#im like only updating once or twice a week when i have spare time so this might take a while cries

[pokerobbo]

New Year, New Me...

If you are reading this then I have successfully tricked you into giving a damn about the change process I am undertaking... I hope its riveting.

The purpose of this blog will be for me to provide weekly updates and reflections on what is happening in my life. Some content will be darker than a block of gold chocolate, other content not so much.. Either way; whether you like it or not by reading this you're about to find out a heck of a lot about me!

New years. The time of year when some people signal the end of the holiday period, some people get ridiculously 'lit' in an attempt to leave a 'crappy' year behind and nearly everyone comes up with a list of goals and aspirations that they intend to stick with for the whole year but in reality forget about by the end if January (believe me, I'm the king of that). With that said the following is my list of hopefully unbroken promises.

Get rid of all consumer debt!

Currently as it stands I have around $9800 of consumer debt; to be fair a large portion of that is made up of credit cards that I used when I relocated for my new job in 2019. Apparently furnishing a house can be quite expensive! who knew right? The rest of it is made up of Zip Pay and Afterpay of which I probably could have waited until I had the spare money to purchase.

Before Christmas I felt a bit down and as a result I took put a small loan to buy some things that I thought would provide happiness. I get that habit from my mother. To mask her sadness she used to spend money which worked.. until she wasted thousands of dollars and ran out of money... but thats another story for another time. In hindsight its not a big deal. I make more than enough to pay it off quickly; but that's counter productive to the whole notion of a debt free 2024!

Drop down to 100KG

I have always been a big lad. Genetically my shoulders are quite broad (Thanks Grandpa) and my legs are like tree trunks from my teenage Rugby playing days. I cant count as high as the amount of times I have said "right its time to lose weight"; which usually lasts until driving home from the gym and I see that the Micky D's drive through is open.

In November 2021 before I relocated to Port Augusta from Port Lincoln I was a hefty 142KG. My diet consisted largely of 2L classic choccy milk, Noodle Bento and anything fried... Gradually through making small changes subconsciously in September 2022 I slimmed down to about 132KG. One day in September I decided id had enough. I joined the Gym as a way to get out of the house abit more; then to add the extra pressure I enlisted in the services of a Personal Trainer. We both appreciate and hate him depending on the day. At first I was going to the Gym just when I had sessions but recently I have started going 4 mornings a week at 6:30am (which anyone who knows me will testify that is a massive thing for me. Mornings can get fucked). Long story short I am down to 124KG now with the goal of hitting 100KG by the end of 2023.

Grow PokeRobbo Collectables by 10%

PokeRobbo Collectables is a business I have started. Once I'm clear of consumer debt ill be saving up a decent amount of capital to spend on Pokemon Cards and Video Games with the goal of reselling them. 10% is a modest goal one that should be easy to achieve.

Only drinking twice

Not going to be a hard one as Im not a big drinker. Anyone who has crossed paths with Drunk Alex will atest that he is an absolute blast (or Menace) depending on who you ask..

No Betting.

Ah Gambling. The silent addiction. In my opinion it is the most dangerous addiction because of how easy it is to hide. You see a meth addict or an alcoholic you can instantly tell what's up. Try doing that with a gambling addict. I bet ya 50 bucks you cant.

I've never been one to over indulge in alcohol and I've never even had a cigarette yet alone harder drugs but I have certainly felt the pinch of addiction. In the past my gambling habit has always been something that my friends knew about but only one of them knows the full extent of how bad it got at one stage (we'll call him Rick Hernandez) until now that is.

In 2018 at its worst I was spending roughly $3000 a week on sports betting.. however I was winning so I thought it was okay. Its easy to downplay how much you have spent when you walk away with more than you spent. The fact remains though. I still spent $3000 a week sometimes. Pokies have never been an issue for me. I play them occasionally ( like 20 bucks a time when i go out for dinner) but I have never really been interested by the bright lights.

In 2020 I made the decision to seek some help and also bar myself from over the counter TABs in South Australia and at the time all it did was increase my online betting. I closed all my accounts. I found friends to do it for me. The cycle continues. Until now that is.

I have enough self control that I only ever Gamble once all of my bills are paid and there is food on my table. Although the money I gamble with is my recreational or left over money when I think about all of the things I could do with that money instead its frustrating.

Either way. 2023 onwards no more sports betting.

That'll do for my first post. Ill be posting weekly updates on my progress. I dont take the above very lightly. Ill be taking life one day at a time and who knows... Maybe, Just Maybe we might make it out of 2023 alive!

Much love.

[kewltie]

AHHH I forgot to do this but after reading the last Chap for social media au I wanted to say how good it was and thank you for writing it :). I was on the edge on my seat and omg when it showed bakugos email (´∀｀)♡ I swore I screamed. But I wanted to say because In your notes you said you felt pressured to make it good and I just want you to know anything you write I love it! Your my fav Bakudeku fanfic writer! Also congratulations on nursing school! Anyways I’m sorry I know this isn’t a question but I just wanted to say thank you ヾ(*´ー`)ノ

hi anon!!!!

awe, thank you very, very much!!!! :]]] i am humble and embarrassed by your kindness lol i cant take praise so easily but im so grateful for them anyway, thanks!!!

and GOD that bakugou email CAN rant something about it???? w/e im going ahead anyway. the thing about this fic that it's narratively told through social media/technology and not through normal dailogue or a narrator; it's basically YOU looking through ppl's personal social medias and having general access to the internet so when i want to make a point or steer the story to a certain way, i have to drop hints VERY VERY OBVIOUS hints in some cases and others very very subtlely that if you blink you'll miss it *cough* like the pasteldeku one. like when i trying to suggest that katsuki did the VERY BIG coming out gesture at literally the biggest night of their life, he was spurred on by greenleaf but how do I CONVEY THAT?? so i made it like she wrote him an email but then how do i make it seem like he read it and well, there you go a look at his email inbox. so yea, a lot of hoops to jump through just to convey the message i want to get across and it's very tricky so i get to be creative and that's honestly the best part lol. when this fic end i would love to do a director/writer's commentary to break down each scene of it. super fun.

and thanks!!!! i just hope i dont fail out of nursing school since everyone keep congratulating me about it lmao.

[devdevlin]

for he wips tag: enigma/black pls 🤍🤍

AHHH, okay then, but for Enigma, im only gonna give you a teensy tiny snippet because I’m mean and I'm super close to updating it (I promise);

He makes a low sound of amusement deep in his throat. "Very good, Ms. Granger."

As for Black, WELL, that's actually my Bellamort fic (sorry to disappoint!). But I'll still give you a snippet for that one too because I love it, even if no one else does 😂;

A slow clap.

"Bravo, Madam Lestrange."

The Dark Lord's teeth were bared in a grin, his eyes excited, molten, as they roamed over her appraisingly.

Tucking her own wand into her waistband, she drew out the elm that belonged to Abraxas. She hesitantly approached where the Dark Lord was now standing and offered it to him, both hands outstretched.

He took his time before he plucked it from her hold carefully and turned it over between his fingers, inspecting the patterns in the wood.

"And with a week to spare, too," he murmured once he was seemingly satisfied, glancing up to meet her eyes.

And with that one look, the air left her lungs.

But then, all too soon for her liking, he glanced away and stepped around her, slowly approaching where Abraxas lay.

"Wake him up," the Dark Lord instructed.

Rosier and Dolohov exchanged a quick glance before Rosier shot up and crouched by Abraxas.

"Rennervate."

The first thing Abraxas did was groan—loudly at that. He squinted up at Rosier for a moment before he seemed to remember where he was and why he was on the floor. He pushed his upper body up, just in time for the Dark Lord to reach him.

"Abraxas." The Dark Lord offered his hand.

After a slight moment of hesitation and a tight clenching of his jaw, Abraxas took it. As he rose to his feet, the Dark Lord let him go and swiftly offered him his wand, handle pointed in his direction.

Abraxas gripped the handle at once, but the Dark Lord did not let his end go.

"I shouldn't give it back to you," he said loudly enough for the whole room to hear it, not releasing his grip on the wand. "You hardly deserve it."

"M-my Lord—"

"You were bested, not once, but twice," the Dark Lord continued, craning his head in closer. "By a teenage girl."

"I- I was taken by surprise," Malfoy whimpered. "And Mulciber's wand would barely obey—"

"Excuses," The Dark Lord hissed. "What would you have me believe, Abraxas? Are you losing your touch? Are you growing old?"

Malfoy stammered while Mulciber and Dolohov laughed from the table.

"Or perhaps she's just... better than you?" The Dark Lord turned to meet Bella's eyes, and this time, her lungs completely stopped functioning.

It felt like he could see her into soul.

But then he ripped them away.

"Which is it, Abraxas?" The Dark Lord asked abruptly, his tone suddenly loud and impatient. "We don't have all night!"

"Miss Black—" Abraxas shifted uncomfortably and glanced from the corner of his eye to Rodolphus. "Pardon—Mrs. Lestrange is an accomplished witch... or so I've heard," he said, though he looked pained to do it. "She graduated top of the class of '68. I daresay she's had more practice in duelling than I, as of late."

The Dark Lord licked his lips. "Is that right?" he asked curiously after a moment, though he tuned to look back at Bella without waiting for an answer.

Bella ignored all of her instincts, the ones screeching at her to shrink under his weighted gaze, and held her chin high.

"Then you've been hiding an asset from me, Cygnus."

Bella’s heart skipped a beat as he continued to search her, and her father, who was still seated at the long table, blanched. "N-no, My Lord. Not hiding, I—"

"Quiet," The Dark Lord hissed, stepping away from Abraxas over to Bella, moving closer still until only a foot remained between them.

The air between them was charged.

And when he spoke again, his voice was low. "You wish to serve me, Bellatrix Lestrange?"

"Yes, My Lord," she breathed without hesitation, lowering her head. "With all of my being."

Lord Voldemort licked his lips, tilting his head as he considered her.

Then, he grinned.

"Very well," he said lowly, his eyes positively sparkling. "I accept."

[blackaquokat]

Prompt: I haven't slept in four days... Details, sort of: After WKM and in the van videos universe or timeline? Pairing: Acting Attorney Pleaassseee? You're the best!

Absolutely! Thank you, dearie! I’ve beeneager to write more post-WKM Acting Attorney! Speaking of, I’d like to addresssomething: I write the DA as a self-insert, but I want you all to keep in mind,the DA is not based on me. Like, at all. And this is not the real Markiplier,this is Actor!Mark. As a result, Amyplier will not be addressed in this series,primarily because I love those two and would rather just leave them out of myworks out of respect. I feel awkward enough writing about Mark in general, evenas Actor!Mark. No one has mentioned it to me yet, but I wanted to address itanyway. Okay, on with the prompt!

P.S. This may end up canon to my unnamed Acting Attorney series as of yet, and this prompt I answered earlier thatyou can read here could be considered the prequel to this.

132: “ I haven’t sleptin four days… ”

Oo00oO

It takes some time for Mark to get the former DistrictAttorney acclimated to living in an actual home.

As soon as they arrived at his home, his friendasked to use the shower. The hope in their voice was so fragile at the time. Ittook an hour-long shower, a bottle of body wash, three bars of soap, and halfa shampoo bottle before they decided they were presentable.  (“I had trouble figuring out the hot and coldsettings, but I…I’m not sure why…”) Considering how small they were, Mark hadto call a few friends, Amy and Ethan for example, inquiring for oldclothes they didn’t mind lending out.

Once his old friend was bathed and adorned in clean, if notfresh, clothes, they began to resemble an everyday modern citizen, a ratherunsettling sight for Mark. Not just because they’re still emaciated andhaggard, but more because he still expects to see them in 1940s regalia.

Mark offers them the spare room in his home and from there,he’s not entirely sure what he shoulddo. So he posts an update about taking the week off from making videos in orderto offer his friend full attention. This includes making sure they eat, takingthem to shop for non-hand-me-down clothes, and answering most of their questions.

That last one is the most revealing in regard to just howdeep the former DA’s amnesia runs. Not only do they have no recollection oftheir life before the manor, they also carry little to no knowledge aboutmodern technology. The first time the microwave alarmed, they yelped and felloff the kitchen stool.

This opens up even more questions:

What happened to them in the manor?

How long have they been alive? (Are they alive, though?Their skin is cold to the touch, and Mark’s not always sure he feels a pulsewhen he holds their hand to lead them down through the city.)

Why don’t theyremember anything since then?

About half a week in, Mark discovers yet another problem his oldfriend is facing.

Mark has always had trouble sleeping, especially since theManor.  He doesn’t know if it’s just theafter-effect of interacting with the Dark Entity for so long, or if it’s justfurther evidence of how deep his guilt goes, but there it is.

Now that the former DA is back in his life, he’s morerestless than ever at night. On this particular evening, he gives up ratherquickly on sleep and decides to go binge-watch One-Punch Man or something.

Upon arriving in the living room, he sees the DA lying onthe floor in front of the couch, staring up at the ceiling without a focuspoint in their gaze. Couple that withthe strange paleness of their dark skin, and the hands folded on their stomach,and they’re far too resembling of a corpse.

Mark has only a moment to be embarrassed about wearingpajamas with his brand (why should that embarrass him now? It never botheredhim before.) before he announces his presence with a question: “Are you okay?”

They startle out of their position, eyes wide and breathquick. Mark is a little relieved to see them move.

“Oh, hi, Mark. I, um…” They clear their throat and shuffleto their feet. “Sorry, I’ll go back to the room—”

“No, stop that,” Mark stresses. “You’re out here for a reason.What’s the matter?”

“Um…well…” They shrug, a helpless gesture. “I can’t sleep.”Seeing the question in his gaze, they continue, “The bed is really soft, I feel like I’m going tofall through to the ground, then I keep turning the light back on becausesomething about the dark makes me feel trapped, and…” Their hands run throughtheir shorn curls. “And…I saw my reflection in the window, earlier, and had thisawful urge to throw a chair through it, so I decided to come out here instead.Property damage is a pretty awful show of gratitude, you know.”

They avoid his gaze as they confess this.

“How long has it been since you slept?” Mark should havenoticed the exhaustion in their shadowed eyes, but he’s been a little moreconcerned with how visible their ribs have been through the tighter shirts they’veworn.

“I don’t know, one…maybe four days…”

“Wha—four days?” Markpinches the bridge of his nose.

“I’m sorry, I don’t want to cause a problem,” they apologize.“I didn’t mean to wake you up—”

“You didn’t,” Mark interrupts. “I have trouble sleeping too.”He looks at the TV, then back at them. “May as well stay up together. What doyou say to some tea and maybe a show or two?”

They sigh, probably relieved he didn’t try to make them goback to bed. Tyler’s tried that once or twice with Mark, to no avail, so heknows better.

“Sounds good.”

It takes time for Mark to decide what to put on for them,after making the tea. His first instinct is maybe an Agatha Christie adaptation,but then he rapidly discards that as too much of a risk.But anything too modern might not work either…

He’s still scrolling through titles on Netflix when hisfriend perks up. “Was that Poirot?”

“I…yes, yes it was.” So much for no Agatha Christie. “Sothis is your vote?”

Their enthusiastic nod is enough for him to queue the firstepisode. He’s never been much for period dramas (considering he lived throughsome himself), but mysteries aren’t so bad. And with their tea in hand, both ofthem sitting on opposite ends of the couch, Mark almost feels…normal again. In a way he hasn’t sincethe last time he and his friend spent time together so long ago.

A few minutes in, Mark risks a glance at the DA. They lookrather…lost in thought. “Are you bored?” he asks. “I can change it, if youwant.”

“No, no don’t! It’s just…” They shake their head. “This…thisfeels awfully familiar.” Their hands tighten on the steaming mug of tea. “But Ican’t place why…”

Mark keeps still, waiting for…he’s not sure. A spark ofrecognition? Hatred?

He won’t lie to himself. As soon as the realization of theliving DA sunk in, Mark feels like he’s been given a second chance to right thewrongs he’s done to his friend, from both before and during the events of theManor. Part of him desperately wants them to see him, know who they had been to each other…

But the smarter, more self-aware part of himself realizesthat, given his past actions and their history as a whole, their reaction tohis identity would definitely be less-than-flattering.

So he waits to see which option he’ll have to deal with.

Luckily (?), their gaze clears a moment later. “Sorry, thatsounds crazy.” They take a deep breath, and let it out. “Thanks for the tea,”they say as they turn their gaze back to the screen.

The tension leaves his shoulders, but the guilt seeps in toreplace it.

One day, he’ll tell them. When he’s brave enough to face the disgust they’ll undoubtedly treat him with.

Half an hour later, Mark and the DA fall utterly asleep ontheir respective sides of the couch, while the show plays on before them.

Oo00oO

@intemperantiae , @im-also-dead-inside , @timelords13 , @determinedrevolutionary , @ur-fairy-god-dragon , @conceitedink , @unknown-maned-wolf , @dontworryaboutanything , @cosmic–frappucino , @beereblogsstuff , @falseroar , @musical-jim , @silver-owl413 , @sassy-in-glasses , @chelseareferenced , @sketchy-scribs-n-doods

[k-urokonobasket]

akashi wouldnt say that kagami has become a treasured friend without reason! so how did their second year come together.

for one thing, especially since seirin won the winter cup, i can only assume they got very secy funding from the school that makes travelling for training camps and practice games. so they could probably go to all the miracle schools for matches and practice, and talk then!

they also. because i said so. meet maybe once or twice a month when they can for burgers and streetball! they probably meet either centrally in tokyo bc shuutoku kaijo seirin and ? touo im pretty sure or maybe they switch around sometimes. if people can't make it theyll skype in.

also. obviously. have a Grouped Chat. bc japan i would assume whatsapp but im gonna pretend groupme bc thats what i understand. at first everyones normal but i think kise changes his name to like, shalalala☆ or smth cutesy and then they have fun with it! im also going to have fun w it.

kuroko: going ghost 👻

kagami: is this space jam?

aomine: the only one who can text me is me (momoi set this for him and hes dumb and does know how to change it)

murasakibara: spare maui🅱��o?

midorima: 👓 shin-chan 👓 (this one is takaos work!!)

akashi: akashi 🏀 (he wants to also have fun but thats... too lax yk. also?? idk what fun thing wld suit him.bc emperor eye jokes are probably in poor taste.)

momoi: 👑💌👀💅 (she loves to have fun)

i think... kuroko is probably like one of my very close friends who always sending ridiculous and fun but also xtrmely cursed memes. hes a joakster and will just ignore the chat so he doesnt need to deal w the consequences of his actions.

kise makes a bunch of polls asking about what pics to post of insta but all his friends are stupid so he never listens.

akashi makes plans. and reminds people to take care of themselves. and also helps w homework when he needs to!!

midorima: also helps w homework! hes me and sends oho asa every morning and everyone learns some stuff abt astrology along the way. he does their birth charts for the hell of it and loses it.

kagami actually gets a lot better at japanese because whenver he types w shitty typos he gets corrected and at first its annoying but like. he cant afford another studying catastrophe like last time

murasakibara gets his acct hijacked by himuro once a week just to he like "hes still alive. somehow avoided a sugar coma. heres him w a snack." he likes his friends hes just lazy

aomine is just here for a good time and asks for ppl to meet up for one on ones pretty often and also to update the folks on his new favorite model. no one appreciates it.

momoi needles gossip out of everyone its very charming. she also tries to get ppl to try her cooking to no avail. she tells people fun music they should listen to though which is nice! shes always right.

[yeollie-bells]

Title: The Changing of Seasons Chapter: 1/1 Words: 3312 Relationship: Noctis Lucis Caelum/Nyx Ulric Fandom: Final Fantasy XV Rating: Gen. Summary:  Nyx ferries Noct way from his world for a little while. (This is for the death by fluff week the wonderful @nyxnoctocalypse​ made! Im!!!!!! honestly terrified to post this!! its my first work for the fandom, at least publicly, and i totally feel like im not good enough AND encroaching on others territory!! BUT i promised myself id do this, i havent had time to do like, the WHOLE thing, like a prompt a day, so I just chose my favorite topic from each day and combined them all into this pitiful mess! Hopefully someone likes it! the prompts i chose are) Seasonal: Weather Animal: Pets    Clothing: Wearing the other’s clothing     Hobbies: Shared interests     Events: Festival days/nights     Dates: Surprise dates     Written Word: Handwriting      Favourites: Way to spend time     Time: The years ahead      Light / Dark: Candlelight Read on AO3 here!  (please just read it here im not formatting for tumblr this is just so much better)

Noct loved the changing of seasons. He loved the way the heat ebbed and the cold crept in. He loved the frost on the window above his head. He loved feeling a warm body beside his own and strong arms wrapped around him. One would think that with the congested space of Insomnia it wouldn't get cold that there would be no weather that things wouldn't change, that it would always be rather warm and steamy-- sticky with the humidity and smoke. But the cold could always find a way. It crept in in the early mornings at the beginning of the shifting of seasons, it suffocated the heat clinging desperately to the streets. Fog replaced steam and smoke bringing a wet chill with it.

Noctis used to hate the cold. Used to hate the dark. Still hates the loneliness that accompanies both. Even with his friends there was always something villainous about the cold and the dark. Prompto’s light couldn't break through it nor could Gladio’s heat. Not the warm and colorful foods Ignis would present them with.

But Nyx.

Nyx.

He was a different animal altogether. There was something about him that cut through the biting loneliness the changing of seasons brought. His warmth and his light. It was almost funny, considering he was named after the darkness.

Noctis mused silently in the early morning light, soaking in the warmth of Nyx’s body behind him and the small body at their feet-- a small white fluffball they found months ago shivering in a cardboard box. She was a pathetic little sight, but she fits into their family quite well. She’ll let Prompto dress her up and take her picture with absolutely no complaint, she’ll “help” Nyx and Gladio with their respective trainings, she’ll even help  Ignis with his cooking (Read: she’ll wait and beg for scraps- Ignis is weak for her bright green eyes) and best yet, she’ll lay in Noct’s lap whenever he needs company- when Nyx is beyond the wall and the others are home. When the loneliness sets in with the dark and cold her bells and bright fur bring Noctis a sense of love and safety he wouldn't have otherwise.

Carefully, Noct picks his way from the warm bodies on the bed, shivering when his bare feet touch the cold floor. Standing, he looks back as Ophelia crawls her way up the bed snuggling closer to Nyx, happily taking over the warm spot Noctis left behind. The prince smiles and shakes his head as he pads quietly through the room, grabbing the nearest warmest article of clothing he can find-- it just so happens to be one of Nyx’s sweaters. He gets dressed quickly, sparing one final glance Nyx’s way before leaving the warmth of the small apartment to face the chill of the day. To a meeting he couldn’t care less about, he already looking forward to the end of the day when he gets to see Nyx again.

~-~-~_~_~_~_~-~-~-~_~_~_~_~-~-~-~_~_~_~_~-~-~-~_~_~_~_~-~-~-

Nyx wakes up not long after Noctis leaves to a face full of fluffy white fur. He sputtered and sat up, spitting out fur and wiping his mouth. He stared down at the cat a moment who was happily stretched out on the bed taking up way more space than anyone would think a small cat could  then realized Noct was nowhere to be seen.

“Noct..?”

He looked around the room, not seeing a single sign of his little love, and with a small sigh he pulled himself up to get ready for the day. It was for the best that Noct had left before he had woken, Nyx was a weak man that loved sleep and loved Noct, but it didn’t diminish the sadness of not being able to see his little Prince sleep soft and content. He knew his little love had Princely Duties to attend, but Nyx was a selfish man as well as weak- he wanted Noct all to himself.

Especially in the morning.

He’d get his lazy morning tomorrow though if he had any say in the matter. With Noct’s absence Nyx realized he had things to do, places to go and things to plan, and a quick glance to the clock showed he’d spent enough time distracted.

In the mad rush to get out after seeing just how late it truly was he almost missed the little note on his table-- held down by a strategically placed, teeny tiny pumpkin. Nyx laughed as he lifted the small pumpkin and tossed it in the air a couple times before shaking his head and replacing the pumpkin in his hand with the small note. He recognized Noct’s handwriting immediately but had no time to read it. He carefully pocketed the letter, making sure the house was in order and Ophelia would be fine until he got home before locking up and making his way out- he had surprises to plan.

~-~-~_~_~_~_~-~-~-~_~_~_~_~-~-~-~_~_~_~_~-~-~-~_~_~_~_~-~-~-

His plans were perfect.

His plans were always perfect.

Don’t listen to Crowe or Libertus.

Nyx’s plans were the best plans. He’s had this specific date planned for weeks. He knew Noct likeed autumn, he knew Noct likeed the festivities that took place around this time of year. He also knew Noctis had only seen them in passing, or through a screen. He’d almost gotten out to play-- once, a couple years ago with Prompto- but alas his little Prince’s stealthy skills were not yet developed enough to pass by undetected. But now, now he had Nyx.

And Nyx was great at plans.

His first stop was a nearby store. His favorite clothing store to be exact. He would never live it down if any of his friends knew what he was doing, but he didn’t care. It was for Noct, the damn clothes stealing hopeless romantic that he was. Nyx knew he liked his clothes, his sweaters and flannels and jackets in particular. Nyx liked seeing his slight frame in his larger clothes anyways. Noct just spent so much time at his apartment, he figured the little thief could do with a couple things of his own. Though Nyx doubted it would halt his thieving ways he bought a couple big warm fluffy sweaters. Sweaters that incidentally matched several of the ones Nyx already owned. Sweaters that he knew would compliment Noct’s complexion. Nyx was a simple man with simple likes. And he liked Noct.

 While he was waiting to be rung up he remembered the note Noct had left him and pulled it from his pocket.Note in hand, he read it while the line progressed, his intended purchases under his arm.

Nyx,

    I’m sorry I had to leave before you woke-- you know how meetings are. I wish I could have stayed, you know I do, but I’ll see you again soon enough! (Unless I die of boredom). You know, you were drooling in your sleep when I left. Were you able to make it out of bed without being glued to your pillow? I bet you’ve got Ophelia’s fur stuck to your cheek huh? She really likes to get in your face, and you, you sure as hell like to cling. I’m running late now but i’ll see you at home!

   -Noctis

Nyx laughed as he read, subconsciously rubbing his other hand against his cheek to rid it of phantom fur and drool.

“Brat.”

   He made his purchases and took them back to the apartment, setting the finely packaged bags on the table beside the little pumpkin. Ophelia trotted up to him and rubbed against his legs silently requesting his attention and marking him as hers so the entire world would see her white fur on his black pants. He let out a long suffering sigh and picked the little girl up before taking her to the kitchen. Absent mindedly rubbing his scruffy jaw against her head. Her purring so violent she could practically launch herself into space. He set her on the counter and got her some breakfast. Nyx watched the cat eat while he thought about the rest of the day ahead.

Ignis had already messaged him, letting him know that the days meetings were running a bit longer than anticipated, and gave an updated ETA for his Prince. It wasn’t too much longer than Nyx had planned for already, about an hour or so out. He finished watching the cat eat, cleaned her dish, pet her a few (dozen) times then made his leave once again- setting out towards the Citadel to pick up Noctis. To save his damsel from the belly of the beast that is Royal Politics.

~-~-~_~_~_~_~-~-~-~_~_~_~_~-~-~-~_~_~_~_~-~-~-~_~_~_~_~-~-~-

Noctis really hated these meetings, he had no idea why they were even a thing to begin with. It was just old men talking circles around each other for hours on end, getting nothing done and then setting time aside at a later date to do the same damn thing all over again. He wanted to rip his ears off, he really did. He just wanted this to be over with, he wanted to leave this hell hole behind and make his way back to his cat, back to Nyx-- back to his home. Another fifteen minutes, that’s all he had to deal with- just another fifteen minutes.  

It was another thirty minutes on top of that before he got his reprieve.

“We will meet again in two days time to discuss this in more detail, that is all for today.”

Noct didn’t need to be told twice, he patiently made his Princely niceties and then politely bolted out the door-- only to be stopped by Ignis not ten feet from freedom.

Noct held back a very un-Prince like whine and listened to what Ignis had to say, though he retained next to nothing from the exchange.

   “--And make sure to be careful.” Ignis had finished his report, or rant...or lecture (He wasn’t entirely sure) and Noct nodded sagely along.He doubted he fooled Ignis for one second,judging by the look in his eye, but he stepped backwards. Step by careful step. Maintaining eye contact with Ignis throughout his retreat. When finally released he turned and dove through the doors as fast as he could, glad to finally have escaped!

During his valiant escape he didn’t realize there was someone waiting outside the doors, and in his haste he ran right into the person.

The very Solid Person.

The very Solid, Familiar Person.

Noctis looked up at the owner of the hands that had steadied him to meet a steely blue gaze filled with a familiar loving warmth. The steely blue gaze he had missed seeing this morning.

A smile overtook his face as he registered Nyx while a sly grin spread on the older man’s as he took Noct in.

“Glad you didn’t die of boredom in there, I was beginning to think I wouldn’t see you again.”

Noct rolled his eyes and sighed, “It was a close one Hero, a minute longer and I would have been toast. Nothing left of me.”

Nyx laughed at Noct’s put upon tone as he wrapped an arm around his little loves slim waist and began leading him off and away from the Citadel.

Noct laughed with him and followed his lead easily, “What’re you doing here anyways? How’d you know i’d be released? I was gonna come right back to you, you didn’t have to come get me.”

“It’s a secret baby doll. I’ve got plans, you see? They’re real intricate, and step one involves kidnapping the Crown Prince.” Nyx grinned conspiratorially, ending the sentence with a wink at Noct’s surprised, yet slightly affronted expression. He shushed whatever retort his little raven was about to make and ushered him onto his motorcycle. “Keep all comments to yourself, I’m not telling you where we’re going, no hints no tips no persuasion. Just be patient, be quiet and trust me. You’ll be glad you did.”

~-~-~_~_~_~_~-~-~-~_~_~_~_~-~-~-~_~_~_~_~-~-~-~_~_~_~_~-~-~-

Noct did as he was told, unhappy as he may be. He stayed quiet, didn’t ask where they were going, how much longer they’d be, or anything of the sort pertaining to the topic. It was eating at him but he remained silent and pouted the entire way through, his cheek against Nyx’s leather clad back. Every once in awhile one of Nyx’s hands would come down to Noct’s and give it a little squeeze-- silently letting him know he was doing well. It took much longer than Noct was expecting, and even still he had no idea where they were going. All he knew was that Nyx kept driving, and they were moving further out of the congestion of the city and closer towards the rural areas, if you could call them that. Noct may have no idea where they’re going, but he was enjoying the changes he was seeing and feeling.

The air was sweeter, fresher and the colors were so vibrant. All the trees in different shades; browns and reds, oranges and yellows, even the ever persistent green remained. The smells were more nature, less machine-- though to be fair cows weren’t the most aromatic animal in the world. It was somehow quieter or at least more peaceful, less sounds of angry people, machinery and the city and more of the county life but there was something else to it too. But that something Noct couldn’t place until they had arrived to their destination.

The sun was just beginning to set when Nyx had begun to slow down. The amount of transport had significantly increased and Noct, curiosity piqued began looking around. Nyx carefully maneuvered  through cars and bikes and past people, finding a small space perfectly fit for his motorcycle. He parked and removed their helmets, helping Noct off after him- steadying his stiff gait.

Noctis didn’t halt his wondered stares as Nyx fixed his hair and soon enough met Nyx’s bright eyes, “This….Nyx what is this?”

Nyx smiled gently at the pure wonder in his little Prince’s eyes and ran a thumb along his cheekbone, “It’s an autumn festival. I’ve figured you’d been cooped up most every time this time of year rolled around, could hardly persuade your dashing Knights to ferry you away here, and I know how much you love autumn and festivals so I thought I could spirit you away for a night to the festival you’ve been dreaming of. Don’t be too disappointed though, it’s more about the harvest and less about the partying.”

Noctis couldn’t believe it. This is what he had been dreaming about for years. Leave it to Nyx to snuff out one of the things he had desperately wanted to do. “Nyx, I could care less what the focus of the place was, just the fact you brought me here. You. That’s….That’s everything.”

Nyx smiled, soft and gentle as he hooked his arm with Noct’s, “Well then, what d'ya say we partake in the festivities?”

Noctis’s blinding grin was answer enough and Nyx led the way through the other festival goers. Keeping his little Prince close to him as they went.

~-~-~_~_~_~_~-~-~-~_~_~_~_~-~-~-~_~_~_~_~-~-~-~_~_~_~_~-~-~-

Hours had passed and the sun was well below the horizon. The cool day had brought about an icy chill to the night, and without the hustle, bustle and building of the city- it got cold.

Very cold.

Very cold very fast.

Nyx was used to the cold, was well prepared for it but Noct on the other hand wasn’t. Turns out his fancy clothes were more fashionable than practical. Noct was good at hiding discomfort, but Nyx could read him like an open book.

He took one of Noctis’ cold little hands in his own and brought him closer, “Cold?”

Noctis shook his head, but the chatter of his teeth was revealing a different truth. Nyx just shook his head fondly exacerbated and stepped back far enough to peel off his extra layer; a nice plaid flannel in greys and blues.

“What happened to that sweater you stole this morning?” He teased and Noct grew pink cheeked.

“I….may or may not have forgotten it in the meeting.” Noct looked away and Nyx laughed.

Classic Noctis.

“Well, good thing one of us is prepared.

“My Hero.”

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The two walked through the festival grounds hand in hand, enjoying the chill and the warmth the other brought. They saw exotic creatures with colorful plumage and drank warm apple cider and hot chocolate. It seemed to be some sort of apple festival with all the food and drink being sold tended to be made from them.Noctis never knew just how many different types of apple there actually were. There were a couple of games and shop stalls littered throughout as well. Nyx having stopped them to buy a little crown made of small delicate  flowers and placed it upon his Prince’s head.

Noctis tried to be annoyed at his boyfriend’s foolishness but found it hard to even act peeved with the childish glee written clear all over his face. He found a similar crown, one that used more leaves and green and moss than flowers and placed it atop Nyx’s head. Nyx’s answering grin was more than enough to make up for the looks from passersby and the silliness of the situation.

The night got colder and darker, and before long the crowds thinned, the stalls closed and people were packing it away to go home. Noctis didn’t particularly want to leave, but followed Nyx back to their ride and got on. The two left as everyone else did, silently promising another visit sometime soon.

It was a silent ride home, Noctis holding tight to Nyx’s waist, pressed as close as he could get. The noise of the city barely reaching through to their little haven, even  when they finally got home. Still in the bubble of their own little world.

They made their way back inside the apartment and showered together. No words were spoken and the warm water thawed the chill from their bones. Soft kisses and softer caresses were shared between them and Nyx carefully bundled his little raven love in a nice new warm sweater, dark blue to match his endless eyes. Noctis smiled as Nyx led him to the bed and had him sit, then made a point of going around and lighting candles. He had planned this, and like he said, he was the best at making plans. He crawled into bed after Noct after having lit several candles and held his Prince close.

“So how was it, Little Prince? Did you enjoy yourself?” His first words between them were spoken softly.

“You know I did, “ He responded, just as softly with a kiss to the tip of Nyx’s nose, “how could I not when I got to spend the day with you? You know it’s my favorite way to spend the time…”

“I thought this was your favorite way to spend the time?”

Noctis laughed softly at the ridiculous expression on his Hero’s face then pulled him into another kiss. “It’s one of my favorite ways.”

Nyx huffed a chuckle and kissed up Noct’s cheek, to the corner of his eye, then pressed a kiss against each eyelid.

“Nyx?”

“Yeah, little love?”

“Think we could go back? Soon?”

“Of course, Noct. Anything for you.”

[stockbeaver96-blog]

Blue Cheese Dip

Home » Recipes » Appetizers » Blue Cheese Dip

This creamy Blue Cheese Dip is perfect alongside buffalo chicken wings, or cut vegetables like celery, carrots, or bell pepper.

It’s a rule for some people that you simply cannot have chicken wings without blue cheese dip. This I learned while living in upstate NY for four years.

Buffalo chicken wing consumption in this house is something of a ceremony, since my husband grew up in upstate NY where buffalo wings were invented, and had a father who made buffalo wings not once, not twice, but THREE TIMES A WEEK. For his entire childhood.

(not kidding).

Needless to say, Pete knows a thing or two about chicken wings and has taught me quite a bit.

In complete contrast to Pete, I don’t think I had ever seen a chicken wing until I was in my 20s, let alone eaten one.

As I mention in my crispy Baked Chicken Wings post, I got on board the buffalo wing train in college while watching the Superbowl, and I’ve been hooked ever since.

Back in college when we ordered wings for the Superbowl, I thought it was very curious that they always delivered them with a little packet of cut celery sticks and a container of “creamy blue cheese” as my husband calls it.

Little did I know that the blue cheese dip is an essential part of the experience for many, and I now have to say that I agree.

The hot tangy buffalo wings pair so well with creamy blue cheese, and even though the almighty Flavor Bible doesn’t have an entry for Frank’s hot sauce, I’m pretty sure if they did that they’d say blue cheese is a holy grail combination.

Making the blue cheese dip is very simple, and is a 5-minute task that only involves mixing together a few ingredients.

How to Make Blue Cheese Dip:

Combine blue cheese crumbles, sour cream, mayonnaise, buttermilk, fresh lemon juice, salt, and pepper:

If you have 10 minutes to spare, I recommend using homemade mayonnaise for the best flavor.

We always try to mix the ingredients together a few hours ahead of serving, so everything can meld:

Now it’s ready to serve alongside buffalo wing sauce coated chicken wings, cut veggies, chips, or whatever your heart desires.

This is our go-to dip, and Pete and I think it has a nice amount of tanginess and saltiness, and it’s speckled with lots of blue cheese.

However, you can certainly tweak the amounts as you desire.

Buffalo Chicken Dip (or Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Dip), Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings, and Potato Croquettes are some of our other favorite game day recipes. Enjoy!

Blue Cheese Dip

Prep Time 5 minutes

Cook Time 0 minutes

Total Time 5 mins

This creamy Blue Cheese Dip is perfect alongside buffalo chicken wings, or cut vegetables like celery, carrots, or bell pepper.

Ingredients

1 cup blue cheese crumbles (about 4.5 oz)

1/2 cup sour cream

1/4 cup mayonnaise

1 tbsp buttermilk (you can get away with milk)

1 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice

1/4 tsp salt

1/8 tsp pepper

Directions

Mix all ingredients together in a bowl, preferably a couple hours before you want to serve the dip.

Store in the refrigerator until ready to use.

by Joanne Ozug

Recipe Notes

This dip will keep in the refrigerator for approximately one week.

Loading nutrition data...

All images and text ©Fifteen Spatulas.

Post updated in September 2018. Originally published January 2017. This post contains an affiliate link.

Source: https://www.fifteenspatulas.com/blue-cheese-dip/

[dvddggs]

To the Four of Us (Part Fifteen)

premise: modern AU chronicling the squad as they make their way through college and deal with general life things. 

words: 1,662

warnings: nothing really besides a bit of swears

a/n: this started out light but gOT REAL EMO REAL FAST IM SORRY

all chapters: x tags: @heythereitsloey @anitheunicorn @newyorkyoucanbeanew @lafbagxette @justafangirlwithanavy @iamgrayfox @ordinaryornate @schuylerjoon @angelica-peggy-eliza @trashyperson101 @crazydragon15 @geespilots @marvelous-hamilfan @5p00kygh05t @panda-powers @and-maria @schokoobananaa @allthegoodurlshavebeentaken @aphboi @hell-yes-puns-and-ships @aham-threw-his-shot-away @hesitantcat @lafeyettegunsandships dedication: @imdiggingdaveed for making sure im taking care of myself what a sweetheart!!!!!

soundtrack song: Tenerife Sea - Ed Sheeran

full soundtrack: x

sorry this one’s a bit shorter, yall, but i’m getting up super early tomorrow and this is all I had time for! Just so ya know, I MAY be able to update on Saturday, but that is the absolute earliest chapter 16 will come (sorry!!). 

let me know what you think!!! & message me if you want me to tag you in the updates!

By the time George made it to New York, it was the middle of the next day—apparently flights didn’t often depart from Virginia to NYC in the middle of the night on Fridays. When he made it to the hospital, where Alexander was put for safekeeping, he found his son sound asleep in the hospital bed, which had somehow mutated itself so that his head was angled downward and his feet were sticking up in the air.

George noticed that Alexander didn’t look as bad as he’d been expecting. Well, at least not from the side that he could see. He sat down on the edge of the bed and tucked his son’s hair behind his ear, surprising himself by feeling slightly melancholic.

The last time he visited Alexander in the hospital had been right after the boy’s biological mother had died, leaving him to suffer alone what was almost surely to be the same fate. They shared the same chronic illness and his mother had just run out of fight. He had been young and didn’t remember much of it. Though George answered any questions Alexander had ever asked about his childhood, he liked to avoid the subject because it just brought forth a lot of pain for both of them.

George was overseas, working for the military at the time, on a peacekeeping mission in the Caribbean when he met Alexander’s mother in the hospital. She was extremely sick, voice weak, pale, and thinner by the day. He visited her every single day and she told him stories about Alexander, who was in the children’s wing of a different hospital. George could never have forgotten the day that she had died. He had popped in to say goodbye because he had finally been given clearance to head home, and found her bed empty, the sheets replaced, and the pillows fluffed, as if no one had ever been there.

“Excuse me,” he’d said to a bypassing nurse, furrowing his brow in confusion. “Was the woman here moved to another room?”

The nurse’s expression morphed instantly to one of sadness. “Sir,” she said in broken English, “she passed late last night. She just ran out of fight…heartbreaking—did you know she had a son? Poor baby’s an orphan now.”

George remembered the feeling of his knees giving out as he collapsed, crying, on the floor. He had never felt so helpless in all his life. He instantly went to the hospital where he knew he would find her son.

Alexander, a sickly-looking seven year old, was emotionless when George found him. He was laying on his bed, staring at the ceiling. He didn’t look sad, but tears fell silently down his cheeks. George had felt his heart physically break and he fell instantly in love with the child that was just feet away from him. He knew then and there that he couldn’t leave without him.

“Who are you?” Alexander had asked shakily. His voice was no more than a whisper—he was so sick.

“My name is George Washington. I was friends with your mom. I’ve heard a lot about you, Alexander. I’m so, so sorry. She loved you more than anything.”

George crossed the room and sat down on the edge of Alexander’s bed, tucking a strand of long hair behind the boy’s ear. The silent tears turned into violent sobbing at the touch, and Alexander threw himself into George’s strong arms. He remembered thinking how skinny the boy was—he could have wrapped his arms twice around him with room to spare.

“S-she loved me? I l-loved her too.”

“Shh,” George whispered, stroking the boy’s hair as he broke down. “She loved you so very much, Alex. More than anything else in the world.”

Alexander stayed in George’s arms for hours. He fell asleep at one point and George laid him down in his lap, stroking his hair tenderly until he woke up. He was more devoted to this child than he’d ever previously been to anything in his life.

It wasn’t until after George had left the hospital that he realized he’d missed his plane.

George visited Alexander from morning till night for three days straight. On the third night, he said, “Alex…I know this is soon, but how would you like to come back to America and live with me? My plane leaves tomorrow morning, but you can be on it if you want. We can stick together.”

Alexander broke into the biggest, most genuine toothy grin that George had ever seen. It was the first time he’d seen him genuinely smile and it made him tear up. To the present day, that was George’s favourite thing to see on Alexander’s face. He didn’t smile that way often, but when he did it lit up a room and every time it reminded George of that day.

“Now, listen,” he pressed, determine to state his piece before Alexander decided. “I don’t have much to offer you back home. I don’t have a lot of money or a lot of things, but I have a house with a bedroom for you and a dog who would protect you and a big ol’ heart that loves you. And in America we have treatments that could help you get better. I know it’s not a lot, but…what do you think?”

Alexander’s little eyes filled with tears.

“That would be enough,” he murmured, clinging to the top of George’s muscular arm.

That had been the best day of George’s life—the day he became a father. It wasn’t a conventional relationship—he didn’t have a wife or girlfriend, he lived in a bachelor pad, and he’d never so much as babysat a child before. Somehow, though, they’d made it work time and time again, and were the happiest little family anyone could find.

George snapped back to the present, a little teary-eyed, when Alexander—a much older, stronger, and healthier Alexander—began to stir.

“Hey Alex,” George said softly, stroking his son’s hair.

“Dad…” Alexander mumbled, a smile threatening to tug at the corners of his mouth.

“How are you feeling?”

Alexander shrugged and turned onto his back to face his father, who gasped when he got a better look at his son’s face.

A deeply purple bruise had blossomed from the base of his jaw all the way down his neck to his collarbone, and all the way up to his forehead. It covered most of his cheek, which had swollen to twice its normal size, which meant that he couldn’t fully open his eye. Dried blood had pooled at the corner of his mouth, probably leftover blood that had dribbled from his gums from the cracked tooth as he’d slept.

“Why am I upside down?” Alexander mumbled sleepily, talking about the weird position of the bed. “Oh…probably my friends fucked up the bed.”

“Holy shit, Alex,” his father breathed. “What the hell happened to you?”

“Remember Thomas?” Alexander said, grimacing in pain. He clicked the button beside his bed to request his pain medication from the nurse. George nodded. “Well…I kinda fucked that whole thing up. He wasn’t happy with me. Guess what? He fractured my jaw.”

George buried his face in his hands as the nurse came in with some liquified painkillers for Alexander. He couldn’t even think about what Alexander had done to mess things up at the moment—all he could think was how badly he wanted to stick his shoe up that punk Thomas’s ass.

“Ah, you must be Mr. Hamilton,” said the nurse, pulling Alexander’s chart off of the end of his bed.

“Mr. Washington,” George corrected. “But I’m his father.”

The nurse nodded curtly, pointing to a spot on the chart.

“Well,” she began. “I’m Rachel—” George glanced at Alexander, who nodded. That was his mother’s name. “—and I’ve been monitoring Alexander overnight. He’s got a lot of fight in him. I’ve never seen someone with a fractured jaw request pain medicine less than four times in a night, but Alexander only called me in once.”

George nodded. He already knew that his son was a trooper.

“So how do you treat a broken jaw?” he asked. It wasn’t exactly a common injury.

“That’s the bad news,” Nurse Rachel said slowly. “Though it is fairly minor, the doctor thinks that it’s severe enough that his recommendation is to wire it shut. It would be a six week healing process.”

“Pretty shitty, huh?” Alexander muttered bitterly, drinking a bit of his water through a bendy straw.

“It would be a liquid diet and although talking would be restricted, he can pretty much do everything normally during the healing process. We need to do it today, though, so that there’s no more damage inflicted by leaving it. Alexander is quite a talker.”

This almost made George laugh. If there was one thing he knew about his son it’s that he never shut up

“Well, Lex,” he said, patting his son’s knee. “You’re of age now so I can’t speak for you. What do you think?”

Alexander set his plastic cup down on the bedside table and studied his father’s face. He shrugged and gave Nurse Rachel. “Let’s do this thing,” he said. “But can I please have some more ice for my face?”

The nurse smiled. “Only if you promise to stop talking until that mouth is wired shut! I’ll tell the doctor that we’re good to go. He should be free in about an hour. I’ll be right back with some ice for ya.”

Once she left, shutting the door behind her, George turned back to Alexander and helped him readjust his bed to normal.

“So, I know you’re not supposed to be talking, but what happened, Alex?”

Alexander pursed his lips. He thought he had more time before the confrontation. His father gave him less sympathy than he thought he’d get.

“John,” he mumbled.