#it's not even field of my study but still makes me mad every time

[shyflowerhologram]

this doesn't make sense (Deidara rarely does but), what does "thanks to Uchiha blood" mean? if Sasuke didn't have Uchiha blood and genes, he would be a different person, a random villager maybe? Genes make up the whole person, his personality, his looks, his abilities. Sasuke was born as Uchiha, formed as a blob of cells based on Uchiha Gene, expressed them and developed. What do you want him to do, Deidara? Erase just part of his DNA to appease your trauma? I guess that's what most dudebros demand but it doesn't work like that.

For comparison we can look at Naruto. He maybe wouldn't have those powers without kyuubi, but he still would be the same person, because kyuubi isn't in his genome. Meanwhile Uchiha abilities are part of Sasuke's genome. It's really simple. (No, I'm not hating Naruto, it's just a fact).

[seeingivy]

you belong with me

satoru gojo x f!reader

**part of my satoru as taylor swift songs series

content: high school!au, gojo is a robotics nerd, reader is class president, emo nanami (my beloved), toji is ur shitass football playing boyfriend, typical cheesy highschool drama

an: tell me why posting this is giving me a tummy ache like I haven't posted for gojo in forever and now i think I suck at it :OOO anyways, please be nice to me about this and close your eyes if you hate it. also, totally reliving my high school days when I was senior class vice president (worst experience of my life) FDLJFKDSJFLS

--

You’re a hater. A self proclaimed, real-life, deep in your soul hater. 

What do you hate today? Being class president. 

You hate that you willingly ran, somehow won, had people up your ass all day about stuff that wasn’t in your control, and got stuck in the current situation you were in. Which was arguing with your boyfriend Toji, as you pace around your room and do your own fair share of screaming back. 

“You just did that shit because you were pissed at me.” 

“I did not, Toji. You know, not everything is about you. Other people needed the money and I put it where it was needed.” 

“To the color guard team? Babe, no one gives a fuck about the color guard team. Everyone is at the homecoming game to watch the football team. Not a bunch of idiots waving flags in the air.” 

“They’re also part of the game and all their equipment is broken. They need it more than you when you guys literally get donors and funding from the district and-”

“You’re just pissed about the sweetheart thing. That’s why you’re doing this shit and taking it out on everyone else.” 

“Toji, I’m not even mad about-” 

You’re met with the sound of ringing over the phone, signaling that Toji had enough and finally hung up on you. You flop straight onto your bed, pushing your face so hard into your pillow that sits uncomfortably against your nose and the smell of your laundry detergent makes its way to the crevices of your brain.

You hear a banging behind you and twist around to see Gojo pointing at his walkie-talkie, switching it on as you reach for yours. It’s still covered in glittery pink stickers from when you were seven, the silver coming off on your hand every time you grab it. 

“Come in, bunny.” 

“Loud and clear, Toru.” 

He smiles, setting his hardware down - probably for another weird ass robot he was making - as he holds it up to his face, talking again. 

“You okay?” 

“Yeah. Just arguing with Toji, again. I’ll start allocating some of our funds to get you some sound proof windows.” 

“Much appreciated, Madam President. That’s very generous of you.” 

You laugh, dropping the walkie talkie to lift your fingertips to your temples, lightly massaging the pulsating under your skin. 

“For what it’s worth, the color guard team is really grateful you did that for them. I know Utahime was so excited when the new flags came in, she was flipping them around on the field for hours.” 

“That’s why it’s even more annoying. I know what I did was right, but he just doesn’t see it that way. Uta dragged me down to the field to watch them and their choreography looks so much better with the multicolored flags. They were really happy about it.” 

“Heavy is the head that wears the crown?” 

“Heavy is the head that’s dating Toji Fushiguro.” 

He laughs as you switch your channel off, taking the last few seconds to study you before you draw your curtains. He can see the tension sitting in your shoulders and how clearly it hurts you to argue with Toji like this. And it infuriates him. That you even have to go to sleep angry and that the cause is the headass idiot you’re dating. 

Toji Fushiguro is lucky, far more lucky than he realizes. Not for obvious reasons. Yeah, he’s a great football player and yeah, he’ll probably get scouted for some really good university at the end of the year. He doesn’t have a shortage of friends or intelligence and for all intents and purposes, he’s loved (which Gojo doesn’t understand at all). 

He’ll probably be that scumbag that people see a few years down the line and then get infuriated at. Because if an absolute asshat like Toji Fushiguro can be successful, then truly all things have gone to shit. That the patriarchy is real, that society is broken, living proof that the asshole always wins and everyone else always loses. 

But no, those are common reasons to hate Toji Fushiguro - ones he’s heard echoed by Suguru and Shoko every time he does something that pisses the two of them off. Like scream obscenities in the hallways, block their parking spots when they’re going to class, call them names when they walk by. 

No. Toji Fushiguro is lucky because he gets to date you. Because out of the long list of girls he had to pick one, Toji just had to pick the one that was his. The girl he’s been in love with since he moved in right across the street and had a smiley neighbor excitedly waving at him through her bay window. 

To him, love has always been the pigtail braids you used to wear everyday in the fourth grade, the matching walkie-talkies you bought him in sixth grade when he got grounded, and that sweet smile you’ve had since the first day he’s met you. 

And when he sees those green curtains pulled against the bay window he’s stared at for years, where he’s loved you from for years, he lifts the walkie and says what he forgot to mention. 

I love you.

--

Thanks to your gracious ride, you make it to school thirty minutes early. Your intuition - that Toji was ditching you as your ride to school this morning - was correct. Luckily, you made it in time just before class started. 

Nanami’s already seated on the green bench outside the classroom, headphones plugged into his ears. As you walk up, you silently wonder how much hair gel it takes to keep his Gerard Way hairstyle in place. 

“Hi Kento! How is my best friend doing on this fine morning?” 

“We’re not best friends.” 

“Sure we are!” 

You reach forward and pinch his cheek in your hand, which he only swats off and rolls his eyes at. That’s how you know your best friends. Because if it was anyone else, Nanami would probably break their hand and walk away. But he always lets you tease him, because he know he loves you. 

“Are you still fighting with that dog?” 

“That dog has a name. And it’s Toji. And I’m not sure, he didn’t pick me up for school this morning.” 

“Did he at least tell you he wouldn’t?” 

“No. I was lucky enough that Satoru had walked Megs to the bus stop a little late and I was able to get a ride with him.” 

Nanami looks over, narrowing his eyes at you, as the hallway starts getting crowded with people. And you know what he’s saying, what he’s been saying for the past few months. 

“You know, it’s very normal to give your neighbor a ride when they need one. Not everything has ulterior motives, Kento.” 

“That’s true. Everything doesn’t have ulterior motives. But he does. I’ve seen how he looks at you.”

“How does he look at me, Kento?” 

“Like he’d kiss the ground you’d walk on.” 

You roll your eyes, reaching up to mess up his perfectly styled hair. It doesn’t budge and you get a handful of minty smelling hair gel.

“As if.”

Like you’ve summoned him by bringing him up, Satoru’s sidestepping to where you and Nanami are sitting, Shoko and Getou in tow with him. 

“Nanami~~ How’s my best friend doing?” Satoru says, bending over to totally obscure Nanami’s line of vision.

“Shut the fuck up, Gojo.” Nanami responds. 

Nanami stands up, giving you a look, before he stalks away to his next class. Leaving you, Satoru, Shoko, and Getou standing in front of your classroom.  

“So. I hear you have a robotics competition?” you ask.

“Yeah. Next Saturday. We always practice our hardware out the night before, throw a little party in the lab. You should come.” Getou says, smiling at you. 

Satoru smacks Getou in the stomach right after he invites you, clearly trying to tell him something with his eyes. And then when he catches you staring, he gives you a nervous laugh. 

You get it. He doesn’t want you there.

“Don’t act too excited to see me now, Satoru. Anything more and I might think you like me.” you bite sarcastically.

“What? No, it’s not like that. I just-” Satoru stutters, 

“So you don’t like me?” you say, smirking at him. Shoko and Getou are laughing, the tips of Satoru’s turning pink as he very adamantly tells you that he does indeed like you. 

“I have stuff to set up for the homecoming game that day, so I won’t be able to. But I’ll try my best, yeah?” 

“Okay. Next time?” Getou asks. 

“Sure, Sugar-u. I’ll see you guys around, yeah?” 

You give the three of them a polite smile as you trudge away, leaving to meet Toji at his locker and give him a piece of your mind for this morning. Which leaves Shoko and Getou to give Satoru the scolding of his life. 

“Are you fucking stupid, Satoru? You made it seem like you didn’t want her there.” Shoko says, smacking him on the back of the head. 

“I panicked! Plus, Haibara always likes to play Just Dance and I’d rather not embarrass myself in front of her.” Satoru responds, rubbing the now sore spot on the back of his head. 

“You’re hopeless, Satoru. She’s never going to like you if you keep rejecting her the way you do.” Suguru says, dragging him along to the robotics lab. 

“She has a boyfriend. Who isn’t me. As if she would even consider dating me in the first place.” 

And when the three of them pass you by the lockers, clearly getting yelled at by Toji, it only furthers their argument more. 

“Yeah, I’m sure she really loves him, Satoru.” 

--

Your argument with Toji hours prior simmers in your head, as you wait for the bus to arrive and for this godforsaken day to finally be over. You watch him pile into his car with Salma and the other boys from the football team, which only makes your anger fester more. 

He’s doing this to piss you off. Of course, he’s doing this to-

“Need a ride?” 

You look up and unclench your fists to find Satoru, sparkly blue eyes shining at you and a hand held out to you. 

“Thanks.” 

He leads you to his car, an almost demolished Honda Civic from his maniacal driving, and you climb in, immediately putting your head in your hands. You can feel him moving around you, the engine purring on and him backing out of the spot. 

“About earlier. I don’t not want you to come to the robotics thing. I just thought it was awkward the way he asked you and I-I didn’t want you to feel obligated to come, you know? And I-I’d like it if you came too and so would the rest of us.” he rambles, a hand in his hair. 

You look up, his ears tinted pink from the confession. 

“I was just teasing you, Satoru. I’ll try to make it by, okay?” 

He sighs, a clear breath of relief, and looks over to smile.

“Okay, cool cool cool. Now tell me why you and Toji are fighting.” 

“When aren’t we fighting?” you murmur, pressing your head against the glass. 

“But why?” 

And when you look over, his blue eyes staring into yours, in earnest while the light is red, you unload it all. 

“Do you know about the sweethearts thing they do at the homecoming game?” 

“Uh. That’s when the cheerleaders wear the jerseys right. And then decorate the locker room or some shit for the players.” 

“Yeah. Well, it’s not limited to cheerleaders. It usually is, but if you’re dating someone, that person can do it for you.” 

“So I’m guessing Toji doesn’t want you to do it for him.” 

“Not exactly. He was just saying that it’s more traditional for a cheerleader to do it since they’re also on the side of the track and he wants to see his name out there instead of running around, trying to make sure the game is running and all that.” 

You slump into the chair as Satoru frowns, a pitying look in his eyes, as he keeps driving. You can’t help but watch him, his silhouette against the window - defined jaw, the slope of his nose. 

He’s not the guy who ran away from kissing you in the eighth grade. He’s just ten times hotter. 

You shake your head, letting the thought spill from your mind, as Satoru looks over. 

“Jamoca?” he says, giving you a wide grin. 

You can’t help but laugh, nodding as Satoru makes a sharp left turn, making his way to the ice cream shop. 

Jamoca is your favorite ice cream flavor. Coffee, layered with fudge and almonds, became a proclaimed favorite when Satoru dragged you once in the sixth grade. After very sorely losing the class president battle, you moped in your room for five days - even going as far as borrowing one of Nanami’s My Chemical Romance vinyls to truly and properly mope. 

On day three of blasting the vinyl, Satoru called enough and dragged you to the closest ice cream store, claiming it was the closest thing to therapy that you normies could afford. Since then, any bad day was easily solved with two things. 

Jamoca and Satoru. 

When you make it to the store, Satoru’s excitedly dragging you out of the car, his hand pressed in yours as you both run into the store, giggling while you order your single scoops. And when he drags you out to the curb and you sit there, you silently think to yourself why you ever stopped doing this in the first place. 

Satoru leans over, digging his chocolate fudge covered spoon into your cup, before talking. 

“So. If you guys fight so much, why are you still dating?” 

“Dunno. Feels weird to initiate a breakup, I guess. I can’t see myself doing it.” 

“Even when he wants other girls to be his sweetheart?” 

“Even when he wants other girls to be his sweetheart.” 

You kick the pebbles into the broken parts of the pavement, leaning your elbows on your knees. 

“I don’t know, Toru. I guess he was just the first guy who ever liked me back and then I….spent so much time in the relationship and trying to make it work that it feels weird to let it go now.” 

Satoru swallows hard, eyeing his melting ice cream, as he ponders the best response. Because in earnest, he has two options. Support you or be selfish. Support you to stay with Toji, to do what you’ve been doing because he knows it’s what you want. Or be selfish. Tell you that he you deserve better, that he could be that for you if you just let him. 

He reaches over, flicking you in the forehead. 

“Ouch, asshole.” 

“You’ve got a really big brain in there. And you always have. You’ll figure out the right thing to do, just give it time.” 

And when you give him a halfhearted smile, reaching over into his cup for a bite of his ice cream, he lets it go. 

He can’t be selfish. Not when it comes to you anyways. 

--

After running around all day, you give yourself thirty minutes to go to Satoru’s robotics thing. After triple checking the microphones work, the yearbook team has access to the field, the glitter has been set out for everyone trickling in, and that everyone who could possibly need your phone number has it, you speed run to the other side of campus, to the robotics lab. 

And when you make it, the five of them - Haibara, Nanami, Shoko, Getou, and Satoru - are in the room playing Just Dance. Shoko’s sitting on top of the desk, flippantly moving her remote in the air, while Satoru quite literally is trying to give it all he’s got - and losing apparently. 

You lightly push the door open, which stops the two of them in their tracks, and you’re met with some very excited cheers as they all drag you into the room. You take a seat next to Nanami, giving his cheek a pinch, which he hates. 

“You’re Haibara, right?” 

“You know who I am?” 

“Why wouldn’t I? You’re friends with Nanami and Nanami and I are best friends.” 

“No we aren’t.” responds Nanami, now sulking two seats away from you. 

“Are too.” 

You throw the nearest object, a pencil at Nanami, as you turn back to Haibara and laugh. 

“I like your shirt. Flight of the Navigator is a really good movie.” 

You see Satoru, Shoko, and Suguru’s eyes widen in the back at your words and hear a considerable amount of groaning from Nanami behind you. And after twenty minutes, you find out why. 

Haibara really, really loves Flight of the Navigator. Almost too much. In earnest, you barely remember the movie - at most, maybe the weird little alien companion he has. But here Haibara is, reciting the cast, the directors, acting out the scenes and it’s clear to you that you’ve tapped into some monster they all keep hidden. 

Luckily for you, Satoru comes to your rescue. 

“Okay, Haibara. I’m going to steal her for you for some Just Dance.” 

“I don’t Just Dance Satoru.” 

“Oh yeah? You’re just saying that because you know you’re going to lose.” 

You scoff, knowing exactly what he’s doing. 

“As if, sweetheart. I distinctly remember you banning us from ever playing that game together after I beat you in the fifth grade.” 

“You’re rusty. Maybe we’ll start with something easy. Like Rasputin.” 

“I could do Rasputin in my sleep, bitch.” 

“Prove it.” 

You roll your eyes as you march over to the front, where they’re projecting the game onto the screen. And just for posterity’s sake, you take Satoru’s sunglasses from where they were flipped over on the desk and put them on, effectively blinding yourself from the screen. 

And when the songs start, you can hear them all laughing behind you, Satoru and you hurling insults at each other as you dance on. And somewhere around the middle, you’re sure Satoru must be losing because he grabs your hands and suddenly he’s swinging you around in the air, his hands on your waist as you laugh. 

And when you take your blindfold off and the song dies down, Satoru wins by five points. 

“You asshole. You literally cheated, Satoru.” 

“Did not. You’re just a sore loser, bitch.” 

“You kiss your mom with that mouth?” 

“Every night, sweetheart.” 

You put the palm of your hand in his face as you push him away, moving to sit on the desk. He joins you, the two of you now watching Haibara and Nanami have a very one sided dance battle. 

After forty-five minutes, Satoru’s phone buzzes three times and the smile on his face drops when he checks. You place your hand on his, squeezing twice before asking. 

“You okay?” 

“Huh. Oh, yeah. I-I think you should go to the field. Right now.” 

“Wait, what? But you hate that kind of-” 

He grabs your hand, dragging you out, as you both start running to the field. You keep asking as he pulls you on, getting almost no response and only a faster pace. 

And when you reach the field, you catch just the end of it and the only thing grounding you to that moment is Satoru and Utahime, who was surely the one who had texted Satoru, holding onto your shoulders. 

Salma, the cheerleader Toji picked to be his sweetheart, just asked him to homecoming during halftime. And he said yes. 

Utahime squeezes your hand three times, a soft look in her eyes when she talks. 

“I’m so sorry, Y/N. I just thought you would want to know and I wanted to tell you because you’ve been nothing but nice to me.” 

You smile, moving into her open arms as you whisper a small thank you into her shoulder. She leaves, having to return to the color guard team waiting for her on the side, leaving you and Satoru standing on the pavement right by the field. 

“Take you home?” 

“Thanks, Toru.” 

“You want Jamoca?” 

“Not today.” 

He nods, a hand on the small of your back, as he leads you to his car, even going as far as opening the door for you and letting you crack the windows while you drive back - which you know he hates. 

At the first red light, he taps on the top of your head to get your attention. 

“Penny for your thoughts?” 

“Do you think there’s something wrong with me?” 

“What? Of course, not. Toji is just an asshat who doesn’t see you for what you’re worth and-” 

“No. No, no. Not like that. Do you think there’s something wrong with me because I’m not even the tiniest bit sad right now? I’m…relieved.” 

Satoru looks over, the red front the traffic light flashing on your face, and a blank expression staring back at him. 

“Of course, not. He’s a grade one idiot. Anyone in your position would feel that way, bunny.” 

“I know. That’s true.” 

“But?” 

“Does this make me defective, Satoru? Like, maybe I just can’t like people that much or something and I was the problem.” 

Satoru twiddles his thumbs on the steering wheel, pondering the same question he has been asking for the past few days. Encourage her or be selfish. 

He can’t be selfish with you. 

“Okay, Y/N. Close your eyes.” 

“Huh?” 

“Just do it.” 

“Okay.” 

He looks over, to find you eyelids fluttering shut, your face lit up by the streetlights outside.

“Now. Tell me about your dream guy, bunny.” 

“What are you going on ab-” 

“Just do it.” 

You sigh, before thinking hard about his question. 

“Someone I can be comfortable with. That’s my type. Like we can have fun together and play games but also being around them is comforting to me. Things might suck, but at least they are there to kind of pick me up at the end of the day. They’re nice to people and are surrounded by good company, because you are who you love and they try to be better each day.” 

After finishing, you open your eyes to find Satoru staring at you, an all-knowing look on his face. 

“Bunny?” 

“Toru?” 

“Does that sound anything like Toji to you?” 

You slump back into your chair, sinking down. 

“No.” you murmur. 

“You aren’t defective. Well, maybe in the higher level cognitive thinking part because you clearly have some impaired decision making but-” 

“Hey. Don’t be rude, asshole.” 

“Get out of the car.” 

You crane your head out the window to see you’re in fact not at your house, but at the ice cream store. And when he comes around to your side of the car, opening your door, he drags you out, the two of you eating you ice cream in the light of the dingy lamp outside the store. 

--

You knock hard on your window, only stopping when Satoru looks up from his desk, dropping the pencil he was just scribbling with. You point to your walkie talkie, switching on the channel as he grabs his. 

“Hi bunny. You look nice.” 

“Thank you. Are you coming tonight?” 

To homecoming. Because despite all odds and last night, you still have to go. And crown the homecoming king and queen since you’re the class president, which you’re sure will be Salma and Toji since the universe is very, very kind to you. 

“I’m sorry. Haibara needed help designing something for next week.” 

“Oh. Okay. I wish you were.” 

“I wish I was too. His hardware is Flight of the Navigator themed so wish me luck.” 

You laugh, giving him one last smile as he pulls the curtains to his window. And when you see his navy windows against the pane you’ve stared at him through for years, it only now occurs to you. 

When he asked you to describe that last night, he unlocked something. Bringing it to your attention, to the forefront of your mind. 

The person you were describing is him. You lift your walkie talkie to your mouth, press the button, and mention the words you forgot to say. 

I love you.

And then you turn on your heel and drive yourself to the dance. 

--

Satoru ponders it for thirty minutes. 

Support her or be selfish. Support her or be selfish. Support her or be selfish. 

Be fucking selfish. 

Satoru gets up, dropping the hardware he was making for Haibara, and pulls out the first suit he can find. He grabs his walkie talkie off his desk, convinces Megumi to go beg your mom (who loves Megumi) for your walkie talkie, and then goes ninety on the freeway to get to the school on time. 

He finds Nanami first, the glob of gel on his head somehow even worse than normal and sets his plan in motion. 

“Nanami.” 

“Please, for the love of god, not tod-” 

“Go hand this to Y/N.” 

Nanami and now Shoko are taking the walkie in their hands, flipping it over and inspecting it like they’re the fucking FBI. And more importantly, wasting time. 

Three feet away, you’re standing by the punch table, counting how many balloons are on the ceiling. You reach three hundred and fifteen when you’re approached for the first time that night, by Nanami and Shoko. 

“Nanami. What is going on with your hair? You can’t possibly need that much hair gel.”

“You would be shocked, Y/N.” 

“That's what I said to him too. But this is for you.” Shoko says.

She hands you your walkie talkie, the silver glitter coming off on your hand, as you flip it over. 

“Did you break into my house, Shoko?” 

“No. But I’m guessing Satoru did. He ran in here five minutes ago and basically yelled at us to give it to you.” 

They both shrug as they walk away and you look around, clutching the walkie talkie so hard in your hand you think you might break it. Satoru’s here.

And when you scan your eyes around the room, you see him at the front door, his eyes already fixed on yours. He’s smiling so big that it makes your heart squelch and suddenly you’re moving towards him. And as you both start walking (running) to each other, you can’t help but feel the anticipation of what’s coming. 

Except that’s right when Toji stands in the middle of the two of you, his characteristic slimy, sneer on his face. He reaches for your hand first. 

“Can we talk, Y/N?” 

"No."

You shrug your hand off, pushing right past him, as you walk closer to Satoru. You can hear Toji shouting something at you, but you’re too tunnel visioned on Satoru to pay attention. And when you reach him, you’re both smiling so big at each other, that it makes your face hurt. 

He lifts his walkie talkie to his mouth, talking first. 

“Come in, bunny?” 

“Loud and clear, Toru.” 

“I love you.” 

You can feel yourself smiling so big, so excited that you’re basically jumping on your toes, your walkie shaking in your hand. 

“I love you.” 

“Oh thank god. I was scared I was going to get a breaking and entering charge.”

You laugh, pulling him down by his tie and kissing him square on his face. And when he pulls away, ears pink and face red, you whisper against his lips. 

“It was always going to be you. I belong with you.” 

He smiles, that stupid smile you’ve stared at, loved for years and you can’t help but cheese, leaning forward to kiss him again.

--

the satoru as taylor swift songs series masterlist

taglist: @porridgesblog @platrom  @k0z3me  @kayleegomez  @yihona-san06  @bsenpai @sweetenertea  @skzismyhome  @mykyoon @violetmatcha @rebeccawinters  @luna0713hunter @shotenvinsoot @itzmeme @squirrelspoetry

[vaulthunterlands]

BORDERLANDS COLLEGE AU

Stupid idea I had a few nights ago, don't think too hard about the inconsistencies in ages and stuff. Probably just doing Vault Hunters and a few other characters.

ROLAND

Majoring in cybersecurity. Good student, studies and gets consistently high grades. Has a well-formulated meal and workout plan. Also an RA on campus. Roland is the guy you go to if you have issues. He might not be great at "talking you through them" or "showing empathy" but he always has solid advice and is well-respected by his peers.

BRICK

I was going to say "Brick wouldn't go to college in canon" but this isn't canon babeyyyy. Brick is going into veterinary medicine. You may think this is completely off as a major for him, but I argue that his love for dogs is far greater than any challenge he may face in his education. Still a gym maniac. Roland is his RA, which means Roland is in charge of calming Brick down when he gets mad. Dating Mordecai. Also, unrelated but Brick in a philosophy class:

"Brick, can you tell us what you think about what Descartes said?"

"I PUNCH Descartes."

LILITH

Y'all are going to hate me for this but Lilith is a chemistry major. Girl loves fire, electricity, and acid so you can't tell me she wouldn't be a menace in her labs. (Also, before the first game was released her full title was "Dr. Lilith Cashlin, Mercenary Scientist") Only goes to class half the time but still does really well. Rooms with Mordecai and Brick. Huge crush on this RA she keeps seeing around

MORDECAI

BIRD MAAAAAN. Y'all already know this guy is doing two things on campus. 1) Majoring in Ornithology 2) Going to parties to get drunk. This man is the epitome of "college is for partying". Keeps birds in campus (not allowed) and is doing okay in his classes (he is hung over 80% of the time) (Mordy pls) Dating Brick.

PATRICIA TANNIS

Honestly, what field of science ISN'T this girl majoring in? She's insane(ly smart) and constantly gets perfect scores on all of her exams. Closest friends are Roland and the gang.

MARCUS

Why is he here??? What??? Marcus is the guy who runs the restaurant that is directly across the street from campus. *Phenomenal* food, but GOD is it pricey. Tends to not care about many of the students chilling (as long as they BUY SOMETHING)

SCOOTER

Doesn't go to this college but he's good friends with Roland and his pals. Likes to go out drinking with them on the weekends and is just all-in-all a cool guy to hang around with. Friends with Janey.

AXTON

BMOC. Captain of the football team. You can trust him! (He's the water boy.) Total jock but he's not an asshole about it. Majoring in Rehabilitation Science. He's... not the *best* student, but he does try and genuinely care about what he wants to do. Lives with Salvador, Maya, and Zer0 in a dorm.

SALVADOR

Culinary major. My man can COOK. He's the best cook in the dorm and no one will ever argue if he offers to cook. Really good student even though he parties all the time with Mordecai, Brick, and Axton. Lives with Maya, Axton, and Zer0.

ZER0

*Insert weeb joke here* They're a literature major. Not just because of the haiku, either. I feel like Zer0 would be fantastic in literature courses and understanding thr deeper meanings in texts. They are seen as a "weird kid" on campus. They do not care. Lives with Maya, Salvador, and Axton.

MAYA

The reason I made this list (big surprise, V does a huge post and it's Maya's fault), Maya majors in entomology. (S/O to @forbiddenpurplesoda for this because I've always thought Maya would be a bug girl) Maya is a phenomenal student and she always gets great marks in her studies. Lives with Axton, Sal and Zer0. Has at least one pet beetle that makes Axton panic.

GAIGE

Mechanical Engineering/Robotics major. Obviously built Deathtrap as a buddy because she felt a little lonely in her dorm. Calls her Dad every night. Has a huge crush on a girl in one of her math classes. Lives with...

KRIEG!!!!

Listen. Listen. Krieg majors in psychology. The *actual* football captain. Doesn't talk much and when he does, it's complete nonsense. (Everyone just goes "haha classic Krieg") Gaige gets along with him extremely well. Maya and him have a thing where they will just look at each other and think "holy shit they're so gorgeous). Always wears a face mask.

TINA

Child prodigy chemistry major, buddies with Lilith and Roland. But seriously, who let this kid in the lab? Like, okay, yeah, she knows what she's doing, but what she's doing is COMBUSTION REACTIONS. How is she still in school.

ELLIE

Engineering major. Lives in the building across from Roland and the gang. Absolute sweetheart and huge flirt but will also drop you on her ass if you threaten her friends.

MOXXI

I could see Moxxi as a professor of engineering, actually. Every student thinks she's gorgeous and she's learned to ignore it. Scooter and Ellie's Mom. Thinks their friends are funny.

HANDSOME JACK

Oh man, this one was tough. I decided on absolute tool you meet in college who's the head of a frat and thinks he's God's gift to women. Lives in the same building as Roland, Lilith, Brick, Mordecai, Salvador, Axton, Maya, Zer0, Gaige, and Krieg. Constantly getting into arguments with... basically everyone listed above. Majors in business.

ANGEL

She's an art major!!! She's super intelligent and aces all of her classes but she absolutely loves art. Jack is her brother in this AU. Has a crush on the cute punk girl in her math class but could never tell her. Lives in a single.

ALISTAIR HAMMERLOCK

Double majors in conservation biology and zoology! Finds the creatures that he studies absolutely fascinating and always has a bright disposition on his face. Lives in a single that looks exactly like you think it does (his room on Sanctuary III). Strained relationship with his sister.

ATHENA

Acient History Major, specifically interested in Ancient Greece (wonder why?). Works at Marcus' restaurant. Hates it. Pay her more. Has her eyes on a girl that frequents Marcus' restaurant. Tried to live with Wilhelm, Jack, Nisha, Timothy, and Claptrap for a semester, she is now a commuter. Still friends with Timothy.

WILHELM

Jack's second-in-command. People look at him like he's a dumbass, big hunk of meat, but he's also in a robotics major. Aside from being buddies with Jack, he's... kind of chill? Man likes what he likes and he works out pretty often. Boxes in his free time. Lives with Nisha, Jack, Timothy, and (formerly) Claptrap.

NISHA

Criminal justice major, naturally. Jack's girlfriend and the baddest and scariest bitch on campus. Likes watching old western movies. Never, ever shows up to class but still passes. No one knows how. Lives with Jack, Timothy, Wilhelm, and (formerly) Claptrap

CLAPTRAP

Theater major! Always has a smile on his face, even though he's nooooot very well-liked. Tried to get in with the popular guys but eventually figured out he was being used. He confronted Jack and Jack kicked him out of the dorm 😔 Lives... well, he kind of just lives around Roland's dorm. Roland's too nice to say no.

TIMOTHY

I feel like Tim would be a Biology major. I don't know why but I can see him in that field. Looks SCARILY similar to Jack, and hates this. Unfortunately put into a room with Jack, Wilhelm, Nisha, and (formerly) Claptrap. Misses Athena greatly and wishes she still lived on campus. They're still good friends.

AURELIA HAMMERLOCK

Oh good lord, who let her on a college campus. Has an extravagant single room because she's *rich* and she's not sharing with someone else are you insane? Studies law because this bitch wants to be a judge someday. Absolutely hates to be seen with her brother Alistair. Rivalry with another rich law student makes this even more tense.

JANEY SPRINGS

Doesn't go to this college but she knows a few people around campus and hits up Marcus' restaurant for a bite to eat every so often. The food is just so good, right? No other reason. None at all. Friends with Scooter.

RHYS STRONGFOK

Rhys is a business and economics major. Is in Jack's frat. Is getting increasingly sick of Jack's shit. Buddy buddy with Vaughn, Fiona, and Zer0. Dating Sasha.

VAUGHN

Accounting major. Man has a mind like a steel trap, and also enjoys bodybuilding. Best friends with Rhys, good friends with Fiona and Sasha.

FIONA

I genuinely feel like Fiona would be a nursing or Healthcare major. I have no basis for this, it just feels right for her. Hates Jack and keeps telling Rhys to tell him to fuck off. Friends with Rhys and Vaughn, Sasha's older sister.

SASHA

Social work major! Loves helping people and wants to make a change in the world after she and Fiona grew up in less-than-ideal circumstances. Dating Rhys, also keeps telling Rhys to get away from Jack. Friends with Vaughn.

MOZE

Transfer student. Served in the military for a while before deciding she wanted to go to college. Undecided major but she's just trying to focus on the pretty women I mean her grades haha am I right? ALWAYS at Marcus'. Always. Lives with Zane, Amara, and FL4K.

FL4K

FL4K has Mr. Chew, Broodless and Meat-Thief as emotional support animals. I can see FL4K as a double major in zoology and veterinary medicine. Loves their pets. Super chill unless you speak badly about them or their pets. Will shank a bitch. Lives with Zane, Moze, and Amara.

AMARA

Healthcare studies major, with a focus on pathology. Also a bodybuilder. Also a boxer. Amara is that girl and she knows it. Always asking Moze to work out with her and she is completely oblivious to Moze being head over heels. Will fight someone being mean to a customer service worker. Lives with Zane, Moze, and FL4K.

ZANE

Pop pop went back to college! No but in this AU Zane is probably older than everyone but not that much older. His major was tough for me, but I honestly think he'd be a good candidate for a major in rehabilitation science with Axton. Also LOVES parties.

WAINWRIGHT JAKOBS

His Father wanted him to go into Business to take over the family legacy but he decided to go into law to "protect the little guy". Has daily arguments with this stuck-up, pretentious "harpy" that's in most of his classes. She's awful. Has a crush on this well-spoken man in zoological studies. At least that will take his mind off of the harpy.

TROY CALYPSO

Troy is a media and communications major. Has a fantastic time making videos and being admin of many social media pages but doesn't do very well in class because he dislikes most of his professors. Has a very close relationship with his sister, Tyreen.

TYREEN CALYPSO

Double major in Art History and Theater. Loves to be the center of attention and often stars in her brother's videos and projects. She loves it. A little full of herself. Close with her brother, Troy.

TYPHON DELEON

OKAY WAIT WAIT DON'T CLOSE THE POST HEAR ME OUT.

Cringe boomer history professor that can be easily distracted by him telling his stories of his many adventures (no one knows if they're true or not). Troy and Tyreen's Father. NOT a piss poor Dad in this AU, just embarrassing as all hell. Pretty decent guy but he's okay as a professor. (Please guys let me have my "Typhon is a good cringe embarrassing boomer dad to the Calypsos" AU)

OKAY this was a really long post and I probably forgot someone but I'm sure I'll hear about it LMAO. Also I don't know every single college major and its appropriate title, I just went off of vibes. Pls be nice 2 me

[whatwooshkai]

omg i'm obsessed with this au and I love your writing style! It's so emphasizing and really makes me feel the pain, the fleeting happiness, the crushing loneliness, that Heatwave or whatever character is experiencing.

if no one has asked yet, could I get a 14?

The more Blades thinks about it, the more Chase's finials look like Streetwise's.

They're a little thinner, and definitely don't move as much, but the way they flatten to his helm when he's uncomfortable or splay out horizontally when he's mad or flap and wiggle when he's happy- they're his own little quirks, and they're not quite the same, but they're just similar enough that it makes his spark ache.

They're playing Jenga, with Cybertronian-sized pieces the Chief somehow managed to get his hands on. Chase's finials are pinned flat against his helm in concentration.

He pulls a piece from the side about the middle of the tower, his glossa poking out next to a fang, concentration so palpable his field has seemingly frozen still.

Chase pulls the piece from the tower with nary a sound or a wobble, then places it atop. His faceplate is set in stone-cold satisfaction, but his finials are wagging uncontrollably.

Without even thinking about it, Blades sends a little package of warmth and fondness tied up with a teasing bow through the bond.

Chase doesn't even react, already scanning the tower and plotting his next move. His finials are stock still and his optics don't even flick to Blades and his field doesn't change a bit. Blades is about to say something, whine about being ignored, when it suddenly occurs to him that he and Chase aren't bonded.

As much as he calls the other rescue bots his brothers... they're not his gestalt.

They're not in his head. They don't feel him. His thoughts don't drift through their processors from time to the time, the same way his don't float through theirs.

He just sent love into a bond that's been dead for...

Primus, how long has it actually been?

"It is your turn," Chase says, snapping Blades out of his thoughts.

"Yeah, yeah," Blades mutters, taking a low risk move that wobbles the tower a little, but doesn't send it over the edge. Chase scrutinizes him with narrowed optics.

"Are you alright?" he asks, optics tracking the way Blades' rotors have drooped.

He quickly pulls them flush to his frame. "Fine," he insists, and Chase drops it, going on to pull another risky move.

Blades leans back on his heels, regarding Chase. He's thought about bonding with the other rescue bots before. Three, four, five, even eight-way amica bonds might've not been common place but were never truly out of the ordinary. And an amica bond, even like that, has nothing on what a gestalt bond is. They'd feel strong emotions, and be able to send messages once strong enough, but they wouldn't know everything about each other. They wouldn't have to train for years to keep from waking each other up with their nightmares. They wouldn't have to shut each other out every time one of them even thought about taking on a partner. And Primus forbid something happens...

Well. It'll hurt. But it won't hurt as much as that.

"What are you thinking about?" Chase asks.

Blades blinks, studying the mech. He's watching him curiously with a very Streetwise expression, open and vulnerable. "Bonding," he admits, then reaches for the tower again.

Chase makes a noncommittal hum. "I still have a datapad with an in depth article on different types of bonds, if you'd like to read it?"

"Thanks, Chase," Blades says softly. "I think I would."

He places the next block on top of the tower, and Chase immediately starts touching it again, picking another piece. "I think Heatwave can read minds," he says suddenly.

Blades laughs abruptly and humorlessly, leaving Chase to stumble and scramble for the tower. "No," he says, shaking his helm. "He can't. I know what it's like to have someone poking around in my head."

The Jenga tower crumbles at their pedes.

[catknifetime]

The Wheel of Time Ajahs ranking + reasoning. From best to worst. Inspired by a late night conversation I had with my sibling. (Full series spoilers)

1: Brown. They are the best Ajah for 2 reasons, one: they actually do what their Ajah is supposed to do and don’t just fuck around doing politics like roughly 80% of the other Aes Sedai. And two: they are, on average, some of the least insufferable Aes Sedai to talk to. + Verin bias.

2: Blue. They, like the Browns, do also actually do what their Ajah is supposed to do. The unfortunate thing is that what the Blue are supposed to do is basically whatever they want. But they seem generally the most likely to actually help normal people and be invested in making the world better. + Moiraine bias.

3: Grey. They also do their stated job pretty well and consistently. They are the last Ajah until the Red (arguably the white) to do so. tbh the Grey is mostly here because we get so little information on what they’re actually like. But they seem to be doing a pretty good job and not fucking up in any significant way, so they get 3rd.

4: Green. I like the green Ajah. They just don’t really do what they say they do. “The Battle Ajah”? Really? So why aren’t you in the borderlands helping with fighting shadowspawn? Or doing anything actually? Because I thought about it for a while, and I genuinely can’t remember a major thing that the Greens were doing, as a group, before the last battle. But they’re generally pretty cool and when the last battle did actually happen they showed up.

5: White. They’re fine, just the ones we’ve seen seem pretty annoying to talk to. They also are actually philosophers and mathematicians, but from what I can tell they don’t have a ton of contact with philosophers and mathematicians from outside of The Tower. Which is not really good practice if you want to advance those fields. So they fail at their stated job by not actually sharing their work enough. Basically they’re the much less cool and more annoying browns.

6: Yellow. AAAAHHHHH!!!!! The way the Yellows act makes me unspeakably mad. First, they completely disregard traditional medicine, because they can do stuff with the power better. HEY WHAT THE FUCK? The power has limits, especially with healing. Aes Sedai say that constantly throughout the series. But NO. No studying how traditional medicine could teach you more about the body. No seeing if some herbs could help with the recovery from healing. No interest in learning anything new! The most understandable kinda stupid thing they do is that they don’t research new healing weaves out of fear. But the second and worst thing is that they call themselves the healing Ajah, but from what I can tell don’t heal ANYONE who doesn’t come to The Tower or they just happen to heal out in the world. Again, HEY WHAT THE FUCK? There should be HOSPITALS!! At least one small one in every major city. Or at least in a few? I know there’s a problem of them not being able to heal everything, but they could still save a lot of people! Especially if they recruited people who could use normal medicine! But no. They seem to be the worst offenders of sitting on their asses in The Tower just doing politics.

7: Red. Do I really need to explain why Red is the worst? If you’ve read the series you know why I’m doing this. They are literally such a fuck-up of an Ajah that at the time of the series the there hasn’t been an Amyrlin raised from the Red for OVER 1,000 YEARS because the last one was such a disaster. And then when there is a Red raised to Amyrlin during the series she literally causes The Tower to completely fracture and have a little civil war when THE END OF THE WORLD is about to happen. And even though they technically do their job of dealing with men who can channel, they do a really bad job at it (specifically in how they treat the men after gentling, I go into it here). As well as the fact that most red sisters aren’t actually hunting men who can channel. Like 50 of them are at most. That’s 1/4 of the Ajah that’s doing it’s job. Also The Box was the Red Ajah’s idea.

[ahhvernin]

Every so often I come across the story of Cain and Abel and how Cain killed Abel in a fit of jealousy and he was marked by God and punished and everyone hates him because he was a murderer. I hate that story. Hear me out as someone who read the Bible out of spite because classmates kept harassing me for not knowing the art pieces we were studying in Art History Class... I hate it because god created the situation for jealousy to arise. He gave both lads a job. Abel the job of a shepherd and Cain the job of a farmer. Then they were suppose to give Big Daddy an offering. Abel gives him a lamb and Cain gives him his harvest. And Big Papa, dismisses Cain's gift and efforts in favor of the lamb.

Then the murder thing happened. BUT

Its never explained why the God didn't like Cain's offering. God, the entity who supposedly made the Garden of Eden, or OG gardener, didn't like or accept a harvest gift!

Now anyone who gardens or anyone who receives harvests from a gardener, knows how much work goes into growing those veggies and fruits. The grower generally is pretty happy if anything grows, often wants to share it, is happy to share it, and is happier when someone accepts them, and the receiver is usually pretty happy too.

But God was like , nah bro, you didn't it wrong, but you should still be happy even though what you did was wrong. Chill, or Sin will get you. For all we know, Cain tilled the land, seeded the land, fed and watered the land, tended the fields, maybe even let Abel graze in areas that he had worked on or even gave Abel some of the weeds and harvest to him and his sheep. And God just dismisses all that hard work! Cain probably felt REALLY scorned by this.

Because honestly. Imagine being told to do a job, and you put all your effort into it, and finally make something, and you present it to the person who gave you the job and they were just like "Yeah I like John Doe's work, you can put that away. Smile. So what if I don't want to look at it. You should be happy that you did it." Fuck. I would be broiling mad too! My rage would be so high I would probably be destroying things too. I'd probably hate John Doe too! Because more than likely I would have probably been like, "yeah buddy I'll help you out here, we're in this together. Lets get the jobs done" Story conveniently leaves out if Abel came in Cain's defense and was like "Hey Lord, look at Cain's offering too!" or maybe he was just like competition won, bro. We don't know!

Sure, the murder was wrong, but given that it was probably the first time it was really experienced in human history, the emotion probably didn't even have a name yet. And amidst of all of that raw emotion, God punishes Cain, and literally tells him that he will never be able to tend to the land and leaves him to wander as a nomad. Like my dude. This isn't about rage quitting, this is all about God giving Cain a job. dismissing his hard work, and flat out was like you can't do the job I gave you anymore and if you try, I'll make sure you fail for the rest of your life, oh and everyone will know you as the one who killed your brother in a fit of rage with no fault from me!

That Shit would not have happened, if God just accepted both, and accepted that both are offerings and neither is deemed more worthier than the other because the intention of giving was there. But Cain though scorned, still built communities, his children made homes and tools. So fuck the people who only know Cain for his jealousy and crime and use his name to continue to scorn, dismiss and treat people badly, without ever trying to see what lead them to their bad actions or just simply existing and doing their best. So then we bring it back to my AP Art history class. I read the Bible, so I could better understand material and hopefully not get harassed by classmates... Some of my classmates told me that it didn't matter that I read the Bible or could recognize and understand the class material better now, I would NEVER really understand the art and that their years of going to church somehow made them understand the art better. I got a the highest grade for that unit and got a 4 on the AP exam. So yeah Cain.

My take away from the story was, people will dismiss your hard work, you will get slighted, sometimes you will do bad things, you might get ostracized, realize some people cannot be changed and some cannot be bothered to learn about the truth, so separate yourself from them, find people who will support you, be resourceful and success in yourself and for the people who do care for you.

AND don't be gaslit into smiling, nodding and doing unnecessary or unrecognized work-- because you deserve recognition for your efforts.

PS. If you don't like my take on this, sure. I read it on my own, with a lens of wanting to learn and with curiosity, not to be converted. I read it solely to understand another human being's work and possible thoughts when creating a piece of art and not wanting to be harassed by classmates. which I still did. And what I got out of the Bible is solely my experience, and I thought God was rather a temperamental figure, I had many qualms with the stories and this was one of them and you don't have to like or accept this take. But also know what I got out of it... even if you don't like it....I still hope people recognize the time and effort you do and you are not solely recognized for the one mistake you did.

[animalluver8153]

Life Assurance Pt. 6

So we come to the end of this strange beginning.

First &lt;;> Prev <> Final (you are here) <> AO3 link

<<<<>>>> 

“You’re telling me my, everything, is because I was ghost-drunk?” Jason might have been more intimidating if he wasn’t currently sitting on an exam table with various sensors attached to his head.

“Fermentation is the closest description to the state of ectoplasm we found. Did you experience any intoxication-related symptoms?” Frostbite was at the ready with a clipboard and pencil. His colleagues were already furiously scribbling on theirs, documenting the interview for future records.

“Aside from the Pit Madness?” Jason poked at the sensor on his forehead, “Does being pissed off about a lot of thing count?”

“It could,” Frostbite wrote on his clipboard.

Danny looked at the samples on display for the benefit of Jason, Mr. Wayne, and Mr. Pennyworth. The suspended ichor looked closer to dried blood than ectoplasm, it certainly felt like blood when it was coming out of his mouth.

“Ectoplasm will dissipate when not at Zone level density,�� Danny pointed to the machine holding the samples in place, “Even then you have to add power to it during storage or freeze it to slow the dissipation. If what you said about the Lazarus pit is true, then someone must have figured out how to keep an amount of ectoplasm at propagation levels for years.”

“Fermentation is a form of controlled decay,” Frostbite mused, “It was also a way for humans to digest things they normally couldn’t. This could be an entirely new field of study.”

“I’m very happy for you two but what does that mean for me?” Jason crossed his arms and tried to glare. His size in comparison to the yeti’s detracted from it though.

“Ah, yes. We are still unsure if it was the ectoplasm’s taint that caused your symptoms or if the ectoplasm you had was decaying with no way to expel it. We will have to monitor your ectoplasm levels. A few blood samples every few days for at least two weeks.”

“I’m going to be here for two weeks?” Jason abandoned all pretexts and started removing the sensors on his head.

“Not at all. It would be more beneficial for you to return to the Human Side and monitor your ectoplasm levels as you return to your normal activity levels.”

“I can make my own portals now,” Danny volunteered, “I can bring you here and back home in no time.”

“What do you mean now?”

“I learned how to do it,” Danny counted on his fingers, “Six hours ago.”

“Any other options?”

“There are two stable portals. One is in a basement laboratory in Illinois and the second is in the castle of a megalomanic billionaire in Wisconsin.”

“Sounds like the Mid-West alright.”

“I’m sure we can come up with a satisfactory schedule in no time. However, the past day has been a great ordeal for everyone,” Mr. Pennyworth looked unfairly put together standing beside a yeti, “We will be able to plan more clearly after we return home.”

“Agreed,” Mr. Wayne had abandoned his cowl somewhere in the night. It probably wasn’t a good sign of his mental state that he wasn’t wearing it now.

The meeting ended with Frostbite conferring with his lab assistants. Danny guided the three guests out of the lab, following the path cleared of all snow to accommodate Barbra’s wheelchair. The path led on towards the training grounds where the others were waiting.

“Hey, Jay! We saved you some spears!” Dick brandished one of his own, waiting for his turn throwing at the distant targets.

“I’m winning, naturally. We’ll see if your skills have been diminished by your abduction.”

“Big talk from such a squirt,” Jason ran forward and joined his siblings.

Mr. Pennyworth and Mr. Wayne remained behind in silent agreement. Danny gestured for them to follow him away from the noise of bickering and into the silence of the snow. An entire month was spent practicing what he was going to say, and he barely felt better about what was going to happen next.

<<<>>> 

The King of Ghosts stopped at a ridge overlooking the homes of the Far Frozen. The training grounds could still be seen, the denizens of the realm cheering encouragement from the sidelines. For a minute the three of them stopped and stared.

The young man was the first to break the silence, “The contract still stands Mr. Pennyworth. You are the only one who can break it without repercussion.”

“I will do no such thing.”

Bruce tensed up but remained silent.

“Then that’s that. So, onto the next problem,” he looked toward the man standing beside his contractee.

“You have my name, and you know what I look like. You will track me down. You will find out who I am. So, we can settle on the inevitable.”

“And what would the inevitable be?” Bruce kept himself as collected as ever, Alfred could almost see his mind racing with plans and contingencies half-formed.

“Mutually assured destruction.”

Danny formed the rings that would change him back, letting them strip away the crown and cloak, then taking away the hazmat suit. He kept eye contact the whole time, never looking away from Bruce. A teenage boy replaced where a ghost once stood.

“My parents don’t know, that I am what I am. They’re expecting me to be at home when they get back from the city. They’re expecting me to go to bed early because I have school tomorrow. They’re expecting me to do my best on that English test on Wednesday.”

Alfred didn’t turn to face Bruce, but he could guess he wasn’t as composed as himself. Maybe his face showed horror, maybe it was pity. The boy kept his eyes on Bruce as rings of light returned the crown and cloak.

“We both have people to protect Mr. Wayne. If you tell my family about me, I tell the world about you. Understood?”

“You’re a child,” it wasn’t accusatory, it wasn’t of disbelief either.

Danny huffed a laugh, “Sixteen. But apparently, if you lead the charge against the king of the infinite realms and win it makes you the new king. Who knew?”

He turned back to Alfred, looking almost amused to see him as non-plussed as ever, “I’m sorry Mr. Pennyworth. I know none of this is ideal.”

“Your highness, I have expected nothing less since the day young Master Bruce donned that suit.”

The conversation lapsed, they looked down and watched as some sort of game the yetis played with spears and hoops. Laughing and arguing muffled by distance and snow banks.

“We need a plan to explain to the league why the ghost king would come to save your life. Especially after the way we officially met. Any ideas?”

Bruce only pondered for a moment, he was ever one to have a plan, “I can tell them I did further research on my own. Then we came to an arrangement.”

“I’ll be vague about it if they ever ask. Works for me. But there’s another problem. People back home know Phantom well enough to trust him. If it gets out that Phantom, king of the Infinite Realms, is making deals I’m in trouble.”

“The League already has the impression that you’re new at this, you can deny the ability to make any more deals.”

“How are we going to broadcast that?”

“Have you been contacted before, or since, about a contract?”

“…no, but if you could do it, so can others,” Danny couldn’t stand the tension, he took off from the ground and floated back and forth. “If people get a hold of a working summoning ritual, they’re going to bother me into an early grave. Uggh!”

Danny fell back to the ground and stomped down the path they came. The old man watched him go. He did not huff, sigh, or drop his shoulders. There was no need. His son in all but name stood stock still, never one to break the silence when he could help it.

For all of the words said in the past day, there were still some that needed to be said.

“We will not lose a single one of them. Is there anything as great as that?”

If anything else was said on that ridge, or if there were tears shed, the void of green looming above them kept its silence.

[petewentzssilkpress]

Going to be keeping it absolutely real on here as I always do when things get bad. I'm starting to think that it might not get better after all I can't lie. I'm just so sad and angry and mad and lonely all the time. I moved away from home two years ago and I can't hold on to any stable relationships and I'm basically all alone here and I feel like such an idiot for complaining about it because it's nobody's fault that I don't go anywhere and I am bad at talking to people or holding on to relationships. it's completely my fault and I know it's up to me to change it but I've never been good at making friends and that hasn't changed just because I'm not 16 or 11 or 5 years old anymore and I'm still not quite sure how to go about it.

It's been 2 years and Canada doesn't feel like a foreign place anymore .I know my way around and I know how to get stuff done and it has already set in that this is my life now and I guess this just means that my life now is just me by myself with everyone I know and love 1800 miles away.

And even then half the time it still feels like I don't have anyone because my sister hardly answers her phone and my other sister and I have literally only known each other for a month and I don't even know her middle name yet and my mom has got a new job and doesn't have time to call me like she used to and so I don't even feel like I have my mommy anymore and my best friend is already dealing with so much and I wish I could turn back time and bring her loved one back to life but I cant and I feel so empty thinking about how she must feel and I'm not comfortable with anybody else so other than those people.

I'm a year away from graduating with a degree in a field that I hate and I can't find any internships or working experience because everything is so experience based and I am so bad at all this stuff and my grades are so mediocre and I don't have anything that makes me stand out and at this point I'm worried that I won't even be good enough for grad school. When I find a part of this wretched degree that I actually like I cannot seem to do well in it despite the fact that I actually care enough to study and do work in it and it's just so demotivating. And even if I do somehow manage to get a job I'm never going to be able to afford a house and I want to have a house so bad I don't like renting I want to have a backyard and I want my own kitchen and I want to decorate my house the way I feel like when I feel like it but everything is so expensive and I hate my shitty customer service job because I hate talking to people and I don't want to stand for 6 hours and fake smile and listen to the same songs play over and over again for 6 hours anymore but I can't leave my job because no one else is hiring me.

And I have to keep pretending like everything is okay when every time I turn on my phone and go out to social media I see something else indicating that we are witnessing the decline of man as we know it and there's kids dying in so many places all over the world and people getting their homes destroyed and no matter how much I try and raise awareness and no matter how much money I give and how much I talk about it there's really nothing changing and I go outside and somebody asks me for spare change to buy a coffee so they don't freeze in the below zero weather and I wish I could put them in a house but I don't even have a house of my own. And I used to be able to look around and find even the beauty in the smallest things and to not think the worst of people and to give everyone the benefit of the doubt for the most part but now I can't help but wonder if this person thinks genocide and exploitation and mindless killing and destruction is a good thing. And I hardly see anybody talking about Sudan or Congo or Senegal or Haiti or Madagascar and it feels like african people are just always doomed to be pushed to the back burner even by black people in the diaspora and I try to be positive because if the people in those countries haven't given up hope why should I but sometimes I just get so sad.

And despite going to therapy and going on meds I still look in the mirror and hate myself and I remember that my problems are so paltry and poor compared to what's going on in the rest of the world and that I feel worse because it doesn't make me hate how I look or who I am less and the world just won't stop turning and we never get a break we just have to keep going until we die no matter how bad things get and it's not fair and I'm so tired I just need it all to stop for a second. Looking at my life feels like reading the bell jar knowing that sylvia plath wrote a book about a depressed woman and ended up killing herself. I feel doomed

[10-days-of-freakin-olives]

Dear internet,

I have some opinions and I'm about to make it everyone's problem.

I watched a video yesterday that I haven't been able to stop thinking about since - a Gen Z music producer who reacted to The Beatles for the first time.

I have nothing to say about the music Gen Z producers are making, honestly. There are things I enjoy about it and things I don't, and as with every other genre and evolution of music I can find songs I like among the lot. That isn't what this post is about.

Likewise, I'm not here to judge anyone's taste in music. I'm really not. As much as the tendency to conflate "I don't like this thing" with "this thing is bad" people have always seemed to have irritates me, that's just because it's, you know. Not true. But preferences are preferences, and "I don't like this thing" is a valid response to any music you hear, given that your dislike isn't based on misconceptions.

But this music producer said he spent a decade in this industry, and before listening to them, he'd had the idea that the music The Beatles had produced was boring.

I know. I said I'm not one to judge taste (although this was more of a preconception than an opinion formed by experience), but it really speaks to something that I find lacking in a lot of people discovering new things for the first time, from films to literature to random Youtubers reacting to The Beatles to The Beatles, and it also happens to be something integral to the very core of the field I'm currently studying.

Context.

Context is one of the most vital elements of learning about something new, and it is absolutely necessary for archaeological studies - my current major - and it's something I'm hugely passionate about pushing people to integrate into their daily experiences.

I feel like, in an age where "such-and-such out of context" videos are everywhere, everyone should know what the term 'context' means, but I'm also not here to make sweeping assumptions, so very briefly, context is the idea that nothing exists in a vacuum, and that everything is influenced by its environment. A human femur is just a human femur without context, but a 2,000-year-old human femur in a box in the Native American section of the basement of the Smithsonian and a 20-year-old human femur covered in saw marks dug up out of your quiet and unassuming but somehow off-putting neighbor's backyard have two very different contexts (both frankly horrifying, why did I pick this example???) that change how we think about those specific human femurs.

See, most people don't hear a song on the radio and go "let me do a deep dive into everything from the cultural history of this genre to the musical evolution of this style to the biography of the artist(s)", and that's fair. But if you're a producer, I feel like a passing interest in the history of your own industry and what has made music the thing it is today should be at least somewhere on your priorities list.

I'm not saying every music producer has to like The Beatles, not by a long shot, because preferences are still a thing, no matter how mad it makes people. But their mark on the history of modern music isn't just in their music on a surface level, or even their individual talent and how they meshed that together. It's in the way they changed the approach to music production. It's in their creativity around problem-solving during a time when recording technology was still in the awkward adolescent stage of growth. It's in their relationship with their own lead producer, with their label, with their fans, and their involvement in their own music. The context behind The Beatles makes their music anything but boring, kind of by default, and the assumption that their music is boring tells me this reactor lacked that context.

I saw a lot of comments on that video from people who were appalled this guy had never listened to The Beatles, but like...why? There's plenty of music I'm sure he feels is integral to his industry now that they haven't heard. There's a lot of music out there, and if you aren't exposed to it, you really do have to go looking for it yourself. Yes, even The Beatles. Who watches car commercials these days anyway?

People were talking about how music today lacks heart and soul because of producers like him, but like...how? If you really believe The Beatles left such a distinctive mark on music, then all the music he listens to now bears that mark and has influenced him. If you feel like music today lacks something, maybe it's because you're lacking something.

And there was at least one truly, phenomenally stunning remark about how The Beatles practically invented modern music and weren't 'copying anyone', which is just so incredibly offensive and ignorant of the artists who influenced them and the genre they were rooted in that it's a little hard to fathom. Yes, a lot of their endurance lies in the way their music evolved from Liverpool to Hamburg to recording contracts to the international stage to their break-up - a period of time shorter than I think most people realize, which is impressive in and of itself. But to talk like they weren't building on a foundation other people built before them is such a disservice to the history of the relationship between humanity and art and the specific contributions previous and often marginalized artists made that it's almost more amusing than it is annoying.

I'm not interested in judging any layperson for a lack of interest in music history, and I'm not going to judge this producer either, because clearly some interest is there if he's looking at their music now. I'm incredibly supportive of people who step out of their own comfort zones, and I'm even more impressed when they have the courage to record that step and post it on the internet for the world to judge. But what both that producer and those commenters need to keep in mind is context. And to do that, they need to look beyond the surface level of what they're experiencing and see what made that thing what it is.

You cannot form an informed opinion about a reactor without understanding their own history and experiences, the context around the gap in their knowledge that, to their credit, they're obviously currently trying to fill.

You cannot form an informed opinion about The Beatles without understanding the history of the music and the music industry that came before them and how they changed it, the context around that shift in how artists and producers and labels and fans connected with each other and the drastic change in the sound of music before and after them.

People need to really slow down a little and take a breath before they judge things, and to think about them as a single link in a much longer and more wildly branching and twisting chain than just right now, rather than trying to judge things in isolation, regardless of what you're trying to judge. Nothing exists in a vacuum. Everything has a history, has roots and branches and an ecosystem it grew and evolved in, and if you aren't looking at that, aren't taking its context into account, you aren't really seeing it for what it is, and by default probably aren't fully appreciating what it is you're experiencing.

Everyone has heard The Beatles for the first time at some point. At no point do the circumstances that happened in make the experience somehow 'better' or offer you some kind of superiority to others who are experiencing that first time differently. I heard them for the first time through my mother, and her love for them and knowledge of the music history behind them was the initial context I experienced them in. Not everyone has that, and people really need to stop acting like that makes their first experience somehow lesser.

This is an open letter to literally everyone who reads it, because we all live in a world where nothing exists in a vacuum, but it's especially to people who are judgemental or elitist about their own music tastes and those of others, to people who are making a living through music, and to those who are making a living experiencing new things on video for the rest of the world to see. And maybe you're all three, who knows?

Context is key.

In the interest of providing a little more context to this post, that reactor said that some of the music he heard did change that initial preconception of their music, even without the full context, so he learned something new that he wasn't expecting from this experience, and I wish I could say the same for so many of his commentors.

I just had to get this out. I hope everyone is having a fantastic and musical day.

Most sincerely,

Me, a single idiot who is, to the rest of the world, almost entirely out of context.

[webslingingslasher]

OKAY SO HES STILL NOT PETER FROM THE BIBLE BUTTTT XJDJD

last time i updated you was at the party, I think. HE INVITED ME TO A PARTY after walking me home (a longer route) AND THE BOTTLE AND STUFF BHT DIDNT SAY A WORD TO ME. He didn’t flirt at ALL, barely even spoke to me. he said hi and that was it. literally. i was SO UPSET

but turns out i have mutual friends with two of his housemates and i was PISSED so i spent all my time talking to them and didn’t let myself be alone for even a second (bc i didn’t wanna seem boring idk i was doing the most in my tipsy petty moment) and we actually bonded over a lot. ANYWAYS.

SO you know how me and hat hoodie met bc we would study for our summer exams from opening till closing? WE FINALLY FINISHED OUR EXAMS and campus was SO FUN. literally everyone was at patties etc and guess what. still. NO FLIRTING. i was sad but accepted it bc he’s very hot and things don’t usually go my way 😭

anyways so fast forward like another week and we’re at this field on campus. im gonna send you a pic privately but it’s this HUGE field. i just googled a lacrosse field and it looks similar? like it’s HUGE. a HUGEEE piece of land that looks onto our campus (it’s so pretty) and it opens up during summer and people basically camp out 24/7 once classes end. it’s rhe BESTTT vibe durint the summer like there are 837383 speakers and there’s a diff game going on in every corner of the field. and different music from each speaker but it’s somehow never overwhelming. like one corner will be playing football and the next will be playing netball and everyone always brings ice cream and stuff and you just move around to different spots all day. there’s no “friendship” groups, like everyone just mixes. it’s so fun.

anyways i went to the rap corner bc i wanted their ice lollies (my friend said they had the strawberry ones) and I didn’t see HE WAS THERE but he was and he handed me the ice lolly and our hands touched and girlll there was a SIZZLE. but I was still mad so I acted nonchalant but he started talking and i was fed up like I don’t wanna go in circles of him flirting with me then giving me absolutely nothing for a week, and then talking to me again? but I was tipsy and the ice lolly (i just realised u guys say popsicle) (omg my adhd is really showing in this ask sorry im usually more contained) anyways the ice lolly was nice and I was buzzed so my anger fizzled and we started talking. he never gave me an excuse or a reason but I was drunk so I didn’t really care. but we like cleared the air kinda

all of my friends went home a few days later but I wanted to stay until our lease ended bc i don’t like going home and if im paying rent for the whole year (until mid august) i wanna use it yk? but all of my friends are gone and campus is kinda lonely (apart from the field) without them so his friend group/housemates kinda adopted me and I hung out with them EVERY DAY. their fifth housemate went home for the summer and I stayed in his room one night (clean sheets and his room has a lock so I felt chill) (off campus houses in the uk usually don’t have locks unless u add them in) omg j i almost died knowing he was next door.

i got up to pee at 2am & at the same time he got up to get water and I swear TIL THE DAY I DIE ill believe he just heard me get up and made up an excuse but anyway. we were talking and it was so LATE AND HE LIDNDJSKSKKSSKS I WENT TO THE KITCHEN TO SEE HIM after I peed bc he looked good (shirtless and boxers) AHDBDSNS AND WE WERE TAKKINF DOR A LITTLE BIT AND ONE THING LED TO ANOTHER AND HE KISSED ME

and this was only my 3rd kiss so I was kinda shy BUT AHDHDHDSBSJS I WAS DYINGGGGG but it started getting deeper and i thought he wanted it to lead to sex and I didn’t so i pulled away and he didn’t complain or really say anything ab it and apparently it took me too long to open my eyes after so he’s been making fun of me since then bc apparently I was dazed DNDNS ANYWAYS

HE WAS SMILING SO MUCH. he ended up going home to see his sister before she goes on some camp thing so there was a break and we didn’t talk during it (kinda weird I was overthinking it sm) but he came back and we’ve been kissing & I’m still hanging out with the house (who are like my main friend group at this point) and it hasn’t led to anywhere else (we haven’t had sex) (we won’t be having sex) and IDK what he wants, if it’s just a summer thing or not. i don’t think he has feelings for me and I don’t think he’s catching them but I do think he likes me as a friend bc he rlly likes my company and is always laughing but I think he mainly just likes making out with me which im not complaining but yeah. maybe it’s just fwb for him but I am CRUSHINGGGGGG hard hard

THIS WAS SO LONG IM SORRY I NEED TO TELL U THE CHERRY MOMENT NEXT

-🤍

the way i am gasped, gagged and gaping at this.

the kisses.... the SNEAKING OUT to kiss you... why is this giving secret lover..... i'm so seated.

i cannot wait for this to unfold more. AS FOR WHAT HE WANTS- idk but i'd keep feeling it out for more kissies 😚

[77pupu33pipo]

so sorry feel free to skip, big rant ahead.. but good ending :)

i really hope i can get free university tuition for the next year.. there are two vacant positions atm and i think i have a great chance of getting one.. i enrolled last year with 50% discount based on exam results but this discount is only kept if you stay high enough in student ratings and it kept me awake at night throughout the year and feeling guilty, and the workload was completely draining, and i was physically unwell and um. 0 friends and so i had a complete mental breakdown at the end of the year + a failed class and no year-end thesis which meant i needed an individual plan for the next year which meant no discount AND additional pay for extra courses. Decided to drop out, but instead re-enrolled in the same program for the second time to preserve 50% exam discount which is still appliable. Asked for credit recovery for all of the courses i actually completed last year and bless the faculty office because they agreed and spent this year taking my sweet time recovering and attending uni 3 times a week for language classes and thesis. And funny thing is i did pretty well last year. But complete burn out and absolutely shattered mental health, i really couldnt do it anymore. and i don't think ive recovered from it completely, i now resent the thought of any kind of confrontation or trying hard at something or taking an additional interest in something because that just means more work and thought. none of it pays off. i now give up when met with the smallest inconvenience and pushing through with anything is too much. i played The Sims Fucking 3 University one time and got so anxious and mad because the memory was painful. And i dont even remember the stuff that happened during last year that well at all, its all a complete haze, like it never even happened, but somehow still had its consequences. but like pretty much everyone was going through the same stuff in the same circumstances, but i didnt see anyone else struggling that much so i ended up thinking i am a wimp just wasting our and others' time and money and didnt complain or express my worries to anyone. i didnt exactly have anyone to express them to but well....

on the bright side i think I have succeeded in developing a "fuck-all" mentality in the last year and i hope to utilize it next time i am met with the same workload. Plus my groupmates this year round are amazing. i struggle to form close friendships or acquaintences, but they are all very nice and sweet and supportive of one another, its really nothing ive ever seen of classmates or colleagues. And i also think i have made good progress in learning Finnish and have regained just a bit of my passion for linguistics, i wouldnt want to resent the field forever because if it comes to academics i dont think im suited for anything else. my mother has been nagging me about taking what is essentially a gap year, and saying i was making stuff up when i told her about my decision and that ive been really struggling for the past year, even though i was just wailing at the time. But its alright i guess, i don't take it to close to heart, although it does make me so mad sometimes.

im better off now, but im still so scared of plunging back into all that anxiety, restlessness, exhaustion, competition and feelings of stupidity and inferiority. I have mostly dealt with the last two, but i dont think i will be able to take the stress if it is the same as last year. If i stay on paid tuition, then i have to continue securing my discount. And that means extra work in every subject, because you can't get max and pre-max grade by just completing the course perfectly, you're required to do extra work for the last two marks. I realize and understand that this is a common system, but jesus fucking christ i want to be able to choose not to do so and still continue studying like normal, not be handicapped in learning stuff i actually have to learn in other subjects because of useless shit i need to waste my time on for that sweet sweet 9 or 10. and you're competing both with people like you on paid tuition AND with people on free tuition who have some issues i think as the difference between mark 8 and mark 10 is only seen in the student rating and not recorded in the diploma, and the student rating does not mean jack shit if you're on free tuition, literally no one cares for it outside of calculating discounts and transfering from paid to free tuition. I don't want to think badly of those on free tuition who choose to compete in the system, but i believe i have become too senstitive about this topic. I want to bonk them with a cardboard tube to make them change their minds and see the appeal of being free to fuck all when it comes to grades and just do what they actually enjoy in the academics field or on the side, but that doesnt happen.

and so i have a pretty good chance of getting on free tuition with my current grades. I worked my ass off last year with most of the courses, and i got a "great" on both language classes and thesis this year. As far as i know, im first in rating among those on paid tuition. im sending mind control waves to faculty so that they give me that free tuition. i promise i will get worse grades on purpose so that people who are still stuck in clinging to discount hell have a bit of an easier time. i'll read papers for fun and find joy in learning new things again. i will do minimum wage monotone work needed for dictionaries or corpora like all the cool kids. Fuck it, i will do some afterclass activities now that ill be able to afford to spend my free time on random shit. ill attend historical dance meetings regularly, its really fun. ill make some friends even. just PLEASE give me the free tuition. if i don't, i will sigh deeply and continue trying to grind, but ill be upset.

maybe i need to stop whining and just go on with it like everybody did, but pleaseeeeeee. I think i worked hard. I completed every assignment without taking a look at how much it weighed in the grade formula. I helped fellow students when they struggled with something. I had almost perfect attendance. THIS stupid thing will change my life, stupid thing being free tuition. i cant afford to not get a mind boggling cool education, my family will execute me. Please just let me get my stupid little linguistics degree (i mean it includes programming and maths so.) and go on with my life... ...

[theroundbartable]

It is such a wild feeling when you're in class and make a claim, that to you has always just been a fact, that then makes everyone start to talk against you. But you still win the argument 30:1.

I had this discussion with my German teacher about the difference of "hauen" (punching) and "schlagen". There is a small, semantic difference between those two words that I picked on at the age of 12 years old while my teacher, a man who studied this field, did not. "Hauen" is less Impactful. It's when you would hit someone lightly without intention of seriously harming them. You can use it in the sense of "verhauen" (actually hurting someone) but its more of a phrasing that children would use. Or someone who was the victim of such bullying and wants to lessen the impact of what really happened to them. You would say "verprügeln", if it's really bad.

"schlagen" is much harsher than that. You cannot "verschlagen" someone because that word does not exist. But you can "erschlagen" someone, which is killing them. The sound to the word is much sharper too and I always treated the words separately. There is a semantic and phonological difference that I just ... Knew, i guess.

My teacher disagreed. We argued about this for several weeks. In the end, he had to make a class wide announcement that he thought about it and confirmed that I was right.

I didn't like the discussion. I didn't like winning the discussion either. I felt like shit about it and I hated how everyone made fun of me for my very logical argument.

The reason for that is that the whole thing started, because I hit someone with a book. I had been sick the week before and when I got back, I was told I had to hold a presentation that week... It was 10 minutes before that very lesson and I - someone who was so stressed by school work that to memorize poetry lines, I would physically harm myself by pulling at my own hair until I cried at every mistake- panicked. I hit her... And I regretted it the moment it was happening and I knew I had slowed down the book to avert harming her, but I couldn't fully stop it. I lost control and there was nothing I could do. (i later learned what the fear actually was. But I didn't know at the time, because I already had repressed some memories that made it all as bad as it was.) Needless to say, I ran away, frozen and unsure what I even did.

Someone told our German teacher. And he made it an immediate public affair.

He asked me what happened, why I did it and, because I didn't actually have to hold that presentation... Ever... Basically called it ridiculous. It wasn't even mentioned by our biology teacher. That's when he said I had "geschlagen" her.

I wanted to argue that it was not my Intention to hurt her. That I managed to stop myself from it going that bad. That's what started the discussion and I have been mad about it since.

A) he put the entire thing on public display. In front of all my classmates, asking me to explain myself, when really this publicity forced me to justify myself. Or try and deflect, which had not been my Intention. I just wanted to make clear what I really did. I couldn't explain why, because I didn't understand my own fear.

B) he got distracted by word choices he didn't get. And the topic was dropped and never picked up again, as he claimed "hauen" and "schlagen" were synonyms.

What was I supposed to learn from that? All your mistakes are a public affair? Mistakes get you humiliated? You cannot trust your teacher, because they don't care who know your problems and have no regard for privacy or whatever you may feel? Also your real issues don't matter, because the wording is more important?

If I was supposed to apologize to her, which I was already planning, as I was reflecting and dealing with my guilt, why the fuck did he get distracted by it? Why would he change the entire subject to that useless discussion?

If he wanted a bunch of friends to make up, why make it a public thing, where both parties are put on full display? Why make it in a setting, where one is forced to apologize and the other forced to accept it? She deserved to make that choice. She deserved to ignore me for a week before she were ready to trust me again. That choice was taken from her. My apology, which was supposed to be honest and a little painful, was taken from me.

I don't think he cared. I think he wanted to demonstrate his power over us. And he failed spectacularly.

Not only did he get distracted by phrasing. He was wrong about it. And lost against a 12 year old who then, one year later, when we were discussing onomatopoesie ("Lautmalerei"), brought it up again in spite. He spent three weeks thinking about it. He spent three weeks with it and forgot that he did it to humiliate me. And he lost. And it's a bit satisfying, but it's also so frustrating, because he fucked up my perception of teachers in the process.

Mistakes, to me, had been a potential thing that could already get you physically harmed. (My parents didn't ever physically harm me. But it had been threatened here and again and some of my siblings were not as lucky as I and I heard them cry and sometimes scream through the thick walls. And as I said, I harmed myself, because I thought I was stupid and stupidity deserved punishment) I now learned that if anyone finds out about your Problems, your choices would be taken from you. You would not be listened to. You would be placed into public display where everyone would, for years to come, make fun of you. You would force anyone involved with you in the same position and hurt them in the process.

That is, dear teacher, if you ever get to read this, what you put me through. I know I sound bitter about it and I am. It's been 12 years and I still look back on it sometimes. I still remember where I sat at that time, in the first row right in front of your table, where I thankfully didn't have to see my classmate's reaction. I remember that my friend sat two desks over to my right and only had to turn my head to see her. I didn't. Hoping that if I didn't look, she wouldn't say anything. And despairing because all eyes were on me, as I tried to explain things that took me 10 years to figure out.

If you are a teacher, pull your students aside. Talk with them outside. Pretend you have a Task for them, whatever. But give them room to explain themselves. And if they can't, help them to work it out or give them room to do it on their own. Don't argue their word choices. Listen to what they mean. They will be distressed and confused. Don't make it about articulation. Pull both parties aside separately and then together and work it out at their own pace. Don't force frienships to mend. You're not mending anything. You're sticking glue on an infected wound. And these children are human who have every right to be upset when they've been hurt.

Be someone that child can trust.

[lovethesagefan]

CALLING!!!

Usually when a person say they have a "calling" or they received "the call", they are probably talking about the ministry. Sometimes, I wonder if I had received that call. If so, it probably was a wrong number. LOL! Nevertheless, I once received the calling to teach. I started out at Georgia State University as a business major. This is despite spending many an hour marking up my Mama's wall with stolen chalk from my teachers at Park Street Elementary. What interrupted my call was my father. He didn't think I should be a teacher. My mother was a teacher. He had two sisters who became teachers. Why he didn't think I should be a teacher, I can't say. So being dutiful (he was paying), I chose business, though I didn't know what I could do with a degree in business.

Math isn't my strong suite. In fact it's the Joker in my deck. I had Ms. Kohler in my Senior year. She was a good teacher, but the type who had a reputation to be feared. When she got mad, she would use the term, "Tinker's Dam". Now we gasped at the term thinking profanity, but it's a plumber's thing. Go figure. So any field requiring math would not be for me. Accounting 101 took a couple of tries and then Accounting 201 made me realized I might need to hang up the "call."

Without telling anyone, I changed my major to History. I told myself, if I was going to flunk out of GSU, do it doing something I loved. I was like Br'er Rabbit landing in the briar patch after being freed from the tar baby by Br'er Fox. I had finally answered my call.

When you are called to do something, it is easier to fulfill the mission. Yes, the pay isn't great. I wish I could hit a ball, but I didn't get that call. You are blame for everything that is wrong with society, yet not given the credit for improving society.

For 28 years, I was on that teacher telephone call. Well, the last couple of years I muted the conversation. I was burnt out and basically had enough. Fast forward five years later. The phone to which I thought was disconnected...rang. You hardly hear a story of a retired teacher returning to BACK to the field of battle. Even yet as a substitute teacher. That is the definition of someone who enjoys being inflicted with pain. Then on top of that...MIDDLE SCHOOL!!

I thought I must be crazy. I mulled over the decision over and over. The call got louder and louder. Teaching is the only thing I can do with any alacrity. I did work for the IRS before teaching and probably could still do something with the government, however, I took the teaching call first.

So for the second time in my life I find myself in a classroom. Not the main teacher, but a teacher still. I sometimes forget I am a sub...or supposed to be. As noted, I am being accepted as being cool. Today in Social Studies, after running an errand, Dr. W had the class sing the "Bell Ringer" song. You know music makes me move. So I swayed, moved, and started waving my hands in the air just like I didn't care. Cause I didn't! But the kids loved it.

I do not know how long this conversation will last. I do not know how much this call will cost me. I have a lot to learn. Education can change and yet be unchanged. I have students who call me "Friend" when they see me. I taught Smiley how to do the Vulcan greeting. I am sure he was sad when I wasn't in his class today. I wants to be in ALL of my class now. Getting the call this late in life I hope turns out to be the right move and not a crank call. I took the call and I there every day to answer.

[umichenginabroad]

Week 6: Past Halfway

Ciao again!

Somehow, even though it feels like I just flew in maybe two weeks ago, I am in the second half of my program. I finished up Marine Bio, had my first few Archeology Field Study lectures (I transferred from History of Food and Culture to take advantage of the field trips) and we now have physics lab thrown into the mix. 

Though classes are still keeping me busy, this week was a very welcome lull in homework thanks to finals being over. With a bit more free time, I found myself reflecting on my experience here this past month (even though I am still in denial it’s been that long) and what I have learned so far. The true, in-depth, reflection will come at the end of my blog series but I have learned so much already I want to share. 

My main takeaway so far has been that very very few situations are truly that serious. I have learned that 9 times out of 10, it’s simply not worth it to get super stressed out about. You will figure it out, and half the time there’s nothing you can do except wait, so getting upset and stressed doesn’t help in the slightest. Next time you’ll know better, having learned from the situation. I largely have the southern Italian public transportation to thank for teaching me this patience as trains and buses are chronically delayed or sometimes canceled. On my trip to Greece a few weekends ago, my friend and I got to the Sorrento train station just to find out our train, and the next two, to Naples were canceled due to mechanical failure. Instead of freaking out over how much later we were going to get to our AirBnB or how little sleep we’d now get (both things we couldn’t control as sadly neither of us are train experts), we sat on a bench in the station and pulled out a deck of cards. 

Next time I had a train or flight to catch in Naples, I made sure to give myself at least one extra commuter train buffer in case my planned one didn’t work out. I’ve found that situations like that, which before would’ve caused me much panic, have turned into some of my favorite memories as they all turn into stories to tell.

Next, make sure you have the experience that YOU want to be having, not someone else. Though I have learned to become comfortable with this concept through weekend trips with people, it applies to everyday life as well. People came into this program with a large variety of expectations, travel styles, and financial means. Some people come with a vacation mindset, wanting to always eat out, taking the fastest mode of transportation to wherever, and getting a plethora of souvenirs to take back. Some will choose buses taking over double the time of a train to cut costs. Some people prefer to travel as far as they can every weekend, whereas others want to stay and explore the local area. Each person is valid in how they want to spend their time, but that doesn’t have to dictate how you spend yours. Personally, I love going to museums and learning about the historical significance of a place, yet I did not go to my first museum here until several weeks in. The other people I traveled with aren’t museum goers, so I didn’t go either (I’m working on people pleasing tendencies now). Though it was still a fun weekend, I left that trip feeling a bit mad at myself and a bit resentful at my group, even though they did nothing wrong. Next time, I stayed with the group for the things everyone wanted to do, then a friend and I did our own thing for a bit and saw what we wanted to see.

As much as we college students don’t like to call ourselves “real” adults, at the end of the day we are adults and as such are fully capable of choosing our own paths. This might just be the biggest lesson I’ve learned; my happiness is truly no one else’s responsibility except my own and that’s amazing. It was a very liberating moment when I finally understood. 

(Two pics from this afternoon when I arrived in Florence for my first solo adventure! First one of my on a bride with the river and building in the background, second of a statue surrounded by buildings)

Overall, life studying abroad is still life, just with a much prettier background. It’s not all sunshine and rainbows like in a movie — there are still bad days, I still have responsibilities from back home, and it still takes work to take care of myself. While this has been, and still is, an amazing growth opportunity I am still me, just a bit more self assured, a bit wiser, a bit more go-with-the-flow, and a lot tanner.

That’s all for now, next week’s edition will be a bit lighter as I’ve got an excursion, a field trip, and hiking Vesuvius on the books!

Marika Ruppart

Mechanical Engineering

Engineering in Sorrento, Italy

[brick1458]

Characters of both dalmatian series that I relate to ( part one)

This is just a short blog to all the characters from both the original series 101 dalmatians and the series 101 dalmatian street that I pretty much relate and share personality with

First we have the original 101 dalmatians series

First up there's rolly the only thing that I have in common with him is that I'm always hungry

Next is cadpig now when I was younger I used to always be the fun one and tried my best to always be 100% happy 24/7 and completely calm and peaceful about everything even though at times I can sound sarcastic but whenever I get mad or feel My rage boiling that's when my inner cadpig comes out

Now for the 101 Dalmatian Street series

First up is dj now just like dj I have very good tastes in music a love every kind mostly my tastes of music includes pop, Techno, country, rap , k-pop, reggatone, and hard rock but I also like to be like the kind of guy that knows how to throw a party

Then we have Dolly and the Dimitri Trio

Now like these 4 I can also be a bit wild loud and reckless but hey? That's just the point of fun am I right? Like this one time when I was at school we were having a field day and I went so wild running through the sprinklers that everyone in my class started laughing cause of how wild I was good times good times especially that crazy water balloon fight in fact I actually started having a more wild and rebel personality since I was like 10 years old

Next we have Dylan

When I was in school for like math and science I wanted to know everything about everything like an answer within an answer to a question that's the way I was whenever I heard a math lesson but for science like paleontology or astronomy or even history I mostly got my results from cartoons instead of actually studying like this one time we had this packet with a story about Japanese samurai and while everyone else kept going back to the story I got most of my answers from a show that was about samurai well technically the show was called power rangers samurai and super samurai but anyway from one episode of super samurai where they first unlock this mode called shogun mode that immediately told me that the answers to one of the questions was shogun

Next is Dante

Now this personality basically came when I got to 15 through 19 years old and I'm still going through it a little bit now I'm not talking about how he panics about the world ending I'm more talking about the heart broken and depression and isolation sort of personality cause tbh that's mostly how I feel now a days irl cause I'm a graduate from school I can't see my school friends because the ones that graduated with me moved on with their lives while I never know what to do with mine, I'm the only kid in my neighborhood and I can't make any new friends irl because I always worry I might end up the wrong thing

[nella09archive]

Marriage. 102

Chapter 102: The May Babies

When Gohan told me today was Videl’s birthday, and she was feeling down. How would I say no to her coming over? When she came over, her eyes were puffy from crying. Even her collar had stains from drying her tears. The moment she walked in I offered her a seat at the table. She said thank you, and that she’ll just be working on some of her assignments. For a while her phone, and a ring from her laptop, kept going off. She got so mad, and turned off everything. She said that was just everyone wishing her happy birthday. When I tried asking why did that upset her, she just shook her head.

She turned everything back on before lunch. Saying she was sending a message to Gohan. After that turned everything off again. As she joined me and Goku for lunch, she stilled looked every upset. Goku tried asking what was wrong, but she wouldn’t answer. Instead she started crying. Poor baby. I felt so bad. I then decided to get Gohan’s favorite teddy bear. Maybe hugging it would make her feel better. It always made Gohan feel better. She stood on the couch hugging it, and Goku asked if he really had to go back to the field. Even he wanted to help out poor Videl.

After some time, she handed us a paper. It was from her mom. Why would that make her sad? Then again, we never met her mom, or even heard about her. We don’t try to get into other people’s business. But this seems like a very deep matter. I tried asking her what’s wrong, and she said how her mom doesn’t love her. How, if her mom did love her, why she didn’t come to her other birthdays. Or even tried staying in her life. Videl went on, and on, how her mom didn’t even fight to stay in her life. Even before the divorce, her mom wasn’t always around. At least her dad made time for her, no matter how famous he got.

“At first I thought that was another thing me and Gohan had in common. But I was way wrong.” I was confused by that comment. When I looked at Goku, it seem he understood. She then looked up at Goku. “Gohan is so lucky to have you. I’m glad you came back.” Goku smiled at her and nodded. With that Videl looked happy again. She then turned on her phone, and saw she had a voice message from her dad and Gohan. She was still holding Gohan’s teddy, as she went to another room, to call her dad.

“Goku?” He looked very upset. We held hands in silence. Well, until, we head Videl yelling at her dad about not going somewhere. Something about because she will be there. Then a moment of silence, before we heard a ‘I love you too dad.’ Goku went to go check on her, till we heard her say Gohan’s name. He sat down next to me. “I hope everything is alright.” He said that he agreed.

When she came back, she looked like a little girl while holding a teddy bear. “Is it possible I could stay the night. I really don’t want to go home.” I was going to ask why, till Goku said yes.

“Well, since it’s your birthday. What would like me to cook for dinner?” She had a big smile, and said for me to surprise her.

…

“Gohan is so lucky to have you. I’m glad you came back.”

When Videl said that I felt a slight pain in my chest. When she explained about her mom, I was feeling a wave of emotions. Then when she said how she thought Gohan was the same, the guilt was sinking in again. But the moment she said that, it felt so unreal. Made me wonder how Gohan sees it.

After everything calm down. Videl studied in the den, while I kept Chichi company. Then when the boys got home, they were singing Videl happy birthday. It was a nice moment. Even during dinner, it felt like a nice moment. It was a little past dinner, that her father came along with Buu. Another round of happy birthday, and Videl even got to open gifts, from her dad and Gohan. Once the excitement went down, and Hercule and Buu left, everyone was sent to bed.

Once alone with Chichi, all I wanted to do was snuggle into her. “Goku. What’s the matter, sweety? You had that sad smile this whole time.”

“I feel bad for Videl.” I then felt her patting my head, and saying it’s all right. “What am I going to do for Gohan’s birthday?” She stopped patting my head, and I looked up at her. She tried suggesting I did what I always do. “I don’t know. He’s older now. You really think he would want to do that?”

“Who doesn’t like a picnic” But? “Come on. You always picked the best spots. Plus, you could get fresh ingredients for his birthday meal.” I was starting to like that idea, till she had a sad face. “Oh no. I almost forgot; Gohan goes to school on his birthday.” That is a problem, unless.

“What if I pick him, and Goten, up during lunch time?” She said no can do. “Aw. But we can still make it the best dinner ever. Maybe I could cut the meat how he used to like it.” She said that was a great idea. With that, we fell asleep. The next day, we were happy to see that Videl had a big smile on her face. She was even wrapped in the blanket, Gohan gave her. As me and Chichi saw the kids leave for school, I couldn’t help feel happy. When they left, me and Chichi started planning for Gohan’s birthday next week. I did feel a little bad, that I didn’t go through all this for Goten. But it was the first birthday I celebrated with him. I didn’t know much of what he like.

…

Once I got home from school, I was kind of surprised at what Videl had in her arms. I was also ambushed by her. She looked happier than she did this morning. That’s good. After dinner, her dad and Buu came. We wished her a happy birthday, and she opened her gifts. I was so happy she like the blanket I got her. It wasn’t like the blankets my mom could make. That’s because it was a weighted blanket. Her dad at first gave her a doll, and she complained that he always gave her a doll every year. She still took it, saying she could add it to her collection; since it was a rare one. But then he surprised her with another set of dolls, and this even shocked me. It was a Saiyaman and Saiyagirl doing one of ‘our’ famous poses.

We were left speechless, and dad and mom were giggling. My face was burning up, and when I saw how Videl was reacting, her face was super red. She did say thank you, and that she doesn’t want to take it out the box. We then continued enjoying ourselves, and mom even made cookies. After everything was done, and we were sent to bed, is when I was feeling a little nervous. But I did find it funny that dad ruffled Videl’s hair, and she was blushing.

The moment we entered my room, and the door was close, she hugged me. She was even crying a bit. Thankfully she said that these were happy tears. We ended up just sitting on the floor. She sat on my lap, wrapped in the blanket I gave her. We were just basing in the peaceful moment. I did find myself rubbing her back, as she rested her head on my chest. “Gohan?” I looked down at her. “Did you really feel abandoned by your dad?” Where did this come from? “Just answer the question.”

“Well for a long while, yeah. But at first, I felt like I just failed him, and that everything was my fault. It wasn’t till the day after, when I found out I was going to be a big brother, did I start feeling angry at him. I was angry at both of us. I kept blaming myself. Then as I went through therapy is when the therapist asked me about the whole feeling abandon.” She said oh. “Yeah. It made me question if he did abandon me, and mom. Or I just really, truly failed when I had the chance. He wouldn’t have gotten killed if it wasn’t for me.” I started feeling tears building. “Every time I think about it makes me feel sad. But there is one thing that makes it somewhat ok.” She asked what was it. “During the whole time, he encouraged me from otherworld. He believed in me. He wanted me to be able to make my own future. When I think of that, I stop feeling abandon, and start feeling hopeful.”

She then kissed my chin. “You’re so lucky.”

I then kissed her forehead. “Hey, it’s your birthday. Let’s talk about you. What’s your favorite memory?”

“Seeing you on tv.” I was surprised by her answer. “When I saw you, I felt inspired. Also, I really wanted to meet you. I told myself you’re the boy I wanted, and no other would do. Because I didn’t know you then, but all I knew was the boy on the tv was perfect. He was fighting among adults, so he must be brave and strong. Also, he was super cute. Even when dad said all those things, I didn’t want to believe that. Then when you came along, I felt like I’ve seen you somewhere.” She kissed my neck. “I just couldn’t put my finger on it. And getting to know you was fun. The best part was.” Now she was facing me, and had big smile. “I ended up getting what I always wanted, which makes me the luckiest girl in the world.” We both laugh at that, and I couldn’t help kiss her lips.

As we kissed, I rubbed her back. When we parted, she readjusted herself on my lap, to where she was fully facing me. She wrapped her arms around my neck, and she dropped kisses on my lips. “You’re being cute.” There was a pink shade on her face, and she was giving me a small smile. Her eyes where even shrining. We then kissed, slow and easy. I kept my hands on her hips. Then I felt her arms leave my neck, and her hands rubbed down my arms. Then I felt her hands on mine, and moving them lower. I felt my face burn up, as I realize she was making me touch her butt. “You sure about this?” She nodded, and said nothing more than this.

As we went back to kissing, I enjoyed touching her behind. I even gave it a gentle squeeze. She has a very nice butt. Then again, everything about her was perfect. Soon the kiss ended, and she was resting head on my shoulder. She gave a small yawn, and snuggled her face into my neck. “Aw, someone tired.” She nodded her head. I then picked up her, and carried her into bed. Once we were laying down, she snuggled closer to me. I could really get use to this feeling. Showing her with kisses the next morning, was also a good feeling. I wonder if this dad feels about mom; too good to pull away.

…

I was so happy we celebrated Videl’s birthday at our house. But I did find it funny that she was hugging Gohan’s Mr. Teddy. No matter the reason, it was fun to have her over. Her and big brother are so lucky to have found each other. They pretty much glow when they’re together. Even uncle Vegeta praises Gohan for his fine. Saying something like how big brother is a true sayian, if taste in a mate is anything to go by. Whatever that means. Gohan actually was heavily blushing when Vegeta said that, and said thank you. Videl was also there, and she asked what happened. So, it was Vegeta was of approving of her, and Videl started blushing too. It was so funny.

During dinner, I did happen to notice mom cut the vegetables weird. She always do that for someone’s birthday. The veggies for Videl birthday weird shape as stars, and others look like bunnies. Videl was very surprised by the shapes, and mom said she didn’t know which one she would like. It was funny seeing Videl blush as she told mom thank you. Then after dinner, when Videl dad came, and Buu, there was another round of singing. She even got presents from everyone. I even made her a card. She said she really liked it.

Then when mom and dad were tucking me into bed, I couldn’t help ask. “Does that mean Videl is my official big sister yet?” Mom and dad smiled at me, but mom said not yet. “Then when? She’s so awesome. And she makes big brother happy. I want her as my big sister already.” My parents started giggling. Dad even ruffled my hair, as mom said that big brother and Videl would have to get married, for Videl to be officially part of our family. I couldn’t help cross my arms and pout. “I hope they get married soon. I want Videl to be my sister already.” Mom and dad gave each other weird looks, before looking at me.

“Sweet.” I looked up at mom. “These things shouldn’t be rushed. Besides.” She gave me a big smile. “She might not be your official big sister; doesn’t mean she isn’t at all, either.” That made me smile, and all happy. I thanked mom and dad, and went to sleep. The next day was super fun. Videl and Gohan had super big smiles. Mom even made strawberry pancakes. Mom doesn’t make them offend, so it made this morning special.

Since Gohan started high school there was a lot of changes happening. Like how Gohan found Videl. Gohan becoming a superhero. Me going from feeling alone, to not feeling alone. Me getting a daddy. My family becoming bigger, and more complete. Before I went to school, I made sure to give mommy and daddy super big hugs. And before Gohan and Videl, went their own way to school, I gave them a hug too. The sad changes made way for a more complete family. I’m super lucky.

…

It was two days before Gohan’s birthday, and I couldn’t be anymore excited. Me and Goku had everything planned out. I was just so excited. Our little Gohan was officially going to be 17. One more year and he’ll be the same age as his parents, when we got married. Goten’s comment the other night was so sweet. As much I would love the idea of my baby getting married early, I rather he do it at his own pace. I want him to do everything when he’s ready to do it, not because he’s pressure to do things.

“Chichi.” Uh? I look next to me, at laying Goku. “You’re glowing. What are you thinking about?”

“Our little Gohan being happy.” He smiled at me, as he got into a sitting position. He then wrapped me in his arms. “Want to hear something funny?” He said yes. “In a way, you finally get that daughter you always wanted.” He started to snicker at that, and said yeah. He then kissed my cheek, and he lifted my night shirt. Then he rubbed his thumb along, the almost faded, scars.

“Our little Gohan was our first little miracle. He was the sweetest little thing. Both us being new to it all. While you had your books, I had you.” He then kissed behind my jaw. “Our first little guy, who we pour our every drop of love into. Could even say we spoiled him with our love.” I couldn’t agree more. Then I felt that hand of his start to travel downward. I grabbed it, and said no. “Yes. Remember how you would tell him no, and I always found a way to make you say yes.”

“That’s the very reason he thinks he could get away with anything. You were never that good at saying no to him. You’re even doing it now with Goten. You spoil our babies.”

“Can you blame me?” He gave me such a bright smile, that I almost forgot about his sneaky hand. Well, almost. He started kissing my ear. “I love spoiling my family. Now, come on. Let me spoil you right now.” I couldn’t help laugh, as I finally let his hand go.

“You spoil us rotten.” I then felt his finger work my clit at a slow pace. “Mm. Goten is already starting to figure out, if he could make you say yes, he could get away with anything.” I heard her chuckle, as I closed my eyes to enjoy this sensation.

“Don’t blame me. Blame Gohan for showing him that daddy always says yes.” Now I was laughing. “The first day back, he saw how Gohan and you were giving me the puppy face. He saw how Gohan got me to do what he wanted. On top of that, how could I ever say no our baby when he’s all pouty and teary eye? Daddy had to cheer him up. Daddy would do anything, even have mommy agree to let him do things. He soon realize how daddy would always come to the rescue.” We laughed at that. “When Goten pulled the puppy eyes on me, was the moment I knew I was doomed. Goten has your puppy eyes.”

“No, he doesn’t. he has yours.”

“I don’t tear up, or pout my lip like that. That’s all you.” We just laughed. But those laughs quickly turned to low moans, as he thrusted into me. “I love you so much, Goku.”

“I love you so much, too, my perfect Chichi.” We shared a kiss as we came.

…

Today is my birthday! Sure, wish I didn’t have to go to school, but that’s ok. As I headed downstairs, I couldn’t help notice how quiet it was. I did a quick scan, and everyone was home. When I entered the kitchen, I was greeted with a table full of untouched food. And dad holding mom to him, as they smiled at me. “Happy birthday big brother!” I got tripped over by Goten hugging my leg. Before I could react, mom and dad had dog pile me, and saying happy birthday. I was getting emotional, but before a tear could form, dad was tickling me. In between fits of laughter, I tried to fight back. But then was tickle attacked by mom and Goten.

What in the world brought this little attack up? The moment I was allowed to breathe, I tried escaping. Thankfully I was able to. We then sat down for breakfast. Before mom could even serve my plate, dad was on the move. But I was happily surprised he was the one to serve me. This birthday was starting to become the best one yet. After breakfast, before heading to school, dad and mom were poking my cheek, and saying to have a good day. Even Goten join the fun, by poking my nose. What is up with everyone today?

When I got to school, I was greeted by a fist to my face. Not he one that actually was trying to hurt, but the playful kind. That’s right, this would be my first time spending my birthday with my friends. And the one who hit me was Sharpner. I said hi to him and Erasa, but I didn’t see Videl around. I quickly tried to scan where she was, and turns out she wasn’t in school yet. When she did make it to school, she was wearing a big baggy blue hoodie, and a skirt that reached mid thigh. She greeted me with a punch to the stomach, but no happy birthday. It kind of made me sad, but I brushed it off. Since I knew she was coming over later, to celebrate.

During the rest of the day, it went pretty well. Well, if you don’t count Videl not talking to me, unless with her fist. So far, one for each class. We were now on the roof, about to leave, when she held my hand. She had pink shade across her face. When I asked what was wrong, she punched my gut again. When I bent over, she grabbed my face into a kiss. I knew not to be worried. She told me to carry her all the way to my place.

As we’re flying, Videl did shift here and there. On top of that, my face was feeling red, because one of my hands was touching Videl bare legs. Since she wasn’t wearing mid-thigh shorts, so I was able to enjoy her legs a little more. I have seen her legs plenty of times, but I still couldn’t help admiring them. Every time she only wear skirts, it’s hard to avoid looking at her legs. But as we flew, there wasn’t something else that was catching my interest. It was faint, but I could definitely smell it. Then I made the mistake of looking at her, just to catch her looking at me. She was blushing, and looking incredibly beautiful.

I stop mid-flight, and just admired her. We just stared at each other, and taking every little detail was making my body react. I couldn’t stop myself, and brought her face up to mine into a kiss. To my great joy, she had wrapped her arms around my neck, and kissed me back. Our tongues dance with each other, and that smell was becoming stronger. When we ended the kiss, it was very hard to breathe. I had the strongest urge to smell that scent. I was struggling to reason, and push the thought away. I can’t, I shouldn’t, but I really want to smell it. Damn it! Would it be so bad to ask for permission? Not like I’m doing anything wrong by smelling, if I have permission to.

I kissed Videl again. Mind made up, and now to actually get the words out. I ended up leaning my head on her shoulder. “Videl?” She asked what was it. “Would it be ok if…” My face was starting to burn. “Would it be ok if I could smell you?”

“Uh?” I looked at her face, and she looked confused. “What do you mean?”

“Can I smell you? Like smell from your head, shoulders, and…” I felt my face was fully on fire. “lower.” Her face turned red, but she nodded. And she said I could after the party. “You mean it?” She gave me a small smile, before we shared another. We then made our way again. But as we did Videl surprised me, by dropping kisses along my neck. It made me lose focus here and there, and we almost did a free fall. We ended up laughing at that. To get her back, I tossed her in the air. Wrong move. I saw a quick view of what was under her skirt. Then rest of the way we just talked about random things, to avoid that awkward silence from a moment ago.

When we landed, we were greeted by dad. He had a raised eyebrow, and a confused face. But shook his head, and gave us a smile as he told us that dinner was ready. Gohan? Videl had around went inside, and I was frozen in front of dad. And couldn’t look at his face, and I felt my face burning. I then felt him ruffle my hair. I then looked at him, and he was smiling. It’s your birthday, so I’ll let it go. Just be careful. Now I wasn’t sure if I should say thanks, or feel even more embarrassed. Dad then pointed at his nose. CRAP! He started laughing. “Na, just kidding.” He then poke my neck. “It was that.” I felt the blood drain from my face. “I’ll try to make sure mom and Goten doesn’t say anything. No promises.” He ruffled my hair again.

“Thanks dad.” He gave me a smile, and we then walked inside. During dinner, the food tasted incredible. Even Videl asked for seconds. Goten and Videl even asked what mom did different. Mom just smile, and said she didn’t do anything different. At that she started giggling, and so did dad. Wait a minute. I then took closer look at the food, and noticed something I haven’t seen in years. It wasn’t how the vegetables or meat was cut; it was the color. Everything here was fresh. Fresh ingredients always had that a certain way of looking better. But how would… I looked back at dad, and he had a very big smile. “Dad you’re awesome!” I couldn’t stop myself from saying that.

Goten and Videl looked at me confused, and dad just smiled. I was too stuck in memory lane of my last birthday, that dad celebrated with me and mom. How that morning dad walked into the house with a lot of stuff. I didn’t really get it, but it made mom happy. Then during my birthday dinner, the food almost look dreamy, and my parents had the biggest smile. And to top it off, the meat was cut into stars. There was no way mom could do that. And when I asked, she said did it, and even got fresh ingredients to cook everything. Then finding out he did that every year was the best. When he was gone, the magic of my birthday kind of went away. Mom still made my favorites, but never tasted the same. Now that dad back, everything has that magic touch. I then heard Videl ask for thirds. That surprised everyone, even me.

“It’s just so good. I already fell for your cooking, but this is amazing.” Mom kept giggling, and dad was blushing. After dinner was also interesting, not just because I got a matching hoodie from Videl, but also because how happy I was feeling. Today was just magical. Everything about today went perfect. Even seeing dad ‘accidently’ break a few glasses, while he was laughing. I was laughing to the point even I broke a glass. And mom just laughed as she got the dustpan. Goten asked why was that funny.

“Chichi, do you remember how many glasses, tables, and plates we broke that day?”

“Enough that I screamed at the both of you to stop being super for just a day. And Gohan suggested using paper plates and cups. Real funny.” Dad and me just ended up laughing like mad men, while Goten and Videl looked on clueless. To top it off, dad started tickling me again, and soon so did everyone else. I never been so confused, happy, and the desired to actually not escape from a tickle attack all in one day. This truly is the greatest birthday I had yet.

When everyone was heading to bed, dad ruffled my hair one time, while telling me happy birthday big guy. I no longer held the title his little man, but this one felt just as special. After saying good night to mom, me and Videl just hanged in my room. We were just chatting at the moment, and she long ago had taken off her hoodie, revealing a red tank top. She then reminded me of my little request, and that’s when I felt my face started heating up. “You still sure I can?” She nodded. She then sat really close to me.

…

After Gohan asked me to smell me, I was left confused. Why would he do that? That’s just weird. But the face he gave me, while trying to explain, made me happy. I remembered what his dad did when Chichi came home. And how quickly his reaction was, and when Gohan told me why. I also remembered how Gohan just surprised me by smelling my neck on Valentine’s day. And his reaction when the moment was ruined. My sweet Gohan that day had showed another side I was never aware of. Could that be part of his alien side, other than his unnatural strength? It actually made me happy, and the face he gave when I said yes, made it even more special.

Now that we’re alone, maybe he could do it now. I was feeling very nervous, as I tried to tell him about how I said yes to him. After he asked if I was sure, I moved closer. He started taking deep whiffs of my hairs, then along my neck. I found myself laying back, as he continued downward. Now he was between my breast. Other than hearing him take a deep breath, I also felt he landed a gentle kiss above my right breast. Uh? That’s where my birthmark was. How would he… Oh yeah, the photo. I felt giggle at that.

He went lower, but when he reached my stomach, I felt him stop. I rose my head, enough to see him, and his face was red. He asked again if I was sure, and again I said yes. I hear him gulp before he continues downwards. For some reason this just feels really good. Almost like we’re sharing a very intimidate moment. When I feel he’s over my privates do I hear him sniff more than once, and that he had let out a breath. Then after a moment, he went lower. Then on the way back up, his nose lifted my skirt a bit, and he jumped back. He even started to apologize.

I just looked at him, feeling confused. Then I started thinking about how he look longer time sniffing me there. That’s when it hit me. I felt my face burning up. What should I do? Maybe it’s ok. He’s just smelling, nothing else. He’s not actually doing anything wrong. But what if… No. We’ll stop right away if something happens. I then lift up my skirt, and gave him a full view. He was stuttering as he asked if I was sure. I nodded, and watched him gulp before coming closer to me. He had gotten on his knees, and looked at me. “Are you absolutely sure I could smell you there?” I nodded once again. I opened my legs, so he could move in closer.

I stood sitting, as I held my skirt up. Seeing him between my legs was making my skin feel hot, and a weird sensation starting to build. Hearing him take a whiff was also, weirdly, exciting. It wasn’t until I felt his nose lightly touch me, that I felt like static went through me. I even wanted him to do that again. But how was I going to tell… He did it again, and I bit my lip. I even heard him take a deeper whiff, before letting out a breath. Even that somehow affected me. Whatever he was doing, I didn’t want it to stop. When I felt him taking another whiff, automatically pushed his head closer to me. Having his face there, felt good. But then came a wave of shock at what I just did. I even looked down to see, even he was in completely shock.

He was biting his lip, and looking between my legs, before he made the motion to get up. No! I want that feeling again. I tried to force him to stay down, and he had the look of pain in his face. Oh no. What am I going to do? I want him to continue so badly. Even he looks like he wants it too. But we both knew we shouldn’t. I finally let him go, and he sat next to me on the bed. There was an awkward silence between us, as we were lost in our own thoughts. I then felt him grab my hand, and I looked up at him. His face was really red and had a troubled expression. I looked down, to avoid looking at him, but soon found that to be a mistake. For what I saw was something trying to get out his pants. Oh, this is bad, very bad. What are we supposed to do?

Would it be fair if I touched him? Since I made him touch me. I looked back at his face, but he was looking away. He still held my hand, and was even rubbing his thumb along my knuckles. I was starting to feel a little scared, but I timidly tried to reach out for him. It’s just one little touch, nothing major. One touch, and that’s it. When I finally touched it, he sat straight up. I even rubbed my thumb along it. His expression was very tight, and his words came out forced. “Please. Stop.” I took my hand away. He was now breathing very fast and heavy. “We shouldn’t have done this. I’m sorry.”

Out of all the reaction I could have done, I chose to punch his arm. He looked at me, and I could tell he was going to say something, but I just punched him again. This one made him fall on the floor, and I got up and stood over him. “I actually liked it. And if anyone is to blame it’s me. Now, give me a hug.” He looked completely stun, but quickly got up, and hugged me. After a brief moment, we started laughing. Now that we were calm, I couldn’t help ask. “Do you like how I smell?” I wasn’t looking at him. He did hug me tighter, as he said yes. “Good.” We then laughed at that, and finally went to sleep.

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Ch101