#lookit them all grown up

[adrift-in-thyme]

MY BOYS

Credit to @/linkeduniverse

[partycatty]

Johnny cage and mayB some others being mind numbingly in love

Like they talk to reader and everytime just feel so stupid afterwards because theyre so in love and do stupid shit to impress

i love stupid men anon this works so well for me

johnny, raiden, kung lao, syzoth > stupid in love

warnings: big stupid hot sexy men (what else is new?), bojack horseman minor spoiler?? LMFOAMOF

+ bonus surprise character at the very end

masterlist

johnny >

• have you guys LMAO have you guys seen the. DLGHSDKJ the episode of bojack horseman where bojack gives diane the D in from the hollywood sign?? johnny is SO extra like that and for WHAT.

• OR YOU GUYS KNOW WHEN TODDLERS LIKE REALLY WANT TO SHOW YOU SOMETHING AND THEY JUST KEEP SAYING "LOOKIT" LMFAFOIFMOA

• "reader, reader are you watching - reader, reader watch -" as he's like about to absolutely FUCK UP a nerds rope or some stupid shit

• okay i'll be fr. johnny is by far the most concerningly extra of the entire group. he will put himself in stupid danger just to impress you.

• "watch me take on all these guys at once!" he'll call out to you during your time at the academy, surrounded by a dozen monks. he's in a sling and bandages the next day.

• "kenshi, i bet you sento that i can jump from the roof like bi-han did!" BAM.

• he'd randomly give you expensive gifts out of absolutely nowhere. or he'd give his one of many glasses away to you because he "has no use for them" or they're "out of style" (he's lying, he just wants to see you wear something that's his).

• oh? you briefly mention you're a tad chilly during training? oh no, johnny's top fell off, i guess he has to give it to you now. you know, to stay warm. oh, you don't want his top? okay, here's a comically fluffy, expensive coat! and it just so happens to be your size...!

• lowkey i headcanon johnny as, despite being an actor, pretty blushy if someone matches his energy or really gets under his skin. you'll pass by him with a witty comment about his fighting style, or even just to tell him he cleaned up nice after getting his ass kicked by raiden. johnny just stands there with steam spitting from his red ears, hand on his chest as he fights a stupid grin.

• he is down ASTRONOMICALLY. not even the elder gods can stop this man from being so drunk in love when you're around. he makes it everyone's problem.

raiden >

• we see how flustered he gets when he's called out by kitana. he's a grown man with dick and balls but he's also flustered very easily! he'll be decently vocal about his affection for you, but then word trickles down to your ear, at which point it's so over for him.

• walks into walls when he's so entranced by you training. like face first into a wall, his hat fluttering to the ground. kung lao loses it.

• he can't even hear what you're saying when you speak to him, it sounds like an angel muffled by the clouds of heaven. raiden's also not the greatest with his powers granted by the amulet. if you go in to touch his arm playfully, a jolt of electricity pricks your palm and you yelp. raiden can only sputter apologies as he bows down, his cheeks tinted.

• he's the type to do little favors for you, ones you barely notice. your spot at the table is tidied, the training dummy is prepped for your fighting style, or he's the first one to bring you something if you forget it. that, and tiny favors to butter you up to him.

• "reader, you said you were nauseous last training. i prepared you some tea," he'd slide the small cup over to you, fighting a goofy smile. he rehearsed his script a few times, so he sounded more static than intended.

• will ask you questions about training or the weather just to hear your voice. he couldn't even recall what you were saying, he just loved the way your lips moved.

• kung lao pokes at him for this often, nudging him or making comments about you being his partner when you're not. raiden will stomp on his foot to keep him from talking about his infatuation if you're around. as if you don't already know.

kung lao >

• he's totally the bouncing on his heels type of man. he'll stare at you with a stupid grin, like a kid in a candy store.

• "was there something you needed, kung lao?" you'd ask as you tended to your own duties, organizing various equipment into baskets.

• "ah, no, not at all," he'd wave you off with a grin. "just enjoying... the view."

• you cringe at his words, chuckling to yourself as he speaks you in a daze. his mouth runs off before his brain can stop it from happening, so his biggest downfall with his crush is yapping. he'll sit there and explain his family history to you, or how much he hated farming cabbage, or his favorite meal at madam bo's just to keep you around long enough.

• kung lao always has this desire to keep you close by, so he continuously does stupid shit to keep you by his side. including but not limited to accidentally slicing his hands on his hat, one that he swore was a genius idea. in concept, probably.

• he wants to impress you so bad. SO BAD. anything he does is deserving of a bragging right if he's the one to do it. lao would totally try to shrug it off so you could gas him up more. any compliment, forced or not, was music to his ears.

• "yeah, i totally beat raiden," he'll check his nails nonchalantly as he leans against the wall, telling you the story of the cabbage competition for dinner against his best friend. "really swept him."

• "that's just not true," raiden would try to interject when he heard lao's version of the story. kung lao just holds eye contact with you, grinning, as he shoves raiden aside by his face.

syzoth >

• im sorry IM SORRY BUT I JUST LOVE THE HC THAT HIS TAIL WAGS I KNOW THATS NOT HOW THAT WORKS JUST- JUST BEAR WITH ME.

• you hear thumping when you're around, though you're never able to find out where it's coming from, so you chalk it up to the monks landing blows against the wooden dummies.

• but the sound lingers when you're at dinner. the table is... rattling.

• you look up to see if anyone else notices or if you were hit too hard during training. but, you see everyone staring past you. just down the table, syzoth is sitting with a pile of bugs on his plate, his tail thumping in and out of view.

• "syzoth," kenshi will gently say, leaning into his ear to whisper something. syzoth flushes a green tint and tries to resume to his meal, the bugs scurrying out of his chopsticks as he struggles to keep it together.

• out of respect for his dignity, you hold your tongue at his obvious affection. syzoth tries to keep it under wraps but he can't help it when you're just so cute!

• he'll stand close by you, inching closer and closer until you notice. he'll slip you little trinkets and flora with a small smile. anything from a rock that matches the shades of your eye, to a flower he picked by the gardens, to a stick. a nice stick, to be fair! you wonder if this is zaterran courtship.

• "it reminded me of you," he'd lean into your ear. your bedside table is decorated with various... outside decor.

BONUS! kitana >

• kitana knew she couldn't get entangled with the umgadi after seeing how risky mileena is with tanya, but my god were you breathtaking.

• you would often accompany her in the carriages as she waved to her people, eyes transfixed on her. you're devoted to her protection. it is your god-given duty. your eye contact was too much at times, and kitana would often catch herself staring at you, her hand suspended in the air. she'd forget to wave.

• "is everything alright, my princess?" you would ask innocently, in a low tone to avoid raising suspicion. kitana's mind short circuits when you call her... yours. even if you're referring to the umgadi's worship. she shakes her head and clears her throat, pulling her mask up higher to conceal her blush.

• if she were to give speeches on her mother's behalf or otherwise, she'd find herself forgetting what the rehearsed, or hell, struggling to rehearse. you were the one she'd come to for help with speeches, yet you made things ten times harder when you'd lean in to listen to her better. it makes her mind absolutely numb.

• "and you tell me to steer away from the umgadi," mileena would rasp into her ear as the sister sat on their thrones, you positioned by her side and eyes forward. "it seems you picked a favorite, sister."

• "i'm not the only guilty one," she'd hiss back to her sister, nodding at tanya. "it won't get in the way of duties, as long as mother doesn't know."

• you'd fight to netherrealm and back for your princess. as you fight off intruders or threats, kitana forgets to escape, instead transfixed on the way your muscles would contract and flex with each blow.

• she wants to be the one to care for your wounds. the power imbalance means nothing to her, you're her equal.

[brodygold]

Twelve Days of Christmas: Day Three

On the third day of Christmas, my true love gave to me: three French hens.

Brody stepped off the bus, suitcase in hand, and took in the familiar sight of his grandparents' farm. Rolling fields, the smell of hay, and the cacophony of clucking chickens greeted him like an old friend. This year, he was visiting for the holidays, eager to spend some quality time with his grandparents and older cousin, Travis. Among the usual farmyard chaos, Brody’s eyes caught sight of three French hens clucking daintily near the coop, their feathers pristine amidst the muddy surroundings.

Standing by the weathered fence were his grandmother Marylou, his grandfather Hank, and Travis. All three waved enthusiastically, their southern drawls carrying over the breeze as they hollered their welcomes.

“Well, ain’t this a sight for sore eyes! Lookit you, all fancy and grown up,” Marylou called, her voice warm and rich with Southern charm. She adjusted her apron, which was stained with flour and dirt from a morning spent baking and gardening.

Hank tipped his wide-brimmed hat. “Got here just in time. Chickens ‘bout ready for feedin’. You up for it, boy?”

Travis leaned against the fence, his plaid shirt untucked, chewing a piece of hay. “City life ain’t softened ya up too much, has it, Brody?”

Brody chuckled, playing along. “Not at all, y’all. Let’s get to work.”

As they continued working throughout the day, Brody couldn’t help but notice how out of place he truly felt. He’d grown used to being in the city and being with the Golden Army. He was used to working hard at practice and giving 100 percent in everything he did, but this still tired him out even more than any of that ever did. The sight of muddy boots and fraying overalls gave him an idea—one that made him smile.

Once they reached the coop to gather eggs, Brody pulled out a sleek, golden badge etched with the insignia of the Golden Army. He held it up, the sunlight reflecting brilliantly off its surface.

“What’s that there?” Marylou asked, squinting at the badge.

“A little something special,” Brody said with a mischievous grin. “Trust me, it’s going to make everything better.”

Before they could ask questions, Brody pressed the badge, and a pulse of golden light radiated outward, enveloping all three of them at once. The air shimmered around them, and their bodies froze momentarily as the transformation took hold.

Marylou’s apron and dress dissolved into shimmering particles that floated away like fireflies. Her weathered hands smoothed, and her hunched frame straightened as years melted away. Her gray curls darkened into a sleek cut, and her face reshaped into sharp, youthful masculine features. Her outfit reassembled into a sharp, golden button-down shirt tucked neatly into khaki shorts. A golden bow tie materialized at her collar, and loafers appeared on her feet. Her southern drawl vanished as she blinked, a refined, posh voice replacing it. “Oh my, Brody, this is simply marvelous! How dreadfully uncouth I must have seemed before.” He touched his face in awe. “I feel absolutely splendid.”

Hank’s plaid shirt and jeans melted into golden light, revealing a polished golden button-down shirt and crisp khaki shorts. His rugged face softened, his skin smoothing and his posture straightening as he grew more youthful and vibrant. His thinning hair thickened into neatly combed waves, and his work boots disappeared, replaced by polished loafers. A golden bow tie appeared at his collar, completing the look. His southern drawl faded as he adjusted the collar of his shirt, speaking in a crisp accent. “Well, this is a revelation! Manual labor is such a tiresome ordeal, don’t you think?” He flexed his fingers, marveling at the transformation. “Quite the improvement.”

Travis let out a startled yelp as his tattered clothes evaporated, replaced by a tailored golden button-down shirt and khakis that fit his newly muscular frame. His lanky build filled out with lean strength, his hair styled itself into a fashionable cut, and the hay fell from his mouth as a golden bow tie appeared at his collar. His voice emerged posh and articulate, his southern twang erased. “Brody, old chap,” he said, straightening his bow tie, “this is far more agreeable. The farm is positively dreadful, don’t you think?”

Brody stepped back, admiring his handiwork as the three of them examined their new appearances. They looked every bit the part of Golden Army recruits—poised, polished, and exuding confidence.

Martin clasped Brody’s shoulder. “Well, dear boy, shall we leave this place behind? The Golden Army could use individuals of our caliber.”

Hank nodded, inspecting his new loafers. “Indeed. This farm life is a thing of the past. Let’s move on to greater pursuits.”

Travis adjusted his bow tie, glancing back at the chicken coop with disdain. “I couldn’t agree more. Golf or lacrosse sounds infinitely preferable to this mess.”

Brody smiled and pulled out his phone. “Before we leave, let’s get a picture of this transformation.”

"Tell us something we don't know, bro." The trio lined up, their golden button-down shirts and bow ties gleaming in the sunlight, standing tall and confident. Brody snapped a picture, capturing their polished new appearances against the backdrop of the farm they were leaving behind.

“Perfect,” Brody said, slipping his phone back into his pocket. Together, the four of them strode away from the farm, leaving the clucking chickens and fields behind. Brody felt a bit disappointed that his family wouldn't be running the farm anymore, but he was sure the polo drones would be more than willing to help out.They'd do anything for the team after all!

[funarisjournal]

Grown-Up Talk: My NomoKasu Intimacy Headcanon

[NOTE: I use some Ch 40 panels here, but this isn't a summary of the chapter. It just has good, thematic illustrations for today's mini-essay!]

Art-wise, it seems I have done a bit more "intimate" art lately, huh? Well, if you follow my art blog, of course. I just like exploring deeper stuff with NomoKasu! I don't know how far they'd go canonically, but I relate to them, too? Or at least, Nomoto. We're both demisexual lesbians. As a result, a lot of my "spicy" fanworks for them come from experience. It's kind of why I never go past the spicy levels I tend to show in my works because, well...that stuff makes me a little uncomfortable! Or I'm like...super neutral about it, like when I did NSFW commissions back in the day. Just trying to make a living at the time, folks. But eh. I digress.

Sometimes, a hug, a kiss, heck, even skinship alone is really powerful stuff! We don't have Chapter 40 translated yet, but I related to Nomoto SO MUCH there. The consent talk was really good, too, but I like how it seemed like part of it was that Nomoto was getting REALLY flustered by the mere thought of making skin contact with Kasuga. I get it! But in a few chapters, it seems she has some of the basics under control but is very content, nonetheless.

I mean, lookit that snuggle. Look how giddy Nomoto is. She is blushing. She loves that moment. Kasuga does, too! She just shows her enjoyment differently! But Nomoto is definitely the relatable focus for me here. Just wanna absorb that loving warmth to relax, calm down, or even empower, depending on the Want!

Unless proven otherwise (somehow? I doubt the comic will ever visibly go that far, but who knows), I headcanon them as a relationship that MAY go at least "vanilla"-far, but it's mostly hugs and caresses and kisses. All over, of course. And I kind of "kin" Nomoto, so whatever I draw or write will reflect that.

Well, besides love through food. It's all about the FOOD, folks! The food is Number One in their hearts~ (But, you gotta admit, Nomoto does sort of have a food kink going on lol)

[wonderlandleighleigh]

anything with lily!!!

At four, Lily looks quite a lot like Esther did, though Esther has their mother's blue eyes, while Lily's are her father's hazel, and one of Lenny's very favorite things is to watch the kids together.

It'd be easy, with the big age gap between Lily and her siblings, for the older kids to ignore her, but they never, ever do. Sure, Ethan (15 and making noises about dating), Kitty (14 and starting to get way too fucking smart) and Esther (eleven, and as outspoken as ever), have their their own things going. Baseball practice and the school paper and orchestra rehearsals, but when they're home, Lily is their favorite person.

On Sunday nights, they watch the Wonderful World of Disney together, and takeout, Ethan old enough to be in charge when Midge and Lenny have work. After dinner, they all sprawl out with their homework on the living room floor and play music while they work, and Lily plays with her dolls, pulling her siblings into the narrative every so often.

They've loosened up at family dinners, too, though Joel, Moishe and Abe are still not in favor of having all the kids sit with the grown-ups, but Lenny loves it. Especially because Lan is there, too, and the kids are all goofy and weird and snappy and clever.

"We should get a boat," Lan tells all of them. "Lenny and Ethan fishes and we can swim!"

"You're not swimming in the Hudson," Abe tells the seven-year-old. "We don't know what's in the Hudson."

"Probably a lot of people your grandparents didn't like very much," Ethan jokes.

Mei laughs, startled, while Joel narrows his eyes at his oldest son.

"You gotta?" he asks.

"It was a good joke," Ethan argues.

Joel rolls his eyes and turns to Midge. "You got anything to say to your son?"

"Oh, so when he makes wildly inappropriate jokes about mafia hits, it's my fault?" Midge asks.

Joel nods. "Yes."

Midge nods back. "Actually, that's fair. Ethan. Not at the dinner table. Save it for dessert."

"Sure, Ma."

"Real nice," Joel grumbles.

Lily giggles, though everyone knows she's too young to understand exactly what she's laughing at.

"Oh, is something funny?" Noah asks his little niece, reaching out to tickle her. "I'll give you something funny."

Lily giggles and squirms, and Astrid laughs, while Chaim (eight and too smart) reaches out to help with the tickling.

"Not too much, she'll throw up," Rose warns, looking mildly amused at the spectacle.

"Yes, let's not end the night with vomit," Midge agrees.

"This is why the children should eat in the kitchen," Abe grumbles.

"The kitchen in our apartment isn't big enough for all six kids to eat comfortably without one of them sitting on the counter," Lenny tells him. "And this is too much fun."

"Sure. Fun," Joel grumbles.

"Cheer up, Joely," Shirley tells her son, patting his hand. "These dinners aren't half as horrible as they were when you and Midge first separated."

"And nothing ever will be," Moishe agrees. "And it's...not so bad having all the kids around. God knows Esther holds her when in a debate."

Esther smiles proudly, and Lenny knows that she'll make a hell of a lawyer one of these days. He nudges her and grins with pride. "Lookit you, impressing the hardasses at the table."

Esther giggles and shoves at his face as he ruffles her hair.

Kitty beams happily and rests her head on Midge's shoulder. "I like eating with everybody. It feels nice."

Midge strokes her hair away from her face and kisses her temple. "Well I like having you all around the table."

"Where's Auntie Susie?" Lily asks, now perched on her uncle's knee and eating some of the leftover rice on his plate.

"Auntie Susie had to go to one of her client's gigs tonight," Midge explains. "But she said to eat an extra apple tart for her for dessert."

Lily's eyes go wide with excitement. "Two apple tarts?"

"Oh, she'll definitely throw up from two," Astrid chimes in.

"We'll split a second one, kiddo," Noah promises. "And then we'll look at the big plant book Papa Abe got you for Hanukkah."

"Flower book!" Lily squeaks happily.

"Midge, you gave birth to a nerd," Joel teases.

"The best nerd," Midge beams, glancing at Lenny.

He grins back and steals one of Esther's carrots, getting him whacked in the arm, making him and the rest of the able laugh.

[giant-tiny-fiber-friends]

Knitting in G/T

Let's get started with a classic!

(This is a continuation of a conversation that began here, for context)

I'm intending for this to be partly an informative post, as well as a conversation starter in case anyone had ideas or questions regarding the topic. As part of the g/t writing community, I know how handy it can be to have resources for niche topics, so hopefully this can help or inspire someone! I'm going to talk about knitting in existing g/t media, some of the possibilities I can think of as far as knitting for giants and tinies go, and some examples of what gives me real life g/t vibes in knitting.

Knitting, for clarity, is the art of turning yarn into fabric using a pair of needles. It seems like one of those crafts that people have plenty of ideas about with tinies, but doesn't so readily come up with giants. Maybe we'll fix that here, we'll see!

In Media

I've noticed this has mostly been explored from the tiny side of things, at least in established media. Now's the part where I admit that I do not have a comprehensive understanding and grasp of g/t media, so if there are further examples of this that exist, I'd love to hear about them! For now, the most immediate examples I can think of is The Borrowers, both in the book and one of the film adaptations.

The first is featured in one of the original covers of the original book, a colorized version of an illustration that shows Homily knitting on a pair of pins.

The text describes her as "knitt(ing) their jerseys and stockings on black headed pins, and, sometimes, on darning needles (...)" and goes on to describe her using spools of silk or cotton thread to do so. This is doable, especially since both thread and pins can vary in thicknesses, which can affect the way the fabric created behaves. One would simply need to find or make pins that were more dull, because those things can get Sharp!

Darning needles, which are slightly bigger than what you'd think of as sewing needles but still pretty thin, are a little thicker and I would think would be used with something a bit more substantial than thread. I'll get into this more in depth when I get around to talking about spinning, but yarn can be spun pretty finely, and tinies could easily be resourceful enough to manage to get it to a usable size, no matter the needles used.

As an aside, the BBC's 1992 iteration of The Borrowers quietly goes into more detail about this side of their existence. It ran for two seasons, covering most of the books up til "The Borrowers Aloft", I believe. The whole thing can bee found on YouTube, and someone recently posted an HD remaster!

Homily's knitting crops up throughout the first arc as not only a tool for keeping her family warm, but as a way for her to cope with her anxiety. She quickly picks up her knitting (from a small ball of wool she seems to have wound herself rather than from a spool, which is much more mobile) after an argument with Arrietty, and while she waits for Pod to come home from late-night borrowing.

Then, after they flee the cottage, they collect wild wool (seen above) from the brambles to use as insulation, and I believe the implication is that it's later spun into yarn for Homily to use to make Arrietty a sweater/jumper and herself a cardigan, shown in this short clip:

Seriously, if you haven't seen this adaptation, I highly recommend! Lookit Homily getting to be a bit of a badass for once!

The Potential

Knitting like this is plausible in g/t spheres, in my opinion. A lot of modern knitting has grown to lean away from separate straight needles like the pins would facsimile, choosing circular needles instead. Basically it's a few inches of solid needle attached to a flexible cord that more easily allows a knitter to work in a continuous tube (like hats), but they can be used to make flat things (like scarves) as well.

Even if an article is made of tubes- hats, sweaters, and even socks- they can still be made flat and seamed together. So if all a tiny has access to are a pair of pins, or if all a giant can do is carve and polish some wood into straight needles, it's a perfectly valid way to go about things. I'm not going to put a limit on the innovations of big or small folk to be able to come up with workarounds if they truly wanted to make a circular needle equivalent, though. Maybe a tiny could use a sturdy yet flexible bit of wire with the tips worn down to a taper, or a giant could MacGyver something with literal cabling, who knows? I'm all for hearing other ideas!

Real Life G/t Vibes

Most Vibes I get from knitting are from things made with really thick or thin yarn. Big, chunky yarn reminds me of how even the thinnest of yarn would probably still be quite lofty to a tiny. To me, it gives the feeling of having found doll's clothing and using it to keep warm!

The Harper Jacket by Ciadree via Ravelry.com

And I know it's not really useful to a hypothetical giant, but knitting tiny things does give one the feeling of being big. I'm often reminded of Althea Crome, the self-proclaimed micro-knitter who made the knits in the movie Coraline and has a whole gallery of miniature knitted art!

Mixing different weight (sizes) and colors of yarn also gives me very homemade, using what you have on hand even if it doesn't match kinda vibes, which I find fitting for both giants and tinies. They (most likely) don't have textile shops where they can get all matching bits. Or maybe they do, and that's valid, too! I'll get into more detail about that when I talk about scraps and stash eventually, but I think this post has gotten quite long enough.

If you have any more ideas or questions about this topic, and especially if you have more examples in existing g/t media that I don't know of or forgot about when writing this, please do keep the conversation going!

[minty-playhouse]

A Post About My Favorite Fashion Dreamer NPCs! (so far!)

So, been playing this game daily since launch, and I've unlocked a share of the NPCs (I've heard there are 200 of them?? that's so much more than I thought there would be if true!) and some of them I love too much, so here's an extensive post about my favorites!

It's under a read more because I have no self control and fall in love with one every three seconds lol Also the NPCs are in no particular order, I'm just placing them in the order they are on my screenshots folder heh Also possible spoilers since you might have not seen some of these NPCs in your game!!

MY DEAR MY LOVE MY EVERYTHING. I love Bucky with all my heart and soul (even if he sometimes frustrates me with his color pickyness like do you enjoy green or not???? answer me!!!). He also bares a striking resemblance to a certain emerald haired bug loving boy I'm very particular about, so me getting attached to him was a no brainer lol

Really like Clarissa so much! I love her lines about wanting to be grown up, and how she seems "frustrated" that folks her age and even adults don't act mature like her hah! Also love it when i make lookits for her that are just a little cuter and she goes "Are you teasing me??? But, hm, this is cute." Like yes, you're adorable, pls! But I also like giving her the mature looks she wants because she seems so happy when I do <3

Eleanor, beloved <3 She's so cute and it's so frustrating because she barely shows up when I'm playing! I've seen her very early when I started playing, but she shows up like once very ten times I boot the game </3 Eleanor, please, come visit me, I miss you so much </3 Also the motivational stuff she says to you, like "You went outside for grogeries! Awesome!" like, she could fix me.

Farah sometimes shows up a lot and sometimes goes MIA. No in between. But I think her design and vibes are very good and I want to know more! Please show up more often so I can unveil your secrets (and take photos with you!)

Why do I like Franco? Is it because his forgetful dialogue makes me laugh? Is it the cool pink hair? Is it his cute face? Is it because he was probably the second NPC I interacted with? Who knows! All I know is that I need him to ALSO show up more often!

IAN IAN IAN. My need to put him in super cute clothes is strong but he isn't super into adorable styles and it breaks my heart because his face and size are perfect for cutesy, pastel outfits! Also ugh, his indecisiveness is cute too, everything about him is cute I need to put him on a shelf <3 <3

I LOVE ISAAC???? HE'S EVERYTHING???? Alien cute boy who speaks in code =crying forever= I was so surprised when he showed up doing his weird arm movements like "Woah, what's that?" and ugh, I love alien characters in any way shape or form and his colors just make me love him even more aaaah. I'm so glad he shows up a lot in my game and I can give him many lookits <3

MOMMY? MOMMY PLS? PLS MOMMY???? My love for Matilda is endless and I was absolutely devastated when she told me she was married like!!! I thought she was a single mom for the longest time due to her dialogue and then she dropped that bomb on me! Pls Matilda, divorce your husband and come stay with me, I can give you the world!!! She also shows up A LOT on my game and I'm always doing my best with my looks for her heh

Really like Orihime! She's so cute and I just feel so bad for her when I can't make her a good look and can't help her stop crying! I hope she shows up more and gives me more info on her character "arc" because I want to know more! (I know she's based on the Japanese tale, but I need to know more in the context of the game!)

If I'm not mistaken, Pete was the very first NPC I interacted with, and I really love his eyes and his top/vest is very stylish! I also like the way he repeats himself for some reason. I imagine some people may not like it or find it annoying, but I find it very charming heh He also needs to show up more!

Regina is so pretty it makes me wanna CRY. She's been MIA in my game for a while, which is strange because she would show up all the time! Also love how her dialogue is so disconnected from the world around her due to being obscenely rich XD I can imagine some don't like her for that exact reason (she's the 1%) but I find her behavior endearing!

Gyyyuh, I need to grab Rita and put her in my pocket she's so cute and I just want to protect her from everything!!! If anything happens to her I'll kill everyone and then myself! I also love making lookits for her because they always come off very cute <3

Shledon is such a simple character but I simply love his dark skin/"bleached" hair combo! I'm very weak for that hah Also the shape of his eyes are very pleasant to me, and so are his lips. I just think he's a very gorgeous character and he's always so nice to me <3 He's been missing a bit as well, been a while since I saw him </3

ONEESAN SISI!!!! She's everything! Like I legit fell in love with her at first sight! And her dialogue makes me so weak! Big sis characters are my BIG weakness and also they made her so pretty and FOR WHAT?? To play with my feelings? Well, it's working! I'm ready to die for her!

Twyla, my beautiful girl <3 So so hyped that they added a very early game dark skinned lolita NPC <3 We need more dark skin lolita representation up in here! I absolutely adore making Lookits for her because duh, lolita fashion is something I love and she gives me the chance to explore that a lot! Also love that she's a night owl hah

Really like Watson even though he might seem like a very "basic" character. But... his dialogue lines are just... why does it always feel like he's either coming on to me or flirting with me in a very roundabout way when we talk? Not that I'm complaining because I think he's VERY pretty but?? Is there something you wanna tell me Watson??

This is what I got so far. There are some NPCs I really like that aren't listed here because I need to take screenshots of them, so expect a part two of this post at some point lol

[keisocool]

Silk So Fine

this took way to long like wayyyyy to long😻🙈 enjoy my lovessss

Tw : Assault, war crimes , arson, mentions of sa

She was the sun reborn the epitome of beauty, the moon her face her hair as wild and calm as the sea both equally beautiful the stars and moon looked upon her beauty and elegance she was Kayiah , was the earth goddess of island of Grenada She was known for her beauty, strength,intelligence, and was a powerful protector of the earth and its inhabitants.

One day, Kayiah was banished from Olympus by her fellow goddesses and gods who were jealous and accused her of being "too wild and uncontrollable."

As she wandered she was chained to the earth, so she started creating life, with her tears and sorrows she created a plethora of creatures. Each and all her children, she wanted them to keep her companion non of which want to and only kept breaking promises and cutting deep her making her heart break even more.

Her beautiful smooth dark brown skin began to turn to stone and she no longer had love in her heart for her children the whole island began to decay they started to beg for mercy and as she did they kicked her out casting her out to sea after a pirate attempted to make her his "wife." Instead of taking her side she was kicked completely off the island.

She walked away far from humanity she came across a island if you can even call it that it was just a flat floating rock adrift at sea. She cried and cried hard everything that's she's ever known has been stripped from her time after time.

This time her tears made the rock flourish green everywhere. She was trapped in this rock mentally so she did what any person would do after crying she fell asleep. Thick vines cover she brown skin keeping her attached.

☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆���☆☆

50 years passed she wouldn't know she was tossed into a deep sleep. She hasn't aged a day all her dreams were blank. That was until that fateful day.

"HEY GUYS LOOK AN ISLAND " a pirate with a straw hat yelled excitedly. "Calm down luffy it's just a grassy rock i doubt there's anything of worth here" an orange hair girl said not surprised by her captain.Nami-swannn~ she's so precious", a blonde male said with heart eyes. As the crew approaches the mysterious floating rock,they noticed the thick vines covering the surface and decided to investigate.

"G-Guys I don't think we should be here " a cowardly voice said. 'For once I'm with long nose" swman grumbled. The Straw hat didn't care Island means food. Food is food, the one named luffy was being the curious captain he was and climbed up the vines only to find a beautiful statue woman with brown skin, sound asleep wrapped up in a pile vines.

He nudged her awake trying to wake up the sleeping beauty, but she remained motionless . "Hey lady do you have food?" The curious captain asked. Even though she heard him she couldn't wake up so intranced in her slumber she made a vine craft of 3 ripe mangoes.

"WHOAAAAA FOOOODDDD" the loud captain yelled,"did you do that?" He said while stuffing his face. "YUMMY can I have more please?" He asked with a grin. She made more Her body twitched just a bit the first time in a long time she heard voices clearly. The crew stumbled across their captain stuffing his face laughing with a statue of a beautiful woman.

" HEY GUYS LOOKIT" an overly excited captain was pointing to which the crew looked at the statue cracking. Then a woman fell out of said statue on to the grown dressed in fine silk hatler top and skirt with golden sandals. hues of green,brown, white and gold adorn her. She laid still unable to breath her pierced nose twitch.

The crew pondered what to do with her, but eventually they decided to take her aboard their ship, where chopper nursed her back to health.

☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆

☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆

As she slowly regained her consciousness she opens her eyes and looked at her surroundings. She was . Guysss come here she's awake"a raccoon dog spoke as a Piece of stone breaking off of her once hard skin turning back soft and full of life everyone flocked to see "who are you ? "Luffy asked. "I am a goddess "she replied still dazed from her long sleep. The whole crew looked at her in disbelief. "NO WAY SHE COULDN'T POSSIBLY BE A GODDESS" the crew was in . "You were trapped in that rock for 50 years," Nami said with concern. "We found you and brought you aboard our ship." "You must simply let me repay you for your kindness as she made heaps of gold, precious metals ans fruits. Everyone's jaw was on the floor." I am Kayiah, the earth goddess of Grenada," she replied, her voice soft and melodious like silk.

"Well I'll be off now" she said with a smile, as she arted to walk away because it had been awhile since she last walked she tripped falling face first.

The silence was loud the a hearty laugh emerges from the Straw hat. "You're odd you should join my crew" He said with a smile " no thank you,but can you direct me to the next island It would be much appreciated" she stated with a smile still trying to get up "nah but if you were part of my crew then maybe I would help you " He said with a grin she gave him a blank stare , she walked over to the deck as everyone stands around her awaiting her decision. "Your Pirates right?" She asked knowingly looking up at the obvious pirate flag "Yes but what does that matter big sis can i call you big sis how did you make all this gold" a orange haired navigator spoke up " Then id have to decline" her accent still pervelent.she sat on the railing maintaining eye contact she jumped off the railsof the merry with a splash .

"MY HAIRR" the brown skin girl screamed as the water spit her back into the ship her clothes drenched and her curls drenched,she stood up and started making a raft with palm leaves then was about to dive in when a beautiful raven haired woman tapped her shoulder." Um I don't think It's wise to go out to sea in that raft especially when Nami said there was going to be a storm". She got up slowly and turned around "miss I'm very thankful you and your friends saved me bit I can't over stay my welcome, i don't have the best history with pirates" she replied with a unique expression "no is okay we totally get it" the navigator spoke up "you don't have to trust us we're currently on our way to skypia ". She felt something warm and fluffy wrap around her leg. She looked down confused and saw the little reindeer tearing up "momma" it said give Kayiah the cutest puppy eyes 'hell why is there a reindeer on board' she smiled gently at the crying reindeer picking it up I guess ill stay till the storms over.

[muppeteyes1001]

"Yes! .. Thank you, again!" the cat woman called out to the lemur-like proprietor inside the shop. With a wave, she leaves through the front door and walks down the short steps back onto the cobblestone street. She had just purchased some parts for something that she had been neglecting for a time. But now, she would be able to complete it.

As Kitt adjusted her hold on both the bag of purchases and the item in question, a retriever lady walked by with her little pup son in tow. Her head held high in quite a haughty manner. As she walked by the felinoid .. however .. she gave her a narrowed side eye.

"Momma Momma! ... Lookit! .. What's that?" the pup curiously asked, Pointing over at the cat woman, tugging on his mother's long skirt.

He saw the item in Kitt's gloved hand and his face brightened into a smile as his little tail wagged happily. He ran up to the cat woman to see it up close. "Is that a real robot?! .. Can I see it?!" the pup asked, jumping a bit with excitement.

Kitt blinked in light surprise before giving the puppy boy a small smile. She then squatted down a bit to show him the item of interest. It was, indeed, a robot of sorts ... But just a mechanical arm. One that was able to extend out a short distance and grab small items ... It was also able to move almost as fluidly as a real hand .. Gestures and all .. And the felinoid demonstrated this to the boy with a flip of a tiny switch. It's digits seemed to move on it's own accord, but only a little since the needed parts weren't added on yet. A fairly simple contraption, but one that could be of good use .. And had some good potential.

The little pup was in obvious awe of it as he began to gently touch the contraption .. Even gave it a little hand shake .. However, a yellow furred arm had reached down between Kitt and him to grab the boy's hand and pulled him away.

"Theo! .. How many times have I told you never to talk to strangers?" the pup's mother began before turning her attention towards Kitt. Her face showing an expression of absolute distaste.

"Especially with riffraff like that one" she added. Her tone was as if she was trying to rid something sour tasting in her mouth.

With that, the dog lady lightly tugs her little son away. The pup would turn his head to look over at Kitt with a slightly confused expression before obediently following his mother as they walked down the street.

Kitt watched the two go for a bit before slowly standing up straight. Her wintergreen eyes narrowed before closing them again with a sigh. It was then that the robotic arm seemed to act on it's own accord once again and flipped off the dog lady at her back. Catching that, the felinoid quickly covers the mechanical hand before turning away to make her way back home.

The cat woman had grown very used to hearing the nonstop chatter that would often happen behind her back. Rumors and half-truths that had been spread about her over the years had given her quite a negative image to many within Dawnsburg. Some folks have even downright told her their opinions of her right in her face with no fear or shame of their actions.

But, no matter what, Kitt had grown to learn to ignore the small-minded prattle. Fighting and arguing had almost always worked against her and only made their points feel proven. She just reckoned it was better to just never show that they get to her. Even though it had proven to be soo difficult at times.

Kitt often felt like an outcast in her own hometown.

[systemadministratorclu]

"Helga's right," Milo adds, getting down on Lyle's other side, "You didn't mean to, you just got excited. I do the same thing all the time. It's okay." He smiles warmly

Lyle frowns as Helga continues

"My daddy's in the army." He says softly, "He yells a lot.....and he says bad words a lot.....and he hurt me and Mama......"

"Hey, look at me." Milo says, "That's not gonna happen. Me and Miss Helga, we aren't going to hurt you. Ever. And we won't let anyone else hurt you either. And whatever your daddy said about you, Lyle, he was wrong. Okay? You are kind, you are smart, and you are so, so loved." Milo says as he gives Lyle a hug, thinking of the man this little boy grew up to become. Absently, he looks at the rings on his left finger, one of them the one Rourke made with his own hands to propose to Milo with (the other is his grandfather's wedding band, now HIS wedding band).

Lyle looks at the plate, then at the two of them. A look of understanding crosses his face.

"Daddy.....broke my plate......but Miss Helga and Mr. Milo......can help put it back together.....and make it better than it was." Milo nods, smiling.

"That's exactly right, Lyle."

And then, as kids often do, Lyle says something, not knowing how it hits the grown-ups.

"Then I wanna help make Miss Helga's plate better than it was!" Now he's smiling again, but he's also got a determined look on his little face, reminiscent of the one he has as an adult. Milo nods as he picks up the rest of the pieces and sets them on the table where they'll work on it.

//lookit the little guy, showing his smarts already!!//

A "Little" Situation (Closed Starter for @thetinyadventurer )

A sound comes from outside, like something falling. Then there's a loud rustling. Something moving around right outside her house. Whatever it is, its position is only marked by a soft glow. A small shape is already making its way up a tree, still lit by that strange blue glow.

Suddenly there's a loud shriek, and it falls into the shrubs below the tree. If the owner of the house comes to investigate, small sniffing sounds can be heard from where the thing fell. And if the owner parts the shrubs, a strange surprise awaits.

The 'thing' is a little boy, maybe 3 or 4 years old, with dark brown hair and deep dark brown eyes. At the moment, his eyes are watery as he sits on the ground. The glow comes from the little necklace he wears. His only clothes are a little gray sleeveless shirt, brown pants, and brown shoes. Play clothes, really.......except that it's dark out, and he's just here by himself. No sign of parents anywhere.

He's all alone.

[scapegrace74-blog]

The Man from Black Water, Chapter 4

A/N  As promised, here in a pre-Christmas installment of my crossover fic.  In it, we see Jamie find a place for himself at Netherton, despite hostilities on all sides.  He and Claire are finally formally introduced, and we learn a bit more about Claire’s plans for her future.

Previous chapters and a character mapping to the Man from Snowy River universe can be found on my AO3 page.

Merry Christmas to all who celebrate, and a safe and happy holiday to all!

From his imposing stature to his iceberg gaze, Dougal Mackenzie would have been the epitome of a Highland warrior, had he been born two hundred years earlier.  As it was, he’d grown up in the industrial slums on the south banks of the Clyde, going to work in the textile mills at the age of twelve. Being on the winning side of a knife fight several years later saw him fleeing the city in search of less hostile horizons.  Brawn made him a desirable labourer.  An ability to keep difficult men in line with his ominous reputation made him an adept foreman.  He’d risen through the ranks to become the chief overseer of Netherton’s agricultural holdings over the past twenty years.

“He’s a hard worker, that one,” the estate’s chief cook remarked to Dougal as they crossed paths in the kailyard one afternoon.  She gestured towards Jamie, who toiled nearby, splitting firewood for the kitchen stoves with admirable economy.  The August sun stared down from an azure sky, and he occasionally paused to wipe sweat from his eyes and take a swig of water from a tin canteen sitting in the shade of an ornamental rosebush.  Rollo lay nearby, his pink tongue afurl in the hot air.

“Aye, seems willing enough,” Dougal said a bit begrudgingly. He hadn’t been consulted about the hiring of this latest labourer, which rankled him.  There was a long list of cronies he would sooner have assisted.

“I canna understand why the master hired him,” the stout woman continued in a lower tone.  “He comes from the Highlands.”  This last word was pronounced as though it was a communicable disease.  Despite being in the shadow of the Grampian mountains, Netherton had always been staffed by Lowland Scots, even if, like Dougal himself, they were only a couple generations removed from their Gaelic roots.

Dougal had entertained similar thoughts himself, but he wasn’t about to stand about and gossip with the house staff about them.

“Twas a long time ago,” he said instead.  “Good day, Mrs. Crook.”

Walking past the woodpile, he called out.

“Fraser, when ye’re done here, ye can muck out the stables.”

“Yes, sir.”

Despite a dark blue smear of sweat across the back of his cambric shirt, the young man seemed cheerfully willing to work without pause.  He wasn’t even breathing hard.  Dougal stalked back to his quarters in a foul mood.

***

Netherton’s stables were more luxurious than any croft Jamie had ever set foot in, with two long rows of stalls bisected by a stone alleyway that funneled the mountain breeze in summer and absorbed the anemic sunlight in winter.  Still, horse shite was horse shite, no matter how pampered the beast that produced it.

Most of the animals were away from their stalls, either grazing in the paddock near the river where the grass was the sweetest or serving as mounts to Netherton’s large workforce.  This made Jamie’s job easier, but he missed the opportunity to gaze into their limpid brown eyes and admire their glossy coats.  He was on his sixth stall when two familiar pests stopped to watch him.

“Lookit than, Rupe.  The teuchter’s shovellin’ shite.  Pretty canny fer a teuchter, usin’ the flat end o’ the shovel an’ everything.”

This was Angus, a dark wiry stockhand who was perpetually spoiling for a fight.  His companion, Rupert, was a soft-bellied lout who followed Angus around like a sheepdog, laughing obligingly at his jokes.  Jamie had met men like them before and did his best to ignore them.

“They eat a lot of neeps an’ tatties in the Highlands, Rupe.   Are ye diggin’ fer yer supper, laddie boy?”

Jamie unbent to his full height, well over a head taller than Angus.  The smaller man stepped back but made a show of lighting a cigarette with casual indifference.

“Have they given ye the day off, Angus?” Jamie asked.  

“I’m studyin’ tae be supervisor,” Angus declared with no little arrogance.  

Staring Jamie directly in the eye, he let the still-burning match drop into the dry straw at his feet.  A tiny curl of smoke immediately rose.  Jamie casually hefted a shovelful of moist excrement onto the growing flame. It was an advertent error that saw some of the load land on Angus’ well-polished leather boots.  The bully’s fists went up.  Rollo let out a low growl of warning.  Jamie tossed his shovel to the side in preparation for the altercation.

“What have you been up to, Kip?”

Claire Beauchamp’s precise elocution acted like a bucket of cold water and all three men scrambled to appear innocuous.  Angus was quick to offer his assistance saddling her usual mount. When she refused, he and Rupert left the stables on the pretense of having work to accomplish elsewhere, which was doubtful.  

For his part, Jamie went back to mucking stalls while still surreptitiously observing his employer’s daughter.  She was carrying on a one-sided conversation with her horse as he was wont to do himself when he was alone.  Her luxurious curls were tied back behind her ears but cascaded over her shoulders.  She was at least wearing a riding frock today, although she appeared to be preparing to ride without supervision.

“Can I help ye?” he asked, when he noticed she was struggling with the gray mare’s halter.

“No, I’m fine,” she replied without so much as glancing his way.

Out of the corner of his eye, Jamie watched her stubbornly endeavour to repair the halter for another few minutes.  Rather than offer his assistance again, he merely fashioned a halter and lead from a nearby coil of rope using a knot his father had taught him as a lad.

“Oh,” the young lady remarked as he slipped the harness over the docile mare’s ears.  “How did you do that?”

Eager to show off his competency at something other than mucking stalls or chopping firewood, Jamie demonstrated the technique behind the Tom Fool’s knot, enjoying the way the lass’ golden eyes narrowed in concentration as she followed each movement of his hands.  No matter how hard she tried, she couldn’t duplicate his efforts, and they both ended up chuckling at her ineptitude.

“You’re the boy from the train station,” she realized after they had finished tacking up her horse together.  Jamie wasn’t certain whether to be pleased she remembered him or not. Certainly, the use of the word ‘boy’ wasn’t flattering.

“Aye,” he acknowledged.  “James Fraser, mistress,” he introduced himself while politely removing his cap.

“I’m afraid I wasn’t very courteous that day,” she half-apologized with a subtle grimace.  “A constitutional failing, I’m told.”

Sticking out her gloved hand, she introduced herself, as though he wasn’t aware to whom he’d been speaking all along.  “Claire Elizabeth Beauchamp.”

He’d never shook a woman’s hand before and was uncertain as to the appropriate response.  He wasn’t some titled suitor who might kiss her knuckles, even if they weren’t encased in leather.  A firm shake such as he’d been taught seemed equally unsuitable.  He was saved from having to hold her dainty grip indefinitely by her father riding into the stables.  They both dropped the other’s hand as though the contact suddenly burned.

“Fraser, cool off this horse and stable him,” the cattle baron commanded.

“Aye, sir.”

Jamie was walking away when he heard the man release an exasperated sigh.

***

“Why aren’t you at your lessons?”

It was always a tender balance, deciding how much leeway to give his headstrong daughter, and when to rein her in.  Lately, his attempts to argue that more feminine propriety was required if she was to secure a husband were met with greater and greater resistance.

“One of the broodmares is about to foal,” Claire replied.  “I want to be there to help her.”

“The men are quite capable of handling it,” he argued, drawing his unwilling daughter back towards the manor house with a firm arm around her shoulder.

“I can do it better.  If I’m to be a veterinarian, I shall need as much firsthand experience as I can obtain.”

This fixation with attending the Royal Veterinary College in Edinburgh was one matter in which he’d indulged his daughter for too long.  He’d been certain she’d outgrow the notion as she emerged into womanhood.

“You should be concerning yourself with marriage, child rearing,” he explained for the hundredth time.

“The gentleman cattle breeder has a breeding program for his daughter as well,” Claire retorted, demonstrating the independent spirit and sharp wit that made him despair of ever finding her a husband.

“You’ll spend the afternoon at the manor with your Aunt Rosemary,” he decreed, feeling his face grow hot in frustration.  “And Mister Randall will come to call on you this Saturday. I don’t,” he forestalled her protest with a raised hand, “want to hear another word about it.  You are my daughter, and you will obey me.”

Watching her skirts swish angrily across the courtyard as she hastened away, Henry Beauchamp wondered how his only child could so resemble a mother she’d never met.

[voids-colourful-creations]

Floating into the Sunset - A SatoGou Fanfic

[Read on Ao3!]

Rated G - No Warnings Pokemon Journeys Ash/Goh 1596 Words

Summary: There's been a project spanning across all of Vermillion City for kids to raise a Drifloon egg and set it free into the wild, and of course Ash and Goh took part. Finally, the day comes to set them all free.

Notes: This fic was written as a birthday gift! It's just some short, nice fluff =D! Hope you Enjoy!

-

Goh was the one who carried the egg as both boys made their way up Vermillion City's tallest hill.

One of the tallest hills, anyway, one of the most scenic ones. It had half grassy hill, half cliff face, a steep ledge that tumbled down into brambles.

What was worth it though, was the view. Under the shade of the old, towering tree, the entire cityscape unfolded out beneath them, blanketed by the sea.

Lights were just beginning to flicker on in the windows, and the sea reflected vibrant oranges and pinks as the sun began to melt into it.

Clutching the egg tighter, Goh continued making his way up the hill, trailing behind a significantly faster Ash. Even Pikachu was faster than him, though to be fair it was riding on Ash’s shoulders.

“Goh! You alright back there? Do you need me to carry the egg?”

“I’m alright!” He called back.

It wasn’t a very heavy egg. He’d be surprised if it was.

The Drifloon Raising Project had been a bit of a side activity Chrysa had been organizing. The Drifloon population in Vermillion had been dangerously low for about as long as Goh could remember, and she had decided to start a project to help combat it.

A bunch of children all throughout the city would be given a Drifloon egg to take care of and raise. The project had been pitched as a great way to help promote responsibility and cooperation with children, raise the Drifloon population, and help children be friendly towards wild Drifloon in the future. The project had been wildly successful, with tons of children around the city getting their very own Drifloon egg to take care of.

But, of course, the main selling point of the assignment was the release of Drifloon into the wild, and today the day had come to set them free.

Or would be, if their Drifloon had hatched yet.

“Lookit that!” Ash exclaimed excitedly, just out of Goh’s line of sight.

“What- where! Did they start it already? It’s not 6:00 yet, is it?”

Ash laughed a little.

“No no, not that! The sunset!”

Goh finally made his way to the top of the hill, fully able to take in the view.

Now Goh took pride in a lot of things. His appearance, his ability to catch pokemon, his dedication to his dreams. With all that, where he lived wasn’t usually something that made the top ten list. There were just a lot of other things he cared about more.

But with views like this, every now and then, Goh felt truly special having grown up in a city like this.

He let himself slide downwards, careful to let the egg rest safely in his lap as he stretched his legs out. Ash plopped down behind him just as fast, Pikachu still clinging to his shoulders.

“It’s pretty, isn’t it?”

“Yeah…”

The breeze swirled around them, not quite the chill of autumn yet and yet not as relievingly cool as it once was.

The egg shook a bit, a squeaking excited noise coming from inside it. Goh placed his hand on top of it, patting it lightly.

Ash stared at Goh for a moment, thinking.

“Are… you alright Goh?”

“Hm? Why?”

Ash hummed, toying with his shoelace.

“I dunno. You just look… bummed out? Or sad? I don’t really know. I thought you’d be happier about this, I guess.”

“I am happy!” Goh protested, but faltered quickly after. “I-I think? Probably. I should be.”

“You’re not scared of the Drifloon, right?”

“What? No!”

“It’d be okay if you were,” Ash mused, looking up towards the sky again. “I wouldn’t blame you after… stuff.”

Goh shook his head.

“We agreed that wasn’t your fault, and you already apologized for everything you said when you were possessed. If I was scared, and I’m not saying I was, but if I was, I’m not anymore.”

Goh sighed, kicking against the grass a bit. He dug in his heels, tearing into the grass to expose the soil beneath.

“It’s just… I’m gonna miss it, for sure,” he started. Ash continued to look at Goh, expectantly.

“A-and… I’m nervous.”

“About what?”

“Well…”

Goh leaned over the egg, pressing his head against it as he stared off to the bay, watching the gentle ripple of the sea's tides from a distance.

“We’ve been looking after it for so long. I’m just worried that… it’ll go off into the world and it won’t be ready. It was supposed to hatch 3 days ago, like the others! An-and I know, I know, some will hatch early and some will hatch late, but I just keep worrying I did something wrong , or I didn’t do enough or…”

He trailed off, stumbling to find the right words.

“We want it to have a good adventure, right?” Ash filled in, handing Goh the words.

“Yeah. Yeah… I want it to get a good start to life. I don’t want it to have been held back, or start late because of me-“

“It’s not just you though!”

Goh startled a bit, turning to meet Ash’s eyes. They faced him back, determined.

“We raised that egg together, don’t forget!”

“Of course- I didn’t mean to- I’m sor-“

“Goh, Goh, It’s okay! That’s not what I meant.”

Ash reached forward, laying a hand on Goh’s, overtop the egg.

“There’s nothing you did that I didn’t follow you up on, so if anything goes wrong, it’s on the both of us. And nothing will! I just know it. This Drifloon is gonna have such a fun and exciting life, just like us!”

Goh began to nod along, Ash’s words convincing him as always.

Ash continued.

“And even if it does get a late start, that’s not such a bad thing, is it? It’ll get to meet all sorts of other Drifloon who’ve already hatched for longer who can show it the ropes, it’ll have all sorts of floaty friends just waiting to meet it! Whenever it’s ready, it’s gonna have a super awesome time and make a ton of friends! There’s no doubt about it!”

“High hopes, huh?”

“Of course!”

Goh took a moment, closing his eyes. With a second to think, he breathed in deep, smiled, and let it out.

“Yeah. You’re right.”

“I always am!” Ash grinned.

Goh narrowed his eyes, raising a hand to flick Ash on the forehead.

“Don’t get cocky.”

“Says you!”

“Hey!”

“Ohhhhhh-whoaaa hey!”

“I hey’d you first-“

“No really, Goh look!”

Ash grabbed Goh’s hand from where he held it, squeezing it tightly as he gestured out towards the city with his other hand.

“The other Drifloon! They’re rising!”

Sure enough, under the orange-pink glow, a crop of purple was beginning to float upwards, dotting the horizon.

“Whoaaaa…”

The clusters of violet began to grow, more and more Drifloon being released into Vermillion City’s twilight.

“You were so right about this being the best place to watch…” Ash murmured under his breath, attention caught by the Drifloon.

“Thanks…” Goh murmured back.

The egg shook a bit in Goh’s lap as they spoke.

“Ah- Ash, do you think it can tell all the other Drifloon are out here?”

“Totally!”

Goh leaned over the egg once more, fixating his gaze on the egg and egg alone.

“Hey, Drifloon! There’s all these other Pokemon, just like you out here! I bet they’d love to get to know you. So, whenever you’d like to come out and meet them, don’t forget they’re waiting for you! And- and even after you do hatch and join your friends, you can always come and visit us, okay?”

And maybe it’s coincidence, but Goh liked to believe those words were why the egg started to shake, crack, and glow.

The cyan light washed over him for a moment, and then, floating right in front of him, was a tiny, newly hatched Drifloon.

It trilled quietly, blinking at Goh.

“W-welcome to the world!” He managed to choke out. He chose to blame the tears in his eyes on the wind.

“Woah, super cool! Hiya, Lil’ Drifloon!”

“Loooooon!”

It spun around in place, bobbing back and forth.

“Looooooon?”

It drifted out towards the city for a moment, turning back to Ash and Goh as if asking for permission.

Goh blinked.

“…Yeah. It’s… it’s okay. If you’re ready.”

“Looooon!”

It does a few happy little loop-de-loops, darting closer to them.

It bumps itself into Ash’s face for a moment, then proceeds to do the same to Pikachu, then to Goh.

With that, spinning in a circle one more time, the tiny Drifloon floats up, up, and away, heading towards a cluster of Drifloon just a bit further down the wind.

“There it goes…”

“Do you think… it knew we were happy for it?”

“Totally! It was telling us- “thank you and goodbye!”-  I could feel it!”

“With your magic Pokemon mind reading sense?”


“Goh, I told you that’s not a thing.”

“It could be.”

“No-“ Ash started to laugh part way through his sentence, “I can just feel it, you know?”

But Goh laughed a bit in return.

“Yeah, actually, I do!”

He stands, releasing Ash’s hand to brush the grass off his pants.

“Gonna be so much fun…” Goh murmurs to himself under his breath, casting a look out at the clouds of Pokemon drifting through the sunset.

“Yeah,” Ash answered, reaching out for Goh’s hand once more, “It is.”

Smiling, Goh reached for the hand offered to him, and together, in the sunsetting skies dotted with purple, they walked home.

[End!]

[sparring-spirals]

Noticed tonight how hesitant FCG was about healing or even just stabilizing the the verdict. Like, iirc they were totally, 100% fine with leaving the rival team to die. Gonna have to go back and rewatch later to see if I actually got a good read on it but. God FCG creeps me out in a way no other CR pc has and I’m so glad everyone seems to be noticing it now

I meaaaaan.... they might not have DIED died... just like. Died a little. ....

I like F.C.G, although I get what you mean. Its fair if this particular facet of F.C.G sets you on edge a bit, because... I THINK that's the point. Honestly, I've grown increasingly fond of F.C.G the more we learn about them, and the clearer the divide between the cheerful demeanor and the underlying morals of their actions become. Previously I was a little hesitant about it, but now that I know the vibes are intentional, things open up a lot more. The vibes being: Absolutely terrifying and slightly terrible in a well intentioned, uninformed way. Which is both wonderful to dig into, and extremely true to life.

(this got a little lengthy, throwing it under a read-more. Rampant speculations and assumptions abound below)

I talked about it a little here, and the more I've contemplated it, the more I really like my comparison of an AI attempting to apply an overly specific model to increasingly nuanced situations. F.C.G means well. I absolutely believe that. The casual cruelties, and moral gaps we're seeing more and more come down to things like:

inflexible definitions- of humanity, of empathy, of people who deserve better and people who aren't worth it. "Well, I'm not soul touched, but you all are-" The whole situation with the drunkard early on. Horses having less of a soul than people. The definitions set the rules, and everything outside of that doesn't matter.

very specific rules or solutions applied to situations that they don't fit on- attempting to give couples therapy to two random strangers, asking ritual questions and providing canned lines as comfort to people who aren't asking for it. Even the mind delve from this last episode- is almost like some kind of fucked up diagnostic, I guess.

And then, as a result, some of the more jarring behavior just feels like prioritization, with very specific models and rules in mind. The Verdict are less important than the Bells, so its not really as much of a concern if they die (even if it, clinically, would be a shame). If F.C.G's priority is to keep the Bells as a whole safe, tricking Imogen to dive into her mind is a fine concession. Imogen’s wellbeing, even, probably takes a higher priority over their relationship, or even Imogen’s desire to... not have her mind invaded.

And, I've been making a ton of comparisons to AI's, but honestly, its a very real-to-life comparison too. It's every inexperienced person who learned something new and then attempted to overapply the concept to everything in their life. It's why the comparisons to "college freshman who took 1 semester of psych and is way too confident with it" make sense. It's the way someone with a very specific life experience will explore something new and run into problems when their experiences and judgements no longer translate correctly. It is why someone with a great deal of confidence in something they only have a surface understanding of can stir up problems even with pure intentions.

It is not often malicious, but it can be extremely harmful.

But back to F.C.G specifically: I think F.C.G is supposed to make you feel a little uneasy, for what its worth, at least in this context.

And it IS possible Sam is planning to go a "silently evil and plotting murderbot" route, but I'm hoping for something closer to *points above*, if only because. I dunno. I find that more compelling. Plus he's a cute lil robit who loves his friends awww lookit :'D

[guernseythecow]

I'd love to!!

*Guernsey smiled at Pepper, happy to be recognized. He loved raising the bunnies, loved watching them grow up and move into brand new homes where they were loved; it made him feel honoured that the little sweethearts remembered him after they were all grown up. He carefully extended his arms to let Pepper into his hold,*

Hi sweetie!! Lookit how big you've gotten!! Oooh, I bet Ava and Raz take such good care of youuu..

Ava!! Hi!!

I'm sorry to drop by on such short notice, but I wanted to come make sure you were okay!! Its been a little while since I've seen you.. I plan to crochet you a little something later, but, for now, I brought you these!!

*Guernsey carefully presented a bouquet of lavender, white lilies, and pink lilies.*

Oh, Guernsey! It's so good to see you, feels like it's been ages! Don't worry, I'm doing just fine now! Raz has been making sure I'm not overdoing it.

*She stared at the bouquet for a moment, stunned that he got her something so thoughtful. Carefully, she took it into her hands and smiled at him warmly.*

Thank you...I don't know what to say. It's beautiful..! How did you know these are some of my favorite flowers?

[professionallydeadinside]

Lookit them.....they’re all grown up.......

[verfound]

I want Hugs! #16 not wanting to let go hugs

(I spent way to long looking through hug gifs, and that's not what I was looking for, but awww lookit the cutie 🖤🖤🖤)

“500 words for 500 followers,” I said.  “I mean it, you awful snake.  Five…ok fine EIGHT hundred words I guess.”  Dammit Winters!Lu why are you always Like This.  😝

(This is T/M at best, but putting it under a cut to be safe bc...y'know. Winters. 😂)

There was something on his back.

Or someone, he thought with a sleepy smile.  Someone that hadn’t been there when he’d dozed off.  Someone who had politely declined his invitation to join him on the rocks in favor of continuing to float in the water below.  Not that he’d entirely minded, as he had finally managed to convince her that no one would dare disturb the Forest’s guardian and his mate while they were alone and removing her clothes was perfectly safe (she had grown more comfortable in her nudity around their home, but that was private – the river was not).  He had certainly enjoyed the view as he’d drifted off, the sun warm on his back even as it warmed her perfect breasts and stomach.

Marinette wasn’t in the water now, though.  At some point during his nap she had climbed up onto the rocks to join him.  At some point, she had climbed onto him, and now instead of the bright, spring sun warming his back it was his mate.  His mate, who was wrapped around him like a spider, clinging tightly to him in her sleep.  Her cheek was pressed against the back of his shoulder, her breath warm on his neck and tickling the still-too=long hair he hadn’t quite gotten around to cutting yet.

“Love,” he murmured, shifting slightly to try and wake her.  When all that did was make her hold him tighter, he flipped his tail back to draw the tip along her back.  She shivered, but still pressed closer.  “Marinette…”

She mumbled something he couldn’t quite catch, and he chuckled as he tipped his head back to bump against hers.  This time she whined as she pressed her face into his back.

It wasn’t that he minded her where she was.  He never minded Marinette – especially a naked Marinette.  It’s just that he had been lying in the same position for quite a while now, and he would much rather be holding her where he could stretch his back instead of…being smooshed against the rock.  He slipped his tail between them, winding it around her middle and giving a gentle tug.  She grumbled again, her arms holding him even tighter.  Her knees pressed into his sides when he tugged a bit more insistently.

“Stoooop,”  she whined, bumping her forehead against his shoulder.  “Comfy.”

“My back’ssss asssleep,” he whined right back, tugging her a little more.  Beneath them, her hand pressed above his heart, her nails attempting to scratch at his skin.

“I’m asleep,” she grumbled.

“You’re talking too much for someone who’s ssssupposedly asleep,” he pointed out.  He froze when her teeth grazed against his shoulder, lightly nipping him.

“I’m sleeping,” she mumbled firmly, kissing above the spot.  He hissed softly, his tail tightening around her, and she giggled.  “No.  Bad snake.  Nap time.”

He ignored her and gave another tug, this time hard enough to lift her, and she squeaked as he dropped her onto the rocks and rolled on top of her.  Her eyes were wide and alert – much too alert for someone who had claimed to be sleeping – and her smile was wide.  He dipped his head to hers, promptly kissing that smile off her face.  His fangs grazed against her lower lip as he pulled away, and he smiled when he heard the flutter in her pulse.

“Do not ssstart ssssomething you do not intend to finishhh, little moussssse,” he hissed, grinning when she sucked in a breath.  Her arms were around his neck before he could say anything else, pulling him back to her.  He laughed into their kiss as her legs scrambled around his waist, her feet sliding against his scales as she tried to wrap herself around him again.  She whimpered when he rocked into her, pushing her back against the rocks.

“Lu…Luka,” she gasped, her head falling back as he kissed down her neck.  After another few mindless kisses, he nipped at her pulse before settling beside her, his tail curling to coil around her even as she held him tighter.  She whined when he laid his head on her chest.  “Luka!”

“You ssssaid it was nap time, love,” he said with a hissing laugh, pressing a kiss above her heart.  She tried to push him back, but he held her tighter – as if he never wanted to let her go.

…he didn’t.

“Awful, horrible, tease of a snake,” she huffed, reaching up to tug at his hair.  He glanced up at her, popping open an eye to find – despite her tone – she was smiling at him.  He nuzzled his head back against her breasts, and she sighed as she kissed the top of his head.  “My silly snake.”

“My little moussssse,” he murmured, already drifting off with the warm sun on his back and his warm mate in his arms.