#it's nice to realize that everyone isn't actually staring at me. we're all just doing our own thing while waiting.

[neverendingford]

.

[guttednights]

You.

finally, you have done it. you had broken up with Simon. After months of torture, he sold as some forbidden paradise. the constant bickering, bossing you around, neglecting you, missing dates, and worst of all. not telling anyone he was even in a relationship. God it lit a fire so deep inside of you. you blocked his ass the second you broke up with him. sure it did no good cause he still had a key to your house but, that's a battle to deal with tomorrow. or at least you thought tomorrow. it was 2am and you had finally fell asleep

it wasn't long after you fell asleep you heard the door to your apartment being kicked down. you knew who it was immediately, I mean what other kind of physcopath just kicks down someone else's door?. you quickly get up wrapping a robe around you and walking out. there he is simon fucking Riley staring at you with pure anger.

"SERIOUSLY Y/N?!" "JUST LIKE THAT OUR 5-YEAR RELATIONSHIP IS OVER? OVER ONE FUCKING TEXT!"

as he gets closer, you back away.

"simon i explained everything in detail in that text." you spat with fiery. "I'm not doing this anymore" you look at you door, "and your buying me a new fucking door!"

He grabs you with anger and you panic, he would never hurt you. Right? he would never hurt you? shit I mean yeah he's a killing machine at work, but he's never been physically aggressive.

"thats what your fucking worried about right now? your stupid fucking door?" He practically shook you with his anger.

"Simon I'm not doing this, I already expressed that we're over. get out, Simon."

he towered over you, beginning to spit something at you, but held his mouth, sighing letting you go then turning around and walking out your broken door. attempting to shut it before disappearing.

you sighed as he walked away. it was really that easy all along? that's all it took? you questioned to yourself as you slammed your body into your broken door.

"fuck." you say to yourself as you realize the doors not gonna shut. you just hope for the best as you go back to bed. Simon is gone finally, you think to yourself as you finally fall asleep.

the next morning you wake up, and continue your usual routine. less than an hour later you walk out of your apartment, looking at the door trying to decide what to do. "we'll figure it out". you walk down your apartment complex before heading to work. it was a usual day at work. nothing too stressful.

it isn't 9:30 till you finally close up for the day. gripping your bag close to your side. your nail shop is down the street from a local bar, it's usually pretty busy during the weekdays. It is dark, and the lights from the bar light the walkway as you mindlessly walk. suddenly a drunken man from the bar grabs you.

"aye sweetheart why dont you sit down, and enjoy a drink eh?"

"no. thanks." you jerk away from him but he grabs your waist this time

"ah come on dont be unfriendly, lets have a chat sweetie. You too pretty to be sleeping on a beautiful night like this."

you chuckle trying to be nice "Yeah thanks but no" You attempt to jerk away again but this time the man pulls you hard

"Now dont be a bore," he says with anger as he drags you to the dark alleyway. this can't be how you die. for the first time in years, you're alone without Simon to call, everyone in the bar is too drunk to realize what's happening, and you're small compared to most men.

you panic as you try to break free, pushing him off at your most might. but he doesn't let go, his fingers practically dug into you. "please stop" you panic doing everything you can.

as soon as you start to scream, you hear a loud metal-sounding hit, you look back and see Simon standing over the man with a metal bat.

"she said leave her alone!" he boomed

the man held his head as he scurried off. you held your arm as you looked at him. you start to back up before Simon grabs you. "quit acting an idiot and go home." "before I actually have to kill someone."

you say nothing swallowing your pride and walking away but stopping. "are you fucking stalking me?"

"my stalking just saved your life sweetheart." "go home."

side notes/ babbling: I imagined Simon as joe Golberg in a alternate universe and viola came up with this. I really want to do a part 2, so lmk how y'all feel about this!!!

[pipsqueakparker]

trick

Blitzarolli

(i'm feeling masochistic lol)

this is a few days late, but we're all doing the best we can aren't we? writing this was a nice distraction - it's definitely a lil depresso character study ft blitz

***

Fizz is trying, which should mean the world to Blitz but sometimes he wishes Fizz still hated him. It was easier to stomach the vicious looks and cruel remarks. He earned those. Not just for the fire, but the years after, too. He could have tried harder, but he gave up on Fizz so easily. He gave up on all of it, left everything behind to go after his own selfish need to feel accomplished, useful. Needed.

Fizz needed him, but he took the out when it was given, didn't he? If he had the chance, would he have stayed? After everything?

It's still hard sometimes, to see the changes he caused. Every goddamn mechanical limb that replaced the ones he ruined, the scars on his torso... even his voice is a reminder of the damage Blitz caused.

"Do you... want to watch a movie?" The voice in question cuts through Blitz's thoughts and he looks up from the placement he'd been staring blankly at. Fizz's face is soft, nervous almost as he meets Blitz's eyes. "I talked Ozzie into Voxflix, one of the performers at the club told me that's where you can find the trashiest..."

Fizz trails off, smile faltering.

Blitz swallows, pushing his chair back from the fancy ass table in Asmodeus' dining room. Fizz invites him over for dinner sometimes, or just to hang out. Blitz tried, too, at first. He accepted the invitations, he sat next to Fizz and made the small talk, and they even tried to talk about the past... But that was too much for Blitz, usually. That was where he'd close off, clam up. Leave with the excuse of a work thing, a Loona emergency, or sometimes just a half-mumbled sentence of gibberish that Fizz never pressed him about.

"I better go, actually." Blitz stands up, has already turned and started for the elevator that would take him back to the streets of Lust when one of Fizz's hands takes his. He can hear the quiet mechanical whirring of his arm as he reaches, and again as he pulls Blitz back toward him.

When Blitz looks back at Fizz the other imp's eyes are wide, lips open around a silent question that didn't quite reach his vocal chords. Blitz recognizes the confusion in his expression, the concern on his face, but it too closely resembles... fear. Suddenly he feels like he's back at the circus, in front of the burning tent, staring down at his best friend's terrified face. That same fear and adrenaline shoots through Blitz as if he were reliving the moment, and he jerks his hand out of Fizz's as if it's burned him.

That's when the expression turns, warps into one Blitz knows even better. It looks similar in all of their faces, everyone he's known and loved and ultimately disappointed. Hurt. Betrayal.

"Blitzo..." And while Fizz's voice is rougher now - damaged, Blitz reminds himself - in that one word he sounds like his teenage self. He sounds like the Fizzarolli that Blitz fell for.

Fizz is trying and anyone else would be grateful, would meet him there and try to rebuild what they once had... but Blitz realizes that it could never be the same. They could never be the same. He could never be the same.

As he steps back onto the sidewalk in the middle of the Lust ring, Blitz realizes that the answer is no. He wouldn't have stayed with Fizz even if he had the chance, he took the out because it was easier to accept and move past the horrible event that he caused when he wasn't around the people he'd hurt.

Fizz is trying to rekindle the friendship he once had with the man that maimed him, because Fizz has always been too sentimental for his own good. Blitz isn't giving up on him. He's doing the hard thing, the responsible thing, and not letting Fizz set himself up for further disappointment.

[splashdacat]

ALIEN STAGE INCORRECT QUOTES^^

⋆·˚ ༘ *╔══《✧》══╗•°. *࿐˚₊· ͟͟͞͞➳❥

: ̗̀➛˚୨୧⋆｡˚ ⋆✧･ﾟ: ✧･ﾟ:︶꒦꒷♡꒷꒦︶✧･ﾟ: ✧･ﾟ:⋆ ˚｡⋆୨୧˚ˏˋ°•⁀➷

Till: I love you. Ivan: I love you too. I've waited so long to hear you say that. Till and Ivan kiss passionately Mizi, to Sua: You owe me 20 dollars(a date).

: ̗̀➛˚୨୧⋆｡˚ ⋆✧･ﾟ: ✧･ﾟ:︶꒦꒷♡꒷꒦︶✧･ﾟ: ✧･ﾟ:⋆ ˚｡⋆୨୧˚ˏˋ°•⁀➷

Mizi: I hate taking off my glasses, because without them, my vision goes from Full HD all the way down to buffering at 240p and I just can't handle that.

: ̗̀➛˚୨୧⋆｡˚ ⋆✧･ﾟ: ✧･ﾟ:︶꒦꒷♡꒷꒦︶✧･ﾟ: ✧･ﾟ:⋆ ˚｡⋆୨୧˚ˏˋ°•⁀➷

Mizi: I'm a nice person, but I'm about to start throwing rocks at people.

: ̗̀➛˚୨୧⋆｡˚ ⋆✧･ﾟ: ✧･ﾟ:︶꒦꒷♡꒷꒦︶✧･ﾟ: ✧･ﾟ:⋆ ˚｡⋆୨୧˚ˏˋ°•⁀➷

Hyuna: Everyone, calm down! We're grown-ups, let's deal with this like adults! Isaac: So, we're just going to wing it and hope for the best? Hyuna: Obviously. Now, Mizi, pass the shovel.

: ̗̀➛˚୨୧⋆｡˚ ⋆✧･ﾟ: ✧･ﾟ:︶꒦꒷♡꒷꒦︶✧･ﾟ: ✧･ﾟ:⋆ ˚｡⋆୨୧˚ˏˋ°•⁀➷

Till: I'm very scary. Ivan: You're about as scary as a wet kitten. Till: Wet kittens are cute, at least I've got that going for me. Ivan: And small. Till: Till: …Yeah, yeah. I guess.

: ̗̀➛˚୨୧⋆｡˚ ⋆✧･ﾟ: ✧･ﾟ:︶꒦꒷♡꒷꒦︶✧･ﾟ: ✧･ﾟ:⋆ ˚｡⋆୨୧˚ˏˋ°•⁀➷

Mizi: is visibly upset Isaac: Mizi, what happened? I haven't seen you like this since you found out candyland wasn't an actual country.

: ̗̀➛˚୨୧⋆｡˚ ⋆✧･ﾟ: ✧･ﾟ:︶꒦꒷♡꒷꒦︶✧･ﾟ: ✧･ﾟ:⋆ ˚｡⋆୨୧˚ˏˋ°•⁀➷

Sua: Till is a strings kid. We must sacrifice them to the band gods. Isaac: Yes. Mizi: You're right. It'd be a good initiation for me. Till: Wait, guys, what about the truce we signed- Isaac: What truce? Sua: sigh The truce that we must destroy all the choir kids and leave the strings alone. Luka: Wait, I'm a choir kid! Everyone else: prepares for sacrifice

: ̗̀➛˚୨୧⋆｡˚ ⋆✧･ﾟ: ✧･ﾟ:︶꒦꒷♡꒷꒦︶✧･ﾟ: ✧･ﾟ:⋆ ˚｡⋆୨୧˚ˏˋ°•⁀➷

Hyuna: I'm bored. Mizi: Wanna commit first degree murder? Hyuna: Sure! Isaac, hearing them: No- Stop, don't do that! Put that knife down! Put Luka down!!

: ̗̀➛˚୨୧⋆｡˚ ⋆✧･ﾟ: ✧･ﾟ:︶꒦꒷♡꒷꒦︶✧･ﾟ: ✧･ﾟ:⋆ ˚｡⋆୨୧˚ˏˋ°•⁀➷

Ivan: Being gay isn't a choice. It's a game and I'm winning.

: ̗̀➛˚୨୧⋆｡˚ ⋆✧･ﾟ: ✧･ﾟ:︶꒦꒷♡꒷꒦︶✧･ﾟ: ✧･ﾟ:⋆ ˚｡⋆୨୧˚ˏˋ°•⁀➷

Bullying Prevention Day at school Teacher: Till, what would you do if one of your classmates viciously teased you again and again? Till: Oh, that’s easy. I’d take a pencil out of my pencil case— Teacher: To write something to your teacher? Till: —make sure that it’s really sharp, and ram it into their eye at full tilt! My mom always says the pencil is mightier than the sword. And they can’t outlaw bringing pencils to school! Teacher: internal screaming

: ̗̀➛˚୨୧⋆｡˚ ⋆✧･ﾟ: ✧･ﾟ:︶꒦꒷♡꒷꒦︶✧･ﾟ: ✧･ﾟ:⋆ ˚｡⋆୨୧˚ˏˋ°•⁀➷

Ivan: Hey. Till: *pissed off* You… complete …ASS, Ivan! You show up here after WEEKS, and you say “hey”?!

: ̗̀➛˚୨୧⋆｡˚ ⋆✧･ﾟ: ✧･ﾟ:︶꒦꒷♡꒷꒦︶✧･ﾟ: ✧･ﾟ:⋆ ˚｡⋆୨୧˚ˏˋ°•⁀➷

Mizi: Whoever has my voodoo doll, please kiss its forehead, I need it.

: ̗̀➛˚୨୧⋆｡˚ ⋆✧･ﾟ: ✧･ﾟ:︶꒦꒷♡꒷꒦︶✧･ﾟ: ✧･ﾟ:⋆ ˚｡⋆୨୧˚ˏˋ°•⁀➷

Luka: I know you love them. Till: I am not in love with Ivan! Luka, staring at Till: I never said who… Till: realizes Till: Shit. Well, anyways-

: ̗̀➛˚୨୧⋆｡˚ ⋆✧･ﾟ: ✧･ﾟ:︶꒦꒷♡꒷꒦︶✧･ﾟ: ✧･ﾟ:⋆ ˚｡⋆୨୧˚ˏˋ°•⁀➷

Mizi: Oh, they left the bowl out? Mizi: It says, “Take two pieces of candy.” Isaac: Nobody around though… Isaac grabs the entire bowl and runs off with it Mizi: NO—

: ̗̀➛˚୨୧⋆｡˚ ⋆✧･ﾟ: ✧･ﾟ:︶꒦꒷♡꒷꒦︶✧･ﾟ: ✧･ﾟ:⋆ ˚｡⋆୨୧˚ˏˋ°•⁀➷

Isaac: Did you bring Luka? Mizi, gesturing to Hyun-woo: No, but I brought the next best thing. Isaac: Hyun-woo? The next best thing would be Hyuna. Hyun-woo: I would be offended, but Hyuna is freakishly strong.

(i know hyun-woo is dead just let me be delusional)

: ̗̀➛˚୨୧⋆｡˚ ⋆✧･ﾟ: ✧･ﾟ:︶꒦꒷♡꒷꒦︶✧･ﾟ: ✧･ﾟ:⋆ ˚｡⋆୨୧˚ˏˋ°•⁀➷

Till: Can I ask you for a favor? Ivan: I would literally die for you, but continue. Till: We need to talk about you starting sentences that way.

: ̗̀➛˚୨୧⋆｡˚ ⋆✧･ﾟ: ✧･ﾟ:︶꒦꒷♡꒷꒦︶✧･ﾟ: ✧･ﾟ:⋆ ˚｡⋆୨୧˚ˏˋ°•⁀➷

Mizi: When life gives you lemonades, make lemons! Life will be all like "whaAttT?" Ivan: Life lessons that schools can't teach you.

: ̗̀➛˚୨୧⋆｡˚ ⋆✧･ﾟ: ✧･ﾟ:︶꒦꒷♡꒷꒦︶✧･ﾟ: ✧･ﾟ:⋆ ˚｡⋆୨୧˚ˏˋ°•⁀➷

Acorn: Someone’s trying to break in. Call the cops! Till: loads shotgun I got this. Acorn: Last week you fell up the stairs, what do you mean-

: ̗̀➛˚୨୧⋆｡˚ ⋆✧･ﾟ: ✧･ﾟ:︶꒦꒷♡꒷꒦︶✧･ﾟ: ✧･ﾟ:⋆ ˚｡⋆୨୧˚ˏˋ°•⁀➷

Till: Hopefully Luka has learned a lesson about respecting other people's feelings. Luka: Oh, shut up and die Till.

: ̗̀➛˚୨୧⋆｡˚ ⋆✧･ﾟ: ✧･ﾟ:︶꒦꒷♡꒷꒦︶✧･ﾟ: ✧･ﾟ:⋆ ˚｡⋆୨୧˚ˏˋ°•⁀➷

Ivan: Are you an F5 key? Because that ass is refreshing. Till: Are you a software update? because not right now.

: ̗̀➛˚୨୧⋆｡˚ ⋆✧･ﾟ: ✧･ﾟ:︶꒦꒷♡꒷꒦︶✧･ﾟ: ✧･ﾟ:⋆ ˚｡⋆୨୧˚ˏˋ°•⁀➷

Till: You're not my friend anymore. Ivan: I was your friend?

: ̗̀➛˚୨୧⋆｡˚ ⋆✧･ﾟ: ✧･ﾟ:︶꒦꒷♡꒷꒦︶✧･ﾟ: ✧･ﾟ:⋆ ˚｡⋆୨୧˚ˏˋ°•⁀➷

Till: Hey, wanna take a shower with me? Ivan: I have a gun in that nightstand beside the bed. If I ever say no to that question, I want you to take it out and shot me because I’ve obviously gone crazy.

: ̗̀➛˚୨୧⋆｡˚ ⋆✧･ﾟ: ✧･ﾟ:︶꒦꒷♡꒷꒦︶✧･ﾟ: ✧･ﾟ:⋆ ˚｡⋆୨୧˚ˏˋ°•⁀➷

Till: Did Ivan just tell me they loved me for the first time? Sua: Yeah, they did. Till: And did I just do finger guns back? Sua: Yeah, you did.

: ̗̀➛˚୨୧⋆｡˚ ⋆✧･ﾟ: ✧･ﾟ:︶꒦꒷♡꒷꒦︶✧･ﾟ: ✧･ﾟ:⋆ ˚｡⋆୨୧˚ˏˋ°•⁀➷

Till: What’s the announcement, Sua? Sua: It’s a lecture. Mizi’s gonna tell us everything she know about sex. Ivan: It should be an enjoyable 60 seconds.

: ̗̀➛˚୨୧⋆｡˚ ⋆✧･ﾟ: ✧･ﾟ:︶꒦꒷♡꒷꒦︶✧･ﾟ: ✧･ﾟ:⋆ ˚｡⋆୨୧˚ˏˋ°•⁀➷

Ivan: If I'm extra sarcastic with you it probably means I'm flirting with you or you really annoy me and I can't handle your crap… have fun figuring out which one.

: ̗̀➛˚୨୧⋆｡˚ ⋆✧･ﾟ: ✧･ﾟ:︶꒦꒷♡꒷꒦︶✧･ﾟ: ✧･ﾟ:⋆ ˚｡⋆୨୧˚ˏˋ°•⁀➷

Mizi: I didn't drink that much last night. Ivan: You were flirting with Sua. Mizi: So what? They're my partner. Ivan: You asked if they were single. Ivan: And then you cried when they said they weren't.

: ̗̀➛˚୨୧⋆｡˚ ⋆✧･ﾟ: ✧･ﾟ:︶꒦꒷♡꒷꒦︶✧･ﾟ: ✧･ﾟ:⋆ ˚｡⋆୨୧˚ˏˋ°•⁀➷

Sua: I want to be with you for the rest of my life. Mizi: Damn, that sounds like a marriage proposal. Sua, getting down on one knee: That's 'cause it is.

: ̗̀➛˚୨୧⋆｡˚ ⋆✧･ﾟ: ✧･ﾟ:︶꒦꒷♡꒷꒦︶✧･ﾟ: ✧･ﾟ:⋆ ˚｡⋆୨୧˚ˏˋ°•⁀➷

Ivan: How is the most beautiful person in the world? Till: blushing I— Sua, butting into the conversation: Mizi is perfect, thanks for asking.

: ̗̀➛˚୨୧⋆｡˚ ⋆✧･ﾟ: ✧･ﾟ:︶꒦꒷♡꒷꒦︶✧･ﾟ: ✧･ﾟ:⋆ ˚｡⋆୨୧˚ˏˋ°•⁀➷

Ivan: Since we're in a relationship now, your clothes are my clothes too. Don't ask me why I have your shirt on, this is our shirt. Till: Fine, but when I come strutting in with your fuzzy socks I don't want to hear shit.

: ̗̀➛˚୨୧⋆｡˚ ⋆✧･ﾟ: ✧･ﾟ:︶꒦꒷♡꒷꒦︶✧･ﾟ: ✧･ﾟ:⋆ ˚｡⋆୨୧˚ˏˋ°•⁀➷

Sua: I’m in love with you. Mizi: We called off the prank war last night at midnight, dork. Sua: I know. Mizi: Ah. Okay. Um. Cool. Neat. Very cool. Cool. Cool. Coolcoolcool-

: ̗̀➛˚୨୧⋆｡˚ ⋆✧･ﾟ: ✧･ﾟ:︶꒦꒷♡꒷꒦︶✧･ﾟ: ✧･ﾟ:⋆ ˚｡⋆୨୧˚ˏˋ°•⁀➷

⋆·˚ ༘ *╚══《✧》══╝•°. *࿐˚₊· ͟͟͞͞➳❥

[avkizi]

OOO some questions for your posts, you don't gotta answer this asks as you can just answer the questions in your next post.

As a mutant with wings, are there specific shops you go to to find like shirts and stuff for you?

Are there different stores you have to go to for some of your mutant features?

How far did you stay? Did you get to the sports festival?

How did you do for the entrance exams? Or did you take the recommendations instead?

How is your relationship with your older brother? (Rumi is my older sister so I can relate to having a popular pro hero as an older sibling)

How is your relationship with your classmates in class 1-A? (Or which ever class your in)

How is your day to day experience with being a mutant and all, since you have lots of obvious mutant features? Are they nice to you? So they look at you weirdly? (If you're uncomfortable answering that, you don't gotta)

How's your hero costume?

Could you tell how much i love MHA? I'm so excited since I'm already aware of my dr, I'm not forcing the shift but congratulations for shifting!!!!

AUGH TSYM FOR THE ASK!!!!! I will literally answer p much anything, do not be afraid to ask me abt my dr ever.

there are a few bigger brands that make clothes with mutants in mind, since it's pretty common to have a mutated appearance, even if it's not part of your quirk (ex: tokoyami, koda). a pretty popular brand is M/∞ (people pronounce it as 'M infinite' but i've heard 'M slash in' too). There's also brand specifically for winged quirk users, called SkyHigh, but it's a little more niche bc it's more specific. The clothes are also little more expensive bc of the added features like zippers ties cutouts etc. so i'll sometimes just cut holes in my tops and hem the edges 💀

I stayed in my dr for about 3 weeks, and I shifted in around 2 months before the UA entrance exams, so I haven't gotten to the sports festival yet, but I scripted that I'm taking the recommendation exam bc why not lmao

literally love keigo honestly, he's so chill when he isn't in the public eye. we're pretty close, bc we've pretty much only got each other (oooooh backstory I should make a post for that). He talks to himself a lot, like full on rants and conversations to nobody. He has a tiktok and other socials and posts the most insane shit on there it's a miracle the commission hasn't shut them down yet lmaoooo

I haven't met anyone in 1A yet, but I'm so so excited to start school and meet everyone!!!!

honestly, I haven't gotten too much attention for my quirk like out and about other than a couple double takes, staring, and younger kids doing the classic point & stare. public transit and really crowded places suck (wings take up space).

hero costume!!!!!!!! as I said I haven't actually started school yet but I did script my summer and winter hero costumes, so here they are!!!

(just realized I forgot to fill in the cutout in the winter day version ignore that lmaooo)

so as y'all can see I have a day version and night version, and how that works is my hero costume is engineered for the fabric color to change based on the lighting conditions around me through light sensors all over the suit in order for better camouflage and recon ability.

tsym for the ask <33333 I loved answering the question so much aughhhhhh

[forgivemeforgetmenot]

Unwritten

(Cloud x Aerith Fanfic)

Cloud awakened to a world tinted blue. It was early enough to slink back to camp before the others noticed his and Aerith's absence. Realizing he was holding her, he jolted his bare arm upward like a fire had seared his skin. The spasm must've stirred her awake; she sat up and stretched, her extended yawn shattering the lulling silence of the dawn.

"Mm…I slept great! How about you, Cloud?" She smiled down at him, prompting him to shift his eyes away. 

"We should head back to camp," he deflected dryly.

Aerith giggled, "Hope I didn't get any drool on you. You're super comfy…soft, actually. Like a cloud!"

He snorted, rising to his feet, before starting the hike back. "Heyy! Wait for me!" She called after him. 

Much to his dismay, the two returned to find Barret, Tifa, and Red already having breakfast. "Ohh," shouted Barret first, "Nice of y'all to join us! Bet ya worked up an appetite."

Red chuckled, "Hopefully, not too much of one. It's cup noodles. Again."

"Yum, anything sounds great right about now; I'm starving," replied Aerith, seemingly unphased by the blatant taunting. 

Cloud, on the other hand, felt his face turning rosy. There wasn't anything to be embarrassed about. Why did he suddenly feel so… self-conscious? 

Aerith sat beside Red and began slurping up her noodles. Wanting to put as much distance as possible between himself and her, Cloud chose a spot between Tifa and Barret. Tifa handed him his breakfast, which he took sheepishly, avoiding everyone's faces as he ate. "Alright, we got a long day before gettin' back to Sector 5. Hope you two didn't stay up too late," Barret chuckled while extinguishing the fire.

Cloud sighed, feeling pressured to explain their disappearance, but Aerith spoke up before he could formulate a reason. "I wanted to get a better view of the stars," she started, "y'know, away from the trees. Cloud caught me trying to sneak off, and like the dutiful bodyguard he is, he joined me to keep me safe from all the big bad monsters. Isn't that right, Cloud?"

Cloud fumbled over his words, caught off guard by Aerith's lie, "Mm."

"Yeah, yeah, whatever y'all say," Barret winked just before putting his shades on. 

Red smirked, "I think if the interrogation is finished, we best be on our way. This is the first lead on Sephiroth we've encountered in quite some time—if he is lurking around the slums, we don't want to miss him."

Tifa spoke up, "True, but…why would he be hanging around Sector 5? It could just be another dead end; I mean, it doesn't really make sense, does it?" 

"No, but it's all we have to go on as of right now," remarked Cloud, "we don't know what his endgame is or what exactly he needs to do to execute it."

"Feels like we're on a wild Chocobo chase…" Barret muttered. "At least I'll get to spend some time with my baby girl."

Tifa glowed, "That's right. And I can get a nice, hot shower in."

Aerith smiled, clasping her hands, "Okay then, let's get going!"

The group traveled well into the afternoon, exterminating dozens of Hedgehog Pies and Wererats. Barret led the lineup while Aerith, Red XIII, and Tifa chatted together. Cloud lingered a couple feet behind. 

During the day's travels, he noticed Tifa eyeing him periodically. He caught her staring again before she slowed her pace to match his. 

They walked silently beside each other for a brief period. "What's up," he eventually posed, sensing something plagued her. 

She hesitated. "...You know you can talk to me, right Cloud?"

Tifa gazed at him, sincerity softening her face. 

"What do you mean?" he asked, face forward. 

"You can talk to me about anything. I…just want you to know that."

Cloud eyed her curiously, "Same goes for you."

She blushed, looking downward. "Right."

"Is there… something you want to talk about?"

Tifa opened her mouth to answer, but before she could say anything, Barret cursed from up ahead. "Goddammit, don't these motherfuckers have anything better to do!"

A pack of snarling Wrath Hounds blocked their path. Instinctively, Cloud unsheathed the Buster Sword and rushed past Aerith, Red, and Barret. He slashed through a duo, Barret fired a barrage of bullets into one, and Red went toe-to-toe with another. Tifa blocked a bite, eager to sink its fangs into Cloud's shoulder. From afar, Aerith cast a flurry of ice spells, causing multiple hounds to stagger, which gave the rest of the party a collective opening to wipe them out. 

As Cloud sliced through what he thought was the last of them, a bloodcurdling scream seized his heart. He whipped his head around to discover a straggler clamped down on Aerith. Cloud lunged for the monster, ripping it off of her. Then Red pounced, sinking his teeth into the rabid beast's throat to finish it off. 

"Is she alright?!" Barret asked as he and Tifa sprinted over to join them. Cloud clutched Aerith tightly in his arms, studying her unconscious face.

"Oh God, Aerith," Tifa cried. 

"Check her pulse," Red urgently advised. 

Cloud did so. "She's breathing." Everyone shared a sigh of relief. 

"Cloud…" Aerith slowly opened her eyes, "You're kind of…hurting me."

He instantly loosened his grip, "Sorry."

She laughed weakly, "Aw. Were you worried about me?"

"We all were," Tifa smiled.

"Not me," Barret professed, "Girl's a badass. Ain't no dumb dog gonna take her out. I knew you'd be fine." Aerith giggled.

"Are you in any pain?" Red asked. 

"Somewhat," she answered truthfully.

"Can you walk?"

"I think so."

Cloud helped Aerith to her feet, his hand lingering beneath her elbow in case she couldn't. "You worry too much," she assured him, "I'm fine!"

She winced, stepping away from Cloud. Tifa swooped in to steady her, "I think we better set up camp for the night; you need to rest, Aerith." 

"I agree," added Red. 

"There's an inn just down the road, as a matter of fact," Barret suggested, "if Aerith can make it."

"Of course I can!" Aerith limped forward, grimacing in pain. 

Tifa wrapped an arm around her waist, "Let me help."

"We'll want to get there before it gets dark," Cloud interjected, approaching the two girls. Before Aerith could protest, Cloud swept her off her feet.

"Cloud!" She yelped in surprise.

"It'll be quicker this way," he decided, already pushing forward. 

The group soon made their way to the Quartz Inn, where they paid for two rooms—one for the guys and one for the girls. Cloud, Barret, and Red settled into their respective suite. Barret exhaled, flopping on one of the beds, while Red XIII curled beside the crackling fireplace; Cloud sat at the edge of the other bed. "Man, it does feel damn good to lay in a bed," Barret sighed.

"Speak for yourself," Red muttered.

"You can have this one," Cloud offered, "I'm going to check on Aerith and Tifa."

Barret chuckled, "When did you get so considerate, soldier boy?" 

"Cloud's quite the gentleman," Red commented, "especially regarding the girls." Uncomfortable with being the topic of conversation, Cloud grumbled and departed from his two taunting friends. 

He crossed the hall and knocked on the girls' door. Tifa answered, her face brightening at the sight of his. "Hey, everything okay?"

"Yeah. Just wanted to check on the both of you." 

The sweet smile slipped away, and her eyes dropped, "You mean Aerith."

Something about her tone felt less like an assumption and more like an accusation. There was truth in what Tifa said; Aerith had been wounded earlier, so naturally, she was more of a concern at the moment. 

Aerith wasn't feeble by any sense of the word, but there was always something more delicate about the flower merchant, something that ignited a passion to protect. His determination to do so only intensified after his vision—the one he'd been having nightmares about for months. On the other hand, Tifa was a powerhouse—he knew she could take care of herself. "I wanted to finish our conversation, too," Cloud added.

Tifa lighted up some, "Aerith took a nice shower, I helped tend to her scrapes, and now she's resting. I'm sure she'll feel a lot better after a good night's sleep." Relief washed over Cloud, easing the tension in his muscles. 

"Can I meet you outside, in front of the entrance? There's a patio where we can sit and talk. But I'm dying for a shower first," she laughed.

Cloud nodded, "See you in a bit."

20 minutes later, Tifa appeared. She greeted Cloud with a warm smile, sitting in the patio chair next to his. "Better?" he asked.

"Much."

Cloud waited for her to talk, but when she didn't, he began, "So, what is it?"

"Hm?"

"What you wanted to say earlier before the Wrath Hounds showed up."

"Oh," Tifa paused, "Well…"

"Tifa," Cloud groaned impatiently.

"Sorry...I just feel like it's not my place to ask."

"Ask what?" 

"How do you...feel about Aerith?"

"What?" he questioned, puzzled.

"Do you...have feelings for her?"

Cloud looked away. Why was she asking this all of a sudden? "What's it matter?"

Tifa's ruby-colored eyes glistened, "I guess it doesn't."

He shifted in his chair uncomfortably, "Do you not like her?" 

"What? No, no! I love Aerith," Tifa exclaimed. "She's become one of my closest friends."

"She's...my friend too," Cloud struggled to spit out.

"But...do you wish she was more than that?" Tifa pressed.

Agitation furrowed his brow, "That crap isn't for me."

"Right…" her voice cracked. 

Cloud examined her; Tifa's head was angled away from him. She slouched in her seat, wrapping her arms around herself. "You okay?" he asked, concerned by her body language and bizarre questions.

"Y-yeah," she sniveled, wiping at her face, "I think I better sleep." She started speed walking to the inn.

"Tifa," he called after her, but she didn't stop.

Cloud sighed, rolling his head back to take in the starry sky. What had he done wrong? Was it something he said? Should he follow her? Maybe she needed space. Space. 

He gazed up at it until his eyelids grew heavy.

The water was cold. He was cold. 

She was cold. 

Wake up, he tried to say. Wake up, wake up, wake up. But no sound bubbled from his throat. He shook her gently.

Wake up, wake up, wake up.

"Wake up. Cloud, wake up."

He obeyed and locked eyes with Aerith; her face seemed troubled. "Were you having another nightmare?"

Cloud sat up; she took her hand off his shoulder.

"Alright, alright, I get it. You don't want to talk about it."

He changed the subject, "What are you doing out here?" 

She beamed, raising her eyes toward the sky, "I wanted to see the stars again."

"You're supposed to be resting," he rebuked.

"It's not like I've been doing squats."

"Aerith."

"You're not my mommy. And what about you, mister? Why are you out here?" Cloud fell silent, recalling his earlier conversation with Tifa.

"Is...Tifa okay?" he asked.

"She was before I fell asleep earlier. I only woke up a little while ago, and when I did, she was resting. Did something happen?" Aerith asked, concern saturating her voice. 

"No," Cloud answered quickly. "I was just curious."

Aerith leaned in; Cloud's pulse quickened. "You're lying to me," she deduced.

He grunted, locking eyes with her, "Nothing happened."

"Cloud!"

He caved under the pressure of her emerald-colored daggers. "I don't know. I think I upset her or something."

"What did you do?"

"I told you, I don't know."

"You know more than you're telling me."

Cloud clenched his jaw, refusing to speak anymore on the matter. Aerith sighed, refocusing on the sky. Learn to talk to her, he had advised the flowers in her garden back when they first met. What a hypocrite. 

Cloud admired how the starlight from above twinkled in her eyes. 

"I've been having nightmares about Sephiroth," he whispered begrudgingly. Aerith faced him and offered a small smile. She slid her dainty hand into his.

"Whatever the future holds, we'll get through it together."

Her touch soothed him; the idea of defeating Sephiroth once and for all seemed utterly believable at this moment. But the sense of comfort was swiftly plowed aside by the recollection of the other nightmare plaguing him—the gruesome vision of Aerith's murder. He pulled his hand away from hers. "I've been having ones about you, too."

"They're just bad dreams, but they aren't real. And they're not premonitions," Aerith reassured.

"This one was, at one point."

She shook her head, "Not anymore."

He stayed silent, absorbing her words. "Is that why you've been acting so weird with me?" she questioned.

He gave her a slight nod. "Oh, Cloud," she sighed, resting her head on his shoulder. 

"What?"

"You should talk more. I like listening to you."

His hands felt hot; he considered slipping his gloves off. "I talk when it's necessary." 

"Actually, you don't," she argued, "you spent months bottling that up. You shouldn't live life like that."

"I talked. Big whoop. Nothing's changed."

"That's not true either," she contested, lifting her head to gaze into his eyes. 

He stared back, briefly glancing at her mouth as she spoke. 

"I feel closer to you." 

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

Chapter 2 repost with revisions!

[joowee-feftynn]

If you have any, what are your Volleyball and/or Pink hcs?

OOUUUGH 14 year old me would've combusted with an ask like this lmaooo

But either way, I may not remember a lot of them nor really like some anymore but I'll try listing some so here it goes

For Pink:

-In my head she would most likely be capable of having fire powers, both because it sort of makes sense and is slightly hinted to be possible as well as I found it really cool

-She would probably really enjoy food and maybe grow an interest for cooking

-She's scaringly good at climbing

-She's pretty damn athletic, being able to perform impressive stunts and maneuvers like it's nothing, as well as being extremely flexible

-LOVES physical touch. She hugs everything and everyone and loves to be hugged as well. She rarely ever realizes when she's being overly affectionate

-Actually possess behaviors and mannerisms similar to a cat's (this sounds ridiculous but I thought it was super cute and somehow fitting. yes she purrs)

-She developed an aversion to the dark due to her time spent locked in the tower. This could go into the theory that the diamonds essentially starved her since gems are powered by light but I won't get into that here

-She got the Wombo Combo (autism + adhd and developed a special interest in earth things in general)

-She likes having her face touched and caressed :]

-She used to hide things in her hair, and since it was so dense and thick it worked really well

-Really Really REALLY hates being held, because it makes her feel small and vulnerable and that's a no-no for her

-She would looooove naps. she's an eeper and goes snork mimimimimi

-She likes to dance and do silly things for volley to watch. Seeing her laugh made her really happy, and sometimes she even participated in her performances along with the pebbles :D

For Volley:

-When she was first introduced to pink, she used to be a pretty quiet but compliant pearl, always following orders and all that. However, since Pink is a huge enabler (and has no actual idea of how much authority she has over any other gem), she slowly started to develop and show her true personality. She still comes off as nice and quiet, but is actually pretty sassy and quite the jokester too!

-She has a tendency to be passive-aggressive, but she either means it completely or doesn't even realize it. She would stab a bitch if necessary imo

-After joining Little Homeworld, she develops a liking for botany, as well as photography!

-If she ever got the chance, she would have defended pink from the diamonds and even argue with them about how terrible they treat her *stares at this concept art by rebecca sugar*

-Volley isn't as favorable of physical touch like Pink is, but she lets her lay her head on her lap. She likes to rest her head on pink's hair also

-She likes to squeeze pink's cheeks because they're squishy and it makes her giggle (pink does not know how to feel about it)

-She likes being held and carried around by pink. it makes her feel closer to her (emotionally), and she likes being high up there and gets all sassy about it sometimes lol

-She really likes coffee :]

-Sometimes she likes to quietly sit and lean on pink, and of course pink doesn't know how to react to that, so she just lets her be. It's probably some of the most peaceful moments they have together before The Incident

-She is Such a showoff lmao

-She doesn't cry very often, unlike pink, the latter being much more of a crybaby

-And of course she's autistic too

-She used to take pride in being so close to her diamond, which the other pearls found utterly disgusting, but she didn't care because to her, being pink diamond's best friend meant way more than just being her pearl

Aaand we're done I think. didn't expect this to be this long LMAO

Either way, thanks a lot for the ask! I love these two a lot and really wish we got more of them

[itzpris]

Helping Out (ft. Penny and Minka)

MinkaMakingherMark: can you come over to my place? with your camera. i need your help for smth!!!

-

Not too long after Penny pressed the doorbell, the door swung open, revealing a very excited Minka.

"Penny? Penny! PENNY!" Minka practically jumped at her friend. Penny stumbled back, almost falling. She's glad all that ribbon dancing helped out with her balance.

"Minka! It's good to see you too!" Penny laughed, hearing Minka's squealing in her ear.

"You actually came! YOU ACTUALLY CAME!! I was worried for a moment you were just ignoring me or something when you weren't answering that text! Hmph, how dare you?" Minka playfully crossed her arms and stuck out her tongue. Penny laughed.

"My apartment is literally one floor away from yours. I didn't think I'd have to text you a response if I could arrive in such a short time."

"Well, it still would be nice to know! Responses are reassuring."

"Is that why your text conversations with people last so long?"

"Eeeeeeeyeaaaaaaaah…"

"Aww, okay! Next time, I'll be sure of that."

"Thanks, Penns!"

“No problem! Anyway, I have my camera. Pictures and all. You said you wanted me here with it?"

"Oh, yeah, that! Come on, I'm working on a little something."

-

"What's this, Minka? It looks like a spider's web."

Penny and Minka found themselves in Minka's studio, staring at a blank corkboard. It was like those scenes in crime movies where a character is at a corkboard, and pinned to it was evidence and documents, a red string to connect it all. Except there was no evidence and documents, and the string was clear rather than red. And it even exceeded the barriers of the corkboard- little nails that stuck out of the wall had the string hooked, forming a chaotic zig-zaggy pattern.

"Oh, that's just nylon! I'm planning to use all these little clothespins to hang pictures by the string!"

"Pictures?"

"That scratch-off map you showed us a few days ago inspired me! I wanna dedicate this corkboard to well.. us. All of us. Featuring pictures of our wacky little adventures in many different places."

"I… I inspired you?" Penny’s eyes sparkled.

"Yes! So, what do you think of the idea?"

"I love it! How can I help out? If I can."

"That's why you and your camera are here, isn't it? I just realized… I don't take a lot of pictures when I travel! My phone storage would be bursting if I did, and I need somewhere easy and convenient to keep all my art ideas. But then I remembered that you're always taking pictures whenever we travel somewhere! With the camera you always bring around! I have my printer and laptop over here. We can connect your camera to it, get the photos, and print 'em out!"

"Oh, I see!"

-

"That's a lot of photos…" Minka scrolled through the thumbnails of files obtained from the camera.

"Most of them are just multiple takes, really. They're all very similar. So just pick any!" Penny looked over Minka's shoulder.

"Hmm, I dunno… Like, take a look at these. Here, Vinnie is blinking. And here's a better one where everyone actually has their eyes open. But then the thing is, in the first one where Vinnie is blinking, there's a flock of birds in the background! Which looks really good. And by the time everyone actually has open eyes, the birds have flown away.

"Don't you have some experience in photo editing? Maybe you could edit the birds into the everyone's-eyes-are-open picture."

"Oh yeahhh, why didn't I think of that?"

-

After sifting through all of those pictures, Minka finally decided on the good ones and prepared them for printing.

Printing took a little while, but it did eventually finish. The pictures came out bright and colorful.

"Alright, so you'll notice I left some space at the bottom of each picture, right?" Minka pointed.

"Right." Penny nodded.

"And here's what we're gonna do. We're gonna cut out the pictures, but leave just a bit of white at the borders- and a lot more white at the bottom- so they can look like polaroids! How about that?

"Sounds good!"

Minka took out two pairs of scissors from her front pocket, snipping them.

"Then let's cut these out!"

Both of them took their seats on the floor, scissors in one hand, printed pictures in the other.

-

"Aghhh, my back hurts…" Minka groaned as she let herself topple backwards to the floor.

"Oh my… And my hands hurt," Penny finally put down the scissors. She noticed the red marks on her skin from holding them a bit too tightly… "I guess doing things for too long does stuff to you…"

"Tell that to me next time I accidentally end up spending 5 hours on art without water breaks. Or breaks at all."

"I don't think that's good for you, Minka."

"I'm aware."

Penny was a little concerned, but decided not to press it further. Instead, she held up a picture to show Minka.

"But uh… look! We got all these nice photos! All our hard work has paid off, and now we have these! Faux polaroids, if you will! Faux polaroids? Hmm… yeah."

"Yep. Nice. We'll clip them to the string later.

"Okay… Let me clean up for us, then."

"Ohhh man. I love you so much, Penny."

"I love you too, Minka."

Penny gathered up all the pictures, straightening them into a neat and clean pile. She also picked up the little scraps and excess paper they cut off from the images.

Penny got up and placed the pictures on the nearby desk. She started making her way to the little bin in the corner of the room, the scraps in hand…

"WAIT! DON'T THROW THOSE!" Minka jolted upwards again, waving her hands in a panic.

Penny turned back to her friend, "…Huh?"

"I wanna do a paper mache thing after this! I'd rather much use old scraps than ruin perfectly good paper, y'know?"

"Oh, uh, okay then! Makes sense."

"You can just put them in that box over there. That's where I keep all my scrap papers. Ahem, uh, anyway. Let's put those pictures up!"

-

"I've always wanted to go to France. Man, Zoe is so lucky! She goes there every other week!" Minka sighed as she let the clothespin pinch the image of Zoe and Blythe at the Eiffel tower.

Penny, standing at the bottom of the chair Minka was standing on, pressed another clothespin into Minka's waiting hand, "Well, there's a difference with lifestyle and all. Her parents are rich, she's rich, she has financial security and… well, money. What do you expect?"

"Yeah, yeah. Which is why she's so lucky! The jealousy creeps in quite easily, I must say."

"I can understand that. But don't let it bother you too much."

"I guess I can try… Ope, I'm out of pictures. Hand me more, please!"

Penny did as Minka asked.

"Thanks," Minka examined the first picture at the top of the stack, "Ooh, that's me and Russell in Rio de Janeiro!"

-

"Thanks so much, Penny?"

"Hm?"

"For everything… this looks wonderful so far!"

Penny and Minka stood a few feet away from the wall, admiring their work. Many pictures were already hanging by the nylon string. Other pictures were stuck to the corkboard.

Penny, however, noticed something…

"There's still plenty of empty spaces Minka. What are your plans for those?"

"Oh. Well, tomorrow, I could decorate more of the wall with stickers and little drawings! It'd really add more to the vibe. And maybe even fairy lights? Those look really popular and aesthetic, I'll have to try that at some point! Also, whenever we go on more adventures with more pictures, I can add them here too!"

"More adventures? I think I'd like that! Though, you gotta promise me one thing…"

"…Huh?"

"Next time, take your breaks! I don't want you overworking yourself."

"Really? Oh, uh, sorry about that. It's just, I get so focused and excited! It really is just- all attention on current task, no stopping until it's done or I can't do it anymore."

"Hmm… would me sending you reminder texts help? Like 'Hey, be sure to drink your water!' or 'It's been a couple hours, how about you stop for a bit and rest?'"

"Would really appreciate it. Thanks, Penny."

===

Day 15: photographs

Minka is so me whenever I do a task I'm really into

[bylertruther]

same anon help. hi 🫶 no they definitely blocked and directed that s4 scene in will’s bedroom perfectly but i meant an intentionally shot lighthearted scene that we can’t miss about mike noticing his butt OR like you said some kind of acknowledgment conversation! show us that boy is gay as hell yk 😭 too funny. and i mean. will having his own gay moment in the apocalypse if mike happens to show his arms or torso like how nancy stared at steve (an example don’t judge me!) or max with the binoculars when. we deserve harmless chaos as a treat

i will take the fall and blame for these topics dw

did i get so lost in the teehee tight pants sauce tht i got too silly :/ are we not allowed to acknowledge his wardrobe, finn's eyes, what's in the frame when he's on screen, or what they say about it later on in conventions. girl help i feel like i failed a perception check and stepped on a land mine 😭

anyway. no, i get u. dustin has had a few moments throughout the series, lucas had his "mystery" item under his bed, el has had little joke moments n scenes where she acknowledges tht men are nice to look at or whatever, max had the binocular scene, and will had hosegate which wasn't funny/lighthearted but still counts. s5 is mike's turn, i'm sure! esp as this love triangle plot comes to a close and he'll generally be a bigger character again. if there were ever a time to be undeniably gay, it'd be then i hope.

that thought about the apocalypse shenanigans makes me giggle and kick my feet though bc will is sooo chaste victorian woman tht allows himself fleeting glances and yearning stares when he thinks no one is looking, at least thus far. he just 🥺 and 😳 or 👀. he already gets flustered so easily that i fear he'd need a fainting chair if we put him through anything more. i mean, mike just has to smile at him and he's already a goner. if you turn it up a notch, his heart would give out probably. unless....? coming of age... you make me feel like i'm not a mistake at all... like i'm better for being different... a new era may jus be on the horizon 🤔

and mike? uptight, ridiculous, and ever-turbulent mike? i'm cheesing at my phone rn, like i neeeeeeeed to see whatever it is they'll cook up for him. i Need to. i'm on the edge of my seat trembling with excitement for the day that gif makers can finally make sets of the "it's not my fault you don't like girls!" or "we're friends! x2" scene juxtaposed with whatever gay shit he'll do in s5. i'll bite a chunk out of my screen fr fr the second he starts floundering and flailing and realizing and feeling as his world totally shifts in a way that cannot be unshifted.

everything is always so Serious with byler, like... can they Please get some fun like everyone else. can they Please get some hehe haha moments. and can they PLEASE get some gay shit that you don't have to observe with a microscope to notice and that doesn't make you want to wail. can mike please have a moment that finally frees him of the straight man allegations for good and isn't homophobic or projection like is this all truly too much to ask for bc i think equal representation is the bare minimum actually 💔

[nancypullen]

Sunday Evening

There are about ten different things I should be doing right now, but I am the queen of procrastination so here I am on the ol' blog. It was a very long week. I have such mixed feelings about the job. The people are absolutely wonderful. The work is interesting and beneficial. But the schedule is...unpleasant. Well, I say that as a person who doesn't really have a schedule. I had to ask several times if I could maybe know my work days/hours at least a week in advance. I'm there 8.5 hours but take a mandatory 1 hour unpaid lunch. So I work 7.5 hours most days, though I worked just 5 on Saturday. They are long days. I suppose I had the idea that part-time would be 20-ish hours a week. Looks like the plan is to work me just under the cut off between part/full time. Not having a set schedule in advance makes it really hard to plan any sort of normal life. For example, the Edgewaters have been asking me if I'm off on Feb. 10th to celebrate the grandgirl's 6th birthday. It's 12 days away and I still can't tell them yes or no. How can I make a doctor's appointment or even schedule a haircut? You don't call anywhere around here and get in quickly, so it would be nice to have, say, a month's schedule to reference when trying to make an appointment. I get the impression that it's not looked upon favorably if you throw a wrench in the works and request particular days off. I guess I'll ride it out and see if it gets better, maybe because I'm the newbie they're just seeing if I survive before locking me into the work calendar? Every time I asked, no one seemed to think it was a big deal. It's a big deal to me, I like to plan my life and get my ducks in a row - not knowing my works days/hours ten or twelve days out rattles me. Really hoping that part gets better.

.I'm a minimum of twenty yeas older than everyone at work, thirty years older than most of them. I feel like a fossil. Actually, the director is around my age, but she has put in her retirement notice. So I show up in my old lady glory and try not to grunt or groan when I get up from shelving books on the lowest shelf. I've had to move boxes, tables, racks of chairs, wood and glass bookcases and pretend that my sciatica isn't flaring up. There is a lot of ibuprofen involved. This is how I feel there...

but they're all nice to me because their mamas raised them to respect their elders. I was at the circulation desk one morning and talking to another employee who is not yet thirty. I realized that I could easily be her grandmother.

The eternal optimist in me says to keep plugging away and everything will settle into place and I'll just be the nice old lady at the library. The part of my brain that always yells, "FLEE! You don't belong here!" is screaming in my ear. Luckily, the eternal optimist occupies about 90% of my gray matter, so she usually wins. Onward, onward, onward. I mentioned that on Saturday I was off work at 2 o'clock. Shortly after that the Edgewaters came over and brought their pizza oven. That was a treat. They made gourmet pizzas for our dinner and we had a wonderful visit. Little Miss kept me busy with Barbies and books, and I plied her with cupcakes. They left today around 3 o'clock and the mister and I are sitting here now wondering if we even want to bother with dinner tonight. I'm ready for bed. The workweek is staring me in the face and I'm not ready. Have I whined enough? I swear I'm not unhappy, just tired. I'd give my right arm for 5 hour work days (like Saturday) instead of 8.5. Mickey has been amazing - actually cleaning and cooking! I have no reasons to complain. So I should probably shut up. That said, we're moving forward and starting to plan a 40th anniversary trip. I'm crossing my fingers that they'll grant me unpaid leave. As a part-time employee I don't accrue vacation days, so I guess we'll see how all of that plays out. Yikes.

I'm boring myself sick with this post and I can't imagine that it's been at all interesting or entertaining to read. I'll wait a couple of days and try to post something worth reading. There have been amusing incidents at the library, but I hesitate to write about any of it because this is a small town and my name is on the blog. I'll have to find my way with that. I certainly wouldn't name names or embarrass anyone. Oh well, I'm off to ready my clothes for work and pack a lunch. I'll try to keep a Mary frame of mind. No one I work with would get that reference.

I'm so old.

*sigh* Until next time - stay safe, stay well. Sending out loads of love. XOXO, Nancy

[acourtofthought]

I'm going to take a stab in the dark and assume you're referring to my post regarding this.

First, I didn't say that it's about what the women wants. I think the wants of a MMC in a fantasy series (especially a MMC who has been around since book 1 and who the author has referred to as "my <3" are equally as valid. My post was more a counter to those who say it's about what the FMC wants.

But yes, it would fit the bill for Gwyn as well. You're correct, we don't know whether Gwyn truly wants to be with Az in terms of a relationship. If you look through my blog I often say that the next book will not be about Gwynriel's relationship but Elucien's. I think the story lies with Elain's arc and the resolution of her mating bond because that's where the mystery (to me) currently lies. E/riels can argue all they want that Elain saying she doesn't want a mate and ignoring Lucien in FAS and SF means she won't end up with Lucien but she also said she didn't want a MALE yet everyone seems to ship her with a fae.

Sometimes a character acting like and saying they don't want something isn't actually the truth. Just like Nesta (in the novella) told Cassian she did not want anything to do with him or his friends but we later found out she wanted him all along but she was just scared. Just like Nesta said she didn't want to call Cassian her mate then eventually did. It's possible Elain is feeling similar things for Lucien. We just don't know and we won't know until we get her POV so I do think the biggest question of all in relation to feelings lies in Elain's story. It is only Elain who has a very clear setup in claiming not wanting something, looking like she wants something else however the author has left clues to show that it might not be as clear cut as all that (again, see Nesta).

Neither Gwyn or Vassa have that setup currently. Neither has really expressed wanting something in terms of romance and on the flip, neither seems to be denying that they want something (with the reader being able to see through the lies they're telling themself).

However, when you look at who is more likely to develop feelings for someone, Vassa for Lucien or Gwyn for Az:

Gwyn asked Azriel specifically for dagger handling lessons (not Cassian though she probably knows more of Cassian through Nesta).

Vassa offered both Jurian and Lucien a place to stay but only offered Jurian a place within her court. We're told that she and Jurian share a similar vision for the humans, that she and Jurian are both trying to lead them (with Lucien left out of that equation).

In SF, we have Gwyn say to Az, "See you tomorrow, Shadowsinger" whereas we have Lucien cringe over something Vassa said in a book where they'd been living together for a year (you'd think she'd be a little more sensitive to Lucien's relationship to Tamlin by that point).

In the bonus we have Gwyn comment on how she realizes Az likes to be alone and ask him if he sings (a get to know you type question). We have no on page evidence of Vassa ever asking Lucien anything personal about himself. She and Lucien seemed to be having a nice chat in ACOWAR but for all we know she could have been making fun of Jurian which would definitely bring a smile to Lucien's face.

We have multiple examples of the characters noting Gwyn staring at Az, wanting to wipe the smirk off Cassian and Az's faces but ESPECIALLY Azriel's.

In comparison we have Vassa rolling her eyes at Jurian, looking for Lucien to break up their arguments as if he's their parent. That means she and Jurian are often sharing in banter that Lucien is not a part of except to play peace maker.

We have Gwyn share an entire conversation with Azriel on page by herself and it did involve banter which we know SJM likes for her endgame couples whereas we we've never seen Lucien and Vassa share in a POV where it's just the two of them. The only conversation we've witnessed them having with dialogue was regarding Koschei, the Queens and the Autumn soldiers, where Jurian, Eris and Cassian were all present and there was zero banter.

So if we're really debating who is most likely to develop romantic interest in a MMC, Vassa for Lucien or Gwyn for Az, I don't know how anyone sees more interest on Vassa's part. In the novella, we're told that Lucien and Vassa are friends but I don't even see that in her interactions with him in SF. I'm not denying they are but it's not very obvious.

Interesting…I saw an anti post claiming that it’s not what the man wants but what the woman wants.

Now this may have been an anti Vassien post but they mention how we know nothing of Vassa’s sexual orientation and if she’s even interested in Lucien.

We do KNOW that Elain is not very interested in Lucien but in a certain shadowsinger.

Funny enough, wouldn’t that fit the bill for Gwyn? Antis assuming she is interested in Azriel…she’s made no mention of longing for love.

[0ladyred0]

AVATARTWOW

~FAN FICTION ONE SHOT~

[ Miles Quaritch x chubby f! Human reader]

<Hello again! So this is the final part of this one shot and it will get steamy~ please mind that the reader is plus size🙏 enjoy! >

[Y/ns] perspective:

Something white started to flash as my eyes remained closed. It felt quiet and the only noise was a beeping heart. I slowly opened my eyes to see a white roof with lights on the sides. I looked around to see where I was at. It seemed like a nursing room for a human, small but manageable. I started to stand up and i heard the door open. It was two people and an avatar, it's was Lyle! One of the corporals. (The bald one that quaritch hit when he woke up)

"Hello?" I said confused.

"Finally you're awake. Though we lost you there"Lyle said as people took off the syringes out of my half naked body.

"No need to be rude sir but, why are you here? I'm sure someone like you has much better things to worry about..."

"Oh well actually Colonel send me here to check up on you, seems to me that he's kinda pissed off" He said scratching his neck. 'Pissed off?' why is he mad? Then I realized the samples that I had to risk everyone's lives on.

"The plant samples! Do you have them?!" I stood up walking towards him. He seemed confused but then he realized what I was talking about.

Third person:

Now you we're currently storming thew the halfway. Not caring that you only had a black bra on. You we're thankful no one was awake. It was nighttime but you were damned sure Miles was awake. You finally reached his door. You can't believe you had to put everyone's live on the line and his idiot ass didn't get the damn plant! You didn't even had to nock you just walked in.

Quaritch on the other had heard the door open while he was sitting on his bed looking down exhausted.

"Ever heard of noc-"Quaritch cut his sentence because he saw you. Pissed off and without a shirt on. He seemed now fully awake but confused as to why you were here.

"Miss [y/n] what a-"

"Don't give me that crap! Why didn't you get the bag with the samples of the plant?" you said irritated. Quaritch actually forgot about that part. Which in his mind said 'shit' . But he wasn't concerned about the plants.

"A thank you would be very appreciated"he said looking away. He didn't want to stare because it was becoming quite a problem down there.

"No -it would've been nice if you grabbed the damn samples because all of us risked our lives for it" clearly to Quaritch you seemed more worried about a plant than your life, which made him irritated.

"If the damn plant's were so important... Then why did you save me?" he said. He started to stand up. You knew he was tall but seeing him getting close to you like that did something for you...

"You barley lived... So why... Did you... Save me..."

"Oh please you're more important than me-"

"But risking your own life damn life isn't!"quaritch said looking [y/n] in her eyes with anger. [Y/n] seemed scared at his sudden grab on her shoulders.

"I have been watching you for a long time [y/n] ...and I have to say that you are the most interesting woman I have even met in this damn facility..." Quaritch couldn't hold his feelings anymore. Yes, he has been watching you closely without you knowing. He even ease drops on you just so to hear you talk. He fell in love with your personality.And your body? He couldn't stop his starring from afar when you aren't watching. He love your body, and seeing you shirtless made his heart race faster. He started to breathe hardly and [y/n] noticed Imidietly.

"Are you okay sir?-"

"I'm fine!-" Quaritch then stood up and turned around. While he was turning, [y/n] had a glimpse of his pants and they were rather... Tight...

[Y/n] then realized what was going on with him and seemed embarrassed because she was shirtless. But she was still mad at him for not grabbing the samples and so she was gonna use that against him.

"Oh what? You think I'm not gonna scold you no more because of.. That?!.." you said serious and crossing your arms. Quaritch on the other hand was getting worse down there and was not feeling like arguing right now.

"[Y/n] don't you cross the line with me... You don't want know what will happen if you do..." he said grunting because it was getting uncomfortable in his pants. He had his back still turned to [y/n] but clearly he wanted her... You felt like you had him in control and so you said something that triggered his next act.

"Oh what are you gonna do? Your honesty pathe-" right before you could finish your sentence you we're aggressively picked up and thrown down on a big bed by Quaritch. You groaned and looked up to see him hovering on top of you and breathing heavily.

You looked down and saw that he was hard as a rock down there which actually made you turned on.

"What's the matter baby?... Cat's got your tongue?" he smirked at your sudden quietness. He let his left hand hold you neck while the other trails down your body giving you goosebumps. You didn't mean to, but you moaned slightly making Quaritch smile at your sudden submissive behavior.

"Wha-....what are you doing?... P-please-..."you sentence was caught off again by him holding you by the neck and lifting you closer to his face.

"You still wanna talk about how things should've ended?" he said forcing you to look at him just by squeezing your neck. You shook your head but he wanted to hear you day it.

"C'mon sweetheart... Use your words" you actually couldn't hold eyes contact with someone you liked and so because of that you were all weak and vulnerable beneath him.

"N-no..."

"No what?" he brought your neck closer to his teeth. You wrapped your legs around his waist before you even realizing it.

"No sir..." that's it. You we're defeated. Quaritch only smirked.

"Good girl..." for your politeness, he awarded you with a kiss. The kiss felt like nothing you have ever experience. Really! In all your year's you never had a kiss. Or a partner. Quaritch placed his hand on your lower back and pushed your body towards his. Now you could definitely feel his hard dick in his pants. Quaritch broke the kiss and while he was still holding you by the neck. He made his way to it and started to nibble on it making you squirm. You on the other hand. Because it was your first time and you felt embarrassed by that you didn't say anything about it because you wanted him so badly to fuck you even if it hurts.

You snapped back to reality when he bit you rather harshly by the neck. You moaned with pain in the mix... But mostly pain.

"Ow!... Asshole!..." and of course again, Quaritch showed your body down in his bed and held you with one arm while taking off his belt with the other.

"Really? You still wanna act like that?"

He said as you struggled to get out his grip but by god he was so much stronger than you. You gave up struggling, you act like you didn't want this. But slowly it showed it's way. Quaritch took off your your pants and bra revealing your tits which he really liked to look at. You really felt embarrassed and you actually thought he was only doing this because he was horny. You covered your chest with your hand and hug your stomach with the other. Quaritch stopped what he was doing and looked at your face. He seemed to notice your discomfort being naked.

"What?... Is this your first time?" he chuckled reaching his hand out to your hands. You stopped his hands, you didn't even want to look at him or yourself.

"No...well yes but...it's not that... It's...my body" you said closing your eyes waiting for him to laugh it up. Quaritch on the other hand was surprised that you feel this way. But only chuckled under his breath. Then out of no where... You yelped because Quaritch pulled you against his body again, grabbed you chin and made you look up to him.

"You think I fucking care? God dammit woman can't you see what your doing to me? Storming in without no shirt like that? I've kept my eye on you for a looong time" He said as you felt his hands grabbing your ass and squeeze it rather harshly making you blush.

"And I always was curious of how you would feel when i fuck you~..."

He reached a hand underneath your underwear and into your wet pussy.

"How you would squirm like a slut.."

Without warning he stuck his two fingers in your already wet pussy as you gasped.

"And how you would take me~"

God what was he doing to you? You felt like a ticking bomb. He started to move his fingers inside of you, making circles. He wasn't even inside of you with his big cock and you already started to have shivers. You put your head on his chest and tugged his shirt when he started to go faster. You felt his fingers almost hit your g-spot and you were close. When he suddenly pulled out his fingers out of you, making you whine and look up at him.

"Oh I'm just getting started, don't you worry sweetheart"he pulled out his pants revealing his big cock that was right in front of you. He again pulled you by the neck down but gently this time, and adjusted his dick in front of you entrance.

You moaned when he entered your pussy, stretching you out.

"Goddamn, look how well you're taking me" Quaritch said starting to move his hips very slowly as to tease you. You on the other hand didn't know how good it feelt to be fucked. You wanted him to go faster, you couldn't take it anymore.

"G-go faster..." you barley said your sentence but he heard you loud and clearly and didn't like how you were bossing him around.

"Now where are your manners?... If you want me to move faster then you have to beg for it slut..." he said and he slowed down his hip movements. You weren't a begger but you felt on edge even from his slow movements, and you wanted more. And so you couldn't resist it any longer.

"Oh please Miles... Please fuck me hard! I want to you feel all of you!..." you cried out with a few moans in it. Quaritch smiled devilishly at you.

"Now that's a good little slut~" he said as he started to thrust into you in a quicker paste while holding you by the neck. He throwed his head back because of the sensation of your tight walls around him and growled while doing it. You didn't feel anything to grab beneath you so you grabbed his hand that was holding you by the neck shakly and started to moan at the sudden hits he made inside of you.

"Who's in charge huh?..." he said forcing your head to look at him.

"Y-you are sir!~..." his other hand made its way to your tits and started to twist your nipples making you squirm even more. Quaritch couldn't take it anymore. He wanted to go faster. He stopped and turned you around doggy style. You gasped at his fast movements and didn't dare to look back.

"I'll show you your fucking place-" he said as he showed his throbbing cock inside of you making you moan very loudly. You we're lucky these walls were sound proof. You finally lost your virginity but by a tall blue man, and you didn't mind. He grabbed you by the hair and pulled your head back making you moan at his harsh thrusts.

"Fuck! -you like getting fucked by a man twice your size...don't you slut~" he slammed again with another hard movement. You couldn't even answer him anymore, only moans escaped from Your mouth. And Quaritch liked how he made you beg and moan for his touch. You couldn't take it anymore your legs started to shiver and you felt you walls getting tighter around him. And so did Quaritch,he felt the same. You released and cummed all of his dick while he was still thrusting in you. He hit you hard with the last one making him cum inside of you. He filled out and saw you drenched in his cum. You collapsed on your face. Your arms couldn't take anymore holding your body. You breaths we're short. Quaritch was breathing loudly, but he turned you around and held you up to him. Clearly exhausted you we're and he saw that.

"Good job sweetheart~" he said, making you face him and kissed you one more time before he got up and got himself a towel. He gave you one as well. You we're tired and weren't able to feel your legs or even move them.

"Woah there. You're not going anywhere..." he placed you on his bed again as you tried to move off it.

"I'm fine..." you said as you felt your eyelids feeling heavy.

"Yeah sure you are" he as as he turned off the lights and got into bed with you. He hugged you tight. His head over yours and his tali wrapping around your leg. You both fell asleep knowing that this changes everything between you too.

<That's the end of this one shot! Thank you all for sticking around and sorry it took me so long I felt burned out. Now that ik done with this one I'm planning to do a chubby Na'vi f!reader and would love some ideas. Please share them I wanna hear your take and ideas!! Will credit! >

[supercorpsbian]

Entropy (part 2)

content: slow burn ? but not really , hurt/comfort , eventual romance , wlw , kara x reader , reader needs therapy , reader is very socially anxious lmao

word count: 2,033

pair(s): Kara x Fifth Dimensional Imp!Reader, and all the other canon SG couples (Nia and Brainy, Kelly and Alex, etc)

A/N: it took a bit to edit this one, i have many parts written already they just need some adjustments:) thanks for the likes and reblogs!! it's nice to see this in my very first fanfic, English isn't my native language so if I make any mistakes that may be why

this part is more cutesy and a bit shorter !

Also happy pride month everyone:)

part 1 here

Mxyzptlk left you in a really bad space mentally, you were trying to focus on work but the only thing in your head was how permanent this change was. You thought you could just somehow return to the fifth dimension if anything went wrong, but apparently you were trapped in here for Brpxz knows how long.

Kara was the one who took you out of your thoughts by waving her hand in front of your face. "Hey, are you okay?" She looked at you worried, making your heartbeat speed up like earlier today.

"Uhm- I- Yes! I just... Got some bad news from a family friend but that is all, don't worry." You smiled nervously as you ate the very last bite of your cake desperately and threw the small plastic container into your trash can.

"Oh no, I'm so sorry... It's just that me, Nia, and.. Barney- We're going to get some sushi, and since those two will be kinda like on a date I was wondering if you'd want to make me some company? I promise I'll tell Cat you were with me. It can help you clear your mind a little bit" She pointed to the man standing right by her, just a few inches shorter, and your eyes almost popped out of your face. IT WAS BRAINY! You haven't even seen him during your stay in this dimension, and you barely expected to do so but you admired him so much too. You could barely speak, just nodding as you had to take any chance to be around the superfriends, especially Kara.

Giving Kara a wry smile you got up and grabbed your purse. Brainy went to Kara's office to wake Nia up, she just looked distraught and they had a short conversation while you wondered if she'd be able to dream about you and Mxyzptlk as you glared at them from your desk, Kara's voice getting you out of your thoughts.

"They're such a cute couple aren't they?" She smiled as she eyed them then you, making you tremble.

"Oh- Well I'm not close to Miss Nal but it seems like they're really happy together." You managed to slur out as you just walked to the elevator, Kara following you.

"Hey, there's no need for formalities around us, well I know Nia would prefer it if you call her by her name, and same with me. You can call me Kara." She reassured you as you just smiled shyly and nodded again. God it'd be so hard to even get yourself to have a decent conversation with this woman. Brainy and Nia joined the two of you shortly after, they held hands and beamed at you when the elevator arrived and all four of you stepped in.

"Oh! Forgot to introduce you, Nia, Barney, this is Cat's assistant..." Kara froze for a second, realizing she didn't really remember your name, she did remember what your boss called you, but she also knew damn well that wasn't your actual name, so she just stared at you somewhat embarrassed for not even knowing your actual name.

"Uh- Y/n-kz-'' You bite your tongue, almost slipping your actual name. But tried to distract them from it with a slight cough. "Y/n. Y/n L/n. Nice to meet you two, well, I already knew Miss Nal- Nia, but it's still a pleasure." You shook both their hands and just stood awkwardly in the corner as the trio chatted joyfully. A part of you thinking about just staying inside whenever they got off, they wouldn't notice and just go on about their day without you. Yes it was definitely a plan.

Until Kara intertwined her arm with yours.

"So the sushi restaurant is like a bit of a hidden spot so it's easy to get lost and from what I can remember you're new here right? Not only to CatCo but to the city." She looked at you with that pearly white smile of hers.

"Uhm- Yes. I am new to National City... It's like... A whole new dimension to me." You took your eyes off Kara and set them on Brainy's hair since he and Nia were walking in front of you. Damn you'll need to ask for his hair routine.

"I get that. Well, you may know why." She snorted and laughed. "Where are you from? Well, after Krypton, I grew up in Midvale, it was nice. Then I came here for university and the rest is history."

"I'm from-" Your brain freezes as you try to remember more of the fake story Mxyzptlk had built up for you to pass as a normal human. "I grew up in a really, really small town, you probably wouldn't know it. Then I moved to Metropolis but things were always too... Wild? There. So I decided to shoot my shot here since Jump City seemed too extreme too."

"Oh! Metropolis, so did you work at The Daily Planet?"

"No- It's my first time in a company this big, I was a- Uh... Secretary? For a small business though. But this job has been very helpful in teaching me new things."

"Oh..." She looked at you for a second as you caught her gaze from the corner of your eye. "That sounds great, it really looks like you got the hang of it already, if anything I can see you as the next junior reporter next year- Oh, look! We're here! You're gonna love this place."

Was it too late to tell her you've never had sushi? Well, you didn't know if you'd like it, you had only seen it in movies and shows but never got the curiosity to try it so you never did. Restaurants aren't really a thing in a dimension where you can summon anything with a snap of your fingers.

As soon as you got in, Kara was greeted by several waiters and the four of you were given a private booth to eat, your head looking around at the beautiful decorations all around the place.

"Y/n? What would you like to order? The waiter will probably be here any minute." Nia spoke, suddenly getting your view out of the menu, which left you confused as to how humans could spend so much on meals. You weren't poor, but Mxyzptlk didn't give you much money either, so you were kinda on a budget, especially since you started getting your salary from CatCo. The whole concept of money had always been so weird to you, well it seemed similar to how monarchy had always more power and magic, but it was all still weird.

"I think I'll go for... This one." You pointed at the cheapest roll available, Kara peeked from her seat right by your side, looking at your choice.

"Only that? Don't worry! It's on me. You can pick any rolls you'd like, and drinks too." She reassured you with a little spark in her icy blue eyes, making you shiver completely as you nodded.

After a bit of thinking you went for the non-sushi options, especially since you were afraid of not knowing which ones were spicy, you weren't going to risk it. Picking a meal of tempura shrimp and vegetables. Kara, noticing your fear of trying new flavors, whispered something to your ear.

"If you'd like to try anything you can take it from my plate, and if you like it you can order it." Her breath soft against your ears, you just squealed very softly and gave her a quick nod.

[...]

Best. Meal. Ever.

Kara and you ended up just pretty much sharing food and gave each other whatever you felt the other would like, plus the food and ambient of the place were amazing, it almost felt like a double date. For the first time in years you felt like you truly belonged somewhere, at least for an hour or two.

"And then he started yelling at me! All because I complimented his bald head." Brainy finished his anecdote about his first meeting with General Lane, who you totally forgot about since he hadn't been on the show since season two or something.

"I didn't know Lois Lane had a father in the military." You lied as you sipped your drink through the straw.

"And a sister." Kara responded whilst rolling her eyes. "She's hot though."

"Lois or her sister?" You arched a brow and bit on the straw with a smirk.

"Lucy. A hundred percent. Lois is cute but I won't be caught dead thirsting over my cousin's wife." She smirked back and then both of you looked at Nia who spoke up.

"I will. Lois Lane is an absolute milf." She confessed with a playful smile, to which both Brainy and you looked confused, but Kara knew exactly what she meant because she choked for a second on her drink.

"NIA!" She bursted out in laugh as she held her own stomach. So did Nia.

"Speaking of Lois, how's your little cousin? Well, maybe he sees you more like an aunt. I don't know." Nia finally asked what you didn't dare to ask, honestly wondering what had been of those two because you haven't seen them on screen for ages.

"Oh! They're in Argo City, they want Jonathan to grow up around Kryptonian culture and all that. I'm planning on visiting them this summer, basically to take some time off and see my parents too." She seemed so happy when speaking about her family, that made you know so well how much they loved her and she loved them. "Oh and Alex, Kelly and Esme will be coming too! I want Esme to meet my parents. And Alex will totally love Argo." Kara beamed as she ate the last roll on her plate and then looked at you, remembering how Argo City wasn't really a known topic amongst the public. You faked a confused expression, hoping the group would buy it.

"So Argo is like a city of Krypton that survived destruction and visiting it is like going to the middle of nowhere, but in space, from what I've heard." Nia clarified your doubt and you just hummed with a nod. It was hard to pretend you didn't know all of this already but it was nice to have a recap every now and then.

All four of you were having a nice relaxing chat until Nia's phone rang, it was an alarm apparently.

"Oh god, I have an exclusive interview with the governor in thirty minutes, see you later guys. Kara I'll venmo you my part of the bill. Bye, love." Nia got up hurriedly and pecked Brainy on the lips before running out of the restaurant.

"I should get going too, I have... Work." Brainy looked at you realizing he couldn't really spill anything about the DEO in front of you, at least not yet. He felt like he knew you from somewhere but he couldn't quite place his finger on it.

"Okay! Take care." Kara waved both of them happily, giving that perfect smile of hers as she just still sat by your side.

Neither of you knew what to do now, but the silence was comfortable.

"D'you want some dessert?" Kara finally spoke after a couple of minutes.

"Only if it's chocolate. Or a cheesecake." You joked but apparently she was dead serious because in a few minutes a huge slice of cheesecake arrived for both of you.

"We're sharing this as a symbol for a long friendship. Because I have the feeling we'll be good friends." She announced as she handed you a spoon and the waiter came back with two small sauce packets, both of them were strawberry syrup.

You smiled as you took the first bite out of the dessert, moaning as the sweetness melted on your tongue, Kara looked at you with red on her cheeks and you just covered your mouth with your hand as you kept chewing.

"I'm- I'm soffy- It's just so goof-" You swallowed and both of you started laughing just to get in a small competition on who could eat more cheesecake. And Kara clearly won.

[To be continued]

[anghraine]

There is basically no way to talk about this without humblebragging and also giving way to, idk, internalized ableism or wtfever, but:

Grad school is sometimes incredibly frustrating, on top of the other reason it's incredibly frustrating, because people will be like "Elizabeth's mind is very bright and analytical," and that is nice, and there's nothing about having a mental disorder or three that contradicts it, BUT

One of the things about autism for me—a way in which it feels distinct from my mood disorders—is that some parts of my ways of understanding and experiencing the world just don't work. I realize this description sounds accurate enough for mood disorders as well, but it's difficult to articulate what I'm actually trying to get at that feels fundamentally different. It does, though.

Being bipolar frequently sucks and frequently sucks more than autism, because depression is terrible and I have a history of very severe depression. Nevertheless, being bipolar isn't, at the core, what makes me literally unable to do most math or drive or otherwise multi-task, and it's not what makes keeping track of things like scheduling or simply where things are spatially so difficult, and it doesn't have that much effect on hand-eye coordination and balance and things like that except in conjunction with the autism.

And then there's the sensory overload, which triggers super easily and is... worse when I'm depressed but very obviously rooted in my visceral and almost inexpressible loathing of most sensation and eye contact.

Now, I wouldn't (and couldn't) excise my autism if I had the choice, because there's no ... separate non-autistic self, it's not a layer of apathy or terror or something, it's all me. And yeah, I know we're "supposed" to conceptualize this stuff as "works differently," or these things aren't accommodated properly, or whatnot, and I understand why. But some days it just feels like some parts of my brain are fine and then large swaths don't work right, and people don't really get what it feels like to be getting a PhD and surrounded by people telling me how bright I am, but also to be unable to calculate tips or develop my ideas at the speed that everyone else is doing or write within the usual time limits or line up tasks in a practical way.

It also feels like there's no way to talk to people IRL about the massive chasm between the things I do really well and the simultaneous sense of having blank spots in my brain. My diagnosis even talks about this—not my towering frustration, lol, but that I have advanced reasoning skills that can obscure the extent of my disability in other areas.

So one moment I'm teaching Classical rhetoric to college students and the next I'm blankly staring at a division problem or struggling to manage basic scheduling, and it feels ridiculous and embarrassing. But I can't tell the authorities in my life that—I can get accommodations, but they don't get how intensely uncomfortable it is to have people constantly assuming I can easily do things that either a) I can't or b) are very difficult because I'm "bright" and... blah.

(Making this unrebloggable for hopefully obvious reasons. I mostly needed to vent.)

[sixstepsaway]

My rant may have gotten a little unhinged there, so pardon the caps and and wild swerves in topic. You've got a great point in how their interactions show that they know Izzy is mostly talk. And Fang really is worried about poor Izzy's foot, isn't he? Also, in regards to that scene, when injured angry Izzy comes in snarling about the books not being thrown overboard, Ivan looks kinda taken aback. "It's a lot of books, Izzy." Not only is he comfortable talking back, Ivan seems surprised that Izzy would say something like that. I get the sense that while Izzy might be on everyone's ass about work, he isn't generally the type to push people to work harder if they're already doing their job. (I also think this suggests Izzy is afraid of Ed now in a way he wasn't before. They need to move fast, or who knows what Ed might do?) No one's had to deal with forced autocannibalism from Izzy on that crew. And I do know what you mean about the spat and pushing away with Stede. Ed tends to flee when rejected or feeling rejected. But my visions of the future have made me realize something so important. Point 1: We've established poor behavior on both Izzy and Fang's parts in regards to each other, and the need for communication. That means there's a good chance character development stuff might involve them communicating to one another. I have Reasons to believe the Izzy the Spewer incident might come up again as a topic for discussion. Point 2: Confirmed babygirl kinkster who is only capable of expressing physical affection toward men in violently charged interactions frequently pulls large, daddy-shaped man's beard. -dd anon

nonny. nonny. nonny. nonny of my heart. i've been staring at this fucking message since you sent it nonny and i havent gotten any less feral over my brain suddenly opening up and the skies parting and all i can see is izzy/fang. nonny. i had to sit here for this long before i could come up with a reply to the rest, nonny.

Okay, the rest:

I think maybe something that we're not really adding to our thoughts is that we've actually only really seen Izzy as attempting-to-be-first-mate of the Revenge? Not of Ed's ship?

So, as a brief rundown of the Revenge from what we've been shown so far: they are a crew who were scooped up from god knows where, on a ship that's pristine because it was literally built all of a month ago, the crew are being paid wages rather than having to work for their dinner, no one ever actually seems to do ship things except maybe Buttons who seems to have a clue what he's doing but I don't think I've seen him actually work either, and no matter how much some may argue they're real pirates, they all hide behind the ship in 1x01 when the English show up, just like Stede.

Furthermore, the ship's surgeon is actually the cook (and although he's sewed up his shoulder in the past and makes a bangin' orange cake and goes in to amputate Lucius' finger, we don't know that he's actually qualified to be the surgeon), Stede had no idea Jim was "really a woman" (I mean, they're not, but you get my drift for the early episodes), and in 1x02 they forgot to steer the ship, which is why they ran aground.

So when Izzy comes around in 1x05 and is trying to do his job, which is basically to oversee and wrangle the crew into doing their jobs, what he finds is that there are two functional crew members (Ivan and Fang, who they brought along from their ship), and a bunch of folks that... don't do their jobs.

Literally in 1x05 you have Frenchie who went off and put on nice clothes he found from their raid (which is not working, though he did look dapper), Stede and Ed very distracted by the invitation, Lucius and Stede swinging their legs watching Ivan do all the work of going through the bodies for loot, Fang who is--

Wait, hold on. What is Fang doing?

I mean the general, main answer is "attending Ed", which makes sense because they're on someone else's ship and it makes perfect sense to have Fang nearby while Ed and Stede are distracted, just in case something bad happens.

But what is he actively doing in this scene? Is he knitting? Sewing? What? What? WHAT IS HE DOING WITH HIS HANDS? You literally only see him in this shot and I am losing my mind because I want to know what he's doing???? fuck!

Anyway, Fang is off skinning a guy for Ed after this, Lucius and Pete are fucking in the storeroom amongst the food while Wee John takes a nap, Frenchie and Oluwande go over to the ship with Ed and Stede, and when you get wide shots you can see literally no one is working on that ship.

Izzy is losing his shit and yelling at Lucius because every time he turns his head, no one is doing anything. It's a ship! It needs a crew because the crew keep it moving and functioning and clean.

Like, I understand if cleaning barnacles isn't Lucius' job, but someone has to do it?

So Izzy is presented with a ship whose crew is just, not doing their jobs, and all we really get to see is Izzy yelling at them and trying his darndest to actually get them to work, while they're just like ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ meh it practically sails itself.

What we don't see is how Ed's ship runs. We don't see how his crew work, we don't see whether Izzy has to yell at everyone on that ship or if all he has to do is hand out a chore roster and everyone does their jobs.

If everyone is doing their jobs and pulling their weight, it's likely that they're treated with the respect they've earned and deserve as working and functioning members of the crew, and that their needs are also seen to, and who would be in charge of seeing to their needs?

Izzy.

Extra points: in the books scene, Ivan calls Izzy by his first name, Fang calls him 'boss', but the tone he uses makes it sound less like a mandatory title like when Izzy tells Lucius he expects sir or first mate hands or god or whatever, and more like he's showing him respect in return, the respect he's earned from that crew.

I get the sense that while Izzy might be on everyone's ass about work, he isn't generally the type to push people to work harder if they're already doing their job. (I also think this suggests Izzy is afraid of Ed now in a way he wasn't before. They need to move fast, or who knows what Ed might do?) No one's had to deal with forced autocannibalism from Izzy on that crew.

This, too. There's "expects the crew to do their jobs" and there's "is unreasonable about it", and there's no actual demonstration that Izzy is ever unreasonable about it. He just wants them to do their jobs and pull their weight!

[ambermondy]

Title: Doki Doki Connection

Pairing: Male!Monika x Fem!Reader

Art by: MisterZei

Doki Doki Connection Masterlist: 🖋

Main Masterlist: 🍫

Chapter 3

You took a deep breath, and with shaking knees, you slowly walked towards the open clubroom doors.

You froze at the sight of the male version of Yuri, and Natsuki.

Yuri still has his dark purple hair, and light purple eyes. His aura, just like the original girl version, expresses maturity and sophistication.

Natsuki still possess his straight pastel pink hair, and pink eyes. His bangs are swept to the right, having two prominent strands of hair beside them. Suprisingly enough, he still retained the accessory the girl version has, that consist of a red Japanese-style crossed hairclip, as well as a red ribbon tying one small ponytail on the upper half of his head at the back— the rest of his hair left down. And his height, he's actually taller than you but still the smallest one on the boys.

You continued to examine the two of them, your cheeks heating up.

They. Are. So. Hot.

"Welcome to the Literature Club. It's a pleasure meeting you," male Yuri suddenly spoke up, bringing you to reality. His voice was deep, and soothing. "Satori always says nice things about you," he added.

The pink-haired guy then said. "Seriously? You brought a girl?" he rolled his eyes. "Way to kill the atmosphere."

As much as you wanted to be offended by his statement, you were too distracted by his cute voice.

You opened your mouth to speak out but then frozed when your realized one thing. "Where's Monika?" You whispered, not realizing the your childhood friend next to you heard your statement.

"Who's Monika?" Satori's jovial voice next to you made you jump in surprise. Then his eyes lightened in realization. "Oh! Do you mean Moniko? I don't know where he went."

"O-oh," you muttered and looked down, your cheeks tinted red in embarrassment.

"Wait. How did you know that he's part of this club? I never mentioned it to you." His eyes widened, a teasing grin forming on his lips. "Do you by any chance like him? Is that why you quickly joined the club?"

You quickly looked up at him with a wide and panicked look. "N-no! I don't even know him!"

You felt a hot breath in your right ear and a unfamiliar smooth and confident voice. "Really? We're classmates last year, aren't we, Y/N?"

In surprise, you jumped to the side, accidentally knocking Satori to the ground.

Your eyes widened in panic. "Oh no! I'm so sorry, Satori!" You offered him a hand.

"All is good, Y/n!" He laughed and scratched the back of his head before taking your hand.

"I'm so sorry about that, Satori. I didn't know that she'll act that way. Ahahaha," he laughed and turned to you.

You can't help but froze at the sight of the male version of Monika in front of you. He's gorgeous. Just like the female version, he has coral brown hair, the white ribbon now missing, and his emerald green eyes made you feel that you can stare at it all day long... Ironically speaking, you actually did that at act 3 of the game, and at Monika After Story.

"I apologize for surprising you, Y/N. It really is nice to see you again." He gave you a warm smile.

"I- uh- um-" You panicked inside. Damn it! Why can't you form a coherent sentence?

"What are you looking at? If you want to say something, say it." Natsuki—or atleast what you thought is his name—spoke up.

"I-I'm sorry," you looked down, feeling dejected already. You promised yourself that you would help them, then why are you acting like some weak protagonist of an otome game? You need to keep in mind that the game's main genre was never romance, but horror.

"Naruki..." You heard the male Yuri stated.

"Hmph," Naruki—finally! You know his name—crossed his arms and turned his head to the side. You mentally rolled your eyes.

Typical tsundere.

But at least he's cute.

"You can just ignore him when he's–" you cut Satori off.

"He's the typical tsundere, isn't he?" You whispered back, not knowing how Moniko heard you, and now turned to you with wide eyes.

Satori held back his laugh. "Y-yeah." He then turned back to his club mates. "Anyway! This is Naruki, always full of energy. And this is Yuki, the smartest in the club!"

You smiled and waved at them, then you turned your head to Moniko who was already staring at you with a look in his eyes that you can't discern. It bothered you, knowing that Moniko has full control of the game.

Your confidence came back at the thought of breaking out of this game. With them. You can't act like a fool right now. You need to earn their trust.

"Hey, everyone! I'm Y/n, and it's a pleasure to meet all of you! Thank you for accepting me as a part of your club already," you smiled. Now here comes the part of your strategy that you'll surely manage to get one of the to be friends.

"When it comes to literature, I'm really a wide reader, by that I mean, I read Manhwa, and Mangas..." You saw Naruki's eyes light up—Bingo!—while Yuki frowned a bit. "When it comes to books, I'm a fan of any genres, such as fantasy, mystery, and even horror." This time, Yuki is the one who's eyes lightened up with an expectant look, the frown disappearing from his face.

Your smile grew wider at their reaction. "You really do love literature, don't you?" You turned to Moniko who just spoke up.

You nodded, not lying about what you said earlier. "I also write stories in my spare time, though I'm not good with poems, since I find it hard to understand them." You let out a nervous laugh.

Moniko patted your head and you looked up at him in surprise. "That's fine, you can learn here in the literature club."

"I'm excited for it."

You don't want to follow the script but you'll make an exception just this one for this line.

This club... is full of incredibly hot guys!!

Wait. Script...

Your mind flashed the conversation you had with them... Moniko's appearance...

Did he just deviated from the script in act 1?