#i will never stop taking family photos of this legacy

[scorpiotrait]

wrapping up gen 5 with a family photo shoot 💕

from left to right: Narcissa, Orion, Taryn, Jonquil, Bellatrix, and Indigo

[fanfics-and-love]

Losing Sense of My Morality

Ghostface!Sam Carpenter x fem!reader

Not my gif

Warning(s): canon typical violence, ghostface!Sam, mentions of death, mentions of blood, mentions of drugs, sexy Sam with a knife

Word count: 4.5K words

Summary: Sam had always known something was wrong with her. When she met you, she knew there's was nothing she wouldn't do to keep you safe, even if it meant truly becoming her father's daughter

masterlist | series masterlist

Sam wasn’t sure when the darkness began to take over, or if it had just been always present and she had never fully noticed, terrified of what acknowledging it would mean.

When she had first read her mother’s diary and had learned about Billy Loomis, she had almost sighed in relief, because it finally explained her erratic thoughts that would sometimes choke her. But it petrified her as well, because she wasn’t sure what was really stopping her from becoming his legacy, if there was really something holding her back or she was just a ticking bomb waiting to explode and take everyone she cared for with her.

She started reading articles about him, and his mother as well— her own grandmother. Every letter, word and phrase would sink her further into her fear.

At first she tried to drown it all with alcohol, petrified of snapping at her little sister or scaring her mother even more. However, it seemed to have the opposite reaction; she began to hallucinate him, in the clothes he wore when he betrayed his friends and made Woodsboro a place of nightmares in years to come. She would see him when she was blinded by anxiety or taken by fear. She sometimes wondered if he was really there, or if she had truly gone crazy.

And one day she couldn’t take it anymore, and packed her bags and left her house and family behind. She moved to a different town, found a job and thought she had finally everything back in control. She almost felt like a little kid who had tricked her way out of being grounded after breaking a vase.

Sam stopped drinking, and doing drugs, and found a nice balanced life that she told herself she enjoyed, even if she went to sleep every night looking at the photo of her sister smiling at the camera, showing off her missing front tooth.

Everything was okay, until she met you and she realized nothing had been okay.

You were a senior in high school, who had gone to the bowling alley to celebrate one of your friend’s eighteenth birthday, and she had taken a look at you and her heart had stopped beating for a moment. Her mouth had opened and closed a few times when you had approached her, asking for bowling shoes your size.

You were beautiful, to put simply. Sam had to lower her head a little to look into your eyes, but she found it adorable. She found everything about you adorable, and after a few weeks of talking on the phone, she asked you out on a date, and you said yes.

You began dating, and you couldn’t be happier. Sam was the perfect girlfriend; attentive, sweet, and loyal. She would sometimes pick you up from school and spend the entire day doing your favorite things when she knew you were feeling stressed out. She would also help you with your homework, and was exceptional in Math, which you were thankful for since you sucked at it.

You didn’t care that she was older than you, or that she was very reluctant to tell you much about her past; you loved her, and she loved you, and that was all that mattered.

Until she got a text message and began to freak out.

“What is it?” You asked when you saw her run off from the bowling alley. You had decided to spend the afternoon with her as she worked, since your parents were out of town and your friends didn’t have any plans for the day, choosing to stay in and study for finals. When you caught up to her, her face was completely white.

“My sister,” she whispered. “She— she’s hurt. In the hospital.”

“Shit,” you said, kneeling down beside her. She gave you a soft smile when you grabbed her face in your hands to look into her eyes. “Is it, like, serious? Is she okay?”

“I’m not sure,” she murmured, grabbing your waist and putting you into her lap. You allowed, knowing she was seeking out comfort.

“Are you going to check on her?” you asked after a moment. Sam put her face out of your neck and sighed.

“I’m not sure.”

“I think you should,” you said, moving a piece of hair out of her face. Her eyes were red.

“She kinda hates me,” Sam said. She wasn’t sure, of course; she hadn’t seen or talked with Tara in years, but if she was anything as she remembered her, she would probably scream at her and give her the cold shoulder. Especially if she told her the reason why she ran away.

“Better not give her a reason to hate you more,” you murmured, trying to make her feel better. She chuckled, but didn’t say anything for a while.

“I’m not sure I’d be welcomed.”

“You won’t know ‘til you try,” you said, smiling softly. “How about this— tomorrow is Friday, and I don’t have classes on Monday; I can go with you this weekend, and we can have a small vacation before I start with finals.”

“You can’t just leave, sweetheart,” Sam said, though she was wishing you would say otherwise. If she was going to face her sister, it would be better with you by her side. Everything was better when she had you close to her. 

“I can,” you said. “Listen. I understand if you don’t wanna go, or if you want to do it alone, but if you want me to accompany you, all you have to do is ask.”

“Don’t you think it’d be weird?” Sam asked. “You leaving town with your much older girlfriend right before graduation?”

You rolled your eyes. “You’re like, three years older,” you said, hating how often she used that argument. You sometimes suspected she used it to push you away from her, as if she was trying to punish herself for something. “And I’m turning twenty in a few months. Stop acting like it’s weird.”

You had been held back a year back in middle school after you spent the entire first and second semester sick. Your parents had thought it was the best idea, but you hated that decision since you were basically older than everyone else in your class, which made it hard to really connect with anyone.

“It kinda is,” she said, moving her head to the side. 

“Shut up,” you said, punching her shoulder. She laughed, kissing your forehead.

“I’m sorry,” she said. “I want you to come with me. But I think I should tell you about why I even ran away in the first place.”

“You don’t have to if you don’t want to,” you said. Sam smiled; she loved how you never pushed her into doing anything she wasn’t comfortable with. 

“I kinda do,” she admitted. “Do you know Woodsboro?”

You thought for a moment. “I don’t think so. Should I?”

Sam looked a little taken aback. “The town with all those serial killers?”

“Oh, shit. Yeah,” you nodded. “Those wanky ass movies. Yeah. It’s close, right? Because I remember my mom freaked out about it when I was young. Almost had us moving out and everything. You lived there?”

“Yes,” Sam said. “Born and raised. I ran away when I was eighteen, and moved around towns until I found a job here.”

“Well, no wonder you left,” you said. “They say that town is cursed.”

“I might be as well,” she said. You looked at her questioningly. “When I was young, I… I discovered something about my father, and… I fucked things up at home, and I started to drink and do other things…” you caressed her arm, where needle scars could be slightly seen. “It was too much, and I just decided to leave one day.”

“Damn,” you said. “That’s a lot. I’m sorry that happened to you.”

“It’s okay,” Sam said, and it was true. Ever since she met you, her mind was too busy thinking about you to allow passage to those thoughts that used to make her wish for a glass of her mother’s best whiskey. “My father, he…” she swallowed. “He was Billy Loomis.”

You stayed quiet for a moment. “I’m guessing with your dramatic pause that name should ring a bell, but I’m not into murder mysteries or scary movies.”

Sam nodded. When she had first discovered you weren’t into horror movies, she had sighed in relief. Of course you wouldn’t know about him; you were too pure to be tainted by his presence. “He was one of the original killers.”

“Shit,” you whispered. “Jesus, Sam… of course you’d want to escape that place. I’m sure your sister will understand.”

“I’m not so sure,” she whispered.

“There’s only one way to find out.”

━━━ • 𖥸 • ━━━ 

It shouldn’t have happened this way. It was the only thing in Sam’s mind as she sat in the waiting room, killing time as you were getting surgery.

“A punctured lung,” one of the doctors had said.  “She’s lucky to be alive. We’ll do everything we can.”

It shouldn’t be you in that cold bed, with sheets as white as your face. It should’ve been me instead.

When you had gotten into town, things had been good. You had met her sister and her friends, and you had stayed with her as she told Tara the truth, and even when she was attacked by ghostface at the hospital (god, you hated that name so much). You defended her when everyone had started to point fingers in her direction, and had held her at night when she finally broke down and had told you about her father, whom she was starting to see in every corner, just like she used to before she met you.

Richie had attacked you. Amber’s weird old nerdy boyfriend, who everyone suspected of. He had thrown you into the ground and stabbed you, laughing as he did so, screaming about how he was going to kill Sam’s little whore.

Sam hadn’t been able to stop nor control herself. When she had seen the blood coming out of your mouth, she had thrown herself against Richie and grabbed his knife, stabbing him over and over in every inch of body she could get. She didn’t even stop when Tara called out her name, petrified at the sight of her sister’s crazened stare, nor when Sidney had tried to take the knife from her hands. The only thing that had made her break out of her thirst for vengeance was your gasps for air, watery from all the blood gathering in your throat and drowning you.

“Baby,” Sam had whispered, moving towards you. She had held you in her arms, hands shaking when she saw all the blood. Richie’s and yours, mixed up in her skin. She hated it. It was all her fault.

Something had snapped inside of her afterwards. She had carried you towards the ambulance that Gale had called, not even bothering to wait until they fully stopped driving before screaming that you were hurt and needed help. Afterwards she had been driven to the hospital by Sidney, with Tara in the backseat staring at her.

Sam didn't care. She couldn’t think of anything but the warmth of your blood as it escaped your body. The mere thought brought tears to her eyes.

That had been a day ago, and Sam couldn’t move from the chair she had sat on when the doctor had told her the news. She had only done so to awkwardly wash herself in the hospital bathroom sink, rubbing at her skin until it was red and raw; she had changed into the clothes Tara had brought with her, and had simply moved back into the chair.

“Sam,” Tara called out, watching as her sister rejected the food she was offering her. “Sam. We need to talk.”

“I’m not in the mood,” Sam whispered, resting her head in her hands. She knew once she opened her eyes again, she would see Billy sitting in front of her, smiling.

You did good, kid. He would say. You protected your girl. Don’t let them tell you it was wrong.

But it was wrong, and Sam knew. Even if she didn’t feel like it, she knew— it was one thing to attack in self defense, another to stab a man’s body until he was unrecognizable. She knew it, because she was not stupid, but still her hand shook with the need to grab a knife and stab that man again, until Billy finally left and you woke up.

“I don’t fucking care,” Tara said. “Sam, what you did—”

“I did what I had to do to protect her,” she said. She wasn’t sure if her tone was too harsh, but given Tara’s flinch she guessed it was. “Just as I’d have done with you.”

“Fifty-eight times,” Tara said.

“I know,” Sam said. There was shame and regret in her voice, and it was not faked. She really felt bad, but not for what she did; she simply regretted making her sister see her in such a state. “I know. I know. God, I fucking know, Tara,” she looked into her sister’s eyes. After she had discovered her mother’s secret, Sam had spent hours looking at Tara’s face to find some similarities between herself and her. She loved that their eyes were the same. “I don’t know what happened.”

“I get it,” Tara said, softly. She was trying to help her, Sam knew, but she was doomed; no one but you could understand her. “But you need to know that’s not normal.”

“Gosh, Tara,” Sam said, looking away from her. “Of course I fucking know. But don’t tell me he didn’t have it coming.”

“He did,” Tara whispered. It almost looked like she was scared of Sam. “But… Sam, it looked like you weren’t there. Like… like you’ve disappeared for a moment. Your eyes…”

“My girlfriend was bleeding out on the floor and the man who harmed her was going to hurt her again. Was going to kiII her,” Sam said. She needed Tara to understand. “I would’ve done anything to make sure she was safe.”

“I know,” Tara said. “But… promise me when she’s okay, you’d consider therapy? Please?”

Sam looked into her eyes again, pleading and desperate. She nodded. “Of course,” She said, and then laughed. “I’m gonna need so much fucking therapy I might need another job.”

“Fuck. Me too,” Tara laughed with her, resting her head on Sam’s shoulder. The older woman had sighed in relief.

“One thing, though,” Sam said after a moment of comforting silence.

“What?”

“Don’t tell Y/N about this,” Sam whispered. “Please. I… I know what I did was wrong, but… It was the adrenaline. And I’m going to get help, alright? I— I just don’t want her to leave me over this.”

“Okay,” Tara nodded. “I won’t.”

“Thanks.”

━━━━ • 𖥸 • ━━━━

And so you woke up, and Tara kept her promise. 

You managed to finish your exams while you were still in the hospital, and decided to spend your summer vacation with Sam and her sister in Woodsboro, where you planned on moving into New York with them after the universities acceptance letters began to arrive.

Your parents weren’t too happy about it, but they were glad you were at least going to a good college and that moving in with people you knew instead of strangers, especially after what happened (your mother was honestly just glad you weren’t going to stay in Woodsboro, so when you told her you had gotten into Colombia, she clapped her hands and told you how happy she was through the phone)

And so New York it was. Sam found a nice apartment for the two of you and Tara; it had three bedrooms, so with time, Tara proposed a roommate.

That was when it all began again— that burning feeling in Sam’s chest that screamed at her to keep you safe, to take you away from everyone and ensure you were okay. Every time Tara interviewed someone for the room, Sam stayed in the shadows, looking at the person and imagining them in Richie’s place, stabbing you until you stopped breathing.

She couldn’t stand it. She wanted to— she wanted to kill them.

And then Quinn moved in. Tara liked her, and you as well. She was funny, kinda crazy, easy to talk to and an extrovert. The perfect roommate, Tara had said, since she was barely at home.

Yet Sam hated her. She hated when she would walk into the kitchen and see you laughing with her, close enough for your elbows to touch. Sam hated it, especially because she was being irrational— you loved her, and you would never cheat on her. If she were to talk with her therapist about it, he would tell her that she was feeling intrusive thoughts, and would prescribe her more pills to keep her mind at ease.

But she wasn’t crazy. She knew Quinn liked you. She could feel it in the way her eyes traveled down your body when you were going to the kitchen after dinner to grab a bottle of water, her intense stare on the skin your pyjama shorts didn’t cover.

“She’s trying to take your girl,” Billy would whisper in her ear once you two were in bed. “Are you gonna let her?”

No. No, she wouldn’t. She would die if she saw someone stealing you. She needed you like air, dependent on you like a fish relied on water.

And so in October, when the streets began to fill with Halloween decorations, she saw it. Ghostface’s mask.

With shaky hands, she pulled her wallet and bought it. She hid it in her backpack, and only took it out the next day, when you and Tara were in class. The silence of the house soon filled with Billy’s voice.

“That’s right,” he said, standing over the doorway. “Put it on, kid. Own who you are.”

Sam looked at the mask. It was cheat, made of thin plastic, nothing like the ones the other killers had worn, but once she put it on and looked at herself in the mirror, a thrill went down her back.

Excitement, a rush of adrenaline so addictive Sam almost felt lightheaded. She hadn’t felt like this since she had killed Richie.

“Now go kill that bitch,” Billy said, standing behind her. For the first time since he had irrumpted her sanity, his presence made her feel glad, happy, even.

She couldn’t just kill Quinn, of course. She wasn’t stupid. She had to wait for the perfect time, and once she had it, she would take it and make that woman rue the day she laid eyes on you.

She wasn’t going to be like her father, she was going to be so much worse.

━━━━ • 𖥸 • ━━━━

The time came a few days later. Quinn was going to a party with Tara, and you were going to stay in with Sam, as a small date.

She enjoyed the quiet night together. You made her dinner, and despite the lasagna being a little burnt because you two had been too busy making out on the couch to take it out, she loved it. You watched a movie together, cuddled on the sofa, and then, feeling adventurous, she carried you towards the bedroom as if you were a bride on your wedding day. She made love to you, and pretended to fall asleep beside you, but once she had made sure you were sleeping, she had gotten up and grabbed her backpack.

Sam had left the house then, as quietly as she could, and once she was outside in a place without cameras, she had gotten the mask out, alongside the black robe. She had put on the mask, and the robe, with the backpack underneath out of fear someone might find it and track the crime down to her. She had to be careful— she couldn’t be put into prison. She had to be with you to ensure you were safe.

“Do it, kid,” Billy said when she had grabbed a hunting knife she had stolen in a store. “Go kill her.”

“Shut the fuck up,” she said, turning around. “Leave me alone.”

Her breath was heavy as she blinked and the man left her. Sam shook her head; she couldn’t waste time on this. She needed to be quick; you usually woke up at midnight to go to the bathroom.

Gripping the knife, she made the small walk towards the house. Halloween was still a week away, but college students were already throwing Halloween parties. No one looked twice at the woman in disguise, thinking it was just another party-goer.

She waited on the front door of the apartment, and bid her time until Quinn appeared. The redhead smoke, so it wasn’t too long until she appeared, cigarette in her mouth, probably kicked out by the owner of the apartment. She was wearing a red dress and small wings, in what she had called a slutty demon. Sam hated the way she had particularly asked you if you liked it, even though you were too distracted with preparing dinner to really look at her.

With that memory alone, she was once again taken by anger. Not letting the woman time to light up her cigarette, she walked towards her and stabbed her in the back.

Quinn screamed in pain, her lighter falling to the ground as she tried to run. But Sam was fast, tripping her over and making her fall to the ground face first. Quinn screamed for help, but the few people around were too drunk to understand the girl was in actual danger.

It was almost too good to be true.

Feeling enlightened by her screams, Sam turned her over, slamming the knife into her abdomen over and over. Her arm seemed to have life on its own, swinging back and forth. Sam breathed hard against the mask, laughing when splashes of blood flew out of Quinn’s mouth and into the piece of plastic covering the brunette’s face.

“Please, please,” Quinn was begging. Her entire face was covered in the blood she was choking on, and Sam stopped the stabbing to admire the sight beneath her. It was beautiful, the red mixing in with the dress. Two shades of red coming together so perfectly it almost looked like nothing had happened to her.

But it had. Oh, it had. Sam cleaned the bloody knife in the robe and raised up from Quinn’s body. The girl sighed, thinking the stabbing was over. She was already reaching out for her phone, which she was keeping in the pocket of her dress. When Sam saw it, she slammed her boot against the hand. Quinn screamed again, and Sam stepped on the hand until she heard the bones cracking. Only then did she kneeled beside her.

“This is what happens when you try to take my girl,” she whispered, as close to her ear as the mask allowed it. Sam saw recognition flash over her face, and with a smile, she raised the knife and stabbed her in the face until the girl stopped moving.

The walk back home felt almost like a dream. Sam had to look at her bloody gloves a few times to make sure if she really had done it, or if it was all a fantasy. But the red against the black answered her question every time.

I did it, she thought. I killed that bitch.

She was chuckling when she took off the mask and stared at it, the white tainted with splashes of blood. She liked the sight of it.

Sam could barely remember going back home, or hiding the backpack with the mask, boots and knife underneath one of the loose floorboards of the living room. She wasn’t even aware of her erratic breathing until she got back into bed. She wrapped her arms around you and you turned around, cuddling into her neck. Only then did she finally take a deep breath, smelling the scent of your vanilla shampoo.

Safe, she thought with a sight, pressing you closer into her body. Safe and mine.

Tara woke the two of you up a few minutes later, running into the room and talking about ghostface. Sam rubbed her eyes and complained about being awake even though it wasn’t true, and allowed Bailey to take her into the police station to interrogate her. It was a perfect alibi, just as she had planned; you had told them everything that had happened the night before, recalling how Sam had fallen asleep before you. Tara had also told the blonde how she had been the one who had woken the two of you up after she had talked to the police.

Sam was innocent. They had nothing against her.

The routinary questioning stopped pretty soon, and you waited for her outside the police station as Tara called Mindy and Chad. She caught up with them, and they agreed to meet up in your apartment.

Sam walked away a few minutes later, hugging you tight. She pretended to freak out with Tara as they talked, aware detective Bailey was still watching. She even feigned getting scared when a police officer ran towards her, handing you your phone which you had forgotten in the station. She kept Tara and you close on the way home, pretending to be scared of getting attacked. She held you close to her on the sofa, putting you on her lap when Tara began to tell the others about the night before.

She almost wanted to tell you not to be afraid when you two went up to your room after Mindy and Chad left. She hated seeing you scared. She had done all of this to make sure you were safe.

“Hey,” she said, when you started to really freak out. “Hey, baby,” she grabbed your face, kissing your forehead. “Don’t worry, baby,” she whispered. When she saw tears forming in your eyes, her thumbs whipped them. “I’ll keep you safe, okay? I’ll always protect you.”

Sam hugged you, allowing you to cry into her shoulder. She whispered sweet nothings into your ear, promising nothing would happen to you.

You told her she couldn’t promise something like that when Ghostface had come back, but she just shook her head, kissing you. She knew, but she couldn’t tell you.

So she just held you close, basking in the warmth of your body close to hers. The warmth was sweeter and more innocent than the blood that had splashed from Quinn’s dying body, and she closed her eyes.

Sam didn’t regret it one bit. She would do it again if someone tried to take you away from her. She would do it over and over until it was only the two of you, alone in the world.

[mysterycitrus]

thoughts on renegade? Not necessarily canon compliant but your take on the mantle

id say on a metatextual level renegade as a mantle is interesting because its thee first time dick takes a name that doesn’t already carry a legacy. robin is commemorative of his mother and nightwing was a gift from clark and batman is bruce’s personal mission, and depending on the canon the costumes he wears are also inspired by the suits he wore at haleys. it almost certainly wasn’t intentional on devin graysons part but i think it says a lot about how dick views his own identity and like…… the degree of loss he’d experienced up to this point. after losing his parents, he becomes robin. after losing robin, he becomes nightwing. after blockbuster, he becomes someone else.

my particular interpretation of his relationship with the robin mantle is like 99% hc at this point but i do think incorporating how bruce and dick grieve differently adds a lot of depth to both their relationship and them as characters individually. both of them honour their families through their actions and care for others, but dicks identity is inextricably tied to both his personal and private life. his metaphorical manor filled with family photos and pearls and memorials is a name that other people took on after him. he fundamentally lacks that same control that bruce has, but that transience is built into his character too. the circus cannot stay. the tent is never built in the same place. the show must go on.

i didn’t really enjoy renegade as a concept — primarily because of the…. erm….. inciting incidents that precipitated its existence — but in the decades since its release i really think the context for its creation has been totally lost. the same way that nightwing #93 has totally overshadowed the broader arc it happens to reside within, renegade as a point of reference for dicks character progression is pretty obtuse. the idea that dick physically sheds his familys legacy after this new loss in order to emotionally spiral and isolate himself from others is interesting. his relationship with rose is interesting. reading it with the knowledge that dick was supposed to die during infinite crisis just makes it sadder imo because there’s like…, also no real emotional catharsis for him. he just tries to stop being himself, almost like he can sense his own end.

[lilyginnyblackv2]

We’ve still got a long way to go. - Buddy Daddies E12 - SPOILERS

When Rei asks Kazuki:

“You think we managed to change?” And Kazuki responds with:

“We’ve still got a long way to go.”

This is, of course, a call back to Episodes 8 and 10, when Rei asks Kazuki and he says, “Dunno,” and when Kazuki proclaims, “I guess we weren’t able to change” (or something of that nature). But now, Kazuki says, “We’ve still got  long way to go.”

I love that answer, because it’s one that is long term and shows that change isn't a one-time thing. It’s long and continuous. You, as a person, are constantly changing. If you aren’t, then that means you’ve stopped growing as a person. 

That’s Rei’s father.

He was unwilling to change. Even the resolution that Rei comes to in order to escape the Organization is one that involves him “changing” a part of himself (BLOOD WARNING) :

Shooting himself in the arm. Intently “breaking” a part of the “perfect killing machine” that his father envisioned and wanted him to stay as. Rei then left and never looked back.

Shigeki was forgotten and he lost his most valuable “asset.” His blood would likely die with Rei, in the sense of his biological bloodline not being carried on. In order for the Organization to stay in his name, he might even have to do something like adult adopt someone, otherwise, the whole name, legacy, and Organization will be lost to the Suwa name now. 

Rei hit him where it hurt and left him in ruin. Fitting in with his lines earlier in the episode where he says things like, “Bullets aren’t for resolving intergenerational squabbles.” And calling the welcome of bullets and shooting when they go through the manor doors, “domestic violence.” 

On the opposite end of this, we have Misaki. Misaki tried to change.

She died. Her death was unfortunate and unfair. A product of a cruel world. 

But unlike Shigeki, she hasn’t been forgotten. Her daughter sang loud for her. Making sure she would hear, wherever she was.

10 years later, Miri has a photo of herself and her mother on her desk. 

And she tells her mother, “I’m heading out, Mama!” That seems like a routine for her. She likely does it every day. Misaki tried to change and do right by her daughter.

Her last words were her daughter’s name, Kazuki got angry on her behalf at Ryo’s response to that answer, she died protecting Miri and Miri’s last words to her was telling her mama how much she loved her.

She got to spend her last days with her daughter - all good memories. And, even though Misaki died, she stays alive through Miri every day. Ironically, her blood will live on, while Shigeki’s will die with him. 

Finally, getting back to Kazuki and Rei. We know from Episode 9 that Kazuki and Rei are all about continuing to practice and change and move and grow. 

They changed their whole lives for Miri and are continuing to change. Shigeki was only ever shown wearing short hair and a suit. Uniform. Unchanging.

But Kazuki and Rei, while they keep core aspects of themselves and their styles, are shown looking very different from before. Not only because they are naturally older (in their mid to late 30s now), but also because they’ve done stuff like grow a beard (Kazuki - which is a bit of a rebellious thing in a way - beards aren’t looked highly upon and are seen as unprofessional) or wearing their hair slightly differently (Rei doesn’t have the shaved side anymore, he leaves two pieces of hair out of the ponytail, and he wears his ponytail long now - giving an impression of longer hair too). 

(Though, maybe Rei’s signature dish will remain unchanged, and some things staying the same sometimes is okay too, lol). Of course, Rei being a cook in and of itself is a huge change from where he was at the start of the series.

Back in Episode 9, Rei worried about them taking a photo. Kazuki felt that taking only one was likely going to be okay. But now, they have a whole bulletin board up in the diner showcasing the journey they’ve been on (well, the legal and family friendly parts, lol). Photos galore documenting the changes they’ve been through:

They are a found family. So they chose each other. So they are along for the ride, no matter how wild it may be or what changes they are confronted with. They’ll learn, they’ll grow, and they’ll live on through the food they make and the people they meet at Diner Nest. 

[completeoveranalysis]

[2]

NEW FAVOURITE COVER?

NEW FAVOURITE COVER!

Chapitre 201 - The Truth from within the Ruins

Oh this is just beyond gorgeous. Who can stand against the pure concentrated adorable that is Tsubasa Babies Family Photo? Now with all four of them!

I’m in love with all the tiny details that they clearly spent so long on - all the lovely folds of Sakura’s dress, the intricate detailing on Fai’s robe and staff. Lava Lamp is in his ceremonial garb, and tiny Kurogane IN HIS FANCY LITTLE OUTFIT. (AND HIS POSTURE? GET OUT. Incredible)

 Kurogane doesn’t have Ginryuu yet (since this is Happy Childhood AU, so his father will still have it. Still has the moon though!) but Lava Lamp has the Syaoran Family Sword all ready to go. His outfit would be incomplete without it - they’re all wearing clothing from their home worlds, or maybe their families? I’m technically not sure which world Lava Lamp comes from, but his outfit is Family Legacy all the way down. I’m dying to know if Fai’s outfit is in the style of Seresu or Valeria - I don’t think they’re all that different, but I think I would put my money on Valeria based on the position of the fur and the curl motif. In which case it’s fun for me that his Happy Family AU is in Valeria instead of with Ashura. (sorry not sorry Ashura get fucked)

I suppose in this version he never had reason to leave Valeria in the first place, so it’s a very nice touch that the outfit doesn’t immediately resemble the clothing he wore in his backstory, since that’s all so closely linked to the death of his twin, who would be alive here. Very nice visual choices all around, especially with each of them in their own unique colour pallette. Oh, and even with the colour differences they all have bits of yellow somewhere on them, showing their connection.

The left/right split between them is really fun too - sword wielders on one side, phenomenally powerful magic users on the other, cats vs dogs, unique child/parent pairings, etc. It’s very funny to me that they found a super fancy chair for Sakura and a cushion for Kurogane, but nothing for the other two. But Fai draping himself over the chair is such an incredible piece of character flair, which I am in love with, but also, the TOUCH? The little touch of tiny hands? Sakura reaching back to put her hand on the back of Fai’s? Tiny Lava Lamp’s little grip on Kurogane’s arm? OH it’s so touching. 

And behind them all? THAT WINDOW. Such a clear symbol positioned directly in the centre frame. At first I thought it might be an eye, but this is Happy Family AU so there should be no Evil Wolverine to spy on them. What I’m voting on instead is CLAMP playing with Tarot symbols again and this being the Wheel of Fortune, or a similar idea of a wheel of destiny. They use the latter idea a lot in their earlier works (RG Veda and X/1999 say hi), but I think the tarot symbol in particular really shines through with the ideas they’re playing with in Tsubasa/xxxHolic, and has a very strong parallel to the idea of hitsuzen. 

After some much safer googling it looks like the “Wheel of Fortune” in Tarot can mean change or cycles or inevitable fate, but on the flipside could also be lacking control. I think the reversed meaning of the card really speaks to me the most about their situation in general, as it describes bad luck and misfortunes thrust upon you from external forces, that you are fighting to take control back from an unwinnable situation. That fighting it is impossible, that continuing to fight it can only bring more suffering, and that the only option is to let it go. To stop blaming yourself for the thing you did wrong, or the thing that you think was your fault. To forgive yourself, to accept it all, to let yourself move on, to accept that change is inevitable, and to finally be able to move forward and just let everything happen. 

Because if that’s not exactly the whole situation we are in I don’t know what is. It’s a mirror for the things that Fai and Kurogane have already been through, and for what Lava Lamp Guy is still currently fighting, and CLAMP love to do drop these symbols all the time. 

And this is a bit of a tangent but who’s gonna stop me? Clamp LOVE their tragic destiny pairs, especially in their early works - the couples deeply love but also cursed by fate, like Kendappa and Souma, Ashura and Yasha (flavoured differently in RG Veda, but still fitting this cycle again in Tsubasa), Subaru and Seishirou, Sorata and Arashi (unfinished), Kamui and Fuuma, etc. The characters who are so different from each other, so diametrically opposed, but in love still, and it burns so strong that they either have to kill each other or let the world burn around them - or both! They’re always fighting destiny, just like the reversed wheel of fortune, and they fight it to the point of obliteration. 

AND THEN we have Tsubasa, and I think it’s so endlessly interesting that they took the same pattern and turned it around. Syaoran and Sakura definitely fit the theme (and wild that they took the Cardcaptor Sakura happy couple deliberately to make the most universe shattering tragedy out of it, but I still haven’t seen how their story ends, whether one will have to tragically die to save everything or whether they’ll get out somehow). But what I mostly want to talk about (surprise surprise) Kurogane and Fai, who fit the pattern exactly. Complete opposites, diametrically opposed, set up as antagonists and destined to kill each other but fall in love instead. That they both fight against the tragic pasts that defined them and eventually change their mind. Eventually, slowly, they accept love again and realise that they can actually live with themselves and each other if they let it all go. 

And I think what really gets me is that if this was an earlier Clamp work they absolutely would have tragically died - they would have killed each other in the climax of Seresu and it would have been beautiful and terrible and no-one ever would have ever emotionally recovered from the complete and utter devastation. 

BUT THEY DIDN’T. 

CLAMP spend all of Tsubasa revisiting all their old works, taking us through a parade of the various tragedies they’ve sung across the years, all leading up to them ultimately breaking their own pattern and letting Fai and Kurogane save each other from the same Clamp fate that claimed every tragic pair before them. They choose each other and get out alive. They stop blaming themselves for the unchangeable parts of destiny and finally forgive themselves. And it’s just very emotional to me that it’s these two that make it, these two that get to recover and choose each other and live their lives inseparable from this point on. The two that had arguably the most tragic backstories also get to face their trauma, survive, and live. 

And it’s just so beautiful to see how the CLAMP storytelling method has changed over the years, and to find out that after all these years, the big destiny story they really wanted to tell in their longest and most detailed work was about the two men who fell in love, against all odds and saved each other. Despite absolutely everything saying that it should be impossible, it’s Kurogane and Fai that finally flip the tarot card back around and live. 

And I’m extremely interested in what this means for Lava Lamp and Not!Sakura.

[agendabymooner]

kenergy unfolded || ms47 fic

mick schumacher x ofc

EXTENTION/WRITTEN VERSION of WHO IS KENOUGH

Summary: Barbie Blanco is dating her childhood crush, Mick Schumacher but nobody knew. Or at least, nobody knew until Arthur Leclerc, Barbie’s boy best friend who drove for the Ferrari Driving Academy, decided to take the matter into his own hands and roped Barbie into making the young Schumacher jealous. Needless to say, riling up the entire F1 community (and the boyfriend) would eventually make Mick snap.

Content warning: written version of Who Is Kenough, use of explicit language, platonic!scheming!Arthur Leclerc x OFC, established relationship, jealous!Mick Schumacher

Note: I am moving tomorrow so I decided to write this down for now bc I just want some menace Arthur. This is the written version of Who is Kenough so enjoy!!! xx

masterlist

Barbie Blanco had always considered herself decent. She acted as nicely as she could in public, respecting everyone and treating them with kindness. Because of her connection to the retired driver Sebastian Vettel and his wife Bel, she, too, had an image in public that she maintained. Everyone loved Barbie. Of all the people who could’ve made their images terrible, she had more chances of winning the public over should she do something heinous. Not that she’d ever do something as such. 

Mick Schumacher was the same. He was born to an iconic racing family, with him being Michael Schumacher’s carbon copy. He already had a public image by the time he was born— a set of expectations for him were ready to be fulfilled. He was the cutest baby to have existed too, with cameras taking photos of him left and right while he and his father were out and about. He had to maintain his image as a Schumacher legacy. 

Perhaps that was why he decided that keeping their relationship on the down low was ideal. It wasn’t as if he was embarrassed by the thought of it — he didn’t like the idea of sharing Barbie to the rest of the world just yet. They’ve seen her in the paddocks as Sebastian Vettel’s daughter and they rooted for her and Mick as years went on — but it didn’t mean that he’d share her to the world after yearning for almost a decade. It took him years to even admit he loved her— he didn’t want to share her just yet. 

But Barbie took Mick’s hesitation for humiliation. One of the things that she had learned from being in the foster system for too long was that she cannot ask. Just take what you’re given, and be grateful. It took Seb and Bel to tell her that she could ask anything and they’d be more than willing to hand it to her but a little part of herself, one that thought too much about Mick, doubted that he would even admit to anyone he’s dating her. Let alone she was his girlfriend. So she never asked, just shying away from the thought and continued to be a happy content girlfriend for him. 

But it seemed as if fate fucked around a lot. Or rather, Arthur Leclerc did. 

Their isolated vacation in Monaco was meant to be as secluded as it could be— the Vettels had a yacht that were maintained but not normally operated, and the younger couple had the boat for the two of them. They were quite happy with the quiet that came with the boat, with him sunbathing while she sat next to him with a book perched on her lap. 

Well, Mick was sunbathing until he cleared his throat to catch her attention, shooting the German a look as he smiled widely at Barbie, “Come cuddle?” 

“Under the sun?” Barbie chuckled, “I could do so much more than staying in one place.” 

“Oya? Name it,” Mick’s hand lifted his shades to stare at her dark eyes with his cheeky grin. “Maybe we can experiment and see what works?” 

“You are literally red in the face and your chest because of the sun,” Barbie scoffed, “what’s stopping me from slapping you to make them hurt?” 

“Your love for me?” Mick suggested, leaving Barbie to roll her eyes as he laughed and reached up to kiss her softly. Pulling an inch away from her lips, he murmured, “Ich liebe dich so sehr.” I love you so much.

“Took us long enough huh,” Barbie chuckled beneath her breath before pulling him for another kiss, “I love you.” 

Arthur: Oi, how long are you here in Monaco for???

Barbie: ??? How do you even know I’m in Monaco?

Arthur: Snapchat works wonders. 

Arthur: So??? Are you gonna be here for a while or are you just planning to ditch your best friend? 

Barbie: Ugh, fine. I’ll find my way around here. Where do you want to eat?

Arthur: I knew I love you for a reason ;) Remember that resto I took you to for pasta? Like the big cheese wheel pasta? 

Barbie: I honestly would rather eat at the back of your mother’s salon.

Arthur: Don’t be so boring. Send me your addy. You better be outside your place at 6PM sharp. If you’re not dressed as much as you do on a fashion week I’m gonna march you back to your place. I want to see fancy. FANCY!!!

Mick Schumacher might kill a Monegasque sometime soon. Preferably his grid mate’s brother. 

Barbie had been checking her D&G tulle dress for ten minutes straight while she stood in front of the mirror with her Medusa shoes on, her lips painted dark red while a black rose choker was wrapped around her neck. She had her hair in a wavy ponytail, not wanting to make her hair look more complicated. 

“It’s too formal,” Mick only told her before he walked up to their temporary shared closet and pulled out his oversized vintage Ferrari jacket. 

Barbie stared at the outerwear in his hand for a second before she chuckled, “That’s too casual.” 

“It evens out the whole vibe,” Mick shrugged before slipping her onto the jacket. “Voila. Besides, it’s a Leclerc. What does a Leclerc know about dressing nicely?”

“Oi, you might be friends with one but you don’t get to slander my own,” Barbie laughed regardless, pinching him on the cheek as he smiled lazily. “Don’t be an ass to everyone just because they have the same surname.” 

“I’m not— but I’m just saying; if Charles could barely dress, what makes you think Arthur cares about what he wears?” Mick proposed. He was only saying that to make himself feel better. That, and maybe he was convincing himself that their night out was just a best friend to best friend kind of hangout. Not a date. 

Nobody knew that they were dating with the exception of their families, as far as they knew. They decided to keep themselves silent about it to their peers, not wanting to see them slip up and compromise the relationship that Mick wanted to keep a secret. 

So Mick was trying to convince himself that no, Arthur Leclerc wasn’t taking Barbie on a date. And no, Arthur was just a boy best friend only— he wasn’t crushing on Barbie. 

“You’re such a fashion critique,” Barbie replied with a grin, “have you ever considered joining Bel on one of her fashion weeks? You’d do so much more talking than I would.” 

“I dress better than him.”

“Alright quit sizing him up, he isn’t here,” Barbie giggled, flattening out the crease on his shirt as she continued, “You— enjoy your night out with Estie and Charles, yes? And I will see you in about… few hours?” 

Mick sighed, slumping against her shorter figure as he said, “I really do not want to go out.”

“Same here, best friend,” Mick heard her murmur with his head resting against her neck. Then his lips began to press kisses against her perfumed neck as she pushed him off with a giggle, “Alright, stop feeling me up Mick— you’re not gonna get away from your night out—“

“Ugh,” he groaned, stomping his foot down petulantly before he pouted. “Stupid friends. I’m gonna see them in a week anyways— why do I have to see them over the break?” 

“Because they love you so much they’re more than willing to see your insufferable ass over the break?” She raised a brow before her mouth curled into a grin.

Mick let out a strangled and baffled noise as Barbie giggled and said, “I’m kidding. They’re still your friends, love.” 

“And? So are you? Why couldn’t they just invite you?” 

A ping on her phone echoed inside the bedroom as she sighed, picking up her phone to look at the notification before she looked back at her boyfriend. “Art’s here. Besides, you’ve your friends— I’ve mine. We might’ve been thick as thieves but you still had your friends. I didn’t have any— Arthur was kind enough to pity me no?” 

Before Mick could even protest, she already held his face and pressed a kiss on his lips. “See you later, mahal. Enjoy your time with the boys. Don’t drink and drive.” 

Then she was gone, leaving him alone as he pouted continuously. He muttered to himself, “I’ll see you, liebe.” 

But the truth was Barbie was right; throughout her life as Sebastian’s foster daughter she never had any friends who stayed. Mick and Gina Schumacher were her friends and those two only. Everyone rooted for Mick and Barbie because they were always together; they were the constant ones. Barbie never had any friends that weren’t Mick’s, so Arthur was a change in her life that she welcomed with open arms. 

So really, Mick shouldn’t be complaining about her hanging out with other people when he does it every time he’s away from her. He had more options, she didn’t. 

“I’m gonna stab you with a fork and you’re just gonna hope for the best if you say that aloud one more time. I swear to you, Leclerc.” 

“That what? That you and Mi—“

“Sh~ Art, shut up,” Barbie hissed louder than expected, earning the attention of the people around them as her face flushed red. When they turned back to mind their business, Barbie glowered at Arthur. “If you’re trying to get an answer then you better hush.” 

“Fine, I’ll be quiet,” Arthur Leclerc had been twirling the pasta in his plate for a minute straight now, eating it before he leaned over and quietly asked Barbie, “How long have you two been dating?” 

“…February.” 

“Fucking Feb— oh, mon cœur,” Arthur sighed dramatically, “and I was not even told? Did Charles know? Who else knows?”

“Seb and Gina… literally our families only,” Barbie slumped on her seat, “no, Charles doesn’t know. I intend to keep it that way. Or at least Mick wants to keep it that way.” 

What? Even Arthur knew how whipped Mick was for Barbie so why was he hiding Barbie away now? When Barbie saw this look on Arthur’s face all she could say was, “I dunno. I wasn’t told why either. You know I don’t like asking.”

“You should start asking, though, Barbie because how will you know?” Arthur asked. But the last part of his reply had him wondering. How would Mick prove himself to be happy with loving Barbie? 

Now this may seem silly or dumb but Arthur might have thought of something. Maybe it would work but who knows. 

All he wanted was for Mick to show that he loved Arthur’s best friend as the German driver portrayed back when people only saw him and Barbie as best friends. Forget about Barbie doing everything, maybe this is the time a Ken named Mick Schumacher could do something for once. 

Charles: I didn’t know your best friend is coming to Zandvoort?

Mick: She’s in Amsterdam right now, yeah. Why?

Charles: Nothing. I thought you made a move for once but it turns out I’m wrong. 

Mick: Wdym? 

Charles: Fast Lane Daily and other news sites are running a story about her and my brother right now in Amsterdam. Did you see his IG story too? 

Charles: I’m rooting for you two but like this is letting me down tbh

BARBIE AND MICK? No, Arthur Leclerc!

“Barbie Blanco Vettel is a catch indeed, so who’s the lucky Monegasque seeker?”

ARTHUR LECLERC and BARBIE BLANCO are seen hanging out days before the Zandvoort race. Could this be the beginning of an iconic couple in the grid? 

“With Sebastian Vettel’s daughter — your best friend Barbie Blanco attending the race week, will we see her in the Mercedes garage?” The reporter asked Mick as he stood there at the media pen. Mick’s smile fell flat when the reporter continued with, “Or will we see her at the Ferrari with what everyone thinks to be her boyfriend, Arthur Leclerc?” 

Ugh. 

But his smile showed as he answered as nicely as one could, “Oh, no. That’s the thing about Barbie— she doesn’t have favourite teams. She has favourite drivers and with her being my guest — I’m certain you’ll see her around our paddock area, the garage maybe— hell, I might just have the Mercedes social media account post a lot of videos of her.”

“So why haven’t you posted photos of her lately? Does it perhaps have anything to do with the youngest Leclerc being involved with her?”

In the next hour, the Mercedes media team had posted every single clip they had of Barbie, donning the number 47 in her Merc shirt, and Mick talking as they discussed the car and their day — but their conversations were muted and some stupid TikTok sounds were playing in the background. They even posted a video of the duo talking to Sebastian and his son Kimi over a FaceTime call. 

Then the Ferrari Driving Academy — per Arthur’s request — posted some videos of him and Barbie messing about at the garage with Ollie. He somehow managed to rope Ollie and their media team into making a TikTok with Barbie’s Merc hat being replaced by a FDA one — WITH ARTHUR’S NUMBER ON IT. 

Everyone in the grid had seen it before Arthur’s older brother even did. Even Charles was taking the piss from Arthur’s antics. He was rooting for Mick to finally win the girl over and his brother was out here trying to be as slick as one could be to Barbie.

Charles Leclerc knew that he was more than willing to strangle his own brother on behalf of Mick Schumacher. 

Mick was the bigger man on certain occasions (God hadn’t made him the smaller man in every part of his being either), so he couldn’t understand why he wanted to be petty about his relationship with Barbie to Arthur. He was what everyone called a golden retriever— always friendly and all that. But sometimes he wished he was like Roscoe. Intimidating, sure, but he’s a softie. He just wanted to scare any men off as they try to scamper towards Barbie.

The phrases Gaslight, Gatekeep, Girlboss never sounded so good until this season. He wanted to follow the mantra with the exception of the first part. He wanted to gatekeep so bad, but being a Mercedes driver opened his world to the public even more. Now he couldn’t even keep Barbie to himself. 

He was certainly delighted to see her excited face when she arrived in the Mercedes area during the free practice day, though. It was safe to say that Arthur hadn’t done anything stupid just yet. 

Barbie became a familiar face in the paddock as she remained Mick’s guest. She was starting her final year of culinary school in September and all she wanted was to watch him race in person for the last time before heading back to Switzerland. She wasn’t due to see him race again until Abu Dhabi. 

Now, Mick saw her more often as they lived ten minutes apart in Switzerland. But there was just something about her attending the races that had him going. He wasn’t a people pleaser— he was a Barbie pleaser. He lived to make her proud just as he was proud of her multi-talented nature. So he wanted to make the Dutch GP something that she’d be proud about. As if he hadn’t been earning points with his Mercedes vehicle every race. 

Then Barbie opened her mouth about her trip with Arthur when they were in Amsterdam. Mick loved listening to her rambling about what she’d gotten Seb and Bel’s son Kimi, indeed, but when Arthur’s name slipped out of her mouth his smile faltered for a moment. It was an expression that Barbie missed while she continued to babble about what else she had gotten from Amsterdam. 

Mick didn’t have to feel extremely foul after coping from the story that Arthur posted days ago with her being in it. Arthur never posted as much as he did of her before, so there was something going on. Mick just couldn’t point his finger on it. It was annoying him to no end. 

It didn’t help that the younger Monegasque came stopping by at the Mercedes garage with a grin while he stood on his electric scooter. Arthur’s grin widened even more when he saw Mick before he looked back at his girl best friend and greeted her, “Not tired of me, yet?” 

Mick certainly was.

“Eh, kinda,” Barbie joked, still standing next to Mick’s car while the driver sat there with an annoyed expression. Barbie still couldn’t see it. 

“So not fully,” Arthur hummed as if he thought of it thoroughly before he suggested, “Y’wanna ride around the track before FP1?” 

Mick’s jaw slacked at the suggestion, baffled that Arthur — that ANYONE — had the audacity to even say that in front of him. To Barbie!

But then he remembered that she didn’t have a friend besides Arthur. THAT and nobody knew they were dating. So he couldn’t exactly protest. 

Arthur’s grin meant a lot more than a friendly gesture. It was a shit-eating grin and Mick was at the receiving end of it. He couldn’t even say anything that’ll aggravate anyone.

God, Charles’ offer to give Arthur some hell was starting to sound like a good deal. 

“I don’t have any scooter,” she told him, not even noticing the glare that Mick held while Arthur continued to smile like a piece of shit. 

The Monegasque hopped off the scooter and said, “I’ll just borrow Ollie’s. I’m sure the lad wouldn’t mind, would he?” But he was looking at Mick. 

Mick’s glare disappeared for a moment when Barbie turned to him and asked, “I’ll take a lap or two at the track, if that’s okay?” 

His annoyed expression dissipated quickly while Arthur grinned at the sudden shift in Mick’s emotion as he encouraged Barbie softly, “Yeah okay. Careful, alright?” 

“Thanks, Schums,” Barbie grinned before she ran towards the scooter that Arthur parked. She was too excited to ride the scooter that she didn’t notice Mick glaring at Arthur.

Arthur saw it though, and all he did was raise a thumb and winked. “Don’t worry, Mick, I’ll return her to you in one piece. She’ll have a fun time.” Then he ran after Barbie who already got a head start towards the Ferrari garage. 

Mick huffed and asked his manager about his phone. When he finally got his hands on it, he immediately texted Charles. 

Mick: Your brother is a prat.

Charles: I’m gonna pretend that that's news to me. What did the boy do now? 

Mick: He’s an asshole. I love him but he’s cooking up something Charles. 

Charles: Yeah, welcome to the club. I can still do something just lmk

Charles: Oi, where did you take Barbie again? And why are you being you?

Arthur: Wha? I’m just taking her on a quick trip around the track.

Charles: You do know that Mick likes her right? No like LOVE LOVES her

Arthur: Oh I know Shal :)

Arthur: Sure, Barbie can do anything— but maybe it’s time Ken does something too? 

Charles: Stop being so cryptic and get her back to the garage safely, idiot. FP1 is starting soon.

“I’m actually gonna rip my own eardrums off if I hear his name one more time, oh my god.” 

Esteban Ocon and Lance Stroll exchanged looks as they just witnessed Mick Schumacher’s first breakdown of the season. It was not just any regular on the track related breakdown — seeing as he was slumped down on the table with his blue eyes hiding away from everyone, his head resting over his forearms while he continued to wear his race suit. He hadn’t taken off his race suit and unlike the others, and clearly whatever the hell was going on with him it wasn’t racing related. 

“Who?” 

“That other Leclerc guy,” Mick muttered while he kept his head down.

“Does this have something to do with what’s been going around about Barbie and Art—“

“Yes, Lance! Say his name one more time,” Mick exclaimed, rolling his eyes in the process. Lance scoffed at the attitude being given to him, making Mick quietly murmur, “Sorry. Yeah it’s about that.”

“What about it?” Esteban asked as he bit on his granola bar, “Barbie and Arthur are friends, no?” 

“And that’s the thing,” Mick said exasperatedly, “they are friends. Just friends— they’re not a thing.”

“Why are you so obsessed about that,” Lance asked genuinely, “it’s not like you two are a thing anyways. They can date if they feel like it. Arthur can woo her as much as he’d like as long as she permits him.” 

Mick looked defeated, pouting slightly as he kept his head down. Yeah. He had nothing to say anymore. He was done ranting.

But Esteban wouldn’t live that down. Mick’s reaction. It was as if the blond guy had something more to say but chose to keep his mouth shut. “Ah, so you fucked up, Mick?” 

Lance’s eyes widened at Esteban’s claim as Mick looked at the Frenchman with a questioning expression. Esteban continued to interrogate the man in question, “Mick, why haven’t you posted anything about Barbie since…  I dunno… since Imola?” 

“I- what?” 

Lance, seemingly amused by Esteban’s words, had also given his input, “And why isn’t she here with us…? Why are you way too far from her right now, Mick?” 

“It’s obvious you have a crush on her. That's why she was sticking with you most of the time and you’ve posted your photos and hers all the time. So,” Esteban leaned over and stared directly at Mick’s eyes. “Why is she with Arthur Leclerc?” 

“I’m keeping my mouth shut,” Mick leaned back, but Lance too had gotten into the interrogation as he offered an idea. 

“Have you two fallen off?” 

“No? What made you think that? She’s still my guest no?”

“Is she dating Arthur?”

“No,” Mick scoffed, “she would’ve told me otherwise.”

“Do you think she’s dating Arthur?”

“No,” Mick answered.

“Do you want her to date Arthur?” That was the final nail in the coffin. 

“What- no! Guys for fuck’s sake! She’s my girlfriend!” 

“AHA!” Mick’s claim might’ve been quiet enough for the two to hear but Lance and Esteban’s reactions were the opposite. Lance accidentally banged his knee against the table and Esteban stood and pointed at Mick, catching the attention of everyone inside the paddock area. 

Mick swore that he was being selfish and he was planning to do it until everything dies down. But even he couldn’t keep his stupid mouth shut because of some guy named Arthur Leclerc. He was spiraling.

Esteban sat back down and asked, “So why aren’t you posting her more than you should’ve now?”

“Does it matter? We both love each other and nobody needs to get into our business like that,” Mick muttered bitterly. “Our families are already after our asses about it before we even made things official.”

“Yeah but have you asked Barbie how she felt about that?” Lance counteracted before he pointed out, “Sure she agreed to keep it private. But you two— literally just before all of that, when Seb was still driving— she’d be trailing after you and you’d have your arms wrapped where friends shouldn’t be wrapping it around on. Now she’s not even getting all of that from you. The closest thing she’s gotten was a paddock pass.”

Their words sat with him throughout the weekend, but he never let it bother Barbie as he cuddled with her that night and the night before the race. 

He was outspoken when it came to Barbie. He absolutely loved her. But there was just something about keeping his relationship a secret that immediately became the norm. Everyone knew how in love he was with her, but to say it aloud all while they were in a relationship? It’s like he didn’t like the change when they finally became a couple. He was so used to being in love with her that he didn’t care about the labels. It was as if their relationship was already established from the beginning they didn’t need to say it aloud.

But the thing was that he needed to say it aloud. It was eating her alive regardless if Mick never saw it on her face. Everyone saw what he didn’t see. Maybe Arthur saw that too and was giving her the love she so deserved. 

Maybe it was time he showed it to the world as he normally did back before they even became a thing. He wanted normality right? Perhaps, this was it. He should go back to normal — with the exception of them being labelled as a couple rather than best friends. 

Mick was in P1 and he was sulking. He was fucking sulking because he just found another photo of Barbie arriving at the same club as he was in now with Arthur. 

This was what he didn’t like about being in a secret relationship while he kept getting podiums — and being a winner. You couldn’t even celebrate your win properly because you’ve decided to hide her away from everyone. 

Her black Oscar de la Renta dress didn’t do her beauty some justice. No matter how expensive it was, her face was exquisite enough to outdo her clothes. She held a single piece of rose on her hand and handed it to Mick with a sheepish smile. It was a way to congratulate him without having to be intimate in front of other people. 

But this past few weeks itself was insane. He didn’t even want a rose. He just wanted her and her genuine smile. It was his fault for wanting to keep their relationship a secret. 

An hour or two passed and Mick decided that it was time to head home. During his celebration he drank as much as Barbie did, happy to see her get wild. But the one that had him wishing he’d gone to celebrate in their hotel room was the way she danced wildly with Arthur as they had both gotten loose throughout the night. 

It was fairly quiet outside the club, signalling that the two of them had enough privacy to wait for their lift outside the venue. 

They were both too touchy feely to even be in public, but when Barbie wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled him closer to express how proud she was of him and how happy she was to see him win — no matter how much she ached to hold him after he got out of the car but resorted to hiding away to his drivers room — he couldn’t help but press his lips against hers and devoured the love that she gave him. 

The next morning, Barbie had woken up witnessing him scroll through his gallery album full of their photos together. 

“Morning, liebe. Which ones do you think look good?” Mick asked her without missing a beat, turning his screen to her direction. 

“They all look nice. I can’t pick anything for wallpaper,” Barbie muttered as she wished to fall back asleep.

But it seemed like Mick had another plan, “It’s not for a wallpaper. I’m trying to post a dump photo of us on Instagram.”

Her eyes widened at the announcement as she turned to her side, giving him an incredulous expression. He smiled meekly, “Yeah… they were all blowing up my Twitter because they caught us making out—“

“What—“

“In public.”

“What? And you’re just posting photos of us to add more fuel to the fire?” Barbie shrieked, letting out a noise. “Are you sure you’re alright?”

“Esteban and Lance were right about being stupid for keeping you a secret,” Mick murmured guiltily. “I’ve shown some symptoms of being too in love with you before, so why can’t I do the same thing now that we’re actually together?”

“I hope it didn’t make you think that I was ashamed of you,” Mick continued, putting his phone down to turn to her direction, his hand reaching to spontaneously comfort her. “If anything I’m just trying to get them to mind their business.” 

“Don’t be sorry,” Barbie huffed out, “you weren’t wrong about keeping it private.”

“Yeah but it wasn’t right to just pretend you aren’t something more to me,” Mick pressed a kiss on her forehead. “So I’ll be as proud as I can be of you. I don’t care if it’s public or private — I’ll be yours as long as you’re mine. Yes?”

Arthur: Did Mick finally spill?

Arthur: Fucking finally. I was ready to expose him on your behalf tbh.

fin.

[itmeansiris]

The Solar System Legacy Challenge: Getting to Know the Neighbors Gen 1 pt.55

The day before Zohrehs birthday Mercury and family head down the street to meet for lunch with Kiersten and her family. When they arrive they knock and a gruff voice calls out from inside

???: It's open.

In the distance they can hear a softer voice respond, Kiersten.

Kiersten: Did you even check who it was?

Kiersten opens the door and lets them in

Kiersten: Mercury! Kason! I'm so glad you guys made it. Rufus these are the neighbors who own the gorgeous blue house near the towns center. I told you they came by yesterday to say hello while you and the boys were out.

Rufus was in the middle of a flash card lesson with his youngest son. He cuts the lesson short, kissed the small red headed boy and stood to greet them.

Rufus: Good to meet you. Rufus, I see you've meet my beautiful wife. This handsome guy is Malachi and our oldest son Tucker is around here somewhere.

Kason steps forward to introduce his own family.

Kason: Rufus, nice to meet you. Kiersten it's nice to see you again. I’m Kason, this is my wife Mercury and our triplets Venus, Ishtar and Aphrodite and our youngest Zohreh.

Rufus: Well lets not stand in the doorway come in please.

As soon as everyones inside, the oldest boy Tucker comes down whining loudly to his parents.

Tucker: Mooooommm you said dad would help me with my creative writing paper. I actually have to attend school tomorrow if you forgot.

Tucker plops down at the kitchen table.

Rufus: We have company buddy.

Tucker looks around noticing there are other people in the room.

Tucker: Um...sorry. Hi, I'm Tucker.

He politely introduces himself.

M: It's very nice to meet you Tucker. If you don't mind me asking what is your creative writing story about?

Tucker smiles and animated launches into an explanation of the world he'd created and the characters and creatures that inhabited the land.

Tucker: I want the main character to become a werewolf but I've never written about werewolves. Which is where my dad came in. He loves the supernatural, but he hasn't had much time since the move.

M smiled and sat down across from him.

M: Well I just happen to know a little something about writing werewolves. Would you mind if I helped out?

Rufus and Kiersten looked at each other surprised.

Kiersten: Thank you so much, but we couldn't ask you for that. We invited you over for lunch and to hopefully make friends-

Rufus: Yeah, not put you to work.

Kason laughed, seeing Rufus and Kiersten finish each other sentences made him like them more. They reminded him of himself and Mercury. It was easy to see they had a close family dynamic and a healthy relationship.

Kason: One thing you'll learn about M, writing is never work for her. She's a pretty amazing author herself.

Kiersten stops in her tracks as realization dawns on her. She walks over to the bookshelf and pulls out a familiar book.

Kiersten: I knew she looked familiar. She wrote "Journals of a Werewolf".

Rufus takes a closer look at the photo on the back of the book.

Rufus: Well what do you know, that is you. I admit I'm a little ashamed now, I've read that series at least a dozen times. Can't believe I didn't recognize you.

M laughs and reassures them.

M: Please it's better that way. But it's nice to know you enjoyed the series. Thank you

Tucker: Sooo, can she help me?

Kiersten hesitates still

Kiersten: We really couldn't ask you to do that.

M: It's not a problem. Please I'd like to help.

Rufus: Kier she says its okay. Besides who better to help him than the werewolf master herself. Thank you Mercury. Come one Kason we can head out back. Falls taking its time and I just got a new grill I'd like to give a go before the season gets too cold. We'll take the little ones we have a swing and space for them to play.

Kason and Rufus around up the toddlers leaving Mercury to help Tucker with his story.

After about an hour Tucker and Kiersten join the others in the yard.

Kason: Where's Mercury?

Kiersten: She went down the street to change. I thought she was dressed a little warm for the weather.

M returns 10 short minutes later and everyone is already gathered outside.

Rufus: You're just in time. Your husband was just impressing us with his culinary talents and finished up what looks like an excellent set of Chimis.

During their meal Kason and M ask the Walter’s what brought them to Brindelton Bay. Rufus explained how he'd been promoted from his position as Constructor of Computers in Chestnut Ridge.

Rufus: The office out there is still small and well they aren't all tech savvy. So the only way to really get the promotion was to move my family to San Myshuno or the Brindelton Bay office. My choice was a clear one.

Kason: It will be nice to see a friendly face in the office.

Rufus smiled, the comment meant to instill a sense of friendship but Kason knew it had another meaning, but that was an issue for another time.

As the evening draws to an end M extends a invitation to Kiersten.

M: Tomorrow and the day after we’re having birthday parties for the triplets and Zohreh. You guys should all come by.

Kiersten pulls M into a hug

Kiersten: We would love to, and thank you for today.

M hugs her back. When she pulls away Kiersten wiped tears from her eyes.

M: For what? We were guest in your home we should be thanking you.

Kiersten: You and your family have made us feel so welcomed already. We've hardly seen any of the neighbors sense we've been here. The last town we lived in was so lively, and warm. The people were like family. We've been here for almost a week and your family is the first and only to come over and even introduce themselves.

M: The neighborhood is fairly quite. More dog owners than families with kids, living so close to the clinic and dog park. Don't worry it was the same when Kason and I first moved here. We can go by the cafe or the towns national park sometime.

M: And if we don't find any nice people don't worry, you and I are going to be good friends.

Kiersten giggles and wipes the last of the tears from her eyes,

M: It'll be nice to have a friend close to home.

Kiersten sighs

Kiersten: It'll be good to have a friend. I'm so excited for tomorrow.

Kason arounds up the kids as M finishes her goodbyes. Before they leave Tucker runs out and hugs M tightly

Tucker: Thank you so much Mrs.Gratz! Could you come over again and help me with more of my stories please?!

M: I told you it's okay to call me Mercury, and I would love to help you with your stories in exchange you and your family have to come over to our house tomorrow for Zohreh's birthday. What do you say?

Tucker: I get to come to your house?! Mom we can go right?

Kiersten: Of course

She mouths thank you to M again with a fresh batch of tears in her eyes.

M: Then i’ll see you guys tomorrow. Thank you for lunch. Have a goodnight.

PREV

NEXT

*Journals of a werewolf” is the book that got M her 4th celebrity star. It was a best-seller and she won a star- accolade award. It’s the book most sims are likely to have read. She wrote 2 squeal’s.

[theleslistuff]

Danny may 2024

Day 12 time travel / Day 13 D&D au

Bloodlines

Danny has never been interested in the family history, thanks to the infi- map, he knows at least one of his ancestors was a lunatic witch hunter who tried to burn alive one of his best friends, tried to kill him with toxic flowers and gave an stomachache to his other best friend, Danny's guess is:

His family were all weirdos obsessed with hunting the popular mythological creatures of their time.

It was not so hard to have that conclusion and Danny thinks it's no use trying to prove it wrong.

Until he's forced to by Mr. Lancer's school project about their family tree.

Tucker's family tree was an easy one, they learned today his mother kept all their photos and history on a book passed by generation after generation, Sam was nauseous when they learned Tucker's great great grandfather fundated Amity Park's first meat emporium, Tucker was so proud until they turned the page and saw his grandfather lost it in exchange of a "magic bean" to the Baxter's.

-Danny you have to avenge me! -

His friends could not stop laughing.

-But it was a fair exchange Tuck! -

Danny replied as he continued to laugh, they kept joking around as they made Tucker's family tree until Tucker ended up laughing too.

.------------

Sam's history was... Complicated, Pamela Manson was eager to tell her daughter about the always rich and fabolous family the Manson's were, but something was... Off about her tale...

Many family members not mentioned but meant to be in the missing spots, like jumping from talking about her great grandfather to go directly to her grandfather.

Sam was not so easily fooled.

-Thanks mom, if that's everything, I'll write it down! -

Pamela seems pleased with that answer as she walks away to the entrance where a limousine is already waiting for her to take her for a spa day.

-I'm asking grandma Ida...-

She said to her friends.

-Why would someone not just write about their rich family?!-

Tucker said, he mentioned everyone and everything in his family tree, everything but the shameful act of his grandfather.

-Because It's a mystery Tucker and I want to be honest in my project, not just talk about shallow rich people-

The 3 teenagers went to investigate with Sam's grandma, the old woman seems excited to finally share dark family secrets with someone willing to listen, Sam got the most juicy material to make a family tree of dark secrets...

Murders, pirates, traitors, even witches, it all went to Sam's family tree.

-It's said in the dark ages one of our ancestors was the first princess to run away from her kingdom to be with a knight, unfortunately he abandoned her, but that didn't stopped her!, she may have given up the crown her family wanted her to have, but she founded a new hidden town where woman could learn about herbal remedies, agriculture and live on their own, of course the church called it a witch town-

Her grandma concluded with the oldest tale she knows about her family, Sam finished the family tree with a big smile on her face.

-Thank you grandma, you're the best! -

Ida smiled proudly.

-I must thank you too darling, at least someone will know and tell about our legacy of bloom and fire and not just... The golden petals your mother and father collected-

Her friends were quite impressed, Danny knew there was somewhere Sam's attitude came from, now he's happy to know where, Tucker was kinda jealous about her family's resilience to overcome such things as plagues, poor decisions, overthrowing... And his family never recovered for one single error.

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

It was Danny's turn to make his family tree, he was not excited about it, not even the slightest, knowing this would mean 6 hours of his father rambling about how great hunters were his ancestors and horrible ways to torture a ghost, the trio were even joking about it.

-How about if we talk to your mom first?, maybe she has other interesting people besides ghost hunters in her family-

Sam tried to cheer Danny up to do the homework, they knew when Danny was not interested in the homework he would even look for the box ghost to distract him and give a mediocre work to Mr. Lancer, right now was a nice day free of ghost, so his friends would make him do a proper homework.

-Fine..., but still I have to talk with dad about his family part... You know..., the Fenton name... -

So they asked Maddie first..., she seemed a little reluctant because usually the interesting family in the family tree is the father's family, but she was happy her son wanted to know about her, so she pleased them.

-You know you descend from the first peregrines who came to America Danny? -

She told him a tale about how her family were hunted down in Europe for their physical traits of being ginger, their unique eye colors and how it all changed when they decided to run away to America, being one of the mayor families in the production of livestock and wood until Maddie herself wanted to be a scientist and she did it against the approval of her family, her sister Alicia ending up having rights over all the family farms and legacy.

Danny wrote everything down in total interest.

-Wow..., mom I never thought we had that much history!-

Danny was amazed at the history of dreams come true, his friends were quite interested too, Sam admired Maddie's will to chase her dreams and her family for overcoming people who tried to take them down, Tucker is reflexive about how Danny should be rich and maybe his family knew Danny's mom family, Maddie smiles as she ruffles Danny's hair.

-It's not that great, but you can use it if your father doesn't tell you much-

Maddie said, that intrigued Danny and his friends, after all, they expected for Jack to be someone who likes to talk about his legacy and glorious combats.

They looked for Jack before doing the family tree.

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

They finally found the man eating some fudge next to the fridge.

-Hey dad, I have a homework about... Our family history, can you tell me something about it?-

Danny asked, but his father's face, seconds ago full of joy for eating his favorite dessert turned into a frown.

-Is it an obligatory homework? -

He asked, wanting to get rid of the obligation to tell them something.

-Um..., yeah, it's like 50%... No..., 80% of my grade in history... -

The percentage is higher for him, since he didn't approved the last test because of ghost hunting...

Jack looks uncomfortable about it.

-Well, then how about you write an essay so extended about your dad, you don't need to tell about anyone else at all!-

The trio were surprised by this reaction, they know he loves to talk about his childhood in war, but what makes him not say a word about other family members.

-Dad..., it's a... Family tree-

Jack finally sighed, he opened an special compartment in the fridge to take a book and give it to Danny.

-Just read the first page and give it back when you're done... -

Jack left the room to continue working on his last ghost weapon.

The trio was... Intrigued and confused, of course Danny immediately opened the book, the first page was what Danny expected...

His grandfather being obsessed with hunting an alien until he got married and war came to their country, it's not said when or where this happened, it was just this paragraph alongside how Jack's childhood was hard in that war, the incident with Vlad, his marriage with Maddie and how he was really proud of his daughter Jazz and how she would continue the family legacy of writing in this book he would give only to her...

-Well... Ouch... -

Tucker said as he saw no mention of Danny in that page, Danny no longer feeling he should respect his father's wishes, just turned the next page, it seems it was written by another person, it seems it was his grandfather's part of the story.

The tale says about a great obsession he had as a kid for constellations and everything beyond, until he saw an star fall from the sky, for the description it seems he's talking about a satellite expulsed by a natural ghost portal but the poor man would never be able to know that..., as time passed it's obvious it became the man's main obsession, so hard it make him leave his family with a lie about going to war.

"I still feel bad for my poor sweet Felice and my children Jack and Liam, Liam never deserved it, he's such a sweet child with a brilliant future..., unlike Jack, that dumb boy believes the ghost come back from the grave to hurt him, they have better things to do..., I'll leave this book to him, it's the only possession he would ever have anyways..."

Danny's grandfather part ended there.

-Your family is full of jerks Danny... -

Tucker said as they saw the last sentence, the next few pages had similar stories about obsession and how they abandoned everything and everyone just to get their fame with the mythological creatures each one was obsessed even with pictures of them catching the supposed creatures, as the tales get older it seems they had more success convincing people, the first one to be respected was Jhon Fentonightingale with the witch hunt and repelling evil spirits, ironically the most physically similar to Jack, was the first one to not act like one of his sons never existed, talking in full detail about her older daughter Janney Fentonightingale who was the first one to die of black death, his middle sons and daughters Mary Fentonightingale, Ann Fentonightingale, Jhon Willard Fentonightingale, Thomas Fentonightingale, all dead for the black death before they could turn 15 years old, the only survivors being the twins James Fentonightingale and Alexander Fentonightingale.

James Fentonightingale died trying to help his father in the family business, it turns out he was allergic to blood blossoms.

For the other side Alexander Fentonightingale ran away with the book because of him being the seventh son, he could be a werewolf, fortunately he could make a live on his own.

As they went further back, there were some things off about Danny's family members being weird, sometimes a mention full of anger or totally censor of the previous writing about their existence.

Until they reach the last page talking about the dark ages.

With no family, it's written down by a friend who describes Danny's ancestor as a knight with a black cloak, with pale skin, hair white as snow and eyes of an unnatural green like the flames of hell itself, his unsettling appearance gave him the title of:

"The Lich knight".

His story starts as an orphan knight training to be in the royal guard and pretending the princess. They grew so fond, both were planning to flee together, leaving behind the princess arranged marriage and the knight's promise to get into the royal guard if he left the princess alone, the story is cut short as another different person is now writing the tale.

Confessing the murder of the knight by someone claiming to be his brother, taking the knight's armor, his place in the royal guard and having a happy life getting married to a farmer's daughter and having children, getting away with his crime and giving the book to one of his many children, the one who admired him and trusted him blindly.

Danny closed the book.

-Your family is full of hate, craziness and betrayal..., I would not put this in my family tree... -

Tucker said in distress, Sam tries to comfort her friend putting a hand in his shoulder, he has been very quiet about this, like... Meditating about this new information.

-Something is off about this, maybe like Sam's family, but... I can't talk about this with my dad..., my grandma died and it's obvious no one knows where my grandpa is or at least if he's dead or alive..., the same goes for my uncle... -

Danny seems troubled and maybe in denial he was right, his family are all this crazy guys obsessed with hunting mythological creatures and hating all their sons or daughters who didn't share the obsession or had a significant ability.

-Maybe we can get some info in the ghost zone... -

His friends look concerned, Sam was the first one to break the silence.

-Maybe some things are meant to be left unsaid... -

Danny was going to say something when they were suddenly teleported in Clockwork's tower.

-What? -

Clockwork looks at them with a smile, too bright to be in the master of time face.

-I'm glad you're curious enough about your roots, I thought you would just write two paragraphs and forget about the subject..., like other version of you did...-

Danny laughed at this, his friends looking totally confused.

-Seriously?!, you never help in any fight both the ghost zone and earth are at risk, but you do when I have a homework?! -

Clockwork kept smiling, but the look on his eyes is one of pity.

-This is just a promise I made for an old friend... And you will find this experience quite entertaining... -

He raised his staff making it shine in a blue hue and turned it around making it create a portal.

The trio looked at each other, but Sam and Tucker stepped back, feeling this was far too personal to be included in.

Danny sighted as he jumped into the portal.

[tainoodles]

I'm really glad I took this second photo of Cyrus aged up because I guess I never actually took the first one. But our first generation 3 teen has arrived!

He calculated to have the Romance aspiration like his father... he also looks a lot like his dad as well. So here we go... another romance sim... I'm sure it'll be fine. Maybe I'll build them a dating show house and just have them all live together at some point.

Anyways, this ends this round for the Cormier family. So time to take a stop by Legacy Land again before we visit Gabriel's family and see what's up t here. I think it's going to be dramatic...

[bunbeeplays]

The Lemon Legacy: Generation 1, Chapter 118 - Not So Zen

We're back at Sparadise, a location we haven't seen in quite some time, for a family friendly yoga session.

Wiki is very excited to see her old clients. One of them is a four-star celebrity now too! She's definitely going to promote that on her professional Simstagram page.

Gemma is very excited to see her uncle Moses and pibling Drew!

Gemma: Pibs, pibs!

Drew: I heard ya the first time, kid, come here. Oof, you're getting so big!

Gemma does yoga with her mommy and daddy at home sometimes but she's excited to take a class with Drew and Moses too!

Moses: I can't believe it's been so long. Our last session was before you and Xander were even engaged!

Ophelia: Life gets in the way sometimes. You'll know all about that pretty soon. I can't believe you and Ian are gonna be dads!

Moses: How do you think I feel?

Moses: Just a few more days until we can finally bring her home. You think my dad beard will be ready by then?

Ophelia: I think it took Xander a little longer than a couple of days.

Moses: Ian works with gym bros, maybe they have some hair growth supplements I can take.

Ophelia: Moses, facial hair isn't going to make you a better parent. You're going to do great, and you've got a big support system if you need help. Just focus on enjoying your family leave, and your little girl.

Her fake dad will be a real dad in a few days. How exciting!

Gemma: Uncle Moses is gonna have a baby! His belly's gonna get REAL big and a baby'll pop out!

Drew: I don't think that's happening, Gem.

Gemma: Oh, then Uncle Ian's gonna have the baby!

He technically could, but trans reproductive health is a discussion for another day.

Xander's busy getting Lulu settled in, who thanks him for his hard work by blowing a kiss. She's never done that before!

Ophelia: That'll be you and your little girl soon.

Moses: Don't you dare make me cry before yoga, Lemon.

While the two hug, Drew sighs.

Drew: Getting married, having kids? They're getting old on me. Good thing I'll never be old, right, squirt?

Gemma: Yeah! You're only like 50.

Drew: Gee, thanks.

Everybody (including Some Guy) get onto their mats and ready for the class to start. Lulu's really enjoying the calm music that's playing. Gemma just loves any excuse she can get to move around.

The gang has gotten pretty good at yoga! Not experts by any means, but good form all around. Gemma's killing it the most, though.

Gemma: You takin' a nap, Momma?

Ophelia's about to explain what corpse's pose is when she hears the flicker of a camera. Our old friend is back!

Ophelia has had it!

Ophelia: Are you seriously taking photos of my children? I keep them off social media for a reason!

Willy: Yeah, that's why getting pics of them is a good scoop!

Ophelia: Delete those photos now!

Willy: Or else what? You're in public, you can't stop me!

Something in Ophelia snaps.

Ophelia: Leave my children alone, you creep!

Before she knows it, she starts swinging at Willy Weiner, paparazzi scum. She's getting into her very first fight!

Gemma picked an excellent time to go toddle off to use the potty. Nothing to see here, kiddo!

Xander: Can you tell what's going on?

Moses: They pop out every once in a while but it's hard to make heads or tails of it.

Xander: I just need to figure out if he's winning so I can know if I'm getting in my first fight today too.

Ophelia and Willy pop up for a moment to slap each other.

Ophelia: Look at him, everyone, he's hitting a woman! What a pig!

Willy: You literally started this!

Ophelia, level 10 fitness queen, rocks Willy's shit.

Ophelia: If you know what's good for you, stay away from my family! The Watcher's deleted Sims for getting in the way of a screenshot, don't think they won't delete you!

She can't stand weaselly little rascals like him!

They continue to watch Ophelia berate this dirtbag.

Xander: Is it weird that I'm finding all of this hot?

Moses: It's weird that you're telling me you do.

Willy slinks off in shame. I don't think we'll be seeing him anytime soon.

Ophelia may be stinky but she's feeling victorious!

Drew: Way to wreck that guy, O! I never knew you had such a mean hook!

Ophelia: I don't know what came over me.

Drew: Those mama bear instincts kicked in, that's what!

Luckily, Gemma spent most of the fight in the bathroom and Lulu somehow slept through it.

Xander approaches and she thinks he'll be upset she put herself in danger like that.

Ophelia: Xander, I'm sorry, I-

Xander kisses her deeply. It's hard to keep things passionate with two little kids sometimes but the adrenaline was definitely doing something for them both.

Xander: Can you guys watch the girls? We have to go… hit the showers.

Moses: I have a feeling you're going to do whatever it is you're going to do no matter what I say. In fact, I'm pretty sure you're both too horned up to even be listening to me.

Ophelia: Great, thanks.

Hey, Ophelia needs a shower anyway. Might as well multitask!

No, they don't make any babies in the shower, although that would be pretty on-brand for them. These two love conceiving children anyplace but their own home.

The rest of the day is pretty normal, at least for them.

Gemma: Mommy, Daddy, Lulu's stinky!

Xander looks like he caught a whiff before he had to be told, but thanks for looking out, Gemma.

Ophelia: You're on diaper duty today, babe.

Xander: Why me?

Ophelia: Remember in the shower… I did that thing you like me to do. Y'know, the thing I usually only do on special occasions. You owe me.

Xander: You make a compelling case. You really were raised by lawyers, huh?

Xander: Alright, come here, stinkbug.

Ophelia doesn't consider herself a violent person, but she doesn't regret her actions today for a second. She'll protect her precious little family with everything she's got, even if it means breaking some pap's nose.

[obsessivelollipoplalala]

I’ve been thinking about the auction for ages, just turning it around in my head constantly. My instant guy reaction was to be horrified, and then people online made me think I was being unreasonable. And I just kept going back and forth unsure, but Brian’s message I think helped clear my head. And I think I’ve figured out what bothers me the most about all this. Because my first initial reaction was mostly just emotion. Mostly just “but that is awful!” Especially hearing about the fucking mustache comb. Like you KNOW what kind of freaks are out there. If Freddie hadn’t been a celeb I’d probably honestly say yeah sure sell it whatever. But he was a celeb, and there’s a plethora of weirdos who would want that. You have to take that kind of thing into account.

I’ll also be honest, I don’t actually give a fuck about the furniture and art being sold. Actually if it was the interior design stuff being auctioned off I probably would have shrugged. Like oh well. It’s just a couch, and a vase or whatever (very nice very expensive furniture and decoration but you know, they don’t represent Freddie imo). The clothes, the piano, the lyrics and photos, the very personal effects (mustache comb which I will never stop harping on) that’s what bothers me. It’s because it shows an utter disregard for Freddie’s legacy. Freddie is not only a famous and legendary musician, but classic and historical. He is one of the biggest musicians there will ever be in human history (and that’s not even an exaggeration in the slightest!), and you’re just selling his handwritten lyrics etc to the highest bidder with no regard for its historical value. I’m reminded of Indiana Jones. “It belongs in a museum!”

I don’t think anybody is saying to turn Garden Lodge into a Graceland. Freddie would have been horrified at that idea with how private he was. But to not offer Queen (the only her legendary musicians in this equation who will also be in/are in the history books) even some of the the lyrics…

I think for literal historical reasons it’s a problem to be selling these lyrics and some of these clothes to randos.

Also there is a way to display this stuff properly. Everybody it seems jumps to “well Freddie wouldn’t want a Graceland.” Like yeah of course not. But there is (maybe was, not sure it’s still up) a Nirvana exhibit, which Kurt Cobain’s family had a big hand in. And it displays some important objects for the public, including some of Kurt’s clothes (which were not nearly as flashy/high fashion as Freddie’s, albeit still iconic). And I also think of again, how gracefully Frances Bean Cobain (Kurt’s daughter) who has the majority of his estate, handles his legacy, and seems on very good terms with the other band members. The literal only hiccup I can think of isn’t even her fault. Kurt’s guitar was auctioned off after being stolen from her by her ex husband, and she fought to get it back.

Anyway, I think there was a way to handle this. To auction off some of Freddie’s goods, like furniture and stuff that isn’t actually important to his legacy, and still get a hefty price. Hell, maybe even sell a shirt or two that is a bit more important. But then handle the placement of the more important materials more delicately. Hell, you could still maybe even make some money depending on how you arrange where it goes.

Yeah, that's pretty much what it comes down to. I don't care much about the furniture and décor, either, and I think most people don't. Those are things that were irrelevant to his work, just things to fill up a house. I've been saying for weeks now that selling the things which directly have to do with Freddie's music, such as his lyrics, instruments, and stage costumes, is indicative of a complete and utter disregard for his life's work, impact, and legacy as a musician. It says a lot when randos who never know Freddie think, "Wow, his lyrics should be in a museum" but the woman who the media has painted as the Only One who ever understood Freddie saw no value in these items outside of dollar signs. It's just very disrespectful.

No one is arguing that the lyrics and costumes of Freddie's that are already on display at the Montreux museum or other exhibitions aren't what he would've wanted, so these people defending the auction with "BuT FrEDDiE WOuLDn'T HavE WanTED--"are just annoying.

And to me, what's equally scummy is how there was zero consideration for Freddie's living loved ones. That was one of my immediate thoughts when I first heard of the auction. Mary clearly doesn't view Freddie's lyrics, instruments, or costumes as part of Queen's larger legacy. It's both disrespectful to the band as individuals, and to Queen as a whole. It's like she really never gave a shit about Queen, Freddie's baby, and of course she certainly never gave a shit about anyone else in his life, no matter how close he was to them (and you could argue the closer they were to Freddie, the more she resented them). And it's the very personal items, too, not just the mustache comb, but the personal photos of the band hanging out in the pool or the photos of Freddie and Anita in kimonos at Garden Lodge which shouldn't be sold without asking those actually in the pictures first. It's shitty that the band and Freddie's other loved ones would even be put in the position of having to purchase photographs that they are in.

Anyway, the whole thing is really shitty to both Freddie's legacy as a musician and his loved ones. Plain and simple.

[dxncingwithastrxnger]

Lexy's Christmas Sleepover!! (Attempt #3)

Hello, everyone!!!! It's that time of year again!!! Now, I know that in the past two years, I haven't been very reliable at getting out my Christmas requests, and I greatly apologize for this. But in previous years, I've also tried to make myself write a bunch of full length one-shots which for me usually means 3k+ words, SO, this year, I'm gonna go ahead and say that I can't guarantee a full length one-shot on every single request, BUT I will at least write a drabble for any requests sent to me this year!! I can guarantee this for sure!!!

NOW, Since I'm a multi-shipper, I will write for mannyyyyy different ships in each of my fandoms and it would take awhile to list every single one of them, SO, instead, I'm going to list each of my current fandoms that I'm comfortable writing for and then you can send me either a ship or a character you'd like a reader insert fic for. Poly ships, platonic ships, and platonic/family groups are perfectly okay as well!!! If you happen to send me a ship or character that I'm not comfortable writing for, for any reason, then I'll let you know, but I doubt that will happen, tbh. So, without further ado, here are the fandoms and prompts!!

[Some of the dialogue prompts I'm using came from this list]

When requesting, please tell me: Fandom + Group/Ship/Character + Reader Gender (If Needed) + At least 1 Prompt (I will accept multiple!). You may request as many as you'd like!!

Duration:

11/28/23 - 12/31/23

KNY/Demon Slayer

Fandoms:

Seven Deadly Sins

Four Knights Of The Apocalypse

Miraculous Ladybug

Riverdale

Bungo Stray Dogs

Marvel

The Vampire Diaries

The Originals

Legacies

Legend of Zelda (Mainly BOTW + TOTK)

Stranger Things

Supernatural

Scenarios:

MHA/BNHA

1.) Decorating The Tree

2.) Dancing In The Snow

3.) Present Shopping

4.) Gift Giving

5.) Wrapping Gifts

6.) Making A Gingerbread House

7.) Gingerbread House Competition

8.) Snowball Fight

9.) Sledding

10.) Mistletoe

11.) Christmas Baking

12.) Christmas Market

13.) Making Snowmen

14.) Christmas Party

15.) Watching Christmas Movies

16.) Dancing To Christmas Music

17.) Going Ice Skating

18.) Christmas Dinner

19.) Making Christmas Dinner

20.) Fake Dating For Christmas Ball

21.) Secret Santa

22.) Both Reaching For The Last Cookie

23.) Making Christmas Decorations

24.) Christmas Carolling

25.) Decorating The House/Apartment

26.) School Winter Dance

27.) Christmas Office Party

28.) Stranded On Christmas Eve

29.) Christmas Drinks

30.) Christmas Photo Shoot

31.) Christmas Tree Farm

32.) Cookies For Santa

33.) Christmas Dress Up

34.) Fireplace Snuggles

35.) Accidental Christmas/Eve Confession

36.) Winter Walk

Dialogue:

A.) “Stop trying to get me to walk under the mistletoe.”

B.) "That should be our Christmas card this year.”

C.) “Why’d you turn the music off?”

D.) “I know we said no presents this year but…”

E.) “I hate Christmas shopping.” - “I love Christmas shopping!”

F.) “Do you want to put the star on the top of the tree?”

G.) “What do you think? Like the tree?”

H.) “Open your stocking!”

I.) “It’s snowing!”

J.) “What are you doing?” - “Making a snow angel.”

K.) “Do people even use nutcrackers?”

L.) “Do you still believe in Santa?”

M.) “You’d make a cute elf.”

N.) “Look! Reindeers!”

O.) “Is that supposed to be a snowman?”

P.) “Do you have any carrots?”

Q.) “This is the best gift you could’ve given me.”

R.) “You have snow on your eyelashes, looks cute.”

S.) “Come here by the fire.”

T.) “Please don’t make me wear this, I look ridiculous.”

U.) “You’ve really made my Christmas this year.”

V.) “I thought you were going home for Christmas.” - “Well, I couldn’t leave you all alone.”

W.) “I’m never letting you convince me to go carolling again.”

X.) “Here, you can have one of my gloves.”

Y.) “What are you wearing?”

Z.) “Did you get us matching pyjamas?”

AA.) “You look so beautiful in the snow.”

BB.) “It’s bold of you to assume I haven’t eaten my entire advent calendar.”

CC.) “Christmas hot chocolate is not normal hot chocolate. Where are the marshmallows?”

DD.) “Smell this candle, it’s amazing.”

EE.) “Aren’t you going to write your letter to Santa?”

FF.) “I’ll let you sit on my knee.”

GG.) “You’re my Christmas angel.” - “Wow that was…intense.” - “Just take the compliment.”

HH.) “But I wanted to be Santa this year!”

II.) “Did you make me a tinsel crown?”

JJ.) “I can’t get the star on, would you give me a hand?”

KK.) “Looks like you’ve had a few drinks!” - “You haven’t had enough if you’re noticing. Come on, bar’s over there.”

LL.) “Will you make me a hot chocolate?” - “Name all the reindeer and I will.”

MM.) "I've never understood the tradition of opening presents on Christmas Eve. Why would anyone do that?"

NN.) "I've hid all of your presents where you'll never find them." - "They're under your/our bed, aren't they?"

OO.) "Someone ate Santa's cookies last night and it wasn't me."

PP.) "It's Christmas Time!" - "Oh god."

QQ.) "In the name of Christmas Spirit, I demand you come with me."

RR.) "You know what that means?" - "Christmas?" - "Christmas."

[90363462]

80 Best Lyrics From Taylor Swift’s Midnights For Your Instagram Captions

Oct. 21, 2022

Name one Swiftie who’s never used a Taylor Swift lyric as an Instagram caption. I’ll wait. During Swift’s 16-year career, she has delivered countless turns of phrases and relatable one-liners that fans have used as captions to encapsulate their photos and videos. On Midnights — and the album’s seven bonus tracks — Swift once again blessed us with Instagram-worthy lyrics, at one point fittingly asking on bonus track “Paris” this important question: “Did you see the photos?” 

In the 11-time Grammy winner’s 20 songs on Midnights (3 a.m. edition), you’ll notice several themes — like drinking, loving, dancing, traveling, and polishing up real nice — that are prime Instagram fodder. For frequent travelers and romantic dancers, turn to “Snow on the Beach” (“My flight was awful, thanks for asking”) and “Glitch” (“That’s romance, let’s dance”). 

For the partiers or solo drinkers, you can take advantage of lyrics on “Dear Reader” (“My fourth drink in my hand”); “The Great War” (“I drew curtains closed, drank my poison all alone”); “Question...?” (“It was one drink after another”); “Maroon” (“Your roommate’s cheap-ass screw-top rosé, that’s how”); and “Paris”(“Cheap wine, make believe it’s champagne”). 

Longtime listener Zainub Amir, who runs the popular Swift-centric Twitter account @SwiftNYC, told Bustle why people gravitate toward Swift’s music when crafting their own social content: “Taylor’s words and lyrical prowess are perfect for captions because she constructs her lyrics very concisely and strategically so there are a ton of relatable, witty phrases for fans to latch onto.”

For the lovers, you can use these poetic lines from “Labyrinth” (“Uh-oh, I’m falling in love”); “Lavender Haze” (“I just need this love spiral”); “Question...?” (“Did you ever have someone kiss you in a crowded room?”); “Paris” (“I’m so in love that I might stop breathing”); and “Midnight Rain” (“My boy was a montage / A slow-motion, love potion”).

So, when you’re ready to “plant a memory garden,” as Swift puts it on “The Great War,” come back to this list of the 80 best Midnightslyrics to use for your Instagram captions. 

1. “Lavender Haze”

Meet me at midnight

I feel the lavender haze creeping up on me

I just wanna stay in that lavender haze

Talk your talk and go viral / I just need this love spiral

2. “Maroon”

That’s a real f*cking legacy to leave

Your roommate’s cheap-ass screw-top rosé, that’s how

I chose you / The one I was dancing with / In New York, no shoes

The lips I used to call home / So scarlet, it was maroon

3. “Anti-Hero”

It’s me, hi I’m the problem, it’s me

I’ll stare directly at the sun, but never in the mirror

When my depression works the graveyard shift / All of the people I’ve ghosted stand there in the room

I should not be left to my own devices / They come with prices and vices / I end up in crisis

4. “Snow on the Beach” 

My flight was awful, thanks for asking

Time can’t stop me quite like you did

It’s like snow at the beach / Weird, but f*cking beautiful

My smile is like I won a contest / And to hide that would be so dishonest

5. “You’re on Your Own, Kid”

I touch my phone as if it’s your face

You’re on your own, kid / You always have been

I didn’t choose this town / I dream of getting out

I search the party of better bodies / Just to learn that you never cared

6. “Midnight Rain”

He was sunshine, I was midnight rain

My boy was a montage / A slow-motion, love potion

I never think of him / Except on midnights like this

It came like a postcard / Picture perfect shiny family / Holiday peppermint candy

7. “Question...?”

Did you ever have someone kiss you in a crowded room?

15 seconds later, they were clapping too?

It was one drink after another

Does it feel like everything���s just like / Second best after that meteor strike?

8. “Vigilante Shit”

Draw the cat eye, sharp enough to kill a man

Lately I’ve been dressing for revenge

Ladies always rise above / Ladies know what people want

On my vigilante shit again

9. “Bejeweled”

I polish up real nice

I miss you, but I miss sparkling

By the way, I’m going out tonight

Best believe I’m still bejeweled / When I walk in the room / I can still make the whole place shimmer

10. “Labyrinth”

Breathe in, breathe through, breathe deep, breathe out

I thought the plane was going down / How’d you turn it right around?

Break up, break free, break through, break down

Uh-oh, I’m falling in love / Oh no, I’m falling in love again / Oh, I’m falling in love

11. “Karma”

Karma is the breeze in my hair on the weekend

Karma is a cat purring in my lap ’cause it loves me

Karma is the guy on the screen / Coming straight home to me

Flexing like a goddamn acrobat / Me and karma vibe like that

12. “Sweet Nothing”

You’re in the kitchen humming

I found myself a-running home to your sweet nothings

I spy with my little tired eye / Tiny as a firefly, a pebble

Industry disruptors and soul deconstructors / And smooth-talking hucksters out glad-handing each other

13. “Mastermind”

You and I ended up in the same room at the same time

The touch of a hand lit the fuse / Of a chain reaction of countermoves / To assess the equation of you / Checkmate, I couldn’t lose

What if I told you I’m a mastermind? / And now you’re minе / It was all by design / ’Cause I’m a mastermind

I’m only cryptic and Machiavellian ’cause I care

14. “The Great War”

We can plant a memory garden

It turned into something bigger

I vowed I would always be yours

I drew curtains closed, drank my poison all alone

15. “Bigger Than The Whole Sky”

Salt streams out my eyes and into my ears

You were bigger than the whole sky / You were more than just a short time

Goodbye, goodbye, goodbye

I’m never gonna meet / What could’ve been, would’ve been / What should’ve been you

16. “Paris”

Did you see the photos?

I’m so in love that I might stop breathing

Cheap wine, make believe it’s champagne

Sip quiet by my side in the shade / And not the kind that’s thrown

17. “High Infidelity”

Rain soaking, blind hoping

Put on your records and regret me

You know there’s many different ways that you can kill the one you love / The slowest way is never loving them enough

Do you really wanna know where I was April 29th?

18. “Glitch”

That’s romance, let’s dance

I was supposed to sweat you out

We were supposed to be just friends

I’m not even sorry, nights are so starry / Blood moonlit / It must be counterfeit / I think there’s been a glitch

19. “Would’ve, Could’ve, Should’ve”

I miss who I used to be

If I was some paint, did it splatter

Stained glass windows in my mind

If you never saved me from boredom I could’ve gone on as I was

20. “Dear Reader”

My fourth drink in my hand

Pick somewhere and just run

Never take advice from someone who’s falling apart

If you don’t recognize yourself / That means you did it right

[fishingforsims]

If you wonder where I've been: a ramble

I've been thinking about berry sims and simblr a lot, lately. It's been years since I was regularly posting and I miss it. I don't think I'll ever really leave simblr because there's so much here I still want to see. But I've been having a lot of fun playing without posting in mind and without the restraints of picking things based on color palettes.

While I'd like to get back to berry sims (whether I post or not), my computer is truly reaching the end of her lifespan and I'm running out of space for new CC. I don't have anything even approaching enough for a new PC and set up. So, unfortunately, TS4 berries will not be in the near future. I've been considering popping into TS3 to fulfill my berry needs, but the EA app is truly testing me. I regularly open it and it says TS3 has been removed from my library. Then I have to contact support all over again.

The Sims series is without a doubt one of the most exhausting games to be a fan of. It's glitchy and buggy and broken in a thousand ways. Sometimes I spend a whole day figuring out what went wrong, and at the end of it, I don't even want to play anymore. I think that's part of why I've been spending all my time playing without posting. At the end of all that, I don't want to add more work to what should be a fun hobby.

Another reason is that I can tell stories in my head and not worry if they make sense to anyone else! I can go back and retcon things I did and didn't like. I don't have to justify story choices; if I want it, it happens. I miss sharing my sims with y'all, don't get me wrong. But I think I was just getting burnt out on storytelling, and that's something I never want to happen again.

I've taken a lot of time to play "offline" and to get into other games, too. I never posted about it here, but I got very into ACNH. In fact, I've played for over 2,700 hours and even got a tattoo of Lucky! I've decorated and torn down and redecorated my town into different themes over and over again. I also got into Stardew Valley which has taken up a lot of my time over the past few years. There were other games and hobbies I worked on and which took my time that The Sims just fell to the wayside.

However, over the past few months, I've been playing saves a little differently than my usual. My current ones are a "slow living" legacy (set to long lifespan instead of normal), a perfect sim LEPacy, an occult legacy, and the start of a Differences in the Family Tree challenge. I still take all the photos I always have, still make up all the stories. I think of simblr often when I play. Even after being inactive so long, I still find myself thinking of getting the right shot or the wording of dialogue.

I don't think I'll ever leave simblr, because there's too much of me still here. I just won't be as present as I was, and I think that's okay. It's time to stop beating myself up about it.

TL;DR: I'll probably never be a regular poster again, but I'll be here lurking just the same.

[lunamidnight]

November 7th

Fanfiction/Original Fiction

First created: Jan 2021

Last updated: Oct 2023

General Premise: Post-game story after the 4th game, next generation and sorta fix it at some point, not too far in it, but I will be continuing it.

Other notes: I do take some dialogue from the game at the beginning so credit to the game.

Bentley

It's been a while since that night, but there was still no sign of Sly or that cursed blimp. The skunk could barely tread water. So by the time the cops picked him up, he was happy to see them. Word is, he earned a special cell in solitary confinement where the only thing he'll be collecting from now on is grey hair.

Both Paris and the Thievius Raccoonus were back to normal, but that hardly made us feel any better. At first, we just waited assuming Sly would show up the way he always did. But as the days stretched into weeks, we had to face the fact that he was truly lost. We've stopped talking about it all the time, but I know it's all we're thinking about. Even if we show it in different ways. Murray seems like his usual cheery self, but I can tell there's a new level of seriousness underneath it all. He's on the professional wrestling circuit now and he's really been pushing himself. I know he's doing it to keep his fighting skills sharp. Like all of us, he wants to be ready for action the minute we locate Sly. 

Carmelita returned to Interpol where she threw herself into her work, busting criminals at a record pace. She's been so busy, I haven't seen her for a while now. My sources tell me, she's conducting her own investigation into Sly's whereabouts. Out of everyone, I think she took his disappearance the hardest. Even if she never shows it. At least not in public.

As for myself, I continue to search. Even using all my technology, I haven't found a clue. The time machine is no help since we need to know where Sly was for that to work. I get discouraged sometimes, but I'll never give up. Because I know Sly's still out there and I know that wherever he is, we will find him.

---

Carmelita

It was a night of passion then and admittedly some desperation on his part. I should have known then. He was so adamant for me to feel everything that night, more than he ever did before. It was like he knew he’d be gone, at least he knew he was leaving. I should have noticed and kept him with me, but that’s too selfish, his entire family legacy was disappearing right before his eyes, I couldn’t stop him, even if it meant we were back where we started. Back to playing cops and robbers. Looking at the old photo of us that I found only a few days ago made me frown as I thought back to how we were since his supposed amnesia. Deep down I think I knew he was faking it, but I also knew he did it to be with me. I’m sure he didn’t leave intending to never return, He probably hoped that despite all the lies I’d welcome him back, and sure I was angry at first, livid even, but...I think I would.

Unfortunately, he was lost in time, and none of us know where or when he is. It’s been about 6 weeks since our last night together, since our last adventure together, and since he was lost. I know ringtail is fine wherever and whenever he is, but…I miss him, we all do. I’ll find you, Sly Cooper...I always do…

---

Carmelita sat up in her bed grabbing the old worn photo of her and Sly from her nightstand, brushing a thumb over it as she reminisced. She actually cried when she found the photo in the river, and she ended up taking the following day off just to look at it. Her boss was quite thankful since she has been working so hard, almost too hard. Of course, she’s since been back to work and busting heads all the more. She sighed as she replaced the photo, before getting up to go get a drink of water, but instead, her body said otherwise and she went barreling into her bathroom and to the toilet to let out the contents of her stomach into the porcelain bowl.

After a while, she went on to dry heaving before finally settling down. She sat on the floor for a bit trying to figure out why she got sick all of a sudden, she rarely got sick, and it was even rarer for her to throw up. She frowned when she couldn’t think of anything that she had eaten recently that could have done it, then she looked up at the calendar where she wrote down her cycle, and that’s when she realized she hadn’t been visited by mother nature this last month, she figured it was stress at first but the timing of when her and Sly… she shook her head and got up enough to get a small box from one of the small drawers under her bathroom sink. She kept it for emergencies ever since she and Sly got together, but they were always careful and used protection, except for that night.

She pulled out the test and sat on the toilet to start it and soon she sat there waiting for the advanced stick of fate to beep its finality. While she waited she started to think of what she was going to do. At first, she actually scared herself for thinking too far ahead into the future, but after a moment of calming down, she started to compartmentalize the steps she was going to take. first, wait for the test, secondly decide if your...no...if yes, you accept that and won’t get rid of them...they are his and that’s all you have left of him. Then third...contact Bentley. For now, those steps would get her by, Bentley could hopefully help her sort out the rest. She couldn’t do this alone, Taking down criminals was one thing but taking care of a child was something completely different. She wasn’t even sure how she’d be a good mom and that scared her too. 

Before Carmelita could delve into that thought process any further the test finally beeped at her and she shakily picked it up. Upon inspection, it was indeed positive. She sighed as a plethora of emotions hit her all at once, she was scared, upset, happy, and admittedly a little excited. She almost couldn’t wait to tell Bentley and by extension Murray that they were going to be uncles. She’d have to be careful of course because of her job but, it wasn’t the first time she saw them since Sly’s disappearance. She got up and headed to her closet and got dressed into some old gray jogger sweats and a black pullover sweater. She grabbed her keys and headed out into Paris at 330 in the morning. She walked a few blocks and took a few shortcuts through a few alleyways before reaching her destination, one of the only Cooper hideouts she was allowed to know about that was located in Paris.

It was agreed for her to know about this one just in case she needed Bentley for something. If he wasn’t there, there was a way to contact him inside the hideout. She carefully and quietly steps inside and closes the door behind her. She was greeted by two distinct sets of snores. One from Murray who most likely fell asleep on the couch while watching t.v. and the other from Bentley who Carmelita could see passed out at his desk while working on some project of his. She smiled a little at the sight wondering how many times they have been found like this by Sly after one of his midnight runs.

She walked over and lightly shook the turtle from his slumber. Bentley startled awake, drool hanging from his mouth a little bit before he wiped it away and adjusted his glasses before looking up at her. “Miss Fox? What are you doing here? And…” Bentley asked, looking at his watch. “at almost 4 in the morning?” Bentley was confused but also concerned automatically, but he could say he was hopeful for any information about Sly. “I came to tell you and Murray something, I know it could have waited but it’s less of a hassle for me and work if I come now.” Carmelita replied. “Oh sure I understand, Is it about Sly?” Bentley asked hopefully. “Not exactly, but I’d like Murray to know too.” Carmelita explained doing her best to keep her excitement down. “Oh sure, why not wake him up and I’ll go clean myself off.” He said before wheeling himself into the next room.

By the time Carmelita got Murray up and lucid, Bentley was back in the main room, now the two thieves were looking at Carmelita expectantly. “Well, What is it, Miss Fox?” Murray asked, sounding excited, even though he had no idea what it could be. Carmelita took a deep breath before answering. “Bentley, Murray, you both are going to be uncles.” She announced quickly with a small smile. Both boys gasped. “You're pregnant?” Bentley asked for confirmation in his shock. She nodded and smiled more “and it is Sly’s.” She assured them. Murray was pretty much in tears with how happy he was, congratulating Carmelita profusely. Soon He jumped up and bounded to the kitchen saying something about making a cake. This left Bentley and Carmelita alone to talk.

“So...what are you going to do now?” Bentley asked carefully as he watched her reaction. “I...I was hopeing you’d help me figure out that, I only planned enough to the point of telling you two.” Carmelita replied honestly and a little sheepishly. Bentley nodded in understanding before tapping his chin in thought. Murray poked his head out and asked what flavor of cake while Bentley thought and Carmelita decided on Strawberry. By the time they could hear Murray messing around in the kitchen again Bentley spoke up. “I assume you haven’t told anyone else yet, yes?” He asked. “Correct.” Carmelita replied. 

“All of our friends and allies will be easy to notify, but….your boss maybe a little more difficult.” Bentley replied obviously thinking of a way to fix that issue. Carmelita groaned in realization. “Oh right I have to tell Barkley…” she replied, laying her face in her hands as her mind went through different results, losing her job was the most occurring until Bentley spoke again. “I do have one contact that could help ease that situation.” He commented thoughtfully. “Really? You do?” Carmelita asked looking up at him. “Yes, when do you go back to work?” Bentley asked as he pulled out his phone. “Day after tomorrow...er….rather tomorrow.” Carmelita replied. 

Bentley nodded.“So Monday alright, I can get ahold of my contact and they can go in to help you tell Barkley.” Bentley replied. “Oh? Who is it?” Carmelita replied curiously. “The director of Interpol of course.” Bentley replied with a sly smile. Carmelita’s eyes went wide. “How did you...how on earth did you get in contact with her?” She asked, shocked. “Been helping with keeping Penelope off of Interpol’s system as of late, but I also helped her with a few other hackers over the time Sly was with you.” Bentley replied a hint of malice was heard when he mentioned his ex, but otherwise that subject was not touched on.

“Wow, well then I can’t wait for Monday then.” Carmelita replied excitedly, due to the relationship between Barkley and the director it was sure to be an entertaining conversation. “Yes, I’m sure it will be an eventful morning.” Bentley replied knowingly. After that, the two went on to discuss things Carmelita would need for the baby and when she could come over to tell their friends the news. By the time they could smell the cake, it was cooling from being in the oven, and Murray who had been giving his ideas from time to time during the conversation asked what kind of frosting she wanted. After getting a few choices Carmelita settled on Strawberry buttercream frosting. Soon a cake that said congrats was brought out, and it was nearing 5 in the morning. “Well I sure am spoiling myself, I haven't had cake for breakfast since I was 8 years old.” Carmelita commented as she started eating a slice.

-----

Over the next 24 hours, between resting and shopping for Carmelita, the three of them contacted all of their friends and told them the news. Dimitri, the only one located in Paris was super excited and competitive, stating that he’d be their best uncle no matter what. Bentley and Murray begged to differ but said nothing out loud to the boisterous lizard. Guru who had to be contacted through Murray and the Dreamtime was happy to hear the news even offering to bless them with the Dreamtime when they are born, Carmelita accepted easily. Panda King and his daughter Jing were ecstatic, well Panda King was more reserved about his reaction while his daughter was happy to be a part of the family and offered to make some pregnancy-friendly clothing for Carmelita as well as clothes and things for the baby. Carmelita accepted her offer as well and also asked Panda king if he didn’t mind being a grand-uncle of sorts. He was deeply honored and accepted the title. It was best to leave out the title of grandfather due to the past. By the time Monday morning rolled around, Carmelita was ready to tell her boss.

The Director, an older lady badger, waited for Carmelita at the front doors to Interpol’s headquarters. “Inspector Fox, so good to see you, congrats on the news.” She greeted Carmelita with a warm smile. “Good to see you too Director, thank you so much for helping me tell Chief about it.” Carmelita replied with a smile, slightly nervous now that she was there. “Of course, when our turtle friend contacted me I was elated to hear the news, and if anyone can handle Barkley, it’s me.” The Director replied leading Carmelita inside and Chief Barkley’s office. 

After knocking The Director let Carmelita in first before following close behind. “Ah Inspector Fox What do you…..Mother?” Chief Barkley asked in surprise at seeing the other badger. That’s right, the Director of Interpol was in fact Chief Barkley's own Mother, Director Veronica Barkley. “Hello son, I’m here to keep you from doing anything drastic in response to the Inspectors news.” She explained simply, which only confused her son more. “Okay….and what news would garner your presence?” He asked, looking at Carmelita in question.

Carmelita took a deep breath and let the news come forth. “I’m pregnant with Cooper’s child.” She replied bluntly. Chief Barkley’s eyes widened and his expression went through many changes as he looked between the two females trying to figure out the best way to proceed. After several silent moments, he asked in a tight voice when the deed happened, and Carmelita answered honestly, that it was the night before he left, before everything went down. 

He sighed in response, closing his eyes in thought with the presence of his mother in the room he wasn’t able to just react, which was a good thing, and he’d have to thank his mother later. With her there, he wasn’t going to fly off the handle and fire Carmelita for all of this. For all, they knew Sly still had amnesia when they were together. So this wasn’t her fault, obviously, though, she was keeping the child, so eventually, maternity leave would have to be put in for her to have and take care of the baby. 

Chief Barkley didn’t speak for some time but he eventually opened his eyes and looked at Carmelita and nodded. “Congratulations Inspector Fox, your welcome to tell your colleagues the news, and we will begin transitioning you to office work as time goes, and we will discuss your leave later on, for now, that is all, you may get to work.” Chief Barkley replied gruffly but genuinely. Carmelita thanked him and thanked Director Barkley before leaving the office and heading for her own. Chief James Barkley looked to his mother and sighed. “Thank you, I would have hated myself for firing my best pupil.” James admitted simply. Veronica nodded in understanding. “Yes you would have, but you would have called her back after calming down, I just figured it would be less paperwork if we avoided that.” She replied with a smile. “Indeed.” James replied before frowning. 

“They’ll be a thief just like him…” He replied in a statement, not criticizing or accepting it. “True and theft is bad, but think about it, Cooper and his gang have helped Interpol more times than we can count with their thievery, that it is bound to translate into the Inspector’s child. “I agree but he's also wreaked havoc too.” James argued simply ready to point out a few cases that the Cooper gang had impeded Interpol, but as he went to continue his mother pulled out a large folder from her coat and placed it on the table followed by a much smaller folder, both of which were labeled Cooper Gang. James went to speak but shut his mouth at his mother’s gesture to the folders. He had a feeling that he knew which folder was which and opened the small one first.

Inside the small folder were the dozen or so cases that the Cooper gang stole and was not much help to Interpol, the museum from when Carmelita became inspector, the chocolate incident, and so on. James sighed closing it and opening the larger folder, which held every single case that the Cooper Gang helped solve in one way or another, including some cases done by individual members like Sly’s time on the force, and Bentley’s help against Hackers including the notorious Penelope. James groaned as he closed the folder and looked up at his mother waiting for her to speak. “They will most definitely be a thief but, they can be one that will help us rather than impede us, don’t you agree?” She asked. “Yes...I do.” James replied with a sigh.

-----

After a celebratory party at her work from her colleagues and a few months of morning sickness and preparations, Carmelita was at the doctors to see the baby. With her was Bentley and Murray in disguise, Uncle Benard and Aunt Mira respectfully. Carmelita yelped in surprise when the cold gel went on her belly but it was quick to warm up when the doctor placed the wand on top of the gel.  The baby’s heartbeat echoed through the room and brought tears to Carmelita’s eyes.  The Doctor carefully moved the screen to show them the baby’s face. “Beautiful and healthy, would you like to know the gender?” She asked with a smile. “Oh. Can we do the gender reveal thing? Aunt Mira, would you do the honors of making the cake?” Carmelita asked looking up at the currently blonde hippo who started to tear up at the question. Not trusting his voice Murray simply nodded excitedly. “Course I’ll put it in an envelope.” The doctor replied by turning the screen away for a moment and getting the results down on a paper and placing it in an envelope and handing it to “Mira”. 

The doctor then turned the screen back and started the process of taking pictures periodically, careful not to reveal the gender. The three of them watched as the child started to stir at the feeling of their wand looking quite irritated by being bothered. “You know, that reminds me of when I used to wake up their father, and he didn’t want to get up.” Bentley said with a chuckle. Carmelita chuckled too. “Yes, I know how that is.” She replied with a smile. “I do hope you don’t mind me asking,” the doctor began as she took the last photo and sent it to the nearby printer. “But, where is the father now?” She asked carefully. 

Carmelita and Bentley looked at each other for a split second before “Benard'' spoke up first. “He’s helping a few tribes in South Africa, not sure when he’ll be back, but he calls every day, we just couldn’t plan around his allotted internet time for this appointment.” Bentley explained simply. The doctor nodded in understanding. “Oh yes, I have a brother who did that last year, only got so much time in town, and it was often at the oddest hours for us. That’s fine, Hopefully, he gets back before they are born.” The doctor said before getting the photos and placing them in an envelope before giving them to Carmelita and helping her clean off the gel. “Yes, here’s hopeing…” Carmelita replied, trying her best not to frown. 

She pulled it off well up until they got into the van behind the hospital. “You alright Carmelita?” Bentley asked as the two thieves took off their disguises once they were in the safety of the van. Carmelita swallowed back the beginnings of a sob. “Yes, I just need to go home and lay down.” Murray and Bentley exchanged a knowing look not believing her one bit. Murray nodded before starting the drive through Paris while Bentley patted Carmelita on her back, then he asked to see the pictures, which brightened up Carmelita’s mood even though it was only slightly. 

The baby looked to be more racoon than fox, but had more fox like features in the face. A perfect blend of Carmelita and Sly of course. The color of the baby’s fur became the subject for the rest of the ride to Carmelita’s apartment. Once they arrived, the two boys walked her all the way to her door, before heading home themselves. Once Carmelita was alone she went to her room to get ready for a relaxing bath. She sighed with relief when she finally got in, then she looked over at her calendar, she’ll be 5 months in a couple days, and she has been on 90% office work as of last week. Only time she gets to go out on the field now is if it's something specific, and with Sly gone, it was rare for her to be called. Thinking about it only made her sad, but that would go away when she looked down at her growing belly.

---

A few months later at almost 8 months pregnant, Carmelita was at her gender reveal party, that was only “close family and friends” as she described to her co-workers who wait at home to get the gender for the baby shower they will throw her at work in the next week. Currently however, Carmelita was seated on the couch at the Hideout, with Murray and Bentley nearby. Demitri, the Kings, and the guru were around too, mingling and talking to one another. Soon Murray went to finish the cake and came back with a decorated cake with a huge question mark on it.

Carmelita smilesmiled at the sight and got giddy when she got handed the cake knife. “Carmelita looked ecstatic as she set the knife into the cake, then took it out to repeat the process for a complete slice, no debris stuck to the knife either time so she slide the knife under the recently cut piece and took a deep breath. “Everyone ready?” She asked aloud. “Are you?” Bentley asked with a smile getting a chuckle from the inspector. “Alright then, 1….2….3!” She said pulling out the cake causing a wave of pink sprinkles to fall out, fortunately it was set on a high sided platter to help catch the sprinkles. “It’s a girl!” Everyone cheered happily. Carmelita let loose a few tears before getting hugged by Murray.

After that they cut and ate the cake before presents got brought out. Before anyone could hand Carmelita ay of the present the front door bell rang. Bentley smiled as he rolled over to the door. “Ah the last guest is here, figured he would be a little late.” He said aloud. Everyone watched confused as Bentley opened the door to reveal Jim McSweeney. “Welcome, glad to see you out free my friend. “Glad to be out, too bad the kid couldn’t be here too, did I miss much, where’s the lassie that's carrying the next Cooper.” The walrus asked as he was ushered inside. “Yes over here, Carmelita this is Jim McSweeney he worked with Sly’s father in the original cooper gang.” Bentley explained while also explaining who she was to the walrus.

“Oh goodness I have heard of you, congrats on finally being released.” carmelita replied a little sheepish. Jim laughed heartily. “ Thanks there sweety I see why Sly liked you already, kept him out of trouble more often than not right?” He said taking a seat on an adjacent couch. “More or less, If not me it was Bentley and Murray.” She responded with a laugh of her own. It was nice to meet an older family esk member of her soon to be child. “Same with his father and me, anyways sorry i’m late but release processes and all, plus i had to pick up the newest Cooper’s present up.” He said while taking out a long but skinny present out from his large fisherman’s jacket.

[gaypleasantview]

The Goth Family

+ some blabber under cut that i'd normally put in tags but not today <3

this is a small photoshoot location i randomly created on spot just to take this photo, i wanted the goths to have a picture together but i have genuinely never been good at buy mode so i believe this is my first try at making a proper room and i just loveee this place so much <3 too bad it's a random square box i built next to the actual goth house lmao but i definitely want it in the estate so i'll have to move all the stuff eventually (and figure out where it would fit since i have the ts1 goth house and it's tiny and needs a lot of add-ons, it's gonna be fun but it feels intimidating). and cassie's dress is so uneccesarily big but i love it so muchhh, she looks like a princess that's my baby <3 (she's older than me) i have to mention there's also a feral michael bachelor in the house and i almost k worded him bc he kept interrupting the photoshoot wearing a tshirt with shorts like he's your embarrassing uncle that you're stuck with on a beach vacation, anyway i made him light the fireplace a few times and was seriously scared the place was gonna set on fire like the last two times i had a photoshoot also everyone was obsessed with the piano and thinking about it all the time when i had the bubbles on and once i accidentally moved michael into a window, i hate love playing with the goths bc in every game they're the same and keep wreaking havoc and fighting each other and ruining their relationships, it was always that way when i was playing out their story in ts1 bc i had a hacked poster that worked like maxmotives but it also made all the other stats go up as well including their personality points (idk who needs that) and because of that everyone was 10-points extraverted and wouldn't stop talking to each other and eventually they all hated each other, also mortimer with that stupid mouse doll was everywhere pls tell me you all know what i mean 😭 i really should share something about that story one day yeah...

okayyyy also idk what to do with this photo now that i think about it bc the timeline is all over the place, bella hasn't been in the picture for like 2 years and cassie's scar is fresh and alex was definitely younger when their mom disappeared, he's supposed to be 13 now even though he looks 15 here but his age was decided on actually about 13 literal years ago so i don't know if i can part with that 😭 i like him being a weird ultra smart child pain in the ass lol. i actually had a legacy challenge in ts1 ten years ago where spoiler alert alex was the actual child of my founder bc she adopted him, he had a different name and all and he was super mega sweet, i feel like he's way more bitchy here for some reason 😭 i just love when everyone is a bitch i guess...

okay i'm so happy thank you i just need to make some portraits for the game now that will actually be representative of how everyone looked at some points in their lives okay bye. i think i'm actually gonna do it and not just dream of doing it and i love this inspiration wave i've been having, big thanks to my moots <3