#just sort everything so its a bit neater!

[woolpines]

so, im actually gonna try and sit and play the sims 3?? i want to do another legacy challenge starting on an empty lot with barely any money-

[wannabe-cartoonist-blog]

Last Game hair style fixes, in order of who needed it most.

I've never liked the canon hair styles in Last Game. They're either hideous, or just simply don't fit the characters/style of the main series. I get its a (mostly different) art department and meant to age the characters up, but most of the time, they simply just look off-model to me. I know I'm not the only one who's got issues with the hairstyles in this movie too, so I did my best to fix them up and give them styles that I personally think suite them. Originals below cut as well as my explanations! Important to note, these are my preferences/headcanons for them so take everything I'm about to say with a grain of salt.

**Akashi isn't here, because believe it or not, I actually think his hair looks the best out of everyone in LG.

I wouldn't change it. I like to draw him with neater hair/his bangs pushed out of his face when I age him up, but for the summer after the Winter Cup - when LG takes place - the canon hair is exactly the sort of style I think he would/should have. I like the allegory that the rough chop is something he did when his mental health wasn't good, so now as his mental scars heal, it's growing back out. ❤️

Midorima

A neater/shorter hairstyle does fit Mido's character/personality, but the LG hair simply just doesn't look like the same hair type we see in the main series. Mido's hair has got the slightest wave to it (which I tend to over-exaggerate whenever I draw him).

With this in mind, I went and gave his hair some more body/volume by extending the sides. (You'll see a lack of volume/body is the key issue with the other LG hairs as well).

Murasakibara

Mura's hair in this movie looks so so flat and greasy. Now I didn't do the best job fixing it up, but this is basically how you'd go about doing it; just add more flowy strands. His hair is pretty pin-strait in canon, but there's lots of flowing strands, even when he's not moving much, which give it a clean-look.

When it's all just one limp form, like the movie does, it appears unclean as opposed to just long and sleek.

Momoi

Another victim of the lack of body/volume. The style they gave her is also simply bad, like she just took a pair of scissors and cut in a straight line. There isn't even really any style to it. Its kinda just laying there on her head, which is not what her hair usually looks like in the main series. There's always strands/some lift to it. Also Momoi has always had some sort of bangs/framing pieces in her face, so for her whole forehead to be out was just a tiny bit jarring.

I think the style I came up with is a little more mature while still having personality and life to it. Plus, LG takes place in the summer, so a shorter hair style would be more comfortable in the heat.

Kise

Kise I don't think I did a good job of fixing to my liking either. It was hard to edit it without making it look bad in general, because I really don't think this choppy sort of style suites him like at all, so it was too much to change. Now his hair is one of the better drawn ones in this movie for sure, but it feels more like a Kagami hairstyle than a Kise one to me. I just don't think his modeling agency would let him have such a choppy, hard-to-style haircut. I also think a more polished look fits his handsome, princely sort of appeal that makes him popular with girls.

Aomine

Alright, now its time for me to be playful and silly with some out-there hair styles. Aomine (and Kagami's hair) in Last Game I don't mind. After Akashi, I would say Aomine looks the best. BUT. We have NEVER seen Aomine with long hair, even in flashbacks when he's a child.

So for him to finally decide to grow out his hair - in the SUMMER HEAT - just feels like a weird move to me. Feels out of character. He strikes me as someone who likes his hair out of his face when he plays ball and just wants to roll out of bed and not worry about brushing/styling it or anything. The animators also aren't consistent in this movie and sometimes his hair looks particularly long in the front and back, which again, I don't think he'd like. This picture below and the ones above are from the same movie/take place within like a week of each other, yet look so different.

He looks cute and it definitely gives him a more youthful look; which is a weird choice, because they want to age up everyone else but Aomine in this movie. So, I think a fade would really suite him (I don't think I drew it that well tho). Keeps his hair short and out of his face but also ages him up a little more with a mature style.

Kagami

Alright, Kagami's look here is pure indulgence. @knbposting said "Kagami with a mullet" and I haven't stopped thinking about it. Sue me. His LG hair isn't bad and makes sense for his character and the time of year. But its just sorta plain. Honestly, Kise's hair style in this movie would probably suite Kagami more. I always liked how in the main series, Kagami's hair is a little scruffy in the back so I really wanted to lean into that.

Is a mullet suitable for the summer heat/something he'd like? Well, maybe not but I think it ages him up while also seeming like something he'd get at some point in his life. So here we are. I will end this with saying this is probably the longest he'd ever let his hair get.

Kuroko

Finally, we have Kuroko, whose hair I've barely changed. Now, the animators/artists do a really bad job of keeping his face on-model (eyes too beady, features too sharp) but that's a whole 'nother issue, and I managed to find a scene where they kept him on-model lol. I think a shorter, neat style is good for the summer and suites him, but a main feature of all the hair throughout the main series is the spikes/strands of hair on nearly every character - Kuroko especially - so I just added a tiny bit more here.

And that's the end! If you read all the way to here, thanks for coming to my insane-person rant.

[ofduskorofdawn]

@warofthebeasts continued from here

The boy steps down from the transport, bloodied and dirtied, his hand holding too tightly to his sword, and in his eyes, there is the emptiness of a child who is lost to trauma yet holding back because he must.

Finally, a moment alone, and he pries his fingers from around the sword's hilt to let it drop to the floor then, because he does not know what else to do, he unties his hair from its ponytail then sweeps it back up, neater this time.

He is too young. He knows it. Many others know it.

But no one seems to care much, at least not enough to prevent him from being sent out again and again to the front lines as their all-powerful trump card dropped from above like some sort of horrific avenging angel with the face of a child.

Sephiroth's head as empty as his gaze, he stares at his shaking hands, never mind those around him.

It had taken longer than she would have liked to get to the drop off for the transport. Everyone and their mother had seen fit to interrupt her path and by the time she gets to her destination, the transport has long since dropped off those who had returned--in whatever shape they had returned--and the one she had intended to meet is nowhere to be seen.

Perhaps he had needed to report back to Hojo or he had needed to go to medical... but Tseng had told her the boy had a tendency to need to find a place to decompress.

She starts looking first around the drop off point and then broadening her search until finally...

She sees him.

Ariana knows that look. She's seen it too many damn times.

[ From the Turks after a mission that was too much, when everything went horribly wrong or horribly right, but either way there was nothing that they wanted to discuss, nothing they wanted to put into words. ]

[ On Tseng when it's nighttime and it's just the two of them and he could finally remove that finely-crafted mask he wears and admit that he's human--despite ShinRa's best efforts--and the weight of what he carries tests even his strength. ]

[ In the mirror with blood streaks on her face and smeared on her clothing and dried on her hands, feeling hollowed out because she wasn't fast enough, couldn't do enough, couldn't prevent vital crimson from bleeding out and life along with it. ]

It breaks her heart to see a look like that on the face of someone so young.

And he is young. Whatever any of the people who matter around this godsforsaken place seem to think, he is a child.

Slowly, she approaches, her steps careful and deliberate--audible.

[ Now is not the time for stealth or subtlety. ]

"Sephiroth?" she says, stopping a few feet from him and ducking down a bit to put her face better in line of view.

"Hey, Tseng was sent out on a mission, or I'm certain he would have been here," she begins, her voice soft and warm and without even a trace--these days--of the slums where she spent almost a decade of her life.

"Tseng and I work together. We're old friends. Do you mind if I sit with you, in his place? I'm Ariana--though most people just call me Ari."

[astranite]

Thing grows! (and now i ramble about it!)

Thing!!! (yes scrolling down the entirety of Thing is completely necessary even if I had the power to change the formatting.) (also excuse the hideous looking surface of my desk, i keep having to find longer places to lay out Thing!)

Yes I am very excited!!! Crochet is fun!!!

Actually having a crochet hook also really helps. Once I sort of got the hang of using it, everything got both easier and neater! When i wasnt nearly dropping the slippery yarn, Thing, hook combo.

Making some discoveries: apparently there is meant to be a chain stitch before you turn the corner for the next row, did not know that until several rows ago.

I did know that the first stitch is meant to be skipped, but still working out which one that is.

Somehow Thing shrunk narrower at some point but i fixed it by using one of the random end loops as a Loopy Loop. Or at least it is now about what i reckon it should be?

Thing is growing fast, but then it is chunky yarn and only 5(?) stitches wide. (started as 5 chains if i remember correctly? might have somehow turned into 4 at some point? i believe its 5 now?)

Next mystery to tackle is whether im meant to be turning the whole thing over at the end of each row because or else everything is kinda backwards? Or im doing something weird?

Behold and be entertained by my insanity!!! As i learn to crochet, while making commentary about it!

Going to try to watch some tutorials more in depth tomorrow when I can hopefully pay attention for more than two seconds.

I have deemed Thing experimental so im having a good time just going along and making Thing.

So im chill instead of horrified by all the mistakes and ??? stuff im doing. Probably with more that i dont even realise at this point!! But its still growing so I am succeeding somewhere and I am Learning stuff!!

Crochet hooks other than my fingers!! 4mm and 10mm because its Big Enough For Thing!! And they are both purple!

Decided to get ones with more chunky handles instead of thin metal ones, because they were definitely better to hold and thats pretty important with my dodgy hypermobile joints or else Ow.

Still think i might need to modify them a bit, maybe by wrapping them in something. Because theyre still not 100% there. And/or with some more splinting and/or taping up my fingers and thumb. Need to look into it more. Hmm.

I was also very tempted by pretty yarn in the shop. So soft, and colours!! But that is for Later!

But I am having fun and making Thing!! Yay for yarn witchcraft!!

(also does anyone wish to be tagged for the very random Journey of Thing?)

[tellthemeerkatsitsfine]

I bought Jon Richardson’s book a couple of years ago. It was from 2010, the cusp between his radio years and his panel show years, and I wasn’t sure what Jon Richardson to expect from it. I hadn’t bought it in the two years before that, even though those two years contained the peak of Jon Richardson phase (Basically what happened is… you know how in 2024, I decided to try to stop drinking at the same time as I got really into John Robins and that led to possibly over-identifying with the material? Well in 2020/2021, I discovered Jon Richardson not long after I’d moved out of living with my best friend because I kept having breakdowns about not being able to control every tiny thing about our shared space and also life in general and it made me terrible to live with, and it nearly broke up a friendship and ruined much of my life, and getting into Jon Richardson at that point created a similar effect. I’m still a bit amazed at the number of hours I put into watching every single episode of 8 Out of 10 Cats/Catsdown and listening to all 125 hours of a radio show from 2006-2008, among other things, but that was at least a bit of the reason why. Incidentally, my friend and I have recently become roommates again as I have become less difficult to live with/he bought a house and needs help paying the mortgage, it’s actually been going very well so far, he cleans more than he used to and I have fewer breakdowns than I used to about things not all being as I want them, and genuinely, I think my Jon Richardson phase helped with the latter part of that as it made me recognize some of some of my own maladaptive patterns and get better at consciously letting things go. Also, the world ended between then and now and the problems we used to have don’t seem to matter as much anymore), because I’d seen the cover and it looked like it was sort of marketed as a zany dating guide for quirky people. I thought that might have been the beginning – or an early pre-empting – of Jon Richardson taking all my favourite things about himself and packaging them into something much neater and blander and more marketable that was still fun for a while but eventually descended into a caricature. So even when I was watching everything else he’d ever done, I never bought his book.

Until a couple of years ago, when I actually looked it up, and found that it seemed different from what I’d expected. I looked up the consumer reviews and jumped to the ones with the fewest stars, because that’s how I usually do that. If I’m looking up something’s reviews, I don’t need to hear about its best features, the marketing will tell me that anyway. I want to know if its worst features are things I won’t mind. The worst reviews for Jon Richardson’s book all complained that it was too depressing, that he was sort of messed up in a fun and relatable way on panel shows and they bought the book because they liked that, but in this book he just comes off as a horrible nightmare and it’s hard to read. And I said, great, that’s exactly the version of Jon Richardson I want. So I bought the book, read it, greatly enjoyed it, cried several times, it’s fine. It was very much that version, the book might be the darkest I've ever seen him get.

I was thinking of that today (partly because in light of recent events that version of Jon Richardson might be… nope I’m sticking to no comment on that), when I read Steve Bennett’s review of Tom Ballard’s new show. Chortle gave him 4.5 stars last year for a show I loved, so I was curious to see if he could live up to it this year. He didn’t at least in Chortle’s eyes – he was down to 3.5.

However, once again, I was able to establish how much I’ll like a show but what criticisms are levelled against it. If Steve had said that Tom Ballard hit strong material last year but has now reverted back to relying more often on cheap shock value-based sex jokes, then I’d probably still have wanted to see the new show (I do like a lot of the cheap shock value-based sex jokes in Tom’s older shows, but I think he’s better when he’s using them fairly sparingly and around more interesting stuff), but I’d have been less excited about it.

However, Steve Bennett didn’t say that. He said the most negative points about this show were that Tom Ballard is too loud, too relentless, too over the top in his efforts to bludgeon the audience with his points. And that is my favourite Tom Ballard. I know it’s not for everyone, I genuinely think that’s fine, I’m not even sure why I like shouty comedy in a few circumstances (Nish Kumar, white gay Australian Nish Kumar Tom Ballard, Jen Brister, Michael Legge) and find it unbearably annoying in most others. If you find it unbearably annoying in the forms where I like it, then that's absolutely fair enough. But personally, I'd be quite upset if anyone told me that Tom Ballard is not going to come to Edinburgh this year and relentlessly bludgeon us over the head with his shouty angry points.

Also, that bit the review references, in which he takes Tweets out of context, sounds pretty bad - ironically, when described out of context - but actually, I found that pretty funny in his video from this year's MCIF gala:

Now that I listen to that again, I might actually find that really annoying if it came from a different comedian. But I felt like I could watch Tom Ballard read that list all day.

A bunch of those new MCIF reviews look interesting. The Laura Davis one has probably pushed them to the top of my list of people for whom I could buy Edinburgh tickets right now, but haven't booked them yet (so everyone except Nish and DO'D for that), but should probably just fucking book them because there's no way they'll get pushed off the final cut of my must-see list. Laura's probably just ahead of Tom Ballard on that list. The MCIF reviews have kicked Greg Larsen and Zoe Coombs Marr up a couple of places on the list, probably. Oh, and I've become somewhat obsessed with the 2023 Dan Rath special that I just watched a couple of days ago. There are too many things. I can't go to the UK and spend the entire time watching Australians.

Anyway, to summarize the post, the Tom Ballard review reminded me of that Jon Richardson review that made me want to buy it more, various events of this week have also reminded me of my Jon Richardson phase, a phase I have now moved past and look back on with anything from mild sheepishness to full-blown mortification (to the occasional bout of "actually, you know what, I think I was right about that"), but to be fair to Jon, that's how I look back on most things.

[thoughtcock]

self manifestations for 2023/24 (progress)

[X] rent an better actual apartment, by myself or with someone else: I am currently here now :) sitting by myself in the comfort of my living room, while listening to lofi music on youtube as background. And boy, what an amazing feeling it is. it is merely just over 400 sq ft, a small size by most standards. yet its just enough for me and the bf who comes over.

I used to feel like I don't do well in the ordinary, life had to always be happening or I have to be on some unconventional route (i mean it kinda is but still) to be happy or whatever. But lately, I really do appreciate the peace and the ordinaryness. I now romanticise the chill/hiding away to my safe space. I love doing my silly little home decorating and just feeling present at this apartment. my safe space.

I gradually became a much more neater and organised person. seriously, i started making my own bed more regularly and you could point a gun at me and i would find it so pointless to do it. its just going tog et messy again so who cares? but now.... i see why people do it.

i thought me being messy was just a personality trait of mine and i hoped people around me will accept it. but i dont know... i guess there's this new-found form of respect i have for my space now, and keeping it tidy just makes it so much more pleasant for me. the only issue with that is i spend significantly more time tidying, and my boyfriend still hasnt caught up to speed yet.

But still... I finally get ikea catalogues and how they are always selling this idea of a beautiful home enriching your life. because its true. and i get why people buy picture frames and decorative tissue boxes and carpets and all. to make a space much cozier, which in turn makes u happier and more at peace. And I get why people buy extra practical things like a water filter, storage space for your appliances, a speaker, a standing desk. because why wouldnt you? it boosts your quality of life in different ways.

Yes, its not cheap to rent, but damn I would rather pay with money than with my mental health. for seven years i've lived with the bare minimum. mostly stuck to buying necessary stuff for my home, or barely buying anything at all for fear it will eat up the little space i was allocated to. and now to have the space(!!) and options to buy something just for the aesthetics is suddenly new to me again. for 8 years i've been living in cramped dorms/subdivided rooms/flat share. i am so grateful and i cant wait to make more and get an even bigger space maybe (i still wish for a bigger kitchen, and an actual designated to hang clothes without taking over the living room space).

In the meantime maybe i can start thinking about owning a home. though i still dont feel ready, need to save more haha

[ ] get my first tattoo: still in the works. all the artists i like are either based far away, or i am still undecided and frankly procrastinating. slighly worrying about the fallout with the mother. also there is a bit of inertia to just fuck it and out trust in an artist for a tattoo that im not sure of yet.

[ ] adopt a cat: unlike getting a tattoo, i dont think i can just bite the bullet and bring an animal to my life full-time. since having a family dog, i realised how important it is to consider how I really have to be responsible for a pet. And making space for said pet in your life. my family dog came to us in a "yolo" way of sorts, and while he is amazingggggg, i know if it were up to me i'll do so much more to give him a better life. and so, i would like to carefully consider everything before fostering one. and also because my new apartment is so great as it is, how can an animal live in it well without destroying the space i worked so hard for?

[X] adapt well in new job: giving this an X because so far i've performed better than how i did in my first year. but there's a lot of self-pressure and probably managerial pressure to step up and do even more, learn even more etc. tbh sometimes it feels like my brain is swimming from all these new things i've learnt or am expected to learn. i dont want to disappoint people, but i am also trying to give myself the space/patience to improve and be better. after all im paid much better to live in this nice apartment.

[X] buy fancy decorative stuff for said new apartment (eg. plates, candles, artsy fartsy stuff)

[ ] be reading more: definitely falling back on reading... sometimes its hard to get the attention span to do so. i've been told i should get back on self-help books. so far i've read more autobiographies. there are some books i own that take me back to chaotic times (Eg. 2019) and i'm sure if i even want to touch them for fear of bringing up not so great memories and how this city is quietly turning to shits. well at least i have my nice place as it turns to shit... privilege much?

[ ] continue to choose myself: i feel like its a half-half on this...

[X] be okay with change: something i read recently is how because nothing last forever, its best to appreciate things are they are now before they are gone. the glass is already broken. impermanence makes things more beautiful.

[ ] have more reflective alone times: unfortunately not doing as much of that, but i hope that will change!!!! sometimes i live life on autopilot mode, and i could feel myself living in that mode for months since i've stopped going to therapy. autopilot mode isnt bad, but yeah i know i dont truly reflect on my feelings much if that is so. and i find my thoughts so muddled and messy at times. its like what the fuck do i want sometimes, why am i overthinking this and that, am i doing enough of this and that bla bla,,, but i dont know WHY im thinking like that. sometimes writing this in word vomit mode helps to rationalise and write out all the things in my head which is great... although i feel like a terrible writer because everything is so messy and word vomity

[X] solo travel (either a beach getaway or city gal holiday, or both): my first solo trip coming up soon! a beach getaway is something i always want to do. im not going to plan much or keep everything to a schedule, just see where this trip takes me. im hoping to just chill and be rejuvenated, and yes try to be more reflective

[ X] turn off my brain when work is over: a WIP but i would say i've gone heaps and bounds since leaving my last job. work stops at 6 and i try not to open my emails/messages, but i guess with more responsibilities sometimes i cant help it. but i can safely say i do have more time for other things without feeling like some manager will find me to settle a story or whatever. it feels nice to have no one bug u after work hours!!

[X] maintain close relationships with the people who matter: not sure whether to tick this since i've become a lot more introverted this year. i no longer do big parties or try to organise one anymore. in that sense i do feel more distant from people now, sometimes i dont even know who matters and who doesnt. but this time, i feel perfectly okay with it. i think its the new house effect, i just want to stay home all the time. maybe the person who matters most in my life is me, after all.

[X] restart seriously saving and investing again: getting paid more helps. though i do need to re-evaluate my investing choices. i jsut need to be careful about lifestyle inflation and balance things properly. i started budgeting again this months so hopefully i can stick to it.

[X] stay away from people with bad energy: its actually easier to do that when u have a significant other and u are okay to be alone. no longer interested in clubs or gettign fucked up, or getting on dating apps anymore.

-[X?] feel valued in a workplace/relationship: yes for work, thanks to great managers and great benefits. relationship, i would like to think my friends value me, and as for my boyfriend? i guess he does in his own ways, though i would like to feel more of it.

New goals:

learn diving

solo travel/travel to more unconventional places

romanticising life more

take a chill hobby like coloring

exercise at least 1x a week

[thotsforvillainrights]

Ooo if you're accepting requests I see Setsuno, Hojo and Tabe as such a tight knit group in the sense of I'd love headcanons about them sharing a significant other because that'd just be what felt right to them after getting so close to each other and revealing to each other they all share a crush and none of them were gonna act on it because it wasn't fair to the other two so: sharing

(Hmmm I’ve never really written anything like this that I can think of to be honest but I’ll try it this once to see how it feels. I genuinely hope I don’t mess this up omg)

~Setsuno, Hojo, and Tabe~

headcanon|scenario|imagine|match-up

-It can only be summed up as a lovely chaos. They’re three grown men who never fail to occasionally be a little childish when it comes to you. Aside from this, they’re probably the best group of people to love considering they each give everything they’ve got. You can’t for once EVER say you feel unloved when these three are right here. 

-Let’s start with Toya. To begin with he wasn’t truly all the way there for the sharing thing but he got used to it after about a week or two. The reason is because he tends to be more jealous than the other two. He is the one that wants to take up all your time during the day. His favorite times are when it’s just the two of you. Although he’s close with Tabe and Hojo, he just wants to make sure your love is on him too. It takes a little more reassurance when you’re with him than it does for the others. He needs you to remind him that you love him as well and that you’d never discard or hurt him. The longer in the relationship you go with everyone, the less he feels the need for this constant reassurance, so just hang in there for the first few weeks okay?

-Then there’s Hojo. He’s probably the most mature of the group, and no it’s not just because he’s the oldest either. He’s a lot less clingy but don’t think he doesn’t need your loving too. He’s there to make sure you and everyone else is safe and well take care of. To be honest, he’s almost like the dad of the group. He handles the finances and the important stuff none of you want to touch like insurance, bills, maintenance in your shared home. You make sure to repay him by giving him his favorite massages and kisses along his face that make him simply want to melt into you. 

-Finally there’s Tabe. He tends to be a bit clingy too so Toya might feel grumpy at first with sharing. Tabe stays under you most of the day and the night too. To him you’ve got such a comforting aura and he sort of feels like he needs to stay attached to that. Much to Toya’s dismay, Tabe is the one that requires the most physical care. Kisses, hugs, and home cooked meals. You two tend to do errands with each most of the time like grocery shopping or maybe running to get gas for a second. 

-The chaos comes in when you realize having so many different personalities together can tend to clash. It’s like when you realize that Hojo is neater than the other two and Setsuno can’t seem to put things back where they belong. Sometimes its when Tabe and Setsuno are glaring at each other while you have to use both hands to give them each scratches on their heads as if they’re puppies or something. Other times it’s when Hojo doesn’t get off work in time for your group game night and the other two start nagging at him. Arguments are something unavoidable, but it’s all worth it when the three of them are being civil with each other for your sake. The moments when you three are cuddled up in bed and all just barely on the cusp of sleep. That’s when the warmth envelopes you while your favorite shows lulls you to sleep. The gentle touches and the soft whispers of sweet nothings into eager and loving ears. They remember in those moments why they decided to do this in the first place. Then suddenly sharing doesn’t seem so bad at all. In fact, it was the right choice all along if meant having your love.

[legolasghosty]

recreating your first/favorite date

for juke <3

Okay... whew, here it is. Sorry this took forever to actually respond to. Hope you like it!

“Am I allowed to know where we’re going yet?” Luke laughed from the passenger seat of Julie’s SUV.

“Nope,” she answered, giving him a smirk and hoping he couldn’t see her nerves.

It wasn’t like she was unsure as to what he would say. They’d talked about this dozens of times. There were certain things that they had to be totally on the same page about, especially since Luke had only been alive (sort of) for 6 years. She knew they wanted the same thing in the end on this. That didn’t stop it from being terrifying though.

“But I wanna know,” Luke whined, grinning and lacing his fingers with hers when she stopped at a red light. “Also, I could just poof us there, it’d be faster.”

“You got a problem with my driving, Patterson?” she teased.

“No,” he said quickly.

She laughed and turned left when the light turned green. Luke turned up the radio and they sang along to the random pop songs playing as the streets got more and more familiar. As Julie turned onto the street she grew up on, Edge of Great started playing. Luke smirked and started singing her parts. She giggled and hummed that funky guitar riff he only ever played live over the sound of his voice. Julie was still a bit in awe every time she heard it on the radio. They’d first played it almost seven years ago, and the official version had been on their first album, now just over four years old. And yet it still played on the radio from time to time. Because people loved it that much. It was nuts.

As the song ended, Julie pulled into her dad’s driveway. She turned the car off and climbed out, making sure that she still had the little box in the pocket of her lavender sundress. When she got around to Luke’s side of the car, he was giving her a confused look.

“Did your dad invite us over for dinner?” he asked.

“No, I just…” she started nervously, then shook her head. “Come one, I’ll explain in a few minutes.”

Luke still seemed perplexed, but let her take his hand and guide him down the path to the garage. When she arrived at the doors, she glanced back at him, her stomach a bundle of nerves.

“You got this,” he said, giving her that same confident smile he’d given her right before they performed together for the first time and every time since.

She nodded and pushed open the doors. They entered the space together. It had changed a lot since Julie was in high school, but the chairs were still firmly attached to the ceiling. The piano sat quietly under its drop cloth now that Julie wasn’t here to play it every day. The battered couch that really should go to the dump at this point was in its place, leaning against the wall that still held her mom’s favorite acoustic and a bunch of photos.

But there were still changes. Since Luke, Reggie, and Alex had become a part of Julie’s life, the photos on the walls had changed to reflect the new additions to the Molina family. The plants growing in the windows on the back wall were in much better condition thanks to her dad’s constant watering and care. The threadbare rug that had covered the floor since before the boys died had been replaced by a soft, light brown one during Julie’s senior year of high school.

Julie had been there the day before to make sure everything was clean, but she still felt the odd twitch of melancholy as she entered. She felt a bit like this studio when she thought about the girl she’d been when she met Luke. So many things were the same, she was still bold and kind and silly, but she’d grown as well, becoming stronger and more skilled as the years went by.

And then she looked back at Luke, who was right behind her with that confused but encouraging smile. His hair was a bit neater, the life story in his eyes a bit longer, but he was the same boy she’d met all those years ago in so many ways.

“Okay, um, you stay there,” she told him, a bit uncertain as she nudged him toward the empty space below the loft.

“I’m not going anywhere,” he chuckled, tucking his hands into the pockets of his jeans while he waited.

Julie smiled and crossed to the old stereo. She slipped in a CD and skipped ahead to the track she wanted. Technically, it had just been playing the first song when they were first here, but Lakeside Reflection fit the vibe she wanted better. It was close enough.

She returned to Luke, standing before him and taking his hands in hers. “Luke,” she started, “almost seven years ago, you and Reggie and Alex appeared right here and changed my life. And I know we talk all the time about how you guys brought music back to me and became my family in a way I didn’t know was possible, but it’s so much more than that.”

She took a deep breath and plowed on, looking Luke right in the eye. “You showed me what it means to live like tomorrow might not come. You inspire me to work hard and keep growing every single day. I finally understand how my parents always managed to keep loving each other, even when they argued. Because I love you. Always, even when I’m mad at you. And I want to keep loving you for as long as we have.”

Tears were starting to form in the corners of Luke’s eyes, but he bit his lip. Julie could see in his eyes that he had a good idea where this was going and was trying not to interrupt her. She’d planned to say more, but suddenly she couldn’t remember what. Her eyes were starting to water and she hadn’t even asked yet. And suddenly, the nerves are gone, replaced with pure anticipation. There will be time for all the words she is too choked up to stay later. Only a few of them matter right now.

Julie steps back and drops to one knee. “Luke Edward Patterson, will you marry me?” she breathed, pulling the little black box out of her pocket and opening it so Luke could see the silver band.

“Yes!” Luke exclaimed almost before she finished speaking.

And then she’s in his arms and they’re kissing and she can taste salt on his lips from his tears. Or maybe they’re hers. Both of them are crying, so it’s anyone’s guess. She doesn’t really care though. Yes, marrying someone who died and came back to reality 25 years later wasn’t without its complications, but it was Luke. They’d figure it out. Together. For as long as they could be.

[farapostoffice]

The Postmaster ensures that every letter finds its destination, and the one that @ettawritesnstudies​ sends is no exception. It’s sitting on the back porch when Locke steps outside for a spot of fresh air, the pale yellow envelope easy to spot on the wooden rocking chair. Curious, he picks it up, overcome by a sense of comfort, the sort that sinks into ones bones and brings a pleasant smile to your face; like the magic that skilled cooks push into their food. 

He sits down in the rocking chair, tugging off his gloves so he can use one scarred finger to pry open the front of the paper, and tug out the letter within. The words curl into existence like a CHECK, written on paper and yet found in magic as well; he doesn’t need to struggle to make them out, and finds that he’s very fond of the way that this messenger sounds. 

There’s a pen in the envelope as well, and a fresh sheet of paper. He braces it against his thigh, nib scratching out smooth, curling lines - much neater than the little chicken scratch notes he leaves around the house for his boyfriend and his current wayward guest.

Dear Etta,

Spring is one of the best times of year, don’t you think? The field behind my house has finally started to bloom, and I’m looking forward to having a chance to put together a few flower crowns. I don’t know if my new friend will appreciate that art much, but I’m going to make him one anyway! I’ll make one for you, too, and maybe the Postmaster will deliver it to you somehow. 

My visitor is very strange, but I think that is mostly just because he’s also very scared. I would be scared too, if I suddenly woke up somewhere that I wasn’t meant to be! He’s very fond of my cooking though and, if I’m being honest, that’s probably a good thing. I tend to cook when I’m nervous and with everything that’s going on with Kee and not knowing where Blue is at has me more than just a little bit frazzled.

Red seems to think that this Bolte fellow will take care of Blue. I’m doing my best to trust him. I’m sure that times are stressful for you, too. The world seems to be a little off kilter all the way around, doesn’t it? Take your own advice, my friend, and make sure you have time to rest and time to find a little bit of joy. I’ll put a pot of cocoa on for you, and hope you’ll write again!

Your friend, Locke 

[sanstropfremir]

time for episode two!!

as i predicted, no one measured up to hyolyn, but i knew it was gonna be a long shot. i didn't really love any of these stages, but most of them were at about the level i was expecting after the first episode. not much preamble to say here, but my final rankings (and the official rankings) are at the end, with more of my extended thoughts from the first round!

brave girls

costume

i do not know what this is supposed to be. i appreciate that they went patent and therefore it was quite reflective, but could not for the life of me tell you what these are.

didn't love that the backup dancers were in black but at least there was some textural difference and projections were quite busy and bright so they did stand out a little bit.

lighting

again, i don't know what is happening here and i'm not sure that the lighting and projection designer did either. i don't really hate anything, but there's just way too many ideas happening. there's no consistency. i also think it was a mistake to stick so much to primary blue and black, because even though their outfits are quite shiny, it's still a bit hard to differentiate the girls from the backdrop sometimes.

one thing that i did find interesting is that the all black for the male dancers made a silhouette effect in a couple of places, most notably at the end. which is an underutilized effect in kpop choreo, since everything is always overlit so they can see faces.

sound

absolutely BITCHING chi mat ba ram/rollin remix. that saxophone solo made up for every complaint i have about this stage. also just in general great choice of chi mat ba ram, and i really liked what they did with the dance break, it was a big enough change in energy that the climax of rollin felt super earned.

staging

like with hyolyn's stage, you can tell brave girls' experience in this performance. they absolutely took into account how large this stage was when thinking about the blocking; they approached this like an awards show stage, with full use of all the different levels and areas as modes of introduction, with everything converging on the lower stage for the main action, as it were.

that being said. this stage is very incoherent. i don't know what the concept is supposed to be and that's its biggest flaw. i do applaud brave girls for taking a risk on doing something big with a lot of props and bombast, but it would have been kicked up a level if it had theme that made sense. it would have been fun if they had gone maybe in a more majorette approach, since they had the drums and the sort of colourguard type batons, or they could have gone the summer queen route, i don't really care either way, but it just needed something to tie everything together. which is a shame because just based on the blocking and choreo, this stage had the potential to be have been a standout with hyolyn's. seeing how minyoung got covered in coloured powder from the drum sequence, they could have even done a 'paint' themed stage and that would have brought a neater tie on everything

kepler

costume

disappointing. i don't think the outfits are bad, per se. they're fine for a music show stage. but this isn't a music show stage. actually no their music show outfits were more interesting that this. and zero effort on the backup dancers? this is mnet's own group, where is that patented mnet favouritism people always talk about?

lighting

they really got me with the first 30 seconds, not gonna lie. that setting solar eclipse image with that little bit of choreo were sooooo promising and then they just.........lost the plot. i don't know what's up with their lighting designer but they really love lasers. like they love lasers a little too much.

honestly the lighting design was the best part of the performance, even if solar eclipses and vapourwave racing don't have anything in common. the 'racing' sequences were actually pretty fun and at least filled up all the empty space on the stage, since no one was using it. i do wish they had done something other than just solid black and white flashing for the 'dance' break.

sound

i know they literally do not have any other songs to choose from so they get a pass. i may not like the song but they didn't really have a choice i guess. to me it doesn't sound that different from the original version and it would have been more interesting if they had done a more dramatic remix.

staging

i don't think the racing theme was bad, but i do think it was not particularly well executed. the outfits could have been way more dramatic; there's been a ton of motocross/racing concepts from boy groups in the last year, just pick an idea from there and commit to it. you don't even have to make them look like drivers, half of the boys ended up looked like pit girls anyways.

the dance break. what was that. i can't even call that a dance break because they were barely dancing! they literally just stood in a line and wiggled around! why would you make these poor girls do that it was so boring.

the scale of this was just so small. why did they not have the backup dancers show up until over halfway through? and the first minute or so of choreo was so stationary? i appreciate that they moved around a bit more than viviz did and they did actually use the stairs but it was still so underwhelming. no understanding of how to use the space and what the needs are of doing a performance for an audience, not to a camera. this isn't even the girls' fault, because they're not the ones in charge of the choreo and blocking. whoever this director is has very little experience with multiple level stages or large areas in general. i can't believe that they barely used the upper level, what a waste.

i expected a lot more from them, honestly. they are mnet's group, thought could have at least sprung for larger props (like actual full size checkered flags) and more backup dancers. this stage was very lackluster in comparison to everyone else's and i'm not entirely sure why. possibly they could be planning to do some kind of build up so that each stage gets more and more flashy, and they calculated that the fanbase votes would be enough to keep the group from landing sixth so they could do some kind of 'redemption/improvement' arc maybe? honestly i don't know. it could just been that the creative team doesn't know what they're doing, also.

wjsn

costume

they're fine i suppose. i do think it's too similar to their opening stage 'moon princess' theme and i know they have a better creative team than this. same problem again with the editors blowing out the exposure, and because their jackets are such a light powder blue that they went pretty much white on stage. which was a problem because it was nearly impossible to pick the girls out from the backup dancers, particularly in those dense formations. it would have been a much better choice to have had the girls in darker coloured satin so we could have seen them against the dancers. it wouldn't even have to be an actual dark colour, they could have used a higher saturation blue or pink or anything with a greater tonal value. i know they're supposed to be pure moon princesses or whatever but i want to be able to see the pure moon princesses at least.

i actually like the backup dancers' outfits more than wjsn's. they're simple but well cut with some flair and flounce, and that cream faux silk (i think?) has really beautiful drape. and the wide belt is a nice touch to keep everything in form.

lighting

what is this, a windows xp screensaver? they had those columns at the beginning and then the forest and then it just devolved into twee sparkles. also i'm unclear as to what the dance break was supposed to be? it feels like there both was and was not a clear intention with the projections. like i could tell they were trying to say something, because some of those images were very specific, but i don't know what those images were supposed to represent.

sound

i don't know this song and i don't hate it, so that's nice.

they had some levels issues with the vocals, which kept getting swallowed by the backing track and in general just blended into the general noise of the instrumentation. but the more pressing issue is that the song itself has some confusing dynamics that made it really hard to keep momentum. there's one too many slow sections and the one right before the final chorus really sucks the energy out and it makes the last chorus feel exactly like all the other choruses, instead of a big climax like they were intending.

staging

this stage is supposed to have some kind of storyline and i could not for the life of me tell you what it was. i think some more clarity in the projections could have helped with that, because all i got from the choreography was "we're going back in time! maybe also forward in time? and we're ascending!" girl please explain. we all know i don't care for storyline/lore stuff anyways but still i will say it: if you wanna do storyline stuff you have to make it clear as fuck what is going on to the average idiot viewer, otherwise there's no point to having it in the first place.

i liked the uno reverse of starting on the lower level and then travelling upwards for the climax. it very effectively portrays ascension, which they were clearly going for, but it also helps with the arc of the stage, as it directs the momentum to a specific place in a specific pattern. it was probably the most effective part of the stage in my opinion.

overall i could tell that there was a lot of thought and planning put into this stage and it wasn't truly a bad performance, i just could not tell what was happening. and if you don't have a good enough hook or your viewers are confused, even the best performers can lose people. i wouldn't even rank this stage that badly, i think it will probably be in my top three, but i am usually more critical of things that are almost there, that are good but haven't quite tipped over into great. the bones of this stage is relatively good: the choreo and blocking are good, the song needs a bit of restructuring but otherwise it's fine, and the costumes and lighting need a bit of tweaking. all things that added up to make the stage good enough, but it could have been so much better.

props break more often than not, because performers are clumsy people, but the staff really should have secured that better. i know that had to be custom made, because they don't make hourglasses with two colours of sand separated like that, and also the drip part was blocked, so there a higher responsibility on the props person to make that secure, since it's a hazard on stage. it wasn't actually made of glass because no props person in their right mind would put easily breakable glass like that on stage, but it's still a hazard. overall i don't think the breakage was actually a detriment to the performance because flipping from red to blue does nothing to explain what on earth was going on, but i thought i'd address it anyways.

loona

costume

personally i think it would have been better if there had been some variation between each of the girls, because i found everything to be too same-y, especially with all the dancers in all black. i do like how they used the structure of the garments (the red overlayer on the black skirts) to creat a pinwheel effect when they spun. good but perhaps unintentional choice.

you know what i'm gonna talk about. the backup dancers. while yes i do appreciate that it was on theme, the problem is that that theme is meant for the people dressed like that to BE INVISIBLE. and by golly guess what? it sure works! if you want to have them dressed as 'ninjas'/assasins at least 1) do texture and/or colour variation so we can see them, or 2) do a higher contrast with the lighting+set so there isn't any black for them to blend into. they are not actual assassins, they do not need to hide.

lighting

using red + teal/primary blue is a good choice for palette because obviously they're complimentary/adjacent. i don't really have any complaints but i also don't have any real compliments either; it's not overly crazy or distracting, it does its job well and keeps everything (mostly) visible.

i wish there was more happening with the projections. it was good to use them for the palace backdrop but there could have been some more different ones for the smaller feature 'segments' or even some more movement in the them in better emphasis the changing movement on the stage. also i know their name is loona and they mention the moon in the lyrics but i don't think the big spinning moon added anything other than stylistic confusion.

sound

doing a remix with some traditional instrumentals made ptt bearable. i thought the flute intro was good and i like that whoever was playing it actually put in the effort to look like they were playing it. it was a really easy, fast and effective way to establish setting.

staging

the intro is very fun! i liked the using fabric to create a structure that can be easily dissolved and it really added to the mystique of the intro and establishment of place. i also think they used the ...apron(? walkway? i'm not even sure what to call that section rn) fairly well and as a transition space so they could get people into places with distractions, but personally found that overall the blocking and direction fo the choreography lacked drive. i don't mean that it needs a narrative arc, but a lot of the choreography felt like they were returning to the same place over and over again and without any specified reason to. the walkway/apron section is literally a perfect pathway where you could have shown a linear physical journey, and then the 'return' back to the main stage would have felt like it paid off; as opposed to this back and forth back and forth. i think the constant push in push out of the camerawork also makes it feel really choppy. the fan section was good but that same continuity didn't appear in any of the other choreography.

honestly, this stage feels a bit like they fell into the same trap that a lot of the boy groups in kingdom fell into, which is the need to have tricking to show skill. it was an unnecessary addition and mired their performance for me because none of the girls had the body strength or training to pull them off. the stage as a whole would have been better off without, especially when there's already a billion girls in this group. there are a lot of interesting formations or choreography they could have done in the place of those tricks that could have involved more people and strengthened the performance on the whole. there have been SO many hanbok/traditional concepts in the last year and very few of them involve tricking, there are plenty of options out there.

---

final rankings

it's probably pretty easy to guess what my top stage was but my personal rankings are:

hyolyn

brave girls

wjsn

viviz/kepler

which is, as expected, different from the official rankings, which were:

hyolyn

wjsn

viviz

kepler

brave girls

with loona unranked, obvs. i couldn't decide which i disliked more between viviz and kepler so i put them at the same level and called it a day. there were different things i disliked about the both of them but fundamentally they were both unsatisfying performances. i'm keeping loona unranked because the stage logistics are just too different; that makeup stage/new stage is probably half the size and a totally different shape than the large stage, so i can't fathom comparing them together because you need totally different approaches when directing/designing for each.

i am very glad that hyolyn ranked top because i was worried, but the outcome of this first round was pretty reasonable, with some exceptions. judging from the preview of the next round (and loona's stage) it looks like they're transitioning to that significantly smaller stage, which is not a choice i would have expected. i think it's probably because practically every group got covid and they can't have the audience numbers up, but there's also the possibility that mnet realized that not all of the groups (kepler) were equipped to handle that large a stage for all the rounds. the smaller stage will be a lot more familiar and will provide less difficulties in design and direction for the inexperienced, but it's a pity that we're going to lose all those levels and elevators. i hope they bring back that large stage (or at least something similar) for the finale though.

onto to the next episode! i'm assuming it's the song switch; i don't know who is switching with who yet (i'll probably skim through the episode tomorrow depending on the subs) but hopefully that should provide something fun to look forward to!

[thequibblah]

hiiii i really love come together!! it's my favourite canon retelling of the marauders <3 i was wondering if you could take us through your planning process, like how you keep up with so many characters and plot points, because you're an amazing writer and i'm genuinely curious about how you manage it!

aw thank you! the short answer is, i kind of don't (LOL) and the biggest learning experience from this has been that it's ok to change parts of my process as i go along, which i'll explain a bit more about in a second.

so, i used to plot all in one massive google doc with subheadings but it got so unwieldy it started to stress me out ha. here's what that looked like

but i realised pretty soon that i was struggling with this for various reasons — i plotted like this when i worked on an original novel a few years back, except there i colour-coded the text so that i'd know what plot arcs each scene was touching on, what emotional beats i wanted to draw out, etc, but when i thought about doing that for this fic i was instantly overwhelmed, because so many scenes are actually doing double duty and accomplishing multiple things at once

so then i switched to using scapple, which is actually really helpful — i'm a big visual learner, and i didn't realise how difficult it was for me to process my text/bullet-point outlines until i used a mind map. so what was useful here was being able to colour code each scene, so that i knew what "belonged" to what plotline

disclaimer: these screenshots are slightly off since i was too lazy to go back and change things that i wrote differently while drafting LOL but you get the point

so, this looks a bit wild, but note that plotlines/character arcs are highlighted a certain colour, so i remember just at a glance to, say, call back to an earlier jily scene when writing a later jily scene. OR, i can just look at the outline and know that, say, one plotline has fallen through the cracks a bit over the past few chapters — so i need to weave it back in again, and make sure i think about what's happened in the meantime.

you'll also notice there are a bunch of arrows pointing to/dipping out of the scenes. this is to tie scenes together across chapters, and keep track of plot points i want adequately foreshadowed. e.g. you can see that one arrow that's half cut-off is "nobody does it better" (LOL), which i made sure cropped up repeatedly from 33 to 37 so that it was believable that a bunch of magical kids would remember a james bond song well enough to make the banner at the quidditch match. i also was keeping track of letters to/from petunia leading up to vernon proposing, sonorus so that i was properly integrating it into the story once we were back at hogwarts, etc.

i have become woefully bad at keeping my scapple outline clean and up to date of late, because i also use scrivener, which has its own in-built scene outline card corkboard thing. so basically very early on in the two weeks of drafting i sit down and create the chapter in scrivener by dividing it up into scenes. i keep track of POV (though this might change as i begin to write) and pencil in what needs to happen in each scene

for instance, here (i'm now much neater in the outliner HAHA and i title the scenes as they actually end up in the chapter)

now i ALSO have a discord server just for myself LOL and so here's where i jot down random thoughts as they come to me and keep things for easy reference

so when i do that drafting-in-scrivener phase, i go through the "upcoming chapters" thread and pick out everything i noted and make sure to include there

thats really the gist of it! is it inefficient to use basically three methods of outlining at once? probably. but they do sort of serve different purposes, and i think adding the discord really helped too because it means all the random 3 am thoughts that come to me dont get lose in the ether since i cbf to get up and get my laptop

let me know if there's anything else you're curious about, i love talking about my process™!

[docholligay]

Little love letters--Lena

And of course I can’t help myself by ending with something where I even made myself a bit misty-eyed, cooked up in the middle of the night while I couldn’t sleep, staring at the ceiling and thinking of things of this nature. I love a good tragedy, I guess it can be fairly said of me, but I like it best when things are bittersweet. This is my bittersweet chocolate for me, but also all of you. 

The London Record-- a future run date

To My Wife’s Next Wife

by Lena Oxton 

When this is printed, she’ll be cross at me, I know, but I’ll be dead and so there won’t be much she can do about it. When this is printed, she’ll say that I was a bit of a wicked thing, not to tell her I was doing it, and I suppose she’s not wrong. When this is printed, she’ll tell you she won’t ever marry someone else, and that, I hope, is not true. 

I hope that you’re reading this right now, her next wife, and I hope you take everything I say under advisement. 

First of all, let me tell you all the reasons you want to marry my wife, Emily Oxton, formerly McNair, originally of Glasgow, and maybe living there when you meet her. But just as likely not, she’s built up quite a life in London, so if you’re reading this, and I hope you are, keep your eyes out for her all about the United Kingdom. 

I met her in a grotty little pub out on the East End, which does want for a bit of romance, so if you could manage more a meet-cute for her, she’d very likely be grateful. She never did much like telling the story of being stood up, and how I simply wouldn’t stop trying to cheer her, and how it took her days to call me. So I’d appreciate you giving her a story she enjoyed telling, if you’re feeling generous. 

You’ll know her immediately. There’s few women like her, and I knew it that day in the pub, dank as it was. If you see a tall gorgeous redhead, with long legs like a supermodel’s, but carries herself like she doesn’t know that, it might be her. You’d have to check and see if she has those same bright, clear eyes, and the freckles that go all the way down her shoulders. If those check, ask her a question, and you’ll know its her by the soft singsong way she talks, like everything’s a question. 

I suspect you will already be in love with her, at this point. At the very least, you’ll want to pop round for a drink with her. If the soft dress with the foxes and rabbits embroidered on it puts you off, let me explain that she’s a reception year teacher, or I hope she will be again by then--she’s taken some time off to care for me--and her kids love the dresses. She loves the kids, loves to teach them, and she’s so good at it. She’s good with the soft and small things, and though you can’t know it, just meeting her as you are, your heart will melt seeing her with them. 

It’s fun to bring her flowers at work, though it’s a bit unprofessional, and see their eyes grow wide, asking Miss Emily just who you are. She’ll blush a bit, it’s very winning. 

I did that, when we were first together. She’s a bit shy in the beginning, you know. I would walk her home--and you had better walk her home, I won’t have my wife marrying someone who wouldn’t be a perfect gentlelady to her--and she’d stammer at her door, wanting to invite me in and afraid to do it, all the same. Had to invite myself up, really. I was a perfect gentlebutch about it, mind. That first night I slept over, we did nothing but fall asleep holding hands on the couch. 

So you must be patient with her, you see. Emily takes time, as all things worth enjoying do. Once she kisses you, and smiles at you, once she makes you dinner in her flat, it’ll all have been worth it, I promise. If you thought she was beautiful before, you’ll find her stunning when she trusts you. She glows under the light of love, and she deserves every inch of it. 

I’m hoping the next woman she marries can give her children, though I can’t really be too cross over something I couldn’t manage for her. She’ll be kind even if you can’t. We whispered it to each other one night on my couch, how we’d both wanted it, how an unhappy twist of medical truth had made it impossible for us both. We might have adopted, had things turned different. But they didn’t, and so all I have is this letter to you, telling you she would make the best kind of mother, and however it happens, you should give her the chance. 

It’s hard to get my thoughts straight, all the things I need you to know about Emily, and what a wonder she is. My days are measured in moments now, and I fall asleep halfway through a sentence sometimes. No one ever tells you the business of dying is boring as well as inconvenient. That one’s not about Emily, just consider it a bit of free advice. But I must get it out, you see, for there’s the risk you won’t know all the things I need for you to know when you marry her. 

Her favorite hot chocolate is the Wispa Gold, and she likes it best on winter afternoons when it rains. She likes wines that are a bit sweet, and prefers cider to beer. She hogs the duvet, so you’ll need to make like the Swiss and have two. She loves to have her hair brushed and braided, when she’s feeling a bit sad. She prefers Italian food to nearly anything else, and doesn’t care for oysters, and she’ll only order a pudding if you suggest it first. Her perfume is Memoires d’une Autre Domaine, and you should buy it for her, she’s a bit loathe to spend the a few quid on herself. That last bit might have changed, by the time you meet her, but I had to learn all of this myself, so you’re getting ahead all the same. 

Emily is a terribly sensitive thing, and you must be tender with her sometimes. When she cries after a movie, I want you to be sure to hold her tight and kiss her tears. Let her know you think it’s sweet that she’s so. She’ll surprise you with her strength, too. I have found her to be a proper rock against everything that’s befallen us, this first and last year of our marriage.

She deserved so many things I couldn’t ever give her, and a longer marriage is one of them. I look to you to fix my mistake. 

I say she was so strong, even crying at a commercial or something, because she chose this. I told her the truth before we married, and she chose to take my hand for whatever time it was anyhow. She didn’t have to do that. I tried so many ways to give her an out, and she never did take it. So you see how lucky you are, to find someone like her. She believed in that oath of in sickness and health before she even took it. 

You are, ideally, a woman with a steadiness and a safety I lacked, but still having enough of the spark she seemed to appreciate in me to keep her laughing.She loves to laugh. If you were a bit neater than me, she’d appreciate that as well, I think.  You like to cook, but want to have help in the kitchen, because she likes to help. Mind that you take her on holiday--I don’t want anyone who expects her to be kept at home. You should own at least one good suit, and wear a tie when you take her out, like the lady to be shown off she is. 

If you work to be worthy of her, I’ll help you find her. 

There is so much to have with Emily: She is the sort of woman who will meet you at the airport with flowers, simply because she thought there needed to be some celebration of your being home again. This magical thing will grin at all of your plans, and hold your hand as you walk through Paris, or anywhere you care to take her, with wide eyes, for she appreciates all the small things of this world. When you’re unwell, she’ll read to you in that brogue of hers I’ll miss hearing so much. You’ll feel warm, on the coldest London day. Nothing gets through her. 

I promise you, if you take the time to become my wife’s new wife, you’ll be the happiest woman on this grey rock we call a country. Even when I’ve had not much to be happy about, I see her there and I know that at least one thing has been right. She’s a light in the darkness, love, and you must trust me on that. 

Her mind may turn to me, from time to time. Seems unavoidable, however much I told her not to be fussed over me. I’m only a shadow and a memory, something that’ll pass over her and then be gone. Sometimes she may want to tell a funny story about me, and it would be kind of you to listen. Please don’t think of me as a threat, even if it makes her a bit sad. My mate has told me I may be aiming quite high, and that the shadow of me is a touch intimidating. But I’m not writing you as Tracer, aviatrix, and Overwatch command, and whatever else I might have been on the record. 

This letter comes from Lena Oxton, who was married to, for a short time, and dearly loved, Emily Oxton. 

 I need you to know that I’m writing this to you because I want you to find her. I want you to love her and be loved by her, and I want you to have fifty or more happy years together. I am out of time to give her every gift she deserved, and so the only thing I can give her if the gift of you, wherever you are. My greatest hope, at the end of my life, is that you are out there, the right person, waiting for the right widow to reenter the dating sphere, maybe not even knowing that yet. 

Emily will be cross at me, when this is first published, but she’ll also clip it from the paper. Maybe she’ll read it over on your wedding day, and she’ll cry a bit, knowing she found you, and so gave me the only last thing I ever asked of her: Not to put her heart on a shelf. 

You have my blessing, and my hope. To my wife’s next wife, I love you as well, and I thank you.

[oh-for-fic-sake]

If They Get Married I'd Be Your Uncle

Masterlist

Warnings: swearing, mentions of sex, flirting, Bruce is frustrated

A/n:So been in a dc mood today and couldn’t get this out of my head i really hope you enjoy it xx

Bruce meets you when you both get called into the school and instantly wants you to himself.

If They Get Married I'd Be Your Uncle.

You grumbled as you walked up to the pretentious school pissed that it wasn't near any bus routes, cos these type of people don't use that sort of thing. The walk was long and arduous especially after the 10 hour shift you just finished cos some stupid little twat decided he didn't feel like coming in today and called in 'sick' at the last minute even tho you heard his giggling girlfriend in the back ground. Sighing you pulled out your hair tie slapping it up into a neater messy bun as you made your way into the school reception stopping ,you raised an eyebrow at the receptionist as she gave you a side glance pretending not to notice you. You looked up to the ceiling praying for some restraint because you'd had just about as much as you could take today and didn't need the snobby attitude of these people. After a few moments you looked at her.

"Excuse me I'm here to see Mr Koleman I'm running a bit late so could you sign me in?" you said as calm as possible she rolled her eyes.

"Mr Kolman doesnt take personal meetings on the school grounds" she said snidely dismissing you , you growled at the implication.

"I'm Jack Cookes sister you phoned me earlier?"

"oh? you have an appointment?" she said. you grit your teeth.

"Trust me if I didnt I wouldnt be here" she gave you the once over then reached a perfectly manicured hand beside her screen lifiting a clip board

" and your Mrs?" you shook your head

"Miss Cooke with an e" a chuckle and whispers rippled through the office as she checked you in and handing you a visitors pass. You snatched it and made your way down to the hall to a mini reception outside the principles office. As you opened the door you spotted your little brother supporting a bloody nose ,cut cheek and eyebrow. Ignoring everyone you ran across the room stopping before him and his best friend.

"Oh for fuck sake Jack, here let me look" you said tilting his face this way and that you looked beside him swivling on your feet pulling the boys face up.

"Damien are you ok- seriously you to?" you cut yourself off seeing a dark bruise on the boys jaw you tutted rummaging through your bag pulling out a pack of ibuprofen and small bottle of water passing it to them both.

"here take these" stopping as the principles secretary snapped at you.

"Miss! you cannot give medication to other student's god knows what they are!!" you rolled your eyes giving the sleeve of tablets to Jack who then popped out two and gave them to Damien before taking his own.

"Happy?" you quipped at her with an innocent smile then turned to Jack

"Jack please please tell me you still have all your teeth" he smiled showing a full set then looked at Damien who copied. You sighed in relief smoothing both boys hairs then placed a kiss on each of their heads. You continued coddling them unaware of the man behind you watching shocked as damien sat still letting you fuss over him. Bruce didnt know you from adam but damien apparently did

"Was it them again? I told you if your gonna retaliate keep it off campus!" you said kneeling in front of them hand on either boys knee.

"We didn't start it." your brother stated and you believed him , he and Damien get themselves into trouble I mean there a couple of teenage boys there bound to act up but he doesn't just 'verbally disrespect people and attack other students' as the teacher on the phone had put it.

"Ok what happened?" you asked they both looked down Damien spoke up first

"They started calling us names again, kyle tripped and blamed Jack for it getting him told off so i called Kyle out on it then they started calling us names again we told Mrs Hatt and she laughed saying sticks and stones" . Jack continued

"So I called her a drunk fat bitch who was at best a fucking baby sitter, kyle slammed my head into the desk for it cos he's a little ass lick." you sighed as Damien took over

"SoIi punched kyle in the face knocking him on his ass and Clarence hit me and Jack headbutted him then we were pulled apart"

"yeah were did you learn to punch like that? he went down like a sack of shit" Jack asked laughing damien joined him laughing you deadpanned as they high five'd one another.

"Ok guys thats neither here nor there the point is your teacher sat back and watched?" they nodded there teacher seemed to have a problem with your brother due to your social class, he'd been accepted as part of a new law that all private schools must accept a certain number of full scholarship students to give everyone 'an equal opportunity' you'd been complaining to the school about the bullying and the teachers attitude but nothing has been one it seems.

"So you didn't hit them first?" you asked Damien shook his head at you. you believed them they were good kids.

"Good but you know fighting isn't the answer right?" they shook their heads you stood up fully taking a seat beside them.

"Damien thank you for helping him and Jack fuck sake don't you know headbutting hurts you more than the other guy. I'm sorry this is still happening guys but I'm gonna take care of it ok? trust me?" they both nodded at you still looking a little sorry for themselves you swung around in your seat only now seeing Bruce sitting opposite you.

"Bruce Wayne, you must be Jacks sister Y/n was it?" you nodded as his hand devoured your in a hand shake.

"Yep that's me. sorry your boy got dragged into this" he chuckled waving it off

"He will always find trouble at least this time its for sticking up for his friend, im glad to finally have a face to put to the name they talk about you alot" you nodded at that couldn't help your breathing hitch slightly at his smile his eyes seemed to burn into you analyzing you. You flushed slightly under his gaze

"Good things i hope" he nodded at you licking his bottom lip damien sighed you loked away before smirking at Jack.

"You really called her a drunk fat bitch?" he laughed proud of himself

"Yeah, sticks and stone and all that thought id test it" you laughed out loud

"To quick for them huh? I see where your going with it tho smart ass" he smiled sheepishly

"Well it worked for you, had to give you a leg to stand on" you laughed high fiving him . Bruce flinched as the display made you look your age. your relationship with your brother was a strange one. One moment you had to be the 'politically correct parent' the next you could return to being his 'cool older sister', there was 12 years between you but it didn't bother either of you , it wasn't that long ago that you were in school so you understood him. You struck up a conversation with the two boys, Damien had been the only one in the school to get along with Jack and you were thankful that they found each other two peas in a pod and he seemed to be coming round constantly it hadn't taken long before you started mothering him to. They were always together at your house or the manor but youd never met bruce jntill today sure damien had spoke about him, convinced that the two of you would hit it off, you just laughed him off saying it was wishfull thinking, but you couldnt help but wonder as you sat across from the handsom man well aware of his eyes watching your every move. Bruce watched fascinated as you seemed to be on the same level as the boys , if he was honest he was happy to see Damien relaxed around someone. Damien constaly gushed about you to him and he could see why as his eye scanned you up and down taking everything in , you was certainly beautiful petite and slightly heavy set you had a young carefree air about you that still held a nurturing aspect , probably what drew damien to you the boy had never had a motherly type of women around him, hell even he felt drawn to you in more ways then one, he noted as he felt,his blood rush south. It had been a while since any woman had coaxed such a strong reaction from him. He'd never been one for the young domestic type but there was something in him that wanted you. He tried reasoning that it was because of the way you had coddled his son, or maybe it was that he missed that motherly affection himself, but no there was something more then that a deep atraction pulling at him.He could see why Damien had taken a shine to you he'd be lying if he said he hasn't already been thinking of a reason to meet up with you outside of school. It was rare that someone caught him by surprise and you had defiantly caught him by surprise. Clearing his throat he re-position himself on his seat as his boxers became tighter embarrassed and admittedly a bit confused as watching you mother the two teens had begun to arouse him. You looked over to him with concern.

"Are you ok Mr Wayne?" he inwardly groaned at the name and way you looked at him so innocently ,no idea what you were doing .fuck. He forced a charming smile

"Yes just wish they'd hurry up." you sighed pouting slightly

"It seems a bit stupid calling this an emergency then making us wait this long. twats." you snipped crossing your arms across your chest huffing he chuckled hearing the barely held back irritation, imagining just how bratty you could be, and exactly how he could deal with said bratty behaviour a shiver ran down his spine, he sucked through his teeth as his cock twitched at the thought his mind racing to other tempting scenarios of you and him, shaking his head he had to snap himself out of it. The door opened and you were both called in. He watched wide eyed as you rose your demeanor changed completely, gone was a fun loving motherly young woman and there stood a less than impressed mama bear under 5ft tall but walked like a giant. He blinked and staggered in behind you thankful that he opted for a longer blazer that helped cover his 'situation' once in the office you set down in front of Mr Koleman the principle a stout balding man that was king of his own little castle and like to let everyone know it.

Mr Koleman looked at you with distaste then smiled shaking hands with Bruce.

"Ah Mr Wayne good to see you again tho I hoped it was on better terms. Miss Cooke I'm glad you could come down today I wasn't sure you'd make it this time." he said condescendingly you smirked putting on your polite 'adult' voice.

"well I've been trying to get an appointment with you about these issues that I'm sure your fully aware of, however you seem fully booked so I'm glad I finally have the opportunity to straighten a few thing out" he grimaced as he took a seat behind the desk.

" Yes well I am a very busy man." he said

"Yes I noticed that when the receptionist mistook me for a personal visitor." you hear Bruce cough covering a laugh as the principle opened and closed his mouth speechless.

"Any way what was it you wanted to discuss Mr Koleman?" he scowled not used to being shut down by a young women. He leaned forward shuffling papers

"yes well we've been having problems with Jack for a few months as your aware-"

"Yes I'm aware that he is being targeted by his teacher and bullied by other students in the class which is being over looked and in some instances encouraged by the staff at this school. but go on." you interupted him staring at him unblinkingly Bruce gapped before collecting himself sitting back to watch the show the distinct feeling that you were going to rip this man a new arsehole.

"Uh-oh i was not aware of that"

"do not lie to me" you growled 'and here we go' Bruce thought he'd been with enough women to know that all hell was going to break loose as the quiet sweetheart form out side became a little spitfire in the office and couldn't help the a quick fantasy of you being this fiesty for him in his office. You pulled out a small red diary from your bag turning to dates in it.

"On the 4th of March I phoned the school and spoke to a Mrs Hatt to discuss cases of bullying she said that it was being taken care of and that I had no reason to worry. March the 12th Jack came home with bruises on his back caused by the same students they had tied knots in there ties and whiped him with them while getting changed for p.e, I had raised concerns about it nothing was done. I phoned again and once again was fobbed off by Mrs Hatt that there was nothing happening, then Jack comemhome with a sprained wrist, then it was bruised stomach, then a cut forhead and a brokennfinger from them smashing it in a door etcetera these incidents continued and I continued to report them and it was always the same names that popped up, the same three boys. I'd had enough on May 21st I phoned and asked to speak to you instead I got through to a Mrs Hamsten? the vice principle?" you watched as his face became paler and paler as you spoke he nodded. Bruced leant back eyes blown finding himself getting hotter as he watched you tear down the man infront of you.

"Yes and she said that the boys had been put into detention for it which turned out to be a lie another student confirmed that nothing had been done. I then put my issue in writing, I wrote a letter sent by recorded post to you about the issue and received a reply, sighed by you, that you have a no tolorence policy and would look into it, nothing has been done and now you have the audacity to call me up and have me come in here because he finally had enough and stuck up for himself because this little shit split his face open on a desk whilst the teacher watched? tell me Mr Koleman do you still want to pretend you dont know what I'm talking about because I've recored all the calls I've made about this." you tore into him as he shrunk further and further into his seat not prepared for you to come at him so direct. Bruce didnt know what the fuck happened to the sweet little thing he saw outside but what he did know was that was one of the sexist things he'd seen as you asserted yourself beautifully not giving the man time to respond. If it wasn't for Mr Koleman sitting behind the desk he'd already have you spread out on it underneath him. 'Another time'he thought to himself he licked his lips tugging at his trousers again trying to ease the ache in his cock as it strained against its confines.

"Ah yes well, now that I think about it I do remeber a letter" he stumbled over his words you nodded your head

"Yes I'm sure you do. Today was the inevitale blow up." He collected himself looking at Bruce for some sort of back up instead the billionaire scowled at him.

"Be that as it may there is no excuse for calling a teacher a drunk fat bitch." you nodded

"I agree how ever it was for science. Your member of staff who has neglected her duty to keeping my brother safe on school grounds ,has brushed off his bullying useing 'stick and stones' so he decied to test that theory by calling her a drunk fat bitch, turns out names do hurt and caused her to become agitated that she allowed him to have his face smashed into a desk by another student cutting open his eyebrow, cheek and bloody his nose. I dont think she should be able to teach if she cant practice what she preaches and certainly shouldnt be left incharge of children if she is that unstable that she would allow an attack to happen because her feeling were hurt."

"yes well he dragged Mr Waynes son into this-"

"Damien and Jack are friends Damien saw Kyle attack Jack and defended him which is more I can say for the staff at this school. I'm warning you Mr Koleman sort it out before I go to the press. How do you think that would look? when your school board find out that Mr Wanyes son was injured defending his friend when the teacher didn't lift a fucking finger. You wanna go there? cos I fucking will I've had enough." he sat up straighter alarmed, Bruce moaned deep in his chest but watching you was really doing it for him he didnt know why or care in all honesty he just wanted more of you.

"No, no theres no need for that. We can sort this out between us no need for the governors or press. Mr Wayne is there anything you'd like to add." he said trying hard to wrap up this meeting. You looked at Bruce who frankly you forgot was even there he shook his head looking strange, shifting in his chair uncomfortably.

"I think Miss Cooke summed everything up wounderfully, and she has my full support sort out these kids, I know that they have been causing Damien problems name calling getting him in trouble such and he has said the teacher dosn't do anything about it. I wont stand for it any more , if its not sorted out by the end of the week I will bring Miss Cooke with me and we will speak to the school bored in person." You let out a breath you didnt know you was holding relief flooded you as he said this slightly worried that he'd throw you under the bus. He locked eyes with you his pupils were blown wide and he was breathing heavy he winked subtly, you flushed looking back to the man behind the desk as he cleared his throat.

"Right well I will see to it personally and it will be sorted by the end of the week, you both seem to have concerns with Jack and Damien's teacher so as of tomorrow I will have them moved into another class whilst I investigate. I will phone you both up to check in with the boys I'm terribly sorry that it has been left this long." he stood motioning for you both to do the same ending with.

"The boys can leave early today while I deal with this." Bruce opened the door letting you through growling as the principle made a point to oogle your ass as you left, quickly standing between you blocking his veiw of you he glared at the fat prick his message was clear. That hot little spitfire is mine so back off. He stared down at him chest puffed out standing taller and broarder intimidating the little weasel until he looked away. Bruce smirked then left the office slamming the door behind him finding you explaining to the boys what was happening, joining you as they stood up getting there bags .

"you boys go out and wait by the car while we sign out at the front." Bruce instructed they nodded running ahead to the school enterance.

"The car?" you asked looked up at him shyly

"Yes i will give you both a lift" he said leaving no room for argument. You thanked him then spoke quietly looking down trying not to freak out as he stood closer then you thought was neccasary.

"Thank you for sticking up for me in there, I dont usually get like that but you know I get a bit protective." he chuckled at you showing off a brilliant smile

"Its no problem, to be honest I found the whole mama bear thing very sexy your lucky we we'rnt alone" he said winking you blushed

"Wh-what? sh-shut up" you squeeked out he shook his head at you as he put an arm out over you holding the doors to main reception you thanked him queitly skipping through feeling small catching yourself breathing deeper to smell more of his fresh scented cologne.

"No I'm serious any where else and well" he wiggled his brows at you making you giggle

"and the way you are with damien?ive never seen him like that" he asked trailing off

"Yes well he is a sweet kid, he comes over quiet a bit as you know Alfred drops him off and the boys go off doing their thing, just sort of started to mother him a bit sorry" he smirked at you

"Well if I'd known how stunning you were it'd be me dropping him off. And dont apologize I'm not mad just a bit jealous. Tho not for long" he said handing his pass to the snooty receptionist who gave him bedroom eyes before glaring at you for keeping his attention.

"J-jealous? of Damien why?" you stuttered then bit your lip blushing. He groaned the site of it as he throbbed agin nearly cumming as his cock rubbed harshly agains the soft cotton of his boxers, he just couldnt control it. oh he was definatly gonna have you for himself, somehow you turned him into a horny teenager all over again.

"Well he got to have all your attention earlier, hurts a mans pride when his son can capture a beautiful woman's attention and he cant." you looked away from him giving your pass to the secatary who snatched it with a snarl.

"Im hoping you'd show some mercy and come out for lunch with me?" you gasped snapping your gaze at him.

"Wh-what you mean to talk about the school?"

"No as in a date" he explained you froze feeling butterflies in your tummy looking at the gorgeous man.

"Date? now? like right now?" he nodded smirking thoroughly enjoying you being so flustered.

"yes now I dont have anything else planned for today." you gulped when he gave you a heated look you felt like a meal taking a step back

" I'd love to but I have to clean up Jack and-." you began your excuse only for him to cut you short.

"Nonsense he can come to the manor and spend the day with Damien, Alfred is a good nurse he will patch them up." you blinked trying to think of another reason as he stood staring you down at you waiting to for to decide feeling like a deer in the head lights you realized this alpha of a man wasn't going to give you much of a choice.

"O-ok if your sure alfred wouldn't mind watching him." you nodded shyly Bruce gave a triumphant smirk and threw an arm across your shoulders tucking you against him walking to the main doors.

"Alfred wont mind watching the boys." you both walked outside to the boys Damien sighed at his dad before Jack spoke up.

"Told you he was looking at her ass"

"JACK! He was not!" you screeched at him damien laughed and bruce unlocked the range rover

"I thought I was being subtle about it" you gaped at him speechless as he opened the passenger door the boys gagged getting in the back. You got in the car pouting to yourselfand Bruce climbed in.

"Fucking hell I've never seen her speechless, how'd you do that?" Jack said Damien scoffed

"Dad just keep your boner in your pants until were out of the way."

"Yer shes my sister dont need to see her sucking face." You blushed trying to shush the boys

"DAMIEN! He does not have a boner!"

"Uh yer he does look."You tired not to look you really did but it just sort of happend you squeeked covering your mouth faceing forward and jumped as bruce leant over buckling your seat belt whispering in your ear.

"I did tell you the mama bear was sexy" puljng away he spoke to the boys

"Dont worry boys, we will behave until your out of ear shot" You gapped as they cringed with cries of 'ew dad no' and 'come on thats my sister' he laughed at them patting your thigh before pulling out of the school

"So you asked her on a date yet Dad?" Bruce raised and eye brom looking at him in the rear view mirror pulling out onto the main road.

"Well we are dropping you both off at the manor does that answer your question?"

Jack groaned not sure if he likes the idea of his sister dating his best friends dad.

"dont you hurt her Mr Wayne I know where you live" you smiled at that finding it cute him trying to be the protective little man. The drive was quiet for a while before jack piped up.

"Holy shit if they get married I'd be your uncle" you groaned holding you face in your hands bruce only laughed

"Jack its one lunch date jesus"

".....Can I walk you down the isle?"

"JACK?!"

"What she means is well cross that bridge when we come to it" you stared at Bruce as he smirked enjoying teasing you the boys snickered in the back. You sat back wondering just what you'd gotten youself into.

[gottawriteanegoortwo]

Visitation - November 2020

A full year since your first visitation, you find yourself getting ready to meet Yancy in a different place in the prison. One hour. One ‘date’. How would it go?

Word Count: 1,949

-

Even if visiting Happy Trails Penitentiary once a month was a regular event at this point for you, it didn’t dismiss the butterflies that were fluttering in the pit of your stomach as you arrived with a rucksack. This, in a way, was the first ‘date’ with Yancy since you started your romantic relationship. Finding love as part of a volunteer project was not part of the plan, but now you couldn’t see this any other way. The letters that were sent back and forth were kept together in a folder in your room where they would be safe. A year let you see the little things that happened through Yancy’s writing: how it became easier to write letters that spanned several pages, how Yancy’s handwriting grew a little neater as the months passed, how he continued using the notebook paper and stationery you gave him. You were sure he could see the same in you. Maybe he’d notice the way you spoke more about your life (the good and the bad), or how you put care into your letters, even going as far as adding some doodles in the hope it’d make him smile.

You were in love, and there was no denying that.

The receptionist gave a knowing smile as she explained how conjugal visits went while a guard checked the contents of your bag. How obvious were the nerves, despite the fact it was the same thing as usual? There was a small apartment-like setup in a quiet wing of the prison. It consisted of an open space living room-kitchen combo, a bathroom, and a bedroom that would be locked (it was reserved for families that had to travel long distances for conjugal visits). The rules were rattled off: you and your possessions would be searched to ensure nothing suspicious was inside, cleanliness would be crucial, you would receive a half-hour warning, among other things.

“An’ above all, I don’t wanna hear y’all were up to any funny business.” The Warden’s sudden appearance made you jump. “I know you two’re fine, upstanding youths, but if I catch a peep of trouble, there’ll be a firm warnin’ given. I know that’s not gonna be th’ case!” He slapped your shoulder with an amused chuckle, and it took all your might to bottle up a wince. “I wanna wish ya luck. We’ve been running this here volunteer project for over ten years now, and this is only th’ second time a volunteer and prisoner started datin’. I’m happy for the both of ya. You’ve done more good for Yancy than anyone else. C’mon, I’ll bring ya down.”

-

As you were led to the conjugal room, Warden Murder-Slaughter began telling you how he noticed Yancy’s improved mood over recent weeks. The greaser had been working on bettering himself and engaging with classes. He had a reason to do these things thanks to you, the Warden surmised. He looked like he was going to say something else, but decided against it. You were suspicious at first, but you quickly realised you were approaching an open door. A voice could be heard from inside giving a warning of some sort, before an aggravated “Youse don’t need to remind me of this for the fifth time!” was snapped in return. 

“Sounds like Yancy made it here first,” the Warden laughed as he pushed the door open. “An’ I’m sure he’s gonna be on his best behaviour. It’s a special day, right?” He smirked at Yancy, who was standing beside a coffee table. The prisoner’s response was a grumble and a hand rubbing the back of his neck. “We’ll leave ya alone. C’mon Smith.” The guard nodded and followed after the Warden, closing the door and leaving you two alone.

Even if Yancy was in his normal prisoner outfit, it looked brighter than before. Was it specially cleaned, or was it a new one just for the occasion? Then again, you had dressed up beyond your normal visitation clothes. Before anything could be said, you put your bag down and charged into his arms for a hug. It was immediately reciprocated as he pulled you close to his chest. It was better than any of the brief hugs you shared in greeting during previous visitation sessions. It was almost like you were home. A strange sentiment to feel, but it was the best comparison you could think of. He smelled like soap, with a faint lingering of smoke; and his embrace was warm.

“It’s good to see youse too.” Yancy eventually broke the silence, reluctantly pulling back just far enough to see your face. “Youse look perfect today. Can’t believe this is actually happening…” A thought that had crossed your mind many times today. It was likely why neither of you wanted to break the hug, but Yancy was the one who made the brave decision to end it so he could lift a small package wrapped haphazardly in toilet paper.

“I, uh, didn’t have no wrapping paper.” You insisted it was fine, and ripped it apart to reveal a grey prison cap. “I’ve been savin’ up money I’ve earned while working the cleaning shifts, and I know it ain’t much but I wanted to show that I do care an’ -” As he rambled, you unfolded the cap and put it on before kissing him on the cheek to cut him off. “O-oh. Looks good on youse. Thought it was better than something like a shirt. Huh? Oh, yeah. We can buy all sorts of little things like this in commissary. But youse gotta save up if youse don’t have a trust fund.” It did explain why he previously resorted to chocolate bars. You made a note to ask about that at reception afterward. For now, you plucked your bag off the ground and offered him a large bottle of soda.

“Fuck yeah, you remembered! Did youse get the chips too?” Your answer was to pull the snack out and playfully shake it. “Hold on, I seen bowls and glasses!”

-

Snacks and drinks were shared as you two curled up on the couch and chatted. It was definitely a better setting than the visitation room. Without anyone watching you, both of you could relax and be completely at ease. The only distraction was the half-hour warning, and that’s when you noticed Yancy seemed to close up a little. You playfully poked his side and pointed out that another conjugal visit could be arranged once the staff see today went well, but Yancy gave a quick shake of his head. He bit the inside of his cheek and glanced aside like he was trying to build confidence. Instead of encouraging him to talk, you took one of his hands in yours and squeezed it softly.

“Sorry. I ain’t trying to ruin the day. I just… Thought this would be easier than it is.” You were quick to assure him that it was okay, and he should take his time. It was appreciated. Yancy forced himself to take a slow breath before looking at you. 

“I love youse. I have for months. I know that’s a bit stupid since we’ve been sorta dating most of the year, but I means it. And I wanna do what I can to show I’m serious ‘bout this. This ain’t no little fling, or me being nice to not hurt youse’s feelings. I love you, really. So I, well…” Another slow breath was taken to motivate himself. “I wanna apply for parole. You don’t deserve a boyfriend locked up in prison. I wanna be a better person for youse, the man youse should be with. It ain’t gonna be easy, an’ it’s gonna take a year or so to get things going but… If youse is okay with waiting, then I’ll do everything I can to prove I can try - try and be a good guy.” You felt your heart stumble over itself in surprise. You had been told a year ago how Yancy was a prisoner that would be happy to rot behind bars. Looking at him now, you couldn’t help but smile and promise you’d help in any way you could. “I just need to knows that you’ll be there. I had nothing worth living for out there before I met you and - and while life is pretty great in here, I wanna see your world.”

You hugged him tight. It was all you could do. His arms were around you in a flash as his breathing turned slightly shaky. No matter what, you’d be there every step of the way. He wouldn’t be alone when parole was granted. You’d be there, and you’d introduce him to your own friends and family. He’d have people who wanted to help him by his side.

“Even if I’ve killed people?” You countered whether he had the urge to kill anyone now. “No! ‘Course not! I’m not some creep who loves that kinda thing!” That was enough for you to support him, a fact that had Yancy pause in realisation.

“I ain’t a nice guy. I get angry pretty easily. I don’t know a lotta stuff, an’ I ain’t good at learning things.” Points, you argued, that weren’t important enough to end a relationship. Yancy was human. No one was perfect. 

“Youse is gonna get some weird looks, dating a guy like me.” You could hear resignation in his voice at that. He was trying to talk himself out of this, not try and scare you off. Reinforcing the hug was your immediate response. No matter what, you’d be there. No one can truly look down on a man who is trying to do better.

“Y’know youse ain’t gonna be able to move out of the state, yeah? Not without a lotta paperwork.” At last, you broke into a giggle and insisted moving out of state was less important than living somewhere with Yancy there too. That was enough to help the doubts lift as Yancy laughed. “Yeah… I’d like that. You an’ me… It’d be nice, I bet.”

The last minutes were spent close together, talking about what the parole process was (you had to look it up online) and what would need to be done. It was a promising start to have Yancy feeling more confident. As he joked about how he’d challenge the parole board to a fist fight to prove his worth, you realised that it was something he did want to do. In a way, it was like you gave him the strength to look beyond the prison walls and wonder about the world that had turned its back on him years ago.

But before you could climb off the couch to get ready to leave, Yancy took your hand to keep you sitting. He looked you in the eye with a soft smile spreading on his lips. “Before we go, I, uh… I wanna do something first.” You trusted him, so you nodded to give permission. His free hand rested on your cheek as he leaned close and kissed you. It was gentle and brief, yet there was a trace of ‘thank you’ in the action. “We never properly kissed before now. Got a little carried away with all that chit-chat.” You grinned and returned the gesture. The love you had was mixed with excitement. A step had been made in the relationship, making it more official than before. 

“Love you.”

A year can bring so many things, good and bad. Even when one year ends, the next can bring about its own excitement. It might be a long road ahead, but you were ready to take it on every step of the way.

---

---

And that’s a wrap! One full year of visitations! I did have fun working on this, but I’m glad to be finished. It’s entirely your decision how things go from here, but I’m sure it will be a happy ending.

Should you ever feel like reading the entire series in one go, head on over to my AO3, where I have it all ready and waiting!

[gentlemen-of-lies]

Gentlemen of Lies, chapter 3

Making friends with a bald man on a bicycle

(Next chapter) (Chapter 2)

————

Curt had heard about Bletchley Park, not much to spark any sort of special interest, but he knew it held a significant role in the war, breaking German codes, and even developing brand new technology. So he was quite excited to see it in action.

Unfortunately, his expectations were dashed almost as soon as they arrived. According to Owen, while Bletchley was still part of the British Intelligence, it stopped its code breaking in 1946, after the war had ended. And was really only used now for training certain workers, such as teachers, or air traffic controllers. Andrew Hayes was one of the trainers, not a very a cool role in Curt’s opinion. Was he even part of MI6? Apparently he had used to be. Not a Bletchley worker, although his girlfriend had been, but a spy during the war, his German coming in handy. Now his German only came in handy if he so happened to train a German to be a teacher, which he never did. And Curt was now realising why Hayes was a suspect in the first place. MI6 had essentially dropped him as soon as the war had ended, keeping him on only while it was convenient for them.

They didn’t even enter the building, Owen said there was no need for Hayes to accidentally spot them, as it may blow their case. He said it was better to wait until they saw him leave and then keep an eye on him. Their viewing spot was on another bench, round the corner from the building’s main exit and entrance, a good area to observe the entire front driveway, but still keeping out of sight from those leaving and entering. Curt shuffled around in his seat.

“Stop fidgeting,” reprimanded Owen. Curt glared at him.

“I can’t help it, those clothes you gave me are too tight.” Curt had opened up the duffel back once he’d returned to his hostel last night, and had found a white collared shirt, and a brown jacket, much neater and cleaner than his own clothes.

“They look fine.”

“Doesn’t matter how they look, they feel like plastic.”

“When you’re undercover, it does matter how it looks, and your comfort means nothing. Get a hold of yourself, Mega. You’re the one who has to follow Hayes. If he catches me, he’ll know what’s happening immediately.”

“Then why are you here?”

“To make sure you’re following the right person.” Curt raised an eyebrow, annoyed at Owen’s clear conviction that Curt was useless as a spy. Well, he’d sure show Owen. He was determined to solve this case himself, and rub it in both Owen and Cynthia’s faces.

While they waited, Curt observed his immediate surroundings, seeing the green spaces and the gated entrances. He wasn’t one to ponder the past, or be sentimental in any way, but he couldn’t help but think about all that was achieved here during the war, and seeing how soon it had come crashing down. It went from breaking top secret codes, to teaching middle aged men how to land a plane. From the best mathematicians in the world, to people who simply needed a pay check. It certainly made him think about the unpredictability of his own job, how soon things change, how different one day is from the other. It wasn’t a thought he was particularly keen on entertaining, so he brushed it aside.

Besides, he had spotted a suspect. Not Hayes, but Lawson. Lawson was exiting the building from a different direction, out of sight from Owen. Curt followed the man with his eyes. What he really wanted to do was follow him properly, but Owen would never let him. So he tried to keep him in sight as long as possible, maybe work out where he was heading. It was impossible of course; he could have been heading anywhere. All he managed to mentally note down was that Lawson was cycling down a road joining from the other side of Bletchley.

“There’s Hayes,” alerted Owen. Curt pulled his eyes away from where Lawson had rounded a corner, and fixated them on their new target: Andrew Hayes. He was a rather short man, bespectacled, slightly balding. Didn’t look like much of a threat, if Curt was being honest, but then... those who didn’t look like a threat were usually the opposite. Or at least, they were in his experience.

Hayes placed a black briefcase into the front basket on his bicycle, and began to ride away. Owen nudged Curt to stand up.

“Quick, follow him. But don’t be too obvious.” Curt gave him a disbelieving look, about to say something, but Owen pointed firmly at the receding figure, and Curt had no choice but to jog to catch up with the man, slowing down as soon as he could in case he was spotted. How was he supposed to follow a man on a bike without running? Or at least speed walking, both of which would arouse suspicion. But luckily for him, Hayes seemed to be taking it easy, just a nice afternoon bike ride on the rare days of sunshine, so it wasn’t long before Curt could comfortably walk behind him, at a safe distant, and not lose sight of the man.

Curt was expecting Hayes to go straight home, so he wasn’t sure what his plan of action would be afterwards. He couldn’t exactly spy on him in his own home. Maybe with a bit more experience he could, but at the moment, he didn’t want to risk screwing anything up.

But thankfully, the man stopped at a café, parking his bicycle outside and as Curt watched, he went to the counter to order something, and sat down at one of the neighbouring tables. Even better, the café was practically full. Curt had a plan of action.

He waited a few minutes before entering the café himself, ordered a coffee from the girl behind the counter and went over to Hayes.

“Is this seat taken?” He asked, pointing to the chair opposite from where Hayes was sitting. Hayes looked a little bewildered at the imposition, but he gestured at the chair, signalling that it was free. Curt sat down.

“You’re an American?” Hayes asked.

“Yeah. Just arrived here a few days ago.”

“How are you liking it?”

“Weather’s not great, but the people are swell.” Actually the people either ignored him or “took the piss out of him”, a phrase he’d picked up from Bill the receptionist. But he certainly didn’t want to insult the country of the guy he was supposed to making friends with.

“That’s good to hear.” The waiter came over with Hayes’s coffee, along with a jam tart he’d also ordered. Hayes thanked the waiter, and turned back to Curt. “So how come you’re here anyway?” Curt couldn’t believe his luck: Hayes was a talker. Usually he had to work to get any information out of someone, especially a stranger.

“Visiting family. My mom’s side is British.” Wasn’t true of course. His mom’s side had never even left the state, let alone the country. “This is the first time I’ve been though, my job got me travelling...” Curt hoped Hayes would take the bait.

“What’s your job?” Bingo.

“Before the war I worked as a travel writer for a newspaper. I’m finally able to get back to it.”

“You’re lucky you got your job back. I lost mine, work as a teacher now.”

“What was your job before?”

“Oh, just a government position. Nothing too important.” Curt’s coffee finally arrived, and he took a sip of it before continuing. He had to keep Hayes talking, long enough for them to strike up a proper rapport.

“How come you lost it then?” Hayes didn’t respond right away. He took a bite out of his tart.

“Not sure, if I’m honest. The war turned everything on its head.”

“Did you fight in it?”

“No, I still kept my position. Helped the effort of course, but I wasn’t a soldier. What about you?”

“Sure, I fought in it.” Curt hadn’t stepped foot on the battlefield, but Hayes didn’t need to know that. Frankly, it was a good opportunity to make himself look cool. An opportunity he had no intention of letting go. “Of course, our soldiers did a lot of the clean up, but I fought in a few battles.”

“Well, that’s awfully brave of you.”

“Why thank you, sir.” Curt noticed his American accent becoming... extra American. It was a tip he’d soon picked up for himself. The more American you sounded, the more people were intrigued. Especially the ladies.

Curt was about to continue, but all of a sudden, he spotted someone outside. By some pure trick of fate, Lawson was wandering down the street, wheeling his bike beside him. The bike seemed to have a puncture, an observation confirmed by Lawson heading into a bike shop that stood just across from the café. This was Curt’s chance.

He thought of Owen. Owen would be pissed. But what did he care? He didn’t even like Owen. And besides, he was starting to get suspicious- not just of Lawson- but from Owen himself. Why was Owen so adamant that Lawson wasn’t a suspect? What sort of spy ruled out anyone just because of a gut feeling? Curt had a duty to follow Lawson. Owen couldn’t get pissed at him for doing his duty.

“I’m going to have to say good day to you, sir,” Curt said to Hayes, tipping an imaginary hat for added effect. “’Fraid I must get going, gotta deadline to meet. But it was nice meeting you.”

“It was nice meeting you too.”

“You here often? I wouldn’t mind catching up now and again before I head back to the States.” Curt thought he might as well do something he was ordered to do. No point in losing a connection to one of the suspects.

“Um, yes, I come here after work every day.”

“Well then, I hope to see you again.”

“And you. You can tell me all about America. Fascinating place, I’ve heard.”

“It sure is, and I’d be happy to talk to you about it.” He tried to wrap the conversation up as soon as he could, not wanting to lose sight of Lawson. He didn’t know how long he’d be in that shop for. Should he enter the shop? Or simply hang back, follow him when he had exited onto the street?

“Are you alright?” Asked Hayes, suddenly. Shit. Curt’s mind had wandered off and he’d forgotten to continue speaking.

“Uh, yeah. Sure. I’ll be going then.” Hayes nodded in acknowledgement, probably getting sick of him by now, which wasn’t what he had intended. Curt turned around, handed a five pound note to the lady at the counter, tipped the waiter, and left the shop. The little bell by the door tinkling as he did so.

He didn’t want Hayes to spot him hanging around, so he ducked into the nearest alleyway, still on the same side of the street as the café, waiting for Lawson to come out. He had to wait some time, checking his watch every so often, tapping his feet impatiently. When Lawson did make an appearance, what was he going to do about it? Strike up a conversation? Follow him home. Perhaps he hadn’t thought this through so well.

But he didn’t have time for a self-evaluation, as at that moment, the door of the bike shop opened and Lawson stepped out onto the pavement. This was it.

There was no opportunity to bump into him, start up a friendly interaction. Curt had no choice but to simply stray behind him, his head bent low, walking on the opposite side of the street. Lawson didn’t have his bike with him, so it was a little harder to stay out of sight. He wanted to at least find out where Lawson lived. Even if he didn’t yet make any sort of move, he could always return at a later date with a proper plan in mind, and perhaps even convince Owen to let him trail the guy.

The walk wasn’t too long. Lawson lived down a road lined with flats, his flat being in one of the first buildings coming into the street. Curt couldn’t do much else except note down the street name and the building number, but after a few minutes, when Lawson was safely inside, Curt walked up the front steps, hoping to find one of those signs, markers, whatever they were called, that had the surnames and flat number of each resident.

Indeed, the building did have said sign. But weirdly- suspiciously- Lawson wasn’t listed. Only by process of elimination could Curt work out that Lawson lived in flat 2B. It was the only flat not listed. Good piece of information, Mega. You’re doing well.

He could easily trail Hayes and Lawson without Owen finding out about the latter.

Curt smiled to himself. He’d solve this case, no doubt about it.

[kazmirone]

obikin rough draft fic excerpt (abo)

Here, have some tattooed omega!Obi-Wan. Someday I will fill it out and complete it. Maybe, lol.

Oh, and in case you didn’t catch it in the post title, this is A/B/O.  There’s nothing explicit in this excerpt, though.

*

It's not that Anakin's looking, alright.

But when Obi-Wan strips off his under-tunic after their lengthy sparring session, Anakin's attention is possibly a little bit more drawn to the movement than it should be.  

And it’s why he spots the mark on Obi-Wan’s flushed skin. The mark is palm-sized, a murky whorl of sooty, ashen color blossoming across his ribs too nicely to be a bruise.

"I didn’t know you had tattoos,” Anakin says, gesturing to the blooming color there.

Obi-Wan follows his hand movement and lifts up his arm to look at the space below it. “I - don’t.”

*

"Is it contagious?" Ahsoka asks, once Obi-Wan's returned from the Halls of Healing. "Because Rex said you can catch a fungus if you don't wear shoes in the showers."

“Ahsoka,” Anakin says.

“No, young one. I don’t think it’s contagious,” Obi-Wan patiently answers.

“Is it because you’re an omega?” Ahsoka asks.

“Ahsoka!” Anakin hisses.

“I shouldn’t think so,” Obi-Wan says, bemused, then draws a small datapad from his robes. “At any rate, Healer Che asked me to monitor the condition with daily stills.”

Anakin frowns, and he’s fixed on the tablet in Obi-Wan’s hand when the terrible, horrible offer just spills right out of his terrible, horrible mouth, “I could help you. Take the stills, I mean.  It’s in a weird spot, so it might be hard to get the angle right.”

Obi-Wan stares at him, and Ahsoka does, too, and this is how it starts.

Day 1

“No changes,” Anakin says.

Obi-Wan snorts, tugging his tunic back into place and taking the datapad from Anakin’s hands. “It’s been less than a day since the onset.”

He follows Obi-Wan out of the ‘fresher and into the small living space. It’s a lot neater these days, now that Anakin’s moved out and taken his mess with him. His scent, too.  

Now, Obi-Wan’s scent permeates every inch of the place, fresh and clean and undeniably omega. Something in him – a little ugly, a little primal – is urging him to leave his mark, run his hands over every surface and claim this place as his own, again.  

He doesn’t, of course.  Obi-Wan would pitch a fit. But if Anakin maybe smooths the tips of his fingers down the front door as he leaves, well, what’s the harm in that.

Day 4

Obi-Wan frowns. “Does it look darker to you?”

Anakin leans over his shoulder and peers down at the datapad in Obi-Wan’s hands, where a procession of images is pulled up on its screen.  He shrugs. “Not really?”

Day 9

“I’m not sure how to say this--” Anakin starts, watching from the door as Obi-Wan fold ups his tunic and sets it near the sink.

“Then you should just say it,” Obi-Wan says.

“--I think it’s spreading,” Anakin finishes.

Obi-Wan stills, meeting his eyes in the mirror. “Are you quite sure?”

Anakin brushes his elbow, directing him, and Obi-Wan lifts up his arm to a horizontal plane. The position, they’ve found, least distorts the shape of the mark. He regards it, the dark smudge on Obi-Wan’s pale, muscled flesh.  

Before, he could have covered it up entirely with his palm. Anakin holds his hand over the mark, not touching but close enough to feel whisper soft vellus hair when Obi-Wan pulls in a particularly deep breath.

Now, the cloud of black and gray has extended well past his fingertips, blossoming across the side of Obi-Wan’s ribcage, creeping towards the front of his body.

“Well?” Obi-Wan asks, above him.

Anakin straightens up. “It’s definitely spread.”

“And your method of measurement was what, your hand?” Obi-Wan asks, mildly.

“Oh, I’m sorry,” Anakin shoots back. “Did you have a ruler laying around?”

Day 13

“You look terrible,” he says, breezing into Obi-Wan’s quarters.

Obi-Wan sighs, close behind him, and Anakin can feel the heat of it brush the back of his neck.

Day 14

“Oh,” Anakin says, when the door opens.  

The scent of oncoming heat is unmistakable, and it’s overpowering, and it hits him with enough force to send him shuffling back a step.

If Obi-Wan had looked terrible yesterday, he looks even worse today. There are deep shadows under his eyes, his hair limp across his brow, and his clothes are damp with sweat.

“It’s best we didn’t today,” Obi-Wan says, finally.

“Right,” Anakin says, voice rough like it’s been dragged over gravel. “Is - can I get you anything before I go?”

Obi-Wan smiles tightly. “No, thank you, Anakin.  I will see you in a few days.”

Anakin doesn’t even get the chance to say goodbye before the door is sliding shut in his face. It sends a billowing waft of something that feels like, well, like untouched, unmated, unprotected, into the hallway, and Anakin holds his breath while he walks away.

Day 15

Obi-Wan will be livid if he finds out, Anakin thinks, as he slips the glove off his right hand and steps up to the door, sometime in the dark, early hours of the morning.

He runs both hands – organic and prosthetic – over every surface of the door’s control panel. The transparisteel display screen, the durasteel plating, the rubber-padded plastoid buttons, even the sharp edges where the box itself is bracketed to the wall.

After he’s satisfied with the way his scent has shrouded the doorway, he pulls his glove back on and leaves.

Day 21

“Master Obi-Wan is here!”

Anakin rolls his shoulders to ease the achiness there. He’s been hunched over his mechnoarm for the last hour, at least, trying to reconnect a fragile strand of loose wiring.

“Having trouble?” Obi-Wan asks.

He glances up from the needle-nose pliers lodged in his wrist. Obi-Wan looks better, well-rested, he supposes, and a lot less…sweaty. “It’s fine,” he says. “Just give me a minute, then we can go do the thing.”

Obi-Wan takes the seat across from him, brow raised. “The thing?”

“The picture thing,” Anakin tacks on.

“About that,” Obi-Wan says. “I think we ought to do the thing, as you say, here, for the time being.  My quarters – well –”

“Your quarters, what?” Anakin asks. “Smell bad?”

“Yes, Anakin, my quarters smell bad.”

“I guarantee they don’t smell as bad as you think they do,” Anakin says, just to push him, just a bit.

Day 28

Obi-Wan touches little in their quarters and never stays long enough to leave much of a trace, but it must leave something. Ahsoka’s nose crinkles every time she walks through the door.

Day 32

“Well,” Anakin says, powering down the datapad and setting it on the cluttered sink. “I took five stills this time.  To get everything.”

Obi-Wan exhales. He moves away from Anakin, then, and reaches for his tunic. The movement twists and pulls at the grayscale whorls spiraling out over his side, down his abdomen, and his entire left pectoral.

Faint, fine lines and the lightest shading spill out across his skin around the edges of the marking, but it’ll be swallowed up by darker color soon enough, if this thing keeps up, keeps spreading.

As it stands, it’s a hair’s breadth away from the cleft of his spine, and Anakin watches the muscled flex of his back as Obi-Wan slides his tunic back over his head.

*

Anakin’s known from the start that Obi-Wan sends off the holostills to Master Che every day-cycle. What she does with them – or doesn’t do with them, since it’s not like she’s figured it out yet – really isn’t Anakin’s business.

So he is well aware he’s not the only one to see the monochrome tendrils creeping across Obi-Wan’s skin. And, he realizes in a numb but sudden sort of way, it bothers him utterly that there are others who do.

The feeling makes itself known when Anakin happens across Che and Jocasta Nu and Nu’s padawan in the library later that afternoon, grouped around a computer terminal, studying his still of Obi-Wan’s body.

“Exquisite,” Nu says, and her gnarled finger raises up to trace across the screen one of the swooping lines on Obi-Wan’s right oblique. “Simply exquisite.  I have never seen anything like it.”

Che sighs. “Nor have I. That is the problem.”

“I shall begin my research straight away, Vokara,” Nu says, resolved. “You will keep me apprised of any changes to Master Kenobi’s condition?”

“Of course. Thank you, Master Nu.”

The old librarian turns to her padawan, then. “And what do you make of this, boy?”

The boy shrugs, edging closer to the screen. “No clue. It’s pretty, though.”

Hidden away in the shadows of a towering bookstack, Anakin bites hard into the spongy flesh of his cheek, prosthetic knuckles whirring from the strain of his tightening fist.

Day 35

It’s been two weeks since Obi-Wan’s heat ended, more than enough time for the scent of it to air out and fade away.  Still, Anakin leaves Obi-Wan’s quarters with the urge to claw out of his own skin.

Day 40

“Knight Skywalker.”

“Master Che,” he replies, scowling at her retreating back as the healer glides down the hall and out of sight.

“There’s been a development,” Obi-Wan says.

Anakin meets Obi-Wan’s flinty blue gaze. “I’m guessing it’s not a good one, then.”

Day 42

The markings on Obi-Wan’s legs are even more remarkable the third day he sees them.  

A couple days ago, the lines had been faint, like the lightest press of graphite on a piece of flimsi. The markings had barely shown up in the stills he’d taken, and he’d had to mess with the datapad settings before Obi-Wan had sent them off to Master Che.

Today, though.

Today, the lines are the deepest shade of black, heavy and wide. They curve in on one another, then cleave apart, and splinter off into webs of thinner, still defined lines. From the curl of Obi-Wan’s toes to the knobby bones of his ankles and kneecaps, all the way up to the mid-center of his thighs, he is covered.

It’s so unlike the chaotic, celestial explosions swallowing up the surfaces of his torso and back. There’s a pattern here in these new markings, maze-like in their design.  They’re mirror images, or pretty damn close, on Obi-Wan’s right and left legs.

“And this all appeared overnight?” Anakin asks, a little breathless.

“Essentially,” Obi-Wan says, eventually. “Are we finished?”

Obi-Wan shifts where he’s prone on the couch, and the hard muscles in his calves flutter and bulge, just a fraction of a second, really, but Anakin notices, crouched at Obi-Wan’s side and entirely too close.

Anakin’s brain stutters for a moment. “What?”

“The pictures, Anakin,” Obi-Wan says. “Are we done?”

“Oh.” Anakin looks down at the glowing datapad, lax in his grip.