#mandatory disclaimer that this is a joke the shorts are great

[lovingoverwatchguys]

The best thing this new animated series has given me so far is Jack Morrison’s stupid spiky skater boy hair.

[fiannalover]

Ok no one ever talks about Atelier Games in this Website so I'm gonna drop my unscheduled unplanned unscripted ramblings and screenshots about the Yumia trailer:

Short Version: Yumia seems to be Very different from every prior Atelier Game, going towards a more Actiony, Traditional RPG and Linear Story Driven focus than even the Iris Series and Ryza, alongside maybe doing so to gameplay elements too. However, the vibes and themes are Excellent, so although this will likely be inevitably a controversial (and potentially newbie boom inducing) title, I'm ready to love it.

Trailer Screenshot rambling under read more

YGGDRASIL, THE WORLD TREE! That's how you know it's a Traditional RPG (disclaimer: this tree has no name or given story relevancy yet, I'm joking around).

We get to see some movement and world design moments alongside the initial narration, and in this regard, Yumia fully follows in the footsteps of Ryza 3, but More. Zipline segments from there are back, and I wouldn't be surprised if Yumia was Fully open world 90% after Ryza got about 85% of the way to being an open-world game.

We get a sneak peek of the verse's Alchemy System here! We can't really say much about it: the Alchemy Core may just be an item a la the supplements of games past or a full game mechanic. If the latter, my immediate thought is that it would be again following up on Ryza 3, this time the key system, maybe on reverse, even: if they keys were an optional feature on the end of synthesis, the core could be the mandatory first step affecting Synthesis Results. We have to wait to get more info, but it's fun to think of.

Here we have the part I feel has the most potential for controversy: Battle System. Very early on, we see Yumia shoot down a fox? Cow? Foxcow hybrid? With a crossbow in real time. No UI Elements were shown in the rest of the trailer, leaving us the question: after Ryza swapped the traditional turn base for ATB, is Yumia going to change it to Real Time Action RPG?

I actually don't think we can say for sure. Again, no UI Elements means that the ambiguous identity animal could just be a non hostile mob you can kill for materials, while actual enemies are fought in turns/ATB. I don't mind which one they go with (Atelier's cousin, Tales, shows Namco does great ARPG), but one way or another, I am GREATLY looking forward to seeing the Turn Based RPG Discourse join the already lovely Bad Takes On Atelier Landscape!

With those rambles on gameplay out of the way, let's talk about the OTHER very different element: the plot.

DWAGON! Always an important Atelier Staple!

Someone get Vayne in here.

If we are to understand these screenshots as happening in chronological order, Yumia already starts the game in a commander position of a village that is preparing against something, and is promptly wiped off the face of the map. Even the most story/drama heavy Atelier games (that I played) (I'll get to you someday, Iris series) kept a generally light hearted and war crimes free atmosphere. We still don't know how it will work out in game, but it is already a very big tone shift.

This part with the wolf man enemy stands ou too for Yumia's capacity as an action protagonist. I'd say this is the most unambiguous show of strength a series character has shown. like yes, Ryza is described as a capable fighter from Ryza 2 onwards, Vayne clearly knows how to fight, but most of their actions are gameplay land. Ryza 2 ALSO leaves it clear that, story wise, Lent is the group's Actual Trained Powerhouse Fighter.

In contrast, both story and gameplay parts of the trailer leave it clear Yumia is physically capable of holding her own, another evidence of how the game is set to be tonally different from predecessors, doubly so as you realize Yumia has no companions with her on this trailer. I even to get to wonder if she'll make her journey fully solo, which would be something COMPLETELY new for the series.

But what is similar?

This part of the trailer, alongside the title's focus on memories, gave me wonderful Ayesha and Ryza 2 memories, my favorite games in the series.

Both Ayesha and Ryza 2 put a big focus on ruins and the memories of yesteryear they hold. Ayesha is set in a dying world filled with buildings left behind by those who killed it. Ryza 2 has you scouring each and every inch of the ruins in search of the memories of people who lived there, their lives, their stories, how they connected to each other.

Yumia seems like it will be focused on that: holding on to the memories that others have entrusted to you, and using them to find what if your right future, your envisioned land. Truth and Ideals, in a way.

Yumia is going to do a lot of things likely radically different. But I'm sure it will keep the core parts right: the alchemy, the light, slice-of-life elements amidst the action, the somber, atmospheric ambience of Dusk and much, much of what the Ryza Trilogy constructed.

And I can't wait to see more.

[daisyachain]

@theredfields thank you I would be delighted!!! Mandatory disclaimer: Actual Play-style storytelling with the requisite dilute storytelling amidst the table talk. This is a non-WotC system and moves a lot faster than DnD-based systems.

Background:

200 years ago, the ruling god was slain and his angels—the stars—were cast down from the firmament, causing a metaphysical cataclysm à la The Fifth Season. The nations broke, and the world as we know it is now made up of city-states tenuously connected by dangerous trade routes. Seasons change randomly from week to week. The Mariner and his Drowned Fleet of undead sailors kill any human who wanders out on the waves. The old gods (Luminaries) who were tamped down by the Slain God are coming back into power, making forests and rivers impassable for humans.

Some hundred years ago, a trade guild known as the Redfeather Syndicate discovered the power of the mysterious Featherweave to lift almost anything into the air with the application of heat. Converting sea ships to skyships, the Syndicate annihilated their embattled sea trading rivals, including the shipbuilders of Bandari and the Oarsmen of [I forget the name but it’s fantasy Ireland].

Since then, the only travellers in the world have been the Syndicate with their exclusive license on Featherweave, their associates and privateers, and the corsairs who have somehow stolen Featherweave enough to sail. We follow one such crew on the skyship Uhuru, trying to survive outside of the tyrannical reign of the Syndicate…

Starting points:

Each arc is designed to be a fresh start, with introductions to the characters and the world. Some good starting points are:

Burza Nyth arc (ep 16-46)

Long, eventful, great character moments for all involved

The crew of the Uhuru pull into the wretched hive of Burza Nyth to sell their stolen Featherweave. While there, they get forcibly signed up to the Aur Piora bird tournament, attacked by like 3 separate evil factions, and go bird shopping.

The first ‘real arc.’ Features the key inciting event and plenty of RP as well as action.

The bird race takes place as minigames, which provide a quick and high-value payoff while you wait for the longer arc to get to its climax.

Full recommendation, the only problem is that it’s 40 full episodes and it does lag in places. There’s also one PC that I personally don’t vibe with for the first few arcs and he’s in this one too.

The Silver Bullet arc (ep 112-128, alternately just 114-123):

Short

Action-heavy

The helmsperson of the Uhuru sights a strange shadow of a ship on the horizon during a bachelor party. Suddenly, the Uhuru finds itself in the throes of a mutiny where the dissatisfied crew have some mysterious outside help…

Introductory arc for the 4th main character in the cast. This is my fav of the main 4, so I’m prejudiced toward this storyline.

Because of its short length, RP-lite structure, and fast pace, this arc gives you a payoff much quicker than the others.

Civility arc (ep 3-9)

Combat-heavy mini-arc

Quickest possible intro, features the classic bird-and-sword action that I like from Skyjacks

Has some early-installment weirdness. The following episodes lag a bit before we fully get into the Burza Nyth arc.

If you’re looking for something different, the other arcs are (in order):

Nordia - one of the PCs encounters a lost love, one of the PCs accidentally starts a cult, and a routine maintenance stop becomes deadly when an old enemy shows up. Lots of jokes about Minnesota.

N’Goni - the PCs make some new NPC friends and navigate their toughest battle yet: apologizing to someone for doing something really quite bad to them for a long time.

Deauxmignon - one of the PCs learns magic, one reckons with their horrible ex, the remaining two go on a very tense hunting trip as they each try to get one over on the other

Akaron - one of the PCs gets into a massive fight with another PC’s dad on their birthday, a third PC very nearly ruins the party for everyone

Woods - Alice in Wonderland/Lotus Eathsr type arc of surreal imagery, dreams, and temptations

Shepherd Island - mini-arc with some cool imagery and a big set piece battle

Sorrow’s End - the PCs set down at a debtor’s colony after being stranded at sea, then try to drive a wedge between the church and syndicate in town to undermine their rule

If the posting hasn’t been enough: vvhy don’t vve all listen to Skyjacks. VVouldn’t it be lovely if vve took the time to listen to the 18th-century alt history folkloric fantasy tale inspired by the music of the Decembrists and the card game Illimat, worked on by a variety of freelancers including Patrick Rothfuss, heavily influenced by Terry Pratchett’s novels (specifically Tiffany Aching). I can make guides. I can make writeups and summaries. Join us in the skydome.

[herefortaxevasion]

[[Disclaimer: This is just a short thing, but it might turn into a bigger piece. I am kind of thinking of turning the quarantine thing into something supernatural or spooky. So the hints you see to that are because this is in AU territory since yeah.]]

Stan adjusted his mask in front of the mirror. He tried desperately to find a way to position the mask so that between that and the lid of his hat, he'd at least be able to see the important parts of the chalkboard when class started.

“Hurry up, you two!” Sharon called from the steps, but the call was hardly necessary. The Marsh teens flew down the steps with the vigor and enthusiasm that children might express when placed before the gates of the largest of amusement parks. Ever since the first week of quarantine and its seemingly limitless opportunities for all sorts of great adventures- given that none of them took place in a crowded area, had six or less people who were certain they had not been exposed, and a whole lot of germaphobes suddenly thinking they'd been right in their religious hand washing.

“Do you both have your hand sanitizer?” Sharon asked, stuffing a flurry of PPE into Shelly and Stan's bags. The two feigned the usual act of saying that their mom was fussing over them too much. Shelly made sure to step in front of Stan, giving a more playful shove than usual when telling him to get out of her way.

The morning felt like an eternity ago. Ever since the trigger happy teachers decided to open fire, things had gone from stupid to straight out suffocating.

Stan tried to force his eyes shut. He could hear the slow breathing all around him. It seemed like everyone but him was asleep. How? We're locked up in this school for two weeks. What are we going to to about food? What if someone gets sick? Or hurt? These morons wouldn't know what to shoot first. He heaved a frustrated sigh and rolled on to his side. He saw the mess of Butters' blonde hair. For the kid that should have been freaking out most, Butters seemed to be doing... fine. Not good. But... but at least he was asleep.

“Hey! Butters. We'll get you out of here.” Stan whispered an encouraging phrase. He held his breath, waiting for some sort of response. There was nothing but the beep from his watch letting him know that it was already three in the morning. Whether classes would start the next day or not didn't really matter. It was all a big facade anyway. No one knew what they were doing, and everyone was making everything worse. At least I don't have to put up with dad's stupid shit. He's probably- no. I'm not going to think about him. He pushed himself upright and kicked his blankets off.

Stan crept around the two teachers that had been placed in charge of watching over the kids. An empty, unlabeled bottle sat between the two of them. The stench that came from it let him know that he wouldn't need to worry about them for at least a few hours.

Whether the news wanted to let on about it or not, there was something particularly strange going on in South Park. There was no doubt about it that it had something to do with why the entire school had been placed on a mandatory quarantine, but the school still seemed to be practically empty. Not that that stopped Cartman from jabbing anyone and everyone- but mostly Kyle- with his social distancing stick.

He toed the cold tiles of the school floor with his bare feet. Even if it kind of stung, the cold made him feel a little bit more present. He kept his head down, hands deep in his pockets as he followed the empty halls. As he turned another corner, the main door to the school caught his eye. It was littered with chains. They were secure. So were all the windows, vents, garbage disposals... The former police had been tasked with making sure that none of the students would be leaving. And, if they did get out, it would not be living.

Stan had been an excellent scout, and the more he looked at the chains and locks, the more weak spots he saw. All his time trying to learn every use of every power tool when he was playing as Tool Shed had also lent some practical knowledge. In-fact... He placed his hand on one of the locks and leaned closer.

“You making a break for it?” Kyle's voice jolted him upright. He dropped the chain and it clattered against the door. “For Butters, right?”

“I... uh... Well, we need to do something-”

“Dude.” Kyle had his mask on and a blanket draped around his shoulders, but his expression was as easy to read as if it had been blasted in straight sunlight. “What's going on?” He asked, stepping up beside his distraught friend.

“Nothing. I just wanted to make sure it... was locked.” Stan mumbled his words.

“You've been fidgeting with the locks for the last ten minutes. You're literally shaking.” Kyle's eyes were locked on Stan's. No matter how he tried to turn away, Kyle's eyes found Stan's.

“Butters-”

“This isn't about Butters. Butters is sleeping. So is everyone else.”

“Well you're not.” Stan retorted.

“Yeah. Because I'm worried about something.” Kyle responded, crossing his arms over his chest.

“Oh yeah? What? Run out of hand sanitizer? Did Craig take his mask off?” Stan asked, not sure if he wanted to be joking or mocking the redhead. “What is Kyle Broflovski worried about?”

“You, idiot.” Kyle scoffed and tossed his blanket at Stan. “At least wrap up. It's freezing out here.” Stan fumbled with the blanket for a bit before awkwardly wrapping it around his upper body. It was still warm from being pressed against Kyle. Kinda smells like him. Stan thought, then instantly regretted the thought. It was weird. He knew it was weird.

“Don't worry about me. Butters-”

“If you say one more thing about Butters...” Kyle placed both hands on Stan's shoulders and stared him dead in the eye. “What's going on, Stan?”

Silence surrounded the two as sirens howled in the distance. They irked closer and closer to the school. Stan's eyes widened and mind swirled until he felt himself pulled forward, closer to Kyle until the two were flush against the other. Kyle wrapped his arms around Stan and held him as tightly as he could.

“It'll go back to normal. Maybe even better.” Kyle whispered. The two stood unmoving as the sirens finally pulled away into the distance.

“You don't know that. No one knows anything.” Stan spoke after a long time.

“Here.” Kyle motioned toward the wall and moved to sit. Stan followed suit and Kyle pulled an exposed part of the blanket around himself.

“You can have more blanket. I mean, it's yours.” Stan tried to pull the blanket open a bit more so that Kyle had more than a folded over lump, but failed to do more than knock Kyle's hat off. This led to the mask falling off which Stan was sure would be an issue. But Kyle let it fall. He reached an arm around Stan and unfolded the large portion Stan had held over his shoulder like some really sad hobo pouch and sat beside Stan. It was the first time in a long time that he'd seen Kyle's face in person. It sure didn't look too bad illuminated by moonlight. Even with the bags the redhead wore under his eyes any time any test, quiz, or exam was nearby.

“We've made it through a lot worse.” Kyle spoke. Stan sighed and said nothing, but he rested his weight against Kyle's body and let his head fall on his shoulder. “And hey, this means we get to spend two weeks with all our friends. No interruptions. None of your dad-”

“Ha!” Stan felt a genuine smile tugging at his lips. The two let the ambiance of the night carry the conversation. Wind howled from outside and rustled the chains on the door from time to time. At first, Stan would jolt to attention at each noise, but eventually, with the warmth of his best friend beside him, it didn't seem so bad.

“This is probably going to suck, but we'll do it together. Right?” Kyle asked, his voice soft.

“Cause we're Super Best Friends?” Stan asked, half-awake. Kyle laughed and pulled the blanket tighter around the two of them.

“Yeah. Super Best Friends.”

“Forever?”

“Forever.”

[castleaufanfiction]

Hope you enjoy the read. One-shot. Sometime in the late three to four season time slot. Disclaimer: I don't own Castle. Any references similar to canon are not mine. Beckett sat at her desk at the twelfth precinct and took a break from looking at her computer screen to take a swig of her coffee. Of course, only after reaching for, and attempting to take a drink, did she realize the cup had already been emptied from her last sip. And though it wasn't a big deal by any means, today it was enough to put a crack in her wall. Her and her empty mug of coffee might as well have been a child and a glass of spilt milk. People always use the phrase "Don't cry over a glass of spilt milk" and that was basically what she had started doing. Her mood today coupled nicely with how the weather behaved. She was sad and sulky and the weather was dark and rainy. So, realizing she couldn't do any more work without a refilled cup of coffee, she rose from her chair to head off for the break room. Only when she glanced at her desk, simultaneously snatching her empty mug, did she see them. The elephants. Lined up all happily, the perfect little family. The baby elephant seeming to walk in its parents' footsteps. Beckett took a breath in and let it out slowly before directing herself back to the task at hand. Returning from the break room, fresh coffee in hand, she reached her desk. Beckett sat down and took a sip of her coffee, but something was missing. She remembered Castle putting some vanilla creamer in one of her desk drawers as he had sworn to her it was the best, and even better was that it didn't need to be refrigerated. She also distinctly remembered telling Castle that he could keep the creamer in her desk but out of her coffee. He had annoyed her earlier that day so she had been a little snippy with him for the remainder of it. However, since Castle wasn't around to tease her about using what she distinctly told him she would never use, she went into her desk drawer to grab the creamer and pour some in her mug. After adding some creamer to her coffee, Beckett reopened the drawer to place the creamer back where she had found it. Whilst doing so, she noticed the stick and twine figure she and her father had made together on the day of her mother's funeral. Just like that she was taken back to that day all those years ago. She had been, as sad as it sounds, getting used to her mother being gone. After twelve years having passed, it's hard not to create your own new normal. But as Beckett's learned through personal experience and from her profession as being a homicide detective, she's learned that along with the new normal, comes the ups and downs. The days when everything is great and you can go through the day without remembering to feel sad, and then the days where you feel like it's happening all over again. Having gone through both sets of emotions many times over the years has made her believe her words when she tries to comfort the family of a victim. She's been asked about someday waking up and not being sad anymore. Instead of answering blatantly, she gives the advice she's had to learn. She divulges that it doesn't really get easier, you just become stronger. And though she leaves this part out, she also knows that though most days you continue being strong, some days are harder than the last. There is no point where you stop having the occasional off day, and today, January 9th, was always designated as an off day. So, despite having learned, twelve years ago, that even on the worst of days there's a possibility for joy, she couldn't help but give herself a little time to grieve, even if only during her lunch break. Noticing that most of the other detectives had made themselves scarce and were either out working a lead or out to grab a bite to eat in the bitter cold of January, Beckett hunkered down in the alcove of the precinct stairs to be alone. He wasn't supposed to be at the precinct at all today. Beckett had told him it was really just a paperwork day, the whole excuse of, no case no Castle. That's how it's been lately and they both are fine with it. Their unspoken agreement gives Castle time to write the chapters he's behind on and for Beckett to rearrange all the things on her desk that he's moved (and to finish her paperwork from a case they recently solved). Castle knows it may be weird that he shows up, but he also knows what day today is. January 9th. He could be completely wrong about Beckett and she might be doing fine today, but just in case she's not, Castle went to the precinct to be her partner. The elevator reaches the twelfth floor and signifies with a ding that he's reached the correct destination. He steps off the elevator and strides towards Beckett's desk. When he gets there he finds her now lukewarm cup of coffee, one of her desk drawers open a crack, but no detective. He knows she won't be in the break room since her coffee isn't cool yet and he has a couple ideas of where she could be, he just hopes it's not in the archive room accompanied with boxes of unsolved cases. Slightly relieved that he finds her in the stairwell and not in a darkly lit room with her mom's case looming over her, he walks closer to her so she knows he's there. With a slight cough to clear his throat he asks, "Hey Beckett, how've you been?" She doesn't look up to make eye contact with him but she talks with a quiet but strong voice. "I'm fine castle." Castle takes a step more into the stairwell so that the door closes and their voices won't carry out into the precinct. "Kate, come on. You're alone in the precinct's 'secret' stairwell where the few cops who still smoke go for their break during the winter months because there aren't any cameras. Which is really questionable as to why a precinct doesn't have cameras in every stairwell, but that's beside the point." She audibly scoffs and mutters, "So what's the point then Castle?" Castle takes a more serious tone and expresses to Beckett, "The point is that, you, are not fine." She's kind of taken aback by the straightforwardness of Castle's answer, though it does break down some of her seemingly solid exterior. When Beckett replies, she tries to joke back with a response but it falls short, her heart not in it. "And here I thought I was the detective, not you." Beckett swipes a tear away from her cheek as she and Castle both pretend she didn't. Noticing that Beckett is struggling to keep it together and that she would rather not cry in front of him, he tries to lighten the mood as best he can. "Well you've heard the quip, even a broken clock is right twice a day." Going along with him Beckett cajoles, "So, guess you won't say anything right for the next twelve hours then." Castle places his right hand over his heart like he's in shock while announcing, "Ye hath little faith, detective." Beckett nods her head once and turns away to face the neutral beige color of the stairwell wall, unsure of what to say next. She had come here to have a bit of peace and quiet, although today, the only thing she figured she would end up with was quiet. Now it seems the universe may not even award her that. She doesn't say anything else, thinking that Castle may just go away, and instead starts thinking inwardly. They've become pretty good friends over his years shadowing her but they've always just been fair weather friends. There for each other in times when their proximity to each other were necessary. So naturally, whenever there was a case, or whenever he barged into the precinct. But lately it's like something shifted. It wasn't an overnight change but she's only recently begun to notice it. Nothing between them and their 'together' has changed, they're still only friends, work partners. But she knew something was different when Maddie and Castle had that dinner together. When she felt that jealous green monster swarm inside her. How even while she was being aloof towards Castle, she had knew what she was doing but she couldn't stop it. She picked small arguments with him because she was jealous, but then they went to dinner as 'friends' and nothing ever came of it. And now, weeks after that late night Remy's run, complete with the mandatory shakes to accompany their burgers, they reside in the same space with each other and it even feels different. The mood's different. Castle's still the same and it starts to hit her that maybe she's changed. Having been zoned out to her own monologue continuing on loop in her head, she figured Castle finally just decided to leave, exiting as quietly as he had arrived. But no, he's still there. She thinks of course, too good to be true. She doesn't think she wants to talk, that she just wants to wallow here for a minute… or twenty, then go back to work and back to compartmentalizing everything. From the corner of her vision she sees Castle taking a step down the stairs so he can sit on the opposite side of the same step as her. Not talking or expecting her to talk either. He's just waiting. Waiting for her. Waiting for his friend to return. Waiting for his partner to recede back to her desk and continue working. He's leaning up against the railing to the stairwell, and he's just content. He doesn't look annoyed or bored. She starts to relax a little, forgetting for a moment that he's there at all. She takes in a big and shaky breath and without her permission it leaves her body in a quiet but audible gasp. Her body feels like it can't retrieve adequate amounts of air, so it keeps going back for more. And as it happens, some air gets caught a few times as her lungs deplete of oxygen and her brain tells her to breathe back in. The sound mimics that of someone with racking sobs, but not nearly as dramatic in volume. Just fucking great she thinks, she's chosen just the best place to have let her wall down even if it is only for a minute... in a freaking stairwell that echoes from the quietest squeaks the hinges of the push pull doors create when they're opened and closed. She regains her composure and wipes the tears away from under her eyes, knowing that her makeup is most likely ruined. Castle clears his throat quietly and then breaks the silence, speaking just above a whisper. "I can leave you be if you want, I've just learned that sometimes, even if the other person has no real idea of what you're feeling...sometimes... It's nice to have another person be there for you." This time when she exhales it's calm and relaxing. "How'd you know I'd need you today... I mean... Need someone like that today." She almost expects him to call her out on her mistake. That she said she needed him. But he doesn't and below the surface she knew he wouldn't. Instead he throws out a small joke about himself and continues talking. "Call it writer's intuition... But honestly, Beckett, were partners, I know you well enough to just know. Even if you'd rather I was oblivious to it." Neither of them know what to say so they don't say anything. In the bit of silence, Beckett clasps her hands on her lap in front her and orientates so she's facing castle more, suddenly needing to speak. "You know Castle, it just hit me. Not in the, I didn't realize what day it was, because that'd be a lie. Never has her anniversary gone by and I'd not remembered." Castle looks a bit uncertain and has to prod her to explain, so he can understand without being able to understand. "Um, what hit you exactly?" She unclamps her hands and moves her right hand up to rest with her thumb holding her chin and her index finger lightly resting over her upper lip. Before she starts to speak, she diverts her gaze to somewhere above them. Not looking at anything really, she just knows if she looks at him there's a possibility she won't be able to say anything at all. "She was murdered when I was nineteen Castle. Twelve years ago. And what hit me wasn't how young I was or the time that's passed since. I just, I realized that in no time at all, the year will come when I've lived more of my life without her than I have with her and that..." She has to recollect herself, voicing that truth out loud was as bad if not worse than when the thought first occurred to her, while she was at her desk trying to fill out paperwork. "I mean, I'm used to the times where I forget to remember. Those times when there's no rhyme or reason why, but I'm kind of hit with the loss of her all over again. It's never been as bad as the day I found out she was gone but still." She almost got everything out, but then she looked at him. The way he listened to her and how his face seemed to somehow reflect even an ounce of the same pain she felt, like he felt it too, was too much. She had to wipe at her eyes to get rid of the tears and compose herself before she could speak again. Castle slid over from where he was sitting and wrapped his arm around her and Beckett welcomed the comfort. The extra support of Castle's touch of warmth was enough for her to find her words, shaky though they were. "I miss my mom Castle. All the little things I never had considered when I was younger. When she was here. Just knowing she was around and just drive or phone call away, I never thought about everything I could miss… It's been so long that I can't even really remember her voice or how she said my name. I still find myself picking up the phone to call her sometimes. It seems crazy that after that long I'd still try calling her, to tell her about my day or whatever it may be. And my dad knows… I dial to call her and before I know it the phones ringing and I remember. So my dad and I just talk about the weather or something else, anything that isn't somehow relatable to the real reason I called. Because I forgot… Forgot that no matter how many times I dial my childhood phone number that my mom will never be the one to answer. And my dad, I know it hurts him too. He can tell how bad I want and need to just talk to my mom some days and it kills him that I can't. Kills him and me a little too, because though I can't speak to my mom, he can't talk to his wife." Beckett sniffles and takes in a deep breath before continuing, "...I don't know, I guess even though I knew what day today was, it just caught me off guard." Castle gives her another hug and while her head is snuggled up under his chin he promises, "Beckett, wherever she is, she's so proud of you." Beckett swallows trying to rid herself of feeling her throat tighten from grief and manages a heartfelt "Thanks." While both he and Beckett start loosening from their hug he assures her, "If you need anything, name it. Another coffee, more of that creamer you said you'd never use but obviously do when I'm not around, or-" Becket smirks at that but cuts him off and tells him with certainty, "Just keep being there Castle. That's all I need." They catch each other's gaze as her words sink in, and Castle, smiling mostly with his eyes but also with his heart, says, "Always."