo: (Takes a Look at the Rose Shaped Hairpin Rock's Holding) Well, you can never go wrong with anything rose related.

Rock: ('Sighs Heavily') I guess....At least it's better than coming out here empty handed. I'm never going back in there for as long as I live.

Shingo: Neither will I. (Notices a Bench Sitting Right in Front of Them) Wanna go sit down for a bit? I'm too exhausted to walk now....

Rock: (Gets Himself Up From the Ground Before Helping Shingo Up Afterwards) Sure. We could use a bench break right now.

The duo makes their way to the bench and sit themselves down, exhaling plenty amount of relief from out of their systems.

Shingo: Don't know about you, Rock, but I think I might be done with Christmas shopping for now

Rock: The list is near completion, so we'll get more done in a day or two. Maybe have K' and Kula tag along next time around.

Shingo: I'm down with that motion. It'll give me more time to think about something special I wanna give you this year.

Rock: (Turns to Shingo) You don't have to go out of your way to do that for me, even if it is for the holidays.

Shingo: (Turns to Rock) I know, but you're the first new friend I've ever made since I've moved here. So I wanna show just how much I appericate you and our friendship so far, you know?

Rock: (Heart Begins to Melt in Genuine Happiness) I appericate you too, man. Our friendship alone is more than enough of a Christmas gift for me to have going forward.

Shingo: (Heart Starts Melting in Happiness as Well)

Rock: (Shrugs) Buuuut if you still insist on getting me something regardless, then I won't stop you. Just don't get me something too expensive, yeah?

Shingo: (Starts Smirking a Bit) Give me a hug and I'll get you cheapest looking jacket known to men.

Rock: (Chuckles Lightly) Sounds good to me! (Gives Shingo His Much Need Hug) Thank you.

Shingo: (Hugs Rock Back) No problem. Happy Holidays, Rock Howard Bogard.

Rock: You too, Shingo Yabuki. You too.

@thelexhex

@tampire

@albion-93

@theweebmaster31

[l3m0ngal5]

Vasilia:I was hot

I went to parties a lot

Y'know?

I was driving Lamborghinis

Sipping super-dry martinis

In the tiniest bikinis on a yacht

But I was depressed

Also completely obsessed

An unhappy beauty queen

Who dreamed to be Miss Argentina

I had such low self-esteem

I was a mess

So I gave it all up for the netherworld

I've been here forever, girl

If I was more clever, girl

I would've stuck it out

Knowing what life's about

Pain and joy and suffering

Failing but recovering

I'll tell you another thing

Everyone here is alone

So if you are breathing

Go home!

If I knew then

What I know now

I would have looked within and let love in somehow

If I only knew

The truth back then

I wouldn't have had my little accident

Don't be blind

You left your whole life behind

See a shrink

Call a priest

Ask the recently deceased

Death is final and you cannot press rewind

Sterling:Don't jump when the light is red

Heath:Toasters should be used for bread

Mrs Sharp:Never smoke cigars in bed

Champagne:Nietzsche was right, y'know, to live is to suffer, bro

Ulits:Don't cheat on the one you wed

Jake:Never whip a thoroughbred

All:Angry pygmys shrunk his head

Why did it take death to see

Happiness was up to me?

Vasilia:If I knew then

What I know now

I would've laughed and danced

And lanced every sacred cow

I thought I knew

But I was wrong

'Cause life is short

But death is super long

Benny:I exploded!

Vasilia:If I knew then (If I knew)

What I know now

I would've crossed every line

And drank all the wine

Before my final bow

If I knew (If I knew)

The things that now I know

I would ride the highs and cherish the lows

all:Going, it's a quick trick 'round the rodeo

So before they lower the curtain, be certain to enjoy the show

That's what I know!

Life is short but death is long

Here, one minute then it's gone

Thought I knew but I was wrong

If I only knew what I know now!

I adore this song and think it works amazingly for the v

[nancypullen]

SPRING!

Spring has sprung and I've got an itchy trowel hand. I'm dying to get stated in the gardens. Raise your hand if you think I need at least one raised bed for herbs.

I chose those baseball players because it's also baseball season! Opening day is March 28th. Hit 'em where they ain't boys! Name that movie. Here's a hint.

If I sound chipper today, it's because I am. I HAVE A DAY OFF! Hallelujah! This job has become all-consuming and honestly, not fun. With spring in the air I'm longing for home and time spent playing in the dirt. The flower beds in the front of the house wave me off every morning and greet me every night - and I miss them!

Those gorgeous irises ae from Stoner Creek Elementary where I spent many years working. When a tornado wiped out the school some of my sweet teacher friends dug up and divided irises from the grounds. My dear pal, Dina, gifted me with several and they're thriving. The tulip bulbs were sent by my sister-in-law last December. I put them in the ground and, lo and behold, all 40 bloomed! Isn't it special when you can look at parts of your gardens and feel a rush of love for the people who made it possible? Double the pleasure. Our high today is just 47 and there's a chilly wind blowing, but the sun is bight and skies are blue. No complaints from me. I spent a little time cleaning up winter debris from the flower beds and making plans for what I'll grow this year. Every fall I swear I'm not planting sunflowers again, and every spring I come across seeds that I saved and I'm pulled right back in. Of course I'll plant them. They did really well on the east side of the house last summer, so that's where they'll go again. I surrounded them with zinnias for extra color (is there anything easier to grow than zinnias?) and the grandgirl liked making bouquets with them. I'll do that again. My Zepherine rose bush arrived last week and went into the ground, crossing my fingers that she'll really show off. Of course, this is her first year so I shouldn't expect too much. I shouldn't, but I will. I need to do a lot of things with my time off, but I have a feeling most of it will involve dirt. I'm okay with that. I just want to wear old t-shirts, make things grow, and feed the birds and squirrels. I've become an old swamp witch. There are worse ways to spend my time, right? I've got a roast in the crockpot, I'll roast some broccoli and mash some taters for dinner. We eat a lot of salmon and salads, generally avoiding red meat, but I thought the mister deserved a big hunk of cow meat tonight. He has been absolutely wonderful about keeping things tidy and making dinners. I know, I know women do invisible work for decades and no one ever applauds or thanks them. We're criticized when we don't do it all, but never thanked. Still, I appreciate that he's not leaving everything for me to do, so I will shower him with beef. I know it's been forever since I posted, and I really hate it. HATE it. I ask myself at the end of every nine hour day at the library why I'm doing this. I just wanted to volunteer somewhere and meet some nice people.

I know that most folks don't see what happens behind the scenes in a library, it seems like quiet people just sit at desks and check books in and out. There's constant work to be done, lots of big plastic tubs of books coming and going that have to be processed, inter-library loans,etc. I also spend time at the information desk which is always wild. Some of the questions that people call with would blow your mind. I enjoy working in the children's room, that's always fun. I really love when I can put the right book into a kid's hands and they come back and ask for more like it. Shelving never ends...ever. I'm already working on April's displays , two in the main library and one in the children's room. I just really wish that the days weren't so long. This week is a short week for me and I am delighted. Next week will be long. If they'd just have me come in from 9 to 1 daily, I could knock out all of my work plus others' tasks and still have a life. I work every hour that I'm there, others do not. If I have down time I will float around and pick up the slack in other areas. If everything is caught up, I'll clean. I never thought I'd be that senior citizen that complained about "young people today", but my gosh there's a whole lot of dead weight on staff. Seems like everyone has a special reason why they can't complete a task or show up for work. Ugh. They're all making more than me and getting health insurance, why am I the only one worried about the work getting done? I'm the part-time granny! Okay, I'm not going to end this happy blog post with whining about work. It has been good for me to get out and meet people, I'll stick with the positives. I skipped lunch today because I was working in the yard and now I'm feeling snacky. Since we're having a big dinner I guess I'll just have some cucumbers or a cup of yogurt. That'll keep me from wasting away to normal. Might even sit down and watch some murder tv. I've really been missing my shows! I have to catch up on all of the heinous things people do to one another. I wouldn't be surprised if someone calls the library asking how to dispose of a body, I'll just consider this research. I'm off for a couple of days so I'll blog again tomorrow. Hooray!! I miss the old days of steady blogging. Until then... Stay safe, stay well, HAPPY SPRING! XOXO, Nancy

[creaturefeaster]

new day new morning post

Currently 06:55 PST as I begin this post.

Does anyone else listen to The Cure? They're touring this year overseas, the last time they did was 8 years ago. I'm going in June to see them live, and I'm very excited. When buying tickets with my husband, I remarked that a The Cure concert is probably one of the only places I could be where people wouldn't stare at me (my fashion is what I'd call dark and loud)-- something I found funny.

On top of this, I was asked if I wanted to get a tattoo for my birthday. I have been considering a tattoo for a while now, though I've been on the fence because the idea of putting something permanent on my body is a hard hurdle to get over in my brain. Or moreso, I'd just want to make sure it isn't something I would regret down the line. I'm considering imagery of things I've always loved; Cow skulls, roses & thorns, eyes, a few things that cross my mind that are also pretty safe and hard to get wrong on a tattoo.

Maybe I'll find someone to help design a tattoo for me. That'd be fun. But also perhaps difficult when there's only a couple of weeks left until my birthday. Much to think about.

Speaking of much to think about, I succumbed to one of my usual dreams of dire last night. I have always been a nightmare dreamer, usually about zombie invasions, or an indescribable entity that kills the population in swathes. Tonight though, it was a dream about someone who was considered to be so perfect (for reasons I don't know. the guy was kind of a dick imo), that there was a mad chase to both capture this guy, and also keep him safe from harm.

My dream ended sort of abruptly near the end. I don't remember much about the details of the dream, other than that it was a lot of sneaking around in the dark. One of the ending scenes though was someone attacking this 'perfect guy,' completely severing his hand and pulling his arm so harshly you could see it hanging from the ligaments that attached it to his shoulder.

People in my group, that I was apparently in, flipped the fuck out and decided the only way to balance justice in this situation was to axe the attacker right in the forehead. The gore was excessive!

I'm not sure why this dream was so brutal and graphic. But I have awoken quickly because of it, meaning I can start my day early and more awake. I'll take it.

...

RE: To follow up with my little grumbles in my last morning post, nobody is harassing me. That hasn't happened in years. It's moreso an influx of people either messaging me and begging me to come back, or people messaging me asking if they can have my ask blogs. Both insensitive considering that I feel I've been pretty clear on my stances with the blog & fandom. But also everyone gives the fandom too much credit for making me pull away from the show. One of the biggest things for me was some of the more recent stuff they had in the show that made me feel so sickened, I just couldn't enjoy it anymore.

I've considered recently just unfollowing people who post about the show on the regular, or even blocking some, because tumblr reallllly likes to recommend me blogs just loaded with SP content still, and it's starting to get on my nerves. That, and the more I think on what happened in the show, the more it makes me uncomfortable to be around people who just pretend it never happened/ignore it.

...

Anyways, this is more than I wanted to say on the subject already. I'm over it for now.

P.S. By the way, I loved reading from you guys how you've all been doing. Some left replies, some sent me asks, some DMed. It's nice to know what people around me have going on :3.

Here's this morning's question: What's the latest dream you can remember having?

[rikki-roses]

Fluffy February Day 20: Partners

SWTOR

Pairing: Kevra Kallig, Xalek, and Ashara Zavros; AKA Darth Nox and her apprentices

Time period: Sometime in chapter 3 of the Inquisitor storyline

Taking the platonic fluff route for this prompt. I think I named her ship something else, but I don't remember what or where I put it lol.

I feel like Ashara and Xalek would be perfect for the Get Along Shirt meme, so ofc I had to write it out.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Ashara and Xalek were both already awake and arguing by the time Kevra rolled out of bed. By the time she was dressed and had wandered into the ship's galley, the two were nearly throwing punches. Kevra did her best to ignore them as she made her tea.

Only to have to duck when Ashara used the Force to throw the electric kettle full of water at Xalek's head.

Only for Xalek to also duck, causing the kettle to smash against one wall, boiling water exploding everywhere.

"ENOUGH."

Kevra didn't bother counting, all of her Gentle Parenting lessons flying right out the window. Morning Tea was a sacred, time-honored tradition on the Shadow's Whisper. You don't disrupt Morning Tea.

Xalek and Ashara both froze, their eyes wide. With a furious glare, Kevra disappeared down the hallway for a few moments before returning with The Get Along Shirt. Angrily grumbling under her breath, she forced both Xalek and Ashara to wear it together. Kevra crossed her arms as she addressed them.

"Now then. The two of you will work together to clean up the mess. The shirt does not come off until the two of you can be civil and the kettle is fixed. As my Apprentices, the two of you are meant to be partners, not rivals. That means no murdering each other until after you are both done training."

"But Master -"

"She is weak, my Lord -"

Kevra glowered until the two fell silent. "I don't care about your excuses. I chose you both, and I intend to keep you both. You each have complementing strengths and weaknesses, and the two of you need to learn how to work together effectively."

Kevra stormed off to the bar, pouring herself a drink; she could already feel a headache starting. Talos and Andronikos joined her, and the three sat together for Morning Brandy to replace their usual tea tradition.

It took over an hour for Xalek and Ashara to get the water cleaned and kettle fixed; most of the time had been spent bickering and figuring out how to move with the shirt on. Eventually, they presented themselves to Kevra, glowering but tolerating each other, water cleaned up and kettle banged up but back in its place on the counter.

Kevra eyed the now-almost-empty bottle of brandy, chugged the rest of it, then clapped her hands and approached the pair.

"See? That wasn't so bad. Teamwork makes the dream work, as they say."

Kevra graciously helped her apprentices out of the Get Along Shirt, failing at hiding her shit-eating grin. The shirt did its job; it had taken the thunder out of the pair. They both scuttled off in different directions as soon as they were freed, cowed by embarrassment.

Kevra got the electric kettle running again, and enjoyed her Morning Tea in peace.

[curlysgirl0202]

HEAD CANNON STORY:

How Curly Bill and Johnny Ringo Would Respond When You Comfort Them...

We all need to be comforted, that's part of being alive. Even animals seek out comfort from one another.

Men like Curly Bill and Johnny Ringo tell themselves the only comfort they need is a ramera and a bottle of nose paint (whiskey). Traditional cowboys engaged in cuddling (yes these jackeroos were that lonely on a drive) and some men in the old west were involved with cross dressing to provide the illusion of a woman for the sake of comfort...Hard to believe...But remember, the wild west is often described as the lonely west...So receiving comfort wasn't as easy as it can be today. If you think you have difficulty finding a strong shoulder to cry on, imagine living back then so you get the picture. It was lonely...

So when Curly or Ringo are in need of something more than what a lady of the line can provide, they tend to shut down and pretend they're fine. They're not men to show emotion because like many men today, they saw it as a sign of weakness.

So when these two are down in the dumps, what will it take to comfort them and how would they respond to YOU providing comfort and cheer them up?

Curly Bill:

Curly Bill doesn't usually have too many bad days and he is looking to have fun most of the time. If one of his cowboys are mopish, Curly is more concerned about how they will mess up his good time. No need to get all sentimental; some women and whiskey are just what the doctor ordered. However the old cowboy does have his moments and he usually keeps it to himself. Cowboys don't receive counseling from anyone and they're a bunch of filthy dudes who just want to blow off steam.

When you first notice Curly Bill looking down, it's a concern for you because he's usually the one making everyone else laugh with his odd sense of humor and practical jokes. He likes to live in the moment most of the time. If you ask him, he'll tell you he's fine because he doesn't want you to think he's weak or that he can't solve his own problems. It's not so much that he doesn't want to trouble you, he's just not the type to be overly sentimental or sensitive. And why would old Curly be that way? He spent lots of time in chains or behind bars, stealing cows, getting drunk, gambling and spending his winnings on whiskey and caliquo queens. Whores don't ask too many questions... But they only provide so much..If he's got the funds, Curly can fall asleep with his head on her bosom and pretend there's something more. So, getting Curly Bill to admit to you that he needs some comfort would be as strange to him as it would be to you. But he likes you and when he's near you, he always feels a little better; as of there is a sense that everything will be alright when you're around. All it takes is your smile to get the old rustler to warm up.

So, like the lovely woman you are, you persist. Since he's told you he's fine, you back off with any more questions. That will only exacerbate things and you're the LAST person he wants to snap at for getting too nosey. Your approach with Curly will be different than with Johnny Ringo, who would never get tired of your concerns. And Curly Bill doesn't get annoyed for your concerns; in fact, a woman's genuine concern is priceless. Curly would get impatient and frustrated from too many questions.

First, you find out what Curly enjoys such as oatmeal cookies or apple pie (who doesn't love pie)? Then you ride out into town with a basket of your baked goods. When you see your cowboy, you wave from across the street and show the smile Curly Bill loves so much! He'll wonder what's in the basket.

"I know you've been a little down lately, Curly Bill," you begin. You smile up at him and his heart lifts. "I wanted to do something for you so I baked you some cookies." You shrug your shoulders and flip your hair with your free hand. Curly' eyes will grow wide with delight! Nobody cares about how he feels so having a beautiful woman like yourself actually take the time to bake something he loves would have Bill's head swimming.

You hand the basket to your cowboy and he's beaming from ear to ear and he's so moved by your kindness, he is at a loss for words! He shakes his head and continues smiling at you as you unfold the towel and show him a freshly baked batch of delicious and soft oatmeal raisin cookies.

"Well, ain't that mighty sweet!" He finally says. His heart is so full of joy at that moment that he suddenly forgets about his bad mood. He keeps smiling at you and you smile back, biting your bottom lip, which you do when you're feeling shy and it drives Bill crazy when you do that!

Curly Bill is so delighted by your gesture of kindness and he'll feel like you are the sweetest, kindest, tenderest and prettiest woman he's ever met. He won't be able to contain his happiness so don't be surprised if he places the basket of sweets down, cups your face with his big hands and kisses you gently. Your trembling will cause him to chuckle and flick his tongue like he does when he's amused by something. Not that he's pleased your nervous; he finds it adorable and endearing. Of course you're a little nervous... He's Curly Bill Brocious, King of the Cowboys and he's got quite the reputation for swift retaliation against those who hurt the ones he cares about.

"Well, do you want to try one?" You smile while playing with your hair.

Curly Bill smiles at you again and knows you want him to and since it's not everyday someone does something nice for this old cowboy, he takes one cookie and munches it. It's the most delicious oatmeal cookie he's ever had...He tells himself that because you're the one who baked them and you're the only person who ever cared about his feelings and you cared so much, you made something to make him smile so your cookies naturally taste better...They taste like your hugs which is something Bill can't get enough of.

"You baked these for me and my boys?" Curly asks. You shake your head and smile.

"No...Just you!" At that declaration, Bill is so overwhelmed by your sweetness, he takes you in his arms and holds you tight. His heart lifts when you wrap your arms around him and hug him tight. He then brushes your hair away from your face as the breeze keeps blowing it around... People walk by and stare at the both of you. Some whisper, "that's Curly Bill Brocious! He's a outlaw. What is that beautiful lady doing with him?" And Curly Bill has asked himself that same question over a dozen times.

Curly Bill will pick up the basket of freshly baked cookies and put his arm around you. While you walk together, he starts to speak. "You're real sweet," the big cowboy says. "Real sweet." He stops and looks at you. He still can't get over that you were so intent on cheering him up with one of his favorite things to eat! While walking together, Curly Bill will always feel great when he's with you. You overlook so much and he can't help but love you for that.

"Why are you so sweet?" He asks. "To me I mean? I ain't done nothing to raise your eyebrows!"

"Yes you have," you answer, kissing him on the cheek. Your spontaneous gestures of affection drive him wild. "I really like you, Curly Bill Brocious."

"Say that again...Soft on my shoulder. Say it real sweet.". You lean towards his ear, rest your head on his strong shoulder and whisper, "I really like you, Curly Bill Brocious."

Johnny Ringo:

When Ringo is having a tough time, it's tough to tell because he is usually morose. When his gang are busy drinking, laughing, flirting with prostitutes or gambling, Ringo is quiet. Sometimes Curly Bill will look over at his lieutenant and let his cowboys know to just let him be. Curly knows that when Ringo falls into his pit of depression, women seem to be the only thing to pull him out of it. And not just any woman; Ringo has his favorite rameras and although he's paying them for the illusion of their concern which is so gratifying, he'll pay double just to hear them say, "you be careful, senor Reengo.." Ringo never really believes they care, but those four words are among the sweetest he's ever heard.

So when it comes to cheering Johnny Ringo up, he'll be less impatient than Curly Bill when you ask what's wrong. Ringo would never think that you were being nosy or annoying. Your genuine concern for him makes Ringo feel like he's never felt before. He's very pleased you're not a wag tail and that when you compliment him or show you care, Ringo knows it is from your heart. Johnny Ringo doesn't want to trouble you. While Curly Bill is concerned about looking weak, Ringo simply doesn't want you to worry for him although he secretly loves it! Ringo doesn't want his darkness to corrupt you and he doesn't want to share with you how broken he really is. Not because he doesn't want to scare you off (although that's part of it), Ringo never wants to be anything but chivalrous with women. Women are the only beings that have ever showed him love and Ringo like Curly Bill, cannot go for long periods of time without the company of women.

Baking delicious sweets is definitely something Ringo would love and appreciate. For him, it wouldn't be enough to comfort him; he would want more...And to be fair, so would old Curly. Ringo would want to take you to his tent at the cowboy camp and hold you until he falls asleep. When he wakes, he'll want to know you're still there and that the dirty camp wouldn't sicken you. His misbehaving rustlers who would know to never upset you in front of Ringo...They know how Ringo is with women and how touchy he is when it comes to women. Ringo whole heatedly believes women are capable of driving demons out of him and it is only the comfort of a woman's touch that can awaken his dark spirit and let it stand in the light. For Ringo, he would do anything for a woman. Especially you because of your unbelievable kindness.

You decide to bake for him too. You learn that Ringo's favorite dessert is apple pie with a sweet crust. So you gather fresh apples and bake a pie just for him. While you're sprinkling extra cinnamon and sugar on top, you smile when you think about how Ringo will feel about your gesture.

Since Ringo doesn't really spend time with his own gang often, Curly Bill is the one he usually drinks with. Curly Bill knows how Ringo's darkness swells out of nowhere and although the cowboy king is concerned, he just figures Ringo will drink his way out of it or spend time with his favorite prostitutes either getting peeled like a bronc or just hold her while she strokes her dark hair. Ringo loves women with dark hair and dark eyes so it's no wonder he enjoys Mexican rameras; he can recall as a boy and hearing about Mexico and the beautiful women with their olive skin and he would dream about sweat glistening on their bosoms.

You know where Johnny Ringo stays from time to time; at an old shack that's been abandoned and often used by the Cowboys when they want a break from sleeping in tents. Or when it's raining. After your pie is baked, you pack it warm in a towel and put it into a basket to bring it to your cowboy. The shack the Cowboys occupy is just outside of town and is in walking distance. As you stroll away from town, you can't help but notice the plush, colorful wildflowers that seem to be bursting into a beautiful bloom that carpets the desert floor. The Palo Verde trees provide some shade while you walk to where Ringo is. Some monsoons came through Tombstone in the last few weeks so there are shallow ponds with water so clear, it dances on the surface and would be blinding if the bodies of water were a bit larger. You see the shack and a few cowboys are sitting in front smoking and drinking moonshine. You can hear their laughter as you get closer. Curly Bill sees you and calls for his lieutenant.

"Juanito!" The old cowboy declares. "Something real pretty and sweet to see you." Then he flicks his tongue, eyes the other cowboys and stands up to greet you. Curly Bill is protective of you because he thinks you're special and loves that his best friend has someone adore him and tolerate his bouts of sadness.

Ringo emerges from the shack and when he sees you, he's very pleased to see you, but embarrassed that you're seeing how he really lives. The last thing he wants is for you to look down on him as a lowly cowboy who never amounted to anything in his life except staring at a mule's ass while plowing a field or running off Mexican stock.

Your smile is so beautiful, it lifts his heart. The Clanton's, McClaury's, Stillwell and a few others smile at each other. Of course they're dying to hoot and howl at you, but wouldn't dare. Curly Bill would admonish them with a punch to the face or harsh threats, but Ringo is less predictable; he may shoot the idiot that shot his mouth off and made you feel scared. And it wouldn't matter how long you felt frightened; any sap head who bothered you is as good as dead. So they behave themselves as tough as it is. Ringo eyes his fellow rustlers and they rise and tip their hats to you and show you the upmost respect.

Curly Bill gestures to his gang to leave the two of you alone. They go back in the shack while Ringo moves toward you, wondering what is in your basket.

Ringo takes his hat off and holds it in his hands. The deadliest pistoleer can only be made weak by women. Especially you!

"Johnny," you begin. "I know you've been so down lately." You look to the ground and take a deep breath. "I wanted to do something to cheer you up so I..." You feel nervous and almost foolish, but you press on. Ringo looks at you with wide eyes.

"I know your favorite dessert is apple pie so I uh..." You giggle at your own anxiety. "I baked one for you!" You unwrap your freshly baked pie. It's still warm and the familiar and comforting aroma flood his nostrils and suddenly he feels the darkness slowly turn to light. A light that dances in your smiling and loving eyes; eyes that look up at him with such a sweet innocence, Ringo is surprised by his sudden light hearted feeling. He begins to smile and allow himself to feel the pleasure of the moment. With you around, there is no room in his heart for guilt and shame and he loves that you can provide that for him. His heart lifts and he suddenly sees that the sky seems a little clearer and bluer when you are around, he can smell the flowers over the usual horse shit and smelly cowboys he's used to.

Johnny looks at the pie you baked and then back at you. His eyes are wide with pleasure, but has a conservative and yet almost cautious half smile. He takes a deep breath and he beings to wonder what you looked like when you were making this dessert for him. He lets his mind wander for a few seconds and imagines you peeling apples, rolling out the dough and baking this just for him. That your intention was not to give this to anyone but him. He is taken aback that you do not seem to fear him the way most people do; the Earps and Doc Holliday and others have expressed their concerns to you and that Ringo is nothing but trouble. You ignore those warnings and allow Johnny Ringo is be who he is without shame or guilt. Some of the cowboys are looking out one of the broken windows and wondering if they'll get a peak at the two of you kissing! But Ringo is a gentleman borne so he is not going to lay a kiss on you in front of his gang like Curly Bill would. Not to say Curly isn't somewhat of a gentleman when he wants to be, but Bill seeks attention and admiration from his gang.

Johnny finally speaks. "I...Thank you, Y/N. I..." He stumbles over his words as he cannot find the right ones to fit what he is feeling. He wants to take you into his arms and shower you with affection and drive you to ectasy, but he's patient...While he tries to finish his sentence, you put your hand over his mouth and say, "you're welcome, Johnny!" Too moved to speak at all, Ringo drops to his knees and holds your body while his head is on your chest. He can't believe what you have done for him. Nobody seems to care about The Cowboys so receiving something this wonderful is as welcome as it is marvelous. Ringo feels a little intimidated; he's never had a woman in his life who cared so much about him and had genuine concern for him. He regards you as a priceless gift. He stands up and faces you. Your smile melts his heart and he takes your basket and puts on a nearby makeshift table Curly and the others made out of scraps of wood. He takes his Bowie knife and slices two pieces of pie. He tells you he's going indoors to get a few dishes, but you take your piece and begin eating it with your hands. Ringo can't help but smile because he thinks you're adorable. He too begins to eat his piece. When you are finished, the Clanton's ask if they can have a slice. You look at Ringo as if to say, "it's up to you!" And of course he is pleased that you show kindness to his cowboy companions. They may not be the smartest dudes around, but he's got an unbreakable bond with his red sash friends. While the other cowboys including Curly help themselves to the apple pie, Ringo takes you for a short walk.

"Well, he sure is lucky," Billy Clanton starts. "Pretty lady who makes sweet stuff."

"Yeah," Ike answers with a dreamy look in his eyes.

"That's what Juanito needs," Curly answers, shoving pie into his mouth. "I always said he needs a woman. A good one."

"Well, I am sure they'll finish off what's left. Not everyday we get a sweet present from a lovely lady like yourself. Johnny can feel his face grow warm and flushed. He feels calm and safe when you take his hand. "I hope I have bad days more often," he jokes before turning to you and holding you close.

[lire-casander]

#10 having a fight with just looks

having a fight with just looks original prompt list here

Marjan is certainly not hitting it off with Mr. Harry-Potter-Is-My-Middle-Name. Carlos can see it; he's sure everyone in this damn restaurant can see it. The only ones visibly unaware of that fact are the guy sitting in front of them and Captain Oblivious — TK is obviously enjoying himself as he needs out with the guy whose name Carlos has already forgotten.

It's not that he wouldn't have enjoyed this conversation had the situation been different. But they're here for Marjan, and she understands next to nothing of what the man across the table is babbling about. Still, she hasn't played the popcorn card yet, which Carlos finds weird. She's visibly uncomfortable, although he would dare to say that not as awkward as she'd been with the jerk who told her she wasn't way past her prime.

"Hey," he whispers, leaning slightly into her during one of the guy's heated arguments about why Ron and Hermione were star-crossed lovers, "I can tell you're not having fun, Marj. Just say the word and we'll start Operation Extrication."

"I can't," she whispers back. She waves her hand discreetly toward TK. "He seems to be having so much fun."

"Well, we can set up a playdate for them," Carlos jokes. "Just know I have your back."

"Oh," the guy suddenly breathes out, interrupting his tirade. "I see you two cozy over there. I thought you said they were your brothers? Brothers-in-law?"

Carlos can feel TK tensing up by his side. He also doesn't particularly like what the other man is implying, and he definitely can see the turmoil in his fiancé's eyes.

"Brothers," he states simply at the same time as Marjan explains, "Brothers I love getting popcorn with."

"I don't think I—"

"I need to go to the toilet," Marjan adds, getting up. "If you'll excuse me."

And, just like that, she leaves them with Mr. Harry Potter Wannabe. TK fidgets uncomfortable beside Carlos, so much so that it makes him cringe. The uneasiness doesn't help with the heavy silence that's descended upon them.

Mr. Harry Potter Wannabe cleats his throat. "So, uh, you two close to Marjan?"

"Pretty much," TK deadpans, his voice teetering dangerously toward the icy tone Carlos knows he uses when someone angers him. "You could say we're brothers and sister. We're very protective of her."

"But you aren't actually related, are you?" the other man keeps going, unaware of the way TK's anger builds up.

"TK, you should go check on Marj," Carlos intervenes, squeezing TK’s hand to divert his attention to him. "It seems to me she's taking quite some time."

"No, we're not actually related," TK replies to the other man, stubbornly refusing to acknowledge Carlos. "But that doesn't—"

"TK," Carlos says, a little more authoritative than he would have liked. But it serves its purpose, as TK finally looks up at him. Carlos tries to convey in one glance what he really wants — the Carlos Cow Eyes that his fiancé wishes to get trademarked forgotten in favor of the Officer Reyes Look.

He can see TK's inner turmoil; his fiancé looks back at him with determination, telling Carlos with just a look that he's not letting this go, that he's not allowing this man to disrespect them and Marjan in such a way. Carlos shakes his head almost imperceptibly, blinking in a way to let TK know that he agrees but they're better than a petty fight in a crowded restaurant.

The battle between them keeps going for a few seconds, Carlos relentlessly staring down at TK in an effort to keep him from making a mistake.

"I'll go check on Marj," TK finally concedes. "Could you please—"

"I'll take care of this," Carlos promises.

When TK leaves the table as well, Carlos stares down at Mr. Harry Potter Wannabe with what he knows is an evil smile. His inner self is already rubbing his hands in delight.

“Now,” he says slowly. “I’m going to tell you what we’re going to do. You’re going to grab your things and you’re going to apologize for having insulted Marjan in such a way.”

“I haven’t—”

“Oh, yes, yes, you have,” Carlos murmurs. “What were you looking for, exactly, when you even mentioned how cozy my sister in amrs and I were? I sure think it wasn’t chitchat. So, as I was saying, when Marj comes back you’re going to apologize and you’re going to leave. Don’t worry about the bill, we’ll cover it. Understood?”

The look in the guy’s eyes was of pure terror, but when Marjan came back with TK, he apologized profusely before stumbling his way out of the restaurant. Carlos had never seen Marjan more relieved in his life than when the guy left them to pay the bill and enjoy the rest of their afternoon doing something they all liked: being together.

[rowavolo]

First off, you should sleep if it's that late! Your health is important!

Second, I think Neuvillette would be the type to try to arrange candlelit dinners and...when furina gets trouble stirred up, just chooses to take you to trial with him because holy cow, he needs a breather during any trial recesses.

Genuinely think that he would give you headpats while he lowkey asks for scale scritches from you.

You and all your selfships are so adorable together/pos!

I also think at least one of your guys would act as a social barrier to keep you from feeling drained when in public 🥰

I think I did end up going to sleep not long after I made that post, don't worry!

Omg,,, I was gonna say I wouldn't have much interest in going to trials, but honestly if I had someone like Neuvillette, who would answer whatever silly or oddly obscure/specific questions I come up with, I'd have a blast. (I think he'd also enjoy my uncanny knack for being able to tell who the 'bad guy' is (it's mostly in media but shh)).

Candlelit dinners would be so pleasant though,, lowkey id be a little cross with furina for disrupting that, I imagine both Neuvillette and I both really like our routines, so getting them thrown off last minute is like. aaaagh!!!! >:t

I would give him so many scale scritches and little kissies. i'd treat him like i do my cat and give him little smooches on the head every time i see him <3

also thank you so much ahhh i love my self ships so much theyre so special to me!!!

and yes!!! I imagine that Capitano would be the #1 for that position, he's so big and tall and vaguely intimidating that I could just hide behind him. Though theoretically, Ayato or Zhongli would be better at making sure the attention is not on me ever (unless i want it to be). Ayato because he's good at controlling the flow of conversation, Zhongli because he is the flow of conversation. He never shuts up /aff (same with Diavolo sdfhsdjkf)