#in my head this kinda takes place in the 1980s?

[aza-writes]

Our Little Wolf and Little Star

Married Wolfstar x twin!daughters (Willow and Selene)

Requested: no

Summary: Wolfstar adopted two twin girls and raise them the best they can. 

Warnings: description of birth (barely), some cursing, kinda cringe, but it’s for the vibes. 

A/N: EVERYONE LIVES AU. Mary Kate and Ashely movie vibes. Also… listen to Little Star by Dion and the Bellmonts and Li’l Red Riding Hood by Sam the Sham and the Pharohs for ultimate vibes. 

3rd Person POV

October 31st, 1980

The wait in the hospital was complete agony. Remus sat in an uncomfortable hospital waiting room chair. The only position that feels remotely comfortable is resting my head on my hands. His mind races faster and faster, watching his husband, Sirius, pace back and forth in front of him. James sits silently in the chair to the right of Remus. He’s trying his best to calm the pair down, but his words fall on deaf ears in Sirius and Remus’s overanalyzing ones. 

“Mates, you both need to calm down. Everything will be just fine.” 

Sirius stops his pacing and stares at James, his eyes wide with lack of sleep. “Calm down? What if something goes wrong? Why is it taking so long in the first place? It’s cause I’m stubborn, so they’re being stubborn to punish me? Fuck, I knew we should’ve used Remus’s-” 

“Siri, stop talking.”  Remus’s voice and eyes were stern as he sat back in the chair to get a better look at Sirius. The topic of who was going to donate sperm has been a sensitive one from the moment a surrogate was mentioned. The risk of passing his lycanthropy onto their future children was enough for the werewolf to insist on using Sirius’s for the donor. 

All Sirius does is roll his eyes and plop on the seat on the other side of Remus, head falling on Remus’s shoulder out of exhaustion and instinct. Remus’s hand slides into Sirius’s, their fingers intertwining. 

“I mean it. Plus, our kids would have your hair and height. That’s a win in my book.” Sirius moves his eyes to look up at Remus, but his head stays stationary.

Remus brought their hands up to his lips and placed a gentle kiss on the back of his husband’s. “It’s a little late for that now, innit?” 

The labor has been going on for 48 hours, but the couple’s anxieties have been going on since they found out the implantation was successful. It only intensified as the months went on, now at an all-time high. Both of them refusing to sleep in case the surrogate, Maud, started to push. They both wanted to be ready to run into the room and watch their daughters take their first breaths. 

As much as James tried to calm them down and convince them to sleep just for a bit, Remus and Sirius were too stubborn and sleep-deprived to listen. James even called Lily, hoping she would talk sense into them, but with her stuck at home with a one-month-old Harry, her over-the-phone and sleep-deprived threats were far less intimidating.

“Sirius, labor takes time. Lily was in labor for 12 hours. And you have twins, so of course, it’s going to take longer.” James’s voice was empathetic, but this sentence has been said three times already. Every comforting thing James could think of has been said, causing the words to lose meaning to Sirius. 

Although Remus was pretending to keep it together, he was a nervous wreck inside. He walked into the hospital as Remus Lupin: Wizard, Werewolf, Husband, but when he leaves, father will be added to that title. 

The muggle hospital seemed odd to the three wizards. It was much more controlled and secretive than anything in the wizarding world. The wing they were in was decorated with blue, pink, and yellow, with a quiet lullaby playing every so often, signifying a new baby had been born. Every lullaby that goes off that isn’t to celebrate baby Lupin allows jealousy and anxiety to grow more and more. 

“Sirius, Remus,” James takes a deep breath, “I know you don’t want to hear it, but maybe you should go home and get some sle-” 

“Sirius and Remus Lupin?” A nurse in pink scrubs walks into the waiting room. Her eyes scan and spot the two men rising from their chairs. She smiles at them and pulls her mask down. “Your surrogate is pushing; we’ll have you wait outside the room until she’s done. Come with me.” She turns around, and then men are quick to follow. 

James shouts a quick “Good luck!” but the fathers-to-be don’t even look back to respond. 

The two husbands wait outside the delivery suite, their hands intertwined. They waited less than ten minutes, their minds going a million kilometers a second, but none of those thoughts mattered when they heard a faint cry behind the door followed by a quiet lullaby version of “Happy Birthday” playing over the speakers. 

Remus’s eyes widen, the weight being lifted off his shoulders. Sirius’s smile widens immediately. It isn’t until they hear a second cry that the couple hug each other. Happy tears flow from Sirius’s eyes while he laughs out of relief. The soft lullaby plays again for the second baby girl, signaling everything is going well in the delivery room. 

A soft knock coming from inside the room interrupts their celebration. A nurse in pink scrubs walks into the hallway and smiles at the couple. “Would you like to come in and meet your daughters?” 

Sirius kisses Remus’s head as they enter the room. They’re given a bit of hand sanitizer before being given their little girls to hold. The two husbands thanked the surrogate a million times before being taken into a separate room to fill out paperwork as Maud recovered. 

The twins were no longer ideas and possibilities; they were real and in their arms. 

The two walk out into the waiting room with the babies swaddled in a soft pink blanket and pale yellow hats. Sirius’s tears started again when he saw the mass of people in the waiting room. It was no longer James, but everyone important in their lives was there to support the new parents. Lily was there with Harry, Regulus, Peter, Marlene and Dorcus, Mary, Alice, and Frank, who brought Neville. Even Andromeda showed up. 

“Everyone,” Remus’s voice was still a whisper, yet loud enough for the whole crowd to hear. “I am happy to present to you for the first time ever Willow Lily Lupin. Born at 7 lbs and 2 ounces. 1st born by 3 minutes.” He raises his elbow a bit, letting people get a better look at the sleeping baby in his arms. 

“And this is Selene Andromeda Lupin, who stands at 7 lbs and 5 ounces.” Sirius continues, smiling at the little bundle in his arms. His gaze couldn’t be broken even if he tried, and he didn’t want to. 

Regulus smiled softly before speaking up. “W and S, Wolf and Star, I’m assuming?” His eyes were locked on his big brother, someone he’d seen in this caring and protective role before, but this time it seemed out of love instead of fear. Regulus also wanted to start crying happy tears, but he refused to be in front of a large group. 

“I guess it is.” Sirius grinned and looked up at his brother before looking back down at the sleeping baby. “Hell, my Little Star.” 

“So Willow is Little Wolf then?” James ran the back of his finger over Willow’s cheek, replicating something he often does to Harry when he sleeps.

“I guess she is.” Remus's smile grows more if that is even possible. “Our little Wolf.” 

Sirius turns to his husband beaming. So much love and happiness filled his eyes. “Our girls.” 

Remus met Sirius’s gaze with the same love and tenderness. “Our girls.”

[c-rose2081]

I’m thinking about the ROR timeline a little, which doesn’t make a lot of sense BUT I’m trying to figure out ages in my head:

- it’s been ten years since Descendants 1, so the year is 2025 when ROR takes place. Mal was born in 1999 making her 25-26, meaning the rest of the og cast is around there as well.

- it’s stated in film that Chad is playing Tourney for his university. I originally thought that was silly since that’s really late to have a college sports career. BUT after some research, I learned that you can actually play in college sports for up to five years (or more with special circumstances). So it’s probably his last year playing before going pro or going into sports med or something. I also HC that both he and Audrey took a gap year between graduation and college to travel together so they went back to school later then everyone else.

- Chloe is attending Auradon Prep in ROR, and seeing as Queen Ella brings up past grades and extracurriculars, I can only assume it’s her second year attending, making her between 16-17 years old? This means she and Chad have at least 9-10 years age difference.

- I can only assume Red is around the same age as Chloe.

- Chloe was only 7-8 years old when Chad was preparing to graduate from Auradon Prep. Meaning Red was that age too when she and her Mom returned to Wonderland after being on the Isle of the Lost.

- So, seeing as Brandy currently is 45 years old real time, she had Chad at 18-19 years old, and Chloe in her early 30’s. (Assuming she is meant to be 45 in the series, idk)

- This means that Merlin Academy can’t actually exist in the timeline/canon as we know it, as Belle and Beast would’ve created Auradon when Ella was only 15 and still in school. However, it could be that the idea was still so new, seeing as Chloe and Red would’ve gone back to the very first year of Auradon’s existence, that they may have literally just missed the shift of power to a high monarchy.

- Beast would be 28 during the events of the time travel sequence (since he married Belle at 28, 30 years before), and 58 during ROR main timeline.

- It could be that the villains were resurrected before Auradon came to be, put in school to try and rehabilitate them under Merlin’s watch, and then Beast just decided NAH and booted them off to the Isle right as Chloe and Red left back into their own time. Perhaps due to the cookbook incident? (I consider this piece of the lore to be a retcon as it makes 0 sense, but we can try).

- This would mean the time travel portion of ROR happens in/around 1995. Maleficent would be about 19 or so (same age as Ella) when she gave birth to Mal on the Isle three-ish years later.

- Ella was born in 1980.

- So, recap, ages during ROR: OG cast is 25-26 years old, Chloe and Red are 16-17 years old, Ella & Bridget, as well as Maleficent and Hades are around 45, Beast is pushing 60.

—

I have no idea if any of this makes sense or is even right? But this is kinda what I managed to figure out just thinking about it as logically as possible from the films alone.

I haven’t read any of the books nor plan to do so, this is literally just me thinking about the series as a whole seeing as the creators are trying really hard to say ROR is somehow part of the canon. So, if you have any notes feel free to lmk, I probably missed something from the book lore that I don’t care about lol.

[scoutswritingcorner]

The Hotel

Charlie Morningstar x GN!Reader

HORROR.

TW: THIS IS A HORROR STORY- IT HAS DARK THEMES. IF YOU DO NOT LIKE IT, DO NOT READ IT. Uncanny Valley effect, there is no good ending, Lost media kinda deal. Body horror.

A/N: I’ve been watching too much lost media/analog horror type of stuff for my own good.  ENJOY~

You are an Urban Explorer who has a very popular channel. You got word of this old Hotel that’s supposedly haunted but you're more interested in how it looks on the inside. Turns out to be your final resting place.

~~

You pulled to a stop in the wooded area near the desolate town, quickly turning your vans lights off and pulling the keys out of the ignition as a police car slowly drove by as you snuck into the back of the van pulling your bag closer and making sure that you had everything. Strapping the small hidden camera to your chest before pulling out your phone and starting the livestream, your viewers slowly start to trickle in as you patiently wait for the cops to stop roaming around where your car is, too afraid to say something. But you slowly take a deep breath and collect your things, trying to make sure if you needed to run or climb over anything nothing would be holding you down.

Slowly pulling the duffle bag over your shoulder, you checked your phone once more before quickly turning off any sound notifications that could get you caught and sent one last text to your roommate and dad, before putting it away and into your pocket as you carefully left the comfort of your own vehicle. You locked and closed your van before slowly and carefully making your way towards the silent town, weaving through alleyways as you dodge the police and making your way towards the brightly lit hotel that sat on top of the hill. “..sorry for not talking to you guys, I don’t want to be caught” You whispered out as you quickly walked up the hill, trying to stay away from the bright lights of the path leading towards the hotel itself. You’ll check your phone once you get inside.

As you get to the front door of the hotel, you send a glance back towards the city to see the cops still patrolling the town, it wasn’t worth going back down, you were so close to what you’ve been dreaming about for months…but..you never knew about this place…why did you dream about it? You slowly opened the door expecting to be greeted by ruined furniture, walls lined with graffiti, broken things strewn around and nature reclaiming what was left of this hotel but..it looked brand new…well except for the tech stuff that looked like it came out of a 1980’s catalog…this was weird. First the townspeople were basically hostile towards you and when you asked about the hotel they shut down, some even pulling a weapon on you. 

You closed the door behind you, fixing your jacket as you took a step forward the scent of a freshly smoked cigar hit you as if you walked through a cloud of it. You looked around, stepping further into the hotel to your left was a bar with an assortment of liquor on the wall behind it, to your right was what looked like to be the foyer. 

“Oh! Hello!” A voice called from behind you making you jump and turn around dropping your bag on the floor. You cursed yourself and hoped your equipment wasn’t damaged. “H-Hi..I thought this place was abandoned..” you replied smiling, something felt off about her but you couldn’t seem to figure out what. “Oh no silly!~ Most of them are already asleep in their own rooms or just busy!” A sense of comfort washing over you as jazz starts playing down the hall causing you to look away from her. Unaware of her eyes snapped down to the camera strapped to your chest and her smile grew wider.

“Someone..awake?” You asked, looking back at her and crouching down to grab your duffel bag. “Oh yes! That would be the hotelier, he likes to listen to jazz as he works. It won’t bother you will it?” She asked and you shook your head watching as she looked around, “give me one moment okay?” She asked turning to head into an office…was that always there? You looked down and quickly checked your phone to see it was 3:30 am?? It just turned 12:00 when you left your Van, that didn’t seem right. Looking up as she walked back over and quickly getting you a room, her smile grew as she handed you the key, “If you need anything else don’t be afraid to call down to the front desk!~” She called after you, smirking as you unknowingly sealed your fate.

You looked down at the key, the room number '204' staring back at you. It wouldn’t hurt to stay the night, it beats sleeping in your van than anything. Sleeping on a bed will do wonders to your back too! As you went up the stairs, it seemed someone rushed past you with a sweet smelling perfume which made you do a double take..no one walked past you? You stopped and looked around before continuing up the stairs..that was strange.

It didn’t take you long to find your room and get set up for the night, as you looked around it had occurred to you that something about this place felt..off. The spear above your bed was certainly off putting, was it real or fake? You placed your bag down onto the bed, opening it up fast to make sure you didn’t break anything.

~~~

It’s been days since you’ve been at this hotel, at first you thought you were there for that single night but you haven’t. The footsteps got louder but now it was someone knocking on your door and a pile of dead bugs littered at your door. You started the camera that sat patiently on the desk in front of your bed, the red light on it slowly flashed as it began to record. A sinking feeling sat in the pit of your stomach as you stared back at yourself in the mirror..when did you become so sickly looking? Quickly you packed up, shook your head and grabbed the key to your room, “Just in case,” you whispered out “Just in case.”

You slowly made your way to the door ignoring the literal mountain of bugs next to your bathroom door. You slowly opened your bedroom door and peeked out seeing..no one. No one was around yet there was a distinct smell of that perfume that lingered way too long on the staircase. Another difference was that the lights were off and the wallpaper started to peel like the hotel was left abandoned for decades. A soft and distorted tune started to echo around the empty hotel, you moved to the railing of the gigantic staircase and slowly made your way down throwing the bag over your shoulder as you tried to ignore the creepy distorted music and creaking stairs.

As you reached the bottom of the stairs you slowly and carefully started to walk towards the front desk placing the room key on its surface before moving towards the front doors themself.  Your hand wrapped around the golden door handles as you moved to open the doors..but they wouldn’t budge. How were they locked, you couldn’t be locked in here without anyone knowing. 

“Leaving so soon?” A distorted voice called out as you slowly turned around, facing the woman you met a few nights ago. But something was wrong, her face looked..too human- too unnatural. “Oh uh..yeah..I have to go.” You said trying to ignore how suddenly it felt like there were a million eyes on you, your breath hitched in your throat as the lady's bones snapped and reformed into longer limbs and horns protruded from her head. “Why don’t you stay just a little bit longer?” she asked but her mouth didn’t move as if someone was pulling the strings..giving her a voice to use. You looked around her, trying to see if there was a way to get past her and back to your room safely. 

You shook your head watching the hotel fall into disrepair in front of your very eyes. You took one last deep breath before throwing yourself into a sprint down the hallway and up the flight of stairs, a loud inhuman roar echoed through the hotel as you tried to open one of the many emergency exits. It was locked just like the front door, you silently cursed to yourself and made your way to the staircase to go higher up. Your legs and lungs started to burn as the once comforting smell of the perfume turned sour as something ran into your legs knocking you face first into the flight of stairs.

A sickening crack echoed through your head, you grabbed your camera and climbed up the steps as blood coated your tongue and dripped onto the old mold covered shag carpets. Throwing the bag down you forced yourself to keep running up the million flights of stairs this fucked up hotel had. You couldn’t look back and you couldn’t stop, if you stopped you would die. She knew where you were and she wouldn’t stop until she got you.

You slammed onto the fire exit door at the top of the stairs..once..twice..she was getting closer. That foul lingering smell wafted through your broken nose and it made you gag loudly as you looked down to see her staring back at you. Body visibly mutilated as her sunken eyes glared up at you, drool dripping from her maw. You slammed into the door and fell onto the roof as she stalked closer and closer to you- her prey. You scrambled to get up but stopped to see a large red pentagram that outlined the city.

You didn’t stare for long as long black claws wrapped around your ankle, digging into flesh and shattering bone as it dragged you back into the hotel. Your chin hit the ground as you tried to claw and beg whatever god was there to help you. The camera you were holding shattering upon impact as the door slammed shut behind you and your screams were forever silenced.

A/N: SORRY IF THIS FEELS RUSHED- I kinda did rush it cause I wanted to get this out to you lovely people. But I hope you enjoyed it and Happy Pride month!~

[50shadesofjayden]

Gareth Emerson Headcanons pt 2: Electric Boogaloo

These are once again written with the mindset of Gareth being 18+, not that there's any NSFW ones this time. With that being said, please if you are a minor, keep scrolling. I'm also sorry for the title but I couldn't not include that.

TW: Swearing, slight talk about homophobia in the 1980s and talk about political ideologies - nothing to bash them, just what political alignment I think Gareth would have. If you see any others I've missed, let me know and I'll add them.

There’s a good chance he’d have an alternative partner. He’s very intensely into the things he likes, so I can’t see him being interested in people who don’t have similar interests. Which is why I think his partner’s style would be alternative. Specifically, punk, if I can toss my two cents in. Regardless of gender or lack of gender, they’d have that big dyed and teased hair, a safety pin through their ear, maybe some facial piercings, the whole nine yards. They’d both love plaid. You can’t tell me he wouldn’t go feral seeing them in a mosh pit at a concert. He’d think it’s one of the hottest things he’s seen them do. He’d be amazed by your ability to walk in platform boots without breaking or spraining an ankle. And maybe a little turned on by it. I could also see him being with someone who isn’t all-out alternative. I don’t think the look has to be there for him. As long as you have similar morals and interests, he’d be down.

In a similar field, I don’t think he’s straight. He doesn’t have a label for his sexuality. Pretty men, handsome women and adorable non-binaries are all good with him. There’s a good chance that Eddie could have been his sexual awakening for men. Still, there’s also a good chance that it could be someone from Mötley Crüe, Lemmy Kilmister, K.K. Downing, or another band member in a band he likes. He thought he admired them for their music - until he had a wet dream or fantasy about them. He didn’t tell people about it right away; he’d know Hawkins isn’t the safest place to be out. When he feels comfortable telling people, he’d tell hellfire at a DND session. Everybody would accept him, even if they did not understand it. He’d tell his mom and siblings last (in case they don’t accept him), who automatically give him hugs and assure him that this doesn’t change their opinion of him in the slightest.

He’s a Scorpio. I know, I know, we don’t know his birthday. But it just makes sense. He’s got the resting bitch face down, he’s got the aggression that’s kinda really hot, and he has this passion to him that you tend to see in water signs. I am going based on other Gareth fics and head cannons for this, but he does seem very private to everyone except the people he trusts. You would not be able to tell if he likes someone until they’re brought into the friend group. It takes a bit to win him over, even after someone new is brought in. He knows what he wants and will eventually get it, which he is sure of every time. The scene that makes me think this the most is the scene when Jason is stepping on his hand. Gareth was adamant about not giving Eddie up. Mostly because he didn’t know where he was, but he could have told Jason places to look. They’re close friends, if not best friends. He’d have a good idea where Eddie was, not just that Dustin was looking for him and might have found Eddie. He only gave the Dustin part up when it became obvious that Jason wouldn’t stop until he had information and he assaulted him. It just gives me Scorpio vibes.

He and Eddie fucking gossip together. It’s like that stereotype of two teenage girls type of gossip. It is sometimes about music, but more often, it’s about what Eddie overhears when dealing. Eddie learns so much gossip from the different cliques as he deals to people in all of the cliques, and they just don’t care what’s said around him. He always reports back to Gareth and Gareth alone. None of the other Hellfire members are interested in his gossip. Eddie being Eddie lets himself into Gareth’s house as he’s babysitting his sisters to inform him of the latest gossip. “Gareth, you’ll never believe what Amanda was talking about with Stacy.” “What?” “Madison hooked up with Ryan at Tina’s party.” “NO!” “Yes!” “But she’s dating Christian.” “Oh, I’m very aware.” “Lunch is going to be interesting on Monday.” “That it will be Gareth the Great. That it will be.”

Can we talk about the dynamic of the older hellfire boys for a second: specifically their music tastes. They’re all obviously music lovers, music lovers of a ton of genres at that. But they all seem to have a bit of a different genre they fit into. Eddie is obviously our metalhead. It was harder to find in the 80s, but I think he’d also love international metal music. He’d be so excited to see Ramstein; it would give him many ideas for Corroded Coffin. Many of them are about fire, but he’d have a lot of ideas nonetheless. Jeff, I thoroughly believe, is more of a rock guy. I think he gets it from his parents. He’d have those cool, slightly younger, maybe teenage parent’s archetype. But Gareth, I fully believe he’s a punk lover. He loves the music, but he also aligns with the core ideologies of punks - like being very anti-establishment, vocal about the mistreatment of minorities, ACAB, anti-war, fuck Reagan, big on equal rights for all, etc. I don’t think he would be overly vocal about it, but he’d argue about it in class with other students and would make his beliefs known. Their music tastes would combine to make Corroded Coffin a genre-hopping metal band.

He’d throw hands for his partner if needed. Is he good at fighting? Honestly 50/50, but he does his best when it comes to his partner. I’ve mentioned him being overprotective before, and I think it comes from either being an only child to a single mom or the only brother to sisters. I think he has this ideology or mindset that even if you are perfectly able to stand up for yourself, it’s his job. It’s not in a toxic masculinity way, more of an I protect the people I love.

He’s not the best in school. He is smart, but I agree with the fandom that he has ADHD and has a hard time focusing on specific things for a prolonged time. He’d be great in a woodworking or shop class; he’d get to use his hands and brain and doesn’t technically have to follow a specific set of rules - even if he should. He’d make you tons of gifts, though. Like a really nice birdhouse, a floating picture frame, if you wear jewelry - a really nice jewelry box. This also makes me think he may go into carpentry for work or keep it as a hobby after Corroded Coffin takes off. I think he’d branch out and begin making guitars for people. He just loves working with his hands.

He is a short king. Apparently, Gwydion is 5’ 8, so he isn’t super short but isn’t the tallest, either. I love the video a fan posted of them carrying Gwydion at a con (also a huge thank you to said person if they ever see this). Gareth, with a taller partner, is an adorable thing. He’d fully take advantage of having a taller partner, piggyback rides, can you get this for me, how’s the weather up there etc. Totally uses your height to check out your boobs if you’ve got them and are comfortable with that. Puts up a fuss when you rest your arm on his shoulders. He actually does like it, but he also likes to tease and playfully harass you. He is the definition of the shorter you are, the closer you are to hell.

The first holiday season, you’re together Gareth bought you a heated blanket. Hawkins is freezing in the winter, and sometimes a regular heating pad doesn’t do the trick. He’d never used a heating pad before you got together, but he’d soon find out how much you use and love yours. So why wouldn’t he get you a heated blanket? It turns into him also loving the blanket. It’s used a little bit too much if you are being honest, at least when you look at your energy bill. It’s used for cuddling while watching movies while sleeping, and he’s even asked you to bring it when going to friends’ houses for movie nights. It really was the best gift.

He’d be extremely loyal once he let anybody into his life. His partner would be no different, or anybody he likes. The only difference is he might be a little bit clingy, but not in an annoying way. He still knows how to give you distance and thoroughly enjoys his space and time. Still, he does prefer to be around his partner and touch them when they’re around one another. He would be the one to throw hands for his partner; in fact, he has. He’s very forward without pushing. He enjoys walking you to class regardless of whether you have the class together or are walking with friends. It’s not that he gets in between you and your friends. It’s more that he’d walk on the outside of your group, and your friends would be on the other side of you. If you have a class with him and your friends, he will sit at the inside or the outside desk, let you sit in the middle and your friend on the other side. He will try to distract you. Usually, by drawing on your hand or by attempting to play footsie. If you’re not dating and unsure, he will still be there for you regardless, no matter what, even if you get another partner.

[sugarsnappeases]

HI KARA!!!! the slightly less big huge major war fic please xx

LIA HELLO!!

the slightly less big huge major war fic came to me in a dream one time and i love it very much despite it's current unnamed state... it's basically a black cousins taking down voldemort fic which starts in like... 1980 i think, so reggie survives the cave and like continues hunting horcruxes on his own, and then he comes across bella and cissy, who are also hunting horcruxes on their own, and eventually that have to rope sirius and andy in too so it's like all of them together, all w their own reasons for going against voldy and their own issues and all of them like clashing w each other and reuniting and becoming cousins and sisters and brothers again bc i am a Sucker for a black cousins reunion vibes

i also think its gonna have quillkiller (duh), probs lucissa?? bc as much as i'm a nobleflower girly, i think this specific fic would work better w lucissa, also i kinda think lucius is a bit of an icon sometimes, also there'll be wolfstar and tedromeda and i'm thinking bartylus for reg?? bc again there's a time and a place for jegulus and i don't think it's this fic.... but like generally i think the romance parts are gonna be side plots tbh

anyway this is a very very rough excerpt of what my thoughts were for the opening scene, or like a scene very early on... honestly i should come back and properly revisit this bc i think it has sm potential

Regulus apparated and barely had enough time to deflect the spell that came flying at him when he appeared at his destination. Shit. This was not good. In a second, his wand was in his hand, curse on his lips, and aimed at - Narcissa? Yes, that was Narcissa Black Malfoy, his favourite cousin, the wife of the Dark Lord’s right hand man, a woman who was now a potential threat to his mission. She was stood beside the Gaunt Shack, complete disbelief clear in the widening of her eyes and the slight lowering of her wand. “Reggie?” she whispered. Then, she shook her head, as if clearing it of something and levelled her wand again, but she wasn’t pointing it at him anymore. Regulus turned slightly to see that she was pointing it at - Bellatrix. Fucking great. Just his fucking luck. Bellatrix Black Lestrange, his other cousin, the Dark Lord’s actual left hand woman, the most notorious death eater alive. Definitely a threat. Regulus pointed his wand at her, then changed his mind and pointed it at Narcissa, who’s wand was also moving back and forth between her two relatives/potential adversaries. Bellatrix’s wand had been pointed at Narcissa - he seemed to have apparated into the middle of some sort of Mexican standoff between the two sisters, which was a bit confusing - but after a few moments of tense silence, she sighed and lowered it. “Okay, what the fuck is going on?”

[wonderble]

...is it bad that i'm kinda curious about the weird stuff you saw when looking for that comic link

I was kinda morbidly curious too, which is why I clicked through them. Not a huge merch person (my income isn't as disposable as much as it is "gee, i like eating") so I really never looked it up. However, fair warning , the expressions on the toys are --

Maybe they need more fiber in their diets?

Oh Mikey, we're in for it now ...

It's just my opinion, but if Rise was dependent on selling action figures and merchandise to keep its cartoon going (rather than the actual numbers of people watching it) well, erm, oh geez. ...'

Judging by ONE amazon search (putting in the key words "Rise of the teeange mutant ninja turtles" and trying to weed out Naruto and various non-rise turtles - ninja or not) it's not surprising the series was in trouble?

Take "Bug Busting Leonardo" for example. (It comes up nearly first on my search.)

It's not well articulated. Why is he holding two hoses instead of being packaged with his odachi? Once he lets them go, he'll look like he has two butt antennae.

Also, the kids can't exactly take apart his "costume" and play with him outside the "bug busters" context. And his expression .... eugh boy. This is a shame because the series itself is renown for its expressions and movements ... none of which you can recreate with this toy.

Compare it to 1980s Leonardo (which amazon also recced on the same search ...)

A lot more poseable, friendlier expression, comes with his signature weapons, AND kids can use their imaginations outside of one context/episode ... yeaaah. 2012 Leo model kit (SAME amazon rec) Also stacks up much better.

It's like they didn't even try to make RISE appealing to any age group. there were quite a few action figures, but none of our boys look very playable. Though ...

NGL, I am amused that the "shell hog Leo" has his stripes painted on the helmet. His bigger eyes in this also helps? But people are charging 84 dollars for it? OMFG no. I need to eat this week.

Then there is the infamous stampers set, complete with Shroomed up Mikey :

They all have quite a look. Right Donnie?

Anyways, most of the other stuff are party favors, stickers, bookbags and t-shirts.

I admit, this party set is not bad:

The paper masks are not bad either, TBH.

However, since I clicked on the masks, amazon thinks I need to go cosplay turtles now.

And boy, the world of turtle costumes get REALLY weird (and scanty) and what made me think about making a post in the first place. Go search at your own risk (I would include more I am running out of allowed images).

Most costumes are for the 1980s or 2012 versions. If you wanna RISE well, there are no sexy costume versions at least. Yay? But you can get their weapons? And poke an eye out?

I guess I would want to be Donatello? Maybe? It doesn't look right without the googles. Instead it looks like that old series, Fanboy and Chum Chum. Yikes.

The other boys of course get their look stolen too ... but like I said, I am running out of allowed images.

Just know that I would whack myself in the head with Mikey's Kusari-fundo. Leo's odachi has some length issues. Serious length issues. Poor Leo.

Raphael's tonfa looks the best, but you get ONE singular tofa. Yes. One. Budget cuts hit badly or something?!

All in all, much like how Nick totally trashed all its opportunities with RISE on the cartoon front, I don't think they put out much effort in the toy front either. And it's a shame. When they do try, they do it well.

BTW: Don't get me started on how amazon recced stuffies ... but not for RISE. This proves the companies DEFINITELY know how to make good merch for kids and adults, and they are HORRIBLy cute!

But nope. Not for rise.

Anyway this is getting ASS long, so Imma stop now. I hope it was worth it, stranger on the internet.

Amazon will be reccing me Sexy Splinter costumes forever now.

[mywifeleftme]

138: Various Artists // Experiments in Destiny

Experiments in Destiny Various Artists 1980, BOMP!

BOMP! is a venerable Los Angeles-based indie label, founded in 1974 and would you believe still going to this day. Experiments in Destiny samples 28 bands either signed to or distributed by the label, and it’s a who’s who of “Who?” with a few starrier names scattered in. They specialized in New Wave, homages to ‘50s and ’60s rock, and springy power pop. I wrote this intro after deciding to do a track-by-track recap below, so uh, let’s get to it because there are too many words as it is.

Side One

Stiv Bators: First time hearing the solo work from the Dead Boys’ Stiv Bators, and it turns out he’s… Tom Petty-ish?

The Real Kids: Pitching this here with no real forethought, but you can divide power pop bands by whether or not their singers sound like their throat is dry. Boston’s The Real Kids are great, great dry-throated power pop, and probably one of the better-known acts here thanks to “All Kindsa Girls” showing up on a lot of compilations. They’d already broken up by 1980, so we get an unreleased demo that probably wasn’t easy to find elsewhere at the time.

The Dadistics: Somewhere between the Slits and Rough Trade, a little Pat Benatar in the vox—puts me in the mind of the similarly cool and obscure Mo-Dettes. The first third of the song is a no wavey fakeout, then it goes into a kinda Feeliesy riff. Extremely cool! And vocalist Audrey Stanzler went on to be part of the original lineup of… Ministry?!

Blake Xolton & The Martians: Tasting notes: Maybe Magazine at their most electronically disassociated? Blake Xolton was a producer with a very sparse discography, who may also have been part of the phony International Society of Poets who set up the controversial Poetry.com, a “poetry shearing site” per Wikipedia.

Jimmy Lewis & The Checkers: Pubby cover of the Aretha Franklin chestnut “Think.” Probably a little too close to Huey Lewis & the News for my taste.

The Nuns: Blondie-esque New Wave, with some very cool guitar and backing vocal effects that make it sound like the action is taking place in a futuristic resurrection chamber.

Gary Charlson: A smooth Kansas City pop rocker—his vocals strongly remind me of some minor prince of '70s classic rock radio, but all I'm coming up with is the guy from .38 Special, and I know that's not it. His sole EP covers a number of the titans of power pop (e.g. the expected Raspberries, Byrds, and Badfinger, the at the time obscure Big Star, the eternally head’s only Crabby Appleton and Vance or Towers), but he somehow never ended up cutting an LP despite a very radio-ready sound. Self-produced wonder? Nice bit o' Middle American flavour to it.

Side Two

Rodney & The Brunettes: Cutesy one-off cover of the surf rock classic by LA DJ Rodney Bingenheimer, who gives a respectable effort.

The "B" Girls: Toronto girl group who might've been able to get some of that Go-Go's money with a little polishing. Good harmonies, lead singer had a nice voice on her.

The MnM's: Excellent shake and pop, written by Paul Collins of the Nerves and the (American) Beat, and featuring the latter band's Steve Huff on bass. Vocalist Marci Marks is the kind of diminutive punk girl I’d probably have been crazy for at the time.

Paul Collins: Speaking of Collins, this is a second reminder in a row that I really need to get around to listening to his post-Nerves material, because this is a great sub-two minute blast of punkified Merseybeat.

Nikki & the Corvettes: Three-piece girl group from Detroit that sound strikingly like Tweens, a 2010s pop punk fav of mine. I'm addicted to this particular kind of snotty/bratty femme vocal, love how much room the single guitar gives to hear the bassist noodling around. Somehow I think this is the first time I’m hearing these guys.

Kathy & the Lawnmowers: After five straight '60s revival songs, we take an abrupt detour into Devo world. Kathy & the Lawnmowers were produced by the notorious Kim Fowley, who provides a blurb in the liners explaining that the mysterious bandmembers arrived at a session wearing masks having never met before, cut some tracks, then removed their masks, didn't like the looks of one-another and split for good. That's obviously baloney, but I prefer it to the version where Fowley did something terrible to them, which would not be uncharacteristic. They’re also credited as Jukebox Rebel Queens on the back cover? Anyway, fun trash sci-fi ramble about green children.

Side Three

The Sonics: "Up (to) the Junction"—sadly not a Squeeze cover, but pretty fetching stuff from the legends nonetheless. The bluesy rocking side of the Sonics (as opposed to the frothing proto-punk side), nice biting guitar tone.

The Weirdos: Per the liners, allegedly LA's first punk band, a claim I can't dispute because I continue to not know much of anything about LA punk, this is fun rockabilly style fair, like a less stylish Cramps. Good stomping beat.

The Zantees: A Gene Vincent cover in a Stray Cats vein, with a guitar player who can really go in that zippy old school Scotty Moore style.

Jon & the Nightriders: A surf rock instrumental cover—I wondered if "Super Jet Rumble" might've been by the Jet-Tones (of "Jet Tone Boogie" 'fame'), but no, seems to be a tune by The Breakers. Anyway, this sounds like every surf rock song, which is to say it rules but not in a way you'll necessarily remember.

The Lipstick Killers: High energy Australian garage rock that the band apparently called "straight edge music"; presumably Ian MacKaye had to go down to the Yabba and win a few rounds of the game from Wake in Fright to win the rights to that term. While we're at it, the song's called "Hindu Gods (of Love)"—Warren Zevon and R.E.M., you've got some explaining to do! Presumably on the B-side of the original single they also coined the term 'hyphy' and invented Lou Barlow.

The Hypstrz: A Minneapolis band with a legendary live reputation, but I can't really fuck with bands whose main gimmick is garaged up versions of old R&B sides. They probably absolutely crushed it live, but this version of "In the Midnight Hour" just kinda exists for me.

The Last: Clearly a last-minute (not a pun, fuck you) addition as it's not listed on the back of the sleeve or in the liners, the Last's "She Don't Know Why I'm Here" is a slashing piece of Anglophile psych-pop and one of the best things on this entire comp. It stuffs a remarkable number of twists and turns, false finishes, and secondary riffs into its three-and-a-half-minute runtime. The Last have a small cult following for their run of singles and debut LP LA Explosion! My only regret is that they didn't include the original single version of this one, as it elevates a groovy jam into a thrashing raveup.

The Dead Boys: Stiv Bators' second appearance on the comp; the Dead Boys were an almighty force in their day, but there's something kinda funny to me about ol' sloppy Stiv being the centrepiece of any label's roster. A good-enough take on "3rd Generation Nation" from their live LP Night of the Living Dead Boys—RateYourMusic reviewer mofoking shares some interesting backstory on how that LP came to be distributed by Bomp! and why nearly all of Stiv's vocals had to be overdubbed.

Side Four

The Crawdaddys: Perfectly competent Velvets cover, though the vox sneer their way past Lou into a Dylan impression.

The Martians: Previously appearing on this comp backing up "Blake Xolton" on a weirdo New Wave Christmas song, their own sound is traditional Merseybeat stuff. This isn't a classic, but it's a damned fine pastiche. Apparently they were a pair of record producers who joined together for this project, sharing lead vocal duties and playing all of the instruments themselves. No wonder it sounds great.

Pete Holly & the Looks: Heavy New Wave from Boise, Idaho, sporting a hilarious watery vocal filter and waka-waka guitar riffing. The chorus conceit is goofy ("Look out! Below!") but the Boiseans acquit themselves well. Somebody had to hold down the fort between Paul Revere & the Raiders and Built to Spill, so my thanks to Pete Holly.

The Wombats: Not the ’60s Wombats from Illinois or the ‘90s Wombats from also Illinois or the ‘00s Wombats from Liverpool, but rather a fourth Wombats from Cleveland, presumably the marsupial capital of the Lower Midwest. This (“Utter Frustration”) is sloppy and great and went by very quickly while I was trying to research whether Ohio's indeed part of the Lower Midwest, so I had to listen to it again.

Rainbow Red Oxidizer: A former sideman for the Seeds' Sky Saxton (presumably around the time he was fucking around with the Source Family), Rainbow Neal is accompanied by members of Focus, Spirit, Captain Beefheart's Magic Band, and even Mars Bonfire from Steppenwolf. I've got like six tabs open trying to figure out what this guy's deal is--love when a compilation sends me down a research hole like this. I'm sampling the Oxidizer LP now, and despite its New Wave window dressing, it's viciously sarcastic garage rock with the occasional jangly gem—if anything Rainbow's voice reminds me of Wire's Colin Newman. What a great song "When You Walk in the Room" is!

Cheek: Okay, these guys are Australian, covering an old Easybeats song, and are even produced by Vanda & Young, who give them something like a vintage AC/DC production sound, though these guys are considerably poppier than Angus and company. Vocalist does have a faint Bon Scott keen to his voice at times though.

The Romantics: Detroiters best known for "What I Like About You" (one of those songs I have heard ten thousand songs and never questioned the provenance of) turn in a rarity in "Running Away," a slab of pristine midwestern power pop that was apparently intended to be issued as a single with BOMP! but ended up seeing its first release here. They'd lose the Romantics to the Atlantic-distributed Nemperor Records right before they blew the fuck up, which has gotta be a label owner's nightmare.

Well, that took goddamn forever. If you’re still around, the tracks I most recommend fishing out are the Real Kids, Dadistics, “B” Girls, MnMs, Paul Collins, Nikki & the Corvettes, Last, Martians, Wombats, and Rainbow Red Oxidizer tunes. Not a bad haul!

138/365

[dzpenumbra]

4/28/23

Tumblr just ate my journal. Like half an hour of writing, at least. So... I'm just gonna take the L on this one.

This is the piece I did today. I like it. I plan on filling the whole sketchbook with abstract pieces like this. We'll see what it evolves into.

I did therapy, it went well. We resolved the issue from last week very quickly and easily, and he learned a lot about some of my deeper stuff, which is really important and was really the best case scenario I was hoping for.

So... yeah, I went into a lot of detail on that a few minutes ago but I don't really feel like getting into it again. That's frustrating. Like... I just started to hit Enter for a new paragraph and it was putting line breaks in the wrong place, so I hit ctrl+z and it deleted my entire journal and I couldn't ctrl+shift+z it back. So... I guess fuck me. Points for trying.

Not a hugely eventful day, just been drawing and did therapy and watched RP on a new server set in the 1980's, which is stunningly depressing to see how little the average Twitch chatter knows about daily life in the 80's. But hey, I guess every generation's got em, right?

I'm gonna get a late night snack and head to bed. I just noticed my orchid is kinda dying. :( The flowers are finally falling off. It lasted a long fuckin time though, I got that thing like.. a few weeks before Valentine's Day? And it's late April? Pretty nuts. And my tomatoes are sprouting really fast! Oh, and I noticed a pepper sprouting today too! So yay!

[omgchyeahplease]

hi what about Hall & Murray and 10?

I Need a Woman - Hockey Dad 

Syd, you literally picked the most ironic of titles, thank you

———

When Murray gets hired as SMH’s assistant coach after Hall (finally) gets promoted to head coach — all in the name of making Samwell one of the best NCAA hockey teams in the country — Hall invites him out to dinner. Purely for professional reasons; they’re somehow expected to elevate this program to the next level, despite their lack of experience, and Hall suspects that establishing an excellent working relationship with his coworker is going to be essential to making it through. 

“Your girlfriend is also invited,” he says, then pauses, because they’re both only in their mid twenties, “or wife?” 

“Oh.” Murray shrugs, “I’m not currently seeing anyone.” 

“No worries,” Hall says, and internally breathes a sigh of relief that he won’t have to ask poor Denise to be his beard for yet another work-dinner. “Then mind if we hit up a sports bar instead?” 

He laughs, and Hall doesn’t realise Murray’d been so tense — to be fair, this is their first meeting since Murray’s application interviews, and Hall has been a part of running this program a few years already — until his shoulders practically melt. “That’s a bit more my speed, yeah.” 

They end up in a place slightly out of town, because Hall has become an expert in finding sports bars unfrequented by packs of Samwell student athletes looking to pick his brains– a difficult feat to accomplish in such a small town. Hall’s just about on his third beer, idly watching the Bruins destroy the poor Atlanta Thrashers, but most of his focus is on Murray.

Man, is he sharp. It’s not very often that Hall meets someone who can meet him on the same level when it comes to sparring hockey talk, but here they are, passionately involved in a debate on the Oilers, shitty referee calls from last year’s playoffs, and whether or not SMH needs to change its logo (”It’s literally two hockey sticks, a puck, and our team name!”,“It’s a classic!”). 

He also kind of can’t take his eyes off of him, which is a bit upsetting, considering the Bruins are up 1-7, but also for purely personal reasons, namely that Hall is a gay man working on the collegiate level for a major American sport. 

That said: the way Murray talks with his hands, the strong line of his nose, the heavy set of his eyebrows, and, well, Hall can’t really lie to himself. It’s the hockey talk, and how Murray seems invested in the players they’ll be coaching, rather than only what they can do on the ice. 

It’s exactly why they hired him. It’s exactly why Hall needs to watch the fuck out. 

He’ll give it time; this ill-advised crush on his straight coworker’ll pass. 

Send me a 1-100 number and a ship and I’ll write something based on the corresponding song in my Spotify wrapped! 

[nanaminokanojo]

[10:00 PM] Ryomen Sukuna

LOG 14 OF MY JUJUTSU KAISEN TIMESTAMP DRABBLES

CHARACTERS: Sukuna X You WORD COUNT: 1,202 GENRE: fluff | kinda smut? | kinda angst | salaryman Sukuna TRIGGER WARNING: nudity | some touching lol | profanity | possessiveness | unhealthy amounts of jealousy lol SPOILERS: n/a

collection masterlist

photo/fanart credits to @/Natsushio on Weibo

"Baby."

Sukuna knows you heard him. Still, you continued walking as if you didn't, going ahead of him about ten paces ahead, your posture and the overall attitude in your gait speaking volumes of your current mood. He easily kept up with you, placing an arm over your shoulder, but much to his surprise, you shrugged it off you and walked the remaining expanse of sidewalk towards your shared apartment. He just watched in annoyance as you walked into the lobby and got into the elevator before him.

"Trouble with your princess?" this nosy grandma, who lived at one of the units at the first floor, asked.

Sukuna just smiled awkwardly, bowing slightly as he passed her by on his way to the elevator. When he finally got into your unit, he found your coat lying on the hallway, picking it up only to see your jeans a few steps ahead then your shirt. He finally found you in the kitchen already wrapped in a robe which you didn't even bother tying up, agitatedly pouring yourself a glass of wine, the cerise liquid sloshing around the glass violently.

You were behaving rather out of character, making a mess out of your clothes when he knew just how much you hated it when he leaves his things scattered about. On top of that, you left the cutlery drawer open with the corkscrew you used on top of the counter, droplets of red wine littering the granite top. You just passed him by without saying anything, refusing to look at him on your way to your bedroom.

I see how it is, he thought, taking long strides to the direction you went. He eyed you sternly, having had enough of your attitude. "Y/N, what's going on?" he demanded.

You flinched visibly at the way he addressed you. He doesn't call you by your name unless he was dead serious about something. "It's nothing. Don't mind me."

"Woman, don't tell me it's nothing when –"

Before he could finish, you walked into the adjoining bathroom, turning on the tap to the tub to tune him out. You were evidently being passive-aggressive now, and he detested it when you did that.

"Just go back to your party. I'm sure everyone's wondering where you've gone," you told him, picking up your glass from the dresser top. "Especially Miss Hanako." You shot him a sardonic smile before taking a swig out of your wine, the way you said the woman’s name dripping with vitriol.

And then it hit him. You've been dishing out barb since you told him you wanted to leave the company party he was partly hosting for his department. You did so when the secretary to the president arrived and started chatting him up. He was now thinking your behavior thereafter had something to do with it. You were fine before that so it could only mean one thing.

He didn't know whether to laugh or what at the thought of it. When he decided to pursue you, he didn't have qualms about it even if you were a good six years younger than him. He knew how problematic it could get having an immature partner, but that's where you were different. You held yourself with such confidence, grace and equilibrium way beyond your age, you shared the same pragmatic mindset he had and you didn't seem to have a proclivity for drama like others your age. You hardly ever fought because of petty things and he loved that about you.

But then, you're still young and he didn't hold it against you that you're suddenly acting like a brat. If anything, he was happy about it because you were never ever jealous. It sometimes made him doubt how you felt about him when you yourself would be pointing at other chicks for him to look at while saying things like, "Baby, look at her ass. Damn, she's sexy." And now that the green-eyed monster is rearing its head to the surface, he couldn't say he didn't like it.

"What about her?" he asked cautiously, making you jump the hoops.

You sneered, the action very intimidating despite your angelic features. “Oh, I don’t know, Sukuna. You tell me. You seemed to be enjoying her company. Don’t stop at my expense.”

He leveled his expressions to you. “Well, she is something, isn’t she? Smart, too.”

“Yeah, you deserve each other,” you hissed, the anger flaring up in your eyes making him stir alive.

“But she’s married.”

“All the better!” Seeing through what he was doing, you turned towards the bathroom and slammed the door shut. He didn't hear you lock it so he followed suit.

"If you're jealous, just say so already!" he told you. He wanted to hear it out of your mouth.

"Why would I be jealous? She looks like a bad rip-off of 80s Brooke Shields!" you spat, confirming his thoughts. You climbed into the bathtub sulkily, eyes on the bubbly water.

Sukuna knew he shouldn't even be thrilled about the prospect of it. If you were jealous then that means you were kinda doubting him in terms of his loyalty to you, and he should not like that, but at the same time, you were also being possessive which you rarely do. He couldn't help it.

Loosening his tie, he began shedding his clothes off, stripping naked before you, revealing the tattooed expanse of his skin and his impressive musculature as he tossed one garment after the other.

"What are you doing?" you asked as he approached, the way you mumbled the words causing him to just sigh, feeing defeated at how endearing you looked hugging your knees to yourself. "I thought I told you to go back to your party."

He didn't say anything as he went into the tub, sitting opposite you, but it wasn't long before he was pulling you towards him, positioning you between his legs so your back was pressed against his hard chest. He then began planting hungry kisses on your neck, down to your shoulders, his large hands wandering all over your body, one already having found itself on your breasts while the other coaxed your head to turn towards him so he can kiss you, his movements urgent yet languid and gentle.

"I'm all yours," he breathed against your lips, grinning. "You know that, right?"

"I know." You shrugged, facing forward again. “I don’t like the way that witch was touching you though. And you were all smiles about it, too.” You smacked him on the thigh, eliciting that deep laughter you adored no matter how mad you were at him. “Don’t laugh! It’s not funny.”

“It kinda is.”

“If you even think for a second that anyone can have you, Ryomen Sukuna, you’re wrong.” You looked him in the eyes, your dark orbs boring into him while your hand touched the side of his face, your crimson-painted nails looking like claws against his cheek. “You’re mine.”

He wrapped his arm around you, kissing you on the temple before placing his chin on your shoulder. "Jealousy is ugly, baby," he whispered in your ear, "but I gotta say, you wear it so well."

-END-

Okay. Before I get another "untimely (and unsolicited, if I'm allowed to say) lecture" about the etymology of the word "Ryōmen (両面/りょう)" meaning "two-faced/two-sided" and not a surname or given name , let me say it now, I KNOW, but thanks anyway. Sukuna and I are neighbors, just 4 hours by train. Geez. However, I am using his whole name in literature form, so if I do switch it up and use it as a surname for him (cause heaven forbid, the Kamigami rain hell on me) it's all for fun and literary creativity. No need to get too pressed over it.

No more fighting on my comments to point this out @fushigummy @kenkinori XD

And I have nothing against the 1980s or Brooke Shields. *waves at her fans*

It's established. I love bathtub scenes although I detest the idea of stewing in my own filth. But yeah, look forward to more bathtub drabbles.

I say too many things. Bye.

Thank you so much for reading. Likes, comments and reblogs are deeply appreciated! Hope you enjoyed it.

© ORIGINAL WORK BY nanaminokanojo. CHARACTERS ARE INSPIRED BY GEGE AKUTAMI'S JUJUTSU KAISEN. [20210603]

PHOTO/IMAGE/GIF/FANART CREDITS TO THE RESPECTIVE OWNERS.

[maple-the-awesome]

We'll Meet Again...I Know When || Chapter 4

Pairing: Bucky Barnes x GN Reader

Words: 3,052

Overview: Given your old-fashioned personality and obsession with all things 1940s to 1980s, it’s no wonder that most people refer to you as an ‘old soul’ who would’ve rather lived back then than in the modern era. Little do they know, you already did, but with your previous life as Hollie Stark cut short, you’ve been left with some…unfinished business, to say the least. Top of your list? Finally getting to marry your thought-to-be-lost fiancé.

Series Masterlist 🤎 Marvel Masterlist 🤎 Fandom Masterlist

CHAPTER FOUR: SHATTERING TRUTH

Everyone's faces become luminated by the laptop screen's light the second it finally powers on. Without looking back at those who practically hang over your shoulder watching, you raise an open hand in demand," drive."

Natasha's quick to pass the item in question over, allowing you to plug it in before beginning to work your magic. Thanks to Hollie's password, there's no need for you to hack into anything. Granting you instant access to the data, you can immediately start tracking the location from where the information on the flash drive has been sent.

Due to her position in the middle of the back seat, you miss the way Natasha’s eyebrow raises when you easily enter the system after a single attempt,” that was quick.”

You merely hum with disinterest," I'm no amateur."

"New Jersey?" Steve reads from one glance at the map you've pulled up.

Yet again, you hum, zooming in a bit to get a better look at the exact location. Wheaton, New Jersey...? It takes a moment to scratch the depths of your memories to find out why that particular area sounds so familiar. Hollie used to live in Alpine, but there was one reason for her to travel all the way to Wheaton.

"Recognize this place, Steve?" You lean the screen towards the soldier in question who reminds you just how old he is by the way he squints to see better. It almost makes you roll your eyes and crack a joke, but you refrain.

"Yeah, I do," without needing another word, he turns the keys in the ignition to start the engine and begin the long journey ahead of yourselves. It's best you all get going soon anyways. It's only a matter of time before someone calls in to report the stolen truck parked suspiciously in the shadows of an underpass.

"Somewhere important to you two I'm guessing?"

'Yeah', you think a bit too bitterly when Steve shakes his head.

"It's where my old boot camp was."

"It's also one of the original SHIELD headquarters...was anyways," you fill in, deciding to explain further once earning a confused glance from him," after you went under and the war ended, the camp was transformed into a base with the office hidden in an ammunition bunker. SHIELD used it for a few years before eventually upgrading to more modern facilities that weren't so dark and cold."

"You really know your SHIELD history, huh?" Natasha comments, staring at the back of your head as if all your secrets would suddenly be revealed to her. Of course, you can't blame her for looking at everyone twice especially given the current situation, but you fear even a brilliant spy like herself won't be able to find the impossible truth.

"You could say that," while she doesn't worry you quite yet, you don't like being stared at which turns your attention to Steve who's seemed pretty impatient this entire trip despite it really only just beginning," hey, where'd you learn to steal a truck? I thought you're supposed to be a righteous stars and stripes kinda guy; the 'do no wrong, Rogers'."

Of course, you know who taught him, but despite your effort of lightening the mood, he doesn't even crack a smile.

"Nazi Germany, and we're not stealing, we're borrowing."

"Oh~ Borrowing. Got it...Then how come you always get mad at me when I borrow your sweatshirts?"

"You have your own sweatshirts," finally you spot a slight turn to his lips.

"But yours are bigger and, like, super soft! Plus it's good practice being able to sneak into your room and see how long it takes you to notice your stuff's missing. Keeps you on your toes.”

Even Natasha's smirking at this point," you know, usually people only steal clothes from their boyfriends. Are you guys sure you're not dating behind my back?"

It's a harmless comment and a joke Natasha's made on various occasions before without any ill intent meant, but it makes the truck go quiet anyways. Steve's face becomes painted in red while you scrunch your nose and move to look out the passenger window with your head rested against your palm,"...positive."

"This way. Don't get lost," you don't even bother looking at the exact location twice, knowing the path through the abandoned camp like the back of your hand even if it's now overgrown with weeds and all the buildings are beginning to fall apart.

Natasha follows right on your heel, deciding to examine the area while walking. Meanwhile Steve keeps falling behind despite your warnings, stopping to likely reminisce on old memories which you can't blame him for. You've been there countless times before.

"Where are we going? The signal was the other way," Natasha reminds you kindly, looking over her phone with confusion as you continue to head straight, clearly on a mission.

"I have a good feeling about this place," you stop outside a munitions storage building, touching the lock on the handle before turning to Steve who's only just then catching up with both reality and the reason why you've picked this building out of all the others," wanna do the honors, Rogers?"

It takes him far less time to bust off the lock then it would've taken for you to pick it. In seconds, the doors open, allowing you all entrance into the office building you haven't stepped foot in for decades yet it's just as cold as you remember it.

There's a thick layer of dust over everything and even when the lights are turned on, there's still enough shadows to make you question how anyone ever did their work down here to begin with.

In a way, it reminds you of a time capsule. Desks are home to various old office supplies and there's still chairs pushed up against them as if employees had planned to return after the weekend. A part of you wants to explore it all, taking time to examine each room to remember the good o' times, but instead you force yourself to follow Steve and Natasha's lead to the main office which is just as bare and dusty as everywhere else except the founders’ pictures still remain hung on the very wall they always have been.

"There's Stark's father," it's really no surprise that Natasha's able to recognize the family resemblance. It's always been clear to you when looking at Tony that he's a copy of Howard’s better attributes including looks.

Ever so slowly, you step forward and let your hand stretch out to fix your brother's crooked photo, assuring that it's straight like all the others. Your hands then fall to your own photo, fingers ever so slightly brushing against the glass which coats them in dust not that you care.

It's always strange looking at photos of your past life while knowing you don't look the same yet it's you nonetheless. Back then, your hair had been dark and long, pinned in a pompadour style that began to curl the further back it got. While the photo is in black and white, you know you were wearing your typical tan uniform with Bucky's tags kept secretly secure in your left breast pocket, closest to your heart where he's forever remained.

"Who's that?" Natasha asks from behind, breaking you from whatever trace you've been in.

"Hollie Stark, Tony's aunt," you blink before sucking in a breath and stepping back to smile at Natasha," then there's Colonel Phillips and Peggy Carter."

Maybe you would've explained more, but your attention is stolen by Steve's retreating figure which etches a frown upon your lips.

"If you're already working in a secret office-," he examines a particular case before grabbing the side of it and forcing it open to reveal a hidden hallway,"- then why would you need a hidden elevator?"

Natasha walks ahead, scanning the keypad to find the code. Once punching in the four digit code, the elevator door creaks open, allowing all three of you entry before taking you down to the bottom floor through a silent ride.

The real magic happens when exiting the elevator. Upon closer expectation, the automatic lights blink on, allowing a better view of the giant yet outdated computer. It's a bit funny running your hand over the dusted boxes, remembering how they used to be quite the achievement all the way back then. Now, they're ancient and only a fragment as impressive as the small handheld device kept in your pocket. Oh, how times have changed.

"Maybe we have the wrong place. There's no way the data was sent by something so ancient."

"Careful, Nat. Steve's older," you smirk at the disapproving look the blond sends you before turning your attention to the front desk. There's a thick layer of dust covering it, however, it's been disrupted around the keyboard," someone's been here recently...and would you look at that? Not everything here is as ancient as Steve."

You step back, gesturing to the only modern device in sight; a small plug in for the flash drive. Natasha places the drive just there which seems to set off a chain reaction. All lights in the room turn on as does the computer itself, although it takes a bit longer to power on. All too slowly, the camera at the front desk moves up and the screen lights up with green letters typing across it: Initiate system?

Natasha's brave enough to reach forward to type 'yes', signaling for the computer to continue powering on. A smirk tugs at her lips," shall we play a game?...It's from a movie-"

"-I know, I saw it," Steve brushes off her joke, his eyes glued to the screens as they begin lighting up in green after the system gives a few beeps.

"Rogers, Steve, born 1918..." a robotic voice announces, the camera moving from a confused Steve to Natasha then yourself," Romanoff, Natalia Alianovna, born 1984...(L/n), (Y/n), born 1990."

"It's some kind of recording?"

"I am no recording, Fraeulein. I may not look to be the man I was when the Captain took me prisoner in 1945, but I am," the lights of the main screen begin to take a shape oddly similar to a face; a familiar one at that. Sure enough, one of the smaller screens showcases a picture of a recognizable man that makes both Steve and you furrow your eyebrows with concern.

Steve takes slow steps around the computer, perhaps searching for any clues that would prove this to be some sort of humorless prank," Amim Zola was a German scientist working for Red Skull, but he's been dead for years."

"Correction number one: I am Swiss. Correction number two: just look around yourselves. I can assure you, I have never been more alive. You see, in 1972, I received a terminal diagnosis. While science could not save my body, my mind was worth saving on 200,000 feet of databanks. In other words, you are standing in my brain," Zola explains matter of factly, making a chill run down your spine.

"How did you get here?" Steve demands, circling back around at the same time that you step back.

Turning, you gaze around the entire room of databanks, realization sinking in faster than Zola can confirm," Operation Paperclip...After the war, we recruited German scientists who held strategic value. We figured they could be put to some use- redeem themselves by helping a new cause to our benefit."

"Correct, but what SHIELD did not know was that I was also helping my own," Zola adds, earning your immediate attention as you glare back at the screens.

"And what do you mean by that? HYDRA fell after the war. How could you aid a dead cause?" You demand with balled fists.

Operation Paperclip had always been a risk. While you never trusted any of those scientists further than you could reach them, it couldn't be denied that they offered intelligence beneficial to an organization born from the soot of war. Of course, nothing is free. The price for knowledge was welcoming possible enemies and while SHIELD had hoped to keep a handle on the situation, you're beginning to realize now more than ever that it's impossible to control every movement of evil. Somewhere along the lines, it managed to slip past you.

"Cut off one head, two more shall take its place," all of the screens turn on, creating a slideshow of recordings and newspaper clips surrounding the war," HYDRA was founded on the belief that humanity could not be trusted with its own freedom, however, we did not realize that if you try to cage freedom, humanity resists. The war taught us much, including a new strategy to achieving our means: freedom must not be taken, but surrendered willingly.

"After the war, SHIELD was founded and I was recruited. The new HYDRA grew as a beautiful parasite inside of the enemy. For seventy years, we have been secretly feeding crisis and war. If history did not cooperate, then history was changed," the screens show pictures of the infamous Winter Soldier in whom Natasha and Steve have already informed you played a role in Director Fury's death which confirms that Zola must be tied to the data on the flash drive.

"That's impossible. SHIELD would've stopped you," Natasha's argument perks your attention and casts your own doubt over Zola's claims. She's right, after all. You had kept a close eye on everyone within SHIELD including the scientists on Operation Paperclip. You even made a secret password just to check the systems to ensure nothing was hidden under your nose. If HYDRA was truly hidden within SHIELD, Hollie would've found out. Even beyond her death, someone else surely would've seen.

"Accidents will happen," Zola's remarks coldly, the screens switching again. While most of the pictures he's shown until this point have only managed to either confuse or irritate you, this newspaper headline makes your heart skip a beat and a terrible sickness fills your stomach.

Holiday Stark Killed Outside Her Mansion In Alpine, New Jersey

The twisting of your nerves only increases when similar reports replace the first, one for your brother and the other for Director Fury. Each only remain on screen for a few seconds, enough to taunt you with the reveal of why your past life's murder had never been solved...why it had even happened in the first place...

Hollie's death is something you've never been the best at remembering, not that you've ever really tried to. It normally came in the form of nightmares during the younger years of your life, becoming one of the first true signs you had to realize you've lived once before.

You’ve always been disappointed to learn your killer has never been brought to justice, the case having gone cold despite how much Howard fought to avenge his little sister. All this time, you believed it to be an assassination due to your status. Never once did you think it was to prevent you from finding the snakes slithering around you in SHIELD.

"HYDRA created a world so chaotic that humanity will finally be ready to sacrifice freedom in exchange for security. Once a purification process is complete, HYDRA's new world order will arise as it was always destined to," Zola's words are numb in your ears while you stare blankly ahead. So are the increasing breaths from Steve who stands at your side with a clenched jaw," we have won, Captain. Your death amounts to the same as your life: a zero sum."

Steve suddenly punches the main screen with a grunt, shattering the glass yet much to everyone's dismay, the face of Zola merely changes to the next screen, continuing without missing a beat," as I was saying-"

"-What's on this drive?" Steve demands, stepping closer as if prepared to smash the current screen, too.

"Project Insight requires insight, therefore, I wrote an algorithm for the occasion."

"What kind of algorithm?" Natasha peeks over Steve's shoulder before glancing at you. She raises a worried eyebrow at your pale features which make you look ready to faint.

"To answer that question would be fascinating, however, it would also be a waste of time seeing that you will all be too dead to hear it," on cue, the doors leading to the elevator begin to creak shut.

Despite Steve's attempt of throwing his shield to haul them, they complete their mission by locking you all inside. Seconds later, Natasha's phone beeps, capturing her attention with worry," guys, we've got a bogey heading this way. Short range ballistic, thirty seconds tops."

"Who fired it?"

"...SHIELD…" you mumble finally, not needing to even glance at Natasha's phone to know the answer. Snapping back to reality, you peer to her then Steve while biting down on your lip," he’s been stalling this entire time and this bunker isn't designed to withstand a strike!”

"You are correct. You must admit it. It's better this way. We are, both of us, out of time, Captain.”

Despite Zola's taunting, Steve doesn't hesitate to scan the room in search for cover while Natasha and you grab the drive before hurrying to his side. In the meantime, he effortlessly rips a vent off the ground, throwing it aside then turning to reach his arm out for the two of you.

Natasha's the first to jump down into the vent. Just as you feel Steve’s arm wrap around your back, a blaring explosion sets off at a close enough range that makes your ears buzz and the heat of the flames lick your bodies. This makes him practically toss you down out of the way before jumping in as well.

Within milliseconds, his arm is back around you, pushing you to his chest and pulling Natasha close, too. From there, all three of you huddle together, Steve holding his shield above while Natasha and you duck your heads with hands over your ears. Nevertheless, you can still hear the building being torn apart from all angles and the debris bouncing off of Steve’s shield.

Despite your eyes being squeezed shut, you can see flashes of light lightly from the explosion and electricity. With each breath, you inhale dust that makes your lungs burn, resulting in you slowly losing consciousness. Soon, your head falls against Steve’s chest and the last thing you remember is Natasha falling limp against your shoulder as well, neither of you able to handle the fumes. 

NEXT CHAPTER➡️

⬅️PREVIOUS CHAPTER

[chika-the-terrible]

HP x AC AU?

I know this has probably been done to death, but Harry being raised by people other than the Dursleys can always lead to some interesting takes, and here’s my contribution to that.

Do note that I haven’t played all of the AC games yet, certainly not Black Flag, Unity, or Rogue, so I apologize if some things are OOC for the Assassins. It’s also been a long while since I read the HP books or watched the movies, so sorry in advance if the information is inaccurate.

Working Title: With Accidents, You’ll Never Know What Could Happen

Main Idea: Basically, Harry is raised by the Assassins, but not just any Assassins. I’m thinking, maybe because of a Time Turner or a Piece of Eden or something, you have most of the main Assassins (Altaïr, Ezio, Connor, Edward, Arno, Jacob, and Evie) finding themselves in England in the 1980s. Huge differing team-up, but they’re all trying to survive in a time period they don’t understand and so try to make the best of it. And then they come across Harry, who is not being treated well by the Dursleys, and so they kinda just steal Harry and make him their own kid. After that, shenanigans ensue.

Here are some of my ideas, pre-Hogwarts:

Everyone kinda agrees that Jacob and Evie are the de facto guides, since they lived in the time period closest to the present and they lived in London, but they aren’t the ‘leaders.’ That job goes more to Ezio and Altaïr.

Their first priorities are to find a place to stay and get jobs. Once they have those covered, they can start figuring out what happened and how they can get back to their own times.

Altaïr, Ezio, and Arno know some English but not a lot, so it’s kinda up to Evie to help fill in the gaps, since I imagine she also studied languages with her assassin training and because it seems a little unlikely to me that the three knew a lot of English. My thought is that the Animus translated most of the language when playing as them, so they don’t actually know a lot. Until everyone can understand each other better, Evie helps act as translator and mediator.

While I haven’t had the chance to play Black Flag yet, I have a feeling that Edward and Jacob would immediately start butting heads because of their personalities and so a small rift might start between them. Also, Edward has no idea that Connor’s his grandson and Connor plans on keeping it that way until he knows Edward more so he can make the decision to trust him.

It’s after they’ve had a chance to settle in and get jobs that they come across Harry. Harry’s either been left behind or they see the Dursleys not treating Harry right and so they step in. It’s immediately understood between all of them that they can’t return Harry to the Dursleys and so they make up a new identity for him, making him Jacob’s son to make it more believable.

Everyone takes turns caring for Harry. Some feel more awkward about it than others, but they all enjoy Harry’s presence. And since there’s seven of them, each one takes a day to care for Harry and try to teach him their own things. For example, Edward tries to teach Harry about being a pirate and ships and tells him stories, and Ezio teaches Harry some Italian and talks way too much about Leonardo da Vinci.

Over the years, Harry learns a lot from the Assassins. He learns their  languages and histories before he enters primary school, among other things, and most of the Assassins just want to keep him innocent from their actual profession. Unsurprisingly, it’s Altaïr who first advocates against this, but not because it’s how he was raised. He understands that, while the world is different, it’s still plenty dangerous, so Harry should be prepared. Connor agrees with this and Ezio is soon swayed to their side because he can also see the benefits. Jacob and Evie are vehemently against it because of their own upbringing as Assassins and they don’t want Harry to go through the same thing. Not sure what sides Arno and Edward would be on, but the issue leaves the group divided until the magical world makes itself known. It especially becomes a non-issue once they learn how big of a target Harry has on his back.

Harry’s powers do spark up sometimes while he grows up with the Assassins but it’s never anything big, so they don’t make too much of a fuss over it. It’s only after they get the owl letter and someone comes to see them that they see that the Precursors weren’t the only strangers in the world.

[solradguy]

Could we possibly learn more about your D&D character(s)? :D

YEAH!!! Thanks for asking :D!! My group used to do one-shots every time someone in the group couldn't make it so I've had like 15 characters haha I'll tell you about the two I'm playing now and my all-time favorite character I've played.

We have a side campaign run by Raven that takes place in Strixhaven and we do this campaign when too many people are missing from our main one. My character for this campaign is a Leonin wizard named Gringdor Kethu (the R's in Gringdor are rolled). He was raised by a gay Dwarf couple and I wrote him to have the most wholesome backstory possible lol. They love him so much and support all of his hobbies and are paying for his way through college. Gringdor wants to study theology at Strixhaven.

Gringdor's personality at the start of the campaign was pretty stuffy and arrogant, but the dice had other plans about that!!!! He rolls bad on EVERYTHING. EVERY SINGLE THING. It's so funny. The first time we got into combat poor Gringdor whiffed like EVERY HIT and then we had a dance class where he tripped and knocked down a bunch of people. He's soooooo pathetic but he's very optimistic and he's trying his best!!!

I did our tokens for this campaign in watercolors and based them on the original UK covers for Harry Potter. Here's Gringdor's:

Our current main campaign is run by Nuns and is a homebrew scifi/fantasy mixture setting with space travel and cyberpunk elements. The party recently got consumed by Rylox, an elder deity, and isekai'd to a medieval fantasy setting. I'm playing Mirasaran Tokhubileh (Mira) in this setting. He's a half-Orc/half-Tiefling (he uses the half-Orc stats but looks mostly like a Tiefling) pact of the old one warlock and his patron, Nyarlathotep (Gnarly), turned out just to be a rather wimpy messenger of Rylox and the other elder deities.

The medieval setting the group is in right now is eternally night and the people there worship the Twin Suns, Sigma Yol and Serrenna, and recognized Mira's magic as being related to Rylox, who is basically the anti-christ to them. One of our party members, Zab, was created by the Twin Suns. Most of the party kind of has this "friends because they have to be" dynamic but Mira and Zab are actually pretty good friends despite their powers coming from totally opposite places haha. They've butted heads on it before, but Mira got his powers unwillingly and doesn't always want to do what Gnarly does (which is usually kill and eat innocent people lol). Mira's sort of getting into the idea of killing people though because he's fed up with being pushed around by other people.

I drew all our tokens for this campaign in a sort of 1980s anime inspired style. Here's Mira's:

and his ref sheet:

My ALL TIME dnd bae is the second character I ever made for dnd. My buddy Shottie and I tried doing a campaign with this guy named Wolf but everyone got busy with work n stuff so the group dissolved. I played a character named Daemedes (half-Orc paladin) for that and Shottie played Nekeesk, Dae's bff, who was a Kobold necromancer. Then we found a new group through Reddit and ran Curse of Strahd. I didn't want to have to manage spell slots n stuff so I made a Tiefling barbarian based on one I was playing in Neverwinter at the time, Steel Flexmeat, but I didn't want to ruin the vibe of the setting bringing his name over like that and I changed it to Stahl Flexicarnosus (a pseudonym).

I wanted Stahl to be an outgoing asshole jock-type character but our DM back then (not Nuns, our current DM) wanted us to do character voices and I was too shy to so Stahl became introverted. He was still kind of a bastard but instead of rubbing it into peoples' faces, he let his actions speak for him instead.

Our Curse of Stahd campaign was kinda rushed by our DM and I wasn't really satisfied with how it went so when we got our current DM, Nuns, I brought Stahl back for our Ravnica campaign. I talked to him about working Stahl's CoS lore in with Ravnica since Rav's got a bunch of planeswalking nonsense going on anyway. Stahl's lore ended up that when the CoS party went to kill Stahd, the magic they activated to permanently kill Strahd and stop him from resurrecting forever went sideways and Stahl got blasted to another dimension: Ravnica.

In Ravnica, Stahl ended up joining the Gruul Clans (Zhur Taa specifically; Gruul was like the Mad Max raider faction) and decided that he was going to summon Ilharg the Raze Boar in the hopes that causing a cataclysmic amount of damage to this plane might warp him either back to the CoS plane or even the plane he came from originally (CoS itself was a separate dimension Stahl had fallen into). Shottie brought Nekeesk back for this campaign too and we had some moments where I got to play Daemedes again. It was cool.

Stahl ended up joining with the party because he was chosen by the Gruul Clans to go to this super boring meeting that all of the guilds of Ravnica had been called to attend because he was like the "new guy" and a bit of an outcast. It turned out that Nicol Bolas was returning and was going to blow the whole place up. Stahl could not care less.

A bunch of crazy stuff went down and basically Stahl became the vessel of Ilharg a few weeks before the party had a showdown with Nicol Bolas. Stahl turned into a giant flaming boar monster and fought Bolas with the rest of the party on top of these floating islands in the sky. It was sikkkkkkkkk. We were SO CLOSE to party wiping. Ilharg's essence made Stahl want to burn and destroy everything around him so whenever it was my turn to attack, I also had to roll to make sure that Stahl stayed in control of himself and didn't start attacking the party. The rolls were insane. I had to beat like a 15 or something and rolled higher than that like 5 times in a row.

After the party killed Nicol Bolas, they all kind of scattered in different directions. Stahl still had Ilharg's essence in him so he went back to the Gruul wasteland so if he accidentally flaming boar god installed again, he'd only melt cacti and stuff until he calmed down again. This was like 3 years before I got into GG btw, which I think is hilarious. I was so close to accidentally reverse engineering Tiefling Sol Badguy hahaha

Anyway, I've drawn Stahl a LOT. Our DM uses this cute token pack so I drew our party's tokens based on it. Here's Stahls:

And his post-Ravnica reference sheet:

I've got entries on my Toyhouse for Mira and Stahl, but not Gringdor or most of the other characters I've played:

[itsrainningjwight]

We were just kids when met part 1

High School AU set in the 1980s. 14 year old Dwight Schrute is the new kid at Scranton High. He meets Jim, Pam and Angela and his life changes. For the purpose of this story, all four teenagers are the same age.

Jim/Dwight

A wet and rainy Tuesday was passing by at Scranton High School, it was February and it was cold. The students at the school were stuck inside over lunchtime as the weather was so bad. Three firm friends, Jim Halpert, Pamela Beesly and Angela Martin sat at their lunch table eating their food.

“What have you got today Jim?” Pam asked him.

“Peanut butter again, I told Mom I liked it now apparently I want it every day” he sighed “bit boring”

“You could always make your own lunch Jim” Angela said “you’re fourteen, not four” she sniggered taking a sip from her coke can.

“Mom likes to make me lunch” Jim shrugged.

“Then don’t complain about what she give you” Angela shook her head.

“All right you two” Pam said. “Hey, you seen the new kid?” she asked.

“Yeah” Jim said “he looks kind of lonely, I’ve not seen him at lunch yet, think he’s eating on his own at the moment” he bit into his sandwich.

“You should talk to him” Angela said “make friends with him”

“He seems kinda shy” Jim said “I mean, not talkative”

“Well, nobody is talking to him” Angela said “lets go and find him”

“Ah, I don’t know” Jim said “he looks like he might want to be alone most of the time”

“How could you even know that Jim?” Pam said “I agree with Angela lets go find him”

The three friends took a wander around the school and passed by their form room.

“There he is” Jim said as he looked through the window in the door. There sat the new boy, he was a slim pale boy with unruly hair and a large pair of glasses which sat on his face. He was eating his lunch alone at a desk. “Hey” Jim breezed in and the boy froze in his seat. “hey man it’s ok, we just wanted to know if you wanted to hang out, this place can be kinda lonely”

“I’m ok” the boy answered and took a bite of his sandwich.

“Ok, well it’s always nice to make friends, so I’m Jim, Jim Halpert, and these are my friends Pam and Angela” he said “What’s your name? I forgot already I’m sorry”

“Dwight Kurt Schrute” he boy replied.

“Ok, Dwight, well it’s nice to meet you” Jim sat down on one of the desks and took a bite from his apple. Dwight looked at Jim uneasily. “You ok?” Jim asked.

“Is this one of those tricks where you’re nice to me then you beat up on me?” Dwight said “because if it is, can we stop here before we get to that. I was just having lunch on my own and not bothering anyone”

“Hey, Dwight” Jim held his hands up “no, this isn’t a trick, we aren’t total assholes I promise” he said “we come in peace” he smiled.

“Ok” Dwight nodded.

“Good, so how old are you Dwight Kurt Schrute?” Jim asked as he bit into his apple again.

“Fourteen” Dwight said “I’m in your year”

“Yeah, but you could have been thirteen” Jim shrugged.

“Do I look thirteen?” Dwight asked “actually don’t answer that” he sighed and took his glasses off to rub his eyes “it’s not been the best start here”

“Some of the guys here can be dicks” Jim said.

“Yes they can” Pam chimed in.

“Some of the girls aren’t exactly angels” Dwight said putting his glasses back on “one of them stabbed my leg with a pencil in Math the other day”

“Ow” Angela said “that isn’t nice”

“No” Dwight said “being new sucks” he pulled out a plastic container full of something dark red.

“What’s that?” Angela asked him.

“Oh, beet salad, my parents own a beet farm nearby”

“Did you just move to it?” Jim asked.

“No, I was at another school, out of state, but it wasn’t great there either so my parents decided to move me here, but it doesn’t seem much better. Well you guys seem nice” he said opening his salad pot.

“So, after school, what are you doing? Any plans?” Jim asked.

“I have to go and help on the farm” Dwight said “my Dad will kill me if I don’t show for that”

“Ok, well is that every night?” Jim asked “because on Thursday we were going to hit the movie theatre and maybe get burgers at the diner, you want to come?” he asked.

“For real?” Dwight asked “I...I’d love to”

“Ok, listen, here’s my phone number” Jim got some paper from his bag and tore a bit off and wrote down his number.

“Ok” Dwight said “thank you”

“Can I get yours?”

“Yeah sure” Dwight returned the favour and handed his number over. “Thanks Jim, thanks Pam and...” he frowned.

“Angela” Angela said curtly.

“Don’t mind her” Jim said “she gets cranky” he laughed.

“I did forget her name” Dwight said “I’d be cranky too” he smiled softly.

“See, not everyone is as non sensitive as you” Angela rolled her eyes. The bell rang and Dwight looked at his time table. “You have English with us” she said to Dwight “come on lets go, we don’t want to be late”

“Ok Dwight packed up his stuff and smiled, he stood up and grabbed his bag.

“So what movies do you like?” Jim asked him as they walked to class.

“Action, and adventure ones” Dwight said “and i like...well the fantasy stuff, I’m into all that”

“Ah ok cool” Jim said “well, we will pick a movie we will all like on Thursday” he patted his arm.

“Thanks Jim, I can’t wait” Dwight smiled at him. For the first time in a long while he felt relaxed.

That evening, as Dwight arrived back at the farm, he dropped his bag in the hallway and his Mother looked up from some sewing she was doing.

“Well” she said.

“Well what?” Dwight frowned at her.

“You just came in from school smiling, this is first Dwight!”

“I made some friends” Dwight said, he grabbed himself a glass of milk “two girls, Pam and Angela and a guy Jim. They asked if I can go to the movies on Thursday, please say I can go Mom?”

“I don’t see why not” she smiled.

“Dad might want help”

“I’ll talk to Dad” his Mother smiled at him “it’s nice to see you smiling, not been much of that since you started there”

“Ah, there he is” Dwight Senior walked into the room “come on son, those fields won’t tend themselves” he clapped a heavy hand on his shoulder.

“Ok Dad, I’ll get changed” he went upstairs and got into his farm clothes and spent the remaining daylight helping out his Father.

After working with his Father, Dwight sat down for dinner with his family, they ate their meal and then Dwight settled down to do his homework. He looked up as the phone rang.

“I’ll get it” he ran over and picked it up “hello Schrute Farms, Dwight K Schrute speaking” he said.

“Well, hello Dwight K Schrute, this is Jim” came the friendly voice the other end.

“Oh Jim hey!” Dwight exclaimed.

“So, did you ask your parents about Thursday? They cool?”

“Yeah, Mom is fine with it, so we are all set”

“Ok great” Jim said.

“Listen Jim, I’d like to talk but I’m only just starting my homework”

“It’s late dude”

“Yeah, had to help Dad and then have dinner, I’ll see you tomorrow at class yeah?”

“Yeah ok, night Dwight”

“Night Jim” he smiled as he dropped the handset back in the cradle and sat down with his books, a wide smile on his face.

tbc

[carriagelamp]

Art of Aardman

I found myself a cheap copy of the Shaun the Sheep movie, so I was rewatching a bunch of Aardman films earlier this month and decided to hunt down some books too. For anyone that doesn’t know, Aardman is a British stop-motion studio that does fantastic work like Wallace and Gromit, Shaun the Sheep, Chicken Run, Early Man… tons of cool stuff. They’re always quirky and funny and warm-hearted. This was just a very nice art book for anyone that’s a fan of Aardman stop motion and wants to see a bit extra; it shows some cool concept art and blows up the neat details in Aardman work, especially in their intricate stuff like The Pirates! In an Adventure with Scientists!

Asterix and the Picts (Asterix and the Chariot Race, and How Obelix Fell Into The Magic Potion)

I decided to try a couple of the new Asterix comics that were done by the new team, just to see if they stand up to the old ones (that and How Obelix Fell Into The Magic Potion cause I’d never read that one before). They were pretty decent! Asterix and the Picts was my favourite of the two though I wouldn’t say either are going to contest for my favourite Asterix comic... but still! The art looks good and the stories felt like what I would expect, they made for a pleasant couple evenings of reading especially since it’s been so long since I’ve read a new Asterix comic. If you’ve never read Asterix it’s one of the biggest name French comic series in North America, as far as I know and very worth the read. It’s about a single Gaulish village that’s holding out against the invading Romans through sheer force of will, slapstick hijinks, and a magical super-strength potion brewed by their druid. Lots of fantastic visuals and cute wordplay, even in the English translations.

Bear

I found out about this bastion of Canadian literature via tumblr post that was losing its collective mind over the fact that some bizarre bear-based erotica novella somehow won the most prestigious literary prize available in Canada. Since I too found this hilarious and unspeakably bizarre I had to give it a read, obviously. And yes, the flat surface level summary is... a librarian moves out into rural Ontario and falls in love with a literal for-real not-supernatural-not-a-joke bear. And I have to say… it is actually worthy of an award, which I was not expecting given that I was there for a laugh. It has beautiful writing, and the subtextual story is pretty interesting… it kind of makes me think of The Haunting of Hill House actually in terms of themes. (Womanhood, personhood, independence, autonomy partially achieved through escaping the male gaze by claiming non-human lovers... listen if I were still in university I would right a paper comparing the two novels).

I dunno man, it’s fucking weird. Actually a well-written book, but sure is about a woman falling in love with a literal bear. Give it a read if you want something bonkers but like… high-brow bonkers.

Hunger Pangs: True Love Bites

Best book I have read in like… a while. A long while. I am not a fast reader, and I consumed 90% of this book over a weekend. It’s not at all like Terry Pratchett, but at the same time it scratched an itch for me that I haven’t had satisfied since Pratchett’s death. A very clever, hilariously funny poly romance between a disabled werewolf, an anxious vampire lord, and an incredibly powerful woman, with heaps of social satire, political commentary, and sinister undertones. The whole thing reads a bit like fanfiction and I say that in the most flattering way possible -- it is so easy to jump right in and be immediately taken over by the characters and the world and the plot, you never feel like you’re fighting to engage even though the world-building is fascinating and expansive. It welcomes you in right away, it was the book equivalent of a quilt and a hug which is something I sorely needed with all this pandemic bullshit. If you read any of the books on this list, go read that one while I sit here in pain waiting for the sequel.

Kid Paddle

I watched the cartoon of Kid Paddle as a kid and was thinking about it recently, so I decided to hunt down some of the original comics online. They’re fun and weird, with a cute art style and fantastic monsters designs. (My favourites are always about Kid either daydreaming or playing games that involve Midam’s weird warty troll creatures. It’s like a cross between Calvin and Hobbes and Foxtrot with the fun sort of quirks that I love in Belgian comics. Unfortunately, unlike Asterix, I’ve only come across these ones in French, but if you can read French it’s totally worth popping over to The Internet Archive and reading the ones they have available.

The Last Firehawk: The Golden Temple

The lastest Firehawk book. Despite being written for quite young readers, I did enjoy the early books in this series quite a bit. They’re about a young owl and squirrel who found an egg for a magical species that was believed to be extinct. With the newly hatched firehawk, the three of them head off on a mission to find an ancient firehawk magic that could save the entire forest. Very basic adventure story but a good intro to the tropes for children. Unfortunately the quality really feels like it drops with each subsequent book; this will probably be the last one I bother reading.

Lumberjanes: The Moon Is Up

I honestly think I enjoy these Lumberjanes novels even more than the comics just because it really gives time to delve into each story and examine how the camper are really thinking and feeling about everything. (Also I’m always weak for novelizations of anything.) The Moon Is Up is a book that focuses more on Jo, and takes place during the camp’s much anticipated Galaxy Wars, a competition between cabins that goes over several days. While the campers prepare for these challenges though, they also run into a strange little creature with a penchant for cheese and theft. Roanoke cabin needs to keep ahead in Galaxy Wars and somehow deal with the fearsome Moon Pirates that a closing in...

Lumberjanes v4 (Out Of Time)

One of the Lumberjanes comics, a cool, girl-focused, queer comic series. Honestly, this is just a fun series that I never got as into as I should have. My advice is honestly to skip book one because it gets better as it continues, and I’ve really been enjoying the later books now that I’ve given it another go. It follows five campers at Miss Qiunzella Thiskwin Penniquiqul Thistle Crumpet’s Camp for Hardcore Lady Types (Jo, April, Molly, Mal, and Ripley) as they handle all sorts of challenges, from friendship to crushes, camp activities to supernatural horrors, getting badges to not being brutally killed. Great if you liked the vibe of Gravity Falls but want it to be queer-er.

Mooncakes

Another queer graphic novel, but unfortunately not a very good one. It really looked appealing and I had high hopes, but the book itself really didn’t hold up… I actually couldn’t even finish it, the plot was just too… non-existent. The art is fairly mediocre once you actually look at it, especially backgrounds, and it feels very… placid. Not much conflict or excitement or even a very compelling reason to keep reading. If you just want a soft queer supernatural you may get more mileage out of it than me, but it didn’t really do it for me. There’s better queer graphic novels out there.

New Boy In Town

One of the worst books I have ever read. My girlfriend had ordered a very different book online but through a frankly stupendous error was sent this 1980s pulp romance instead. Absolutely nauseating on levels I couldn’t even begin to enumerate here. Naturally we read the whole thing out loud. Probably took us 10 times longer to finish than it warranted because I had to stop every two sentences to lose my mind. If you like bad decisions, baffling hetero courting rituals, built-in cultural Christianity without actually calling it that, and gold panning then boy howdy is this the book for you.

(seriously, you better have patience for gold-panning if you attempt this one, because I sure learn that I don’t)

Piggies

This was a picture book I enjoyed as a kid and had a reason to reread recently. Honestly it’s just very cute and simple, and the art is completely mesmerizing. Wonderful if you know a young child that would enjoy a simple goofy boardbook.

Shaun the Sheep: Tales From Mossy Bottom

Related to my Aardman fascination earlier this month. I tried reading a varieties of Shaun the Sheep books — most of which are mediocre at best — but the Tales From Mossy Bottom Farm series is genuinely good. Just chapter books, of course, but the illustrations match the series’ concept art and each story feels like it could have jumped directly out of an episode. They’re just cute and feel-good! Kinda like Footrot Flats but more for kids, and from the sheep’s perspective moreso than the dog’s.

[little-butterfly-writes]

Hiii I hope you are having a good day I’m kinda new to tumblr so Idk where to request and ask stuff but yeah can you write something where Victor (MLQC) has like a very weak child I just want some domestic stuff 🥲

Of course dear! I apologize for being so late. I hope this was what you were looking for, I'm not too proud of this in all honesty. ^^'

Notes - The name Hao is Chinese and means 'perfect' or 'well'. I thought it'd fit well! Hao is around 6, making him a kindergartener.

Warnings; Bullying.

Word Count - 1980

Our little boy Hao was a product made from me and Victor’s love. When we decided we wanted a child on our first anniversary of marriage, we tried nonstop until the single line turned to two lines. I remember how happy Victor was when I told him the news. He held me tight against his chest and whispered how much he loves me.

Hao, our son, quite literally lives up to the meaning of his name. He is perfect in every way. He has my eyes and nose, and the rest of his features take after Victor’s. Hao is always so kind to others and is as intelligent as his father.

~~~~~~~~~

I’m still half asleep, clinging close to my husband still. His arm around my waist hugs me possessively to his body. I can feel his fingers running gently in my hair. Victor has always been extra cuddly on the weekends, Especially on Saturdays, when no one has to get up early. Hao is never picky about getting up early, but he likes to get extra sleep when he can.

I snuggle closer to Victor. Morning cuddles are always my favorite. Victor is always slightly disheveled, much more different from his everyday look. He kisses my forehead softly. I’m nearly asleep again when I feel Victor’s weight shift. A small body crawls in between us.

Hao takes Victor’s spot for his snuggles. Victor huffs and holds us both to him. I can imagine the small pout taking place on his face. I chuckle and hold my son close to me. “Mommy! Time to get up!” He says, burying his face into your neck. “I’m up, I’m up.” I say, giving Hao a kiss on his forehead. Victor’s baritone voice pipes up, “Are you hungry?” Hao nods vigorously. “I still wanna cuddle mommy though, give me a few minutes.” I pat his inky hair, giggling at Victor’s disgruntled face. “Are you excited for school tomorrow? It’s your first day!”

Hao nods with a starry look in his eyes. “I’m so excited to start!” Victor chuckles. “Don’t be late like your mother.” I huff and pout. “It was ONE minute Victor…” Victor smirks. “One minute and fifteen seconds.” I try to banter, but he’s already getting out of bed to make breakfast. Hao and I get up as well and make a beeline to the dining room.

We spend our Sunday lazing around, making sure Hao’s bag is all ready for tomorrow, and relaxing on the couch. After tucking Hao in around mid even, Victor and I head to bed as well.

The next morning, I gently wake up Hao and tell him to get ready while Victor makes breakfast. I hop in the shower for a quick wash and get ready myself. We all meet in the dining room and eat our food in peace. A thought crosses my mind as we walk out the door and I panic. “Victor, we didn't pack him a lun-” He squeezes my hand. “Dummy, I packed one for all of us. Don’t worry.” I sigh and walk to check Hao’s seatbelt before we drive to drop him off.

We follow Hao to his classroom and meet his teacher. After a few pleasantries, Victor and I take off for work. He drops me off at my building before heading off to LFG.

I walk to Hao’s school to pick him up since filming ended early today. I wait on the bench in the school’s exit and keep an eye out for him. He’s talking to a group of boys by the gate, so I decide to let them finish talking. He must’ve made new friends already.

Hao walks over to me a few minutes later with a solemn look on his face. “Hey, honey. Are you okay? You look upset.” I say placing my hand on the top of his head. “It was fine. I’m just tired.” I notice my son’s voice is a bit softer and donning a tone of sadness. “Little Hao, are you sure? You sound upset.” He shakes my hand off and holds it with his tinier one. “Yes, I’m sure. Can we go home? I want to take a nap.” I can feel my maternal instincts screaming at me to prod on, but I end the conversation there.

Around late afternoon, Victor comes home. Hao doesn’t greet him like he usually does when he sees him. He says hello and goes back to his room. I find it odd for someone his age to act like this. “Victor,” I sigh. Victor holds me to his chest. “Is Hao okay?” He asks. I shake my head no. “I was just about to say, I don’t think he had a good day at school. He’s been like this all day.” I melt as Victor strokes my hair. “We’ll keep an eye on him tomorrow after school. I’ll make him pudding tonight, maybe he’ll feel better after eating that.” I nod in agreement. Despite all our years being married, Victor never stopped caring about me or Hao. Even if his love was still a little rough on the edges, his actions always show it.

During dinner, Hao is still quiet. We try asking him questions about his day, but only receive half hearted responses. Then I noticed some bruises on his arms. “Hao, did you get hurt at school today?” I say putting my hand over his. He nods yes, “I fell at the playground today. It’s fine.” Victor and I share a concerned look. “Is someone bothering you at school?” Victor asks gently. “No!” The three of us are startled by Hao’s sudden outburst. “No daddy, no one is bothering me at school.” Victor doesn’t seem convinced, but he lets it go for now.

Victor brings out the pudding after putting our dishes in the dishwasher. Hao refuses, saying that he’s still full from dinner and asks to be excused. I nod yes, placing both of our puddings in the fridge, not feeling happy enough to eat it myself.

This seems to go on for a few more days. Hao’s little bursts of anger, the sadness in his eyes, distancing himself from me and Victor. Victor decides to arrange a meeting with the school’s faculty to see what could be causing this.

On the day of the meeting, Victor’s hand is on the small of my back, comforting me softly. It’s dismissal time, so there’s a myriad of students exiting the building. Despite all the noise and chatter, I hear a familiar yelp. Victor seems to hear it too seeing as how we both move to the direction of the noise.

There we see it. A boy perhaps in the same grade as Hao or maybe one above hitting our son in a secluded area. I shout out to him and he looks over our way, seeming to be just as relieved to see us. I kneel down and hold his shaking body to mine. The other boy tries to find a way to escape, but a glare from Victor stops them dead in their tracks. I leaned to whisper in Hao’s ear, “I know you’re scared, but I need you to go get your teacher. Can you do that for me?” He wipes his tears while nodding and heads off. I grab Victor’s hand and look up at him. I can see the scowl on his face, nearly red with rage.

In the office with the boys and Hao, we wait to talk to the principal. Hao sits on Victor’s lap, giving his arms a small examination for any more bruises. I hold onto Hao’s hand, occasionally giving a small squeeze to reassure him.

The minute the mother of the other child is here along with the principal, Victor stands Hao near me and bolts up.

We walk into the office, Hao now relaxing on my lap. Victor is to my right and the other family is next to him. I have to fight back my tears of anger and guilt as Hao clings as tight as his small body can to me. “Did you have any idea that this was going on? My son has been bullied for days since the beginning of school. You can see the purple marks on his arms.” Victor says, nearly sounding feral. “It’s the beginning of the year, it's been so stressful for all of our teacher’s to notice-” Victor cuts the principal off. “I don’t want to hear any excuses. I don’t care if it’s the beginning of the year. I’m pretty sure it’s easy to notice signs of a bully.”

The child’s mother spoke up, “They’re just boys being boys. You and your son are overreacting.” I roll my eyes and bite my lip. “Excuse me, but if that was the answer Hao wouldn’t be coming home depressed and angry.” I hear her scoff. “Tell her Jin, you were just playing, weren’t you?” Jin sneers, “Yeah, it was just playing. You’re whining for nothing.” A gasp escapes my lips.

Hao grips onto my shirt. “It wasn’t playing! I didn’t like it, I was getting hurt..” I cradle his head to my chest and press a kiss on a tuft of hair. Victor’s knuckles are white from his grip on the chair’s arm. His voice is venomous, “It’s very clear to me that this school isn’t right for Hao. If you didn’t notice this, then what else haven’t you noticed? We’ll be transferring schools immediately.”

Hao’s lip quivers hearing his father’s voice like that. The principal tries to reason, but to no avail. Victor has already made up his mind. “I will also be pulling my funding from this school. I see no benefits from it.” Now the principal is having a full blown fit. Our family headed out of the school and on our way home.

At home, Hao eats his pudding while sniffling as Victor and I sit on opposite sides of him. I have a small ice pack for when he wants to put them on his welts. “Hao, why didn’t you tell us about this?” My voice sounded like a plea. He puts his spoon down and his head droops. “I thought I could be strong like daddy and take care of it myself, but it seems like I can’t even do that…” I look up to see Victor’s reaction. His eyes are wide and his mouth slightly agape.

Victor places a hand on Hao’s back. “Hao, you don’t need to be like me.” Hao tears up, “Yes I do! You’re always so brave and strong! I wanna be like you so I can take care of mommy more.” A small hiccup leaves his mouth.

“Hao, you don’t need to be like me. I never started out this strong and brave, it takes some time to become like this. Your mommy helped me gain courage.” He says with confidence. “Daddy, do you promise?” Victor nods, drawing Hao into a tight hug. “I promise. And no matter what, I’ll be proud of you.”

~~~~~~~~~

I wake up on a Sunday morning to a cold bed. I get up and walk up to the window, seeing Hao and Victor walking back from their jog around the block. We decided as a family we would walk together after dinners. Victor and Hao made an agreement to go on runs together on the weekend. I giggle and sneak a picture of my two boys, setting it as my wallpaper and send it to Victor.

I walk downstairs just as they walk through the door. Hao’s eyes light up and he rushes to hug me. “Little Hao, are you excited for school tomorrow?” He wiggles in my arms delightfully. “Yes, yes! I like this new school a lot more!” Victor smiles and squeezes us both in a tight hug, leaving a kiss on my forehead.