#i'll probably answer all of these over the next few days btw so i'm not ignoring them it just takes a long time to answer

[sophiethewitch1]

Hey! I just wanted to say that I love the WWW series so much that I've literally read it like 4 times over. SO! I have several questions + observations about it that have been bugging me a little, if you don’t mind answering + talking about them.

Everyone’s ages are something that I've been curious about. I know that it’s stated that Damian and the Reader-insert are 3 years apart in age, 19 and 21 respectively. I’m assuming that they’re more like 2 1/2 years apart based on the ages we’ve been given.

Do they follow canon ages? For example, is Tim still around 7 years older than Damian???

Because i’m picturing the lineup looking something like this:

Bruce: 47

Dick: 33

Jason: 28

Tim: 26

Reader-insert: 21

Damian: 19

I was just curious because picturing everyone’s relative age is something that is really important to me when regarding the dynamics between characters.

Another thing that I noticed was how in the Reader-insert’s  original reality/world, her entire family died on the same day that Jason did. (“Your lives had both technically ended the same day, in the same grand calamity.”). Does that remain the same in this new world?

Because that would mean that the Reader-insert’s  counterpart would have known Jason at some point, which I think is SUPER interesting. Lots of implications.

That’s supported by something that Tim says in his 1st pov: “Your family had died, Bruce’s new wife had died, and all the siblings he never really got the opportunity to meet, gone in a brilliant flash.”

THAT has a few implications that I think are really interesting. It supports the idea that her family did die on the same day in this reality, and that she would have known and been living with Jason at the time (Well, before his death.)

Tim would have most likely only seen them at galas or something similar by that time…leading to his statement about how he “never really got the opportunity to meet” them.

This would mean that Jason knew her counterpart when the Reader-insert met him for the first time. 

Now, going off of all of those assumptions, I can only begin to guess what her and Dicks relationship was like before her family's death. I picture it like this:

Dick had only left the manor around 3 years TOPS before Bruce had remarried, bringing a whole nother family into the fold. Now, we don’t know too much about Dick in this story yet, (I'm SO excited to see more of him in the next chapter BTW) but I can assume that this would feel pretty upsetting. Leaving your home, and your adoptive? father only for him to marry into a whole new family not long after?

I’d be pretty bitter if it was me in his situation. I wouldn’t really want to have any kind of relationship with the new children he had taken in. MEANING that Dick and the counterpart didn’t have too much of a relationship before her family's death.

And between their death and Jason’s, Dick would probably consider the counterpart as some kind of chance to actually build a relationship with his siblings in the light of what he lost. Obviously, the counterpart didn’t appreciate the attempt.

Uhhh there’s probably a lot more that I'm forgetting to mention, but I think the way you write is super compelling, and the Reader-Insert has been the only one that I’ve ever read that I can relate to so well!

So TYSM for writing, it literally makes my day!! 🩷🩷🩷🫂🫂🫶🏻🫶🏻🫶🏻

(And I’m really bad at conveying my tone in text, so if I seem overly critical or anything then I’m really sorry!!! I don’t mean it like that!!!)

Sorry this took so long to answer I have been in sickly victorian woman mode. I'll answer these questions to the best that I can, but also I don't have everything planned and even if I did I regularly forget shit if I don't write it down <3 <3

First of all the ages- I aged both the younger Waynes up and the older ones down a bit, because I'm personally not into the super huge age gaps but also. Imagine them however you want, even if they come up later in continuity still just insert your personal preferences if you want. Like it really doesn't matter lmao they're relationship has bigger issues than the age gaps. Anyway here are how I had them written down but I might change my mind I am a fluid being

Reader: 21, Damian: 19, Tim: 22, Jason: 25, Dick: 29, Bruce: 45, Alfred: 67, Molly: Also 21, Cass: 25, Stephanie: 23, Barbara: 30, Duke: 20

Also yes, reader's family died the exact same day in both universes, and first world reader like... knew about the waynes but wasn't particularly interested in them till their own family was ripped away, then she started obsessing. in second world, reader and the batfam were like... sort of involved? she lived with them, and she was getting to know them, but wouldn't you be kind of weirded out if your mum married like. jeff bezos or something. and reader is sort of introvert coded, even if they don't read that way. it's just because she's trying so hard not to be, because she's so starved for attention. other world reader like,,, didn't seem to react the same way to what happened to her. but she might've, in the newest chapter it seems like she was talking to bruce after the disaster, and then stopped. But yeah you're right they never knew each other because not much effort was made to do so, and the Waynes are always SUPER busy.

Also about the Dick thing, he was actually pretty happy about the new family! But like you said he still didn't know other reader till the disaster. He just didn't have time to get to know her. He was obviously very upset with Bruce because he left to fuck off to Bludhaven for a while, but he's always loved how the Wayne family kept growing. Even when it was just him Jason, Babs and the weird kid who followed them around with a camera. Then he like decided he was going to treat her like a project because he has a savior complex that comes out especially so when he's having a hard time (oh damn my brothers dead). Not your best moment Dickie. I mean other reader definitely did need help but... as if she'd accept it from a guy like Dick. Imagine your entire family dies and you have to deal with the most beautiful guy on earth trying to comfort you while you look like a creature that crawled out of the sewers. And he tries to make you go outside because you're genuinely very mentally sick. I'd kill him tbh. Anyway this is all still technically up in the air and I might go back and edit the fic later because I'm like... very bad at timelines I just can never remember them properly which creates a lot of issues and inconsistencies.

Anyways thank you for sending in your questions/theories and enjoying my work so much! I'm glad you can relate to reader so well, she's like, one of the strangest characters I've ever written who refuses to behave in any concrete mannerisms because she's stubborn and has intimacy issues. But I think we're all a little bit like that lmao. And thank YOU for reading my stuff, I wouldn't still be doing it if it weren't for folks like you :P (also also you didn't come across as critical at all, you were very polite!!!)

[curioushabitforarivergod]

What would've Tom eaten in the orphanage growing up? I love your history posts btw

hiya thanks you!! im sorry this took so long :((

It got a brief mention here, but I found a few new things so, this is kinda an update to a small paragraph I wrote there.

As I mentioned in the original post, food was served in a long dining hall with long tables, not dissimilar to the Great Hall but a lot less nice (no magical ceiling I'm afraid). Meals were generally alright, although largely vegetarian and bland.

Breakfast would've likely been something like gruel or bread with dripping. The probably weren't able to afford milk for a lot of children, although by the 50s children in schools in the East End (and over much of England I think) were given little jars of milk they ate with their school dinners. I'm not sure how far back this goes though, and whether something similar would've been given to the orphanage. I digress though, and I'll return to this in a moment.

Gruel, by all accounts, doesn't sound particularly nice because it was water and oats, but kids seemed to like bread with dripping, which was basically animal fat. It's vaguely unhealthy by todays standards, but it would've been a very important source of protein for Tom who likely didn't have anything else otherwise.

Now lunch gets a little complicated. Because of the way schools worked during the period, students could go home for lunch or bring their lunch to school. Alternatively, some schools provided free lunches to kids who wouldn't have anything otherwise, and I'm not quite sure whether this would've been a thing in the East End which were essentially slums. If Tom returned to the orphanage, I imagine something similar to breakfast would be served. Bread maybe, possibly dry or with a topping that was inexpensive and easy to mass produce, or gruel. Alternatively, kids would often bring potatoes with their name carved into it which schools would heat onsite in ovens. If Tom's school supplied food, it wouldn't be dissimilar to the type of food served at the orphanage, although perhaps, if there were benefactors, he would've had something a bit more fancy like a vegetable stew of some kind. Also, like I mentioned earlier, milk was given out to children, but I think this was more of a post-war thing because people were concerned with children's bone density. My mum can't stand milk to this day because they used to put them on the heaters and the milk would be warm by the time they were forced to drink it. My granny used to swap her milk with the boy who sat next to her because she also hated it.

The fourth option is that Tom simply went without food for lunch. Honestly, it wouldn't surprise me — during the 30s, the Great Depression was obviously a huge issue, more so for the people in the area who were largely living sustenance based lifestyles where there would be little or no money by the end of the day. Even with limited government funding during the era, feeding orphans who would never amount to much probably wasn't a key concern.

The thing is though, the way food was structured during this period was that there was typically only one cooked meal a day and that was a midday meal, confusingly called "dinner". So Tom's main meal might well have been this lunch and he might well have returned to the orphanage to have a vegetable stew instead of having a main meal later. I think it's up to personal headcannons at this point, so if you want to decide whether Tom's main meal was in the middle of the day or later, what it was or whether it existed at all, that's all on you.

Dinner, like I mentioned, might have been vegetable stew, but if the main meal was at midday rather than later (like it typically is nowadays, especially in Western countries), it wouldn't have been dissimilar to breakfast. Basically, bread and some kind of topping whether that be dripping, butter or jam (but not both butter and jam because that would be a waste).

Like I mentioned in answer to a similar question, Tom's diet would've been vegetarian because meat was insanely expensive. If he had it at all for Christmas or on Sundays during the 1920s, he wouldn't have had it once the 30s and the Great Depression hit. He also wouldn't have eaten fruit regularly, except perhaps Christmas as fruit like oranges or other citrus was a typical Christmas gift. I don't think Tom would've gotten much sweet food, unless he stole it (very likely) as lots of corner stores sold chocolate bars for half a penny. Alcohol was also particularly common in the area so I imagine if Tom had stayed, he would've stolen alcohol eventually.

[aromaticpetals]

I was gonna send this without being an anon but then i thought about it and realized there is absolutely no way im letting anybody see my depravity when i dont even have a side account lmao

How are you doing on this fine day? I hope you are well. I saw the request thing and decided to submit a little something.

If you do afab!reader×male character, may I reuqest a size difference+wedding night/breeding kink hc with itto, ayato and thoma (seperately)? I tried to write it myself before but it ended horribly 💅

- 💫 anon

AHHHHHH TYSM FOR BEING MY 1ST REQUEST 💫 ANON!!!!

To answer your question, I'm doing okay! My cat has been a bit chaotic tho..

I'll be honest, I've never considered doing reader x male char. cause Idk what I'm doing half the time if it has nothing to do with women😭 But I can at least try! (I did get the headers done so I might as well at this point and Idek if it can be considered a hc..) Btw, I was laughing my ass off while making this cause it don't rlly make sense

𝙒𝘼𝙍𝙉𝙄𝙉𝙂𝙎! Size diff and breeding 𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗸𝘀.. 𝗔𝗙𝗔𝗕!𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗗𝗘𝗥 too! IT'S JS 𝙉𝙎𝙁𝙒😭 (Possibly not suitable for those under the legal age!)

𝙄𝙏𝙏𝙊 was proud to have caught such a beaut' like you, let alone marry ya! Of course, Shinobu gave you an entire book on how to care for Itto, she called it the "Boss's baby rules" since, well.. He did act like a man-child from time to time... But let's put that fact aside! The whole gang was happy that their boss got married to someone like you! (Without you by Itto's side, he probably would have gotten into 𝘸𝘢𝘺 more trouble with Kujou Sara..)

It was the night of y'all getting married and you couldn't lie, you were as happy as the Archons would let you be, although Itto had been acting a little.. Off? Fortunately, your now husband had managed to snap you out of your thoughts by bringing you his signature dish and announcing it with his loud vocals. "𝙃𝙚𝙧𝙚 𝙮𝙖 𝙜𝙤, 𝙗���𝙗𝙚! 𝘼𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙩𝙖𝙠𝙞 𝙉𝙪𝙢𝙚𝙧𝙤 𝙐𝙣𝙤 𝙄𝙩𝙩𝙤'𝙨 𝙨𝙞𝙜𝙣𝙖𝙩𝙪𝙧𝙚 𝙙𝙞𝙨𝙝, 𝙒𝙖𝙮 𝙤𝙛 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙎𝙩𝙧𝙤𝙣𝙜!" he proudly stated, handing you the plate before taking a seat next to you on your shared futon. You immediately pushed all second thoughts away as the savory scent of the dish filled your nostrils, trying to decide whether you should've scarfed it down or not. As he watched you eat, you could've sworn you saw a certain glint in his eyes! Unfortunately for you, you should've known that on the night of getting married to him, he'd want to do some rather.. Energy draining activities!

Just a few moments later: you laid there on the futon, stripped of both your dignity and clothing, he stared down at your small form with a.. lustful glint in his eyes. Before you knew it, you were seated in his naked lap, feeling his hardened member press against your rear as he whispered sweet words into your ear, his large hands almost touching when he wrapped them around your waist! You couldn't help the feeling that darted downwards to the area between your legs as he continued with his sweet words and light touches, making it seem as though he was afraid you'd break if he were to tighten his grip.. You could feel yourself getting wetter bit by bit, his words making you feel as though you were going to turn into a flustered and worked-up mess! Just as you were about to shift to get comfy, he quietly growled in your ear, saying "Don't move, babe, let me do all the work..". Of course, you hadn't expected him to lift you up and hover you over his member after he had said that, making you realize that it had spikes on it.. (You had completely forgotten that you were dating an Oni, not some douchebag that paid you to sleep with him-) Now, of course, in public he was the coolest dude you had ever dated! But behind closed doors, he was actually such a pure sweetheart.. As you got stuck in your thoughts, you were unaware that he forced you onto the tip of his member, the stretch tossing your thoughts into the gutter once more as you let out a small squeak, shifting in his lap to try and adjust. Your welcoming walls and small size didn't help, encouraging him to push you down until you took in half of his girth, all while staring at you with a predatorial look in his eyes. Said look reminded you of something, he was capable of feeling like he had to breed his lovers- Of course, you didn't mind having a child or two with him despite the fact that they would've been influenced by his pranks. You heard him growl again, this time a bit louder as he pushed you down until your walls reached their stretching limit, the soft spikes on his member giving friction with each little move you made! It made you think of how you somehow took the entire thing on several occasions without bursting into tears at the painful stretch.. He immediately flipped you onto your back and started slowly moving his hips back and fourth once he felt that you had adjusted enough for him to move, the spikes on his member dragging along your walls with each agonizingly slow thrust. "Itto, go faster.." you managed to speak out with a quiet tone. "Just a moment, babe, gotta make sure you're well prepared for the night of a lifetime I'm about to give ya.." he replied, quietly grunting as your walls clamped down on his member over and over again, causing him to speed up a bit. As he dug his freshly manicured nails into your waist (YES I GAVE HIM BLACK MANICURED NAILS SHHH) while thrusting into you at a steady pace, you whined and moved yours hips to meet his halfway, tired of him not getting rough like he would on any other occasion. As if he read your mind, he went a whole lot faster, making your brain spin and soft moans spill out of your mouth with each thrust. You couldn't help that it felt so good you kept clamping down on him, pushing him closer and closer to the edge as his grunts and growls got louder and louder, prompting you to stare at him with wide eyes and a lip wedged between your teeth. (You had no clue he could get that loud and not be ashamed of it, y'all were lucky that y'all didn't live near other people otherwise they would've had to suffer through the noise-) When you noticed the twitching within you and the small "gonna cum.."s that slipped from his lips, he moved your limbs so he could have you in a mating press before he came in you, thick ropes of cum painting your insides. After, he slowly pulled out, flopping onto the futon next to you and immediately falling asleep. You were happy, but Archons did you not know that this would happen every night from that point on. (I HAVE TO FINISH THE REST OF IT IN A DIFF POST, IM SO SRRY 💫 ANON 😭)

[lutethebodies]

Five Favorite Characters

Tagged by @bitchesgate3 (Thank you! I usually don’t do these things but I’m amped for this one).

Rules: make a poll with five of your all time favorite characters and then tag five people to do the same. See which character is everyone's favorite.

I feel like I should preface my Five Faves with a few disclaimers, so thanks for your patience. More about why below the cut, but the TLDR is: as someone whose demographic and experience is perhaps waaaay out of step with most of current Tumblr, my choices may reflect that. Whatever; I accepted basic middle-aged normie-dom long ago. 

I also may have answered this differently during other parts of my life (see honorable mentions below the cut) but this is how I feel right now. If I'm limited to five, I'll make it one for each decade I've been a fan of anything (film, TV, books, games). That gives me, in 80s-90s-00s-10s-20s order, a vengeful drunk, two old men, and two brilliant women:

As for tags, well, by the time I discover something it's usually over—so I'm sure anyone I've tagged will have already done this. I hope these folks (and the person who tagged me) won't mind a public shoutout for being kind to, and patient with, someone who can be as awkwardly and frequently out of his depth as often as he posts stuff they like to like. Anyway thanks @alicelufenia @spiderwarden @trappedinafantasy37 @passacalia @coolseabird @n1ghtmeri @mimetoist.

Ok then, lots more favey stuff below:

Inigo Montoya. Most people know this master swordsman from Mandy Patinkin's portrayal in the Princess Bride film. It's glorious and justifiably loved. But the Inigo from William Goldman's book gets context. Yes, Film-Inigo relates his tragic backstory well enough to squish into the overall plot. But Book-Inigo (and Book-Fezzik, btw) gets a substantially fleshed-out-flashback chapter detailing every excruciating step of his life after its defining trauma. It shows how his whole existence has been warped by enduring and then adjusting to one singular major trauma, and how by both achieving mastery of the rapier and by abusing alcohol he's let that trauma (and by extension, others like Vizzini who capitalize on it) define and control him forever after. I emphasize this to note how much of an anticlimax Inigo endures after he achieves his vengeance. These days I take that as a warning to not get too wrapped up in how I define myself or how I might attach my identity to long-ago trauma.

Jean-Luc Picard. I love Star Trek and all of its captains. I love Kirk and Sisko and Janeway and Pike and (insert forgotten names here). But I identify with Picard, and it's not just because we both have daddy issues and French names that begin with "Jean-" and both Patrick Stewart and I went almost completely bald in our early 20s. I do like that he's more of a diplomat/explorer than soldier, but that he can still handle himself in a scrap. I love that he's an archaeology and history geek. But I identify most with Picard in his intense and singular commitment to anything he does, and while he may focus on one thing while dealing with it, everything else he's up against has not slipped his mind. He simply places things in a mental queue and methodically tackles them when he can. I'm not a Picard expert so I've probably forgotten why this is, or may have mischaracterized him. I'm too hypersensitive to mimic that iron discipline with which he manages himself. But I do admire it.

Davos Seaworth. Like many people I have lots of beefs with the world GRRM created for his famous fantasy series. But Davos has stuck with me as a favorite character because of how loyal he is. The reformed smuggler's loyalty to his lord is so strong that it's an actual psychic shield against a witch's magic. It's literal life-fuel when Davos' fleet is destroyed and he's marooned for weeks. It's a mental weapon to parry away a pirate pal's bewildered jibes and proposals of leaving it all behind for a life of plunder. It's the only stable thing in Davos' life, and it's stronger than whomever it's dedicated to, which he learns when he must finally adjust his loyalty and give it to someone else. Rogues survive when they make their old priorities fit new situations, which is what Davos does. Loyalty's a big deal to me, so it's perhaps inevitable that I love a character who epitomizes it. That and these days I also identify with broken-down old guys who've endured weird injuries.

Hera Syndulla. I caught up with "Rebels" during quarantine and it (with the other Filoniverse stuff) reignited my longtime Star Wars fandom, which had been crushed by the repulsive sequel-trilogy-fandom fights. Hera was a big reason I loved "Rebels." Yes, she's an attractive and intelligent mom-age woman who's brilliant at what she does, with infinite patience for her overly-intense hypersensitive partner—which as an over-40 straight guy was right up my alley. Still, that's a probably-unfair reduction of someone who may indeed be, as io9 once said, "one of the best Star Wars characters of all time." Unflappable leader, expert pilot, loyal friend, caring lover—and someone who will break her own rules when needed. Furthermore, a fantastic and much-needed repudiation of the tired, sexist "all Twi'leks are nubile erotic toys" trope. Oh, and she has daddy issues too, with maybe my favorite touch in anything Star Wars: she reverts to her childhood accent when she gets frustrated with him.

Minthara Baenre. I haven't simped for a character in any other work the way I do for Minthara. I hadn't switched on a video game for 30 years. When I got back into tabletop RPGs I swore I'd never play D&D as a video game. I'd somehow missed the whole Drizzt-powered drow craze of past decades. And yet here I am, playing with BG3's dress-up dolls and making them kiss. If you've read the above entries, you might see why I find Minthara so compelling. Ride-or-die loyalty to her partner. Knows exactly who she is and what she wants, for better and worse, and won't apologize for it. Wielder and victim of her own passions, to a vengeful degree. Accepts that her flaws may conquer her again, but not for reasons they have in the past. Understands that one's past can inform one's present, but it can also be abandoned as needed. Revels in being hotter than a fireball in Avernus. Deploys her voice as a serrated weapon or soothing balm. My favorite romance in the game.

Honorable Mention. My favorite genre is SF/F, so I've kinda ignored other classic canon characters that I've loved (Odysseus! Mordred! Mercutio! ...Raoul Duke? Eh). So most of my honorable mentions fall within that genre too: Boba Fett and Lando Calrissian (SW: ESB) Donatello (TMNT), Gurney Halleck (Dune), Ro Laren (ST: TNG), Kira Nerys (ST: DS9), Anastasia Dualla (BSG remake), Cassian Andor (SW: R1/Andor), Bo-Katan Kryze (SW: CW/Rebels/Mandalorian), Qi'ra (SW: Solo), Clay Cooper (Kings of the Wyld), Tam Hashford (Bloody Rose), Xiala (Black Sun), Edgin Darvis (Honor Among Thieves), Rhaenys Targaryen (House of the Dragon).

Look at that, only three bards! If you've read this all the way to the end, thanks for the indulgence.

[hannahbarberra162]

thank you so much for responding to me twice now!! im sorry im sending these in so frequently, I dont know how tumblr works but i hope that, even if you dont post a reply to this, (which btw you NEVER have to, please dont feel obligated), i honestly only want you to read the ask. (even then its okay if you dont lol), im a bit overenthusiastic about your work, if you couldn't tell haha 😓 (not that it doesn't deserve all the enthusiasm in the world!!- I just know I can ramble when something excites me.)  I'll try to space out my asks more as to not overwhelm you or anything. i  honesty would love to read whatever you have to offer, even if it's just posting little snippets. I feel bad requesting stuff, though, from what I've read you're probably a busy college student with enough on your plate! still, without making any specific requests, whatever you have to offer, ill eat up like it's my last meal!! id love to see your works on other chatacters! i honestly didn't even really care heavily for mihawk or shanks but you know damn well i ate up your works on them! and like i said, i dont even really know Marco besides your interpretation, (which are canon in my mind haha) and literally had to look up who thatch was. yet i STILL have enjoyed your writings with them to the point ive been up late wondering what happens next. whatever you write, ill enjoy! you just have such incredibly intriguing stories, i honestly have never been so hooked before. thank you so much for writing! i guessed that either Marco or Ace was your favorite, so im glad i was close with Ace! i had the same sort of question as i did with Marco, but I didn't wanna ask both in one message. kinda a 'why him', sorta thing, not that i dont get this one completely- ive seen him in action and i love ace too! But i wanna hear why YOU love him, how YOU see him, same as what i asked for Marco. you don't have to answer if you dont want to! i know ive already typed a lot, so ill cut myself off here!! thank you my goat!! 🐐 and thank you for my appreciation of the WBP!!

(I've also really enjoyed your jinbe work so far!! he's one of my favorites🌊)

@celine-zzz Don't be sorry!!! This made my day, my week, my month! I lose confidence a lot and reading things like this make me think it's worth it. Thank you so so so much for your praise!!!! I actually screenshot nice asks like these and reread them haha. Ask whatever you want!! I like interacting with other people!!! Talk to me all you want!!!

I don't mind getting requests, I just don't ask for them bc I don't know that I can fulfill what people want. But I'm always happy to try! Heat Transfer is actually based off a Nonnie ask and I spiraled from there.

And, ah, I'm quite a few years past my college days 🫠🫠🫠 I'm not sure if that's better or worse, but time comes for us all.

In truth I started writing characters I felt I had a better handle on. I find Ace to be the most relatable. I think he's the most like someone you could potentially meet, maybe other than Law. Someone who is confident and self loathing and insecure and smart and dumb and self assured and all of that wrapped in a cute bundle with freckles. I also find Ace easy to write because I do feel that I've met people like him in real life, so I think of the dumb shit they would do lol. He reminds me a lot of a few of my friends, maybe that's why I feel protective over him.

That isn't a very good answer, but in summary he's my bby and I want the best for him <3.

Jinbe is who I'd actually want to ship myself with (see self indulgent fic) and I'd most want to be friends with and spend the day with Usopp.

[manonamora-if]

Weekly check in. Some little stuff, some bigger stuff.

Current word count: 23.323 (Ch.5), >8k (Ch.6)

And we're finally back on track with Harcourt, babyyyy. After a month of eh from both me (with the editing) and MelS (writing the next chapter), we both managed to break through our respective blocks.

As of a few days ago, I sent back the edited Chapter 5 to MelS, so he could answer my comments and check the changes. I finally got to read the missing bits (and they are creepy and yucky)... Can't wait to code all of that when it is ready. We definitely need another round of MelS editing the text and me checking it, before I can add that to the file.

Until I get the file back, I'll focus on other projects.

Like...

Yerup... I ended up finishing it. A little binksi with more vibes than story. Click if you dare :P

Making a binksi (or a bitsy/bipsi) had been something on my bucket list for a while now (almost a year actually), and I finally got to make one for realsies!

Honestly, the hardest part in all of this... was making the tiles/sprites in 8x8 pixels ;-; Anyway, the code is freely available on itch and my GitHub.

Fixed some accessibility issues yesterday:

textbox not getting in focus properly

links/buttons not changing state when in focus but not hovered

added image descriptions to pictures in French/English

Also added the logos of Twine and SugarCube when the game loads. Those are clickable too.

I have worked a tad more on the UI/missing elements. But not as much as I should have.

Next week, the final update should be out.

This is what I'll be fixing this month. Officially reopened the code files, stared at it, and cried. It's so bad. It's such a mess...

Not looking forward to it, but it needs fixing! (I've asked the Forum for help too in the commands...)

ALSO, I've decided there will be a hyperlink version of this game. Instead of the commands, click on words. It will be in the same file, and you get to choose at the start.

I’ve finished reviewing the EctoComp entries (except the Spanish-only ones because I suck at Spanish...) and have started reviewing the Bare-Bones Jam entry. An updated version of the reviews have been queues on the IFDB and @manonamora-if-reviews. I will probably go back to the IFComp entries after that (probably after the voting deadline... I've done 40 already...).

-_-

I've made a completely new intro post with all of the place I'm at (if you'd rather not be on Tumblr). It was a long time coming, and now I have clear channels of where I'm posting about stuff. Just need to be consistent...

I've also started migrating old dev logs and posts to my blog, especially the longer ones where I have a lot to say. Since the search function and archive on Tumblr is eh, I get to keep the important ones (not all of them are) in a more organised place. They are still on Tumblr, btw. It's not gone, just copied. It's been nice to revisit old dev logs, and see how far I've come (it's been a long way). It's pretty humbling (especially the typos, omg... I fixed so many of those).

-_-

The IFComp and EctoComp, are always looking for players/voters. If you want to play a few short-ish games, take advantage of that! There is only a few days left for the IFComp and a few weeks for the EctoComp.

The @seedcomp-if is always looking for inspiration (text, images, code, etc…) in this current first round. If you have half-baked ideas or anything, really, come submit something!

Over @neointeractives, ShuffleComp! is looking for playlists and participats :)

-_-

And that's it I think...

[love-fireflysong]

Got tagged by @queenofbaws like 6 seconds ago to do this thing and because I'm currently trying SUPER hard to stay awake for at least another three hours to get me back on a 'normal' sleep schedule for the next week and a half, we're doing this shit now! ...and also because if I don't do it now then I'll just forget about it and never do it asjdhkjahsdkjs

1. How many works do you have on AO3?

59! Not a bad total all things considered 😤

2. What's your total AO3 word count?

337,514. That's an average of 5,720 words per fic btw akjdshjkahsd

3. What fandoms do you write for?

Until Dawn mostly. Got a decent amount of Tales of Phantasia stuff as well as a lot of ideas for it but cause that fandom is even deader than ud's, I never actually write any of it lmao

4. Top five fics by kudos

Valentine's Day Prompts (crossed out because while it's *technically* my highest I do not count it for the sole reason that like literally not even ten minutes after I uploaded it I got like 50+ guest kudos all at once so those are clearly bots and the correct kudos count is probably somewhere between 20 and 30 lol) What I actually consider my top five fics by kudos are:

The Final Days of Our Youth

More Than Worth It (though considering it was posted only barely a week after the vday prompts the kudos may be a bit suspect here as well 🤔)

Nothing and Nobody But You

The Sound of Silence

Baby It's Cold Outside (so hold me tight in your arms and don't let go)

5. Do you respond to comments?

I did/do. And by that I mean I love to, but the last couple of years I've been letting the few I've gotten pile up due to not being in a good headspace to answer/I've just been really busy at that exact moment. Which is important, cause if I don't have the time to respond then and there, I will just keep forgetting to reply. Which is how I've reached the point where I have almost 2 year old comments that I want to respond to but I feel like shit answering them now 2 years later, and let me tell you the feeling does NOT get any less guilty the longer I wait to respond aksjdhkajsdhjk

(maybe I should use this time to answer them while I try to stay awake lmao)

6. What is the fic you wrote with the angstiest ending?

Hmmmm. I mean, technically the one I'm writing now? It's probably between Winter is Death and Not Only Monsters Hide Under the Bed where one fic involves Hannah slowly losing her free will as she spends a year with the Makkapitew taking over her body and the other is about a little girl hiding from the people sent to kill her village but being found and killed just before her brother got home to save her.

7. What's the fic you wrote with the happiest ending?

...Somehow, this is the harder of the two to answer aksdjkjahsdkjashd uh.... pretty much any chrashley focus fic where the ending involves them actually confessing and getting together I guess? But if I have to chose one, I think The Final Days of Our Youth cause it's chrashley confessing and getting together, but also repairing their friendship that Chris very nearly torpedoed cause he's an avoidant moron.

8. Do you get hate on fics?

Surprisingly no! Thankfully anyone who does not like the ships I write for does not read my fics and thus does not leave comments. And if there us people out there who just do not vibe with my writing style (understandable) they've just clicked back and not responded either.

9. Do you write smut?

Once! I did it once and only once because I just really, really wanted to read about an awkward and clumsy first time between Chris and Ashley and that, uh, did not exist. So I (unfortunately for everyone lol) took it upon myself to write it. That being said, because it is smut, it is unsurprisingly the one fic I can always count on getting a new kudos or bookmark on every now and then.

And I will probably never write another one again sorry not sorry lol.

10. Craziest crossover?

I mean the only crossovers I've ever done is my Outlast au stuff but I don't really consider that a 'crazy' crossover lol.

11. Have you ever had a fic stolen?

Not that I'm aware of! Like I'm not even sure that they've been scrapped by AI sites. Not sure why anyone would want to steal my fics in the first place though honestly.

12. Have you ever had a fic translated?

I mean, no one's ever asked so I assume not? If they did though than all the power to them.

13. Have you ever co-written a fic before?

Nope! Never been asked and never asked anyone lol.

14. All time favourite ship?

I mean, Chris/Ashley easily, though Chris/Josh/Ashley is a *very* close second lol. (Chester/Arche is also a very close third but no one other than me here knows who they even are so askldjaslkdjsa)

15. What's a wip you want to finish but doubt you ever will?

Oh god, the actual main outlast au fic that really delves into how the initial prank on Hannah snowballed into climbing chrash being thrust into experiencing the events of the Outlast video game. Except that's not a wip I've even started despite all the notes and timelines in my head 😭

16. What are your writing strengths?

I do think dialogue is my strongest strength personally. I think it flows fairly naturally, to the point where I've sometimes gotten stuck on a scene and switching over to some dialogue either earlier on or just throwing a line in randomly will just unstick *something* in the brain and my creativity output stops being a blockage and returns to it's trickle aksjdhaskdhj

17. What are your writing weaknesses?

Literally everything else? Descriptions. I just feel like I can't describe things very well and so I'm always worried that my writing tends to read flat because of it.

Also, due to being told that I'm a waste of space, stupid, ugly, blah blah blah by like 99% of my classmates from like grade 1 to grade 9 my self-esteem when it comes to shit like this is unsurprisingly pretty fucking abysmal! So every time I go to post something new I spend way too long hovering over that upload button convinced that this is the fic that will convince everyone that I'm actually a terrible writer and they won't like me anymore lol

18. Thoughts on dialogue in another language?

Never had to use it before myself but it's neat when done... not right or well but, like, done to achieve something you've planned out. I'm not sure what ways I would use it myself, I think it would depend on what use I need it to have in the story itself.

19. First fandom you wrote in?

Oh Class of the Titans easy. Inuyasha is where I discovered fanfiction, but CotT is what inspired me to try it out for myself (my first attempt was uh, not great aksdjklasjdlkasj)

20. Favorite fic you've written?

Oh god, there's a tough question lol. Uh, probably between Baby It's Cold Outside (so hold me tight in your arms and don't let go) and Artificial though. Both are my babies, but Baby It's Cold Outside is the fic that finally started me writing again regularly since middle school after a like almost ten year drought. And Artificial is the one where I finally got to really sink my teeth into what makes my outlast au actually outlast and really get to experience a bunch of shit I had never really written before (torture (physical and psychological), whump, body trauma) and it turns out it was a lot of fun sdlkajsldkjaslkdj

Oh god I have to tag people to do this now don't I? Uhhhhh, @chris-hartley, @icequeen-07, @hannahwashington, @eurazba but if there's anyone else who follows me that wants to do this than please by all means go ahead! Share your work with the rest of us 💖

[cryptidsurveys]

Wednesday, August 28th, 2024.

When was the last time you climbed over a fence? I have no idea. (Btw, I'm just starting this survey to kill time before heading out to the Mountain Park. I'll probably finish it later today or tomorrow. Just letting y'all know in case there's any chronological weirdness in any of my answers.)

Does your pet wear a collar? No. I'd be afraid of them getting it stuck on something, plus they're indoor cats as it is.

What is the first thing on your Christmas Wishlist? I don't have a Christmas wish list.

What would you do if your mom/dad saw a hickey on you? I wouldn't allow anyone to give me a hickey in a visible place…or probably at all, for that matter.

What goal are you working on this month? I don't have any new specific goals. Pretty much everything I'm working on is just a continuation of something already in progress.

What could you say is your biggest time waster? Listening to YouTube videos and taking surveys. Imagine how much more productive I could be if I channeled all that YT time into something useful. :')

When was the last time that you were asked out somewhere, and you declined? I'm not sure. I was considering declining any invites from my mom this Wed-Thurs because I wanted some time to myself without any social obligations, but the movie she wanted to see wasn't out yet so I'm good.

If you’re listening to music, name a lyric from the song. I'm not listening to anything.

Are you a sound sleeper? I'm somewhere in the middle. I don't wake up over every little sound, but I'm easy enough to wake if need-be.

In your opinion, which is more attractive, nice biceps or washboard abs? How about an "average" combination of both - like sorta nice abs and sorta nice biceps - that way they don't look oddly disproportionate.

How do you feel about bands that use pyrotechnics in live concerts? I'm not much of a concertgoer, so I don't really have an opinion on the matter.

Why do you hate your ex? I don't hate any of my ex-partners.

Does anybody hate you? I suppose it's possible.

Trust issues? I've got 'em. I think I may also be spending too much time around untrustworthy people. I'm really looking forward to the upcoming dynamic shift at the animal shelter. Alex leaves on the 21st of September and Diane isn't scheduled back in cattery for the time being, so…yeah. I'm counting down the days. It will be interesting to see how the atmosphere changes. I wonder if Kristen will be the next cattery lead; she's got so much potential.

If you were pregnant, who would you tell first? Ugh.

Do you think that you’re good enough for the one you like? There is no such person. In general, I struggle with thoughts of not being good enough. It's hard to determine where the negative voice in my head ends and the truth begins.

Did you speak to your father today? Yes. I spent most of the day with him.

What is your father’s middle name? Blah.

When was the last time you had alcohol? At that fundraising event about a month ago. I tried a few sample beers.

Last person of the opposite sex you gave a hug to? Nan. She's a volunteer at the shelter who does a whole bunch of our dirty laundry.

Have you ever met anyone who claimed to be a witch? I've met people who practiced witchcraft in some capacity, but I don't think I've met anyone who outright claimed to be a witch.

What’s the weirdest thing in your body that you can crack? Nothing weird. Just my neck and my wrists.

Do you know anyone with asthma? My mom and sibling.

Have you ever been involved in a custody battle before? No.

Who was the best kisser you’ve ever dated? Probably my most recent ex.

Have any of your siblings ever had a crush on your significant other? No.

Are your siblings nice the majority of the time? I don't know what my sibling is like these days. I haven't had any contact with them since 2013-2014. In the past, I would have considered them rather volatile.

Any other names your parents planned to give you? I think Tristan was a possibility. I don't remember any other potential names. Now I'm curious, though. I'll have to ask my dad when he wakes up from his nap.

Are you healthy? I do have some issues (mainly migraines and questionable mental health), but generally speaking…I'd say I'm "functional."

Number of jeans in your closet? I'm not sure. There are probably at least a few pairs stuffed in there somewhere, but I don't tend to wear jeans these days.

Rihanna or Lady GaGa? I guess Lady Gaga.

Which was the last book that really captivated you? The first book in the Dune series. The following two (the third I still have yet to finish) were just "eh." Not bad, but not on the same level as the first.

Do you prefer nail polish with sparkles in it, or matte colors? I don't really have a preference.

Have you ever had a teacher you got really close with? No.

Can you actually picture yourself getting married/having kids, or is that something that seems too distant in the future to imagine? I can kind of picture myself getting married, but it's more like a distant daydream than anything grounded in reality. As for children, I don't want them. I will occasionally imagine it in a purely hypothetical sense (almost like an idealized form of nostalgia for the positive aspects of my own upbringing), but that's it.

When’s the last time you spent time with your cousins? Childhood.

What’s your younger sibling’s name? Blah.

Do you have an idea of what kind of profession you’d like to have? Yeah.

Do you ever pick up your house phone? No.

Is your sister a slut? No.

Do you ever think about what went wrong in your first relationship? Lmao my first relationship was in middle school, so…not really…? I'm more likely to apply that sort of thinking to my last two relationships.

If you had to get a piercing (not ears) what would you get? Maybe my nose. I have a bad track record of piercings getting infected, though. My lip piercings are the only ones that haven't given me any trouble.

If you could sleep with one famous person, who would it be? No thanks.

If you woke up naked next to the last person you texted what would you say? What the actual fvck.

Ever been kissed under fireworks? I don't think so.

How would you react if a doctor told you that you were infertile? Whatever.

Do you get along with your best friend’s parents? I don't know my best friend's parents. I don't think they're even in touch.

Have you ever been in a relationship where you didn’t get along with the person’s parents? No.

How many people of the opposite sex have you said “I love you” to? Idk.

The person you fell the hardest for says they never felt anything for you. What do you say? Idk. It doesn't make much of a difference at this point.

Who was the last person to tell you that they find you attractive? A past partner.

What was the last compliment you paid to someone of the opposite sex? I'm not sure.

How often do you listen to music? I listen to classical music on my drive to/from the shelter, so at least five days out of every seven.

Have you ever wanted your significant other to get rid of a friend? I don't think so.

Is the person you last texted single? Yeah.

Have you ever seen the last person you kissed without their shirt on? Yeah.

Is the last person you kissed mad at you? I don't know how they feel about me these days.

Has the person you like ever made you upset? N/a.

Scenario: If you were getting unwanted attention by some creeper, would the person you like stand up for you? N/a.

Does the person you like, know that you like them? N/a.

When angry, do you get loud or quiet? It just depends.

Have you ever been in a secret relationship? No.

Have you ever danced in front of your mirror naked? Yeah.

Are your grandparents still alive? No.

Ever been in a car accident? No.

If you got married to the last person you kissed would you be happy? Ugh.

Do you like any of Justin Bieber’s songs? I've never knowingly listened to a Justin Bieber song.

Do you believe saving your virginity for marriage or no? I don't believe or disbelieve, but I do think I will wait a lot longer before being intimate in future relationships.

When you were a kid, did you ever like Barney? Yeah.

When was the last time you kissed someone? Years ago.

What’s the capital of wherever you live? Denver.

Did you have any beer this past week? No.

Have you ever had champagne? Did you like it? I think so.

Do you like to cuddle? Yesss.

Do you think you’ve changed over the past year? I definitely have.

[retrogradedreaming]

For the ask game! Arcane !

Favorite character: Viktor!!! I know, everyone is sooo surprised but it's true!!

Least favorite character: Okay wow this is really hard actually because Arcane does SUCH a good job with all its characters. Probably Heimerdinger or Sevika. Both of them are down at the bottom for me. Oh, and pretty much every councilor who isn't Jayce or Mel.

5 favorite ships (canon or non-canon):

Jayvik

CaitVi

Sorry I only like these two ships!!! I COULD get on board with MelJayVik I think, given some time and thought, but it's not really a ship I root for. But yeah, I can't even come up with 5 ships I like sorry!!!

Character I find most attractive: Viktor!! What can I say, he's my Type.

Character I would marry: This is a hard one because I want to say Viktor because he IS my favorite, but I think we'd be too similar in some ways to work well. Maybe Mel or Vander? They both have the soft but strong vibe and that's what I need in my life.

Character I would be best friends with: Jayce or Viktor probably. Jayce because he's really personable and honestly, I like having the extrovert friend who can be my buffer in social situations and help me make friends. But I also like the Viktor is the type of friend you could be in a room with and interact or not. He seems like he'd be good for late night conversations or just chilling doing your own thing and not talking for hours, which is EXACTLY the kind of friendship I like best.

Putting the rest of this under a cut because it got so long and anyone who knows me knows I am not concise.

A random thought: I really love how Arcane animates expressions. I made a whole post about Viktor's not too long ago, but this goes for all of them. It's the little nuances in the eyes, eyebrows, mouths, just little things that you don't get in most shows. I swear, they're more expressive than real people.

An unpopular opinion: I'm not sure if this is unpopular, but I see a lot of people talking about Jayce slander, so. I think Jayce is one of the most realistic and human characters in the show. He's living this very human experience of trying his best and people look at him and be like "he's doing a bad job" and YES he is, but he's trying and you know that he's open to changing his perspective and doing better. He's basically in the space that I feel like a lot of people are where, socially, we know we need to do better, so we try it, and we mess up, and I think what a lot of people hate about Jayce is that he takes that risk and often messes up and people don’t have a lot of patience for that. This isn’t to minimize the horrible consequences of many of his actions, but it reminds me of this song where it was like “don’t we all have problems that would be exacerbated by living life in the public eye?” and I think that’s what happens to him here. The higher you go in society, the more dire the consequences of your fuck-ups.

My canon OTP: CaitVi!! If we don't get a kiss at minimum I will scream

My non-canon OTP: JayVik! They're canon in my heart

Most badass character: Vi and Vander for different reasons. I think it's really cool how they're both strong and they're both fighters but they're both motivated by the people they love. Vander to me is badass because he knows what kind of fighting different situations call for, and I think that's a skill that not everyone has. Vi I think takes things a step beyond where Vander was able to go, and she takes action more readily, and instead of stopping the fight because things go horribly wrong, she gets up and approaches it differently.

Most epic villain: I guess the obvious answer here is Silco but genuinely I think he’s an incredible villain, and I liked that we see some of his motivation for what got him to this point

Pairing I am not a fan of: I...really can’t think of one? I guess like Jayce and Mel isn’t one I actively support, so maybe that one? But there’s no pairing in the show I can think of that’s actually like “wow hate that.”

Character I feel the writers screwed up (in one way or another): Well if we’re talking trauma...all of them?? Otherwise, I don’t know. I feel so strongly that the writers did a great job with all of the characters - I felt like I could understand their motivations, their personalities, the characters are flawed in a way that makes them relatable...Maybe if I’d known who these characters were in League, it would’ve made a difference to how I saw them, but maybe not. Or maybe I’ll think more critically about them later, but right now, I just think every character is interesting and fun to explore and there’s nothing in the show that I see as the writers really screwing up.

Favorite friendship: Kind of Vi and Ekko? Honestly, I think Ekko is such a great and valuable friend to have PERIOD that I could say anyone and him. But I really liked how Vi and Ekko came back together, how Ekko is loyal but he’s also thoughtful and calculating and intelligent while being vulnerable with certain people. But I think Vi and Ekko specifically are similar in some ways, but the sort of sibling relationship between them is nice.

Character I most identify with: I had a long conversation with my friend about this recently and it’s Viktor. First of all, we have the same haircut. Second, there are a lot of things he does and ways he acts that I really relate to. Like how he does that lighthearted insult thing where it’s like “are you making fun of me” and he’s like “No, I actually wanted to talk to you.” And there’s the aspect of no one believed in me but I did it anyway - every significant thing I’ve ever done has been something I did after almost everyone I knew said I couldn’t or shouldn’t or it wouldn’t work. And I made it happen for myself because I believed I could and I wanted it THAT much. I look for unusual or innovative solutions, especially when there’s a problem I can’t just get out of, and I take a lot of unconventional approaches and put serious thought into what I do, even if in the end, I make an impulsive choice. I also have the same kind of personality where irl people look at me and think I’m this serious introvert but I thrive on humor and wit, and I think it surprises people. I could go on, but you get it.

Character I wish I could be: Well, it’s. Still Viktor. I wish I had more of his positive qualities, like his confidence in himself and his fearlessness in standing up to people and disagreeing openly with them and really believing in himself. Also, I wish I were half that smart. I feel like I’m just saying “I wish I were me but better” and like....it’s true. A little egotistical...

[spideyspeaches]

Sweet child ‘o mine ↬ a.r

sweet smily babie

A/N: Requests are open btw! I love writing Arvin and I don’t have any arvin requests so you can request for arvin btw :) 

Request by @kelieah​ : okay okay. let's get to it hehe. arvin right? oh my god you should write a dad!arvin 🥺🥺🥺 and reader is pregnant but he's like super protective and lowkey a wreck bc he doesn't know what he's doing? and reader is probably really close to popping the baby? up to you, can't wait to see what you write! :)

Kk so I went a little overboard with the fluff XD 

WC: 1.3k+ 

Pairing: Dad!Arvin Russell x Pregnant!Reader

Masterlist || Taglist 

Arvin was a protector by nature. He protected all the people he loved, whether it be his late sister, or his girlfriend, now wife and a mother of two. Before you had your first child, Arvin would constantly hover around you till it annoyed you to the point where you would sleep in a separate room.

("Hun don't lift those! You'll hurt the baby!" Arvin shrieked, rushing towards you as you held the shopping bag in your hand with an amused and angry expression. 

You were nearly six weeks pregnant, nowhere near your due date, and yet here you were.

"Arvin, this is one single shopping bag."

"Yes but you shouldn't! I saw what happened to the neighbour's wife when she tried to lift 'er bed!" 

"Arvin…" you said, tapping your foot impatiently, dropping the shopping bag near your couch.

He was looking at you with a worried expression. You didn't give him time to answer, instead pulling him for a deep kiss. 

And what if you were with a child? You were still horny and he was right there looking like a snack.) 

You found the protectiveness endearing, especially watching his gruff exterior cut through like a knife. But you were pregnant and you were grumpy, sick of his overbearing attitude and had finally asked him to leave you alone for two seconds, maybe have a cigarette or two. The poor guy had looked heartbroken that day, just enough for guilt to brew in your heart, but you stood your ground. 

That day also happened to be the day your first child, Willy, was born. You had convinced yourself that you would never witness such a site as of your husband holding your firstborn with utmost care and love radiating through his every pore, bobbing the baby’s little head as he hummed some lullaby, his soft voice lulling your tired form to sleep. 

“Mummy why is daddy walkin’ like that?” Your four year old son asked, looking at you with his daddy’s big doe eyes, making you coo at his adorable expression. 

You were sitting on the couch, nine months with your second child, way past your due date as your son sat besides you, a hand on your rounded belly, smoothing down your dress and “talking” to his brother. You found it cute, already feeling the love the little child was going to get from the second smallest member of the Russell family. 

You watched in amusement as Arvin paced the hallway, burning a hole in the rugs as he ran a hand through his hair, messing them up as he cursed softly. He had been like that from the day your second child was about to arrive, only for them to want to stay a little longer in your belly. 

"Honey you're gonna bear a hole in there." You said, burrowing your brows as he looked at you. He was a wreck, you could see it in how he tried to work two jobs, only to meet you when you were back in bed. 

“Daddy’s a little tense right now hun, he’s… he’s worried why the baby hasn’t come to us yet.” You said, caressing Willy’s head as he snuggled next to you, nodding with a faux serious expression. 

“Maybe the babe feels safer in your belly moma, it must feel very much loved.” He said with a toothy grin, bumping his nose to your bump as you laughed, hugging your little boy closer to you, tickling his sides, He shrieked with laughter as you bent down as much as you could to kiss his forehead.

“Well the little bugger has been kicking moma for a while now, I think he really wants to come, just findin’ it a wee difficult.” You said, hissing as you felt another kick under your ribs. Massaging the area just like the way your midwife had told you to. You sent your son a wink, hoping that he wouldn’t get too scared at your state. He, like his father, was also very protective of you and the baby.

Hissing at another contraction, you tried to do your breathing exercise, groaning at the pain you felt. 

“Daddy! Daddy moma is hurt!” Willy shouted, getting off the couch and running off to where Arvin had been pacing the room.

“No no no hun! Moma is alright, just a little- oh oh Arvin!” You groaned, stretching your husband's name at a painful contraction as you watch him frantically run towards you, stumbling at the carpet and falling on his knees in front of you.

“Hun? Baby speak to me, how far apart are the pains? Do you think it’s time? Should I-”

“Arvin?” You winced, holding your belly.

“Yes honey?”

“Shut the fuck up and do me a favour, get the bag ready will ya?” You said, clenching your jaw as tightly as you could without breaking your teeth, immediately feeling guilty at his crestfallen expression. He was only trying to help you.

“Yes, yes sweetheart, I'll be right back.” He said, scramming to go to your room to get the bag. You knew he had already packed it, unpacked and repacked it multiple times to keep his mind of the calendar. 

“Moma? Are you hurtin’?” You son asked, hearing a sniff. You sighed as you saw tears form in his eyes, running your hands through his hair as he sniffed loudly. 

“No bun, it’s nothing bad, moma’s fine. I swear.” 

“But you’re crying!” He cried out, launching himself on your chest. You sat down with a “oof”, the weight of your son sending you on your back sprawling on the couch.

“Willy! Be careful!” Arvin shouted, pulling your crying son off of you and palming his head as he buried his face into his father’s shoulder, wrapping his little arms around his neck as Arvin cooed at him, trying to shush his muffled cries. 

“It’s gonna be alright bubby, I’m not crying anymore, see?” You gritted, groaning loudly when you felt one resonate to your back, a pop sound startling you enough to widen your eyes.

A breath later, the only thing you could hear was your son’s sniffs and your breathing, the wetness between your thighs amplifying as you gave a loud groan, groping for your husband’s biceps, “It’s happening!” 

“Oh- oh fuck shit, sorry hun, Willy, do daddy a favor and open the car will you? We need to take moma to the hospital.” Arvin instructed your son, who obediently nodded, a determined expression taking over his adorable face as he ran outside. 

“Arvin!”

“Comin’ sweetheart, just a minute!” He grunted, positioning himself by your side, sliding his one hand under your knees and another at your back, You shrieked as he carried you bridal style, your son holding the door open for you.

You would have called the ride torturous had you not heard the shrill cries of your newborn, squishy wet cheeks and scrunched eyes fitted in the palm of your hands a few hours later. Laughing near hysterically, you gently rocked the newly swaddled baby boy in your arms, looking at your husband’s shiny eyes as he carefully touched the baby’s forehead. 

“He’s so tiny.” Arvin whispered, rubbing his thumb on the soft skin, watching in awe as the baby yawned, the little eyes scrunching up as they slowly opened, adjusting around the world in a newfound wonder. 

“He’s perfect.” You smiled, seeing your four year old hiding behind Arvin’s legs, watching you unsure of himself, “Come here bun, want to hold your brother?”

“I can hold him?” He asked, peaking at you through his eyelashes.

“Of course you can son.” Arvin chuckled, lifting the toddler as he sat on your bed, looking at you with wide eyes. 

"Here, hold his head, careful." You whispered, holding one hand on your older son's hands, guiding him to hold his little brother as he looked at the baby in wonder. 

"He's tiny!" Willy said, mimicking you when he saw you holding the baby. 

"You were this tiny too once, son." Arvin said, smiling at you and Willy. 

"No way! I'm a big boy." Willy argued, pouting, which made you and your husband laugh.

"Whatever you say baby."

[killerandhealerqueen]

Headcanon ask :

Hacker Kim Gaon x Chief Judge Kang Yohan (Also Elijah & Gaon are you know, hacker friends. Since Elijah is also a good hacker) Yohan seeks help from gaon and they sort of become friends? And you know........

Ik you're busy due to your finals? Finals right? So, you can do this headcanon anytime. I'm totally okay with it.

Btw, all the best on your finals. (Fighting!!)

Ah, thank you. My last final is next week, so I have some time this week to just sort of relax

Kim Gaon is an incredibly talented hacker...probably the best in Korea. He can hack into any network he wants without leaving a trace...and can also shut down networks if necessary (especially if he feels like the people behind the network are corrupt)

He never leaves a calling card or like a "name" so no one really knows who he is, save for one little girl named Elijah, who somehow hacks his computer camera/skype and is now talking with him face to face. Or screen to screen

Gaon freaks out because how the fuck did this kid find him and hack him and Elijah just laughs and teases him, saying that he's not the greatest hacker in Korea, she is

Gaon's then like...should you be talking to a stranger like this and Elijah's like "oh I hack people's web cameras all the time to see if they're really who they say they are". Gaon's a little bit more afraid of this teenager than he was a few seconds ago

Elijah then explains that she only accessed Gaon's web camera because she's lonely and wants someone to talk to because no one understands her hobbies and hacking...they just think she's weird and creepy for hacking into other people's servers, systems, networks, etc.

Gaon feels bad as he knows what it's like to be lonely so he decides to befriend Elijah and they talk almost every day. They get along quite well and Gaon notices that Elijah smiles a lot more than the first day he met her

Then one day a man walks into Elijah's room when she's on a call with Gaon and Gaon pauses because he doesn't know if the man is a family member or what but Elijah assures him that this is her uncle, Chief Judge Kang Yohan. Gaon blinks in surprise and Yohan greets him politely before he asks Elijah if she'd be willing to hack a network for him

Elijah nods before she looks at Gaon and soon both of them have their fingers flying over the keys, Yohan watching with a raised eyebrow as they work. Soon they have what he's looking for and Yohan hums before he thanks both of them and leaves

After that one instance, anytime Yohan needs some hacking done, he asks for both Elijah and Gaon's help because having two hackers is always better than one, in his opinion

And sometimes he stays, sometimes he doesn't because he's busy with other things. If he does, he asks Gaon about himself and how he met Elijah because you know, she's his only niece, she's practically his daughter, he's a little protective of her

Gaon just assures him that he's not a creep, it was Elijah who connected with him first. He does tell him a little about himself, but like...not everything. Since he doesn't know Yohan that well, he doesn't need to know everything

Over time, the three slowly become closer until one day when Gaon calls Elijah for their daily video calls, Elijah doesn't answer, Yohan does

"Kim Gaon"

"Sir? Is there something wrong?"

"It's Elijah. I think something happened to her"

Gaon frowns

"But Elijah doesn't...leave the house, right?"

Yohan huffs and pinches the bridge of his nose

"Normally she doesn't, but she was meeting up with some school friends that came to visit Korea so she wanted to hang out with them. I let her go but then when I came to pick her up, she wasn't where I dropped her off and she's not answering her phone"

Gaon nods before his fingers fly over his keyboard, searching for Elijah's location before he smiles and looks at Yohan

"I'll send her your location and meet you"

Yohan blinks in confusion before his phone buzzes and he looks at the location Gaon sent him as Gaon ends the video call

Gaon then gets ready, quickly changing his clothes into something nice and brushing his hair before he heads out, catching a cab to the location he sent Yohan

When he arrives at the park, he finds a black Escalade waiting in the parking lot and the minute he gets out of the cab, Yohan steps out of the Escalade and walks over to him, eyeing him up and down

"It's nice to meet you in the flesh, Kim Gaon"

"I could say the same thing about you, Kang Yohan"

Yohan chuckles before he huffs

"Where's Elijah?"

Gaon smiles before he motions for Yohan to follow him as they head through the park until they find Elijah laughing with a few of her friends that she made from school

Gaon then looks over at Yohan and smirks

"See? She's perfectly fine"

Yohan huffs before he walks over to Elijah, Gaon following him, as Elijah turns and smiles at them

"Yohan!" *sees Gaon in person* "GAON!"

She then wheels over to Gaon and hugs him tightly, Gaon laughing as he pets her hair

"Hello Elijah"

Elijah then pulls away as she looks up at him

"I've always wanted to hug you and now I can!"

Gaon laughs and gives her another hug as Yohan watches them with a fond look on his face. When Gaon and Elijah pull away again, Gaon smiles

"Take your time. Your uncle and I won't be too far away, k?"

Elijah nods and lets go of Gaon as she turns and wheels back to her friends while Gaon takes Yohan's arm and guides him to a park bench that's not too far so that Elijah and her friends are within their sights

As both men sit and watch Elijah with her friends, Yohan looks over at Gaon, eying him up and down, causing Gaon to look back him with a raised eyebrow

"What?"

"Nothing. You're just much more handsome in person"

Gaon blushes and Yohan chuckles before they go back to watch Elijah laugh and have a good time with her friends

[fiendish-insanity-in-the-written]

??, ø, ✉ (For Clare ans Oscar)

✆, %, $ (For Em and Jace)

??: ( few nights after the 'balcony game' 🤣)

[ O.L. ] I nearly just kissed a damn guy that looks like you

[ O.L ] don't ever get that close to me again

[ O.L ] isn't that scaring shit enough of a problem ? I don't want the 'failing at getting you outta my damn head ' to be the next one

ø:

[Oscar ] Scar keeps acting up, are you ok?

[ Oscar ] I am only asking because I don't want to end up bloody unexpectedly again.

[ Oscar] I know where you live, ignoring me will bring me to your doorstep, and you don't want that.

[ Oscar ] ok, hope it was worth a new doorknob since I'm about to break your current one

[ Oscar ] JUST TYPE 'IM FINE ' GOD DAMN IT

[ Oscar ] I swear I'll bring chili and make you watch me eat it while you starve drinking that shitty beer of yours

[ Oscar ] Just answer that you are alright....I'll give you the damn chili

✉ ( on the night Lei was born)

[ Oscar ] If only you could see you were wrong...because Oscar she is perfect

[ Oscar ] no matter what happened between us I want to thank you, she is the best gift I could only dream of

[ Oscar ] I wish you were here with us

✆ ( a few days after giving her the studio )

[ Em ] Hay, know I'm probably getting on your bloody nerves by now but everything ok with the place ? Need something?

[ Em ] I can swing by later to repaint that gallery for you, I mean so you don't have to wait for the workers

[ Em ] Or to discuss my new piece?

[ Em ] loved that new piercing BTW, cooler than the last one you had

% ( after finding out they are soul mates )

[ Better half ] Hay, you up?

[ Better half ] Do you really think...the guy was legit ?

[ Better half ] because it makes sense

[ Better half ] I mean , I..I do feel connected to you Emily, more than just the taste, smell,visions shit...I feel..Better when you are near me

[ Better half ] I'm not trying to push any ideas, I know you are taken but...I would love if you would stay in my life for good, however it may be sweetheart

$ ( Was texting tig )

[ Better half ] I don't give a shit, I don't want damn hookers all over the club's floor every morning, none of your damn businesses why now

[ Better half ] OH SHIT SORRY , THAT WAS NOT MEANT FOR YOU SWEETHEART

[ Better half ] sorry I am trying to makes some changes in the club, God knows it needs it

[ Better half ] speaking of..have time to come over today ? Guys would love to meet you..being my soul mate and all 😅

[ Better half ] and they heard about your mind blowing food..guess that is the bigger reason they are rooting for ya to come by

@writingxthexsilence 🤍

[sharkbait77]

The Singer (Marcus Pike x f!reader)

Chapter Three

Warnings: Mention of food/alcohol, language, pure fluffy fluffiness (I'm such a softie I'm sorry 😭)

W/C: 4.2k

A/N: Notes at the bottom! And I'm running out of gifs to use of scruffy faced Marcus. I'm gonna have to shave him soon 👀 I hope you enjoy our soft boi in this chapter! 🥰

Just as a reference if you need help understanding the different formats:

«Phone conversation on their end»

Thoughts

Text messages

Song mentioned:

Chapter Two | Chapter Four

The Singer Masterlist

Gif by me! Yes it's Teresa but it still fits & I only care that it's his hand lol

«Oh my god, I'm melting!» Celina yells in her phone enthusiastically. You giggle as you wait for her eagerness to calm down.

You had barely taken your shoes and jacket off after getting inside your apartment when you immediately dialed up Celina's number to tell her about the night. You feel like you're having an out of body experience. Sure, your heart is still guarded and unfortunately, you'll most likely have your doubts throughout the relationship, but you truly feel like this could go somewhere. You want to give yourself that chance and allow Marcus to help heal your heart, maybe doing the same for him in return.

"So he's picking me up on Saturday and I'm freaking out a little," you say and chew on the skin around your nail beds.

«Why? Don't be! Just treat it like how you did tonight!» She encourages.

"But it's a legitimate date this time, I have to do my hair and makeup perfectly and find the perfect outfit and-"

«Girl, have you seen your closet? You have nothing but perfect outfits!» She teases and you chuckle, lowering your fingers from your mouth.

«You don't need to try to be perfect hun, just be yourself! Be the girl he has already seen in front of him.» You smile at her heartfelt words. «I bet he's already in love with you!»

"Okay, you're not helping!" You laugh, placing your hand on your forehead. "I'll talk to you later, I'm going to try and get some sleep. I'll probably be calling you on Saturday so I can freak out some more."

You say your goodbyes and hang up, sinking yourself into your couch and smiling widely. Your head is buzzing from a sugar rush, but you can't tell if it's because of the pancakes or because of Marcus. You walk to the kitchen to make some sleepytime tea, hoping it'll relax your nerves enough for you to get some shut eye.

* * * *

You take a shower and climb into your comfy pajamas and the tea works its magic as you relax on your plush bed, surrounding yourself with pillows and your soft blanket enveloping you in warmth. Your eyes get heavy and you feel yourself on the brink of sleep when you hear your phone vibrate on the nightstand. You try to ignore it, but it vibrates again and you figure it's Celina probably sending you a funny video. Your curiosity gets the better of you and you reach over to grab your phone, the brightness from the screen stinging your eyes from the time they had adjusted to the darkness. You blink a few times until you can see the screen clearly.

555-9057: Hi Dulce :)

555-9057: Made it home. I had a great time :)

You bite your lip and smile at the messages on your lock screen, heat flashing through your head seeing him call you the nickname you gave yourself in his phone. And just like that, you're wide awake again. You unlock your phone and before you can type a reply, he sends another message.

555-9057: It's Marcus btw

Marcus groans to himself as he sends that last message. What the hell was that? Of course she knows it's you. Dumbass. He watches the screen and holds his breath when he sees the text bubbles pop up and he waits nervously for your reply.

Dulce💋: I'm glad you specified! Right after you dropped me off another guy took me out for dulce de leche pancakes and I also penned myself as Dulce in his phone 🤭

He chuckles out loud in the quiet atmosphere of his apartment, the sound bouncing against the walls and reverberating around the living room. Damn, she's good.

555-9057: Okay okay you got me, don't have to be so mean :P

So he's a classic emoji kind of guy, you smile as you make a note and file it in the little 'Marcus Pike' folder in your brain. You hit his phone number and tap the plus symbol to make a new contact in your phone. For some reason, you find yourself struggling as you try to figure out what to put his contact name as.

Agent Cutie

Nope, delete.

Agent Pike

What are you, his secretary? Delete delete.

Marcus

Should I put an emoji? Which one? Can't be a heart. You are seriously overthinking this.

Marcus Pike

Yeah, okay. I guess.

Me: Why did it take so long to get home? Do you live far?

Marcus Pike: It was about 30 min from your place :) not too bad

Thirty minutes?! Great, now I feel bad.

Dulce💋: Wth if I had known I wouldn't have let you drop me off! 🙄

Me: Don't worry about it! I was more than happy to ;)

Shit shit shit I didn't mean the wink! Why are they right next to each other?! Do I say something? Oh god, way to go, you ruined it.

Dulce💋: Then I'll give you gas money!

Marcus takes a breath of relief when he sees that you sidestepped his accidental wink emoji. After he catches his breath, his phone chimes again.

Dulce💋: And I won't take no for an answer 😉

Okay, there's no way she sent that by accident. Is she flirting with me? Do I flirt back? Why are my hands so sweaty?

Dulce💋: It's time for bed, those pancakes made me sleepy 😴 good night Marcus ☺️ See you Saturday!

Marcus smiles to himself and he anticipates seeing you on Saturday. He sends you another text and walks to his restroom to take a quick shower before climbing in bed.

Marcus Pike: Can't wait :) good night!

There's no way you can sleep now, but you said good night for his sake; he had a long day at work, plus he took you out and then had a long drive home. You know he must be tired. Your heart races as you scroll through your short text conversation, rereading the messages and giggling softly.

Did he mean to wink? It was probably an accident, considering he types out emojis instead of using the newer, more convenient ones. You just couldn't help but send one back, though; hiding behind the screen helped you to flirt openly with him. You roll onto your side to face the TV on your dresser, turning on a true crime documentary and letting it eventually lull you to sleep.

* * * *

Saturday comes around quickly, much to your delight, but as you wander around your room looking at the many outfits you laid out on your bed, your dresser, even on your couch, the nerves set in fast. You pray to whoever’s listening that you don’t seize up when Marcus picks you up. Which is in fifteen minutes. You already have your hair and makeup done, all you need is to pick an outfit. Simple in theory. Just pick one! You chew your lip nervously out of habit before stopping as soon as you realize you probably just messed up the red lipstick you had applied earlier.

You rush to the bathroom mirror and sure enough, there's a bare spot on your bottom lip and the lipstick has transferred to your front teeth. You groan in frustration and grab a makeup wipe to carefully remove the ruined lipstick and you brush your teeth again until it's all gone. You reapply the same shade of red, pleasantly surprised with yourself that it came out better than the first time. You take a deep breath and try to calm down, telling yourself that the first outfit you land your eyes on will be the one you wear. You count down from three in your head and enter your bedroom.

Okay, maybe not that one. You decide to close your eyes and try again. When you open your eyes, they land on a different outfit. Not that one either. You sigh harshly through your nose. Why is this so hard? You walk over to your nearly empty closet for the umpteenth time and your eyes catch on to a dress hidden in the corner that you had surprisingly missed before. This one.

It's a spaghetti strapped, black, bodycon dress with a lace overlay, flowers printed on the fabric throughout. It hugs your body in all the right places, reaching down to your knees, and you take a look in the floor length mirror next to your dresser as you put on your black, open-toed heels, smiling brightly as you feel confidence shooting through your veins.

Adrenaline gets mixed in as soon as you hear a knock on your door. Five on the dot. You grab your black cardigan and purse off the couch and open the door, your breath taken away by the handsome man in front of you. He's carrying a box of chocolates and it fumbles in his hands, nearly falling once his wide eyes see you. He looks at you from head to toe, making your heart race as you feel heat rushing over your body in line with his gaze and you shift your weight from side to side anxiously.

"Wow," he says breathlessly, unable to say anything afterwards.

"Wow yourself," you smile, looking over his own outfit: a navy blue suit and a black, button up shirt underneath, paired with black dress shoes. He slicked his hair back and cleaned up his beard slightly. He really is a gorgeous man.

"Uh," he stutters and glances to the box in his unknowingly tight grasp. "These are for you," he smiles shyly as he hands you the chocolates.

"Thank you," you say, giggling at the indents his fingers made on the sides of the box and you turn around to leave them on your entryway table.

You turn back to face him and see his eyes look up quickly and you wonder if you just caught him staring at your bottom. Your suspicion is confirmed when his cheeks flush pink. You laugh softly and he holds his arm out to you.

"Ready?" He asks and you can hear the nervousness in his voice.

You nod and link your arm in his, letting him help you down the stairs. You're starting to love the way his arm hugs yours as you walk and the warmth of his body mixing with yours. Your footsteps even sync up together in a slow cadence. He walks you to his car, letting you hold your weight with his arm as you slowly lower in the seat, your movement restricted by your tight dress and high heels.

You thank him once you're seated, buckling your seatbelt, and he walks to his side, sitting down and starting the car. You notice the radio is on this time, playing at a low volume, and you think to yourself that he probably only forgot to turn it on last time.

The aura is tense in the car, both of your nervous energies dancing in the air together to the music. You try to think of something to say, resorting to looking through your mental file of basic conversation starters. The weather? No, too basic. Say something about the music. No-

"You look really beautiful," Marcus finally breaks the silence. Your head snaps up to look in his direction and you share a smile, thanking him and returning the compliment.

He takes his eyes off the road for a couple of seconds to look at you with a soft smile and turns his attention back to driving straight. He would keep his eyes on you if he could, but he'd rather not get into a car accident and ruin the night. So he just waits patiently until the next moment he can steal a glance. He takes a peek at you while you're stuck at a red light and he sees you picking at your cuticles nervously. He rubs his clammy palm on his pant leg, hoping to dry up any sweat present as much as possible. Before he can think twice about it, he reaches his hand over to grab yours.

Your heart jumps in your throat from the action and you look down in shock at his large hand covering yours completely. The blood rushes to your cheeks; his hand is rough from work, but soft and gentle enough that it's not uncomfortable. And warm. So warm. You stop picking your cuticles immediately, now memorizing the fine wrinkles in his hand and the ridges on his knuckles.

"Are you okay?" He asks, not moving his hand from your lap as he starts driving again.

"Yeah," your voice makes an embarrassing harmony, splitting in two different octaves from disuse. You swallow some saliva to lubricate your vocal cords and try speaking again.

"I'm just a little nervous," you admit.

His hand is still resting on top of yours; you're not sure if you should open your hand up to face your palms together and hold his hand as well. Alas, you take too long to make a decision and he pulls his hand away to grasp the steering wheel, bracing for a left turn.

"Please don't be nervous," he smiles with his pearly white teeth and it only makes you more nervous. How is he this handsome?

"It's just me," he adds as he pulls up to the restaurant, putting the car in park and removing the key from the ignition.

"'Just you'?" You quote him inquisitively. He nods and you shake your head with a small chuckle.

"What?" He chuckles with you.

"It's not 'just you' though, is it?" You reply softly.

You wonder if he's uncertain of himself and his ability to make women — i.e. you — weak in the knees. He seems oblivious to it and it makes him all the more charming to you. You see his eyebrows furrow and before he can ask what you mean, you turn to open the car door.

"Wait," he tells you, rushing out of his seat and over to you to help you out.

You wanted to manage it yourself, but you know you must look ridiculous with how bad you're struggling to get out of the car. He chuckles at the sight once he's on your side and he holds his arm out. You hold onto his forearm tightly and pull yourself upward as he lifts you as well until you're firmly planted on your feet.

"Maybe this dress wasn't a good idea after all," you giggle.

"I think it was," he flirts and you look away as you smile shyly.

You walk together up the steps to the front of the restaurant and Marcus apologizes for not warning you about the stairs. You tell him not to worry and though you can feel the ache in the arches and heels of your feet, you don't complain. He holds the door open for you and you walk in, your eyes instantly catching on the glimmering, crystal chandelier hanging in the waiting area. The lights are dimmed in an amber glow and there are pillars with intricate carvings and vines wrapped around the stone throughout the entirety of the establishment.

You gasp to yourself; this place must be expensive. How did you go from pancakes at grandma's house to a fancy, Italian restaurant like this? Your ears catch the sounds of a violin, but it's too close to just be playing from a speaker. Sure enough, you look further into the restaurant and see a man in a suit playing a violin. A live violinist?! Marcus joins your side again and notices the look of astonishment on your face.

"What's wrong?" He asks and you jerk your head to look at him, not even realizing he was standing next to you.

"Marcus, this looks like it's going to be really expensive."

You whisper in his ear so you don't offend any of the staff members and the height from your heels allows you to reach his head a little better now. The hot breath from your mouth tickles his ear and a bolt of arousal shoots down his spine. He laughs it off and leans his mouth to your ear in return.

"I like to make a fuss," he says, the deep tone of his voice giving you goosebumps. "Don't worry about it," he says in his normal tone as he stands up straight again.

The maître d' greets you two as you walk up to the host stand and Marcus gives the man his name for the reservation. The maître d' informs Marcus the table is not quite ready yet, adding that you're welcome to wait at the bar. Marcus looks at you to get your opinion; you say yes and Marcus lightly places his hand on the middle of your back, guiding you as you walk over to the bar top together. You take a seat in the soft barstool; it's easier to sit on since it's basically at standing height. Marcus removes his hand from your back to take a seat, his fingers gliding against the delicate lace of your dress across your spine and you shudder. Thankfully, it goes unnoticed.

The back of the bar is riddled with an assortment of different liquors, both American and Italian, and they're resting on lit up shelves. You look at the drink menu and your mouth opens in horror at the prices listed. This is definitely too much money. The bartender comes your way and Marcus orders a campari and grapefruit juice, immersing himself fully in the Italian culture. You say you'll stick with water and excuse it as you not feeling like drinking tonight. Marcus doesn't question it further.

The two of you comment on the decor of the restaurant, mainly the paintings hanging on the walls, and you mention that you love the lilies resting in the painted, ceramic vases and Marcus takes note of that fact. A waitress walks up to you and Marcus to let you know your table is ready and he finishes the last of his drink and stands, offering you his hand this time instead of his arm. You smile as you take it, your heart thumping in your chest as you let him guide you while you both follow the waitress.

The restaurant is bustling; heavy sounds of conversation and cutlery clinking on plates as you walk through what seems the entirety of the restaurant until the waitress leads you to a small, private patio. A round table is seated there, covered by a red tablecloth and adorned with a single, tall candlestick, burning a light glow. There's a cylindrical basket full of bread sticks and two water glasses, condensation running along the sides and onto the cloth. Marcus pulls your chair out for you, helping you to sit and scooting you in and sits down across from you. You hang your cardigan and purse on the back of your chair and take the menu the waitress is holding out to you.

You both thank her and she leaves, stating she'll be back soon to take your order. You marvel at the privacy Marcus planned for you two and you take a sip of your ice cold water, reveling in the relief washing through your dry throat. You flip open your menu; the options are minimal and are all expensive. You immediately scan for the cheapest dish: a $30 plate of chicken cacciatore. You feel guilty; you never want Marcus to break his bank trying to take you on a date. You glance at him and wonder why he would do all of this just for you. Did he really think you were that special?

You find yourself missing that little pancake diner and the time you shared there. There, you only felt the budding emotions consistent with a high school crush, but in this moment now, it's real life and mature adult feelings and you feel it much stronger in this environment. Marcus senses your mood change and leans forward to ask if you're okay, but he's interrupted by the waitress. You order the 'cheap' chicken cacciatore and he orders the tajarin al tartufo. Whatever that is.

"Why did you order the cheapest dish?" Marcus asks once the waitress leaves.

"Because I wanted to," you give him a sly smile to convince him otherwise, but he sees right through you, giving you a look of disbelief. You sigh.

"Because Marcus, it's too much money," you say sadly. "I mean, how much was it to get this private patio set up?"

"That's not important to me," he shakes his head. "This is our first proper date and I wanted to make it special."

Damn it. Why is he so thoughtful? And so damn cute?

"It's not that I don't appreciate it, I'm blown away by this, but I'm just... I'm not used to it," you pull your lips into your mouth slightly, mindful of your lipstick.

"Is that why you didn't order a drink?" He asks. You give him a lopsided frown and shrug your shoulders, your expression answering him instead of your words. He sighs and tilts his head to the side.

"I don't want you to worry about how much everything costs when you're with me; let me spoil you. You deserve it."

Let me spoil you. You deserve it. His words float around in your head, your eyes filling with fondness at the thought. You didn't think you deserved to be spoiled; your ex made sure of that much. It's exhilarating to say the least; this man you barely know ready to do anything for you at any time. But you like it, and you think in time, you could learn to love it. Learn to love him. You blink wildly and you inconspicuously shake your head at that last thought.

It was definitely way too soon to be thinking like that and it scared you that it entered your mind at all. It must be the ambiance of the restaurant. You think about how you should protect yourself in case this takes a wrong turn and you debate on placing that in the priority spot in your mind. Marcus can see you fighting your own thoughts and he tries to lighten the mood.

"I also might be trying to impress you for real now," he smiles.

You chuckle and shake your head. Marcus thinks to himself how beautiful you look under the moonlight that's shining through the glass awning above your heads, face lit up by the glowing candle. He can't stop his mouth from saying what he wants to say, not in this romantic atmosphere.

"I think you're a wonderful, beautiful woman and... I really like you," he adds, reaching across the table for your hand and you let him hold it, tangling your fingers with his.

You're positive he can feel your pulse through your fingers or hear your heart pounding, the blood whooshing in your ears muffling any other sounds from coming in. As much as you want to protect yourself, the look in his eyes only draws you in and you can't hide the truth from him or yourself, your confession spoken out loud for the first time for you both.

"I like you, too, Marcus." He smiles happily at you.

There must be something in the water here.

"Do you think it would be okay to keep this up?" He asks, meaning the dates, and you can't stop your head from nodding yes and you give him a sweet smile.

Marcus lets go of your hand, letting his rest in front of him and you take a deep breath, trying to shake your nerves from the exchange that just took place between you. You grab a bread stick and attempt to take a small bite; you and Marcus laugh together as your small bite accidentally turns into a big one, the stick breaking in the wrong place and leaving a large chunk of bread hanging from your mouth. Of course, leave it to something awkward happening to you to break the tension. But anything to see his face come together in joyous laughter.

* * * *

"Thank you again Marcus, that was actually very delicious," you say while Marcus begins the drive back to your apartment. "I see why it was so expensive." He hums in agreement; his smile hasn't left his face since the restaurant.

You listen closely to the new song that comes on the radio, trying to make out the tune until it gets louder and you realize it's "At Last" by Etta James.

"I love this song," you say under your breath. Marcus hears you and turns up the volume slightly, earning a bright smile from you. You look back out the window and sing the lyrics softly.

At last, my love has come along,

My lonely days are over

And life is like a song.

Marcus's heart races as he listens to the lyrics being sung by you and they hit a little too close to his heart. You don't realize at first the meaning behind them, only enjoying singing along.

At last, the skies above are blue

My heart was wrapped up in clover,

The night I looked at you.

You now realize the words are identical to how you feel. You wonder if you're falling too fast for Marcus. This was only your second date and there is still so much to learn about each other. You have a whole past to open up about, which will be a defining moment for your relationship. But as you look over at Marcus and you feel the tender organ in your chest beating fast, you think to yourself that it can't get much better than this. What's the harm in trying?

Chapter Two | Chapter Four

The Singer Masterlist

A/N: Okay just wanted to explain what Marcus ordered if you're interested! *DESCRIPTION OF FOOD/ALCOHOL COMING UP* I'm not an expert so correct me if I'm wrong! According to Google:

Campari is an Italian bitters made of fruit & herbs & you usually mix it with juice or club soda (hardcore Italians drink it straight up) & it's a pre-meal drink

Tajarin al tartufo is an egg pasta, made with more egg whites than traditional egg pastas, & topped with white truffle. Idk it sounded fancy & expensive 😂

Also, here's their outfit inspos! Just a couple of things I described differently like his shirt being black & her dress having lace instead of mesh.

Ofc Marcus in this suit 🥵 I copied the description lol

TAG LIST:

@hnt-escape @winter-fox-queen @giselatropicana

[ecclais-fouoras]

Sometimes moving on is good

Chapter 3&4

The two of you met often for drinks and chatting, while you exchanged a few messages.

You : Hey😝✌️ what is up ? I haven't heard from you today, is everything ok? Btw i finished your recipe but the cake 🍰 was not looking good😭🤣

Diane : hi, sorry i was busy with work. what happened with the cake? Oh i know you must have overcooked it, i used to do that all the time at first. What does btw mean? And why are there little faces on my phone ?

You :🤣oh honey...those are smileys you use that to had emotions to texts. AND Btw means by the way, everybody knows that diane.

Diane: haha ! Well I don't, anyways I finally finished the book you handed me last time.

You: OMG ALREADY??? IN 3 DAYS ! did you at least like it?

Diane: i did especially because of Jude’s past. Oh, and then Jude’s present, because sometimes life just keeps knocking people down, even when they’ve already suffered more than anyone ever should.

You: yes ohh it was so sad. I almost shead a tear. Which does not happen often !

Especially when reading... But I'm glad you liked it.😘

Diane: well i did the writing was really good, and the plot was interesting, what do you mean especially when you read ?

You: well... I always have trouble connecting to a book, especially when I have to read it, AND WHEN IT'S LONNNG🤣

In all seriousness I just have a hard time reading for as long as I can remember.

Diane: oh...why is that??

You: well I was diagnosed with An Oral and Written Language Learning Disability with impairment in reading and a specific reading comprehension deficit years ago. So basically my brain don't wORK.

Diane: i apologise that was intrusive of me

You: oh no don't worry I'm fine with talking about it, it's not that big of a deal, it doesn't stop me from messing up your cake🤭😭.

Diane: 😂 you'll do better next time don't worry. Do you know what are the causes ? You don't have to answer. It's just, well medicine interests me a lot.

You: apparently an abnormal cortical development, that occurs before or during the sixth month of fetal brain development, may have Abnormal cell formation known as ectopias, and more rarely, vascular micro-malformations, and microgyrus.

It's all big words but yeah those are the latest studies about dyslexia sais.

Diane: oh okay, i never thought it was actually physical, it's good to know

you: me neither until I searched it ! Even if I had it🤣. Sorry i gotta go I'm gonna be late for work !

Diane : sure, have fun! well Don't have fun...you know what I mean

Goodbye y/n.

When you got back from work you directly went on your phone hoping that diane sent you a message just so you'd have an excuse to talk to her. You had just seen her a few days before but somehow you still missed her, and little did you know she was missing you too.

After a few weeks you grew closer, and she invited you over for lunch or brunch, but tonight, you were going out. Together. You had asked her on a date a few days before.

"Hi Diane ? Yes it's me I was wondering if you'd like to go out with me on Friday ?...mmm...yes well I know a great place next to the cinema... Totally we can go out to the movies and then diner...what do you want to see ? Okay, cool see you then."

Yes, you were neighbors, you could've asked her in person, but you didn't want to be rejected face to face, it seamed easier to do on the phone.

And tonight was the night, the movie didn't start until a few hours, but you had already started getting ready. You picked up a nice outfit, Classy but casual, and put on just a little make up.

On the other side of the road diane was also starting to prepare, she was -not gonna lie- overall a bit anxious, why did you ask her out? Was it a date ? No it couldn't be, you'd never think of her like this. She was lucky to call you her friend, maybe you didn't even think of her as a friend ? God I'm so silly i got carried away, she probably doesn't even like me back. She was completely overwhelmed with thoughts, her breathing was shallow and she could not get in the right headspace as she put on her outfit.

She didn't notice that it was almost time, and that you were going to show up anytime to pick her up.

She offered to drive but you said you'd like too since you worked from home and didn't drive your car out often.

next thing she knows, her doorbell rings and as she goes down the stairs you hear her say "coming !" in a soft voice.

"I'm so sorry I barely even finished getting ready... Here come in I just have to find my shoes and I'll be right there." She looked so beautiful in her bordeaux dress that you didn't register her words.

"...o.. okay.." you manage to say while eyeing her up and down. Even if she didn't seem to know, she was beyond beautiful and you were going to make sure she did.

"You look.." you couldn't finish you sentence before she started rambling and letting all of her anxieties taking over her speach.

-" what too much, oh no i should have never put on that, sorry i thought it was cute but I'm too old for this and ugl...

She didn't have time to finish you just cut her off;

-"NO ! No i ment you look beautiful like this"

You couldn't help but feel attracted to her right now, but you put it aside, she didn't like women obviously?

-"Oh...wait really ?" You could feel the shakiness in her tone

"Yes...of course you look cute, and the dress is amazing on you. Don't even worry about it you are a very beautiful women diane."

You said in a firm voice that made her knees go weak.

"Well we should get going sweetie, do you have your shoes?"

"Yes..let's go" she closed the door blushing widely as you opened up the door to your car.

You bowed as you said "Milady" in a formal tone

She giggled softly and it was the most precious sound in the universe.

The car drive went by in a comfortable silence as just the soft music and a bit of humming could be heard.

You invited her to the movies, she offered the popcorn and choose your seats.

It wasn't necessarily a scary movie, but when things got a little tense, you could see her clench the armrest, so you scooted over and offered her your shoulder so she could hold on to you. After a bit of esitaton she accepted your embrace and the two of you cuddled together while the movie played. She gasped and then laughed at herself a few times.

When the credits started to roll none of you wanted to move, but you broke the silence and told her;

"As much as I'd like to stay here and cuddle you... I think the dude standing there with the bucket needs us to leave... Also the reservation is in ten minutes."

She sighed softly in defeat, gathered her bag and started to get up.

She rose too quickly and felt dizzy as her legs started to buckle. But you cought her hips before she could fall.

"It's okay...I got you", you said softly in her ear.

"Are you good? Can you walk" you asked as you still held her hips firmly. Which send a shiver down her spine, and a tingle down further to the both of you.

"Yeah.. I'm good thank you I just got up too fast".

You both went to the restaurant, the waiter took your orders and you both started to chat about anything and everything, the movies, life, cake, and even your delicious pastries.

"I was NOT scared !?"

-"YES you totally were ! you clang on to me the whole time I heard you whimper at Thé screen everytime there was something scary on."

-"sorry about that..."

-"why are you apologizing ? If it had bothered me i would have told you so..."

-"oh..okay, but I wasn't scared, just sometimes the movie was making me anxious ! I mean like that part in the stairs...brr..gave me chills."

-"alright alright fine..you weren't scared...I'll give it to you.. just because your cute"

She nearly choked at your comment and became as red as your wine.

"It's okay you don't have to be shy with me."

-"Do you really think I'm cute?"

-"Yeah, already told you you were cute today; and well not just tonight"

-"thank you y/n"

"Anytime diane, you are beautiful i want you to know that"

She didn't want to cry in front of you but you saw the tear she was desperately trying to hide run down her cheek, and got worried.

"Oh diane...are you okay ? I didn't mean to make you uncomfortable... please look at me" you moved closer to wipe the tears off of her face, and gently stroked her cheek.

"I'm fine y/n, just it's been a long time since anybody called me beautiful"

-"Well that's a shame then, and I'll make sure you hear it a lot more."

"You don't have to do that... I don't need to hear it"

-"You do. And you should be hearing it, i don't know why it stopped but I'll make sure it doesn't ever again"

She sobbed at your words again

"Oh No...sweet girl don't cry.. please... you're okay diane, I'm here always, I'm your friend"

She calmed down a bit, and felt butterflies in her stomach at what you said.

-"You are? You mean you actually want to be ?"

"OF course silly, i wouldn't have invited you to diner if I didn't at least like you diane."

Just after that sentence left your mouth the waiter arrived to pick up your plates, you breathed out 'thank you' as he left.

"You know, I don't understand why you didn't think I liked you, at leaaaast a little ?"

You joked as you took a sip of your glass.

"Well.. I've been alone for so long now...I don't know...i thought you were just hanging out with me because you didn't have a choice...".

You were saddened by her words

"Diane..I... if I had known you felt that way I would have said something a long time ago ! I don't want you to think for a second that i am here out of pity or because I got nothing better to do. I'm here cause I wanted to have a nice evening out with you."

You said as you put your hand on top of hers, when she didn't draw back you started to gently stroke it.

"Would you two like some dessert ?"

You pulled away to take the menu form the waitress.

"Do you want some dessert diane? They have apple pie, and tiramisu?"

-"i don't know...I'm not that hungry for both but i don't want to choose."

-"we can share you know"

-"huh? What do you mean"

-"well, i take the apple pie, you take the tiramisu, and we split"

-"are you sure? I wouldn't want to bother y..."

You cut her off before she could go any further.

"Yes I'm sure diane"

"..o..okay then"

"Are YOU sure??" You asked in a funny tone

She giggled and nodded.

You asked the waiter for both and shared when they arrived. After fighting a bit over who would pay you told diane that you had asked her out and therefore you should pay, "and if you want to pay so bad... you'll pay next time."

Both of you were full, you had spent an incredible night, it was dark but you offered diane a quick walk around the park, and she agreed. The two of you made your way back to the car after laughing your asses of and getting even closer than before.

You drove her back to your...her house. And before she entered her home you softly said;

"Well diane, i had an amazing night, we have to do that again sometime."

-"yes we do, i had so much fun too"

-"And I ment everything i said tonight,.."

For a few moments you just looked at each other, your gaze met her lips and she thought about how sweet they would taste before thinking 'who am i kidding she'll never kiss me, get those thoughts out of your head diane'

Before you could process what was happening, both of your bodies grew closer and your eyes shifted between both of your lips you kissed her, softly. it was a calm and quiet kiss. You broke off for air and looked into her eyes. You caressed her cheeks and put your hand on the small of her back before kissing her again, she moaned inside your lips and you took the chance to put your tongue in her mouth. Her hands flew to your neck and she kissed you back.

After a few minutes of making out you pulled away, you didn't really want to break the moment but you asked

"Diane... it's late i should go back home..."

She looked a hurt and a bit sad while she let you go.

"No don't.. I don't regret kissing you Diane don't worry. I just want to take this slow"

"Oh alright I thought you didn't... nevermind. Go home y/n, it's getting cold out here" she looked down at her hands and

"..you don't regret it don't you?"

"No i enjoyed it" she said blushing slightly.

"Good... I'll see you tomorrow then... Good night diane"

you kissed her sweetly again before leaving and you both smiled like teenagers who just had their first date.

-"Sweet dreams y/n"

[emilyearthwoods]

Your results are "healthy".

TW; ableism

Before I start giving you my life story, I think I should introduce myself and also provide a trigger warning. If you are sensitive to situations that involve gaslighting, trauma, a mental health crisis or can connect with this blog post it is advised to read at your own discretion.

If you are in the community or an ally, please feel free to interact, share or comment on your experiences with living with ableism.

Hi, my name is Em. That's short for Emily but I prefer Em because it's gender-neutral and everyone's always called me it over my actual name anyway. I'm a British Genderfluid pal from the East of Anglia. I have many chronic conditions which are all fortunately and unfortunately invisible. If people were to describe me they would probably say I am a happy friend who always wants to do good for others. the sad truth is I mask my true self so others don't have to feel alone in their struggles. I have been living with chronic pain and fatigue since the age of 9 but it became unbearable when I hit 21. I gave up on getting help for almost 7 years and this is my story dealing with ableism.

Please note: I am extremely fortunate I am white and of the middle working class. I recognize my privilege in the systemic climate and those who are not white and are disabled have it the hardest to get taken seriously due to racism and a system built on white supremacy. So, knowing what I've been through, you cannot imagine what it must be like for them

"your results look good from our end, I don't know what's causing it" - most of my medical professionals

To live with a debilitating chronic illness that cannot be picked up on the system is infuriating. To the point where I have been called hypochondriac by people who are in my life because they then believed without a diagnosis, I must have been exaggerating about my condition. I have had countless partners in my youth tell me to my face and behind my back that I am faking or not trying hard enough.

When faced with ending my life with my own hands in 2013 due to my PTSD, depression, and chronic pain my manager at the time screamed at me in front of the entire canteen because I was "faking". I had only come in to tell him I'm signing myself into A&E so I don't end my life and that he would have to cover my shift for the next few days. BTW, he also told people my partner at the time beat me even though I had 2 black eyes from a CAR ACCIDENT.

"you're doing things, you can't be in that much pain" or " you just need to do yoga" - a doctor

I have been fighting for the diagnosis of Fibromyalgia all my life but, no matter how many tests I have had they all came up negative.

Between the ages of 9 till 17 I was often admitted to the hospital with shooting electrical pains and screaming a bloodcurdling scream because I couldn't control my own body. If you can imagine having extreme pain jumping from your thigh to your toe back to your thigh, to your head to your other leg, and around and around.

How do you explain to a child that although they are experiencing extreme pain there is no known cause? they simply discharged me and stopped looking for answers. So, so did I.

Fast forward to age 22, I am newly married and have just got a mecfs diagnosis because after losing my dog traumatically I decline rapidly and I'm sleeping roughly 20 hours a day. All of a sudden, the pain I had pushed down and pushed down was back with a vengeance. That's then when I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia.

There were no tests, I told my doctor that my pain was getting too unbearable, and the response was met with "yeah, fibromyalgia runs in your family (it does) so it must be that and it's also common with mecfs. I'll add it to your diagnosis."

did that stop ableism and problems with interacting with others? NO.

It has made it harder to digest because now that I have a diagnosis the only way you can get support is my own research and symptom management. I now live with chronic anxiety due to medical trauma and the constant fear of my tests coming back "normal" which they always do.

How are we meant to help ourselves when others we put our trust in don't know either? Nothing has changed for me other than pain medication. I am still without help or support. I am not disabled enough in the eyes of the healthcare system and everything no matter what I go in for is either blamed on mental health or fibromyalgia.

This has resulted in something called inner ableism. If you would like me to elaborate please let me know in the comments but to summarise, a little would to describe it as constant conflict towards oneself for not being disabled enough or too disabled.

"it's probably just your fibromyalgia"... " have you been depressed lately?"

I hear it a lot. Over the years of trying to get diagnosed everything was pinned on depression despite not being depressed. What made me depressed was the lack of support and understanding. How is one supposed to navigate the ableist world outside if there isn't someone who will listen and help us adapt when we need to use aids to get upstairs or can't even attempt it? Without my meds, I am unable to do anything but sleep because I feel everything. I feel my stomach digest my food which is painful! I feel my muscles move and throb, and I cannot do anything but sleep.

will it end?

probably not but I will continue to fight for myself and for others. It is incredibly difficult to navigate a world that will continuously put you down and tell you that what you are experiencing is false. This world might be cruel towards disabled people but I want to step up to the front to make sure we have a safe place and an area on the internet to be heard, feel valid, and understood. Most people who live with chronic pain feel like they have no options left and that needs to change. Please be understanding, check on your friends and family or ask them if they need anything or spend time with them. We don't all want a cure but we all want recognition that we are doing our best.

I hope you are managing well, that your spoons are full and your pain remains low.

[nikatyler]

Please list 5 facts about your favorite sim, and send this to 10 people whose sims you adore!

I answered this one for Tyler a few days ago, so of course, now it’s the other brother’s turn. Because good things come in pairs. That sounded better in my head.

Anyway. It has been a while, so for this one, I decided to go back to basics to introduce one of my most favourite sims to my newer followers. I apologize to those of you who have been here for a while and already know all this 😅 But hey, maybe this will be interesting for you too. I’ve had Caleb for five years, there’s been a lot of...development? I guess, yeah, that’s true, but it would be truer if I said there’s been a lot of overthinking. Don’t even get me started on his separate, nonsims version...I’m doing next level overthinking there.

Caleb is the the quietest of all four siblings. He's an introvert and deals with some big insecurities as well. He can be quite negative too, it's like he never sees the light at the end of the tunnel, always just the bad things. This all gets better over time.

Also compared to his siblings, it might seem like his dreams and goals aren't as shiny and special as theirs? Tyler wants to be a rockstar. Bianca wants to be a scientist (and make a huge impact). Zoey isn't sure yet, but she's a talented writer (she’ll become one in the end, btw). And Caleb? He just wants a simple life in Twinbrook, a job he would love and enjoy, and a family. (So of course, his life takes a bit more interesting turn.) He couldn’t care less about fame or going down in history or anything like that.

Caleb was a teacher for a few years, but he was fired. After finding that he couldn't have children and the divorce with his first wife Angel, he kind of lost interest in everything for a while, he stayed in his bedroom for days without saying a word to anyone. It was messy. Eventually, his brother helped him get his life together again, pushed him to get professional help (because there is only so much a brother can do with a depression) and then he found a new job - in the library this time, by Rachel's side. He absolutely loves it there and although at first he thought it would just be temporary, he can't imagine ever leaving it now. (I'm just not sure if it happens exactly the same way it did in the legacy four years ago though - I'm playing with the idea that he already worked there before the abduction. There’s more to that but that’s a story for another day.)

Oh yeah, the abduction. 👀🛸 I probably phrased it "aliens fixed him" a bunch of times but it doesn't sit right with me anymore. So, I’m sorry I used to say that. But yeah. He was abducted by aliens and came back with a daughter. If you asked him, this was the point where his life was flipped upside down, but in a good way. You know how I said he's very negative? It started changing around here.

And now I'll just use this place to list some of his favourite things. His favourite colour is teal. His favourite music is mostly things like soft rock, pop rock and he especially enjoys sad songs. He also likes some piano music. He's got too many cardigans. He really likes cake. He’s read a lot of classics but he also likes historical or mystery novels. His favourite book growing up was Harry Potter, but he’s not sure how he feels about it now, all things considered. He likes rainy autumn days and starry August nights. He enjoys the sound of a faraway storm. And I ran out of ideas for what I could say haha. But this is already pretty long, so. I’ll just stop here.

Thanks for the ask! ♥