#lots of preperation before I can make my boys!

[bratzfag]

These are the guys I'm gonna eventually turn into my ocs Dion and Nicky, once I my doll repainting skills have reached a decent point

[dreadful-shroud]

Most brutal way you've killed someone?

CW for gore and murder

"Hmm, I need to think about that..." Tilting his head, he thoughtfully tapped the side of his mask.

"I think I'll have to settle for Thanksgiving, 1991. George Miller, a basic name for an outstanding man. He was a father of two kids, married to a wonderful woman. They did a lot of charity work and helped many people, but beneath the facade of the perfect family, he was involved in some dirty money making shemes and his wife a cheater. Both of their sons grew up bullying others and demanding more and more from their parents. Spoiled little brats."

A dark chuckle escaped the Ghostface as he basked in the memory of the night he'd make their lives hell. "This design required a lot of patience and preperation, but it paid off in the end. It went down as one of my most memorable murders and it was in the news for weeks, if not months. I drugged all four of them, tying the wife and the boys to chairs around the dining table while the man of the house was sprawled out on the table top, tied down so he couldn't move. When they woke up again, of course they started begging me to let them live, offering me money and riches, but at this point people should realy know that I don't back down from a kill."

"You see, Thanksgiving is all about being grateful, and since these brats had been on my list anyway and their design happened to fall onto this very holiday, I decided to make it a bit themed. They wanted a feast? I'd give them one, and their father would provide for it." Oh, how he wished he had his photo's from before the fog with him right now. It had been a lovely family dinner that night, filled with wonderful screams and blood and guts everywhere.

"I used their cleaver and started to hack away at Mr. Miller while he was still alive and awake, his sons and wife screaming at me to stop while I was monologuing to them about how grateful they should be. I was careful to not kill the man quickly, I wanted him to feel it when I cooked his flesh with their blow torch and watch as I fed it to his family. He died from bleeding out way too soon for my liking, but at least that meant I could not get to hacking his intestines and sprawling them out for his family to see. One of the boys wouldn't stop insulting me, so I stuffed his mouth with his father's liver, that shut him up at least. The rest of the Miller family went out being gutted and decorated with their insides. Set them up for a nice family dinner photo that didn't even make it into the newspaper for being too gruesome, even with all the censoring they did. This kill kicked off a theory of me being a cannibal, but I can assure you, I only ever tasted human flesh once and I am not interested in doing it again."

[danganronpasurvivoraskblog]

The Doctor.

Here. Some warm drinks.

...

*Taichi enters the Foundation meeting room in the Tower, with a cup of warm tea for Seiko. He hands it to her and she drinks it with a smile.

So how have things gone down here?

We unfortunately haven’t made much progress. The lead researcher just went to grab 404 and Saihara, but Seiko hasn’t said so much as a word to us.

I see...Well, I did just contact Chihiro to inform him of everything that’s happened, including your safe arrival back and the sudden appearance of Ms Kimura.

Hehe...Mr Nidai certainly sounded excited in the background.

...

Nekomaru’s been keeping Branch 4 afloat while you’ve been gone Seiko. I think he should get an award once you have the chance to meet with him again.

Hmph...No pressure.

That’s not what I meant!

Yeah, I know, I’m just fucking with you...

I see that Ms Asahina decided not to join us...

Hina said she would stick around, but...since she decided to quit Future Foundation, she’s choosing not to join these meetings.

So it’s official...Hina really did quit?

No. She has yet to sign any resignation documents...However, that’s simply because we haven’t found the time or place to.

Still, if she’s not in the mood to participate, I won’t force her to.

...

You know you could...like...say something...right?

...

Has she lost her voice by any chance?

Even if she’d lost her voice, we’d still be able to get a bit out of her.

*Byakuya sits down on a chair opposite her, everyone watching.

I’ll go easy on you of course, but I hope you know we need to ask you a lot of questions. 

...

Feel free to take your time with them, but we need to know...How did you escape Zetsubou’s base...and do you know where it is...

What’s the status of the other kidnapped people should you know it? Do you know anything about what Zetsubou are planning?

Jeez Togami. Ain’t that a lot right out of the gate.

Well to be fair, he did give a warning.

I...

Hm?

I...want to...tell...but...I...don’t...know if...if I can...

What do you mean by that?

And why are you speaking so slowly?

Kamu...kura...the...pill...he...

Pill? What pill!? Spit it out!

I...he...Gh...

GHLEARGH!

!!!???

SEIKO!?

WHAT THE HELL!?

!!?

!!?

*Had Seiko not been wearing her mask, she would have vomited blood all over Byakuya. As it stands, she loses her strength and collapses to the floor.

I...spoke too...EUARGH!

What happened!? 

Seiko, are you ok!?

Stop! STOP TALKING!

*Rei suddenly rushes over to Seiko. Everyone goes silent thinking she’s speaking to them as a collective, but she crouches down and moves Seiko’s body in an interesting way. Within a few moments, Seiko’s breathing returns to normal and her face regains what little color it has.

...Thanks...

Stop...talking...!

...

What...the hell was that!?

Rei...is it really the same thing?

Hm...It seems so...the circumstances seem different, but there’s no doubt it’s the same affliction. Kimura...Did Uchui Kamukura do this to you?

...

*Seiko nods.

Was it using a machine?

...

*Seiko shakes her head.

I see...

Hold on a second, we need to take a few steps back!

Mekaru...What just happened to her!? Do you know?

It seems to me this was the cost of Seiko Kimura’s freedom.

To make a long story short, Uchui Kamukura has taken...or rather limited...Seiko Kimura’s ability to communicate with us. Should she try she’ll feel nauseous and...well you saw for yourself what happened.

But why...!? And HOW?

And more to the point, how do you know about all of this?

...Because I’ve seen it in action before...During my own Killing Game.

The Kibougamine Gakuen?

How much to you all know about that Killing Game specifically?

Information on the Kibougamine Killing Game is mainly in the hands of the Kisaragi Foundation. Most of what Future Foundation knows is limited to three things.

First, Tsurugi Kinjo, Teruya Otori, and yourself, Rei Mekaru, were the only three survivors.

Second...The mastermind of the Killing Game was the Ultimate Maid, Akane Taira, and Utsuro, the boy with the power of Divine Luck.

And third and finally, the Killing Game itself was a ploy by Junko Enoshima in preperation for the “First” Mutual Killing Game between the 78th Class at Hope’s Peak.

Yes, that’s all accurate. But since it wasn’t broadcasted like the other Killing Game’s, a lot of things happened during it that don’t really get talked about.

One such thing was a situation involving Mikako Kurokawa, who now works with us in Kisaragi Foundation, and her adoptive brother, Yamato Kisaragi.

As Munakata stated, the Killing Game was hosted as a test for Yasuke Matsuda’s memory erasure technique’s that he used to erase the academy memories of the 78th Class. Before he used it then, he tried it on us.

However, Yamato had found out about Utsuro and Taira’s plan in advance, and had prepared a countermeasure in case anything went wrong. One such countermeasure, was the MRD.

“MRD?” What’s that?

It stands for Memory Retention Device. And as the name implies, using it completely blocked the effects of Matsuda’s brainwashing. Allowing those who used it to retain their memories of before the Killing Game.

This came at a cost however. Say, most of you have met Kako before, right? What was your first impression of her?

Well...She has a gloomy and sketchy appearance, but she seems to mean well. 

Well, before the Killing Game, Kako was a confident and defiant spirit. She wasn't afraid to speak up against anything that was wrong and always had a strong sense of justice and hope.

But thanks to the MRD, that changed. The machine had some side effects that severely altered both Kako and Yamato’s personalities, and not only that...

They also both suffered from afflictions that made it difficult to communicate with us, hence why neither could tell us the truth. In Mikako’s case, if she tried to communicate at length with us, it would result in massive migraines and brain damage...

Damage so severe that in the end...it basically killed her.

Wait...so you’re saying that Seiko-!?

...

I doubt Kamukura has recreated the machine, but there’s a highly probably chance that he’s used another method to recreate the effects.

On top of migraines being caused by speaking, it also makes sign language and writing on paper impossible. And it hurts your body to try in equally terrible ways.

Basically, Kamukura has rendered Dr Kimura’s speaking skills useless.

...Uchui...

Damn that albino motherfucker...! How could he DO something like this!?

Actually Leon...not that I’m trying to defend Kamukura or anything but...I think he might have actually saved Seiko’s life with this method.

What? What do you mean?

Put yourself in Zetsubou’s shoes for a brief moment. You’ve finished using Seiko for what you need her for, and there’s no reason to keep her around any more.

But if you let her go free, there’s nothing stopping her from running back to her friends here at the Future Foundation, and telling them everything she knows about Zetsubou’s secret plans, and the location of their secret base. In that situation, what would you do?

Well...I’d probably either keep her locked up forever or...

Or KILL her...

And I’m willing to bet that Shirogane was going to do exactly one of those two things.

Seiko might not be able to spill the beans about Zetsubou, but at least she’s ALIVE and SAFE. Right?

Yeah, you’ve got a point.

Yeah...and on top of that, there actually is some good news.

*Everyone looks at Setsuka.

Oh yeah? What’s that? 

Kisaragi Foundation were able to salvage Yamato’s old machine after the end of the Killing Game. We destroyed it, but before we did, we ran some tests on it’s properties.

And we found a cure to the affliction it causes.

...!?

So assuming Seiko’s affliction is along the same lines, we can help her!?

...Yes.

What’s the catch?

Huh?

The way you said that sounds sus. You hesitated for a second there. The good news is that we can cure Seiko, so what’s the bad news that comes with it?

Hmph...You’re annoyingly perceptive...But yes, unfortunately, there is a catch.

It’s not just being perceptive. We just can’t have nice things come to us for free like...EVER.

Sad as it is to say, Kurafto is right...All of our victory’s lately always come at a cost...Chances are we’ll need to work for this one.

Alright. The catch is that even though we know there’s a cure, neither Setsuka, nor myself, nor any key member of the Kisaragi Foundation can actually FASHION said cure...

Except for one person.

Who?

Dr Hikaru Ando.

...!

Makoto: That name sounds familiar...

Taichi: Yes, it would do. I’m sure everyone is aware of it by this point, but before his escape, Nagito Komaeda confessed that Organization Zetsubou had ressurected Kanata Inori, the Ultimate Surgeon, as part of their plan to mass-produce Ultimate Hope’s.

Setsuka: Hikaru Kanata’s father. He adopted her after he saved her from a car crash that also killed her birth parents.

Rei: And then there’s the real problem...Dr Ando has been missing for 7 years now.

Sayaka: 7 years!? What happened?

Setsuka: I don’t know. But ever since you brought me back to life, it’s the primary case Tsun-Tsun has me working on. Ando just up and disappeared one day, and what’s more, the Kisaragi AI that used to manage the Foundation went with him.

Leon: Kisaragi AI?

Kyoko: Yamato Kisaragi made an Alter Ego of himself, and just like Chihiro’s Alter Ego, it came to be the CPU for most of the Kisaragi Foundation’s network.

Yoruko: How does something like that just go MISSING all of a sudden?

Rei: We don’t know, but it’s made life a hell of a lot harder for us at the Kisaragi Foundation. Hence why we’re searching for both the doctor and the AI.

So if we want to cure Seiko and defeat Zetsubou, our first order of business will be tracking down Dr Ando. 

Our connections are limited, but we’ll make use of any we do have to crack down on the search.

We also have Yuki and his Whitecloak companion searching. They’ll bring whatever info from the streets they find right back to us.

So what do we do for now then?

Hm...It might be worth going out and getting Ms Kimura some painkillers and headache medicine. We can’t cure her affliction, but we can certainly settle it.

...

Got it. Since she’s out and about, I’ll grab Hina, and we can go together.

[fanfictionsandtea]

Peaky Blinders AU where everybody smokes weed instead of tobacco

The Shelbys first discovered weed through an ex-soldier of the colonial army (East India Company).

Thomas was sceptical at first because he knew what opium could do to your body. He was scared that his brothers would get addicted to that new drug he knew little about.

John on the other side was not afraid at all. Behind Tommys back he smoked a bowl of the good Kush and immediately fell in love with Mary Jane.

He began to meet more often with the ex-soldier who was already an experienced pothead and grew his own weed in his backyard.

He also began to smoke on his own and soon discovered the medical benefits as well. After a fight the first thing he would do was not to bandage his wounds but to light up a bowl of his favourite strain.

One day Thomas and Arthur drove to Johns house to suprise him.

When he opened the door the smoke that was trapped in the room escaped in a cloud like manner. His eyes were barely open and looked very irritated.

"What happened to you?", Arthur asked perplexed.

"Oh, I know that bloody smell. John, tell me you are not smoking that fucking flower!", Thomas growled.

"Calm down, Thomas. It helps me with the pain from all the fighting."

"Really?", Arthur asked, "Do you think it could help me with my back?"

"Sure, come in."

John prepered a great bowl full of White Widow. He started laughing as Arthur coughed his soul out of his body. Arthur fell into Johns armchair. He closed his eyes and had a big smile on his face. John was happy about his positiv reaction of sudden relaxation and prepared another bowl for himself.

"John, are you fucking kidding me?", Thomas said with an agressiv voice.

"You should try it, Tommy.", Arthur replied and started coughing again.

"C´mon you´re smoking your bloody opium every second night and now your judging me for smoking some pot."

"Drugs are bloody dangerous, John!", he shouted.

"Damn, Thomas, keep it quiet.", Arthur complained.

"It´s not dangerous. Well, it´s not worse than a cigarette. Weed has a lot of medical benefits. It can help you with pain, stress and even anxiety and depression among other things. It makes all the bad thoughts go away. Try it at least before you judge me."

"Alright, prepare me a bowl."

Thomas first experience was amazing. The weed got his creative juices flowing throughout his body. He started planning to grow his own weed to be financially independent and when an idea hit him like a train. Money. He could sell weed amongst all his friends and enemies to make them dependent on him.

"Guys, we´re starting a new business."

Thomas managed to get some seeds from connection to Amsterdam. At first they only grew weed in there backyards but they expanded quickly into green house complexes specially built for their farming efforts.

Polly was facinated by the new plant. It helped her forgetting about all the bad things that had happened to her in the past. After growing her own marijuana plants she realized how much she loved gardening and began to get deeper into the art of botany especially in regards to crossing different breeds. Her weed became to known as the strongest in all of Birmingham.

Isaiah, Finn and the other boys stopped snorting snow, which Thomas saw as a big improvement of the family.

Ada and the communists natrually loved it, too. They worked together on giant publicly owned fields to support their commune.

Johns oldest boy sometimes snuck out to steel some weed from Esmes purse even though John was always ambitioned to keep children away from drugs.

"I told you a thousand times that pot is only for cannabis patients and adults!" (What up YouTube YouTube what up Jolli Olli comin atcha for CustomGrow420... go check him out)

Alfie Solomon was a bit sceptical at first but he didn´t regret trying it. After blazing he had some beautiful intimate moments with his god.

Everyone was happy and soon the weed wave spread all across the isles and beyond to all corners of the British Empire.

But one day John talked to a guy who gave him shrooms.

[residentclown]

TMNT x Reader - ‘Coming Out’ Scenarios <3 pt. 1

/ To all us folk coming out as male/female and to those with the insecurity of it, and need a little fic to boost your confidence. You’re beautiful, handsome, lovely, you’re EVERYTHING. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. This post will be part 1 to the the 'female to male' scenario. I'll come out with a 'male to female' scnerio post part 1 & 2 soon! /

Intro: :

You were nervous to visit the lair today. Nervous, because today was the day you'd be confessing to your boyfriend that you were transitioning. You hadn't really been obvious about it -- quite the opposite in fact, but it began to bother you how the wrong terms would be thrown your way. Not that they knew...they didn't, and today that was going to change.

You being nervous didn't just stem from the reaction your mutant lover could give you; but you were nervous of the reactions from his ENTIRE family. So as you made your way through the sewers wearing a brace around your chest (sorry if I'm using this wrong, I'm still new to whats worn and whats not when transitioning qvq), you almost considered just making a beeline back to your apartment.

Unfortunately, the promise you'd made to come over kept you from doing that. Soon, you found yourself standing before the brothers, all of which sat about in the living room in preperation for the upcoming movie-thon you all were to have.

Leo

The soft patter of footsteps echoing from the entrance to the lair brought his attention to it, and it was instantanious for him to stand from his seat to go and greet you.

However, the nervous look on your face told him something was wrong -- and....you looked different. It was odd, cause nothing /seemed/ different; You were wearing the same clothing you normally did, hair was the same, face...regardless, he strolled up to you and brought you into a gentle hug.

" Something the matter? " he asks softly, face buried into your hair. He feels you nod and respond quietly. " Leo can -- can we go to your room? This is important.... "

Pulling away from the embrace, a feel of concern washes over him, but he swallows it down and guides you into the safety of his confines. Letting his brothers know you two would be a minute.

Once the door was shut, he turns back to see you sitting on the edge of his bed, fiddling with your fingers. (A nervous habit he found adorable) " What is it you wanted to tell me? Is everything alright, y/n? " he asks. Worry lacing the tone of his voice as he kneels before you, one large hand coming to rest upon your thigh, the other on your knee.

" Y-Yeah! Everything is fine its just -- .... " you were struggling to find the words. (e/c) eyes darting everywhere but the icy stare pointed at you. Then...you had an idea. Looking back to your boyfriend, you rest your hands firmly on his shoulders, tone serious as you stare him dead in the eyes.

" Leo, take off my shirt. " Blink. " What? " " Take of my shirt! Just - trust me. Please. " Swallowing the sudden lump forming in his throat, he regards you with a questioning look before eventually nodding and complying with your request. Raising your arms, you allow him to hook his fingers into the hem of your shirt and gently tug it up and over your head.

There, on your chest, was this odd contraption fit snug around your chest. He eyes it suspiciously, before looking to you for an answer. You, however, smiled bashfully and motioned to it.

" T-This is a um...a brace. Its to make it feel like I have no boobs, and a man's chest. I....Leo, I'm a man. I'm not a girl. I'm currently going through the process of transitioning -- I just... " You paused, the silence and sudden tension within the room causing emotion to well up in your throat. Tears pricking the corners of your eyes, you look at the blue-clad leader - who was currently staring you down with a face that bared no emotion to read.

' He doesn't like this. ' you thought. The damn threatening to break behind your eyes had all but shattered - causing small streams to spill down your cheeks. You choke back a sob, voice coming out broken. Completely unaware of the growing excitement coming from the turtle in front of you. " I-I'm sorry - I'm so sorry...if you don't want..../us/ anymore, I c-completely un- "

You were cut short when arms wrap around your waist and hoist you into the air. A yelp leaving you before you're crushed against Leo's plastoron. The grin plastered onto his face had you gaping -- you'd never seen him smile so big! " y/n, of course I still want us! This is great! " settling you onto your feet, he continues to hold you, his excited expression turning soft as he rests a hand on the side of your face. Which, instincitvely, you nuzzle into.

" I'm /proud/ of you, y/n. I don't care if you're a guy, girl, different species -- you're YOU. And I can't see myself without you. Now come on, handsome. We've got a family to inform. " He says, leaning in for a quick peck before guiding you hand in hand from his room.

Needless to say, the endless support you got not only from him, but from the others? You were lucky to have had them all.

/ / Leo may seem OOC in this compared to a LOT of fics out there - but tbh, he isn't the cold, collected leader he's often portrayed as. I can see him being giddy and excited knowing his SO took such a hard and big step in life - hell, he'd be very proud and it will show. While he may struggle a bit with emotions, I can see him expressing them fluently and with enthusiasm when he figures it out. / /

Raph

It didn't take long for Raph's eyes to fall upon you as you made your way into the living room. The unsure look on your face had him up on his feet, eyes regarding you with a look that was just as unsure. The brute wasn't always so good with emotions -- especially if it was coming from his partner.

" Hey girly, you uh..you doin' alright there? " he tries. Voice cautious. But when you visibly cringed, insecurities instalty began to flood his mind. Why did you cringe? You never cringed when he called you that -- were you mad at him? Here to break up with him? His mind began to reel and when you noticed the blank, wide-eyed stare, you knew he was beginning to jump to conclusions.

His brothers watched, worried but with a growing curiosity as you made your way over and gently touched his arm -- ushering him to sit back in the recliner. He did, eyes on you and mouth unmoving as you stood back a bit, biting your bottom lip before your gaze went to the others in the room.

" So um...I've got something to say. To all of you. I figured I'd let you all know at once cause..well, you're my family. You all deserve to know. " you start. Heart pounding in your chest. It was hard to look up at all the eyes pinned on you, so you opted for finding interest in the floor beneath your feet.

With a small chorus of 'Of course', 'go ahead' and 'we're listening' from the brothers, you finally looked up. (e/c) gaze moving from each turtle until they landed on the emerald green of your boyfriends. You stared long and hard into them, heart in your ears now as you took a deep breath -- exhaled, and finally found the courage to speak two words.

" I'm male. "

There was a deafening silence, the boys all staring at you with utter confusion written on their faces. Mikey was the first to speak up after a minute.

" Whaddya mean angelcakes? Were you not a girl this whole time? " then he gasps. " Then how did you hide it from Ra-- " there was a small 'whap' as the red-clad turtle smacked him upside the head. " No ya' idiot! It means she - ....it means y/n was a female.... " looking back at you, he finally stands up. Hand coming to your chest, he pats it a couple of times. It was then that everyone noticed how flat it was now. " But is on his way to becoming a man. " he finishes.

You look up at him, only to find him smirking down at you. It didn't take long for a smile to grow on your face. He accepted you.

" So wait -- does that mean you're gay now, Raph? " Mikey butts in again. This time, Leo pulls him back by the shell with a glare on his face, shaking his head at the younger turtle who then raises his hands in defense. " It was a genuine question! "

Now it was Donnie's turn to speak up. " A very invasive one, Mikey! I don't think they've got that figured out yet. "

Raph seemed to ponder over that question, though. Brow-ridges furrowed in concentration, before finally taking your hand in his.

" Yeah, Mikey, I guess it means I'm gay. But, only for y/n ~ "

/ Well, this concludes part 1 of the 'coming out, female to male' scanario! I do hope you guys like it so far - and don't be afraif to give me feedback! I'm definitely open to any constructive critisism for my future writings. I'll see you in the next part lovelies! ~ Arrow /

[doyelikehaggis]

Rowing the Rarepair Rowboat: Hope Mikaelson x Ethan Fell (Legacies)

Requested by anonymous

"Thanks for volunteering to help me out," Ethan says as they hang up bags of sweets to the top of the prize stand. 

Hope smiles over at him and shrugs. "It's no problem. I have..." her eyebrows furrow, "pretty much nothing else going on, actually."

They both laugh, and Ethan nods like he gets it. She supposes with his arm being out of commission for those few weeks he probably does get it. Mystic Falls High will want proof that he is in perfect condition again before they'll even consider letting him continue on with the team, which means no practice, no tryouts. No anything. 

There's a little twinge of guilt in her chest but she buries it back down, knowing there was nothing she could have done. Something just went wrong. It doesn't matter that she has no doubt that magic was somehow involved in his arm getting hurt -- at the Salvatore School, nothing is ever just a coincidence. When something bad happens, something supernatural is involved, it's just how it goes. 

"And," Hope says, rolling her eyes, "honestly, I felt kinda bad for you. You just looked so stressed, with an armful of cotton candy."

Ethan laughs again, evidently unable to help himself. Hope swears a flush creeps up his neck. 

"Thanks," he says, with a drop of sarcasm, then adds, "You're not wrong. Without practice, my summer schedule was empty, and I... somehow got roped into helping with this funfair thing? I - I don't know how either, honestly, I think Maya signed me up as a joke before she left."

"That sounds like something she'd do," Hope agrees, grinning.

Ethan just hums his agreement. He turns back to the bag in his hand, mindlessly reaching up and hooking it up. His expression has changed though, his smile almost fading entirely without Hope's full attention on him. But she still notices, and she frowns. It's obvious he's missing his mom and Maya. They only left two weeks ago.

Hope plays with the plastic-tie that's wound around the top of one of the bags, keeping it sealed. The sky is still light, and there's barely a cloud in sight. With the funfair opening in a half hour, there will still be plenty of daylight afterwards for at least a few hours. 

She stretches up, trying not to wobble as she does, reaching to hook up her last bag of mint chocolate pretzels. She can't quite reach far enough, and she is definitely wobbling from what she can gather. Her free hand quickly catches the top of the ladders to steady herself. 

"Oh, hey. Here" --Ethan hurries to climb down his own ladders-- "I can get that."

Hope tries to protest. "It's fine, I can get it. It's just" --she tries to stretch back up again but she's just a few inches off, and a muscle in the back of her legs is threatening to bring her back down if she goes up any further-- "Yeah, you know what? You can do it. I'm good."

She climbs down and hands the bag over to him. Ethan's up and hanging it on the hook then climbing back down in seconds. When he rejoins her on the ground, standing in front of her, she smiles at him.

"Thanks," she says. 

"No problem," Ethan says. "Couldn't risk you getting hurt; you're the only good quarterback Mystic Falls High has left now."

Hope scoffs, then laughs, her eyes widening as he grins at her. Clearly, he's teasing. They're both well aware that her skills on the field are sub-par at best and astounding at worst. 

"You're funny!" she jokes back, nodding with mock enthusiasm then says, "But there is no way I am joining that team unless you're the quarterback." When Ethan raises his eyebrows, she answers with the obvious, "Well, I need someone whispering what all of the terms mean and when I should go long."

"All right, you know what?" Ethan places his hands on her shoulders, holding her gaze with a sparkling smile. It makes her heartbeat jump and heat spreads out above, across her chest, but she keeps her cool on the outside. "I am teaching you all of the basics. I know you could do it! You just... need some help."

"Hm. Like you with painting?" she replies, arching an eyebrow at him. 

Ethan falters. Hope nods with a telling smile.

"Yeah," she confirms. "I was in that class with you. And, honestly, I'm a little scared to know what kind of birds you've been seeing if that's what you think an owl looks like."

Dropping his hands from her shoulders -- and inadvertantly giving Hope the ability to breathe a little easier again -- Ethan fumbles to defend himself. "It - it was... owl-ish."

Hope stares at him, unblinking, and flat in tone when she says, "It had three wings."

"That was its beak."

"And no eyes."

"It had eyes! They just... happened to look exactly like its markings."

"Mhm." Hope just nods, not breaking her stare. 

Ethan rolls his eyes, but his mouth is twitching up at the corners. "All right, there is definitely room for my artistic abilities to improve."

Hope smiles back now, smugly. "It's okay. I can teach you the basics."

Perking up, Ethan actually looks thrilled at that idea. "Really?"

She nods, and he is downright delighted. It secretly brings Hope a little bit of joy seeing him this way. At least he's not dwelling on things. And neither is she, she supposes. If they're both distracted, then they don't have time to think about the bad things going on in the back of their minds. 

"It would be a waste of a perfectly good summer if neither of us had any plans," Hope tells him, to which he agrees. They get back to work with the fair, setting up the prizes and making sure everything else is in order before people actually start arriving.

They're technically the first two there aside from the rest of the planning and decorating committee and the crew who brought and set up the heavy machinery. Deciding to start their summer of distraction, they stick around for a bit, playing some of the games. Winning the prizes is surprisingly a lot easier when you helped set up the game.

Hope doesn't know how to feel when Ethan wins another prize -- a medium-sized, fluffy teddy bear -- and gives it to her with this look in his eyes and this smile that she can't not smile back at. But she knows she holds onto that bear the entire way around the fair, and when she finally leaves him to go back to the house, she sets it on her bed before going downstairs to join Jeremy for something to eat. 

She ignores his questions about it. She ignores his questions about the boy who walked her to the path and lingered for five minutes saying goodbye. When she eventually goes to bed to try and get some sleep in preperation for whatever monster is inevitably going to rear its head at them tomorrow, the soft fur of the bear is surprisingly comforting.

It actually makes it easier to drift off for once without her mind being completely occupied by thoughts of everything that could go wrong. Instead falling asleep wondering where she could try and help Ethan with his painting, and dreaming up scenarios of him trying to help her learn the ways of a quarterback. 

[gotmeringinghellsbells]

Morning Preperations

This fic contains an intense amount of swearing, and is about random, fandomless ocs. Enjoy.

"Aye yo, up and Adam your royal pain!" A young guard entered the bed chamber of the prince, unannounced. He yawned and stretched as he shut one of the chamber's door's behind him with his foot.

"Brutus," a higher voice shrieked. Green eyes opened to see the prince glaring at him as he wrapped one of his large curtains around to sheild himself. "I'm in my underwear you pervert," the prince hissed. "Get the hell out!" He reached for his vanity near by and grabbed a hold of a brush.

Brutus merely rolled his eyes. "Come on Daren, your not nude. Samuel forced me to start my shift early so let's go princess! Move that scrawny ass and get ready." The personal guard sat on the unmade bed; running his fingers along the soft, purple, silky sheets. Daren growled before throwing the brush at the other.

"Ow," the larger gasped before glaring at the prince who still refused to leave the curtain. "Once you stand your post outside I will. I have a sutor coming for breakfast. Father and Samuel will have my head if I'm late." Brutus rolled his eyes. "Sorry sweetheart," he seethed sarcastically as he grabbed the brush that assaulted his head.

Daren panicked slightly as the other approached him. He was no physical match for the other. Both were lanky young men but Brutus had a few inches and a swimmers build of muscle on him. "But Samuel gave me my orders." Daren gasped as the curtain was yanked away from him, revealing his image to the other.

Black briefs clung to his curvy lower body as a white, silky, loose undershirt rested on the slight pudge of his tummy. Silk stockings were tied off at the thighs, making for an almost lovely picture of the prince. Brutus looked him over before feeling a small shove. Hardly budging he just looked at the man before him. "Stop staring at me like that! Brutus, I swea-eek!" Brutus gently pulled Daren close, brush raised over his head.

"Sit your pretty ass down and finish getting ready already. I can't leave this chamber without your royal pain in tow, get it?" Daren blushed slightly before trying to push the other off him, to no avil. Despite supposed to be having authority over his father's guard, as he was the prince, but Samuel definitely had authority over him and sometimes even his father out of respect for the old bastard. Nothing he could say to Brutus would get the boy out of his hair.

"Fine you annoying oaf! Let go so I can get dressed!" Brutus rolled his eyes before letting go and setting the brush back on the vanity. As he did, Daren strode by him quickly to his closet and just grabbed the nearest shirt before moving to grab matching pants.

Pulling on the pants quickly, he refused to face the other. His face was still red from embarrassment but the butterflies were simmering down. He may have over reacted some. He dared to glance over to see the other now lying in his unmade bed, feeling the soft materials. He always seemed to rub certain cloths between his fingers, maybe it was a calming technique. Nevertheless, Daren's dark, silky hair always ended up between his fingers too.

"How's your head," the prince finally asked, breaking the silence as he pulled up his black pants. "Little sore. How's your ego," the other sneered. "Also sore," Daren shot back woth fake annoyance. "That so? Need me to kiss it and make it better," Brutus inquired sarcastically. Daren sighed as he pulled on a loose sleeved, white shirt. "No, but I'm sorry for hitting you. Do you need to rest?"

The prince was now standing over the other, holding onto the pole of his bed frame closest to the other loosely. Brutus blushed a bit before shaking his head. "I'm trained to protect the royal brat, a lot more than a pansy throw from his highness is needed to take me down." Daren glared slightly as Brutus smirked at him with a wink. "That so?"

Brutus was laying with his legs crossed, and arms folded under his head. Wearing nothing more than casual clothing, he earned what he had coming. "Yeah, that's so." "Then you wouldn't mind your weak, defenseless, pain of a prince punishing you for wearing your boots in his bed?" Brutus was confussed as the other leaned down to his level, walking his fingers across his toned chest. "What do you mean?"

"Look down darling, your wearing your nasty work boots on my nice sheets. Agatha is going to have to wash them again." Brutus tried to sit up but the prince held his folded arms down and swing himself onto the other's pelvis. His long, black hair hung loosely, like vines coming towards the guards face. "Tsk, tsk," Daren cooed as he gently started to drag his fingers down the bared biceps. "Pff-! D-Daren!" Brutus turned his head into his arm as he tried to stop himself from giggling. Above him, the prince merely smirked.

"Oh Brutus~! Don't tell me a few tickles can bring my brave knight down. My, my, I'd surely be in danger then," Daren fake lamented as he smirked. "Yo-your gon-nna be- cckkkk! Gonna be when- when I get you!" Rolling his eyes, Daren merely giggled. "Oh, how scary. A soft faced, small man with big, loving, green eyes and such soft, feathery chocolate hair is going to rebel against his charge?"

Brutus blushed as Daren gently ruffled his hair with a giggle. It tickled a bit, but the laugh was more for his friend's reaction. "Tell me Brutus, are your underarms ticklish? The royal court needs to know all your weaknesses. We can't have the prince falling into danger, now can we?" Brutus bit his lip as fingers gently moved further down his biceps, under the short sleeves of his shirt. "B-Bhahahitch!" He cracked! Score one for the Lee!

"Bruuutuusss," Daren teased out, giving the poor boy no peace. "Brutus, does this tickle? Does it ticcckllee~!" The guard felt himself slipping as more fingers joined. "I-hahahah! I'll gheheet you fhahaor this!" Daren only smiled softly. "Aw, promising harm to your beloved prince?" "I dhahaon't hahaha a beloved phaharince! Jhahahaust yhahaou!" Daren scoffed before ramping up the torment. "Ass hole." "Fheheheling is mu- ah shit! Ghahaha!" Brutus was breaking down now, showing his ticklish side.

Daren giggled. He quickly started to pick up the pace, squeezing, scratching, and poking random areas he could easily get to while moving to keep Brutus' arms down whenever he saw them move. Brutus should be proud! After all, he's where Daren learned such moves.

Brutus however, wasn't impressed as he wheezed with heavy laughter and shook about. He whined and snorted while he trashed his legs; catching glimpses of the boots he was being "punished" for. He was dying of laughter, trashing about as his prince continued to torment him. He had to figure a way out of this. No way was this little shit going to tickle him then walk off to meet a potential fiancee like nothing ever happened!

Wait.... that's it!

"Yhahahaou nehehed to gehehehet ghahahoing soon!" Daren eased up the tickles, not understanding what the other said. "What," he asked before gasping as hands over powered him and rolled him over. Brutus was now laying on the other, holding the prince's arms down by their wrists and glaring daggers as he panted.

Daren wiggled, testing his movement as he started to blush. Butterflies started to form in his stomach once more and his knees moved slightly together. "W... what did you say," Daren asked sheepishly. Brutus' scowling face became a smirk. "That I ain't letting you leave until I get some revenge." Daren squeaked, face turning darker. "You.... you'll wrinkle my shirt. You can't. I'll tell Samuel it was you," Daren weakly threatened.

"Then, I'll just have to fix that, huh?" What? Daren gasped as he felt cold hand slip into the hem of his pants to unstuck his shirt; the cold feeling spreading as skin made contact with the skin of his stomach. "Brutus! You brute! Unhand me!" Gently, fake hitting the other with his free hand, Daren tried to sound as annoyed as possible but the other ignore it.

Rather, he saw through the facade. Daren was compliant on the shirt removal but quickly squealed as he noticed his undershirt had gone too. Milky, smooth skin was revealed to the earth; a rare sight from the prince. Almost as pale as a vampire, yet skin as soft as a baby. The elements truly never touched the royal pain.

Brutus merely smirked. He knew the other was deathly ticklish. Just a few strokes to his soles, a squeeze or two to his thighs, or a few pokes at his underarms would have him spilling any information asked for if the prince was ever captured. Moving the shy arms away from the torso and pinning them overhead with ease, Brutus smiled softly. "I just laughed like a dork infront of you and your embarrassed about me seeing your body? At least you don't sound like a damn horse when you laugh." Daren blushed more as he wiggled awkwardly. "You don't though. You sound.... kinda cute when you laugh. A little dorky too. It's nice to hear when it's not directed at... making fun of me."

Brutus felt his face heat up a bit before he quickly shook his head. "Ah, nope. No sweet talking your way out of this your highness. Your being sentenced to tickle punishment and that's that." Daren growled a bit. "Bastard, I wasn't trying to get out of anything! Don't just brush me aside like that!" He paused when he realized Brutus was blushing and cracked a smile. "Oh, your faking it," he said softly. Brutus only blushed more before gently poking under the royal's arm; earning a squeal.

"Nope, I will not be tricked by such a fair prince." Daren giggled before squealing as the poked turned to gentle scratches. "Not there," he cried as he devolved into hysterical laughter. "Not the armpit! Not the armpit! Ahahaha! Brutus!" Daren was shrieking soon as fingers moved behind him to his thighs. He was weakened enough for Brutus to let go of his arms. "Not the armpits? Okay."

The prince screamed in hysterically laughter, flopping around like a fish out of water. "A-Ahhahaha! Noooo! Brutus! Release me at once! B-Brutus!" It tickled something awful. The prince was red from laughter and flustered from being teased and touched so delicately. From the fact this oaf was his best friend and was just hitting all his worst spots to make him laugh. It was sweet.

The prince gripped at the silk pillow covers as he whined and laughed adorably, wiggling in the other's hold and trying to bite his lip to resist the sensation. Not wanting his friend to be set before the kings of two kingdoms and a possible match with a swollen lip along with being covered in tears and sweat, Brutus ended his torment.

Daren released his lip and the pillow cover as he panted softly. "Oh.... oh man," Daren sighed out rather un-regally. "B-Brutus..... that..... ahh," he sighed out softly. The other laughed before vibrating his hand on the other's tummy. Daren squealed before curling up to protect himself. "Brutus, stop it," he giggled. The other did so before laughing himself.

Cute.

He sighed before redressing the tired body's torso. As he tucked the blouse into the pants, he felt a gentle touch on his hand. Watery red eyes stared at the other woth a soft smile. The other returned the favor before gently climbing off his highness. Helping Daren sit up, he took the brush and quickly started to brush out the tangles the onslaught caused and tied it loosely before looking at the door.

"You need to get going," Brutus sighed. Daren sighed. "He's been trying to find a suitable match for me for three years now, I doubt this breakfast will be any different." He gently tapped the other's cheek. "Escort me down, would you?" Brutus smiled a bit before gently intertwining fingers with the prince. "As you wish." Daren merely rolled his eyes before they headed out the door.

[ziracona]

Might be that someone already asked but give us your wisdom. Headcanons for Felix and Élodie

Initially, they’re just shocked to see each other again. And in the realm. They haven’t crossed paths since they were kids. But then almost immediately things are uncomfortable.

Élodie is the one who got the kids to go into the internment camp, /and/ who personally activated the sigil that brought the Entity to them all. She is directly responsible for the loss of her own parents and Felix’s and all the others. So, seeing him again, her first thought after surprise and relief at a familiar human is “Oh no. He hates me.” And she immediately becomes reactively and agressively defensive of herself and her past actions, predicting hostility that isn’t there yet.

Since Felix’s paragraph never even mentions Élodie, I have to assume she does not play super majorly into his own trauma memories actually and he doesn’t harbor intense resentment towards her, and probably both doesn’t blame her for being the one to push them into that trek, and simply know she activated the sigil. So, he’s surprised and relieved (even though it’s kind of awkward), and then kind of just hurt because she’s immediately reactive around him and almsot seems to resent him. He probably gets kind of pissed (understandably) like “Well you were the one who sent us down there—I don’t know why you’d hate /me/ over it” and that only makes stuff worse.

Felix is very easy to push around and terrified and takes a long time before he gets used to the realm. He is a cautious and hesistant man in general, and very very very out of his depth, both from being kind of rich and cushioned against life, and just by nature. He takes a long time to adapt and is miserable and scared, but he really does try.

Claudette, who is also miserable and scared, and Dwight, who was long the same before adapting, are especially nice to him and work to help him adapt. So are Tapp, Jane, Jeff, and Ace, who also try—especially Jane, who is well versed, and Tapp, who has experience—to comfort and reassure him about his wife giving birth without him there and his family waiting back home.

Felix misses his wife deeply and would never cheat on her and abandon her and his infant child back home on favor of a steamy realm romance. (I hold Felix ships in contempt >.> my boy has no reason to be regarded a cheater fuck off leave him alone. He’s a decent enough fellow.)

Élodie is a lot braver than Felix. She adapts to the realm quickly for average, as she is used to danger, pain, and hardship. However, unlike Felix, who is afraid and weak initially due to his complete lack of hardship experience, but is team-oriented, Élodie is used to working alone, and is not a great teammate for a while. She doesn’t mean to be cruel, and she’s not like, unfeeling or unsympathetic. But her own experience is so rooted in self-preservation and operating solo, she takes time to get used to having to share that burden with others. And kind of is resistant to it at first. It’s just...not what’s in her programming. It’s been a long time since other people were aside from in a trade and at arm’s length at best.

The survivors are such a big family though eventually Élodie is overtaken by their genuiness and affection. I think Jane and/or Kate and maybe Dwight talk to her at least once, about how this is affecting teams, or about the group’s way of operating and relationships, but I think really it’s just being saturdated in Claudette asking her for help gardening and explaining new poultices, and Meg doing movie scripts theatrically and asking her questions all the time like an (endearingly) annoying little sister, and Jeff and Tapp and Adam always there to save her and take a hit in a trial, people singing together at camp, Dwight passing her supplies to help her get started. It the family. She gets so slowly warmed up to being genuinely cared for and wanted that her walls start to go down, and she starts unlearning her instinctive reactions and begins fighting to save not just her but them too, them before her sometimes, just because it truly becomes what she wants.

Élodie is fasinated by learing any kind of information that could be useful and very dedicated, so she spends a lot of time with Dwight, Claudette, Jane, Adam, Zarina, and Tapp especially, trying to track down any information that could help them escape eventually and stuff to help then survive in the meantime. Bc of her previous life and knowledge, she is extremely useful at this.

Also gets along well with David/Kate/Laurie and Yui and Zarina. After dying, she really really wants to pick up as much fighting skill as she can.

Felix gets along pretty well with everyone, but hangs out more with the chiller activites people like Adam, Ace, Tapp, Jeff, Jane, or Dwight/Quentin/Claudette.

After arriving in the realm, Felix feels bad most of his skills seem less useful. After Dwight talks to him, he decides to so the little he can, and that even if he’s not got worlds of skills for fighting or escaping the realm, it matters at least a little he /can/ make peoples’ lives better. So he adds some rudamintery shelters to the campfire area so they have a few little actual kind of partial buildings now. He’s not the most personally skilled with tools, but he has an expansive knowledge of how to make things function well and last and be given proper support, so he and Jake make a good team when it comes to home construction.

Things with Felix and Élodie are tense for a while. They don’t fight, per se, but because she anticipates that he hates her and is automatically basically hostilely defensive towards him in preperation for that, Felix feels very disliked by her as well. With some interveigning from the others—especially Jane and Dwight—things get a little more cordial. And Felix starts trying to work hard to make things work and dedicatedly saving her in trials. Élodie hates this, she thinks/tells herself because he’s trying to be superior/sanctimonious towards her, but in reality because she is crippled with guilt over what happened a long time ago. Still, after a while, she starts trying to save him hard too to be just as good, and it’s hard to hate somebody who has rescued you from death, so unintentionally this ends up tricking them both into starting to be chill with and enjoy each other again.

Eventually, there is a breaking point when they’re alone—maybe it’s late at night and Élodie or Felix asks the other to step away to talk. Maybe it’s in a trial, and Felix is offering to die so she can take the hatch, and she just can’t take it anymore. But it happens, and Élodie breaks down and asks why he’s doing this and says she knows he must hate her, and tries to apologize and defend herself viciously at the same time, and it’s a mess, and Felix never knew she actually summoned the thing at all and it’s like getting kicked in the stomach, and he doesn’t even know what to say or think. For so long he’s blamed himself; he’s never blamed her. But he didn’t know it was her fault, and it kind of is, and she’s falling apart, and he’s so overwhelmed, and what is he supposed to say? Is he supposed to forgive her? Supposed to hate her? But. He thinks for a second. He lost everything, but so did she—so did all of them. And she didn’t know. Nobody warned them, their parents could have, and didn’t. And she was a kid. Kids make mistakes—that’s living, that’s growing up. Adults do too. And he doesn’t hate her, and it doesn’t matter if he blames her, because it doesn’t matter who /is/ to blame. They were all kids, and it was a tragedy, not an act of hate or maliciousness, and that’s all that matters. They both lost everything, and all that matters is they do the best they can with what they have now.

And that’s what he tells her. And it’s hard to accept, but she’s so relieved. She breaks down and cries and apologizes for real, no equivocations, no defense, just sorry, and he tells her there’s nothing really to forgive because it was an accident, but that if there was, he would, and they’re friends after that day. Almsot inseperably. She’s there to ask about his wife and baby he hasn’t got to meet yet and to encourage him like the best friend he never had growing up, and he’s there to hear her theories and long spiels on fascinating finds, and ask about home and what she truly wants if they make it back like the best friend she never had either, and because she finally has people she loves, she has answers to that now.

[multiverse-in-archive]

Five Times Touched (for Vegeta)

send me "five times touched" for a drabble about five times my muse touched yours!

((So some of these will be long, so I'll put these under read more-))

The Saiyan propped his arm up on the doorway, admittedly a tad exhausted from... well... today's events.

It was all rather hectic.

But it taught him something.

This family that he'd inadvertedly created. He... wanted to be a part of it...

Starting with the mother of his son...

Now where...

"And what are you doing here?"

And there she is.

He turned his head just in time to see her previous casual pace picking up to speed walking.

"Oh my Kami, are you still hurt!? Why didn't you go up with the others to the Lookout!?"

And there's the fussing.

... Alright, so how does he do this?

"... I came to talk to you..."

“And what could you possibly need to say that's more important than-"

He cut her off when he reached his free hand over to gently grasp her arm. And for a moment, they both stared at each other's eyes in silence.

He swore he'd never seen anything so blue before her...

... After a while she sighed and reached up tp grasp his wrist.

"Come on, go take a seat and we can talk about whatever you need to say while I work on that mess you made yourself.”

He simply nodded before pushing himself off the doorframe and allowing himself to be led further inside.

---

Alright... So... This took a while to prepare.

It took interrogating the Earthlings about the customs of what he was about to do while trying to avoid being found out before he could even make plans. And once that was done, Vegeta had started running errands with Bulma more often, eyes scanning the ground for coins to pick up discreetly.

... Of course, when he found that rings were something he could never hope to afford with the route he was going, he settled with the next best thing.

He melted the coins down with his own ki, and tirously sculpted and molded the metal into something she could wear on her finger.

... It was far from pretty, but it was the best he could do.

Now was the time.

The prince slipped into the bluenette's lab, makeshift ring clutched in his hand as he approached the heiress from behind.

"Bulma."

She paused her work and looked over her shoulder as soon as he announced his pressence.

"Yeah? Did Trunks lose something again?"

He didn't answer, simply continued his approach.

He saw Bulma raise a brow and turn to fully face him as he came closer and closer, only stopping when he was right in front of her.

"Uh...? Can I help you?"

Again, no answer. He looked down at her hands.

They said... left... right...?

So his free hand made a grab for it, heightening her confusion.

"Uhm... Vegeta?"

... What's the ring finger again? It's... right right right- The- The one next to the pinky finger!

So he moved to slip the ring onto her finger.

It was somewhat lumpy and a tad big on her finger. Not really surprising, as his hands were bigger than hers and he'd attempted to mold it around his own finger to get the shape right. Which he didn't even succeed at. And it looks like he forgot to smooth out the imprint his calluses left in.

So there she was, staring bewilderedly at the piece of metal hanging limply off of her thin, delicate finger.

"... What's this?" she finally asked, looking back up at his face only to be met with his intense stare.

"... Marry me," he finally said, his tone commanding.

This is how you propose, right?

---

Earth customs were so odd. Though he'd already knew that from the proposal.

So much planning and preperation, and much of it was focused on vanity rather than power.

And frankly, he felt a tad rediculous, standing in this suit in front of everyone that Bulma knew on either side of the asile. Some of who he'd never met.

Apparently one side of the asile was supposed to be taken up by the bride's circle. The other the groom's. But since everyone Vegeta knew that he could have ever cared about was dead, two of which he'd burned bridges with due to his own selfishness, that arrangement couldn't happen. And he wasn't sure how he felt about that.

His hands were stuffed in his pockets as he waited.

What was taking so long anyway-

Then, he heard the music play, and his eyes trailed to the other end of the asile.

And there she was, dressed in pure white and her face covered in a semi transparent veil. One arm clutched the arm of her father, the other a bouquet of colorful flowers.

Time seemed to stand still around them for a moment as she moved closer. And it felt like the only people in the world was just the two of them.

It took a second for him to realize that his jaw had slackened, but when he did, he clenched it and he had his face shift back to its typical stoicism, though he did feel his cheeks warming a bit.

It was when she joined him at the front did Dr. Briefs let her go, joining the rest of the guests in an unoccupied seat next to his wife. Vegeta huffed before flipping the obstructive veil from over her face. What is the point of this thing?

From there, a stranger from behind the podium droned on and on, and he really didn't pay attention.

At least until something caught his ears.

"If anyone objects to this union, please speak now or forever hold your peace."

Vegeta's eyes flicked to the guests, eyes narrowed hostily.

Who's the motherfucker that would dare-

He looked over all of them, trying to find the most likely canidate. It past over Chichi with her new son in her lap, a photo of Kakarot between her and Gohan. His soon to be parent in laws, his soon to be mother in law holding little Trunks in her lap. Krillin, growing in his hair and sitting next to the tincan. A blond woman with a laptop on her lap displaying a blue and purple face on the screen and sitting next to an old man. His dark eyes finally fell on Yamcha, whose gentle smile seemed to drop at the eye contact.

Got something to say, wolf boy?!

Almost as if reading his mind, the scar faced man rose up his hands and shook his head in response.

His eyes were torn away from the crowd when he felt a satin gloved hand cup his face and gently turn it away back to his bride.

Finally, the man spoke.

"Do you, Vegeta, take this woman to be your lawfully wedded wife? To have and to hold, until death do you part?"

Vegeta blinked at having been adressed, dark eyes flicking to the speaker for a moment before returning to Bulma.

"... Uh... Yes? I'm the one that proposed. What the hell kind of a question is that?"

He heard a bit of snickering in in the crowd and noticed Bulma hiding her face in one of her hands.

What?

Even the man stared at him bewildered for a moment before shrugging.

"And do you, Bulma Briefs, take this man to be your lawfully wedded husband? To have and to hold, until death do you part?

Bulma peeked back up at Vegeta from her hand, looking like she was seriously considering to say no.

What? Was it something he said?

"I do..." she murmured, her hand slowly returning to her boquet.

"Then by the power invested in me, I now pronounce you man and wife. You may now kiss the bride."

Vegeta raised a brow at that.

"I neded permission to do that?"

"Vegeta..." she sighed in exasperation.

He looked back at her before cupping her face. Then he leaned forward, close enough so that their lips were brushing against each other.

"Your Earth customs are strange..." he breathed.

"Just shut up and kiss me already...!” she hissed back.

He found a couple of chuckles huffing out of his nose before he finally joined their lips to do just that.

---

Vegeta sighed, running his fingers through his hair.

He's... got a lot to answer for after the shit he pulled... Especially to...

He swallowed.

She was probably never going to forgive him for this...

Rightfully so, he reminded himself.

Just get it over with.

He pushed the door open, seeing his son and wife's heads pop up to face him.

"Dad!" Trunks called out before rushing towards him, practically tackling into him.

Reflexively, Vegeta wound his arms around his son before loosening the hold, hands lightly resting on the boy's shoulder blades.

"Trunks! Don't jump on me like that!" he scolded.

He saw the lavender haired boy open his mouth to reply, but whatever he said never came out as the matriarch of the family stood up, arms crossed.

"Trunks, go upstairs and play with your toys, okay? Your father and I have some things to discuss."

Vegeta held back a grimace.

Yup. Sounds about right.

"But mom-" the Saiyan hybrid started in protest.

"Do as she says, boy," Vegeta said firmly.

The boy looked between his parents for a moment before reluctantly doing as he's told, flying off towards the stairs.

It was only when they were sure he was gone did they approach each other. Until they were face to face.

Blue eyes glared into his dark ones, and the heat of them reminded him of the newer stars in the universe. Burning. Scorching.

"... Bulma..."

She pushed him in repsonse, causing him to step back. Of course it didn't hurt him a bit. She couldn't hurt him if she wanted to.

"What the hell were you thinking!?"

Push.

"What the hell is wrong with you!?"

Push.

She looked like she was starting to tear up.

"Killing all those people!"

Push.

"Holding them all hostage like that!"

Push.

"You almost killed us!"

Push.

"What if you actually did kill us!? Huh!?"

Push.

He could definitely see tears starting to roll down her face now.

"WHAT THEN!?"

Push.

"All BECAUSE YOU WANTED TO BEAT GOKU!!!"

Push.

"I THOUGHT YOU WERE BETTER THAN THIS NOW!!!"

Shove!

"... I'm sorry..." he finally said, quietly.

Bulma froze then, staring up at him in shock.

Not surprising. He's never said sorry.

Not before now.

So they stayed like this for a moment, staring at each other.

Then her brows shifted to a scowl.

"If you're really sorry... then... Then don't do this again...! You hear me!? Don't you ever pull this crap again, Vegeta!"

He reached a hand to cup her face, his thumb brushing away a tear.

"You have my word..." he said softly.

And just like that, she threw herself into his arms, sobbing into his shoulder. Vegeta simply held her there, letting her let it out. His fingers on one hand was tangled in her short blue hair, and his other hand was resting on the middle of her back.

All the while, he felt an aching in his chest, and he couldn't describe it.

Never again... He'd never hurt her like this again.

---

"Vegeta," her voice called from the intercom in the Gravity Chamber, "Could you come out here? We need to talk."

He huffed, though partially from exhaustion.

"Can't this wait? I'm in the middle of training."

"It's important!" his wife snapped, "Get your butt out here before I drag you out!"

... He gave a sigh at that.

Dammit, fine...

He moved, albiet with some difficulty, to the console before shutting it off. The red lights went out, and he was freed from the merciless pull of the artificial gravity.

He rolled his shoulders as he made his way out, met with the sight of Bulma leaning against the wall nearest the exit of the room his chamber was situated in.

She first tossed the towel at his face, which he proceeded to wipe the sweat off with. Then she tossed him a bottle of water.

"So you know how I've been sick lately?" she started as he chugged down the beverage.

He coughed at that, his muscles stiff as he eyed her.

"It's not terminal is it?"

"Oh calm down, I'm not dying," she huffed.

His muscles sagged in relief, though he cocked his head to the side.

"Then what is it?"

Slowly, her hands moved to her stomach.

"I'm pregnant again..."

He nearly dropped his bottle, and he stared at her for a moment, gobsmacked.

Then, slowly, he approached.

"... So... we're...."

"Having another kid, yeah."

Slowly, his free hand reached up to her stomach, fingertips resting lightly on it.

It was flat right now, of course, as it probably hasn't even formed a vaguely human shape yet. But in the coming weeks...

... He remembered her first pregnancy, where he up and ditched her. At the time, he wasn’t willing to accept having a family.

But this time... This time things would be different...!

[llendrinall]

(1) Draco, Harry, Hermione & Ron (aged 23) all are working on a case. Harry & Ron are Aurors. Draco & Hermione are both Healers & Unspeakables. The case is something like a bunch of Death Eater wannabes trying to resurrect the dark lord. So while busting in on their ritual all 4 are transported to their younger bodies at different times. Draco (5), Ron (7), Hermione (9), Harry (11) (The day before Hagrid comes to fetches him.)

(2) Harry and Draco were married so they use a phrase to each other so the other knows that they're the other and then plan a meet in the Room of Requirements. After confirming that Ron and Hermione (Married) are who they are too they go to the meet too. While each playing the roles they had the first time around. They then work out a plan for the war (Since Draco hasn't found a way back they plan to change things).

(3) Draco needs to play the bully/death eater and work to save the lives of the war victims. While Harry, Ron and Hermione work out the horcrux ect. Befor and during the war they secretly work to make preperations and stuff to minimize the damage while also playing their parts as school rivals. And they manage to minimize the deaths and they manage to save a lot of familiar faces. Sirius, Remus, Tonks, George ect.

(4) So after Harry kills Voldemort (He had an argument with Draco cuz Draco was worried he wouldn't come back this time) they're in the grand hall and everyone just sees the golden trio going to Draco with smiles. Ron gives him a handshake, Hermione a Hug, and shockingly Harry kisses him infront of everyone (Draco's parents are like "WTF?") And says "Told you i wouldn't die." "Shut up you bloody git". (In my head its a long fic with a LOT of stuff added. I just wanna know how you'd write this)

 Mmh, yes this would be a long plotty fic, so I won’t detail the structure, just some of the elements I would use to build it.

First, I would have them go back to exactly one month before they turn 11. There is a very nice symmetry there and we avoid having Draco too long in his child’s body. An adult Draco in a 5-year-old body would be terrifying. Lucius would just flee the country.

So they go back to 11 minus one month. Harry and Draco have 1-2 summer months to get settled and start figuring things out, Ron gets around 7 months to think about family dynamics and draft a plan to contact his friends. Hermione has a whole year plus change to rage, study and come up with a definite plan to Get Things Right.

There is a beautiful tense scene as they board the train, because Harry and Ron don’t know if their friend is their old self or their young self. They are both very cautious around each other until Harry notices the way Ron looks at Scabbers and he knows. It just takes a couple of loaded comments afterwards to recognize each other.  

Hermione barges in their compartment in her usual way and they have to drop some very heavy hints to remind her they are not alone. They can’t spook Pettigrew.  Draco comes by, stares at Harry in silence for a whole minute and then passes him a note saying he can’t find the diary and also he ordered Dobby to go serve Harry, he should be waiting in Hogwarts. It is unclear whether Draco knows this Harry is the old Harry because Draco is, and has always been, kind of odd. It took them a while to discover it, but Draco is just a bunch or random powerful ideas held together with anxiety and fire. Harry loves him so much.

They go to Hogwarts. You would think that in this timeline Harry would be the most belligerent/hostile of them, but it is actually Hermione. Hermione is a nightmare student. She has a list of one hundred and fifty names and she is going to save all of them (except maybe Dumbledore and Snape). She has no time nor attention to waste in silly classes telling her what she already knows. She only comes to class sporadically, aces all her tests and hands out beautiful neat homework that barely took ten minutes out of her day to complete. Teachers hate her (or heavily dislike her), but they can’t expel her. It’s beautiful. The twins develop a crush on her.  

Harry waits patiently until Christmas so Dumbledore can gift him the Invisibility Cloak and then announces that he is not going back to the Dursleys. Dumbledore insists. Harry says softly “by Jove, I will not” and Dumbledore thinks about that exchange for a week. He forgets about it when ten days later there is an incident in Transfiguration class and McGonagall discovers that Ron’s pet rat Scabbers is actually Peter Pettigrew.

(They were going to wait until Quirrell tried to steal the philosopher’s. Hermione insisted they couldn’t deviate too much of the original timeline or they would lose their advantage of knowing what was going to happen. If something was going to change, it was better to attach it to some other important event.

But Harry pointed out that it would be much easier to keep Sirius alive if he had some extra months of freedom and he didn’t have to live as a fugitive and Ron was certain that they would be fine even if they changed everything. It wasn’t just their knowledge of the events to come, it was their knowledge, period, their experience.

Ron is a man now, and adult, and he is kind of freaked out at the shenanigans they did when they were merely children. What were they thinking? Was there no competent adult to point out that were kids? It shouldn’t be up to them to rescue Sirius or Buckbeak, what in the seven hells.)

Anyway, Sirius is freed and Dumbledore is forced to explain everything about prophecies and love magic and blood protection early, because Harry insists he is going to live with Sirius. Harry agrees to go back to the Dursleys for two weeks, but Sirius has to come with him and no, he will not come as a dog, that’s demeaning. He will spend his time at the Dursleys as a human, thank you very much.

Sirius is the first adult to realize that there is something not quite right about Harry. The others had noticed that Harry was… special. But Sirius is the first one to see through, although he doesn’t know what he is seeing exactly.

Lucius still uses the Diary against the Weasleys, but this time Ron picks it up. Their first week back in Hogwarts, they all go for a nice excursion down to the Basilisk lair. They bring the Diadem, too. Harry speaks to the Basilisk and both horcruxes are destroyed.

The rest of the year is spent plotting. Draco takes on the role of the bully and plays it up to hilarious heights. He picks on everyone, and that’s everyone, except Neville and Luna. Funnily, Cedric Diggory is a big fan of him and always answers to Draco’s banter.

Draco suggests having a Duel Club to Lockhart. There has been no student attacks, of course, but Lockhart loves the idea and Draco wants the opportunity to fight Harry and make ridiculously sexually charged comments. They have five very nice duelling sessions until the curse of the DADA post acts up and professor Lockhart is unavailable the rest of the year.

(Harry tutors everyone in his year so this time people will actually now how to cast a protego. Ginny comes to the classes too and is by far his best student).

That summer, Ron has a very long chat with Percy explaining everything. Ron is now eight years older than Percy and understand why his brother fell to the Ministry and rejected his family. The Weasleys had pushed him that way, hadn’t they? Ron also understands that suddenly being nice to Percy and giving him recognition won’t work. It’s too late. But telling Percy they come from another timeline in which Fred died gets Percy’s attention immediately. Percy spends a whole weekend freaking out in silence (nobody notices, of course, and boy is Ron appalled at his family dynamics). Come Monday, Percy emerges relatively calm, all things considered. He has given himself a haircut and is resolved to infiltrate the Ministry.  

The locket is destroyed that summer. They let Sirius and Kreacher do it.

They were hoping to have all horcruxes down before Voldemort rose back, but Pettigrew escapes Azkaban and Voldemort comes back a year ahead of schedule. (Early 4th year).

Dumbledore locates the ring. Despite warnings from all of them (and Snape) he still puts the ring on and gets a curse for it. Hermione says if he is going to be like that, she will take him from her To-Save list.

Barely eight months after Voldemort comes back to power, the Ministry is full of his followers. For now, Voldemort is happy with acting from the shadows, but soon he will want more and the four of them want to avoid open war as much as possible.

Percy sends Ron Helga’s cup, broken. Ron asks how he did it in case they ever find themselves in a similar situation (new timeline and all), but Percy only says that he asked politely. That means there are only two (two? Or is it one?) horcruxes remaining. Draco decides to speed things up, before Voldemort stars his terror campaign. He tells his father than Dumbledore has a mysterious ring with an interesting crest and that’s enough to have Voldemort attack Hogwarts with all his might.

It may not seem like a good idea, but if you think about it it’s much better to have dark wizards try to take over a castle than over a cottage where a half-blood family lives. Plus, now they don’t have to sweep Britain looking for Nagini. They can see her perfectly well down in the grounds trying and failing to eat Hagrid.

The battle draws on and almost becomes a siege. The Ministry comes to help, only they help Voldemort’s side, what with being infiltrated and all.

It’s still preferable to the years of the war.

Sirius has been put under a careful and insistent treatment of “Sirius, no”, so he actually stops when he is told to, he doesn’t follow Pettigrew to a trap and he isn’t killed by Bellatrix. Well done, Sirius! Another advantage of Sirius surviving, beyond the fact that he survived, yay, is that he gets to save Snape when Voldemort decides he might not be a good double spy after all. Snape hates the idea of owing his life to Sirius. It is very entertaining.

Neville kills Bellatrix Lestrange. Luna kills Nagini (and feels bad for it, and cries, sweet Luna, may she always have a soft heart). Peter Pettigrew dies in a freak accident in which both the giant squid and the twins are involved. Cedric Diggory bullies seven Ministry wizards into switching sides.

Things are going good. There are many wounded, more than the last time, but no dead, not on their side.

Harry knows he will have to die, again. And it will have to be Voldemort. He can’t risk having anyone else cast the curse (would they even meant it?). They have changed so many things… They can’t be sure that all those changes won’t coalesce in this one instant in time. They can’t be sure that Harry will make it back.

But Harry still goes, because that’s what he has to do. He tries to make things as similar as possible, act the same way, say the same things. Maybe having Sirius and Moody and Tonks and Lupin alive and well and fighting won’t matter if Harry just follows the script on this.

But just in case it will matter, just in case Harry doesn’t come back this time, he throws some ad lib.

“Hey, Tom,” Harry says, holding his thumb between his index and middle finger. “I’ve got your nose.”

Well, at least he can be sure that Voldemort means it when he cast the curse.

 The honour of killing Voldemort falls on Hagrid this time. It isn’t pretty.

And Harry comes back. Draco forgives him just for having said that line.

[drunksugarskull]

Dating Sirius Black would include (or more like whole story of a relationship with him lol) ... Part 1

*some things are different from the events in books etc*

you met at the beginning of 4th year when you became a victim of one of the marauders' pranks

they didn't want to pull it specifically on you but it kinda happened

and oh god, they started a war

you pranked each other for around six months

one time James and Peter dug a hole near the lake the way you couldn't see it

it wasn't deep enough for you to fall completly in it but you tripped and badly scratched you arm

Sirius decided that it's enough, he wanted to end the pranks between you all and to apologize

his friends were surprised because they were sure that he doesn't know the word "apologize"

the next day he came up to you in the great hall during the breakfast

you were shocked cause you two have never really talked before

you both agreed that you should bury the hatchet

a few minutes later the rest of marauders came

talking with them was really nice and you guys met again at the lunch time

and the next day

and next

you can say that eating with them quickly became a tradition

but Sirius always was a few minutes before the rest so he could spend some time alone with you

not that you were complaining

marauders were teasing him non stop

few weeks after the last prank and day before the trip to Hogsmeade, Sirius approched you after lessons

"you know, i still didn't make it up for you for the pranks, soo... what do you think about some butterbeer tomorrow?"

and of course the next day you two were in the three broomsticks laughing like crazy over some stupid memories from your childhood or something like that

"one time i was pretending to be a dog and ate my dog's food. you should see my mum's face when she saw my dirty face and heard me barking"

you can't even imagine how hard Sirius was trying not to tell you about all the animagi stuff when he heard this story

from this day you and the marauders (but mostly Sirius ofc) were practically inseparable

after that you were sneaking around the castle or watching stars with Sirius almost every day

"see? I'm named after this one"

you loved talking with him, you could literally start a conversation about everything

he opened up to you about his family, his problems, some feelings and even about that he is an animagus

because of how much James wanted to be near Lily you were often spending time with her and quickly became best friends

one time you and Lily were talking about boys and she helped you realise that you have a crush on Sirius

but no one seemed to see it

at least not until one day

you walked into great hall for lunch and saw a girl flirting with him

let's say that you were a "little" mad and stormed out the room

Remus noticed

"i think your little crush's jealous"

Sirius didn't believe it, but he quickly stopped talking with the girl next to him

he gave you a note on potions

"meet me at the lake at 5?"

you met and there was an akward silence between you

you couldn't take it anymore

you just blurted out that you have a crush on him

he didn't say a word so you started apologizing because you felt like you just ruined your friendship

and then he kissed you

"ok, now shut up and let me tell you something"

he told you about how long he had to hide his crush for you and how he couldn't handle it anymore

"does this mean that you're my boyfriend now?"

so yeah, that's how you became a couple

the next day Sirius was telling everyone how he asked you to be his girlfriend but you just rolled your eyes because that ofc wasn't they way your conversation went

but you let him say whatever version he wanted cause you saw how happy it made him (and probably Sirius and Remus made a bet about who will ask out the other one first so you let Sirius win)

EVERY SINGLE GIRL IN HOGWARTS WAS JEALOUS OK

and you couldn't blame them because let's face it - Sirius was hot af and he really was a charmer

you were the power couple of hogwarts

even McGonagall was happy about you

marauders teasing you both on a daily basis

holidays came and you had to go home

you were sending each other letters as often as you could

one time you wrote that you really missed him and he appeared the next day in your living room after using floo powder

he did it a few times in the first month and wanted to do it over whole vacations but his parents noticed that he is sneaking out and scolded him

you knew that his parents were unpredictable and you were really worried so you told him not to do it

but he is Sirius Black so of course he did it anyways

at the end of holidays he asked if he can stay at your house

your parents agreed

when he arrived he had an ugly bruise under his eye and you knew that longing for you wasn't the only thing that made him stay here

you were mad that you couldn't do anything about his situation

your parents knew that Sirius was a troublemaker but they fell in love with him

"i wish he could stay here longer"

you went back to hogwarts and the madness begun again

you had o.w.l.s this year so you were constantly stressed out

but Sirius was always there, he understood that you wanted to study but was looking after you so you didn't overwork yourself

he gave you back massages when you were tense

once you were both studying (wow) and you fell asleep in his bed

you woke up with a black dog laying near your legs

"there wasn't enough space on the bed so..."

you were always impressed by his transfiguration skills so he often changed just to see your face expression

your mum knew that there was a lot of bad blood between Sirius and his parents so she often wrote letters to him so he wouldn't feel so alone when everyone got their post

you wanted to help Remus during the full moon but Sirius said that there is no way that you are doing something so dangerous

so you were just prepering lots of chocolate for Remus because you knew that it made him feel better

Sirius is really overprotective

one time you cut yourself slightly with scissors and he took them away from you because he thought it's to dangerous lol

he always gives you his leather jacket so you won't be cold, takes care of you when you are sick or on your period

"i wouldn't have signed up for this if i knew that i have to take care of another person turning into a monster once a month"

now Sirius was the one prepering chocolate

Peter once said that Sirius looked more tired after taking care of you during one day of your period than when he did after the full moon

but he was only joking

at least you hoped so

but Sirius couldn't blame you anyways

you rarely argued

at some point of the fight one of you always yelled something like "are you serious?" and we all know how it ended

so yeah, you never stayed mad at each other for longer than thirty minutes

one time you pretended to be upset with each other just so Lily and James could together try to make you and Sirius talk again

they didn't know about your little plan

that's how they eventually ended up together

you went on double dates but you wanted to spend some time alone with Sirius so you stopped it after a few times

Sirius and you were still stargazing every single night

"i want to stay like this forever"

your parents invited Sirius for Christmas

he was extremely happy because he didn't want to go home or stay alone at Hogwarts

you gave him a new leather jacket and he gave you a promise ring

"one day i will give you an engagement ring but for now have this"

let's be honest you did cry "a little"

ofc he gave small gifts to your parents and vice versa

everything was amazing until you found Sirius awake on the couch in the middle of the night

he looked like he just stopped crying

you saw that he is holding a watch that he sent to Regulus for Christmas

Sirius just looked at you with eyes full of tears and you hugged him as tight as you could

"he sent it back and wrote that he doesn't want it because it's from me"

James was throwing a party on New Year's Eve and you obviously were invited

you shared kiss with Sirius at midnight

what a great way to start a new year

[lostinmymindpalace-m]

The Light of Knowledge

A warm comfort fanfic about Dead Poets Society introducing Diana Williams. Might not always be (chronologically) accurate, but has the intention to warm your heart and take you to a wonderful place. Will (hopefully) be updated, because I love wrtiting it. Feel free to give feedback and correct linguistical mistakes <3

Chapter one, in which the thoughts are free

Wer kann sie erraten,                      Who can guess them sie fliehen vorbei,                           they flee away, wie nächtliche Schatten.                 like nocturnal shadows. Kein Mensch kann sie wissen,       No man can know them, kein Jäger erschießen.                    no hunter can shoot them. Es bleibet dabei:                             It stays like it is: Die Gedanken sind frei.                 the thoughts are free

Ich denke, was ich will,                 I think what I want und was mich beglücket,               and what makes me happy, doch alles in der Still,                    but all in silence und wie es sich schicket.               and how it acquiesces. Mein Wunsch und Begehren         My wish and desire kann niemand verwehren,              nobody can deny, es bleibet dabei:                             it stays like it is: die Gedanken sind frei.                 The thoughts are free

(from a German folk song)

I stop and take a deep breath. The time-honoured school building looks stunning against the setting of trees, whose leaves are starting to turn colourful. I still can't believe I'm really here. My heartbeat accelerates with excitement as I let my gaze wander over the dark, weathered brick bulidings and the adjoining school grounds. A river runs through the valley and flows into a lake aside the houses. Welton Academy. I actually made it. A blast opens up the cloudy sky and the golden sun rays of late summer bathe the school building in their light. I close my eyes, hold my face against the warmth and then set out for the Academy, for a new life.

In front of the entrance door, an old man with grey hair is waiting for me. He introduces himself as Dr. Hager and shakes my hand. „You must be the recipient of the Eisenhower-Scholarship. Diana Williams, right?“ I nod. „Yes, Sir.“ „Well, in addition to my function as teacher of mathematics, I am residential supervisor for grades eleven and twelve, a cordial welcome to Welton Academy on my behalf. Please follow me to the director now.“ I tightly sqeeze my suitcase as I walk behind Dr. Hager. In the entrance hall, the walls are covered with pictures of former years and special awards of students. One day, my picture will be on these walls, too, I think and feel like I could scream with joy. But of course, I controll myself. Keep it upright, a slight smile on my lips, just like my mother told me to. Dr. Hager stops and knocks on a door made of the same dark wood the walls here are covered with up to shoulder height. „Come in!“, it sounds from the director's room. I square my shoulders, adjust my glasses and step in. Behind the huge mahogany desk sits a man with short, white hair. For a moment, his eyes behind the round glasses linger on my school uniform before he signifies for me to sit down. „Miss Williams, it is a pleasure to welcome you to this school. Your parents don't seem to have arrived with you?“ „No, Sir. They were both indispensable, so I took the train here by myself.“ Director Nolan takes notice with a nod and then continues. „You certainly understand why the school has asked you not to attend the traditional welcome ceremony. Students and parents have been informed about the project, but the school administration considered it appropriate to avoid any possible disruption of the ceremony.“ In other words, the teachers think the presence of a girl would lead to inappropriate behaviour on part of the students? I internally roll my eyes. „Miss Williams, as you know, your admission to this school is a pilot project. An attempt to see if teaching female students at an institution like Welton is possible. Of course, you are familiar with the rules of this school as well as our four pillars?“ „Yes, Sir. tradition, honor, discipline and excellence, Sir. It is a great honor for me to be able to attend this school.“, I say in a steady voice. Nolan nods again, almost approvingly this time. „Here, you are expected to adhere strictly to the tried and tested standarts and to understanf the four pillars as the headstone of your life. Be aware that your success or failure at this school contributes a major part in the decision about an enlargement of the pupils.“ I can feel his stern look on me, but I don't even blink. I have been aware of the efford and the responsibility this scholarship would entail from the very beginning, when I was suggested by my principal. „As for your school uniform“, Nolan throws a glance at my legs in the suit pants, „an alternative will be found as soon as possible. You will understand that until now, this institution hasn't had any need for adequate skirts.“ That's what I was afraid of. Why can't I just wear pants? Skirts may be pretty, but most of all, they are impractical. Well, my school uniform surely doesn't have top priority here. Who knows how long it will be until I actually have skirts to wear. „It also goes without saying that you won't exploit your position as, well, unique. It is an important requirement for the continuation of your scholarship that the concentrated working atmosphere in the classroom won't be disturbed. For this experiment to be successfull, you too are expected not to let living with male students diminish your achievements.“ „I assure you this won't be an issue, Sir.“ Nolan hands me a paper on which my schedule appears to be printed. „From tomorrow on, you will attend class with your classmates and, based on your last report cards, you will take part in the following extracurricular activities: Pupil's magazine, yearbook and debate club. Dr. Hager will now lead you to your room and I will have your class representative lead you through the school during the afternoon. He will also tell you where to pick up your books. Dinner starts at preciely six o'clock. He rises and so do I. „Thank you for your time, Sir.“ After a quick handshake, I am dismissed.

My new home is a small room, the last one on the left side oft the hallway, that has my name on it's door. The walls are dirty white and it's very plain, but at least it has a window with a wide ledge. It was probably originally used as a storage room or something, but now it has everything I need. A simple metall bed, a wardrobe for my clothes and a desk with a chair and a small lamp. It reminds me of home. I slowly put down my suitcase and step up to the window, from which I have a beautiful view of the school grounds. A slight mist is rising, making the lake and the far edge of the forest seem blurry and mystical. I feel tears rising in my eyes and I can't tell wether it's the beauty of nature or the fact that I'm actually here, at the best preperation school in the United States. Six month ago, I couldn't even dream of an opportunity like this. But now, with a lot of work and a degree from Welton Academy, I should even be able to go to college! Almost floating with happiness, I start unpacking my possesions. I didn't bring much, just a few everyday clothes, my coat and a pair of shoes, which I put into the closet next to the school uniforms that have been sent to me. I have just stored my books and writing material and am wondering what to do with my bathroom stuff when I hear muffled noises outside my door. A moment later, someone knocks. That's probably the class representative, i think and quickly put away my bathroom bag. When I open the door, a boy in grey Welton uniform is leaning against the frame and looks at me with a mischievous grin. Behind him stands a group of boys around my age whose facial expressions range from enthusiastic to mild panik. It's hilarious. I slightly raise my eyebrows. „Can I help you?“ The boy that's leaning in the door frame casually extends his hand. „Charlie Dalton. Welcome to Hell-ton.“ „Diana Williams. Pleased to meet you.“ As I shake his hand, he looks deeply into my eyes and pulls my hand to his lips. I sigh internally and stifle a grimace, but I continue to smile nonchalantly. Of course, I knew what kind of attention I would get here. Remain polite and kind, I admonish myself. Mother taught you the best way to handle situations like this. Fortunately, another boy steps forward and I can withdraw my hand. The boy's school jacket is covered with pins. „Diana, I'm Neil Perry, the class representative. Mr. Nolan sent me to show you around and“, he gestures to his companions and gives me an apologetic look, „these guys absolutely wanted to welcome you, too.“ I inconspicuously wipe my Charlie-Dalton-kissed hand on my pants before i extend it to Neil Perry. „That's nice of you“, I say, even though I can't quite avoid a mocking undertone.  „I understand that it must be rather unusual to have a girl here. Let me tell you, it's a weird situation for me, too. But please, come in if you want to. We really don't have to talk with one foot in the door.“ I sit down on the window sill and watch the whole group enter my freshly occupied room. Charlie Dalton immediately makes himself at home on my bed and another one takes a seat on my desk chair, but the others keep standing more or less awkward in the middle of the room. For a moment, nobody speaks, until I tilt my head and casually ask: „Alright, and how is the rest of my eloquent guests called?“ Charlie Dalton's grin widens as he begins to introduce the other guys. „This right here“, he points to the boy that is sitting on the desk chair, „is Steven Meeks, the genius of the class.“ Steven Meeks makes a face and slightly rises his hand. „To his right, we have Gerard Pitts.“ The boy is so tall that in order to stand unter the pitch of the roof, he has to crouch uncomfortably. „Those two are Knox Overstreet and Richard Cameron...“ A smiling boy and another one with a very neat haircut nod to me. „And this“, he points to a guy that is kind of shyly standing next to Neil Perry, „is Todd Anderson. You already know Neil here. We are the best your class has to offer, the rest is dull.“ I have to smile. „Alright Charlie Dalton, Steven Meeks, Gerard Pitts, Knox Overstreet, Richard Cameron, Todd Anderson and Neil Perry“, I say without missing a beat, „it's a great pleasure to meet you.“

The guys seem smart and adorable and I feel much more comfortable with them than I expected. We talk for a while, then Neil shoos them to the common room so he can carry out his duty as a guide. He shows me where to put my stuff in the bathroom and leads me through the school buildings and the classrooms in which I'll have class tomorrow. Neil chats to me cheerfully and tells me stories about teachers, but i hardly listen. I'm enchanted. The escritoires made from dark wood, the chalkboards, the pin boards, the smell of ink and paper. With every breath, I can feel all the knowledge, all the thoughts and hard work. In the room we have english class in, I sit on one of the escritoires, pull my knees to my chest and stroke the wood, that generations of students chafed with the back of their books, with my fingertips. „There is one thing I don't get“, I say and draw a circle around an ink stain. „You are telling me all these awful things about the teachers and how exhausting the classes will be and yet all I can think about is how beautiful it is here. Don't you feel the freedom this place is radiating?“ I look up and see Neil frown. „Freedom? If Welton lacks in one thing, than it's freedom, believe me on this one. You do have to be disciplined, or else you'll get penalty points.“ I nod pensively and jump off the escritoire. „Hm, I don't think that's what I mean.“ So we go and pick up my books. On our way back to the living quarters, we meet Todd who apparently has been waiting for Neil. Both of them accompany me to my room, where I store the books. Neil turnes to Todd. „Do you get a feeling of freedom when you enter Welton?“ Todd shakes his head. „No, if anything, the opposite of freedom.“, he says quietly. „Why?“ „That's how I felt.“ I turn around to face the boys. „And I think now I know why. You may not feel this way, but for me, this place is more than I could ever dream of. When I can make it here, then...“, I gesture vaguely, „basically anything seems possible.“ Neil and Todd nod. „I'm glad you feel this way“, Neil says with a smile. „You are right, your situation is just different. You didn't expect to go to Welton. But you'll see how little controll they give us here.“ I shrug as I watch the last rays of the dying sun slowly fade away. „The thoughts are free, boys.“ Before I can go on, the bell calls us to dinner.

[borhapparker]

another day of sun  |  sam holland

summary: in which the reader is an actress and for the lip sync battle against co-star tom holland, she does the song from "la la land", but she actually sings and dances and sam falls in love with her a little more than he did before the performance

word count: 1325

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The lip sync battle was the biggest event when it came to promoting Spider-Man: Homecoming, and the two main actors, Y/n Y/L/N and Tom Holland were chosen to participate against each other. They were told to pick two different songs, and learn choreography for the event.

Tom had chosen his two songs by the first week of practice. Y/n was still undecided. She wanted her performance to be unique, as she thouht of new and creative ways to not only show her hidden talents but also her commitment to an activity.

Meanwhile, Sam Holland had developed a small crush on his brother's co-star. There was something about her that made his gaze linger every time he saw her or heard her name. His brothers were aware of his crush on the young actress, and Harrison even invited him to attend the lip sync battle in person.

That's exactly what Sam did. Maybe he would approach her today. Maybe he would actually have the guts to tell her how he felt.

The lights were dimmed as Sam watched from the terrace, his eyes looking down at the stage, and the doors opened to reveal Cool J and Chrissy Tiegen, the hosts.

"Hello and welcome to Lip Sync Battle! Today, we have two very important and talented actors! You might have seen him playing out very own superhero, Spider-Man! He's flexible, agile and saves cats! Please welcome, Tom Holland!"

Sam's brother ran out, a smile on his face as he greeted te audience, and turned his attention up, waving to Sam and Harrison, before reaching up and fist bumping both.

"Now, Tom's rival worked with him on his first superhero movie. You might recognize as Spider-Man's love interest and new spiderling! Please welcome Y/n Y/L/N!"

And there she was. Her hair was perfectly brushed on her head, as no strand was out of place. She was wearing blue rolled up jeans, white converse on her feet and a striped sleveless shirt. She jogged to the audience, giving high fives to the audience before she made her way to the terrace, where she waved at Harrison and Sam, making Sam's heart skip a beat. He waved back, as Y/n retreated next to his brother.

"So, today we have both spiderlings. How does it feel to be on Lip Sync Battle against each other?"

"It's definitely a new experience. I don't think any amount of preperation can help me get through these performances. But I'm willing to try and beat y/n, which I know I will." Tom smiled at y/n, who scoffed and brought the microphone to her lips.

"Oh, Holland, I am prepared to bring you down. You will definitely regret coming up against me. You will go down."

The audience roared with laughter as the banter went on for a couple seconds before Tom was introduced for his first performance.

He quickly went behind the scenes and removed his jacket, revealing a sleeveless shirt and a gold chain necklace, a smile on his face.

His lip sync battle started out really well, lot's of energy was displayed as he moved around, the mic to his lips as he lip synced his way across the stage. His performance ended a little quick, as the host thanked him and welcome y/n's performance.

Sam was excited to see what she had practiced. She picked the song "24k Magic" by Bruno Mars, as the whole staged was transformed and she did her choreography.

Even Harrison was surprised, as he watched the young actress move gracefully across the stage, mouthing the lyrics and morphing her face into various expressions.

Her performance ended and Tom was next again.

Sam was still stunned by her performance that he didn't pay as much attention to his brother's performance, and as quickly as it began, it was over and it was Y/n's turn.

The stage lights seemed to turn off as they brought in a couple different set pieces before she appeared, now changed into a completely different outfit.

She was wearing a light pink dress and black heels, her hair pulled up in a ponytail before the music started. And Sam was speechless.

The familiar notes of "Another Day of Sun" from La La Land played through the auditorium, as Sam watched her dance and move her body gracefully between the choreographers on stage.

And when the lyrics began, it wasn't the usual actress singing from the movie.

It was her singing.

"I think about that day, I left him at Greyhound station West of Santa Fe. We were seventeen, but he was sweet and it was true. Still I did what I had to do Cause I just knew,"

Her body moved, as one of the choreographers extended his hand out to her, as she smiled before letting go, and he disappeared into the other dancers. She kept moving, her heels only showing how graceful she was on stage.

Her feet semed to move in front of the other, as she swayed and skipped, her feet sometimes cutting into other movements before she kept singing.

"Summer: Sunday nights We'd sink into our seats Right as they dimmed out all the lights A technicolor world made out of music and machine It called me to be on that screen And live inside each scene."

She kept dancing, as the choreographers took her lead and followed her steps, replicating and imitating her as they kept going, the song playing for a couple more seconds until it ended, and everyone in the audience cheered for the actress, as the host and Tom were surprised.

"You didn't lip sync that one, did you?" Her response was immediate, as she shook her head, out of breath.

"I've got to say, that was amazing. Probably better than my performance, not gonna lie." Tom complimented her as she tried to catch her breath, looking at him and smiling.

"Yeah, that was definitely different. Did not expect that to come from this stage. That was truly a difficult performance and it seems like it was a lot of fun."

"It definitely was. I honestly surprised myself but, overall, I think we both did a really good job. Don't underestimate yourself, Tom. You did really well."

The last few moments of the show went by fairly quickly, as Chrissy came down from her podium with the "winner's belt", as they announced the winner, which was no one other than Y/n.

Everyone was surprised, especially since her last performance she didn't lip sync, but Sam was ecstatic. Maybe after the show he would finally tell her.

Harrison and Sam were backstage now, as they headed to where Tom and Y/n were, as the belt was loosely on her hips, her hands holding it up before Tom unclasped it and Y/n put it over her shoulder, a smile on her face. As soon as she saw Sam and Harrison, she handed it over to Tom, who had a smile on his face. She was still wearing her heels, as she ran cautiously over to the two boys before Harrison embraced her first, his arms wrapped around her waist as he congratulated her.

As soon as he let go, she turned to Sam, her arms wrapping around his body as he hugged back, lifting her off the floor and twirling her in his arms.

"You did absolutely amazing, love."

"Thank you."

Sam put her down carefully, as she kept her arms loosely around his shoulders before she slowly started leaning in, Sam copying her movements.

Their lips seemed to melt together as they met for a passionate kiss. It wasn't rushed or needy, it was full of love. They unveiled their "secret" crush on each other out as she wrapped her arms around his shoulders and he placed his hands on her hips.

They separated way too soon for both of them, but they weren't complaining.

That was the best goddamn kiss they've ever had. And the best part, was that it was with each other.

-

tags:

@madmadmilk @honeybucks @hollandroos @spiderboytotherescue @samhollandstan @samhollandssweaters @samhollandd @samhollanddd @samhollandmyprince @hollandbaby @hollandlovely @hollanderheart

[unstabletable69]

Friends on facebook wanted me to write this so I might as well post it everywhere else

SO CATS.

I currently am having a very hard time making eye contact with my own cat. I just look into those wide soulless eyes and see her for what she truly is- an agent of chaos, harbinger of the night; dare I say /jellicle/?

I am writing this after a long quiet drive home from the theater on a dreary night in the dusk of 2019. This is probably going to get rambly as I am not about to draft up some professional quality essay; professionals get paid for their opinions and I do not. So let’s just DIVE RIGHT ON IN.

I’ve done my homework before deciding to go see CATS (2019) and well aware (if not giddy with anticipation) for the spectacle that would fall into my lap nestled gently alongside my 7 dollar small popcorn and 6 dollar soda. It is common place for movie theaters to have cutsey little clips about silencing your cellphone for a movie and for safety reasons they will ask you to be aware of the location of the exits… but tonight folks, these were warnings to myself and my fellow victims- if the 5 Star Wars related clips hadn’t made us change our mind about what theater to be in then surley this would make us consider the safer route.

But we did not. Because we are brave, we are informed, and we are ready.

Here’s the thing- NO ONE IS READY TO SEE THIS NO AMOUNT OF PREPERATION IS GOING TO HELP YOU REALLY GET IT.

Now if you’re really into shock value then perhaps you may want to click that back button and hop out of my rambles because if you plan to see CATS (2019) for this reason then you may as well go in blind.

For those of you who might savor your hard earned dollar or maybe you have witnessed this spectacle then by all means grab a metaphorical stool.

The first scene on the screen is the friken sky and in the sky is this cat face that looks like something I might’ve cooked up in good ole’ PhotoFiltre back in 2003. They might’ve stolen this from my deviantart actually.

Anyway we get some music that kinda jarring and then this car pulls up and people hop out and this bag full of movement is just dumped on the street and all the cats kinda scurry up on their.. two legs to rip open the bag containing a cat named Victoria played by Francesca Hayward… and like honestly she and every actor in this film give 100% to their role (there’s two exceptions and we will cover them). Like it kinda sucks that this is likely gonna be one of those roles people are gonna remember for how jarring the film is. So within the next few minutes it becomes painfully obvious that every single one of these cats wants to bang Victoria! The sexual body language was so heavy handed that I tensed up and may or may not have stayed that way and may or may not still be recovering… it’s hard to say what I /feel/ like right now. I’m not here to give the entire movie away… there’s honestly not an easy way for me to summarize this and if you’re THAT curious you might as well go see it or pirate it. Though there isn’t really a “plot” to spoil and if you know anything about the stage production you may know that there’s never really been a “plot” to cats.

Now we gotta talk about some real highlights.

----------------------------------------- -The MICE- the mice have children faces and voices

-The COCKROACHES MY GOD THE COCKROACHES like human faces, all the flying I HAAAAAAATE cockroaches and this shit made me cringe so bad and then rebel Wilson just casually eating them .

-Jennifer Hudson’s snot trail was a main character honestly.

-THE BODY LANGUAGE… I will beat this with a HAMMER because FUUUUUUUUCK the BODY LANGUAGE- humanoid figures getting all up on each other like this just .. it’s jarring and I’m not sure if the film was misrated or if I am just a horrible pervert… would my mother have casually watched this with child me or would she had forced me to evacuate the room?

-It’s really weird how the boy cats don’t have a much detail in the pelvic region as the girl cats and I honestly think the movie is trying to make furries of us because WHY IS THIS A DETAIL I NOTICED?

-The CG is just crazy… like you need to see this BEFORE the “fixed” version goes out if you’re gonna go for shock value.

-A lot of the songs are honestly pretty good

-I’m pretty sure I can’t look Taylor Swift in the eye now either.

-Taylor swift’s part was hella small btw and honestly if you thought Taylor Swift was going to wreck the movie you’re pretty small minded and couldn’t see that this movie was going to wreck itself. But like… her part was a thing that happened and I am pretty sure the movie wanted us to feel as if it was sexy and maybe the people who left the room were leaving because they were in denial about these new feelings.

-I do have a ship from the movie now… because why the fuck not?

- I feel like I should have a personal cat name and the fact that I’ve made it to 28 years old without finding my cat name is pretty insane… I need to do better in life.

- all the elder actors in this movie gave 50000% like I wouldn’t be shocked if they drank out of saucers to warm up for filming.

- I was personally uncomfortable at how the elder cats looked at one another during some scenes.

- I liked Beautiful Ghosts better than Memories and I don’t really understand why everyone was hyping it so hard.. I can believe that the version in the play IS the BOMB af but as far as the movie? It’s a hard third cause railway cat was the shit. ---------------------------------------------

Overall- I feel like I MIGHT understand what CATS (2019) was going for.

I am a very weird adult as you all probably know- I was also a weird kid. As a weird kid growing up with pet cats I spent a lot of time just playing with the cats, or watching the cats (it was before I had internet ya’ll). And honestly…

I’m pretty sure this is a SPOT on depiction of what cats actually do

random nonsense… they make a lot of noise, or they don’t… they make huge messes or they don’t, they rub up against stuff, they rub up against each other they rub up against themselves, they kill things, they eat things, they run around with no sense of direction, they’re distracted easily and if they could talk they probably would make up words that are somehow adjectives, verbs and nouns all in one word and use it over and over and over again as if it has significant meaning.

So honestly core concept? I think I get it- cats are weird and do what cats do.

I dunno that I could ever sit through the stage production even if it’s leagues better given that it doesn’t really have a plot and it’s a lot of introducing different cats but like… the stage production probably worked because it’s not hard for a theater audience to suspend their disbelief.

When two well costumed actors on a stage rub up against each other your typical theater audience is gonna be like “oh yeah like cats do!” cause they’re used to filling in the blanks and using their imaginations because the stage is limited.

but in film? When you have a CG cross between a cat and human? It’s WAYYYYY harder to suspend that disbelief especially when the graphics are shit and there’s sometimes wedding rings on their hands so a lot of us are like “oh… okay these cats are just all gonna have an orgy I guess…. Okay… that’s uncomfortable”

apparently at some point there was going to be a fully animated cats movie with actual cats or at least just fully animated and that would have been easier to swallow… I think at least then you’re not in this quasi world of “50% real 50% fake”. It’s kind of a bummer that without the stage limitations this movie didn’t bother to do a lot of scene changes it might’ve been fun to see all these peop-cats dancing around different oversized stuff and the movie just didn’t really play with that idea much.

Overall this is just another one of those things that didn’t need a “live action adaptation” and the adaptation didn’t add anything of value to the existing media (looking at you Lion King, Jungle Book, Last Airbender, Lady and the Tramp, etc etc). but at least in this movie’s case it did take SOME risks by just existing where as every damn movie this year (except JoJo Rabbit) has played it so safe that they’re all predictable and forgettable (yeah tbh most of endgame…).

I won’t forget this one and that’s probably because there are some images that will be forever burned into my mind… but I won’t forget it for sure.

Anyway thanks for coming to my -4 pages in Microsoft word- Ted Talk

[ellus986]

Always knew you / chapter eight

Joe Mazzello x reader

Warning: drinking alcohol, I think that’s all.

Comment: Y/N is corrently 22, while Joe is 35.

Summary: you knew Joe all of your life, and as best friends you two always find the way back to each other.

“You get here finally” you poke Ben, and everyone is noding.

“We were waiting for you for ages” says Gwilym.

“I’m not even late, you were here too early” he answers.

“Oh come on!” Shots Lucy, and Rami in the same time.

“All of us was getting here, and you are the last in your home town.” You giggle.

“Leave me alone” he says while blushing.

“There is a girl in it” Joe shots and Ben look at him with mad eyes. “I knew.”

“You just had sex?” Lucy smooths Ben’s messy hair.

“Can you leave me alone?” He asks. “Care about this two doing it!”

“We already discussed that, so now it is your turn.” Laughs Rami.

“Oh Benny, Benny, Benny...” Joe shakes his head.

“Instead of speaking about me look at this.” He gets his phone and gets in the gallery. “I got it two weeks ago” he nods.

It is a video about you and Joe as Boss ass bitch comes on the radio, you look at eachother and when Nicky starts you do the BAB dance. “How did this happend?”

“You are on hotline with my mother?” You ask with a wide open droped mouth.

“Nooo, with his!” He pulls his shoulders. You look at Joe and panic inside. You hope Ginnie didn’t told him your secret. It was a thing you told your family, but you wanted to wait more with your friends.

“You are so cute together!” Says Lucy, and Rami nods.

“You replaced me” comes from Gwilym.

“It was just a one time thing! I promise!” You laugh, and place your hand on his shoulder.

“I hope so” he is laughing. “So why are we even here?”

“I have a lot planed!” Ben says.

“I’m sure we will be wasted in the end”

Rami says under his nose.

“You are right, but before that we will do a lot of thing as I was about to say.” Comes from Ben. “Our first stop will be a bike renter”

“For wha’?” Asks Gwilym, and all of you crack up laughing.

“To get a bike for everyone!” He answers and start to walk.

You get there on 10 minutes and rent. You ride around Bournemouth and you end your tour on the shore to have a picnic. When you sit on the oposit side Joe looks at you, and you can tell by the look in his face, he want to tell everyone, that you are pregnant. You lightly shake your head, so noone can see your conversation. Lucy looks at you, but as good as she is, didn’t says anything just keep it in her mind.

After you finished with food, Ben is about to tell you the next step of his plan. “I hope everyone get they swimmingsuit as I asked, because the next stop is a Spa.” He says.

You are suprised how many time he had planing this, and how much he wanted to get the most out of this two days you can finally be together. You always see one or another but it was a long time ago you were together like this.

In the Spa you are happy your bump isn’t really showing yet so you dont need to explain anything. All of you are sitting in a jacuzzi and chating so easily. You sit in Joe’s lap, and you feel how happy he is to finally put his hand on your stomach, without getting into trouble.

“So how this really happend?” Asks Rami.

“I tell you” says Ben before you could even open your mouth.

“You weren’t even there!” Shots Lucy.

“To be fair he was” you start. “He asked me what is on my mind, and I answered: my boyfriend...”

“It was clear but I asked if she has a boyfriend?” Ben follows.

“She just looked at me with a simple question: do I? And I said yes! So that is the big story” Joe says while kissing your shoulder.

“You asked him, not the other way around?” Gwilym look at you with shook.

“Don’t be dramatic, it only changed the naming of our relationship” you say,

and you feel Joe getting tense.

“Our gentleman did things first and get you as his girlfriend later?” Comes from Gwilym and you regret what you said.

“Hey!” You shot, and you see Gwilym’s face in real shook. “Don’t be rude, it is our choice not yours!” You feel Joe getting you in his arms more, and still kissing your shoulder.

“Look out, in the end maybe you find yourself locked down!” Says Joe to Gwil, and all of the boys are looking curious, Lucy just rolling her eyes about they reaction.

“Nice, you would be okay with me tying down someone else” you look at him.

“No, I’m okay with you tying down me, or vice versa” Joe answers, and now really all of the boys are looking weirdly invested.

“Okay guys, close your mouth.” Says Lucy.

“We should go now” smirks Ben. “Don’t need to get dry, just get your towels on!”

You get into the car that get you here, and now you heading into a park. In the center of the park there is a water soccer field. Ben makes you and Rami the captains. You choice Lucy first and Joe looks at you mad, but has no time because Rami choices him, you ask Ben to join your team, so Gwil gets into the another team.

You make sure your group is really serious about winning, because you want to win. You having a lot of fun, everyone is falling, but you always make sure to stay up. When you almost fall and Joe gets your hand to help you Rami just yells at him. “What are you doing? She is your enemy!”

But Joe like who doesn’t even hearing him just looks at you and asks “are you okay?” You nod, and both of you go back to play. After an hour of playing you win by one goal. You walk back to the car what takes you to Ben’s house. Everyone is getting ready before some pizza comes in. You eat before heading out in the City. When you are in a fulled bar all six of you sit down in a dark corner box. Ben comes with the first shots and you toast with the others, even lift it to your mouth but don’t drink, and when everyone is laughing Joe sneaky drinks yours too. You get up with Joe to get everyone a drink.

“I would like to have a gin-tonic, three beer, a...?” You look at Joe.

“A scotch please!”

“And some alcohol free coctail, suprise me” you smile at him.

“You don’t drink today?” He smiles back at you while prepering everything for you.

“No” says Joe huging you from the back and kissing the top of your head.

“You are...?” He smirks at you as he kinda figured it out.

“Yes” you nod. “But our friends are in the dark yet, so I should drink something that looks like alcohol” you laugh.

“Congratulations” he gives you some of the drinks and Joe heads off with them. When he gets back you just get your coctail, as the last one. When Joe gets his Wallet out the bartender shakes his head. “Don’t! Your friend ordered me to write everything on his bill at that table.”

You sup your drink slowly, so when someone get up next, you don’t need a new drink. As Ben gets a new round of shots you do the same again, and Joe is about to sneaky drink it again. It goes on for more six rounds, until everyone is looking wasted, you fit in just because you feel tired again.

Ben gets a cab, and all of you get home to his house. It is 2am and you see Joe trying to not vomit in the car, you try to comfort him, but after that many drinks it is impossible. As you get to Ben’s door Joe can’t keep it anymore and vomits on the front door.

To be continued...

@spacedust1124719 @mrsmazzello @mazzello-lee-jones-malek

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The Best (Not 2018) Games I Played in 2018

It’s getting closer to the time of the year where I write my GOTY list, but evidently those aren’t the only games that I played during the past year. I’d like to take some time to gush about some of the games I really enjoyed and had missed until now. 

Divnity: Original Sin II

Divinity: Original Sin II has two things it really exceeds at doing, the first of which is a strong sense of creative freedom. In the narrative there are plenty of opportunities to make meaningful choices and lots of dialogue choices to go with them. There’s a whole pile of different selectable skills and character background options that affect dialogue and help cater your adventure to the type of character you are trying to build. 

However, where this creative freedom really shines is during combat. There are plenty of battle skills that amplify each other and allow your player character (and party) to be as over powered as you can imagine. For example, one particular combo features two abilities from different classes called Rupture Tendons (a Scoundrel skill) and Chicken Claw (a Metamorph skill). Chicken Claw turns the target enemy into a Chicken that spends its turns running around senselessly. Rupture Tendons is a skill that causes enemies to take damage whenever they move. On top of combinations like that, there’s also a whole host of elemental spells and hazards (Oil, Fire, Poison, Water, Earth, Lightning, ice, etc.) that all work together in some way (e.g. Fire ignites Oil, Water puts out Fire and creates Steam, etc.)

What’s more, while each AI party member has classes they are inclined to build around, you can tell any of them to build however you like if you have a certain build in mind. This really serves to encourage replayability despite the game taking me 100 hours to beat. 

With the exception of one chapter in particular that wasn’t much fun, the game never felt like a slog. No area is too big for its own good, and there is plenty of fantastic writing sprinkled throughout. Every selectable party member is very compelling and wanting to see all their stories to their conclusion grants all the more reason to play the game again and try something new. 

Rez Infinite

Perhaps the driving force behind me picking up a VR headset this year was Rez Infinite. An HD remake of a psychadelic rail shooter from 2001 with VR support, Rez Infinite was really the game that solidified my purchase of a PSVR as a sound decision. 

Produced by Tetsuya Mizuguchi (producer of Space Channel 5, the Lumines series, and this year’s Tetris Effect), music is very much a core part of the experience. Each area’s music has a very different feel from the last and each track serves as a great backdrop to surfing through the cyber world, tilting your head to look around and shoot the enemies and massive bosses that fly at you. Also new to Infinite is the new Area X, which I still find to be one of the coolest VR experiences I have encountered thus far. I highly recommend anyone picking up a VR headset to make sure this game is on their list.

Enter the Gungeon

While still a very recent pickup of mine, I’m absolutely loving Enter the Gungeon. The last run-based/rogue-like/rogue-lite/THAT type of game that I was really into was the original release of The Binding of Isaac, and even that wasn’t on my mind as much as Gungeon currently is.

The gameplay is pretty straight forward top-down twin-stick shooter gameplay with a whole lot of bullet hell, so what really sets it apart is the whole [GUN] motif. Each level is a chamber, each elevator is shaped like a bullet, weapons and items are detailed in the Ammonomicon which you shoot open, your projectile clearing items are Blanks, etc. The sheer creativity present in most of the guns you find scratches that same itch I’ve been missing since Borderlands. I’ve only put about 6 hours into it thus far but I look forward to spending many more.

Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove

This was also the year that I finally got around to playing Shovel Knight and I finally see what all the rage was about. Shovel Knight is nothing short of rock-solid platforming gameplay. Level design features varying degrees of difficulty but is ultimately fair, and most of the boss fights prove to be pretty fun. The world map is very reminisciant of Super Mario Bros. 3 even down to the occasional roaming characters (like THE BAZ) that appear and challenge you if you run into them. 

The overall story of the base game isn’t really much to write home about, but this is greatly imrpoved upon in the two expansions. Plague of Shadows, which features the boss Plague Knight as the playable character, has a fun/goofy story revolving around him and his assistant Mona defeating the other characters to steal their essence. It runs as an alternate timeline to the base game and in my opinion the best story of the three, though Plague Knight is unfortunately the most awkward one to play due to the need to constantly pause the action. 

Specter of Torment takes place before the main campaign, and has you playing as Specter Knight, visiting each area to recruit all the bosses who fight Shovel Knight in the base game. The story is once again a lot less light-hearted, but Specter Knight proves to be the most fun character to play thanks to certain abilities he can obtain, most notable the abilitiy to grind on surfaces with his scythe.

Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove is an incredible package for anyone looking to grab a fantastic sidescrolling platformer and I’m really looking forward to the King Knight expansion coming next year.   

Kingdom Hearts: Birth By Sleep

Perhaps the game that surprised me most this year was Birth By Sleep. I started out playing it slowly over several months, and it wasn’t until I was at the end of the story for the first playable character, Terra, until it all finally clicked for me. After that I banged out the rest of the game in a couple of weeks. Now it easily sits as my favourite Kingdom Hearts game behind KHII. 

Like the other spinoff titles so far, BBS has a unique twist on its gameplay and this time it serves to reward experimentation. Your usual command menu is replaced with a rotating deck of equippable abilities that get put on cooldowns, rather than consume MP. This means that I spent a whole lot more time in even regular battles using fun magic and physical spells instead of constantly holding back in order to conserve MP for something more important. What’s more is these abilities can be levelled up and then fused into new more powerful abilities. This was also finally the game I did my first playthrough on Proud Mode, and boy did it not disappoint in making certain later bossfights incredibly difficult and satisfying to defeat. By the time I was done with the game, I was actually a little disappointed knowing that going forward, I probably wouldn’t be seeing these combat mechanics again. 

Like most Kingdom Hearts games, the overall story does get a little confusing to follow at times, but it offers a really interesting setting of the worlds before the events of KHI. It also really sold me on the three new characters of Terra, Ventus, and Aqua and I am as invested in them as I am in Sora, Riku, and Kairi going into the rest of the series. BBS does plenty of setup for the events that follow in the previous games and its fun to see the fanservice of certain characters when they were younger. 

BIrth By Sleep has really got me invested in Kingdom Hearts again, and I’m motivated to finally start the II.8 collection in preperation for KHIII finally coming out next month. 

Conclusion

I’m glad I had a lot of time to play some really great games this year, and I hope to finish the last few games I need to before writing my GOTY list.