#knitted sweaters and shi

[bloodyarn]

@loomsred continued from here

────────────────────────

     𝐄𝐥𝐚𝘁𝐢𝐨𝐧.     Oh, how glad the white-haired one was; The gift was well-received. Twirling her arm before coming to her chest with a dramatic bow, Babette breathes out a chuckle.     ❝ It was my utmost pleasure. I always wanted to try my skills on a dragonborn plushie. You make for quite the muse, so to speak. ❞

Eyes descend to her work, then back at Attor. He seemed happy, albeit something was a tad bit off. The tailor couldn't remember someone being so thankful over a doll. Maybe he tried being nice   ?

Maybe he was like this normally . . .

     ❝ Say, you look a bit worn-out. Did you drink enough water   ?   Are you sleepy   ? ❞     The scaled one squeezed his eyes shut, making the impression of something was hurting him. They live in horrible times, it would not surprise the hexblood if things are overwhelming. Hells, they are oftentimes more than that to herself. At least, the gift could convey a certain amount of comfort.

[retquits]

modern lan wangji 🤍

[cmdrfupa]

i. Not Today

Toji x Reader

Working alone was always the rule. No one to slow you down when you had to run and no one for him to save when shit hit the fan. That's until the best in the game were needed together.

Former Mercenary/Hitman Toji Fushiguro only wants to make enough to disappear in the next year as the job is no longer worth the risk. You’ve found a way to just enjoy the thrill of the con as a professional grifter and former mafia fixer. Now forced to find out just how deep the world of art dealings goes as your next mark is far more twisted than you realized.

an: I wish I could tell you that I'll stop thinking about Toji but we know that’ll never happen. I've been revisiting games and media lately where the lead is some former army man with little to lose and I saw our dark-haired dilf immediately. Something felt right about it and here we are! A JJK AU where some of our faves will make an appearance.

CW for the series: adult themes, use of alcohol and drugs, sexual undertones, violence, full blown mature themes. Will be updated as necessary.

Dividers from the lovely @/saradika-graphics

Shiu made the mistake of scheduling Toji’s meeting at the same time as yours. He says your meeting was the mistake but let's be real. 

The only thing you wanted to do was avoid the smug bastard in the hallway. Which worked til now.

“Kong. I know I owe you, but this can't be what you're cashing in on.” the up and down you gave Toji made him grin.

“Ouch, princess. What if I'm the man you've been waiting for?”

“Then I’ll off myself and try again in my next reincarnation. Kong.” you looked back over to your already stressed friend of over a decade.

“Sorry kid. I need the best and both of you are my best. It won’t hurt to play nice.”  Shiu opened a fresh pack of cigarettes, effortlessly shaking one out and putting it in his mouth. 

Toji grabbed the lighter, igniting the flame for Shiu. “If you’re worried about your safety, you’re safe with me, doll face. It’s only for one night.” 

Bewildered was an understatement as Shiu shook his head, “A month.” 

“No can do, Shi. A month is fucking nuts.” 

You smiled, sitting on Shiu’s desk as Toji paced to the window. “Worried I won’t be able to protect you, Prince Charming? You're safe with me.” 

If the daggers in his eyes had their way, you would’ve felt them pierce your chest. “You’re cute but don’t push me.”

“Is someone getting angys?”

“Angys? Are you a child?”

“No, but I can beat your ass like a grown man.”

Grabbing the largest book on his desk, Shiu slammed it down with little effort. “Fucks sake, shut up. The both of you.” 

You swiftly jumped off his desk, shifting your attention back to the cigarette hanging from his lips, Toji came and stood beside you. It began to feel like a disciplinary meeting with the headmaster. 

“Look. It's a month-long job minimum. Per diem with an 800,000 payout at the end. They need a charmer and a fucking beast to retrieve some goods and get intel so you two need to work as a couple to get this done. Either you both take it, or it's off the table and you won't have shit to do for the next 3 months.”

“800 split?” you questioned.

“No. Per person.” 

800,000 would give you a more than comfy cushion to sit on for maybe a month. Then you'd get tired of the cushion and beg Shiu for something to keep you busy. There was never an end to the thrill of scamming the ultra-rich and occasionally watching the life drain from a few. 

“I will not be your babysitter during this. You're a grown-ass woman and I refuse to have a brat slow me down. Understood?”

He was so pretty in the off-white cable-knit sweater that swallowed him but that mouth was going to have you punching his throat in a matter of minutes. 

“I'm willing to do the job as long as your chained puppy can treat me like an adult. I can handle myself.” 

“Already the first steps towards being a loving couple. You're gonna be fine, kids.” Shiu stepped between you two, smiling as if he were a proud parent. He squeezed your shoulders. “Everything you need will be sent over in 2 hours. I have the twins working on your background stories and covers. You leave at the end of the week.”

Strength. Resilience. Mindfulness. Breathe.

“Why don't we get matching shirts so they know that you're mine? Sound good, sweetie?" The vibrato in the pet name gave your resolve a run for its money. Fortunately, the smug look on his face once you looked at him dried you back up. 

“Yeah! I think ‘I’m with dumbass’ would look cute in bubble letters on a baby tee, no?” 

The flight was more than perfect. Business class with every accommodation known to man thanks to Shiu knowing you would never do anything less. You settled into the second half of your flight preparing to get a little rest before landing. 

“Toji? Can you wake me when they come around with dining options?” you lowered the partition to find Toji intently reading a home improvement magazine.

“Just tell me what you want and I’ll order so I can wake you when it's here.”

“I don't know what they'll be serving. Just wake me—”

“There's an International and Japanese cuisine menu. Either beef filet steak with a red wine sauce and a side autumn plate or pasta gratin with chum salmon & black truffles with roasted pumpkin.” finally looking up from the magazine, his deadpan gaze met your face. “The Japanese cuisine has Wagyu curry with eggplant and mitsuba and sansho peppers or grilled black cod, a crab omelet with grilled shiitake and taro. What sounds good.” 

Taken aback, you bat your lashes trying to digest this robotic answer to your request.

“Did you not hear me?” 

“I did. You just.. Did you study the menu or something.” you rolled the partition down completely, studying the expressionless man. 

“It rolled across the screen earlier and I took a mental note of it. So, can you tell me so I can tell the cute attendant when I call for her to come back? She's a busy woman.” 

A sigh so deep you felt your nervous system reboot as you rolled your eyes. 

“Tell your girlfriend I’d like the grilled black cod meal please.”

“Will do. I'll try to get you an extra omelet for being such a supportive wife as I date around. Thank you, sweetheart.” Toji winked and rolled up the partition with a grin like a Cheshire cat spread across his mug. “Sweet dreams.” 

“You’ve gotta hurry up, doll face. The race starts in 30 minutes and the driver is pulling up any minute now. Let's go” Toji yelled through the hall as he made his way to your room in the villa. His loafers lightly clacked along the polished granite floors as he walked into your room. “You don't need a whole canister of paint for makeup. Just put some blush on and let's get moving.” 

“Can’t rush perfection, Fushiguro. And I'm just putting on my earrings. Relax.” you popped your head from the bathroom and raised your brows. “Wow. You clean up nicely. I thought you could only wear those tight-ass Uniqlo t-shirts.” 

A crisp, light blue button-down that could only do so much to hide his muscular build, and a pair of deep indigo chino pants to round off the fit. “Funny. Now can you please come on? We’re on a time crunch and I don't want to be around those old rotting money bags for longer than necessary.” 

Rolling your eyes as you went back to looking in the mirror one more time, you walked out to the bedroom. “Alright. Let's go.” 

Toji didn't have to say anything when his eyes did the talking for him. “You gotta wear shit like this more often. I'll be more open to actually listening to your words if you do.” 

You grimaced as you walked past him to the front door. “Please stop talking.” You smiled as you walked out, the driver holding the car door open as you gave him a warm thank you before sliding in.

Toji got in behind you, getting strapped in as you did. When given the clear, the driver pulled off. 

 “Doll face.”

“What, Toji.”

“Being married to you is fun. Best open relationship ever.”

Toji winked before going through his phone, going over the files one more time.

  “God. If you exist, please turn this shit over right now,” you whined as the car whirled down the road.

The sun hangs high over Monza’s glittering skyline, casting a golden sheen over the harbor and its rows of yachts. The thunderous roar of F1 engines echoed through the streets, as sleek cars zip past. The race is in full swing, but the real spectacle isn't on the track—it's in the VIP section.

The third row to the left of the podium sat your target: KK. 

Notorious organized crime affiliation who tends to dabble in high-stakes art deals, illicit trades, and other illegal acts. 

He smiled like a kid in a candy store watching how everyone tried to please his every desire. Two men stood behind him as he continued to conversate with the crowd around him.  

You both weaved through the crowd with practiced grace. Toji exchanges pleasantries with a collector while you check your reflection in the mirrored windows of the luxury suite, your gaze never drifting far from KK.

Feigning boredom, you let out a resounding sigh, twirling around to face Toji. “Formula One. I’ll never understand the appeal. It’s all so... mechanical.”

Expressed loud enough for nearby guests to hear, you elicited a few amused looks.

“You said the same thing about abstract art and now New York and half of Japan want your opinion on it.”

Toji’s laugh is light, effortless like he's done this a thousand times. 

Your banter catches the ear of Hashime, one of KK’s bodyguards, who’s leaning against a railing with an air of casual authority. 

His interest now piqued, he glances between the two. Toji catches Hashime’s eye and offers a polite nod. He returns the nod and steps toward you both.

The pale blue-haired minion seized you up “You’re into art, huh? Never understood it myself. What’s the secret to knowing if something’s worth millions or not?” 

“Everyone’s chasing an enigma. If you can give them a story full of mystery and wonder, more will want it. If you can do that, then you can sell a painting to a blind man.” 

Joining smoothly, Toji wrapped his arm around your waist smiling. “Rare pieces, hard-to-find items, things worth killing for. They have a way of getting it all.”  

“I've heard Mr. KK over there has some of the best pieces to never be seen by the public. What I would give to just catch a glimpse.” Your voice lowered.

“He doesn't just let anyone see the collection.”

Leaning in slightly, you dropped your tone, whispering more intimately. “Of course not. Someone with his... connections... would appreciate only the most discerning eyes.”

Hashime's eyes narrow, his guard raised. You felt the energy shift, but remained calm, letting Toji take the lead from this point. 

“Stay here.” Hashime stepped away, walking towards KK.

Apprehension settled into your gut as you watched KKs dark eyes find you and Toji. Refusing to falter, you smiled and placed your hand on Toji’s abs. “You think this’ll work?”

“Of course it will. We just have to sell him on the most dangerous art deal of his life. He can't say no to what we have.”

A brief moment of calculation crosses his face, and then he stands, straightening his jacket. KK approaches you, a smile that doesn't quite reach his eyes forming on his lips before he reaches out to take your hand. You obliged as he kissed your knuckles before shaking Toji’s hand. 

  “I tend to know everyone who breathes air in the art world yet neither of you look familiar.” KK smiled, placing his hands back in his pockets. 

  “If everyone knew us, I’d say we were doing awful at our job.”

KK looked over at Hashime and gave an almost girlish laugh as he raised his champagne.

“Hard to find. Good. After the race, let's talk.” He nodded, giving Hashime the go to give you his business card. Mozying back to his seat, you looked down at his card:

  Retrieval Services

Kenjaku

IT/JP/US

[devilishdelights]

🌹

You even gave Simeon a little bit of a fright one time, when he was rather… underdressed. 

You two had plans to go out to Cafe Lament, and you had arrived a bit early without realizing how early. You sent a couple texts to Simeon’s phone, then decided to just go see him in person– considering the fact that he could probably buy something worth a thousand grimm off of akuzon in an attempt to reply to you. He seemed to be where you thought he’d be, a blue light emitting from beyond his door. 

In his room, Simeon was deciding on which shirt to wear. A nice, tan cable knit sweater?  Or a sheer teal blouse? Decisions, Decisions…

“HOLY SHI–” 

His eyes widened to saucers, turning and calling out your name. That was you, wasn’t it? You were early, and you sounded distressed. He called out your name again, concerned. Until…

“Oh dear.”

Simeon carefully restored himself to his human form slowly, still studying you– or, what once was you– or, what is you, but in sludge form.

from a silly fic!! poor MC.

[boomtastics]

Magic in the air!

Character(s) | Heartslabyul & Leona Kingscholar, Ruggie Bucchi

Type | headcannons

It's winter season! What activities does he do with you?

Heartslabyul

Riddle Roseheats

Ice skating & tree decorating

It's basic but DO IT FOR HIM!!

Really good skater tbh, like the one that's too good to be there

I dont think christmas was a big deal in his childhood

Yeah he'd get presents but just another text book to add to the collection

So decorating the tree...

Is their a specific Idea you had? Like something we could go off of?...No? *sigh..*

If you have those random ornaments that DONT go together, he wouldn't mind honestly

It's kinds like you? Random but in a way that works well

Have matching ornaments? He also wouldn't mind

You've been thrown into a world where you have no clue how you got there or how to get out

But you're still level-headed, he admires that

Put the tree topper on together. Or let him do it

LET HIM EXPERIENCE A GOOD CHRISTMAS, HIS INNER CHILD IS HEALING!!!

Trey Clover

Making gingerbread cookies & gift wraping

What else do you think he would do?? NOT bake 🤨?

Grab the food coloring, you're making the cookies look like both of you

You also make the other dorm members BUT THIS ISNT ABOUT THEM

Throw flour at each other. Yeah you'll get in trouble but it's okay

Don't know how to bake? He's guiding your hands

Gives you the spoon to lick!! If you want too tho!!!

Bro wraps the presents so good like you're too good at this please

Makes you feel a bit bad about re-using gift bags/old gift wrapping paper

Teaches you how to make specific designs with the paper

10/10 make more holiday foods

Cater Diamond

Decorating your room & window shopping

I dont think his roommates would appreciate him decorating their sides of the room...

BUT WE HAVE THE WHOLE OF RAMSHACKLE!!!!

Hes been waiting for this his whole life.

Goes through this like a tornado except shit just appears

Ahahahahaha what noooooo that isn't a mistletoe what are you on about ahahahahahaha get over here.

Shit we ran out of ornaments

Ahahaaha nooo this isn't an excuse to hold you hand what noo he doesn't want his y/n moment nooooo

All of these holiday clothes are so cute like GODDAMN IF ONLY WE HAD MONEY

No you didn't get anymore ornaments

Ace Trappola

Snowball fight & warming up by the fire

Like he's loves you, BUT this is a snowball war. No one is safe.

You're so getting pelted by snowball I don't make the rules

but i meannn if you wanna join his side your welcomed to at any time ahahahahahahahaha

doesnt mean hes not using you as a body shied.

but if you are with him from the very start thats good!! just dont look at all the people that are gonna kill him. please

yeah yeah sureee hes super really sorry that he hit vil in the face mhm yup totallyy

after a few hours you both are FREZZING.

so like hes so kind that hes hugging you to warm you up!

please give him a kith for keeping you warm 🙏

Deuce Spade

Snowball fight & visiting relatives

Look...Ace dragged you both into this you can't get out.

But since you're already there there's no point in stopping… Ace is already not gonna listen

But he does protect you UNLIKE SOMEONE HERE,

His momma wants to meet you and I mean REALLY wants to meet you.

He write home about you alot she pretty much knows you

Knitted sweaters from mama spade. And i mean A LOT

But we love her its ok <3

She makes a big one for the two of you

It feels good right now… here with deuce on the couch.. Drinking hot chocolate resting your head on his shoulder… enjoying each others company

When you wake up mama has your presents

SAY THANK YOU TO MOTHER SPADE !!!

Savanaclaw

Leona Kingscholar

Staying inside & shopping

*sigh* Do we REALLY have to go?

Just stay inside with him, it's cold outside and he's warm with blankets just drift off

Sleep in his arms it's better than ramshackles NO HEATER.

He's WAYYY better than what you have right now anyways

Ugh..the furball can come too since he's shaking up a storm over in the corner..

Shit we forgot christmas shopping

It's fine we’ve got….a good 6 hours before its enough time

The hell is a Jade plant? Whatever jack can figure it out

What's something a person like ruggie wants? Money easy

Things for others? No. you have to do that on your own he is NOT helping you

What? Just cuz he isn't helping you doesnt mean hes not gonna be there with you stupid

Ruggie Bucchi

visting relitives &  Snowangels

We’ve got his hometown to visit!!

Yes this is his Nana what about it?

And the other kids!!!

Did we barely make enough for them? Yes. Did we make sure to get good presents for them? Also yes

The kids are like really excited to meet you and the bombarded you with questions

How tall are you? Do you have any pets? What's your credit card number?

The kids also drag you outside to play with them!

OMG WHAAATTTT NOOO YOU'RE GETTING ATTACKED

And omg!!1 you fell!?!?!? If only there was an amazing, handsome, great, and power- you pulled him to the ground.

At Least you're not alone!!

What do you both make look like snow angels? Not so sure myself

But it's a fun day

your face is red. not knowing if it's from the cold or from how much your laughing ruggie is in front of you also laughing. Soon your laughter dies down and you both get up and go to his house. Nana made hot chocolate!

[thesiblingsoftheblackandwhite]

He wants to reach for him, to hold him, because he knows him well enough to know that calms Wiggly down. Karaxis is already doing that job for him and Y’wrath still shies away, clearly not wanting to be around him. It stings.

I…I know I fucked up, OK? I wasn’t treating you as my brother, I was treating you like a stupid Sniggle, and - and I know that hurt you. I know why you were - are - scared of me. Getting angry about it was a mistake. Not eating feels awful, you’ll feel sick all over, and I didn’t want that for you again! I wasn’t thinking about it. Uh-

He keeps rambling some form of apology.

-I wanted to apologize when I came back, but you were asleep and then Tinky came back so I had to tell him, but then we fought, and that was my fault, too-

Wiggog watches him quietly. Blinky is clearly sincere about this. Hell, when it came to Wiggly, Blinky always tried to be straightforward. But his apology doesn’t dash the discomfort that had stuck around since this had started. There was fear that Wiggly had never had to think existed around his brothers before. He scoots closer to Tinky and looks at Bliklotep stumble.

-I’m really, really, sorry.

A weak ending, but what can you do?

…OK.

He makes up his mind.

I don’t forgive you.

Blinky can’t help the spark of anger that ignites. He had apologized, and sure it hadn’t been the most clean cut, but it had still been attempted. Wiggog was in no position to deny the apology Blinky had embarrassed himself through just to make him feel better. The ungrateful little-

…Oh.

He shoves those thoughts down immediately. Thinking of him like a Sniggle again, are we? Blinky bites his inner lip.

Alright.

His hand finds his sweater and grips it. He feels stuffy and pulls at it in the hope of getting some air in.

He needs air.

I…guess I’ll just go for a walk. Then.

The excuse is poor, and the way he shambles off the couch into a standing position is worse. Even he knows that. Sights set on the Waylon house’s front door and the air outside, Blinky starts walking, hands fidgeting from under his sweater pocket.

Blinky, if you could do something while you’re out there…

Yes?

He whips around at his name, a hot feeling pushing behind his eyes.

It-

Tinky catches his gaze. His brows knit.

…Could I talk to you, too?

[fumikasasaki]

♧~●○•°Shion Amano°•○●~♧

Japanese: 星野詩音

Rōmaji: Shion Hoshino

Alias(es): -Champion of Unova Region

-Genderless trainer

-Charmant garçon ( Rook )

-Rainbowfish-kun ( Floyd )

-Child of man ( Malleus )

-prefect ( NRC Students )

-Henchman ( grim )

•●<BIOLOGICAL INFORMATION>●•

Gender: male

Age: 15

Birthday: 14th July

Height: 165 cm

Blood type: AB Negative

Hair Color: Mint green and blue

Eye Color: Blue

Relatives: -Unnamed father

-Shun Hoshino (Twin brother)

-Fumio Hoshino (Older brother)

♧°《PROFESSIONAL INFORMATION》°♧

Occupation: -Student

-Housewarden of Ramshackle

-Pokemon Trainer

-Champion of Unova Region

Affiliation: Night Raven College(NRC)

-Pokemon healing center(former)

°•○{DEBUT}○•°

Anime: Hoopa And The Clash Of Ages

"Always take advantage of adversity"

-Shion Hoshino

Shion Hoshino ( 星野詩音, Hoshino Shion ) is a young trainer that reach the position of a champion at the age of 14, one day he passed out and woke up inside of a coffin, meeting some new and weird people along the way was not something Shion like to do, but if it was the only way to survive, would he deny it? Follow his adventures as a pokemon trainer that was stuck in another world!

<◇>APPEARANCE<◇>

Shion is a young boy who has a mint green hair with a fading blue at the end of it. He has big blue eyes and long eyelashes, he has pale skin that looks like a dead person skin. He often seen wearing two white ribbon in both side of his head. He also often seen wearing a blue oversized knitted sweater and sometimes a oversized bunny hoodie, it was still unknown why he wear a bunny hoodie but we'll find out soon enough. He also brought his nurse uniform as a emergency clothes change, considering he formerly work at a pokemon healing center before.

Shion often make people confused about her gender, he has some feminine face and high-pitched female teen voice that make people thought she is a female and a long hair that make people thought she is a complete female, that's the reason he got called "Genderless trainer". He has slim body, he doesn't have any muscles in her body, his body was slim like a model body, her body almost look like it was chiseled carefully.

[♧]PERSONALITY[♧]

As a child, Shion is a innocent and cheerful boy, until an incident that made him change, he always has a trust issue since that incident, he never like to depend on other and always do things herself with his own ways.

Shion doesn't like spending his time socializing with other people or interacting with others beside a pokemon. he is a very patient and respectful person, but he can be a little sarcastic and blunt when he is annoyed. he often spend her time taking care of his pokemons, reading, training, baking or even taking a walk for a little bit. he rarely speak to anyone other than his pokemons and the person he's comfortable with. But he was often seen as calm, collected, patient, helpful and respectable person.

{°♡°}ETYMOLOGY{°♡°}

-紫苑 (shion) meaning "aster". It can also come from 詩 (shi) meaning "poem" and 音 (on) meaning "sound". Other kanji combinations can form this name as well

-Hoshino. 星野, ほしの Japanese

From Japanese 星 (hoshi) meaning "star" and 野 (no) meaning "field, wilderness".

-thus her name can be interpreted as "sound of field", "sound of star", "star poem"

|■●■|TRIVIA|■●■|

-Shion has pretty weak hearing, that is why she rarely respond.

-Shion can do ballet.

-Shion starter pokemon is sobble since she started on galar.

-Shion hates egg yolk.

-Shion favorite flower is white rose.

-Shion idolized vil since they first laid they eyes on vil.

-Shion always use black evening gloves and Monk strap ankle boots everywhere he goes.

-Shion and her twin brother doesn't have any difference making people hard to tell which is which.

[ask-aph-tonga]

opinions on australia and nz?

"Opinions opinions nonny, at least sit down with me for tea because I have many opinions." "I'll start with Jett, Australia, I've made it pretty obvious my opinion on New Zealand at this point as I get asked it a lot. Australia is a good friend of mine, we talk often and he's my closest friend in the Pacific outside of my siblings. He's very sweet, we like similar things and his little kangaroos are just adorable, sometimes I knit them sweaters for them cold winter months. I love to explore his wilderness and cities with him, teach and share recipes and sometimes we have tea and talk shi- I mean, have formal discussions. Yes."

"James however. To me he's one big ick. Stubborn, loud, annoying and always manages to crash my vibe, or crash and break something he's near. Having him as a neighbor is hell on earth. Turn that music down would you!!!"

[petirrojo57]

I finally kicked off a new project that’s a first for me: a sweater (or is it a vest?)

While I have knit plenty, I have always shied away from the time commitment of a sweater (not to mention the yarn costs), but I finally decided to give it a go with the encouragement of a friend and fellow knitting buddy/former coworker. We had a recent outing to go ‘fondle some fibers’ and discussed our next projects and we both admired Elizabeth Smith’s Low-key sweater. I bought the store’s stock of Malabrigo Rios in lovely Lettuce but knowing that it wouldn’t be enough, I also picked up some in a stormy gray/blue shade too. I’m going to do bottom green, top in that dark blue gray.

I’m excited!

[aleshabuxton]

Some of my fave neutral sweaters from Amazon🤍

[jiangwanyinscatmom]

Imagine JC transmigrating into our world and stumbling upon the MDZS fandom, only to see people calling him their uwu grape jiujiu and shipping him with other men. He would go on a killing spree.

Jiang Cheng with the Jiujiu stans:

[mysteryshoptls]

SSR Epel Felmier Applepom Voice Lines

When Summoned: Welcome to Harveston! I hope you enjoy yourselves here in this town I love.

Summon Line: It's just our yearly traditional Kelkkarotu event, but... This time I definitely can't lose! I'mma do m'best!

Groooovy!!: It feels so magical, being able to enjoy the village scenery together like this. Thanks for coming with me.

Home: Ehehe, it feels so warm.

Swap Looks: Gonna do my best for the Kelkkarotu!

Home Idle 1: You can eat apples raw or cook them and they're still delicious. Don't you think they're the absolute best kind of fruit?

Home Idle 2: It looked like Jade-san was jotting some notes down. When he showed it to me, I saw that it was filled with stories of Moln Mountain...

Home Idle 3: Are you wearing sunscreen? If you're not careful, you'll get a snow burn. I've also been trying to watch out for that recently.

Home Idle - Login: Whew, it's so cold... On days like these, it's best to eat some hot pot with everyone! You'll feel the strength surging from your warm belly.

Home Idle - Groovy: My gran gets all fired up when it comes to Kelkkarotu. When I was younger, she sure trained me a bunch as well.

Home Tap 1: Idia-san's really picky when it comes to what he likes and doesn't like to eat. So then... How is it that he's still able to grow that big!?

Home Tap 2: So apparently, Sebek-kun doesn't do well in the cold. When he's all huddled up like that, he's actually kinda adorable.

Home Tap 3: These apple boa are light and warm, don't you think? They say that in the past, everyone would wear these all the time in winter.

Home Tap 4: This knitted sweater I'm wearing underneath the boa is handmade by the folks in my village. That's why it's got a comfy feels to it!

Home Tap 5: Did you see something that looked tasty at the Bonfire Market? Oh well, guess I'll just have to treat you to it!

Home Tap - Groovy: They say that a person's character is revealed based on the fabric they choose for their stuffed animal. When I look at the animals they chose in addition to that...

Duo: [EPEL]: I'mma send 'em flying, Idia-san! [IDIA]: Epel-shi, you're too hyped up.

[bellafragolina]

I was thinking about what being the youngest sibling of submas would be like 💀☝️

-let's say the age diff is like, kinda beeg.. like 7 or sumn (i've only had 1 older sister and we're always in different stages of life from each other HAHAHA)

-wait... would you also have grey hair and grey eyes too?? i mean you might have the chance to have your parents' actual hair and eye color because genes... idk... LOL sorry biology student ramblings

-they would totally wait for you outside your school and walk home together with you!! (dEFINTELY not BECAUSE they are looking for anyone to clobber bc they are concerned that you might've been bullied or sumn...)

-protective and adoring older brothers although emmet lets you get away with more stuff than ingo hehe

-ingo was more strict with you but it wasn't like... an authoriative way. he just wants to make sure you're gonna be able to grow up capable n shi

-emmet's more fun and eats stuff you don't like for you! sliding over bell peppers? he's already inhaling them (sorry bell pepper vouchers)

-one day they wondered what was taking so long so they went up to your class to look for you, they found you screaming at some jackass who was talking smack about your brothers LMAO

-they cried 💀

-you were probably subjected to their train obssession and i would find it funny if you were interested in cars instead HAHAHA

-"transportation siblings" BYE JSHSSB

-when they left to take on the gym challenge (wait did they?? i am forgor and also somewhat fake fan sorz) they kinda hesitated because they didn't want to leave you alone ):

-you were like only 5 at the time so they were worried if they left you by yourself, something bad would happen and they wouldn't be there to help ;(

-after reassurances from whatever your 5 year old brain could give, and your parents ofc they relented and set off on their exploration

-by the time they finished you had grown two years older and they were shocked by how much changed just in that time span

-while they did constantly exchange pictures and texts with your parents, seeing the change in person made them feel a bit sad they weren't there to see it D:

-they made the most of their time with you for the next few years because they knew how much you enjoyed battling as much as they did! they had a feeling that you would be going for the gym challenge too so they decided to take it upon themselves to teach you ^^ ingo taught you about single battles while emmet taught you about doubles.

-when YOU left, they gave you the biggest hugs ever and gave you a sweater they tried to knit themselves. in all honesty it didn't look half bad and you wore it the entire time during your journey.

-you guys texted almost excessively (well as much as you guys could because they were busy in college), you updated them on your journey with a *better camera* and told them all about the friends and rivals you've had along the way!

-so imagine their surprise when you SHOW UP ON THE ANNUAL UNOVAN LEAGUE PROGRAM?? why didn't you tell them?!

-"haha, surprise guys!"

-THEIR LITTLE BABY SIBLING IS ALL GROWN UP!! *sobbing ensues* AND THERE YOU WERE, STILL WEARING THE CARDIGAN THEY MADE AS YOU MADE YOUR APPEARANCE IN THE OPENING

-in your little interview, you were recounting all the people who helped you along the way. then, you pulled up a picture you took with your older brothers and talked the reporter's ear off about them.

-"they're the best big brothers i could ever ask for, love you ingy and emmy!"

-they've got that recorded on the tv, they cried the entire time HAHAGSH

-the whole family came to watch you duke it out, move up the ranks and fight the elite four. emmet and ingo were at the edge of their seats the entire time as they watched you battle the region's most skilled trainers

-they were cheering so hard for you, you could somehow distinguish ingo's yelling from the crowd LMAO

-unfortunately, you didn't beat them all but it was still incredibly impressive you got that far on your first attempt!

-when you came back home, they made space in their schedule to welcome you back :') you spent the day with them and your parents before you broke some news-

-"i've been invited to participate in the galar gym challenge"

-great, they're crying again.

-sadly, they weren't able to see you off on the day of your departure but they made sure to send you off with a better knitted and fitted cardigan <3

-their replies became less frequent as they started working at the subway, and you decided to not send as many messages because you didn't feel like bothering them either so the groupchat became more and more inactive :((

-until at some point there wasn't a single message in two weeks!

-you were a little sad, okay maybe very sad but you hoped that they were enjoying themselves as much as they could.

-you also made it up the the league and since galar didn't have an elite four, you got to face the champion this time!

-it was an intense battle, and you managed to take off half of his team before you bit the dust.

-there was a moment of silence when your ace dropped down but after that, a roar of cheers and whooping rose from the crowd.

-a rotom drone zoomed down to catch the small conversation that was going on as leon commended you and your team

-"there anything you want to say to the folks at home?"

-"ah- well, hey mom, hey dad! thanks for the support as usual, you know how much i love you guys. and, to my dearest big brothers at gear station: i hope you guys are well! it's been a while since we last talked so i hope we'll be able to chat again soon. i miss you two!"

-the clip of you crying with a smile circulated around galar social media and it had made unova's too, the twins found it when they were checking the news account they followed

-"20XX unovan league challenger [name]'s message to the subway masters!"

-they imMEDIATELY sent a voice message to you, it came from emmet's phone. it was about 10 minutes long and was mostly telligible save for the sobbing. it was very heartwarming and you were very happy after that.

-you decided to give them another surprise (so full of them, aren't you?) you came back a week after your finals and were sent to gear station by your parents who were in on the surprise

-you had to dress up a bit since you were a teensy bit popular, sunglasses and mask and all

-the depot agents nearly had a heart attack when you gave them your ID, omgomgomg it's THE younger sister, THE crazy good trainer

-they were game on helping you stay undercover, either fans of yours or just wanting to see the reaction on their bosses' faces.

-you challenged the single battle line first since you knew emmet would 120% tell ingo the second you reached him }:(

-not talking the entire time until the end of your battle with the older twin was hard, but you just about managed to hold back your excitement.

-the reveal when you took off accessories :') ingo sMILED WOAWJWOSJSOWKJSKSSJ y'all had the biggest sibby hug eber... he told you with all his big bro heart how proud he was of you and how sorry he was he couldn't talk to you more often.

-you parted from the hug to go and surprise emmet

-emmet fullbody tackled you in the most bonecrushing hug ever and proceeded to shake you by the shoulders while he spilled out all the compliments and things he wanted to tell you but couldn't find the time for.

-at the end of the day, they full on cleared their schedule so you all could go out for dinner with your parents :3c

Fully weeping in the club rn. They would be the BEST big brothers, I have no doubts about it! They're so supportive and sweet!

The sweater shajfasjdfaj I love it so much. It's so cute!! And the surprises are so cute, the reunion!! This is too much!

Look at this everyone! Look at this and look at how sweet and cute it is! Amazing work as always, love!

~Renee

[theroyalsims]

ELEANORE’S REVENGE? PRINCESS E RUMOURED TO BE BEHIND DR. GREG’S PHOTO LEAK!

Don’t mess with Eleanore - or her man! Well, at least that’s what people are saying.

Recent rumours claim that the source of the photos leaked yesterday, which effectively revealed to the public Dr. Greg’s illegal underground fighter past, is none other than Princess E!

The “theory” was first brought to life in multiple online chatrooms and gossip sites. An anonymous columnist from online royal gossip site “Brindleton’s Royal Snitch” wrote an article entitled “E’s Revenge: Princess Spreads Anya’s Boytoy’s Pics.” The article has garnered over 750,000 likes, and have been shared over 550,000 times as of writing.

The article claims that E has been “plotting against Anya” for a while now, and is looking to “even the score.” It can be recalled that the Queen, with Anya’s help, were said to be the main reasons for Clive’s departure. 

The article further provides: 

“E is obviously very upset at her sister, her mum, and the entire institution for always casting her and her feelings aside. Imagine being branded an idiot by your own family? While we doubt she’ll be coming after her own mum, but she is, however, hell bent on giving Anya her due. It’s Anya that she feels has wronged her the most. E sees her as a traitor - they were so close and spent a lot of time together. E was even staying partly at Anya’s home at that time; and yet she never told E about what she and her mum did to Clive. 

She’s been quietly working to even things. You should never underestimate E. You would be surprised with the impressively wide network she has.”

Since yesterday’s photo leak, no word has been heard from either Anya or Greg. Neither of the two has also been seen publicly.

Princess E, however, was the epitome of joy this afternoon when she went on a coffee date with some of her gal pals. The Princess was seen at a popular coffee shop where she chatted and dined with her friends Lady Heather Schlewlyn and Miss Barbara Park-Scoville. Lady Heather is from the prominent Schlewlyn Family, while Barabara (who recently wed Lord Scoville’s eldest son) is the only daughter of Shang-Simlan real estate mogul Park Shi Mun. The trio spent quite some time laughing and chatting as their respective bodyguards stood guard. 

Princess E looked remarkably jolly during the entire outing and was even seen wiping tears out of her eyes from laughing too hard! After Her Royal Highness parted ways with her friends, she then headed off to the nearby shops for a bit of shopping. 

The Princess looked gorgeous and Autumn-ready in a cozy green knit sweater dress which she paired with opaque tights and a pair of thigh-high black leather boots. 

Whether or not you believe the rumours, you gotta admit - the timing is impeccable (or unfortunate), especially considering how Greg was reportedly about to pop the question! Plus, we have this latest Eleanore sighting that has her grinning from ear-to-ear like she has some cheeky secret she just wants to share!

Oooh, don’t tease us, Princess E! 

[harryissuchalittleshit]

Five Men Who Broke Lily's Heart And One Who Healed It

For training prompt Tuesday, @petalstosarah, I told you I would make it angsty. You can read it below the cut or on Ao3!

1. Michael Evans, 1971

Lily could remember the day her father left like the back of her hand.

It had been sometime in quiet days after Christmas, but before New Year’s. He had stood in the doorway, his suitcase packed, his jacket on, his life with them erased from the walls of their home. She would see him again, just a small handful of times, but it would never be the same. He would never be her father, not like how he had once been before.

Lily would cry for hours and hours and hours after. Christmas would never be the same after that. She would find ways to stay away from home, from her mother and sister during the most festive time of year.

Michael Evans would never return to them. He would never pick Lily up and spin her around in his arms again, he would never kiss Iris again, he would never wink at Petunia and smile as they shared their own private joke again. The thing was, he would never be in their life again, not as he used to be, as he wanted to be, no, the separation would never go away.

He wasn’t breaking just his eleven year old daughter’s heart, he was breaking up a family. He was showing his daughter’s that faithfulness wasn’t a thing. He was showing them that men couldn’t be trusted.

How could they? He wasn’t faithful to their mother, he wasn’t kind to her, he broke the trust they had once created.

He broke the trust his daughters had in him.

Michael Evans was the first man to ever break Lily’s heart, and she would remember that. She would remember him and that cold, cold morning when he left. Lily and Petunia sitting side-by-side at the top of the stairs, their mother, Iris standing at the bottom, trying to protect them even then.

Michael Evans would die a few years later, when Petunia had left the house and Lily was away at school. Iris would get the last laugh, but even then it wouldn’t be kind, it wouldn’t be nice.

Either way, the damage was done.

2. Remus Lupin, 1973

The next one would be Remus Lupin.

He wasn’t a man yet, just a kind sweet boy who was thirteen. He studied with her in the library, they passed notes in Arithmancy as none of their friends were with them. They spent hours and days together, just the pair of them, just having fun and discovering a new friendship.

Until it became too real.

Lily would forever keep the photo of her and Remus, taken a warm and sunny day, the pair of them studying in the library, only looking up at the sound of the shutter clicking. The camera was a gift from her father, old and worn down, but still able to make something beautiful.

She would always have a copy, it would be framed, it would move from home to home with Lily. A document of a friendship that she loved, that she cared about, that ended one horrible day over a discovery made public.

She wasn’t afraid of Remus, no one could be afraid of a boy that tucked in his sweaters, and owned more cardigans than shirts, and who sing ever Beatles song as long as he heard the first few notes. No one could be afraid of a boy whose smiles had to earned and his laughter fought with well timed jokes. No one could be afraid of a boy who slept like the dead and studied as if his life was in danger.

No one was afraid of Remus Lupin, but he wasn’t just Remus Lupin.

It wasn’t the admittance of the truth, it was the lie to cover it up. Lily hated being lied to, it made her feel like she was eleven and crying into her sister’s shoulder as their father left to never return again. Broken trust, from a broken man.

It would take almost a full year for Lily to let her guard down again around him, a year of apologizes and passed notes and studying in the library together. It would take a year of whispered conversations and explanations for everything to go back to how it was.

It would take time for the trust to reform.

3. Sirius Black, 1976

When people hear the name Sirius Black, they think trouble.

They don’t think of a broken boy, of a child thrown out of a broken home. They don’t think of tattoos and motorbikes and leather jackets. The first word is trouble, the second is Marauder, the third is brother.

For Lily, it’s unfaithful.

Lily had known him for five years at this point, she had classes with him, she had been partnered with him more times that she could count, she had held his hand after he received Howler after Howler. She didn’t know what it meant to be a Black, but she did know what it meant to not feel at home in your own childhood home.

She knew what it felt like to not belong.

And with that they bonded, they drank tea and told stories about their siblings and cousins and parents, they shared their life. They were friends because none of their other friends got it, they were friends because they needed someone else to understand.

The pact had been simple. They would write during the summers, swap war stories twice a week of their craziness. They would share what they knew, what they could tell, what the other could understand.

But after a week in, Lily got radio silence.

Another week passed, then another, then another, unanswered and unopened letters littered her desk. Worries went unchecked.

Her worries grew, they went into overdrive, she cried herself to sleep. This boy that she loved, that she cared about, that knew her and the life she lived, was forced into during the summer and holiday visits had abandoned her.

This boy who knew everything, who understood everything…he broke her heart in the most selfish way.

Sirius Black would come back, he would squeeze her hand when Howlers came to him at Hogwarts, he would cry on her shoulder when his brother would die years later, he would walk her down the aisle on her wedding day. But he would also take something from her that summer, that long and hot and cruel summer without the lifeline of someone who understood a bitchy sibling and parents who didn’t know how to love a child different than them.

It would take months for Lily to love him again, but she would fall for his heart break all over again. It would never be his charms and jokes and infectious laughter that earned her heart, it would be his familiar tragedy and the way he helped save her.

4. James Potter, 1977

The first time Lily ever kissed James Potter, it was because he broke her heart.

Years and years and years of mixed feelings, of fights and arguments that never seemed to blow over, of day dreams and pining looks and lingers touches. It had been stupid, all of it had been stupid.

Love was stupid.

It was overrated, irrational, and life ending. And yet she fell.

She fell because despite all of the fights, all of the day dreams, all of his smiles and rushed words and his stupid, stupid ticks, she had always loved him. He had the rights to her heart when they met at eleven on the Hogwarts Express. She, going away from everything she knew at top speed, and he, surging forward towards everything he wanted.

She had always been a sucker for kind eyes and a nice smile. She just didn’t realize it until it was much too late.

Until her heart ached whenever he was near, until her head grew dizzy when their arms brushed, until she looked at him and saw everything she could ever want. This was a boy, no man, that you did fall in love with at first sight. That you let kiss you in the rain on a cold November night. That you cried over in bed because you couldn’t sleep at night.

James Potter was a man that love touched and didn’t let go.

It took Lily much longer to realize that she should’ve.

He broke her heart with a kind smile, his hazel eyes bright with laughter, his hair a frizzy halo around his head. He was tall and tan and so beautiful that it hurt to look at him, it hurt to try and smile and pretend that her heart didn’t want him.

James Potter was a man that didn’t deserve rejection.

It would take another month for her to pluck up the courage to tell him. To whisper her love for him on the last warm day of the year. It would take her time for her heart to mend itself, for her brain to forgive the pain in not allowing herself to love him. It would take Lily the rest of her short life to forgive him.

It would only take a moment to kiss him though. She would remember the fire in her veins, the aching in her chest, the fuzziness in her head. She would remember the warmth of his hands, the soft feel of his lips, the small moan that he made when she touched his throat.

She would remember the feeling of her heart knitting itself back together, slowly and carefully, but enough to feel whole again.

5. Peter Pettigrew, 1980

It would be much too late when Lily realized that Peter Pettigrew was the reason for her biggest heartbreak.

It would be long after her son was born, with soft spikey black hair and tan skin and her green eyes. He would be talking and walking and laughing when Lily realized that the tiny little man with sad blue eyes and anger in his heart betrayed her.

Betrayed James, betrayed Harry.

He would cause her death, so young, so prematurely, so unnecessary.

He had made her son be marked as an equal, a baby boy with a toothy grin and bright eyes, a baby boy who smiled and found laughter in everything. A baby boy who called him wo-my and giggled when Peter threw him in the air and always fell asleep in his arms.

Peter had broken her heart when she heard the door blast open, when she heard James fall to the floor, when a man who hated her because of her birth killed her.

But she felt the sadness much earlier. Looking at Peter hurt, not in the way it once had with James, no, it hurt because he was growing smaller, thinner, paler. He was no longer happy, he shied away at smiles and laughter, he grew unfamiliar.

He broke her heart long before the mark appeared on his arm, his greatest shame.

He broke her heart, and somehow, it was like he knew before it all came to an end.

1. Harry Potter, 1981

“Mama loves you.”

Lily stared at her son, his chubby cheeks and dark hair, his tan skin and toothy smile, she stared at her own eyes and tried to find the strength to say something else. Her baby boy was going to die and it was her fault.

“Mama loves you Harry,” she whispered, hoping and wishing that he would know that she never wanted this for him. Her baby boy, her only child, she would never have another, she would never live pass this next moment.

Harry would never know her, never know James, he would never know the love she had for him.

One more man to break her heart.

Go ahead, break my heart. You can break it a thousand times if you so desire. It’s been yours break since the day we met.

She had once stood in front of James and told him that he could end her, break her heart over and over and over again. But even then the words hadn’t been meant for him, they were for Harry, they were for their son.

“Mama has had her heart broken so many times, Harry,” whispered Lily, desperate to get the words out, to let her baby boy know how much she loved him. “But you are the one that I’ll never be angry about, you are the one that I loved most.”

She wished that she could kiss James one last time; that she could hug Remus and tell him how much he meant to her; that she could cry into Sirius’ shoulder and hold his hand; that she could say goodbye to her father once again; that she could be the one to murder Peter.

She wished that her son could grow up loved and safe and protected.

She wished that she could hold him and never let him go, never put him down again.

She wished that the green light wasn’t the same shade as her eyes.

“Mama loves you Harry, forever and ever Heartbreaker.”

[hualianff]

Thrift Shoppers

BY and PX are out shopping at a thrift store. PX waits for BY to try clothes on to show him her outfits. He sees another man lounged on the only couch near the dressing rooms. The man’s long hair is tied back into a long braid, an eyepatch on his right eye.

When BY comes out in her first several outfits, PX isn’t sure how to give an opinion. He’s not stylistic by any means and mostly wears what his mother recommends. (PX comes from a well-off household, only the luxury brands are acceptable.)

As BY goes back into the dressing room with minimal comments from PX, the man with the eyepatch speaks up.

“If you want to be invited to go shopping with your girlfriend in the future, you’re going to have to put in more effort than that,” he says.

PX blanches.

“S-she’s not my girlfriend,” he stutters. The unspoken “yet” hangs in the air.

“But you want her to be,” the stranger says knowingly.

PX deflates a bit.

“Is it that obvious?” He asks. The man clicks his tongue, giving PX a side-eye.

“To her, probably not. At most, you’re giving her three-syllable answers when she asks for your opinion—which she clearly values,” he informs idly.

“I’m not the most knowledgeable with fashion,” PX admits.

The other man now gives him a once-over. “Hmm, I wouldn’t say that. But let me help with the next one.”

The sound of the dressing door opens, but it’s the door to the left of BY’s. Out steps another man in light-wash jeans and a pink knitted sweater.

“San Lang, what do you think of this one?”

“Gege, come a bit closer,” the eye-patched man responds. PX watches with interest as it seems the men had come shopping together. “Hmm, I really like the shade of the sweater. Is it comfortable?”

“Very!” The other man answers, holding his arms out to the side and wiggling happily. PX notices how the collar scoops low enough to expose his collar bones.

Was this considered the latest style?

PX sneaks a glance at the eye-patched man and sees that though his shirt isn’t revealing, it’s incredibly tight. The sheer fabric stretches tightly upon a wide chest, leaving little to the imagination of what is underneath.

PX shakes those certain thoughts out of his head. He tears his eyes away from both men who stand quite close to each other now. The eye-patched man, who PX now seems as “San Lang,” assesses his partner’s pants.

“Can Gege turn around in a circle?”

The other man complies, slow and practiced.

“The pants look a bit tight, but Gege likes them like this, right?”

“Hmm, yes. They’re fine back here-“ the man in the sweater gestures to his backside, which impressively fills out the pants. “-but if I squat down-“

He bends his knees and squats down. Both men on the couch widen their eyes in concern as strong, thick quad muscles bulge the fabric of the pants—threatening to rip at the seams.

“Okay, ahahahah, these are definitely too tight then,” the man says as he quickly stands up. “I’ll try on the next pair.”

He shoots his partner a grateful smile before rushing back into the dressing room.

PX blinks in realization.

So this was the correct way to give one’s opinion about another’s style of clothes? Not that SL was overly critical with his words, but he served as a second pair of eyes that aided his partner to a decision about the clothes.

“Don’t overthink it. Provide compliments, ask questions, and give feedback that you think will be helpful,” SL suggests, spreading his legs as he leans back into the couch.

PX, sitting with a straight back and proper leg position, vaguely thinks he needs to relax a bit.

Before PX can respond, BY’s dressing room door opens up. She steps out in a high-waisted plaid skirt reaching mid-thigh and a white crop-top that accentuates her build nicely.

PX tries to swallow but ends up choking on his spit. Out of the corner of his eye, PX sees the other man duck his head into his hand.

“Pull it together, man,” PX tells himself.

“Pei-ge, how does this look?” BY prompts, doing a cute little twirl so the skirt flares out.

“You look…beautiful,” PX honestly says. He couldn’t find any other words besides beautiful because that’s directly where PX’s mind goes when it comes to BY. He thinks she could even make a burlap sack look great.

(Also, not @ how he complimented BY herself in the clothes instead of the clothes.)

“Thank you! I wasn’t sure if the top would fit to cover enough, but I think it looks good,” BY says enthusiastically. She peers at herself in the full-body length mirrors, then turns back to PX. “I’ll definitely get the skirt. I’m going to try on a few more tops with it.”

BY reaches for the dressing room door handle, but before she can open it, PX manages to sneak in one last comment.

“The black shirt, you know, the one with the long sleeves, I think it would look really good with that skirt,” PX says tentatively.

Except as soon as he says those words, he meekly shuts his mouth. What if BY thinks his suggestions are weird? Or he’s being too pushy?

Don’t get him wrong, PX doesn’t care about his pushiness with anyone else other than BY. With BY, PX would like to be equals. He would never want to force his opinions or make her feel like her own opinions and choices don’t matter.

However, BY’s eyes light up as she takes in PX’s comment.

“That sounds perfect. I’ll try on that one next.” She exclaims. “Thank you, Pei-ge!”

As soon as the door closes, SL gives him an approving look.

“That was better. Giving feedback shows that you’re engaged in your time together. It makes the shopping experience more enjoyable for both of you. Even if it’s not your thing,” SL says.

“Right…” PX mutters.

“And don’t worry, you’ll learn to function with that crush of yours,” SL continues. “I’ve been doing it for years.”

Meanwhile, in the dressing rooms right by each other…

“Hua Lao Shi? How was that?” BY whispers through the thin wall.

“He definitely sounded winded…you probably took his breath away with your beauty,” XL whispers back, feeling like a proud father. “Keep it up.”

BY is a sophomore at the college XL teaches at. She took XL’s beginning environmental science course in freshman year and is currently in his advanced sustainability elective. BY loves XL’s methods of teaching; she hopes to become XL’s TA next year.

BY had run into XL on the way to the dressing rooms. After telling her professor about the guy she’s shopping with and hoping to date, XL suggests they get dressing rooms beside each other. That way, he can guide her in assessing whether PX is romantically interested in her.

PX, who is in a completely different school, didn’t recognize XL or his partner. XL had texted HC about BY’s simulation beforehand. HC, content to coach this child in proper etiquette when shopping with anyone you care about, sneaks a confirming glance at XL as he walks back after another mini-catwalk.

XL and HC know these two will be just fine.

Bonus:

(HC: “Gege, I may have…a crush on you.” 🥺

XL: “San Lang, we’ve been together for eight years, married for five.”

HC: 🥺

XL: “I have a crush on you too.” 😇)